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Greetings from Grand Council Chief Aanii/Boozhoo/Greetings! Welcome to the traditional territories of the peoples of the Anishinabek Nation. Our Nation is currently comprised of 39 communities – First Nations – with a total population of 60,000 citizens, at least half of whom live in urban centres and not on their reserves. The Anishinabek Nation refers to the collective people, land and resources of the Great Lakes Anishinabe, including the Odawa, Chippewa, Mississaugas, Potawatomi, Ojibway, Algonquins and Delaware. The Anishinabek Nation territory encompasses First Nations along the north shore of Lake Superior and surrounding Lake Nipigon, the north shore of Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island, east to the Ottawa River valley and through the south central part of Ontario to Sarnia. Our nation is comprised of four regions: Northern Superior, Lake Huron, Southeast and Southwest.
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee
We are taught that our ancestors migrated to the Great Lakes basin thousands of years ago from our original home near the “great salt sea in the east” – the Atlantic Ocean. Most Canadians would recognize the names of some of our more famous citizens: artist Norval Morrisseau, world-champion curler Al Hackner, National Hockey League Coach Ted Nolan, Canadian diplomat and Ontario Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman. But they might not have heard names like that of John Shawundais (Sunday), the last traditional chief at Alderville First Nation, one of our member communities. He was one of an estimated 10,000 First Nation warriors who joined Tecumseh’s confederacy to help the British successfully fend off American invaders in the War of 1812. Historians are unanimous that the borders of Canada would be considerably different today, were it not for the military contributions of the Anishinabek and other Indian Nations around the Great Lakes. In this bicentennial anniversary year of the War of 1812, the 2012 edition of “Welcome to Anishinabek Territory” contains several articles celebrating the role played by Tecumseh and his First Nations allies in lending invaluable support to British forces outnumbered ten to one by the American invaders. The Anishinabek alliance with Britain had been pledged in 1764 in the Treaty of Niagara, a landmark event in Canadian history of which every school-child in this country should be familiar. Their treaty relationship with First Nations has benefited most Canadians more than they likely understand or may ever know. Publications like this one are intended to help us learn more about one another.
Patrick Madahbee Grand Council Chief Anishinabek Nation
“Welcome to Anishinabek Territory” was produced by the communications department. Union of Ontario Indians P.O Box 711 North Bay, Ontario P1B 8J8 Toll-Free in Ontario 1-877-702-5200 1-705-497-9127 Fax: 705-497-9135 E-mail: info@anishinabek.ca Website: www.anishinabek.ca Editor: Maurice Switzer Assistant Editor: Marci Becking Layout and Design: Marci Becking Cover Design: Priscilla Goulais Advertising: Elliot Lake Standard 1-800-463-6408 Chi-Miigwetch to content contributors: Marci Becking, Nimkii Benaise, Melissa Cooper, Rick Garrick, Lisa Gilbert, Tanya Leary, Sheila Madahbee K., Harvey McCue, Ian Ross, Sharon Weatherall.
Education and beauty on the Dokis trails By Marci Becking DOKIS FIRST NATION – Hikers don’t need to look any further than the French River area if they’re looking for a northern Ontario adventure. Over 300 tourists and school groups have visited the Tikibi, Chaudière and Dam trails in Dokis First Nation since their completion in 2007. Project Manager Clayton Dokis says that the trails are also used during winter months by snowshoe enthusiasts. “In the winter, our snowshoe trails have a ‘how-to’ survival shelter, animal tracks interpretation, and a load of down-right fun,” says Dokis. Dokis First Nation is home to over 100 medicinal and edible plants, with a large diversity of mushrooms that can be seen along the trails. “I do mushroom walks to identify edible and inedible mushrooms along the trails,” says Dokis. “I have many requests just for that. We have awesome mushrooms such as Oyster Mushrooms, Painted Boletes, Horn o’ Plenty, Golden Chanterelles, Slippery Jacks – the menu is huge here.” The Tikibi Trail is a quick 2.2 km. loop with blue arrows which is easy to navigate. “The Tikibi Trail was an old trail used for hundreds of years by First 4
Peoples to get to their hunting and fishing grounds,” says Dokis. “Now there are walkways, steps and a bridge.” Along the trail one can find geological features such as an old beach, rock bowls, Chaudière (Kettle) rocks and watermarks, indicating a river once passed through this area. Chaudière is a French word for “the kettles” or “the pots”, interpreted by the early Europeans. There are rock bowls in the area along the French River corridor, formed by turbulent waters among the receding glaciers 8,000 years ago. “This trail also gives access to the upper and lower French River via the Chaudière Trail,” added Dokis. “The Chaudière Trail is 2.2 km. one way and has two scenic look-outs over the French River as well as a view of the Chaudière Dams. You can take a guided or self-guided tour since there are informational posters of the plant-life along the way.”
Chaudière Trail is also home to two beaver dams and a 100-foot bridge. We also have something called an ‘intrusion’, in the form of a canoe we call ‘canoe rock’, which is on the Papase trail,” says Dokis. “There are other watermarks of that strong river which at one time passed through this area, leaving many caves, 40 feet higher than today. To put it in perspective, North Bay was completely under water at one time.” Papase trail is not quite completed. Dokis says there are thoughts of making the 10 km. route a track for mountain-bike enthusiasts. “This trail is extreme and you must have a guide,” says Dokis. “It took me nearly six hours steady walking to get there, one way.” The Dam Loop is another 2.2 km. trail. “All of the trails follow the French River giving spectacular scenery,” says Dokis. “The trails passing through different types of forests and right along the French River corridor is enough to die for.” Dokis says he’s done a lot of research with community Elders about all of the edible and medicinal plants in Dokis First Nation. “We have up to date 120 species of plants,” says Dokis. “These days, people are curious about the benefits of our organic wild natural foods. Some of the foods that I eat are a mixture of salads made of pineapple weed, dandelion, plantain, heal-all and tubers like wild carrots, burdock, salsify and Indian potatoes.”
