March 11th, 2010 - Halalt First Nation Road blockade down on Chemainus Road. Traffic was moving through Halalt First Nation on Chemainus Road on Thursday morning for the first time in two weeks. That happened after the Halalt community met on Wednesday evening and agreed to take down its blockade. Chief James Thomas said his community members made the move after hearing about a two-hour meeting between Halalt, the provincial government and the Municipality of North Cowichan that afternoon. "We accomplished what we set out to do," Chief Thomas said of the agreement that all parties will again meet with ten days to start discussions on a watershed management plan around the Chemainus River. "We acted quickly and in good faith," he said of the removal of the blockade. "But if North Cowichan doesn't move forward, the blockade goes back up." North Cowichan council will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 12 to consider its next steps. Chief Thomas said he hopes the a comprehensive study and plan for the Chemainus River watershed will be part of a process that will see Halalt, North Cowichan and other stakeholders working together to resolve issues. "A watershed plan will have to address things like North Cowichan's official community plan and how growth and development impacts the water supply, our fisheries and the entire ecosystem." He said Halalt remains firm in its demand that the First Nation always has its hands on the tap when it comes to North Cowichan pumping water from the aquifer to supply the town of Chemainus. Wednesday's agreement included a phased approach to watershed management by developing an agenda that focuses on areas of concern within Halalt's traditional territory that also lies within North Cowichan's boundaries. The discussions will not address matters that are the subject of Halalt's judicial review application in BC's Supreme Court regarding the environmental assessment certificate for the Chemainus River aquifer wells project.

Indian Affairs is changing the Indian Act to redefine Indian Status. The federal government says the proposed Legislation will "Bolster Gender Equity In the Registration Provisions of the Indian Act". Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl introduced in the House of Commons Bill C-3, Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act. "This legislation provides an excellent opportunity to address longstanding gender discrimination related to Indian registration," said Minister Strahl. "I urge my parliamentary colleagues to work with us to move the bill forward quickly to end this inequality." Spurred by a civil lawsuit filed by Sharon McIvor and her son Jacob Grismer, the Court of Appeal for British Columbia ruled on April 6, 2009 that the Indian Act discriminates between men and women with respect to registration as an Indian, and therefore violates the equality provision of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Court gave the Government until April 6, 2010 to amend those provisions. If enacted by Parliament, Bill C-3 will ensure that eligible grand-children of women who lost status as a result of marrying non-Indian men will become entitled to registration (Indian status) in accordance with the Indian Act. No one will lose their Indian status as a result of these amendments. There are some big unanswered questions associated with the proposed changes to the Indian Act, including will the government provide additional funding to First Nations to provide services to the new members. However, as significant is the question about First Nations right to decide their own membership. "I am aware that there are a number of broader issues related to the question of registration and membership, and important treaty realities and cultural perspectives that must be taken into account," said the Minister. "However, these issues are complex, and broader reform on these matters cannot be done overnight or in isolation." The Minister announced that these broader issues would be explored through a joint process to be developed in conjunction with various national Aboriginal organizations and the participation of First Nations groups and individuals across the country. Q1. Who will benefit from the new legislation? All eligible grandchildren of women who lost status as a result of marrying non-Indian men will become entitled to registration (Indian status) in accordance with the Indian Act. Q2. What are those eligibility requirements? You should consult the web site of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for the specific eligibility criteria. http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/br/is/elig-eng.asp Generally speaking, the key criteria to be newly entitled to registration are: Did your grandmother lose her Indian status as a result of marrying a non-Indian? Is one of your parents registered, or entitled to be registered, under sub-section 6(2) of the Indian Act? Were you born on or after September 4, 1951?

"Racism in education typically denied, ignored and trivialized" according to a major study of the professional knowledge and experience of Aboriginal teachers in Canadian public schools. The study was commissioned by the Canadian Teachers' Federation and includes this finding, "Feeling that racism in education was typically denied, ignored and trivialized, the Aboriginal teachers in this study described various ways in which they experienced racism. They reported on some occasions a disregard for their qualifications and capabilities, and for Aboriginal content and perspectives; a lowering of expectations of Aboriginal students; and a discounting of the effects of colonization and oppression on Aboriginal people. Institutional responses to racism were often seen as inadequate, leaving the burden for addressing racism on Aboriginal teachers". Author of the study Verna St. Denis, PhD, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Education explained, "The rationale for the study was to address the urgent need to improve and promote Aboriginal education in public schools. . . It asks the question: What can we learn from the professional knowledge and experiences of Aboriginal teachers who teach in public schools about how to better promote and support the success of Aboriginal students?" The study interviewed 59 Aboriginal teachers (49 female and 10 male) teaching in public schools across Canada. More than one third had 20 or more years of teaching experience, and half were graduates of Aboriginal programs, including Aboriginal teacher education programs. "The continuing goal of the study is to promote ongoing dialogue and learning about Aboriginal education within teacher organizations and the broader educational community," explains CTF President Mary-Lou Donnelly. "Study participants identified several ways to support the integration of Aboriginal curriculum in the school system, including the acquisition of Aboriginal curriculum and materials, adequate support for the teaching of Aboriginal content and perspectives, supportive and understanding school administrators, the acceptance of Aboriginal teachers as fellow professionals, and the hiring of more Aboriginal teachers and professionals. Among the report's other findings: The Aboriginal teachers in this study remained in the profession because they valued the opportunity to teach Aboriginal culture and history, to foster responsible citizens, to challenge negative stereotypes of Aboriginal people, to serve as role models, and because they believed they could have a positive impact on children; Participants highly valued those non-Aboriginal colleagues who accepted them as equal, helping them to succeed and offering validation for the work and perspective they as Aboriginal teachers brought to the profession; Although these Aboriginal teachers encountered a variety of adverse circumstances - such as a lack of Aboriginal curriculum materials, misunderstandings of Aboriginal education by their colleagues, challenging social and political conditions in the schools and the communities, or the effects of poverty on students -they remained committed to making a difference in education.

While visiting the Dene community of Lac Brochet in northern Manitoba this week, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo issued the following statement calling for action to address Tuberculosis in First Nations communities. "Tuberculosis is reaching a high level in many of our communities, such as in Lac Brochet. Figures for 2008, which were recently released by the Public Health Agency of Canada show that, nation-wide, rates of tuberculosis among First Nations are 31 times higher than others born in Canada. Overcrowded housing, poor nutrition, a lack of access to water and poor access to healthcare contribute to the spread of this disease. Many of these same issues caused First Nations to be vulnerable to the H1N1 virus last Spring. If there's a lesson to be learned from last year's H1N1 crisis, it is that we cannot return to business as usual. Addressing tuberculosis will require First Nations-led economic solutions, improved housing, expanded access to treatment and improved tracking of cases and underlying causes." The National Chief added that he was also touched by the stories of elder Catherine Moise, and her daughter Lizette of Lac Brochet, both survivors of tuberculosis, who spoke Wednesday at a Press Conference in Ottawa. "Catherine's story is one of sadness and loss. She has lost one daughter to tuberculosis and two of her other children, now grown, have also suffered from the disease. I thank Catherine and Lizette for travelling to Ottawa and courageously sharing their stories. A specific plan to address the social determinants of health and increased resources for implementing comprehensive and effective TB control are both essential. One without the other will continue to fuel the disease."

The tuberculosis rate among Inuit has doubled in the past four years - to 185 times the rate of Canadian-born non-aboriginals - at a time when the national rate is declining, according to 2008 figures recently made public by the Public Health Agency of Canada. This compares with an Inuit rate 90 times higher than the non-aboriginal, Canadian-born population as recently as 2004. "Behind the high results are significant disparities in the health of Inuit and other Canadians and inequity in access to health care. It is unconscionable that these conditions exist in a country that boasts of having one of the lowest TB rates in the world," said Gail Turner, chair of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Committee on Health. The root causes of these elevated rates lie partly in historically high exposure during TB waves in the 1940s, '50s and '60s. Aboriginal peoples lacked a natural resistance and the burden of disease was high. Many were removed from their communities and sent to urban centres for treatment. Some never returned, creating a legacy of fear among those left behind that endures to this day. Add to that co-morbidities, such as HIV and diabetes, which increase the risk that significant occurrences of latent TB will progress to full-blown tuberculosis. "Overcrowded housing, poor nutrition and lack of access to health care contribute to the higher rates of this disease among First Nations - many of the same conditions that made First Nations communities especially vulnerable to the spread of H1N1 last year," said Chief Angus Toulouse, who holds the national portfolio for health at the Assembly of First Nations. "Addressing these issues will require First Nations-led economic solutions, expanded access to treatment and improved tracking of cases and underlying causes." In the Arctic and in many First Nations communities, housing is a major contributor. Often entire families are forced to live in a single bedroom, while mold is rampant in houses built to construction standards that are ill suited for the climate. Immune systems are compromised by a general lack of healthy, affordable food. A shortage of health care providers in remote communities further challenges the ability to manage TB and be proactive in elimination strategies.Turner added, "It is imperative that a separate strategy be created now for Inuit, one that is created with Inuit and embraces solutions that are culturally acceptable and based on our realities. TB will never be eliminated until housing is improved, food security is improved and access to health care for Inuit is closer to what other Canadians take for granted."

March 10th, 2010 - "As much as the world has changed for indigenous people in good ways, there are still many violent and hateful folks out there who seek to harm us, and we must condemn them in print and in action, and we must do this together." The renowned Native American author and playwright Sherman Alexie was commenting on a recent hate crime against First Nations and Native American youth. The advertisement headlined "Free Native Extraction Service" was placed on the UsedWinnipeg.com website. Referring to Native youth, it began: "Have you ever had the experience of getting home to find those pesky little buggers hanging outside your home, in the back alley or on the corner???" It goes on to offer "free extraction services to relocate them to their habitat," and continues with other offensive remarks. A Winnipeg mother who was searching the web site for a television for her child discovered the ad and asked Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Harper to address it. Grand Chief Harper was shocked when he was made aware of the hate advertisement found on the popular Manitoba website-UsedWinnipeg.com. The Grand Chief stated,"This is a hate crime and the ad should have never made it to the website in the first place, the people who own and operate UsedWinnipeg.com must be held accountable and guarantee better screening processes are in place so something like this won't happen again. We will be asking the police to treat this as hate crime and to investigate further". Regarding the young Native men pictured in the offensive ad Grand Chief David Harper said,"The Aboriginal Youth in the photo have been unnecessarily victimized and we will not tolerate it, this is a reality that we see far too often as First Nation People". Longhouse Media Executive Director Tracy Rector today condemned the illegal use of a copyrighted photo of three teenagers from the Swinomish, Grand Ronde, and Lummi Tribes in Washington that was used in the hate crime. "We are appalled by the use of our image for such hateful and demeaning purposes," said Rector, responding the advertisement. "The photo of the three adolescent boys was taken from promotional material for our film March Point, an award-winning documentary," said Rector. "The film was made with three young filmmakers and tells the story of their coming of age struggles in a Native American community in the U.S. That this image would be used for such deviant ends is deeply hurtful to these young men and their families, and to the Native community as a whole." "We condemn this as a hate crime, and will join with others to see the perpetrators are brought to justice," said Rector. "This ad could intimidate and incite violence against indigenous youth in North America, and we are joining with Manitoba Chiefs to call for an end to hate crimes such as these. We must all stand together to protect our youth." Chairman Brian Cladoosby of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community said, "We are saddened by the fact that some people still harbor extreme hatred toward Native people as this advertisement demonstrates. But we are also encouraged that many more people recognize this as a racist attack on a generation of Native American youth who for the most part are law-abiding citizens striving to overcome generations of poverty and oppression, and live productive lives. We hope that calmer heads prevail and that the individuals responsible for posting this ad are prosecuted to the full extent of the law." While not an act of physical violence, it is one of intimidation and threat. According to the Criminal Code of Canada, "a hate crime is committed to intimidate, harm or terrify not only a person, but an entire group of people to which the victim belongs. The victims are targeted for who they are, not because of anything they have done. Hate crimes involve intimidation, harassment, physical force or threat of physical force against a person, a family or a property." Section 319(1): Public Incitement of Hatred, Criminal Code of Canada

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse responded with disappointment to the Ontario government's "Open Ontario" Throne Speech describing it as a five year plan without a genuine commitment to work with First Nations on issues beyond consultation and economic development."The Speech made a general statement about promoting economic development and consultation with Aboriginal people --- this statement fails to commit Ontario to act. Simply claiming that you will promote an idea is not a commitment to act", said Chief Toulouse. He expressed concern that the momentum gained following the 2007 release of the Ipperwash Report has been lost. "It appears that our relationship with the Ontario government has become stagnant or worse, may actually have gone backwards", stated Chief Toulouse. "We need to take a hard look at what has actually been accomplished since the release of the Ipperwash Inquiry Final Report almost three years ago. The government called the Ipperwash Report a positive road map for progress. But progress is not measured by process, announcements or empty words --- it is measured by results", said Chief Toulouse. He expressed frustration with the inability or unwillingness of the government of Ontario to take concrete steps to establish a real government to government relationship with First Nations especially on matters related to consultation and jurisdiction. He indicated that the government of Ontario unilaterally developed consultation guidelines in 2006 which were unanimously rejected by First Nations in Ontario. Furthermore, the overall 2005 Government of Ontario Policy on Aboriginal Peoples entitled "Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs" is old. These remain in place with no plan to reconcile First Nations and Government of Ontario government to government relations. The Chief pointed to these as examples of where there has been no substantive progress. "How First Nations are consulted and accommodated is integral to our relationship with government and industry as is the issue of the mutual recognition and respect for inter-governmental relations. It should not been surprising to anyone if we continue to see frustration in our communities if these fundamental issues are not addressed", said Chief Toulouse. The decision to harmonize the provincial retail sales tax with the federal goods and services tax is another contentious issue between First Nations and government that also remains unaddressed. "Once again both levels of government failed to consult with First Nations prior to this decision. The frustration that this decision has resulted in could have been avoided", stated the Chief. He indicated that Ontario publicly committed in the 2007 Throne Speech to work with First Nations "with respect and collaboration to improve the quality of life and expand economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples" but we are yet to see significant progress toward this stated goal. Some positive progress was made when the Mining Act was amended but it remains a work in progress and does not seem to be have impacted practice on the ground. The Chief pointed out that the government was under significant pressure to act in amending the Mining Act due in part to disputes like the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and Platinex issue but now that things have settled somewhat it appears that the old way of doing business is creeping back into practice on the ground. "The current dispute involving the development in the Ring of Fire demonstrates that First Nations interests are still not being properly dealt with. The right words are being said but where is the evidence and commitment to doing things differently?", stated Chief Toulouse. He said the way forward to achieving real progress requires a true collaboration, built on respect, between the Government of Ontario and First Nations governments. This collaboration must reflect the government to government relationship backed up by a clear plan that includes commitments for action with measurable outcomes.

March 9th, 2010 - "It causes me and everyone great concern," stated Assembly of First Nations national chief Shawn Atleo, as he spoke out about the federal budget that does not include funding for the Aboriginal Healing foundation (AHF). The AFN leader promised to press Canada to work jointly with the AFN on a Plan of Action to address key issues incuding, "to make sure the AHF is supported". His commitment came during a teleconference briefing with Aboriginal media Monday, including Turtle Island Native Network. The national chief explained why he will push for AHF funding, "We know when we listen to the AHF talk of the success of their programs, and the fact it takes at least ten years and sound, solid work with our people in our communities, to support the healing from overcoming the effects and the trauma of the residential school period". On the topic of Canada offering qualified support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the AFN leader made it clear "there is no appetite for compromise. The Declaration stands as a minimal, acceptable standard and we expect that the government will move to endorse the Declaration as other States have done, and that we would take steps to work with government - First Nations government and federal government to implement its articles. . . The whole principal of the Declaration is the idea of jointly working to not only see it endorsed as First Nations have done all across our territories, but for the government to do the same. . . based on the Declaration's principals which are clearly outlined - full partnership, respect and inclusion. . . I'm still very hopeful that we'll move very quickly and have this accomplished before summer."

