Original Stampede Queen helps kick off parade Jul 5, 2008
BOTTOM LINE is it all takes place on unceded FIRST NATIONS' land. yes, legallly, this is indigenous people's land whether people like that or not. (CTV.ca)
True folk song inspiration Jul 4, 2008
Shes an accomplished legend of the international folk music scene, and a headliner at this weekends Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, but the Cree-born writer of anthems like Universal Soldier and Codeine is also an activist, a noted creator of digital artwork, a leading exponent of revolutionary teaching techniques for First Nations youth, and an early adaptor of synthesizers in the 60s and computer-assisted recording in the 80s ... " That love of heritage is something that goes far... (TheChronicleHerald.ca)
'There are more reasons than ever to celebrate our country': Harper Jul 2, 2008
"On that day, all of us together Inuit, Metis, First Nations and non-aboriginals joined hands in committing to bridge the gaps entrenched by years of injustice," she said. "The time had come. The time had come.". (CBC.ca)
We stand on guard for what? Jun 28, 2008
" I don't mind the focus on hockey and beer, but we need to realize that both soccer and cricket have become popular Canadian sports, so there's a sense of retreating into the familiar and comfortable when we talk about Hockey Night in Canada along with Gordon Lightfoot. Sorry to say it, but this doesn't feel like the dynamic Canada I sense in our urban centres. I agree with John: I think we need to be making a bit more noise, taking a few more chances, not accepting the status quo in all cases.... (Globe and Mail)
Ancient Fort Opens New Chapter In First Nations' History Jun 25, 2008
ScienceDaily (June 24, 2008) A fortified village that pre-dates European arrival in Western Canada and is the only one of its kind discovered on the Canadian plains is yielding intriguing evidence of an unknown First Nations group settling on the prairies and is rekindling new ties between the Siksika Nation (Blackfoot) and aboriginal groups in the United States ... Similar to the fortified villages of agrarian First Nations groups in central and eastern North America, the Cluny Fortified... (Science Daily)
Aboriginals look to move forward Jun 24, 2008
Aboriginal and non-aboriginal families, elders, veterans and dignitaries alike gathered under the hot sun Saturday at Friendship Park to enjoy a day filled with prayer, music and dancing -- along with freshly made traditional bannock -- at a national event set aside to recognize Metis, First Nations and Inuit cultures ... Those in attendance were able to hear Metis and First Nations music and watch jigging, dancing and fiddling. (StarPhoenix)
Ahenakew's rant underlines common bonds between First Nations, Jews Jun 23, 2008
Ahenakews rant underlines common bonds between First Nations, Jews ... Ahenakew's rant underlines common bonds between First Nations, Jews ... OTTAWA - The anti-Semitic rants of former Assembly of First Nations chief David Ahenakew six years ago have produced a bonding between Canada's native and Jewish communities, leaders of both groups said Sunday. (Canada.com)
Chateau Frontenac Jun 22, 2008
Ephemeral creatures are teetering on 2-foot-high platform shoes in sparkling gowns, swaying with buckskin-clad First Nations folks ... -- Native culture and history will be interpreted in programs offered by the First Nations of Quebec and Canada, including an outdoor drama, "Kiugwe: The Great Meeting," presented in Wendake, July 18 to Sept. 7. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Tsawwassen treaty takedown Jun 21, 2008
The making of the Tsawwassen treaty exposes some of the peculiarities of first nations rule ... As treaty negotiations drag on and on, not all of B.C.'s first nations have had to wait for a payday ... Four first nations whose land claims overlap jurisdictions needed for the Olympics have signed lucrative agreements that give them millions in cash, as well as development rights to extremely valuable real estate, construction contracts and marketing exposure for native artists. (Globe and Mail)
Bilingual signs do not infringe on our rights Jun 21, 2008
We continue to learn from the rich history of First Nations and new Canadians arriving from the entire world, and we have always been strengthened by the dynamic relationship between anglophones and francophones. This relationship has enriched us. (Ottawa Citizen)
Styres Becomes First Native North American to Own a Major Professional Sports Franchise Jun 20, 2008
NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings, Lewis Staats and Curt Styres of Arrow Express Sports; Phil Fontaine, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations; Chief Leroy Hill of Six Nations, and Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy at today's press conference at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York ... The Iroquois Confederacy is a group of First Nations/Native Americans. (PR Newswire)
