Anishinabek Education Operational by 2008 SAULT STE

Volume 18 Issue 8 Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 October 2006 Anishinabek education operational by 2008 SAULT STE. MARIE – Anishinabek Nation mem- the nation-building process. “We are not building ber communities from across Ontario are in the fi nal from scratch, we are building on the foundation of stages of establishing an education system which the knowledge of our Elders, our language and our they have helped design and which is expected to traditions. In our schools, Anishinaabemowin will begin operating under their jurisdiction in Septem- be the primary language and English will be the sec- ber, 2008. ondary language,” the Grand Council Chief said. Political leaders and educators from across First Nations jurisdiction over educa- Anishinabek Territory participated in an Oct. 3- tion and the establishment of the Anishi- 5 symposium called “Anishinaabe Kino- nabek Education System have been under maadswin Nongo – Anishinaabe negotiation with Canada for over a decade, Pow-wow circuit ending Pane,” which translates to “An- and a vote on a fi nal agreement by the With the falling of the leaves, the 2006 Great Lakes pow-wow circuit is ishinaabe Education Today 42 Anishinabek member communi- winding down to its autumn conclusion. These men’s traditional dancers were in fi ne form at the 51st annual Curve Lake First Nation Pow-Wow – Forever Anishinaabe.” ties is expected to take place as early held Sept. 16-17 at Lance Woods Park. – Photo by Crystal Cummings In endorsing the Anishi- as September 2007. The Anishinabek nabek model, keynote speak- Education System is expected to be er Dr. Seymour Epstein said fully operational when school opens in both Anishinabek and Jewish September 2008. educators need to be “militant” The proposed system will pro- about their languages to help mote Anishinaabe language and preserve their cultures. culture and develop its own stan- The director of Greater To- dards and curriculum. The system ronto’s Board of Jewish Education will be parallel to, but separate highlighted commonalities between from the provincial education the two peoples and discussed Jewish system, while still providing community strategies for retaining and de- for the smooth transfer of stu- veloping language and culture. dents from on-reserve schools “We have a great deal in common,” said Dr. to schools operated by Ontario’s Memory walkers .anishin The Mushkwezequeewah Drum Group hand drummers led the second Epstein. “We are two ancient, aboriginal peoples Ministry of Education. annual Full Moon Memory Walk through Thunder Bay Sept. 7. About for whom it is imperative to fi nd ways to develop Anishinabek First Nations have 150 participants honoured the memory of 23 area Aboriginal women and maintain our cultures. We know we have to be been administering education programs and servic- whose disappearance or death in the past 40 years remain unsolved. militant about our languages and fi nd ways to comes on-reserve since 1972, but legislative authority – Photo by Rick Garrick municate with each other in the same way that we and policy have remained with Indian and Northern communicate with the masters of our universe and Affairs Canada. those that we consider to be governors of our soci- The symposium included discussions on topics ety generally.” including the governance structure and fi nancial ac- Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief countability of the proposed Anishinabek Education John Beaucage opened the symposium by remind- System. The event was hosted by the Union of On- ing community leaders that the establishment of a tario Indians’ Restoration of Jurisdiction Project and unique education system was a key component of its Education Working Group. More on page 14. Reserves exempt from Hydro fee By Rick Garrick that item (DRC) on your bill.” separate companies by the for- THUNDER BAY – On-reserve First Nation bands and band mer Mike Harris Conservative First Nations people with a councils that consume electricity provincial government in 1999. valid certifi cate of Indian Status on-reserve are also exempt from It adds up to about $5 on a do not have to pay the Ontario paying the DRC, but corpora- $100 Thunder Bay Hydro bill Strong debut for youth drum Hydro Debt Retirement Charge tions owned by Status Indians do and about $11 on a $170 bill, In their competitive debut, the Taabik Singers, consisting primarily of (DRC). not qualify for the exemption. and brings in about $1 billion per youth from the Beausoleil First Nation, placed a respectable fi fth at the “Anyone (with a valid sta- At a cost of 0.7 cents per year from across the province. Rama Mnjikaning First Nation Competition Powwow Oct. 7-8. Members, clockwise from bottom: Bob Goulais, Hank Monague, Jesse Sylvester, tus card) who lives on reserve, kWh, the DRC was set by the Although on-reserve First Barry Assance, Collin Copegog, Doug Monague, Anthony Sylvester, they’re automatically exempt,” Ontario Ministry of Finance to Nations people get a break on Andrew Carruthers, lead singer, Laval Williams, and Dan Monague. said John Lang, policy advisor pay down the residual stranded the DRC, Lang explained that – Photo by Cindy Sutton with the Ontario Ministry of En- debt of the former Ontario Hy- Status Indians who don’t live on ergy. “You shouldn’t be getting dro, which was reorganized into a reserve have to pay the DRC. National Language Conference ad 2” x 10.25” Page 2 Anishinabek News October 2006 Native NHLers on ice Dnakmigizwin/Sports NIPISSING FIRST NATION – An all-Native team comprised of former National Hockey League players is ready to hit the ice in support of a variety of worthy causes. “In addition to playing fund-raiser games with local teams, our players will be available as motivational speakers, conduct hockey clinics, visit schools, and do whatever they can to assist the Aboriginal community,” says general manager Bryan Trottier, a Hockey Hall-of-Famer who will also skate some shifts with Team Aboriginal NHL. Trottier will be able to select players for various games from a talent pool of former NHLers that includes such familiar names as Jim Neilson, Reggie Leach, Chris Simon, and Dale McCourt. “Individual players will visit the classroom and talk about staying in school, substance abuse, goal-setting, motivational skills and other subjects important to the Native leaders of tomorrow,” said Trottier, who helped the New York Islanders win four Stanley Cups and the Pittsburgh Penguins another two. “Mini hockey clinics can be set up during the day to help the aspiring hockey players to hone their skills. Boys and girls alike will learn from the best and interact with their hockey heroes. Our players are also looking forward to meeting with community Elders.” Team Aboriginal was created with the encouragement and assistance of National Hockey League Alumni Association members Ron Ellis, Rene Robert, Kent Douglas, John Chabot and Dan Frawley. Other sup- porters have included John Donnelly and Sophie Radecki of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and Clint Davis – National Director of Ab- original Banking for BMO Financial Group, which has signed on as the team’s major sponsor for the inaugural season. For more information about Team Aboriginal NHL contact either Bryan Trottier at 724 -743-3235, or Les Couchie, manager of the An- ishinabek Nation Seventh Generation Charities at 877-702-5200 or 705- 497 9127.

Taylor George Recruitment ad

4” x 8.75” Gaggimedia

6” x 6” October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 3 Hortons Anishinabek Mazinaakizon sponsors campers By Tony Jocko SUDBURY – Rebecca Osawamick of Wahnapitae First Nation and friend Jessica Assinewe, Sagamok Anish- nawbek could become very loyal Tim Hortons customers. The pair of 11-year-olds joined 21 other Sudbury-area youngsters on an August camping trip to Nova Sco- tia, courtesy of Canada’s coffee king. They joined another 100 youngsters for a ten-day camping experience on a 245-acre property located on the Northumberland Strait. Activities ranged from hiking and soccer on land, to swimming and kayaking on sea. Following a rigorous schedule of 13-hour days, the tired but happy trav- elers arrived back in Sudbury on the Jessica Assinewe and Rebecca Osawamick prepare to board the Air Earthwalkers Stewardship Team members, from left, Dale Benoit-Zohr evening of August 19. Each brought Canada Jazz Dash 8 for the fi rst leg of their summer camping trip to a (leader), Jordan Lee Kohoko, Kris Aubrey, and Kaitlin Commanda home their own unique memories and Tim Horton camp in Nova Scotia. completed an eight-week summer work program for the Algonquins of stories, but all agreed that the high- Pikwakanagan. The program was designed to enable Algonquin youth to light of their trip was the “awesome” learn more about managing their natural environment while gaining both food, followed closely by making experience and formal education. – Photo by Susan Magill new friends. Tim Horton Camp counsellors Gabrielle “Lolly” Tetreault, and Mi- kael Doucet escorted the Sudbury contingent whose camping experience was sponsored by various fran- chisees. Ken and Bonny Davidson, of the award-winning Tim Hortons fran- chise in Val Caron Store, sponsored Anishinabek youngsters Jessica Ass- inewe and Rebecca Osawamick. Each summer the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation hosts over 11,000 kids from across Canada and the United States at camps in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Kentucky. Nipissing First Nation Fire Chief Melvin McLeod accepted a donation Ontario’s Trillium Foundation provided a $61,000 grant to the Aborigi- For more information contact of $3,000 worth of fi refi ghting equipment from Garth Pigeau of ABC nal Technology Centre (AITC), a partnership between Garden River Tony Jocko at the Union of Ontario Training and Brian Maki of M & L Equipment. The Kellhobby Rescue First Nation, Batchewana Band Industries, and the Sault Ste. Marie Indians head offi ce on Nipissing First Retriever Systems equips Nipissing’s volunteer fi remen to attempt water Indian Friendship Centre to hire a manager and develop a business Nation at (705) 497-9127 (toll-free at rescues from a distance of 200 feet without going into the water after plan to raise the level of computer skills by community members. 877-702-5200), Ext. 2313. potential drowning victims. – Photo by Cathy McLeod-Bourassa Front row, from left: Perry Boyer (Trillium Foundation), Matthew Mo- rin (Sault Friendship Centre), Marie Nolan (Garden River ), Chief Lyle Sayers (Garden River); back row: Curtis Hopkins (president, Sault Friendship Centre), Chief Dean Sayers (Batchewana First Nation). – Photo by Barbara Beer ANCU

6” x 6” Elders Theresa Jones, Carol Jones, Lori Roach, Arnelda Pine and Bonje Williams enjoy a friendly chat as they choose breakfast items from the smorgasbord set out for the seniors of Garden River First Nation on Sept.13. The community usually stages a monthly luncheon for its elders, but the breakfast format proved very popular with participants. – Photo by Margaret Hele

Three young girls from the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation are recipients of an award from the Ontario Farmers Association. Hillside School Grade 5 students Jenna George, Whitney Henry and Naomi George, were congratulated by Chief Tom Bresssette after their entry was selected as the best audio advertisement of those submitted from across the province. Teacher Craig Lindsay was credited with providing the motivation for the girls’ success. Page 4 Anishinabek News October 2006 Maanda ndinendam/Opinion

