Saturday, June 16, 2012

FINANCE MEETING

I have had a few members talk about the Finance meeting the other night, Which gave no new info. When they talk about the money they just think about the 35%, And that  WAS millions , Be sides the 35% there still and is other money from INCA the trust, some of the business. Millions over the years have been spent. on failed ventures and that's not are fault . The blame goes to the people that have been elected since the Casino got here.  Why would the CFO get paid $244,970 and the Band Manager $ 169,034  are there jobs not to manager are money?  The business are costing us millions and  all on running in the red except for 2 and they thing this is good because people have jobs. What do you think?  This is insane to me or maybe its just me. They may have a new deal but i still don't think that the casino will be here for 20 or 30 years. The government does,nt care about us and never have . OLG is going to be looking for operators for the Casino and the Chief said they were going to put in a bid maybe with a partner. Good luck with that one Hope the partner has money as we don't. I still don't no whats happening with the trust. Some one fill me in... 48% of the$ 38 million budget is wages wow for such a small community doesn't leave much for any thing else .. But one good thing we have $250 million in collateral  like buildings equipment ..... so who do you sell the buildings to? and a lot of that equipment is just doing noting.No new houses and no development in the works.  And the rich get richer.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Land

 I think if people knew what life was going to be like they would have voted no for the Casino, Seem 's like we just keep giving more for the Casino and for what. More land now for a parking lot whats next?  What happen to the idea of a strip mall on Benson side road, Lets hope the land they have purchased gets turned into Band land soon for housing.Just the fact that we have no say in what is happen to our land is bad enough remember it belongs to all...

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Meeting

Finance Meeting. Rama Hall June 14th ,  Dinner 5:30 p.m. 6:15 Meeting  Indian Card required Be there find out where are money is going or should i say where it's gone.    

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Just Saying.

The word protocol  should not be used in a failing corporations , Just saying .  I'm truly sick of here that word when every you have to ask something . Is the policy's and protocol for Chief and Council not likely . There is so much unnecessary red tape and policy's here its just plan stupid. Do you think other First Nation's are run this way no there not.When i talk to members from other First Nation they can't believe we put up with it . Stand Tall. And when i talk to some people here there like oh cant do that we have to follow the protocol what are they BRAIN WASHED. any way..............

Monday, June 4, 2012

PARKING LOT

Question's that were sent on May 16, 2012 on the Parking Lot. 1. Has  the  land been designated commercial, or is it still zoned residential?  2. H as the land been officially surrendered? Is this land in the Bands name. 3. Have all environmental issues or impacts been addressed, including permits , to meet criteria, under INAC's land management act? 4. Does the Band have the right to lease out a new piece of land without consultation and referendum by the members? And if so how did we do that? 5. Did  the Casino not purchase the Willison property for RV Campers to use?  Thank You Cheryle Snache

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Blanket Exercise focuses on First Nation water crisis - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

Blanket Exercise focuses on First Nation water crisis - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

WATER

In our culture the women take care of the water,  as native people are culture there is noting more important to us then the land. Are whole culture is based on this. In Rama i see the opposite , What is the point in having a water ceremony when we are putting tonnes of salt into the lake , when we are  leasing out are farm,s only to have them covered in pesticide , which makes there way to the lake as every thing does. Think about our children breathing in that, I have try, ed a number of times to have an all out pesticide band  on our territory but have not had any success. I guess the money that they receive for taxes on the farms is more important then the health of are land water.  And us.

Friday, May 4, 2012

PARKING LOT

In this months Ojibway Times the employee parking lot was mention saying while there was no Master plan to be shared yet, when one is ready it will be presented to the community.  The parking lot will be built in the coming months. I have some questions about the whole process . First we were told that there would be a vote on the 2011 Deal and when there told us about the new deal April 2010 at a community meeting we were told no vote . We were told that the members would have input into the Master plan while this has,nt happened. And this is how OLG supports Casino by investing in the parking lot ,.one we have no say in  gee thanks .              More of the same propaganda the new deal will be worth $1- billion to Rama over 35 years. If you believe that your living in a dream world.

