Yo! News - Feb. 28, 2011

YO! NEWS February 28 2011

CONGRATULATIONS!

The Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Band Office sponsored G-N United to travel and compete in the Campbell River Indoor Soccer Tournament. In return, G-N United agreed to do two days of clean-up in Tsulquate. Thanks to their hard work and team spirit, G-N United came home with first place. We are proud to support this team, way to go guys!

GOVERNANCE: Council and staff gather to discuss our community’s future

On February 17th, Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council members and staff gathered in Parksville to embark on a twoday meeting together. The purpose of the meeting was to update Council on the different programs and projects that are happening, as well as to get feedback from Council.

There were presentations about: the new Natural Resources department and working group; the Treaty Advisory Committee (TAC); a review of the Treaty process and our involvement in it; a review of our Agreement in Principle (AIP); the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Library and research projects; the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw fisheries programs from 2010; the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI); and Forestry activities that Gwa’sala’Nakwaxda’xw is involved in. Although it was on the agenda, we did not manage to cover the following issues: update on the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Constitution; governance initiatives; update on the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Trust Fund; presentation on land and co-management issues.

There was a lot of discussion back and forth between Council and staff. We talked about the importance of the Gwa’sala and ’Nakwaxda’xw lands to the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw people, and how much we cherish our connection to those

p3 From the Band Manager p4 Social Development Update p5 Intro: Nicole McLelland p6&7 Elders’ Update & Policy p8 Fitness & Health p9 Ec Dev Update p10&11 Yukon Adventure! p12 Introducing Christy Clark p13 Getting Involved In Governance 14&15 GN Trust Voting p16&17 BladeRunners Application Form p18-21 Job Postings p22 SA Form p23 Colouring

Deadline for next newsletter: March 11 E-mail submissions to jessieh@gwanakplan.org

lands. Although many people had to leave early on the last day, due to travelling in the bad weather, we did manage to cover a lot of ground in the two days and Treaty staff have and will follow up with Council to cover the topics that we couldn’t get to.

If you have questions, please call Colleen Hemphill, Chief Negotiator, at (250) 949-8424.

Natasha Walkus presenting on the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Library

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Do you have pictures you’d like to see in the newsletter? E-mail them to jessieh@gwanakplan.org

Staff Contact Info Yo! News is prepared by Jessie Hemphill, Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Executive Assistant and Communications Coordinator.

This newsletter is delivered to all houses on the Tsulquate Reserve every second week and posted to the Gwa’sala’Nakwaxda’xw website. If you have questions or comments about this newsletter, contact Jessie at (250) 9498343 or e-mail jessieh@gwanakplan.org. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw community members informed about what is happening in the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Band Office and the surrounding community. Anybody is welcome to make submissions to the newsletter, including announcements, lost-and-found, photographs, bakwam’kwala words, stories, legends, drawings, etc. etc. etc.

Other ways to stay connected to the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw community are: Website (www.gwanak.info) Facebook (User: Gwasala Nakwaxdaxw) Twitter (User: Gwasnakw)

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office PO Box 998 154 Tsulquate Reserve Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0

COUNCIL

Chief Paddy Walkus: (250) 949-1486 Sits on all committees / chief@gwanak.info Eddie Charlie Forestry and Economic Development Portfolio Ernie Henderson: (250) 230-2155 Health & Social Development, Housing, Fisheries, Education, Ec. Dev., Treaty and Finance Portfolios Crystal Walkus: (250) 230-4445 Ec. Dev., Personnel & Policies, and Recreation Portfolios

Gary Walkus: (250) 230-7770 Health & Social Development Portfolio Robert Walkus: (250) 230-1525 No portfolios assigned yet Terry Walkus: (250) 230-2459

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Band Office Phone: (250) 949-8343 / Fax: (250) 949-7402 Les Taylor, Band Manager manager@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2307 Margaret Bernard, Finance finance@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2308 Conrad Browne, Economic Development ecdev@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2301 Pat Dawson-Hunt, Social Development patriciad@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2309 Colleen Hemphill, Treaty colleenh@gntreaty.org / (250) 949-8424

Jessie Hemphill, Communications & Exec. Assistant jessieh@gwanakplan.org / (250) 949-8343 Lorna Henderson, Housing lornah@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2303 Nicole McLelland, Natural Resources Manager nmclelland@cablerocket.com / (250) 974-8424 / Fax: (888) 345-5063 Grace Smith, Education grace.smith176@gmail.com / (250) 902-2320 Ted Stevens, Forestry forestry@gwanak.info / (250) 949-8393 Bob Swain, Public Works (250) 230-0087 Elisha Taylor-Child, Native Courtworker etaylor-child@nccabc.ca / (250) 902-2223 Crystal Walkus, Treaty Resource Assistant crystalw@gntreaty.org Natasha Walkus, Treaty Resource Assistant tashtreaty@gwanak.info Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Elders Centre Front Desk: (250) 949-7406 Silena George, Elders’ Coordinator silenag@gntreaty.org

