Dig A Little Deeper & Paddle A Little Harder

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009

Why is it that we know so little about our own backyard?

Anna Gibbon, Aboriginal Liaison with the City of Thunder Bay, spoke about a number of significant historical and current events. I’m challenging you to dig a little deeper... here are the links to Anna’s “homework” for you:


1. What happened in 1850?

http://www.northernontarioregion.com/default.asp?pgid=112

(search Robinson Superior Treaty)


2. Metis? Aboriginal? What’s the difference? In 1982... Metis finally recognized!
http://cupe.ca/aboriginal/An_act_for_assimilat

(search CUPE site for more background)



3. Again, 1982 a significant year for Canada.

Our Constitution’s Section 35: we deal “Government to Government”, so what does this really mean?

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/foundation_gr6/blms/6-3-2c.pdf

(Search Constitution Section 35)



We were encouraged to “Go Visiting”, and so we will at the next CLD. Check out our November host and sponsor NAN here: http://www.nan.on.ca/



Anna invited us to the Community Feast (November 17, 2009). Here’s what happened last year at the very First Feast:
October 22, 2008 – Mayor Lynn Peterson today hosted a traditional Aboriginal Fall Feast at the Métis Nation on May Street to introduce the City's new Aboriginal Liaison, Anna Gibbon to the community and Aboriginal organizations. The establishment of the Aboriginal Liaison Office is strategic initiative number 42 under Council's strategic priorities to provide a high quality of life to all citizens.


"Today is a day of `firsts'," said Mayor Lynn Peterson. "This is the first time the City has ever hosted a fall feast and the first time the Corporation and representatives of its various departments have come to meet the Anishnawbek, Métis, and Urban Aboriginal communities enmass. I am proud to introduce the new Aboriginal Liaison and begin building stronger relationships with the Aboriginal communities. These relationships will be rooted in respectful and meaningful dialogue to share ideas, resources and opportunities that will contribute to a higher quality of life for all residents."


The 16' x 32' mural, "Métis Voyageurs", was designed by artists Chris Rantala and Brian Cronk and depicts Fort William on the Kaministiqua River. "Murals as public art are a wonderful way to tell our stories as a multi-cultural community," said Mayor Lynn Peterson. "The colourful stories being told in this work will go a long way in beautifying the neighbourhood, bringing members of the community together, and inspiring pride for our history and culture across Thunder Bay."


"The Voyageur Canoe paddling past Fort William is a true depiction of the rich Métis culture that lives deep within the Thunder Bay community."

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More homework...

John Hannam recommended a basic source on Governments in Canada. For an abbreviated version, go here:


http://www.mapleleafweb.com/features/local-government-canada-organization-amp-basic-institutions

(Search Tindal & Tindal)

Your READINGS for November:

1. This week, read some interesting notes on Sacred Directions: http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/transcripts/ojibwe.html



2. Whole Brain Business Book: Chapter 2



3. Your CAP Book Choice: Include excerpts for your CAP Presentation.

This Week's Leadership Tidbit:

So, what’s “mandatory” reading and what’s not? It’s up to you...

Each week, I post links and information for the upcoming Learning Day. The more you read, the more you ‘ll appreciate the program. My goal is to “get you more curious”. (And besides, if you check out the fine print, you might just win something cool.)

I did some research about  Why Leaders Read... (to try to convince some of  you to start...is that a lost cause?) 

It’s not about the knowledge...reading trains your mind to “think Better”...meet great leaders (almost) face to face - what are they thinking and how do they express their thoughts? ... diversify and get out of their own thinking “ruts”. There’s some interesting dialogue about whether “scanning” is as effective as active reading. What do you think?


This week’s Fine Print: Where is this mural in the photo? First correct response (go to http://www.xowhat.blogspot.com/ and click on “comment”) wins a coffee break with dessert.

Enjoy your week!

- Maggie