MLIB
FEBRUARY 2010
newsletter
NO.4
WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE
WINTER
Beautiful McLeod Lake......
A lot of work has been taking place
on the res over the last couple of months. Siding and windows are being changed even though it is winter time. We would much rather have all of this done during the warm season but the funds were not allocated till the middle of Oct. /09 and had to be spent prior to the end of Feb/10. That means we had no choice but to do it or lose the funds. All doors windows and siding for the INAC portion of the project were bought on an installed basis. 3 different contractor groups have been working on both INAC and CMHC portions of the project.
H O US IN G
D E P A R T M E N T
Rent is due at the end of the month!
The bulk of the hours being Jordan Calder and Andrea Jackson. spent (4to1) have been put in by Our Reno team has also picked up our own Reno team. These people a couple jobs from social housing are all from the res and have been working hard to get the inside work done. The team is Margie Alec normally 3 members strong. “Smile and the world They have been doing smiles with you” painting, flooring, cabinet For new applications for training rehabilitation, mould opportunities call me at remediation and everything 1-888-822-1143 that comes their way. Team leaders are Gordon Pierre, Andrea Jackson . Team which has helped us out allot. I members are presently Roberta would like to thank our team for all Mitchell and Tylor Vallee. Past their hard work and dedication. serving team members are Stephanie Chingee, Perry Hogan, Guy Rocheleau
www.mlib.ca
Contributors Memories to Cherish MLIB newsletter
by Leanna Tylee
Derek Orr, Eran Spence, Alec Chingee, Guy Rocheleau, Tania R. Solonas, Jennifer Weightman, Leanna Tylee, Marc P. Klijnsmit, Nathan Findlay, Kandy Klijnsmit, Geraldine Solonas, Bob Inkpen, Ken Solonas, Sandra Hammond & Jenine Solonas McLeod Lake Indian Band address: General Delivery McLeod Lake, V0J 2G0 Toll Free 1-888-822-1143 Community Dinner Tu e s d a y, February 9th there will be a Community Dinner for all members in the gym. Website and email address www.mlib.ca msolonas@mlib.ca MLIB Publiction No.4 The MLIB newsletter is published 12 times a year. Members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and the people of McLeod Lake can submit their news and pictures at mklijnsmit@mlib.ca Calendar of Events The McLeod Lake Indian Band Office is open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm.
Your beautiful smile, Your infectious laugh Forever missed Your presence Forever embraced The heartache we have Forever felt We will search for you in our thoughts Always trying to recapture something new A memory, An image We will continuously long for you To hear your voice one more time Will close our eyes and think of you You are only a dream away For that’s where you reside now In our dreams and our hearts You are a beautiful spirit Sabrina With a light that will forever shine Through us all We will not ask “why you?” But instead thank God We were able to build many fun & Loving memories with you For in the end That’s what life is…..Memories Memories to cherish forever. 2
Tania R. Solonas Good
Morning to Everyone out there in TseK’ehne Country! I hope that all is well with you and your loved ones. Wow, this past month has been extremely busy. I am the Acting/ E&T Clerk, in Margie Alec’s stead. She will be returning the first week in March/ 2010. I would like to thank all of you for your help and patience, while I have been figuring out how this department runs. I must also commend Margie on doing such a wonderful job in the past, and especially for making it look like a breeze (teehee, a little play on words). First off, I would like to congratulate our College & Career Preparation program students who are attending the College of New Caledonia in Mackenzie, BC. They are: Michelle Achla, Beverly Chingee, Darlene Solonas, Andrea Jackson, Sharon Solonas, Barry Solonas, Perry Hogan, Cheyenne Inyallie, and Vance Solonas. Their courses run from 08 February to 11 June, 2010. Way to go! We are still waiting on Western Canadian Coal and the ADDCAR training. Those people that were interested, please hang on, as we should have more information on the start date soon. A huge “mussi cho” to Kenneth Solonas for going to the Mining Job Fair that was in Chetwynd, BC last week. He brought along most of our clients resumes that we had on file, and on-line. Due to his hard work and diligence, two companies from up north, Western Canadian Coal and Ledcor will be holding interviews at the band office, this coming Wednesday 10 February 2010 from 1-3 pm. Way to go Kenny! They are currently looking to hire and train 12 band members in the office, and on heavy-equipment. That’s right – 12 band members! I am also re-vamping resumes, if you would like help doing yours up please call me at the band office. If we do not have your resume on file, please send it in to me right away. A quick note on our funding dollars> We do have a mandatory three-week period from the date we receive your application to the start date of the course. We need this time to properly review the applications. I was misinformed about the way the funding works, my bad > once you let me know you are looking for funding, if you live in PG, I will refer you to Terry Sabo; and if they cannot fund you; then we may be able to help you. It all depends on your location as to which budget area you live in.
