Aboriginal Issues
What's New
October 2008
PSAC National Aboriginal Peoples' Conference
“MAAWANGITEENG”: WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGINS!
Press Coverage
Click on the links to see/hear the media coverage at the conference.
Radio Clip
APTN - Demo
Natives can turn the tide in 10 key Ontario ridings, chief tells aboriginals
Please see attached news article from the Globe & Mail -
News article
Meegwetch,
Kevin Nadjiwon
Ontario Council Representative for Aboriginal Members
AFN Praises Sharon McIvor on October 6th, First Nations Women’s Day
Please see attached AFN Press Release.
AFN Press Release
Meegwetch,
Kevin Nadjiwon
Ontario Council Representative for Aboriginal Members
September 2008
Petition
Please find attached petition being circulated by Luc Tailleur, PSAC Equal Opportunity Committee Aboriginal national representative and Naim Circle representative.
English PDF Petition
August 2008
Full Moon Memory Walk - in Thunder Bay on September 15th from 6-8pm
On Monday, September 15th from 6-8 pm, the 4th Annual Full Moon Memory Walk will take place in Thunder Bay. All are invited to gather at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Hardisty Street at 6pm to walk in memory of kaa kii aand kii waat ikwe wak (women who walk in the spirit world).
Sharman and Sharon Johnson initially organized the Walk over 4 years ago at a time when Spirit memorial vigils were being held across Canada for missing and murdered First Nations women; more specifically, their walk was to culminate in a vigil on the Neebing/McIntyre Fooldway where the body of their 18 year-old sister Sandra was found murdered in 1992. The walk was partially aimed at police investigating the murders and disappearances, and partially at the female prostitutes in Thunder Bay.
"For the women themselves that are on the streets out there, hopefully somebody has seen us there and that'll make a difference," says Johnson.
She fears those street walkers could some day end up on the list of murdered women. Sharman said she hopes the walk will prompt area police services to reopen the cold case files. Thunder Bay police Chief Bob Herman says that the memory walk can have a positive impact. He hopes it brings public attention to the fact there are outstanding homicides in Thunder Bay, and convinces someone to come forward with new information in the unsolved cases.
Sharman has compiled information on women of Aboriginal descent who have been murdered, disappeared or died in prison throughout Northwestern Ontario. The list, dating back to 1966, now contains 35 names.
"I actually thinks it's much higher, to be honest," Sharman said. "I think this list is incomplete."
The route of the walk runs from Victoria Avenue and Hardisty Street up to Simpson Street, down Simpson Street from Victoria Avenue to Pacific Avenue, along Pacific Avenue from Simpson Street to 110th Avenue, down 110th Avenue from Pacific Avenue to the Neebing Avenue/McIntyre Floodway Bridge.
Join us on September 15th at 6pm for an empowering evening of community! Beth Boon |
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North American Indigenous Games August 3 -10, 2008 held in the Cowichan Valley, BC
Over 9,000 young First Nations and Indigenous youth from all across North America gathered in the beautiful Cowichan Valley of Bristich Columbia this summer to participate in both cultural and atheletic events such as archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoe racing, golf, lacrosse, rifle shooting, soccer, softball, taekwondo, volleyball and wrestling.
We here at the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) office in Thunder Bay are VERY proud of all youth, but especially of the fine athletes from Ontario and from the Thunder Bay/Northern Ontario region who participated, excelled and received recognition for their accomplishments (see this weblink for a list of the 2008 NAIG Ontario medal winners http://www.wawataynews.ca/archive/all/2008/8/21/NAIG-2008-Team-Ontario-Results_13833)
A Little History on NAIG
In the 1970s, a number of visionaries began to explore the idea of promoting Indigenous cultures and supporting Indigenous youth through sport. Leaders of various communities helped the concept evolve and eventually a plan for a large-scale, multi-sport North American Indigenous Games emerged. Vision was becoming reality.
