Page 11

In what could be a landmark decision in Indians versus the establishment, a majority Quebec Court of Appeal judgement on Sept. 5 held that Quebec and Canada violated Cree rights pertaining to education, language and culture as set out in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

The Crees went to court because Quebec and Canada made a deal in May 1996 that excluded them from having a say in budgetary decisions concerning the government money they receive for education.

Page 9

The federal government may have apologized for, and acknowledged the existence of, sexual abuse in residential schools, but lawyer Peter Grant says the government is still doing its best to stall and minimize compensation for the victims.

In two civil cases in British Columbia, both involving proven sexual abuse, court decisions in favor of Native plaintiffs were followed by appeals from the Crown and the United and Anglican churches.

Page 9

The federal government may have apologized for, and acknowledged the existence of, sexual abuse in residential schools, but lawyer Peter Grant says the government is still doing its best to stall and minimize compensation for the victims.

In two civil cases in British Columbia, both involving proven sexual abuse, court decisions in favor of Native plaintiffs were followed by appeals from the Crown and the United and Anglican churches.

Page 8

While many of us simply watched the horror of a terrorist attack occurring in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11 with shock and disbelief, a group of elementary school children in New Brunswick decided they would try to make a difference for the victims.

After viewing the destruction, students in teacher Gerry Duplessie's Grade 5/6 class at Eel Ground First Nation elementary school set up the Spirit of Canada's Native Children's Fund.

Page 8

While many of us simply watched the horror of a terrorist attack occurring in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11 with shock and disbelief, a group of elementary school children in New Brunswick decided they would try to make a difference for the victims.

After viewing the destruction, students in teacher Gerry Duplessie's Grade 5/6 class at Eel Ground First Nation elementary school set up the Spirit of Canada's Native Children's Fund.

Page 7

If the old adage that says the first step towards healing is admitting you've got a problem is true, then it appears the first step in the fight against racism in Canada still needs to be taken.

That's the conclusion shared by most Native people-and a few non-Native people-we talked to this month after they watched National Chief Matthew Coon Come and Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault spar in the press over Coon Come's remarks at the World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa in late August and early September.

Page 7

If the old adage that says the first step towards healing is admitting you've got a problem is true, then it appears the first step in the fight against racism in Canada still needs to be taken.

That's the conclusion shared by most Native people-and a few non-Native people-we talked to this month after they watched National Chief Matthew Coon Come and Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault spar in the press over Coon Come's remarks at the World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa in late August and early September.

Page 6

Dear Editor:

I'm interested in getting a feel for the Aboriginal voice on events in New York City. In this First Nation near Rice Lake, 16 miles north of the 401, there are American flags on some properties. Most of us, being of assimilated stock, certainly respect the fundamental principles that flow to us through the Canadian Charter, and to the south to our American brethren through their constitution.

Page 6

Dear Editor:

I'm interested in getting a feel for the Aboriginal voice on events in New York City. In this First Nation near Rice Lake, 16 miles north of the 401, there are American flags on some properties. Most of us, being of assimilated stock, certainly respect the fundamental principles that flow to us through the Canadian Charter, and to the south to our American brethren through their constitution.

Page 6

Dear Editor:

As we look over 400 years of contact and review our present situation, we need to ask ourselves a few fundamental questions: Where are we? Who are we? Are we still the people we claim to be?

I think an obvious answer to that last question is no, we are not. That is not necessarily a bad thing, because now you are looking at the core of nationhood, and that is how do we choose to govern ourselves as a true nation or nations?