MLIB AGA Report 2009

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We , t h e Ts e - K h e n e Nation (People of the rock) are proud people

AGA 2009

MCLEOD LAKE HISTORIC SITE Est. 1805 AGA 2009 - August 6 & 7

G e n e r a l D e l i v e r y M c L e o d L a k e , B C , V 0 J 2 G 0 • t e l e p h o n e : 2 5 0 - 7 5 0 - 4 4 1 5 • f a x : 2 5 0 - 7 5 0 - 4 4 2 0 • w w w. m l i b . c a

Table of Contents

McLeod Lake Indian Band, AGA Report by Chief Derek Orr

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Interim Band Manager Adele Chingee

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Land Referral Office

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Its Companies and Ventures

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Education Department

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, On and Off-Reserve Housing Policies

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Health Team

McLeod Lake Indian Band, Housing and Capital Assets

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Forestry Department

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Financial Update

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McLeod Lake Indian Band, Youth Councilor Report

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McLeod Lake Indian Band AGA Report, August 6-7, 2009 Derek Orr, Chief

Trust Amendment The McLeod Lake Indian Band was forced to make substantial budget cuts to the 2009/2010 budget. The budget cuts are due to an 8.1 million dollar deficit in the Treaty 8 Settlement account and a 3.9 million deficit in the Treaty 8 Silviculture account. The reasons that there is a deficit in the Treaty 8 Settlement account is because of the downturn in the world wide economy and the 6.5 million dollars that was taken out to provide Members with the 20,000 dollar distribution in November 2007. The reason for the deficit in the Treaty 8 Silviculture is monies that were intended to be paid into this account were used to fund other Band projects.

Annual interest from the Treaty 8 Settlement account is used to fund Band projects such as Elders, Youth and Education. In November 2008 McLeod Lake Indian Band was provided an estimate of 3.1 million dollars to be available to fund Band projects. Accordingly, McLeod Lake Indian Band developed a budget that would fall in line with my election platform. On January 22, 2009 Chief and Council were informed the Treaty 8 Settlement account had the 8.1 Million Dollar deficit. Under the trust agreement, the McLeod Lake Indian Band is responsible for any deficit in the Treaty 8 Settlement account; in addition, the Board of Trustees has an obligation to withhold any money provided to fund Band projects. As a result, the 3.1 million was now unavailable to fund McLeod Lake Indian Band projects and represented 44% of McLeod Lake Indian Band’s annual budget. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Health Canada and Oil & Gas Commission are the funding sources that remain and are for the most part, non-transferable to other departments.

The budget cuts have been so significant that virtually every department has been effected. Unfortunately, the Elders, Youth, Education, and some staff are funded by the Treaty 8 Settlement account and they will feel the most impact. McLeod Lake Indian Band services will also be impacted, for instance, the Prince George Satellite office and Paxton Place have been shut down, living out allowances will be eliminated for post secondary students, and wood will only be provided to Elders. These are only a few of the major cuts that have occurred as of April 01, 2009.

Chief and Council have been working with the Board of Trustees to develop a solution to our current financial situation. Due to the large deficit in the Treaty 8 Settlement account and the annual market value that increases every year, the McLeod Lake Indian Band and the Board of Trustees have determined that the financial deficit is too big and the McLeod Lake Indian Band will be unable to pay back the Trust account for a great number of years, or possibly not at all.

In order to resolve this financial problem the McLeod Lake Indian Band has obtained a legal opinion from corporate lawyer Doug Morley. Doug Morley has recommended that section 19.1(b) of McLeod Lake Indian Band Trust Agreement be amended. Section 19.1(b) is the annual loan payment formula (inflation + 3%). This section of the Trust Agreement makes the MLIB Settlement Trust not amendable; however, the Band will apply to the Court under the Trust and Settlement Variation Act to change the annual loan formula of the Trust Agreement. The current formula is (Consumer Price Index + 3%), or (inflation + 3%). Doug Morley argues that the current formula is too high and recommends the annual increase be limited to inflation. Doug Morley also argues that the Band will always be repaying more income than we are receiving.

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The purpose and object of the Trust is to benefit both present and future generations, however, with the current loan payment formula, we will be saving for future generations and providing less opportunity for the present generation.

Amending section 19.1 will ensure that there is equal benefit to both present and future generations as well as maintaining annual growth in the Trust account.

In addition to amending the annual loan formula, the band will ask that the amendment be retroactive from April 27, 2000. By making this amendment retroactive, the 8.1 million dollar deficit will reduce significantly to approximately $89,909. This does not include the 3.9 million owing to the Treaty 8 Silviculture Trust account. Without an amendment to the annual loan payment it is certain that the Band will not receive any benefits from the Trust for a number of years because all interest monies earned will be used to repay the massive deficit. Alternatively, the Band may access the trust monies within the next 1-2 years if the court approves the amendment to the annual loan formula retroactive to April 27, 2000.

On July 03, 2009 I signed an affidavit outlining McLeod Lake Indian Band’s current situation regarding the Trust Deficit and the amendment of the annual loan payment. McLeod Lake Indian Band’s legal Council will present their case to the courts on August 17, 2009. It is possible that a decision on the Trust Amendment could be made the same day, but this is not for certain.

First Coal Corporation On April 09, 2009 McLeod Lake Indian Band signed a Memorandum of Understanding with First Coal Corporation.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the relationship between two companies and how they will work together on the South Peace Project outside Chetwynd. First Coal is a highly innovative mining company that will be using new technology to minimize their Environmental footprint and maximize their production capacity using an ad car system for coal extraction. First Coal is waiting to receive their bulk sample permit to be approved this week then site construction will start. The Bulk Sample is a test sample that is extracted and provided to potential buyers.

The coal quality of the bulk sample will determine the selling price and the amount of coal needed to supply potential customers. Duz Cho Construction will be employed as the general contractor for the bulk sample and they expect approximately $4 million for the rest of the 2009 calendar year.

EarthFirst Earthfirst is a wind power company that was constructing a wind farm near Chetwynd totaling 48 turbines. Due to cost overruns and the melt down in the world economy, Earthfirst filed for CCAA on November 04, 2008. CCAA is applied for when a company is on the brink of bankruptcy and provides a company the time to restructure and develop a plan to evade bankruptcy. Duz Cho Construction was a major contractor for Earthfirst and was left with an account receivable of approximately $4.0 million dollars. As you can well imagine, this had a crippling effect on Duz Cho Construction. To make things worse, the Oil & Gas sector also slowed down due to the worldwide economic meltdown and most company’s halted drilling by 50% and many other planned projects. As a result, Duz Cho Construction devised a strategic plan to cut cost and downsize. Over the next few months, Earth first work to restructure and refinance the Dokie Wind Energy Project. Fortunately, Earthfirst was able to work out a tentative deal with General Electric and Plutonic Power. General Electric and Plutonic Power are working towards taking over control and ownership of the Dokie Wind Project. This is very favorable for Duz Cho Construction. It is expected that we will recover 85% of the amount owing to Duz Cho Construction as well as moving forward with some contract opportunities. In order for General Electric and Plutonic Power to take ownership and operation of the Dokie Wind Project, BC Hydro, Vestus (Turbine Suppler) and First Nations must agree to the proposed deal by August 05, 2009. If Stakeholder’s agree with purchasing terms it is expected that monies owed would be paid by the end of November 2009.

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Enbridge Gateway Pipeline On June 22, 2009 McLeod Lake Indian Band signed a Protocol Agreement with Enbridge. Enbridge will be constructing a pipeline that will carry oil from Burderhiem, AB to Kitimat, BC and condensate from Kitimat to Burdhiem. The Protocol Agreement identifies key issues and concerns, business opportunities, as well as equity sharing opportunity for Mcleod Lake Indian Band. There are approximately 60 First Nations along the pipeline corridor and 29 have now signed agreements with Enbridge. A significant amount of the pipeline will go through the Traditional Territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band. Enbridge has also provided an opportunity to build one of their compressor stations on the Bear Lake Indian Reserve Parcel. This could be very beneficial to McLeod Lake Indian Band by providing tax revenues, but no decisions will be made until consultation is completed with the Membership of McLeod Lake Indian Band. Under the protocol agreement, Enbridge will provide capacity funding so McLeod Lake Indian Band can have full participation and provide consultation to the Members of McLeod Lake Indian Band. For additional information on Enbridge Gateway pipeline please visit their website at www.northerngateway.ca Ledcor McLeod Lake Indian Band has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ledcor. Ledcor started in 1947 as a privately owned company. It employs approximately 5000 people and has annual revenues in the billions of dollars.

In the late 1980’s, Ledcor expanded geographically and diversified into the building and industrial sectors. Six construction divisions were created – Commercial Building, Heavy Civil, Industrial, Mining, Pipeline and Telecommunications. Ledcor has operations all over the world and is one of largest mining divisions in Canada. Working with Ledcor will allow McLeod Lake Indian Band to move from a small contractor to a major contractor with significant capacity and will allow us to complete any major construction jobs within McLeod Lake Indian Band Traditional Territory. For additional information on Ledcor please visit their website at www.ledcor.com/en BC Hydro Currently BC Hydro is in the Phase 2 of their 5 phase process regarding the proposed Site “C” Dam. McLeod Lake Indian Band has signed a consultation agreement with BC Hydro to provide capacity funding for MLIB to participate in a consultation process for the proposed Site “C” Dam. The consultation agreement provides $240,000 which can be used towards assessing environmental impacts and engaging community members in the consultation process.

Treaty 8 Western Boundary The Treaty 8 Tribal Council commenced litigation concerning the western boundary of treaty 8, which is described as “the central range of the Rockies”. Canada and McLeod Lake took the position in our litigation leading to the Adhesion Agreement that meant the height of the land, but the province says it is range running through the Pine Pass.

The Treaty 8 Tribal Council apparently brought the litigation in conjunction with its EBA negotiations with the province in order to increase the area in which provincial revenues must be shared, and also because West Moberly wants a reserve at Summit Lake.

McLeod Lake was compelled to intervene in the litigation because under the adhesion agreement, if the boundary is where the province says it is, any rights in our traditional territory west of the Pine Pass are subject to the claims of other first nations. And there is such a claim, the claim of Nak’azdli, which I will touch on below. So we have been made a party to the case, in order to protect our treaty. We have also been making efforts to bring the litigation to an end at the least cost to us.

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McLeod Lake Indian Band AGA Report, August 6-7, 2009 Adele Chingee, Interim Band Manager On June 8, 2009, there was a change in management. The former Band Manager, Joe Gosnell, completed his two-year contract with the Band. I, as Lands and Resources Manager, was appointed as the Interim Band Manager until the successful recruitment of the new Band Manager was achieved. Following our policy on recruitment, the Band posted the position in the offices of MLIB, PG Citizen, The Mackenzie Times, Vancouver Sun and the Province. The posting closed on July 16, 2009. Resumes have been shortlisted and interviews will be held on August 10, 2009.

We’re happy to inform the members during this time the Senior Managers had the opportunity to review the Band Manager Job Description and made some changes. The responsibilities of the Band Manager are very overwhelming as this individual is responsible for the implementation of the Council’s goals, strategic plans and the Band’s policies and procedures, supervision of staff, contact with government, and available to respond to members. He or She is the conduit between Council and Administration, this position is the ‘hub’ of the organization.

To update the general membership of my experience with the Band, I’ve been an employee since February 2000. I’ve worked in finance (accounts payable’s clerk) and also as a lands and resources assistant. My biggest success was coordinating the development and successful passage of the McLeod Lake Indian Band Land Code in 2002 and 2003.

We developed the Land Code and ratified it within 7 months which was the fastest time compared to other First Nations in Canada. In 2003, I was promoted to Lands & Resources Manager and remain there still today. My formal training is in lands, resources and environmental management. I successfully completed the Certificate in Indigenous Peoples Resource Management Program at the University of Saskatchewan and the Professional Land Management Certificate Program Level 2. Although I’ve completed these programs, I’m always looking to challenge more training because it’s important to keep up my knowledge and learn new skills because of the everchanging world. I have three wonderful children (Eureka, Keinan and Tyrone Carty) who are independent and successful with their own lives. They are full of life and trying new things to challenge themselves, as they try to find their own path. Although they have not given me grandchildren, except for a step grandson, I have grand dogs and cats! We are very supportive of each other and have great love for one another. I’m very proud of my children, I’m happy that I can be there for them because there was a time in my life that other things (destructive things) in my life that was more important but that’s changed now. I love my life and look forward to the challenges that I come across and that I’m able to meet those challenges and still stay sane and in control. I hope to be an example for the membership of the Band, because if I can have these successes then anyone can too.

Despite the many changes to our organization since the last AGA, positive things are starting to happen for the Band.

We were forced to review our situation and implement changes that would carry the Band through the economic down turn. So here we are, 4 months into the fiscal year and the Band is stabilized, looking forward to the various agreements that hold promising for the Band.