Housing, Fisheries, Education, and Recreation Portfolios

Victor Walkus: (250) 230-3723 Health & Social Development, Housing, Forestry, Ec. Dev., and Recreation Portfolios

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Health & Family Services Front Desk: (250) 949-8131 / Fax: (250) 949-6811

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

From the Band Manager’s Desk:

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’ve been hearing a lot of false comments regarding various activities in the past that are untrue. When we were involved with InterPac and lost a huge portion of our monies due to legal costs, it is being said that Lemare Lake was involved in our legal challenge regarding the expenditures and disbursements. I’ve done my homework and have investigated the matter fully and that is simply not true. Lemare Lake came into the matter much later to cleanup some of the mess that was left. Lemare Lake was NOT involved in the shady practices of InterPac. One has to be very careful spreading false information because we can be sued for spreading the unsubstantiated information. (untrue statements). If you have any concerns I strongly urge you to contact me so you can get factual information and not hearsay information.

My congratulations to our Soccer team who won the recent tournament . I’m advised that they lost their first game and won all their remaining games and game through the back door and won the tournament. Way to go Team!!!

Governance I’m told is our theme this week. One of our ongoing issues here is a lack of governance. I’m finding it more and more important that we have our elected people on board with our overall projects and programs. This does not mean involved in the day to day administration but rather just to be fully supportive and involved in our affairs from a governance perspective. Actually it should go right down to our membership. Good governance is really when our whole community can get involved and support our programs and/or projects. If that occurs then usually we are successful. More and more organizations will only fund projects if our governance is strong and communication flows to the whole community is and open and transparent way.

We are planning to have OUR SPRING CLEANUP SOON SO I HOPE YOU CAN COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY WITH YOUR INVOLVEMENT. Les Taylor Band Manager

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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

Social Dev. Update TO: ALL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS

RE: ReNEWAL OF CLIENT FILES In reference to above, please note with our new Fiscal Year approaching each client is requested to call for and schedule an appointment with Jessie Walkus to renew your files. All files must be completed by April 1, 2011.

Required documents for each file: The applicant and spouse must provide 2 pieces of identification. One must have your picture on it. The other could be your Medical Card, Social Insurance Card, or a Birth Certificate.

Shelter: 1. Signed document with Lorna for Social Housing 2. BC Hydro Bill for March 2011 3. Most recent bank statement 4. NCB Revenue Notice Please Note: We will not see anyone on the cheque issue day. It is your responsibility to come for your appointment. You will not be issued a cheque until your file is complete.

Gilakas’la Patricia Dawson Hunt Social Development Administrator

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Introducing:

M

Nicole McLelland

y name is Nicole McLelland and I was hired to fill the new position of Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Natural Resources Manager in September, 2010. My family comes from Africa: Zimbabwe and South Africa.

We came to Canada in 1974, when was 7 years old. I graduated from the University of Victoria and moved to Alert Bay in 1997, where I still live with my 10 year old son, Amadeus.

Vision for land and resource Governance and Management I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw and I look forward to helping to advance the Vision of the Community for lands and resources.

If you have any ideas you would like to share, call the Gwa’sala‘Nakwaxda’xw Natural Resources Before coming on board with Office (250-940-0550). You can Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw 6 months also email me, Nicole McLellandago, I worked as the Treaty CoordiNatural Resources Manager, at nator of the Winalagalis Group for 13 nmclelland@cablerocket.com or years (1997 to 2010). The Gwa’salaCrystal Walkus, Treaty Resource ‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nation was a part of this Worker-Lands and Resources, at criystreaty@ group, and working for Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw gwanak.info. through this group gave me the opportunity to learn about the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw People and Territories.

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE

But I realize that I still have a lot to learn. During my first 6 months in my new position as Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Natural Resources Manager, I have taken some time to familiarize myself with the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw fisheries, forestry, stewardship and other Natural Resource programs. I have worked closely with Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw leaders and managers to understand Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw objectives for land and resource management.

So far, my main objectives have been to work with a team to: 1. Establish a Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxw Natural Resources Office in the Band Office. This office will provide support for Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Governance and Management of its lands and resources 2. Harmonize Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw land and resource activities so that we can work together to achieve the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw 5

Chlorine reading this week: 0.70.

TOWING VEHICLES The public works department doesn’t get vehicles towed from the reserve.

Vehicles would be towed only when directed by the band manager and with the owners’ permission. The vehicles that would be towed are the ones that are unfit for the road.

Also, a reminder that Emergency Planning Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 10 am at the Youth Centre.

- Bob Swain

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

ELDERS UPDATE Hello everyone!

Hope all is well :)

CATERING The next Elders’ Lunch Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 2 at 12:00 noon here at the Elders’ Centre. Special guests coming to speak as well!

The next catering job will be Thursday, March 10, starting at 9:00 a.m. Please let me know if you are able to help in any way: prepping, cooking, baking, or clean-up.

Just a friendly reminder about the Life Skills Workshops every Tuesday starting at 1pm. As well as the Grief and Loss Support Group every Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Both are taking place here at the Elders’ Centre. Childminding is available, as well as snacks.

