This space is to connect the students in the Aboriginal Studies Program at the University of Ottawa as well as all others interested in the issues surrounding Indigenous peoples / Cet espace vise à rassembler les étudiants du programme d'études autochtones de l'Université d'Ottawa ainsi que quiconque intéressé par les questions entourant les peuples autochtones
"L'éveil au Cercle" - "Awakening to the Circle"
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
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
Beaver Pond Forest Update
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