August 2, 2012 by Wawatay News

PM#0382659799

Country music star has Creefest jumping PAGE 18

Major drug bust puts dent in oxy supply PAGE 3

Vol. 39 No. 23

Wabun gathering gives youth a taste of culture PAGE 13 9,300 copies distributed $1.50

August 2, 2012 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

www.wawataynews.ca

Rocking Sandy Lake

Honouring traditions Pays Plat brings culture to life Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Christian Quequish/Wawatay News

Bruthers of Different Muthers lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player Donovan Mojopin, of Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, rocked Sandy Lake First Nation during its 30th annual Muddy Water Music Festival. See story and more photos on page 11.

Traditional teachings continue to attract people from far and wide to Pays Plat First Nation, which held its fifth cultural teachings week from July 23-26. “We were here last year and we really enjoyed the hospitality,” said Elsie Bissallion, an Elder from Serpent River who has been following the powwow trail in the region. “It was just great so we came back.” Bissallion found this year’s women’s hand drumming workshop to be “very beneficial.” “A lot of people came out that night,” Bissallion said. “I am sure the creator was pleased to see us all there hand drumming and I know

the spirits were there with us because you could feel that vibe when the drums were going.” Susan Pranteau and her family decided to stop in for some of the cultural teachings on July 25 as they were passing through on their way to Toronto. “It was very informative and I found it helped to understand things a lot better,” Pranteau said. “We have all our kids with us and we are trying to help them understand our ways. There is a little guy here who came and hugged everybody and the kids were kind of shocked because they don’t really know him, but we told them that is the way we are.” See Pays Plat on page 12



 

                           

                              

                                                                      See page 10

Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

The 10th annual Creefest brought people from Cree communities along James Bay together for a celebration that featured music, good food and fun times. See story in English on page 10.

Summer Festival season is here! Here are just some of the exciting events happening around the North this Summer:

Blueberry Festival Aug 3-12 in Sioux Lookout CLE Family Fair Aug 8-12 in Thunder Bay KI Homecoming Aug 6-11 in Big Trout Lake Michikan Lake Homecoming Aug 17-27 in Bearskin Lake

Call Wasaya for availability and specials! 1.877.492.7292 • www.wasaya.com

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

INSIDE WAWATAY NEWS

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

THIS WEEK

ᑲᑭ ᑭᒋ ᒥᐦᑲᒧᐊᐧᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᒋᒪᐡᑭᑭᑫᐣ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᑲᐳᑭᐧᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ.

ᐣᑲᐃᐧᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᓂᑲᒧᐃᐧᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ 30 ᐊᐦᑭ ᐊᔕ ᐅᑐᐣᒋ ᑐᑕᓇᐊᐧ

ᒪᒋᒪᐡᑭᑭᐣ ᑲᑭ ᒥᑭᑲᑌᑭᐣ $1.3 ᒣᓫᐃᔭᐣ ᑕᓴᐧᐱᐠ ᒥᓂᑯᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐅᐠᓯᑲᐧᐣᑎᐣ, ᑯᑫᔾᐣ ᒥᓇ ᔓᓂᔭ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ ᔑᒪᑲᓂᔕᐠ ᐁᑭ ᑭᒋ ᐊᐧᓇᑕᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᐳᑭᐧᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᒫᒫᒋᓂᔕᐦᐊᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ. ᐯᔑᑯᔕᑊ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᔑᒪᑲᓂᔕᐣ ᐅᑭ ᐅᑕᐱᓂᑯᐊᐧᐣ. ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᒪᒋᒪᐡᑭᑭᐣ ᔕᐊᐧᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑭᐅᐣᒋᓂᔕᐦᐃᑲᑌᐊᐧᐣ, ᐃᒪ ᑕᐡ ᑕᐣᑐᕑ ᐯ ᐁᐃᔑᓂᔕᐦᐊᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑕᐡ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᐊᓂᔑᓂ ᔕᐳᓂᔕᐦᐊᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᔑᒪᑲᓂᔕᐠ ᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭ ᑲᒋᑎᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᒋᒪᐡᑭᑭᐣ ᒥᐡᑕᐦᐃ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᓯᓭᑭᐣ ᐅᐠᓯᑲᐧᐣᑎᐣ ᒪᐡᑭᑭᐣ ᑲᐊᑕᐊᐧᑫᐊᐧᐨ.

ᓂᓱᒥᑕᓇ ᐊᐦᑭ ᑲᑭ ᐃᐡᑲᐧ ᒪᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᒪᑎ ᐊᐧᑐᕑ ᓂᑲᒧᐃᐧᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᒪ ᓀᐣᑲᐃᐧᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ, ᑕᓯᐊᐦᑭ ᑲᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᐱᑯ ᑭᔭᐸᐨ ᐁᔑ ᐱᒥᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᐊᐁᐧ ᑲᐱᒥᐸᓂᑕᐧᐨ ᕑᐊᔾ ᑲᑭᑲᒥᐠ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᐁᐧ ᓂᑲᒧᐃᐧᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐅᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᔭᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᑕᑭᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᓂᑲᒧᐃᐧᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐅᑭ ᓈ ᓇᑭᐡᑲᓇᐊᐧ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ, ᐃᐁᐧ ᐯᔑᐠ ᐁᑲ ᑲᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐸᑭᑎᓇᑲᓄᐨ ᔓᓂᑯ ᐃᒪ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᐸᑭᑎᓇᑲᓄᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ. ᔕᑯᐨ ᑕᐡ ᑭᐊᓂ ᑲᐡᑭᒋᑲᑌ ᐅᐁᐧ ᒋᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭ ᒪᒪᐃᐧᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᒪ ᓀᐣᑲᐃᐧᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᑲᐃᐧᒋᑕᐧᐊᐧᐨ.

Major drug bust takes out northern gang A drug bust of $1.13 million in oxycontin, cocaine and cash from across Ontario has police claiming they have made a serious blow to a gang with ties to northern Ontario. Eleven people were arrested as part of the police raid. The drugs were being funneled from southern Ontario, through Thunder Bay and into northern First Nations. Police say the busts took a lot of the dwindling stock piles of oxycontin off the streets.

Sandy Lake festival celebrates 30 years Thirty years after the first Muddy Waters music festival in Sandy Lake, the annual celebration is still going strong. Organizer Roy Kakegamic said the festival provides a chance for youth in the community to get involved. The festival overcame many challenges this year, including not receiving funding from the Ontario Arts Council. But in the end it was pulled together by the dedicated team of volunteers in Sandy Lake.

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ᐊᐊᐧᔑᐡ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᒋᐊᓂᐊᔭᐠ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᓂᑭᓇᑲᓇᐠ ᑭᐱᔕᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑭ ᐱᒧᑯᓇᑲᐠ ᐁᑭ ᐃᐧᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐸᑭᑎᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᔓᓂᔭᓇᐣ ᒋᓇᓇᐣᑕᐃᐧ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᑫᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᐧᐃᒋᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᐅᒪ ᑌᑎᐸᐦᐃ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ. ᐃᐁᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔑᐃᐧ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᑕᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᑎᐯᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᔭᑭᐣ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐊᐧᓂᑐᑕᐊᐧᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᓇᓇᐣᑕᐃᐧ ᑭᑫᐣᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑫᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᒋᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᒥᓇ ᒋᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑲᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᑲᐧᑭᐣ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᐁᐃᓀᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐊᔕ ᒋᑭᑭᔑᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᓇᓇᐣᑕᐃᐧ ᑭᑫᐣᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᑭᓯᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 2013.

Page 11 Youth from across the North got to experience aviation (top left); Sandy Lake’s hip hop community was on display (top right); and police from across Ontario made a huge drug bust of over $1 million worth of oxy and cocaine.

ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐊᐧᓴ ᐃᔕᒪᑲᓄᐣ ᐯᐡ ᐱᓫᐊᐟ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᐣ ᑕᓯᐊᐦᑭ ᑲᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᑭᐱᔕᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐧᓴ ᐁᑭ ᐱᐊᐧᐅᐣᑎᓭᐊᐧᐨ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᐃᔑᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᔭᐊᐧᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ, ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᒪᐡᑭᑭ, ᒪᑐᑎᓴᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᒥᓄᔭᐃᐧ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᓇᐣ. ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭ ᐱᒥᐸᓂᑕᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑭ ᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᒪ ᑲᑲᐯᔑᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐯᐸᑲᐣ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐊᐧᐅᐣᑎᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᒐᑯᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᒥᓇ ᒪᓂᑐᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᑭ ᑐᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐱᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ.

Child advocacy center possible for Sioux Lookout Federal government representatives were in Sioux Lookout last week announcing funding for an assessment of a child advocacy centre for the region. A child advocacy centre would help children from Sioux Lookout and northern communities who have been victims of assault. The assessment will analyze the services currently available and determine needs of communities. Completion of the assessment is expected by March 2013.

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Traditional teachings spread far and wide Pays Plat First Nation’s annual cultural teachings week attracted visitors from far and wide. The event featured cultural teachings, medicine work, sweat lodges and other healing activities. Organizers said the week helps provide community members and others with more knowledge about traditional ceremonies and activities.

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ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᐦᐊᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᒋᐱᒥᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᐣᑕ ᑲᑭ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐊᐧᓭᔭ ᑕᓯᐊᐦᑭ ᑲᐸᑭᑎᓇᐣᐠ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐳᓯᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᓭᓯᓇ 172 ᑲᐃᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧᓀᐡ – ᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐱᒥᐱᑭᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ, ᒥᓴᐊᐧᐨ ᐱᑯ ᐁᐦᑕ ᐊᒋᓇ ᑲᐃᓀᐣᑕᑲᐧᓂᐠ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᑐᓂ ᑭᒥᓄᓭ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ, 13-15 ᑲᑕᓱᐱᐳᓀᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓯᓴᐠ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᒥᓇ ᑕᐣᑐᕑ ᐯ ᐁᑭ ᐱᔕᐊᐧᐨ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᒪᐡᑯᐨ ᐃᐧᐱᒥᓭᐃᐧᓂᓂᐊᐧᐨ ᓂᑲᐣ.

Wasaya aviation camp exposes youth to flight A few students at Wasaya’s annual aviation camp not only got to ride in a Cessna 172 – they got to take control, even if it was only for a moment. The flight school was a success once again, bringing 13-15 year old First Nations youth from across the North to Thunder Bay. The camp exposes youth to potential careers in aviation.

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Thank You, Airlines! Your fast, courteous delivery of Wawatay News to our northern communities is appreciated.

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Major drug bust ‘takes out’ northern gang Shawn Bell Wawatay News

Police from across Ontario are lauding a major drug bust that they say eliminates an organized crime group with ties to First Nation communities in northern Ontario. Police seized an estimated $1.13 million worth of OxyContin, cocaine and cash during nine simultaneous raids across the province, including Thunder Bay. As part of the bust 95 charges were laid against 11 people. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) chief superintendent Mike Armstrong said the arrests have broken up a drug trafficking ring that saw criminal organizations in southern Ontario running drugs to Thunder Bay and then into First Nations communities around northwestern Ontario. “Thunder Bay is a central location,” Armstrong said during a press conference in Thunder Bay on July 25. “Everything

goes through Thunder Bay to be distributed north.” The arrests and confiscation of drugs come after a six-month investigation led by the OPP and involving Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services (NAPS), Anishinabek Police Services (APS), Thunder Bay Police Service and the RCMP. In a unique twist, Armstrong said a prisoner at the Thunder Bay jail was running the criminal organization responsible for the drug trafficking across Ontario. A guard at the prison was arrested and charged as part of the investigation. NAPS Chief Claude Chum, who joined Armstrong at the press conference, said the extent of the criminal networks bringing drugs into remote First Nation communities shows just how widespread and damaging the drug trade can be. “The impact of criminal organizations on people who live in the communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) cannot be overstated,” Chum said. “Crimi-

Shawn Bell/Wawatay News

Police from across Ontario presented their major drug bust in Thunder Bay on July 25. From left, Thunder Bay Police Chief JP Levesque, OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Armstrong, and NAPS Chief Claude Chum. nal enterprises are preying on First Nations people. I can assure you this is only the tip of the iceberg.” Chum said NAPS has identified at least eight different criminal organizations, including a number of First Nations gangs, with ties to drug trafficking in NAN communities.