Thank you to Richard and Dodie for the diabetes info session which featured Sandy Parker, Dr. Dewit and Sharon Whitehead.

Please review changes made to the new Elders’ Centre Rental Policy!

Exercise classes are available every Tuesday & Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at First Choice Fitness.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or come see me in my office.

The next big catering job after that is Monday, March 14. We will need a number of helpers for this Gilakasla. one as it is for 50 or more people! ~ Silena

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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

FITNESS & HEALTH

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From Cathy Swain’s Facebook “Team Spirit” Group:

“

I DO try to eat more than three meals a day, five or six small meals a day. I did what my sister Andrea suggested, to eat less on my plate. Now I have a small dinner plate for my food and when I DO get hungry I eat fruit or drink water!

ogether Everyone Achieves More!

(T.E.A.M.). Invite anyone to be a part of the team who is /or wants to get into shape, lose weight OR do both! And do share YOUR tips, or YOUR words of encouragement! Thank Guess what? I lost 3.5 pounds this week! you! ALSO, to drink lots of water, just JUST imagine if I DID do exercises of start off with ONE a day, and work up..... some sort EVERY DAY! Yahoo! We have lost 47.5 pounds in the past four weeks, Remember to do our homework from all of us who’ve registered for the weight First Choice Fitness! To eat ONE, JUST loss chart at First Choice Fitness. Yes! ONE less junk food this week. I went I am going to be such a great lose-r! We cold turkey a few weeks ago and should all will! Sorry have done that....Although I don’t eat Cheezies anymore! Nor do I drink slush- EVERYONE is doing so ies! I hardly EVER eat chocolate bars, well, every week someand popcorn. I don’t use sugar in my cof- one new comes! Just fee. I hardly EVER drink Coke even, if want to encourage you I do, it’s about 1 can a week. Now that if you have loved ones I don’t eat ice cream my lungs aren’t so who are trying to lose congested either! weight that your support would be greatly Now, if only I can start exercising more! appreciated! EveryThe experts say to exercise at least 30 one needs the encourminutes a day for six days a week. Even agement, thank you just walking! If I did do that then I very much, would have lost more weight. Although, to lose five pounds IS great! from Cathy Swain” Remember, to eat breakfast! And to eat at least three meals a day. If you don’t, then your body will just eat your muscles as it, your body, will do its darndest to keep the fat. Why? To keep you warm!

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Economic Development

U p d a t e

Hello again from the economic development department. I was fortunate to be able to attend an alternative energy conference last week.

The types of energy that are considered “alternative” are wind, wave, tidal, solar, geothermal, biomass (wood and other refuse), run of river and hydrogen. It is interesting that this week we will be talking about governance because this was also a theme at the conference.

Governance and economic development are as tied together as peanut butter and jelly. All of the companies that are exploring the ideas of alternative energy have to invest huge amounts of money for long periods of time before the projects are even begun. These companies are very hesitant to invest with a Band that does not have a record of good governance. The great thing is all of the same companies also realize how important it is to work with First Nations to get any projects “off the ground”.

So what does good governance look like to business people? A very important part of good governance from a business perspective is having a defined separation between business and politics. The companies that we may want to do business with, the foundations that can provide us with grants, other First Nation lending institutions, large banks, even INAC are all looking at the Band’s governance structure and starting to ask questions to be reassured that the structure works before they are signing cheques.

These companies that want to partner with us would like to see an economic development corporation that is distinct and separate from the Chief and Council. We have had and will continue to have a few more meetings around how this set up will look and how we can put it into practice. With the ecdev corporation in place with a CEO (manager) leading the way based on the decisions and expertise of the ecdev corporation’s

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board of directors that receives input from the band (through Chief and Council and/or subcommittees) that will allow the people with the business expertise to make timely and well researched decisions.

Good governance also comes from the band members themselves. It is up to the Band members to hold accountable any people or groups that are working on your behalf. Some of these groups include; Band administration, Chief and Council, Treaty, Health Centre, Trust Committee and other groups that are working on your behalf.

It is important that these groups that are charged with “governing” the Nation’s direction are giving timely and well presented reports that are easy to understand. If you are not happy with how the governance of your Nation is working at any level you not only have the right but also the obligation to ask questions and find out the answers. It will be with great governance that the band will be able to move forward into the world around us as active participants building a healthy and wealthy community.

The next few meetings will be spent looking at the corporate structures and ensuring that all interested Band members truly understand the “why’s” and “how’s” of them. We will continue to inform all Band members of the work that we are doing. Please continue to read this newsletter and you can also get updates on our website www.gwanak.info or on Facebook.

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It is an exciting time to get involved with the Economic Development of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw people.

