August 16, 2012

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August 16, 2012 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

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Pushing forward

New chief grilled by student reporters

NAN declaration continues to set direction after 35 years Joyce Hunter Special to Wawatay News

Before the creation of Nishnawbe Aski Nation there was not a lot of funding to go around, save for a few very small programs at the community level, recalled Eabameetong’s Harvey Yesno.

“Our focus at the time was bringing basic services like policing, housing and electrification into our communities,” said Yesno.

Yesno had arrived onto the political stage in the late 1970s as a young chief after serving as his community’s economic development officer and band manager. By that time, many family groups had already moved off the land from their traditional trap lines and onto reserves. The reserves had very little infrastructure or programs and services. Many communi-

ties did not have airports, social programming or reliable access to the outside world.

First Nations had recently been granted the right to vote in Canadian elections, and were only recently able to step off reserve lands to go hunting without permission from the minister of Indian Affairs. Children were still required by law to attend residential schools, and many were being taken from their communities and adopted into white families as per the federal government’s policy of assimilation.

By then Native peoples had begun to speak of their desire for the recognition of their inherent right to selfgovernment and access to programs and services that would improve their quality of life.

See NAN on page 8

Submitted photo by Barbara Halsig

Fort Albany’s new chief, 27-year-old Rex Knapaysweet, right, did not waste any time jumping into the fire. Just days after being elected for the first time, Knapaysweet sat down with an intrepid team of student reporters from the community for a round-table interview.

From questions such as why did you become chief, what changes are you going to make in Fort Albany and when are you going to build an arena for Fort Albany, Knapaysweet was put to the test by the students. See full interview on page 10.

ᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᑲᐧᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᔑᐸᑭᑌᐡᑲᑯᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᐱᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᑭᓇᐧᕑᐊ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᓫᐁᓂ ᑲᕑᐱᐣᑐᕑ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᑲᑭᐸᐦᐅᐣᑕᐧ ᐃᒪ ᑭᓇᐧᕑᐊ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᑭᑎᐸᒋᒧᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᐱᐃᓯᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᐊᐱ ᐅᑯᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐸᐸᒥ ᓇᓇᑕᐃᐧᑭᑫᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧ ᐃᓯᓭᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐅᒪ ᑲᓇᑕ ( TRC) ᐁᑭ ᑭᐅᑌᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐅᐸᐅᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 8 ᒥᓇ 9 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᓱᐨ. ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᑕᐡ ᒪᔭᑦ ᑲᓂᑲᓂᐡᑲᐠ ᓇᓇᑕᐃᐧᑭᑫᐣᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑭᒪ ᒪᕑᐃ ᓯᐣᐠᓫᐁᕑ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐊᐦᑭᐠ ᑲᐊᔭᒪᑲᑭᐣ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐸᐊᐧᐊᐧᐠ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᒥᑭᓯᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 2011, 85% ᓇᐯᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᑭᓇᐧᕑᐊ ᑲᑭᐸᐦᐅᐣᑕᐧ

“ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᑐᐠ ᒪᐡᑯᐨ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᑐᑲᓂᐃᐧᓯᑐᑫᐧᓇᐠ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᒪ ᑭᑕᑭᒥᓇᓂᐠ ᐁᐱᒋ ᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᑲᐧᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᐁᓂᔑᐱᒥ ᐊᔭᓂᑫ ᓂᔑᐊᐧᓇᒋᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ.”

ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᑲᑭᓇ ᑭᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᑭᓇ ᐃᑫᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᐣᑕᐧ ᑭᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᑫᐧᐃᐧᐊᐧᐠ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᑲᑭᐃᓇᑭᐣᒋᑫᐊᐧᐠ ᐅ ᓇ ᓇ ᑕ ᐃ ᐧ ᑭ ᑫ ᐣ ᒋ ᑫ ᐠ

ᐅᑭᐃᔑᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᓇᐊᐧ 93% ᒥᓂᑯᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭᐸᐦᐅᐣᑕᐧ ᐃᒪ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐠ. ᐃᒪ ᑲᐊᔭᒪᑲᐠ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᐠ ᑌᑎᐸᐦᐃ ᑭᓇᐧᕑᐊ ᑲᐃᐦᑯᑎᐯᐣᒋᑫᒪᑲᐠ ᐅᐣᒋᐱᒧᒋᑫᒪᑲᐣ, ᐃᒪ ᓇᐣᑕ 30

ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᐦᐃᒪ ᐁᔑᐃᐧᓂᑕᐧ ᒋᐃᔑᑭᐸᐦᐅᐣᑕᐧ. “ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᑐᐠ ᒪᐡᑯᐨ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᑐᑲᓂᐃᐧᓯᑐᑫᐧᓇᐠ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᒪ ᑭᑕᑭᒥᓇᓂᐠ ᐁᐱᒋ ᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᑲᐧᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᐁᓂᔑᐱᒥ ᐊᔭᓂᑫ ᓂᔑᐊᐧᓇᒋᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᓯᐣᐠᓫᐁᕑ ᑲᑭᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᐣ. ᒥᐦᐃᒪ ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᑭᐃᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᓇᐧᕑᐊ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᐅᑯᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐸᐸᒥ ᓇᓇᑕᐃᐧᑭᑫᐣᒋᑫᐊᐧᐨ. ᕑᐊᔾ ᒪᐧᕑᐊᐣ, ᒪᔭᑦ ᑲᓂᑲᓂᐡᑲᐠ ᑲ ᐃ ᔑ ᒪ ᐊ ᐧ ᑐ ᓂ ᑲ ᑌ ᑭ ᐣ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒪᒪᐃᐧᐡᑲᐃᐧᓂᐠ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᔕ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᐅᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᒪᒥᑐᓀᑕᓇᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒋᐊᐃᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᒋᐃᔑ ᓇᓇᑕᐃᐧᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓀᐊᐧᐨ. “ᐣ ᑭ ᑲ ᑫ ᐧ ᒋ ᒥ ᑯ ᒥ ᓇ ᐸ ᐣ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᐠ ᐊᔭᑲᐧᒥᓯᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐅᒋ ᐱᒥᓇᓇᑲᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᑲᑭᒪᒪᓂᐊᐧᐨ

(ᒋᑭᐃᔕᔭᑭᐸᐣ ᑭᓇᐧᕑᐊ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐠ)” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒪᐧᕑᐊᐣ. ᐊᓇᐃᐧᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᐊᐣ ᐅᑎᔑᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᐣ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐃᑭᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐸᐊᐧᑲᓇᐠ ᐁᐅᐡᑲᑎᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲ ᐃᐧᓂᑯ ᐁᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑕᐡ ᔕᑯᐨ ᐅᑭᐱᓇᑭᐡᑲᓇᐊᐧᑐᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐃᓀᑫ ᐁᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᑲᑲᐧᑕᑭᑫᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓂᑭᐦᐃᑯᒪᑲᐠ ᐁᑲ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᐁᑭᑲᓇᐁᐧᓂᒥᑯᐊᐧᐨ, ᑲ ᑭ ᐊ ᐧ ᓂ ᑐ ᐊ ᐧ ᐨ ᐅᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᐊᑲᐧᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᒪᐡᑭᑭᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᒥᓂᑫᐧᐊᐧᐱᓀᐃᐧᐣ. “ᑫ ᐃ ᐧ ᓇ ᐊ ᐧ ᐃᒪ ᐅᑐᐣᒋᐸᑭᑌᐡᑲᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᑲᐱᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᓂᑫᐊᓂᒥᐦᐃᐁᐧᒪᑲᐠ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᐊᒥ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᓀᐣᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᒋᐊᔑᑎᓂᑕᐧ ᒋᑎᐸᒋᒧᐊᐧᐨ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᑲᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐸᐸᒥ ᓇᓇᑕᐃᐧᑭᑫᐣᒋᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐸᐯᔑᐠ

Sale t a e S d n e k e e W y a D r u o 12 b La travel from September 4, 20 for 12 20 , 24 st gu Au til un s Purchase reservation

ᑭᐸᐊᐧᑲᓇᐣ ᐁᑭᐅᓇᐱᐦᐊᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑎᐸᒋᒧᓂᐨ. ᑭᒥᓇᑲᓂᐃᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐸᐊᐧᑲᓇᐠ ᒋᐅᓀᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐱᐣᑌᐁᐧᓯᒋᑲᓂᐠ ᓇᐣᑕ ᒪᓯᓇᑌᓯᒋᑲᓂᐠ ᒋᔑᑎᐸᒋᒧᐊᐧᐨ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ ᒋᒥᓂᑕᐧ ᐯᔑᐠ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᐃᐡᑲᐧ ᐱᑌᐁᐧᔑᒥᑕᐧ. ᐅ ᑕ ᑯ ᓯ ᐊ ᐧ ᓄ ᑭ ᑕ ᒪ ᑫ ᐠ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᒪ ᑭᐊᔭᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐊᓱᐡᑲᒪᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐃᓀᑫ ᒧᔑᐦᐅᐃᐧᓂᐠ. ᒪᐧᕑᐊᐣ ᑭᐃᓇᑭᐣᒋᑫ ᐃᒪ ᐱᑯ ᓇᐣᑕ 20 ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐁᑭᒪᐊᐧᐣᑐᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᓂᔓᑯᐣ ᑲᑭ ᑭᐅᑌᐊᐧᐨ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑲᔦ ᑭᐃᓇᒋᑫᐊᐧᐠ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑐᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᒋᔭᓂᐊᐃᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᓂᓂᑲᐣ. ᒪᐧᕑᐊᐣ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ ᐊᐧᑌᐸᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᒧᐣ ᐁᐧᑎ ᑕᐃᔕᐊᐧᐠ ᔦᓫᐅᓇᔾᑊ ᐸᑕᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐃᓀᑫ, ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᑕᐡ ᑌᑎᐸᐦᐃ ᐅᒪ ᑲᓇᑕ ᑕᔭᓂᔕᐊᐧᐠ.

See English story page 11

Take off for the weekend!

