23 minute read
BAND COUNCILLOR S REPORTS ADMINISTRATION
Tk ̓ wemíple7 (Councillor) Brandy Jules
Highlights & Accomplishments of 2019-2020
Wéytk, I first of all want to send my gratitude to the Front Line Workers here in our community and across the Globe, Kukstsemc for all that you do to keep us informed and all that you do to keep us safe and well. I myself will continue to do my part in Staying Home to flatten the curve of Covid19.
There is definitely some change coming our way with how we have had to adapt during this Pandemic. We have been given the tools and resources to work virtually and there are still some areas in which we need to iron out, but this is a learning curve for all of us, and we thank those who have been working with us and assisting us with your comments on how we can better our services during this time.
When the time comes, that we are able to open up our work space again, we are going to have to adapt to remaining our social distance, still taking precautionary steps as highlighted daily by the Provincial and Federal Government. We have a “new” normal, and this too will take some adapting to. Infrastructure: The Water Line is well under construction, this is a huge accomplishment as its been years and years that our homes down Kamloops Shuswap Road haven’t had potable water. We are working with ISC to secure funding to extend the Water Line to the end of our Reserve. primary Board member on behalf of Adams Lake. Our goal is to help and assist children and families. When I first took this role on, I had a lot of questions of why our children were not the forefront of our conversations, after all Adams Lake has one of the highest numbers of Children in Care. Adams Lake has signed a Protocol agreement with Secwepemc Child & Family to work together and in the best interest of the child(ren). There is some work that needs to happen to strengthen our protocol with the Agency and this is in progress. In the near future, it is Adams Lake goal to host a Coming Home Ceremony for our Children in Care, welcome them home and introduce them to family members. To expand on this, I would love the same to happen with our Residential School Survivors and our 60 Scoop survivors, properly welcome them home through ceremony. We would work with our Agency to help assist in finding members in our urban areas.
Stsmemelt MOU: In July 2018, 11 communities of the Secwepemc Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Province and Canada to work together on defining Jurisdiction of our Children and Families. A Technical Working Group was formed to create a Terms of Reference, Budget and
Workplan.
Secwepemc Child & Family Services: I serve as the
Language Student Graduates, Simon Fraser University
Tk ̓ wemíple7 (Councillor) Brandy Jules
The roles and responsibilities include providing recommendations to the Leadership Table and advancing the Memorandum of Understanding.
October 2019 the MOU has expired with both the Province and Canada. Effective January 2019, Bill C -92 Legislation has also been in effect. With the MOU expired, this gives the Leadership and Technical Working Group time to work together on the implementation of C-92. To date, it is not a requirement for any Secwepemc community to sign on to any MOU, however we are taking a collaborative approach in remaining to work together. This approach will be driven from the communities. Adams Lake has hosted engagement and information sessions around Stsmemelt, and this has been put into a report and submitted back to SNTC to implement into drafting our own Secwepemc Law around Children and Families. A draft Secwepemc Law of Stsmemelt and Kweselkten has been drafted and presented to the Chiefs Leadership. Due to the current situation, there is a need to get this Law presented and reviewed by our Secwepemc communities and this is a challenge because we are unable to gather and not everyone has access to technology. Grandmothers Circle: Last annual report, I mentioned a goal was to create a Grandmothers Circle to bring to the forefront our Children in Care. Our first meeting occurred June 3, 2019 and we have been consistently meeting once a month up until February 2020. I can’t say how much I have really enjoyed being part of these meetings. The wealth of knowledge in one room is amazing and the things learned. I was so eager to get on the topic of children and family and how we can put forward solutions and preventative measures but was also reminded that things don’t happen that quickly. The Grandmothers will guide this circle and what needs to be addressed. Our first meeting, we brainstormed on areas we want to touch on, the list was endless. It was discussed that our children who are in care, lose some of their identity and where they come from, and without going into too much detail. The first completed task was to assist our families and members who come back home on how to conduct a Funeral. This is a heavy topic, but there was commitment from an amazing group of Grandmothers, and we are close to completing this document. The next area to touch on was around Baby Welcoming, focusing on the love and light they give to us. As you can see, it is not just talking to our grandmothers about children in care, there is so much more to it, there are stories, there are our values, there are our protocols and our ways of life. Out of this group, I was also asked if our Graveyard can be cleaned up, take care of our Ancestors and our Ancestors will take care of us. Way back when, our community use to do graveyard clean up in the beginning of November. This too has not been a priority but moving forward, I would like to see our community take a role in this and make it happen. This past November 2019, we had a group of about 25-30 members, a good number being young youth assist in cleaning up our graveyard. I was so amazed to see the dedication; it was really hard physical workandthere is still alotofworkthatneeds to occur at our grave site. But let this be the start. Many of our Grandmothers in our community are taking care of their grandchildren with no financial assistance from the Agency or other sources. I have had many discussions around this with Grandmothers on how we can help. In the short term, we have created a fund where the Band assists not only our Grandmothers, but our Grandparents who have children in their care. Though finances does not solve the real problem of why our children are in care, it helps In the short term as we start to brainstorm what resources we need in our community such as a Safe House, and deliberating around what this looks like an where an appropriate location would be etc. We got to set the foundation for those yet unborn. Please Stay Safe during this current Pandemic, and I look forward to the day we can gather again! All my relations.
