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The seventh International Indigenous Librarians' Forum will take place April 4-7, 2011 and will be held in Karasjok in the norwegian part of Sàpmi at the Sami Parliament, located in Norway.
The forum theme is " Indigenous wisdom and communication." Proposals for papers must be submitted by November 30th 2010 to: indigenouslibrariansforum@gmail.com
McNally Robinson Bookstore, in Saskatoon, is hosting a launch of two CDs from Saskatoon's own Singer/Songwriter Becky Thomas.
Miracles of the North is devoted entirely to the stories surrounding the people of Tsay Keh Dene, whose very existence was threatened in 1968 with the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett dam. Sacred Ground includes a Cherokee rendition of "How Great Thou Art", and her own melody added to make a "Native Lord's Prayer".
The Circle of Learning program is offering a scholarship opportunity available to American Indians and Alaska Natives who want to earn a fully online ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. Students need to be admitted to the School’s MLIS program before being considered for scholarship funding and applications are being accepted now and up to March 31, 2011.
For application information see here.
For details regarding eligibility and applications materials see here.
To contact Heather Devine, the Circle of Learning Project Manager contact hhdevine@gmail.com.
To learn more about the American Indian Library Association and its initiatives to improve library and information services for American Indians see here.
Earlier this month the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan, and the Aboriginal Financial Officers (AFOA) of Canada signed an agreement indicating their intent to work together to establish academic programs that will be delivered by the Edwards School to support Aboriginal people. The agreement gives students with an Aboriginal Financial Management (AFM) diploma from the (AFOA) the option of entering the BComm program at the University of Saskatchewan with advanced standing, meaning it will take them less time to finish their BComm degree.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada is profoundly saddened by the passing of Patricia (Trish) Monture, who died on November 17, 2010 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Trish will be remembered in our hearts as a dedicated and passionate Haudenosaunee activist, mother, writer, educator and mentor. She was an inspiration to many young people, faculty members, lawyers, and to many First Nations. Patricia led the way with her writings on Indigenous theory, intersectional theory, governance, law, and social and political inequality.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo congratulates Order of Canada recipient Joan Glode, a member of the Mi'kmaq First Nation of Acadia. Joan Glode is the Executive Director of Mi'kmaw Family and Children's Services, which supports 13 First Nations communities, and the Vice-President of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. She also lends her support and expertise to the Halifax Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Center and the Native Mental Health Association of Canada.
She was the first Mi’kmaq woman in Nova Scotia to receive a Master of Social Work degree and in 2009, she received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival (WAFF) opened Wednesday, November 24th and runs to Sunday, November 28th; it is packed with guests, educational events and more than 40 new indigenous films (about 10 features and more than 30 shorts) from Canada and the world.
Screenings take place at the University of Winnipeg's Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall and Cinematheque. The gathering is the third-largest showcase of aboriginal cinema in North America, according to Coleen Rajotte WAFF artistic director, after Toronto's ImagineNATIVE and the San Francisco fest.
The Métis Nation of Ontario will receive more than $30M through the federal Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, which was announced on Monday November 22, 2010 by Shelly Glover, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will design and deliver employment programs and services for Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario, helping people secure jobs and aboriginal youth return to school or find work.
While there is still work to be done on preparing the third integrated plan (IP3), it appears Aboriginal initiatives and research will be the top priorities for the University of Saskatchewan in 2012-16. Brett Fairbairn, University Provost and Vice-President Academic stated that, "Aboriginal initiatives and research-related initiatives stand out together ahead of all the others." He also pointed out that all planning is guided by the University's strategic directions and foundational documents.
Tono is a visually brilliant dance and live music creation that connects the world Indigenous cultures of Canada, Mongolia and China. The production is the winner of the 2010 Dora Mavor Moore Award for excellence in the performing arts. They will be performing in Whitehorse at the Yukon Arts Centre on Nov. 24 and 25, 2010 and in Banff, Alberta in the Margaret Greenham Theatre, at The Banff Centre on Nov. 27 and 28, 2010.
Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), writes on how Canadians do not know a lot about Canada's Indian Act which was created in 1876 to control the lives of Canada's Aboriginal peoples. He advocates breaking free of the Act to create a new era in governance where First Nations people are responsible to their own people first and foremost.
The U of S Murray Library will be presenting a National Film Board video titled, Reel Injun. The film will show on November 25th, 2010 at 7:00p.m. in room G3 of the Murray Library.
