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1 SAGAMOK ANISHINABEK NEWS Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik Sagamok’s Youngest Conservationists Page 13 Biinjiying Announcements Pages 4-9 ASETS Page 10 Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik Page 11 Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik Page 12 Community Justice Program Pages 13 Miin Giizis 2014 Published Monthly by Sagamok Anishnawbek The bell of Ritchie Falls now chimes under Sagamok Management. The resort is part of an ambitious plan for Sagamok to expand its resources off -reserve and the topic of “The Chief’s Desk” page 3 and 12 Treaty Annuity Claim: Twenty One First Nations to Challenge government over Treaty Annuity. Page 15 The Sagamok News is available anytime VIA download at Sagamok. ca/newsletters, or read it online at ISSUU.com/ sagamok. Do not forget to SUBSCRIBE TO the “Anish Nabe” Youtube channel for sagamok news interviews with inspirational people and updates from community programs, workshops, forums and announcements.

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Page 1: Sagamok news july digital

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SAGAMOK ANISHINABEK NEWS

Biidaaban KinoomaagegamikSagamok’s Youngest Conservationists Page 13

BiinjiyingAnnouncements Pages 4-9

ASETS Page 10

Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik Page 11Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik Page 12

Community Justice Program Pages 13

Miin Giizis 2014Published Monthly by

Sagamok Anishnawbek

The bell of Ritchie Falls now chimes under Sagamok Management. The resort is part of an ambitious plan for Sagamok to expand its resources off -reserve and the topic of “The Chief’s Desk” page 3 and 12

Treaty Annuity Claim: Twenty One First Nations to Challenge government over Treaty Annuity.Page 15

The Sagamok News is available anytime VIA download at Sagamok.ca/newsletters, or read it online at ISSUU.com/sagamok.

Do not forget to SUBSCRIBE TO the “Anish Nabe” Youtube channel for sagamok news interviews with inspirational people and updates from community programs, workshops, forums and announcements.

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SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK NEWS

Sagamok Anishnawbek News is a product of the Community Devel-opment and Nation Building Project. A Communications Core Group

formed to respond requesting timely and up to date information of our Administration of Government.

The Sagamok Anishnawbek News first published in June 2004. It will continue monthly information sharing related to Sagamok Anishnawbek

Administration of Government.

PUBLISHING CRITERIA

The Sagamok Anishnawbek News is a monthly publication of the Sag-amok Anishnawbek First Nation. Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political position of the First Nation. No portion of this

paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the Sagamok Anishnawbek News Editorial Board.

All contributors will be provided a reply regarding the receiving of their submission. As administrator and editor we reserve the right to edit,

condense, print, reject or delay publication of submissions. Publication of submissions is based upon priority of interest. All contributors must include contact information with their submission. Submissions which include pictures must include information regarding the content of the

photo.

The Sagamok News is offering cash honoraria for article submissions from Community members. All articles must be 250 words or more in

length and relevant to Sagamok Anishnawbek. All articles must be typed or formatted using MS Word and sent to the email address [email protected] or dropped off at the Sagamok Newsletter mailbox in the Band office. The monthly deadline for submissions is the 3rd Friday of each month. A maximum of $100 honoraria per month will be shared

amongst membership contributors. Letters to the editor and all other em-ployee submissions are not applicable to the Community Member news

article Initiative.

Newspaper Working Group: Michelle Toulouse Janet Owl Allen Toulouse Wayne Peltier Laura McMeekin-Clarke Rebecca Toulouse Ezra Owl Amanda Hardisty Mitzi Toulouse Lorna Sinobert Veronica Nashkawa

Production: Sagamok Anishnawbek News

Administration: Allen Toulouse

ADVERTISING & NEW DEADLINES

Deadline for the August 2014 issue

Submission Deadline: July 18th, 2014

Scheduled Printing: August 1st, 2014

SUBMISSION INQUIRIES

Telephone (705) 865-2421 ext 270

Toll Free 1-800-567-2896

Email [email protected]

Donations Payable to: Sagamok Anishnawbek News

P.O. Box 610, Massey, Ontario , P0P 1P0

The Sagamok Food Bank has just relocated; we are in the Multi Educational Centre beside the kitchen. The Food Bank hours remain the same, it is open every Wednesday from 1:30pm-4:30pm and every Friday from 9:00am-12:00pm (unless posted otherwise).

