The Traveling Feather June 2010

MLIB

JUNE 2010

NO.8

The Traveling Feather

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

SUMMER

Bear Lake Baseball Tournament Pics Reports LeJac Daytrip reflections

Broken Arrow Inyallie - June 5th Bear Lake, BC

www.mlib.ca

A

nd much more.......

Contributors MLIB The Traveling Feather Derek Orr, Margie Alec, Jodie Ware, Jennifer Weightman, Kandy Klijnsmit, Verne Solonas, Bev Wales, Geraldine Solonas & Marc P. Klijnsmit McLeod Lake Indian Band address: General Delivery McLeod Lake, V0J 2G0 Toll Free 1-888-822-1143

Newsletter Submissions Would you like to write something for The Traveling Feather? Please submit your story to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca

Website and email address www.mlib.ca msolonas@mlib.ca

MLIB Publiction No.8 The Traveling Feather 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

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

Max Tylee, 10 years old

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MLIB Reservation clean up

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Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

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Proposed Peace River Coal Roman Mine Project As you all know the Traditional Territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band is rich with resources.

Over the past couple months the Land Referral Office has been overwhelmed with applications varying from a hydro dam, oil, gas, pipelines, mines and even wind farms. One of the proposed projects that I have been working on is the Peace River Coal Roman Mine applications. Recently Peace River Coal has submitted their proposed mine plan to the provincial government for review from the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). As part of the review the EAO holds working group meetings to create an opportunity for First Nations, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forest, Oceans and Fisheries, etc. to comment on the effects of the mine on the environment and culture.

On May 18th, 2010 I attended the first working group meeting for this project. The meeting was quite informative but there were some issues with time as many of discussions were cut short and answers not fully answered. Most of the concern were about the caribou habitat in the proposed mine plan and what effects the mine would create to the caribou. As this issue has become more and more important on a number of different projects we have decided to hold a sub-committee meeting to specifically address the concerns of destroying wintering habitat for the caribou. Our first sub-committee meeting will be held in early June.

On May 19th, 2010 as a follow-up to the working group meeting I attended a site visit to the proposed Roman Mine project. As part of the site visit we toured the Peace River Coal Trend Mine site which is currently active. Although the tour gave us a great idea of the impacts a mine creates and the large scale project we did not get a very good opportunity to see the Roman Mountain as the access was limited from spring run-off.

As this project moves through the Environmental Assessment I will keep everyone informed of new information. If you have any questions or concerns about the project please feel free to call me at the MLIB Land Referral Office, 1-866-283-6542.

Hope everyone is having a great start to the summer,

n a m t h g i e W Jennifer Coal Coordinator McLeod Lake Indian Band

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Chief Derek Orr’s Monthly Report Dear Members, I am continuing to receive a lot of positive feedback from Industry and other First Nations on the development of our website. New to our website is a link to our companies, Duz Cho Logging and Duz Cho Construction. We have people accessing our site from all over the world. Every month there are more and more people subscribing to the website for our monthly newsletter. The website is a direct link to McLeod Lake Indian Band projects and activities and will provide Members with up to date information for news, job opportunities and current events. 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 e-mail to the subscription box on mlib.ca homepage.

Terrane Metals On June 3rd, Terrane Metals announced that Duz Cho Construction and Ledcor CMI Ltd have been awarded the 26 km upgrade of the all- weather service road that will connect the Project Site with Germansen North Road, which is a key transport corridor in the region. In addition, the upgrade road will connect the Government funded connector all weather service road between Mackenzie and Fort St. James. A copy of the press release will be posted on our website (MLIB.ca). Mt. Milligan is located within the Traditional Territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band. The start of this project will be very beneficial to the McLeod Lake Indian Band Membership and community, as well as to Mackenzie and the Province of BC. The construction of the mine will bring construction opportunities for our companies, jobs for our Members and an enhanced environmental consultation process throughout the life of the mine.

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Treaty 8 Trust Amendment Doug Morley Legal Counsel for McLeod Lake Indian Band Treaty 8 Trust has advised McLeod Lake Indian Band that a Court date to present the Treaty 8 Trust Amendment to the Court has been set for June 25, 2010.

