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Crown/First Nations Gathering

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National News
Daily Turtle Island News
Turtle Island News is now providing the only national native news service delivered to your computer or cell each morning. Now for the first time you will get National Native News and get it every morning. Find out what is happening in Native News circles every morning when you start your day. For instant access, click on the image below and subscribe.
 
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Harper, chiefs at odds over fate of the Indian Act
The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - What was billed as the historic coming-together of the federal government and First Nations began with the two sides polarized over the future of the Indian Act. Though there had been fears the prime minister would beat a hasty retreat from Tuesday's meetings, he extended his stay well past lunch and was expected to close out the day. But that show of goodwill didn't move the two sides any closer by midday to deciding whether they could jointly agree on the next steps for the Crown-First Nations relationship or would remain divided. The Indian Act became a flashpoint that high-profile chiefs seized upon to showcase the gap between the two sides. Prime Minister Harper said he sees the act as something that can be updated to reflect modern practices. But Shawn Atleo, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, led a parade of speakers who described the century-old legislation as a boulder blocking the path to collaboration. They laid out their views in back-to-back speeches Tuesday as the opening of the major meeting of leaders and government ministers and officials. The Indian Act, first passed in 1876, gave Ottawa exclusive jurisdiction over "Indians and Lands Reserved for Indians." The legislation, which was last amended in 2000, defines who is recognized among First Nations and sets out rules on everything from how reserves operate to the effect of marriage on status. Harper conceded that the act led to problems over the years, but the government has no plans to repeal the legislation. "After 136 years, that tree has deep roots," he said. "Blowing up the stump would just leave a big hole.
 
Historic belt brought to Ottawa in bid to retie Crown, First Nationsson Cree bylaw interests Blood Tribe
The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - A historic wampum belt is being used today for the first time in centuries to help retie the relationship between First Nations and the Crown. Aboriginal leaders from Ontario have brought the replica of the 1764 Treaty of Niagara belt with them to Ottawa for a historic summit with the prime minister. Sewn from 10,076 purple and silver shells, it symbolizes the link forged between First Nations and the Crown in the year following the 1763 Royal Proclamation that defined the relationship between the two sides. It's those historic ties that chiefs across the country want to draw on in the one-day meeting that's billed as an opportunity to reset that relationship. So when they display the belt during the opening ceremonies of the summit, they will hold it aloft backwards. "As we turn the belt we symbolically recognize that the issue of our relationship with the Crown is not correct," said Chief Isadore Day Wiindawtegoweinini of the Serpent River First Nation. "And we must turn that belt and provide recognition of the work that still needs to be done. This really is at the foundation of the messaging behind this meeting with the federal government." While the meeting was announced last year, a date was formally set at a time of heightened tension between the government and First Nations. Living conditions on the Northern Ontario reserve of Attawapiskat, where families were living in trailers and tents in frigid weather, had burst onto the international stage. Amid desperate calls for change for aboriginal families across the country came the Harper government's pledge to also do more to strengthen financial accountability on reserves, which receive billions annually in federal funding. Both sides are now hoping to chart a path forward.
 
Preventing obesity in aboriginal kids needs to start with parental support: study
The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - Strategies to prevent obesity among aboriginal children must begin with an understanding of the unique social and historical factors that shape their broader community, a study suggests. "There needs to be a focus on improving the risk factors such as income and education," said Noreen Willows, a co-author of the study published in the February issue of the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. "Additionally, there needs to be a focus on embracing the cultural practices in terms of language and pride in the aboriginal culture to influence health behaviours and outcomes," Willows said in a release Tuesday. The study says prevention of obesity in aboriginal youngsters needs to begin by focusing on the parents before and during pregnancy, and on breastfeeding initiatives and nutrition in early childhood.
 