The Anishinabek News is a monthly publication of the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI). Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political on Manitoulin Island, or buried with one of the position of the UOI. Wampum belt Chiefs to whom it was entrusted for safekeeping. No portion of this paper, including advertisements, artwork, photos and But to dismiss the one commissioned 20 years ago editorial content may be reproduced without written permission of the Anishi- nabek News Editor or UOI Executive. by the Union of Ontario Indians as any less mean- Readers are invited to submit letters, articles, and photos for publication. speaks language ingful than the 1764 version diminishes her value Please include your name, address and telephone number on all material as what academics call a “mnemonic” device – a submitted. All submissions will be reviewed for publication based on priority of tool to assist memory recall. interest and edited for clarity of thought, taste, brevity and legal implications. all nations Remuneration will be paid for submissions only if a written agreement with the Editor is made prior to publication. After all, I posed to a group of Trent University students a few weeks ago, Christians don’t refuse Editor: Maurice Switzer can understand to attend church because the Bible their minister Contributors: Holly Brodhagen, Jody Cotter, Cindy Crowe, A wonderful history teacher has begun sharing reads from isn’t the original one printed by Guten- Sarah DeCarlo, Caroline H. Foster, Lynn Gehl, old stories with me, shedding light on the past in a berg 600 years ago, Do the words in copies roll- Shirley Honyust, Tony Jocko, Colleen Kleven, Johanna Kristolaitis, Ron Plain, Sara Richardson, way no textbook ever could. ing off the printing presses today hold less signifi - Tammy Roszel, Shirley Williams, Gord Young cance than those in the very fi rst edition? My new teacher is small – only about four Editorial Board: Fred Bellefeuille, Les Couchie, Cathie Favreau feet high – but mighty, with a message that can Do lawyers and politicians everywhere not Production: Deb Sullivan be understood by people of all ages, cultures, and revere the principles of the Magna Carta because Co-ordinator: Priscilla Goulais languages. they don’t have the original version on their desks? Telephone: (705) 497-9127 Toll Free: 1-877-702-5200 I’m referring to “Gchi-miigisaabiigan” Fax: (705) 497-9135 e-mail: [email protected] – “the Great Wam- Gchi-miigisaabiigan speaks as loudly to us as Anishinabek News P.O. Box 711, Nipissing First Nation, North Bay, ON P1B 8J8 pum Belt”, as ever. In fact, when I share her stories with various M’Chigeeng histo- groups, I feel like a ventriloquist’s dummy, open- rian Alan Corbiere ing my mouth to speak the promises she has car- calls the collection ried for 242 years. of blue and white beads that repre- So we have begun giving her the respect she sents one of the deserves. She resides in a handsome red cedar Publishing Criteria most famous agree- case provided by Wasauksing craftsman Ken Ta- GOAL ments ever sealed bobondung, decorated with his trademark dabs To publish a quality newspaper and related publications de- between Europeans of paint “beads “in traditional Anishinaabe fl oral signed to foster pride and share knowledge about Anishinabek and North Ameri- designs. And Mary Anne Geroux designed a car- current affairs, culture, goals, and accomplishments. can Indians. rying bag on which she sewed eagles and wolves, Maurice Switzer dragonfl ies and butterfl ies, and red and gold au- OBJECTIVES The belt we tumn leaves. To provide information that refl ects the Creator’s four original keep at the Union gifts to the Anishinabek: of Ontario Indians offi ce is a replica of the one And when the wampum belt joins a teaching given in 1764 by Sir William Johnson – British Respect: To welcome diversity and encourage a free exchange circle, she is smudged, like all the other partici- of opinions that may differ without being disagreeable. Fair superintendent of Indian Affairs for the North pants. and humourous comments are welcomed, but not ridicule or American colonies – to the leaders of 24 nations personal attacks. of Algonquin, Huron, and Iroquois peoples. Prop- People watch and listen to her with fascina- erly referred to as the British and Western Lakes tion. She has been hugged by hundreds of chil- Honesty: Debwewin – speaking the truth – is the cornerstone Confederacy Covenant Chain, the belt’s design dren at the annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival at of our newspaper’s content. features two fi gures with hands clasped in friend- Toronto’s SkyDome. Everyone wants their picture Sharing: Providing opportunities for people from the four ship, the date 1764, and fi ve white-beaded “links.” taken with her. Last week she posed with a group corners of the Anishinabek Nation to tell stories and record This was a reference to the Iroquois tradition of of Rotary Club exchange participants from Mo- achievements, and to keep our citizens informed about activi- using lengths of silver chain to symbolize trea- zambique, Botswana, and South Africa. ties of the Union of Ontario Indians. ties of peace and friendship with the British in the early 1600s. The message was clear: friendships “An Elder told me once that the reason white Strength: To give a voice to the vision of the Anishinabek Na- – like silver – need to be periodically polished if people write so many things down is that they have tion that celebrates our history, culture and language, pro- they are to retain their original shine. such bad memories,” I recalled. This prompted a motes our land, treaty, and aboriginal rights, and supports the development of healthy and prosperous communities. little smile from Orchidea Massarongo, a proud Johnson offered the covenant chain wampum black woman who works as a lawyer and universi- – and another one with 24 fi gures beaded onto it ty lecturer in Maputo. She had told me over lunch NOTE: The Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions for – in gratitude to the Indians for their allegiance that there are very few speakers of dozens of tribal brevity, clarity, and suitability for publication. All formal com- during the Seven Years’ War which brought an end dialects in Mozambique. ments and complaints must be addressed to Editorial Board c/o to France’s hopes for North American dominance. Anishinabek News. It was also intended to ensure their loyalty in the “After Portugal colonized us, it was against the future, as well as reinforce the previous year’s law for anyone to speak anything but Portuguese,” Royal Proclamation that recognized Indians as she said. nations whose traditional territories were to be re- spected by settlers. Gchi-miigisaabiigan has survived worse… Advertising & News Deadlines and lives to tell the tale. The current circulation of the Anishinabek News is 10,000 copies, All this information is available in history texts with 9,000 mailed and 1,000 distributed at various events. or encyclopedia volumes. But Gchi-miigisaabi- . DEADLINES FOR NOVEMBER ISSUE igan has a voice of her own. Advertising Bookings: October 20 For one thing, she has convinced her students Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the Mississau- Final Art: October 25 that it is not appropriate to treat her as a mere gas of Alderville First Nation. He serves as direc- News “copy”. Certainly, the 10,000-bead belt given by tor of communications for the Union of Ontario News submissions: October 20 Sir William Johnson may have been lost in a fi re Indians and editor of the Anishinabek News. Scheduled printing: October 29 For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek News related to advertising and circulation issues please call our new toll-free number: 1-800-463-6408

CANADA POST CUSTOMER #1905929 AGREEMENT #0040011021 October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 5 Maanda ndinendam/Opinions Moon time customs refl ect Anishinaabe balance Editor: Menstruation is signifi cant for or amniotic fl uid, that nourishes us. each other and also with the wax the Judeo-Christian belief that men- Women’s menstrual cycles, or Anishinaabe women because it is The movement of the tides is con- of the full moon. A separate lodge ses is a curse bestowed upon wom- “moon time” has always been cause a time to self-refl ect; we are taught nected to the lunar cycles, so too are was constructed for them at this en for Eve’s original sin – tempting for celebration in our ceremonies, that we do not need to participate Anishinaabe women connected to time, not out of segregation but out Adam to eat a forbidden apple from feasts, and dancing. Anishinaabe in healing ceremonies and sweats the Moon, our fi rst grandmother. of deep respect for the women who the tree of knowledge. culture is based upon the balance of because of our strong connection to Historically, “moon time” ex- celebrated and affi rmed their wom- Women are not honoured as the masculine and the feminine. In all of Creation while we are on our plains the synchronicity between anhood by holding their own cer- equal to men within the patriar- fact, I believe that it is the men who “time.” This is when we consider women in their villages and lunar emonies, feasts, and dances. chal and hierarchical structure of are more excluded because they do our responsibilities to ourselves, our cycles. Today, the scientifi c ratio- The disruption in our traditional Judeo-Christian society. The idea not possess the powerful gift that is families, and our communities. nale behind “moon time” has much lifestyles and communities has also that women are “dirty” or “impure” woman’s ability to create and sus- We are taught that the Earth, our to with the study of pheromones. disrupted the natural order in which is born of the notion that women tain life within her; women are not fi rst mother, nourishes us and it is Most women will agree that if they we conduct ceremonies etc., Our are responsible for the downfall of required to participate when they the responsibility of Anishinaabe live in close proximity to another bodies as much as our spirits have mankind in the garden of Eden, the are on their “time” not because they women to care for her and the wa- woman their menstrual cycles be- suffered because of this. Biblical creation story. will “make men sick,” they do not ter, while it is the men who are the come attuned to one another; in the If anything, Judeo-Christian or- In our Creator’s eyes we are all participate out of respect for their fi re-keepers. Water is the lifeblood old days this was translated into thodoxy has done more to exclude sacred. “power” during their menstrual of the Earth and when we are within “moon time” because women’s and disempower women historical- Summer Bressette, cycle. our mother’s wombs it is her water, menstrual cycles were in sync with ly, culturally, and spiritually. It is Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Traditions can hardly Respecting be called ‘hate crimes’ our values Editor: are things I do not do and so on. If Editor: Branding traditions as hate crimes is I as a woman take on the roles of a We have to respect values and tradi- a highly infl ammatory and irrespon- man in the traditional sense I’m up- tions handed down from generation sible action. setting a balance that we have been to generation. I am a woman and my It would also appear that the in- working to maintain for a very long daughters and granddaughters don’t dividual providing the comments has time. call it a hate crime if they are not not done their homework but rather Who am I then to come in and allowed to do and participate in cer- provided a loose defi nition at best fi x something that ain’t broke?! I tain things on their moon time.We as that suits the needs of their own argu- don’t feel like any less of a woman women have to respect this as we are ment. Our anonymous provider has or human being for having to take the carriers of the next generation. no real understanding of what a hate a step back! I realize the context of When does the Charter of Rights crime really is, and because there are the situation and I know that those come into the sweatlodge or all the other ceremonies? Yes, we are Ca- those among us and others out there Elders, men and women conducting nadians now and we do have all the who DO experience legally-defi ned ceremony or dancing are only mind- rights of Canadians, but we were here hate crimes I think it’s very irrespon- ful and reverent of the power I hold fi rst. I am very proud of who I am sible to throw such loaded terms out as a woman at various times during and my daughters and grand-daugh- there and subsequently pay great the year! ters will very proudly follow all the disrespect to people who have truly Tradition and the way we do traditions handed down to them, and endured such atrocities. things is giving a voice to our ances- yes they will most likely miss many Let’s consider fi rst how the Crim- tors…and tradition shouldn’t have events due to moon time without a inal Code of Canada defi nes a hate to submit to us because we are in- complaint because they are proud crime: a hate crime is committed to fl uenced and educated by ways that of who they are and what they are intimidate, harm or terrify not only a are not our own or because there are – Plains Cree. person, but an entire group of people those among us who need to listen a J.D. Cameron, to which the victim belongs. The vic- little longer. Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation, tims are targeted for who they are, not Deanna Therriault Saskatchewan because of anything they have done. Now ask yourself this question: Are our women who voluntarily concede Dancer’s feathers fell for an important reason participation or who recognize our traditions being physically harmed? Editor: on to one of her friends. Feeling Our culture, like most others, women do not participate in ceremo- Told they are wrong? That they are Let me start by telling a story about bad, the young woman receiving the has gender roles and responsibili- nies, pow-wows, etc. while “on their bad? Or dirty? three young fancy shawl dancers feathers confessed she was aware ties. These roles and responsibilities time.” Hate crimes involve things like who were getting ready one morn- that the other shawl dancer was on were implemented for the purpose It is not to discriminate nor is it intimidation, threats of physical harm ing for the afternoon’s grand entry. her moon time and explained that is of maintaining family and commu- to degrade. Our culture has been this against the individual, their family… One of the girls had a pair of beau- why the feathers fell . . . I still have nity togetherness. way far before many of us arrived I have never seen this happen at any tifully-beaded feathers that attached those feathers today. Many of us We gain an understanding about on this earth and it is not meant to time when I have participated in such to her yoke and she would remove need to experience things fi rst-hand why these teachings exist and why be changed. Our ancestors did not ceremony. Has anyone else? Has them as she packed her regalia away in order to believe. they have been passed down through take into consideration the Charter there ever been an air of malicious- each time. In my heart that was a message generations of grandmothers, moth- of Human Rights nor the ignorance ness when an Elder asks that those On this sunny morning she had sent from the Creator to help me ers and aunties. of non-Native people and Native women and girls, who are experienc- asked her two friends to tie the understand and believe in the impor- If we respect the teachings of people, for that matter. ing increased levels of power, leave feathers to her yoke, and they each tance of the moon time teachings. our Elders then we respect why For anyone that feels these tra- the circle? I don’t think so. took a set of these beautiful feath- ditions are discriminatory, I recom- There are things that we do in ers and tied them to her regalia. mend that you have tea with one order to maintain balance, peace and That afternoon, while dancing, one Choice belongs to women of our Kookums, offer her tobacco continuity within our Anishinabe set of those feathers fell from her Editor: and ask your questions. Ask her communities, namely recognize and yoke. The young girl was seemingly It is my understanding that the basis of all indigenous Turtle Island cultures about the moon time teachings, ask adhere to traditions. If we did not sad as she stood in the dance arena is egalitarianism (that is that all beings are equal and none has the right to her why she wears a skirt, ask her recognize the roles and responsibili- with the Elder who quietly retrieved bear any authority over another). why she braids her hair and ask her ties of each member of our commu- her feathers from the ground with a My understanding of our teachings is that during this time of renewal, a why women do not sing on the “big nity, there would be chaos...and we prayer and tobacco. woman’s power is at its greatest during this phase of her cycle. As a result drum.” Every ceremony, tradition, really wouldn’t be Anishinabe peo- Of the two girls who tied the of her understanding of this, she may choose to refrain from participating in belief, and custom is interconnected ple now would we? I know it may feathers, one was on her time and activities where her increased personal energy might overpower that of the and once you open your mind you sound incredibly naïve – perhaps the other one knew but did not attest intended ceremony. This includes participation in ceremonial dancing, the will understand it. Our people did anti-feminist – to say that I respect to her friend’s decision to dance and big ceremonial drum, certain sweat lodge activity, and contact with food. It not “hate,” therefore how can any- my traditional role as an Anishinabe to handle sacred items, for reasons must be understood that it is her choice. No one has any right to deny her one classify these beliefs as “hate woman, meaning I respect that there such as not believing in the power entry on the basis of her moon phase. crimes.” are things I as a woman do, and there that a woman possesses when she is If any other person is not comfortable in her presence they are free to There is so much to learn about are things that a man does, an Elder on her moon time. leave. The same applies to the touching of their personal property. If you are our culture, the learning never ends. does and a child does within the com- The young dancer who dropped afraid someone might touch it, don’t bring it out. Shannon Gustafson munity context, and conversely there her feathers that day passed them Laura Jean Lumley-Wilde, Forest, Ontario Thunder Bay Page 6 Anishinabek News October 2006 Ezhoosgaged/Arts Theatre sets Native voices free By Sarah DeCarlo “CIT had a huge effect on former at the 2004 Canadian Ab- TORONTO – The Centre for In- my life,” she says. “I didn’t stick original Music Awards. digenous Theatre helps set young with theatre because at the time, I Other familiar CIT alumni in- Native voices free. wasn’t prepared to move to Toron- clude Gary Farmer, Jennifer Po- From its beginnings in 1974 to, or more importantly, I wasn’t demski and Billy Merasty. as the Native Theatre School, prepared to leave my community. In addition to 1, 2 and 3-year founder James Buller believed in Though I did well at CIT…I didn’t full-time programs offered in the importance of art and expres- think I had enough passion to be Toronto, CIT also operates Sum- sion within our communities. Na- a good actor. What I was able to mer School North (Yellowknife, tive Theatre School grew out of do, though, was to bring what I NWT) and South (Peterborough, ANDPVA, – the Association for learned back to my community. I ON). Native Development in the Per- held acting and voice workshops More information about CIT is forming and Visual Arts – acting in Iqaluit for roughly four months. available on their website at www. as a catalyst for a national theatre So, this had a positive impact on indigenoustheatre.com , by phon- movement that saw our trailblaz- the youth who were able to par- ing 416-506-9436 or by e-mail at ers emerge onto the world stage to ticipate. [email protected] showcase their incredible talent, “Theatre also helped me fi nd ability and, unwillingness to be my voice, and it gave me the con- Sarah DeCarlo is an Ojibwe/ silenced. fi dence to be a performing musi- Italian writer, fi lmmaker, musi- During a recent conversation, cian. Music was something I al- cian and mother working at the singer-composer Lucie Idlout ways had…but I wasn’t prepared Centre for Indigenous Theatre in reminisced about her CIT experi- until that point to bring it to the Toronto. ence. stage and share it with an audi- “I didn’t believe I would ever ence.” Summer School South students with the Centre for Indigenous Theatre: get into the program. But also, I Since then, Lucie has taken Darrin Cowie, Christine Friday O’Leary, Amelia Millard-Williams, Tania didn’t think as an Inuk, living in her music around the world, Carter, Liana Waboose-Tootoosis, Andrea True-Joy Fox, Kayla Cardinal, the north, I would ever stand a had one of her songs used in the Deanna Pearult, Qwo’Li Driskill, Paul de Jong and Don Davanaugh . chance.” Despite her inhibitions soundtrack of a Hollywood fi lm, – Photo by Michelle Maria Lucie applied and was accepted. and been named best female per- Bombshell hits Market Hall By Sarah DeCarlo Canadore PETERBOROUGH – For those heav- ily involved in the current music scene names like Kinnie Starr and Tanya Tagaq-Gillis are very familiar. College I sat in on their September tour Natural First Nations date in Peterbor- ough where they were invited to perform, along Language Conference with their West 2” x 9” Coast cohort, hu- morist Skeena Reece. The show entitled, “Beats & Braids,” fea- Tanya Taqaq tured Indigenous Gillis Women artists and was organized by (Process Colour) the O’Kaadenigan Wiingashk Collec- tive along with partner Public Energy. The goal: “To raise the profi le of In- digenous artists in our communities.” The outcome: close to $1,500 dollars raised toward continued training and access opportunities for First Nations youth and artists. Suffi ce to say, the Market Hall Performing Arts Space 6” x 8” hasn’t seen a Sunday night like that in a long time. Tagaq-Gillis was chosen best female artist at the 2005 Canadian Ab- original Music Awards. For those of you who haven’t yet heard this bra- zen bombshell, mark my words, you will never forget. The cultural game of throat singing, banned by Chris- tian priests, and practiced in Inuit and Mongolian societies has no recorded origin except through oral tradition and is experiencing a revitalization. However, what Tagaq does is more like one continuous set of erotic and sensual explosions convulsing and repeating sustained through both the reverb and the unforgettable nature of the performance. The intensity of her stage presence is really more like a series of climaxes, less about thinking and familiarity and more about letting go. October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 7 Indigenous theatre circles Ezhoosgaged/Arts Mother Earth on 3-year tour By Sara Richardson Urale Productions of Frangiapani Perfume by Mak- PETERBOROUGH – When renowned actor, per- erita Urale. former and director, Pauline Whyman was a little girl This is brilliant, authentic Indigenous Theatre growing up in Australia she used to draw pictures of – dark, funny, moving, and magical, with stories sure Canada, images that came to her in her dreams. to move even the most hardened theatre skeptic. Each So in some way it was not a total surprise when show is very different yet they share strikingly similar she received a phone call from the artistic director themes, each exposing stories of peoples who have of the famous Yirran Yaakin Noongar Theatre in endured the continual onslaught of an insidious colo- Perth Australia, with a curious proposition. The ac- nialist regime. tor scheduled for their latest touring production was Annie Mae’s Movement stars Michelle St. John unable to perform due to an injury and they needed a in the title role of a story that investigates the little strong female lead who could carry the part. known personal life of Native activist Anna Mae Pic- “I read the script and fell in love with it,” says tou Aquash, whose 1976 murder in South Dakota has Pauline, who three weeks later found herself in Cana- yet to be solved. da making theatre history. Frangipani Perfume is a sensual black comedy Pauline Whyman plays the part of May May in about escape and dreams of three Samoan sisters, the award-winning play Windmill Baby written by featuring a minimalist set and stunning performances Australian playwright David Millroy. It is one of typical of the cutting edge artistic styles and Indig- three stunning productions selected for “Honouring enous solidarity currently sprouting in New Zealand. Theatre,” a three-year tour that promotes world-wide Windmill Baby stars Pauline Whyman in a one- Indigenous solidarity and creates global pathways in woman show set under the train station in Kimberley the performing arts. Australia, a place where the endearing May May re- The Canadian portion of the tour launched in Pe- fl ects on her past 50 years. This is a deep drama with terborough in September, and includes stops in To- a lot of humour, guaranteed to touch your heart, and ronto and Regina before winding up in Vancouver in featuring a fabulous set by Adam Surgerer. late October. The three plays will tour Australia in For more information on Honouring Theatre’s 2007 and New Zealand in 2008. schedule please visit the Native Earth Performing In addition to Windmill Baby, audiences will also Arts Website at www.nativeearth.ca. see a production by Toronto-based Native Earth Per- forming Arts’ of Annie Mae’s Movement by Yvette Sara Richardson is Development Coordinator with Nolan, and the staging by New Zealand’s Makerita the Toronto-based Centre for Indigenous Theatre

