Lenny Carpenter — Wawatay News

Shannen’s Dream closer to reality

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

Shannen’s Dream took a big step towards being realized.
A motion calling for the federal government to improve education on First Nations reserves was passed unanimously in the House of Commons on Feb. 27.
The motion calls for increased funding of on-reserve schools at least to the level of provincial run schools.
While the passing of the motion implies that funding will soon increase for First Nations education, Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan did not commit to increased funding following the vote.

Participants aim for new truck in Sachigo Lake fishing derby

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

More than 250 people gathered on Sachigo Lake on Feb. 25 to take part in one of the biggest fishing derbies on northwestern Ontario.
All participants dropped their lines into a randomly drawn fishing hole as part of the 9th Annual Sachigo Lake First Nation Ice Fishing Derby, where the first prize was a brand new 2012 Dodge Ram 1500.
When a horn sounded at noon to signal the start of the derby, hundreds lined up to draw a number that determined their fishing hole, which were pre-drilled the day before.

Education, literature and love of the Mushkegowuk Cree

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

Canadian author Joseph Boyden recently visited Fort Albany First Nation with the Tragically Hip to take part the annual Great Moon Gathering, a conference for educators. Originally from southern Ontario, Boyden taught at the Northern College’s Moosonee campus in the late 90s and traveled to the northern communities. He went on to write a collection of short stories and two novels that feature Mushkegowuk Cree as the main characters. His first novel, Three Day Road, won several awards while his second, Through Black Spruce, won the Giller Prize in 2008 for Best Canadian Novel.

Building skills, connections at housing conference

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

More than 200 delegates took part in the 10th Annual First Nations Northern Housing Conference, which took place Feb. 14-16 in Thunder Bay.
Dale Suganaqueb of Webequie First Nation said he was impressed with this year’s conference.
“I’ve been coming here for past three years and it’s growing every year,” he said.
The event has grown substantially since a handful of participants from the Shibogama Tribal Council communities gathered in a boardroom in Sioux Lookout in March 1999 for the original sessions.

Feeling disconnected from culture

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

I was in Attawapiskat a couple weeks ago and was watching some kids playing hockey in a backyard rink when one of them fell.
“Gah jish-stuck,” he said.
Hearing that Cree expression brought a smile to my face. It reminded me of my youth growing up in Moosonee, where I used that expression extensively.
It also reminded me of how much I miss being in the James Bay area and how disconnected I feel from my culture.

‘Outstanding’ DFC principal

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) High School Principal Jon Kakegamic has been named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2012.
The Learning Partnership, a national charitable organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada, named Kakegamic as one of 41 principals who have had a positive impact in their communities.
The principals were recognized at a gala event in Toronto on Feb. 27.
While Kakagamic said he was honoured to be receiving the award, he deflected credit to others at DFC.

Fort Severn blockades asbestos trucks

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

While citizens in Gillam, Man., protested the burial of asbestos near its small town on northern Manitoba, Fort Severn First Nation prevented the passing of the toxic substance through its land by putting up a blockade.
Early in the second week of March, community members put up a blockade east of the community, preventing trucks loaded with asbestos-infested insulation and tiles from passing through the First Nation.

Leaving addiction behind

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

When Michael Tyance was 16 years old, he tried prescription drugs and was immediately hooked.
“It’s just the euphoria that you get from it,” Tyance said. “It felt just right, I wanted to keep on taking it.”
The Pic River First Nation member, who grew up in Marathon and Red Lake, became a drug addict. He was using drugs “pretty much all the time.”
His mother Ella Linklater was unaware of his drug use, but knew he was changing.
“He was getting into trouble, like breaking and entering,” she said.

Leading the life she wants

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

After the film credits ran and the lights came on, Doris Slipperjack stepped to the podium and spoke before a group of youth gathered from across northern Ontario.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever been honest and truthful, and I never thought I could do anything like that,” the 23-year-old said about the film. “I used to be shy, and I shut myself out from the world.”
She pauses then continues, her voice starting to quiver.

School contract awarded for Attawapiskat

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:32

The federal government and Attawapiskat leaders announced on March 6 that a Manitoba contractor will construct the new school for Attawapiskat First Nation.
Penn-Co Construction Canada (2003) Ltd. is based in Blumenort, Man., and has experience working with remote First Nation communities on the construction of large facilities such as water treatment plants, hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings, according to a press release put out by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

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