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.” 

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Charlottetown-based group Aboriginal Survivors for Healing will resume its work this week after a one-month hiatus that it was forced to take when its government funding was cut.

The group, which provides counselling to survivors of the residential school system and their families, had been getting $200,000 a year from the federal government through the Aboriginal Healing Foundation for the past 10 years, but that funding ran out at the end of March.

. . .

“Traditional services are not available anywhere else in this province,” said project co-ordinator Tarry Hewitt on Monday. “After 100 years of residential schools, they expected those issues to be addressed in 10 to 15 years. It’s just not realistic.”

Canada’s church-run, government-funded residential schools, which operated from the 19th century up until 1996, aimed to assimulate aboriginal children into white society. Children were not allowed to speak their native language and often endured physical and sexual abuse.

In a study conducted by Dr. Sharma’s student in Alberta Diabetes Institute’s Research seminar was on both quantitative and qualitative analysis of overweight and obesity amongst First Nation children living in an on-reserve Cree community in Alberta.

The qualitative part of her study included exploring the children’s traditional knowledge, perceptions about health, food and activity and to better understand their food and activity preferences.

. . .

In the qualitative study, which included having kids drawing pictures and sorting them into healthy and unhealthy piles, it became evident that the children had a strong identification with their traditional cultures and values. There was a great importance of both traditional foods and their role at cultural events as well as on hunting.

The children often cited their mothers or grandmothers as their source of health information and gained their beliefs from older relatives.

The study shows that among the sample group almost half of the children were obese, and only 36% met the daily step requirements. Traditional food does not seem like it would cause diabetes; I am not certain if there was such a thing as diabetes among Aboriginal people prior to Europeans coming to North America — definitely not at the levels seen today.

The entire news post is here.

In TALONS Socials, we were assigned op ed articles to write, relating to Aboriginal issues. I perused through some of my classmates’ articles, and found many conflicting opinions, all of which I find equally valid and equally important.

Obviously we all have opinions of our own, and I found that as I read through my peers’ blog posts, many of which were about two things (funding and education), my opinion was becoming more and more refined. I agreed and disagreed with many points made within the blogosphere of our class, I watched as my own opinion rose out out of my opinions of the individual points made by my fellow students. And so… Here is my contribution of fodder to the discussion of Aboriginal issues:

Everyone knows the stereotypes. The Aboriginal people are often regarded as uneducated, lazy people that leach off our tax money. Although these stereotypes are unfair, they have a basis in statistic. Many of us are aware that Aboriginal youth demonstrate lower standards of education than  that of non-Aboriginal youth in Canada. According to the Canadian Council on Learning, Aboriginal youth in Census Metropolitan Areas of Canada remain significantly less likely to complete high school than non-Aboriginal youth.

The entire blog post is here. Some of the comments are startling. In my opinion, the single biggest problem facing Aboriginal people in North America is our impatience. Settlers to North America systematically destroyed the existing cultures in a savage fashion with the goal of exclusive ownership over land and resources. The destruction of existing cultures in North America took place over generations, and in some cases there continues to be attacks on Aboriginal people. The majority of Canadians and Americans lack perspective and understanding for the damage our ancestors did, and our ignorance leads to the belief that problems can be corrected with some cash and quick-fix solutions.

After John Henhawk graduated with a business degree from Brock University last year, he faced a crisis: try to make lots of money or use his talents to help his people.

He chose the latter, but never imagined he’d do it through music.

Henhawk, 25, is Haudenosaunee, or as he calls himself, one of the People of the Longhouse. After finishing an honours degree in October 2009 in business administration in just three years, he had some hard decisions to make.

. . .

Henhawk had to work, but he didn’t want to distract himself by taking on something for the short term. A friend suggested he seek the Creator’s guidance, and Henhawk prayed by ritually burning tobacco.

“And then this job came to me,” Henhawk says.

He’s now youth project coordinator for the Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative. The province funds the agency to provide programs and services to Aboriginal communities, which have rates of diabetes three to five times the national average.

His job is to oversee the production of a hip-hop album that lays bare the deadly effects of diabetes on Aboriginal people. Henhawk has posted videos of the making of the album on YouTube.

The article goes on and names a number of groups that are involved in using music and medicine to promote healing and wellness. You can read the entire news article here.