native & inuit resource magazine 2011

2 native & inuit resource magazine

5hopeforthefuture.ca

Native & Inuit 2011 Resource Magazine distributed free, all rights reserved. Contents and photographs may not be reprinted without written permission.

The statements, opinions and points of view expressed in articles published in this magazine are those of the authors. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. (613) 724-9957.

www.vantagepublishing.ca • [email protected]

Editor & PublishErJacques Beauchamp

former regional police officer - [email protected]

ExEcutivE AssistAntChristine Panasuk - [email protected]

AssistAnt EditorJoyce Li - [email protected]

circulAtion / ProductionJoyce Li - [email protected]

GrAPhics & ArtdEsiGnit.cA

PrintEd in ontArio, cAnAdADollco Printing

sEnior WEb MAnAGErJonathan Beauchamp - [email protected]

Production co ordinAtorJonathan Beauchamp - [email protected]

coluMnistsBarry Morin • Ellery Littleton • Clifford Marsh

Joyce Lahure • Sharon Gray • Jennie Guay

Account ExEcutivEsDonn Holt • Thomas Easton • Dan Cole

@creatinghopefor


Suicide-It is one of the leading causes of death today, and it is on the rise.

Why do people consider suicide? The question we are trying to answer is an

extremely complicated one which has no direct answer. There never is one

concrete reason as to why people choose to end their lives and we can’t

just assign the labels of “selfish” and “unselfish” to suicide reasons. It is

very complicated because every person is different, and every person’s

situation is different.

Some may not have any family or friends and choose suicide to stop living

a lonely miserable life. Some may just be stuck in an extreme depression

where they feel absolutely hopeless and don’t want to burden others with

their problems. Now, trying to convince a person who is suffering from

severe depression that they will overcome their sadness is no easy task.

Most of the time, it is nearly impossible because depression blinds you

from anything good in your life. All you can see

is the pain, misery, and sadness. You can tell a

person over and over that they will get through

the depression and that they are not a burden to

the people that care for them, but often, they can

never be convinced.

That being said, the reason suicide is often selfish is

because they leave behind people who love and care

for them. These people will be left to deal with the

same feelings of pain and misery because someone

they love removed themselves from their lives.

Someone who is severely depressed, although they do

not realize it at the time, can absolutely get better in

time, with professional help. Just because someone is

extremely sad does not mean that they will never get

better. Professional help will help these people realize

this. However, the one key factor in the recovery of

a depressed person is the love and support from

others. If someone with deep depression has no

support or love from others, then suicide may seem

like the best option to them.

It should be realized that your life is not solely yours; it belongs to God. By

taking your life, you are stepping outside the bounds of your earthly rights. As

Clifford Marsh asked of us; what can we do to put an end to suicide? No one

man or woman has all of the answers. No one person can provide the various

solutions at all of the perfect times, but collectively, we can do better...

We should not be trying to make such a complicated issue seem so simple. Our

decisions are not categorized as black or white. Life doesn’t work that way.

FROM

THE EDITOR

Jacques BeauchampEditor-in-Chief

s H a R E y O u R T H O u g H T s w I T H u s !Send your feedback, ideas, stories, and suggestions to:

[email protected] by mail to:

33-174 Colonnade Rd. South, Ottawa, ON K2E 7J5

7hope for the future.ca

Scouts Canada, the country’s leading youth organization, welcomes more than 100,000

members nationwide representing every faith and culture. Scouts Canada

groups offer programming in more than 19 languages, reflecting Canada’s multicultural

landscape and communities.

Scouting HistoryIn 1907, a small but innovative outdoor program was launched. This program would eventually grow into a worldwide Movement, the likes of which had never been seen before. The Movement came to Canada more than one hundred years ago, and if its founder Lord Baden-Powell were here today, he would be amazed! Scouts Canada is home to thousands of young people nationwide, with programs administered by caring leaders trained in outdoor skills, and dedicated to shaping our youth to be all they can be as future citizens. Over half a billion young people from virtually every country and culture have pledged to live by Scouting’s values: Be kind… Do your Best… Leave each place a little better than you found it. These future leaders will make a difference today and tomorrow.

MissionScouts Canada’s Mission is “to contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a better world where people are self fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.”

We do this through seven exciting and innovative programs for youth. Our programs offer a great amount of flexibility, allowing youth and leaders to design activities that reflect their interests, culture, and diversity. Badge requirements are flexible enough to accommodate traditional teaching and crafts from all cultures. We constantly seek new ways to provide youth with fun, interesting and challenging program and activities. Scouting is fully co-ed, and is strongly committed to diversity. It’s our belief that every child deserves to be involved in Scouting, and we work hard to help communities provide these opportunities.


WHatiS Scouting?

Scouting isa Family activity

Many of our leaders are mothers and fathers who have joined to share the Scouting

adventure with their kids! Over 23,000 adults volunteered for Scouting in the last year. They

can volunteer in a flexible way that suits their lifestyle, work and family commitments. All training is

provided, and our leaders are fully supported by our staff and volunteers.

Scouting is Leadership Scouting provides opportunities to develop and practice

leadership skills. Youth support and participate in all aspects of Scouts Canada including decision-making processes.

Scouting is Healthy active LivingScouting programs connect youth with nature and the outdoors, while

keeping them physically and emotionally fit and healthy. We offer a wide range of activities for all ages and skill set, from hiking and

camping to whitewater kayaking and climbing.

Scouting is taking care of the EnvironmentWe are the original “environmentalists” – taking care of the world

has been part of our programs for 100 years. Since 1972, we have planted over 80 million trees in Canada.

Scouting is RelevantOur programs meet the needs of today’s youth. Scouts Canada

youth participate in management of all levels of the organization, including the Board of Governors.

Scouting is DiverseScouting has welcomed girls in all sections since 1998. We

welcome members of all faiths and cultures.

Scouting is integrity and ValuesMany parents who enquire about membership want their

kids to join for Scouting’s values of self-respect, caring for others and good citizenship. Scouts participate

hands-on in a variety of national and worldwide environmental and community service projects to

help make the world a better place.

aboriginals in Scouting ProgramAs a progressive youth organization which prides itself on its commitment

to diversity, Scouts Canada is committed to developing new

partnerships with communities not served by our current

programs.

action PlanThe Scouts Canada Action Plan for Canadian Scouting is the organization’s roadmap to enhance its public visibility as a relevant, dynamic youth organization of the 21st century. Its major elements include making learning and programming resources more accessible to new and current volunteers, enhancing Scouts Canada’s image, enhancing its organizational capacity, and achieving meaningful youth involvement. With these strategies for success, Scouts Canada is making itself known as the premiere youth serving organization in Canada and has grown in size each year since adopting the Action Plan in 2009.

WHat’S nEW in canaDian ScoutingNew Partnership with First Nations CommunitiesOver the past five years, the Saskatchewan Council has had the great pleasure of working with a number of First Nations communities to encourage their participation in the fun and healthy adventure of Scouting. First Nations people represent the founding and heart of Canadian civilization, with their devotion to family, rich history and fascinating customs. The respect for the earth which permeates the customs of First Nations people also resonates through every aspect of the Scouting program.

Throughout the first three years of our collaboration, Standing Buffalo, Carry the Kettle and Ochapowace Witchecan and Big River First Nations hosted one-week summer programs. In 2010 Wichekan added a second week of program, and Muskeg Lake First Nation joined for the first time. In 2011 we will assist the Red Willow Centre in an overnight winter camp for eight youth at Camp Seeonee, Saskatoon.

The programs are conducted in partnership with Children and Family Services. Community volunteers supported by Scouts Canada seasonal camp staff facilitate three days of day camp followed by an overnight family camp.

We are very excited about this project and look forward to developing even more partnerships. Building relationships and engaging communities to develop programs in nontraditional (and at-risk) communities takes a great deal of time and staff resources. Nevertheless, like all good Scouts, we are dedicated to taking up this challenge for a collaboration in which we believe so strongly, and a partnership that can only enrich us as an organization.

ScoutingPRogRaMS

Beaver ScoutS -(boys and girls ages 5 – 7)

Motto: Sharing, Sharing, SharingFun and friendship are the cornerstones

of the Beaver program. Nature walks, short hikes, and family camping give Beavers a taste of

outdoor fun.

cuB ScoutS - (boys and girls ages 8 – 10)Motto: Do Your Best

Hikes, weekend camps, and an introduction to water activities like canoeing and kayaking are just a few of the fun outdoor

adventures that Cubs enjoy.

ScoutS - (boys and girls ages 11 – 14)Motto: Be Prepared

The Scout program emphasizes outdoor and environmental activities, citizenship and community

service, leadership and personal development.

venturer ScoutS -(young men and women ages 14 – 17)

Motto: ChallengeVenturing helps teens learn new skills

that can lead to a satisfying career. The Venturer program is designed

by the youth themselves, focused on their interests. It

emphasizes the outdoors, community service,

leadership and career exploration.

--->

RebrandingThe Scouts Canada brand is so much more than a name, logo and design. It is every bit of communication that we generate within Scouts Canada. It is every visual cue and written message we use, and the tone in which we convey them. In essence, the brand is what comes to mind when people hear the words “Scouts Canada.”

A positive experience with our brand reinforces our image as an organization committed to providing youth with new adventures and challenges – all of which help them develop into capable and confident individuals, better prepared for success in the world.

We rebranded this year to ensure a unified, consistent expression of the Scouts Canada brand to reflect who we are now, and ensure a strong, unique, and memorable brand experience. This is who we are, and what Canadians believe when they think of Scouting.

new tagline: it starts with ScoutsThis simple but powerful statement is the “condensed version” of our Promise of Value to both internal and external audiences – a commitment that Scouting makes to deliver benefits that are particular to our organization, and not only capture our mission, but our competitive edge.

Revitalized uniformsIt’s been over 20 years since the Scouts Canada uniform was reviewed, and our vision is clear – the uniform must reflect not only who Scouts has been, but also who Scouts Canada is today.

Our Scouts Canada members wanted a uniform that is comfortable, high quality, versatile, modern…and affordable – all words that fit with Joe Fresh. Joseph Mimran and Associates were able to deliver a clothing line that we’re confident will be a hit with members. The “new” uniform was officially launched at an exciting media event in February, 2011 in the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario.



Our revitalized uniform respects the great heritage of Scouting and signals its bright future. It is a key component of our Action Plan for Canadian Scouting, and reflects our commitment to innovation and to meeting the changing needs of our members and Canada’s youth.

The new Scouts Canada clothing line is a vibrant collection of youth and adult-wear for both men and women that includes polo tees, yoga pants, hoodies, tech tees and accessories, mixed and matched to form a contemporary look for the various levels of Scouting. Uniform fabrics and designs were chosen for comfort and to meet the needs of Scouts members.

Scouts Canada, Canada’s leading youth organization, offers fun and exciting outdoor adventure for boys, girls and youth ages 5 – 26 in communities across Canada. Youth in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn’t discover elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For over 100,000 members in Canada, Scouts is the start of something great. It starts with Scouts.

