Windspeaker News Briefs

FORT MCMURRAY METIS LOCAL 1935
and the Nistawayou Association Friendship Centre have been accepted as members of the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA) Board. Their Membership applications received unanimous approval from the presiding members at the June 3 general meeting.
CEMA is a nonprofit association based in Fort McMurray, Alta with a mandate is to study the cumulative environmental effects of industrial development in the region. It produces recommendations, guidelines and management frameworks.
"Our executive met with CEMA to discuss our request for membership," said James R. Dragon President, Métis Local 1935. "We determined that their work plans and direction were important areas that were of great interest to our members. We are pleased to return as a member."
Marvin McDonald, of the Nistawayou Association Friendship Centre, said their members felt they can make a productive contribution to CEMA.
"Representing hundreds of Elders from Fort McMurray, the friendship centre felt CEMA would be a good place for its members to participate."
With the addition of these two members it brings the Aboriginal membership in the multi-stakeholders association up to eight. CEMA engages Aboriginal members through all its working groups and particularly the Aboriginal Roundtable Task Group and the Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) Advisory Committee.
"CEMA has been working closely with Aboriginal communities in the region to increase their participation in our working groups," said Glen Semenchuk, CEMA executive director. "We are extremely happy to welcome Métis Local 1935 and the Friendship Centre as Members."

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THE CHRONICLE JOURNAL OF
Thunder Bay, Ont. reports that Ontario Native leaders need more medical support from the federal and provincial governments as they deal with a swine flu outbreak in six communities in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Health Canada said that staff can be sent to the communities, and a formal agreement with the province is being looked at to get medical and health supplies to the communities.
In Sandy Lake, about 200 people have fallen ill with another 300 people at risk. Sandy Lake is located about 600 km north of Thunder Bay. Local authorities are urging people to avoid exposure to those who are sick, but Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy said the situation is very much like that in Mexico, with people living in poor, cramped conditions. The people of Sandy Lake are also being urged not to travel to other communities. Sandy Lake First Nation is near St. Theresa Point, the Manitoba community that had earlier reported an outbreak of swine flu.

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ABORIGINAL, BUSINESS, COMMUNITY
and Catholic leaders launched a new initiative in Vancouver June 15 called Moving Forward Together. It is a national fundraising campaign to help create a brighter future for Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
The campaign's objective is to raise $25-million over the next five years to support healing and youth education programs. The national co-chairs for the campaign are Phil Fontaine, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations, and Archbishop James Weisgerber, Archdiocese of Winnipeg.
"For decades, many different First Nations communities, through patient and dedicated individuals, have been steadfastly working to resolve some of the obstacles to our well-being," said Fontaine. "The healing movement, begun decades ago, is now strong. Some communities have already made great strides through strong leadership and effective programs. Successful healing efforts have helped many people make peace with the past and begin building a future. But this hard work needs to be strengthened and sustained to make a lasting difference."
"Although many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have found hope in their families, success in their work and fulfillment in their lives, others continue to live in the shadow of a painful past," said Archbishop Weisgerber. "This campaign presents us with the opportunity to help them to heal from these experiences and benefit from the same opportunities available to the rest of Canadian society."
A group of 50 Catholic organizations that were involved in the Indian Residential School system is playing a leadership role in bringing together a partnership of Aboriginal leaders, and community and business partners to work on all aspects of the campaign.
Enquiries regarding corporate donations to the Moving Forward Together campaign can be sent to the campaign office at info@movingforwardtogether.ca.
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THE SENATE OF CANADA UNANIMOUSLY passed the Nunavut Official Languages Act after much debate in Ottawa on June 11. NTI President Paul Kaludjak said "This is truly a historic moment. The Inuit language is now considered an official language of Canada within the jurisdiction of the Nunavut Territory. We, as Inuit, are very proud of this accomplishment."
Officials from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) presented to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to urge the passing of the Act. The officials also provided clarification on some of the concerns as expressed by the Senate.
"Our Inuit language now has the legislative base it needs to remain strong and become stronger. We will no longer be made to feel like strangers in our own homeland, because Inuit language services will be widely available throughout Nunavut as per the provisions in the Official Languages Act," said Joe Attagutaluk, secretary treasurer of QIA and the chair of the QIA language and communications committee.
The Official Languages Act recognizes Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French as the official languages of Nunavut. The Act will ensure that services are provided in the Inuit language from the territorial and federal government within Nunavut, in the legal administration and from the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. The Act is complimentary to the Inuit Language Protection Act.
Despite being a young territory, Nunavut has taken the lead in aboriginal language protection, promotion and advancement in Canada. The Official Languages Act will hopefully serve as a positive example to follow for other Aboriginal groups nationally and internationally in regard to advancement of Aboriginal language rights.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. has endorsed the development of a 60-megawatt biomass power project by a joint-venture subsidiary of Run of River Power Inc. and the Tsilhqot'in National Government.
The plant, to be located in nearby Hanceville, will generate electricity by utilizing trees damaged by the mountain pine beetle infestation, plus local organic logging and mill waste.
"This initiative is an innovative and productive utilization of wood fibre that would result in significant social, environmental and economic benefits," said Mayor Kerry Cook. "The City of Williams Lake supports the sustainable approach to community development for the betterment of the region and the province."
ÝThe joint venture proposal includes construction of the $250-million power plant plus $40 million for a new 230 KV transmission line. The projects are estimated to create 167 full-time jobs during construction and 89 permanent jobs in full operation.