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ᐅᐡᑭ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᑕᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌᐊᐧᐣ ᐱᑲᐣᒋᑲᒥᐠ, ᐊᐧᔕᐦᐅᐠ

ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᑭᒥᓇᑲᓄ ᑭᒋᐅᑭᒪᑫᐧ ᑭᑭᓇᐊᐧᒋᐦᐅᐃᐧᓂ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑕᐧᓂ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᑭᒥᓇᑲᓄ ᑭᒋᐅᑭᒪᑫᐧ ᑕᔾᒪᐣᐟ ᒍᐱᓫᐃ ᑭᑭᓇᐊᐧᒋᐦᐅᓂ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐅᐸᐅᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 8. ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋᒥᓇᑲᓄᐨ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᑲᑭᐃᓇᑫᑲᐸᐃᐧᑕᐣᐠ ᐅᓂᑲᓂᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᑲᑫᐧ ᓇᓇᑲᐡᑲᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᓯᑫᐃᐧᓂᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ ᑲᑭᐱ ᑲᑫᐧᐯᑲᐧᑕᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑲ ᐁᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᒋᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᔑᐨ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᓂᔭᓇᐣ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋᑎᐯᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᑭᐸᑲᐧᐊᐧᑲᓄᐸᓂᐠ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᓴᐣᑲᓱᒥᑕᓇ ᑭᔑᑲ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 2008 ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭ ᑭᐸᑯᐡᑲᐊᐧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᐢ ᐊᓯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᐱ ᑲᑫᐧ ᓄᒋᒋᑫᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᐅᑭᐱᒪᐃᐧᓀᐡᑲᑯᐸᓂᐣ ᐸᑲᐣ ᐊᓯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᐧᐟᐢ ᓫᐁᐠ ᕑᐃᓴᐧᕑᓯᐢ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 2011 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᓂᐠ, ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐊᓯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᓂ ᐃᐧᓂᑯ ᐁᑭᐅᓀᐣᑕᐠ ᒋᐊᑕᐃᐧᐸᑕᑭᑐᐨ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐁᑲ ᐁᑭᐱᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᑫᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ.

ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᑲᐱᒥᑯᓇᑲᓂᐠ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᑎᐸᒋᒧ ᐅᐡᑭ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᒋᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐊᐧᔕᐦᐅᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐱᑲᐣᒋᑲᒥᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᒪᒪᐃᐧ ᐃᔑᒋᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ. ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᓄᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᑕᐅᐣᒋ ᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌᐊᐧᐣ ᔓᓂᔭ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐸᑭᑎᓂᐨ ᓄᑯᒥᑫ ᑲᑭᐊᓴᑲᓄᐨ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓂ ᔓᓂᔭᓂᐠ. ᑕᐱᐡᑯᐨ ᐃᓂᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐅᐱᒥᐊᐸᒋᑐᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᐱᒥᑕᐸᑌᑭᐣ ᐁᑕᔑ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ. ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᐠ ᑕᐊᓂᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᐊᐧᐣ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑫᑲᐟ ᓂᐅᐊᐦᑭ ᑕᐃᓯᓭ ᐊᐱ ᒋᔭᓂᑕᐃᐧᓂᑲᑌᑭᐣ.

New schools for Pikangikum, Fort Severn The federal government announced new schools for Fort Severn and Pikangikum during two separate ceremonies in the communities last week.

The government said the schools would be built under funding from the most recent federal budget.

Both communities currently have schools operating out of portables.

Finished buildings should open in three to five years. Both communities will oversee all aspects of their respective school project, including the tendering of contracts.

Morris earns Queen’s Jubilee medal Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Chief Donny Morris was awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal on Aug. 8.

The award comes for Morris’ leadership on standing up to mining exploration companies wanting to explore on KI land without the community’s permission.

Morris along with five other KI members was put in jail for over 90 days in 2008 for opposing Platinex’s plan for exploration.

The chief’s latest stand came against God’s Lake Resources in late 2011, when the gold mining company set up an exploration camp on KI traditional lands without informing the community.

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ᑲᓇᑕ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐊᓀᐧᑕᑦ ᒋᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐊᑕᐊᐧᐱᐢᑲᐟ

ᐅᐡᑭ

ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ

ᑲᑭᐅᓇᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᒋᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ 30 ᐅᐡᑭ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐊᑕᐊᐧᐱᐢᑲᐟ ᑭᐊᓀᐧᑕᑦ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒋᑫᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐨ ᐧᒐᐣ ᑕᐣᑲᐣ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᓂᑲᓂᑕᒪᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᑯ ᐅᒐᒋᔐᐣᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑭᑐᑕᒥᓂᐨ ᐅᑭᒪᐣ ᐁᑲ ᑲᐃᓀᐣᑕᒥᓂᐨ ᒋᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᑎᓱᓂᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᓂ, ᐊᓇᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᔕ ᐁᑭᔕᐳᓭᓂᑭᐸᐣ ᒋᑌᐱᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᑲᑫᐧᑌᐧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒋᐊᐃᐧᐦᐊᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐅᒋ ᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᐠ. ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᑕᐡ ᐃᑯ ᐅᑕᑫᐧᐣᑕᒥᐦᐃᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᓂᑲᓂᑕᒪᑫᐠ ᐁᐧᓴ ᒥᑐᓂ ᑲᓄᑌᓭᑭᐣ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᐊᐱᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᒥᓯᐁᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᑲᑭ ᑭᒋᑎᐸᑐᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᐱᐳᓄᐠ.

Feds refuse new housing project for Attawapiskat A plan to build 30 new homes in Attawapiskat was rejected by federal Aboriginal Affairs minister John Duncan.

Community leaders expressed disappointment with Duncan’s decision not to sign off on the project, even though a loan for the new housing had already been procured.

The situation was even more galling for leaders considering Attawapiskat’s severe housing shortage, which received national attention last winter.

Page 3

Donny Morris (top left) was awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal; the CLE (top right) attracted thousands to Thunder Bay; and Norval Morrisseau’s work (above) was on display in Sioux Lookout.

ᑕᐣᑐᕑ ᐯ ᑕᓱᓂᐱᐣ ᑲᑭᒋᒣᑕᐊᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐃᔕᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᔑᐣ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐱᑕᑯᔑᓄᐠ ᑕᐣᑐᕑ ᐯ ᐁᐱᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᑕᓱᓂᐱᐣ ᑲᑕᔑ ᑭᒋᒣᑕᐊᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᐱᒣᑕᐁᐧᐊᐧᐨ. ᐊᒥᐦᐅᒪ ᑲᔦ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᓯᓭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐅᒋ ᑲᑭᐅᑲᒥᑎᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲ ᓄᒪᑫ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᐧᐸᒥᑎᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐯᑭᐡ ᐁᒪᒥᓀᐧᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐸᐸᒪᔑᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐃᔑᐳᓯᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᐸᐸᑲᐣ ᒣᑕᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐁᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᒣᑕᐊᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ 25 ᑭᑕᓯᓄᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᐳᓯᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᐸᐸᒪᔑᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ, ᑲᑲᑫᐧᒋᓂᑲᒧᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᔑᔕᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ.

CLE draws huge crowds to Thunder Bay People from many northern First Nations joined the throngs of Thunder Bay residents enjoying the annual CLE fair in the city.

It was a chance for First Nations to meet up with others they had not seen for awhile and enjoy the rides and games.

The CLE boasted over 25 rides, a Future Star talent show and a petting zoo.

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ᒪᐧᕑᓱ ᐅᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐊᒋᑲᑌᐊᐧᐣ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ ᒋᐊᐧᐸᐣᒋᑲᑌᓂᑭᐣ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᑲᑭᑫᐣᑕᑯᓯᐨ ᐅᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑫ ᓇᐧᕑᐳ ᒪᐧᕑᓱ ᑭᐊᒋᑲᔑᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ. ᐅᓄᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᓱ ᑭᑕᔑᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᒋᑲᑌᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑐᕑᐊᐣᑐ. ᐅᑯᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑕᐡ ᑲᐸᐸᒥ ᐊᐧᐸᑕᐦᐃᐁᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᒪᐊᐧᐣᑐᓇᒧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᓱ ᐅᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᒋᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐱᑯ ᐊᐁᐧᓀᓇᐠ. ᑲᑭᐊᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ ᑲᐊᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐊᐧᐸᐣᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐁᑲ ᑲᑭᐃᓯᓭᓂᐠ ᒋᑭᐃᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᑕᐣᑐᕑ ᐯ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑐᕑᐊᐣᑐ ᑲᑕᔑ ᐊᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᒪᓯᓂᐱᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ.

Morrisseau’s work displayed in Sioux Lookout The famous artwork of Norval Morrisseau was put on display in Sioux Lookout.

The art is part of a collection of Morrisseau’s work that normally is in Toronto. The organization behind the exhibition collect’s Morrisseau’s art in the “public interest.”

The organizers of the Sioux Lookout exhibit said it was their intention to show the art to people who would not normally have the resources to attend a gallery show in Thunder Bay or Toronto.

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

3

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Federal minister refuses to sign off on housing project for Attawapiskat Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

Leaders in Attawapiskat First Nation are disappointed that Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan would not sign off on a project to build 30 houses in the community.

On Aug. 2, the community received a letter from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) saying it could not finance the proposed housing project to build 30 duplexes because Duncan refused to sign off on the agreement.

Attawapiskat had applied to CMHC’s non-profit, on-reserve housing program which provides loans to First Nations to construct or rehabilitate rental units. However, the loan must be guaranteed by the minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development of Canada (AANDC).

“I’m very disappointed because (Duncan) is already aware of our community with

A plan to build 30 new homes in Attawapiskat made it all the way to Minister John Duncan’s desk before it was rejected. Community leaders suggest they are being punished for speaking out last year. our housing crisis,” Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence said, adding that the government did not consult with the community

Fort Severn receives new elementary school Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

Elementary students in Fort Severn First Nation will study in a new school once construction is completed in a few years.

The federal government announced on Aug. 9 that it has committed funding to construct a new school for the northernmost community in Ontario, replacing the Washaho elementary school, which is located in a series of portables.

