The Traveling Feather May '11

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MAY 2011 WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE SPRING MLIB The Traveling Feather www.mlib.ca Spring is here!! Anita & Sophia This is a very sunny issue Daycare Update

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Newsletter for MLIB May 2011

Transcript of The Traveling Feather May '11

Page 1: The Traveling Feather May '11

MAY 2011 WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE SPRING

MLIB The Traveling Feather

www.mlib.ca

Spring is here!!

Anita & Sophia

This is avery sunnyissue

Daycare Update

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Contributors

MLIB  The  Traveling  Feather

Chief   Derek  Orr,   Guy  Rocheleau,   Adele  

Chingee,   Tamara   Dugan,   Jen   Dyble,  Verne   Solonas,   Ken   Solonas,   Jodie  Ware,   Geraldine  Solonas,     Bob   Inkpen,  Kandy  Klijnsmit,  Marc  P.  Klijnsmit

McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  address:

General  Delivery

McLeod  Lake,  V0J  2G0

Toll  Free  1-­‐888-­‐822-­‐1143  

Newsletter  Submissions

Would  you   like   to  write  something  for  The   Traveling   Feather?   Please   submit  your  story  to  [email protected]

Website  and  email  address

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MLIB  Publiction  No.14

The  Traveling  Feather   is  published  10  to  

12   times   a   year.   Members   of   the  McLeod   Lake   Indian   Band   and   the  people   of   McLeod   Lake   can   submit  t h e i r   n e w s   a n d   p i c t u r e s   a t  [email protected]

Office  Opening  Hours  

The  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  Office  is  open  Monday  -­‐  Friday  8.30am  -­‐  4.00pm.

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Monthly Update Chief Derek Orr

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Dear  Members,  

I  hope  you  are  all  well  and  have  had  the  opportunity  to  enjoy  the  spring  weather.    It  has  been  a  long  winter  and  I  am  looking  forward  to  spring  and  eventually  summer.    In  this  update  I  will  be  providing  an  overview  of  the  main  questions  and  concerns  that  were  presented  at  our  last  Quarterly  Meetings  on  March  18,  19,  20  2011  as  well  as  an  update  on  the  Treaty  8  Trust  Deficit  and  BC  Hydro.  

At  the  Prince  George  Meeting,  Members  questioned  Chief  and  Council’s  consultation  process  with  Members  before  signing  the  Mt.  Milligan  Socio  Economical,  and  Provincial  Revenue  Sharing  Agreement.  As  well  as  the  Environmental  Protection  associated  with  Mt.  Milligan  and  the  value  of  our  deals  negotiated  with  Terrane  Metals  and  the  Province  of  British  Columbia.  

 I  want  to  assure  our  Members  that  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  Agreements  regarding  Mt.  Milligan  are  comprehensive  and  include  an  Enhanced  Environmental  Protection  and  Co-­‐management  Plan  for  life  of  the  mine.  Terrane  and  Thompson  Creek  Minerals  are  still  subject  to  all  Environmental  Regulations  and  must  address  any  concerns  brought  forward  by  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band.  In  addition,  our  Agreements  are  comparable  to  any  agreements  that  been  negotiated  to  date,  if  not  better!  No  Treaty  or  Consultation  Rights  where  given  up  as  a  result  of  finalizing  these  agreements.

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Band  Members  had  concerns  of  water  quality  and  impacts  on  fish  within  the  Mine  site.    Some  Members  assume  that  there  will  be  chemicals  released  into  the  surrounding  water  systems  and  into  Rainbow  Creek.  Members  can  be  sure  the  environment  is  being  protected  because  our  own  Band  Members,  Vincent  Chingee  and  Wesley  Chingee,  have  been  trained  as  Environmental  Monitors,  at  Mt.  Milligan,  to  make  sure  the  environment  is  protected  for  life  of  mine.  Although,  King  Richard  Creek  will  be  flooded  and  some  fish  habitat  lost,  under  Terrane’s  Environmental  Certificate  there  will  be  improvements  to  other  fish  habitat  within  Rainbow  Creek  as  compensation.    In  addition,  from  the  start  of  Construction  on  Mt.  Milligan,  Terrane’s  environmental  monitors  (Vincent  Chingee  and  Wesley  Chingee)  must  perform  daily  water  testing,  up  to  twice  day,  to  ensure  water  quality  is  maintained.  Currently,  all  water  is  checked  for  quality  and  held  to  the  highest  Environmental  Standard.    Once  the  Mt.  Milligan  Mine  site  goes  into  production  there  will  be  no  water  discharged.  All  water  used  at  the  mine  will  be  recycled  and  reused  for  plant  site.    This  technique  is  known  as  Zero  Surface  Water  Discharge  System.  The  Zero  Surface  Water  Discharge  System  is  one  of  many  ways  that  Mt.  Milligan  has  sets  a  new  standard  for  the  Responsible  Mining  and  minimizing  Environmental  Impacts.  

Don’t forget

mom this

Sunday!!

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Monthly Update Chief Derek Orr

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There  were  also  concerns  at  the  Prince  George  meeting  regarding  the  transparency  and  accuracy  of  our  Audited  Financial  Statements.  

On  an  annual  basis  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  appoints  accounting  firm  Deloitte  to  provide  an  independent  review  of  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band’s  yearly  financial  records.    After  the  review,  Deloitte  then  provides  an  Auditor’s  Report  that  includes  audited  Financial  Statements  (to  ensure  accuracy)  and  Management  Letter  outlining  any  concerns  and  recommendations  that  need  to  be  addressed.  Deloitte  is  one  of  Canada's  leading  professional  service  firms  that  provides  audit,  tax,  consulting,  and  financial  advisory  services  through  more  than  7,600  people  in  57  offices  across  Canada.    So,  Members  can  be  assured  that  our  Financial  Statements  are  a  clear  and  accurate  representation  of  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band’s  prior  year’s  revenues,  expenses  and  profits.      In  fact,  we  have  recently  been  given  the  best  rating  possible  by  the  Department  of  Indian  Affairs  and  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band’s  2010  Audit  was  completed  on  time  for  the  first  time  in  seven  years!!  

