A publication !om the NunatuKavut o"ce news

Issue One | Season One

A Special 2010 Re!ection Issue of the NunatuKavut News ur organization has changed We traditionally referred to In This Issue... Oits name. The former ourselves as Labradorians, Metis Nation is now the Nunatu- descendants indigenous to Labra- THE LABRADOR YOUTH kavut, an word meaning dor. The name has lost its original LEADER’S COMMITTEE “our ancient land”. This change meaning and was never legally Working to keeping traditional events alive was endorsed by our membership understood to imply our aboriginal- at the February 2010 AGA. This ity. Labrador Metis was our first LABRADOR WINTER GAMES change occurred after much re- attempt to legally define ourselves WELLNESS WORKING search and considerations. There and to underlie our uniqueness to GROUP and their roll in the were essential reasons for it. those outside our community. Labrador Winter Games Continued on pg. 9 METIS BUSINESS CENTRE “Build Your Business”

NunatuKavut: APPLIED SUICIDE INTER- VENTION SKILLS TRAINING nu/na/tu/Ha/vut (ASIST) Training was offered “Our ancient land.” people in our Southern costal communities.

METIS WOMEN REPRE- SENTED LABRADOR at The Atlantic Aboriginal Women in Business – Bal- ance 2010 conference

NUNATUKAVUT MEM- BER WINS CANADA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP for Doctoral Students Message From the President

I am pleased to report that we have experienced mush progress in NunatuKavut. This would not have been possible without a dedicated staff and council. There are also many possibilities and opportunities that offer us challenges for the future. This brief report will highlighted some of them. • Our organiza- tion acquired the services of a management expert to )BNJMUPO3JWFS3PBEr(PPTF#BZ /- help our council develop a strategic plan. 10#PY 4UO$r"1$ Tel:r'BY Full message on fallowing page. XXXMBCSBEPSNFUJTDB MessageChris From Montague’s the President

am pleased to report that we in the mining industry. We are work- Health and economic development. have experienced mush progress ing to set up a cell phone services Our position reflects our historic and in NunatuKavut. This would for some communities on our South modern South-Central Inuit commu- Inot have been possible without a Coast. We also are working on nity. Our recognition is firmly estab- dedicated staff and council. There alternative forms of energy such as lished. are also many possibilities and op- a co-generation plant in Port Hope Our position in our homeland is portunities that offer us challenges Simpson. strongly supported in case law, right for the future. This brief report will We have worked will with the up to the Supreme Court of Canada. highlighted some of them. Federal Government in many areas. Our Treaty of 1765 is being examined Our organization acquired the We have concluded an agreement and presented to claim our Treaty services of a management expert with DFO that will add three inshore Rights. We are exploring possible to help our council develop a strate- crab licenses to our organization. legal avenues to advance our land gic plan. This helps us to focus our We have signed a four year agree- claim. The future looks promising efforts on essential areas of oppor- ment with the Canadian Wildlife as we work to bring prosperity and a tunities which contribute to our over Service and we have agreed to a new brighter future to our people. all success. We have also acquired expanded forestry agreement with the services of communication firms the Provincial Department of Natural to set up a new website and a new Resources. branding for the organization. In my capacity as president We have worked with business we were represented at meetings partners to further our participation concerning Parks Canada, MUN

The Labrador Youth Leader’s Committee keeping traditional activities alive

The Labrador Youth Leader’s Com- mittee is made up of a group of (Above-LEFT) Pictured is Elder, Audrey Broomfield teaching Sterling Penney how to cut out the individuals from the Community seal skin for his seal skin mittens. (RIGHT) Holly Greenleaves presenting her nearly finished Youth Network, NunatuKavut, United product of seal skin mittens. Cultures Youth Project, and Nunatsi- avut. We work together to plan youth We believe, as youth workers, it is important as it is so easy to lose it events, youth nights and other activi- very important for us and our youth along the way. We enjoy working with ties for youth, ages 12-24. We have to learn as many traditional crafts the youth and they really enjoy com- been taught how to the traditional and ways of life as possible so that ing to our events, we look forward make seal skin mittens, but Audrey our culture does not get lost. Pre- to seeing new youth, ages 12-24 at Broomfield. serving our culture is something very each of our events every week!

