SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 1 ANISHINABEK NEWS The voice of the Anishinabek Nation

Volume 27 Issue 1 Published quarterly by the Anishinabek Nation SUMMER 2017

Grandmother Josephine Mandamin drinks water that she advocates for at the 2017 Grand Council Assembly held in June 5-8. Mandamin has walked around the Great Lakes twice and other bodies of water - in all directions of Turtle Island - to bring awareness to the quality of water. - Photo by Marci Becking ‘Water is so important’ say Josephine Mandamin AAMJIWNAANG FIRST NATION - on your plate. ways done. Once the chiefs do what we ask during the day, and those are the kinds of Protector of the water Josephine Manadamin A long time ago we were given our them to do, then we will follow. things that I request. addressed the Chiefs in Assembly on June 6. chi-naaknigewin. We were given our . We really pray for the water as we walk The fire that we have, there are many “The semaa, Eagle Staff, and all the We were given it to us thousands of years by the water. things that we need to look after when we equipment that you use, it’s very meaningful ago on how to govern ourselves and take I say thanks to all of these. And to forgive listen carefully. for us to see this. Take care of our Mother care of ourselves. I’m of the fish . us grandmother and grandfather. Those that In relation to the water, we listen care- Earth, take care of her. It’s our only respon- Rethink the chi-naaknigewin and how work underground, all the people that work fully, as we listen, not only to speak, but to sibility is to take care of Mother Earth, first we can us it and get away from the Indian for the betterment of us and how everybody listen how that water flows. It is that that we and foremost. Act. is able to eat and survive and how we feel. give these offerings and I say thank you to The government don’t know what they’re The clan system is something we’ve been How we make our offerings on a daily all of you.” doing to it. She’s the one we have to rely on. using. Our clans were so strong we could do basis. So I give thanks for giving us that Mandamin has walked around all the She is the one that will give us what we need. what we needed to do. When I think about opportunity. What our grandmother moon Great Lakes, twice, plus other bodies of wa- We really have to think as our travel, we used to travel by boat. does, the teachings that are shared within ter in all four directions of Turtle Island to people, leaders, why would I want to be a Water is so important. We can do any- grandmother moon are also very important. bring awareness that our water is sacred and Chief? That’s an enormous task that you’re thing with the water. And to the sun, during the day, for the we need to take care of the water. given. Take care of all of the things that is We have to do things the way we’ve al- men to be able to share with one another Water is the lifeblood of Mother Earth. SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 2

The print edition of the Anishinabek News is a quarterly publication of the Anishinabek News. Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political position of the UOI.

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For news all the time, visit: www.anishinabeknews.ca

Editor: Marci Becking Assistant Editor: Laura Barrios Layout: Marci Becking Ad Design: Priscilla Goulais Advertising: Marci Becking

Contributors: Charles Hebert, Barb Nahwe- gahbow, Darryl Stonefish, Maurice Switzer

PH: 705-497-9127 ~ 1-877-702-5200

www.anishinabeknews.ca E-MAIL: [email protected] Dip-net to catch fish on the Thames river at Moraviantown. – Photo By Darryl Stonefish P.O. Box 711, , North Bay, ON, P1B 8J8 Stoneypoint speaks out The current circulation of the Anishinabek News is 3,000 copies. DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER PRINT against aerial spraying EDITION By Barb Nahwegahbow nial structures remain in place, Indigenous September 1, 2017 TORONTO –Freddie Stoneypoint gave in- people are going to be in a constant state sight into the passion and the aspirations of of oppression, of death, of subjugation, of For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek youth when he spoke at the Toronto rally elimination.” News related to circulation issues please call our Toll-free number: 1-877-702-5200 All advertising against aerial spraying. For several years, “It’s important to think about aerial inquiries can be sent to [email protected] the Ministry of Natural Resources spraying as violence,” he said. “Any form and Forestry (MNRF) has been spraying of violence on the land, it manifests as vi- www.anishinabeknews.ca toxic chemicals in the North Shore as a olence on us as Indigenous people. It man- means of forest management. The Tradi- ifests through addiction, the child welfare tional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Elders industrial complex, suicide rates. The colo- ISSN 1182-3178 Anishinabek News (Print) Freddie Stoneypoint speaking at rally Group of the north shore of nial project removes us and disconnects us ISSN 1923-0710 Anishinabek News (Online) against aerial spraying, Toronto, May 31. hosted the May 31 rally and have been the from the land, from our identity, from our prime movers against the toxic spraying. culture, from our language.” Stoneypoint said, expressing his respect A citizen of Sagamok Anishnawbek, The current mode of economic devel- and support for the TEK Elders. “That’s Stoneypoint has just finished his first year opment and things like comprehensive who I listen to because they know. I’m at Carleton University where he’s studying benefit impact agreements and affirmative in touch with their vision and that’s what sociology. He was both pointed and elo- job action strategies are hurting us, said I’m fighting for. That’s what I believe we quent when he spoke. Several of his state- Stoneypoint. They aren’t sustainable. The should all be fighting for.” ments, or “hard truths” as he called them, youth don’t want those jobs, he said, “They Another young man, Tyrone Shawa- elicited spontaneous cheers and applause want the land. We want our land back!” na from Wiikwemikoong Territory spoke from the 100 people gathered at Queen’s Anishnawbe people used to have trea- about his work doing aerial spraying. He Park. ties with the animal nations, he said. “We thought it was a step towards his career “We have to resist, we have to be rad- have a responsibility to the animals and goal to become a pilot. After two years of ical,” Stoneypoint said, because it’s our this responsibility is being threatened,” by seeing horrors like spraying of and nationhood that’s at stake. “Decolonization things like aerial spraying and extractive , and excess poisons dumped into has to be central to everything that we’re industries. ponds and lakes, he said he had to leave working for because as long as the colo- It’s important to listen to our Elders, his job.

Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod says that he’s been getting a lot of calls from surrounding areas about his community to Statement on 150 celebrate Canada 150. He found out that This year, Canada will celebrate 150 tion must be based on mutual recognition, no celebration of 150 years. it was a condition of some funding to have years since the formation of the Canadian mutual respect, sharing, and mutual respon- Now is not the time for celebration, but Indigenous participation. His response to state. sibility. a time for reflection, acknowledgement and Canada 150 is that are “far too There is a long history prior to and since Assimilation policies and a blatant dis- a real and meaningful commit to action busy trying to find our murdered and missing this time with First Nations across Turtle Is- regard for the human rights and the inher- change. women and pulling our children out of rivers to be blowing up balloons and giant rubber land. ent rights of the Anishinaabe Peoples have Anishinabek First Nations will continue ducks.” This history cannot and should not be caused unmentionable suffering, humilia- to lead and build alliances and relationships forgotten. However, it should not impede tion, and the deaths of countless people. with their neighbours through constructive finding a new path forward. The settler governments have committed dialogue and actions that support reconcili- “If you can’t pay The Anishinabek Nation Government cultural genocide against our people. While ation and healing. continues to extend its invitation to renew al- there has been great upheaval in our Nation, For the next 150 years and beyond we the rent, then liances and partnerships with the newcomers we have endured and we will prevail. must have a collective and determined fo- to our lands, represented by the Government We did not disappear, become extinct, cus to elevate healthy relationships needed you shouldn’t be of Canada. become assimilated, and we are not “Aborig- in this country between First Nations and The Anishinabek Nation expects that inal Canadians”. We are Anishinabek. Canadian citizens - let's build towards some- throwing a party” meaningful co-existence between the Gov- Without the contributions of First Na- thing to truly celebrate. ernment of Canada and the Anishinabek Na- tions during the War of 1812, there would be We are All Treaty People. SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 3 Assembly 2017 highlights