For more information, visit www.scouts.ca, or call 1 – 888 Scouts-Now. It starts with Scouts.

MoRE Scouting

PRogRaMS

rover Scouts(men and women ages 18 – 26)

Motto: ServiceRovers often participate in adventurous activities like mountain climbing, whitewater rafting or backpacking trips. Many Rovers move on to become leaders with the Scouting program.

ScoutSabout is everything Scouting knows about programming for children ages 5 – 10, but packaged differently. Offered in three-month modules, SCOUTSabout is run after school in schools or community centres, or during school breaks and summer vacation.

extreme adventure offers the opportunity for young men and women from ages 14 – 17 of age to plan and participate in one or

more of a variety of short-term, adventure-based activities.

Adventures might include hiking expeditions along historic

trails; cycling tours; water-based trips; adventure

racing; or traveling to other countries

to participate in humanitarian

projects.


KodiaK EnErgy, inc.Suite 1120, 833-4th ave. SW

calgary, alberta, canada T2P 3T5

Telephone: (403) 262-8044Fax: (403) 513-2670

investor relationsEmail: [email protected]

Phone: (403) 238-8813

We have many different challenges throughout our lives. We do not inherit the skills knowledge or tools required to function effectively from our parents or elders. We must learn many survival tools to become healthy

productive adults in the changing times of today. First nations youth have changed lifestyles, values, beliefs and family systems to meet these changing needs. often their search leads them on to a negative and a harmful path.

It was with these challenges in mind that agency chiefs child & Family Services and Leaderships of the three communities of Pelican Lake First nation, Big river First nation, and Witchekan Lake First nation introduced the rcMP community cadet Program. Seeking new innovative programs that meet criteria will help the different areas that challenge our youth is a priority within our agency.

the rcMP community cadet program is one of the programs that we find has touched many of the identified areas of concern with assistance from our local rcMP detachments, schools, community leaders, child & family services and the tribal council area.

the cadet program teaches the participants about team building, responsibility, respect, culture, discipline, goal setting, and more. they must work together as a troop to pass inspection drills. If one fails, they all fail and must do push ups until the drill is done correctly. Surprisingly, this is one of the most effective team building exercises we have seen. Kids are encouraging each other and teamwork is observed.



P. O. Box 429, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut X0C 0G0

Phone: (867) 645-2600Fax: (867) 645-2538 • [email protected]

Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre

P.O. Box 510, Kuujjuaq, Québec J0M 1C0

819-964-1185www.nunavikrotors.com


To promote our traditions and Cree culture, there is a teaching component where elders or facilitators have the opportunity to enhance the program and to cater it to its specific community. As each community has different priorities the cadet program allows room to be very adaptable.

As we are in our first year in delivering the program, we already see areas of improvement with our youth. Another interesting development is that our kids have a forum or a voice to say what they need or want in their programming. We have empowered these kids on such a level whereas before adults told them what they needed or what was good for them. Now, they can ask for what they need and have real input on decisions that directly impact them.

As adults, we tend to dictate to our kids what is best for them, which is fine until they become young adults. We realize that by empowering our kids and by giving opportunity to voice their opinions, we are allowing them to develop into fully functioning adults who understand who they are and build capacity in our communities. Eventually, it will be our young people paving the way for other community members to follow and that will be their legacy.

The cadet program started in the fall of 2010 and is delivered one hour once a week during the school year in each of the 3 community schools.

Mondays @Mistahi Sipiy elementary school (Big river First nation Jr cadets),

tuesdays @Kisikohk School (Witchekan Lake First nation),

Wednesdays @Se Se Wa Hum High School (Big river First nation Sr cadets),and Pelican Lake First nation High School.

Some of the weekly activitieS include:• Marchingdrills• Indoorsports(volleyball,floorhockey&dodgeball)• Outdoorsports(soccer,softball,kickball)• Communityschoolyardcleanup• Helpoutinallcommunityschoolfunctions

we take great community pride in our youth eSpecially in having the program participate in annual gatheringS:• RemembranceDay• EldersChristmassupper• TreatyDaycelebrations• CanadaDaycelebrations• Schoolculturaldaysprep&takedown• HighSchoolgraduations

new planned activitieS when everyone comeS back to School thiS fall (auguSt 2011) include:

• Cadetgraduations• Interagencyregularmonthlymeetingswithyouth

onwhatworks&whatdon’tworkandwhatkindof activities they would like to see offered during cadet nights.

• Canoesafety&learnhowtopaddle• Learntosetuptipiandintroducethetraditional

tipi teachings• Youthdevelopmentofnewcadetleadersinaugust

and will be ready to start another school year of delivering the after school cadet program

• Outdoorsurvivalcamps• Participateinfundraisinginitiativesfortrips& purchase new uniforms

In closing, for all the readers out there, we would like to let everyone know we love our kids. We will continue to network with other professional organizations. With the support of leadership, we hope to bring home the best youth and family programs available out there so we can arm our youth with knowledge and the life skills they need to succeed in the forever-changing modern world.

Our teambuilding motto for our First Nationcommunity cadet program is“if one fails, we all fail”

May the Great Spirit be with you,

barry morinAgency Chiefs Child & Family Services

Prevention Program Supervisor


SNC-Lavalin Inc, is Canada’s largest engineering and

construction firm, and one of the top ten in the world. With markets located across the globe and throughout Canada, SNC-Lavalin strives to ensure community involvement in all of its projects. In Canada, it strives to tailor its engineering and construction services to the exact needs of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and non-aboriginal northern communities, developing solutions that result in cost effective and focused product delivery, as well as benefits to local people and economies, through increased employment and contracts. An important element of community inclusion is training and skills development, either directly or through affiliations with academic centres, as increasing the skill levels within a community, inevitably increases access to meaningful employment and contracts.

Establishing business partnerships is an important aspect of SNC-Lavalin’s relationship with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations. The purpose of creating business partnerships is to improve the potential for business success for all parties -- SNC-Lavalin and its First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners. The creation of joint ventures and alliances with these groups has proven to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for them and for SNC-Lavalin. As an example, in 2001, SNC-Lavalin and Membertou First Nation of Sydney, Nova Scotia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore mutually beneficial collaborative efforts to develop projects in the Maritime provinces, including engineering and related services

for both the offshore gas sector and the onshore construction and design business. In 2009, SNC-Lavalin signed a landmark agreement with the Innu of Labrador, establishing a jointly owned engineering and construction company to undertake the design and construction of community services, buildings, etc., and to be ready to provide a wide range of services to major projects in the region. In the early 1990s SNC-Lavalin established a partnership with the Mushkegowuk Cree of northeastern Ontario to help design and build the Five Nations Energy Inc.


TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMDalhousie University, Halifax, N.S. B3H 3P9

Phone: (902) 494-3730

TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMHenson College, Dalhousie University

If you are a First Nation adult and are interested in attending university,but do not feel ready, you might want to consider the

Transition Year Program (TYP). We enroll approximately30 First Nations and African Canadian students per year.

For application forms and further information, please contact:

Patricia Doyle-Bedwell, Director, Transition Year ProgramDalhousie University, Halifax, N.S. B3H 3J5

Phone: (902) 494-8810

The Dryden Municipal Telephone System is afull-service public utility telephone companyowned by the City of Dryden.

Our mandate is to provide efficient and effective,state-of-the-art, nationally connected telecommunica-tions services to our subscribers while maintainingthe financial and technical integrity of the system.

Profits made by the company are used to keep thecompany current with new technologies and toreduce the tax burden on the residents of the City ofDryden.

We provide:

1. Telephone service to the residents and businesses located in West Dryden, i.e., the por-tion of the City of Dryden that was the Town of Dryden before the amalgamation of theTown of Dryden and the Township of Barclay into the City of Dryden,

2. Cellular, Mobile Radio and Paging Services to all residents of the general area, and Salesand Leasing of Globalstar Satelite Telephones

3. Internet Service to the general area, with High Speed DSL in Dryden, and Dial-upService in and around our city, as well as High Speed Wireless Internet fromVermilion Bay west of Dryden to Wabigoon to the east on Northwestern Ontario'slargest Wireless Internet Network.

Our Business Offices and Retail Telephone Store is located in the City Hall, at 30 VanHorne Avenue, and we are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (exceptstatutory holidays). We can be reached by fax at 223-1109 and by phone as follows:

- General telephone and Internet service inquiries : 223-1100 - Cellular and Mobility inquiries : 221-1000 - Connections, disconnections and billing inquires : 223-1111 - Trouble reports for Dial-up, DSL, and Wireless Internet : 221-2100 - Directory Advertising : 223-1115

www.DTMS.biz

transmission line to connect previously isolated communities, and to help establish 100% First Nations (I assume we don’t have to put Métis and Inuit in this case, since it’s specific to the Mushkegowuk Cree?) ownership in the project. In addition to successfully completing the design-build contract, SNC-Lavalin helped to arrange financing under extremely challenging conditions. Today the line is operating profitably, following two expansions. In 1995, SNC-Lavalin partnered with the Tlicho Nation to design and build the Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories, under the name Nishi-Khon/SNC-Lavalin Inc. This relationship helped the Tlicho Nation to significantly grow its local economy and the skill sets of its community members. Economic benefits of the Diavik Diamond mine have diversified and multiplied since the mine opened.

In addition to the potential benefits of successful partnering, SNC-Lavalin also recognizes the opportunity to tap into the potential of First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth, Canada’s fastest growingdemographicandoneofourbestopportunitiesforfutureemployment.However,werecognize that one of the challenges of increasing First Nations, Métis and Inuit employment and contracts on projects is the level of skill available in many communities. Today, to build successful projects, be they non-aboriginal or owned by First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities, we must provide a broad array of services to our clients and joint venture partners to increase the potential for First Nation, Métis and Inuit inclusion. By recognizing the importance of training, capacity building, mentoring and creating a culturally adaptive workplace we are aiming to increase opportunities for employment and to improve retention rates to keep our First Nation, Métis and Inuit employees satisfied and on the job. In the early 2000s we helped with the clean-up of the Cape Dyer DEW Line site near Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Through training and mentoring programs we were able to achieve over 50% Inuit employment and over 75% Inuit contracts. We are currently working with major mining companies in the potash belt in Saskatchewan to achieve the same successes.

As Canada’s economy grows, First Nations, Inuit and Métis will grow with it through increased skills, jobs, contract opportunities, and ownership.

SNC-Lavalin is proud to be a partner of choice in the First Nation, Métis and Inuit marketplace within Canada. Through

mutual respect, training, employment, recruitment and procurement, we strive to create sustainable projects and

communities together.

