Thunder Bay Office
Servicing: Aroland, Attawapiskat, Bearskin Lake, Big Island/Big Grassy, Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, Chapleau Ojibwe, Cochrane, Constance Lake, Couchiching, Curve Lake, Cat Lake, Christian Island, Deer Lake, Dokis, Eabametoong, Eagle Lake, Emo, Fort Frances, Fort Albany, Fort Severn, Fort William, Garden River, Geraldton, Ginoogaming, Grassy Narrows, Heron Bay, Iskatweizaagegan #39, Kasabonika, Kashechewan, Keewaywin, Kenora, Kettle Point, Kingfisher Lake, Lac LaCroix, Lansdowne House, Longlac, Magnetawan, Marathon, Marten Falls, Matachewan, Mattagami, Mishkeegogamang, Mobert, Moose Factory, Muskrat Dam, Naotkamegwaning, New Post, Nibinamik, Nipissing, North Spirit Lake, Northwest Angle #33, Northwest Angle #37, Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining, Onigaming, Peawanuck, Poplar Hill, Pukasaw National Park, Rainy River, Rocky Bay, Sachigo Lake, Sagamok, Sandy Lake, Shawanaga, Shoal Lake #40, Slate Falls, Thunder Bay, Wabaseemoong, Wabigoon Lake, Wabauskang, Wahgoshig, Wahnapitae, Wapekeka, Wasauksing, Washagamis Bay, Wauzhushk Onigum, Webequie, White River, Wunnumin Lake.
| REGIONAL WOMEN'S COMMITTEE | AREA COUNCIL |
|---|---|
| Minutes - June 16, 2008 [word] [pdf] | Agenda - June 17, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
| Minutes - April 21, 2008 [word] [pdf] | Minutes - April 22, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
| Minutes - Feb. 26, 2008 - [word] [pdf] | |
| Minutes - Jan. 22, 2008 - [word] [pdf] | |
LINKS |
August 13, 2008
Cathy Harasym Attends Vigil
Tuesday August 13 I attended a vigil at Marina Park to support the walkers who are involved in the Walk 4 Justice campaign. This activity is for the thousands of women who have gone missing in Canada over the past 10 years and whose cases are unsolved on the books of law enforcement.
The women and men who are walking started in Vancouver on June 21 and plan on arriving in Ottawa September 15 when they will present a petition to the Federal Government demanding an enquiry into the murders and disappearance of so many. They are seeking justice for the victims and closure for their relatives.
The vigil included Aboriginal druming and songs, words of encouragement from the participants, introduction and back ground given by the walkers, lighting of candles, gifts of tobacco and prayers for success of this quest. It was quite fitting to have the Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior as a backdrop to the ceremony. Click for pics
In solidarity
Cathy Harasym
PSAC Ontario Area 1 Rep
Vice president PSAC Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Area Council
President CEIU Local 623 Thunder Bay
Alternate CEIU Ontario Northern Rep
July 31, 2008
Anishnawbe Keeshigun taking place August 15 - 17, 2008 on the grounds of Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay
Anishnawbe Keeshigun (roughly translated as 'First Nation Days') is a commemoration and celebration of the culture of all First Nation people while highlighting the positive contributions the Ojibwa, Cree, and Ojicree collectively made to Canadian history. It is an opportunity not only to bring these cultures together in celebration, but to educate the general public of the history of the region and the surrounding territory.
This year’s festival will feature Northwestern Ontario’s largest competitive pow wow that will welcome dancers from all over North America, world class Aboriginal entertainment such as Grammy winners Susan Aglukark and Northern Cree Drum, a craft market and Aboriginal foods.
Fort William Historical Park and Nishnawbe Aski Nation is pleased to offer complimentary shuttle service for Anishnawbe Keeshigun happening August 15, 16, 17th, 2008.
Charter buses from the city of Thunder Bay Transit services will be leaving Brodie Street terminal every half an hour during the following times.
Friday Aug 15 - 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Aug 16 - 9:30 am - 10:30 p.m.
Sunday Aug 17 - 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Come and experience Aboriginal culture with traditional dancing, singing & drumming and check out the PSAC Think Public tent!
Click here for Anishnawbe Keeshigun flyer in pdf format
July 15, 2008
A Town Hall to End Poverty - July 17th, 2008
Click here for flyer in PDF format
July 14, 2008
WALK4JUSTICE FOR MURDERED AND MISSING WOMEN
June 21st - September 15th, 2008
The B.C. Federation of Labour is supporting women who are making a journey from British Columbia to Ottawa in honour of missing and murdered women across Canada. This Walk is supported by Amnesty International, B.C. Federation of Labour, BCGEU, ILWU Local 500, United Native Nations, Native Women’s Association of Canada and countless other organizations across Canada.
This important walk began in Vancouver, BC on June 21, 2008 and ends with a huge event in Ottawa on September 15, 2008 where there will be a full day session on Parliament Hill and presentation of a petition.
These women need your help, and we are asking unions, labour councils and communities along their route to pitch in and help support this important Walk. Even if you are not en route, you can help by sending a donation to support the walkers.
What can you do?
- Make a monetary donation -- All donations should be sent to the Aboriginal Mother’s Center Society in Vancouver, BC. Make your cheque payable to the Aboriginal Mother’s Center Society and mark “Walk4Justice” in the subject line on your cheque. An account has been set up through this Society. Cheques should be mailed to: #208 – 2019 Dundas Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 1J5.
