MLIB MARCH 2013
The Traveling Feather
WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE
24
No.
March 2013
Quarterly Reports
Derek Orr, Adele Chingee, Anita Vallee, Shandi Covell, Linda Jones, Jodie Ware, Alec Chingee, Minnie Isadore, Meaghan van Somer, Chris Kaip, Jodi Sharp, Eran Spence, Deborah Prince, Destiny Bear, Misty Williams, Geraldine Solonas
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 Publiction No.24 The Traveling Feather is published up to 12 times a year. Members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and readers
We’re glad you all made it safe to one of the meetings this March.
The new website online soon at www.mlib.ca!
Easter Egg Contest
How many MLIB Eggs can you find in this issue of The Traveling Feather??
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of The Traveling Feather can submit their news and pictures at mklijnsmit@mlib.ca
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MLIB The Traveling Feather
Welcome to the 2013 Quarterly Meetings!
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Contributors
Office Opening Hours
The McLeod Lake Indian Band Office is open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm.
The 15th person who emails the right answer wins a $50 Visa Gi!card : ) mklijnsmit@mlib.ca
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Chief Derek Orr McLeod Lake Indian Band Dear Members,
I hope you are all well and are enjoy the spring weather. It has been a long winter and I am looking forward to spring and eventually summer. It is going to be another great year and I look forward to seeing many of you at our quarterly meetings on March 21-‐24, 2013. Invitations have been mailed out with time and locations of meetings. Meeting times will also be posted on our website (MLIB.ca).
AGA Dates
Treaty 8 Trust
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McLeod Lake Indian Band’s Annual Gathering Assembly dates have been scheduled for August 7-‐9, 2013. Once again we will be providing travel subsidies in order to bring as many of our Members back to Community to enjoy three days of family, fun, food and Pinancial reporting. Hope to see you all there!
On February 22, 2013 I participated in a teleconference with McLeod Lake Indian Band’s Board of Trustees to discuss proposed solution to solve the dePicit in the Treaty 8 Settlement Trust. Chief and Council are very pleased that the Treaty 8 Settlement Trust dePicit continues to decrease. This continued decrease in dePicit is a result of not drawing from the Trust and improved market conditions. The Treaty 8 Trust dePicit has been reduced to approximately 2.5 million dollars. This is signiPicant due to the fact that the Trust dePicit was 8.1 million dollars in 2008. I have been approached by Members asking about a distribution in 2014 from the Treaty 8 Trust. There is a misunderstanding that the Treaty 8 Settlement Trust will provide our Members a distribution every seven years. This information is false. The Treaty 8 Trust Settlement Agreement only had provisions for a one time allocation seven years after the Trust was established.
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McLeod Lake Indian Band owned Companies
Duz Cho Logging and Duz Cho Construction all continue realize positive growth. At our upcoming quarterly meetings I will be please to provide our Membership a very positive report on the current activities and Pinancial position of our companies.
Provincial Economic BenePits Agreement In December of 2012 the Province of British Columbia approached McLeod Lake Indian Band with an offer to enter into negotiations on an Economic BenePits Agreement (EBA) regarding revenue sharing with respect to natural resources in our Traditional Territory and Treaty 8 Territory. On January 09, 2013 Chief and Council voted in favour of moving forward into negotiations with the Province on an EBA. The EBA will include an umbrella agreement and sub agreements including
a Strategic Engagement Agreement, an Economic and Community Development Agreement with respect to Coal Mining in our territory, the Oil and Gas Consultation Agreement we already have, and possibly other agreements. These agreements will provide McLeod Lake Indian Band an improved Government to Government relationship, by allowing MLIB to be involved in and have input at the strategic and policy level for planning which should allow our priorities and concerns to be taken into account at the Province’s policy level. Furthermore, these agreements will provide additional resources to help fund programs and services for MLIB. In 2008 the Province of British Columbia signed EBA’s with Treaty 8 First Nations, Doig River, Prophet River, West Moberly, Fort Nelson and Blueberry River. McLeod Lake was aware of this opportunity and in 2007 approached the Government requesting that MLIB be provided to same EBA opportunity. At the time the Government agreed to provide MLIB with the opportunity, but offer to enter into negotiations was not made until December 2012.