March 8th, 2010 - As International Women's Week begins, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh, expressed hope that commitments made in last week's Speech from the Throne and federal budget will lead to a National Action Plan which can begin to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. "I was encouraged by the commitment of the federal government to take steps to endorse the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which includes specific mention of the need for states to work with Indigenous peoples to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination," said National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. "I am further encouraged that the commitments made in the budget mean that that Indigenous women and leaders are finally being heard on this serious issue." More than 500 Indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered since the 1960s. The Assembly of First Nations has joined national and international Indigenous and human rights groups in calling on governments in Canada to develop an inclusive process that will lead to a National Action Plan to address this issue. While the federal budget did not specify how it will invest the $10M dollars committed over the next two years, the AFN expressed hope that the federal government is signaling it is now ready to work toward meaningful and concrete actions that will bring clear focus, attention and resolution to this issue. "Gaps in human rights and the justice system have allowed perpetrators to remain free and cases to remain unsolved. This is a national issue that requires a national plan to protect Indigenous women and girls," said AFN Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh. "We want to work toward developing a plan that will help police and the justice systems become more responsive, increase the number of shelters, improve better victim services, and launch specific programs to assist women who have been trafficked. We also need to address the social and economic gaps which trap Indigenous women in high-risk situations." Chair McHugh added that there is also a need to improve public awareness and accountability by collecting and publishing comprehensive national statistics on rates of violent crime against Indigenous women. The AFN and AFN Women's Council have also recommended the creation of a non-partisan joint Parliamentary committee bringing together membership and resources from existing committees including Justice, Status of Women, the Aboriginal Affairs committee and Public Safety to study the issue. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace. Following the United Nations' lead, March 8 marks International Women's Day in Canada and the beginning of International Women's week. The week is dedicated to celebrating progress toward equality for women, to reflect on the challenges and barriers that remain, and consider future steps to achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.

March 7th, 2010 - "We welcome you into our traditional homelands, our traditional territories . . ." Turtle Island Native Network was there, as Esquimalt First Nation Chief Andy Thomas and his wife - Elder Mary Ann Thomas greeted the hundreds of people who gathered to welcome the Paralympic Torch Relay on Vancouver Island . . . Chief Thomas said, "First of all I want to welcome and acknowledge all of the hereditary chiefs, chiefs, elders, friends, dignitaries, all the athletes for the Paralympics that are going to be competing next week . . . Over the past few weeks watching the Olympics sparked a big fire in this whole country. I think it's one of the biggest opportunities our people clear across - from coast to coast to be involved in a ceremony like this that begins, and lights that little fire and in the Olympic athletes - to be able to give them the strength to face those challenges - what it's going to take to bring the gold home. (loud cheers from the crowd) I wish all the athletes well - good games - strong games." "It's really an honour to be part of this today, at the beginning, in the Coast Salish territory because I know the Coast Salish Nations are proud supporters of all the activities that have taken place today - over the past few weeks - the first nations olympic village. I hope that this is just the beginning. I really thank each and every one of you for coming out today to support the olympic athletes. Hychka!" Mary Ann Thomas: "I'm here to share a prayer with all the brothers and sisters and all the beautiful flowers - our children. A real special day today for the torch, and the heroes. We are all heroes from the Creator and it's really beautiful to have the torch to bring us all together - and this is the way it should be every day because we need each other. You and I are the role models for our children." (prayer in her language) "To all our brothers and sisters, I asked the creator to shine a light on each and every one, especially the children. I thank you for being here to make it complete because we all have this day to be celebrating . . .Hychka!" Calvin George of Songhees carried the lantern for the flame to be lighted on the stage. Chief Thomas said he was also representing Songhees Chief Robert Sam who was unable to attend this gathering on the shared territory of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. Amelia Thomas with husband Steve and daughter Esther were there to support daughter Veronica Thomas who was a Parlympic torchbearer Saturday. See exclusive photos here http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=11090#p11090

March 6th, 2010 - Despite a nationwide petition campaign of support, the Canadian Government has decided not to continue funding the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. The AHF Board of Directors acknowledged Canada's decision not to provide funds to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in the 2010 Federal Budget. A news release explained this decision by the Federal Government means that a nation-wide network of one hundred and thirty-four community-based healing initiatives will no longer have AHF support after March 31, 2010, when current funds run out. Aboriginal Healing Foundation President, Georges Erasmus, noted that "Budget 2010 commits $199 million to mental health and emotional support services for former students and their families - money which will go to Health Canada for Government-run programs. It is good that there is support in the budget for Survivors. This budget does cast a dark shadow however over the good and effective work being done in Aboriginal communities, by Aboriginal people, to address the destructive residential school legacy and to create healthier, stronger communities." Concerning the future, he added, "Without additional funds, community services will disappear at the end of this month, and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation will have no recourse but to wind down its operations. Our first priority now is to inform our funded projects of this news and to support them as they close." The Aboriginal Healing Foundation is a not-for-profit, Aboriginal managed national funding agency which encourages and supports community-based healing efforts addressing the intergenerational legacy of physical and sexual abuse in Canada's Indian Residential School System. Currently, 134 community projects are funded across Canada. Between 1892 and 1969, the Indian Residential School System operated across Canada through a partnership of the Federal Government and various church entities. Under federal law, Aboriginal children were institutionalized in hostels, industrial schools, and residential schools for the purposes of Christianization and assimilation. On June 11, 2008, the Prime Minister of Canada issued a formal apology for the Federal Government's role in the Indian Residential School System. As part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, an Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been established to undertake a nationwide, five-year truth-telling and reconciliation process.

March 5th, 2010 - Responding to the federal Budget - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo stated, "This budget falls short of what is needed, but we do have commitments we can build on," the National Chief stated. "I am hopeful that we work together in the spirit of the UN Declaration to move an agenda for change that will benefit First Nations and all Canadians. But we must start now if we are going to see change tomorrow. . . The federal budget definitely falls short of the targets we had set out to improve the situation of First Nations, but we do want to see the federal government move quickly on the commitments to work with us on critical reforms to education which must ultimately translate into more investment. . .The government announced in the Speech from the Throne that it would endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and we fully expect to work with the government based on the Declaration's principles of partnership, respect and inclusion." The federal budget included resources to implement education agreements, a commitment to achieve "comparable" education outcomes for First Nations students and to ensure that they receive the support they need to receive a post-secondary education. National Chief Atleo stated: "The commitment to comparable education outcomes for First Nations students is welcome and necessary. We set a target of graduating 65,000 First Nations post-secondary students within five years, which would bring us up to the Canadian average. We will not achieve that based on this budget but we do have a door open to dialogue and, if we work together as stated in the Speech from the Throne, we may be able to achieve these targets with future budgets. Chiefs have called for current post-secondary funding to be reviewed and strengthened. We do not want to see the program simply transferred to another department nor do we want to see changes that eliminate the critical role of First Nations in this program. We are ready to fully engage on this dialogue with a focus on our students." The National Chief acknowledged the commitment in the budget to take action to address violence against Aboriginal women: "The plight of missing and murdered Aboriginal women is an important issue and we want to see a National Action Plan developed jointly with the federal government to address this tragic and unacceptable situation." The National Chief also noted the renewals of critical programs in health, such as health human resources, youth suicide prevention, maternal health as well as child and family services. The National Chief noted that there is already an existing human rights complaint regarding the inadequacy of funding levels for First Nations child and family services and that funding is necessary to support efforts in every province and territory. "We must ensure that First Nations - especially First Nations youth - are not forgotten, that they do not fall further behind and that we achieve our targets," National Chief said. "What is really needed is a guarantee that health and education spending for First Nations will be stable and sustainable. This is a guarantee enjoyed by all Canadians except First Nations. We must implement a more fair and equitable approach." The Budget also contained a commitment to extend the funding on water and waste water, which will help First Nations continue to address water quality issues. Recent reports indicate that there are at least 48 First Nations communities dealing with high risk drinking water and 120 communities under drinking water advisories. This trend appears to be rising. "It is clear and well-understood that our communities desperately need critical infrastructure investments. We saw this in 2009 when funding for infrastructure was announced. Some were struggling to find shovel-ready projects but First Nation communities were ready to go right away. This sends a clear message: Work with us. The needs are great but we can get the job done," the National Chief said. The National Chief also commented on the resources allocated to address the legacy of the residential schools: "As we look forward we must also remember our history, and this is especially true of residential schools survivors. The resources in this do not specifically reference the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. This concerns us because the Foundation delivers critical programming to help survivors right at the community level. This work is needed now because the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is underway and survivors will be telling their often-times painful stories. I am going to seek clarification and will press for continuation of these important supports." The National Chief stated that he will seek a meeting as soon as possible with the federal government and Minister of Indian Affairs to discuss a plan of action to implement the budget commitments and to work on other matters in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect articulated in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Canadian Diabetes Association and the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association applaud the federal government for its decision to renew the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI). "Now community healthcare providers can get on with the job of providing the very important services that they do for our Aboriginal communities," said Dina Bruyere, Executive Director, National Aboriginal Diabetes Association. "All that remains to be confirmed is the exact level of funding specifically allocated to the ADI over the next two years." While the government has given every indication that funding for the next two years will be at the same level as 2009-2010, this was not specifically confirmed in the budget announcement. The budget simply notes that the programs have been renewed, and provides a global funding figure for all five programs. Specific funding allocations for the ADI are expected to be confirmed soon. "We are pleased that the federal government has listened to our concerns and made the decision to renew this very important initiative," said Ellen Malcolmson, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "Without the government's support more than 600 programs supporting Canadian Aboriginals living with diabetes would be at risk. We are confident that these programs can continue their very important work." Funding for the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, which was first announced in 2005, had been set to expire on March 31, 2010. The 2010 budget will allocate $285 million over two years for a range of health programs for Aboriginal Canadians, including the ADI, the Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, maternal and child health, the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative, and the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy says there is not enough support in the Budget for First Nations infrastructure. "Although there are some positive aspects of this year's budget, we were hoping for more financial support in capital infrastructure to help our communities... We have roughly five-thousand homes in NAN territory alone that need to be built or renovated. Improvements also need to be made to many of our schools and roads. Any federal funding will be spread among First Nation communities across Canada therefore our infrastructure crisis won't begin to be addressed." A news released noted that NAN communities also face several ongoing issues affecting their quality of life including high unemployment rates, lack of adequate health care, high suicide rates and lack of quality education. Beardy says the budget will not address those issues either. "We understand that Canada is dealing with tough economic times however, even in the best of times First Nations are living in third-world conditions. . .It seems we are always at the bottom of the federal government's priorities as we constantly feel the brunt of financial cutbacks. This budget will do little to close the gap between our First Nations and the Canadian society."

The federal budget fails to address the significant gap in post-secondary participation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. "Education is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty," said Jaden Keitlah, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students. "Each year underfunding shuts out thousands of qualified Aboriginal students from college and university." The federal government currently provides financial assistance to status First Nations and Inuit students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP). Despite Aboriginal peoples being the fastest growing demographic in Canada and virtually across the board tuition fee increases, funding for the program has been capped at 2% growth per year. As a result, thousands of eligible Aboriginal students have been unable to afford to attend college and university. In addition, non-status First Nations and Metis students are currently ineligible for funding through the PSSSP. "Funding disbursed through the PSSSP has a proven track record for those who can access it," added Keitlah. "The cost of sitting idly by will far exceed the cost of meeting our treaty obligations to provide access to education for Aboriginal peoples." The National Aboriginal Caucus has called for the 2% cap on PSSSP funding to be lifted since it was first implemented in 1996. In its budget submission the Caucus called for the cap to be lifted, funding to be provided to students who had been denied in previous years and eligibility to be extended to Metis and non-status First Nations learners. Founded in 1981, the Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more that one-half million students from ten provinces. The National Aboriginal Caucus is the voice for Aboriginal students in Canada with members on campuses from St. John's to Victoria.

March 4th, 2010 - First Nations are mentioned in the 2010 Canadian Budget. It provides support for First Nations child and family services, continues to address the legacy of residential schools and takes action to address violence against Aboriginal women. Here is what is said - Making Further Improvements to First Nations Child and Family Services In 2007, the Government launched a prevention-focused approach to child and family services to ensure that more First Nations children and parents get the help they need to prevent crises that lead to family breakdown. Beginning with Alberta in 2007, the Government has signed tripartite agreements with First Nations partners and Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Prince Edward Island. Budget 2010 commits $53 million over two years in order to ensure further progress. Addressing the Legacy of Residential Schools In 2005, an historic and unprecedented settlement agreement was reached between the Government of Canada and religious and Aboriginal organizations to address the legacy of Indian residential schools. Budget 2006 provided support for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, including payments to former students. Funding needs under the agreement have exceeded expectations. Recognizing this, Budget 2010 commits an additional $199 million over the next two years to ensure that necessary mental health and emotional support services continue to be provided to former students and their families, and that payments to former students are made in a timely and effective manner. The Government is committed to ensuring that all women in Canada, including Aboriginal women, are safe and secure regardless of the community in which they live. Aboriginal women remain particularly vulnerable to violence and can face challenges in accessing the justice system, which should be protecting them. Budget 2010 invests $10 million over two years to address the disturbingly high number of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Concrete actions will be taken to ensure that law enforcement and the justice system meet the needs of Aboriginal women and their families. The Minister of Justice will announce details in the coming months." Also of interest in the 2010 Budget - Health initiatives include $285 million over the next two years for renewal of five Aboriginal health programs, such as the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, a suicide prevention strategy for Aboriginal youth, and maternal and child health programs. $330 million to extend the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan - water and infrastructure projects in First Nations communities are being renewed for over the next two years. $30 million to support an implementation-ready tripartite K-12 education agreement that will ensure First Nations students benefit from comparable education results whether the classroom is located on or off reserve.

Aboriginal Canadians were front and centre in February for the 2010 Olympics and they are once again, for the Paralympic Winter Games this month. During a special ceremony in Ottawa Wednesday, the Paralympic Flame was ignited and blessed by Aboriginal firekeepers of the Pikwakanagan and Kitigan Zibi Algonquin First Nations on Victoria Island, their traditional territory. It was then placed in a lantern and brought to the Parliament Buildings where it was passed to three youth representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Metis National Council. They in turn brought the trio of flames to the stage located on Parliament Hill's historic front lawn where Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed and Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob, on behalf of the Four Host First Nations, reunited the flames in the Paralympic Cauldron. Among the torchbearers - Aboriginal dance champion, volunteer, athlete and coach, Justine Belair was selected as a representative of Canada's Aboriginal communities. To start each day of the relay, a new Paralympic Flame will be created by members of the local Aboriginal community, in accordance with their customs, wherever the daily torch relay celebration is taking place. For example, when the Paralympic relay visits Vancouver Island, the Flame will be created in a First Nations ceremony in Esquimalt on the morning of Saturday, March 6. This will be part of the celebration and relay hosted by the Township of Esquimalt and CFB Esquimalt, in partnership with the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations who will provide a traditional welcome.

March 3, 2010 - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said he is encouraged by Canada's commitment to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as stated in today's Speech from the Throne. "First Nations leaders and citizens across the country have been united in our call for Canada to sign-on to the United Nations Declaration," National Chief Atleo said. "We have taken this message to every audience throughout Canada and around the world, and today we are encouraged that Canada has listened. This commitment offers the potential for real, transformational change in the relationship between First Nations and Canada." The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, passed in 2007, is an expression of the fundamental principles that should guide the relationship between governments and indigenous peoples. National Chief Atleo stated: "The UN Declaration and its principles of reconciliation and partnership can guide all the other important work referenced in the Speech from the Throne. It will set the parameters for full respectful engagement and mutually acceptable resolution on the matters of citizenship, land, property and water rights and regulation," National Chief Atleo said. "The commitment to work with us hand-in-hand to reform and strengthen education responds to our call to work together to generate hope and opportunity for our youth. The Government has also made a very important commitment to taking action on the critical issue of missing and murdered women in our communities." The National Chief noted that First Nations across the country will be watching the federal budget tomorrow to see whether there will be additional detail and investments referenced to turn commitments into action. First Nations are concerned about possible cutbacks to existing programs and services and want to ensure there is opportunity to build on the momentum from today's positive Speech from the Throne. "The Winter Olympics demonstrated that the principles of recognition and respect create the right foundation for real partnerships that produce innovation and shared benefits for everyone involved," the National Chief said. "This is the way forward. This is consistent with our Treaties and our original relationship. This indeed could lead to a stronger Canada. Today, we take the next step forward on the long journey to reconciliation and opportunity for our people, and for Canada to fulfill its tremendous potential."