RAMA HOST MEETING - Aboriginal Economic Development Board

I wonder what Chief Clarence Louie  of the Osoyoos Band thought as he was given a tour of Rama . One of the most success full Bands in Canada  In 2000 Osoyoos set a goal to become economically self - sufficient in five years it succeeded. Not bad for a band that was bankrupt and taken over by Indian Affairs . when he took over as Chief  and turned it into an inspiration.. Today they have RV parks vineyards, winery , construction company , cement companies, cultural center and a $100 million interest in hotel and conference. . Louie believes good government involves being accountable and transparent - to its own constituents. He believes depending solely on federal government foe payouts will not break the cycle of poverty or address the social ills that colonialism, residential schools and the reserve system have inflicted. If you create jobs you will reduce health issues, social problems and addictions. .. Given that the tour was with the Chief and band Manager i can just imagine  what was said. To bad the members of Rama are not included in these meetings . With the lack of economic development in our community how has a seat on this board by  Sharon Henry helped us ? Cheryle Snache

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Communication

 When you are elected to be A chief or a councilor its your job to talk to the people even tho  you may not want to or like them or don,t agree with opinion . It has gotten so in Rama  that i guess they feel this is,nt part of the high paying jobs. When you  email a question to C$C you receive a email back from the Band Manger. There is no more community meetings, And if they don,t want to see you in council they don,t. Communication with the members well there is none.They should be punching a time clock, in the real world you dont, get paid unless you are there.But they have created there own world as to what they think it is to be a Chief or Councilor.Just saying ....          

Friday, April 27, 2012

Three years of funding a boon to Lake Country - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

Three years of funding a boon to Lake Country - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

To days WTF is Council just dont want to here you.

Iam very much into the environmental issues here and around the world. I join groups i write letters, sign pet ions lobby the different governments on the issues and its some thing i have done for years and will all ways do. To protect Mother Earth.Here i see no interest by Chief and Council when it comes to the  Our environment.  In   Feb. i asked to be seen in  in council for an idea i had to save money . Rather then pay Orillia to take are compost i wanted to Put composter   at the school and get the kids to compost make raised gardens and to plant organic vegetables . And to make and design there own peace  garden a place where they could call there own and to sit and to be proud of a   place to learn. The Principal was all for it. I was,nt asking for a job Just wanted to teach  the  children some thing they could use later on in life. Chief and Council would,nt even see me.I got a letter saying thanks but we dont need your help and the have a Green Team. What got me was they would even take the time to listen.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Parking Lot

I will say it loud and clear most people do not want a Parking lot in the center of our community the 4 corners . Most likely Toronto or that area is getting a Casino so that means a lot  less people here. And most likely workers as business does down so i feel another parking lot is unnecessary . If they are going to lease more of our territory we should have had a vote .

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Pow Wow

What needs to happen is the members have some in put on the pow wow period , I thought every one like black river and were glad it was out side again , Having it at the seniors is not where it should be, Why cant it be at the ball park or the waterfront Rama Park . What we need to do is go back to having a traditional pow wow and i think  alot of people feel the same.It is costing way to much and i would like more of the Chippewas of Rama traditions  formerly the Chippewas of Lake Huron in simoce taught to our children. . I feel it should,nt all be about money. That's me Cheryle Snache

First Nations voting on land claim Saturday - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

First Nations voting on land claim Saturday - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Eliminated

 It feels bad out there right now, with the jobs that have been eliminated  based on the needs of our First Nation at least that is according to the Chief on how the people were picked. I think that if job shadowing had started years ago this would not have had to happen and I feel for the members, but I new it would happen and have been saying it for years. Even called a racist  for wanting are people to be trained to take over the jobs the non- natives hold.  Plain and simply the money has run out. Our needs well they haven't listen to our needs for years.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Layoffs in Rama

I don't work in the community, I don't hear the ins and outs and everyday rumblings, but I did hear that the layoffs have begun. I'd really like to hear the truth and not just hear say. I'd like to hear from those people that got laid off and what your thoughts are. And I'd really like to hear from those that have had enough of this bullshit leadership and bullshit 'economic development' in Rama. 

