Wawatay Online, August 7, 2008, Volume 35, No. 16

With a simple stroke of a pen, it was signed. It signalled a new beginning for the community of Neskantaga, one with the hope of economic prosperity.

Indian. Native. Aboriginal. These terms have been used to label First Nation people for decades and many have found them to be offensive and inappropriate.

Quiet solitude. Fierce winds. Blistering heat. These are all factors that Kirk Davis is facing on his 1,800 kilometre bike ride from Sioux Lookout to London, Ont. As a fundraiser for First Nations Teen Challenge.

In the spring of 1997, former students attended a healing ceremony on the grounds of the old residential school near Sioux Lookout. The healing ceremony involved both Christian and Anishinaabe spiritual leaders.

A pair of men from northwestern Ontario received awards of excellence from Cisco Canada for educational distinction and contributions to their communities.

A fire that ripped through Lakehead University’s Braun Building on July 14 causing an estimated $1 million in damages will not affect the Native Nurses Entry Program.

Hundreds of Aboriginal Team Ontario athletes and coaches parade down the streets of Duncan, B.C. on their way to the opening ceremonies of the 2008 North American Indigenous Games.

The Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival’s theme this year, Bert Brings the Bait in 2008 inspired me to do something for nothing.  I wanted it to be something good and positive for me and for the community.  I had the pleasure of sharing my fishing time with dozens of different anglers.

Team Ontario has plenty of support in Cowichan for the North American Indigenous Games.

Sachigo Lake First Nation Head Coun. Alex Barkman, left, presents Angus Miles with a cheque for $1,000 on behalf of Cisco Canada.

Adam Vincent likes his tee shot on a par-three hole.

George Sakchekapo competes in a putting competition after the tournament, which he won with teammates Michael Hardy and Kevin Berube. 

Cindy Thomas, left, Red Lake Emergency Shelter manager accepts a cheque for $10,607 from Wasaya Airways LP Red Lake base manager Bob Orr.

Thomas Morris, right, CEO of Northern Superior Resources, and Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias sign a Early Exploration Benefits Agreement.

Recent growth in tattoo culture has resulted in a flood of new artists into the industry, many of whom have technical and fine art training.

Lac Seul band member Derek Kenny does some consultation work on client Vanessa Berry at his tattoo shop in downtown Thunder Bay July 29.

Children are curious. It is in their nature. Let them touch the fish and help them hold it for the picture. Nicolas, three years old, hesitates before touching the walleye.

The Nishnawbe Aski Police detachment in Poplar Hill was the victim of a burglary July 18.

Three people were charged in Eabametoong after a warrant was executed in the community.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy delivered the below speech at the Wapekeka First Nation 16th Annual Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Healing Journey Conference 2008 on July 22. Because the important message the conference carries, Wawatay News has been given the opportunity to print the Grand Chief’s words for all the people of Nishnawbe Aski.

I am gliding along at a steady 100 kilometers an hour over hot asphalt. My motorcycle is humming and the engine whines every time I turn up the throttle.

My hatred for the National Football League’s Denver Broncos and National Hockey League’s Montreal Canadiens can be traced to one source – my dad.