May 2008

The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Chuck Strahl, has issued a statement on amending the Canadian Human Rights Act. My understanding is that they are going to remove section 67 of the Act which states that:

67. Nothing in this Act affects any provision of the Indian Act or any provision made under or pursuant to that Act.

This will allow people who have been under the Indian Act full access to the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Posted at 09:15 AM | Permalink

James Wood of The StarPhoenix reports that the Western premiers agree on the need for greater involvement of Aboriginal people in the economy but there are still a lot of differences.

Posted at 12:47 PM | Permalink

Phil Fontaine, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations, addressing the Canadian Labour Congress 2008 Convention. He is discussing his 'action plan' for First Nations and problems with Government of Canada's accountability.

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CTV news reports that the theft gold art pieces done by artist Bill Reid from the Museum of Anthropology, at the University of British Columbia, was not a ramdom act. There is a fear that the gold pieces may be melted down.

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The Archbishop Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church, and the National Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald have written the Prime Minister of Canada urging Harper's Government to consult with Aboriginal peoples before making an apology for residential schools.

• The letter to Prime Minister Harper (pdf).
  

  Posted at 07:39 AM | Permalink

Indian Affairs and the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians have launched a program for youth to become police officers.

Posted at 11:51 AM | Permalink

The Peguis First Nation is being compensated for the illegal surrender at St. Peter's, Manitoba, in 1907 according to The Gazette.

Posted at 09:31 AM | Permalink

Grassroots News has an article about Professor Paul Chartrand and the new Aboriginal Governance Masters Program at the Univeristy of Winnipeg:

• Governance means Leadership and the U. of Winnipeg is leading the way.
  
• Professor Paul Chartrand, of the University of Saskatchewan College of Law, will take up this new position, effective July 2008.
  
• See also the University of Winnipeg's news release.
  

Posted at 11:06 AM | Permalink

Indian and Northern Affairs has announced that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Province of B.C. and the First Nations Leadership Council, agreeing to work together to improve housing.

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CBC Aboriginal has an announcement about a book launch:
On Monday, May 26, the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation, join Marie Wadden for the launch of her new book Where the Pavement Ends at the Native Friendship Centre, 716 Water Street, St. John's 7 pm - 9 pm.

Posted at 08:29 AM | Permalink

On May 3rd, the StarPhoenix reported that the Right Reverend Benjamin Arreak, Suffragan Bishop of Nunavik, received an honorary doctorate degree from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad in Saskatoon.

Rev. Arreak is part of a five man team that has been translating the Bible into Inuktitut.

"The team completed the New Testament in Inuktitut in 1992, which is written in Inuit syllables and is used by Anglican, Catholic and Pentecostal churches throughout the Arctic."

On June 10th, this was also reported in the Anglican Journal in the article, Anglicans receive honorary degrees at various universities.

Posted at 08:18 AM | Permalink

Long awaited apology to more than 90,000 survivors of the residential school system to be made on June 11 by Prime Minister Harper. The Hon. Chuck Strahl announced the forthcoming apology will be meaningful.

Posted at 06:58 AM | Permalink

Layout of a good faith guide to be used by provincial government employees and decison-makers for consultation regarding legislation, policy, or programs are decided on.

Posted at 03:07 PM | Permalink

More than 1000 members of the Attawapiskat First Nation have been flown to safety south of their community. Flood victims are staying with host families and in temporary shelters in Ontario.

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Assembly of First Nations worked with Canada to design a method to settle land claims. The bill was drafted in an attempt to "ease tensions and speed up" land claims.

Posted at 08:32 AM | Permalink

Symposium highlights the exposure of the Aamjiwnaang people to the highest levels of toxic chemicals in Ontario. These chemicals are "known to cause cancer or are associated with reproductive and developmental disorders among humans". First Nation reports high infant mortality rates, miscarriages, and disease, which they believe are caused by exposure to these chemicals.

Posted at 08:22 AM | Permalink

Whitefish Lake First Nation has filed its claim in a Sudbury court against the Crown in right of Ontario and Canada for breach of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850.

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Claims of former students have been rejected for a variety of reasons according to Indian Affairs, but the high rejection figure surprised former Keeseekooose Chief Ted Quewezance, now National Residential School Survivors Society, executive director who stated, "We never really expected it to be that high. ... It's frustrating for the people who are turned down.''

Posted at 06:13 PM | Permalink

The Australian government's apology to Aboriginal peoples has inpired "a song about racial reconciliation with the Aboriginal minority" in Australia.

"An old hit with a catchy tune has been remixed with words of reconciliation aimed at Australia's Aboriginal peoples.Australia's Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett, the former frontman for the band Midnight Oil, said the new song was a soundtrack for all Australians.The song mixes in lines from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's February apology to Australia's Aborigines and a 1992 speech from then prime minister Paul Keating about reconciliation."

Posted at 10:54 AM | Permalink

The Canadian Association of University Teachers expressed concern about the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) governance structure and policy. News reports indicate FNUC and CAUT will meet in June 2008.

Posted at 08:17 AM | Permalink

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority announced $25,000 has been set aside for First Nation student scholarships. Application forms will be available from SIGA on May 20th. Application deadline is July 31.

Posted at 01:42 PM | Permalink

Albert Patrick Bellegarde has been charged with first degree murder in the disappearance case of Amber Tara-Lynn Redman, who was last seen outside a Fort Qu'Appelle bar three years ago. Her remains were uncovered on the Little Black Bear First Nation.

Posted at 10:46 AM | Permalink

Minister Strahl told reporters in New York, "Aboriginal rights are not ignored." He cited achievements to include the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, headed by Justice Harry LaForme, and the land claims tribunal. He stated, "there's a real need to see the concrete results, rather than just seeing something aspirational."

Posted at 09:27 AM | Permalink

A partnership including the National Congress of American Indians, U.S. Federal officials and the Partnership for a Drug Free America has unveiled its initiative. The ad campaign focuses on youth drawing strength from their traditions and cultures as well as parental involvement.

Posted at 08:56 AM | Permalink