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Transparency

 In the past Band minute,s were posted in our Band Office . That way we could see who was doing what and who voted on the different motions. Now we go by here say.  Every time its an Election year you  start here i did,t agree to that  or i was,nt a part of that i said no to that or i did,nt  no that. . From the people in power and the people who were in power and want to be there again. Look all i want is the truth. Posting the council minutes is transparency and accountability.

Senate committee approves First Nations election bill

Senate committee approves First Nations election bill

Monday, March 19, 2012

THE OJIBWAY MIGRATION STORY

According to oral tradition the Ojbways and other Algonquin speakers were originally settled up and down the East  Coast . Those who do not share this traditional view think it is more likely the Ojibway lived next to Hudson ,s Bay and moved southward . Traditional Ojibway spiritual leaders are creationists and do not believe in the Bering Strait hypothesis for the people of North  America nor the evolution of human beings in a Darwinian sense. Traditional oral history indicates that the early  Ojibway planted corn and used canoes, overland trails , and sled dogs and sled,s in winter.According to there oral traditions the Ojibway Daybreak people ( Wa-bun -u-keeg) vowed to stay in the east and may be the people the French referred to as the Abnaki. The prophet  of the 1st. Fire told the people to moved or be destroyed. most of the Daybreak people were later destroyed when the whites came. The Mide (shamans) remembered the  prophet of the First Fire speaking of a turtle shaped island that would be the first of seven  stopping places during Ojibway migration. There are two sites that fit the description. The first is at the mouth of the St. Francis River and the other is an island near Montreal . The 6 Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy  were major adversaries during the migration . The seven major stopping stopping places of the great migration were 1 ) turtle-shaped island ( Montreal?) 2 Niagara Falls3) the Detroit River 4) Manitoulin Island of Lk.Huron 5) Sault Ste. Marie 6) Spirit Island in Duluth and Madeline Island in the Apostle Island of Lk. Superior. The Megis Shell rose up out of the water or sand at each locale and they knew when to stop when they found a turtle -shaped island ( Madeline Island) and "the food that grows on the water" (wild rice). The Ojibway have a 3 Fire confederacy composed of the Potawatomi (the fire people, keepers of the sacred Fire), the Ottawa (the trader people) and the Ojibway ( the faith keepers , keepers of the sacred scrolls and the Waterdrum  of the Midewiwin  ( the organized shamanic society for healers). All of the Anishinabe people are the nation of the Three Fire. Benton -Banai  thinks the people were mistakenly referred to as the Chippewa.  Densmore said that " The  meaning of the word Ojibway has been the subject of much discussion. The derivation of the word from a root meaning "to pucker" has been conjectured. Many attribute this derivation to a type of mocassin formerly used by this tribe, which had a puckered seam extending up the front instead of having a tongue-shaped piece,as in present usage".)Densmore) 1979:5-6). The Three Fires nation was attacked along the migration by the Sauks and Foxes and never fought the whites. They fought battles with the Dakota when they got to the Midwest. Benton- Banai thinks the migration started around 900 AD and took 500. years to complete (1988:102). He believes the Sacred Fire was kept alive that long and the dream of   the original 7 prophets was carried by many generations, Lee Sultcman

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Chief & Council,

Re: Coldwater Narrows Trust Agreement

We have carefully examined the trust documents in the package and we do not agree with the $10 million to be reimbursed to the band for the purchase of land as the community was not consulted at all.

The trust doesn't reflect the input of the people. It must be amended or there is enough band members that are ready to vote it down.

