News 
ANNOUNCEMENT: TREATY REGION ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
2/3/2012
PRESENTED BY THE IPPERWASH FIRST NATIONS TASK FORCE
As part of the Treaty Commission in Ontario Interim Initiative, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) will be hosting a series of engagement sessions in February & March 2012. The purpose is to assess and gather perspectives for a potential Treaty Commission in Ontario. The sessions will focus on exploring the possible scope, structure and mandate of a Treaty Commission or similar body.
These sessions are in response to resolution Treaties – Unifying Our Approach 11/04, which calls for a series of engagement sessions across Ontario. The results of these engagement sessions will be reported back to Chiefs in Assembly and will help guide in the decision of determining the most appropriate mechanism to deal with our Treaty grievances.
Please Note: These sessions are internal to First Nations Leadership and Citizens and will not involve representatives from the federal or provincial governments as directed in the resolution.
NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CAUCUS PREPARATORY MEETING FOR UNITED NATIONS PERMANENT FORUM ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES
1/26/2012
March 9th, 10th, 11th, 2012
The North American Indigenous Peoples' Caucus (NAIPC) is an international Indigenous Peoples' preparatory meeting for the 11th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This three-day in depth working session is designed by and for tribal nation/First Nations' leadership, community members, elders, youth, and organizations.
The purpose of the NAIPC is to bring together (U.S. and Canada) First Nations and Native American Peoples and Tribal Nations in advance of the UNPFII to discuss critical issues, explore common ground, and establish a collective platform of action for our strategic work at the United Nations.
ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF’S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ELDER MADELINE SKEAD
1/26/2012
Toronto, ON – I want to
offer my deepest condolences to all those who knew Elder Madeline Skead, or
Onowikamigook (Center of the Earth Woman), of the Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation
who has passed on to the Spirit World.
TREATIES MUST BE THE FOUNDATION IN EFFORT TO RENEW THE FIRST NATIONS-CROWN RELATIONSHIP
1/25/2012
Toronto, ON – Yesterday, in Ottawa, a selection of First Nations leaders from across Canada met with Prime Minister Harper and members of his cabinet to discuss the state of the First Nations-Crown relationship and to consider options for improving the economic and social conditions of First Nations.
“The fact that the federal government agreed to this meeting was a positive first step. However, what really matters is how the Government demonstrates that they understood the messages that were delivered yesterday. Our people delivered a strong message yesterday, we are fed up with Canada’s disrespectful approach and require a return to our original treaty based relationship with the Crown and respect for our right to self-determination” stated Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.
STATEMENT FROM ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ANGUS TOULOUSE ON THE UPCOMING JANUARY 24th FIRST NATIONS-CROWN GATHERING
1/19/2012
Toronto, ON – On January 24th, 2012, First Nations leaders will meet with Prime Minister Harper and Cabinet Ministers in Ottawa. The true value of the meeting will depend on what happens as a result. This cannot simply be a photo op for the federal government or a continuation of the agenda to avoid recognition and implementation of the rights of First Nations.
The upcoming meeting between First Nations and the government of Canada presents a valuable opportunity to restore our original relationship in accordance with the spirit and intent of the Treaties and to set in motion plans and activities aimed at facilitating the full potential of First Nations peoples and their governments.
ONTARIO HEALTH SERVICES INTEGRATION FUND CALL FOR LETTER OF INTENT
1/12/2012
The Health Services Integration Fund (HSIF) is a five-year, $80 million National initiative supporting collaborative planning and multi-year projects aimed at better meeting the health care needs of First Nations and Inuit Peoples. First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Ontario’s Region (FNIH-OR) allocation is $6,771,153 from April 1st 2012 to March 31st 2015. HSIF is meant to capitalize on the lessons learned and partnerships established among First Nations and Inuit, provincial and federal representatives from both the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund as well as other successful integration partnerships.
BOLD ACTION NEEDED ON FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION
1/12/2012
Toronto, ON – As was reported on Tuesday, the Enoch Birchstick School at the Pikangikum First Nation is on the verge of closing due to the loss of non-local teachers out of the community as the residences that are used to house the staff have been determined to be unsafe due to mold. This has resulted in only half of the required number of elementary classes being operational.
