A Spotlight On Ontario’s First
Vol. 4 Issue 3 April 2002 Aboriginal Lieutenant-Governor James Bartleman may be Ontario’s 27th Lieutenant-Governor, but April 2002 he is the 1st Lieutenant-Governor in the province who is of Abo- riginal descent. A member of the Mnjikaning First Nation (also known as Rama), Bartleman grew up in Muskoka’s Port Carling, the son of a Mnjikaning mother and a white father. A boy during the 1940s and 50s, he remembers other children taunting him for being a “dirty half-breed.” This is something that he has never forgotten, and to this day, “a visceral hatred of racism is what animates me,” he says. When Canada changed the Indian Act with Bill C-31 in 1985, no longer penalizing Aboriginal women who married non-Aboriginal men, Bartleman gained his Indian Status and band membership in Mnjikaning. Later this month, the Mnjikaning community will be honouring him at a traditional feast to celebrate his appointment as Lieutenant-Governor.
Now distinguished by such titles as “His Excellency” or “The Honourable,” Bartleman was sworn in as Lieutenant-Governor on March 7, 2002, after having been appointed to the position by Prime Minister Jean Chretien earlier in the year. But this new posting is only the latest achievement in a longstanding public-
service career. For 35 years, James Bartleman was a Canadian ambassador in such varied locales as Cuba, Israel, Columbia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia and Belgium. He forged re- lationships with many world leaders, including Cuban President Fidel Castro and Israeli Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres. He is most proud, however, about having had a hand in the smallpox inoculation of 75 million people in Bangla-
WIGWAMEN desh in 1972. More recently, he served as the chief foreign pol-
INCORPORATED icy advisor for Prime Minister Chretien. Continued on pg. 3... Your “House to House” News Inside this issue: Special points of interest: General Manager’s Report 2 · Knowing Your Maintenance: TenantTenant Counsellor’sCounsellor’s CornerCorner 3 House Humidity — pg. 4 TerraceTerrace CommunityCommunity KitchenKitchen 5 · Pardons Canada — pg. 6 Zero Balance Club Update 6 · Petroglyphs: The Teaching Rocks — pg. 8 Household Hints 7 · President’s Corner — pg. 9 Love Medicine Book Review: 7 · Community Mediation — pg. 10
Wigwam to Who’s Who At Wigwamen 9
General Manager’s Report—Wigwamen’s Finances– Part 2 Last month we examined how Wigwamen Incorporated generates its income ($3,987,291) and examined what we spent on utilities ($552,276.) This month we’ll be looking at what Wigwamen spends in a variety of other areas.
A number of Wigwamen’s expenses are simply not discretionary, which is to say that we not only have no choice about whether or not we pay them, but we also have basically no control over them.
All of our properties are mortgaged, for instance, and in our last fiscal year, $1,221,174 was spent on mortgage payments. Property taxes have to be paid to the City of Toronto, and Wigwamen paid $513,338 last year. We are required by our funding agencies to set aside funds each year in a separate account called a Replacement Reserve, out of which we are to pay large capital expenses (roofs, major renovations, appliances, etc.) in future years. In accordance with its agreements, Wigwamen set aside $497,333 in Replacement Reserve funds and those monies also have to be paid out of our income.
Other expenses are somewhat more discretionary in the sense that even though they have to be paid each year, we can still search for savings. Examples of this include audit and accounting services which last year came to $42,560 ($134/unit); fire and other insurance coverages which last year cost us $36,487 ($115/unit); and legal fees which cost us a very modest $2,901.
In terms of our search for savings, it’s worth noting that Wigwamen’s insurance, like that of most other non-profits, is part of a master policy secured by the Provincial Government through a competitive bidding process. As such, Wigwamen has little control over either the scope of the coverage or the cost. And while our audit and accounting fees may seem high, the audit deals with units funded under four different programs and four different reporting requirements, and fees haven’t increased since 1995.
In summary then, $2,866,069 of our income last year, or 72%, was spent on mortgage pay- ments, utilities, property taxes, replacement reserve, audit and accounting, insurance, and legal expenses. Next month we’ll take a look at how the remaining 28% or our income is spent.