When donating to your local Food Bank think about what items would make up a meal; a can of tomatoes, kidney beans, mushrooms and pasta sauce with a package of chili powder can make a pot of chili for a family.

A large percentage of those that use the food banks are families with children that take lunches or snacks to school.

Acceptable donations for these children would be, pudding cups, peanut-free granola bars, fruit cups, cereal bars, 100% juice boxes

Food Donation Suggestions - (Non perishable items only please; foods high in protein):

Peanut butter, jam, spaghetti sauce, dry pastas, macaroni, Kraft Dinner, canned meat, stew, tomatoes, canned fish, canned fruits, canned soups, rice and dry beans, canned beans, crackers, cereal, tea, coffee, sugars, baking items, cake mixes, flour, puddings, Jell-O, ketchup, mustard, relishes, snacks, raisins, cereal bars, juices

Items for babies are also a necessity, diapers, food, formula, wipes, body wash, etc.

We run on a limited budget each month and donations by various sources help to keep up with the high demand of individuals who depend on the food bank for help.

Miigwetch & Please donate to the Sagamok Food Bank

Sagamok Food Bank New Location

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By: Chief Eshkakogan

This edition of the Sagamok Newsletter is focused on providing insight into the operations of Ritchie Falls Resort. As reported in previous writings, I want to again remind the membership that this business was acquired by the Sagamok Anishnawbek in November of 2012. We have completed one full year of operations from January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2013 and are currently into our second year of operations.

The resort was purchased to support the implementation of the Sagamok Tourism Strategy. The strategy identifies utilizing the land to support tourism development. The strategy recommends that tourism opportunities be pursued on and off reserve.

Ritchie Falls Resort will provide employment opportunities for Sagamok members. I also want to point out that this is first time we have ventured into this type of business or any other business for that matter. A community of our size should have business interests off reserve that provide opportunities and have some real value as an asset. I would also point out that Sagamok being the owners of the business has strengthened our connection to our traditional lands and has garnered some attention from the Government of Ontario and industry as it relates to the extraction of forest resources.

The resort was acquired after some months of negotiations with the previous owners that took place between January 2012 and November of the same year. During this time a business valuation was concluded and business plan that would guide the operation and development of the business. The starting offer from the previous owners

was $800,000 and the final selling price was $680,000. We were successful in receiving a government grant for approximately $ 370,700 which represented funding assistance for the purchase of the resort, legal and professional fees to finalize the deal and to undertake marketing activities. Sagamok Anishnawbek invested in Ritchie Falls with the purchase of a company vehicle and ATV’s to support the business operations. Much effort has been put into addressing maintenance and repairs. Further investments will involve the upgrade to the resort with assistance through government funding.

In August of 2013, Sagamok Anishnawbek acquired Moosewa Lodge when it suddenly became available. The lodge is located approximately 10 kilometres northwest of Ritchie Falls and can only accessed by boat or snowmobile. Moosewa went into receivership and the creditors listed it for $200,000 and Sagamok Anishnawbek was able to purchase Moosewa for $75,000. The purchase was necessary to eliminate

any potential competition in the area. Currently, the lodge is not in operation and we are waiting for Waubetek Business Development Corporation to approve our funding application. Once operations have been initiated at Moosewa Lodge, it will enhance Ritchie Falls Resort and provide more options for guests.