Bubba-Balloos :)
If you have any questions, please call me @ (1-888-822-1143 ext 836) or e-mail me at tsolonas@mlib.ca. I will try to the best of my ability to answer your questions, help you get the funding you need, or direct you to the best person for the answer!
blast at Rhiannon is having a
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Elder Report - Geraldine Solonas A New Year is upon us. In my last report I did not mention the Elders met with the Band’s legal counsel in late November with regards to BC Hydro flooding of our lands in 1967, the ongoing erosion of our land from their man-made lake and their proposal for Site C, another dam near Taylor, BC. This dam would also encroach upon MLIB Traditional Territory. The Elders have requested the Band to immediately hire someone to record the stories and issues around the 1967 flooding and how that has affected the lives of our people because our Elders who were directly affected by this will not be with us forever. Since my last report, the Elders received $1500 from ConocoPhillips and $1000 from Talisman Energy for their Christmas dinner and a gift: $500 went towards the community dinner which the Elders attended and forty-four Elders received either a $45 gift card or cheque. The Elders sent thank you cards to the companies and had the same cards posted on www.mlib.ca website as this was much appreciated. The Elders in the community are encouraged to become more involved with youth activities that are cultural, including monthly parent/teacher meetings which include time to work on crafts at every second meeting. Josephine Tylee and Georgina Chingee attended the early December meeting at the Mackenzie school. Just before Christmas I asked the Conservation Office for any wild meat they may confiscate or which has been hit (after speaking to an Elder and they only want what has been hit in certain places). To date I have not been contacted, but I am sure there are others on the list. Also, I had to get a permit to get two eagles from them (which they said was in their deep freeze) but that did not yet happen. Maybe someone else got this as it took about one month to get the permit. Apparently, we need to get a permit to have certain dead animals in our possession and you need a permit each time you have such in your possession. The eagles would have been used for local arts & crafts. I have been working on a draft of an Elders Policy as a guide to the program and I will be forwarding this to Elders for your feedback. Policies are drafted to assist with the administration of any program and should have a process for just about any situation that arises. It is an extremely helpful tool if one has policies that are properly drafted. It must not be set up for anyone’s personal benefit. I am also working on a proposal which I would like administration and Council to support. This proposal will be looking for funds to run the entire, if possible, Elders’ program. It does take time to draft such a proposal, but once it is done it can be used for future proposal writing for this program. On Wednesday, January 6th, Verne Solonas and Agnes Solonas met with the youth (students who attend elementary and high school) to teach the youth about the sacredness of fire and how it was used in the past. On Monday, January 18th, Agnes Solonas and I went snowshoeing for about 20 minutes with about ten youth and two mothers. Agnes picked spruce Jack pine needles to share her knowledge of how to make tea with this which is used as a cold remedy and for general health. On Friday, January 22nd, Josephine Tylee and I along with Jodie Ware and Tania 4
went on a trapping expedition (seemed so to me!!!) with 12 students, three teachers, the trapper (Chico Crossland) and his assistant about 3 miles from our community. The trapper got 2 marten, 1 mink, 1 coyote, 1 fox, 5 squirrels and 1 beaver so he had a very good day but the rest of us were very tired after snowshoeing for 3 hours. Everyone else stayed to watch the skinning and stretching of the animals, but we left the students and teachers just after lunch. This is the type of activity that we encourage our Elders to become more and more involved in with the students/youth. An Elder could have shared the Tse’khene words each the animals. The Elders had their monthly meeting on Wednesday January 20th which information package, including what was discussed, was sent to Elders earlier this week. To the Elders: please read the information over and if you have concerns and are not able to get to Quarterly meetings, please call me and let me know your opinions. If you have a computer, email me at gsolonas@mlib.ca. Happy belated birthday wishes to Patricia Chingee whose birthday was on January 1st and Rose Boyko on January 17th; upcoming February birthday wishes to: Patrick Prince on the 1st; Andy Solonas, Jr. on the 4th; Barbara Alderliesten on the 5th; Sharon Solonas on the 7th; Virgie Inyallie on the 12th; Agnes Solonas and Doreen Isadore on the 15th; and, Gracie Solonas on the 26th. We wish to pass on condolences to Monique Voyer’s and Sabrina Tylee’s family. It is with great sadness they have moved on, both great ladies in their unique ways: great friends, role models for our people, full of knowledge, caring persons and wanting to work for the benefit of their people. They will be greatly missed by all whose lives they touched and we thank God and their families for sharing them with us.