AAMJIWNAANG FN – Chiefs met for housing.” Grand Council Assembly from June 5-7 in Aamjiwnaang First Nation to discuss a num- GOVERNANCE – Grand Council Chief ber of priorities and issues for the Anishina- Patrick Madahbee said that it is important bek Nation and its 40 member communities. for communities to work on their community constitutions. The Anishinabek Nation Gov- SOCIAL – There are currently six First Na- ernance Agreement (ANGA) is nearing the tions who have submitted their Band Coun- end of negotiations. Communities will be cil Resolutions in support of the Anishina- deciding whether to proceed with the ANGA bek Nation Child Well-Being Law and will with a Band Council Resolution. Com- implement the law in their respective com- munity information sessions will be held munities. “The responsibility was given to in 2018 getting ready for ratification of the Anishinabek to raise their children,” said governance agreement in 2019. The ANGA Ogimaa Duke Peltier, Social Development will give more jurisdiction and law-mak- portfolio holder from Wiikwemkoong Ter- ing powers. Martin Bayer, head negotiator ritory. “The responsibility is not just the “There will be stability – our own constitu- parents’ – aunties, uncles, grandparents – all tions, our own election laws,” says Martin Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee at Grand Council Assembly held have an inherent responsibility for the best Bayer, negotiator of the ANGA. “There will in Aamjiwnaang First Nation on June 5-7, 2017. – Photo by Marci Becking possible upbringing to raise children.” be separation of business or management Ogimaa Peltier also said that the Anishina- functions from the Chief and Council role to increase user fees. Why wait for delayed bek Nation would continue to support those (Governance). We will have effective dis- RADIOACTIVE WASTE TRANSPORTA- tactics by the feds? This is a national issue. First Nations who do not adopt the Child pute resolution mechanisms.” Bayer also TION/STORAGE – The Anishinabek Na- Chief Debassige said that it is all happening Well-Being Law. says that Anishinaabe culture matters. “Our tion has been firm on opposing the storage of so fast. “When I was a little girl, I was able Social Development Director Adrienne Pel- community chi-naaknigewins, election laws, radioactive waste in its territory. There will to drink out of the lake in my backyard, now letier says The Anishinabek Nation is seek- appeal tribunals and courts must be designed now be radioactive waste transported though I can’t, and I’m not even that old.” ing your law-making authority to enact your to match our culture.” Bayer also says that our territory. Grand Council Chief Patrick own Child Well-Being Law. “Any com- by having a long-term strategic vision will Madahbee said it is an insidious and insane HEALTH – At the June 2016 Grand Coun- munity who wants to stay under the Child improve education success rates, improve suggestion of storing radioactive waste near cil Assembly, a resolution was passed to call and Family Services Act, go right ahead. health conditions, more housing, more jobs, waterways. Youth representative Quinn upon Ontario to engage in dialogue and con- We have consulted the communities – input and clean water. When we depend on other Meawasige from Serpent River said that the sultation with Anishinabek First Nations to from citizens went into the law. Any First governments’ funding, programs and laws, Bawating water protectors are raising aware- support the development of at First Nation Nation can do what is best for First Nations. we leave the task of our long-term strategic ness directly relates to water. “This waste Local Health Integrated Network. In the fall Your children will be served in a culturally planning to other governments.” – once it touches something, it becomes of 2016, the Chiefs Committee on Health appropriate way.” radioactive as well. Harm can come to our entered into discussions and are working EDUCATION – The Kinoomaadziwin Edu- communities and this is very concerning. towards an agreement with the Province of HOUSING – The Anishinabek Nation will cation Board is working hard to set up the How do we stop this from happening?” The Ontario/Ministry of Health and Long Term be implementing a Housing Blueprint. Anishinabek Education System (AES). The Anishinabek Nation will be supporting or- Care concerning a First Nations Health Gov- Chief Shining Turtle of Whitefish River First signing ceremony for the Anishinabek Na- ganized groups such as the Bawating Water ernance and Relationship Memorandum of Nation said our people need access to afford- tion Education Agreement (with Canada) Protectors, Clean Air Alliance and the Can- Understanding. able, sustainable housing. “Our commun- and the Master Education Agreement (with adian Coalition of Nuclear Responsibility. ities are growing. Without housing, we can’t Ontario) will be held on August 16, 2017 in Grand Council Chief Madahbee will be pro- GASOLINE AND TOBACCO – The Anishi- grow our communities. Let’s not fail to plan Chippewas of Rama First Nation. 14 com- viding strong messaging to all governments nabek Nation will be developing a draft and help the needs of our communities. The munities ratified last December and more of the opposition of repositories, and trans- agreement-in-principle with Ontario so that days of just filling an INAC of CMHC hous- communities will run a second vote this July. portation of radioactive waste throughout Anishinabek First Nations that are interested ing form is not self-administration.” Chief Debbie Mayer, KEB chair from Mississaugi Anishinabek Nation territory. in law making and revenue generation relat- Shining Turtle also says that with self-deter- says they are planning for the implementa- ed to jurisdiction over gasoline and tobacco mination, you’re in the driver’s seat. tion and going forward with the AES that will WATER NEEDS ASSESSMENT – Chief may do so from a coordinated position. The “Each one of us is in control of your com- start April 1, 2018. “We had five regions, but Linda Debassige from M’Chigeeng First Na- Anishinabek Nation will also work with On- munity’s destiny. Our people deserve better. with 22 First Nations we downsized to four.” tion says that there has been various meet- tario to engage the federal government with Our kids should be able to come home and Fiscal arrangements are being finalized with ings and meetings with the ministry. “We regard to tax revenue sharing with Anishina- right now, it’s not possible. Don’t let any- Canada. The Anishinabek Nation is negoti- all know that we are hugely underfunded in bek Nation communities as it pertains to the one tell you there is no self-governance in ating a multi-year action plan. our communities. We all know that when we Federal Excise Tax on gasoline and tobacco talk to the government, they’re going to have products. Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement vote set for spring 2019 By Laura Barrios the negotiation of the Anishinabek Nation SAULT STE. MARIE, ON — Many First Governance Agreement and recently met Nations across Canada are taking back con- in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to discuss the trol over the way they govern their com- progress of the Anishinabek Nation Govern- munities. The member First Nations of the ance Agreement currently in the negotiations Anishinabek Nation are also looking at bet- process and nearing completion. ter and more culturally-based ways of gov- “The Governance Agreement will rec- erning. ognize law-making powers for First Nations The Anishinabek Nation is currently ne- and the Anishinabek Nation in order to help gotiating one of the largest self-government preserve our languages and culture, deter- Chief Veronica Waboose, Long Lake #58; Bob Pitfield, Councillor, ; agreements in Canada and will include the mine who our citizens will be and how we Arthur Fisher, Councillor, , Corey Goulais, Councillor, Nipissing First power to pass election laws outside of the elect our leaders,” explained Bayer. “As we Nation Indian Act. move down our path to more self-determin- from the Indian Act entirely. ensure that the Agreement reflects the needs “For too many years, First Nation com- ation, it will be important to remember that The governance Agreement will only of member communities going forward. munities have elected their Chiefs and as we build more governing institutions for remove Participating First Nations from As the Agreement gets closer to comple- Councillors under the Indian Act with its ourselves, like constitutions, election laws certain provisions of the Indian Act which tion, more information sessions with grass- short two-year terms for the Councils,” stat- and the ways we choose to resolve disagree- include language and culture, citizenship, roots community members will be organized ed Martin Bayer, Chief Negotiator for the ments, that we build these institutions to re- leadership, and management and operation. in the months ahead in order to help raise Anishinabek Nation in its negotiations with flect who we are as Anishinaabe people and Consultations with the four regions of the the awareness about the Anishinabek Nation Canada. “That is simply not enough time to the values and gifts we were given.” Anishinabek Nation and member commun- Governance Agreement among band mem- get anything done – we need to do things dif- The Governance Agreement is not a ities, as well as with the Chief and Coun- ber voters. ferently.” treaty and will not take anything away from cils, Chiefs Committee on Governance, and The vote on the Anishinabek Nation The Anishinabek Nation formed the the constitutionally protected Aboriginal or the Governance Working Group, have been Governance Agreement will be in May/June Governance Working Group to help guide treaty rights, nor will it remove First Nations on-going for many years now and helped to 2019. SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 4 Canada’s 150th

