Volume 18 Issue 1 Published monthly by the Union of Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 January/February 2006

IN THE a shit less about Indi- ‘Wrong for Harris to be there’ ans.’’ Runci- NEWS FOREST, Ont. (CP) – Robert Run- The former premier is expected to However, Runciman testifi ed that man, while ciman conceded under cross-exami- testify at the inquiry the week of Feb. a police offi cer who told his superiors admitting Casino Rama butts out nation at the Ipperwash Inquiry that 14. Harris was a “redneck’’ who didn’t he had no MNJIKANING FN former Ontario premier The extent to which Harris di- respect native rights misconstrued the memory of – On June 1, 2006, should not have attended a meeting rected police operations at Ipperwash former premier’s intentions regard- Fox being Casino Rama will involving senior police offi cers the af- Provincial Park during the standoff ing a standoff that culminated in the present at be a non-smoking the meet- ternoon an OPP sniper killed unarmed has been a key issue at the judicial in- protester’s death. Mike Harris facility. CEO Art protester Dudley George. quiry into the Sept. 6, 1995, shooting “(Harris) believes he has the au- ing, said Frank said casino host “If (Harris) hadn’t been in atten- of Dudley George by a police sniper. thority to direct the OPP,’’ Insp. Ron the offi cer Mnjikaning First Nation will be dance, we may not have been sitting Only hours before the fatal con- Fox is heard telling a colleague about likely “misconstrued the intent’’ of the passing no-smoking regulations here today,’’ said Runciman, solicitor- frontation, an emergency meeting was that meeting in audiotape conversa- premier’s words. “(Harris) was ada- that mirror an Ontario law that general in Harris’s cabinet, who added held in the provincial legislature that tions already entered into evidence. mant about getting the matter resolved comes into effect on that date. that he re-evaluated the propriety of included Harris, Runciman, two other “This guy is redneck from way (using) the legal remedies available “A majority of the employees Harris’s attendance “once the con- cabinet ministers, civil servants and back,’’ Fox told Insp. John Carson, and (that should have not) been con- want the place to be non-smok- cerns were expressed that there was two Ontario Provincial Police offi cers the incident commander at Ipperwash. strued as ... telling the police they had ing,” said Frank, noting that the some sort of political inference.’’ who were not in uniform. “There’s no question. They don’t give to do anything.’’ casino will designate smoking areas outside the building. Pelletier on bench – Joyce Lynn Pelle- tier, a lawyer and citizen of Fort William First Na- tion, has been ap- pointed a provincial judge to the Ontario Court of Justice. Called to the bar Joyce Pelletier in 1992, Madam Justice Pelletier practised in her own fi rm for several years, with an emphasis on child protection matters, custody and access, and criminal law. Anishinaabemowin Teg Inquiries regarding the 12th annual An- ishinaabemowin Teg Language Conference should Healthy land, healthy people be directed by phone to Bebamikawe Studios Expert quilter Alice Williams of co-ordinated the creation of a 5-by-14-foot quilt – a portion of which is shown here – that served – 705-859-2273. as a backdrop for November’s First Ministers’ Meeting in Kelowna, B.C. “The theme for the First Ministers’ Meeting had to do with health issues,” says Alice. “Our interpretation of that is: our health is intimately tied to the Land, for we are a People of the Land. If what they call the “ecology”, the “environ- More medals for Tommy ment,” is good, then our health is good.” Women from across contributed squares to the quilt based on their interpretation of the connection WINNIPEG (CP) – Three medals between the Land and the People of this great and sacred Turtle Island. – Photo by Fred Cattroll for courage have completed the collection of Cana- da’s most decorated Anishinabek want Kelowna promises kept aboriginal soldier. Sgt. Tommy Prince, NIPISSING FN – Anishinabek NDP (29), and Bloc Quebecois (51). government and assist them in their mously agreed upon to move our peo- born on the Broken- Nation leaders are hoping that Can- The Liberal and NDP election plat- tremendous learning curve to under- ples out of poverty. Our citizens can head Reserve north Tommy Prince ada’s new minority government will forms both pledged to keep the Kelow- standing where we are coming from no longer wait for safe drinking water, of Winnipeg, has increase the chances that major federal na commitments, as well as an earlier and what it means to work with us on a decent housing, and access to jobs. been posthumously awarded the commitments to improve aboriginal $2-billion settlement for residential government-to-government basis. Anishinabek chiefs did not agree to Combat Infantry Badge for being living conditions will be acted upon in school survivors. “Under this tenuous minority Par- endorse any single political party be- under hostile fi re with the enemy, the next Parliament. “We are taking steps to form a new liament, it would not be advisable for fore the election, instead empowering the Canadian Korean Volunteer “Our main task now is to do our relationship with the new government Stephen Harper’s government to undo their leadership to launch a campaign Medal for service in the Korean utmost to ensure that the leaders of all and the Conservative cabinet,” Beau- the work that , provincial urging Anishinabek citizens to partici- War, and a Presidential Unit Ci- political parties keep the commitments cage said. “We will work with the and federal governments have unani- pate in the voting process. Following tation for extraordinary heroism made by the Federal Crown at the First the First Ministers Meeting, the Union against an armed enemy. Ministers’ Meeting in Kelowna,” said of Ontario Indians designed and dis- Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, a Whitefi sh Lake wins case tributed over 5,000 brochures titled Indian new president key participant in the November sum- Bezhbiihged:The Anishinabek Nation TORONTO (CP) – Whitefi sh Lake First Nation has won compensation mit that agreed to invest $5.2 billion Votes to all 134 First Nations and 28 LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) – Evo Mo- for losses it suffered from a timber deal awarded to a Tory politician with the for aboriginal health, education, hous- Friendship Centres in Ontario. rales, Bolivia’s fi rst Indian presi- blessing of former prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald. ing, and economic development. The four-page brochure identifi ed dent, took offi ce A judge awarded the Sudbury-area band $1.1 million plus court costs for Beaucage was referring to Con- key issues for First Nation voters to with a promise to the timber rights Ottawa sold on its behalf in 1886 for $316. servative Stephen Harper’s campaign consider: health, water and infrastruc- lift his country’s The band argued that fair value was as much as $40 million. comment that, while he endorsed the ture, self-government, recognition struggling indig- In 1886, Honore Robillard, an Ontario MPP who later served as a member Kelowna principles, he was not com- and implementation of aboriginal and enous majority of Macdonald’s Conservative federal government, obtained with a partner the mitted to the funding level agreed to by treaty rights. The brochure reminds out of centuries timber rights on the band’s land for $316. The men sold the rights some 10 outgoing Prime Minister Paul Martin Anishinabek Nation citizens that their of poverty and months later for up to $55,000, according to the band. and the provincial premiers. The Con- ancestors “fought hard” for the right discrimination. But the judge found that the estimate of $55,000 was “inherently unre- Evo Morales servatives won the right to form the to vote, which was not achieved until The 46-year-old liable’’ as it stemmed from Liberal MP John Barron, who made allegations next government – the fi rst Tory ad- 1960, and says “Whatever party takes son of a peasant farmer, Morales about the sale in the House of Commons at the time. ministration in 13 years – but their 124 power following the federal election, vowed that his socialist govern- The judge ruled that the fair value was $31,600. seats won in the Jan. 23 federal election it is important that the commitments ment would reshape Bolivia. He rejected the band’s argument that it should earn compound interest on are not beyond the reach of alliances given at the First Ministers’ Meeting the money. Instead, he awarded it simple interest. between the opposition Liberals (103), are lived up to.” Page 2 Anishinabek News January/February 2006 Million watch One Dead Indian Ipperwash TORONTO – The Jan. 4 premiere of the original movie One Dead Indian at- tracted an audience of over one million viewers to the CTV two-hour network special. The movie, based on Toronto Star reporter Peter Edwards’ book of the same name, aired just as a provincial inquiry resumed its investigation into events surrounding the Sept. 6, 1995 shooting death of Dudley George at Ipperwash Provincial Park. The MP’s phone ringing about Ipperwash inquiry has heard over 90 witnesses, and sometime in February is expected to hear FOREST, Ont. (CP) – The for- ment in Toronto, he said. that reason, he felt it was a federal testimony from former Ontario premier Mike Harris, who maintains that he never mer member of the legislature for the “I don’t think Queen’s Park ap- government issue when fi rst told gave instructions forOntario Provincial Police to remove unarmed Native protesters. riding that included Ipperwash Pro- preciated the seriousness (of Ipper- about the occupation. vincial Park says he was getting 100 wash),’’ he said. Aboriginal protester Dudley to 150 phone calls a day as tensions He said he demanded a response George was killed by a police sniper rose in September 1995. or he would issue a press release that only hours after an emergency meet- “Grown-up people were call- referred to ing at the provincial legislature Sept. ing and crying... People were see- park oc- 6, 1995. The inquiry has heard con- ing doctors to get tranquilizers... cupiers as fl icting evidence that an obscenity People were afraid... willing to arm “thugs.’’ was used in demanding the occupi- themselves,’’ Marcel Beaubien, who Some ers be removed from the park during represented Lambton from 1995 to people the meeting. 2003, told the Ipperwash inquiry. called them One witness alleges former On- Nipissing University The inquiry is looking into the “animals,’’ tario Premier Mike Harris uttered the events that led to the Sept. 6, 1995, Beaubien slur, another has said it was Hodg- killing of First Nations protester said, adding son. Other witnesses who attended Job Posting Dudley George by a provincial po- some used the meeting have testifi ed they never lice sniper as offi cers marched on the word Marcel Beaubien heard the alleged comment. the park. The local rumour mill was “hooligans’’ 4 x 5.25 churning out reports of the park be- and he used ing occupied by First Nations people the word “thugs.’’ prior to the Sept. 4 occupation, Beau- Beaubien said he got a call from bien said. a caucus staff member saying the He said he was surprised when premier was following Ipperwash Sumac it happened because he had been as- closely. sured by the OPP there was adequate Earlier, former Ontario natural policing in the area. resources minister Chris Hodgson Creek “It puts me in not a very good told the Ipperwash inquiry that it was light with constituents,’’ he said, de- a widely held view that the occupiers scribing how provincial police told were angry with Ottawa. Tipi Co. him residents were safe but offi cers Aboriginal protesters had taken left the park when the occupation control of an army base bordering started because they were concerned on the provincial park in 1993, but 2” x 3” for their safety. the land was never offi cially handed “The situation was very tense,’’ over to them. he said, adding residents were con- Hodgson says it was aboriginal cerned about what going to happen frustration with Ottawa that pushed a next. Beaubien was passing his con- breakaway group to occupy the park stituents’ concerns but getting noth- in Sept. 1995. ing back from the provincial govern- The former politician says, for

Debwewin Citations ad 10.25 x 7 January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 3 Anishinabek Life-saver Krystle earns bravery award at Chimnissing event By Peggy Monague-McGregor Law School in 2001. Originally BEAUSOLEIL FN – At 8:30 from , she p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2005, is the daughter of the late Gimaa Henry (Wally) Jackson came pretty Paul Sandy, whom she credits for close to death after 20 minutes in teaching her family to be true to the freezing waters of Georgian others and most of all themselves. Bay. Whether she is doing a public Jackson says his 16-year-old presentation or across the table from daughter saved his life that night. you, she is a person who believes Krystle, Wally’s daughter, pulled a great deal in truth not only him from the frigid waters after professionally but in everyday life Krystle Jackson, 16, saved father Wally from drowning in icy waters of . the two fell in a pressure crack as the little girl from Chimnissing. – Photo courtesy Midland Free Press in the ice on their snowmobile On July 13, 1992, at the age of about halfway between Christian 66, Nick King graduated from the First Nation whether they are auntie saying “My auntie Merle is of unconditional love. While the Island and the mainland. Valiantly, Francis Theology Centre. He said from the United Church, Catholic wise beyond even her years. She is song played Neil Young’s “Heart Krystle pulled her dad out by using while taking the course, that he Church or traditional because they very old in her thought and loves of Gold,” Aubrey’s mom Audrey her scarf after their cries for help wasn’t sure he would graduate. He all celebrate one Creator. this community to pieces.” spoke about how they raised went unanswered. After fi nally didn’t have the English skills as the Not one eye was dry in the In a recent issue of Chimnissing Aubrey that way and that is wasn’t getting out, Wally vividly recalls other students but his classmates building when the old song “Just News, it was evident that Merle anything out of the ordinary. “He collapsing trying to walk to shore and teachers had encouraged him. Remember I Love You” by Firefall loves her community as she spoke loves everyone” she says. with frozen clothes. However, In the end, Nick successfully reverberated through the building poetically about the three islands Other award recipients included his daughter continually got him completed his training to become a as pictures from Chimnissing’s of Hope, Beckwith and Christian Chimnissing’s Community Centre back up again. Eventually, the pair Minister and has performed many beauty fl ashed across the large Island, the medicine waters of Project Manager, Melvin King managed to reach safety and lived services ranging from birth to death screen. Merle herself wiped a tear Georgian Bay, the lakes and the who was awarded the honour of to tell their tale. at the United Church in Christian as she approached the podium and forests. She spoke about the “Humility” for taking on additional Krystle was among community Island since then. professed that in all her travels she teachings of our grandmothers and tasks over and above his job members honoured at the second The “Respect” recipient has speaks highly of Chimnissing. She grandfathers and how she longs to requirements. annual Seven Grandfather Awards also offered prayers at the Roman laughed and said that “you would be back “home.” The youngest recipient, Billy at Beausoleil First Nation on Catholic Church and has spent time think this place was the promised Aubrey Copegog, was another Copegog was awarded the honour of November 26, 2005, receiving the sitting with people in the traditional land the way I talk about it!” award recipient who fought back “Honesty.” Billy, a Grade 5 student “Bravery” citation before a large lodge “up the hill” with the Three Merle Assance-Beedie, Elder, tears. Aubrey, a long-standing at Christian Island Elementary number of proud Chimnissing Fires . It is there that he grandmother, sister, friend, community member of Christian School, is allowing himself to be residents. was able to recall teachings he had historian, Anishnabe-Kwe of Island was awarded the honor of honest in character and personality. “All lawyers were kids once” been taught, and he took comfort in Chimnissing was bestowed with the “Love.” Aubrey has been a tireless On numerous occasions, Billy has seemed an appropriate statement, remembering those other teachings honour of “Wisdom” at the awards volunteer in the background at helped where help was needed.His coming from “Truth” recipient of the Creator. As a Minister of ceremony. Emotionally presenting seniors’ homes, functions and at intuitiveness is not going unnoticed Karry Sandy. Karry became Christian Island United Church, he the award was Merle’s niece, funerals when the most help is as Chimnissing sees promise from Chimnissing’s fi rst lawyer, has always said that he respects all Gimaa Kwe, Chief Val Monague. needed. Aubrey has performed this dedicated young man in the graduating from Osgoode Hall the spiritual practices of Beausoleil Chief Val lovingly talked about her these duties not for cash, but out years to come. Superior Elders sharing vision for teaching lodge By Cindy Crowe Organizers are inviting – A group participation from area communities of Robinson-Superior Treaty such as , , Anishinabe have a vision for a Thunder Bay and Geraldton, and Traditional Teaching Lodge in have scheduled an open meeting their territory. to discuss the project for Friday, The group hopes to raise an March 10, 2006 at a location to be estimated $2 million to construct a announced. circular lodge on the Nipigon River During the morning session, region Elders met at Lake Helen First Nation Dec. 28 to discuss a Teaching Lodge for the Lake by the end of 2007. The building’s Lakehead University students from Nipigon areas. From left, Raymond Chaboyer, Glenda Haskell, Edna Hardy and Norma Fawcett. foundations would face the four an “Outdoor Centre Management” directions: (1) to the east (yellow) class will present their draft Nipigon River and its surrounding Anishnawbe people from Southern with tobacco in hopes of arranging a Physical – Coffee Shop – feeding recommendations for the Teaching waterways. People who visit the Ontario. naming ceremony for the Teaching one’s body, mind, Spirit; (2) to Lodge, and seek input to be facility will learn that the area is Their communities have Lodge Spirit. the south (red) Mental – Nipigon incorporated their fi nal report due one of the last spawning beds for teaching lodges, good educational Organizers are seeking River natural and cultural heritage in April. The afternoon agenda will brook trout in the world. systems and support from their assistance with fi nding a highway interpretive and interactive learning be a continuation of the “blue-sky “With the help of the Creator community citizens. Once the sign to erect on Highways 11 and centre – educational; (3) to the thinking” session held Dec. 8. and resource people, we will Elders are gone, the language 17 to promote the development west (black) Social / Emotional Suggestions for the Teaching strive to preserve our history, and the teachings will be gone of the Teaching Lodge and post – Museum / Native Veterans Lodge have included its use traditional teachings and beliefs” too! We need to re-establish our upcoming events or meetings. Monument – sharing of signifi cant as a demonstration facility says Norma Fawcett, Elder of the Anishnawbe honour!” Information about the project historical events and artifacts; and for energy conservation and as well as This facility already has a can be obtained by contacting (4) fi nally to the north (white) resource stewardship, equipped a spokesperson for the Robinson- Spirit and this Spirit needs to be either Norma Fawcett at 807-887- Spiritual – Elders Gathering Area with viewing pods, webcams, and Superior Treaty Women’s Council. acknowledged and named. The 2205 or Cindy Crowe toll-free at – sharing of teachings. medicine walks to showcase the “We’re way behind the group plans to approach an Elder 1-888-852-5856. Page 4 Anishinabek News January/February 2006 Maanda ndinendam

The Anishinabek News is a monthly publication of the Union of Ontario church leaders talking openly and honestly with Indians (UOI). Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political Condoms indicate young people about the difference between physi- position of the UOI. No portion of this paper, including advertisements, artwork, photos and cal attraction and love, the perils of peer pressure, editorial content may be reproduced without written permission of the Anishi- we’re talking about and the value of self-esteem. nabek News Editor or UOI Executive. Readers are invited to submit letters, articles, and photos for publication. This is easier said than done. Most parents Please include your name, address and telephone number on all material important things submitted. All submissions will be reviewed for publication based on priority of are not good at delivering the “facts-of-life” interest and edited for clarity of thought, taste, brevity and legal implications. speech. And many people – including aboriginals Remuneration will be paid for submissions only if a written agreement with the By Maurice Switzer – would rather not discuss things like sexually- Editor is made prior to publication. transmitted diseases, or the people who contract I was curious about the huge cardboard box them. Their silence actually puts their own chil- Editor: Maurice Switzer people had to step around in our reception area. dren at greater risk. Contributors: Heather Campbell, Cindy Crowe, Rick Garrick, Shirley Honyust, Kathleen Imbert, A packing slip informed me that the box con- In fact the potentially-deadly virus thrives Peggy Monague-McGregor, Darryl Stonefi sh tained 3,000 condoms....of assorted colours. wherever the topic is taboo, like in some ab- original communities, where AIDS patients are Editorial Board: Fred Bellefeuille, Les Couchie, Cathie Favreau, Alan Ozawanimke I should hasten to shunned, or in African countries where political add that this massive leaders have tried to prevent foreign health work- Co-ordinator: Priscilla Goulais supply of safe-sex de- ers from even talking about HIV with their citi- vices was not for the zens. Ignorance is bliss for the HIV virus. Telephone: (705) 497-9127 Toll Free: 1-877-702-5200 exclusive use of the Fax: (705) 497-9135 e-mail: [email protected] Anishinabek News 50 employees who When I worked for a newspaper in Sudbury P.O. Box 711, , work for the Union of in the late 80s, one of our reporters told us he had North Bay, ON P1B 8J8 Ontario Indians. We a real scoop – a couple of cases of the then vir- wouldn’t want the citi- tually-unknown AIDS virus had been identifi ed zens on whose behalf locally, but the public health unit refused to com- we work so diligently ment. When an editor called, the medical offi cer get the wrong impres- of health refused comment on the grounds he sion about what ex- Maurice Switzer didn’t want to “cause a panic” in the community. actly goes on in our Publishing Criteria North Bay offi ces. We We’ve come a long way in the past 20 years. GOAL are working long hours researching treaties, and While more people have been diagnosed with To publish a quality newspaper and related publications de- developing self-government strategies, and pub- HIV/AIDS, we can also claim that our greater signed to foster pride and share knowledge about Anishinabek lishing a monthly newspaper ... honest! willingness to speak openly about the illness has current affairs, culture, goals, and accomplishments. likely saved millions of young people from its Actually, the condoms are distributed by our grip. We now know that HIV/AIDS does not just OBJECTIVES health unit staff in their ongoing efforts to cre- strike gay people, or careless youth, or interve- To provide information that refl ects the Creator’s four original gifts to the Anishinabek: ate greater awareness among Anishinabek about nous drug users. It can affl ict unborn babies, or sexually-transmitted diseases, especially the senior citizens unlucky enough to have required Respect: To welcome diversity and encourage a free ex- HIV/AIDS virus that is more common among a blood transfusion. change of opinions that may differ without being disagreeable. aboriginal people than other segments of Canadi- Fair and humourous comments are welcomed, but not ridicule You just never know for sure. or personal attacks. an society. HIV/AIDS is one of the world’s most virulent diseases, affl icting as many as 40 mil- Honesty: Debwewin – speaking the truth – is the cornerstone lion people around the globe. But, unlike many Which is why our washrooms here in North of our newspaper’s content. diseases – like cancer – that seem to be claim- Bay each contain a discreetly-placed bowl fi lled Sharing: Providing opportunities for people from the four ing more and more lives with every passing year, with a multi-coloured assortment of condoms – at corners of the Anishinabek Nation to tell stories and record HIV/AIDS is largely preventable. fi rst, I thought they were candies! – just in case achievements, and to keep our citizens informed about activi- an employee or visitor to our site thinks it might ties of the Union of Ontario Indians. Among the people who are least likely to be a good idea to have one handy in their purse, Strength: To give a voice to the vision of the Anishinabek contract HIV/AIDS are people who don’t have wallet, or pocket. Nation that celebrates our history, culture and language, pro- sex. Those people are very much in the minority. motes our land, treaty, and aboriginal rights, and supports the Please try to remember that even our parents had The things we don’t like to talk about are so development of healthy and prosperous communities. sex, a yukky thought for many of us, but nonethe- often the things that really need to be discussed. less a fact. NOTE: The Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity, and suitability for publication. All formal But trying to prevent the spread of sexual- Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the Mississau- comments and complaints must be addressed to Editorial ly-transmitted diseases by preaching abstinence gas of who serves as direc- Board c/o Anishinabek News. to young people is about as likely to succeed as tor of communications for the Union of Ontario putting a Sumo wrestler on the Jenny Craig diet. Indians and editor of the Anishinabek News. Nearly half of 5,000 Catholic priests in a recent Advertising & News Deadlines U.S. study admitted that they were sexually ac- The current circulation of the Anishinabek News is 10,000 copies, tive, and they are supposed to be a lot more com- with 9,000 mailed and 1,000 distributed at various events. mitted to the principle of celibacy than the aver- age teenager. DEADLINES FOR MARCH ISSUE Advertising Bookings: Feb. 20 We don’t like the thought of our children and Final Art: Feb. 24 grandchildren having sex any more than they like News to think of us doing it. But, since sex is nearly as News submissions: Feb. 20 inevitable as death and taxes, it would seem that Scheduled printing: the most sensible approach is to provide rookies For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek News all the information they should have to act safely related to advertising and circulation issues please call our new and sensibly. toll-free number: 1-800-463-6408 Ideally, that involves parents, teachers, and January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 5 Maanda ndinendam/Opinion Native art threatened by non-authentic copies Editor: designs of our nations. they leaving with. If our art is cre- tistic people keeps going. Being an as well. We as artisans love doing I am part of a group of artisans We feel it important that our ated overseas and is marketed here artistic people was a gift from the what we do, because we were giv- who feel our culture is threatened leadership be aware of the situa- in Canada as being “authentic”, at Creator, and if we are to stop at- en a gift, the gift of telling a story through the misuse of the tradi- tions faced by our artist/craftspeo- a substantially lower price, how are tending these functions our culture through our art. tional art, culture, and ancestral ple, and to assist our group to plan we to compete in this kind of mar- would surely suffer, because it is a Our art is sacred to us and to and protect the authenticity of our ketplace? Our whole community is revitalization of our culture to at- have it come from other countries traditional arts and crafts. These affected. tend these gatherings. is a misrepresentation of our artis- Off-reserve last few years we have bitten our We as Native artisans try to In addition if we stop attend- tic history and our culture. Not to tongue on the issue, but have more employ our own community mem- ing our Gatherings, because we are mention different art forms from recently noticed a great infl ux of bers and we feel it is only right to unable to compete with a foreign other countries being pawned off Aboriginals non-authentic Native arts at Na- do so. Our income that comes from marketplace in our own “Native as our own art, that for sure is a tive cultural events in our com- these gatherings in return comes Gatherings” our family along with grave misrepresentation. not getting munities. This infl ux causes a mis- back to our communities and thus our community will suffer. This Bruno Henry, Seneca/Cayuga representation of the Anishinabe only insures that our culture as ar- in turn puts stress on relationships Six Nations of the Grand River and Haudenosaunee people of our fair share communities in the presentation of the traditional arts and crafts that Editor: are visible. In addition where it in- With millions of dollars com- fringes on our intellectual property mitted to “on-reserve” communi- rights? ties stemming from the Kelowna Our Native Gatherings are held meetings in November 2005, off- to celebrate our culture and to pro- reserve members in Canada will vide cross-cultural awareness to the not receive a red penny. Although Non-Native public on who we are I use my democratic right to vote as Anishinabe and Haudenosaunee for Chief and Council, and Pro- people and, in these cases, to focus vincial and Federal legislators, I on the traditional hand made arts am still a voiceless, unrepresented and crafts of our nations. It also person in my own country. focuses attention to our spiritual- In my opinion, this system ity and our art. If there are vendors is not working for off-reserve attending our gatherings who are people. I say this from experi- misrepresenting our art and culture ence. For example, when ser- to the general public, what are we vices are required, I am told to to do? Some general public are at- ‘Water Spirit’ ask my native community or told tending a Native gathering for the Norval Morrisseau art exhibition, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa from February 2 to April 30 I do not qualify, am not within a fi rst time, so what information are jurisdiction, or outrightly refused services. In essence a system of discriminatory, mean-spirited, Don’t blame yourself when others try to hurt you buck-passing exists. In the real By Spencer Rowe utter contempt. I’m sure no one but enough consider themselves teach- Be true, love, heal (on going), world, it seems the only thing I cried last month. Actually I I has ever gone to that place. ers and, goodness gracious, even be patient, but never, ever, toler- which matters is my status as a cried a lot. You see, I was the re- But just in case there is one of healers! ate anti-human, anti-Anishnawbeg registered Indian. As citizens, we cipient of discrimination and hate, you out there, let me proclaim loud Well I’m here to advise you to views or deeds. cannot even access any Casino and let’s be clear, discrimination and clear. It’s NOT your fault. not buy what they are selling, and This is a tall order I know, be- Rama dollars; my community re- always leads to hate. Our collective post-traumatic yes I realize the package sometimes cause frankly we’re surrounded by tains those dollars. But this time I did not cry for disorder combined with a general is quite shiny, but still, don’t buy nut bags (did I just say that?) but From my perspective, the myself. I cried for my friends, my attachment disorder means we are it. Evil is evil. Intentional harm is it’s true. So be careful of who and programs in the urban centres, son, his fi ancée and her parents going to get harmed and usually by evil, period. That’s it. Oh and don’t what (“what” perhaps is the most geared for us are “exclusive, inac- and all others who had placed such those already damaged who oddly blame yourself. important) you choose to associ- cessible, unaccountable and seem high hopes in ate yourself with. Critical thinking only for a select few.” me. I felt I had Indians out there will know what Therefore, I am not pleased let them all gives support and who you are because of what my contribution as Anishnawbe down. Editor: and who you’ve chosen to associ- in millions of dollars in lands I don’t feel I am currently enrolled at Fanshawe College in the photography ate yourself with. So be cautious, and resources for this country to that way now. program. This year being my fi rst year of two, I still have lots to learn. especially in this information age. fl ourish are not remotely close to There simply I enjoy this program very much and photography has been a passion I remember after I fi nally meeting our simplest needs in an are things we of mine since grade school. stopped crying, that in spite of be- urban setting. cannot control. My First Nation is funding my tuition and training allowance, ing labeled a faggot Indian, I had Recently on public televi- But gee, was Spencer Rowe which is very helpful. This program is very expensive as the materials by 2005 achieved everything on sion, one leader said “We will not I ever hard and equipment cost me a lot. the “to do” list for my life as well on myself! In our communities as the duties I was requested to do leave anyone behind as we work I recently applied to the Dreamcatcher Fund. I have been very especially as a result of intergen- for community. I thought, that’s to make a better Canada.” Well fortunate and they approved my application. With these funds I was erational residential school trauma, able to buy a new camera, a program requirement. not too shabby and as a wolf in one sadly enough, the off-reserve dysfunction is seemingly par for my stories would say, “for a human population have been left behind I provided community service hours to my community over the the course and being the recipient holidays and I would like to dedicate them to the Dreamcatcher Fund. being you’re okay.” Maybe? Dare I and this is unacceptable. of such dysfunction is also par for think alright about myself? As it stands, I am tired of the It was my pleasure to do something positive within my community. I the course. would like to thank the Dreamcatcher Fund for their support in fund- So I stopped crying, I refl ect- false promises and many of my Being of a certain generation of ing me with my program and future career. ed on my life of which I am very comrades who live in this com- Anishnawbe means I have not been I encourage all First Nations’ youth to apply to the Dreamcatcher proud of and decided to yet again munity will support my concerns. immune to the ills that have befall- Fund for support when they need it. They helped me with my educa- gather the courage to fi ght. If you I think if concerns are not ad- en so many of us. Knowing this, tion and future career and they will always be in mind when I reach ever fi nd yourself crying because dressed, we can halt any develop- I immediately went to that place, my goal of becoming a freelance photographer. you have been mistreated, cry, ment or taking of any resources you know – that place – thinking I would also like to thank my parents who have supported me but then fi ght and be proud, shine anywhere, any time on our land. and believing that the intentional from the beginning and who have always been there for me when I light on the darkness and all will I hope whoever is in political harm perpetrated against me was needed them, through thick and thin. be well. Or at least that’s the idea. power after this election will take my fault. Yes, I blamed myself. Thank you once again to the Dreamcatcher Fund for your support Peace and love. this issue seriously because my Now, I’m quite sure that there and understanding. child’s future depends on it. is not a single reader who has ever Vanessa Young J. Spencer Rowe is a writer, John Fox felt that way after being harmed, Whitefi sh Lake First Nation parent and author of The Last of the Thunder Bay abused, or basically treated with Dodo’s: Voice of the Two Spirit. Page 6 Anishinabek News January/February 2006