To conclude, both purchases of the Ritchie Falls and Moosewa Resorts and has put Sagamok Anishnawbek in a position when

From the Chief’s Desk

Sagamok youth and teachers toured the resort alongside visitng community members. For many it was their first trip to the facility.

“A community of our size should have business interests off reserve that provide opportunities and have some real value as an asset.” -Chief Paul Eshkakoganit comes to our Traditional land use; and the resource development companies will be obligated to include Sagamok Anishnawbek when considering resource development within our Traditional lands. An example, when it comes to industry and government, they will have to consult with Sagamok Anishnawbek when they have plans to harvest the timber from our traditional lands. Why? One, we are a First Nation and have

Continued on page 12

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Notice to all Sagamok Anishnawbek off-reserve Band Members,

Sagamok Anishnawbek Membership office is up-dating the mailing list. Can you please email your current address to [email protected]. Please share/ forward to any family or friends. If you have any questions, please

contact me directly at 1 (800) 567-2896

Congratulations Miss Laura - Lee Southwind. Who is graduating J.K

and off to S.K next year...

Love Big Grandma and Big Papa

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Information For Community Regarding Sagamok Anishnawbek First Response Team

The purpose of the First Response Team is to provide emergency patient care at the scene of an accident or illness until such time

that an ambulance is available to arrive at the scene.

The intent of these teams is to have local access to a trained group of local volunteers that may be available to respond to a local

ambulance related emergency and administer first aid. There are times when there are not enough volunteers to provide the First Response service and as such will notify the Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) that the First Response Team is

not in service.

An Emergency First Response Team is not an ambulance service and must be dispatched by an ambulance communications Centre

(CACC).

The CACC prioritizes the urgency of requests, determines the appropriate destination hospital to meet patient needs and provides

callers with pre-arrival first aid instructions. The centers deploy, coordinate and direct the movement of all ambulances and

emergency response vehicles within geographic catchment areas to ensure an integrated healthcare system.

The Emergency First Response Team will be activated only by the CACC. Should someone contact a team member directly for

assistance, the team member will contact the CACC and request an ambulance prior to responding on the call.

The First Response Vehicle is to be used as a First Response Vehicle and as such is NOT TO BE USED TO TRANSPORT

PATIENT(S).

Circumstances may deem the need for the First Response vehicle to be used as a mobile shelter. Mobile shelter will be considered as a temporary shelter at the scene, when the need for shelter from the

elements is required i.e. weather, insects, bystanders, patient safety, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Melvin Southwind at (705) 865-2421 ext. 211.

EldEr’s OrAl HIsTOrY GATHErINGsAGAmOk EldErs ArE INvITEd TO A

rEsEArcH ANd OrAl HIsTOrY sEssION AT

THE NEw cOmmuNITY HAll (ENjI wIIjI

GAAbwITAAdAYING AGAmIk)

wHEN: julY 22Nd

9:30Am-3:45pm

*luNcH prOvIdEd

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Fire Permits$5 per fire permit as of May 1st 2014.

Fire permits are available at the front desk of the Sagamok Band Office. Requests for controlled burns can be made with Melvin Southwind at 705-865-2142 ext 211

Outdoor Fires and the Law

If you’re found responsible for a forest fire, because of improper fire usage, you could be accountable for the costs of putting out the fire and for any property damage that occurs.

For those living in a municipality, you may be required to take your grass or woody debris to an approved dis-posal site. Check first with the local municipal office or fire department first.

If you live in northwestern, northern or central Ontario, it’s the law to follow the proper safety burning informa-tion.

Choose the right time to fire up

Flames are likely to burn out of control on a hot, dry or windy day. Burn during the coolest, dampest and calm-est time of the day -- two hours before sunset, or later.

Size matters

Small fires can be controlled by one person using hand tools and water. Keep your fire burning products less than two metres in diameter and less than two metres high. If you want to burn grass or leaves, the area must be

less than one hectare and the length of the flaming edge is kept to less than 30 metres.

