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Five families have been evacuated from Carry the Kettle First Nation, located east of Regina, as the community has declared a state of emergency. Many of the First Nation's roads have been washed out due to spring melt and rainfall, leaving some people stranded in their homes for up to two months, said Chief Ivan Thomson Jr. Of the 200 homes on the First Nation, 75 have been affected.
An estimated 200 people attended a conference in Cornwall, Ontario last week, hosted by the Sweetgrass First Nation Language Council in partnership with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. The conference, called Raising Our Voices focused on how to better teach native children and youth their language and culture.
The Mining Association of Canada hosted a fundraiser for the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. The event was held at the Ottawa Museum of Nature and raised $ 25,000.
The National Aboriginal Foundation was represented by current President and CEO Roberta Jamieson. Under her leadership, the Foundation has flourished. In her six years leading NAAF, support for Aboriginal youth has dramatically increased with NAAF doubling its previous total in bursaries and scholarship funding. Since 2005 alone, NAAF has supported 6690 students with over $22.6 million. She has extended the Foundation's career fairs into the North, Quebec and the Maritimes and is the Executive Producer of the nationally televised National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs have written a letter to the Natural Resources Minister saying they feel discouraged to learn that the department has failed to follow the consultation process that both the province and chiefs agreed to last year. The Nova Scotia Natural Resources Department announced last month the sale of 75 hectares of Crown land for a $1-million expansion to Upper Clements Park.
The move to First Nation and Metis control of the child welfare and family services system is "years" away but does need to happen, says the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).
Vice-chief Lyle Whitefish said the FSIN is developing a framework with existing First Nations family agencies for further discussion with provincial and federal officials.
The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to have Jeremy Morgan speaking at a public lecture about support for Aboriginal Arts. Morgan will explore current policy approaches and possibilities for a new framework for the development of policies in the areas of Aboriginal arts and culture. The lecture will take place Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Room 46 of the Edwards School of Business, located on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
Cody R. Wolfe, a grade 11 student from Wynyard Composite High School, was last seen on April 29, 2011 on the Muskowekwan First Nation, Lestock, Saskatchewan, when he left his grandmother's residence. So far searches, by RCMP and family/friends, and any clues that would lead to his whereabouts have come up empty. A search is being planned for this weekend May 28 & 29, 2011, and your help is needed. Searches and volunteers: meet at the Muskowekwan First Nation Band Hall, Lestock, SK at 8:30 am on Saturday and Sunday.
There is also a search fund set up at the Bank of Montreal, at Wynyard, Saskatchewan: Cody Wolfe Trust, Account # 0679 8998 125.
Donations can also be made at the Muskowekwan Store, (306) 274-4656 or Muskowekwan First Nation (306) 274-2061.
From the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations spoke at the Tenth Session regarding Agenda Item 4(a): Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
This year's theme for Aboriginal Awareness Week, which will be held from May 24th to 27th, 2011, is Sharing Our Stories. Aboriginal Awareness Week was first introduced in 1992, with the purpose of increasing awareness of Aboriginal peoples within the Canadian mosaic and the public service.
HABITAT for Humanity Winnipeg has won a national award for its efforts to create more housing for aboriginals. IN 2007 an aboriginal housing program was launched through a partnership between Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) and Habitat for Humanity. Since that time, Habitat's Winnipeg affiliate has completed 15 homes under the program.
The Iroquois Nationals returned to international play with an emphatic 23-3 win over Ireland on Saturday in the opening game of the world indoor lacrosse championships. The Iroquois Nationals field lacrosse team had been the centre of some controversy last July when they were barred from entering the United Kingdom while using their aboriginal Haudenosaunee passports. As a result, the Iroquois were unable to compete in last years world field championships in Manchester.
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated the Dene Tha' First Nation on the grand opening of its new water treatment plant. Dene Tha' First Nation, situated 812 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, has an on reserve population of 1,900 in three communities: Bushe River, Meander River and Chateh, where the plant is located.
When Gail Sparrow, former chief of the Musqueam band, started getting calls last summer from single mothers on the reserve who couldn’t find any food fish, she became alarmed. It didn’t take Ms. Sparrow long to find out – large numbers of food fish, she claims, were taken off reserve by aboriginal fishermen who were laundering them into the market.
The close to 600 people who are residents of the Lake St Martin First Nation, located 300 kilometres north of Winnipeg who have been evacuated due to flooding, may not be able to move back to their home until the end of the year, if then. Provincial officials have said that the lake level is not projected to crest until July and then recede slowly, leaving the evacuees, who are currently living in hotels in Winnipeg, unable to return to their homes for many months.
The FSIN (Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations) Lands and Resources Secretariat presents, Only a Matter of Time, the 2011 World Indigenous Youth Summit. This event will take place July 24-29, 2011 at the Saskatoon Inn Hotel & Conference Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo stated that he is pleased with a decision by the BC Court of Appeal that affirms the right of five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations to harvest and sell fish in their traditional territories. The Court of Appeal also agreed that Canada’s management of the fisheries has not respected the Nuu-chah-nulth’s Aboriginal rights and has thus given the parties one year to design a fishery that is consistent with these rights.