Stephen LindleyVice-President,Aboriginal&NorthernAffairs

SNC-Lavalin Inc. 195 The West Mall

Toronto, Ontario M9C 5L5

www.snclavalin.com

Telephone: 416-252-5311Mobile: 416-659-4286


In early April, 2005, I was invited to attend a special First Nations Come Alive at The Haven. Some 30individuals were involved in the course, 21 of whom were

members of First Nations groups in Manitoba — four men and17women.TherestwereTheHavengroupleadersandassistants, and staff members from the sponsoring agency, the First Nations Family Justice Program in Manitoba. This was the fourth consecutive year that the agency has sponsored this particular course — a deep personal learning and healing retreat for staff and volunteers involved in family mediation.

The Family Justice Program offers an alternative method for addressing child and family matters outside the court systems and regular government services. It brings together family, extended family, elders, community members and service providers to address child protection concerns. The program

For over 30 years, The Haven has been helping people

connect with others, and live fuller richer lives by offering

programs of personal and professional development. Over

the years The Haven has worked with both First Nations

groups and individuals and in recent years, even run programs

specifically for First Nations. The following article was written

and published by someone who was invited to one of these

unique First Nations programs at the Haven.

focuses on the care and development of children, and the restoration of health and harmony in the family. It is unique in that it is the only one in Canada to respond to child welfare concerns with a combination of traditional peacemaking strategies and contemporary approaches to family mediation.

Program Coordinator Joe Pinterics is responsible for establishing the connection with The Haven Institute. A social worker and familytherapist,hediscoveredTheHavenInstituteinthemid-1980’s.Aftercompleting several courses, Joedecided tomakeTheHavenprocesspart of the training for the Justice Program’s family mediators.

“WewillusemanyofTheHaventeachings,”hesays,“interfacingwiththe healing ways of the First Nations people. We are trying to get back to what there was from the beginning, based in history and tradition, and combining it with contemporary approaches.

“OurpeoplegetgroundedinthemselvesthroughTheHavenwork.Theydevelop inner strength and flexibility; they come to grips with their own issues, and as a result are more effective working with other people.”

THE COURSE A brief, informal, personal account of some of the highlights of the Come Alive ‘Plus’ course. “Most of the important occasions, and all of the ceremonies, of our way of life take place in a circle.” (Richard James, Medicine Man)

SUnday EvEning The group meets for the first time, seated in a circle. Most of the First Nations people are members of the Cree Nation; the rest are “Oji-Cree” (part Ojibway, part Cree). They come from nine different communities in Manitoba, ranging from big city Winnipeg to small isolated villages. Group leaders are Joann Peterson and Ernie McNally, assisted by Wendy Huntington,ElfiDillon-Shaw,GillianEnrightandAndrewBing.

Introductions and laughter-inducing exercises break down shyness and communication barriers. Even at this early stage, some heartfelt comments about feelings and issues ‘back home’ begin to surface.

MOnday MORning ‘Taking temperatures,’ The Haven process of sharing andbecoming present in the group, takes place. The communication model is outlined, followed by a lengthy discussion; questions are penetrating and show a real curiosity about the process.

MOnday afTERnOOn One woman says she is a “survivor” of the residential school and recalls the grief and despair of being taken away from her parents. One of the men steps forward and talks about finding a way to forgive our parents for their mistakes, and to forgive ourselves.

Participants are invited to share appreciations for one another. “It takes courage to do this,” Joann says. “The other choice is to stay hidden.”

Many appreciations are expressed, ranging from simple thanks to emotional expressions of love, respect and gratitude established over a lifetime. One man approaches another, and an intimate dialogue in Cree takes place, resonant voices rising and falling.Hugsareexchanged.Somepeople around the circle have their heads down, weeping.

Medicine Man Richard James, a key figure in the introduction of traditional “heart strength” ways to the program, speaks for several minutes in both Cree and English. An impressive figure with a deep voice and deliberate style of speaking, he is eloquent and charismatic, clearly the spiritual anchorman in this group.

TUESday MORning One woman reports that she called home, and is upset because her husband has been drinking and she wonders if her two sons are managing to get to school properly. “Our children act out because of how we plant our crop,” another woman says. “We must set the example; we must heal ourselves first.”

“This morning, my heart is crying for our young people at home,” one of the men comments. “It is very hard when they have nothing to get up for, nothing to go to bed for.”

A little later, some intense individual work takes place in the center of the circle. The woman who talked about calling home lies down on the mattress, and with the encouragement and skilled, compassionate support of Joann, Ernie, Wendy and Gillian, begins to breathe deeply, calling up long-held feelings, accompanied by wrenching crying and screaming. After a while, the group gathers around; she is hugged by several individuals who quietly share their feelings of love and appreciation for her.


A little later, some intense individual work takes place in the center of the circle. The woman who talked about calling home lies down on the mattress, and with the encouragement and skilled, compassionate support of Joann, Ernie, Wendy and Gillian, begins to breathe deeply, calling up long-held feelings, accompanied by wrenching crying and screaming. After a while, the group gathers around; she is hugged by several individuals who quietly share their feelings of love and appreciation for her.

WEdnESday MORning One of the younger women steps forward with a song, one that she has written herself. She is an accomplished singer, with a strong, vibrant voice. The song is one of pain, anger and forgiveness, related to her own family’s struggles with abuse and alcoholism. The group is profoundly affected by the song, and the tears are flowing.

At this point, Joann moves into some deep personal work with one of the older women, who is grappling with grief and despair about her relationship with her abusive, alcoholic husband. For a while, the room is saturated with feelings of sadness. Then gradually, after the storm, a sense of calm returns. Participants are smiling and chatting on their way down to the lodge for lunch. Their inherent sense of humour touches us all with its warmth.

WEdnESday afTERnOOn One of the men is invited into the middle of the circle to do some breathing and bodywork. Later he talks about seeing a light, and feeling a “positive force” during his work. “It was beautiful,” he says. “It will be with me for the rest of my life.”

During a break, I interview Mabel, who served as a magistrate for seven years, working with families, “straightening out heart concerns,” dealing with such issues as family violence, impaired driving, petty theft, drug and alcohol charges. Eventually, she found the legal system too inflexible. She resigned and was appointed a family mediator with the Justice Program.

“We need to work with passion to help our people, by combining the traditional and the modern,” Mabel says. “The Come Alive work is very important. It brings understanding to what it means to be a human being. Our people are hurting here (places her hand over her heart). We have to reach into the heart to help attain the essential balance, otherwise we will be pulled down and drown.”

THURSday afTERnOOn Richard James and one of the other men bring out their drums, and chant a “song of thanks” together. The room is filled with the booming of the drums and the powerful chanting. After a few moments of pregnant silence, Richard offers another song; again the two drums are alive. It is a beautiful song, melodic and varied. The other First Nations people in the room are chanting or humming along, nodding in time with the rhythm. “There are no words to this song,” Richard says. “It is a human being calling to the four levels of the universe. We are honouring the Creator with our heart voice.”

The First Nations tradition of storytelling comes up for discussion. Mabel talks about stories as a traditional teaching method. “They provide guidance,” she says. “The stories the elders told you as a child come back to you as an adult, then you know what they were talking about.”

fRiday MORning – ClOSing SESSiOn Joann says her heartfelt thanks and farewells, in her inimitable gentle, penetrating way — wise, warm and strong. Richard James speaks from his medicine man place of wisdom. “As our ancestors always tell us,” he says, “leave the things you no longer need in the center of the circle.”

Several other people express their thanks and appreciations, then Richard and one of his “brothers” pick up their drums and sing a song of farewell. We are invited to sing along. Somehow, I am able to do this, and not feel foolish. I find myself standing in a circle with a group of First Nations people, giving voice to something very old and something very new. And it feels natural and right.

An hour later, I am waiting in line in my car to board the ferry for the short trip back to Nanaimo. Blue sky appears for the first time all week, and brilliant sunshine bursts forth. I lean out my window, looking up. Suddenly, a huge bald eagle swoops into view, no more than twenty feet above me. With a few powerful sweeps of its great wings, it sails away into the trees.

In most North American First Nations mythologies, Eagle medicine is the power of the Great Spirit, the connection to the Divine. It is the ability to live in spirit, and yet remain connected and balanced on earth. Eagle represents a state of grace achieved through hard work, understanding, and a completion of the tests of initiation which result in the taking of one’s personal power.

On the way over to Nanaimo, I stand at the stern of the ferry, looking back toward Gabriola Island. For a good ten minutes, I can see the eagle, its head a white beacon in the dark forest. Eventually, I lose sight of it, and turn toward the city, rapidly approaching ahead.



Anyone that has had a chance to visit Nunavut knows that our territorial population is one of the most interesting and unique in Canada.

What many people don’t know is that Nunavut is as rich in modern marketable skills as it is in traditional skills. You may not be surprised to find some of the more traditional trades people like carpenters and plumbers working in our communities, but you might not expect to find professional Graphic Designers living in a cozy hamlet of 800 people, or a World Class Red Seal chef working at a tiny community hotel north of 60.

Skills Nunavut is always on the lookout for these people who seem to be hiding in plain sight in every corner of the Arctic. When we can, we recruit them to volunteer their time, energy and skills to lead a Skills Club in their home community and share their skills with a new generation of students. In recent years we’ve had a professional photographer leading afterschool clubs in Whale Cove, baking clubs have taken hold in half a dozen communities, and an award winning CBC employee led a TV/Video production club in the Territory’s capital for years. Many highschools employ journeymen carpenters, welders, and plumbers to run their shop programs, and these people have become invaluable both to their schools and to Skills Nunavut in getting students interested and excited about trades programs.

The mandate of Skills Nunavut is to position Skilled Trades and technologies as the first choice career option for Northern youth, and getting students experienced in these options while they’re still in school is a key part of the process. Skills Clubs at the high school level are a great way to explore a number of different career opportunities before making a decision about what to do after graduation.

This year Skills Nunavut funded 20 Skills Clubs in 10 communities, and we hope to expand to even more communities next year. We also completed production on our first set of 4 modules for volunteers who are interested in starting a Skills Club but don’t know quite where to start, and are planning to complete 14 more modules over the next 3 years to cover even more skilled trades.

StatsCan recently reported

that Canada could be short

approximately 1 million

workers by the year 2020 and

the Canadian mining industry

alone faces an estimated

shortage of 92,000 workers

over the next eight years

We’ve all heard the statistics stating that Canada is in serious danger of not having enough skilled employees to fill our needs over the coming years. StatsCan recently reported that Canada could be short approximately 1 million workers by the year 2020 and the Canadian mining industry alone faces an estimated shortage of 92,000 workers overthenexteightyears,accordingtotheMiningIndustryHumanResources Council. Mining is playing an increasingly important role in Nunavut’s economy and one of Skills Nunavut’s goals is to properly position our youth so that they will be ready and able not only to fill but also to excel in these local positions.

If our annual Territorial Skills Competition in April could be any indication,we’redefinitelyontherighttrack.InuksukHighschooland the Nunatta Arctic College Campus hosted over 60 students from across the territory this year in competitions ranging from Photography to Baking, Graphic Design to Carpentry. Participants not only got to show off the skills they’d been practicing all year in their own skill clubs, but also had the opportunity to explore the other competition sites and get information about other trades. Many of our students have been involved in more than one club, or switch from one to another during their highschool careers. Skills Clubs and the Territorial Skills Competition are great ways to take a trade for a test drive before making a commitment.

