Friday, January 21, 2011
SUPPORT WABANO
Get a Haircut for Wabano
Link: Poster
Date: Sunday January 30th, 2011
Place: 240 Sparks Street
Level C3
Ottawa, Ontario
FREE PARKING
Join us for a wash and blow dry for $30
or a wash, cut & blow dry for $45
Shear Heaven and Mix Salon & Spa will
donate 100% of the proceeds to a local charity
The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
Reservations begin at 10:00 am
Contact (Shear Heaven): (613) 230-9633
DOOR PRIZES!
OR ..................................................................
Buy a Tile to Help Build the Wabano Mamawi Centre
Buy a Virtual Tile for $2.00
go to www.wabano.com/fundraising, Click "Buy a Tile"
Link: Poster
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Update on Beaver Pond Forest
"Beaver Pond tree-cutting delayed until at least Jan. 31"
Link: Ottawa Citizen Article
......................................................................
MEDIA RELEASE
January 19, 2011
For Immediate Release
Algonquin Native Lights Sacred Fire to Denounce Anticipated Forest Destruction
OTTAWA – Algonquin Daniel Bernard “Amikwabe” set up a camp this morning to keep a Sacred Fire burning round the clock next to the entrance of the Beaver Pond forest at the end of Walden Drive in Kanata. This is a personal initiative “to denounce the massacre of the wildlife and this sacred forest” in response to a declaration by Algonquin Elder William Commanda that the forest is sacred.
The landowner, KNL Developments, moved tree-clearing equipment on to Beaver Pond lands January 18 after receiving City of Ottawa approval to proceed with plans to build a housing development. Development plans have been contested by citizens for decades, and protest has peaked in recent months.
Grandfather William Commanda, the most senior Algonquin Elder, has stated that the area is sacred to his people, and has written letters to all levels of government urging protection of the land. Four First Nations groups, Chiefs, and Elders have written similar letters of concern (see links below).
Archaeological artifacts have been found nearby that show evidence of pre-contact civilization. Natives and non-Natives alike are calling for a comprehensive archaeological assessment and meaningful consultations with Aboriginal peoples before any development proceeds.
On January 12, the City’s Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Subcommittee passed a resolution noting that the City of Ottawa “should be seen as an example role-model to other municipalities in Canada in respecting Aboriginal affairs” and asked the City take the lead in conducting a new archaeological survey of the entire South March Highlands.
Gordon O’Connor, MP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills, recently asked the National Capital Commission to include the Beaver Pond forest in its upcoming revision of the Greenbelt master plan. Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP Norm Sterling wrote letters January 17 to the Premier of Ontario and several other Ministers in support of protecting this land.
Robert Lovelace, former Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, recently wrote that “If Mayor Jim Watson were a real leader, he would know enough to realize that the incremental destruction of the last wildlands in the city needs to stop. As a real Chief, he would be on the side of the people and the land.” (see link below)
A Sacred Fire is a peaceful religious observance. Bernard, of the Algonquin Beaver Clan, invites others to join him and pray for the forest and the animals. He plans to keep the fire burning until Sunday, January 23.
Members of the community are providing support to Bernard, and will be joining him throughout the protest. All are committed to protecting the Beaver Pond forest and other environmentally sensitive areas of the South March Highlands, which is home to more than 675 species, including 19 species at risk, and recognized by the City as one of the most bio-diverse areas in Ottawa
For more information:
Steve Hulaj -- 613 878-1135
Directions:
Exit Highway 417 at Terry Fox Drive and go North past the shopping centers. Turn Right and take Kanata Avenue up the hill. Proceed past Goulbourn Forced Road on the left and high school on right, to Walden. Turn Left on Walden and proceed to the very end.