Choose the appropriate site

Burning piles must be at least two metres away from other flammable material. A fire-proof boundary is essen-tial if you’re burning grass or leaves. Roads and ditches provide a good barrier against fire spread.

Don’t leave your fire alone

A responsible fire starter must be available to tend to the fire from start to finish -- even if it’s contained in an incinerator.

Put your fire out!

If you start a fire, it’s your responsibility to put it out. Coals can smolder for hours and hot embers can be blown by the wind, easily igniting surrounding tinder. Used charcoal or ashes should be disposed of in a pit. Hot coals

should be doused thoroughly, then covered with sand or gravel.

Building a safe incinerator is also important if you often burn wood debris or litter.

from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Train in Sagamok to become an Early Childhood Educator!

APPLY NOW! Registration funded through Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation closes June 15.

Contact:Judy Proux, Espanola Campus, Cambrian College | (705) 869-4113

Claudette Jones or Joanne Owl, Education Unit, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation | (705) 865-2421

• Hands-on learning that’s close to home• Classes start in September, 2014• 2-year diploma program • Graduates may apply to become

Registered Early Childhood Educators

Learn more, find admission requirements and apply at: cambriancollege.ca/earlychildhood

Minimum 20 students needed to deliver program

Congratulations!!!! To My Beautiful Grand-daughter Morgan Trudeau

Who is graduating high school this year 2014, she will be off to College in the fall in Toronto... Good Luck Morgan you can

do it

Love Grandma and papa (Myna and Theodore Toulouse)

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APS Communiqué

Sergeant Barry Petahtegoose will be working in the capacity of Acting

Inspector for APS Professional Standards Bureau for the period of June 30, 2014

to January 30, 2015. He will continue to work out of the Sagamok Detachment.

Senior Constable Byron Pilon from APS Nipissing Detachment will be the Acting Detachment Commander for the period

of June 30, 2014 to January 30, 2015. Senior Constable Pilon has 19 years of First Nation policing experience and

brings a wide range of experience with him. He is a registered member of the Pic

Mobert First Nation.

He can be contacted at the Sagamok Detachment at 705-865-2868 ext 204 for Detachment inquiries.

Patricia Trudeau smiles with Olympian Clara Hughes as she cycled through scenic Lee Valley Road.

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ASETS

Update on Program and Policy Changes

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) of Sagamok Anishnawbek has recently undergone policy changes and revisions. Staff worked collaboratively to fill the gaps and avoid duplication of services within the Education Unit. New policies were approved by Chief and Council on May 14, 2014. There have been changes to the eligibility requirements under some of the programs to ensure accountability and promote fair access. There have also been a few new programs added to support areas where there previously was no assistance for individuals encountering challenges with employment and/or training. All new policies and forms are available on the Sagamok Anishnawbek website at:

http://www.sagamok.ca/aboriginal-skills-and-employment-training-strategy

The new programs added include:

Youth Career Exploration Program – The Youth Career Exploration Program may be used to assist youth who are having difficulty with making career choices, to explore on the job training opportunities to assist with career decision making.

Youth Co-op Elective Credit Program - The purpose of the Co-op Elective Credit Program is to support the attainment of final secondary elective credits for completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The program may assist youth with on-the-job work experience opportunities in partnership with school boards and or/affiliates who will grant elective credits for co-op hours.

Youth Community Service Program - The purpose of the Community Service Program is to provide support for youth who face barriers to finding employment through participation in community service projects. The aim is to help young people develop the life skills and work experience necessary to enter the labour market, and to complete required community service hours.

Employment Maintenance Program - The objective of the employment maintenance program is to provide one time assistance to participants employed full time, who require assistance to continue working in that job, or risk losing their full time employment. Assistance is considered extraordinary and temporary in nature and must not lead

to continuing dependence on the ASETS program.

A full list of all ASETS programs is included below, and all program descriptions are available on our website.