“Be the Change you want to see”
Tk ̓ wemíple7 (Councillor) Elaine Jules
Finance and Audit Committee Member Finance Administration Law Policy Member ALIB Policy Committee Member Pillars:Administration and Community Wellness
2019-2020 started with Strategic Planning at Quaaout Lodge for Council and Department Directors. The top 5 priorities that Executive Director Vaughn Sunday was tasked with were: Building Homes, Preservation of Culture and Language, Social and Education Improvements, Work on Economic Development, and Health Improvements. My pillars remained as Administration and Community Wellness. I continue to work with Laura Bouchard from First Nation Management Board (FMB) to complete the 4 policies (Finance, Human Resources, IT and Governance) that compliment the Finance Administration Law (FAL). The FAL is the new policy with procedures that direct the operation of the ALIB finance and administration departments. The FAL was adopted by ALIB to strenghten overall transparency and accountability of ALIB operations. Other teams worked on the HR and IT policies, however they still have to have to be viewed by FMB staff to ensure no changes were made to the FMB originals. Laura and I were near completion of the finance policy when FMB decided to change the entire policy, then another booklet of internal controls was added. Feeling a bit frustrated because we had to go through another 149 pages and decide what needed to be kept or added. This is not only time comsuming, it is also a long process because Laura only works 3 hours per week with ALIB. A policy committee was struck in 2019 to make amendments to other ALIB policies; the members are Leona Hammerton, Marilynn Johnny, Pauline Arnouse, and Iris Jules is the minute taker. As there are a lot of ALIB policies to update, I asked Tkwemiple7 Gina to join our meetings as she knows the history of ALIB; Gina is a welcome addition to the group. Gina and I were successful in securing a grant from ISC to assist in completing ALIB policy work. We were getting ready to bring at least 6 policies forward to present and get feedback from membership and then covid19 hit, and as you know the virus has put virtually everything on hold. Another important committee that I sit on is the Financial Administration Committee (FAC). The voting committee members are Paul F. Michel, Joyce Kenoras, and myself. Executive Director Vaughn Sunday and Chief Financial Officer John Adebanjo also attend FAC meetings. To promote financial transparency at ALIB, larger financial planning must be presented to the FAC before it is presented to Council. FAC reviews financial submissions, plans, proposed expenditures and then makes recommendations to Council. In a sense there is another pair of eyes on all ALIB financials whether it be capital projects, housing, emergency operations etc. FAC is also involved in viewing and making recommendations on budget presentations, quarterly reports and audits. One huge task that needs addressing is the Accounts Receivable that ALIB has carried for decades, in some cases 20 years. Addressing this will take time, as you know our CPA has been with us for just over 1 year. As Tkwemiple7, when I sign cheques I take the opportunity to jot down financial internal controls that can be improved on. An example would be, making sure all purchase orders or cheque requisitions have all the required information on or attached to it. I also ensure internal control improvements are added to the Finance Policy. I have always been intrigued with finances. I guess you could say, I'm a numbers person. Aside from finances and administration, one of the things I enjoy attending and giving input is at the Elder's meetings, and the Grandmothers Circle. The Grandmothers Circle is working on writing down traditional protocols so they are available for all members. ALIB Elder's also attend the monthly Secwepemc Elder's meetings, and luncheons. Another Elders activity that I enjoyed was the Elder's Fundraising Golf Tournament, this was a fun activity to volunteer for. One trip that I missed this year was the Elder's Gathering in Winnipeg, Manitoba; I understand that it was a very enjoyable trip. Instead of attending the Elders Gathering I made a decision to look after my own well being. I chose to attend the Psychology of Vision workshop in Sechelt facilitated by Chuck Spezzano, Phd. This was an opportunity for me to do some extensive healing, it was a very rewarding workshop. Last year I also had the joy of attending a few Women's Wellness Days, one in Kamloops and 2 at the ALIB gym.
