Nisga’a People Celebrate 10th Anniversary of the Nisga’a Treaty

Posted May 12, 2010 By tansi

May 11, 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Nisga’a Treaty. From the website set up to recognize this celebration:

Nisga'a Elders

The Nisga’a people have lived in the Nass River Valley since time immemorial. In the late 1800s, when much of Nisga’a traditional territory was declared Crown land, the Nisga’a people began petitioning government to recognize our connection to and ownership of Nisga’a territory. In 1998, a signing ceremony at New Aiyansh signalled the completion of a quarter century of negotiations and the birth of the Nisga’a Final Agreement, British Columbia’s first modern treaty.

A Nation Renewed

May 11, 2000, the Effective Date of the treaty, was a historic and triumphant day for the Nisga’a people. It marked the end of a 113-year journey-and the first steps in a new direction. On that day, the Indian Act ceased to apply to the Nisga’a people (except for the purpose of Indian registration) and, for the first time in modern history, the Nisga’a people had the legal authority to conduct our own affairs. The treaty ended the uncertainty regarding land ownership and opened the door for joint economic initiatives in the development of the Nisga’a Nation’s natural resources. It benefits all Canadians. News of the Nisga’a Final Agreement has traveled far beyond the Nass Valley-across British Columbia, Canada, and around the world. Governments and Aboriginal peoples are all watching the implementation of the treaty with keen interest.

The Nisga’a Final Agreement serves as an example. It demonstrates that governments and First Nations can, in good faith, work together to forge a more secure future for everyone.

The Minister of Norther Affairs issued the following press release to recognize this event:

Ottawa, Ontario (May 11, 2010) — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians issued the following statement today: “I want to extend my congratulations to the President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government, Mr. Mitchell Stevens, and the Nisga’a people on the 10th anniversary of the effective date of the Nisga’a Final Agreement. 

This landmark agreement demonstrates the benefits that modern treaties can bring to First Nation people and their neighbours – building a solid foundation for renewed and lasting relationships and brighter futures for all concerned.

Under the treaty, the Nisga’a Lisims Government has been able to take advantage of new opportunities in the Nass Valley in areas such as forestry, eco-tourism, pine mushroom harvesting and the service sector. Since the treaty was signed, there have also been significant improvements in unemployment rates and high school graduation rates.  Canada shares in the pride of the Nisga’a Lisims Government and the Nisga’a Nation for the progress they have made and the strong relationship we have built together along the way.

The Nisga’a Final Agreement marked a new beginning for the Nisga’a people and the Nass Valley as a whole.  As the work to implement this groundbreaking treaty continues, Canada remains committed to working with the Nisga’a and the Province of British Columbia to advance our shared goals.” 

Categories: History, Land Claims, Land Rights, Treaty
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Report Urges Action for B.C.’s First Nations Languages

Posted May 10, 2010 By tansi

Interactive Language Map on the First Peoples' Website

BRENTWOOD BAY – The First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council (the First Peoples’ Council) has published a report that reveals the troubling state of British Columbia’s First Nations languages. The first annual Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages 2010 provides concrete data on the province’s First Nations languages, including the numbers of speakers and resources for each language, as well as community efforts to stem language loss.

The report finds that fluent First Nations language speakers make up a small and shrinking minority of the B.C. First Nations population. It also reveals that most fluent speakers are over 65, the
number of semi-fluent speakers is small and the majority of classroom language teaching is insufficient to create enough new fluent speakers to revitalize a language. “British Columbia is home to 60% of the indigenous languages in Canada as well as distinct language families not found anywhere else in the world,” says Dr. Lorna Williams, Chair of the Board at the First Peoples’ Council and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge and Learning at the University of Victoria. “The cultural and linguistic diversity of B.C. is a priceless treasure for all of humanity and this report shows that more must be done to protect it.”

On the positive side, the report provides several examples of language revitalization work in First Nations communities. It also indicates that many semi-fluent speakers and the majority of language learners are under the age of 25, which points to the growth of community-based language revitalization projects across the province.

