The Ripple Effect Newsletter
August 2009
Exciting news from our creation department announcing the completion of our brand new re-designed OnLine Training Program.
Congratulations Sean on the tremendous improvements, additional videos and audio, colours and beautiful pictures to enhance the learning experience. I know our clients will find this new training program of real value to their organizations, especially with our revised pricing schedule as well.
The articles in this issue of the Ripple Effect cover a wide range of very interesting topics and are of course all about progress, relationship building and good news for our country. Should you have particular topics you are interested in learning about please let us know. As a reader your feedback is really important. We certainly welcome any comments or questions you may have.
Our next “OPEN” workshops in Edmonton (Oct.16th) and Calgary (October 20th & 21st) are now open for registrations and we are offering our newsletter subscribers a 10% discount off the attendance price. You can register online at our home page . . . mention you are a “Ripple Effect” subscriber and we recommend you register early.
Our congratulations to the newly elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Shawn A-in-Chut Atleo. I am sure he will find the next three years to be challenging and exciting. We wish him all the very best.
We also wish to congratulate Janis Laroque and all her staff at Spirit Staffing for the outstanding results achieved on Aboriginal employment with Shell Canada and Husky Oil over the past number of years. Their clients say she is doing a fantastic job and her services come highly recommended.
Our busy season will begin in a few short weeks and we are now scheduling workshop bookings for few days in September, a week or so in October and and then most of November is available.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues as they may wish to subscribe also...the more the merrier they say.
We hope everyone has had a safe and happy holiday season and wish each of you all the very best this coming years.
Most Sincerely,
Robert Laboucane
Story 1
A Glimmer of Hope
It was just over a year ago - on June 11, 2008 - that the Canadian government apologized for its residential school experiment towards Aboriginal peoples.
Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine is presented with a citation by Prime Minister Stephen Harper after an official apology by the Canadian government for more than a century of abuse and cultural loss involving Indian residential schools at a ceremony in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, June 11, 2008.
While long overdue, that momentous occasion, which took place in the House of Commons, marked what I believe to have been a sincere and honest turning point between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canada, offering a glimmer of hope that things will change after what has been a century of shame for all Canadians.
As a Métis citizen and owner of a firm which educates companies (from frontline workers to CEOs), students, journalists, and even politicians about aboriginal awareness and workplace needs, I have been a frequent and outspoken critic of our government's unwillingness to address this long-simmering legacy of the despised Indian residential schools.
I have always been surprised by the shock and shame expressed by Canadians when they find out the facts behind residential schools, but I am even more shocked by the fact that Canadians generally knew absolutely nothing about these most tragic events. That 50 per cent of the children attending the residential schools died there or shortly after returning home has somehow eluded Canadians.
"Why were we kept in the dark about this terrible history?" they ask. "Why is it that this is not part of our children's education?" and "Can this really be true?"
There is a significant disconnect in the minds of Canadians as to why aboriginal people are where they are today and how they got there. Compassion, understanding, empathy and inclusion are not what first come to mind when we think of the relationship which exists between Canadians and aboriginal people. Blame, guilt, name-calling and finger pointing are the rules of the day.
Now that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is finally back on track, Canadians can be hopeful that this legacy will finally be addressed and made public. No more sanitizing history. The Commission's purpose - and what I hope is everyone's sincere desire - is the reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal citizens.
Why does it surprise us that aboriginal people live under the conditions they do? We have only to look at the laws, policies and various other race-based legislation currently in place - such as the outmoded Indian Act - to understand their circumstances.
It should also not surprise us that aboriginal people, oppressed and abused as they were in the past and many of whom still are, have a hard time believing that Canadians did not know what their governments have been doing to the aboriginal people on their behalf. Many aboriginals I have spoken with find this lack of awareness unbelievable. How could Canadians not know of their oppression and abuse at the hands of Canada's government, they ask. Why would Canadians believe it was the fault of the victims?
Have things changed since the apology? Has the government's behaviour toward aboriginal people improved? Or was its apology simply a distraction, the politically expedient things to do? For, much like with addicts who express contrition, we have the right to expect a change in behaviour.
Over the last year many of us have been watching the federal government's actions and attitudes closely. There has been a flurry of announcements about funding for water treatment systems, for housing, for new health programs, for education, new schools and economic development over the last six months. In fact, it often seemed as if the announcements were being made daily. In all, it has added to more than $1 billion and counting.
And even if this money is courtesy of the stimulus package, it is long over due and most welcome.
As part of his legacy for his pending retirement, Phil Fontaine, Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has announced that the National Day of Action will now be known as the National day of Reconciliation. This action would seem to indicate that Grand Chief Fontaine is pleased with the government's actions to address this national social disaster.
All of us should be feeling a sense of relief, hope, optimism and pride now that a new beginning has emerged.