Reaction was mixed across the country in reaction to the Prime Minister's decision to change John Duncan's ministerial title to Aboriginal and Northern Affairs from Indian and Northern Affairs. Spokesperson Andrew McDougall said he had no cost estimate on changing business cards, letter heads and other signage. FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild said, “The decision to change the name of the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development was made without consulting with First Nations in Saskatchewan.”
The new cabinet arising from the May 2nd election has also brought a new name for a ministry. John Duncan is now Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development with no change in the statutory responsibilities. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said, “The new working title has no impact on the Minister’s responsibilities with respect to First Nations, and the Government remains committed to making progress on issues that are important to First Nations.”
Some Manitoba students are attempting to raise awareness for a water-based problem right in their own backyard. Hundreds of students from Fort Richmond Collegiate marched about 12 kilometers to the legislature on Tuesday to call on all levels of government to help get clean running water and proper sewage facilities for northern Manitoba First Nations communities. Grand Chief Ron Evans of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and Grand Chief David Chartrand of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, applauded the students for their involvement.
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) have signed an agreement to establish a joint task force on education and employment. The task force is to be comprised of three people who will be appointed by the end of summer with a final report expected in August 2012.
The First Nations University of Canada announced on Monday, May 16th, the appointment of Doyle Anderson as its new president. Anderson, who is a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation near North Battleford, SK., assumes his duties August 2nd.
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, congratulated the Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) regarding the opening of their new facility.
Regina has been received the hosting rights for the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). The NAIG Council announced last Friday that the Games had been awarded to a group consisting of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MSN), the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina.
The International Indigenous Summit on Energy & Mining will take place June 27-29, 2011 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel. Early registration ends on May 16, 2011.
The summit will focus on:
-Sustainable and responsible resource development
-Economic education related to mining and energy
-Opportunities for First Nations to contribute to the Canadian and world economies
The University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow 2011 will take place on Wednesday June 8th at the Physical Activity Complex (PAC). Everyone is welcome and admission is free.
According to the Delta, BC school district there's been an improvement in Aboriginal academic standing since the 1990s when the graduation rate was 37%. The current provincial graduation rate is now in the low 50s, while Delta's rate has reached 62%.
The North American Indigenous Games bid committee comprised of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the Metis Nation–Saskatchewan, the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina, are well prepared to make its final bid presentation to host the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). The bid committee will make its final presentation on Friday May 13, 2011 in Moncton, New Brunswick.
The Western Canada Aboriginal Law Forum will be held May 30-31, 2011 in Vancouver, BC at the Four Seasons Hotel. This event has been approved by the Law Societies of British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
The Aboriginal Choice School (ASC) in district 57 is striving to make the the district-wide public education system better tailored to Aboriginal needs and concerns by implementing several initiatives they hope will lead to success.
National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Alteo spoke with Manitoba's Premier Selinger to ensure that protection is in place for First Nations communities regarding the current flooding and the possible situation if it is deemed that the waters at the Assiniboine River dike need to be released.
The Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network invites you to attend the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Awards Gala 2011. It will take place on Friday May 13th, 2011 at the Dakota Dunes Casino, 204 Dakota Dunes Way, Whitecap, SK, which is located approximately 20 minutes south of Saskatoon.
The federal Conservative government needs to use its new majority to act on settling treaties with B.C. First Nations, says the new president of the Mining Association of Canada.
The mining industry has clashed with First Nations before on specific projects, but Mr. Gratton noted that in the absence of treaties that define Aoriginal title and rights, mining companies increasingly recognize the need to negotiate agreements directly with First Ntions.
A candidate in April's Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation election stated that his appeal of the outcome has been denied. Former Chief Harold Linklater says he plans to consider his options in the matter and may appeal to the Federal Court.
The Awâsis 2011 Aboriginal Education Conference takes place May 11-13, 2011 at the Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK. The aim of the conference is to improve Aboriginal knowledge and spirituality for all people.
The Aboriginal Canada Portal has compiled some resource links to aid Aboriginal Student job seekers this summer.
Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, wants the Canadian Government to work directly with First Nations to begin dealing with Native issues. He states that there has been a lack of a clear and coherent plan for change that addresses First Nation priorities and believes that now is the time to build a stronger country by working together.
The 2011 Canadian National Aboriginal Badminton Championships are being held July 4-9, 2011 at Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. For further information contact Mark Arcand at 306-956-6100 or 306-280-5394.
Members of the University community are invited to be involved as non-presenting participants in a workshop titled, “Religious Encounter and Exchange in Aboriginal Canada.” This three-day interdisciplinary workshop will be held May 12-14, 2011 at the University of Saskatchewan.Presenters will explore a range of issues including the spiritual, social, cultural, material, and political practices and perspectives that were produced through religious encounter and exchange, and how looking at religious encounter can contribute to our understanding of Canadian Aboriginal history.