Ledcor Duz Cho Logging, Duz Cho Construction and Ledcor CMI have signed a Joint Venture Agreement on June 04, 2010. This new joint venture will be very beneficial to McLeod Lake and our companies as it will help provide McLeod Lake Indian Band with more capacity to take on the bigger contract opportunities throughout our Traditional Territories.

Resource Expo On June 3rd I was asked to speak at the Resource Expo regarding the benefits to First Nations from building partnerships and joint ventures with industry. McLeod Lake Indian Band has been recognized as a leader in working cooperatively with industry in reaching these agreements. The speech was well received by community, industry and government. The video that CKPG put together about the importance of First Nations in industry is available at ckpg.com.

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Cell Service on McLeod Lake Indian Band Reserve I am happy to announce that McLeod Lake Indian Band now has cell service on IR #1. Although there has been some challenges with cell coverage throughout the reserve. We will continue to work towards better coverage. Currently, we have a booster that is providing our service cell service on IR #1. In the next few weeks we will be working on placing a cell tower right in the community which will provide a larger, more reliable service area.

AGA Our AGA is scheduled for August 5 & 6 this year. It is expected to be one of the best yet. Mark it in your calendars and I hope to see all of you and your families there!

Lieutenant Governor Steven L. Point On May 19, 2010 we had the honor of hosting the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia for lunch.

Steven L. Point was sworn in as British Columbia’s 28th Lieutenant Governor on October 01, 2007. The Lieutenant Governor is First Nations from Chilliwack and is on a literacy campaign and travels to many communities to promote literacy. Over lunch we discussed how his campaign had evolved, how he works with the Rotary Club and how they help many people who live in poverty in many countries throughout the world. It was also discussed that there are still many First Nations within British Columbia and Canada that live in conditions that are well below the poverty. So I applaud the Lieutenant Governor and Rotary Club on their commitment to make a difference in the lives of First Nations People.

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Community Consultation Meetings McLeod Lake Indian Band will hold Community Consultation meetings on June 14th in McLeod Lake, June 15th in Prince George and June 16th in Vancouver. Notification will be sent out by mail and be posted on our website with the time and location.

On a personal note, the weather is slowly improving and as a family we are able to get out and participate in many summertime activities like kite flying, bike riding and playing in the park. I am happy to report that Erica is successfully riding her bike after we had taken off her training wheels. It took her about two days to get her balance, but she is well on her way. It was rather funny; we took Erica to practice riding in the basket court by the skate park in PG. You would think that there is not too much to hit, but every time she would ride past the basket ball hoop she would run into the pole that holds up the hoop. It was like an invisible magnet that would draw here right in until she hit the pole. Thankfully, she was not hurt and after the third time hitting the pole she managed to evade them all together!! We also enrolled Erica in soccer and she plays every Wednesday and Saturday for an hour. Owen is really starting to talk and continues to amaze Arlene and me. Owen has gymnastics on Saturday mornings and seems to have all the benefits of the youngest child Logan has started Sprockids every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00. Sprockids help improve his mountain bike skills and is held at the Ski Club on Otway Road. He loves it and is really having a great time. Last Wednesday I attended and rode with some of the other parents while the youth took their lessons. The trails are pretty amazing and are free. If you like to mountain bike or hike I would recommend it to anyone.

Arlene and our family are very happy with our new home. We moved into our house last October, so this will be our first summer in our home. One of the great things about our new house is the beautiful flower garden in the backyard. Arlene loves to garden and now that we are moving into summer our plants in the garden are blossoming and starting to display their vibrant colors. It is a nice safe spot for our kids to run around, our family to BBQ, and spend some quality time with each other. I am slowly organizing our garage, so that it doesn’t look like a garbage dump!! Lately, I have been enjoying riding my mountain bike and getting out at least twice a week for a ride. I am also looking forward to some swimming, and playing some baseball this summer.

