Turtle Island Native Network - Monthly News Briefs July 2005
READ ONLY!
This information is posted here for you to read. Please respect our request that it not be distributed. Of course we invite everyone to invite others to come visit us here, to read this and explore our other resources.
News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org
July 31, 2005 - On the west coast, Tribal Journey 2005 has many stories. The first is to explain that the people in the canoes prefer to be known as pullers, not paddlers. They pull their way through the west coast waters. There is another, about the cultural restoration, survival and the healing benefits of having a positive First Nations youth experience. Then there are the joys of the journey, leaving behind the drugs and alcohol yearning. The daily chores, the great outdoors, and the challenges. The fun, new friendships, welcoming and generosity from the communities along the way. As I watch from my rocky perch overlooking the bay, I am witness to the T’So-uke crew and their drumming, singing and pulling their way through the sun drenched, glistening waters, to a landing at the marina of the Scia’new Indian reserve on Vancouver Island. A tribal canoe with eight First Nations youth and their skipper/elder/guide, white t-shirts proudly proclaim their nation and their journey. At times, a fishing trawler shadows the canoe but keeps a safe distance, offering comfort to the young people - that their safety is being monitored closely. This is no backyard pond. This is the mighty Pacific.
This weekend has brought early mornings and long days for the Beecher Bay women, community organizers, and volunteers. It is more than meet and greet. It is a matter of meet, greet and eat - inside the Scia’new traditional Big House. For the past couple of days it has been surrounded by tents - an instant home for the dozens of youth who arrived from the neighbouring T’So-uke Nation, the Makah Tribe of Neah Bay on the coast of Washington State, and the Ahousaht and Kyuquot /Nuuchahnulth Nations from near Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Since the early nineties, this has become an annual summer journey that means so much to so many people, on both sides of the Strait of Juan De Fuca - Tribes, First Nations, Canadian and American. No matter who they are, there is agreement that the focus of Tribal Journey is on their youth and building their culture.
Turtle Island Native Network is pleased to publish this perspective of the Tribal Journey - It was a great gathering down at the Scia’new Marina as more canoes started arriving. As I was making my inquiries, I met Tom Smith, lead land crew/maintenance support for the Kyuquot canoe team. Tom spoke with great pride of his wife Janice John, who is the skipper of their canoe. Janice is a seasoned Tribal Journey skipper as this is her seventh journey. All crew are from the John family, the youngest being their four year old daughter, who already has done four tribal journeys /her first while in her mother’s womb!/ Tom explained the roles of the support crew as he was finishing up maintaining the canoe’s seats. He was reinforcing them so that they would hold the weight of the canoe as it gets lifted out of the water. He stressed how important it was for him to look after the canoe maintenance to keep it safe in the water. He fixes the sail, fills it with water to keep it from cracking in the hot sun when on land, and keeps the gas tanks filled for the support boat. He went on to say it was the Skipper’s job to keep the canoe and crew safe when out on the water. And it seems Janice is very good at that. In their twelve days on the sea, they had encountered rough weather- strong winds, seven foot swells, fog and hot sun! Janice managed to keep the canoe and crew safe, strong and courageous throughout! The role of the second mate, James Hinchcliff is to tend to the sail rigging and the paddles. What has been very exciting for this crew is their new canoe. It was carved last year by the Frank family in Tla-o-qui-aht/Opetchesaht and given to the John family at a potlatch last winter. I eventually met Janice and her son Duane Smith. Janice was very pleased with her crew and said it has been an awesome journey. For Duane, this is his fourth journey, --this one is pretty good, I am not as shy. It is getting clear on what has to be done and I am able to just do it!--
The next canoe to pull in was from the Makah Nation in Washington. While the skipper and crew were securing the canoe I met Melanie McCarty, one of their ground crew support. Melanie’s first and only other tribal journey was in 1990 to Bella Bella. She informed me that the canoe held 11 pullers, with 7 land support and their trawler --Memories--. Melanie said they had rough weather crossing the strait, which really drew on the inner resources of the pullers. At the end of each leg of the journey the crew gather in prayer and in the evening, in a circle check in on how the day was for each of them. Many said they thought from the crossing that their lives would change forever. Melanie thought it had too as many of the youth joined in the dancing at the big house they stayed at, many who have never danced before. I later introduced myself to the owner and first strokesperson, Polly McCarty and Skipper Andy Pascua. They both agreed the journey so far had been excellent, although shorter for them than in past years, as the event is being hosted by the Klallam Nation of Lower Elwa. Crossing the strait to the Canada side gave their crew more time on the water. This year the focus of the journey is on youth, culture and education. Their youngest crew, 11 year old Titus and 12 year old Tony are no rookies. They have four and eight previous journeys experience, respectively. Other crew are first timers. The teachings are many for this crew. They learn to read the tide, the currents, how to bring the canoe to shore, how to navigate in the fog, and they got to visit their traditional villages and learn how their ancestors lived. Andy Pascua summed it up as - -The teachings are in math, science and history- -. Both McCarty and Pascua stated how proud they were of their crew. Of how they were able to manouevre in the big swells and how they all pulled together to get through the strong currents. The kids were quick to refuse being pulled by the support boat, Memories. During their circles after each pull the kids have time for reflection. Seasoned crew members recalled traversing the same waters last year and gave encouragement to the others as they knew what to expect and what it would take to get through the journey this year. The kids have pride in their family, community and tribe and know they are ambassadors for their communities.
On Sunday, the T’Sou-ke Nation arrived early afternoon. They entered the harbour in great spirits with their song and joy cries! Chief David Planes and his wife and other community members were at the Marina to greet them. Skipper Thor asked permission to land and Beecher Bay Chief Russel Chipps gave them a warm welcome, inviting them to come ashore and have lunch at the Big House. Once the suppport trawler and canoe were secured, the crew stopped long enough for a group picture. They had worked hard and knew that lunch was waiting for them. Gordon Planes, who coordinates the T’Sou-ke Nation’s youth programme indicated that their journey focused on youth and in building culture. His crew of 20 have been in training for the past six months on the beautiful Sooke river. He has a number of first year pullers, like Louie and Darrel. All in all, it was great to hang out at the Marina and introduce myself to these very amazing people. They were kind to share their stories with me, explain the work, roles and responsibilities of the various aspects of the journey and all were so proud of what they were doing!
July 29, 2005 - First Nations and environmentalists fear new toxic waste problems will be introduced by re-opening an old mine in northwest BC. Despite the concerns, the federal government approved the controversial Tulsequah Chief mine and road project in the traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. Federal fisheries authorities and Transport Canada gave the mine a conditional green light in January, and now full approval. Environmentalists are outraged by the decision, especially how it came to light. - -Bizarrely, this announcement has been made by the mining company. The government has yet to inform the public of its decision,- - commented the Transboundary Watershed Alliance. The company, Redfern Resources announced that Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada gave the green light for the project to proceed, - -the Tulsequah Project, owned 100 percent by Redcorp’s wholly-owned subsidiary – Redfern Resources Ltd., is unlikely to result in any significant adverse environmental effects- -. The Taku River Tlingit have been trying to prevent the re-opening of the Tulsequah Chief copper-gold-zinc mine on their traditional territory since 1987.The Taku River Tlingit took the issue to court and in December 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a landmark Aboriginal Rights decision, that required mining companies to consult with First Nations. However, that decision also said the Taku River Tlingit had been adequately consulted in the Environmental Assessment process. However, as Mining Watch Canada has reported, - -Local residents recall the extensive decline in salmon populations and the death of trees along the river bank as a result of Cominco dumping the mine tailings directly into the Tulsequah River. The mine was closed in 1957 due to low metals prices. The mine tailings at the Tulsequah Chief site have been leaching heavy metal contaminants into the river system for close to 50 years- -. The decision by the federal government that re-opening the mine and building a 160 km road, is unlikely to result in any significant adverse environmental effects, is far from what the First Nations and environmental groups have been saying. Their major concerns include the wildlife and fisheries impacts of a new road, including the effect of opening up the watershed to new logging and mining pressures, as well as increased hunting pressures. The old mine was abandoned by mining giant Cominco more than 40 years ago. That brings us to the question of the economic viability of the mine today, and is it worth any amount of environmental risk? The Environmental Mining Council of B.C. has warned that because of Redfern’s lack of an established track record in developing an operating mine, and the technical difficulties of running this remote mine operation in an environmentally and economically sound fashion, there are reasons for public concern. Once again, the stage may be set for a marginal mine being propped up by taxpayers’ dollars. Mining Watch Canada sums up the situation, - -The mining industry in British Columbia has mounted an unprecedented campaign for access to new mineral lands and wilderness areas on First Nations lands in British Columbia. First Nations are fighting back on many fronts. In all cases, their resources are out-stripped by the mining industry and its allies in government. The First Nations lands affected are some of the wildest and most pristine lands in the province.
In other cases they are trying to cope with earlier mines that have left damaging legacies- -.
Bright sunshine and a cool summer breeze. It is 9a.m., and already they have eaten, and launched their canoes from the T’So-uke Nation shore, for the journey to Beecher Bay and a cultural celebration. There, they will rendezvous with the many others who will enjoy a First Nations weekend. Cheanuh Marina, usually the gathering place for eager fishermen, instead will be the welcoming site for the Tribal Journey. As the host community in BC, the Beecher Bay First Nation has organized a weekend of ceremony honouring the youth, with drumming, dancing and dining Coast Salish style. South of here, across the Strait of Juan DeFuca on the U.S. side, many tribal nations have canoes in the Pacific northwest waters for Paddle Journey 2005. There will be a parade of canoes coming into Hollywood Beach. Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe will host end-of-journey events at Lower Elwha /eight miles west of Port Angeles, Washington - August 1st - 6th. Tribal organizers estimate there will be close to 5000 to 6000 people there. The staging site for the canoes will be the Rayioner Mill Site. It has been a long journey for many, including those from Alaska. Some of the youth have been on this journey for two weeks. A worthwhile venture of healing for many who have abandoned the drugs and alcohol in exchange for culture, friendship, hard work and accomplishment.
July 28, 2005 - Turtle Island Native Network was there to witness the young people meet the big challenge and, very strong winds, a low tide and shallow waters were no match for the dozens of First Nations youth, who pulled more than their weight, as they canoed into the Sooke Harbour and Sooke River estuary. Motors were used to make sure several of the tribal canoes made it to the shores of the T’So-uke First Nation, west of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Sheer determination, and perhaps the fact a feast awaited them, ensured the dozen tribal canoes arrived safely and on time, just after 5pm. Tribal Journey 2005 will help bring added excitement to Vancouver Island this long holiday weekend, when dozens of canoes will fill Beecher Bay First Nation waters, off the Strait of Juan DeFuca.