Gilakas’la - Conrad

YUKON A D V E

N T

U

R

E

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

NORTHERN NATIONS TALK GOVERNANCE

A report from the First Nations Governance Conference in Whitehorse, YT

by Jessie Hemphill

Out of the 14 First Nations in the Yukon Territory, almost all of them have selfgovernment agreements, similar to what we are working towards in British Columbia.

deal with their housing needs, so they just went to the BIA office, photocopied ALL of their housing records, took them back to their own community, and set up their own housing ofOn February 15 and 16 fice! Instead of the BIA I was fortunate enough taking a year to grant Jessie Hemphill speaking to the group about community planning to attend a conference ownership, their office of these Nations, as they discussed governance and can do it in 48 hours! Another nation has kept their shared ideas, stories, and knowledge. I was there to traditional style of governance. Instead of open elecdo a presentation on the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw tions, once a year their spiritual leaders gather and Comprehensive Community Planning and share appoint six community members to Council. This some stories about our community. nation runs a golf course, retirement community, and farm, among other things.

The Yukon First Nations have a “Council of Yukon First Nations” (CYFN) which has a self-government It was really inspiring to hear about these nations. Dr. secretariat, which is basically a group of people dediCornell said that the most common thread among cated to supporting self-government for the Yukon these nations that are doing well is GOOD GOVERFirst Nations. This self-government secretariat helps NANCE. His main conclusion for the presentation the Nations communicate with one another, share was “Nations that govern well - that make good rules their ideas, share policies and other documents. They and live by them - do better in the long run.” He said have even started their own statistics agency, to help that a problem that many nations run into is that they their Nations get a better picture of what is going on are so worried about getting their self-government in their communities. These are good ideas, which agreement (like Treaty) that they forget to self-govcould benefit our own First Nation. ern in the meantime, and when Treaty finally does happen, no-one knows how to actually govern. He The keynote speaker for the conference was Dr. Stesaid “governance is part of the defense of your rights. phen Cornell, co-founder of the Harvard Project on Nothing is as good as a track record.” Dr. Cornell American Indian Economic Development, which gave four basic questions for nations to consider: began in 1987 and is intended to help people “...understand and foster the conditions under which sus1. What does governance mean in your commutained, self-determined social and economic developnity? ment is achieved among American Indian nations.”

2. Are you creating the governance tools (poli[From their website, http://hpaied.org] Dr. Cornell cies, checks and balances, constitution, etc.) talked about other First Nations across North Amerthat you need? ica who have experienced success. One nation went 3. Have you considered sharing governance infrom having $550 in the bank to $500 MILLION stitutions with other nations? in assets, within 36 years. Another nation was hav4. Do you have the leadership you need? ing trouble getting the Bureau of Indian Affairs to 10

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

I attended a presentation by the Na-Cho N’yak Dun First Nation. They talked about a project they are doing to improve their governance and administration. The main things that they are working on are: Budgeting and operational planning (departmental staff have to put more effort into their budgeting, not just going on last years’ figures, and their budget has to be based on the community’s strategic plan); Administrative Tribunal (they are creating an appeal body for complaints regarding staff, so that Councillors don’t have to deal with admin issues); Human Resources (they have developed job descriptions, a hiring policy, personnel policy, and organizational chart); and Records Management (they are working on a system for tracking, responding to, and storing all of the information that comes into their office.) Again, I think these are all good ideas that could be applied in our own community.

I had about 30 people in my presentation on the Comprehensive Community Plan. I told them our community’s history, and different things that we did in our CCP, including the video with the kids, the community meetings, working with UBC, etc.

I talked about how we were able to hire community members (Silena, Victor, Adam, Harry, Jackson, Natasha, Cathy, Donna and Christy) to work on the CCP and now some of them (Silena and Natasha) have regular jobs, at least partially due to their experience on the CCP. I also talked about the GN Facebook page, since many other nations want to use Facebook but are worried it will be negative. After hearing their stories, I have to say that I am proud of how our community members show their support for one another on Facebook. Most comments I see are thanking people, offering encouragement, jokes, loving comments, etc. and I almost never see negativity. That really says something about our people!

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at jessieh@gwanakplan.org or call me at 949-8343!

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O d d s

&

E n d s INDIAN STATUS & BILL C-3

If you are newly-eligible for Indian Status under the new Bill C-3 (thanks to the MacIvor court case), applications for registration will be accepted starting today!

To register or find out more, go to www. inac-ainc.gc.ca

Henderson memorial Feast

To honour Ruby May Joseph, Kenneth (Butch) Henderson, Annie Brotchie, Sarah Lysne, and Lucy Smith

The feast will take place on Saturday, March 26 at the Kwanwatsi Bighouse in Campbell River, starting at 10:00am

WHAT DOES

GOVERNANCE

MEAN? “How you translate the will of the Nation into sustained, organized, effective action.”

BC Politics

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

Who is Christy Clark, and why should you care?

GOVERNANCE is much more than just what is happening in Tsulquate. As you have probably noticed, there has been a lot of activity in British Columbian politics these last few months, as both Gordon Campbell, of the Liberal Party, and Carole James, of the NDP Party, stepped down as leaders of their parties. The NDP is just getting into the race for leader of that party, and in the meantime Christy Clark has been chosen as the new leader of the BC Liberal Party.

