Rick Garrick — Wawatay News

Nishnawbe Aski Nation and six other applicants have requested standing at the inquest into the deaths of seven NAN high school students who died while studying in Thunder Bay.
“For years NAN has taken the lead in ensuring scrutiny into the safety and education of our youth and this inquest is a culmination of our efforts to get answers for the families,” said Grand Chief Harvey Yesno. “The commencement of the joint inquest is a welcome first step in the journey towards answering some of the questions the families of these youth and their communities have been asking for years.”

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler has been appointed co-chair of Ontario’s recently announced Jury Review Implementation Committee.
“NAN has fought for years to uncover the truth about the systematic exclusion of First Nations from the Ontario justice system,” Fiddler said. “I look forward to working with the Ministry of the Attorney General to ensure that all First Nations can exercise their right to serve on juries and to ensure that there is a path forward to achieving justice for First Nations.”

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund has received $73,800 in FedNor funding to improve the operation of diesel generating stations in remote First Nation communities.
“NADF has been asked by the independent power authorities (IPAs) to develop a new chart of accounts to upgrade their financing procedures,” said Brian Davey, NADF’s executive director.

Michelle Harel’s hard work in Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s Social Services Worker — Native Specialization program has paid off with a 3.98 GPA, Oshki’s Governing Council Medal and a job in her chosen field.
“I just got a position on May 21 as a child protection worker in child welfare,” said Harel, originally from Caramat, located about 262 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. “That’s what I was working towards because of my maturity, I feel I am able to work with the families.”

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler has been appointed co-chair of Ontario’s recently announced Jury Review Implementation Committee.
“I know it’s going to be a lot of work — it’s a real challenge to try to fix a system that hasn’t worked for a long time,” Fiddler said. “I think the key is who else is going to be there, so that’s going to be the next step is to consider some potential candidates who will make up the committee.”
Irwin Glasberg, Ontario’s assistant deputy attorney general, was also appointed as a co-chair.