Students of Canada's Top History Teachers Take Up Arms and Go To Trial to Get Better Grades Jun 19, 2008
Through interactive field trips and environmental studies outside the classroom, Tenning's students are visiting historical sites and hearing first-hand from Aboriginal elders on how First Nations people lived in the past. Titled, "Walking on the Lands of our Ancestors", Tenning has created "talking circles" that empower her students with personal experiences so they can learn about the issues that First Nations people face in the present day ... Neil Robinson Calgary, AB Neil Robinson didn't... (Canada Newswire)
Residential school survivor can forgive, but not forget Jun 19, 2008
Prime minister Stephen Harper last Wednesday addressed First Nations across the country in apologizing for the travesty that was the residential school system, and admitted the ripple effect has meant serious social problems to this day ... Now with talk of the compensation going to survivors, Green says the First Nations people have been short changed and personally thinks the compensation is an insult ... As a means to reconstruct communities that have lost their togetherness, Green... (Northern Sentinel)
Apology and rights awareness Jun 19, 2008
Then, speaking on the floor of the House of Commons, representatives of the First Nations (Indians), Inuit and Mitis (mixed ancestry) peoples responded and welcomed the apology ... Heartfelt utterances like, "Many were inadequately fed, clothed and housed. All were deprived of the care and nurturing of their parents, grandparents and communities. First Nations, Inuit and Mitis languages and cultural practices were prohibited in these schools. Tragically, some of these children died while... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
The significance of the PM's apology Jun 18, 2008
"This day testifies to nothing less than the achievement of the impossible." These words by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine after the apology by Prime Minister Harper last week, echoed through my head as I returned home after an exhausting yet exhilarating day ... Asking for forgiveness touches both the hearts and the innate generosity of spirit of First Nations, Inuit and Mtis peoples ... The apology also provided a national televised stage for First Nations, Inuit, and... (The Gazette (Montreal))
Prime Minister apologizes for residential schools Jun 17, 2008
Assembly of First Nations Chief, Phil Fontaine, responded to the apology. This day is testimony to the achievement of the impossible. (Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser)
Grand Chief Fontaine calls for inquiry into 'lost boys' Jun 17, 2008
WINNIPEG - First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine is calling on the Manitoba government to launch a public inquiry into the plight of Sam McGillivary and the other "lost boys" who grew up and were abused in government-run group homes ... National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine ... McGillivary is one of many First Nations children who grew up in provincially run group homes that doubled as work camps. (Canada.com)
From apology to action: A response to the Residential Schools Apology Jun 13, 2008
Many of you will know me as Edward John, Grand Chief, Tl'azt'en Nation and an elected member of the First Nations Summit ... As well, recent reports from the federal and provincial Auditors General conclude that federally-funded First Nations-operated child welfare agencies, when compared to those of the province, are chronically underfunded ... This responsibility, which was by then a national issue, was stick handled by the Assembly of First Nations, leading to the Residential Schools... (Vancouver Sun)
'We are sorry' Jun 13, 2008
Robert Lovelace, retired First Nations chief and professor at Queen's University, discusses Ottawa's plan to apologize for residential schools ... In full native headdress, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine went first. (Globe and Mail)
Canada Apologizes To Aboriginal Natives Jun 12, 2008
Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine smiles after receiving his headress during a smudging ceremony with sweetgrass outside the House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is set to officially apologize for the once-mandatory network of federal schools intended to assimilate native people. (CBS News)
Legacy of residential schools Jun 12, 2008
