What more can be said?  We’re leaving tomorrow for the Mayan Riviera with fifty-nine of our closest family and friends.  That’s almost half the capacity of the plane.  Deborah, me, Katherine Faith, Jasmine, Griffin, Miigwans and Fiona.  A whole lot of fun, sunshine and relaxation.

Oh… and we’re getting married on Saturday.

Woo hoo!!  I can’t believe the wait is over.  The time is finally here.

There is nothing more exciting to me than marrying my beloved Deborah.  She’s all the heaven, moon and the stars to me.  Our Spirits have long settled down together and we’re thrilled to share our commitment and this special moment with our friends and family.

Together, our Love swells like the ocean surge, riding an overwhelming spiritual tide that reaches our every shore.  I am so thankful to our Creator, the Spirit World and every force of nature that brought Deborah and I together.  I feel so blessed that she begins this walk with me, and for all that she gives me with her Love, respect, kindness and beauty.  I will endeavour to bring her happiness and joy for the rest of our lives.  I’m so happy and thankful for you, my Love.  Miigwetch G’zhemnidoo mno bimaadiziwin.

Deborah and I will spend our first week with our guests, then another week, just ourselves, on our honeymoon.  We’re going to be doing some scuba-diving, snorkelling, visiting historic Mayan ruins and other romantic endeavours.  We’ve got a plane-load of books to read by the pool and on the beach.  I’m looking forward to tasting the salt-water on my lips, and floating far from the shore which is a bit of a ritual for me.  Ahhh, paradise.

In case you’re interested, here’s the itinerary:

Please join us for the
Pre-Wedding Social/Jack & Jill
in honour of

Deborah Richardson
&
Bob Goulais

1 small rabbit about 2½ pounds
¼ cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup pineapple juice
¼ cup vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 medium green pepper, chopped or
2 tablespoons dried pepper flakes
1½ tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup sugar
½ cup water

1.  Skin and clean rabbit, wash thoroughly and cut into serving pieces.
2.  Put flour, salt and pepper in a paper bag, add the rabbit pieces and shake until well coated.
3.  Heat butter in a heavy pan, and brown rabbit on all sides, over moderate heat.
4.  Add pineapple juice, vinegar, and salt.  Cover pan; cook over low heat 40 minutes or until meat is tender.
5.  Add pineapple and green pepper; cook a few minutes longer.
6.  Mix corn starch and sugar, then add to the water.
7.  Stir this mixture gradually into the liquid in the pan and cook slowly about 5 minutes.  Serves 6.

Serve with rice or Listuguj scalloped potatoes.

1 rabbit
2 large carrots
4 strips bacon or salt pork
1-2 cups hot water
Stuffing:
4 average potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried summer savoury
1 cup finely chopped celery

1.  Skin and clean rabbit.  Wash thoroughly with warm salted water.
2.  Make dressing as follows:  Mash potatoes to make 2 cups, add butter, salt, pepper, savoury, and celery.  Fill body of rabbit with this stuffing and sew it up.
3.  Place rabbit breast down on rack of baking pan, with legs folded under the body and fasten in this position with skewers.
4.  Place quarter carrots inside it on the rack.
5.  Fasten strips of bacon over the back of rabbit with toothpicks to keep the flesh from drying out.
6.  Place pan in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes, then pour a cup or 2 of hot water over that meat and continue cooking until tender.
7.  Remove the bacon for the last 10 minutes and let the rabbit brown.  Serves 6.

1 rabbit
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ cups diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup cold water
1/3 cup milk

1.  Skin and clean rabbit, wash thoroughly and cut into serving pieces.
2.  Rabbit into pan large enough to hold the pieces without crowding.  Add salt and enough cold water to cover the rabbit.
3.  Cover pan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook over low heat about 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
4.  Strain the broth and set aside. With a sharp knife cut the rabbit meat from the bones and return the meat to the broth.
5.  Add diced vegetables and seasonings to the broth. Simmer over low heat until vegetables are tender.
6.  Mix flour into a paste with the cold water in add to the stew, stirring constantly to prevent lumping.
Dumplings:
7.  Sift 3/4 cup of flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.  Beat 1 egg slightly and add 1/3 cup milk.  Add egg and milk to the dry ingredients stirring just enough to moisten them.
8.  Drop dumpling mixture by spoonfuls on top of the boiling stew, spacing them so they will not run together during cooking.
9.  Please a heavy lid on top and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Serves 8.

Denys Beaucage

First Nations people do everything well.  We’re great hunters and trappers.  Our people lived for millennia by being excellent spear-fishermen.  However, we’re also excellent guides and sports fishermen in our own right.  One Anishinaabe man is trying to go above-and-beyond when it comes to the world of sport fishing.