Alex, Chef Daniel and Kandy at CNC Culinairy Arts in Mackenzie 5
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We are anticipating increased activity this spring.
anach’ea Everyone!!
As for band members being employed, Vincent Chingee is in the Dokie Project, Ken Solonas is in the office doing odd jobs; Chris Fox and Tony Inyallie have been hired by LEDCOR to work at First Coal; as mentioned earlier 6 positions are open for the Add Car. Western Coal & LEDCOR have 12 total positions open for trainees, in many types of positions. 4 members have been oriented for Mortenson, and BetsyAnne Chingee is working as an accounting clerk.
Duz Cho Construction LP & LEDCOR have been preparing the site at First Coal to run their Add Car test, which has three positions for training on the Add Car. Duz Cho will do about $ 1 million worth of work. As of February 1st, 2010, Western Coal committed to 6 training positions, to MLIB members for their Wolverine mine, a job fair is being held in McLeod Lake 1pm at the NRC centre (basement boardroom), Feb 10th2010, interview based, future opportunities are the Willow Creek mine, and the Brule mine.
Mitch Mortenson has left the employment of Duz Cho Construction, and A & J First Aid will provide necessary Health & Safety administration.
Duz Cho and McCaw’s have a $ 3.6 Million contract into the Dokie Wind Project.
Duz Cho Construction/Logging both shared space at the BC Natural Resources Forum & Economic Summit in PG, Ken Solonas created brochures & and a slide show featuring the Band, Logging and Construction, also manned the booth, in hope to increase the Bands companies profile, and further notice to the booth’s improvement is noted.
Outlook for Oil & Gas division the last quarter 2009 was reasonably busy, with EnCana & Conoco being the main clients.
For further information, please contact me at 250 788 2227 ext 239.
s a n o l o S n e K Ken Solonas at BC Natural Resources Forum & Economic Summit in Prince George, BC 6
Chief’s Update I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Ftheirst,family, friends and loved ones of the late Sabrina
very well to take advantage of the economic growth within our Traditional Territory, Region and British Columbia.
Tylee. Sabrina played a significant role in the development of the McLeod Lake Indian Band as an organization. Sabrina is an inspiration to our Members, Culture and Heritage. Please visit our website and view the beautiful memorial of Sabrina Tylee (mlib.ca). I would also like to acknowledge the recent passing of Jackie Inyallie (November 2009) and Monique Voyer (January 2009), with whom I served on the last Council. In addition I would like to express my gratitude to our current Council and to all our pervious Elders, Chiefs, Councils and Members who walked and passed before us and brought the McLeod Lake Indian Band to where we are today.
Christmas morn
ing
On December 20, 2009 General Electric & r Christmas tree ou ng ti ra Plutonic co de e en Arl Power finalized the purchase of the Dokie Wind Farm. McLeod Lake Indian My father David Band was able to secure improvements over the previous agreement with EarthFirst, thus providing Duz Cho Construction payments on
I hope Band Members are taking advantage of McLeod Lake Indian Band’s improved website (MLIB.ca). If you wish to automatically receive monthly issue of the newsletter your can add your email to the subscription box on mlib.ca homepage. Currently we have approximately forty-seven subscribers. The website is a direct link to McLeod Lake Indian Band projects and activities and will provide Members with up to date information. Chief and Council is working with administration to schedule our first quarterly meetings for 2010 on March 4,5,6,7 in Vancouver, Kelowna, Prince George and McLeod Lake. Once dates and locations are confirmed we will post on website and send a notification letter to all members. 2010 has brought many new opportunities for McLeod Lake Indian Band. I am very pleased to have some good news to report to the Band Members. My platform in the last election was Positive Change, and for a long time it seemed like not much was working out for the Band. The worldwide economic downfall, the collapse of Dokie Wind Project and the deficit in the Treaty 8 Settlement account forced McLeod Lake Indian Band Chief & Council to make some incredibly difficult decisions. However, after an extremely challenging 2008/2009, the McLeod Lake Indian Band has persevered and is now positioned
Grandpa Dave & Owen
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Darren My brother
closing, an improved revenue sharing model and an initial 52% recovery ($1,924,000) of total monies owed, with a further 20% ($740,000) expected by the end of March. In addition to the recovered money, Duz Cho Construction has also secured significant work on the completion of Phase I of Dokie and if developed, a considerable amount of work on Phase II which could earn millions more in revenues for McLeod Lake Indian Band. McLeod Lake Indian Band has a restated Memorandum of Understanding that will provide opportunities to the Members of McLeod Lake. McLeod Lake Indian Band is very fortunate to have come through the EarthFirst creditor protection process with these outcomes and has developed a positive working relationship with GE and Plutonic. On a letter dated November 20, 2009 Plutonic Power’s Tom Syer stated “From our initial meetings with Chief Orr and Duz Cho and onward, both GE and Plutonic have been very impressed by the professionalism and positive approach McLeod Lake and Duz Cho has taken towards the Dokie wind project under difficult financial circumstances.” So, Members can be happy knowing that your Chief & Council, Administration, Entity managers and Staff are working diligently to uphold the Bands integrity and move forward in a professional and positive manner.