Here is what the Union of BC Indian Chiefs First Nations Leadership Council has to say about Ms. Clark’s new position: “We congratulate Ms. Clark on her election as the Premier–designate of British Columbia”, said Chief Douglas White of the First Nations Summit Political Executive. “First Nations across this province will now be looking to the new Premier for her commitment to work with First Nations to address the horrible reality of too many of our children who are born into chronic and grinding poverty and to close the socio-economic gaps faced by our communities, to work to implement existing treaties between First Nations and the Crown and to reinvigorate BC’s approach to reconciliation of our Aboriginal Title and Rights through treaty negotiations, and continue our joint efforts to implement the principles of the New Relationship based on mutual respect and recognition.”

“We congratulate Christy Clark and we are extremely interested in her ‘families first’ campaign message. First Nations deeply re-

sent the disgraceful levels of inter-generational child poverty within our communities while many resource-based companies prosper from our territories,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “Governments and big business must recognize our constitutionally-enshrined, judicially-recognized and internationally declared Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty Rights through true revenue-sharing and shared decision-making to ensure all of our children enjoy a safe, healthy and prosperous future.”

“Congratulations to the BC Liberals on selecting their new leader, Christy Clark, soon to be BC’s second female premier. Much progress has been made over the past 10 years under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell whom we send our best wishes”, said Regional Chief Jody Wilson Raybould of the BC Assembly of First Nations, “Ms. Clark has the opportunity to continue along the same path as her predecessor towards reconciliation with our Nations through the full recognition of our Title and Rights. While our communities face many challenges, we are having success and can continue to make progress where there is understanding and a willingness to cooperate. We look forward to working with Ms. Clark.”

If you want more information about Christy Clark you can go to her website, www.christyclark.ca and you can also download a copy of her election platform here: http://www.christyclark.ca/cc/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ ChristyClark-FamiliesFirstAgenda.pdf For the original copy of the UBCIC First Nations Leadership Council response, you can go to: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/ UBCICNews02281101.html 12

Want to get involved IN GOVERNANCE??????

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

Do These 6 Easy Steps And Get Involved!

Q VOTE at the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Trust Meeting on March 3 starting at 1:00 p.m. * WRITE a letter to the Band Office (addressed to Les Taylor) with your thoughts, concerns and ideas about the Gwa’sala’Nakwaxda’xw Chief and Council and Staff.

& LEARN about your rights and ways that you can take part in government, in Tsulquate, Port Hardy, BC and beyond! ( SHARE your thoughts about our Council and government with your family and friends, and listen to their thoughts.

J CARE about the fuG ASK those who run ture of our community, and find ways to get infor Council what they volved that work with plan to do if they get elected, and hold them to YOUR gifts! those promises.

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GwaÕsala-ÔNakwaxdaÕxw TRUST VOTE on Grant Proposals VOTE ON MARCH 3 rd 1:00 PM

GN Membership Ð VOTE March 3rd YOUR Vote needed to spend TRUST FUNDS to better our community.

From Elders to Youth - lives will be enriched by voting YES to these 4 proposals More details on all proposals and question & answer period March 3rd at the meeting #1 Youth Sports Grant Proposal WhatÕs the Purpose? To fund youth sports & recreation activities in the amount of $200,000 for 2011. This grant amount is in addition to the regular fund raising activities that occur throughout the year.

Who does it benefit? All of the GwaÕsala-ÔNakwaxdaÕxw youth on & off reserve and their families.

What does it cover? Sports & Rec Coordinator position, Sports Activities & Registrations, Band Bus to support youth transportation, bus driver training, Day Camps, Sports Days, Equipment, Carnival Bracelets, and more fun youth activities. #2 Elders Grant Proposal WhatÕs the Purpose? To support Elders activities & events throughout 2011 in the amount of $200,000.

Who does it benefit? All of the GwaÕsala-ÔNakwaxdaÕxw Elders What does it cover? 12-passenger, accessible van, Annual Elders Retreat, Monthly Elders adventures ie. Museum, Culture Events etc., Upgrades to Elders facility ie.

Flooring, new appliances, woodstove, furniture, Fitness Centre drop-ins. #3 Culture Grant Proposal WhatÕs the Purpose? Revitalize our culture through activities & events in the amount of $140,000.

Who does it benefit? All GwaÕsala-ÔNakwaxdaÕxw members.

What does it cover? Healing Feast Ð rebirth & coming together as a community, Carved masks, reposition our totems, canoe repair, trip to our traditional territories, language revival, traditional food gathering. #4 Emergency Fund Grant Proposal WhatÕs the Purpose? $40,000 disbursed quarterly to fund member emergencies not covered under any other department Who does it benefit? Any band member that has an emergency What does it cover? Emergencies that are not covered by band administration.

