For more information please contact:

Kathy Brady, Regional Framework

Project Manager807.346.6522

kbrady@matawa.on.ca

IN THIS ISSUE:

Regional Framework Update

Eabametoong Gold Mine

Species at Risk Series

Dagwaagini Maawindoosijigewin

and more...

MATAWA M E S S E N G E R

February, 2015

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page 8“Living With Us...Brown Bat”

Community Driven Regional Framework Update:The two signatory parties to the “Regional Framework Agreement” Matawa Member First Nations Chiefs and the Province of Ontario delegates held an engagement meeting to discuss the next steps of the Regional Framework Agreement. Both parties discussed the Regional Framework and shared their ideas in preparation for “Phase Two: The Negotiations”. Those in attendance included the Matawa First Nations Chiefs, Community Representatives and Members, Community Advisors, Matawa Lead Negotiator Bob Rae, Ontario Lead Negotiator Mr. Frank Iacobucci and delegates as well as the “Matawa Secretariat” support staff.

For more information please contact our Communications department at Matawa

807.346.6505

Matawa Communications Department has been working on an Intranet Solution for Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM), and have been developing an internal communications solution for the entire organization.

What does this mean for Matawa?- Improved Communications

- User-friendly collaboration and sharing tools- Accessibility from anywhere

- Creating and working with internal groups- Document management improvements

Stay tuned for a live demo on the Matawa Intranet at this years Matawa Open House March 25-26, 2015. For more information please contact Matawa Communications.

Matawa Implements Intranet/extranet Solution

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January 13-15, 2015 - The Matawa Mineral Technical Committee (MMTC) held a meeting in January to discuss various topics with regards to Mineral Exploration and Mining Developments. Presentations and discussion highlights included: Presentation on Acid Rock Drainage, Mine Closure Protocols, Plans Permits and Exploration, Quarries, Land Use Planning, Matawa Member Community updates, Matawa Four Rivers update and overview and a presentation on current mining claims in the Matawa Territories.

For more information on the presentations and discussions contact your local MMTC representative or Community Communication Liason Officer (CCLO) and/or Matawa Four Rivers and Regional Framework Project Manager.

Listen to our radio broadcast!

UPCOMING SHOWS:March 3 @ 2:30pm

March 31 @ 2:30pmApril 14 @ 2:30pm

Listen at www.wawataynews.ca/radio89.9 FM in Sioux Lookout

106.7 FM in TimminsBellTV Channel 962

Matawa Mineral Technical Committee (MMTC) Meeting

Community Driven Regional Strategy ProcessThe Regional Framework Negotiation Phase will be based on community decision making, meaningful First Nation participation, consultation and direction. Our community members are being engaged to provide their knowledge, ask questions, share ideas, prepare and advise our Negotiation Team.

Three Phases of the Regional Strategy:Phase One:The Framework Agreement was signed on March 26, 2014 which completes Phase One.

Phase Two: (we are here)The Negotiation Phase will address the details and terms of the “Principles and Objectives” as outlined in the “Regional Framework Agreement”.

Phase Three:The Implementation Phase will be triggered once all agreements pertaining to the “Regional Framework Principles and Objectives” are approved by our Community Members.

By Lindsey Jupp

Visits to Old Gold Mine NearEabametoong First Nati on

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The Fort Hope Gold Mine (also called Golden Hope, Rond Lake, Hopa Tricia) is 8km northwest of Eabametoong First Nation. Exploration began in the early 1900s with the mine opening in 1927 for a year, but not enough gold was found. In 1934, 1946 and 1958, water was taken out of the underground mine shafts for exploring. But since 1959, no more work has been done here. You can still see old pieces of equipment left behind. For example, a steam engine, 2 big boilers, a tractor, ore bucket, and other pieces. The oldest pieces were brought up by horse from the Collins rail station, and later by plane with Canadian Airways or tractor by winter road from Tashota. There were up to 20 buildings on the property at one time, including 2 power houses, blacksmith shop, cap and fuse house, 2 toilets, assay office, cookery, 2 bunkhouses, and an office & ice house. It would be nice to see a memorial or monument put up here to acknowledge the history and people who worked here long ago.

Not many people know there is still an open shaft hole on the site. No one knows how deep the hole is, but some guess around 125ft. The surface hole is about 9ft across & 20ft long. In the winter of 2013, caution tape was put up around the hole so anyone traveling through would know to be careful. Last summer, members of Eabametoong cleared a helipad so they could helicopter over with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) and Matawa to visit the site and put up “Danger, Open Hole” signs. Since then, Eabametoong members went back by snowmachine to put up snow fencing and bigger signs; paid for by MNDM. In the summer of 2015, MNDM hopes to send an Engineer to take water samples and inspect the open shaft hole and then come up with a plan to close off the hole which could mean permanent fencing, filling with rock, or capping with concrete.

For making this possible, thank you to Eabametoong First Nation, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Ontario Geological Survey, Ministry of Natural Resources, and CORDA Funding (2013).

Snow Fence & Signs, Winter 2014 (Photo by Xavier Sagutch, 2014).