Dokis adds that seeds, fruits, berries, milkweed parts and cattails are also plentiful along the trails, but hikers need to pay careful attention on what parts to eat. “I had my lips burning from biting an evil twin that resembles such plants,” he says, laughing. Initial funding was received from Natural Resources Canada through their Non-timber Forest Product program in which Dr. Ewa Cholewa of Nipissing University studies Non-Timber Forest Products. After the research study was conducted, it was evident that Dokis has a large collection of plants which co-exist with many species of fauna with a rich history of native culture and geological features (glacial scars, rock bowls and erratics). Funding was also received from Recreational Infrastructure Canada, Dokis First Nation, Canada Ontario Resource Development Agreement, Trillium Foundation and Gezhtoojig Employment and Training. “From that, our ecotourism was born and the trails came alive to introduce all of this to everyone,” says Dokis. Trail permits are sold at the Dokis Band Office, Riverview Cottages and Dokis Marina for $3 per person. Guided tours can also be booked through Project Manager Clayton Dokis at 705-763-2200 or by E-mail at clayton.d@dokisfirstnation.com. 5
On the fast track
Serpent River rolls into transportation sector By Ian Ross, Northern Ontario Business Serpent River First Nation is laying the groundwork to become a northeastern Ontario transportation hub. The community – located near Elliot Lake – partnered with Sudbury’s Mansour Group to land a railway ballast contract last summer to supply 125,000 tonnes of rock for the Huron Central Railway’s $33-million track reconstruction project. Under the banner of M’Anishnabek Industries, Serpent River and Mansour quickly built a 1,000-foot-long railroad siding in an amazing six weeks, extending from the Huron Central line into a once-abandoned quarry where rail cars are loaded with ballast– crushed rock to be used as track bedding for the short-line railroad. The first ballast train rolled up to the quarry in late September, 2011 as track repairs began in the fall on the Sault Ste. Marie-toSudbury line. Mansour supplied the locomotive and rolling stock. The quarry, which belongs to the First Nation, was once used to supply aggregate for the Highway 17 rehabilitation in 2004. It’s located only a few hundred metres between the highway and the railway, and is accessible by a side road. Serpent River has been vocal for years in wanting to be consulted and allowed to participate in area resource and infrastructure development within its traditional territory. Both Chief Isadore Day and project manager Brian Rogers say the Huron Central contract wasn’t just handed to them. The First Nation and its industry partner grabbed the lion’s share of the larger 160,000-tonne contract because Rogers came up with the idea of a ballast train. There were a number of locations along the line where the rail carrier wanted to stockpile material. But in Serpent River’s proposal, they indicated rail cars could be hauled into the quarry for loading and delivered to a section of track rather than using dump trucks. Serpent River and BM Metals Services, a Mansour subsidiary, built the $500,000 siding with some assistance on the rail material provided by the Huron Central. The biggest chore involved months of planning to blast out a rock cut for the siding. Chief Day says the proposal was an “essential piece” in being successful in the tendering process. Serpent River First Nation staff and the economic development corporation personnel worked closely with Chief and Council to advance this project early before it had been decided how First Nations would be included in the bidding process. “We had to work with both levels of government to ensure that the Canadian Economic Action Plan principles were being followed and included First Nations,” says Chief Day. “We could
have easily watched this project sourced out to companies out of province and even to companies from the States, as Huron Central is a subsidiary of Genesee Wyoming, an American-based company.” The operation has created between 14-16 jobs, but Serpent River would like to keep the momentum going beyond the life of the contract. “We are very fortunate to have access to their contract because it gets us set up,” says Day. “It gets the infrastructure in place and we’ve got some business development decisions to make in the near future.” Day says that many of the training and employment programs that are out there today require that First Nations have partners. “We as a First Nation have a partner and that partner is our own company set up as a separate entity. We have the ability to see major projects come to fuition now that give us the leading edge on negotiating with the employer. It’s imperative for selfdetermination and a building block in our self-government aspirations.” Brian Rogers says the quarry rock is diabase which is used for Superpave projects. (SUperior PERforming Asphalt PAVEments system was developed to give highway engineers and contractors the tools they need.) “Once we satisfy the Huron Central requirements, the plan is to work with our crusher to produce 1,000 tonnes for testing by the Ministry of Transportation.” Rogers says there is potential for other quarry pits in the area with an estimated 94-million tonnes of material that could be mined and sold as aggregate. The entrepreneurial-minded community of 700 is very active on the economic development front with a gas bar, restaurant, general store, art gallery, commercial office space and plans to break into the energy industry. Another major development in the works is a light industrial park with a factory that produces LED light bulbs through a partnership with Glo North Energy Solutions. Once government funds are in place, construction of a $3.9-million, 50,000-square-foot plant will begin this fall with the assembly line starting up the following spring. The operation will employ 21 at the start and max out at 54 jobs by the fifth year. If their business aspirations continue to grow, Day says it’s important that all their Serpent River citizens, both on and offreserve, be consulted and approve of any development through referendum. The First Nation’s guiding principle in sustainable economic development is a triple bottom line accounting approach in measuring performance: respect for people, the environment and economic return. 6
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– Photo by Brian Rogers
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Anishinabe art school in Leland Bell’s future
Leland Bell is looking into the development of an Anishinabe art school for people who want to learn the Anishinabe concepts of art.
By Rick Garrick NAUGHTON – Leland Bell is looking at starting an Anishinabe art school either this summer or next with his wife/manager Lorie Bell. “We’re going to test the interest over a year,” Bell says. “There are a lot of schools dedicated to European concepts of art, (but) I’m kind of interested in the idea of Indigenous intelligence, the James Dumont kind of idea where we would be able to corral our own idea of what Anishinabe art is supposed to be or what it means.” In addition to potential students from the region and neighbouring U.S. states, Bell says people who are visiting Manitoulin Island from around the world may also be interested in learning about the Anishinabe concepts of art. “They would be exposed mostly to the Woodlands school of art or what I call Anishinabe art,” says Bell, who attended art camps at the Manitoulin Arts Foundation and the Ojibway Cultural Foundation featuring Daphne Odjig and Carl Ray back in the 1970s. The Wikwemikong artist began painting professionally more than 30 years ago when the Woodlands School style was at its peak, and shortly afterward began learning about the business side of art. His unique paintings, which contain brightly-coloured characters with black outlines, are bought by people from Canada and around the world. Bell remembers travelling by bus to Toronto many years ago, with his paintings in plastic garbage bags, to sell his art to collectors. But he soon moved away from dealing with collectors, and began wholesaling his artwork on a 50:50 outright sales basis at five arts-and-crafts stores across southern Ontario and one in Winnipeg. He also learned to enter into contracts with the buyers of his art so he could maintain some control over what they did with his art. “I never sign off my copyright without a legal agreement,” Bell says, “so I can go back and use those images.” After the art market slowed during the early 1980’s, Bell made a conscious effort to diversify into a variety of different art forms, such as music, carving, screen printing, stained glass, and reproductions of his paintings. His first foray into reproductions was an order of 15,000 art cards, which he marketed on a wholesale basis, first on Manitoulin Island, and then concentrically outwards from Manitoulin. Over the past five years, Bell has been selling his artwork from his own store in Wikwemikong, the Anishnabe Gifts and Gallery. “We sell my original paintings, cards, prints, reproductions, all of my work,” Bell says. “It’s been going pretty well — we open in June and close in late August.” Bell also has a website, Anishnabe Gifts and Virtual Gallery, where his artwork is available for purchase, and he is currently working on an art book featuring his own artwork and his ideas on Anishinabe art. “We’re working on an art book, my wife and I,” Bell says. “We’re probably going to self-publish.” Bell says Lorie now looks after the business side of his artwork, including marketing and advertising. “She developed the website,” Bells says. “The goal of the website is to expand our range, hopefully to have our products viewed globally.” Bell still does solo art shows, including recently at the Museum of Archeology in London, Ont., and he recently produced a Youtube video to support the James Bay community of Attawapiskat as they were struggling with poor housing conditions as winter set in. “We Hear Your Voice, it’s called,” he says.
Melissa Cooper, owner of Bayside Resort.
Relaxing in Wikwemikong
A young Wikwemikong woman is making a career out of accomodating others. Melissa Cooper, proud owner/operator of Bayside Resort, opened her cottage rental business in February 2011 in her home community – Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve – in efforts to provide high-quality accommodations for those wanting to stay and explore what Wiky has to offer. The resort, open year-round, currently has two cedar log cabins available for rent along prime waterfront property on Manitowaning Bay. With a background in environment and education, Melissa had her work cut out for her in learning about the ins and outs of the accommodations business. So far, her on-the-job training has proven beneficial. “Business this past year went better than expected, especially in months like September and February when I didn’t think I’d be very busy,” Cooper says. “Meeting so many people has been great. I love it.” Building her dreams into reality was a real task for the young entrepreneur. “It was important to me to use local skilled tradespeople in the construction process and as such I was able to supply jobs to 17 people here,” she says. “I’m happy with the final outcome of all those months of hard work. It looks exactly as I had envisioned it.” The cabins feature in-floor radiant heating, a large gas fireplace, and well-appointed, fully-equipped kitchen. All bedding, towels, and toiletries provided plus complimentary Tim Horton’s coffee, filters, sugars, etc. Two bedrooms offer sleeping arrangements for up to six people per cabin comfortably or eight with additional cots. The cabins also come with a private patio area with gas BBQ, picnic
table, fire pit and complimentary firewood. The waterfront offers a clean sandy beach, kids’ toys galore, and a large fire pit with plenty of seating, plus canoes. “In having a family of my own I realize how much work is involved with getting our crew from point A to point B so having everything included with your stay here at Bayside Resort takes some stress out of planning your family vacation,” she says. Work at the property continues. More landscaping labor is on the agenda for this summer as well as installing some recreational facilities like a dock and a children’s play structure. In addition, Melissa is currently working towards expanding the business to have another two cabins available for rent in 2013. “The next two cabins will have two full floors with a large upper balcony. They will have the same amenities like large flat screen TV, satellite, internet services and excellent waterfront views as well as some added extras.” Future additions to the business will include a unique barrel sauna, ice fishing and snowshoeing equipment as well as bicycles. “The business was built to provide a high-quality accommodations service,” Cooper adds. “I’ve worked to make the place comfortable for all my guests keeping in mind what appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, business people and families alike.” As with other cottage rental businesses the rental rates are based on occupancy levels with the base price starting at just $120 per night for either single or double occupancy and $15 extra per person per night. You can visit the business website at www.baysideresort.ca and see what Bayside Resort has to offer. For your bookings please call: 705-859-1070 or e-mail: info@ baysideresort.ca
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One of the cabins at Bayside Resort.