Allegations  Chief  and  Council  received  Personal  Gain.  

There  have  been  allegations  that  Chief  and  Council  have  received  personal  gain  from  agreements  we  have  signed.  This  information  is  false  and  Council  did  not  receive  any  personal  gain  from  the  Terrane  Accommodation  Package  or  any  other  agreement.    Council  does  receive  its  normal  honorarium  which  is  a  payment  for  duties  preformed.  In  fact,  the  current  Chief  and  Council’s  honorarium  are  20%  less  than  2005-­‐2008  Chief  and  Council’s  and  40%  less  than  the  2002-­‐2005  Chief  and  Council’s  Honorarium.    Funding  for  these  honoraria  used  to  come  out  of  the  Treaty  8  Trust  as  per  Article  1.1  (e)  (iiia).    But,  at  the  present  time  because  of  factors  beyond  our  control  (Treaty  8  Trust  Settlement  Account  Deficit  –  as  outlined  below)  the  Trust  is  unavailable  to  fund  programs.  Alternate  sources  of  funding  including  money  from  the  Band’s  Companies,  from  the  Mackenzie  Pulp  Mill,  and  from  Terrane  will  be  used  to  fund  all  Band  Programs  including  Elders,  Education,  Youth  programs  and  Council  Honoraria.    This  was  explained  clearly  to  all  Band  Members  at  the  last  quarterly  meetings  and  approved.    Council  has  received  nothing  other  than  what  they  are  entitled  to  as  honoraria.    

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Consultation  on  Mt.  Milligan  -­‐  Ratification  Vote  on  Mt.  Milligan  

Since  2006  Chief  and  Council  and  Terrane  Metal  held  a  number  of  open  houses  and  Community  Meeting  till  now  to  update  and  inform  Members  on  progress  Mt  Milligan  Mine.  In  this  case  every  effort  was  made  to  facilitate  Members'  attendance.      In  addition,  all  of  our  Elders  who  were  willing  were  also  interview  by  Doctor  Robin  Ridington,  a  renowned  anthropologist,  who  later  wrote  the  “Ridington  Report”  to  provide  historical  back  ground  and  provide  more  evidence  that  Mt.  Milligan  was  always  within  the  Traditional  Territory  of  the  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band.    The  Ridington  Report  was  used  to  counter  false  claims  by  other  parties  on  our  Traditional  Territory.    

Members  also  had  concerns  that  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  did  not  have  a  ratification  vote  on  the  Mt.  Milligan  Socio-­‐Economic  Agreement.    Prior  agreements  such  as  the  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  OGC  Agreement,  which  will  have  a  greater  overall  impact  on  our  Traditional  Territory  than  Mt.  Milligan,  never  went  to  a  ratification  vote.    It  has  been  alleged  that  Mt.  Milligan  will  have  an  impact  on  the  environment  equal  to  the  WCB  Bennet  Dam.  However,  this  is  impossible  for  the  fact  that  the  Mt  Milligan  Mine  site  has  total  foot  print  of  3  by  4  kilometers  (12km),  compared  to  the  1200  square  kilometers  of  land  that  the  Williston  Reservoir  flooded.  To  compare  these  two  projects  is  absurd.  Council  only  proceeded  after  convening  public  meetings  where  the  Mount  Milligan  Agreements  were  explained  in  detail  and  approved  by  members.

Treaty  8  Settlement  Trust

McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  Chief  and  Council  and  Board  of  Trustees  continue  to  make  progress  on  reducing  our  Treaty  8  Settlement  Trust  Account  deficit  as  outlined  in  the  chart  below.  

               Minimum  Value                              Market  Value                                Deficit

       2008  -­‐          $34,957,661                  $26,940,461                          ($8,017,200)  

       2009  -­‐          $35,506,536                  $29,239,754                          ($6,266,782)

       2010  -­‐          $37,423,889                  $33,794,553                          ($3,629,336)  

 Increase        $2,466,228                        $6,854,092

***World  Wide  Economic  Recession  and  the  November  2007  Distribution  were  two  key  factors  in  that  led  to  the  2008  Treaty  8  Settlement  Trust  Account  deficit.****  

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 In  addition  to  reducing  the  deficit  by  $6,854,092,  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  Chief  and  Council  will  independently  fund  our  2011/2012  budget  with  profits  earned  by  Business  and  Revenue  Sharing.      However,  please  be  aware,  we  still  have  an  outstanding  ($3,629,336)  that  must  be  repaid  to  the  Trust.    Chief  and  Council  along  with  the  Board  of  Trustees  continue  to  work  towards  to  repayment  of  the  Trust  in  a  timely  manner.    

BC  Hydro

On  April  17,  2011  Councillor  Fred  Inyallie  and  I  attended  the  BC  Hydro  Integrated  Resource  Management  First  Nation  Workshop  at  the  Coast  Inn  of  the  North  in  Prince  George.    BC  Hydro’s  main  topics  of  discussion  included:    Conservation  and  Efficiency,  Electricity  Generation,  Electrification  of  Highway  37,  Transmission  Capacity  and  Export  Market  Potential.    

The  workshop  was  well  attended  by  many  other  First  Nations  from  throughout  British  Columbia.    Although  BC  Hydro  had  topics  for  discussion  there  were  many  concerns  brought  forward  by  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  as  well  as  other  First  Nation.    It  has  been  well  expressed  by  our  Members  that  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  does  not  support  Site  “C”  and  Chief  and  Council  continue  to  express  our  Members  views  to  BC  Hydro.    BC  Hydro’s  current  plan  looks  at  efficiency  and  conservation,  new  developments  (Site  “C”)  and  transmission  upgrades  (replacement  of  old  transmission  and  electrification  of  highway  37)  to  reach  their  goal  of  energy  self  sufficiency.    