HOME VISITS:
Just a quick note to remind family housing tenants that Brian Tahaney and I expect to begin our latest round of home visits in April. It’s helpful if your home can be as neat and tidy as possi- ble at the time of our visit, not so much because we’re concerned about the housekeeping, but because it helps us to more easily identify maintenance issues. It’s also helpful to have a list of maintenance concerns available for us when we arrive. Thank you!
Page 2 WIGWAM TO WIGWAM
Tenant Counsellor’s Corner Aboriginal Lieutenant-Governor WORKSHOP SUGGESTIONS ...Continued from pg. 1
Along with the distinction of having achieved
Last year I organized two workshops: the the highest rank in Canada’s foreign service of first was entitled “Holistic Financial Well- any Aboriginal person, these are some of the ness,” and was facilitated by Cathy Morn- factors that contributed to James Bartleman re- ingstar-Flynn; and the second was ceiving a National Aboriginal Achievement “Employment Resources,” again facilitated Award in the category of Public Service in by Morningstar-Flynn. 1999. “It’s the greatest honour I have ever re- ceived in my life,” he said, maintaining that it The responses to these workshops were very gave him a real sense of belonging to the com- good and I would like to share a few com- munity of his roots. ments that were made by the participants: Today however, at the age of 62, he’s ready for · “[I liked that] we as a group felt very his new job as Lieutenant-Governor. Being the comfortable;” Queen’s representative for the Province of On- · “Very informative;” tario is mostly a symbolic posting. This means · “Helped me to start thinking of setting that besides authorizing Parliamentary bills (and goals;” and thereby making them law) and approving Cabi- · “I learned that I can get up and do some- net decisions and appointments, Bartleman will thing with my life.” have such public responsibilities as officially welcoming the Queen or other royalty, as well I will be scheduling several more workshops as other visiting world leaders and representa- in the upcoming months, and I would like to tives to Ontario. He will also present orders, hear your suggestions for any topics that decorations, medals and honours to outstanding would be of interest to you. Ontarians and attend hundreds of events organ- ized by community, educational, volunteer and All you have to do is fill out the reply form other groups across the province. Two years included with this edition of “Wigwam to ago, he was severely beaten in a hotel room in Wigwam” and mail it back to me. A post- South Africa, and although it did not take long age paid envelope has been enclosed for for the physical injuries to heal, he experienced your convenience. a deep, post-traumatic depression. It is because of this experience that he would like to make Thank you in advance for your suggestions! mental health issues in Ontario a priority during his five-year term. Aboriginal issues will also feature prominently in his work. Among other Jodi Hetherington things, being the first Aboriginal Lieutenant- Governor, Bartleman is hoping that he can serve as a role model to young Aboriginal peo- ple. Adene Kuchera (with files from the Toronto Star, March 7, 2002)
Page 3 Knowing Your Maintenance: House Humidity Some straight-forward Too Much Humidity Can too much or too little humid- facts about humidity: Lead To: ity. Remember that accept- · Condensation on win- able or comfortable humidity Humidity is the amount of dows levels will actually vary from moisture or water vapour in · Wet stains on walls and season to season, from house the air. You, your family, ceilings to house, and even between and your pets produce mois- · Mouldy bathroom rooms in the same house. ture when you breathe or · Musty smells Once you know for sure, you perspire. Even your indoor · Allergic reactions can decide whether any ac- plants produce moisture. We tion is required and, if so, also add water vapour to in- what to do. door air through routine household activities: cook- Taking action: ing, showering, bathing, dishwashing, and doing laun- Humidity can be controlled. dry. And more moisture can If the relative humidity in enter your home from the your home is too high, you soil surrounding a basement can reduce it; if it is too low, or crawlspace. you can increase it.