The Canadian Government is going to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The announcement was part of the Speech From the Throne delivered by the Governor General to start a new session of parliament. "We are a country with an Aboriginal heritage. A growing number of states have given qualified recognition to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Our Government will take steps to endorse this aspirational document in a manner fully consistent with Canada's Constitution and laws." As well, the Harper government has listened to the demands for more action about the missing women. "Our Government will take additional action to address the disturbing number of unsolved cases of murdered and missing Aboriginal women. The Sisters in Spirit initiative has drawn particular attention to this pressing criminal justice priority." The Speech From The Throne also included, "Our Government also recognizes the contributions of Canada's Aboriginal people. Too often, their stories have been ones of sorrow. Our Government will continue to build on its historic apology for the treatment of children in residential schools. After settling 17 specific claims since this Parliament began, it will continue to work to resolve additional claims. Having made safe drinking water and effective waste-water treatment on-reserve a national priority, our Government will introduce new legislative measures to further this goal. It is only 50 years ago that Aboriginal people in Canada were granted the right to vote. To further protect the rights of Aboriginal people, particularly women living on-reserve, our Government will take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of real property assets in the event of death, divorce or separation. It will also introduce legislation to comply with a recent court decision in order to address gender inequality under the Indian Act."

"He has been a respected member of his community and the letters of support indicate he has been a person who has provided support and guidance to members in his community." Sexual assault of niece during a so-called healing ceremony - 50 year old Dennis Clayton Buffalo, Day Star First Nation, has received a sentence of 29 months in a federal penitentiary. Mr. Buffalo describes himself as a First Nations pipe carrier. He conducts sweats and other ceremonies to assist people who come to him with mental or physical problems. Mr. Buffalo said he had a dream about the victim. After the dream, Mr. Buffalo called the victim's mother and told her that the victim was sick and that she needed to be doctored by him before she left on a trip to Las Vegas. The victim and her mother agreed to this. Mr. Buffalo drove to the victim's grandmother's home and picked the victim up. The victim agreed to go with Mr. Buffalo for what he called a "healing ceremony". Mr. Buffalo then drove the victim to his home on the Day Star First Nation, which was about a one-half hour drive. They went to his home because he said that was where his medicine was. Mr. Buffalo had performed a medicine ceremony on the victim on one occasion several years prior to this. As well, prior to this occasion, the victim had attended a couple of sweats that Mr. Buffalo had conducted. Mr. Buffalo and the victim arrived at his home around 11:30 p.m. No one was present at the house except the victim and Mr. Buffalo.Mr. Buffalo told the victim to take a sage bath and to drink some sage tea. The victim did so and then put on clothes that Mr. Buffalo had laid out for her. Mr. Buffalo then told the victim to go downstairs into one of the bedrooms in the basement. Once they were in the bedroom, Mr. Buffalo then smudged the victim with sage, sweet grass and cedar. They smoked a pipe together. Mr. Buffalo then told the victim to lay on the bed. Mr. Buffalo blew the smudge from the pan on the victim's body and fanned her with a feather. That's when the sexual assault began to occur. The victim did not say anything during the incident. Once this was over the victim got dressed and Mr. Buffalo drove the victim home. In sentencing him to prison, the Saskatchewan judge noted,"The aggravating factors include the fact that Mr. Buffalo is the victim's uncle. The victim trusted Mr. Buffalo, both as her uncle and as a pipe carrier. A pipe carrier is someone who the community has trust in. It is an aggravating factor that the assault took place in the course of what the victim thought was to be a healing ceremony, at a time when she was particularly vulnerable. It is also aggravating that Mr. Buffalo has a prior criminal record." The victim filed a Victim Impact Statement. The victim indicates in the Victim Impact Statement that she has been very hurt through this process, especially because she and others trusted Mr. Buffalo. She indicates that it is hard for her to have a relationship with men and lives in fear of men, even in her own family and describes herself as very emotionally upset. The victim also expressed some confusion about Mr. Buffalo's role as a trusted advisor saying "if what he did to me was the right way in our culture then why doesn't he say what exactly happened? His story should match mine." The victim's mother also filed a victim impact statement. She indicates that she felt very helpless and unable to help her daughter. She is very angry. She is very upset about the segregation that this incident has caused among her family and is upset that Mr. Buffalo has split her family over this incident.

A real breakthrough for environmentalists in their fight to get government information on fish health and sea lice related to controversial fish farms. The BC Government has been ordered by the Office of the BC Information and Privacy Commissioner to make public the information it gathers on the health of farmed fish. Environmental groups say the decision means greater independent scientific inquiry and public oversight into the highly contentious practice of open-net salmon farming along BC's West Coast. With a high incidence of sea lice and disease on farms, several scientists have predicted that the industry will lead to the extinction of some wild salmon runs in the Broughton Archipelago. "Unfortunately, transparency into fish farming will continue to be a problem even with improved access to government records," said David Lane, executive director of T.Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation. "Although we now have access to government audit data, the real site-by-site sea lice and disease monitoring data is collected by the BC Salmon Farmers' Association, not the government. Without access to this information, the public and the government have no idea if parasite or disease levels are dangerously high on a particular farm and the government has no ability to enforce its Sea Lice Management Strategy. This is just the beginning ... The whole process of salmon farm reporting has to change so the public, not the companies are in control."

March 2, 2010 - One of the most important topics for discussion at treaty tables in BC is being forced to take a back seat. . . The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Honourable Gail Shea, today issued the following statement: "The Government of Canada is deferring the negotiation of fisheries components at treaty tables in British Columbia that involve salmon, pending the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River. The deferral of fisheries related negotiations will allow for treaty negotiations to be staged so that fish chapters in treaties can be informed by the findings and recommendations of the Inquiry. "As Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, I will continue to manage and authorize BC salmon fisheries, including First Nations allocations of salmon for food, social and ceremonial purposes, and all participation in integrated commercial fisheries."The Fraser River sockeye salmon stocks have been in decline and the Commission of Inquiry has been established to investigate the matter. The Commissioner has been mandated with investigating the causes for the decline, assessing the current state of Fraser River sockeye salmon stocks and long term projections for those stocks, and making recommendations for improving the sustainability of the sockeye salmon fishery in the Fraser River. The Commission is expected to provide an interim report in August, 2010 followed by a final report by May 1, 2011. "The findings of the Commission of Inquiry may have implications for management of other Pacific salmon fisheries, and it is therefore prudent to defer negotiations on the fisheries components of treaties in British Columbia. "The deferral will not affect late stage Final Agreement negotiations with Yale First Nation, Sliammon First Nation and In-SHUCK-ch Nation, which have reached this final stage after years of good faith discussions between all parties in the BC Treaty Process. "The Government of Canada will continue to work with all interested parties to consider issues related to conservation and sustainability of this key resource for all Canadians."

"It is not the caribou herd that is on the verge of extinction, but rather the Innu Nation that must fight against assimilation and extinction policies." That comment is from the Chiefs of the Innu Strategic Alliance (Innu communities of Ekuanitshit, Matimekush-Lac John Pessamit, Uashat mak Maniutenam and Unamen Shipu, representing about 12, 000 people and representing 70% of the members of the Innu Nation living in Quebec) who have taken stock of the recent controversial caribou hunt expedition, which took place last week in Labrador. "This initiative was successful and also a great victory. Above all, we bring caribou back to our communities, and secondly, governments have taken notice, specifically, the Newfoundland/Labrador government which has understood that it must take into account our future rights," said Georges-Ernest Gregoire, Chief of Uashat Mak Mani Utenam. About 150 hunters took part in this expedition in which one of the objectives was to assert their absolute right to the ancestral caribou hunt on their traditional territory located in both Quebec and Labrador; "a right that had been denied until now by the Newfoundland/Labrador government authorities". At the end of the hunt, 250 caribou were killed and brought back to the communities for food supplies. "For thousands of years, we have practiced the caribou hunt on a territory we call Nitassinan. No border drawn up by Euro-Canadians, upon their arrival four centuries ago, can limit Nitassinan and the inherent rights of its people. Our protest last week was clear and has sharpened our determination to defend our rights against any missives from the federal and provincial governments," said Real McKenzie, Chief of Matimekush-Lac-John. "The debate surrounding the extinction of the woodland caribou is hollow. We do not threaten any species. The caribou has been, to us, a sacred animal that we respect and protect since time immemorial. It is not the caribou herd that is on the verge of extinction, but rather the Innu Nation that must fight against assimilation and extinction policies. For us, exercising our rights is a matter of survival," stated Jean-Charles Pietacho, Chief of Ekuanitshit. Innu elders recall that traditional hunting always prioritizes the complete respect of the animal. Elders who were present last week took advantage of the opportunity to teach their skills to the younger generation. These elders, who thoroughly know Nitassinan, do not understand nor comprehend the Canadian biologists' explanations on the so-called menacing of the herd. They remind us that, before colonization, there was only one caribou herd on that part of the Nitassinan territory. It originated from the Georges River and assured an important migratory cycle. Due to the intensive colonization of the territory, the herd was split and one group became more sedentary and remained in the forest, while the other pursued its normal migratory route. In the process of migration some remained close to the forest. The two groups thus represent a single herd. Some biologists, unaware of historical facts, therefore have falsely perceived the two groups as distinct herds. There are now nearly 3,000 caribou labeled "woodland", which are not endangered. "Accusations of causing the extinction of the woodland caribou, openly voiced by the Newfoundland / Labrador Government when the Quebec Innu are hunting on the territory, are fraudulent and are intended to arouse public opinion against us, denounces Georges C.S. Bacon, Chief of Unamen Shipu. I have more faith in the Innu, rather than governments, when it comes to protecting wildlife and the environment."

March 1st, 2010 - Canada is host to the G8 and G20 Summits this year - unparalleled opportunities to be a human rights leader, says Amnesty International. "Human rights should be at the heart of Canada's approach to both summits". "Commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples has been weakened by the failure to support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. That position must be reversed. The discriminatory levels of funding for First Nations child protection agencies must be ended. And a comprehensive national action plan to address violence against Indigenous women is needed." Amnesty International Canada released a report titled, Canada and Human Rights in 2010: Time to Return to Leadership. It outlines how the government should address human rights protection. One section of the report is titled Indigenous Peoples: Selling human rights short - By any measure the situation of Indigenous peoples represents Canada's longest standing human rights challenge. Yet at both international and national levels, government policies and positions have undermined efforts to strengthen protection of the human rights of Indigenous peoples. In 2007 Canada was one of only four countries to vote against a ground-breaking and long-awaited UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Of the other three nations who joined Canada in opposition, Australia has since indicated strong support for the Declaration and both New Zealand and the United States are known to be actively reviewing their positions. Canada remains implacably opposed and regularly argues that the Declaration has no applicability to Canada because the government voted "no" in 2007. Canada would never accept that position from other countries who might assert that a UN decision has no application to them simply because they voted against it. In 2008, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal agreed to hear a case challenging the consistent and significant underfunding of agencies that provide protection to First Nations children on reserves. Organizations who work with Indigenous children argue that the underfunding constitutes discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. The government asserts that since the government only provides funding and does not deliver child protection services, it is not covered by the Act. As well, the government argues it is not discrimination as it impacts all First Nations children equally. For generations the rights of Indigenous children in Canada have been callously disregarded. What is needed is government action to ensure their rights are protected, not far-fetched legal arguments as to why the government is not responsible. Across the country some of the most blatant instances of human rights violations against Indigenous peoples revolve around a refusal to recognize and protect land and resource rights, essential to the well-being and cultural survival of Indigenous peoples. One distressing example is the situation on the Lubicon Cree in northern Alberta, who never ceded their traditional territory by way of treaty, but have been consistently treated by the federal and Alberta governments as if they have no rights to control or benefit from those lands. Instead, a massive wave of oil and gas production and exploration has gone ahead on their lands and resources, without their consent, without any meaningful benefit to them, and with devastating cost to their health, livelihood, culture and traditions. In 1990 the UN Human Rights Committee ruled that Canada's actions were a violation of human rights protected under international law. Twenty years later the violations continue. Indigenous women and girls in Canada have long faced heightened levels of violence and discrimination, targeted both because they are women and because they are Indigenous. Countless numbers of Indigenous women and girls have been murdered or have gone missing across the country at a rate far above the levels faced by other women and girls in the country. The Native Women's Association of Canada and UN human rights bodies have called for a comprehensive and coordinated national plan of action to respond to this alarming human rights tragedy. While some significant measures have been taken at local or provincial levels, the federal government continues to defer creation of the urgently needed national plan of action. Additionally, Amnesty International is concerned that while the federal government cites its partnership with the Native Women's Association of Canada as the primary means by which it is addressing the threats to Indigenous women, as of February of this year there had still been no announcement of renewal of funding for the organization's Sisters in Spirit campaign." In its recommendations, the report calls on Canada to "Demonstrate its commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples by: announcing support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; remedying discriminatory levels of funding for First Nations child protection agencies; fully recognizing and respecting the land and resource rights of the Lubicon Cree; and developing a comprehensive national action plan to address violence and discrimination against Indigenous women."

February 28th, 2010 - Mounties in Manitoba say it was murder. They are investigating the stabbing death of a 17 year old Ebb and Flow First Nation girl. On Saturday at about 2:35 am, RCMP in Ste. Rose du Lac received a complaint of a stabbing at a residence on the Ebb and Flow First Nation. Members arrived to find 17-year-old Sandi Lynn MALCOLM badly injured and unresponsive. EMS arrived shortly after police and attempted to revive the victim but were unsuccessful. She succumbed to her injuries. Two additional females were hurt in this incident, a 24 and 26-year-old also from Ebb and Flow. RCMP members have arrested and charged 19-year-old Ronald Joseph RACETTE Jr. with second degree murder, aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm. Both the deceased and the accused are residents of the Ebb and Flow First Nation and were involved in a previous relationship. At the time of his arrest, RACETTE was wanted and had outstanding arrest warrants related to previous violence against the deceased victim. The accused was remanded into custody for first appearance in Dauphin Provincial Court on March 1, 2010. An autopsy will be conducted at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. The date has yet to be determined. The investigation is on-going with the assistance of the RCMP Winnipeg Serious Crime Unit, RCMP Dauphin and Brandon Major Crime Units, RCMP Dauphin Forensic Identification Section and the RCMP Dauphin Police Service Dog.

UPDATE on missing Metis mom and child - On Friday, February 26, 2010, the Winnipeg Police Service requested the public's assistance in locating missing persons, 15 year old Stephanie Genaille and her 5 week old daughter, Natalie Genaille. Stephanie and Natalie were safely located yesterday. Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

February 27th, 2010 - This perspective is from the group West Coast Environmental Law, regarding the stand-off between the Okanagan Indian Band and Tolko Industries at Browns Creek on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Ecological values and drinking water compromised in clash of laws and cultures! "The dispute brings to a head the long-standing conflict between Tolko's plans to clear cut log in the watershed and the Okanagan's resolve to protect their water supply, their ability to map and collect evidence establishing their Aboriginal Title and Rights, and their future use of the watershed and its ecological abundance. But the issues go even deeper than this. Indeed, the story playing out in Browns Creek is one that raises profound moral and legal questions. The Okanagan Nation have been the owners of this land since time immemorial, never ceding or relinquishing it to anyone. Today, the Okanagan are exercising their right and their responsibility under Okanagan law to protect their land and territories from the threat of logging. The situation, however, appears very different from a Canadian legal perspective. Although the Browns Creek watershed has been the subject of Aboriginal Title proceedings for over a decade, the Crown has continued to grant permission to companies like Tolko to log in the area. In turn, Tolko's Tree Farm Licence and cutting permits gave it sufficient rights to seek an injunction preventing the Okanagan from interfering with logging and road construction, which was ultimately successful with some provision for additional archaeological work. While finding that the counter-claim of the Okanagan Nation Alliance against Tolko for trespass raised a "'serious question to be tried," Madam Justice Brown, in a manner all too typical of similar proceedings, was much quicker to find that Tolko's potential economic losses represented "irreparable harm" than the environmental and cultural losses raised by the Okanagan. It should trouble us morally and legally as Canadians that the ancient legal principles, rights and responsibilities of First Nations peoples, rights which are constitutionally protected, are routinely expected to give way in the face of the statutory and contractual rights of corporations and their economic interests. And we all lose when the environment and drinking water are degraded in the result. Can the provincial government and companies be encouraged to better respect Indigenous environmental laws? West Coast Environmental Law has been working for many years to support First Nations partners in developing land use plans and written policies and codes that embed principles of the nation's traditional environmental laws in technical terms that the Crown and third parties are more familiar with. Reconciliation negotiations with the provincial government and legal agreements about shared decision-making and land use planning can sometimes set the stage for legal protection of key areas in both First Nations and Canadian law. There are also precedents for providing interim protection while this work is ongoing, and legal authority for doing so in provincial law. Regrettably, however, it has often taken conflicts like that currently playing out at Browns Creek to galvanize the political will of the Crown to implement proactive solutions. The Okanagan Nation is in the process of developing a land use plan that would "give the land a voice" and will no doubt provide further weight to their decision to protect the Browns Creek watershed from clear cut logging. The questions is: when this hard work is done, will it be too late for Browns Creek? By Jessica Clogg

February 26th, 2010 - A 15 year old Metis mom and her baby are reported missing. The Winnipeg Police Service is requesting the public's assistance in locating Stephanie GENAILLE and her 5 week old infant daughter, Natalie GENAILLE. They were last seen on February 24, 2010 at approximately 6:20pm. Stephanie GENAILLE is described as Metis, is 5'10" tall,weighs 180 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair with an orange street in front. She usually wears her hair in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing dark sweatpants, a shiny purple hoodie, a purple t-shirt and a white winter parka with a grey snowflake pattern on it. Stephanie GENAILLE was last seen pushing a navy Graco car seat/stroller combination similar to the photo above with a pink baby blanket and was carrying a black baby diaper bag. Natalie GENAILLE is described as Metis, weighs 11 pounds and has a full head of dark hair and brown eyes. Natalie was last seen wearing a purple snowsuit with a side zipper and a purple hat with "Natalie" written on the front. Anyone with information regarding Stephanie and Natalie GENAILLE's whereabouts is asked to contact the Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250.