The Manitoba government formally asked Ottawa, on Wednesday November 17th, for help to expedite construction of an all-weather road into Island Lake reserves. Located about 500 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, these are among the most neglected communities in Manitoba. The communities are accessible only by air for about 11 months of the year. For about a month, a winter road built over frozen muskeg allows trucks to bring in major supplies.
MacRae's Indian Books, a store located at 1605 Cole Street in Emumclaw, WA, has created their first website that sells books and artwork (including little people/ dolls and masks). Many of the books are out of print and are available for purchase on-line.
The University of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Education Research Centre invites you to a Presentation and Roundtable with Bertus Haverkort, a freelance artist, consultant and lecturer from the Netherlands, and Dr. Freddy Delgado Burgoa, Director of AGRUCO at the Universidad Cochabamba in Bolivia. The Presentation will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 1:30-3:30 in Room 1004, at the College of Education Building, at the University of Saskatchewan campus.
Manitoba New Democrat Member of Parliament Pat Martin, at at news conference on Tuesday November 16th, demanded that Prime Minister Stephen Harper exonerate Louis Riel. November 16th was the 125th anniversary of Riel's hanging, after he was convicted of treason.
Graduation rates among First Nations students at the University of Victoria improved by 20 per cent under a four-year program, a program that the vast majority of participants credited for their success there. Currently there's about 700 aboriginal students registered at the University of Victoria, that is up from less than 100 aboriginal students a decade ago.
There are two job postings, by the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Inc., looking for applications for Understanding & Respecting Aboriginal Culture Workshop Facilitator and Communications Director. Applications close at 5:00 PM on Monday, November 22, 2010.
A national conference on aboriginal careers and employment will take place next March in Saskatoon, organizers said during a news conference on Wednesday November 10th, 2010 at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
Saskatchewan Treaty Commissioner, Bill McKnight, said increasing meaningful employment for aboriginal people "is for the benefit of everyone in the province."
Saskatoon Mayor, Don Atchison, said he was "thrilled" to welcome the conference to the city.
Saskatoon Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) is inviting project proposals, until December 13, 2010, which will provide activities supporting urban Aboriginal residents in the community. These activities should promote self-reliance and increase life choices for Aboriginal people living in Saskatoon.
For more information, including priorities, assessment procedures for proposals and an overview of Urban Aboriginal Strategy - Saskatoon see here.
The Canadian Aboriginal Festival is scheduled for November 26, 27 & 28, 2010 at the Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 2010 marks the 17th Anniversary of the Canadian Aboriginal Festival. The organizers would like to make it very clear that everyone is welcome, all races and creeds. By being part of our Canadian showcase for Aboriginal people, you would in effect be honouring us with your presence. This is North America's largest multi-disciplined Aboriginal arts event.
Assembly of First Nations National (AFN) Chief, Shawn A‐in‐chut Atleo, stated that Canada’s endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a positive development that sets the stage for a new approach to building stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.
The non-binding declaration commits member states to protect the rights and resources of indigenous peoples within the state. The United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand refused to sign when the accord was adopted in 2007, claiming that resource rights and other claims included in the text clashed with their constitutions.
The University of Southern Australia is encouraging international students to consider applying for the Australian Studies or Aboriginal Studies programs in 2011.
For more information click here.
First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff announced on November 9th, 2010 that plans for a new $2.4 million, 12-unit affordable housing project, serving the Whitecap Dakota First Nation (Whitecap) members, will move forward, thanks to an investment of $1.7 million from the province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and $744,000 from Whitecap.
Are you trying to research your family history? The Genealogical Guide For Métis in Eastern Canada may be able to help you find information on your Métis genealogy.
According to the Syncrude company website, they are the largest industrial aboriginal employer in Canada. As of the end of 2009, about 470 Aboriginal people were employed with Syncrude, comprising over 8% of their direct workforce.
The National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week (NAAAW) Celebration will take place on November 14-20, 2010. The campaign will promote an addictions free lifestyle for communities, families and individuals by enabling communities to develop activities which increase knowledge and awareness of additions and how addictions can be addressed.
Aboriginal Canadians have demonstrated time and again their great service and sacrifice for Canada through their participation in the military, particularly during times of conflict. On each occasion, Canada's Native soldiers overcame cultural challenges and made impressive sacrifices and contributions to help the nation in its efforts to restore world peace. Their courage, sacrifices and accomplishments are a source of pride to their families, communities and all Canadians.