The first-ever North American Indigenous Games were held in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1990, with approximately 3,000 participants. In less than two decades, the number of sport and cultural participants has tripled, to over 9,000.
By encouraging Indigenous youth to participate in athletic competition, these Games have become a vehicle for promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthened relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of North America.
The Cowichan Spirit Pole
As part of the celebration for the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games to commemorate the rich history of British Columbia’s Aboriginal peoples and to share the story of the international multi-sport games, a Coast Salish artist transformed a 20’ western red cedar log into a traditional story pole.
The pole traveled throughout the province, offering the citizens of British Columbia an opportunity to participate and try their hand at carving. Tribal Journeys 2008 escorted the pole for the final leg of its journey, which arrived in Cowichan Bay on August 1, 2008. An integral part of the Opening Ceremonies, the pole was carried with honour through the crowds to be raised and unveiled, marking the official opening of the Games.
The following is the story behind the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole design, as described by carver/artist Carey Newman.
“Victory in Spirit, a Story in Wood” symbolizes the strength of a People: healing through sharing, sharing through learning, and learning through generations. The pole echoes the past, pays tribute to the present and looks to the future.
Reverberations of the past appear in the symmetry of Wolf in the middle of the pole. Variations of this figure can be seen on poles from the early days through the present. In a more contemporary way, the roots at the base signify a deep connection to the past. On the chest of Eagle is Moon offering wisdom and guidance.
The present is honoured by Salmon swimming up stream. This ritual, carried out by many generations, illustrates the cycle of life. We return to where we have come from, to pass on what we have learned. Atop the pole will be an Eagle, strong, self assured, majestic and proud. This expresses a positive future, one in which young leaders are learning from the elders, showing that the future is in good hands.
The future is seen by Eagle and passed down through Wolf and the river to Frog. Frog teaches us that the future is a culmination of our collective experience. We break free from the bonds of our past when we are ready to both honour and leave it behind. If you look closely, you will see that Frog has taken his first step forward. This idea of moving into the future is also embodied by the flowing water, an element that is reflected in the angle of the Eagle’s wings, and the arch of the Wolf’s brow. Everything is connected.
Also told by the figures on the pole is the story of Quw’utsun. When the People first saw the place that would become their home, the mountains appeared to be “frogs warming their backs in the sun.” The hul’q’uminum word for this is Scowutsun. Known today as “Cowichan,” Quw’utsun is “a place to warm your back in the sun.” The pole itself is meant to represent the mountains. The river flows down the mountain and wraps around the Frog near the base. Unseen from the front, the Sun is opposite the Moon, warming the Eagle’s back. The wings of the Eagle are designed to be his feathers and wings, but also a Cowichan blanket.
This pole represents my belief that the way to move forward is by honouring the past and reflecting on the present. This is reflected in the movement of the figures: each is breaking free from its pose, stretching out and reaching, animating itself, and thus the culture it represents.”
The figures and their meanings:
Eagle
Power of the Great Spirit, great perception, capable of bridging worlds, illumination of spirit, healing, grace, courage and freedom.
Wolf
Guardianship, loyalty, longevity, pathfinder, strong spirit, great teacher, ritual, and family.
Frog
Power of water, power of sound, rainmaker, cleanser of spirit.
Salmon
Courage, loyalty, strength, respect for tradition. Inner voice, determination, the power of instinct, sustenance, strength, intuition and the ability to follow your vision.
Moon
Silent vigil, wisdom of the ages, tranquility, serenity, inner peace, self examination, guidance.
Sun
Power of light, giver of life, origin of fire and warmth. Energy, ability to adhere to convictions.
Cowichan 2008 acknowledges Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) for the donation of a cedar log that came from the sacred village of Stanley Park. Stanley Park is within the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation and is a place steeped in culture and spirituality for the Squamish people. This contribution to the Spirit Pole project is greatly appreciated. Huy' tseepqu.
Congratulations again to all participants from the entire PSAC family!
Meegwetch,
Beth Boon
Thunder Bay RO
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