February 25th, 2010 - First Nations support for an Okanagan logging blockade is growing, while the timber firm seeks court action to end it. The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council issued a news release to say it fully supports the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) in their efforts to protect their unceded territory against the actions of Tolko Industries Ltd. (Tolko). The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC), representing 8 First Nations in central British Columbia, is cautioning Tolko Industries and also encouraging them to listen to the concerns of the OKIB and to immediately cease all proposed plans for logging. The CSTC news release stated, "Tolko's actions are bringing attention to First Nations around the country and to Indigenous Peoples around the world about the actions of Canadian forest companies. This may lead to other First Nations opposing their operations in other areas in BC." Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee explained, "Our Chiefs have similar stories of companies in our territory that do not heed our concerns . . . in the past, court action or direct action have been the only effective means of getting the attention of the public and the provincial government to stop aggressive companies such as Tolko". Teegee added, "If any First Nation has concerns about their drinking water then the priority to ensure the communities health and safety are protected should become paramount". The CSTC said it will continue to monitor this escalating situation and will work with the OKIB "to ensure the local, national, and international media are aware of the actions of Tolko and the inaction of the government of British Columbia". Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs stated, "Tolko Industries will be in court today seeking an enforcement order to remove Elders, band members, supporters and Chiefs from Brown's Creek. The Brown's Creek watershed contains archaeological sites and is the source of drinking water for the Okanagan Indian Band. Rather than listening to the serious concerns of the Okanagan Indian Band, Tolko's actions have only served to increase the tension of this volatile situation." Last Saturday, the Okanagan Indian Band held an emergency General Band Meeting where Elders and band members unanimously passed a motion to establish check-points to stop all Tolko employees, contract logging crews and equipment from passage over and through Westside Road and authorized the establishment of a blockade in the Brown's Creek Watershed to protect their community's water supply, their archaeological heritage and their Title and Rights. "Earlier this week, Tolko officials arrived at the blockade asked community members a number of scripted questions. They carefully recorded responses and took quite a few pictures. As I understand, all of this information was incorporated into affidavits and will be brought forward to the Courts today" said Grand Chief Phillip. "However, due to the court slowdown due to the Olympics, Tolko may not succeed in securing a judge to hear the matter and this situation may escalate for another week or two." The watershed is part of ongoing litigation between the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Okanagan Indian Band and Tolko Industries. The Courts recently accepted Tolko's proposal to protect archaeological sites and had previously ruled that Tolko could log in the Browns Creek Watershed. Grand Chief Phillip concluded, "The Courts failed the people and have awarded industry. The interests of industry trump all others. In time, the Courts may grant an enforcement order and it will be up to the RCMP on how to resolve this situation in a peaceful and respectful manner. The UBCIC fully supports the Okanagan Indian Band to ensure their community's water, history and rights are protected."

February 24th, 2010 - The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are being held in the traditional and shared territories of the Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. So it is understandable that millions upon millions of dollars from the 2010 Olympics are flowing to those four First Nations. That's good! However, in an interview with Turtle Island Native Network, Christine Smith-Parnell, Executive Director, Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society points out that "none" of the money is going to urban Aboriginals. Christine is also the Chairperson of the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council, a voice for urban Aboriginal organizations who represent 60,000 off-reserve people. "It's sad," she said as she explained how urban initiatives support First Nations members who move to the city, yet urban Aboriginal organizations have to "scrape by". Christine said everyone knows that if you look at the urban population, "a lot are coming from First Nations - we have to take care of them". As for the 2010 Olympics Legacy Fund, the off-reserve population hasn't received any of it, and Christine wonders why the Vancouver Organizing Committee and the Four Host First Nations have left them out. Her message is clear, "We are servicing your people, and there is no overlap or duplication of the services we provide. It's a dangerous trend when they don't include the urban Aboriginal people". She says a letter was sent to VANOC but there has been no response. What's strange about all of this is that VANOC claims it has worked closely with the urban Aboriginal people in Vancouver. Here's what I found on the VANOC web site in the Aboriginal section under the heading The Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Community. "We are currently working closely with the Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy Steering Committee on a number of sport, economic development and awareness initiatives to engage the urban Aboriginal community. In 2006, VANOC co-hosted three Aboriginal Sport Talent Identification and Sport Fit events targeted at the urban Aboriginal community. This year, we plan to participate in the hosting of a community celebration and economic development workshop. The purpose: to share the Games spirit and provide the community with important information about how it can get involved in the 2010 Games." The issue of off-reserve people taking a back seat to their on-reserve relations is not new. Urban Aboriginal groups have been struggling for years and only recently is their some renewed hope that the situation will change. The hope, according to Christine Smith-Parnell, arrived last summer when Shawn Atleo was elected AFN National Chief. He is a breath of fresh air on the national scene. He comes from a younger generation and he is fully aware of the urban issue. "I'm very optimistic with Shawn being there. He has an understanding and has created a new urban portfolio . . . a person to help facilitate" between the on and off-reserve perspectives. Christine told Turtle Island Native Network that the National Chief recently toured Vancouver Native Health in the Downtown Eastside and saw the superior work being done to help urban Aboriginal people, but in a substandard facility because of lack of financial support. She says urban initiatives such as Vancouver Native Health could benefit from Olympics dollars and she plans to press VANOC and First Nations leaders to adopt a broader, more inclusive approach to the Legacy Fund.

February 23rd, 2010 - Turtle Island Native Network congratulates Buffy St. Marie, a recipient of a Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement - the most prestigious artistic honour bestowed in Canadian performing arts. Buffy Sainte-Marie has achieved international acclaim as a singer/songwriter, visual artist, advocate for Aboriginal rights, and mentor. Her powerful songs of love, hope, protest and triumph have sensitized people around the world to important political and social issues. She continues to tour extensively, capturing audiences everywhere with the energy, intensity, and raw communicative power of her performances. Ms. Sainte-Marie was born in 1942 on the Piapot Reserve, Saskatchewan. Self-taught on piano since the age of 3, she took up the guitar at 16, and by age 22 she was performing worldwide. Her songs range from the tender "Until It's Time for You to Go" (recorded by, among others, Elvis Presley, Cher, Neil Diamond, Cleo Laine, Ginette Reno, and Barbra Streisand) to iconic protests such as "Universal Soldier" (which became the anthem of the peace movement) and inspired, informative pleas for Aboriginal rights ("Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," "Native North American Child," "My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying"). For her first album, It's My Way (1964), she was voted Billboard's Best New Artist, and in 1981 she won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award (Oscar) for the song "Up Where We Belong" (written for the film An Officer and a Gentleman). Her latest release, Running for the Drum (2009, packaged with a bio-documentary DVD, Buffy Sainte-Marie: A Multimedia Life), won a JUNO and four Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. A pioneer in the field of digital art, she has exhibited her digital paintings in major museums across North America. In 1996 she founded the Cradleboard Teaching Project, providing accurate, enriching Aboriginal curriculum online to Native and non-Native students throughout the world. She was a cast member (1971-75) of the educational children's TV show Sesame Street. Her awards and honours include Officer of the Order of Canada (1997); inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2009), Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2005), Canada's Walk of Fame (1999), JUNO Hall of Fame (1995); Lifetime Achievement Award, Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (2009) and Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (2008); official spokesperson, UN International Year of Indigenous Peoples (1993); honorary degrees from six Canadian universities. The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards will be presented at Rideau Hall on April 30. Each recipient will receive a cash award of $25,000 contributed by the Canada Council for the Arts and a commemorative medallion struck by the Royal Canadian Mint.

First Nations Campaign For Justice! Turtle Island Native Network supports the B.C.All Chief's Task Force campaign for justice for Aboriginal Canadians . . . This campaign was launched to coincide with the 2010 Olympics and to capture the attention of the international media to draw attention to the outstanding Aboriginal Rights issues in Canada . . . The B.C. All Chief's Task Force has launched a series of Public Service Announcements and Turtle Island Native Network is posting the links so you can access them here . . .
NOTE: These are MP3 audio files

Missing Women . . . http://blog.prassociates.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/radio-psa-4-missing-women.mp3

Rights Violations . . . http://blog.prassociates.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/radio-psa-3-rights-violations.mp3

United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples . . .http://blog.prassociates.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/radio-psa-2-un-drip.mp3

Poverty . . . http://blog.prassociates.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/radio-psa-1-poverty.mp3

More . . . British Columbia All Chief's Task Force . . . http://firstnationstaskforce.wordpress.com

February 22, 2010 - A conflict between the Okanagan Indian Band and a logging company is escalating. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) promises to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Okanagan Indian Band to ensure their community's water, history and rights are defended." In response to threats from Tolko to commence logging of the watershed that supplies the majority of the 1,800 residents of the Okanagan Indian Band with their drinking water, today the band membership began "a protective blockade of the watershed" at the Okanagan campsite located near Bouleau Lake. Due to the icy winter road conditions a 4x4 vehicle is required to reach the camp. Anyone attending the camp is advised to dress warmly with proper winter attire as temperatures will likely be below freezing even during the day. Under the authority of the Okanagan Nation, a parking area will be designated and all forestry vehicles (both corporate and ministry) will be charged a parking fee of $10 per day. All proceeds from the parking fee will go to the Okanagan Indian Band's save the watershed fund. A news release explained, "Please note that title to the area is a matter that is presently before the courts and that the Crown has been unable to produce any documentation showing acquisition of title from the Okanagan Nation." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs stated , "The UBCIC is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions between the Okanagan Indian Band and Tolko Industries." Tolko was expected to attempt to move equipment and crews into the Browns Creek watershed today. On Saturday the Okanagan Indian Band held an emergency General Band Meeting. After being briefed on the latest developments, Elders and band members unanimously passed a motion to establish check-points on Westside Road for the purposes of monitoring and regulating traffic flows through their community. All Tolko employees, contract logging crews and equipment have been banned from passage over and through Westside Road. The Elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band authorized the immediate establishment of a blockade in the Brown's Creek Watershed. Grand Chief Phillip stated "The UBCIC fully supports the Okanagan Indian Band's decision to protect their community's water supply, their archaeological heritage and history and to pursue all available steps to ensure that their Title and Rights are recognized, respected and protected. The UBCIC calls on all First Nations throughout BC to rally support for the courageous stand taken by Chief Fabian Alexis, Elders and members of the Okanagan Indian Band." The watershed is part of ongoing litigation whereas on January 29, 2010 the BC Supreme Court issued a decision regarding archaeology proposals submitted by Okanagan Nation Alliance, Okanagan Indian Band and Tolko Industries. Madam Justice Brown accepted Tolko's archaeology proposal. Madam Justice Brown's pronouncement follows her previous decision of January 11, 2010 that Tolko could log eight (8) cutblocks in the Browns Creek Watershed, provided that archaeological sites were protected. "The Courts failed to deal with the proprietary nature of Aboriginal Title to the lands and resources within the territory," said Grand Chief Phillip. "With this decision, third party interests are protected at the expense of the community's drinking water, archaeological history and their constitutionally protected rights."

February 21st, 2010 - This is the Year of the Metis in Canada, but you won't catch Conservative MP Peter Goldring of Edmonton celebrating. In fact, he has sparked a firestorm of controversy over his stance on Louis Riel - a hero for the Metis, a villain according to Goldring. He had issued a newsletter entitled "The Truth about Louis Riel" that "sets the record straight on Riel and his crimes." Goldring said efforts to "mount a statue to him on Parliament Hill would elevate anarchy and civil disobedience to that of democratic statesmanship". Liberal MPs accused Goldring of gaving a 19th Century mindset, and say the Conservative party should apologize to Canada's Metis Nation for attacking their heritage "through a smear campaign against the legacy of Metis leader and Manitoba founder Louis Riel". Liberal MP for Winnipeg South Centre, Anita Neville said, "Louis Riel is a symbol of the struggles that Canada had to endure in our early history, and his legacy is a matter of national importance." Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic Todd Russell stated, "The Conservative party has reopened a long-since healed wound by attacking the defender of the Metis people, the founder of Manitoba, and a Father of Confederation. Mr. Riel fought to protect Metis rights and culture during a turbulent time for Metis people in our history." (Keep in mind that Goldring is a real right wing Conservative and was a member of the former Alliance party - remember them and their racist rants about Aboriginal Canadians?)

February 20th, 2010 - Threat to water supply by logging company sparks direct action by First Nation community . . . In response to the imminent threat to the drinking and irrigation water of the Okanagan Indian Band, the community plans to establish a checkpoint today on Westside Road . . . and to prevent industrial logging operations at the Brown Creek Watershed, a community meeting will be held regarding access by Tolko Industries Limited. AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo issued a statement providing his strong support for the Okanagan Indian Band's actions to protect its community, people and Territories. "As National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and on behalf of our executive, I would like to offer my support to Chief Fabian Alexis and the members of the Okanagan Indian Band in their efforts to protect their community's water supply. The health and safety of the citizens of the Okanagan Indian Band must take priority, as should the Crown's duty to consult with First Nations prior to development on traditional territories. First Nations support a balanced approach to economic development, but we must be involved, as it is our lands, our lives and our communities directly impacted. Development must be responsible and sustainable based on acceptable standards for consultation and accommodation so no one (First Nations or industry) gets caught in the middle. I encourage all levels of government to work with First Nation leadership to ensure First Nations are adequately consulted and accommodated in any initiative affecting our lands and resources. This includes free, prior and informed consent by First Nations when it comes to economic development impacting First Nation territories."

February 19th, 2010 - "Today we mourn the passing of Ruby Hunter, a talented and inspirational Aboriginal singer and songwriter. Her death overnight at her home at Killarney in south west Victoria, is a sad loss to all Australians as well as the music industry. As a member of the Stolen Generations, Ruby was taken from her family at the age of eight and moved between a number of foster homes and institutions. She met her life-long partner and soul mate Archie Roach at the age of 16 at a Salvation Army drop-in centre while they were both living on the streets. They went on to forge a remarkable partnership in life and music, always inspiring and supporting one another." Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said Ruby Hunter was an exceptional artist with extraordinary spirit. "In the face of adversity, she found her voice in music and through her songs spoke directly to so many of us about the loss suffered by the Stolen Generations," Ms Macklin said. "Her songs also reveal her enduring love for Archie, for her family, her Ngarrindjeri history and her peoples." Arts Minister Peter Garrett said Ruby Hunter was a great Ngarrindjeri woman - a great songwriter and performer - who played a leading role in Australian music. "She provided extraordinary inspiration and consolation to many, many people around this country," Mr Garrett said. "Ruby will be greatly missed by her many friends, fans, and colleagues who span many cultures and generations." The Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek paid tribute to Ruby's achievements as an Aboriginal woman in the music industry. "As the first Indigenous woman to be signed to a major record label, Ruby paved the way for future generations of Indigenous singers and songwriters." "She sang a lot about what it meant to be a proud woman, and a proud Ngarrindjeri woman at that." Our sincere condolences are extended to Archie - Ruby's companion through life - as well as Ruby's extended family and her community.

