in the native agenda ‘transcends politics’...

Volume 17 Issue 8 Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 November 2005

IN THENEWS

Anishinabek Writers

Put your community on the map with stories and photos.

Contact: Maurice Switzer, EditorTelephone: (705) 497-9127Toll-Free: 1-877-702-5200

E-mail: [email protected]

First Nations and Aboriginal lead-ers from across Canada are concernedthat federal election fever may detractfrom discussions of a comprehensiveten-year plan to address Native pover-ty.

Anishinabek Grand Council ChiefJohn Beaucage was urging all four fed-eral political leaders “to reconsiderany decision that would ... sideline ourpro-active health and social agenda” tobe discussed at a Nov. 24-25 FirstMinisters Meeting in Kelowana, B.C.“The First Ministers Meeting is themost significant opportunity that FirstNations have to raise these issues atsuch a high level,” Beaucage said.This fundamental opportunity and

multi-lateral support for our solutions-based plan is unprecedented inCanadian history.” Meanwhile, B.C.Premier Gordon Campbell, the host ofthe Kelowna summit, says there’s con-sensus among premiers of every polit-ical stripe that it’s time to close the gapbetween aboriginal and non-aboriginalCanadians.

Campbell, who was headed forOttawa to discuss aboriginal issueswith Prime Minister Paul Martin, saidthe major challenges facing Nativepeople transcend politics and changesmust go ahead despite the recent polit-ical upheaval in Ottawa.

“Governments will change – thathappens,” the B.C. premier said.

There will be a federal election inthe next six months, Campbell said,and while that creates some uncertain-ty, government and aboriginal leadersmust move forward with their plans.

“I think that political parties acrossthe country will embrace that,” theLiberal premier told reporters as spec-ulation continued that Martin’s govern-ment could fall in the coming weeks,possibly derailing the two-day FirstMinisters Meeting in Kelowna, B.C.

“I believe this transcends the gen-eral politics of the country,” saidCampbell, on the last leg of a cross-country tour that included meetingswith provincial and territorial leaders.

Provincial and Native leaders want

to emerge with separate, 10-year plansfor Metis, Inuit and First Nations,Campbell said.

“Our goal coming out of the con-ference will not be to have a generalcomment that ‘We’d like to do some-thing,’” he said. “We want specifics ineach of the categories.”

There is also support for an annualreview to track progress, he added,since much work remains to be doneacross the country to help Natives.

Seventy per cent of First Nationsstudents on-reserve will never com-plete high school, according to theAssembly of First Nations, and theaboriginal unemployment rate is dou-ble the rate of non-aboriginals.

Native agenda ‘transcends politics’

NIPISSING FN – The emer-gency evacuation of KashechewanFirst Nation demonstrates theneed for First Nations citizens tobe more involved in governmentdecisions directly affecting them,says Grand Council Chief JohnBeaucage.

“We are extending support toour Mushkegowuk cousins duringthis trying time,” said GrandCouncil Chief John Beaucage,“and one of the best ways we cando that is to continue to challengethe government of Canada to workwith us to seek comprehensivesolutions to such life-threateningsituations.”

During a special assembly ofFirst Nation Chiefs in Regina,Beaucage was asked to participatein a comprehensive nationalreview of First Nations drinkingwater across Canada. TheAnishinabek leader, who holds theAFN Ontario portfolio for Capitaland Infrastructure, called for strin-gent national standards for drink-ing water on First Nations. “Thenew First Nations’ standardswould exceed the minimumprovincial standards for cleandrinking water,” he said.

Just last month, Beaucage pub-licly urged federal officials toheed warnings in a report byCanada’s Commissioner of theEnvironment and SustainableDevelopment which expressedconcern about the lack of laws andregulations governing the provi-sion of drinking water to FirstNations residents.

Kashproveswaterpoint

Leaving KashechewanCanadian Rangers William Nakogee and Irving Wesley and Junior Canadian Ranger Chelsea Goodwin, 14,load evacuees’ baggage at Kashechewan airport. Over half of the 1900 residents of the Cree community on thewest coast of James Bay were evacuated to Sudbury, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Cochrane after the commu-nity’s supply of drinking water was found to contain E-coli bacteria. The Rangers are aboriginal reserves of theCanadian Armed Forces. More on page 2. – Photo by Sgt. Peter Moon, Canadian Rangers

By Rick Garrick THUNDER BAY – Fort William First Nation’s foray

into the sawmill leasing business is being derailed by thefederal bureaucracy.

“We worked hard to get the Bowater projectdone right, and we succeeded,” said FortWilliam First Nation Chief Peter Collins. “Ourlocal partners have been professional, and apleasure to do business with. But bureaucratsfrom Indian and Northern Affairs Canada havehung us out to dry.”

Fort William First Nation got involved in theBowater sawmill project in 2001, two years afterregaining about 1,100 acres of the RailwayTaking Lands expropriated by the federal gov-ernment from the band in 1905, when they were ensuredby then Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs CanadaBob Nault that he would “expedite” the ATR (Additions toReserve) process for the land.

“Minister Nault promised the sawmill site would bereturned to reserve status long before any property taxeswould be payable,” Collins said. “That was the underlyingeconomic premise that all parties proceeded on.”

But the federal government’s Justice Departmentstalled the ATR process until a Regulatory Gap in environ-mental legislation as the land is transferred from provincial

to federal jurisdiction is dealt with by the implementationof a Site Specific Risk Assessment and an EnvironmentalPriority and Action Plan designed by INAC in 2003, two

years after construction on the Bowater sawmillbegan.

Shortly after the sawmill was completed, thetax assessment on the property increased and theCity of Thunder Bay began efforts to collectthose taxes from the band, eventually culminat-ing in a court battle this past January which thecity won, giving them the right to seizeBowater’s $104,000 monthly lease payments tothe band for rental of the sawmill building andproperty. The Royal Bank, the sawmill buildingmortgage holder, continues to draw its mortgage

payments from the band’s operating funds even though theband no longer receives the monthly lease payments,which is causing the band financial problems.

“Our membership feels frustrated,” Collins said. “It’s atough situation to be in.”

Gordon Manuel, director of government affairs atBowater’s corporate office in South Carolina, hasexpressed Bowater’s concern about the situation to the fed-eral government and wants to see the situation resolved. “Ifit doesn’t, Bowater is at risk,” Manuel said.

More on page 16.

‘Hung out to dry by INAC’

Chief PeterCollins

TORONTO – Organizers ofthe Canadian AboriginalFestival have left traditionalfood vendors with a bad taste intheir mouth. The vendors havereceived notice that they are nolonger allowed to participate atthe Nov. 25-27 event staged inToronto’s SkyDome. A lettersent to the vendors cites themajor reason being stricterhealth regulations.

As a result, the Festival willbe host to two professionalAboriginal caterers offeringtheir food restaurant-style orbuffet style.

No food vendors

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) –Carthage College teams inWisconsin will drop the name“Redmen” and use of Indianmascots and logos, to complywith the NCAA’s new policyregarding American Indian mas-cots.

Indian mascots out

NORWAY HOUSE, Man.(CP) – Tina Keeper, a memberof Norway House Cree Nationand star of the popular televi-sion series North of 60, will be aLiberal candidate for a northernManitoba riding in the next fed-eral election.

Keeper a candidate

TORONTO (CP) – DeBeers has signed a deal promis-ing $10 million in benefits to theAttiwapsikat Cree First Nationin the development of Ontario’sfirst diamond mine.

Diamonds held Cree

DENVER – Author andactivist Vine Deloria, Jr. passedover to join his ancestorsNovember 13, 2005.

He wrote Custer Died forYour Sins in 1969, the first of hisscores of books and scholarlyarticles in confronting theracism of U.S law and policya-gainst Indian peoples.

Vine Deloria passes

OTTAWA – Supporters from the Ottawa areagathered together for a candlelight vigil onParliament Hill on the evening of Oct. 26 to showtheir concern over the James Bay community ofKashechewan First Nation. The vigil was organizedby Kashechewan community member Gordon Huey,who said he wanted “to show the people of my home town that we careabout their situation.”

Charlie Angus, MP Timmins told the 100 participants “The wholecountry is watching tonight and the whole country is ashamed.”

KashechewanKashechewan Anishinabek News November 2005

IA program Ipperwash Inquiries

10.25” x 7”

Julian Fantino, second from right, Ontario's commissioner of emergencymanagement services, thanks Canadian Rangers armed Forces reservistsfor the work they are doing during the evacuation crisis at KashechewanFirst Nation. – Photo by Sgt. Peter Moon, Canadian Rangers

NIPISSING FN – The Anishinabek Nation Credit Union is assistingfund-raising efforts to support evacuated residents of Kashechewan FirstNation. The Union of Ontario Indians co-ordinated the establishment ofthe relief fund, to be made available for disbursement as needed by lead-ership of the James Bay Cree community, half of whose members wereevacuated to Sudbury, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Cochrane becausetheir community water supply was unsafe.

Donations can be made directly at the head office of the AnishinabekNation Credit Union or mailed to: Anishinabek Nation Credit Union, 7Shingwauk St., Garden River, Ontario P6A 6Z8. For inter-credit unioncourier donations, the transit number of the credit union is 21442. Forfurther information contact Allan Moffatt or Jeannine Poulin at (705)942-7655.

Anishinabek launch fund

Gordon Huey

Candlelight supporters

GULL BAY FN (CP) – Hundreds of kilometresfrom the media scrutiny, political pressure and emer-gency evacuations of Kashechewan, residents of thistiny northern Ontario reserve live in mould-infestedhomes, bleach the tap water clean with Javex andwonder when anyone will come totheir rescue.

Nearly 40 residents of the GullBay reserve have spent the last twoyears crammed inside hotel rooms180 kilometres to the south inThunder Bay, ever since the mouldand fungus that’s rampant on theirreserve chased them from their homesin November 2003.

Chief Wilfred King says that stop-gap measure has cost the federal gov-ernment $2 million. And as what Kingcalls a “powder keg” of health andinfrastructure problems continues toworsen, the people of Gull Bay can’thelp but look some 900 kilometres across theprovince to Kashechewan, where E. coli in the drink-ing water touched off an emergency evacuation thattook just weeks to complete. The province has said itexpects Kashechewan residents can return home bywinter.

“It’s basic human rights that we’re asking for here– no more than that,” King said of his own reserve,which he considers a poster child for the “ThirdWorld conditions” that aboriginal communities acrossCanada are dealing with daily.

Mould contamination at Gull Bay has led to

dozens of cases of respiratory ailments ranging frommild bronchitis to severe asthma, and it’s only goingto get worse, said Elaine Milne, the reserve’s healthmanager.

“You have mould sitting around in the edges andthe corners . . . you breathe it in, in itgoes and down into your lungs,” saidMilne, adding that dozens of homesneed to be repaired or replaced for thesake of the community’s health.

The small, isolated First Nationcommunity – with 1,000 officialmembers, though more than half havemoved away for jobs and better shel-ter – also faces ongoing concernsabout water quality.

Inside a decrepit treatment plantthe size of a small suburban garage sitboxes of five-litre bottles of Javexbleach. Nearly 50 bottles are pouredinto the plant’s water every week to

ensure there’s no bacteria piped into the reserve’s 100homes.

Reserve officials blame two deaths in 2000 on E.coli contamination, although that’s never been con-firmed. A $5-million replacement water plant builttwo years ago with federal money sits dormant due tobureaucratic confusion between Ottawa, the provinceand the reserve over the permits necessary to operateit.

Since he became chief two and a half years ago,King said Ottawa has wasted $10 million on housingand water projects that went nowhere.

Gull Bay evacuees have spenttwo years in Thunder Bay hotels

Chief Wilfred King

Anishinabek NewsNovember 2005

Ogitchidaa / WarriorsOgitchidaa / Warriors

Young and idealistic, Francis Pegahmagabow ofthe Parry Island Indian Reserve (now Wasauksing FirstNation), near Parry Sound, joined the CanadianExpeditionary Force in World War I. On the battlefields

of France and Belgium he dis-tinguished himself by winningthree decorations for bravery,more than any other Canadianaboriginal soldier.

Treated as an equal amonghis white comrades, he was infor a rude awakening when hereturned home to the Reserveafter the war and discoveredthat attitudes, particular that ofthe tyrannical Department of Indian Affairs, hadn'tchanged at all. He was still an Indian, and treated as asecond-class citizen.

For the rest of his life, Pegahmagabow championedthe cause of native rights, being one of the earlyactivists in this long, exhausting battle to achieve theright of aboriginal peoples to control their own destiny.

Adrian Hayes’s well-researched, illustrated biogra-phy of Pegahmagabow will help ensure this long-for-gotten hero receives the recognition he deserves for hisdedication on the battlefields of Europe and the battle-fields of social justice.

Native warriors have long fought on Canada’s side

Francis Pegahmagabow 1891-1952

By Maurice SwitzerPeople often ask why, despite

stolen land, and broken treaties, andresidential schools, Native peopleshave always been in the front lines ofthose fighting to preserve Canadianfreedom.

For one thing, First Nations havea long history of demonstratingrespect for the Crown. Most of ourtreaties were made with the BritishCrown before there was a Canada,and now Canada is obliged by itsConstitution to honour them.

Going back to the time ofTecumseh and the War of 1812, rightup to the present day, Indians havefought to defend the British, and nowCanadian Crown. I believe our war-riors have done so in hopes thatCanada will one day live up to thepromises made in our treaties.

I also believe that many youngAboriginal men and women inCanada – like poor people every-where – haveoften found thatwearing theircountry’s mili-tary uniform isthe only job secu-rity available tothem. Whateverthe reason,Native militaryservice in Canada is a remarkabletradition.

My great uncle, Robert FranklinSr., was one of 38 men fromAlderville who volunteered for duty.That’s 38 out of 63 adult males in thecommunity at the time. Their namesare carved into Alderville’s granitecenotaph, along with those of every

other community member who worea Canadian military uniform. Thestory was the same across the breadthof the country. Indians volunteered inhigher per capita numbers than anyother identifiable group. There were22 adult males on the Scugog reservein 1914 – every single man volun-teered for military duty.

The truly remarkable thing aboutthe 5,000 Native soldiers whodefended the Crown and Canadianflag – the “Forgotten Warriors” ofMichael Doxtater’s powerfulNational Film Board documentary –is that Status Indians were exemptfrom military service. (They werealso not entitled to vote, but that’sanother story.) At the same time thegovernment was resorting to con-scription – compulsory military serv-ice, like the American “draft” – to

raise an army of Canadian citizens,Indians were volunteering to join up.

Most did their jobs like regularsoldiers, but a few, like Wasauksing’sFrances Pegahmagahbow – a sniperwho recorded 300 “kills” – andBrokenhead’s Tommy Prince – themost decorated soldier to wear aCanadian military uniform – reallydistinguished themselves.

Heroes or not, when theyreturned home, Native Warriorsquickly became mere Indians againat the hands of government agents.Indians who lived on reserve wereshort-changed of about $3,500 inresettlement benefits offered mostCanadian soldiers, including thosewho had been forced into service. Ittook a half century of lobbying byaboriginal veterans for the federalgovernment to finally table a take-it-

or-leave-it-offer to make amends forthis shameful discrimination againstCanada’s staunchest defenders. The800 eligible Native veterans – andabout 1,000 surviving spouses –were offered a mere $20,000 to settleCanada’s 50-year-old debt, a dis-graceful attempt to buy them off intheir fading years.

There’s a First Nation traditionthat our every action is to be consid-ered in terms of how it will effectthose who follow us seven genera-tions later. Most of us do not weighour conduct so carefully. But forsome it comes naturally.

That’s why we stand up and takeoff our hats when our veterans enterthe pow-wow circle.

And that’s why we will fight forour treaty rights as long as the grassgrows and the rivers flow.

VIMY, France – A Ceremony ofRemembrance was conducted atVimy to honour Canadians who gavetheir lives in wartime. Annually con-ducted the Sunday beforeRemembrance Day, this year's cere-mony was held in advance to allowfor the inclusion of a delegation ofvisiting First Nations, Métis andInuit Spiritual Elders, Veterans andyouth from Canada.

The ceremony at CanadianCemetery No. 2 on the grounds ofthe Canadian National VimyMemorial was the final event inEurope for the members of theAboriginal Spiritual Journey. Theydeparted Canada October 26th, visit-ed Canadian war memorials and bat-tlefield locations in Belgium andFrance, and conducted a CallingHome Ceremony involving the cus-toms and traditions of First Nationsand Métis peoples and the Inuit toinvite the spirits of fallen warriors toreturn to Canada to rest with theirancestors.

“Canadians played a major rolein defending many of the places we

will be visiting,” said Ray Rogers,Aamjiwnang First Nation, Chairmanof the First Nations Veterans ofCanada. “For example, Canada hadone of the most important roles in theD-day landings, and made majorgains. It gives me great pride thatFirst Nations people participated sothat we may live in peace and free-dom. On a percentage basis FirstNations had the highest contributionrate. I am honoured to attend thisspecial Journey and represent thosewho are not able to go, includingthose we have lost and those who arenot well enough to travel.”