The charged atmosphere of loud protests, targeting a tourism resort, may be on the horizon in British Columbia, again. This time it reflects concerns raised by the St’at’imc Chiefs almost five years ago. In a statement this week, the Chiefs Council has reaffirmed its strong opposition to the proposed development of Sutikalh /also known as the Melvin Creek Watershed, located between Pemberton and Lillooet. The latest concerns were sparked when St’at’imc Chiefs learned that the BC government is considering an application for an extension of an Environmental Assessment Act certificate. The Chiefs Council emphasized that the project proponent, Al Raine of NGR Resort Consultants, has no tenure in their territory. Chief Garry John, St’at’imc Chiefs Council chair and spokesperson explained, - -Al Raine told one of our chiefs that if he were not successful in receiving our support for the project that he would withdraw his application and walk away. Not only was he informed but the provincial government was informed by a letter signed by 11 St’at’imc Chiefs in 2000 that states very clearly that Al Raine does not have our support for this project- -. The certificate was originally issued in August 2000 to develop a 500 million dollar four-season, 14,000-unit mountain tourism resort. The certificate is to expire August 14, 2005. To-date, there has been no development in Sutikalh. - -The St’at’imc Chiefs Council wants to make it very clear to the Province of British Columbia, and the developer Al Raine, that the St’at’imc will interpret any extension for the environmental certificate as a challenge, - -declared Chief John. The First Nations received national and international support when they launched their protests almost five years, and have stated again that they are determined to protect their territory from unauthorized development.
July 27, 2005 - The United Native Nations, the largest urban Aboriginal organization in British Columbia has new leaders, following the recent vote at the AGM in West Bank. Lillian George, who has served the UNN for many years, including as vice-president, was elected the new President. Vice-president is David Dennis, a former UNN director, but best known as an outspoken member of the West Coast Warrior Society. Last month he was arrested in a dramatic police operation that shut down the Burrard Street Bridge, as officers pulled over a van with Dennis and two others, along with numerous weapons. Despite their release, and documentation for the rifles, police refuse to apologize or offer a public explanation for the incident. The police operation was led by the RCMP INSET group - an anti-terrorist squad. The new leadership of the UNN takes office with the ghosts of leaders past, haunting them. The former president and vice-president launched a lawsuit against the UNN for firing them, and the UNN filed a Counter Claim of $196,322.00 against George HoLem who was president.
A seven day event that will showcase the talents of Aboriginal youth - Kahnawake has been selected to host the 2006 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. The event will be held in Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, which is located minutes from downtown Montreal, Quebec. In announcing the awarding of the 5th annual National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, Rick Brant, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Sport Circle said, - -This event is unlike other hockey championships as it will offer a unique blend of high performance competition in a strong, supportive cultural environment. It was with this in mind that we /Aboriginal Sport Circle made the decision to award the event to the community of Kahnawake- -. The National Aboriginal Hockey Championships will provide a forum for elite Bantam/Midget aged Aboriginal hockey players. The Event will attract participation from First Nations, Inuit, and Metis athletes, coaches, and sport leaders. The long-term vision for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships is to establish a competitive structure that will serve as the impetus for grassroots and regional Aboriginal hockey development across Canada. The event helps to foster unity and pride and celebrate the athletic abilities of Aboriginal athletes from across the country. On hand for the announcement was Olympic Gold Medallist, Alwyn Morris, of Kahnawake who said, - -I would like to congratulate the organizing bid committee in their achievements to bring the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships to Kahnawake. The event itself will give Kahnawake an opportunity to showcase our local talent for both male and female participants- -.
July 26, 2005 - Clean up operations continue, after one of the worst periods of heavy rains and flooding in Manitoba, left the community of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, reeling. The community near Ginew, Manitoba was one of the hardest hit, with a majority of homes damaged by flood waters, and the after effects. Flooded basements and backed up septic systems created a major mess. As well, hail and destructive high winds earlier this month, left the roofs of dozens of houses on the reserve, badly damaged. More than 60 community members are still staying in a Winnipeg hotel, waiting to hear news of when they can go back home. Ed Hayden, Roseau River First Nation flood co-ordinator is asking community members to be patient, and rest assured that crews are working to make the necessary repairs. Hayden issued a statement explaining the situation. - -Due to the large amount of homes to be covered, priorities have had to be set. Work will be done by the following priority - Basements, the number one priority is the homes where families have been evacuated because of a health risk. The remaining basements will be done on the basis of severity until each home on the list has been done. The roofs will be repaired according to the severity of damage as assessed by the insurance company. Roof damages are not considered a health risk. Please be patient, each home will be taken care of according to assessed priority.- - Roseau River First Nation is located approximately 80km south of Winnipeg.
Access to adequate, affordable, clean water is a human right, according to the United Nations. In Ontario, a report recently presented to the Ontario government, points out how much effort is needed to ensure future generations will receive what that right promises. We drink it, and many of us take it for granted. Other than that, water can be a rather dry topic / pun intended. After all, who is interested in the technical aspects, the long-term financing of infrastructure, and replacement of 100 year old rusty pipes, etc.? Naturally, the experts have a thirst for this kind of information. However, it seems to me, that if ever there was a time for First Nation communities to grab the proverbial -bull by the horns-, now is the time. First Nations concerned about providing adequate and affordable water for future generations, have an opportunity to assert themselves now, and work with local and regional governments in Ontario, to improve water and treatment systems. While those often pesky geographic lines have been drawn, dividing First Nation communities and the rest of Ontario, they do not need to be an obstruction to progress and doing the right thing. It is as clear as crystal clean water, that on-reserve health and safety issues, cannot be tackled effectively, without co-operation with, and support from, the outside. This is true throughout the province, and if they read the latest report, First Nation leaders may find opportunity knocking at their doors.Here is a follow-up to questions posed by Turtle Island Native Network to the Chairman of the Expert Panel on Water and Wastewater Strategy. Last week it released its report titled, Watertight - The case for change in Ontario’s water and wastewater sector. I wondered why there was only passing reference to First Nations in the 100 page report, presented to the Ontario government. Here is the reply from the Chairman, Harry Swain. - -The Panel’s mandate was concerned with the water and wastewater systems that are the responsibility of -creatures of the province,- as municipalities are quaintly called. Reserve communities are the joint responsibility of First Nations and federal governments under the constitution. That said, we were highly conscious of the problems facing Ontario First Nations. I am a former deputy minister of Indian Affairs /87-92, and have seen many reserve water systems. As chair of the research advisory panel of the Walkerton Inquiry I organized its consultations with the Chiefs of Ontario and other organizations and took part in drafting the text and recommendations. Subsequently I have been an advisor to the Auditor General on her several studies of water in First Nations communities across Canada. The panel wrote to several aboriginal organizations early in the course of our work soliciting advice but to my recollection received no replies. Fortunately we had their submissions to the Walkerton Commission to fall back on. The current report explicitly includes all of Ontario that is in provincial jurisdiction, which would include all Indians and Metis living off reserve. It encourages co-operation between reserve and non-reserve communities, especially as the question of scale is so critically important in lowering public health risk and keeping costs affordable. The report provides advice to the provincial government, however. While we are sometimes rather blunt about what we think the province ought to do, we do not presume to be so indelicate with First Nations governments, or the federal government. We do make hints, though. Thank you for your concern on this important matter. Those First Nations communities that are small and isolated share with their non-reserve neighbours in similar circumstances intractable difficulties in assuring the high quality of public health assurance we all want to take for granted. Cooperation, even consolidation, on a regional basis is critical for all who share watersheds.- -
First Nations communities should be invited to join the planning exercise - no exceptions. That is advice to local governments in Ontario, from the Expert Panel on Water and Wastewater Strategy. The panel says local governments must develop their own solutions because each system is unique, and - - . . .an approach developed by those it affects will always win greater acceptance- -. The report calls for a business planning approach by municipalities within counties or regional municipality in the south, and in the north clusters of communities. - -This is in each case the minimum area to be considered in business planning, and municipalities leading the planning are encouraged to broaden it wherever possible and practical. In all cases, local First Nations communities should be invited to join the planning exercise.- - The Panel report titled Watertight: The case for change in Ontario’s water and wastewater sector, calls for the creation of an Ontario Water Board that would have the authority to approve the local business plans. I suggest First Nation leaders start lobbying today, to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear, through representation on that board, and other associated local, regional and provincial bodies.
July 25, 2005 - Provincial Police from Armstrong, Ontario are investigating $3 million worth of arsonist attacks on buildings on the reserve of the Gull Bay First Nation. The Band office which included community health services was destroyed, and the police residence burned down too. The community does not have firefighting services, and Chief Wilfred King pointed an accusing finger at the Department of Indian Affairs, for refusing to help. The latest violence and deliberately set fires, is blamed on political differences related to an upcoming community by-election. The First Nation also faces financial difficulties and is under third party management - outside administration, imposed on the community by Indian Affairs.
American Indian and Alaska Native /AIAN children are disproportionately affected by oral disease compared with the general population of American children. Additionally, AIAN children have limited access to professional oral health care. The Indian Health Service /IHS and AIAN tribal leaders face a significant problem in ensuring care for the oral health of these children. These assertions are part of a research report, Confronting Oral Health Disparities Among American Indian/Alaska Native Children - The Pediatric Oral Health Therapist. The research was conducted by David A. Nash, of the University of Kentucky, College of Dentistry, Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Lexington and Ron J. Nagel, of the Indian Health Service, the Clinical and Preventive Support Center for the Alaska area and is a consultant with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska. In an abstract, published in the latest issue of the American Journal for Public Health, the researchers explained, - -We discuss the development and deployment of a new allied oral health professional, a pediatric oral health therapist. This kind of practitioner can effectively extend the ability of dentists to provide for children not receiving care and help to confront the significant oral health disparities existing in AIAN children. Resolving oral health disparities and ensuring access to oral health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives is a moral issue—one of social justice- -. The Indian Health Service, Division of Oral Health web site describes current efforts, - -More than 1800 dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants work in programs that strive to prevent as much dental disease as possible through organized prevention programs, and limit existing disease through active clinical programs- -.
