Tory proposal 'designed to mislead' Canadians: Gore

By Kevin Donovan
Toronto Star

The Conservative government has taken the easy route and produced an environmental plan that is a "complete and total fraud" on the Canadian public, former U.S. vice-president Al Gore told a Toronto audience yesterday.
"(Harper) is under a lot of pressure and he has chosen the easy wrong over the hard right," Gore thundered to applause from the packed crowd.
Critics of the Harper government's plan say that while it talks the talk – the overall theme is reducing greenhouse gas emissions – it is vague and fails to spell out the specific regulations that will be needed to effect change. Gore said the plan was "designed to mislead the Canadian people."
The backdrop for Gore's remarks was the Toronto Green Living Show, the first "green consumer show" hosted by the city. Two hundred exhibitors jammed the Direct Energy Centre at the exhibition grounds, showing everything from solar panels for houses to hybrid fuel vehicles to home roasting of organically grown coffee.
In a convention room nearby, Gore made the latest stop of his global warming road show, presenting a compelling, live version of his now famous slide presentation, "An Inconvenient Truth." This week he's given the talk eight times, including once in Regina and once in Calgary, in the province that contains the oil-rich tar sands, a carbon energy source he says poses an extremely serious threat to the environment.
In Toronto, David Suzuki was in the audience, fresh from a confrontation with Tory Environment minister John Baird, whom he accused Friday of bringing in a disappointing plan.
Baird has said his plan, which he says will slash greenhouse gases 20 per cent below current levels by 2020, is the toughest in the world over the next 13 years.
Also in the audience to hear Gore yesterday was Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. Gore said he and the premier would meet privately later in the day. Gore said he hoped the Liberal premier could take a leadership stand he has not seen from the Conservative Prime Minister.
Before Gore put up his first slide he told the audience he wanted to make a comment and he wanted to make sure he did it before the media had left. Gore than lashed out at the federal conservatives for focusing on intensity of emissions rather than tough, overall reductions in the absolute amounts of pollution.
He went on to say that Canada is a country known for moral leadership and "standing up for what is right in the world." Baird released a statement later in the day yesterday in which he tried to deflect Gore's criticisms.
"The fact is our plan is vastly tougher than any measures introduced by the administration of which the former vice-president was a member," Baird said in the statement.
Baird's statement also offered an invitation for Gore to discuss climate change and the Conservatives' environmental policies with him.

With files from Catherine Porter and Canadian Press

Federal study validates proposed new Anishinabek Nation law

NIPISSING FIRST NATION - April 24, 2007 - The principles of the first modern Anishinabek Nation law are validated by key recommendations of a newly released federal report on matrimonial real property.
"It took an exhaustive and expensive federal study to prove what we have known all along," said Grand Council chief John Beaucage. "Our people know best how to govern ourselves."
A national consultation process, launched last year by Indian Affairs Minister James Prentice, released its 500-page report today, including recommendations that First Nations develop their own laws and enforcement processes dealing with matrimonial real property issues.
"This is exactly in line with the Anishinabek Nation position," Beaucage said. "We have proposed a template to help our communities to create their own local regulations designed by and for their citizens."
The Grand Council chief said his office was still analyzing other aspects of the federal report, tabled today by ministerial representative Wendy Grant-John, that deal with proposed establishment of interim federal rules that would allow the courts to make orders regarding possession of homes on reserve.
The draft Anishinabek Nation law - designed to govern and protect the interests of spouses and families in the event of a marriage dissolution - was endorsed March 23 by representatives of the 42 Anishinabek member First Nations at a special assembly in Sault Ste. Marie.
The draft law was developed after an intense schedule of nine consultation meetings held across Anishinabek Nation territory over a 40-day period this spring.
Final ratification of the law is expected to take place at the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly at Alderville First Nation in June.
Under the terms of the proposed law, member First Nations will have one year to pass community regulations, based on the framework provided in the nation's law.
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

Providing opportunities for healing

-----Original Message-----
From: Goulais, Bob 
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 7:47 PM
To: 'menasekwe@yahoo.com'; 'crystal_seed@hotmail.com'; 'daanthon@nmu.edu'; 'marcia.peters@wifn.org'
Cc: 'Rainey Gaywish'
Subject: Address to the Anishinaabemowin Teg Conference

Boozhoo niindwaymaaginidoog: 

Attached is Grand Council Chief John Beaucage’s address to the Anishinaabemowin Teg Language Conference.  I apologize for the lateness in getting this to you.  We spend quite a bit of time on the road and in our member First Nation communities.
Grand Council Chief John Beaucage acknowledges the note that you passed him following his address at the Language Conference.  Your note reflected the need to address healing in our communities and among our leadership.
Health and Healing is a significant priority for our Nation.  Anishinaabe mno bimaadziwin is a part of Grand Council Chief’s “Political Manifesto” (Article 6) and is one of eight priorities in our overall organizational strategic plan.  
We have our own Anishinabek Health Commission and secretariat to address the administration of health in our 43 member First Nations.  Their vision and mandate is to integrate a holistic health model of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.  
Over the past year, we have also pushed for a healing component from the National Residential School Settlement Agreement.  Much of that will be undertaken through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that will begin its work soon.
However, you are quite right when you bring up the need for true healing among our communities.  There isn’t a full understanding of what healing is, especially what that means from the Anishinaabe perspective.  Many of our community members don’t even recognize they are unhealthy, and don’t understand why we don’t have healthy communities.
Unfortunately, we can’t force people to heal.  All we can do is present people (including our leaders) with opportunities to heal.
That’s why we’ve decided to move forward on our Anishinabek Language Immersion Institute – which may help bring back our understanding of our own perspectives and ways.  That’s also why we’ve re-established our Clan System model for our Leadership Council – which we hope will lead to a re-newed sense of ownership and comfort with our own system of governance.
We’ve decided to re-establish the Three Fires Confederacy – which may help bring our communities an understanding of our traditional protocols, processes and way of governance.  Most importantly, we have asked to host the 2007 Three Fires Midewiwin Summer Ceremonies.  By integrating ceremonies into the Three Fires Confederacy Gathering (August 20-29, 2007 at the Ojibways of Garden River, Ontario Canada), we hope to bring a broader audience to the Midewiwin way of life.  We especially hope our Chiefs, Tribal Chairpersons and the average Anishinaabeg citizen would take back something.  We hope this entire experience will be an opportunity for healing for all who attend.

A’pchi miigwetch for your interest and feedback.

Mi iw,

Bob Goulais
Chief of Staff &
Executive Assistant to the Grand Council Chief

Anishinabek Nation - Union of Ontario Indians
Head Office:  Nipissing First Nation
P.O. Box 711, North Bay, ON  P1B 8J8
Ph. (705) 497-9127   Fx. (705) 497-9135  CELL:  (705) 498-5250
E-mail:  goubob@anishinabek.ca 
Internet:  http://www.anishinabek.ca/

This email may contain confidential and/or privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient.  Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this email in error, please contact the sender and delete all copies.  Opinions, conclusions or other information expressed or contained in this email are not given or endorsed by the sender unless otherwise affirmed independently by the sender.

Anthony Rota, acclaimed Liberal candidate

Nominated by: Bob Goulais
Seconded by: Richard Fortin
Carried.

Speech by Bob Goulais

Boozhoo. Greeting Ladies and Gentlemen:

It gives me great pleasure to nominate Anthony Rota as the Nipissing-Temiscaming Liberal Candidate for the next federal election.

Anthony Rota is not one to toot his own horn. He has a lot of admirable qualities. As a traditional man, I instantly recognize and can relate to the qualities of humility, kindness, gentleness, caring and respect.