Sports Headlines
REZ GOLF
By Steve W Tooshkenig
Golf Pro

In 2012 there are exciting things taking place in the world of golf for First Nations golfers across Canada. The increase in participation and the amount of golf courses you can play on First Nation land is a great way to organize your schedule in 2012. For those of you who just started reading this golf column, I will give you a brief introduction of who I am as a golfer. I started golfing at the early age of 6 years young and grew up on a First Nation called Walpole Island First Nation located in Southern Ontario. It is now called Bkejwanong Territorywhich means “where the waters divide”. Once you make a visit to my Nation you will understand the meaning, as we are surrounded by the Great Lakes. The property my parents own is situated along the water front and I would spend hours a day hitting golf shots over the willow trees with my sister Cheryl, who is also a golf professional. We have been very fortunate and blessed to have a talent which allows us to be a difference in the lives of youth across North America. Along with hard work and dedication, it takes extreme discipline to continue to reach new levels in my writing career and golf business.
 
Bradbury educates and amazes OMSK kids with his collection of birds
By Neil Becker
Sports Writer

Seconds after James Bradbury showcased that first bird of prey it was quite evident that he had all the kids attention. Bradbury, who works for the Canadian Raptor Conservancy visited Oliver M. Smith School on January 19 where he captivated the kids with his collection of special birds which included the bald eagle, red tail hawk, American kestrel and a barn owl. Amazingly enough Bradbury whose been working with the Conservancy for approximately a year silenced all talk in the gymnasium when he brought Lucky who is a kestrel bird out of his cage. Needless to say Bradbury who came all the way from Port Dover for this show got a typical reaction of ‘yuck’ and ‘gross’ from the kids when he explained that these types typically like to hunt for snakes, rats, mice and even rabbits. Throughout his presentation Bradbury who let the birds fly on stage was constantly impressed with the questions and knowledge that the kids had about birds. “They seem to be really up on their birds and I was really impressed with some of their answers and questions,” Bradbury said. “We just want to make them more aware of all the different kinds of birds around them.” During the show and tell Bradbury would just have to hold out his gloved hand and whistle to get the bird to fly back to him. Following Lucky Bradbury brought out Betty who is the smallest member of the falcon family. Once again Bradbury got the kids attention as he explained that these kind of birds can travel at 300 kilometres per hour and even hit their prey going that same speed.
 
Ironmen get some solid individual performances but still looking for that first win
By Neil Becker
Sports Writer

Surprisingly after four regular season games the Iroquois Ironmen are still in search for their first CLax regular season win. Looking to bounce back from their 18-15 road loss against Oshawa the Ironmen who have also lost their season to Durham and Brampton were at home on January 21st where they got a couple of big performances from a couple of individuals but still lost 14-12 against Peel. The Ironmen who were the only Six Nations team playing on that weekend got a two goal four point effort from Mitch Nanticoke and Cody Johnson. Also stepping up big was Emmit Printup and Jerome Thompson who had three assists along with Mike Attwood who chipped in with a goal and three points. Others getting on the scoreboard include Vern Hill, Elijah Printup, Andrew Lazore, and Dus Nanticoke who all had two points. Besides for the offence another positive sign for the Ironmen was that their power play was productive as they scored four of their goals on eight extra man opportunities.
 
Habs Carey Price once again named to NHL all star game
By Neil Becker
Sports Writer

The Turtle Island News would like to give special congratulations to Montreal Canadians goalie Carey Price who has earned what will be his third trip to the NHL All-Star Game. This 24 year-old who is from Anahim Lake B.C. and is part native was selected despite having after 40 games a mediocre 15-17-8 record with a .912 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA. Price made his first All- Star appearance back in 2009 and was also selected last year when the game was in Carolina. Other honours for Price includes being awarded with his third straight Molson Cup Trophy and has been selected the NHL’s first star of the week on two separate occasions.
 
Local News Headlines
Small turnout for rally bus
Plans to bring Six Nations members to Ottawa to support First Nations leadership in its meeting with the Crown drew a poor response.Only 15 people had registered for the Jan., 24 trip, Communications Officer Karen Best told the Jan., 17th council meeting. Best had distributed flyers and ads but councillors said community members didn’t know what the trip was for. Councillor Dave Hill said people complained about the bus leaving at 4 a.m. Elected Chief Montour. said “People want everything handed to them on a platter. There’s got to be some effort here.” oh, I can’t get up that early,” he said. Councillor Helen Miller told him, “It would help if they know what they were going there for.” Six councillors and Montour are in Ottawa .