KEY FINDINGS
The report recognizes that there are different ways to measure and define language endangerment. Given the diversity of B.C. languages, the report uses three variables to measure language endangerment in B.C.—speakers, usage and language resources.

SPEAKERS (measures the ages, numbers and percentage of speakers of First Nations languages)
 Fluent First Nations language speakers make up 5.1% of the reporting population and most of them are over the age of 65.
 Those that reported as “semi-fluent” make up 8.2% of the reporting population. The level of fluency varies widely in the semi-fluent speaker group.
 Combined, fluent and semi-fluent speakers make up 13.3% of the First Nations population.
 11.1% of the reporting population is learning a First Nations language. The level of education that these learners receive is often insufficient to create new fluent speakers.

USAGE (where and how much the language is being spoken and taught)
 Typically, a student enrolled in a First Nations operated school spends one to four hours learning a First Nations language per week (excluding immersion schools).
 However, 34% of students attending a First Nations operated school or Head Start program reported that they are not learning a First Nations language.
 In the majority of communities, a First Nations language is rarely spoken at home, at work or in the media.

LANGUAGE RESOURCES (the level of documentation, recordings, archives and curriculum materials for a language)
 31% of communities have recordings of their languages available as a community resource.
 Although archiving is necessary for the survival of endangered languages, only 39% of communities reported having access to a FirstVoices.com archive for their language.
 52% have curriculum materials for teaching their language.

“With this report, we now have concrete evidence of what we have known for some time: all First Nations languages in B.C. are in a critical state,” says Williams. “I am encouraged by the many fantastic community-based language programs detailed in the report, but unfortunately, they are not enough to stem the loss. I sincerely hope this report is recognized as a call-to-action to save our languages before it is too late.”

INPUT FROM COMMUNITIES
The report would not have been possible without input from communities. The report’s data was taken from a database of Language Needs Assessments that were filled out by community
organizations when they applied for language funding from the First Peoples’ Council. Through Language Needs Assessments, communities identify language resources and projects in their communities as well as the gaps in these areas. Based on these assessments, communities can set their priorities and goals accordingly.

The First Peoples’ Council urges communities to update their information and report any inaccuracies in the report by filling out a Language Needs Assessment (http://maps.fphlcc.ca/lna)
that will be added to the next version of the report.

Visit www.fphlcc.ca to download a copy of the report.

Categories: Culture, Education, Language
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Improved Information Technology in NWT… In Other News – Funding to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation Has Ended

By tansi

The Federal Government likes to toot its own horn as far as funding for projects such as these, which are needed; however, how can over a century of systematic abuse and racism be healed in only 12 years? http://nikiashton.ndp.ca/node/138

Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), May 10, 2010 – The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is supporting improved information technology in the Northwest Territories with funding to the Katlodeeche (KFN) and Yellowknives Dene First Nations (YKDFN).

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of CanNor, made the announcement today.

CanNor will provide a total of $265,000 for two projects which will enhance Internet connectivity in Northwest Territories communities.

“Better Broadband and Internet service has the potential to improve the way communities conduct business, communicate with their families, and even receive health and social services,” said Minister Strahl, who is also the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “This funding will provide a number of Northwest Territories communities with lasting technological infrastructure.”

“Funding to improve the Katlodeeche First Nation’s broadband service will provide immediate cost savings and administrative improvements for the band council, as well as training and employment opportunities for local residents,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. “The Yellowknives Dene First Nation will also benefit from CanNor’s funding, as it explores ways to build its information technology capacity.”

“CanNor’s funding has enabled us to build our existing infrastructure into a more robust and streamlined system, lowering administration costs and ensuring more accountability and transparency. The video-conferencing capabilities also gives our Chief and Council more time to spend at home and on the land, instead of travelling for meetings. We can connect anywhere in Canada,” said Lyle Fabian, KFN Band Councillor and project head. “In our culture, communication has always been very important. This is another way of communicating, to link our community through technology.”

“With CanNor funding, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation was able to assess its IT infrastructure, networking, security and connectivity upgrade requirements and develop viable options to realize these upgrades,” said Stephan Folkers, YKDFN Housing Manager. “CanNor funding also allowed the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to assess its IT-support capacity building needs.”

