MFNYC SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2010

8th Annual Traditional Youth Gathering Fisher River Cree Nation Aug. 17th to 19th, 2010The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Youth Secretariat and the Manitoba First Nations Youth Council invite you to our:8th Annual Traditional Youth GatheringAugust 17th to 19th, 2010Fisher River Cree NationThe traditional youth gathering provides youth an opportunity to interact with elders and resource people to learn about First Nations cultural and traditional knowledge. Workshops and teachings may include: fishing, trapping, ceremonies, medicines, star blanket making, jiu jitsu, language, boxing, etc. Camping available on-site. “WHERE THE NATIONS MEET” Youth Summit. Sunday July 18th , AFN hosted a fun run event at the Duckworth Centre track aimed at active lifestyles sport and fitness. National Chief Shawn Atleo kicked off this Sunday morning event and spoke to observers, runners, and a media audience.” IndigenACTION is about putting talk to action”. Atleo said. “Though sports, people are connected, young people are the leaders of NOW, we need their guidance . Cole Choken is running from Mexico, north through the East Coast of the United States, and back to Winnipeg to raise money for cancer research and awareness. Candace Sutherland is running across Canada, Waneek ran across the country. Why sports? It builds healthy communities, confidence and self esteem. We can achieve togetherness. Sports are linked positively to education, better attendance, and fights obesity.”After the National Chief addressed everyone, he passed the microphone to 2000 Sydney Olympian Waneek Horn Miller. Waneek is from Kahnawake,Mohawk Territory in Quebec across the bridge from Montreal. She said “I was the only Aboriginal at Sydney Olympics. Speaking and seeing the country, there is a strong sense of urgency,.with NO PROGRAMMING TO BRING KIDS, WE ARE FAILING THEM. If there were a strategy, it would require one to be a strong individual, without strong healthy individuals, we can’t combat all issues.When I was young, my mom taught me everything from eating to training.In my family one sister is a doctor, the other working on her PHD degree, I had the mentality going into the Olympic games that I’m a Mohawk warrior. Awaken the warrior, today is a start.” After her inspirational words, former professional wrestler Billy Two-Rivers, who is also from Kahnawake got the event the started with the catchphrase, “ladies and gentlemen, start your Injuns!” Ron Evans recalled some northern crees talking the language, joking at KFC, but the underlying message is to be creative to keep it alive, we face a lot of challenges, a lot of our kids are in child care. The are over 500 missing or murdered Aboriginal women. Dennis Meeches added,“It's time for common day elections, (sec 74), reserves are scattered elections, other political organizations have common day elections." Keynote speaker Dr. Shaneen Pete spoke on First Nations education, she is the interim president at the First Nations University."Students today are entitled to access and choice in education". Educated in the Indian Teacher Education Program, she said “the only thing Indian about it was the students, where was the indigenous knowledge? Students were wanting more, students were inserting it into papers teachers were wondering where it was coming from, There is a lot of ETHNIC FRAUD going on out there, some people think they are entitled to claim for the benefits, must have thought people wouldn’t ask. Students demand choice, some want to get away from mainstream education, to honor gifts and skill sets, get a different perspective. I saw the limits of mainstream, potential of feminism / Aboriginal knowledge. Mainstream education didn’t know enough about colonialism or how to decolonize, enough of our people have paved the way, you can quote them, every student should know FN contributions. Theoretical shared language of discussion can limit the communication between faculty and student. What are indigenous ways of leadership, get it done, lead by example". There is a need because there is a place for it, it would create a more well rounded mainstream culture. It is Canada, “our home and Native land.” Dr. Pete was asked,How do you feel about the way the press has been treating the FNU issue? Why do you think such negative stigma compared to Mainstream Canadian University? "Media relations and FN people, they rely on negative to affirm mainstream thinking, you’re more visible when your brown. Why are there never any stories of competency? Where the fun in that story, need to change dialogue. We have scholars doing research and working with traditional teachers, other students choose drama to deal with racism. We have the highest cohort of First Nation, Metis faculty, gives unique relationship. We are downsizing keeping with secured funding address our debt. Dealing with issues, that were still viable taking in enrollment, active partner with the media.”In conclusion to her address, Dr. Pete invited future students to “Join us in the Home of Treaty Education, make FNU your first choice.” AFNAGA Assembly of First Nations 31st Annual General Assembly Taking Place “Where Our Nations Meet” in Winnipeg, Manitoba July 20 - 22. One highlight at the AFN conference was the Chiefs passing one resolution dealing with Treaties.  The resolution is to provide one singular voice to advance and protect the Treaties for all first nations., The government takes advantage of FN working separate from each other. First Nations are involved in a new kind of war, against the thousand of the countries top lawyers. Although No INAC funding is going to support research that uncovers and holds them fully accountable to their fiduciary obligations, as set out in the treaties with the crown. AFN National Chief Atleo and “Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor” Mike Holmes of “Holmes on Homes” and The Holmes Foundation sign Statement of Partnership on a new First Nations housing initiative Mike Holmes, contractor who repairs other peoples contracting jobs. Likely going to expose the shoddy inadaquete housing provided to first nation communities, that perpetuates many social ills that include overcrowding, mold and not built for the climate in which they live. Mike Holmes says, "We are not going to wait, just move ahead”. Some in attendance weren’t impressed though. One observer said, “I'm dissapointed in some