BACKGROUND:
Letters sent by First Nations to-date:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-09 kinounchepirini_Algonquin_FirstNation_Letter.jpg
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-09-SMH_Ottawa_Algonquin_FN_Support.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-10-AAFN_letter%20to_Ottawa.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-14-Ottawa_Letter_From_Kichesipirini_Algonqiun_FN.pdf
And by Grandfather William Commanda:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-08-24_Circle_of_Nations-South_March_Highlands.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-12-20-GWC_Letter_To_Council.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-05-GWC-Message_Regarding_Development_at_South_March_Highlands
And by other Grandfathers:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-08-14-A_plea_for_the_forest-Grandfather_Albert_Dumond.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-14-Grandfather_Lovelace_Letter_to_the_Editor_Revelation18.pdf
Motion passed unanimously by Ottawa’s Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Subcommittee:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-12-Unanimous_AHCAC_Motion_on_SMH.pdf
Background info:
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZBcLvtcJBY (4 minute documentary video)
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhSU5heJl5o (cultural and natural heritage video)
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations/2011-01-13-SMH-1-SMH_Overview_v16.pdf
(SMH Overview presentation)
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations/2010-12-07-SMH-2-Stewardship_Plan_Overview_v4.pdf
Other Letters of Support (e.g. David Suzuki Foundation, MP Gordon O’Connor, MPP Norm Sterling) may be downloaded from
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/
www.ottawasgreatforest.com (website for the stewardship plan to protect the SMH)
www.southmarchhighlands.ca (website for the coalition to protect the SMH)
Submission to NCC on South March Highlands:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations2010-09-07%20Greenbelt%20Coalition%20Position%20Paper%20App5%20-%20SMH.pdf
Link: Ottawa Citizen Article
......................................................................
MEDIA RELEASE
January 19, 2011
For Immediate Release
Algonquin Native Lights Sacred Fire to Denounce Anticipated Forest Destruction
OTTAWA – Algonquin Daniel Bernard “Amikwabe” set up a camp this morning to keep a Sacred Fire burning round the clock next to the entrance of the Beaver Pond forest at the end of Walden Drive in Kanata. This is a personal initiative “to denounce the massacre of the wildlife and this sacred forest” in response to a declaration by Algonquin Elder William Commanda that the forest is sacred.
The landowner, KNL Developments, moved tree-clearing equipment on to Beaver Pond lands January 18 after receiving City of Ottawa approval to proceed with plans to build a housing development. Development plans have been contested by citizens for decades, and protest has peaked in recent months.
Grandfather William Commanda, the most senior Algonquin Elder, has stated that the area is sacred to his people, and has written letters to all levels of government urging protection of the land. Four First Nations groups, Chiefs, and Elders have written similar letters of concern (see links below).
Archaeological artifacts have been found nearby that show evidence of pre-contact civilization. Natives and non-Natives alike are calling for a comprehensive archaeological assessment and meaningful consultations with Aboriginal peoples before any development proceeds.
On January 12, the City’s Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Subcommittee passed a resolution noting that the City of Ottawa “should be seen as an example role-model to other municipalities in Canada in respecting Aboriginal affairs” and asked the City take the lead in conducting a new archaeological survey of the entire South March Highlands.
Gordon O’Connor, MP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills, recently asked the National Capital Commission to include the Beaver Pond forest in its upcoming revision of the Greenbelt master plan. Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP Norm Sterling wrote letters January 17 to the Premier of Ontario and several other Ministers in support of protecting this land.
Robert Lovelace, former Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, recently wrote that “If Mayor Jim Watson were a real leader, he would know enough to realize that the incremental destruction of the last wildlands in the city needs to stop. As a real Chief, he would be on the side of the people and the land.” (see link below)
A Sacred Fire is a peaceful religious observance. Bernard, of the Algonquin Beaver Clan, invites others to join him and pray for the forest and the animals. He plans to keep the fire burning until Sunday, January 23.