Labrador Winter Games Wellness Working Group and their role in the Labrador Winter Games The Labrador Winter Games Wellness Working Group is a group made up of different wellness Our MP with our Skipping... related groups from around the town. wellness mascot, Ticker Tom! We obtained grants from different Fun For All Ages! places to provide healthy snacks to wellness mascot going around at The Health & Social Sector of the athletes every day, during the these events as well. NunatuKavut, along with a commu- Labrador Winter Games, free of Based on a point system, we had nity working group (representatives charge. an award for the “healthiest team”, from the Labrador School Board, We provided condoms to the LG Health, – DHSD, this year’s winning team with the athletes through our “Lifesaver Chal- Integrated Diabetes Initia- most points was, Cartwright. lenge” as well as by our condom tive, Labrador Regional Wellness mascots giving the condoms out We had loads of fun during Coalition), worked together to plan at the bars during the games. We the games as our group helped a train-the-trainer formal skipping had “no smoking” signs at the start provide healthier choices to the program in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in 2009. Other com- lines/ finish lines of the outdoor athletes and we look forward to munity partners to help carry out events, and we had Ticker Tom, our helping out again in 2013! the event were the Labrador Winter Games Office, Southern Labrador Family Resource Centres and the College of the North Atlantic. Fund- ing for this initiative was provided by a Provincial Wellness Grant from the Gov of NL – Dept of Health & Com- munity Services.

This training reflected a capacity building ideology in that it focused on the strengths within smaller communities, and more specifically, community physical activity lead- ers. We invited well-known skipping program trainer – Loyola Fitzpatrick (and two of his students) to train adults in the skills associated with skipping as an accessible and inex- Jenni-Rose Campbell (left) and Holly Greenleaves (right) presenting the Cartwright Team with pensive physical activity. the “Healthiest Team” award. People from many parts of Labrador (LEFT) Members availed of this exciting training and of the Charlotte- will now carry out youth skipping town team sur- rounding Ramsey programming in their communities Powell after over the coming months. doing a marvel- lous job in the snowshoe race. For more information on this project or anything in the health & sec- (RIGHT) Pinsent’s tor, please contact Darlene Wall Arm’s Richard Williams during at 1-877-896-0592, Ext. 2238 or the Labrathon. [email protected]. Metis Business Centre “We can help Build Your Business”

Metis Women repre- sented Labrador at The Atlantic Canada Aboriginal Women in Business – Balance 2010 conference