Aboriginal OntarioOpen for Business www.aboriginalontario.com A Special Report on Economic Development by and Fort William to pay $100,000 monthly taxes until new law in effect By Rick Garrick Nations Commercial and Industrial FORT WILLIAM FN – Chief Development Act. Peter Collins is eagerly awaiting “When the opportunities come full implementation of the First knocking, we have to be able to let Nations Commercial and Industrial them in,” Collins said. Development Act. Fort William and four other “It will help close the regula- First Nations, the Squamish Nation tory gap,” the Fort William First of British Columbia, Fort McKay Nation chief said about the federal First Nation and Tsuu T’ina Nation legislation which received Royal of Alberta, and Carry the Kettle Assent in late November, 2005. First Nation of Saskatchewan, part- “It will help us open up our ATR nered with the federal government (Additions to Reserve) process so to develop the legislation, which the Bowater Sawmill can be under will enable the federal government The Fort William First Nation-Bowter sawmill project – representing an $80-million investment for the Thunder reserve status.” to produce regulations that mirror a Bay area economy – has been in jeopardy because of failure by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to keep a Collins explained that once the provincial regime for specifi c com- four-year-old promise to “expedite” transfer of the sawmill site to reserve land status. legislation is fully enacted, which plex and industrial development completed in 2003. he believes will take about 18 projects on reserve lands. Bowater became involved in months to two years, Fort William’s Fort William sees the legisla- the Bowater Sawmill project with ATR process for the Railway Tak- tion as a means to end its taxation the understanding that the sawmill ing lands will fi nally begin moving issues on the Railway Taking lands, property and land would revert forward after being stalled for the which led to the City of Thunder back to reserve status soon after the past six years due to a regulatory Bay’s seizure of the Bowater Saw- sawmill was built and operational, gap in environmental legislation as mill’s lease payments to the band explained Sue Prodaniuk, commu- the land is transferred from provin- for back taxes after the city won a nications coordinator at Bowater cial to federal status. court case over the taxation issue Thunder Bay Operations.Fort Wil- “I think it’s a stepping stone,” in January, 2005. Fort William’s liam First Nation committed to the Collins said, “not only for our com- taxes on the Railway Taking lands, sawmill venture based on a pledge munity, but I hope it’s a stepping which were expropriated from the by former Indian Affairs Minister stone for other communities.” band by the federal government Robert Nault to “expedite” the ad- Collins noted that there are in 1905, turned over to the Grand ditions to reserve process. many large scale projects across Trunk Pacifi c Railway, and eventu- “Anything that moves us to- National Aboriginal the country, worth in the millions ally returned by CN in 1999, have wards that is a positive,” Prodaniuk of dollars, that are dependent upon risen signifi cantly since construc- said. Bowater has invested about the full implementation of the First tion of the Bowater Sawmill was $50 million in sawmill equipment A.F. and Fort William has invested about $18 million in the sawmill Air Creebec awarded building and property. 4 x 8.75 “This new Act is designed to offer participating First Nations Victor mine contract more effective tools to build their TIMMINS – De Beers Canada volved. The First Nations partners own economies,” said Andy Scott, has announced the award of the air include Moose Cree, Fort Albany, minister of Indian and Northern transportation contract for the Vic- Kashechewan, Attawapiskat and Affairs Canada. tor Project diamond mine to Cree- Weenusk First Nations. Although the act has received West, a joint venture between Air “These communities are com- Royal Assent, Fort William First Creebec and the James Bay First mitted to working together on this Nation will continue to be required Nations. and other economic development to pay current and outstanding The contract covers the three- initiatives with the long term goal property taxes -- currently amount- year projected construction period of improving life in our communi- ing to about $100,000 monthly - for the Victor Project which is lo- ties,” said Mr. Rickard-Louttit. - to the city of Thunder Bay until cated near Attawapiskat First Na- Chief Mike Carpenter of the the legislation is implemented and tion in the James Bay Lowlands in Attawapiskat First Nation added, the railway lands are returned to re- Ontario. It includes passenger and “Our communities have worked serve status. freight transportation to and from together politically for years and The legislation is designed to the Victor Project site. now it is time we work together on be optional for individual First Na- “The fact that this contract has economic development opportuni- tions; the federal government will been awarded to CreeWest is fur- ties as well. We are really pleased only make regulations under the ther demonstration of the De Beers’ that our joint venture partner in this Act when requested to do so by a commitment to support the develop- important contract is Air Creebec. First Nation, regulations which are ment of local Aboriginal business” It means we can conduct our board project specifi c, developed in co- said Jeremy Wyeth, Vice President meetings in Cree” he stated. operation with the First Nation and of the De Beers Victor Project. This contract is expected to relevant province, and limited in “We are pleased that the regional generate ten new jobs in Air Cree- application to the particular project First Nations are utilizing the Vic- bec who will give employment and lands described in the regula- tor Project to create new business preferences to qualifi ed Cree can- tions. initiatives that will have sustainable didates. Fort William recently accepted positive economic effects.” Transportation between points $3.4 million and 18.6 hectares to Leonard Rickard-Louttit, who of hire including Timmins and the settle another land dispute, which represents the First Nation part- James Bay First Nations will be involved the Rifl e Range lands at ners in CreeWest, is confi dent that provided for the more than 550 the base of Mount McKay, expro- this contract will be of long term construction workers who will be priated in 1905 for use by the De- benefi t to the First Nations in- working at the project site. partment of National Defence. January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 7

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”

The

This is an overview of some current discussions involving the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief’s offi ce.