Members of the community are providing support to Bernard, and will be joining him throughout the protest. All are committed to protecting the Beaver Pond forest and other environmentally sensitive areas of the South March Highlands, which is home to more than 675 species, including 19 species at risk, and recognized by the City as one of the most bio-diverse areas in Ottawa
For more information:
Steve Hulaj -- 613 878-1135
Directions:
Exit Highway 417 at Terry Fox Drive and go North past the shopping centers. Turn Right and take Kanata Avenue up the hill. Proceed past Goulbourn Forced Road on the left and high school on right, to Walden. Turn Left on Walden and proceed to the very end.
BACKGROUND:
Letters sent by First Nations to-date:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-09 kinounchepirini_Algonquin_FirstNation_Letter.jpg
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-09-SMH_Ottawa_Algonquin_FN_Support.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-10-AAFN_letter%20to_Ottawa.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-14-Ottawa_Letter_From_Kichesipirini_Algonqiun_FN.pdf
And by Grandfather William Commanda:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-08-24_Circle_of_Nations-South_March_Highlands.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-12-20-GWC_Letter_To_Council.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-05-GWC-Message_Regarding_Development_at_South_March_Highlands
And by other Grandfathers:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2010-08-14-A_plea_for_the_forest-Grandfather_Albert_Dumond.pdf
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-14-Grandfather_Lovelace_Letter_to_the_Editor_Revelation18.pdf
Motion passed unanimously by Ottawa’s Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Subcommittee:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/2011-01-12-Unanimous_AHCAC_Motion_on_SMH.pdf
Background info:
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZBcLvtcJBY (4 minute documentary video)
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhSU5heJl5o (cultural and natural heritage video)
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations/2011-01-13-SMH-1-SMH_Overview_v16.pdf
(SMH Overview presentation)
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations/2010-12-07-SMH-2-Stewardship_Plan_Overview_v4.pdf
Other Letters of Support (e.g. David Suzuki Foundation, MP Gordon O’Connor, MPP Norm Sterling) may be downloaded from
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Letters_of_Support/
www.ottawasgreatforest.com (website for the stewardship plan to protect the SMH)
www.southmarchhighlands.ca (website for the coalition to protect the SMH)
Submission to NCC on South March Highlands:
-http://www.renaud.ca/public/Presentations2010-09-07%20Greenbelt%20Coalition%20Position%20Paper%20App5%20-%20SMH.pdf
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Beaver Pond Forest
Below is a link to video of Grandfather Commanda talking about the destruction of Beaver Pond Forest.
Also, some links to relevant articles.
Link: Grandfather Commanda on Beaver Pond Forest
Link: Grandfather Commanda's letter to the Premier of Ontario, the Mayor of Ottawa, Councilors and Others
Link: Ottawa Citizen Article
Link: Jan. 12 2011, Motion
(Thank You Ali for sending all this my way)
............................................................
Year of the Forest
by Albert Dumont, Algonquin Elder, Kitigan Zibi
When blood passes through the heart of a human being, it leaves that special place invigorated in its ability to produce love for God, the family, the community and for the environment. Such is the sacredness of the heart. Such is it to be a human being.
Do the people of this city care enough about the Beaver Pond Forest in Kanata that they would pay the king’s ransom being demanded by the developer to save it? Most citizens and their duly elected municipal politicians have already pointed their collective thumbs downward.
Some twelve thousand years ago the South March Highlands where the Beaver Pond Forest is found was an island surrounded by the waters of the ice age created Champlain Sea. As the water receded, a rich and fertile land renewed its relationship with the winds. The birds, insects, animals and people living on the highlands at that time carried the seeds of trees and also pollen of the island’s plant life further and further into their ever-widening territory. The hungry soil graciously accepted the seeds and hence pushed forward into a grateful world, trees of hardwood and softwood.
It was the descendants of the island’s trees that the European settlers saw when they arrived here a few hundred years ago. Ambitious men of vision among them became lumber barons and as a direct result, Ottawa was born.