By Maurice Switzer Cartoons by Charles Hebert

So, if you had a neighbour who kept stealing stuff from your yard, and constant- ly screamed obscenities at your kids, would you attend his birthday party if you got an invitation in your mailbox? How about if you had a neighbour who stole your yard and kidnapped your kids? Now you have some idea of how First Nations people feel about all the fuss being made over Canada’s 150th birthday. In the first place, 150 years isn’t very long to people who’ve been around for thou- sands of years – it leaves one with the same feeling you get when you see some wet-be- hind-the-ears pup like Justin Bieber publish- ing an autobiography – TOO SOON! People need to understand that those 150 years just happen to represent the worst per- iod in history for the first peoples to inhabit these lands. Don’t expect any July 1st fire- works displays in the 100 First Nations who live under boil-water advisories – some for over a decade. The $500 million being spent by the fed- eral government on Canada’s sesquicen- tennial bash is triple the amount it was or- dered by a human rights tribunal to provide equal funding for First Nations child welfare agencies. This discriminatory gap is literally costing Native kids their lives. This is a list 150 reasons Indigenous peoples have to feel less than enthusiastic about participating in the Liberal Lolla- palooza. There are many more, but we just want to offer enough information to rain a little on the parade, not entirely engulf it.

The Bering Strait Theory: a harebrained notion that Indigenous peoples trotted across an ice bridge separating Mongolia from Al- aska 12,000 years ago to make America their sults in the Iroquois virtually annihilating the the centre of North America to be set aside as United Empire Loyalists had settled after home. This canard is repeated in Canadian Huron Nation within the next 50 years. exclusive Indian territory, and a sacred the American Revolution. The province re- textbooks despite being continually dis- promise to the assembled chiefs that “Your fused to pay for their education and health credited, most recently by findings that push Seven years is the length of the appren- people will never be poor; they will never care, reasoning that they were doomed to the estimate back by over 100,000 years. ticeship the Hudson Bay Company requires want for the necessities of life.....as long as disappear. They couldn’t convict O.J. Simpson on DNA applicants with any Indian heritage to serve the sun shines, as long as the grass grows, evidence, so please don’t try to carbon date if they hope to get jobs with the greedy as long as the rivers run, and as long as Four dollars – that’s how much 25,000 us with that trick. multinational fur merchant. At the same the British wear red coats.” “beneficiaries” of the 1850 Robinson Huron time, raw European recruits qualify immedi- treaty each receive for agreeing to allow The Doctrine of Discovery: In 1452 Pope ately for employment. Five names – Pakiniwatik, Musquakie, provincial and federal governments to share Nicholas V decrees that any lands encoun- Assiginack, Shawundais, Oshawanoo-- if the use of the territories of 21 First Nations. tered by the explorers of Roman Catholic Four months – how long it takes King you don’t know who they are – and most Treaties began to be used as tools to deprive countries like France, England, Spain, Italy George III to whip together the Royal Proc- Canadians don’t -- you are unaware of some Indians of their lands as minerals began to and Portugal could be considered “empty” lamation after chief Pontiac and of the greatest heroes in Canadian history. be discovered in Northern Ontario. The Rob- if its occupants do not share the same reli- a couple of hundred warriors capture nine Their exploits in the War of 1812 were instru- inson Huron Treaty promised annuities that gious beliefs as the so-called “discoverers”. British forts on what is the western mental in repelling the American invasion. would reflect increases in wealth obtained This uber-racist doctrine has never been re- frontier of Canada. Pontiac is not impressed Despite the role of 10,000 Indian warriors, from resources extracted from the territories. pealed, and was used as justification for the with the arrogant English, who have the many casualties suffered by Native com- It is estimated that one mining company – colonization of most of the world by zealous defeated the French in the Seven Years’ War munities, and the pre-war promise Sir Isaac Vale, formerly INCO – has extracted $1.5 Europeans who – it bears mentioning -- also and experimented in germ warfare by distrib- Brock had made of a huge North American trillion from its Sudbury operations in the believed the world was flat and the sun re- uting smallpox-infected blankets among the Indian Territory in exchange for their sup- past century. Vale miners – there are current- volved around it. Natives. The Royal Proclamation says “the port, Indigenous leaders were not even invit- ly about 4,000 of them – each receive annual Indian tribes of North America” are nations, ed to attend the war-ending Treaty of Ghent pay packages of about $130,000, more than The two sons of Chief Donnacona are who are not to be “molested” in their own ceremony on New Year’s Eve, 1814. As a re- all 25,000 First Nations treaty signatories, kidnapped by Jacques Cartier in 1534 on lands. sult, Indians living south of the Great Lakes who have not had a raise since 1874. the French explorer’s first trip up the St. continued to be targets of American military Lawrence River, where he is greeted with The largest gathering of Indigenous aggression and political land grabs. Confederation, the uniting of the prov- great hospitality at the Iroquoian village of peoples in the history of the North Amer- inces of Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Stadacona. Cartier whisks them off to show ican continent – 3,000 chiefs representing 24 When she died in 1829, Shanawdi- Scotia, and Prince Edward Island in 1867, as trophies to the King of France in what un- Nations of peoples living around the Great thit was the lone survivor of the Beothuk was the political handiwork of 36 people – doubtedly qualifies as the worst example of Lakes – convene at Fort Niagara in July, peoples, who had been hounded out of their all men, all white. This is what all the fuss making a good first impression in the history 1764. They hear the Superintendent of Indi- traditional Nova Scotia homes by land-hun- is about each July 1st, even though – for all of European diplomacy. an Affairs for British North A m e r - gry settlers who wanted their rich fishing intents and purposes, Canada was a British ica – Sir William Johnston – pitch the first grounds for themselves. Starvation and colony until the 1931 Statute of Westminster. Two Mohawk chiefs are killed by the major treaty on the continent. In exchange European diseases spelled the end of this There wasn’t even a Canadian Constitution same musket-ball fired by Samuel de Cham- for the rights to create settlements and nation, a fate narrowly avoided by many until 1982. One historian, commenting on plain during a 1609 sortie into what is share existing Indian territories, the King’s Indigenous peoples across Canada as immi- the hyperbolic consumption of spirits by now New York State in which the celebrated representative offers an estimated gration exploded during the peace following the country’s first prime minister, Sir John “Father of New France” a c c o m p a n i e s 35,000 gifts, the cash equivalent in today’s the War of 1812. By 1838 there were only A.. MacDonald, wrote: “Canada, like many Huron fur-trading partners. This alliance re- terms of $20 million, a huge swath of 1,425 Micmac in Nova Scotia, where 19,000 a child, was conceived under the influence SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 5