Ban generic oxy, say police Police chiefs add voice to Ontario’s call Shawn Bell Wawatay News

Police chiefs across Ontario have added their voice to calls for a ban on generic oxycodone in Canada. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) is asking the federal government to block the cheaper, generic versions of oxycodone from Canada once Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin patent expires on Nov. 25, 2012. “Police services across Ontario have been raising the alarm bells about the abuse of OxyContin for years,” said Superintendent Ron Taverner of Toronto Police Service, the chair of OACP’s substance abuse committee. “We need the federal government to help us protect public safety by stopping the introduction of generic versions of OxyContin into Canada.” Once a patent on a drug expires, other companies can release their own versions of the same drug often at a greatly reduced price. In June, Ontario’s health minister Deb Matthews wrote a letter to her federal counterpart, Leona Aglukkaq, urging the federal government to withhold approval of applications for getting generic oxycodone on the market. “Given the potential for widespread abuse and the

susceptibility to diversion and trafficking of this product, we believe that approving the generic oxycodone CR tablets for sale in Canada would further exacerbate the incidences of addiction and death in Canada and contribute to a growing public health crisis,” Matthews wrote. Matthews noted that addictions to oxycodone have become a public health crisis in many First Nations communities. In 2009, Nishnawbe Aski Nation declared a state of emergency across all of its 49 communities due to prescription drug addictions. Earlier this year Cat Lake First Nation took a similar route, declaring a state of emergency and saying the First Nation could not provide essential services to its members due to the extremely high rates of prescription drug addictions. Thunder Bay chief of police JP Levesque said it is important for the voices of police to be heard by the federal government on the issue. “Police chiefs are asking the federal government not to allow the much cheaper generic drugs into Canada,” Levesque said. “While criminal organizations profit (from these drugs), the community as a whole pays a significant price.” Levesque made his comments following an announce-

ment of a major drug bust, where police seized $1.13 million worth of oxycodone, cocaine and cash in nine simultaneous raids across the province. Police said the raids created a serious dent in the supply of oxycodone available on the black market. Officers have already started to see a decrease in the amount of available oxycodone on the streets of southern Ontario since production of the drug was banned in Ontario, according to OPP chief superintendent Mike Armstrong. A Health Canada spokesperson told Wawatay News that the federal government is aware of Ontario’s request and is in the process of preparing a response. Claudette Legault, a media relations officer with Health Canada, said that no authorization is approved for a generic drug unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. “Market authorization for a drug is issued if, after a careful consideration and review of risks and benefits, Health Canada determines that the drug demonstrates safety, efficacy and quality,” Legault wrote in an email. “When used as directed and prescribed, opioid-based pain medications address patients’ needs in effectively reducing pain.”

While NAPS and the OPP continue to make regular drug busts across northern Ontario, Armstrong said the seizure of over $1 million worth of drugs marks a blow to the black market supply of oxycontin, four months after Ontario put a ban on production of the prescription painkiller. Armstrong said that police do not believe that criminal organizations are making oxycontin. Rather, the drugs are coming from “residual supplies” left on the market, Armstrong said. “What is happening is that criminal organizations in the south are realizing how lucrative it is to sell these drugs in the north,” Armstrong said. During the raids, police also seized a small amount of

OxyNeo. Purdue Pharma, the lem that has to be addressed.” maker of oxycontin and the new APS sergeant Derek Johnson OxyNeo, promoted the new said it is not only NAN comversion of the drug as being munities feeling the effects of tamper-resistant and therefore prescription drug addictions. harder to sell on the black mar- Anishinabek Nation communiket. ties are also dealing with high Armstrong did say that since rates of drug use and criminal the ban on producing oxycon- organizations operating in the tin in Ontario was put in place, communities. police have seen less of the Johnson said it is imperative drug on the streets of southern for police from across Ontario Ontario. to continue working together A number of NAN communi- to combat drug trafficking, and ties have told Wawatay News for community members to help that they notice no difference in police wherever possible. supply of the “It’s an drug in their issue spread communities “Criminal enterprises are aO nc tra or iso s, since Ontario banned pro- preying on First Nations and crimiduction of people.” nals are not oxy. Chum by -NAPS Chief Claude Chum bound confirmed geog raphic that NAPS a r e a s , ” is still seeing oxycontin in com- Johnson said. “We have to munities, but said that prices change the way we do busihave been rising for months. He ness. It’s not just a policing said he has heard of pills being issue, it’s a community issue.” sold for up to $1000, which in People charged in the drug his view means supplies of the bust are: Rashad Waquad, 71, drug are running low. of Mississauga; Zahed Khan, 20, But regardless of whether of Toronto; Jabir Khan, 39, of oxycontin remains available in Thunder Bay; Brandie Mosher, northern communities, Chum 35, of Toronto; Justin Cain, 25, emphasized that everyone of Toronto; Jolene Shimkoff, needs to work together to deal 33, of Thunder Bay; Preston with the root causes of why the Thompson, 23, of Thunder Bay; demand for drugs is so high in Neil Thompson, 30, of Thunder First Nations. Bay; Justin Morrison, 28, of “As supplies of oxy start to Weagamow First Nation; Dan dry up, people will be look- Schiebler, 32, of Thunder Bay; ing at other drugs now,” Chum and Candice Storozuk, 29, of said. “This is a policing prob- Thunder Bay. lem, but it’s also a social prob-

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved Aerial Herbicide Spraying Sapawe Forest The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) invites you to inspect the MNR-approved aerial herbicide spray project. As part of our ongoing efforts to regenerate and protect Ontario’s forests, selected stands on the Sapawe Forest (see map) will be sprayed with herbicide to control competing vegetation, starting on or about August 6, 2012. The herbicide VisionMax, registration #27736 will be used.

The approved project description and plan for the aerial herbicide project is available for public inspection at the Atikokan MNR office and on the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning July 6, 2012 until March 31, 2013 when the annual work schedule expires. The Ontario Government Information Centre at 108 Saturn Avenue, Atikokan, provides access to the Internet. Interested and affected persons and organizations can arrange an appointment with MNR staff at the MNR District or Area office to discuss the aerial herbicide project. For more information, please contact: John Bagacki, General Manager Rainy Lake Tribal Resource Management 1455 Idylwild Drive Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M3 tel: 807-274-8531 ext. 239

Renee Perry, Area Forester Ministry of Natural Resources 108 Saturn Avenue Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0 tel: 807-597-5010

Or call toll-free at 1-800-667-1940 and ask to be forwarded to one of the contacts above. Renseignements en français : Sylvie Gilbart à 807-934-2233

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

From the Wawatay archives 16-5th Avenue North P.O. Box 1180 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Serving the First Nations in Northern Ontario since 1974. Wawatay News is a politically independent weekly newspaper published by Wawatay Native Communications Society.

ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᑭᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᐠ 1974 ᐁᐅᒋᐊᓄᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑭᐧᐁᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑕᐃᑦᔑᑫᐧᐃᓇᐣ. ᑕᓱᓂᔓᐱᒥᑯᓇᑲ ᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌ ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐧᐃ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐧᐃᐣ ᐅᓇᔓᐧᐁᐧᐃ ᑲᓇᐧᐊᐸᒋᑫᐧᐃᓂᐠ ᒋᐃᔑ ᐸᐸᒥᓯᒪᑲᐠ ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓂᑫᐧᐃᓇᐣ. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER David Neegan

The Ring of Fire and the oilsands Shawn Bell EDITOR

ntario’s Conservative leader made an excellent observation a few weeks ago when, after a visit to the Ring of Fire, he said the development is akin to being Ontario’s oilsands. Tim Hudak took a lot of criticism for the comments. Environmentalists targeted his claims that the Ring of Fire should be developed as quickly as the oilsands. Mining supporters worried about Hudak’s comparison to a development viewed as environmentally devastating. But Hudak was right, and he should be given credit for vocalizing something many are thinking but few are talking about. The Ring of Fire does have the potential to be Ontario’s oilsands. With hundreds of claims already staked in the region, an estimated $30 billion worth of chromite in the region and countless other mineral deposits alongside of it, the Ring of Fire truly will change northern Ontario forever. Hudak obviously believes Alberta has done it right when it comes to oilsands development. “Sometimes we look (with) wonder and awe at what Alberta can do,” he said, following the visit. “We can do that in Ontario and we can do that with the Ring of Fire.” Of course, the part of the comparison between the Ring of Fire and the oilsands that Hudak overlooked is a pretty big consideration too. I lived for three years in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. The community was built on the Slave River, which originates from the Athabasca River. The Athabasca River runs past Fort McMurray, through the heart of the oilsands, then on to Fort Chipewyan and north to the NWT border. During those years I spent a lot of time in Fort Chipewyan. It is a lovely little community, half Dene, half Cree, on the shores of Lake Athabasca and just kilometres from the Peace Athabasca Delta, the largest freshwater delta on the continent. Fort Chipewyan is a bountiful place, where there have always been abundant animals, fish and plants for harvesting. In the 1990s, however, some of that bounty started to change. Elders described the old days when the skies would be dark with waterfowl during the migration seasons. All of a sudden the community was lucky to see a hundred ducks a year. It wasn’t just the birds. According to Elders the fish started to taste differently. Abnormalities started showing up in their catches. And eventually even the water of the big lake was no longer drinkable. Over the past few years,

scientists have begun to verify the concerns that Elders have been expressing for decades. A number of studies have found pollutants in the water, fish and animals that appear to come from the oilsands. The response from the federal and Alberta governments has been to establish new environmental monitoring regimes. Alberta calls its new system “world class.” But no matter how good a monitoring system is set up, oilsands development is 40 years in. There is no environmental baseline to compare today’s data to. Scientists are starting from scratch, and communities have no choice but to deal with the changes the best they can. Chief Eli Moonias of Marten Falls First Nation told reporters during a recent media tour that he does not want to see the Albany River polluted like the Athabasca River was. Members in communities along the James Bay coast have expressed similar concerns. First Nations, like Hudak, are seeing the similarity between the Ring of Fire and the oilsands. But for many First Nations people, the comparison does not have the appeal it does for Hudak. For many people living in the North, the thought of northern Ontario in 40 years is downright scary. If Ontario really wants to learn from Alberta’s example, as Hudak rightly suggested, there are a few things the western province failed to do that serve as good lessons. The first, and perhaps most important, is establishing a solid environmental baseline study before development starts and setting up a ‘world class’ monitoring system right away. Alberta waited 40 years to think of doing that work, and while the government plays catch up, First Nations downstream deal with major health and environmental problems. The second lesson is to create a long-term plan for development of the resource. Alberta left planning up to the companies involved. The result has been a series of boom and busts, Fort McMurray’s rapid, unsustainable population increase and an industry grown so large, so fast that regulating it has become nearly impossible. If Ontario does start to think of the Ring of Fire as its own version of the oilsands, it would be prudent to ask what it wants the development to look like in 40 years. The Alberta example, of First Nations travelling around the world with a message that tar sands equals bloody oil, is not exactly desirable. If that situation is going to be avoided here, now is the time to do it. For that matter, Ontario should involve First Nations right away in creating its longterm plan for the development. Not only would the province benefit from the local knowledge that the communities hold, but involving First Nations at that level would go a long way in getting Aboriginal partners instead of Aboriginal opponents in the Ring of Fire.

Wawatay News archives

Pikangikum’s Mary King, date unknown.

Facing your scars Richard Wagamese ONE NATIVE LIFE

hey say age offers you an elegance you never much experienced in your youth. I don’t know who said that or whether it’s necessarily true, but I sure hope it is. I lived an inelegant life for the first quarter century and it’s taken some doing to cultivate a measure of grace in the next one. At 55 the one true gift I’ve found is reflection. In the looking back I offer myself a chance to reframe a lot of experience. That’s not particular to Ojibway people nor is it particular to men. Instead, it’s the bonus gift you earn by subscribing to life regardless of background or gender. There’s a looking back place you come to on your journey and I suppose it’s there, on that one hill of life, where you learn what elegance is all about. Seeing, in the end, is believing. For instance, I cut my hair a few years back. It used to hang

to my waist. I was proud of it and took great care to tend to it every day. There are traditional teachings about hair and what it represents and I paid attention to those as well as daily hygiene and maintenance. My wife used to say that it was hard for a woman to live with a man who had better hair. I don’t know about that, but I do know that there came a time when it just didn’t fit who I was trying to become. It took a lot of gumption to chop it off. But nowadays my hair is short like the brush cut I used to wear and hate when I was a teenager. It feels good. I feel grown up and mature and there isn’t all that fuss and bother getting out of the shower with four feet of hair to dry and brush out. I can go anywhere and feel sorted out and proper and even the cultural concerns have dissipated. I carry my identity on the inside these days. But when I go to a new barber the first thing they see are the scars on my noggin. There’s a few of them and there’s a particularly nasty one on the back. It was never stitched and it healed ragged and they always say, “Wow. Must have been a

whack.” In the old days I was known to have said, “Yeah but chicks dig it.” That always earned me a few laughs but the truth is, I don’t know that chicks do. That particular scar came from falling in a drunken haze and splitting my head open on a rock. I was too busy playing at being hard to get it stitched. There’s nothing romantic or tough about that and any self-respecting chick would definitely not dig it. Back then I needed a way to cover up the shame I felt about that scar. Humor is a good device and I used it well throughout the years. You can cover up a lot of things with a belly laugh but jokes never really help you see things any differently. See, I carry a lot of scars. Not just on my head but on my body too. Each of them has a story and for the most part, those tales are sad and hard to tell. Some came from bats and pipes and knives. Others came from fists or foolish blunders with tools. Some came from a lifelong battle with booze and the dangerous lifestyle that teeters around after hard drinkers. There are a lot of tears to go

along with those scars because when they happened my skin became broken territory and my heart went along for the ride. I couldn’t cry for a long time. I was afraid that if I started I would never stop and it took a lot of work to be able to get to the point where I could talk about my hurts. It takes a man to tell real life stories and it took me a long time to become one. See, I knew the ragged scar on the back of my head was there. I knew where it came from and I knew what it represented. I just wasn’t strong enough to face that. But you get elegant with age. That elegance allows you to look back and learn to see the lessons in things – not just the pain and shame. So even if I don’t exactly cherish my scars, they teach me something every time I see them. They teach me that we wound ourselves the most when we don’t share the real stories of our time here. When we don’t own our hard times and share them. It takes a man to get honest and do that – and you know what? Chicks really dig that.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER David Neegan davidn@wawatay.on.ca

ART DIRECTOR Roxann Shapwaykeesic, RGD roxys@wawatay.on.ca

TRANSLATORS Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca

CONTACT US Sioux Lookout Office Hours: 8:30-5:00 CST Phone: ....................737-2951 Toll Free: .....1-800-243-9059 Fax: ...............(807) 737-3224 .............. (807) 737-2263

Thunder Bay Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 EST Phone: ...................344-3022 Toll Free: ..... 1-888-575-2349 Fax: ...............(807) 344-3182

EDITOR Shawn Bell shawnb@wawatay.on.ca WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Rick Garrick rickg@wawatay.on.ca WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Lenny Carpenter lennyc@wawatay.on.ca INTERIM REPORTERS Christian Quequish Stephanie Wesley

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Matthew Bradley matthewb@wawatay.on.ca SALES MANAGER James Brohm jamesb@wawatay.on.ca CIRCULATION Adelaide Anderson reception@wawatay.on.ca

Agnes Shakakeesic agness@wawatay.on.ca CONTRIBUTORS Xavier Kataquapit Richard Wagamese Joyce Atchinson Peter Moon Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.