Our Chief and Council is busy utilizing their political contacts and networks to secure economic opportunities for the Band as they eagerly pursue agreements with the Governments and Industry. With the successful negotiations of certain Agreements with Terrane Metals, First Coal Corporation, BC Hydro Site C, Enbridge Gateway Pipeline, the Economic Benefits Agreements will prove to be significant for the Band, especially now with the downturn of the economy. The Band is currently reviewing existing Protocols and MOU’s with companies for maximum benefit to the Band and our entities.

Unfortunately programs had to be cut out completely or scaled down considerably. Our office hours went from 5 day to a 4 day work week. Regrettably we loss valuable human resources as staff were laid off due to the cuts. The reality is that our office hours may be shortened but the work load is still coming in and most departments are feeling overwhelmed by the piling workload. The Chief is continuing to work hard to get the office back to the 5 day work week and to reinstate programs that were eliminated or scaled backed.

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On the more positive note the Band is currently going through an organizational review by CG Hilton, a company specializing in management and personnel issues. With their help, we are completely revamping our organizational chart, Chief and Council Policy, the MLIB Personnel Policy, job descriptions for our staff and a salary grid review.

The deadline for the report and recommendation will be September 30th, 2009. With the upcoming recommendation, it will improve the way our operation is managed and controlled.

One of the key positions we are missing is the Human Resources Position. Although it’s one of the major responsibilities of the Band Manager, who has very little time to deal with all the issues that come up on a daily basis, it could be diverted to the HR person. I think it’s important that we address this because human resources are very essential in an organization. As an organization, we must deal with the issues, otherwise issues could be taken to Labour Canada and it could cost a lot of money and resources to mitigate. Besides, a happy employee is a productive employee.

We need to communicate more. We have quarterly meetings but we need more community meetings where information can be exchanged and concerns of membership regarding issues can be made known to us. We’ve successfully recruited a part-time Webmaster who will be responsible for redesigning and maintaining the MLIB Website. He will also be creating a newsletter that will be on line (and hard copies if requested), which we hope our members will be able to access.

Richard Solonas and I have been appointed to the Board of Directors which oversees the operations of our companies. (To avoid a conflict of interest, my appointment to the Board of Directors will not take effect until I step down as Interim Band Manager) The existing Board of Directors will mentor Richard and I in aspects of business and industry.

Richard and I will present the community values, goals and aspirations to the table of the Board as they make decisions that will affect the community. Directors who are members and those who are from industry bring valuable insight for the direction of our entities. I was very impressed at my first meeting with the new Board of Directors. At their last meeting, I was almost in tears to see that there are professional people who care so much to provide their expertise and direction to the Band, with minimum cost. If we had these individuals from when we signed our Treaty, I think the Band would be in a much better position than what we are in currently. The members should shake these individuals hands because they have the Band’s interest at heart and they’re making strong and solid decisions for our betterment. I’m very impressed and touched by these Board members.

I am approaching the job of Band Manager differently from that of the former Band Manager. I have an open door policy in which I deal with situations and circumstances immediately. I’m using my delegation powers to put more on my senior managers. In cases where the concern is regarding specific programs, I will divert the issue to the manager to deal with. I don’t want to micro-manage my staff so I’ve asked staff to go through their manager instead of coming directly to me. I’ve had staff and senior manager meetings mainly to update them on the Band or to deal with issues we may have. Our Chief has made his Council aware that if a situation arises in administration, the Council must contact the Band Manager so that problems will be handled in a proper and orderly fashion, and be mitigated. We’re hoping this will eliminate some of the boundary issues that occur when channels are not followed.

We really want the managers to manage and the Council to govern. The rest of us just implement and do the day to day work.

In closing I would like to say that we have positive things coming up for the Band. Our finances will be restored and even enhances. In time, our office will be back to 5 days and enhanced services will be reinstated for members.

Thank you to all – Mussi Cho.

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McLeod Lake Indian Band Land Referral Office August 6-7, 2009

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Summary of Land Referral Office The McLeod Lake Indian Band Land Referral Office is located in Chetwynd, set-up to deal with the numerous referrals submitted by government and industry in McLeod Lake Indian Band’s Traditional Territory such as Mt. Milligan, Enbridge Pipelines, First Coal, EnCana, Site C, BP Transmission Line, etc.

The Land Referral Office currently employs three people with a fourth position to soon be posted. Alec Chingee, Land Referral Manager over looks meetings with coal, forestry, wind, oil and gas companies. He manages staff to ensure the office is run efficiently with a positive working atmosphere. Eran Spence, Land Referral Officer, reviews all oil and gas applications from the Oil and Gas Commission as well as several Front Counter Applications. Eran also works with Gary Loiselle to ensure the McLeod Lake Indian Band trap line is sustained and protected from oil and gas development. Jennifer Weightman, Coal Coordinator, looks after all applications for mines submitted by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in the McLeod Lake Traditional Territory. Jennifer makes regular visits to the mine sites to ensure that the rules and regulations are being followed. Up until early spring the Land Referral department also employed Hugh Tweed as a Land Monitor. His job was to meet with oil and gas companies to try and get work opportunities for Duz Cho Construction and Summit Pipelines. This position was down sized into the Jr. Land Referral Officer due to cut-backs. The position for the Jr. Land Referral Officer will be posted soon.

The archeology companies within the territory also hire environmental monitors through this office.

This office has three trucks, two snowmobiles and two ATVs which are all used for site visits as well as for the environmental monitors. All equipment is stored in the Land Referral shop with regular maintenance.

Relationship of Land Referral Office and Chief and Council The McLeod Lake Indian Band Land Referral Office works with the Chief and Council to ensure that the interests and future of the band are being protected when reviewing applications within the Traditional Territory. The staff of the Land Referral Office submits monthly reports to Chief and Council giving a brief update of the activity in the area.

When meeting with companies working within the Traditional Territory the Land Referral Office express the interest that the Band is taking in becoming business orientated while still sustaining the environment for future generations.

When major issues develop we ask the assistance of Chief and Council to resolve problems in a professional manner while keeping a strong relationship with the company.

Archaeology The Land Referral Office hires band members to participate with the local archaeology companies such as, Landsong, Archer, Ecofor, Arcas etc. when doing pre-application site visits. The participants go out on to the land on proposed well sites, pipelines, coal mines etc to look for CMT’s, trails or culture sites.

Some of the band members that Land Referrals have hired in the last year are: Doris Jackson, Calvin Inyallie, Kenneth Solonas, Hugh Tweed, Arlene Solonas, Vincent Chingee, Wes Chingee and Alan Inyallie

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Mining With the slow down turn in the economy there haven’t been many major changes in the mining activity within McLeod Lake Indian Band’s Traditional Territory. We have received a few new applications for exploration from new companies in the area but existing mines have mostly decreased production. The following is a summary of the active mining companies in the area.

First Coal Corporation has still been trying to start-up operations but is waiting for permit approvals for the bulk sample. In the late fall of 2008 First Coal was issued a stop work order from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for clearing 12 hectares with no permit. After following the orders given by the ministry such as current reclamation plans and an increased reclamation bond First Coal had the stop work order lifted in May 2009. The company has been very open with McLeod Lake for future plans and involvement with the mining operations.

However the bulk sample permits are still being held back due to unresolved issues with West Moberly First Nation’s concerns about the Burnt Pine Caribou herd. In the near future we hope to complete Traditional Land Use studies at the mine site with the elders of McLeod Lake.

Western Canadian Coal has continued operations at two properties, Brule and Wolverine with the third, Willow Creek, under care and maintenance. With the down turn in coal prices the mine manager was unsure of continuing operations at both sites but the prices have stayed high enough that the coal can still be produced below market prices. This mine has begun lying off contractors and will eventually be owned and operated by Western Canadian Coal staff and equipment. We are currently working with the company as well as the ministry to ensure that the Willow Creek property is following rules and regulations so that the environment is looked after.

Peace River Coal owns one property within McLeod Lake Indian Band’s Traditional Territory which is the Trend property located south of Tumbler Ridge. Within the last year they have also became independently operated. Peace River Coal has also proposed a second property which is called the Roman Mine project which is located next to the current Trend operation. In October of 2008 some elders from McLeod Lake completed site visits and interviews for the Traditional Land Use study. The Roman Mine project is a concern due to the large amount of caribou wintering habitat that will be affected. Due to this concern we are working with Chief and Council to further investigate the project and decide whether or not to continue in the Environmental Assessment for this project.

Canadian Dehua which has begun exploration for an underground mine near Hudson Hope and West Moberly were approved for 15 drill holes this year on there Gething project. The application process for this mine has also been very slow due to concerns that West Moberly First Nations has with the locations of the project and its proximity to sacred areas. McLeod Lake has not supported this project because of West Moberly First Nation’s concerns. Recently Canadian Dehua has purchased a new property called the Murray River Project. They are currently applying for exploration permits.

Oil and Gas Over the last year, the amount of activity in the oil and gas industry has fluctuated quite regularly; applications were steady through until the end of March, then slowed right down, but have been gradually increasing over the last few months. The amount of project pre-application assessment and consultation has been at a minimum, as the economic instability has left little room for exploration and development. Though some of the larger projects have continued with pre-assessments such as the 77km TransCanada Groundbirch Pipeline, of which 65 kms runs through BC. The M c L e o d L a k e I n d i a n B a n d

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assessment of this project, being conducted by Tera Environmental Consultants, is scheduled to proceed through to mid-August, its components consisting of aquatic, wildlife, rare plant, wetland and historical resource surveys. Other projects were conducted on behalf of companies such as BC Hydro, and BP Canada which are not as extensive, but have provided some worthwhile monitoring opportunities for band members.

We have been addressing notable concerns on these projects, though some more than others, regarding issues like the accumulative impact on the environment and wildlife, particularly old growth habitat, an essential part of the biodiversity of vegetation and wildlife. The band owned trap line has a great level of undisturbed old growth forest within it. In some areas, supporting every native species of vegetation and wildlife imaginable, including some species that are not usually found in the region and some considered rare, threatened or endangered. All species are thriving in this area and the recovery of some is entirely dependent on the critical value of all stages of old growth forest, making its preservation as a wildlife sanctuary even more critical.

Other Developments The Land Referral Office is also currently working with Aeolis on a wind energy project near Tumbler Ridge called the Thunder Mountain Project. This project is only phase one producing 320 MW with the future plan of expanding to produce up to 1500MW. The other wind projects in the area have not been actively submitting applications within the last year. However the Dokie wind project with Earth First is still looking to complete the construction of the first phase.

Enbridge Gateway Pipeline which runs from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta to Kitimat, British Columbia has recently started fly overs and Archaeology work on the proposed line. Ken Solonas as well as Calvin Inyallie have been involved with this work.

The BP Transmission line which runs from the Dawson Creek area down to One Island Lake by the Alberta boarder has been put on hold due to the lack of detail in the construction plan. BP has been working at gathering this information to ensure that the work is done properly to protect the environment.

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Funding and MOU’s Within the last year the Land Referral office has worked with Chief and Council to obtain funding agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with government and industry. Some of the agreements that have been signed or are still active are: • First Coal- MOU • North East Coal Consortium – Coal Coordinator Position $70,000 • Oil and Gas Commission – amount based on number of well sites • Canadian Environmental Agency - $8,786 EA process for phase 1 of Enbridge Gateway • Canadian Dehua - $30,000 Capacity Funding • Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency – Funded various projects such as EPCOR, Aeolis and Peace River Coal at about $5000 each for the application review.

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McLeod Lake Indian Band It’s Companies & Ventures August 6-7, 2009

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Board of Directors The role of the Board of Directors is to oversee and direct the operations of its companies on behalf of the shareholders (which ultimately are the members of McLeod Lake Indian Band). In choosing members of the Boards, Chief and Council looks for qualities in Directors that will provide sound management for each of the companies and represent the interests of the shareholders. Board members are paid $300 per meeting plus any travel and expenses. The Board should meet at least once per quarter and as often as 12 times per year.

McLeod Lake Indian Band has two Board of Directors: The first Board provides oversight of Duz Cho Logging Ltd., Duz Cho Construction Ltd., McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation, McLeod Lake Indian Band Exploration Ltd., and other companies that McLeod Lake Indian Band may have or create that are 100% owned by MLIB. This Board of Directors is comprised of the following members:

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Ken Gebauer, President Ken Gebauer is a Senior Account Manager with the Royal Bank of Canada in Prince George. He brings years of experience in the financial and business world to our Board. He is experienced in conducting meetings and in good governance.

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Gary Gurnsey, Secretary Gary Gurnsey is retired. He has worked for the BC Ministry of Forests and for McLeod Lake Indian Band in Land Referral. He brings knowledge of government procedures to the Board and is familiar with the workings of McLeod Lake Indian Band.

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Derek Orr, Director As Chief of the Band, Derek is the liaison between Chief and Council and the Board. Derek participates in many industrial meetings and represents both the Council and the Board. Derek has also had training in business and meets on a regular basis with band companies.