SN Police raid home for drugs
Six Nations Police raided a Second Line home last Thursday, January 19th, at about 1:30 pm. after community complaints of drug use. Police investigated and executed a Search Warrant for drugs at 2855 2nd Line Road. Hamilton Police Services Canine Unit assisted in the search. Police seized 160 grams of marihuana, an undisclosed amount of cash and paraphernalia associated to trafficking in drugs.The estimated street value of the marihuana seized is $3,200.00. Charged with Possession of Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking is Aaron Todd Staats,38 , He was held for a Bail Hearing.

 
RCMP seize First Nations made products
LONDON, ON, RCMP London Customs & Excise Section seized what they described as 75,000 “contraband” cigarettes from a residence located in south east London. The brands seized included Canadian, Discount, Putter's, DK's, Sago and Classic. Also seized were contraband cigarettes in resealable plastic bags, Tomahawk Little Cigars, Royal Blend Canadian Tobacco, approximately $2,000 and a vehicle which had been used as a conveyance. A 63 year London man has been charged with possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped and possession of proceeds of crime under the Excise Act, 2001.
 

Former Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller visits Oliver M. Smith
By Neil Becker
Writer

It’s not exactly an everyday occurrence when an established Olympian such as Waneek Horn-Miller throws out a direct challenge to a bunch of eager public school kids. That’s exactly what happened when on January 19th Horn-Miller who won a 1999 Gold Medal at the Pan Am Games and excelled at the 2000 Sydney Olympics visited various six nation elementary schools including Oliver M. Smith where she encouraged the kids to reach out for their dreams. Horn-Miller, a Mohawk, captured the kid’s attention by inspiring them with her story of Olympic glory which began as a small child watching the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. At that time Horn-Miller never heard of the Olympics but according to her message for the kids got inspired when watching with her mom Alwyn Morris make history by becoming the first Mohawk to medal in the Olympics. “After he got out of the boat (kiyak) I remember that he took out and raised an eagle feather,” Horn- Miller told the kids. “I was seven years old and it was the first time I knew that I wanted to go to the Olympics.” After telling her mom Horn-Miller’ mom said “Well what are you waiting for.” Besides for inspiring kids by letting them know that dreams can come true Horn-Miller also talked about the total dedication and sacrifice that it takes to achieve those goals.

 
Editorial
PM Harper lays down the rules with a smile
Assembly of First Nations B.C. Regional Chief Jody Wilson- Raybould said it best and in a tone only a woman of her stature can get away with. What had been billed as the historic coming-together of the federal government and First Nations Tuesday degenerated into the First Nations leadership finding themselves being told by their boss, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, here is how it is going to be. The Indian Act stays, but he will make occasional changes around it. Like a great tree with strong roots he said to topple it over would leave a gaping hole. That had Regional Chief Wilson-Raybould hurriedly changing the speech she was about to make. And as a mother scolds her child she told the Prime Minister sitting directly in front of her, the Indian Act is “an act of neo-colonialism.” She told him in a no nonsense tone First Nations require “core governance reform.'' ”When we do, the Indian Act tree will topple over. No gaping hole, Mr. Prime Minister, but strong and self-determining First Nations,'' she said to loud applause. The Indian Act, was first passed in 1876, gave Ottawa exclusive jurisdiction over “Indians and Lands Reserved for Indians.'' It was amended in 2000. It runs First Nations people’s lives. It defines who is recognized as a First Nation person and has rules on everything from how reserves operate to the effect of marriage on status and what you can even buy. And the fact that the Prime Minister wants to keep it, sent a clear message to First Nations leaders who said it continues to leave First Nations as wards of a modern day state. AFN leader Shawn Atleo took full aim at the Prime Minister calling the act what it is a disgraceful premise that First Nations remain inferior to the rest of the country. Stephen Harper had the chance to change history Tuesday and embrace a unified culturally distinct country. He chose instead to continue a distasteful page in Canadian history that holds out a segment of its society as inferior, must be assimilated and unable to take care of themselves. Tuesday wasn’t a Crown/First Nations summit. It was a day of the boss telling his cronies here is how it is going to be and they munched over lunch.
 
United Nations Declaration
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Please speak out!
Within weeks, the United Nations General Assembly must make a decision on the long awaited and urgently needed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Either the international community will move ahead with final adoption as has been urged by Indigenous peoples and their supporters worldwide, or adoption of the Declaration will once again be delayed due to the demands of a small, yet vocal group of states. Please take this opportunity to support the Declaration. More than 14,000 individuals and organizations have already signed a global petition hosted by Amnesty International Canada in support of the Declaration. If you haven't already done so, please add your name and encourage many others to do so. The petition, in English, Spanish, French and Russian is online at:
(English) • (Spanish) • (French) • (Russian)
 
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Six Nations not notified of finding of remains
By Lynda Powless
Editor
Oxbow site where a woman’s remains were found. (Photo by Jim C Powless)
Oxbow site where a woman’s remains were found. (Photo by Jim C Powless)
Six Nations was not notified when the remains of a “pre-contact” aboriginal female were found during digging of a foundation for a home on Oxbow Road two weeks ago. Elected Chief Bill Montour said he did not receive any notification from any one that bones had been found. “I heard about it in the community,” he said. Elected Chief Montour, said he intends to find out why the community was not notified. “When you run into human remains the coroner becomes involved to determine if it is a criminal matter and if not, to make sure the remains are interfered with as little as possible, and remain in place.” “We should have been notified and it is actual law now that we have to be notified,” he said. But that didn’t happen when these bones were discovered. Instead Brant OPP removed the bones from the scene. OPP media officer Mark Foster said the bones are in the control of the Coroners Office . He said both Bill Monture, a member of the Men’s Fire and Ken Hill “Onondaga Chief” were both on scene on the day of discovery Friday Jan 6th. And in a bizarre turn of events OPP returned them to the site when the Ontario Coroner’s office’s forensic anthropologist Dr Kathy Gruspier appeared to inspect the bones and site. Dr. Gruspier is with the Coroner’ Forensic Pathology Service. She said the remains, likely a female, were not intact when she saw them and consisted only of a skull,a lower jaw and a thigh bone. She said she didn’t know if the remains were all from one person. "Those were all the remains that were available for me to look at," she said. She said she examined the site where the bones were found on January 8 She said "there was no obvious grave structure that I could see. I didn't do any digging but they [the property owners] had dug out the foundation of a house so there was no grave for me to look at. I looked around and I didn't see any more bones that were obvious." Gruspier said her assessment of the bones was based on features including the shape of the skull, and whether incisors are "shoveled," a feature of teeth unique to First Nations people. "There are some very distinct characteristics of our First Nations prior to contact and I just assessed some of those characteristics on the skull and that's how I made my determination that we were dealing with remains that were not of recent forensic interest because they were most likely to be first nations remains," she said. She said the OPP removed the bones for safekeeping. ""We want to make sure nobody goes onto the scene and takes trophies or anything like that." The bones are being kept at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service storage area "to make sure nothing happens to them, pending when the land owners hire an archeologist," said Gruspier She said when an archeologist is hired she will release the remains to the archeologist. Michael D'Mello, the Registrar of Ontario Cemeteries said the archeological assessment should be conducted as soon as possible. The assessment will affirm the remains are Aboriginal, said D'Mello. Once D'Mello is told the remains are believed to be First Nation, he contacts the band council closest to where the remains were found. D’Mello said he contacted former band councillor Barb Harris. He said he did not know she had retired from band council. Barb Harris did not return Turtle Island News calls.
 
