Stories by Aboriginal Women - Very interesting

Please share with your contacts.

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Digital Stories - Intergenerational Effects of Residential School

Praire Womens Heath Center of Excellence (PWHCE) is pleased to share access to the "digital stories" created by 6 First Nations women in: kiskino mâto tapanâsk: Intergenerational Effects on Professional First Nations Women Whose Mothers are Residential School Survivors.

This project set out to understand better how the residential school legacy passes on between generations. It involved a process of documenting, in First Nations women's own words and "digital stories", their understanding of how they had been impacted by the schools.
A "digital story" is a 2-5 minute video. It is a personal narrative coupled with a collection of still images, video, and music which illustrates an individual's story. Indigenous peoples' stories are intellectual traditions that can disrupt colonial narratives of history, recognize injustice, celebrate resistance, and envision the future. Researchers and communities are increasingly recognizing the healing properties of visual and narrative approaches; thus this project both generated information about the experiences of women whose mothers attended residential schools and served a therapeutic purpose. Digital media can make these concerns more visible to the world and exchange knowledges and sensibilities that support self-representation and self-determination.
The filmmakers featured in this project are Lorena Fontaine, Lisa Forbes, Wendy McNab, Claudette Michell, Lisa Murdock, and Roberta Stout. Their stories give profound insight into their relationships with their mothers and the complex effects they experienced. The stories birth hope, showcase resilience, and speak to the emotional and healing journeys of mothers and daughters.
A final report of the project is forthcoming.

http://www.pwhce.ca/program_aboriginal_digitalStories.htm

Check out Video - Sony Played at its annual shareholder meeting

http://www.innovationamerica.us/index.php/innovation-daily/2024-what-sony-played-at-its-annual-shareholder-meeting-this-year

To Catch a Thief

March 25, 2011

PROVINCE EXTENDS ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF HIGH-RISK AUTO THIEVES: SWAN

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Program is Part of Comprehensive Strategy Responsible for 78 per cent Reduction in Auto Theft Since 2004

Attorney General Andrew Swan today announced a one-year extension of the province’s electronic monitoring pilot project, a component of Winnipeg’s successful auto theft suppression strategy.
“Electronic monitoring is one of the tools we have used in a strategy that has helped reduce auto theft by nearly 80 per cent since 2004,” said Swan.
A total of 57 Level 4 auto thieves have been outfitted with electronic monitoring devices since the project’s introduction in 2008.  Electronic monitoring helps quickly locate and deal with offenders who breach their court-ordered conditions, Swan said.
The Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy was awarded the 2010 Vehicle Theft Award of Merit (International Association of Chiefs of Police) and the 2010 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Motorola Webber Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement.
In 2009, it was a finalist for the Centre for Problem-Oriented Policing Goldstein Award.

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Clean Water for Manitoba Communities

March 22, 2011

MANITOBA INVESTS $615,000 TO PROTECT CLEAN WATER FOR MANITOBA FAMILIES: MELNICK

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Minister Makes Commitment to Mark World Water Day

Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick today marked the United Nations’ World Water Day by announcing $615,000 in investments to help enhance the quality of water for Manitoba families.
“Our plan to make life better for all Manitobans starts with ensuring that we protect our water,” said Melnick.  “I congratulate all our partners for working together to ensure water is protected for this generation and for future generations.”
Melnick said the investments will support the work already underway throughout Manitoba and the Lake Winnipeg watershed including:

• $150,000 for the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium  to help support operation of the Namao, a boat that conducts research on Lake Winnipeg.
• $75,000 for the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation to invest in riverbank easements to provide wildlife habitat and trap nutrients that might otherwise flow into rivers.
• $150,000 to assist the International Institute for Sustainable Development with an innovative wetland enhancement pilot project which harvests cattails from Netley-Libau Marsh to reduce nutrient flows into Lake Winnipeg.  These cattails are then used to create bio-energy.
• $140,000 for the Prairie Provinces Water Board to support ongoing work managing rivers and streams that flow east from Alberta and Saskatchewan into Manitoba.
• $100,000 for the Red River Basin Commission to continue its workwith residents, governments and organizations across the international basin to help improve land and water management, and water protection. 

“Manitoba’s water, groundwater, rivers and lakes are part of our natural heritage and are vital to our future,” Melnick said.  “These investments are part of our common sense plan to work with everyone on issues such as clean water that matter to Manitoba families.”