When is humidity a This may require very simple problem? Too Little Humidity Can changes to your family’s Lead To: habits, such as remembering We need humidity for our · Chapped skin to close doors or windows. comfort and health. But too and lips You should also use the ex- much or too little can pro- · Scratchy nose haust fans in your bathroom duce a host of difficulties for and throat and kitchen to remove excess householders. Some of the · Breathing problems humidity. problems are no more than · Static and sparks nuisances; others could be · Problems with electronic Although they seem small, far more serious. Many are equipment remembering to do these familiar to Canadians, often things can greatly increase occurring during the winter A small, inexpensive and your and your family’s com- months when our windows easy-to-use instrument called fort at home. are closed, and indoor air cir- a Hygrometer (sometimes culation and ventilation are called a humidity sensor or a reduced. relative humidity indicator) Brian Taheny (with material published by Canada can measure the humidity Mortgage and Housing Corporation) level in your home and con- firm whether the home has
Page 4 WIGWAM TO WIGWAM Terrace Community Kitchen: Breakfast Recipes EGG BURRITO BREAKFAST POPOVERS 2 eggs 2 large eggs (or 3 small) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup flour 1 tbsp. salsa 1/2 tsp. salt 4-6 drops hot sauce (if de- 1/2 cup milk sired) 1 soft tortilla shell 1/2 cup water 1 tbsp. butter Preheat oven to 400 F. Coat 6-8 muffin pans bacon or sausage (optional) with Crisco or butter if desired. (Special pop- over pans make the best, highest-rising pop- In a small bowl, beat eggs well. Melt butter in overs, but regular muffin pans will do.) Beat a small skillet over medium low heat; tilt pan the eggs first, then sift in flour and salt. Add to coat. Pour eggs into skillet. Scramble eggs milk and water, and beat until smooth. until done to your satisfaction. Fill each cup about 3/4 full. Bake 40 to 45 Place scrambled eggs, shredded cheese and minutes. (Baking time varies, so check the salsa on a tortilla shell. Top with hot sauce. popovers after 30 min to see if tops are golden Microwave on high until cheese melts, and brown, but not too browned.) Serve immedi- enjoy. ately. Recipe can be doubled. Serves 4-6 Cooking time: 10 min. Serves: 1 Source: http://family.go.com/recipes Terrace Happenings
· The Terrace Management could occur during the drill. Dental Health for Sen- Office will be having a We have come a long way iors.” It is being given fire drill during the month with respect to fire safety at by Dr. Arnie Wyngarden of April 2002. The regu- the Terrace, but we need to on April 17 at 2:00 p.m. larly scheduled drill has do more in terms of educa- in the Turner Room. been moved ahead due to tion. Light refreshments will the installation of the · If you are interested in be- be provided. mini-horns. The last two coming a fire warden on · Please welcome two new annual fire drills were your floor, or if you are un- residents to the Terrace, conducted with notifica- sure of your exit point, or if Mrs. Elizabeth Cada and tion, however, this time you have any questions at Mrs. Gladys Ashkewe! we will conduct a mock all about fire safety, please · In closing, we would like drill without any notifica- speak with Janet in the Ter- to wish all of the resi- tion. This will give both race Management Office. dents a very happy you and Terrace manage- · There will be a workshop Easter! ment the opportunity to scheduled for tenants enti- identify any problems that tled “Maintaining Good
Page 5 Pardons Canada Criminal Records & U.S.A Entry impedes foreign travel, including travelling to Waivers Removed the United States, and often prevents people from obtaining status or citizenship in Can- Pardons Canada is a federal non-profit or- ada. Pardons Canada offers information, sup- ganization which assists individuals in re- port and guidance. They also take all neces- moving a past criminal offence from public sary steps for removing a criminal record, in- record. As a resource for over 3,500 govern- cluding: pardons, purges, file destructions, U. ment and community agencies, it provides S.A entry waivers, and U.S.A visa waivers. free counselling and information over the To receive additional information, please call: telephone, e-mail, or at a walk-in centre. (416) 920-6011 ext. 755, or email: [email protected], or visit their website at: Everyday approximately 250 people in On- www.pardons.org tario are charged with a criminal offence, and over 5% of all Canadians have a criminal re- cord. This statistic may actually be higher Zero Balance Club Update.. because a criminal record is created when a The Zero Balance Club has been running for person has been charged, even if they are not the past three years. It was created as an in- convicted. Therefore, a criminal record does centive for tenants in both Family Housing exist in cases of acquittals, peace bonds, ab- and at the Terrace to pay their rent in a timely solute/conditional discharges, and withdrawn, manner at the beginning of every month. dismissed or diversion charges. If your rental payment is recorded as having Many people have made regrettable mistakes. been received by the 1st of the month, we en- Still, those who are no longer involved in ter your name into the draw. One winner is criminal activity have the opportunity to selected per month. make a fresh start and a positive change in their lives. Removing the stigma and shame The winner then receives a fifty dollar gift associated with a criminal past is a vital part certificate from Dominion Stores and is rec- of developing an improved self image for fu- ognized in the “Wigwam to Wigwam” honour ture success. People often go on to become roll for being such a responsible tenant. more productive, which benefits themselves, their families, and society as a whole. Our recent winner, Mrs. Ida Shaggi, is no stranger to the club; she first won the Zero Individuals with a criminal record are often at Balance Club when the club was started. a serious disadvantage when it comes to com- Congratulations from all of us at Wigwamen! peting for employment, career advancement, bonding, volunteer positions, apartment You can become a winner too, so please get rental, child custody, adoption, and educa- involved by simply paying your rent at the tional opportunities. A criminal record first of the month. It’s that simple!