Bullying! What is it, Why Does it Happen. . . Turtle Island Native Network says: The tragic death this week of a First Nation teen in Southwestern Ontario, is a powerful reason for all of us to get educated about this nasty business of bullying. A 15 year old Chippewa of the Thames First Nation teen took his own life, and friends and family believe it may have been triggered by bullying (teasing and name calling - putting him down). The death of Brendan Deleary (Red Eagle) has created a huge outpouring of condolences from people in his community and the kids at his school - Saunders Secondary in London, Ontario. On the social network Facebook, friends and family have created a page "R.I.P. Brendan Deleary". . . His sister Alanis Raine Deleary wrote: " My big brother was an extremely great respectful person and I will miss so dearly along with my parents and little bro Zack. Chi-Miigwetch to the person whom created this site to honour Red Eagle. I hope this brings the awareness that teasing hurts too. RIP Bren (Miskwa Migize). I Love U Red Eagle! You left us so many memories and we know that as you walk in your mocassins to the spirit world you will be so happy. We love u sooooooo much Bro, Son Nephew, Cuz." His aunt Barb wrote: "It is so beautiful to see that my nephew touched so many people's lives. For a quiet boy he sure had a voice that everyone heard at some point or another in his short lived life. He was so gifted - his love for his family, friends; his determination, creativity and imagination. Brendan always had an open mind and nev...er judged anyone. We can do him proud if we could all work together to create postive, open communication and work to make a difference in a world that can sometimes make people think they are so alone. Be a friend to someone (anyone) and make a difference in their life and you will feel the joy that made Brendan such a fine human being. Brendan - your life made a difference to so many and what you endured will not be in silence any more. In your memory we will work to make a difference kiddo. Love you XOXOXOXO." How sad is this - apparently the bullying was by "tough" guys from Brendan's own community. In a real twist of irony . . . on the Saunders Secondary School's web site there is a promotion for Psychology Month and "Finding your way - a lecture series on the psychology of everyday life" including one titled, "Understanding Bullying: What is it, Why Does it Happen, and How Can Adults Help". I think it would be a great way for people to honour Brendan Deleary, that if you live in the London area, then please attend the Bullying lecture Saturday February 27th at the Library on Dundas Street in London, Ontario.

February 18th, 2010 - In Vancouver, this is International Indigenous Day at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion - welcoming the Indigenous people of the world - on a day dedicated to our brothers and sisters world-wide. Entertainment includes, New Zealand group Soul Paua with their traditional Maori and Polynesian inspired acoustic grooves. The group sings in a mix of English and the Maori language. The sounds of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia fill the air with a performance by Tjupurru. This descendent of the Djabera Djabera tribe adds a modern twist to the iconic Didgeridoo by adding a slide to it to allow for a greater range of notes and tones. Adjagas of Norway describes their music as "gentle, peaceful, dreamlike, spiritual and utterly engrossing. It is, at the same time, strangely alien. Lyrics are unrecognizable, startling vocals delivered in a style that veers between whispered but crystal clear sweetness, unbridled emotion and all points in between, sometimes hitting notes that may previously have never existed." The group bases their music on a traditional music form called a yoik which describes something with sounds rather than words. Eighteen Grade 3 and grade 4 children from Chief Matthews school in Old Masset, located in the Queen Charlotte Islands (mostly from the Haida First Nation) are in Vancouver to perform at the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase, which is adjacent to the Aboriginal Pavillion (at Vancouver Community College - corner of Dunsmuir and Hamilton) today from 3-4pm. The school community raised $21,000.00 (In a community of approx. 2,000 people) for airfare/accommodations to bring the school children to Vancouver to experience the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Most of these students have never travelled outside of the Queen Charlotte Islands, some have never seen a traffic light before. The principal of Chief Matthews school, Leslie Bellis says they expect to arrive at 2:30 at the atrium of the Vancouver Community College. From there, they are performing some Haida songs from 3 - 4 p.m. at the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase. This is quite an adventure for these kids - an educational adventure full of activities designed to complement the classroom. They attended an Olympic hockey game between Finland and Belarus and the awards ceremony. They will also visit the Vancouver Aquarium and the Museum of Anthropology. Also at the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase, Kwakwaka'wakw artist Harold Alfred displays artwork born of 36-years of experience in the northwest coast design. His gold and silver bracelets, pendants and wedding bands shimmer with the intricate lines of a master craftsman. He also works in stained glass, prints and of course wood. He will be at the Artisan Village until February 19th.

February 17th, 2010 - The watershed supplying much of the Okanagan Indian Band's water supply, is the lightening rod for conflict, in the latest volley of the battle with the Tolko timber company. Chief Fabian Alexis of the Okanagan Indian Band reacted with anger to news that Tolko was proceeding with logging of the Browns Creek Watershed. "Their actions seem designed to spark the maximum confrontation with the Okanagan Indian Band and the Okanagan Nation," said Chief Alexis. "Tolko has refused to share with us their archaeological report in spite of a court direction. The more we have raised our concerns and objections to Tolko logging the watershed that supplies our drinking water, the more determined they have become to log it," noted Chief Alexis. "I guess Tolko wants to try and show us whose boss. Perhaps Tolko's owners might want to consider the fact that title to the lands they are now logging is a matter that is still before the courts. Tolko may well find itself in a situation where the TFL and logging permits are invalidated and they will have to then deal directly with us for permission to log within the Okanagan Nations traditional territories. So perhaps Tolko's owners might want to look beyond the next fiscal quarter and see what sort of relationship they want to have with us," warned Chief Alexis."To that end I would encourage Tolko's CEO Brad Thorlakson to meet with me rather than to continue to escalate the situation to a point where everyone loses,"said Chief Alexis."I would also request that he share with us the archaeological reports that have been done to date. . .I also want to let the Province of British Columbia know that we are well aware of their complicity in allowing this situation to get to this point. A government that was interested in paying more than symbolic lip service to aboriginal title and rights would not have granted cutting permits to Tolko on lands where two court orders provide that the Okanagan can gather evidence of aboriginal title and over which the Province has admitted that the Okanagan have an aboriginal right to harvest trees. It seems that Forest Minister Pat Bell and Aboriginal Affairs Minister George Abbott are quite content to let the confrontation continue to escalate," added Chief Alexis. "If this was a watershed supplying water to Kelowna or Vancouver, the fragile water supply would be protected.

February 16th, 2010 - Wild Salmon are an essential, traditional, healthy food source for First Nations in British Columbia. But just like the writing-on-the-wall for the wild salmon fishery, there wasn't any on the menu for the Executive of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council (MTTC). In fact, there was no menu at all. Since early Monday the First Nation leaders have participated in a Fast - to show solidarity in their opposition to fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago. Chief Bob Chamberlin, Chair of the MTTC and Secretary-Treasurer of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs explained, "The 29 hour fast reflects the 29 fish farm tenures in our territories." The fast began at 5:00 a.m. on Monday and ended when Team Canada faced off with Team Norway in Men's Ice Hockey at the Winter Olympics (Canada scored a stunning 8-0 win). What's hockey got to do with fish farms? you might ask. It's not the hockey that is of importance here, but Norway - and the fact First Nations are not happy with the conduct of certain Norwegian fish farm companies, and how their business operations are not in accodance with the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Unlike Canada, the Norwegian Government voted in favour of the Declaration at the UN General Assembly. Article 26 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides that: "1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired. 2. Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership or other traditional occupation or use, as well as those which they have otherwise acquired. 3. States shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources. Such recognition shall be conducted with due respect to the customs, traditions and land tenure systems of the indigenous peoples concerned." Indigenous Peoples Rights are at issue in BC's Broughton Archipelago, the traditional territory of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk. Fish farms operated by Norweigan companies are being blamed for threatening the survival of wild salmon stock in the area. Fish farm salmon have escaped often - that's a threat. Sea lice associated with these farms is a threat. This is not to suggest that all First Nations are against all forms of fish farms. In fact, Lax Kw'alaams First Nation has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding - a fish farm agreement with AgriMarine. They will investigate the possibility of developing closed containment cultured salmon operations utilizing AgriMarine technology in Band territory on the North Coast of British Columbia. Note the reference to "closed containment". This is very important, because the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation - the Tsimshian are opposed to traditional net cage fish farming (open net-cage fish farms) because of the environmental impacts. AgriMarine's operations use floating solid wall, closed containment systems that provide "controlled rearing" - a "sustainable aquaculture alternative". Lax Kw'alaams First Nation, as do the Tsimshian from BC to Alaska still see salmon as a staple food. However, the reality for the Tsimshian and other First Nations is the decline of wild salmon in the Fraser and Skeena Rivers and their tributaries. The Lax Kw'alaams "hope to revive their fisheries-based economy" by using these floating solid wall, closed containment systems. A group called the Pure Salmon Campaign points out, "Closed containment technology includes fiberglass, cement tanks and heavy gauge plastic bags that physically separate farmed fish from wild fish. This is one technology option that creates impermeable barriers that can prevent the spread of diseases and parasites and eliminates escapes and discharges of wastes into the ocean. Eliminating these problems would help protect fragile marine ecosystems while also inevitably improving productivity and profits for producers of farmed salmon." As for the Broughton Archipelago, Chief Bob Chamberlin, Chairman of the Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk Tribal Council explained, "Norwegian-owned salmon farms operating in our traditional territorial waters are killing wild salmon and strangling the lifeblood of our whole culture." First Nations and others see a quick fix to the threat facing the wild salmon. Don Staniford, Global Coordinator, Pure Salmon Campaign stated, "We hope that King Harald -- who will be attending the Olympics as a spectator -- can take the time to persuade Norwegian companies to move farms out of the path of migrating wild salmon and invest in technology, such as closed containment systems, to protect wild fish from sea lice, mass escapes and infectious diseases."

While we are on the topic of sustainable First Nations . . . The shishalh Nation (Sechelt Indian Band) announced that a long-term Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) has been signed and Plutonic Power Corporation. The agreement will facilitate the potential development of transmission within shishalh Traditional Territory for future renewable energy projects. A news release explained that Plutonic Power Corporation and the shishalh Nation are currently parties to an existing IBA for development of the $660 million, 196-megawatt East Toba River and Montrose Creek Hydroelectric Project. They believe that the latest IBA "marks the first time in B.C.'s history that two consecutive agreements have been reached between a First Nation and a developer in BC' s growing renewable energy sector". shishalh Nation Chief Garry Feschuk calls the benefits agreement a significant milestone for his community, "Quality green energy developments, achieved in partnership with First Nations and respectful of our land, our culture and our people, represent real economic opportunity and a better tomorrow for all. We will continue to work constructively and creatively on quality IPP opportunities throughout our territory, ensuring that we achieve true partnership and true benefits like we have achieved today with Plutonic." The specific terms of the agreement remain confidential, however it includes - revenue sharing provisions - job, training and contracting opportunities - environmental considerations - protection of cultural and heritage resources - access understandings - signing bonus and innovative provisions to ensure future transmission access is effectively and fairly managed in shishalh Nation Traditional Territories.

AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo supports immediate action to address the situation of missing and murdered First Nations women across Canada. He issued the following statement following the 19th Annual Women's Memorial March in Vancouver. "It was a great honour to march along side our Indigenous Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters and nieces paying respect to those who are no longer among us. We are aware of over 520 unsolved cases; for the families and friends of those murdered or missing, it is not acceptable that Canada has not acted, in a decisive fashion, to address this situation. As I tabled before Parliament late last year, the Assembly of First Nations advocates strongly for dedicated and urgent attention through launching a National Action Plan on Murdered and Missing First Nations women across Canada. It is difficult for me to put into words the emotions I felt last Sunday marching among the grieving crowd and I provide you with a quote from Grand Chief Doug Kelly (Tseem Th'ewali) that he shared with me following the march": "I was struck and amazed by the strength and the deep heartfelt love shared by the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, nieces and daughters that spoke today at today's memorial. In spite of their personal pain, grief, and sorrow, each of these powerful women reminded us to take care of one another, to teach our children the values that will sustain them, and to remember our loved ones that are missing or murdered. Today, the leaders were reminded to remember. We were told about our job to speak for those that cannot speak for themselves. We were told to seek justice and not to give up until we achieve justice for not only missing and murdered women but those that prey on our children and perpetuate violence against our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, and granddaughters. Like you, I was honored to stand with our women. It was gratifying to see our colleagues standing together on this very important matter."

February 15th, 2010 - Rallies and marches, large and small echoed the same messages across Canada on Sunday, on behalf of all the many missing, murdered Aboriginal women. There were renewed calls for public inquiries - provincial and federal. In Vancouver where the Annual Womens' Memorial March began almost two decades ago, an estimated 4,000 people gathered and marched. In Prince George, a small group gathered. Many had travelled great distances to be there to show their support and love for the women missing along the Highway of Tears. "I can't believe we live in a country where these people could go missing and we don't have answers for these families," said Sai'kuz Chief Jackie Thomas. She was there with her three daughters, "I want them to grow up in a different world than we have here now". Chief Thomas then posed this question for Canada, "Do we value our Aboriginal women any less than any other woman in this country?".

Manitoba Mounties report a fatal fire in the Community of Split Lake First Nation. Shortly before 8 am today, RCMP Thompson Rural Detachment and the Split Lake Fire Department were dispatched to a residential fire on Airport Road. One person has been located deceased in the house. RCMP remain on scene and with the assistance of the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner continue to investigate. The cause of the fire is not known right now. Identity will not be confirmed until an autopsy has been completed in the near future.

February 14th, 2010 - While chocolate covered romance and commercialism consume this Valentine's Day, a more significant happening draws a spotlight to itself in ten Canadian cities today. Womens' Memorial Marches are being held across the country in honour of hundreds of missing, murdered women. This year, marches are being held in Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Sudbury, London, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria. It is a call to action to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples worldwide to support the families of murdered and missing women. It also is a renewed call for the Canadian government to launch a public inquiry. According to Marlene George, Memorial March Committee organizer in Vancouver,"Government and societal apathy to these losses of thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women living in poverty only compounds the ongoing risk to our women." "This is an ongoing issue. An increasing number of women who are forced to live and work in conditions of extreme poverty and marginalization are being murdered or have gone missing in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. These women may not be with us today, but we cannot let their lives and struggles be forgotten. Every life is precious and we must continue to work for justice for murdered and missing women." Native Womens Association of Canada President, Jeannette Corbiere Lavell will be attending the 19th Annual Memorial March in Vancouver. She stated in a news release, "All Canadians have a role to play here. The Memorial March is a real testament to the unwavering strength and determination of Aboriginal women in their communities. Almost two decades have passed since the first march, and the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal women and their families continues to grow. We need to come together in our daily lives to recognize these missing and murdered women. Their families need to know that we have not forgotten any of these mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties and grandmothers. By participating in Memorial Marches we are showing the world that Aboriginal women, all women, are valued."

Attack on tribal sovereignty. Tribe Sues State of California. Lawsuit targets Arnold Schwarzenegger. San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, located in northeast San Diego County and the owners of Valley View Casino, filed a $115 million lawsuit, against the State of California for lost profits. "The State, led by Governor Schwarzenegger, has for years refused to issue the licenses to which the tribes were entitled, and instead held the licenses as leverage against the tribes in an attempt to force them into new compacts that would strip tribal governments of their sovereignty." The damages are alleged to arise from Governor Schwarzenegger's refusal to allow the California Gambling Control Commission to issue all of the slot machine licenses to which the tribe is entitled under its 1999 contract with the State. The Tribe contends, therefore, that the State breached its contract and is illegally interfering with its ability to provide slot machine play for its patrons. The State, led by Governor Schwarzenegger, has for years refused to issue the licenses to which the tribes were entitled, and instead held the licenses as leverage against the tribes in an attempt to force them into new compacts that would strip tribal governments of their sovereignty. By refusing to issue these slot machine licenses, in breach of its contracts with the tribes, Governor Schwarzenegger also eliminated a badly needed source of income for counties and cities that would have generated up to $30 million per year; and, which perhaps could have helped to avoid or mitigate the current fiscal crisis of local government in the state. Allen Lawson, Chairman of the San Pasqual Tribe explained: "Fulfilling the language of the compact will not only benefit the entire Native American community but in turn will aide the counties of California during this time when everyone could use assistance. We are just asking for what was established to be ours according to the language of the 1999 compact, but it benefits everyone. The governor instead chose to intentionally breach our contract, to the detriment of San Pasqual as well as the people of the state of California."