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Manitoba Number Increases

March 24, 2011

100,000 NEW MANITOBANS ADDED OVER 11 YEARS: BJORNSON

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Statistics Show Increase of 16,900 Manitobans in 2010

Manitoba has grown by 100,000 people over the last 11 years, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
Statistics Canada figures show, as of Jan. 1, 2011, Manitoba’s population reached 1,243,700, representing a growth of 100,035 people since the fall of 1999.  This was an increase of 16,900 people over the last 12 months, the province’s best population growth in nearly 40 years.
“Each day, more and more people are making the move to Manitoba because they know that our province is an attractive and affordable place to work, live and raise a family,” said Bjornson.  “Our government’s Provincial Nominee Program has been very successful, accounting for three-quarters of all immigration to Manitoba.”
This growth is more than double the current population of the City of Brandon.  Previously it took Manitoba nearly 18 years to add more than 100,000 residents, the minister said.
Manitoba population growth rates of 1.38 and 1.28 per cent in the last two years, respectively, exceeded the Canadian average.
People are moving to Manitoba from around the world to drive this record-breaking growth, the minister said.  A total of 15,805 immigrants arrived in Manitoba in 2010.  The statistics show this was well ahead of the 13,520 who arrived in 2009 and the largest immigrant arrival since 1946.
Other information released showed:
Manitoba posted the fastest population growth in the country in the fourth quarter of 2010, with an increase of over 3,600 (0.3 per cent).  Net international migration (an increase of 2,600) was the principal factor for the growth in the province.
Total net inflow to Manitoba from other jurisdictions in the fourth quarter of 2010 was 2,407.  This gave Manitoba the highest quarterly net migration rate per capita of any province.
During 2010, there were 16,143 newborns in Manitoba.  Not since 1994 have there been so many births in a 12-month period.

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Province Announces Grace Hospital's Expansion Project

Premier Greg Selinger is joined by Adam Topp, COO for Grace Hospital; the Honourable Pearl McGonigal, Chair of the Grace Hospital Foundation; Sharon Blady, MLA for Kirkfield Park; and Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health at the announcement of an expansion and renovation of the Grace Hospital emergency department

March 24, 2011

GRACE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TO BE EXPANDED AND MODERNIZED: PREMIER

The provincial government will invest over $20 million to expand, renovate and modernize the Grace General Hospital emergency department (ED) to create a modern facility that will continue to provide high‑quality patient care, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“A new, expanded emergency department at the Grace will meet the needs of patients and will support doctors, nurses and other health professionals with the modern, state-of-the-art space and equipment they need to meet the health‑care needs of their patients,” said Selinger.  “The Grace has offered compassionate, high‑quality care to Manitobans for over 100 years and today’s announcement will ensure the hospital remains an essential part of west Winnipeg for the century ahead.”
In addition to redeveloping and expanding the emergency department, the province is also providing $1.5 million to add additional health-care professionals and capacity starting this spring to meet a recent increase in ED visits to the hospital.
“After several years of steady traffic, the number of ED visits to the Grace increased by over 18 per cent last year.  The $1.5 million will facilitate the hiring of additional health professionals to help serve the growing demand,” said Health Minister Theresa Oswald.  “As well, a specialized unit with 10 additional beds will be created to provide complex care tailored to the specific and unique needs of the larger number of seniors who attend the Grace emergency department.”
The new emergency department will be designed to improve patient flow by adding a new triage area and a rapid-assessment zone in the waiting room while also expanding the minor-treatment area.  The additional health care professionals will enable more timely assessment and care of non‑critical patients, freeing up physicians’ time for critical cases and relieving pressure on the entire department.
“There have been many advances in emergency medicine since the Grace emergency department was last upgraded,” said Arlene Wilgosh, president and CEO, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.  “The new space will allow for significant improvements in infection control and patient privacy, as well as improved overall visibility for monitoring patients.  We look forward to seeing faster ED care and improved patient outcomes with these upgrades.”
In addition to the new emergency department, west Winnipeg residents will also benefit from ACCESS St. James, a one-stop, primary-care clinic, health and social services centre.  Construction is anticipated to begin within the next few months on what will be the fifth ACCESS Centre in Winnipeg.
“We’re very pleased with all of the health-care investments being made in west Winnipeg,” said Pearl McGonigal, chair, board of directors, Grace Hospital Foundation.  “We look forward to the redevelopment of the emergency department as well as the ACCESS Centre next door that will improve access to primary care, community health and social services.”
“While we have focused on developing state-of-the-art emergency departments, we also know patients need alternatives for non-emergency cases,” said Selinger.  “Our plan is to ensure every Manitoban has a family doctor by 2015 including ACCESS Centres and quick-care clinics, which are examples of how we are making sure families have access to the care they need when they need it.”
The current Grace emergency department was built in 1967 and renovated in 1992-93.  Since that time, space requirements in emergency departments have increased due to technological developments in equipment, the requirement for more specialized supplies and, advances in computer technology.  Improvements in isolation areas for infectious patients and a greater emphasis on patient safety have also increased the demand for space.
Planning for the new Grace emergency department will begin immediately with construction anticipated to begin in 2013 and an estimated completion date of 2015, said the premier.
The redevelopment of the Grace emergency department will complete the expansion or upgrading of all emergency departments in Winnipeg hospitals.  Phase II of the Victoria General Hospital emergency department expansion is nearing completion and is expected to open this summer.