The People of Rama

cc: Chippewas of Rama

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

COLDWATER NARROWS LAND TRUST

I hope people show up for the meetings on Our trust as i no we all said hand off Chief and Council, sure dose, not look that way to me.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Chief Yellowhead Island

At the meeting another issue was asked about and that was Chief Island formally know as Yellow head island, and the amount if boats around the island. we wanted to deal with the matter when we had an Environment Group. But we got no where like many of are concerns . The island was classed by the MNR as a Class One Wet land back the the Band was told to keep do something about the boats . When Rama  had  an  Environment Assessment done on all of our land and islands same  protect shoreline, and restrict access to the island . We need to protect the spawning grounds around the island..  Chief Yellow heads people lived on the island in  1827, 1828,1829 in 1829 a school and two cabins were constructed.. Before that the Huron were on the island. There are may graves and we no that there is also graves of the Huron.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Meeting

Last nights meeting on are finances does,nt surprise me any. If they don,t get the  YOUR treaty money. I don't no what would happen With a budget of Forty some million a year ,and we have less then that in cash and investments.  There sure will not be a big trust pay out in July. What a waste of money millions over the past 14 years, Like me and others have been saying it won,t stop till the pots run dry. Sad just makes me mad to think of what we could have done for our community, our future . our  children  future .With over 20 million on wages every i new this could go on but it has and no job shadowing for are people, maybe a few here and there Look its time this happens before it cant. Are people need full time jobs . But is there any money for job creation now? We have had years to do this.

Band governance: Refreshing reformer | The Chronicle Herald

Band governance: Refreshing reformer | The Chronicle Herald

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Community

What a nice sunny morning thanks to the creator for such a beauty day, Well i have my coffee iam thinking about many people that have gone, and the old Rama .  How we would help each other out and do it with out wanting money. Since the casino has been here it has change the way some people think its all about money. The same way with the people in power.  Now  this is the way our children think, Don't let them brain wash your children. Its our way to help one another out the children are our future.  Money is not every thing and we need to get are community Sprite back. We need to look after are community needs.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

I got my eye on you

Its bad enough that the government is keeping an eye on First nation ,but here in Rama the amount of cameras every where really gets to some of us . I can  see having a camera at the school and day care for the safety of our children. And one or two at the gas bar but they are to many. They just put in a bunch more at the  gas station. These cost alot of money and so does there up keep.  I say where they should be is in the council chambers. A nother thing is are we paying some one to sit there and see if a member says anything on facebook because they no when some one does with in minutes . Another reason way people don't say anything and they no it.  Iam sure we can spend our money on other things then more dam cameras .

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Health Needs

I can,t believe the red tape people have to go through to get any kind of help  from the Band . More and more Indian Affairs has stop paying for a lot in the way of health needs pill,s etc. there needs to be a fund where are members can get help for health needs and not have to sign there life away when they ask for things , And give pages of personal info when they do ask, That's just degrading ,  People on any kind of pension is living below the poverty line.  Sad that are members would just rather not even ask. cheryle

MEETING

 Finance Meeting at the Chippewas  of  Rama  Hall  March 8 ,2012  Thurs. supper 5:15 Meeting 6:00

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Notes on Sites of Indian Villages 1903 The Fishing Station by Andrew Hunter