women, and children. The pass system is introduced in 1885. Indigenous peoples volunteer for mil- Indians can only leave their reserve with itary service in two world wars in higher written permission of the Indian agent. Of- numbers than any other identifiable group in ficials from South Africa’s apartheid regime Canada. In some First Nation communities, will visit Canada to study the system, which every adult male volunteers to wear a Can- they eventually adapt into their own racist adian uniform, even though they are exempt model. from service by treaty right. Cpl. Francis Pegahmagabow of Wasauksing First Na- In 1894 Indian band councils are stripped tion (World War I) and Sgt. Tommy Prince of the right to decide whether non-Indians of Brokenhead , Man.(World can reside on or use reserve lands, and Indian War II, Korean Conflict) are among the most agents sometimes start leasing reserve lands decorated soldiers in Canadian history. Af- to outside business interests in exchange for ter World War II, First Nations veterans personal financial gain. are denied some $3500 in benefits (spousal assistance, education, jobs) that other vet- In 1911 the act is amended to allow judg- erans receive. In 2002, the federal govern- es to move reserves adjacent to non-Native ment admits that it erred in short-changing communities if it is deemed “expedient” to the Native warriors, but, instead of paying do so, in other words, to free up urban land them each a compounded $400,000 settle- for commercial development. In 1915 a ment, offers take-it-or-leave-it maximums of Mi’kmaq reserve in Sydney, Nova Scotia is $20,000. So not even Native Canadians pre- relocated because a local judge decrees that pared to lay down their lives for Canada are “removal would make the property in that exempt from racist treatment. (Is that what is neighbourhood more valuable for assess- meant by a “level playing field”?) ment.” February 22nd marks the 10th anniver- of alcohol!” dian Act, which forces bands – sometimes In 1927 Indians are forbidden from re- sary of a complaint filed with the Canadian at gunpoint – to adopt municipal-style coun- taining lawyers to pursue land claims or Human Rights Commission by the Assem- In 1876 the MacDonald government cils. Ottawa unilaterally imposes three-year other legal matters, one reason why there bly of First Nations and Cindy Blackstock’s presided over the implementation of The terms of office, and determines every aspect are 1300 outstanding land claims today. This First Nations Child and Family Caring Soci- Indian Act, which introduced the concept of the political structure, including the num- Indian Act provision remains in place until ety of Canada. A tribunal finds that the fed- of blood quantum as a social determinant in ber of council members and the removal of 1951. eral government has, indeed, discriminated Canadian society. An Indian was defined as elected chiefs by federal authorities for what against 14,000 Indigenous children in foster any male “of Indian blood”, or any woman they deemed to be “dishonesty, intemper- In 1930 it becomes an offence for a pool care by permitting an average 22-per-cent married to an Indian. It is relevant that the ance, or immorality.” Women, who in many room owner or operator to allow an Indian funding gap to exist between provincial prime minister routinely referred to Canada Indigenous cultures have played a key role onto their premises. The penalty is a fine or children’s aid societies and First Nations as an “Aryan” nation, thereby making him a in selection of community leaders, are not a one-month jail term. The Indian Act pro- agencies. The Stephen Harper Conservatives political prototype for a later political leader allowed to vote in band elections until 1951. vision claims that by “inordinate frequent- spend some $700,000 in legal fees trying to known as Adolf Hitler. Other Indian Act pro- ing of a pool room either on or off an Indian block the complaint from being heard. The visions would outlaw traditional ceremonies The federal government constantly tin- reserve”, an Indian “....misspends or wastes Justin Trudeau Liberals refuse three times to and dancing, and require the wills of Indians kers with what it terms “enfranchisement”, his time or means to the detriment of him- comply with commission orders to address dying on reserve to be probated by the feder- whereby Indians give up their status rights self, his family, or his household.” the funding shortfall. Meanwhile. Native al Minister of Indian Affairs. and obtain the same voting rights as Can- children are dying, victims of a system that adian citizens. At one point anyone leaving In 1969 the Pierre Trudeau govern- does not value their lives as much as those In 1884 the Indian Act made attendance the reserve for an extended period of time ment, in the person of then Indian Affairs of other children in Canada. at government-sanctioned schools com- – for example, to pursue higher education – Minister Jean Chretien, tries to unilateral- pulsory for Indian children. Over the next will automatically be stripped of their Indian ly eliminate Canada’s treaty obligations It takes the electoral removal of the century 150,000 children would be forcibly status and rights. and aboriginal rights through a notorious Harper Conservatives to get a prime minister removed from their families, many suffering White Paper. A national uproar erupts from who thinks it is unacceptable in Canada in horrific physical and sexual abuse at 130 In 1874, Indians found to be intoxicated Indigenous peoples, and the government 2017 for there to be nearly 2,000 unsolved of the institutions operated by Canadian on or off-reserve can serve a month in jail, quietly ditches the plan. In 1973 the Calder murders and disappearances of Indigenous churches. The odds of a student dying while and an additional 14 days for refusing to Supreme Court decision for the first time women and girls. Presumably Justin Trudeau attending residential school was one in 25, identify the seller. recognizes the concept of Aboriginal rights. thinks that each of those lives are as import- less than the survival rate for Canadian sol- In 1982, Prime Minister Trudeau and Queen ant to their families as his eight-year-old diers in World War II. In 1879, Sir John A. A key goal of the federal assimilation Elizabeth repatriate a new Canadian Consti- daughter – Ella-Grace Margaret – is to him MacDonald explained the rationale for es- policy has been to turn the Indians into farm- tution, in which Section 35 (1) reads: “The and his wife Sophie. tablishing the program: “When the school is ers, the European concept of how “civil- existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the on the reserve, the child lives with its par- ized” folks function. In 1881 Indians are Aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby Those of you who are reading these ents, who are savages, and though he may prohibited from selling their agricultural recognized and affirmed,” marking the end words are not personally responsible for the learn to read and write, his habits and train- produce without permission, after non-Indi- of another unsuccessful government attempt tragic treatment of your Indigenous neigh- ing mode of thought are Indian. He is simply an farmers complain about what they see as to legislate us out of existence. Can you say bours over the past century and a half. The a savage who can read and write. Indian chil- unfair competition. “genocide”? genocidal policies of governments going dren should be withdrawn as much as pos- back to the regime of Sir John A. Macdonald sible from the parental influence, and the In 1884 the act outlaws the potlatch, a Successive governments of Stephen are not your fault. only way to do that would be to put them in ceremony of traditional songs, dance, feast- Harper and Justin Trudeau try 8 times to But, as you raise your glass to celebrate central training industrial schools where they ing, and sharing personal wealth that has throw out a class-action lawsuit by surviv- Canada Day 2017, understand that you are will acquire the habits and modes of thought been practised for centuries by West Coast ors of the Sixties Scoop of Native children absolutely accountable for what happens in of white men.” tribes. These events offend Christian mis- into foster care in Ontario, but in February this country today, and in the months and sionaries, and threaten jail terms of up to six of this year an Ontario Superior Court rules years ahead. Your citizenship duty entails The largest “legal” mass execution in months for transgressors. In 1904 a 90-year- that the federal government has liability, and more than just filing a tax return. Canada took place on Sept. 25th, 1885, old nearly-blind man named Taytapasahsung that the next step is to determine the amount As the Ipperwash Inquiry into the 1995 when the government of Canada authorized serves two months at hard labour for dan- of compensation for survivors. At the time, death of unarmed protestor Dudley George the hanging of eight warriors at Fort cing. Notorious Superintendent-general Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Ben- concluded, former premier Mike Harris may Battleford. In July of that year, Sir John A. Duncan Campbell Scott issues a famous nett acknowledges that harm was done, and not have pulled the trigger, but he was cer- MacDonald told the House of Commons: “... memo to Indian agents across the country says “We have no intention of going back to tainly responsible for contributing to an en- we have been pampering and coaxing the In- urging them to “discourage these dances...as court.” Make that 9 times. Crown lawyers vironment that made it more likely for such a dians. We must take a new course. We must they take the Indians from their work.” argue on June 13th that there must be 16,000 tragedy to occur. vindicate the position of the white man. We individual trials of survivors to determine Canada is better than that, and I will must teach the Indians what law is. I person- The same year the act attempts to ban the compensation issue. This is what they hold that thought on July 1st as I raise an ally knew General Custer, and admired the free public assembly on reserves, making it meant in those old black-and-white movie Anishinabek Nation flag over my North Bay gallant soldier, the American hero.” an offence to incite “three or more Indians or Westerns when the stoic Indian Chiefs said: home. halfbreeds” to breach the peace or to make “White man speak with forked tongue.” Maurice Switzer, Bnesi, is a citizen of the In 1869, Canada adopts a formal policy “threatening demands” on a civil servant, of . He of assimilation of Indians, the end goal being that is, the Indian agents who rule reserves That’s 150 reasons Indigenous peoples lives in North Bay, where he operates Nimkii the eradication of all Indigenous traditions, with an iron fist. Authorities can prevent the have NOT to celebrate Canada’s first 150 Communications, a public education prac- customs, and beliefs. The 1857 Gradual sale of ammunition to reserve residents they years of existence. tice with a focus on the treaty relationship Civilization Act morphs into the Gradual regard as malcontents, a drastic penalty for But three more deserve dishonourable that made possible the peaceful settlement of Enfranchisement Act, and then into the In- people who hunt to put food on the table. mentions. They involve Indigenous men, Canada. SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 6