Prime Minister won’t abolish Indian Act, plans to “tinker” with it
By Lynda Powless
Editor
Prime Minister Stephen Harper particpates in a smudging ceremony while His Excellency
David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Shawn A-in-chut Atleo look on.(Photo by
Deb Ransom)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper particpates in a smudging ceremony while His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Shawn A-in-chut Atleo look on.(Photo by Deb Ransom)
OTTAWA- The historic Crown/First Nations meeting may have been billed as a way forward, but it seems the Indian Act “tree” is blocking the path. First Nation leadership did not react well to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s announcement his government will not repeal the Indian Act. Instead, Harper said he will work in it and around it to make modern legislative change. He likened it to a tree saying “after 136 years, that tree has deep roots,’’ he said. ``Blowing up the stump would just leave a big hole. He told the gathering “we have no grand scheme to repeal or rewrite the Indian Act.” Instead, he said `there are ways, creative ways, collaborative ways, ways that involve consultation between our government, the provinces and First Nations leadership and communities, ways that provide options within the act, or outside of it, for practical, incremental and real change.’’ At the same an afronted AFN leader Shawn Atleo told the gathering the act was “Built on the disgraceful premise of our inferiority, aimed at assimilation and the destruction of our cultures, it was a complete abrogation of the partnership between respectful nations,’’ he said. ``Largely unchanged, it remains a painful obstacle to re-establishing any form of meaningful partnership.’’ `Atleo said the act produced the reserve system and the hated residential schools that scarred generations of natives.``This legislation has utterly failed our people and failed Canada.’’ He said it is time ``to undo the damage that act has inflicted on our peoples.’’ He told the Prime Minister, despite the attacks on First Nations people, culture and nations, “we supported Canada whenever its survival came under threats. Our soldiers were among the firs t to fight for Canada.” B.C. Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould took up the gauntlet and told the Prime Minister, the Indian Act turns First Nations into impoverish communities. “With all due respect, Mr. Prime Minister, the Indian Act system of government is an impoverished system of government that became little more than managing programs. Administering Indian Affairs programs and services is not self government and it is not a system that supports economies or provides a sound investment climate.” She told him, “back home many are afraid and reluctant to vote yes for self government given the colonial legacy, they do not trust the government, and to be frank, Mr. Prime Minister, they do not trust your government.” She said “for change to occur each of our communities must go through their own transformation, through healing. Our colonial period must officially end, as this process of decolonization continues to unfold we all have a responsibility to support basic community development work.” She warned Harper, “we must not add fuel to the fire by trying to circumvent its process. Your government is making a downpayment on our long term goal of self government but we must be mindful that this downpayment is on the right house, where decisions are made collectively. Where First Nations make the decision to uproot the Indian Act tree and knock it over. It is not one where your government rebuilds ours.” She told him his plans to “tinker with the act,” imposing change without First Nations input, deciding who First Nations citizens are, how governments will operate and imposing change smacks of neo-colonialism and does not build strong First Nations.
 
Band Council to get legal opinion after testy trust meeting
By Lynda Powless
Editor
It’s coming down to a battle of the lawyers...and at the community’s cost. Six Nations Band Council is seeking a legal opinion on whether or not the community’s trust, as it exists, is still a legally binding agreement since the original gaming funds from Casino Rama no longer exist. And the Six Nations Community Trust Board says it already has a legal opinion saying it does. The two groups met in a testy two hour session at the tourism building Saturday, after the trust refused to meet at the band’s council chambers. “The trust board wanted to meet somewhere other than the band chambers,”elected chief Bill Montour said. “They want to sit at same level as the council they said.” Elected Chief Montour said he alone had 18 issues with the trust he was questioning after receiving complaints from community members. “The meeting could have gone on for two days,” he said. He said councillors were questioning trustees. “There needs to be some work done on both sides before we meet again,” he said. The primary issue, he says is whether the “trust agreement is still legal with the new funding. They say it is, we say no. The agreement is specific to receiving Rama funds but there is no more Rama. Now its general gaming funds.” Elected Chief Montour said band council, “we have to get legal opinions on that. They seem to think when the world ends this agreement will end but I don’t think so.” He said councillors had questions on the makeup of the trust board with some trustees sitting on the board almost since its inception. “There are people sitting there that seem to be there forever.” He said the board has over $16 million sitting in the Bank of Nova Scotia, off reserve and only gave out $790,000 to community groups. “That doesn’t even make sense,” he said. He said after complaints were issued the trust has pulled back the $190,000 in funding for Polytechnic Institute to research seeking a Tim Horton’s franchise. “Councillors even questioned that saying they weren’t suppose to be funding private business.” Montour said he wants the issue of the trust to go back to community meetings.
 