Ore bucket (photo by Xavier Sagutch, 2007).

Hopa-Tricia Mine boiler house and water tower from S.E side (FH Gold Syndicate).

R.H. Fitzroy and assistant standing at corner of boiler house with head-frame in background, looking N.W. (Fort Hope Gold Syndicate).

Congratulati ons Environmental Monitoring Graduates!Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services (KKETS) and Matawa’s Four Rivers Environmental Services group proudly recognize 8 adult learners, members of Matawa First Nations communities who completed the Ring of Fire Aboriginal Training Alliance (RoFATA) Environmental Monitoring training program. The program was facilitated by Four Rivers Environmental Services Group at Matawa First Nations Management.

Our sincere congratulations go to the successful students:

- Brian Taylor - Daniel Mike Williams - Dean Ranville- Derek Iserhoff- Gordon Sugarhead- Harry Bunting - Jesse Mendowegan - Leon Neshinapaise

Many of the students are now graduates with certificates in:

- ECO Canada BEAHR Training Program- Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network program- Pleasure Craft Operator course- Benthos Identification course - Outdoor Survival Course - First Aid Course - Introductory Geographic Information Systems course- Service Excellence course- Transportation of Dangerous Goods course- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System course- Nibinamik Youth Retreat participation- Constance Lake First Nation field school participation- Remote Access First Nation field school participation

The graduation ceremony took place on November 28 2014, at the training center in Neskantaga First Nation, and opened with a traditional drum and prayers. Neskantaga First Nation Council member Wayne Moonias spoke during the graduation, as well as: Sarah Cockerton, Manager of Environmental Programs at Four Rivers; Morris Wapoose, Program Manager at KKETS; Larry Jourdain, RoFATA Coordinator; and Narcise Kakegabon, Partnership Development Officer at KKETS. A community feast was held afterwards to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates. Congratulations!

For more information please contact:Four Rivers Environmental Services Group

or visit

www.fourriversmatawa.ca

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Species at Risk Outreach Project

Four Rivers has recently received funding for an Avian Species at Risk outreach project for the Matawa First Nations communities. Outreach includes a calendar and youth workshops, as well as photos and posts on social media.

The calendar features sixteen bird species that may reside within the homelands and traditional territories of member Matawa First Nations. These featured species are listed as federal or provincial/territorial species at risk. Calendars were distributed at community schools and band offices. The other main portion of the program allowed the Four Rivers staff to make a visit to community schools to conduct a youth workshop on the birds.

The intent is to raise awareness about Avian Species at Risk. By sharing information on these birds, including stories about when we have seen them, we can work together to try and protect them from being extinct, extirpated, threatened or endangered. Calendars are a great tool for identifying birds and reporting sightings. The Avian themed games and activities played at the Four Rivers school visits encourage students to appreciate the birds and to take protective action!

Four Rivers continues to share photos, facts and sounds of the Avian Species at Risk through the Matawa radio broadcast, the Matawa Facebook page, Four Rivers Twitter account (@fourriversmatawa), and the Four Rivers website (www.fourriversmatawa.ca). Check it out!

ASAP Offers Applied Construction Skills CourseWe here at KKETS and ASAP are pleased to offer a 2 week Applied Construction Skills Course. This course will be offered to all ASAP graduates who have no construction certifications and are interested in the mining and construction sector for possible employment.

When: March 2 – 13, 2015 with lunch provided.Limited to 15 registrants and is on a first come basis.

This is an excellent introduction to the mining and construction sector as well as a good addition to the clients resume. The course will offer theory and as well as “hands on” components: WHIMIS, Working at Heights, Standard First Aid/CPR with AED, Propane for powered equipment, etc. Certifications will be pro-vided for all areas.

Travel to and from Thunder Bay will be provided by ASAP. Travel is covered and financial support is available!

Please contact Andy at KKETS for more information:807.768.4470

KKETS will be recognizing students who completed the Aboriginal Skills Advancement Program in the 2014/2015 academic year. The high school graduates will be honoured for their achievements on Wednesday, March 25th, 2015 at the DaVinci Centre.

For more information please contact Una Petten, Kathleen Maletta or Carolyn Zadnik at (807) 768-4470 - KKETS main office. Miigwetch!

KKETS Update

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The Fall Season is a significant time in many Aboriginal cultures. It is a time of harvest, bringing together families and communities to enjoy the bounty of summer’s planting, fishing and hunting. On Tuesday, September 22, students from Johnny Therriault School in Aroland were invited to celebrate this special time of year and to learn many fundamentals of traditional culture from Elders and other members of the community.

The Fall Harvest is a unique learning opportunity about the Aboriginal Culture. Elders in the community were invited to come to the school grounds to share with and to teach the young people the many food and harvest techniques and traditions that they have learned, maintained and continue to use. With the help of others from the community, Elders turned to the past and willingly shared with the young people their vast knowledge and experiences that have been developed and passed down from one generation to the next for thousands of years.

The first annual Fall Harvest was prepared, planned, and organized by the staff of Johnny Therriault

School. Several “harvest” stations were set up in and around the school grounds for the students and community members to visit and learn from. The harvest commenced and concluded with a drumming ceremony from a well-known community member, Josh Gagnon.