Page 6 WIGWAM TO WIGWAM Household Hints: Non-Hazardous alternatives Drain de-clogging: 125 ml white vinegar down move stopper and rinse with To prevent clogs: Pour 50 ml the drain. Cover with stopper one kettle of boiling water. of salt down the drain, fol- and leave 15 minutes. Re- lowed by a kettle of boiling Blocked drains: A plunger water. Repeat once or twice a or plumber’s snake can usu- week. Or, instead of salt, you ally solve the problem. Fol- could use 50 ml washing soda, low up with a slow drain or 50 ml baking soda plus 50 treatment. You may have to ml vinegar followed by a ket- use the slow drain treatment tle of boiling water. more than once, but it does work. Clean drain once a Slow drains: Pour 250 ml week to prevent clogging. baking soda, 250 ml salt and Source: www.city.toronto.on.ca
Book Review
Love Medicine basis of the Kashpaw- ters out of their original con- By Louise Erdrich Lamartine family feud. Fi- text, and the reader might nally, as the novel ends, the find him or herself constantly The first in a series of novels reader is once again returned flipping back and forth, try- by this author, Love Medicine to the present day, where the ing to remember who some tells the story of two Chip- elderly Marie, Nector and of the characters are. pewa families, the Kashpaws Lulu, as well as their children and the Lamartines, and of the and grandchildren, are still However, this particular style tragedies and joys that both di- facing the consequences of also enables the reader to vide and unite them. their families’ troubled his- gain an insight into the in- tory. credible depth of personality Tracking three generations of in every one of these charac- family, the story moves With the lives of these charac- ters. As a consequence, the quickly in time, beginning ters so intertwined, this novel reader can easily become with the accidental death of can be hard to follow at times. emotionally caught up in the June Kashpaw on a cold win- To exacerbate this, each char- story’s drama, and may find ter’s night in 1984. It then acter uses the first person nar- him or herself torn between moves swiftly back in time to rative to tell his or her own which character to sympa- 1934, where the reader is in- story, creating the effect of a thise with, and which one to troduced to the teenaged series of monologues rather dislike. Suffice it to say, Marie Lazare, Nector than that of a fluid novel. As once started, this book is dif- Kashpaw and Lulu Nanapush, a result, it can be difficult to ficult to put down. whose love triangle forms the recognize each of the charac- -Melanie Brown
Page 7
Aboriginal History Petroglyphs: marble (metamorphosed Fore instance, there are a The Teaching Rocks limestone). Many Native number of turtle carvings in people believe that manitous the park. The turtle is an im- (Petroglyphs Provincial Park near (spirits) live or dwell at un- portant animal for many Na- Peterborough) usual geological formations, tive people, as it is a symbol The Carvers: like this large out-cropping of patience, longevity and The rock carvings at Petro- of rock. Perhaps, it has been fertility. The small circular glyphs Provincial Park near suggested, the natural crev- images around some turtles Peterborough are approxi- ices of rock are openings to may be their eggs. In narra- mately 600-1100 years old the other worlds, and the tives of re-creation, the turtle and were most likely made sounds of intermittent under- offered its back as a place for by Algonkian speaking na- ground streams, in the vicin- a new world to be built. tives. The Algonkian lin- ity of this rock, are voices of There are also triangularly guistic group refers to a these manitous. The petro- shaped objects. Some people number of Native tribes who glyphs themselves do not tell believe that these may por- have different but related an overall story. Rather, they tray shamanistic spirits, as a languages, some examples of are symbols which reflect the triangular shape was often which are the Algonkin, culture and individuality of used by Native people to de- Cree, Odawa, and Ojibwa. those who carved here over a pict a body. period of time. Such a pro- These tribes, among others, Many snake images can also traditionally inhabited much longed use certainly attests to the spiritual nature of this lo- be found at this place. For of