2013 Budget On February 06, 2013 McLeod Lake Indian Band approved the 2013/2014 Budget for McLeod Lake Indian Band. We are happy to report that we have a very health budget moving forward and will be have increased budgets for some program as well as some new programs. For instance, we have increased the Communications Budget and will be launching a new website that will include a Facebook page. The purpose for the new website is to reach more of our Members and provide timely and accurate information on McLeod Lake Indian Band’s accomplishments, opportunities, challenges and other related topics. Furthermore, we have a new program, Home Improvement Grants, for our off reserve Members, which will provide Members an opportunity to access funds for home renovation. Some restrictions apply and Grants will be awarded with priority given to health and safety, with cosmetic renovations being last. There has also been an increase in funding in Health and will be providing a Medical Emergency Program to make sure that Members are able to visit their family in emergency situations. In Health there will be increased funding to provide our Members the opportunity to attend the Returning to Spirit workshops that will focus on reconciliation of Residential School Trauma and a Lifeskills Program that will help our Members take advantage of our many opportunities.
Community Projects McLeod Lake Indian Band Chief and Council have also allocated project funds in the 2013/2014 Budget for a Cultural Camp, the construction of Boat Launch, placement of signs and gates on MLIB’s Lands, purchase of property in Prince George for a future satellite ofPice, Christmas Dividend, Wood Subsidy Program and a Consultant to amend Election and Membership Code.
BC Hydro In November 2012 McLeod Lake Indian Band Chief and Council and Consultation Committee met with BC Hydro Representatives to discuss the mandate BC Hydro had been given from the Provincial Government on the Proposed Site “C” Dam. McLeod Lake Indian Band had many concerns with BC Hydro’s mandate and their proposed offer. MLIB Chief and Council have not met with BC hydro since November and have meetings scheduled with BC Hydro on April 2-‐3, 2013.
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Anglo American
On March 05, 2013 Chief and Council signed a Cooperation and BenePits Agreement with Anglo American, which will provide us with revenues from the Trend and Roman mines which have either already received certiPication or are in production. The Agreement provides for jobs and contracts, revenue sharing and enhanced consultation with Anglo American on environmental issues. The Agreement is for an initial period of one year which will allow MLIB to receive funds from the mines while we address outstanding issues with Anglo American. These issues include: support for further mining; and adjustment of the revenue sharing for inPlation. Anglo American has developed a program for the protection of Caribou and committed to preserving caribou habitat as they develop their mines. Chief and Council also wanted to establish a precedent of revenue sharing from coal mines because of the amount of activity which is predicted to happen over the coming years.
First Nations Health Transfer
On February 28, 2012 I attended a First Nations Health Council meeting at the Coast Hotel in Prince George. In October 2013 the Government of Canada will be will transferring Health Funds from the Province of British Columbia to the Northern Health Authority which was created by the Northern Health Council. This involves a restructuring of the way health funds are administered for First Nations, and will certainly give First Nations more decision making authority in that administration. However we do have to be careful to try and ensure this new administration will be sufPiciently funded now and in future.
Election and Membership Code
Chief and Council have issued a Request for Proposals for a consultant to research and amend our outdated Election and Membership Codes. It will be the consultant’s responsibility to present an updated Election and Membership Code to our Membership for ratiPication. In hiring a consultant Chief and Council wishes to remove itself from the amending process and ensure the amendments will be fair and unbiased and will benePit all Members of McLeod Lake Indian Band. Three proposals were submitted to Chief and Council. Chief and Council will appoint the consultant from the proposals by the end of March and work towards a ratiPication by the end of September. This will allow lots of time for the Consultant to draft amendments, reach Members individually, and follow the amendment process outlined for all our codes in section 11 of the Election Code and section 7 of the Membership Code.
Thanks to everyone who r r O k e r e D f helped Chie cleaning up!!
Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at dorr@mlib.ca or 250-‐981-‐1332 Respectfully,
Chief Derek Orr
t Constable Joe Plan Chief Derek Orr &
Adele Chingee McLeod Lake Indian Band - band manager Hello: I’m participating in the Bullet Proof Manager Program offered by Crestcom Team. The training curriculum has been designed by thousands of managers worldwide. The curriculum focuses on good management practices. We learn skills to effectively manage myself plus manage others and interact with others. We learn core compencies that managers such as me require, which includes: • Ability to motivate others • Communications • Customer service • Performance management • Planning and goal setting • Recruiting/hiring/retention • Coaching and mentoring • Stress management • Negotiating • Change management To date the training has given me more confidence in myself. In one instance I got a ‘free oil change’ because of my willingness to give some pointers on customer service and what my expectations are as a customer. The company appreciated my comments and as a result they advised me today was my lucky day as they will pay for the oil change today. What an awesome feeling. MLIB is approaching another Fiscal Year End, all the programs and services and fiscal report are all current. Way to go Team. On another note, the fiscal budget has been approved for the next fiscal year. This year MLIB Operations prepared the budget with the strategic priorities of Chief and Council. We look forward to implementing those strategic goals and finalizing them. It’s going to be another exciting year. “There’s nothing wrong with change if it’s in the right direction”. - Dr. Kimberly Alyn. All the Best.
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Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.
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Anita Vallee MLIB Employment & Training Danchea’
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To all my fellow band members, well it seems like spring is trying make itself available, with a few flurries now and then, looking forward to Easter and family >me, hopefully Sydney Paige Jodee Wilson will come and visit for Easter Break and visit with family. S>ll helping with the elders, gong to the school and teaching the kids how to do beading, just trying to keep busy and really enjoy teaching the youth.
Qua rterl
I’m in the commiGee for the AGA and had a couple of mee>ngs to start the process of geJng things going for this year’s 13th annual General Assembly, so far we have assigned different people on the commiGee to different tasks and I find that seems to work for everyone, and that way we get things done in a >mely manner. We have about 7 of us that sit on the commiGee. What our department decided to do for the AGA, is to put up a Career Fair, where we get a hold of poten>al employers and they set up a booth at the AGA, that way band members have a chance to talk to them face to face and if they need to ask them ques>ons, then they will be there to answer anything about their company. We are just finishing up the Excel Training, which started back in January and the last day is March 21, 2013 with about 5 comple>ng the program. Upcoming Programs:
BEST DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAM
This one is for people that have not ever had a driver’s license, and it is to get you to study the book with a instructor and at the end of the program, you can write your exam for the learner’s license and I think the cost is about 15.00, so far we have a few band members and that will be star>ng March 18th, 2013 and goes >ll March 22nd, 2013
Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Duz Cho Construc>on, L.P., McLeod Lake Indian Band, and BC AMTA are hos>ng this event to be held in Chetywnd from April 22nd, 2013 to May 24th, 2013, there are 5 seats each for McLeod Lake Band Members as well as Moberly First Na>ons, Saulteau First Na>ons and Halfway River First Na>ons to par>cipate in this exci>ng opportunity. To sign up for this program, you have to fax your resume to Anita Vallee at 250-‐750-‐4420 or Deborah Prince @ 250-‐788-‐8824 and the deadline for this March 25, 2013…No phone call please, only those selected will be called for an interview. Wish you all the best of luck.
I have just completed a 4 day workshop with PGNAETA call ABORIGINAL CIRCLES and it entails how you get to know yourself and what kind of career do you really want, very interes>ng topic, what personal characteris>cs do we see in ourselves, how to be true to yourself and ask ques>ons like “Who I am” and “What can I do”, and to find crea>ve ways to express the real me and in all of the various roles in my life. Career is about you and your part in the world, many of us go through life thinking we don’t have much to offer, but people have lots to offer, some just don’t know how to see it or how to relate it to their world or how to talk about it, we also covered hope-‐filled engagements, which is Vales, career integrity, life balance, vision, crea>vity, decision and keeping in step. In all it was very intense and kept our aGen>on for four days and would recommend this workshop to everyone. S>ll helping with resumes and redoing resumes and helping with people that do online repor>ng for EI and doing job researches, keeping band members updated with on coming jobs and training as they come. Please come into the office whenever you have a chance and check out our boards or just come and have a coffee, always nice to see band members…… you all have an excellent easter.