Kitchen inside the cabin.
Corner fireplace, ladder to loft. 11
Zach Beaudette holds the canvas in place while Rodney Commanda sews. Their teepee’s home will be at Nipissing First Nation’s Cultural Centre.
Sewing skills help in teepee-making project By Marci Becking NIPISSING FN – Rodney Commanda looks like a professional, concentrating on running a piece of canvas through the sewing machine in front of him. “I’ve actually never sat down at a sewing machine before in my life,” says Commanda, Nipissing First Nation’s Cultural Events Coordinator, who is sewing together strips of canvas which will be a teepee for his community’s Cultural Centre. “I will be passing on the knowledge of teepee-making to others – but they have to know how to sew.” Band councillor Zach Beaudette, also participating in the teepee-making workshop, agrees. “Once we got the holes done for the wood or bone lacing, it’s just heavy lifting and sewing after that,” says Beaudette. “We can show others. I’m not sewing though, just helping with the lifting.” “Twelve yards of canvas is ridiculously heavy,” says instructor Eva Couchie. “It’s about 100 pounds.” The challenge is pulling the heavy canvas through the sewing machine. “That’s why we ask people who sign up
for the workshop to ‘bring a friend’,” Eva laughs. “We use beading thread because it’s super strong and yet it still goes through the machine. Thick thread just jams up the sewing machines.” The water-resistant, fire-retardant canvas comes from the Tarp Farm in Sault Ste. Marie. The cost of a roll with shipping is $1500, which buys enough material to make three teepees. Eva, who also makes cradleboards, has done teepee construction in Pic River and Temagami First Nations, but this is her first in Nipissing. She made her first teepee in 1979 and uses a pattern from the book entitled: “The Indian Tipi: History, Construction and Use.” “We’re sewing six, 18-foot teepees in two days,” says Eva. Husband Dan Couchie, former Chief of Pic River First Nation, says the first strip of canvas is the hardest. “In the first strip you have the smoke flap, gores, extension, door, and smoke-flap pockets. Once you have that done, the rest is easy.” Dan explains that black spruce poles are 12
needed to erect the teepee. “Black spruce is best, cedar – or whatever is available,” he says. Dan is also a birch bark canoe builder – he has built seven but doesn’t own one himself. “One is here at Nbisiing Secondary School. The others are all over. I plan to build one for myself on Bear Island this summer on the shores of Lake Temagami.” Dan’s grandfather, John Couchie, was also a birch bark canoe builder, but Dan says that’s not where he learned the craft. “I didn’t take the time to learn – I wish I had.” Instead he learned from a French-Canadian man from old Fort William, who in turn was taught by a Mattawa shaman. “It’s important that construction of teepees and canoes are passed on,” says Dan. The two-day workshop at the Big Medicine Studio in Nipissing First Nation was hosted by Aanmitaagzi (He speaks, she speaks) – a multi-disciplinary professional artist-run company serving artists and community members from Nipissing First Nation and the surrounding area.
Eva Couchie demonstrates with paper how the finished teepee will look.
Dan Couchie cuts smoke flap pieces out of canvas.
Eva uses a pencil to show where the wood or bone lacing would be above the door of the teepee.
Eva and Dan stretch out the canvas. 13
Kiara Roote of Christian Island Elementary School said it was fun hosting other schools at the annual pow-wow and sharing information with the students about her culture. – Photos by Sharon Weatherall 14
By Sharon Weatherall Close to 300 students from local and visiting schools enjoyed a day of dancing song and cultural awareness at the 2nd Annual Christian Island Elementary School Pow-Wow last May. Classes from Parry Island Reserve, Burkvale, Victoria Harbour, Hillsdale and Port McNicoll schools arrived by ferry and 18-passenger hovercraft to take part in the educational event which shares culture and tradition. This innovative new program has been so successful the school set a tentative date for the third week of May to host the 2012 Annual Pow-Wow. Each year students from kindergarten to Grade 8 and their teachers begin preparing months in advance for the popular pow-wow and through the support of the community are able to deliver a unique educational experience for their peers involving Native teachings, food and entertainment. “It was fun hosting other schools at the second First Nations PowWow and sharing information with the students about our culture,” said Kiara Roote of CIES. The CIES Pow Wow involves nearly everything that a regular pow wow does, only on a “kids’ size” scale including a Grand Entry after the arrival of the guests. Last year, emcee was Christian Island Fire Chief Alan Manitowabi, who took time to not only introduce the dignitaries and welcome the guests but explain in details the events and activities taking place, as well as their cultural significance. Manitowabi said the Grand Entry honours veterans, women, children and Mother Earth – the Giver of Life. Those leading the Grand Entry carried the Eagle Staff and flags representing groups and services in the community. The flag and veterans songs were sung by the Chimnissing Drumming Group. Lady drummers later sang the water song. “The Eagle Staff is like the Victoria Cross and a great honour for
our people and those who fought for our country – our head veteran today is Melvin King. Today we will share culture and tradition, song and dance,” says Manitowabi. At the pow-wow prayers are given by a traditional Anishinabek language teacher and Chief Roland Monague welcomes everyone on behalf of Beausoleil First Nation (BFN). Taking part in the event last year were drumming groups including the new Little Bald Eagle group as well as groups from Chimnissing, Chippewas of Rama, andWasauksing with guests singers and drummers from Rama. The proud voices of the singers could be heard all across the community. Dancers Spencer Butler – head male dancer, Gavin King – head male student dancer, Trish Monague – head female dancer, Krista Monague – head female student dancer, led the dancing and visiting schools were invited to join in. Manitowabi explains to the guests how some women were doing a Jingle Dance and the medicine dress is used for the healing of the people. The traditional men's grass dance was used to pat down and flatten the grass to prepare the pow-wow grounds. The grass dance was also used for healing. The traditional men's warrior dance was to protect the people in times of war. “The traditional dance style is done by women dancers whose feet never leave the ground – they always have one foot touching. The girls and ladies wearing capes with fringes are fancy dancers doing the Beautiful Butterfly Dance – representing beautiful butterflies. All of the dancers are willing to share stories about the dance styles and dress,” says Manitowabi. During the day students listen to storytelling in the teepee and enjoy tours of the island. A feast takes place in the school gym following a feast prayer.