Tk ̓ wemíple7 (Councillor) Elaine Jules
One unpleasant job that I assisted staff with was evicting the homeless people from ALIB property in Salmon Arm. This had to be one of the dirtiest jobs that I was involved in, but it had to be done. As most Councillors do, I assist band members when requested; whether they are having difficulties being heard or understood by ALIB staff, giving support when dealing with their children/grandchildren, wanting to register their children with ALIB, needing special equipment for medical needs, voicing the lack of services at ALIB, or looking for lost children. I approach all band member issues/ concerns from a solution based perspective. Another activity I enjoy is taking young women and Elders out berry picking. When I'm asked by a young woman if I can show her how to gather and make soopalallie, I jump at the opportunity. It's an opportunity to teach when asked about your traditional ways. It's also an opportunity to help out Elders and those who are grieving by picking berries for them. At the office, I'm always busy; there are tons on emails and when I'm asked I make suggestions on administrative tasks such as looking over and having input on smaller equipment leases, assisting with housing lists for insurance purposes, sitting in on job interviews. I like to sit in on job interviews as this is one area that there are far too many complaints on nepotism, or favortism. To create fairness, I fought for the posting of all ALIB jobs, whether they are new or existing. I still believe we need 1-2 band members sitting in on job interviews, maybe a possibility would be to look at a set interview committee for all ALIB jobs. In March 2020, budgets, capital projects, policy presentations, and other group presentations all came to a complete stand still as covid19 hit BC. Instead, Council and Administration had to jump into Emergency mode, health and the well being of ALIB comunities became top priority. In March, C&C decided to get out support cheques out to all band members and a good food boxes to the lower income families on reserve. Tkwemiple Gina and I jumped into action, first making lists of who lived on IR#4 & IR#6. I then worked closely with Communication Manager Karen Everard, Membership Clerk Eva Saul to work on getting our band member addresses updated so we could prepare the covid19 cheques. This is where Finance Officer Accounts Payable Bernice August worked tirelessly to input and print all cheques. Another team prepared and delivered the good food boxes. For everyone, this was very challenging time but we got it done. We pray for all people of the world and that this nasty virus makes it's exit. Throughout the year, on behalf of ALIB I've had the opportunity to attend many meeting, workshops, open houses, luncheons. Each was a joy and educational opportunity, here are some of them:
Supper Club -Chase/Swits Ceremonies Meetings
Workshops Ceremony Welcoming
Assisting with Covid19 cheques Old Time Fiddlers CAS High School
Spiritual
Graduations
2 FMB Policy
Stememelt Agreement
All Dept. Open House
Finance Retreat
Quilminte Opening
Meeting with Village of Chase G2G-Highway 4 Laning
Secwepemc Flag Ceremony-OUC
Meetings with RCMP
Communication Agreement Mtg
T&R,Communicat ion Open House
AA Celebrations
Remembrance Day Elder's Christmas Luncheon
Baby Foresty workshop
Protocol signing-TIB 3 Band Meeting
Protocol signingUpper Nicola Meeting with Prov. dignataries
Strategic Planning
X-Mas Community Brunch
Wéytk xexeweytep
I would like to start with sharing, that on November 2018 Tkwekwem7iple7 (C&C), AlderHill Planning Inc facilitated by Elaine Alec and ALIB Executive Director Vaughn set aside a retreat, this was to create and address a understanding on Governance verses Administration, effective ways to work as a team, find neutral trust, and to establish ways to communicate with Members, staff and each other. The Alderhill program that guided us, incorporated a cultural structure, was non-threatening and the process didn’t ask for you to agree but to have an open mind, trust, recognize diversity and to understand the emotional attachment to various views. Also, the program assisted Council in formalizing plans, resolve problems/conflicts that incorporated protocols and ways of governing through all the laws. Council started by: acknowledging challenges and understanding the current state, identifying priorities, what can we reasonably accomplish in this term, The Council took the time to take a look at the CCSP and community immediate priorities, to list ALIB policies, by laws that needed to be updated asap, establish goals & actions for an effective Governance on the following items: info to support quality decision making, overseeing & supporting administration, being accountable & realizing the Band vision, maintaining positive relationship with membership and businesses, plan community healing initiatives and at least of all complete the TOR/ Governance manual.
Me7e, I agree it was a lot of good work drafted out from the retreat but as you can see Council’s vision has always been to move forward, acknowledge the past, current and future, acknowledge where we come from, and the willingness to work.