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Mike Richard, Director Mike Richard is a manager with Lakeland Mills. He brings valuable knowledge of forestry and the sawmill industry to the Board.

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Gary Loiselle, Director Gary Loiselle is a businessman and rancher. He resides in the Peace River area and brings extensive knowledge to the Board regarding oil and gas, and other major projects in the north-east. He has worked closely with the provincial government on major projects and has good connections.

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Richard Solonas Richard Solonas is a long serving Director for the Band’s group of companies, having been a director over the previous four years. He brings knowledge of the community to the Board.

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Adele Chingee Adele Chingee has been recently appointed by Chief and Council to the Board of Directors. Because she is performing duties as Interim Band Manager, Adele has not assumed duties as a Director while she is doing the work of the Band Manager.

McLeod Lake Indian Band Exploration Ltd holds the Band shares for Summit Pipeline Services Ltd. There is a separate Board of Directors that is comprised with the same members as above but with the addition of Mr. Michael Throm and Mr. Neil Gillingham.

McLeod Lake Indian Band owns 80% of the shares; Mr. Throm, 10%; and Mr. Gillingham, 10%.

Minutes are taken at all of the Board meetings. These minutes are confidential but are available to Band Members only by request. Please contact Bob Inkpen or Jamie Ware at the Band Office if you wish to review the minutes.

Members are welcome to attend meetings of the Board of Directors. Should you wish to attend, please contact either Bob Inkpen or Jamie Ware. Should you wish to address the Board, please provide us with an outline of your interests so that it can be made available to the Board in advance of their meeting.

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Duz Cho Logging Limited Partnership The Past Duz Cho Logging was created in 1988 with an initial contract to harvest 60,000 cubic meters of timber with sales to Mackenzie. Duz Cho operates primarily in the areas of McLeod Lake and Williston Lake Reservoir in North Central B.C. and on McLeod Lake Indian Band’s Settlement Lands.

The name Duz Cho is Tse’khene for Big Wood. Duz Cho Logging was originally an incorporated business but was deincorporated in the early 1990’s and operated as a proprietorship. Because of difficulties operating as a proprietorship, in 2003 the business was re-incorporated. The Band owns 100% of the company.

In 1996 Duz Cho was awarded contracts with Royal Oak Mines Ltd. for the clearing of a 341 kilometre right-of-way for a hydroelectric line from the Kennedy Siding substation near Mackenzie to the Kemess Mine. This contract represented the harvest of some 300,000 cubic meters of timber and the construction of over 200 kilometres of access roads and installation of 200 bridges. The work was valued at $26.5 million, met all regulatory requirements, and was successfully completed in under a year.

In 2001, Duz Cho Logging won the prestigious Aboriginal Business Award of the Year at a ceremony in Kamloops, BC. In 2002, Duz Cho Logging was awarded the Enterprise Business of the Year at a ceremony in Ft. St. John, B.C. Over time, Duz Cho Logging has developed a reputation for quality logging; has grown into one of B.C.’s largest logging companies and has harvested 800,000 cubic meters of timber and constructed up to 200 kilometres of logging roads on a sustained annual basis.

In 2008, the forest industry suffered multiple problems including a high Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar, a drop in American demand due to a credit crisis in the U.S. and a worsening American economy, and negotiated tariffs with the U.S. These events beyond Canadian control have forced the closure of all the mills in Mackenzie and have severely affected other mills throughout British Columbia and Canada. Accordingly, Duz Cho Logging reduced its operations.

In June of 2008, Duz Cho Logging achieved Safe Companies Certification from Work Safe B.C. This is now a mandatory requirement to work in the forest industry or bid government contracts in B.C. Duz Cho Logging passed an external base audit for large companies, which placed Duz Cho Logging in the same category as CANFOR and other forest licencees. Duz Cho Logging is extremely proud of all management and employees who worked together to ensure the success of our safety program.

Duz Cho Logging owns 42 pieces of equipment and 15 pickups and ETVs. At the present time, over half the equipment is idled until the forest industry picks up.

The Present The past year has been a hard year with limited sales to Dunkley Forest Products and East Fraser. Some equipment was rented to Duz Cho Construction which brought revenue to Duz Cho Logging.

The good news is the recent opening of one of the CANFOR mills in Mackenzie. With only limited operations, Duz Cho Logging will have some sales from CANFOR which will help it through this year. Work continues with East Fraser.

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North eastern British Columbia is one of the brighter spots in the British Columbia economy. Should Duz Cho Construction achieve its expected contracts, there will be a need for additional equipment, which Duz Cho Logging can provide.

The Future Prospects in the forest industry for the coming year are subdued. While there are positive signs in the Canadian housing market, the American housing market is still bleak. As the majority of the wood produced in British Columbia is shipped to the USA, no meaningful recovery of the industry will happen until the American economy recovers. That said, a lot of forest companies have closed. When the market for lumber rebounds, which it will, those firms with equipment and staff will be able to take advantage of the markets and may do quite well financially.

Duz Cho Logging is looking for opportunities within the forest industry and with any work that can use the equipment. Some of the opportunities that Duz Cho Logging is looking forward to include:

o

Terrane Metals have completed their Environmental Assessment for their Mount Milligan gold and copper mine, and are now planning the start the hydro line and site construction in the spring of 2010. There is a memorandum of understanding between the Band and Terrane which should provide some work for the Band. Terrane Metals has some hurdles to overcome including the raising of capital in world markets and the price of copper – gold, however, is doing quite well. Nak’adzli First Nation has mounted a challenge against Terrane which could delay the start of the Mount Milligan mine;

o

Mackenzie Green Energy and two other Pellet Plant operators have expressed interest in locating in Mackenzie and may retain the services of Duz Cho Logging and M.L.I.B.;

o

The Mackenzie to Ft. St. James connector road could be approved - Duz Cho will bid on the road work;

In conclusion, Duz Cho Logging is trying to survive the present downturn and be prepared as best as possible for the anticipated upturn in 2010. Over the years, Duz Cho Logging has contributed millions of dollars to the operation of McLeod Lake Indian Band and has the potential to do so in the future.

For more information regarding logging, please contact Al Humphreys at [250] 750 4415.

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McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation

McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation was established in 2002 as an incorporated entity entirely owned by McLeod Lake Indian Band. The Development Corporation’s purpose is to conduct business and make investments on behalf of the Band where an incorporated company is required.

The Development Corporation is staffed part time by Bob Inkpen and Jamie Ware. Bob can be contacted at 1-866-2836542 and Jamie at 1-888-822-1143.

1.Economic Development The McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation is concerned with the growth and development of the economy of McLeod Lake Indian Band and its members. The Development Corporation arranges funding for various economic, business and capital projects of the Band, and provides business training and advice for McLeod Lake Band Members.

The Development Corporation also seeks business investment ventures, which meets the Band’s requirements of profitability and job creation.

Aboriginal Business Canada has removed age restrictions on their business development subsidy programs, permitting business applicants over the age of 35 to apply. Contribution funding of up to $75,000 or 60% of the capital cost of establishing a business is available. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive business plan – the MLIB Development Corporation will assist members in preparing the plan and in seeking funding from government and the banks.

Western Economic Diversification Department provides subsidies and loans for persons wishing to establish businesses in northern British Columbia. The deadline for the next approvals is April 1st, 2010. Persons interested should have their business plans completed well in advance of the deadline. The Development Corporation can help

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2.Real Estate The McLeod Lake Indian Band cannot hold real estate, as for these purposes it is not considered to be a legal entity. Accordingly, this responsibility has been assigned to the Development Corporation. Real estate holdings include:

a.

Commercial Real Estate The Chetwynd shop and office is a metal building comprising of 15,300 square feet and containing 4 units of office and workshops, on 2.58 acres of land. The units consist of a front office/storefront and an industrial shop with access from a fenced back yard. The facility is well appointed for businesses that repair or store equipment and requires highway exposure. Negotiations are underway to purchase a portion of 51st Street, which dead-ends behind our building, from the District of Chetwynd. Land we own south of 51st Street would then be amalgamated with land behind our building to create a large lot for storing equipment and to permit future expansion of the shop. This frees land we own between our building and our neighbour for sale, lease or development – with frontage on Highway 97, this is valuable property.

Undeveloped fee simple land is owned at Mackenzie Junction, Summit Lake, and Chetwynd. The land is suitable for commercial or residential construction.

McLeod Lake is willing to joint venture with investors to develop the holdings.

b. Residential Property The guest house operated by the Band on Paxton Place has been sold for modest gain. Some funds will be used to pay down debt with the balance used by the Band for operations.

Four houses were purchased in the Prince George and McLeod Lake areas for rental to Band members.

These are provided to Band Members through recommendation of the Housing Committee. Currently, there are no vacancies.

3.Other MLIB DC does administrative work for the Board of Directors; and if requested, for the other entities.

The Development Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ledcor CMI Ltd and will be pursuing business opportunities within the traditional territories of a civil engineering nature.

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In 2008, McLeod Lake Indian Band and ESS Support Services has entered into a Joint Venture between the ESS Support Services and McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation with a 51% McLeod Lake ownership. The joint venture has no capital assets but rather will contract camp facilities. There has been no investment of cash into the joint venture by McLeod Lake – the Band’s involvement will be the form of Chief and Council and staff time.

The Joint Venture will be managed by a 4 person management board with 2 seats to McLeod Lake. Representatives from McLeod Lake are Dora Chingee and Linda Inyallie.

The MLIB DC/ESS Joint Venture will provide food service and related support services for camps facilities in remote site locations within the traditional territory of McLeod Lake Indian Band. These services include:

o o o o o o o o o o

Remote Camp management Catering, housekeeping, and janitorial services Camp rental and maintenance Procurement and logistics Supply chain management Change management Manpower provision Health, safety, and environmental programs Quality assurance programs Best in Class partnerships

The joint venture is seeking its first contracts with major resource companies who are operating within the Traditional Territory. Should we be successful, there will be opportunities for members to work in camp catering jobs.

For more information, please contact Bob Inkpen at [250] 788 8823.

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Duz Cho Construction Limited Partnership (DCCLP) is a legal entity owned by the McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB). The company was formed to facilitate the McLeod Lake Indian Band’s move into the eastern portion of its traditional territory and to develop business in the oil and gas industry.

Past Year Since the 2008 Annual General Assembly, a lot has happened with Duz Cho Construction.

August and September 2008 were active months for the company with major road works being constructed for Earth First Canada on their Dokie Wind Energy project in the Chetwynd area. Duz Cho Construction had contracts valued at some $9,000,000. In October, there was a meltdown of financial institutions, primarily in the United States, and a collapse of the equity stock markets. Earth First’s German financing of the Dokie Wind Energy Project was cancelled, prompting Earth First to seek creditor protection. Earth First owed some $26 million to numerous businesses including some $4 million to Duz Cho Construction.

This loss of income has had major impacts for the Band and for Duz Cho Construction. In December 2008, Mr. Jim Humphreys was appointed as General Manager. He has implemented changes which have reduced the cost of operation for the company. Some staff has been laid off, some equipment sold, and new policies have been put in place which would avoid many of the past problems.

Earth First Much effort has been undertaken to secure amounts owing with Earth First, both in placing a lien on the property and documenting work done. GE Energy Solutions and Plutonic Power have bid on the assets of Earth First’s Dokie Wind Energy. Should the sale be finalized, then the creditors will be paid a portion of amounts owing from the proceeds of the sale to GE and Plutonic. Payment is expected in the autumn of 2009.

As part of the agreement to purchase assets of Earth First, GE and Plutonic are requiring that area Bands endorse the project. Chief and Council of McLeod Lake have decided to transfer the MOU that was signed originally signed with Earth First to the new owners. This will provide McLeod Lake Indian Band with a form of profit sharing.

Duz Cho Construction was a major road builder on the Dokie Wind Energy Project. If the project is resurrected by GE and Plutonic, then Duz Cho Logging is in a strong position to finish the road work on Phase I and do Phase II.

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Oil and Gas Duz Cho Construction originally started with work in the gas sector, preparing sites for drilling rigs, building access roads, and doing reclamation. With the drop in the world economies, the price of natural gas has fallen below the cost of production. With investment capital scarce, most oil and gas companies and pipeline companies that move the product have delayed development to future years. Those companies that are still developing oil and gas fields have sought cost concessions from their contractors -- the market has become very cost competitive.

EnCana has recently awarded Duz Cho Construction with a $1,000,000 contract for the preparation of drilling sites in an area south of Dawson Creek – work has started.

Duz Cho continues to work with EnCana and other oil and gas companies to secure work.

Coal McLeod Lake Indian Band has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with First Coal Corporation. Duz Cho Construction has been working closely with First Coal to obtain a contract to build an access road and do some overburden removal for First Coal’s mining of a bulk sample. Should First Coal obtain their necessary permits and Duz Cho Construction be awarded a contract, there would be several millions of dollars of contracts. The work is expected for the autumn of 2009.