Michelle St. John in Annie Mae’s Movement. – Photo by Nir Baraket Women dominate CAMMYs TORONTO (CP) – Women dominate the list of nominees for the Cana- Ojibwe dian Aboriginal Music Awards set to take place next month. Garnering quadruple nominations each are Andrea Menard, Susan Aglukark, Tamara Podemski and Donna Kay with Little Island Cree. Menard, Kay and Podemski will battle it out for the title of best female Cultural Foundation artist while Randy Wood and multiple nominees Stephen Kakfwi and Jared Sowan are the contenders for best male artist. The 19 awards will be handed out Nov. 24 in two ceremonies, one of which will be broadcast on CHUM television stations. (Hockey) The show, to be hosted by Menard, will include a tribute to the East Coast and its indigenous art and a performance by a Maori group from New Zealand. Other multiple nominees include Eagle & Hawk, Weaselhead, and Intellifunk. 6” x 8” Halford Hides

4”x 4.5” Page 8 Anishinabek News October 2006 Nishnaabewin/Culture Expecting over 1500 dancers at SkyDome TORONTO – Over 1500 dancers in three times during this year’s 13th an- 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, full regalia are expected to participate nual Festival: at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and that evening the Canadian Aborig- in the pow-wow portion of the Nov. Nov. 25 and 12 Noon Sunday, Nov.26 inal Music Awards will be staged at 22-26 Canadian Aboriginal Festival at Thousands of elementary school the nearby Metro Convention Centre’s the Rogers Centre – formerly SkyDo- children are again expected to partici- John Bassett Theatre. me. The Grand Entry ceremony occurs pate in Aboriginal Education Day from Information at www.canab.com.

Curve Lake Pow-wow Traditional dancer Paul Coppaway of Hiawatha First Nation participated in the 51st Curve Lake First Nation Pow-Wow Sept. 16-17 at Lance Woods Park. – Photo by Crystal Cummings Bernard heads up cultural committee PIKWAKANAGAN – Ron Bernard importantly, each is dedicated to our will serve a three-year term as presi- mission.” dent of Omàmiwinini Pimàdjwowin, Omàmiwinini Pimàdjwowin the cultural committee for the Al- – “Algonquin Way of Life” – was fi rst gonquins of incorporated as a not-for-profi t orga- Pikwakanagan nization with the mission to revitalize, (Golden Lake). reintegrate, enhance and protect the Other direc- cultural traditions, customs, practices, Media Buying tors are vice- heritage, language, and arts of the Al- president Teresa gonquin Nation. Kohoko-Autio, Next on the agenda for the new treasurer Shir- directors is to prioritize activities. ley Kohoko, and While Omàmiwinini Pimàdjwowin is Services secretary Harold already involved in Pikwàkanagàn’s (Skip) Ross. Ron Bernard is Archaeology projects and has started “We know a grandson of a resource centre for cultural material, that many of our famous canoe- they will deal with several other prior- people are inter- builder Matt ity issues, including cultural program- ested in reviving Bernard. ming for Elders and youth, language our culture and programming, and workshops on arts traditions,” says executive director and crafts. The organization also 6” x 11.75” Aimee Bailey. “We are happy that intends to create more community these members volunteered to take awareness of its charitable status as it on the responsibility of governing seeks support for these many worth- our organization. Each has cultural while projects. knowledge and experience that will For additional information con- help them fulfi ll their duties, but more tact: Aimee Bailey at 613-625-1958. Lodge planners celebrate By Cindy Crowe were the fi rst Robinson-Superior lead- BEGETEKONG – Organizers of ers to attend the Blue Sky gatherings, Ozhaawashko-Giizhig (Blue Sky) expressing interest and support for the Traditional Teaching Lodge celebrat- project. ed the project’s fi rst anniversary with a Discussion topics included incor- Sept. 20 meeting hosted by Ojibways poration of the Teaching Lodge, es- of the Pic River First Nation at the tablishing a board of directors similar Begetekong Com- to a clan governing munity Centre. system, possible sites Over 40 people for the turtle lodge, attended the event plans for funding to share teachings support, and partner- from Sudbury, ships with students Manitouwadge, Pic to develop a website Mobert, Thunder and conduct market Bay, Nipigon, Red research. One El- Rock, Terrace Bay, der said: “We are all White River, Guelph and Orangeville. members of the rainbow clan – all An- All guests were greeted with saamah ishinabe people.” (tobacco) and welcomed to a feast Elder Mary Michano said the which included traditional foods such Circle was very powerful. “It is so as moose and deer meat, bannock and important to gather, share and give the a rhubarb dessert. teachings to each other. We rebuild Elders Julie and Frank Ozawagosh ourselves so then we can pass it down from the east smudged everyone, and to our children’s children to continue opened the gathering with a prayer in the sacred circle and gatherings in oth- Ojibway. The introductions evolved er First Nation communities.” into a sharing circle which some gave The next community awareness in their language and some introduced gathering will be Wednesday, Nov. their Spiritual names and clans. 29, 2006 starting at 12 noon at the Re- This community awareness gath- source Centre in Lake Helen First Na- ering was the best-attended of the tion in Nipigon. Updates wil be avail- four that have been held. Chief Dan able on the Blue Sky website: www. Couchie and Councillor Arthur Fisher blueskyteachinglodge.ca October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 9 Mno-bmaadziwin/Health What nurses should know when working with Natives By Caroline H. Foster nadian cultures. care personnel. Disrespect was volves a vastly different history and ample, its website provides advice In traditional aboriginal cultures, The nurses were primarily con- shown “in the context of First Na- socio-political climate. Other stud- to nurses who would like to work health care involves a holistic ap- cerned with the physical and mental tions identity and status in Canada, ies echo these fi ndings, reporting in aboriginal communities ( www. proach that includes physical, aspects of care and did not mention prejudice and discrimination.” negative responses toward elderly hc-sc.gc.ca/fnih-spni/pubs/nurs- spiritual, emotional and mental as- the emotional and spiritual aspects. Clients felt they had been treated clients and clients feeling misun- ing-infi rm/ emplo_nurs-infi rm/in- pects (Waldram, Herring, & Young, Further, they made no mention of as lesser persons. Other issues in- derstood, unaccepted and lessened dex_e.html). The advice includes a 1995). In a 2001 survey, nurses culture, socio-politics, traditions or cluded the failure of health-care as individuals through the verbal list of questions that a nurse should working in aboriginal communi- language diffi culties. If health care personnel to consider the patient’s and non-verbal behaviours of staff ask a prospective employer. ties and hospitals were asked about is to be accessible, then it must be perspective, to provide suffi cient (Baker & Cormier Daigle, 2000; There are no questions on the their learning needs. They cited culturally appropriate. In aboriginal privacy and to give adequate expla- Browne & Fiske, 2001 ). list about cultural practices, socio- emergency/ acute care, obstetrics communities, culturally appropri- nations for procedures and results In addition to the nurses’ re- political issues or history. In a two- and gynecology clinical skills, ate care means that nurses must not and their use of a harsh or conde- sponsibilities, employers have a week FNIHB orientation program health and physical assessment isolate physical and mental issues scending tone with elders. [Donna responsibility to ensure that health- that I attended, only four hours across the life span, mental health, but consider the entire picture of a Cyprien] (personal communica- care personnel have the skills and were dedicated to aboriginal culture prenatal and postnatal issues, how person, including spirituality, emo- tion. May 2004) stated that she had desire to fi t into the community. and history. Rather than present- to deal with victims of violence, tions, culture and history. overheard nurses being patronizing Health Canada’s First Nations and ing a block of “culture,” it would and substance abuse issues, in- Nurses need to be aware of the toward the elders in her commu- Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) em- be better to weave the cultural and cluding fetal alcohol syndrome context of respect with aboriginal nity. ploys large numbers of nurses to historical information throughout (Silverman, Goodine, Ladouceur, clients. In [Browne, A.J.]’s study Although this may sound simi- work in aboriginal communities. I the orientation program. & Quinn). The study illustrates (1995). Cree-Ojibwa clients were lar to the Euro-Canadian under- suggest that FNIHB could increase the different views about health of asked about respectful and disre- standing of a lack of respect, the its focus on culture in its manage- (Excerpted from an article in Euro-Canadian and aboriginal Ca- spectful interactions with health context for aboriginal people in- ment and hiring practices. For ex- The Canadian Nurse, April 2006.)

