Saskatchewan News Briefs - January

Chief charged for trafficking drugs

The recently re-elected chief of the Key First Nation, Clarence Papequash, 58, was charged with trafficking prescription narcotics in Jan. that included OxyContin and Hydromorphone.

He told media he did nothing wrong and will not resign as chief after he was charged as part of a six-month investigation by RCMP. He was arrested as one of 16 people involved in the drug trafficking, with more arrests expected to be made.

Along with Papequash, another elected community leader was charged, Gerald Papequash, 52. The men will appear in court in February.

First Nations sign agreement with province

The James Smith Cree Nation, along with the Peter Chapman and Chakastaypasin bands, signed a consultation agreement with the province on Dec. 10 to increase understanding on the impacts of a proposed diamond mine.

Environment Minister Dustin Duncan was on hand to sign the agreement on behalf of the province, which outlines provisions related to consultation, environmental assessment processes, along with the roles and responsibilities of the province, the three First Nations, and Shore Gold.

The agreement supports the province’s legally required consultation process and environmental assessment timelines. It outlines how the parties will work together on understanding the community impacts of a proposed diamond mine and First Nations treaty rights as they pertain to mining development activity.

Last year, the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations granted funds to James Smith for participatory measures in the environmental assessment process of the proposed diamond mine.

Kamsack youth prepared for job market

Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, Garry Breitkreuz on behalf of the Government of Canada, announced in Jan. the creation of an employment project to help eight Aboriginal youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job or return to school.

“For many young Canadians, making the transition to the job market is a challenge, especially in today’s environment,” said Breitkreuz. “That’s why our government is creating opportunities for youth to succeed through support for initiatives like the Youth Inclusion Project.”

The project, ‘Kamsack Detour’, helps eight Aboriginal youth to develop the skills and experience necessary to find a job or develop the confidence to return to school. Participants engage in full-time work in a variety of jobs within the organization. They assist members in the community and attend job preparation workshops on topics such as communication and problem solving.
The project receives over $119,000 through the federal ‘Skills Link’ program to support its Youth Inclusion Project, helping youth who face barriers to employment.

Moose Jaw property designated urban reserve

A Memorandum of Understanding was passed by the Moose Jaw city council on Jan. 10 to accept urban reserve land in the city as part of the Kawacatoose First Nation.

“It accommodates First Nations investment to enable business to be carried out officially on reserve,” stated Moose Jaw mayor Glenn Hagel. “At the same time it provides for the city the revenues that would be equivalent to property tax.”

Since April 2010, Kawacatoose has run a gas station and convenience store in the city on Caribou Street and Ninth Avenue Northwest. The designation of urban reserve status means the property, as federal Crown land, will now be exempt from taxation but would have to pay the city for services.

The Kawacatoose First Nation is around 200 kilometres north of Moose Jaw.

National writing program calls on Aboriginal youth

A challenge has begun for Aboriginal youth ages 14-29 across the country who are talented in the literary and visual arts. The Historica-Dominion Institute invites submissions of stories and artwork that explore an aspect of Aboriginal history.

“The Institute hopes to inspire a new generation of Aboriginal voices to share their stories and artistic expressions with Canada through the expanded Challenge this year,” said Jeremy Diamond, Director of Development and Programs at the institute’s national office. “We look forward to receiving wonderful and creative submissions, both writing and visual arts.”

Winners will earn national recognition, receive a trip for two to Toronto for the special awards ceremony, and up to $2000 in cash prizes.

Two juries assess stories and artwork, made up of some of Canada’s most celebrated Aboriginal leaders, writers and artists such as Giller Prize winner Joseph Boyden, playwright and author Drew Hayden Taylor, and artists Kent Monkman and Maxine Noel.

The seventh annual ‘Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge’ is a national initiative of the Historica-Dominion Institute.

For more information go to www.historica-dominion.ca