Sagamok Anishnawbek ASETS LDM Programs

Training Programs:

Skills Enhancement (Course Purchase)

Targeted Wage Subsidy Program (Job Opportunity)

Job Creation Partnership Program

Self-Employment Programs:

Self-Employment Assistance Program

Employment Programs:

Employment Support Program

Mobility / Relocation Assistance Program

Employment Maintenance Program

Youth Programs:

Targeted Wage Subsidy (Career Exploration Program)

Summer Student Program

Community Service Program

Co-op Elective Credit Program

ASETS is proud to announce that we have made changes to our staffing, in order to better serve the needs of our community members and our funders. Our primary staff

includes:

Paulette Carter-Owl is the new ASETS Intake, Compliance and Data Systems Officer

Paulette assists all new applicants to our services and programs and can be reached at (705) 865-2421 ext. 242 or [email protected]

Samantha Jones is the ASETS Administrative Assistant

Samantha assists with office administration and finance and can be reached at (705) 865-2421 ext. 264 or [email protected]

Andrea Hajt-Jacobs is our ASETS Coordinator

Andrea assists with career coaching and overall coordination of Sagamok’s employment and training funds and can be reached at (705) 865-2421 ext. 262 or [email protected]

The ASETS offices are located at the Sagamok Multi-Education Centre at 4008 Espaniel Street. We have a job board that is updated daily with many employment and training opportunities to assist you with furthering your career and employment aspirations. We also offer public computer access and internet access to help with your job searching requirements. If you’d like more information on any of the ASETS programs please contact the ASETS offices and we’d be happy to help you determine the best programs and services for your needs. Appointments with staff are highly encouraged and may be necessary to ensure that we are available to meet with you.

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Mother and Father’s Day BarbecueOn Friday May 09, 2014 the toddler room and preschool invited all their mommies, grandmothers and auntie to their Mother’s Day Luncheon. Children made cheerios necklaces, handprints, and flowers for parent child activities. Parents and children ate hamburgers, sausage on a bun and salads. Door Prize of roses was won by Elizabeth Toulouse, and Charlene Sterling. Thank you to all the moms, and grandmas for joining us to celebrate this special occasion.

Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik

Father’s Day Fish FryOn Friday June 13, 2014 the toddler room and preschool invited their daddies, grandpas and uncles to their Father’s Day Luncheon. Toddler children made car tracks painting, a fish craft, and all-star pennants and Preschool children had a fish pond as a parent child activity. Fish dinner was on the menu. The door prize was won by Lawrence Solomon Jr. he received a Gift Card. Thank you to all the dads and grandpas for joining us to celebrate yet another special occasion.

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Biidaaban students were again invited to participate in the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board track and field meet on June 11th in Elliot Lake. Schools participating included: Sacred Heart, St. Marys Massey, St Marys Blind River, Our Lady of Fatima, and Our Lady of Lourdes. 27 boys and girls aged 9-14 participated in running and field events. Once again Biidaaban represented Sagamok with their excellent performance, especially in the 13+ division. Hunter Chiblow placed 1st in all his events and was the talk of the track meet among coaches, spectators and students with his outstanding performance both in running and triple jump. Congratulations Hunter and to all participants!!

Results:9 & 10 Girls Julia Bird – 2nd softball throw

11 & 12 BoysPeter Toulouse – 3rd softball throw

11 & 12 GirlsAmber Chiblow – 2nd softball throw, 2nd 100 m, 3rd long jump, 3rd 200m , 3rd relayFaye Solomon – 1st 100m, 2nd long jump, 3rd baseball throw, 3rd relayAmara Makadebin – 3rd relaySky Jacobs – 3rd relay

13+ Boys Hunter Chiblow – 1st 100, 1st 200, 1st long jump, 1st triple jump, 2nd relayKain Kokoko – 2nd standing jump, 3rd 100m, 2nd relayRusty Caibaiosai – 3rd standing jump, 2nd relayJackson Linklater – 2nd relay

13+ Girls Natalie Southwind-Trudeau- 2nd 800, 1st softball throw

treaty rights that they have to consider; two, we are now business owners, but not just any owners, but the lodge owners. We are in a much stronger position than ever before as it relates to occupying and using our traditional lands.

