Volume 1 - No. 4 - September-October 2004
In This Issue...
Annual General Assembly
Secrétariat aux Affaires Autochtones
Human Resources Advisor
Training in Stage Acting
News from the member communities
Update: Bringing you news you can use!
Drawing Contest |
Annual General Assembly
The Annual General Assembly of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation
Tribal Council (AANTC) was held in Lac Simon on August 14th and 15th,
2004. About 200 persons from the member communities and other Algonquin
communities such as Golden Lake, Barriere Lake and Temiskaming were
in attendance.
Many subjects were on the agenda and several important
discussions took place during the two day meeting. The AANTC Director
General,
Norm Odjick, presented the annual report, including the financial
audit and a summary of the advisory and technical services that
were delivered to the member communities. Also, Chief Papatie of
Kitcisakik
presented the project for the construction of a new village that
his community is currently working on.
One of the main points on
the agenda was the restructuring of the AANTC to separate the administration
from the politics. After many
discussions it was decided not to proceed with the separation
at the present time, but rather to hold consultations in the member
communities to discuss it more. The Board of Directors will establish
a process to reach this objective in upcoming months.
Regarding
the election of the board elected representatives (Grand Chief,
Vice grand Chief, elders, women and youths), it was decided
to hold the candidacy meeting in November in a place to be determined.
During
the two days, the community of Lac Simon gave the participants
a very warm welcome. The AANTC personnel would like to take this
opportunity to thank them for that, especially Chief Pien and
Marlene Jerome. Without their collaboration and effort the
organization would not have been possible.
In conclusion, we would
like to thank everybody who attended the assembly and our sponsors:
Secrétariat aux Affaires Autochtones
du Québec, Caisse Populaire de la Haute-Gatineau, Native
Benefits Plan, Ville de Maniwaki, Ville de Val d'Or, Domtar
and Hydro-Québec.
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A word from Minister Benoit Pelletier
Word from Minister Benoît Pelletier
The Secrétariat aux Affaires Autochtones du Québec
was  this year the major sponsor of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation
Tribal Council's annual General Assembly. To read the word that was
sent by Minister Pelletier.
Once again this year, close to 200 people
met for the annual general meeting of the Tribal Council of the
Anishinabeg Algonquin Nation
to discuss the development of their communities. Such an event
is an ideal occasion for those who believe in sharing ideas.
The Government
of Québec enthusiastically supported the 2004
edition of this major gathering, during which elders and young
people were able to talk about their experiences and aspirations.
As
Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and Aboriginal
Affairs, it is my hope that the Algonquin nation will make the
most of this dynamic participation to take up the challenge of
building
prosperous communities.
Benoît Pelletier, Minister for Canadian
Intergovernmental Affairs and Aboriginal Affairs
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Human Resources Advisor
The Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council is happy to  announce
the arrival of Angela Benedict for the position of Human Resources
Advisor.
A Native from Akwesasne, Angela lived in Cornwall, Ontario
for most of her life. She left after graduating from high school
to pursue
her studies at Algonquin College, in Ottawa. In May 1999 she was
hired, in the internship program for Aboriginal youth, by Indian
and Northern Affairs Canada to start her career in the field of
human resources. After two years she accepted a job with the justice
department
as a human resources coordinator. Finally, in November 2002, she
started working for Industry Canada in the Competition Bureau.
By
luck she stumbled upon the posting for the job of Human Resources
Advisor. But because she and her boyfriend (originally from Kitigan
Zibi) wanted to move back to Maniwaki, she sent in her resume.
A couple weeks later, the week of July 26th, she started working
for
the AANTC.
Since she arrived at the Tribal Council, Angela familiarized
herself with the work accomplished by the previous Human
Resources advisor
and with the internal functioning of the office. She was
also greatly involved in the preparation of the annual assembly
held August
14th and 15th, 2004.
The month of September will be busy for
Angela with planning the second and third units of the management
training.
She is also available to offer advice and help member
communities with questions regarding human resources.
Angela can
be reached by phone at 819-449-1225 or by email at angelab@anishinabenation.ca
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NEW TRAINING PROGRAM IN STAGE THEATER FOR ABORIGINAL
The National Theatre School of Canada and the Troupe Ondinnok united
their efforts to launch an all new professional training program
in stage acting for Aboriginals.
The training, which lasts 150 hours,
aims to train
participants in the process of creation descending from Aboriginal
theatre (voice, movement, improvisation) and will be followed by
a show. Also, interactive initiation workshops will be held in
five different
locations next September and October. Those workshops will serve
as a place for auditions to select the participants for the training.
All
Aboriginal people who can speak french and are 18 years or older
who are interested in
theatre especially in acting, playwritting and directing is elligible.