Duz Cho Construction works closely with MLIB’s Coal Co-ordinator and is introduced to coal companies by the Land Referral Office.

Other Duz Cho Construction has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ledcor CMI Ltd., which is headquartered in Alberta and has offices in Vancouver. Ledcor is a major engineering and construction company which is engaged in mining, road building, and other civil engineering project. Together with Ledcor, Duz Cho Construction will be bidding civil engineering construction projects in the Traditional Territories. Ledcor brings bonding, management, and financial and capital resources to projects, and may open opportunities for the Band which is presently unobtainable.

Duz Cho Construction is also looking at projects involving clearing and access road construction. A tender for such work is currently outstanding.

Duz Cho Construction works closely with the MLIB Land Referral Office in Chetwynd, obtaining contact information for potential projects and providing the Land Referral Office with technical construction information.

The Coming Year The world economy continues to be a concern as most of the projects in north eastern British Columbia are dependent on world markets. However, work appears to be picking up with discussions regarding upcoming projects. If First Coal, Dokie Wind Energy, and Ledcor related projects go ahead, 2010 could be a very profitable year for the Band and Duz Cho Construction. If not, then the company will survive by operating frugally and seeking work wherever it is.

Duz Cho Construction owns 11 acres of land on the south side of Dawson Creek. With business shifting to Chetwynd, a decision had been made to sell the property and to re-invest the proceeds of the sale in the business. The Development Corporation is in the process of acquiring a road right of way from the District of Chetwynd and amalgamating land behind the present shop. This will provide better storage of equipment and permit the future expansion of the shop.

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Employment In anticipation of increased business this fall, Duz Cho Construction intends to hire a clerk/receptionist and a junior accountant for work in the office. There will also be work for experienced equipment operators and for some semiskilled workers.

McLeod Lake Indian Band members will be given priority for positions for which they are qualified. If you are interested in working with the company, please provide Duz Cho Construction with your resume. Employees are expected to live in the Chetwynd area as commuting from McLeod Lake is not viable.

Information Financial and technical information regarding Duz Cho Construction is available to members upon request. Please contact Jim Humphreys, General Manager; at (250) 788 3120 should you have any questions.

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MLIB Education Department August 6-7, 2009 AGA Report

Danache’a Everyone, Wow, AGA already, I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and enjoying your time with your children.

In case you do not know me, my name is Jodie Ware, I have been the Supervisor of Education & Employment/Training since November 2006.

I have grown up around McLeod Lake all my life, I moved back on-reserve in April 2002 with my common-law spouse, Edwin. I am raising my two beautiful children, one will be attending Grade 3 in September, and my youngest just turned 4 in May. I truly enjoy my job, I love working with the youth. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work in this department, allowing me the chance to get know as many students as I can. I do my best to communicate between parents & McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) effectively as I can. More and more parents are providing emails which ensures a speedy process.

My primary duties include managing the daily education correspondence such as Elementary, Secondary, Post Secondary, Employment/Training and sometimes Youth.

I was also just informed that I would also be managing the ‘Communication’ person. I am so excited to be part of this process—very important!!! You will be amazed…. :) Our new Contractor for Website & Newsletter Prep is Marc & Kandy Klijnsmit. Welcome back Kandy and look forward to working besides you & Marc!!! Any questions, email them at marc@klijnsmit.info

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. (Mark Twain)

VISION ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY On August 11th, I will be doing a major mail out to all current Elementary/Secondary Students and Parents. To help save costs, I will be emailing those Parents that provided an email.

ALL Forms are to be returned by September 30th in order to access 2009/2010 attendance and effort incentives.

If your child is graduating this year, I need to know ASAP, I only have a limited number of graduation incentives.

First Come, First Serve. This incentive is distributed in April/May of each year, to assist with graduation photos, class ring, etc...

If wish to know more about the programs and/or incentives, please do not hesitate to contact me at the main band office or by email jware@mlib.ca!!!!!

Great News Attendance Incentive Re-Instated for 09/10. Will be available only until funds are spent!

Effort Incentives continue for 09/10 until March 31st, 2010.

Special points of interest:

• 4 grade 12 graduates have been confirmed!

• 2 post secondary graduates in May/June 2009 • 48 elementary/secondary students have accessed the attendance at least once for 08/09 • 53 elementary/secondary students have accessed the effort incentives for 08/09 M c L e o d L a k e I n d i a n B a n d

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POST SECONDARY UPDATE As per my earlier reports, due to budget cut backs, this year we are NOT able to sponsor any new students. Since the signing the of the Treaty, this is our first year we ever had to turn down students.

Continuing students from 08/09 were encouraged to seek outside funding either through bursaries, scholarships, Transitions, AHRDA’s, Employment Insurance, etc…

Our annual budget was cut in half, out of 20 students from the Winter 2009 term, only 14 have been conditionally approved for the Fall 2009 semester. The waitlist for 09/10 is at 12. In the event we do receive more monies, I will be going down the list, first come, first serve basis.

This year I had to put limits, such as: Tuition

University Level

College Level

Upgrading

$2000.00/semester $1250.00/semester $500.00/semester

Books/Supplies

University Level

College Level

Upgrading

$400.00/semester $325.00/semester $200.00/semester

Living Out Allowances * All have been de creased b y $100.00/month Out of the 14 students, 1 is part-time, 4 are upgrading for only one more semester, 4 are taking a college level program, and 6 are taking a university level program.

Potential Students please email or fax your letter of intents (Education Plan) by MARCH 31st, this will put your higher on the waiting list. You will then be added to a waitlist by date request was received.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a process. Working together is success” (Henry Ford)

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MOST RECENT GRADUATES....

We have 4 confirmed grade 12 graduates: • Kourtney Chingee, Kelly Road Secondary S • Caleb Grusing, Barriere Secondary • Dorothy Prince, Prince George Secondary • Samuel Solonas, Lillooet Secondary

We have 2 confirmed Post Secondary Graduates: • Corrina Courtoreille (Rivard) got her Applied Business Technology Certificate from the College of New Caledonia in May 2009.

• Vanessa Tronson got her Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia in June 2009.

Once again, congratulations for making the commitment and dedication!!!! :)

ALSO CONGRATS TO ALL STUDENTS FOR COMPLETING ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR!!!!! KEEP UP THE HARD WORK…

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PLANNING COMMITTEE I sit on this committee with fellow staff members, we meet monthly to discuss and organize MLIB events such as AGA, Education Celebration, Staff Appreciation, Holidays, etc.

I would like to take this time to thank all people who helped with this years 9th AGA and 21st Education Celebration. With out volunteers, contributions, and committee members this event could not happen.

Keep posted on future mail-outs for final report complete with pictures of this years event.

Our Stay In School BBQ in conjunction with Aboriginal Day 2009 was a huge success on June 18th. We had major turnout from community members, Council was present in helping recognize on-reserve students. Need to thank the Northeast Stay In School Program and their sponsors: Talisman Energy, ConocoPhillips, Canadian Natural Resources and Petro Canada. Mussi Cho was allowing MLIB the chance to be part of this program once again!!!

Any questions, please direct to Planning Committee at 250-750-4415. Â

EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING UPDATE Hello Everyone, There is some updates that I would like to share with you. The Northwest Community College has many training programs. These programs have no training allowances available because it is camp oriented and they supply accommodations and meals. The Northwest Community College is accepting applications for two training projects which are the Mining Exploration Field Assistant and the Environmental Monitor Assistant Program, you can find out more about this at www.nwcc.bc.ca/ce. Women In Trades has information for women that are interested in Trades. You can reach them at (250) 561-0531 for the next session.

I will be putting up an interest sheet for people to sign if they are interested in going back to school to achieve their grade 12.

Many of the training programs have assessment to see if you qualify for the program and most of them, you must have at least a grade 10.

The Northern Lights college is developing the Wind Turbine Maintenance operations for the Wind Mills being constructed in our areas. I will be sharing this information with grades 10-12 to see if they would like to take this career. The first one of its kind will start in Feb 2010. I will make this information available to members as it comes out.

There are many funding sources out for different initiatives. For example: Transitions are career consultants. They have funding for individuals. You may phone them at 1-877-562-0203 to ask questions

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MISCELLANEOUS....

McLeod Lake Employment and Training Department is open three day a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:00pm. You can contact me through the office numbers or email at malec@mlib.ca You can print off the applications for E&T on the MLIB website too. Remember to research all your training to make sure that is the type of work you are willing to do.

In addition, the E&T does not have any monies for travel, meals, supplies or living allowance in the 2009-2010 budget. Only tuition will covered IF approved.

SUCCESS STORIES Water Treatment Technology Program Barry Solonas finished this program on May 25, 2009 Pre-employment training for Exploration & Mining Neil Solonas & Johnny Solonas are successfully certified in this program.

Older Workers Program Doreen Isadore will be finishing this program on July 17, 2009 Culinary Arts Anita Vallee & Georgina Chingee will be finishing in September 2009

STEPS FOR WOMEN is a program geared towards helping employers in BC get the skilled workers they need by matching them up with women who have experience or who want to start a career in trades. For Northern BC, contact Nicole Belcher at (250) 981-8044 or email at nicole@bccassn.com For Regional Manager, contact Regina Bordersen at (250) 361-4734 or email at regina@bccassn.com ABORIGINAL IRONWORKERS is one of the oldest and proudest construction crafts. Ironworking requires strength, agility and balance. If ironworking sounds like it might be for you, check out their website at

Www.aboriginalconstructioncareers.ca

“Eighty percent of success is showing up” (Woody Allen)

Transitions Career Consultants Prince George Office AMS Consulting Ltd #201 - 1268 5th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3L2 Tel: 250-562-0202 Toll Free: 877-562-0203 Fax: 250-562-0209 Email: info@transitionspg.com

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VISION STATEMENT

" We, the Tse'Khene Nation (People of the Rock) are proud people.

We believe the creator put us here as stewards of the land.

We will regain our Tradition to Cultivate a Respected, united, self-sufficient community.

We recognize all people as equal, regardless of name or ancestry.

Our Governing body is elected based on integrity, honor, Accountability, and transparency to all its members.

Together we will provide healthy, educated, self-sufficient and Prosperous lifestyles for our future generations."

YOUTH UPDATE I am very pleased to announce the Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) for 2009/2010 has been re-instated for this fiscal year. Originally with the budget cuts, we were not longer able to offer this incentive. However, Chief & Council has approved a re-instatement for $200.00/year and is for youth ages 6 to 18 only.

First Come, First Serve.

Contact Sharon Dugan, On-Reserve Family & Youth Worker at the main office for more details or email sdugan@mlib.ca.

In order to access this ECA incentive, parents MUST write a letter requesting these funds, provide copies of receipts of payment for reimbursement. If parents are unable to pay for themselves, please get the organization to invoice the Band up to $200.00 for your child. Make sure you get pre-approved first otherwise, invoice will not be paid.

Sharon and I will also be re-drafting the current MLIB Youth Policy. Also to introduce a new generic ECA Request Form to help streamline requests.

Summer Student Employment Opportunity Program 2009 Sharon has put in requests with MLIB, FNESC, Duz Cho Logging, Duz Cho Construction and Summit Pipelines. To date, we will be able to hire 5 students in total, 2 post-secondary, 3 secondary students.

These students so far participating in getting their Level B Child safe Certificates, they will also assist with MLIB Canoe Camps, AGA, and/or Youth Stuff. Congrats Summer Students for submitting your resumes and applying in person.

Please note, that due to budget cuts, this year’s youth budget is pretty much non-existent, all monies being spent are meant for on-reserve funding. Sharon has been working very hard in securing outside funds by submitting various proposals. She will keep you updated as they report back.

At this time, there is no youth program available for off-reserve, however, many towns/cities offer many youth programs, please check out local recreational centers for more info www.youtharoundprince.com If need more info, please contact Sharon Dugan, Family & Youth Worker at the main band office or by email sdugan@mlib.ca if have any more questions.

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McLeod Lake Indian Band AGA Report on Housing and Capital Assets August 6-7, 2009 Housing

McLeod Lake Indian Band owns 28 on-reserve houses outright, 21 on-reserve houses with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) mortgages; and through the McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation, 3 elder houses, and 1 lower end-of-market rental house. The Band also manages 2 houses on Certificate of Possession Land for members.

Housing Committee Chief and Council has appointed the following persons as members of the Housing Committee:

• • • • • •

Margie Chingee, Chairperson Doris Jackson Margaret Solonas Jessica Solonas Roberta Mitchell Vacant (Off Reserve)

The role of the Housing Committee is to advise the Band on housing policies, priorities, and solution to problems.

Chief and Council will be seeking a new member to participate in the committee for an appointment that would end in August 31, 2011. Honouraria is $75 per meeting – there normally is one meeting per month. If you are living off reserve and interested in being a members, please contact the office.