February 13th, 2010 - It probably will not happen, but that isn't deterring Bob Chamberlin from publicly requesting a meeting with the King of Norway while he is in Vancouver for the Winter Games. The Chief of Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation and Chair of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council explained,"The Chiefs want to discuss with King Harald the conduct of certain Norwegian Fish Farm Companies and how their business operations are not in accordance with the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which the Norwegian Government voted Yes to at the UN General Assembly". A fast is being used by the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council to express their opposition to fish farm tenures in the Broughton Archipelago.The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has expressed its support for the 29 Hour Fast. Chief Bob Chamberlin who also is Secretary-Treasurer of the UBCIC explained, "The 29 hour fast reflects the 29 fish farm tenures in our territories". The fast will begin at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, February 15th at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (500 - 342 Water Street, Vancouver).The fast will end on February 16th, the day when Team Canada faces off with Team Norway in Men's Ice Hockey. This is an excerpt from Chief Chamberlin's letter to the King, "All we ask for is that the river systems and Inlets which produce our Wild Salmon that has sustained the Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk people since the beginning of time, be shown the very same respect the Norwegian Government demonstrates in the safeguarding the Wild Salmon of Norway by the establishment of the of the National Salmon Fjords. I appreciate this request is of short notice but I sincerely hope you can understand the urgency of the Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk People to meet with you. As Royal Representative of the Norwegian People I hope you can offer the Norwegian people, Industry and Government guidance in this International matter and establish a respectful relationship with the First Nations with whom I am representing." A spokesman for the King of Norway said recently that the King would not attend such a meeting while in Vancouver.

February 12th, 2010 - Young Aboriginal people and their families will be special guests this Saturday, for the 10th annual Follow Your Dreams night at the MTS Center in Winnipeg, where they will enjoy watching the first-place Manitoba Moose take on the Toronto Marlies. The Manitoba Moose have made over 2,300 tickets available free of charge to Aboriginal youth and their families from across Manitoba. Event partners include the Manitoba Moose, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), FNIHB, the Tribal Councils Investment Group and the RCMP. A news release explains that youth will be treated to hot dogs, pop and popcorn. "The event focuses on healthy living, choices and suicide prevention and also offers a positive opportunity for youth to get to know RCMP members outside of the community setting." The Mounties will showcase various units, including the Forensic Identification Section, Recruiting, Community and Aboriginal Policing. There will also be information booths featuring the AMC, Klinic, University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba and Red River College. Guest speaker for the evening is Tinsel Korey, an actress/singer/songwriter from Ontario who has a major role in the Twilight Saga movies.

Students and teachers rallied in Regina at Saskatchewan's legislative building Thursday to support the rebuilding of the First Nations University of Canada. "The government needs to participate in the restructuring of First Nations University, not abandon the institution and the need for Aboriginal control of Aboriginal education," said Thomas Roussin, representative of the National Aboriginal Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students. In the wake of the government of Saskatchewan cancelling funding and following several years of governance issues, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations implemented the recommendations of the 2005 All-Chiefs Task Force and dissolved the Board of Governors of FNUniv. Students, faculty, and the Canadian Association of University Teachers applauded the decision only to see the federal government pull its funding four days later. Cadmus Delorme, President of the First Nations University of Canada Students' Association stated, "This institution creates leaders and opportunities for First Nations peoples to participate in the economy. . . We share the land - that was the agreement, the treaty - the government has an obligation to fund this institution and that is why we are gathering today." A news release explained that First Nations University of Canada has a strong history stretching back to 1976 and is a modern symbol in Canada and internationally of Aboriginal education leadership. After shutting down the Canadian Residential School system, First Nations University was established as a model for First Nations-controlled education. "The recent actions of the federal government are inconsistent with the vision set forth in the Federal government's apology to Residential School survivors just last year," added Roussin. "The government must reverse its decision to end funding so that the institution, students, and First Nations communities can move forward."

February 11, 2010 - Bay Film Studios of Duncan, BC announced it will be producing a full-length theatrical feature film of Aboriginal Canadian hero Tommy Prince. A news releasestated, "The world will see a true account of Canada's most highly-decorated First Nations soldier. Tommy made such an impact on the German Soldiers, they called him 'The Black Devil'. His brigade soon became known as 'The Devil's Brigade,' the most successful special service force in military history." Tommy Prince will feature renowned actor Adam Beach of Saulteaux descent. "The Tommy Prince project has become a social-minded film that will show Canada the true heroics of a Manitoba First Nation hero." Bay Film Studios also announced a proposed made-for-television series of North American First Nations heroes on foreign battlefields.

A UBC study shows that more than one-third of young aboriginal people in B.C. who use illicit drugs are infected with hepatitis C. The study says Aboriginal young people are at greater risk of Hepatitis C infection if at least one of their parents is a residential school survivor. That is one of the major risk factors for HCV infection. The study says having at least one parent who attended residential school means a young Aboriginal person is nearly twice as likely to get Hepatitis C if they are an injection drug user . . . For the first time ever, research has revealed a statistical connection between residential schools and infectious disease rates. New findings from a University of British Columbia study on at-risk Aboriginal young people in British Columbia point to alarming patterns of historical trauma, injection drug use and Hepatitis C (HCV) infection. The findings were released by the Cedar Project-a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded longitudinal study that monitors HIV and HCV among Aboriginal young people who use drugs in British Columbia. The paper, published in the medical journal Open Medicine, reveals that young at-risk Aboriginal people in two BC cities who use injection drugs, especially females, are extremely vulnerable to HCV infection. The study looked at a group of 512 young Aboriginal people in Vancouver and Prince George. Two hundred eighty-six participants reported injection drug use when they enrolled in the study. Of those reporting using injection drug use, 59 per cent were infected with HCV. According to the findings, major risk factors for HCV infection include daily injection drug use (2.7 times more likely to be HCV positive), having at least one parent who attended residential school (1.9 times more likely), being a young women (1.9 times more likely) and reusing syringes (2.4 times more likely). Previous research identified a relationship between having a parent who attended residential school and was involved in the child welfare system with sexual abuse among Aboriginal young people who use drugs in British Columbia. This is the first study that reveals a statistical connection between residential schooling of parents and the rates of HCV in their children. "These findings emphasize the importance of acknowledging the role of historical trauma in the health outcomes among Aboriginal peoples, including HCV infection and drug use," says Chief Wayne Christian, one of the study's investigators. "To create meaningful strategies to help improve the health outcomes of our young people we need to better understand the relationship between having a parent who attended residential school and increased risk of HCV infection. I am particularly concerned about the safety and protection of our young women surviving on BC's streets." The prevalence of HCV infection in the Aboriginal young people living in Prince George nearly mirrored the prevalence among young people using injection drugs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, with Prince George having higher rates of prevalence and incidence. "Given that Vancouver has consistently been described as an epicentre of the HIV and HCV epidemics in British Columbia and in Canada since the early 1980s, these findings indicate that the faces of these epidemics are changing," says Patricia Spittal, principal investigator of the Cedar Project and an associate professor at UBC's School of Population and Public Health. "The similar rate of Hepatitis C infections in Vancouver and Prince George is very concerning and may be a warning of a larger epidemic in the North in the future." Chief Wayne Christian of the Splatsin Secwepemc Nation, added "This study confirms the devastating impact that the trauma experienced through residential schools continues to impact our young people today . . . We honour our elders who endured this trauma, and their struggle to cope and survive. However, we know that concrete strategies and resources are needed to address the multigenerational trauma that has resulted from years of abuse in residential schools." Our young people who use injection drugs are often coping with unresolved historical and lifetime trauma, including the impact of the residential school system, and more effective community driven interventions are needed to help them heal, says Chief Christian, who points to the urgent need for action. "Canada's refusal to vote in favor of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People is a clear sign that the residential school apology offered by Prime Minister Harper may be insincere. The time is now to take action, to do whatever it takes to create a healing environment founded on our culture and traditions. We can no longer wait for governments to do what we know to be right for our Children and Grandchildren. We must act. If we truly believe that the Children are our Future, then the Future is right now," says Chief Christian.

February 9th, 2010 - "We are against development where we have no input . . .We want to ensure long-term benefits from development in our treaty-protected territory," said Marten Falls Chief Elijah Moonias, after he met with representatives of the provincial government and mineral exploration companies to outline the issues involved with development taking place at an area known as Ring of Fire, located about 500 kilornetres northeast of Thunder Bay - between Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation. It is the subject of an ongoing blockade which began January 18, 2010. Ice landing strips at both Koper Lake and McFaulds Lake have been closed to prevent further mineral exploration and development from continuing in that area. "We presented all the major players with a Memorandum of Agreement," said Chief Moonias. "It outlines the ten issues that need to be resolved in order for the blockade to end." Memorandum of Agreement issues include: 1. Expedition of Airport Construction 2. Expedition of Both Band and Business Interests 3. Elimination of Extensive Lake Usage as Landing Strips 4. Enforcement of Accommodation and Compensation 5. Enforcement of Environmental Accountability 6. Establishment of a Consistent Envrionmental Assessment Process 7. Establishment of Protocol for Mutual Business Development 8. Enlistment of the Winter Road Corridor 9. Establishment of Land-Use Planning 10.Clawback and Compensation for Corridor. "If all the parties involved agree to settle our issues in the next six months, we will end the blockade on February 18," said Chief Moonias. "If there is not agreement and we are forced to continue with the blockade, we will ask other ask experienced people to help such as Kl First Nation."

A call to action to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples worldwide to support the families of murdered and missing women. The British Columbia All Chiefs' Coordinated Action Working Group said you can join in the 19th Annual Women's Memorial March on February 14th - This year, marches will also be held on February 14 in Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Sudbury, London, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria. A news release reminded us that over 520 women have gone missing or been murdered in Canada since the 1970s. Last year, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women issued this statement: "Hundreds of cases involving aboriginal women who have gone missing or been murdered in the past two decades have neither been fully investigated nor attracted priority attention." Kathryn Teneese, Chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council stated, "Indigenous women continue to suffer violence, indignity and discrimination in Canada based on their gender and economic status. . . Efforts must continue to bring justice and restore the dignity and respect for First Nations women to ensure the safety of our grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, teachers, and leaders." The British Columbia All Chiefs' Task Force is asking the Federal Government for a public inquiry into all the cases involving murdered and missing women in Canada. spokesperson Chief Wayne Christian explained, "A public inquiry will provide closure and answers for the family members still living with the loss of their loved ones and help determine the number of women that have gone missing across the country. . . An inquiry will help in developing a comprehensive action plan to protect First Nations' women from violence and discrimination."

February 8th, 2010 - Aboriginal community representatives gathered with BC politicans and members of the Chilliwack board of education to sign the province's 48th Aboriginal education enhancement agreement - to "support the integration of Aboriginal culture in public schools, and ensure that Aboriginal communities are involved in the design of programs, services and curriculum delivery - aimed at improving Aboriginal student achievement. The three primary goals of the agreement, which will be integrated into the district achievement contract as well as into each school's growth plan, are: To increase the respect and understanding of language, culture, governance and history of Sto:lo and Aboriginal people for all students in order to create a better sense of school and community. To increase the academic success of all Aboriginal students. To increase Aboriginal students' sense of belonging at school. Many programs mentioned in the Aboriginal education enhancement agreement are already in place and supporting students. The Sto:lo First Nation and the Chilliwack school district were instrumental in having Halq'emelen, the language of the Upper Fraser First Nations, made part of the curriculum as a provincially approved second language.

When our people come in contact with the justice system, being Aboriginal in Canada all too often means going to jail or prison where there already is an unacceptable large Aboriginal population. However, in some cases being Aboriginal can help - to make sure individual circumstances are given serious consideration, and justice is served and sentencing is fair. Turtle Island Native Network is reporting on a Vancouver Island court case involving a First Nation man who originally was sent to jail for drug charges - but now has won his appeal. It points to another court case that illustrates the importance of the special section of the Criminal Code (and the Gladue Decision) in helping to ensure Aboriginal Canadians receive fair treatment when they appear in court to face sentencing for their crimes . . . 47 year old Stacey Terry Bodaly was convicted at Port Alberni almost a year ago of one count of possession of marihuana for purposes of trafficking, after pleading guilty. He was sentenced by a Provincial Court judge to three months imprisonment with one year probation. He appealed, and now a judgment by the BC Court of Appeal has disagreed with the trial judge and instead says a more appropriate sentence is a conditional sentence of three months, giving credit for the 21 days already served. Mr. Bodaly appealed the lower court sentence in April of last year on various grounds, including that the sentencing judge had disregarded a recommendation of community supervision in the pre-sentence report (PSR), and had failed to give due consideration to his Aboriginal status as required by s. 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code. The PSR had noted Mr. Bodaly's dreadful upbringing was "in a household full of neglect, abuse and indifference". He left home in Port Alberni at age 14 and became self-sufficient. He had a child, Ashley, in 1997 and has always been her primary caregiver. He left school in Grade 8 and is basically unable to read or write, perhaps due to a reading disability. Yet he has managed to hold down decent jobs for extended periods until about 2001. He has been living in recent years on social assistance of $664 per month plus rent. When young, he abused alcohol until he quit, certainly when his daughter is around, but in latter years he has "self-medicated" with marihuana and, it appears, pills. According to the report, this assists him in coping with depression, anxiety and ongoing back pain. He has a criminal record but not a lengthy one, the last offence having occurred in 1995 for possession of a narcotic. Most of the offences relate to alcohol or drug use or possession. He told the author of the PSR that he now realizes that with a child around, he cannot continue trafficking in drugs and that he must act in accordance with the law. The Court of Appeal noted that the sentencing judge had evidence from a social worker to the effect that Mr. Bodaly's daughter was receiving good care from her father and is doing well at school. Mr. Bodaly was born a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation but has not cultivated his ties to the band, having made it 'on his own' to this point. The author of the PSR noted that no information regarding programs that might be available for or from members of the band was available before sentencing. The author of the PSR was of the view that Mr. Bodaly sincerely wanted to change his behaviour, "especially if anything he does impacts his daughter or his ability to maintain custody of his daughter". The PSR recommended a period of community supervision subject to various conditions. Mr.Bodaly's lawyer sought a conditional sentence and suggested he would benefit from community assistance, perhaps from Aboriginal sources. The Crown sought a term of imprisonment of three months and that is what the sentencing judge ordered. Mr. Bodaly's lawer was able to gather evidence for the appeal court to show that the Snuneymuxw First Nation has community services available - a program that assists with substance abuse, as well as counselling, a health nurse, a program that assists people who have been out of school for a long time, and a friendship centre close to the community. Mr. Bodaly made arrangements to begin counselling in December 2009 in Port Alberni and has been attending for counselling. The Appeal Court's Madam Justice Newbury noted, "It is true Mr. Bodaly has lived apart from his Aboriginal community since he was able to remove himself from the care of his obviously dysfunctional family. That does not mean he is any the less a victim of his upbringing or disentitled to have s. 718.2(e) given due consideration in his case. Even if he were not Aboriginal, he would be entitled to have a conditional sentence seriously considered, given his background, the long gap in his criminal record and his ability to hold employment in the face of severe educational deficiencies and his family situation. In my view, the sentencing judge did not give adequate weight to s. 718.2(e) or to the personal and family circumstances that militated in favour of a conditional sentence in this case. Given Mr. Bodaly's attitude and recognition that he cannot keep breaking the law, it is likely that deterrence and protection of the public are not as important in this case as rehabilitation. It appears now that there is a reasonable alternative to imprisonment that may help Mr. Bodaly return to a way of life that is stable and productive and enables him to continue to provide his daughter with the environment she needs. We are told he realizes he cannot do so if he flouts the law and I would add the warning that if he is convicted of another criminal offence, imprisonment is more likely - with all that would entail for this family. In all the circumstances, and considering also that Mr. Bodaly did serve 21 days in custody (with rather serious consequences for his daughter), I find that a fit sentence would be a conditional sentence of three months, giving credit for the 21 days already served, subject to the following conditions: 1. There would be a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., except when Mr. Bodaly is attending to go to work or to attend rehabilitation or counselling programs or sessions. 2. He must attend and participate in rehabilitation, substance abuse and other counselling programs that may be recommended by his probation officer, whether Aboriginal-based or otherwise. 3. He must refrain from associating with persons that he knows are users of illicit substances. The one year probation order would continue in place. On these conditions, I would allow the appeal."

