Nishnawbe Aski Press Release

NAN prepares for 2006 election - June 12, 2006

THUNDER BAY, ON - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Head Electoral Officer Larry Amos announced today official notice of the 2006 election for the Executive Council of NAN - a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities across Ontario.

Chiefs from the 49 First Nation communities part of NAN will vote for members of Executive Council (Grand Chief and three Deputy Grand Chiefs) Thursday August 3, 2006 during the Keewaywin NAN Chiefs Assembly in Sachigo Lake.

"The vote in Sachigo this coming August will be a standard vote where NAN Chiefs will vote for candidates running for Executive Council," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

"While in the process of converting to a universal vote by individual NAN community members, our Chiefs have decided based on feedback from their community members that in order to properly implement the process increased public education and awareness is required."

Head Electoral Officer Larry Amos will accept candidate nominations until Tuesday July 4, 2006 12:00 a.m. EST. The official campaign period will be from Tuesday July 4, 2006 to Thursday August 3, 2006.

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/For further information: please visit

www.nan.on.ca or contact: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952, (807) 628-3953 (mobile); Larry Amos, Head Electoral Officer, (204) 956-7413/

From NAN web site at www.nan.on.ca - Posted by: epetronereitberger@nan.on.ca, 5/31/2006

2006 Keewaywin Award Nominations

Each year Nishnawbe Aski Nation bestows the Keewaywin Awards to exceptional individuals from the NAN communities, agencies and organizations for recognition of hard work, achievements and dedication to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Nominate your choice for the following awards by July 3, 2006:

• NAN Youth Award
  • Academic
  • Athletic
  • Leadership/ Community Involvement
  • Cultural
  • Youth Council
• NAN Elder Award
• NAN Woman Award
• Emile Nakogee Leadership Award for Outstanding Leadership

Click here for a copy of the Nomination Form (pdf)

The nomination deadline is July 3rd, 2006

For more information please contact Elysia Petrone Reitberger at (807) 623-8228 or toll free at 1-800-465-9952.

from http://treatyninecommemoration.on.ca/index.php/resources

James Bay Treaty No. 9 Centennial Commemoration: A Vision for the Next 100 Years

from http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/21/c4536.html

NAN and Ontario establish new relationship

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 21 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy together with The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs today announced the establishment of the "Northern Table" during the NAN Winter Chiefs Assembly taking place in Thunder Bay, ON this week.

"I'm very pleased we're beginning meaningful and strategic dialogue with one of our treaty partners (Ontario) with the intent to include the other (Canada) in the future," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "A new era in government relations must begin in order for our people to begin to prosper from the natural resources that have contributed to the prosperity of other Ontarians. Provided the table is approached by both sides in good faith, this is the first step in achieving that."

The purpose of the Northern Table partnership between NAN and the Government of Ontario is to provide a forum to address the unique challenges specific to NAN First Nation communities in Ontario, while addressing the gap in socioeconomic status between the residents of NAN territory (an area covering two-thirds of Ontario) and non-Aboriginal residents throughout the province.

"Today, we are embarking on something new and different," said David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "The new political-level Northern Table will address some of the challenges to achieving prosperity and well being in Northern Ontario and enable First Nations communities in the north to share fairly in the benefits of natural resource development."

NAN's goal at the Northern Table is to ensure meaningful and active participation of First Nations in establishing a viable economic base for our communities in partnership with Ontario, industry, and the private sector.

"Right now it's their policies and laws versus our needs and rights," said Wunnumin Lake First Nation Chief Archie Wabasse. "Ontario needs to realize that simply creating a table will not solve the fundamental challenges with our current treaty relationship. The Northern Table is a positive step,but only one part of a solutions-based agenda for Aboriginal and treaty rights."

Nishnawbe Aski Nation will lead on the development of an agenda and priority issues to be dealt with at the Northern Table. An Agreement-In-Principle is expected to be developed for endorsement this summer.

For further information: please contact Jenna Young, NAN Communications Officer, (807) 625-4952 or (807) 628-3953 (mobile)

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from http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/21/c7158.html

Ontario government and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs launch Northern Table

Initiative First Step In Promoting Prosperity For First Nations In The North

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 21 /CNW/ - The Ontario government and Treaties 9 and 5 Chiefs have established a Northern Table in order to bring greater economic opportunity to Aboriginal communities in the North, David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Stan Beardy, Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation announced today.