Aailyah Jackson and Robin Lickers 15
Eyes on target at world championship My name is Sheila Madahbee K. and I’m from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve and a competitive archer. In February I competed at the World Archery Indoor Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada as a member of Team Canada. Team Canada was represented by 18 people: Sheila Madahbee K. two in the Women’s compound category (which I competed in). Men’s compound team (3), men’s recurve team (3), Junior women’s recurve team (3), junior men’s compound team (3) and one in the junior men;s recurve, one in Junior women compound and two in Women’s recurve. The official team was announced in January 2012. What a thrill it is to see your name listed as a member of Team Canada. Upon learning of this news, I had to increase my practice from one night a week to three nights a week. Tough to do when you’re a student. The day before the qualification round, we had official practice and equipment inspection. You practice in the lane you will be shooting and little did I know the woman I was shooting beside would be my competition. Usually I am not nervous when practising, but at official practice, I was so nervous, I dropped my release on the floor and my hand shook so bad I couldn’t notch my arrow onto the string. And after looking at the target, the “10” was the size of a dime . February 6th was the qualification round, a full indoor International Archery Federation round at 20 yards, which is 20 ends of three arrows for a final score of 600. I was still so nervous, my palms were sweating so much I couldn’t get a good grip on my bow and it kept slipping. I was one of the scorers and I was so nervous I couldn’t even add the scores (normally pretty easy for me) but I had to get out my trusty calculator to add the scores. I shot two eights during the qualification, and I tried not to get too upset about it. Luckily they weren’t in the same end. At about end 15, the announcer said that there were currently five shooters tied for the last spot and that there might be a shoot-off. I knew I was probably one of them and after checking the board quickly, sure enough I was. I thought I have to get focused here and get my game on. By the second last end, the announcer said that there were no ties. At the end of it, I finished in 30th place with a score of 560/600. Only the top 32 shooters move onto the elimination round. The highest score of the women’s qualification round was 588/600, so there was only 18 points difference between me and the top shooter, so I can’t feel too bad about that. Again I told myself, I need to relax, get rid of the nervousness. I think I let it get to me, knowing that I was competing against some of the best shooters in the world. It’s not like the announcer was helping. He would always be commenting on some of the shooter’s
Petra Ericsson of Sweden and Sheila Madhabee K. of Canada go up against each other in the elimination round of the World Archery Indoor Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.
accolades, if they’ve won World Cups or other major events, and I was as green as they come. Shooting in the eliminations was all new to me. I had never shot match sets. Because I finished in 30th, I was matched against the Number 3 shooter, Petra Ericsson from Sweden, previous World Cup winner and previous competitor at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 (in Recurve). I had to ask her how the scoring was done, how many ends, how to change the score at the target (they had little signs underneath where you put your score after each end). After the first end, we tied 28-28 (out of 30) so we each received one point. Then she went on the beat me the next three ends – 2926; 30-29; and 30-27, scoring two points for each win, beating me 7-1. That was quick! We fini`vshed scoring, shook hands and took pictures together and I wished her good luck in the following rounds. All I thought was “at least I scored one point against her, I can do this”. So that was my first experience with World Indoor Championships. It certainly was different for me, coming from a 3D background. Now I know what to expect and just need more experience. For now, I will be resting my elbow (injury from 2009) for the rest of this year and hopefully get back into competition form for the next World Archery Indoor Championships (wherever they might be). 16
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Big Arrow Variety, 1128 Hwy #17, Garden River
705-865-3066 705-844-2864 705-368-3166 705-283-3606 705-858-0500 705-746-3701 705-285-4293 705-859-2142
Toulouse Gas and Groceries, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Massey Serpent River Gas Bar, Cutler Manitoulin Trading Post, Hwy#6, Sheguiandah Gamiing Gas & Convenience Store, Sheshegwaning Rocky’s, 35 Loonway, Wahnapitae First Nation Island’s Gas and Variety, 3306 Deemeemguk Rd. J & G Marina, 18 McGregor Bay Road, Whitefish River FN Andy’s Shell, 2174 Wikwemikong Way, Wikwemikong
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905-352-3147 705-247-9000 705-437-2533 705-657-9946 705-657-1998, 705-657-3661 905-985-3337 705-375-5155
The Tall TeePee Restaurant & Gas Bar, RR#4 Roseneath Bayshore Variety and Video, 3 Bayshore Drive, Beausoleil FN Virginia Beach Marina, 7751 Black River, Rd., Box N 16, Sutton Charlie’s Bay Bait & Tackle, 826 Mississauga St. Curve Lake Terry’s Gas and Variety,1420 Mississauga St. Curve Lake Whetung’s, Corner of Mississauga St and Chemong St. 22521 Island Road, Port Perry Moose Deer Point Marina, 1060 Marina Road
southwest region Aamjiwnaang 519-344-7166 Kettle & Stony Point 519-786-5982 519-786-5604 519-786-2267 Chippewas/Thames 519-870-3216 519-264-2402 519-264-2343 519-289-1458 519-264-2545 Munsee-Delaware 519-289-1585
Chippewa Sunoco, 1010 Degurse Dr., Sarnia Anishinabek Sales, 6364 Indian Lane, R.R.# 2, Forest R & R Marina, 9340 Lake Dr., R.R.# 2, Forest Al’s Gas, 9401 West Ipperwash Beach Rd., R.R.#2, Forest The Store By JJRT, RR 1 - 551 Jubilee Rd., Muncey Chippewa Fuels Gas Bar, RR 1, Muncey Maitland Road Convenience, 46 Maitland Rd., Muncey Apple Corner Gas Bar, 130 Chippewa Rd., R.R.#1, Muncey Three Fires Gas Bar, 34 Christina Rd., R.R.#1, Muncey Duce’s Trading Post, 146 Hyndman Rd., R.R.#1, Muncey Tuck’s Auto, 383 Middlemiss Dr., R.R.#1, Muncey
For First Nation gas stations across Canada, check out: http://www.rezgas.com/main.php
bek nAtion s on-reserve
Member First Nations Aamjiwnaang FN Alderville FN Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Aundeck Omni Kaning Atikameksheng Anishinawbek Beausoleil FN Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Chippewas of Georgina Island Chippewas of the Thames Curve Lake FN Dokis FN Fort William FN Henvey Inlet FN Long Lake #58 FN Magnetawan FN M’Chigeeng FN Michipicoten FN Mississauga #8 FN Mississaugas of Scugog Island
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
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Moose Deer Point FN Munsee-Delaware Nation Namaygoosisagagun Nipissing FN Ojibways of Garden River Ojibways of Pic River Pays Plat FN Pic Mobert FN Red Rock FN Sagamok Anishnawbek Serpent River FN Sheguiandah FN Sheshegwaning FN Thessalon FN Wahnapitae FN Wasauksing FN Whitefish River FN Wikwemikong Zhiibaahaasing FN
Education blossoming on Georgina Island
By Tanya Leary CHIPPEWAS OF GEORGINA ISLAND – Waabgon Gamig simply means “Blossoming House” and the school bearing that name has indeed seen the majority of their students blossom. The little red two-room school house is located on the main road of Georgina Island in the middle of Lake Simcoe, a community accessible only by ferry, airboat or ice road. The school employs two teachers, a team leader, a child and youth worker, an educational assistant, a Native Language teacher and a part-time secretary. There are 23 students in the entire school, which houses two multi-grade classrooms for Grades SK-2, and Grades 3-5. Just a few metres down the road from the school, however, is where the educational magic begins at The Niigaan Naabiwag Child Care Centre. For the past four years, students in the Junior Kindergarten Transition Program have exceeded far beyond grade level expectations both socially and academically. On Monday mornings the students of Waabgon Gamig First Nation School begin their week together in a circle. A smudge bowl containing burning sage and an Eagle
Miss Tanya Leary’s class.
