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SAGAMOK ANISHINABEK NEWS

Lands, Resources and EnvironmentTrapper’s Camp hosts Attendees from Serpent River and SagamokPage 10

Community Column Coffee House Music Night and Youth EngagementPage 3&4

Biidaaban KinoomaagegamikBiidaaban students learn survival skills and Basketball thrills!

Pages 8 and 9

Elder’s Eagle Lodge LNHL Joy Party and Bird Seed wreathes

Page:6,7&8

BiinjiyingAnnouncements Page 5&16

Nutrition Tips Page 8

Community Justice Program Page 10

Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik Page 11

ASETS Page 14

Boopoogame Giizis 2014Published Monthly by

Sagamok Anishnawbek

Conrad Toulouse attaches a sap tap into a Maple Tree. Brian Bainborough (background), has replaced all his buckets with tubing, to reduce workload and improve productivity in his Syrup business

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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 Newsletter@Sagamok.ca 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 May 2014 issue

Submission Deadline: April 18th, 2014

Scheduled Printing: May 2nd, 2014

SUBMISSION INQUIRIES

Telephone (705) 865-2421 ext 270

Toll Free 1-800-567-2896

Email newsletter@sagamok.ca

Donations Payable to: Sagamok Anishnawbek News

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

Hello, My name is Kayla Scott and I will be completing a placement with Sagamok Anishnawbek as the Emergency Services Assistant. I am fully trained and up to date in First Aid/CPR/AED and hold my Emergency Response Certificate. In my time as a First Responder I have had the pleasure of working alongside a group of Sagamok employees/Volunteers that have helped me discover a passion for the EMS career. In completion of this placement I will be better qualified to address more advanced medical situations in our community as well as better knowledge on the inner workings of the Administration within the First Response and Fire Department. Over the next six months I will be completing my B license and Fire fighter training all in preparation to continue in my long term goal. I anticipate continued work within the community.

Introduction

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Community Column

By Winston Assiniwe

February 24th – 27th 2014

I will admit, I was pretty shocked to open my Google mail and find an email from Laura Calmwind, the Chiefs of Ontario Youth Coordinator, inviting me to a Youth Meeting on Health in Toronto, Ontario for February 24, 2014.

My first thought of course was “Why me?” which almost makes it sound as if I was not interested in going, but I was actually anxious with excitement to be invited to such an event. I later found out it was Youth Advocate Quinn Meawasige who had thrown my name down on paper and said I was “Someone who would take something from being here” and believe me when I say that I did. I am very grateful that Quinn put my name down to attend this event because it was without a doubt one of the most interesting weeks of my life.

Day one of the Youth Meeting on health started with Earl Lambert doing an opening address, followed by an Honour Song from the Little Feather Drum Group who came from Mississaugas of the New Credit to drum and it was an excellent start to the day. They were followed up by Pauline Shirt, an Elder from Saddle Lake First Nation. She gave us a teaching on prayer and the importance of carrying your tobacco at all times to thank the Creator for what you have, or to ask for help. She was followed by a welcome address from Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare, who is a strong supporter of the Youth engagement bundle and takes great pride in seeing indigenous youth giving their input and standing up for our nation, it is also a great relief for youth such as myself, to see leaders supporting them in what they do. Glen was followed by the Woman who made the Youth Engagement Bundle possible Tracy Antone, The Health Coordinator of Chiefs of Ontario. Tracy is committed to empowering the youth

voice through actively engaging youth to address the health issues that impact them directly, so if was not for Tracy youth may not have even been able voice their concerns at events such as this.

The first workshop was a presentation of the Youth Engagement Bundle and the Life Promotion initiative by Quinn Meawasige. The presentation he gives is so important when it comes to youth empowerment because instead of focusing on all the negative issues that youth on reserves across Ontario are facing such as drug/alcohol addiction or suicide they decided that focusing on the negative just was not good, so instead of using words like suicide and addiction the youth decided on Life Promotion. Quinn made it clear that we were no longer talking about “suicide prevention” but that we were going to start Promoting Life and teaching youth to start embracing life as much as we can. Instead of going around telling people that reserves across Canada are facing drug and alcohol addiction, among other problems, the youth decided “Let’s get together and figure out what the issues are and come up with solutions to these problems.” and that is what we will present, Life Promotion, not the problems our reserves are facing but the solutions to fix these problems.

