MLIB
DECEMBER 2009
Quarterly Report
WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE
WINTER
“One kind word can warm three winter months”
Forestry Report The MLIB Forestry Department continues to face challenges related to the downturn in the forest industry. The Canfor and Abitibi sawmills in Mackenzie have started operating again, but only one line of the mill for one shift at each operation. Both mills have their own wood supplies and are not buying wood from anybody else (unless they can get it for a very low price). The pulp mill in Mackenzie is still not running. Other mills within a
reasonable distance of McLeod Lake are not buying wood, except for Dunkley Lumber which has agreed to buy a small amount of wood at a low price. The reduced income from forestry operations has required the Forestry Department to look elsewhere for financial assistance to employ Band Members. Funding from a government Job Opportunities Program for displaced forestry workers enabled us to employ people at Carp Lake Park for part of last summer. This project involved cutting down and removing dead pine trees from the campground
at Carp Lake. We hope to obtain additional funding to complete work at the Carp Lake Campground next spring and undertake another project to brush out the Duz Cho Trail between McLeod Lake and Carp Lake Park. Despite reduced activity and reduced income, the Forestry Department has managed to stay current on basic silviculture obligations. We planted about 350,000 seedlings this past summer to ensure that all harvested areas on the Band’s Lands are reforested promptly. eontinue on page 11
McLeod Lake Indian Band | General Delivery | McLeod Lake, British Columbia | V0J 2G0 (250) 750-4415 | Toll Free 1-888-822-1143 | WWW.MLIB.CA
Band Manager report With positive news in the horizon we’re please to inform you that we are performing better and see an upward swing due to positive outcomes with our organization. It’s been over a year since MLIB had to relook and rethink about our direction as the downturn of the economy opened up our eyes and revealed our vulnerability. One year ago the whole world was enduring crisis in the markets and businesses of all sizes were losing money rapidly, forcing them to close their doors and unemployment rose all around us. MLIB was not protected from those same forces, as we were approaching the end of the fiscal year, MLIB had to rethink and inevitably there were major cutbacks to our organization. MLIB Administration is now back to a 5 day work week. We reinstated the Elder’s Program with the hiring of a Coordinator to work with the Elders with the emphasis to secure outside funding to run the program. With the recent changes, the coordinator is reporting directly to the Education and E&T Manager as we redesigned the program to integrate with Education and the Youth departments. The MLIB programs and services are primarily funded by INAC, Health Canada and OGC for the 09/10 fiscal year. MLIB also received consultation funds from various projects, such as BCH Site C Project, Enbridge Gateway, Terrain Metals, and Pacific Trail Pipelines. These funds are specific to consultation, research and traditional studies. Unfortunately, we were unable to access any Trust funds for any of our programs. These funding shortfalls resulted in the Band restricting funding to assisting Band Members for the many requests we receive on a regular basis. We are happy to report to the membership of some of the positive changes to our Administration. We are operating with a Zero Tolerance Policy, which Council supported 100%. In order to provide a healthy workplace for our staff and to all our visitors to the office we worked with Council in adopting our Zero Tolerance Policy. This backs up our signage stating, “MLIB Promotes Zero Tolerance to Abusive Behavior and Abusive Language”. The policy sets out the parameters in which staff can request the disgruntle individuals to leave the office and if the behavior continues, then we have no choice but to call in the RCMP. If the behavior is violent then the individuals will be banned from entering the office and if they require service from our administration the service would be conducted thru a 3rd party intervention. The message we’re sending is that abusive behavior and language is not proper etiquette so we want to instill this back onto our members that we are not tolerating negative behavior. We would like to see respect back into our environment and also to keep staff and visitors safe. The Zero Tolerance Policy will be posted onto our Website for members to read. The MLIB Personnel Policy is near complete. The document has been reviewed and completed by senior managers and staff. With the completion of the staff’s input, the document is being reviewed by legal counsel for her expertise in employment law. We are excited for the successful completion so Council can go ahead and enact it which will be our policy and guidelines. We’ve improved and addressed the many grey areas of our existing policy. During this whole organizational review we also have the new job descriptions, salary grid and organizational chart for all senior managers and staff to examine. All these changes provide a much needed structure to our organization.
Newsletter submissions : jware@mlib.ca -2-
Congratulations to MLIB Chief and Council on passing the MLIB Council Policy. This policy sets out the roles and responsibilities of Council. It also provides more accountability to the membership and gives direction for Council to act as a cohesive group in order to proper represents its members. There is a concession in the policy to deal with council members who miss meetings, which was always requested by the membership at general meetings. This clearly shows that Council is willing to listen to its members. We look forward to including this policy into the MLIB Election Code when we are amending and making all our Policies and Codes current. This policy will be available to members if they request it for their review. To date, we are current with our Reporting Requirements under our CFNFA funding agreement. It takes dedication and diligence from our senior managers with the band manager to submit these reports, which some are due quarterly or yearly. It is critical to complete these reporting requirements as there are consequences to the First Nation. We’ve set up a central filing system for our reports, the central files are managed by the Executive Assistance, not only does she file the INAC and Health Canada Reports, we have been forwarding all our original contracts and agreements. It’s one of our many positive changes we’re making.
Council and senior managers were involved in a strategic planning session with a consultant. We identified 4 key goals that Council and Administration will be working on the next fiscal year. Unlike the other years, we are going to implement these goals into our new fiscal budget. There will be clear objectives and timeframes and who’s responsibility for these action items. It’s great to see to timeframes included because these will be the performance indicators and measures for our administrative staff. Although we identified more priorities it was difficult to select which ones were essential and needed tending to in the new fiscal year. We hope to keep the members informed of these priorities which we identified and will be implementing. Other ideas came up with the priority list and should be provided to Council so they can refer to them when Council is negotiating agreements with Government and Industry. It’s with great sadness that we should remember our members that have passed on this year and past years. We should never forget them and should always remember their importance to our Band. With their passing, they’ve passed on the stories, language and culture onto the families and loved ones. For the rest of us that are left, it’s important to always be kind and respectful as we really can’t predict when our time is coming. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all the
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families that have lost a loved one. We will be seeking membership’s input for some of the upcoming work especially pertaining to the amendments of our policies and Codes and we hope some of you can participate in these working groups. We’re always looking for ways to improve our communication strategy so that we can inform members of our activities and status, so feel free to contact me or any staff at the office or by phone or e-mail, which is: adchingee@mlib.ca. With all the positive changes to our administration we look forward to our continued success into the New Year. Respectfully, Adele Chingee Band Manager
Chief’s Update I hope everyone has had an opportunity to visit the new and improved website, www.mlib.ca for the McLeod Lake Indian Band. I have been told by a number of Band Members that they think the new website is great; however, if you have any suggestions on how we can further improve the website please feel free to contact Jodie Ware. It has been a tough year for the McLeod Lake Indian Band, but we have much to look forward to as we move into 2010. Band Manager, Adele Chingee has been working diligently to improve the McLeod Lake Indian Band organization. I know that Adele works hard to address all concerns that are brought to her attention in a reasonable and timely manner. I would like to thank Adele and MLIB Staff for all the hard work and services they provide. One of my election promises was to review and improve McLeod Lake Indian Band Policies, Procedures and Codes. Many of the codes have become outdated or have failed to provide the membership with the type of protection they need. For some time Band Members have expressed a need for more accountability from their elected officials. To solve this problem, Council has developed a specific policy to provide more accountability. The Chief and Council Policy received its 3rd reading at November 20, 2009 Chief and Council meeting and was approved by Council. Now that the Chief and Council Policy has been approved, the new policy will be posted on the website -4-
and provided at the December quarterly meetings for member review and input, then we will make any necessary amendments to the policy. Chief and Council will soon be seeking the Memberships approval to amend the McLeod Lake Indian Band Election Code and have the Chief and Council policy as part of the election Code. Amending the Election Code will have many benefits; for instance, under the current Election Code, Council Members are allowed to miss 6 consecutive regular Chief and Council meetings before their seat is considered vacant, and can be removed from Council. Under the new Chief and Council Policy we suggest that Council Members cannot miss more that 3 meetings per elected term. In addition, the new Chief and Council Policy would include that all scheduled meetings, and not just regular Chief and Council meetings, must be attended. This is a positive change because Chief and Council meet with Government, Industry and other First Nations on a regular basis. The Chief and Council Policy could remain as policy, but is subject to change by the existing Chief and Council of the day. If the Chief and Council Policy is added to the Election Code, it will be Law and any change must be approved by Members. Chief and Council has also approved a Zero Tolerance Policy to ensure Staff Safety. As an Employer we must provide a safe and healthy working environment. The Zero Tolerance
Policy will be posted on the McLeod Lake Indian Band website shortly. Chief and Council, Board of Trustees and Legal Counsel continue to work on the amendment of the Treaty 8 Trust Settlement Account. Progress has been slow, but we are optimistic that the Public Trustee will approve the proposed amendment by this years end. Approval of the amendment will provide financial relief for the underfunded Band projects for Education, Elders and Youth. In past years the Treaty 8 Settlement account has funded approximately 50% of McLeod Lake Indian Bands Projects. Ledcor and Duz Cho Construction have begun construction on the Bulk Sample for First Coal Corporation. The Bulk Sample will result in approximately $4 million in revenues over the next 2-3 months. Duz Cho Construction has also signed Service Agreements with EnCana and ConocoPhillips that total 12 million dollars in revenue over the next three years. EnCana has been pleased with the quality and cost of Duz Cho Construction and has provided additional contract opportunities. On another note, GE & Plutonic Power continue to work towards finalizing a deal on the EarthFirst (Dokie Wind Project) that went into creditor protection in November 2008. All Shareholders have agreed on a plan of arrangements (payout). It is expected that Duz Cho will receive 40% of monies owed and an additional 16% at a later date. The plan of arrangements also includes guaranteed contract opportunities moving forward to recover additional costs. Currently, GE & Plutonic hope to close the deal on November 20, 2009, but must finalize the deal by November 30, 2009.
Terrane Metals is waiting for the Federal Environmental Assessment Permit which could be given any day. McLeod Lake is still in negotiations with Terrane on a Socio economic agreement which would address environmental protection concerns, jobs for members, and contracts for MLIB businesses. The sticking point has been the issue of revenue sharing. Terrane had been offering MLIB some form of revenue sharing, but when the Province offered revenue sharing, Terrane took the position that revenue sharing was an issue for the Province alone. We are now also involved in negotiations with the Province concerning revenue sharing for the Mount Milligan mine. We hope that the total package between Terrane and the Province, in revenue sharing, jobs and contracts, will provide many benefits for members, but we do not as of yet know what that total package is. Our Neighbours from Fort St James, the Nak'azdli First Nation, have brought a petition in Court challenging the environmental certification of the Mount Milligan Mine. They assert that they have ownership and aboriginal title to much of our traditional territory. This puts McLeod Lake in the unfortunate position of having to defend our territory against Nak'azdli’s claims of ownership. We will be seeking to intervene in that Court case to ensure that the Court understands whose territory it is. On a personal note, my family moved into our new house on October 01, 2009. It took one day to move and about two weeks to get the house fully set up. The new house provides us with a fenced backyard so we can see the kids as they play, and much less road traffic out front. -5-
I have only been able to go hunting in our Traditional Territory one time in the last two months. I went on a hunt with another Band Member north of Mackenzie down the Finley Forest Service Road; unfortunately, we only saw one moose and one chicken and didn’t get either! However, we did get to see some beautiful country and explore the old Findley Bay Camp. Halloween was great! Erica was a princess and Owen was a pumpkin. Halloween night our family went to a haunted house and trick or treating around our neighbourhood. Erica and Owen go to Gymnastics every Saturday at the Gymnastics Club for an hour in the morning, they absolutely love it. Then we take Erica to dance at Judy Russell’s Dance studio. Now that the snow is here, Logan is all geared up to hit slopes on his new snow board. Arlene continues her two full time jobs, as a mother, and in her professional life as a Guardianship Consultant for the Ministry of Family and Child Services. I don’t know how she does it all. She is amazing. For the last two months I have been working towards more balance with family, work and personal development. I am happy to say that I have been spending more time on family activities. I have finally started back on a workout program and am feeling much better. I am looking forward to Christmas, getting out in the snow with the kids, sliding, snowmobiling and skiing with the family. From our family to you and yours, we wish you joy, love and health this Holiday season and for the Year ahead. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Capital Projects At a meeting of Chief and Council, the following projects were presented as priorities for development of the community on McLeod Lake Indian Band Reserves #1 and #5: •
Through the Canada Economic Development Action Plan, 12 houses are being renovated with funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, at a projected cost of $207,000. Most of the renovations involve the replacement of roofs, windows and siding. Some internal renovations are also underway. The work is to be completed by February. The Band has the opportunity to apply for another $200,000 in 2010.
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Build 2 houses in 2010 and an additional 6 units in 2011, with funding from Indian Affairs, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and lending institutions.
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Build a daycare, youth centre, primary classroom and Elders’ Hall in the coming four years, with funding from government and industry.
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Add ultraviolet treatment to the community water on IR #1 – this will kill any bacteria that enter our water system. In the coming years, we will need to increase and improve our water supply to provide for additional housing and fire protection. Thought is also given to installing sewers and waste treatment as many of our individual septic systems will be requiring replacement. This is an outcome from a major water study that has just been completed for IR #1.
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Our heating system in the Band Office and Hall is old and ready for replacement. We are looking at the feasibility of installing geothermal heating, similar to that installed in the Forestry Building.
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We plan to complete the renovation of the Band Hall in 2010. The side and rear of the building require repair and repainting. Some work inside including fire doors, fire alarms, and enhanced reception is also planned.
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Council is also planning new community facilities including a new cemetery and ice rink. Looking to the future, we would also like to save for a new community centre.
The community is encouraged to contribute their thoughts and energies in planning new facilities and their community. If you have ideas that you would like to see implemented, please bring these forward. There will be a community meeting to discuss capital plans and progress at a community meeting to be held in 2010.
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Housing Department We congratulate Geraldine Solonas on her appointment as Elder’s Co-ordinator – she has contributed a lot of effort to the Housing Department in correcting records, and has contributed greatly to our new Housing Policy. Thank you, Geraldine! We are pleased to advise that Jolene Solonas will be returning to the Housing Department in December. She brings knowledge and enthusiasm to the job. Housing Committee Our Housing Committee is functioning well and is serious regarding the delivery of the housing program and the development of new policies. One position on the Housing Committee is vacant. Please let the Band Manager know if you are interested in serving your community by working with this committee. Housing Problems We continue to have problems with the non-payment of rent. This results in a shortage of housing funds which impedes our ability to properly maintain and repair rental units. Fortunately, we were awarded $207,000 from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing which will help us catch up with repairs. We hope to receive similar funding in 2010. To the extent that Housing cannot pay its way, funds from other programs in the Band are diverted to Housing to help pay expenses. A new housing policy has been developed. Principles of the policy are: 1. Housing should be provided in a fair and equitable manner. Priorities have been identified that
favour placing members in appropriate housing. 2. Housing should be safe and livable. Priority is given to renovating houses where safety is an issue. 3. Tenants should pay rent, consistent with the value of the house and their income. 4. Tenants should have pride in their houses and be encouraged to take responsibility for their homes.
The housing policy has been provided to members. There will be a community meeting to discuss provisions in the policy and make changes before it is presented to Chief and Council for ratification.
For more information, please contact the Guy, the manager.
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. (Mark Twain)
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Public Works Streets Snow removal has now come under the umbrella of Public Works as part of street maintenance. The equipment operators have remained the same and no large changes will be made. The operators will have the opportunity to become certified. This will raise the level of professionalism, increase operator pride and satisfaction and reduce damage to equipment. If we choose the train the trainer, we can have all operators certified and will lead to a transferrable skill which members could use elsewhere should they choose. Some thought will have to be put into smoothing out some tasks such a fuel acquisition. The Bobcat will require its annual check-up which has been arranged by Ryan Bichon. To this date there are no vehicles under Public Works other than the Bobcat. This piece of equipment will also require insurance. Generator All preventative maintenance is complete and up to date on the unit. The cable rack protection is not in place. Regular rounds and run ups are not being done on this unit due to time constraints. Bandhall The fire sentry system monitors the band hall and rings the alarm when heat sensors or pull stations are activated. Following a chimney fire scare on Oct. 15/09, it was noted that the pull station nearest the backdoor did not ring the alarm. This deficiency was noted in the maintenance report of Dec. 10/08. Following the incident, I was required to identify what had to be done to get this system working properly. On Nov.04/09, Western Fire Protection (WFP) technicians went over the sentry system and were able to put 3 of 5 zones back onto the sentry system. The other 2 zones are the finance wing and the education-youth corner which also incorporates the furnace room. The problem in these areas appears to be associated with the panel. The furnace room zone may also have faults in the heat sensors which could not be reached or in the wiring. The panel definitely needs to be replaced. That would cost approximately $1000.00. The remaining problems would cost up to $2000.00 more if rewiring is required. At this time we are waiting for firm costs back from WFP before going ahead with the repair. The reception area also has to be scaffolded up to get to the ceiling heat detectors. This will require planning and coordination so as not disrupt office activities. Entry doors at either end of the finance wing were replaced on Nov 17/09. These doors were required to increase security in the wing for the new status card office. The existing doors were replaced with heavy gauge steel doors with steel jambs. The doors were also fitted with breakout hardware required by code. Doors for the hall are on order for the front and for both gym doors. The front doors can easily be opened and have no see-thru capability, which has doors hitting people in the face. The gym doors no longer align, have worn out hardware and are being kept closed by chairs. Gym doors are not secured. The new doors are due to arrive in the next couple weeks. The installation date is not firm as installation of commercial doors requires specialized knowledge. The men’s washroom urinal was completely repiped to the main. The original copper drainlines had dissolved. There was evidence of several patches being applied previously as well as water damage to the furnaces. After several months of being put off by contractors, the third one hired completed the job Oct.01/09. The UPS for the server room air conditioner has not yet been aquired. The air conditioner will not restart itself following a power disruption. This drives room temperature up putting the server at great risk. The amount of power required to start the unit is high so a large UPS is required and is unusual. Estimate to be supplied by Microage.
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The CFNR radio repeater failed Oct. 20/09. A technician was in on Oct.27/09. The reciever had failed and was replaced as was the dish at no cost to the band. The new system will allow broadcast from the receptionist to the community over the radio. Programs and announcements can be made to the community through our repeater. A communications cable has to be installed between the hall and pumphouse.
ACRS The ACRS Report was received on Oct.23/09. This report was circulated to affected departments. Two weeks were allowed for review. The ammendments based on feedback were returned to Radloff and associates Nov. 06/09. The report will now be adjusted and forwarded to INAC. This report is important to Public Works as it forms the basis for short and long term village maintenance planning. We will be able to establish priorities and identify where funds are expected to come from. Water Well head to tower inspection was carried out Sept 16/09. The tower lid was inspected and does not leak in spite of being concave. Tower heaters installed last winter were test run. I do not anticipate the problems we had last winter. The broken spoolpiece under the fire hydrant in front of the duplex was replaced on Oct. 15/09. This hydrant was unusable and was likely broken by being struck. A shorter spoolpiece was put in place to lower the hydrant to ground level. Watermains were flushed Nov 10/09. The hydrant at the end of Colburne Place had a broken coupling in the hydrant and could not be closed. The street supply was shut off and the hydrant isolated. Excavation was required down to the first flange in the line where the pipe could be disassembled to access the broken coupling. Once this was accomplished the valve seat could be taken out and replaced. Evidence shows that a small rock was jamming the valve. Likely too much torque put on to get it to close causing the coupling to break. The piping and hydrant were reassembled and backfilled. All hydrants are now proved to be in good working order. The main to the north end of Sekani Drive has no hydrant or blowoff and is identified as a deficiency in our system.
The GUDI study was received on Nov.10/09. The AMEC water study shows the water in the well to be under the influence of surface water. The implications of this study will surely change the face of the village. Anyone who wishes a copy of the AMEC report in its entirety can contact me.
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Housing Quarterly report to Chief and Council Contractor Maintenance Three decks were replaced Aug 4-8/09. Although these decks were identified in the retrofit projects, they were replaced as they had become hazardous. One had the stairs rotted off and laying on the ground. All decks were mounted on screw-in piles and built to code. A fourth deck was reinforced and knee braces installed. Large windows in two units were changed Sept 03/09. One had been broken and the other was rotted and beginning to fall out. Window glass was also replaced in three units. The chimney at #46 was replaced Sept 23/09. This one was particularly disturbing is that a fire had actually happened inside of the chase. There was not enough air to support combustion so the fire put itself out. This was a very close call and demonstrates the money saved by putting all those patches on the pipe could have had deadly consequences. It was not clear which projects were accepted for the energy retrofit; as a result, chimney sweeping did not start till Sept 23/09. The position was posted. Of 3 applicants, Boris Boyko was chosen. All chimneys have been swept. The task was to dismantle smoke pipes and sweep. Clear out firebox and inspect reassemble the piping. All deficiencies were recorded on a provided checklist. All pipes and fittings that were worn or corroded were replaced. Boris has now fulfilled the 80 hours of practical to qualify for WETT certification. Should he succeed, he will be able to qualify others, advance in WETT certification or sweep and inspect heating systems professionally. Mark Tylee has been providing garbage removal to the housing department since early in the year and has now taken on the additional task of appliance removal. Mark is providing great service and has taken proprietary ownership of his position. Damage to the boxes and poor bagging practices are reported to the housing co-ordinator. Garbage is never left in the hall over the weekend. Unit #24 has been repaired and will be ready for occupancy Dec.01/09. Damage to this unit was extensive. Unit # 42 has been cleaned by 2 band members and is now being repaired and painted by band members. Septic pumping was performed on 22 units. Investigations by Blockbuster staff show many systems have failed or have broken tanks. Estimates obtained by the housing co-ordinator has the repair cost up to $12,000.00 per unit.
Quarterly Meetings December 4 - Vancouver - 10 -
CEAP Housing Initiative The 5 houses in the INAC group are at various stages of progress. A late start was caused when our contractor dropped out on most of the jobs. A scramble to get a replacement was not easy. A local roofing company was kept open after season to look after our needs and band members were hired. 3 CMHC roofs and one INAC were replaced, 1 INAC unit requires longer metal on order. Windows and doors for the INAC units are on order and were bought on an installed basis. Quotes for cement-board siding installed were much too high so a change to vinyl will allow inside work to be done as well. The window installer will also be doing the siding on 3 units which makes things much easier. Plumbing on INAC unit #9 has been totally replaced including water heater and toilet damaged during freeze up. This unit was cleaned by 2 band members in preparation for repair and painting. The balance of work on the INAC units with the exception of sheet vinyl installation can be done with the assistance of band members. I was appointed to Public Works Manager Aug 12/09. Due to shortened work week and lengthening of the work load, the job has been a challenge. Geraldine Solonas functioned as housing co-ordinator till the end of October then returned to Elders Coordinator. Geraldine did a great job getting rents straightened out and looking after housing committee. Interviews for a new co-ordinator were held on Nov.13/09. Hopefully our new candidate will stay in housing for awhile and provide the stability we sorely need. Guy Rocheleau Public Works Manager
A reduction in forestry related activities enabled the Forestry Department to carry out a couple of community development projects at the McLeod Lake Reserve. We managed to make some progress on establishing community garden plots so members can grow their own vegetables. We initiated some improvements to upgrade the baseball field. We also started work to restore the finish on the exterior walls of the Natural Resource Center – the front of the building is complete and looks awesome! Hopefully we can continue to work on and complete all of these projects next summer. The future of the forest industry remains uncertain. There is potential for the sawmills in Mackenzie to ramp up to full production, which would allow the pulp mill to start up again and allow new businesses such as pellet plants and cogeneration plants to begin operations. However, if the industry does not show improvement and the general downturn in the industry continues, then things may still get worse before they get better. We remain hopeful that there will be positive changes in the near future. McLeod Lake Indian Band Ryan Bichon, Forestry Manager
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Meaghan’s Quarterly Health Report This quarter has been a busy one, as usual. I continue to manage the health and social services team as well as the daycare. Moving into the fall, with the start of school and the anticipation of winter, is both an exciting and challenging time in our community for our members and their families. The daycare has expanded in that we are running two family childcare centres. Our original daycare, McLeod Lake Child Care Centre, is staffed by Brenda Schley. The second child care centre is the T’say Kene child care centre, which is staffed by Jodi Sharpe. The health team staff consists of Norm Strand, our long term care aide, who currently works 7 days in a 10 day period. Norm is kept busy caring for our Elders in their homes as well as any other band members with health issues. -
Cindy Berg is our Community Health Representative, who does a variety of jobs on behalf of our membership. She and Norm ensure our drinking water is safe for consumption. These tests are performed weekly and we enjoy a very high quality of water in McLeod Lake. Cindy also ensures our member’s dental health is taken care of by bringing a dental therapist to the reserve twice a year. o
We had two very successful flu clinics to provide our members with the H1N1 vaccinations; we have currently completed vaccinations for 85% of our members.
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We have also held an HIV/AIDS presentation for the community this quarter to present information and education to our members.
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Our nurses, Deb Lewis and Sharon Kennedy, continue to come to the community on Wednesdays and Dr. Price comes to McLeod Lake monthly for a doctor’s visit. This is so community members can come to the clinic in their home community for their doctor’s appointments. This initiative is proving very successful as many of our community members struggle with transportation issues.
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Transportation continues to be an obstacle with the health team as we are often expected to provide transportation to community members needing care in Mackenzie or Prince George.
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The social services aspect of the health team includes Lauren Sevigny, our social worker and counselor. Lauren is busy with our membership’s counseling needs as well as liaising with the Ministry of Children and Families the RCMP and attending court. Lauren has also been covering the NNADAP position since September, 2009, as our NNADAP worker is on medical leave indefinitely.
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Vince Sherry continues to work as our mental health therapist through the Aboriginal Healing Foundation dealing with member’s residential school issues.
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Stephanie Rocheleau is our infant and family development worker. She runs a breakfast program three days a week for our school age children, has a bi-weekly community kitchen and bi-weekly craft night, as well as work with families on a bulk food buying program to mitigate high costs of food for our members.
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This quarter we were able to secure some much needed storage for the office.
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Sharon Dugan is our youth and family worker. Sharon is working on many activities with our youth including piano, dance, homework night, language, exercise classes, and culture kitchen. This quarter was an exciting one as Sharon was able to work with our youth preparing a moose hide as well as cook traditional foods. Also, McLeod Lake Indian Band has been chosen to care for “loowhe� fish from the fish and wildlife branch, which arrived on October 26, 2009. We will care for the Kokanee salmon until their release into Williston Lake in June of 2010.
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Jolene Solonas continues to be our income assistance worker. Jolene completed training on de-escalating potentially violent situations in October. Also, for this quarter, we are down to 15 clients on social assistance on average per month.
In addition the above, we have offered a lateral violence workshop this quarter to the entire staff of McLeod Lake Indian Band. The workshop was well done and well attended, and has created a move in the positive direction of working together as a team for the betterment of our membership. Another workshop offered this quarter was one on bullying; there was a separate workshop for the youth and the adults of the community. The youth workshop was well attended and dinner was served. The adult workshop was attended by adults of the community as well as Aboriginal Education Workers from the Mackenzie School district. We have health staff who are working hard to make positive changes in the community. We offer individual counseling, family development, financial assistance, youth services, family services, as well as many other services. However, we can only be effective if we are working with individuals and families and the community as a team. Ultimately, it is up to individual responsibility and desire to make positive changes. I, and the health team, know this can be accomplished. We are an amazing people with endless potential; please come into the office, talk to one of our workers, and let’s work towards a brighter tomorrow!
Sincerely and with deep respect,
Quarterly Meetings December 5 - Prince George - 13 -
Youth Councilor Report Greetings to all! It has been a while since my last report, I do apologize for that. Well, so many things have happened since my last report. In September my family and I moved out westward to Nadleh, British Columbia. It has been quite the change, as I have lived on reserve in McLeod Lake for my entire life. My son started school this September; also, he has started his first year of Mites in Fraser Lake. It has been quite the experience for me; I really enjoy watching him in hockey. He is so amazing and has improved so much since he started in October. My daughter is enrolled in Nadleh Koh, which is a pre-school located on the Nadleh Whut’en reserve. The Quarterly Meeting’s are coming up from December 4th-7th. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend as I will be going to Banff for a conference (Indigenous Women in Leadership) from December 6th-11th. I am extremely excited to attend this, have been looking forward to it for the past few months. Not however looking forward to the drive there, I am hoping the roads will be in good condition. My schedule has been even busier: September 2009 2nd – Meet with Peace River Coal in McLeod Lake 8th-10th – Gage started school 11th – Special Chief & Council Meeting 14th – Special Chief & Council Meeting 14th (pm)-15th – Meet with the Province in McLeod Lake 15th (pm) – BC Hydro Open House in McLeod Lake 21st – Regular Chief & Council Meeting 29th – Special Chief & Council Meeting October 2009 9th – Meet with Worthington Pulp Mill in Prince George 16th – Meet with Terrane in Prince George 19th – Later Violence Workshop in McLeod Lake 26th – Chief & Council Meeting in McLeod Lake November 2009 2nd-3rd – Meet with The Province in Prince George (Did not attend due to illness) 4th – Special Chief & Council Meeting in McLeod Lake 6th – Meet with Nak’azdli in Prince George 9th – Chief & Council Policy Review in McLeod Lake 16th – Strategic Planning Session in Mackenzie 19th – Yekooche Meeting in McLeod Lake (Did not attend) 20th – Chief & Council Meeting in McLeod Lake
I would like to send out my sincerest condolences to the Inyallie Family, especially Penny and Michael, for the loss you are suffering. Jackie was a true, aspiring, role model for our membership and had many great qualities. She will be greatly missed! I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful, joyous New Year. All the best throughout the holiday season!! And safest travels to all that will be traveling throughout the holidays!
Destiny Rae Bear!
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Financial Update by Sandra Hammond Merry Christmas Everyone! We in the finance department hopes this quarterly report finds you all happy and healthy and in the midst of preparing for the holiday! The Finance department currently consists of Linda Inyallie, Accountant, Beth Cooper, payroll, benefits and membership services, Jamie Ware, Development Corporation accountant and payroll, and Tania Solonas, Accounts Payable. The process for preparing the 2011 budget is now underway; we’re only in the preliminary stages, but it is that time of year again. 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 January 14, 2010. Chief and Council will then appoint a member to the Finance Committee. We are now preparing the monthly financial statements for the McLeod Lake Indian Band in house. Using excel,
we have developed a series of spreadsheets that will give administration and council a monthly statement of income showing the actual expenses compared to the 2010 budget. After the 2010 budget was passed, the McLeod Lake Indian Band received $250,000 from Terrane to go towards consultation on the proposed Mt Milligan Mine. It was calculated that $95,000 has been spent on this consultation in the past, so $95,000 of the monies received this year are to be directed to other program spending for the 2010 fiscal year. The finance committee forwarded a list of spending recommendations to Chief and Council and at the last regular Chief and Council meeting, May 14, 2009. At that meeting, your Chief &Council voted to spend the money on the following programs: a part time communications officer, Elementary Attendance Allowance, Secondary Attendance Allowance, 2010 Graduation Incentive, $20,000 to the Post Secondary program for LOA’s, Youth Extracurricular monies at $200/youth/year.
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We have also received the first consultation payment from BC Hydro, in the amount of $112,500.00. This money is to go towards the consolation of the Site C damn project. Jennifer Weightman, in the Chetwynd Land Referral office, is managing this consultation project and is arranging various community meetings and other forums for consulting with the MLIB members. Copies of the 2010 budget are available; if you would like one please contact me and I can arrange to give/mail a copy to you. As well, copies of the audited financial statements for the Band are available; again, please see me for a copy. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone! Sandra Hammond
MLIB Education Department Danache’a, This past year has brought much excitement and many challenges in my role as Supervisor of Education & Employment/Training. 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 education correspondence such as Elementary/Secondary, Post Secondary, and corresponding with my co-worker, Margie Alec on the Employment/Training Department. I work closely with the On Reserve Youth & Family Worker, Sharon Dugan; together we both manage the Extra Curricular Activities fund. Sharon has done a fantastic job with our youth. Due to budget restraints, Sharon is not available for off reserve activities, if any parents have any concerns; please feel free to contact me as I can do my best to find you alternative funding sources. I have also been given the task of managing the Elder’s Department. Geraldine Solonas has been working due diligently to get the Elders working together again and getting the Society up and running. Please see her report for further details. Elementary/Secondary Each year, we get more and more students registered and accessing our Attendance and Effort Incentive Programs. If your child is not accessing or you would like more information, please contact me at the office or by email jware@mlib.ca. 2007/2008, we had 70 kids registered, for 2008/2009, we have 84 registered and for this school years 2009/2010, we have 89 registered. Our numbers are increasing every year as more and more people become aware of our programs. Not many first nations band’s offer these incentives, the kids definitely appreciate this, many have opened their own bank accounts. Attendance Incentives will be dispersed every second month this school year, so parents/children can expect their first attendance incentives by late November 2008 or early December. This will depend on when attendances are faxed and received here in the Education Department. All attendance incentives are based on grades, 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. Post Secondary Due to financial restraints this year 2009/2010, this year, we had enough money to sponsor 14 full time students with 1 part-time. Due to different circumstances, at this moment, I have 12 full time students, 3 parttime. • Three (3) students are upgrading this past semester. They have all been notified that the MLIB Education Department only funds for up to one year to meet required prerequisites for a standard 2-4 year post secondary program. They all have worked hard this past semester at the College of New Caledonia. Two (2) students are confirmed to be taking additional University Transfer Courses alongside some upgrading courses, next semester. Good job!! - 16 -
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Three (3) students are at college level programs; o One is registered at CNC & UNBC (Prince George) continuously, working towards her Bachelor of International Business credits. o The other is in her last year in the Bachelor of Social Work at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology – Vancouver Campus. o Another student is finishing his Culinary Arts Diploma Program at the Nova Scotia Community College. • I have six (6) students at a university level program; o One student is registered in her 2nd year of Business Administration Diploma Program at Okanagan University-College – Kelowna Campus. o One student is registered in the Bachelor of Environmental Planning at UNBC – Prince George Campus, she is currently finishing her 2nd year o One student is also registered at UNBC – Prince George Campus, taking her first year in the Bachelor of General Arts Program. o One student in her last year at the UCFV – Chilliwack Campus taking her Social Services Diploma alongside Substance Abuse Certificate. o One student is in her 3rd year at the Vancouver Island University – Nanaimo Campus, taking her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. o Last but not least, the final student is taking her 3rd year in the Bachelor of Social Work at the UBC – Okanagan Campus. • I will have three (3) part-time students; o One got approved for tuition assistance only, taking the TARGET program at CNC in Prince George. o Another student is taking 1-2 courses through CNC in Prince George, working towards her Finance & Accounting Diploma. o Another student will be joining us in Spring 2010, taking 2 courses towards her Degree in Social Work. Tutoring support for post-secondary students vary with each fiscal year. Usually assists when a student is needed extra help in a certain topic. A letter must be written to the Education Department, requesting assistance. This support tool is dependent on each fiscal year budget, varies year to year. Contact me if have any questions. Education Planning Plan Your Education (with help from your Education Coordinator)
1. Find an area of student that interests you 2. Find a program that will prepare you for a career 3. Find an institution that offers helpful support 4. Apply (perhaps to more than one school) 5. Apply for any potential funding source, including INAC funding from your Band, and back-up funding such as a student loan
6. Ensure you know the limits of each type of funding, including the INAC guidelines and those of your Band 7. Ensure you provide all required documentation 8. Apply for available grants, scholarships and bursaries (including any scholarships or incentives offered by your Band) 9. Maintain your academic standing 10. Don’t’ be afraid to ask for help – from school advisors, tutors, professors, Elders, Education Coordinators, and your family!!! - 17 -
MLIB Post Secondary Program – PRIORITY LIST (For Your Information Only) 1. McLeod Lake Indian Band members whom are continuing post-secondary sponsorship from the previous school year in the same field. 2. Members who have graduated from secondary school in the previous school year. 3. 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). 4. New applicants whose studies are not within the 2-4 year program length, including those using the first year to receive grade 23 or equivalent. 5. Applicants who have dropped out/quit prior to the date of new application. 6. McLeod Lake Indian Band members who have choose severalty may receive Post Secondary sponsorship through the McLeod Lake Indian Band Education Department based on Indian and Northern Affairs Canada INAC funding rates only. Budget Preparation 2010-2011 I am very busy preparing for next’s year budget; I am preparing Elementary/Secondary, Education Administration, and Post Secondary. I am hoping to keep the current programs running in the Elementary/ Secondary which includes attendance & effort incentives, tutoring, graduation incentives (I am forecasting 2 to 3 grade 12 graduates), and hopefully some off reserve school fees. All programs in the Education Department are processed by date received and of course, how much monies we have in our annual budget. With regards to the Post Secondary budget, I would like to see an additional five (5) seats available for band members who do apply before the deadline of April 1st, 2010. All applications received will be subject to the above priority list when reviewing complete applications. Also to incorporate any post secondary graduation incentives, based on my numbers, I should have two (2) to three (3) graduates come June 2010. Education Administration is pretty straight forward; this budget covers my wages, benefits, office supplies, and my travel. At the moment I have the Elder Coordinator and Employment/Training Officer both preparing two budgets for their programs, one budget will be a wish budget and the other will be based on numbers that we had this fiscal year (no Trust monies). Once it is confirmed how much we have for the next fiscal year, all membership will be updated on how the monies will be used/allocated. 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. Merry Christmas and May Your Year Be Full of NEW Blessings!!!! God Bless, Jodie Ware Supervisor of Education & Employment/Training
Quarterly Meetings December 6 - McLeod Lake - 18 -
Employment & Training Hello Everyone. Well another year has gone by and we are on the doorstep of 2010. I would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate Mr. Neil Solonas for all of the effort he has but into the training he has received. Neil started his training in April 2009 when he took his Pre-employment to mining and has just finished his Environmental Monitor Assistant Program with excellent marks. Your dedication and hard work has paid off, you finished!!!!! The Employment and Training Department is working with some members to try and achieve their grade 12 diploma. This would open up the doors to either school or a trade. The Employment Centre in Mackenzie wishes to extend their services to the members of McLeod lake Indian Band. I will be scheduling them once a week here at the band office for career counseling. A career counselor would help you decide on what kind of job you are wanting. I know that members are discouraged about the Mt. Milligan Project being set back one year. We are at the end of that one year. The construction of the mine is scheduled to start in 2010. As of a start date, this has not been determined yet. Getting trained is not easy for there is no money to do this. But at the end of the training you will be making the money. There is much training to be done for members whom wish to work at the mine. I am encouraging members to start their research on what kind of career they are interested in. If you are still not clear on what you would like to do for a job. You can use Service Canada’s Website and look for the Essential Skills Link. This tool is used by asking you questions and at the end the test will tell you what kind of jobs that you would like and be good at. This web is www.servicecanada.ca Members that would like to know more about the career choices for the Mt. Milligan project, the company has given the E&T department a booklet called the Career Wheel. I do have a copy in the office for members to check out. You can also take a look at this on their website by putting in Terrane Metals Career Wheel, an Introduction will appear and just click on this and you can see what jobs are going to be available with the mine. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a very good and happy New Year. Awit’za – That is all for now. Margie Alec Employment and Training Officer
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Elder Program Quarterly Report Hello and how is everyone doing? The Elders program was reinstated as of mid-October. The program was no longer running as of April 1st of 2009 due to lack of Trust funds available. Thanks to Terrane Metals and Enbridge who gave funds to the Band who then allocated $45,000 to the Elders program. There was $50,640 from the Trust that was already allocated to the program for Elders rental subsidy and that remains with the program for this current year. Since October, I have been quite busy as follows: Fixing up the Elders office; applying for funds for the Elders’ Christmas dinner which the Elders want to have with the community in McLeod Lake; completing the bookkeeping for the Society; contacting other First Nations in BC for information about how their members become Elders; hosting the Elders’ annual general meeting in order for their Society to remain in good standing (be able to apply for funds from all sources); hosting their first regular Society meeting; assisting the Land Referral office with setting up of an Elders’ meeting with the Band’s legal counsel regarding why MLIB did not receive compensation for the flooding of traditional lands when Tsay Keh and Kwadacha did; and, sending updated information to the Elders to let them know we are now back with the program. We are hoping as many Band members as possible will assist us by filling out a survey regarding your opinion of what you believe should make a Band member be considered as an “ Elder”. If you have any questions, please contact Geraldine Solonas, program coordinator at the Band office: 1-888-822-1143 or email to gsolonas@mlib.ca. Mussi cho for taking the time to read this and wishing you a merry, safe, healthy and blessed Christmas and New Year!!! Geraldine Solonas
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Councillor Jenine Solonas - Quarterly Report Hadi Members, Well it’s that time of year again in McLeod Lake “winter wonderland” looks so beautiful! First of all I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Inyallie family for the tragic loss of their loved one; Jackie will be dearly missed by all. I will not be attending the quarterly meeting in Vancouver at this time in order to give one of our councilors a chance to meet some of the band members that reside in and around that area; however I will be present at the spring quarterly meeting. Chief and Council have been spending a lot of time travelling to and from the meetings negotiating on different issues concerning the band. These will be mentioned and explained at the quarterly meetings. One thing that I love to do is listen to stories from long ago, we have so much history here in the land of the tsekani people and I was fortunate enough to help with the recordings of some of our elders. This was professionally recorded and will be kept in the McLeod Lake Library for future reference. I encourage you to write down your stories, if you would like to sit with me and reminisce or you could submit your stories to our newsletter. I am very proud to introduce and welcome our new Band Manager Adele Chingee who is also a band member and former manager of McLeod Lake Indian Band’s Land and Resources Department and is truly an asset to McLeod Lake Indian Band. Our website has also been updated which is great because it gives members a way to stay in touch and to keep up with the latest news. To submit articles you can contact the band office. I am currently doing a survey on trap lines owned by band members and how many have cabins that they utilize on a regular basis. If you would like to discuss more about this you can phone me or e-mail me. On a personal note my daughter Abigail is now (4) four years old, seems like going on seven…ha-ha…she is an inspiration to me and love being a part of her life, I will also be a grandma once again as my son Perry and his family will be expecting the new addition next year, so a sibling for baby Lakota! Christmas is almost here and a time for families to spend quality time together and remember why we do the things we do like last minute shopping trying to find that perfect gift, battling the crowds for parking, standing in lineups etc.. Happy Holidays Everyone! Merry Christmas and God Bless! A quote I wanted to share, from a friend that I would like to share with you;
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined”
Mussi Cho’
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Jennifer Weightman As I had mentioned in my last quarterly report there has been an economic down turn which has resulted in a relatively slow application process. However, some of the bigger projects have continued to move forward and I have found myself very busy over the past few months with First Coal, Canadian Dehua International Mines Group and the BC Hydro Site “C� Community Consultation. In the following report I will give a brief update of all the mining in the area but will focus mainly on the projects that have had major changes such as the BC Hydro file. Western Canadian Coal Corporation has now changed their name to Western Coal Corporation after converging with Cambian Mining Group. Both the Brule and Wolverine properties are still in operation with the Willow Creek property under care and maintenance. I have recently forwarded some information regarding the proposed Sukunka to Hasler haul route to Duz Cho Construction so that they can talk to the project manager. Not much has changed with Peace River Coal they are still mining at the Trend property with plans to continue with Roman. The Roman Mine application has been submitted to the Environmental Assessment but has not been dispersed for comment yet. After a very slow permitting process First Coal has received there permits to begin the bulk sample at the Goodrich property. First Coal continues to work closely with the Land Referral Office as well as the Duz Cho Construction. Unfortunately West Moberly First Nations has filed a petition against the BC Government in order to have the bulk sample permit revoked due to the sensitivity of the caribou habitat and the critical condition of the Burnt Pine Herd. As for now First Coal still has the right to continue work until further notice. Canadian Dehua which were actively exploring the Gething property near West Moberly have now acquired a second property called the Murray River project and are currently attempting to acquire a third tenure which will be the Bullmoose property. The Government is looking for support from all three nations in the area before granting the coal tenure. I have met with Dehua a few times over the past couple months and will be doing a site visit with a couple of Elders as soon as possible. Once I have finished reviewing the application I will then send my comments to Chief and Council for discussion of our next step in the process.
Quarterly Meetings December 7 - Chetwynd - 22 -
As I am now the project coordinator for the BC Hydro Site “C” project I am meeting with various representatives from BC Hydro, Golder Associates, Integrated Land Management Bureau as well as Albert Peeling, Yasmin Prince and other band members who are interested in the project. On September 10, 2009 myself and about 18 band members went on a tour of the WAC Bennett Dam to gather a better understanding of the impacts of a dam as well as the way it produces energy. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the visit and had the opportunity for questions to be answered. To follow the tour BC Hydro held a community meeting in McLeod Lake on September 15, 2009 to do a brief description of the project as well get into some details about the plan for flooding, the outline of the flood area, concerns about the environment and opportunity to express some concerns and create great discussion. Due to the tight time frame we had a quick site visit to the proposed dam area with Lawrence and Agnus Solonas to have the opportunity to submit any concerns for the winter drilling program. An opportunity for more band members to visit the site will be offered in the spring once the snow starts to melt and the weather is better. Other then community meetings I have been meeting with others about on-going studies and permit applications. I have met with Integrated Land Management Bureau to discuss the proposed drilling program to ensure it is the least impact as possible and have made sure an environmental monitor from the band will be on site during drilling to ensure BC Hydro is doing there due diligence to protect the environment. There are other conditions outlined if the permit is approved. I haven’t yet met with Golder Associates but am in contact with them on a regular basis for updates on the on-going studies and archaeology work being completed mostly on the south island. As the project coordinator for the band I have also been attending monthly meeting in Victoria to meet with Jack Weisgerber, Debbie Seto-Kitson, Albert Peeling and Yasmin Prince. We have discussed the bigger issues that the band has with the project and some of the things we would like to do to ensure the Traditional Territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band is protected for future generations. We are currently working with BC Hydro on a Traditional Land Use Study agreement and Terms of Reference. Albert and I have discussed the possibility of also doing a Cumulative Impact Assessment which would include the effects of the Williston Reservoir. Once we have a better idea of what the TLUS will include we will then decide if it is necessary to also do a Cumulative Impact Assessment. Even though there has been a down turn in the number of applications I receive from the Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources I have been very busy with the BC Hydro Site “C” project. If anyone has any questions about these projects please feel free to contact me at the Land Referral Office, 1-866-283-6542. Sincerely, Jennifer Weightman
The MLIB December Newsletter will be online december 12th at www.mlib.ca. A very festive edition of 2009 last MLIB Newsletter with lots of happy holiday wishes, a horoscope, quotes and things we experienced in 2009.
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Oil and Gas and Alternative Energy Projects Oil and gas activity has been gradually increasing over the last month or so. It was generally forecast for a much busier winter season than was evident throughout the year, and it was expected that there would be a lot more project applications through the OGC over the fall. There wasn’t a noticeable increase through the fall, but since late October, there has been substantial progress in the amount of applications that we have been receiving. There is still not a lot of assessments being conducted lately with archaeology and environmental issues, though it’s become evident that that isn’t always a great indicator of upcoming activity. Shell Canada has been in recently with an estimated sixty projects planned for the winter and spring. Many of these projects are subsequent wells, with up to as many as twelve holes on a lease site, which is beneficial for the environment due to the decrease in cumulative impacts. They also have several tie-ins and pipelines, all of their activity is planned out in the Sunset Prairie area. BP Canada met with us in Chetwynd last week to update us on their Major Noel Project, ninetypercent of which has been cleared with the exception of two wet areas where they have run into environmental issues as a result of the mild winter. This is another issue related to winter projects in general, where the companies have planned for a temporary winter access and there is not a sufficient amount of snow to accommodate the requirements for constructing a proper access. The Enbridge Gateway Pipeline is now in review by the National Energy Board and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. TransCanada’s Groundbirch pipeline is also still waiting to proceed with development. They recently had a hearing with the NEB and they are planning for construction from around July until the end of next year. Other projects including Spectra Energy’s South Peace Pipeline and the Bear Mountain Wind Project have now been completed for the production and transportation of energy. There are several other wind energy projects still in the investigative stages and we have received several license renewal applications for their Investigative use permits. We have also received about six woodlot license applications this quarter, with which there was no initial impacts or reason for concern. Though there hasn’t been a great increase of activity over the recent months, judging by the increase late this year, everything seems like it should pick up a lot more over the winter and throughout next year.
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