Skills Nunavut, like the Territory itself is still relatively young (this is our 6th year) and we are still in the process of spreading our message and recruiting volunteers and student participants. Like the territory itself though, we’re quickly finding our footing on the national stage.

Although winning medals at the Nationals competition is neither the end goal of our program or the way in which we measure success, the fact that our students are not only able to compete at the National level, but are also consistently found standing on or near the winners’ podium at the end of the week is proof that our volunteers are doing something right. In the few short years that Skills Nunavut has been sending students to the National Competitions, we have won 2 bronze medals and 3 silver and come in the top six twenty times. This year we will be bringing a strong delegation of our gold medal winners to Quebec City to showcase our skills once again.

We are also especially proud of our students’ accomplishments post-Skills. All of our Secondary apprentices have

gone on to continue their journeymen’s certificates, one of our cooking competitors recently completed her degree at Holland College’sprestigious culinary program, and another student has followed her lead and is due to graduate next year. We have a Graphic Design student getting a head start working on Graphic Design contracts as an after school job, and Robotics students that have gone on to post secondary engineering programs.

If you’re a student looking to get involved in Skills programs in your community, or an adult looking for a great way to share your passion for a skill, please contact us as 867-975-5628.

For more information on our organization,please visit us at www. skillsnunavut.com

For more information about upcoming event across the territory, check out our facebook page /skillsnunavut and follow us on

twitter @skillsnunavut.


and for all of our not talking ‘about it’, everyone knows ‘about it’ because each incident not only rends a hole in the lives and hearts of new families but also tears the scabs off not yet healed wounds of others before them.

If you are from Baker Lake Nunavut your may know me as the meat manager at the Northern Store, a career choice that has allowed me to make Baker Lake my home. I am just a person, not less than or better than any of you. I’m a family man with three children and four grand children. I have been a member of a Kiwanis Club and have volunteered for food banks, Hospice and Victim Services Associations. As a father and grandfather I have learned to care about the welfare of others and cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a family member to suicide.

to become a healthy, well developed personality. Then comes all of the outside infl uences of friendship, teaching, mentoring and protection that we the community must take ownership of.

So what can we do to put an end to suicide? No one man or woman has all of the answers. No one person can provide the varied solutions at all of the perfect times, but collectively we can do better.

As individuals feel compelled to do something for another, a whole lot of emotions fl ood in, a roller coaster of emotions for sure. Will my intentions be respected? How will my actions be received? Who am I to think that I can help? Am I doing the right thing? Anyone of these and countless other thoughts and emotions can cripple us to inaction. And what if no one acts? Well, I guess we can go back to blaming everyone else.

I did fi nally take action and I started to talk to and question others about this situation that we fi nd our community in. By talking to any one person you will inevitably be led to those who can provide you with the right advice, help and resources. My talk with the Mayor led me to connect with Joyce Lehure, Hamlet Councillor who is responsible for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. After I had explained to her what I was attempting to do, she told me that she and others had been praying for answers and solutions. So I

It all started with a poster, a WANTED poster and I wanted to draw attention to an issue that is a chronic open wound in many First Nation Communities, an issue that in some cultures is still considered taboo to talk about openly.

I nearly lost a son when he was about nine due to an act of careless foolishness on my part and I relive the nightmare of that moment every time I hear of another senseless loss of a loved one. Some deaths are just accidents and can be blamed on fate but when someone takes his or her own life it becomes so much harder to deal with. It’s our human nature to blame something or someone and most often ourselves, when we are the closest to that loved one, and sometimes we just blame everyone else.

My day of arrival to the north was marred by just such an event. When I recall the events of that day I now realize how connected the northern communities are. There was a sense of sadness felt on the plane that became more tangible each time we touched down, Churchill, Ariviat, Rankin and

fi nally Baker Lake where the airport was full to meet and console a father who was returning to bury his son, a victim of suicide. Ever since that day and with each new loss to the community I have agonized over the causes and possible solutions. I’m not sure of the numbers but there has been several more than one suicide since the day I started talking about doing something, so now I share some of the guilt with all of you! So why does it take so long for people to react?

How many lives lost to suicide are enough before we as individuals or collectively are willing to commit to a real action plan? An action plan that could end such senseless tragedies, a plan that can reunite a community, one where each of us recognizes our individual roles and responsibilities? Where each of us becomes the others brother and keeper?

Yes, I know that there are family members, small groups and counsellors that struggle diligently for the well being of potentially suicidal individuals with many successful interventions. I know that there are many church leaders, coaches and teachers that are committed to providing many venues for self expression and emotional venting, all targeting spiritual, mental and physical well being, but what is a safety net for some obviously has a few holes allowing many to needlessly slip away.

For the closest family members and friends the pain of such a loss is very real and for some almost unbearable. It is said that time, forgiveness and maybe understanding of what has happened heals all. Accidents and fate by themselves cause enough incredible hardships, why must we have to endure the burden of preventable tragedies? Those closest to the victims become victims themselves facing a future of self blame and an infi nite list of what ifs. It is also said that it takes a village or community to raise a child. If this is so, then how is it that only the closest to the victim are shackled with a lifetime of guilt and loss while the rest of us are exempt?

It is too easy to criticize another when we look from the outside and this is especially so when we exempt ourselves from their responsibilities. What is the parent’s role in raising the child? Certainly love, nurture, comfort, proper nutrition and protection while the child is at home. But at some point the child has to leave all of this incrementally

Wanted Editorial Steve.indd 1-2 7/21/11 9:09:02 AM

guessed that I was the answer to their prayers. Yah, God choose me

to ride in on the white horse, you know, the hero of the day. Save the

world single handed! But of course this was just my ego, one of the other roller coaster emotions that some of us deal with when we choose to do something for another.

A very wise man once said, “First comes pride, then comes the fall”. Even as I was hanging my Wanted posters I get word that many others in the community had been given white horses too. A youth group calling themselves BLAST (Baker Lake Against Suicide Team) took it upon themselves to do their part, and well although I was very pleased and grateful that someone else was taking action I felt determined to get back on my roller coaster. Now what? Maybe it is not for me to help. Maybe I have nothing to offer. Why not just leave it alone and see what comes of their actions. Great, now I’m off the hook. Now I don’t have to do anything. I think this weakness of mine is fear and it ranks right up there with ego, so maybe I’ll just sleep on it.

I was tired of rethinking my role in this and all of the self doubts, so I did just that, I went to bed to fi nd refuge in sleep.

Now some would call it our conscience but I believe that God or some aspect of him within us, is always calling us to some kind of positive action and I know that

he has prodded me a time or two before, although I am pretty good at fi nding excuses. Any way I was nudged out of a very good sleep with the notion that if a group had prayed to God for something as sincere as this petition for help, then he would respond, and in such a way that would insure someone would answer. The wake-up call was not just for me. He was asking our communities to wake up! So WAKE UP! Many in our communities have prayed for help... All of us were called! Some of us have responded and I believe that there are many more of you ready to make a difference.

Now I must apologize for what will seem like pointing fi ngers but I assure you that I include myself in this next part. In my research in this and with every

conversation about what is being done in my community, one thing stood out above all others. The women of this community are doing something but I heard very little of what the men are doing. Certainly it has traditionally been the role in all societies for the women to provide the love and nurture that solidifi es the family unit. But on the other side the traditional role for the

men was to protect and provide for the family.

Years ago the dangers where obvious and faced every day of your existence. Wolves, polar bears and grizzlies you were willing to face in the protection of your loved ones. You would gladly sacrifi ce yourself to protect your family. But times have change haven’t they? We live in safer housing and although some of you still hunt, you don’t have to. We have the security of larger communities regulated by laws and host of other things that lull us into complacency. Yes men we can let down our guard! In fact we have made

it so safe and comfortable in our communities that even the predators have changed and wormed their way in. Wake up men! The predators that are killing your loved ones are not just in your communities and on your doorstep. They are in your homes and have a host of different names, and not just the obvious like Alcoholism, Drug Addiction and Abuse but many others like Indifference, Lack of Good Mentoring and I’m Just Too Busy.

There are countless things outside of ourselves that we can blame for our failure to respond to our children’s desperate screams for help but at the core of all of these it is still us, the individual that has allowed these things by some measure to devour our young people.

As parents we do make mistakes, wrong choices and bad decisions,

but the parent who is sincere in their intentions, over time realizes that the greatest gift we can ever have is watching our children grow and develop into healthy, mature adults who have in their nature, instilled by your love, a desire to do good. To do good, not just for themselves or family but all others.

I followed through with my action plan by hanging my ‘WANTED Everyone in Baker Lake Alive’ posters, calling those that would, to attend a public meeting at our recreation center. I was willing to stick my neck out but I can assure you that I was terrifi ed. I did not know what to expect as these people did not yet know me but some did show up. There were thirty four in attendance and to them I laid it all on the line as it is here in this article.

So this is what I see as a problem and not just in the North but growing in societies everywhere. The traditional role of the man as protector and provider is gone. Men we have removed from our lifestyles any and all measure of manhood. We were once honoured and loved by our wives, looked upon with awe by our sons and daughters, respected by our peers and communities just for being a man. Today most of us don’t have a clue what it means to be a truly honourable man.

A real man would rekindle the love for his wife and family. A real man would take serious his role of protector and provider. A real man would focus on the well being of his family knowing by experience that this will affect the whole community.

I said earlier that our greatest gift is our children. They are our future and we are instrumental in determining what kind of adults they will become and how they will be as parents, teachers and leaders.

So men, if the women are sincere in their role within the family what are we going to do? I think we have to re-establish some rite of passage for our young boys so that they know what will be expected of them as real men of the community. We have to regain their trust in us as mentors. It was easy during the hunt. There was certain strengths and skill to be honed prior to

joining the hunt. There was patience and dogged determination during the hunt. And with success came recognition and celebration. A boy has become a man!

Our Mission Statement is: To empower men to honour their families, serve their communities, support their culture and promote healthy

lifestyles. We formulated a code of ethics and constitution and are now a registered Non Profi t Organization operating as a service club. We are still in the infancy stage with our group and feeling our way but very optimistic that we can make some differences in our community.

I stated in the second paragraph of this article that I am a person not greater or less than any of you. I am a graduate of high school but other than that I have no special training or skills, and like most people I am terrifi ed to speak publicly. But now having done so I realize my fears cannot possibly compare to the terror of losing a loved one to suicide. Are we going to let our weaknesses cripple us into inaction? Are we going to stand idle as another life is lost, or are we going to extend our hand to every other, as he is our brother? Are you man enough to make a difference in your community?