On  a  positive  note,  Premier  Christy  Clarke  has  ordered  a  review  of  BC  Hydro’s  current  plan  and  exploration  of  alternatives.    McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  believes  that  BC  Hydro  can  attain  its  goal  of  energy  self-­‐efficiency  through  conservation  and  wind  energy.    For  instance,  “In  Demark,  over  15%  of  electrical  supply  comes  from  wind,  and  Current  Plans  are  for  50%  by  2030.  Some  Parts  of  Germany  get  over  20%  of  their  electricity  energy  from  the  wind.”  (Native  Journal,  Sept  2009,  Page13).    Furthermore,  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  also  believes  BC  Hydro  can  make  great  gains  in  conservation  by  increasing  rates  in  the  larger  cities  like  Vancouver  and  Victoria  as  many  lights  are  left  on  all  night  in  the  many  of  the  high  rise  buildings  throughout  the  cities.    

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On  a  personal  note,  life  is  very  good.    Our  family  has  been  taken  advantage  of  the  spring  time  weather  by  going  to  the  park,  bike  riding  and  springtime  snowmobiling.    There  is  no  doubt  that  is  has  been  a  long  winter  and  our  family  is  looking  forward  to  the  upcoming  summer.    Erica  and  Owen  have  started  swimming  lesson  again  and  are  very  excited.      We  call  Owen  our  “Little  Guppy”  because  he  is  already  holding  his  head  under  water  2-­‐3  seconds  and  flops  in  and  out  of  the  water  like  he  was  born  there.    Owen  just  turned  3  on  March  6,  2011.    Erica  also  loves  to  swim  as  well  and  continues  to  excel  in  her  lesson.  Erica  is  now  5  and  ½  and  has  lost  her  3  of  her  teeth  (Tooth  Fairies  pay  very  well  these  days!).    Logan  is  very  excited  to  get  back  on  his  mountain  bike  and  get  some  riding  in.    Logan  has  signed  up  for  this  summer’s  “Sprockids”  which  is  a  program  that  helps  kids  to  develop  their  mountain  bike  skills.    This  will  be  Logan’s  second  year  in  “Sprockids.”  Arlene  continues  to  work  tirelessly  to  get  the  job  done  in  both  her  personal  and  professional  life.    Arlene  is  usually  the  one  who  signs  up  the  kids  to  all  their  activities  and  holds  down  the  fort  while  I  am  away  on  business.    Even  when  I  am  home  I  usually  leave  the  house  by  seven  o’clock,  so  Arlene  does  a  tremendous  amount  of  work  looking  after  our  three  children  and,  yes,  even  me  sometimes.    Thanks  Arlene!

As  for  myself,  I  feel  great  and  well  balanced.    I  have  also  taken  advantage  of  the  spring  weather  and  have  started  mountain  biking,  went  ice  fishing  with  staff  on  McLeod  Lake.  I  am  looking  forward  to  the  sunshine,  going  to  the  gym,  staying  active  and  being  involved.

Thank  you  for  your  time  and  consideration.  

Chief Derek Orr

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Elder Program Report

April 27, 2011

Geraldine Solonas  

First  week   in  April  began  with  having  to  work  on  reports   for  two   language  projects  that   had   to   be   completed  by  March  31st,   2011.   Much   thanks   to   Lesa   Cauchie,   of   Cauchie  Designs,  who  assisted  greatly  with  the  First  Voices’  report  as  she  knows  exactly  what  of  our  language   is   put   onto   the   First   Voices   web   site   as   she   has   worked   with   us   since   the  beginning   of   the   project   in   2005.   Please   go   to   www.firstvoices.com   to   check   out   our  Tse’khene   language,   some  which   includes   the   sound.   This   is   an   ongoing  project,   that   is,  whenever  we  can  we  access   funds  to  work  on  this  web   site  to  put  more  of   our  language  into  it  or  change  what  is   there.  For  the  other   language  project  completed,  we  developed  curriculum   to   have   our   Day   Care,   Head/Strong   Start   programs   totally   immersed   in   our  Tse’khene  language.  Hopefully  we  can  access  funding  to  do  this  in  the  near  future.

We  now  have  some  Elders  in  McLeod  Lake  interested  in  going  to  aquatics  (exercising  in  water)  at  the  Recreation  Centre  in  Mackenzie  every  second  Wednesday.  Apparently,  the  scheduled   dates   for   aquatics   are   now   in   conflict   with   school   activities,   so   we   need   to  reschedule.  

The  Elders  have  been  invited  to  Tsay  Keh  Dene’s   cultural  camp  in  Ospika  during  the  week   of   May   16th.   They   have   said   they  would   pay   for   food,   set   up   the   tents   (including  stoves)  and  donate  some  fuel  for  travelling.  The  Elders  will  be  meeting  on  May  2nd  in  Prince  George  at  the  Days  Inn  to  discuss  this  and  other  upcoming  activities.  

There  have  been  a  couple  of  meetings  with  the  Aboriginal  Education  workers  about  the  students   of  Mackenzie  elementary  and  high   schools  helping   the  Elders   to   set  up   the  gardening   beds   behind   the  NRC   building   for   this   summer.   Some   Elders   will   be   going   to  Morfee  Elementary  this   Friday  to  start  their  seedlings  which  will   later  be  transferred  once  the  snow  and  frost  is  gone,  which  is  usually  about  June  1st.  