Roast Saddle of Venison with Wild Rice one 5-pound saddle of venison, dressed and served for easy carving dried juniper berries peppercorns 6-8 strips thick sliced bacon

Basting Marinade: 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 2 cups of cider

Preparation: Kenyan visitor shares his story with other youth at this year’s Toronto AIDS conference. Stud the saddle of venison with juniper berries and peppercorns. Lay the bacon strips over and secure with toothpicks. Stand the saddle on a rack in a large roasting pan. Prepare Soccer kept him out of trouble the basting marinade by simmering the honey or maple syr- By Jody Cotter ears, mouth, nose and continued to do so until the man up in the cider in a small saucepan until it is well dissolved TORONTO – When I was at the XVI AIDS 2006 con- died. The gang members are all in jail, and so would and steaming. ference this year a young man from Kenya was shar- this young man, he told the conference workshop, ing his story about his involvement in youth gangs had he not been playing soccer. Now he shares his Roast, basting often, for 1 1/2 hours in a preheated 350° F and how they would break into people’s homes at story with other youth and teaches them sports activi- oven. Cool the roast for 20 minutes. Carve, serving one rib night and steal, drink and do drugs. ties to boost their self-esteem, at the same time reduc- per portion. A neighbour of his was concerned because he ing their chances of getting involved in activities that could see what was happening to him so he invited could lead to HIV infection. him to come and play soccer in a program that is de- Facts about HIV/AIDS: 90% of people with HIV/ Serve on a bed of wild rice, together with the pan drippings. signed to keep kids off the streets. He gave it a try, AIDS do not know they are infected; 1-3 Aboriginal and enjoyed it so much that he started playing regu- people in Canada are infected with HIV each day. The larly. Union of Ontario Indians Health Unit offers an excit- One weekend he decided to go to his soccer game ing new workshop that teaches the importance of self- instead of hanging out with his former gang. His care in promoting self-esteem. For more information crew members had got into some trouble that night please contact Jody Cotter at 1-705-497-9127 (toll- and they decided to put gasoline in an innocent man’s free at 1-877-702-5200) Ext.2231 Biidabaan Naponse helps Police partner on domestic violence medical school GARDEN RIVER FN – The An- APS will now concentrate its ef- ishinabek Police Service has part- forts on meeting with service pro- SUDBURY – Jeanne Naponse, nered with a number of service viders in each community it serves a nominee of the Union of On- providers in the Garden River to develop similar protocols. tario Indians, was one of six area to develop a protocol for vic- A United Nations special re- new directors tim response in cases of domestic search project in Canada in 2004 inducted in Sep- violence. Several months of meet- found that “Poverty, infant mor- tember by the ings resulted in an Oct. 12 proto- tality, unemployment, morbidity, Northern Ontario 4” x 4.5” col signing involving the follow- suicide, criminal detention, chil- School of Medi- ing agencies: Anishinabek Police dren on welfare, women victim cine. Naponse, Service (APS), Victim/Witness of abuse . . . are higher among from Whiteﬁ sh Assistance Program, Victim Cri- Aboriginal people than any other Lake First Na- Jeanne Naponse sis Assistance and Referral Ser- sector of Canadian society.” tion, has served vice, Women in Crisis, Nimkii- Some 21% of Aboriginal peo- on the UOI board. Naabkawagan Women’s Shelter, ple reported having experienced The Board of Directors is Sexual Assault Care Centre and some sort of physical or sexual responsible for the corporate Partner Response Program. violence by a spouse, compared to governance of NOSM, and The protocol was developed 6% for non-Aboriginal. consists of 35 women and men to ensure a consistent approach to Nearly ¼ of Aboriginal females drawn from across Northern the support of victims and provide suffered some form of spousal vi- Ontario. seamless provision of services. olence in the previous ﬁ ve years. Page 10 Anishinabek News October 2006

Native Studies Page 1 full page October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 11 Skoonwiwin/Education Council involvement helped her social life By Shirley Honyust at home, especially with on-cam- SUDBURY – Nursing student pus activities such as those held at Sharlene Pitts credits her involve- Canisius Hall. She joined because ment with the Native Student As- she liked the NSA mandate of ad- sociation (NSA) has helped her dressing student issues and ad- feel more at home on the Lauren- vocating for other students when tian University campus. help is needed, and being a re- “I decided to get involved with source person to refer other Native the NSA student council for so- students to the person of place that cial reasons, to meet new people, would help them. as well as the opportunity to take As NSA Health Programs Co- a leadership role and help out in ordinator she facilitates events and coordinating events and fundrais- workshops that deal with health- ers,” says the third-year student related issues, activities that relate Right start for school from Wikwemikong Unceded In- to the four aspects of well-being Students at the Kirkland Lake campus of Northern College started the school year off in a good way. Roberta dian Reserve. – physical, mental, emotional and Oshkawbewisens-Martin, left, Native Student Advisor, joined other members of an Aboriginal Women’s Drum As she works toward her spiritual. Group – from left: Cynthia, Chelsey, Annabel (instructor Pinaki holds the microphone) – to sing a Welcome Bachelor of Science degree, she Sharlene found that during her song, Water Honour Song and Miigwetch Song for all the Students and the Staff. A short Drum Teaching and says becoming a part of NSA has fi rst year at Laurentian it was hard the meaning of each song were shared with the students and staff. Many students participated in the Right helped her to socialize and to feel to be away from home, family and Start Activities that were coordinated by the professors and staff at the campus. friends, and she didn’t know many people in the city. Because the Sucker Creek nursing curriculum is demanding, she found it was diffi cult to social- students succeed ize outside of school and to make By Tammy Roszel, Grade 9 friends off-campus. AUNDECK OMNI KANING – I She stayed in Sudbury during was very excited to attend the 20th the summer months between her Annual Educational Awards held fi rst and second years to work at on August 29 in Sucker Creek. the Northeastern Ontario Regional Over 50 people celebrated the Cancer Centre. This summer she successes of their students in the went home to work as a Research community centre. Assistant on Diabetes in First Na- The evening started with a din- tions Communities at the Wik- ner and a slide show presentation wemikong Health Centre. created by some of the students Sharlene and other new and re- highlighting some of the commu- turning Native students were wel- Aundeck Omni Kaning (Sucker Creek) students were honoured for their efforts at the 20th annual community nity events throughout the year. comed to the campus in an orienta- educational awards ceremony. After this, Chief Patrick Madah- tion event forced indoors by rainy bee greeted the graduates and said weather. a few encouraging words. Debbie Robertson of the There were two guest speak- Sweetwater Women’s Drum ers, Rachel Nahwegahbow-Good- Group sang a traditional Mi’kmaq fellow and Sarah Blackwell (my welcoming song, and a series of sister) who spoke about the chal- speakers offered kind and encour- lenges they faced fi nishing school. aging words. Georgian College

6” x 6” Garden River gift Garden River First Nation Chief Lyle Sayers accepts a cheque for $409,000 from Alana Jones, administrator of the Garden River Com- munity Trust. Community members voted in favour of using the interest of the money that is held in trust to build a facility that would serve as a school, recreation centre and offi ces for the Education Department. The new facility’s offi cial opening is scheduled for November 9th, 2006. – Photo by Margaret Hele School of Masonry 4” x 2” Page 12 Anishinabek News October 2006 DOHM-NUK/LET’S PLAY! ASK HOLLY Rabbit and Bear Paws BY HOLLY BRODHAGEN Used items might be antiques Is there something wrong with “used” items? Nothing. I am a fi rm believer in going used. Notice I didn’t say “buying used” since there are so many ways that we can trade items in this world. Acquiring used items can be a great way to get what you want for a great price, while at the same time protecting the environment. Second-hand stores, yard sales and hand-me- downs keep both heirlooms and excessive new pack- aging out of landfi lls. Anybody who goes to second-hand clothing shops, fl ea markets or yard sales knows about the great deals to be found on everyday items or collectables. There is something used for everybody’s budget or taste, whether in high-end con- signment shops selling exclusive brand names or at family yard sales. Some people can’t imagine buying used items, assuming they must be cheap, poorly-made, or ready for the garbage bin. Wrong. They probably have something used in their home – in fact, it might be their home! And what about that Chippendale chest bought at an auction house or that fi rst edition book sitting in a place of honour on the shelf? If somebody owned it before you did it is RabbitRabbit & BBearear PPawsaws — tthehe 118th8th CCenturyentury WWillill NNeverever BBee tthehe SSame!!!ame!!! “used”, whether or not is an antique. Motives for second-hand shoppers varies. Some folks believe in the reli- ability of old products, like a 28-year-old washer and dryer set that are still going he highly-anticipated, all-age graphic novel, Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws has finally arrived. strong, or a Sixties pickup truck that re- The comic strip Rabbit and Bear Paws as seen monthly in the Anishinabek News has been compiled into fuses to give up the ghost. Serious col- a graphic novel format. All the comic strips plus new material is gathered into one large humorous adventure. lectors spend half their lives searching The winners of our Youth Art Contest are featured in the back of book. out used items to add to their treasures. Some people have literally made their The book Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws is set in 18th century colonized North America. We fortunes out of other peoples’ junk. follow the story of two mischievous Ojibwa brothers as they play pranks and have amazing adventures using a Thanks to used-car lots, scrapyards, traditional Ojibwa medicine that transforms them into animals for a short time. antique markets, auction houses, and This first of seven all-age books are based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Book one is based on Internet sites like eBay, used-item shop- the Grandfather “Respect” or Mnaadendmowin. All the ping has become a lucrative worldwide stories are based on a different Grandfather and each book business. Trading sites like Freecycle. org allows people from all over the world will illustrate the unity of all aboriginal peoples of Turtle to trade items and pay only shipping or Island. Included in this humorous adventure is the transportation costs. Nanaboozhoo creation story of Turtle Island. The “used” community is fi lled with treasure-hunters searching for their next “I feel that this story is very important today great bargain or a way to help others fi nd because it shares a VERY important value that the small- what they are looking for. If a man can est beings can achieve their goals where others had no trade a paperclip for a house – as was luck. Our dream is that, for everyone who reads our stories, done recently – I think you can fi nd any- it will tickle their hearts and honour all our families.” thing you are looking for – including a lid to fi t that 20-year-old Tupperware – Chad Solomon, Author container. Tips and Tricks Mix equal parts fl our, sugar and vin- egar to make a paste to clean soot, grease Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws – The Sugar and other grime off old pots and pans. Bush, can be purchased in select retail book stores, Marla's Books Give your dog a piece of raw carrot and Gulliver’s Books in North Bay or your local comic book to help clear up bad breath and small shops. Or you can order from us in our online store at amounts of yogurt to help with gas. www.rabbitandbearpaws.com. Adventures of Rabbit Use baby wipes on carpet stains. They and Bear Paws contains 64 comic strips jam-packed will take out everything from oil to onto 32 pages, in a beautiful square-bound, magazine size blood. graphic novel, full of humourous adventures and traditional stories for all ages. It is a compulation of all the comic strips Use a blow dryer on its lowest setting Chad Solomon Anishinabek News Niiji Circle to gently separate photographs. as seen in and plus bonus material, finishing the first story line about the Sugar Bush. These humourous Holly Brodhagen, Dokis First Na- adventure stories are based on the Seven Grandfathers and they are tion, holds an Honours bachelor of rapidly gaining fans among the young and young-at-heart. Social Work degree. Questions or com- Publisher: Little Spirit Bear Productions Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws: The Sugar Bush ISBN 0-9739905-0-3 $9.95 Can/$7.95 U.S. ments can be addressed to her at the An- ishinabek News.