According to the Fort Severn First Nation website, the classrooms in the current school do not have enough computers or support for technology use. In the computer lab, there are 12 computers but only six work.

Most are over five years old. In one classroom, there is no way to play a DVD. Fort Severn Chief Matthew Kakekaspan welcomed the news of a new school.

“It will give hope and encouragement for our youngest students, who represent our future,” Kakekaspan said in a media release. “The school will help to support their long-term educational success through this important infrastructure initiative.”

The school project is part of the $175 million committed to

First Nations across Canada for new schools and major renovations included in the federal government’s Economic Action Plan 2012.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development of Canada minister John Duncan said the project is part of the federal government’s commitment to improving school infrastructures on reserves.

“Today we celebrate the first school infrastructure announcement under Economic Action Plan 2012, a demonstration of our government’s commitment to working with First Nation partners across Canada to deliver tangible and lasting results for First Nation students,” he said in a release.

Parliamentary secretary and Kenora MP Greg Rickford added that the construction phase will create employment and training opportunities for the community.

The First Nation will be responsible for managing all aspects of the school’s construction, including administration.

Project costs will be finalized once the competitive tendering process has been completed.

Fort Severn has a membership of about 621, with an onreserve population of about 492 members.

before making the decision.

Last winter, the community gained national media attention when it declared a hous-

Wawatay News

Aroland has given the green light to Toronto-based Debut Diamonds for the preparation for an exploration team to launch the first phase of a drill program that hopes to identify kimberlite pipes near the First Nation.

Scheduled to get under way mid-August, the drilling program will help determine if these high priority targets are diamond-bearing kimberlites.

The company said drilling has been designed to test distinct magnetic features that have been interpreted as potential kimberlite pipes, based on

analysis of 2010 airborne survey data.

The drilling will take place near the company’s Nakina Project, which is located in the James Bay Lowlands north of Nakina, and covers a total of 85 mining claims.

Targets in this first phase of drilling are also located within the traditional lands of Aroland First Nation. The company said each target was surveyed for the existence of any archeological or cultural values and permission to proceed with early exploration has been approved.

“Reaching an agreement with Aroland First Nation to move on select targets at Nakina, represents a solid step

Crowder (NDP – NanaimoCowichan) said they are “disturbed” by the federal government’s decision not to support the housing project following the court ruling.

“It would be disturbing to think that this refusal to sign off on a credible funding arrangement for new housing may have been part of the ongoing punishment of the community for having spoken up about the dire housing conditions last November,” Angus and Crowder wrote.

“Such a move would only further underline the sense of broken trust between your department and northern First Nations.”

The MP’s suggested “concrete steps” to mend the relationship between the government and the First Nation, including a reimbursement of the costs of the third party manager, whose four months of fees were billed out of the community’s annual budget.

A call to AANDC was not returned as of press time.

Pikangikum to receive new school Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

For the first time in 60 years, Pikangikum First Nation will have a new school built in the community after the federal government announced on Aug. 9 that it has committed funds for the project.

Students in Pikangikum previously attended the Eenchokay Birchstick School, the only educational facility in the community, which was built in the 1950s. For years, the community has called on the government to build a new school since the school was designed to house 250 students when in 2005 the community had a student population of about 800.

Even with the school falling into disrepair, only portables were brought in to ease the overcrowding.

In 2007, the Eenchokay Birchstick School burned down, leaving all the elementary and high school students to attend classes in portables.

Five years later, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANDC) Minister John Duncan announced his department has committed to building a new school for the community.

“We are so happy that Prime

Aroland makes deal with Debut Diamonds Chris Kornacki

ing crisis because some families were expected to endure the winter in tent frame shelters.

Though the federal government

responded with $3 million in aid and to construct and ship 22 portable units to the community, housing is still a major concern for community members.

“Those 30 units could have helped people have better housing and eliminate overcrowding,” Spence said.

The CMHC letter came on the heels of a ruling by a federal judge on Aug. 1 that the Harper government’s decision to appoint a third party manager in wake of the housing crisis was “unreasonable in all circumstances.”

Spence said the federal government was likely waiting for the outcome of the ruling before it would decide whether to sign off on the housing project.

“They’re enraged with us, I guess,” Spence said. “And it shows that they’re not willing to work with us to improve the crisis in our community.”

In an open letter to Duncan, MP Charlie Angus (NDP – Timmins-James Bay) and MP Jean

forward as we prepare to begin exploration work on this exciting project,” said Debut president Chris Meraw in a press statement.

“We look forward to developing a constructive long term relationship with the community and will also be sourcing certain goods and services from Aroland, while providing training and employment opportunities throughout the duration of the project,” Meraw said.

The company said all required agreements and permits are either in place or are expected shortly.

Aroland Chief Sonny Gagnon was unavailable for a comment at press time.

Wawatay file photo

Classroom portables in Pikangikum will be a thing of the past once the community’s new school gets built.

Minister Harper, Minister Duncan and our MP Greg Rickford recognize the importance of having a new school in Pikangikum that for the first time since 1950 we will be drumming in our community again,” Chief Peter Quill said in a media release.

Funding for the school will come from the $175 million earmarked for new schools and major renovations included in the federal government’s Economic Action Plan 2012. The funding is additional to the $200 million annually budgeted

to support school infrastructure in First Nation communities across the country.

“Our government is proud to work with Pikangikum First Nation to bring a new school to the community,” Duncan said in a media release. “We are taking swift action on Economic Action Plan 2012’s commitments to improve infrastructure in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments.”

Pikangikum First Nation is responsible for managing all aspects of this project, includ-

ing tendering and selecting contractors. The project’s costs will be finalized following the competitive tendering process. During the construction phase, the contractor and subcontractors will seek to create employment and training opportunities for local community members whenever possible. Construction of the school is expected to take up to five years to complete.

Pikangikum First Nation has 2,433 members, with 2,343 living on reserve.

4

Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 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

Commentary

Health: We give out what we own Joyce Atcheson COLUMNIST

I

f our lives are filled with chaos, pain, drugs and alcohol this is what we share with our kids, parents, siblings, and friends. We lash out.

We drive people away when inside what we want is to be loved.

This example came home to me while I worked in isolated communities in the Northwest Territories. Elder Elsie Nanooch told me, ‘what we give out we get back.’

If we live in fear of not having enough, of anger, of not belonging, of not being loved, of being beaten, of not having food, of dying, of being hurt. We can only share fear.

If we fear something happening we bring it to us so we learn we can manage that fear.

Each of us is much more than our fears!

We have strong minds, hearts and spirits. The Creator is really in charge and works with us through our will. If we focus on fear, we imply we want it so it comes. If we let go of fear, trusting the Creator will bring us what we need, our lives improve.

To move past fear we can focus on our gifts. Each of us has gifts given to us by our genetics, our life, and those given us at birth by the Creator.

Some of us have natural talents of art, writing, carpentry, carving, creating business, fishing, hunting, trapping, cooking, speaking, caring for others, gardening, etc.

All of us have resilience and survival abilities. Look at what we have already met and surpassed in the process of destructive attempts to assimilate us, to make us into brown white men.

Doing an honest selfinventory will help us find our strengths and weaknesses.

That’s when we see our talents, our abilities, and things that we can improve.

Once we find our skills and attitudes we learn to value self and begin the process of creating self-respect, self-love, and self-esteem. Then we have something positive to give to others.

My late sister, Anita, who passed in 2008 from brain cancer, set a wonderful example of sharing love. She gave love in abundance to everyone she met.

She fed people the best she had

in her cupboards and fridge.

She hugged her children, her husband, her siblings, parents, and friends.

Sometimes she even hugged strangers! If she saw pain in their eyes she dropped everything she had intended to do and gave them the gift of her time. She listened, she shared; she was there for those who needed her.

If they needed money she shared, if they needed food, she gave, if they needed clothes she took them to her closet; if they needed some common sense, she gave that too. If they needed discipline and guidance they got it.

My sister gave even when as she departed this world. She phoned those she could not see and told them repeatedly that she loved them. She held the hands of her children, smiled at them with the light in her eyes showing the delight she experienced from visits of family and friends.

She taught me the meaning of selflessness. She showered her family with all the love she got from the Creator. She got back what she gave out.

We see this when children are surrounded by love; they hug, kiss, put their heads on your shoulder, put out their arms to be lifted, and wrap their arms around your knees. When a slap is given, they learn to be afraid, to hold back, to hide from being hurt. Anyone can tell which children are loved by how they act. We see that with our animal friends too. Dogs who are loved are all wag and shake. Those who are beaten are mean, slinky, running away with the tail between their legs.

The same is true of adults, youth, and Elders. When respect is given and received hearts open and love shines through and so do the teachings that we need.

If we want to experience love and know we are capable of giving and receiving, we have only to make a friend of a dog and we will have unconditional love. Try it. It helps if you can speak ‘bark’ but kindness and gentle touch will show you your talent in loving others.

In my life I eventually learned the gift of anger -- a boundary had been crossed.

Until I learned that lesson I carried anger and resentment.

Now when I feel the spark that can ignite a blaze of rage, I look for the boundary. I do what I need to do to protect my self and respect the other person by denying them the opportunity to cross that boundary.

Remember you cannot share what you do not own. Own your lessons and you’ll make all of us richer for your presence.

Wawatay News archives

Pikangikum, 1984.

Paul Lake morning Richard Wagamese ONE NATIVE LIFE

F

rom our deck you can watch over the mug of early morning coffee as shadow surrenders to light.

Even in winter there is a time when there is a motion to it, a falling back as though the world were being pushed into daylight shapes again. The boundaries of things assuming their familiar proportions.

There’s a great metaphor in this. I intuit that, but time and familiarity is all it takes to decipher it, I suppose.

From the deck, with the land spread out all around, I get the sense of the universe shrugging its shoulders into wakefulness.

All things together. I go there to be part of that - the ceremony of morning, this first light they call Beedahbun in the old talk. The metaphor takes on more shape when I let myself be in the presence of this incredible energy. But it’s never a conscious thing.

The funny thing is that I can feel it enter me. The light pouring into the cracks and

crevices of my being. Even with my eyes closed the wash of it is like surf against my ribs and the air as crisp as icicles on my tongue. There are the sounds of birds, the wind, squirrels and the clank and clatter of my wife moving about in her morning routine.