Denys Beaucage, known by many as the Nish Fisherman, is vying to be the next host of one of Canada’s premier fishing shows, Fish ‘n Canada.  Beaucage, from Wasauksing First Nation, with family in Nipissing First Nation and Moose Deer Point First Nation is taking part in a contest called The Next Big Thing.

Beaucage has been a fisherman for pretty much all of his life.  His dad, former Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage and his grandfather Samuel, introduced him to the outdoor life as a young boy.  Almost immediate he began to haul in trophy-sized northern pike and bass in and around his familiar waters of Georgian Bay.

Denys has tremendous skill and experience in bass fishing, but also finds great pleasure in fighting for pike and walleye, important catches for not only his fellow Anishinaabe (Ojibway people), but for most northern Ontario sport fisherman.

All of Wasauksing, Nipissing, and Moose Deer Point are behind Denys.  We encourage you to support him as well.  Miigwetch.  Vote early and vote often.

Please support Denys Beaucage, the Nish Fisherman
Go to http://www.fishncanada.com/content/view/838/
Check “Other”, and write in Denys Beaucage

Wab Kinew has it right.  In turn, I guess, so does CBC.  But is anyone (other than Aboriginal people) watching 8th Fire (CBC, Thursday at 9 p.m.)?

In my lifetime, I don’t recall seeing any other TV special that comes close.  This four-part documentary series explores first-hand First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives, all the while providing excellent public education on contemporary Aboriginal issues.

I recall back in the 90s, the much-heralded historical documentary series called 500 Nations.  But it was aimed at being a historical and anthropological anthology rather than taking on the “how’s” and “why’s” of contemporary Aboriginal issues.

I think what’s most compelling about Wab Kinew’s storytelling is that he’s speaking directly to the non-native viewer.

In episode three of the series, the Anishinaabe hip-hop artist and story-teller from the Ojibways of Onigaming paddles up in his canoe, slightly winded and speaks, not to me, but specifically to non-native Canadians.  He often speaks of the interactions between “your people” and “my people”.  Although he’s being honest, he is also quite disarming through his kind and respectful approach to the telling of our story.  His approach and personality really sells it and makes him quite believable for these messages that are so often taken quite sceptically.

While he is telling his story, I find myself nodding away to him, wiping the occasional tear away like I’m right beside him while he’s affirming my story.  As we watch the occasional friend and colleague on the screen, I know my partner and I have Wab’s back while he educates my neighbours about the truth of our people.

This type of documentary filmmaking is also quite consistent with our time-honoured traditional approach to storytelling.

Not so long ago, our people would gather in our Anishinaabe lodges for ceremonies and discussions among Chiefs, Clan leaders, Elders and teachers.  Following our ceremonies, there would be long talks led by our teachers about our history and many seasons gone by.  Those talks would be filled with references to the Spirit and to Gchi-Anishinaabeg (the old ones).  They would also be filled with emotion and rife with our core values of honesty and respect.  The many people gathered around the fire could be seen nodding, wiping away their own tears as they all hear their collective story.

Wab does this eloquently, using video, new media, music and a host of contributors, experts and guests.  The simple storyline makes the point well-organized and easy to understand.  It’s difficult to find to many holes in his narrative.

Personally, I feel Canadians need to see more of that.  Honesty and truth in the telling of our story, rather than hard-line, one-sided positions, “he-said, she-said” perspectives.  It certainly beats the tired political rhetoric we are accustomed to.  We also need to see much more public education targeting all Canadians.

I challenge you to take a look at any news story about Aboriginal issues on the web.  Whether it be about Attawapiskat, the Crown-First Nations Gathering, Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women, or Tobacco issues. Check out any number of news sources: CBC, CTV, Globe and Mail, National Post, Sun Media, or even your local paper.  Turn your attention, please, to the interactive comments at the bottom of the page.

This is the place that “Mr. and Ms. Anonymous Canadian” can write to their heart’s content about their true feelings on Aboriginal issues.  These comments can be down right nasty.

But what strikes me most is how they are often simply ignorant, uninformed, and downright incorrect.

“When are First Nations going to start contributing to society instead of ripping off Canadian tax payers? It is obvious they can’t handle money as they have wasted all the tax dollars they were given and have nothing to show for it!”

“You know, that thing that First Nations are sorely lacking. Personal responsibility to pay taxes and become a contributor to society instead of a burden on society.”

“Get rid of the Indian Act, reserves and the chief system. Time they fended for themselves.”

“Does this mean they are prepared to work and pay taxes just like the non-aboriginal people?  I’m all for equality.”