“It is so very appropriate that ourlast commemorative ceremony isbeing held at Vimy and that we makethis visit during Canada's Year of theVeteran,” said the HonourableAlbina Guarnieri, Minister ofVeterans Affairs. “Because it is hereat Vimy Ridge that Canadians wouldcome together as a unified force tofight one of their most significantbattles of the First World War. Andhere, like so many other battlefields,Aboriginal people from Canada

stood their ground,” said MinisterGuarnieri. “On the Vimy Memorialcan be found the names of at least 35Aboriginal Veterans whose storieswill never be known, except for thefact that they never came home.”

While in Europe the delegationalso participated in ceremonies attwo First World War monuments inBelgium – the St. Julien Memorialand Hill 62 – and at Bény-sur-MerCanadian War Cemetery inNormandy, France. An Inuksuk nowstands next to the Juno BeachCentre, its windows facing Canadaand the nearby war cemetery, toserve as a permanent marker of thejourney. The delegation returns toOttawa tomorrow, November 3rd,and will participate in a Ceremony ofRemembrance in the Senate ofCanada on November 4th beforedeparting for home towns.

Additional information about theAboriginal Spiritual Journey, includ-ing photos and youth delegates’“blogs,” can be found on theVeterans Affairs Canada web site, atwww.vac-acc.gc.ca.

Spiritual Journey ends at Vimy

Francis Pegahmagabow

By Perry McLeod-ShabogesicNIPISSING FN – The road hasbeen long and hard for 92-year-oldveteran Tom Couchie and wifeFran. A privateman, he is alsovery humbleabout his timein the militaryand the contri-butions he andothers havemade to thefreedom of thiscountry. To Tom it was just a jobhe had to do.

Born in 1913 at DuchesnayFalls, Tom was 26 when he enlist-ed in the army. He was alreadymarried to Fran at this time andjoined up in Toronto. From there hewas sent to Montreal for basictraining. He spent the first fewyears in the Canadian military sta-tioned in different parts of Canada,helping train other soldiers inguerilla warfare because of hisexperience in the bush. In fact, hehelped develop the pop-up targetsfor rifle field practice that are stillused today by the military. FromNewfoundland to BritishColumbia, Tom was given a fulltour-of-duty in the country hewould soon be defending overseas.

With World War II raging, in1942 he found himself in England,training with a unit that specializedin signal technology. These com-munications specialists wereskilled in running and repairingphone lines during heavy battleaction. The communications lineswere vital links between Alliedforces to keep troops informedabout military strategies.

“I asked to join the AlgonquinSquad,” said Tom, “They were onthe front lines and that was where Iwanted to be.”

By 1945, Tom’s new unit wasin heavy action at Hubert Fale nearCannes, France. He recalls thefierce and bloody fighting, with

heavy casualties. They spent theirdays running and repairing phonelines under heavy Germanshelling. At night they slept undertheir own artillery pieces whileGerman positions were blasted. Tothis day Tom and many other sol-diers who tried to sleep under thoseconditions have suffered majorhearing losses along with otherinjuries.

The enemy wasn’t the onlything Tom and his company need-ed to watch out for. Friendly firewas another danger. Often, as thebattle raged on, U.S. and BritishAir forces would bomb areas occu-pied by Allied troops. Many onboth sides paid war’s ultimateprice.

Tom recalls being hit by friend-ly fire and taking cover in a barn.The barn was bombed and col-lapsed on top of him. “I managedto crawl out,” he said. “AfterwardsI heard a guy calling so I dug himout. It was kind of funny at the timebecause as he stuck his head outfrom the rubble he looked at meand asked me for a smoke!”

Many Germans surrendered tothe advancing Allied forces.Towards the end of the war, Tomrecalls thousands of Germans giv-ing up.

He especially rememberschumming around with his cousinLawrence Whiteduck who had alsoenlisted. Tragically, Lawrence waskilled during a bombing raid andTom never knew where his friend’sgrave was. He searched for yearsbut was never able to locate hisburial site.

In the mid 1980’s Tom re-visit-ed France with his son Darrell toseek some kind of closure for hiswartime experience. They stum-bled across an unknown cemeteryand discovered LawrenceWhiteduck’s grave.

Tom says his mind was at ease,knowing he had found his cousinand friend.

Nipissing veteran laid phone lines under heavy enemy fire

Tom Couchie

Maurice Switzer

Anishinabek News November 2005

NOTE: The Editor reserves the right to edit all submissionsfor brevity, clarity, and suitability for publication. All formalcomments and complaints must be addressed to EditorialBoard c/o Anishinabek News.

GOALTo publish a quality newspaper and related publicationsdesigned to foster pride and share knowledge aboutAnishinabek current affairs, culture, goals, and accomplish-ments.

OBJECTIVESTo provide information that reflects the Creator’s four originalgifts to the Anishinabek:

Respect: To welcome diversity and encourage a freeexchange of opinions that may differ without being disagree-able. Fair and humourous comments are welcomed, but notridicule or personal attacks.

Honesty: Debwewin – speaking the truth – is the corner-stone of our newspaper’s content.

Sharing: Providing opportunities for people from the fourcorners of the Anishinabek Nation to tell stories and recordachievements, and to keep our citizens informed about activi-ties of the Union of Ontario Indians.

Strength: To give a voice to the vision of the AnishinabekNation that celebrates our history, culture and language, pro-motes our land, treaty, and aboriginal rights, and supports thedevelopment of healthy and prosperous communities.

Publishing Criteria

Advertising & News DeadlinesThe current circulation of the Anishinabek News is 10,000 copies,

with 9,000 mailed and 1,000 distributed at various events.

DEADLINES FOR DECEMBER ISSUE

For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek News related to advertising and circulation issues please call our new

toll-free number: 1-800-463-6408

The Anishinabek News is a monthly publication of the Union of OntarioIndians (UOI). Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or politicalposition of the UOI.

No portion of this paper, including advertisements, artwork, photos andeditorial content may be reproduced without written permission of theAnishinabek News Editor or UOI Executive.

Readers are invited to submit letters, articles, and photos for publication.Please include your name, address and telephone number on all materialsubmitted. All submissions will be reviewed for publication based on priorityof interest and edited for clarity of thought, taste, brevity and legal implica-tions. Remuneration will be paid for submissions only if a written agreementwith the Editor is made prior to publication.

Editor: Maurice SwitzerContributors: Candalee Beatty, Holly Brodhagen, Dave Dale,

Rick Garrick, Rosalind Raby, Perry McLeod-Shabogesic

Editorial Board: Fred Bellefeuille, Les Couchie, Cathie Favreau, Alan Ozawanimke

Co-ordinator: Priscilla Goulais

Telephone: (705) 497-9127 Toll Free: 1-877-702-5200Fax: (705) 497-9135 e-mail: [email protected]

Anishinabek NewsP.O. Box 711, Nipissing First Nation,

North Bay, ON P1B 8J8

AdvertisingBookings: Nov. 21Final Art: Nov. 25NewsNews submissions: Nov. 21Scheduled printing: Dec. 7

Maanda ndinendamMaanda ndinendam

By Maurice Switzer

When I visited Kashechewan in March of1990, I remember being surprised by so manythings.

That the Albany River was still frozen solidwhen I was already making plans to play golfback home.

That local shoppers were paying $3.15 for anEnglish cucumber.

And that most of the 1100 residents who thenlived in the Cree com-munity on the westernshore of James Bay weredrinking bottled water.

A four-litre plasticjug of Labrador SpringWater sold for $5.55 atthe local Northern Store.Few buildings had run-ning water, I was told,and most people pre-ferred bottled water overthe heavily-chlorinatedtapwater from theAlbany River. Piles ofgarbage were still visible on the frozen ice . . . andwould be until the spring thaw.

The other thing that surprised me – and alwaysdoes when I visit places like Kashechewan andIqaluit and Sheshatshiu – is that the Cree, andInuit, and Innu people I meet never complainnearly as much about their austere surroundings asthe journalists who write about them from cosynewsrooms in Ottawa, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Then again, the writers who have been freelytossing around phrases like “Third-World condi-tions” and “national disgrace” to describe therecent Kashechewan evacuation are likely peoplewho wrinkle their noses at the thought of using anoutdoor privy at the cottage in Muskoka. They donot seem to understand that their stories make thepeople who live in places like Kashechewan seemas dirty as the water that flows from their taps, andthe polluted air that chokes the geese they havehunted for thousands of autumns.

It has always been convenient for outsiders toblame North America’s indigenous peoples forsomething. We have been called savages becausewe dressed, ate, and worshipped differently. Wehave been called lazy because the theft of ourlands destroyed any hopes of building economies.And we have been called dysfunctional becauseour parents were forced to attend schools wherethey were beaten, raped, and died.

And now, with their children’s flesh coveredwith sores from drinking water from the sameriver that has sustained them since time immemo-rial, the Cree from Kashechewan are blamed forjust being there.

The prevailing wisdom from the armchair crit-

ics goes something like this: if we can just con-vince those stubborn Indians to leave theirreserves, all their problems – and OURS – will besolved. As the National Post editorialized, thisexodus – which sounds a lot more like ethniccleansing – will lead to Indians getting “real jobs”and a “share in the bounty of our modern econo-my.”

All this assumes, of course, that the same gen-erous spirit that cost First Nations the use of mil-lions of hectares of traditional territory will sud-denly prompt the Rest of Canada to start sharingthe wealth.

Indians are on reserves precisely because thegovernment of Canada wanted them to be there.The irony is that these ghettoes – many of themwell off the beaten track – have helped ensure thesurvival of the very cultures that Canada hopedwould disappear. A cynic might argue that the fed-eral government only apologized in 1998 for itsassimilationist approach to Indian Affairs becauseit was such an abject failure.

The country’s aboriginal population is grow-ing faster than any other demographic. The major-ity of children entering the Saskatchewan publicschool system will soon be Native, many of themPlains Cree cousins of the Mushkegowuk – orSwampy Cree – of Kashechewan. The number ofTreaty Indians attending post-secondary schoolshas swelled from under 100 just 40 years ago toover 30,000 today.

Yes, it is true that more than half of the800,000 First Nations people in Canada nowreside off reserve, but in many cases that isbecause their communities have been excludedfrom sharing in the natural resource wealth that isthe bedrock of Canada’s economy.

Where do members of the “move-the-Indians”school think the country’s mining and petroleumand forestry wealth resides – at the corner of Bayand Bloor streets? One of the country’s major dia-mond finds – the massive DeBeers open-pit VictorMine – will be operated near Attawapiskat, a$3.15-cucumber’s throw from Kashechewan.

If Canada starts fulfilling its fiduciary obliga-tion toward First Nations peoples, it will ensurethat they will have a share envisioned by thetreaties in the benefits of the mines and pipelinesand timber lots. This will lead to “real jobs” and“real education.”

And hopefully it will lead away from bottledwater.

Maurice Switzer is a citizen of theMississaugas of Alderville First Nation. He servesas director of communications for the Union ofOntario Indians in North Bay, and editor of theAnishinabek News.

Kashechewan:blamed for justbeing there

Maurice Switzer

Sign at Kashechewan airport.

By Doug George-KanentiioAt a recently concluded history session hosted by

St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY those in atten-dance learned that – far from being a benign subjectrestricted to dusty classroom texts –the retelling of who we were haseverything to do with what we havedone.

There is no element of our cur-rent lives which is unaffected by theexperiences of our ancestors,whether as individuals, families oras a community.

History is much more than therecitation of dates, personalities andevents; it is best understood when we examine motives,values, circumstances and consequences.

For instance, what compelled our ancestors to per-sist in their retention of a distinct Mohawk identitywhen the powerful forces of integration and assimila-tion were brought to bear upon them by the state, fed-eral government, provinces and Christian religions?

Why hold on to a small plot of land, speak an abo-riginal language or sustain a Native culture when theschools, churches and external service agencies ham-mer the singular theme that all of what is Mohawk isbad?

If we are to believe the external forces those whocame before us were simplistic, sensual, savage andsadistic. We contributed nothing to the world at large

but a sharp and scary image; our footprints in thecourse of human events were casual and of no real con-sequence.

Yet there were those few who thought otherwise.They instinctually knew that if we were to be savedfrom the trash bin of history, if we were to be more thana footnote we had to reinterpret how that history wastaught and to make it a the dynamic center of a newidentity, one based on pride, dignity and a touch ofarrogance.

This called for a revolution in learning and like allradical changes had to begin with the convictions of asingle human being.

For the Mohawks of Akwesasne it was RayFadden-Tehanetorens.

This intrepid aboriginal teacher, born in theAdirondack Mountains, elected not to assume politicalpower but to alter the hearts and minds of his students.He knew that once they came to realize the truth as towho they were their previous assumptions of inferiori-ty would be cast aside and that every aspect of the dom-inant society would be questioned and challenged.

Fadden’s teaching methods had a profound effecton every aspect of Mohawk life and thereby changedthe course of aboriginal history.

Can anyone seriously doubt that the rise of theNative rights movement could have taken place with-out Fadden’s students leading the way through suchvehicles as the White Roots of Peace or AkwesasneNotes?


Maanda ndinendam/OpinionMaanda ndinendam/Opinion

By Lynn GehlIt is often said that when the

Indian Act was amended in 1985, thefederal government removed thevery controversial enfranchisementsection. This is not true in that whatthe federal government actually didwas re-codify the enfranchisementprocess in the form of the second-generation cut-off rule in Section 6of the current Indian Act.

Because of the second-genera-tion cut-off rule it is estimated that,due to the number of Native peoplewho are having children with non-Native or non-status people thatwithin 75 years there will no longerbe any Native children born who areentitled to status registration. And

because Section 6 of the Indian Actis more complicated than the oldpatrilineal system, it confuses peopleand they aretherefore unableto manipulate therules to achievewhat they want.

It is reallyquite simplethough. Todaythere are twotypes of Indians:6(1) and 6(2). A 6(1) Indian, male orfemale, can produce status childrenwith any partner they choose. Thismeans he or she can have childrenwith a non-status Native person oreven a non-Native person and their

children will be registered as 6(2)Indians in accordance with theIndian Act. For example, if a 6(1)Indian has children with another6(1) Indian or a 6(2) Indian theirchildren will be registered as 6(1).This differs for people who are reg-istered under section 6(2) of theIndian Act in that a 6(2) Indian musthave children with another 6(1) or6(2) Indian if they want their chil-dren to have status. Interestingly,these children will be registered as6(1) Indians. If a 6(2) Indian personhas children with a non-status ornon-Native person, their childrenwill not be entitled to status registra-tion.

I want to clear up any misunder-

standing that may exist regardingmy reason for pursuing a constitu-tional challenge to the Indian Act. Itis in regards to issues of unknownpaternity and the Indian Act.Specifically, I am denied status reg-istration because, although theIndian Act is silent when someone'spaternity is not known, the Registrarof the Department of Indian Affairsinterprets unknown paternity, whenit arises, as a non-status person. Thisis known as a negative presumptionof paternity.

As a result of this practice, manychildren and grandchildren, such asmyself, are denied registration. Forexample, children of a 6(2) parentand an unknown paternity are non-

status whereas the children of a 6(1)Indian and an unknown paternity areregistered as 6(2). Further, the man-ner in which the Registrar interpretsunknown paternity as a non-statusperson is unconstitutional and this isthe basis of my constitutional chal-lenge versus my grandmother’sunwillingness to state who mygrandfather was. I truly respect mygrandmother's need to take thisknowledge with her when shepassed on to the spirit world, forwhatever reason, and do not judgeher in any way for doing so.

Lynn Gehl, Algonquin is a PhDstudent in Native Studies at TrentUniversity.

Indian Act’s Section 6 gradually killing off Status Indians

Lynn Gehl

Editor:As 2005, the year of the

Veterans, slowly slips by, I writeto remind you all to not onlyremember our Veterans whoreturned to us by the will of theCreator, from the wars that theychose to fight in as allies for free-dom, democracy and the right tobe Aboriginal peoples, to fight forequality, acceptance and a futurefor those yet to come.

But to also remember all thoseof our peoples who did not comehome, whose remains werereturned to Mother Earth far fromtheir homes, families, relativesand friends.

Remember them for theirbravery, respect them for theirdedication, honor them for theirvalor and remember them withpride.

All my relations,Fred Loft, Hamilton

Not everyonecame home

By Spencer RoweI am a contrary, sometimes

referred to as two-spirit within anAboriginal culture already undergenocidal siege.

There are few of us left of mygeneration. Most of the “others” ofmy time were precisely killed dur-ing the AIDS phenomenon.

Still, forward I go, devoid for atime of love, of companionship. Bymy thirties all whom I loved, allfamily I created to escape thenightmare of my own, had died. Alifetimes worthhad vanquished.I had one thingleft, an identity.Through myname and myclan I continuedto follow myhistorical andtraditional rolesand duties, alone, until a youngchild came into my life, a vulnera-ble child of many foster homes.

I screamed to spirit to not giveme this responsibility, but to noavail. I adopted this child as myown. My life became that as aMother/Father. For two years,night and day it was a battle. Hespent many years trying to demon-strate and confirm that I too wouldabandon him. I never did.