CANADA'S ABORIGINALS Made up of Indians, known as First Nations people, Metis and Inuit Population 1 ... What it did, says Chief Phil Fontaine, head of the Assembly of First Nations which represents Indians and himself a former student, was cause "profound harm, loss and grief to individuals, families, communities and subsequent generations". (BBC News -- Americas)
PM apologises to native Canadians Jun 12, 2008
Beginning in 1874, about 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis children in Canada were forcibly enrolled in the 132 boarding schools run by Christian churches on behalf of the federal government ... It was "the darkest chapter in Canada's history", Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations said. (Aljazeera.Net)
Canada offers an apology for native students' abuse Jun 12, 2008
"The memories of residential schools sometimes cuts like merciless knives at our souls," Phil Fontaine, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the national association of native groups, told the House of Commons. He wore a ceremonial feathered headdress. (International Herald Tribune)
Prime minister apologizes to native Canadians Jun 12, 2008
Phil Fontaine, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations and one of the 11 aboriginal leaders seated near Harper, wore a traditional native headdress and he and other Indian leaders were allowed to speak from the floor after opposition parties demanded it ... The First Nations Leadership Council said earlier this week that there had still been debate over whether Stewart's statement constituted a full apology ... Assembly of First Nations: http://www. (International Herald Tribune)
A personal history Jun 12, 2008
Currently: associate English professor, First Nations University of Canada ... The Oblates believed that the first nations people were being adversely influenced by the influx of white settlers coming to British Columbia for the gold rush. (Globe and Mail)
Canada apologises to its stolen generations Jun 12, 2008
Looking back the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, responds to the apology from Stephen Harper, bottom left ... Looking back … the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, responds to the apology from Stephen Harper, bottom left ... Looking back … the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, responds to the apology from Stephen Harper, bottom left. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Canada's PM Apologizes to Natives Jun 12, 2008
First Nations people walk during an Honor Walk march in Shubenacadie, N.S. Mike Dembeck / AP, The Canadian Press Article Tools. (OTTAWA) Prime Minister Stephen Harper publicly apologized to native Canadians on Wednesday for the longtime government policy of taking aboriginal children away from their families and cultures. (Time.com)
* Canada to apologize for century of native abuse Jun 11, 2008
Today, as part of a multibillion dollar settlement with former students X the largest settlement in Canadian history X Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will officially apologize for what Fontaine, now chief of the Assembly of First Nations, describes as the darkest chapter in Canadas history. . (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
97 years later, apology at last Jun 10, 2008
Phil Fontaine, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and one of the first native leaders to go public with his story of physical and sexual abuse at a residential school, said he is hoping for an event that will be as "incredible" as the apology by the Australian government in February to its aboriginal people ... "For first nations, it will restore our dignity because it will say we were unjustly wronged as a people over generations simply because of who we were," he said. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Leader of disappearing island nation says climate change an issue ... Jun 5, 2008
New Zealand was chosen to host World Environment Day because it was one of the first nations to commit to carbon neutrality and has provided climate change leadership, Steiner said. A major new wind farm being developed on its outskirts of the capital Wellington means the city will soon be 100 percent carbon neutral in its electricity supply, Prime Minister Helen Clark said. (International Herald Tribune)
Abitibi announces immediate withdrawal from Whiskey Jack Forest Jun 5, 2008
As a result, the company would be turning over its licence to the province, in hopes the province would move forward with First Nations on talks for issuing a new one to another company ... Still, Brooks said they would continue to lobby for meaningful consultations with First Nations, which would include prior and informed consent by aboriginal communities, before decisions on development are made. (Daily Miner and News)
Too early to write off the TRC Jun 2, 2008