Owen in drag
McLeod Lake Band continues to move forward with negotiations with Terrane Metals and the Province of BC over revenue sharing on Mt. Milligan Copper & Gold Mine. McLeod Lake Indian Band has yet to sign agreements with either party, but is optimistic agreements can be reached.
Our new cat Amos
Legal Counsel for McLeod Lake Indian Band continues to move forward on the amendment of the Treaty 8 Settlement Account. McLeod Lake Indian Band’s legal counsel, Doug Morley, has drafted a Notice of Hearing to provide Helen Low who is the legal counsel for the Public Guardian &Trustee. The Notice of Hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2010. This court date is to approve, decline, or grant an extension on the Public Trustee’s behalf. It is expected that with the support of the Chief & Council, the Board of Trustees and the Public Trustee that the court hearing will be a mere formality and the amendment will be approved. McLeod Lake Indian Band started the amendment process in April 2009.
Erica, Owen & Arlene getting ready to go snowmobiling
There is much much more news and information I will be presenting to the Membership at the quarterly meetings next month. These topics include: Terrane Metals (Mt. Milligan), Enbridge, Mackenzie Pulp Mill, Treaty 8 Boundary, Treaty 8 Settlement Account. 8
On a personal note, on December 31, 2009 I turned 35 years old and on January 28, 2009 I celebrated seven years of sobriety, free from drugs and alcohol. This is very significant because it was not so long ago when I was struggling to get by, life was unmanageable and I was spiritually, mentally emotionally and physically bankrupt. I want to share this with you because if I can do it, anyone can do it. So, if you or anyone you know struggles with addiction, there is hope!! Today, life is good and I am very proud to announce the engagement of Derek David Orr and Arlene Wendy Goddard. Arlene & I met in 2003 and have been together for six years. When I met Arlene I was one month sober and had no idea of the journey that we were about to take. Over the next seven years we would have two beautiful children together, I finished college and we both received promotions in our careers. There is no doubt that Arlene has stuck with me through many challenging and great times over the last six years. Arlene is energetic, kind and compassionate. Arlene works hard as in her career and as a mother, and I am lucky to have her in my life. I LOVE YOU ARLENE!! Arlene and I plan to elope and get married in Hawaii. Have a look at the pictures of our family over Christmas and the New Year. I look forward to seeing you all at the next quarterly meetings. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Chief Derek Orr
Owen & dad Rowman, mom & Erica enjoying Christmas dinner
SuperKISSSS Owen & his buddy Gabriel
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now his new s g in y jo n ogan e
buggy
Arlene’s dad Terry 9
Mom & partner Gayle
Update by Jenine Solonas On Reserve Councillor McLeod Lake Band Members, Hello to everyone and your families, I would like to start by giving my condolences to the Tylee Family. I know this is only the second month into the new year and dont know where to begin to update you, so I will begin from January 4th to date. January 11- special council mtg. in M.L January 12- P.G mtg. and Civic Centre networking January 13- P.G mtg. Duz Cho Logging Awards show @ Civic Centre January 14- P.G mtg. with the Province @ Forestry bldg. January 15- P.G mtg. with the Mackenzie Pulpmill Team: Jenine Solonas, Fred Inyallie Jr., Derek Orr, Albert Peeling, Tanner Elton and Al Humphreys. January18,19,20,- Interviews with Elder Harry Chingee in P.G. January 21- mtg. with Terrane January 25- Chief and Council mtg in McLeod Lake @ NRC January 28- special Chief and Council mtg. February 1- Financial Budget working day February 5- P.G. mtg. with the Province February 8- Board of Trustee mtg. in McLeod Lake @ NRC I encourage band members to attend the council meetings at anytime if you would like to see more of what I have listed above. If you go to the website you will see job opportunities, training, etc.... Thank you and hope to see you all at the upcoming quarterly meetings. Jenine Solonas On Reserve Councillor
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Dept has seen better times, so selling the wood is not as profitable as before. We need to be patient for this industry to find a more positive balance in the world economy, our new business ventures will allow MLIB to be less financially dependant on Logging now. There are some hard decision on the environment to decide, the Site C BC Hydro Dam proposal and Mt Milligan Mining project discussion are in full swing. There are some strong and divided feelings and emotions surrounding these ground and water altering projects. Mainly there is the respect and least destruction to the earth to consider but also from history there is the thought of compensation to the members who lives where or could be changed again! Please talk with the Land referral office, Jen is the contact there, or myself who is part of these negotiations. It maybe easy enough to say Don’t Do This but as I am learning there is a big chance that these projects will go along anyways so we Should Be At The Table for the Negotiations to ensure the land rights and our rights are heard and met.
anach’ea Everyone!!