Please  note  that  there  will  be  culture  days  at  the  Band  hall  on  Wednesday,  May  25th,  and   we   expect   up   to   ninety   students   to   attend.   We   will   have   tables   set   up   to   show:  different  types  of  bannock;  soap  berry  making  and  testing;  samples  of  wild  foods;  samples  of   what  may  be   used   in   Indian  medicine;   beading;  maybe  preparing  wild   game  if  we   get  some  just  before  that  date;  books  with  information  of  our  history;  and,  a  demonstration  of  our   language  on   the   First  Voices  website.   If   you  wish   to   be   part  of   this   special  event  to  share  knowledge  of  our  culture,  please  contact  me  or  Jodie  Ware  at  the  Band  office.  If  you  have  other  ideas  for  additional  tables  please  let  us  know.

4

Page 10: The Traveling Feather May '11

On  April  12th,  we  had  story  telling  with  the  Elders  in  McLeod  Lake  at  which  time  we  also   discussed   some   Elder   issues.   We   will   now   be   having   more   discussions   on  upcoming  activities/events  you  may  be  interested  in.  

On   April   14th,   I   attended   a   meeting   with  Gary  Gurnsey   to   discuss   the   Rotary   Club  branch   of   Prince  George  working  with   us   to   develop   a  mini   library   in   the   community   of  McLeod   Lake.  We  need   to   form  a   committee  of   at  least   three  members   to  work   on   this  while  there  is  funding  available  for  such  projects.    Apparently,   the  more  a   child   reads,  the  more  they   know   about  the  outside  world   (outside  of   their   community)   and   they  dream  bigger  of  what  they  would   like   to  do  with  their   lives.   They   are   able  to  set  goals   for   their  future.  

Last  week   I  assisted   the  Land  Referral  office   in   contacting   Elders   and   setting   up   a  session  with  TERA   consulting  regarding  Alliance  Pipeline’s   proposed  Fort  St.   John  Lateral  Loop   just   north   of   Dawson   Creek.   It   was   very   short   notice,   and   approximately   nine  Tse’khene  Elders  attended  this  meeting  in  McLeod  Lake  and  mussi  cho  to  those  who  made  themselves   available  for  this.  The  result   is   that   there  will  be  field   studies   done  during  the  warmer  weather,  possibly  in  June/July.

On  April  20th,  Living  Joy  Church  came  to  the  Band  hall  after  work  to  provide  activities  and  snacks  for  the  children  and  prayer  for  those  who  wanted.  At  this  time  I  am  working  on  the  final  report  on  the  Fish  and  Wildlife  Compensation  Program,  which  is  due  May  1st,  2011.  There  was  a  meeting  with  the  Band  Council  on  March  9th  for  them  to  learn  exactly  what  this  program  is  all  about.  The  resource  person  is  Bob  Coyle,  then  CO  from  the  Prince  George  area.  Bob  has  since  become  a  private  contractor  and  continues  to  work  with  the  program,  encouraging  First  Nations  to  become  more  involved  with  the  program.  Several  members  attended  a  community  meeting  in  McLeod  Lake  on  March  25th.  We  are  required  now  to  provide  feedback  on  the  meetings  with  Council  and  the  community  and  have  a  legal  review  done  on  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  created  to  engage  First  Nations  in  becoming  involved  with  this  program.  Mussi  cho  to  all  who  attended  either  meeting  as  the  feedback  is  a  requirement  for  the  Band  to  receive  $20,525.

4

Geraldine Solonas

Page 11: The Traveling Feather May '11

PLEASE  NOTE  THAT  IF  YOU  ATTENDED  AN  INDIAN  RESIDENTIAL  SCHOOL  AND  HAVE  NOT  YET  APPLIED  FOR  THE  

COMMON  EXPERIENCE  PAYMENT  (CEP),  YOU  HAVE  ONLY  UNTIL  SEPTEMBER  19TH,  2011  TO  DO  SO,  OTHERWISE  YOU  WILL  PROBABLY  

NOT  RECEIVE  THE  MONEY  YOU  ARE  ENTITLED  TO.  For  more  information  please  contact:  1-­‐800-­‐721-­‐0066.

Page 12: The Traveling Feather May '11

11

                                         COMMUNITY  NOTICE    

                           

In   the   month   of   May,   we   will   be   holding  

several   planning   workshops   which   we   invite  

ALL  community  members  to  attend.  

The  next  workshop  dates  are:    

May  11th    5:30    -­‐    8:00  PM    

Days  Inn  (Charlie’s  Ballroom)  

600  Quebec  Street    

Prince  George    

 

May  12th    12:00  –  3:00  PM    

Gymnasium  

 McLeod  Lake  Reserve  

 

Food  and  beverages  provided!  

If  you  haven’t  yet  completed  your  Community  Input  Survey...  

Fill  out  the  e-­‐survey  at:  

www.surveymonkey.com/s/MLIBPlanning  

or  

Pick  up  a  hardcopy  from  Stephanie  at  the  Band  Office  

Page 13: The Traveling Feather May '11

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada www.ainc-inac.gc.ca

For further information on this project contact Guy Rocheleau, local 865. For further information on INAC�’s protocol for decentralized wastewater systems,

please visit: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/enr/wtr/dsp/dsp-eng.pdf.

WHAT IS INAC�’s PROTOCOL FOR DECENTRALISED WASTEWATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS?

The purpose of this protocol is to set minimum standards and codes that must be followed for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of on-site wa-ter and wastewater systems. The term �“decentralized system�” refers to a group of Band-managed (as opposed to individually-managed) on-site water or wastewa-ter systems.

INAC has chosen McLeod Lake Indian Band to participate in a pilot project to upgrade existing septic services on MLIB I.R. #1, through its newly implemented National Protocol for Wastewater Systems.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? This means that McLeod Lake will receive INAC funding for operation and maintenance of existing wastewater systems. MLIB�’s current systems are in need of upgrade and now can be upgraded at no cost to the Band.

