Topic: Today’s News

SUDBURY – During a ceremony held at the University of Sudbury yesterday (Thursday, October 18th) at 10 a.m., three Indigenous students were recognized and were officially awarded their substantial scholarships.

A total sum of $18,000 was recently awarded in scholarships to deserving students of the Indigenous Studies program at the University of Sudbury. The recipients recognized this year were: Erin Fairbairn, who received the continuing $7,000 Dr. Constance Elaine Jayne Williams and Charles L. Williams Educational Trust Scholarship; Bneshiinh McLeod, who received the $4,000 Maple Grove United Church Scholarship; and Sonnie Debassige, who received the continuing $7,000 Rotary Aboriginal Scholarship Fund.

Erin Fairbairn is from Wikemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. She is a full-time student currently in her third year of the Indigenous Studies program, while concurrently working towards her Bachelor of Education. Working hard at balancing academics and her home life, as she has a family of her own, Erin says that she has dreamt of becoming a teacher of Indigenous Studies for as long as she can remember and that she looks forward to doing her part in the decolonization of education

Bneshiinh McLeod is an Anishinaabekwe from Mississauga First Nation, and a full-time student working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. She is currently the Vice-President of the Indigenous Students Circle, where she provides outreach and support to the Indigenous student population of the Laurentian Federation.

Sonnie Debassige, from M’Chigeeng First Nation, is a full-time student who is also working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and hopes to pursue her studies in that field at the doctoral level. Sonnie is very involved in offering cultural teachings within the Laurentian Federation, which she indicates can contribute to the reconciliation efforts.

The University is pleased to be able to offer such scholarships with the help of its donors, to assist these dedicated individuals in their studies and help foster their success as they continue their academic journeys and careers. We extend our most sincere congratulations to these recipients, who will surely use their knowledge and experience to make a difference.

About the Maple Grove United Church Scholarship: The Maple Grove United Church Scholarship was established in 2014 to assist Indigenous students in meeting their financial needs during the course of their full-time studies within the Laurentian Federation.

About the Dr. Constance Elaine Jayne Williams and Charles L. Williams Educational Trust Scholarship:
Established in 2017, this scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student pursuing full-time studies in the Indigenous Studies program at the University of Sudbury, from any of the following Ojibway bands: M’Chigeeng First Nation, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Wikemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Sheguiandah First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation. This is a continuing scholarship, meaning that the recipients will continue to receive the annual amount until completion of their degree, as long as they continue to meet the requirements and remain in good academic standing.

About the Rotary Aboriginal Scholarship: Fund Established in 2016, the Rotary Indigenous Scholarship was established at the University of Sudbury due to the generous donation of the Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar. This scholarship is meant to assist Indigenous students in meeting their financial needs during the course of their full-time studies within the Laurentian Federation. This is a continuing scholarship, meaning that the recipients will continue to receive the annual amount until completion of their degree, as long as they continue to meet the requirements and remain in good academic standing.

About the University of Sudbury : The University of Sudbury is proud of its bilingual and tri-cultural environment and of its Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person. As Northern Ontario’s longest-standing postsecondary institution and a member of the Laurentian University Federation, the University of Sudbury remains committed to a focus on a liberal arts education by providing programming in Journalism (French only), Folklore and Ethnology (French only), Religious Studies, Philosophy and Indigenous Studies.

Detailed information about the University’s programs can be found at www.usudbury.ca.
For more information, please contact Marianne Denis-Séguin at the University of Sudbury (mdenis3@usudbury.ca)

SUMMARY: The Vancouver Island University Library received a $17,015 grant from the National Heritage Digitization Strategy to digitize historical texts and maps dating from 1732-1944 that will unfold Canada’s narratives of exploration through the voices of settlers and Indigenous peoples.

VIU MEDIA RELEASE: Thursday, October 18, 2018

NANAIMO, BC: The narratives of Canada’s journey of exploration will be shared with the online world through the digitization of Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Special Collections archives.

VIU is one of 21 successful candidates from 213 applications to receive funding from Libraries and Archives Canada (LAC) and the National Heritage Digitization Strategy (NHDS) to digitize collections for the preservation of Canadian cultural heritage. Thanks to an anonymous million-dollar donation to the NHDS, the organization made a call out to memory institutions to support their digitization initiatives that are both of national importance and unique. VIU was successful in securing a $17,015 grant, with the remainder of the $65,000 project budget being made in-kind by the university.

“This funding will build upon our digitization and open access content production capacity and, more importantly, it offers the potential to deepen our existing relationships with Indigenous communities,” says Ben Hyman, Chief Librarian at VIU.

