"L'éveil au Cercle" - "Awakening to the Circle"

Monday, February 28, 2011

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Canadian Museum of Civilization

Aboriginal Training Program in Museum Practices


DEADLINE MARCH 15, 2009


Gatineau, Quebec, February 15, 2011 — The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation is now accepting applications for its Aboriginal Training Program in Museum Practices. This eight-month program offers professional and technical training in museum practices to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Canada. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2011.


All training is under the supervision of the Museum’s professional staff in a variety of fields, including research, collections, exhibitions, public programs, public affairs and publishing, development and museum services. The objective of this internship is to offer practical experience for Aboriginal people who would like to broaden their skills in various aspects of museum work. Training is available in both official languages.


This is the eighteenth consecutive year for the Aboriginal Training Program in Museum Practices. It was established by the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation in September 1993 in response to recommendations in the 1992 Task Force Report on Museums and First Peoples. Since its inception, some 80 Aboriginal trainees have completed the program successfully.


To learn more about the program, please contact Jameson C. Brant at 819 776-8270; by e-mail jameson.brant@civilization.ca; or consult the website at www.civilization.ca/aboriginaltraining.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Note: Algonquin Firekeeper Daniel Bernard has been invited by NDP leader Andrea Horwath to speak in the Ontario legislature today (February 24th).

Algonquin Union hand-delivers urgent letter of appeal
to stop clear-cutting of South March Highlands in Ottawa
(Toronto) Despite several respectful but failed attempts to schedule a meeting with Ontario’s Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan, representatives of the Algonquin Union are hand-delivering a letter today to his office. The letter, to be delivered by Algonquin Firekeeper Daniel Bernard (Amikwabe), contains new archeological information that provides Minister Chan grounds to stop the clear-cutting of South March Highlands in the Ottawa suburb of Kanata.
Tree cutting and heavy construction equipment continue to devastate this urban forest, which has been repeatedly identified as a site of significant archeological heritage, in addition to being of major environmental and ceremonial importance. The entire area has the potential to be recognized as Provincially Significant Cultural Heritage in accordance with Ontario Regulation 10/06.
“It is very disturbing that during the United Nations’ Year of the Forest the city of Ottawa is permitting one of the most amazing old growth forests located in an urban setting anywhere in the world to be destroyed,” Bernard says.
Algonquin people from across the Ottawa River Watershed in both Ontario and Quebec have called for an immediate halt to the KNL housing project at the site, while an independent archeological review is carried out to determine the cultural significance of the land. KNL’s own archeological study was accepted by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in 2004, despite being described as ‘fatally flawed’ by Dr. Robert McGhee, past president of the Canadian Archeological Association. Many other reviews and studies have concluded that the site is of high importance from a cultural standpoint.
South March Highlands is an old growth forest and one of the most bio-diverse areas remaining in urban Canada. It offers critical habitat to more than 675 species of life, including 240 species of wildlife, more than 135 nesting birds and 20 species at risk.
Contact:
• Daniel Bernard, on behalf of the Algonquin Union: Cell: 416-876-3051 Email: dan_bernard@rogers.com
• Paul Renaud Cell: 613-277-5898 Email: paul@renaud.ca
• Algonquin Union: www.union-algonquin-union.com

UNIVERSITÉ D’OTTAWA / UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA

Le département de sociologie et d’anthropologie, le programme d’études autochtones et la Chaire de recherche du Canada sur la diversité juridique et les peuples autochtones

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the Aboriginal Studies Program, and the Canada Research Chair on Native Peoples and Legal Diversity

présentent / present

« Les Algonquins du Lac Barrière : Des siècles de lutte pour le respect et la coexistence ».

"The Algonquins of Barriere Lake – Hundreds of Years of Struggle for Respect and Co-Existence"

(presentation in French with whisper translation)

Michel Thusky

Ancien directeur général des Algonquins du Lac Barrière

Ex-Band Manager, Algonquins of Barriere Lake

Jeudi 3 mars 2011, 11 h 30

Thursday, March 3 2011, 11:30 a.m. Pavillon Vanier Hall, salle/room 2095

Depuis plus de deux décennies, les Algonquins du Lac Barrière démontrent un leadership environnemental au Canada, faisant campagne pour arrêter les coupes à blancs destructives et pour implémenter un plan de développement durable dans leur terre native du nord-ouest du Québec.