What can we expect in the future?

Ritchie Falls is awaiting approval from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and Fednor on funding applications that have been submitted to construct a new main lodge, three new cabins and to upgrade the power system. The entire project is valued at $1.1 million dollars. These improvements will increase the number of guests annually, thereby creating more opportunities for employment.

As well, we have begun to work with the Township of Sable and Spanish River to consider jointly developing a plan to market canoeing on the Sable River and developing hiking trails adjacent to our community.

In closing, I would like to encourage Sagamok members to continue supporting this business venture and if possible to visit the lodge and see firsthand the beauty of the facility. We will be scheduling more opportunities for community members to visit the resort in the future.

Continued from Page Biidaaban Grade Eight Student, Hunter Chiblow Shines in Elliot Lake Track and Field Meet

Chief Eshkakogan and Matthew Owl direct visitors through a tour of the Ritchie Falls Resort facilities

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By: Allen Toulouse

June 19 2014: Sagamok’s youngest stewards for the environment got a visit from staff of the Toronto Zoo. They came with a gift for not just the classroom but for our community. Anishnaabemowin based turtle crossing signs, which are to be erected at locations where turtles frequently cross the road.

Juliet Ozawanimke, a Junior Kindergarten Teacher at Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik, was approached by her students who said they were sad to see turtles getting hit by automobiles. Juliet engaged her students with a talk about what they could do and the idea emerged that they could put signs up to warn drivers about places where the turtles frequently attempt to cross the road. However, where would they find a sign suitable for the job and who could help this ambitious class of Kindergartners. Juliet called the Toronto Zoo, who are responsible for a province wide “Turtle Tally” program designed to protect Ontario turtle species. Matt Shrill and Katey came as representatives of the Toronto Zoo and provided the children in the Senior and Junior Kindergarten Classroom a fun and informative workshop about all the turtle species on Ontario and were presented life like models of the turtles found in the community. The main points Matt and Katey made for the children was that wild turtles should not be taken

Pint sized conservations of the future erect signage to save turtles!

Sagamok’s Kindergarten class of 2014, Lands and Environment staff, representative of the Toronto Zoo Matt Shrill stand by the signs which are to go up this summer, warning drivers about turtle crossings

from their homes and made into pets, turtles sometimes need help crossing the road and make sure you take them the direction they are walking, otherwise they will go back on the road and get hit and finally that they have done something special . After the lecture the Senior Kindergarten class went for a walk off the school grounds to visit the sight where their signs were going to be posted. When the class returned to the school they presented Matt and Katey with a turtle card they made just for them.

Sagamok can be proud of these little conservationists who put forth a big effort to help our local wildlife. We should look to our educators such as Juliet who listened and acted on behalf of her students and the staff of the Toronto Zoo who spared no expense in providing these important and culturally appropriate signs. A big Chi-Meegwetch to everyone involved and I hope that the enthusiasm of these youth only grows further.

Turtles like to dig their nest in the roadside during the spring and early summer which is why we must watch out for turtles and slowdown when we drive.-Matt Shrill, Toronto Zoo

Kindergarten students looking at their new turtle Identification sheets, courtesty of Toronto Zoo.

Matt Shrill, holding the turtle card, Sagamok students presented him and Katey after they visited the site of their turtle sign.

Biidaaban students with their turtle certifcates and sign following the visit from the Toronto Zoo.