Although he speaks softly to his constituents, he has a loud voice among his colleagues, caucus and in Government.

He has represented our interests well at Veterans Affairs and with the Standing Committee on National Defense.

When the Liberal Party was in government, he was chair of the Northern Ontario Liberal Caucus. Under Prime Minister Paul Martin, he chaired the full Ontario Liberal Caucus – the largest of any group of Members of Parliament.

Under Bill Graham, he served us well as critic for FedNor.

That experience and leadership will not go unnoticed.

It is my feeling, that Anthony is part of a new generation of the Liberal Party. In fact, I think Anthony is a leader among this new generation.

Ladies and Gentleman, I don’t pull any punches. I’m not a follower. We in Nipissing-Temiscaming expect good representation and expect leadership from our Member of Parliament.

Anthony Rota is that member. Anthony Rota is that leader.

I won’t make excuses for those in our Party who showed us dishonour. I won’t be afraid to stand up and say our Party needs change to ensure those mistakes are not repeated.

But those changes are here, under Anthony Rota and our leader Stephane Dion. Mr. Dion is a honourable and capable leader. His vision of economic prosperity, social justice and environmental sustainability – is a vision of Canada that I can support.

This is the time for the new generation of Liberal Party. The Dream Team of Ignatieff, Dryden, Rae, Kennedy, Hall-Findley will be the team that will lead us back to Government.

Anthony Rota is a part of that Dream Team.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I work with government on a regular basis. I’ve met with MPs and Ministers under Chretien, Martin and yes under Stephen Harper.

Under various Liberal governments since 1994, we didn’t get questioned why we wanted to talk – we were simply given the opportunity. Liberal members and members of Cabinet were always open and helpful. Of course, we don’t always see eye to eye – but we always had the opportunity to talk.

As First Nations governments, we undertook an extensive, year-long negotiation process to work with the Liberal government and the First Ministers to create a set of principles, goals and investments that would have dealt with First Nations poverty and improved social conditions. The result was the Kelowna Accord.

Under the Harper government, the door has been closed. There is very little real dialogue anywhere across the country.

When we do get an opportunity to meet the Conservatives, the reaction is always the same: (“Whoa… WHOA. Aren’t you with us?”)

I have a strong warning to all Canadians, and the people of this riding. 

The Conservative Party is no longer a “Progressive Conservative Party”. It is no longer a party of the people. (I know I don’t belong there.)

Under this Harper Minority, they’ve tried to tame their policies in an effort to build public opinion. But we know how much Liberal, Bloc and NDP members of the committees tempered their already weak legislative agenda.

Harper’s feigned attempt at a “vote” on the same sex issue is another good example. The Harper government saved face by letting the issue drop, despite it being a hot-button topic for every hard-core Conservative across the country.

Now imagine, an un-tempered Harper Majority Government. Do you think it would have stopped at a simple House of Commons motion? What would happen to the rights of same-sex couples?

What would the aboriginal agenda look like under a Harper Majority Government? We’ll I tell you, there would be a lot more poor First Nations people. But I also tell you there would also be a lot more situations like Ipperwash, Caladonia and unrest among our communities.

From my perspective, the Conservative government is not honourable: they outright cancelled the first, new national social program in decades: the National Child Care Program. They outright cancelled the first, major agreement between First Nations governments and the First Ministers: the Kelowna Accord.

“Whoa… WHOA. I thought you were with us?”

No Mister Harper – I’m not with you.

Conservatives have a narrow vision of Canada. A Canada that excludes the poor. A Canada that excludes same sex relationships. A Canada that excludes aboriginal people. A Canada that is intolerant. A Canada that is ignorant.

The Liberal Party, and Nipissing-Temiscaming, in particular, is a community that will never exclude the poor. We will never exclude aboriginal people. Nipissing-Temiscaming is not intolerant. Nipissing-Temiscaming is not ignorant.

That is why Nipissing-Temiscaming will always be Liberal!

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, the members of the Nipissing-Temiskaming Federal Liberal Association – I hereby nominate Anthony Rota as our candidate and incumbent Member of Parliament of the riding of Nipissing-Temiscaming.

Thank you.

Rota unchallenged as Federal Liberal 
nomination meeting goes Saturday

By Kate Adams
BayToday.ca

The Nipissing-Timiskaming Federal Liberal Association will meet Saturday at 11:00am at the Clarion Resort for their official nomination meeting.
The meeting is expected to see MP Anthony Rota acclaimed to the post as no one has stepped forward to challenge the incumbent. The cutoff to file nomination papers closed earlier in the month.
Riding President Dan Cléroux will make opening remarks followed by a representative from the local Young Liberals.
Rita Smirle, will formally introduce Rota and Bob Goulais will nominate the Federal Liberal candidate with Richard Fortin will second the nomination.
Rota will be making formal remarks at 11:15am.

http://www.motherearthwaterwalk.com

Keynote Address to the 13th Annual
Anishinaabemowin Teg Language Conference.

By Grand Council Chief John Beaucage

For the complete text of the speech click here.

"I am truly honoured and humbled to be here before you today as part of the Anishinaabemowin Teg language conference.
This gathering continues to be a beacon for all those who speak Anishinaabemowin; and, those who want to speak the language"....

"I will be personally working with National Chief to re-engage the National Language Strategy to ensure full and proper resourcing to our community language initiatives.
No longer should we have to fight each other for scraps under the Aboriginal Languages Initiative. 
No longer should we have to underpay our language teachers.
No longer should we have to wonder if our grandchildren will speak our language. 
No longer should we have to wonder if our Anishinaabemowin language will survive"...


Our Official Language Strategy
"As part of my Political Manifesto, the Anishinabek Nation took a significant step to revitalize the language by establishing Anishinaabemowin as our Official Language.
The resolution was moved by Grand Council Elder Gordon Waindubence and Seconded by Elder Merle Assance-Beedie.
The resolution states that Anishinaabemowin IS the Official Language of the Anishinabek Nation. English is the language of the Crown and will be a working language of our people"...

"As a part of this mandate, we are moving on a practical, “do-able” Language Strategy.
We are going to work towards establishing an immersion language institute at the Anishinabek Educational Institute.
We are going to work towards offering immersion language training to our communities.
More importantly, we are going to work to offer Language Teacher Training to teach as many speakers as we can ‘how to teach immersion’"...


Language in our Civil Service
"We are going to provide mandatory language immersion training to the Union of Ontario Indians civil service.
I am confident to say, that in short order, every employee of the Union of Ontario Indians will be required to either speak Anishinaabemowin, or commit to becoming proficient in our official language.
We are committed to making those practical policy changes.
Most importantly we are urging our individual First Nations to do the same.
As a part of our “sovereign approach to self-government”, under our Section 35 inherent rights, I would like to see an Anishinabek Nation Law developed that would create official language regulations in our member First Nations.
We are going to establish a language development office at AEI to assist in the implementation of the Official Language resolution and work towards this Anishinabek Nation Law"...


Language in Self-government
"For the past ten years, the Anishinabek Nation has been negotiating a final agreement with the Government of Canada respecting Education.
This agreement will remove participating First Nations out of the education provisions of the Indian Act and restore our jurisdiction in this area.
This self-government agreement will allow the Anishinabek Nation to establish our own culturally-appropriate education system.
What an official language policy provides us with is the mandate to ensure Anishinaabemowin and immersion delivery is given the priority over English.
We will have the right to invest in our own curriculum, teacher standards and choose our preferred system of delivery.
It is my vision, to see that the Anishinabek Education System will be delivered in the Anishinaabemowin Language"...