Wawatay News

WAWATAY BOOK

REVIEW

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Word on the street

Being a bully is a choice in Sandy

Joyce Atcheson Special to Wawatay News

Beaten repeatedly by his dad while his mom stood by, Cole Matthews became a bully. He beat a classmate to unconsciousness and so began another excursion into court. This recurrent scene usually ends in juvenile detention. But that was before he met the age-old tradition of the justice circle. When his worker suggested the justice circle rather than a year in jail, Cole thought he could manipulate his way through this too. Soon his year alone on an island begins as he retains the anger, resentment, and blame of everyone else, it is someone else’s fault he does what he does. The Elder tells him what he does to others he does to himself. But Cole has to learn for himself and his challenges mount. Defiantly he sets fire to the

shelter built by the Elder and with it, all of his supplies: blankets, bed, food, and tools, showing them he won’t be contained. He swims to escape the island only to find he returns with the tide, exhausted, without food, without shelter in a severe storm. Lashing out, he seeks to hurt all around him as he wishes death to trees, sparrows sitting in a nest being fed by a parent while he has nothing to eat. It is then he encounters the Spirit Bear and when the bear does not show fear Cole tries to hurt the bear. He is mauled, limbs are broken and then the bear exerts its power and stands near him watching as Cole is dying. He finds a focus for life and through a terrifying neardeath experience he lives. Through his own choice and support from his worker and Elder he returns to live out the year banishment on the island. This story is written by a man who was a bully, who learned from mistakes and who walked the shoes of Cole, the boy Cole beat, and then those of the worker and Elder. It is engaging, filled with traditional teachings, and is an enjoyable read for youth and adults alike. Touching Spirit Bear -- Ben Mikaelsen (HarperCollins Publisher, New York, NY; 2001; ISBN 0-380-97744-3, ISBN 0-380-80560-X (paperback), 0-06-029149-4 (lib. Bdg.); 242 pages; $7.50)

Lake What’s your favourite part of Muddy Waters?

Pearson Fiddler The feeling you get when you’re out on stage.

Kendra Meekis That people come out and hear my music.

Shane Rae Everybody getting together to enjoy the festivities

Find in these communities

Join us for these events:

Schedule of Events now available!

For more information, call The Blueberry Festival Office at 737-3227. blueberrybert.com

Aroland Atikokan Attawapiskat Balmertown Batchewana Bearskin Lake Beaverhouse Big Grassy Big Island Big Trout Lake Brunswick House Calstock Cat Lake Chapleau Cochrane Collins Couchiching Couchiching Deer Lake Dinorwic Dryden Ear Falls Emo Flying Post Fort Albany Fort Frances Fort Hope Fort Severn Geraldton Ginoogaming Grassy Narrows Gull Bay Hornepayne Hudson Iskatewizaagegan

Kapuskasing Kasabonika Kashechewan Keewaywin Kenora Kingfisher Lake Kocheching Lac La Croix Lac Seul, Kejick Bay Lake Nipigon Lansdowne Long Lake Mattagammi Michipicoten Migisi Sahgaigan Missanabie Mobert Moose Factory Moosonee Muskrat Dam Musselwhite Mine Naicatchewenin Naotikamegwanning Nestor Falls Nicikousemenecaning North Spirit Lake Northwest Angle #33 Northwest Angle #37 Ochiichagwe’Babigo’ Ining Ogoki Pic River Osnaburgh Pawitik Pays Plat Peawanuck

Pickle Lake Pikangikum Poplar Hill Rainy River Red Lake Red Rock Rocky Bay Sachigo Lake Sandy Lake Saugeen Sault Ste. Marie Savant Lake Seine River Shoal Lake Sioux Lookout Sioux Narrows Slate Falls Stanjikoming Stratton Summer Beaver Taykwa Tagamou Timmins Thunder Bay Wabaskang Wabigoon Wahgoshing Wapekeka Washaganish Wauzhusk Onigum Wawakapewin Weagamow Lake Webequie Whitedog Whitesand Wunnimun Lake

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Brian Davey for Grand Chief

“Means ” Voting for : Ex Results perience, Vision, Strength and

Political and Professional Profile Brief Background: Brian’s greatest strength is his ability to see the big picture and to strategically plan and achieve successful outcomes. He has a strong background in economic and business development and a proven ability to negotiate agreements. He is not afraid to walk away if the proposed agreement is not in the best interest of the people. He has worked on First Nations issues for over 30 years and was elected 2 terms (6 years) as Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Ask Nation. He has worked in the private and public sectors as an independent business person and in senior management positions in First Nation organizations. His Vision is to create wealth and prosperity for all the NAN First Nations and its people by using the treaty, our relationship and jurisdiction to the land. His Vision also includes creating healthy communities so we are able to take advantage of the opportunities and live our lives to the fullest, as intended by the Creator.

Work History His career path is as follows: 1981 to 1990 ...... Director, Rights and Treaty Research, Grand Council Treaty #9 1990 to 1991 ...... Six Bands Negotiator, the creation of six new reserves and communities 1991 to 1997 ...... Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, economic development portfolio 1997 to 1998 ...... Land and Resource Advisor to the Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation 1998 to 2000 ...... Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Aboriginal Economic Renewal Initiative 2000 to 2006 ...... Managing Partner, First Nations Equity Inc. (management/financial advisory firm) 2006 to 2010 ...... Manager, Economic Development, Matawa First Nations 2011 to now ....... Special Initiatives Advisor, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund

Notable Strengths: • Acquired a vast knowledge on treaty rights in the early part of his career including inherent rights through his experience and participation in the Constitutional conferences in the 1980s. • Strong background in economic and business development. • Knowledgeable on resource revenue sharing. Did major research studies on revenue sharing for the Sioux Lookout area and in the province as a whole. • Participated in complex land base and resource sector negotiations from the creation of reserves to impact and benefit agreements to early mineral exploration agreements. • Provided the initial political leadership for the coastal transmission line.

Province apologizes to Wabigoon Lake for dam flooding Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Wabigoon Lake received an official apology on Aug. 25 from Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne for past flooding of reserve land. “The settlement has been a long time coming and we the community appreciate the due diligence by those parties/individuals who were involved throughout the negotiation process,” said Wabigoon Lake Chief Ruben Cantin Sr. “This settlement will give Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation the opportunity to plan for the future and to make an investment in our youth for a better future.” The apology was held at the community’s powwow grounds, where traditional ceremonies were conducted in the presence of Wynne, Grand Council Treaty #3 Grand Chief Warren White, Cantin and other dignitaries and community members. Wynne said the ceremony was an important opportunity to bring the sentiment of the government to Wabigoon Lake. “I wanted to express how pleased we are to work in partnership with the First Nation, and to apologize for decisions that were made in the past that were not good decisions for the First Nation,” Wynne said. Wynne added that she believes the relationship between the government and First Nations is getting back to the partnership expressed in the treaties. “For the last 60 to 100 years, that partnership conversation has not been there,” Wynne said. “The way decisions were imposed on people is not the way it should work. I’m trying with every fibre of my being to prevent that from happening again.” Wabigoon Lake’s flood claim was filed over the 1897 construction of a provincially-approved dam without the

Wawaty News

Brian’s nomination for Grand Chief is moved by Chief Norm Hardisty, Moose Cree First Nation and seconded by Chief Peter Moonias, Neskantaga First Nation.

If you have any questions, Brian Davey may be contacted at: Mobile: 807-708-2882 or Email: b.davey@shaw.ca

The flooding drowned the community’s historic village site, washed graves into the lake and caused loss of lands and valuable resources. The flooding drowned the community’s historic village site, washed graves into the lake and caused loss of lands and valuable resources. The community received $27 million in financial compensation after settling the century-old flood claim with Ontario for past and ongoing flooding of the community’s shoreline. Cantin said 96 per cent of the community voted in favour of the settlement during a February 17 vote. “Given the historic event that happened over 100 years ago, I don’t think people wanted to wait anymore,” Cantin said. “There was this offer and our advisors, our negotiators, our lawyers said that’s a good offer because it’s more than what other communities have been offered for such claims.” The flood claim monies were invested into a trust fund for the community’s future. “If we are going to be successful in the future, investments have to be made for the youth, especially in the area of education,” Cantin said. “We’re trying to get the biggest bang for our dollar for the future.” The community has not reached a settlement with the federal government over the flooding.

Ontario expanding Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program Rick Garrick

Brian is a citizen of the Moose Cree Nation, a graduate of Trent University and currently resides in Thunder Bay with his spouse, Leesa Wabasse and his two daughters, Courtney and Breanne and two grandsons, Cohen and Phoenix, all of whom are Neskantaga First Nation citizens.

community’s consent and its further reconstruction in 1912 for power generation. The dam caused water levels to rise and flood almost 20 per cent of the reserve.

Moose Cree First Nation is one of the first success stories under Ontario’s Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program. A partner in the Lower Mattagami River hydroelectric project, Moose Cree will have up to a 25 per cent equity share in the $2.6 billion project. “The Moose Cree were one of the first applicants to the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program and have become one of its first successes,” said Moose Cree Chief Norman Hardisty. “We have entered a new world of business relationships and have developed new and lasting capacity in project finance that will serve the economy of the

Moose Cree homeland and the province of Ontario for years to come.” The project includes the replacement of the Smoky Falls Generating Station with a new three-unit station and the addition of electricity generating units at the Little Long, Harmon and Kipling generating stations on the Lower Mattagami River. Once completed, the new generating units will produce about 440 megawatts of new hydro power without the construction of new dams. Ontario announced a $150 million expansion of the Ontario Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program on July 30 to encourage First Nation and Métis participation in its clean energy economy.

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Smoke conditions force evacuation of 300 Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Sandy Lake is evacuating about 300 phase-one evacuees to Thunder Bay due to smoke from forest fires. “Yesterday we started medivacing phase-one people,” said Sandy Lake Chief Bart Meekis on July 30. “The smoke yesterday was really bad — it touched the ground because of no wind.” While there are currently about four or five smaller fires burning near Sandy Lake, Meekis said most of the smoke is coming from bigger fires in Manitoba and near Deer Lake. “We had a little bit of wind today and it kind of lifted (the smoke) up,” Meekis said. “When it becomes calm in the evenings or early in the morning, it settles into the community.” About 72 community members were evacuated to Thunder Bay on July 29 and another 230 were scheduled for evacuation on July 30 and 31 in the phase-one evacuation, which includes all high-risk community members, such as infants, prenatal, elderly and people with chronic respiratory conditions. Meekis said some phaseone evacuees did not want to leave the community, but the chief and council encouraged them to leave because of their health. “We don’t want to lose anybody,” Meekis said. “It’s actu-

ally better to be cautious than not be cautious.” Meekis said the forest fire situation is not as serious this year because the forest burned down near the community last year provides a barrier to nearby forest fires. “Those fires from last year are preventing the fire from coming in,” Meekis said. Meekis said the closest forest fires, including Red Lake 66 and Red Lake 58, are burning back onto their burnedover area due to a shift in the wind. And a larger fire located about 30 kilometres north of Sandy Lake, Red Lake 60, also burned back onto its path. “It was a big fire, but because of the wind direction, it burned back to where it came from so it is burning itself out too,” Meekis said. “It depends on where the wind is coming from.” Northwestern Ontario had 66 active forest fires on July 29. The region had 476 forest fires to date, which burned 69,204 hectares of forest. The Red Lake district had 31 actives forest fires on July 29, Sioux Lookout had 17, Nipigon had 10, Thunder Bay had two, Kenora had one and Dryden had none. Ontario had 1,196 forest fires to date, considerably higher than last year’s number of 689 forest fires and the 10-year average of 646 forest fires. While the 120,092 hect-

Aboriginal Trades & Employment Symposium “A Positive and Inclusive Pathway to a Brighter Future” Organized by the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) along with the Northern Ontario Steering Committee September 18th, 2012 The Center, Dryden September 20th, 2012 Travel Lodge Airlane, Thunder Bay 8:30am to 4:30pm Lunch Provided

ares of forest burned to date this year is considerably lower than last year’s total of 630,855 hectares, it is nearing the 10-year average of 125,032 hectares. Most of Sandy Lake’s 2,741 community members were evacuated to 11 locations throughout Ontario and Manitoba in 2011 due to smoke from forest fires.

Christian Quequish/Wawatay News

Smoke blanketed Sandy Lake during the community’s music festival last week.