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Minister Congratulates Aboriginal Juno Nominees

March 24, 2011

MARCELINO CONGRATULATES MANITOBA ACTS NOMINATED FOR JUNO AWARDS IN ROOTS AND ABORIGINAL CATEGORIES

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino extended her congratulations today to the Manitoba artists nominated for Canada’s Juno Awards, to be held in Toronto on March 27.
“Manitobans can be proud of the contributions our artists have made to Canada’s music industry,” said Marcelino.  “This year’s nominations from Manitoba again show how our province continues to be a leader in arts and entertainment.”
Five Manitoba acts will have a chance to pick up Junos at the 2011 ceremony.  They are:

• quintet Chic Gamine for its album City City, nominated for roots/traditional album of the year;
• singer/songwriter Ruth Moody for her album The Garden, also nominated for roots/traditional album of the   year;
• Del Barber for the album Love Songs for the Last Twenty, the third Manitoba nomination for  roots/traditional album of the year;
• rock band Eagle & Hawk for its latest release The Great Unknown, nominated for Aboriginal album of the year; and   
• Little Hawk (Troy Westwood) for his latest release Vigilance, also nominated for Aboriginal album of the year.
• Former Winnipeg resident Neil Young, who will be honoured with the 2011 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, is also nominated for artist of the year and adult alternative album of the year.

Marcelino noted this year’s Manitoba nominees are a testament to the strength and diversity of Manitoba’s roots and Aboriginal music communities.
“I wish all the Manitoba artists well as they attend the Juno awards and represent our province on the national stage,” Marcelino said.
More information on the awards is available at http://www.junoawards.ca/.

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International Women's Day at the Legislature

International Women’s Day was celebrated today at the Manitoba Legislative Building with a special program honouring the achievements of women with disabilities and the launch of a new publication, “Living in Manitoba: A Resource Guide for Women with Disabilities” developed by Manitoba Status of Women with assistance from the Disabilities Issues Office and the Women with Disabilities Advisory Committee. (L to R) Yvonne Peters, LLB.; Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard – minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate; Diane Driedger who helped prepare the guide; Premier Greg Selinger

March 8, 2011

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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Achievements of Women with Disabilites Honoured at Ceremony

Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women, joined Manitobans at the Legislative Building today in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2011 with a special program and public reception honouring the achievements of women with disabilities.
“We are privileged to benefit from the immense contributions women with disabilities bring to the social, cultural, economic and political landscapes of Manitoba,” said Howard.  “We celebrate their successes and support others in the disability community who are facing and meeting the challenges life has set before them with dignity and determination.”
This year, IWD commemorates 100 years of successful events and worldwide observance.  Every year, this occasion is an opportunity to pause and reflect in solidarity with others across the globe on the social, economic, cultural and political struggles, and achievements of women, Howard said.
Yvonne Peters, a featured guest speaker, is a lawyer who specializes in equality and human rights law focusing on women with disabilities.
Howard also unveiled a new publication, Living in Manitoba:  A Resource Guide for Women with Disabilities.  It provides information to help women with disabilities find resources, and access programs and services.  This resource was developed by Manitoba Status of Women with assistance from the Disabilities Issues Office and the Women with Disabilities Advisory Committee.
“Women with disabilities are leaders in all spheres of society such as business, social services, health, education, sports and recreation.  Manitoba’s disability community is inclusive and supportive of members, and collectively gives them a stronger voice,” said Howard.  “They work towards improving rights, access and quality of life for all people with disabilities, and our province is a better place because of their dedication.”

