Manitoba Pipestone - Aboriginal News Briefs - June 2013

Winnipeg has highest urban Aboriginal population

The new National Household Survey shows that Winnipeg is home to the greatest number of status First Nations people and Métis Canadians of any other city in the country. The NHS showed 25,970 status First Nations people live in Winnipeg, accounting for about 3.6 per cent of the population, while there are 46,325 Métis, making up about 6.5 per cent of the city’s population. Provincially, the First Nations population grew 22.9 per cent between 2006 and 2011, and the Métis population grew 16.3 per cent. Aboriginal people account for 16.7 per cent of Manitoba’s population, up from 15 per cent in 2006. Almost six in 10 status First Nations people in Manitoba live on reserve, compared to just under half of First Nations people across Canada who live on reserve. The National Household Survey replaces the former mandatory long-form census. Statistics Canada warns that some of the data may be difficult to compare to previous census years because the methodology and response rates are different.

Another First Nation sues for flooding

The Little Saskatchewan First Nation is suing both the provincial and federal governments for $100 million each, according to statements of claim filed April 30 with the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench. The First Nation claims that the province operated flood control structures — the Portage Diversion, the Fairford Structure and the Shellmouth Dam — to save populated areas in southern Manitoba from major flooding. The use of those structures artificially flooded First Nations in the Interlake region, including Little Saskatchewan, in 2011 according to the statement of claim. The Manitoba government now faces at least five lawsuits, with total damages exceeding $1.5 billion, from First Nations and individuals affected by the 2011 flood.

Meeches recognized as Woman of Distinction

Lisa Meeches was among six University of Manitoba recipients to be honoured as Women of Distinction in a recent ceremony for awards handed out by the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. Meeches received an award as part of NSI New Voices, a 14-week, full-time training program for young Aboriginal adults, aged 18 to 35, interested in a career in film, television and digital media. She and her co-winners spent four years interviewing residential school survivors across Canada, a life-changing experience that provided the inspiration for the NSI New Voices program. NSI New Voices is a one-of-a-kind program that integrates education with traditional teachings and bridges the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal content creators. She was a member of the U of M Board of Governors from 2002-2005.

Elder to receive honorary degree

Elder Harry Bone will be one of a number of recipients of honorary degrees to be awarded by the University of Manitoba during spring convocation. Bone, who has worked tirelessly and quietly throughout his life to bolster Indigenous rights, is chief of Gilzhlgoowlnlng (Keeseekoowenin). He conducts research on the original spirit and intent of treaty, with special interest in the history of treaties, and the federal and provincial governments. He is a member of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Council of Elders, and Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba’s Speakers Bureau. Bone serves as a source of inspiration to the Faculty of Medicine, which shares his goal of improving the lives of Indigenous peoples by respecting their individual and collective rights. He will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws.

Martin expands Aboriginal Initiatives program

Paul Martin has added Major Pratt School to the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative. Major Pratt School in Russell joins Gordon Bell High School, Children of the Earth High School, Grand Rapids School and Oscar Lathlin Collegiate on Opaskwayak Cree Nation as participants in the program, which teaches Aboriginal youth about business and entrepreneurship to encourage them to complete high school and go on to post-secondary studies. The program uses hands-on activities to teach business and leadership skills, with a focus on financial literacy. Students are mentored and qualified students receive funding to start a micro-business. The textbooks and other learning materials were written by Indigenous high school teachers, ensuring the students see themselves reflected in the documents. The Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative, a charitable organization that supports education for Aboriginal students, has established an Aboriginal youth entrepreneurship program at 17 schools, including the five in Manitoba.