What solutions did the youth come up with? With a little help from Earl Lambert and his workshop “Honouring Yourself as A Whole; Holistic Teachings of The Medicine Wheel”, the youth came up with ways that we all honour ourselves as whole on personal levels but the main thing that everyone agreed on was going to back to our roots. Our culture and traditions.

Our culture and traditions teach us a lot about ourselves and when the youth are not being led to following the structure of growing up that are ancestors have had for many, many, years we get lost in the world. We wonder off into darkness and are left struggling trying to

find out what we are here for. There are rites of passage that we are supposed to be going through, to help assist us in finding ourselves such as The Berry Fast for young women or the Vision Quest for young men. When our youth do not get to do these things they are left struggling, trying to find where they fit in western society and they won’t find their place there because we are not a part of the modern western society. We are our own people and we have our own way of life but we are losing it, because the government wants us to be a part of western society and our people are starting to accept that. I cannot stress enough how important it is for us to take part in ceremony, pow-wows, or speak our native language and celebrate our way of life. It is ours, we need to embrace it and bring it back as much as we can. I hope that by writing this article that the people of my community see it and really try to start living the way of life that we are supposed to be living.

On Thursday February 27th 2014, we presented to everyone at the Health Forum the idea of going back to our culture and traditions for help and guidance with everything, whether it is for addiction, suicide, or help finding ourselves. We also reminded people that our youth are young and sometimes uninformed of where they can get support from, such as our Elders.

Our Elders have so much knowledge and life lessons that they can share and are always willing to share with the youth in the community, but our youth often tend to forget that they can turn to them for help and ask them questions. Go to your elders and ask them for help or guidance for whatever you need. They have that knowledge and are more than willing to help you.

We also spoke about the importance of having awareness for various issues such as getting your education. A lot of youth who are in school sometimes do not understand the importance of education and figure that they will make money some other way when they get older, but I mean today to apply for almost any job you require a high school diploma. If our youth are not graduating they won’t work, if they do not work they jump on social assistance and what happens then? They are sitting around bored not in school, not working then drugs and alcohol come into play and they end up either in jail or dead.

The other big awareness issue we spoke out on was drug use and alcohol consumption . Many youth figure it is safe and they won’t get hurt because they see generation after generation using drugs or drinking alcohol and it all becomes a vicious cycle, a disease that gets passed down. We need to work together to break that cycle, We need to educate our

Life Promotion and the Youth Engagement Bundle

Winston Assiniwe stands during the opening Honour Song of the Youth Meeting on Health.

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Young Warriors Youth Council Continued from Page 3

youth on what the effects of substances truly have on not only them but their families.

For the rest of the week we spent time listening to many great speakers at the 8th Annual Chiefs of Ontario Health Forum. We heard stories of overcoming drug addiction to speaking out on AIDS and HIV awareness, we learned of Aboriginal Midwifery in Ontario which is again going back to our roots and taking the birthing of children back to a ceremony because that’s what it is. It is a ceremony for bringing a new life into the this world and we need to honour that but everyone is still so concerned with doing things the way western society has taught them to do it but our people know how to bring a new life into this world, we have that ceremony and we need to start using those teachings that have been passed down for years. Don’t be afraid of our ceremonies and teachings embrace them, it is who we are.

What I want the people of my community to take from this is to listen to our youth and embrace your culture and traditions. Ask us how we are doing. Find out if something is bothering one of us. Do not try to avoid the issue, do not just give us money and say here go solve your problem because we are all still young and still require all the guidance we can get. Do not let it escalate into turning to drugs and alcohol because once we enter that cycle it is difficult to break it. Do not be afraid of our youth, do not blame the youth for anything because if the youth in our community were being taken care of they would not be acting out. We know we have it easy and that life for us is so much better than when our parents were teenagers, but why? That’s what you need to share with us, why is life easier for us today than it was for you. Tell us because life for us may seem easier than it was for you, but a lot of us are lost and still trying to figure out why we are here.

By Winston Assiniwe

I am sure that most of the community has seen posters around lately with the words “COFFEE HOUSE” and “Live Music” on them, but what is a “COFFEE HOUSE” exactly?

The Coffee House is a music program that began in January of this year and takes place at the New Community Hall in the Fort Lacloche area every second Saturday. It is initially set up as an open mic night so anybody can come in and play, but often there are a few local musicians invited just to keep things interesting. There is also plenty of free food and refreshments provided at each Coffee House.