Reminds me of this classic diddy from 1920:

“Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic and there is no Indian question, and no Indian Department.” – Duncan Campbell-Scott, Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

All of these messages are rooted in prejudice and hatred.  However, the source of these messages can be traced back to certain special interest groups.  Many have such noble names like the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and the Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality.  But it doesn’t change the fact that they regularly disseminate anti-Aboriginal propaganda and are regularly quoted in the media.  After years of unchallenged propaganda, Canadians now take these messages and corresponding media reports as fact.

It will take a lot of focussed effort, such as that presented in the 8th Fire, to change how Canadians feel about First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.  I feel the root of that change lies with public education.  As journalists, broadcasters, communicators and storytellers, our goal should be to slowly, patiently and systematically begin to change the public perception of First Nations people.  We need to replace our negative messages with positive ones.  We need to correct inaccuracies and challenge stereotypes.

We also need for all people to challenge racism and stand up for their fellow Canadians.  If it is unacceptable to say these comments aloud, it should be just as unacceptable to write them anonymously hiding behind the guise of free speech and freedom of expression.  Yes, you can say and write anything you want (within reason), but it doesn’t change the fact that it is wrong and hurtful.

It’s my hope that Mr. and Ms. Anonymous Canadian are watching the 8th Fire.  That they hear Wab Kinew’s brilliant storytelling and that a light goes off in their head.  We all need to challenge our own misconceptions and prejudices.  That change happens one person at a time.

G’chi-Miigwetch Wab and CBC for starting this conversation.  It’s up to all of us to carry on it’s message.

Chris Wattie/Reuters Photo

For weeks, I’ve been telling anyone that will listen, that realistically, this Prime Minister will only be attending the Crown-First Nations Gathering tomorrow in Ottawa for a grand total of thirty minutes.  Mark my words, the Prime Minister will take part in the opening ceremony, give his ten minute speech, and listen to the first couple of speeches.  However, he will depart within the hour.  Meanwhile, he will not have heard from the hundreds of Chiefs and their supporters that will be descending into Ottawa today as we speak.

That’s really par for the course for Mr. Harper when it comes to addressing Aboriginal issues such as poverty, education, economic development, the housing crisis, and missing and murdered Aboriginal women.  Any proactive, ambitious or comprehensive solution are just not in his bag of tricks nor what is being expected of his core constituents.

Needless to say, there are going to be a lot of disappointed Chiefs who have spend countless hours refining their speaking notes in anticipation of an audience with the PM.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) should have anticipated this situation and prepared to make better use of those precious few minutes.

In hindsight, if I was the National Chief, I would have used the annual AFN Special Chiefs Assembly held in December to bring First Nations together to develop a singular message with a corresponding action plan for the Prime Minister’s consideration.  This could have been brought to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) ahead of time for further strategic discussion prior to this week’s gathering.  This Crown-First Nations Gathering could then have been used for goal setting and implementation discussions between Ministers and officials.  Instead of bringing all these Chiefs to Ottawa this week, First Nations could have empowered National Chief Shawn Atleo with their message.

Sure, the National Chief will request a First Minister’s Meeting tomorrow.  Prime Minister Harper may very well agree to it.  But needless to say, the exercise of bringing all these Chiefs, Councillors and support staff to Ottawa will be unnecessary and unproductive.  I’m sure some simple-minded commentator will point out that these wasted resources could have been used to build a few more houses in Attawapiskat.

The modern day tradition of having First Nations Chiefs lining up at the microphones to speak to politicians is not very effective, nor strategic.  The reality is that our First Nations leaders are no longer cutting edge, inspirational orators.  They’re purveyors of tired, political rhetoric.

That reminds me of the times I took part in preparing for the annual meeting held between First Nations and the Ontario Premier.  Prior to each meeting, the Political Confederacy of Ontario led by the Chiefs of Ontario would develop a slide deck of key messages, and then divvy up the messaging among the Grand Chiefs.  Good plan, right?  Makes sense, sure.  Keep in mind the meeting is scheduled for one hour.

The meeting would proceed with an ever-so brief welcome from Premier Dalton McGuinty, five minutes, tops.  Followed by an introduction of the issues by the Ontario Regional Chief.  That almost always does a bit too long.  Each Grand Chief’s appointed section would also go over schedule.  Almost always, an unannounced Chief would come forward to speak to an important issue of the day, but in turn, taking up another unexpected, unscheduled fifteen minutes.  The meeting would result in little dialogue with the Premier but include plenty of complex messaging, background, context, examples and, of course, rhetoric.  Almost always, there are far too many issues, very few solutions, all wrapped into a whole lot of “rights-based” political rhetoric.  (Somebody ask Mr. McGuinty or his Cabinet what “rights-based” means and they wouldn’t have the faintest clue.)