Canadians will be watching for the positive changes in the relationships between our governments and aboriginal people to continue. But much more important will be the building of a kind, caring and respectful relationships between aboriginal Canadians and all other Canadians. That will be the true measure of the sincerity expressed.
Story 2
First Nations a Top Priority
When the legislature sits next month, the B.C. Liberals' promised "seismic change" in the relationship with First Nations will likely be high on the agenda.
The government should allow ample time for debate -- both by MLAs and the public -- and be open to suggestions for changes in such crucial legislation.
Premier Gordon Campbell promised the Recognition and Reconciliation Act more than a year ago.
It was to have been passed in the spring, but was delayed after concerns were raised. Some First Nations also challenge the legislation's value.
A large part of the problem is the scarcity of information. There have been no meaningful public discussions or consultations with municipalities, for example, which could be directly affected.
Based on a six-page discussion paper released earlier this year, the act would bring five major changes.
First, the government would recognize aboriginal rights and title, without requiring First Nations to prove their claims. Aboriginal title would mean a role in regulating land use, even without a treaty in place.
Second, it would enshrine shared decision-making on land and resources and set up a process for sharing revenue and benefits.
Third, the act would encourage a new governing structure for First Nations in the province. The act envisions about 24 "sovereign indigenous nations" with which it would have a government-to-government relationship. Currently, the government deals with some 200 bands and councils.
For example, portions of Vancouver Island would likely be in three indigenous nations -- the Nuu-chah-nulth on most of the west side of the Island, the Kwakiutl on the north east and the Halkomelem on the south east. The government now deals with some two dozen bands in the same region under the treaty process.
Fourth, the act would set out a three-stage process for moving to shared decision-making and revenue-sharing, based on aboriginal progress in grouping themselves into "indigenous nations." Even the initial level promises more joint decision-making than the status quo; by the third stage, the government envisions "shared decision-making and revenue-sharing agreements throughout a nation's territory" (not just on treaty lands).
Fifth, the act will take precedence over other land and resource legislation. It will not, the government says, affect private property or existing tenures.
It's an enormous change, developed entirely behind closed doors. Concerns have emerged from all sides.
Municipalities question whether the act will override their ability to zone and regulate Crown land use within their boundaries. Businesses fear extra costs and delayed decision-making as aboriginal nations exercise a right to shared decision-making.
And some First Nations believe the version of title created by the proposed act offers less control than the courts have already ordered; others object to being forced into larger nations.
The government rejects the criticisms. And on a basic level, it offers a compelling argument for the need to do something different. After 17 years and more than $1 billion, the current treaty process has produced little in the way of benefits for First Nations, business or non-native communities.
The proposed act is a bold attempt to find a better way. It is also, as the government has acknowledged, a "seismic change" for British Columbians.
Much more information, discussion and consultation is needed before the government attempts to pass this legislation. It makes sense that the act be referred to the legislature's aboriginal affairs committee -- inactive since 2001 -- for review and public consultation.
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist
Story 3
Matawa First Nations Congratulates Minister
Thunder Bay, ON, June 26th, 2009 - Matawa First Nations is applauding a recent cabinet shuffle at Queen’s Park performed by Premier Dalton McGuinty. It was announced earlier this week, that the forestry portfolio is now in the hands of the Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle. Chief Arthur Moore of Constance Lake says; “Forestry remains a top priority for Matawa First Nations. Matawa Chiefs and membership along with Matawa management look forward to working with Gravelle, who already has a favourable understanding of forestry issues, especially in the North, where all Matawa First Nations communities are located”.Matawa First Nations’ regional strategic plan highlights forestry as an area where the organization is looking to expand on. The Forestry industry can provide opportunity for economic development and capacity building with millions of hectares of land on the First Nations territories. Matawa First Nations CEO David Paul Achneepineskum says; “The forest is a resource that is important to Matawa First Nations goals; including economic development, business opportunities, employment, and partnerships. In Ontario, First Nations involvement in forestry operations continues to increase.”
Currently, many First Nation communities across Canada are looking for stronger involvement in forest management planning, and want to address the need for land rehabilitation through appropriate policies and programming. Achneepineskum says; “Matawa membership has relied on the forest environment for decades…with the natural habitat providing food, shelter, clothing, and spiritual needs for our people. Becoming active players in all aspects of forest-based development is paramount to Matawa communities.”
Similar to what is expected when working with the mining industry, Matawa First Nations is also looking for a balanced approach to forests located in First Nations territories, reflective of the forest values of Matawa First Nations. Currently Matawa Chiefs do have some concern with pending land tenure amendments previously announced by Minister Donna Cansfield. Chief Arthur Moore says; “I would like Minister Gravelle to reconsider particular tenures that do not benefit First Nations or the Forestry Industry.”