Yes, he was trouble, but trou-bled with reason. It was logical forhim to be distrustful, angry,demanding and challenging, as it islogical for many of our people tofeel this way. But these are thingsthat have no real purpose. It is hurtdone to us, that we then do to oth-ers or ourselves. We must get overthis or we will never go forward,ever. I have nothing new to say. Butwhat I can offer is perhaps the“moment,” the “moment” when westart the healing process.

I was speaking with anAnishnabe-kwe the other day andshe was sharing with me the storyof her brother, who had died ofAIDS in the 1980’s – he would beabout my age now. We tried to dis-cover what it was he offered her,what was his role in his short life?

Then it hit her. He taught her thatnot only was she capable of lovinganother person, but that she wasalso capable of being loved. Fromthat moment on her life hadchanged. She sought the healingshe needed, no more drug/alco-hol/abusive lifestyle drama. Nomore false ideas of who she is.

So many people claim to besomething, yet upon the slightestcritical examination they prove tobe something quite different andit's usually a little icky. Yes, icky.

Where do we start? Where canwe begin a journey that actuallywill be helpful for our people? Westart by love. Love of community,love of others and love of self.

I don't mean the “feeling” Imean the sacrifice. Actually, if youdo it right I should say sacrifices! Itis a willingness to trust spirit, andtrust your path in all that you do.

Naturally you have to get aname first. If you don't know whoyou are, then how on earth can youknow what you're supposed to bedoing? The language of theAnishnabeg is, if nothing else, oneof spirit, therefore it stands to rea-son that an Anishnawbe requires aspirit name. I think not having aname goes a long way in explain-ing the difficulties we are facedwith.

Turtle Island is filled withNishes of every stripe going abouttheir business getting involved inactivities and projects that quitepossibly they should have nothingto do with! I have finally madesense of the insanity. Get yourname and your path will follow. Ohyeah, the boy is now 23 and inUniversity with a wonderfulfiancée who I actually like.

I am “he is quiet.”

J. Spencer Rowe is of the CurveLake First Nation. He is a graduateof the Ontario College of Art andDesign, has a Bachelors degree insocial work from the University ofVictoria, and a Master of Artsdegree from York University. He isthe author of: The Last of theDodo’s: Voice of the Two Spirit.

Get your name andyour path will follow

Spencer Rowe

Ray Fadden

Teaching history is political power


UOI in-house ad AEI offering Governance program

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Gimaa/ChiefsGimaa/Chiefs

Chief John F. Bouchard of PaysPlat First Nation wants to work on along-term vision for his community.This includes continuing work onsocial, economic and political issues.

“I am placing a lot of importance on networking with neigh-bouring communities, developing a working relationship withSchreiber, Terrace Bay and Rossport on government issues thataffect small communities in the north,” says Chief Bouchard. “Thisincludes the proposed marine conservation area and access to nat-ural resources.”

On September 6th, 2005 – by a two-vote margin – JohnBouchard narrowly defeated incumbent Chief RaymondGoodchild. All three incumbents for the council seats were re-elected: Rene Wanakamik, Xavier Thompson and FrankAcheepineskum retained their positions on council.

Chief Bouchard and his council will continue to monitor thefeasibility study currently underway for a windpower project. Theproject was undertaken to determine the feasibility of an alternatesource of electricity for Pays Plat and neighbouring communities.

One outstanding issue Chief Bouchard would like to addressduring his term is the resolution of the Land and Larger Land Basedeveloped between Pays Plat and the Ontario Government in 1992.It originally was intended to resolve land and resource issues anddevelop a management regime that would protect treaty andAboriginal rights, water rights and mineral extraction on Pays Plattraditional territory. It has failed to do so thus far.

Chief John F. Bouchard

Vision, networking key goals Chief Dan Couchie was elected into office on Pic River First Nation Sept. 24,

2005.Dan Couchie is new to the role of Chief in Pic River, but not to local politics

or leadership. He sat on the council for three consecutive terms before he decid-ed to run for Chief. This valuable time was the training ground he needed toeventually take the next step. He had taken a couple of years off from local pol-itics just prior to him throwing his name in for Chief because he was nearing hisretirement and wanted to prepare himself and his family for this change.

Chief Dan Couchie is originally from Nipissing First Nation but transferredto Pic River in 1996. He worked in various parts of the country for Parks Canada in his 30-year career with,beginning in 1975 as a Park Warden and eventually moving up to Manager of Resource Conservation beforehe retired.

During a stint at Pucasaw National Park Dan and his wife became closely connected to Pic River FirstNation and found themselves drawn to the community which they later decided to call their home.

While on council, Dan was approached by Chief Roy Michano to sit on the Union of Ontario Indians andProvince of Ontario’s Resource Management Council, where he began learning about the bigger picture ofIndian and non-Indian Politics. Since being elected as Chief, Dan has resigned from the RMC because of hisnew workload and responsibilities.

Chief Couchie has a full plate of local issues to tackle, and housing is at the top of his list. He believesthat a new way of financing the housing program must be found to address the problem of sub-standard homesin so many First Nations. A Housing Authority has been discussed and plans to examine this initiative are con-tinuing. All other programs such as education, health, policing, social services, etc… also work in deficit.“This has to change,” says the new Chief, “The lack of proper funding is holding us back,” he goes on to say.Economic development is also a key to the funding issue. Without a good economic base dependency on gov-ernment funded programs will continue.

Internal policy development is also high on the agenda. Changes to present policies as well as completingand putting into place new policies are things that most First Nations require.

On national issues, Chief Couchie sees self-government as a cautious goal. “We need to be ready for this,” he says, noting that First Nations need to do much preparation before tack-

ling such a monumental task. But he strongly believes in his people and is confident it can be done!

Chief Dan Couchie

Housing tops new chief’sagenda of local issues


Aboriginal OntarioOpen for Businesswww.aboriginalontario.com A Special Report on Economic Development by and

Cassette MediaSmall Business

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By Rick Garrick TORONTO – A troubled youth

from the Chippewas of GeorginaIsland has changed his life aroundand is now well on his way todeveloping his own business, OtterClan Sand Carving.

“I was a rebel,” says NathanBig Canoe, whose grade 12 marksaveraging in the 80’s and 90’searned him the CelebratingStudent Success Award from theYork Region District School Boardlast year. “I got into a lot of trou-ble with the law.”

But when Big Canoe realizedthe bad example he was showinghis four younger brothers and sis-ters, he began to change his lifearound for the better.

“Everything seemed to havehappened for a reason,” Big Canoesays. “You have a choice, youdon’t have to lead that type oflifestyle. You can really make achange and make something ofyour life.”

Big Canoe attended the fifth

annual E-Spirit Aboriginal YouthBusiness Plan Competition inEdmonton, Alberta, where he wasone of 240 Aboriginal youth fromacross Canada chosen to present atrade show exhibit featuring theirown business ideas.

“It was exciting,” Big Canoesays. “It was a great experience. Iloved it.” Although Big Canoe did-n’t win at the E-Spirit competition,he felt he made some good con-

tacts among the other youth andsome of the other participants.

“The whole point of that eventwas to network,” Big Canoe says,noting that he and his two chaper-ones, Dave Jones and IsadorToulouse, were invited to a gather-ing by Susan Aglukark. “It was agreat event – it brought a lot ofAboriginal youth together fromacross Canada. I’m still in contactwith many of them.”

Big Canoe began developingOtter Clan Sand Carving afterdoing research over the past yearon possible business ideas.

“Now we’re partnering withAboriginal artists – we want tofeature their artwork.”

Big Canoe uses a sandblaster,which he and his mother boughtwith their own funds, to etch theAboriginal artwork onto the glassand stone award, promotional anddisplay pieces he plans to marketto Aboriginal organizations andcommunities and tourists in thecentral Ontario region.

“I have always been interestedabout going into business,” BigCanoe said. “Business has alwaysbeen a passion of mine.”

Although Otter Clan SandCarving is currently a home-basedbusiness, Big Canoe plans toupgrade to a different location onthe reserve within the next year.

“We want to get establishedand build a client network first,”he says.

Troubled youth tackles sand-carving business

Nathaniel Big Canoe and another participant in E-Spirit Business Awardsprogram.

Pic River rest stopBonnie Couchie of Pic River FirstNation wants weary travellers toknow about her new cozy one-bedroom guest suite that over-looks the beautiful Pic River. This5-star rest stop features a privatekitchenette, full three-piece bath-room, patio entrance, high-speedinternet access, cable, and phone.It provides brand new, clean andcomfortable accommodations forup to three people with a stunningview of the river. Pic River GuestSuite is now available at 31 RabbitRoad. Pic River First Nation is justminutes off of Hwy. 17 betweenSault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay. For more information contact (807)229-8790 or e-mail her at [email protected].


NIPISSING FN – The membersof Nipissing First Nation have strong-ly endorsed a new Fisheries Law andManagement plan.

“This is a historic day for ourcommunity,” said Chief PhilipGoulais. “Today our people assertedtheir Aboriginal right to determine thefuture of our community and heartilyaffirmed our community’s right tomanage our own fishery.” The final

plebiscite result was 118 votes infavour of the fisheries law and 50against. Two ballots were spoiled.

“This is a resounding endorse-ment of the belief that our peoplehave that we can continue to managethe fishery as we always have. Ourpeople have fished on this lake forcenturies and managed our harvest.We will continue to do that,” addedGoulais.

The Chief went on to add “thisprovides us with a clear mandate tocontinue with our approach includingthe spring fisheries moratorium, theoperation of our fish hatchery and thecontinued implementation of our fish-eries management plan. The nextstep will be the establishment of afisheries market to improve the valueof the harvest.”

Nipissing plans to continue work-

ing with the fishers who have madetheir management efforts such aremarkable success.

“I want to thank the fishermen forthe sacrifices they have made in orderto ensure that there will be fish for ourfuture generations,” said ChiefGoulais. “We will continue to ensurethat their rights are protected and thatthe harvest is carried out in a respon-sible manner.” Chief Philip Goulais

Nipissing strongly approves new fisheries law

DOKIS FN – Tourist and localanglers are placing more pressureon area lakes than the residents ofthe traditional First Nations territo-ries.

The purpose of a recent lakesurvey project was to documenthabitat and the existing fish com-munities to lay a foundation for dif-ferent management options. Someof those options will be developedin the new resource managementplan designed by Jack Restoule,Dokis Economic DevelopmentOfficer.

Seven lakes within the DokisFirst Nation territory were chosen –Harris, Hemlock I and Hemlock II,Migisa, Robin, Trout and Pike –lakes which have been heavilyfished in recent years. All are closeto tourist camps and some are easi-ly accessible by roads.

The lakes were mapped withcomputer program BASS that gives

the contours of the lake bottom.Then habitat was recorded, the mainshoreline features, beaver houses,cottages, and substrate type – cob-ble, bedrock, vegetation. Dissolvedoxygen and temperature profileswere recorded at the deepest spot ofthe lake. Water chemistry wastaken to test for parameters such asChloride, Chlorophyll A,Conductivity, pH, and TotalPhosphorus.

The productivity of a lake canbe determined by classifying it asoligotrophic, mesotrophic, oreutrophic. This in turn relates to thetype of fish species present and thenumber sustainable in the ecosys-tem.

A lake survey net was set tosample small and large local fishspecies, catching bait fish as well asthe sports fish. Minnow traps werealso set to provide a better idea ofthe diversity of forage fish.

Contaminant samples were takenfrom the larger fish to be sent awayfor analysis to provide an estimateof how many fish could be eaten ina year.

Technician Ed Dessen of theAnishinabek/Ontario FisheriesResource Centre headed up theproject with Dokis workers Johnand Mabel Dokis. A/OFRC sum-

mer student Grant Stevens and biol-ogist Kim McIntyre assisted withthe project.. Preliminary resultsindicate that Hemlock I and II havea great number of large mouth bassthat average a pound, rock bass,sunfish, shiners, yellow perch and areport of a northern pike. The habi-tat is ideal with lots of weed beds.

Pike Lake’s main predator was

the northern pike, but also had agood forage base with perch andpumpkinseed species. The surprisewas the lonely walleye caught,thought to have been stocked 20years ago. The habitat favours thenorthern pike with weedy shallowbeds. This lake has easy road accessless than five minutes from DokisFirst Nation.

John and Mabel Dokis assist in project to survey lakes in Dokis First Nation traditional territory.

Dokis FN monitoringangler ‘pressure’

Elder Art Meawasige from Serpent River First Nation shows some ofthe incidental catches by non-Native commercial fishermen.

The Resource Management Council (RMC) has begun to devel-op a strategy to address fisheries issues between the AnishinabekNation and the Province of Ontario.

A new Fisheries Management Working Group (FMWG) wasformed out of a meeting involving Isadore Day, Serpent River FirstNation, Mark Muschette, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR),and Jason Laronde, RMC Coordinator, Union of Ontario Indians.The new committee will also be involving the Anishinabek/OntarioFisheries Resource Centre to assist in fisheries expertise, communi-cations and liaison with First Nations.

SAULT STE MARIE –Aquaculture joined economic devel-opment and governance on the agen-da of the 12th Annual CANDO(Council for the Advancement forNative Development Officers) con-ference Oct.17-21.

Aquaculture, the farming of fish,shellfish and aquatic plants generatessafe, high quality seafood for con-sumers and is now the fastest growingfood production sector in the world.

“Significant opportunities existfor Aboriginal communities to devel-op more meaningful participation infisheries and aquaculture” ChiefPatrick Madahbee told conferencedelegates. “This includes the potentialfor synergistic integration of thesesectors through avenues such as pro-cessing, marketing, transportation,infrastructure, enhancement, etc.”

Among First Nations in Ontario,Chief Madahbee’s home communityof Aundeck Omni Kaning was anaquaculture pioneer. In response tohigh unemployment within the com-munity, the First Nation began todevelop an aquaculture venture thatwould generate sustainable, year-round employment. The community’slimited land base restricted opportuni-ties in forestry and other resource-based activities, but the availability of

suitable near-shore sites for cage cul-ture of rainbow trout in GeorgianBay’s North Channel presented anattractive opportunity.

In 1992, following careful plan-ning and training,Wabuno FishFarm waslaunched. Fouryears later, theBand establishedWabuno FishProcessors – aprocessing ven-ture providingmore control overquality and mar-keting and increased employmentopportunities.

In spite of several challenges,Wabuno Fish Farm and Wabuno FishProcessors continue to operate asdivisions of the Ojibways of SuckerCreek Economic DevelopmentCorporation.

From less than 11,000 tonnes ofproduction having a value of $35 mil-lion in 1986, Canadian aquacultureoutput increased at an average annualrate in excess of 19% by the turn ofthe century. By 2002, productionapproached 177,000 tonnes valued at$639 million. Today, aquaculture'scontribution to the Canadian seafood

industry is significant, representing13% of total seafood production and21% of total value, demonstrating theeconomic importance of aquaculturein Canada.

The industry offers real potentialfor strategic job creation, particularlyin rural and coastal communities andit provides processors with a depend-able, year-round supply of products.Acting in a supporting role to the wildfishery, it fills a complementary nichein export markets.

Based on a culture of co-existencewith land and water, Aboriginal com-munities in the Great Lakes basinhave a history of fishing for food, cer-emony and commerce that precedesthe arrival of European settlers. In thelate 1800s and early 1900s, fish popu-lations were decimated by large Euro-Canadian and American fishing fleetsin Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Thesupply of the most valuable speciesdeclined due to over-exploitation andhabitat alteration. Nevertheless, thefishery remains a core economicactivity of Aboriginal communitiesaround Georgian Bay, however,Aboriginal participation in the $6.5million commercial fishery on LakeHuron is nominal as the major benefitfrom the resource accrues to non-Aboriginal interests.

Fishing strategy developed

Fish farming on economic agenda

Chief PatrickMadahbee


CommunicationCommunication

By Dave DaleFor The Nugget

NORTH BAY – A unique part-nership between the North BayNugget and the Union of OntarioIndians has won national recogni-tion.

The Niijii Circle page, withcontent produced by the UOI’sAnishinabek News and publishedin The Nugget’s Saturday editions,earned Honourable Mention in theCanadian Race RelationsFoundation’s 2005 Awards ofExcellence.

The initiative will be listedamong 20 of the top anti-racismprojects from across Canada in the

foundation’s Best PracticesReader, posted on its website anddistributed widely across the coun-try.

Niijii is an eastern Ojibwaword for friends. Maurice Switzer,UOI director of communications,said the the Niijii Circle partner-ship was among 75 nominationsjudged by the foundation this year.

“Aboriginal people are readingit . . . I know it’s being read,”Switzer said, adding the Saturdaypage has been published for morethan 170 weeks and only missedonce due to the Ontario blackout in2003.

Its popularity, he said, stems

from its variety of content andtone.

“Public education…most ofthe material would fall under theheading of public education,” hesaid, referring to event coverage orfeatures about Native people. “It’snot preaching, but just telling peo-ple what’s going on.”

Niijii pages feature a mix ofbusiness profiles and human inter-est stories, as well as some politi-cal content, most of which alsoappear in the UOI’s monthlyAnishinabek News.

This same collaboration wonThe Nugget recognition in theNipissing and District HumanRights Hall of Fame two years agoas part of the International Day forthe Elimination of RacialDiscrimination.

