Earth Day Celebration!

Congratulations for participating in this year’s Earth Day celebration! You joined many schools, businesses, and communities worldwide in helping to keep our Mother Earth’s air, water and wildlife a healthier place to live for us and future generations. We at the Tribal council office celebrated Earth Day as well, we gave back to the earth by planting trees outside the office. Here are some pictures of the employees at the Algonquin Nation Tribal office.

Remember we can celebrate the Earth every day by participating in various types of activities such as taking action on climate change. The One-Tonne Challenge guide includes ways to use less energy, save money, improve air quality and to protect our environment.

Earth Day began in 1970, and this year’s celebration marked its 35th anniversary on April 22, 2005. Earth Day is the most celebrated environmental event worldwide, and this year’s theme: “Protecting our children and our future” millions of people worldwide celebrated with events, large and small, in communities, schools, and work place.

Wapikoni Mobile

Again this year the Wapikoni Mobile will be traveling throughout the French speaking Algonquin communities of Abitibiwinni, Kitcisakik and Lac Simon. During their stay, monitors will teach youth aged between 15 and 30, how to use cinematographic and sound recording material. The participants will then be able to film their own movie or record their music or/and song.
The Wapikoni Mobile will be first in Abitibiwinni in April, and then in Kitcisakik and Lac Simon in the months of May and June. They are repeating an experience that was successful last year, when a number of films and videos were produced and shown at many film festivals such as Festival Mamuitun 2004 and the Festival des Trois Amériques.

For more information, you can visit the Wapikoni Mobile’s Website at www.nfb.ca/wapikonimobile.

One-Tonne Challenge

Why take the challenge? Our climate is changing. As the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) increases in our atmosphere, they are causing average temperatures to rise. Every year, each Canadian produces an average of over five tonnes of GHGs. It is time to take action on climate change. By using energy efficiently and making wise consumer choices, you can reduce your individual greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions by one tonne, or about 20%. That is what the One-Tonne Challenge is all about.

Where to start? The government has produced material (such as a guide and a website) featuring tips to help you reduce your emissions such as in the case of vehicles remove roof racks when not in use. Even empty racks increase aerodynamic drag and boost fuel consumption. If the racks are permanent, factory-installed units, the extra fuel will be minimal. In the summer, keep blinds, curtains and windows closed during the day to help keep your home cooler. So set a goal that makes sense and is reasonable for your household. Many tips will help you save money, improve air quality and protect our environment.

Are you up for the challenge? To get more information call 1 800 O-Canada or visit www.climatechange.gc.ca

Source: Your Guide to the One-Tonne Challenge, Government of Canada

Human Resources Section by Angela Benedict, Human Resources Advisor

Your complete Job Search Guide - Emploi Quebec
You will find included in this month’s newsletter a copy of “Your Complete Job Search Guide”. This publication is a great tool for those preparing for summer jobs or continuing their search for employment.

INAC Aboriginal Employment Program
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada maintain an inventory for internal hiring. They accept resumes from all fields of employment. For more information feel free to contact: Colleen Thiernan, HR Programs Coordinator at (819) 953-4179.

Summer Employment Links
With summer soon approaching many Federal and Provincial departments will be hiring summer students. Here are a few inventories that you should consider submitting your resume in.
Federal Summer Student Work Experience Program
www.jobs.gc.ca
Quebec Summer Student Placement
www.emploietudiant.qc.ca

Correction
Correction to the Next First Nations Management Training Session published in the March-April newsletter. The fifth training session will be titled “Priority Management” and not “Management of Objectives and Performance Indicators”. We apologize for any confusion.

Economic Development Section by Carole Whiteduck, Economic Development Advisor

Hi Everyone!
I’m Carole Whiteduck your new Economic Development Officer at the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. In the past few months some of my colleagues and I have had the opportunity to meet with people in our member communities. I must say that it was and will always be a privilege to visit you and your communities; a big Megwetch goes out to all of you for your warm welcome.