 Aboriginal Blueprint for Health, AHC/HEALTH/GCC  Canada Pension Plan, GCC/AFN/CAN  Chiefs Committee on Education, DGC/AFN  Economic Development Strategy, ANMGI/PO/CEDO  Enforcement and Justice Diversion Pilot Project, GCC/IGA/LEGAL Grand Council Chief John Beaucage with Senator Jack Austin, Chair of the Parliamentary Com-  mittee on Aboriginal Affairs during the First nations-Provincial-Federal Intergovernmental Affairs First Ministers’ Meeting Implementation, Housing, GCC/AFN/NC Forum in Ottawa, June 2005.  Inter-treaty Harvesting Discussions, GCC/MNR/IGA  Local Health Integrated Networks, GCC/AHC  National Chiefs Committee on Languages, DGC/COO Healthy attitudes needed,  National Ab. Diabetes Research Project, PO/NOSM  Native Justices of the Peace Program, GCC/MAG not new federal legislation  North Shore Tribal Council Railway Issues, ANGMI/PO/NSTC  OFIFC Partnership, GCC/LEGAL/OFIFC By John Beaucage ties. Parliamentarians can help create these keys  Ontario Aboriginal Justice Strategy, LEGAL The key to First Nations forging a better re- to self-suffi ciency by ensuring that – regardless of  Proposed Regional Health Accord, COO/AHC/ lationship with the rest of Canada is not an ex- where they live – aboriginal people have access  Regional Investment Management Board, GCC/MCA/COO/OFNTSC haustive overhaul of existing parliamentary leg- to the same education, training, and social safety  Smoke-Free Ontario Task Force, GCC/MHP islation. Rather it is overcoming the paternalistic nets as other Canadians. attitude that aboriginal peoples are not capable of The Conference Board of Canada predicts managing our own affairs. that by 2025 this country will face a skilled labour Political Offi ce Calendar There has certainly been much discussion force defi cit of 1.2 million people. “We need to about aboriginal issues over the past 18 months encourage more young people, especially women Feb. 1 Northern Ontario Medical School, Sudbury, ON since the Government of Canada began a process and aboriginals, to enter skilled trades and techni- Feb. 2 Anishinabek Health Commission, Toronto, ON to work with aboriginal organizations to improve cal programs,” says Dr. Sam Shaw, president of Feb. 2 Ontario Pre-Budget Submissions, Toronto, ON the lives of First Nation, Metis and Inuit citizens. the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Feb. 7-8 OFNLP Casino Rama Partners, Mnjikaning FN Feb. 9-10 All-Ontario Chiefs Meeting, Mnjikaning FN But the most important aspect of November’s This is the prism through which Canadians Feb. 13 Library Opening, Wikwemikong First Ministers’ Meeting in Kelowna was not $5 need to view aboriginal peoples: to see a potential Feb. 14-17 Ipperwash Inquiry, Forest, ON billion in federal commitments to improve aborig- for success that has led to the creation of 30,000 Feb. 15 UOI-INAC Protocol Meeting, UOI inal indicators in health, education, housing, and aboriginal-owned businesses and post-secondary Feb. 22 Northern Superior Chiefs Meeting, Fort William FN economic development opportunities. enrolment of 40,000 Native students. These are The real breakthrough was that aboriginal remarkable achievements, given that the coun- Acronyms leaders sat around the Kelowna table – on a na- try’s offi cial policy of assimilation imposed wide- AFN Assembly of First Nations / AFOA Aboriginal Financial Offi cers Association / AHC Anishinabek tion-to-nation basis with Canada’s federal and spread poverty and dependence. Canadians need Health Commission / ATT Attorney General of Ontario / BOD UOI Board of Directors / CAN Canada / CEDO Community Economic Development Organizations / COO Chiefs of Ontario / DGC Deputy Grand Chief / provincial premiers – to have their opinions heard to understand that we cannot break the cycle of EDU Education Department / ELDERS UOI Elders Council / FNIHB First Nations Inuit and Health Branch about what is best for their citizens and communi- dependency until their leaders honour legal treaty / GCC Grand Council Chief / HEALTH Ontario Minister of Health / IGA Intergovernmental Affairs / INAC ties. This should not be a landmark event, but,in a obligations to let us share in the wealth derived Indian and Northern Affairs Canada / LEGAL Legal Department / MAG Ministry of the Attorney General / MHP Minister of Health Promotions / MNR Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources / NFN Nipissing First country still suffering from the ill effects of colo- from our lands, wealth that other Canadians have Nation / NOSM Northern Ontario School of Medicine / NSTC North Shore Tribal Council / OFIFC Ontario nialism, it is. been enjoying since Confederation. Federation of Indian Friendship Centres / OFNTSC Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation / Previous governments have argued the need The fi rst step on that journey is for Canada’s ON / PIC Pic River First Nation / ROJ Restoration of Jurisdiction / SAG Sagamok Anishinawbek / SOCIAL Social Development Dept. / UOI Union of Ontario Indians / WAC UOI Women’s to “modernize” the 129-year-old Indian Act. Arm- political leaders to demonstrate their belief that, Council / YAC UOI Youth Council / chair critics – most of whom have never set foot given a level playing fi eld, aboriginal peoples are on reserves or spoken to Native peoples – have just as capable of self-suffi ciency as any other suggested scrapping the Indian Act and the trea- group. ty-entrenched rights of aboriginal peoples. This We have our own models of governance that simplistic approach is fuelled by years of frustra- have stood the test of time. The Haudenausonee Action over Nolan taunts tion over failed federal Indian policy and its as- () developed a confederacy framework Two First Nation leaders – who happen louse, deputy grand chief of the 42-member sumption that Indians need to be assimilated to that was copied by the framers of the U.S. Con- to be brothers – have expressed their organi- Anishinabek Nation, wrote Nolan to say succeed, which Canada admitted was racist and stitution, but outlawed by Canada at gunpoint. zations’ concerns about racist taunts direct- he was “shocked to witness this tragic and wrong-headed in a 1998 Statement of Reconcili- The 42 member communities of the Anishinabek ed at Ted Nolan during a Dec. 16 Quebec shameful event on television.” ation. Nation are currently engaged in government-sup- Major Junior Hockey “One cannot believe that this mindset Members of Parliament elected on Janu- ported processes designed to restore our own ju- League contest in still prevails in some people. It should not ary 23 do not need to launch radical legislative risdiction in such key areas as education, justice, Chicoutimi. be tolerated in this day and age and it is in- reforms if they truly want aboriginal peoples to and governance. Ottawa’s “Recognition of First Ontario Regional cumbent upon the people responsible from share in and contribute to this country’s prosperity Nations Government Accord” signed by the Prime Chief Angus Tou- all sectors of that society to ensure it is not and success. They simply need to change the way Minister in May 2005 was an important endorse- louse called on Prime repeated. they and other Canadians look at First Nations ment of our inherent right to self-government. Minister Paul Martin “This is an issue that transcends be- people, governments and our inherent, aboriginal, Certainly the Indian Act contains many ar- and Quebec Premier yond the arena and the municipality of Chi- and treaty rights. chaic and condescending provisions; its designers Jean Charest to con- coutimi. This is a question of morality and The residents of Kashechewan do not want did not assume that distinct aboriginal peoples and demn the actions of the makeup of society based on the accepted to have to fl ee from their community each spring cultures would survive, let alone migrate by the Chicoutimi specta- values that establish the character of that so- when the fl oods its banks or pol- thousands into urban centres, and win landmark tors who repeatedly TedNolan ciety. The law governs societal behavior and lutes their drinking water. court cases affi rming our treaty and aboriginal harassed Nolan with it should be incumbent upon the responsible citizens do not enjoy living in Thunder Bay motel rights. But healthy attitudes – not legislation – are racial slurs and ges- governments to act to discourage racism.” rooms because the walls of their government-built the key to all good relationships. My experience tures during and after a game between his Toulouse commended Nolan, former homes are poisoned with mould. Urban Indians do has taught me that aboriginal people are far more Moncton Wildcats and the Chicoutimi Sa- National Hockey League coach of the year, not relish unemployment rates triple that of their likely to accept their responsibilities when other gueneens. on his “courage, professionalism and integ- neighbours. Canadians respect their rights. “I feel it is necessary to respond and rity in dealing with this disheartening situ- These are situations that can be remedied express my disappointment and disgust ation,” and sent copies of his letter to the by political will, and do not require legislative John Beaucage, , is at the abuse hurled upon Mr. Nolan as an Sagueneens hockey club, Assembly of First change. the Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Na- individual and upon our First Nations cul- Nations Quebec regional chief Ghislain Aboriginal families have the same wants and tion, an alliance of 42 member communities rep- ture, said Chief Toulouse. “Mr. Nolan is a Picard, Chicoutimi Mayor Guy Maranda, needs as other families: meaningful employment, resented by the Union of Ontario Indians. leader within his community and for First and the Quebec Human Rights Commis- healthy and reasonably-priced living conditions, This article appeared in the Jan. 17/06 issue Nations generally. Meanwhile Nelson Tou- sion. and access to good schools and recreational facili- of the Globe and Mail Page 8 Anishinabek News January/February 2006 Intergovernmental Affairs In Brief Cadmium contamination causes cedar tea warning Waterpower development By Sandra Restoule Cadmium can be measured in expands on Crown land AAMJIWNAANG FN – blood, urine, hair and nails. Kidney Environmental consultants have and liver function tests can be done TORONTO – The Ontario determined that this First Nation’s to see if cadmium has damaged government continues to expand lands are contaminated with them. These tests are often done in the province’s supply of clean cadmium. As a result, an advisory combination with other tests, such renewable energy through development of waterpower sites has been issued warning residents as a chest X-ray. on Crown land, Natural Resources not to drink cedar tea. You need to be aware of the Minister David Ramsay announced The consultants’ survey possible sources of cadmium to today. estimated that 18% of the on-reserve Cadmium-laced toxic waste from a factory running into a stream. limit your exposure. Not smoking “Ojibway Power and Energy residents were consuming cedar cigarettes and eating a nutritious Group Ltd. and Brascan Power tea for ceremonial or medicinal Other health effects that can • Possibly DNA damage or diet will help reduce your exposure Inc. will contribute to the region’s purposes. Collection of be caused by cadmium are: cancer development and prevent adverse health effects. prosperity with their proposals for cedar from various locations will • Diarrhea, stomach pains and • osteoporosis and If your drinking water comes the sustainable development of be sent to labs for further testing. severe vomiting osteomalacia from a private well near a source waterpower sites on the Namakan Cadmium is a natural element • Bone fracture • possible tumour promotion of cadmium, you may want to have River and Aguasabon River,” said • Reproductive failure and (in animals) Ramsay. “These exciting projects in the earth’s crust. It is usually the water tested. found as a mineral combined possibly even infertility • changes in sexual behaviour Public water systems test for mean cleaner air and healthier • Damage to the central (in animals) Ontarians given their potential with other elements such as cadmium on a regular basis. to generate 22 megawatts of oxygen (cadmium oxide), chlorine nervous system If you think you have been If you live near a source emission-free power - enough to (cadmium chloride), or sulphur • Damage to the immune exposed to high levels of cadmium, of cadmium, you may want to supply up to 20,000 homes with (cadmium sulfate, cadmium system you should consult your physician have your garden soil tested for electricity.” sulfi de). • Psychological disorders immediately. cadmium. The companies can now All soils and rocks, including pursue approvals to build coal and mineral fertilizers, waterpower facilities, along contain some cadmium. Most with the opportunity to bid their electricity production into the cadmium used is extracted during Ministry of Energy’s request for the production of other metals like proposals. The proposed projects zinc, lead, and copper. must also undergo environmental Cadmium does not corrode assessments and public review easily and has many uses, including before construction of the batteries, pigments, metal coatings, waterpower facilities can begin. and plastics. About three-fourths This is an important opportunity for of cadmium is used in batteries the public to become involved. (especially Ni-Cd batteries). Other uses; • Used in some of the lowest Media Buying Staff melting alloys. • used in bearing alloys. Allan Dokis • 6% of cadmium fi nds use in Services Director [email protected] electroplating. • As a barrier to control nuclear Order of Ontario Jason Laronde fi ssion. Resource Management Council • Compounds containing Coordinator cadmium are used in black [email protected] and white television phosphors • The blue and green phosphors 6 x 9 Sandra Restoule for color television picture Treaty Research Clerk tubes. [email protected] • Cadmium forms various Nadine Roach salts with cadmium ssulfi de Forestry Coordinator being the most common. [email protected] This sulfi de is used as a yellow pigment. Yves Chenier • Used in semiconductors. Policy Analyst • Some cadmium [email protected] compounds are employed in PVC as stabilizers. Barb Naveau • Used in batteries, namely Forestry Assistant Nickel Cadmium. s (NiCd) [email protected] High exposures can occur with Kerry Colnar people who live near hazardous Operations Support Offi cer waste sites or factories that release [email protected] cadmium into the air and people that work in the metal refi nery industry. When people breathe in Website cadmium it can severely damage the lungs. This may even cause death. Cadmium is fi rst transported to the liver through the blood. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/ There, it bonds to proteins to form pubs/pubmenu.html complexes that are transported to Ministry of Natural the kidneys. Cadmium accumulates Resources Publications in kidneys, where it damages fi ltering mechanisms. This causes Find publications on hunting, bio- the excretion of essential proteins diversity, forestry, fi shing and many and sugars from the body and other areas of interest. These are further kidney damage. It takes a available for download from the very long time before cadmium website or you may order many that has accumulated in kidneys is others at a cost. excreted from a human body. January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 9 Restoration of Jurisdiction Ten First Nations developing community constitutions By Mary Laronde Kettle and Stony Point responded A nation’s constitution is a to Beaver’s call for a show-down lasting, even sacred document, cre- with the federal government on ated by one generation as its legacy the status issue with a plea to An- for many generations to follow. ishinabekweuk to come together But what if you are running out of at a women’s gathering to take a generations? stand on women’s rights. “These Alderville is a case in point. are our babies. As women – moth- Statistics show that in Alderville, ers, aunties and grandmothers – we the last status Indian birth will take determine if our children are An- place in 2032, a mere 26 years from ishinabe.” now. The Southeast Region First Tracey O’Donnell, workshop Nation is among 10 Anishinabek facilitator and Anishinabek legal communities developing constitu- counsel for the education negotia- tions under the Union of Ontario tions, explained that she was draft- Indians’ Restoration of Jurisdiction Bonnie Bressette of Kettle and ing new wording based on Anishi- Stony Point is a member of Project in a move toward law-mak- nabek descendancy not status, for Front row from left: Cindy Fisher, Deanna Crosson, Joanne Michano her community’s constitution ing authority and self-government. inclusion in the Final Agreement and back row: Robert Starr and Art Fisher will be leading Pic River’s development committee. As constitution development. “Who are these constitutions a member of the Anishinabek with respect to the Exercise of Edu- for? What will happen to our lands Women’s Council, she asked that cation Jurisdiction. “We are trying that are set aside for the use and a Women’s Gathering be held to to push this forward”, O’Donnell benefi t of status Indians?” asked address issues such as citizenship said. “We explained to Canada that Wayne Beaver, Councillor and and membership to protect women these agreements have to last so and children’s rights. Project Coordinator for Alder- our people have to be recognized ville’s constitution development charts for numbers of on-reserve based on descendancy.” process, in his address to 45 First status Indians correlate to funding Alderville and Nipissing First Nation citizens at the recent Con- amounts. “We do not want anoth- Nation both presented their com- stitution Development Workshop er government to tell us who our munities’ experiences over the past held January 9 and 10, 2006 in people are. If we don’t confront the year in developing community Sault Ste. Marie. government on this point, we are constitutions. Aside from decid- Beaver points to Section 4.1 buying into extinction. We need ing tough issues like citizenship of the Indian Act which dictates to bring this issue to the forefront. and membership for inclusion in who is a “member” and who is a Since the two-generational cut-off a First Nation’s constitution, time “status Indian”. “There are ben- in Bill C-31, 100 kids in Alderville and community interest were com- efi ts and rights attached to status,” have lost their status.” mon problems with the process. Front row from left: Mary Ellen Langendoen, Loretta Roy, Adeline Beaver continued, explaining that Elder Bonnie Bressette of Speaking on behalf of Nipissing Sampson, Elizabeth Laford and back row: Gene Cada, Chief Leonard Genereux and Robert Beaudin will chart Sheshegwaning’s course as the First Nation, Councillor Doug First Nation drafts its constitution. Chevrier said that fi nding time and keeping members on the commit- what the community wants. exercise of power? tee were challenges. “We have had For Nipissing, their constitu- Participants were also pro- meetings every two weeks for the tion is “a solid foundation to move vided information on the legal past year and we are just half-way ahead in self-government and in components of a constitution by through.” nation-building activities…it ad- Legal Counsel Tracey O’Donnell. In a presentation titled “Nipiss- dresses our community’s sense of O’Donnell explained that a con- ing Chi Wan Nock Nig Gun” itself, how we are governed, how stitution is the over-arching legal (Nipissing’s Big Law) Chevrier the membership has input into gov- document stating a First Nation’s led the workshop participants ernance, key positions of our gov- powers to make laws in certain through his committee’s efforts ernment and our sovereign pow- areas based on certain principles. over the last year, explaining that ers.” During the drafting of a constitu- the committee’s mandate includes The Nipissing constitution is tion, every detail of every law does Anthony Perreault, Janine Zack, and Caroline Barry represented Garden an ongoing consultation process being developed based on “Pre- not have to be set out.” River First Nation at the Constitution Development Workshop in the Sault with membership to ensure that dominant Principles” such as “a R. Martin Bayer explained Ste. Marie, January 9 and 10. Nipissing’s constitution refl ects belief in strength by unity not only how constitutions that have the in Nipissing itself but by posi- support of the people provide le- tive affi liations with the broader gitimacy to their government. “A Anishinabek Nation; a belief that constitution is an institution of ef- effective government is based on fective government that provides fairness and justice; a belief in pro- stability in the rules of the game tecting and harvesting the gifts of and how things are done, including the Creator; and a belief that every effective dispute resolution.” member is important and has rights The workshop marks the be- of personal well-being within the ginning of another year of the collective rights of Nipissing.” Constitution Development Project The questions Nipissing is coordinated by Mike Restoule at asking itself as their constitution is the Union of Ontario Indians head being drafted are: offi ce. This year, six more First  Who are we as a nation? Nations – Garden River, Pic River,  Who makes decisions on be Sheshegwaning, Kettle and Stony half of our community? Point, Dokis and Biinjitiwaabik  What is the role of our Zaaging (Rocky Bay)- were added government? to the project. They join Whitefi sh  How will our government be Lake, Nipissing, Alderville, and accountable to our member- Red Rock Indian Band for a total Front row from left: Simone Craig, Gladys Restoule, Veronica Dokis, Terry Restoule, and back row: Cory ship? of 10 First Nations engaged in de- Restoule, Beverly Restoule, and Tresa Restoule are the new constitution development  committee. What principles will guide the veloping community constitutions. Page 10 Anishinabek News January/February 2006 DOHM-NUK/LET’S PLAY!