Call to hire Six Nations electoral officer refused by band council
by Stephanie Dearing
Writer
A proposal calling on Six Nations elected council to facilitate the hiring of a Six Nations elections officer was voted down by the majority of council. The proposal had been offered as an amendment to the motion to call a by-election for District Five, following the resignation of councillor George Montour abruptly on January 10. “I have to speak to this,” said councillor Bob Johnson, District Five. “I don’t want to oppose anything, I want to make that very clear. But my position . I want to ensure that we are in line and consistent” with the election code. The councillor said, “if we do move forward I want to make sure we’re consistent with the guidelines, that’s all I want to do.” Bob Johnson said he wanted elected council to abide by the election code, pointing out the appointment of the electoral officer for the last election violated the code. “I suggest to council that we review the document [election code] for familiarity, not for change, but to plan and to discuss with the proper understanding and to act accordingly,” said councillor Bob Johnson. The councillor also called on his colleagues to “advertise for the Chief Electoral Officer position,” and if there is no response, “we open this to community members to offer training in such a role.” “We have the right to appoint,” councillor Bob Johnson pointed out. He said council could proceed with the by-election, or could defer the by-election. If the electoral officer “is outside the election code, we’re contrary to the code,” said Bob Johnson, urging council to “rethink this.” He asked for council to meet to review and discuss the existing election code “for familiarity.”
 
Two bodies found in New Credit house fire
Fire broke out in this home on Mississauga and Tuscarora Roads killing two people. (Photo by
Jim C Powless)
Fire broke out in this home on Mississauga and Tuscarora Roads killing two people. (Photo by Jim C Powless)
Mississauga New Credit – A Six Nations man has been charged with two counts of First Degree Murder in the fire death of two people. A Six Nations man and woman were killed in a fire at one story bungalow n the Mississauga New Credit Reserve Sunday night. The fire was spotted by a Haldimand County Ontario Provincial Police office on patrol at Mississauga and Tuscarora Roads. At about 7:55 p.m. while on patrol, police saw a fully involved house fire on Mississauga Road. Haldimand County Fire Department was immediately dispatched and attended the scene to extinguish the fire. Once the fire was extinguished, two deceased persons where located within the home. At this time no positive identification has been made. OPP media relations officer Mark Foster said the fire is being treated as suspicious because two people were killed in the fire and there is no immediate cause. Constable Foster said the two bodies recovered following a fatal house were taken to the Hamilton General Hospital for a post-mortem. Foster said the victims had not been identified, and the post-mortem would likely use either DNA or dental records to establish identity. On Monday, January 23, 60 year old Glenn Owen HILL of Ohsweken, was arrested and charged with two counts of First Degree Murder. He was remanded into custody and is to appear in Provincial Court, Cayuga on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Turtle Island News was told Hill has a record of assault and arson.
 
Band council water project proceeding over old village site
By Stephanie Dearing
Writer
It's being called an archeological disaster. Site work being done on one bank of the Grand River has literally been bulldozing the site of an ancient Iroquoian village. The Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) said band council is aware of the village, because it had an archeological assessment done there in 2010. HDI is also concerned about the lack of environmental protection, said Hazel Hill HDI interim director. She said she has asked where the studies are. "The community has a right to know," she said She has not received an answer from band council. Hazel Hill said she had spoken to the subcontractor working on the site asking him Tuesday to stop his work "until we see some answers." Gord Hill "committed to stopping for today. Hill added, "My concern is, we cannot be a hypocrite. When we are out there stating that this is our responsibility to the earth that we are caretakers I cannot sit by while development goes on within our own community, no different than when we deal with development off the community." Hazel said the 2010 archeological assessment "determined that there was Iroquoian village sites there and they recommended stage four."According to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Stage Four of an archeological assessment is "mitigation of development impacts." "When it gets to a stage four, they're required to follow through," said Hazel Hill. Hill said she is not against the water treatment plant. "Because it's an Iroquoian village site, those are our ancestors. And that to me has a significant impact on this community."
 