Two clients of the Metis Business Centre will be attending The Atlan- tic Canada Aboriginal Women in Business – Balance 2010 confer- ence. Doris Patey from Goose Bay, owner/operator of Doris’s Design and Engraving and Lisa Bolger a young lady from Labrador City, who is interested in starting her own business will be representing Metis people and Labrador at the conference. The conference was open to all aboriginal women who own a business, would like to start I would like to introduce Metis Entre- and instrument set-ups. For all your a business or expand a business to preneur, Mr. Paul Walsh. He is the musical supply needs, or if you want register, 100 women from Atlantic owner operator of Arpeggio’s: Strings to revive that old junker in the closet, Canada were selected. All costs & Things, our Metis Business of the go to Arpeggio’s: Strings & Things, are covered by the Membertou month. Arpeggio’s: Strings & Things located at 3 Grenfell Street. Entrepreneur Centre partners and is located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, If you would like more informa- sponsors. The three day conference NL. Paul has always wanted to open tion, call (709) 896-9296, or email is rooted in the theme of balance his own business, and paired with palsh109@ and the concept of “sound body... his hobby of playing guitar, opening a hotmail.com, and sound mind” offering an opportunity "e ad that the Metis to simulate business presentations, music store was a natural fit. Paul will set up Business Centre will hear from Bill Rancic, Winner of TV His store is a small business your guitar like it be featuring this Apprentice” and learn from indus- focused on supplying the town, was always meant month in the Labra- try and finance experts. As well as as well as surrounding communi- to be played! For dorian and Northern participate in apprentice challenge, ties with quality musical supplies you facebook Penn at no cost to hands-on challenges, fashion show, Paul or his business. at affordable prices. The available fans, join Arpeg- "is is a service we bootcamp and trade show! We are products include, but not limited to; gio’s: Strings & would like to pro#ide proud of you Doris and Lisa! acoustic and electric guitars, basses, Things facebook for all Metis business complete drum kits, cymbals, micro- page and keep up owners, so please read You can visit the Metis Business phones, and much more. to date on avail- below to see how you Centre at 169 Hamilton River Road, and your business can Happy Valley - Goose Bay, Labrador Paul is also able to perform able supplies and be featured. or call (709) 896-5052 to sched- basic repairs, routine maintenance, discounts! ule an appointment. You may also visit their website at www.metis- The Metis Business Centre is a one-stop resource centre for Metis individuals interested in business.ca. As always, they look establishing a new business or developing an existing business. This Centre offers a large forward to hearing from you. variety of services to assist clients in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) “A workshop for people who want to feel more comfortable, con$dent and competent in helping to pre- vent the immediate risk of suicide. Over one million people world- wide have participated in this two-day, highly interactive, practical, practice-oriented workshop.” "anks to the Social Sector of Nunatu- Kavut this training was o%ered people in our Southern costal com- munities. Here is the story:

THINKING ABOUT A The Social Sector of NunatuKavut concerns and attitudes on suicide CAREER IN along with Living Works Education, while offering the resources to better offered Applied Suicide Intervention understand and address the needs MEDICINE? Skills Training (ASIST) in Port Hope of persons at risk through suicide Simpson in December 2009. Fund- first-aid training. The Faculty of Medicine at ing for this training came from the The ASIST workshops are based Memorial University, St. John’s, Government of Newfoundland and around a two-day program in which Newfoundland now offers the Labrador, Department of Labrador participants take part in small and Aboriginal Health Initiative, a & Aboriginal Affairs Suicide & Detri- large group interactive learning program to encourage Aboriginal mental Lifestyles Project Grant. sessions. It was first developed in students to choose a career in Jocelyn Rose of Corner Brook 1983 in an effort to help create and medicine. The initiative focuses and Gerry Dooley of St. John’s were promote suicide safer communities primarily on students from First the facilitators to the 20 participants internationally and since 1985 has Nations, Inuit and Metis com- from various communities along been delivered to over 500,000 munities in Newfoundland and the south coast of Labrador. The caregivers in more than ten coun- Labrador. In partnership with the workshop gave participants the op- tries. Initiative, two seats, through the portunity to share their experiences, Aboriginal Admissions Program, are now reserved in the Fac- ulty of Medicine for successful Aboriginal candidates. A pre- med orientation program and a mentoring system are provided to help prepare the applicants.

You can find out more informa- tion about the initiative through our Website www.med.mun.ca/ AHI/home.aspx or by contact- ing the program coordinator, Dr. Carolyn Sturge Sparkes, e-mail address: carolyn.sturge@med. mun.ca NunatuKavut Member Wins Canada’s Most Prestigious Scholarship for Doctoral Students