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GwaÕsala-ÔNakwaxdaÕxw Trust Voting Process for

March 3 , 2011

MARCH 3rd VOTING PROCESS The Trust Agreement outlines specific voting requirements for Band members to vote on Trust projects and any allocation of Trust funds. The following is the voting process that will be followed at the March 3 meeting and at future Trust Committee meetings. ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Current Band membership list from INAC posted for all Band members to check their voting eligibility in preparation for the vote March 3, Band Members to stop at the registration desk to check in with Electoral Officer Electoral Officer registers eligible Band Member by having them sign beside the official Band List 2 Trustees from the GwaÕsala-ÔNakwaxdaÕxw Community will sit beside the Electoral Officer to valid members who donÕt have ID All eligible Band members will be issued a "numbered orange card" by the Electoral Officer Electoral Officer will count the registrants from the signature and they should equal the number of orange cards distributed Once quorum is established Ð 25% of Band members eligible to vote Ð the Electoral Officer announces this to the group The meeting occurs where Band members have a chance to ask questions regarding the proposals to be voted upon and answered by the individuals submitting the proposal.

The vote is called by the Electoral Officer.

People with orange cards will return to registration desk where they will sign back in beside their name on the Band List once again and are given a ballot by the Electoral Officer All eligible members vote via secret ballot Ð indicating Yes or No for their support for Trust fund expenditures The ballot is collected and placed in the ballot box by the Electoral Officer The ballot box is kept locked and in the control of the Electoral Officer The Electoral Officer and 5 Trustees count and record the ballots together nd The Electoral Officer conducts an independent 2 count to ensure accuracy The Trust proposal is approved when 50% + 1 vote is in favour of the Trust project. If 50% + 1 votes are not received, the proposal is not approved.

The Electoral Officer provides a written report to the Trust Committee on the results The Trust Committee reports on the results to all Band members

Note: any addition, other than a check or X to indicate your vote on the ballot will be considered a spoiled ballot and the vote will not count.

**Check the voting list posted at the Band office to ensure you are eligible to vote** 15

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact Crystal Walkus, Trustee at 250-230-4445 or Sandra Charlie, Membership Clerk at 250-949-8131

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

GN & Laichwiltach Family Life Society are starting the

BladeRunner Program To Promote Youth Employment WHEN: March 14 to April 21, 2011 (six weeks ($300.00 Training Allowance provided bi-weekly) WHERE: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Computer Lab (a.k.a. GN College) WHY: To give our youth the skills to seek and obtain employment and the ncessary life skills to compete in the work force; plus on-going support and follow-up (18 months total support) WHO CAN APPLY: • First Nations • 18 to 30 yrs.

• Must not be eligible for or receiving Employment Insurance benefits • Unemployed • Not attending high school • Have limited or no work experience • Have barriers to employment HOW TO APPLY: 1. Complete an application by March 1 at 4:00 pm (sharp) Application forms are on page or at the front desk of the Band Office 2.

3. Interviews to begin March 2 and will continue through until March 4 until 11:00 a.m. (if necessary) 4. The selection will be made by March 4, 12:00 noon. Class will begin March 14, precisely at 9:00a.m.!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: please do not hesitate to contact Jackie Sinclair using this toll free number 1-877-777-8222 or email: lifeskills_lfls@shawbiz.ca Supported by:

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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

GWA’SALA-‘NAKWAXDA’XW NATION & LAICHWILTACH FAMILY LIFE SOCIETY’s BladeRunner Program Application Form Do not write in shaded areas

Are you:  First Nations youth, 18 to 30 yrs  must NOT be eligible for or receiving Employment Insurance benefits (within the last 3 years)  unemployed  not attending high school  have limited or no work experience  have barriers to employment

Date interviewed: ___________________________ Active Status: ________ 1 – open – enrolled in program 2 – closed – not to be contacted 3 – dropped out of program

PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: _____________________________________________ Address:

Date of Birth: _____________________________ Native Heritage: Non-Status______

PHONE NUMBER: _________________________ Band name: ______________________________

Metis ______ Status ______

Status number:

Social Insurance Number: Volunteer work: (yes/no) _____ If yes, where? What type of volunteer work?

Getting and keeping a job can be difficult. What would you say are the reasons you are not working right now?

How did you learn about this program? ( ) Gwa’Sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation ( ) Canada Employment ( ) Other: ___________________

(

) Social Worker

(

) Friend

What is your program goal?

What type of work should be avoided (i.e. height, power equipment, noise, dust, heavy lifting, prolonged standing/sitting, etc.)

Can you name 3 job areas that interest you (i.e. retail, forestry, aqua marine culture)?

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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

BladeRunner Program Application: Page 2

Have you attended other employment, modified or upgrading training programs in the past? If so, please state name of program, dates you attended and outcome/result:

Please write a brief paragraph on the word “commitment” and what it means to me… (please use back of paper)

I CONFIRM THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS ACCURATE AND FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING APPLICATION TO THE BLADERUNNER PROGRAM.

Application deadline is March 1 at 4:00pm Interviews begin March 2 at 1:00 p.m.

Signature of applicant

Date

Selection to be made March 4th by 12:00pm.

Class begins March 14th, 9:00 a.m. sharp

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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

J o b

P o s t i n gs

Job Title :

Off Road Log Truck

Job Title :

Truck Driver

Employer : W.D. Moore Logging Date Posted : 2/24/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Winter Harbour Salary : Union Details : Off road (fat truck) log truck driver required. Must have 5 years coastal experience with standard and auto.