the stuff I’m seeing, saying the same stuff we said before, anybody got another idea, Atleo doesn’t have the new plan. Get rid of the Indian ACT, what is the back up plan? Tell the Canadian people how we going to divide this stuff up that we are entitled to, there is no plan there. Would have been nice to see people with a plan of action, we have no exit stagedy." A new idea could be to legislate health care for First Nations in the same way rcmp, military, are provided for federally under the same fiduciary obligations as First Nations. Resource Sharing, First Nations as a province, based on a need, as a population, looks to be like a municipality? Truth and Reconciliation Commission "The truth of our common experiences will help set our spirits free and pave the way to reconciliation." It was highly visible. Even though it was a negative topic it was a positive display. Addressing a real issue. The government says sorry then proceeds to cut the aboriginal healing foundation funding. Health Canada workers are paid to attend event. Survivors pay their own way. Some survivors don't to tell their story. Kinks to be worked out.Has a purpose in our lifetime, acknowledge our past, understand it, our duty in our lifetime to move ahead and make a contribution to society, our history hasn’t been good to us , but we can make a contribution by doing things for ourselves and others. "Was it lights glitz and glamour to appease the international audience, make it look like their doing something to clear their collective conscience."Jenna Wirch has submitted for the newsletter based on her experience speaking at the TRC It is very important to speak up or else you will not get anywhere in this life. To get some where you have to make a road and stay on the path to make it to your destination. Me, myself and I are all about youth empowerment. We are the seventh generation and it states in many prophecies that the seven generation is going to change the face of the world. I was asked to speak at the truth and reconciliation commission at the forks when the Govern General Jean Michael was here. We were in a semi circle all facing her. When it was my time to speak I told her how the residential school system affected our aboriginal youth today. I told her how I was always running away and being "a bad kid" because I could not feel the love that the system had ripped me away from. When we were all done she made a statement saying that we need to give the love back to our aboriginal children so that they can know how to love for the next seven generations to come, when she said that I felt like I had to speak up for so many youth and children that are still in the system today. My path that I made today is to heal all the intergenerational effects that are on our society today. What the TRC event means to me is that yes, residential schools did happen and yes, we did lose a lot of culture but we as Anishinabe people are survivors. No matter what system that tries to get in the way of us being who we are we will not let them because we are strong and always will be until the endThanks! ENVIRONMENT CANADA HOLDS WORKSHOP ON ABS POLICYEnvironment Canada’s workshop on ABS Domestic Policy Development was held Wednesday June 2, 2010 at the Four Points Hotel in Gatineau, Quebec.The policy addressed is (ABS) access to and benefit sharing for traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. The workshop was intended to seek perspectives from the First Nation peoples on the Discussion Paper outlining possible guidance for the development of the ABS Domestic Policy. The workshop that took place on June 2, 2010 will be the only face to face workshop where First Nation peoples of Canada would be invited. The views heard will be considered by the ministers involved with the ABS. To clarify, when the document refers to genetic resources this is in regards to any material of plant, animal and microbial or other origin containing functional genes which in turn will have real or potential value. The genetic resources are used to study in scientific, environmental and for commercial applications. The finding of these studies will lead to developing new medicines, improving crop yields and modifying industrial processes. Genetic Resources can have important social and economic benefits for conservation practices. Presented was an Anti Diabetic Case Study Project done by Pierre S. Haddad, a Ph. D Professor. It was stated that this case study was not used for profit or gain and there were no pharmaceutical agencies involved within this process. This study was done in the Eastern James Bay Area where the population is 15,000. In this territory there was near abandonment of Cree healing practices and practitioners. By the 1960’s nursing stations were established. The Project explores plants and the traditional uses by Cree elders. From this study they involved 4 different communities within the same area. First Nation people present at the workshop weren’t impressed with the approach, time frame, and limitations of this idea. Some voiced feedback that First Nations peoples need an overall acknowledgment in the development of this policy and the cultural beliefs needed. We seek more information to understand how you got to this place, this is a backwards approach when you have involved First Nations peoples. This one meeting is not enough to engage the population of First Nations people living in Canada. This type of steal knowledge and patent resources shenanigan has been attempted before. While its seems like a good idea to many, it reflects narrow thinking. Unfortunately, there are elders out there who would sell what limited knowledge they have to gain something in the short term, although most elders protect traditional Indigenous knowledgeThe spiritually aspect that goes with First Nations medicines is missing when it is manufactured to a pill. It’s not to say one is better than the other, many people blend the two just that, again, kinks need to be worked out.OJIBWAY/ANISHINAABEMODAAAUGUST-PAHSIKKAY-KISSISS SEPTEMBER-WAHPATE PAHKA-KISSISS MONDAY-ISKWA ANAMAH KISIKAT TUESDAY-NISO KISIKATWEDNESDAY-APITOWESSE KISIKAT THURSDAY-NIYO KISIKAT FRIDAY-NANA KISIKATSATURDAY-MATINAWE KISIKAT SUNDAY-ANAMAH KISIKAT1 BEZHIG2-NIISH 3-NISWI 4-NIIWIN 5-NAANAN6-NINGODWAASWI 7-NIISHWAASWI8-NISHWAASWI9-ZHAANGASWI10-MIDAASWISee the video for each word of the day at http://www.Anishinaabemow.in/
Shaneen Robinson runs for City Council October 27th.