July 24, 2005 - How do First Nations get justice and compensation after-the-fact, after the decisions about use of their lands, have already been made? It won’t shut down a major casino, but a BC Supreme Court ruling does strengthen Musqueam proof of Aboriginal Title . . . The Crown had a duty to consult with the nearby First Nation before moving ahead with plans to expand one of its gaming operations in the City of Richmond, British Columbia, but it failed to do so. - -I accept that there is a prima facie case in support of the claim to Aboriginal title- -, said Madam Justice B.J. Brown. The Musqueam Indian Band recently won a partial victory from a BC Supreme Court decision regarding Provincial responsibility to consult with First Nations. The issue relates to the development of the River Rock Casino, and is another example of one of those frustrating situations, when First Nations rights are undermined, by circumstances beyond their control. In this case, land that Musqueam had clearly indicated during treaty talks, was theirs through asserted Aboriginal Title, was developed with provincial government approval. Specifically, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation relocated its gaming facility from Bridgeport Road to River Road and expanded the casino by adding slot machines. Musqueam argued that because the casino has been developed on the disputed lands, it is less likely that those lands will ever be included in a Musqueam treaty settlement, the development itself may make the lands more valuable and more difficult for Musqueam to acquire, or may prevent the Musqueam from developing the lands for a different purpose. One of the obvious questions - Having clearly made its Aboriginal Title case, shouldn’t Musqueam have had a say in what took place on those lands, before the BCLC went ahead with the bigger casino project? Madam Justice B.J. Brown said, - -Because the Lottery Corporation is an agent of the Crown, the provincial crown had a duty to consult which was triggered when it contemplated moving and expanding its casino to lands which it knew were subject to the Musqueam claims. Placing the casino on the Bridgepoint lands might affect Musqueam interests. . . Therefore, the Crown’s contemplated move of the casino to the Bridgepoint lands triggered a duty to consult. To be effective, consultation should take place at the earliest stages, before irrevocable steps have been taken. That did not occur- -. It certainly could not have been a surprise to anyone in Richmond or the Provincial government, that these Bridgepoint lands are close to the current Musqueam reserves, and as a matter of fact, as the BC Supreme Court noted, the Musqueam had asserted aboriginal title over the Bridgepoint lands. - - The Bridgepoint lands are subject of the Musqueam Comprehensive Land Claim filed in 1984 and accepted for negotiation by the Crown in 1991. The Musqueam have been participating in negotiations with British Columbia and Canada through the British Columbia Treaty Commission since early 1994. The Musqueam’s reserve land is small, relative to their population, and not adequate for Musqueam’s present or future needs. The Musqueam say that the provincial and federal governments have a policy that third party interests in lands will not be involuntarily affected and that they will not offer monetary compensation for land already alienated to third parties. The Musqueam have repeatedly asked the federal and provincial governments to preserve Crown held lands for treaty purposes, but each government has a policy of not holding land for treaty purposes until the affected First Nation has signed a framework agreement. The Musqueam have not signed a framework agreement. There is a limited and shrinking base of Crown held land within the Musqueam traditional territory which could be included in a Musqueam treaty.- - The BC Supreme Court acknowledged that the harm suffered by the Musqueam from a government failure to consult, and potentially accommodate, is compensable. But how does Musqueam get justice and compensation now, after-the-fact? . . . a familiar question to many First Nations who fight this battle, of trying to catch up after governments and third parties do an end run around Aboriginal Rights and Title. In the case of the lands where the casino already exists, the BC Supreme Court naturally ruled against Musqueam’s original request for relief, - -In the petition, the Petitioners seek orders setting aside the Lottery Corporation’s decision to relocate the casino to the Bridgepoint lands and prohibiting the Lottery Corporation from taking further steps to relocate or substantially change the gaming facility until it has satisfied its duty to consult and accommodate. This would shut down the casino and impair the entire development. This relief is not appropriate in the circumstances of this case. As the petitioners acknowledge, practically speaking, at this late date, accommodation could only be economic accommodation. Because it is not appropriate to set aside the decisions, close the casino, and cause consequential damage- -. Now what happens? Musqueam can seek justice, and compensation, by way of good faith talks with the government representatives, as stated by Madam Justice B.J. Brown’s judgment and her guidance, - -I have concluded that the Crown had a duty to consult in this case, and will grant that declaration. It is possible that following consultation, accommodation may be appropriate. Because the Crown did not recognize a duty to consult, the parties have not attempted to determine appropriate consultation and accommodation. In Haida, the court suggested that the parties can assess the strength of the claim and the appropriate scope and content of the duty to consult and accommodate. If they cannot agree, the courts can assist. That seems to me appropriate in this case: the parties can assess the strength of the claim and determine the scope and content of the duty to consult and accommodate- -. And if that still doesn’t bring the Musqueam people justice, then what? - -If they are not able to agree, they may return to court for additional relief.- -
NOTE For clarification - The above case was heard in March 2005, the decision was released July 18th, 2005 and Musqueam did sign a framework agreement in the BC Treaty process April 6th, 2005.
July 23, 2005 - The death of 19 month old Sherry Charlie could have been prevented, but the child welfare system in British Columbia failed to protect her. She was killed by her uncle, who social workers placed her with, even though he was a known violent offender. Among other findings of a review by the Director of Child Protection, - -A criminal record check had not been completed- -. Three years after her murder, the report cites a major breakdown in information sharing between the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development and a First Nation child and family services agency. - -The information sharing process between the Ministry and the Agency failed to alert Agency social workers of the existence and nature of caregivers’ involvement with the Ministry.- - In fact, there were eleven intake calls relating to Sherry Charlie, her brother and her mother and father, received either by the Ministry or the Nuu Chah Nulth First Nation agency. - -When the Agency requested a Prior Contact Check on the caregivers’ home, they were inadvertently provided an incomplete record of Ministry involvement with the caregivers’ family. Due to this error, Agency social workers remained unaware of previous Ministry involvement with the caregivers’ family.- - The Director’s Review of the case concluded, the Ministry improperly transferred files to USMA - Nuu Chah Nulth Community and Human Services. It also determined the First Nation agency did not follow proper procedures, and made a decision to place the child with her uncle, - -. .in the absence of information regarding the extent of the family’s involvement with the Ministry and without full disclosure of the caregivers’ criminal history- -. Was the response of Usma Nuu Chah Nulth Community and Human Services to the child protection concerns associated with the family consistent with established standards? No, according to the review, - -The Agency’s response to the child protection concerns was not fully consistent with established standards- -. One of the key recommendations from the Review, calls for strategic information sharing to ensure social workers have access to valuable information, to assist them in their decision-making regarding potential caregivers, and the placement of children with them. - -The provincial Director MCFD to require that all child welfare agencies in British Columbia use an information-sharing computer database that interfaces with every other child welfare agency in the province. The SWS MIS system of file management and information sharing is one such database that should be available to all agencies in the province prior to their achievement of Level 15 /Protection/ delegation. Because social worker’s assessment tools are limited, knowledge of a family’s previous history is essential for them to make informed decisions. The SWS MIS system lists any previous Ministry involvement with the child or family. Since all agencies go through a long and graduated process of achieving the highest level of delegation, the requirement that the information-sharing program be in existence prior to the Level 15 delegation would not create undue hardship on an Agency.- -
July 22, 2005 - The Comanche Nation announced the passing of the last surviving member of
the World War II, elite Comanche Code Talkers, 81 year old Charles Chibitty. Along with 16 other Comanche Indians, Chibitty was part of the U.S. Army’s 4th Signal Company, also known as the Code Talkers. Like the Choctaws of World War I, and the Navajos in the Pacific Theater, the Comanche Code Talkers used their native language to prevent the enemies of the European Theater from intercepting messages of the allied troops during World War II. The unit was instrumental during the Normandy invasion. Chibitty was born near Medicine Park, Okla. on Nov. 20, 1921. After attending Haskell Indian School at Lawrence, Kan., he enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1941. While in the Army, Cpl. Chibitty earned the World War II Victory Medal, the European Theater of Operations /5th Bronze Star Victory Medal, the Europe African Middle East Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In addition to his role as a Code Talker, Chibitty was a champion boxer in the Army. Nationally he also was known for his Indian championship dancing. In a 1999 Pentagon ceremony, Mr. Chibitty was presented with the Knowlton Award in recognition of his significant contributions to U.S. military intelligence efforts. Prior to his passing, he was living in a Tulsa, Oklahoma nursing home.
The result of almost twenty years of negotiations - a self-government agreement, has been rejected by citizens of four Anishinabek Nation communities in Central Ontario. Votes from Beausoleil, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Moose Deer Point have not ratified the United Anishnaabeg Council /UAC self-government initiative. Grand Council Chief Beaucage commented, - -The rejection of this agreement is not so much a rejection of self-government, but more of a rejection of the federal government’s concept of negotiating. We have inherent rights that are granted by the Creator not the Minister or by the Indian Act. That cannot be limited by government policy- -. Beaucage said the UAC process demonstrates that First Nations citizens are gaining greater knowledge and understanding of their political issues and options for self-government. - -Our citizens are taking steps to inform themselves and becoming more active in their communities.- - The United Anishinaabeg Councils’ member First Nations began negotiations with Canada 20 years ago to create community governance structures outside the Indian Act. Leaders say they will be meeting with the federal government in the weeks ahead to review the results and implications of the rejection vote. The four First Nations have a combined total population of some 4,200 citizens, on and off-reserve. Meanwhile, the Union of Ontario Indians, on behalf of its 42 member communities across Ontario, is leading a self-government initiative, and has concluded two Agreements-in-Principles /AIPs respecting both Education and Core Governance. Two separate ratification processes will be taking place over the next few months.
