A contest: new Northeast hiking trail needs a name

by Lindsay Kelly

NORTHEAST TOWN-Visitors who come through the Northeast Town to enjoy the natural beauty of the Island will soon have one more reason to stop when a 35-kilometre walking trail is built this spring, and residents are being encouraged to submit a name for the new route in the meantime.

The trail, an initiative of the Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club, will start in Sheguiandah and wind its way through the Northeast Town and Aundeck Omni Kaning before ending at M'Chigeeng. The trail's development is in line with the ski club's decision to expand its mandate and offer visitors activities that can be enjoyed year-round.

"The trail will run from one edge of the township to the other, primarily along and above the escarpment, seeking to link the diverse small communities to be found along the way," explained Dr. Roy Jeffery, who, along with Stan Ferguson, is spearheading the initiative. "The trail will also serve to link the concepts of healthy land, healthy people and healthy community."

The trail promises fantastic vistas, with the key feature being the escarpment brow, and visitors will be able to access the trail from 12 different entry points, Dr. Jeffery noted. "There would be multiple entry points to the trail, and at each entry point there would be some kind of sign board pointing out geographical features of the trail, the length to the next point and there may also be loops and side trails," he said.

Dr. Jeffery emphasized that the trail will provide multiple benefits to the community.

The trail, which is being developed for non-motorized recreational activity only, will serve to provide the community with healthful activities and an opportunity to get outdoors, Dr. Jeffery noted. "This will benefit the whole of the northeast Island, and the whole township," he said. "This is an important opportunity to be healthy and to be physically active."

Parts of the trail will allow only walking or hiking, but other areas may be suitable for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and cycling, Dr. Jeffery pointed out. There will not be any camping areas included along the trail, but there may be picnic sites set up at different trail points, which would be maintained by volunteers.

And although the trail is being developed to discourage motorized traffic, he concedes that trail volunteers will not be monitoring the trail, and in fact, the town would be responsible for doing so.

He believes that the trail will also offer an opportunity to expand on the tourism opportunities already in place. With visitors already flocking annually to the Cup and Saucer Trail, the addition of this new trail will entice them to "stay a little bit longer and give them a little bit more to do," Dr. Jeffery added.

A good example are the boaters who dock their vessels in the town harbour and are looking for day excursions to explore the area, he noted. "We'd like to tie in the trail with the Little Current trails at Low Island so that boaters in the harbour could access the trail system," he said.

The trail is also a good way to forge a connection between the town and its neighbouring First Nations, he continued, saying, "We believe that the linking trail provides a powerful symbol for relationships between Native and non-Native people and their communities."

The developers advocate an 'adopt-a-trail' system, where volunteers would look after certain sections of the trail, and volunteers may eventually create opportunities for 'geocaching,' which is "popular as a tourist recreation opportunity," Dr. Jeffery explained. This practice would see visitors using GPS technology to locate areas on the Island, and log them in their GPS book.

Dr. Jeffery emphasized that, in developing the trail, volunteers have tried to give every consideration to landowners to "minimize the potential for conflicts with, or adverse effects on, neighbours." In addition, "Although the trail, for good reason and by necessity, passes by and through extensive sensitive ecological areas abounding with flora and fauna, every effort will be made to minimize the trail impact."

The trail plan has already received support from several local groups and organizations, including the North Channel Marine Tourism Council, the Manitoulin Tourism Association, Heart Health Manitoulin, Little Current Medical Associates, and the Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club.

The Northeast Town is the most recent organization to add its name to the list, passing a motion permitting the volunteers to develop the walking trail on municipal road allowances at its January 16 meeting.

With the trail system planned and routed, volunteers will now lobby for funding to assist in its development. Developers hope to begin working on the trail in the spring, and are aiming to open them in time for the summer tourist season.

As progress continues, trail developers, in conjunction with the Expositor, are holding a contest to name the trail and design a logo to go with it.

Entries may be made in both English and Ojibwe, and should reflect the spirit of the trail, as well as the bi-cultural nature of the communities it spans. Prizes of $50 apiece will be awarded for the winning name and logo.

Submissions must include the entrant's name, address and phone number, and all entries must be received at the Expositor office by Wednesday, February 28. Send in your entries by mail at P.O. Box 369, Little Current, P0P 1K0; by email at expositorsub@manitoulin.ca, or drop them off at 1 Manitowaning Road.

All entries become the property of the Manitoulin Expositor.