"The Northern Table is a first step toward a political-level forum that will develop a co-operative approach to discussing the unique challenges in achieving prosperity and well-being in the North," said Ramsay. "Establishing the Northern Table fulfills one of Ontario's key commitments under the New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs."

The Northern Table will build on the provincial government's current initiatives, programs and services in its commitment to ensure that First Nations in the North are able to participate in the benefits of resource development. Discussions on the membership, functioning and mandate of the Northern Table will be the subject of ongoing discussions among the partners.

"The McGuinty government recognizes that past approaches have not always resolved issues nor resulted in timely progress," said Ramsay. "I expect the new Northern Table to be something different and results-oriented. It will be a true partnership that, over time, will include other First Nations in the North."

"I'm very pleased the First Nation communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be entering into meaningful and strategic dialogue with Ontario with the intent to include Canada in the future," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Our goal at the Northern Table is to ensure active participation of First Nations in establishing a viable economic base for Ontario's far north in partnership with Ontario, industry, and the private sector."

The McGuinty government is promoting prosperity and well-being across Northern Ontario. The Northern Table will help enhance First Nation participation in the benefits of resource development and boost the long-term sustainability of the northern economy.

NAN will host a three day conference focused on the importance of maintaining a healthy family structure March 7th through 9th at Redwood Park Church, Thunder Bay, ON. 

The Embrace Life Forum gathers members of NAN First Nation communities, youth, and elders, to promote the importance of a healthy family structure.

Keynote and guest speakers at the forum will include Rev. Shianne Eaglehart, a world renowned healing professional with over 20 years experience and the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

This three-day conference will include workshops and entertainment featuring: Waneek Miller, Olympic medalist; Fresh I.E., Grammy nominee; and, the Jody Brown Indian Family, International Recording Artists.

For More Info see the NAN website:

to see the poster click here:

Embrace Life Conference invites current, past, and new volunteers to attend the VOLUNTEER meeting.

February 13, 2006 @ 10:00 A.M
Luncheon to follow.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Office (3rd floor in Victoriaville Mall, Thunder Bay)

If you are interested in volunteering during the NAN Embrace Life Conference, which will be held March 7, 8, 9, 2006 please attend this meeting.

*If you are unable to attend the meeting, you are welcome to help when you attend the conference. There will be people in charge delegating responsibilites.

Volunteers are required for various responsibilities throughout the conference including:  COOKING, KITCHEN HELP-food preparation, SET UP & CLEAN UP, DRIVING-to pick up and deliver needed items, SECURITY, ELDER SUPPORT, CHILD CARE, as well other jobs.

If you have any questions please call Wilfred Moonias at (807) 623-8228.

The NAN Winter Chiefs Assembly will take place in Thunder Bay, ON March 21-23, 2006 at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel.

Click here for the registration form.

 Click here for the proxy letter template.

 If you have any questions regarding the Winter Chiefs Assembly please contact conference coordinators Wendy Caruk (wcaruk@nan.on.ca) or Brenda Iserhoff (biserhof@nan.on.ca) at 1-800-465-9952.

From NAN Decade for Youth web site at http://www.nandecade.ca

SEVEN SACRED TEACHINGS YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS CONFERENCE - ALL YOUTH INVITED

When: January 31 to February 3, 2006

Where: NorWester Hotel & Resort, Thunder Bay

Who: All NAN youth, NAN community members, front line workers and concerned citizens.

Why: The territory of Nishnawbe Aski Nation has experienced a suicide epidemic since 1986. The rates of youth suicide in some NAN communities are the highest in the world. The Decade for Youth program, and the NAN Decade Youth Council, is hosting this event in an effort to re-connect NAN youth with traditional Elders, healers and teachings. NAN youth during the Youth Forum in 1994 specifically requested to learn the skills and knowledge of their ancestors so that they could build their self-esteem and self-worth through pride in their traditional heritage.

How: Contact the NAN Decade for Youth program at 1-800-465-9952 for a registration form and draft agenda. This event is free for NAN member youth, ages 16-29. There is a minimal fee of $75.00 for all others. Some travel subsidies available for NAN youth. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A YOUTH REGISTRATION FORM IN WORD FORMAT Click Here

Attention teachers, parents, front line workers, PLEASE Click Here TO DOWNLOAD AN ADULT REGISTRATION FORM. The cost for adults is $75.00 for the conference.

