Rick Garrick — Wawatay News

A group of Lakehead University students is raising awareness of murdered and missing Aboriginal women in northwestern Ontario.
The university students partnered with Full Moon Memory Walk organizers Sharon Johnson and Ann McGuire to hold film nights and discussion forums at the university to raise awareness of the issue.
“A handful of us were able to attend the Full Moon Memory Walk in September to try to learn more about this local issue,” said Marnie Lidstone, an LU masters student in history and one of the organizers of the film fundraiser/discussion forum.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is calling for community-managed forests in response to Bill 151 being sent for third reading.
“There must be a new forest tenure model whereby communities, and not industry or government, become the managers of the forest and have the final say,” said Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “First Nations must have an opportunity to be part of economic development, including benefits that may derive from forestry practices, in order to ensure long-term sustainability for generations to come.”

Police have confirmed the body found May 10 in the Kaministiquia River in Thunder Bay is that of missing Webequie teen Jordan Wabasse.
Initial results of a postmortem examination May 11 indicate the cause of death was drowning, according to the Thunder Bay Police. Foul play is not suspected.
Thunder Bay Police reported recreational boaters discovered the body near the Western Grain Elevators just east of the James Street Bridge.
Wabasse, 15, was last seen Feb. 7 and was reported missing by a guardian the next day.

Wabigoon Lake’s Donna Chief has gained another level of recognition for her excellence as a softball pitcher.
“To be recognized for your individual contributions is quite an honour,” Chief said. “I had a nice rise ball –­ it got me four years of university too.”

Whitefish Bay’s Talon Fire Bird wants to make a difference in the world for Aboriginal youth.
“Ever since my birth, my mom was a social worker, she always did a lot for kids, she always went that extra mile,” said the 13-year-old Bishop E.Q. Jennings student in Thunder Bay. “I always wanted to be like my mom. I wanted to make a difference in the world and also make a difference in my life.”