realistic improvements to their standard of living. Rabbit and Bear Paws I haven’t really had the chance to speak with a large number of “seniors” about vot- ing but those I talked to are generally fed up with elections ASK HOLLY and politics. They seem to vote BY HOLLY BRODHAGEN because it is their right and they take that seriously. One older lady was so determined to have her say that she went Voting: out on an icy day to vote and ended up in the hospital. Talk choosing about dedication. Although I have my own our own opinions about the different parties running I feel that the voting choice is up to each future individual to make for them- selves. We each have our own Why vote? agenda and have to choose the party that will best be able to Well, I personally vote with achieve what we want. That the intention that the decisions could mean opposing a party of this government will decide that has done little to invoke what happens for the next four confi dence, picking a party that Anishinabek Crossword #9 years of my life, including the seems set on running on the health care coverage I receive failures of the others, or choos- amount or the amount of support avail- ing to put our confi dence into 60. keep away from or avoid, esp able to me. I also vote with the a party that has yet to prove its purposely hopes that the new government merit. DOWN will make a few decisions that .1. very valuable; worth much .3. a piece, usually made of concrete, will benefi t me, my family, this When it comes to issues used for building construction country and possibly carry on .4. water in a frozen, solid state that affect me as a First Na- .6. to give a permanent income, source past the next election. tions person, I fi nd it diffi cult of income, or property to make a decision. I am after .7. express strong disapproval It seems idealistic, but I like .8. Chief ___ Lyons, Elder, all not just a Status Indian, I Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan to think a government could do am a woman who resides off- 10. a plan for attaining a particular goal something well enough to con- 11. separate and move quickly in reserve and will soon have different directions tinue beyond their four-year a child without Status. That 12. a trip from one place to another stint in power. I even have vi- 16. having or showing doubt; means I might vote differently questioning sions that an incoming prime then someone who resides on 18. Kiawak ___, Carver, received a minister might say “they did National Aboriginal Achievement reserve, hunts and fi shes for Award for his continuing such a good job with this pro- a living, or has children with contribution to Inuit sculpture gram, we intend to keep it go- 20. bunch, package Status. 21. done at the same general time or at ing and even move it farther the same moment forward.” Okay, it seems out- 22. one who loves, supports, and Our election system might defends his or her nation and its rageous but I can hope. be fl awed and our choices interests 23. anything that exists objectively and limited but at least we have a distinctly So why do you vote? I got choice. As citizens we need to 28. proper or decent some interesting answers from ACROSS 26. advanced student or recent 32. futile; fruitless protect that right by not only 12. insuffi cient or ineffective graduate in a specialized fi eld 34. having or showing qualities friends, family and co-work- voting but also by working at 15. provide food 27. make secure by fastening, as with associated with manhood ers. 19. poorly lighted cord or the like 35. fundamental; necessary having our voices heard by our 13. a very active debate or 29. favor, sanction, or positive regard 36. excessive: beyond normal limits representatives and supporting controversy 30. Lucie ___, awarded Best Female 37. a large rodent with thick brown fur Younger individuals (aged 14. the state of being held in control Artist at the 2003 Canadian and a wide fl at tail our personal causes through by external forces 18-24) seem to be voting out of Aboriginal Music Awards (pictured) 40. steadily dependable every avenue available to us. 15. very large number of people 31. reach or carry through successfully 41. practices that are handed down curiosity for the outcome and 17. without limits 33. “snow” in Eskimo from the past by tradition the hope to defeat the “enemy” 19. portray or represent, as in a 38. Tom ___, Appointed an Offi cer 44. originating in and characterizing a If I were to give some ad- painting, sculpture, or written work of the Order of Canada in 2000 for particular region; native party. They seem to vote based vice to anyone wondering why 24. shackle: a restraint that confi nes his music and humanitarian work 46. height above ground on the outcomes of the polls or restricts freedom 39. outstanding in position or 47. extended social group having a he or she should vote it would 25. promoting or enhancing achievement distinctive cultural organization and to some extent, issues such be, “ if you don’t vote, you are well- being 42. not permitted by law; illegal 49. emancipate: give equal rights to; of as environment and education. 43. capable of being done women and minorities letting others choose your fu- 45. part of a military force 50. an event (or a course of events) that ture.” 48. speech disorder involving will inevitably happen in the future Older individuals (between hesitations and involuntary 51. pursue for food or sport repetitions of certain sounds 54. George ___, Musician 25-60) are voting to address im- 50. act of making up your mind 56. a device in which something portant concerns such as health 52. diffi cult; burdensome (usually an animal) can be caught Holly Brodhagen, Dokis 53. various birds of prey that and penned care and taxes. They seem to First Nation, welcomes sug- are similar to but usually 57. the fi rst light of day vote strategically to keep out larger than hawks gestions or questions for future 55. capable of producing Prize for Puzzle the party that they think will articles. If you have anything offspring, as an animal, do the most amount of harm plant, etc. All completed crosswords sent you want to talk about please 58. relating to, or in accord with to us by February 28 will be entered to their standard of living or tradition into a draw for a Miniature Digital contact Holly at the Anishina- Camera courtesy of Anishinabek DECEMBER’S SOLUTION 59. very small in size, quantity, or to elect a party that promises bek News. Nation 7th Generation Charities. January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 11 Binoojiinyag/Children Native children in care: stripped of spirit and identity one; living on a farm, chores were the bootlegger’s house where my “On November 3, 1990, I fi - more important than homework,” mother lived only to fi nd she had nally gave it my honest effort. he recalls. died. My drinking went over the When the clock struck midnight Phil passed from Grades 1 to edge,” he says. one month later, it was such an 8 without learning to read or write. “When you hit the streets you enormous relief to know I had ac- “It seemed I was not able to learn,” pretty well hit rock bottom. My complished something: I lived he explained in the comfort of his spirit was gone. Life was noth- sober for one month. My spirit home – which he calls his spirit ing, absolutely nothing. I ended came back to life within me. The lodge – at Magnetawan First Na- up in jail several times only to be key was faith, trust, and a belief in tion. abused.” He also ended up in the myself that sobriety could become “At age 12, I started to rebel. hospital, twice, on life support. a reality. And at age 16, I started to drink. I “I woke up one day in the “I started on a healing journey found that drinking took away all Wellesley hospital where I almost and eventually found my identity the hurt. I felt like I was a differ- died with pneumonia. Once re- as a native man, Anishinabe nini. ent person when I drank alcohol. leased, I returned to my First Na- I’ve come full circle, from being At the age of 18 when I was no tion but things didn’t work out, so a lost and confused soul to living longer in the care of the Children’s I made my way to the home of my a life with meaning. Now I’m Aid Society, I moved to Brantford, foster parents. They too, couldn’t able to work. I was hired by my Ontario, to be with my girlfriend. handle living with me. I turned home community as the addictions Unfortunately, I drank heavier and into a ‘wino’ living in a Burks Falls worker for a brief stint. I worked consumed drugs on a regular basis. hotel room until the hotel manager in group homes for young offend- I would miss work several days at asked me to leave. I then moved ers and worked with families and Phillip Thompson taken at four a time due to my drinking.” into a hotel room in North Bay. children as the Native child and By Karen Linklater us strawberries with ice cream.” During this period, Phil met “Hospitalized for the sec- family services worker. I worked MAGNETAWAN FN – Both And somewhere deep inside, he his birth mother for the fi rst time ond time, I awoke with machines as a Band Representative for Mich- his spirit and identity were stripped knew this was going to be a good since they were separated. “My around and tubes in me. The doc- ipicoten First Nation where I took from him as a young child. At the place. brother and I went to a bootlegger’s tor stood over me and I remember my experience, knowledge, and age of 4, Phillip Thompson vague- Despite the pleasant feel- house in Toronto. I walked in and her saying, ‘You have a choice, skills into the court rooms.” ly remembers that he and his two ing, Phil said life still felt strange. saw my mother, a little wee spindly Phillip. Live or die. There is a Explaining how he found an brothers were taken from his moth- “Like nobody wanted us and it was woman. She was tiny with a big program out there called Alcohol- extended family for a three-year- er by a strange man, the beginning odd that this family would – a very belly. Highly intoxicated, she be- ics Anonymous. If you go there old girl who was in CAS care, Phil of a harrowing yet empowering warm and disturbing time,” he ex- gan hanging all over me. I couldn’t for help the chances are good but Thompson says: “It makes me feel journey. plained. “In an unknown reality, I believe she was my mother. I left if you don’t, you’re going to die of good that this little girl is not go- “I was confused,” he says “be- had no idea who I was. I was dark- this place, where she was living. alcoholism. And you will die.’ ing to be lost in the system like I cause I didn’t know where I was skinned living with a non-native and cried like a baby. I went back “I considered her words and was.” going. For the fi rst six months, family and often wondered who to Brantford and I was furious, attended AA meetings but con- they moved us from foster home my parents were, who my aunties thinking and saying that I would sistently relapsed. I fell down. Karen Linklater is director to foster home, month after month. and uncles were because there was never be like my mother. Stumbled. Stood up and fell down of social development with the Then one wintery day while the no family contact. “Not long after, my girlfriend again,” he recalls. Union of Ontario Indians. sun shone and the snow sparkled “I adjusted because my foster left me. I lost my job, my car, my they took us to another house.” family taught us something I en- apartment, and most of all I lost He remembers this like it was joyed; how to hunt, fi sh and trap. myself. I don’t remember how Series examines our yesterday. “They took my brothers While they provided us with op- I made my way to Toronto but and I to a home where they served portunities, schoolwork was not seven months later, I ended up at stolen Native children By Karen Linklater Will you be my parent? Native children have been stolen from their families and communities Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services serves the geographical area for generations by the mainstream child of Manitoulin Island and area. Their Foster Care Program is looking for committed families to care for the following First Nation children: welfare system. A series of articles will be published in the Anishinabek News Sarah and Jessie to explore the damage it causes and how These siblings are ages 2 ½ and 1 yrs old, Sarah and Jessie are happy, playful little we can stop it. girls. They have a strong bond with one another and interact well with others. Both The fi rst article comes from the children are healthy and are meeting their developmental milestones. The older sibling, heart of Phillip Thompson’s spirit lodge, Sarah is potty-trained and younger Jessie will soon be there too, with a little more help. his home on . Sarah and Jessie are in need of a foster home for a period of 3-6 months. A foster family that will support access with the natural family are ideal, as reunifi cation with the natural family is the goal. His experience is similar to the fate of thousands of Native children scooped Johnny up during the 1960s. His survival and Karen Linklater Johnny is an energetic and active young boy who has entered Grade 5 this year. Johnny has had diffi culty reconnection to his identity were pos- stabilizing during his foster placements and is in the need of a family that is able to commit to working through sible through his own determination and diffi cult periods rather than sending him to another home. belief in a better future for First Nations people. Johnny requires a family environment where he will feel safe and wanted. He would do well in a family with After reading his story, please take the time to ask yourself the no other children as he has felt the need to compete for adult attention in the past when other children are in the home. Johnny is an athletic child who is extremely likeable and has a good sense of humour. following questions: What is or was your experience in the provincial child welfare (Fictional names are used, however the circumstances are factual) system and/or Native child and family service agency? Have you ever thought of being a foster parent? What has At this time, there are several children placed outside of their communities, waiting to return to a caring, nur- stopped you? turing and stable family environment. If you feel you are able to offer a child this comfort, please consider opening What changes are needed to improve the delivery of child and your heart and opening your home for a child today. The Foster Care Program is looking for 3-5 families in each family services to First Nation children and families? community of Sheguiandah, Whitefi sh River, Wikwemikong, M’Chigeeng, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Sheshegwaning and Zhiibaahaasing. Please call the Foster Care offi ce at 859-1010, for more information, or call and say “I’d If your answers can help others understand what can be done like to open my home for a child.” next, please forward them to the Social Services Department at the Union of Ontario Indians or by email to [email protected] and Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services Foster Care Department indicate if we can publish your ideas in the Anishinabek News. 64 Beach Rd, Wikwemikong, ON P0P 2J0 Local Tel: (705) 859.1010 E-mail: [email protected] Page 12 Anishinabek News January/February 2006 Mno-bmaadziwin/Health Hardy leads anti-smoking circle SUDBURY – Sheila Hardy, a professor in Lau- between the age of 18 and 34 currently smoke; 70% rentian University’s Native Human Services Program, of Inuit in the north between the ages of 18 and 45 has been nominated to the position of Chair of the currently smoke; 46% of Inuit who smoke started at First Nation and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy’s age 14 or younger; and the majority of on-reserve First (FNITCS) National Advi- Nations who smoke (52%) started between the ages of sory Circle. When select- 13 and 16. ing Prof. Hardy to lead As Chair of the National Advisory Circle, Prof. this national committee, Hardy will support the objectives of the FNITCS. Health Canada recognized These include building capacity within First Nations her dedication to the Cir- and Inuit communities to develop and deliver com- cle and continued support prehensive, culturally sensitive and effective tobacco of the core values of the control programs; promoting the health of First Na- FNITCS. tions and Inuit people by decreasing the prevalence Admissions administrative co-ordinator Loretta Sheshequin, with stu- dent Jennifer Mihalcin, associate dean Dr. Thomas Szabo, and direc- Sheila Hardy, a mem- of tobacco smoking and spit tobacco use, particularly tor of admissions Darcia Borg at opening of Thunder Bay campus of ber of the Teme Augama among youth and pregnant women; decrease the up- Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Anishnaabe, has been take of smoking among youth; decrease the impacts teaching at Laurentian of environmental tobacco smoke on the health of First University since 1994. She Sheila Hardy Nations and Inuit; and engage the leadership of First Natives fi ll holds a Bachelor’s degree Nations and Inuit in learning about, voicing opinions of Nursing Science and a Masters of Business Admin- and supporting tobacco control strategies. key roles istration, and is currently a PhD candidate at the On- To attain these objectives, the FNITCS was allo- THUNDER BAY – Some tario Institute of Studies in Education in Toronto. Prof. cated $50 million over a fi ve year period, ending in key staff positions at the newly- Hardy has served on several boards such as the North- 2005-2006. launched Northern Ontario School ern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury’s Shkagami- This year, several important items must be com- of Medicine are being fi lled by Kwe Health Centre, and is the former Health Director pleted, including the evaluation of the FNITCS, the for the Union of Ontario Indians. launch of the cessation social marketing campaign and aboriginal employees. Smoking is a major public health issue and a lead- consultations on the details of the next fi ve years of the Darcia Borg, Red Rock First ing cause of premature death affecting smokers and strategy. Ms. Hardy will provide the leadership neces- Nation, was one of the fi rst full- non-smokers in Canada. Tobacco-related illnesses and sary to guide the FNITCS into its second phase. time employees hired by NOSM. diseases are urgent issues in First Nations and Inuit For more information, please call Prof. Sheila Borg, who earned her mas- communities, where smoking rates are more than dou- Hardy, Native Human Services professor at Lau- ter’s degree in social work at ble the rate for the rest of the country. According to rentian University, at (705) 675-1151, ext. 5049 or Lakehead University, was hired 2004 study, 60% of on-reserve First Nations people [email protected]. in Feb. 2003 to work with Dr. Lisa Pierre, administrative assis- Margaret Munro to develop the tant, Aboriginal Affairs, NOSM. Beausoleil getting medicine channel Aboriginal Workshop, which was By Peggy Monague-McGregor Nation considering the island lo- vital link which will provide con- held in Wauzhushk Onigum First NOSM, ensures that Aboriginal BEAUSOLEIL FN – Imag- cation of the community and the nection to various hospital sites Nation in June 2003, and was re- culture is respected throughout ine sitting at the local commu- adversity they face for at least six and health professionals. cently appointed director of Ad- NOSM, acts as the contact person nity health centre in front of pe- months out of every year. Susan Vainer, Registered missions and Student Affairs. between NOSM and the Aborigi- ripheral devices like cameras and The Telemedicine site ap- Nurse (RN), the new Telemedi- One of Borg’s main roles is to nal communities, and helps with television monitors to connect proval, granted recently to the cine Site Coordinator for Beau- ensure that support programs, such the development of NOSM’s cur- you to doctors and other health Beausoleil Family Health Cen- soleil, jokingly calls herself a as fi nancial aid, personal counsel- riculum to ensure Aboriginal ma- professionals at distant locations tre, will consist of a three-way “cyber-nurse.” ling and cultural supports, are in terial is included. without ever having to travel. partnership with the Keewayti- Though joking, this is half place for the recruitment and re- “We don’t have an Aboriginal This is what Beausoleil Fam- nook Okimakanak (KO) Tele- true. She will be assisting the tention of Aboriginal students. course,” McKenzie said, explain- ily Health Centre on Christian Is- health Network in Northwest- physicians with appointments land is now equipped to handle. ern Ontario and North Network and bookings via “cyber-space” Borg also assists with the ing that Aboriginal content is in- Residents will now have the situated out of Barrie. KO Tele- and coordinating the service to recruitment of potential students, cluded throughout all of NOSM’s opportunity and choice to see, health Network provides access ensure the best quality care. attends to the needs of the current courses. hear and talk to a health care spe- to health specialists for approxi- students, intellectually, spiritu- McKenzie is also involved cialist via a two-way monitor. mately nine (9) First Nations in Peggy Monague-McGregor ally and emotionally, and works with NOSM’s Aboriginal Ref- This is an important choice the Sioux Lookout area. is the Health Director from Beau- with the Aboriginal Affairs Unit erence Group, which includes for members of Beausoleil First North Network is the other soleil First Nation. to develop programs to improve Aboriginal representatives from Aboriginal people’s access to the across northern Ontario, two of medical school. NOSM’s students, a youth and **** an Elder, and is now beginning Orpah McKenzie, Bearskin to plan for the second Aboriginal Lake First Nation, fi rst joined Workshop, which is scheduled for NOSM in December, 2003 as the the summer of 2006. director of Aboriginal Affairs. **** McKenzie, who earned her Lisa Pierre, a Fort William Nipissing nursing degree at Lakehead Uni- First Nation member, was hired versity, worked with Keewatinook in March, 2003 as an administra- Okimakanak to help develop their tive assistant in the Aboriginal Af- First Nation Telehealth program before joining fairs Unit. NOSM. Pierre’s main role is to sup- “My main role is to ensure port the director, but she also Public Notice that the Aboriginal people have coordinates the Aboriginal Refer- meaningful input into the devel- ence Group meetings and takes opment of the Northern Ontario down their minutes. 6 x 4.25 School of Medicine,” McKenzie A member of the Thunder said. “We believe that Aboriginal Mountain Cultural Committee and people have something to contrib- formerly one of the Lyons Dance ute.” Troupe fancy shawl dancers, McKenzie also provides an Pierre is planning to help set up an advisory role regarding Aborigi- archive of historical photographs nal issues to the other units at at Fort William First Nation. January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 13 Mno-bmaadziwin/Health