Contact : Send resume to employment@wdmoore.ca

Company Name : Young Bucks Truckin Date Posted : 2/23/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Salary : $0.32 a mile Details : Young Bucks Truckin’s looking for a professional class 1 truck driver to do round trips from Lower Mainland to Alberta. Must Have clean drivers abstract and mountain experience and working in extreme weather conditions Contact : Email resume: Young-BucksTruckin@hotmail.com or Call 250-504-2217

Job Title :

ECE

Company Name : Kwigwis Daycare Date Posted : 2/23/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Salary : $14/hr Details : Temporary FT ECE position available. Must have: ECE Certificate, First Aid, criminal record check, TB test, Immunization record, Doctors note of health, and two personal references.

Must be at least 19 yrs. old. Also require good oral/ written communication skills, be a team player, confidential and flexible. Position is for Mon-Fri - possible split shift. Apply with cover letter, resume and references by fax, mail or drop off in person.

Contact : Fax: 250-949-9015 Mail: Betty-Jean, Kwigwis Daycare - 99 Tsakis Way, Box 1440, Pt. Hardy BC V0N 2P0 19

Job Title :

Admin Assistant

Job Title :

Shingle Sawyer

Job Title :

Cuberman

Company Name : SD#85 Date Posted : 2/11/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Salary : Salary & Benefit Pkg Details : Successful candidate will provide support to Superintendent, Secretary-Treasurer & Director of Instruction, in a challenging, fast-paced environment. Will maintain extensive files/records, attend meetings, and develop agendas etc. Candidate will posses: excellent interpersonal/ communication/organizational/planning/Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook skills & abilities, considerable prior experience as an admin assistant. For complete job requirements email phinfo@niefs.net Contact : Mail to Ms. Kathy Bedard, Superintendent of Schools. Box 90,Port Hardy, BC V0N2P0, or Fax 250-949-8792

Company Name : Gold Band Shake and Shingle Date Posted : 2/22/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Salary : DOE Details : Saw & trim an ongrade product. Must be experienced. 20+ sq/per day. We do not want a shingle block cutter. Must have steel toe safety boots. To start Mar 1-11.

Contact : Contact Bruce Evans: Phone: 250-902-1009 or Fax resume to: 250-949-2689.

Company Name : Gold Band Shake and Shingle Date Posted : 2/22/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Salary : DOE Details : Shake Cuberman - We do not want a Shake Blocker. Must be experienced, 40+ squares per day. Must have steel toe safety boots. To start Mar 1-11.

Contact : Contact Bruce Evans: Phone: 250-902-1009 or Fax resume: 250-949-2689

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

Job Title :

Drill Blasters

Company Name : Olympic Forest Products Date Posted : 2/18/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : West Coast Camp Salary : Union Rate Details : Driller Blasters required for shift work in WC logging camp. Preference given to those with Level 3 First Aid. Must have hard hat, steel toe safety boots,tools. Fax resume by Mar 4.

Contact : Submit resume to Patrick Davidson at Fax: 604-681-8906

Job Title :Grade Hoe Excavator Operators

Company Name : Olympic Forest Products Date Posted : 2/18/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : West Coast Camp Salary : Union Rate Details : Grade Hoe Excavator Operators required for shift work in WC logging camp.

Preference given to those with Level 3 First Aid. Must have hard hat, steel toe safety boots,tools. Fax resume

by Mar 4.

Contact : Submit resume to Patrick Davidson at Fax: 604-681-8906

Job Title : Beer and Wine Store Clerk

Company Name : Quarterdeck Inn Date Posted : 2/18/11 Full/Part-Time : Part-time Location : Port Hardy Salary : DOE Details : Must have Serving It Right, experience with handling cash, and operating the cash register. Experience with serving the public is an asset.

Contact : Submit resume to the front desk at the Quarterdeck Inn.

Job Title :

Company Name : Date Posted : Full/Part-Time : Industry :

Front Desk Clerk Quarterdeck Inn 2/15/11 Part-time Tourism/ Hospitality

Location : Port Hardy Salary : DOE Details : Part time front desk clerk needed immediately. Must be willing to work shift work and have proficient typing skills. Some accounting experience would be an asset.

Contact : Contact Pam Shea at the hotel lobby.

Job Title :

Bus Person

Job Title :

Server

Job Title :

Housekeeper

Company Name : Bistro Escape Date Posted : 2/11/11 Full/Part-Time : Part-time Location : Port Hardy Salary : $8.00/hr + tips Details : Must have outgoing personality and be able to work weekends and evenings. Assist servers with our clients, set up tables and clean up.

Contact : Email resume to bistroescape@me.com Company Name : Bistro Escape Date Posted : 2/11/11 Full/Part-Time : Part-time Location : Port Hardy Salary : $9.00/hr + tips Details : Must be able to work weekends and evenings. A minimum of 3 years of fulltime experience required. Start ASAP. Will be required to set tables properly and clean up at end of shift. Will be serving patrons in a busy dinner restaurant, must be charming and knowledgeable.

