A Guide to Giving

Somehow it always seems as though as soon as the first day of December rolls around the speed of life moves excessively faster until the big day hits 24 nights later.
It’s not just the parties or the fact that the kids will be getting off school for a couple of weeks or that other relatives are returning home to celebrate. Amidst all of the celebrations and reconnections, gift buying for these folks also needs to happen. At that, it often has to happen in a hurry.
Whether those on your list are young or old, into spending time in the bush or seeking the latest electronic gadget, prefer style over comfort or the other way around, the Nation has been carefully perusing the store shelves and flipping the catalogue pages to see what is hot this season.
With this, we proudly present the Nation’s 2009 Gift Giving Guide.
Luxuries for the lovely ladies 
For the gadget gal: 
If your girl is the techie type who has everything from an iMac to an iPhone to an iPod, why not get the perfect accessory to go with the whole package: the iRemote. At just $19, the iRemote allows the user to control all three devices and the Universal Doc from afar so that she doesn’t have to stop what she’s doing just to change a song or hit pause. Available at the Apple Store, where Apple products are sold or online at store.apple.com/ca
If she is in need of a new MP3 video player, Coby has a great little model that is both a good make and a good buy with their Coby 4GB MP3 Video Player (MP715). The product features a 2.2″ TFT LCD full-colour display and trackball control navigation, ID3 and LRC support for song and lyric information display; integrated FM radio; USB 2.0 Hi-Speed for fast file transfers; and integrated rechargeable battery. This cool gadget retails for about $49.99 and is available at such retailers as Future Shop and Best Buy.
If she is a sentimental techie, why not give her a gift that will bring her photos to life with a digital picture frame. Whether it’s her wedding photos, shots of family members new and old or precious memories of her favourite places, this delightful gift gives her the means to display the shots as part of the room. The Smartparts 10.4″ Digital Picture Frame can display up to 2000 photos on a 800×600 pixel LCD panel and the photos can be enhanced with music. Retailing for about $100, this item is ideal for a girl just starting out her life or reflecting back on it. For more info: www.bestbuy.ca
For the woman who loves to read but feels a pang of guilt with the purchase of every book because of all of the trees that went into it, why not give her the paper-free book that keeps on giving? Digital eBook readers are the latest gadgets on the market for the eco-savvy bookworm. Not only can the Sony 5″ Digital eBook Reader Pocket Edition hold up to 350 eBooks at a time, but it uses a special E-Ink technology that helps produce a paper-like view of the onscreen text. Energy efficient, the eBook can deliver up to 7,500 page turns on a single charge. The Sony eBook retails for $259.99 and is available in black and red. For more info: www.futureshop.ca
Baubles for the Glamorous
and Girlie 
What woman doesn’t love jewelry?
If you are looking for something fun, festive and flirty for her to adorn at her holiday party or out for New Year’s Eve, why not check out the many fabulous sets of earrings, necklaces and bracelets available from Aldo Accessories. Sure they were known for shoes, but Aldo is now making some headway when it comes to fun baubles and their glittery goods range from $12-$50. Available online or in stores. For more info: www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/accessories
If you are looking for something to glitter up her hands but a diamond is out of your range, Zellers has a wonderful selection of silver rings with genuine gemstones. Available in blue topaz, amethyst and garnet with cubic zirconias, these delightful and affordable rings are just the right thing to say how you feel on Christmas morning. For more info: hbc.ca
Though you might not be able to take her to breakfast at Tiffany’s on Christmas Day, you can make her breakfast with Tiffany’s with this stunning silver-heart pendant from the world’s most famous jewellers. The 2009 Tiffany Hearts Pendant is a simple heart-shaped pendant in sterling silver on a 16” chain designed by Tiffany’s. Simple, sleek and stylish, this classic piece can be worn anywhere but should be cherished for a lifetime. Retailing at $120, for store information or to purchase online go to: www.tiffany.ca
For the dignified dame, nothing says it better than pearls! If you don’t know what to get the conservative woman on your list, why not consider these divine two-coloured pearl earrings by Birks. These pink pear-shape freshwater 8-9mm pearl-drop earrings, in 18kt white gold are stunning and are available exclusively at Birks for $300. To view them go to http://www.birks.com/index.asp?SKU=915403
