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Students from public, reserve schools compete at Anishinabe Chess Invitational

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Kenora’s Sakatcheway Anishinabe School is celebrating the success of its third annual Anishinabe Chess Invitational tournament.

Forty-five students from nine public and reserve schools across Northwestern Ontario gathered to compete, ranging in age from 10 to 20. Matches were held across junior, intermediate and senior divisions.

“[The students] were really stressed and on edge because it’s a tournament and it’s highly competitive,” said Sasha Sadrudin, teacher at Sakatcheway and organizer of the tournament. “I would attune it to the same thing that athletes feel right before a tournament. There’s an eagerness to compete.”

The tournament was held from Thursday to Friday. It was hosted by the Seven Generations Education Institute, who provided the chess tables as well as breakfast and lunch for competitors. Grand Council Treaty #3 secured hotel rooms for families that travelled from out of town.

Representatives from the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, Lake of the Woods Hospital Mental Health Unit and the Kenora Sexual Assault Centre set up booths during the event to share valuable health information with attendees.

“A lot of tournaments in northwestern Ontario have historically been athletic tournaments. From what I know, there’s never cerebral-style clubs like chess or robotics or public speaking. I’ve been playing chess at our school club for years, and my students said, ‘wait, we want to play other kids.’ I put the idea to Grand Council, and they said absolutely,” Sadrudin said.

Sadrudin said an Anishinabe public speaking competition is in the works to help students develop interpersonal skills and self-confidence.

“[This tournament] resulted in a lot of intense, competitive play, but at the same time, very good comraderie that was built between the students and even the coaches,” he said.

The Lake of the Woods Hospital Mental Health Unit provided 130 stress balls for competitors. Sadrudin said they needed another shipment by the second day of competition.

“The kids were definitely on edge, but they played fabulously.”

Participating schools are listed below, per Sasha Sadrudin:

  • Sakatcheway Anishinabe School, Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation)
  • Pegamigaaboo School, Mishkosiminiziibiing First Nation (Big Grassy First Nation)
  • Gaagagekiizhik Elementary School, Kenora
  • Bimose High School, Kenora
  • Keewatin Public School, Kenora
  • K’aa N’aa Matay Wiigiam, The Teaching Lodge School, Obashkaandagaang First Nation (Washagamis Bay)
  • Bever Brae Intermediate School, Kenora
  • Bever Brae High School, Kenora
  • Mizhakiiwetung Memorial School, Wabaseemoong First Nation (White Dog First Nation)

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‘We will not be poisoned again’: Environmental advocates protest proposed nuclear waste dump site

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A hundred protesters gathered in Winnipeg on World Water Day to oppose a proposed nuclear waste repository near Ignace, Ontario.

The planned site is located near critical watersheds that flow into Lake Winnipeg, prompting concerns about potential downstream contamination. Indigenous land defenders and environmental advocates warn that any risk to these systems could have lasting impacts on communities that rely on them.

Grassy Narrows land defender Judy Da Silva spoke at the rally, saying her community “will not be poisoned again,” referencing the long-term effects of mercury contamination they have already endured.

Opponents of the project argue that storing nuclear waste in the area poses serious long-term risks. They point out that radioactive materials can remain dangerous for thousands of years, and that leaks—if they occur—could be impossible to fully contain or reverse.

Indigenous leaders and environmental groups are calling for the project to be halted, emphasizing the need to protect water sources, Indigenous lands, and future generations from potential harm.

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NAN says federal budget weakens Treaty commitments

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Leaders with Nishnawbe Aski Nation say the federal government’s new budget weakens Treaty commitments and undermines progress toward closing major gaps in housing, infrastructure, and health across Northern Ontario.

The comments come during Treaties Recognition Week, with NAN leadership gathering for their Fall Assembly in Thunder Bay.

Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said the budget “offered little comfort” for First Nations, pointing out that funding for Indigenous Services and Crown–Indigenous Relations has been reduced, without clarity on where those cuts will fall.