July 21, 2005 - The Supreme Court of Canada’s rejection of a Mi’kmaq treaty right to log will not affect First Nations in B.C., and - -will not affect the many types of negotiations currently going on in B.C. between First Nations and government, including treaty negotiations- -, according to the First Nations Leadership Council. In addition, the Council points out that the only historical treaties in BC, the Douglas Treaties and Treaty 8 have no trade clauses like the one considered in the court’s decisions affecting the Mi’kmaq. The First Nations Leadership Council includes leaders of the Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the office of the AFN regional chief. The Council issued a news release that stated the Supreme Court decisions will not affect the issue of Aboriginal Title in BC negotiations. As well, the decisions in the Mi’kmaq cases do not change the Supreme Court’s decisions in the Haida and Taku River Tlingit cases, which confirmed the Crown’s duty to accommodate Aboriginal title and rights when making resource allocation or management decisions. - -The basic issue in the Mi’kmaq cases - whether First Nations have a right to participate in commercial logging - is not really in dispute in British Columbia.- -
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine expressed disappointment, but was quick to add, - -it is not the final word on Treaty rights and Aboriginal rights and title in Canada, or even in the Atlantic. The decision has local application only and does not set national precedent. The Supreme Court upheld the rulings of the trial judges that Aboriginal title had not been proven in these cases and points out that these judgments are not necessarily the final judicial word. It remains open for First Nations to assert their title in future cases. We regret that in this case the Court took a narrow approach regarding the Treaty right rather than the more fair and liberal approach that has been applied in the past and set out in this very judgment. Leaving the legal analysis aside, said the Nation Chief, the Supreme Court decision is a missed opportunity for all Canadians. - -A positive decision would have provided the legal impetus for the public and private sectors to work together with First Nations in cooperative approaches such as co-management, resource revenue sharing and any number of mutually beneficial arrangements. However, this decision is not final, and does not preclude partnerships based on fairness and equality. Regardless of court decisions, we believe this is the way we should be proceeding in general. Good faith negotiation is preferable to litigation, but clearly this is not the final word from the courts or First Nations on these fundamental matters.- -
July 20, 2005 - Members of the Mi’kmaq people cannot engage in commercial logging on Crown lands without provincial authorization, and they do not have treaty rights or aboriginal title entitling them to do so. The Supreme Court of Canada has delivered a major blow against the Mi’kmaq and their Treaty Rights, Aboriginal Rights and Aboriginal Title, in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The high court agreed with the trial judges and the lower court rulings, - -Their conclusions that the respondents possessed neither a treaty right to trade in logs nor aboriginal title to the cutting sites must therefore stand- -. The Supreme Court rejected the argument that the First Nations have a Treaty Right to commercial logging, and said it - -was not the logical evolution of traditional Mi’kmaq trading activity protected by the treaties of 1760-61- -. This appeal dealt with two cases. In the Marshall case, Stephen Frederick Marshall and 34 other Mi’kmaq Indians were charged with cutting timber on Crown lands without authorization, contrary to the Nova Scotia Crown Lands Act, between November 1998 and March 1999. The logging took place in five counties on mainland Nova Scotia and three counties on Cape Breton Island. The accused admitted all the elements of the offence, except lack of authorization. In the Bernard case, Joshua Bernard, a Mi’kmaq Indian, was charged with unlawful possession of 23 spruce logs he was hauling from the cutting site to the local saw mill in contravention of the New Brunswick Crown Lands and Forest Act. Another member of the Miramichi Mi’kmaq community had cut the logs from Crown lands in the Sevogle area of the watershed region of the Northwest Miramichi River, in New Brunswick. Like the accused in Marshall, Bernard argued that as a Mi’kmaq, he was not required to obtain authorization to log. In both cases the trial courts entered convictions. In both cases, these convictions were upheld by the summary appeal court. And in both cases, these decisions were reversed by the Court of Appeal. In Marshall, the convictions were set aside and a new trial ordered. In Bernard, the conviction was set aside and an acquittal entered. In delivering the judgment of the high court, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada said, - -I conclude that the trial judges in each case correctly held that the respondents’ treaty rights did not extend to commercial logging and correctly rejected the claim for aboriginal title in the relevant areas. I would thus allow the appeals, dismiss the cross-appeal in Marshall and restore the convictions- -.
July 19, 2005 - Jeffrey Turtle of Pikangikum First Nation, in Northwestern Ontario has not been seen since July 5th. The people of Pikangikum, OPP Emergency Response Team, a helicopter with a heat sensor device, and a search dog, two Cat Lake First Nation teams, and one North Spirit Lake First Nation team are continuing to search for the 21 year old. The search has continued on land and water continuously since July 7, 2005. With the search, the teams need a lot of water and food and other related items. Local donations are being welcomed. As well the Pikangikum First Nation opened a Band Account if anyone wants to donate. This search initiative will continue to incur expenses such as food, water, gas and other related items. Your donations can be deposited in this trust account - Pikangikum First Nation In-trust Account for Jeffrey Turtle / C.I.B.C Account 1703412
At the Ipperwash Inquiry into the 1995 shooting death of Dudley George, testimony continued this week, with lawyers questioning a provincial police superintendent about political interference by the then government of Premier Mike Harris. What became clearer is that the Ontario government remained silent, delberately silent, about the fact it knew the First Nations protestors had a legitimate issue, regarding an Aboriginal burial site in the park. As stated at the Inquiry this week by Julian Falconer of Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto, - -There was a deliberate decision not to communicate the legitimacy of the burial ground concerns . . . It simply makes the point again that they were alive to the issue and chose not to mention it in formal minutes, chose not to mention it in a press release, and chose to simply act like it wasn’t there. But, on September 12th, when the Federal Government told them that, historically, there was an issue of formal notice, it becomes, obviously, with great respect, unforgivable- -. Despite the fact Mike Harris and his officials knew about the confirmation of a burial site, they refused to discuss it when requested to by First Nation leaders. In fact, publicly the government continued to refer to the protest as an illegal occupation, and a police matter. During the Inquiry yesterday/Monday July 18th, 2005 it became obvious during questioning of a senior O.P.P. official who was a liaison between the police and government for the Ipperwash Park protest, that there was no law in place that prevented political direction of the police. The Police Act is clear the Solicitor General is in charge of the O.P.P. even though there is an understanding the politicians do not interfere with the police. It was suggested this week by lawyers, and acknowledged by O.P.P. Superintendent Ron Fox, that legislation could provide checks and balances to explicity prevent politicians controlling police actions, such as was the case in 1995 at Ipperwash.
Towards a New Beginning, is the title of a report by the federal Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures. - -Measures to reverse the erosion of Aboriginal languages are necessary, since close to half of the more than 60 Aboriginal languages in Canada are considered endangered, and 10 languages have become extinct over the past 100 years- -, said the group who has a $160 Million budget for ten years to help halt the erosion of Aboriginal languages. Towards a New Beginning, a Foundational Report for a Strategy to Revitalize First Nations, Inuit and Metis Languages and Cultures, identified - -the systemic inequity built into the existing federal language funding- -, and recommends funding for Aboriginal languages immersion programs, equivalent to funds allocated for French and English under the Development of Official-Language Community Program . The Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures, appointed in December 2003 held consultations across Canada with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, Elders, organizations, community leaders, language experts, and others, whose insights contributed to the development of Towards a New Beginning. - -It is our sincere wish that this Report be regarded as a significant step in the journey towards building a new relationship with First Nation, Inuit and Metis people, and towards restoring our pride, our self-esteem and hope for our youth for generations to come- -, wrote Ron Ignace and Mary Jane Jim, Task Force chair and co-chair, when they submitted the report to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. While the report accepts the fact languages are the responsibility of First Nations, it also emphasizes the role Canada must play, - -While there are worldwide trends compounding this loss of language, Canada’s past assimilative actions, particularly the residential school system, cannot be ignored. Canada’s failure to protect First Nation, Inuit and Metis languages and cultures means it must now provide the resources necessary to restore them. All federal departments share this responsibility. However, First Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples must also take their rightful place as the first and foremost teachers of their own languages and cultures- -.
July 18, 2005 - On the eve of a national conference on Indian Residential Schools, lawyers say class action lawsuits can go on hold while negotiations replace court action, to make sure survivors receive fair compensation. The AFN is hosting a conference at the Bayshore in Vancouver, BC this week and its deal with Canada is on the table for discussion. Meanwhile, in Toronto a spokesman for the National Consortium of Residential School Survivors’ Counsel, a group of 21 law firms from across Canada representing thousands of Aboriginal Residential School claimants, issued an optimistic statement about negotiations and the 180 degree turnaround in the position of the Government of Canada. Lawyers are preparing for negotiations with the Federal Representative, Mr. Justice Frank Iacobucci, focused on reaching a viable settlement of all residential schools claims. - -The National Consortium welcomes this long-awaited opportunity to settle the claims through negotiations, while avoiding lengthy trial proceedings. The Consortium is hopeful that negotiations will lead to a settlement offer that it can recommend to its clients. The negotiations will take place in private and the Consortium will not discuss the issues on the table, its clients’ positions or the details of progress publicly.- - The Assembly of First Nations called for a lump sum payment for all students who attended Indian Residential Schools. The Consortium supports the spirit of the AFN recommendations and - -the recognition that, in addition to settling plaintiffs’ claims, there is a case for redress to all former students, and a compelling need for apology, healing and truth and reconciliation processes- -.
There is major political change for the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation at Cape Croker, Ontario. Paul Nadjiwon was elected the new chief, replacing Ralph Akiwenzie, who was chief since 1989. Both a speaker in his traditional Ojibwe langauge and English, the new chief is hopeful of helping restore culture and language to his community.
July 17, 2005 - When recreation and culture collide - The controversial expansion of a ski resort on the highest mountain in Arizona, has been delayed by court action. The Navajo, White Mountain Apache, Yavapai Apache, Hualapai, Havasupai and Hopi Tribes launched one of four lawsuits in Federal District Court, regarding a request for a preliminary injunction to stop Arizona Snowbowl from proceeding with projects on the mountain approved by the National Forest Service. The tribes lawsuit was filed also on behalf of the Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Flagstaff Activist Network. After several hours of testimony it was agreed by the court to schedule a trial on all four lawsuits for this October. As part of the agreement for the early court date, Snowbowl agreed to postpone construction of approved improvements until the Court renders a decision. In addition, all four lawsuits filed against the Forest Service have been consolidated and the Arizona Snowbowl has been allowed to intervene in the proceedings. Controversy surrounds the Snowbowl Ski Resort expansion, and snowmaking using wastewater on the San Francisco Peaks. The peaks are considered sacred to more than a dozen American Indian communities. Dine director Klee Benally has helped create a documentary, The Snowbowl Effect, a film that explores the issues. Tribal officials and spiritual leaders as well as Forest Service officials and concerned citizens discuss issues including sacred lands protection, public health concerns associated wastewater, economic misconceptions, threats to the environment, global warming and a small community caught in the conflict. Klee Benally, a Dine is the project director of Indigenous Action Media, a non-profit media group. Klee is also a member of the Native American Music Award winning rock group Blackfire, and the internationally acclaimed traditional dance troupe, The Jones Benally Family.
