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Russell Gardipy, a sixth-generation horseman from Beardy's First Nation, has won more horse races in the past two years than any other trainer. He was not resting on his laurels as the 2010 Saskatoon thoroughbred season got underway at Marquis Downs this past weekend.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has outlined his priorities for the next 18 months leading up to the next general election in November 2011. Listed first is a desire to "Improve educational outcomes for First Nations and Métis learners and expand First Nations and Métis participation in the workforce", which falls under the responsibilities of Education/Advanced Education, Employment and Labour.
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced on Thursday May 27, 2010 that the Government of Canada is funding the expansion of the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program.
About $9 million will be funded over the next four years to upgrade the program. "The College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan congratulates INAC on the full implementation of the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program," said Mary M. Buhr, Dean and Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. "We have been very pleased to partner with INAC in building and establishing activities in the preliminary stages of the program. The true collaboration and consultation at all levels has led to the creation of an innovative and effective program, and we look forward to many years of evolving partnership, association and communication."
On Tuesday May 25, 2010, the Hobbema Cadet Corps Program took part in a ceremony at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton to mark the beginning of Aboriginal Awareness Week and honour the contributions Aboriginal people have made to Canada's military history. Through the cadet program and other police initiatives, the number of gangs in Hobbema has been reduced to six from 13 in just three years, along with school attendance and graduation rates up dramatically.
The 125th anniversary of the 1885 Northwest Resistance is projected to make this year's Back to Batoche event the biggest ever. The eight day event, which runs from July 18th to 25th this year is the largest Métis celebration in North America.
A part-time term position as Community Development Coordinator is available for one year. The candidate will be responsible for building relationships with neighbourhoods served by the Library on 20th Street and Mayfair branches, and determine what library programs, resources and services are needed.
The International Indigenous Education Conference will be held in Cairns, Australia from December 18th-21st, 2010. The conference will take place at the Pacific International Hotel, and will bring together delegates to present papers, posters, or cultural displays on issues regarding Indigenous education.
Abstracts need to be submitted by April 30th, 2010.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 31st Annual General Assembly (AGA) will take place on July 20-22, 2010 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
As many as 20 per cent of the physical and sexual abuse claims flooding in from Indian residential school students seeking additional compensation involve child-on-child assault, says Canada’s chief adjudicator of a special process set up for students who faced the worst abuses.
The 20-per-cent estimate shows that there is still much to be learned about this part of Canadian history as a special Truth and Reconciliation Commission prepares its first national gathering, after years of false starts, since it was first announced in the 2006 settlement.
Former students from across the country will gather June 15 at the Forks, an historical aboriginal gathering place in Winnipeg, for four days of storytelling and ceremonies.
Yesterday, The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, together with the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced the introduction of a bill that will help safeguard drinking water in First Nation communities and a funding strategy to safeguard investments in drinking water.
Bill S-11, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act was introduced in Parliament which will develop federal regulations, in collaboration with First Nations, that will provide a comparable level of protection for drinking water in First Nations communities as enjoyed by other Canadians.
With the launch of the First Nations Link Program, a gap impacting First Nations families and people living with dementia has started to be addressed. First Link takes a holistic approach to the illness by integrating elements of culture, tradition and spirituality in administering care. Part of that holistic approach includes use of an adapted screening tool created specifically for the First Nations community.
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) congratulates the producers, cast and crew of Blackstone for winning five awards at the 2010 Alberta Film and Television Awards, also know as the Rosie Awards.
Blackstone is a series pilot which takes a raw look at a community suffering disintegration by its own hand as a result of the corruption, mismanagement and nepotism of its Chief and Councilors and the parallel complicity of the silent band members.
The Squamish First Nation is planning a large multi million dollar development on the band's traditional lands at the south end of the Burrad Street Bridge in Vancouver. Squamish Chief Gibby Jacob said, "We're looking at creating the highest and best return on the use of our land for our membership, but it hasn't been clearly defined yet," he said. "We're just in the due-diligence phase right now."
On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Senator Daniel Lang, on May 18, 2010, announced funding for the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. The $6,000 provided will assist the Centre in presenting the 2011 Skookum Jim Folklore Show from February 3 to 6, 2001.
