First Nations Voice

PAGE 2 • M Y 2 12 E 2 • DEACEM0BER 2012 ADVERTISING MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS businesses and all levels of government to reach First Nations audiences in Saskatchewan, Manitoba * Ontario. With a focus on training, education and employment opportunities, this publication serves to showcase opportunities available to First Nations and all Aboriginal people. First Nations Voice creates an opportunity for advertisers, department, 697-7020, for more information about file types accepted. The Free Press can also build your ad. Please contact your First Nations Voice ad sales rep for details. disk or delivered electronically, should be Mac compatible. Please include all files necessary for output. Call the Winnipeg Free Press pre-press All digital advertising files, whether on The December advertising deadline is December 14, 2012 For your ad placement and contents NEXT ISSUE: January 1, 2013 Alan Isfeld (204-256-0645) / e-mail: rdeagle@mymts.net firstnationsvoice@winnipegfreepress.com Toll free 1-800-542-8900 CONTACT EDITH BONNER (204-697-7389) edith.bonner@freepress.mb.ca BREANNA LAMBERT (204-697-7374) HOW TO CONTACT US PUBLISHER Al Isfeld (204.256.0645) ASSISTANT EDITOR Breanna Lambert (204.697.7374) firstnationsvoice@winnipegfreepress.com All Rights Reserved. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Scanterbury, MB R0E 1W0 Phone 204.256.0645 E-mail rdeagle@mymts.net 100-per-cent First Nations owned — Distribution: 100,000 copies No material in First Nations Voice may be reproduced without permission of the copyright owner. First Nations Voice is published monthly by the First Nations Voice. the Winnipeg Free Press office. No out of office sales rep will collect cash outside of this office. Please direct questions to Edith Bonner 697-7389. All payments for advertisements in the First Nations Voice should be directed through 1355 Mountain Avenue, Winnipeg, MB Canada, R2X 3B6 Advertising Sales Edith Bonner 204.697.7389 / edith.bonner@freepress.mb.ca Mike Manko 918-7768 mmanko@mymts.net Sales and Marketing Breanna Lambert p: 204.697.7374) e: firstnationsvoice@winnipegfreepress.com Subscriptions $26.25 annually, payable to First Nations Voice c/o Winnipeg Free Press A Christmas Message from Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief DEREK NEPINAK us that there is a deep spirituality that must be acknowledged at this time of year. This time of year provides everyone an Derek J. Nepinak LL.B., B.A. (Hons) Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief, people noted the shifting of seasons. To acknowledge the vast complexity of the earth's cycles, our people celebrate through ceremony what is considered the longest night—the Winter Solstice. It has always been a time when we have given of our- selves spiritually and prepared ourselves to greet the New Sun, with intentions of living a vision that is anchored to spirit and a new light. In Christian tradition, of course, the baby For thousands of years, Indigenous Jesus is born around the Solstice, signifying yet another type of light: a savior according to Christian belief. Whichever tradition you follow, each of these celebrations reminds A time for positive renewal opportunity to be more aware of our bless- ings but also of the less fortunate in our own midst – the poor, the homeless, the unem- ployed, the excluded and the vulnerable. As such there is a need for all of us to come together and shine the light on what is hap- pening in our communities and to our peo- ple across this province both in rural and urban environments. There is no escaping the evidence of increasing child poverty, homelessness, and dependence on food banks – particularly during this festive sea- son and it is no surprise that our Indigenous people are often the hardest hit. Despite our many challenges over the beyond the symptoms to the source of the problem. There are many reasons why we continue to work hard at choosing kindness and respect instead of negativity. This is so we can focus more on taking care of our- selves, our family and our community so that we may build all the skills we possibly can, within ourselves and our own children so that they can be proud of who they are, where they come from and that they pos- sess the necessary tools to stand up and be warriors in this ever changing world. My focus as Grand Chief of the Assem- last two centuries, we, as Indigenous peo- ple, have always looked and moved forward in a positive light. We continue to dream, to pray and take part in ceremonies to give us strength and guide us in a good way. We continue to keep pursuing the vision of our ancestors and Elders, which was to see bly of Manitoba Chiefs has and will con- tinue to be to work to overcome the man made laws and policies created to confuse our people. I will continue to work towards increasing our natural resource wealth and human potential that exists within our own people so that our First Nation communities can determine their own path and practice self-government. This time, like no other, we are being forced to adapt and follow federal legislation that continues to impact our everyday lives. I will continue to work with my fellow Chiefs, staff, organizations and Indigenous people of this province and country to make sure we continue to move forward in a positive light inspiring a renewed response based on solidarity and justice. So I would remind you that the Winter Solstice and Christmas season is about recognizing our spirit of kinship that goes beyond our reserve boundaries; it is about spending time with one another, sharing what we can with each other even if it's not a physical gift but our gifts of kindness and hospitality. With this message, my family and I wish you all a happy holidays and I ask that you take care of each other as we go through this festive season. It is my wish that this upcoming New Year will be full of love, health and happiness for each and ev- ery one of you. Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! Grand Chief Derek Nepinak Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

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