July 16, 2005 - Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group has launched a protest against an award being presented to a developer, who the First Nations two years ago, asked the Mounties to investigate. - -Poets Cove is one of the worst desecrations of an aboriginal burial ground by development in the recent history of Canada, - - exclaimed a disgusted Robert Morales, chief negotiator for the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group on Vancouver Island. Morales has written to the President of the Urban Development Institute, David Podmore, to protest against his bestowing a 2005 Award of Excellence for ‘Best Resort Development’ to ‘Poets Cove Resort and Spa’, South Pender Island. Morales pointed out the controversial $40 million Gulf Island luxury resort, is subject to an active prosecution by Crown Counsel, for allegedly destroying an aboriginal burial ground during the construction of the resort, in contravention of the BC Heritage Conservation Act. The Urban Development Institute, a national non-profit organization of business leaders, publicly congratulated Poets Cove Resort and Spa for addressing the ‘significance of environmental issues that arise when working with the Islands Trust’, and further lauded the resort as, - -an amazing project that respects the sensitivity of its surroundings- -. To add insult to injuury suffered by the First Nations, Olga Ilich, the Minister of Tourism, Sports and Arts , also responsible for Heritage Conservation, attended and made a speech at the UDI award banquet. Speaking on behalf of the First Nations, Robert Morales stated, - -Our First Nations are solemnly disgusted by this public tribute to a corporation that has destroyed our national heritage, violated provincial law, and profited from the destruction of our Ancestors’ graves- -. On February 10th, 2003, the RCMP shut down Poets Cove’s construction site to investigate the resort development’s alleged large-scale destruction of a Coast Salish historical village and cemetery site estimated to date up to 4000 to 5000 years old. Thousands of human remains representing the bodies of over 50 aboriginal peoples have been salvaged over the last two years from resort’s construction fill. Crown Counsel announced charges under the Heritage Conservation Act against the Poets Cove development team. They face a 10 day trial at Victoria Provincial Court, in January 2006. The Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group has asked the Urban Development Institute to revoke its public award to Poets Cove, issue a public apology, and bestow the honour to a resort development that has deservingly achieved the highest standards of professionalism, sustainability and community partnership building in British Columbia.
A tribal coalition is working with a California conservation group to protect off-shore under-the-sea ancient Indigenous artifacts. A unique pilot project has been created under the leadership of the Western Alliance for Nature, a land conservancy, to protect ancient Kumeyaay/Diegueno submerged sites located along the southern California coastline. The Kumeyaay/Diegueno Bands have inhabited the coastal and inland areas of San Diego and Imperial counties for centuries. Depending on the season and managed food resources, members of the Kumeyaay/Diegueno Bands moved around their aboriginal lands which are known today as San Diego County, Imperial County and south beyond the international border which separates the United States and Baja California, Mexico. The southern California coastline was part of the aboriginal territory of the Kumeyaay/Diegueno Bands, which was known to be a common gathering ground where they would fish for mussels, rock oysters, abalone, shrimp as well as shellfish collecting and processing that took place in village sites situated near the shoreline. More than a hundred prehistoric artifact sites have been found along the southern California coastline, from south of the international border to Santa Barbara, California. Nowhere else in North America is there such a wealth of Native American artifacts off-shore. Unfortunately, through the years, artifacts from discovered sites have been disturbed and/or removed. Cultural artifacts from other sites located in deeper waters have also slowly disappeared. - -The Western Alliance for Nature and the Kumeyaay/Diegueno Bands of Southern California are deeply concerned by the disappearance of these ancestral artifacts by individuals and looters, some of whom may be unaware of the penalties and strict laws that make pillaging these sites a felony. Others, who are aware of the penalties, realize there is no enforcement against illegal off-shore looting because of the difficulty of policing a large coastal area. The result is the ongoing loss of a precious part of our history and the Kumeyaay/Diegueno cultural and religious heritage.- - The Native American Submerged Off-Shore Cultural Protection Project management program will initiate off the coastline in San Diego County, to ensure protections are enforced against illegal disturbance and looting of Native American ancestral artifacts. The objective of the initiative is to involve and mobilize volunteers and public agencies to protect these sites from looters - to educate the general public about the importance of preserving the submerged sites, and the ancestral link that is connected to the descendants of the Kumeyaay/Diegueno Bands of Southern California.
July 15, 2005 - Aboriginal Canadians are at much greater risk of being victims of spousal / family violence, according to Statistics Canada. The comprehensive report on family violence says Aboriginal people are three times more likely to be victims of spousal violence. Overall, 21 percent of Aboriginal people, or 24 percent of Aboriginal women and 18 percent of Aboriginal men, said that they had suffered violence from a current or previous spouse or common-law partner in the five-year period up to 2004. Aboriginal victims were also more likely to state that they were beaten, choked, threatened with or had a gun or knife used against them, or were sexually assaulted. In the general Canadian population, an estimated 7 percent of women and 6 percent of men in a current or previous
spousal relationship encountered spousal violence during the five years up to and including 2004. This means that an estimated 653,000 women and 546,000 men encountered some form of violence by a current or previous spouse or common-law partner. Rates of spousal violence were highest among certain segments of the population - those aged 15 to 24 - those in relationships of three years or less - those who had separated - and those in common-law unions.
The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation /NAAF announced recipients of 2005 Cultural Projects Funding. - -The retention of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit traditions, arts and languages are fundamental to the survival of our communities and to the well being of Canada as a country that acknowledges the contribution of aboriginal people,- - said Roberta Jamieson, CEO, NAAF. - -That is why we encourage, celebrate and support the outstanding national, regional and local Cultural Projects awarded funding this year.- - Recipients - Avataq Cultural Institute - 16th Elders Conference - $7,100.00 Westmount, QC - Centre for Aboriginal Media - ImagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival - $10,000.00
Toronto, ON - Hotilnene Kotine Denegothe Inc. - 6th Annual Dene Go Theh Achievement Awards - $5,000.00 Winnipeg, MB - Kankirqlinik Centre for Arts and Learning - Sharing our Knowledge arts workshop - $15,000.00 Rankin Inlet, NU - Qaggiq Theatre Company - Nuliajuq - $10,000.00 Iqaluit, NU - Theatre Arts Generator Society - In a World Created by a Drunken God - $5,000.00 Toronto, ON. - -The objective of the Cultural Projects Program is to assist in providing a hands-on arts or cultural experience to community members, especially youth, and to promote the retention of Aboriginal languages. NAAF supports programs that encourage an appreciation of art, culture and language as a source of personal enrichment.- -
July 14, 2005 - Four years after being mistreated, an Aboriginal woman, Gladys Radek has won a favourable decision from the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Here is what Gladys told Turtle Island Native Network, following the decision, - -I am very proud of this decision on behalf of our people. I feel that we all deserve to be treated with honor and dignity, no matter where we walk in this beautiful country.- - She suffered insulting and humiliating treatment by security guards at a shopping mall in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. She explained how their actions - -offended her dignity as an Aboriginal woman- -. She alleged that the discrimination she suffered in 2001 at Tinseltown /International Village Shopping Mall in downtown Vancouver, was part of a larger pattern of systemic discrimination practiced by security guards on behalf of the mall owners Henderson Development Ltd., against Aboriginal and disabled people. Gladys Radek who was 49 years old when the incidents took place, testified she was treated as an undesirable person because of her looks - that she is Aboriginal. Others testified about similar experiences. The Tribunal agreed that - -Henderson and Securiguard discriminated against Ms. Radek, both on May 10, 2001 and on a number of earlier occasions . . . that both respondents engaged in systemic discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ancestry and disability, throughout the period of this complaint- -. Because of the severe emotional impact the discrimination had on her, the Tribunal awarded Gladys Radek $15,000.00 - -in compensation for injury to her dignity, feelings, and self-respect- -. Henderson and Securiguard also must pay interest on the compensation, as well as the costs for the Human Rights hearings. As well, Henderson has been ordered to make policy changes at the mall to remedy the situation - -Henderson is to ensure that the site post orders, or other directions with respect to access to and appropriate behaviour within International Village, in place for any security service provider it retains are non-discriminatory. In particular, they must be clear that persons entering or seeking to enter the mall are not to be discriminated against on the basis of any ground prohibited in the Code . . . Henderson must require that all security personnel employed by any security service provider at the International Village, including any on-site supervisors or managers, as well as any Henderson management responsible for day-to-day operations at the mall, receive appropriate anti-discrimination training, such training to include both anti-racism and disability awareness components.- - The BC Human Rights Tribunal had strong words in assessing this case, - -To be singled out for treatment of the kind described in this decision, because of one’s race or disability or a combination of those factors, constitutes a clear violation of the human dignity of all those so affected. The opportunity to walk into a shopping mall and buy a cup of coffee, go for an inexpensive meal, use a bank machine, or simply pass through on the way to public transportation, is one which the majority of Canadians take for granted. The practices of the respondents had the effect of systematically denying the Aboriginal and disabled people of the Downtown Eastside that opportunity.It made them strangers in their own community- -.
The Saugeen Ojibway Nations, Chippewas of Saugeen and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, have a new fishing agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, regarding the largest Native commercial fishery in the Great Lakes. According to both MNR and Saugeen Ojibway Nations biologists, the Native fishery is in very good shape - the best in a decade. The new five-year agreement will manage the commercial fishery in the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay around the Bruce Peninsula. This agreement builds on the historic 2000 agreement that successfully established a coordinated fisheries management approach for the area’s waters. - -We’ve come a long way since the Jones- Nadjiwon decision in 1993 that recognized our Aboriginal and treaty rights to fish commercially. We think this agreement is an important milestone toward an understanding between us and the people of Ontario that there is room for everyone to enjoy their rights in a way that protects the environment,- - said Ralph Akiwenzie, Chief of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and who was a signatory to the first agreement in 2000. - -The success of the first agreement in preserving the fishery is surely a reason for people not to fear this one. Our people are returning to their traditional livelihoods by practising their ancient rights,- - said Chief Vernon Roote from Saugeen First Nation, formerly Grand Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians. - -But we know that with rights come responsibilities. We also intend to assume our ancient responsibilities to look after the resource. Under this agreement, we will do that in partnership with Ontario.- - Under the terms of the new agreement, the two First Nations will be responsible for designating community fishers and monitoring the commercial fishery through catch sampling. All assessment data collected by First Nations and ministry biologists and technicians will be shared at a joint biotechnical committee which makes recommendations on safe harvest levels. The First Nations will not use commercial gill nets in the majority of Owen Sound and Colpoy’s Bay, although they maintain the right to do so. In addition, no commercial fishing will take place in the outer bays, from August 1 until Labour Day, in recognition of increased boat traffic during the popular Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular fish derby. The agreement addresses commercial fishing only and does not regulate the Aboriginal right to fish for food, social or ceremonial purposes.