Three Fires Confederacy Gathering announcement
"It is an exciting day for me to be here. I get the pleasure of sharing some news with you and leave you with a personal invitation.
Today, I'm here to announce that we will be hosting a Three Fires Confederacy Gathering, August 20-26 in the Baawating/Sault Ste. Marie area.
The gathering will be co-hosted by the Union of Ontario Indians, Assembly of First Nations, Shingwauk Kino-maage Gamig, Three Fires Society, Algoma University College and Sault College.
It will be the first time we have had this gathering since 1991"...
"I hope you will join me, National Chief Phil Fontaine and Three Fires Society Grand Chief Eddie Benton-Banai at this historic gathering in August"...

For the complete text of the speech click here.

Grand Council Chief Beaucage and the Anishinaabemowin Teg delegates from Wasauksing First Nation.

Lisa Osawamik, Grand Council Chief Beaucage, Charmaine Benz, Ron Yellowman and Martina Osawamik at the Anishinaabemowin Teg gathering.

Grand Council Chief Beaucage makes a cheque presentation, on behalf of the Union of Ontario Indians to Isidore Toulouse, President of Anishinaabemowin Teg.

Anishinabek/Ontario Agreements Pledge Cooperation

Commit To Work Together On Implementation Of Great Lakes Agreement

TORONTO, March 27 /CNW/ - Anishinabek Nation leaders and Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources today signed three memoranda of understanding that will help strengthen cooperation and collaboration on issues related to natural resource management.
A Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement was signed by Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay, and Grand Council Chief John Beaucage on behalf of 42 Anishinabek Nation communities.
“Our First Nations are dedicated to the principles of co-management,” said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. “We acknowledge Ontario’s jurisdiction in managing the Great Lakes on behalf of their citizens, while we will be asserting traditional management principles on behalf of our citizens.”
“I am pleased to join Grand Council Chief Beaucage in signing the memorandum on Great Lakes Basin waters, which will help build our relationship with the Anishinabek Nation,” said Ramsay. “By working together cooperatively, we can move forward, seeking mutually agreeable solutions on our common priority of protecting and conserving the waters of the Great Lakes Basin.”
The memorandum of understanding related to the Great Lakes commits Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation to:

• Hold an annual meeting between the Anishinabek Grand Council Chief and the Minister of Natural Resources

• Establish a joint Great Lakes Charter Annex Agreement Implementation Committee, and 

• Help build Anishinabek Nation advisory and technical capacity through the Union of Ontario Indians retaining a technical advisor, as well as other measures.
  
  Ontario is committing $300,000 over three years to this effort.

Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation also signed a memorandum of understanding committing to a “collaborative approach” that would revitalize the Anishinabek/Ontario Resource Management Council process that was established seven years ago. Continuing the work of the council will help foster a positive working relationship and ensure greater coordination on issues related to natural resource management.
In addition, an agreement was signed establishing a protocol on the transfer of Eagle remains to Anishinabek First Nations. The Eagle is of particular social, cultural and religious importance to Aboriginal people.
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

The MNR and UOI personnel responsible for the agreements.

Back Row: Rob Messervey (MNR Water Management), Dave Colvin (MNR Aboriginal Affairs Unit), Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare, Jason Laronde (AORMC Coordinator), Allan Dokis (UOI Dir. of Intergovernmental Affairs), Charlie Lauer (MNR Field Services).  Front Row: Kevin Wilson (MNR Natural Resources Management), The Hon. David Ramsay, Grand Council Chief John Beaucage and Chief Isidore Day (Serpent River).

Anishinabek Nation appoints Women’s Water Commission

Grand Council Chief John Beaucage serves up 'nibi' to Mary Deleary, Josephine Mandamin and April Jones.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (CCNMatthews - March 27, 2007)  – On Saturday March 24th, 2007, Grand Council Chief John Beaucage addressed the Anishinabek Nation Building Conference in Sault Ste. Marie, pledging to do more to contribute to the well-being of the environment and particular to the Great Lakes water.
Grand Council Chief John Beaucage has appointed an Anishinabek Women’s Water Commission to advise the Union of Ontario Indians on water issues and Great Lakes management issues.
“Our work with regard to the water and Great Lakes co-management will not focus only on policy and science. Through our Women’s Water Commission, the beliefs that water is living and spoken for by our women will now be reflected in Ontario’s management regime,” said Grand Council Chief Beaucage.
“We need to ensure that First Nations, especially our women, maintain their role as stewards of the water and give a voice for our most precious resource,” added Beaucage.
The Anishinabek Women’s Water Commission will advise the Union of Ontario Indians on all aspects related to the management of the Great Lakes. It is expected that Grand Council Chief Beaucage and Minister David Ramsay will sign a co-management agreement on Tuesday, March 27 to ensure First Nation participation in all decision-making that will impact the Great Lakes basin.
More importantly, the newly created Commission will play a leadership role in raising the awareness of Great Lakes water and impacts to its quality and quantity. The Women’s Water Commission will also share their tremendous traditional knowledge and teachings about water as they undertake their work across the Anishinabek Nation.
Josephine Mandamin, an Elder from Wikwemikong Unceded Nation will serve as founding Chief Commissioner of the Anishinabek Women’s Water Commission.
“Water is a great uniter and I know that this historic step will begin to unite all nations because we all share an equal concern: the water’s future,” said Josephine Mandamin. “Hearing Mother Earth cry about how ill she is and how she is having a hard time feeding her children is a reminder to us all that our women feel the same way too. We must unite in this monumental task.”
Mandamin established the Mother Earth Water Walk, the lead walks around Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Ontario. Her group will walk around Lake Erie in 2007.
Mary Deleary of Muncey and April Jones of London will also serve as founding Commissioners. Both women are traditional teachers whose extensive aboriginal traditional knowledge focuses on the water and women’s role as caretakers on the water.
“My commitment as Anishinabe-Kwe (native woman) to ensuring the sustainability for life for our future generations guides much of my life,” said Mary Deleary. “Our ‘Sacred Water’ is the very essence of what will continue to sustain our life.”
“During my lifetime, I have seen the extreme changes that have occurred regarding the sustainability of one of our most precious resources, Mide-waboo,” said April Jones. “I continue to learn and to help in any way that I can regarding the protection of the water, because it is evident that the very future of our children and all of creation is dependent upon it.”
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42-member First Nations across Ontario . The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

UOI Youth Representative, Elder Martin Assinewe, Elder Ray Rogers, Elder Merle Assance-Beedie, Elder Gordon Waindubence, UOI Youth Representative Arnold Yellowman.  Front Row: Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, Mary Deleary, Josephine Mandamin, April Jones, Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare.