Feather set the tone for the day, clearing away any negative energy. Students hear the daily announcements and sing O Canada in either English, French or Anishinaabemowin – the Ojibwe language. Then they make their way to their classrooms where the emphasis is on building a community of respectful learners. Students enjoy personal Mac laptops, a smart board in each classroom, iPads, highlytrained teachers, individualized programs, and a calm and warm approach to learning and behaviour expectations. Funding for these resources has been
attained by Education Manager, Lauri Williamson. Because First Nations students on reserves in Canada only receive an amount that is half of the provincial standard, it is up to her to find other funding resources to enhance the learning program. Lauri is an advocate for First Nation students receiving an equal opportunity in education, and it starts with funding. Having cultural content embedded within the curriculum allows students to see a reflection of their identity, one of which they can be proud.
Owen, Madie, Kameika, Hazel, Adam and Montanis 20
Preserving the language By Marci Becking Making a good resource your own is the approach Nipissing First Nation librarian Glenna Beaucage took with “Gitziimak Kidwinan” – a book to help parents speak Anishinaabemowin to their children. “I attend the Anishinaabemowin Teg language conference every year in Sault, Michigan,” says Beaucage. “While I am there, I always hunt for language resources that I can bring home to share. I picked up a booklet at one of the booths there with the same title. I thought this booklet would be a good resource, as it focused on young families.” Beaucage says that she contacted the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians to get permission to do a similar booklet, but in the Nbisiing dialect. “We used our own photos,” says Beaucage. “They gave their written permission to copy the resource book with those conditions.” Falcon McLeodShabogesic, who completed an Anishinaabemowin teacher’s program at Shingwalk University, was hired as a summer student to work on the book as well as Evelyn McLeod, a fluent speaker, as the translator. They worked together for two summers on this project. They are both advocates of the original Ojibwe language and work hard to ensure its survival. McLeod-Shabogesic also produced an accompanying audio CD for the booklet. Beaucage says that the language program was very supportive of Nipissing First Nation’s efforts and she was happy that they agreed to share resources. “I put the library in a position to preserve and revitalize the language – from the point of literacy. I knew that the English had their literacy programs and the French had theirs, but we did not.
I decided to focus our library literacy programming on Ojibwe literacy. Beaucage had some help from the community to advocate for a Culture Centre in Nipissing First Nation where the focus can be on every aspect of Nipissing First Nation’s heritage. As the manager of the Heritage Program, Beaucage says that there is now a language strategy in place and there is a language committee that meets once a month to plan programming. “We have language camps once every two months, with a week-long culture/language camp in the summer. Our Anishinaabemowin Giigdong (language committee) works on thematic translations, based on requests from the community.” So far the committee has worked on translations of department names and staff positions for new signage in Nipissing’s administration office. They have also translated possible new street names, titles for Nipissing’s constitution and words for Mshkiki – the medicines. “It’s not an easy task,” says Beaucage. “There are no literal translations.” Nipissing First Nation is working on a plan to offer Anishinaabemowin classes to administrative staff with help from the Department of Canadian Heritage. “We are very fortunate that our leadership agrees with our community – that language and culture is a high priority and it is part of the healing and decolonization process that is needed for us to survive in a healthy way.” Copies of “Gitziimak Kidwinan” are available for $10. For more information, call the Nipissing First Nation library (705) 753-2050 ext. 1232. 21
Cover of ‘We are all Treaty People’ shows artist’s rendition of British official Sir William Johnson presenting Treaty of Niagara Covenant Chain Wampum Belt to leaders of 24 Indian Nations in July, 1764.
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Book helps keep ‘treaty’ in Canadians’ vocabulary By Nimkii Binaise NIPISSING FN – Media coverage of January’s CrownFirst Nations Gathering in Ottawa put the word “treaty” in many Canadians’ vocabulary for the first time. The summit, involving Prime Minister Stephen Harper and 150 First Nations leaders from across Canada, also provided a timely boost in interest in a publication produced in 2011 by the Union of Ontario Indians. “There’s no doubt in my mind that most Canadians had never heard about the Royal Proclamation until they watched televised coverage of the Gathering,” says Patrick Madahbee, Grand Council Chief of the 39 member communities of the Anishinabek Nation. “The recognition by the Crown in Canada in 1763 that ‘the Indian tribes of North America are to be treated as nations’ and the subsequent treaty relationship is fundamental to resolving all the challenges being faced by First Nations peoples in this country today.” Last May the Union of Ontario Indians – the Anishinabek Nation’s corporate arm – published a 36page graphic novel as a public education tool to remind Canadians that the treaty relationship is the foundation of the Canadian federation. “We are all Treaty People" went into its third printing after a 1500-copy order from Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources. “Until then, most of our sales had been to school boards,” says Maurice Switzer, the organization’s director of communications. “We wanted to present a First Nation perspective on treaty rights in an easy-toread format,” says Switzer, who compiled the text for the book over a two-year period from a variety of sources. “This is an ideal resource for children of all ages. We regularly come across university graduates and high school principals who don’t know any more about treaties than elementary school students.” Grand Council Chief Madahbee says the new book helps fill the need for greater public education about treaties. “Most Canadians don’t understand that the root cause of most protests involving First Nations that they see in newspaper headlines or on the six o’clock news are related to a failure or delay by governments in keeping promises they made to us in the treaties. It happened in the 2010 fight to retain our sales tax exemption in Ontario. It happened at Oka in 1990, Ipperwash in 1995, 23
and in the so-called lobster war in Burnt Church in 1999. If First Nations hadn’t agreed to treaties, there wouldn’t be a Canada. The Ipperwash Inquiry identified a big need for more public education about treaties in this province.” The book’s title echoes the words of Justice Sidney Linden, who, in releasing his report on the Ipperwash Inquiry into the Sept. 6, 1995 shooting death of Dudley George – noted the lack of awareness on the part of most Ontarians about the treaty rights that were being defended by the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point. “We are all Treaty People,” Justice Linden emphasized in issuing his report. Switzer says what sets the new book apart from most textbook treatments of the treaty process are the original watercolours on every page created to illustrate the text by Dokis First Nation artist Charley Hebert. Currently living in Powassan, Ont., Hebert is a graduate of the Sheridan College Classical Animation program, and the author and illustrator of the children's book series "Bush Buddies". “Charley did an excellent job of providing readerfriendly pictures to tell the story,” says Switzer. “That has helped attract the interest and attention of educators, and they were our target market.” Kathy Dokis-Ranney, Principal of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education for the Rainbow District School Board in Sudbury says her board is using the book “to educate staff and students about the history and importance of treaties in Ontario”, and that teachers “enjoy having a resource that supports them in effectively integrating treaty knowledge into the curriculum.” Cathy Hampshire, Principal of Hillside School in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation – Dudley George’s home community – says: “Finally, a book written by First Nation educators for elementary learners. Wellwritten with beautiful illustrations, this book provides a comprehensive explanation and history of the Anishinabek people and the negotiated treaties.” Copies of the book were provided to all Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in hopes they would promote its use by school boards in their areas. “We are all Treaty People"; ISBN: 978-0-9868211-03; Genre: History, graphic novel; Soft cover: 11x8.5- 36 pages, glossy watercolours throughout. $25.00 (Cdn.) plus shipping. Bulk orders available upon request. 705497-9127 ext. 2288.