- Sign the Petition -- Visit http://www.petitiononline.com/glradek/petition.html to sign this very important petition and then pass this link on to all of your contacts!
- Organize an event in your town -- This could be a fundraiser, a dinner for the walkers, a social event, a donation collection station or any other event you think will support this Walk.
- Provide or arrange lodging for the walkers when they come through your town. This would mean scarce funds could go to support the Walk, and the walkers would have adequate and safe accommodation;
- Donate much-needed items for the walkers – these don’t have to be big-ticket items, but a camper or utility trailer would really help. Rather than filling their support vehicles with supplies, they could use a utility trailer to hold their supplies. Smaller items will help, too -- for example, food, cases of bottled water, oranges, medical supplies, socks and runners, sunscreen, mosquito protection or rain slickers can all be invaluable for the walkers to help keep them healthy on their journey.
- Help the walkers stay healthy -- Nurses or other healthcare workers could meet with the walkers at one of the stops or en route to ensure these women remain healthy.
The Walk4Justice organizers need you to get in touch as soon as possible to:
Know who is joining the walkers from town to town so they can accommodate and feed people adequately;
Know if you will provide a support letter to ensure all arrangements are confirmed; and
Gather information about missing and murdered women in your communities so they can represent them accurately when they get to Ottawa.
They would like to hear from you, so please connect with the organizers or our Federation to let us know how you will support this important Walk4Justice on behalf of murdered and missing women in Canada. Contact: walk4justice2008@yahoo.ca, or call 604-253-5989.
We must let our federal and provincial governments know these women will not be forgotten. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
For a list of the tour locations click here
For the BC Federation Website click here
June 26, 2008
PSAC Fact Sheets on Aboriginal Peoples
PSAC Statement on Aboriginal Peoples
Making Aboriginal Poverty History
Ending Violence Against Aboriginal Women
First Nations Water Reaches It's Boiling Point
June 25, 2008
Activities From Days of Action
Click here to see pictures
June 11, 2008
Aboriginal Day Celebrations
The Thunder Bay National Aboriginal Day Celebrations on June 21, 2008 is being held at the Fort William Historical Park.
Please share with your network of contacts and we look forward to seeing you at this year's celebrations!
For more information, please contact Stephanie Feletto, Chairperson, Thunder Bay National Aboriginal Day Committee www.nad-tbay.com (807) 474-1733.
Press Release [word] [pdf] Events [pdf]
Miigwetch!
Beth Boon
North Bay R.O.
boonb@psac.com
June 5, 2008
Media Release - Graduates from Speakers School
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release June 3, 2008
Nine participants will graduate from the Speakers School tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4.
The Media Conference will take place at 11 am on Wednesday, June 4 at Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic. Read more
May 26, 2008
NAPS- A Sacred Calling
Greetings All,
I would like to bring this video to your attention for the purposes of support, education and awareness.
Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service: A Sacred Calling is a 20 minute video documentary portraying the deplorable working and living conditions of NAPS officers and detachments, resulting from an accumulation of severe provincial and federal funding shortages.
Video Link:
http://www.nan.on.ca/article/nishnawbe-aski-police-service-a-sacred-calling--307.asp
Click Here to view photos
http://www.nan.on.ca/article/naps-gallery-315.asp
Show your support by contacting:
Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci at rbartolucci.mpp@liberal.ola.org
AND Public Safety Canada Minister Stockwell Day at http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/abt/electronic-eng.aspx or days1@parl.gc.ca
Other Related News and Links:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=285717
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/300461
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2008/16/c9460.html
Please pass on this information.
Miigwetch/Thank you
Kevin Nadjiwon
Aboriginal Representative- PSAC Ontario Regional Council
Human Rights Representative- National Component, Ontario
May 26, 2008
A National Day of Action in Support of First Nations – May 29, 2008
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and First Nations people across the country are calling on all Canadians to join with us for a National Day of Action on May 29th.
We are calling on the Government of Canada to work with First Nations to protect our children, invest in our
future and respect our responsibility to one another.
We invite all Canadians to join us in putting forth a strong, clear call for action to the federal government.
For more information Click Here
May 23, 2008
PSAC National Aboriginal Peoples’ Conference - “Maawangiteeng”:
Where The Journey Begins
The objectives of our 2008 PSAC National Aboriginal Peoples’ Conference are to:
- Connect with our Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters
- Educate and build capacity within Aboriginal communities and the Union
- Politicize Aboriginal Rights around the eradication of poverty (clean water, housing, education), for quality public service and a clean environment
- Raise awareness of the Union’s role in advancing Aboriginal Peoples’ Rights in the workplace, community and society as a whole
2007 PSAC Thunder Bay & District Labour Council Labour Day Picnic
Nearly 500 people attended the Labour Day Picnic. Irene Harris, OFL Vice President was the keynote speaker.
Janice Hilton (PSAC Agriculture), donated some of her lovely handmade jewellery for a raffle for Shelter House.
Cathy Harasym, CEIU and alternate Chair of PSAC Area Council organized PSAC's contribution of ice cream, T-shirts and other goodies with the help of Janice and Debbie Linkletter.
Labour Council presented Sara Williamson (CEIU Local 623), the honour of Labour Council Person of the Year Award for 2006.
2006 Thunder Bay Labour Day Picnic