Maiko Hits the Pyramid

http://www.slideshare.net/Cascard/maiko-rocks-pyramids

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES ENHANCED SENIORS ABUSE LINE NOW AVAILABLE FULL TIME

March 1, 2011

As of today, the provincewide Seniors Abuse Line is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau has announced.
“Abuse is often hidden and people can be reluctant to seek help.  We need to ensure that older adults know they have a confidential service to turn to any time they need it,” said Rondeau.  “I encourage any senior who is experiencing abuse or anyone just seeking information about it to please call the toll-free line at 1-888-896-7183, where there are people prepared to help.”
Along with the expanded hours of service, the line now offers full telephone counselling from highly trained counsellors, the minister said.  Information about elder abuse and referrals to other agencies will continue to be available.  The line is funded by the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat of Manitoba Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors.  Klinic Community Health Centre will be working with Age & Opportunity to deliver the elder abuse phone counselling.
“This is the type of service that Klinic has a great deal of experience in providing.  We’re pleased to be putting that experience to good use in working with the province and Age & Opportunity to ensure that older adults, concerned family members and other individuals receive the counselling, support and information that they need, when they need it,” Tim Wall, director of counselling services.
The abuse of older adults is considered to be any action or inaction by a person in a relationship of trust which jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older person, Rondeau explained.  The types of abuse are physical, sexual, emotional and financial as well as neglect.  In 2002, the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat established a comprehensive provincial strategy to address issues of abuse of older adults.  A key component of the strategy is the funded partnerships with key senior serving organizations to provide direct elder-abuse services, such as the seniors abuse line, the minister added.
In implementing the provincial strategy, the secretariat’s elder-abuse consultant works throughout Manitoba to ensure that services and supports are co-ordinated and widely available, he said.  In October, an elder-abuse guide was released for the north Eastman health region so that all regions in Manitoba now have a guide in place to provide information to residents that is specific to their areas.
“The Age‑Friendly Manitoba initiative supports seniors in leading active, socially engaged and independent lives that contribute to healthy aging,” Rondeau said.  “By making healthy choices and remaining active and socially connected, seniors will diminish their risk of experiencing abuse.  It is Manitoba’s goal to be the most age-friendly province in Canada by working with communities to enhance the programs and services that benefit the well-being of all seniors.”

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JOURNEY TO CHURCHILL POLAR BEAR EXHIBIT DESIGN UNVEILED

March 1, 2011
New International Standard for Polar Bear Exhibits to be Set at Assiniboine Park Zoo: Selinger

Journey to Churchill will set a new international standard for polar bear exhibits and be a world‑class attraction for the province, Premier Greg Selinger said today at the unveiling of the display’s design concept.
“As the architectural concepts show, this will be a unique, world-class centre offering tremendous learning opportunities and showcasing Manitobans’ concern for the environment, the Arctic and polar bears,” said Selinger.  “We are proud of the work done by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy in taking the exhibit and conservation centre from a great idea toward a great destination in Manitoba and the Assiniboine Park Zoo.”
Journey to Churchill, along with one of its major components, the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, is part of a $31-million commitment made by the province last year.  Journey to Churchill, scheduled to open in October 2013, will be the flagship component of the redeveloped Assiniboine Park Zoo.
“Having such a strong partner in the Province of Manitoba really allowed us to shoot for the stars,” said Margaret Redmond, president and CEO of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.  “Journey to Churchill will be so much more than your typical zoo experience; it will be a stage for discussion and action relating to the polar bear’s fight for survival and climate change as a whole.”
The province’s commitment establishes the Government of Manitoba as the primary funder of two key components:

• the near $6-million International Polar Bear Conservation Centre for academic research on the Arctic environment and polar bear conservation, public education programs, and a polar bear rescue and relocation network for orphaned or injured animals to be sent to qualifying zoological parks; and
• the $25-million Arctic polar bear exhibit with underwater and above-ground viewing opportunities with seals separated by a plastic wall.

The premier said, once complete, Journey to Churchill will feature a variety of spectacular elements geared to both educate and inspire including:

• the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre;
• the Aurora Borealis 360-degree theatre;                                                                                                              
• motorized polar bear tundra tours;
• the rooftop Tundra Garden;
• an underwater viewing area; and
• a new restaurant, gift shop and children’s play area.

The six-minute, full-length video showcasing the new Journey to Churchill experience can be viewed online at http://www.journeytochurchill.ca/.

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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the Province of Manitoba.