I hope you all have some opportunities for some fun and relaxation. School is almost out and the summer’s almost here! For all you students (and parents of students), hang in there, just a few more weeks to go!! See you all at the AGA! Respectfully,

r r O k e r e Chief D 9

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2"*3'04(*5-('#&4*6.-7*8(-0(* 90#,0-$:* Everyone Welcome!

Refreshments and lunch will be served.

Great prizes!

Date: Time: Location:

June 22 & 23 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Gym

Facilitator/Trainer:

Kelly Terbasket Blind Creek Consulting

Parents, families, Elders and community members come and help develop a head start program for our children and families that we all can be proud of!

For more information, you may contact: Stephanie Rocheleau or Chris Kaip

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Elder Program Report

May began with down to the lake for lunch; at this arrangements time it got windy and cold and finalized for the Elders’ lunch was late; people took people and this needs to be annual trip to the Provincial everything in stride by visiting or revived and maintained for our Gathering in Salmon Arm for standing by the fire; after lunch people.

July 12th to 15th. There are a total everyone pretty much jumped If you are interested in our of 39 Elders registered, including back on the bus and were ready language, I would encourage you spouses, and rooms reserved at a to leave for home where we to take some training towards Best Western in Vernon which is arrived at about 7 p.m. Some certification as we do not have just under an hour away as there people did their own personal any certified language teachers in were no more accommodations closure ceremony. Much thanks this community. in Salmon Arm, except for to the staff, counselors and There was a community hunt camping. others who attended to make this planned by Chief Orr for the The Elders were contacted about a good day for the survivors and weekend of May 28th and no one attending the annual Moose their families. A little bird says showed up. It was open to all Valley Gathering which is hosted this may be happening again! I community members to do the by eitherTsay Key, Kwadacha or believe McLeod Lake has again hunt with Elders invited to share Takla. It is about an eight hour started something never done their skills on preparing the wild drive from home and is usually before which is a benefit to our game. I believe we need to think in the second week of August. people and can be for other First more of what is important to us We are waiting for more definite Nations also. as a First Nation people. I think information on this gathering.

The Elders had their regular there needs to be in depth A few of us met with the monthly meeting in McLeod discussions with the Chief and Aboriginal Education workers of Lake on Thursday, May 20th with administration to find out what Mackenzie and students to plant an excellent turnout of thirteen the causal issues regarding nonseeds in early May to start them Elders. attendance for scheduled cultural off. We have such a short I am working on my third activities. growing season here that most proposal for funding for the Birthday wishes for June to seeds are planted early to be kept Elders program: the first was to Josephine Tylee on the 8th and to indoors until the frost season host a three week language Lawrence Solonas on the 10th. If passes then the seedlings will be immersion camp during the you are fifty-five or over please replanted into the community month of July or August; the contact me and I will send you an garden beds in late May or June. second is to host a one-day Elder application for Elder On May 12th, a charter bus went Abuse Awareness day; and, I am membership. to Lejac Indian Residential now working on applying for School, near Fraser Lake, for the funding to have the language day for a closure ceremony for taught at the day care/head start those who attended the school. It as of September of this year. If was a good day for the most part: all goes as planned, there will be we left McLeod Lake at 7:30 two Elders teaching the language a.m.; arrived at the Lejac site at the day care on an on-going Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if after 10:30 a.m.; walked and basis. I believe that the language looked around; prayed; went you is at theopening heart of whopresents we are as a and listen. stop

as Geraldine Solon

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Bear Lake, BC 250-972-4483 www.thegrizzlyinn.com info@thegrizzlyinn.com

Catering available Birthday & Celebration Cakes

The Grizzly Inn Summer Hours Starting May 31 Monday 7am-2pm * 5pm-8pm Tuesday 7am-2pm * 5pm-8pm Wednesday 7am-2pm * 5pm-8pm Thursday 7am-2pm * 5pm-8pm Friday 7am-2pm * 5pm-8pm Saturday 7am-2pm * 5pm-8pm Sunday 10am-2pm * 5pm-8pm

www.thegrizzlyinn.com

Dirk

&Bernie

Next time try our famous Dirk & Bernie Burger!!