Remains of the fishing station and the fish weirs of the Hurons at the Narrows. The position of the old weirs is north of the old railway bridge. In 1887, the late Joseph Wallace sr, a local archaeologist, of Orillia , indentitied this as the fishing station mentioned in Champlain,s Journal ( 1615) , at the time when he had extracts from that journal printed in the Orillia Times.see champlain,s Works Vol.4 page 34 .Mr. Wallace also contributed an article on the subject to the Canadian Indian Sault Ste. Marie Ont. and it appeared in the issue of that periodical fo February 1891 pages 134-138, under the heading A Fishing Station of the Ancient Hurons Identified. Owing to the rarity of that reference to the fish stakes. After some general remarks on the object of Champlains expedition he says- The Narrows present much the same features as in Champlain,a day. But its fame as fishing ground has long vanished, bass may still be caught with the rod, or trolling, and in the winter season some scores of Indians and whites may be seen  spearing herrings through holes cut in the ice. Still there is no doubt that at the time to which reference is made,all those lakes were literally swarming with fish.Are there any remains to point out the exact locality where these stakes crossed the strait? In answering this question in the affirmative, I would state that some years since my friend Gilbert Williams, an Indian informed me that he had seen very old stakes which were used by the  Mohawks  for catching fish. Some time after when I was writing out a story of Champlain for one of our local papers, I was conversing with Charles Jacobs on the subject, who said he had also seen the stakes and further that the locality was known to this day as  " Mitchekun"which means a fence or the place which was fenced or staked across. He said that if a strange Indian  were to ask him where he came from he would answer Michekuning the termination  "ing" signifying from that is from Mitchekun. We were at the time standing on the Orillia wharf and within sight of the endof the Narrows. Charles Jacobs said ask old Mr. Snake who was standing near by where Mitchekun is. As soon as i asked the old man he turned and pointed to the Narrows, which  was between two and tree miles distant. In September 1886 I walked down to the Narrows and entered into conversation with Mr. frank Gaudaur  who is of Indian extraction and the keeper of the Midland railway bridge who immediately took me to the side of the bridge and a few paces distant and showed me a number of the stakes which remained> Dredging the channel for the purpose of navigation had of course, removed the greater part of them,only those on the outside of the dredged portion being left. Mr. Gaudaur said that there were some other places where stakes might be seen, but that this was the most compete part. The stakes as might be expected were a good deal twisted by the current, but the ends  were still close together, and firmly embedded in the clay and mud at the bottom ,so that it as only after considerable pulling with a spear that one was brought to the surface. The stakes would be about five or six feet long and thicker than a walking stick. It is to be observed that they are not placed across in a straight line indeed one portion is continued in a direction half- way down the stream and would thus produce an angle when the line was change upwards and at the opening of this angle would be placed the net and this is in exact accordance with the method which Champlain describes, when the Indians were hunting deer that is by staking out large space in the woods with an angle into which the game was driven. It is not difficult to account for the stakes lasting for so many years when we consider that the tops were under the surface of the water thus escaping the action of the air and also the ice, which in this locality is never of great thickness because of the rapidity of the current. It must be understood that we do not assert that these identical stakes existed there in Champlain,s time although it is possible that some of the may be part of the original construction. It was probably used for fishing purposes long after the time of Champlain,s and even after the destruction of the Huron ,s for Iam strongly inclined to suspect that a portion of the Mohawks settled down on the vanquished territory and remained there a considerable time. If such was the case the fence would be repaired from time to time, as circumstances required, whit out altering the site to any material extent. The stake which i had been pointed with an axe of considerable sharpness as evidenced by the comparatively clean cuts made in the operation. Our present Indians who are Ojibways know nothing about them , except the tradition before mentioned. Mr. Snake is an old man, and he stated to me that the old Indians when he was young , referred the whole construction , and its use to the Mohawks  I have no doubt,if they are not molested the remains will be in existence a century hence. A paragraph in the Orillia packet of June 21 1889 affords some further information upon the important fishing station- During his stay here Mr. A. C. Osborne, of Penetanguishene accompanied by Me. Joseph Wallace sr. visited Mr. F Gaudaur and they made a most interesting discovery A copy of Champlain,s journal describes the method by which the Indians took fish in 1615. They had rows of stakes driven into the bottom of the Narrows in such a way as to corral the fish in passing from one lake to the other. In this manner enough fish for thr commissariat during the expedition in which they engaged against the Iroquois were taken in five or six days. When this part of the journal was read to Mr. Gaudaur, he took his visitors to where the rows of stakes could be seen under water. The Ojibways he said found these stakes there when they came a hundred and fifty or eighty years since,knew what they were for, but did not use them .They were in large numbers and at one time extended across the Narrows but very many were thrown out in dredging the present channel. The stakes are of tamarac Me Osborne secures two one had evidently been put down to replace another at a date subsequent to the other , which was soft like cheese when pulled out . The top is desiccated and is covered with slime, Though only some six inches were visible they extend a long distance into the mud. Me. Osborne believes that the older stick is one of those there when Champlain encamped at the spot. Mr. Gaudaur says that these under water fences probably suggested the Ojibway name for Orillia or the Narrows Michikaning The place of the fence.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Jurors and the 7 Grandfathers teachings - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