It is made possible through the Youth Nights Initiative and the S.Y.C (Sagamok Youth Center). The purpose of this event is to give the youth in the community the opportunity to experience live music and to get a chance to perform in front of a live audience, but it is also a great place for the youth to socialize with one another and just generally hang-out and enjoy some free food and live music.

Since the beginning of this event we have had various musicians come in and play. The first Coffee House we had Juno nominated singer/songwriter Kevin Shaganash attend and give us an excellent array of songs. At our second event we welcomed Ted Frost, who played some old but excellent finger picking country songs on his 1921 Martin guitar, which sounds amazing I might add. At our most recent Coffee House we had a gentleman from Walford named Pat Grose who brought in his 12 stringed Yamaha guitar and is actually in the CBC Searchlight competition this year with his song “Trail of Tears”. Of course we have some local talent come out and play as well, such as Yoshtin Sogjionqwaut, who came out and played some of his own experimental music and it was quite the experience. We also had

our Young Warriors Youth Council Chief Emily Southwind come out and give us a performance. For our next Coffee House we hope to see more youth out again along with some more great local talent.

The musicians who come in and play are not there just to play music. They also speak about how they got started out playing music and what music does for them on different levels, whether it effects them emotionally, mentally, physically or spiritually they always have a reason for listening to music and for making their own music. The people who have attended our previous coffee houses are always looking forward to the next one and not just for the music but for the overall experience. Hearing live music and listening to a recording are two different things and you do not realize this until you hear live music and you can see and feel the emotions that these musicians are trying to get across to you.

Come on out and enjoy a Coffee or a Slice of pizza and have a new experience, experience music.

For more information on this event you can contact us at The Sagamok Youth Center or on the Sagamok Youth Center facebook page.

www.facebook.com/sagamokyouthcenter

THE COFFEE HOUSE – EXPERINCE MUSIC

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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.

2014 Sagamok L’NHL Eagles

Midget Hockey Team

would like to thank all the sponsors for their support during this year’s

2014 L’NHL Tournament in Mississauga Ontario.Sagamok Band Administration

Toulouse ConstructionWally’s Waasmowin

McDougall Energy IncWalford Truck & Tractor- Walford Ont

Caledon Insulation – Caledon OntRock Spyder 4X4 – Markham Ont

T-Bell Transport – Hwy 17 Nairn CentreWrightway Sports – North Bay Ont

Dreamcatcher Fund

Special thanks going out to the parents and community members who were there for all the fundraising efforts.

Thank you / Chi-miigwetch

Foster Southwind - Manager Sagamok Eagles Midgets

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On March 6, 2014 a group of elders gathered to create bird seed wreathes with Delma Toulouse and Laura Mc Meekin -Clarke who facilitate Seniors Activities at the Eagle Lodge every Thursday.

Here is the Recipe to make your own Bird Seed Wreathe:

4 cups bird seed

¾ cup all purpose

½ cup water

3 tablespoons corn syrup

1 package of plain gelatin

Cooking spray

Bundt pan or other mold with a hole in the center.

In a large bowl dissolve the gelatin in warm water stirring well until dissolved

Whisk flour and corn syrup into the gelatin until a paste forms and most of the lumps are gone

Add the bird seeds and mix well

Spray the pan with cooking spray. Pour the mix into the pan, press and let set for about 12 hours.

Victor Toulouse mixing the fixings for his wreathe

Isadore Sinobert keeps his work neat, seeds will taste better he says.

Eleanor Pine is a strong believer of getting your hands into the mix then seeds taste better

Finished moulds waiting to set

Presto. Bird Seed Wreathe

Laura McMeekin Clarke and Delma Toulouse hang seed wreathes outside the lodge

Our feathered friends have a lot of seeds to enjoy.

Bird Seed WreathesElder’s Eagle Lodge

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Elder’s Eagle Lodge

It was sunny weather all the way down and all the way back from the big city lights and in between it was hockey, hockey, more hockey and a bit of shopping at Square One Mall. This was the last social event funded for the Joy Club and it was a great one. Each of the 17 community members and 7 attending staff got the most out of the opportunity to show support for their community while having a chance to put the cold winter thoughts away for a short time.

The opening ceremonies were nothing short of spectacular from blues music, traditional dancers, speeches, special guests like Don Cherry and Crystal Shawanda. Our host community welcomed all with free admission, Tim Horton’s coffee and Tim Bits galore.