WHAT ARE SEPTIC SYSTEMS?

Septic systems are on-site wastewater systems designed for collecting, storing, treating, and dis-charging waste water from residences or public facilities.

Page 14: The Traveling Feather May '11

5

Danache’a!

Although  I  am  definitely  ready  for  spring  (or  summer,  really),  I  simply  cannot  believe  it  is  already  MAY!  Before  I  elaborate  on  plans  for  this  month,  however,  I  would  like  to  recap  a  few  highlights  from  March  and  April.  In  March,  we  had  a  great  turnout  for  both  our  NI  (Non-­‐Instructional)  Day  Bowling  and  Lunch  event,  as  well  as  for  Snowshoeing  and  a  Hotdog  Roast  at  the  Band  Hall.  The  kids  definitely  kicked  my  butt  on  those  snowshoes!  Activities  over  Spring  Break  were  also  well  attended,  and  included  making  snow  sculptures,  and  both  swimming  and  10-­‐pin  bowling  in  Prince  George.  On  Wednesday,  March  23rd,  the  youth  also  sponsored  a  Community  “Breakfast  for  Lunch”,  with  movies  in  Prince  George  the  following  day  as  a  participation  incentive.  We  were  thrilled  to  have  over  17  children  and  youth  (from  McLeod  Lake,  Mackenzie,  and  Prince  George)  come  out  to  help  make  this  event  a  huge  success!!  The  youth  did  an  incredible  job,  and  are  to  be  commended  for  their  efforts.  Many  thanks,  also,  to  community  members,  staff,  and  the  RCMP  for  coming  out  to  the  event.  Mussi  cho!

In  April,  one  of  the  biggest  events  was  a  Community  BBQ/  Easter  egg  hunt  on  the  17th.  Although  the  turnout  was  lower  than  expected,  a  good  time  was  had  by  all,  complete  with  a  few  laughs  (including  at  Jen  and  myself  with  our  sorry  attempt  at  making  a  fire).  Many  thanks  to  Vance  for  bailing  us  out  and  getting  it  started  for  us.  Also,  if  you  happen  to  find  a  few  slightly  misplaced,  colourful,  chocolate  filled  Easter  eggs…  you  know  where  they  came  from.  Many  thanks  to  all  who  came  out  for  the  event,  despite  the  chilly  weather!

Please  take  a  look  at  our  MLIB  Youth  Calendar  for  the  activities  and  events  we  have  planned  for  May,  including  a  Community  Lunch  on  Mother’s  Day,  May  8th.  This  event  is  a  coordinated  effort  involving  the  Youth  Department,  Head  Start,  and  the  Infant  Development  Program,  and  everyone  is  invited!  Jen  and  I  are  hoping  to  continue  organizing  a  community  event,  including  a  meal,  for  one  Sunday  each  month.  In  the  future,  some  activities  we  hope  to  arrange  at  these  events  include  roller  skating/  blading,  the  construction  of  a  community  quilt,  and  perhaps  a  sports  day.  As  always,  if  you  have  any  ideas  for  events  or  activities  that  you  would  like  to  see  happen,  please  let  us  know!

Once  again,  in  my  position  as  a  Wellness  Support  Worker,  I  also  want  to  remind  everyone  that  I  will  be  in  the  office  on  Tuesdays  from  2-­‐6pm  for  support  for  youth  and  families.  If  you  want  to  meet  up  to  chat  about  concerns,  to  work  together  to  find  ways  to  deal  with  difficult  or  challenging  behaviours,  to  talk  about  arranging  additional  support  for  your  child  or  youth,  or  if  you  are  just  looking  for  a  listening  ear,  I  am  available.  I  can  also  be  reached  on  my  cell  phone  if  you  wish  to  set  up  a  time  to  meet  that  works  better  for  you.

Mussi,  again,  for  allowing  Jen  and  I  the  opportunity  to  connect  with  your  children  and  youth.  They  are  an  energetic  and  inspiring  bunch!

Take  care,  and  Happy  Mother’s  Day  to  all  of  the  mothers  out  there,

Tamara  Dugan,Youth  and  Family  Worker  and  Wellness  Support  Worker

Jen  Dyble,Youth  and  Family  Worker

Page 15: The Traveling Feather May '11

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Guy Rocheleau

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Proud to be McLeod!

!

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Newsletter May 2011 from Band Manager

Danachea’

MLIB  is  in  a  brand  new  fiscal  year.    How  fitting  it  is  to  begin  new  years  in  the  spring,  because  spring  time  is  the  natural  new  beginnings  for  nature  and  the  environment.    

As  reported  in  our  Spring  Quarterly’s  the  Band’s  financial  position  is  getting  better  with  many  improvements  in  comparison  to  the  last  2  years.    We’ve  re-­‐established  programs  that  were  scaled  back  and  look  forward  to  offering  enhanced  programs  and  services  to  all  members  in  education  and  training,  increased  budget  to  the  Elder’s  program,  the  new  Head  Start  Program,  a  full  time  maintenance  person,  etc.        All  this  is  largely  due  from  the  new  revenues  for  operations  from  various  sources.    

We  reported  to  members  that  MLIB  successfully  negotiated  a  Multi  Year  Funding  Agreement  with  INAC.      Again,  after  being  assessed  by  INAC,  MLIB  was  reported  as  being  ‘low  risk’  because  we’ve  proven  to  have  good  financial  management  practices  and  governance  in  place.    This  review  was  completed  by  an  independent  3rd  party,  by  INAC  personnel.    This  is  a  huge  statement  for  McLeod  Lake,  because  we’re  being  recognized  and  rewarded  for  having  a  solid  financial  management  structure  that  governs  us.    This  is  contrary  to  some  members’  views  and  their  outlandish  allegations  concerning  mismanagement.    Our  past  successful  Audit  and  successful  assessment  by  Indian  and  Northern  Affairs  Canada  give  credence  to  the  fact  (not  mere  allegation)  that  we  are  doing  everything  right  and  we  should  be  very  proud  of  our  present  leadership  and  Administration.    We  look  forward  to  another  successful  Audit  for  the  2010/2011  Fiscal  Year.