The following is the 2019 projects that I have been attentive to:
West bay Trail-created a working team, set meetings and had a working MOU signed, Coordinated & planned the 1 st Local Governance Meeting, on the Policy Committee that is addressing & reviewing TOR/Governance, Elections, the 1996 Membership Rules, Elders honoraria... Attended QS-Qwelminte meetings (6), QS-Forest Transformation community session,
QS-Forest Transformation community session, Parks Management Board meetings (3)C&C meetings (20), GBM/community (4), ALIB Directors/Managers projects & budget presentation –2 days, Governance meetings (4), Finance & Administration Law committee meetings, Pillar support to Equinox celebrations/ ceremonies, Grandmother circles, Stsememelt Triparte Leadership update out at the Esketemc community, Secwepemc Elders Council meeting (2), Chief Atahm New school opening, Graduates for the ECE at OUC, Graduation Celebration at the Salmon Arm Senior High & Aboriginal Grad in the North Okanagan Shuswap School District 83, Witnessed the presentation of a Band Member receiving Commendation from the RCMP, Protocol signing with Tk’emlups, Indigenous Day Celebration at Sxwetsmellp6, Secwepemc Tourism sessions, T&R & MOTI update on the Kicking Horse pass Best of all attendance to the National Elders Conference with an awesome group, And enjoyed home cooked meals at Sexwetsmellp6 supper clubs.
Es tsuks, yucwminte xwexweyt.
Tkwemiple7 Gina Johnny
Signing of West Bay Trail MOU, January 31, 2020
Tk ̓ wemíple7 (Councillor) Steven Teed
Over the past year we have been continuously pushing forward and making progress in strengthening our political relationships and improving our community living. As a Tkwamipli7a for Cstèlnec it is an honor to represent the people when we negotiate and discuss our rights and jurisdiction on the land. I have been working on the Government to Government table where we have been making progress in having a say in Provincial Regulations that govern the seme7, from water, land, forestry, and industry. We are still a long way away from gaining full control of what happens out on territory but with every generation I see strong traditional knowledge that will continue in protecting our Tmicw from devastation.
With all the pressure on First Nations right now from corporations, government, media and the public, it is important we work together and unite as a collective voice in the fight against climate change, destruction and racism. That is why we signed Protocols with other bands and nations and will continue to do so. We need to be open, honest, and work together in our common goals and put our minor differences aside. We are strong people and have survived in harmony for thousands of years, we now face one of the hardest challenges for the Secwepemc people going into the future, and I will continue to work for our future generations.
Congratulations to the Chief Atahm School and everyone involved in getting the new High School completed for the 2020 year. It is a beautiful space that will serve in developing life skills, language, and pride into the children. I would also like to thank everyone involved in the new water line expansion and everyone’s work in getting clean drinking water to all on reserve, we are not complete yet but making progress every season.
I look forward to seeing how much we can complete in our last year as Council.
Kukstsemc.
Chief Atahm High School and Language Centre Grand Opening Celebration, August 15, 2019
Adams Lake Indian Band and Upper Nicola Band Protocol signing February 10, 2020
Cstélnec ell Tkemlúps te Secwepemc Protocol Resolution , April 26, 2019
Tk ̓ wemíple7 (Councillor) Shelley Witzky
Weyt-kp, Shelley Witzky re skwes. Secwepemc ka. Tkwamipla7 te Cstelnec. Hello, my name is Shelley Witzky, daughter of Cecilia George (nee Sampson) and Hub George of Osoyoos Indian Band, granddaughter of Henry and Ann Sampson of Sahhaltkum. I am Secwepemc and a Tk’wemi’ple (Councillor) of Adams Lake Band. Here is an update of the political projects and initiatives I am working on. Please contact me if you have any questions or are interested in getting involved: Switzky@alib.ca 250-679-8841, ext. 2217. During these challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to keep each other safe, support each other, from a distance, and ensure we all get through this together.
ALIB Council
Council had the opportunity to review the 5-year Capital Plan with our Executive Director and Public Works and Housing Department Manager. It includes the following: Chief Atahm High School & Language Centre (completed August 2019) Health and Multi-Purpose Building Water Treatment & Water Line Extension (completed to Arnouse system, September 2019;
Kenoras system, December 2019) Subdivision & Housing (project started early 2020) Administration Building IR6 Community Sewer System
Our Executive Staff are working hard to ensure the portion that the Band funds is minimal and does not cause a financial hardship to the Band. I’ve mentioned this before being elected to Council, and I’ll mention it again, we need all the services we can get, to undo the 150 years of marginalization, removal from our own economy and the larger economy, genocide, oppression, institutionalization, and intergenerational effects of cumulative trauma. We deserve to have an up to building code Health Centre, an administrative building that is not on a grave, we deserve to have more good things in our community.