July 13, 2005 - Metis Nation of Alberta leader Audrey Poitras has received high praise. She was named one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People, by Alberta Venture magazine. In its ninth annual listing, the magazine identifies 50 Albertans from all walks of life who have made a significant impact and difference in the province over the last twelve months. Poitras was acknowledged for her many significant social and economic advances for the Metis Nation of Alberta in her nine years as president. Some of these recognized accomplishments include - helping negotiate and sign a historic Canada-Metis Nation Framework Agreement that will set the groundwork for negotiating the Aboriginal rights of the Metis in the province - signing an Interim Metis Harvesting Agreement with the Government of Alberta which recognizes the Aboriginal hunting and fishing rights of the Metis in the province - negotiating the purchase of a profitable drilling rig in a partnership between EnCana Corp., Lakota Drilling and the Metis Nation of Alberta - spearheading the development of a Metis historic site at Metis Crossing near Smoky Lake and - signing a $52-million agreement with Ottawa to deliver labour market programming and services to Alberta Metis. Metis Nation of Canada president Clement Chartier praised Poitras and said, - -this acknowledgement speaks to the increasing overall recognition of the Metis Nation, as a distinct Aboriginal people with rights, by other governments as well as the private and public sectors- -.
Cigarette smoking continues to decline among adults in the United States, however Native smokers continue to be Number One - with the highest rate of smokers, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control /CDC. The findings are reported in the latest edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association /JAMA. - -American Indians /Alaska Natives had the highest prevalence /39.7 percent.- - One of the national health objectives for 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults to 12 percent. However, that target is far from achievable if you consider the latest report, based on a 2003 survey - -approximately 21.6 percent of U.S. adults were current smokers. Although this prevalence is lower than the 22.5 percent prevalence among U.S. adults in 2002 and significantly lower than the 22.8 percent prevalence in 2001, the rate of decline is not sufficient to meet the national health objective for 2010- -. The JAMA report warns that comprehensive, sustained interventions are needed to further the decline in cigarette smoking among adults. That includes the need to reduce the rate of people starting to smoke, and increase the rate of those quitting. - -Among racial and ethnic groups, smoking prevalence was lowest among Asians /11.7 percent and Hispanics /16.4 percent and highest among American Indians/Alaska Natives /39.7 percent. The study found more people smoke if they are considered to be living below the poverty level, and are less educated. Smoking prevalence was lowest among those aged 65 years and older /9.1 percent and highest among those aged 25–44 /25.6 percent.
July 12, 2005 - A Canadian national gambling inquiry is long overdue, and a Law Commission of Canada report calls for a Royal Commission inquiry into gambling. - -Should such a study be approved, we support adopting the Australian approach -- an adequately funded, independent federal public inquiry along the lines of a Royal Commission with the power to subpoena testimony and a two year time frame to complete the task.- - The report explains that gambling policy in Canada is entangled in a myriad of political, moral, social and economic concerns that polarize positions. The report cites the social consequences of the $13 Billion industry, including tens of thousands of Canadians being addicted. - -it behooves us to know the extent of this enterprise, who gains and who loses from the activity, whether net community benefits are being maximized, how gambling policy is rationalized and implemented, how gambling is regulated, whether gambling consumers are protected adequately and whether the social harms resulting from excessive gambling are being properly addressed. A Canadian review is warranted because of perceived deficiencies in current Canadian gambling regulatory policies and practices. The need to assess and to provide guidelines on gambling policy for future generations is paramount.- - Among concerns about jurisdictions and who has control, along with perceived breaches of the Criminal Code, the report questioned why online casino gambling is illegal throughout the country but not on the Kahnawake reserve, despite what it claims is a federal and provincial police investigation.
In doing my homework for this story, I found that Casino City, an online gaming industry directory and information service, ranks Kahnawa:ke as the number 2 online gaming jursidiction. But popularity is not the number one concern on the minds of Mohawk community leaders. Governance, gambling and jurisdiction are issues that the Kahnawa:ke Mohawk Council is addressing, by a strong public assertion of rights, and a rebuke of Canada’s - -game playing- -. Grand Chief Michael Ahrihron Delisle, Jr. issued a statement, affirming that the Council has and will continue to exercise its jurisdiction over gaming. Chief Delisle’s statement follows reaction to a report in an industry publication, that implies an on-line poker company that maintains back-up servers within the Mohawk territory of Kahnawa:ke, is facing the threat of legal action under the Canadian Criminal Code. Grand Chief Delisle calls the reports false and groundless. - -. . . since 1996 the Mohawks of Kahnawa:ke have consistently exercised their jurisdiction over gaming and will continue to do so. At no time has this exercise of jurisdiction been challenged. Kahnawa:ke’s jurisdiction in this area, as in any other area, is not subject to negotiation or compromise. However, Kahnawa:ke remains open to harmonizing its gaming regulations with those of other regulating jurisdictions - particularly regarding Internet gaming, an area in which Kahnawa:ke is recognized as being a global leader.- - Grand Chief Delisle points an accusing finger in the direction of the Canadian government, - -We note that these reports emanated from a jurisdiction that has recently enacted its own Internet gaming legislation . . . It’s time for Canada to stop playing games and to establish its own regulations in this area. We would be pleased to assist them in doing so- -. Casino City notes that Kahnawake licenses online casinos for a fee of USD $10,000 per year, and has issued more than 280 permits.
July 11, 2005 - Legal action by the Deh Cho First Nation, is no longer a major barrier to the multi-billion dollar Mackenzie Pipeline Project. Through negotiations with Indian Affairs, issues related to the review of the Mackenzie Gas Project, have been cooperatively resolved, according to an INAC news release. In addition, - - . . .discussions with the Dehcho First Nations on land, resources, and governance are back on track- -. Grand Chief Herb Norwegian confirmed, - -The agreement will end the litigation begun by the Dehcho last year against Canada, but it does not mean that the DFN support the pipeline. We still have some very difficult negotiations ahead with the oil companies that want access to our lands- -. The agreement with Canada includes $6 million for the Deh Cho First Nation to participate in the environmental and regulatory review process.
Luna, the famous Killer Whale of Nootka Sound, will have some peace this summer. A no fishing order has been issued, to keep boating noises to a minimum.
July 10, 2005 - It is true Aboriginal people continue to be subjected to racist attitudes. It is true Aboriginal people have been treated unfairly by a -foreign- justice system of Canada. However, I think the appropos phrase is, Two Wrongs Do Not Make a Right. A former top First Nation leader, David Ahenakew was found guilty of a hate crime, in connection with his anti-Jewish remarks. Saskatchewan provincial court Judge Marty Irwin fined Ahenakew $1,000 for wilfully promoting hatred. The judge said he imposed - -an appropriate fine- - to prevent Ahenakew from becoming a - -martyr- - for racists and bigots. But Ahenakew still proclaimed his innocence and said he plans to appeal the conviction. Last week it was revealed federal officials are preparing documents to make sure Ahenakew loses his Order of Canada. But Ahenakew said he plans to fight that too. Who sparked all of this? David Ahenakew! What sparked all of this, was when he told a Saskatoon reporter that the Holocaust was a good thing and praised Adolf Hitler for having - -fried- - six million Jews during World War II. After the s _ _ t hit the fan, Ahenakew, who is 71 years of age, apologized. Also, at one point he blamed his diabetes for his racist tangent. But now he blames the justice system for being racist against First Nations people. I cannot get inside his head to fully understand his reaction, but I get the sense that if he had been left alone after his initial apology, Mr. Ahenakew would have been satisifed. Unfortunately, the -system- was not. There was a hue and cry by Jewish rights organizations, politicians of all stripes, including some highly placed Aboriginal leaders.
The Mounties were instructed by Saskatchewan Justice to launch a criminal investigation. They concluded a crime was committed and they were compelled to lay a charge of - -promoting hatred- -. If his December 2002 comments that caused this storm of controversy, were the result of decades of frustration, boiling over from within David Ahenakew, who has fought for Aboriginal rights in an arena of the - -haves and have-nots- -, his words were far from measured, respectful, appropriate or beneficial. Rather than accepting responsibility for his words, after being convicted and sentenced, he called the charge against him of inciting hatred, ridiculous. It seems to me, Mr. Ahenakew is his own worst enemy, so to speak. At least one Jewish rights spokesman initially suggested that an Aboriginal approach be considered as an appropriate way to address the issue - perhaps a community circle. But because of Mr. Ahenakew’s apparent unwillingness to embrace any reconciliation, the idea was not pursued. Imagine how the outcome might have been different, had a healing circle and sentencing circle been agreed to at the outset. Instead, a stubborn and pride-ridden man, must continue to learn his lessons. His plea of innocence, is ridiculous. After all, he did admit to making the disparaging remarks about Jews. How can we expect credibility, when someone like David Ahenakew, who has been a leader of his own oppressed people, delivers powerful words that attack, sting and hurt other people who also have known oppression. I have found it difficult to point an accusing finger at such a well known First Nation leader, who in the past vehemently spoke out for our interests. However, when I heard he hired lawyer Douglas Christie to represent him, a very bright red flag went up for me. I know about Mr. Christie from my days as a broadcast journalist in Toronto when he championed the rights of Ernst Zundel, infamous anti-semite, racist and a folk hero for White Supremacists. Mr. Christie argued on the basis of freedom of speech. Zundel has since been kicked out of Canada. To whomever advised Mr. Ahenakew to lean so far to the right to hire Christie, I must advise - get out of the advisory business. Aside from that, it is very clear and true, that what David Ahenakew said about Jewish people was unfair and unjust. A sincere public apology is necessary, and not an appeal, in a court of a justice system he has condemned. Shortly after the very dark clouds of outrage formed in December 2002, Turtle Island Native Network received comments from Aboriginal people who felt they needed to deliver key messages to the former AFN leader. I believe this example speaks volumes, about how some of us felt then, and feel now, - -Mr. Ahenakew, why? What could have posessed you to have made such a statement? How long has such bitterness infected your basic moral values? Have you forgotten who you are and where you came from? I do not wish, nor is my intention to judge you, but you have made it very difficult for me as an aboriginal person not to address this serious matter. My uncle along with many other aboriginal soldiers gave his life during the war to give all Canadian people and all the people around the world the freedom of which they enjoy today. Some of our veterans that are still with us today, carry the scars of their sacrifice. Can you look these men in the eye and tell them that their sacrifice was all in vain? These are some of the things you must think about before you make comments that are both hurtful and hateful.