Tansi, my name is Shaneen Robinson (Kihew Ga Nee Pawit) and I'm a proud member of the Cree and Gitxsan Nations. I am so honoured to have been asked to speak to the First Nations youth across our province. This newsletter is an important tool in keeping our young people informed of the issues that affect us as First Nations. Whetherit's politics, sports, community events or the environment—we need tobe engaged in current events to ensure a bright future for our childrenand our children's children. On October 27th, 2010 there will be a municipal election in Winnipeg. Young people like you have the opportunity to change our city for the better. Withthe high number of young Aboriginal people in Winnipeg our vote couldliterally shift how this city is run and who our leaders will be. I encourage you to take part, ask questions and most importantly vote.
I am a candidate running for city council in the Elmwood/East Kildonan City Ward. On June 21st,2010—National Aboriginal Solidarity Day, on the first ballot Isuccessfully beat out two other potential candidates vying for the NDPendorsement, this has brought me one step closer to my dream. On October 27th with your help I could be the first ever First Nations woman elected to Winnipeg's City Council. Icome from a background in journalism, I've worked for NCI FM, APTNNational News, and CTV News Winnipeg—the reason I studiedcommunications was to showcase the accurate stories of our people andhave equal representation in society. I'm anInternational award winning journalist and playwright and was chosen asa National Aboriginal Role Model in 2008, awarded by Governor General Michaëlle Jean—this is the highest honour an Aboriginal young person can receive in Canada. After10 years writing for newspapers, being on the radio, being a televisionnews reporter and traveling the world, I see that Aboriginal youth alsoneed more representation politically in our given communities. Aftermuch consultation with my elders, family and friends I've decided todedicate my life to speaking for those who aren't heard. Iwant to be the voice of all people whether you're a senior, a child, anew-Canadian, or labour worker—we need to be representative of thedifferent people we see in Winnipeg and we need to make everyone'svoice heard at City Hall.
AlthoughI have strong roots to my family in Northern British Columbia andNorthern Manitoba, I grew up in Elmwood/East Kildonan and see the needfor fresh ideas and a strong voice. Our youth recreation centres have been closed, some are falling apart and our young people need more opportunities. Aboriginalyoung people make up a significant number of the population in thisarea and many of our kids come from low income families. Our young people are dropping out of school, joining gangs and getting pregnant. Wehave to build up our youth so they can be the best they can be, and itmust be ourselves as youth to make it happen. If you want to volunteer,or find out more check out my Facebook Page "Shaneen Robinson for NextElmwood/East Kildonan City Councillor", we will have a website up andrunning within the next couple of weeks. Thanks for your support and I hope you will help make history in our city! All my Relations, Ekosani.
Sports
Peguis held their second annual tough man competition July 25th,following UFC style weight classes and tournaments in every division.There were more participants than last year and fans were treated tofour hours of fisticuffs. For the most part, fights were entertainingslugfests with not as wild of punches as you would expect from atoughman competition. Most fighters showed footwork, and decentcombinations, fighting spirit, and good sportsmanship. Young and upcoming fighters keep the more experienced fighters on thier toes in this one, and fans were treated to a classic showdown between two opponents on the opposite sides of the law.The event was put together by the Peguis recreation direcors and the community boxing club with proceeds of the event going to gym equipment and to assist the club to take boxers to the ringside world championships in kansas city, august 2nd to the 7th. The next time some of these guys will be in action is on a planned card that will featurePeguis/ GoJo vs. Winnipeg boxers.
Iroquios MMA with Charles Monture.Pro MMA Fighter/Manager and Head coach of Iroquois MMA fight Team, Six Nations, Ontario.
MFNYCHow many years/shows has Iroquis MMA been around?CharlesWe started November 3rd 2007 on the reserve and have had seven shows.
MFNYCWhat kind of opposition do you run into from surrounding communites to run a show like this, isn't MMA illegal in Ontario? Charles Well it is according to the criminal code of Canada, but we are asovereign nation and we stand by that very strongly. We also have aletter from our traditional government confederacy, we believe thatlaws work differently here at Grand River. Meaning they don't havejurisdiction over our people.
MFNYC How many people come out to a show, and when is the next show going to be held? Charles I remember when I fought in the third show, we had some big names onthat night. I think they said close to 5000. We get alot of people andfans native and non native. Its all ranked on Sherdog as pro events inthe world, thats awesome. It gives our guys a chance to fight close tohome. It also provides role models for our youth here at Six Nations.The next show is August 28th @ the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel Event Center.
-MFNYC-