Windspeaker News Briefs

Whitefish Lake could sue Ontario for $550-billion

In what band lawyer Aaron Detlor thinks is the largest Canadian claim ever, the Whitefish Lake First Nation is suing Ottawa and Ontario for $550-billion.
Claiming the dozens of mines extracting resources from Sudbury land are in Aboriginal territory, the band's figure is based on years of mining revenue, as well as money from forestry.
The massive price tag is a conservative estimate, said Detlor, pointing out recent comments in a local newspaper from an area mining executive describing the "trillion dollar Sudbury basin" as the richest mining district in North America.
He said his client argues surveyors erred in 1885, drawing up the reserve's boundaries in a much more limited way that what was agreed to orally and in writing in the Robinson Huron Treaty 35 years prior.
The Whitefish Lake First Nation, also called Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, is willing to drop the suit if it can negotiate a financial arrangement with area companies and governments.
After years of slow times, Sudbury is responding to global demand for metals, and the band is only making its claim now because of new historical information that has come to light. With a population of just 335 members, according to the 2001 census, the amount translates into $1.64 billion per person, though the community says it has 800 members, which would work out to $687.5 million each.

Drug abuse programs get big federal boost

Canada invested in Aboriginal well-being to the tune of $30.5 million over five years aimed at bolstering services for First Nations people and Inuit who suffer from drug addictions.
It's estimated the money will provide treatment for an additional 3,000 people a year, while also enhancing addiction treatment services through the country's National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and Youth Solvent Abuse Program.
But Nova Scotia's Millbrook First Nation Chief Lawrence Paul said the money will be spread to thin amongst Canada's 600 reserves. "By the time the money trickles down through administration costs it doesn't look as good as it does on paper," he said. He's particularly concerned about youth and drug abuse, pointing out young people aged 14 to 25 want to experiment and can be drawn down the wrong path. No amount of treatment or threats are going to help youth unless they make up their own minds to be helped, he added.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink, he said.

Starblanket Nation approves land deal

The Starblanket Cree Nation in Saskatchewan will transform 32.5 acres of the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) campus into reserve status, after its chief won the support of band members to go ahead with a proposal to acquire the land, states a recent media release.
"We're pleased our band membership recognizes the value and importance of this proposal ­ their support represents a unified vision by our membership to providing a permanent on-reserve home for the First Nations University of Canada with the foresight that it will benefit First Nations people," said Chief Irvin Starblanket in a press release.
The fact that the decision will give the location ­ 1 First Nations Way ­ reserve status, is a huge milestone for both the First Nation and the university.
"This referendum represents one of the last major steps for our University to becoming Canada's first post-secondary institution situated on reserve land," said FNUniv's Vice President of Finance and Administration, Al Ducharme.
The property is part of Wascana Centre Authority and is currently owned by FNUniv, although it shares infrastructure with the University of Regina. The signing of the servicing agreement was formalized in December by Starblanker leadership, the City of Regina, and the Regina Police Service. However, once the formal agreements are officially signed, the proposal will be sent to Ottawa to receive designation under Indian Affairs and Northern Development.