January 2013 - Page 11 of 16

Chief Theresa Spence will not attend Friday meeting without Governor General

Source: Rebecca Lindell, Global News

Wednesday, January 09, 2013 8:23 PM

Read it on Global News: Global News | Spence will not attend Friday meeting without Governor General

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has pulled out of Friday’s meeting between First Nations leaders and Prime Minister Stephen Harper because Gov. Gen. David Johnston will not attend the gathering.

The Assembly of First Nations scheduled a meeting for Jan. 11 between Harper and some of its chiefs, including Spence, but on Tuesday Johnston’s office confirmed he would not attend because it is a “working meeting” with the government on public policy issues.

Spence responded by issuing this statement on Wednesday: “We have sent a letter to Buckingham Palace and requesting that Queen Elizabeth II send forth her representative which is the Governor General of Canada. I will not be attending Friday’s meeting with the Prime Minister, as the Governor General’s attendance is integral when discussing inherent and treaty rights.”

Read it on Global News: Global News | Spence will not attend Friday meeting without Governor General

United Nations speaks out about Chief Theresa Spence to Canada

Canadian authorities must start meaningful dialogue with aboriginal leaders – UN expert

Source: United News Centre

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43891&Cr=indigenous&Cr1=

8 January 2013 – A United Nations independent expert today urged the Canadian Government to establish a meaningful dialogue with the country’s aboriginal leaders in light of recent protests.

“I am encouraged by reports that Prime Minister Steven Harper has agreed to meet with First Nations Chiefs and leadership on 11 January 2013 to discuss issues related to aboriginal and treaty rights as well as economic development,” said the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya.

He continued, “Both the Government of Canada and First Nations representatives must take full advantage of this opportunity to rebuild relationships in a true spirit of good faith and partnership.”

For weeks, aboriginal leaders and activists carried out protests referred to as ‘Idle no more,’ according to a news release from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It noted that the movement has been punctuated by the hunger strike of Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation, which began on 11 December.

“I would like to add my voice to the concern expressed by many over the health condition of Chief Spence, who I understand will be joining indigenous leaders at this week’s meeting,” the Mr. Anaya said.

The independent expert stressed that the dialogue between the Government and First Nations should proceed in accordance with standards expressed in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration states that indigenous peoples have the right to maintain their distinct identities and cultures as a basis of their development and place in the world, to pursue their own destinies under conditions of equality, and to have secure rights over lands and resources, with due regard for their traditional patterns of use and occupancy.

In particular, Mr. Anaya highlighted one of the preambles in the Declaration which affirms that treaties, agreements and other arrangements are the basis for a strengthened partnership between indigenous peoples and States.

The Government affirmed a “commitment to continue working in partnership with Aboriginal peoples and in accordance with a relationship based on good faith, partnership and mutual respect,” when it released a statement supporting the Declaration on 12 November 2010, said Mr. Anaya, who has asked the Canadian authorities to provide relevant information on this matter, in accordance with the terms of his mandate from the UN Human Rights Council.

“I will continue to monitor developments as I hold out hope that the 11 January meeting will prompt meaningful and restorative action by the Government and First Nations leadership,” Mr. Anaya added.

Independent experts, or special rapporteurs such as Mr. Anaya, are appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.

Lucky days for the Enlightened

Six Students Attribute Five-figure lottery winnings to Ramtha School Lessons

SOURCE Ramtha School of Enlightenment, www.ramtha.com.

YELM, Wash., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — A remarkable run of Washington’s Lottery winners, all from the Yelm area, have cashed winning tickets of $10,000 or more during the past two years. The lottery champions gave credit to the Ramtha School teachings, claiming their winning numbers came to them after careful studying and discipline.

The winners include:

Patricia Everheart, $10,000 on Dec. 30, 2012

Ana Mihalcea and Laura Mooney, $10,000 on Dec. 11, 2012

Heather Singleton and Justin Wood, $10,000 on Oct. 8, 2012

Diana Hall, $12,365 casino jackpot at Red Wind Casino in Yelm on April 11, 2011

Michelle Enos, $10,000 on March 27, 2011

Heather Singleton, $10,000 on January 17, 2011

The stories from all the winners, along with official photos from the Washington Lottery, can be found at: http://www.rse-newsletter.com/category/lotto-winners/.

The Ramtha School of Enlightenment teaches students to capitalize on their natural mental abilities. According to Ramtha’s disciplines, we have direct control over how our lives play out. These lucky students attribute their winnings entirely to the techniques they mastered at RSE.

Heather Singleton is a two-time winner, with lottery jackpots cashed in January, 2011 by herself and on October 8, 2012 with her partner Justin Wood.

“Every day we participate in Remote-Viewing,” said Wood. Remote-viewing is a practice that allows students of RSE to sense events and images that have not yet occurred. Heather Singleton and Justin Wood participate in a daily joint-viewing through the website remoteviewdaily.com, and their collaboration paid off this past October when they accurately viewed the winning numbers 14, 16, 12, and 4.