October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 13

Anishinabek Nation Political Office Grand Council Chief, John Beaucage Deputy Grand Chief, Nelson Toulouse 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” Leaders salute First Nations women OTTAWA – On the occasion of First Nations Women’s Day – October “A comprehensive approach to closing the gap in well-being be- 5 – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine and AFN tween First Nations and other Canadian women is needed that tack- Women’s Council Chair Kathleen McHugh, voiced their serious con- les the root causes of poverty and unhealthy behaviors,” added Ms. cerns on the recent federal cuts to a number of programs that will have McHugh. “Instead, the federal government is cutting programs for devastating effects on First Nations women and children. those populations most at risk in Canada. “Today marks a day to celebrate the daily contributions made by “Eighty percent of our women are dependent on government fund- the true caregivers in our communities,” the National Chief said. “First ing sources. 60 percent smoke, including our pregnant women. This Nations women are the glue that binds our families together. At the situation should be unacceptable to all Canadians. The failure to act same time, we must recognize that so many First Nations women and will only result in a greater burden to the Canadian system.” children live in abject poverty and despair. This is the single greatest “Next month marks the tenth anniversary of the 1996 Royal Com- social justice issue in Canada today.” mission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), and the one-year anniversary The National Chief pointed out that the previous week the federal of the Kelowna Accord.” Fontaine noted. government announced program cuts to women’s advocacy groups, lit- “We are gravely concerned that no signifi cant progress has been eracy programs, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch’s (FNIHB) made to eradicate First Nations’ poverty. We cannot afford to lose an- tobacco cessation strategy, and the Law Commission of Canada. “First other generation of First Nations people, including many women and Nations have benefi ted greatly from all of these programs. This is a children, who are suffering needlessly and trapped in a cycle of poverty Phil Fontaine huge step backwards.” and despair.” Anishinabek developing matrimonial rights law NIPISSING FN – Anishinabek transfer to their spouse’s commu- tive jointly with Beverley Jacobs, Nation leadership is developing its nity, they face the same fi nancial president of the Native Women’s own law to deal with the complex risks as non-Natives – if the mar- Association of Canada, and Phil issue of division of matrimonial riage dissolves, they also would Fontaine, National Chief of the property. lose rights to the matrimonial Assembly of First Nations. The Because the Indian Act prohib- home and property. But this option consultations are to involve input its non-status spouses from owning also comes at a cost, eliminating from all 630 First Nation commu- property on-reserve, often when the possibility for those who trans- nities in Canada. these “mixed marriages” dissolve fer of inheriting land in their home Beaucage said the Minister the non-status spouse is unable to community. already has an agenda to impose obtain equity from the matrimonial Grand Council Chief Beaucage legislation on First Nations this home and other marital assets. proposed the development of the spring. “Our women have been very Anishinabek Matrimonial Rights He said the Union of Ontario clear about this. This is about sta- and Equity Law following discus- Indians is concerned that the con- tus and citizenship. Our First Na- sions with members of the Anishi- sultations will be woefully inad- tions have the right to defi ne who nabek Nation and Assembly of equate, given the potential con- our citizens are and provide our First Nations Women’s Councils, sequences of INAC’s proposed Talking education own solutions in this area,” said Union of Ontario Indians women legislation and ramifi cations of An address by Anishinabek Grand Council Chief John Beaucage Grand Council Chief John Beau- Chiefs, and Wendy Grant-John recent Supreme Court decisions. opened this month’s Anishinaabe Kinomaadsiwin Nongo – Anishi- cage. – Special Representative on Mat- “This government, when it naabe Pane symposium on education in Sault Ste. Marie. In ap- “In all cases, the children will rimonial Real Property to the Hon. sat in opposition, used scare tac- preciation, he was presented a plaque by Dave Shawana, Educa- always be the priority, and in most Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian tics and worst-case scenarios to tion Working Group co-ordinator for the Restoration of Jusrisiction cases, non-status spouses would be and Northern Affairs Canada. bring attention to this issue,” he project of the Union of Ontario Indians. Details on Pages 1 and 14. considered citizens and be subject The Anishinabek proposal was recalled. “Their proposed legisla- to Anishinabek Nation law and made Sept. 29, the same day Pren- tion will likely be focused on land citizenship codes.” tice announced a comprehensive tenure and apply Provincial provi- Similar problems face First consultation process to be headed sions respecting divorce and fam- Nation citizens (men and women) up by Grant-John, who is scheduled ily law. This approach unfairly pits who “inter-marry” spouses from to submit her recommendations on the rights of women and children other First Nations than their own. matrimonial property in January. against the rights and jurisdiction Currently, unless they formally Prentice unveiled the INAC initia- of their First Nations.” Under Beaucage’s proposal, Anishinabek expect much the Anishinabek Matrimonial Rights and Equity Law could be ratifi ed under a Self-Government from Commissioner Fantino Agreement that the Union of On- NIPISSING FN – Anishinabek Nation leaders are congratulating new tario Indians has been negotiat- Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino on his appoint- ing with Canada since 1998, and ment, while reminding him of the importance of maintaining good rela- which is nearing the Agreement- tionships with First Nations in the province. in-Principle stage. “Although we have all the confi dence in Mr. Fantino, we hope that “Equity and fairness will be at the government and the OPP is not off on the wrong foot, given our ex- the heart of our Anishinabek Na- clusion from the selection process for the new Commissioner,” said John tion law, rather than a focus simply Beaucage, Grand Council Chief representing 42 First Nations in On- on land transactions,” he added. tario. “There are a lot of expectations on the shoulders of Commissioner “Land will always be held in trust Fantino - ensuring our safety, enhancing First Nations policing services, by the First Nations government. and maintaining the good relationships created by former Commissioner Flora on fi rst page No matter what happens, our land Elder Florence A. “Flora” Tabobondung, former Chief of Wasauk- Gwen Boniface between the OPP and First Nations in Ontario.” will be inalienable in perpetuity. “We trust that he would dismiss arguments from groups favouring a sing First Nation, passed into the Spirit World Sept.10 in her 86th Our reserve lands will never be year. News of Flora being awarded the Order of Canada appeared confrontational and violent means of dealing with the situation in Cale- lost to any type of legal process, on the fi rst page of the very fi rst edition of the Anishinabek News in donia. We have all seen the tragic results of the Ipperwash approach,” including this legislation.” December, 1988 concluded Beaucage. Page 14 Anishinabek News October 2006 Restoration of Jurisdiction Anishinabek closer to regaining control of education By Michael Purvis ishinabek Edu- the Anishinabek in the language is very important,” Sault Star cation System. Nation would be Epstein said in an interview. SAULT STE. MARIE – Ontario’s Garden divided into sev- Laronde said encouraging chil- Anishinabek First Nations are River First Na- en regional edu- dren to become fl uent speakers of working on an agreement that tion is one of cation bodies. Ojibwe is one of the key goals of could soon transfer jurisdiction 28 communities Restoule said the initiative to create an Anishi- for education from the federal that have passed 11 Anishinabek nabek education system. Children government. band council Nation member are currently taught in Ojibwe at The Anishinabek Education resolutions to communities Wasse-Abin Junior School in Wik- System would be created, giv- be a part of the have their own wemikong Unceded Nation on ing First Nations with their own proposed edu- schools, and it Manitoulin Island. schools greater power to mould cation system. is possible that Henry Lewis, the school’s prin- curriculum, and providing other Currently, Gar- more communi- cipal, said 240 students from kin- communities more leverage in den River chil- ties would build dergarten to Grade 4 are in the sec- terms of what services their stu- dren are bused schools. ond year of a two-year project to dents get from mainstream school to Sault Ste. Seymour Ep- further integrate Native language boards, said Jamie Restoule, self- Marie and go stein, an expert into subjects like language arts, government project manager for to school under in Jewish educa- math, and science. “People like the Anishinabek Nation, which tuition agree- tion, drew par- using words like total immersion,” represents 42 native communities ments with ei- allels between said Lewis. “We’ll get there.” in Ontario. ther the Algoma the two peoples The school appears to be mak- “I’d say probably the biggest District School Head negotiator Merle Pegahmagabow thanks Dr. Seymour Epstein who during a speech ing headway in creating fl uent driver is to reintroduce the lan- Board or the delivered the keynote address during the Anishinaabe Kinomaadsiwin at the sympo- Ojibwe speakers, he said. It will guage and culture,” said Restoule. Huron-Superior Nongo – Anishinaabe Pane symposium on education. sium Wednes- also be crucial that the community, An agreement in principal was Catholic Dis- day night. Ep- which Lewis estimates is roughly signed between the Anishinabek trict School Board. language courses. “That would be stein said that like Jews, Native 30 per cent fl uent, continues to Nation and the federal govern- Mona Jones, Garden River’s really helpful to Garden River and people form a “minority culture support the language. ment in 2002. education manager, said First Na- the other First Nation communi- struggling to keep its identity and “We have to promote the lan- A fi nal agreement should be in tions might be able to collectively ties that are in tuition agreement its literacy alive.” He said it could guage so it’s a working language,” place within the next two months, tackle negotiations with school situations,” said Jones. be argued Native people should be said Lewis. said Mary Laronde, a spokesper- boards for tuition agreements if Chief Lyle Sayers, who could putting a tremendous amount of Once an agreement is fi nalized son for the Union of Ontario In- they gain jurisdiction over educa- not attend the symposium, has said stress on language. with the federal government, First dians, the Anishinabek Nation’s tion and the funding that comes a Garden River elementary school “Whether or not they’ll turn Nations would hold referendums corporate wing. Roughly 80 First with it. Key issues would be cul- could potentially be added to the their children into Native speakers on whether to be a part of the Nation politicians and educators ture and improving Native lan- community’s newly-built educa- of Anishinabe, I don’t know, but education system, said Restoule. gathered at the Holiday Inn Oct. guage classes, which currently tion centre. Under preliminary at least for them to have a strong Those votes could happen as soon 3-5 for a symposium on the An- lag behind French as a second details of the education system, identifi cation with major key terms as September of 2007. Anishinabek Education System works toward provincial support The Anishinabek Nation Education Negotiation Team met with its federal coun- terpart along with representatives from Ontario on September 13, 2006 at the UOI Head Offi ce in North Bay, ON. The objective of the meeting was to inform Ontario about the Agreement on Education and to initiate the process of seeking the province’s recognition of the Final Agreement with respect to the Exercise of Education Jurisdiction that is soon to be ratifi ed by Anishinabek First Nations. The goal is to provide the Anishinabek Education System (AES) with the best opportunity to succeed. Having Ontario accept and support Education Fi- nal Agreement will go a long way toward helping the new education system run smoothly. Recognition of one another’s education standards and working Back row (from left): Chief Robert Corbiere, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve; Chief Patrick Waddilove, together for the smooth transfer of students between the AES and the provincial Munsee-Delaware Nation; Chief James Marsden, Alderville First Nation and Deputy Grand Council Glen system will be a solid stepping stone for success. Hare, Anishinabek Nation. Front row (from left: Chief Keith Knott, Curve Lake First Nation; Chief Wilfred King, A formal review of the Education Final Agreement was planned for the next Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek; Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, Anishinabek Nation; Esther Gilbank, meeting in Toronto between the Anishinabek Nation, Canada, and Ontario. Chiefs Committee on Governance Coordinator and Chief Patrick Madahbee, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Chair. In the meantime, it was decided that a formal letter will be sent from Canada Not available for photo are: Chief Paul Gladu, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point), Joe Miskokomon, to the Minister of Education, the Attorney-General, and the Minister of Natural Chippewas of the Thames. Resources who is also the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. The letter will request acknowledgment, a genuine commitment, and support from all Chiefs continue to explore expanded three Ontario ministers with regards to the Education Final Agreement and all its implications. The letter will be sent to ensure that the AES has all the support required to achieve success and to make sure the Anishinabek First Nations’ self-government negotiations mandate education system is not isolated. The letter will also allow continued communication between the education By Esther Gilbank, representatives were named: Curve Lake First Nation negotiators and the several school boards across Ontario that will be affected by Chiefs Committee on Governance Coordinator Chief Keith Knott (Southeast Region), replacing for- the new Anishinabek Education System. The Anishnaabe Anokiiwin Aanokiitoojig (Chiefs mer Beausoleil First Nation Chief Valarie Monague, Committee on Governance) met on September 26-27 and Munsee Delaware Nation Chief Patrick Wad- in Toronto. dilove (Southwest Region), replacing former Chief Key issues discussed were the Education Final Roger Thomas. Agreement, the upcoming signing of the Governance The Chiefs Committee on Governance also ap- AIP and the Chiefs Committee strategic plan to ad- pointed a new Chairperson and Chief Patrick Madah- dress Grand Council Resolution 2005-09 on expand- bee of Aundeck Omni Kaning is assuming the role. ing the mandate of the existing self-government ne- Chief Madahbee holds the Portfolio on Intergovern- gotiations. mental Affairs, including governance. With respect to the strategic plan, a wide range of Other portfolios with representation on the Chiefs issues was identifi ed by the committee. To address Committee include Chief Wilfred King of Kiashke this, a special Chiefs Committee meeting is planned Zaaging Anishinaabek, Portfolio on Lands and Re- From left: Leslie Kohsed-Currie, Negotiator, Negotiations Branch, Ontario for October 30-31 in Sault Ste. Marie. The newly de- sources, and Alderville First Nation Chief James Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs (OSAA), Michelle Braakman, Coordinator, veloped work plan will include timeframes and de- Marsden, Portfolio on Education. Policy and Research Branch, Aboriginal Education Offi ce, Ontario Ministry of Education, and Keith Lickers, Manager Aboriginal Education Offi ce, Ontario tails on short and long-term goals for the Anishinabek The Chiefs Committee provides a forum that links Ministry of Education at the meeting held at the UOI Head Offi ce in North Nation relating to the self-government negotiations. the vision of the nation to the self-government intia- Bay on September 13, 2006. In other news from the Chief Committee, two new tives. October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 15 Restoration of Jurisdiction