Jurors and the 7 Grandfathers teachings - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

June 22,1959 Press Release Plaque To Commemorate Chief William Yellowhead

On Sat. June 27. 1959 commencing at 3 pm. ceremonies in connection with the unveiling if an historical plaque will take place in Couchiching Beach Park  Orillia. This plaque is one of a series being erected through out the province by the Historical Branch of the Department of Travel and Publicity, acting on the advice of the Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario. Saturday's ceremony is being sponsored by the Orillia Chamber of Commerce whose president, Mr. John Spencer, will act as programme chairman . The Archaeological and Historic Sites Board will be represented by its chairman Mr. W.H. Cranston of Midland, and the plaque  will be unveiled by Mr. Joseph Yellowhead, a  descendant of the Chief who is being commemorated. Others who are expected to take part in the ceremony are: His Worship Major A.J. Truman, Mr. William McEacheran, chairman of the  Orillia Parks Board, Mr.LIoyed Letherby,M.P.P Mr. J. A. Coutts, president of the Huronia Historic Sites and Tourist Association , Mr.I. J. Douglas Chief of Rama Indian Reserve, and Mr. C. L. Bigcanoe, Chief of the Georgina  Island Reserve.  William Yellowhead, known also by his Indian  name " Musquakie" , was  born about 1769. The exact place and date of his birth havenever been definitely established, but in the records of the St. James Church at Orillia there is a notation entered at the time of burial  which states that he was about one hundred years old. Musquakie was the son of Chief William Yellowhead, Sr,, the principal Chief of the Deer Tribe of the Chippewa or Ojibwa Indians Before Europeans  penetrated the upper Great Lakes region the Ojibwa, Indians of Algonkian stock, roamed the north of Lake Huron and Superior . One of the earliest reported meetings between white men and Ojibwa took place in 1640. These Indians are described in the " Jesuit Relations" of that year as being "people of the Sault." It is entirely possible that the famous explorer, Jean Nicolet, had met them during his journey to the vicinity of Sault Ste. Marie in 1634 _ 35, but there is no contemporary record which prove this. The Ojibwa were always relatively friendly towards the French who frequently visited their region during the 17th and early 18th centuries. In the 1700's following the decline of  Iroquois power, the Ojibwa and their kinsmen , the Mississaugas, moved southward toward Lake Ontario. After the British conquest of Canada the Ojibwa continued on good terms with the administration.  They were regarded highly by Lieutenant- Governor John Graves Simcoe . In a letter to Lord Dorchester , he says oh them "... these people deserve the utmost attention; unlike the Five Nations , they do not look up to any persons but the King's officers or subjects , nor is their power to be slighted  since ,though they are not numerous themselves in this part of the country, they can draw to a head very formidable numbers" The good relations established in the early years  Of British rule in Canada stood the colony in good stead when it was attacked buy the United Sates in 1812. The Ojibwa, unlike some other more vacillating tribes in Upper Canada, immediately rallied to the Crown under the leadership of William Yellowhead, Sr.. They fought by the side of British and Canadian forces in many engagements during that war and put up a stiff resistance during the American attack on York in April 1813. It is believed that during that battle Chief Yellowhead ,Sr. was severely wounded and soon afterward his son, Musquakie , was appointed  principal chief of the Deer Tribes.In 1818 the Crown purchased 1,592,000 acres of land in the principal men of the Chippewa nation of Indian's" and one of the signers was  Chief William Yellowhead,Jr. Sir John Colborne was appointed Lieutenant- governor of Upper Canada in 1828 and one of his major projects was to gather together the no-madic tribes of Lake Huron and Simcoe areas onto  reserves. White settlement was proceeding apace and new land was required to handle the great influx of immigrants into the province. In accordance with this plan, a strip of land between Coldwater and Orillia was designated by the government as a reserve for several Ojibwa bands including that led by Chief Yellowhead . A road was built and land provided for the Indians along its route, Yellowhead  and his followers settled in the vicinity of Orillia, and a house  which stood until recent times was erected for his use. Unfortunately,as so  often happened in other areas of the province, white settlers infiltrated into the region  and friction occurred between them and the resident Indian population. Moreover,the influx of white population spoiled the Indian hunting grounds in the immediate vicinity. Although farming had been commenced on the reserve under the guidance of the Indian superintendent,T.G.Anderson, the Indians had not entirely given up their traditional adherence to the chase. Despite Yellowheads personal popularity, the Ojibwa were compelled to relinquish the land which they had held for such a brief period and were relocated to more remote reserves of which the most important were Rama and Beausoleil Island . Chief Yellowhead and his band moved from Orillia to Rama during late 1838 and early 1839. Musqukie  spent the remainder of his life there .A devout Christian, he was highly respected and admired by all who knew him. It was largely through  his efforts and those of his father that the loyalty of the Ojibwa to the British Crown was preserved. When he died in 1864 he was buried in St James shurch yard. Al though no monument remains to indicate the exact site of his grave ,it is thought to be in the vicinity of the main door of the church . A more permanent memorial does however remain with us today in the name of the Muskoka District of Ontario. It is generally believed that this region was named after him since the area comprised part of his recognized hunting grounds.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Racism part of justice system - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