“The disciplines work,” remarked Singleton, who won her first jackpot after practicing Consciousness & Energy, the teaching that the mind can achieve realities which are seemingly impossible.

“I have always been a winner,” says Patricia Everheart , who won $10,000 after practicing Create Your Day®, a technique of beginning each day by focusing on the mind and the day to come. While mentally preparing for her day, she saw “four numbers came across my brain… I said okay, I will play those numbers.” Everheart is one of many Ramtha students to have cashed in the 4-foot long check recently.

In just the past 3 months, there have been 3 student winners of the Washington lottery, and luck had nothing to do with it. Rather, they deliberately chose the winning numbers after viewing them while practicing the techniques taught at RSE.

Anna Mihalcea and Laura Mooney observed their winning numbers while on a Neighborhood Walk®, a moment of light exercise to improve awareness and general health.

“We decided to start focusing on a set of numbers and become them… mind as matter… we are the number,” said the two women, who won the $10,000 prize this past December. “We chose our numbers and observed them in the Neighborhood Walk®, forecasting our future, and we walked right into them!”

Most students won by predicting the numbers in the “Match 4” game. The students credit their training at the Ramtha School that taught them stillness and a present focus that caused the numbers to appear in their minds. The frequency of these winnings demonstrates these occurrences may have more do to with skill than luck.

About Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment

Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment (RSE) was established in 1988 by Ramtha the Enlightened One as an academy of the mind that offers retreats and workshops to participants from all over the world and from all walks of life. Using ancient wisdom and the latest discoveries in neuroscience and quantum physics, RSE teaches students how to access the extraordinary abilities of the brain to “Become a Remarkable Life®.” Ramtha’s teachings are not a religion. They offer a unique perspective from which to view the mystery of life.

National Indian Council on Aging, Inc Public Service Announcement

Are you an elder looking for work? The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) is seeking participants in its recently funded Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Participants are selected based on their needs and must be at least 55 years old; there is no upper age limit! Veterans and persons over the age of 65 are especially encouraged to apply.

The NICOA SCSEP offers paid training through meaningful community service and skills development as well as job search assistance. Applicants selected will be assigned to local agencies and paid 20-30 training hours per week. To see if you qualify, call toll-free 888-642-6297 for a referral or contact the West Region NICOA office in Tempe, AZ at 480-921-3406 or email dbegay@nicoa.org. Also, local public or private nonprofit agencies interested in hosting an elder trainee are encouraged to contact the program.

NICOA’s Elder Employment Project (SCSEP) is provided from American Indian Set-aside funds in the Older Americans Act through a grant from the US Department of Labor. NICOA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

http://nicoa.org/

Nisqually Indian Tribe Awards $2.5 Million to Community Groups

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com

The Nisqually Indian Tribe has distributed approximately $2.5 million in grant funds to local groups to keep people safe, help children succeed, improve community health, honor veterans, preserve culture, protect the environment and support dozens of other critical community services and programs benefiting Indians and non-Indians alike.

“Philanthropy is deep in the roots of our culture and we are committed to helping needy families and individuals,” said Cynthia Iyall, chair of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, in a press release. “Through generous giving and strong community partnerships, the Nisqually Tribe is laying the foundation for generations to come and improving the quality of life for all of our neighbors.”

More than 140 local organizations will receive funds from the Nisqually Tribe. Charitable grant recipients include the Child Care Action Council in Olympia, Washington; Turning Pointe Domestic Violence Services in Shelton; the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group in Olympia; the YMCA of Pierce County; the Nisqually Land Trust; Safe Kids Thurston County; Operation Homefront; Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Washington; the Mary Bridge Foundation; and the Tenino Food Bank Plus. Grants to government programs will pay for much-needed equipment and services including Eatonville Fire and EMS Department (to cover the costs of their fire engine), City of Lacey Parks and Recreation, and Thurston 9-1-1 Communications.

Every year the Nisqually Tribe awards money to local charitable and government programs through a competitive grant application process. Eligible charitable groups include 501(c)3, tax-exempt organizations that provide public safety, literacy, religious, educational, charitable or other community activities. Requests from scholarship funds and community groups are also considered. The local government fund supports police, fire, emergency services and other public safety needs.

School board names superintendent search consultant

The Marysville School District Board of Directors at their regular session meeting held Monday, January 7, 2013, selected Northwest Leadership Associates as the firm to assist the board of directors in the search and recruitment process for a new superintendent.

After nine years of service as Marysville’s superintendent, and 42 years in education, Dr. Nyland plans to retire.

Northwest Leadership Associates consultants will work closely with the board over the next several weeks on a process to involve stakeholders across the district by providing opportunities to staff and the community to help select the type of leader that will sustain the strong educational foundation already established under Dr. Nyland’s leadership and continue to take Marysville School District to the next levels of success.

Please take the time to thoughtfully answer any surveys or questionnaires that are presented to you, keeping in mind the best interests of current and future students.

http://www.msvl.k12.wa.us

Incident involving a fake gun

Marysville School District, January 9, 2013

A Marysville Mountain View High School student was expelled today for bringing a fake hand gun to school.

As a result of this incident, the student was taken into custody by the police.