“Treaties Recognition Week should be a time to honour the sacred agreements that built this country,” said Fiddler. “Instead, we are watching those commitments weaken — in Parliament, in budgets, and on the lands our ancestors protected for all future generations.”

NAN leaders say shifting funding from long-term investments to short, year-to-year cycles will make it harder to plan and sustain community development.

They also raised concerns about resource and infrastructure projects moving ahead in their territory without proper consultation.

“We are not opposed to development, but that means truly together — not us left behind while others drive through our lands toward their own prosperity,” said Eabametoong First Nation Chief Solomon Atlookan.

Ginoogaming First Nation Chief Sheri Taylor added that Canada “cannot write its own future based on the erosion of our rights and our lands,” noting many communities still struggle with unsafe water, housing shortages, and limited road access.

NAN is calling on both the federal and provincial governments to uphold their constitutional and Treaty obligations, and to work in true partnership with First Nations.

Fiddler says closing the gaps that keep northern communities from sharing equally in Canada’s prosperity must be prioritized ahead of profit.

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Funding opens up more internet access at First Nations Libraries

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More First Nations libraries in Ontario will soon be able to provide free internet access to the public.

The Ontario government announced it is making a $78,000 increase to the Internet Connectivity Grant program, which helps reimburse rural, northern and First Nations Public Libraries for their connectivity costs.

The province says that additional amount of funds will allow 30 public libraries in Ontario the ability to join the program.

“Accessible and reliable internet elevates education, economic opportunities, and community connection,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation in a news release.

“In expanding the Internet Connectivity Grant, we are ensuring that all First Nation public libraries can continue providing this critical service at no cost to their communities.”

Since 2018, the Internet Connectivity Grant program has provided the province’s public libraries with more than $4.3 million to ensure communities have reliable internet access.

According to a recent report, nearly one in three northern Ontarians without home internet rely on public libraries for online access to remote education, job searches and other services.

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Anishinabek Nation On Track To Be Self Governing

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It’s a first for Indigenous Relations and the Crown.

The work to restore a nation-to-nation relationship has paid off with the completion and implementation of the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.

This agreement is the first of it’s kind in Ontario and gives back the right to self-determination and offers support to Indigenous communities to move out from under the Indian Act.

Negotiations first started in 1995, which eventually lead to an agreement in principal come 2007. Once that concluded in 2009, members and citizens of each signatory First Nation voted, to which it passed.

Now that the agreement is signed, the work starts on making federal legislation to bring the agreement it into law. The Anishinabek Nation Government will now need to work on passing their own Anishinabek laws and governance systems.

More funding will be made available in order to do the work involved.

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Expanding Indigenous Learning In School Curriculums

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Expanding First Nation, Métis and Inuit content and learning in the elementary curriculum.

The Minister of Education Stephen Lecce made the announcement Wednesday along with the Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford and Traditional Knowledge Keeper Vivian Roy at the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

This includes mandatory learning being added to the grade 1 to 3 social studies curriculums, focusing on topics such as:

  • The role of family and resilience in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and nations
  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit historical and contemporary realities
  • Indigenous peoples’ interrelationship and connection with the land
  • The residential school system and the reclamation and revitalization of identity, language, culture and community connections.

It is being planned that this will be implemented into the curriculum by Sept. 2023.

Along with this, the ministry will be providing $23.96 million in Indigenous Education funding to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students as part of a broader government commitment to reconciliation.

During the announcement Lecce stated that consultation was crucial in an undertaking such as this.

“Part of this is a recognition that there was a gap in the current compliment of learning, where grades one to three within our social science program did not have any learning related to Indigenous history, culture, contribution, and most specifically on residential schools,” explains Lecce. “Following the advice of Indigenous Leaders and Elders, and through a co-development process we’ve come to a decision point and we’ve been working with them for many months to be fair over 2021 to get to this place, to announce this formally, to take a step forward, both in context of language, in the strengthening of residential school learning, and the completion of learning between grade one and high school creating a continuum of learning, part of our commitment to reconciliation.”

