The Aboriginal Newspaper of Saskatchewan
By Kenneth Williams
Sage Writer
CYBERSPACE
The Internet is growing so fast that some experts claim it is doubling every 50 days. This vast pile of information can be useful to the job hunter if they know what they're doing. The immediate problem with the Internet is that it is does not discriminate and anyone with access to it can put anything on it. Therefore, this superhighway is full of information, but most of that information will be useless to most people. The real trick is learning how to guide your search through the Internet to find what you want - in this case, a job.
Imagine that the Internet is a gigantic haystack. The information you want is a needle buried deep within that haystack. The hard way is to start jumping in the hay and randomly search around for that needle. You might get lucky and find the needle quickly, but why waste your time on chance. There are people who have already searched that hay for you and laid a path to the needles.
The first thing you want to find those paths. Yahoo Canada is an example of this. This is a library and not a search engine, and has files culled from the Internet. It categorizes the information and lays it out by subject for you.
But you still have to find something more specific. If you just type in "employment" in the search option, you'll get a lot of options. Three of which are Canada Employment Weekly <www.mediacorp2.com>, the Canadian Job Catalogue <www.kenevacorp.mb.ca>, and Canada's Job Bank <jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca>. For Canada's Job Bank, it's important to remember not to put "www" in front of the address.
Now, these three resources are really good and will allow to search for employment across Canada is pretty much any field you desire. Canada's Job Bank, for example, is put together by Human Resources Development Canada. The Canada Employment Weekly has an on-line version of its newspaper, but you have to be a subscriber to get full access to it. The Job Bank and the Job Catalogue are both free.
But to search for employment like this is a general way to do it and you still have to search by category within these resources. There are other tricks available. If you want to search for employment in a different city, say Saskatoon, then the best way to do that is to find a newspaper in that city that publishes an Internet version.
The Saskatoon Star-Phoenix is available on the Internet and even has a classifieds listing. You could search through that to try and find a job in your field.
But don't limit your search to Saskatoon, because there are newspapers published on the Internet from all over the world.
Another search technique to go back to Yahoo Canada and type in the career field you'd like to work in and then "employment". Just for the sake of example, type in "journalism+ employment" and this will make Yahoo Canada find all the files that have these two words in them. Of course, you might become terribly disappointed when nothing comes up. Remember, this is just a search example, there are probably lots of jobs in the field you want to work in.
Some other newspapers, such as Saskatchewan Sage, have their own web-sites with links to employment resources. You can find this paper at <www.ammsa.com> and click onto the career opportunities button. Under that you'll find a listing of employment opportunities at AMMSA, as well as links to the Public Service Commission's web-site <www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/recruit>. The commission is responsible for recruiting employees for the federal government.
The Internet should not be the only tool you use when searching for employment,
but it is one you shouldn't ignore either.
By Kenneth Williams
Sage Writer
I'd like to wish a Happy Father's Day to my dad, Kenneth Williams. I love you Dad, and I wish I could spend more time with you.
*****
Jean Chretien has managed to keep power for another three to five years, depending, I guess, on when he wants to call another election. With his majority cut down to 155 seats, he had better be careful to avoid any defections. Just five seats separates the Liberals from a minority government.
It makes me wonder if the Reform Party, or any of the others, haven't already begun thinking about who in the Liberal Party might be persuaded to cross the floor and join them.
Even though the Bloc Quebecois have 10 fewer seats than they did in the last election, this has probably turned out in their favor. That party was never comfortable being the "Queen's loyal opposition." Now they can comfortably be the "disloyal" opposition. And the Reform Party will probably keep Quebec a hot topic, thus allowing the Bloc to have all the issues handed to them.
What happens now?
The immediate concern for Indian people is the appointment of a new minister of Indian Affairs. Love him or hate him, you could be pretty certain what Ron Irwin would do. How could you miss? He was always candid about his objectives.
Secondly, will Aboriginal issues be important to a House of Commons where all the parties are regionally based. Jean Charest scooped the Atlantic protest vote, but didn't fare well after that. The Reform Party, despite a strong popular showing are still only representing the west. The Bloc - surprise, surprise! - didn't get a seat out of Quebec. And the Liberals are now left representing the province of Ontario. The New Democratic Party were the only ones to get anything like national representation, but will one of four parties vying for attention whenever they want to attack the government.
No matter how you look at it, this next session of Parliament should be interesting to watch.
*****
I attended the annual convention of the Canadian Association of Journalists in Edmonton last month. It was an incredible opportunity to meet journalists from across Canada who cared passionately about their craft. What was immediate to me was that there were very few Aboriginal journalists at this event. Even so, the association made sure that Aboriginal issues were addressed. National Chief Ovide Mercredi made a passionate speech about the mainstream media's lack of interest or understanding of Aboriginal issues.