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Update on the Health Transfer from Health Canada to the First Nations Health Authority
Rep
On February 26-‐28th I had the opportunity to aGend the First Na>ons Health Directors Associa>on Regional training sessions. The first two days were conversa>ons about policy and the role of the Health Director. The 3rd day February 28th was the Nova>on presenta>on made by Health Canada; I was able to aGend this with Chief Derek Orr and Band Manager Adele Chingee. This session was designed to provide Chiefs and Health Directors with informa>on about the process to novate ( *nova>on is the subs>tu>on of a new contract for an old one) community based agreements from Health Canada to the First Na>ons Health Authority.
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Introducing the topic was Grand Chief Doug Kelly and Health Canada reps Sylvia Passmore and Lorne Markin. On October 1, 2013, our current contribu>on agreement with Health Canada will be transferred to the first Na>ons Health Authority. In order for this to happen, every First Na>on will receive a “ Three party Nova>on agreement” this agreement will be issued to Mcleod Lake between late March and early May. The 3 par>es signing are Health Canada, First Na>ons Health Authority and Mcleod Lake Indian Band. This agreement needs to be signed by June 1, 2013. This process is necessary for the transfer that will enable FNHA to design and deliver health programs which will beGer meet the needs of our First Na>on communi>es in BC.
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Our current contribu>on agreement will remain in place as is un>l March 31, 2015. The novated agreements which will be held by the FNHA as of October 1, 2013, will be seamless. They will have the same terms, condi>ons, and funding of the exis>ng Health Canada contribu>on agreements. I will s>ll report to Gladys McLaughlin who will now be an employee of the First Na>ons Health Authority. The presenters spent a good deal of >me stressing to par>cipants that this process will be a seamless transfer, that business will carry on as usual, that ul>mately First Na>ons communi>es will not no>ce any difference in funding, staff or services…This begs the ques>on of “ what then is the point?”
We were assured that while the first 2 years will be business as usual, during that >me we will be working to improve services to our people and communi>es across BC through the 7 direc>ves established at Gathering wisdom in May of 2011. The 7 direc>ves which will guide how the First Na>ons Health Authority will proceed and be superior to current services are: Direc>ve#1: Community driven and Na>on based Direc>ve#2: Increase First Na>ons decision making and control Direc>ve#3: improve services Direc>ve#4: Foster meaningful collabora>on and partnership Direc>ve#5: Develop Human and economic capacity Direc>ve#6: Be without prejudice to First na>ons Interests Direc>ve #7: Func>on at a high opera>onal standard This agreement is so far the only one of its kind in Canada and is guaranteed for 10 years unless First Na>ons as a collec>ve want to cancel it. Canada cannot renege on the agreement. During the 10 years there will be a 5% escalator built into the transferred contribu>on agreement, thus every year the contribu>on to the First Na>ons Health Authority will increase by 5%. The transfer costs have been financed by Canada through a 17 million dollar budget. If you have any ques>ons please do not hesitate to call me or email at mvsomer@shaw.ca. Our Northeast HUB coordinators Sandra GarbiG and Marlene Greyeyes will be hos>ng an informa>on session at the March quarterlies.
r e m o S n a v n a h g Mea
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.
Shandi 8:30-4:00
Painting, 7 Teachings, Lunch Provided 10-2
31
Nicole 8:30-4:00
24
Shandi 8:30-4:00
17
Nicole 8:30-4:00
10
3
Sun
Shandi Off
Shandi 8:30-4:00
10AM-1PM Shandi 8:30-4:00
Elders & Youth 26 Fundraising Luncheon
19 Sliding, Paper Mache Easter Eggs (Part 1) Shandi10-2 8:-30-4 Youth Silent Auction
Shandi 12-7
Friendship Bracelets 4-7PM
12 Snowshoeing, Rainbow
Shandi 12-7
Paper Tulips 4-7 PM
5 Outside Play, Tissue
Tue
PGNFC Youth Exchange!!!
Eggs (Part 2) 10-2 Shandi 8:30-4:00
25 Sliding, Paper Mache
18
11
4
Mon
Shandi 8:30-4:00
Elders/ Youth Dream Catchers, Moose Nose 10-2 @ Elders House
Shandi 8:30-4:00
Shandi 8:30-4:00
Shandi 8:30-4:00
Fishing off the Bridge 10-2
27 Easter Egg Fireflies,
20
13
6
Wed
Thu
28
Shandi 12-7
Sliding (weather permitting), Lava Lamps 4-7PM
Powder King Ski Trip
29
Good Friday!
Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Camp
22
Shandi 12-7
So Lucky Activity, Candy Necklaces 4-7PM
15 Water Safety w/ Nicole,
Shandi 8:30-4
Cabin Fever Dance 7-11PM Sliding, Balloon Heads, Question Circle 10-2
8
1
Fri
30
23
16
9
2
Direct Line: 250-750-6271
Shandi Covell: scovell@mlib.ca
Shandi 8:30-4:00
Easter Baskets, Snowshoeing 10-2
Shandi 8:30-4
Youth 11+ Movie in PG 9-3
21
Shandi 12-7
Youth 11+ Game Night (Prizes!!!) 4-7PM
14
Shandi 12-7
Kitchen Youth 11+
7 Self Sufficient in the
March “Time of the eagles” 2013
Ahdah inza Sat
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Dear Parents/Guardians and Youth,
Over the course of March 2013, we have some exciting things planned:
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1. March 8 – Cabin Fever Family Dance 7-11PM. Bring your family out and boogie to the tunes of a local DJ! There will be a concession, door prizes and games so come out and get rid of that cabin fever! 2. March 20 – Youth will be at the Elders House from 10:00AM-2:00PM learning how to do a moose nose and making dream catchers with the elders. 3. March 21 – If I can get enough interest, I will be taking youth 11+ into Prince George for lunch and an early movie. 4. March 22 – Powder King Ski Trip. Parents or guardians are welcome to come, but I do need to know who is coming; whether rentals are required, and what type; whether a helmet and goggles are required; whether lessons are required, and for what; as well as whether you would like to transport you and your child(ren) or if transportation will be required (I have chartered the PK bus for this day, but it only holds 20 people). The Youth program will provide lunch, rentals, lift pass and lessons, as well as transportation only if you are on the PK bus. Please call me at 250-750-6271 (direct line) or email me at scovell@mlib.ca with details. 5. March 22- Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Camp in Prince George. This one day camp will teach youth about credit, financial literacy, market research, cash flow, sales forecast, etc. Speakers are from Community Futures Fraser-Fort George, Bank of Canada, Innovation Central Society, and PGNAETA. This is a free camp and would be an awesome opportunity for business-minded youth. Please let me know ASAP if your kids are interested or if you would like your kids to take part in this. 6. March 26 – Elders/Youth Fundraising Luncheon 10AM-1PM. We will be co-hosting a community luncheon with the Elders to raise money for both programs. Cost will be $13/per plate and proceeds will be split 50/50! Please come on out, enjoy some food, visit, and help support our future programming! 7. March 25/26 – PFNGC (Prince George Native Friendship Center) Youth Exchange. This is the first of many events with PGNFC, where 6 of our local youth will be taken to Camp Friendship for a sleepover, and have the opportunity to take part in several (too many to mention) fun and educational activities. I require chaperones (will need to have a criminal record search completed) and a list of interested youth ages 9+! Next exchange will be on our turf, probably once the weather warms up a bit so we can head out to Carp Lake. Let me know if you’re interested in taking part!
Those are the big ones! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and I am always open to ideas and recommendations. The rest of the days will be around the Band Hall sliding, snowshoeing, crafting, etc. Please find the March Calendar attached, and keep on hand for reference Shandi Covell, Youth Worker Phone: 250-750-6271 Email: scovell@mlib.ca
Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!
McLeod Lake Indian Band Clinical Counsellor/Proposal Writer Deadline: April 5th, 2013 The Clinical Counsellor works as a member of a multi-disciplinary community Health Team providing supportive counselling and educational services to Residential School survivors, their children, youth, and families. Job Qualifications: Knowledge and understanding of First Nations communities, cultures, and issues are essential. Knowledge of other related agencies and the services they provide. Ability to be empathetic and compassionate to the needs of clients. A degree in Social Work or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years experience. This is a full-time position. Wage will be based on experience. Start time will be immediate There is a requirement to travel to McLeod Lake Reserve Transportation is provided. Please mail, email, or fax your resume to: McLeod Lake Indian Band Attn: Meaghan Van Somer General Delivery, McLeod Lake, BC V0J 2G0 Fax: (250) 750--4420 Email: mvsomer@shaw.ca NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.