Among the list of speakers at the ceremonies was Mayor Hazel McCallion who is acclaimed for her love of hockey. She asserted her support and admiration for the Little NHL and praised everyone involved from funders, coaches, managers and especially the teams. Her closing remarks speak well to the spirit of the game and how it defines what it is to be Canadian.

The cumulative theme with all speakers was for each of the teams to enjoy the game, play for the sake of playing and have fun. To see the pageantry when teams were called out to the arena floor carrying their team banner was inspiring and further set the tone for what this event is all about.

Not only did Crystal Shawanda provide a powerful rendition of our National Anthem prior to all speakers, her energy and enthusiasm fueled her talent to entertain all ages with an eclectic array of songs from country to pop. The youth streamed out onto the arena floor to get a closer glimpse and perhaps a hand shake with the talented performer.

Pat Trudeau presents birthday girl Jeanne McLeod with a token gift from the staff on the ride to Toronto.

Joy Club goes to Little NHL March 9, 10 & 11/14

Waiting for subs are Austin Southwind, Cheyenne Makedebin, and Raymond Owl.

Bantam player , Jackson Linklater.

Pictured here are Milly and Victor Henry Toulouse enjoying the opening ceremonies of Little NHL.

Yolanda Nashkwa and Brent Nashkwa along with the Bantam team keep a close eye on the game.

Great camera pals, Jeanne McLeod and Frank Bob waiting for the coach outside the arena.

Tanner Southwind listens intently while Raymond Owl teaches about the porcupine and squirrel. Where else at Square One Mall Mississauga!

Seated in the bleachers of the Hershey Center are Julia Bird, Raymond Owl, tanner Southwind and Adeline Toulouse listening to the supportive words from guest speakers at opening ceremonies.

This was a proud advertisement!!!

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Julia Bird and Clarissa Polson move in to feel the music.

Proudly carrying Sagamok Banner is Austin Southwind, Chyenne Makedebin and Timothy Pitawanakwat

Feature performer at the Little NHL opening ceremonies: Crystal Shawanda

Sagamok Mascot wins 2nd prize

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Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik

By: Colin Granby

Winter in the North presents unique challenges for students when they venture out into the wild. On March 5th and 6th the Grade 7 and 8 classes participated in a two day winter survival course. The students had a blast and enjoyed learning survival techniques outside of the class. Students learned how to work together to make fire in order to boil water for Cedar Tea and warmth. Students had a great time learning about and constructing lean-too and snow coffin survival shelters. The Grade 7 and 8’s learned the signs and symptoms of Hypothermia/Frost bite and how to treat/avoid these conditions when outside. In all, the students enjoyed themselves and learned a lot!

Students pose for a photo at the Fort Lachloche

Grades 7 and 8 Get a 10/10 for Winter Survival

Biidaaban intermediate Basketball Teams participate in local tournament

Back Row - Peter Toulouse, Jaiden Nahmiwan, Hunter Chiblow, Preston Eshkawkogan, Kain Kokoko, Jackson Linklater, Roman Manitowabi,

Back row - Braxton Owl, Faye Solomon, Natalie Southwind-Trudeau

Centre Row - Asia Eshkakogan, Desirae,Southwind, Amber Chiblow, Julie Ann Trudeau, Celeste Toulouse

Front Row - Cecile Eshkawkogan, Trinity Hardisty

On Feb.27th the Boys and Girls teams visited Espanola High School to participate against local schools including St. Marys Massey, S.Geiger, A.B. Ellis and Sacred Heart. This annual tournament provides an opportunity for students to meet players from other schools and to hopefully spark an interest in trying out for teams at the High school level. Games are refereed by student volunteers. Our girls ended up with a two and two record, narrowly missed making it to the final game. Chi Miigwetch to Samantha Solomon for coaching the girls on that day. The boys ran into tough competition but represented Biidaaban with good sportsmanship and determination. Biidaaban students are enjoying the opportunity to compete against other schools.

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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 c o m - munity 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

Art Eshkakogan and Barry Southwind prep fish for a cook off, following a netting excersise.