REVIEW Caribou Forest 2008–2018 Forest Management Plan Review of Proposed Operations for Phase II (2013–2018) Information Centre The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Resolute Forest Products and the Sioux Lookout Local Citizens Committee (LCC) invite you to an information centre to help us develop the second five-year term (2013–2018) of the 2008–2018 Forest Management Plan (FMP) for the Caribou Forest. The operations for the first five-year term (Phase I) of the 10-year FMP (2008–2018) are nearing completion and detailed planning for the second five-year term (Phase II) operations are commencing. This first stage (Stage 1) notice is to invite you to review and comment on proposed operations and to contribute to the background information to be used in planning. You will have the opportunity to review and comment on the following operations for the second five-year term: t 5 IF QSPQPTFE BSFBT JEFOUJGJFE for harvest, renewal and tending operations; t 5IF QSPQPTFE SPBE MPDBUJPOT BOE conditions; and, t 5IF QMBOOFE PQFSBUJPOBM SPBE boundaries and conditions. You will also have an opportunity to contribute to the background information to be used in planning. How to Get Involved To facilitate your review, information centres will be held at the following locations and times: August 15, 2012 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Centennial Centre 54 Front Street Sioux Lookout, ON August 16, 2012 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Savant Lake School Lot #1 First Street Savant Lake, ON A summary map showing proposed areas for harvest, renewal and tending operations as well as the proposed road corridors will be available at the information centre or upon request. The information and maps available at the information centre will also be available for review and comment at the Resolute Forest Products office and at the MNR Sioux Lookout District Office, by appointment during normal office hours for a period of 30 days from August 15 to September 14, 2012. Comments must be received by Tara Pettit at the MNR Sioux Lookout District Office by 4:30 p.m. on September 14, 2012. Meetings with representatives of the planning team and the LCC can be requested at any time during the planning process. Reasonable opportunities to meet planning team members during non-business hours will be provided upon request. If you require more information or wish to discuss your interests and concerns with a planning team member, please contact one of the individuals listed below: Tara Pettit, RPF, Area Forester Ministry of Natural Resources 49 Prince Street P.O. Box 309 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A6 tel: 807-737-5040

Thomas C. Ratz, RPF Planning Superintendent Resolute Forest Products 2001 Neebing Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S3 tel: 807-475-2701

John Bath Local Citizens Committee P.O. Box 206 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A3 tel: 807-737-9683

During the planning process there is an opportunity to make a written request to seek resolution of issues with the plan author, the MNR District Manager or the Regional Director using a process described in the Forest Management Planning Manual (2009). Stay Involved There will be two more formal opportunities for you to be involved. These stages are tentatively scheduled as follows: Stage 2 – Review of Draft Planned Operations Stage 3 – Inspection of MNR-Approved Planned Operations

November 2012 April 2013

The tentative scheduled date for submission of the Draft Planned Operations is October 1, 2012. If you would like to be added to a mailing list to be notified of public involvement opportunities, please contact Tara Pettit at (807) 737-5040. The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting your personal information and comments under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Any personal information you provide (address, name, telephone, etc.) will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; however, your comments will become part of the public consultation process and may be shared with the general public. Your personal information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources to send you further information related to this forest management planning exercise. If you have questions about the use of your personal information, please contact Glen Niznowski at 807-737-5037.

For Registration & Information visit www.slaamb.on.ca

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Bringing civic literacy into classrooms Stephanie Wesley Wawatay News

Stephanie Wesley/Wawatay News

Students from Lakehead University’s Aboriginal Education Program attended a civic literacy course at Thunder Bay’s City Hall. The students plan to bring that information to the schools in communities they teach in in the future.

Efforts geared at increasing Aboriginal voter participation took place in Thunder Bay on July 27. The program brought Aboriginal education students to Thunder Bay’s city hall for a day of learning about civic literacy. Joan Esquega, a fourth-year bachelor of education student at Lakehead University, felt it was very important to partake in the engagement session at City Hall. “We, as Aboriginal teachers, need to realize that it’s important for us to bring this knowledge into our classrooms, to teach our children the importance of voting,” Esquega said. “I think if we can teach them (the children) when they’re younger, they’ll do it as adults.” Judi Nelson Childs of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) spearheaded the session that revolved around encouraging Aboriginal voter-participation in Ontario. “It started with a report that I did, I work for ONWA and I partnered with four people from the Leadership Thunder Bay group and we did a community action project,” explained Childs. “The genesis of that report was that we knew Canadians don’t vote – there’s about a 50 per cent rate of voter participation across the country, for Aboriginal people it is even less.” Childs wanted to take a look at why the rate of Aboriginal voters was low. She explained that the group participated in “an extensive study that turned into a roundtable event” at Lakehead University to try to come up with ways on how to increase voter turnout. It was at Lakehead University where Childs was able to meet up with Dr. Laura Buker, a teacher in the Aboriginal Education Program, to discuss the issue. Childs expressed how important the participation of Aboriginal voters is, not only in municipal elections but also in Canada as a country. “In Ontario, there are at least six or seven ridings where the Aboriginal population would be the swing vote. In Canada

federally there are 60 ridings where Aboriginal votes would probably make the difference (in results),” Childs said. Childs felt it was important to focus on Aboriginal voters, more so after the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) elections. “The fact that there were five women leaders who stepped forward to be a part of that was very monumental,” Childs said. Childs feels that “change is upon us.” “It’s a good change because we are asking questions, wanting to be engaged,” Childs said. “Our younger Aboriginal people, they’re the ones that are wanting to lift things forward so it’s very important that we find places in our education curriculum for this.” Buker credits Leo Baska-

We, as Aboriginal teachers, need to realize that it’s important for us to bring this knowledge into our classrooms.” – Joan Esquega

tawang and his March 4 Justice endeavors for reminding everyone how important it is to stay informed. “Educate yourself about everything from that Indian act, and why we want it repealed, or at least dialogued about, or changed in many ways,” Buker said. Buker explained that there is going to be a committee with the city of Thunder Bay that will be working with the city clerk’s office to study the issue of civic literacy, not just for Aboriginal citizens but also amongst all the citizens of the city. “There’s also going to be work within the Aboriginal community to take a look at the recommendations and have the Aboriginal organizations see where they can help out and help to provide the ‘why should people vote’ part that is missing,” Buker said. Buker said that Elections Canada and Elections Ontario provide information on how to vote, but feels people also need to know why they should vote.

Bearskin Lake First Nation Presents:

Michikan Lake Homecoming! 75th year Celebrations! August 17 to August 27, 2012 All Bearskin Lake First Nation Members and former residents living off reserve are invited to come home and celebrate! For more information please Contact any member of the Council or Anita Nothing, Recreation & Special Events Planner @ 807 363 2518 Please check out our website: michikanlakehomecoming.myknet.org Or find us on Facebook Michikan Lake Homecoming 2012

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

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Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and MP Greg Rickford were in Sioux Lookout to announce funding for a study into a child advocacy centre for the region.

Working on healing child victims

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Christian Quequish Wawatay News

A child advocacy center may be a possibility for First Nations communities in the Sioux Lookout area. During a press conference July 23, Greg Rickford, MP for the Kenora district and the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and minister of justice and attorney general of Canada said that a needs-assessment and feasibility study would be put in place for a child advocacy center. The government of Canada announced the federal victims strategy in 2007, where $90 million was put aside to service victims of crime. In 2012, with the introduction of the Economic Action Plan, an additional $5 million was added. Nicholson said that the government of Canada is committing $115,000 to help the assessment process along. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I heard about these child advocacy centers about three years ago. What they did was take the children and put them in a friendly environment,â&#x20AC;? said Nicholson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One size doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit all, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it was a good idea to have a feasibility study.â&#x20AC;?

John Cutfeet, board chair of Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority, said that the child advocacy service program sought to provide necessary support to children whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been â&#x20AC;&#x153;victims of sexual crime.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;A child advocacy center brings together mental health, child welfare, child development, police and crown attorney services to plan for supporting child victims in the most effective and least intrusive way

possible,â&#x20AC;? said Cutfeet. He added that a child advocacy center increases the likelihood of a child only having to tell their story once, reducing trauma and stress.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The intent is not to build a bricks and mortar center, but to forge partnerships with the area service providers in consultation with our First Nations communities,â&#x20AC;? said Cutfeet. He said that providing child advocacy center services would be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;unique challenge.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Along with getting input from our communities, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be meeting with all he other services that will be involved with the child advocacy center for consultation,â&#x20AC;? said Cutfeet. Rickford said that these centers are going to be of great assistance to children and youth by providing â&#x20AC;&#x153;appropriate counseling, medical exams, court preparation, mental health services and child victim services.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that these child advocacy centers are effective, we know that they provide safe places for children to deal with trauma,â&#x20AC;? said Rickford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want to be in the best position possible to support that healing â&#x20AC;Ś and foster strong relationships in the communities they live in upon them returning.â&#x20AC;? The set date for completion of the needs-assessment and feasibility study is March 31, 2013.

Shibogama First Nations Council Charity Golf Tournament Friday, August 17, 2012 at Sioux Lookout Golf and Curling Club

For more information, please contact: Allan Brown @ 737-2662 Email: allanb@shibogama.on.ca

The most important issue facing the Nishnawbe Aski Nation over the next three years is our children and youth. But not simply children and youth; but children as the foundation for the future of our communities. Nishnawbe Aski Nation needs a new relationship with communities; a new relationship in which communities control the agenda rather than government program funding or Nishnawbe Aski as an organization; a new relationship where communities can call on Nishnawbe Aski for advocacy when children are missing, houses and schools are full of mould, bureaucrats are stonewalling and resource developers refuse to listen; a new relationship where Nishnawbe Aski returns to the values of the original Grand Council Treaty No. 9. We need to increase our understanding of the dramatic changes that are coming to our lands. The Ring of Fire is the first of many mining projects. With new mines will come permanent roads, transmission lines and social challenges. We need to present the changes that are coming squarely in treaty rights and self-government terms and assert our demand for community control of decisions on lands and resources as a treaty and international indigenous right. We have the right to know about the impacts of projects, we have the right to decide what terms and conditions resource developers and governments must meet and we have the right to benefit and participate in the economy that will be created from our lands. We must never forget that we have our own ways of managing our lands and resources, our own laws and our own ways of making decisions. Our language and our culture is the foundation that we will build on. OUR CHILDREN, OUR LAND, OUR FUTURE Alvin Fiddler 807-627-3103 alvinfiddler@shaw.ca

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Celebrating ‘Cree-ness’ and uniting communities Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

Ten years ago, the idea of reviving an old tradition took flight in Moose Factory when the first Creefest was hosted alongside Moose Cree’s Gathering of Our People (GOOP). “We started in 2003 here in Moose Factory, and for some amazing reason we ended up back here to celebrate our 10th event,” said Creefest coordinator Greg Spence. For the 10th anniversary of the annual Creefest, held July 25-28, hundreds gathered in Moose Factory to celebrate. Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit said the gathering is about getting together as families and communities. “Going back in our history, we’d spend cold hard winters in the bush, and in the summertime we’d come home and gather in central places,” he said. The first Creefest arose when a group of Elders felt that old tradition needed to be revived, he explained. “So we gather as communities and it is a time to celebrate our culture, our life, the arts,” Louttit said. “Just gathering and meeting old friends, and reminiscing. It’s about celebrating our Cree-ness.” The event kicked off on July 25 with a variety of activities during the day set up around the Thomas Cheechoo Jr. Memorial Complex. In a shaptwon set up outside, traditional cooks prepared a variety of meats and dishes to

Photos by Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

From square dancing to pro wrestling, pow wows to rock concerts, the 10th annual Creefest blended the traditional with the modern. be sampled by anyone who wanted to taste traditional Mushkegowuk food, which included goose, duck, moose, fish, bannock, beaver and muskrat. Just outside the shaptwon, tea was brewed over an open fire, where anyone was welcome to sit around and chat. At another tent, various musicians performed onstage. Throughout the four-day festival, entertainers would perform

throughout the day, whether it was scheduled performers or an open mic. Various events took place in the community hall, including an X-Box Kinect dance tournament, a traditional powwow, a series of wrestling matches provided by TWA Professional Wrestling, children’s face and nail painting and community breakfasts every morning. Fiddling and square dancing is a fixture at gatherings along

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James Bay, and at Creefest, fiddling groups played both outside and on the main stage. On July 26, square dancing was the key performance in the evening as a dance group from Kashechewan performed. The gathering also welcomed the Creeland Dancers, who arrived all the way from Saskatchewan to show their unique spin on the square dance. Then a com-

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munity dance was held, where emcee Lawrence Martin called upon members from one Mushkegowuk community at a time to take the dance floor for a song. Every evening, musicians and entertainers took the main stage on the arena pad. Hip-hop group Winnipeg’s Most headlined the opening night while the Juno award-winning Cree

rock band from Quebec, CerAmony, headlined the July 27 concert. Comedic puppeteer Derric Starlight, who added a Native flair to his dead-on impressions of various Jim Henson and Sesame Street puppets, also performed during the evening. The final night of Creefest featured musical acts from the region, including Moose Cree’s Nathan Cheechoo, Midnight Shine, which featured Attawapiskat’s Adrian Sutherland, the Alex McLeod Blues Band from Six Nations and Moose Cree’s own country band, The Wild Flowers. The evening was topped with a highly anticipated performance by country music star Crystal Shawanda, who flew in from Nashville to perform. The theme of the 10th annual Creefest was Unity Through Celebration. “We have to celebrate life,” Spence said. “We have been losing young people, and we see tragedies almost every day, we’re losing our Elders. And yet we have to celebrate. We have to go on.” As the festival wound down, Spence reflected on how Creefest has grown over the last decade. “I think Creefest for last 10 years, we have united our communities,” he said. “They hear about so much and they look forward to it. Like I always say, just put away our pettiness, jealousies and conflicts, and be together for four days.”