I hope 2010 is treating you all well. I am happy to say that I am still plugging along in my pregnancy, it’s 5 months and a bit now, and my due date is in May 3rd. As many of our women have done before, I’m looking forward to becoming a mother and provider of love and knowledge for my family. I have a new perspective, appreciation and respect for this process of sharing your body with a little one. May I say Mussi Cho to the Mothers of McLeod Lake, their strength, motivation and love is amazing and giving!! With the same heart felt appreciation, I would like to again acknowledge the recent 3 female family members and previous family and members who have gone before us. Recently I have had McLeod Lake and the passing of our family and members on my mind. I feel very blessed to have had their footprints in my life. I have not had a lot of death in my immediate family so I’m finding the process and moments in front of me catching me in thought, but mainly for the immediate family and their needs. I like how Jamie said it on her facebook page, something in the context of Love your family and the ones closet to you with all you have at every moment you can!! And for Justin to post that God needed the most beautiful angel so he took his Mom. We are all amazing people within ourselves and as a community this has made us motivated over the years to move forward with strength and focus.
Again I have a facebook MLIB group I email for the next meetings, please look me up Yasmin Prince, there is also a MLIB facebook site and the MLIB website and this newsletter to stay in touch!! Mussi Cho Everyone!!
Yaz Prince
As for C&C information, our next C&C meeting is Feb 18th at the Days inn in PG and the Quaretely’s are coming up as well. I really enjoyed the Quarterly meetings in December 2009, especially to see the Band members I have not met or needed to catch up with!! I look forward to seeing you all again, your questions, insight and concerns are part of MLIB’s foundation of success. There is a lot more Good news this year than previous years for MLIB. Our business ventures in Duz Cho Logging and Construction are increasing as our companies bring in more consistent projects, proposals and partnerships as well as our safety ratings are one of the best to work with in the area. Our Forestry 11
Mining and BC Hydro Update February 2010
Hi Everyone, Recently Chief Derek Orr, Alec Chingee, Jim Humphreys and I were in Vancouver at the 2010 Mining Round-Up. While we were there we also attended numerous meeting with some of the companies that work within the Traditional Territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band. All the meetings had a very positive outcome with some promising opportunity for the members and businesses of MLIB. We are currently working on an MOU with Aeolis Wind and Peace River Coal as well as further economic benefits from First Coal. As Duz Cho Construction completes stripping at the mine, First Coal will be testing the Addcar machine and are looking for band members who are interested in training. It is very important to remember that, although many opportunities are coming up for band members, it is mandatory to be drug and alcohol free. Western Coal Corporation is currently hiring and have recently held a job fair in Chetwynd and McLeod Lake. They are looking for people who are trained in the mining industry or are interested in being trained at an entry level position. With the re-opening of the Willow Creek mine southwest of Chetwynd there will be many more job openings, if anyone is interested please forward a resume to jweightman@mlib.ca As for the BC Hydro Site C project we are still in the consultation phase and will be continuing to meet with the members of MLIB over the next few months. Coming up on January 25th, 2010 Morely Eldridge will be in McLeod Lake to do a presentation on the findings of the Archaeological Overview Assessment of Williston, Dinosaur and Peace River area. The presentation will include the effects of erosion in the reservoir. For more information regarding date and time of the presentation please call me at 1-866-283-6542. I look forward to bringing more information to share with the members at the MLIB quarterly meetings in March 2010. Jennifer Weightman Coal/Site C Coordinator MLIB Land Referral Office Ph. 1-866-283-6542 Fax. (250) 788-8824 jweightman@mlib.ca
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Horoscope Four planets will pass through Aquarius this month, Aries, and your house of friendships. Your social schedule will be ridiculously busy, and when it comes to romance, you should ask a friend with a very level head on his or her shoulders to help manage your social schedule, to weed out the invitations that really worth your time. No matter who you spend Valentine's Day with, don't let petty issues turn into huge problems on the 13th. On a scale of 1 to 10, you won't even remember it as a negative 50 in a few weeks
If the career path you're on now doesn't involve telecommunications, Taurus, it certainly should. Several planets in Aquarius are moving through your house of career matters, and each just loves tinkering with electronics and telecommunications. With Valentine's Day en route, and your sign being ruled by Venus, the Goddess of Love, you can create a mixture of your natural talents those bestowed upon you by Venus - and those currently gifted to you by those Aquarius planets. Together, you'll come up with a wonderful way to celebrate the day, and perhaps also to forge a new profession
Your Sun Sign always plays host to Valentine's Day, Aquarius - which may seem odd, since the keywords most often used to describe you include "detached" and "indifferent." Those keywords are also used to portray intellectual types - gifted people who can say anything in ten words or less - exactly what the language of love is all about. Since that's also what you're about, you'll be at your best in February, especially on the 13th, when chatty Mercury in your own sign will contact passionate Mars, and on Valentine's Day, when the Sun will meet up with dreamy Neptune