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced an amendment to The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Act that will provide the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) with an exemption from school and municipal taxes on property it owns, property that is used for education purposes. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the SIIT Board of Governors initiated the request for tax exemption on SIIT-owned property.
The federal government is establishing a new RCMP investigation centre to focus on cases of missing and murdered aboriginal women as part of a $10-million funding boost announced earlier this year. Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Status of Women, acknowledged the effort "was a long time in coming." The minister noted there have been 600 cases of missing and murdered women in the past 30 years.
The International Indigenous Social Workers Wananga 2011 Conference will be held February 1 to 4, 2011 at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Waitangi, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Aboriginal Career Fair 2010, a one day only event featuring Winnipeg's top employers, Adult Learning Centres and Post-Secondary Intuitions will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 9:30 to 3:30 at the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Inc., located at 181 Higgins Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Aboriginal Career Fair 2010 is presented by the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), Service Canada and the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Inc.
Native Communications Inc. (NCI) operates in Manitoba as a public broadcaster. NCI is an Aboriginal service organization offering radio programming throughout Manitoba, programming that is designed for, and by, Aboriginal people. NCI is a non-partisan organization. NCI-FM is currently the largest Aboriginal radio network in Canada.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission is holding the 2010 Discrimination Prevention Forum in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on November 23-25, 2010. This year's Forum will focus on the advancement of Aboriginal people in the workplace. Keynote speakers will include Mr. Phil Fontaine, Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is holding a Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) at the Hilton Lac Leamy Hotel, in Gatineau, Quebec on December 14-16, 2010. Discussion sessions and Committee meeting topics will include: Health, Education, Indian Residential Schools, Housing, Indigenous Languages, Claims and First Nation Land tenure.
139 years after the signing of the first of the numbered treaties covering Western Canada, Manitoba schoolchildren will start to receive instruction on the topic. Manitoba students in both First Nation and public schools in grades 5 and 6 will participate in a pilot project November 2010 through to January 2011, with broad implementation planned for the 2011-2012 school year.
Basketball skill development camps are being offered for Saskatchewan aboriginal male and female youth between the ages of 12 and 16. The camps are offered at various locations around the province between October 23, 2010 and January 29, 2011. Registration is free. For more information, or to register, contact Mason Medynski at (306)241-6399 or teamsask.basketball@gmail.com
Manito Ahbee Festival is a celebration of Aboriginal music, art, and culture. The festival takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba and runs from Thursday, November 4th to Sunday, November 7th, 2010. Events include an Education Conference and RBC Ohshkii Awards Night; a Theatrical Projects Manitoba production titled "Almighty Voice and His Wife"; Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards; APCMA Post-Awards Party; and the International Competition Pow Wow. There is also an Indigenous Marketplace and Trade Show that will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The 35th Annual American Indian Film Festival (AIFI) will be held on November 5-13, 2010 in San Francisco, CA at the Landmark Embarcadero Centre Cinema. The AIFI will premiere over 80 new feature films, shorts, public service, music videos and documentaries of the USA American Indian and Canadian First Nation communities.
Tamara's House is offering Harmony Song Programs that include:
Traditional Story Telling - 6:00p.m. - 7:30p.m. at the CUMFI Centre, 315 Ave M South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Monday November 15th (Flo LaVallie)
Monday November 22nd (Doug LaVallie)
Women's Circle Ceremony - Thursday evenings starting at 7:00p.m. at Tamara's House in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This is an ongoing program; the sharing circles have already commenced.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) announced on October 29, 2010 that its 32nd Annual General Assembly (AGA) will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick in July 2011. The AFN is the national organization representing 633 First Nations communities in Canada.
Defenders of the Land, a network of Indigenous Communities from across Canada, is calling for a second Indigenous Sovereignty Week to take place in communities across Canada from November 21-27, 2010.
The Residence Fellows Program presents, Treaty Nation / Urban Voice on Thursday, November 4th, at 7:00 p.m. in Qu'Appelle Hall at the University of Saskatchewan.
Rob Innes will discuss First Nations perspectives to Treaty 4 & 6, and Eekwol will be looking at hip-hop and aboriginal issues.
It was announced today that local Aboriginal youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for an employment project.
The Lac-Simon Anishinabe Nation Council will receive over $70,000 in federal Skills Link funding to support its project entitled Implication communautaireLac-Simon, which will help 10 Aboriginal youth facing employment barriers gain the skills and experience needed to enter the labour market or the confidence to return to school.