Aboriginal Awareness Week, which was first introduced in 1992, is always held on the four days that follow the Victoria Day long weekend. It is designed to increase awareness of Aboriginal peoples among federal public service employees.
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced on May 18, 2010 the reappointment of Chief Clarence Louie as Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board for another three-year term.
The National Aboriginal Economic Development Board is an advisory body to the Government of Canada. It provides advice to the government on strategies, approaches and programs aimed at promoting greater economic development for First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada.
The Government of Canada, in a Service Canada bulletin, presents an information update on issues regarding eligibility and taxes, including Aboriginal specific information in regards to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
Statistics Canada has released it's third and final section in a series which focuses on Aboriginal population, income and the sex composition of the population. According to the 2006 Census, the number of people who identified themselves as an Aboriginal person has surpassed the one million mark.
On Monday May 17, Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert joined with Elders and guests at the opening and blessing of the new cultural building at Kilburn Hall Youth Centre in Saskatoon.
The new cultural building will also help Kilburn Hall Youth Centre build on its relationships with cultural advisors and First Nation and Métis groups in the community.
On Thursday May 13, 2010 the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) revealed the winners of the 10th Annual E-Spirit National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition in Ottawa. The competition, aimed at Aboriginal students in grades 10 to 12, attracted nearly 200 Aboriginal students from across the country and was hosted by the University of Ottawa.
On May 17, 2010 the Premier of Quebec, Jean Charest, indicated through his Native Affairs Minister, Pierre Corbeil, that there will be a motion introduced in the National Assembly to endorse the United Nations (UN) Declaration on Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration, adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2007, calls for governments and corporations to obtain the “free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous communities” for use of their lands and resources.
Statistics Canada has released the second report in the Aboriginal Labour Force Analysis Series. This particular report presents national estimates on the labour market experiences of Aboriginal people living off-reserve .
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today reintroduced legislation to facilitate the development of major commercial real estate on reserve land when requested by the band.
The First Nations Certainty of Land Title Act would amend the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act to permit the registration of on-reserve commercial real estate developments in a system that replicates the provincial land titles or registry system.The Squamish Nation in British Columbia is a major proponent of the new bill. The First Nation is currently developing a proposal for new condominiums to be located on reserve land in West Vancouver.
A proposal late last year recommending a separate First Nations school system appears to be moving ahead, slowly, but it is moving ahead. A steering committee will soon be formed to plan consultation to create some form of aboriginal public schools in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The idea emerged as part of a city council proposal to study ways to cut crime rates in the city.
SaskPower has reached an agreement with the James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree and the Peter Chapman Band along with Brookfield Renewable Power and Peter Kiewit Sons Co. to study the feasibility of developing a hydroelectric project in Saskatchewan. The electricity generated would be approximately 250 megawatts (MW) and would be downstream from the forks where the South Saskatchewan River meets the North Saskatchewan River.
On May 11, 2010 on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, Mr. Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray–Athabasca, announced Government of Canada funding to help Aboriginal workers overcome barriers to employment.
This project will assist 36 Aboriginal workers gain skills as Heavy Equipment Operators. This project is receiving $1,675,252 and is one of over 80 short-term projects that will provide training opportunities and jobs for Aboriginal Canadians.
Announcement for the Gathering of Nations Powwow 2010 that will be aired this Sunday evening at 6:30pm on CTV.
On Sunday, May 16th, 2010, the Indigenous Circle is in Albequrque New Mexico filming a documentary on the Gathering of Nations. Chris Standing, a UofS student and grass dancer, is interviewed by Nelson Bird. Take a look at the promotional video:
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for this production of the Indigenous Circle, which was co-sponsored by the University of Saskatchewan.
Check out the program in Saskatchewan on CTV at 6:30pm.
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, on Friday, May 7, announced the launch of the First Nations environmental health guide, Your Health at Home which provides useful information and practical tips for First Nations to keep their homes safer and healthier.
The guide is one element of a multi-year First Nations and Inuit Environmental Health campaign developed to raise awareness about environmental health issues. An Inuit version of Your Health at Home is being developed and will be available in the near future.