Managing editor John Size saidthe Niijii Circle page is an impor-tant addition to The Nugget’sweekend package, offering uniquecultural perspectives in a consis-tent package.

“It provides a broader perspec-tive that can benefit all readers,”Size said.

Switzer said national exposurefor the Niijii Circle may give otherorganizations and newspapers aready-made model to address thelack of understanding betweenNative communities and main-stream media.

“It gives readers a greaterunderstanding of aboriginal issues,while building relationshipsbetween Native and non-nativecommunities,” he said. “I hopeother organizations and newspa-pers make similar partnerships.”

Switzer, a former publisher ofseveral daily newspapers and for-mer communications director withthe Assembly of First Nations, saidevery effort to improve under-standing of Native issues is worth-while.

“I don’t always agree witheverything The Nugget publishes,but this is a sign The Nugget feelsit’s important that Native peopleand their organizations haveaccess to the newspaper . . . andthat’s more than most newspapersdo,” he added.

Maurice Switzer, left, director of communications for the Union of Ontario Indians and John Size, the North BayNugget’s managing editor, proof a Niijii Circle page. The page – containing Anishinabek News articles – is pub-lished in each Saturday's edition of the daily newspaper, and was cited as a best practice by the Canadian RaceRelations Foundation. – Photo by Paul Chivers, The Nugget

News partnership wins award

BELLEVILLE – A brand new Aboriginal women’s publication enti-tled EarthTALKER has just launched from the Quinte area!EarthTALKER is a bi-weekly newsletter for the contemporary aborigi-nal woman. 5000 free copies will be distributed to the public atAboriginal businesses, administration offices, and First Nations organi-zations across Ontario.

Sheila Desjarlais is the owner and publisher of EarthTALKER. Ms.Desjarlais, originally from Wasauksing First Nation, is quiet andreserved; seemingly not at all the type of person who would be the driv-ing force behind such a unique and inspiring new business venture. Aresident of the Quinte area for almost ten years, Ms. Desjarlais enteredthe Self-Employment Benefit Program (SEB) offered by the PrinceEdward Lennox & Addington (PELA) Community FuturesDevelopment Corporation, After completing a six week intensive busi-ness planning course hosted by Trenval, Sheila has unveiledEarthTALKER to rave reviews from readers.

Based in Belleville, EarthTALKER will be an integral link andresource for Aboriginal families and organizations whose vision is toreclaim traditional teachings and values that help to guide everydaylives. Available in glossy print, and on-line, this eight-page newsletter isdedicated to promoting respect for Aboriginal womanhood, protectingthe balance within families, personifying roles and responsibilities, andproviding a forum for celebrating aboriginal women and their gifts!

Reader’s of EarthTALKER will find current news articles, rolemodel/success story, health news, a DreamSeekers section which show-cases artwork, poetry and storytelling from our children, program pro-files that outline successful aboriginal community initiatives and much,much more!

Subscriptions for EarthTALKER are available to individuals andorganizations in singles as well as in quantities of 10 and 20 copies.

Sponsors wishing to advertise in the newsletter can do so by calling613-771-1610, or by sending an email to: [email protected]

Aboriginal women wishing to share their stories, to subscribe, ororganizations wishing to profile your community program, should con-tact EarthTALKER at: telephone/fax: 613-771-1610 or by email:[email protected] or by regular mail at 191 Ann Street, Unit B,Belleville, ON. K8N 3L2.

Wasauksing womanlaunches new magazine

NIPISSING FN – The popularCTV network morning showCanada AM will be doing a livebroadcast from NbisiingSecondary School on Thursday.Nov. 17 beginning at 6:30 am inthe gymnasium.

“This is such a perfect oppor-tunity to highlight the school as

well as the uniqueness of our com-munity,” said principal MurielSawyer.

“Imagine we will be on nation-al TV for others to see how greatour community really is and howproud we are of our school andwhat we are trying to accomplishfor Aboriginal education.”

Nbisiing on Canada AM

First Nation, first snowflakesClaudio Warneboldt, left, and Canada World Youth program supervisorHeather Hossie, right, enjoy Jacob Mwailemale's delight at touching hisfirst snowflake. A contingent of 20 young people from Tanzania, Kenya,and Canada participated in a cross-cultural workshop staged by theUnion of Ontario Indians communications unit at the UOI head office atNipissing First Nation. – Photo by Ryan Carmichael


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LITTLE NHL PLANNERS – On hand for the press conference announcing plans for the 2006 Little NHLTournament were, from left, executive members Chico Ralf and Clarence Lewis, Shannon Bebamash, LittleNHL Coordinator, president George Francis, SudburyCouncillor Ron Dupuis, and Rob Skelly, Manager ofMarketing and Tourism for the Greater City of Sudbury.

By Candalee BeattySUDBURY – “The puck drops in 152 days,” Sudbury city council-

lor Ron Dupuis reminded those attending a press conference announcingdetails about the 35th anniversary edition of the Little NHL hockey tour-nament.

Launched 35 years ago in Little Current, the Little Native HockeyLeague has grown from a modest 17 teams to more than 120 expected toplay this year when the tournament is held in Sudbury March 12-16,2006.

The three founding communities – Whitefish River First Nation,Aundeck Omni Kaning and M’Chigeeng First Nation – were the first tohost the event and this year it will be hosted by the Little NHL executivecommittee. This year’s theme “Past, Present and Future Stars.”

“It will be bigger and better than ever before,” said George Francis,Little NHL President. “For me, it’s always fun to watch the younger kidslike the tykes at the tournament.” Francis has five grandchildren whowill be competing in the tournament, which is being staged in Sudburyfor the sixth time in ten years.

“We’re happy the executive board chose Sudbury,” said CouncillorDupuis. “It’s more than just a hockey tournament. It’s a big reunion forAboriginal people from across the province. We want to make everyonefeel welcome.”

The tournament is expected to use nine Sudbury arenas with over2500 participants playing 300 games, resulting in an economic spin-offof about $5 million. It is anticipated that all available accommodationsin Sudbury and area will be booked solid, forcing many to book hotelsas far away as North Bay and Espanola.

Registration deadline for the 2006 Little NHL will be a strict Dec. 16,2005. There will also be an early-bird registration of Nov. 18, providingearly registrants the chance to win one free registration during the 2007Little NHL Tournament. Any registrations received after the deadlineswill be put on a waiting list.

Shannon Bebamash, Little NHL Coordinator, says there will benightly entertainment starting with an Alumni Night, Casino Night, aTeen Dance, and Cultural Activities which will be sponsored and pro-vided by Laurentian University’s Native Programs and Services.

More information about the 2006 Little NHL Tournament can beobtained by contacting Shannon Bebamash at (705) 377-5307 or [email protected].

Sudbury braces for2500 Little NHLers

Country goldCJ Esquimaux (8) ofAundeck-Omni-KaningFirst Nation displays hisfour gold medals hereceived in cross-coun-try victories this season.CJ, a Grade 4 studentat Little Current PublicSchool who has beenrunning competitivelyfor three years, placedfirst in his age categoryat the Annual Baron’sInvitational, Sept. 30thin North Bay, the Oct.6th Wasse-AbinInvitational inWikwemikong, the 33rdAnnual Wiky 10 kmRoad Race on Oct. 16thand the Island Cross-Country ChampionshipsOct.19th in Gore Bay.

By Maheengun ShawandaAanii, Boozhoo, Hello!This year, our theme

for the Anishinaa-bemowin Teg LanguageConference is “Kwii-anishinaabemtoowag nag d i - b i n o o j i i n m a gnongo?” (“Will you speakthe language to your chil-dren today?”) The confer-ence will be held March30, 31, April 1 - 2, 2006 atthe Kewadin Casino andConvention Centre inSault Ste. Marie,Michigan.

Last year, over 1100Anishinaabe from acrossthe North America partic-ipated in a variety ofinformative workshopsand sessions.

We had new-to-fluentspeakers of variousdialects and tribes whichcontinue to strengthen ourlanguage. There was a

wonderful banquet whichshowcased the scholar-ship recipients and anevening of entertainment.We also had our countryho-down / step danceevening and our culturalevening with traditionalfeast.

The first 500 delegatesto register for the confer-ence by the early registra-tion deadline ofWednesday, February 1st,2006 will be entered in adraw to win:

Two night’s accom-modationDinner for two at the Dream Catchers RestaurantTwo free conference registrationsTwo banquet ticketsSurprise Kewadin packageTwo entertainment tickets at Kewadin

CasinoSurprise Anishinaabemowin Teg gift bagOnce again, scholar-

ship applications are pro-vided by language teach-ers for students in elemen-tary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, aswell as students currentlyenrolled in any Ojibwaylanguage program. Thescholarships are availablein the amount of $100.00CAD for elementaryschools / high school upto $500.00 CAD for col-lege and university.

Pre-registration pay-ment of $150 Can. withregistration form must bereceived in our office by:Wednesday, February 1st,2006

Please contact us formore information at:

Anishinaabemowin

Teg Inc., 135 AmberStreet, Sault Ste. Marie,Ontario, P6A 6M5

Telephone: (705) 9429909. Email: anishi-

[email protected] Website:http://www.anishinabek.ca/Language%20Conference/index.asp


Anishinaabemowin Teg Inc.Language Conference

6” x 7.5”

Nishnaabewin/CultureNishnaabewin/Culture

Pic Mobertad

4” x 6”

(I left a message for Skip on The Standard’s answering machine Tues., Nov. 15th

confirming the only space left forthe Pic Mobert ad was 4” x 6”

not 6” x 6” as earlier requested. - Deb)

DOKIS HOSTS WILD FEAST –Dokis First Nation EldersCommittee held the second WildFood Feast Oct. 30, raising over$900 for a trip to Nashville.Community donations helped pro-vide a menu of wild boar, squirrel,beaver, moose, deer, and fish, andmembers of Anishinabek PoliceServices volunteered their time asservers.

– Photo by Sarah Gammon

Wheels in motion for 12thannual language conference

Noodin Niimebin (Wind Dancer)


Native Studies #1Full Page


AnishinabekAnishinabek

Canadore College Board of Governors

6” x 8”

Angela Recollet, Herb Nabigon, Taima Moeke-Pickering, Sheila Hardy and Dr. Pamela Toulouse, insidethe teepee at Laurentian University in Sudbury.

By Heather CampbellSUDBURY – Taima Moeke-Pickering, a Maori

of the Ngati Pukeko and Tuhoe tribes in NewZealand, delivered an Oct. 20 presentation “Bringingout the best in Indigenous Peoples” to a University ofSudbury audience.

Head of the School, Te Toi-a-Kiwa: School ofMaori, Pasifika and Indigenous Studies at WaikatoInstitute of Technology in Hamilton, New Zealand,she discussed how indigenous values towards educa-tion are different, and if applied, how that perspec-tive can enhance student learning. She cited a Maoriproverb: “I am the family and the family is me” toillustrate the need for students to bring their person-al identity to the learning journey, which comes fromfamily and community. Educators can help their stu-dents on the journey of learning. In non-indigenousapproaches, the self is deducted from the learningexperience, Moeke-Pickering said.

“Identity-based learning means students write

with more richness, more dialogue in the classroomand less stereotyping as they share more about theirown identity,” says Moeke-Pickering.

An advocate for the development of Maori-basedand indigenous education programs, she assistedwith the development of the first Maori counsellingprogram in New Zealand in 1992. She has beenworking with Laurentian professors since 2004,making several visits between Canada and NewZealand. Sheila Hardy, Associate Professor, atLaurentian has been collaborating with Moeke-Pickering and was excited to have her Maori col-league to meet with students and continue buildingthe relationship between the two schools.

They are developing an exchange program forstaff and students to share similarities and build ontheir strengths as indigenous peoples. Several NativeHuman Services professors will be attending aninternational conference on indigenous studies inNew Zealand to present research papers.

Putting the ‘I’ in education

SUDBURY – The second annual Aboriginal Secondary School AwardsBanquet held for Sudbury and area students was such a success that partnersUnited Way of Sudbury and White Buffalo Road are already planning nextyear’s event.

“We had over 200 students, families and friends attend the banquet with11 different award categories for the students,” says Vince Pawis, committeechair. “Receiving these awards builds self esteem in our younger generationand we can see over the past two years how it inspires them to reach high-er.” Some of the categories include Academic, Artistic, Athletics,Community Service, Leadership and a new category, Cultural Recognition.Teachers in city schools nominate students for the awards. Students graduat-ing from Grade 12 receive a certificate and the opportunity to win a laptopcomputer generously donated by Chief Ian Davidson of the Greater SudburyPolice Service.

The 36 students honoured at this year’s banquet heard guest speakerSarah Beaudry, a graduate of Lasalle Secondary School and national-levelrunner, encourage them to never give up going after their dreams.

Sudbury honours studentsKerry Assiniwe presents Cultural Recognition Award to Dustin Homer,Donovan Peltier and Leila Two Bears.

By Les CouchieDave Lamothe, owner of Carte

Blanche Promotional Products hasbeen supporting the Union ofOntario Indians and theAnishinabek Nation 7thGeneration Charities since 1995.

Since the very start of our rela-tionship, David would help outwith small internal recognitionawards and giveaways for programuse, like the trophy he provided onvery short notice to recognize roadhockey supremacy between Unionof Ontario Indians staff and stu-dents at Nbisiing SecondarySchool. (The school won 4-3.)

David supports many organiza-tions in the City of North Bay aswell as our charity, including theHeritage Festival and many sportsteams all year long.

A spiritual man, David says hesupports the Aboriginal communi-ty because he believes in compas-sion and love.

“We are all called to action inthis life and my passion is to helpthose who have no noticeablevoice – abused women, the voiceof a child who is in need and theelderly,” he says.

“In meeting Les some ten years

ago, I had a realization that he wasthe vehicle I was to use. I believein this charity in a profound man-ner and have given more to it thanany other.”

On one occasion I receivedword that a woman suffering fromMS needed a hospital bed to comehome – she said she didn’t want todisturb other patients by screamingfrom the pain she was enduring.She wanted to go home so shecould be with family and not worryabout disturbing other patients.David Lamothe helped PeterMcKeown and myself do what wasnecessary to get this woman in herhome within 24 hours. Later shepassed away, but all of us knew weplayed a small part in preservingher dignity and giving her what shewanted, her loving family 24 hoursa day.

Not a week goes by that Daveand I don’t talk, about business,but also about the needs of thecharity. Dave is a small business-man and to commit to $5000 a yearis a big challenge. I am sure abo-riginal small business owners outthere understand how much workis required to “give away” $5,000of your revenues.

Garda Westenenk, Fulfillment Program Co-ordinator with DaveLamothe, President and Gary Westenenk, Operations Manager.

Lamothe a believer


Native Studies #2Full Page


Cossette Media Canadian Heritage

10.25” x 5”

Cossette Media Public Works

8” x 6”

Adeline Marie Michano, 84,of Pic River First Nation wentpeacefully on All Saint's Day,November 1, 2005 surroundedby her family in MarathonWilson Memorial Hospital 25days after her 84th birthday.

Adeline was a loving moth-er, grandmother, great grand-mother and elder of Pic RiverFirst Nation. Adeline had a bigheart and she gave much tothose around her. She was bornon her parents’ trapline nearDalton, Ontario area on October8, 1921. She weighed fourpounds when she was born, andher determination to survive andbe with her family was much apart of who she was. Adeline’smom was Sarah (nee)Finlayson, her dad, AbrahamDesmoulin, and step-momDinah Shaganash (widow ofMoses Twance).

Adeline exchanged vows inmarriage with her life partnerMatt Michano on October 9,1939 in Pic River First Nation.

Her son Roy, long-timeChief of Pic River, has been aninspiration to many because ofhis leadership abilities and dedi-cation to community. Grannywas truly proud of his accom-plishments as Chief and theaccomplishments and dreams ofall her children, and family.

Spirit JourneyAdeline Marie Michano (neeDesmoulin)

Kina Gbezhgomi Child andFamily Services Foster CareProgram is located inWikwemikong and services all theFirst Nation communities of theManitoulin Island area. KinaGbezhgomi is looking for commit-ted families to care for the follow-ing children:

Zack is an affectionate, curi-ous, energetic boy who will beentering grade 5 soon. Parents whoare seriously committed to a long-term permanent placement but arewilling to support this child with

occasional family access would bethe perfect candidates. Zack’s his-tory includes several family andfoster placements that have beenunable to commit to his long termneeds. Due to the various place-ments that Zack has experienced,several support systems have beenput in place to meet his emotionalneeds. These existing services willcontinue as long as Zack requiresthem in his life. He is a healthyyoung boy who enjoys reading,video games and playing withfriends. He would do well with a

family that can devote the one-to-one attention he requires and wouldalso benefit from a strong male rolemodel in his life. Although it maytake a short time to help Zack settlein, he will be a welcome addition toany family.