Lately,  there  is  a  lot  of  talk  of  Referendums  for  Agreements  for  MLIB.    Here  are  some  facts  about  referendums  and  Governing  Principles  which  are  set  out  in  the  Constitution  of  the  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band.    The  Constitution  was  approved  by  band  members  of  MLIB  in  December  11,  2003.    

• Section  1.3  states,  “The  Governing  Council  represents  all  members  and  is  authorized  to  make  decisions  on  behalf  of  all  members  of  the  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band.”    

This  is  a  straightforward  statement  that  provides  evidence  and  gives  the  authority  for  the  Chief  and  Council  to  make  decisions  on  behalf  of  its  members.    

• Section  1.6  states,  “This  Constitution  is  binding  on  the  Governing  Council  of  the  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  in  the  exercise  of  its  powers  through  various  instruments  including  all  codes  and  policies  of  the  Band.”

www.mlib.ca

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10

Another  statement  which  recognizes  the  Chief  and  Council  have  full  authority  to  decision  makings  through  any  policies  and  codes  which  governs  MLIB.

• Section  19.1  of  the  Constitution  of  the  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  states:• “The  Governing  Council  shall  hold  a  vote  referendum  when  so  required  by  this  

Constitution  or  when  it  considers  it  advisable.    • Section  19.3  of  the  Constitution  sets  out  the  timeframe  for  a  Ratification  vote.    As  

stated  in  this  Section,  Council  by  way  of  a  BCR  set  a  date  for  referendum  not  less  than  90  days,  appoint  an  Electoral  Officer,  determine  the  ballot  question,  appoint  an  Elections  Board,  etc.    In  addition  to  these  costs  there  will  be  community  consultation  and  mass  mail-­‐outs.    

It’s  apparent  and  evident  that  the  Constitution  gives  Chief  and  Council  full  authority  to  make  decisions  on  behalf  of  its  members.      It  also  points  out  that  the  Council  have  the  discretion  to  make  a  decision  on  what  Agreements  have  to  get  community  approval  through  a  referendum  process.    

As  for  costs,  we  can  relate  any  referendum  to  The  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  Election,  and  the  costs  for  the  election  are  at  $35K  for  the  Electoral  Officer,  Appeal  Board,  Mail-­‐outs,  etc.      To  hold  a  Referendum  will  cost  more  because  of  the  community  meetings  so  that  all  members  should  be  properly  informed  to  make  an  informed  decision.    

The  reality  of  business  and  business  decisions  is  that  in  many  cases  government  and  industry  will  not  stick  around  to  wait  for  a  decision  on  an  Agreement.    They  will  simply  walk  away  from  the  Band  and  as  a  result  the  Band  will  end  up  with  ‘zero’  agreements.      In  most  instances,  Agreements  are  sensitive  to  the  General  Public  so  there  are  confidentiality  concerns.    The  referendum  process  cannot  effectively  work  for  the  Band  because  companies  are  coming  from  all  directions  for  Agreements  with  the  Band.    

The  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  Socio  Agreement  is  binding  to  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  and  the  other  party.      We’ve  negotiated  in  good  faith  and  for  the  best  interest  of  the  Band  and  its  members.    Today,  the  Band  is  prudently  implementing  this  Agreement.        

It’s  very  clear  that  we  have  developed  positive  relationships  with  government  and  Industry  and  it’s  because  of  this  relationship  companies  contact  the  office  and  provided  some  very  interesting  information.    We’ve  been  provided  information  from  Industry  that  they’ve  been  negotiating  with  severalty  members,  holding  themselves  out  as  the  Chooahzee  Family  Group  claiming  to  be  our  hereditary  leaders  and  seeking  compensation  for  themselves  to  various  areas  on  the  MLIB  Traditional  Territory.      The  companies  have  been  providing  compensation  in  forms  of  cash,  gas  and  traps.      In  the  best  interest  of  the  Band  and  its  members,  the  Chief  and  Administration  met  with  government  officials  stressing  to  them  that  they  need  to  stop  this  and  that  the  rights  of  lands  belong  to  the  Band  and  all  its  members  and  not  to  individuals.      Thanks  to  the  Chief  for  being  proactive  and  defending  the  rights  of  the  Band  and  its  members.  

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I  want  to  remind  the  band  members  of  my  educa4on  and  experience  contrary  to  comments  that  was  made  recently  at  a  community  mee4ng.      I  graduated  in  1979  and  had  the  privilege  of  a>ending  and  gradua4ng  from  the  University  of  Saskatchewan  in  the  Cer4ficate  in  Indigenous  Resource  Management  Program  in  2007.    Again,  I  graduated  in  the  Professional  Land  Management  Cer4ficate  Program  with  the  Na4onal  Aboriginal  Land  Manager  Associa4on  in  2008,  in  order  to  maintain  my  professional  cer4ficate  I  am  required  to  enrol  and  train  in  courses  each  year.    Prior  to  coming  to  work  with  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  I  worked  with  Canfor  for  9  years  in  their  accoun4ng  and  payroll  departments.      