Back row from left Jason Laronde, Brendan Houston, Cameron Welch, Chris Lachance, Don Rouleau, Brodie Laronde, Dan Gagnon, Quintin Bullock, Arnya Assance Front Row: Tammy Desmoulin, Kadin Laronde, Lisa Robinson, Rhonda Gagnon. - Photo by Laura Barrios Fur harvesting: learning the skills of our ancestors By Lisa Robinson , coyote, and . and admiration of our ancestors and their The enthusiasm of the youth participants NIPISSING FIRST NATION - The Learning about the biology and knowledge of the land.” clearly illustrated how important these Lands and Resources Department at the life cycle of each animal illustrated the For our ancestors, having the land as a experiential learning experiences are to Union of Ontario Indians participated in a ecological aspect of just how intricately land classroom and learning first-hand from their further share this knowledge. Fur Harvest, Management and Conservation management is connected to wildlife. fathers, was the best education. Chi-miigwech to instructors Chris course from April 22-26. “Learning how to trap and snare is a Our ancestors knew what to look for, Lachance and Don Rouleau for sharing their The course consisted of hands-on skill I am proud of, it is a connection to my such as habitat, and food sources, to best wealth of knowledge and experiences with learning where staff learned techniques to father, uncles and grandfathers,” expressed manage and sustain a healthy population the Lands and Resources team and youth skin, process and prepare pelts of different one participant. “This introduction to the within their trap lines and territories—they guests. animals such as , , marten, , trapper way of life increases my respect were the first Land Managers. Ontario Portion of the Harmonized Sales New to the Lands and Resources department Tax (HST) Refund Program for FNs Aanii! My name is Cameron Kwey Kwey. My name Ahnii! My name is Tam- Why did the ministry make changes to Welch. I have taken on the is Lisa Robinson. I have re- my Desmoulin. I am from the Ontario Portion of the HST Refund Pro- role of Policy Analyst with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and I gram for First Nations? cently joined the Lands and The changes were administrative only the Lands and Resources Resources Dept. as the Pro- have two beautiful children. and do not affect the entitlement of qualify- Department. I live with gram Coordinator responsible I started with the Anishi- ing First Nations individuals to: my wife in Nipissing First for the Transportation file and nabek Nation back in 2012 • a point-of-sale rebate of the 8% Ontar- Nation. Prior to coming to working with the Ministry of as a Communications Offi- io component of the HST on qualifying prop- work for the Anishinabek cer with the Restoration of Cameron Transportation. I am from Lisa Tammy erty and services, or • request a rebate from the ministry Nation, I spent five years Welch Kipawa and a member of Robinson Jurisdiction Department and Desmoulin living in Southern Africa Wolf Lake First Nation. My proudly was a part of the suc- where a business is unwilling or unable to where I worked with a network of non-gov- interest in natural resources was established cessful Ratification of the Anishinabek Edu- provide the rebate at point-of-sale. ernmental Indigenous organizations in the from being out on the land with my fami- cation System. These administrative changes were made to help the ministry process rebates faster for promotion of Indigenous rights to lands and ly, and led me to pursue studies in Environ- I started with the Lands and Resources people who submit claims. resources in the context of mineral develop- mental Protection and Biology. My research Department in January of this year. I am a What administrative changes were made ment. After competing my PhD on Indigen- interests and consulting experience included Program Coordinator and my main responsi- to the refund program that affect me? ous rights and the development of natural studying the regeneration of red oak and es- bility is the Minerals and Mines file. Changes were made to make the appli- resources in Namibia, I took a position with tablishing plant resource data in our tradi- I have a Law Degree from the University cation form and instructions clearer. A 100 the Alaska State Department of Fish and tional territory. I am a mother of three and of Windsor and a B.A. (Hons.) from Lauren- receipt limit per application has also been Game’s Division of Subsistence. While in I enjoy sharing and learning about plants. tian University. implemented to improve processing times, Alaska, I worked with Indigenous commun- Following five years as a college professor, I am proud to say I work for the Anishi- which may help you receive your rebate ities to ensure access to natural resources I look forward to my role serving the First nabek Nation and I look forward to working sooner. amidst mineral, oil and natural gas develop- Nations and facilitating the relationship be- to continuing my work with Anishinabek What happens if I would like to submit ment. When I returned to Ontario, I taught tween the MTO and the Anishinabek Nation. First Nations on minerals and mining issues. more than 100 receipts at a time? The 100 receipt limit is “per applica- Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Com- tion.” You may file more than one rebate ap- munity Development courses at Canadore plication at a time. College before taking up my current pos- Know a retailer not honouring the PST exemption? What happens if I use the old form to file ition. I am excited to have joined the Lands a claim? and Resources team where I have primary Claims received on the old rebate appli- responsibility for the Mines and Minerals Call 1-866-668-8297 cation will still be processed. file. I look forward to working with the First Why does the ministry require original Nations in improving Anishinabek engage- receipts? Shouldn’t a photocopy be enough? ment with, and benefit from, the mines and (1-866-ONT-TAXS) The ministry requires original receipts to minerals sector. help verify receipt authenticity. SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 7 Boozhoo from the Anishinabek Nation Legal Department

