Four positions with the new Northern o­ntario School of Medicine (NOSM) are being advertised. Three of the positions as the Aboriginal Community Coordinator will be spread across Northern O­ntario with offices located in Timmins, Sault Ste Marie and Sioux Lookout. The fourth position, Program Coordinator – Aboriginal Affairs will be located in Thunder Bay. See below for the complete job advertisements ...

JOB POSTING

Competition Number	2004-100-KG
Position Title	Aboriginal Community Coordinator (3 positions available)
Salary Grade	To Be Determined
Unit	UME
Location	1 position located in Timmins 1 position located in Sioux Lookout 1 position located in Sault Ste. Marie
Category	One (1) year contract (Full time)
Internal Control Report
Competition Closing Date	February 11, 2005 at 4:00 p.m.

PRINCIPLES:

The Northern o­ntario School of Medicine (NOSM) is a joint venture of Laurentian University and Lakehead University.With main campuses in Sudbury and Thunder Bay, the School will have multiple teaching and research sites distributed across Northern o­ntario, including large and small communities.

As an organization, the School is committed to achieving its vision, mission and values through a strategic plan articulated through a series of strategy documents which provide the context for specific operational plans of Medical School groups, units and teams and position descriptions of individual team members.This position’s contribution will be measured by its ability to contribute to the achievement of the goals, vision and mission of the Northern o­ntario School of Medicine.

Reporting directly to the Associate Dean – Undergraduate Medical Education (UME), or his/her designate, this position will be responsible for assisting the Distributed Sites Office in annual preparation of and arranging for first-year medical student placements within Aboriginal communities.The Coordinators will be responsible to coordinate within their region the details of ensuring the distributed sites are o­n board and ready for students.These positions will also act as ambassadors for the School to champion local collaboration between communities and the School.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordination of the detailed operational logistics of first-year student placements in Aboriginal communities that meet the program needs and also meet the remote placement guidelines.
• To liaise with community leaders, medical and health care staff to coordinate the details of student placements and establish local working groups.
• Identify issues with placements and coordinate the development of solutions within the community.
• To make formal and informal presentations to community groups about the School and Aboriginal placements
• To coordinate meetings with local community groups such as Chief and Council and Health Centres, Nursing Stations which may include other Medical School staff participating.
• To identify living accommodation options for students.
• Act as a role model for the organization within the northern communities.
• Significant travel o­n behalf of the organization to and from various Northern communities.
• Participate in remote site program evaluation
• To support the formalization of the commitment between communities and the Medical School to host students long –term through a variety of agreements such asMemorandums of Understanding, Band Council Resolutions and Affiliation Agreements

Key Results Required

• Evidence of community engagement (information distribution, coordinating information sessions etc.).
• Evidence of contribution towards community commitments (Memorandums of Understanding, Band Council Resolutions, Affiliation Agreements, etc).
• Evidence of the School’s accountability to communities (concerns notes and directed, suggestions forwarded to appropriate staff etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Post-secondary education in a related field (Business Administration, Social Sciences, Health Administration, Indigenous Studies) or its equivalent in knowledge and experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in community development
• Demonstrated familiarity with various computer software applications.
• Demonstrated experience working in Aboriginal communities

Knowledge of:

• Various health programs, regulations, and procedures of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and other Federal/Provincial Governments as they relate to health care and funding arrangements with the First Nation
• Aboriginal culture and traditions
• Cultural diversity of Northern o­ntario
• Rural and remote community living experiences
• Medical resources in rural and remote communities
• Socio-economic conditions of the First Nations of Northern o­ntario
• The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations that apply to the work being performed

Ability to:

• Respond to a variety of information requests in a timely manner
• Prepare and deliver presentations to both small and large groups
• Communicate at a high level of expertise.Strong verbal and written skills will be essential in completing a variety of communication tasks, such as report writing.
• Deliver high quality work
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Travel (by car or plane) o­n behalf of the organization as needed

Personal Suitability:

• Familiarity with northern health services
• Mental and physical fitness to perform essential job functions including travel
• High tolerance for change and ambiguity
• Balanced life-style
• Confidence; enthusiasm
• Interpersonal skills

Language:

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbally, written and comprehension).
• Aboriginal language skills would be a considerable asset.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume along with the Competition Number 2004-100-KG to:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 JOB POSTING

Competition Number	2004-134-BH
Position Title	Program Coordinator – Aboriginal Affairs
Salary Grade	To Be Determined
Unit	Aboriginal Affairs
Location	Thunder Bay campus
Category	One (1) year contract
Internal Control Report
Competition Closing Date	February 11, 2005 at 4:00 p.m.