Tom is an active youth whoenjoys riding his bike, dirt biking,as well as playing video games.Tom is in the need of a regularlong-term placement or a familythat is willing to have him on a rou-tine basis to ensure that, if he cannot reside within his communityfull time, he can at least exerciseaccess to his community and cul-ture on weekends and special occa-

sions. Tom requires a family that is

willing to put forth an effort inmaking a difference in the lifetimeof a child. The interested familywould need to have patience,understanding and the willingnessto help this young man establish asense of belonging and pride. Welook forward to hearing from yourfamily if you are able to open yourheart and home to this young man.

If you are interested in openingyour heart and home for a child,please contact Sophie at 705-859-1010, Kina Gbezhgomi Child &Family Services Foster CareDepartment.

Will you be my parent?


The Fort William First Nation-Bowater sawmill project – representing an $80-million investment for the Thunder Bay area economy – is in jeopardybecause of failure by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to keep a four-year-old promise to "expedite" transfer of the sawmill site to reserve land status.

1999: An 1,100 acre parcel of the RailwayTaking Lands, expropriated from the reserve in1905 to make way for the Grand Trunk PacificRailway, was returned to the band by CN for a$10 price tag and an agreement from the band totake over most of the liabilities pertaining to thatland. 2000: Negotiations begin between Fort WilliamFirst Nation and Bowater to build and lease asawmill building. 2001: Minister of Indian and Northern AffairsCanada Bob Nault promises to “expedite” theATR (Additions to Reserve) process for thelands, encouraging Fort William First Nation andBowater to sign a 20-year agreement to buildand lease a sawmill building and property withthe understanding that the property would bereserve land before construction was completedand therefore not subject to land taxes. FortWilliam First Nation also negotiated an agree-ment with the City of Thunder Bay for no tax losscompensation when the ATR process is complet-ed. INAC contributes $7 million towards the $64.5million sawmill, FedNor commits $500,000towards environmental cleanup, the Royal Bankprovides a $7.5 million mortgage to the band forthe project, and Bowater invests about $70 mil-lion in equipment and training. Jan. 2002: PCB’s are discovered during excava-tion of the building site, requiring $1.24 million inenvironmental cleanup costs, of which INAC cov-ered $420,000 on top of the $500,000 alreadyprovided by FedNor. Aug. 2002: Franz Environ-mental produces areport entitled the Gap Analysis, FieldInvestigation and Post Remediation AssessmentBowater Site. Sept. 2002: The band is advised that anEnvironmental Regulatory Regime will berequired before completion of the ATR process. March 2003: The ATR process identifies addi-tional environmental requirements and costs. May 2003: Franz Environ-mental produces aRemedial Option Report for Public WorksCanada and INAC Lands and Trust. June 2003: The sawmill is completed and beginsoperation with 150 employees, of which about 30per cent are First Nations citizens. July 2003: INAC outlines issues to be addressedand develops a comprehensive Action Listchanging its requirement of an EnvironmentalRegime to a Site Specific Risk Assessment andEnvironmental Priority and Action Plan. At issueis a Regulatory Gap in environmental legislationas the land is transferred from provincial to fed-eral jurisdiction. The Department of Justice willnot advise Canada to take over the lands as longas the Regulatory Gap exists. Sept. 2003: The sawmill is assessed $1.5 mil-lion in land taxes, payable to the City of ThunderBay. Oct. 2003: INAC and band staff complete a com-prehensive Action List of items required to com-plete the ATR process. June 2004: Lands and Trust raises Third Partyand Title issues. July 2004: INAC advises the band that they areresponsible for the estimated cost of $130,000 todeal with the ATR issues identified by the depart-ment as Third Party issues. Sept. 2004: The City of Thunder Bay notifies theband of their intention to seek collection of thetaxes on the sawmill site. Oct. 2004: The band is advised that INACLegislative Projects is drafting The First NationIndustrial and Commercial Development Bill,which will deal with the Environmental Gapissue. Dec. 2004: The band loses their request for aninjunction to prevent the City of Thunder Bayfrom collecting taxes on the CN lands, includingthe sawmill site. Jan. 2005: The City of Thunder Bay begins toseize Bowater’s lease payments for rental of thesawmill building and site. Sept. 2005: Chief Peter Collins of Fort WilliamFirst Nation and Luke Drapeau, general manag-er of Bowater sawmills for Ontario, cut a two-by-four to officially open the Bowater sawmill. Oct. 2005: Chief Collins states that, in a worst-case scenario, the band will be forced to sell thesawmill and Railway Taking lands. Nov. 2005: Chief Collins plans to give support tothe The First Nation Industrial and CommercialDevelopment Bill, which INAC introduced toParliament to deal with Environmental Gapissues.

Canadagrabbedbest lands

By Rick Garrick THUNDER BAY – Although

Indian and Northern AffairsCanada staff and local politicianssay they want to help, Fort WilliamFirst Nation is getting nowhere fastwith their ATR (Additions toReserve) process for the RailwayTaking lands and Bowater sawmill.

“Fort William First Nation ispouring thousands of dollars amonth into taxes that all parties –including the federal government –have agreed should not bepayable,” said Fort William FirstNation Chief Peter Collins.“Minister (Robert) Nault promisedthe sawmill site would be returnedto reserve status long before anyproperty taxes would be payable.That was the underlying economicpremise that all parties proceededon.”

Shortly after construction onthe state-of-the-art sawmill wascompleted and operations began in2003, the building and propertywere assessed $1.5 million in landtaxes, payable to the City ofThunder Bay.

In Sept. 2004, the City beganseeking payment of the taxeswhich have accumulated to about$4 million, eventually winning acourt battle in Jan. 2005 that gavethem the right to seize Bowater’s$104,000 monthly lease paymentsto the band for rental of thesawmill building and property.

“We’re obligated by law to col-lect taxes,” said Thunder BayMayor Lynn Peterson. “The (notax loss compensation) agreementis that when it (the sawmill site)becomes reserve land, there will beno taxes.”

Although the City of ThunderBay is seizing all of Fort WilliamFirst Nation’s income from thesawmill and thereby forcing it intofinancial problems due to the mort-

gage payments that the Royal Bankcontinues to draw from the band’soperating funds, Peterson said theCity continues to support theBowater sawmill project and theATR process.

“We support their position,”Peterson said. “It’s got to go intofederal reserve.”

“But until that happens, we’reobligated to collect taxes.”

The Railway Taking lands,which includedall of the band’sarable land andthe communitysite, wereexpropriated in1905 by the fed-eral governmentto make way forthe Grand TrunkPacific Railway.

After CN returned an 1,100acre parcel of those lands in 1999for a $10 price tag and an agree-ment from Fort William FirstNation to take over most of the lia-bility issues on the land, the bandbegan negotiations with Bowaterto build a sawmill which Bowaterwould operate.

Nault’s promise as then-minis-ter of INAC in 2001 to “expedite”the ATR process encouraged nego-tiations between Fort William FirstNation and Bowater, leading to a20-year agreement to build andlease a sawmill building and prop-erty with the understanding that theproperty would be reserve landbefore construction was completedand therefore not subject to landtaxes. Fort William First Nationalso negotiated an agreement withthe City of Thunder Bay for no taxloss compensation when the ATRprocess was completed.

But once the agreements weresigned and construction began,problems began to surface.

Like PCB’s. That’s when the federal gov-

ernment began backtracking onNault’s promise, first coming upwith an Environmental RegulatoryRegime, then additional environ-mental requirements, then a com-prehensive Action List changing itsrequirement of an EnvironmentalRegime to a Site Specific RiskAssessment and EnvironmentalPriority and Action Plan, and then

a group of ThirdParty and Titleissues which allhave to be com-pleted to finishthe ATR process.

Chief Collinsis frustrated withthe constantchanges in thefederal govern-

ment’s position. “We keep going through these

issues,” Collins said. “We fulfillthose issues (and) they keep com-ing back with more issues. I don’tknow how many times.”

John Higham, a director ofINAC’s Lands and Trust ServicesOntario Region, said INAC is try-ing to work with the band andBowater to implement an environ-mental regime for the sawmill site.

“We’re trying to find a way towork with the community and theoperator (Bowater) to have anenvironmental regime around it(the sawmill site),” Higham said.“We’re trying to find a way to reg-ulate it provincially.”

Even though the band hadnothing to do with the pollution ofthe lands, which were owned byfirst the Grand Trunk PacificRailway and then the CanadianNational Railway, they are beingforced to deal with environmentalissues in order to prevent aRegulatory Gap in environmental

legislation as the land is transferredfrom provincial to federal jurisdic-tion. The federal government’sDepartment of Justice will notadvise Canada to take over thelands as long as the RegulatoryGap exists.

“We took the liability out oftheir hands,” Collins said aboutCN. “But we didn’t say we wouldtake the PCB’s out of their hands.”

As a last ditch measure, ChiefCollins planned to go to Ottawa inearly November to give support tothe The First Nation Industrial andCommercial Development Bill,which INAC introduced toParliament to deal withEnvironmental Gap issues.

Local MP Ken Boshcoff hasbeen trying to encourage FortWilliam First Nation and INAC tokeep working together.

“My role is to help move theprocess along,” Boshcoff said.“I’m absolutely sure the Ministerof Indian and Northern AffairsCanada (Andy Scott) wants to seethis through.”

Unfortunately, both Bowaterand Fort William First Nation havesaid they are at risk if the situationis not resolved soon.

“If it doesn’t, Bowater is atrisk,” said Gordon Manuel, direc-tor of government affairs atBowater’s corporate office inSouth Carolina.

“We’re running out ofresources and time,” Collins said.“In the worst case scenario, wewould sell the building and proper-ty.”

Anishinabek Grand CouncilChief John Beaucage says “FortWilliam First Nation was supposedto be the poster child for buildingeconomies among First Nations.”

“Fort William took the risk tobuild an economy and now they'rebeing punished for it.”

Federal government foot-draggingjeopardizes First Nation sawmill

“We fulfill those issues(and) they keep comingback with more issues. I don’t know how many

times.”– Chief Peter Collins

During the 1800’s and early1900’s Fort William First Nationhad all its valuable reserve lands,including the community site, thearable farm lands, the riverfrontlands and the best lakefront lands,taken away by the federal govern-ment, who then gave those landsto new settlers and big companies.

TORONTO – The PoliticalOffice and Intergovernmental Affairshave been involved in intensive dis-cussions with regard to the GreatLakes Charter, Annex 2001. Thefocus has been in jointly developing aconsultation process that will ensurethat First Nations jurisdiction is rec-ognized and applied with Ontario’sresponsibilities under the AnnexImplementation Agreements.

Although a proposal was tabled ata meeting in late-September, aresponse has not been provided bythe Ministry of Natural Resources,the lead agency which negotiated the

agreements on behalf of Ontario. Arequest for a meeting with theMinister has not been accommodat-ed.

“We are at a cross-roads here.”said Grand Council Chief JohnBeaucage. “The negotiations havebeen completed and the chance formeaningful consultation is no longerpossible. The government hasexpressed interest in working with us,but will that be enough?” The Unionof Ontario Indians have engaged theProvince via the Minister’s office andhas presented a number of demandsin the face of a UOI judicial applica-

tion to the Ontario Court.These demands included:A jointly-developed consultation

strategy on the AnnexImplementation Agreements;

Joint discussion and commitmentto including First Nations decision-making capacity/on-going consulta-tion within Ontario’s implementationrole and a long-term role for FirstNations decision-makers, post-agree-ment;

Funding a proposal for adequateresources and time to implement thejointly developed consultation strate-gy.

Re-introduction of a proposal toinclude First Nation-US Tribes deci-

sion-making capacity into the Implementation Agreements. “The need to proper consultation is a necessary part of recognizing

our jurisdiction on the Great Lakes,”said Grand Council Chief JohnBeaucage. “We recognize the authority of theGovernment of Ontario in negotiatingthese agreements on behalf of theircitizens. However, our rights havebeen blatantly overlooked here.”

However, a significant turn ofevents may see substantive last-minute changes to the AnnexImplementation Agreements. This isof concern to the UOI and to environ-mental organizations, given that theconsultation that took place in July-August 2005 did not include thesenew development.

Certain parties to the negotia-tions, have introduced substantivechanges put forward by strongAmerican lobby groups, including achange that would allow forincreased diversions for bottledwater.

“These changes in the AnnexImplementation Agreement certainlyconcern us and we need the ability toinfluence the decision-makingprocess and vocalize our oppositionin an official capacity,” added GrandCouncil Chief Beaucage.

“This process is flawed, and Idon’t know if our concerns can beaddressed by the Government ofOntario.”

A letter is being sent to MinisterDavid Ramsay, and a discussion wasscheduled to take place on October

25 at a meeting with the Ministerand Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Political Office Calendar


The Union of OntarioIndians is staging a SpecialAssembly in Sault Ste. Marieon November 16 -17, 2005 atthe Watertower Inn.

Agenda items include:Natural ResourcesInter-treaty HarvestingGreat Lakes CharterAnnexSelf-GovernmentHealth Blueprint/Health AccordResolution 2005-12 – Regional Chiefs & Deputy Grand Chief Positions of

the Anishinabek NationResolution 2005-13 – Direction to the Union of Ontario Indians to Complete a Review of Corporate Relationships

Special assembly in Sault

First Nations gear upfor Aboriginal summit

OTTAWA – First Nations lead-ers have high expectations for aNov. 25 First Ministers’ Meetingin Kelowna, British Columbia.Media reports predict majorannouncements to come out of themeeting involving housing, eco-nomic development, and healthissues affectiung Aboriginal peo-ples in Canada.

At the September 13, 2004Special Meeting between FirstMinisters and Aboriginal leaders,Prime Minister Paul Martin madethe following commitment:

“…the Federal, Provincial andTerritorial Governments are com-mitted to working with AboriginalLeaders to convene a FirstMinisters’ Meeting dedicated toAboriginal issues including thecritical determinants of health.”

FMMs are called annually bythe Prime Minister to discussissues of importance as needed(i.e. release of Royal CommissionReports). They are typicallyattended only by Premiers andtheir immediate support staff (e.g.senior advisors and Ministers).FMMs are closed to the public andthe media, with a press conferencefollowing to provide a debrief ofthe discussions and announce anynew initiatives to the public. ThePrime Minister is always the firstto address the media.

Attendance at the FirstMinisters’ Meeting is by invitationonly. The security level at FMMsis high. Officials and media mustpresent credentials to have accessto the meeting or the press confer-ence.

Planning for FMMs is carriedout by the CanadianIntergovernmental ConferenceSecretariat, and with officialsfrom the Privy Council Offices’Intergovernmental AffairsSecretariat.

In February 2005, the FMMplanning process began with thecreation of a Streeting Committee,Operations “Designates”Subcommittee, and several dis-tinction-based Working Groups.

Three priority WorkingGroups were formed based on thethree areas of discussion at theFMM: Housing, Education andRelationships. Reports and draftdiscussion documents werebrought to the operationalSubcommittee on August 19,2005.

Grand Council Chief JohnBeaucage has been the co-chair ofthe Housing Working Group, andhas taken a leadership role in theRelationships Sub-committee whois drafting the key documents thatwill be discussed at the FirstMinisters’ Meeting.

