Fallen Feather Productions

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program is seeking nominations of young Aboriginal role models for its 2008–09 program.

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. “Lead Your Way!” inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals. Each year 12 Aboriginal role models are selected for their achievements, leadership and innovation. Throughout the year, the role models will visit First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to share their stories with other Aboriginal youth. Lead Your Way!, housed with the National Aboriginal Health organization, is funded by Health Canada.

Who? Aboriginal youth (between the ages of 13 and 30 years old) can nominate their role model by filling out the nomination form. The nomination form has various attributes that fit your role model. Role models may be First Nations, Inuit or Métis youth between the ages of 13 and 30 years old.

When? Nomination deadline is 11:59 PM EST on Friday, March 28, 2008.

How? You can nominate an Aboriginal youth for Lead Your Way! by
submitting:
# A nomination form,

# A short biography of your role model (1-2 pages) or their resume; and,

# At least one letter of support from your references (maximum of three).

Please send your completed nomination form and supporting documents to:
National Aboriginal Role Model Program
National Aboriginal Health Organization
220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1200
Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9
Or by facsimile to: (613) 233-1853
Incomplete nomination forms will NOT be accepted.

For more information or to obtain a nomination form, please check
www.naho.ca/rolemodel or contact :

Telephone: (613) 237-9462, ext. 548
Toll-free: 1-(877)-602-4445 ext. 548
E-mail: [ mailto:leadyourway@naho.ca ]leadyourway@naho.ca

Sounds like a great opportunity

Jannica@fallenfeatherproductions.com

Some have asked for suggestions on reading material for older students. (16years + )

Three resources come to mind.

First: A National Crime, by John S Milloy, University of Manitoba Press

This is an incredible book that details the chronic neglect and abuse that children suffered within Indian Residential Schools. As the title suggest, Milloy argues that the Canadian Government was fully aware and so legally culpable. His title “A National Crime” is taken from Dr. Peter Bryce 1922 book, which provides the foundations for his arguments.

For more information on Milloy follow this link:

The second must read text is J.R Miller’s work, Shingwauk’s Vision, History of Native Residential Schools.

The arguments that Miller stresses are less ‘political’ then Milloy. The reader is presented with an enormous amount of historical facts without the arguments of a conspiracy theory. The culpability of the Government is watered down with his suggestions that the government was operating with in the standards of the day.

Though the acts committed were egregious, they are viewed within the lens of Social Darwinism and Eugenics.

For more information on Millers work follow this link:

Finally, I would encourage viewing “Hidden From History” from Rev. Kevin Annette

This documentary is available on line. and is a unique resource in that it provides painful testimony of survivors with close examination on the attempts by the Government and the Churches to cover up and oppress the truth.

A glimpse into the late 1990s and the culture of denial at that time.

A must see for everyone.

There must be many more examples of material out there, so if you have some suggestions please Blog back or email me directly.

Jannica

25 Feb 08

The United Nations (UN) declared this year the International Year of Mother Languages. Canadian Aboriginal Language resources may not be available in all classrooms yet but there are tons of valuable resources online.

Please feel welcome to post more Aboriginal Language links in a blog reply.
February 21^st is International Mother Language Day.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO founded on the 16^th November 1945 had the goal to
build peace in the minds of men and support Indigenous groups. UNESCO proclaimed 21 February International Mother Language Day

to stress the importance of linguistic diversity and promote the use of mother languages, and protect native identity.

If you are interested in celebrating these human rights days in you local schools please visit these websites for information, free materials,
poster challenges, and event ideas.In Canada we celebrate the human rights, history, culture and healing of our aboriginal peoples
May 26^th National Day of Healing and Reconciliation (NDHR) and June 21^st National Aboriginal Day (NAD)

UNESCO Home Page
Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Calendar
Celebrate Canada- National Aboriginal Day!
Indian and Northern Affairs

21 Feb 2008
Jannica R Hoskins