Anishinabek Nation adopt historic, 
first Law addressing Matrimonial Real Property

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (CCNMatthews - March 23, 2007) – Today, the Union of Ontario Indians debated and approved-in-principle the first modern Anishinabek Nation Law respecting Matrimonial Real Property.
“In lieu of participating in the Government of Canada’s consultation process and legislative initiative regarding matrimonial real property, our Chiefs opted to develop our own process and our own Anishinabek Nation Law,” said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage.
The Law was approved-in-principle today at a one-day Special Chiefs Assembly on Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) at the Holiday Inn in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Final ratification will take place at the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly scheduled for June 25-28, 2007 in Alderville First Nation.
For the past forty days, the Union of Ontario Indians has traversed the Anishinabek Nation engaging, consulting and obtaining feedback and principles that were incorporated into the Anishinabek Nation Law.
“The principles contained in the Anishinabek Nation law will have come from our engagement and consultation with our leadership and citizens. In the end, it will be up to each Anishinabek First Nation to subscribe to these principles that unite us, by enacting regulations at their respective Councils,” said Grand Council Chief Beaucage.
According to the draft Anishinabek Nation Law, member First Nations will have one year to pass community regulations, based on the framework provided for in the Anishinabek Nation Law. First Nations will have various options they can customize depending on their specific land tenure circumstances such as certificate of possession, custom allotment, First Nations Land Management Act, etc. They will also have the authority to customize components of their regulations according to the needs and wishes of their particular First Nations.
Last year, the Government of Canada announced their intention to introduce legislation to address the issue of matrimonial real property on-reserve, in particular a solution that will protect families, equity and fairness upon the dissolution of marriage. The Chiefs of the Anishinabek Nation opted for their own Anishinabek Nation Law rather than being subject to federal legislation and provincial jurisdiction on these matters.
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42-member First Nations across Ontario . The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

Anishinabek and Canadore College renew partnership

By Kate Adams
Baytoday.ca

Canadore College President Barbara Taylor and Union of Ontario Indians Grand Council Chief John Beaucage renew their unique educational partnership Tuesday.
Canadore College and the Union of Ontario Indians/Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) renewed their unique educational partnership at the Anishinabek Nation Head Office on Tuesday.
The agreement originally signed in January 2003, is partnership designed to deliver programs in a culturally relevant manner while promoting opportunities and excellence for Anishinabek learners.
Canadore College President Barbara Taylor says the partnership with Union of Ontario Indians through AEI ensures that the strengths of both partners are built upon.
“I think it’s very clear that it allows Canadore College to meet its commitment to serving Aboriginal people in First Nations.” states Taylor.
“AEI brings the culturally relevant knowledge and perspective,” she explains.
“Then Canadore brings our program depth and allows people in First Nations, member nations of the Union of Ontario Indians to have access to post secondary education and training in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be available. So we see this as an incredibly valuable partnership and incredibly important partnership in meeting our mandate as a community college.”
Grand Council Chief John Beaucage says that through the partnership 36 students have successfully completed the Social Service Worker, and Personal Support Worker programs and that the AEI has programs running throughout their territories including the Thunder Bay and London areas.
“We have accredited teachers that are working with students in their own home communities or close to their home communities and then when they graduate we provide along with Canadore College the certification that they finished these programs and that they’re college certified. So they get a college diploma out of it,” says Beaucage.
“It’s very well liked by the communities, by the students and we’re offering a good alternative in terms of educational programs for them, so it’s a win – win situation for everybody. The college, ourselves at the Union/ Anishinabek Education Institute, and more importantly the students out there in those communities.”
The deal will see the college continue to work with AIE to deliver the Personal Support Worker, Maintenance Management, Social Service Worker programs designed for First Nations students as well as the introduction of a new Office Administration program.
Beaucage and Taylor both agree that education cannot be approached in a cookie cutter manner, however, the success of the partnership has caught the attention of others.
“Yes there are some other first nations across the country that are looking at that,” states Beaucage.
“We’ve also had some inquiries from South America on how to develop educational institutes for the indigenous people of South America. I believe that we are providing some good processes here and we are models for other communities, and we’ll continue to lead the way with partners like Canadore College. I think we’re doing a great job in this partnership arrangement, and certainly it’s very positive thing for all of our community members.”
The Grand Chief also opened the door to expanding the partnership by introducing the idea of a residence for First Nations students at Canadore.
Beaucage says student housing is a big priority for him and that the issue mimics what’s happening in his communities as whole.
“We don’t have enough housing for our families and our communities. And then when our students leave the communities to work at an education program they come and to urban centres they find out that there’s not enough housing for them in the urban centres.”
“We need to put this as a priority and work with Canadore College and look at something for the future.”
“We’re not going to be breaking ground tomorrow, but what we can do is start the planning process, start the process to get funding and look at how we are going to solve this particular problem. Because the last thing a student should worry about is where they are going to live, what they should be concerned about is getting good grades and working hard at the educational process.” He states.
Beaucage says he would be looking for a residence style facility suitable for students with children, married students and single students primarily a native student residence within the Canadore College framework. He also wants the students involved in the process versus a top down approach.
Taylor chuckled when the Beaucage introduced the notion telling him that she and her staff had been discussing that very topic at their morning meeting.
“We know that one of the major issues for those students is adequate housing and not only housing for single people, but housing for families who are having to come from their communities to North Bay to access the education and training here,” states Taylor.
Taylor also agreed that no ground will be broken in the next couple of days and that talk around such a project has been casual at best, she does see a residence partnership project as a logical next step.
“Certainly there is a commitment on the part of the college to work with our partners here at the Union of Ontario Indians,” she says.
“Because I think this would be, as Grand Chief Beaucage has said, a win – win for those students and communities and a win – win for the two organisations in filling their mandate.”

First Nations encouraged by government’s direction

However, long way to go to address poverty, Beaucage

NIPISSING FIRST NATION (March 19, 2007) – First Nations in Ontario are encouraged by the direction of the Conservative Government in the areas of on-reserve market housing, improving employment opportunities and addressing First Nations specific claims. 
However, the government has a long way to go to seriously address issues such as First Nations poverty and the substantial ‘housing deficit’.
“We were hopeful that we’d see something that resembles the Conservative’s assurance that they’d meet the objectives of Kelowna,” said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage. “However, the government’s budget takes us a step in the right direction by investing in market housing initiatives. We are committed to developing a true housing market for First Nations on-reserve.”
Grand Council Chief Beaucage, who holds the Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) national portfolio for housing, has been advocating for investments to marketing housing including the establishment of a First Nations Investment Trust in encourage further public-private housing investment.
Budget 2007 commits to work in consultation with First Nations to develop approaches to support the development of individual property ownership on reserve and encourage lending for private housing. The budget announced that $300 million will be dedicated to this approach.
“However, social housing shouldn’t take a back seat to establishing a market housing,” said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. “The majority of our communities cannot afford market housing.”
According to estimates from the Assembly of First Nations, First Nations continue to be short over 80,000 units nationwide. That number does not count units that may need substantial renovations or even replacement. Many First Nations people live in overcrowded, unhealthy and unsafe housing conditions.
Grand Council Chief Beaucage is advocating investment to First Nations governments, rather than funding to government programs, to address the housing deficit and eradicating poverty.
“We need to devote more resources to First Nations communities through our own governments rather than being caught up in administration and government bureaucracy,” said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. “The government needs to invest in First Nations government in much the same way they deal with funding to the Provinces – through transfer payments and revenue sharing.”
However, according to the Union of Ontario Indians, the 2007 budget will do little to address the fact that 1 in 4 First Nations children live in poverty, and the fact that the average annual income in the Anishinabek Nation is $17,211 for men and $14,232 for women. Further, the unemployment rate for Anishinabek Nation communities is 24.4 per cent.
“The government must do more to prioritize First Nations issues, especially the goal of eliminating First Nations poverty,” said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. “Our people cannot have private home ownership if we can’t afford the mortgage.”
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42-member First Nations across Ontario . The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

Can't please everybody every time

-----Original Message-----
From: Goulais, Bob
Sent: 3/16/07 1:33 PM
Subject: Little Native Hockey League

Good afternoon everyone:

First the disclaimer: I am not a member of the Little NHL Executive and
never have been. Also, I fully agree with your point and feel the
Little NHL needs to be more inclusive of our Anishinaabe kids who may
not have status because of the Indian Act.
However, there seems to be a lot of ridiculous negative rhetoric,
excessive drama and even some paranoia surrounding this situation. 
These rules aren't in place to make anyone rich and powerful. Nobody is
getting rich off the Little NHL (except maybe the hotel owners). And
nobody is deliberately trying to exclude your little ones from playing
hockey.
Sadly, the rules were amended over the years because there were just as
many people who complained about including non-status players, etc.
There were even complaints about teams stacking players with AAA
non-native players complete with letter of affiliation from their Chief.
There have been years and years of rule changes, complaints, more
changes, appeals, etc.
Volunteer executive members made the decision, albiet a controversial
one (perhaps the wrong decision) to only include "status players" in the
tournament.
In November, on recommendation of All-Ontario Chiefs-in-Assembly, First
Nations had an opportunity to present their official complaints on this
rule/policy back in November-December. Sadly, only two First Nations
came forward. The rule was once again reviewed at the Little NHL
Executive Meeting in mid-December. No changes were made.
Remember - rules can be changed and amended. If you have any ideas that
can solve this situation, I would encourage you to volunteer to be a
part of the Little NHL Executive. There is an open call for volunteers
right now.
There's really no need to debate silly rhetoric, conspiracy theories, an
overthrow of the government, nor attend secret meetings in dark
basements over this controversy. Just get out there and do something
about it.
Unfortunately, you'll find out very quickly - you can't please everybody
every time.

Good luck,

Bob Goulais
Chief of Staff &
Executive Assistant to the Grand Council Chief

Anishinabek Nation - Union of Ontario Indians
Head Office: Nipissing First Nation
P.O. Box 711, North Bay, ON P1B 8J8
Ph. (705) 497-9127 Fx. (705) 497-9135 CELL: (705) 498-5250
E-mail: goubob@anishinabek.ca 
Internet: http://www.anishinabek.ca/uoi

Moving beyond the fiduciary duty

By John Beaucage
Grand Council Chief
Anishinabek Nation

Many years ago, when I first became involved in First Nations political issues, I kept hearing the term “fiduciary duty” when talking about our relationship with the Crown. Like many laymen, I had no idea what fiduciary meant, so of course I looked it up. What I found was this:

Fiduciary – (noun) a person to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit of another;
- Of, or pertaining to the relationship between fiduciary and his or her principal: a fiduciary capacity; a fiduciary duty.
- Relating to of the nature of a legal trust (i.e. the holding of something in trust for another): “a fiduciary contract”; “in a fiduciary capacity”; “fiduciary power”

Essentially, the definition of fiduciary is “a person to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit of another.”  Children or the elderly typically need a fiduciary.  The fiduciary looks after the assets of another and is expected to act in the best interest of the person whose assets they are protecting.  This is known as “fiduciary duty.”
How has this concept translated for First Nations? By imposing the Indian Act upon us, and virtually controlling our lives for more than 100 years, the Government of Canada became a de facto fiduciary. However, I would argue that the Indian Act itself has breached Canada’s fiduciary obligations.
This same Indian Act, supposedly created to look after our best interests, would not even allow us to obtain legal advice when dealing with the government or others on treaty negotiations or land claims.  The Indian Act prohibited lawyers from charging fees to an Indian or an Indian band, which was an effective way to prevent First Nations from obtaining legal counsel.  The prohibition remained in effect right up until 1951.
Decisions were made for us about governing our own community affairs, educating our children, and obtaining health care for our elders. The Indian Act has dictated outside control over every aspect of our lives for many, many years. It still includes a requirement for First Nation governments to get approval from Ottawa to permit them to authorize spraying of noxious weeds in their communities.
The concept of the federal-First Nation fiduciary relationship dominated Native affairs debates for two thirds of the last century. Indians were regarded, in effect, as wards of the Crown.  The whole idea of fiduciary duty was encapsulated in our relationship with the federal government.
As I became more involved with the political process and looked at other aspects of the meaning of fiduciary, other insights presented themselves.
“The fiduciary looks after the assets of another and is expected to act in that person’s best interests.” This aspect of the definition certainly falters when trying to apply it to First Nations issues.
The main reason that treaties were instituted was, in fact, to find a legal way to exploit our lands and resources.  The reason for the Indian Act was to control, subjugate, and colonize Indians. Our best interests were not seen as a high priority at all.
In fact, if there was a legal way to get rid of Indians in Canada, that would be the preferable way to move forward as far as Canada was concerned, hence the government’s 1969 White Paper which proposed to eliminate our unique treaty and aboriginal rights.
To our credit, since the 1960s, First Nations citizens have become more politically astute.  Our past leaders fought well to preserve our rights.  Through the work of the Union of Ontario Indians, the National Indian Brotherhood and others, we fought for and achieved constitutional recognition. We also have legal precedents that confirm our rights. Today, there are several meaningful self-government agreements in place and over 80 more being negotiated throughout Canada.
Our own Anishinabek Nation Restoration of Jurisdiction process represents the largest self-government table in Canada. On Feb. 16 the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, wrote his signature beside mine to signify an agreement-in-principle on core governance principles after a decade of negotiations on behalf of our 42 communities across Ontario.
We talk about our Nation-to-Nation, Government-to-Government relationship with Federal and Provincial governments.  Yet despite all of this momentum and political awareness, we still cling to the sacred fiduciary relationship, a failed concept that has done us great disservice.
By its very nature a fiduciary duty must end at some point. A parent-child relationship changes, and at some point it reverses itself in terms of duty of care. 
But let US be the first to talk about ending the fiduciary relationship on our terms.  Let us talk about the contractual relationship that has been brought about by the treaties.  Let us negotiate  fiscal equalization transfers that are our due because of resources taken from our territories. The provinces discuss equalization payments all of the time with the federal government and so now do many of the country’s larger cities. These are contractual and business relationships, certainly nothing to be ashamed of; we are not demeaning our governments or ourselves by entering into these types of discussions. 
Only we should be responsible for our futures and ourselves. To cling to the concept of maintaining a fiduciary relationship is like saying we want a “safety net”.
That is not being self-sufficient or self-reliant. In order for self-government to be a reality, the concept of fiduciary duty must perish in order to give life to our aspirations for our children’s futures and strong First Nations governments.
We must begin to take steps to get beyond the fiduciary duty. We must begin to ask ourselves: do we need to be dependant on the Government of Canada?  Are they really working in the best interests of our people?
We must look toward sovereignty, success and self-sustainability.  These are the keys to true self-government and true self-determination.

John Beaucage is Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation, a political confederacy of 42 First Nations whose traditional territories are located in present-day Ontario.

My boyz, Ipod and Gameboy enjoying a quiet moment.

Minister Jim Prentice and Grand Council Chief John Beaucage sign the Agreement-in-Principle respecting Governance.  Witnesses, standing behind the leaders were Minister Tony Clement and Chief Patrick Madahbee.