HOTEL INFO: Best Western Nor'wester Resort Hotel

2080 Hwy. 61
Thunder Bay, ON. P7J 1B8
Ph: (807) 473-9123
Fax: (807) 473-9600
Reservations: 1 888 473 BEST

The deadline for registration is Friday, January 20, 2006.

WORLD CHAMPION HOOP DANCER DALLAS ARCAND

Program Highlights: The agenda focuses on the seven sacred teachings. During this event there will be traditional ceremonies, teachings, and activities for both youth and adults. We will be launching our “We Care: Yellow Balloon” campaign for community suicide prevention. We will also be offering our popular Girl Power training. On January 31st the Youth Council will be holding a Gala fundraising dinner for the Trust Fund with special guest speakers and a performance by Dallas Arcand of Alberta. Please join us for this important gathering!

NAN PRESS RELEASE

THUNDER BAY, ON, Jan. 18 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is requesting the implementation of a 2003 Health Canada commitment to First Nations.

"The concern for the people of Nishnawbe Aski is the broad amount of discretion afforded to First Nation and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) representatives and the imminent danger it poses to the health of our members," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler in a December 2005 letter to Gavin Brown A/Regional Director of First Nations and Inuit Health Branch - a department of Health Canada.

"The current system has serious flaws and amendments are required to represent a needs based approach acknowledging the Crown's fiduciary responsibility toward the First Nation members of NAN instead a cost-containment program that is jeopardizing the health of our NAN population. If the mission of the non-insured health benefits program is to help the people of Canada maintain and improve their health, why are NAN members being denied the assistance they require?"

In 2003 Ontario Regional Director of FNIHB Al Garman signed a letter of understanding with Wunnumin Lake First Nation and Sioux Lookout Zone Chiefs stating a commitment to First Nations health.

This commitment was also outlined in a resolution adopted by the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs in December 2005 stating the administrative undue hardships and burdens the policies are creating for First Nation people need to be identified and an immediate resolution is required regarding the Medical Transportation Policy.

Health Canada released the Medical Transportation Policy in 2005 which failed to adopt the policy changes submitted on behalf of First Nations users in NAN territory.

The current wording of the Medical Transportation Policy obstructs access to health care for many NAN First Nation community members, including Janet Cromarty - a pregnant woman with chronic Cholecystitis from Wunnumin Lake First Nation.

Janet Cromarty was denied a request for an alternate location for surgery once the medical transportation policy determined medical treatment was only to be performed in Sioux Lookout.

In addition to the implementation of Health Canada's commitment to the health of First Nations made in 2003, Fiddler is calling for immediate medical intervention to ensure Cromarty gets appropriate assessments and treatments before her condition and that of her unborn child worsens.

Despite Fiddler's demands on Health Canada for an investigation into this latest rejection of non-insured health benefits for medical transportation of an eligible NAN First Nation member, Health Canada has not budged - falling back on faulty policy and responsibilities of the Ontario government.

"The assertion that the policy is National confirms that the unique issues NAN members are dealing with, like remoteness and geography, are of little consequence during decision-making," said Fiddler in a follow up letter to Health Canada dated January 16, 2006.

"Repeatedly, eligible NAN First Nation members have been denied medical transportation and/or other eligible benefits under the policies because of discretionary powers afforded to FNIHB clerks who have the authority to approve or deny an individual's claim. The inconsistencies in decision-making are putting individuals at risk due to the arbitrary nature of the policies."

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/For further information: Jenna Young, Communications Officer, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952, (807) 628-3953 (cellular); Dean Cromarty, Contact for Janet Cromarty, (807) 474 2624/

NAN Chiefs gather this week in Thunder Bay to discuss treaty issues...

On Tuesday, the NAN Chiefs are hearing a series of presentations from experts in the treaty process... The remaining two days will see the leaders break out into small discussion groups to provide NAN with community perspectives on the ongoing negotiations with Canada on a variety of bilateral issues... KO is well represented with leaders from Fort Severn, Keewaywin, North Spirit, McDowell Lake, Deer Lake and Poplar Hill in attendance...

For more information about this workshop, click here to see KNews story