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Doug Cuthand, columnist with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix recalls, in the September 23rd, 2011 edition, the contributions of Lloyd Barber, who died recently. Lloyd Barber was a past president of the University of Regina and also was Indian Claims Commissioner. Cuthand cites Barber's contributions in assisting in the policy of "Indian control of eduction" which was adopted by the National Indian Brotherhood in 1972.
In the Brazilian Amazon there is a tribe that, once almost destroyed by Western Culture, is using Western Technology to save the rainforest around them. When the Surui tribe was first contacted by outsiders in 1969, population numbers quickly fell, due mostly to the introduction of chicken pox. Today the tribe uses the INTERNET and Google Earth to help battle deforestation of the forest they live in. The chief, Almir Narayamogo, talks about satellite images, planting tress, and the carbon dioxide he sells to the global emissions market. The Surui will be one of the first Indigenous peoples that will be paid to preserve the forest around them.
The Gil Purcell Memorial Journalism Scholarship for Aboriginal Canadians is a $4,000 scholarship that began in 1990 to encourage Aboriginal Canadians to pursue journalism as a career option. The scholarship includes an offer of summer employment at the Canadian Press. Application deadline for applicants is November 15th of each year.
The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) is implementing the Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan (ASAP). In 2008 a committee was struck to review Aboriginal student success at SIAST, including the identification of barriers to recruitment and student retention issues. The committee released a report of the findings and recommendations which became the basis for a 5 year action plan to increase Aboriginal student success at SIAST.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is promoting, First Nations Provincial Day of Action which will take place on Monday, September 26th in Regina, Saskatchewan. The day begins with a 10:00AM Pancake Breakfast at Cree Land Mini-Mart, located at 1101 Angus Street, followed by an 11:00AM Day of Action March to the Provincial Legislature.
In the nomination period leading up to the November 7 Saskatchewan provincial election there is an unofficial record number of self-declared First Nation and Metis candidates that have been nominated for the two major political parties.
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business is hosting the Ninth Annual Vancouver Gala Dinner on September 29th, 2011 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Council is awarding the inaugural Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations to the Right Honourable Paul Martin.
The Indigenous Bar Association's 23rd Annual Fall Conference is taking place September 29th to October 1st, 2011 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. This year's theme is, "Reconciliation in Canada: Changing Paradigms".
The Word On The Street Festival will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on 23rd Street East between 3rd and 4th Avenue, in the Frances Morrison Library, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 25th, 2011.
There will be 32 author readings and performances including Yann Martel and Sandra Birdsell, Judith Benninger, Rita Bouvier, Bev Brenna, David Carpenter, Don Kerr, Don Freed, Don't Mind Us improv comedy duo, and a poetry slam where the judges are members of the audience.
Romeo Saganash, NDP MP for Abitibi-James Bay-Nunavik-Eyou says, "I may be a rookie MP, but I'm not a rookie politician". To alleviate questions regarding his experience, he cites his 25 years spent in Cree politics, often working with Quebec's National Assembly. Pundits note that he's facing an uphill battle for the NDP leadership as only 2,000 of the 85,000 to 90,000 NDP members are from Quebec. Saganash feels that being a relative unknown outside of Quebec may actually be an advantage because people may listen more attentively to what he says.
A recent article in The Lawyers Weekly debates the ongoing discussion surrounding the Indian Act. The federal government is responsible for aboriginal issues through the Constitution Act of 1867. In a July speech by National Chief Shawn Atleo, at the Annual General Meeting of Assembly of First Nations (AFN), he reopened the debate about
Jason Warick and David Hutton, from The StarPhoenix, report September 17th, 2011, that Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said the province is considering bypassing the Federation of Saskatchewan Nations (FSIN) to interact directly with tribal councils and individual First Nations in light of the revelations surrounding the FSIN and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
The 2011 Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards will take place this year on Friday, September 23rd, 2011 at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. Doors open at 6:30 with the awards ceremony starting at 7:30. Admission is free and there is also a DJ Dance After-Party.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations will be hosting the First Nations Provincial Day of Action, September 26th, 2011 against the government of Saskatchewan concerning specific areas of discontent including safety and protection, health and social development, justice, education, economic development, natural resource revenue sharing, environmental protection and employment. Join the walk to the Saskatchewan legislative building! Also sign the First Nations Provincial Day of Action Petition.
The University of Waterloo Aboriginal Services will be hosting their 8th Annual Traditional Pow-wow Saturday, September 24, 2011 at St. Paul's University College, Waterloo, Ontario. The Sunrise Ceremony will start at approximately 6:00 a.m., gates will open at 11:00 a.m., the Grand Entry will be at 12:00 p.m., and the Closing Ceremony will be at 5:00 p.m.
Dr. Kim Anderson discusses her new book, Life Stages and Native Women, Memory, Teachings, and Story Medicine, on Wednesday, September 28th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in Room 103 Physics Building, on the University of Saskatchewan Campus. This launch is jointly presented by the University of Saskatchewan Department of Native Studies and the University of Manitoba Press.