Housing Staff Geraldine Solonas is the Housing Co-ordinator. Her role is to work with members to find housing on reserve, with tenants to identify problems with their housing, to keep track of housing payments, and perform other duties relating to housing.

Guy Rocheleau has been hired as the Village Maintenance Supervisor. In addition to his work in Village Maintenance, he assists the Housing Department by doing repairs on the houses and by providing training to member’s in house maintenance.

The housing group has inspected all band and CMHC owned houses to determine what renovations are required and have applied to government for funding. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has recently approved $105,000 for renovation of some CMHC houses. An application for renovation funding has also been made to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – we are awaiting the outcome of our proposal to renovated Band-owned housing.

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ISSUES

1. Renovations The housing department understands that many of the houses are in need of repair. Over the past 6 months, repairs and renovations have been done on a number of homes, and work will continue. Some of the homes require major renovations such as new windows, roofs, new heating systems, cabinets, flooring, etc. We are applying for funds from government to complete the major works.

2. Arrears The Housing Department is running major operating deficits because a number of tenants are refusing to pay rent and because of problems inherent in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation programs.

Both problems will be addressed.

Housing arrears are a problem, being $136,853 in 2006-07, increasing to $171,000 for 2007-08 and again increasing this fiscal year. The highest individual arrears are over $20,000. Without the revenue from tenants, the Band does not have the funds to do all the necessary repairs, maintenance and build new houses. Also, it is difficult to finance new houses if the Band is showing a deficit in housing as it indicates to lenders that there is a high risk of default.

For those tenants who are employed, the Band will be expecting that rent be paid. Tenants who should afford to pay rent but refuse will be asked to leave their unit so that paying tenants can be housed. We will try to find alternatives forms of payment for those tenants who cannot afford to pay the rent regularly.

Some tenants are hard on the houses. Willful damage or neglect of the home is the responsibility of the Tenant.

Failure to pay for damage may result in eviction.

3. Housing Policy The Band’s housing policy is quite old and no longer serves the Band well. The Committee is reviewing the policy and will be making recommendations to Chief and Council.

The draft Housing Policy is attached to this report – members’ input is sought. Should you have any concerns or suggestions, please contact Geraldine Solonas, Committee Members, or Bob Inkpen if you have comments or suggestions.

4. Off Reserve Housing Regrettably, the Band could no longer afford to keep Paxton House and sold the property, effective August 6, 2009.

Capital Assets The Capital Assets Department of the McLeod Lake Indian Band is concerned with the Band’s on-reserve physical assets such as roads, water systems, and public buildings. Guy Rocheleau has been hired as the Village Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for the care of non-housing assets including roads, water systems, and public buildings.

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By having a program of regular maintenance, small issues will not become large problems. For example, repair of cracks in the paved road can extend the life of the road by 10 years – lack of attention will lead to potholes and premature deterioration of the road.

New Government of Canada regulations for water will require the Band to have professional maintenance of our water system. Guy Rocheleau has the required certification to keep the water flowing and safe. Members will be trained to perform these tasks to set standards.

Capital projects underway include:

1. Water Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) have funded the Band to conduct a study of water quality on MLIB Indian Reserve #1. Results from the study will determine if the Band’s water system meets safety standards, and if not, what measures must be taken to remedy deficiencies. The study will be completed during 2009. Should improvements be required, a funding proposal will be made to INAC. Our water is tested weekly and normally meets Health Canada standards for bacteria – if a problem is detected, the community is notified and a boil water order is issued.

Last winter was very cold, which resulted in an ice block forming in the water tower on IR#1. Fortunately, this was attended to and damage was minimized. An engineering inspection done this spring has indicated that the tower is still safe.

2. Buildings Future work on the Band Office will include repair and painting of the side and back of the building, rebuilding of the handicapped access ramps to meet Canada standards, and a review of the wood heating system. Funds to do these renovations will be sought from the Government of Canada. A program of regular maintenance of the building has being put in place to ensure that small problems will be corrected before serious structural problems occur.

There will be community meetings during the Fall of 2009 to discuss future public buildings for the Band.

Some of the facilities that may be priorities for the community include a new community hall with youth centre, daycare and primary classrooms, fire hall, elders centre and lodge, store and repair shop. Planning is important so that sources of funding can be secured.

The Band has applied for funding to construct a daycare and is awaiting the outcome of the application.

For information on Capital projects, please contact Bob Inkpen. A copy of our 5 year capital plan is available for members.

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Report from Guy Rocheleau: Maintenance summary since I started (Dec 2008):

•

Repair orders received 254, 32 outstanding most defered due to funding issues. We have these listed in our applications to CMHC and INAC. 232 repair orders were dealt with in-house

•

Professional help required for heating related items: 14 inspections were done, 7 failed Clayton units and 1 failed chimney. These were not included in the repair requests.

•

Chimney sweeping will be done by band members and will commence in August.

Public works

•

Water tower control failures have plagued us since January, without disruptions to the community’s water supply or the GUDI study. Tower top replacement will not likely take place this year. Mains flushing will be done in August.

•

Asphalt crack sealing repair is now complete, which will extend the life of our streets.

•

Water facilities at IR #1 & #5 have been spruced up.

•

Housing has taken the lion’s share of time so public works has taken a back seat for now.

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DRAFT

MCLEOD LAKE INDIAN BAND On and Off-Reserve Housing Policies and Procedures Manual

Draft Version #3 July 12, 2009

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Vision Statement The McLeod Lake Indian Band recognizes the need in providing suitable, quality and affordable housing to its membership, both on and off reserve. This is to provide members with a positive community and a healthy environment.

Objectives The Band has therefore taken the necessary requirements in finding solutions and providing action in the development of a Housing Program. The primary objectives within the Housing Program are ensuring equitable and consistent treatment of all Band members, the longevity of the housing stock and long term viability of the Housing Program.

Summary The McLeod Lake Housing Policy is based on the participation of all stakeholders and equitable treatment for all to be applied in a consistent manner. Above all, the Housing Policy is the embodiment of a contract between the Band, who provides the housing, and those who benefit from the housing. Both Band and the housing recipient have an important and ongoing role to play in the success of the Housing Program. Both have duties and obligations to the other. The future of the Housing Program depends upon both parties in carrying out their respective obligations in a straightforward manner.

This Housing Policy outlines those duties and responsibilities and delineates the roles to be followed to ensure the ongoing success of the McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Program.

DEFINITIONS:

1)

“Abandon” means leaving a rental unit for a period greater than one (1) month, without a written agreement between the Tenant and the Landlord.

2)

“Council” means the Chief and Council of McLeod Lake Indian Band.

3)

“Committee” means the McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Committee.

4)

“Elders” meaning any McLeod Lake Indian Band member fifty-five (55) years of age or older.

5)

“Family” means a minimum of two (2) persons who are related by blood or marriage and includes common-law spouses or if unrelated, one of who is dependant on the other on a continual basis. This definition includes dependant children as well.

6)

“Housing Department” mean persons hired by the McLeod Lake Indian Band to carry out the duties of required positions.

7)

“Landlord” means the McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Department.

8)

“Maintenance Reserve” means a pool of funds kept in trust for the repair and maintenance of Band Owned Housing and owned units entered into the program.

9)

“Mortgage Agreement” means a written agreement between the Band and CMHC for financing of the house.

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10)

“Rental Agreement” means a written agreement between the Band and tenant for the right to occupy a house.

11)

“Rental Unit” means a house owned or controlled by McLeod Lake Indian Band that is a living accommodation used or intended for use as a residence.

12)

“Band Owned Unit” means any house on reserve without a mortgage held by the Band.

13)

“Individual Owned Unit” means any house on reserve in which an individual Band Member owns or has a mortgage on their own.

14)

“Social Housing” means any house on reserve receiving a mortgage interest subsidy from Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC).

15)

“Tenant” means the person who enters into a Rental Agreement with the Band and who pays any rent in return for the right to occupy the house.

16)

“The Band” means the McLeod Lake Indian Band.

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Table of Contents

1.0

Policy Review

2.0

Housing Authority

3.0

Housing Committee

4.0

Housing Co-ordinator

5.0

Eligibility

6.0

Application Procedures

7.0

Housing Allocations

8.0

Consultation with Potential Tenants on New Housing

9.0

Rental Tenancy Agreement

10.0

Land Occupancy

11.0

Construction of New Housing

12.0

Building Codes

13.0

Home Occupancy

14.0

Payment Structures and Responsibility

15.0

Notices and Evictions

16.0

Maintenance Reserve

17.0

Maintenance

18.0

Renovations and Major Repairs

19.0

Repossession of Housing Units

20.0

Provisions for Sub-Leasing

21.0

Purchase of Dwellings

22.0

(Pre-1997) Social Housing Requirements

23.0

Willed Transfer Ownership

24.0

Equity

25.0

Certification of Possession

26.0

Appeal Process

27.0

Emergencies

List of Schedules Attached: Schedule I Notice of Default-Rent Schedule II Rental Tenancy Agreement Schedule III Notice of Eviction

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1

2.0

POLICY REVIEW

2

The Housing Committee will review the Housing Policy once during their three year term and will make recommendations for changes to Council.

3

The Housing Policy is approved by Council;

4

The Housing Policy is subject to amendments at such time as the Council finds necessary in the resolution of concerns.

HOUSING AUTHORITY

2.01

3.0

The McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Policy is approved by the Council and applies to all Band owned or controlled rental units located on and off the reserves of the McLeod Lake Indian Band.

HOUSING COMMITTEE

3.01

The McLeod Lake Indian Band will establish an advisory committee known as the “McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Committee.� The McLeod Lake Band Housing Committee will consist of six (6) members selected by the Band Council.

3.02

Each Housing Committee member will be selected for a period of three (3) years.

3.03

The McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Committee members must:

a) b) c) d)

Be a member of the McLeod Lake Indian Band; Be 18 years of age or older; Willing to commit as a volunteer member; and Demonstrate maturity and good judgment in their participation in the Band processes.

3.04

The Committee is to be chaired by a chairperson chosen by the members of the Committee.

3.05

Decisions of the Committee require a quorum of four (4) committee members and are recorded in the minutes.

3.06

An official minute taker will be appointed to take minutes at each meeting.

3.07

The mandate and role of the McLeod Lake Band Housing Committee are as follows:

a) b) c) d)

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Provide information, interpretation and recommendations related to housing policies; To mediate disputes arising from the application of the Housing Policy; To issue recommendations, notices, decisions, and orders to assist in further development of the housing policy.

To provide a forum for liaison and consultation between members and the Band Council;

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4.0

5.0

3.08

The Housing Committee will meet on a monthly basis or at the call of the chairperson if more regular meetings are required.

3.09

The members of the Housing Committee will be subjected to the McLeod Lake Indian Band Conflict of Interest Policy.

HOUSING CO-ORDINATOR

.1

The Housing Co-ordinator will respond to all tenants’ queries, requests for services and complaints following the Housing Policy, Rental Tenancy and Mortgage Agreements and any other such agreements as are applicable.

.2

The Housing Co-ordinator is an officer of the housing committee.

.3

The Housing Co-ordinator will advise the manager on all recommendations made by the Housing Committee for further implementation to the Housing Program.

.4

The Housing Co-ordinator will respond to all written receipt of applications, letters in regards to housing in a timely manner.

.5

The Housing Co-ordinator will act as a liaison between Membership, Tenants, Housing Committee, and Council.

.6

The Housing Co-ordinator will be responsible in providing monthly reports to the Housing Committee and Administration on current projects and future applications regarding housing.

.7

The Housing Co-ordinator will keep a register of all housing repairs and rental income.

ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to rent a housing unit from McLeod Lake Indian Band, the applicant:

6.0

.1

Must be a member of the McLeod Lake Indian Band.

.2

Must be in good standing with McLeod Lake Indian Band. Individuals applying to rent a housing unit who are in housing arrears or other arrears with the McLeod Lake Indian Band will not be eligible for rental of a housing unit on McLeod Lake Indian Reserves.

Arrears in this context mean a debt owing to the McLeod Lake Indian Band upon which no regular payments are being made or no arrangement has been made for paying the debt.

.3

Shall be over 18 years of age.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

.1

Applications for housing shall be made in writing and submitted to the Housing Coordinator. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged in writing within ten (10) working days.

.2

All applications will be kept on file. It is the responsibility of applicants that their application be kept current with notification to the Housing Co-ordinator of any telephone or address changes .

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7.0

HOUSING ALLOCATIONS

7.01

All applications for housing received by the Housing Co-ordinator will be forwarded to the housing committee.

7.02

Applicants must first meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the allocation of any new or existing dwelling:

a) b) c) d) 7.03

Should a Band Member decline or is unable to meet the housing program criteria for any reasons, the allocation will automatically revert back to the housing committee for reallocation.