“This situation illustrates yet again the challenges that First Nations experience as a result of years of government under-funding First Nations education. The chronic underfunding of First Nations education and the negative consequences that have brought this about has reached a breaking point. If immediate action is not taken, we will continue to see and hear about similar crisis’s in other communities”, stated Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.
ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF RESPONDS TO TRAGIC PLANE CRASH AT NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION
1/11/2012
Toronto, ON – I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from a plane crash at North Spirit Lake First Nation yesterday. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy, as well as to Chief and Council, and the people of North Spirit Lake First Nation. Many First Nations communities are small and close knit and when there is a tragedy such as this; all feel the effects and experience a shared sense of loss.
WAHGOSHIG FIRST NATION - MEDIA ADVISORY
12/19/2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUSTICE DELAYED: WAHGOSHIG FIRST NATION RETURNS TO COURT TO PROTECT ITS TRADITIONAL TERRITORY Toronto, ON - Wahgoshig will go before the Ontario Superior Court tomorrow, seeking an injunction against Solid Gold Resources Corp., a junior mining company that is drilling in its traditional territory. Since spring 2011, Wahgoshig has been trying to meet with Solid Gold to discuss the impacts of Solid Gold’s activities on Wahgoshig’s lands and rights. Solid Gold has consistently refused to engage with Wahgoshig, despite being directed to do so by the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
HOUSING CRISIS IN ATTAWAPISKAT
12/5/2011
BULLETIN
TO: All First Nations Chiefs within Ontario
FROM: Regional Chief Angus Toulouse
DATE: December 1, 2011
RE: HOUSING CRISIS AT ATTAWAPISKAT
ISSUE:
The Attawapiskat First Nation declared a state of emergency on October 28, 2011. The community continues to experience deplorable living conditions, due to lack of adequate housing and infrastructure, but now the conditions are worsening.
FACTS:
At the time of the state of emergency announcement by Chief Spence, there were:
· 5 families living in non-insulated tents
· 19 families living in makeshift sheds without water or electricity
· 87 buildings fit for condemnation that are being used as homes for 128 families
· 35 families living in houses needing serious repair
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Media coverage has increased as a result of Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus raising this issue in the House of Commons. The coverage has focused on the deplorable conditions in the community (communicated through YouTube video footage and photographs of children with burn scars and infections), to a current focus on the First Nation having received $92 million in federal funding since 2006.
Recognizing that you, as First Nations leaders, may be approached with questions or asked to comment on this issue, the COO secretariat has prepared a list of potential questions and answers to assist you (attached).
CURRENT STATUS:
The Canadian Red Cross is currently assisting the First Nation through the provision of generators, heaters, insulated sleeping mats, blankets and winter clothing.
The Regional Chief participated in a conference call today, December 1, 2011, hosted by Grand Chief Stan Louttit. Also participating in the call were, National Chief Shawn Atleo, Chief Theresa Spence, as well as numerous other chiefs located in the north. During the call it was noted that a press conference was held this afternoon in the community to disclose the details of all federal funding received over the past five years. The community received a hand delivered letter from the Regional Director General of Aboriginal Affairs that notified the community that they are being placed under third party management (which is deemed to be AANDC’s response to the community's declaration of a state of emergency a month ago.)
During next week’s AFN Special Chiefs Assembly, the AFN will arrange another meeting to follow today's conference call to determine ways to continue providing further support. It was also agreed that a resolution of support for Attawapiskat, and similarly affected communities across the country, will be introduced as part of the agenda.
CHIEFS OF ONTARIO ACTIVITIES:
At the request of Chief Theresa Spence, the Chiefs of Ontario has written to both AANDC (INAC) Minister Duncan and MAA Minister Wynne requesting a meeting with the Chief. The Regional Chief has been taking media interviews to advocate for Chief Spence’s request for immediate assistance.
The Regional Chief provided an opinion piece to the Toronto Star on the situation which was published in today’s edition, December 1, 2011 (attached). Future messaging from the COO and the Regional Chief will focus on advocacy for immediate assistance, historical context and treaty obligations. Requests for commentary on the financial situation of Attawapiskat will be directed to Chief Spence as she is in the best position to speak to the specifics.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The Canadian Red Cross is collecting monetary donations for Attawapiskat. Financial donations may be made online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or through your local Canadian Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Attawapiskat" and can also be mailed to the Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3E9.
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