She was 5000th in line! On December 9, 2005 Kanesia Greig was the 5000th patient to be registered at Anishnawbe Mushkiki Aboriginal Health Access Centre. The Centre fi rst opened in 2000 and was established as a primary Health Care Facility to serve Ab- original people, families, and communities within the District of Thunder Bay. The mandate of Anishnawbe Mushkiki is to improve the health of Aboriginal People by means of a holistic ap- proach, combining Western, Traditional and Al- ternative Medicines. The people that serve the clients of Anishnawbe Mushkiki are proud to have reached this milestone so quickly and are honored to be able to look to the future with re- newed commitment to the First Nations Peoples Kanesia Greig was patient number 5000 of our area. Anishnawbe Mushkiki Aboriginal Health Centre, Thunder Bay Anna Peltier joins FASD team New eye test may diagnose Aanii/Boozhoo. My name is Anna Peltier and I am the new Fetal Alcohol Spec- trum Disorder Regional Program Worker at the Union of Ontario Indians, for the Lake Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Huron Region. I am originally from the Wikwemikong Unceded , and KINGSTON – A new test to out brain damage can concentrate currently reside in North Bay. accurately diagnose Fetal Alcohol enough to keep their eyes from fol- Much of my work experience has been derived from working in various social Syndrome may be just around the lowing the moving light. Children service settings such as corrections, mental health, and youth programming. corner. with developmental disabilities like As the newest member of the Union of Ontario Indians FASD Program team, my James FAS and Attention Defi cit Disorder role is to provide free services to the First Nation communities within the Reynolds, a have great diffi culty with refl exive region. These services include: training for caregivers and frontline workers working professor of movement. in the fi elds of health, education, social services and justice. I am also available to fa- Anna Peltier pharmacology James Reynolds hopes that fur- cilitate community-based workshops to promote awareness on FASD. All workshops and toxicology ther study will prove the eye-track- and training sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of the frontline worker and caregiver’s setting. at Queen’s Uni- ing test a conclusive means of iden- Aside from providing public awareness, I am available to attend community events such as health fairs versity, uses an tifying children with FAS. and if invited, am willing to participate in the planning of FASD-related events that may be occurring within eye-tracking The next step will be taking your community. test that has Heather Ireland his test on the road and travelling You are more than welcome to contact me to discuss any training initiatives that you may be interested been used by to remote communities. This could in or for any workshops on FASD to be facilitated within your community. I can also be contacted if you are doctors around the world to evalu- begin as early as this year. interested in seeking more information on FASD. Got any questions or concerns? Please do not hesitate to ate neurological damage. James Reynolds has noticed contact me. I can be reached by email: [email protected] or by telephone: (705) 497-9127 ext 2319. In a recent study of 22 chil- that the prevalence of FAS among Miigwetch! dren 10 diagnosed with FAS and 12 First Nations children is much without, Reynolds’ research team higher than the national average, used a simple eye-tracking test that as much as ten per cent higher in detects brain damage. Their fi nd- some communities. This test could ings showed that children with FAS defi nitely be a ground-breaking for have a distinct pattern of visual FASD affected children. movement, linked to specifi c areas Heather Ireland, FASD Region- of the brain. al Program Worker for the Union of How this new test works is they Ontario Indians, was excited about have a child stare at a light in the the fi ndings. centre of a screen. Then a second “I feel that this project will seek light is added and moves slowly out those individuals and help iden- across the screen. The child is told tify their needs and help narrow the to avoid looking at the moving light gaps in services,” says Ireland, who and to stay focused on the light in provides FASD training services to MBS Ministry Health the centre of the screen. 11 First Nations in the southeast and and Longterm Children and adults with- southwest regions. 6 x 6.75 Dreamcatcher Fund Little NHL