Of course, if you are really looking for something so dazzling that a trout might just jump up out of the water for a nibble, nobody glitters better than Swarovski. Though it might be hard to chose as a lady’s jewels are such a personal thing, this jaw-dropping, oversize Appolon Ring by Swarovski features the sparkle of black diamonds in Jet Hematite, Jet and Satin crystals. Guaranteed to turn heads at any party and retailing at $330, this ring and oodles of other spectacular crystal items are available at Swarovski shops or online at www.swarovski.com
For the Outdoorsy Chick
If all your gal can think about is getting back to the bush, why not buy her gifts to do so in comfort and style? Mountain Equipment Co-Op has the perfect little thing that any woman in the bush would appreciate – an Adventure Towl Travel Towel Body MicroFibre-Small. Retailing for only $17, this lightweight, super-soft towel is incredibly quick drying so it is ideal to have around the camp. Once more, despite its small size, this microfibre towel is also incredibly absorbent. This item is perfect under the tree or as a stocking stuffer. For more info: www.mec.ca
Want to keep her warm this season? Le Baron, Quebec’s major sports and outdoorsman retailer, has a fabulous selection of Columbia Brand fleece sweatshirts that are ideal for frosty days in the bush or in the community. The Women’s Benton Springs
Full Zip features a draw cord, adjustable hem and zip-closed pockets. Retailing at only $35.94, this warm and snuggly top is available in a full range of sizes and colours. For more info: www.lebaron.ca/index_fall_eng.htm
Because men’s long johns are just the most uncomfortable thing for a gal to put on under pants (crotch bunching), why not get her a really good pair of thermal tights to go under just about everything this winter? Mountain Equipment Co-Op has a high quality pair of “uncomplicated thermal tights” that offer both comfort and functionality with their MEC Thermal Tights for women. At $42, the investment is well worth it for the fit. For more info: www.mec.ca
For the woman who is really into working out or who wants to keep track of just how hard her body is working, Mountain Equipment Co-Op has this fabulous Polar F6F Heart Rate Monitor. This wireless heart-rate monitor, which is also a watch, not only monitors heart rates but can guide the wearer through a warm-up routine and automatically determine a safe and effective exercise heart-rate zone. It can even store one complete exercise file that includes total exercise time, time in target zone, and average heart rate. Retailing at $119, this handy item is ideal for the gal who likes to work out in the bush or at the gym. For more info: www.mec.ca
Gifts for the Guys 
Electronic toys for Boys
If your guy has to have a high-tech everything, why not get him a Digital Photo Keychain so that he is never without a gadget, even when he is just going next door? The Coby 1.5″ Digital Photo Keychain features a 1.5″ CSTN LCD full-colour display that holds JPEG, GIF and BMP image files. This keychain can hold up to 60 photos at a time, has an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a USB port for fast file transfers. This product retails from $15-$20 and is sold where electronics are sold.
If he is the kind of guy who could use his own digital secretary to take notes on the go or if he likes to film anything on the moment, the Sarkar Micro Digital Camcorder might just be the ticket. This pocket-sized 3-in-1 compact digital camcorder makes it easy to capture photos, videos and audio anywhere and anytime. The built-in microphone and 320×240 video resolution make it easy to record videos, while the 640×480 still picture resolution is great for photos. This product is also currently available at Best Buy for only $24.99. For more info: www.bestbuy.ca
For the man who has (almost) too many pieces of audio-visual equipment, what better to get him than Sony 8-in-1 universal remote? This universal remote can give the user control of up to eight compatible components and help to de-clutter any living room of numerous remotes. At that, this remote allows the user to command the on-screen menus of various TVs and electronics and its learning function means that it can be programmed by using existing remotes. Best Buy is currently offering this product at only $29.99. For more info: www.bestbuy.ca
There was a time when men did not set foot in the kitchen, but that has surely come and gone. For the man who just lives for that first sip of coffee in the morning, why not go for a home bean grinder? The Hamilton Beach Custom Coffee Grinder is so powerful that it can grind beans for up to 15 cups of coffee at once. The grinder features a removable grinding chamber and lid, adjustable grind selector, one-touch hands-free operation with automatic shutoff features, stainless-steel blades and bowl, cord winding, and see-through lid. This ultra modern appliance is ideal for the coffee lover on your list. Available at Future Shop for only $29.99. For more info: www.futureshop.ca