Lecce goes on to say Ontario has requested that all school boards use Truth and Reconciliation Day to educate students on Indigenous contributions, along with the history of residential schools.

Ontario’s Regional Chief Glen Hare stated that he is very pleased with the announcement, and hopes to see continued efforts from the government.

“This will assist us in retaining the expertise required to ensure the educational priorities of First Nation communities are addressed in the provincial education system in a timely manner. We also look forward to establishing a robust and meaningful collaborative process with the Ministry of Education to ensure the experience and knowledge of First Nations in Ontario is accurately reflected throughout the province’s curriculum.”

This commitment falls in with Ontario’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which were implemented in 2018.

Currently, there is mandatory learning on residential schools in grades 8 and 10.

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New Federal Stat Holiday To Honour Indigenous

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Federally regulated workplaces will now be closed on September 30th, as the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is recognized.

The new federal statutory holiday received Royal Assent on June 3rd after it was passed unanimously in the Senate.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which was established in 2013 to honour Indigenous children who were forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.

A Government of Canada news release states the day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.

This will be a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.

The first statutory National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be recognized on September 30th, 2021

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Mary Simon Appointed Canada’s Next Governor General

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Mary Simon has been named the next Governor General of Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced Simon as the first Indigenous person to serve in the role.

“Today, after 154 years, our country takes a historic step, I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment,” said Trudeau at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que.

Queen Elizabeth II made the appointment on the recommendation of Prime Minister Trudeau.

Simon began her address to the public speaking Inuktitut, one of the two languages she speaks.

“ I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada, and an important step forward on the long path towards reconciliation,” said Simon. “ this is a moment I hope all Canadians feel part of because my appointment reflects our collective progress towards building a more inclusive, just and equitable society.”

Simon was the first Inuk to hold the position as a Canadian ambassador representing Canada as Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs and Ambassador to Denmark.

The Governor General Designate addressed her bilingualism that includes Inuktitut and English, but notably does not include fluency in French.

Simon says her experience growing up in the federal government day schools deprived her of the opportunity to learn French despite growing up in Nunavik, a northern area of Quebec.

“I am deeply committed to continuing my French language studies and plan to conduct the business of the governor general in both of Canada’s official languages as well as Inuktitut.”

All eyes will be on Simon as speculation of a federal election continues to circulate through Canada. As governor general, Simon will have the power to dissolve Parliament and send Canadians to the polls.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner has fulfilled the duties of governor general as the administrator since Julie Payette resigned in January.

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UPDATE: 751 Unmarked Indigenous Gravesites Discovered

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751 unmarked graves have been discovered at the former Marieval Residential school in Saskatchewan.

Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme said Thursday that radar penetrating research began on June 2 at the residential school that operated between 1899 and 1997.

“The machine has a (margin of error) of 10 to 15 per cent, we will only go by the hits that we have of 751 but we do know that there’s at least 600,” said Delorme. “We cannot affirm that there are all children but there are oral stories that there adults at the gravesite as well.”

This comes just one month after the remains of 215 children were found at a former Indigenous residential school in Kamloops, BC.

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected.

Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

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Trudeau Addresses Discovery At B.C. Residential School

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The prime minister says his thoughts are with all Indigenous communities across Canada.

The remains of 215 Indigenous children were found at a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C., last week.

Justin Trudeau says these were children who deserved to be happy and most of all, they deserved to be safe.

“As a dad, I can’t image what it would feel like to have my kids taken away from me. As prime minister, I am appalled by the shameful policy that stole Indigenous children from their communities.”

Trudeau says sadly this isn’t an exception or an isolated incident and we’re not going to hide from that.

“We have to acknowledge the truth. Residential schools were a reality – a tragedy – that existed here in our country and have to own up to it.”

Trudeau adds the federal government is committed to concrete action and to support survivors, families and Indigenous people.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students.

The toll-free line can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-925-4419.

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