4 x 4.5 Page 14 Anishinabek News January/February 2006

Native Studies Full page ad January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 15 Kinoomaagewin/Education Fleming College 4 x 2

Scholarship winners at University of Sudbury awards night included, from left, Debbie Recollet, Wendy Bou- dreau, Shanon Restoule, Theresa Solomon-Gravel, and Randy Pitawanakwat. ONECA Native students cash in at Sudbury By Shirley Honyust Sweet Water Singers, delivered a Solomon, which is her maiden name, SUDBURY – It is during this heart-warming song with her pow- because she doesn’t want people to 4 x 4.5 season, the beginning of the second erful voice and her sacred drum. think that she rides on the honour of semester, when even the most dedi- This is a large part of what makes her father’s name. Her father Art cated students are fi nding it a tough Laurentian feel like home to many Solomon was very infl uential in the haul! Too many all-nighters, too Native students who are from far founding of the Native Studies Pro- much caffeine and too many dead- away, as well as those from Sudbury gram at University of Sudbury, and lines…missing even a few classes and the surrounding area. is still much revered in the Depart- can be damaging, at this time of M. Andrii Krawchuk, the Presi- ment of Native Studies. His death year. dent and Vice-Chancellor of the followed that of his wife, Eva, and Feel-good stories, such as this University of Sudbury, addressed for sure they are both smiling on one, about the accomplishments of a the recipients and guests, and made Terry from the spirit world. handful of students from Laurentian special note of the fact that these Dear to our hearts, but not one University, are inspiring, as well students were being honoured for of the “Nishes” is Shantah Kanhai, as good motivation for staying in their achievements. He explained proud daughter of Native Stud- school and achieving a post-second- that the university receives dona- ies department head Prof. Nahum ary education. tions to be used to fund scholarships Kanhai, who briefl y fi lled in for her Debbie Recollet, Wendy Bou- – awarded for academic excellence - knowledgeable and respected father dreau, Shanon Restoule, Theresa - and bursaries – based on need. On last fall when he was involved in a Solomon-Gravel and Randy Pitawa- this night the students all received car accident. nakwat, were among 73 hard-work- scholarships. Also honoured was fourth- ing students who each walked away Assisting Mr. Krawchuk were year student Kathleen Imbert from with a certifi cate and cash in the a host of other delegates and digni- Wikwemikong , whose son, Nel- form of scholarships from the Uni- taries, including Fernand Crepeau son, strode proudly to the front of versity of Sudbury in 2005. from the Board of Regents, Lu- the room to accept the award in his Liza Mosher, who is the Elder cie Beaupre, the Acting Registrar mother’s absence. Perhaps one day We would like for Native Students at Laurentian, for the University of Sudbury, and he will stride proudly across the to inform you of our opened the awards ceremony with Shelly Madison from the offi ce of stage for his own award! upcoming a traditional prayer, fi rst in Ojibway the Bursar/ Treasurer. and then in English, to give thanks The Stella Kinoshameg Prize Shirley Honyust, Oneida of the for the many gifts of Creation, and in Native Studies, a much coveted Thames, is a third year Native Hu- 9th Annual for the students who were being award, went to Theresa Solomon- man Services/Bachelor of Social honoured. Gravel. Theresa, who goes by “Ter- Work (Honours) student at the Uni- Partnerships in Success Deborah Robertson of the ry,” said sometimes she leaves out versity of Sudbury. Education Conference Snow means story-telling time OF THE NEW CREDIT & INAC TORONTO -- Ontario cele- written by Larry Loyie with Con- sentatives from Ontario’s First Na- brates First Nations Public Library stance Brissenden, illustrated by tion public libraries, supported by WHEN: Week in February each year. The Heather D. Holmlund, and pub- Southern Ontario Library Service, winter timing of the week observes lished by Groundwood Books, is selected the First Nation Commu- February 22- 24, 2006 the First Nations’ traditional snow- a memoir capable of speaking to nities Read 2006 title. Reviewers on-the-ground time for storytell- young and old. Set in 1944, it rec- have described the book as “wel- WHERE: ing. In 2006, public libraries and reates the summer Lawrence Loyie come and discussion-provoking” First Nation communities will cel- was ten years old, the last summer (Quill & Quire) and “a haunting Niagara Falls, Ontario ebrate from February 13 through he spent with his Cree family be- combination of art, story and docu- February 18. fore a Canadian government pro- ment” (The Toronto Star). As Long This conference is targeted to preschool and elementary The First Nations Public Li- gram forced him to attend residen- as the Rivers Flow received the teachers, education assistants, education authorities, boards of brary Week theme for 2006 is “Pre- tial school. 2003 Norma Fleck Award for Ca- education and those interested in education. serving Our Cultures Story by Sto- A seven-member jury of repre- nadian Children’s Non-fi ction. ry ... Building Our Communities This year’s conference will be geared towards Book by Book.” The words “pre- Effective Schools serving” and “building” speak to the critical and dynamic roles pub- “Lifting the Spirit of the Child” lic library service can play in First Nation communities. The words For more information or a request to be on the mailing list, “story” and “book” acknowledge please contact: the importance of both oral story tradition and the sharing of “story” Val King through print. At the same time, Conference Secretary the First Nation Communities New Credit Education Department Read program has announced that 468 New Credit Road As Long as the Rivers Flow is the R.R. # 6, Hagersville, ON N0A 1H0 book Ontario’s First Nation public Tel: 905 768-7107 Fax: 905-768-7108 librarians have decided to honour email: [email protected] as the 2006 First Nation Commu- nities Read selection. As Long as the Rivers Flow, Page 16 Anishinabek News January/February 2006

Native Studies Full page ad January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 17 Little NHL swells size of city Dnakmigziwin/ SUDBURY – As many as 10,000 First Nation hockey players, parents, coaching staff, family members, and friends are expected to swell Sudbury’s population during the 35th Little Native Hockey League Tournament. A mere 17 teams participated in the Sports inaugural Little NHL event in Little Current, hosted by Whitefi sh River, Aundeck Omni Kaning, and M’Chigeeng First Nations. The late Len Self, an education counselor, and fellow tournament founding fathers Chief Jim McGregor, Earl Abottosway, and the late Norman and James Debassige laid the foundations for an event that will attract over 120 teams to Sudbury March 12-16. Registration will take place at the Sudbury Arena, 240 Elgin Street March 11, beginning at 9:00am, and March 12 beginning at 8:00am For more information on the LNHL tournament or how to become a volunteer please call Shannon Bebamash at 705-377-5307 or email at [email protected]