the Canadian Shield re- some Native people, snakes gion of Ontario. They were cation. It is important to re- alize that the site and imme- are thought to be guardians nomadic peoples who sub- of underground springs, sym- sisted primarily by hunting, diate area are sacred and spe- cial to many people. bols of renewal and regen- gathering and fishing. One eration, and they can be al- important aspect of survival Interpreting the Carvings: lies for some shamans. was each person’s relation- The precise meanings of Snakes are also creatures ship to the spirit world, of these carvings are gone with who live in the underworld. which the petroglyphs may the people who made them. The turtle and snake are just be a visual representation, As a result, there are differ- for the complexity and so- two of the petroglyphs pro- ent interpretations regarding filed. For more information phistication of these carvings the meaning of some carv- suggest that this site may on the Petroglyphs, please ings. Interpretations at the contact Ontario Parks. have been visited by sha- park are based on informa- mans. tion gathered from a variety This Site: of sources including Native Source: Petroglyphs: The Teaching Rocks These petroglyphs were people, anthropologists and carved in a white crystalline historians.
Page 8 WIGWAM TO WIGWAM Who’s Who At Wigwamen—Brian Taheny Wigwamen Incorporated is pleased to wel- volved with computers for the past 25 years come Brian Taheny as its new Maintenance and has several large-scale computer installa- Manager. As Maintenance Manager, Brian is tions to his credit. Born and raised in Sligo responsible for, among other things: supervis- on the west coast of Ireland, Brian emigrated ing maintenance staff; ensuring that a com- to Canada in 1988 with his wife and two chil- prehensive preventative maintenance program dren. All are Celtic musicians, performing is in place; coordinating home inspections as the Reid/Taheny Band all throughout Can- and the tendering process; and preparing and ada and the United States. They have re- monitoring the maintenance and replacement leased three CD’s and have appeared on reserve budgets. Brian is also the Mainte- many others. Brian plays guitar, fiddle, tenor nance Inspector for the Rural and Native banjo, Irish Bouzouki and many other Housing Program in the Peterborough area stringed instruments. and as such he ensures regular maintenance work, coordinates emergency repairs, and prepares repair specifications and tendering contracts for vacant units. President’s Corner
Over the past thirteen years, Brian Taheny On the afternoon of Wednesday February 20, has worked in both public and non-profit 2002, the staff and Board of Wigwamen In- housing management, the majority of which corporated assembled at our office to unveil a was with the Metropolitan Toronto Housing plaque honouring all of the volunteers who Authority. There, Brian gained experience in have served as Directors of Wigwamen over all aspects of property and maintenance man- the past thirty years. agement with the Authority’s varied building stock. His last position at MTHA was Prop- As President of Wigwamen Incorporated, I erty Manager Large Portfolio, in which he wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of was responsible for overseeing all manage- the staff who worked so hard to organize the ment functions for more than 900 units in To- event and came out to show their support, and ronto’s west end. Prior to this, Brian worked to all of the Directors and other special guests in the private sector as General Manager of a who were in attendance, for helping to make plastics extrusion company, gaining wide ex- the afternoon so memorable. perience in financial planning and budgeting, technical design, large machinery purchasing Thank you all! and maintenance, and personnel and client li- aison. Bill Kinoshameg, President Brian graduated from Summerhill College, Sligo, Ireland, and has received certificates in Business Studies, Electrical Engineering and Computer Aided Design. He has been in-