February 7th, 2010 - Manitoba Mounties have laid manslaughter and drug trafficking charges in connection with the acute drug overdose death of 38-year-old Brent Robert Malcolm last year. RCMP Waywayseecappo Detachment assisted by Brandon Major Crime Unit laid manslaughter and trafficking in a controlled substance charges against 36-year-old Ernest Leon Mentuck of Waywayseecappo First Nation - The investigation into the death began on May 12, 2009 when Malcolm was found dead in his residence in Waywayseecappo F.N. - On February 4, 2010, following an 8 month investigation and in consultation with Manitoba Justice, Ernest Leon Mentuck was formally charged and arrested at the Brandon Correctional Institute in connection with the death of Brent Robert Malcolm. Mentuck is also facing the same charges in connection with the death of a 34-year-old former resident on September 12, 2009 in Waywayseecappo First Nation.

Sedona, Arizona Sweat Lodge Organizer James Ray Arrested and Charged! Manslaughter charges have been laid in connection with the three deaths in a sweat lodge ceremony (a so-called Spiritual Warrior event - James Ray, hosted it and rented the facility from the owners of the Angel Valley retreat center.) The arrest and charges followed an indictment decision by a Yavapai County Grand Jury. James Ray made a court appearance last week after he was indicted on 3 counts of Manslaughter - charges that stem from the deaths on October 8, 2009 of Kirby Brown, James Shore, and Liz Neuman, participants in the ill-fated sweat lodge ceremony, hosted by Ray. His bond was set at 5 million dollars. Detectives learned that there were 64 people inside the "sweat dome" when some of the participants became ill. Some attendees told detectives they paid up to $9000.00 for their stay at the retreat center and participation in the program. Last november, Sam Longblackcat of the Lakota Nation issued a statement announcing court action because of the mis-use of Native American culture. The Lakota Nation considers its sweat lodge ceremony a sacred rite. "This lawsuit is about the protection of our way of life." His statement explained, "I would like to place an emphasis and inform the people of the United States as to what is happening in Sedona Arizona with the Angel Valley Retreat Center and James Arthur Ray, and the Peace Treaty of 1868 with the Lakota Nation and United States of America. I have been given clearance by Oliver Red Cloud Wicasa Itacan of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council to give this statement, and by the Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, Wicasa Itacan Arvel Looking Horse. This lawsuit is about the protection of our way of life. We really hold our ceremonies and our way of life valuable, we are here as the caretakers of our mother earth. . . We Lakota people continue to fight for our way of life. The sweat lodge - we call it Oinikaga or Inipi - is a purification ceremony, to make life. . . It was a slap in the face when my daughter woke me up and said: Have you seen the news? I watched the pictures and the press conference and the reports and it hurt me. It hurt all first nation people here on turtle island from the southern tip of Mexico to the north of Canada. Our sacred way of life was desecrated by a non-native man. This is our property, and there are laws in the United States and in the United nations that state that these customs are ours and that they are to be protected. . . This lawsuit is not to gain millions of dollars, like this man James Arthur Ray sought who charged 10 000 dollars a head. We are filing this law suit to defend our way of life and our treaties."

February 6th, 2010 - Turtle Island Native Network is reporting that the just initialled Yale First Nation Final Treaty Agreement with BC and Canada, is both a good news/bad news story . . . Sto:lo Tribal Council promises hard-nosed tactics to defend their rights against impacts of Yale treaty. Some say there is a war looming in the Fraser Canyon fishery. . ."This treaty will fail because both levels of government decided to underwrite a deal with the Yale Band that will be tested in the courts and fought out on the rock walls of the Fraser Canyon. Our fishing families will not subordinate their fishing rights to the Yale Band. And our people will not go cap in hand to the Yale Band to get access to their ancient fishing spots and dry-racks. It's just not on. And what is more, we are the proper title holders to the very Crown lands and reserve lands that both the provincial and federal governments plan to hand over to the Yale Band under this treaty. Given this reality, Ministers Strahl and Abbott just committed both Ottawa and Victoria to spend millions of dollars in the courts defending their decision to ignore the broader Sto:lo community in favour of extending a highly doubtful treaty to the Yale Band. And policing agencies such as the RCMP and the Department of Fisheries & Oceans will need to ramp up their budgets to oversee the fishery in the Fraser Canyon." Sto:lo Tribal Council news release. Meanwhile. in a response to a request to the BC Government by Turtle Island Native Network, for clarification of the alleged negative impacts of the Yale agreement, we received the following statement from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. "Treaty making is a long and complex process. Canada, British Columbia and Yale First Nation are continuing to work to resolve any remaining overlap issues. There are numerous groups representing different groupings of Sto:lo peoples, including the Sto:lo Tribal Council. The Sto:lo Tribal Council is not part of the BC treaty process. The Council was invited to participate in consultations and public meetings at various stages of Yale treaty process. All Final Agreements state that if the Aboriginal rights of another First Nation are adversely affected by a treaty provision, the provision is to be read so that those rights are not adversely affected. If that proves impossible, the parties will make their best efforts to amend the treaty, or replace the provision with another." Sto:lo Tribal Council says the Yale treaty agreement will not bring stability as the governments promise and in fact the opposite, "Let's be clear, the Yale Band will be forced to forfeit much of the money promised to them under the treaty to future court costs." Grand Chief Pennier says that the Sto:lo Tribal Council is swinging into high gear, putting together a long-term strategy and roster of hard nosed tactics to counter the impacts of the Yale treaty."We are meeting now and we have the support of hundreds of our fishermen. They are demanding that we help them defend their fishing rights in the Fraser Canyon. . . . It is our duty to protect our aboriginal title in the Fraser Canyon and to support our fishing families at their fishing grounds."

February 5th, 2010 - Yale First Nation Treaty Agreement initialled by negotiators. "This agreement gives us our life, our freedom and confirms our land. The certainty it brings provides a solid economic foundation upon which to build for future generations of Yale members," said Yale First Nation Chief Robert Hope. "The Yale people have been in the Fraser Canyon for more than 9,000 years leading up to this moment." The Final Agreement contains provisions for self-government, financial and land transfers. The land component will consist of approximately 1,966 hectares of Treaty Settlement Lands, made up of 217 hectares of former Indian reserves and 1,749 hectares of Crown lands owned in fee simple. In addition to this, approximately 21 hectares of provincial Crown land that is currently designated as Agricultural Land Reserve, will be transferred to Yale First Nation as Yale First Nation Land. This designation will not change except in accordance with the province's Agricultural Land Commission Act. In addition, Yale First Nation will receive a capital transfer of $10.7 million and economic development funding of $2.2 million. The treaty provides mineral rights, forestry and domestic fish resources, as well as gathering and harvesting rights, within a context spelled out in the treaty. Yale First Nation's access to commercial fishing opportunities for Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon are outside of treaty in a separate Harvest Agreement. As part of the negotiation process, agreements are initialled by chief negotiators and then voted on by eligible First Nation members to ratify. Once ratified, the Final Agreement will be introduced as legislation in the provincial and federal parliaments. Yale First Nation entered the BC treaty process in April 1994. In March 2006, Yale First Nation and the governments of British Columbia and Canada signed an Agreement-in-Principle, laying the foundation for final agreement negotiations. Yale First Nation has approximately 150 members. Their traditional territory and reserve land are located within the Fraser Valley Regional District just north of Hope.

"We are no longer willing to sit on the sidelines of economic development in our territory. As development continues in our region royalties, taxes and spin-off spending must be part of a resource revenue sharing package that my people benefit from. If we do not benefit we will have no choice but to block future development on our traditional lands." That statement was made by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy during the Ontario pre-budget consultations at Lakehead University facilitated by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan. A news release explained There are several new opportunities for economic growth and development within NAN territory. "Ring of Fire" located near Marten Falls First Nation has the potential of becoming the site of one of the biggest Chromite explorations in the world. The diamond mine outside Attawapiskat was initially valued at 8 billion dollars and has the potential for other developments stretching across NAN territory from the Quebec border to Manitoba. NAN territory also contains untapped electrical energy that could offer greater opportunities for industry development and entrepreneurial activity in NAN communities. "The 2010 Ontario budget must include investment in all-weather roads,in producing a reliable source of energy and ensuring reliable telecommunications.Investment in these three areas will form the foundation needed for the potential of two hundred years of wealth and prosperity in the north and by extension,throughout Ontario, explained the Grand Chief.

February 4th, 2010 - The mysterious death last June of an Oxford House First Nation man, has been determined to be a murder, say Manitoba Mounties. On June 6, 2009, 37-year-old Bernard HART of Oxford House First Nation was reported missing. A subsequent missing person investigation determined that HART was last seen in Thompson on June 4th, 2009. On July 8th, 2009 the remains of HART were located in a wooded area on the east side of Thompson. A post mortem examination determined the cause of death to be unascertained. After further investigation, the RCMP determined that HART's death was a homicide. On October 22, 2009, RCMP attended Oxford House First Nation and exhumed the remains of HART in order to conduct further forensic examinations. On October 24th,2009 a second post mortem examination was conducted at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center with the assistance of a forensic anthropologist. Although the details of this examination were not released, RCMP continued to investigate HART's death as a homicide. After the post mortem examination was completed HART's remains were transported back to Oxford House First Nation. On December 17, 2009 a 13-year-old male from Thompson, Manitoba was arrested and charged with second degree murder in relation to HART's death. On January 19, 2010, 20-year-old Raymond Jeremy MCDONALD from Nelson House First Nation, Manitoba was arrested while in Brandon Correctional Center on unrelated matters and charged with second degree murder in relation to HART's death. On February 3, 2010, 20-year-old Skylar SPENCE of Leaf Rapids, Manitoba was arrested at Stony Mountain Institution while serving a sentence on unrelated matters and charged with second degree murder in relation to HART's death. A court date in relation to these charges has not yet been set. The RCMP Serious Crime Unit from Winnipeg along with the Thompson Major Crime Unit and Thompson RCMP Detachment continue to investigate.

Sophie Thomas, a healer and elder of the Sai'Kuz First Nation is one of the recipients of the University of Northern British Columbia's top public awards. She will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree during the University's May 28, 2010, Convocation ceremonies in Prince George. Sophie Thomas is the mother of 15 children and the traditionally adoptive mother of 15 more. "She is a living encyclopedia of traditional ecological knowledge and provided much of the content and inspiration for the book, The Plants and Medicines of Sophie Thomas, prepared by UNBC professors Jane Young and Alex Hawley and published in 2002. It is currently in its third printing, with 2000 sold to date."

Former National Chief Phil Fontaine, and James Bartleman, the first Aboriginal person to hold the position of Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, will receive an honorary degree during U of Guelph's winter convocation running Feb. 16 and 17. At the 4 p.m. ceremony for the College of Management and Economics, Fontaine will receive an honorary doctorate of laws. He was elected for three terms as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations between 1997 and 2009 and previously served three consecutive terms as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. An inspirational leader, Fontaine has significantly enhanced the circumstances and potential of First Nations people. One of his most significant achievements was his pivotal role in negotiating the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which is the largest and most comprehensive settlement in Canadian history. On Feb. 17 Bartleman will receive an honorary doctorate of laws at the second CSAHS ceremony at 1 p.m. While serving as Ontario's lieutenant-governor from 2002 to 2007, he was dedicated to reducing the stigma of mental illness, fighting racism and discrimination and promoting literacy among Aboriginal youth. Prior to this role, he had a distinguished career spanning 35 years in the Canadian Foreign Service, holding the highest ever Foreign Service rank of any Canadian aboriginal person. He also became one of the most respected advisers in Canadian international affairs.

Perspective - The British Columbia All Chiefs' Task Force announced that its Coordinated Action Working Group has launched an awareness campaign targeted at the national and international media attending the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games to highlight Canada's refusal to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the consequences of this decision."We support the spirit of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and applaud the partnership with the Four Host First Nations. Yet while this is a great starting point, there is much work which still needs to be done after the Games to address Aboriginal human rights, poverty, missing and murdered women, and rights and title. The first step in resolving these issues is for all Canadians to urge the Federal Government to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples-an international instrument supported by 145 states that sets out the minimum human rights standards of Indigenous peoples worldwide," says Chief Wayne Christian, Chair of the BC All Chiefs' Coordinated Action Working Group and chief spokesperson for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. First Nations leadership supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to ensure the survival, dignity and well-being for their communities, children and next generations. "The cost for Canada not to support the Declaration will be highlighted in First Nations poverty, further missing women, human rights complaints and continued land and resource disputes. By not adopting the Declaration, Canadian's reputation as a leader in international human rights is called into question." says Cliff Atleo, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council."During these difficult economic times, it makes resounding sense for Canada to adopt the UN Declaration as it supports strong Nations and vibrant families and communities, which will benefit First Nations and non-First Nations alike," says Beverley Clifton Percival Chair, BC All Chiefs' Task Force member and Negotiator, Gitxsan Hereditary Chief's. In September 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) following over 25 years of work. Overwhelming support was demonstrated with 144 states voting in favour of the declaration. This monumental adoption affirms the minimum standards required for the "survival, dignity, and well-being of indigenous people of the world." The UNDRIP recognizes the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples including fundamental human rights for First Nations such as inherent rights to traditional lands and territories, self-determination, and unqualified recognition of First Nations peoples, cultures, languages,and identities. However, Canada is one of only four nations to have voted against the UNDRIP. Australia has since decided to support the UNDRIP, and the United States and New Zealand are currently reviewing their position. Canada's House of Commons passed a motion on April 8, 2008 endorsing the UNDRIP and calling upon Parliament and the Government of Canada to "fully implement the standards contained therein"; however, Canada has yet to sign on. First Nations are continuing to demonstrate the need for Canada to adopt this UNDRIP as it will profoundly benefit First Nations and non-First Nations alike. . . .19th Annual Women's Memorial March. To kick off the Coordinated Action Awareness Campaign, Chief Wayne Christian has issued a call to action to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples worldwide to support the families of murdered and missing Aboriginal women across Canada by focusing support on the 19th Annual Women's Memorial March held each year on February 14 in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Support can be provided by joining the Women's Memorial March circulating information about the Memorial March; and organizing support marches in communities across the country to coincide with the Memorial March in Vancouver. In these ways, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples alike can demonstrate support for the families of the murdered and missing women and demand that Canada hold a public inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women in BC and across Canada. For additional information on the Memorial March visit http://womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com/ . . . About the British Columbia All Chiefs' Task Force: In August 2009, a First Nations Task Force composed of volunteer First Nation leaders from across the province, was established by First Nations to raise awareness and recognition of Aboriginal title and rights at the provincial, national and international levels, as well as with the general public. Find additional information and news about the All Chief's Task Force at http://firstnationstaskforce.wordpress.com

February 3rd, 2010 - Issues of accountability - the mismanagement of funds, and concerns about students receiving quality education have resulted in another blow to the First Nations University of Canada in Regina. The Government of Saskatchewan is withdrawing $5.2 million from First Nations University effective April 1, 2010. The announcement came on the same day as it was reported that a former member of the First Nations University of Canada Students' Association, 31-year-old Blue Pelletier has been charged with defrauding the organization of $35,000 through a cheque-writing scheme. "Our government has lost confidence in the governance and management of First Nations University," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "It is our duty as government to protect our province's students and taxpayers. Sadly, it has become clear that we can no longer protect their interests by continuing to support First Nations University." A news release explained that the government will begin working immediately with post-secondary partner institutions to determine the best way to support students already enrolled in FNUniv classes through August 31, 2010. "This is a regrettable, but necessary decision," Norris said. "It is time for politicians to step back and the academic leadership to step forward. I encourage the University of Regina to work with relevant parties in identifying future directions for these student and their programs." In addition, Norris announced the creation of Student Support Teams staffed by officials from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. "Supporting the students of First Nations University is our first priority," Norris said. "The Student Support Teams will begin work shortly, meeting with students in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert to answer their questions and help them prepare for the coming academic year." Norris also thanked First Nations University students for their commitment, "I applaud FNUniv's students for their courage, dedication and leadership on this issue".

