Page 1 Volume 21 Issue 4 Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 MAY 2009 Border cards ‘okay for now’ LEAMINGTON, Ont.–National Chief candidate John Beaucage says the recognition of Certificates of Indian Status at Canada-U.S. border crossings is an acceptable interim measure, but that govern- ments must ultimately recognize the sovereign right of First Na- tions citizens to travel freely in Turtle Island -- North America. Speaking at the May 20 general Grand Council Chief John Beaucage tells a sold-out Sudbury fund-raiser that his vision for a New AFN would transform the national First Nations meetings of the Association of Ir- political organization from its reputation as an “old-boys’ club”. – Photo by Maurice Switzer oquois and Allied Indians (AIAI), the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief called for First Na- tions to unite in demanding further New AFN needs recognition of their governments, In Brief citizenship laws and right to travel throughout traditional territories. women’s touch “We shouldn’t have to carry GARDEN RIVER FN –John Nation Citizenship Law to replace More status Indians? a government card or seek per- Beaucage is calling for empower- Indian Act system of band mem- OTTAWA – Experts say a decision in the B.C. Court of Appeal mission to move throughout our ment of women in all areas of First bership and "status". "Although means that within a year the federal department of Indian Affairs lands," said Beaucage. "The Cre- Nations governance. there has been a lot of effort in try- could be flooded with new claims for certificates of Indian Status. ator placed us here as Nations. Beaucage, who has served as ing to address these inadequacies, The court ruled that the Indian Act continues to discriminate against We do not recognize this artificial Grand Council Chief for 42 An- more effort is needed to engage women like Sharon McIvor in refusing them, like men, the right to border.” ishinabek nation communities First Nations women at the high- pass down status to their grandchildren in some cases. Status Indians “I am calling for unity among since 2004, has made his “integrat- est level in a renewed attempt to qualify for federal coverage of non-insured health benefits such as the Anishinabek and Haudeno- ed approach to women’s issues” a deal with issues that are priorities prescription drugs and can apply for post-secondary education as- saunee confederacies to send a key component of his campaign to for our grandmothers, mothers, sistance. An expanded definition could add some of an estimated clear message that these are our be elected National Chief at July’s sisters, aunties and daughters." 400,000 Canadians who self-identify as Metis or aboriginal to the traditional lands and we will AFN annual general assembly in The Grand Council Chief also existing registry of over 700,000 Status Indians. continue to practice our inher- Calgary. announced that the Co-Chair of his ent rights and right under the Jay During his keynote remarks at New AFN campaign will be Jean- Treaty to cross the Canada-U.S. April’s Anishinabek Nation Citi- nette Corbiere Lavell, who led a border freely,” said Beaucage. zenship Conference, Beaucage de- landmark 1973 Supreme Court Inside "We are pleased to learn that $5.00 scribed how his 10-point election challenge of sections of the federal the new, secure Status Cards will platform includes specific com- Indian Act that have since been de- be eligible as an accepted form of mitments to First Nations women clared discriminatory against First POW-WOW ‘09 identification under the Western about their involvement in what he Nations women. In May, 2008 15th Annual Great Lakes Pow-Wow Guide Hemisphere Travel Initiative, but calls a New AFN. Beaucage appointed Lavell the these changes do not go far enough "In developing my policy first Citizenship Commissioner of in recognizing our Nationhood," agenda, I found a glaring need to the Anishinabek Nation. said the Grand Council Chief, address changes in our approach to "We need to ensure all is- who was informed earlier that the women's issues within the current sues addressed by the AFN take U.S. Department of Homeland Se- policy construct at the Assembly women's views into account," said curity approved the use of the new of First Nations," Beaucage told Beaucage. "We need to encourage Certificate of Indian Status being 15th Annual Great Lakes Prizes for fishing survey delegates at a conference discuss- more women to be Chiefs, advi- produced by Indian and Northern Pow-wow Guide Pages 23-26 ing proposals for an Anishinabek sors and Elders within the AFN." INSIDE. Affairs Canada. Buy Anishinabek ..................... 6 Canada’s largest Pow-wow.... 23 Mandamin walked 17,000........ 9 Pow-wow Etiquette................ 29 Solomon uses technology ...... 