While the whole world has gone cellular, sometimes folks just want to talk on a regular phone line. If the man of the house is unsatisfied with the landline, why not get him the VTech 2-Handset DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone? This sleek and stylish expandable dual handset cordless phone system with a digital answering device and caller ID features a special technology that will not interfere with other household appliances or wireless networks. This fun phone set is available at Future Shop for $59.99. For more info: www.futureshop.ca
If your man is a Mac user then he might just be lusting after the Apple Magic Mouse. Billed as the world’s “first multi-touch mouse,” this unique mouse allows the user to scroll in any direction, and swipe through images on its smooth, seamless top shell. Retailing at $69.99, the Magic Mouse is all the rage in the tech mags and might just be all of the rage in your home come Christmas morning. For more info: store.apple.com
For the guy who has just about everything and loves to know exactly what to wear, depending on the weather, Sears has the Self-Setting Atomic Projection Clock. This sleek, glossy, ultra-modern clock features a black background that makes the light-coloured digits more prominent and easy to read. This device also projects the precise Atomic time and outdoor temperature in large, easy-to-read numbers onto any flat surface. It also has unique sensors that detect room lighting to activate the projection function. Available for only $79.99. For more info: www.sears.ca/product/self-setting-atomic-projection-clock
If he is a man of the modern world and an outdoorsman, he can now have the best of both worlds with the Better Energy Systems Classic Solar Charger from Mountain Equipment Co-Op. This handy device uses mini solar panels to charge cameras, cellphones, MP3 players and GPS devices at the same rate as a wall adapter. The charger can also be powered through a USB port, but it is designed for use anywhere and even features a suction cup for the car window. With a compact and lightweight design, this solar charger is perfect to take out to the bush and is ideal to have around for life’s unexpected events. Available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op for $118. For more info: www.mec.ca
While the past few seasons have featured HD TVs and Blu-ray players to go with them as the big ticket items for Christmas, the Blu-ray players have finally dropped in price to the point that they are now affordable gifts. If he’s already invested in an HD TV but have yet to upgrade his other components, a Blu-ray player might just be the thing for him. Future Shop is now offering a series of different brand-name Blu-ray players that range from $159.99-$649.99 for the really high-end players. The majority of them however are under $250. For more info: www.futureshop.ca/catalog/class.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dm=DEBUG&catid=25320
For the man who just can’t wait for the 2010 Games!
With the Vancouver 2010 Olympics right around the corner, Olympic gear is all the rage this year, particularly as four BC First Nations are the host communities for the big event. If the man on your list already has “Olympic Fever,” there is a whole bounty of gifts to choose from to please him this season.
As one of the Vancouver 2010 official sponsors, the Hudson’s Bay Company has a wide variety of items for sale that have their net proceeds going to support Canada’s Olympic athletes. Check out store.hbc.com/featured/catfeatured-p1.html
Why not keep his hands warm this season with a pair of Torchbearer Adults’ Red Mittens. Fun, functional and festive, for only $10, they make a wonderful gift.
Getting into the spirit of things, this Men’s Canadian Olympic Team Full Zip Hoodie might just be the thing for the man-of-the-house this season. Available in a whole bevy of colours and sizes, comfort meets team spirit with this garment that goes for $50.
For the ultimate Team Canada Hockey fan, this Team Canada Replica Jersey is the way to go to help him cheer on Canada’s hockey superstars! Available in white or red, these shirts are guaranteed to become collectors’ items. For $135, this gift is the beginning to a lifetime of memories!
These items and more are available at various HBC stores and on their website.
If you are looking for the ultimate 2010 Olympics memorabilia gift that celebrates both the games and the First Nations communities hosting them, Birks Canada has something spectacular to go under the tree or perhaps as a collective gift for a boss or friend. As one of the official sponsors of the games, Birks has created a series of six different Aboriginal Fusion Art, Limited Edition silver-plated, gold-embellished plaques. Never before has Haida art been presented in such a context, these plaques feature different varieties of Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations traditional symbols along with the 2010 Olympic logos. At $400 a plaque, these items are a celebration of both Olympic and Aboriginal pride. www.birks.com//index.asp?cFlag=products&SKU=5000051101&SecID=1086&CatID=1090&LangID=1
For the Traditionalist 
For the traditionalist or even someone who is looking to get closer to their roots, wood-carving tools are a wonderful gift to give.