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Six Nations at the Cross Roads
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April 20, 2006 OPP Raid Kanonhstaton

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National Press Releases
HARPER MIA ON ABORIGINAL HEALTH CARE ON EVE OF SUMMIT
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) balks at Federal/Provincial Health Funding Discussion without First Nations participation
Self-determination should be on the table in Ottawa: Day
Need to hear First Nations voices on environment
First Nations force-fed lower living standards
Anishinabek looking for action, not photo-ops
FIRST NATION CROWN GATHERING NEEDS TO FOCUS ON THE ROOT PROBLEM
SANDY BAY REJOINS THE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA CHIEFS
Statement from Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse on the upcoming January 24th First Nations-Crown Gathering
ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF RESPONDS TO TRAGIC PLANE CRASH AT NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION
NAN GRAND CHIEF OFFERS CONDOLENCES AFTER PLANE CRASH IN NORTH SPIRIT LAKE
SCHOOL YEAR IN JEOPARDY FOR PIKANGIKUM STUDENTS AS SCHOOL MAY BE FORCED TO CLOSE
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Offers Condolences Following Plane Crash Near North Spirit Lake First Nation
Letter from Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence to Minister John Duncan
CROWN-FIRST NATIONS GATHERING UPDATE
No nuke waste in our backyard: Madahbee
PRIME MINISTER HARPER HIGHLIGHTS GOVERNMENT'S 2011 ACHIEVEMENTS
Making Progress: Aboriginal Relations Engaging First Nations creates jobs, secures investment
Chiefs of the North Shore Tribal Council say NO! to a multi-billion dollar Nuclear Waste disposal project in their territory
ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS:ORGANIZE AND SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE
NAN WELCOMES UNITED NATIONS INQUIRY INTO MURDERED AND MISSING ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA Ontario First Nations struggle to meet demand for housing; gap growing
Canada, Ontario and Fort William First Nation Celebrate Historic Land Claim Settlement
Ontario First Nations struggle to meet demand for housing; gap growing
Six Aboriginal Youth Take the Prize
Bartleman Awards Celebrate Young Aboriginal Writers
Provincial government interim village concept failing Lake St. Martin victims
Assembly of First Nations Welcomes the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples Report on First Nations Education as Transformative and Progressive
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will not support Canada's proposed First Nations elections legislation as it stands
Harper Government Introduces First Nations Elections Act
First Nations from Across Canada Gather in Ottawa for AFN Special Chiefs Assembly
ATTAWAPISKAT CRISIS
Statement by Attawapiskat Chief and Council on notice of Third Party intervention
Anishinabek Nation supports Attawapiskat First Nation
Conservative Government Admits Ignorance on Attawapiskat
CHRONIC FEDERAL UNDERFUNDING TO BLAME FOR CRISIS IN ATTAWASPISKAT
AIAI GRAND CHIEF STATEMENT REGARDING CANADA’S RESPONSE TO ATTAWAPISKAT
PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES MEETING WITH FIRST NATIONS EARLY IN NEW YEAR
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Welcomes Prime Minister's positive response to First Nations Call for Crown-First Nations Gathering
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Insists on Commitment to Transformative Change
Matawa Supports the Autonomy of each First Nation and their Decision Making Processes in regards to their Communities and Traditional Territory Statement from Matawa First Nations
Experts Urge Panel to Deliver Milestone Report to Improve Education for K-12 First Nations Students Quality First Nations schools an investment that will pay off for all Canadians
2012 Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame Inductees Hail from Edmonton & Attawapiskat
ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF RESPONDS TO ONTARIO GOVERNMENT THRONE SPEECH
ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF TOULOUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONTARIO ECONOMIC SUMMIT