DATES & LOCATION OF WORKSHOP
May 12th 8:30am-3:45pm: STM Room 344a
May 13th 9:00am-12:15pm: STM Room 344a
May 14th 9:00am-12:00pm: Graduate Student Commons
The International Indigenous Summit on Energy and Mining is scheduled to be held at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, in Niagra Falls, Ontario, on June 27-29, 2011. The Summit will focus on resource development and economic education and will highlight opportunities available, for First Nations people, to contribute to the Canadian and World economies. A sector trade fair will also be featured at the event.
Early registration will end May 16th, 2011.
For more information, as well as the general summit schedule and registration form, see here.
The 2011 Vision Quest Conference promotes business, community and economic development. The Conference is scheduled to be held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on May 17-19, 2011. The keynote speakers will be CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Roberta Jamieson and former NHL all star, Theoren Fleury.
To register, sign up here.
To see information brochure, including conference schedule, see here.
The webcast will discuss First Nation Citizenship in a modern context and will include Indigenous experts on First Nation citizenship, as well as National Chief Shawn Atleo and BC Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould. It is scheduled to commence on Monday, May 9th, 2011 at 1-4PM (ET).
National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Shawn Atleo, is calling on Stephen Harper to immediately meet with First Nation leaders in order to deal with growing concerns in Aboriginal communities.
Dutch Lerat, vice-chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, states that the Federation is confident that the release of a comprehensive child welfare report will create a better future for children.
John Simon, Longtime regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, is stepping down to become CEO of Shubenacadie First Nation. Waycobah chief, Morley Googoo, will take over as regional chief for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. He will speak for the chiefs of 16 Mi’kmaq bands in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Geronimo was a 19th century Apache leader who, for many Native Americans, is considered to be a respected hero. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee views the code name "Geronimo", given to the al Qaeda leader, as offensive and therefore launched an objection that will be discussed at a scheduled hearing today.
The Cree residents of Little Buffalo Indian Settlement, which is located north of Peace River, Alberta, claim that sicknesses within the community are being caused by crude fumes from one of the largest oil spills in recent Alberta history. The Energy Resources Conservation Board denies a connection between the spill and the symptoms being experienced by the community.
The next Parliament will include one of its largest-ever rosters of Aboriginal MPs.
The three new MPs are: Innu leader Peter Penashue, who will represent the Conservatives in a Labrador riding, Cree leader Romeo Saganash, the NDP winner in Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, in northern Quebec, and Jonathan Genest-Jourdain, an Innu New Democrat in the Quebec riding of Manicouagan, south and west of Labrador.
The four re-elected Conservatives Aboriginal MPs are: Leona Aglukkaq, an Inuit in Nunavut; Rob Clarke, a Cree in the Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River; Shelly Glover, a Métis in the Manitoba riding of Saint Boniface, and Rod Bruinooge, a Métis in Winnipeg South.
A ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, regarding the level of services provided to First Nations children in foster care, is being appealed to the Federal Court. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the First Nations Caring for Children Society have jointly launched this challenge against Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's (INAC) inequitable funding policy.
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has dismissed the complaint filed by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the First Nation Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (Caring Society). The complaint was based on the lower level of service being provided for First Nation children in foster care on-reserves, who fall under federal jurisdiction, than that provided to children in foster care off reserve.
Peter Penashue (Labrador) was elected in the May 2, 2011 Federal Election. He is a former Grand Chief and one-time president of the Innu Nation. As the only Conservative elected in Newfoundland and Labrador there is speculation that he could be on a short list for a Cabinet post.
Inclusion Works '11 is taking place in Montreal from May 3-5, 2011 and is Canada's largest Aboriginal Human Resources and Employment event. It offers resources to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to assist them in advancing in the workforce.
The University of Saskatchewan Native Studies Department is proposing to change their name to Indigenous Studies in order to more accurately reflect the activities of intellectual inquiry.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is launching a campaign to encourage more First Nations people to vote in today's Federal Election. The campaign is called, "I Am First Nation and I Vote." On average, less than one-third of the voter population, on First Nation communities in Manitoba, cast a vote in the last federal election, which was held in 2008.
Saskatoon hosted the 2011 national aboriginal hockey championships at Jemini Arena over the weekend. Both the men's and women's Saskatchewan teams won gold against East Door & North on Saturday.
Reading, writing and arithmetic were put on the back burner by hundreds of Winnipeg high school students Thursday April 28, 2011 in favour of marching, protesting and supporting Aboriginal demands for clean water and sewer services for northern First Nations. They marched from the University of Winnipeg to the legislative building to demand an end to what they call Third World conditions faced by Aboriginal communities. Grand Chief Ron Evans, of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and Grand Chief David Harper, of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, said the most positive thing about the march and rally was to see so many non-Aboriginal students behind it.
