The National Day of Action in Timmins

On Friday, June 29, approximately 250 community members, representing ten First Nations in the area, marched through the City of Timmins, lead by the drum and its singers from Fort Albany First Nation. The march, and speeches from six Chiefs shone some light on issues concerning First Nations and Aboriginal people across the country. The gathered crowd was able to hear about issues such as land claims settlements, resource revenue sharing, health issues, youth suicide, inadequate housing and the preservation of Aboriginal language and culture.

"My people are strong people, resilient people and even with all the crises we've been through, they are still proud people." Chief Jonathan Solomon, Kahechewan First Nation

Mushkegowuk council plans "peaceful" walk

Caledonia...

As we drove toward the blockade, the air was decorated with flags; a representation of community, of nation, of a First people who still live and move on the land. As we were waved past the barrier by two community members who had asked us questions and examined our vehicles, we were met on the other side of the barrier by a feeling of solidarity. A 'family' of community members gathered round our vehicle to greet us and help us unload the water and blankets that we were delivering to those spending long days under make-shift shelters in a variety of weather conditions. I began to talk and laugh with two women who thanked us for the support. In the days that followed we have worked hard to understand the longstanding issues at the root of the “Caledonia conflict”, and to develop plans to contribute to better relationships between our churches in the Grand River Valley and the people of Six Nations who welcomed them.

Aboriginal Organizations and First Nations in both the North and South of Ontario continue to teach MCCO to live in new ways : as learners who are continuing to understand, as partners who are listening and learning, and as peoples who want to be in relationship.

2005/2006 Program Highlights:

• MCCO North walked with the 1700 community members of Kashechewan through three evacuations, and a variety of community crises.
• On World Water Day, MCCO North, in partnership with Kashechewan First Nation and Mushkegowuk Council launched a provincial campaign, Message In a Bottle, engaging constituents and speaking to both Provincial and Federal Governments about clean water solutions for more than 70 First Nations across Canada .
• In partnership with Mushkegowuk Council, and MCC Canada's Ottawa office, MCCO North addressed the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of the Environment regarding 17 abandoned radar sites leaching contaminants into the food chain in Northern Ontario.
• MCCO South, hosted Caledonia and the Lands of the Grand River - Listening to the people of Six Nations. Six Nations speakers related experiences, and invited the 110 gathered MCC people into renewed relationships.
• In partnership with MCC Canada, MCCO North submitted a brief to a national panel traveling the country, listening to First Nations, Governments, and technical experts, working to find a clean-water solution for First Nations across Canada .

Lyndsay Mollins Koene, Northern Regional Coordinator

"We know you Mennonites have 25 churches that are within six miles of the Grand River, and we consider it our job to renew relationships with each and every one of them. It is time to rebuild those friendships."
--- Wes Elliot, Six Nations community member.

Assembly of First Nations