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DUTY TO REPORTKids shouldn’t have to live with abuse. Reporting suspected child abuse and neglect is everyone’s

responsibility. To learn more about child abuse and neglect, how to recognize it and what happens

when you call a children’s aid society, visit www.useyourvoice.ca. Use your voice. Report your

suspicions of child abuse and neglect to your local Children’s Aid Society at 705-566-3113.

COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROGRAMMIWDOODAA MINO MAADIZIWIN DIVERSION PROGRAM

MISSIONThe community Justice Program will support offenders, families and victims to restore balance and harmony in relationships as they work towards healing; assist offenders in reintegration into the community; instill pride in their Anishnawbek identity; create community awareness of justice issues through education; and work together

with other programs and services to improve the quality of life for all community members

Eligibility

• Youth ages 12-17, Adults 18+, member or resident of Sagamok Anishnawbek who normally resides in Sagamok, individual has agreed and consented to voluntary participation in the diversion program, individual has consulted with legal counsel

Justice Committee

Guided by the sacred teachings of the seven grandfathers, the Justice committee consists of Sagamok Anishnawbek community members who promote decision by consensus, equality, balance and unity.

Length of Program

• The length of the program is determined by two factors.

• Case by case basis and the time given to the client to complete conditions as outlined in the Healing and Wellness Plan

• Address causes of the offending behaviour

The needs of the victim(s) will be adequately addressed

• The safety and harmony of the community will be enhanced through the use of a community based approach

• Community ownership and responsibility

• Reduced charge or withdrawal of charge

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Why the Treaty Annuity Claim may be the biggest battle yet for Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations.

By Allen Toulouse

Treaty Day 2014 marked the 164th anniversary of the signing of the Robinson-Huron Treaty. The annual event is known for the distribution of the $4.00 annuity provided to First Nations Members whose reservations are signed into the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty. Locally this event also provides an excellent venue for fundraising local causes, program, education and entertainment. Down the hall past the auditorium of the Sagamok Multi-Education center, there was presentation on an upcoming claim being made by First Nations of the Robinson Huron Treaty.

David Nahwegahbow an attorney for Nahwegahbow Corbiere Law Firm presented the case of the “Treaty Annuity Claim” to attendees. During the opening portion of David’s presentation he elaborated on the history of the present $4.00 annuity, stating, “At a certain point in time after confederation, they did a splitting of the different responsibilities and the provinces got the land and the Federal government got jurisdiction over Indians and Indian lands. They got in a conflict over who pays the annuity. The province refused to pay and the Federal government claimed the Provincial Government should pay because they manage the land and make all the profit. Around 1900 they cut a deal, they capped it(annuity) at $4.00 a year for “X” number of persons and they signed off on a settlement between the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government which made it impossible to increase after that. Despite that they have made a lot of money by cutting the timber and mineral development. They should have been honest and increased it over the years and they never did.” The biggest question about this future claim amongst attendees was, “If we win how much money is being claimed and where does it go?” According to Nahwegahbow, “Just to get a sense of the magnitude of what the compensation should be, reflecting on what they made it is incomprehensible. When you start calculating damages and compensation, you also factor in interest and interest on interest over the years. This is not just for individual annuities that is the nature of the compensation, it is a First Nation benefit. […]There is a formula in place where a certain portion will be distributed to the band and some reserved for a defense fund to pro-actively promote these treaty rights.”

David Nahwegahbow of the Nahwegahbow and Corbiere Law Firm providing a presentation on the land mark and upcoming Treaty Annuity Case.

A Resource revenue sharing provision is in the treaty. The chiefs knew the minerals in the ground had some value and so they wanted to make sure they had a fair share when the country was developed. - David Nahwegahbow,

The actual claim is set to launch September 9th 2014 and could very well be one the biggest claims made in the Robinson Huron Treaty region. Chief Eshkakogan is supportive of the claim and as are twenty one other First Nations who sit on a board directing the claim, including Sagamok.

Attendees at the Treaty Annuity presentation, asked plenty of questions.

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