On Tuesday, May 11,2010, Saskatchewan Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert joined with Elders, FSIN Vice Chief Delbart Wapass, File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council Tirbal Chair Edmund Bellegard and others at the grand opening of the new cultural building at the Regina Correctional Centre.
The cultural building will provide a sacred space for inmates to practice their cultural ceremonies and will be accessible to approximately 300 sentenced inmates.
SaskPower has signed an agreement with the Elizabeth Falls Hydro Development Corporation, which was established by the Black Lake First Nation to oversee the project. The agreement will study a run of the river project near Fond du Lac that would provide up to 50 megawatts (MW) of clean, environmentally friendly power that would be generated in the North.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has revoked the charitable registration status of Henvey Inlet First Nation Community Support Organization, located in the Sudbury-area. This revocation is effective May 8, 2010.
A CRA audit has concluded that from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2008, Henvey Inlet First Nation Community Support Organization (the Organization) issued in excess of $44 million in receipts for cash received through various tax shelter arrangements. The Organization, in turn, transferred 99% of the receipted amount to the tax shelter promoters as fundraising fees and investments in off-shore accounts. The Organization was able to immediately retain 1%, or $464,181, of the total cash flowed through its accounts and reported receiving cumulative interest and investment income of $378,256, or a 0.8% cumulative return on its off-shore investments.
Wapos Bay, a Saskatoon made stop-motion animation series, is filming its final season. The series follows the lives of three Cree youth in the fictional northern community of Wapos Bay. Dennis Jackson, the series creator, based the story on his own experiences in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan.
An open house is being held Friday, May 14, 2010 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the studio located at 401 45th Street W., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At the open house, the public will have an opportunity to view the tiny plasticine characters and meet with the animators.
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, yesterday announced federal funding for a University of Manitoba pilot project to increase the number of family medicine residency positions for Canada's North.
The expansion of the Northern and Remote Family Medicine Residency Program, which constitutes an investment of just over $6.9 million, will provide extensive medical training for 15 additional family medicine residents over the next four years. These family physicians will have the necessary training and experience to practice medicine in under-serviced areas in rural and isolated regions of Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Margaret Kovach, an assistant professor in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan, is being celebrated for her commitment to aboriginal students and her hard work in developing courses and innovative programming for both classroom students and distance learners. Margaret's research approach uses indigenous methodologies to infuse an aboriginal perspective and content in her teaching.
The Canadian Institute of Resources Law presents a Conference: Aboriginal Peoples and the Future of Water Management in Alberta on June 10 & 11, 2010, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Winnipeg, Manitoba on Sunday, May 9, to draw attention to the tragedy of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Sisters in Spirit Winnipeg held the fifth annual memorial walk on Mother's Day, starting at St. Regis Hotel and ending at the Oodena Circle at the Forks. At least 582 aboriginal women are missing or have been murdered in Canada, according to the organization.
The University of Saskatchewan is accepting applications for the Integrated Master of Education program. This program is designed for students to integrate courses in Aboriginal and Anti-racist education, adult and lifelong learning, and foundations of education. Application deadline is May 15, 2010 for the September admission and November 1, 2010 for the January 2011 admission.
The Siksika Nation Tribal Administration organization is hiring a General Legal Counsel. The position provides leadership to the Administration by providing strategic, timely and accurate legal advice on complex legal matters, litigation management, and drafting legal documents.
To view the job posting click here.
Cameco Corporation has partnered with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government House Foundation to bring students from three northern high schools to Regina from May 9 to 12. The students are from Rhoda Hardlotte Memorial Keethanow High School in Stanley Mission, Minahik Waskahigan School in Pinehouse Lake and Churchill Community High School in La Ronge.
The students will tour the University of Regina, Government House, the RCMP Depot Division and the Legislative Building where they will have the opportunity to observe Question Period and Routine Proceedings. They will meet with the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Members of the Legislative Assembly and government officials to get an inside perspective of government and the legislative process.