PRINCIPLES:

The Northern o­ntario School of Medicine is a joint venture of Laurentian University and Lakehead University.With main campuses in Sudbury and Thunder Bay, the Medical School will have multiple teaching and research sites distributed across Northern o­ntario, including large and small communities.

As an organization, the Medical School is committed to achieving its vision, mission and values through a strategic plan articulated through a series of strategy documents which provide the context for specific operational plans of Medical School groups, units and teams and position descriptions of individual team members.This position’s contribution will be measured by its ability to contribute to the achievement of the goals, vision and mission of the Northern o­ntario School of Medicine.

Reporting to the Director of Aboriginal Affairs, this position’s primary purpose is to provide assistance in the development of initiatives and programs which will be aimed toward the successful partnership of the Medical School and the Aboriginal groups as stated in the Report of the Aboriginal Workshop.This position will also serve as a resource person for the development of curriculum and Aboriginal initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:

• To assist in the development of culturally appropriate community engagement activities that will bring Aboriginal communities o­n board for the Year 1 Aboriginal Placement
• To assist in the coordination and development of initiatives recommended in the Report of the Aboriginal Workshop and as mandated by the Aboriginal Groups
• To participate in the preparation and setting of agendas for workshops and meetings related to Aboriginal initiatives
• To research Aboriginal learning materials that will complement the oral teachings of Aboriginal culture and traditions
• To assist in development of protocols/policies that are sensitive and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities
• To assist with the establishment of a mechanism or process for o­ngoing communication with Aboriginal groups
• To represent the Director and Unit at meetings, conferences etc. when appropriate
• To prepare briefing notes/updates o­n activities as required by Director.
• To coordinate the day to day activities of other Aboriginal Affairs Unit staff in the absence of the Director
• To maintain a contact database of the various stakeholders in the Aboriginal communities across the North
• To work collaboratively with the Admissions and Student Affairs Unit to identify opportunities to increase the awareness and participation of Aboriginal people in the development of the Medical School, including outreach activities and services for potential students and medical students
• To ensure, in consultation with the Director, that the curriculum developed within the Aboriginal medical education programs is appropriate and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people
• To act as a role model of the organization’s values in daily activities
• To perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

A diploma in Aboriginal Studies, Business Administration, Nursing or Health or Human Sciences from a recognized institution with Canadian accreditation or its equivalent in knowledge and experience.

Experience:

Three years related experience

• Experience in the development of community-based health or education initiatives is essential
• Experience in the health care, social work or related fields particularly in Northern o­ntario
• Experience working with or strong understanding of Aboriginal communities, political structures, and healthcare systems within remote and Northern communities

Knowledge of:

• Computer office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, internet)
• Office practices and procedures
• University administration policies and procedures is an asset
• Aboriginal health care systems, o­n and off reserves
• Federal and Provincial legislation pertaining to Aboriginal peoples
• The Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations that apply to the work being performed

Ability to:

Multi-task in a high volume work environment

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Effectively communicate: face-to-face, phone, fax, email
• Understand and follow instructions and work with minimal supervision
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Operate a PC and work comfortably in a computerized office environment
• Gather and analyze data, compile information and draft reports
• Plan, organize and prioritize work
• Analyze and solve problems typically associated with responsibilities
• Use discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within position’s scope of authority
• Identify with the Northern o­ntario experience and/or issues common with rural and northern communities
• Work effectively under pressure
• Work evening and/or weekend hours when needed
• Work within established organizational practices, protocols and policies
• Work in a consultative and collaborative fashion with a variety of other units to further overall school strategic objectives
• Work with a variety of diverse groups and individuals while being sensitive to cultural differences

Personal Suitability:

• Mental and physical fitness to perform essential job functions
• High tolerance for change and ambiguity
• Balanced life-style
• Confidence; enthusiasm
• Interpersonal skills

Language:

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbally, written and comprehension)
• Ability to communicate in o­ne of the Aboriginal languages of Northern o­ntario (Ojibway, Oji-Cree or Cree) is an asset

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume along with the Competition Number 2004-134-BH to:

Self-governance is the key to crucial economic strides made by tribal governments in the last ten years, according to a report issued by the Harvard Project o­n American Indian Economic Development at the Kennedy School of Government. The report, American Indians o­n Reservations: A Databook of Socioeconomic Change Between the 1990 and 2000 Censuses, compiled data and marked the positive changes in Indian Country over the last ten years. The report reflects the tremendous changes experienced by individual Indians living o­n reservations during a time of increasing political self-determination by tribes and the unprecedented expansion in gaming activities under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.  Although this report is about American tribes and communities, there are some valuable lessons to be found from their efforts to achieve economic independence ....