MTA seeks meeting with regional MPPs to discuss operation of Chi-Cheemaun

by Tom Sasvari

MANITOULIN-The Manitoulin Tourism Association (MTA) is lobbying the provincial government to lengthen the season for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry service between South Baymouth and Tobermory, as well as decrease the fares on the ship.

"Right now the ferry is too costly, and people are always saying the Chi-Cheemaun season is too short," stated Grant Oakes, founding MTA president, who raised the issue at an MTA meeting last week. Mr. Oakes brought forward the issue, as he feels this matter is seriously threatening the tourism industry on Manitoulin. Mr. Oakes requested that the MTA lobby the area MPPs to extend the season the ferry runs as well as decrease the rates paid by customers by at least 10 percent. His concern is that the Owen Sound Transportation Commission (OSTC) continues to raise the fares each year without increasing the service being provided.

"I proposed that the ferry start by May 1, and continue until the end of November, and have the fares reduced by at least 10 percent," said Mr. Oakes.

Rick Rusk, president of the MTA, acknowledged the group is in support of Mr. Oakes' concerns, and will carrying forward the issue. "We're going to follow up, getting politically involved. Whether the proposal is feasible is something we  want looked at."

"Tourism traffic has been down the last few years, and we need something to get  it going again," said Mr. Rusk. "A number of business establishments have given up and been sold, so there is less accommodation businesses available in the area for tourists than there were a few years ago. People are saying they aren't getting what they need in terms of tourists."

"We are attempting to have the season lengthened so we can help recoup what we have lost in tourism in the past few years," continued Mr. Rusk.  "And we've noticed the government is changing its direction a little, and trying to promote Canadians travelling more in Ontario."

Mr. Rusk said another concern facing the tourism industry is the new passport requirements for travel between the US and Canada. "It does have an effect, especially for those in the sector that have relied on the US market. It will make things a little bit more tough."

Bill Ferguson, past president of the MTA, put forward a motion in support of Mr. Oakes' recommendation, and for a meeting to be set up by the MTA, with Mike Brown, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, and Bill Murdoch, MPP for Owen Sound Grey-Bruce, to discuss the issues.

"The ferry is really important to Manitoulin Island,and when the fares go up it makes the Chi-Cheemaun ferry less attractive to people to use, and it affects all businesses here on the Island, and in Tobermory and the area," said Mr. Ferguson. "Anything that can be done to reduce the costs of using the ferry, extending the season, and in turn increasing the ferry's popularity is a good thing."

Mr. Ferguson pointed out when it begins regular scheduled sailings between South Baymouth and Tobermory, "the Chi-Cheemaun has very good ridership and it would be a benefit to have sailings later in the season."

"Anything that can be done to help traffic and tourism positively impacts all our businesses, especially in South Baymouth and Tobermory," said Mr. Ferguson.

Mr. Oakes pointed out the MTA is going the political route, instead of through the OSTC, "as there is no way we would get these changes through the OSTC first. They just want to make money."

The MTA agreed to go ahead with a motion calling for a meeting with regional MPPs first to discuss these issues, said Mr. Oakes. "We can't do anything without a lot of help, and need support from the Grey Bruce area and even Espanola. We can't do this without support."

"The tourism association and businesses in Tobermory and the Grey Bruce area are feeling the same effects as we are, with tourism decreasing in the past few years," said Mr. Rusk. "The season is short enough and it would be nice if the government would extend the ferry season, and decrease the cost of the fares. And maybe the government could put some more tourism dollars toward promoting Ontario."

The MTA passed a motion stating "that the Manitoulin Tourism Association will investigate and meet with Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown and Owen Sound Grey-Bruce MPP Bill Murdoch from the Grey Bruce area to discuss the ferry rates, subsidy and sailing schedule." This meeting is expected to take as quickly as possible.

Assiginack considers sale of venerable Norisle for scrap

by Alicia McCutcheon

MANITOWANING-It's been over 30 years since the Norisle sailed into its new home port of Manitowaning, a tug from Jack Purvis out of Sault Ste. Marie bringing the retired Great Lakes car and passenger ferry across Georgian Bay from Owen Sound.

Today, it seems hope is fading fast for the old boat. At last week's Assiginack council meeting, the topic of what to do with the ship was broached again. Councillor Bud Rohn shared that he had received a phone call from Jack Purvis who expressed an interest in the Norisle for the purpose of scrap metal.

Again a tug from Sault Ste. Marie seems poised to make the trip to Manitowaning, this time to take the aged boat away.