Approximately 150 elementary students from Johnny Therriault School and surrounding schools attended the Fall Harvest, where they learned about various traditional activities, including:

• Making Bannock• Cleaning Fish• Frying Fish• Making and Setting Traps• “Popping” Rice• Smoking White Fish• Medicines and Teas• Making of Autmin

A special visitor to the community, Ron Kanutski, gathered students in the “learning lodge” (a traditional birch bark teepee) and having them sit on the floor covered with fresh balsam boughs, taught them about traditional medicines and teas. A highlight of the day was when two local hunters who are also brothers (Wayne and Rob Boucher), pulled up after just having shot and killed a moose. Wayne willingly shared with all the students his experience that day of tracking, calling and eventually shooting the moose. Students were fascinated and asked many, many questions about the hunting experience. Hosting a fall harvest provides students with an opportunity to experience a variety of traditional activities “hands on.” Plans are already underway for the second annual Fall Harvest in September, 2015. Hopefully, this harvest will be bigger and better than the first attempt. We are hoping that many more community members will come forward to share a variety of traditional activities such as storytelling, drum teaching, fishnet making, wild rice preparation, bird preparation, beaver skinning, hide preparation, moccasin making and so on. The list of possibilities is endless and so is the learning.

Matawa Educationeducation.matawa.on.ca

28 N. Cumberland Street, Suite #500, 5th FloorThunder Bay, ON P7A 4K9

Tel: 807.768.3300 Fax: 807.768.3301

Dagwaagini Maawindoosijigewin A Huge Success

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Matawa Education Department Launches New Website

In early November 2014, the new Matawa Education Department website was launched! The newwebsite offers information on the departments advisory services and programs, news, contact information, galleries, etc.

Please check out the website at education.matawa.on.ca

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The Matawa Education and Rotary Club Bursary is accepting 2015 applications from Matawa members! If you are in elementary school, high school, post-secondary, or an apprenticeship/trade program, consider submitting your application for the chance to receive a bursary. Contact the Matawa Education department at (807) 768-3300 to request an application form and remember that the deadline is May 1, 2015.

Attention Eabametoong First Nation Off-Reserve Members!If you would like to know more about the Regional Framework Agreement (Ring of Fire) please contact Liz Wapoose. Liz conducts interviews with members to provide information on the Four Pillars of the Regional Framework, as well as to obtain any feedback from community members.

Phone: 807.345.4418 or 807.355.6087Email: liz.wapoose@eabametoongfn.ca

Or drop by Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm at the Matawa First Nations

Management (MFNM) office:233 South Court Street, Main Floor, Suite 102

Liz is often available for home visit interviews as well. Please note she will be out of the office February 27, 2015.

Matawa Education and Rotary Club Bursary

Matawa Post Secondary ProgramAroland, Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58, Neskantaga,

Webequie First Nations

Please note the DEADLINE DATES to apply for Post Secondary Education Financial Assistance.

March 31 Spring/Summer May to August June 1 Fall September to DecemberNovember 1 Winter January to April

For more information, please contact the Matawa Post Secondary office at:

(807) 768-3300 / 1-888-283-9747 or visit the Matawa Education website: education.matawa.on.ca

Matawa First Nations | 233 S. Court Street | Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2X9 | Tel: 807.344.4575 | Fax: 807.344.2977 | Toll Free: 1.800.463.2249w w w . m a t a w a . o n . c a

Little Brown Bats have glossy brown fur and usually weigh between four and 11 grams – about as much as a Canadian loonie or toonie. During winter hibernation, the bats can withstand nearly a 50 degree Celsius change in temperature without suffering any damage! These nocturnal creatures feed on insects at night and are most active in the two or three hours after sunset. The female bat usually gives birth to only one pup – born with a full set of teeth! During the day they roost in sites like buildings, caves, trees, rocks, and wood piles. They can squeeze through spaces as small as six millimetres across. Little brown bats are threatened by a disease known as white nose syndrome, caused by a fungus that grows in humid cold environments, such as the caves and mines where they hibernate. Currently, Little Brown Bats are “Endangered,” meaning the species lives in the wild in Ontario but is facing imminent extinction or extirpation.

Did You Know… Your knowledge on Litt le Brown Bats is valuable! Four Rivers is currently providing the Baseline Data Collecti on Program to collect informati on on plant and animal populati ons, as well as the health of regional ecosystems within the Matawa territory. The program also includes more detailed informati on collecti on on the physical characteristi cs of the environment, i.e. local terrain, water chemistry, soil conditi ons, local geology, etc. Without baseline informati on, it is diffi cult to know with accuracy what areas require future protecti on or management. If you have seen the Litt le Brown Bat and want to know more about how to protect it, give Four Rivers a call at 1-800-463-2249.

Living with Us…Little Brown Bat (apakwaanaajiinh)

Share Informati on on the Community Cultural Portal

Have a community event you want to share? Do you like to take pictures of your community?

Have you been working on any special community projects?

Contact Matawa Communications at 807.346.6505

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