If our wonderful city brings health and prosperity to you and your family then you owe a depth of gratitude not only to the trees here but also to the island of their origins, the Beaver Pond Forest.
If you wonder why you should care whether the forest lives or dies then please, seek the counsel of your faith leader, whoever that might be. There does not exist a holy book which does not direct her worshippers to defend and love the land.
A candlelight vigil was held on the evening of January 1st, 2011 at the Beaver Pond. Well over a hundred people gathered there in acknowledgment of the United Nations proclaiming 2011 “The Year of the Forest”. While at the site it was decided that a moment of silent prayer would be offered.
The youngest candle holder standing in the soft drizzle of rain and fog was a tyke no more than 12 months old, the most senior person was a beautiful elderly woman into her 80’s. With them, the people prayed in silence for the forest to be saved. The forest, in silence too, absorbed the prayers. And the prayers have become forevermore, until the forest dies, part of her wealth in healing energy.
God lives in the forest. God does not live in your bank account. And one day, all of us will know it, even the politicians and the developer.
~~
For more info on Beaver Pond Forest and South March Highlands:
http://www.southmarchhighlands.ca/
http://www.ottawasgreatforest.com/
Also, some links to relevant articles.
Link: Grandfather Commanda on Beaver Pond Forest
Link: Grandfather Commanda's letter to the Premier of Ontario, the Mayor of Ottawa, Councilors and Others
Link: Ottawa Citizen Article
Link: Jan. 12 2011, Motion
(Thank You Ali for sending all this my way)
............................................................
Year of the Forest
by Albert Dumont, Algonquin Elder, Kitigan Zibi
When blood passes through the heart of a human being, it leaves that special place invigorated in its ability to produce love for God, the family, the community and for the environment. Such is the sacredness of the heart. Such is it to be a human being.
Do the people of this city care enough about the Beaver Pond Forest in Kanata that they would pay the king’s ransom being demanded by the developer to save it? Most citizens and their duly elected municipal politicians have already pointed their collective thumbs downward.
Some twelve thousand years ago the South March Highlands where the Beaver Pond Forest is found was an island surrounded by the waters of the ice age created Champlain Sea. As the water receded, a rich and fertile land renewed its relationship with the winds. The birds, insects, animals and people living on the highlands at that time carried the seeds of trees and also pollen of the island’s plant life further and further into their ever-widening territory. The hungry soil graciously accepted the seeds and hence pushed forward into a grateful world, trees of hardwood and softwood.
It was the descendants of the island’s trees that the European settlers saw when they arrived here a few hundred years ago. Ambitious men of vision among them became lumber barons and as a direct result, Ottawa was born.
If our wonderful city brings health and prosperity to you and your family then you owe a depth of gratitude not only to the trees here but also to the island of their origins, the Beaver Pond Forest.
If you wonder why you should care whether the forest lives or dies then please, seek the counsel of your faith leader, whoever that might be. There does not exist a holy book which does not direct her worshippers to defend and love the land.
A candlelight vigil was held on the evening of January 1st, 2011 at the Beaver Pond. Well over a hundred people gathered there in acknowledgment of the United Nations proclaiming 2011 “The Year of the Forest”. While at the site it was decided that a moment of silent prayer would be offered.
The youngest candle holder standing in the soft drizzle of rain and fog was a tyke no more than 12 months old, the most senior person was a beautiful elderly woman into her 80’s. With them, the people prayed in silence for the forest to be saved. The forest, in silence too, absorbed the prayers. And the prayers have become forevermore, until the forest dies, part of her wealth in healing energy.
God lives in the forest. God does not live in your bank account. And one day, all of us will know it, even the politicians and the developer.
~~
For more info on Beaver Pond Forest and South March Highlands:
http://www.southmarchhighlands.ca/
http://www.ottawasgreatforest.com/
Thursday, January 13, 2011
10th Anniversary New Sun Conference on Aboriginal Arts, Saturday, March 5
Please see the link for information on the 10th Anniversary New Sun Conference on Aboriginal Arts taking place at Carleton on Saturday, March 5. There is limited seating, and the last four years have sold out quickly. Visit www.trickstershift.com for more information, and to view an archive of the first nine years. Receipt of the registration fee will ensure you a space. I hope you can attend this premier Carleton event.
