Page 5 Chatter - August

THE VIOLENT DEATH OF A FIVE-YEAR-OLD
boy, shot while he was sleeping at his father’s home in Hobbema, was called a “horrible, terrible setback” for the Alberta reserve by National Chief Shawn Atleo. Ethan Yellowbird was the grandson of the nation’s chief, Marvin Yellowbird. A bullet fired from outside the home is said to be responsible for his death. A woman inside the home was also injured. At the opening of the gathering of leaders of the Assembly of First Nations in Moncton, N.B. on July 12, Atleo expressed condolences to the family, adding “This kind of tragic news brings heightened focus to the work that we’ve gathered here to do over the next three days.” Gang activity that has plagued the area has not been ruled out in the death. RCMP say there are six gangs operating in and around Hobbema. In 2008, Asia Saddleback was injured in a drive-by shooting while in her family’s home. She was not yet two, and recovered from the shooting, though a bullet remains lodged near her spine.

THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS REPORTS
that Manitoba’s NDP government has added five new anti-gang programs designed to get kids away from crime. Three will be on First Nations, including St. Theresa Point First Nation, Sandy Bay First Nation and Sioux Valley First Nation. Wabowden and Elwick Village in Winnipeg round out the sites. The programs will offer free supervised recreation, education or social after-hours activities for kids and teenagers.

CHIEF CLIFFORD BULL AND THE COUNCIL
of the Lac Seul First Nation in Ontario say they will not support any nuclear waste storage initiatives by regional municipalities within their traditional territory. “We are aware that the towns such as Sioux Lookout, Ignace and Ear Falls have either expressed or are expressing their interest as potential host repository sites for nuclear waste, in response to the recent call for Expressions of Interest by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization,” said Bull. “We borrow this world from our children, and Lac Seul does not want to create an impossible problem for our future generations to struggle with.” Lac Seul First Nation stands with the Grand Council of Treaty 3, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and other Northwestern Ontario First Nations in opposing the potential development of nuclear waste storage sites. “This is not a matter of consultation and accommodation for Lac Seul. This is a matter of opposition,” said Bull. Lac Seul is located about 38 km northwest of Sioux Lookout.

THE NATIONAL PANEL ON FIRST NATION
elementary and secondary education began the engagement phase of its work with a visit to Akwesasne on June 24. Chair Scott Haldane said the panel had an important mandate to fulfill. “They have asked us to look at options, including legislation, to improve elementary and secondary education outcomes for First Nation students living on reserve,” he said. They visited schools in Akwesasne and heard from educators and community leaders about their success in building a strong education system. “We also heard about the community’s innovative strategy on the Mohawk language revitalization and retention. We then had frank and open discussions with young adults about their individual experiences with the education system,” Haldane said. There will be many such visits to First Nations communities. There will also be roundtable sessions with First Nation youth, parents, Elders, teachers, leaders,” as well as provincial officials and the private sector. “We also plan to talk to academics and those who work in the education system, along with business leaders, who not only look to First Nations as a source of skilled labour, but who also care deeply about First Nation youth and want to help them succeed.”

THE CANADIAN PRESS IS REPORTING
that the pre-inquest into the death of teen Reggie Bushie will begin on July 21. The 15-year-old was attending high school away from home. His body was found in the McIntyre River in Thunder Bay in 2007. An inquest will follow the pre-inquest hearing. Bushie is the first of a number of teens from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation who died in similar circumstances. Provincial opposition parties suggest the tragedies may had been avoided had an inquest been completed earlier. Bushie’s inquest was first set to begin in 2009, but a lack of representation of First Nations on the jury roll delayed it. The jury will focus on Bushie, but will also be allowed to make recommendations that might prevent similar deaths.

WAWATAY NEWS ONLINE REPORTS THAT
thousands of dollars of street drugs were intercepted on June 15 by Nishnawbe-Aski Police before they could be sold in Attawapiskat. Officers seized 116 grams of marijuana, 54.5 grams of methamphetamine pills and 1.8 grams of heroin. The total estimated northern street value was about $7,600. Charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and breach of probation is 31-year-old John Tookate.