Contact : Email resume to bistroescape@me.com Company Name : Glen Lyon Inn & Suites Date Posted : 2/10/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Salary : $10/hr Details : Duties include clean, vacuum, make beds, do laundry, sweep, etc. Must be physically fit, flexible, able to be on call and have a strong work ethic.

Contact : Apply in person with resume

by March 3-11 6435 to Ann Gray at Hardy Bay Road, Port Hardy 20

POSTING EXTENDED! SASAMANS SOCIETY ( O

u

r

C

h

i

l

d

r

e

n )

JOB POSTING: Community-Based Collaborator (CBC)

S

asamans Society, in partnership with the Gwa’Sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nation, is seeking an individual from our community to fill the Community-Based Collaborator (CBC) Position.

The position will require travel for training. The primary objective of the Community-Based Collaborator to gather information via community engagement sessions and/or individual interviews in our community with community members, frontline workers, youth and Elders to identify the children & family wellness needs. Please feel free to call Pauline Janyst at 1-888597-2810 for further information or email pauline_manager@shaw.ca Qualifications and Experience: • Familiar with non-profit society sector and/or Aboriginal non-profit agency • Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of local First Nations history and issues • Group facilitation skills asset but not mandatory (we will train) • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Demonstrated team player • Excellent organizational & time management skills • Computer literate in a variety of programs • Current Criminal record check mandatory • Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal Ancestry Expected start date to be determined Time-frame: Fee for service contract from present to March 31st 2011 and April 1st, 2011 to March 31st, 2012 Salary: $20/hour with no benefits (up to 80 hrs per month, will vary on the workload and time is flexible.

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Please send in a cover letter and resume by March 7 2011 to: Les Taylor, Band Manager Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations PO Box 998 Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

JOB POSTING:

CONSTRUCTION LABOURERS February 23, 2011

T

he Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band Council is accepting applications for labourers for the construction and training of the new GPS wall system that the band is trying this year for 3 CMHC 2010-11 UNITS. (single F.D)

Global Panel Systems will be training crew members on the 1st house, then it will be our responsibility to build the other 2 units. This project is exempt from the Government of BC’s fair wages and skills development Policy.

The prequalification process is intended to establish a list of Construction labourers with the necessary qualifications and experience necessary to perform this work.

QUALIFICATIONS: · Experience & knowledgeable in the construction field is an asset (includes interior finishing) · Knowledgeable in the safe use of all tools associated with construction · Capable of working as a team member or unsupervised on tasks given Consideration will be given to those with the most experience and knowledge in the field. Please submit your resume and include all your tickets & certificates, so that all the pertinent information is there for consideration.

2 References required Sealed submissions, clearly marked Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band Council CMHC 2010-11 Project C/O Lorna Henderson dropped off at the Band Office or mailed to the above noted address on or before Submission deadline: March 23, 2011 Please Note: Late submissions will not be considered Thank you From Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band Council 22

Declaration Cut-Off Dates:

March 25 (for April 2011)

Declarations received after this date will result in delayed cheque issue!

If you do not get this form in EVERY MONTH by the cut-off date, you might not get your cheque!

Please remember to bring in your BC Hydro bills as well, or else your Hydro will not be paid for!

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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office News - 02/28/11

February CALENDAR For more events, be sure to check out the calendar at www.gwanak.info !

Sun Monday Feb. 27

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Sat

Feb. 28

Mar. 1

Mar. 2

Mar. 3

Mar. 4

Mar. 5

Hot Breakfast 7:30-10am @ Wa’kas Hall

10am Emergency Planning Mtng @ Gwa’sala’Nakwaxda’xw Youth Centre

10am Council Meeting

1pm Grief & Loss Support Group @ Elders’ Centre

Mar. 11 9am Elders’ Catering Job

Mar. 12

Mar. 18

Mar. 19

1pm Life Skills Workshop @ Elders’ Centre

12 noon Elders’ Lunch @ Elders’ 2pm Free Exercise Centre Class @ First Choice Fitness

2pm Free Exercise Class @ First Choice Fitness

GN TRUST MTNG & VOTE! 1pm @ Wa’kas Hall!

Last day for BladeRunners Applications!

Mar. 6

Mar. 7 Hot Breakfast 7:30-10am @ Wa’kas Hall

Mar. 8 1pm Life Skills Workshop @ Elders’ Centre

Mar. 9 10am Council Meeting

2pm Free Exercise Class @ First Choice Fitness

2pm Free Exercise Class @ First Choice Fitness

Sasamans Job Posting Ends

Mar. 13

Mar. 10 1pm Grief & Loss Support Group @ Elders’ Centre

Mar. 14

Mar. 15

Mar. 16

Mar. 17

Hot Breakfast 7:30-10am @ Wa’kas Hall

1pm Life Skills Workshop @ Elders’ Centre

10am Council Meeting

St. Patrick’s Day!

2pm Free Exercise Class @ First Choice Fitness

1pm Grief & Loss Support Group @ Elders’ Centre 2pm Free Exercise Class @ First Choice Fitness

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