Warriors helped preserve Canada’s borders
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By Harvey McCue
ho were the participating First Nations in the War of 1812? By most accounts, numerous First Nations contributed to the war on both sides – American and British. The most celebrated participants included Tecumseh, a significant leader of the Shawnee nation, and his half-brother, the Prophet, Tenskwatawa. They forged a temporary confederacy of First Nation warriors from the Wyandot, Pottawatomie, Ojibway, Ottawa (Odawa), Creek, Winnebago, and Kickapoo nations, as well as their own Shawnee supporters. Although less numerous than Tecumseh’s force, the Iroquois confederacy (the Six Nations) whose various nations initially sought neutrality early in the conflict eventually entered the war assisting both sides. Supporters of the British included warriors from the Grand River under the leadership of John Norton and John Brant; those who settled on land at the Bay of Quinte bestowed to them by the grateful British for their alliance during the War of Independence; as well as members from St. Regis, and Kahnawake and Kanesetake in Lower Canada. Mississauga and Ojibway warriors from Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching, Lake Muskoka, and Rice Lake bolstered the defence of Fort York in addition to serving as members of the British forces alongside notable Odawa and Ojibway leaders, Assiginack, and Shingwaukonse, respectively, and Ojibway leaders Yellowhead, Snake, Assaince, and Mesquakie from Lakes Simcoe, Couchiching, and Muskoka. Supporters of the American military included warriors from the Choctaw and Creek nations. Not all nations from the Iroquois confederacy (Six Nations) sided with the British. Warriors from the Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida and Tuscarora nations, many residing on the Alleghany, Cattaraugus, and Cornplanter reservations in presentday New York, allied with the Americans and fought against their British-leaning confederacy brethren. Why did they fight? For Tecumseh, Tenskwatawa, and their warriors, the war offered another, possibly a final, opportunity to defend their traditional lands from increasing American encroachment, a campaign that began in earnest in 1763 under the Odawa leader Pontiac and carried on in 1791 by the efforts of Tecumseh’s predecessor, the Shawnee leader, Blue Jacket and his Miami ally, Michikinikwa. Despite promises from the British in 1775 and after the War of Independence that their traditional territories would be inviolable, First Nations throughout present-day Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, saw their territorial boundaries
Major General Sir Isaac Brock and Chief Tecumseh.
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besieged by encroaching settlers and subjected to American military assaults. Although Pontiac, Blue Jacket and Michikinikwa rallied against these incursions, over-all their efforts to stem the tide of unchecked aggression were unsuccessful. In reality, Tecumseh and the Prophet’s confederacy in 1812 became the last and final opportunity for First Nations in North America to hold onto a vast traditional territory unencumbered by a foreign presence. For the British-leaning Iroquois, the war provided a setting in which they could retaliate for the razing of their traditional communities by Americans in upper New York that began in 1779 and continued after
the War of Independence. It also enabled them to demonstrate yet again their allegiance to the British crown, an allegiance with roots in the Seven Years War and the Proclamation of 1763. For the Mississauga, Ojibway, and Odawa warriors and leaders such as Assiginack (Blackbird) and Shigwaukonse (Little Pine), recipients of annual treats and presents from the colonial British Indian Department since its creation in 1755, the war not only tested their loyalty to the British crown but it also served as the means whereby they fulfilled the British expectation of their loyality. What was their role? Simply, the First Nations leaders and warriors served as strategic and vital allies during the war, more so in support of the British than the Americans. From the outset of the war the British forces in North America, enfeebled by Britain’s principal preoccupation with the Napoleonic wars in Europe, desperately needed the additional resources offered by the First Nations as both defenders and combatants. Sir Isaac Brock embraced and acknowledged the military acumen of Tecumseh and the ferocity of his confederacy warriors. Together they captured several American forts (Detroit and Michilmackinac, and possibly Meigs and Dearborn) early in the campaign and despite Brock’s untimely death during the Battle of Queenston Heights, Tecumseh continued to battle American forces until he died on the battlefield in 1813 during the unsuccessful Moraviantown campaign. Under the leadership of John Norton and John Brant, the Grand River contingent of the Iroquois confederacy distinguished themselves also at Queenston Heights and fighting with the warriors from the other participating First Nations – particularly during the battles at Beaver Dams and Stoney Creek they overcame American forces with few casualties. Ojibway and Iroquois warriors contributed to the defence of Fort York and their participation aided immeasurably in repelling American forces enabling the British to retake Fort George. What was the outcome? Although there is an ongoing debate over who won the War of 1812 – the British or the Americans – there is little doubt that the First Nations lost. Tecumseh died on the battlefield at Moraviantown and with him so did his vision of a vast First Nations territory with a powerful confederacy of warriors and leaders as its defender. No leader since Tecumseh has ever articulated anything resembling his concept. At war’s end and the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, peace between the British and the Americans dissolved instantly the strategic military importance enjoyed previously by the First Nations. No longer were First Nations leaders and their warriors considered essential to the imperial interests of either the Crown or the Republic. Within a decade, the robust relationship between the British and First Nations was dead and First Nations were seen not as invaluable allies whose loyalty was rewarded with gifts and presents but as impediments to the colonial interests in the land and its riches, their former military value all but forgotten. Within a decade and a half, Christian missionaries, several of
whom were First Nations, spread across Upper Canada among First Nations settlements, using all manner of tactics to gain converts, thereby weakening irrevocably centuries-old spiritual and cultural beliefs and traditions. Without diminishing the impact of the end of the war on First Nations, unquestionably Ontario and to a lesser extent Quebec owes its continued existence to the successful participation of First Nations in the war. Significant victories at Queenston Heights, Stoney Creek, and Beaver Dams would not have been possible without First Nations leaders and warriors. And the British retaking of Fort George and Fort York might not have been accomplished. Had the British and First Nations forces not won at these strategic conflicts, Americans might still be here and Canada’s borders would be considerably different and smaller than they are.
Tecumseh to be honoured on Canadian stamp
TECUMSEH, Ont. – Chief Tecumseh will at last get his own postage stamp in time for the celebrations of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Canada Post confirmed that the stamp – which is the first in Canada to depict the Shawnee chief – was to be issued in June 2012, ahead of the bicentennial celebrations. Chief Tecumseh led native groups to join an alliance with the British during the war against American aggression. He played a key role in the capture of Fort Detroit in August 1812 and was killed the next year during the Battle of the Thames near Moraviantown, outside Chatham. Tecumseh will be paired with a stamp picturing British Maj. Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, who fought to protect Upper Canada from American encroachment. The stamp is also important for First Nations people in Canada and the U.S., he said, because Tecumseh believed in building a strong Native federation. Guernsey issued its own commemorative stamp in a souvenir sheet in 1996 for a stamp exhibition in Toronto. It shows Major General Sir Isaac Brock shaking hands with Shawnee leader Tecumseh, an important ally.
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Honouring Tecumseh: One of the true warriors
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By Lisa Gilbert riends of the Tecumseh Monument, from Chatham-Kent, officially launched their fundraising campaign in January to redevelop the Tecumseh Monument site, which is also located in Chatham-Kent, at the site of the Battle of the Thames (Moraviantown), where Tecumseh was killed almost 200 years ago. Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, Anishinabek Deputy Chief Glen Hare, and Lake Huron Regional Chief Isadore Day brought the replica of the 1764 Treaty of Niagara Covenant Chain wampum belt to the Crown-First Nation Gathering held in Ottawa a few days previous, and presented it to the people gathered, as part of the ceremonial opening to this campaign. Each addressed the group, and impressed upon them the importance of remembering Tecumseh’s efforts and honouring them, as we move forward into the next 200 years. Friends of the Tecumseh Monument (FOTM) is a registered nonprofit group which was formed to try and get proper recognition for the Shawnee Chief, and his First Nation allies, who were so crucial to the continued existence of the country of Canada during the War of 1812. Tecumseh is considered to be a hero of equal stature to Isaac Brock in Canada, but the size of his monument in Chatham-Kent is
nowhere near that of Brock’s at Queenston. So, for the bicentennial of the War of 1812, FOTM is trying to raise $4.2 million to build, not only an enhanced monument, but also an open-air museum at the eight-acre site along the Thames River. The group is approaching private sector companies, and applying for grants from all levels of government in order to reach that goal. The hope is that the project will be complete in time for the bicentennial of the Battle of the Thames, on October 5, 2013. Tecumseh has been cited as one of Canada`s major heroes, and he played a crucial role in the defence of Canada during 1812-13. But he is also, today, considered to be a major American hero as well. First Nations also still admire him for his ability to forge an alliance among 32 disparate, and sometimes warring nations, in order to expel their common enemy, the Americans, from their traditional homelands. For those reasons, FOTM also plans to approach American companies, groups and individuals, as well as American First Nations. FOTM’s capital campaign is just beginning, and any and all help and suggestions are welcomed. For more information, or if you would like to donate, please contact George Henry at antler@bell. net.
Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief.
A 3-D model of the proposed Tecumseh Monument site. $4.2 million is needed to build the eight-acre site along the Thames River. 26
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madhabee explains the significance of the wampum belts to University of Western Ontario history research team students. 27
Laughter made for better social work
Comedian Ron Kanutski. – Photo by Rick Garrick
By Rick Garrick THUNDER BAY – People burst out laughing about their school days during Ron Kanutski’s comedy set in Thunder Bay. “I used to do really well in school but I couldn’t just sit still,” Kanutski says, noting he was often sent to the back of the class. “When you go to have your lunch, your Wagon Wheel was always missing because we used to be chowing them down in the back. We’d all be wired up on sugar and red dye #5. What a drug: red dye #5. You hammer back a Kool-Aid and you’re just jerking around out there. Good stuff.” The Red Rock First Nation citizen is looking to make a career out of the comedy he’s used for many years as a social worker in the Thunder Bay area after winning the 2010 Thunder Bay Comic Idol competition. “I’ve always had a sense of humour,” Kanutski says. “People have always told me I was funny. It’s always been about trying to lighten the load a little bit.” Kanutski took advantage of opening for comic Darryl Lennox by having it videotaped for future promotional use when contacting agents. “I wish I had taped the second show because it was way better,” Kanutski says. “The timing was a little better – I felt rushed in the first one. I was able to deliver a little bit more and get a little bit more focused in each area. It went really well.” Kanutski’s comedy usually focuses on the themes of being in his mid-40s, marriage and growing up in northwestern Ontario. “I try to stay away from listening to other people’s material,” Kanutski says. “I try to take everyday things that happen that are funny and then build on that.” After winning the 2010 Comic Idol competition, the long-time social worker and cultural teacher didn’t do much with his on-stage skills until he met up with a group of comedians at the 2011 competition. “They invited me on board to do some small shows and then I ended up setting up a couple of shows myself out in Lake Helen (about 100 kilometres east of Thunder Bay) and I decided this is what I want to do,” Kanutski says. “I’ve done six shows — I’ve never had a problem. I’ve had people cheer me on.” Encouraged by the audience’s reaction, Kanutski plans to make connections with people in the industry, create a website and develop a partnership with area comedians to stage more comedy shows in the Thunder Bay area. “We’re going to make comedy a little bit more of a staple here in the region,” Kanutski says. “Instead of having to fly people (up) from Toronto, maybe people from Toronto will start flying us down to them because I think people in the north have humour to offer that city people might be interested in.” He has no problem performing in front of an audience. He’s been a public speaker and emcee at pow-wows and mental health events for more than 12 years.
Training subsidy gave boost to mining career SUDBURY – Meet Frank Robert Pegahmagabow (aka “Bonkers”). Frank, a citizen of Wasauksing First Nation, graduated from Cambrian College with Honours in 2004 from the three-year Mining Engineering Technology program, and a full Common Core training from Vale (Inco), and yet he struggled to gain employment in the mining field. “I’m not too sure why companies wouldn’t give me a chance to prove my skills, says Frank. “And I’ve heard this question many times: do you have any experience working underground?” Frank considered whether or not it was due to companies wanting experienced employees. “I think that was a part of the issue, maybe it was fear of training a new worker to have them leave for another company or one of the mother companies like Vale or Xstrata (Falconbridge),” he says. “From my perspective, there are a lot of things to consider when hiring a new employee for example: Is this individual reliable? Do they have a valid Common Core for Ontario Mines? Any experience working underground? Are they going to use us as a stepping stone?” “Networking and initiative was my main resource of landing employment with SCR mines. Back in 2006, a friend of mine who worked at the Métis Nation of Ontario heard that SCR was looking for workers who had their Common Core. So I managed to get an interview with both owners of SCR, and during the interview we laid out all the cards on the table. The owners were willing to hire me for my qualifications and give me a chance.” Having found a potential employer, Frank approached Gezhtoojig Employment and Training for funding. Gezhtoojig is one of 10 Local
Delivery Mechanisms for training in the Anishinabek territory. They provided funding for a Targeted Wage Subsidy for Frank when he obtained employment at SCR Mines Technology Inc. Gezhtoojig also assisted him with specialized training like NORCAT/Underground Pass, WHMIS, Train The Trainer, Incident Investigation, Supervisor Common Core and Advanced First Aid in order to be job ready. Since April 2006, Frank has been employed with SCR Mines Technology Inc. as the Safety Supervisor. He is now the coordinator for three Safety Supervisors who currently assist him within the safety department. A big part of his job is to apply his duties as a Safety Supervisor by performing workplace inspections, and ensure that all employees on each work site are working according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Mines and Mining Plants. Frank recommends that other employers hire and draw from the “fastest growing population in Canada” and to increase Aboriginal participation in the labour market. “Employers need to get to know the history and background of Aboriginal people in Canada and try to relate to our past and history,” says Frank. “In addition, try to work with First Nations and various employment agencies, be willing to hire them if they are qualified and for those who are not qualified be willing to train them for particular positions. As Aboriginals, we all come from different communities and we share a common history. Therefore we can relate to each other in schools or workplace settings.” 29
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Anishinabek Educational Institute SEPTEMBER 2012 Munsee-Delaware Campus - London
• Pre-Health Sciences Certificate • Early Childhood Education Diploma • Native Worker Community TAHM Diploma Nipissing Campus – North Bay
• Business Diploma • New! Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Worker Certificate • New! First Nation Child Welfare Advocate Certificate
Nipissing Campus Nipissing First Nation - North Bay Ph: 705-497-9127 Toll-free: 1-800-334-3330
"We are proud that AEI has graduated over 500 students." – Murray Maracle, Director of the Anishinabek Educational Institute Munsee-Delaware Campus Muncey First Nation, London, Ontario Ph: 519-289-0777 Toll-free: 1-800-441-5904
www.aeipostsecondary.ca 31
Each month the Anishinabek News is distributed free of charge by the Union of Ontario Indians to citizens of the Anishinabek Nation. The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate and secretariat to 39 First Nations across Ontario. The Anishinabek Nation territory encompasses First Nations along the north shore of Lake Superior and surrounding Lake Nipigon, the north shore of Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island, east to the Ottawa River valley, and through the south central part of Ontario to Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Tribal groups represented within the Nation include Odawa, Ojibway, Pottawatomi, Delaware, Chippewa, Algonquin and Mississauga. The 60,000 citizens of the Anishinabek Nation represent about one-third of the total First Nation population in Ontario. Launched in 1988, the Anishinabek News is a tabloid-format
newspaper designed to inform Anishinabek Nation citizens about Union of Ontario Indians’ initiatives and activities, as well as provide a sampling of Indigenous current affairs from around the globe. About one-tenth of the 11,000-copy press run is distributed to businesses, government offices, media organizations, and paying non-Native subscribers. The Anishinabek News is an excellent resource for teachers and educators are encouraged to call for subscriptions. Complimentary subscriptions are available on request to any registered member of the Anishinabek Nation’s 39 member communities. The monthly newspaper has no full-time employees, and is produced by the Communications Unit of the Union of Ontario Indians out of the central office on Nipissing First Nation. Current and back issues of the Anishinabek News are posted to the UOI website - www.anishinabek.ca.