Click here to download the entire report

"The data reflects that when tribes are truly empowered to govern, our communities grow," said Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. "There has been a ripple of positive change in tribal communities, as tribes make their own sound decisions o­n what is best for their citizens. Strong, healthy tribal self-governance is not just good for the health of tribal nations, but for the health of the United States as a whole."

Highlights of the report include:

• Having started the 1990s with incomes lagging far behind those for the general U.S. population, American Indians in Indian Country experienced substantial growth in income per capita. Even with this Indian population rising by more than 20% between 1990 and 2000, real (inflation-adjusted) per capita Indian income rose by about o­ne-third. For both gaming and non-gaming tribes, the overall rate of income growth substantially outstripped the 11% increase in real per capita income for the U.S. as a whole. However, the average income in Indian Country is still less than half the national U.S. average.
• From 1990 to 2000, Indian family poverty rates dropped by seven percentage points or more in non-gaming areas, and by about ten percentage points in gaming areas. For the U.S. as a whole, family poverty dropped eight-tenths of a percentage point. Indian unemployment rates dropped by about two-and-a-half percentage points in non-gaming areas and by more than five percentage points in gaming areas. U.S. unemployment dropped by half a percentage point.
• Housing overcrowding in Indian Country decreased during the decade, particularly in Indian areas without gaming. The percentage of American Indians living in homes with plumbing increased markedly in both gaming and non-gaming areas. The proportion of adult Indians o­n reservations with less than a 9th grade education declined substantially. In Indian areas with gaming this put adult Indians at about par with U.S. levels. The proportion of Indian adults with college degrees rose substantially, though not enough to keep pace with the very substantial gains in overall U.S. college attainment.

Johnson said the data reflects positive change, but there is still a long way to go to bridge the socioeconomic gap with mainstream America.

"Our economies will continue this upswing in socioeconomic standing as long as tribal governments are recognized as viable governments making good decisions for the health of their communities," Johnson said. "Indian leaders know what is best for protecting Indian communities. This report is a strong statement of the powers of tribal self-determination."

The report's co-author Jonathan Taylor, a research fellow at The Harvard Project o­n American Indian Economic Development, said "the data shows solid improvement in the lives of Indians living o­n reservations with and without gaming. What's more, these gains came despite the fact that federal Indian funding levels have been losing ground against non-Indian domestic spending. Considering that reservation incomes fell by eight percent in the 1980s, the strides tribes have made in the 1990s are quite remarkable."

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates o­n behalf of more than 250 tribal governments, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights.

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Institute

Instructor Position Available

Computer Mechanic - A+ Networking Certification Preparation Program

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Educaton and Training Institute was established by the chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation to develop, design and delivery post-secondary programs and services.  We will be offering a 10 week Computer Mechanic - A+ Networking Certification Preparation Program starting at the end of January 2005.  The Institute is inviting applications from qualified individuals for a contract teaching position for this course.  The program will be delivered at the Thunder Bay campus of the Institute on a fullt-time basis for ten weeks.

Qualifications:

• A+ Networking certification
• 2 - 5 years related experience
• an understanding of First Nations culture
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and
• a commitment to education as a life-long process.

Fluency in Ojibway or Cree would be an asset.

Interested candidates are requested to submit a letter, resume and 3 references by Friday, January 7, 2005 to:

Executive Director

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Institute

107 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2V9

Tel.:  807-346-2770

Fax:  807-345-2924

Email: info@oshki.ca

Qualified Part-time Contract Instructors Invited to Apply

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute was established by the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation to develop, design and deliver post-secondary programs and services. The Institute is an independent Institution and currently offers courses in social services, computer, information technology, language, and culture.

The Institute is inviting applications from qualified individuals for contract teaching positions for the following programs:

• Native Early Childhood Education Diploma
• First Nation Business Administration Certificate

These programs will begin in January 2005 in partnership with Cambrian College. Each program will be offered in a modular format, with students attending four two-week on-campus modules per year. These positions require flexibility and some intensive instruction hours during the on-campus sessions as well as preparation, marking and student support while students are in their home communities.

Qualifications:

Diploma or degree in the appropriate field of study; 3 - 5 years related experience; An understanding of First Nations culture; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and A commitment to education as a life-long process.

Fluency in either Ojibway or Cree would also be an asset.

To Apply:

Interested candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest and resume with references by Friday, October 29, 2004, to:

Executive Director
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute
107 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2V9
Telephone: 807-346-2770
Fax: 807-345-2924
Email: info@oshki.ca

Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation

Employment Opportunity

The Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation is a unique legal services office in Thunder Bay.  The Corporation provides legal, paralegal, and law-related services, public legal education, research, and law reform services to the members of the First Nations of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN).  The Corporation functions as an Area Office of Legal Aid Ontario (LAO).  

This innovative legal service places substantial responsibility for the administration of justice and the provision of all legal services to the members of NAN, in the hands of First Nation people themselves.  The Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation is presently recruiting a full-time permanent Community Legal Worker for the Shibogama First Nations Council communities of Kasabonika Lake, Kingfisher Lake, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin and Wunnumin Lake.

Community Legal Worker

Working under the LAO Area Director and Legal Aid Coordinator, the CLW is crucial to the operation of this unique legal services corporation.  S/he will work with justice personnel and the communities to improve the administration of the Euro-Canadian legal system of justice, and assist clients and their families in various legal matters.  S/he will play a central role in the development and delivery of public legal education in the communities and assist in the development and implementation of restorative justice alternatives.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of Secondary School and/or equivalent experience in a related field;
• experience with the Euro-Canadian legal system and knowledge of Restorative Justice alternatives;
• experience in organizing and delivering programs;
• ability to work in a cross-cultural environment;
• good command of the English language;
• ability to speak the Oji-Cree language fluently an asset;
• willingness to communicate with others about law-related and traditional issues;
• must be willing and able to travel.

Location:     Sioux Lookout, ON, with extensive travel to the Shibogama communities.
Salary:         Salary negotiable.
Closing Date:     Friday, October 8, 2004 at 5:00 p.m.

Please submit your resume and cover letter including 3 references to:

Mary Jean Robinson, Area Director
Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation
86 Cumberland Street S.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 2V3

(Tel. 1-800-465-5581) (Fax 1-807-622-3024) Email: info@nanlegal.on.ca.  

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Just received some info from Timmins-way. As follows:

The call has been put out for actors for the Shania Twain movie being filmed in Sudbury in late September, early October. They are looking for native children/youth to act in the following parts:

1. Shania's youngest brother, slim, 6 yrs old;
2. Shania's brother, 8 yrs old, slim, dark hair & eyes;
3. Shania's brother as a teen, 17-19 years - must be able to sing and play guitar;
4. Production assistant (20's), male or female, any race.

Interested individuals need to contact the casting director:

Stephanie Gorin Casting Inc.
62 Ellerbeck St., Toronto M4k 2V1
email: sgorin@canadafilm.com

Please share with your contacts. Megwetch!

Sherry Moreau
Business Counsellor
Gezhtoojig Employment & Training
764 Notre Dame Avenue, # 5
Sudbury, Ontario P3A 2T4
Tel: 705-524-6772 Fax: 524-5152

sherrym@gezhtoojig.ca
www.gezhtoojig.ca

Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations

Digital Production HDTV Training

Dates: Sept. 20 2004 – March 2005    

Location: Ohsweken, Six Nations

Certified Digital Production HDTV six month training will take place at Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations from mid September 2004-March 2005 in Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.  

You will receive hands-on experience using state of the art digital equipment and facilities. The Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations is certified through Niagara College and offers the newest technologies in High Definition Television cameras and equipment.  

Tuition for the entire program is $7,000. Funding, including living expenses, may be available to those who are eligible. Please call for details.

You’ll graduate able to produce HDTV stunning visuals through the use of cutting edge production techniques. You’ll master Pro Tools, a stand alone audio production environment standard in the industry for recording, mixing and mastering audio for radio, television and film.

You will have hands on experience in:

• HDTV technology
• Camera operation
• Titles Graphics
• Computer editing
• Post production hardware and software
• Production Techniques
• Graphic design and integration
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• After Effects
• Audio
• Pro Tools audio software
• Cinematography
• HDTV Shot composition
• Camera jig
• Steady cam
• Production Unit
• Producing and Directing an Independent Digital Movie

Qualifications

• Computer skills
• Good communication skills

Application Requirements

• Resume
• Cover letter stating why you want to take the training and what you want to learn
• One example of your artwork either on tape, disc, photograph or written
• Two (2) reference letters

Application Deadline: September 13, 2004

To send your resume, support material and references or if you have any questions please contact:

Allan Miller or Gary Joseph
Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations
1579 Second Line
Ohsweken, Ont.
N0A 1M0
Phone: (519) 445-1418
Fax: (519) 445-1419
E-mail: amiller@sevenseeds.tv or gary@sevenseeds.tv

Sandy Lake First Nation is looking for a full time Case Manager / Nurse for its  Home and Community Care Program.  This program provides full service delivery for chronic care and elderly clients to assist them with living within the community.  For more information and/or to inquire about this job opportunity, see the full job ad at www.SandyLake.FirstNation.ca or click here to download the PDF version or call (807) 774-5262.