In the upcoming newsletters you will find a section dedicated to Economic Development, in this months issue our theme will be focusing mostly on “Youth” and includes other interesting info.

Some of the interesting stuff in this issue will give you the opportunity to either expose your business and/or talents at one of the finest Fairs in Canada “Canadian Aboriginal Festival” in Toronto.

Also, take the time to nominate an individual/and or business in your community for the Economic Developer of the Year.
You can also look forward to seeing me again in your community to present Information Sessions on “Before Starting a Business” and “Basis of a Business Plan”. I hope that everyone will take advantage of this excellent opportunity.

For more information on any of these topics or regarding economic development, please do not hesitate to contact me at (819)449-1225 or by email at carolew@anishinabenation.ca. Megwetch!

Carole


ABOUT CCAB
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is a national non-profit organization that promotes the full participation of Aboriginal communities and individuals in the Canadian economy. We envision a Canada whose economic and social well-being is enhanced by the contributions of Aboriginal people. Our mandate is to connect Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and companies with the opportunities they achieve personal and business success.
CCAB pursues its goal through four key initiatives:
1. the Circle for 2015, Canada's premier Aboriginal business networking program that reinforces our role as a broker of relationships;
2. Progressive Aboriginal Relations, that helps companies benchmark their work with Aboriginal people, businesses and communities and recognizes their efforts;
3. the Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth, the scholarship and bursary program dedicated to developing the next generations of Aboriginal leaders;
4. and the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame, honoring and profiling the pioneers of Aboriginal business in Canada.
CCAB delivers its programs to all provinces and territories.

CCAB enjoys the support of more than 200 businesses and organizations from coast to coast to coast. We are the only national Aboriginal organization that neither seeks nor accepts operational funding from any level of government.

Source: www.caab.com

FAAY
Operated by CCAB, the Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth is the scholarship and bursary program dedicated to developing the next generation of Aboriginal leaders. By encouraging Aboriginal youth to stay in school, FAAY bridges the gap between the reality which kids confront in their communities and the opportunities available to those with higher education.
This year we distributed almost $220,000 to 141 scholars, for a total of almost $1.5 million to over 1,000 students in every province and territory since FAAY began in 1994. To apply for a FAAY award, you should:
Fill out the FAAY application form;
Write an essay letting us know why you should receive an award;
Obtain a certified original copy of your latest transcript from your school;
Have a teacher write a letter of reference about you;
Have a community member who knows you write a letter of reference about you;
Get a new picture of yourself taken;
Put it all together and send it to: FAAY, c/o CCAB, 204A St. George St., Coach House, Main Floor, Toronto, ON M5R 2N5

Source: www.ccab.com

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION
BURSARY APPLICATION FOR BUSINESS, SCIENCE AND GENERAL EDUCATION 2005 - 2006
The NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION (NAAF) is a nationally registered charity with a mandate to provide financial assistance to Aboriginal individuals who are pursuing post–secondary education and professional development. Bursaries are made possible by the generous support of a growing list of enlightened corporate partners who are currently working with NAAF in delivering bursary assistance. One fully completed application will qualify you for financial consideration. NAAF will link successful applicants with the appropriate corporate sponsor. If you are a
successful candidate for assistance and you are an heir to an Aboriginal veteran, your award may come from the Aboriginal Veterans Scholarship Trust (AVST).
The deadline for applying to this program is June 1. Applications that are post that are post-marked after June 1 will be returned.
You are eligible to apply for financial assistance if you are:
A Canadian resident Aboriginal individual who is either First Nation status or non-status, Métis or Inuit.
Enrolled in a program of full-time post-secondary study – that is not less than two academic years – at an accredited university, technical college or CEGEP and pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree.
Studying in the fields of business, science, law, engineering, information technology, technical studies, education, social work and the social sciences. Priority will be given to students in the business and sciences curricula.
Enrolled in a program of full-time post-secondary study – that is not less than two academic years – at an accredited university, technical college or CEGEP and pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree.
Studying in the fields of business, science, law, engineering, information technology, technical studies, education, social work and the social sciences. Priority will be given to students in the business and sciences curricula. More details, such as an application form and what to include in your application, are available on NAAF’s Website: www.naaf.ca