MLIB Education Report Danache’a, It’s been a tough year, but slowly things are starting to feel normal again. My son has completed his 2nd year Karate in beginning of May and both him and his sister, Emma is now doing soccer twice a week in Mackenzie. They both relatively enjoy it as do I when I see their faces. My spouse and I have just bought our first home in McLeod Lake, 5 1/3 acres about 2 km north of Carp Lake Road. We are very excited as I have lived on reserve since 2002. There is a lot of fixing up but I look forward to the task!!!  Elementary/Secondary Update • No Elementary/Secondary Attendance & Effort Incentives as of April 1st, 2010 Thank you to all the parents and support staff for taking the time to make sure your paperwork was faxed and received. I will do my best to keep everyone updated if in the event, we do re-instate incentives… Don’t forget to keep sending in the reports/attendance as all students will be reviewed for our Annual Education Celebration, in conjunction with our AGA 2010 on Aug 5th & 6th, 2010 in McLeod Lake, BC. Call Jeanne Hegel for more details at the main office or by email jhegel@mlib.ca. Hope to see you all there as we celebrate 10 years!!!  Honorable Mentions – Term 2 • Selina Smith • Sarah Smith • Kayla Smith • Elizabeth Inglis Honor Roll – Term 2 • Katherine Inglis • Jesse Tadgell Honor Roll – Term 3 • Tessa Mitchell • Quinton Tibbets

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Post Secondary Update Post Secondary 2010-2011 – Limits on tuition, books/supplies, and living out allowances.

• All current and potentials students are encouraged to seek other funding as a backup such as bursaries, scholarships, grants, student loans, provincial income assistance, employment insurance, and other applicable funding agencies.

• As of May 1st, I have 25 students applying for the Fall 2010 semester. Current students have priority, then its new graduates of grade 12 then requests are reviewed by date received. Last school year, we were able to fund 14 full-time seats with 2 part-time seats. This year, hopefully we’ll be able to fund 5 new students. o To date, I have 4 applications returned. Again, the priority list is as follows:  McLeod Lake Indian Band members whom are continuing post-secondary sponsorship from the previous school year in the same field.  Members who have graduated from secondary school in the previous school year.  New applicants in date order, not including members who have dropped out/quit in the 2 years prior to the new application (excluding leave for medical and/or family reasons).

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MLIB Education Report   

New applicants whose studies are not within the 2 – 4 year program length, including those who using the first year to receive grade 12 or equivalent.

Applicants who have dropped out/quit prior to the date of new application.

McLeod Lake Indian Band members who have chosen severalty may receive Post Secondary sponsorship through the McLeod Lake Indian Band Education Department based on Indian & Northern Affairs Canada INAC funding rates only.

I would like to take the time to acknowledge: Darcey Madam Successfully completed his two-year Culinary Arts Diploma a the Nova Scotia Community College “Congratulations, you’re an inspiration to our community; MLIB wishes you the best in your future endeavors” Youth Update ECA Funds for 2009-2010, so far 30 youth have accessed this program as of March 1st, 2010. These funds do not accumulate over the years; students/parents are encouraged to access before the specified deadlines. There are new forms developed, please email or me for more details me at jware@mlib.ca.

Summer Employment 2010 • Students are encouraged to fax their resumes to (250) 750-4420 or email the Sharon or me by June 1st, 2010.

• Ages 14 to 30 are eligible to apply.

• Must have just finished school year 2009-2010, AND returning back in 2010-2011 to apply.

• I am currently seeking outside monies; this program is wholly dependent on outside funding. At this time, we only have enough to fund 1 full time student.

• Any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Sharon Dugan, Youth Worker or me for more details. o More details forthcoming…

Thank you for reading my report, any questions or suggestions, please feel free to call me at (250) 750-4415 or by email jware@mlib.ca.

In Friendship,

e r a W e i d o J

Supervisor of Education & Employment/Training

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Teaching our Youth….

It’s important we spend the time with our children and that we take the time to teach them the things they need to know. One day they will grow up and will become adults themselves.

How they live, how they conduct themselves depends on what they see & what we teach them.