November 1-3: AFN Special Chiefs Assembly (FMM), Regina, SKNovember 8: Ipperwash Inquiry Part 2 Session, Ft. William First NationNovember 10: Ipperwash Inquiry Part 2 Session, Garden River First NationNovember 14: UOI Annual Staff Meeting, Head Office, Nipissing First NationNovember 16-17: UOI Special Chiefs Assembly, Sault Ste. Marie, ONNovember 18: Aboriginal Law Symposium, Toronto, ONNovember 21: Metis Harvesting Awareness Day, Alban, ONNovember 21: Urban Aboriginal Strategy Meeting, Toronto, ONNovember 22: Aboriginal Beat Conference, Thunder Bay, ONNovember 23: Ipperwash Inquiry Part 2 Session, Mnjikaning First NationNovember 24: Southeast Region Chiefs Meeting, Pikwakanagan First NationNovember 23: Ipperwash Inquiry Part 2 Session, Toronto ONNovember 25-27: Canadian Aboriginal Festival, Toronto, ONDecember 1: Regional Investment Management Board, Toronto, ON

Great Lakes process at ‘crossroads’

HEALTHY AGENDA – Grand Council Chief John Beaucage and Deputy Grand Council Chief Nelson Toulouseperuse agenda for Anishinabek Health Commission strategic planning retreat in Huntsville with Elders MerleAssance-Beedie, Gordon Waindubence, and Martin Assiniwe. – Photo by Tony Jocko

The

Discussions involving the Anishinabek Nation political leadership:

Aboriginal Blueprint for Health, AHC/HEALTH/GCC Anishinabek Nation Housing Strategy, GCC/UOI/NFN/GFN/SAG/PICCanada Mortgage and Housing Corp. Leadership, GCC/CMHCChiefs Committee on Education, DGC/AFNConsultation and Accommodation Discussions, GCC/PO/USTEducation Coordination Unit, DGC/COOEnforcement and Justice Diversion Pilot Project, GCC/IGA/LEGALFirst Ministers’ Meeting Working Group, Housing, GCC/AFN/NCFirst Ministers’ Meeting Working Group, Relationships, GCC/AFN/NCFN Financial Intervention Pilot Project, GCC/AFOA/INACGaming Negotiations Lobbying, GCC/OFNLP/COOIntergovernmental (Tripartite) Process in Ontario, IGA/PC/ATTInter-treaty Harvesting Discussions, GCC/MNR/IGAIpperwash Inquiry Part 2, GCC/IGA/LEGALJoint Priorities Planning, PO/INACLegal Support to Anishinabek Harvesters, LEGAL/GCCLocal Health Integrated Networks, GCC/AHCNation Building Coordination, PO/AEI/AHC/WOMEN/ELDERS/YOUTHNational Chiefs Committee on Languages, DGC/COONew Comprehensive, Negotiation Framework, GCC/INAC/ROJ“Noondaagaawin’ Strategic Planning Process, GCC/CEOOFIFC Partnership, GCC/LEGAL/OFIFCOntario Aboriginal Justice Strategy, LEGALOntario First Nations Housing Strategy, GCC/ANMGI/COOOntario Infrastructure Portfolio, GCC/OFNTSC/COOProposed Regional Health Accord, COO/AHC/Regional Investment Management Board, GCC/MCA/COO/OFNTSCRestructuring of Anishinabek Health Commission, GCC/AHC/BODReview of Corporate Relationships, CEO/LEGALSenior Negotiation Team, Housing, GCC/AFN/NCSmoke-Free Ontario Task Force, GCC/MHPStrategic Housing Lobbying, GCC/AFNTraditional Food Vendors, Canab Festival, GCC/PO/MNO/OFIFCTreaty Rights, Harvesting, Conservation & Resources Strategy, IGA/LEGALTrinidad Collaboration Agreement/Exchange, DGC/ROSA/POUrban Aboriginal Strategy - Toronto/Thunder Bay, GCC/MNO/OFIFC/HRSD/INAC

AcronymsGCC Grand Council Chief / OFNLP Ontario First Nations Limited Partnership/ ELDERS Elder’sCouncil / UOI Union of Ontario Indians / INAC Indian and Northern Affairs Canada / AFNAssembly of First Nations / IGA Intergovernmental Affairs / DGC Deputy Grand Chief / COOChiefs of Ontario / AHC Anishinabek Health Commission / FNIHB First Nations Inuit and HealthBranch/ HEALTH Ontario Minister of Health / SOCIAL Social Development Dept. / AFOAAboriginal Financial Officers Association / LEGAL Legal Department / WOMEN Women’sCouncil /YOUTH Youth Council / MHP Minister of Health Promotions / OFIFC OntarioFederation of Indian Friendship Centres / OFNTSC Ontario First Nations Technical ServicesCorporation / ROJ Restoration of Jurisdiction / BOD UOI Board of Directors / MNR OntarioMinistry of Natural Resources / ON Government of Ontario / NFN Nipissing First Nation / GIFNChippewas of Georgina Island / SAG Sagamok Anishnawbek / JDRF Juvenile DiabetesResearch Foundation / ATT Attorney General of Ontario / ROSA Santa Rose First PeoplesCommunity / NC National Chief / TBD To Be Determined / CC Conference Call


Restoration of JurisdictionRestoration of Jurisdiction

By Michael Eshkawkogan and Mary Laronde

The Education WorkingGroup (EWG), consisting ofrepresentatives of AnishinabekFirst Nations with a commit-ment to Anishinaabe education,are implementing a citizen par-ticipation strategy as part of theoverall development process tobuild the Anishinabek EducationSystem (AES).

Since the 1972 “Indian con-trol over Indian education” poli-cy statement by the NationalIndian Brotherhood (NIB),many initiatives and develop-ments have been undertaken tomove us closer to realizing ourown education system. Thenegotiation process betweenCanada and Anishinabek FirstNations with respect to the exer-cise of jurisdiction over educa-tion is the current means to thatend.

The EWG citizen participa-tion strategy expands on the col-laborative planning phase under-taken by the EWG membersthemselves over the last severalyears and may well be the majordirection-setting phase of the

overall development process.During November 2005 to

January 2006 community-basedpresentations and regional work-shops will occur to get citizeninput for the proposedAnishinabek Education System.These presentations and work-shops will build toward a largeconference to be held by the endof March 2006 where the finaldraft of the proposedAnishinabek Education Systemwill be presented for considera-tion by Anishinabek citizens.

Presentation teams ofEducation Working GroupMembers and Restoration ofJurisdiction CommunityFacilitators are being assembledaccording to geographic regions.The teams will schedule andcoordinate two-hour presenta-tions in the 28 Participating FirstNations that have approved theEducation Agreement-in-Principle (AIP). Also regionalworkshops will be held inThunder Bay, Sudbury andToronto. The regional work-shops are primarily for “non-participating First Nations” aswell as off-reserve members but

By ROJ StaffGrand Council Chief John

Beaucage, the Anishinabek Nationnegotiators, Merle Pegahmagabowand R. Martin Bayer, and theRestoration of Jurisdiction ProjectManager, Jamie Restoule, are inthe process of developing a strate-gy to expand the mandate to com-prehensive self-government nego-tiations. Preliminary discussionswith Indian Affairs representativeshave taken place in this regard, asdirected by Grand CouncilResolution 2005/09.

In the meantime, theAnishinabek Nation Agreement-in-Principle With Respect toGovernance (“Governance AIP”)approval process and the educa-tion negotiations towards a finalagreement are continuing, as perthe revised Grand Council man-date to build on the current negoti-ations process to include all areasof jurisdiction in the AnishinabekNation – Canada self-governmenttalks.

In early October, an informa-tion package on the final versionof the “Governance AIP” was sentto all Anishinabek Nation Chiefsand Councillors with the excep-tion of six First Nations that hadalready sent in a Band CouncilResolution (BCR) in support ofthe Governance AIP and in sup-port of continuing negotiationstoward a final agreement.

In his covering letter, GrandCouncil Chief John Beaucagewrote, “At our Chiefs and CouncilGathering in September 2005 par-ticipants said that First Nationshave discussed these issues longenough and we must take actionnow. I am suggesting that we con-sider approving the GovernanceAIP as a means to move ahead onsome core governance issueswhile we work at revising the self-government negotiations frame-work.”

In his letter introducing theinformation package, AnishinabekNation Chief Negotiator on

Governance R. Martin Bayerunderlined the Grand CouncilChief’s appeal to First Nationleaders to act now on the gover-nance sector. “I would like to echothe words of many who attended arecent gathering of Chiefs andCouncils in Sault Ste. Marie:‘We’ve been simply talking aboutself-government and alternativesto the Indian Act for far too longnow, well over 30 years, it’s timeto get on with it.’ With theseremarks in mind, I would like topresent a summary of theAnishinabek Nation Agreement-in-Principle With Respect toGovernance to your Council andto any community members thatmight be interested in coming outto the meeting,” Bayer said.

Bayer’s presentation focuseson how the Governance AIP canhelp to create stronger and moreeffective governance structuresthat will ultimately help improvethe quality of life for Anishinabekas measured by indicators such as

unemployment levels, health andhousing conditions, education suc-cess rates and the adequacy ofproper water and sewer infrastruc-ture.

The Governance AIP also setsout what will be negotiated in thefinal agreement stage of thesenegotiations: Anishinabek lawmaking powers in the areas ofleadership selection, citizenship,language and culture and the man-agement and operation of our gov-ernments. Also anticipated is thepossibility of negotiating addition-al law making powers in thefuture, including social services,health, lands and natural resourcemanagement and housing, to namea few. Chapter 16 of theGovernance AIP speaks to theseadditional jurisdictions. A finalagreement on Governance willalso establish the recognition ofour First Nation and AnishinabekNation governments by Canada,other governments and businesses.

The Governance AIP is not

binding in any way at this phase,but is simply an opportunity forAnishinabek communities to lookat one alternative to the IndianAct. Only a Final Agreement thatit is voted on by the people will belegally binding.

Have you booked yourGovernance AIP Presentation?

Please call Adrienne Pelletierat 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2335 toschedule your presentation. If youhave not already confirmed a pres-entation on the Governance AIP,please call to schedule as soon aspossible.

Governance AIP presentationsscheduled for November were: Nov. 1: Fort William First Nation

Chief and CouncilNov. 2: Sand Point First Nation

Chief and CouncilNov. 3: Lake Helen First Nation

Chief & CouncilNov. 4: Biinjitiwabik Zaaging

Chief and CouncilNov. 30:Whitefish Lake Chief and

Council

Education Working Members representing First Nations that have approved the education agreement-in-princi-ple have spent the last several weeks fine-tuning the proposed Anishinabek Education System model.Community presentations and regional workshops will be held from November 2005 to January 2006 to getgreater grassroots input on the proposed model. (L. to r. Craig Hardy (Fort William), Rachel Taggart (Red RockIndian Band), Michael Eshkawkogan and Henry Lewis (both from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve) areshown at a recent planning meeting in Bawating. – Photo by Mary Laronde

Education Working Group members seeking greater citizeninput on proposed system

Anishinabek Nation Governance AIP approval process continues, talks expanding, comprehensive negotiations begin

are open to all Anishinabek FirstNation members.

The presentations will fea-ture in-depth discussion of thedetails of the proposedAnishinabek Education System,highlighting its mission andvision, governance model andoperations, programs and servic-es delivery and funding issues.Updated information on the finalAgreement with Respect to the

Exercise of EducationJurisdiction and its implementa-tion will also be covered.

The main concerns thatAnishinabek citizens haveexpressed are that:

the education standards ofthe proposed AES will be “com-parable” (as good as or higher)to the provincial system; the pro-posed system will allow for“transferability” (recognized

standards) between the provin-cial system and the AES; theproposed AES will improve oraddress the issue of AnishinaabeLanguage & Culture retention;the new system will avoid dupli-cation of a “top heavy adminis-trative system” (grassroots con-trol and most of the money goesto the student in the school); andthe new system will offer bet-ter/more/sufficient funds.


Restoration of JurisdictionRestoration of Jurisdiction

By Mike RestouleA big binder chock-full of

research materials andAnishinabek community consul-tation results is the starting pointfor development of theAnishinabek NationConstitution.

Included are items such as theHistory of the AnishinabekNation, summaries of the yearlycommunity consultation results,a description of the Clan Systemof Government, the AnishinabekNation Declaration of 1980, thereport from the Vision Day heldin Kettle and Stony Point FirstNation in June 2005, and com-ments submitted by participantsat the All Chiefs and CouncilsGathering in Sault Ste Marie inSeptember this year as well asinput from all conferences heldunder the Restoration ofJurisdiction banner over the lastseven years. This wealth of infor-mation from community mem-bers shows the way theAnishinabek people want theirconstitution designed.

For example, Anishinabepeople have indicated that our

traditional Clan System must beentrenched into our Nation’sconstitution. The task of articu-lating that ancient system intomodern concepts while stillmaintaining its original spirit andpurpose is indeed a challenge.The information collectedthrough the various con-ferences and consulta-tion sessions heldover the recent yearssends a clear mes-sage that our his-torical and culturaltraditions must beincluded in ourconstitution.

Each of thegroupings in theClan System modelhas a proposed, defin-itive role in the opera-tion of our nation’s gov-ernment. For example, peo-ple have said that the Deer(Hoof) Clan is the reconcilersand pursuers of well-being andthe Bear Clan is the guardiansand helpers of the people. Ourdirection is to reflect these tradi-tional responsibilities in the gov-

ernment that we will establish. As in ancient times, no one

person has authority over anoth-er in such a government. In the

Anishinabek tradition, each hasan equal voice in dealing withthe issues before government.The Chiefs are not rulers, but

rather voices of the Clans. Alldecisions are arrived at by a wayof reaching consensus that isuniquely Anishinabek. Thismethod of dealing with issuescan be described as follows: I

agree, I do not agree but Iwon’t stand in the way, and

I am standing in the way.The process of allow-

ing debate among cit-izens in this manneron matters thataffect them is anancient custom.Voting was unnat-ural. The clansystem thereforeoffers assurance to

all that if they wishto speak, their voices

will be heard in theirgovernment.

Customary also forAnishinabek is the reliance

on the Chiefs for their wisdomin dealing with matters that werenot day-to-day issues.Historically, these were eitherexternal matters such as relation-ships with other nations or inter-nal matters such as relocating the

community to a different area asneed dictated.

Our job today is to ensurethose traditional methods of gov-ernance are reflected in our gov-ernment’s constitution in a man-ner that is acceptable to every-one. No one person has a right toimpose a government on anyone.

As directed by theAnishinaabe AnokiiwinAanokiitoojig (ChiefsCommittee on Governance), acommittee of Restoration ofJurisdiction staff searches thematerials and comes up withwording that describes, in consti-tutional form, what theAnishinaabe people have saidthey want in their constitution.This is then tabled with theChiefs’ Committee for review.The process to develop theAnishinabek Nation constitutionis unconditional, unrestricted andopen to definition.

If you have any comments, con-cerns or suggestions as to whatshould be reflected in theAnishinabek Nation Constitution,please contact me at (705) 497-9127or email [email protected].

Do you care about Anishinaabe education?

The Education Working Group is offering CommunityPresentations and Regional Workshops on the proposed

Anishinabek Education System

Who should attend?

Elders, Parents, Community leaders, Teachers, First Nationsstaff, Students...

Community-based presentations are being scheduled nowby your Community Facilitator and Education Working

Group representative.

Regional Workshops are as follows:

Thunder Bay Indian Friendship CentreNovember 23, 2005

N’Swakamok Friendship Centre (Sudbury)December 7, 2005

Native Canadian Centre of TorontoJanuary 11, 2006

For more information contact Dave Sahawana,Education Working Group Coordinator

1-877-702-5200 toll-free

Anishinabek Education System

Following ancient traditions in modern times achallenge for drafters of Anishinabek constitution

The proposed Anishinabek Education System hasfour elements. First and foremost are the First NationGovernments (FNGs) that will exercise jurisdiction.First Nations will develop Constitutions in order toexercise jurisdiction and pass Education Laws.

From this starting point, each of the other threeelements of the system may receive a delegation ofcertain aspects of the First Nation's authority.However, the FNGs remain ultimately liable to its cit-izens for education.

The 3 elements are: local education authorities(LEAs), regional school councils (RSCs) shown byeach Bear Paw and the Kinomaadswin EducationBody (KEB), the collective representing all 7 RSCsand LEAs.

The LEAs Report to FNGs on financial matters

and the administration of education programs andservices. Each LEA will appoint 2 persons to theRSC. The RSCs will meet quarterly to coordinate thecollaboration and sharing of resources among LEAsand First Nations in an effort to address issues ofmutual concern within its region and bring issues ofsystem wide importance forward to the KEB.

Each RSC selects one representative to the KEB.It is proposed that the KEB will be the flow throughfor First Nation education funding and will have fourdepartments: Finance, Language and Culture,Curriculum, and Assessment. Generally, the KEB'sresponsibilities include administering and distributingmoney from Canada to the FNGs; advocating onbehalf of FNGs to address educational issues; andassist FNGs in the delivery of programs and services.


Poiier CommunicationsFirst Nation Governance

10.25” x 14.25”(This size does not fit our paper -- too long. Our maximum is 13.75”)

I have spoke to Skip (Mon. Nov.7) who will advise Bernie to adjust the size. - Deb


Intergovernmental AffairsIntergovernmental AffairsIn Brief

Allan DokisDirector

[email protected]

Jason LarondeResource Management Council

[email protected]

Alicia McLeodTreaty Research Assistant

[email protected]

Sandra RestouleTreaty Research Clerk

[email protected]

Nadine RoachForestry Coordinator

[email protected]

Robert MorriseauForestry Technician

[email protected]

Yves ChenierPolicy Analyst

[email protected]

Kerry ColnarOperations Support Officer

[email protected]

Our Staff

Website

sustainabledevelopmentinstitute.org/

OTTAWA – The IndianClaims Commission (ICC)issued its report on the successfulsettlement of a specific claim bythe Chippewas of the ThamesFirst Nation that goes back 150years. The report deals with themediation of the First Nation’sClench Defalcation claim, whichwas settled for $15million incompensation.

The Chippewas of theThames First Nation is located atMuncey, Ontario, about 30 kmsouthwest of London. It numbers2,232 members, of whom 821live on reserve. The claiminvolves money owed to the FirstNation from the sale of lands sur-rendered in 1834, money thatwas misappropriated by an offi-cer of the Indian Department,Joseph B. Clench. When the FirstNation’s claim was rejected by

Canada, the First Nation askedthe ICC to conduct an inquiry inAugust 1998.

Following a thorough reviewof the research materials andcompletion of a joint researchproject chaired by the ICC,Canada changed itsposition and accept-ed the claim fornegotiation inJune 2001. As aresult, it was notnecessary to sub-ject the claim tothe full inquiryprocess. Negotiationsbegan in November 2001with the ICC acting as a neutralfacilitator at the request of thetwo parties.

In her report, ChiefCommissioner, Renée Dupuis,gives the parties full credit for

settling the claim. She adds that“The parties are to be commend-ed for their foresight in address-ing communications and ratifica-tion issues from the beginning ofthe negotiations. Keeping bandmembers informed of the issue

and progress of thenegotiations and

doing the laboriouswork necessary toensure that allcontact informa-tion is up to date

is essential inmaking the ratifica-

tion process run assmoothly as possible.”

