Shawn Bell - Wawatay News

The war of words between the leadership of Attawapiskat and the federal government continued as northern Ontario rang in the New Year.
The first volley of 2012 came on January 4, when Mushkegowuk Council accused the federal government of putting Attawapiskat’s essential services at risk. Mushkegowuk noted that the federal government transferred $1.5 million of education monies from the council’s accounts to the accounting firm BDO Dunwoody.
“The First Nation is now concerned that payroll and other essential payments will not be made,” Mushkegowuk stated in a press release.

The prescription drug crisis devastating First Nations across northern Ontario boiled over in Cat Lake on Jan. 23, as the community declared a state of emergency and issued a plea for help in addressing the health and safety of band members.
Chief Matthew Keewaykapow issued the call for help to the federal and provincial governments, saying the band could no longer provide essential services or protect its members.

Chief Franklin Paibomgai of Whitefish River First Nation is happy to talk housing.
Despite the prevalence of housing woes all across northern Ontario First Nations, the days of housing concerns in Whitefish River – just north of Manitoulin Island – are a thing of the past.

The first northern Ontario First Nation to opt out of the Indian Act as it applies to land use decisions says it has taken a huge step towards self-governance.
Under a federal government land use management agreement signed Jan. 24, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (BNA) was given full authority over the development of its reserve lands. The agreement means the First Nation will no longer be governed by 34 land-use sections of the Indian Act.
BNA Chief Paul Gladue said the agreements will help the First Nation attract private business partnerships into the community.

The coordinator of Cat Lake First Nation’s efforts to deal with prescription drug abuse in the community says meaningful work has begun.
Erin Horvath of New Vision, a not-for-profit community development organization, said the Feb. 10 meeting between stakeholders was a productive start towards community healing.
“We’re strategizing how to work together to support the community,” Horvath said.