There was, however, a point I wanted to raise with him but couldn't because of time constraints: it's true that the mainstream media is in the dark with Aboriginal issues but Chief Mercredi has virtually shut out the Aboriginal Multi Media Society of Alberta whenever we've sought his point of view. It's been like pulling teeth whenever we've tried to get him to answer a question directly. I guess a media organization that is capable of culturally understanding Aboriginal issues isn't as important as trying to get the Globe & Mail to print anything he says.
On the other hand, Ron Irwin, the former minister of Indian Affairs, was always accessible and willing to answer direct questions.
The reason a paper like Saskatchewan Sage exists is because of the mainstream's
media inability to properly address Aboriginal issues. It doesn't make sense
to me that Chief Mercredi would want to ignore us, which would mean he's
ignoring the readers.
By Kenneth Williams
Sage Writer
OTTAWA
A Regional Bilateral Agreement that will allow the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan to design and deliver labor force development programs and services to the Métis people in Saskatchewan was signed on Feb. 20. Under the agreement, Human Resources Development Canada will provide up to $8.2 million to the MNS for each of the two years. The employment of the MNS, Métis Employment and Training of Saskatchewan Inc., will support local Métis labor market boards in the administration of labor force development activities, which include employment services, counseling, in-class and workplace training and income support during training for Métis people.
"Métis have always wanted programs and services decentralized to the grassroots level," said Jim Durocher, president of the MNS. "This agreement allows the community the ability to determine their needs and develop programs to best meet those needs."
"I am pleased to be part of a process which builds on strengths within the Métis Nation," said Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State for Training and Youth. "You are demonstrating your commitment to support a stronger future for Métis people by delivering needed employment services and training at the community level."
The funding for the agreement was provided by the March 1996 budget, which is built into the existing fiscal situation. This is a continuation of the Pathways to Success initiative, which was an undertaking that gave planning and decision-making control to local and regional Aboriginal boards for training programs and services while HRDC retained the contracting responsibilities. The RBA between the MNS and HRDC includes commitments to address the issues of regional and national interest such as equitable access by Métis individuals on the basis of self-identification, women's issues, consistency with HRDC mandate and urban training concerns.
"This has been in the works for about a year," said Durocher. "But there are still a number sticking points."
Durocher isn't happy with the funding split between the First Nations of Saskatchewan and the MNS. This problem is worsened because the Métis people of Saskatchewan haven't been enumerated and there is no number that everyone agrees with.
"I was concerned with the allocation part of the agreement," he said. "I wanted a 50/50 split."
Tina Eberts, a spokesperson for HRDC in Regina, said that there were steps taken to make sure that a population that was agreeable to everyone was used as a basis for the funding allocation.
"We've been having those discussions since the beginning of the Pathways program. It was difficult to find numbers that were acceptable to everyone," she said. "We got the StatsCan population. We have agreed that we're very interested in seeing the new numbers, but we can't really make a commitment until we see what the results are."
If the numbers are different, there is a clause for increased funding for the MNS. The sooner the enumeration is held the better, as far as Durocher is concerned. For him, enumeration is necessary for building a Métis nation.
"As Métis people we really don't have those numbers. And every time we look at a program, we're getting the short end of the stick because we don't have those hard numbers," he said. "We're one of the Aboriginal people in section 35 in the constitution and I wonder why we're treated differently."
But he's not completely sour about the RBA and is happy about a couple of points in it.
"It's Métis specific," he said. "That's important regarding jurisdiction. We keep getting caught between the federal and provincial governments. When the HRDC gave us the funding, it was based on two principles: it was Métis specific and it was a devolution of funds.
"We're able to handle this money ourselves. We have to be accountable for it," he continued. "Ethel [Blondin-Andrew] fought hard so that the Métis people had devolution and Métis specific programs. That gives us an opportunity to work towards self-government."
After the enumeration, which is still in the works as the province hasn't
come forward with the funding necessary, Durocher feels that the Métis
will make up to 50 per cent of Saskatchewan's Aboriginal population.
By Debora Lockyer
Sage Writer
REGINA
Moved by what he described as the haunting voices of the children, Blaine Favel, Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, announced the organization's intention to hold an inquiry into the abuses suffered by those who attended residential schools in the province.
"The voices of the children have too many times spoken with pain," said Favel as he addressed the chiefs gathered on opening day at the winter meeting of the legislative assembly held in Regina Feb. 26 and 27.
Favel asked the chiefs to support a resolution that would mandate the FSIN to take the necessary steps for the establishment of a formal inquiry into residential schools. Favel said the inquiry would last only about six months and would focus on the healing of victims and the role of the church and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs played in the abuse.
He said the greatest outrage being faced in 1997 is not that the schools were allowed to exist and violate the children housed there, but that today's government is perpetuating the abuse through its ill-treatment of these same victims.
Favel was particularly concerned with the "confidentiality agreements" the government is forcing the victims to sign in order to receive a "pittance" in compensation. He also said these victim were being cut off of welfare as a result of the compensation.