You must quite literally be on top of the world now, Pisces, and it's only going to get better. Jupiter himself, the King of the Gods and the ruler of all things good, has begun his year-long trek through your sign, and along the way, he'll meet up with another of the heaven's most well-loved planets, loving Venus - who'll also enter your sign on the 11th. These two will be absolutely inseparable from the 14th through the 19th, just like you and whoever you choose to spend Valentine's Day with. The magic won't end there, either! Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if
More Horoscopes on Page 16
you stop opening presents and listen. 13
Land Referral Office Report Alec Chingee
This program was designed to provide consultation between the MLIB, Government and Industry. It is meant to address the administrative issues for Chief and Council as the Chief and Council jobs are mostly political issues. Although this program is funded by the Oil & Gas Commission, at times we are subsidized by Industry. We have an office here in Chetwynd, British Columbia, the Land Referral Office, of which I am the Manager. Our Office is made up of the following positions. Land Referral Officer - Eran Spence. Eran is the consultant who reviews all of the oil and gas activities in the area, and reports back to the Oil & Gas Commission. Coal Coordinator - Jennifer Weightman Jennifer is the consultant for all of the coal mines in the area. Land Referral Clerk – Debbie Pinkston Debbie is in charge of reception, administrative duties and helps out in other areas when needed. At the Land Referral we organize Monitors from with-in our community to participate with Archaeologist companies on assessments of Oil & Gas projects. In order to enable our Monitors to do their job to the best of their abilities, the Land Referral Office provides pick-ups, snowmobiles, quads, snowshoes etc. to view most any job that comes across our desk. Today the oil and Gas activities are not extremely busy, but overall, there is still some oil and gas exploration happening in the area. It seems at this time, all eyes seem to be turned toward the wind mill projects for power and Industry is choosing our territory to set these projects up. We are also consultants for Forestry, Wind Power, B.C. Hydro, Highways and Bridge installations just to name a few. When doing consultations for these areas, we write a letter to Industry explaining what the impact will be on their proposed jobs. This lets Industry and Government know how they can accommodate us, and what we feel would be acceptable to on each project. We try hard to work out a compromise between us and these people to create a win, win situation for all involved. Sometimes we are invited to a NEB hearing, these are triggered only when a proposed activity crosses borders; either Provincial or International. We then invite our legal council to go to these hearings with us if we choose to participate. Sometimes the Canadian Environmental Assessment will fund these hearings. While doing these consultations we look for opportunities that allow us to share in some of this work and look to obtain contact work for the Band entities, but we can only recommend to Industry that they award these contracts to the Band owned companies, in order to sustain these entities.
Alec Chingee – Manager, MLIB Land Referral Office
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Forestry Report Ryan Bichon Staff in the Forestry Department currently consists of myself and Lionel Chingee, who is splitting his work hours between snow removal and forestry. Keinan Carty has left forestry and plans to pursue formal training as a firefighter. Others normally employed in forestry are laid off due to reduced activity during the winter season and continued budget challenges. The mills in Mackenzie are still shut down or operating at a very reduced level of activity. Duz Cho Logging is nearing the end of the winter logging season on the Band’s Treaty 8 lands, with log deliveries to Dunkley Lumber on schedule. Seedlings for planting on the Band’s lands next summer have been ordered and are currently growing in a nursery. I have been busy working on an update of the Forest Development Plan for the Band’s lands (to be released soon), start up of the Community Forest License held jointly by MLIB and the town of Mackenzie, exploring a new harvesting license for a First Nations Consortium (MLIB, Kwadacha, and Tsay Key working together), bidding on potential contracts for the Band and Duz Cho, struggling through a financial audit of our work we did at the Carp Lake Campground last summer, setting up a GIS training program for computerized mapping, and fine tuning work plans for next summer. Plans for next summer include regular field operations for both block layout and silviculture. We are planning to finish the hazard tree reduction work at Carp Lake Campground that we started last summer. In addition, we hope to make further progress on some local community enhancement projects (community garden, staining the forestry office, improvements to baseball field, etc.). Anyone interested in forestry-related jobs for next summer should let me know ASAP. Spring is coming and it will soon be time to confirm staff for the summer 2010 field season. McLeod Lake Indian Band Ryan Bichon, Forestry Manager
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A tug of war will occur this month, Virgo, between your diligent Sun Sign and mighty Jupiter, who'll spend the month in your opposite sign - romantic, dreamy Pisces, which just so happens to mean he'll be on duty in your house of relationships. Jupiter doesn't do anything halfway and he's a big fan of socializing so you'll likely have a veritable buffet of admirers on hand, offering so many evenings out that you may have problems getting to work! If you have time off, take some of it now, especially with Valentine's Day right around the corner!