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Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik

Upon our arrival at the Big LaCloche Lake the weather was nice and the sun was peeking through the clouds. Conrad Toulouse was waiting for our arrival. Conrad had the holes drilled, and our ice fishing huts were pitched up. Some parents had mentioned that this was their child’s first Ice Fishing Trip. The staff enjoyed seeing the children outdoors on the lake, dropping their lines in the lake, drinking hot chocolate and playing inside our tents. One of our toddlers Emerson Francis and his mom Alexandra pulled in a pike, he wanted to release his fish back into the lake. What a nice way to begin our March Break, engaging the children and parents in a fun outdoor activity. We would like to thank Conrad Toulouse, and volunteer Louie Trudeau for helping us, and to the parents/aunties/uncles that joined the children. Parents and guests were invited back to the daycare for lunch the menu was chili, hamburgers, and fruit salad.

Valentine’s Day Tea February 14, 2014

Teddy Bear Picnic Feb 28th, 2014

The Toddler and Preschool Room brought in their favorite teddy bear to join them for a pinic. Preschool children did a teddy bear march all around the room

Toddler Room

Preschool Room

Upcoming events:

Easter Luncheon April 17th, 2014

Ice Fishing Trip March 7, 2014 Big LaCloche Lake

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Lands, Resources and Environment

Trapper’s Camp 2014By: Tammy Tremblay B.Sc.

In late January, Sagamok Anishnawbek and Serpent River First Nation partnered up to deliver the very first Trapper’s Camp, which was held at Ritchie Falls Resort. Both communities have an overlapping traditional territory; and the camp was a great opportunity to not only engage our youth and exercise our treaty rights, but to collaborate with our neighboring First Nation to share knowledge and resources as our ancestors had practiced.

The camp was very well attended, there were 16 youth, 8 adults and 3 elders who stayed at the camp for the duration of the weekend, and there were 12 day trippers that attended on the Saturday. Some activities that took place were: trap setting demonstrations (beaver and marten), snowshoeing to identify tracks and signs, fishing, teachings of the clan systems and the Ojibway names, storytelling and drumming.

The planned netting exercise got deferred and took place on March 22 at Boom Camp Bay in Sagamok. Only a handful of people signed up for the follow up exercise, so the event was combined with Sagamok’s Men’s Wellness Program. At total of 16 participants attended to get hands on experience with setting and checking fish nets in the winter. Winter/ice safety practices and fish identification tips were also a part of the exercise.

The Trapper’s Camp was a great accomplishment, and the participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to say Chi Miigwetch to everyone who helped make these events a success: Isaac Murdoch, Art Eshkakogan and his crew, Conrad Toulouse, Leroy Bennett, Linda Conway, Kerri Commanda, Taylor Commanda, Taymor Day, Preston Pine, our elders: Irene Makadebin, Orval Commanda, Emma Meawasige and…. And all the participants. Special thanks to our hosts at Ritchie Falls Resort; Matt, Kyla and staff for the great service, hospitality and awesome food!

Green Your Home for Earth DayEarth Day falls on Tuesday April 22 this year, which is a great opportunity to start reducing the carbon foot print of your home. As a follow-up to the January article on “green resolutions” I have included some additional ways and information on how we can start saving energy, conserve water and reduce waste for both indoors and outdoors of your home.

Indoors

Hot Water Tanks – the standard hot water tank runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can account for 14-18% of your energy bill. When the tanks are installed, the temperature is typically set excessively high at about 60°C. The average person can’t use water over 49°C without getting burned. Before adjusting the temperature please consult the owner’s manual to avoid damage or personal injury. If you are looking to update your hot water tank, please consider the hot water on demand models. They are more expensive but well worth the investment in the long run.

Stop Using Disposable Plastic – plastic is everywhere around us, from computers, food packaging, to clothing and cars. Over the last decade alone, more plastic was produced than in the 20th century, humans are plastic addicts. The problem is that plastic does not biodegrade as other organic material like wood and paper; it just gets broken into smaller and smaller pieces. Every single piece of plastic that has been made is still present today in some form. The environmental impacts during the production of plastic are detrimental by emitting tons of greenhouse gasses which is contributing to pollution and climate change. Hundreds of thousands of marine wildlife and bird species die every year by ingesting plastic. Recycling is one way we can alleviate the issue, but alone will not stop the problem. We need to cut back on the amount of plastic we use and produce. We can stop using unnecessary plastic products and start using reusable bags, bottles, silverware, dishes, and other products that are alternatives to plastic. It’s time to end our obsession with plastic and start protecting our environment.

Low Flush/Flow Toilets – installing a low flush toilet will decrease the amount of water being used for every flush. Typically the average toilet will use 13 liters of water per flush. The low flush toilets use about 6 liters per flush. An alternative way to reduce the amount of water being used to the low flush toilets is by following the old saying “if it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown, flush it down”.

