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	NAN Responds to Rowe Sentencing By Jenna Young CNW Telbec [Canada] July 8, 2007 http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/July2007/06/c4589.html Thunder Bay, on, July 6 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, together with members of the Ralph Rowe Survivor Network, feels a sense of relief that former Boy Scout master Ralph Rowe has been designated a sexual offender, but says it's just the beginning of a healing process not only for direct victims, but whole communities affected by Rowe's abuse. "It's my hope the sentencing and sexual offender designation of Ralph Rowe will contribute to the healing process not only for the direct victims, but for all NAN members affected by his abuse," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nation communities across Ontario. "It's time now to focus on healing and rebuilding our communities to ensure any victim of any type of abuse is comfortable to come forward and confident they'll be supported in doing so to avoid further long-standing impacts like those caused by Ralph Rowe." Fiddler's comments come after today's court decision following a week of testimonies from survivors in a Kenora court May 2007. The testimonies were from survivors of physical and sexual abuse which took place throughout NAN territory between 1971 and 1986. Rowe, who currently lives in Surrey, BC, worked in at least 18 NAN First Nation communities between 1971 and 1986. He served four and a half years of a six year sentence in 1994 for indecent and sexual assaults involving boys aged 6 to 16. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. The Ralph Rowe Survivor Network, together with NAN, is calling on the Church to enter a dialogue to continue to participate in supporting survivors, their families, and whole communities. "It's so important that the devastating effects of Ralph Rowe be acknowledged not only on behalf of the direct victims of his abuse, but the lasting effects on spouses and children and the social implications evident across NAN territory," said Fiddler, adding high rates of suicide and jail time are connected to Rowe's years of abuse.
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