Something in me reacts to all of that, needs it, wants it. It’s why I go there. So that the sound of the wind in the branches of the pines can become like the exhalation of a great bear raising her snout in salute and celebration to this Great Mystery presenting itself again. Against the vista of pinepocked flank of mountain it’s a jubilant thing.

“Nindinaway-majahnee-dog” is what the Anishinabeg say and when that language was reborn in me, in the awkward, clumsy way it is, that phrase more than anything adhered to my insides. All my relations. This is what I see from here - this connectedness to things, this critical joining that becomes a revelation, a prayer and an honor song all at the same time. I’m a part of all of it. There’s no need anymore to travel to find belonging when the land holds itself open to embrace me.

Looking back at the way I’ve

come, I realize what a blessing it was that someone cared enough to come and find me in my wandering and bring me home to it. It was 1978 and I was a lost and confused twenty-three year old who had never really learned to see the land or planet for what it was. My mother. My home.

The extension of me. It took some time to get to that, of course, but since I have, I began to slowly piece together and articulate my identity as an Ojibway man.

I’m fifty-five now. In the thirty-two years since I first saw Kenora and White Dog as an adult I’ve come to know it as home even though my work called me west and I eventually settled in this mountain home outside of Kamloops. Looking at the platter of the lake reminds me of the Winnipeg River. Stretches of bush up the timber road call me back to the northern bush. Home is a feeling you carry inside. It took me a long time to get to that too.

Mornings on our deck reframe my connection to ritual, to history language and the teachings I’ve learned to see in everything - this ceremony of becoming that morning brings me to.

There were times in my life when mornings were a blur and there was no peace. There were times when morning meant nothing but another venture into old pain. There were times when the stink of drink was on me and I had no ability to see or feel the wash of light upon me. But there were elders and teacher and guides who showed me how to change all that and I became able to reclaim the calm that lives in mornings. I learned to inhabit it, wrap it around me and heal.

What I have learned is that you become Ojibway the same way you become a Human Being. This is what the teachings brought me to.

Measure by measure, step by step, you learn to walk a trail blazed by the hand of grace.

You put your foot down on the path of your becoming and become willing to follow it anywhere. When you do that every awakening, every morning becomes a reclaiming of the light you were born to.

That’s the simple truth of it.

Therein is the metaphor of morning breaking over things.

When you choose to become the fullest expression of who you were created to be, shadow surrenders to light. Come to the mornings of your being. Peace.

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 WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER 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 Joyce Atcheson Chris Kornacki Richard Wagamese Joyce Hunter Sarah Nelson Daniel Tait Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.

Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

5

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

WAWATAY

Bannock bake off

BOOK REVIEW

Peer-pressured bullies reign in Spirit Bear sequel Joyce Atcheson Special to Wawatay News

Photo by Rick Garrick

Nine teams competed in Sioux Lookout’s annual bannock bake off during the community’s Blueberry Festival.

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, I am pleased to offer my congratulations to the Chiefs, Elders, youth and staff of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation on the occasion of 35 years since the signing of the Declaration of Nishnawbe-Aski. I wish you all best at the Keewaywin Conference in Kashechewan First Nation as you gather to cel-

ebrate this historic milestone.

Ontario recognizes the important work done by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation over the years to advance the socioeconomic and political aspirations of its First Nation members. We value the work done since 1977 to improve the quality of life for First Nations in Northern Ontario, and to sustain the tra-

ditions, culture and language of the Nishnawbe-Aski.

Our government is working hard to build relationships, improve social conditions, create economic opportunities, settle long-standing land claims, and enhance reconciliation for First Nations people across Ontario. As Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, I look

forward to continuing to work together with the Nishnawbe Aksi Nation as we build hope, prosperity and trust for First Nations in Ontario.

Once again, congratulations on 35 years.

Kathlene Wynne Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

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together they look for ways to retain the peace they had on the island.

When pacifism, turning the other cheek, and using words do not work the boys use the techniques they learned on the island to guide them to find a unique solution to ending the violence and find leadership is the result.

This sequel to Touching Spirit Bear is again filled with strong teachings to guide conflict. A most enjoyable read that holds adults to task to meet their responsibilities to school students.

Ghost of Spirit Bear -Ben Mikaelsen (HarperCollins Publisher, New York, NY; 2008; ISBN 978-0-06009009-8; 154 pages, $6.99)

Find

Need to make a connection?

• Wawatay News weekly newspaper with distribution across Northern Ontario

How do I fight with my heart?

Cole Matthews, the 15 year-old who survived a year alone on an island and being mauled by a Spirit Bear, risks his freedom if he fights back with fists but bullying is ruining the school. It has become the norm.

While alone he learned about himself and his emotions but now he has to find a way to win without fighting.

He does not know where to begin to change the pattern but knows he must. When Peter is victimized again and again, Cole stands up for his friend risking his own freedom and he’s back in the justice circle speaking about his choices and why the circle shouldn’t just send him to jail.

All aspects of bullying exist -- ridicule, shaming, put-downs, name-calling, pushing, shoving, beatings, and dark bathroom attacks -but no one stops it.

Teachers are afraid to take a stand against students; they fear the school board’s and parents’ wrath could result in job loss. Students learn that the best way to not be bullied is to become a bully.

Cole and Peter face a real challenge of anger control in a busy chaotic scene and

in these communities 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

6

Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Submitted photo

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Chief Donny Morris was presented with a Diamond Jubilee Medal by Kenora MPP Sarah Campbell during the KI homecoming event on Aug. 8.

Morris earns Queen’s medal Shawn Bell Wawatay News

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Chief Donny Morris has been awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The medal was presented

by Kenora MPP Sarah Campbell during the KI homecoming event on Aug. 8.

Campbell called Morris a “true leader,” and said the medal was a “small vindication” for the efforts Morris and other members of KI put in to oppose mining on the First Nation’s traditional territory.

“This medal may not be the apology you deserve, but it is a way for me to say, on behalf of the Queen and on behalf of all of those who look to you for leadership, to say thank you,” Campbell said. “Thank you for being a leader for your community and thank you for inspiring

others with your actions.”

Morris and five other KI members, who became known as the KI 6, were jailed for three months for opposing a mining company’s advances on KI’s traditional territory in 2008.

“Thank you for being a leader for your community and thank you for inspiring others with your actions.”

Sarah Campbell

Their efforts to block Platinex from exploring on traditional lands were eventually supported by the courts.

Earlier this year Morris also led a fight against God’s Lake Resources, a gold mining com-

pany that wanted to explore on KI lands. Morris won that fight too, eventually getting a concession from the Ontario government that over 23,000 square kilometers near the community would be withdrawn from mining exploration.

While presenting the medal, Campbell said that KI’s efforts have inspired others across the province to stand up for what they believe in.

“Chief Morris is a true leader,” Campbell said. “His actions speak louder than his words. When presented with a chance to stand up for his community he answered the call.”

The Diamond Jubilee Medal was created in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne, as a way of thanking those who have inspired their communities through leadership and public service.

Respecting the Past

Embr acing the Future

Come see the historical artifacts of Fort William First Nation during...

Mount McKay 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Do you have a piece of First Nations History?

We would like to display it during Artifact Week.

Please call Wally Bannon at (807) 623-9543 or (807) 622-5914 for more information.

Wawatay News

Treaty #3 youth council impresses minister Shawn Bell Wawatay News

From mining to education to language loss, the Treaty #3 youth executive council had a lot of ground to cover when it met with Ontario’s minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

By all accounts, both sides came away satisfied by the three-hour meeting.

“It’s good for her to get the youth point of view,” said Rayanna Seymour, a member of the youth executive council. “It’s really important that she got to hear us. We grew up with these issues, and now she’ll know more of the background behind what her job is all about.”

Kathlene Wynne, Ontario’s Aboriginal Affairs minister, said she left the meeting impressed by the breadth of knowledge displayed by the youth.

“Young people are thinking deeply about these issues,” Wynne said.

Seymour, 20, and the other six members of the youth executive council brought a list of concerns to the meeting. Paramount was education – including the difference in funding between on-reserve and offreserve schools and the challenges facing youth who have never left their reserve when it comes time to consider postsecondary education.

Seymour said she wanted to make the minister aware of her personal situation with post-secondary education: how she had to wait a full year after high school to go to university because of a funding list backlog, and how the funding available for students has left her scraping by on a second job while trying to complete her studies.

“There is such a limited number of Aboriginal students who go to (post-secondary) school,” Seymour said. “Don’t you think the government would want us to grow and succeed, and give us as much funding as possible to go to school?”

The meeting also brought up the loss of traditional languages. Seymour said a Treaty #3 Elder who attended the meeting said a prayer and opening statement in Ojibwe, a language none of the youth council speak.

“That is a big thing,” she said.

“It was kind of sad, the Elder speaking in our language but none of us could understand.”

As a contrast, one member of

AUGUST 16, 2012

North Caribou Lake First Nation would like to thank Nishnawbe Aski Nation and other organizations for their support and donations during the recent difficult time in the community

the youth council speaks French from his time in French immersion school. Seymour said the youth council agreed that Aboriginal language instruction in schools needs an overhaul.

The youth council also proposed an exchange program for First Nations youth living on reserve, to have them spend time in the summer in a different Canadian town or city to give them exposure to life off reserve.

Thank You from the Bottom of our Hearts

“Don’t you think the government would want us to grow and succeed, and give us as much funding as possible to go to school?”

0 72

% Financing

- Rayanna Seymour

For Wynne, the discussions on mining and the future uses of traditional lands resonated long after the meeting was over.

She said the youth brought up their concerns with how industry comes into traditional territory, and how discussions between industry, First Nations and the provincial government need to be facilitated.

“They made it clear that government has a role to play,” Wynne said. “(The youth) want a future where the land is preserved and protected, but they also want economic opportunities.

“There needs to be more recognition on both sides, and a partnership conversation between First Nations and the government,” she added.

In terms of building a partnership, the meeting was a good start, Seymour said. She said the youth know Wynne is only one person in a large government, and that she cannot deal with all the issues on her own. But they want to be sure that their voices are heard, respected and considered when decisions get made.