Vampire Energy – did you know that some appliances in your home are using electricity when left plugged even if they are turned off? Unplugging these appliances and devices will save energy and your electricity bill. The most common energy sucking vampires are: toasters, coffee makers, plasma and LCD TV’s, game consoles, laptops, DVD players, cell phone changers, cable and internet boxes, surround sound, and microwaves.

Outdoors

Rain Barrels – they provide free irrigation for your garden by catching the rain water that runs off your roof. Not only does this provide you with free water for gardening purposes, but it also reduces the amount of inorganic substances such as fluoride that could potentially harm the roots of your plants when using tap water.

Use Recycled Products for Your Garden – plants can pretty much grow in anything that holds soil. Instead of digging up the soil in your yard, try using raised beds which can be made out of wood pallets, logs, rocks, bricks and even recycled tires. Alternatives to purchasing plastic pots are: recycled bottles, bricks, cans, burlap, old teapots, barrels, old drawers, shoes, and eggshells. The options are endless, use you creativity to construct a beautiful garden.

Trappers camp attendees from Serpent River and Tammy Tremblay of Sagamok’s Lands Resources and Environment Department.

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Health and Wellness Department

Conrad Toulouse’s Maple Syrup workshop proved a sweet success, on Friday March 21st. The event was well attended with over twenty attendees packed into the Engnakmagak’s Sunrise room. Speakers representing both local and professional syrup production were on hand to provide lessons on how to manage an effective sugar bush. Local syrup producer Dean Assinewe, spoke on a wide range of topics from pest control, changes in his sugar bush management and the effects of weather on production. What most would take away from Dean’s lecture would be the value of planning for the future. Dean highlighted the importance planning takes in managing a sugar bush, “It is a renewable resource, meaning if you cut it down, you can regrow it. With maples it is a type of tree where if you make an opening in the bush, the seeds will fall into the opening and begin to grow. The saplings need a little shade, if it is open too much then poplars are bound to take over.” Brian Bainsborough of Maple Ridge Farms, a Maple syrup equipment provider and major syrup producer also present on the topic of modern syrup making techniques. Brian’s large scale ventures discarded their buckets long ago in favor of tubing, which greatly reduces the workload of sap collection and

Maple syrup Workshop explores the path to sweet sucess

Conrad Toulouse and Brian Bainsborough install a new Sap line. Present day syrup production has ditched buckets for tubing.

increases productivity immensely. Some of the attendees were lucky enough to receive a raffle prize which included tubes and taps, to try out this new maple sap collection system.

Following the presentations attendees were invited to see the setup of a Sap collection system at the Fort Lachloche. Conrad Toulouse has run his Maple Syrup operation out in the Fort for the last three years on behalf of the Community Wellness Department, and for educational purposes. Brian and Conrad demonstrated how to set up this new tubing method, but due to weather were not able to procure any sap. On the note of weather, Brian said to attendees that it is important not to tap too soon, as it can results in pressure cracks which will not only damage the tree but cost the sap collector productivity. A great deal of tree care advice was provided, such as the number of buckets to use and at what age a tree must be in order to be tapped. To end the event, Dean Assinewe invited the participants to his sugar camp, where he detailed their operation and system. The grove of maple trees he and his family taps each year were cultivated over the year by maintain an ecosystem which benefited the Maples, taking out poplar and maintain larger taller trees to provide an amount of shade and biodiversity. Speaking with attendees it was apparent that not everyone was sold on upgrading to tubing. Art Eshkakogan stated, “I think I will stick to buckets, I will only be tapping for my family and not using that many trees.” On the other side of the discussion, John Trudeau said he was interested, “I would not mind trying out the tubing system, less work!”

Conrad intends to follow up this workshop with educational workshop for Biidaaban Kinoomagegamik and Shki Waase Aaban Gaamik. As the spring melts hopefully sets in with this long winter, maple production In Sagamok is assumed to start in early April this year. For the twenty or so participants they have an easy choice to make, hang up the buckets or not to hang up the buckets?

Dean demonstrates some modern technqiues and tools used to sucessfully grade and make Maple Syrup for attendees

Conrad uses a drill to make a two inch deep hole to install a modern sap line. Above average cold for the month prevented any sap from running.