If you have any comments on this article or would like to hear about the progress of Tatiksat check us out on Facebook or please contact me Clifford Allen Marsh, PO Box 60, Baker Lake, NU, X0C 0A0 or email to [email protected]

I was greatly encouraged by Joyce Lahure and Rick Olson to write this article (Clifford Marsh)

I proposed to them the creation of a men’s club to be a substitute for the hunt. A fraternity or fellowship so to speak. A regular gathering of all the males of puberty and older. Somewhat structured but with allowance for expression. A place for story telling and sharing. A place where all are teachers and students alike. A safe haven for confi dentiality where a man, young or old can express their concerns and expect only solutions not ridicule.

I also proposed that this fellowship should have some outward sign of membership. Something that it’s members will be honoured to wear. Something that has to be earned. When we offer to do something for, or give to someone else and that someone was not expecting it their appreciation is far greater than if they were expecting it. And like wise if we do something willingly for another without expectation for return, a feeling greater than any reward stirs within us. This feeling once experienced and put into practice becomes both infectious and addictive and I wanted our members to experience this as their rite of passage to recognition as Honourable Men of Baker Lake.

Then I asked them if there was anyone willing to support and assist me to make it happen. The response was far greater than I expected with twenty people promising to help in some way. We started weekly meetings and with the communities input Tatiksat was born.

Wanted Editorial Steve.indd 3-4 7/21/11 9:09:13 AM

In my last article I spoke about communication and reconciliation, as key to making healthier choices and good changes. I just came back from the Nunavut Roundtable for

Poverty Reduction in Rankin Inlet. We discussed issues and ideas for change, the things we can do as individuals and community members to reduce poverty in our communities.

There were a lot of good ideas, a lot of exchange of ideas and a lot of hope. I made a new friend, she is a young wife and mother, my daughter’s age, very committed to her work and full of ideas. Yet like everyone else who was there she was a little skeptical about this working out. I don’t blame her, these are my feelings too. I suppose living in Nunavut these past 31 years had a way of doing that. Change happens slowly in Nunavut but it does happen. There were a lot of elders at the workshop, and a few aspiring young career-types, some local people and bureaucrats; those well-intentioned people who want to help, who want improvement, who hope for positive change. I could sense that! But just like the rest of us who live in Nunavut, they were hopeful and skeptical at the same time. As I stand looking out the window of my hotel room, I think if all the challenges that Northerners face, I think of the people with their friendly ways and their fortitude. I think of my community. Baker Lake, Qamanitu’aq is near and dear to my heart, but it hasn’t always been that way. I remember when I first landed here in early 1980. My three children and I stepped off the plane, and were immediately surrounded by mosquitoes. There were people there and I could not see my husband right away. The men offloading the plane threw our belongings on the ground and everyone else picked up their luggage and went on their way. There was no terminal building! Only gravel, and lake and mosqutoes! That was my introduction to Baker Lake. If my husband wasn’t there I might have left on the same plane.

Eventually my family settled into a small three bedroom house, with a flushomatic toilet. I was to find out later that we lived in one of the few houses that boasted a flush toilet. Everyone else had “honey-buckets”! The other thing that had me “recoiling” were the prices at the Bay Store. The Hudson Bay Company store as it was known then was the place to shop. The prices were “out of this world” to say the least. I could not see myself paying those high prices. However, I had an eight year old, a four year old and a newborn, so I bought a few staples. When I took the bread home, I found mould on it so it was back to the store for a refund. It was then I learnt how to make bread. The Northern Store as it is now known, has changed...it’s layout, it’s staff, even it’s manager, but it has not changed its practice of charging high prices for food. Last time I checked 4 litres of milk was over $14.00. So I guess some things don’t change. High prices, isolation and lack of doctors, dentists and professional services are some of the greatest challenges in my community. Oh yes, and politicians or people who get elected to important responsible positions and let their constituents down. I won’t name any names but they know who they are. I will just say I am glad that Leona got elected as our MP for another four years, there is hope for us in that lady! Speaking of hope, “Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he has already? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Hope is what I see all around me in my little community. People hope for better days, they hope for better ways, for “things to be fixed”. At the recent roundtable for poverty reduction that I attended, there was a lot of hope, a lot of sharing, a lot of good ideas. Nunavut communities have a lot of challenges as I said before, we have a lot of behavioral problems like addictions, homelessness, overcrowding, suicides, you name it, we got it! But unlike the rest of the country, we live every day with these staring us in the face, so to speak. In our small communities, one cannot help but see when our neighbors are hurting. We are very much involved with one another, mainly because of the fact that there is not enough space or privacy for everyone.


Getting back to the Poverty Reduction Roundtable discussion, we foundanumberofgoodoptionsforaction.Harvestersthatarepaidfor their work, enough homes for everyone, help when it is needed, these are the ideal. But the reality we understand is that this will be another policy that will be introduced with the hope that it will be implemented. Our options for action will be introduced in the new year, but will they work? Is there enough political will to make the necessary changes? Will there be enough people to do the leg work to make this happen?

The way I see it, it is up to us, as individuals, as community members, as Qamanitu’amuit to get the ball rolling. We have to start where we live. We have to make the changes necessary to ensure a quality of life. We each have to do our part, we each have to do the hard thing.

Perhaps, it’s getting a job, getting up at an “ungodly” hour, sticking to it by working 8, 10, 12 hour a day to bring home the money that is needed to improve your lifestyle. Maybe it’s doing work that we don’t necessarily like or want, or doing a job that is the same every day, a job no one else wants. Or maybe it’s doing some upgrading or training or refresher courses to improve your skills so you can get a better job. OR MAYBE it just getting up every day to make sure your children are taken care of so they can go to school. Maybe it’s kicking your “rebellious” teenager out of the house and telling him no more latenight TV or video games until he brings home better mark or just goes to school. Maybe it volunteering at the school or going to the school to find out how you can help your child to get better grades. It has to start somewhere. Or perhaps it is spending less money on Bingo or Nevadas so you can spend the money on food instead and in much better ways to help your household. Maybe it’s helping elders to be safe, to be able to use their money on themselves instead of giving it out their children or grandchildren. We have to do the hard thing. We have to do the right thing. We have to do the thing that makes us responsible adults, responsible parents, responsible members of our community. I realize that I am “saying things” that may anger some people, it may get your attention, or you may just ignore it. At this point, it does not matter. The truth needs to be said. It needs to be told and the truth really does set one free. Enough excuses for our poor choices. If we want change, it starts with each one of us. Poverty begins at home, poverty is more than just not having enough money to live on. Poverty can mean a lot of things, including poverty of mind, body and soul. We can starve

our bodies of good healthy food, we can starve our minds of learning and knowledge and wisdom. We can starve our souls and we can starve our spirits. Spiritual poverty, I believe is key. One person who was at the workshop brought this to my attention. That person said that unless we are spiritually enriched, nothing we do anyway will work out. It won’t matter unless a person has good, healthy habits for his mind, body and soul. Poor health, bad habits, addictions, whatever you call them, this has to be changed by the individual. One has to realize when they need help and go and seek help. Until we see that, we are poor indeed, there is no hope. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” We need to see our poorness, our lack, our poverty. Then we can do the thing we need to do in order to be blessed and then to bless. I know everyone wants this, they want health, they want prosperity and the choice is theirs. Do you want to start to make better choices today for yourself? Do you want a healthier, wealthier community? Do you want a happier, healthier lifestyle?


Rainy River’s story begins with prospector Walter Baker in the 1920’s. Walter

Baker had great discovery success and has had considerable impact on the

mining industry, especially in the Hemlo and Thunder Bay areas of Canada. This

success sparked the interest of the eldest of his two sons, Nelson Baker, who

began by helping his father during his summer holidays at the age of fourteen. Just

like his father, Nelson acquired a deep love for mineral exploration. Spurred by a

keen desire to fi nd the next “big” mine, Nelson acquired a degree in geological

engineering and started working in the fi eld.

Nelson Baker fi rst met Stuart Averill in 1969 at Setting Net Lake and they quickly

became friends whose careers would intertwine for the next 30 plus years.

Since the early 70’s, Stu as a contractor and Nelson as a consultant, conducted

several reverse circulation heavy mineral till sampling programs for various junior

resource companies throughout the Yukon, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Since

the acquisition of the Rainy River project, Nelson Baker became the President of

Rainy River Resources and he asked Stu Averill to join the team.

The second of the two sons of Walter Baker, C.J. Baker, like Nelson began

his career in the fi eld by helping his father. After working for a long period in

Australia, he came back to Canada and was a natural fi t to join the Rainy River

team as Project Manager.

The third generation of the Baker family, Nelson’s son naturally developed an

admiration for his father and his grandfather in their quest for exploring mining

opportunities. Brad Baker worked for several junior mining companies and gained

an understanding about discovering new mineral deposits. He has now joined the

Rainy River team along with his father and uncle. The three generations of the

Baker legacy and experience continues to grow strong as they join forces to form

the team to discover the hidden deposits in the Rainy River greenstone belt.

rainy river 2011.indd 1 7/25/11 4:23:22 PM



•Bayfield’s 100% owned “Burns” block property is sur-

rounded by Rainy River Resources (TSX-V: RR) and adjoins

the ODM17 gold deposit.

•Drilling demonstrates ODM17 gold zone extends from

Rainy River Resources’ ground onto Bayfield’s Burns block.

•Rainy River Resources’ NI43-101 shows indicated 2.37

million ounces of gold (averaged at 1.3 g/t) and inferred

resources of 2.66 million ounces of gold (averaged at 1.2 g/t).

•Bayfield’s 100% owned Claim Blocks “B” and “C” are

strategically located near Rainy River Resources’ growing 5

million ounce gold deposit.

•20,000 metres of diamond drilling will be completed by

Bayfield on its Rainy River district gold properties with the

recently raised $4 million.

Serving the education and training needs of Aboriginal peoples is a major focus at Northern Lights College (NLC). NLC serves the northern third of British Columbia, a geographic area that

includes eight distinct Aboriginal cultures: Tlingit, Tahltan, Slavey, Cree, Saulteau, Dunneza, Dene and Métis.

NLC offers various courses and programs designed to meet the needs of local Aboriginal peoples. Programming efforts have included Culinary Arts, Workplace Essential Skills, and literacy programs

delivered in partnership with local First Nations bands or Friendship Centres. NLC also partners with other post-secondary institutions in the delivery of an Aboriginal Early Childhood Education program.

NLC is committed to providing comfortable and supportive learning surroundings for Aboriginal peoples. Aboriginal Education Coordinators are key members of the Student Support staff at campuses in Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson and Fort St. John.

And Aboriginal Gathering Spaces are being constructed where students can feel welcomed and supported in an environment for success in post-secondary education. A new Gathering Space was opened in 2009 at the Fort Nelson Campus, with work to be completed in 2011 at the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, and Chetwynd campuses.

The importance of Aboriginal heritage has been recognized at recent NLC Convocation ceremonies, through the conferral of Honorary Associate of Arts degrees to Brian Jungen in 2010 and Dr. Robin Ridington in 2008. Jungen is a world-renowned artist who is a member of the Doig River First Nation. Ridington is a Professor Emeritus in Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, who has produced numerous books, articles and film documentaries from four decades of living with and researching Aboriginal peoples in northeastern B.C.

