April 2011

During the 100th Convocation at Brandon University, singer/songwriter, entertainer, activist and humanitarian Buffy Sainte-Marie will receive an honorary doctorate. By age 24, Buffy Sainte-Marie had appeared all over Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia, receiving honours, medals and awards, which continue to this day. Marie’s concern for protecting Indigenous intellectual property and her distaste for the exploitation of Native American artists and performers have kept her in the forefront of activism in the arts for 40 years. There will be four convocation ceremonies at Brandon University this spring. These will take place June 3 and 4 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

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Artist Daphne Odjig, has a solo exhibit at Edmonton's Bearclaw Gallery beginning Saturday April 30 to May 21, 2011. Odjig, a four-decade retrospective, includes works from the artist's private collection as well as pieces never before exhibited. This event marks the last commercial gallery exhibition in which she will be providing art from her collection.

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Strong Aboriginal candidates are needed countrywide to break the cycle of non-involvement. Relatively few Aboriginal people, especially aboriginal youth, vote in federal elections. Lewis Cardinal, says "there's a legacy of anger and distrust that keeps many Native people from becoming engaged with federal politics." Kyle Meredith, who just cast his first ballot, in a special advanced poll says: "Aboriginal people need to be aware of how important their votes could be. Aboriginal voters could change the result of the poll itself."

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Voters in Nunavik responded to the Nunavik Regional Government proposal with a resounding “no” in a region-wide referendum held April 27, 2011. The referendum question was, “Do you approve the final agreement on the creation of the Nunavik Regional Government?” The final tally fell well below the number of “yes” votes required to approve the final agreement.

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The new Grade 10, Nunavusiutit social studies program, is being introduced in Nunavut schools.
Its most recent hands-on learning activity module, “Staking the Claim: Dreams, Democracy and Canadian Inuit,” is on the history and development of the Nunavut land claims agreement. The program is receiving rave reviews from teachers who say their students are more engaged than ever before in learning. The goal is to produce a complete new Nunavut social studies curriculum by 2014.

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This four-day Diabetes Educator Course is specifically designed to prepare health professionals with a solid foundation in diabetes education and management. The course includes content on: clinical management of diabetes, principles of health education, diabetes in First Nations communities, lifestyle, & psychosocial issues of living with diabetes. The course is May 9-12 , 2011, at the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites ,1763 Comox Street, Vancouver, B.C.

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Graduating students from Oskayak High School in Saskatoon will be traveling to Australia and New Zealand to participate in a cultural exchange with Maori students. The students will be creating a documentary as part of their media studies course work, and will also be followed by Doug Cuthand who will prepare a documentary series to air nationally on the Aboriginal Peoples' Television Network (APTN) in January.

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The Nanwakolas Council's 3rd Annual Aboriginal Peoples Resource Opportunities Conference, will be held May 9 to 11th, 2011 in Nanaimo, B.C. This annual conference and trade show is an opportunity to gain first hand, practical knowledge from successful Aboriginal Peoples partnerships in minerals & mining, forestry, tourism, fisheries, power production & transmission.

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SIGA is seeking a First Nations artist to provide a painting that would instil the values of First Nations “family”, “dedication” and “success”. The size of the painting should be approximately 15 inches long and 18 inches wide before framing. The medium used for the painting will be confined to acrylic, oil base or water colour. Letters of Interest to this EOI must be received at Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority no later than 2:00 PM on May 2nd, 2011.

Please see full Expression of Interest (EOI) document here.

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Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and AFN Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse were in Alderville First Nation Wednesday April 20, 2011 for the launch of an Indigenous learning program designed jointly by Alderville First Nation and Lakefield College School. The Indigenous learning program includes learning from elders, from songs and artists and will help strengthen relationships between First Nation and non-First Nation students.

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Benefit Concert: Fundraiser for the New Credit Anishinaabemowin Language Immersion Camp Saturday April 23, 2011, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Lloyd S. King Elementary School, on The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Ontario. Featuring: Contemporary and Traditional Performances of Dance and Music. All proceeds go to the sponsorship of this year’s Anishinaabe Language camp, to ensure that we can have this gathering where people can learn the Anishinaabe Language through an annual immersion camp, we are requesting your support and attendance to this all-ages, inter-community event.

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A Northern debate that focused on Aboriginal issues took place Wednesday evening at the Senator Allan Bird Memorial Gymnasium in Prince Albert. Three of the four Northern Saskatchewan candidates, Conservative incumbent Rob Clarke, Green Party Gabe Lafond and NDP Lawrence Joseph squared off Wednesday evening in an all candidates forum. All contenders in the race are of Aboriginal descent and topics of discussion focused on issues facing Aboriginal, First Nation and Métis communities.

