Were the 2010 Winter Olympics on stolen land?

Posted February 28, 2010 By móniyáw

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Aboriginal culture permetates the sentiment behind the Vancouver Olympics as well. The Aboriginal pavillion is among the most popular attractions, as is Canada’s Northern House, which showcases Inuit culture. The medals awarded in Vancouver are adorned with designs of an orca and raven by First Nation artist Corrine Hunt. Not to mention the official Vancouver 2010 emblem, an Inukshuk.

But there’s another perspective on Aboriginal involvement. Critics say that several of the new venues have been constructed on stolen native land.

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“The venues, on the other hand, do not seem to fall into this nest of problems. My sense is that the four host nations agreed to be co-hosts of these Games. If that is so, how can anyone—non-indigenous or indigenous—criticize their choices? This is, after all, the territory of the four host nations, and so it is their will that must be respected by all.”

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Read the full article here.

Categories: First Nation, Land Rights, Sports
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CSFS Wants Response For Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women

Posted February 27, 2010 By móniyáw

Carrier Sekani Family Services Wants Response to Year Old Letter Requesting an Inquiry into Missing and Murder Women on the Highway of Tears

PRINCE GEORGE, BC, PRESS RELEASE–(Marketwire – Feb. 25, 2010) – Executive Director Warner Adam of Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) has sent another letter to Premier Gordon Campbell and Attorney General Michael de Jong requesting an inquiry into the missing and murdered women on the Highway of Tears. The letter comes as follow up to a letter sent last April 20, 2009 to Premier Campbell and then Minister Wally Oppal from CSFS Highway of Tears coordinator Mavis A. Erickson. Erickson’s letter has not received an answer and it is coming up to the one year anniversary of the letter being sent. Executive Director Adam wants an answer to whether there will be an inquiry into the missing and murdered women on the Highway of Tears.

In the meantime, Last week Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconcilliation George Abbott said “no” to an inquiry into the missing and murdered aboriginal women in BC. During question period Thursday February 11th Minister Abbott said that “the police investigations into the individual cases would be sufficient.” Adam’s response to Minister Abbott is “That is unacceptable”.

According to Adam “It is obvious that the RCMP will never solve some of the cases that have seen a considerable time lapse since the first disappearance. It has been 41 years since the first Indigenous woman associated with the Highway of Tears cases went missing. Many people involved including police officers will have retired and undoubtedly paperwork has been lost and evidence misplaced in these cold cases. This is why CSFS and other First Nations groups in Canada continue to ask for an inquiry. As noted by Adam “With 137 missing and murdered Indigenous women. In Canada it is believed that there are 520 missing and murdered Indigenous women and that is a low estimate.”

Adam continued in his statement, “To date the United Nations Periodical Committee and the Committee to End Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) have asked Canada to have a full inquiry into the missing and murdered women in Canada. So far the calls have gone unheeded by both levels of Government in Victoria and Ottawa. Examining the cases and showing respect for women missing and murdered would demonstrate the commitment to recognition and reconciliation adopted by the federal and provincial governments, and provide tangible evidence of the commitment to the philosophies engendered by the Prime Minister through Canada’s residential school apology.”

A time line of one year for a response is not indicative of recognition and reconciliation and the letter requesting an inquiry is worthy of a response from the Provincial Government.

Categories: Crime, Women
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Tolko Industries wins order to remove First Nations blockade

By móniyáw

Vernon, BC — The Canadian Press

A Vernon, B.C., forest company facing a First Nations blockade over logging plans has won a B.C. Supreme Court order aimed at removing the roadblock.

Tolko Industries wants to log in the Brown’s Creek area, but the Okanagan Indian Band says that could threaten its drinking water and has erected the blockage to stop any logging.

Tolko Woodlands manager Mark Tamas says the company will take the next few days to review the court’s direction and assess its next step.

The band says it will keep its blockade in place and appeal the ruling.

It would be up to the RCMP to enforce the order.

The Mounties have said they plan to talk to both sides to mediate a peaceful settlement, before taking any other action.

Another story related to this article can be read here. If pine beetle-killed trees are a threat to the area, then what impact will this have on the Okanagan Indian Band if the trees are not removed? It seems that the government should negotiate a compromise that will protect the watershed, settle the land claim, and avoid conflict where none may be necessary.