My Creator does not allow me to be angry towards you, I must show compassion - that is why as I burn my sage - I’m offering the creator this tobacco, that you receive this healing and that he take you on a journey, so that your heart remembers, our relations who gave their lives for us the people of all nations.- -
July 9, 2005 - The Betsiamites Innu are not out of the woods yet, in their legal fight with toilet paper maker Kruger Inc. in Quebec. Recently, the Innu won a decision from the Quebec Superior Court, for a Safeguard Order which forbids Kruger from performing forest activities on Ile Rene-Levasseur, sacred Innu lands. Kruger said this week that it is going to appeal the court decision, to get a temporary suspension of the Safeguard Order, especially so that it may access the trees that were burned during the recent forest fires on the island. The company explained that trees can be recovered and converted to lumber if harvested and hauled away within a year and a half after the fire, otherwise insects will destroy them. Kruger lost its rights to log on Rene-Levasseur island, when the court ruling last month said the Quebec government violated its constitutional duty by granting the company the right to log on the island prior to consulting the Innu, who have long considered the area to be sacred. Kruger Inc., a major pulp and paper company, owns Scott Paper Ltd., the leading tissue manufacturer in Canada, with well-known brands including Cashmere from Cottonelle, Purex, ScotTowels, Scotties, White Swan, Capri and Viva. Kruger claims the Safeguard Order awarded to the Betsiamites Innu Community has forced it to layoff 153 employees, and estimates that - -the decision has caused immediate, serious and irreparable damage to the company, as well as to its employees, their families and the independent forest contractors whose services the company retains- -. The Innus of Betsiamites planned to seek a permanent court order against forestry activities on Ile Rene-Levasseur. The Innus have been supported in their fight by Greenpeace. - -The Innu have been dealing with the Charest government for about a year but the provincial government is ignoring their concerns and is forcing the first nations community to take legal recourse. It is on l’Ile Rene-Levasseur that some of Quebec’s oldest populations of trees are to be found. Greenpeace called on Quebec to protect the entire island and the ancestral rights of Indigenous peoples.
Ghislain Picard, the Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador /AFNQL, issed a statement Friday, in which he called on Premier Charest to commit the government of Quebec formally to a true consultation of the First Nations. - -When will true consultation begin in good faith and on clear basis? Rather than adding fuel to the fire, the government of Quebec should finally sit down at the table with an open mind
and an objective of fairness, which Quebec has failed to do so far.- - Regional Chief Picard was reacting to the recent announcement made Quebec, regarding a committee intended at establishing a policy of consultation of the First Nations, following the judicial saga surrounding the issue of Ile Rene-Levasseur. The AFNQL said it is not closing the door to this proposal, but is asking for a personal commitment from the Premier towards a formal and fair consultation process. - -The Premier of Quebec has the duty to do everything in his power to ensure harmonious relations between Quebecers and the First Nations. This is
the objective of the Mutual Political Commitment signed with the Charest government in June of 2003. Time has come to give its full meaning to this political commitment.- -
July 8, 2005 - There is some positive health news, but it is overshadowed by all the negative news, contained in a report by the National Aboriginal Health Organization. In this case, I believe there is a good reason to point out the grim picture - the research is about the health and well-being of First Nations children, and awareness of the nature and seriousness of the problems must be at the forefront. More than one half of First Nations children on-reserve are overweight or obese, according to the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey /RHS. It is the most comprehensive study done on the health and living conditions of our First Nations children. The preliminary RHS Children Survey results indicate that - Over half /55.2 percent of First Nations children on-reserve are either overweight /22.3 percent or obese /36.2 percent. First Nations children between the ages of 3 to 5 are more likely to be obese at 48.7 percent. First Nations children were 70 percent more likely than Canadian children to report one or more injuries in the previous year /17.2 percent vs. 10.2 percent. The most common causes were falls/trips /7.6 percent, bicycle and bicycle/motor-vehicle accidents /3.9 percent, and sports injuries /2.1 percent. - Chronic bronchitis, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder /ADD/ADHD and fetal alcohol syndrome/fetal alcohol effects /FAS/FAE are all more common among First Nations boys. - Nearly one in three /31.2 percent of 9 to 11 year olds understood one or more First Nations languages -fluently- or -relatively well-. 83.2 percent of First Nations children considered traditional cultural events to be -somewhat important- or -very important-.
The positive findings include, - Over two-thirds of First Nations children are reported in very good or excellent health. The following factors are associated with those better ratings - living with parent/s, always or almost always eating a nutritious and balanced diet, having a mother with a university degree, and living in a non-crowded home. The National Aboriginal Health Organization says the results from the survey will support First Nations communities in their planning and addressing health care needs, and the creation of preventative programs for First Nations children.
Hundreds of Chiefs and First Nations representatives wrapped up the three day Annual Assembly of the AFN, held in the NWT, for the first time. National Chief Phil Fontaine stated that the 26th Annual General Assembly, achieved its goal of Strengthening First Nations Communities, and setting the direction for the coming year. - -We’ve discussed issues ranging from nuclear waste management and climate change to resource revenue sharing to the First Nations Health Blueprint to the political agreements on Residential Schools resolution and the development and recognition of our own First Nations governments. This has been a productive Assembly, where we have truly worked together to build stronger consensus and a stronger voice for First Nations.- - The National Chief highlighted several major initiatives in his closing remarks, as evidence of the AFN’s and governments’ willingness to move forward, including a new forum for discussions on housing, stating - -we now have a mandate to initiate a First Nations-Federal bilateral process for discussions so we can take First Nations control of First Nations housing. The joint work led by our Chiefs and AFN staff makes it clear that the environment of respect for First Nations we have worked to create is taking hold. We are leaders in policy, and will be leaders of our destinies- -.
July 7, 2005 - Ensuring a fair and democratic Metis election in Saskatchewan, is a key objective of recommendations released in a report by the Metis Electoral Consultation Panel. It calls for immediate electoral and democratic reforms for the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan / MNS. After years of a trouble-plagued MNS, and lack of significant reforms through self-determination, the provincial government froze funding, then so did the federal government. Among the several dozen recommendations from the panel are, The next MNS election should be held as soon as an independent and impartial commission can be established to administer it in a democratic and fair manner using an updated voters list based on an updated citizenship registry. - The next MNS election should be held for the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and the twelve regional area directors. - The next MNS election should be planned, managed and monitored by an independent and impartial agency /i.e. the proposed Metis Elections and Reforms Commission. - The provincial and federal governments should perform three key roles in relation to the next MNS election - facilitating the creation of a neutral Metis Elections and Reforms Commission composed of highly knowledgeable, competent and respected Metis and non-Metis individuals - providing financial resources for the Metis Elections and Reforms Commission to perform its core functions related to any future election/s and monitoring the work of the Metis Elections and Reforms Commission to ensure that it performs its core functions effectively and efficiently in keeping with the preferences of the Metis people of Saskatchewan. - The major function of the proposed Metis Elections and Reforms Commission in relation to the next election would be to prepare a work plan with timelines and the human and financial resources needed to accomplish four major tasks - producing an updated and valid voters list - producing an updated and valid citizenship registry of Metis people - producing an updated and valid registry of Metis Locals and - conducting the next MNS election. While the report said provincial and federal governments have responsibility, it also made it clear that any reforms to the MNS electoral system should be reviewed and approved by the Metis people. - Mechanisms for seeking the approval of the Metis people for such proposals may include - a province-wide General Assembly open to all Metis people - a series of -regionally based- general assemblies - a constituent assembly of representatives from each MNS Local - and a plebiscite involving all Metis people.
It has been one of the worst wet spells in Manitoba in modern history. Flooding has caused much hardship. The latest involving a First Nation includes - several families have been move from the Dakota Plains First Nation. Roseau River First Nation has evacuated 50 people to Winnipeg due to housing conditions resulting from seepage. The evacuation is being managed by the First Nation and the Manitoba Association of Native Fire Fighters. As a precautionary measure, the chief medical officer of health for Manitoba advises that all people using water from wells or other sources that may have been affected by flooding should boil their water before using it or find alternative supplies of drinking water until flooding subsides and appropriate tests are satisfactory.
Hundreds of First Nation jobs could become available in Alberta, thanks to Caribou Energy Park, a 250 acre industrial park, a $20 Million joint oil sands venture of Fort McKay First Nation and Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd. of Edmonton. At the opening ceremony, Fort McKay First Nation Chief Jim Boucher said he expected the Park to create significant economic benefits for his community, - -Anywhere from 250 to 750 people could be employed on the site, depending on the number of leases being held. Local employment opportunities include apprenticeships and other training programs. Even more important are the long term business opportunities, such as providing housing, support services, and recreation. My vision is that Caribou Energy Park will become a business incubator for First Nations in our region- -. The industrial park will support oil sands development by providing facilities for the manufacture, processing and storage of mechanical electrical and steel products for industrial use. Waiward and the Fort McKay Group of Companies will jointly own and operate the 250 acre industrial park.
July 6, 2005 - Imagine when Starbucks and Tim Hortons finds out about this research - Coffee drinkers may be less likely to have Type 2 Diabetes. In the July issue, the Journal of the American Medical Association published - Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, A Systematic Review. Conclusions of this review? - -This systematic review supports the hypothesis that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a substantially lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Longer-term intervention studies of coffee consumption and glucose metabolism are warranted, to examine the mechanisms underlying the relationship, between coffee consumption and type 2 diabetes.- - It is not the first time research has suggested there are significant benefits to drinking coffee on a regular basis. For example, several years ago a study concluded, - -higher coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of Parkinson Disease- -. Previously, research found that coffee consumption may have helped to prevent symptomatic gallstone disease in men.
There is a certain uneasiness within the workplace of West Bank First Nation employees, because of a labour tug-o-war. The BC Government Employees Union /BCGEU and the First Nation government employer, have been unable to agree on the contentious issue of affirmative action. Although West Bank First Nation has Self-Government, it still has to deal with a strong union wanting to represent the workers, mostly based on non-Aboriginal rules of a game established off-reserve. The union has accused the West Bank First Nation of - -failure to bargain in good faith- -, something the Canada Industrial Relations Board has been asked to review. In a bargaining update, BCGEU representatives explained the union was willing to continue to negotiate some matters, but disagrees with the First Nation that the entire contract Agreement is up for renegotiation. In a message to its members, the BCGEU explained,- -The Employer’s attempt to renegotiate without valid reason will form part of our argument when the hearing into our charge of failure to bargain in good faith is heard. We agree with the Employer that under self-government, affirmative action provisions are necessary. Some affirmative action articles have been agreed to. The Employer at the June 9th bargaining session indicated that these provisions were insufficient- -. According to the union the West Bank First Nation expressed concern with the lack of a comprehensive affirmative action Article in the Draft Agreement. But the question remains, why did they refuse an offer from the union Bargaining Committee to re-table the entire BCGEU affirmative action package? Workers have been informed that bargaining is expected to resume September 8th and 9th.