Rather than being a salve for jagged aboriginal views of non-native society, of history and of land claims, I am predicting the commission will serve as an amplifier for First Nations' discontent. Rather than stimulating understanding, I'd wager the commission will serve only to reinforce aboriginal victimhood -- the myth, too prevalent among First Peoples, that their plight is entirely of someone else's making, namely non- natives. (Canada.com)
Canada begins examination of abuses at church-run schools for Indians Jun 1, 2008
"It's the darkest most tragic chapter in Canadian history and virtually no one knows about this," Phil Fontaine, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, told The Associated Press. The commission will spend five years traveling across the country to hear stories from former students, teachers and others involved in the so-called residential schools run by the Roman Catholic Church and various Protestant denominations. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Quebec City celebrates its 400th birthday May 31, 2008
Indian culture and history will be interpreted in programs offered by the First Nations of Quebec and Canada, including an outdoor drama, "Kiugwe: The Great Meeting," presented in Wendake, July 18-Sept. 7. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Quebec's culture clash May 22, 2008
Quebec's culture clash. Bouchard-Taylor commission. (CBC.ca)
PM to apologize for residential school abuses May 16, 2008
This is going to be a very meaningful and respectful apology that first nations have been asking for, for many years, Mr. Strahl told reporters in Toronto following a speech at the Empire Club of Canada. Michael Cachagee, president of the National Residential School Survivors' Society, said the apology will be meaningless if it does not include an acknowledgment of all the devastation that took place inside these schools. (Globe and Mail)
BDC Announces 2008 Winners of E-Spirit National May 15, 2008
It was hosted by the First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina in Treaty Four territory. The business plan competition, organized by BDC, featured 16 weeks of interactive business planning resources, access to mentors online and a chance to meet and network with other students, online, and in person at the Regina event. (Canada Newswire)
Bust from riverbed reveals face of Julius Caesar: archeologist May 15, 2008
One of Canada's most prominent First Nations film stars has a plan to get more aboriginal stories into movie theatres and onto the airwaves. Arts Features. (Yahoo News -- Anthropology and Archaeology)
Alternative schools a success, study finds May 12, 2008
In some alternatives schools, there are daycares for new mothers, or aboriginal cooking and culture lessons for the high number of first nations students, 36 per cent of whom make up student numbers in alternative programs. The programs are also run out of community centres, which allow homeless students access to showers and laundry and, in some cases, psychological services. (Vancouver Sun)
Bill Reid gallery opening May 9, 2008
It set a record for First Nations art when it sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York for $1 ... Led by Reid, the art of the Northwest Coast has risen in stature in the past 50 years to the top of the international First Nations art market, surpassing the art of the U.S. southwest and the Inuit, MacDonald said ... MacDonald, the director emeritus of the Bill Reid Foundation, was among the speakers at a ceremony Tuesday where Coast Salish First Nations welcomed to their traditional territory... (Vancouver Sun)
Now comes the hard part Apr 12, 2008
We all agree the Holocaust is one of the most horrible genocides in humankind, he says, but there are other types of genocide, including the mistreatment of the First Nations in Canada. Indeed, the CAF believes along with 45 organizations that collectively call themselves Canadians for Genocide Education that only the travails of Canada's aboriginals should have a dedicated gallery in Winnipeg. (Globe and Mail)
Wanuskewin construction on hold thanks to $2.5M error Apr 10, 2008
Numerous new meeting spaces should to appeal to groups looking to book space, such as First Nations organizations, and possibly university classes, Lorje said ... "This is viewed by most First Nations people as being sacred land.". (Canada.com)
Media Advisory - Dramatically Redesigned Museum Subway Station Opens Tuesday, April 8 at 11:00 am Apr 1, 2008
The five column designs replicated throughout the station's platform represent First Nations Canada ("The Wuikinuxv First National House Post"), Ancient Egypt ("The Osiris Pilaster"), the Mexico's Toltec Culture ("The Warrior"), China's traditional culture ("The Forbidden City Columns") and the Parthenon in Greece ("The Doric Columns"). The opening of the redesigned reflects Toronto Community Foundation's commitment to the idea of beautifying and invigorating public spaces in the city. (Canada Newswire)