For those who do not know about the fee for service basis. This service is available Anishinabek Nation Legal Department, we to individual Anishinabek Nation members would like to take some time to introduce and/or groups or organizations. For further our staff and to provide a brief overview of information on this particular service, con- the services our Department provides. tact Linda Newhook, Legal Coordinator, at The information shared on a quarterly the Anishinabek Nation Head Office. If you basis in the print Anishinabek News, will be are seeking legal representation that is be- focused on legal information relevant to In- yond our mandate, please consider the fol- digenous peoples and communities. lowing services: The legal team consists of Fred Belle- The Law Society Referral Service feuille, Legal Counsel and Legal Depart- (LSRS) at https://lsrs.lsuc.on.ca/lsrs/ or by ment Director; Linda Newhook, Legal Co- telephone at 1-855-947-5255 or 416-947- ordinator; and Leanna Farr, Legal Counsel. 5255 (within the GTA), Monday - Friday Expecting? Get a free diaper bag Our Department provides legal services and between 9 am - 5 pm. By Sarah Gammon added responsibility of a new baby. It is im- support to the Anishinabek Nation and its re- If you are under the age of 18 or are ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OF- portant that expecting or new parents know lated corporate entities (i.e. Union of Ontar- homeless and under the age of 25, and you FICE – Just had a baby or expecting one? that they are not alone and not without sup- io Indians, and the Anishinabek Nation 7th need a lawyer or have questions about your Contact your First Nation Healthy Babies/ port. Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Co- Generation Charity). The legal department legal rights, you may wish to call Justice for Healthy Children Coordinator to register for ordinators can provide a variety of support has experience assisting with a diversity of Children and Youth, or visit the website at: a free diaper bag. and resources and assist with the many ques- legal matters such as treaty and aboriginal http://jfcy.org/. Into its third year of this initiative, the An- tions or concerns expecting or new parents rights, residential school matters, taxation, If you are under the age of 18 and have ishinabek Nation’s Healthy Babies/Healthy may have. matrimonial real property, corporate matters, questions about custody and access, child Children program sends out 200 plus diaper If you are an expecting or new parent governance and restoration of jurisdiction, protection, civil litigation or estates and bags to Anishinabek Nation communities from one of the Anishinabek Nation com- elections, employment matters, child wel- trusts matters you may wish to visit the Of- across Ontario. Diaper bags are filled with munities, please contact your First Nation fare, public inquiries, and public legal edu- fice of the Children's Lawyer website at: essential all natural or locally made items Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Coordina- cation to name a few. We are able to provide http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/ for new parents and their babies. Each bag tor to get more information on our diaper bag legal assistance to our various Anishinabek english/family/ocl/faq/default.asp. contains a blanket, teething toy, bum balm, initiative. Nation departments and our member First cough and cold balm, shampoo and body The objective of the Anishinabek Nations on a fee for service basis. For more Legal Department wash, bib, snack bag, face cloths, tooth Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program information on our fees and services, please Anishinabek Nation brush, toddler plate, and information for new (AHBHC) is to improve the long-term health contact Linda Newhook, Legal Coordinator, Head Office: Nipissing First Nation parents. Each bag retails for $200.00. prospects of children aged 0-6 years. The at the Anishinabek Nation Head Office at 1 Migizii Miikan, P.O. Box 711 The goal of the diaper bag initiative is to program includes pre and post-natal screen- 705-497-9127. North Bay, ON P1B 8J8 encourage expecting or new parents to be- ing and assessment, home visiting, service In addition to the above, our Department Phone: (705) 497-9127 come more involved with their First Nation co-ordination and support for service inte- oversees the Anishinabek Nation Tribunal & Toll Free: 1-877-702-5200 Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Coordina- gration. The AHBHC program is voluntary Commission which provides mediation ser- Fax: (705) 497-9135 tor. Expectant mothers and new parent can and open to any Anishinabek family that re- vices to assist with dispute resolution on a often find themselves overwhelmed with the quests the service. SUMMER 2017 Anishinabek News Page 8 HEALTH NIHB BENEFITS Are you expecting a baby, or have a child under 1 year of age? First Nations children are now covered for NIHB benefits under their parent’s/guardian’s status card until the child reaches 1 year of age. However, your child’s first prescription must be manually processed by your pharmacist. After that, all eligible prescriptions can be submitted electronically by your pharmacist, for payment.