7.04

Prioritization in the allocation of housing within the McLeod Lake Indian Band shall be based on the following criteria, provided the housing is suitable:

i. ii. iii. iv. v.

7.05

8.0

Must sign a rental agreement indicating willingness to pay the required monthly rent; Must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient income to pay for the rent; Must not have any outstanding Housing Arrears with the McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Department; Must provide references from past landlord(s) or character references.

Disabled persons; Elderly; Single parent and/or two parent families with resident children; Married couple (common-law); and Singles.

Upon separation, divorce or death; non-band members occupying a home who are not members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band will be given six (6) months notice that the rental agreement will be terminated, unless this non-band member is responsible for any children who are members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band. They will be able to continue to reside in the unit until the children are of the age of majority, at which time the unit will then be transferred back to the Housing Committee for reallocation.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOUSING

8.01

Consultation with Tenants For those housing units targeting certain members, consultation should be undertaken: a. All tenants are required to complete a Verification of Income form.

b. A Specification sheet will be completed by the Housing Co-ordinator, Contractor, Housing Committee and potential tenant and will include the following:

c. To obtain a set of house plans acceptable to the tenant, not exceeding the acceptable maximum size of 1200 sq ft.

Note: Individuals requesting homes larger or more expensive than the set standards will be referred to the process of INAC Individual Housing Program.

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d. To introduce the housing policies, rental agreement or mortgage agreements and any additional tenant responsibilities.

e. To identify site location. f. Determine of interior and exterior colours, finishing and such other cosmetic appearances as that may be appropriate.

g. A completed Specification sheet will be signed by the Housing Co-ordinator, the Contractor and tenant prior to the commencement of construction.

h. The cost of any change orders associated with new construction will be the responsibility of the tenant upon approval of the Housing Committee.

8.02

8.03

9.0

Land Occupancy

a.

All housing shall be constructed only in areas on reserve designated for residential use within the authorized Physical Development Plan (PDP) and approved by the McLeod Lake Indian Band Land Management Board.

b.

Selection of any lot, outside the serviced areas, will not be granted by the Land Management Board unless the individual pays for the service connections of water, sewer, hydro, roads and any other additional expenses necessary in the construction of that new housing unit. All housing shall be constructed only in areas on reserve designated for residential use within the authorized Physical Development Plan (PDP).

Construction of New Housing

a.

All Band Housing will be constructed under the direction of the Housing Coordinator and Project Manager.

b.

Prior to construction: i. All necessary financing shall be in place; ii. Budgets and payment schedules shall be verified by way of a contract; and iii.Time lines and schedules shall also be listed with the contract.

BUILDING CODES

9.01

All renovation and new construction (that would be subject to a building permit if constructed off reserve) will be subject to National Building Code and British Columbia Building Code standards and will require a building permit.

9.02

McLeod Lake Indian Band through the Land Management Board may enhance requirements for buildings constructed on McLeod Lake Indian Band reserves.

9.03

Approval by the Land Management Board is required for all land use. a. An application shall be prepared with a site sketch shall include location of house, location of road and driveway, electrical hook-up, and water and sewer connections.

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10.0

11.0

12.0

9.04

All electrical work must be inspected by a qualified BC Electrical Inspector.

9.05

All plumbing and heating installations must be inspected by a qualified and certified plumber inspector.

9.06

First Nations Inuit and Health Branch shall approve in writing the installation of septic tanks, drainage fields and lagoons.

9.07

An Occupancy Permit is required before a newly renovated or constructed housing unit can be rented.

RENTAL AGREEMENT (see Schedule II)

10.01

The Rental Agreement is an agreement set in place between the McLeod Lake Indian Band and the tenant of a Rental Unit, stating the terms and references in which both parties shall be held responsible.

10.02

All housing will have a valid Rental Agreement set in place prior to occupancy. If a valid Rental Agreement is not in place, the tenant will be asked to vacate the rental unit.

HOME OCCUPANCY

11.01

All rentals units must have an occupancy permit before being available for rental;

11.02

Upon home occupancy, the Housing Co-ordinator will: a. Take pictures of the home prior to renting the unit b. Arrange an appointment for an inspection of the rental unit with the tenant noting deficiencies; c. Review and reaffirm the rental agreement requirements; d. File a signed formal acceptance of these terms in the tenants housing file; and e. Provide a copy to the tenant upon entering into the agreement.

11.03

Upon notice to vacate a rental unit, the Housing Co-ordinator will: a. Inspect and take pictures of the home at the end of the rental agreement b. Determine if any damage to the rental unit is willful or expected in the normal course of occupancy c. If damage is willful, obtain an estimate of damage and bill the tenant. d. Ensure that the rental unit has been cleaned by the tenant; if not, obtain an estimate of the cost of cleaning and bill the client.

PAYMENT STRUCTURES AND RESPONSIBILITY

12.01

It is the responsibility of the tenant to pay the rent every month, on the 1st of each month, according to the terms of the agreement signed between the Band and the tenant.

12.02

Rental payments will include all costs of carrying the respective rental unit, including the mortgage, insurance, maintenance and community service costs.

The Band does not provide Contents Insurance -- Tenants may obtain personal content insurance through the Band’s insurance company or their own insurance agent.

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13.0

12.03

If a tenant is unable to make a payment on time, he/she must contact the Housing Coordinator, to explain his/her financial situation and to work out an acceptable method of payment (which may include labour in kind as payment).

12.04

Tenants have a responsibility to pay the rent when it is due and the Housing Coordinator has an obligation to follow the policy directives for defaulting in rent payments.

12.05

The tenant will be responsible for all utility charges.

12.06

The tenant is responsible for the safe operation of a wood stove or wood furnace, such as the removal of ashes. If a tenant is concerned regarding the safety of their stove, they should contact the Housing Co-ordinator as soon as possible.

12.07

All Band members who work for McLeod Lake Indian Band and its affiliates must agree to have rent deducted from their payroll. A form instructing the Band authorizing payment will be obtained when the tenancy agreement is signed.

NOTICES AND EVICTIONS

13.01

In order to insure the viability of the Housing Program, eviction proceedings may be initiated against any tenant in breech of his/her obligations under the Rental Tenancy Agreement or Housing Policy.

The proceedings of evictions are as follows:

a. The Housing Co-ordinator shall deliver a letter of Notification of Default of rent to the tenant within 10 days of being in default to re-emphasize the proceedings stated within the housing policies as well as to discuss any posing problems.

b. The tenant will also be required to have a payment schedule set out in writing to recover the missed payment(s).

c. If a tenant fails to comply with their written terms and the Notice of Defaultrent within 14 calendar days, the McLeod Lake Indian Band may proceed with issuance of an Eviction Notice.

14.0

13.02

Subject to 13.1 (c) above, an Eviction Notice will be served to the tenant. The written notice will allow the tenant one (1) month to vacate the living unit. If the tenant does not vacate by the expiration date, necessary action will be taken to have the tenant and contents removed.

13.03

Any written notices regarding a default in rent or evictions will be filed within the respective tenants housing file for future references.

13.04

All housing arrears will be sent to a Collection Agency for action.

MAINTENANCE RESERVE

14.01

All maintenance fees, which are included on the rental agreement, shall be pooled to conduct all maintenance items throughout the term of each rental agreement held in place within the McLeod Lake Indian Band.

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14.02

Items included in the maintenance reserve are:

a. Replacement of structural items such as roofs, decks, siding, chimneys, furnaces, wood stoves and liners, water heaters, etc.

b. Replacement of major appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washers and driers. c. Not included in the maintenance reserve are cosmetic repairs and repairs of willful damage. (Further clarification can be provided by CMHC.)

15.0

14.03

The Housing Co-ordinator shall keep full details of warranty coverage for all items within each rental unit for future reference.

14.04

No item will be repaired or replaced without prior written authorization from the Housing Co-ordinator.

MAINTENANCE

15.01

The maintenance of all rental units will be the responsibility of the Housing Department.

This includes the replacement of furnace filters, flushing of water tanks, cleaning of chimneys, replace of fire brick, cleaning of water gutters, etc.

15.02

The day to day upkeep, however, such as the replacement of light bulbs, sink plugs, and stove elements, carpet cleaning, etc., shall be the responsibility of the tenant.

15.03

The tenant will be responsible for all outdoor maintenance, lawns and fences. In this respect, tenants will not allow their lots to become the repository for refuse, nonfunctional motor vehicles or other offensive materials. The tenant shall be responsible for all costs incurred in this cleanup.

15.04

Any damages to homes caused by negligence whether by the tenant, the tenant’s family, or visitors will be the responsibility of the tenant, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

15.05

Each dwelling is required to have an enclosed garbage stand, provided by the band

15.06

Furnaces, chimneys and vents shall be cleaned and serviced by a contractor once each year for all Band Rental units.

15.07

Tenants are responsible for maintaining a clean and healthy environment in and around the premises.

15.08

Should tenants note any defects in their house, they have the responsibility to report in writing any defects to the Housing Co-ordinator. Special attention should be given to problems with in the water, heating or electrical systems in the unit.

15.09

All questions, requests for service or maintenance, damage reports and complaints shall be made in writing to the Housing Co-ordinator.

15.010 The tenant may not contact the suppliers directly, otherwise the tenant will be responsible for the cost of any materials/services ordered. The Housing Department has special arrangements with suppliers.

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16.0

RENOVATIONS AND MAJOR REPAIRS

16.01

The McLeod Lake Indian Band is not responsible for damages caused by the negligence of the tenant. All such costs will be billed directly to the tenant of the damaged home.

16.02

All major repairs/renovations will be inspected by a Housing Inspector, with the tenant and the Housing Co-ordinator present. All inspection reports will include need assessments, an estimate of costs and shall be forwarded to the Housing Co-ordinator for approval.

16.03

Funds for major repairs will not be granted when it is determined by the Inspector that the cost of repairs will meet or exceed the cost of building a new home of comparable size.

16.04

A detailed list of proposed work will be discussed with the Band and tenant prior to authorization.

16.05

For major repairs, the tenant will be required to move out during renovations. The Housing Department may provide alternate housing at the same rent.

16.06

For minor repairs, when the tenant will be residing in the house during renovations, the tenant will be required to sign a liability release (see attachment ___ )

16.07

No work will be performed that is over and above 16.4 unless those additional works are paid by the tenant.

Note:

Where it is applicable, inspectors will be required to inspect completed work (i.e. Health and Safety Standards).

16.08

In major renovations, the applicant may only occupy the home after the final inspection is completed and Occupancy Permit issued.

16.09

All housing inspections may be attended by the tenant or his/her designate.

16.010 The Landlord will be responsible for all major repairs and any construction faults.

16.011 If the condition of the unit poses a threat to the health and safety of the occupants, then the tenants may be required to vacate the unit.

16.012 Repairs and maintenance must meet appropriate building and trade standards. Construction work must meet National Building Codes Standards. Prior to the commencement of work, it must be ensured that the Contractor is qualified to undertake the necessary repairs and have appropriate liability insurance.

16.013 All renovations become the property of the Band and must stay with the house when the tenant vacates the premises. For example, new cupboards, wall to wall carpet, or new bathtubs cannot be removed.

16.014 If the tenant wishes to enhance their unit, they should discuss improvements with the Housing Co-ordinator and arrive at an agreement regarding the disposal of items at the end of tenancy. Exceptions may include removal of tenant purchased items, such as dishwashers, deluxe ranges and refrigerators, curtains, lighting fixtures, etc. provided the unit is restored to its original condition. Tenants are responsible to maintain their own equipment. Satellite dishes should be left with the unit as most Satellite companies will provide the tenant with a new dish when they move.

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17.0

REPOSSESSION OF HOUSING UNITS

17.01

The McLeod Lake Indian Band may at any time repossess a housing unit for the following reasons:

a) b) c)

Where the tenant fails to pay rent; Where the tenant has caused damage to the property through neglect or abuse; The tenant has abandoned the unit.

17.02

Any units that become vacant for any reason will be reallocated by the Housing Committee.

17.03

A unit will be considered abandoned if:

a) b) c) d)

The unit has been vacant for more than 30 days without prior written notice to the Housing Co-ordinator; The resident has declared a written intention to abandon the unit and has hence vacated the unit.

The tenant is not residing in McLeod Lake for at least 75% of the year; The resident has established permanent residential status elsewhere.

17.04

If the tenant moves out or abandons the home, leaving the unit unoccupied, the Housing Co-ordinator will attempt to contact the tenant and ascertain his/her plan of action. If no response is received after one (1) month, the unit will be reallocated. see amendment

17.05

See BC tenancy act re disposal of tenant possessions Note: The Housing Department will not be responsible for possessions on the premises.

18.0

SUBLEASING

18.01 19.0

20.0

There are no provisions for subleasing as the tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the band, not a third party.

CONDEMNED HOUSES

19.01

All houses deemed condemned by a qualified inspector will be dismantled.

