Lenny Carpenter — Wawatay News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.