ANISHINAABE GCHI-NAAKNIGEWIN What type of legislature or law-making body do you envision for the central government, our Anishinabek Nation Government? The Anishinabek Nation Constitution Development Committee is proposing the name Ketche Kikidonenewuk for the legislature. This Anishinabemowin name for the Grand Council was adopted at the general assembly held at Dreamer’s Rock, Whitefi sh River First Nation, in the early 1980s. The Anishinabek Nation Constitution Develop- ment Committee is presenting two models of our proposed, new legislature for your consideration. One option is the “Chiefs in Assembly” legislative body that would be made up of elected Chiefs from all First Nations that make up the Anishinabek Nation. There are forty-two First Nations identifi ed with the Anishinabek Nation as we know it today. This is similar to the way we currently operate as a unifi ed body through the Anishinabek Grand Council and the Union of Ontario Indians. Glen Brennan, far right, Assistant Federal Negotiator on education and The Ketche Kikidonenewuk would have jurisdiction, or law-making authority, over senior INAC staff person at Ontario Region, attended his last negotiation certain areas of government delegated to it by the First Nations. The Chiefs would sit session at Mnjikaning on September 21. From left to right, John Sontrop as dodemaag, as tradition would have it, or symbolically, in a modern version, by area (INAC); Bernadette Marasco, Administrative Assistant (UOI), Anishina- of interest. For example, the Bird Clan would propose laws and government policy on bek Nation Head Negotiator, Merle Pegahmagabow, and Sheila Murray, education-related matters affecting the nation as a whole. In a perfect world, the new Chief Federal Negotiator, were among colleagues and friends who later proposed kinomaadswin education body (KEB) would be the administration or the gov- honoured Brennan at a farewell dinner party. ernment department for Education. The second option is the “District Representatives” legislative body. This legislature would hold twenty-eight representatives arranged in the seven dodemaag of four mem- Glen Brennan retires bers each. The dodemaag would be responsible for specifi c community obligations. The District Representatives model is based on the Anishinabek Nation territory being di- September 30 will mark the end education,” Pegahamagabow said. vided into 28 electoral districts based on population distribution. Each of these electoral of a 34-year, 3-month career in Brennan began his career with districts would elect their respective representative(s) to the legislature in much the same First Nations education for Glen the Indian Affairs department fashion as is done in Canadian federal and provincial elections. Brennan, Assistant Negotiator for teaching in Big Trout Lake in In both options, the Grand Council Chief and the Deputy Grand Council Chief would Canada in the Anishinabek Nation- 1973. By 1978, he was Assistant be elected by eligible Anishinabek Nation citizens in a Nation-wide election held in Canada talks on the Final Agree- Superintendent of Education in accordance with an Anishinabek Nation Elections Act. The Grand Council Chief will ment with respect to the Exercise the Sioux Lookout District. From be the Giimaa for the Crane Dodem with responsibilities specifi c to that Dodem. The of Education Jurisdiction. 1980 to 1983, Brennan was Super- Deputy Grand Council Chief will be Giimaa for the Loon Dodem. Fifteen friends and colleagues intendent of Education for James The Giimaag for the remaining fi ve dodemaag can be: from Indian and Northern Affairs Bay. He moved to INAC’s Re- 1. appointed by the Legislature, whether it be the Chiefs-in-Assembly model as in Canada and the Union of Ontario gional offi ce in Toronto in 1984, the fi rst option, or the 28 elected district representatives as in the second option; or Indians bid a fond farewell at a where he has remained to the pres- 2. elected through a Anishinabek Nation general election to serve as Dodemaag surprise retirement dinner held for ent. Brennan has been working on Giimaag and become full-time members of the Executive Branch of the Anishinabek Brennan and his wife, Beverly, on self-government fi les since 1994. Nation Government. September 21 at Casino Rama. Asked for parting words, Bren- In each option, the Dodemaag Giimaag are responsible to lead discussions on the Chief Federal Negotiator nan had this to say: “I think that concerns coming within the scope of each Dodem mandate. Following are two sample voting ballots for your review as well as a pictorial view Sheila Murray, with whom he has First Nation education has proof the structure of the Anishinabek Grand Council Assembly Hall. worked since 1996, said her work- gressed signifi cantly since 1970’s. The Committee welcomes your comments and suggestions about these two options ing relationship with Brennan was There are more First Nation for the Grand Council or legislative structure. Please call the Coordinator, Mike Re- the best of her career and he was schools with increased gradua- stoule at 1-877-702-5200 or email to [email protected]. “like family.” Brennan’s supervi- tion rates from high school and in- sor at INAC’s Ontario Region of- creased participation and gradua- fi ce, Tom Meecham, commented tion rates at university and college. ANISHINABEK NATION GOVERNMENT on his dedication and profession- I am impressed with the quality alism, a point on which his INAC and talent that First Nations have LEGISLATIVE EXECUTIVE JUDICIARY colleagues were unanimous. His developed over the years with rep- good relationship with First Na- sect to managing education pro- tions people across the province grams and services. I think the GRAND COUNCIL GRAND COUNCIL APPEAL BOARD was highlighted by other INAC next step is for First Nations to Grand Council Chief (1) CHIEF Deputy Grand Council Chief (1) DISPUTE staffers who, upon travelling to assume control and accountability Dodemaag Giimaag (5) First Nation communiities, were to their own people with respect to Didemaag Councillors First DEPUTY GRAND RESOLUTION Nation (41) Reps. or Electoral COUNCIL CHIEF asked to say “hello” to Glen. future education. The children are District Reps. (28) The Anishinabek Nation’s head the keys to the future. It has been JUSTICE CIRCLES negotiator on education, Merle a pleasure to work with my col- ADVISORY COUNCILS DODEMAAG Pegahmagabow called Brennan leagues at the department, and an Elders (7) GIIMAAG (5) Women (7) a personal friend and a friend to extreme pleasure and priviledge to Youth (7) Anishinaabe people. “I have the work with First Nation members. Urban (7)) utmost respect for you and appre- I have many fond memories and Electoral Districts ciate all the help you have given friends from my years with the Model: 35 legislators First Nations to us over the years as we worked department and working with First Model: 48 legislators toward our vision for Anishinabek Nations.” ADMINISTRATION 10/10/2006

Ballot for Electoral Districts (SAMPLE) Grand Deputy Grand Dodemaag Gimaag Electoral District Council Chief Council Chief FISH MARTEN HOOF BIRD BEAR Councillor

First Nation Chiefs as Legislators General Election Ballot (SAMPLE) for Dodemaag Gimaag Grand Deputy Grand Dodemaag Gimaag Council Chief (Crane) Council Chief (Loon) FISH MARTEN HOOF BIRD BEAR

42 First Nation elected Chiefs are also legislators who will sit in Dodemaag Councils with special areas of Leading discussion concentration and responsibility, according to tradition. All legislators, the seven Dodemaag Gimaag elected Mona Jones, Garden River First Nation, a member of the Anisihinabek through a general election plus 42 First Nation elected Chiefs, form the Dodemaag Councils. Nation’s Education Working Group, leads a workshop discussion during this month’s education symposium in Sault Ste. Marie. Page 16 Anishinabek News October 2006 Baby’s birth brings A’ki/The Land Caledonia price tag mixed feelings $55 million? TORONTO (CP) – Conservative in chemical valley Leader John Tory says the ongoing ab- By Ron Plain So you can understand my guilt. I original occupation in Caledonia, Ont. AAMJIWNAANG FN – MnoDeh Ol- remember my son pulling on his ears has cost taxpayers at least $55 million. ivia Plain was born Thursday, Septem- until they bled because of an inner ear Tory put the fi gure to Premier Dalton ber 14, 2006. problem which is very common among McGuinty in the Ontario legislature, This happy event also brings waves Aamjiwnaang infants, and which they asking him to give a fi nal tally on the of confusion and guilt for my decision seem to outgrow. cost of the occupation in the town just to bring up my children on Aamji- Forty percent of Aamjiwnaang outside of Hamilton. wnaang. Studies residents surveyed require an inhaler. Tory didn’t provide itemized proof commissioned by The incidence of asthma in children of how he arrived at the $55-million the environment 12 and over is 22%, compared to a fi gure but said it takes into account committee I chair Lambton County’s average of 8.2%. policing costs, the salary of negotia- clearly illustrate Some 23% of our children are classi- tor Jane Stewart and assistance to lo- Signs of Mohawk protest still evident in Caledonia after over 200 days. the adverse health fi ed as learning or behavior-challenge, cal businesses. “I would expect as the – Photo by Greg Plain affects to which I and children 16 and younger have a chief trustee of taxpayers’ money, you am exposing my 27% chance of developing acute skin would be able to give us some estimate children. The urge problems. I feel like I am playing as to how much has been spent on that Ron Plain to take my fam- Russian Roulette with my children’s Inuit elect own government matter so far,’’ Tory said. ily and run for the well-being. The words of my grandfa- NAIN, N.L. (CP) – Labrador’s Inuit have elected their own government in McGuinty didn’t respond with great white north – I know it is polluted ther, Chief Nicholas Plain, guide me. I Nunatsiavut, marking a historic milestone for the aboriginal group that was a total fi gure, saying the province is there as well – is strongest right now. know that my father and grandfather the last of Canada’s Inuit to settle a land claim. intent on reaching an agreement with Don’t get me wrong. I am very proud look down at what I am doing and are Eight candidates were voted into the new Nunatsiavut General Assembly, Six Nations protesters at the negotiat- of the decisions and direction the com- proud. a governing body that has jurisdiction over a 72,500-square-kilometre area ing table. He said he’s proud of how munity, leadership and administration “The culture of the Chippewas is nearly the size of New Brunswick. his government has handled the stand- of Aamjiwnaang have taken. fundamentally spiritual,” my grandfa- In 2004, the Inuit voted overwhelmingly to accept a land-claim settlement off, which started in February and has There was some good news last ther said, and his measure of success from the province and Ottawa to create a self-governing region in northern been marred by violent clashes be- month when Dow Chemical an- was “How much service have I ren- Labrador called Nunatsiavut, which means “our beautiful land’’ in Inuktitut. tween town residents and aboriginals. nounced that it was closing its facility dered to my people?” All I have been The agreement granted Inuit jurisdiction over areas including natural re- McGuinty wouldn’t repeat previ- in Chemical Valley. Some celebrated taught says self, family, community, sources, social services, the justice system, education and health. ous comments where he said it would the news, some were saddened by the self. If I am not healthy I cannot tend Under the agreement, nearly 30 years in the making, the province will be “unacceptable’’ for the occupa- news. Me, I was afraid of the news. to my responsibilities of my family or give $140 million to the Labrador Inuit over 15 years. Another $156 million tion to drag on through the winter but Dow has a 300-hectare site that my community. Part of my responsi- from the federal government will go to implement governmental changes. says the government will remain at was operating during times when en- bility to my family is to instill a sense The Inuit will own 15,800 square kilometres of land and will have limited the negotiating table for “as long as it vironmental concerns were not even of obligation and service to others. resource and management rights in the rest. The Nunatsiavut government takes.’’ mentioned. I dare say there isn’t If I followed the instinct to take will be able to make laws applicable to culture, education, social services and “This particular issue predates enough money in Dow’s worldwide my family and run to the great white health as well as establish their own law enforcement agency and courts. Confederation,’’ McGuinty said. “It operations to return the Sarnia site to north I would be abandoning my com- But Nunatsiavut is not a reserve and the Inuit will continue to be subject is complex. It is fraught with chal- pristine condition. There are already munity, I would be setting aside the to federal and provincial taxes. They will also be eligible for federal and pro- lenges.’’ Tory said the province should rumours of an Ethanol plant being teachings of my grandfather, not to vincial services and won’t cede any aboriginal rights they may have to lands exact an agreement from Six Nations built there. Some 35 chemical industry mention the example I would be show- and waters in northeastern Quebec under terms of the deal. protesters, holding them to a “mini- plants currently operate within a 10- ing my son and daughters. The 5,300-member Labrador Inuit Association is the last of Canada’s mum standard of behaviour’’ as long kilometer radius of Aamjiwnaang First This is my dilemma. Inuit to settle a land claim. Unlike some aboriginal groups, Canada’s Inuit as they remain on the land. Nation – and there could be more. did not sign treaties with the British Crown. But in the 1970s, prompted in Six Nations protesters say they Invenergy, of Chicago, has an ap- Ron Plain is chair of the Aamjiwn- part by growing resource development, they started to lay claim to their tra- will stay on the site – bought by the plication before the Ministry of Envi- aang First Nation Environment Com- ditional territories. province and being held in trust – until ronment to build a gas-powered co- mittee. it is returned to them. generation plant 1.5 kilometers from Aamjiwnaang territory. Clean Harbors has an application before the ministry of Environment to locate a toxic waste transfer station at the end of the street I live on. Ethyl Corporation has an application to expand the production capabilities of its current site. Shell Canada has just been granted permission to release more sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide into our airshed. Lanxess is applying to build an ethanol plant within its current boundaries. All this potential expansion is Cossette Media within that 10-kilometer radius. The Centre for Indigenous Envi- ronmental Resources (CIER) worked with Aamjiwnaang on the review of the Environmental Assessment of Invenergy’s new plant proposal. They concluded that this new facility would release industrial waste water directly into the St. Clair River, including a 8” x 6” substance fatally toxic to fi sh at any detectable level. They also concluded that this new plant would increase the times that ambient air quality criteria are exceeded. In other words, this proposed new plant would make the air unfi t for breathing, according to the government’s own standards. Recently Suncor, one of Aamjiwn- aang’s closest Chemical Valley neigh- bours, was responsible for a release of hydrofl uoric acid that sent many workers to the emergency rooms of local hospitals. The company issued a news release claiming that there was no “offsite impact.” Those of us who live in Aamji- wnaang experience an average of one of these environmental incidents each week. October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 17 Nbi/Water: Lifeblood of Mother Earth