19.02

Any revenue from the removal or dismantlement of condemned houses will be reverted to the housing department

(PRE-1997) SOCIAL HOUSING REQUIREMENTS

20.01

The rent charged for Social Housing dwellings are subject to the CMHC Rent-to-income calculation. Exception to this are: elders who receive a unit rent-free. The Band will pick up costs associated with the Elders unit.

20.02

The rent will be determined once per year effective April 1st and will not be adjusted during the year for tenant income increases. Rent reductions during the year however, will be permitted where the tenant supplies documented evidence that his/her income has decreased.

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21.0

22.0

23.0

20.03

The tenant will provide the Housing Co-ordinator with satisfactory evidence of her/his income upon entering into an agreement and annually thereafter at least three (3) months prior to the expiry of the term of the agreement or the anniversary date of the agreement.

20.04

On the basis of the evidence provided annually, the Housing Co-ordinator may increase the rent to the maximum market rent applicable for the housing upon 30 days notice to the tenant. If the tenant does not complete a rent to income calculation, the rent will be the Lower End of Market rent that is provided to the Band by CMHC.

If prior to the 30 day notice period described the tenant produces the documents required, the rent will be adjusted according to the CMHC rent-to-income calculations, as amended from time to time.

20.05

The tenant will immediately notify the Housing Co-ordinator of the particulars of any change in occupancy including the names, ages, and income of the new occupants and their relationship to the tenant as well as satisfactory evidence of the incomes of the new occupants.

WILLED TRANSFER OWNERSHIP

21.01

The Housing Program will honour the wishes stated within a will assuming the inheritor is a band member. Should the will state the bequest to a non-member, the unit will convert back to the Band Council.

21.02

If a person inherits a house as a bequest from a will, that person will assume the same rights of ownership as applied to the new tenant of the house and will be required to sign a new rental agreement.

21.03

If the house is willed to an under age Band member, the Band Council will act as trustee for that minor child until the child reaches the age of majority.

APPEAL PROCESS

22.01

Appeals may be made in writing to the Band Manager within thirty (30) days following written notification of a decision made by the Housing Co-ordinator.

22.02

Final appeals may be made to Council. Council will ensure that housing policies have been followed.

EMERGENCIES

23.01

In the event that there is an emergency and it is not possible to convene a meeting of the McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Committee, the Committee business shall be brought to the Band Manager for decision. The Band Manager will report to the McLeod Lake Indian Band Housing Committee with the decision.

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McLeod Lake Indian Band Health Team AGA Report August 6th, 2009

Meaghan Van Somer Social Services and Health Team manager / social worker /Proposal writer

I work with many individuals, families, groups, agencies and funders to help ensure that the community of McLeod Lake is provided with the best possible services. I pride myself on building a team founded on trust, compassion and hard work. I strive to create this environment on the Health team and in the community.

I am responsible for managing and balancing the budget allotted to the Health team to ensure that we are financially responsible. I am proud to say we have never gone over budget but work within the limits of money we are provided.

I work hard in the development of new initiatives and ensure that the health teams programs outline the objectives established by the funders. In the past six months alone through proposal writing an extra quarter of million dollars has been secured for the betterment of McLeod Lake Band Members.

I offer legal support to all individuals and families in all family court matter as well as youth in criminal court who require support and information .

I work jointly with MCFD to provide community based social services to identify groups, individuals, and families within applicable legislation in order to improve social well being and functioning of families and individuals.

I also provide community development services in order to improve social functioning through needs assessments with relevant groups and then to partner with appropriate resources to develop[p ways to meet identified need, followed by conducting program service evaluation and necessary reporting.

My position requires ability to respond to a variety of health and social needs for all membership throughout the provinces as well as on reserve, to this end I am required to work on call on at all times. I am grateful to the health team members as it is vital to our success and performance that we work together and support one another.

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This Program is Partly funded through health Canada & through proposal writing Thank you again for your continued support; it is an honor to work for McLeod Lake Indian Band. If you have any questions of how the health team can help you or your family, do not hesitate to contact myself or any member of our Health Team.

Members of the Health Team: Meaghan Van Somer, Jolene Solonas, Vincent Sherry, Cindy Berg, Colin Haugen, Sharon Dugan, Lauren Sevigny, Debbie Lewis, Sharon Kennedy, Stephanie Rocheleau, Brenda Schely, Krista Chanin Dr. Jonathan Price Homemaker/long term care aide

In McLeod Lake, there is a health support worker available to everyone in need. Your home Support Worker will work closely with you to ensure you are well cared for.

We can help with keeping up with house work, cooking nutritious meals, work on follow up care as required and directed by your family doctor or our licensed nurses.

We can ensure you have transportation to doctor's appointments to aide in the treatment and prevention of health problems as a last resort as this is an individuals responsibility.

The health team can provide customized strategies to develop and maintain a healthy balance for our elders and families.

Our long term care aide/homemaker is Norman Strand.

This program is paid for by health Canada and McLeod Lake Indian Band.

Social Development Our goal is to promote self sufficiency for all members. At the same time we provide assistance and support when a member has no other source of support.

We believe that all able individuals benefit from access to employment. Living on social assistance is equivalent to living in poverty, which is counter productive to the wholistic health of an individual.

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Services we offer: • Guardian financial assistance by knowledgeable employee who is responsible to follow INAC's guideline • Information regarding benefit entitlement • Assistance determining eligibility for social assistance and other benefits • referrals to other agencies/departments as appropriate • Organizing and participating in tasks groups working towards the alleviation or resolutions of social problems • One on one counseling to establish goals and develop education, career or other plans Jolene Solonas is the Social Assistance Worker This program is funded by INAC McLeod Lake Child care center

We provide quality child care on reserve; we are currently licensed as a family child care center. We are able to care for six children under three and up to sixteen children in total.

Through proposal writing some funding has been secured so we are currently waiting on construction to begin on a larger more effective center.

This program is funded through the mothers whose children attend day care Our Daycare workers are Brenda Schley and Krista Chanin

Nursing Services provided by Debra Lewis and Sharon Kennedy On March 31, 2007, McLeod Lake Indian Band signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Northern Health.

Our mutual goal is for McLeod Lake Indian Band Members to access high quality health care services regardless of our geography.

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Services provided include: 1. Communicable disease control, including immunization

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Child health clinic immunization TB testing (because this requires 24-48 hour time frame it will be necessary to have TB tests read by the CHR and this may require training) Routine adult immunizations Influenza season immunization of target populations Chronic disease management: immunization for Hepatitis, pneumococcal for at risk target population Follow-up on reportable CD to breaks (Northern Health will communicate with FNIHB CDC in the event of an outbreak)

2. Maternal and Child Care

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Maternity follow up phone call Newborn home visit (follow up plans to be discussed with CHR) Well baby clinics to include Weighing, heights, head circumference Parent issues programs and themes Nursing tooth decay Safety Growth and development including liaison with daycare infant development programs Nutrition Breast feeding support Dental program Fluoride Varnish NICC program (Smoke free homes)

3. Reproductive Health • Paps • Breast Exams • Education: example ovarian cancer, breast exam self exam, mammography, testicular exam • STD screening and follow up treatment, Hepatitis B Immunization, HIV and Hepatitis counseling, testing and follow up • Pregnancy counseling • Prenatal counseling • Development of a plan for administration of ECP Plan B needed 4. Chronic Disease Prevention and Management • Nicotine Intervention Counseling • Heart at work • Primary Health care services provided to McLeod Lake Indian Band by Debbie Lewis, RN include: • Health Promotions and Disease prevention • Healthy eating, active living • Chronic disease management including: diabetes, obesity, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, arthritis, asthma, COPD, hypertension, and nicotine Counseling • Dr Johnathan Price is in McLeod Lake once monthly for services; see Cindy Berg to book appoinments

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Mental health therapist Vincent Sherry

Fact: mental health is defined as a state of emotional and psychological well being in which an individual is able to use his or her intellectual and emotional capabilities, function in society and meet the ordinary emotional capabilities, function in society and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life. Mental health concerns can range from mood disorders to stress and anxiety to eating disorders to psychosis.

Mental illness can take many forms just as physical illnesses do, mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about them. If you or someone you know have a mental illness, there is good news "all mental illness can be treated." The Canadian mental Health Association (CMHA) We offer programs designed to reduce stress in the household. These programs include understanding the impact of the residential school legacy upon generations of First Nation peoples and everyone that they are interconnected to.

Workshops on family violence, sexual abuse and anger management Family, couple group and individual counseling This program is funded by the Aboriginal healing foundation

Community Health Representative (CHR)

Our goal is to promote healthy living in the community of McLeod Lake and also to provide access to the best possible health care for the Tse Khene members.

The CHR is responsible for participating in the delivery of high standard, community health. Treatment and surveillance programs are in place to provide quality health prevention and treatment in the community.

Community Health Representative cont.

As a valuable member of our health team our CHR liaisons between patients, family, the community, and health care providers to ensure patients and families understand their conditions and treatment and are receiving appropriate care.

Services provided are consulting and support services to individuals and group that is encourage prevention and intervention when necessary.

Workshops are offered regarding a variety of health and wellness issues.

Pregnancy support - vitamins are supplied as it is important that pregnant mothers take a multi-vitamin containing folic acid, nutritional supplements are provided as well to ensure that unborn children and mothers are provided with the best start possible.

We also have a dentist coming to the community; the dentist provides outreach dental services such as cleaning, fillings and fluoride treatments.

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CHR also test the water that is used by all residents in McLeod Lake to ensure our drinking water is kept to a high and healthy standard.

These are simply a few of the services offered by our health team need that you believe we can help with please come into the office and we will do our best to help you.

Cindy Berg is our Community Health Representative

The program is funded by health Canada

Alcohol and drug program

Fact: Drug and alcohol are addictions which require extra support and guidance to overcome. The Health Team aspires to help people a healthy balance in all areas of their lives because we believe that anyone can overcome anything with guidance and the right kind of support.

Through individual, group or family counseling as well as referrals to detox and treatment, we will work closely with the individual or family to assist you on your healing journey, when you are ready. We can offer support but it is the individuals who must want to change. We provide workshops designed for prevention and awareness in the community and local schools as was as an AA program and alternative healthy activities.

For the past twelve years, I have walked the red road in my healing journey as a part of that journey I have become aware of the rich heritage and ancestry of the people of various first nation communities. The people have showed me seven ceremonies I use as part of the healing process in addiction recovery. It is my firm belief that the Great Spirit only wants what’s best for us our families and communities and I do not think addiction is a part of that plan.

Colin Haugen is our new NNADAP worker

This program is funded by health CANADA

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INFANT AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Fact Raising a healthy family, keeping up with the housework, cooking nutritious meals and paying the bills can be challenging for everyone at the best of times.

The McLeod Lake Indian Band Health Team strives to enhance the quality of life for families living in the community. The family Development Worker can provide customized strategies to develop and maintain a healthy balance for your family. We want to start you on a positive path which will help to build a solid foundation for you and your children We facilitate workshops, individual counseling and support to assist families with parenting issues to install positive qualities in a child.

Program funded by the Ministry for children and family development Stephanie Rocheleau is our family development worker

Band Social Worker/Counselor Job Description

Providing support, advocacy, crisis intervention, follow-up and discharge planning to clients, being adults, youth, and children; providing assistance and support to families involved with MCFD; education services; presenting workshops; liaising with RCMP; liaising with other associated services and making appropriate referrals; providing outreach services and home visits; conducting mental health assessments and referring appropriately; alcohol and drug counseling, intervention, and treatment referrals; supporting and maintaining good rapport with fellow staff members Specific duties are as follows: • Conducts individual, group, and family counseling upon request; private sessions and home visits are available Completes appropriate paperwork in relation to available funding, compensation, travel, etc for band members • Advocay • liaise with daycare centre, families, and complete appropriate paperwork for subsidies, funding, etc.

• provides a post-intervention response for community members following a suicide.

• provides supportive counseling and educational services to Residential School survivors, their children, youth, and families.

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• • • • • • •

•

Provides a range of direct clinical services to Aboriginal elders, adults, children and youth with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, their families and caregivers Develops and implements treatment plans using recognized treatment modalities that incorporate strategies for working in a bi-cultural context. provides suicide risk assessments and crisis intervention.

Provides individual, family, and or group therapy to Aboriginal clients and their families.

Monitors treatment and or/care plans.

Evaluates treatment outcomes.

Works collaborative in the provision of treatment with other caregivers such as family, physicians, hospital personnel, child protection workers, school personnel, band social workers and personnel, and community health representatives, nursing station personnel, Health Canada representatives.

Maintains appropriate clinical/client/administrative records.