For the beginning carver, Canadian Tire has a 12-piece wood carving set available for $59.99 that comes in a wooden case. This gift is ideal for someone who is just starting out with the hobby. For more info: www.canadiantire.ca
For an experienced carver looking for something durable and hand-forged, the Cariboo Blades Company has a wide variety of expertly made, hand-forged knives. The company owners live off grid in British Columbia and have a sustainable-development business ethic. Though the individual tools start at $145 each, these are the kinds of tools that will last a carver a lifetime. These products can be ordered online and take two weeks within Canada for shipping. For more info: www.caribooblades.com/
If carving antler is more his speed or he is simply in need of a new rotary tool set, Home Depot has a great offer on the Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool Set. Featuring five attachments and a 36-piece accessory set and case, this set is just perfect for the guy who really wants to carve. At $129, this set makes a wonderful gift for him on Christmas morning. For more info: www.homedepot.ca
For the Outdoorsman 
If he is heading off into the bush or on the water anytime this year, this Pelican 1030 Micro Case is the perfect thing for him to store any communication device or GPS so that it will not get crushed or wet. Available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, this 16 x 6.4 x 5cm case is submersible, dustproof and crush-resistant, and has an automatic purge valve to accommodate pressure changes caused by changes in altitude or weather systems. For only $19.50, this kind of item can be a lifesaver in the wild. www.mec.ca
While he is waiting for that perfect shot, he can keep his coffee, tea or soup nice and hot with this FA Brand camouflage thermos. Perfect for the bush, this 750ml thermos can keep anything hot or cold and it is wrapped in dent-resistant neoprene so that it will keep its form for years to come. At only $38.45, this thermos will please anyone looking to go undetected in the bush. Available at Le Baron. For more info: www.lebaron.ca
Keep him warm this winter with this Men’s Rocky® ProHunter Synergy Fleece Vest/Jacket, in Camo. This warm vest/jacket is a two-in-one as it can be converted from one to the other, depending on the weather. It features a zip down the front as well as separate zips for the sleeves and it features a brown body with Realtree all-purpose camouflage-pattern accents. Available in all sizes, this product is billed as ideal wear for those on long treks in low temperatures. Retailing from $59.99, this vest/jacket can be purchased at Canadian Tire. For more info: www.canadiantire.ca
Looking for that perfect gift for the whole family while in the bush? Whether you’re trapping, on spring goose hunt, fishing or just spending time on the land, electricity is still convenient.
A solar-panel system is the way to go. The Nation tested out a system courtesy of Solaire Expert. This company has worked on the coast and we can tell you it’s a good deal. We tried it in all sorts of conditions from running the battery down, running a light, recharging batteries and even powering up a ghetto blaster to hear a few tunes. It passed with flying colours.
The solar panel was an Enerwatt EWS-30P. Power to spare with a 54LED 12-watt bulb that was brighter than anything we’ve ever seen on the market. They make the fluorescent bulbs look like crap in terms of light.
Combined with Enerwatt Solar Regulator EWC-39 and one 12-volt Enerwatt WP38-12 battery, this system didn’t go down once. Lighting conditions varied from sunny to raining cats and dogs. It didn’t seem to matter to this set-up. We even put some plastic in front of the solar panel to “protect” it from the elements and in another test just put it in a window. It didn’t affect the system’s performance noticeably at all. The Nation notes though we didn’t have the plastic in contact with the solar panel.
This is a great gift that will light up your days and nights on the land for years to come. It is a definite Christmas gift recommendation. The LED lights are a great idea for homes, offices and buildings as they will save money and last longer than ordinary or energy-efficient fluorescent lights.
Solaire Expert representative Jeannot Schmidt supervised the Wemindji Solar Panels Project with the Wemindji Trappers’ Association that was looking for an alternative energy system. At each camp sufficient panels were installed to provide energy to supply the basic necessities: low-voltage freezer, LED lighting, radios and 120-volts outlet. This allowed the hunters and fishermen to preserve their wild meat, while conducting their traditional way of life.
Costs of systems vary; for more details, contact Jeannot Schmidt at 450-688-7453 or at jeannot@abcobatteries.com
Books
If you are having a hard time shopping for books for your friends and family in the Cree communities this season, why not pick one of Joseph Boyden’s two prize-winning novels that chronicle several generations of an Ontario Cree family.
Boyden’s first novel, Three Day Road, is the story of two young Crees from Moose Factory who join the Canadian army during World War One and are sent as snipers to Belgium. Their stories are juxtaposed by the traditional life of Niska, a bush woman and aunt to one of the boys, who travels to southern Ontario to meet the one who has come home. A startling and sometimes gruesome account of WWI, Boyden’s first novel caught the attention of the whole country and is recommended by CBC Reads.
Through Black Spruce, Boyden’s second novel, won the 2008 Giller Prize. The story is set in Moose Factory today and chronicles the lives of bush pilot Will Bird and his niece Annie, who has just returned from a perilous journey to Toronto, Montreal and New York in search of her missing sister. A significant jump in tone from his first book, Boyden’s characters have adapted to the modern world but the old-world themes of Cree spirituality are still ever present.
Both novels are in paperback and are available through Penguin Canada, wherever books are sold or online at www.chapters.indigo.ca
Other book suggestions by the Nation:
Challenging Traditions: Contemporary First Nations Art of the Northwest Coast (hardcover) by Ian M. Thom
All That We Say Is Ours by Ian Gill
Native American Clothing: An Illustrated History (hardcover) by Theodore Brasser
Where People Feast: An Indigenous People’s Cookbook by Dolly Watts & Annie Watts