Minister Prentice and Anishinabek Nation 
Sign Governance Agreement-in-Principle

NIPISSING FIRST NATION (February 16, 2007) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Anishinabek Nation Grand
Council Chief John Beaucage, today signed a Governance Agreement-in-Principle (AIP). The AIP establishes a framework for the Anishinabek Nation, represented in the negotiations by the Union of Ontario Indians, to assume greater control over its own institutions of government.
"Canada's New Government is committed to working with First Nations to support stronger First Nation governments as a key step in improving the lives of First Nation people," said Minister Prentice. "This important agreement sets the groundwork for participating First Nations to adopt new governance institutions and structures that are more responsive and more accountable to their communities."
"The AIP on Governance is one step toward eliminating the Indian Act, re-asserting our jurisdiction, and re-establishing our own Anishinaabe forms of government," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage, who represents the forty-plus member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation. "We look forward to completing these negotiations and forging new relationships with Canada that provide practical and effective ways to implement our inherent right to self-government and improve living conditions for our people."
The Agreement provides the framework for the establishment of the Anishinabek Nation government and for the recognition of First Nation governments with law-making authority in four core governance areas: leadership selection, citizenship, culture and language, and management and operations of government.
The Agreement also reflects the Government of Canada's support for replacing outdated provisions of the Indian Act with a modern legislative framework for First Nations governance. It provides a practical approach for supporting First Nations to strengthen their internal governance and solidify the political and financial accountability of First Nation governments to their citizens, while operating within the Canadian Constitutional framework.
The Agreement-in-Principle concludes the second of a three-stage negotiation process, and is not legally binding. A Final Agreement becomes legally binding on the parties only once it has been approved by the participating First Nations' citizens and brought into force through federal legislation. An Anishinabek Nation Framework Agreement on Governance was signed by the parties on November 26, 1998. As negotiations proceeded, the Province of Ontario has been kept apprised of developments.
The Anishinabek Nation and the Government of Canada have also been negotiating toward a "Final Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of Education Jurisdiction." An Agreement-in-Principal on education was signed by
the parties in 2002.
The UOI is the oldest First Nation political organization in Ontario. It was incorporated as the secretariat arm of the Anishinabek Nation in 1949 and traces its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires which existed long before European contact. The Anishinabek Nation has a population of approximately 50,000 citizens, and comprises one-third of all First Nation communities in Ontario.

Opposition unites to pass pro-Kyoto motion

Canadian Press

OTTAWA – The three opposition parties have joined forces to pass a motion calling on the Conservative government to confirm Canada's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.
The Liberal motion, which passed 161-115 in the House of Commons Monday, is not binding, but it could embarrass the Tories and put more public pressure on them.
"I think the government is feeling the heat," said Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, who introduced the motion.
"The key question is whether the government is going to accept strong measures and get moving," said NDP Leader Jack Layton.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who wasn't present for the vote, has said the Kyoto targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions are unachievable.
The fact that the NDP and Bloc Quebecois supported the Liberal motion could spell trouble for the government down the road. 
That's because the Liberals have introduced a bill with similar wording that would be binding if passed.
Also, the unanimity of the opposition parties on the Kyoto targets could make it very difficult for the government to salvage its centrepiece environmental legislation, the Clean Air Act.
"My hope is that what we'll be able to achieve at the end of the day is a recognition that these Kyoto obligations are ones that we have to honour," said Layton.
The Clean Air Act contains no reference to Kyoto, and it would be difficult for the Tories to accept the Kyoto targets now, having ridiculed them so often.
NDP environment critic Nathan Cullen made it clear the party's support for the Liberal bill was not the result of affection for the Liberals or Dion.
"Unfortunately, the mover Mr. Dion has very little credibility on climate change. He was unable to deliver as environment minister and now he's trying from the opposition benches."
Under the Kyoto accord, negotiated and ratified by the Liberals over Tory opposition, Canada is committed to a six per cent cut in greenhouse emissions from 1990 levels by 2012.
Experts say the target is likely not achievable through domestic action alone, but could be met through purchasing credits in UN-approved emissions-cutting projects abroad.
By some estimates this could cost about $10 billion by 2012. Harper has rejected the idea of international emissions trading, suggesting the money sent abroad would be wasted.
Most governments have approved international trading because cuts can be achieved more cheaply in developing countries, and the promise of technology transfer is seen as a vital incentive for poor countries to support Kyoto.
The motion passed Monday says climate change is "the most serious ecological threat of our time" and calls on the government to honour "the principles and targets of the Kyoto Protocol in their entirety."
It calls on the government to publish a credible plan to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions including a 'cap and trade' emission reductions system and regulations for industry.
So far the government has rejected a cap and trade system, preferring intensity targets, which would require industry to reduce emissions in per unit of production, but not limit them in absolute terms.
The motion takes an indirect swipe at the Clean Air Act, saying the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), already on the books, is available immediately to launch the necessary action.

Province launches first ever awareness campaign 
to reduce smoking among Aboriginal peoples 

"What You Do Matters" Is First Aboriginal-Specific Quit Smoking Campaign

TORONTO, Jan. 25 /CNW/ - The government of Ontario is launching "What You Do Matters," a public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging members of the Aboriginal community to quit smoking, Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson announced today.
"Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and we're determined to work with Aboriginal communities to make a difference," said Watson "The "What You Do Matters" campaign is a call to action for each individual, family and community to help improve their health environment and the quality of life for all Aboriginal peoples."
The campaign consists of 30-second radio announcements, print ads in targeted publications, posters distributed in Band offices, Friendship Centres, Health Centres and other gathering places. Pamphlets and fact sheets are available to Aboriginal communities and the media. Additional information is available at www.ontario.ca/SmokefreeMatters.
The rate of smoking among Aboriginal peoples can be three times the provincial average. Tobacco-related diseases cost the Ontario health care system at least $1.7 billion annually, result in more than $2.6 billion in productivity losses, and account for at least 500,000 hospital days each year.
Anishinabek Nation's Grand Council Chief John Beaucage supports the public awareness objective of the campaign.
"The Anishinabek Nation is committed to reducing the non-traditional use of tobacco and the health burdens from the misuse of tobacco amongst its citizens, says Chief Beaucage. "Our member communities have signalled this shared commitment by providing us with a mandate to develop an Anishinabek Nation Smoke-Free Strategy to encourage and promote the use of Anishinabek First Nation initiatives aimed at reducing non-traditional tobacco use and creating smoke free environments within Anishinabek territory."
"We will continue to work with the province where our Strategy and Anishinabek First Nation initiatives share common goals and objectives. This is an issue that affects the health of children, and healthy children are our future."
Minister Watson also announced that the Ontario government is providing $230,000 to Cancer Care Ontario for organizing an Aboriginal Tobacco Strategy Youth Summit in March 2007. The Summit will be the first ever Aboriginal youth-specific smoke-free event sponsored by Ontario. The overall goal of the Summit is to increase awareness of the harm caused by commercial tobacco in Aboriginal communities, and engage youth in developing action plans.
This funding is part of an annual investment of $2 million under the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy to help Aboriginal communities break the cycle of smoking addiction. The Ontario government also invests $8.8 million in programs to prevent youth from using tobacco products.
"The alarmingly high rate of commercial tobacco use by Aboriginal youth compared to national youth demonstrates a need for specific campaigns to raise awareness about the difference between traditional tobacco and commercial tobacco use," said Dr. John McLaughlin, vice president, preventive oncology, Cancer Care Ontario. "The government's investment in the Aboriginal Tobacco Strategy Youth Summit is a critical step to reaching Aboriginal youth about the harms of smoking and taking action to prevent or stop Aboriginal youth from smoking commercial tobacco."
Ontarians can learn about the dangers of tobacco and get tips on how to quit smoking from January 21-27, which is National Non-Smoking Week in Canada.
This week is a great chance for all Ontarians to quit smoking or to support friends, family members and colleagues who are making the important decision to quit.