You've never been known to be shy, Gemini, or anything even remotely close, and with no less than four planets passing through your fellow Air Sign cousin, bold, unpredictable Aquarius, the ruler of your house of long-distance places and people, you won't be afraid to speak to anyone at all. If they happen to sound as if they're from another country, or at least another culture, so much the better. Your ears will perk right up - and your heart, too. And with Valentine's Day just about here, well, it's entirely possibly that you'll fall in love at first sight!
The stars of the show for you this month, Cancer, are pretty powerful players. To start, there's mighty Jupiter, the King of the Gods, and intense, potent Pluto, who's all done up in responsible Capricorn. Pluto is holding court in your house of oneto-one relationships, where he'll stay for years, making every encounter you have turn extremely deep and passionate in a matter of minutes. Add in Jupiter, who'll be holding court in your house of long-distance friends and lovers, and you've got the perfect recipe for traveling. Whether you're single or attached, it's going to be a terrific month!
Feisty Mars is still storming through your sign, Leo, turning your house of personality into a magnetic, dramatic place. This red-hot planet doesn't do anything halfway, so no matter what you're feeling, where you are, or who happens to be in the neighborhood at the time, you'll definitely express it to the nth degree. If you're happily attached, perfect! You'll be madly, passionately in love - just in time for Valentine's Day! If you're single, you're so good at spoiling others, you'll set the standard for Valentine's Day dates for anyone else, forever. Focus your energies into positive outlets.
I have something to say.......
More Horoscopes on Page 21
Anything to share or show?? Send your story and/or pictures to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca 16
LRO Report
Oil and Gas
Eran Spence
Oil and gas activity has started to pick up in the new year, though the forecast for the next two years is still expected to be quite minimal. So far this year, we have received about fourty applications, which is a definite increase. There are still only a few companies which are currently operational; Shell Canada are still running at a good capacity and have already been into the Land referral Office for pre-consultation on over one hundred projects that they have planned for this year. Many of these are subsequent wells, sometimes up to a dozen well heads on an individual lease and a lot of their projects are just small pipelines and tie-ins; all of these projects are scheduled for construction between now and late fall. BP Canada, CNRL, Crew Energy, EnCana, Iteration, Monterey, Murphy, Storm and Talisman have all had project applications through the OGC over the last few months, mostly planned for construction this winter. ConocoPhillips came to visit us the other day and give us an update on their plans for 2010; other than small tie-ins and such, they don’t have much planned for the year.
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Wind Power  
Throughout the year we received several License of Occupation applications for the exploration and testing of wind energy projects in the area the for the purpose of data collection. Lately we have been working on mapping these applications to get an idea of the number and extent of these projects, how many ridges are under investigation and how many of these projects will have an impact on the caribou herds that occupy these ridges and also to get an idea of the general cumulative impacts of wind power exploration. The Dokie Wind project is set to resume construction, but the majority of these wind projects are still in the investigative phase and are a few years from application for development.
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Field Monitoring There have not been very many Archaeological Impact Assessments yet this year, and if the production status and annual forecast for industry activity are any indication, there may not be much of an increase in assessment activity throughout the year; as this is primarily dependent on the economic recovery and acquisition of additional funds to start new projects and resume postponed projects, it is hard to predict how these assessments will progress. Other Projects The Pine Pass Realignment was awarded late last year to Caribou Construction, a company out of Prince George and it is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2012. We have also been working on capacity funding for some of the more extensive projects like the Enbridge Gateway Pipeline. We are still in consultation on the Gateway Pipeline as well as the CCS Sunrise landfill project for the treatment and disposal of contaminated soil, Spectra Energy’s Goodrich Extension, the BC Hydro/BC Transmission project and some industry regulation update processes, mainly the Oil and Gas Activities Act and the Pipeline Regulations.