Jason Warick, in the final instalment of a three-part series for The StarPhoenix, reports on Friday, September 16th, 2011 about a meeting Thursday where Morley Watson shared with the media some of his views about issues surrounding FSIN and SIGA. Morley admitted that mistakes have been made and that FSIN will be doing reviews on SIGA and its other institutions. Morley Watson also shared with the media that Lerat will be withdrawing the wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed against SIGA and the FSIN. Morley said that FSIN and SIGA recognize Kirk Goodtrack as the current SIGA chair, but mentioned that the non-confidence motion will be discussed by an FSIN commission on September 28th, at which time Goodtrack can present his case, and a decision will be made.
There is a call for proposals out for a special issue of Environmental Education Research. The special issue will be titled "Land Education: Indigenous, Postcolonial, and Decolonizing Perspectives on Place and Environmental Education Research". Co-editors for this issue are looking for 1000 word proposals, to be submitted by October 31, 2011.
Jason Warick, in the September 15th 2011 edition of The StarPhoenix, presented his second installment of a three-part series on SIGA (Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority). Edward (Dutch) Lerat, a fired CEO of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, is now the FSIN executive in charge of the SIGA file, even though court documents reveal that he is suing the FSIN and SIGA for wrongful dismissal. Kirk Goodtrack was ousted when he faced a non-confidence vote, and was then ordered reinstated by the courts. Goodtrack's opponents claim that private law cases constitute a conflict of interest and breach SIGA's code of conduct, however, his supports claim Goodtrack was targeted because he tried to reign in board costs, proposed reforms and refused a settlement for Lerat.
Jason Warick, in part one of a three part series for The StarPhoenix, reported September 14th, 2011 about how The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority board had expenses in July of over $78,000, money that is intended to provide a source of revenue and economic growth for First Nations people. Angered chiefs said the money should be going toward sports fees for poor First Nations children, for culture camps and the other intended recipients of SIGA profits.
From New York to Winnipeg to Los Angeles to New Zealand here is a list of Indigenous Live Music Picks from September 1-25, 2011.
Performers and events include:
Takitimu, September 14-18, Hastings, New Zealand
Manifesto Festival, September 15-25, Toronto, ON
Stiff Cliff, September 15, New Westminster, BC
Ray St. Germain and Family, September 15, Winnipeg, MB
Native Harvest Festival & Pow Wow, September 16 – 18, London, ON
Eden Fineday, September 18, Vancouver, BC
7th Annual Blues Cruise for Harvest, September 18, Red River, MB
Elisapie – California Mini-Tour, September 19-23, Santa Monica, Los Angeles and San Francisco
SongCircle’s Songwriter Night, September 19, New York, NY.
Funds have been invested by the Government of Saskatchewan, and matched by Cameco Corporation, to expand a new Master of Northern Governance and Development program designed to help northern students stay in their communities while studying to complete their degrees.
Tina Keeper, a former Member of Parliament and actress from "North of 60" is producing and acting in the new TV drama series Cashing In, which deals with the high-stakes world of First Nations gaming.
The Department of Native Studies and Coteau Books is launching a book titled, The Strength of Women: Âhkamêyimowak by Pricilla Settee. The launch will take place Tuesday, September 27th at 4:30pm in The Window Room, at the U of S Faculty Club.
Jacob Handel who works in the Wood Buffalo Region in Alberta and does Community Engagement for Total E&P Canada Ltd., describes his work and talks about his passion for what he does.
Shannon Lacroix of the Prince Albert Daily Herald reported September 9th, 2011 on an HIV/AIDS Forum and Roundtable that focused on Aboriginal people and stressed education as a key element to prevention. Lynn Thompson, a presenter and front-line volunteer in Saskatoon, shared her story of contracting HIV, her drive to educate herself about the illness, and her desire to share that knowledge to help others.
The College of Education, at the University of Saskatchewan, is creating a professional development initiative that will create an awareness of Aboriginal issues, culture and knowledge. The new plan will provide professional development to everyone in the college, including a comprehensive training program for faculty and staff.
Leaders of the Samson reserve, located approximately 90 kilometres from Edmonton, are meeting to discuss methods to reduce gang related violence which has plagued the community recently. The latest victim, Chelsea Yellowbird, was the aunt of a previous victim two months earlier, Ethan Yellowbird.
The Dr. Christine Egan Memorial Scholarship fund, which began in 2004, has helped 17 Inuit nursing students to date. Christine Egan was a 55 year-old nursing instructor who loved the North and the people who lived there. It is believed that Egan was on the 105th floor of the south tower in New York, visiting her brother's insurance office, when it was destroyed. Sharon Moffat, Egan's friend and a member of the scholarship selection committee from its early beginnings, saw a scholarship as a fitting tribute to a passionate, visionary who was involved in education.