Racism part of justice system - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

Life without Fear

I get that if you work for the Chippewas of  Rama you can,t talk about  Rama in any way and that you fear for your jobs. I hope that changes one day . Its has to.  Some times i speck about the land and its fine ,but others times when i talk about the  environmental     issues  its political or i,am being political.You have to ask you self do you want to live in the white corporate world  under the Indian Act or do you want to live the as we should the life of the Anishnabe, what  life do you want for your children? We have never need anyone to tell us how to   live for hundreds of years. Why let it happen now, the people who are making the decisions for us don't live here and we have no say ,sure there,s committee's but bottom line Chief and Council have the last  word. I don't care if you sign your name or not, to what you say, But when people say nothing or don't show up for meetings Chief and Council assume every thing s just fine and you are happy with the job they are doing.  

Thursday, February 16, 2012

CULTURE

Ok what started out as was a conversation about a News  letter has led to a lot of comments about culture,I would like to see more done, but i feel in order for are children to learn we must live it everyday and we are not. We base are culture on the land   Mother Earth , and  how we respect every thing she has to offer, We used the land a nd every thing in are daily life, When was the last time you show your children how to use the trees, the plants to fish or hunt to make a fire or to pray and give thanks for mothers earths gifts,  When was the last time you walked in the bush with your child? or visit and Elder taking them to listen and learn . do they no how to skin an animal or snare a rabbit , spear a fish,  Plant a garden pick berries.  Build a shelter,  Alot of people do not practise  are culture so how will are children no . We all must do more and we can if given the chance .  We have have too. Cheryle Snache

Update on the Union

I spoke with an employee at the UOI yesterday who brought me up to speed so I wish to share bits of that conversation with you, the blog readers/community members.

WM told me that Rama leadership is open to resuming talks with the UOI and that they have been invited to our community twice in recent past, but circumstances, I think one was a death in our community, lead to postponing those talks.