Three schools; MMVHS, M-P campus, and the district Service Center were placed in lock down as a safety precaution. The principal placed Marysville Middle School into lock down as an added precaution.

The police department, school district security and staff responded quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of all students.

http://www.msvl.k12.wa.us/

Margaret Cho bringing new stand-up work ‘Mother’ to Tulalip

By Albert Rodriguez – SGN A&E Writer, http://www.sgn.org/

Margaret Cho is at it again! The Grammy-nominated comedienne has created a new production called ‘Mother’ and will unveil it during a brief 10-date tour, including a February 15 performance at Tulalip Resort Casino.

The freshly assembled show is said to be the comedy/TV star’s edgiest work ever, as it will give audiences an untraditional look at motherhood and an insight into maternal figures and strong women in Queer culture. It will also include laugh-out-loud examinations of race, sexuality, celebrities, politics, social culture, and everything in between. If you’ve seen Cho live before, you know that nothing is off limits.

Cho received a Grammy nomination recently for her recording Cho Dependent: Live in Concert, in the category of Best Comedy Album. She’s also a cast member of the TV sitcom Drop Dead Diva and will appear in an upcoming film titled Wedding Palace. A longtime supporter of the LGBT community and an open Bisexual, she’s performed at numerous Gay Pride celebrations around the world, aside from joining Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’ tour several years back.

Tickets for Cho’s show at Tulalip go on sale December 14 at www.tulalipresort.com (packages including accommodations and buffet brunch are also available). There is no direct shuttle service from downtown Seattle to the resort, but you can take the Bellair Charter (www.airporter.com) from Sea-Tac Airport to the casino and stay overnight, then return the next morning. Individual tickets are priced at $40.

Look for Cho to appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on January 10 and The Ricki Lake Show in mid-January.

http://www.tulalipcasino.com/

Marysville superintendent announces retirement plans

http://www.northcountyoutlook.com

Dr. Larry Nyland has shepherded the Marysville School District as its superintendent since 2004, but he has announced his plans to retire at the end of the current school year.

Nyland, 64, has been invested in public education for the past 42 years, with a career that has taken him from Oak Harbor to Alaska, then back to Washington with positions in Pasco, Shoreline and the Highline School District before coming to Marysville.

He inherited a tough climate in Marysville: a 49-day teachers’ strike in 2003 had resulted in declining enrollment, and citizens hadn’t passed a school bond issue in 16 years. Nyland focused on engaging the community in the district’s education goals, working cooperatively with the teachers’ union, and solidifying partnerships with the Tulalip Tribes as well as local community service organizations.

Graduation rates have risen by 20 percent over his tenure, and schools within the district have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for their achievements.

This year, the district’s Board of Directors was named School Board of the Year, a reflection of Nyland’s consistent messaging and encouragement.

“I love thinking and dreaming about what we can become, about the needs we can fill, the lives we will change, the future we are building for our community,” Nyland remarked in written comments to district staff.

“The district is once again at a turning point,” he continued. “New challenges lie ahead: new national standards and exams; new elections for levies, bonds and technology; and new leadership in many district roles. Now is the time to launch new dreams and follow them through to fruition.”

School board president Chris Nation praised Dr. Nyland “for his leadership, dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the children of the Marysville and Tulalip communities, providing excellent professional development opportunities for staff, and his organizational leadership district-wide.”

Jodi Runyon, the superintendent’s executive assistant, said, “Dr. Nyland came to Marysville at a time when we needed him most and he has done great things for our district and the community. We will be challenged to sustain the work that’s been done and continue to build upon the strong educational and organizational foundation he helped create.”

Nyland was named the state’s Superintendent of the Year in 2006, and the lifelong educator will no doubt continue to be involved in Marysville’s educational goals as a member of the community.

“I hope to still be engaged in education,” he said. “I still have a real heart for students.”

The process of selecting a new superintendent will begin on Monday, as the school board chooses a consultant search firm. Nation noted that the board will seek community and staff input to establish criteria for the district’s next leader.

Celebrate National Rubber Ducky Day, Jan 13

National Rubber Duck Day is January 13th and your kids can celebrate with the Seattle Children’s Museum. Ride the Ducks of Seattle is joining the Seattle Children’s Museum for a annual celebration of Rubber Ducky Day. Get a bit “quacky” and play throughout the day. While supplies last, kiddos who enter the Museum get a famous Ride the Duck’s Quacker.

Activities throughout the day include:

Quacker Parades – grab your quacker and make some noise! Waddle through the Museum making as much noise as you can!

Ducky Water Races – Kiddos can use their muscles to pump water and move their duck down the track in these ducky races.

Ducky Mallet Races– This game gets your whole body moving as you use a mallet to push our duckies down the track.

Quacking and Matching – Play a matching game and pair up the ducks. Play seek and find on the Sesame Street poster and help Elmo and Ernie find the baby ducks. You’ll have a quacking good time!

Quack-tacular Story Times -Educators make storytimes extra spectacular with a focus on books involving our web-footed friends.

http://www.thechildrensmuseum.org./rubber-ducky