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Desiree Dorion, Jerry Sereda, Eagle & Hawk, and Segweh have earned nominations from the North American Indigenous Image Awards. Now in its third year, the NAIIA honour the accomplishments of Indigenous artists working in film, print, comedy, photography, and music.

The NAIIA ceremony is set for Friday, April 29 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Albuquerque. Past award winners include Tracy Bone and Team Rezofficial.

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The University of Calgary has seen a significant increase in the number of Aboriginal students attending post-secondary programs over the last two years. There have been several recent and important initiatives implemented at the Native Centre. These successful programs, which include the Native Ambassador Post-Secondary Initiative (NAPI) and the Aboriginal Student Access Program (ASAP), were designed to take into account the particular needs of the overall Aboriginal population.

Alongside the NAPI and ASAP programs, the Native Centre offers many other services and programs that both encourages and supports the success of Aboriginal students. To find out more about the Native Centre and the many different programs and services available, please visit www.ucalgary.ca/nativecr.

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The 13th Annual Treaty 4 Education Conference: Honour, Embrace and Implement Treaty Right to Education will be held at Queensbury Convention Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan April 19-21, 2011. This year’s event will include: the Pre-Conference on April 19 with keynote speaker Dr. Gabor Mate and the Conference taking place on April 20-21 with keynotes from Edie Holcomb, Sol Sanderson and, at the Gala Evening, Ted Nolan.

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The Native men's wellness retreat is an enlightening workshop presentation to increase your energy and gain skills needed to continually improve your life in a balanced way. This retreat will be held in Edmonton, Alberta at the Ramada Conference Center, April 20 & 21, 2011. Keynote presenters will be Victor Buffalo, Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Phil Lane, and Frank Shannon.

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The Indigenous Adult & Higher Learning Association presents their 8th Annual Conference & Annual General Meeting, April 29-30, 2011, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The event, "Building Our Capacity", is designed for and by Aboriginal adults and post-secondary institutes to promote sharing, growing and learning. This year, special guests will include: Her Honour, Mrs. Gwendolyn Point, Sophie Pierre, Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commissioner, and Jody Wilson Raybould, Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations.

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Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples is an Aboriginal awareness training program based on participant and customer needs and requests. This workshop will be held in Saskataoon, Saskatchewan, April 26th, 2011. The goal is to help participants get beyond Aboriginal awareness to practical skills and tools that can be applied everywhere.

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Honouring Our Stories as Medicine - A Healing Circle for Aboriginal Women, will be held Thursday evenings, at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, which is located at 299 Montreal Road, in Ottawa, Ontario. The event will run from April 21st to June 23rd, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. This 10 week course will help women create their own individual healing and wellness plan.
To register, please contact: Celine Goyette at (613) 748-0657.

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The 33rd Annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow by the First Nations University of Canada will be held at the Brandt Centre, Evraz Place Regina, Saskatchewan, April 16 & 17, 2011. As the first Pow Wow of the year, this much anticipated event is also considered one of the biggest Pow Wows in Saskatchewan, attracting visitors and participants from across Canada and the United States.

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National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will host an online forum for First Nation citizens and all Canadians to engage in a discussion that will directly feed into Assembly of First Nations advocacy efforts, Thursday April 14, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 3.p.m. (EST).

Join the live web discussion at www.tsuutina.ca

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Native leaders are calling for multiple probes into the tasering of an 11-year-old Aboriginal boy by the RCMP in Prince George, British Columbia. The West Vancouver Police Department has already opened an inquiry into the RCMP handling of the case but Native leaders are demanding other investigations also be held into child services and into whether there are racial aspects to the case.

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The results of "Promise and Prosperity: The Aboriginal Business Survey" demonstrate that successful First Nations business owners in Canada are growing in numbers. Sixty-one per cent of Aboriginal businesses reported profits for 2010 and 35 per cent saw increased revenues in 2009-2010. Having a business plan in place and the use of innovation contributed to their success. Seventy-one per cent of business owners interviewed said they were optimistic about revenue growth in the next two years--a perception mirrored by Canadian small and medium business owners overall.

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Iqaluit’s 2011 springtime festival packs in activities for all ages and interests from April 13-20, 2011. You’ll find just about every outdoor activity at Toonik Tyme including snow soccer, ice golf or traditional outdoor games. Toonik Tyme kicks off Wednesday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m., with a “North of 60 Idol” bash at Nakasuk School and the start-up of a senior men’s hockey tournament.