Story 4
Symposium Generates New Economic Tools and Partnerships
Banff... Gathering for Success, a historic three-day international symposium on Aboriginal economic development strategies that ended June 30 in Banff, will have an immediate and lasting impact on Aboriginal communities in Alberta and around the world, organizers say.
The sold-out conference, hosted by the Government of Alberta in partnership with Treaty 7 Management Corporation, attracted more than 600 delegates including several internationally recognized speakers and experts who shared their insights and successful strategies for Aboriginal economic development.
“This gathering generated new information and networking that I am confident will vastly improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people,” said Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta’s Minister of Aboriginal Relations. “Together we have experienced an exciting three days of knowledge-sharing and examining best practices that everyone can take back to their communities.”
“Our objective to provide opportunities for new Indigenous partnerships has been realized,” said Charles Weaselhead of the Blood Tribe, Grand Chief of Treaty 7. “This was an unprecedented forum to share international perspectives on how to increase Indigenous participation in local and global economies.”
Zwozdesky said the symposium will have three immediate outcomes:
• A study tour by a number of the conference’s international delegates will visit Aboriginal communities and businesses in Alberta. The tour will promote business partnerships among Aboriginal communities and international participants.
• An online toolkit of web-based Aboriginal economic development information including business contacts and other valuable resources. A growing repository of information can already be found on the Aboriginal Relations website – www.aboriginal.alberta.ca
• A new youth engagement forum will continue discussions of the 100-plus Aboriginal men and women, ages 18-29, who participated in conference sessions and workshops designed to support the entrepreneurial spirit of the next generation of Aboriginal business leaders.
Story 5
Aboriginal Health Care Gets Boost
TORONTO, June 30 - CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) announced today a new $75,000 pledge to Saint Elizabeth Health Care (SEHC) Foundation to support SEHC's Aboriginal health care initiative, delivered through its 24/7 interactive web-based program, @YourSide Colleague(R). This brings the total CIBC commitment to this initiative to $125,000 since 2006.
This Aboriginal health initiative assists First Nations communities to identify and respond to local needs in a flexible and cost-effective way, for long-term results. By building local capacity, the program is enabling First Nations people to receive more care and services, close to home, in their culture and in their communities.
"@YourSide Colleague offers around-the-clock access to a virtual network of peers and experts, as well as self-directed learning modules in areas such as cancer care, diabetes care, wound care, and palliative care. All that is needed is a computer, access to the Internet, and a username and password," said Sue Williams, Chair of the SEHC Foundation.
"CIBC has a long history of contributing to organizations that promote the health and well-being of all Canadians," said Christina Kramer, CIBC's Executive Vice-President of Retail Markets. "We are pleased to make this donation that will promote a higher level of health care for Aboriginals in their communities across Canada."
"We are grateful to CIBC for their continued support of this cost-effective method of improving health care delivery for First Nations communities in Canada," said Williams.
"The health status of First Nations and Inuit people in Canada, measured by life expectancy and other indicators, historically has been much worse than that of other Canadians," said Williams. "Many factors contribute to this, including income and access to education, housing and health care services. First Nations communities also suffer from a shortage of health care professionals. Few doctors and nurses actually live within the community and those who do, only stay for an average of 18 months. In addition to being geographically isolated, health care workers in rural and remote communities report a profound sense of professional isolation from their colleagues."
According to SEHC Foundation, this online service reduces costs associated with orienting new staff and provides ongoing clinical education and skills development. First Nations in Manitoba, British Columbia and
Saskatchewan have identified it as an effective vehicle to support local capacity and First Nation-driven health programs and services. For example, following the launch of a new Cancer Care course in 2009, a pre-test revealed that 85% of registrants had no prior education or training in cancer prevention, education and care, yet 77% provided weekly care to community members with cancer.
To-date, millions of dollars have been contributed to support the development and expansion of this proven solution in First Nations and Inuit communities. As a result of the generosity of companies like CIBC, today more than 500 health care providers in over 200 First Nations communities and organizations have 24/7 access to the program.
About Saint Elizabeth Health Care
Saint Elizabeth Health Care has been an active participant in the development and delivery of community health care since 1908. Today, an award-winning organization and not-for-profit charitable leader, Saint Elizabeth Health Care employs nearly 4,000 multidisciplinary staff, shares its knowledge nationally and internationally through consultation, knowledge exchange products and services, and delivers 3.3 million home-care visits a year. The SEHC Foundation was established in 1997 and is dedicated to raising funds to advance knowledge and charitable initiatives related to home and community health care. It is especially interested in identifying and funding gaps in community care, which led to this Aboriginal health care initiative.
About CIBC
CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2008, CIBC group of companies contributed more than $36 million worldwide to charitable and non-profit initiatives. Of this, more than $27 million was invested in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com/pas
For further information: Doug Maybee, Director, External Communications and Media Relations, CIBC, Tel: (416) 980-7458, doug.maybee@cibc.com.