NLC is also committed to being involved with Aboriginal peoples in its service area. A partnership between the cook-training program at the Dawson Creek Campus and the Nawican Friendship Centre saw students collaborate to help keep the Nawican soup kitchen open. The Dawson Creek Campus also hosts Louis Riel Day celebrations annually.


Points North landing, Sask.

Bus: (306) 633-2137 ext. 232Fax: (306) 633-2152

Email: [email protected] 7000, la Ronge, Sask., S0J 1L0

The Spousal Abuse CounsellingProgram, located in Rankin Inlet,Nunavut, is the first and only

program available in Nunavut to treatabusers. The pilot program phase, whichwas funded by the Federal Department ofJustice, expired May 30, 2005. TheGovernment of Nunavut Department ofCommunity Justice provided fundinguntil March 31, 2006. The program con-sists of group counselling sessions forabusers, counselling for victims of spousalabuse and an educational outreach pro-gram in the community. The FederalDepartment of Justice continues to sup-port the program. The Pulaarvik KabluFriendship Centre sponsors the programand it is delivered in partnership with theKeewatin Legal Services Centre, theCrown Prosecutor’s Office for Nunavut,the Nunavut Department of Justice andthe Rankin Inlet Community JusticeCommittee. A multi-sector SteeringCommittee, as well as an elders advisorycommittee, guides its operation.

Program participants are convictedabusers mandated by Nunavut court(mostly men, but including somewomen) who are required by the courtto participate in the program rather thangoing to jail. The program is targeted atyoung abusers, with the intent of chang-ing their behaviour early and preventingfuture abuse against possibly many part-ners. Abusers attend a total of 36 groupsessions over a period of 2 ? to 3months. They can only miss a maxi-

mum of three sessions and remain in theprogram. If they complete the program,their criminal record is eliminated. Aqualified counsellor with training inabuse issues leads the sessions, whichinclude both educational and therapeu-tic content. Participants learn about thedifferent kinds of abuse the cycle ofanger and violence, maintaining balancein their lives and having healthy rela-tionships. At the same time that abusersare in the program, staff provides sup-port to the abused spouses. They receivea home visit and can participate inevening group sessions. Program staffalso offers couple counselling thatincludes the whole family, as this is con-sidered the most effective method inInuit communities.

The program has an elders’ committeeof 11 and some of the elders have a rolein doing marriage counselling to theclients. They teach three (3) group ses-sion nights on reclaiming and reconnect-ing and traditional marriage counselling.Graduate clients also take part in doinga presentation about being part of theprogram. This really helps the clients tobecome more confident knowing thatthey are not alone.

The program also invites a married cou-ple from the community to come to oneof our group sessions as guest speakers.They talk about marriage relationshipsand answer questions from the clients.

Emiline Kowmuk, the program’s coordi-nator / counsellor, finds operating theprogram to be both challenging andrewarding. There can be barriers to work-ing effectively with other organizationsand the criminal justice system, and notall abusers are open to change. However,the results of the program are very prom-ising. Of the 28 abusers who participatedin the program up to March 2005, onlytwo offenders had subsequently beencharged with assault. One of them repeat-ed the program and had not re-offendedafter that. To date, 40 Inuit men and 3Inuit women have completed the pro-gram. Evaluation interviews with theoffenders and victims showed that mostoffenders would recommend the programto others. They said they learned newcommunication skills, and how to copewith their feelings in a non-violent way.Program participants now spend moretime with their children, help around thehouse and many have given up alcohol.Victims reported they felt safer after theprogram and learned how to diffuse situa-tions and go to others for help. Childrenwere happier and doing better in school.

For more information contactEmiline Kowmuk,

Coordinator/Counsellor,Spousal Abuse Counselling Program,Pulaarvik, Kablu Friendship Centre,

Rankin Inlet, telephone:

867-645-3785

G.D.’sGarage

Autobody & Mechanic

Tel.: (450) 632-9891Fax: (450) 635-6050

Glen Delaronde Autobody& Mechanical Shop

P.O. Box 298, Kahnawake J0L 1B0

W hen you grow up in a smaller community, sometimes it’s hard to figure out what you want for your future. Maybe everyone expects you

to make certain choices but you don’t know if it’s what you want. Maybe you have a general idea of what you’d like to do, but you don’t have any way to try different things and see what you like best. Maybe you don’t believe you can do the thing you want to do.

at Skills canada nWT, we believe in dreams. By partnering with schools, communities, and local governments, we try to create opportunities for youth to succeed in skilled trades and technology activities.

HErE arE a FEWoF our SuccESS SToriES:

Jake Basil (Lutsel K’e) with Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington

Jake Basil from Lutsel K’e won gold in carpentry (secondary) at the first annual South Slave & Deh Cho

Regional Skills Competition in March 2011. From there, he advanced to the Territorial Skills Competition in April 2011,

where he earned the silver medal in carpentry (secondary).

Jake is one of the first people from Lutsel K’e to compete in the Territorial Skills Competition (TSC), which shows a great attitude

and a willingness to take on a challenge and give it his all.

Davis Neyando (Inuvik) with Graphic Design Tech Chairs Tami Johnson (left) and Diana Curtis (right)

Another success story features Davis Neyando, a graphic design competitor from Inuvik. In previous years, Davis won gold in the Beaufort Delta Regional Skills

Competition and bronze in the TSC. The 2011 TSC was his third year competing at the territorial level and he was up against some tough competition; he did well at

the event, earning another bronze medal to add to his collection.

Olivia Villebrun (Fort Smith) with Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington

Olivia Villebrun from Fort Smith also got started with Skills Canada NWT through the South Slave & Deh Cho Regional Skills Competition, where she earned the gold medal in cooking (secondary). In the TSC, she was one of ten secondary cooking competitors – the largest cooking group ever at the TSC. She rose to the challenge and went home with the bronze medal.

These are just a few of the nWT youth who are enjoying their experiences with Skills canada. if you want to find out how you can

get involved and be one of them, contact us for more information. if you’re from another

province or territory, contact the Skills canada office in your region – there’s one in every

province and territory!

SkillS Canada nWTTel.: (867) 873-8743 • Fax: (867) 873-8197

[email protected] • www.skillscanadanwt.org

SkillS Canada YukonTel.: (867) 668-2709 • Fax: (867) 668-2704

[email protected] • www.skillsyukon.com

SkillS Canada nunavuTTel.: (867) 975-5628 • Fax: (867) 975-5605

[email protected] • www.skillsnunavut.ca



Introduction

Katimavik is a word from the Inuktitut language that roughly means ‘meeting place’. In southern Canada, those who have heard of Katimavik, associate it more with an orange circle and green bar logo and groups of volunteers in green t-shirts helping out in communities across Canada than a word borrowed from one of our main (geographically speaking) aboriginal cultures that abound in the north.

Katimavik is a national youth volunteer-service program that takes eleven 17-21 year old Canadians from coast to coast to coast and brings them together into a rewarding, challenging, intensive 6 month program. Eleven volunteers live together in a house as a group in either one or two different regions of Canada and volunteer approximately 35 hours a week at a non-profit organization in the community where they are living. It’s a 9-5 kinda job…

Evening and weekend activities and events are planned collectively by the group and give volunteers a chance to get to know and, more importantly, get involved in their host communities. Various theme programs have been tailored to focus on several different core competencies that each person gets to develop, both as an individual and as a group, and volunteers get to learn through experience many other life-transferable skills as well. In a nut shell, Katimavik allows you to develop your competencies, gain valuable work and volunteer experience, and discover new places while making a difference in communities, and lives, across Canada.

Sound like a lot? Well it is. It is intense. Six months of living with strangers in a strange community; doing strange activities at strange places;learningaboutstrangecompetencies??Howstrange!

But guaranteed by the end of the program, you will have grown and learned tremendously, and you will have come to love (and not-love) different parts of what you’ve experienced. What seemed strange at first will be strange to you no longer. Strangers will feel more like family, the strange Katima-house will feel more like home, strange places will hold familiar spots and memories. If you put in the work, the only strange thing by the end of your program may be the new you that you have become and needless to say, it will be a life changing experience! This is something thousands of past “Katima-victims” will agree upon!

Katimavik’s MissionEngage youth in volunteer service and foster sustainable communities through challenging national youth service programs.

Katimavik’s Objectives• Topositivelyimpactyouth through Katimavik’s competency-based program that

focuses on personal, social and professional development. • Topositivelyimpactcommunities through Katimavik’s program of volunteer service.• TopositivelyimpactCanada by exposing Canadian youth to the regional and cultural

diversity of the country

Facts• Since 1977, Katimavik has enabled more than 30,000 Canadians to be

involved in more than 2,000 communities throughout the country• Nearly1,000youthparticipateintheprogrameachyear• Thereare64communitieshostingKatimavikgroupsthisyear• Katimavikispartnerswithmorethan500communitynon-profit

organizations this year• In 2009-2010, Katimavik volunteers have contributed the

equivalent of 964,200 volunteer work hours. The total value of these volunteer hours is estimated at $21,414,882 in economic return in participating communities

A DAy In the LIFe(OF A KAtIMAvIK’er)….

Work projectsVolunteer service is at the centre of life in Katimavik. While in the program you will work 35 to 40 hours a week for not-for-profit organizations that are making a real difference in communities across Canada.

Katimavik’s partners work in several activity sectors, such as social services, poverty reduction, sports and leisure, the environment as well as the arts and culture.

The type of volunteer work you will take part in will vary greatly depending on where you are living and what theme program you are in, but usually consists of manual, administrative or interpersonal work. Your involvement with our partners often helps organizations to carry out projects they would have been unable to do otherwise.

Group LifeFor the duration of the program you will live with 10 other young people from across Canada. Group life is one of the most difficult yet most rewarding aspects of the program. Living with diverse people from different social, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds is a rich source of learning for Katimavik volunteers. Groups are supervised by a live-in Project Leader who ensures the successful implementation of the learning program and group activities.

Katimavik groups reflect the socio-demographics of Canadian society and are usually made up of 50% young men and 50% young women as well as a certain percentage of visible minorities and aboriginal volunteers. Each group is composed of 70% Anglophones and 30% Francophone.