NEW SUN CONFERENCE ON ABORIGINAL ARTS ANNOUNCEMENT
NEW SUN CONFERENCE ON ABORIGINAL ARTS ANNOUNCEMENT
(Courtesy of Allan J. Ryan, PhD, New Sun Chair in Aboriginal Art and Culture Associate Professor, Canadian Studies/Art History, Carleton University, 202 Dunton Tower, 1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada, Ph (613) 520-2600, Ext. 403, Fax (613) 520-3903
E-mail: allan_ryan@carleton.ca , Website: www.trickstershift )
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada, Ph (613) 520-2600, Ext. 403, Fax (613) 520-3903
E-mail: allan_ryan@carleton.ca , Website: www.trickstershift )
Un conférence sur la justice environnementale et les peuples autochtones organisée par le Centre d'équité en matière de droits de la personne en collaboration avec le FERA.
An Aboriginal environmental justice conference organized by the Centre for Equity and Human Rights, in collaboration with the FASR.
An Aboriginal environmental justice conference organized by the Centre for Equity and Human Rights, in collaboration with the FASR.
Toxicité, racisme et santé mentale
20 janvier 2011, 18h30-20h30, au salon de la résidence universitaire au 90 Université
Toxins, Racism and Mental Health
January 20, 6.30-8.30, at the lounge, University residence at 90 University
Speakers/Invités
Mike Plain - Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Elder
Ron Plain - Trent University, Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Ben Powless - Indigenous Environmental Network
Followed by live rap/beat poetry performances on environmental (in)justice at SAW Gallery by: M.C.S., Flaw, Daar and Native Life
Photography exhibited by: Laurence Butet-Roch, Ben Powless
Featuring: DJ Bear Witness
Ben Powless - Indigenous Environmental Network
Followed by live rap/beat poetry performances on environmental (in)justice at SAW Gallery by: M.C.S., Flaw, Daar and Native Life
Photography exhibited by: Laurence Butet-Roch, Ben Powless
Featuring: DJ Bear Witness
--------------------------------------
Poster
Poster
fera@uottawa.ca
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Movie Night Tonight
The Aboriginal and Canadian Studies Student Association (ACSSA) in collaboration with Community Life Services at the University of Ottawa is hosting a movie night.
Who: EVERYONE IS WELCOME
What: Movie night, "Life as we know it"
Where: Alumni Auditorium
When: January 11, 2011 @ 8pm
How much: 2$ Admission, 2$ Refreshments
What: Movie night, "Life as we know it"
Where: Alumni Auditorium
When: January 11, 2011 @ 8pm
How much: 2$ Admission, 2$ Refreshments
Rappel : 7e colloque des Jeunes chercheurs.
Bonjour,
La Chaire de recherche du Canada sur la question territoriale autochtone sollicite des propositions de communication pour son 7e colloque annuel, dont le thème est « Droits et revendications des Autochtones ». Ce colloque se tiendra à l'Université du Québec à Montréal, les 27 et 28 avril 2010.
Notez que le colloque est ouvert aux étudiants de même qu'aux chercheurs ayant terminé leurs études depuis moins de 10 ans.
La date limite pour soumettre une proposition de communication est le 1er mars 2011.
Nous vous invitons à faire circuler cet appel auprès de tous ceux qui pourraient être intéressés à y participer.
Isabelle Bouchard
Coordonnatrice
Chaire de recherche du Canada sur la question territoriale autochtone
Département d'histoire (Local A-6135)
Université du Québec à Montréal
Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-Ville
Montréal (Qc) H3C 3P8
(514) 987-3000, poste 8278
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