Xavier Kataquapit

Good news concerning primary education for Attawapiskat has arrived in the form of a promise by the government of Canada to build a new school in the Attawapiskat First Nation. The minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Duncan, recently announced that funding has been set aside for the design and development of a new elementary school. The new school is proposed to be completed by 2013.

I had forgotten what it was like to be in the deep wilderness with no outside contact whatever. Recently I have been spending some time in the far north at a cabin by a lake. It is strange to find myself disconnected from everything and everyone. I have no phone service, no cell phone reception and of course no internet connectivity. I don't even have radio reception.

There is a mining boom in northern Ontario and Native people are reaping some of the benefits of this development.
Eight area First Nation people celebrated their graduation from mining training at a ceremony held at the Timmins Inns and Suites June 23.
These graduates completed four months of training by Dumas Mining in a partnership program with Wabun Tribal Council, the Matachewan Aboriginal Access to mining jobs Training Strategy (MAATS) and Goldcorp Inc.
All of the graduates have been guaranteed positions with either Dumas Mining or Goldcorp Inc.

Recently, I have been spending a lot of time in northern Quebec. I have met many great people and I have made a few new friends. The change in scenery is very enjoyable.
There is something wonderful about crossing the Quebec border from northern Ontario. I always feel more like I am driving into France from some non-French speaking European country.
I have done that a couple of times. Although the border is only a few hours away from just about anywhere in northeastern Ontario it seems as though I have traveled to another country when I reach Quebec.

The fifth annual Wabun Youth Gathering July 18-29 had 85 youth from Wabun Tribal Council communities attend.
The gathering, held in Elk Lake, southeast of Timmins and near Matachewan First Nation, was sponsored by Wabun Tribal Council Health Services. It featured presentations by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose.