MLIB DECEMBER 2011
The Traveling Feather
WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE
NO.17
中影 Pictures of the China trip
Contributors
Band Manager
Report
MLIB The Traveling Feather Adele Chingee, Cindy Preece, Vincent Chingee, Kandy Klijnsmit, Meaghan van Somer, Chris Kaip, Scott Taylor, Jodi Sharp, Eran Spence, Jeanne Hegel, Guy Rocheleau, Stephanie Rocheleau, Beth Cooper, Jenine Solonas, Ryan Bichon, Bob Inkpen, 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
MLIB Newsletter No.17 The Traveling Feather is published up to 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.
To my Tsekhene Family I want to take this time to “wish you all a joyous Christmas Season” from me and my family. Furthermore, I want to remind you all to be safe and remember to spend lots of time with loved ones and friends alike. We’re definitely on track with our Programs, Services and Budgets in Administration. We’re very excited about the progress we’ve made in terms of implementing polices and decisions of Chief & Council. At the same time we recognize that there’s always room for improvements and that we’re looking for ways to streamlining processes. Our overall goal is to be consistent, fair and proactive. The Band Manager and Executive Assistance recently took part in Governance Training with the newly elected Chief and Council. The information that was presented was very worthwhile and it’s always a good to be reminded of the different roles and responsibilities between Government and Management. During the session we all successfully identified the different roles and responsibilities of the governing body. We also discussed communication strategies, Chief and Council Work Plan and accountability. In Administration we are already working on next years fiscal budget. We don’t anticipate any changes, however, the focus of the MLIB Budget will fall in line with the Long term and short term goals of Chief and Council.
Adele Chingee 2
Forestry(Report( ! The!summer!field!season!has!come!to!an!end!and!I!am!in!the!process!of!finishing!up!reports!and!invoicing!for! contracts!completed!this!past!summer!and!fall.!!Amongst!the!flood!of!never8ending!emergencies!I!am!also! working!on!the!following:! ! Snow!Removal! The!recent!heavy!snowfalls!have!kept!us!busy.!!Lionel!is!in!charge!of!snow!removal!with!the!Bobcat.!!Sheldon! Ketlo!is!the!designated!back8up!operator!and!has!been!called!upon!a!few!times!already!to!assist!with!snow! removal.! ! Firewood!for!Elders! All!elders!on!reserve!have!now!received!firewood.!!Our!goal!was!to!get!everyone!enough!firewood!to!start!the! winter!and!then!get!them!more!wood!later!when!logging!starts!on!Treaty!8!lands.! ! Treaty!8!Logging! The!plan!is!for!Duz!Cho!to!start!logging!Treaty!8!lands!in!December.!!The!sawlogs!have!been!sold!to!Conifex.!! The!pulpwood!is!going!to!Mackenzie!Fibre.!!The!wood!purchase!agreements!with!the!mills!have!been! completed.!!We!will!be!logging!about!50,000!cubic!meters!of!sawlogs!between!December!2011!and!May!2012.! ! Community!Forest! I!have!been!working!diligently!to!get!the!Community!Forest!operational.!!We!are!now!ready!to!start!logging! our!first!block,!which!is!located!across!the!road!from!the!Mackenzie!Municipal!Office.!!All!licenses,!permits,!and! authorizations!are!in!place.!!Duz!Cho!will!be!logging!this!block!and!then!move!to!Treaty!8!after!it!is!complete.! ! Three!Feathers!First!Nation!Consortium!License! The!Board!of!Directors!is!still!working!on!getting!this!forest!license!opportunity!for!a!MLIB/Tsay!Keh/Kwadacha! partnership!up!and!running.!!We!are!in!the!process!of!finalizing!our!Forest!Stewardship!Plan!and!expect!to! receive!the!actual!Forest!License!soon!after!the!plan!is!completed.!!Our!goal!is!to!receive!the!license!sometime! this!winter!and!carry!out!some!planning!for!operations.!!Fieldwork!will!be!conducted!next!summer!so!that!we! can!get!the!necessary!permits!in!place!and!be!logging!by!next!winter.! ! Boat!Launch! I!have!been!working!with!Radloffe!Engineering!to!get!this!project!started.!!Radloffe!has!done!the!initial!survey! of!the!site!so!they!can!design!the!site!this!winter.!!I!am!researching!options!and!availability!of!boat!launch!and! dock!materials.!!The!plan!is!to!begin!construction!next!spring.! ! Ryan!Bichon! MLIB!Forestry!Manager!
Ryan Bichon Forestry Manager
www.mlib.ca 3
MLIB Education Department December 2011
Danache’a, Well I am back; I took 3 months off for personal reasons from July to Oct 20th, 2011. Since I have been back I have been busy getting the department organized and reacquainting myself with any new changes and budgets. Wow, I’m telling you when you have time off; it takes a while for your brain to readjust, slowly I’m getting into the swing of things again… I hope you enjoy my report and if you have suggestions or ideas, please feel free to contact me at the main office or by email jware@mlib.ca. My primary duties include managing the daily correspondence such as Elementary/Secondary, Post Secondary, Extra Curricular Activities, Elders, Employment/Training and administrating the FNESC dollars. I also have sit on the Planning Committee which is comprised of staff members; we assist and/or plan all staff events. Elementary/Secondary •
98 youth are registered with the Education Department ▫ Potentially four (4) grade 12 students who will be graduating this year
Attendance Incentives are based on the grade of the child, and how many ‘unexcused’ in a month. If a child has more than 4 unexcused, they will receive $0.00 for that month. However, if a child receives ‘excused’, they will not be deducted that month and receive the full allocated amount. Please note, in order for your child to be considered for the ‘Best Attendance’ award, he/she must not miss one day even if excused. Effort Incentives are dispersed as they are received and processed by what grade your child is in. All Elementary children can expect 3 effort incentives in one school year. All Secondary children can expect 4 effort incentives in one school year; this may vary with each school district/province. Tutoring Requests are process by date received; all sponsored students are expected to fax in monthly attendance/progress reports. Contact me for more details or if any questions. School Supplies/School Fees is reviewed and considered by date received. This budget is limited, we do our best to try and help all parents who ask for reimbursement. Post Secondary As of November 2011, I have 16 students registered with MLIB Education Department. These students are taking various programs at various levels. • 6 university level • 6 college level • 1 upgrading • 3 trades I have 2 application received in full for upgrading support to join the students in January 2012 plus 2 for part-time support.
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Three things I always look for when applications are being reviewed: • Be offered at an eligible post-secondary institution (INAC has identified eligible institutes) • Be a least one academic year in length (this normally includes at least 8 months of classes, but an institute may offer a condensed program) • Require grade 12 completion for admission (an institute may accept an equivalent) Youth Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) can assist with after school activities such as soccer, hockey, dancing, etc… Some examples are: ski hills passes, winter jackets, and boots. All kids ages 4 to 18 are able to access this. Must be registered with MLIB in order to access. To date, 35 youth have accessed this program. These monies do not accumulate over the years, its either you use it or lose it. For 2011/2012, the budget is set at $300/year per child. Program runs from April 1st to March 31st of every year. If you would like to utilize these monies, forms are available through me. In Closing Thank you for your time and if have any questions on the program that we offer, please do not hesitate to call me at the (250) 750-4415, extension 848 or by email jware@mlib.ca. Respectfully, Jodie Ware Supervisor of Education & Employment/Training
Jodie Ware
www mlib ca .
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SOCIAL'HOUSING'UPDATE' NOV'2011' ' I'wish'to'update'the'Membership'within'regards'to'activities'that'are'occurring'in'Social' Housing.' It'has'been'a'very'busy'year'with'the'completion'of'the'CEAP'program'and'the'start'up'of'the' Waste'Water'Protocol'Project.' 'The'other'project'that'we'have'been'working'on'is'the'Chimney'Sweep/Furnace'Inspections'of' all'units'on'reserve.'We'are'still'doing'the'follow'up'work'that'is'required'from'this'project,'so'if' we'haven’t'got'to'your'unit'yet'please'be'patient.'' We'have'also'had'a'CMHC'Review'that'was'done'on'Nov'7/2011.'This'review'is'done'about' every'three'years'In'order'to'make'sure'that'we'are'compliant'with'the'CMHC'operating' agreements'that'are'in'place.' 'I'wish'to'address'the'On'Reserve'tenants'for'the'requirements'of'this'review.'I'am'still'waiting' on'Income'verification'from'most'of'the'tenants'that'reside'onUreserve.'Income'Verification'is' required'in'order'to'calculate'the'rent'amount'charged'for'your'unit.' 'This'nonUcompliance'has'resulted'in'the'maximum'rent'being'charged.'If'you'are'concerned' you'should'contact'me.' We'have'worked'diligently'to'move'forward'within'the'housing'department'while'facing'many' challenges.'' First'challenge'is'the'Current'Housing'Policy,'I'will'be'putting'forth'to'Chief'and'Council'the' recommended'changes'to'the'Policy'for'them'to'pass'and'put'in'place.'Our'current'policy'is' outdated'and'does'not'cover'all'issues'that'have'arisen.'We'wish'to'make'this'a'clearer'more' understandable'policy'that'will'be'enforced.' 'I'am'also'working'with'current'tenants'on'the'issue'of'relocation'in'order'to'accommodate' family'size'and'affordability.'Some'shuffling'may'be'happening.'If'this'option'appeals'to'any' current'tenants,'please'make'an'appointment'for'discussion.''I'am'willing'to'work'with'tenants' whom'are'willing'to'work'for'all'to'have'a'favorable'result.' I'have'worked'with'current'tenants'within'regards'to'education'on'policy,'procedure'and' compliance.'If'you'have'questions'or'concerns,'please'feel'free'to'make'an'appointment'with' me.''
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We#have#also#assisted#members#who#have#either#chosen#to#relinquish#their#unit#or#have#been# evicted#due#to#Policy#NON#compliance,#whether#that#is#rent#non;payment#or#for#damages#to# units#that#have#no#recourse#to#correct#these#situations.## Our#assistance#has#been#to#provide#a#moving#truck/driver/workers#and#storage#facility#(all#paid# for#by#the#McLeod#Lake#Indian#Band)#to#these#members.#The#rental#of#the#storage#facility#will# end#in#the#New#Year,#so#if#you#are#one#of#these#members#please#contact#me#to#make# arrangements.# #If#arrangements#are#not#made#the#stuff#we#are#storing#will#be#disposed#of.# # I#have#also#worked#on#revising#the#Current#Housing#waiting#list.#If#you#wish#to#apply#for#housing# on#reserve#please#submit#a#Housing#application#to#the#Housing#department.## # Applications#are#available#at#the#front#reception#desk#or#can#be#emailed#or#faxed#to#you.## # Contact#me#at#bcooper@mlib.ca##or#call#me#direct#at#1;250;750;6843## If#you#have#any#concerns#or#solutions#please#feel#free#to#contact#me.# # Thank#you,# #
Elizabeth Cooper
Elizabeth#Cooper#
Social#Housing#Coordinator# #
Social Housing Coordinator
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McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation 2841 South Access Road, PO Box 64, Chetwynd, BC, V0C 1J0 250 788 8823 fax 788 8824
December 2011 Dear Members Our office and shop in Chetwynd was flooded on June 24, 2011 due to an exceptional volume of rain. As well, there were 16 washouts on Highway 97 between McLeod Lake and Chetwynd. During the summer, Duz Cho Construction administration, Land Referral Office and Development Corporation worked from temporary quarters in Chetwynd while our offices on South Access Road were being restored. We are pleased to advise that we are back in our renovated offices, and may be contacted toll free at 866 283 6542. We have retained a consultant to look at the feasibility of establishing a gas bar/store/cafĂŠ on reserve either in McLeod Lake or in Mackenzie. Either Reserve location would sell tax free fuel and tax free tobacco to those persons who are status. The feasibility study will be presented to membership and Chief and Council in January 2012, and member input will be sought. Should viability be determined, then the project would proceed to a complete business plan, design, financing, and implementation. MLIB has also received funding to do a feasibility study and business plan for a small wood processing facility, probably located on Indian Reserve, either in Mackenzie or McLeod Lake. Chief and Council has appointed Russ McCloud to the Board of Directors of Duz Cho Logging, Duz Cho Construction, McLeod Lake Indian Band Exploration Corporation and McLeod Lake Indian Band Development Corporation. The Development Corporation is preparing a comprehensive economic development strategy that will outline development goals for the coming three years. This will be presented in outline form to the community in January with an opportunity for review and input. The final report will be completed by the end of March. We have openings for two part time positions. A part time position, Secretary, is to record and keep the minutes of Board of Directors and other meetings. It is located in Prince George. The other part time position is Development Clerk and is located in either McLeod Lake or Chetwynd. The competition closes January 6, 2012. Bob Inkpen, Manager
Bob Inkpen
At%the%end%of%October%I,%along%with%the%rest%of% Council%and%staff,%attended%a%Lateral%Violence% Workshop%in%the%gymnasium.%It%was%a%very%good% seminar%facilitated%by%Neil%Burrows.%It%was%nice% to%have%all%of%the%staff%and%Council%at%the% workshop%for%the%two%days.%%
December'2011'Quarterly'Report' Councilor'–'Destiny'Bear'' Hello%to%All!%Wishing%you%a%wonderful%Christmas% Season%and%a%bright,%joyous%and%prosperous% New%Year!%% I%am%looking%forward%to%the%Holiday’s%so%that%we% will%be%able%to%enjoy%the%company%of%family%and% friends.%%My%family%has%been%doing%well,% keeping%busy%with%the%kids’%school%and%after% school%activities.%My%youngest%is%a%terroriser,% definitely%living%up%to%the%terrible%twos% reputation.%Sheldon%has%built%a%rink%just%outside% our%back%door,%which%is%amazing!%It%is%so% awesome%to%know%that%the%kids%can%skate%just% outside%our%home.%They%have%been%outside% skating%a%few%times%already,%and%that%is%always% fun.%Of%course,%the%weather%must%get%warm%for% a%week%or%two,%so%we%haven’t%been%using%it%the% last%couple%of%days.%But%hoping%to%be%back%out% there%soon%enough!%% %
In%the%beginning%of%November%I%attended%the% Northern%Gateway%Business%Summit%in% Edmonton,%Alberta.%%It%is%an%event%that%is%hosted% by%Enbridge,%there%were%many%businesses%there,% and%a%few%First%Nation%Communities%were%in% attendance%as%well.%They%spoke%of%the%safety%of% the%project;%stating%that%Enbridge%has%a%track% record%of%being%twice%as%safe%as%industry.%They% have%expressed%their%joy%in%having%tremendous% opportunities%for%First%Nation%Communities.% They%estimated%benefits%for%Aboriginal% recipients%to%be%in%the%range%of%$1%billion%dollars% over%the%first%30%years%that%the%project%is%in% operation.%They%have%committed%to%$1.5%million% dollars%in%core%funding%for%the%Gateway% Education%&%Training%Fund,%which%will%be% accessed%to%get%people%into%training%for%trades% jobs%and%other%required%positions.%They%were% very%informative%throughout%the%Summit.%% One%of%the%booths%that%were%at%the%Summit%was% for%the%Maskwacis%Employment%Center%Society.% They%are%located%in%the%Ermineskin%Mall%in% Hobbema,%AB.%They%are%committed%to%providing% people%with%diverse%skills%and%educations%levels,% university%to%trades,%entry%level%to%professional% careers%and%other%healthy%employment%abilities.% Some%of%the%help%they%can%provide%is%safety% ticket%training%and%renewal;%resume%and%cover% letter%development;%interview%preparation;%job% search%and%research;%employment%coaching%and% much%more!%I%figured%that%this%was%an%excellent% tool%that%our%members,%especially%the%Alberta% residents,%would%be%able%to%access%if%needed.%If% you%would%like%more%information%on%this%please%%%
do#not#hesitate#to#contact#me#or#you#can#look# on#their#website:# www.maskwacisemployment.ca#
November#14,#2011#–#Meeting#with#Daniel#Sims# and#Albert#Peeling#in#Prince#George## November#15K16,#2011#–#Governance#Training# in#Prince#George##
I#would#like#wish#you#all#a#very#Merry#Christmas# and#a#joyous#New#Year!#I#am#sending#blessings# of#health,#joy,#safe#travels,#love,#family#and# friends#to#everyone!!#May#you#Holidays#be# magnificent!#If#you#would#like#to#contact#me;# my#cell#number#is#(250)#640K7704,#email#is# dishini_sas_0110@hotmail.com.##
November#17,#2011#–#Strategic#Planning#Session# in#Prince#George# November#24,#2011#–#Regular#Council#Meeting# at#the#Natural#Resource#Centre##
COUNCIL'MEETINGS' ATTENDED:'' August#4K5,#2011#–#Annual#General#Assembly;# 4th#was#the#reporting#day,#5th#was#the#fun#day# August#24,#2011#–#Special#Council#Meeting#at# the#Natural#Resource#Centre## September#12,#2011#–#Regular#Council#Meeting# at#the#Natural#Resource#Centre# October#12,#2011#–#Special#Council#Meeting#in# Prince#George#at#?# October#13,#2011#–#Regular#Council#Meeting#at# the#Natural#Resource#Centre## October#24,#2011#–#CRA#Review#and#Audit# Review;#Special#Council#Meeting# October#27K28,#2011#–#Lateral#Violence# Workshop#in#McLeod#Lake#Band#Office# Gymnasium#
# #
October#28,#2011#–#Board#of#Trustees#Meeting# with#Council##
I#absolutely#love#this#picture;#it#is#Trinity#with# her#first#butterfly#she#caught!#Just#thought#I# would#share#it#with#you.###
November#1K3,#2011#–#Northern#Gateway# Business#Summit#in#Edmonton##
Destiny Bear
November#8,#2011#–#Special#Council#Meeting#via# teleconference#
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Duz Cho Construction LP 4821 South Access Road PO Box 28, Chetwynd, BC, V0C 1J0 Tel: 250 788 8823 ~ Fax: 250 788 8824
December 2011 Dear Members: We have had our best year ever, with sales exceeding $40 million. We have successfully completed this year’s earthworks for Capital Power Corporation’s Quality Wind Farm near Tumbler Ridge, still actively engaged in construction of Thompson Creek Metal Company’s Mt. Milligan Mine, and are the earthwork prime contractors for Shell Canada and EnCana Corporation in their gas fields. We have gained new employees from McLeod Lake and now have six community members who have relocated to Chetwynd and are working in our organization. We are providing training in welding, mechanics, equipment operation and office operation. We encourage more band members to come to Chetwynd to work with us. Please contact Mr. Ken Solonas for details of job opportunities and training. On December 1st, Chief Derek Orr is accepting the prestigious BC Aboriginal Business Award on behalf of Duz Cho Construction. A number of our customers have acknowledged the superior work that Duz Cho Construction does. We have joined forces with Dunne-za Ventures (West Moberly First Nations) for some of the work at Quality Wind and look forward to doing much more work with these fine people. Duz Cho Construction and Dunne-za Ventures signed an agreement with Walter Energy Corporation for reclamation work at their Willow Creek Mine. This is a three year contract commencing in 2012 with provisions to train Aboriginal persons in equipment operation and provide skills in reclamation. Members can be proud of the accomplishments of Duz Cho Construction. The company is a major competitor in Chetwynd and in the South Peace. We operate with high integrity and are recognized as being very competent in our field. On behalf of all of the staff at Duz Cho Construction, I wish the best for our members during this Christmas period. Yours sincerely,
Jim Humphreys
Jim Humphreys General Manager
General Manager
www.mlib.ca 11
Dear%Members,%% I%hope%you%are%all%enjoying%the%fall%weather.%I%am%looking%forward%to%our%December%2011%quarterly% meetings%and%providing%our%Membership%with%an%update%of%the%activities%of%Chief%and%Council%and%the% McLeod%Lake%Indian%Band.%%As%usual%McLeod%Lake%Indian%Band%is%very%busy%and%Chief%and%Council%have% started%the%process%of%developing%our%strategic%plan%and%budgeting%for%the%upcoming%year.%%%In%2012%we% will%focus%on%the%Treaty%8%Trust%Deficit,%Policy%Development,%Community%Development,%and%Membership% Equality.%%%
Treaty%8%Trust%Deficit%% On%October%28,%2011%Chief%and%Council%met%with%Board%of%Trustees%to%discuss%the%Treaty%8%Trust%Deficit.% In%2008%McLeod%Lake%Indian%Band,%with%the%support%of%Trustee’s,%developed%a%plan%to%approach%the% Courts%to%amend%the%annual%loan%payment%(section%10.1%of%Treaty%8%Trust)%to%a%more%manageable%level% that%would%solve%the%Trust%Deficit.%Unfortunately,%to%date%we%have%been%unsuccessful%in%amending%the% annual%loan%payment%and%will%be%looking%for%alternative%solutions%to%pay%down%the%Treaty%8%Trust%Deficit.%% Chief%and%Council%have%a%few%alternative%solutions%and%will%be%presenting%them%at%the%upcoming% quarterly%meetings.%
Community%Consultation%and%Meetings% Over%the%next%few%months%we%will%be%developing%a%schedule%and%plan%to%seek%Membership%input%on% amendment%of%Policies,%Procedures,%Codes%and%Bylaws.%%Many%of%our%governing%documents%are%out% dated%and%must%be%amended.%%In%addition,%we%will%be%providing%updates%on%the%proposed%Site%“C”%Dam% and%the%Proposed%Enbridge%Gateway%Project%and%seek%further%Membership%direction%on%these%projects.%%%%
Canadian%Aboriginal%Mining%Association% On%November%07,%2011%I%attended%the%Canadian%Aboriginal%Mining%Association%Conference.%Chief%Fred% Sam%from%Nak’azdli%and%I%both%presented%a%power%point%presentation%on%our%differing%views%on%the%Mt.% Milligan%Mine%Project,%which%is%located%within%the%Traditional%Territory%of%the%McLeod%Lake%Indian%Band.%% Over%300%First%Nations%and%Industry%delegates%attended%this%sold%out%event.%The%name%of%the% presentation%was%entitled%“Mt.%Milligan%Y%One%Mine,%Two%Communities.”%%
Governance%Training%and%Strategic%Planning% On%November%14Y17,%2011%Chief%and%Council%attended%Governance%Training%and%Strategic%planning% sessions%to%plan%and%budget%for%the%upcoming%year.%Also,%Chief%and%Council%attended%and%received%a% refresher%course%on%Band%Governance%and%the%roles%and%responsibilities%of%Chief%and%Council.% Furthermore,%Chief%and%Council%reviewed%our%outdated%Vision%and%Mission%statements.%The%revised%draft% version%of%the%Vision%and%Mission%Statements%as%well%as%our%Strategic%Goals%will%be%presented%to%our% Members%at%the%upcoming%Quarterly%Meetings.% %
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Congratulations!to!Duz!Cho!Construction!!! Duz!Cho!Construction!has!won!the!Outstanding!Achievement!Award!for!Community!Based!Business! from!the!BC!Aboriginal!Business!Awards!and!will!be!receiving!their!award!at!a!Gala!Event!in!Vancouver! on!December!01,!2011.!This!a!tremendous!achievement!and!on!behalf!of!McLeod!Lake!Indian!Band!I! would!like!to!congratulate!Jim!Humphreys!the!General!Manager,!the!management!team!and!the!staff!at! Duz!Cho!Construction!for!their,!“Outstanding!Achievement.”!I!would!also!like!to!thank!our!Business! Partners!whom!provided!opportunities!which!have!contributed!to!the!success!of!Duz!Cho!Construction! which!include:!!
Al!Humphreys,!General!Manager!of!Duz!Cho!Logging! Chief!Roland!Wilson!and!Darryl!Ketter!–!DanneU!Za!(West!Moberly)!!! Randy!Daggitt!!U!Ledcor!/!Duz!Cho!Construction!Partnership! Wes!Carson,!Mine!Manager,!Thompson!Creek!Minerals! Steve!Owen!&!Team!from!Capital!Power!Corporation! Glen!Zelinski!&!Team!from!Walter!Energy! Shell!Canada! Talisman!Energy! EnCana!Corporation!
Thank!you!all!!We!value!your!contribution!to!our!Business!and!look!forward!to!future!opportunities!! In!conclusion,!I!wish!all!you!safe!travels!and!hope!to!see!you!all!at!the!upcoming!quarterly!meetings! were!I!will!present!on!these!topics!and!many!others.!! Thank!you!for!your!time!and!consideration.!If!you!have!any!questions!or!concerns!please!feel!free!to!eU mail!or!call!me!dorr@mlib.ca!or!250U981U1332! Sincerely,!! ! ! !
Chief Derek Orr 8
Fred Inyallie
www mlib ca .
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Nov$22/11$ Public'Works'Update' Daycare' The$daycare$startup$curve$is$still$being$realized$with$the$last$of$the$bugs$being$worked$out$of$the$heating$ and$operating$systems.$The$heat$recovery$ventilator$is$still$down$until$ducting$can$be$rerouted.$This$is$a$ result$of$a$factory$error$in$which$duct$ports$were$mislabeled.$The$result$of$this$mistake$was$cold$air$ being$forced$into$the$building.$The$geothermal$heating$system$controls$are$being$fine$tuned.$This$is$an$ ongoing$project$being$worked$on$by$technicians$in$Prince$George.$The$heating$and$recovery$systems$are$ accessible$in$Prince$George$and$can$also$be$monitored$and$controlled$from$my$office$in$the$NRC$ building.$This$is$amazing$state$of$the$art$technology.$ Another$deficiency$that$has$come$to$the$forefront$is$a$lack$of$smoke$detectors.$This$oversight$was$ caused$when$the$electrical$engineering$firm$interpreted$the$code$as$no$detectors$being$required.$The$ building$was$supposed$to$be$registered$for$16$occupants.$The$actual$occupancy$based$on$square$footage$ is$40,$so$detectors$and$panel$are$required.$As$this$was$an$oversight$in$the$design$phase,$we$will$have$to$ pick$up$the$cost.$$If$it$would$have$been$included,$the$difference$would$be$borne$by$Cobalt$engineering.$$ Minor$deficiencies,$such$as$screens$that$don’t$fit$properly,$are$being$addressed$by$our$builder.$These$are$ cosmetic$problems$that$are$easily$remedied.$ Water'' The$proposal$for$the$steps$in$the$GUDI$program$for$water$development$was$complete$and$submitted$to$ INAC$in$August$for$approval.$$ The$challenge$to$water$operations$has$been$a$coliform$outbreak$in$the$water$well.$Shock$treatments$ have$removed$the$outbreak$and$no$coliforms$have$been$detected$in$the$well$for$6$weeks.$$1$coliform$ was$detected$in$the$distribution$system,$so$the$entire$distribution$system$was$flushed$out$as$well.$ Further$chlorination$may$be$required$in$the$event$that$flushing$is$not$effective.$We$await$test$results$ from$this$effort.$ We$now$have$the$capability$to$test$for$Chlorine$residuals$and$have$been$testing$for$it$at$our$lab$for$the$ last$4$weeks.$Small$amounts$of$free$and$available$chlorine$have$been$detected.$$ Wastewater'Protocol'Pilot'project'' In$spite$of$the$timelines$for$design$of$wastewater$systems$for$replacement,$the$decision$was$made$to$ not$proceed$this$year$with$the$replacement$of$the$4$worst$systems.$The$designs$were$ready$on$Nov$ 02/11$and$went$to$tender$immediately$that$day.$Contractors$had$numerous$inquiries$which$were$ handled$through$this$office.$The$long$term$forecast,$which$turned$out$to$be$correct,$was$not$favorable.$ Coupled$with$land$issues,$the$decision$was$made$on$Nov.09$to$terminate$any$plans$for$construction$this$ year.$A$large$factor$in$this$decision$was$that$we$are$the$model$for$all$those$who$wish$to$participate$in$
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this%program%in%the%future.%It%is%very%important%that%we%get%this%perfect%the%first%time.%We%can’t%leave% anything%to%chance.% Extracurricular*Housing*projects* The%re:allocation%of%funds%(originally%intended%for%wastewater%systems)%to%housing%is%being%used%to% replace%roofs%and%get%siding%on%one%house.%These%repairs%are%now%complete.%% Work%done%to%date%is%new%roofing%for%units%#58,%#20,%#32,%and%#46%as%well%as%siding%and%windows%for%Unit% #20.%All%outside%work%is%complete.%%Work%on%interiors%can%now%commence.%% Band*Hall*Renovation* Bids%for%the%Band%Hall%renovation%are%now%complete.%A%few%different%contractors%and%suppliers%have% been%engaged%to%supply%quotes%for%all%the%work%identified,%as%well%as%to%work%out%the%logistics%for%making% this%project%a%success%in%a%working%office%where%there%can%be%no%disruption.%Costs%have%gone%way%over% budget.%Meetings%with%contractors%will%take%place%next%week%to%revise%the%project%and%trim%costs%to%a% reasonable%level.%This%project%is%moving%ahead.% Guy*Rocheleau* Public%Works%% % *
Guy Rocheleau
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Employment/Training Department Dec 2011 Hello Everybody, As some of you may or may not be aware, my name is Terra Tylee and I am the new Employment & Training Coordinator for the McLeod Lake Indian Band as of September 2011. I decided to join the Employment & Training Department because I live on-reserve and do see the many struggles that our on-reserve members face regarding local employment opportunities within our area and training needs to assist with finding employment. When I had started this position I was working closely with our First Nations Liaison, Valerie Inglis. She has been a rock of support for me in the first few weeks of my new position. I find that this position is very fast paced, and I have a boat load more paper work to do for each client intervention. When I started in September we had a week of group training that was in full swing. The group training covered the basic tickets like: Occupational First Aid Level 1, Transportation Endorsement, H2S Alive, WHMIS and T.D.G. The week was a successful one and a majority of our band members received their certified safety tickets at the end of that week. Good Job Guys!!! I have also successfully assisted local community members head up north to work for the Environmentals Monitors that are out there like Tera Environmentals, Kleanza Environmentals. We had a job posting for a Field Reclamation Assistant and had one applicant come to me to submit their resume for that postion and had successfully got the job. Way to go! I have attended two (2) Aboriginal Education Steering Committee Meetings since my start and have gotten the chance to meet our CNC Aborigianal Education Steering Committee (a.e.s.c) members Michelle Gunter & Trish Davidson, as well as the A.E.S.C representatives from Tsay Keh Dene, which was very exciting for me for I have never been on a committee before. Our first meeting was October 3rd, 2011 in the afternoon. On that very same day CNC had their First Nations Celebration in Mackenzie B.C at 9:30am at the College to celebrate the 3 local First Nations surrounding the Mackenzie area (McLeod Lake, Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha aka Fort Ware B.C). The celebration was a great one we got the splendors of watching & particitpating in the dances with the “Old Fort Traditional Dancers” which was a treat in it self, and Grama Josie spoiled us with her bannock. I would like to give acknowledge the above mentioned, THANK YOU! Our 2nd Steering Committee meeting was here in McLeod Lake where the CNC respresentives as well as the Tsay Keh Dene & Fort Ware Representatives came out to the community and we discussed the incentives of the Aborigianl Steering Committee for the next few months. The meeting went very well and we had a great lunch that day the Anita Vallee had so graciously prepared for us. Thank you Anita Since my start in this position I have had a ton of requests for jobs opportunites for the Mount Milligan Mine. Our First Nations Liaison was handling these requests at first but at this time you are more than welcome to check out the Mt Milligan website www.mt.milligan.com. If you see a position that you might be interested in, please make sure to have your resume and cover letter in digital format and e-mail to the proper department or supervisor that respresents that particular job. It is imperative that you do the follow up with your potential employer if you are inquiring about a specific job position or opportunity to make sure that the company has received your resume & cover letter and that your information was forwarded to the proper supervisor for review, this is to
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make sure that your resume & cover letter was actually received by the company and will be forwarded to the proper person for review and to show that potential employer your eagerness for employment. October 2011, I attended PGNAETA’S ASETS briefing with Bruce Morin whom is the ASETS Senior Program Manager and 6 or more New Employment & Training Coordinators within the PGNAETA’S ASETS encatchment area (Prince George – Nechako area) which covers from Granisle – Valemont B.C. The ASETS briefing was a great opportunity to make sure that all my swirling questions got answered and I understood to an extent the outline of the ASETS Program. I must admit that I still have a lot of reading to do regarding this funded program to help me fully understand the policy & procedures, but I am hoping that come 2012 I will be able to understand better my program. We also heard from Terry Luggi-Sabo who is the ASETS Program Finance Officer. She went through with us the annual budgets & the reporting aspect of our ASETS Program that our PGNAETA funders require every 3 months of reporting that I get to learn & do. I would like to say a BIG…. THANK YOU to all our band members and non band members that I have dealt with since my start in this position. Thank you for your patience with me as I am learning this new position and hope to do this job to the best my abilities. I am hoping that by next year I will be more confident in myself and my duties. Thank you again and I hope that everyone has a beautiful Snow season, a great family Christmas with whomever and wherever you may be this holiday season, and a Wonderful New Years 2011-2012 with your friends and family. Sincerely Terra Tylee
Terra Tylee
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November(24,(2011( Councillor(Report(( Hello(Members;( ABORIGINAL)AWARENESS) This(portion(is(included(in(the(Orientation(package(delivered(by(myself,(as(part(of(the(Mount(Milligan( training.(( This(will(include(pictures,(maps(and(an(oral(report(on(the(history(of(the(Tsekhene(Nation.( ( GOVERNANCE)TRAINING) The(Chief(and(Council(had(three(day(training(in(Prince(George,(two(days(of(governance,(one(day(of( strategic(planning.( This(course(was(delivered(by(Rona(Sterling(Consulting(Inc.(Rona(is(first(nations(from(the(Merritt(B.C.(area( and(has(her(Masters(in(Social(Work.( This(course(was(amazing(and(I(found(all(participated(with(100%,(I(must(say(working(on(the(Vision,( Mission(statement(for(the(McLeod(Lake(First(Nation(was(one(of(my(favourite(parts(to(remember.(I( understand(we(are(still(in(draft(form,(as(we(await(feedback(from(the(membership.( ) TASK)FORCE)(HEALTH)) I(will(be(attending(a(two(day(health(conference(at(the(end(of(November(in(Vancouver,(which,(ties(into( the(quarterly(mtgs.(Therefore,(I(will(be(able(to(attend(the(Vancouver(quarterly(and(be(able(to(spend( some(time(with(the(members(in(this(area.(( ( We(are(at(my(favourite(time(of(year(“Christmas(time”(so(here’s(a(very(“Merry(Christmas(to(all,(and(God( Bless”(from(my(family(to(yours.( (
Jenine Solonas
Jenine(Solonas(
On(Reserve(Councillor,(McLeod(Lake(Indian(Band( ( (
Quarterly)Report)
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December,)2011)
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))))))))))Geraldine)Solonas)
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Dan!a!che'!a.!(Hello,!how!are!you.)!Sas!che.!(I!am!fine.)! Our!monthly!Council!reports!are!also!put!on!the!www.mlib.ca!web!site.!! ! Since! the! Band’s! Annual! General! Assembly! in! McLeod! Lake,! we! have! been! busy! with! monthly!Council!and!Special!Council!meetings;!we!have!monthly!meetings!with!businesses!such! as! with! the! Oil! &! Gas! Commission! to! renegotiate! our! last! agreement,! which! provides! $1500! monthly!funding!for!each!wellhead!put!up!in!our!traditional!territory!(this!has!steady!decreased! due! to! inactivity)! as! well! $420,000! annually! to! assist! in! providing! services,! including! the! administration!of!the!Land!Referral!office!in!Chetwynd;!we!had!an!introductory!meeting!with! Xtrata!who!bought!out!First!Coal!and!who!wish!to!continue!doing!business!with!MLIB;!we!stay! involved! with! Site! C! related! meetings! along! with! Treaty! 8! Bands! and! the! Treaty! 8! Tribal! Association!–!the!project!is!entering!stage!3!of!5!which!is!the!environmental!assessment!stage! and!MLIB!supports!the!local!Bands’!stand!that!First!Nations!must!have!more!involvement!in!this! stage! of! the! project;! MLIB! is! also! involved! with! the! Fish! &! Wildlife! Compensation! program! (Peace!Region)!who!usually!meet!monthly,!which!Alec!Chingee!and/or!I!attend!–!we!have!been! discussing!an!MOU!they!wish!First!Nations!to!sign!off!on.!Currently!the!12!Bands!(interior!and! north)!are!scheduled!to!meet!on!November!29th!&!30th!in!Prince!George!to!discuss!issues!with! the!draft!MOU;!MLIB!is!working!on!agreements!with!Capital!Power,!Finavera,!Peace!River!Coal;! and,! look! forward! to! possible! future! negotiations! with! Xtrata,! Walter! Energy,! Teck! Resources! Ltd,!and!Canadian!Kailuan!Dehua.! ! The!Band’s!annual!audit!completed!in!mid`August!showed!the!Band!to!be!in!excellent! financial!position!and!this!has!been!ongoing!since.! ! Russ!McLeod/Boyko!has!replaced!me!on!the!Board!of!Directors!for!the!MLIB!businesses,! except!for!Summit!Pipelines,!who!has!a!different!Board!makeup.!The!Board!of!Directors!have! been!a!great!asset!and!a!blessing!to!the!Band!as!each!of!the!directors!share!specific!knowledge! and!expertise!to!and!for!the!benefit!of!MLIB!businesses,!which!are!vastly!growing.!Mussi!cho!to! the! Board! of! Directors! of! all! Band! entities,! the! Managers! of! Duz! Cho! Logging! and! Duz! Cho! Construction,! legal! counsel,! and! the! Economic! Development! officer! for! your! consistent! dedication!and!hard!work.! ! I!attended!the!National!Aboriginal!Business!Opportunities!Conference!in!Osoyoos!with! Chief!Orr.!This!was!a!fantastic!conference!to!meet!people!in!different!businesses!who!want!to! create!opportunities!between!the!private!sector!and!Aboriginal!communities.!Networking!with! other!First!Nations!is!always!a!blessing!to!know!that!we!(MLIB)!are!known!for!taking!a!stand!in! what!we!believe!in.!The!resort!where!the!conference!was!hosted!is!a!wonder!in!itself,!beautiful! as!well!as!excellent!5!start!service.! ! I!sit!on!the!Mackenzie!CNC!Aboriginal!Advisory!committee!and!attended!two!meetings:! one!in!Kwadacha!in!August!and!another!in!Burns!Lake!in!October!discussing!how!culture!and!!
language' activities' may' enhance' education' programs' in' these' schools' and' how' communities' can' become' involved' with' the' same' goal' in' mind.' ' I' also' sit' on' the' provincial' First' Peoples’' Heritage'Language'Culture'Council'Advisory'committee'and'attended'their'AGA'in'Fort'St.'John' in'October.'You'may'access'their'annual'reports'given'at'the'AGA'at'www.fphlcc.ca.'These'two' organizations'pay'all'travel'expenses'for'any'of'their'meetings.' ' MLIB' was' recently' audited' by' the' Canada' Revenue' Agency' (CRA).' In' the' past,' some' registered'status'Band'members'who'worked'off'reserve'did'not'pay'the'relevant'taxes.'MLIB' was' able' to' negotiate' with' CRA' to' audit' only' the' 2009' year' as' CRA' has' the' right' to' audit' additional'years.'It'is'extremely'important'that'when'you'are'requested'to'fill'out'the'TD1'and' TD1UIN'(for'status'employees)'forms'each'year'that'you'do'this'correctly.'This'is'your'statement' to' your' employer' to' determine' what' deductions' they' take' from' each' pay' cheque' and' this' is' signed'by'you'making'it'your'responsibility'for'all'deductions.' ' The'Council'met'a'young'gentleman'from'Tsay'Keh,'Daniel'Sims,'on'November'14th,'who' is'pursuing'his'Masters’'degree'and'offers'to'assist'MLIB'in'interviewing'members'on'the'effects' of'the'WAC'Bennet'dam,'which'is'scheduled'for'this'Spring.'' ' On'October'31st'a'group'of'MLIB'Elders:'Alec'Chingee,'Evelyn'Patsey,'Michael'Solonas,' Doris' Prince' (Maddo),' Rosalind' Solonas' and' myself' as' Council' rep' went' to' China' on' an' all' expenses' paid' trip' hosted' by' Canadian' Kailuan' Dehua,' Shougang' International' and' Kailuan' Energy.' This' is' in' conjunction' with' their' wishes' to' put' in' an' underground' coal' mine' in' the' Hudson’s'Hope'area.'They'wish'to'consult'directly'with'the'First'Nations'of'the'territory'they' plan' to' work' in' to' establish' a' positive' working' relationship.' This' was' an' extremely' humbling' experience'as'we'were'treated'like'royalty,'staying'in'five'star'hotels'except'for'one'where'it' was'either'the'five'star'hotel'or'travel'at'least'one'hour'out'of'the'city'for'such'accommodation.' There' was' always' at' least' six' of' their' group' catering' to' our' needs' wherever' they' brought' us,' including'to'the'Great'Wall'in'Beijing,'to'a'coal'mine'museum'in'Tangshan,'a'steel'mill'plant'in' Shanghai,'a'silk'factory'and'a'famous'rose'garden'in'Suzhou;'and,'then'onto'Hangzhou'for'boat' tour'and'onto'a'huge'tea'factory'in'the'mountains,'then'to'an'opera'the'night'before'we'left' and'the'famous'Silk'Street'in'Beijing'on'the'last'day.'We'returned'to'Vancouver'on'November' 7th'where'they'continued'to'host'us'until'November'10th'when'we'returned'to'Prince'George.'' ' We'finally'had'two'days'of'governance'training'on'November'15th'and'16th'to'reiterate' or' learn' our' roles' and' responsibilities' of' governance;' leadership' and' accountability' qualities;' effective' meetings;' good' communication' strategies;' boundaries' between' Council' and' administration;'and'strategic'planning.'We'then'teamed'with'the'Band'department'managers' the'next'day'beginning'our'short'and'long'term'strategic'planning'for'the'Band.'' ' Mussi'cho'for'taking'the'time'to'read'this'and'blessings'to'each'Band'member,'all'those' working'for'MLIB'and'those'connected'to'MLIB'in'any'way'for'a'happy,'healthy,'safe'Christmas' and'New'Year'for'you'and'your'families.'' ' On'a'personal'note,'I'suggest'you'read'Psalm'91'(NIV)'daily'whenever'possible.''
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Hello Everyone, We have the final version of the update to our Land Use Plan and the Comprehensive Community Development Plan. If you wish to see a copy, come to the Lands management Office in McLeod Lake. I can also send an electronic copy to Band members who would like one. I’m still waiting for people to come forward to be a part of an Emergency Planning Committee. Let me know at srocheleau@mlib.ca if you are interested. Last month, my newsletter submission was about a 72-hour kit that would fit in a milk carton. This time I’ve included a checklist for a more extensive kit for your home. This list is from http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/_fl/pub/mrgnc-kt-eng.pdf if you want more information. You may have some of these basic emergency kit items already, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized, easy to find and easy to carry (in a suitcase with wheels or in a backpack) in case you need to evacuate your home. Whatever you do, don't wait for a disaster to happen. Easy to carry – think of ways that you can pack your emergency kit so that you and those on your emergency plan can easily take the items with you, if necessary.
Water – two litres of water per person per day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order) Food – that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year) Manual can opener Flashlight and batteries Battery–powered or wind–up radio (and extra batteries) First aid kit Special needs items – prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities Extra keys – for your car and house Cash – include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones Emergency plan – include a copy of it and ensure it contains in–town and out–of–town contact information
Consider these additional emergency kit supplies...
Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
Candles and matches or lighter (place in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
Toiletries
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Utensils
Garbage bags
Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, pocket knife) Small fuel-operated stove and fuel Whistle (to attract attention) Duct tape
Have a safe month.
Stephanie Rocheleau
Stephanie Rocheleau
Lands Management Coordinator !
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Debbie Pinkston 26
Oil and Gas is still busy, the majority of developmental activity in the area is being conducted by Shell in the Groundbirch ;ield, Murphy in the Sundown, EnCana in the Noel and Sundown ;ields; some from Talisman in the Ojay and Farrell Creek area, Crew in the Septimus, ConocoPhillips in the Kelly. Apache plan to do further drilling on existing leases, but have no plans for new wellsites. Companies like Suncor have long-‐term leases on several sections of land, but have no plans to develop them in the next year or two, similarly with other companies, as they are waiting for an improvement in market value. Only two seismic programs have been applied for and completed since June, both in the Stewart Lake and Septimus area, one of the busiest areas within MLIB’s Traditional Territory. Most of the seismic companies in BC and Alberta have been bought out by Clean Harbour, a company out of Boston.
We met with Suncor on Tuesday regarding their ;ive year Vegetation Management Plan. With Suncor and EnCana, we discussed preferred and best methods, environmental and wildlife concerns, timeframes and avoidance for critical wildlife values. Both companies will be managing their lease sites on disturbed ground where there will be minimal impacts to wildlife or aquatic features. We were out at a Spectra pipeline with Landsong to watch them install an open cut crossing of a ;ish bearing creek, which was relatively effective in preserving environmental values. In reviewing the Ministry of Energy and Mines tenure sales packages over the last quarter, the majority of sales have been north of the Peace River, between Taylor and Fort St. John, which might accurately forecast the potential for activity in the area. A lot of the wells being drilled in the South Peace are additional wells on existing leases.
Eran Spence
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Land Referral Office
EnCana have found a lot of scentless camomile along one of their right of ways and I was out on a tour with them to discuss potential methods of treatment and they are currently conducting a comparison, pulling the weeds on one side and spraying the other to see which will prove more effective in the spring. The common tansy along Spectra’s pipeline crossing at the Pine River is under investigation. We met with representatives from the Peace River Regional District, the province and others for a site visit to assess the state of the area and potential for spread. There is a Northeast Invasive Plants Committee in Dawson Creek on December 7th that we will attend regarding all aspects of invasive weeds.
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MLIB 2011 December Quarterly Report Danache’a and Happy Holidays everyone!!! I hope everyone is well and surrounded by Family and Community this season! Since June 2011, the C&C have continued to maintain and ensure the revenues and new businesses are coming to McLeod Lake Indian Band. We are thankful to have the majority of the C&C re elected for continuity and the chance to move forward with a good working group. New Business like Mac Fiber, the Mackenzie Pulp Mill are up and running, ESS Camps have hired 5 Band members to work for them, and we are in the MOU stage with Finavera for an alternative energy Windfarm around Tumbler Ridge. Duz Cho Logging and Construction have both done well to secure new and future work contracts. Duz Cho Construction has received recognition in its’ field from other companies that hire them as a great company to work with and they are going to receive a Aboriginal Business Award for a Community Owned Company this December 1st in Vancouver. An award previously given to Duz Cho Logging. C&C had their Strategic planning and Governance Training in Early November. We pulled together memberships request, senior managers and C&C ideas in to Short, Medium and Long term goals. So some short term goals (under 1 year) are working on amendments to the Electoral and Membership codes, a boat launch, Home equity program and starting the ball rolling on a Gas station for McLeod Lake area. Medium (within 2 years) Goals include a Cultural Camp to be set up, Band hall renovations and Water system improvement for ML. Some long distant goals (by 2014) are plans for a new Community centre in McLeod. C&C are also aware that re-implementing Band programs is essential for everyone near and far so through the new revenues and businesses, program money will be allocated and negotiated for everyones benefit. I have personally attended a conference in Vancouver with Albert Peeling for the fight Against the Site C dam project. The David Suzuki Foundation hosted it and it was a great chance to hear and meet other people who Love and want to keep the Peace River area as it is!! There were other First Nation Bands there, local community groups from the Peace River area and a film maker. This is a huge project that BC Hydro has been pushing and these groups and people have been fighting for 30 years. There still is a chance BC Hydro will get this project to go through, we in MLIB will have to discuss are we totally Out of it and any possible revenue sharing if this
happens or What? BC hydro just recently contacted MLIB with hopes to start negotiations again; C&C need more of your thoughts on this possible scenario. BC Hydro say they are in the 3rd stage of a 5 stage process, 5th being the building of the roads and infrastructure for the Dam. My Apologies for not being able to attend the PG, ML and Calgary Quarterly meetings, I’m close to my due date for my second child on Dec 22. I know you are in good hands; there is a lot of Great information to share this year and lots of question and concerns to answer. Please feel free to contact me directly, I’m usually on Facebook and hotmail daily yaz_ali@hotmail.com and are the quickest ways to get in touch with me. The tsek’hene election facebook page has been an interesting communication line lately, I have my moments of benefits and non benefits with it but its there and being used which is important in communication and connection with Members. Enjoy the Holiday Season, may your Heart and Homes be warm and filled with Family and friends!!!!!
Yasmin Prince Yasmin Prince Councillor
Whodu ih Koh Head Start ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Head Start officially started up again October 11, 2011 since this time we have seen some changes. Our Head Start is now located at the previous daycare location and runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 11:30-1pm with a variety of family programs incorporating art, songs, puppets, language and play. We have seen an increase in attendance since start up in October and we are now seeing 1-3 families coming through our doors. Language and drumming is incorporated daily into our program and Georgina has been working very hard at creating language curriculum, posters and songs for our children and families to learn and enjoy. We have had a great start up even with the on-going renovations and small gliches that come along with transitioning centers and look forward to continuing our work with the children and families of McLeod Lake. Please watch for further changes in the new year which will include time schedule changes and the introduction of preschool and creation of our language nest.
Mussi Cho Jodi Sharp and Georgina Chingee
Jodi Sharp Georgina Chingee 35
Education Department November 23, 2011
My name is Stephanie Michelle Chingee; I am a McLeod Lake Band member 22yrs old. I have two beautiful children and loving common law. I am currently working at the band office. First I started out working with the Elders Coordinator, then successfully started working with (Jodie Ware) the Education Department. So far learning about the education system. Started off slowly however I am getting the hang of it. I really do like my new job, miss the elders but doesn’t mean I cannot still see them and talk with them. My older (sister) Amanda Lee Chingee is in UNBC, She’s going for business. Amanda has been in school for four or five years and still going. I am proud of her for going so far in life, she’s my inspiration. In the future I would like to develop more knowledge in computers and mathematics. So far in my education I have graduate to grade (12) however did not get my dog wood. I did however receive leaving certificate, I would like to go back to school. To gain knowledge about math and about our culture and history, my field of choice would be cosmetics such as hair, make-up and nails. When I was younger I always wanted to be in cosmetics and beauty. However I did hit some bumps in life and could not make it to the other things I wanted to do like college. I have been taking work-shops right now for example am in Metal Health First Aid for adults who interact with Youth it’s very interesting and I will be getting a certificate for attending and being a part of it. I am very proud to be Harry Chingee’s and Patricia Chingee’s Granddaughter, Anna Pierre’s and Gordon Pierre’s Daughter and for their, support in my life. Thank You for Reading, Sincerely, Stephanie Chingee
Stephanie Chingee
Canada Crossword
MLIB Newsletter No.18 will be available Februaty 2012 online at www.mlib.ca or, on request, in print at the McLeod Lake band office.