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Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy Update

The ASETS Agreement, which provides funds to Sagamok to provide employment and training resources, services, and funding, will end March 31, 2015. In order to demonstrate that this agreement provides assistance to the Sagamok community, it is important to ensure that if you are requesting any type of assistance, even as simple as utilizing the job bank or our computer resources, that you complete an intake with ASETS Staff. Intake consists of providing basic information through completion of a Client Data Form, and Client Consent to Access and Release Information Form. These allow us to count you in the number of people who utilize the services or programs offered by ASETS Sagamok. This will help us demonstrate that the need for this services and programs is there, so that we can continue to negotiate additional funding to support access to programs and services at the local level. Below is an overview of statistics for the period of April 2013 to December 2013. According to these stats, there are 97 people who utilized services, but will not be counted in reports to funders, because they did not take time to complete or update their intake forms.

April to December 2013 (9 months) Statistics

Total Clients Serviced: 227

Males: 133 Females: 94 Adults: 131 Youth: 96

Total Intakes Completed: 130

Total Services with Incomplete Intake: 97

Total Completed Applications for Funding Received: 113

Total Funding Applications Approved: 78

Total Applicants Not Approved: 19

Total Clients Assisted with Securing Other Funds: 20

Total Non-Sagamok Member Clients Assisted: 13

If you have questions on employment and training services and/or programs, please contact ASETS Staff at (705) 865-2421.

Helping Yourself, by Helping Others: The Importance of Volunteering

Written by Autumn Owl

Some may see volunteering as something that doesn’t qualify as “real” work experience. But, that isn’t the case. Even though most volunteer work is unpaid, that doesn’t mean you won’t gain valuable skills and attributes from the experience.

Volunteering has a tremendous importance and positive impact on both the community and yourself. Not only does it improve the quality of community life, but it also allows you to gain relevant experience and skills for jobs, as volunteer work is practical and exposes you to a variety of work settings. Many employers look for individuals who already possess skills such as; communication, organization, teamwork, motivation, and leadership, all of which volunteering introduces and strengthens. Any kind of volunteerism puts you in a position in which you get to explore your personal growth and helps you gain a better understanding of other people, which will help you become more comfortable in situations while in the work place or looking for work positions. It can also help you with determining career choices, as it can expose you to various aspects of different careers, allowing you to determine what you like and what you don’t like.

Getting involved within your community allows you to take on new challenges, responsibilities, exploring interests, and helping identify goals. Whether you’re a youth or an adult, you get the benefits and meaningful experience that comes along with volunteering. It is a great way to build skills on your resume. For youth, resume’s can often be bare with little or no experience. This allows you to add to your resume by including various volunteer experiences and skills developed through them.

Often, employers are seeking individuals who take initiative. Life-long learning is considered an Essential Employability skill, which can be clearly demonstrated through involvement in volunteer activities. Volunteering also allows you to network, which will really come in handy when that job you are applying for asks for references.

Volunteering adds to your personal growth and awareness, and professional exposure and network. It is truly a win-win situation when individuals volunteer their time to support causes that are important to themselves and to their community.

Job Search Resources

Searching for work in a rural area can be a difficult task. There are many resources that you can utilize from home to search for available jobs in your area on the internet. It is also good practice to visit local employment resource centres. Here are some online resources to help with your job searching:

Government Job Banks

General Job Search: www.jobbank.gc.ca

General Job Search: www.workingincanada.gc.ca

Provincial Government Jobs: www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/jobs.aspx

Federal Government Jobs: http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/index-eng.htm

General Job Banks

www.wowjobs.ca

www.indeed.ca

www.monster.ca

www.workopolis.com

Aboriginal Specific Job Info:

http://nationtalk.ca/jobs/

www.aboriginalcareers.ca

www.inclusionnetwork.ca/aboriginal-jobs/index.htm

ASETS Department also has a Job Board available that is updated daily with a variety of employment opportunities to assist you in finding employment. The job board consists of local opportunities, and may also include employment from hidden job markets. “Hidden Job Market” consists of jobs that are posted in local communities and are shared amongst community resources. Often, positions with the local hidden job market, are not posted on public job banks. This is why it is a good practice to visit local job boards often, while you are job searching.

It may also be useful to utilize social media to assist with your job search. Sites such as LinkedIn allow you to create a profile that will then match you up with opportunities in your field. Government Job banks also allow you to create a profile that will alert you to opportunities that match your interests and qualifications. For assistance with any of these, please visit the ASETS office, located at the Sagamok Multi-Education Centre.