Crewman: Drinking widespread aboard Alaska Ranger Apr 1, 2008
Agriculture Minister Pat Bell said the new approach will be developed in collaboration with First Nations to protect the health of wild salmon, the story says. . (Anchorage Daily News)
Cape Dorset's due Mar 27, 2008
"Having learned to draw by making appliques for sealskin bags, Kenojuak was encouraged to try her hand at producing fine art. Her engravings and drawings of jaunty birds and fish (and a seaweed-eating rabbit) made their debut in 1959, when the Inuit community of Cape Dorset began sharing its creative vision with the world through the release of an annual print collection. Kenojuak's prints put hers among the standout offerings -- particularly those featuring her trademark defiant-looking owls,... (National Post)
Post a comment Mar 25, 2008
Also, First Nations people are also NEGOTIATING their own rights to territory and independence within Canada ... Gee David, I wonder how much land is Canada going to give back to the First Nations people ... Also, First Nations people are also NEGOTIATING their own rights to territory and independence within Canada. (International Herald Tribune)
Portrait of a racist Mar 22, 2008
The words in this non-discriminatory glossary for races would have to be completely without association, so what I'm going to do is have Alphie, my girlfriend's dog, sit on my laptop for a second; whatever arbitrary collection of letters he produces will be oh, for argument's sake, let's make it the new, non-biased or loaded term for First Nations People. W43a;'hegor. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Don't like the future? Change the channel Mar 6, 2008
The Vancouver Organizing Committee of the 2010 Games has signed a licensing agreement giving the Four Host First Nations and Nunavut Development Corporation rights to market merchandise with aboriginal themes under the Olympic brand. Slumping internet pioneer Yahoo Inc. on Wednesday postponed a key deadline in a looming battle with spurned suitor Microsoft Corp., hoping to gain more wiggle room as it tries to escape a takeover. (CBC News)
Inuit artists up against an Olympic challenge Mar 6, 2008
This is probably one of the most exciting days of my life, said Tewanee Joseph, executive director and CEO of the Four Host First Nations Society. We are writing Olympic and Paralympic winter history. (Globe and Mail)
Assembly of First Nations chief considers another day of action Mar 5, 2008
OTTAWA - Angry over the recent federal budget, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has called for another national day of action and there are plans to launch a sustained campaign of economic disruptions across the country over a wider time frame. Fontaine was "bitterly disappointed" First Nations issues were not a priority in the Feb. 26 budget ... Several First Nations organizations have created direct action committees to fine tune their plans, he said. (Canada.com)
Native art for Olympics Mar 4, 2008
Vancouver The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Games will announce details tomorrow of a nationwide search for aboriginal artists to create works to be licensed and sold by VANOC. The artists will work with the committee's design team to develop artworks that will be "in line" with VANOC's brand while being truly representative of aboriginal people "and of the highest quality," according to Tewanee Joseph, executive director of the Four Host First Nations Society. "To see... (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Native school must not be segregated, Bond says Mar 3, 2008
"It absolutely needs to be about a community approach that has significant partnership and leadership from first nations. That is what really will, I hope, allow people to see this as something different than segregation.". More National Stories. (Globe and Mail)
Trustees support BC's first native public school Feb 29, 2008
Wayne Kodje, the principal of the First Nations School of Toronto, said that while the Ontario curriculum is taught at his K-to-Grade-8 school, there is an added emphasis on traditional song, dance and other cultural activities, such as smudging ceremonies. The First Nations School of Toronto opened in 1977, started by concerned native parents who saw elementary-age children leaving the school system. (Globe and Mail)
Yellow Quill chief proposing drug and alcohol treatment centre Feb 8, 2008