At the first of six Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearings taking place in Atlantic Canada prior to the Atlantic National Event, there were tears, sadness and some anger as survivors shared their stories of life at Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. Panel members listened as people recounted their experiences of abuse and humiliation suffered at the hands of nuns and priests who ran the school.
The University of British Columbia, Department of Educational Studies invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate professor in Indigenous Education. Deadline and consideration of candidates will begin November 1st, 2011.
First Nations and Metis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff announced a $50,000 contribution toward the $380,000 expense of a new vehicle that will replace the current health bus. The Mobile Health Bus brings basic health services to more than 5,000 people in the Saskatoon core neighbourhoods of Westmount, Meadow Green, Pleasant Hill, Riversdale and King George.
With the September 19th, 2011 deadline fast approaching, outreach workers in the Edmonton's inner city are trying to locate survivors of Indian Residential Schools. About 150,000 Aboriginal, Inuit and Metis children were sent to residential schools. The Vancouver Sun reported September 4th, 2011 that attendees can receive $10,000 for the first year and $3,000 per year for any subsequent years.
The annual Akwesasne International Pow-Wow will be held this year on September 10 & 11, 2011. The event will be held at the A'nowara'ko:wa Arena on Cornwall Island, Ontario. The gates open to the public at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with the Grand Entry at noon. It is the hope of organizers that time spent together will bring about a better understanding of one another and foster a greater friendship with the surrounding communities.
Early Monday morning a 23-year-old woman from the Samson Cree First Nation, who lived next door to the five-year-old boy killed earlier this summer, was also fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting. RCMP are interviewing witnesses and investigating whether the two incidents are related.
Nunatsiaq Online reports September 1st, 2011 about negative feelings increasing as cruise ship visits to the Arctic increase. The main complaint is that the visits are seen as failing to bring the dollars and cents anticipated by the stops. Concerns expressed include: lack of respect for Inuit hunting traditions, alcohol being traded for fish, fears of illness, increases in drugs or alcohol use, and risks of garbage or sewage dumping. "Cruise Tourism in Arctic Canada" is a federally-funded research project being done, over a three-year period, by University of Ottawa researchers to learn about what people in Arctic Canada think about cruises, how they are dealing with the new tourism, and what they want to see in the future should cruise visits increase due to Arctic waters becoming easier to navigate.
Peggy Curran, of the Regina Leader-Post, reports September 1st, 2011 that a team of McGill University researchers have studied the Inuit and discovered that six out of ten do not get enough to eat, or are eating the wrong things. With the shift away from traditional foods that hunters would bring home, and the inability of those living in remote communities being able to find or afford the food that are part of healthy southern diets, many nutritional and health concerns have arisen.
The Aboriginal Students' Centre, in partnership with the Indigenous Students Council, is holding their 4th Annual Meet the First Years Banquet at the Dakota Dunes Casino, Friday September 23, 2011. Their will be cocktails, supper, a multicultural program, and Double Vision Entertainment will perform comedy and magic.
The Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported on September 2nd, 2011, that in a mutual and satisfactory conclusion Guy Lonechild resigned and accepted a buyout of approximately$ 250,000. His political support staff will be getting severance packages that total $350,000. Guy Lonechild was optimistic going into the chiefs' assembly Thursday, but after citing concern for his family, staff, and First Nations people, he agreed to the buyout. Morley Watson will continue to serve as interim chief.
There will be a one day workshop titled, "Indian Status Primer - Applications and Appeals" held on September 21, 2011, in the RBK Building - 401 Packham Place (2nd Floor) in Saskatoon. The workshop will run from 9:30am to 12:00pm & 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Workshop fees are set at $25.00 per person.
The Workshop gives Metis, Treaty, and Status Indians the opportunity to review the Canadian Indian Status regime, and discuss the Indian Status application process.
CEP is part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, implemented September 19th, 2007. The deadline for Common Experience Payment(CEP) is September 19th, 2011. In Saskatchewan, it is estimated that there are 3,000 residential school survivors yet to apply. (Regina Leader-Post)
In the Saskatoon StarPhoenix on August 26th, 2011, Doug Cuthand relates how the special assembly of chiefs, set up by the Indian government commission, will decide the fate of Chief Guy Lonechild, thereby making history and reforming the FSIN. For the first time ever, a chief of the FSIN may be removed from office. Doug Cuthand argues that chiefs were not voted in to administer programs, rather they were voted in to make policy decisions.
There will be a two day workshop titled, "Residential School Survivor Series - A Primer for Surviving the Adjudication Process Too", held on September 21, 2011, in the RBK Building - 401 Packham Place (2nd Floor) in Saskatoon. The workshop will run from 9:30am to 12:00pm & 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Workshop fees are set at $100.00 per person.
The Workshop provides residential school survivors the opportunity to review the residential school adjudication process, and the residential school claim industry.