The controversial Sun Peaks ski resort is once again the target of First Nations assertion of Aboriginal title to their traditional lands, and the need to ensure they participate in any process that increases development on those lands. Case in point is a recent referendum to turn the place into a municipality. "The Sun Peaks proposed municipal incorporation referendum is being bulldozed through despite objections from residents and First Nations," says Kukpi7 (Chief) Judy Wilson of the Neskonlith Indian Band. Members of the Lake Secwepemc attended at Sun Peaks Resort on January 30, 2010 as the referendum was underway and handed out notices that the process was illegal. On Friday, January 29, 2010 the Chiefs and Councils of the Adams Lake and Neskonlith Indian Bands in an official meeting with Minister Krueger, made it clear that Sun Peaks cannot become a municipality without the agreement of the Secwepemc people and until there is recognition of Secwepemc Aboriginal Title over the area. Kukpi7 Nelson Leon of the Adams Lake Indian Band told Minister Krueger: "We are opposed to the incorporation of Sun Peaks along with the other proposed amendments to the Master Plan since it would result in a massive grant of Secwepemc land and resources to a third party. There has been no consultation and accommodation. And the past infringements regarding the Controlled Recreation Area around Sun Peaks have yet to be reconciled." Kukpi7 Judy Wilson of the Neskonlith Indian Band explained: "Our people will take all necessary political and legal steps to stop Sun Peaks from becoming a municipality. It is very concerning that no substantial environmental studies have been conducted regarding the Sun Peaks Resort, in an area that is within four watersheds, in a unique ecosystem that the Secwepemc people continue to use to hunt, fish and harvest medicines and plants. Comprehensive environmental, social and cultural impact assessments have to be conducted along with inter-disciplinary studies about the impact of the incorporation on Secwepemc Title and Rights." The Chiefs stated that attempts to create a municipality at Sun Peaks raises a number of serious legal issues: Sun Peaks cannot become a municipality, since the province has not engaged in proper consultation and accommodation with the Secwepemc as the rightful Title holders. The pre-proof remedies require that the province fully explain how the creation of a municipality in a pristine mountain area will impact the Aboriginal Title and Rights of the Secwepemc People. As Secwepemc people we already deal with a number of municipalities in our traditional territory and know how they attempt to use municipal by-laws to bypass and undermine indigenous rights. The municipal incorporation of Sun Peaks would result in the creation of a further low-level government and third party alienation of Secwepemc lands. The Chiefs reminded Sun Peaks and the province that referenda and municipal by-laws cannot be used to by-pass any consultation and accommodation process that the file is definitely not closed. A news release explains that Sun Peaks is located in the heart of Secwepemculecw, the traditional territory of the Secwepemc People, and is therefore subject to Aboriginal Title. In addition, the Chief of the Lake Secwepemc People, Neskonlith, made an agreement with then Governor Douglas, to set aside a large area for the exclusive use of the Lake Secwepemc People in order to provide them with a land base to sustain themselves. The historic Neskonlith Douglas Reserve covers 882,000 acres and the entire Controlled Recreation Area of Sun Peaks. Kukpi7 Wilson has continually raised opposition to Sun Peaks municipal incorporation and also attended the referendum vote, questioned the legality of it, how can a resort can be incorporated in Secwepemc territory, when a writ has been filed regarding our historic reserve in the very same area, which the province is fully aware of. The province cannot consider Sun Peaks municipal incorporation in the absence of finally addressing our Aboriginal Title and Rights. Chief Wilson further raised concerns regarding the way the referendum was conducted: "While observing the referendum it was clear that participation was minimal, with a total of less than 300 ballots cast. It was also clear that a number of people who work at Sun Peaks were not even aware of the ongoing process and serious governance issues were raised. We have been told that there are overall 1,200 temporary residents at Sun Peaks and there is a clear lack of participation when only 25% of those cast ballots and only 20% of the temporary residents voted in favor of the referendum. Even according to Western electoral standards the process was seriously flawed, the Minister cannot consider this a favorable indicator." In order to qualify as a 'resident' of Sun Peaks a person has to have lived in the area for only 30 days, and to cast a ballot as a 'non-resident' a person has to have owned property for at least 30 days. Kukpi7 Wilson intends to raise these issues in regard to the referendum, how a few temporary residents at Sun Peaks cannot make decisions that will affect all future generations. Kukpi7 Nelson Leon noted the referendum is continued inequity of justice to Secwepemc people: "How is it fair representation, how can 209 voters that are in favor of incorporation, vote on something which has so many legal implications and impacts to Secwepemc Title and Rights. There are more than 7,000 Secwepemc people who live in the area and collectively hold inalienable rights that are disregarded in the municipal incorporation process. The government of BC and Sun Peaks can no longer continue to ignore this issue of Secwepemc Title in the incorporation process."

February 2, 2010 - 46 heroes are being honoured by the Governor General during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. A Medal of Bravery was accepted by Jason Moody of Bella Coola (Nuxalk) , on behalf of his dad Scott. The Bravery Decorations were created in 1972, to recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others. Jason's dad was a hero. He and fellow river guide Gary Brown saved a family of six after a boating mishap on the Bella Coola River, in British Columbia. The guides and the family had been travelling in two drift boats when one of the crafts was pulled under a log by the strong current and its five occupants were thrown into the water. When they resurfaced, Mr. Brown managed to get two of the victims to a nearby small island where the rest of the group had gathered. Mr. Moody then crossed the swift current to the river bank and set up a makeshift pulley system tied to their remaining boat. For the next two hours, Brown and Moody shuttled the victims over the raging river, to bring them all to safety. Since then, Scott moody passed away, and that's why his son received the medal of bravery on his behalf. A memorial feast will be held later this month - February 27th, in Bella Coola - a tribute to Scott Moody.

Chief Roland Willson and the council of the West Moberly First Nations have asked the BC Supreme Court to overturn mining permits in the critical habitat of an endangered caribou herd. "These caribou and their habitat are integral to the overall biodiversity of the area, and to who we are as Mountain Dunne-za people," said Chief Roland Willson. "As stewards of the land, we cannot in good conscience stand by and watch MEMPR and FCC place the very existence of this caribou herd in serious jeopardy. Our Elders and the government scientists all agree that coal mining in the caribou's critical habitat place's the herd at risk. The double standard that the mining industry enjoys must come to an end if we are going to save caribou from extinction." Last September the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) issued mining permits to First Coal Corporation (FCC) in the middle of the habitat of the critically endangered Burnt Pine caribou herd - a herd so small that development pressures has reduced to 11 animals. The First Nation turned to the Victoria-based law-firm of Devlin Gailus for legal help, and convinced an environmental organization, West Coast Environmental Law, to assist with funding for the court challenge. (Funding for the court case comes from West Coast's Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund.) The caribou herd is 'critically endangered' and any further activities by FCC would be 'incompatible with the recovery of the Herd', according to Dr. Dale Seip, a Wildlife Ecologist from the Ministry of Forests and Range and the government's top caribou expert. Scientists from the Ministry of Environment have recommended that 'no' activities occur in the critical habitat because there are already signs of the caribou being 'extirpated'. MEMPR issued the permits notwithstanding these concerns. "These caribou are listed as a 'threatened species' and are supposed to be legally protected from harmful activities," said Andrew Gage, a staff lawyer with West Coast Environmental Law. "It's wrong for the government to refuse to develop and implement a recovery strategy, and West Coast is proud to support the West Moberly First Nations in their legal challenge to the permits." West Moberly First Nations are based 34kms north of Chetwynd in northeast BC.

Traditional knowledge held by Canada's Aboriginal people about the Boreal Forest offers western scientists a vitally important information source, according to a report published by the David Suzuki Foundation, the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI), and the Boreal Songbird Initiative. With the Boreal Forest facing increasing threats from climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and invasive species, this knowledge is more important than ever, says the report Conservation Value of the North American Boreal Forest from an Ethnobotanical Perspective. It describes the deep botanical and ecological knowledge that Canada's Aboriginal peoples have gained over thousands of years of using the Boreal Forest as grocery, pharmacy, school, and spiritual centre. The report notes that the value of the Canada's Boreal Forest to Aboriginal people in terms of subsistence (plant and animal) foods alone could reach up to $575.1 million. Many other values have yet to be quantified. "The deeply rooted knowledge of indigenous communities remains an essential but often overlooked element in conservation planning," said Larry Innes, executive director of CBI."This report contributes to building a better awareness among Canadians about the richness and diversity of plant use and knowledge among indigenous peoples." The report illustrates how scientists and policymakers often overlook ecological issues until a crisis arises. For example, although few plants species in the boreal region are classified as threatened or endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act or provincial and territorial species legislation, many face widespread human-induced pressures, including habitat loss and climate change. According to respected Canadian scientist and environmentalist David Suzuki, "Harvesting, processing, and selling wild plants such as blueberries from the Boreal Forest offers sustenance and profit to many northern communities in Canada. Industrial activities undertaken without the prior involvement or consent of indigenous people can harm important species that sustain community health and wellbeing." Environmental studies professor Nancy Turner, of the University of Victoria in British Columbia, agrees, "This report acknowledges that we must not overlook the close interrelationships between indigenous peoples and their lands. Scientists must consider their critical importance as keepers of traditional ecological knowledge." The report follows a recent study by the UN Secretariat for the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) that emphasizes the critical importance of forest biodiversity in preserving the planet's overall health. "If climate change is a problem, biodiversity is part of the solution," said Ahmed Djoghlaf, the UN's executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity. "Canada's Boreal Forest plays a critical role. Indigenous peoples have long known that maintaining and restoring biodiversity in forests promotes their resilience to human-induced pressures. Now, more than ever, this is an essential insurance policy to safeguard against climate-change impacts and to protect biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generation. The report issued today is a major contribution to the celebration of the 2010 International Year on Biodiversity." The new report also suggests much more indigenous mapping of the Boreal Forest has taken place than previously understood. Scientific information has been encoded in indigenous peoples' languages and is passed on through various stories and place names. For example, the Gwich'in identified "black currant island" in the Husky River area, as well as a hill along the Arctic Red River whose name translates into "rosehips ripened by the sun". The Dogrib call Mesa Lake in the Northwest Territories, Gots'okati, which translates to Cloudberry Lake.

Douglas First Nation members voted to pull out of the BC Treaty talks. In a message to Turtle Island Native Network, Kakila-Hereditary Chief-Clarke Smith of Tenas Lake, Samahquam of St'at'imc Tribe explained, "After nearly 17 years and more than 12 million dollars borrowed from BCTC Loan Agreements, the In-Shuck-ch Nation has suffered it's second First Nation to opt out of Treaty Talks. The Douglas First Nation, at a Referendum held, January 30, the Douglas Band Members voted no, to continue with the In-Shuck-ch Nation Treaty Talks. The next steps, will be looked at, by the Chief and Council of the Douglas First Nation. Chief Don Harris stated, "Our council was instructed by our members to ensure that Douglas First Nation's interests were protected in the Final Agreement. . .Given the level of uncertainty around the protection of our interests, we felt that the Douglas members should determine whether or not we continued to participate in the treaty process." In-SHUCK-ch, Canada and British Columbia are close to initialling the In-SHUCK-ch Final Agreement which will be ratified by In-SHUCK-ch eligible voters later this year. A news release explained - While there are 931 members in the three First Nations - Douglas, Skatin, and Samahquam, to be eligible to vote on the ratification of a Final Agreement you must be enrolled as an In-SHUCK-ch citizen. "Many Douglas members believe that a separate vote of our band members is required to deal with band assets, businesses and structures," said Chief Harris. Douglas First Nation partnered with Cloudworks Energy to develop six run-of-river independent power projects within Douglas traditional territory providing significant current and future benefits to the band without limiting the nature and scope of Aboriginal title."We believe in 'power to the people' including the power to change our future through economic and political means," said Darryl Peters, Douglas First Nation Business Development Manager. "And, we are able to have members participate in those decisions respectfully." The news release said In-SHUCK-ch rejected resource revenue sharing with the Province of BC in favour of a capital transfer which will severely limit future economic benefits to Douglas. Douglas members will consider their future political course through community meetings planned for March including their ongoing participation with the St'at'imc Chiefs Council, a traditional forum for leaders of the 11 St'at'imc bands. The In-SHUCK-ch treaty process was undertaken by a society formed for the purpose of treaty negotiations. The In-SHUCK-ch Nation Agreement in Principle was signed on August 25, 2007 after a vote of In-SHUCk-ch members.

The creation of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band has sparked overwhelming interest. Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs announced an accelerated process for updating the membership list so that "eligible members of the Mi'kmaq of Newfoundland become members of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band as quickly as possible." A news release said the announcement ensures the creation of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band will not be delayed and provides for the amendment of the membership list every four months after the Band is established, until the backlog of applications has been addressed. The date of the first Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band election will also be extended to permit those added to the Band list under this process the opportunity to run for office and vote in the first election. "I am pleased with the solution reached by both parties to address the overwhelming response to the registration process for the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band," said Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. "The number of applications received by the Enrolment Committee reflects the tremendous interest in the formation of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band. This arrangement should provide comfort to those who filed completed applications by November 30, 2009 in that they will not have to wait long to be added to the Band list once they are approved for membership." November 30, 2009 marked the conclusion of the first stage of the enrolment process held under the Agreement for the Recognition of . This historic process received overwhelming support and the uptake among the Mi'kmaq population was significantly higher than expected. As of November 30, 2009, nearly 26,000 applications had been received and approximately 11,000 had been approved for the initial members list by the Enrolment Committee.

February 1, 2010 - Here's hoping Native Americans will benefit significantly, from President Obama's budget proposal. The numbers are mind boggling! $3.8 trillion, including an extra $100 billion to immediately address the U.S. high unemployment rate. The President's jobs-jobs-jobs mantra, is more than welcome in American Indian communities. Just last Friday employment was a key theme of the 8th Annual State of Indian Nations Address, delivered by Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). "I want to bring your attention to one of the most egregious and under-reported crises in Indian Country. Day after day, we hear about America's unemployment crisis- particularly after the jobless rate has skyrocketed above 10 percent. I agree, it is a crisis. I know that because on Indian reservations and in Alaska Native villages, unemployment is above 50 percent. And that's not just due to this recession. The Indian unemployment rate on reservations has been at or above 50 percent for decades. In some parts of Indian Country, it's even worse. In 2005, when the national unemployment rate was only 5 percent, the Bureau of Indian Affairs reported reservation unemployment in the states of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada at 63 percent. In the Northern Rockies, it's 67 percent. In the Northern Plains, it's 77 percent. Put simply, unemployment is an economic crisis that has afflicted our communities for generations. For most Americans, going up to 10 percent unemployment has been a crisis of historic proportions. For Indians, coming down to 10 percent unemployment requires a recovery of historic proportions. Imagine men and women who have tried and failed to find work, year after year. Imagine wanting something better for your children, knowing that the drop-out rate for high school is higher among Native communities than any other minority group in the country. Imagine that the place you live has the lowest college graduation rate in the United States. What encouragement does a child have to study and prepare for meaningful work when their parents can't find a job for years at a time? Wouldn't your hope run out? That's what 50 percent unemployment means in Indian Country. The effect is like dominoes falling. Indian Country suffers from higher rates of substance abuse, domestic violence, suicide, and teen births than the rest of the country, a higher rate of mental health issues, a greater concentration of conditions such as diabetes and obesity, and our rates of poverty and incarceration are well above the national average. Our needs are just like yours - we want a normal daily life and meaningful opportunities. Yet for decades, tribal peoples have been denied these opportunities. They experience daily circumstances most Americans would never tolerate. The Jobs bill is an important vehicle to address the severe and immediate unemployment problem in Indian Country. We applaud the efforts of Congressional leadership in carefully considering the needs of Indian Country-- and solutions with the greatest impact for our communities."

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