Other ideas expressed at the meeting regarding the ship's future included sinking the Norisle in Manitowaning Bay, creating a scuba diving platform (a new twist on an old tourist attraction) or, as Reeve Les Fields suggests, holding an auction sale for the boat before it goes to scrap.

Alton Hobbs, Assiginack clerk, put it bluntly: the boat is in bad shape.

He explained how the boat is taking on water, listing so badly this fall that it keeled over and had to be bailed out, and how the boat was closed this past summer due to the construction of the nearby water treatment plant. Things are not looking good for the Norisle.

Mr. Hobbs said it is unlikely the ship will receive any more senior government funding and fixing up the boat would be far too costly for local taxpayers to take on.

Dave Smith is well known in Manitowaning for the hard work he's put into the Norisle over the years. When asked if there was anything that could be done to save the Norisle, he grimly noted,

"It's fine to say we should, but after 30 years of looking after it, I would say 'no'. I've come to the conclusion we should sink it and use it as a dive platform," he added. "It's a very sad, sad thing."

On the other hand. Mr. Smith noted that "despite what people say, it isn't in that bad shape."

The decks were completely restored four years ago which stopped, in his estimation, 99.9 percent of the leaks. He says the inside of the ship is in good condition but the stack would have to be redone.

Mr. Smith has tried to come up with other options. He's contacted the American Steamship Association, which sent out an email on his behalf to their members. Unfortunately, they heard nothing back. He also heard of another group who would like to take over ownership of the Norisle but, like Assiginack, they don't have the money.

Mr. Smith explained that there are many steamers in the US of the same vintage as the Norisle (the Norisle was built in 1947), all looking for retirement ports.

"Not only will there be a big hole in Manitowaning's waterfront, there will be a big hole in Manitoulin's tourism," he lamented. "It's the only thing this community has."

The Norisle brings an estimated 2,000 visitors to Manitowaning every year.

"I'm rather bitter about the whole thing,” said Mr. Smith. "I think something could have been done about the whole thing, but only a few years ago. Unless somebody comes out of the woodwork, there's little hope for the Norisle."

In 1975, local businessman Dave Ham was very involved in bringing the Norisle to port in Manitowaning.

Mr. Ham saw an opportunity for Manitowaning and the Assiginack Historical Society when the government decided to retire the Norisle, and its sister ship the Norgoma, when the then-new Chi-Cheemaun came into service in 1974.

"I felt, as a business person in Manitowaning, that we needed something to draw the tourists to Manitowaning and the waterfront."

Reluctantly, he says, council passed a resolution to take on the ship.

"There are a lot of doubting Charlies in this community, most of whom are not business owners and couldn't care less about the Norisle," said Mr. Ham.

"The Norisle has served its purpose in attracting people to the waterfront," he added, noting that the old boat has had five- or six-fold more visitors than the local museum, and he also commented on the number of people who have gained employment because of the ship over the years.

Much to his surprise, he said, people sat idly by this fall and watched the boat sink.

"I feel that Manitowaning has not put enough study into the Norisle's potential," he opined.

He believes if the community exercised its ingenuity, there are a number of things it could do to maintain the boat. After all, he noted, the boat isn't that old in terms of Great Lakes steamers; it's in fresh water; and it's tied to a dock.

Mr. Ham knows slips in Manitowaning's waterfront are at a premium and, if the Norisle were to disappear, new slips could be added. However, he said, Assiginack owns two miles of waterfront, only about 600 feet of which is utilized. A different location for the Norisle could simply be found, he suggested.

Again, he reiterated, "the Norisle has potential."

Preliminary inquiry checking ties between Kenjgewin-Teg and former Jr. A hockey club

Alleged misappropriation of funds at issue

by Margo Little

GORE BAY-Three days have been set aside to examine the mountain of paperwork assembled in an alleged fraud case involving the former director of the Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute and the former Manitoulin Wild. During the preliminary inquiry, expected to run January 22 to 24, Justice Y. Renaud will determine the admissability of evidence presented by the Crown.

Robert Beaudin, the prime mover behind the unique Aboriginal educational initiative known as Kenjgewin Teg, sat with his lawyer and the Crown at a long table piled high with briefs. Mr. Beaudin has elected to be tried by a judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario.