Not really an Elder just yet, Verne Solonas, likes to spend a bit of time with the Youth to talk about some of his experiences growing up at McLeod Lake.

In early May this year, the youth sit and listen to his story about going to the trapline with his parents when he was a child. At the beginning of his talk, he explained to them how they used to visit Atsoo Monique & Dogun in the early 1960s. And they had to sit very still and be quiet when the adults are talking and visiting. The reason he started his talk this way was to explain to them that they had to learn to sit and to listen, and be very quiet.

And there is a reason for it. It is not polite to interrupt someone when they are talking. Or you might miss some very important information when someone is explaining things to you.

Furthermore, if you’re out in the bush hunting and you’re making a lot of noise talking you’ll chase away all the animals. So, learn to sit still and be very quiet.

One thing he says he notices is that our children and teenagers here at McLeod Lake are all pretty good kids. They’re not rowdy or loud and out of hand. You walk around the reserve and there is no graffiti anywhere.

Afternoons the children and youth get off the bus and go to the hall where they have ‘homework nights.’ Where else in the whole wide world do you have such well-behaved nice kids? We are so lucky and blessed.

Verne Solonas Love is what's in the room with you 17

Reflections on the Lejac Trip On behalf of the McLeod Lake Indian Band Health Team, I would like to thank the band members, staff and support people who came with us to Lejac for our closure ceremony. This one-day trip that occurred on May 12th was a follow up to the residential school trauma workshop that community members and external agencies participated in March.

There are many people to thank for making this day happen. First and foremost, the biggest thank you goes out to the survivors and their families who came on this trip. Although it was a step for many, it was also a celebration of courage, hope and moving forward on the healing road. Hats off to all of the folks who walked through their fear…you were very brave! Being a part of this ceremony was a powerful and inspiring experience. To be present with survivors and their families was indeed an honour and a privilege.

Thank you to Chief Derek Orr, Band Manager Adele Chingee , Elder Councillor Josie Tylee and Health Department Director Meaghan Van Somer for their support and leadership.

Gratitude and many thanks to Chief Larry Nooski , Elder Councillor George George Sr. and Jean Nooski from Nadhleh Whut’en Band for their assistance and support in planning this event.

We had a wonderful spiritual care team on hand including Father Vincent James (St. Andrews Catholic Church, Fraser Lake), Pastor Andy and Adele Barnes (Living Joy Christian Centre, Mackenzie) and Lauren Aldred (Chaplain, Prince George University Hospital).

And the thank you list continues. Vincent and Joan Sherry, Mary Arnet (Mental Health, Mackenzie) and Deb Lewis (Public Health Mackenzie). Darlene MacIntosh for doing the smudging and Sue Miner for getting the fire pit started and directing the staff setting up the huge tent down at the lake.

And last but not least our Health Department team Cindy Berg, (CHR), Scott Taylor (Addictions Counsellor), Stephanie Rocheleau (Infant & Family Development), Chris Kaip (Family Support) and Betty Giesbrecht (Elder Home Support). A special thanks to Stephanie for helping Diane iron out all of the details for this trip to Lejac.

The healing journey is ongoing. There will be more workshops and events coming up in the future…so stay tuned!

a Diane Nakamur

Mental Health Services, McLeod Lake Indian Band

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MLIB Employment & Training Hello Everyone, The Employment and Training Department is still taking names of members whom would like to take the Graduated Licensing Program. You will need to have a Learners (L) license to be enrolled into the Program.

The Northwest Community College is accepting applications for next Environmental Monitoring Assistance Program and this is free of Tuition. The course covers Training, accommodations, meals, and limited transportation to and from camp. The next program is scheduled to start on July 12 and ends September 7, 2010. There have been some new developments in the Environmental Monitor Assistant Program (EMAP) and they may increase the number of people who are eligible to take the program. Due to recent changes, there may now be an option where we may be able to accept some people who have been on Employment Insurance (EI) in the last 3 to 5 years.

Previously, applicants who have received EI benefits in the last 3 years or Parental EI benefits in the last 5 years were not eligible. With the recent changes some of them may now be eligible if they are employed at the time they apply but are lacking either of the following: • A high school diploma or G.E.D. • Recognized certification (such as a trade’s certificate, university degree or other professional training) or have some university or college credits toward a degree.