Selling water for profi t ‘prostitutes’ Mother Earth By Johanna Kristolaitis dren,” she said. “I don’t want to that people need to take care of His story prompted the Moth- The Nugget be the one to sell the water for their water sources. er Earth Water Walkers to tour by Kairos Canadian Ecumenical NORTH BAY – Water nourishes, profi t. I want to be rich in spirit The women expanded their Lake Michigan in 2004, Lake Justice Initiatives, an organiza- cleans and refreshes, but Ca- and that is all.” campaign after Huron in 2005 and Lake Ontario tion which advocates for social nadians rarely give it a second Mandamin, from Wik- Mandamin was this summer. They plan to tackle change. thought, said the keynote speaker wemikong Unceded Indian Re- approached by Lake Erie next year. The conference agenda in- at an ecology conference in North serve, told area residents and a man two days Mandamin said the trip has cluded addresses by Grand Bay. out-of-town delegates how she into their trip. since inspired others to hold their Council Chief John Beaucage “We need everyone to work and a group of aboriginal women The elderly own water walks, including one and Mandamin focusing on other together to avoid the prostitu- wanted to raise awareness about man told her around Lake Ramsey in Sud- water resource issues. tion of Mother Earth,” Josephine declining water quality. that as a boy, bury. Kairos team members ran a Mandamin said during her Water: In the summer of 2003, she his grandfather Before speaking Mandamin workshop on training and educa- Josephine tion, and staged an ecumenical An Aboriginal Perspective key- was part of the Mother Earth Wa- had told him he Mandamin accepted an offering of tobacco note speech at St Joseph’s Moth- ter Walkers who set out to walk would one day from Sister Priscilla Solomon workshop. erhouse. the shoreline of Lake Superior, meet a woman walking around and thanked the Waabishki Mk- On the web: “The water is not just for our carrying a copper pail of water. the Great Lakes, carrying a pail waa singers for their water song. www.kairoscanada.org use but for our great-grandchil- Their goal is to raise awareness of water. The conference was organized www.motherearthwaterwalk.com Science measures, Water but doesn’t prevent protection water pollution spiritual By Lynn Gehl teaches us that humans were cre- By Gord Young PETERBOROUGH – Before ated last in the order of Creation; The Nugget entering university as a mature that humans are the most de- NORTH BAY – The Anishinabek student, I was employed with pendant beings; that all animals Nation has a spiritual obligation the Ontario Ministry of the Envi- such as the four-leggeds and the to protect the province’s water ronment for 14 years. I started wingeds, as well as the trees, air, resources, says John Beaucage, working with the Ministry after and water, were all working in Grand Council Chief of the Union completing a two-year chemical harmony before humans came of Ontario Indians. technology pro- along. Beaucage, a keynote speaker gram at Humber Essentially, everything was for a water conservation confer- College of Ap- beautiful and in harmony before ence in the city, told about 100 plied Arts and humans entered the scene. I have delegates from across Ontario Technology. also come to know that all of the that the Anishinabek Nation has a One project Creator’s beings, humans in- responsibility to act as caretakers that I remem- cluded, are related and, thus, are of the planet – a duty ingrained in ber well in the Lynn Gehl considered relations. I have also Native culture and one that direct- early 1980s was come to appreciate the power of ly correlates to the Anishinaabe monitoring the cleanup of a toxic the philosophy and teaching of the story of creation. spill in the St. Clair River that Earth as our one true Mother, that But he said the Anishinabek was affectionately called “The water is her life’s blood, and that Nation continues to fi ght to be Blob” by newscasters. neither she nor humans can live involved in government decisions Although trained and without water. And I have come regarding water resources. “We equipped with the tools of west- to appreciate water as a sibling in want to be part of the decision- ern science such as these, I soon that in a very real sense, humans making process,” he said, pointing understood through my experi- will not remain healthy if water to concerns regarding the future ence of working at the Ministry continues to be humiliated as a of the Great Lakes watershed. that positivism with its reduc- mere commodity; contaminated, He said the Anishinabek Na- tionistic focus and requirement dirtied, and destroyed. tion has a legal right to be con- of objectivity was not without Through my learning jour- sulted and is seeking a role, along limitations. In other words, I dis- ney of knowing western science Traditional helper Perry McLeod-Shabogesic from the Anishinabek/ with the province and the other ju- covered that water quality, in a and Anishinabe philosophy and Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre and Josephine Mandamin from Wik- risdictions surrounding the Great western sense and in the western teachings I now appreciate the wemikong Unceded Reserve prepare to release seven minnows and lay Lakes, in managing the water- world, had more to do with po- power one’s cultural teachings a rose in the waters of Lake Nipissing during the Kairos conference. shed. litical and economic forces than have in shaping who one is, what an inherent value system. Even- one does, and how one treats oth- tually I resigned. ers – especially our Mother the Bad water kills 90 people each year Now that I am more fully im- Earth. I have come to understand mersed in Indigenous philoso- that powerful electron-capturing OTTAWA (CP) – Six years after the Walkerton trag- He says the public doesn’t realize the level of water- phies and teachings, I have come technology alone fails, and will edy, communities in most provinces and territories related illness and death. to understand that it is one’s always fail, to harness human remain at risk of waterborne illness due to inade- Health Canada has estimated that unsafe drink- belief and value system learned agency and actions in a manner quate water testing and treatment, says a national ing water causes 90,000 illnesses and 90 deaths as children that serves to guide that allows us to live a good life. study. every year. These don’t get public attention unless people to live life in a good way. I have also come to know Only four provinces – Alberta, Nova Scotia, they occur in clusters, said Christensen. For example, cultural teachings that as an Anishnabekwe one of Ontario and Quebec – require advanced treatment “The cost is quite high and there’s really no ex- such as the Anishinabe original my responsibilities is “Keeper of of drinking water, such as state-of-the-art fi ltration, cuse in a country that’s as well off as Canada and teachings of honesty, wisdom, the Water”. Through telling my says the study by the Sierra Legal Defence Fund. has the abundance of water supply.’’ humility, respect, courage, love, story, I begin to fulfi ll this re- Only two provinces, Ontario and Newfound- Canada has no enforceable drinking water stan- and truth teach us how to treat sponsibility. land, provide routine information on water quality dards such as those enjoyed by the United States one another as well as all other by publicizing test results, says the report. The situ- and the European Union. life sources such as water. Lynn Gehl, Algonquin, is a ation in First Nations communities is described as That’s partly because the federal government I have come to appreciate the Ph.D. candidate in Indigenous scandalous. lacks authority to impose regulations on the prov- Anishinabe Creation story, which Studies at Trent University. “It really indicates a misplaced sense of priori- inces, but Ottawa could show leadership by pushing ties,’’ says Randy Christensen, author of the report. for minimum standards, says Christensen. Page 18 Anishinabek News October 2006 In Brief Intergovernmental Affairs Treaty MNR hunting moose poachers process MNR hunting moose STUR- GEON FALLS – The Min- istry of Natural Resources is stalled investigating the poaching of VANCOUVER (CP) – An aborigi- 15 moose near Field last year nal negotiator says most treaty ne- and is asking for the public’s gotiations in British Columbia are assistance. stalled, despite a report that found The moose were killed in some progress is being made. a 10-kilometre radius north of “There are 47 tables and as far the community, says MNR, as I can see only about fi ve to seven and poaching was confi rmed of those tables are willing to move through DNA and other foren- forward on the mandates that the sic analysis. (B.C. and federal) governments Anyone with information are bringing forward.’’ said Brian should call the MNR TIPS line Thom, a negotiator for six years at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847- with the Hul’qumi’num Treaty 7667), or anonymously to Checking pickerel stress Group in the Duncan area of Van- Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- The Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre (A/OFRC) and Dokis Fist Nation have had couver Island. TIPS (8477). concerns about possible stress on pickerel stocks in Woodcock Lake for several years now. In releasing its 13th annual re- Woodcock Lake is located in the heart of Dokis First Nation territory and is a popular fi shing spot. port, the B.C. Treaty Commission Treaty helper A couple of Fall Walleye Index Netting projects have been done previously with mixed results. In said as many as seven treaties are Aanii. September A/OFRC biologists Kim Carmichael and Maureen Peltier headed out on Woodcock to expected soon for First Nations My name is Melissa Ste- test the waters once more. Results will be reviewed this winter with a report being prepared for groups, including in the Prince vens I am currently assisting in Dokis Fist Nation. – Photo by Perry McLeod-Shabogesic George, Tsawwassen and Port Al- the Treaty Research Program berni areas. But Thom said “those for Intergovernmental Affairs. (treaty) tables (with progress) are My work in- all small communities.’’ volves help- Talks involving treaty groups ing with ad- with populations of 5,000 to 6,000 ministrative aboriginals are stalling because of duties and “the problematic mandates’’ of the supporting federal and provincial negotiators. other depart- The sticking points fall into a ments as re- handul of key categories: Melissa Stevens quired. This How to allocate fi sh. has been a How to allocate land. wonderful experience getting The status of the right to further to know the people here. My claims after a treaty is signed. home community is Nipiss- How to co-manage resources ing First Nation, where I have with other parties. previously worked. I may be Fisheries Working Group Taxation issues. reached at (705) 497-9127, He said “breakthroughs’’ on extension 2264 or by e-mail at Committee members attending the last Fisheries Management Working Group meeting in North Bay were, from left: Elder Harold Michon, Mark Muschett, Bruce McGregor, Sue Greenwood, Perry these key issues are occurring [email protected] mainly at the tables involving small Meegwetch. McLeod-Shabogesic and Brian Monague. The working group is part of the Resource Management Council process involving the province of Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation. First Nations. Fishing for AFN Long-time fi sheries advocate Chief Isadore Day from Serpent Forestry program MARTEN AT RISK River First Nation has been appointed to the National needs DIAND support October 2, 2006 Fisheries National Aboriginal Forestry of all projects while First Nations Committee Association–Mar. ‘06 Newsletter provided $4.1 million and partners Dear Fur Harvester: for the As- contributed $3.8 million in cash As a fur harvester and steward of your trapping area, the best available information on species sembly of The Audit and Evaluations towards these projects. abundance and health is an important tool in planning your harvesting activities. First Nations. Branch of Natural Resources The interim evaluation looked An ongoing marten study conducted near Kapuskasing has documented what appears to be the Canada (NRCan) has conducted at some key questions in the re- reproductive failure of marten at Kapuskasking during the last two years. Harvest levels and ratios of This com- juveniles to adults in the harvest from across northern Ontario also suggest that this pattern of reproduc- Chief Isadore mittee has an interim evaluation of the First view including the question of tive failure may be consistent throughout the boreal forest of northern Ontario. Although marten Day Nations Forestry Program (FNFP). whether or not there is an ongoing population flunctuations are cyclic, it is unusual to have reproductive failures two years in a row. recently fo- Unfortunately, small mammal populations appear to have been slow to recover and therefore, it is cussed on Species at Risk leg- The review was completed in April need for the FNFP. The evalu- uncertain what reproductive potential exists for marten this winter and next year. 2005 and released in March 2006. ation found that forestry is a key islation and the Fisheries Act The near-record high marten harvest in 2004/05 combined with poor marten reproduction has led to renewal. “The AFN is pushing The FNFP, fi rst introduced in economic opportunity for many depressed marten populations. Many trappers noticed the decline last winter and in fact, the Ontario for governments to go beyond 1996 as a fi ve-year joint program First Nations, which for the most harvest in 2005-06 is the lowest recorded in over thirty years. between Department of Indian part have a youthful and available Ontario marten harvest 1995/96 - 2005/06 Harvesting additional marten this winter may the respect for Aboriginal and 70,000 Affairs and Northern Develop- labour force linking need to this 60.000 reduce the reproductive potential because the Treaty Rights” says Chief 50.000 harvest may remove mostly reproductively 40,000 ment (DIAND) and NRCan, was unique program that focuses spe- 30,000 mature marten, not juveniles. Day. Marten 20,000 formalized through an MOU and cifi cally on forests and forestry. A 10,000 0 Thus, we are recommending that all Anishinabek ran from 1996 to 2001. It was policy review demonstrated that harvesters voluntarily reduce their marten Staff 1995-961996-971997-981998-991999-002000-012001-022002-032003-042004-052005-06 harvest. In addition, we would request that Season extended for one year from 2001- the program was in direct support harvesters voluntarily submit the lower jaws of 2002, extended again for another of economic development policies harvested marten to their local MNR office. Analysis of the jaws can give us an indication of the health Allan Dokis of the animals. Director year and fi nally renewed in 2003 within the federal government. for another fi ve year term and will Key participants in the surveys Because marten populations are cyclic, this action on your part is expected to hasten the recovery of Jason Laronde continue until March 31, 2008. marten populations. We are contacting all northern Ontario trappers, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal Resource Management Council added that the program needs more about this concern. Coordinator In this fi scal year, the total support from within DIAND. program budget was $6.5 million, Some of the recommendations Your observations are important so please be sure to contact your local Trapper’s Council, MNR District Melissa Stevens or Area office, or your Union of Ontario office for more information on how you can assist in ensuring we Treaty Research Clerk of which $1.5 million was made included a directive to undertake are managing marten sustainably. available through a separate Trea- a high-level policy assessment Nadine Roach Thank you for your continued cooperation. Forestry Coordinator sury Board submission specifi cally of the (forest-Aboriginal) policy for the Mountain Pine Beetle ini- framework, in light of changes to Barb Naveau tiative in British Columbia. There the DIAND and NRCan business Cameron Mack Allan Dokis Forestry Assistant Director, Fish and Wildlife Branch Intergovernmental Affairs were a total of 173 of 296 projects models, in order to determine if, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Union of Ontario Indians Hazel Trudeau selected for funding nationally in how and to what extent the FNFP 300 Water St., Box 7000 c/o Nipissing First Nation Operations Support Offi cer Peterborough, Ontario North Bay, Ontario 2004-2005. FNFP provided $3.8 should be supported, governed and K9J 8M5 P1B 8J8 million, or 27% of the total value delivered in the future. October 2006 Anishinabek News Page 19 Anishinabemowin/Language