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For subscription or advertising information contact: Priscilla Goulais Communications Unit Coordinator Toll-Free 1-877-702-5200 Outside Ontario 1-705-497-9127 Ext. 2288 E-mail: news@anishinabek.ca Anishinabek News P.O. Box 711 North Bay, Ontario P1B 8J8
Cross Cultural Awareness Training
Did you know that there are three main constitutionally recognized Aboriginal groups in Canada? (First Nations, Metis and Inuit). Did you know there are 13 different Nations within Ontario alone, represented by 134 First Nation communities across the province? Niijii “Friends”Circle Cross Cultural Awareness Training will provide your group with awareneness and foster a better understanding of First Peoples in Canada, in a respectful, interactive atmosphere. Group discussions as well as question-and-answer sessions are an important part of the training, which can be customized to meet your group or organization’s needs. One-day workshops for 20 participants feature discussions about Anishinabek culture, history and contemporary issues. Traditional lunch included.
Media Relations Training
Few would dispute the role mainstream media plays in shaping the public’s perception on many issues through the continual dissemination of information. Our training program will offer strategies and resources designed to improve dialogue between media and First Nation communities. Topics include Media Coverage of First Nations issues, Stereotypes of First Nations people and First Nations achievers and the media.
ut our facilitator
out our facilitator MAURICE SWITZER is a citizenSchool of the Elementary
Missing Chapter
Public Education Niijii Circle Niijii Circle Public Education Initiatives
Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, and has Mississauga, Haudenosaunee, This program is delievered in a series of andMAURICE Jewish ancestry. SWITZER is a citizen of the modules related to ‘What we didn’t learn in He currently serves as Director of Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, Communications for the Union of school about Aboriginal peoples.” Topics andElementary has Mississauga, Haudenosaunee, The School is designed Ontario Indians in North Bayprogram and and Jewish ancestry. include: Residential School, Indigenous to provide an overview of Anishinaabe editor of the Anishinabek He currently serves News. as Director of Culture, Media Stereotypes, Dysfunction, erly director of communications for the teachings using our own traditional Communications for the Union of Healthy Societies, Justice and Treaties. y of First Nations in Ottawa, Switzer worked Ontario Indians in North Bay and nalist, editor, and at dailyNews. editor ofpublisher the Anishinabek ers in Belleville, Oshawa, Timmins, Sudbury, rmerly director of communications for the nipeg. He has taughtinatOttawa, First Nations mbly of First Nations Switzer worked lurnalist, Instituteeditor, on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and publisher at daily e College North Bay, and was a professor in papers in in Belleville, Oshawa, Timmins, Sudbury, munications atat Huntington Winnipeg. He program has taught First Nations ty inInstitute Sudbury. on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ical MAURICE SWITZER is a citizen 03 heCollege was inducted into the Nipissing District dore in North Bay, and was a professor in of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, Rights Hall of Fame and in 2010 presented mmunications program at Huntington and has Mississauga, Anishinabek Nation Lifetime AchievementHaudenosaunee, rsity in Sudbury. COMMUNICATIONS UNIT Jewish ancestry.District 2003 he was inductedand into the Nipissing He currently serves as Director of Union of Ontario Indians n Rights Hall of Fame and in 2010 presented Communications for the Union of Head Office - Nipissing FirstUNIT Nation an Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Ontario Indians in North Bay and COMMUNICATIONS d. P.O. Box 711 editor of the Anishinabek News. Union of Ontario Indians Formerly director of communications for the North -Bay, Ontario Head Office Nipissing First Nation Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa, Switzer worked P1B 8J8 as a journalist, editor, and publisher at daily P.O. Box 711 newspapers in Belleville, Oshawa, Timmins, Sudbury, North Bay, Ontario Phone: 497-9127, ext. 2288 orkshops a projectHe ofhas the taught Niijii Circle Public andare Winnipeg. at First Nations P1B 8J8 Toll Free: 877-702-5200 n Initiative. Activities include cross-cultural Technical Institute on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Canadore College in North Bay, ss training, anti-racism projects, andand was a professor in Email: @anishinabek.ca Phone: 497-9127, ext. 2288 the communications Huntington ng education programs. workshops are a project ofprogram the Niijii at Circle Public Web: www.anishinabek.ca University in Sudbury. Toll Free: 877-702-5200 tion Initiative. Activities include cross-cultural rcle Vision Statement In 2003 he was inducted into the Nipissing District ness training, anti-racism projects, and relationships which create respect and Email: @anishinabek.ca Human Rights Hall of Fame and in 2010 presented nuing ndingeducation among allprograms. peoples inNation the Anishinabek with an Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Web: www.anishinabek.ca COMMUNICATIONS UNIT rritory.” Award. Circle Vision Statement Union of Ontario Indians relationships which create respect and gildPrinciples standing among all peoples in the Anishinabek Head Office - Nipissing First Nation all cultures ny territory.” in messages P.O.ANISHINABEK Box 711 ourPrinciples vision and hope for the future ng North Bay, Ontario h inall our convictions ect cultures P1B 8J8 esty in messages ANISHINABEK ing our vision and hope for the future Phone: 497-9127, ext. 2288 These workshops are aentered projectinto of the M BELT: In 1764, the Chippewa the Niijii Circle Public ngth in our convictions Toll Free: 877-702-5200 Initiative. Activities t ChainEducation with the British at Niagara. It wasinclude cross-cultural training, anti-racism d by Sirawareness William Johnson as a Covenant of projects, and Email: @anishinabek.ca continuing education love BELT: and mutual friendship. Itprograms. is said that the PUM In 1764, the Chippewa entered into the
Program
Niijii (Friends) Circle
Public Education Initiatives Initiatives
About our facilitator
General Inquiries General Inquiries
Circle Public Education tive i Circle Public Education iative
Niijii Circle Public Educat Initiatives
General Inquiries
Niijii Circle Public Education Initiative
Web: www.anishinabek.ca
as made of silver, theBritish strength and brightness nant Chain with the at Niagara. It wasof Niijii Circle Vision Statement ould it to relationships noJohnson decay. as The of this bed subject by“To Sir build William a ends Covenant ofsilverrespect and which create re tolove be fixed to the immovable Mountains. The erly and mutual friendship. It ispeoples said that understanding among all inthe the Anishinabek ade Niagara was the preserved a belt of was at made of silver, strengthonand brightness of Nation territory.” m.would This was the it convention at the subject to no decay. Thetime endsasofour thispeople silver did not have writing and because paper would not last. Both the belt and Guiding Principles tion of the Chain have been passed down through were to be fixed to the immovable Mountains. Thethe generations of our leaders, and this relationship remains strong in our 33 are like links in a chain. • Respect allwas cultures he nature the Covenant Chain is on that of a of compact, a political union in which the participating nations y made atofNiagara preserved a belt • Honesty retains its identity,inasmessages each nation continues to conduct its internal affairs. The purpose of the making of the Chain is toANISHINABEK create
Communications Unit UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS Communications Unit UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS ANISHINABEK
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“I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to travel and to meet new people. The Canadian Forces offers these opportunities. I’ve done a lot of traveling and I get to work with people from different countries. I make new friends everywhere. In the Forces it’s like you’re part of a big family.” Corporal Loren ScaLpLock, Siksika First Nation
« Je voulais faire carrière dans un domaine qui me permettrait de voyager et de rencontrer des gens. Les Forces canadiennes offrent des possibilités de ce genre. J’ai beaucoup voyagé et je travaille avec des gens en provenance de différents pays. Je me fais des amis aux quatre coins du globe. Être dans les Forces, c’est un peu comme faire partie d’une grande famille. » Caporal Loren ScaLpLock, Première nation des Siksikas
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