I’ve  coordinated  the  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  Land  Code  and  the  McLeod  Lake  Self  Government  Ini4a4ve  (s4ll  pending)  and  implemented  the  MLIB  Treaty  Adhesion  Agreement.        I’m  s4ll  an  ac4ve  member  of  the  First  Na4ons  Lands  Managers,  First  Na4on  Taxa4on  and  Aboriginal  Financial  Officers  Associa4on.    Right  now  my  favourite  project  is  nego4a4ng  a  Tripar4te  Agreement  with  the  Government  of  Canada  and  Province  (who  represent  the  RCMP)  for  our  community.    My  biggest  asset  is  that  I  am  a  band  member  with  knowledge  and  corporate  history  of  the  Band.    One  of  my  interest  areas  is  to  enhance  my  business  management  skills;  I’m  able  to  do  this  by  using  my  university  credits  from  USASK  and  apply  to  a  program  at  UNBC.    

This  is  a  friendly  reminder  to  all  band  members  to  please  go  to  MLIB.Ca  to  

retrieve  any  band  informa4on.  Although  it  is  s4ll  under  construc4on,  we  are  working  very  hard  to  ge[ng  all  relevant  documents  on  this  site.          We  use  this  site  to  provide  the  most  current  and  updated  informa4on.      The  Band  has  a  Social  Networking  Policy  which  prohibits  MLIB  staff  and  en44es  to  discuss  business  on  social  network  sites,  such  as  FACEBOOK,  MSN  MESSENGER,  etc.    We  want  to  encourage  our  members  to  go  to  our  official  website  or  call  the  Band  Office  to  get  the  correct  informa4on.    

We  are  currently  upda4ng  the  McLeod  Lake  Land  Use  Plan  (LUP)  and  Comprehensive  Community  Plan.    In  order  to  do  this,  the  Band  retained  Radloff  Engineering.      One  of  the  Radloff  staff  is  Lucy  Mar4n  who  is  a  band  member.    We  held  our  first  community  mee4ng  and  we  received  input  from  the  young,  middle  and  elder  members  of  the  community.      The  original  Plans  were  passed  and  accepted  by  the  members  back  in  2003  and  2006.    Since  then  we’ve  learned  a  lot  for  land  use  planning  and  what  it  means  in  regards  to  development  on  reserve.    In  order  for  development  to  happen  we  need  to  plan  first.    We  do  this  by  community  input.    We  iden4fy  our  needs,  priori4es,  what  do  we  want  to  protect,  etc.    Some  of  the  development  priori4es  in  the  old  LUP  were  residen4al,  commercial,  recrea4onal  and  protected  areas.      We  want  to  expand  on  this  and  make  it  very  specific.    Members  that  want  to  have  input  in  the  development  of  reserve  lands  are  asked  to  contact,  Stephanie  Rocheleau  at  the  Band  Office.

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On  another  positive  note,  The  Public  Works  Manager  informed  the  Chief  and  Band  Manager  that  INAC  chose  McLeod  Lake  Indian  Band  for  a  pilot  project.    The  following  is  what  he  had  to  say  about  the  initiative  and  why:  

“The  McLeod  Lake  Band  has  been  chosen  by  INAC  as  part  of  a  small  group  of  Bands(20)  across  Canada  to  participate  in  the  development  of  the  Wastewater  Protocol  which  will  be  implemented  overall.  This  will  provide  funds  for  installation  and  maintenance  of  wastewater  systems.  

McLeod  Lake  was  put  forward  quote  “We  recommended  your  works  because  of  your  high  level  of  care  and  attention  to  public  works  issues.  Pleasure  working  with  someone  who  genuinely  cares  about  doing  things  right”

We  should  all  be  proud  to  be  at  the  leading  edge  of  all  First  Nations  for  the  good  of  all  First  Nations.”

Chief  and  Council  and  the  Administration  are  very  proud  of  the  progress  and  reputation  of  the  Band  in  comparison  to  other  First  Nations.    Again,  it  comes  down  to  having  excellent  governance  structure  in  place  along  with  the  hiring  of  the  skilled  professionals  to  help  us  along.    Our  Public  Works  Manager  is  an  Engineer  by  Trade  and  the  Band  is  fortunate  to  have  a  highly  skilled  individual  on  our  Team.    Since  the  Public  Works  Manager  has  come  on  board,  the  Band  has  improved  greatly  in  our  Public  Works,  Capital  and  Housing  areas.    

However  the  successes  and  recognition  come  from  efforts  of  the  team,  Congratulations  to  Council,  BOD,  BOT,  Entity  

Managers  and  MLIB  staff  that  make  MLIB  a  success.    

Administration’s  role  in  the  Election  is  very  minimal  as  we  would  like  to  stay  focus  on  operations  up  to  June  3rd.  At  the  last  Council  meeting,      Council  made  a  decision  to  have  Administration  do  a  package  mail  out  for  the  candidates.    Candidates  should  get  their  information  to  the  Receptionist;  the  information  can  be  a  pamphlet  of  themselves  and  a  brief  outline  of  their  platform.    

I  want  to  pass  along  my  best  regards  to  all  the  candidates  that  put  their  name  forward  for  the  upcoming  Election.    I  also  want  to  take  this  time  to  thank  band  members  for  all  your  support  and  positive  messages  that  you  give  me.    I  am  very  proud  to  work  on  your  behalf  and  look  forward  to  the  future.    

Mussi  Cho  –  ALL  THE  BEST.

“Give  a  man  a  fish  he  eats  for  a  day.    Teach  a  man  to  fish  he  eats  for  a  lifetime”  –  author  unknown.    

Adele Chingee

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Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.

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APR 29 z}fiDear Jody,

Hi Jodi, this is Erica Bai. I just wanted to send you this letter to say thank you very much for everythingthis year. I was able to open my account so I can cash my cheque and save some money. Hopeful ly I wil lbe able to save enough to come and visit ther and meet you al l . I think i t would be fun to meet everyonethere abd just to go on a tr ip. Well I have to go now and again thank you very much, have a good day.