“She is the minister of Aboriginal Affairs, and we’re the Treaty #3 youth,” Seymour said. “Our ideas will grow as we learn more and more each day, and we’re going to always be here. It is really important that she hear us, and that she knows how we feel about these issues surrounding us, since we’re the future leaders and we’ll have these same issues when we’re older.”

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Nishnawbe Aski Nation declaration turns 35 An overview of how the declaration evolved, contributed to rights, nation-building Continued from page 1 Andrew ‘Andy’ Rickard, a Moose Cree band member, saw that the needs of the First Nations were not being met on many fronts. With the intention of improving the quality of life for the people, Rickard founded Grand Council Treaty No. 9, later renamed Nishnawbe Aski Nation, to represent the collective social, political and cultural aspirations of the people within the area. Rickard became Grand Council Treaty No. 9’s first president and grand chief. He served from 1973 to 1979.

During Rickard’s tenure Grand Council Treaty No. 9 changed telecommunications in northern Ontario, brought air access to remote communities in the North and was one of the founding members of Chiefs of Ontario, which after 30 years, still exists today. Rickard also helped found National Indian Brotherhood, which is now known as Assembly of First Nations.

One of the key pillars the people grasped under Rickard’s leadership was that within northern Ontario were the homelands of the people and they were willing to defend those at all costs, said Wally McKay when he visited Moose Cree in September 2006 to say goodbye to his longtime friend and colleague at Rickard’s funeral.

“Andrew Rickard was a fervent leader,” said McKay, who

served as Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s leader from 1979 to 1982 immediately after Rickard left office. “He wanted change, a better quality of life for First Nations. He was consumed with the everyday life issues of the people.”

According to those close to him at the time, Rickard’s style was to push rather than be pushed.

“He planned, he strategized carefully and attacked with success,” said Rickard’s sister Pauline at his funeral.

When the Conservative government that ruled Ontario had granted clear cutting rights to about 100 square miles of land to a foreign paper company called Reed International, Rickard stepped forward, McKay recalled.

“Andrew realized and recognized the profound impacts from such a contract – a contract that would devastate the region, devastate the livelihood of his people; a contract that would deny any opportunity for self-sufficiency for his people,” McKay said.

And the people stood by him, said McKay. “They closed ranks because they were awed by his passion, commitment and his fearless resolve to seek justice.”

After years of Rickard’s campaigning, the Conservative government retracted its agreement with Reed International.

Shortly after the Reed

Wawatay News archives

In this newspaper story from May 1987, youth from northern Ontario took their concerns and desires for self governnance to Ottawa during a First Minister’s Conference. The 1987 action was one of many efforts to push forward the vision outlined in NAN’s declaration.

Campaign, Rickard began to visualize the need for the North to formulate a mani-

YORKSTREET uses a team approach to resolve disputes between corporate interests, including natural resource developers and First Nations.

festo that would be the ‘heartbeat’ of the nation.

Through various means, including consultation with Elders, the manifesto evolved.

In 1977, Grand Council Treaty No. 9 issued the Declaration of Nishnawbe Aski.

The declaration, which represents the social, economic, cultural and political aspirations of the people of what

is now known as Nishnawbe Aski Nation, contained 10 key statements, including: - The right to self-government.

- The right to receive compensation for our exploited natural resources.

- The right to receive compensation for the destruction and abrogation of our hunting and fishing rights.

- The right to re-negotiate our treaty.

- The right to negotiate with the elected governments of your society through appropriate levels of representation.

- The right to approach the judicial, governmental, and business institutions of your society in our quest for selfdetermination and local control.

- The right of our elected chiefs to deal with your society’s elected cabinets on an equal basis.

- The right to approach other world nations to further the aims of the Cree and Ojibway Nations of Treaty 9.

- The right to use every necessary alternative to further the cause of our people.

- The right to use all that the creator has given us to help all of mankind.

When the Declaration was issued, Yesno noted there was a plan to implement the contents of the document by the year 2000.

“Years later I approached Fred Plain, who worked alongside Andy during the years the declaration was a workin-progress, and asked him why the declaration wasn’t implemented as was originally planned,” Yesno said. “Fred told me ‘We never got a chance to put a communications plan in place so the communities would understand how to implement the declaration in its entirety,’ which I think is unfortunate. You see they had anticipated that the federal and provincial governments would find ways to throw ‘monkey wrenches’ into that plan so that we are not strong as a nation.”

Despite this, Yesno said the First Nations continue their march forward to implement the contents of that document.

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Looking back at 35 years of NAN news in Wawatay...

The Governing Council, Management & Staff of the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute Congratulates Nishnawbe Aski Nation on their 35th Anniversary.

Creating Capacity through Education and Training “Vision of the Chiefs, Elders and Educators”

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Photos submitted by Barbara Halsig

The first ever interview of Fort Albany First Nation Chief Rex Knapaysweet was a round table session with five youth from the community, on a wide range of topics from the chief’s past to the future of Fort Albany.

New chief quizzed by Fort Albany youth Five campers, aged 9-11, in Frontier College’s Lieutenant Governor’s Aboriginal Summer Reading Camp recently took out their notebooks, sharpened their pencils and became intrepid reporters for Wawatay News.

Just days after the election of a new Chief and Council for Fort Albany First Nation, they were the first to interview the new chief. None of the questions were rehearsed beforehand. Rather, the young journalists practiced asking the five W’s: who, what, where, when, why and how, on other unsuspecting victims. While doing so honed their skills at listening and note-taking.

Please read the result below and also Chief Knapaysweet’s reaction. We are very proud to have been part of this successful learning event and thank Chief Knapaysweet for his generous participation.

Back row from left to right: Barbara Halsig (counselor), Chief Rex Knapaysweet, Jade Sutherland (11), Laura Crump (counselor).

Front row from left to right: Kara Hookimaw (9), Tyra Sutherland (9), Adam Rose (11), Dyran Nakogee (9).

Barbara Halsig and Laura Crump Camp Counselors

THE INTERVIEW Adam: How old are you?

Chief: I’m 27 years old.

Kara: Who are you?

Chief: I’m Rex Knapaysweet Tyra: How did you become chief?

Chief: Two people nominated me.

Jade: Where are you from?

Chief: Fort Albany Adam: Why are you here?

Chief: To conduct this interview with you guys and listen to your questions.

Kara: When were you born?

R.K.: December 19, 1984 Tyra: Why did you become chief?

Chief: So that I can help the people of Fort Albany; so that I can be the voice for people who don’t have a voice.

Jade: When did you become chief?

Chief: July 28, right about 8 pm.

Tyra: How is it to be chief?

Chief: It is very challenging and exciting.

Tyra: What did you do to become chief?

Chief: Listen to the people; going door to door to ask what they want to see in the community.

Kara: How do you want to help the people of Fort Albany?

Chief: By creating jobs for other people in the future.

Kara: What kind of work did you do before?

Chief: My job before was Prevention Worker for Peetabeck Health Services.

Tyra: What is a prevention worker?

Chief: [A prevention worker] encourages people to do healthy stuff* like don’t smoke. *Tyra’s way to shorten the answer Adam: What kind of changes are you gonna make in Fort Albany?

Chief: Clean up the graffiti, paint it over. I’d also like to see a Youth and Elders Centre, and build more houses.

Dyran: What do you do when you are chief?

Chief: The chief and council have meetings and make decisions. As chief it’s my duty to listen to community members.

Kara: How do you want to make the bad things stop, like drinking?

Chief: Educate community members about how drinking is bad for the body; and that we need more sports like hiking, basketball, biking, baseball and soccer, and whatever kind of hobbies.

Tyra: What do you expect to see in Fort Albany?

Chief: I want community members to be proud about where they come from and see them make their own programs, like what we talked about. [They have the skills to start programs themselves].

Adam: What did you do at the time when you knew first you were chief?

Chief: I was fishing. I remember walking up the hill [to the Community Center]. I was scared and nervous. After I got up the hill, I saw my

fiancé Charlotte. Then she told me I was the new chief and I was very happy.

Jade: How did you feel to be surprised when you became chief?

Chief: I had lots of different emotions. I was very happy, full of joy.

Dyran: Why do people make beer?

Chief: They make beer to make money, because they’re not working when they should be working.

We need to stop this from happening because it hurts people.

Kara: Would you like seeing drunkards stop (drinking) and participating in community games?

Chief: Yes, I would love to see people stop drinking and choose to live a healthy lifestyle, like playing games.

Dyran: How would you stop people from drinking?

Chief: I would encourage and support them to get help. I would also encourage them to speak to the Elders.

Adam: What did you do when you were my age (11)?

Chief: When I was 11 years old, I skipped grade 7 and went to grade 8 with my sister Pam. I played ‘spotlight’ and hide-and-seek and we always played outside.

Jade: When are you guys gonna make a new arena for Fort Albany?

Chief (after some reflection): There is something in the process right now. So now we’re crossing our fingers. We’re hoping to find the funds and follow through.

Congratulations Nishnawbe Aski Nation on the occasion of your 35th Anniversary Best wishes as you continue to work to improve the quality of life for the Nishnawbe Aski territory

Bill Mauro MPP THUNDER BAY-ATIKOKAN

Thunder Bay Constituency Office • 240 Syndicate Avenue South • 623-9237 www.billmauro.onmpp.ca

Chief Rex Knapaysweet After the interview: “I wished I had this kind of opportunity when I was younger, to sit in front of the chief and ask hard-hitting questions, like ‘What are you going to do about it?’

It was a very humbling experience, these young kids asking me these questions; that they were comfortable to ask me anything they wanted.

It started slow, but then I kind of sensed they knew they mattered, that their voice was important. Obviously they see what is going on in the community. I am very proud of them. I see the potential they have.”

About his own experience: “I was walking by Peetabeck Health Services when I was younger. They invited me in: Carmen Edwards, Lucy Edwards, Jackie Kataquapit.

These three ladies invited me to partake in a youth gathering meeting and they asked me, ‘Rex, what do you want to see?

What do you want to do at this youth gathering?’ And right then and there I knew that my voice mattered. -THE POWER of OPPORTUNITY! I encourage people that there’s always opportunity, even outside, like traveling. It’s just a matter of finding it and taking that risk.”

Wawatay News

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada visited the Kenora jail to hear stories of the impacts of residential schools.

Residential school impacts still seen at Kenora jail Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

Inmates in the Kenora District Jail were able make statements about their residential school experience when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) visited the prison on Aug. 8 and 9.