Cependant, des compagnies de foresteries multinationales et des bureaucrates gouvernementaux refusent d’honorer les accords qui ont été signé avec le Lac Barrière. Ils tentent de saper les efforts de cette petite communauté, une des plus pauvres dans le pays, et de prévenir qu’elle réalise sa vision pour la protection et la bonne intendance des forêts.

Cette histoire de David contre Goliath vient de se tordre encore plus : le gouvernement conservateur et les bureaucrates des Affaires Indiennes et du Nord Canada sont en train d’intervenir dans les affaires internes du Lac Barrière, utilisant la section 74 de la Loi sur les Indiens pour forcément assimiler et détruire le gouvernement traditionnel de la communauté – un gouvernement traditionnel qui existe depuis d’incalculables générations et qui maintient leur mode de vie de chasseurs et de respect pour l’environnement.

Venez entendre Michel Thusky nous expliquer ce qui se passe dans la communauté des Algonquins du Lac Barrière au nord d’Ottawa.

Biographie

Michel Thusky est un membre des Mitcikinabikok Inik qui parle la langue algonquienne, l’anglais et le français. Il est un survivant du pensionnat indien à Amos, où, comme la majorité des survivants, il a subi l’abus psychologique réservé aux enfants autochtones.

Malgré l’abus, il a pu maintenir sa langue maternelle et son identité comme membre des Algonquins du Lac Barrière en poursuivant des activités culturelles et traditionnelles et en entretenant des relations avec la terre. Il a 3 filles et 3 garçons et plusieurs petits-enfants qui suivent ses pas.

Il a été le directeur général des Algonquins du Lac Barrière pour plusieurs années. Il a également été membre du comité de négociation de l'accord trilatéral de 1991 avec les gouvernements du Québec et du Canada. Il est maintenant dédié à rendre service à sa communauté en tant que bénévole. Il s’engage principalement comme porte-parole de celle-ci.

**

For more than two decades, the Algonquins of Barriere Lake have been demonstrating environmental leadership to the rest of Canada, campaigning to stop destructive clear-cut logging and to implement a sustainable development plan in their homeland in north-western Quebec.

But multi-national forestry corporations and government bureaucrats have refused to honour any of the agreements signed with Barriere Lake. They have tried at every turn to undermine the small community, one of the poorest in the country, and to prevent them from realizing their vision for the protection and stewardship of the forests.

The David-vs-Goliath story now has a dark new twist: the Conservative government and bureaucrats in Indian and Northern Affairs Canada are interfering in Barriere Lake’s internal affairs, using section 74 of the Indian Act to forcibly assimilate and destroy the community's traditional government — a traditional government the community has used for countless generations and one that maintains their hunting way of life and respect for the environment.

Come hear Michel Thusky explain what’s going on in the community of Barriere Lake, just north of Ottawa.

Biographical notes:

Michel Thusky is a member of the Mitcikinabikok Inik who speaks fluently in Algonquin, English and French. He is also a residential school survivor, where he attended school in Amos. Like most of the survivors, Michel had to endure psychological abuse as a child and as a member of the First Nations.

Despite the abuse, he managed to maintain his language and keep his identity as an Algonquin of Barriere Lake through cultural and traditional pursuits and by maintaining a connection to the land. He has a family of 3 daughters and 3 sons, and many grandchildren who follow in his footsteps.

He was the community’s band manager for many years, when he had to teach himself about the programs and services available to the community. He was also a member of the negotiating team that led to the development of the 1991 Trilateral Agreement signed with Canada and Quebec. He is now dedicated to helping his people on a voluntary basis, including as a spokesperson for the community.

Friday, February 11, 2011

CIDA: International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) Initiative

Ottawa, Ontario - Feb. 9, 2011 - Today, as part of CIDA's International Development Week, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, introduced a new opportunity for Aboriginal youth from across Canada to participate in international development through the new International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative.