Categories: Environment, First Nation, Land Claims, Land Rights
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Driving the Information Super Highway up North, but will that mean more traffic?

Posted February 26, 2010 By móniyáw

For residents in three remote First Nation communities, this weeks marks the celebration of increased communication with the world through the Internet.

The Far North First Nation communities of Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Fort Albany now have access to wireless high-speed Internet with fibre-optic technology through the Western James Bay Telecom Network (WJBTN).

 Project manager Morry Brown explained that this is a much needed improvement for these communities.

“Over the years, the Mushkegowuk Council has been looking to improve the telecom services in the region,” he said. “Before, these residents had internet only through satellite or dial-up, which was very slow, and offered really no benefit to the people.”

While WJBTN has brought the technology to these communities, Five Nations Energy Inc. is the company that installed all of the fibre-optic lines. Fibre-optic communication works by transmitting pulses of light through a glass or plastic fibre, forming a wave that carries information.

[...]

The Internet is one way for previously isolated communities to reach out and touch a larger global community. I for one find surfin’ the ‘net a great way to pass a cold winter night. Read the full story here.

Categories: First Nation, Internet
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Funding doubles for Highway of Tears investigation, but is it enough?

By móniyáw

VANCOUVER – An investigative police team probing the murders or disappearances of 18 young women in northern B.C. has increased it budget to $3.6 million this year, up from $2.1 million spent in previous years, police announced Thursday.

The announcement came after members of the E-Pana investigation team spent most of the day Thursday meeting in Surrey with family members of the 18 women who were murdered or went missing along highways in northern B.C. and the Interior.

“The RCMP is fully committed to pursuing each of the identified investigations in order to bring successful conclusion to as many of the investigations as possible and closure to the families” Vancouver RCMP Chief Supt. Richard Bent said in a prepared statement after the meeting.

He assured the victims’ families that the RCMP is committed to catch “the person or persons responsible for their loved ones disappearance or murder.”

18 young women go missing along the Highway of Tears, but how many more cases could be related across Canada? Does the RCMP receive the necessary funding to develop tools in order to properly track and coorelate missing persons across the country?

Read the full story here.

Categories: Crime, Women
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New School for North Spirit Lake First Nation

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

Historic Partnership to Strengthen First Nation Education in Alberta

By móniyáw

TSUU T’INA NATION, CALGARY–(Marketwire – Feb. 24, 2010) – The Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs in Alberta have signed an historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) on education. The MOU provides a common vision for strengthening learning and educational success for First Nation learners.

The MOU was signed by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Dave Hancock, Alberta Education Minister, Len Webber, Minister of Aboriginal Relations, and Grand Chiefs Eddy Makokis, Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations; Charles Weasel Head, Treaty 7 Management Corporation and Allan Adam, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta.

“We can only reach education goals through true partnership,” said Minister Strahl. “I am deeply encouraged by the announcement made here today. There are few things more important than education and I am looking for this MOU to be a first step in implementing positive changes in education on behalf of First Nation students in Alberta.”

Strengthening the education outcomes for Alberta’s First Nation students is a priority for all of the partners. This MOU will provide a framework for collaboration and will support a range of education-related issues including parental and community engagement, Treaty and cultural awareness, and on-going work on tuition and education service agreements.

“Every student in Alberta deserves to receive an excellent education, regardless of where she or he lives and regardless of her or his background,” said Minister Hancock. “This MOU is a significant step in fostering the supports, relationships, and resources needed to ensure that every student in this province has the equity of opportunity to succeed.”

The MOU provides a framework for change to guide restructuring First Nations education in Alberta. Key highlights of the MOU include the following:

  • the establishment of an Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre which will, for the first time, create a centre of education expertise for all of the First Nations in the three Treaty organizations;
  • a commitment to develop a long-term strategic plan for First Nation education in Alberta to improve First Nations student outcomes; and
  • the creation of the Alberta First Nations Education Circle comprised of senior officials from all parties to oversee the implementation of the MOU.

“The MOU on First Nation Education marks a new beginning for all First Nation children in the province. One key aspect of the MOU is the honoring of our culture and language and maintaining our identity to guide our children to success,” said Grand Chief Charles Weasel Head. “We recognize the importance of the partnership between the three governments to improve educational outcomes for the future of First Nations People in Alberta.”