Sand Point changes name ‘My victims are helpless’ Chief Paul Gladu is pleased to honour the return of the traditional land of Sand Point First Nation by adopting the Anishinaabek name Dzhinjigewin / Gossip of “Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinabek.” The translation is simply the Wenesh niin? / Who am I? people of Sand Point. Along with the name change, the First Nation Gaawiin gego ngchi-twawenziin dbaakgonigewin. / I have no respect is introducing a new logo that refl ects the importance of family, for justice. community and traditional values. Niin nwii-wiisgaapinaanag bmaddizijig, gaa dash wii-go nsaasiig, “For Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, the Anishinaabek name ndoo-ngiiwnejige eta. / I maim people without killing. and logo signals our reconnection to our culture and refl ects all that we hold valuable. This is the fi rst step to what has taken over a hundred Niin biiwgde’echige miinwaa nbenaajtoonan bmaadiziwinan. / I years to achieve,” said Chief Gladu. break hearts and ruin lives. Aapji ngwaajkwes miinwaa wiin-chinaachigeyaanh miinwaa ndoo- ni-mshkowaadiz ni piidiziiyaanh. / I am cunning and malicious and KinomaagegamigKinomaagegamig ~ SchoolSchool gather strength with age. Ni-aagwiitaajimigoyaanh naagjigoyaanh, ooshime geyaabi EnjiEnji nookiidnookiid ~ workingworking placeplace ndebwetaago. / The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. Nda-giiwnejigaanag aabji ni-niimizowag, gaawiin shkitoosiiwag Wiisnigamgoong-ShangegamgoongWiisnigamgoong-Shangegamgoong ~ atat tthehe rrestaurantestaurant wii-naadimaadiziwaad / My victims are helpless; Gaawiin shkitoosiiwag naa waa ji-naadimaadsowaad wii-miigaash- GiidgoogamgoongGiidgoogamgoong ~ atat tthehe BBandand oofficeffice waad, / they cannot protect selves against me, gaawiin gego ndaa-yaansiin nooswin miinwaa gaawiin ndengwesii. DaawegamgoongDaawegamgoong ~ atat tthehe sstoretore / because I have no name and no face. Bi-mi-mokwegoyaanh aapji znagad / To track me down is impos- sible. Ooshime geyaabi getin gjidtooyin, gaa-go gnigwenh gda-mkosii / WNJIBAA-ING ~ COMMUNITY The harder you try, the more elusive I become. Gaawiin gwaya nwiijkiwenmaasii. / I am nobody’s friend. Ngoding go gwaya mnji-dbaajmog, gaawiin wii-kaa ni-naasaabse- sesnoo / Once I tarnish a reputation, it is a never the same. Ndi-aaboojininak go gchi-gimaang miinwaa go ndi-binaajtoonan

ibwe Oj Cu wiidigemaagonowinan. I topple governments and ruin marriages. ltu r a l

i o Permission to reprint portions of Nishnaabe Bimaadziwin Kinomaadwinan: Teachings of the Medicine Wheel - Junior, granted by the Ojibway Cultural Foundation, M'Chigeeng First Nation

n . Ndi-shkwaatoonan go namewinan,aw Gzhe-mnidoo gaa-naakgoni- gepa / I end ministries set up by God. Ndi-bnaajtoonan nokiiwnan miinwaa ndi-binaajtoonan nbewin gebedibik / I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, biig-de’eshkaakewinan miinwaa nwiikjitoonan gshkendamowin. / heartache and generate grief. Aabji nagjitoon wii-ntambiigooyanh ngoji, biig-de’eshkaage miinwaa begde’eshkaage / I make headlines, headaches and indigestion. Nintaa-miwjge pakweshmowining ebekaadizijig bmaadizijig. / I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Waa’aaj go ndi-nooswin nda-niikmodaagwan. Media Buying / Even my name hisses. Niin daaw “Dzhinjigewin”! / I am Gossip!

Author unknown Services Translated by Shirley Williams Shirley Williams

6” x 7.25” Day & Night Movers

4” x 4.5” Page 20 Anishinabek News October 2006 Aboriginal Ontario www.aboriginalontario.com Open for Business ANISHINABEK A Special Report on Economic Development by and NEWS Bayer helped DeBeers understand importance of goose hunt By Colleen Kleven the infrastructure and buildings left impression of how the meetings are type of animosity can be avoided. an opportunity to speak. That meet- SUDBURY – When the executives of behind when the mine closes between going,” Bayer adds. He cites that “Companies need to have Aboriginal ing represented a real shift in attitude. a multi-billion dollar mining corpo- 2018 and 2020. fi rst goose hunting season. In a com- lawyers and advisors on their team The chief, council and members of the ration from South Africa heard their This agreement is a far cry from munity where a chicken sells for $30, to create an element of trust. As an community were impressed by Bay- business negotiations must be unex- the situation a few years back. Nearly going out on the land to hunt and Aboriginal person, you understand er’s determination to be respectful of pectedly placed on hold, they were three years ago, the process had fallen fi sh is an important tradition that the First Nations’ interests and concerns. the people. Bayer remembers those not pleased. When their legal counsel apart almost before it started. company needed to understand and If something inappropriate is said or early negotiations. “The people saw – Martin Bayer – told them the post- At that time, the company’s nego- respect. Bayer’s intimate knowledge shared, they know that you will speak an Aboriginal lawyer sitting across ponement was to accommodate an tiations for a Memorandum of Under- of the situation allowed him to give to the company and remind them of from them instead of a long line of Aboriginal spring goose hunt, they standing with Attawapiskat had come company offi cials an acceptable ex- their traditions.” English and South African accents. It considered the situation “completely planation. As Bayer pointed out, After retaining Bayer as their le- started building a level of trust and a unacceptable.” It took a skilled nego- “You can’t pre-schedule this. It’s very gal counsel, the De Beers negotiating foundation for communication.” tiator to convince them that postpon- much about when the geese fl y. That’s team returned to Attawapiskat to re- The Impact and Benefi t Agree- ing talks was a decision they should when you have to hunt.” sume talks regarding the Memoran- ment was signed on November 3, support. Bayer subsequently negotiated a dum of Understanding. At Bayer’s 2005 and the offi cial signing ceremo- For Bayer, the 2½ year-long provision that allows for two weeks suggestion, they arrived with a gift for ny took place in January of this year. road to broker an Impact and Ben- of fl oating holiday time in the spring the community (a large framed photo efi t Agreement (IBA) between De and another week in the fall. of the northern lights) and asked one This article fi rst appeared in Lau- Beers Canada and the Attawapiskat He credits De Beers Canada for of the elders to do an opening prayer rentian University Magazine, Sum- First Nation was fi lled with such mo- their willingness to familiarize them- in Cree. Bayer did a smudge and said mer 2006 issue, and is reprinted with ments. selves with this new way of doing an opening prayer in his native Ojib- permission of the author and editor A 1991 graduate from Lauren- business. “They didn’t know about wa. At that point, everyone was given Shirley Moore. tian’s political science program, Aboriginal customs and practices, but Bayer is a partner in the Sudbury they learned. They became far more law fi rm Weaver, Simmons LLP and aware and respectful, and went out of specializes in Aboriginal law. Born their way to accommodate Cree peo- on Manitoulin Island and raised in ple and the people of Attawapiskat.” the M’Chigeeng First Nation, he is a Much of what Bayer discussed full band member of Aundeck Omni with his clients was in the areas of Kaning (formerly Sucker Creek) First unresolved and unrespected treaty Nation. He serves as Chief Nego- Martin Bayer serves as Chief rights. “The company has nothing to tiator for the Anishinabek Nation’s Negotiator for the Anishinabek do with treaty rights but those issues self-government project known as the Nation Restoration of Jurisdiction were there at the table. It was impor- Restoration of Jurisdiction initiative. – self-government – process. tant for the company to be aware of As legal counsel to the De Beers the scope of the Aboriginal treaty negotiating team, Bayer represented to a grinding halt because De Beers rights that affect this community and Sault College the developer of the $982 million Vic- had no previous experience in negoti- those communities around the James tor Diamond Mine. The mine, which ating with a First Nation, and the two Bay coast. I brought that kind of un- is located 90 kilometres west of the parties were not communicating in derstanding to the table. This is the James Bay community of Attawapis- the same way. fi rst negotiation I’m aware of that had kat, will be the fi rst diamond mine During a chance meeting with Native lawyers on both sides.” Pow-wow in Ontario. It is scheduled to open in representatives of the huge inter- According to Bayer, “In major re- 2008 and is expected to process 7,000 national diamond company, Martin source development projects, Impact tonnes of kimberlite per day. Bayer mentioned that he worked in and Benefi t Agreements are not that The IBA between De Beers Can- the area of Aboriginal law. He ex- easy to conclude.” If negotiations be- ada and the Attawapiskat First Na- plained that the company needed to tween a private company and a First tion is a list of commitments from understand the high spiritual value Nations community are not handled De Beers to provide training, ap- the people place on the land, their properly, the result can be lengthy prenticeship and more than 300 job hunting practices and their cultures and expensive court cases. 4” x 8.75” opportunities for the community dur- and traditions. One recent case in point is the ing the estimated 12-year lifespan of “The company had a lot of ques- issue between Kitchenuhmaykoosib the mine. The agreement also covers tions regarding how to conduct ne- Inninnuwug First Nation in north- profi t-sharing, and in addition, Ab- gotiations with First Nations. It’s not western Ontario, the federal and pro- original businesses will have the fi rst just your knowledge of Aboriginal vincial governments, and the mining opportunity to supply goods and ser- law and treaty rights, it’s all these exploration company Platinex Inc. vices to the project. The two groups other things – your knowledge of The dispute centres around treaty and will also be involved in joint environ- people, customs, interests, that’s just Aboriginal rights and the company’s mental management of the land which as valuable as your legal knowledge,” intention to explore in the area. Plat- includes several years of scheduled says Bayer. inex has now launched a $10-billion land reclamation and rehabilitation. “If you don’t understand what lawsuit against the community. The community will be able to use is going on, you can get the wrong Bayer believes that much of this Mine triggers Native training dollars FORT ALBANY – The federal government has confi rmed “Canada’s new Government is proud to fund this proj- a funding commitment of $7.87 million to support skills ect which will positively impact the future of hundreds development and training related to the Victor Diamond of First Nations men and women, their families and their Mine project. communities,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Re- The De Beers Victor Diamond project is an open pit sources and Social Development. diamond mine located approximately 90 km. west of At- “This training program will also help address the need tawapiskat First Nation in the James Bay lowland. The for more skilled workers in the mining sector, which has project has an expected life span of 16 years, requiring always been a core part of the economy not only to the 390 workers for the operations phase of the mine with ap- North but to Canada as a whole.” Under the project, the proximately 50 percent of available positions to be fi lled James Bay Employment and Training (JBET) project will by Aboriginal people. provide a range of employment tools to assist Aboriginal Funding will fl ow through the James Bay Employ- people in achieving long term, sustainable employment ment and Training project under the Aboriginal Skills and in a region that has traditionally offered limited employ- Employment Partnership (ASEP) program. This ASEP ment prospects. Employment tools include job informa- project brings together Aboriginal communities, industry tion workshops, career counselling, training and work and other orders of government to offer skills develop- experience interventions, permanent job placements and ment and employment opportunities in the DeBeers Vic- advancement programs. It is expected that over 600 in- tor Diamond mine operation located near Attawapiskat, dividuals will take part in training opportunities, with at a First Nations community in the James Bay lowland in least 190 Aboriginal people obtaining long-term employ- Northern Ontario. ment at the Victor Mine operation.