ASETS

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By: Maani Assinewe

It’s about that time of season again. Early spring, when the days are getting a bit longer than before, the temperatures are not so cold during the days, melting snow and slush everywhere. Early spring is also the time where every year families go out in the bush and tap maple trees. Collect sap to produce the sweet tasting maple syrup. What makes maple syrup so special? It could be the trees which are only found in North America, it could be the hidden nutritional benefits or maybe all the sweet things you can do with it.

It all starts with finding maple trees. The maples are then tapped for a clear sweet liquid called sap. The maple sap is then collected and boiled at high temperatures for hours until the all the water has evaporated and the sap has turned into a thick dark liquid. It has been a tradition that has been created by our ancestors and passed down and continued for many generations, in our community. Our ancestors used maple syrup in many ways such as cooking, preserving fruit and preserving the maple syrup itself for future cooking. Today maple syrup is used to add a little sweetness in our lives. But besides the amazing chemistry maple syrup has with pancakes, maple syrup is used for more than breakfast now days. Maple syrup can be used in cooking meals, baking goods and desserts or can be used in drinks like, teas, coffee and blended with cocktails and alcohol beverages. Maple syrup can also be made into maple candy, maple sugar, maple salad dressings and maple butter.

Maple Syrup has a lot of benefits for our health. This natural sweetener has over 54 antioxidants that can help delay or prevent diseases caused by free radicals, such as cancer or diabetes. Maple syrup also features high levels of zinc and manganese, keeping the heart healthy and boosting the immune system. Other minerals found in maple syrup are calcium and potassium, decreasing the risk of hypertension or stroke. Keep in mind that maple syrup is liquid sugar so make sure you uses a considerate amount when consuming, too much sugar could increase your health risk.

Maple Syrup production takes dedication and hard work. But in the end the payoff is satisfaction of a sweet produce of maple syrup liquid gold made from a natural resource and enjoyed by family and friends. This sweet, sticky goop will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Maple Season Approaches

Fresh sap being poured into a carry container.

(March 5, 2013)The development of a Sagamok Anishnawbek Land Code began with a modest step on March 5th. The forum was attended by forty Sagamok residents, a large majority of whom were Band employees. The G’daa-Kiimnon Committee has been tasked with building community interest and participation in the development of Sagamok specific Land code. Previously a special edition of the Sagamok newspaper was released to promote the topic and advertise for this Forum. The Development of a land code was listed as area of interest during Sagamok’s Comprehensive Community Plan, and with the First Nation’s plans for Industrial parks, growing residential population and infrastructure needs, the need for a Land code is of the utmost urgency. Roger Jones, Chair of the G’daa-Kiimnon Committee responsible for the planning and eventual creation of the Land Code, stated to the attendees, “I anticipate we shall have our fellow citizens more involved as we proceed. We have set out on a program of discussion. We really want to find out as much as we can about the historical development of Sagamok. What we want the land code to do, is to protect these areas from development. So, the more information we have about those sites in our community, then the better off we are. This will not be the only discussion about where those sites are.”

During the forum the attendees were divided amongst four tables, each focusing on a singular issue such as Communications, Resource Management, History and the Rights of Mother Earth. Of the four categories “What are the rights of Mother Earth? Is a unique one to the Sagamok Lands Code Development Process. It is a question stemming from the Bill of rights by the Nation of Bolivia, wherein the “Pacha Mama” or Mother Earth has rights similar to people. Roger took time to expand on this unique table discussion, “Much of our relationship to the land and wildlife is based on the principal that we are stewards of the land. We have responsibilities to protect the land and resources on the land. With the media talking about pipeline development much of that discussion is based on an economic development context, “How do you use the land to generate wealth?” The other equally important perspective is what do we need to do so that we are safe guarding and protecting the land itself and the resources above and below ground? We want to have a conversation today about what are the most fundamental principles to be included in a land code.” The other tables collected data within their proposed subject of discussion. Thanks in part to the participation, although limited to only forty members has provided beneficial information to the Communications program, preservation of history and insight into the Community’s desired road to progress.

As stated by Roger, this is not to be the only community forum on Land Code Development. The next date for a lands Code meeting has not yet been determined. However the G’daa-Kiimnon Committee and associated organizers and contributors to the Lands Forum would like to extend a “Chi-Miigwetch to the participants for their input.

Lands Forum plots out future

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