Page 9 Community Mediation What is Mediation? party to see if they are Why Use Mediation? willing. Having a disagreement with 3. If you both choose to pro- · It’s quick and flexible a neighbour can be frustrat- ceed, mediators will meet · It’s informal ing, and can also make you with each of you privately · It’s confidential stressed, afraid and angry. to get more information · The solution is yours Furthermore, small conflicts and make sure their proc- · Service is free in the can become big ones if they ess will meet your needs. downtown area are not dealt with properly. 4. They will then hold a me- · It’s effective diation meeting · Neighbours can help Mediation is a with both of neighbours structured meet- you, where you ing between the will be asked to Mediation Can Help With people involved discuss the the Following Kinds Of in the conflict. problem Situations: Trained volun- through a struc- teer mediators tured process. · Neighbourhood conflicts help you resolve Most conflicts your conflict in a are resolved in · Problems at home (family way that is safe and fair for one meeting. members, housemates) both sides. Though no one’s rights are ignored in media- Mediation Will: · Landlord/Tenant prob- tion, parties are asked to fo- lems (maintenance, pri- cus on understanding each · Help you explain your vacy, noise) other’s needs and interests, side of the problem, and rather than deciding who is understand the other per- · Personal property issues right or wrong. son’s point of view. (small claims, contrac- tors) Do You Have a Conflict? · Provide a safe place for you and the other person · Workplace conflicts Here’s what happens when to talk to each other. you call the Conflict Resolu- · Teen-Adult problems tion Service: · Assist in writing an 1. A staff person will listen agreement that is accept- If you would like more infor- to your problem and ex- able to both of you. mation, please contact the plain their service. Conflict Resolution Service 2. If you decide that you · Serve as an alternative to at (416) 926-8221. want to try mediation, the police and court sys- they will contact the other tem.
Page 10 WIGWAM TO WIGWAM NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN CLUB AND THE THUNDERBIRD CLUB (Two original Community Social Clubs)
Will be holding a
Saturday, August 31, 2002
Toronto Colony Hotel 89 Chestnut Street (behind City Hall)
Reception at 6:00 pm Buffet at 7:00 pm Dance at 9:30 pm
Tickets are $ 50.00 each Tables of 8 – Cash payment of $ 200.00 to reserve table Balance must be paid by Aug. 01, 2002
Tickets and Information
Pat Turner - 416-964-9087 or email [email protected] Bill Kinoshameg - 705-673-1952 Donna Niven - [email protected] Russel Lickers - [email protected] Angus Stevens - 416-922-1242
Note: Rooms are available for $ 129.00 for 1 or 2 in room. The rooms must be reserved by the end of July. To reserve, please call 1-800-387-8687, and mention North American Indian Club to receive discount.
Page 11 Native Zodiac Signs The Wolf (March 21 - April 19) - Wild and vicious or tame and friendly, the wolf is a leader. The Elk (April 20 - May 20) - Strong, handsome and proud, elk people can be aggressive if angered. The Eagle (May 21 - June 20) - Idealistic and strong-willed, the farsighted eagle must use his natural talents to work hard for rewards. The Salmon (June 21– July 22) - Though adventurous, the salmon is home-loving. The Cougar (July 23-August 22) - Cougars are proud, determined and loyal. The Owl (August 23 - September 22) - Owl people are naturally intelligent, and they should use their ability to put their thoughts in writing. The Dove (September 23 - October 23) - Though usually generous and peace-loving, the dove should make an effort to be assertive. The Eel (October 24 -November 21) - Under their dark mysterious exterior, eel people are emotional creatures. The Horse (November 22 - December 21) - Horse people are generous and kind, as well as inquisitive. The Bear (December 22 - January 21) - Quiet and secretive, the bear is protective of home and family. The Magpie (January 22 - February 18) - Magpie people’s sociability and willingness to share will bring personal satisfaction. Whale ( February 19 - March 20) - Good providers and generous with strangers. Submitted by Frances Folz
WIGWAMEN INCORPORATED 310--25 Imperial Street, Toronto,Toronto, OntarioOntario Terrace Community Kitchen Cooking Contest Phone: 416-481-4451 Fax: 416-481-5002 Just a little reminder that entry Email: [email protected] forms for the Terrace Community A Housing Project for Native People Kitchen Cooking Contest must be returned by Monday April 1, 2002. www.wigwamen.com