Julie Bull, a member of NunatuKavut and a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island, was recently announced as one of the 2010 recipients of Canada’s most prestigious scholarship for doctoral students — the Vanier Cana- da Graduate Scholarship. ulie is working on her PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of New Brunswick. Her research is rooted in Aboriginal and rural health and education. She wins the Vanier award for her doctoral research on Ethics. Her studyJ is in partnership with NunatuKavut where she examines “Grassroots voices: authenticity in relationships with academic researchers in the context of Aboriginal health research”. Chris Montague, President of NunatuKavut, says, “Our relatively small Aboriginal community has produced a considerable portion of high achievers. Julie is an excellent example exceptional promise as a scholar in of this and more. She has not only the field. During her first year of her achieved academic excellent, but doctoral work, Julie received sev- while doing so she has contributed eral awards: the Atlantic Aboriginal so much to our community. We are Health Research Program Doctoral all so proud of her.” Fellowship, the National Aboriginal Being from Happy Valley-Goose Achievement Foundation Scholar- Bay, Labrador, Julie says, “It is an ship, and the Jens Peder Hart Hans- honor and a privilege to be able en Fellow Award. The last award was to work with my home communi- given to Julie as being an outstand- What’s in a name? ties while I complete my education. ing circumpolar health researcher It helps me stay connected while in Canada who has demonstrated Our organization has changed studying away from home and gives excellence in improving circumpolar its name. me a real sense of pride to be able health. The former Labrador Metis Nation is to give back to so many people who Vanier scholars receive $50,000 now the Nunatukavut, an Inuktitut have helped me achieve so much”. annually for up to three years, and word meaning “our ancient land”. Julie has received numerous each was chosen as a result of their This change was endorsed by our awards and recognition in acknowl- demonstrated leadership skills and membership at the February 2010 edgement of her scholarly abili- high standard of scholarly achieve- AGA. This change occurred after ties. She received several graduate ment in graduate studies in the much research and considerations. There were essential reasons for it. awards at the Master’s level, includ- social sciences and humanities, ing the Canadian Institutes of Health natural sciences and engineering, We traditionally referred to our- Research – Institute of Aboriginal and health research. The program is selves as Labradorians, Inuit Peoples Health Scientific Director’s designed to attract and retain world- descendants indigenous to Labra- Award of Excellence, awarded to an class doctoral students by offering dor. The name has lost its original outstanding trainee in Aboriginal them a significant financial award to meaning and was never legally un- health research who exemplifies assist them during their studies at derstood to imply our aboriginality. Canadian universities. Labrador Metis was our first attempt to legally define ourselves and to underlie our uniqueness to those outside our community.

NunatuKavut appropriately reflects the continual link that we have with our historic Inuit Community in South Central Labrador. Our Com- munity existed long before Euro- peans came to our coast. It clearly announces, “We have always been here… This is our home”. It says Europeans have come here and in- termarried with us, but they did not absorb us into their culture, making us Metis. We have absorbed them into our historic Inuit Community, NunatuKavut.

In 1765, Governor Sir Hugh Palliser made a Treaty of peace and friend- ship with our historic Inuit Commu- nity in the Straits of Labrador. He recognized the right we have to our homeland. The treaty is still a reality and our historic Inuit Community is alive with us. It is on this basis, and other historic and modern reali- ties that we claim our homeland, NunatuKavut In our next Issue... Building Research Capacity... ELDER & YOUTH EVENT St. Lewis, Labrador in Our NunatuKavut Communities! Over the past several months, the members who would be involved in Health & Social Sector of NunatuKavut, this project. The training also included through funding from the Government some sessions on data management of NL Aboriginal Health Transition and analysis, as well as health research Fund’s Adaptation Envelope, has been ethics. carrying out an extensive community For more information on this train- health needs assessment along the ing, or the NunatuKavut Aboriginal southeast coast of Labrador. Health Transition Fund project (commu- In November 2009 two academic nity health needs assessment), please instructors, James Valcour and Julie contact Melita Paul at 949-0292 or Bull offered qualitative and quantita- [email protected] or Darlene Wall DOG SLEDDING tive research training to some of our at 1-877-896-0592, Ext. 2238 or dwall@ Happy Valley-Goose Bay employees and steering committee labradormetis.ca.

Contact us today for any questions or comments!

)BNJMUPO3JWFS3PBEr(PPTF#BZ /- 10#PY 4UO$r"1$ TelrFax www.labradormetis.ca

Black Tickle’s 2010 Bike Rodeo, sponsored by NunatuKavut’s Social Sector