Funding for this project was provided through the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. SINED is delivered by CanNor in the three territories.
CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.

Categories: Education, Finance, First Nation, History, Justice
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North Spirit Lake First Nation Constructs a New School

Posted May 7, 2010 By tansi

North Spirit Lake First Nation Logo

NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (May 6, 2010) – Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today, with the North Spirit Lake First Nation, celebrated the start of construction of the community’s new school.

“Investments in school infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation learners have a strong and productive educational experience,” said MP Rickford. “Today’s sod turning event moves us one step closer to fulfilling the commitment that the Government of Canada made to ensure the First Nations youth attend school in a healthy environment.”

North Spirit Lake First Nation Chief Rita Thompson said, “I am pleased to see the Government of Canada delivering on its promise to strengthen education, and to provide greater hope and opportunity for the youth in this community. The new Victoria Linklater Memorial School is important to supporting student success.”

Through the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, an investment of approximately $16 million is building the new Kindergarten to Grade 9 facility that will accommodate 90 students. Construction of the school is expected to be complete in 2011.

This project is part of the $200 million for new schools and major renovations included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal peoples under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Government of Canada is taking action to improve the lives of First Nation peoples and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Investments in school infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation students have a strong and productive educational experience, which starts with access to quality infrastructure that is conducive to learning.

News from INAC.

Categories: Education, First Nation, Youth
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First Nations Languages Facing Extinction

Posted May 4, 2010 By tansi

There are only five Snuneymuxw people left who are fluent in the traditional Hul’q'umi’num’ language, elder Gary Manson estimates.

“And that’s probably pushing it.”

A report released last week on the demise of First Nations languages in B.C. says that three languages are designated as “sleeping” with no fluent speakers and 22 are nearly extinct. The Hul’q'umi’num’ language, traditionally spoken by First Nations from the Malahat to Nanoose Bay, has 278 fluent speakers and is classified as “severely endangered.”

No one will be fluent in most of B.C.’s 32 First Nations languages within six years if action isn’t taken to prevent the decline, says the report by the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council, a crown corporation created to help First Nations revitalize their languages and arts.

Read more.

Categories: Culture, Education, First Nation, Language
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First Nations Band Finances Under Scrutiny

By tansi
Categories: Finance, First Nation
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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo Speaks: Canada Falls Short of Standards in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

Posted April 23, 2010 By tansi

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo presented today at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters in New York.  The National Chief spoke to key areas that require action by First Nations and the Government of Canada, including First Nations Treaties, citizenship, comprehensive land claims, border rights, water rights and highlighted the issue of missing and murdered women. The National Chief setout an approach to resolve these issues based on the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“The UN Declaration is the way to move forward on the issues that continue to hold back First Nations and Canada in achieving our full potential,” said National Chief Atleo. “The Declaration sets out principles and processes based on mutual respect and partnership. Adhering to these principles will ensure we get results that will work in everyone’s best interests.”

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.

“There are many pressing issues facing Canada and First Nations and, while there is movement in some areas, we are focusing our presentation on those areas that require action either because there is no movement or because current approaches threaten or breach our inherent Aboriginal and Treaty rights,” said National Chief Atleo.

The National Chief stated that proposed federal legislation on First Nations membership and water are two examples of federal approaches that are inconsistent with First Nations rights and fall short of the standards in the UN Declaration.  The National Chief also called on the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous Peoples to visit Canada to specifically monitor the critical issue of violence against women.

The National Chief identified relevant standards from the UN Declaration that would act as shared objectives and a process to achieve those objectives.

The National Chief stated: “Our goal is to be constructive and to that end we are putting forward initiatives, plans and approaches that set us on the right course using the guiding principles of the UN Declaration. Canada is now joining the international community by adopting the Declaration and we are seeking a positive and substantive response to our presentation.”

The Assembly of First Nations presentation is available on the AFN website at www.afn.ca or upon request.