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                                                             

                                                           

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Thirty years of rocking Muddy Water Christian Quequish Wawatay News

The 30th annual Muddy Water Music Festival (MWMF) was a big hit for young community members. The music festival featured long-time MWMF comers Bruthers of Different Muthers, Fred Mitchell and Sandman – a Metallica tribute band – and plenty of other artists local and abroad. The festival featured many music styles ranging from gospel to country to metal. Roy Kakegamic, economic development officer for Sandy Lake First Nation (SLFN) coordinated the music festival. Kakegamic said that getting youth involved in the festival process helped them develop learning skills so that they may someday help coordinate it themselves. “I believe in what the music festival does,” said Kakegamic. “I like seeing young people involved.” The MWMF started Wednesday night with a sound check and a preview night featuring the talent of local artists, helping the performers learn and get used to the sound system. “Thursday night was youth night, so there was a lot of hip-hop artists, and Friday was more of a rock and metal night,” said Kakegamic. Casey Linklater, a local hip-hop artist from Sandy Lake, said that the festival definitely had its highlights. “The way I see it is these new rappers out here are doing pretty good,” said Linklater. “I’m seeing a lot of effort in these guys.” Linklater said the new artists inspired him. Kakegamic said that Satur-

Photos by Christian Quequish/Wawatay News

Right: Bringing his own style to a series of classic songs, Fred Mitchell was well-received by Sandy Lake band members at the Muddy Water Music Festival. Left: One member of the rap group Reserved showed his band’s style, taking a contemporary approach to hip-hop. day was more of a country and soft-pop night, and the festival would conclude on Sunday with a gospel music night. “I think we targeted every age group in Sandy Lake,” said Kakegamic. Kakegamic said that he is trying to move away from organizing the MWMF.

“In my mind, I want to slowly step aside from coordinating, but still help with proposals to get funding,” said Kakegamic. He added that a big problem with this year’s music festival was that it was left to the last minute and they didn’t get funding from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). A lot of the organization

was done last minute, and with the combination of people working together and just not wanting to let this go. Having sat as a jury member for the OAC, Kakegamic said he learned a great deal about writing proposals, Kakegamic said he envisions a music festival council that plans, organizes and coordinates the music festival.

“Many times I fall into a position where I have to make all the decisions,” said Kakegamic. “I’m trying to set up the organizational structure and hire a coordinator to run the festival.” He said its part of a skills development idea he has for the youth, and he said that the MWMF is potentially a “great vehicle for economic

revenue.” Fred Mitchell, a selfdescribed singer-songwriter, entertainer and actor said the festival went great. “The talent was phenomenal as per usual, and everybody had a great time,” said Mitchell. Mitchell said he’d love to come back for years to come.

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved Prescribed Burn Lac Seul Forest The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) invites you to inspect the MNR approved Prescribed Burn plan that will be carried out in the Lac Seul Forest (see map).

Casey Linklater says hip hop artists in Sandy Lake have come a long way over the past few years.

The MNR (Fire Management Headquarters and District Forest Management) in conjunction with Obishikokaang Resources Corporation and Lac Seul First Nation is planning to conduct two prescribed burns in storm-damaged areas. The two areas have been selected to be burned under the strict guidelines of the MNR Prescribed Burning Manual. The prescribed burns will prepare and enhance the sites for subsequent regeneration and growth. These projects will investigate the effectiveness of the use of prescribed fire to achieve ecological renewal and hazard reduction objectives. The burns are scheduled for ignition between September 1, 2012 and November 15, 2012. The project description and plan for the prescribed burn projects are available for public viewing at the Sioux Lookout MNR District Office, 49 Prince Street. Information about this prescribed burn project, including specific locations and maps, is available for public viewing at the MNR Sioux Lookout District Office (address below) during normal business hours and the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning August 1, 2012. For more information, please contact: Amy Smart Resource Planning Analyst MNR District Office 49 Prince Street Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A5 tel: 807-737-2261

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Cultural teachings celebrated in Pays Plat Continued from page 1 The first day of the cultural week featured a community feast, a sweat lodge and a regalia-making workshop. “We had the community members buy their own material and bring their own sewing machines (to learn) how to make dancing outfits,” said Pays Plat Councillor Raymond Goodchild. The second day featured a beading workshop, cultural teachings on residential school, a community feast and a sweat lodge. “We learned from the Elder how to do beading and it was really fun,” said Claire

Auger, who had previously worked throughout the cultural week during past years and didn’t have an opportunity to participate until this year. The third day featured medicine teachings, a feast and a sweat lodge. “I came down because I heard they were having cultural teachings on medicine,” said Ginny Michano, a community member who lives in Thunder Bay. “I thought it would be interesting because I don’t really know anything about our traditional medicines. I figured this would be a good time to come and ask ques-

tions and to learn.” Susan Kwisses, the Elder from Lake Helen who shared a wide variety of medicines during her medicine teachings workshop, was pleased with the results. “It went awesome,” Kwisses said. “Ever ybody was very interested in everything that was said and they are looking forward to continuing that tradition of traditional medicines in their community.” The fourth day featured tobacco tie teachings, vision quest teachings and sweat lodge teachings. “We’ve been doing this for quite some time because we

believe our culture is ver y important for us to keep us in touch with our spirituality and (be) willing to learn and identify ourselves and help us change in this world,” Goodchild said. “We want to know who we really are, what we really are in this world and we also want to be proud to be Anishinabe. So we learn how to do the ceremonies, we learn how to dance, we learn how to pray in our language and we learn how to obtain spirituality.” Friday, Saturday and Sunday featured the community’s annual powwow.

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Raymond Goodchild in Pays Plat.

Open House 4 Osisko Hammond Reef Gold is pleased to invite you to our upcoming Open House and Community BBQ:

Bringing back traditions, one year at a time From Elders to children, cultural teachings growing

August 18th Osisko’s Main Street Ofﬁce in Atikokan 10am to 3pm Formal presentation at 11am

Rick Garrick

OHRG is committed to engaging and working with stakeholder groups and Aboriginal communities throughout the Project. We recognize that views of community members are important and have the potential to make the Project better. We have heard many comments and questions from community members over the past several months, and would like to continue sha r ing information with you as the Project planning process moves forward. We have recently received approval for our Terms of Reference report, marking the ofﬁcial beginning of the provincial Environmental Assessment process. Come have a burger or a hot dog with us and get an update on the Hammond Reef project. We will be giving a presentation and have information stations on topics such as: Ř 8SGDWHG 3URMHFW /D\RXW Ř 3URMHFW 6FKHGXOH DQG :RUNIRUFH Ř %DVHOLQH 6WXG\ 5HVXOWV Ř (QYLURQPHQWDO $VVHVVPHQW 0HWKRGV Ř &ORVXUH 3ODQQLQJ

Osisko Hammond Reef Gold – 105 Main Street

OSISKO HAMMOND REEF GOLD LTD. Head Ofﬁce: 1100, av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal Suite 300, P.O. Box 211 Montreal, Qc, H3B 2S2

Regional Ofﬁce: 101, Goodwin Street, P.O. Box 2020 Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0

Contact: Alexandra Drapack Director Sustainable Development Hammond Reef Project

www.osisko.com

adrapack@osisko.com

Wawatay News

Traditional teacher Dennis Black has seen many changes since the Pays Plat cultural teachings week began five years ago. “When I first came here, when my Elder brought me here, I more or less had to stand there and watch them put up the sweat lodge,” Black said, noting the community members did not know how to set up a sweat lodge back then. “When we got here Monday, the guys said do you want the lodge set up? No supervision, nothing.” Black remembers finding the community’s traditional drum about three years ago in a storage space in the community hall. Now youth are learning and practicing songs on the drum throughout the cultural teachings week. “They had a traditional drum all along — we had to ask our Elders if they had that drum,” Black said. “Listen to the boys sing now. That’s how much they picked up.” Black said community members now know their Indian name and their clans. “When we first started here, they were not able to do that, so we’ve made some progress,” Black said, “even in the language.“ Black hopes community members will continue to educate the youth in their cultural traditions when he is not in the community. “It’s a little bit different all over the place,” Black said about the cultural teachings. “There is a different value system in each community, that is why we rely on our Elders. We’re hoping that they can bring back some of the things that were taught to them by their parents, so they can give that to the youngest people and the youngest

“There is a different value system in each community, that is why we rely on our Elders. We’re hoping that they can bring back some of the things that were taught to them by their parents, so they can give that to the youngest people and the youngest people can give that to their children.” - Dennis Black

people can give that to their children.” Black wants to give the youth a foundation to build on for the future. “That is their way of life,” Black said. “That is the pride they have to carry as Anishinabe people.” Black said the youth are “very eager” to learn more about their own culture, noting they will even ask questions when standing in the rain. “Our youth are very eager, it’s just that we have to find people that carry that certain knowledge,” Black said. “There is a lot of spirituality in each community — I know that.” Black said many Anishinabe people have learned how to adapt to the western ways and have become very competitive in that environment. “It will make them that much stronger if they learn their culture, their language, their customs, their traditions,” Black said. Black has been learning about the traditional ways his whole life. This year’s Pays Play cultural teachings week was held from July 23-26.

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Wabun Youth Gathering features mini powwow Xavier Kataquapit Special to Wawatay News

The sixth annual Wabun Youth Gathering held at the Eco Centre Lodge in Elk Lake featured a mini Powwow, traditional teachings and workshops with an Aboriginal focus. Eighty-five Wabun youth attended the event which ran from July 16 to 27 and was sponsored by Wabun Tribal Council Health Services. The event was divided into two parts. The first week from July 16 to 20 was held for junior youth aged from eight to 12 and the second week from July 23 to 27 was for senior youth aged 13 to 18. The first week of events featured facilitators Wayne McKenzie of Temiskaming First Nation and Dana Cosgrove of Mattagami First Nation. McKenzie, a traditional teacher and dancer, instructed the male youth on preparations and ceremonies concerning powwows and dance. Cosgrove provided presentations for female youth in traditional dances, teachings and songs. The end of first week was celebrated with a mini powwow on July 19 developed by the youth. The senior week featured a series of workshops by Maria Trevizo, an internationally renowned Aboriginal speaker who has worked with many Aboriginal communities and organizations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. She is a certified psychiatric technician and certified substance abuse counsellor. As a traditional singer and facilitator, her work is focused on providing support and guidance to youth, women and the two-spirit community through traditional knowledge and cultural ceremonies. “I really think the Wabun Tribal Council is doing a great service to their young people with this gathering. It has been a pleasure to work the Wabun youth and to be part of such a positive process,” said Trevizo. Jean Lemieux, health director at Wabun Health Services, explained that the annual event has grown over the years through the support of Wabun Chiefs, Elders, community members and most importantly, the young people. “It felt so powerful to see our youth coming into the grand entry of the powwow and I know a lot of people got very emotional. My generation did not have the opportunities that our Wabun youth

have today in learning the teachings and culture of our people. We also really appreciate the support of Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Home Depot of Timmins,” said Lemieux. Many Wabun youth have been attending the annual gathering for years and some like Samuel Kloetstra-Naveau, of Mattagami First Nation, have taken over chaperone roles to assist and guide younger participants. “I have been coming here for years now and it has really made a difference in my life. I have learned about my Native traditions and culture and that will help me in the future,” said senior youth, KloetstraNaveau. Two traditional drum groups assisted with the powwow including the Iron Stone Drummers of Temiskaming First Nation and the Big Bear Claw Singers of Brunswick House First Nation. Elder Vina Hendrix, of Matachewan, led the group in opening and closing prayers and she was instrumental in assisting everyone with traditional and cultural knowledge. “I always like to attend this annual event because it is an opportunity for our youth to learn so much. I want to thank all of our chaperones who assisted with days of sewing to make sure that our young people had their regalia ready for their traditional dancing,” commented Hendrix. Elder, councillor and past chief of Mattagami First Nation, Morris Naveau was on hand to provide cultural teachings and story telling to youth as well as also conducting opening and closing prayers. “As a survivor of the residential school system, it is a very moving event for me to see our young people learning about their culture and being proud as Aboriginal people,” said Naveau. The Wabun Youth Gathering came out of the vision and guidance of the late Elder Thomas Saunders, Brunswick House, who wanted to see the Wabun communities coming together in one gathering. Wabun Tribal Council is a regional territorial organization which represents the six First Nation communities of Beaverhouse, Brunswick House, Chapleau Ojibwe, Flying Post, Matachewan and Mattagami in northeastern Ontario and it is directed by its respective Chiefs.

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Xavier Kataquapit/Special to Wawatay News

Eighty-five Aboriginal youth from the Wabun Tribal Council area took part in a two week long annual youth gathering. Junior participants at the sixth annual Wabun Youth Gathering are shown here in a group photo.

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved Aerial Herbicide Spraying for Nipigon District The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) invites you to inspect MNR-approved aerial herbicide spray projects. As part of our ongoing efforts to regenerate and protect Ontario’s forests, selected stands on the Lake Nipigon, Kenogami, Ogoki and Pic River Ojibway Forests (see map) will be sprayed with herbicide to control competing vegetation, starting on or about August 7, 2012. The herbicide VisionMax, registration #27736 will be used.

