November  2002

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CONSILIUM… In this corner of our site we’ll be posting notes on new people, new projects, and new online materials you may find interesting. Enjoy, and come back often.
 

NEWLY COMPLETED

  • The final evaluation of the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) has been completed and submitted to the Department of Canadian Heritage. For the past five years the Program has provided support to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada seeking to preserve, promote and protect their languages. The evaluation will provide important direction in shaping the renewal of the ALI.
     

ONGOING PROJECTS

  • The Wakenagun Strategic Planning project wraps up this month with a Regional Strategic Planning Forum November 26-28, 2002. At least two participants from each community in the Mushkegowuk region will develop a regional plan to address the economic development and human resource development needs of the region. The Forum will be broadcast live to all communities in the region. Fred, Ron and Patti have been working hard since May on this important project.
     


Fred Weihs at Strategic Planning Workshop held in Attawapiskat in September, 2002


Attawapiskat, Ontario

NEW PROJECTS

  • Greg Smith joins the team assembled by Whiteduck and Associates evaluating the Northern Native Broadcast Access Program (which funds 13 Aboriginal broadcasters across Canada) and the Northern Distribution Program (which supports the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.) The project will provide Greg with a welcome opportunity for contact with old friends: he was the first Executive Director of the Inuvialuit Communications Society.

  • The Terry Twins (Rudden and Forth) are working with the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee to follow up their August strategic planning workshop.

NEW GOSSIP


Ron Ryan (not exactly as illustrated)
 
  • Departing Yellowknifer Shannon Ward was fêted in October as befits her contribution to Consilium. Exact details of the farewell event remain a closely guarded secret, and no cameras were permitted on the premises, but it is known to have occurred at Fairouz's restaurant (highly recommended), and it is alleged that Ron Ryan was persuaded to belly dance.
  • Consilium partner "Tiger" Ryan and teammates Deborah Price (DFO), Pitseolak Pfeifer (ITK) and Morgan Hare (Tungasuvvingat Inuit) at the Aboriginal Peoples Network Golf Tournament at Grey Hawk Golf Course. Consilium sponsored the 12th hole. Proceeds from the tournament will fund educational scholarships for Aboriginal students. Ron's score will be provided privately to anyone making a ten-dollar donation to the Fund.
Deborah Price, Ron Ryan, Pitseolak Pfeifer and Morgan Hare at APN Golf Tournament

  • A highlight of Canada's participation at the World Summit on Biodiversity in Johannesburg, South Africa, was the publication of a special issue of Biodiversity, a leading international scientific journal studying the integrity of ecosystems and the environment. This edition was written by Aboriginal scientists, environmentalists and leaders from around the world: its principal editor was Consilium associate Dr. Valerie Assinewe, and Consilium was a proud corporate sponsor.
     

  • The ever-surprising Fred Weihs achieved blue belt status in Karate this month. Quite apart from his growing martial skills, this means that Fred can do fifty pushups in one go. Ask him to demonstrate at your next workshop if you don't believe it. We didn't...and he did.


Fred Weihs (not exactly as illustrated)

 

  • Happy Birthday to associate John Roy Bennett, who shares this anniversary with Paul Robeson, Spiro Agnew, and cricketer Tommy Greenhough (English leg-spinner in 4 Tests 1959-60). As you probably knew, John B. was born exactly 100 years after the first performance of NY Symphony Orchestra.
     

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