To ensure a seamless NIHB eligibility for your child, have them registered for their own status card with Aboriginal Aairs and Northern Development Anishinabek Nation Chiefs of Ontario Canada (AANDC), as soon as possible prior to their first birthday. Head Office NIHB Navigators 1-877-702-5200 1-800-517-6527

(Non-Insured Health HEARING TESTS NIHB Bene ts) eligible bene t E ective immediately, hearing assessments carried out by audiologists in free standing clinics will now be an eligible benet under the NIHB program. The Ontario Regional NIHB Oce is now in the process of contacting the audiologists and informing them of this policy change. Audiologists can now utlize NIHB Billing code #99400639 for carrying out the hearing assessment and for our First Nation medical transportation clerks under the appointment reason: Healing/Speech Test Specialist-Audiologist. That should result in hopefully no upfront payment being required from our citizens.

For further information contact the NIHB Ontario Region Anishinabek Nation Chiefs of Ontario 1-800-881-3921 Head Oce NIHB Navigators 1-877-702-5200 1-800-517-6527

(Non-Insured Health HOSPITAL BEDS NIHB Benefits) eligible benefit Beds/mattresses are now accessible through the regular NIHB Medical Equipment and Supplies. - A prescription from a physician or nurse practioner is required. - For palliative patients a registered nurse’s assessment is acceptable. - In all instances a mobility/level of function assessment must be carried out by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

Important Considerations: Modern hospital beds are considerably larger, so please conduct a site visit to ensure that there is su€icient unobstructed floor space in the home to accommodate such a bed. Also in palliative cases, it might be less expensive to rent bed/mattress than to purchase. In all cases please ensure that the delivery and set up costs of the equipment are included in the purchase price.

For further information contact the NIHB Ontario Region Anishinabek Nation Chiefs of Ontario 1-800-881-3921 Head O€ice NIHB Navigators 1-877-702-5200 1-800-517-6527