TRC Chair Justice Murray Sinclair said Canadian correctional institutions house a disproportionately high number of Aboriginal inmates.

In March 2011, 85 per cent of the male prison population in the Kenora jail was Aboriginal while 100 per cent of the female population was Aboriginal. TRC puts the current Aboriginal population at 93 per cent overall. The jail services the Kenora district, which has about 30 First Nations communities.

“There’s perhaps no other group of individuals in this country that better exemplifies the schools’ tragic legacy,” Sinclair said in a media release.

The Kenora jail is the first visit to a correctional institution for the commission. Ry Moran, director of statement gathering, said going to a prison to gather statements has been something the commission has considered for some time.

“We were actually approached by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (to go to the Kenora jail),” Moran said.

While Moran noted most inmates in the jail are too young to have attended a residential

Wawatay News

A Kashechewan First Nation member who left a blind woman to die in a fire has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Simon Wesley, 42, pled guilty to failing to provide the necessities of life after his blind common-law partner, 58-yearold Dorothy Noah, died in a basement apartment fire on Aug. 3, 2011 in Timmins.

On Aug. 9, the Timmins Superior Court of Justice heard that Wesley and Noah were consuming alcohol and engaged in an argument in the afternoon of the fire. Wesley’s defense attorney told the court that Noah had indicated to Wesley an intent to take her own life and went to the bedroom to ignite a fire.

Wesley attempted to extinguish the fire but, according

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

North Caribou Lake First Nation Congratulates Nishnawbe Aski Nation on 35 years of Unity, Strength and Success

school, he said they have likely suffered the experience indirectly through difficult relationships with parents, a loss of culture, cycles of violence and drug and alcohol abuse.

“They are impacted by the residential school system too and we wanted to give them an opportunity to share their story as well,” he said.

“There’s perhaps no other group of individuals in this country that better exemplifies the schools’ tragic legacy.”

- TRC Chair Justice Murray Sinclair

The commission conducted private statement sessions in which inmates spoke to a statement gatherer one-onone. Inmates had the option to record their statement using video or audio, of which they would be given a copy. Health workers were on site to provide emotional support. Moran estimates the commission gathered at least 20 statements during the two-day visit.

The commission plans on visiting other correctional facilities in the future. Moran said in September, the commission heads to a correctional facility in Yellowknife, with plans to go to more across the country.

Kash man sentenced for leaving blind woman in fire Lenny Carpenter

AUGUST 16, 2012

to the defense attorney, Noah became angry and physical with Wesley and prevented him from doing so. Wesley decided to leave despite knowing that the fire continued to grow.

An autopsy revealed that Noah was alive when the fire started and that she died of smoke inhalation.

Wesley’s defense attorney told the court that Wesley expressed grief and was remorseful upon hearing about the death the next day.

Judge Robert Riopelle sentenced Wesley to 18 months in prison followed by two years of probation based on a joint recommendation submitted by the Crown and defense attorneys.

Since Wesley already spent the last year in jail, he will serve another six months. The only condition during Wesley’s probationary period upon being released is that he must not consume alcohol.

CONGRATULATIONS NISHNAWBE ASKI NATION ON 35 YEARS OF UNITY, STRENGTH AND SUCCESS. Watch for our new recruitment campaign “Faces Behind the Flash” launching this fall.

For Cst. Mike Cutting’s and our other officers stories, visit our new website JOINNAPS.CA

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

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Feds looking to allow nurses to prescribe Suboxone Shawn Bell Wawatay News

New prescription drug abuse funding should enable nurses in remote communities to prescribe and administer Suboxone and other drugs aimed at weaning addicts off of prescription drugs, says Conservative MP Greg Rickford.

Rickford, MP for Kenora, told Wawatay News that federal funding of $1.5 million will be used in part to change the regulatory framework that limits what drugs nurses can prescribe in communities.

“We know that in some communities there is a critical mass of people affected by this prescription drug abuse,” Rickford said. “The focus is on healthy communities, ones not held back by what can be a crippling impact of addictions.”

The one-year funding announcement extends prescription drug abuse (PDA) funding from 2011, which the federal government geared at community-based treatment programs.

Rickford said that besides changing the regulations around what drugs nurses can prescribe, the funding

“We know that in some communities there is a critical mass of people affected by this prescription drug abuse.”

-Kenora MP Greg Rickford

will go towards “a continuum of care” so that nurses in communities, doctors that visit communities and specialists in urban areas are on the same page when it comes to PDA treatment.

He added that the government is working on setting up monitoring and follow up

Congratulations on 35 years!

resources for people undergoing treatment.

“With any capacities to prescribe any kind of medication that would be appropriate for treatment of prescription drug abuse, it has to involve some kinds of monitoring and follow up,” Rickford said. “We want to make sure that those resources are there in the communities.”

Earlier in 2012, the Registered Nurses of Ontario (RNAO) called for the federal government to loosen its restrictions on nurses in communities prescribing Suboxone for PDA.

The RNAO cited a number of problems with the provision of Suboxone programs in communities, including that Health Canada prevents nurses from administering the drug to new clients.

RNAO also noted that the Health Canada Non-Insured Health Benefits program required a “cumbersome” case-by-case review of every situation where Suboxone is being prescribed.

“Despite being relatively safer than methadone, costeffective, and its value as being least intrusive to community members, access to Suboxone is being curtailed,”

RNAO wrote.

Rickford said the government is in part responding to the amount of attention and effort geared at raising awareness on PDA. Over the past few years a number of initiatives have raised public awareness of the plight facing northern First Nations due to PDA. Since the spring of 2012 there have been two highprofile walks from northern First Nations to Sioux Lookout, two Sandy Lake women cycling across Canada and a number of golf tournaments that have been held to raise awareness of the issue.

Lake Helen developing community story

Sarah Campbell, MPP Kenora-Rainy River 1-800-465-8501

The Staff and Board of Directors of the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre would like to congratulate Nishnawbe Aski Nation on 35 years!!!

Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre 273 Third Avenue, Suite 204 Timmins, ON P4N 1E2 705-267-7911 fax. 705-267-4988 www.occc.ca

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Elder Terry Bouchard and Byron Wawia Jr. are involved in collecting stories of Red Rock First Nation Elders to document the community’s history.

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Red Rock First Nation has been gathering stories from Elders over the past three years for an online community story project.

“We’ve been ... gathering information from each individual Elder about the history of this place and the stories that have been passed on from generation to generation,” said Red Rock Elder Terry Bouchard, the project’s consultation point person. “It’s going to be our own community

Congratulations to Nishnawbe-Aski Nation on their 35th anniversary.

Their tireless work, dedication and efforts on our behalf in advancing and advocating for our right to self government, education, health and socioeconomic is appreciated.

NAN has been instrumental in bringing our issues to the attention of the current government and Canadian public to improve our right to quality of life.

We look forward to their continued efforts and successful negotiations on our behalf for future generations to come.

Kashechewan First Nation Chief & Council

story based on our own people’s information.”

Bouchard said a website for the community story will be developed by next year.

“Right now we’re in the process of just finishing up the individual interviews,” Bouchard said, noting about 30-40 community members ranging in age from 55-90 years old have been interviewed so far. “It’s very interesting. It’s just too bad we didn’t get this done years ago because there’s a lot of information and a lot of history here.”

Bouchard said one of the stories related to how the community was originally settled at the crossroads of Lake Superior and the Nipigon River.

“We were put here for a strategic reason, and that is to protect the upper Great Lakes from invaders,” Bouchard said.

In addition to the Elder’s stories, a “big collection” of photos has also been compiled as part of the five-year project.

Bouchard said the project will enable people seven generations from now to click on a person’s name to view videos of them telling their life story on a computer.

“They’ll be live here telling a story and we’re going to be long gone from here,” Bouchard said. “It’s going to be in archives here forever.”

The community had previously started two other projects in the past that were never completed to collect stories from Elders, including a project initiated about 20 years

ago by Byron Wawia, Jr., the current project’s consultation points person administrative assistant.

“It was a little bit different,” Wawia said. “People like Terry (Bouchard) are a little bit more open. They weren’t as open back then, and now they are.”

Wawia taped stories by a number of Elders on cassette audiotapes, including Bouchard’s mother, which are still stored in the band office and will eventually be part of the current project.

“I really enjoyed working with Terry on all these interviews,” Wawia said. “I liked hearing the stories and there’s stuff I want to pass on to my children.”

Wawia said the stories are about a variety of subjects, including trapping, hunting and fishing.

“I’d like to hear more stories about my own grandmother,” Wawia said. “We tend to call her the Indian Annie Oakley.

She did a lot of hunting and trapping and I hear stories about her packing moose out of the bush by herself. She was a big woman, over six feet tall.”

Bouchard and Wawia have gathered a “lot of data” over the past three years for the project, including bits of data from different people that tell a clearer story when combined.

“Nothing really did surprise me,” Bouchard said. “I’ve been here going on 63 years. What surprised me is they weren’t too reluctant to talk about their personal past.”

Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

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ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (FULL TIME)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Network Technician

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

Wawatay Native Communications Society is seeking an energetic, motivated and reliable individual for the position of Network Technician.

Wawatay Native Communications Society is a self-governing, independent community-driven entrepreneurial native organization dedicated to using appropriate technologies to meet the communication needs of people of Aboriginal ancestry in Northern Ontario, wherever they live. In doing so, its founders intended that Wawatay would serve their communities by preserving, maintaining and enhancing indigenous languages and culture. Wawatay’s mission is to provide media capabilities and content that address the unique needs of the Nishnawbe people.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Network Technician is responsible for the IT resources of Wawatay Native Communications Society. This position oversees the existing network and computer resources and provides consultation on the expansion and maintenance of the network and related resources.

The person chosen will actively develop and maintain the various web properties of Wawatay. There are currently four independent web sites.

They are based on PHP and MySQL. The Wawatay network consists of three offices interconnected via a VPN. It is a mixed Windows PC and Mac environment. There are several small business servers fulfilling various roles within the organization such as file sharing and audio streaming.

Qualifications: • Degree or Diploma in IT related field such as networking or programming.

• Experience working with small business networks.

• Proficiency programming in PHP. • Proficiency with MySQL databases.

Duties: • Maintain the Wawatay network and all related assets.