Source: National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (www.naaf.ca)

Aboriginal Veterans Scholarship Trust
Aboriginal Veterans fought and lost their lives in three wars and various military actions on behalf of Canada. Many were decorated as heroes, but upon their return home, they were unable to obtain the same benefits which other Veterans enjoyed. Further, these Veterans had to extinguish their aboriginal rights, preventing them from returning to their own communities to live.
Senator Leonard S. Marchand brought this grave injustice to the attention of The Honorable Ronald A. Irwin, former Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Working with The Honorable Anne McLellan, former Minister of Natural ResourFederal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Aboriginal Veterans groups, the federal Government has established the Aboriginal Veterans Scholarship Trust with a contribution of $1.15 million.
Under the management of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, interest from the trust will provide Aboriginal youth with the opportunity to pursue a university education in all areas related to economic development and self-government. The Foundation also intends to elicit both corporate and personal donations from across Canada to further build the trust.
Aboriginal Veterans are a part of the board of directors and assist in the jury process which adjudicates applications.

Aboriginal Veterans
Scholarship Trust
Suite 33A, 70 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R IB9
Telephone: (416) 926-0775 / Facsimile: (416) 926-7554 / Toll Free: 1-800-329-9780 / Email: naaf@istar.ca

Aboriginal Performing Artists Application
Are you interested in performing at the 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Festival, November 26th to 27th at the Roger’s Centre (formerly the SkyDome), Toronto, Ontario?
If you are a musician, actor, dancer, poet, author or drama group or other performance artist and are interested in showcasing your talent at the 2005 Festival, please fill out the application (available at www.canab.com), the deadline for the application is August 16, 2005. The selected performers will be notified on or before September 6th, 2005. A fee will be offered, however, because we have a limited budget, travel and accommodations will be the responsibility of the performer.
Note: If you are selected as a performer at the festival, suggested travel assistance is through your band office or the National Aboriginal Achievement Fdn. by calling (416) 926-0775 or visit their website at www.naaf.ca. For musicians travel assistance call the FACTOR office at (416) 351-1361 or visit their website at www.factor.ca.
For further information, please contact the Canadian Aboriginal Festival office at (519) 751-0040 or email:info@canab.com.
For more information, visit our website at www.canab.com.

Source: www.canab.com

CANDO CERTIFICATION PROCESS
CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers)'s National Certification process is the first national certification process to be designed, developed and administered by an Aboriginal organization.
The Certified Aboriginal Economic Developer Process is an education process specifically designed to meet the needs of Economic Development Officers (EDOs) working across Canada. It provides a uniform knowledge base and skill set for all individuals currently fulfilling or wishing to work in the field of Aboriginal economic development. The Certification process offers 2 levels of Certification:
Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED)
Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED)
A candidate (student of the process) gains Technician Aboriginal Economic Development (TAED) designation once they have demonstrated each of the 16 competencies. The Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) designation adds 3 components; completion of a one-week Professional Development module on leadership, ethics, community values, and other selected topics, two years of work experience in Aboriginal economic development, and a final research paper or case study which addresses issues related to Aboriginal economic development.
CANDO's Certification Process provides candidates with a broad understanding of economic development, community development, and the unique legal and cultural aspects that differentiate Aboriginal economic development from that in urban centers or municipalities. This learning can be applied to a whole range of employment (or self employment!) opportunities. In other words, the sky's the limit.
Attainment of the CANDO designation indicates achievement of a performance standard recognized and acknowledged throughout Canada. For candidates, or people interested in certification, please contact Sara Cardinal, CANDO Education and Research Advisor, via phone at 1-800-463-9300 or email at sara.cardinal@edo.ca should you have any questions.