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The 1st kâspohtamâtotân Aboriginal Education Gathering is set for Monday April 11, 2011 at the University of Regina. High School students will receive information on their Post-Secondary options, including University, College and the Trades. Their will also be an Information Expo to provide students with further information such as applications, awards, financial supports and other opportunities.

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The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Inc. will host a new workshop, April 29, 2011 (application deadline date being April 27, 2011), at the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Understanding and Respecting Aboriginal Cultures focuses on promoting cultural sensitivity and awareness of protocol, customs and practices pertaining to First Nations and Métis peoples primarily of Saskatchewan.

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Youth Running for Fun is a program being offered at 10 band-run schools and now to First Nations residents through community centres. "The program will encourage First Nations children to be physically active now and into their adult lives", said Phil Moore, principal of Eskasoni Elementary and Middle School. The free running program which began in 2004, has now expanded to include 11,400 children from 182 schools across Nova Scotia.

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The 13th Annual SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence Nomination Deadline is April 8, 2011. The Gala Evening will be held May 27th, 2011, at TCU Place, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Any youth who is of Aboriginal ancestry; is between 13 & 19 years of age as of May 27th, 2011; is a resident of Saskatchewan; and has demonstrated outstanding commitment can be nominate for one of the ten categories: outstanding achievement (male & female), leadership, education, community service, culture, sports & recreation, fine/performing arts, technology/science, spirit, enterprise.

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The Aboriginal Clean Energy Forum presents: The 5th Annual Conference: Powering up Aboriginal Energy - Clean Energy Empowering Economic Development Across Canada, April 18-19, 2011, at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, in Toronto, Ontario.

The Aboriginal Clean Energy Forum is a partnership endeavor with First Nations that was created to foster new economic development relationships with the private sector and governments and to help First Nations communities become active partners in hydro, wind, biomass and solar projects from coast-to-coast. Opportunities to network and learn from others in the business, and In-depth workshops that provide both case studies and the opportunity to discuss issues, will be included.

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The Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference Series focuses on networking and discussions around joint ventures. The sessions will showcase successful private sector/Aboriginal business ventures as cases studies and examples for others to follow. The conference will be hosted by Chiefs Harold Leighton and Garry Reece with over 200 other key Aboriginal and private sector business leaders. The conference will be held in Prince Rupert at the Northcoast Convention Centre, April 12th-14th, 2011.

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Grade 12 students, in an Aboriginal 30 class at Jasper Place Composite High School, are busy working on a permaculture garden project. The program introduces a way of growing food using natural processes and without fertilizers. The Aboriginal 30 class also plans to add a perennial medicine wheel garden, that will be visible by students in the classroom and will have Isabelle Kootenay, a Stoney elder, present to talk about traditional medicines and teas, as well as what plants were used in healing and spiritual ceremonies.

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Donny Parenteau won his eighth consecutive Aboriginal Artist of the Year award at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards which was hosted on the weekend in Swift Current. He was also selected as the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards All Star Band specialty player.

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The New Democratic Party has landed a big-name candidate Romeo Saganash, who represents the Grand Council of Crees (Eeyou Istchee) in Quebec City. He will be running for the New Democratic Party in Quebec's largest federal riding, Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik-Eeyou. He said he has been working for the Grand Council for 30 years and his priorities as an New Democratic Party candidate will be climate change, protection of water resources and the living conditions of indigenous people.

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It took more than a century and several generations, but the Lac La Ronge Indian Band of north-central Saskatchewan will finally get its due: $950,000 in back pay and restitution for annual allowances of twine and ammunition that were promised for hunting back in 1889 at the signing of Treaty 6. Stemming from legal proceedings filed in 1987 that claimed the treaty obligations had not been met, negotiations began in 2003 and an agreement reached in January of this year.

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The Department of Gender Equality & Social Justice at Nipissing University invites applications for a two-year limited term appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning July 1, 2011, subject to final budgetary approval. Special emphasis will be on one or more of the following areas: critical race theory; Indigenous and settler studies; and post-colonial theory.

Review of applications will begin May 2, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send a letter of application, statement of teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation as well as teaching evaluations to: Dr Craig Cooper, Dean of Arts and Science, Re: Gender Equality & Social Justice Search Committee, Faculty of Arts and Science, Nipissing University, 100 College Drive North Bay, Ontario, Email: asfacpos@nipissingu.ca, Fax: 705-474-3072

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The Standing Committee on the Status of Women has just released an Interim Report "Call into the Night: An Overview of Violence Against Aboriginal Women".
You can view the full report on Violence Against Aboriginal Women here.

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