Noting that 24 months passedbetween the time an offer wasmade to and accepted by theChippewas of the Thames FirstNation, to the time funds werefinally transferred, the report rec-

ommends that Canada and FirstNations look at ways to mini-mize the time it takes to finalizesettlements once agreement isreached: “Both parties wouldbenefit if settlement could beconcluded more expeditiously.”

The Indian ClaimsCommission was established in1991. Its mandate is: to inquire,at the request of a First Nation,into specific land claims thathave been rejected by the federalgovernment, or accepted claimswhere the First Nation disputesthe compensation criteria beingconsidered in negotiations; andto provide mediation services atthe request of the parties forclaims in negotiation. Since1991, the ICC has completed 65inquiries and contributed media-tion services in 42 claimsprocesses.

TRAPPER’SINFORMATION

2005-2006The Fur Harvesters Auction Inc.

sales schedule is below along withinformation on how to contact

them. If you have access to theInternet visit their website, it has

information on previous sales, fore-casts for this year along with edu-

cational material.

FHA is pleased to announce ourAuction Schedule for the 2005-

2006 season:

Mark your calendars now!FHA’s 15th Annual

Trapper’s ConventionMarch 31 & April 1, 2006

Our fall hours are:Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Friday: Closed

Website: www.furharvesters.comEmail: [email protected]

Telephone: (705) 495-4688 Fax: (705) 495-3099

Reminder: Comment onthe Great Lakes WaterQuality Agreement!

Residents of the GreatLakes states and provinceshave a chance to guarantee thelong-term protection andsound management of ourGreat Lakes water, ensuringthat these treasures are protect-ed for generations to come.Let your government knowthat you demand a strong andeffective Water QualityAgreement. Background infor-mation, discussion papers andletter writing tips at:www.greatlakesforever.org/html/waterqualityagreement.html. The governments willreceive your submission infull, in the format in which itwas submitted.

Deadline for submissions:Midnight, November

The Sustainable Development Institute(SDI) is dedicated to examining sustain-ability issues and applying them to theMenominee model of sustainable devel-opment. This Web Site is devoted toexplorations of questions like, what issustainable development? Answers are offered through multimediapresentations, essays, and conversa-tions on the Menominee, their Forest,and their spirit. Please enter our virtual environment andhelp us look at ways to sustain ournation, forest and spirit.

Chippewas of the Thames claim resolved

Last ReceivingDate

Sale Date

DEC 3, 2005 DEC 17, 2005

JAN 14, 2006 FEB 20, 2006(in conjunction withAmerican Legend)

APRIL 15, 2006 MAY 9, 2006

MAY 20, 2006 JUNE 10, 2006

Under the supervision of the Forestry Coordinator, the Forestry Unit Office Assistant will be responsible for theadministrative planning, scheduling and information management support to the Forestry Coordinator in day-to-day activities. In addition, the Forestry Unit Office Assistant will develop and maintain a strong workingrelationship with other Intergovernmental Affairs Department personnel. Develops and maintains good working relationships with all First Nations, governments, agencies, associationsand associates of the Union of Ontario Indians. This position will also have the following responsibilities.Major Responsibilities:– Support Forestry Coordinator with all aspects of communication/coordination for Forestry Unit affairs with

respect to correspondence, scheduling and reporting– Support the coordination of the Anishinabek Forest Strategy process with support from Forestry

Coordinator and Technician– Attend meetings and workshops and transcribe minutes and discussion notes.– Routing and review of correspondence for Forestry Unit– Records management as required– Meeting and travel arrangements for Forestry Unit staff in addition to supporting IGA’s overall

administrative mandate– Liaise within the UOI Intergovernmental Affairs department and administration department– Coordinate and schedule working group meetings Qualifications:– Solid working knowledge of Anishinabek Nation– Must possess valid Ontario driver's license and be insurable– Available to travel extensively and subject to irregular working hours– Requires knowledge ordinarily acquired through an Undergraduate or Graduate Degree Program or related

field plus several years of work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and work experi-ence

– Strong interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals; able to maintain effective workrelationships and negotiate acceptance of recommendations

– Demonstrated ability to organize and present complex data clearly and accurately– Demonstrated experience in identifying, defining and resolving management and systems problems– Familiarity with Microsoft office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and

Access)Accountability:– This position has direct program accountability to the Intergovernmental Affairs Director with general

supervision by Forestry Coordinator– Works within policy parameters and administrative guidelinesPosition Category: Administrative SupportPosition Salary: Commensurate with experience and educationClosing Date: December 2, 2005

Please send a covering letter along with your resume and 3 employment references to: Glenda St. Amour, Director of Operations, Union of Ontario Indians, P.O. Box 711, Nipissing First Nation,

North Bay, ON P1B 8J8Phone: (705) 497-9127 / 1-877-702-5200 Fax: (705) 497-9135 Email: [email protected]

Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to Union of OntarioIndians member First Nation applicants.

Miigwetch to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment Opportunity(10-Month Contract)

Forestry Unit Office AssistantLocation - Union of Ontario Indians Head Office, Nipissing First Nation, North Bay, ON

By Bob GoulaisAnishinabek Nation Political Office

Being a politician in IndianCountry demands a certain level ofexpectation of accountability andtransparency. First Nations Chiefs,Anishinabek citizens, Government,and even other First Nations organ-izations have their eye on our GrandCouncil Chief and Deputy GrandChief. This is especially true whenit comes to travel expenditures,budgets and representation on cer-tain sensitive issues.

This was certainly the casewhen the Anishinabek Nation wasinvited by the First Peoples ofTrinidad and Tobago to attend theirAmerindian Heritage Day in Arima,Trinidad on October 14.

Grand Council Chief was giventhe International Relations portfoliofor the Chiefs of Ontario and hascommitted to addressing our abo-riginal and treaty rights, human

rights and social justice to the glob-al village. Originally, GrandCouncil Chief John Beaucage hadaccepted to attend this very specialevent. However, due to an intensivelobbying effort in Ottawa – Johnchose to remain in Canada whileDeputy Grand Chief NelsonToulouse represented First Nationson the international relations file.

In the interest of accountability,there are a number of questions toanswer about our diplomatic mis-sion.What were the goals of thisdiplomatic mission?

We had developed a number ofgoals for this diplomatic mission.First was to have our delegationregistered with the Department ofForeign Affairs and the CanadianHigh Commission to Trinidad andTobago. Secondly, was to seekfunding for this trip. The practicalgoals for the exchange were todevelop a relationship with Chief

Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez and theSanta Rose Carib Community, tomeet the Canadian HighCommissioner, negotiate a collabo-ration agreement, attend theAmerindian Heritage Day, make acultural presentation, and providediplomatic and political support tothe First Peoples of Trinidad.What was the political value ofthis exchange?

The attendance of DeputyGrand Chief Nelson Toulouse onthis mission signaled to theGovernments of both Canada andTrinidad and Tobago that indige-nous issues and recognition ofindigenous rights is on the agendafor both countries.

In his official keynote address,attended by several SeniorGovernment officials and delega-tions from at least six Caribbeancountries, Deputy Grand ChiefToulouse said: “I urge theGovernment of Canada, theGovernment of Trinidad andTobago, and State Governmentsaround the world to work in cooper-ation with your respectiveIndigenous peoples. On the cusp ofthe Organization of American Statesannual General Assembly, I ask thatthe Pan-American Governmentexamine the state of theirIndigenous populations. Povertyand economic development must beaddressed. Health and social indi-cators must improved. The loss ofIndigenous languages in theAmericas is frightening and must beaddressed.”

Deputy Grand Chief had oppor-tunity to meet no fewer than threeCabinet Ministers, including theMinister of CommunityDevelopment and Cultural Affairs,Minister of Public Utilities and theEnvironment, and the Minister ofTransport.

Our delegation was hosted at theresidence of the Canadian HighCommission Mr. Howard Strauss,only the second official delegationthat he has hosted at his residence.We were able to present him withour goals for this mission and senda message to our government thatwe want Canada to support furtherexchanges and opportunities devel-oped therein.

What is in the CollaborationAgreement?

This agreement, signed byDeputy Grand Chief Toulouse andChief Bharath-Hernendez, set inplace a collaboration agreementbetween the Union of OntarioIndians and the Santa Rosa FirstPeoples’ Community to develop asupportive and collaborative agree-ment to protect the rights of, andimprove the quality of life of ourpeoples. It would address the fol-lowing: land issues, self-determina-tion, human rights and social jus-tice, economic opportunities, healthand social issues, and relationshipswith our respective Nation-Statesand other indigenous Nations andthe right to cultural sovereignty. Atrade and cultural exchange wouldbe explored. The agreement waswitnessed by the Carib Queen ofTrinidad and Tobago, the Ministerof Public Utilities and theEnvironment.How much work was done?

There were a lot of early morn-ings and late evenings working inT&T’s diplomatic, media and polit-ical circles. Appointments andmedia opportunities in the capitalcity of Port of Spain, Trinidad,meant that our day would begin atabout 5 a.m.

Deputy Grand Chief Toulousedelivered a keynote address andparticipated in an Indigenous panel.Our delegation was featured at anews conference, and a symposiumat the National Library.

On Amerindian Heritage Day,our delegation was on the road toArima before 6 a.m. and did notreturn to our hotel until nearly 11p.m. On that day, Deputy Grand

Chief Toulouse gave official greet-ings, led an official gift exchange,negotiated and signed aCollaboration Agreement with theFirst Peoples of Trinidad.

Deputy Grand Chief NelsonToulouse appeared on threeNational television networks, CableNews Channel TV-3, CaribbeanCommunications TV-6, and“Guyelle Network” TV-7. He wasalso featured prominently in thepress through Trinidad Express,Globe News, and the Mirror (week-ly).Travel Costs?

As per our documented commit-ment to maximize our resources andmaintain fiscal accountability, weinclude an aspect of finding the nec-essary financial resources to supportour travel expenditures. In thiscase, the Trinidad and Tobago gov-ernment, through their Ministry ofCommunity Development, Cultureand Gender Affairs funded ourexchange to support the AmerindianHeritage Day in Arima, Trinidad.Time at the Beach or at theGolf Course?

Official business filled ourentire schedule from Monday,October 10 (a Canadian statutoryholiday, Thanksgiving) to Friday,October 14. Our commitments tothe Santa Rosa Carib Community,Government of Trinidad andTobago, and the Canadian HighCommission dominated our agenda.

With the exception of an officialvisit to Banwari Trace, a 9,000 yearold archeology site, and MaracasBeach in northern Trinidad duringour final Saturday downtime, therewas not much downtime for neces-sary rest, much less relaxation orrecreation.

Deputy Grand Chief NelsonToulouse did bring his golf clubsbut there was no opportunity to usethem. Air Canada decided to losethem en route.

Deputy Grand Chief Nelson Toulouse joins Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez and two Elders in a "Smoke Ceremony" traditional to the ArimaIndians.


MMIISSSSIIOONNTO TRINIDAD

Falcon Skye Mcleod-ShabogesicNipissing First Nation rep opens aspecial ceremony in his ownAnishinabie language at theNational Library of Trinidad wherehistorical books and artifacts of theindigenous peoples of Arima wereintroduced and put on display.

Deputy Grand Chief Nelson Toulouse with Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez and Carib Queen of Trinidad & Tobago sign the international collaborationagreement at the Amerindian Heritage Day in Arima, Trinidad on October 14.

Canadian High Commissioner in Trinidad & Tobago Mr. Howard Strausswelcomes Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez and Bob Goulais ExecutiveAssistant to the Grand Council Chief to his residence for a working dinner.

Diplomatic Mission to Trinidad:Frequently-asked questions

ARIMA – A delegation ofAnishinabek representatives hasreturned from the Carib communityof Trinidad and Tobago where theywere invited by Amerindian ChiefRicardo Bharath-Hernandez to helpcelebrate Amerindian Heritage Dayin the town of Arima.

The trip and celebrations werefunded by Senator Joan YuilleWilliams, Minister of CommunityDevelopment Culture and GenderAffairs. From October 9-17 theAnishinabek group attended cele-brations, opened special events,conducted media interviews, devel-oped relations with the indigenousleadership of Arima, met withnational and local politicians andshared Anishinabek culture.Included in the Anishinabek groupwas Deputy Grand Chief NelsonToulouse, Chief of Staff BobGoulais, Nipissing First Nation(NFN) Youth Representative FalconSkye McLeod-Shabogesic andArtist/Journalist/Cultural ResourcePerson Perry McLeod-Shabogesic.

The highlight of the visit was theAmerindian Heritage Celebrationson Saturday, October 14, markingthe fifth anniversary of the event.The Carib community was joinedby overseas delegations of indige-nous peoples from North America,Latin America and the Caribbean.This gala cultural performancebrought down the curtains on thecelebrations. The Anishinabekgroup conducted the opening cere-monies with speeches from variousleaders taking up the first part of theday. Deputy Grand Chief NelsonToulouse delivered the featuredaddress with a stirring speech as the

winds and rain off the CaribbeanOcean swirled around him. “We areindigenous brothers and sisters”said the Deputy Grand Chief, “Weshare the same history and tradition-al values and must continue to fos-ter positive change together.”

The Amerindian Heritage Daystarted in the late morning and last-ed until the early hours of Sundaymorning. Parang music, folk,calypso, steel-pan, chuntey dancing,Spanish dance and poetry readingfrom Trinidad poet laureate PearlEintou Springer filled the air for thelate afternoon and evening as hugenumbers of people came to enjoythe festivities. North AmericanIndian groups from the Anishinabekand Seminole Nations provided tra-ditional song and dance from thenorthern hemisphere of theIndigenous world. An InternationalCollaboration Agreement was alsosigned between the AnishinabekNation and the Amerindian Nation.This agreement will forge tiesbetween the two nations and pro-vide a beginning to look at sharingeach other's experiences and assis-tance.

In the morning prior to the eventa march was planned to take back apark that was denied to theAmerindian peoples of Trinidad andTobago by the Catholic Church.The church had been given the landin trust for the local Indigenous peo-ples. After some planning betweenthe Amerindian and Anishinabekgroups it was decided that a “takingback” of the park from the churchwas necessary to re-empower theCarib community and give notice tothe church that next year and in

future years the Amerindian peoplewill no longer ask to use their ownland . . . they will simply take itback.

In an address at the park, ChiefRicardo Bharath-Hernandezaddressed other historic issues thatmust be dealt with for his people tore-claim themselves. “We call uponthe people of conscience in theRoman Catholic Hierarchy to per-suade the Pope to formally revokethe Inter-Cetera Bill of May 4,1493, which will restore our funda-mental human rights,” said ChiefBharath-Hernandez. “That Papaldocument called for our Nationsand Peoples to be subjugated so theChristian empire and it's doctrineswould be propagated.”

The final day of the visit endedwith a visit to a sacred burial ground

that had recently been discovered.Plans are now in the works for theAmerindian people to also takeback those special places wheretheir ancestors now sleep.

The Anishinabek Nation willcontinue to nurture the new tieswith the Amerindian Nation inhopes that positive growth will findits way out of the darkness on bothsides of the world we share.


MISSION TO TRINIDAD

Indigenous Peoples from North, South and Central America joined in the "March to the Park,” organized by the Amerindians of Trinadad & Tobago and theAnishinabek delegation. The march through streets of Arima done with song and the sound of drums brought people out to join the parade of pride. A spe-cial "Smoke Ceremony" was also done in the morning to ask for a good day just prior to the march. This ritual is very similiar to the Anishinabek SunriseCeremony.

Anishinabek help celebrate heritage

Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez is joined by his worship Mayor NancisEustace of Arima at the park that was taken back by the Amerindian People.The Mayor praised the work that Chief Ricardo has done not only with hispeople but with the city of Arima. The media swarmed the two as theyaddressed the crowd who had marched and gathered at the park in front ofthe local Catholic Church.

In a special traditional ceremony at the National Library and Information System Authority Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez lead a group from the local Carib community in a traditional song. He prayed to his ancestors for for-giveness and strength to guide them on this journey of re-discovery his people have been on. Tears flowed fromhis face as he spoke to his grandfathers and grandmothers from a time long ago.

Deputy Chief Nelson Toulouse talksto the Carib Queen just before themarch to the park.

Story and photos by PERRY McLEOD-SSHABOGESIC

By Rosalind RabyESPANOLA – First Nations

from across the North Shore will bemaking special pilgrimages toMississauga First Nation (nearBlind River) over the next year tohonour a sacred belt.

Mississauga First Nation is hostto a special Wampum Belt, whicharrived last Friday.

Last year, Kahnawake MohawkNation Elder Joe Jacobs, designerof four special Wampum Belts,came to the community to speak todelegates at a diabetes conference.He talked about the importance ofpromises.

“Diabetes is reaching epidemicproportions among Aboriginal peo-ples, especially our young,” saysJacobs.

“The Creator told me to createspecial Wampum Belts that signifythe promise to do all we can for theSeven Generations and the childrenwho are our future.”

The belt was transported fromKettle and Stoney Point FirstNation (near Sarnia) last week.While the volunteers had hoped tobring it across Lake Huron by thetraditional means of using a canoe,MFN health promotions worker andorganizer Perry Joe Boyer, said itwas too dangerous to do so oncethey arrived at Tobermory on theBruce Peninsula.