The approved project description and project plan for the individual aerial herbicide projects are available for public inspection at; Lake Nipigon Forest: office of Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc. in Red Rock (address below), Kenogami, Ogoki and Pic River Ojibway Forests: office of GreenForest Management Inc. in Thunder Bay (addresses below) and on the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans, beginning July 7, 2012 until March 31, 2013 when the annual work schedule expires. Ontario Government Information Centres in Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Geraldton, Terrace Bay, Marathon and Manitouwadge provide access to the Internet. For the Kenogami Forest, please note that commencement of the approved aerial herbicide project plan is contingent upon the approval of the 2012-2013 Annual Work Schedule. Interested and affected persons and organizations can arrange an appointment with MNR staff at the MNR District or Area office to discuss the aerial herbicide project. For more information, please contact: Lake Nipigon Forest Chris Leale, RPF Management Forester Ministry of Natural Resources P.O. Box 970 5 Wadsworth Drive Nipigon, ON P0T 2P0 tel: 807-887-5042 fax: 807-887-2993

Kenogami and Ogoki Forests Charlotte Bourdignon, RPF Management Forester Ministry of Natural Resources P.O. Box 640 208 Beamish Avenue North Geraldton, ON P0T 1M0 tel: 807-854-1826 fax: 807-854-0335

Pic River Ojibway Forest Raymond Weldon, RPF Management Forester Ministry of Natural Resources P.O. Box 970 5 Wadsworth Drive Nipigon, ON P0T 2P0 tel: 807-887-5058 fax: 807-887-2993

Lake Nipigon Forest Paul Poschmann, RPF General Manager Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc. 78 Salls Street P.O. Box 449 Red Rock, ON P0T 2P0 tel: 807-886-3024 ext. 1 fax: 807-886-2641

Kenogami and Ogoki Forests Ryan Murphy, RPF Forest Renewal Manager GreenForest Management Inc. 470 Hodder Avenue P.O. Box 22004 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A8 tel: 807-343-6476 fax: 807-343-6424

Pic River Ojibway Forest Ryan Murphy, RPF Forest Renewal Manager GreenForest Management Inc. 470 Hodder Avenue P.O. Box 22004 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A8 tel: 807-343-6476 fax: 807-343-6424

Or, call toll-free: 1-800-667-1940 and ask to be forwarded to one of the contacts above. Renseignements en français : 1-807-887-5000.

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Fontaine juggles music dreams with education Stephanie Wesley Wawatay News

If you live, work or enjoy recreation in the Caribou Forest, we want to hear from you! ¾ Do you use forest access roads to hunt, fish, or collect firewood? ¾ Do you canoe, hike or snowmobile in the area? ¾ Are you a trapper, logger, camp owner, outfitter or prospector? ¾ Are you interested in how the forest is managed to accommodate the habitat needs of fish and wildlife?

The Sioux Lookout Local Citizens Committee invites you to attend an Open House to help develop the second five year term (2013-2018) of the Caribou Forest 2008-2018 Forest Management Plan. Open Houses will be held on the following dates, locations and times:

August 15, 2012 Centennial Centre 3:00pm to 8:00pm 54 Front Street Sioux Lookout

August 16, 2012 Savant Lake Public School 4:00pm to 7:00pm Lot #1 First Street Savant Lake

You will have the opportunity to review and comment on planned harvest, renewal and tending activities as well as planned road locations. Your comments and input will assist in making balanced and well informed decisions through the planning process. Any additional background information that you can provide us with would also be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or comments please contact any of the following people: John Bath Local Citizens Committee P.O. Box 206 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A3 Tel. (807) 737-2031

Tara Pettit R.P.F. Area Forester Ministry of Natural Resources 49 Prince Street PO Box 309 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A6 Tel. (807) 737-5040

Thomas C. Ratz R.P.F. Planning Superintendent Resolute Forest Products 2001 Neebing Ave, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6S3 Tel. (807) 475-2701

Ali Fontaine, a country singer and a Sagkeeng First Nation band member, will be turning eighteen this month. So far in her young life, she has already won two Aboriginal Music People’s Choice Awards for her selftitled debut album – which was released in 2011 – and a Most Outstanding Manitoban award. On her Aug. 16 birthday this year, Fontaine will be playing the same stage as Susan Aglukark at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre for the Planet IndigenUS Festival. “It will be a nice birthday present,” Fontaine gushed about the upcoming performance. Fontaine has worked hard as an artist to reach this point, and has no plans on giving up her burgeoning career as a country musician just yet. Fontaine has always been a creative spirit; she remembers writing a lot as a young child in her home community. “When I was eight, I used to write songs and poetry. I’ve always loved writing,” she said. The third track, Hey, on her debut album is the first song Fontaine ever wrote. “It’s a love song but it wasn’t really about anyone,” Fontaine explained when questioned of the song’s inspiration. With a laugh she elaborated that she really wanted to write a song and “love songs are always easy to write because love is universal.” Fontaine used the song Hey to enter the fall 2010 NCI Jam contest that was held in Winnipeg, where she came in third. Fontaine has always been an avid participant in various contests and social-events. She wrote a song entitled “I Miss You” that she entered the C-Weed Star Attraction Showcase with. The song was written for her beloved grandmother who passed away. Fontaine was selected as one of 10 performers to be given a chance to record her original song with Errol Ranville of C-Weed Band Fame producing. Following the showcase Fontaine approached Ranville and asked him to help her with her music, and the two worked together on her first album. They are currently in the process of recording the follow-up, Diamond in the Rough, which Fontaine hopes to finish soon. The last year of Fontaine’s life was difficult when it came to finishing her high school education and keeping up with her musical aspirations. She left regular high school and got her diploma through adult-education, which is something she may have to do again this fall when she goes to university. Fontaine is interested in becoming a lawyer, and feels very strongly about protecting treaty rights. Though she has dreams of law school in her mind, Fontaine is adamant that she will never stop making music. Fontaine’s musical rolemodel is Crystal Shawanda, the Aboriginal country music

superstar. “I haven’t met her yet, I want to so bad. I came close twice but it never happened,” Fontaine laughed. Fontaine used music as an outlet to deal with any stresses that came her way. She successfully avoided turning to rebellious behaviour like some teens do when faced with a problem or an issue just by staying active in music and writing. Fontaine had to deal with her share of bullies growing up, as well. The opening track on her first album is called Say it to me and Fontaine feels it was one of the angriest songs she’s written since it addresses the people who bullied her and tried to tear her down. Fontaine doesn’t regret what has happened to her, though. She feels that if the bullying never happened then the song would have never been written, and it would not have been on the album.

Fontaine had to deal with her share of bullies growing up, as well.

The video for the song Say it to me was filmed in New York City and features Fontaine walking in heels that would make Carrie Bradshaw proud. It is a satisfying occasion in the Big Apple in which she shows those who tried to bring her down that they did not succeed. Of the 10 tracks on her debut album, she wrote nine of the songs. Fontaine pays homage to Ranville with a cover of the timeless C-Weed Band song “Run as one.” “It’s my favourite C-Weed song, and I wanted to give back to Ranville and sort of say thanks for everything he has done for me,’ Fontaine explained. Her sisters also perform the traditional singing at the beginning of the song, and she hopes to pass on the message of “Run as one” to younger generations of Aboriginal people. Fontaine is scheduled to play a show Aug. 5 at the Fisher Cree Nation’s 8th Annual Community Celebration alongside other notable acts like C-Weed Band, the dance troupe Sagkeeng’s Finest, and the legendary Tanya Tucker. Tucker has enjoyed a very lengthy career in country music that started at a young age, and Fontaine hopes to have the same success. “Music is who I am. I want to continue making it for the rest of my life,” Fontaine said. Lookout for Fontaine’s second album, which is to be released in the near future, as well as her debut album which is available now on iTunes. Fontaine also has four submissions in different categories for this year’s Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards. There is industry voting happening right now to determine this year’s nominees for this year’s awards. Public voting begins on Aug. 13 and will be open online until Sept. 3.

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Sightseeing flights a hit at aviation camp Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Bottle rockets were designed, built and launched during Wasaya Airway’s First Nations youth aviation camp.

Sightseeing flights around Thunder Bay were a hit for many youth at Wasaya Airway’s Pimesaywii Apitamahkaywin First Nations Youth Aviation Camp. “It was fun,” said Weagamow’s Jayden Williams. “We were on the plane (for) most likely half an hour. (We saw) the Sleeping Giant.” Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug’s Barry McKay also enjoyed the opportunity

to fly a Cessna 172 for a while during his sightseeing flight to Kakabeka Falls. “We had a competition with some paper airplanes and learned a little bit about lift,” said Stephane Therrien, one of the aviation camp leaders and a first-year flight management student at Confederation College. “Whoever got the longest got to sit in the front seat. And a few of the students got to take control of the plane for a few minutes.” Kasabonika’s Dominik Albany was one of the youth

who won the privilege of flying in the co-pilot’s seat of a Cessna 172. He won by flying his paper airplane the furthest during the paper airplane contest on the first day of the aviation camp. “It felt pretty good — I knew I would be the winner,” Albany said about his paper airplane’s extra-long flight right outside of the hangar — the only paper airplane to do so. Bearskin Lake’s Shane McKay enjoyed flying a remote control plane around the Sports Dome in Thunder Bay. “We had a remote control and we flew a little plane around,” McKay said. “A couple of times I crashed.” In addition to sightseeing flights, the paper airplane competition and flying remote control airplanes, the youth took part in a wide variety of activities during the aviation camp, including the designing, building and launching of bottle rockets. They also received instruction on the theory of flight, an introduction to careers in aviation, a pilot decision-making survival activity and turbine runs and piston runs at the Confederation College Aviation Centre of Excellence. The youth took tours of the maintenance and flight sections of the ACE, Wasaya Airways prop shop and maintenance and flight operations, the Ornge medical transport base and Ministry of Natural Resources fire operations base in Thunder Bay. A movie outing to the Silver City cinema, a paintball outing and a Mount McKay hike were also included in the July 23-27 aviation camp. “At Wasaya we are dedicated to supporting Aboriginal youth excellence, continuing education, and we are also avid enthusiasts in giving back to the communities in which we live and operate,” said Tom Morris, Wasaya Airway’s CEO/ president. “Therefore, it is very gratifying to us as a company to offer a program that provides our youth with the opportunity to explore potential careers in aviation, furthering their education, ensuring their success in the future.” Held for five days each year during July, the aviation camp focuses on providing 13 to 15-year-old First Nations youth with an exposure to potential careers in the aviation field. This year’s camp was a joint initiative between Wasaya Airways, the Kenny Foundation, Confederation College Aviation Centre of Excellence, Negahneewin College of Academic and Community Development and Wasaya WeeChee-Way-Win. “They are here because they show an interest in (aviation),” Therrien said about the youth. “We just want to nurture them and let them know there are lots of jobs available in that industry. Hopefully, they will leave with a better understanding and even more interest than they came here with.” Youth were provided with opportunities to observe aircraft up close and in action, experience flight simulators, interact with pilots, mechanics and Confederation College students and learn about flying and aircraft repair.

Wawatay News

NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL Secondary Teacher – Full Time Position Supply Teachers – Casual Education Assistants - Casual NNEC invites applications for one full time teaching position, supply teachers and education assistants for the 2012-2013 year at Pelican Falls First Nations High School. Pelican Falls First Nations High School is a private school operated by the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council under the direction of the Sioux Lookout District Area Chiefs. Pelican Falls First Nations High School is a unique facility that is located on Pelican Lake in the traditional territory of Lac Seul First Nation and within the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, Ontario. NNEC provides: • Competitive salary • Extended vacation periods • Established student support staff and counselling network Minimum Qualifications: • Certificate of Qualifications and Intermediate/Senior qualifications in required subject area(s); • Member of Ontario College of Teachers • Experience teaching First Nation students an asset • Special Education background an asset • Computer literacy • Ability to speak a District First Nations language an asset Term:

August 2012 to May 2013.

Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2012. Fax, email or mail your resume complete with statement of personal philosophy of education, copy of Ontario Certificate of Qualification and written permission for NNEC to contact three employment references and a brief cover letter to Human Resources at NNEC Head Office in Frenchman=s Head (807)582-3865 fax, email humanresources@nnec.on.ca or mail to Box 1419, Sioux Lookout, Ontario P8T 1B9. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted NNEC requires Criminal Background Checks from those offered positions www.nnec.on.ca

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Tikinagan Child & Family Services Founded by our Chiefs and Elders, Tikinagan continues to focus services and staff positions in the First Nations we serve. We believe our role is to be there in the communities, mentoring young parents, supporting families and protecting children. Our work is guided by the Tikinagan service model – Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin (Everyone working together to raise our children). We invite applications for the following jobs, which are open until filled unless a closing date is indicated: Aroland – Live-in Foster Parents Bearskin Lake – Prevention Services Co-ordinator Cat Lake – Prevention Services Co-ordinator, Casual Relief Workers, Secretary/Receptionist Deer Lake – Family Services Worker Eabametoong (Fort Hope) – Direct Services Supervisor (Child Care), Family Services Worker Fort Severn – Child Care Worker, Secretary/Receptionist (full-time, term until Dec. 12, 2012) Kasabonika – Family Services Worker, Secretary/Receptionist, Child Care Worker, Residential Care Worker Keewaywin – Prevention Services Co-ordinator, Child Care Worker Kitchenuhmaykoosib (Big Trout Lake) – Residential Care Worker, Casual Relief Workers, Office Administrator, Kitchen Cook (part-time), Traditional Life Skills Educator (male), Maintenance Worker, Residential Counsellors Lac Seul – Casual Relief Workers Marten Falls – Prevention Services Co-ordinator Mishkeegogamang – Child Care Worker, Family Services Worker Muskrat Dam – Secretary/Receptionist, Maintenance Worker/Janitor (part-time) Neskantaga – Family Services Worker Nibinamik (Summer Beaver) – Family Services Worker, Prevention Services Co-ordinator Pikangikum – Intake/Investigation Worker, Child Care Worker, Residential Care Worker Poplar Hill – Prevention Services Co-ordinator, Residential Care Worker Red Lake – Family Services Worker (serving Pikangikum, term to April 13, 2013), Live-in Foster Parents (serving Pikangikum, 14 days on/14 days off) Sandy Lake – Child Care Worker (serving Sandy Lake, North Spirit Lake & Deer Lake), Maintenance Worker (Aug. 3 closing date) Sioux Lookout – Casual Relief Workers, Direct Services Supervisor (Telephone Intake), Intake/Investigation Workers, Information Resource Worker, Finance Clerk, Family Services Worker Slate Falls – Casual Relief Workers Wapekeka – Direct Services Supervisor Webequie – Prevention Services Co-ordinator Wunnumin Lake – Child Care Worker