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Jonathan Cheechoo riding record point streak. Sharks’ Cheechoo hits torrid scoring stride By Robin Brownlee playing on the third line. He’s just con- Edmonton Sun tinuing to develop,” San Jose coach SAN JOSE – Jonathan Cheechoo’s Ron Wilson said. claim to fame used to be that he was “We haven’t seen the best of Jona- the fi rst member of the Cree First Na- than Cheechoo yet. It helps that he gets tions to sign an NHL contract, but with to play with Joe. People say, ‘Anybody 26 goals to his credit by mid-January, can play with him and score.’ the soft-spoken kid from Moose Fac- “But that’s not the way it works in tory, Ontario is a well-kept secret no the NHL. You have to have the ability more. “I think a lot of it is the rules,” to score. He has that knack.” said the modest Cheechoo, who was When the six-foot-one, 190- riding a franchise record 12-game pound Cheechoo was just 12 back points streak. home in Moose Factory – which is “The rules have opened things located on Hudson’s Bay – he wrote up more and you get more power play as part of a school assignment that he chances here and there.” wanted to play for the Sharks in 2002. Cheechoo, 25, drafted 29th over- Cheechoo did exactly that, making his all by the Sharks from Belleville of the NHL debut against on Oct. 10, OHL in 1998, is on pace to score 40 2002. But it was during the 2003-04 or more goals. Not bad for a player season when he really blossomed, whose best output in junior was 45 scoring two goals in seven different goals. games and scoring nine goals during a “I just work hard every summer nine-game stretch in March. trying to improve myself and every It turns out that was just a preview. aspect of my game,” said Cheechoo, “I think I proved I had some offensive who spent the lockout playing with talent,” said Cheechoo, who scored 32 HV71 in Sweden after a 28-goal sea- goals in 2000-01 in his fi rst pro cam- son in 2003-04. paign, with Kentucky of the AHL. “I thought I came into camp in re- “I had to win a spot on the team ally good shape this year and that has a with my defensive play, by improving lot to do with it. that and getting to a point where they “Sweden prepared me a little bit, were comfortable putting me out there too. It’s a lot bigger ice surface and in different situations. you get more time with the puck.” “Once you get that, you can build It hasn’t hurt, of course, that off it. Cheechoo has been playing alongside “You get put in offensive situ- Joe Thornton since he arrived from ations after that. Once you get confi - Boston, but there’s more to his emer- dence and get on a roll like I did at the gence than the presence of big No. 19. end of the season before the lockout, “He got 28 goals a couple years ago you just carry on with it.” Page 18 Anishinabek News January/February 2006 Oodewin/Urban Rez Sudbury Native community responded fast to Kash crisis By Kathleen Imbert airport and beat everyone there and its fi rst full-scale mission since it Ed Sackaney’s leadership was ap- calls, dealing with donations, keep- SUDBURY – Members of started translating.” was established in January 2004. proved by the more than 30 regional ing track of everybody, organizing the local aboriginal community re- Later, Dave Wheesk, another “Two weeks prior, EMAT had aboriginal associations involved in meetings with Chiefs of First Na- sponded quickly to assist the 260 James Bay Cree resident of Sud- a practice run in Sudbury and later the Kashechewan evacuation effort. tions. A Feast and a Christmas Par- 1000 Kashechewan First Nation bury, helped in translating for the the reality of the deployment of the His job evolved into co- ordinat- ty were organized in M’Chigeeng residents evacuated here in Novem- Kash evacuees. unit was different,” says Ed Sacka- ing support for the 260 evacuees First Nation. The 260 Kash people ber because of unhealthy drinking The Emergency Medical As- ney “It took a week to medically in Sudbury. He fi rst worked out got buses and water in the James Bay Cree com- sistance Team (EMAT), a group assess Kashechewan community of the city’;s N’Swakamok Friend- it turned out re- munity. of volunteer medical professionals members before they continued on ship Centre and later moved to the ally nice.There “My wife and I were having specifi cally trained to respond to to their host communities, Ottawa, Shkagamikwe Health Centre, form- was also a re- supper when we heard that a plane major health emergencies, set up Peterborough, Sault Ste Marie, Co- ing a small team to help him. union with oth- was coming and we knew we would a fi eld unit to evaluate and manage chrane and several villages in James Susan Freeman, a Whitefi sh er Kash people know some of the people and know- the arrival and redirection of all the Bay. And at the end of the assess- Lake First Nation member, was from Sault Ste ing the language we knew it would evacuees. This special unit is de- ment the 30 people working at the also moved by news of the Kash Marie in Gar- make their arrival easier, recalls Ed ployed at the request of the Ontario fi eld unit at the airport gave the Cree evacuation, and became an impor- den River First Sackaney, a James Bay Cree now Ministry of Health and Long-Term translators a standing ovation. They tant member of Sackaney’s team. Nation”. Susan Freeman living in Sudbury. “We went to the Care and the Kash emergency was acknowledged that without our help Their combined efforts and insight Freeman they would have never been as suc- into how to communicate with other added that a cessful.” First Nations community members 54-foot transport-trailer from Six Sackaney recalls the Sudbury gave the evacuation efforts a more Nations full of donations arrived volunteers realizing that they were personal character. and “we unloaded it box by box “taking the brunt of their (the evacu- “We never planned anything – we fi lled three walls of a gymna- ees) emotional frustrations of being without their approval, and em- sium.” displaced and their worries of what powered them to make decisions” It was an “eye-opening experi- was going to happen to them. They Sackaney described his relationship ence” for everyone involved, says were able to express themselves with Kash evacuees. “They were Sackaney. “It showed the city of and be heard, thanks to the Sudbury encouraged to name a representa- Sudbury that Aboriginal people are Cree translators.” tive and later we had meetings with a good force to work with.” What began as an emergency the City every morning. I became a To show their appreciation the evacuation effort developed into an focal point for them to get to know ad hoc Kash committee, assisted by ad hoc organization led by a few the city and the different services as Kash spokesperson Mathew Wesley, concerned individuals representing well as a catalyst to get other people staged a Jan. 7 evening of apprecia- regional aboriginal organizations, to help us out.” tion. More than 280 regional com- Dave Wheesk and Ed Sackaney. James Bay Cree residing in Sudbury, the Ontario Ministry of Health and In the beginning the evacuees munity leaders and citizens braved helped translate for Kashechewan evacueees. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. were “put in schools, in unsafe places bad weather conditions to attend the closed for health reasons” explained banquet hosted by Whitefi sh Lake Susan Freeman. “I scrambled to First Nation, with the support of the Corrections workers talk about culture get them into hotels and thanks to Cambrian Native Student Associa- By Heather Campbell developers and Native Liaison offi - for healing themselves,” says Vince the hospitality of the Travelodge in tion. Six EMAT members from To- SUDBURY – Native workers cers. The role of the liaison offi cers Pawis, retreat organizer and Native Sudbury and the Union of Ontario ronto were also in attendance. within provincial correctional in- is to advocate on behalf of native Liaison for the Sudbury District Indians, I managed to have them stitutions gathered for a three-day inmates and to ensure culturally Jail, “in order to help others heal, all on the same fl oor and obtained Kathleen Imbert, Wikwemikong fall retreat to connect and receive appropriate resources that enhance we need to heal ourselves.” a common room where they could Unceded Indian Reserve, is in her teachings that help them become their opportunity to avoid re-incar- The three-day program includ- socialize. fourth year of Native Studies at the better helpers for their people who ceration. ed teachings about the fi ve colours “I was in the offi ce, answering University of Sudbury. have been incarcerated. The challenge of providing of the medicine wheel, the fi ve ras- This was the second consecu- help within the institution that are cals, sweatlodge, teachings on the tive year that the Ministry of Com- mostly not culturally- sensitive, is pipe, residential schools and how to munity and Public Safety hosted very challenging and draining. Pro- apply the teachings in their work. the retreat for staff. viding an opportunity for workers Lori Kruger, correctional offi - Those who attended were pri- to rejuvenate is essential for them cer for the past 20 years believes it marily personnel who work in pro- to continue being helpful, and not is important for the ministry to host “Voices of gramming or front line with native burning out. training and staff development such inmates such as guards, program “It’s about offering a safe place as this retreat. “It was enlightening and it allows you to respect aborigi- Aboriginal Youth” nal culture.” Kruger has been involved in poster her culture in the past, but it helps when she is able to make the links between her personal culture and (PDF fi le in Links) her work. Although her work is to provide security, she has been involved in developing new pro- 4 x 5.5 grams for aboriginal inmates. She says these teachings also give her confi dence to intervene when she encounters racism by other guards. Lorney Bob, Program Elder Speaking about aboriginal justice for the Turning Full Circle program Rupert Ross, right, a Crown Attorney and author of several books at the Thunder Bay Correctional about aboriginal approaches to justice, was the keynote speaker at a Center for the past fi ve years, be- Northern Region Alternatives to Custody Symposium. Vince Pawis of lieves it’s important for the other White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge presented Ross with loon crafted institutional staff, like Kruger, to from porcupine quills on a piece of birchbark made by Pawis’s mother, participate in the retreat and can Irene, . The event, staged Jan. 18 in Sudbury extend the program values in their by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, was attended by over roles throughout the institution. 100 delegates from probation, youth custody facilities, police offi cers “We need to shift the “warehouse and community programs who heard Ross discuss the aboriginal heal- mentality” about inmates that ing paradigm that he believes confl icts with the western criminal justice guards often carry, including those system. Ross, who resides in Kenora, spent three years with the fed- eral department of justice traveling across the country to explore the with Anishnabe heritage, and we need to give them permission to be concept of “healing justice.” – By Heather Campbell Anishabe.” January/February 2006 Anishinabek News Page 19 Ggiinwid/Racism First Nations object to nursery rhyme stereotypes VANCOUVER – The First seem humorous, but native to see themselves refl ect- British Columbia that were consid- Nations Summit has asked the people see nothing to laugh ed positively in the curric- ered derogatory. British Columbia government to about. ulum. . . . In this case, it’s “We had offensive names like stop teaching children the nursery “Part of the concern not in a positive light, it’s Squaw River, and when that was rhyme Ten Little Indians and to we have is when you look pretty negative, I would raised the government made a uni- conduct a review of the public- at that nursery rhyme, you say.” lateral decision and just removed school curriculum for racist or ste- can chuckle about it, sure, The student who read those types of names.” He said he reotypical material. but half the kids in it are Ten Little Indians as part hopes for a similar response in this Grand Chief Edward John said dying for some reason. of her homework was of- case. that he sent letters to two ministers “When you consider fended by the poem, he The girl who complained, this week after a native student the tremendously diffi - added. Chief John said, encountered the showed her aunt a homework as- cult situation we face with “As soon as I heard poem in a Grade 9 homework as- signment that contained the poem, youth suicides in this prov- about that, we sent a letter signment. written by American author Septi- ince and the struggles that to the Minister of Educa- But the poem is also included mus Winner in 1868. our kids have in the public- tion and the Minister of in recommended learning resourc- It was originally called Ten education system, it’s certainly not his neck; No. 6 “kick’d the bucket Aboriginal Relations, requesting es for Grade 5 pupils studying Little Niggers, and then became right.” and then there were fi ve.” that the curriculum be reviewed Japanese, according to a Ministry Ten Little Injuns; both titles were The nursery rhyme starts off: The rhyme ends: “One little and that any instances like this, of Education website. The nursery used for a 1939 murder mystery “Ten little Injuns standin’ in a line/ Injun livin’ all alone/He got mar- where there are stereotypical im- rhyme comes with the following by Agatha Christie. The novel was One toddled home and then there ried and then there were none.” ages or even racist or biased refer- notation: “Caution. The activity retitled And Then There Were None were nine.” Chief John said no group of ences, be removed.” sheet that accompanies the song after complaints of racism. Then it systematically elimi- children should see themselves Several years ago, Chief John Ten Little Indians on the audio cas- At fi rst glance, Chief John nates them all: No. 8 goes to sleep mocked or stereotyped in school said, native people complained sette, depicts a stereotypical view said, the nursery rhyme might and doesn’t wake up; No. 7 breaks texts. “All children should be able about some of the place names in of First Nations people.” Native hockey players used to taunts by fans By Darryl Stonefi sh ladder to the big leagues I remem- I remember meeting Ted No- ber the racism times too. I once lan when he came to our reserve was taunted from the stands by a at Moraviantown just after the last former team-mate. He yelled out Indigenous Games. “Chief, Chief, Chief”, as I warmed I remember his story of play- up. Another guy laughed his head ing hockey in Sault Ste Marie near off when I showed him Harold his home at Garden River First Cardinal’s book called “The Unjust Nation and how he came from a Society.” I don’t expect those guys large family and he and his brother ever will change. I called them re- only had one hockey stick between cently and the way they talked I them so when they played they had could tell they never have. to make sure they were not on the I also played in a bush league ice at the same time for it would with a Native team that season and mean having to borrow another heard all sorts of racist things from guy’s stick. fans when we were after the league Former National Hockey League coach of the year Ted Nolan of Garden River First Nation. I also heard a part of his story title. Police came in one time to es- where he had played some junior cort out some of the racist referees hockey in a racist community and who made bad gestures at our fans. Host Quebec junior team apologizes it was not so much fun. One of our best players was even His story made me think of suspended for life for hitting one of for racist behaviour by spectators our own hockey down here in the those one-sided refs. far south. We didn’t have as big a At an early age I wanted our The Chicoutimi Sagueneens NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, told report- But the comments aren’t funny for family as Ted Nolan came from but own hockey team and worked at apologized to Ted Nolan after some ers after the game that the league others. it was big enough and there were that most of my life and eventually of the junior hockey team’s fans should do more to combat verbal “There’s 4,600 people in the six of us and two of my brothers we did have teams. I remember hurled racial slurs at the Moncton abuse from fans. rink most nights and I’m sure 4,596 played hockey at the same time I rounding up the boys my age and Wildcats’ coach during a game Dec “I don’t know if it’s a matter of don’t approve of what was said.” did. One was older and one was demanding a team from our rec- 16. them needing better security here, Bill Schurman, general man- younger so we never had to share reation committee. They got one Nolan, 47, an Ojibwa from but they do need better manners in ager of the Wildcats, said he’s sat- the same stick in the same game started in the late 1960’s. Garden River First Nation, said this town,” he said. isfi ed with the response from Chi- but we did only have one helmet. Today all of those guys are now the verbal abuse he endured from League commissioner Gilles coutimi. “We certainly accept the We had a pond just off the reserve retired from playing but you know the crowd at the Centre Georges Courteau, called the incident “dis- apology of the Chicoutimi organi- we used for years and still do once my cousin and one brother will be Vezina during his team’s 4-3 loss tasteful and regrettable.” zation ... All parties feel bad that it in a while. lacing them up at the Chatham Ma- left him trembling after the Que- “Like Mr. Ted Nolan, all play- happened.” We also had a pond just next roon Cup 2006. Our team will be bec Major Junior Hockey League ers and team staff members are part But Schurman said the issue to dad’s farm in the woods that be- loaded with some of the best Nishi- game. Some fans whooped and of the QMJHL family without al- should require further action from longed to the neighbours but since naabe players from Walpole Island, made tomahawk gestures at the lusion to their nationality or ethnic the league. “I think if we adopt a most of them were gone we used Sarnia Reserve, Kettle Point and aboriginal coach, prompting the background,” he said. zero tolerance rule in all of our it lots too. We played ball hockey Moraviantown and maybe even Sagueneens to post an apology on Guy Carbonneau, vice-presi- buildings for any kind of abuse, in- outside and shot pucks from boards Six Nations. their website. dent of the Chicoutimi team, said cluding racial abuse ... then if any- for hours sometimes and took turns We will never give up. There’s “The disgraceful acts by sev- the team was sorry for what hap- one suggests a racial comment, out playing goal with sponge balls, rub- got to be a scout at there some- eral spectators don’t represent the pened, but added there was proba- they go,” said Schurman. ber balls and tennis balls and some- where. image of our fans and the regional bly little that could have been done “You have certain codes of con- times real pucks. My older brother Darryl Stonefi sh is a member population,” the team said. to avoid it. duct for your arenas. ... You can’t wanted to be a goalie and one time of the Delaware Nation, Moravian “The management of the Sa- “It’s a sporting event,” he smoke, you can’t throw anything he made pads out of grandpa’s old of the Thames band. A writer/his- gueneens understands and respects said in an interview from Dallas. on the ice, and certainly abusive horse blankets and used a baseball torian, he is a certifi ed member of the multicultural aspects within “There are people that go there, vocabulary and behaviour should glove for a trapper and he let me the 2005 National Coaching Cer- (the league) and doesn’t at all ac- they’re emotional, they drink, and become part of the rules of hav- blast away at him. tifi cate Program with special train- cept this kind of behaviour.” sometimes people think they’re ing a Quebec Major Junior League When I was trying to climb that ing in hockey. Nolan, a former coach of the being funny with their comments. team.” Page 20 Anishinabek News January/February 2006

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