To get more information about the program, the workshops or to
register, consult our website at www.ondinnok.org or contact
us at 514-593-1990.
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News from the member communities
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Cultural Center This is a good year for building projects in the community.  Among
the different types of construction projects underway in the community,
the cultural center is standing out as one of the community's most
original designs. The project was originally drafted by the AANTC
and the execution drawings were produced and finalized by the Douglas
Cardinal architectural firm.
This project started in June and will
be completed by December 2004. The construction project supervisor
is Stuart McGregor, a Kitigan
Zibi community member and construction administrator, and constructed
by community members.
The project is one to be very proud of not
only for its design, which was produced by a world renowned architect,
but also for
the fact
that it will house many priceless artifacts, including some
from the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau.
Road Work
Road construction work in Kitigan Zibi will include the paving of
Makwa Mikan, which was constructed last year, and the reconstruction
of six kilometers of existing roads including pavement on Pitobig
Mikan (2,8 km) and Paganakomin Mikan (3,4 km). This work will greatly
improve the community's roads and will cost about $ 2.4 million.
The original schedule was for sixteen weeks, but may be extended
to eighteen.
Long Point
Renovations and New Projects A project currently underway in Long Point is the school renovations,
which includes re-roofing, changing all exterior doors and windows
and moving the library to a more suitable location. Included in this
project is the installation of an elevator, which will permit accessibility
to all levels in the school. The cost of these renovations is expected
to be approximately $300,000.00.
Projects soon to be underway and
that are in the design stages with the architects and engineers
include a new daycare center, expansion
of the community health center, and an expansion of building lots
in the community.
Pikogan
Covered Rink in Pikogan
The project of the covered rink in Pikogan is moving fast. The structure
and floor have been completed, and the contractor is currently installing
the doors and electrical components. The next step will be the installation
of the rink's boards. The rink should be ready for the beginning
of winter. The cost to deliver and erect the structure as a covered
rink, complete with walls and a roof is $800,000.00.
Road Work
Reconstruction of Migwan Mikan in Pikogan has started. It consists
of the installation of a storm sewer and in the construction of a
larger road that will be bordered by a sidewalk for pedestrians and
children going to school, the health center and to the band office. Eagle Village
Construction of a gas Station An interesting project is the construction of a very viable business
project. This project combines a gas station, convenience store and
restaurant, as well as a marina that includes the installation of
a gas pump on a dock. The building will be constructed with logs
using the round log scribing method; the cost of this project is
around $900,000.00 including all of petroleum installations.
Kitcisakik
Adult Training Center This year saw the completion of an adult training center. This was
done by purchasing a used 5 unit prefab system, completely renovating
it and delivering it to the community as a finished project. This
building is 3,000 square feet, the project costs, including furniture,
computers and service hook ups, are $180,000.00.
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Update: Bringing you news you can use!
Want to find out about Government of Canada pro grams and services
available to you? Then watch for Update-a newsletter that provides
information of interest to First Nations people.
Update is mailed
directly to 215,000 First Nations homes on reserve across Canada.
It features news and information about programs that
may be helpful regarding business, education, health and raising
your family. It also contains information on government training,
funding and other resources you can use to start your own business.
Update also features inspiring stories about First Nations people
and communities across Canada. In the July issue, Chris Maracle
explains how the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte in Ontario have become
leaders
in Canada's housing industry. And Corey Desjarlais from Grassy
Plains, British Columbia tells us why he loves his job as a water
treatment
plant officer.
Do you have a story to share about your community?
Would you like to subscribe and receive Update in your home or
office for free?
Let us know! You can e-mail us at: Update@inac.gc.ca. Or, call
our toll-free telephone number at: 1-800-567-9604. To read past issues,
visit our website at: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/pub/upd/index_e.html
Source: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
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Drawing Contest
The United Nations Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous
Issues is inviting aboriginal girls and boys all around the world,
aged from 7 to 18 years of age to take part in a drawing contest
where the winner will see his work become the logo of the Permanent
Forum on Indigenous Issues. It will be published on the web site
of the Forum, on their letterhead and on publications. The winning
design will be presented during the Fourth Session of the Permanent
Forum in New York in May 2005. The 20 best designs painted by the
children will be exhibited at United Nations Headquarters in May
2005.
The drawing should be made on paper or canvas letter sized (8.5x11).
Ink, pencil charcoal, crayon, watercolor, or any other available
material can be used. Each drawing should be accompanied by a brief
description at the back of the entry with the usual contact information
(name, age, gender, etc.).
The participants have until December
1st, 2004 to send their design. For more information, consult the
organization's website at: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/
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