For more information about these jobs, you can: * Visit our website, www.tikinagan.org, under “New Jobs” * E-mail hr@tikinagan.org to request details * Call Christina Davis, human resources secretary, at: (807) 737-3466 ext. 2249 or toll-free 1-800-465-3624 NEW WEBSITE FEATURE – Apply for jobs online

www.tikinagan.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY

SHELTER WORKER

RESIDENTIAL COUNSELLOR Internal/External Posting Permanent Full Time –Term Position Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario

Overnight Shift 9:30 pm to 7:30 am Monday through Thursday The Sioux Lookout Out of the Cold provides: Transition Housing, Emergency Shelter, Food Bank, Meal programs and referral services. The Overnight Shelter Workers support and supervise overnight guests of the Emergency Shelter, ensure the safety of all persons in the building, assist with the preparation of breakfast, share in cleaning of the building and laundry of bedding, towels, and clothing. The Overnight Shelter Worker works 4 – 10 hour shifts per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday a total of 40 hours. There is a medical benefit plan after the probationary period. Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma • Related work experience or education • Reliability and punctuality • Ability to relate to people in friendly, respectful and caring way • Understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal history and culture • Ability to work independently and as a team member • Ability to understand and speak Ojibway or Oji-Cree an asset. Please forward your resume with a cover letter and three references to: Sioux Lookout Out of the Cold, Box 674, Sioux Lookout ON P8T 1B1 Phone: 807 737-7499 Fax: 807 737-0065 Email: ootc@bellnet.ca Deadline is August 10, 2012 Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Residential Counsellor is required for full time position. Team members will be responsible for carrying out daily programming, facilitating groups, case conferencing and supervision of clients. QUALIFICATIONS • Child and Youth Worker diploma and/or related discipline; • Experience working with youth in a residential treatment setting; • Must have experience and understanding of Native culture, and of the geographic realities and social conditions within remote First Nation Communities; • Work experience in Residential Services with children, adolescents, and families. KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY • A thorough understanding of the Child & Family Services Act and Mental Health Act a definite asset; • Ability to communicate in one or more of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout District will be an asset; • Ability to take direction and facilitate individualized treatment plans; • Knowledge of child development and therapeutic modalities in working with youth. • Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently; • Must be willing to relocate Please send cover letter, resume, three most recent employment references and an up-to-date criminal reference check with a Search of the Pardoned Sexual Offender Registry to: Human Resources Department Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority 61 Queen Street, P.O. Box 1300 Sioux Lookout, Ontario P8T 1B8 Phone: (807) 737-1802 Fax: (807) 737-2969 Email: Human.Resources@slfnha.com Closing Date: August 16, 2012 The Health Authority wishes to thank all applicants in advance. However, only those granted an interview will be contacted. For additional information regarding the Health Authority, please visit our Web-site at www.slfnha.com

NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL NNEC is not for profit educational organization. Under the direction of the Sioux Lookout District Chiefs, NNEC delivers secondary and post secondary education programs and services for First Nations people. NNEC operates Pelican Falls First Nations High School and Centre, Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, Wahsa Distance Education Centre, and has offices in Lac Seul (head office), Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay. NNEC welcome applications for the following position: HOUSE COUNSELLOR (Female) House Counsellors - Casual (Male and Female) PELICAN FALLS CENTRE Pelican Falls Centre is a School with residential facilities for approximately 180 students and staff on a 10 acre site. The House Counsellor will be responsible for supervising and caring for ten to fourteen students attending the Pelican Falls First Nations High School and living at one of the Centres. QUALIFICATIONS • A post-secondary degree/diploma in social work, youth counselling or a related field AND two years counselling experience with First Nations youth OR the equivalent of five years counselling experience. • Class “F” Ontario Driver’s Licence • Fluency in Oji-Cree, Ojibwe or Cree preferred • A sensitivity to and understanding of First Nations culture and traditions. LOCATION:

Sioux Lookout, Ontario

HOURS OF WORK:

Modified work schedule from August to June annually.

START DATE:

Immediately

SALARY:

Hourly rate, will commensurate with education and experience. Hours of work and payment subject to an averaging work schedule.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted NNEC requires a Vulnerable Persons Check to be completed for all staff at time of hiring Applications must be received by 4:30 pm, Friday, August 10,2012. Fax or email your resume with written permission for NNEC to contact three employment references and a brief cover letter to Personnel Officer at (807)582-3865 fax, email humanresources@nnec.on.ca or mail to Box 1419, Sioux Lookout, Ontario P8T 1B9. For further information contact Gerson Agustin, Director of PFC (807) 737-3369.

www.nnec.on.ca

Telemedicine Informatics Educator – Job Posting SUMMARY Reporting to the Clinical Services Coordinator (CSC), the Telemedicine Informatics Educator coordinates telemedicine training for Community Telemedicine Coordinators (CTCs) and for KO eHealth Services staff and other KO health staff. The Informatics Educator assesses CTC training needs, provides training, supports the acquisition of specific telemedicine skills and knowledge, develops continuous learning plans, and monitors learner success and performance. S/he takes the lead role to ensure CTC certification. The Informatics Educator prepares practical learning materials, documents standard telemedicine procedures, and prepares and updates training procedure manuals. The Informatics Educator provides technical assistance in his/ her work with the CTCs and the telemedicine team to ensure high quality telemedicine delivery. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES a) Diploma or degree in Nursing or other health field preferred b) Experience working with First Nations communities in health or education c) Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values, and of the geographical and health care challenges of First Nations in the Sioux Lookout district d) Familiarity with health system in the district e) Experience with adult learning and training strategies f) Ability to learn, adopt and teach new technical and clinical skills and practice g) Understanding of and interest in the use of communications and learning technologies in health care delivery h) Excellent interpersonal skills i) Strong computer skills (M/S Office Suite, E-mail, Internet) j) Good oral and written communications skills k) Able to work independently or as part of a team l) Ability to speak Cree, Oji-Cree or Ojibway an asset m) Some travel to remote communities required Location: Balmertown, Ontario Deadline for applications: Friday, August 24, 2012 Please send cover letter, resume and three written references to: Hiring Committee Keewaytinook Okimakanak P.O. Box 340 Balmertown, ON P0V 1C0

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Employment Opportunity

ADULT EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS ADULT EDUCATION LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Obituary

Services

Ronald Joseph Rae was born in Sioux Lookout, Ontario on December 4, 1963. He passed away peacefully at 12:45 AM, July 12, 2012 in the Sioux Lookout Hospital from diabetes complications. He is survived by his loving wife Wilfra (Rae) Rae. They were married 28 years. Wifra faithfully stood with him during his physical challenges; his daughter Wanita Rae (Cory Boyce); one brother - Michael Rae, three sisters – Mida Linklater (Edward), Clara Rae, Bella Day, plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Johnny and Charlotte (Linklater) Rae of North Spirit Lake, Ontario, four sisters – Gloria Quill, Marie Meekis, Violet Kakegamic, Christine Rae, one brother – John Rae. Ron committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ the summer of 1985. Ron and Wilfra attended Debwewin Bible Institute in Dryden Ontario, 1986-1988. He was a diligent student sensing a call as a future pastor. Ronald was ordained with Living Word Full Gospel Ministries in 1997. He had an overseer role in the regional churches for a number of years but he stepped down from this ministry because of health reasons. He would go out and minister, sharing the gospel, to a lot of people, talking one on one. He was on the Board of Reference with Ashawaabic Ministries (Morley Beardy). He was a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ unto the end.

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Housing Located in Sioux Lookout “New” - 20 One Bedroom Apartments opening in the Fall of 2012 for self-identifying First Nation, Métis and Inuit People. Affordable Rent, includes utilities. For more information, please call: (807) 223-7267 or Toll free: 1-855-553-7267 Email: hgardner@oahssc.ca For online registration, visit our website: www.OntarioAboriginalHousing.ca

ADULT EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS MATAWA FIRST NATIONS MANAGEMENT INC.

MATAWA FIRST NATIONS MANAGEMENT INC. Formed in 1988, Matawa First Nations Management is a Tribal Council providing services to nine member communities in northern Ontario. The organization provides its members with advisory and support services in the areas of communications, economic development, education, finance and business, health, membership and technical services. The organization is seeking a dedicated, qualified Learning Support Assistant for a pilot General Educational Development (GED) preparation program. Under the supervision of the Matawa Learning Centre Principal, the Learning Support Assistant shall provide academic support to students enrolled in the Matawa GED preparation program. In addition, the Learning Support Assistant will provide general administrative support to the Instructors and GED preparation program. This position may require some travel. Successful candidates should be available to begin work on or before August 27, 2012. This is a contract position to May 3, 2013, with possibility of extension, pending funding and a successful performance review. This position is dependent on approval of funding and sufficient enrolment. Preferred Qualifications/Requirements: • A diploma or degree in a related field, and 5 years experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Appreciation and respect for First Nation traditions and culture • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with adult students, staff, and First Nation organizations • Knowledge of Ojibway will be considered an asset • Valid Ontario driver’s license NOTE: Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of a current criminal records check. Salary: Commensurate with experience and knowledge Deadline: August 10, 2012 @ 4:30 P.M. Please send your resume, and covering letter to the attention of the Hiring Committee: Re: GED Learning Support Assistant Matawa First Nations Management 233 South Court Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 2X9 Fax: (807) 344-2977 Email: mwaboose@matawa.on.ca While we appreciate applicants’ interest in working with Matawa First Nations, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

TEACHERS MATAWA LEARNING CENTRE (THUNDER BAY) COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE (NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION) MATAWA FIRST NATIONS MANAGEMENT INC.

Literacy and Social Sciences Instructor Numeracy and Science Instructor

Under the supervision of the Matawa Learning Centre Principal, Instructors shall provide instruction and student support in the delivery of the Matawa GED preparation program. As part of the pilot project implementation team, Instructors will also provide feedback in the on-going development of the program. All positions will require some travel. Successful candidates should be available to begin work on or before August 27, 2012. These are contract positions to May 10, 2013, with possibility of extension, pending funding and a successful performance review. All positions are dependent on approval of funding and sufficient enrolment. Preferred Qualifications/Requirements: • A degree in Education and 5 years experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience • Experience teaching adult learners • Excellent interpersonal, teaching, and communication skills • Knowledge and understanding of First Nation education • Appreciation and respect for First Nation traditions and culture • Qualifications in either English and Social Sciences or Mathematics and Science • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with adult students, staff, and First Nation organizations • Knowledge of Ojibway will be considered an asset • Valid Ontario driver’s license NOTE: Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of a current criminal records check. Salary: Commensurate with experience and knowledge Deadline: August 10, 2012 @ 4:30 P.M. Please send your resume, and covering letter to the attention of the Hiring Committee: Re: GED Instructors Matawa First Nations Management 233 South Court Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 2X9 Fax: (807) 344-2977 Email: mwaboose@matawa.on.ca While we appreciate applicants’ interest in working with Matawa First Nations, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Formed in 1988, Matawa First Nations Management is a Tribal Council providing services to nine member communities in northern Ontario. The organization provides its members with advisory and support services in the areas of communications, economic development, education, finance and business, health, membership and technical services. The Matawa Learning Centre is a private secondary school, inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education and offering credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The organization is seeking dedicated, qualified Teachers for positions at the Matawa Learning Centre in Thunder Bay and for a community-based pilot project in Neskantaga First Nation, a remote fly-in community. Under the supervision of the Learning Centre Principal, Teachers shall provide instruction and student support in a variety of subject areas, and assist with the on-going development of courses and enrichment of curriculum to meet the needs of the Centre’s students as they work toward completion of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. All positions will require some travel. Successful candidates should be available to begin work on or before August 27, 2012. These are contract positions to June 30, 2013, with possibility of extension, pending funding and a successful performance review. Preferred Qualifications/Requirements: • A degree in Education and 5 years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience • Excellent interpersonal, teaching, and communication skills • Knowledge and understanding of First Nation education • Appreciation and respect for First Nation traditions and culture • Qualifications in English, Mathematics, and/or Science at the Intermediate/Senior level • Experience teaching in a private secondary school, including course preparation and record keeping, and in the administration of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) • Expertise in multi-grade classrooms, alternative education, Aboriginal education and/or cooperative education • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, parents, administration, government and First Nation organizations • Knowledge of Ojibway will be considered an asset • Valid Ontario driver’s license NOTE: Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of a current criminal records check, TB skin test, and membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers. Salary: Commensurate with experience and knowledge Deadline: August 10, 2012 @ 4:30 P.M. Please send your resume, and covering letter to the attention of the Hiring Committee: Re: Learning Centre Teachers Matawa First Nations Management 233 South Court Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 2X9 Fax: (807) 344-2977 Email: mwaboose@matawa.on.ca While we appreciate applicants’ interest in working with Matawa First Nations, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NISHNAWBE-ASKI LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION COMMUNITY YOUTH INTERVENTION WORKER 1 Part-time Position –Pikangikum Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC) is a unique legal services office that provides legal, paralegal and law-related services to the members of NishnawbeAski Nation (NAN). The Community Youth Intervention Worker will play an important role in developing the local program and assisting young persons reintegrate into the community in a positive and meaningful way. NALSC is seeking a Community Youth Intervention Worker to service the community of Pikangikum. Duties & Responsibilities: • To assist in the development of plans for special activities, individualized work placements and/ or restitution activities in meetings with the case manager, and other relevant stakeholders. • To monitor and supervise these plans towards their successful completion. • To act as a source of collateral information in the preparation of court ordered pre-sentence reports. • To encourage the use of Restorative Justice alternatives wherever possible. • To assist in the evaluation of the progress of clients. • Ensure that all clients report according to the terms of their Orders. • Follow-up on any counseling or referrals required as per supervision plans, deferred custody orders, and report progress to the case manager. • Report any significant changes/crisis events which impact the young person, family, or community as a whole within 48 hours. • Maintain individual files and records which meet Ministry of Children and Youth Services requirements of all client’s case activity and forward to the case manager upon completion. • Gather and provide information to the Case Manager for the purposes of court reports; reintegration leave requests and discharge plans. • Monitor the conditions of community supervision orders and maintain regular contact with all youth completing community service hours and work with the youth to deal with any problems that may arise such as transportation (provide when needed) and change of placement if needed. • Identify any areas of concern, or non-compliance with program participation to the individual youth’s supervising Probation Officer immediately. • Submit monthly reports. Qualifications: • Have a genuine interest in seeing Youth develop and succeed. • Criminal records check to be submitted before hire Location:

1 Part-time Position to be based in Pikangikum

Salary:

$16,000 to 18,000.00 per annum based upon experience.