Monthly Council Report January 2013 – Destiny Bear, Youth Councillor January 9th – Council, the Band Manager along with Albert Peeling (our legal counsel); met to discuss our mee>ng held on December 19, 2012 with the province regarding the proposed Economic Benefits Agreement and Self Governance Nego>a>ons. Our next steps will be to drat a leGer to bring the membership up to date on the issue. January 14th – The Band Office was closed due to the passing of a Band Member, David Lee. I would like to send out my condolences to his family and friends. January 15th – In the morning Council met with Tervita representa>ves Andrew Webber and Andrea McLandress to the proposed Wolverine Landfill Project, which will be located on Braden Road between Chetwynd and Fort St. John. It will be a solid waste facility (basically dirty dirt), proposed life span to be about 20 years and they are hoping to start construc>on by 2014. We have learned that the South Taylor Landfill was built last year and we had no knowledge of the project; we were not involved in any stages of that project. We have ques>oned as to why we were not involved, they will be sending us informa>on on that project as well. Our next steps will be to set up a community mee>ng to inform the membership. In the aternoon Council met with Avro Wind Energy representa>ves Dennis Nelson, Michelle Closson, Beth Hrychuk, David Warner and Ron Percival; to discuss the proposed Taylor Wind Project. The project will be located on private grazing lands that would be within vicinity of the proposed Site C project. If you require further more informa>on on the project please Google ‘Avro Wind Project’. January 16th – Council met in McLeod Lake at the NRC for our regular chief & council mee>ng, from 9am – 4pm. January 17th – Council and Managers met in Prince George to review and plan our Annual Strategic Planning, which sets out our goals for the next years. I am really excited about a couple of our projects such as the proposed Gas Sta>on, the cultural camp and the boat launch to name a few. January 18th – In the aternoon Council met to discuss the Human Resources (Office Manager) review. January 21st – In the morning Council met to review the Personnel Policy, our next steps are to review the aGached schedules of the policy. In the aternoon we met to discuss the Band Manager review which at this point is s>ll in progress. January 22nd – In the aternoon Council met with Ministry of Forests Lands & Natural Resources Opera>ons representa>ves Marianne Novotny, Jason Lawson and Todd V. They are a group that will overlook the EA process for all major projects (within the range of $15,000,000); their goal is to streamline the informa>on sharing process and making sure all companies are going through the proper steps. They want to make it easier for First Na>ons, as well as others, to access and gain informa>on on any projects they wish to know more about. January 23rd – I aGended the funeral for David Lee in Prince George at Assman’s Funeral Chapel. January 25th – Council met to further discuss the Band Manager review. January 30th – The Planning CommiGee met to begin planning the Annual General Assembly. The scheduled days have been set for August 7 (Canoe Journey), 8 (Repor>ng Day) & 9 (Corporate Fun Day), 2013.
Monthly Council Report February 2013 – Destiny Bear, Youth Councillor February 4th – AGended an all day mee>ng at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Vancouver with the Educa>on Manager. The mee>ng was facilitated by FNESC with many First Na>ons Council members, and many other experienced individuals involved in Aboriginal Educa>on. The agenda included the Context of the Proposed Legisla>on, including the federal budget, AANDC Discussion Guide and the First Na>on leadership posi>ons; Key Issues, including challenges iden>fied by First Na>ons community representa>ves; and then planning the nest steps. If you would like more informa>on on this please go to hGp://www.fnesc.ca/na>onal-‐legisla>on and follow the links. February 5th – In the Morning Councillor G. Solonas and I met with the Finance CommiGee; members include the Finance Controller, Michael Shaker, the Band Manager and MLIB Members: Allan Inyallie and Marion Jackson. Our mee>ng was in regards to the upcoming fiscal year budget; we review the proposed budget and make sugges>ons then forward those to Chief & Council, who approves the upcoming fiscal budget. February 6th – In the morning Council met with Finance Controller and Band Manager to discuss the proposed fiscal budget for 2013/2014. Council approved the budget. In the aternoon Council met with Federal Treaty nego>ators, Jean Gauld and Graham Geddes to discuss our rela>onship. Jean stated our last contact was in 2004 when they received a leGer sta>ng MLIB wanted to go into