“The waves were four metres(nearly 13 feet) high,” recallsBoyer.

“We took it on the ChiCheemaun (which means BigCanoe in Ojibwa) ferry instead, butkept it in constant motion, walkingseveral kilometres on the deck ofthe big boat.”

The contingent was met by FirstNation members in SouthBaymouth, including several run-ners from Wikwemikong UncededIndian Reserve. Pipe ceremonieswere held along the way. The beltmade its way north, always carriedby a runner, walker or cyclist.

At Mississauga First Nation itwas greeted with a special ceremo-ny.

Wampum is considered sacredto First Nations and belts are treatedwith great respect because the mes-sages they carry are of great impor-tance, even today.

This particular Wampum Beltfeatures a Mohawk word, 25 letterslong, woven along its length. Thelettering is a European influenceusing Anglicized letters, rather thanthe old symbols depicted on earlierWampum. The word‘Teiakonekwenhsatsikhetare’ trans-lates to “our blood is sweet.”

People used wampum to estab-lish political relations among FirstNations; to establish and maintainfamily relationships and make mar-riage proposals; to show that peoplehad positions of importance withina First Nation; to perform spiritualceremonies and to make treaties andagreements with Europeans.

The word wampum comes fromthe eastern Algonquian languages.

In Maliseet, it is known as wapap(WAHB-ahb), literally ‘whitestring,’ referring to the white beads.

The diabetes belt is purple andwhite, bead colours sacred toMohawks.

Sometimes beads were madewith bone from various sacred ani-mals and stones, which are believedto contain spirits sacred to FirstNations people.


Mno-bmaadziwin/HealthMno-bmaadziwin/Health

Noojmowin TegHealth Centre

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By Laurie McLeod-Shabogesic The Union of Ontario Indians

FASD Program was teaming upwith the RCMP and NorwestHealth to conduct specialized train-ing for 100 police officers Nov. 14-15 in Thunder Bay.

Fetal Alcohol SpectrumDisorder (FASD) is caused by alco-hol consumption during pregnancyand is the leading cause of prevent-able birth defects and mental retar-dation.

Unfortunately, over 60% ofthose affected by this disorder willcome into contact with the legalsystem and over 50% of affectedindividuals will be incarcerated.Without proper understanding andsupports, FASD leads to high ratesof victimization, inappropriate sex-

ual behavior and recidivism.During the specialized train-

ing, officers and other justice work-ers will be guided through the legalprocess ranging from legal rights,arrest, interviews, investigationsand statement considerations. Inaddition, a wide range of judicialissues will be discussed includingdiminished capacity, CriminalCode regulations, ProvincialStatutes, case law and the YouthCriminal Justice Act, as they relat-ed to FASD and other special needsclients.

For more details on FASDtraining opportunities, contactLaurie McLeod-Shabogesic, FASDProgram Coordinator ,

Union of Ontario IndiansTel: (705) 497-9127 ext. 2296

FASD staff training100 police officers

For the next year, Mississauga First Nation will be the host community for this Diabetes Wampum Belt designedby Kahnawake Mohawk Nation Elder Joe Jacobs. – Photo by Rosalind Raby

Diabetes belt ‘living’ in Mississauga




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Media Buying Services PsychiatricHospital

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By Tony JockoDEERHURST – He came. He saw. He listened. Grand Council Chief John Beaucage played an active role in

a strategic planning retreat for members of the Union of Ontario Indians board of directors and AnishinabekHealth Commission. The Oct. 25-26 forum at the Deerhurst Resort near Huntsville – called Planning For Results2005-2010 – was the first joint planning exercise of its kind, and involved over 40 participants.

Fresh from an emergency meeting with Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty, Grand Council Chief Beaucageupdated the gathering on the premier’s pledge to support Kashewchewan First Nation in dealing with a pollutedcommunity water supply.

Leona Nahwegahbow and Joe Miskokomon facilitated the Deerhurst sessions, and Elders Martin Assinewe,Merle Assance-Beedie, and Gordon Waindubence, were on hand with the Eagle Staff to add the traditional spiri-tual guidance to the proceedings. Each day began with a sunrise ceremony and opening prayer. The Eldersreminded all participants of the individual paths that they must follow in their quest to find their true identity andplace within the clan circle. The message was well received and set the tone of co-operation and mutual respectthat marked the two-day conference.

The active participation of the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief Nelson Toulouse, Wikwemikong ChiefRobert Corbiere, and Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins, brought welcome political support to theretreat’s discussions. The talks dealt with such emerging issues as the Nov. 25 First Ministers Meeting in Kelownathat will focus on First Nations health issues. Such proposals from the federal and provincial governments as theAboriginal Health Blueprint and the Local Health Integration (LHINS), if implemented would have major impactson all First Nations communities.

The flu pandemic was also seen as a major threat to the well being of the First Nations population. TheAnishinabek Health Commission offered its co-operation and assistance in all efforts to lessen the effect of suchan outbreak in the First Nations communities.

The defining of the role and mandate of the Anishinabek Health Commission was also seen as a major issue. The conference served as a historic starting point for improved communication among all the groups repre-

sented. It also served to reinforce the need to move the identified health strategies into the annual UOI organiza-tional workplans. Such a move will add credence to the necessary political arguments to be brought forward asthe First Nations move towards self-government.

Deborah Pegahmagabow, director of the Union of Ontario Indians HealthUnit, leads discussion for a breakout group during October’s strategicplanning retreat for UOI board members and the Anishinabek HealthCommission.

Political leaders join health planners

Elders lead tobacco strategy – The Aboriginal Tobacco Strategy Working Group hopes to revitalize theirapproach. Elders Archie Cheechoo, Ernie Benedict, Roland St.Germaine and Chris George were invited to aplanning session to ensure that the cultural competency of the plan was intact and to recognize and honour therole of our Elders and traditional tobacco. "Now is the time to come out with the real story, now is the time to tellthe real story of the tradition that tobacco has,” said Mohawk Elder Ernie Benedict, of Akwesasne. A SevenGenerations Planning process will include prevention, promotion, treatment, and supportive care, while observ-ing spiritual, cultural, and environmental issues. Community-based projects will represent a "grassrootsapproach" to the strategy, designed to cope with smoking rates in Aboriginal communities more than doubleCanadian averages. Committee members include Melanie Goodchild, Perry McLeod-Shabogesic, Carol Burke,Janet Gordon, Monique Raymond, Esther McKay, Craig Abotossaway, Glenn Forrest, Betsy Mandamin andDiane Richmond. Aboriginal Tobacco Strategy staff who attended the retreat were: Joey Fox, Emerance Bakerand Pamela Johnson. – Photo by Perry McLeod-Shabogesic



Cossette MediaCall for proposals

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REGINA (CP) – An influenza pandemic could have adevastating impact on Aboriginal communities where res-idents live in overcrowded and substandard housing, saysBill Erasmus, Assembly of First Nations Regional Chieffor the Northwest Territories.

“The poverty that we find on reserves and the livingconditions make us more susceptible, I think,” he said.“We also have a huge young population, and usually thosepeople are affected first, along with the elderly and the ill.”

The assembly has put a proposal forward to worktogether with the federal, territorial, provincial and munic-ipal governments on a co-ordinated pandemic responseplan. “We want to be responsible and deal with this whole

issue. We are quite concerned that without a plan in placewe are not being responsible to our membership.”Erasmus said there is currently no plan for aboriginal com-munities.

“It is scary,” he said. “When the forest fires ravagedB.C. a couple of summers ago the federal government hada plan to a certain degree for communities, the provincedid and some of the municipalities, but the reserves didn’t.We were just lucky no one was seriously injured or killed.”

Dr. Kim Barker, a public health adviser to the assem-bly, said it is important Chiefs take a leadership role intheir communities by providing individuals developingpandemic plans with the support they need to ensure that

preparedness happens on the ground.Health Canada is providing financial and technical

support for planning and preparedness to First Nations andInuit communities through regional offices, said HealthCanada spokesman Paul Duchesne.

In 2005-06, a total of $4.71 million has been commit-ted – $1.09 million of which is for the development ofnational and regional-level plans and First Nations andInuit Health Branch capacity and $2.98 million to supportcommunity planning and preparedness activities.

“While some progress toward preparedness for FirstNations and Inuit communities has been made, a lot ofwork still needs to be done,” Duchesne said.

Chiefs asked to support community pandemic plans




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Arbor Vitae Environmental Services

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SQUAMISH, B.C.– HIV awareness and preventionis the theme of The Gathering Tree, a new children’sbook launched by Chee Mamuk, the Aboriginal HIVeducation program of the British Columbia Centre forDisease Control, an agency of the Provincial HealthServices Authority.

The Gathering Tree is a new and up-to-date resource for schools and commu-nities featuring the gently told story of aFirst Nations family, as well as studymaterial for students, teachers and healtheducators.

“The number of people with HIV isrising in Aboriginal communities,” notedChief Lea George, Chief of Tseil wa tuthBand (Burrard) and co-chair of the First NationsSummit. “More children will have family members liv-ing with HIV and may have questions and concerns.This is a culturally appropriate resource that encourageschildren to ask questions and learn about HIV preven-tion. It is a story that supports understanding of childrenand families that are affected by HIV/AIDS.”

Local students as well as representatives of theAboriginal and HIV/AIDS community joined award-winning First Nations author Larry Loyie and co-authorConstance Brissenden at the Squamish Nation’sRecreation Centre to celebrate the book’s completion.The 48-page book, illustrated by award-winning artistHeather D. Holmlund, is a co-publication of Chee

Mamuk, the Aboriginal HIV/STI education program ofthe BC Centre for Disease Control, which hosted thelaunch, and Theytus Books of Penticton.

“What I really liked about the book is that it has areally good story,” says Stephanie Wood, age 11. “I love

it when you can read something andlearn at the same time. That’s one ofthe things that makes reading fun!”

Key messages in the book includethe facts that HIV is completely pre-ventable, and that, at this point, there isno cure. Education into preventionbegins with children learning to makehealthy choices. “It’s good to learnmore about HIV so you can make sure

you know how to prevent it, so it doesn’t happen toyou,” says 12-year-old Dylan Hughes. “I really liked thefact that one of the characters is a boy just like me.” AFirst Nations setting of The Gathering Tree gives a spe-cial quality to the book that children from all culturalbackgrounds will enjoy, combining traditional FirstNations ways of doing things with information aboutHIV.

The Gathering Tree includes study material forteachers, parents, health educators and students. “Wewanted to take a proactive approach with kids on thissubject,” says Melanie Rivers, Educator with the CheeMamuk program. “A lot of these kids have heard ofHIV but that’s where their knowledge ends.”

Childrens’ book deals with HIV

Author Larry Loyie and co-author Constance Brissenden, left, celebratethe launch of The Gathering Tree, a unique new children's book aboutHIV with a First Nations storyline. Chee Mamuk Aboriginal HIV/STI pro-gram educator Melanie Rivers and program manager Lucy Barney ofthe B.C. Centre for Disease Control, worked closely with the authors.

Anishinabek Crossword #7

ACROSS2. satisfy4. appreciative, thankful6. remarkable, extraordinary7. explosion, outburst11. older12. protection of something valuable17. the act of someone who fishes as

a diversion18. type of marmot, and are also

known as groundhogs21. a region defined by generally

similar weather conditions

22. small boat usually made of birchbark used for traveling on lakes and rivers

23. treasure25. bountiful, unselfish, charitable28. person of mixed French or

Scottish western Canadian fur trader heritage and aboriginal heritage

30. revere, respect33. a trip, usually a lengthy one35. territorial capital and the largest

community Nunavut36. not serious or profound37. people who live in the north of

Canada and Greenland38. something that brings or confers

admiration, praise, honor, or fame

39. sympathetic, cordial, friendly, kindly

40. wide, extensive, vast, spacious44. Tanya Tagaq ____,

the throat singer of choice for Icelandic musician Bjork – (pictured)

46. well-defined area,

such as a town47. stream48. valorous, valiant, intrepid, daring49. a cloth made from animal hair

by pressing, heating, or treating the hair with chemicals.

50. gracefulness, eleganceDOWN1. a waterproof overshoe that

protects shoes from water or snow

3. agreement between First Nationsand the Crown

5. create, generate, raise, rear, nurture

7. short, transitory, transient, temporary

8. cruise, sailing9. ___ Shadow Dancers10. active, lively, energetic13. ___ Aningmiuq, Nunavut singer14. a place people live who travel in

order to persuade others to join their religion

15. cold, coldness16. dried and powdered meat, that

has been mixed with an equal amount of animal fat

18. small cylindrical beads made from polished shells and fashioned into strings or belts

19. joyful, jolly20. Potato Country22. A once-large Native nation that

lived in what is now northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba

24. heavenly26. people who live in the north of

Canada and Greenland27. obligation29. somebody who is disloyal or

treacherous31. the pole star32. ceremonial exchange of gifts34. a distant relation in someone's

family41. formerly known as Eskimo Point42. pay, salary, earnings43. an act or instance of pursuing

and killing wild animals45. a large, standing body of fresh or

salt water that is surrounded on all sides by land


The season is upon us! Yes, ladiesand gentlemen it is Holiday Time.

It is the time of year when we arebombarded with holiday after holidaythat takes money out of our pockets. Itseems no sooner we pay off lastyear’s holiday debt than we start upagain.

Thanksgiving kicks off the festiveseason. What a wonderful time tovisit with family and friends over abeautiful turkey dinner. Problem isyou have to travel, which means pay-ing for gas or you have visitors, whichmeans groceries and other last-minuteshopping.

Then comes Halloween. This canbe an inexpensive night, but try tellingyour children they can’t go out as thenewest cartoon character, but insteadhave to make their own costume.Those store-bought costumes havebecome increasingly expensive andchildren just aren’t as excited to goout as hobos or ghosts anymore.

And what about YOUR get-up?You have that Halloween party to getready for and your genie costumefrom five years ago just won’t zip up.Then there is the cost of all thosesupermarket treats and outdoor deco-rations, which really start the cashregister chiming.

The pumpkins are still warmwhen the Yuletide Season arrives.

Unlike the other holidays,Christmas is not a one-time shot.There are many parties to attend, dec-orating and entertaining as the weath-

er turns cold and your families getinto the spirit. And then there’s theshopping. You find yourself huntingfor the perfect present for everyfriend, family member, close co-worker and even some strangerswhose names somehow show up onwhat started out as a short shoppinglist. Before the Big Day even arrivesyou’ve spent a massive amount ofmoney on household expenses likehydro for the Christmas lights androtating Santa, Christmas cards, dona-tions to charities and the billion otherthings that seem to leave our walletsempty.

Now I’m no Scrooge. I adoreholidays. They remind me of all thegood times of the past and give mehope for the future. But I have cometo realize in the past few years that Iam worrying too much about spend-ing money for shopping and decorat-ing and not enough about spendingtime with family and friends.

So this year I issue a challenge tomyself and all the others out therewho want to return to the good timesof family festivities without the finan-cial headaches: share suggestionswith your friends, family, neighboursand co-workers about homemadegifts or gifts that take time but notmoney. If you aren’t crafty but youhave been creative enough to givetrue gifts from the hearts, share them.How about children’s gifts that arefun for longer then the battery’s lifes-pan? Or the perfect gift for an agingcouple that seem to have everything?Funny coupons or gag gifts that makeyour friends smile?

Just think of all the joy that comesfrom knowing that you will not spendthe next 12 months paying off yourextravagant Christmas giving and thatyour family and friends have felt thatyour heart instead of your wallet wasbehind your giving spirit.

Let’s teach our children the truemeaning of Christmas!

Holly Brodhagen, Dokis FirstNation, welcomes suggestions orquestions for future articles. If youhave anything you want to talk aboutplease contact Holly at theAnishinabek News.

ASK HOLLYBY HOLLY BRODHAGEN

Look for giftsthat cost time,but not money

Prize for PuzzleAll completed crosswords sent to usby Nov. 30th will be entered into adraw for a Miniature Digital Cameracourtesy of Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charities.

The Chief Operating Officer of Lakota Canada has issued thefollowing response to concerns expressed about his firm's televisionadvertising campaign depicting people being crowned with a tradi-tional headdress as a result of using Lakota linament.

INDIAN IMAGES Rabbit and Bear Paws

Dear Mr. Switzer,I am sorry that our television commercial has offended you.

Lakota Canada is in no way trying to exploit or demean First Nationspeople; in fact it is quite the opposite. At Lakota Canada, we have adeep admiration for Native people, and a history of respecting Nativetradition and culture.

The Lakota brand was founded by entrepreneur Rick Stewart, aCanadian Metis of Cree heritage, and strong supporter of NativeCanadian and Native American culture. Stewart originally estab-

lished Lakota brand health prod-ucts, along with the marketingconcept, as a way to honourNative Canadians and NativeAmericans for their contributionto modern medicine. Mr. Stewartunderstood that Native peoplehave some very special traditionalmedicine to share. Dan McLeod

OCTOBER SOLUTION

in the native agenda ‘transcends politics’...

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