11 Pow-Wow Listings................. 30 Anishinabek NationSudbury Festival .................... 12 Chippewa travellers .............. 44 Credit Union *Specialists for on-reserve mortgages *Over 1800 First Nation members 7 Shingwauk St., Garden River First Nation P2A 6Z8 1-866-775-2628 Allan Moffatt Proudly owned and controlled by the Anishinabek ANCU manager Page 2 Anishinabek News May 2009 Anishinabek Nation Political Office Grand Council Chief, John Beaucage Deputy Grand Chief, Glen Hare Chief-of-Staff, Bob Goulais Executive Liaison Officer, Monica Lister Executive Secretary, Patricia Campeau UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS Nipissing First Nation P.O. Box 711, North Bay ON P1B 8J8 Ph: 877-702-5200 Fx: 705-497-9135 E-mail: [email protected] NIIGAAN ZHAAMIN “Moving Forward, Together” Grads Political Digest Papal sorrow good foundation NIPISSING FN – Grand Coun- Beaucage said that, if elected attack cil Chief John Beaucage says the National Chief at the Assembly of John Student funding "expression of sorrow" issued First Nations, he intends to meet poverty Beaucage by Pope Benedict XVI about the with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Church's role in operat- Catholic Bishops to determine a SUDBURY – John Beaucage, Bob Goulais Grand Council Chief of the An- campaign priority ing Indian Residential Schools course of action to build on the ishinabek Nation and a candidate Grand Council Chief John Beaucage has been focusing his final few should seen as a foundation on apology issued by the Vatican fol- for National Chief, took the op- weeks as Anishinabek Nation leader on movement on the education which a reconciliation process lowing a private audience with an portunity of a sold-out campaign file, particularly addressing issues of student funding equity, renewal can be built. AFN delegation. dinner attended by 250 supporters of the post-secondary student support program and removing the two- to outline his vision for the edu- per-cent cap on education spending. cational success of First Nations Education is a major component of his campaign to be chosen Na- JOB OPPORTUNITY youth. tional Chief at the July’s annual general assembly of the Assembly of "The importance of educa- First Nations in Calgary. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tion for our people, and our Post-Secondary Support people’s right to education, can- Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is undertaking an internal re- Reporting to the Union of Ontario Indians’ Grand not be stressed strongly enough," view of its Post-Secondary Student Support program. First Nations Council Chief, the Chief Operating Officer will be said Beaucage. "More resources have learned that a primary focus of the resulting recommendations responsible for the successful leadership of the or- are needed to ensure more First points to drastic policy changes to all facets of the program including ganization according to the strategic direction pro- Nations students can attend col- administrative processes, program delivery structure, and perhaps a vided by the Leadership Council. lege, university and skilled trades change from grants to a loan system administered by an outside agen- programs, including apprentice- cy. KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: ships." It is the position of the Anishinabek Nation that such unilateral •Expert knowledge and experience in financial and Beaucage said an immediate changes will have a disastrous effect on the success of the program as human resource management, administrative policy development and imple- injection of federal funding into First Nations will have less access and opportunity. Inadequate fund- mentation. educational and training opportu- ing levels will continue to hinder opportunities for First Nations stu- •Demonstrated, strategic planning, priority-setting, decision-making and nities for First Nations youth over dents to succeed. problem-solving skills. the next 10 years is crucial to the Grand Council Chief Beaucage met with The Hon. Chuck Strahl, •Excellent negotiating and communication skills; elimination of First Nation pov- Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs May 11 to discuss a number •Comprehensive knowledge of federal and provincial government structures, erty and the building of successful of priority education issues, and recommended that the Government policies and decision-making processes. First Nation economies. of Canada renew the existing authority of the Post-Secondary Student •Sound understanding of First Nation culture, social/economic conditions, Support Program with enhanced dollars. He also wants the govern- political issues and aspirations. John Beaucage ment – in the next federal budget, or within the current session of Par- •Knowledge of First Nation protocol,