Windspeaker news briefs

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
received a $1 million donation from TD Bank Financial Group July 4 to create an endowment that will provide a lasting legacy in business education for Aboriginal students. The gift will improve access and support for Aboriginal students pursuing a business education. The donation is the largest gift received in support of Aboriginal education at UBC.
The gift will be divided equally between two programs: The TD Bank Aboriginal Student Award will establish an endowment to create financial awards for Aboriginal students across UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan who are enrolled in business education or majoring in economics. The Ch'nook Business Education Initiative will provide funding for Aboriginal students who are enrolled in the Ch'nook Scholars and Advanced Management programs. It will also provide mentorship opportunities for TD employees as a means of supporting these students in their pursuit of business education.
"With our annual endowment, we'll be able to assist hundreds of students over the years by removing barriers to Aboriginal education," says Raymond Chun, senior vice president TD Canada Trust. "We support UBC's vision to help develop tomorrow's Aboriginal business leaders and hope our contribution will inspire future generations to realize their hopes and dreams."
The gift will help further the goals set out in UBC's Aboriginal Strategic Plan, which has identified the university's commitment to Aboriginal education, respect for Aboriginal knowledge and cultures, and a resolve to build upon the strengths of the university to more fully address the needs of Aboriginal and Indigenous communities.

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TEN FORMER RESIDENTAIL SCHOOL SURVIVORS
have been appointed as advisers to the federal government's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl unveiled the Indian Residential School Survivor Committee on July 15 in Ottawa. The survivors are to provide "advice and guidance" and to help gather the stories about the residential school experience
Members of the advisory group come from seven First Nations. Two are Inuit and one is MÈtis. They are Barney Williams Jr., an elder from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations in Meares Island, B.C.; Doris Young, an educator of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in The Pas, Man.; Eugene Arcand of the Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan; Gordon Williams, a member of the Peguis First Nation in Manitoba; John Banksland, an Inuit elder living in Inuvik, N.W.T.; John Morrisseau, a Métis leader from Grand Rapids, Man.; Lottie May Johnson, a Mi'kmaw healer from Eskasoni, N.S.; Raymond Arcand, former chief of the Alexander First Nation in Alberta; Rebekah Uqi Williams, an Inuk and former Nunavut politician living in Iqaluit; Terri Brown, former president of the Native Women's Association of Canada.

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THE FEDERATION OF SASKATCHEWAN
Indian Nations says it has "serious concerns" about Saskatchewan new law entitled, The Trespass to Property Act."There is no indication that any attempt was made to consult directly with the First Nations of Saskatchewan," said Vice-chief Delbert Wapass. "The courts have stated repeatedly that the Crown has a fiduciary obligation and a legal duty to consult with and accommodate First Nations on any matters that may have the potential to adversely affect our treaty rights."
While the legislation reads that it will not apply to persons engaged in lawful hunting, fishing and trapping activities, access issues related to First Nations exercising those rights remain. In addition, the First Nations' rights to gather medicines and access to sacred and other sites of significance have the potential to be impacted. There are additional concerns that the legislation will have far reaching effects on access rights to Crown lands that will be sold and/or leased, as well as to individual rights to expression and assembly. Under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, all citizens have the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly which encompasses the right to petition and demonstrate.
"This is troubling for First Nations, especially since resource projects continually occur within First Nations' territories without proper and meaningful consultation," said Wapass. "Many times First Nations have no recourse other than public protests which could result in penalties under the Act."
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THE CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY
established a temporary customs facility at the foot of the Three Nations Bridge Crossing on July 13. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) viewed it as an interim solution to the border closure that has impacted Akwesasne and neighboring communities since June 1.
"The opening of a temporary facility over the weekend was a hasty decision made by the CBSA. It was made in response to the increasing number of travelers being allowed to cross from the United States into Canada and news that the New York State Police were being pulled from the South Span today," said MCA Grand Chief Michael Mitchell. "While we're glad to see a temporary facility open, we want to remind everyone that there are some outstanding issues that need to be addressed."
For the foreseeable future, armed CBSA officers will not return to the Cornwall Island customs given the opposition that exists. The opening of an interim customs facility on the Cornwall side of the bridge crossing was their response to allow border traffic to resume.ÝIt was understood that immediate steps needed to be taken to minimize the hardships that have been faced by local residents, surrounding communities, and the traveling public. Local residents are reminded that the CBSA is permitting its customs officers to carry their firearms. The MCA is asking all travelers and customs officers to conduct themselves in a respectful and peaceful manner.
The Mohawk Council said that a list of 13 grievances presented at a meeting July 7 need to be discussed and addressed by the CBSA right away. These range from looking at the arming initiative and the requirement of cultural sensitivity training and the economic losses due to the border closure.