• Develop and maintain the web properties of Wawatay.

• Consult on IT related issues or purchases.

• Provide technical support to the Wawatay staff.

Assets: • Experience working with Apple computers.

• Experience with Windows Servers • Experience with Linux.

• Knowledge or experience with the Asterisk PBX. • Ability to communicate in Cree, Oji-Cree, or Ojibway would be a plus.

Location: Salary: Deadline for Applications:

Please send resume, cover letter and three letters of reference to: Tabatha Jourdain, Human Resources Wawatay Native Communications Society Box 1130, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Fax: (807) 737-3224 Email: tabathaj@wawatay.on.ca

Please send cover letter, resume and three written references to: Hiring Committee Keewaytinook Okimakanak P.O. Box 340 Balmertown, ON P0V 1C0

To be determined Commensurate with experience.

Friday, August 24, 2012.

Wawatay Native Communications Society wishes to thank in advance all those who submit applications.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

NNADAP WORKER POSITION SUMMARY: Slate Falls Nation requires a Drug and Alcohol worker to provide counselling, education, promote awareness and recommend treatment options, aftercare for individuals and families struggling with drugs, substance and alcohol abuse. The worker will design community programs to assist individuals in direct intervention with alcohol and drug abuse.

This position will be located in Slate Falls Nation. The Successful applicant must be available to relocate to Slate Falls Nation.

MAIN DUTIES: • Prepare Annual community education awareness promotion goals and objectives • Develop and design intervention measures to address Drug and alcohol and other substance abuse with individuals and families • Review and recommend a list of treatment centers for clients and families • Design an effective aftercare follow up and support system to individuals and families who have attended a treatment program • Provide one on one counselling to the individuals and families that require help with their drug, substance and alcohol abuse.

• Organize and support the intervention programs such as AA and role model programs and healthy lifestyle promotion programs • Hold community workshops, school presentations, home visits and develop newsletters on the programs • Provide annual submission of work plan and maintain reports • NNADAP worker will work under the rules of Client Confidentiality • On-Call 24\7, Whenever in the community • Perform other duties as required QUALIFICATIONS: • Degree or diploma in a related human services field or an equivalent combination of training and experience and at least three (3) years experience working in a similar environment working with individuals with illness/addictions would be an asset; • Excellent communication and inter-personal skills both written and verbal; • Excellent knowledge of Treatment, Recovery and Counselling strategies an asset; • Community-based Mental Health and Case management experience ; • Evidence of good work and attendance record; • Excellent clinical skills engaging with, assessing, and promoting treatment, rehabilitation and recovery; • Ability to communicate fluently in Ojibwe or Oji-cree as an asset; • Previous experience in promoting healthy lifestyles would be an asset; • Proven experience working with First Nation organizations would be an asset; CLOSING DATE: START DATE:

August 29, 2012 4:00PM CST September 4, 2012

Applicants can send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to: Brenda Roundhead, Admin Assistant\Human Resource 48 Lakeview Road Slate Falls, Ontario P0V 3C0 807-737-5700 ext 119 Or email: broundhead@slatefalls.ca Note: Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY REGIONAL GOVERNANCE COORDINATOR (EXTERNAL ADVERTISMENT) JOB SUMMARY:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

PROJECT MANAGER

(Three year Contract)

(Three year Contract)

NADF is a non-profit, independent, Aboriginal-owned and operated financial institution providing support and finance to Aboriginal-owned businesses and facilitating economic development including resource advisory support services for Aboriginal people living in northern Ontario.

NADF is seeking an experienced Administrative Assistant to join its team to provide administrative support to managers working with the Business Information Officers’ Program and coordination of the Mining Ready Summit. The successful candidate would be a reliable self-starter who is able to work independently, has initiative and takes pride in their work. This position is dependent on funding and is a three-year contract with possibility of renewal.

NADF is a non-profit, independent, Aboriginal-owned and operated financial institution providing support and finance to Aboriginal-owned businesses and facilitating economic development including resource advisory support services for Aboriginal people living in northern Ontario.

NADF is seeking an experienced Program Manager to join its team to implement the Business Information Officers’ Program and oversee coordination of the Mining Ready Summit. The successful candidate would be a reliable self-starter who is able to work independently, has initiative and proven management experience. This position is dependent on funding and is a threeyear contract with possibility of renewal.

Qualifications • College diploma in a related field and 3 years minimum experience.

• Experience coordinating large events and in managing related budgets; basic accounting • Strong written and verbal communication skills including demonstrated ability to write reports.

• Computer literacy including e-mail, word-processing and spreadsheet software; MS Office preferred.

• Flexibility to travel to northern communities in Ontario is required.

• Knowledge of the people, culture and history of Nishnawbe Aski Nation • Ability to speak Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, or Cree is an asset.

Location:

Thunder Bay, ON

Qualifications • College diploma or University degree in a related field and management experience.

• Experience working within Aboriginal communities or with Aboriginal clients.

• Experience with managing project planning/implementation processes.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including demonstrated ability to write reports and proposals.

• Computer literacy including e-mail, word-processing, basic accounting and spreadsheet software; MS Office preferred.

• Flexibility to travel to northern Ontario communities; both fly-in and road access.

• Ability to speak Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, or Cree is an asset.

• Knowledge of the people, culture and history of Nishnawbe Aski Nation as well as economic/resource development priorities of its First Nations is also an asset.

Closing Date: August 24, 2012

Location:

Applications: Send resume and cover letter including three (3) references relevant to the required qualifications to:

Closing Date: August 24, 2012

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund 106 Centennial Square, 2nd Floor Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3 Attn: Colleen Martin, General Manager Fax: (807) 622-8271 or e-mail: cmartin@nadf.org No phone calls please Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted

www.nadf.org

Thunder Bay, ON

Applications: Send resume and cover letter including three (3) references relevant to the required qualifications to: Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund 106 Centennial Square, 2nd Floor Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3 Attn: Colleen Martin, General Manager Fax: (807) 622-8271 or e-mail: cmartin@nadf.org No phone calls please Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted

www.nadf.org

Shibogama First Nations Council is a progressive organization that serves five First Nation communities and its people in various capacities such as governance, education, health, economic development, technical support and advisory services.

The five First Nation communities are actively developing strong governance structures and are pursuing full control of their education programs. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Shibogama First Nations Council, the Regional Governance Coordinator will oversee the NAN Governance and Education Jurisdiction project by communicating, dialoguing, advocating and supporting the communities on the next steps.

He/she will be involved with the regional wide governance and education jurisdiction initiatives representing Shibogama First Nations Council and liaison with the other Tribal Councils, governments, agencies and Nishnawbe Aski Nation. The NAN Governance and Education Jurisdiction is a negotiations process mandated by the leadership through resolution 98/75 and currently at the agreement-in-principle stage that will serve as a framework for final negotiations. He/she will assist the First Nations develop a governance strategic plans.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Post-secondary education public administration is required with a minimum of three years of coordinating and administrative experience • Extensive knowledge of federal /provincial legislation, policies and procedures • Excellent oral communication and writing skills • Excellent organizational skills • Fluency in First Nation language is required • Must travel to First Nation communities extensively • Knowledge of communities and sensitivity to First Nation culture • Computer literate • Ability to work as a team RESPONSIBILITIES: • Coordinate and raise awareness and understanding of Governance and Education Jurisdiction Negotiations and the self-governance process • Inform Chief and Councils and community members about the ongoing process of the negotiations • Distribute communication materials to each community using various means of communication tools • Facilitate feedback for recommendations for the next phase off the project and to the funding agencies • Conduct workshops and meetings with on and off reserve population at the community and/or urban centre • Attend RGC training • Be responsible for the completion of program proposals, mid-term, quarter and final reports • Submit monthly reports that will contain RGC activities, contacts, information sessions, and other statistical information that will be required.

• Assist in the development of community plans on governance and education jurisdiction • Provide current federal and provincial policy changes and information trends on governance and education jurisdiction.

Must provide a criminal record check.

SALARY:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

CLOSING DATE:

August 31, 2012 4:00 p.m.

Submit three references, one should be the current supervisor, and your resume to: MARGARET KENEQUANASH Shibogama First Nations Council P.O. Box 449, 81 King Street Sioux Lookout, Ontario P8T 1A5 Fax: (807)737-1583 For more information contact: Margaret Kenequanash at (807) 737-2662 Ext. 2233

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Laughter ‘is in our DNA’ Three Anishinaabe comics open up on comedy Stephanie Wesley Wawatay News

Laughter is something you are most likely going to hear when you are around a group of Anishinaabe people.

Your first reaction may be to smile too, because laughter is contagious. It is good to witness anyone laughing, whether they are Anishinaabe or not.

Being able to tell a joke and make others burst out laughing is a natural talent possessed by many Anishinaabe people.

Three Anishinaabe comedians, all at varying stages in their comedic-careers, recently shared their thoughts on what it is that makes Anishinaabe people so capable of seeing the humour in everyday life.

Todd Genno, Ron Kanutski and Don Burnstick all use humour and laughter as a way to brighten the lives of others, and they also use it as a way of healing through social work and counseling. Genno is a social-work student in college; Kanutski runs his own private counseling service, and Burnstick tours North America with his different workshops in order to help heal the masses.

Genno, an budding stand-up comedian from Pic River First Nation, remembers himself as a young boy out to make people laugh.

“I’ve always tried to be funny growing up, even if it was annoying or not,” Genno said. He explained that in his life there was always a group of friends he could have a good laugh with when they hung out together. Laughter was something that was always on the menu for he and his buddies.

On April 27 of this year, Genno was crowned winner of Thunder Bay Comic Idol.

Since his win, he’s been making appearances at local clubs and bars in Thunder Bay during open mic comedy nights.

“I get great joy from making people laugh. It’s the greatest

Drawing by Deb Sachse/Special to Wawatay News

Comedians Ron Kanutski of Lake Helen, Don Burnstick of Alexander, and Todd Genno of Pic River discuss the healing power of laughter. feeling in the world walking off the stage knowing you made the crowd laugh,” Genno said.

Lake Helen’s Kanutski also knows the feeling that comes from making people laugh; Kanutski took home the 2010 title of Thunder Bay Comic Idol. Kanutski does stand-up comedy when he can, as well.

He remembers those who made him laugh the most when he was a kid growing up.