In the years to come, Michael Campeau wants to see the return to traditional First Nations ways - but modelled after closed Mennonite communities ... The project is in partnership with Fishing Lake and Knishton First Nations, Whitehead said, adding a location has yet to be determined ... In the band office, 13 e-mails, faxes and handwritten letters of condolences from individuals, families and First Nations from across Western Canada are posted on a door. (Canada.com)
VentureLink Investments Provide Returns to Ontario Universities Feb 6, 2008
Community sponsors may be a municipality, a First Nations Council, college, research institute or, in this case, universities. "Ventus demonstrates the benefits of early stage investing in Ontario," said John Varghese, Managing Partner of VentureLink and Chairman of Ventus. (Canada Newswire)
Lorje named acting CEO Jan 22, 2008
"The whole mission and work of Wanuskewin is, of course, about honouring our First Nations and aboriginal heritage in Saskatchewan and in the Prairie region, and bringing together aboriginal and non-aboriginal in a better understanding of First Nations culture and contributions to the development of this part of Canada. So we think that someone who has a strong aboriginal background is probably best able to fulfil that mission.". Jack Hillson responds to reporters' questions during a press... (StarPhoenix)
Education success story needs to be recognized in Canada Dec 27, 2007
That it needs to sharpen efforts to help students most at risk of dropping out, particularly First Nations students. That it needs to ensure classroom instruction is relevant to all Canadians. (Canada Newswire)
Indigenous people describe real perils of global warming Dec 15, 2007
"The area of dead trees in British Columbia is the size of Portugal or South Korea. It rivals the destruction of the Amazon and Indonesian rain forests. More than 100 First Nations communities are directly impacted. If the epidemic eats its way across Canada, the impacted communities could be in the thousands.". Because winters are not cold enough to kill the beetle infestation, millions of hectares of pine trees have died, Mr. Porter said. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Norval Morrisseau, 75: Famed native painter Dec 6, 2007
He "spearheaded a cultural renaissance in First Nations arts and culture in the '60s," Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said in a statement yesterday ... "That was at a time when Canadian First Nations art didn't seem to exist," said Gerald McMaster, the leading First Nations historian and head of the Canadian collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario. (Toronto Star)
International hits, premieres lined up for Luminato arts fest Dec 6, 2007
The festival will also host a number of world premieres, including the debut of Where the Blood Mixes, a new drama by First Nations playwright Kevin Loring and Nunavut, a musical collaboration between award-winning ensemble Kronis Quartet and Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq. The Mark Morris Dance Group will perform Mozart Dances during its one-week residency in Toronto at the Luminato fest. (CBC Ottawa)
Cut road salt use, says Ontario watchdog Dec 5, 2007
But he said the Liberals have already brought in a growth plan for the Golden Horseshoe and are working on modernizing the Mining Act to include more consultation with First Nations. Thats just one of many recommendations that we will be carefully considering, McGuinty said. (Toronto Star)
Feist to perform at inaugural Cultural Olympiad Dec 3, 2007
Asian, Indian, Balkan and First Nations dance troops and musicians are also scheduled to perform. Burke Taylor, vice president for culture and celebrations for VANOC, said the core budget is $750,000 for the 2008 season but there is also funding from other provinces who have artists participating, such as Ontario and Alberta. (CTV.ca)
Podur: Academic Boycott Debate Nov 30, 2007
Finally, there were many regimes that did many bad things from Iran's treatment of homosexuals to Sudan's treatment of Darfur or the South, to Britain's treatment of the Irish, to Canada's treatment of First Nations. If these regimes were not to be boycotted, neither should Israel's. (Zmag.org)
2010 cultural festivities unveiled Nov 30, 2007
The first nations oratory will start with a pre-show event at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art on nearby Hornby Street. Donna Wong-Juliani, of Christ Church, and Mavis Dixon, of the Bill Reid Foundation, said they were delighted their joint proposal was chosen to start the festival. (Vancouver Sun)
Vancouver 2010 Mascots Introduced to the World Nov 28, 2007
Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations - tales of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land. Part Spirit Bear, a rare white bear unique to BC, Miga's outgoing spirit and high energy draw her to action and adventure. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