First Nations launch court action over Toronto landfill

TORONTO (January 22, 2007) - The Oneida Nation of the Thames, supported by the Chippewas of the Thames and Munsee-Deleware Nation are initiating a court action to thwart the proposed sale of the Green Lane landfill site to the City of Toronto.  The sale, and a recent environmental Certificate of Approval paves the way to the diversion of Toronto garbage to Green Lane and into the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Oneida and Deleware Nations.  
These three First Nations represent all First Nations interests in the London area, which includes the site of the Green Lane landfill. These First Nations, with the support of the Union of Ontario Indians and the Chiefs of Ontario will oppose any action that may lead to the directing Toronto’s garbage to First Nations’ traditional territory.
Grand Council Chief John Beaucage states: “The sale of the Green Lane landfill site represents a call to battle for our people.  We will not tolerate such a threat to our lands and waters.  The Anishinabek Nation unequivocally supports this action and will take whatever measures necessary to protect the traditional territory of the Anishinabek Nation.”
"We have tried, through the "good neighbor" concept proposed by Mayor Miller in reaching some sort of Agreement on how to address our concerns, but the Mayor continues to claim that the City of Toronto has no such obligation to meet with us," stated Chief Randall Phillips of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. "Our elected Council sees no other alternative but to ask the Court to intervene. We have some very serious concerns regarding the changes made in the new Certificate of Approval that will allow changes to the current operating conditions. Our actions today are intended to challenge the validity of that Certificate of Approval."
“Court papers have been filed, and should be served on the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto today,” said Chief Kelly Riley of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.  “The proposal to divert Toronto’s garbage should not be allowed as Green Lane is located very close to Oneida and is located across the Thames River from Chippewa  and Muncey.”
Both the City of Toronto and the provincial government have been taken to task over their lack of consultation with the affected First Nations.
"It is frustrating to always be the ball in these political tennis matches. Neither the Government of Ontario or the City of Toronto want to acknowledge their Constitutional obligations to consult, accommodate and/or compensate First Nations when Rights are being threaten,” said Chief Phillips.
The application for judicial review cites that the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario failed to adequately consult with and accommodate the interests of the local First Nation with regard to the sale, and the proposed terms and conditions of the Certificate of Approval.  The 2006 Certificate of Approval, issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, enabling the former owner to increase the volume of refuse dramatically.  According to the City of Toronto: “The purchase provides the City with a reliable and environmentally sound landfill, giving the City options for short and long term waste disposal. With an aggressive diversion plan, the purchase provides Toronto with a disposal capacity of 13 million tonnes for a minimum of 15 years.”  To date the City of Toronto has been making use of a landfill in the State of Michigan.
A deeper issue concerning the area Chiefs is that each of the three First Nations draw their drinking water from an aquifer which is located under the Thames River.
“There are also significant concern for the health of our people, our land and the quality of our water,” said Chief Riley.  
The Right to survive in a clean and healthy environment must be considered a fundamental Human Right, and if there is threat to that Right, remedies to limit, reduce and/or eliminate that threat should be discussed in detail. Surely the citizens of Toronto and Ontario would agree with that," added Chief Phillips.
First Nation concern has been strong and varied and the leadership have taken action as a result of this growing, grassroots concern.
“Band members have heard media reports alleging that medical waste has been detected in some of those truckloads headed into Michigan.  I have some knowledge based on people that work within this particular industry that the dumping of hazardous materials has occurred in the past, added Chief Riley.
The Green Lane Landfill Site is located in Part of Lots 21, 22 and 23, Concession III, north of Highway 401, in Southwold Township, County of Elgin. southwest of the City of London.
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42-member First Nations across Ontario . The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

In Memoriam: The Late Leda McLeod

It is with great sadness in my family that I announce the passing of our matriarch, Leda McLeod-Shabogesic (nee Couchie).  She passed yesterday afternoon, January 17, 2007.
Grandma leaves behind an proud and amazing legacy, her family.  Dwyla, Fred (Kay), Eleanor (Albert), Linda (Henry), Leda, Joan, Barbara, Theresa, Lori-anne, Jacqueline (Glen), Jeanette, Phyllis (John), Angus, Larry (Darlene), Darlene, Deborah (Derrick), Nancy (Peter), Tammy (Conrad), and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We will miss her greatly, in the community of Nipissing First Nation and in her church, the Holy Spirit Parish on Garden Village.  She was an elder in the church and travelled to the Holy Land and seen Pope John Paul II in Midland, Ontario back in 1984.  Before Christmas, I visited her in the hospital and gave her a floral arrangement with a beautiful, copper church-spire.  If she couldn't go to church, I would bring the church to her.
On my last visit with her, last Saturday, it was really moving.  She was in palliative care during her last days.  She had been almost 30 days without food and very little water.  She wasn't responsive, expect for responding to pain.  However, during my visit, she attempted to wake.  She tried to speak and asked for water.  My aunt Nancy and Lee spoke to her.  When Nancy said "and Bobby's here"... she responded and tried hard to open here eyes.  As Lee and Nancy held her and whispered to her, she was responsive and was aware that she was being cared for and wasn't alone.
She passed peacefully among many of her children after a afternoon prayer vigil in her hospital room.

Bob-Bob's got a brand new bag!

Boozhoo niidwaymaaginidoog:

It's been a few weeks since I have written in this space.  I apologize it you've been waiting for an update, but I'm sure you have other reading to do.

What's been going on:

Where the heck is the snow?  Sure we've got a few centimetres on the ground.  (Most of it came this morning, and last week).  But it's been unseasonable warm with strange precipitation patterns.  As an Anishinaabe, this weather really concerns me.  We all need to do more about global climate change, such as global warming.  Let's all do more about this as individuals.  Using only CFC-free products, using public transportation, reduce-reuse-recycle.  I'm going to try to do something once a week.

Cuba...   April and I had an amazing time in Cuba over the New Year.  Spent a week at the Royal Hideaway-Ensanachos, near Cayo Santa Maria on the northern coast of Cuba.  The resort was amazing, the food was excellent and the weather was great.  I definitely recommend this resort, and will do everything humanly possible to return there soon.

Pancreatis...  My mom was in the hospital last week with an attach/inflammation of the pancreas.  She's OK now and got out on Saturday morning.  She will need to see a specialist about surgery to remove her gallbladder.  Until then, she is reserved to only eat low-fat and no-fat foods, either baked, boiled or broiled.

My own health...  Seen the doctor twice in the past two weeks.  While in Cuba, I caught a virus that gave me a bad sore throat.  At one point I was having trouble breathing, eating and sleeping.  I had to see the Resort M.D.  Anti-biotics, anti-inflammatory and a losenge.  Today, I went for a check-up and some regular tests with my own Doctor.  Everything looks good and I'm feeling good

Community Tragedy...  My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Davis Armstrong.  I am doing what I can to ensure a tragedy like this doesn't repeat itself in our community.  I'm not going to write about it.  I'm not going to make it public.  But I am going to do something.  I didn't know him well, but he was such a nice man.  He was hard working and personable.  I'm sorry if I failed you, Davis.  There is nothing to worry about anymore.

My Grandma...  It has been an inspiration to see my mom's brothers and sisters continuing their vigil at the West Nipissing General Hospital, day after day and night after night.  My grandmother Leda McLeod has been in hospital for over 30 days now.  She has been in and out battling a wide range of system and organ failure.  As of now, she is in palliative care.  But she has been very strong.