After an Ontario Provincial Police investigation in 2005, he was charged with fraud, theft by conversion and misappropriation of funds. It is alleged that Mr. Beaudin defrauded Kenjgewin Teg of funds in excess of $5,000. In addition, the Crown alleges that he made unauthorized use of money at his disposal and failed to account for the money. The case hinges on the accusation that he received money for one purpose and used it for another purpose. The alleged improprieties occurred between April 1, 2003 and October 31, 2004.

There was a lengthy delay in proceedings Monday as weather and poor road conditions interfered with travel to Gore Bay.

Sudbury Crown attorney, Susan Bruce, was on hand to conduct witness interviews on the first day of the hearing. A second Sudbury Crown took over on Tuesday. Defence lawyer Terry Waltenbury cross-examined witnesses who travelled long distances to give their testimony.

Justice Renaud imposed a publication and broadcast ban. By court order, evidence taken shall not be published until the accused is discharged.

The court case will scrutinize the complicated relationship between two well respected Manitoulin institutions: an Anishnaabe controlled and directed education organization and the island's junior A hockey team.

In early 2005 it had become apparent that financial problems were causing anxiety in both organizations. As the Expositor reported on January 26 of that year, Kenjgewin Teg was in the process of severing its ties with the team and looking for ways to halt the escalating debt load. Police continued to look into allegations that money from the school was being used to operate the Manitoulin Wild hockey team.

The preliminary hearing is expected to clarify the complex financial connection between the two entities.

EDITORIAL
Let's support our community-owned hockey club

The enthusiastic crowd that cheered the Manitoulin Islanders on to a victory over the league-leading Sudbury Jr. Wolves last Thursday was treated to three periods of first-rate entertainment.

The unusual and successful Thursday meeting (the Islanders' home games are always Friday evenings or occasionally Sunday afternoons) prompted veteran Wikwemikong fan Hardy Peltier to shout (as the Islanders took their winning 4-2 lead) "maybe they should be playing all of their games on Thursdays!"

The fact that the Islanders won was a bonus, and that the young team (Sudbury too) played well for almost three full periods made for an unusually entertaining evening at the rink.

But, this win aside, the game was only the latest in a series of fast-paced matches that stretches back through this season, the 2005-2006 season and the two seasons before that that featured the Manitoulin Wild.

The original and ongoing objective of the organizers of Manitoulin's entry into the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League's Junior 'A' league has been to provide first-rate entertainment for the local fans.

Well into the fourth year of Junior ' hockey on Manitoulin, the franchise has always succeeded in accomplishing this goal.

But all of this entertainment for the local fan base is the result of a great deal of work and fundraising by a small group of dedicated people.

Besides revenue from season's tickets, individual tickets sold game-by-game, souvenir merchandise sales, 50-50 draws, and advertising sold on the arena's rink boards, the team's management must supplement the costs of managing the franchise through fundraising efforts such as the roast beef dinner and country music entertainment evening planned for this Saturday, January 27 at the N.E. Manitoulin and the Islands' recreation centre.

This too is hard work, but the fact remains that one or two (or more) of these events is required to meet the equipment, boarding, travel, ice rental and insurance expenses of a team that plays in a league that stretches from Soo, Michigan all the way north to Iroquois Falls.

It's clear that we're losing a few institutions on Manitoulin. Last week, this paper reported that, except for Wikwemikong's, there are no minor hockey tournaments planned in any other Island community this year.

And while it's good to see that a group is organizing to re-build a replica of the Providence Bay lighthouse (the original was lost to an arsonist's fire in 1973) it's equally sad to see that the Norisle, one of the immediate predecessors to the Chi-Cheemaun in the Tobermory to South Baymouth crossing, is likely to be abandoned by the Municipality of Assiginack as too costly to maintain. The boat has been moored on the Manitowaning waterfront since 1975 where she came to live after being decommissioned as a vehicle-carrying ferry (with the Norgoma) in favour of the new Chi-Cheemaun.

Hockey is a cultural institution on Manitoulin where we are as representative as any other community of Canada as a whole.

This being said, and in the light of the other cultural losses mentioned here, it's important to support in any tangible way an organization like the Manitoulin Islanders hockey club. This is, after all, our local version of the NHL.

When the Manitoulin Wild (the Islanders' predecessor to the local Junior A franchise) was conceived four years ago, the idea was in part to give young local players a senior level of play to which they could aspire.