Source: www.edo.ca

CANDO Awards
Recognize! Celebrate! Honour!
Sharing our stories and celebrating our successes will ensure that economic development initiatives continue to grow.
Since 1995, the CANDO Economic Developer of the Year was created to recognize and promote recent or long-standing Aboriginal economic development initiatives throughout Canada.
Two outstanding examples of Aboriginal economic development will be awarded for their hard work this year. Delegates at the National Conference vote for two categories: Individual and Business/Community. There are two runner up categories selected to receive recognition awards. The deadline to submit a candidacy is June 15, 2005.

Source: www.edo.ca/community/awards.htm

Kitigan Zibi Science Fair 1st Place Winners

The Kitigan Zibi School has once again held its in-school judging of Science Fair projects for the school year 2004-2005. These finalists will be presenting their winning projects to judges at the ABORIGINAL SCIENCE FAIR to be held in Kahnawake, Quebec from April 21-22, 2005. The theme for 2005 is: “Exploring Mother Earth Through Science”. Congratulations and good luck in Kahnawake!
Following are the winners:
GRADE 5: STEAM POWERED BOAT: Mike Brascoupe and Garrett Whiteduck-Mongo
GRADE 6: KILLER RAIN: Hayden Commando and Makwa Tenasco
SEC. I/II: FEATURING FAT: Caitlin Tolley
SEC. III/IV: THE FOOD SHIELD – THE FRIDGE : Chase Odjick and Kevin Brascoupe
SEC. V: HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER: Lyle Odjick and Samantha Jo Nottaway

Source: Pauline M. Whiteduck, Administrative Assistant

Legend, Anim

This new section will feature, every month, a legend or another type of cultural element. It could be about a Pow Wow, a profile on an artist, a receipe… We invite you to send us your ideas. We are starting with a legend that is included in the book “Windigo et la naissance du monde”, by Bernard Assiniwi. Titled “Anim”, this legend was told to the author by Tom Rankin who used to be the Chief in Abitibiwinni.

Anishinabe, the man of the north forests, was born from a mix between Spirits and animals. After the earth, the water, the trees and the rocks, Anishinabe was created. All animals had been put on this earth before him and were able to talk to him. Considering that it is Anishinabe who was able to use weapons to kill, all the animals wanted to be his friend. But in their jealousy, they all wanted to be his “best” friend. They had to hold councils, meetings and a pow-wow to know which one would be the best friend of this country’s man.

It was decided to solve the question by a race. They wanted to know who really deserved to be Anishinabe’s best friend. It was out of question to resolve the issue with only one race. Consistency was mandatory. During the first race, on flat ground, Deer won the test without difficulty. During the second race, Wolf won. When the snow got thicker, Mons the moose defeated all his rivals. Then it was Puma, then Makwa the bear. Never was the race won by the same animal twice in a row. Each of them was winning when the environment was favourable to him. Only one never won a race, but was always a good second, because of his endurance and his determination, it was Anim, the dog.

He was therefore, unanimously chosen to be Anishinabe’s best friend. But because he was his best friend, Anishinabe always gave him the most delicate duties such as the protection of the territory against the bad intentions of other animals, the protection of the community’s children, the protection of food reserves, the transportation of material when the community was moving, the hunt’s load, drive out animals during hunting. He was such a good friend that he was doing all the stuff that Anishinabe had to do himself before. He got fed up and one day he organized a big meeting to know what measure could be taken to punish his friend who was too demanding.

He decided to stop talking, so that Anishinabe would not be tempted to send him all across the world to deliver his messages.

Elections in Kitcisakik

Elections were held in Kitcisakik Friday March 11th, 2005. Here is the composition of the newly elected council:
Chief: Edmond Brazeau
Councilors:
Regis Penosway
Charlie Penosway
Gilles Brazeau