The VIU Library will digitize 38 historic texts and six maps from its Special Collections – content that has never been digitized before. The collection features naval expeditions along the Northwest Passage, and carves out narratives of the journeys of what became Canada. What is missing from these texts is representation of Indigenous perspectives and contexts.

“Indigenous voices are scarce in records of this kind – even when the subject is ‘ethnographies – Indigenous Peoples’, so in an effort to elevate Indigenous voices with respect to these narratives, VIU Library will invite Elders from local communities to be aware of and to reflect on selected works and passages,” says Hyman.

Reconstructing truths through collaboration with Indigenous community members may involve challenging – but necessary – conversations. The VIU Library hopes to engage with local Indigenous communities and reach out to other institutions to collaborate in these conversations. It will seek guidance from community with respect to the manifestation of the narratives that may emerge.

According to the NHDS, “Documentary heritage is a cornerstone of all democratic societies. It supports economic, social, legal understanding and cultural growth, while also fostering innovation to ensure a strong future.” By digitizing these materials, and through collaboration with community, “Our intent is to honour VIU’s values as an open access, special purpose teaching university,” says Hyman.

This is the second grant the VIU Library has received for digitization initiatives in the last six months. The Library also received $40,000 to digitize the Nanaimo Daily Free Press (1874-1928) and the Cowichan Leader (1905-1928).

Although the digitization of the historical texts and maps will be complete by August 2019, Hyman says the collaboration between the University and Indigenous communities will be a longer commitment. The Library aims to continue finding ways to decolonize historical information and build upon its capacity to provide open access content to students, faculty and the greater VIU community.

Permalink: https://news.viu.ca/viu-library-receives-grant-digitize-canadas-historical-narratives-exploration

Photo Caption: Historical texts and maps of Canada’s journey to discovery will be digitized for the first time. Photo Credit: Vancouver Island University

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde, AFN New Brunswick-Prince Edward Island Regional Chief Roger Augustine and AFN Nova Scotia-Newfoundland Regional Chief Morley Googoo today welcomed the appointment of Brian Francis, Chief of Abegweit First Nation in P.E.I., to the Senate of Canada.

“We need more First Nations people around all decision-making tables and that includes the Senate of Canada” said National Chief Bellegarde. “We congratulate Senator Francis on this appointment. He has an outstanding record of achievement. He will make great contributions to the Senate of Canada which will create a better country for all.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Francis as a P.E.I. senator on October 11. Francis has been Chief of the Abegweit First Nation since 2007 and resigned as leader this week to assume his position in the Senate.

“Chief Francis has done an outstanding job representing our Mi’kmaq people in many positions throughout his illustrious career,” said AFN Regional Chief Augustine. “We have confidence that his representation in the Senate will ensure we have a knowledgeable and respectful voice in Parliament on key issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada.  This appointment is well deserved and we are honoured to support Senator Francis in his new endeavor.”

Senator Francis is the second Mi’kmaq Senator to be appointed to the Senate of Canada. Senator Dan Christmas from Membertou First Nation in Nova Scotia was appointed in December 2016.

AFN Regional Chief Morley Googoo stated: “I am so proud of these outstanding and deserving Mi’kmaq leaders. They are an integral part of the new narrative for our people. This is a narrative that has evolved over hundreds of years and today I am so pleased to see this honourable step toward rightful representation for our ancestral leaders through Senator Francis who will act as custodian of our future.”

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

TSUU T’INA, Alberta, Oct. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Indian Resource Council (IRC), an Indigenous advocacy organization which represents the oil and gas and associated economic interests of over 130 Indigenous communities in Canada, is urging Senators to oppose Bill C-69.

Bill C-69, which would drastically alter the review process for projects in the energy sector, would harm one of Canada’s greatest economic success stories; namely, the emergence of Indigenous communities and companies as major and successful participants in the energy sector.

“Indian Resource Council is urging all Senators to take a stand and oppose Bill C-69,” said IRC President and CEO, and member of the Samson Cree Nation, Stephen Buffalo. “Bill C-69 would wreak havoc on Indigenous economic development in many parts of Canada.”

At the same time, IRC is calling on the Government of Canada to withdraw Bill C-69 immediately, as the consultation process with Indigenous communities was not sufficient or meaningful.

In order for consultations with Indigenous communities to be meaningful, the Government of Canada must engage with all communities that want to be heard, not just those who agree with their agenda. Their legal and constitutional requirement to consult with Indigenous peoples extends well beyond safe discussions with like-minded thinkers.