President Bush Signs 
Native Languages Preservation Act

Act Preserves Heritage & Honors Life of Tewa Storyteller

WASHINGTON - The New Mexico Congressional Delegation today announced that President Bush has signed into law the Esther Martinez Native Languages
Preservation Act.
The new law helps prevent the loss of an important part of New Mexico's
heritage, the Native American languages that are rapidly disappearing. The
bill, written and introduced by Congresswoman Heather Wilson in February, was
passed by the House in September and the Senate earlier this month with the
support of the entire New Mexico delegation.
"These languages will be preserved with attention and effort. Once lost, they
will never be recovered," Wilson said. "The native languages were precious to
Esther Martinez, and this bill is designed to help preserve them. It is a
fitting tribute to her life's work."
"This bill is a tremendous way to honor the memory of Esther Martinez. It aims
to preserve the unique linguistic heritage of Native Americans, and I'm pleased
to see it become law," said U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, who worked to ensure
passage in the Senate.
"For many years, tribes were discouraged from speaking their native languages
and now many languages have disappeared. This legislation will help ensure
native languages are preserved, and passed on to future generations, " U.S.
Senator Jeff Bingaman said.
"Considering Esther's dedication to preserving her native language, it is a
fitting tribute that this legislation be named after her," said Rep. Tom Udall.
"The urgent need to protect and preserve Native American languages is clear. We must invest in their preservation by implementing immersion programs. This
legislation is an important step toward reversing the trend of disappearing
native languages. I would like to congratulate Congresswoman Wilson on this
legislation being signed into law, and thank her for her efforts on this
important issue."
"This innovative and timely legislation helps stem an impending tragedy for our
nation; the rapid decline and potential loss of Native American languages,"
said Rep. Steve Pearce, also a co-sponsor of the legislation. "I commend Rep.
Wilson for her leadership in reconnecting younger generations of Native
Americans to the language and culture of their ancestors while preserving an
irreplaceable treasure for every American."
The bill was designated in honor of Esther Martinez of New Mexico, following
her death in September. On September 14, Esther Martinez of Ohkay Owingeh was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship in Washington, DC. She died at 94 years of age in Espanola en route home after attending a ceremony at the National Endowment for the Arts.
Sadly, only an estimated 20 of more than 300 pre-colonial indigenous languages
will remain by the year 2050. In 1996, 175 of these languages remained, but now
we're losing them at a rate of 12 languages every 3 years. New Mexico is home
to 19 different pueblos and 3 tribes. Among the tribes and pueblos, there are
six major languages, plus varying dialects. Language is a key element of each
community's identity.
A recent survey of Native languages found that among the Lipan Apache on the
Mescalero reservation in southern New Mexico there are just ten speakers of the
native language remaining. At the Sandia Pueblo, north of Albuquerque, most of
their Native speakers are middle aged or older. Even Navajo, spoken more than
any other Native Language in the U.S., is spoken fluently by less than half of
the Navajo children entering kindergarten.
The bill authorizes competitive grants through the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services to establish Native American language "nests" for students
under the age of seven and their families. It supports Native American language
survival schools. It will help to preserve all the indigenous languages that
are still being spoken, and increase the support for Native American language
immersion programs to create fluent speakers, and allow tribes and pueblos to
develop their own immersion programs.

Ojibwe scrolls come full circle

The sacred scrolls took a 275-year journey from a medicine lodge to a doctor then to his grandson in Kentucky -- who came to realize he was their guardian, not their owner.

By Larry Oakes
Minneapolis Star Tribune

TOWER, MINN. - For those who believe in spiritual forces, the story of the sacred scrolls of the Bois Forte Chippewa offers a wonderful affirmation. For those who believe we walk alone, the story offers an amazing coincidence.
In September, members of the northern Minnesota tribe gathered at Spirit Island on Nett Lake for a ceremony. There, according to witnesses, a drumkeeper named Shane Drift recounted his recent dream that forgotten stories and songs of the tribe would somehow "come back to us."
About two weeks later, in early October, the phone rang at the new Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum, next to Fortune Bay Casino.
The caller was Raymond Cloutier, a physician in Bowling Green, Ky.  Cloutier said that hanging in glass cases on the walls of his study were 42 birch bark scrolls inscribed with symbols and pictures.
Cloutier said the scrolls had come with a letter saying that some of the scrolls were more than 200 years old, and all originated "at Nett Lake on the Bois Forte Reservation."
The letter -- a report from a historical society that had sought interpretation from Ojibwe medicine men -- said the scrolls depicted ceremonial songs "concerning the most fundamental laws and needs of the [Ojibwe] people."
Cloutier told the astounded museum curator, Bill Latady, that he had cherished the scrolls for decades, but he had come to believe they belonged with the tribe. Last week the band announced that the scrolls are back at Bois Forte, in a climate-controlled museum room, after untold decades away.
A group of elders has confirmed that they are long-lost records of the Bois Forte lodge of the Midewiwin, or Grand Medicine Society, a selective Ojibwe religious order that preserved its rites on birch bark and was driven underground for most of the 20th century, when Indian religions were outlawed by the U.S. government.
"Spiritually, this is probably the most important thing that has ever happened [to the tribe]," said Rose Berens, the tribe's preservation officer. "I was awestruck."
The Bois Forte Reservation is largely in Koochiching County in far northern Minnesota.
The band's elders decided the scrolls cannot be photographed, or even seen, by anyone who doesn't belong to the religious order, except for curator Latady.
Berens says that even she has not seen them, and won't until she is initiated into the order next spring in a ceremony on the Red Lake reservation.

Mysterious journey

Cloutier said his grandfather, Dr. Herbert Burns, acquired the scrolls when he was superintendent of Ah-Gwah-Ching tuberculosis sanatorium near Walker, Minn., in the early 1900s. Bois Forte leaders speculate that poverty-stricken ancestors might have bartered them for treatment.
Cloutier isn't so sure. He said Burns was a "Renaissance man" with many interests and collections, including a trove of Indian artifacts, most of which eventually went to a museum in Walker. Cloutier suspects his grandfather bought the scrolls and the authentication letter accompanying them, probably from another non-Indian.
A few years after Burns died in 1949, the scrolls, packed in cardboard drums, went to Cloutier, then only about 12.
The scrolls range from 9 by 3 inches to 6 by 2 feet, according to Latady. The drawings are on the brown side of the bark, some drawn with charcoal and others applied with red paint. Some images are carved, he said.
Out of respect to the band's wishes, neither Latady nor Cloutier would describe the drawings, but experts who have studied similar scrolls say they most often contain "mnemonic," or memory-aiding symbols, to recall songs among a people with no written language.
"The coming of the gods is portrayed bestowing creation of men and other creatures upon the land and in the waters of the earth," says the Bois Forte scrolls' accompanying report, written in the 1930s by the Becker County Historical Society. "The heralds of these gods, half land and half water spirits, serve the gods as ambassadors. ... Another song relates how the gods give the Indians the privilege of for the first time eating meat."

From owner to guardian

Cloutier said that in the 1990s he became aware of a law requiring institutions that get federal funds to return sacred artifacts to Indian tribes. The law didn't apply to him, but he said a nagging idea grew in him: "The people the scrolls came from were not some dead Indians from a dead culture; they were still there, and they may have been suffering somewhat for having lost part of their culture. About the time I realized this, I stopped being an owner and became a guardian."
He found the Bois Forte band's website, saw that a museum had opened in 2002, and decided to return the scrolls. His only stipulation was that the band retrieve them; he didn't want to risk shipping them.
A few days after hearing from Cloutier, Berens, spiritual adviser Vernon Adams and Bois Forte elders Myra Thompson and Phyllis Boshey drove to Kentucky, dined with Cloutier and his wife, Joyce, and left with their precious cargo.
"Once I got over the damage to my greed, it made perfect sense to return these things," Cloutier said. "Unfortunately, most of the time, these things were taken from their owners in ways that probably wouldn't make us proud today."
Tribal Chairman Kevin Leecy wrote to Cloutier that his "thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated by everyone ... from the elders who listened to the songs and stories in their youth to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will once again have that opportunity due to your generosity."
Adams said he now wonders if the strange journey of the scrolls was fortunate. Similar scrolls were destroyed by missionaries and others during the century that the Midewiwin was outlawed.
"To me, they took a path they were meant to take," Adams said. "They left, were preserved and now have come back. It's exciting to see. This is where our past meets the future."