Secwepemc Nation Brushing Off Ceremony
On January 10, 2020 there was a well-attended Brushing Off Ceremony in our community. The Secwepemc Nation also provided food for all the participants as a giveaway. Kukstsemc to SNTC and all their staff for their hard work and care for their people, consistently going above and beyond to ensure we gather as a Nation, have a supplement to our food supply, have spiritual ceremony, and the opportunity to practice our living culture.
Go International
I attended a very good workshop in the United States to gain information for the Secwepemc Lakes Tourism Project and for ongoing professional development, as I am involved with several tourism initiatives in the Secwepemc Lakes region. While I was there, I met with the AIANTA Executive Director, whose head office is in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre, some of the questions I asked are how the Cultural Centre got started, what was their corporate model, etc. They stated the 19 Pueblos, with a total population of about 6000 citizens, built the Cultural Centre in 1979 and it has been on the same spot and in existence ever since. They did it by devoting profits from casino’s, campgrounds, gas stations, etc. on their reserve lands to the common cause and benefit of all their members. It also provides employment for their students and artisans year-round. I also met with the archaeologist who conducts the Chaco Canyon archaeological digs with the University of New Mexico and gained a wealth of knowledge about that process and how it contributes to their museums and cultural centres within NM. I also met directly with artisans and gained good info on how they and their art are protected by law within the City. The entire knowledge and information I gathered will be integrated into the 4 Band regional tourism strategy I founded and sit on their volunteer committee, which will then be put to use to assist our artisans and wild crafters.
ALIB-MoTI Meeting: Maintenance and Contracting
Kukpi7 Cliff Arnouse and I met with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure regarding the maintenance and contracting of Shuswap Road. We addressed issues of grading and snow removal that affects the condition of the ALIB school bus. MoTI will work with ALIB to look at taking a survey of how much traffic drives on the section that our school bus travels and that might affect the condition of the road and safety for our community who drive, walk, and ride on.
Tk ̓ wemíple7 (Councillor) Shelley Witzky
ALIB Strategic Planning
I participated in a three-day strategic planning session with Council, Executives, and Department Managers at Quaaout in February 2020. It was one of the best sessions I’ve ever been involved with as we looked at ALIB operation plan for 2020-2021. The most informational pieces from the session is: Enterprises are more likely to sustain profitability with: Scheduled formal reports to Council Staggered terms for Board members Enforced conflict-of-interest rules Clear compensation standards An independent Board insulating CEO from politics A Council aware of the dangers of micromanagement Board members with expansive business experience, expertise, commitment Clear rules for terminated Board members In other words: independence, transparency, accountability
CFDC of CIFN Economic Summit
I was invited to present on the Secwepemc Lakes Tourism Project at the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations Economic Summit in Kamloops. I and several others were on the tourism panel and gave great updates on our projects. The Secwepemc Lakes Tourism purchased two vendor tables for Secwepemc Artisans to sell their product at, and this is something the project will be doing more of, to assist artisans generate revenue. It was also a wonderful networking opportunity as we had our own table set up to promote the project.
Thompson Rivers University Elders Luncheon
This was a well-attended event with over 300 Elders from around the Secwepemc Nation, supporting TRU Indigenous students. There was an amazing lunch, entertainment, and the students were auctioned off to assist Elders with chores around their homes or yards.
BC Economic Development Conference
I attended one day of this conference and gained valuable information on cooperatives which will be incorporated into the 4 Band regional tourism strategy.
Secwepemc Lakes Tourism Project
In partnership with Neskonlith, Splatsin, ALIB, Community Futures Shuswap, CSRD, and funded by the Provincial Government, this project is moving forward with research and planning during the COVID19 pandemic and postponed all events until the provincial government lifts the ban on meeting. The steering group is in the process of contracting an industry expert and a top-level Secwepemc individual who will work together planning out the next two years of the project.
Secwepemc Landmarks
In partnership with Neskonlith, Splatsin, ALIB, The Shuswap Trail Alliance, Shuswap Tourism, and the City of Salmon Arm, this project is also paused on moving forward with events and meetings, but the background work that can be done remotely is still taking place. We will be contracting Secwepemc and settler artists to create sculptures that will be placed along key areas of the Shuswap Trail Alliance system of trails. The Secwepemc Lakes Elders Committee (made up of Elders from the four local Bands) have guided this project with regards to Secwepemc place names, spelling, definitions, and stories of areas in the Shuswap region that can be shared with the public. We also will be working with Chief Atahm and School District #83 students to create the designs on the trailhead posts, in autumn or such a time that we can gather again in groups.
Stay safe, stay healthy, kukstsemc.