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Financial Update Sandra Hammond
At this time, I’d like to welcome Terra Tylee to the Finance Department. Terra won the recent posting for the accounts payable clerk, and started with MLIB on January 11, 2010. Terra is a long time McLeod Lake community member, and we look forward to having her on our team! The Finance department currently consists of Linda Inyallie, Accountant, Beth Cooper, payroll, benefits and membership services, Jamie Ware, Development Corporation accountant and payroll, Tania Solonas, Finance Clerk, Terra Tylee, Accounts Payable, and myself, Sandra Hammond, Controller. The process for preparing the 2011 budget is well underway; Chief and Council approved the first draft of the budget at a February 01, 2010 council meeting. The next step in the process will be to present the applications for Trust funds to the Board of Trustee’s, this will take place in February. The payroll department is furiously working on the T4’s, they will be ready no later than Friday, February 26, 2010 and maybe even sooner this year! With the March 31st year end quickly approaching, we will be starting to gear up for the year end process, it’s going to be a busy new year! There is currently an open position on the Finance Committee; if you are interested in applying for the position, please do so in writing to Sandra Hammond no later than February 28, 2010. Chief and Council will then appoint a member to the Finance Committee. Copies of the 2011 budget will be available in the next month or so; if you would like one please contact me and I can arrange to give/mail a copy to you. As well, copies of the 2009 audited financial statements for the Band are available; again, please see me for a copy. Q: How do you drive an accountant completely insane? A: Tie him to a chair, stand in front of him and fold up a road map the wrong way.
TAX TIME You should be receiving your T slips now. Your 2009 taxes are due April 30th, 2010. If you require help preparing your 2009 or previous year's taxes, please contact Margaret Solonas at McLeod Lake Indian Band reception, (888) 822-1143 or Bob Inkpen at (866) 283-6542. 20
Well, Libra, it's going to be all about love for you this month, and whether you're attached or single, you'll have some planetary envoys prepared to make it a memorable Valentine's Day. Saturn's presence in your sign and your house of personality and appearance is terrific news for those of you who are happily attached and thinking of taking things a step further. If you're single, that won't last long. No less than four planets in startling, unpredictable Aquarius will work their way through your house of lovers. Prepare yourself for a lovely surprise on the 14th!
Lucky you, Scorpio! Your house of love affairs will play host to the heaven's two most benevolent planets this month: Venus, the Goddess of Love, and Jupiter, the generous King of the Gods. It will be a wonderful February for you - most especially around Valentine's Day, when those two will get together, astrologically holding hands, all done up in romantic Pisces, and working their magic to make every encounter special. Once the Sun joins the party on the 18th, you won't have much time to yourself - but why would you want it? Indulge in your favorite pastime: passion!
You're famous for being chatty, Sagittarius, and even more known for your complete honesty. But this month, you'd better warn any unsuspecting bystanders to step away if you get That Look on your face. Four planets in startling Aquarius will pass through your house of communications, and if you thought you were straight-talking and blunt before, well, you won't believe what will tumble out of your mouth in February. Of course, Valentine's Day is coming up, so try your best to be gentle with your sweetheart - even if you can only manage it for a few days!
Pluto's presence in your sign and house of personality has been affecting you for months - years, even, Capricorn - and it's far from over. In fact, since this powerful God of the Underworld will meet up with Jupiter, the King of Mount Olympus, you'll have two of the heaven's most powerful allies on your side. They'll meet up officially on February 6, but well before and after that, you'll be able to chat anyone up, thanks to Jupiter in your house of communications, and Pluto's ability to attract anyone. Careful - you may end up with too many admirers.
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Website & Newsletter Update Thank you so much!! First of all, I would like to thank everyone for sending in a report, an article or pictures for the newsletter! I know I speak on behalf of most of the MLIB members. We currently have more than 75 subscribers to the newsletter, and we are getting close to a 100 visitors a day on www.mlib.ca!!! The statistics show that they are in Canada, USA, Japan, Great Britain and the Netherlands.
Website We are working hard to have the latest news and events on the MLIB website. All the departments are working on content for their pages. We will keep you informed when
pages will be up to date. If you would like to receive our newsletter and other news via email, please sign up at www.mlib.ca. Wo u l d yo u l i k e t o w r i t e something for the newsletter? P l e a s e , l e t u s k n o w. C a l l 250-750-4415 or email your story/ article or pictures to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca.
Kandy & Ma
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Sincerly,
smit Marc P. Klijn rters Newsletter Head Qua
MLIB Newsletter No.5 will be available March 8th 2010 online at www.mlib.ca or, on request, in print at the McLeod Lake band office.