As First Nations, we need to learn to be more savvy politicians.  We need to be far more strategic and opportunistic.  I disagree with those who state there is no need for the AFN or for Chiefs to be involved.  Actions plans don’t just happen, they need to be developed then implemented.  But this needs to be done in a much more strategic way.  Do we have goals, objectives and timelines?  Do we have workplans and required resources to achieve a political goal?  Do we have strategies to get there?  Goals shouldn’t only be “rights-based” they need to be solutions-based.

As The Byrds and Kevin Bacon tell us, there is a time for every purpose.  There is a time for talk – when it leads to fruitful discussion.  There is a time for speeches – when it leads to inspiration and understanding.  Indeed, there is a time for photo opps, when solutions are being implemented.

In this case, we only have thirty minutes with the Prime Minister.  How will the National Chief and First Nations use their time?

Letter to the Editor
North Bay Nugget

I am disappointed to see North Bay City Council taking such a narrow view to the issue of First Nations tobacco. At this week’s meeting, the once progressive Council has taken a stance aimed at demonizing First Nations rights and worldview.

Tobacco was the first gift given to the Anishinaabe as a means of praying to our Creator. We have been trading asaamaa (tobacco) since time immemorial. That’s how tobacco was first introduced to the settlers. Today, Anishinaabe people continue to trade in tobacco as a means of making a living for our families. Our governments assert that First Nations have the right to sell tobacco as we have for millennia.

Let’s be honest, this isn’t about health issues or tax fairness. This is about making money. If this was about health issues, then tobacco would have been banned long ago. Would City Council would ever think about advocating choking off the supply of non-native tobacco? Truth be told, this is about convenience stores, big tobacco companies and the tax man not making as much money as they have in the past. Now that First Nations are making some of that money, that same activity that was so lucrative, is now branded “contraband” or “illegal”.

The so-called taxpayer lobby, tobacco companies and the convenience store association regularly use these demonizing words in their messaging, which is now becoming common vernacular. Today this is all synonymous with the anti-First Nation sentiment, leading to further racism, intolerance and propagation of unfair, contemporary stereotypes.

I’m not saying this tobacco market shouldn’t be regulated. Let’s work with First Nations to legitimize and regulate this market. Let’s include prohibitions against advertising and curbing tobacco-only smoke shops. Let’s equalize the prices of tobacco products by including a First Nation Health Tax to fund poverty-reduction programs, affordable housing and First Nations health care.

I’m not involved in the tobacco business, I am not a smoker, and in fact, I personally oppose the sale and abuse of such a beautiful, spiritual gift that tobacco is. But let’s not continue to demonize all Anishinaabe people and legitimate First Nation businesses. To you, it might be contraband, to me, it’s our right and part of our economy. To you, they may be smugglers, to me, they’re my friends. To you, they may be an illegal retailer, to me, they’re my family. We are not involved in organized crime, nor do we sell tobacco to minors, lace our tobacco with rat pooh, or steal your children in the night. We’re businesspeople, just like Mr. Bain and Mr. Vaillancourt, making a living, raising our families.

Miigwetch,
Bob Goulais
Nipissing First Nation

Wab Kinew host of CBC's 8th Fire.

The Anishinaabe were guided in history by stories and teachings known as the Seven Fire prophecies.  Long ago, certain individuals (prophets) had visions of the future which came in the form of chapters or “Fires”.

In these seven prophecies, which came long before the first arrival of European settlers, the Anishinaabe were told of the coming of the “light-skinned race”.  The prophecies also stated that the Anishinaabe ways would be lost.  One eerie line from the prophecy states: “The rivers shall run with poison and the fish would become unfit to eat.”  The prophecies speak about a great migration of the Anishinaabe, how their original spiritual way, the Midewiwin, would be depleted, and how they would find their homeland in the Great Lakes region.  It also speaks about the struggles the First Nations would have stating: “The cup of life will almost become the cup of grief.”

In the last prophecy, the Seventh Fire, the story speaks of the renewal of the Anishinaabe people.  Many contend that the current generation are the people of the Seventh Fire.  It speaks of a great peace and reconciliation between the First Nations and the settlers.  It speaks directly of a re-kindling of old flames.  If these good choices are made, this will light the Eighth and final Fire, an eternal fire of peace, love brotherhood and sisterhood.

Beginning tomorrow at 9 p.m. on CBC, Manitoba Anishinaabe Wab Kinew will present a four-part mini-series entitled “8th Fire”. The documentary will examine the ongoing relationship, current issues, stereotypes and Aboriginal history.  As a First Nations rapper and filmmaker, he will be sure to present these subjects in an interesting and humorous way.  As the Anishnaabe prophecy goes, this Seventh Generation now has the opportunity to reconcile with the “settler” community and together build the “8th Fire” of peace, justice and harmony.

8th FIRE
A Four Part Mini-series
Beginning this Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 9 p.m.
on CBC
http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/8thfire/index.html