A typical group would be composed of the following members(*with one exception):1 bilingual Project Leader from anywhere in the country 1 volunteer from British-columbia or Yukon 2 volunteers from the Prairies, north West territories or

nunavut 4 volunteers from ontario 3 volunteers from Québec 1 volunteer from a maritime province (new Brunswick, Prince

edward Island, nova Scotia, newfoundland)

* In one specialized Cultural Discovery and Civic Engagement program, group composition typically would be:

1 Project Leader from anywhere in the country 5 volunteers from aboriginal decent from across canada 5 volunteers from non-aboriginal decent from across canada

evenings, Weekends and Free timeNot all of your time is structured and scheduled by other people. Groups have lots of control over what they do during evening and weekend time blocks, as they plan what things they would like to do,

based on group discussions and obligations. Workshops, local community events, free time, bigger excursions

and trips, time to play a game together. Obviously there are some limits, but there are countless opportunities and options for groups to explore.

host FamiliesDuring the program, volunteers live for a short length of time with a host family in order to better understand the culture of the host communities. This is an amazing opportunity to practice your language skills and meet new people in your adopted home town.

the Competencies ApproachKatimavik’s learning model is based on personal and group competency acquisition. All groups will work on several of the same competencies (e.g. 1 & 8), but different theme programs focus on afew of the competencies specifically, changing the focus of the program for each group. For example, the Cultural Discovery and Civic Engagement program would focus on competencies 2 (open attitudes towards social and multicultural realities) and 7 (to engage as a citizen) as well as competencies 1&8whereastheEco-citizenshipandActiveLivingprogram would focus mainly on competencies 5 (habits of a healthy lifestyle) and 6 (a vision of environmental protection and sustainable development) while also looking at competencies 1 and 8.

the 8 Katimavik competencies are:1 to interact with others in a variety of situations 2 to adopt an open attitude towards the diversity of social

and multi-cultural realities 3 to communicate in both official

languages 4 to engage in diverse work experiences 5 to apply habits that favor a healthy

lifestyle 6 to develop an integrated vision

of environmental protection and sustainable development

7 to engage as a citizen 8 to prepare to integrate, as a

citizen, into the job market, school or other life event.

© co

pyrig

ht is

tock

phot

o.co

m |

am

mam

aart


Post Katimavik LifeSince volunteering last fall with Katimavik in Calgary and Iqaluit, Leanna Allurut went home to Igloolik where she got a job working in the high school as a Student Support Assistant and substitute teacher. Leanna says her Katimavik adventure taught her many things about life in general but specifically taught her about working within a group and howtocommunicatebetterinsuchasetting.HerKatimavikexperiencehas helped reaffirm her passion for working with youth and helping in the community focusing on the next generation and currently she is planning on moving to Pond Inlet to work with youth there. She has been inspired by the Katimavik program and has many new ideas and perspectives on how she can continue to help contributing to child development in the north well into the future.

the FOur PrOGrAMsCultural Discovery and Civic engagementFor six months you will volunteer in two distinct Canadian communities, one of which has a significant aboriginal population. This program is designed for youth who are interested in discovering the diversity of Canada while engaging in meaningful volunteer service activities. Volunteers will explore the geography, history, economy and socio-cultural makeup of their host communities.

eco-citizenship and Active LivingThis program gives you the opportunity to thoroughly acquire an understanding of the important ecological challenges in a Canadian community where you will be located while participating in volunteer initiatives that promote environmental stewardship. Over the course of six months, you will obtain an in-depth knowledge and fully integrate in one Canadian community outside your home province where you

will apply the principles of eco-citizenship, exercise a culture of active living and put into practice the elements of a healthy lifestyle that put you in touch with nature through physical and outdoor activities. Get out there and be active in an environmentally responsible fashion during weeklong outdoor expeditions which focus on the discovery and sustainability of your host region!

second Language and Cultural IdentityFor six months you will volunteer in two Canadian communities: one Anglophone community and one Francophone community. This unique opportunity gives youth the chance to be immersed in an intense linguistic and cultural experience while engaging in meaningful volunteer service. Volunteers will also have the chance to stay with host families in each community in order to better understand the reality of their adopted region.

Katimavik horizonThis six-month program will provide you with the opportunity to live and volunteer in two different Canadian communities and to explore the entire line of the Katimavik competency horizon. You and your group will get to shape the program based on your aptitudes and interests since you choose which two of the eight competencies become the concentration of the program. Through a collaborative approach with your fellow group members, Katimavik Horizon becomes yourprogram! From group interaction and engaged citizenship to the practice of your second language, active living and environmental initiatives, this program is tailored for you and by you!


In November 2010 an event focused on Aboriginal youth experiencing life as a medical student and medicine as a whole took place at the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University

of Newfoundland.

Volunteer medical students took the 15 visiting youth, ages 14 to 20, on a guided tour of the medical school facilities. Dr. Shakti Chandra, associate professor of anatomy, gave the youth a teaching session in the Anatomy Lab. This gave the young Aboriginals the opportunity to see bones, anatomical specimens, artificial joints, basic medical tools and photos.

The tour also included a visit to the simulation lab, where the young people got to see “Stan” the patient simulator in action and observe how residents and medical students learn about medical pathologies.

The event closed with a discussion led by medical students about their own personal experiences and desires for studying medicine. Following this the Aboriginal youth will put on a song and dance demonstrating their own culture.

This event was organized by Taylor Ferrier and Robin Purcell. Taylor is a graduate student in the Faculty ofMedicineintheCommunityHealthandHumanities Department and a memberof the Métis peoples. Robin is youth co-ordinator of the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre.

“Research and personal experience suggests that Aboriginal youth are primarily directed towards trades for professional employment,” said Taylor. “So we decided to create an event focused on Aboriginal youth experiencing life as a medical student and medicine as a whole. It is our hope that the exposure they will receive will transfer into an ambition to study medicine.”

Aboriginal youth experienced life as a medical student at Memorial University. Part of the activities took place in the Anatomy Lab under the supervision of Dr. Shakti

Chandra, professor of anatomy.


Taylor is researching cancer care wait times under the supervision of Dr. Maria Mathews, associate professor of health policy/health caredelivery.HevolunteerswiththeSt.John’sNativeFriendshipCentre, the Aboriginal Patient Navigator Program, and is a medical representative of the Graduate Students’ Union and the Medical Graduate Students’ Society.

In his job at the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre, Robin helps work towards improving the quality of life for Aboriginal youth in an urban environment by supporting self-determined activities, encouraging equal access and participation in Canadian society all the while respecting Aboriginal cultural distinctiveness. Robin has grown up all over Canada, where he has witnessed the many inequities that exist in many Canadian Indigenous communities.

Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine is committed to supporting Aboriginal health. A program of fundamental change in medical education programs and approach to Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal health is underway. A set of bridging programs are being developed and revisions made to the undergraduate medical curriculum to facilitate this. This includes planning to set aside two seats in the first-year medical class for Aboriginal students.Aswell thenewMaster’sofPublicHealthprogram is being reconfigured to ensure cultural relevance and sensitivity

Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine offers a special choice in the two-year Family Medicine residency program, the Northern Family Medicine (NorFam) option, which allows residents to spend up to eight months of their training in Labrador. A new initiative is responding to Nunavut’s ongoing challenges to recruit and retain family physicians. The Government of Canada will provide $4.9 million to support up to eight newly-graduated doctors to do their family medicine training in collaboration with Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine. Funding for the Nunavut Family Physician Residents Project (NunaFam) project will provide family medicine residents with a structured and longer-term educational rotation in Nunavut.

www.mun.ca


Funded by the Public Health Agencyof Canada (PHAC), the program waslaunched in 1995 as an early intervention

strategy for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children (zero to six years) and their families in urban centres and northern communities. Today, the program serves over 4,500 children in 129 locations across the country. AllHeadStartprojectsaddresstheprogram’ssix core components: nutrition, parental involvement, culture and language, education and school readiness, health promotion and social support,. The primary goal is to give children a “head-start” in education and the tools they need to succeed as young adults.

Indeed, a discussion paper written for the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (2009) pointed out that “early childhood education and child care influences one’s coping skills, lifestyle behaviours, immunity to illness, and overall well-being for the rest of one’s life. This in turn affects employment prospects, income, education, and all other determinants of Health.”(Friendly,2004).

InuIt nunangat: In the homeland of the Inuit, referred to as Inuit Nunangat, there are four regions with approximately 50,000

Inuit living in 53 communities (ITK, 2009): Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Inuvialuit (North West Territories) and Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador). In these regions and two urban centres (Montreal and Ottawa), variations of program components are offered that address some of the social determinants of health.

nunavut: There are seven Inuit HeadStart sites in Nunavut. Serving a population dealing with effects of colonization and indigenous language loss, the sites use the Culture & Language component tostrengthen Inuktitut in their communities. This year, the Attiqtait Preschool ran a “Tradition and Language” week. Activities included radio shows with children and Elders, in which they played Inuktitut word-guessing and vocabulary games, and showcased songs by Inuit Elders.

nunavIk:InNunavik,theHeadStartprogramis carried out in all 14 Inuit communities, at 16 childcare centres. Recognizing that food insecurity is an issue for its communities, Nunavik developed an anaemia and iron deficiency initiative. Through the Nutrition component of Head Start, it ensures thatchildren are served meals that meet their nutritional needs. It also recognizes that country foods can contribute positively to the modern Inuit way of life. In this way, it aims to preclude developmental delays and improves the general health of children.

InuvIaluIt: Education, through the School Readiness component, is the priority of the HeadStartsitesintheNWT,includingthetwo Inuit sites. Results from their 10 year longitudinal study showed that children in

Head Start were keeping pace with theirpeers, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. These sites are now working towards the development of an NWT-specific curriculum, to further support children’s early learning.

nunatSIavut: There is one Head Startsite in Nunatsiavut that serves Inuit - the HopedaleSugusetCentre.ThesitepromotesCultural Revitalization by addressing the Culture and Language component through activities such as cultural field trips. These include ice-fishing; berry picking; clam digging; observing igloo making; and preparing skins, meat and fish. People are brought in to teach drumming and throat singing at the Hopedale Suguset Centre.There isalsoa site inHappyValley-GooseBay which offers Inuit-specific programming, including Inuktitut language activities for children, parents and staff.

Montreal and ottawa: Currently therearetwourbanHeadStartsitesthatofferInuit-specific programming, based in Ottawa and Montreal. Upon moving south, many northern families experience social exclusion. The sites mitigate this through Parental Involvement and Social Support. With an open-door policy and a record of excellence, they serve as hubs for the Inuit communities in their respective cities.

Putting a smile on a child’s face, hope and laughter in their hearts, instilling a desire to learn, a sense of pride in their heritage and culture – this is what Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) program is all about.


Grant MacEwan University’s Centre for the Arts and Communications is a creative and supportive community, home to a vibrant group of students focused on building careers in performing, visual and communication arts. The campus, located in west Edmonton, Alberta, is one of the most dynamic arts facilities in Western Canada.

At MacEwan, our state-of-the-art technology and experienced faculty, who are also professionals in the fields of performing and visual arts, design and communications, come together to nurture the spirit that has inspired so many students to achieve their dreams.

If you would like to tour the campus or spend a day with a student in the program of your choice, give us a call. We’d love to see you.

Bachelor of Communication Studieswww.MacEwan.ca/CommunicationDegree

MacEwan’s newest four-year degree! Major in Journalism or Professional Communication. The Professional

Communication major has three streams of specialization: strategic communication,

technical communication, or publishing and editing. Call 780-497-5614.