Lately, there have been no local Manitoulin players in the lineup, but in the four years of Junior A hockey on Manitoulin, a large group of Island youths have laced-up for the team and the Islanders have designs on several 16-year-old Manitoulin players who are presently playing at the Major-Midget level in Rayside-Balfour and elsewhere. Very likely some (or all) of them will play some games as Islanders before this season and the playoffs are over. Many of them will likely be in the lineup next year.

And to judge by the high number of youthful fans who faithfully and enthusiastically attend home games, the allure of and aspiration to play at the Junior A level remains strong.

Coach Barry Parsons, his assistant (and former Wild captain) Eldon Cheechoo, goaltending coach Don Cook, and educational  advisors Marvin Assinewe and Pete Kategiannis are all Manitoulin people. So are working board members Wendell Buie, Rick Gjos, Bill Koehler, Wade Kearns, and Peggy Young, and all of the myriad people who volunteer to sell tickets and merchandise, help with security, provide billets and the enormous variety of other tasks and challenges that are part of what is, in effect, a small business...one that strives and struggles to break even at season's end. Newly-elected Northeast Town mayor Jim Stringer also spent a year on the franchise's management board during the critical time of the transfer of the franchise from the Wild organization to that of the Islanders.

The Junior A franchise on Manitoulin has gone through tumultuous times. It's stable now, but just like minor hockey tournaments and the Norisle, it can't be taken for granted.

It's quality entertainment for Manitoulin's citizens and it needs our ongoing support. Think about, for example, supplying a billet for a player for next year. That's always in demand.

And by the way, the Islanders won their on-road match Saturday against the Soo Thunderbirds too and lost in overtime in the Sunday match with the Soo, Michigan Indians. That's a very impressive five points out of a possible six in these three games! 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Focus on nutrition in local schools applauded

Consumers should patronize health-minded producers

To the Expositor:

Lindsay Kelly is to be commended for her article "Local approach to education puts emphasis on nutrition first" (January 17). The innovations taking place at Lakeview School and Assiginack Public School are praiseworthy and it is good to see these Manitoulin schools in the vanguard of this movement. Before retiring from teaching, I also conducted my classes according to "block scheduling" with nutrition breaks and time for outdoor play, all with excellent results.

When I came to live full-time on the Island this last July, I was impressed with the number of possibilities around food that are available here. The abundance in the summer of biodynamic produce found at the Loonsong Garden in Little Current and the organic products at the Gypsy Family Farm in Poplar; the quality meat at the Burt farm store in Ice Lake; the varieties offered at the Island Pantry in Gore Bay and at the different farmers' markets; and the ever-increasing inventory of organic and wholesome food that can be purchased at the Valu-Mart in Gore Bay are all very encouraging.

Consumers who value high-quality and nutritious foods should, on their part, encourage and patronize those producers and merchants who are making these foods available to us. The schools and other institutions on the Island could be leaders in this movement to help promote better health.

Since moving to the Island I have discovered a myriad of activities that are also wholesome in the social sense: the Manitoulin Community Food Network that promotes co-operation between consumers and local producers; the Rotary Club in Gore Bay with its community-minded projects; a number of groups doing charitable work; and the care that is shown by individuals toward each other. I know that I will never be considered a Haweater, but I am proud to be a resident of Manitoulin Island. The possibilities for enhancing life and doing beneficial deeds are there if we but look for them.

M. Vincente Belenson

Spring Bay

Lillian McGregor deemed worthy recipient of honour

Her efforts touch each of us, in many communities

To the Expositor:

RE: "Birch Island Woman receives prestigious Order of Ontario" (January 3).

Thank you for the beautiful article about Lillian McGregor's most recent honour as a recipient of the Order of Ontario. Often, the good works of individuals go unrecognized and so, it is most fitting that this special recognition be bestowed on her as she has brought much honour to her community-the community of Whitefish River First Nation, the community of Manitoulin Island, and the wider Aboriginal community in Ontario, and indeed, across Canada. In receiving this award, she has also brought so much pride and inspiration to her family and friends.

Belying the fact that she will soon be celebrating 83 years of age, her energetic leadership in addressing the larger issues to benefit her people is widely renown. New services and funds have directly benefitted her home community as a result of her work with the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Foundation, the Aboriginal Diabetes Foundation, the national Aboriginal Youth business initiative known as E-Spirit, and through her involvement with the University of Toronto where she takes the time to personally encourage and counsel young Aboriginal people with their studies. Her support of these students has resulted in an increased number of university graduates, including graduates from her own community of Whitefish River. Because her heart is here on Manitoulin, she also helped organize a fundraiser in Toronto to assist with the capital campaign for the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation. Her guidance and advice has also been instrumental in developing services for homeless people in the City of Toronto. These are only a few examples of the work and legacy of this great person! All of these initiatives touch each of us whether it is in the community of Whitefish River, Manitoulin, Toronto or in any First Nation across Canada.