“My brother used to make satire out of everything; he was always like rewriting the words for songs, the way Weird Al Yankovic does and he would

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make them inappropriate.

He was really funny to me,” Kanutski said.

He fondly remembered an old friend who used to get him into trouble at school.

“He used to make up the funniest things. It’s hilarious to see him now because he works at Nodin and he’s all serious and stuff and professional. I used to get strapped so much in school because he would make me laugh so hard,” Kanutski chuckled.

Kanutski said that storytelling was always a form of entertainment for Anishinaabe

people. He still remembers his early life without television.

“We grew up without a TV, so storytelling was a form of entertainment for us. Life would have been really bland without it. Storytelling was natural, we were born entertainers,” Kanutski said of Anishinaabe people.

Genno said that in the past, Elders would tell stories in the winter months. Some stories would take three to four days just to finish, and served as a way to pass on key life lessons and messages. The Elder storytellers often used humour to

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get their points across.

Burnstick, of Alexander First Nation, said that humour is “in our DNA” as Anishinaabe people.

Burnstick, who’s been in the comedy game spanning across three decades, said that it is important for the mainstream media to let the world know Anishinaabe people aren’t just serious and engulfed in tragedy.

“New TV shows don’t portray natives with a real strong sense of humour,” Burnstick said. “Blackstone is a good show, but it is one aspect of

who we are. It doesn’t show us being funny, it shows us in crisis.”

“The strongest people I know have a good sense of humour,” Burnstick said. “The wisest, most traditional Elders I know have a strong sense of humour, they know how to laugh.”

Burnstick explained that a sense of humour is an important and vital part of who Anishinaabe people are. He said that Anishinaabe people have always been able to laugh through crisis situations. “Like at funerals, you will see sharing and crying and laughing – it’s the essence of who we are as a nation.”

Genno too feels that a sense of humour is important and that laughter is a necessity. He stated that laughter is healing.

“Laughter is very important, I can’t imagine a life without it. Laughter can make anyone’s day better,” Genno said. “When we are laughing, it makes us forget our troubles for the time being.”

Kanutski expressed a similar sentiment when it came to the importance of humour and laughter in Anishinaabe culture and history.

“Our humour is something that comes from tragedy, its part of survival,” Kanutski said.

“Laughter is a natural healing medicine, it stimulates the heart and breathing. Laughter kept our people alive, it kept us alive and helped push us forward.”

Genno is booked (or at least he will show up in hopes they let him on stage) at the Finlandia Club Comedy Show in Thunder Bay this November.

Kanutski can be found online at: www.ronkanutski. com, and is available for workshops and shows (and long walks on the beach).

Burnstick received some free pop and did stand-up at the Grand Portage Casino on Aug. 10.

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Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

15

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Chistian Quequish/Wawatay News

The work of Woodland artist Norval Morriseau is on display at the Centennial Centre in Sioux Lookout as part of the 30th annual Blueberry Festival. The paintings were brought to the community thanks to Gaye Sihin and Jessica Wilson of Westerkirk Work of Arts.

Norval Morrisseau remembered through his art Christian Quequish Wawatay News

Norval Morrisseau, the artist who started the Woodland painting style, had his art shown in an exhibition that began Aug. 1 at the Centennial Centre in Sioux Lookout. “We’re here in Sioux Lookout to put on a Norval Morrisseau exhibition as part of the Blueberry Festival,� said Gaye Sihin, project manager for Westerkirk Work of Arts (WWA) in Toronto.

WWA is a corporate art collection, and a branch of Westerkirk Capital, an investment company. “What Westerkirk does is we collect Morrisseau’s artwork in the public interest,� said Jessica Wilson, curator for WWA. Wilson and Sihin were contacted by Brian McKinnon to display their collection of Morriseau’s art in Sioux Lookout during the community’s 30th annual Blueberry Festival. “We feel it’s important that art is shared, and Sioux Lookout is a community that we think is thriving with great artists,� said Sihin.

The duo came to Sioux Lookout in November of last year pursuing research for a book: “Copper Thunderbird: The Art of Norval Morrisseau.�

Wilson said they hope to have people come in and look at the art who normally would not have the resources to travel to Thunder Bay or any other urban centers where Morrisseau’s paintings are held.

“Because of the Blueberry Festival, we thought it’d be a good time to make sure that people see the collection,� said Wilson.

Ahmoo Angeconeb, a member of Lac Seul First Nation and an internationally recognized artist, said that he grew up thinking of Morrisseau as a great influence on his own artwork.

Angeconeb said he read Morrisseau’s book, “The Legends Of My People: The Great Ojibwe,� when he was about 13. “I thought to myself when I read his book that this is great – here’s a guy who’s painting and has the same ideas that I do,� said Angeconeb.

He said when he was small, he would hear of the legends and stories of his people from his Elders, and he would try and draw them. “It’s really nice to have a Morrisseau exhibition in Sioux Lookout,� said Angeconeb. “I really hope a lot of Anishinabe people will come and see this exhibition and see his artwork.�

Angeconeb also had a corner for his artwork. “We would love to bring the collection to other communities,� said Wilson.

The next exhibition site is M’Chigeeng on Manitoulin Island at the Ojibway Cultural Foundation.

The Sioux Lookout exhibition also features a portrait project by photographers Brent Wesley of Constance Lake and Adrienne Fox of Bearskin Lake.

Working out the Project Details The Hammond Reef Gold Project is continuing to move forward in the permitting process as we ďŹ nish baseline studies and begin to move towards an assessment of potential effects of the Project.

In order to allow the Hammond Reef Environmental Assessment (EA) team to move forward with their assessment, it is important to provide them with the most complete and accurate Project design possible. Over the past several months our engineering team has been working together with our environmental consultant, Golder Associates to ďŹ nalize the Project Layout and design details.

The map below shows a revised Project Layout as it will be assessed by our EA team and as we expect it to appear in the EA Report. The key changes to the Project Layout that make it different from the April 2011 version are: t 5IF USBOTNJTTJPO MJOF BMJHONFOU OPX DSPTTFT 4BXCJMM #BZ 5IF UPUBM EJTUBODF JT approximately 4 km, and is not expected to require any footings in the water; t 5IF QSPDFTTJOH QMBOU JT OPX MPDBUFE UP UIF OPSUI PG UIF PQFO QJUT t 5IF XBTUF SPDL TUPDLQJMF JT OPX MPDBUFE DMPTFS UP UIF PQFO QJUT t 5IF PQUJPO PG B QFSNBOFOU DBNQ GPS XPSLFST BU UIF TJUF Osisko envisions that during operations, workers at the mine site will be a combination of daily commuters who opt to live in the town of Atikokan and travel to the Site as well as workers living elsewhere who will lodge at the Site during their work rotation.

Please keep in mind that the Project is still in the design stage and some details may continue to change as the Project planning process moves forward. Osisko values the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns that our Aboriginal partners and other Project stakeholders may have.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions about the Project.

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

Regional OfďŹ ce: 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

16

Wawatay News

AUGUST 16, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

CLE draws huge crowds to Thunder Bay Stephanie Wesley Wawatay News

Chris Kornaki/Special to Wawatay News

Thunder Bay’s Louis Bouchard and his children Louis Jr. and Louanna enjoy the “Sizzler” ride at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) held Aug. 9-12 in Thunder Bay.

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) wrapped up another successful fair on Aug. 12 in Thunder Bay. The CLE has been around in one way or another since the early 1900’s. Back then, it was known as the West Algoma Agricultural Society until it was changed to the CLE in 1929.

Since then, the CLE has added a midway (which is an area of sideshows, games and other amusements).

Families partake each year in the many festivities and events that the CLE has to offer every August – including many First Nations residents who travel to the city to attend.

This year’s CLE boasted over 25 rides for various ages, the Future Star talent show, a petting zoo, various food vendors, bingo, and a large selection of

games as well as merchandise hawkers.

Todd Genno, Pic River First Nation, attended this year with his family. His favourite part of the CLE was “seeing my kids smiling.”

Genno also enjoyed going on the Slingshot – a ride in which you are strapped in a seat and slung straight up into the air some hundred feet.

He said he had “major butterflies on that ride” and he took his son with him because he did not want to go alone.

Georgette Keno, a young North Spirit Lake First Nation member, was at the CLE for all five days this year. Her favourite part was the food.

“I liked the fries,” she said.

Keno attended the fair with her friend Alyssa and the two went up on stage to participate in the hypnotist show.

“I fell asleep, it felt like I was asleep for five minutes but it

was forty-five,” Keno explained with a laugh. She woke up slumped over in her chair.

Keno said she doesn’t remember what happened but when she and her friend left the stage, people in the audience were pointing at them and smiling.

Genno saw a lot of people from his home community who he had not seen for a while, and his kids got airbrush tattoos.

Keno attended with her sister one day of the fair.

She took her niece Andi on a few of the smaller rides, one of which was called Strawberries that the riders could spin around as much as they wanted.

“The other people on the ride were spinning it too much, Andi was getting scared and she got sick,” Keno explained, but all in all she had a good time.

Notice of Consultation Event Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Project

Location: OHRG’s Office 105 Main Street Atikokan, ON

Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. (OHRG) has initiated a study 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 construction, operation and closure of an open pit gold mine and any ancillary activities and structures.

Date: August 18, 2012 Time: 10 am to 3 pm Your feedback is important to us! Please come out and take part in the EA planning process.

Progress to Date and Next Steps The provincial and federal Environmental Assessment (EA) processes are officially underway for the Project. The Terms of Reference (ToR) are currently pending acceptance by the provincial Minister of Environment. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency finalized and posted the federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry. Once the ToR and EIS Guidelines are both finalized, OHRG will prepare and submit a single EA Report that meet requirements outlined in both documents for review.

Public Open House 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. OHRG is planning to host a Public Open House to share the baseline study results and answer your questions about the Project to assist in the preparation of the EIS/EA Report. Representatives from OHRG and their environmental consultant, Golder Associates will be in attendance to discuss the Project and answer your questions.

Project Contact If you would like to be added to our project mailing list or have project-related questions, please contact: Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. Alexandra Drapack Manager, Sustainable Development 155 University Avenue, Suite 1440 Toronto, ON M5H 3B7 Tel: (416) 363-8653 ext. 110 Email: adrapack@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.