Bachelor of Music in Jazz andContemporary Popular Music – www.MacEwan.ca/MusicDegree

One of our newest academic degrees! Prepare for a career in music or graduate studies. Major in Composition, General (with minors in Music Technology and Production, or Music Career Management), or Performance (with specialization in voice, piano/digital keyboard, bass - acoustic and electric, drum set/percussion, guitar or winds/brass). Call 780-497-4436.

Bachelor of Communication Studieswww.MacEwan.ca/CommunicationDegree

MacEwan’s newest four-year degree! Major in Journalism or Professional Communication. The Professional Communication major has three streams of specialization: strategic communication, technical communication, or publishing and editing. Call 780-497-5614.


RELIABLE PROPANE SERVICEIndustrial • Commercial • Vehicle • Residential

STITTCO ENERGY LIMITEDTOTAL ENERGY SUPPLY

Churchill, Man. (204) 675-2645 • Flin Flon (204) 687-3493Lynn Lake (204) 356-8432 • Snow Lake (204) 358-2530

The Pas (204) 623-3493 • Thompson (204) 677-2304Hay River, NWT (867) 874-2432

GUILDE CANADIENNE DES MÉTIERS D’ARTCANADIAN GUILD OF CRAFTS

1460, rue sherbrooke OuestSuite B, Montréal, Québec H3G 1K4

Tél.: (514) 849-6091Fax: (514) 849-7351

[email protected] • www.canadianguild.com


Design Studieswww.MacEwan.ca/DesignStudies

The Design Studies diploma is a combination

of the one-year Design Foundations Certificate, plus two

years of specialization in one of five diploma majors: Digital Media (i.e. web design), Exhibit Presentation, Illustration, Motion Image or Photography. You will develop a portfolio of work that is specialized in one area, and demonstrate a well-rounded skill set in visual communication design. Call 780-497-4312.

Fine Artwww.MacEwan.ca/FineArt

Start your degree with the MacEwan Fine Art program. After two years at MacEwan, you will be ready to start an exciting career as an artist, or transfer to some of the best art schools in the country to complete your degree. Courses include sculpture, painting, design fundamentals, installation, art history, digital video production, photography and more! Call 780-497-4321.

Musicwww.MacEwan.ca/MusicDiploma

This highly acclaimed two-year diploma program has been producing outstanding musical talent for over 30 years! Majors include Composition, Comprehensive,

Performance, or Recording Arts. You’ll develop a flexible range of skills, engage in multiple live performances and immerse yourself in a rich, creative world. Call 780-497-4436.

Theatre Artswww.MacEwan.ca/TheatreArts

Explore the boundaries of your own creative potential as you prepare for professional acting opportunities. Learn by doing – perform in main stage and theatre lab

shows. Become a triple threat. In two years, our full-time commitment to your training

encompasses the three disciplines of singing, acting and dancing. Call 780-497-4393.

Theatre Productionwww.MacEwan.ca/TheatreProduction

Students in the Theatre Production program share a passion for the performing arts and aren’t afraid of hard work. MacEwan’s Theatre Production program is a two-year full-time program where you’ll use a variety of materials to create some astounding sets, props, costumes, lighting and sound effects. Hands-on training delivers an exceptional blend of marketable skills. Call 780-497-4393.

Centre for the Arts and CommunicationsGrant MacEwan University10045 - 156 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5P 2P7

www.MacEwan.ca/creativity

MacEwan City Centre Campus is a short bus ride away and hosts a student residence as well as the Aboriginal Education Centre, which offers a diverse range of services including academic counselling, personal support services, Aboriginal Students Club and cultural programming. Cultural activities include an annual feast, Aboriginal Cultural Day and an Elders-in-Residence program. Aboriginal Elders are invited throughout the year to share their knowledge and traditions through workshops and special sessions. The Centre is a unique community environment where students gather, study and learn. All are welcome.

ON THE ICE:

ON THE ICE:Where Community and Education ConvergeBy: Jennie Guay

Education is an essential component of success for both individuals and communities. Valuable lessons are learned within the four walls of schools across Canada,

but in Nunavik, Quebec education is being taken beyond the classroom and onto the ice. For the founders and leaders of the NunavikYouthHockeyDevelopmentProgram(NYHDP),it’s game time. The gloves have come off, the puck has been droppedandasacommunity,theNYHDPisgoingtoassistNunavik’s Inuit community to victory.

The program was launched in 2006, and is now offered to all 14 communities in Nunavik, from Akulivik to Kuujjuaraapik andKangiqsualujjuaq.ThesolidteamatNYHDPincludesthe talents of Claude Vallières - with over 40 years in the Nunavik education system, and Sammy Koneak - with over 20 years in recreation and hockey in Nunavik. They recognized the need for leadership and community and filled it.TeamNYHDPisalsoawareof thehardshipsandchallenges that many Inuit youths face in the home, in the education system and within Canadian society. Together, they sparked the beginning of a movement focused on investing in Nunavik’s youth, ultimately contributing to the development and success of the Inuit community in Quebec for generations to come.

Vision Through a hockey Lens

The NYHDP’s vision is to create a sustainable regionalprogram that will keep Nunavik’s youth off the streets and out of trouble, while providing them with the education and skills sets required to flourish as individuals. The program utilizes hockey as tool to promote education, and as such, theNYHDPpartneredwiththeKativikSchoolBoardandgovernment and has enlisted the promotional support of the Makivik Corporation to ensure that the core objectives of the program are actualized.

The NYHDP has bridged the gap between the teachers,principles, community leaders and the students. The program is designed to get everyone involved in the growth and healthy development of the students, whereby teachers and coaches are dedicating their evenings to the students, and are bringing the classroom to the ice. It is after school hours, when supervision is sparse and boredom is at a high, that youth find themselves getting into and looking for trouble. ThatiswhytheNYHDPhasselectedpartnershipswiththeKativik School Board and local recreation centres; it creates a prolonged educational environment enriched with adult and peer support and mentorship.


The children’s coaches are responsible for not only teaching them the game of hockey; they are responsible for checking their school attendance records and weekly school reports. The collaboration between the coaches and the teachers provides the children with structural continuity. As long as their school work and attendance are in good standing, the students are able to log ice time. Although the program is not directly designed for disciplinary purposes, it serves as a binary structural guideline for the children to remain focused on their studies, in order to score ice time with their peers.

The NYHDP is an inclusive program. It does not discriminate anychild based on grades, or income. As some of these children come from broken homes and low income households, the NYHDPprovides them with hockey equipment as they need it. This is made possible through donations from such sources as The Canadian Tire Foundation and its “Bon Départ” Program, who donated equipment back in November 2009. This program promotes healthy bodies and healthy minds. The idea is that if the students are physically active and nourishing their minds, it will translate into their school work and have a positive effect on their classroom and social behaviour. The program is capitalizing on the excitement of hockey and using it as a means to motivate these students to do well at school, home and on theice.TheprinciplemessageoftheNYHDPisthatlessonsarenotjust imparted in the school arena. Life lessons and skills can be imparted in the hockey arena as well. The Nunavik Youth Hockey Development Programis enriching these children’s lives with work ethic, team building, self confidence and awareness which are all crucial life skills.

For The LoVe

oF The game,For The LoVe

oF our chiLdren

As there are many children within the Inuit community in Quebec that are plighted with tumultuous and unstable homes, with little to no mentorship or activities to keep them motivated,

the game of hockey has proven to be the life line that they so much deserve. It is with a love for the game and a desire to be a part of something positive that these children have been signing up and dedicating their time to their respective teams in large numbers. In spring 2010, there were approximately 450

students from 14 Nunavik communities that actively participated intheRegionalMinorHockeytournament.ItwasthefirstregionaltournamentofitskindundertheNYHDP,butwillcertainlynotbethe last. In addition to the regional tournament, over 150 Nunavik studentspartook in theNYHDPSelectProgram.FromtheAtomleveltotheMidgetlevel,theinterestintheNunavikYouthHockeyDevelopment Program has been staggering since its launching in 2006. In 2011, the number of hockey participants continues to grow. If the program is consistently applied and managed correctly, with the teachers, principles, provincial government and students workinginunison,theNYHDPshouldcontinuegroominghockeyenthusiasts and scholars for years to come.

more Than JusT a game

This initiative goes beyond just the social and delves into the political. TheNunavikYouthHockeyDevelopmentProgramanditsteamarenot just encouraging healthy living, education and community, they are promoting and strengthening human rights and judicial equality for Inuit youth.


On June 17, 2010, the NYHDP was acknowledged by theOrder of Quebec Social Workers as an effective forum for addressing and tackling the prominent issues surrounding the social values, equality and justice which plagues many Inuit Canadian communities. As a result of their dedication to the program, its vision and the Nunavik students from 2006-2010, the organization and the Makivik Corporation (the promoter) wereawardedasHonoraryMembersoftheQuebecOrder.TheOrderrecognizedthattheNYHDPinitiativeisaproactiveandhands-on way of moulding the younger generation of Inuit Canadians into tomorrow’s community leaders and mentors.

Garnering the acknowledgement from the Order of Quebec SocialWorkers has validated the efforts of the NYHDP andits partners. It has demonstrated that indeed there remains a need for action within our Inuit communities, not just in Quebec, but across Canada. Our youth will be left behind should we choose to not be proactive in positively contributing to the course of their lives. Education, both in the classroom and within society, is the key to all of their success. Once our youth are given life tools and shown how to apply them, the foundation will be set for their futures.

The Nunavik Youth Hockey Development Program hasgenerated positive feedback from many of the parents of the program participants. There is an appreciation for the structure that the program provides their children, as well as the self confidence, skills and direction it imparts on them. Parents are a crucial component to the success of this program. Without their support, theNYHDPwouldsurelydissipate.Parentsareacknowledging and recognizing that this program provides their children with something to work towards; something to look forward to. The kind of community within a community that theNYHDPhasestablishedisinvaluable.Itmaybesafetosaythat many of the parents, teachers, coaches, partners and leaders

involved in this remarkable program would attest that they are learning valuable lessons along with the students.

One of the ultimate goals of the Nunavik Youth HockeyDevelopment Program is to expand itself and its vision all across Canada; improving the lives of Inuit children one goal at a time. One would be hard pressed to find negative implications to this program. Its vision for a brighter future for our Inuit youth in Quebec and across Canada is attainable and the NYHDP are proving it.With a dedicated team ofeducation professionals, political affiliates, athletes, social equityenthusiastsandpartnersheadinguptheNYHDP,thisprogram is positioned to be a driving force in improving the quality of life for the Inuit community. Although many of these children have differing home lives, incomes, and experiences, they all have one thing in common; a love of hockey. It is this passion that has unified not only these children, but this community.TheymaynotallbecomeNHLstars,but theycan be the leaders of their own lives, and perhaps one day, be the leaders of this great nation.

www.nyhdp.ca

native & inuit resource magazine 2011

Documents

reason suicide

suicide reasons

depressed person

deep depression

extreme depression

severe depression

canative inuit

professional help