If an applicant feels they may be eligible for EMAP based on this recent development they are encouraged to complete the first step of the application and follow up with the School of Exploration & Mining to confirm this. We encourage all applicants to confirm their eligibility before moving on to the completing the second step of the application. Please contact Rob Maurer at 1-877-277-2288 extension # 5831.

The Department is looking into the Aboriginal Bridging to Trades trailer. The Institute the department is looking at is the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. The trailer is a large, expandable semi-trailer that offers a new choice for those who are interested in entering the trades, or current apprentices needing to continue their training. The Trades trailer is equipped to offer hands-on skills training in a variety of trades such as welding, millwright, machining, gas fitting, plumbing, steam fitting, and sprinkler fitting. NVIT’s Aboriginal Bridging to Trades program begins with academic upgrading in English, math, and computing, and includes safety training and employment-readiness training.

The upgrading is designed to prepare students to meet trades entrance requirements. The program is also open to nonAboriginal students. NVIT is proving successful in attracting Aboriginal students to their programs, reporting that student enrolment is up 43 per cent over last year. If any member is interested in exploring Trades, please contact Margie Alec in the Employment and Training department.

The McLeod Lake Indian Band has had 8 members enroll in the College and Career Preparations Program in Mackenzie. 5 students have remained with the program. They started in February 2010 and are scheduled to finish in June 2010. These students have been very dedicated to their studies and are receiving extremely good grades. The Department will be showing their appreciation of these students hard work at the annual education department’s “Stay In School” BBQ on June 16, 2010 here outside the band hall.

In conclusion to this, the Employment and Training Department is accepting names for the next intake for the College and Career Preparations program which will start in September 2010. Please note, that these students have all maintained their own income throughout these months. It is their own dedication, self perseverance, and eager to learn, that has made them a success.

Congratulations to all students, you did it!!!

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MLIB Employment & Training Members Update: • There has been two members take their Traffic Control Certifications and both have passed. One has full time employment with a road crew.

• One member has successfully completed the Mining Exploration Field Assistance Course from the Northwest Community College School of Exploration and Mining.

• One member has successfully completed the Surface Diamond Driller’s Helper Program.

• One of our Culinary Arts Student has started a Catering Business. The department would like to extend their congratulations to Georgina Chingee and her new business, “Atsoo Nun’Eh Catering”.

She is open for business, so keep her in mind for your next event.

I have been accepting resumes for different employment areas. I am forwarding most of these to Ken Solonas of Duz Cho Construction as he is working with this company. The Camp jobs are being forwarded to Ken Solonas too as he has the contacts for these. The McLeod Lake Indian Band and Duz Cho Construction have struck up a Community Job Readiness Committee. We are in the development stage with this committee and hoping that it will help members in the future.

I would like to touch on the application process for the MLIB Employment and Training Department.

Applications must be complete when it is received by the department. An incomplete application will be sent back and not considered until it is fully completed. The Labour Market Research of this application is for the client to get some knowledge of the work and conditions of work you are looking to be trained under.

The Mackenzie Employment and Career Centre will be here at the McLeod Lake Indian Band Office to provide their services to the membership on June 8, 2010 at 1:00pm. These ladies are very helpful if you are finding it hard to settle into or find your career. The department has attached a training call from PGNAETA. If this is what you have been looking for, please use the contacts on the information.

That is all for now. Hope everyone has a good June.

Employment/Training Officer

c e l A e i g r a M 20

CELL BOOSTER COMES TO MCLEOD LAKE On May 18/2010 the technicians from CPHP communications installed a cell phone booster on the water tower at McLeod Lake.

The booster takes a weak signal amplifies it then sends it out through 2 directional antennas. One is aimed at the village the other is aimed south east toward the other end of McLeod Lake.

Guy Rocheleau

Hello, my name is Eugenia Diana Marie Isadore. My parents are residential school survivors therefore I am a survivor as well but in a younger generation.