"The mystery to me is why the people of the province or nation have not dealt with the greatest shame of the nation." This inaction, said Favel, cannot go unchecked.
In his opening address, Favel also spoke of the need to deal more effectively with the issue of suicide. He said the FSIN was looking at a healing strategy to deal with suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention
"Too often, and I was guilty of this in my time as chief, we did pay attention to this issue when the community experienced it and we did not properly respond when it happened," said Favel.
He told the assembly that they would be talking about providing training packages and a manual to the communities on what to look for, what could happen and what to do as leaders when suicide happens in the community and what to do afterwards.
Favel also mentioned a conference that would be held March 24 through to the 27 at the Saskatoon Inn in Saskatoon. Participants at the Washing of Tears Conference will try to develop strategies, both regional and local, to deal with the issues of suicide.
"We are also haunted as we sit here, as we talk and we debate over the next few days, by our children again when we look to the future," Favel told the chiefs. The children look to the group for hope - hope that the chiefs will achieve something for them, he said.
Favel said the chiefs have made a start in the way of job creation with gaming. That industry has already created 1,000 jobs, but the real hope for the future lies with the creation of the First Nations Bank of Canada.
On Feb. 24, the bank received its licence to operate and is open for business in a temporary location on the eight floor at Saskatoon Square. They are offering deposit accounts, both personal and business, plus Guaranteed Investment Certificates and term deposits.
Where the casinos have generated $5 million in profits for First Nations, Favel is promising those profits will pale in comparison by what will be made by the bank.
"A bank has not been started in this country from scratch in decades," said Favel. He announced that the official opening of the bank will be held in the Yellowquill First Nation office tower in Saskatoon in May of this year. Shares in the bank will be offered first to Saskatchewan First Nations' individuals and organizations prior to national and international investment.
"We have had a great deal of interest, from the Micmacs to the east to the Nisga'a of the west," said Favel. The Council of Yukon Indians traveled to Saskatoon and tried to buy-out the FSIN's interest in the bank two months ago, he said.
Other news announced by Favel at the assembly was the intention to hold a special assembly on the issue of the reorganization of the FSIN. This assembly will be held in late April or early May and will deal "for two days exclusively" for the renewal of the organization, said Favel.
"The greatest test that we have as leaders is to be able to look
our children in the face and say 'We are trying our best. We are trying
to build a better future for you'," said Favel in closing.
By Kenneth Williams
Sage Writer
EDMONTON
The Second Annual Aboriginal Film Awards were presented at the Sixth Annual Dreamspeaker's Festival, which ran from May 26 to June 1 in Edmonton. The film awards were hosted this year by Tantoo Cardinal. The guest of honor at the awards was Gordon Tootoosis, who plays Albert Golo in the CBC drama North of 60. He has acted for theatre, film, television and radio. The member of the Poundmaker's First Nation, who now lives west of Saskatoon, was surrounded by friends and peers at the banquet held for his honor.
By Kenneth Williams
Sage Writer
RED EARTH
A new police service for the Red Earth First Nation was announced on May 21 by Justice Minister John Nilson, Solicitor General Herb Gray and Red Earth First Nation Chief Roy Head.
The police service, provided under a Community Tripartite Agreement, means the First Nation will be able to exercise greater control over the administration of its police services. Under the agreement the new service will consist of two RCMP officers who will work out of a detachment office located in the community.
Federal, provincial and First Nation representatives attended a ceremony on May 21 celebrating the swearing-in of the police service's Police Management Board. The board will help set up policing priorities and improve police accountability in the community.
Chief Head felt that this ceremony marked a new beginning for his First Nation and its pledge to healing his community.
"The induction ceremony today for the Red Earth First Nation Police Management Board represents more than implementation of the Tripartite Community Policing Services Agreement between our First Nation, and the federal and provincial governments," Chief Head said. "It represents our commitment to resolving social ills and working together for the healing and well-being of our community as a whole."
The justice minister added that this type of policing agreement would improve the security of the communities.
"The Saskatchewan government is pleased to be involved in strengthening police accountability to the Red Earth First Nation," Nilson said. "First Nations' input into the policing of their communities will help improve the safety and security of residents and make the police service even more responsive to the needs of the communities."
The solicitor general felt that agreements of this type allow for a better understanding between First Nations and the federal and provincial governments.
"Tripartite policing agreements are an example of the federal government's commitment to work in partnership with provincial governments and First Nations so that First Nations can assume greater control over their communities," Gray said. "The agreement reached today with the Red Earth community demonstrates that commitment."
This agreement is the result of several months of negotiations and discussions with the Red Earth First Nation.
Under the First Nations Policing Policy, the federal government will contribute 52 per cent and Saskatchewan 48 per cent of the cost of the new policing services.
This RCMP-Community Tripartite Agreement is signed under the provisions of the framework agreement signed in May, 1993, by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the province of Saskatchewan and Canada.
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