Stories in a New Skin: Approaches to Inuit Literature
Author: Keavy Martin
(Published by The University of Manitoba Press)
Review by Shari Narine

Keavy Martin presents a circular argument in her academically-heavy Stories in a New Skin: Approaches to Inuit Literature.

Aboriginal Rights are Not Human Rights
In Defence of Indigenous Struggles
Author: Peter Kulchyski

Review by David P. Ball

When hundreds of police raided a Mi’kmaq anti-fracking blockade near Elsipogtog First Nation only days after the United Nations Indigenous rights envoy left the country, many immediately appealed to James Anaya to speak out against the RCMP action.

On Nov. 12, the City of Toronto, together with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), proclaimed the year to Nov. 12, 2014 the Year of Truth and Reconciliation.

About 150 people were at City Hall to celebrate the Proclamation that acknowledges the impact of residential schools on Aboriginal peoples and on all Canadians.

Idle No More Toronto organizer Wanda Nanibush delivered a lecture to an overflowing house at the University of Toronto’s George Ignatieff Theatre on Nov. 12.

She delivered the 16th Annual Dame Nita Barrow Lecture on the subject of Idle No More: Histories of Indigenous Women’s Resistance. Writer, media creator, community animator and arts consultant, Nanibush is also Curator-in-Residence at the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery.

The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN)

A billion litres of coal waste-water from the Obed mine

Members of the Mi’kmaq First Nation Assembly  of Newfoundland is seeking legal advice on a challenge to the way Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada is handling the enrolment process for applications to the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band. It is believed that applications are being rejected unjustly and for insignificant concerns. Adding to the frustration is the lack of an appeals process. Applicants have been denied because of unsigned applications or missing documents and told they cannot supply this new information or appeal the decision to reject their applications.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt  said the federal government is working to make it easier for First Nations to received help after a natural disaster. The plan comes in the long shadow of flood evacuations in Manitoba that have been costly and prolonged. Ottawa is streamlining disaster relief so First Nations communities get funding more quickly. There is also a commitment of $19 million to help with emergency preparedness.

For children who died at residential schools, commemorative markers will serve as memorials.

“This is a very important project,” said Kathy Kettler, policy analyst with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). “These monuments will be memorials for people who died in these schools. Not everybody who went to residential school came home.”

Despite failing two environmental assessments in a row over its controversial Prosperity mine near Williams Lake, B.C., Taseko Mines Ltd. raised eyebrows when it fired a rare shot at the federal regulator, claiming its decision was flawed. Taseko said it planned to challenge the ruling through its legal counsel.