I was given a great opportunity to attend the Lejac trip with my parents as well as other band members who attended. They once again had to face the life they were given as a child not because they chose to but had to!

Just to be there as a supporter was an honour for me because I was given a chance to let go of some bad stuff and to still have my parents living and being there for me. To go through a life change with my mom and dad and to be able to witness something so powerful is a great honour for me and my family.

Mussi cho to the Health team of McLeod Lake Indian Band to make this happen.

Eugenia Isadore

Eugenia during cleanup MLIB

Carty

I have something to say.......

More Horoscopes on Page 18

Anything to share or show?? Send your story and/or pictures to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca 21

Baseball!!!!!

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Signing of Memorandum of Understanding Between Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc. and the McLeod Lake Indian Band

On May 20th, 2010 Chief and Council attended a flyover of the Canadian Dehua proposed mine site between Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd. After the flight Council met with Canadian Dehua representative for the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU outlines the building of a relationship between the company and the Band as well as funds the Land Referral Office for the review of their project.

At the signing, Canadian Dehua held a lunch for MLIB representatives that include, Chief Derek Orr, Councillor Jenine Solonas, Councillor Fred Inyallie Jr., Councillor Destiny Bear and her children as well as Ken Solonas, Cheyenne Inyallie and myself, Jennifer Weightman. There was an exchange of gifts from both parties as well as a $20,000 donation from Canadian Dehua to MLIB to support a community project.

The signing of MoU’s are very important in the future relationship between the McLeod Lake Indian Band and industry. Not only do they offer funding for the review of the project so that MLIB has the opportunity to comment on environmental and cultural issues it also opens the door for contract opportunities for Duz Cho Construction, Duz Cho Logging and Summit Pipelines.

n a m t h g i e W Jennifer 22

Gramma’s bragging rights for the newsletter....................

I would like to take this time to introduce 2 of my grandsons. These boys are the grandchildren of the late Paul Solonas and Beverley Solonas.

Aydan Solonas Wales just turned 18 in may. He has been treated for autisum for many years. For all of those years he has gone to special classes. This has been a difficult journey for him. He was medicated for most of those years with little effective results. Almost 2 yrs. ago he decided to take himself off the drugs. Although not recommended without a doctor’s guidance, this proved to have a positive effect on Aydan. He attended a regular high school all of this year. It has been difficult for him to make the transition but he is still hanging in there.

Gramma and all the rest of the family is very proud of him and prays that he sticks it out for another year to get his grade 12.

My second oldest grandson is Spencer Paul Solonas age 17. Spencer has also had a struggle to stay focused in school. His biggest dream is to be a pro wrestler. This year he won gold in the Alberta regionals and bronze at the provincials. He competed with high schools from all over the province including Calgary and Edmonton. May 11 saw Spencer with the most valuable player award for wrestling at his high school awards dinner as well as his outstanding contribution to his football team. I'm very proud of all his hard work and his dedication to his sports. I'm hoping he'll work equally hard to complete his gr. 12 next year.

s e l a W Bev 23

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

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

r a e B e a R y n i t Des Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.

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Coloring Page

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Cheyenne, Fred & Jenine are lost in Vancouver, but they have to go to the Vancouver Best Western for the Community Meeting. Please help them find the way in busy downtown Vancouver.

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Newsletter & Website Update This months newsletter was lots of fun to make! Never had a newsletter so many pictures!!

Every month I can write the same thing; more subscribers to the newsletter and more submissions by members of MLIB. And I think we can be proud of that! It shows that people are looking forward to the newsletter.

The MLIB website has moved from the MLIB servers in McLeod Lake to one of the servers of 4goodhosting in Vancouver. The website took up a lot of server space

and by moving the site, it will be faster to navigate the pages.

Next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue will be all summer! We would like to ask everyone to share your best summer picture or best summer memories.

From all of us here at the McLeod Lake Band Office, have a great summer!!

smit Marc P. Klijn This girl fell asleep while eating French fries......

MLIB Newsletter No.9 will be available July 7th 2010 online at www.mlib.ca or, on request, in print at the McLeod Lake band office.