Manitoba Pipestone - May 2015

Agreement with Red Cross stop-measure gap

In anticipation of the upcoming flood season and to ensure that First Nations receive emergency management services, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada†has entered into a one-year agreement with the Canadian Red Cross Winnipeg. The agreement with the Red Cross is a temporary measure as the federal government and the province have yet to conclude negotiations for a bilateral agreement that would provide $19 million annually for emergency preparedness. In November 2013, the federal government announced measures to strengthen emergency management on reserves through a new, comprehensive single-window approach to emergency financial arrangements. The agreement with the Red Cross will ensure that First Nations have support for any potential 2015 evacuations, covering evacuations from their communities to secure locations, as well as food, shelter and related services due to flood, fire and other circumstances.

Red River to be dragged again

A group of volunteers plan to dredge the Red River again this year, hoping to find anything that will bring closure to the families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. This time the operation will be more sophisticated, said Bernadette Smith, who spearheaded the search last year after the body of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine was found in the river wrapped in a bag. The dragging bars are better made, Smith has bought her own boat, and fundraising is underway for another boat and rain gear. Last year, volunteers went out on boats with hooks that combed the bottom of the river, hoping to dig up clues about women who have vanished. The group wants Winnipeg police to be actively involved, but the police say they will only monitor the volunteers “from a safety standpoint.” Smith’s sister Claudette Osborne went missing seven years ago.

Urban Aboriginal Strategy funds 15 organizations

Fifteen organizations in Manitoba are recipients of $2.3 million in funding through the Urban Partnerships program. The successful organizations were selected through an adjudicated call for proposals process that was administered by the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres. Initiatives that increase the participation of urban Aboriginal people in the economy is the focus of the funding.

Indigenous learning part of undergraduate
degree at U of W

The University of Winnipeg senate has approved in principle a motion that will make Indigenous learning part of the undergraduate degree requirements for all its students. It could potentially come into effect in fall of 2016. The Aboriginal Students Council and the university’s students’ association began pushing for the requirement earlier this year. Rorie Mcleod Arnould, of the students’ association, says the hope is to develop “mutual respect and understanding.” University President Annette Trimbee calls it “an important step on the path to a better, more understanding, and inclusive society.”

Pilot project to increase flood protection

Peguis First Nation, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Interlake Reserve Tribal Council have created the First Nations Emergency Operations Centre as a pilot project. The centre will be implemented in three phases, with $5 million in funding provided by Aboriginal Affairs Canada and Public Safety Canada for flood equipment and training. The main purpose of this initiative is to increase the level of flood protection of First Nations to one comparable with non-Aboriginal communities in Manitoba. The First Nations Emergency Operations Centre will also be responsible for addressing all types of natural or manmade disasters.

Largest school infrastructure procurement

The Bunibonibee Cree Nation, God’s Lake First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Wasagamack First Nation are part of a partnership with the federal government to support investments to construct or renovate on-reserve schools. Bernard Valcourt, federal minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, said this is the largest school infrastructure bundle to be undertaken by his department. By centralizing project management and bundling procurement, the partnership will allow for more effective and efficient construction and renovation of schools, such as allowing for a reduction to shipping and materials costs. “I am very pleased to be part of a project that brings much needed educational facilities into our communities. It is definitely a good day when a project on paper becomes a reality,” said Chief Gilbert Andrews of the God’s Lake First Nation.