WM encouraged me to encourage our members to continue to ask questions and encourage our leadership to resume those talks. The UOI is there for us as individuals of course and he did say that they don't turn anyone away who needs their help whether they come from communities who are members of the union or not, but they do operate on a BCR process, so Rama would need to pass a BCR restating their position about being members of the Union.

The truth is we need to be united in our efforts in advancing our rights. When we are divided and piece mealed it's easier to dismiss our concerns then when our voices are united as ONE. The union is doing a lot of great work for our Nation and our Nationhood. We need to get on board and support this to advance our rights and have what's written in the Kanadian constitution actually recognized. To me, it always comes back to the children. What legacy are we leaving for them? Stop thinking in terms of me and I, and starting thinking in terms of us and we.

Shawna

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Union

How do people feel about not being a member of the Union Of  Ontario Indians i my self think its time that we forgive and join again , i think alot of people feel the same. Once again this decision was not made by the members time to change that..

Friday, February 10, 2012

NEWS LETTER

 I think are own news letter is a great idea, iam in .I grew up with a father who was a writer and he all  ways       said the pen is mighty er the the sword. And if you don't ask questions you will never no. He fought all his life for the things he believe in. the enviornement. clean water veteran's issues  etc. He as  i believed in free speech and Human rights for all. That no one is different and people should be treated equal. To fight for what you believe and never give up we can change things. So if anyone is into a news letter get a hold of me i will help.

ANISHINABEK NATION | First Nations pay steep price for rights abuses in Canada: Madahbee

ANISHINABEK NATION | First Nations pay steep price for rights abuses in Canada: Madahbee

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

What We Can,t Be Told ?

 I have in all my life never  seen a place run like the Chippewas of Rama, There is so much that we are not allowed to know. Makes me wonder if they no what accountability's and transparency means.  When people act this way makes you wonder if they have some thing to hide. I asked for a phone directory and was told its a privacy issues . We pay for the employees but we cant have a list of phone numbers what is that all about are we not entitled to no who they are and who we are forking out are cash too. I ask who we donate money to, no answer i ask what political party's we are donating money to no answer.  As the share holders  of Rama we are entitled to this information i would think.

The Math Just Doesn't Add Up....


robert furlonger

General Manager, Economic Development at Chippewas of Rama First Nation
Ontario, Canada 
Retail
Current
  • General Manager, Economic Development at Chippewas of Rama First Nation
Past
  • Marketing Director at Diamond Essence Canada
  • general manager at grolier
Education
  • Lakehead University
Connections
23 connections
Public Profile

Summary

Seasoned, bottom-line driven marketing/management professional with extensive direct marketing/retail/intenet/database experience. Motivated, passionate, team-focused leader with effective communication skills.

My objective is to drive growth performance in sales and bottom-line for a business in a marketing/management capacity.

Experience

June 2008 – Present (3 years 9 months)
Managed six retail businesses; developed economic proposals and managed projects; board member for Ontario's Lake Country; built and marketed retail websites; developed economic community plans; negotiated leases and joint-venture contracts; improved bottom-line business results by over $600,000.
September 2004 – June 2008 (3 years 10 months)
Launched and built direct response jewellery catalogue and internet business in Canada; developed wholesale arm within two years; increased database ten-fold within three years; managed customer service and distribution relationships.
1993 – 1999 (6 years)
managed two direct marketing divisions in Canada with over $25mil in sales; moved customer service and distribution to Canada from US with over $1mil in savings; improved bottom line results by over $2mil; negotiated long-term licensing deals with Disney Canada and Mattel; Managed staff of over 75; reported directly to President, Grolier Direct Inc.; managed direct relationships with agencies and marketing promotion firms.

Education

Lakehead University

HBCOMBUSINESSMARKETING

1975 – 1978

Additional Information

Contact robert for:

  • career opportunities
  • consulting offers
  • new ventures
  • job inquiries
  • expertise requests
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  • getting back in touch