Wawatay Online, July 10, 2008, Volume 35, No. 14

Construction has now started for the new Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre. The 140,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility began construction June 5.

Nathan O’Nabigon opimatisiwin ani-a-chishkani. Asha keka okakishitoon niiyo aki ekitepinak machitawin masina-i-kanes noogom kanipininik shikwa ashakeka ishinakwanini kaye chipimata-e-wininiwich.

Life is about to change for Nathan O’Nabigon. He is about to finish a four-year business degree this summer and is about to embark on a possible pro hockey career.

Anything is possible. That’s the message Mishkeegogamang band Coun. Tom Wassaykeesic wants to share with First Nation youth.

Darwin Mendowegan said his grandfather always wondered when he would kill his first moose. The 17-year-old Constance Lake resident recently did get his first kill, but it wasn’t how his grandfather might have expected.

This was the first year a Native art and craft course was run at Queen Elizabeth in Sioux Lookout.

Sixteen students participated in this year’s outdoor education program at Queen Elizabeth District High School in Sioux Lookout and next year 55 have signed up.

In a crowded gym at the Michikan Lake First Nation School, Tillia Nothing, board bember for the Bearskin Lake Education Authority, addressed the graduating classes of 2008.

I was fishing an area of Lac Seul for the past six weeks where the walleye population is good. But something is happening under the water, something that is having an impact on my ability to find and catch fish.

Sheila Robertson, right, is on her way to achieving a feat very few in the world have completed.

These were among the items students in the Native art and craft course at Queen Elizabeth in Sioux Lookout constructed during the 2007-08 school year.

Student Riley Barkman, left, is seen on the trapline.

Students from Queen Elizabeth District High School in Sioux Lookout try rock climbing during their outdoor education class.

From left, Dakota Moskotaywnene, William Mckay, valedictorian Shini Barratt, Sherman Mekanak, and Grade 8 teacher Loretta Moskotaywenene.

Grade 8 graduate Sherman Mekanak and his father Percy Mekanak pose with their respective diplomas. Percy graduated from Grade 12.

Darwin Mendowegan with the moose he killed using only a pocketknife while on a family boat trip.

“Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to offer an apology to former students of Indian residential schools.” Prime Minister Stephen Harper, June 11, 2008, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ont.

“A person’s treatment of money is the most decisive test of his character, how they make it and how they spend it.” (James Moffat)

Robert Animikii Horton of Rainy River First Nations was named a 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model.

With the words and faces of King and Goldman still stirring in the air Have we forgotten our nearest voices in the struggle that too many share?

A 26-year-old band member of Rainy River First Nation can add another accomplishment to an already lengthy resume.

Robert Animikii Horton of Rainy River First Nations is one of 12 Aboriginal youth across Canada selected as a 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model.

Neil Michelin with a trophy sized walleye. Michelin said during the bug hatch cycle, fish can be found in areas where bugs are hatching.

Students at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School work together to put up a teepee.

The teepee built at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School was blessed during a ceremony following its construction.

Boozhoo, Wachiya! Chris Waite ndishnikaaz and I am a member of the Loon Clan working at the Thunder Bay Public Library.

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Chief Donny Morris, second from left, leads three members of the KI6 from jail.

Coun. Sam McKay, of Kitchenuhmaykoosib, reacts as he leaves a Thunder Bay courthouse March 17 where he and five others from the community were sentenced to six months in jail for contempt.

I have been working on some touch-ups around the house for the past few weeks. I have been away from this kind of work for several years so the first few days of kneeling, bending and standing for hours has resulted in all sorts of aches and pains. Still I love this type of work.

Premier Dalton McGuinty, I was incarcerated on March 17 for contempt of court, with four band council members and one member of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI). We were released on May 28 after a successful appeal of our sentences.

When people feel out of control they sometimes do what’s called crazy making. Make it appear like Indians are nuts for defending their culture. At the same time you give more mining land to Plantinex.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service office administrator Kelly Reid was awarded the Civilian Award of Achievement for Outstanding Service from the Canadian First Nations Chief of Police Association on June 10.

Kelly Reid receives the Civilian of the Year Award at the inaugural Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Honours and Awards Banquet in Thunder Bay in 2007 alongsde NAPS Board chairman Mike Metatawabin, right

Cops For Cancer raised more than $11,000 in Sioux Lookout June 6. The event featured 10 individual participants who shaved their hands to raise funds for cancer research.

From left, Danielle Flynn, Hayden Flynn, Hayden George, Carol George, back, Wylder George and Stephanie Samuel participated in the fundraiser. More than $11,000 was raised for cancer research.

Hayden Flynn was the top individual fundraiser during Cops For Cancer in Sioux Lookout June 6.

Randall Barkman, of Sachigo Lake, ties the cover over the new teepee at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. Students and staff took part in a teepee dedication ceremony once it was built.