All my Love,

Erica Bai

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Georgina & Atreyu

l rL4"'/ ,iy I {sY5': o/ \cdg/ \J -_/

HAR 2 q 20tl

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Georgina & Atreyu

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Danache’a,

Well  spring  is  in  full  swing,  birds  are  chirping  and  the  sun  is  shining!!!!    I  am  still  wrapping  up  year  end  and  paving  the  way  for  2011/2012…  I  have  been  busy  making  new  files,  archiving  old  ones,  cleaning  my  office,  dusting,  etc…  It  feels  great  lol

Post  Secondary  2011/2012Well  the  fall  and  Spring/Winter  semesters  are  now  completed.    Below  is  a  quick  re-­‐cap  of  this  year’s  numbers:

• 14  full  time  students  in  all• 8  part  time  students  in  all• 1  medical  withdrawal• 1  defaulted=  20  students  have  accessed  the  Education  Department  for  2010/2012

Summer  2011  –  I  have  received  5  part  time  requests  –  all  approved  for  tuition  and  books/supplies  support  only,  no  living  out  allowance.

Applications  have  started  to  come  regarding  the  fall  2011  semester,  to  date,  I  have  sent  out  10  post  secondary  applications,  5  applications  have  been  returned  in  full.    Please  note  that  all  students  who  do  apply  must  fill  out  the  application  IN  FULL  in  order  to  secure  your  spot  on  the  waitlist.    In  late  June  2011,  I  will  review  applications  and  start  notifying  students  in  July  2011  on  whether  their  application  has  been  approved  or  not.  

Elementary/Secondary  2010/2011Great  News  ~  the  Attendance  and  Effort  Incentives  will  continue,  they  were  both  approved  in  the  2011/2012  budget…  yeah!!!!  

I  am  processing  as  I  receive  them,  please  remember  that  it  is  the  parent’s  responsibility  to  fax  in  the  necessary  paperwork  monthly.    To  date,  I  have  processed  66  incentives.    If  you  have  not  accessed  yet  and  would  like  to  know  more  information,  please  contact  me  for  details.

So  far  I  have  received  2  requests  for  tutoring  support  –  paperwork  is  still  pending.    I  have  processed  and  approved  16  off  reserve  school  fee  requests  and  4  students  have  been  approved  for  a  monthly  bus  pass  reimbursement.

To  date,  I  have  five  (5)  grade  12  graduates  confirmed…  If  your  child(s)  are  graduating,  we  may  have  dollars  to  assist,  please  contact  me  for  more  details.

Jodie Ware’s Monthly Report

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Extra  Curricular  Activities  2011/2012If   parents   need   more   information   on  what   their   towns   offer   for   youth   programs,  

please  check  out  your  local  Friendship  Centers,  Youth  Centers,  Recreational  Centers,  as  free  programs  are  offered  everywhere  for  school  aged  children.    I  have  also  taken  it  upon  myself  to   research   various   areas   for   parents   if   they   are   unable   to   search   the   web   for   such  programs.    Please  contact  me  if  need  any  more  information  or  have  suggestions!!!!  

ECA  2011/2012  funds   are  now  at  $300.00  per  child  per  year  for  children  aged  4   to   18  only.    Funds  do  not  accumulate  over  the  years,   so  parents  are  encouraged  to   use.    We  do   have  forms  developed;  please  email  me  at  [email protected]  for  more  details.

Misc…I  have  been  working  with  the  Aboriginal  Education  Workers  and  Health/Social  Team  here  at  MLIB  to  organize  4  trips  from  Morfee  Elementary  and  Mackenzie  Secondary  to  bring  students  out  here  to  the  reserve.    Days  Identified:  

o April  29th  –  Elders  coming  in  to  plant  seeds  at  Morfee  with  lunch.    Start  at  10amo May  11th  –  Gather,  smoke  &  dry  meat  (Meat  Day)o June  1st  –  Plant  the  seedso June  8th  –  Gather/set  net  in  River/tour  of  museumo June  15th  –  Wrap  up  Day;  weed,  present  hanging  baskets.    

We  also  are  planning  our  second  Mini-­‐Cultural  Day  to  commence  Wednesday  May  27th,  2011  on  reserve  with  various  stations.    I  am  working  with  Geraldine  Solonas  and  Chris  Kaip  on  this  event.    We  did  have  our  first  event  back  in  November  2008  so  we  are  excited  to  bring  this  back.    Stations  are  still  being  finalized;  please  refer  to  future  publications  for  more  information.    If  wish  to  contribute  or  help  with  this  event,  please  do  not  hesitate  to  contact  me  for  more  details.

Computer  Contest  2011I  am  still  finalizing  community  members  to  review  the  submissions.    At  this  time,  I  cannot  comment  on  who  the  successful  students  are,  please  check  our  website  at  www.mlib.ca  for  the  latest  news.    Thank  you  to  all  students  who  applied  and  for  writing  your  letters!!!!  

Well  that’s  about  all   I  have  to  report   for  now,  please  contact  me  if   have  any  questions  or  suggestions  on  any  of  the  programs  we  currently  offer  or  if  need  more  information.    I  can  be  reached  by  phone  (888)  822-­‐1143,  extension  848  or  by  email  [email protected].

Mussi  Cho  (Many  Thanks)  for  your  time!!!  

Supervisor  of  Education  &  Employment/Training

Jodie Ware

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Jodie  Ware’s  Monthly  Report

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More Horoscopes on Page 18

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What is the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program?

The Aboriginal Youth Internship Program is a 12-month paid internship for Aboriginal youth residing in B.C., age 29 and under. Interns are placed in provincial government ministries for nine months and then in Aboriginal organizations for the last three months of their internship. Interns are supported by the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program staff (program lead, program coordinator, and program administrator), and supervisors and mentors in government ministries and Aboriginal organizations.

Aboriginal Youth Internship Program

http://employment.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal_youth_internship_program

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MLIB Newsletter No.15 will be available July 1st 2011 online at www.mlib.ca or, on request, in print at the McLeod Lake band office.