Closing Date: Open until filled Please send resume and cover letter including three (3) references to: Vernon Morris, Restorative Justice Manager - West Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation 86 South Cumberland Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2V3 Tel: 807-622-1413 Fax: 807-622-3024 Toll Free: 800-465-5581 Email: cjohnson@nanlegal.on.ca For more information please contact Chantelle Johnson at 1-800-465-5581

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Country star Shawanda rocks Creefest Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

For country star Crystal Shawanda, it was her first time visiting the community of Moose Factory. “I’m excited to be here,” she said. “The boat ride was beautiful. Overall, I had a terrific time and the community was so awesome.” While Muskegowuk’s 10th Annual Creefest and Moose Cree’s 2012 Gathering of Our People featured numerous talented performers and entertainers throughout the four-day cultural festival, it was Shawanda’s headlining July 28 performance that was the most highly anticipated. Playing before a near-packed arena on the last night of the festival, Shawanda enjoyed the energy that permeated through the Thomas Cheechoo Jr. Memorial Complex. “It was a real big treat: everybody coming up to the stage, and I saw people dancing off in the distance,” she said following the show. “A concert is supposed to be fun and everybody jumped on board with that tonight.” Born and raised in Wikwemikong Unceeded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, the Ojibwa country star performed for nearly two hours, playing songs from her latest album, Just Like You, as well as her first album, Dawn of a New Day. She also performed several covers, including Ben E. Lee’s “Stand By Me,” which she dedicated to Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit and his wife, who were celebrating their anniversary the next day. Between songs, Shawanda spoke to the audience about the ups and downs of her music career. After moving to Nashville in her early teens, Shawanda recorded her first album, in which she composed all the tracks. Inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, and later, Steve Earl and Dwight Yoakam, Shawanda said songwriting is a “cheap therapy” for her. “That’s the thing for me, it’s the thing that’s opened my

emotions, because in life we’re afraid to wear our hearts on our sleeves but it’s not such a bad thing to let it out,” she said. She released two more independent albums before Dawn of a New Day, which was released by a professional recording label in 2008. The album debuted at number two on the Canadian Country Albums chart and reached number 15 on the Billboard Top Country Albums. She went on to tour with Brad Paisley in 2009 across the U.S. While happy with her success, Shawanda was unsatisfied with the financial and creative constraints of a label and created her own, New Sun Records, through which she released her latest album in April. Shawanda said it was a secret lifelong dream to create her own record label, as she had always been fascinated with the business side of the music industry and its inner workings. “Emotionally, it’s been draining because when you build something, it’s hard at first,” she said. “It’s not easy. (But) it’s been satisfying and it’s the most happiest I’ve been in a long time.” In introducing Shawanda, Moose Cree’s Lawrence Martin said he saw her perform as a child and saw the potential of her music and voice. He said it was thanks to the support of her parents that Shawanda was able to succeed. “My parents are the reason I’m here, I couldn’t have done it without them,” Shawanda said, adding that they would drive her through snowstorms to reach gigs. “They realized it was my dream, but we were dreaming together because I knew exactly what I wanted. And having that support was everything. It made me feel like that I could do anything and it made me fearless.” By telling the audience parts of her story, Shawanda hopes everyone leaves inspired to pursue something positive. “That’s what I try to spread, is positivity and hopefully they’re being positive people and hopefully trying to do the same,” she said. “It makes the

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TOP: Crystal Shawanda shows her excitement on stage during Creefest’s main event. BOTTOM: Shawanda poses with some of her fans in Moose Factory after flying north from Nashville for the show. world a brighter place, not to sound cheesy or anything, but I really do believe that.” Whether it was through her dancing around the stage or engaging the audience, Shawanda’s performance oozed energy and charisma. She said since her childhood, she was inspired by the showmanship of Tina Turner. Then when she moved to Nashville, she caught Garth Brooks in concert. “He was all over the stage and I thought I want to do that, except in a dress,” she said, laughing. Shawanda previously performed at Creefest in Taykwa Tagamou several years ago, and was set to perform last year in Moosonee before problems with customs prevented her arrival. But

this year, after driving several hours, catching three flights, and taking a boat ride, Shawanda arrived in Moose Factory all the way from Nashville to close the festival. After the show, Shawanda held a meet and greet where she signed autographs and posed for photos with fans. She said she enjoys going to communities and meeting her them close up. “For me, anytime I do shows like this, I feel like I’m home, even though I’m not Cree,” she said with a laugh. “But for me, I see so many old friends, and when we come to the communities, everybody embraces us. They’re so appreciative and even the crowd, the energy they gave us tonight, it feels like we’re coming home.”

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

ATV safety a high priority for Junior Rangers Peter Moon Canadian Rangers

Learning to drive an allterrain vehicle properly was a key part of the safety training at Camp Loon, the annual advanced training camp for Junior Canadian Rangers, held in the bush north of Geraldton each July. “Most Junior Canadian Rangers can ride an ATV but only a few can ride correctly and safely,” said warrant officer Johanne Martel, the Canadian Army instructor in charge of the ATV training site at the camp. “They just jump on an ATV in their communities and off they go, with no tuition at all. “We have too many unnecessary deaths and injuries involving ATVs in northern Ontario. And that’s because there’s no safety training. What we provide here is not available in their isolated communities. ”The kids pay attention and they grasp what we are teaching them.”

The Junior Rangers learned how to check their machine for mechanical and other defects before they rode it. They learned to wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and, most importantly, a hel-

“Some kids come here and they are afraid because they’ve seen or heard about injuries or even deaths in their communities...” – Warrant Officer Johanne Martel

met when they rode. “Some kids come here and they are afraid because they’ve seen or heard about injuries or even deaths in their communities or have experienced an accident themselves,” Martel said. “We put the joy of riding a machine safely back into them.” The highlight of the day’s training was a challenging

photo by Peter Moon/Canadian Rangers

A Junior Canadian Ranger, wearing protective long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and a helmet, negotiates a steep slope during ATV safety training at Camp Loon. 20-kilometre cross-country ride that took more than an hour to complete. During it they negotiated fallen tree trunks, soft sand, shifting stones, hills, plastic cones, bumps, and manouevred

between trees with only inches to spare, as well as overcoming other obstacles. The training was only possible because of the support of Polaris Inc., a leading manufacturer of ATVs. Junior

Rangers are not allowed to ride Canadian Forces ATVs. So Polaris, for several years, has donated the use of its machines in the interests of promoting the safe use of ATVs in First Nations in northern Ontario. “Without the support of Polaris it would be impossible for us to offer this training,” said Martel. “There are almost no words to describe what Polaris does for us. They give us different size machines for our different age groups and after the camp they repair the damage to their machines and sell them as second hand, used vehicles. Our ATV safety program works because of the generosity of Polaris.” One of the ATV instructors was master corporal Kim Cheena, a Canadian Ranger from Moose Factory. “The rates of injuries and even deaths are so high in isolated, northern communities,” she said. “I’ve seen six or eight people on an ATV going full speed with no helmets or anything. There’s a real need for

this training. “Some of the kids are nervous or afraid. We get them to ride and as they go along the trail they build up their confidence and they finish up thanking us and telling us they feel so much better about riding.” What the Junior Rangers learned about ATV safety at Camp Loon they took home with them. “I see some of their parents are starting to ride with helmets and safety gear,” Cheena said. “The kids go home and they tell them what we have taught them.” “One kid said he didn’t want to do the trail ride,” Martel said. “I convinced him he should go and enjoy himself. When he came back he said: ‘I’m really glad I went. Thank you. I had a blast.’” (Sergeant Peter Moon is the public affairs ranger for 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at Canadian Forces Base Borden.)

Notice of Commencement of the Environmental Assessment Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Project O s i s ko H a m m o n d R e e f G o l d (O H RG) is be ginning an environmental assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act to develop and operate the Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Mine approximately 23 km northeast of Atikokan, Ontario. The Project involves the establishment, construction and operation of an open pit gold mine, and any ancillary activities and structures.

Report that meet requirements outlined in both documents to the Ministry and the CEA Agency for a review. At that time, the public and other interested persons will be informed when and where the environmental assessment can be reviewed.

Consultation Members of the public, agencies and other interested persons are encouraged to actively participate in the planning of this undertaking by attending consultation opportunities or contacting staff directly with information, comments or questions. Consultation opportunities are planned throughout the planning process including an Open House in Atikokan on August 18, 2012 and will be advertised in the Atikokan Progress, Fort Frances Times and Thunder Bay Chronicle. The Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, the Fort Frances Chiefs Secretariat and the Métis Nation of Ontario will also be notiﬁed of upcoming consultation opportunities.

If you would like to be added to our project mailing list or have project-related questions, please contact:

The Process On July 4, 2012, the Minister of the Environment approved the terms of reference for the Hammond Reef Gold Project. A copy of the approved terms of reference is available at: Osisko Hammond Reef Gold 101 Goodwin Street Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0 www.osisko.com The provincial and federal Environmental Assessment (EA) processes are ofﬁcially underway for the Project. With the approved terms of reference and the federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines issued by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency), OHRG will prepare and submit a single EA

Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. Alexandra Drapack, Manager, Sustainable Development 155 University Avenue Suite 1440, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3B7 Tel: 416-363-8653 ext. 110 Email: adrapack@osisko.com www.osisko.com

OSISKO HAMMOND REEF GOLD LTD. Head Ofﬁce: 1100, av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal Suite 300, P.O. Box 211 Montreal, Qc, H3B 2S2

www.osisko.com

Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, unless otherwise stated in the submission, any personal information such as name, address, telephone number and property location included in a submission will become part of the public record files for this matter and will be released, if requested, to any person.

Wawatay News

AUGUST 2, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

IIN W Y A S O O M MAMOWPII r e h t e g o T d ar w r o F g n i k l Wa n) ie First Natio

u ang (Webeq k a n n o w t e e 25, 2012, P August 13 to

Y AGENDA IL A D R A L U REG

ds family and frien g n o m a n tio a i ic xed commun tory in the big tip is h ity n u m Morning Rela m ukluk co ng, beading, m ki a storytelling and l m a n m o ru iti d d – ra . T (e.g 1-2 pm tive workshops n Traditional crea for the afternoo d te a iti in .) tc e , construction day initiated for the Sweat lodge is big tipi le begins in the rc ci g n ri a h rea S 2-3 pm the children’s a in d te a iti in s e Activiti rcle ry, es in the big ci u tin n co le ps as necessa rc o ci sh g rk n o ri a w h g S in d 3-4 pm seling, inclu nd group coun a l a u id iv d In ired 4-5 pm itional, as requ modern or trad supper hour al areas 5-7 pm Family n and Tradition ia st ri h C e th in es 7-8 pm Activiti ow ming and pow-w 8-10pm Drum activities cease 10pm Formal

PLEASE JOIN US FIRST ANNUAL COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION OF REMEMBRANCE AND RECOVERY IN HONOUR OF INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES Cultural activities, educational displays, memorial demonstrations, vigils, religious and spiritual assemblies, and other activities are for remembrance, honour, and celebration of the strength, courage, resilience, achievements, pride, and identities of our former students of Indian Residential Schools and their families Together we will lead a process of healing, recovery, reconciliation and improved relationships based on sharing and learning together about what happened, the enduring impacts, and steps to recovery Blessing, unveiling, and installation of a memorial cairn and commemorative plaque, and ceremonial planting of saplings, scheduled for 2:00-5:00 p.m. on August 17th Annual Pow Wow (August 17th – 19th ) to commence after the ceremony; and the regular daily agenda resumes on August 20th Participants, invited guests, dignitaries are responsible for costs incurred and any associated arrangements for travel to and from the fly-in community of Webequie First Nation; and to the commemorative site

For information about travel between Webequie First Nation and Peetwonnakang, please contact Levi Sofea, at 807-353-1263 or by e-mail to levis@webequie.ca Wasaya Airways and Nakina Air provide scheduled air service to Webequie First Nation, an isolated reserve community located on Eastwood Island in Winisk Lake, the headwaters of Winisk River, 540 km north of Thunder Bay FUNDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION OF CANADA