Indigenous peoples must be at the table with the Government of Canada any time major decisions are being made that will have a dramatic impact on their economic future. The Government could provide a vital national service by encouraging Indigenous to Indigenous consultations, in an effort to bring greater understanding to debates about natural resource development.

“Indigenous communities are on the verge of a major economic breakthrough, one that finally allows Indigenous people to share in Canada’s economic prosperity,” said Buffalo. “Bill C-69 will stop this progress in its tracks.  New and expanded consultations are urgently required.”

The Indian Resource Council supports environmental sustainability, Indigenous economic development, and reconciliation. IRC has supported many worthy partnerships and collaborations with governments, private companies and between Indigenous communities.

“We support a balanced response to environmental regulation and insist on comprehensive consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities,” added Buffalo. “Left as it is, Bill C-69 will harm Indigenous economic development, create barriers to decision-making, and make Canada unattractive for resource investment. This legislation must be stopped immediately.”

For further information, please contact:
Stephen Buffalo, President and CEO Indian Resource Council
(403) 281-8308
Stepheb@irccanada.ca

Wendake, October 1, 2018 – The Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, congratulates François Legault and the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) for their electoral win. He also congratulates the leaders of the other political parties and reaches out to them to establish a new relationship in the spirit of true reconciliation between our peoples.

“I want to congratulate the new premier, Mr. François Legault. Above all, I want to express the openness of the First Nations to work with his government to revive the political relationship that unites us,” said Chief Picard.

UN declaration and summit in the first 100 days

The Chief of the AFNQL wishes to remind the new premier of his commitment to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “We take François Legault to his word from what he wrote to me, in a letter sent during the election campaign, that a CAQ government will implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This is an issue much too important for this commitment to remain only a simple election promise,” says Ghislain Picard.

Chief Picard also reiterated the AFNQL’s intention to call upon the new government, within 100 days of its formation, to a formal meeting with all First Nations Chiefs.

“We were clear during the election campaign that the new government will have to thoroughly review its political relationship with us. At the heart of this new relationship is the recognition of our rights and the respect of our governments and our ancestral territories. If there is a real political will with the new government, we are ready to collaborate,” concluded Chief Ghislain Picard.

About the l’AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization that brings together 43 First Nations Chiefs in Quebec and Labrador. Follow the AFNQL on Twitter @APNQL.

Courtesy of AFN

(Ottawa, ON) – On the announcement of a tentative trade agreement now named the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says the general exception clause for Indigenous Peoples Rights will help ensure the protection of inherent, Aboriginal and Treaty rights and bring greater economic stability, certainty and integrity to international trade and prosperity to North America.

“I have consistently urged Minister Freeland to ensure the protection of inherent and Treaty rights in international trade and I am pleased this is included in the newly announced United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  “The provisions addressing Indigenous Peoples in the USMCA make it the most inclusive international trade agreement for Indigenous peoples to date. The  protection for Indigenous peoples’ rights in the general exceptions to the agreement will protect inherent, Aboriginal and Treaty rights as well as increase stability, certainty and integrity to international trade.”

Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, late yesterday, released a joint statement with United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, announcing the two countries reached an agreement alongside Mexico. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement comes 13 months after negotiations began.

Some highlights of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement include recognition of the important role First Nations and other Indigenous peoples play in the long-term conservation of the environment, and emphasis on cooperation activities to promote and enhance opportunities for First Nations businesses and trade. Specific provisions for Indigenous peoples are found in the Exceptions and General Provisions chapter, the Environment chapter, Investment chapter (corporate social responsibility), Textiles, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Chapter and Competitiveness Chapter.

“I strongly remind Canada, the United States and Mexico that with their endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples comes domestic obligations to Indigenous peoples, and that rights protected in the new agreement must include the rights and obligations in the Declaration,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “I will continue to urge Canada to work in partnership with First Nations to ensure recognition, protection, implementation and enforcement of First Nations rights in this agreement and other international trade and investment agreements.”

In January 2018, National Chief Bellegarde and a delegation of First Nations leaders, including members of the AFN Chiefs Committee on Economic Development, were in Montreal to discuss the importance of trade to First Nations economic growth, participation in the labour force and inter-tribal trade and to push for an Indigenous Peoples Chapter in the agreement.

National Chief Bellegarde was approached in July 2017 to participate on the NAFTA Council to offer advice to federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland during negotiations.

AFN resolution 36/2017, First Nations Trade Relations, affirms First Nations inherent right to trade and mandates efforts to advocate for First Nations economic growth and the development of options to secure greater economic independence.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.