Geraldine Arcand, head of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, says the rising rates of HIV means it's time for First Nations leaders to step up to the plate and do something about it. HIV currently costs the provincial health care system about $40 million annually. The Saskatchewan government, in partnership with First Nation and Métis health authorities and other parties, recently released a comprehensive three year HIV strategy to address rising numbers of HIV cases in the province.
One hundred and ninety eight Aboriginal high school students across Canada qualified to attend the annual E-Spirit national Aboriginal Business Plan Competition that will take place in Ottawa from May 10 to 13. Organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), E-Spirit today celebrates ten years of existence.
A recent meeting of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG), comprised of Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and Leaders from five National Aboriginal Organizations, have a plan to move forward to tackle the unique challenges and opportunities of First Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples.
The plan's three key goals are:
-closing the graduation gap
-closing the income gap
-ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls
A column in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix on May 7, 2010 by Doug Cuthand comments on the equality of Aboriginal women and the social breakdown that occurred after European contact. He advocates returning to traditional beliefs of equality and the sacredness of the home.
A new report by the First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council states that unless quick action is taken, First Nations languages are going to face "imminent extinction". With 32 languages and 59 dialects, B.C. is currently home to 60% of First Nations languages in Canada.
Kim Anderson, a research associate with St. Michael's Hospital Centre for Research on Inner City Health, and Dr. Janet Smylie, who are both Métis, have teamed up to establish the Indigenous Knowledge Network for Infant, Child and Family Health. The intent is to uncover the lost traditions and develop culturally relevant health promotion strategies through aboriginal oral history.
Celebrating Indigenous Knowledges: Peoples, Lands, and Cultures Conference marks the 10th anniversary of the PhD program in Indigenous Studies at Trent University. The international conference plans to explore possibilities that now exist by bringing academic and Traditional knowledge holders together. Indigenous studies is interdisciplinary and there will be a wide range of presenters expected at the conference.
The conference will run from June 16th to June 20th, 2010, at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario.
For more information click here.
Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister, Rob Norris, announced the signing of a $5.2M funding agreement between First Nations University of Canada (FNUC), the University of Regina (U of R) and Meyers Norris Penny (MNP). Under the agreement, MNP will administer the funding and provide regular financial reports.
Workplace Essential Skills Saskatchewan (WESS) is accepting requests for proposals from industry and training institutions to develop and deliver a project designed to prepare inexperienced and lower skilled employees for the workplace. Projects that focus on First Nations and Metis individuals qualify for 40% of the WESS budget.
Deadline for proposal submission is May 25, 2010.
The First Nations University of Canada (FNUC), facing restructuring challenges has decided to close its Saskatoon campus. The announcement was made by FNUC President Shauneen Pete at the Saskatoon facility yesterday. She also stated that the building, which has been providing Aboriginal educational programming since 1974 will be put up for sale immediately and will be closed as soon as a buyer is found.
The University of Saskatchewan invites you to the First Annual Graduation Powwow on Wednesday June 16, 2010 at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan Campus, in Saskatoon, with activities to begin with a Grand Entrance at 10:00 AM.
Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo made a presentation recently at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters in New York City.The presentation, part of the North American Panel, was delivered by the National Chief with representatives from the Governments of Canada and the United States, an Indigenous representative from the United States and UNPFII member Ms. Tonya Gonella-Frichner.
Premier Brad Wall, FSIN Vice Chief Morley Watson, Robert Doucette, President of Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and Senator Dave Tkachuk officially launched the 125th anniversary of the 1885 Northwest Resistance in Saskatoon on Thursday April 29.
Events planned for this summer include a commemoration of the Battle of Duck Lake, an enhanced Back to Batoche Days, a re-enactment of the Battle of Poundmaker Hill and events at Batoche National Historic Site, Steele Narrows, Fort Pitt and Fort Carlton provincial parks.
Mr. Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Diane Finely, Minister of Human Resources and Skills spoke on Wednesday April 28 at the Inclusion Works 2010, Canada's largest Aboriginal employment fair. On April 1, 2010, the Government of Canada began implementing the new Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) which assists demand-driven skills development, fosters partnerships with the private sector, provinces and territories, and emphasizes accountability and results.