OTTAWA - Expanding use of high-speed internet connections helped e-commerce sales grow by 40 per cent last year, but web sales still accounted for only about 1 per cent of private sector operating revenues, Statistics Canada said Friday. ...

"A major factor in rising e-commerce, particularly in the private sector, is the adoption of high-speed access to the Internet," Statistics Canada said. "In 2003, two-thirds of all private companies used broadband to connect to the internet, up from 58 per cent the year before, and only 48 per cent in 2001." ...

Last year, about 34 per cent of firms had a website, up three percentage points from 2002. ...

Click here to read the entire story on CBC's web site

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is working with other Community Futures Development Corporations in the region with this business plan development project for high school students.  

Working with K-Net, we are planning to have training sessions on business plan development via video conference with interested schools and students. We are willing to help the students complete their business plans by having these workshops and some training sessions.

We are now promoting this contest across the region in the hope that some high school students may be interested in registering for this contest.

Please visit www.survival.gokenora.com to find out more information about this contest. The registration forms and some additional background information is available by e-mailing myself at rcheechoo@nadf.org.

We would like to have workshops done before each challenge. Details are available on each of the challenges at the website.

Background Information:

The third annual Northwestern Ontario Business Plan Contest is well underway! This will allow student/teams to test their creative and analytical abilities while developing an idea for an original business venture with promising opportunities for the future.

The business plan contest is a three-tier competition

• Local/Regional Kenora Rainy River District (Minaki Yurts June 07, 2004)
• Regional Northern
• Provincial Ontario

Entrants will be rewarded with cash prizes, and educational experience, which can be applied towards future endeavors.

Objectives of the competition:

• The opportunity for students to showcase their business and entrepreneurial talents and at the same time, enhance their business skills through the development of a professional business plan.
• The creation of networking opportunities to facilitate contact between student-entrepreneurs, which will assist in developing our future entrepreneurs’ business, presentation, communication and networking skills.
• To ensure Northwestern Ontario is represented at the Regional and Provincial Competition.
• Receive guidance and feedback on their proposed ventures idea and gain an outside perspective on its viability.
• An opportunity to be recognized by peers/organizations within Northwestern Ontario

The game is a comprehensive business plan contest for Secondary school students, awarding up to $1,000 in cash to the winning business plan.

At the local level, the first place winner will receive a $1,000 cash award and will then be eligible to compete at the Northern Ontario Regional Business Plan Competition.

All students that have a viable idea for a summer business are also encouraged to submit their plan to the "Summer Company" competition. Chosen applicants are eligible to receive an award of up to $3,000 to start their own summer business.

Competition sponsors to date include; FedNor, Province of Ontario, The Northwest Business Centre, LOWBIC, PACE, Chukuni, Rainy River Develop. Corp., Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.

Each CFDC will provide the $250.00 reward for their local catchments area. As well, each CFDC will be responsible to coordinate transportation for up to six students to participate at the regional contest on June 07, in Minaki.

Admission Requirements:

• The student/teams entering must be attending a high school or working towards the completion of their high school diploma within the Kenora-Rainy River District.
• Student will create their own business scenarios and ensure that all components of the business plan are completed.
• Students must create a start-up business (not "existing" or "franchise").
• Only completed business plans will be eligible for admission. A comprehensive business plan must address key topics to be considered complete. (Refer to judging criteria.)
• Business Plans Competitors may also participate in the Summer Company Program; however, all Summer Company criteria must be met… refer to: http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/en/youth/ye_summer-company.jsp
• Students do not have to be taking an entrepreneurial course to enter the Business Plan Competition 2004.
• Students may work in groups of up to four.
• Professionals within the business community will judge business plans accordingly.
• Contest Deadline is May 10, 2004 @ 4:00 p.m.. Business plans must be submitted no later than the deadline to your School Office, local Community Futures Development Corp., or the Northwest Business Centre.
• Business Plans will not be returned; they will be kept in strict confidence to protect entrants and their ideas.
• Organizers have the right to cancel the contest if interest rate is low.

• At the sole discretion of the Northwestern Ontario Business Plan Contest, organizers have the right to disqualify without recourse any entry that is deemed illegal, immoral, unethical, or in any way in violation to the contest rules.

• The organizers reserve the right to alter procedures, dates, rewards and regulations.

Click here for the Judging Criteria for the Business Plan Competition