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO BROADBAND EXPANSION INITIATIVE DEMONSTRATIONS POSITIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTNERS
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Commends Parliament's Support for Clean Drinking Water for First Nations, Urges Full Engagement of First Nations
NDP Leader Saganash To Visit Brantford, Six Nations and Haldimand-Norfolk Monday
NDP and First Nations call for urgent relief for Attawapiskat community
Panel Hears School Governance, Infrastructure and Stability Key to Student Success at Final Regional Roundtable in Saskatchewan
CHIEFS OF ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ANGUS TOULOUSE APPLAUDS PARLIAMENT’S SUPPORT FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER FOR FIRST NATIONS
First Nation grain company opens office in China
Four Kahnawà:ke kids to visit Disney World courtesy Dreams Take Flight
Assembly of First Nations China Trade Mission Returns Keen to Continue Building International Relationships and Partnerships
Assembly of First Nations Acknowledges Symbolic Gesture to Commemorate Indian Residential Schools Legacy
THE CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES COMMENDS MINISTER JOHN DUNCAN’S PLANS TO COMMEMORATE THE LEGACY OF INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
NAN ASSISTS COMMUNITIES IN THEIR EFFORT TO ADDRESS THE REGION'S FOOD SYSTEM CHALLENGES
Government of Canada and First Nation Land Management Chiefs Take Important Step to Increase Economic Opportunities for First Nations
AIAI ANTICIPATES POSITIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH NEW MINISTER OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
THE CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES ELECTS A NATIONAL VICE CHIEF AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Commends Collaborative Steps Toward First Nations Health Governance
Matawa Chiefs Support Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug [KI] First Nation in its Struggle to Protect Traditional Homelands and to Assert the People’s Inherent and Treaty Rights.
Regional Chief Toulouse congratulates Premier Mcguinty on third consecutive term
AIAI CONGRATULATES RETURNING PROVINCIAL LIBERAL GOVERNMENT
Internal Air Canada Memo regarding cabin crew safety in downtown Winnipeg
AFN Says Government Legislation on Matrimonial Interests On-reserve Does Not Provide Access to Justice: Calls on First Nations to Pass their Own Laws
AIAI’S GRAND CHIEF ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
Assembly of First Nations Congratulates the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba on Historic Treaty Education Initiative to be taught in Manitoba schools
Provincial Election Debate – No Reference to First Nation Issues
AFN Calls for Respect of Principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent on Any Development Projects that Impact First Nations
MARTEN FALLS FIRST NATION TO COMBAT PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
McGUINTY DUCKS ON FIRST NATIONS ISSUES
NAN REJECTS MEETINGS AS ALTERNATIVE TO PUBLIC INQUIRY
AMC TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO HAVE TEULON RESIDENCE RECOGNIZED
AMC SUPPORTS ISKATEWIZAAGEGAN (SHOAL LAKE) FIRST NATION’S RESOURCE EQUITY POSITION WITH RESPECT TO WATER
HIAWATHA FIRST RESPONSE MEMBERS RECEIVE HIGHEST HONOUR
The Right Honourable Paul Martin to receive the new Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations
Assembly of First Nations Calls for Better Prevention on International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day
AMC CONCERNED ABOUT DISPLACED CHILDREN OF THE FLOOD AND THEIR TREATY RIGHT TO EDUCATION
TWO GEMINIS FOR BLACKSTONE
Kahente Horn-Miller successful candidate for important Legislative Coordinating Commission position
The Ogichidaakwe (Grand Chief) and Chiefs of Treaty 3 file Judicial Review related to five north west Ontario hydro generating plants
NAN CONTINUES TO CALL FOR ACTION TO COMBAT PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
AFN Regional Chief for NWT and First Nation Representatives Travel to Washington, D.C. to Express Opposition to Proposed Keystone XL Pipeline Project
OPEN LETTER - Gordon Peters, Member of Pikangikum First Nation