This program is funded by aboriginal healing foundation Lauren Sevigny is your MLIB band social worker

Introducing new Daycare worker Krista Chanin My name is Krista Chanin and I will be working in the Tse' Kehne Childcare Program (downstairs). I am currently completing my Aboriginal Early Childhood Education program through CNC to compliment a few years of experience that I have hardworking in daycare and after school care settings. Working with children and families is a passion of mine, but, I am especially looking forward to working in McLeod Lake I feel it will give me the unique opportunity to become more in touch with my own ancestry. My family comes from Ojibway roots from Sandy Bay, Manitoba. I'm excited to get to know and learn from your families, as well as share my own knowledge and experiences. See you soon!

INTRODUCING NEW NADDAP WORKER COLIN HAUGEN My name is Colin Haugen I am a Dakota Sioux Indian my ancestry comes from long Plains Manitoba and I look forward to helping those in need of addiction counseling and support. I employ a traditional ceremonies and the medicine wheel during counseling session. My vocational pursuits in the medicine wheel as led me down the red road to the Mcleod Lake Indian band. I have become fond of the residents of McLeod Lake and their unique ancestry and kinship to the land. It is my sincere belief that persons who are ready and willing for addiction recovery can and will have my support and the MLIB Health Teams. Mussi Cho and in my language Wupedia

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New Youth Care Worker Sharon Dugan My name is Sharon Dugan and I have lived in the McLeod Lake community for years. I look forward to working within the community and working with the children and families.

Introducing new band social worker Lauren Sevigny Hi, my name is Lauren and I am the band social worker/counselor. I have been with McLeod Lake since September, 2008 and loving every minute of it (except for the commute because Colin snores the entire duration of the trip). I attended school in both Prince George and Burnaby and am working on finishing a Master's of Social Work degree. I love sports, especially soccer and hockey, and an aspiring baseball player.

My other loves include my family, laughing, and traveling. With regards to McLeod Lake, my door is always open so stop by anytime and I am always up for visits in the community, especially when it is sunny. *She Meghan Van Summer (Program Manger) wanted this section on the back of the intro page Health & Social Program Summary The McLeod Lake Indian Band Health team continues to build its vision to provide ongoing quality services to the community members of the McLeod Lake.

These services support people on their journey to become more self efficient and self reliant. The Health Team also dedicates time and resources to promoting wholistic health among members. Hard work, perseverance, compassion and confidentiality are pillars of our team.

Our goal is to inspire the best from our community, our organization and each other. Inspiration is found here in many forms: a mother to be improving her parenting and life skills to improve her unborn child's life, families supporting each other to overcome crippling addictions, young parents struggling for the betterment of their children We believe in the unlimited potential of the Tse' Khene people, we can help one another and in the process build a stronger community.

The Health team strives to provide a service where all membership feels welcome; we have an open door policy, where everyone is treated fairly and equitably.

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We are here to support you with a variety of programs and services intended to support your life's journey.

Here are some of the services we provide.

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Advocacy Drug and Alcohol Counseling Mental Health Counseling Life Counseling Workshops on various topics Awareness building activities Legal support Family support Financial Assistance Nursing Physician Services

If you do not see yourself in any of these services please contact us

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McLeod Lake Indian Band AGA Report on Forestry August 6th, 2009

The MLIB Forestry Department continues to struggle with a downturn in the forest industry as well as a general downturn in the global economy. Members of our basic forestry crews have been working, but there has been little opportunity to create additional jobs for others. Some initial field checks for block layout have been completed. We just finished our summer tree plant (350,000 seedlings) to stay caught up on our reforestation obligations. We have negotiated a small sale of logs to Dunkley Lumber and plan to start logging this wood as soon as possible. The hot, dry weather has hampered our ability to carry out normal operations and we have had to deal with one forest fire on the Band’s lands already.

A slow forest industry has provided us with an opportunity to do some community improvement projects at McLeod Lake. These projects include the construction of raised garden beds behind the Natural Resource Center, clearing the cemetery and AGA site, and making some improvements to the ball field. The Band Council has just approved a proposal to do some additional work at the ball field as well as some maintenance and repair work on the Natural Resource Center.

I have submitted proposals to get government funding for clearing work at Carp Lake Park and along the Duz Cho trail. The available funding has a great number of restrictions on who can be hired and it has been difficult to find people who meet the strict hiring criteria. I am still negotiating to make this work happen and hopefully provide additional jobs for people in the community. In the meantime, we are trying our best to minimize costs and maximize employment within budget constraints.

Ryan Bichon, Forestry Manager

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McLeod Lake Indian Band AGA Report on Finance August 6th, 2009

Financial Update – Sandra Hammond, CGA, Controller July 21, 2009 will mark my one year anniversary with the McLeod Lake Indian Band and what a year it’s been! There have been quite a few changes over the past year in the Finance area of the McLeod Lake Indian Band, The Finance department currently consists of Linda Inyallie, Accountant, Beth Cooper, payroll, benefits and membership services, Jamie Ware, Development Corporation accountant and payroll, and Tania Solonas, Accounts Payable. The Finance Clerk position is vacant at this time, due to lack of funding.

April 27, 2009 marked the introduction of the new electronic time sheet for the McLeod Lake Indian Band.

The timesheet requires managers to input employee’s time into the spreadsheet and submit to payroll for processing. The great thing about the new electronic time sheet is that it automatically tracks and calculates outstanding vacation pay, time in lieu and sick time. There have been a few bumps with the system, but so far it is working well.

We are now preparing the monthly financial statements for the McLeod Lake Indian Band in house. Using excel, we have developed a series of spreadsheets that will give administration and council a monthly statement of income showing the actual expenses compared to the 2010 budget.

There was an open position on the Finance Committee, as previously posted, and at the last Chief and Council meeting on May 14, 2009, Richard Solonas was appointed to the Finance Committee. We once again have a full committee.

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After the budget was passed, the McLeod Lake Indian Band received $250,000 from Terrane to go towards consultation on the proposed Mt Milligan Mine. It was calculated that $95,000 has been spent on this consultation in the past, so $95,000 of the monies received this year are to be directed to other program spending for the 2010 fiscal year. The finance committee forwarded a list of spending recommendations to Chief and Council and at the last regular Chief and Council meeting, May 14, 2009. At that meeting, your Chief &Council voted to spend the money on the following programs: a part time communications officer, Elementary Attendance Allowance, Secondary Attendance Allowance, 2010 Graduation Incentive, $20,000 to the Post Secondary program for LOA’s, Youth Extracurricular monies at $200/youth/year.

We have also received the first consultation payment from BC Hydro, in the amount of $112,500.00. This money is to go towards the consolation of the Site C damn project.

We have also received the first consultation payment from BC Hydro, in the amount of $112,500.00. This money is to go towards the consolation of the Site C damn project.

Copies of the 2010 budget are available; if you would like one please contact me and I can arrange to give/ mail a copy to you. As well, copies of the audited financial statements for the Band are available; again, please see me for a copy.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone here at the McLeod Lake Indian Band that I have worked with over the past year. It’s been a busy and challenging year and I have really enjoyed it and look forward to the year to come.

Have a great summer everyone, and enjoy the AGA!!

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McLeod Lake Indian Band AGA Youth Councilor Report August 6-7, 2009

Hello! My name is Destiny Bear; I am the Youth Councilor for McLeod Lake Indian Band. I have lived here for 23 years and have a beautiful family; my partner Sheldon Ketlo, my son Gage Ketlo (4), and my daughter Trinity Ketlo (2). I am very proud to announce that in 8 months we will be welcoming a new addition to our family! I am extremely excited and overwhelmed.

One of my main priorities in life is my family and making sure that they are taken care of first and foremost. This September Gage will be starting school, which brings me to wonder where all the time goes. We are very excited for him and can’t wait for it to start. Unfortunately, this will mean that my meeting schedule will have to be a little more flexible as he will be attending school in Mackenzie, and his schooling will be one of my main priorities.

(Photos: Left – Gage Ketlo, 3, was participating in a powwow in Prince George. Center – Trinity Ketlo, 2. Right – My nephew and nieces with Gage at the Kamloops Powwow in 2008.)

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Some of my personal hobbies include softball, berry picking, spending time with the youth, spending time with my family as well as going swimming. Our softball team plays twice a week with the Mackenzie league. It has been going great; we are having tons of fun out there. Our team consists of Kenneth Solonas (Coach), Wiona Ware, Andrea Jackson, Jodie Ware, Jessica Solonas, Destiny Bear, Sheldon Ketlo, Brandon Duraneleau, Tony Inyallie, Sundance Inyallie, Cheyenne Inyallie, Lionel Chingee, Chris Johnny, Perry Hogan, Patrick Achla, Ray Vallee, Oke Inyallie and Andy Jr. Solonas.

(Picture: McLeod Lake Braves! I would like to thank Duz Cho Logging for donating these jerseys to our team; I really do appreciate your support!)

(Picture: Back Row – Brandon Duraneleau, Patrick Achla, Tony Inyallie, Sheldon Ketlo, Chris Johnny, Pete, Wiona Ware. Front Row – Lionel Chingee, Jodie Ware, Andrea Jackson, Destiny Bear, Linsie, Jessica Solonas, Jory.)

Well… It has been over a year since I was elected in to the Youth Councilor position. It has been a major learning curb for my, especially in the political aspect of things. I really enjoy the items I have been involved in, including the committee’s that I sit on. I like to focus my views on traditional aspects, as well as in education, elder and youth programs. I am proud to say that we were able to allocate funding for the education department for school allowances, extra curricular activity funds, as well as post secondary funding. I would really like to set up a team to deal entirely with our history and traditions, which we do not want to lose in the future. This could be things like our language, hunting, skinning, making huts, drying meat and berries, picking berries, plant identifications and learning about different aspects of our traditional history.

I, as well as Lawrence Solonas, Agnes Solonas, Alec Chingee, Jen Weightman, recently participated in a tour of the Trend Mine and Roman Mine proposed area in Tumbler Ridge. Peace River Coal currently has two mine projects that are currently in operation; Horizon Mine and Trend Mine (located in Tumbler Ridge). They are currently seeking support from the McLeod Lake Indian Band (as well as other bands) for the Roman Mine Project; which will operate adjacent to the Trend Mine. It was a very informative tour that showed the area of impact from the mine, their plans M c L e o d L a k e I n d i a n B a n d

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of reformation after the mine has closed and they spoke of the animals that will be impacted from the Roman Mine Project. A herd, numbered at 150, of Caribou will be the most impacted from the Roman Project. I am currently reviewing the MOU sent to us by Peace River Coal.

I have also been involved with the Emergency Preparedness Planning Committee. It consists of about 10 members within the office staff and McLeod Lake community. These members are Keinan Carty, Jodie Ware, Jolene Solonas, Geri Solonas, Guy Rocheleau, Stephanie Rocheleau, Cindy Berg, and I. So far we have been working on getting an emergency plan in place so that we have the proper steps to follow in case of any major emergency within the McLeod Lake community. This includes things like small or large scale forest fires, pandemic outbreaks and if we were ever flooded in. It is a large project and we are still working on getting the proper documentation in place. I look forward to the completion of this project.

My schedule has been so hectic the past few months; here is a quick update on the meetings and things that I have been keeping busy with: March 2009 Schedule 2nd – Terrane Committee Meeting; 3-5th – FNEATWG Conference; 9-10th – Strategic Planning Session;11th – Dinner with Mackenzie Council; 20th – Chief & Council Meeting; 28-29th – Quarterly Meetings; 30th – Terrane Meeting; 31st – Meeting with the Government April 2009 Schedule 1st – Meeting with Andrew Shuck and Council/Enbridge Meeting; 7th – Emergency Planning Committee; 16th – Chief & Council Meeting; 20th – Terrane Meeting; 22nd – Emergency Planning Committee; 27th – Chief & Council Meeting; 28th – Gary Loiselle Meeting; 29th – Emergency Planning Committee May 2009 Schedule 7-8th – First Aid Level 1 & Transportation Endorsement; 11th – Meeting with RCMP/Chief & Council Meeting; 12th – TransCanada Open House; 13th – Special Chief & Council Meeting; 14th – Regular Chief & Council Meeting; 19th – Special Chief & Council Meeting June 2009 Schedule 18th – Regular Chief & Council Meeting/Aboriginal Day Barbeque; 22nd – Enbridge Signing Ceremony; 23rd – Finance Committee Meeting; 25th – Chief & Council Meeting; 29th – Terrane Committee Meeting/Meeting with Province; 30th – Terrane Committee Meeting/Meeting with Province/Chief & Council Meeting July 2009 Schedule 1st – Dokie Wind Farms Meeting/Canada Day Potluck; 6th – Terrane Committee Meeting/Policy Development for Chief & Council; 7th – Policy Development for Chief & Council/EPCOR Open House/Finavera Meeting; 9th – Terrane Committee Meeting; 13th – Finance Committee Meeting; 16th – Chief & Council Meeting; 21st – Terrane Committee Meeting/Meeting with the Province; 30th – Peace River Coal Tour in Tumbler Ridge Thank you for your time and reading my report. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and see me or feel free to email dishini_sas_0110@hotmail.com.

Mussi Cho, Destiny Bear Youth Councilor

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