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Editor’s note: Canada is one of only four nations in the world who voted against the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Categories: Justice, Land Claims, Rights, Treaty
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New School for North Spirit Lake First Nation

Posted February 26, 2010 By tansi

Ottawa, Ontario (February 26, 2010) — Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced that the North Spirit Lake First Nation has awarded the contract for its new school. This project was made possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan .

“Our Government believes First Nation youth deserve the best possible facilities in which to learn and thrive,” said MP Greg Rickford. “Our government is working in partnership with North Spirit Lake to ensure its youth will attend classes in a healthy and safe environment and build life skills for a strong future. Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is creating local jobs and helping to stimulate the economy.”

North Spirit Lake First Nation Chief Rita Thompson said, “the new school will improve the educational outcomes for the community’s students. The school represents hope for our young people, who will one day be our leaders.”

Through the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, an investment of approximately $15 million is building the new Kindergarten to Grade 9 facility that will accommodate 90 students. Construction of the school is expected to be complete in 2011.

This project is part of the $200 million for new schools and major renovations included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal peoples under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Government of Canada is taking action to improve the lives of First Nation peoples and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Investments in school infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation students have a strong and productive educational experience, which starts with access to quality infrastructure that is conducive to learning.

Categories: Education

Digital Collection of Northwest Coast Objects

Posted February 24, 2010 By tansi

Next month, UBC’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA), the Musqueam Indian Band, the Sto:lo Nation, Sto:lo Tribal Council and the U’mista Cultural Society will launch the first-ever digital network of more than 300,000 Northwest Coast objects.

Called the Reciprocal Research Network, this Web-based resource links collections of 12 partner organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution in the U.S., and Oxford and Cambridge in England.

Designed to foster the exchange of knowledge, the RNN invites geographically dispersed users and institutions – including originating communities – to carry out individual or collaborative cultural heritage research projects.

“This technology makes it possible to research our cultural heritage held at museums around the world from our home communities,” says Terry Point, a Musqueam associate arts researcher who has been providing community feedback on the RNN’s design and direction since 2004.

Read the full article here.

Link to UBC Museum of Anthropology.

Categories: Arts, Culture, Education, First Nation

First Nations Economic Development: Major Hospitality and Tourism Developments Planned for Truro Power Centre

Posted February 21, 2010 By tansi
Chief Paul

Chief Lawrence Paul, Millbrook First Nation

Two hospitality projects with a combined value of more than $30 million are in the advanced planning stages for the Truro Power Centre Millbrook Mi’kmaq First Nation Chief Lawrence Paul and Glenn Squires, CEO of Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc (PHSI) announced today.
The two, partners in both projects, said planning for a new concept restaurant/retail facility and a major destination attraction—an indoor water park and hotel—at the Truro site are “well-advanced and will be signature additions to the provincial hospitality industry.”

A 30,000 square foot indoor water park—Splash! Universe—and adjacent new 100-room hotel with amenities will take 18 months to develop “but will be worth the wait,” Chief Paul and Mr. Squires said. “This project is unique in eastern Canada” and will be a year-round attraction and destination resort that offers Atlantic Canadians and visitors a new motivation to travel within the region. “Throughout the US and in locations in Canada indoor water parks are family favourites and we have partnered with the expertise of U.S. based Splash! Universe to plan the project,” Mr. Squires said. Ground breaking is expected late this year with opening in the spring of 2012.

The 150 seat Atlantic Canada-themed restaurant will be located in an existing building at the Truro Power Centre and will be the flagship project for what is anticipated to be a number of restaurant and gift shops throughout the region. “We are confident that this project, featuring Atlantic Canada cuisine combined with retail opportunities heavily featuring local products and artifacts will appeal to the tastes of both residents and visitors to the area,” Glenn Squires said. Work on the restaurant project will begin in the March 2010 with the opening in June.
“Pacrim Hospitality is proud to partner with Millbrook First Nation on these projects,” Mr. Squires said. “We developed with Millbrook and have operated a successful Super 8 hotel at the Truro Power Centre Site for almost a decade,” he said. “We are excited to be embarking on two new and ground-breaking efforts.”

Categories: Business, First Nation