"The new International Aboriginal Youth Internships initiative is an exciting, new initiative that will bring a new experience to Canada's Aboriginal youth," said Minister Oda. "Their unique perspective and heritage will enhance our work in developing countries and enrich their opportunities to contribute to Canada's efforts to bring a better life to those living in poverty around the world. I firmly believe that our government's outreach to the Aboriginal youth in Canada in this way will open new doors in their futures."


Through the IAYI initiative, each year 140 Canadian Aboriginal youth will have the opportunity to work in developing countries on Canadian-supported development projects with recognized organizations. This initiative will be supported with $10.5 million over five years.

In developing the initiative, CIDA consulted with national aboriginal organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations, the Native Women's Association of Canada, and the Métis National Council, as well as with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Canadian Heritage.

The internships will be implemented by qualified Canadian organizations selected under CIDA's new Global Citizens Program. Canadian organizations are invited to apply by submitting a proposal before April 7, 2011.

BACKGROUNDER

On July 22, 2010, Minister Oda announced the modernization of CIDA's partnership programming, including the Global Citizens Program (GCP). The GCP will create meaningful opportunities for Canadians to increase their knowledge of, and participation in, international development initiatives supported by Canada. The new program will invest in three major areas: public awareness, education and knowledge, and youth participation. It will build on a solid foundation and expand the engagement of Canadians within accountable initiatives that contribute to Canada's efforts abroad.

Over many years, through CIDA's internship and volunteer programs, many young Canadians have had the opportunity to work in developing countries with recognized organizations. These experiences have led them to pursue careers in international development, increase their awareness of the global society, and enrich their future pursuits. Engaging Aboriginal youth in international development through internships was identified as a component that might be enhanced under CIDA's youth participation efforts.

The International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative announced today will support up to 140 interns annually. It will provide the candidates with an opportunity to work with a qualified Canadian organization in a developing country. The internships will focus on increasing the awareness, engagement, and participation of Aboriginal youth in international development, while providing them with opportunities to expand their skills base. In developing the IAYI initiative, CIDA consulted with national Aboriginal organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations, the Native Women's Association of Canada, and the Métis National Council, as well as with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Canadian Heritage.

CIDA is providing $10.5 million over a period of five years for the IAYI initiative. A call for proposals will be issued annually. For the first call for proposals, CIDA is inviting qualified Canadian organizations interested in applying to submit a project proposal before April 7, 2011.

Once organizations will have been selected, Aboriginal youth internship opportunities will be advertised by the organizations and across Canada through a variety of media, including CIDA's website. Individual Aboriginal youth will then be encouraged to apply through the organization of their choice.


For more information, please contact

Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Justin Broekema
Press Secretary
819-953-6238
or

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Media Relations Office
819-953-6534
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011


Le Forum d’études et de recherches autochtones (FERA) et le Laboratoire d’études et de recherches sur le fédéralisme et les institutions (LERFI) présentent
A joint FASR / FEDLAB event
CONFÉRENCE-MIDI | PUBLIC LECTURE

Federalism, Diffused Sovereignty and Indigenous Self-Determination in Canada and the United States
Le fédéralisme, la souveraineté diffuse et l’autodétermination des peuples autochtones au Canada et aux États-Unis

Martin Papillon, École d’études politiques

Mercredi 9 février 2011, 11h30 DMS 3102

Évènement en anglais et en français | Event in English and French
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This public lecture is free and open to the public | Conférence gratuite ouverte au public
Pour plus d’informations / for more information: fera@uottawa.ca

Beaver Pond Forest Update

Tuesday

Mass RALLY at City Hall at Noon: STOP cutting at Beaver Pond Forest NOW


Trees are coming down NOW at the Beaver Pond Forest. We must stand up and demand our leaders stop the clear cutting.


WHAT: Mass Rally

WHY: We demand immediate halt to cutting and an Emergency Open Council Meeting including ALL Stakeholders by noon Wednesday Feb 2nd

TIME: 12-1pm, Tues Feb 1st (please start arriving at 11:30am)

WHERE: City Hall, Human Rights Monument (corner of Elgin & Lisgar)

More info:
Mayor Jim Watson can call and emergency meeting. It is up to us citizens to convince him to do so. Please come and raise your voice to save this Land for us now and for future generations. All levels of government have failed us so far, we must demand they work together to save this land.
PLEASE JOIN US