“The signing of this historic document marks the beginning of a new relationship with all partners to move forward on First Nation education including all Treaty Six First Nation children, youth, parents and Elders,” said Grand Chief Eddy Makokis.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will support First Nations in establishing the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre and is committed to supporting the development of work plans and strategies contemplated by the MOU. As part of the MOU, the province will provide assistance and expertise in areas such as data collection and management as well as curriculum and resource development.

“This MOU represents the spirit and intent of the Treaty relationship envisioned when our ancestors signed with the Queen,” said Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Grand Chief Allan Adam.

Repeating the words of Keenooshayo, Chief Adam also said: “I hope this marks the beginning of a true Treaty partnership that, among other things, provides us the opportunity to ensure ever increasing knowledge for our children.”

“Education is the foundation upon which the future success of First Nation children, youth and communities is built,” said Len Webber, Minister of Aboriginal Relations. “This historic MOU will significantly advance our work with First Nations and federal partners on achieving our shared vision for First Nation education in Alberta.”

At the Gathering for Success symposium on Aboriginal economic development held in Banff at the end of June, 2009, Minister Strahl agreed to the development of this partnership proposed by Alberta and the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs in Alberta.

Categories: Education
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Native artist defined by his culture and past

By móniyáw

Photograph by: Arlen Redekop , PNG

VANCOUVER — Native artist and dancer Andy Everson is deeply involved with his culture, but his path wasn’t an easy one because of a past law in Canada that stigmatized aboriginal women who married non-aboriginal men.

Everson, who is from the Comox Band, at one time wasn’t even allowed to live on reserve after his mother married a Norwegian man.

By doing so, she and her children lost their Indian status. According to Canadian federal law at the time if an aboriginal man married a non-aboriginal woman she gained Indian status. After the Indian Act was amended in 1985, Everson’s mother was able to regain her status, as were her children.

“It defines who I am now,” said Everson, who gives no hint of malice about the injustice.

In order to gain some appreciation for the relationship between Aboriginal people in Canada, it is crucial to acquire an understanding of the history of the Indian Act. You can read the full article here.

Categories: Culture, Justice
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Bringing teens to God…using public funds?

Posted February 25, 2010 By móniyáw

Youth for Christ plans to build a 50,000-sq.-ft. 'Youth Centre of Excellence' at the northwest corner of Main Street and Higgins Avenue.

The Canadian government is planning to help a fundamentalist Christian group, Youth for Christ, to proselytize. They’ve offered to contribute several million dollars to the construction of a youth center in downtown Winnipeg, which sounds like a wonderful, useful idea…except for the fact that the group building it has this as their mission:

“To impact every young person in Canada with the person, work and teachings of Jesus Christ and discipling them into the Church.”

That is serious stuff. People seem to have forgotten what we, Canada and the US, were doing a bit over a century ago: we were actively ripping children away from their native parents and boarding them up in schools where they were taught the White Man’s Ways, which usually involved religion in some way or another. My own university (which is celebrating its history this year) had its beginnings as a native American boarding school, run by an order of Catholic nuns. That’s not something to be proud of, but a stigma to be overcome. Why would Winnipeg want to be afflicted with a new racist black mark on their history?

[...]

Seperation of church and state is important to all members within our society, religious or otherwise. A government that provides support for a particular religion runs the risk of alienating other groups and casts itself as supporting the ideas and goals of that religion. Regardless of the goal of helping youth, the government should not ignore the goals of this organization.

However, there are a number of faith-based organizations that do good for our communities including the Salvation Army.

You can read the full blog post for yourself here.

Another view can be found here.

Categories: Culture, Religion
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First Nations students optimistic about future despite funding cuts

By móniyáw

WINNIPEG (CUP) — Despite provincial and federal funding cuts of $12 million and counting, students at the First Nations University of Canada are optimistic about the institution’s future, said student Cadmus Delorme.
“Number one, we will not let our institution close. What the students wanted from day one was accountability and transparency. We got that,” said Delorme, commenting on the recent appointment of an interim board of governors at FNU, Canada’s only aboriginal-run university.
Delorme, the FNU Student’s Association vice-president, said students rallied the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) – the organization that controls the university – to let “experts” form an interim board of governors.
The school’s board of governors was dissolved earlier this month.
“I’m ready to go back to school. I feel a lot better … There are experts making decisions and I mean experts that have been through this institution,” said Delorme.

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Read the full story here.

Categories: Education, First Nation
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