Most, however, know her by the powerful prayers that she offers for all the people of Mother Earth. The profound, graceful words she speaks touch the hearts and spirits of many, providing solace, inspiration and guidance. And as she offers her prayers, she always introduces herself to the Creator by her spirit name and her home community of Wiigwaaskinaga-Whitefish River.  We are so proud of this special gem among us. G'Chi-Miigwetch-thank you, auntie, for everything that you do to make this world a better place!

From one of Lillian's many proud nieces,

Dawn Madahbee

Aundeck Omni Kaning

Mother concerned about youth

Parents: wake up!

To the Expositor:

I was raised in a community of 2 million-plus people; I left this community when I was 27 years old when I was about six months into a lifestyle change. During my years growing up in a metropolitan city, I was fortunate to learn about Native culture (southern Ontario Anishnabek influences) from an early age. I was also raised to attend the Roman Catholic church each Sunday. I also experienced little to no parental affection as I grew up. Within just the last five years I let family give me hugs because it is part of a healing process. Learning takes a lifetime, not just when school is done. I know I am not a perfect parent, but I do try to be a good parent.

Currently, I live in Wikwemikong. There are approximately 2,500 residents living here on the reserve, and most of the population consists of children under 18 years old. Recently, we had experienced a break and enter in our home, and almost all of my son's possessions were taken. Thankfully the culprit(s) left him some of his clothes, his boots, his jacket. A youth admitted to his mom that he sold my son's possessions for drug money. Me and my son are experiencing hurt, anger, resentment, etc. We don't base our family happiness on material possessions but they sure pass the time. To whomever may have bought stolen items recently: it is wrong, and you are encouraging more of this same activity. What's next? Home invasions on our Elders?

I have lived in the village on and off over the years, but we have been living back in the village for just over a year. Mostly in the summertime, life in the village can be pretty rough. We have young people travelling in groups, swarming adults for cigarettes, money, etc.; and kids beating up on adults. We have escalating violence (knife stabbings) happening here. On summer nights, kids are still seen playing outside after 11 pm. They climb up on buildings and run around on the roofs of the high school, band office, and the health centre buildings, and they bust windows.

In our community, children have been involved with drugs for some time. I don't know where they learn this; at home? movies? media? peers? The kids don't realize how powerful drugs are actually are; being addicted to something is very powerful. I am lucky enough to work somewhere where I have learned about addictions, and also learned about different types of abuses (i.e. emotional, physical, sexual) just by reading and being aware.

I have done my best and am doing my best to raise healthy and happy children. Sometimes I get yelled at for being too inquisitive about goings on; I let them know I'm just doing my job (the committed parent job). I have been raising my children myself for the past seven years due my children's father's continued involvement in substance abuse. It was a great sacrifice-but I wanted my kids to live in a drug/alcohol-free environment. I gave up this way of life 10-15 years ago, when I grew tired of it. I figured when my children are adults they will make that choice of what lifestyle they want. 

I do my best to be a good role model to my children-as an example, I am career-oriented during the day and spend evenings at home being a parent. I do allow myself time off a couple of times a year by asking the other parent or a grandparent to watch my child for a few days.

About a year ago, I decided I try my hand at becoming a relief foster parent, because I like children (I think I could have a least one more child myself if it was financially possible for me and if my partner at the time agreed). Being a relief foster parent has been heart-breaking because I believe children belong with their parent(s); I know children go into care because parents were not able to care for there children properly, for whatever reason.

My questions are: Where are these parents whose children are running around late at night? Is the home not safe for them to return to? When did parents become so afraid of their children that they don't stand up to them? Is not the parent supposed to be the disciplinarian?

I realize that there is a fair amount of blended families in Wikwemikong. Trouble brews when a partner, who is not the child's biological parent, tries to speak to their spouse to discipline a child. And I don't mean strapping either. As a parent, are you raising your child(ren) to be productive members of society? Or are you leading your child(ren) down a path to self-destruction and despair? Just remember, when you're standing by your child(ren) after they've been trouble, that they are not going to be a child forever; they will be adults eventually-then what? Parents: wake up!

Cat Mishibinijima

Wikwemikong