The Cree Nation of northern Quebec and the Government of Canada have started to negotiate an agreement that aims to resolve issues about the implementation of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. That agreement was signed thirty years ago. The negotiators are Bill Namagoose, Chief Cree Negotiator and Executive Director, Grand Council of the Crees / Cree Regional Authority, and former Canadian Ambassador to Canada and France, Raymond Chretien, nephew of former Prime Minister Chretien. An optimistic Grand Chief Ted Moses commented, - -It is our intention to establish Cree-Canada relations on a new footing that will benefit the Cree People by improving service delivery at the local and Cree Nation levels. In addition, we intend to improve cooperation and collaboration with our partners, Canada and Quebec, in the governance and development of the James Bay territory- -.
In the first study of its kind in Canada, medical researchers have discovered an effective treatment for the addicts of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, where the streets are home to many Aboriginal people. Among their burdens is addiction. A UBC researcher has shown that acupuncture treatment can be used to reduce substance use among addicts in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside /DTES. Patricia Janssen, an Assistant Professor of Health Care and Epidemiology, led a team that offered acupuncture to residents of the DTES on a voluntary, drop-in basis five days a week. Over 2,700 treatments were given over a three-month period at two locations in the DTES. The people receiving acupuncture treatment reported a reduction in overall use of substances in addition to a decrease in the intensity of their withdrawal symptoms. - -Acupuncture is an inexpensive treatment and it shows real promise as part of a community-based harm reduction program to reduce substance use. A reduction in symptoms can provide a window of opportunity for users to become engaged in more comprehensive and long-term approaches to addressing their addiction- -, said professor Janssen. Acupuncture was offered at a drop-in facility open to the general public, the Vancouver Native Health Society Positive Outlook Drop-in, and at the Salvation Army Harbour Lights detoxification and treatment facility. Male and female participants, most of whom were aged 30-49, received acupuncture at five points in each ear, at about 10-day to two-week intervals. They reported reduction in severity of withdrawal symptoms that included shakes, stomach cramps, hallucinations, and suicidal feelings. Participants who attended treatment at least four times reported a significant decrease in their drug use. Acupuncture to treat substance use has been used in many North American addiction treatment facilities since the 1970s. It was first used in a community facility in the DTES in 1999, when the UBC study was undertaken. Acupuncture treatment for substance use continues to be offered at the Salvation Army Harbour Lights Centre. The DTES has an estimated 4,000 addicts concentrated in an area of 10 city blocks.
July 5, 2005 - The Assembly of First Nations is holding its 26th Annual General Assembly in Yellowknife, NWT this week. The theme of the Assembly is - -Strengthening First Nation Communities- -. An AFN advisory says delegates will discuss many issues of national importance, including the recent Political Accord signed by the AFN and the Government of
Canada on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nation Government, the agreement and work on residential schools reconciliation, and the upcoming First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal issues. As well, a number of high-profile speakers will be meeting with the
Chiefs in Assembly. Among the speakers - NWT Premier Joe Handley and Jack Layton, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada.
The latest Canadian Medical Association Journal includes comment on a new study on gambling, that draws a correlation between problem gambling and the number of permanent casinos and video lottery terminals /VLTs in a province. Between 600 000 and 1 million Canadians grapple with problems related to gambling. The authors of the first National Survey of Gambling Problems in Canada are urging medical practitioners to become more involved in assessing patients with potential gambling problems, which the authors identify as a public health issue. Problem gambling can give rise to mental conflict, family problems, uncontrolled spending, multiple addictions and alcohol and drug abuse, and can increase the risk of suicide, the authors report. Dr. Brian Cox, lead author of the study, says - -It’s like a new disease- -. Cox says governments need to consider the social costs of encouraging gambling. In 2000, government in Canada netted revenues from gambling totalling $5.5 billion — the same as what was garnered from alcohol and tobacco taxes combined, according to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Currently, Canada has 50 casinos, 44 racetracks and nearly 60 000 slot machines and VLTs. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that the annual cost associated with compulsive gambling ranges from $20 000 to $56 000 through loss of work, court costs and treatment. It calls for methods to explore the effects of gambling expansion on specific populations, including youth, older adults, the indigent people, Aboriginal people, women and ethno-cultural populations.
July 4, 2005 - Barry Bachrach, the lawyer for jailed Native American Leonard Peltier, confirmed that Peltier was recently transferred from Leavenworth prison in Kansas to the U.S. Penitentiary in Indiana. Peltier was put in solitary confinement. Peltier was jailed after being convicted for the 1975 deaths of two FBI agents who died during a shoot-out with the American Indian Movement on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Peltier is serving two life sentences for the fatal shootings but has always maintained his innocence. Last week, his grandson Cyrus went to visit him in Leavenworth prison in Kansas, but found out that he had been abruptly transferred and put in solitary confinement, at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. Bachrach, who has been the lead attorney for Leonard Peltier for the past 3 and 1/2 years, said he did not find out about the transfer until he was told by the grandson.
July 3, 2005 - There will be a celebration at the University of British Columbia Tuesday, including a picnic of Aboriginal foods - bannock - barbequed salmon. It is in honour of the UBC Farm’s expanded Aboriginal Community Kitchen Program. It began in 2003 with a partnership between the Musqueam First Nation and UBC with land provided to grow vegetables for the Musqueam Community Kitchen. In May 2005, UBC Farm expanded the partnership, inviting Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community -- particularly Aboriginal residents -- to join the circle of planting and feeding people healthy food. UBC Farm supplies 1/8 acre of fertile land and expertise with irrigation, seeding and transplanting. Among the community groups are Vancouver Native Health Society, Healing Our Spirit, and Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Participants carpool to the UBC Farm three times a week to water, weed and harvest crops. The garden project carries through to October 2005.
July 2, 2005 - A so-called Bad Boy of Aboriginal Hip Hop is going behind bars, again. Robin Favel of Dogz Lyfe, an Aboriginal hip hop group, has been jailed for assaulting his former common law wife. Favel has appeared on the popular tv show RenegadePress.com and is seen as a rising young artist on the Canadian aboriginal hip hop scene. His two year prison sentence is not the first for the 24 year old from Regina. His police -rap- sheet includes two dozen convictions. In fact, as a writer, Robin Favel included his jail time as a subject in the lyrics of his music. As well, he focused on the life of street gangs.
Canada Day weekend was not just about celebrations, music, dancing and fireworks. Flag waving yes, but according to Ontario’s first Aboriginal Lieutenant Governor a time for great reflection too. Here is what he had to say in his official message, - -Canadians are fortunate. Most of us enjoy a comfortable standard of living and all the benefits of a peaceful and prosperous society. But with privileges come responsibilities. When I visit northern aboriginal communities and see that Third World conditions are plunging young people into despair, I want to take action. Last year Ontarians responded generously to my appeal for used books for these remote communities. Thanks to support from the OPP and other organizations, we were able to supply 850,000 books to First Nations and Native Friendship Centres throughout Ontario. Encouraged by this success, this year I have launched two new initiatives to promote literacy and build bridges between aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities. In Ontario about 100 First Nations schools have been twinned with public and separate schools to provide opportunities for pen pals, student exchanges, book drives and aboriginal awareness days. So many schools in Toronto wish to participate that we have expanded the program to twin them with 42 aboriginal schools in Nunavut. This year I am also working with organizations such as Scouts Canada and Frontier College to set up literacy summer camps in five aboriginal communities in northern Ontario. These camps will offer a range of fun activities to help young people build self-esteem and improve their reading, teamwork and leadership skills. It is my hope that initiatives like these will help young people to realize their potential and avoid the downward spiral of substance abuse, violence and suicide. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Ontarians who have shown support for my literacy initiatives. It is so encouraging to see that people of all backgrounds, many of them newcomers to Canada, are reaching out to help, creating new links between the North and the South, and between our oldest and newest populations. It is this spirit that makes Canada such a good place to live. Happy Canada Day!
July 1, 2005 - Powwows, salmon barbeques, soccer tournaments . . . The long holiday weekend is a fun one for many First Nations in Canada. The Annual Musqueam and UBC Youth Soccer Tournament has attracted its first participants from outside British Columbia. Players from the Blood Tribe in Standoff, Alberta will join 32 British Columbia teams representing seven First Nations communities, including Cowichan, Tsleil-Waututh, Sechelt, and Squamish First Nations, July 1-3 at the UBC Sports Fields. While sports is the apparent activity, the goal is to get First Nations youth interested in pursuing higher education through team-building activities like soccer and other sports. - -Musqueam is delighted to partner with UBC in hosting this very important event,- - says James Easton, Chief Administrative Officer of Musqueam Indian Band. - -We see sport as a way to bridge the gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth, to build capacity in our community, to promote education, and to advance Musqueam culture.- - A barbeque to be held at Totem Park Residence features Native Youth Rappers and Hip-hop dancers. UBC staff and faculty will also be on hand to answer questions about pursuing post-secondary education at UBC. Elsewhere, the 13th Annual Multi Cultural Day, July 1st at the Stawamus Reserve, BC - Everyone is invited from the sea to sky community and beyond. It is Potluck style, bring your favorite dish to share from your ancestors long ago! At Mount Mckay in Thunder Bay, Ontario the Summer Powwow is being held July 1st - 3rd. The Chiniki First Nation Canada Day Powwow is being held in Morley, Alberta July 1-3rd.
Politics blending with celebrations - Three environmental organizations ForestEthics, Sierra Club of Canada, and Western Canada Wilderness Committee will be dropping in on Canada Day festivities in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa to draw attention to the plight of caribou across Canada. Clad in stylish caribou antlers, the activists will hand out -Caribou Nation- flags along with a new educational report on the state of caribou across the nation. In addition, American supporters in Forestville, California will try their hands at being -Canadian for a Day- by wearing antlers and waving Caribou Nation flags.
This is Turtle Island Native Network - Your Best Online Source for Aboriginal News and Information. More than ONE MILLION HITS A MONTH.
All contents are copyright. The material on this web site is for Read Only Purposes. No material from this site may be reproduced, modified, republished, transmitted or distributed in any way without prior approval. All Rights Reserved by INFOCOM Management - Aboriginal owned and operated - Contact infocom@pro.net
Welcome to Turtle Island Native Network's Forums
|
Turtle Island Native Network Monthly News Briefs July 2005
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Turtle Island Native Network Monthly News Briefs July 2005
by News Briefs July 2005 » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:03 pm
- News Briefs July 2005
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests
Legal Notice
© All contents are copyright 1998 - 2010
No material from this site may be modified,
transmitted in any way, or distributed
without the owner's prior approval.
All Rights Reserved by Tehaliwaskenhas Bob Kennedy
NOTE: Text and Photos are protected by copyright laws.
Redistribution, republication,
syndication, rewriting or broadcast
is expressly prohibited without prior written consent.
This is a Native Owned and Operated Web Site
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group