self-‐government; in which the Federal Government came back with a tri-‐par>te agreement with MLIB, the Provincial Government and Federal Government. They would like to know if MLIB would s>ll like to pursue self-‐government. February 7th – I aGended a trapping field trip with the Morfee Elementary Grade 5 class, the Educa>on Manager and elder, Doris Jackson. The demonstra>on was given by a local community member and trapper, Chico Crossland at the McLeod Lake Community Hall. From there we did a 2 hour snow-‐shoeing hike and checked his traps with him. It was such an amazing experience learning about all of the traps and then geJng to see all of the animals, then the finished products! I had such a great >me and would like to thank Morfee Elementary for invi>ng me to join them! February 12th – In the morning Council met with PaGerns representa>ves Jim Webb, Ward Marshall, John Calaway and Leonie Rivers to discuss the proposed Wildmare, Meikle and Tumbler Ridge Projects. February 20th-‐21st – I aGended the 1st Annual Na>onal Aboriginal Physical Ac>vi>es Culture Circle in Vancouver. The conference was held at UBC and was scheduled for two days (20-‐21st). I aGended 10 sessions which ranged from physical ac>vity for all walks of ages, the importance of geJng back to our inherent ways, and the importance of healthy ea>ng, etc. If you are interested in learning more on this informa>on please go to hGp://www.a-‐pacc.com.
February 25th-26th-‐ All of Council met at The Cove in Kelowna for the Council Retreat. It was facilitated by Andrew Leach, who showed the key components of a good working leadership team. He relayed the 5 most important responsibilities of a Council, which are: 1) Get Organized – portfolios, how are you keeping updated with what you are doing? 2) Setting Clear & Common Goals – making sure your goals are easy to follow, and you are all (in some way or another) are working together 3) Get the BEST to Achieve your Goals – bringing in the best person to do the job you need done 4) Monitor performance – monthly reports (are we going where we need to go?), making effective use of your meetings 5) Protect your Nation’s rights – some individuals will dedicate their life and soul to this, others that won’t At the end of the day and a half workshop, I felt that we were able to air our grievances and issues we having within our team and it helped us realize our goals better as a team. February 27th – In the morning Council met with Mackenzie Town Council, the Regional District of Fraser Fort George; Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce; Northern Development Initiative Trust; College of New Caledonia and, Community Futures Fraser Fort George, to discuss the Regional Community to Community Forum. It was held in the gymnasium and was very well attended. It was a day to discuss how these different level of Government’s and organizations can work together to promote Cultural Awareness within in Mackenzie; discussions included Industrial Trades Training; Housing in Mackenzie; Development of the MLIB Land Parcel located in Mackenzie, ideas include a Culture Centre (a venue for People to access as a central gathering place and used possibly for cultural activities), as well as a gas station/ maybe cafe; Celebrating Aboriginal Day as well as Alexander Mackenzie Days. Our next steps are to meet again this fall, which we will include Kwadacha and Tsay Kay Dene to attend. I am so excited to see the outcome of these meetings!
r a e B y n i t s e D
To All McLeod Lake Band Members, Hello to all of you; from the team of Land Management and the Land Committee. In 2011, at the AGA, The members of McLeod Lake voted on the Community Plan and in those proposed plans were the Cemetery and Culture Camp, Store. We have been working on the cemetery and the culture camp also. We have been working on the boat launch. So by next winter we will be having some much needed things in place for our members. The Chief and Council of MLIB wanted the cemetery to be priority. The Land Committee has been meeting on a regular basis to make sure things are now being done. The last two meetings have been all about the Cemetery and we have had our own experts in on areas of the cemetery, to name a few Ryan Bichon, Rich Krehbiel, Lucy martin and of course George McDonald. We are also looking at Lees and Associates and his company has had over 20 yrs in doing Cemetery’s. We are now looking to start enforcing the dog issues on the reserve; this will also be another process. It will come into effect, in the next few months. The culture camp will be cleared out this year also. The trail to McIntyre Lake will be better and also we hope to have it up and running by the AGA.2013
If anyone has any questions about any of these projects, Please feel free to call, Alec Chingee at (250)-‐750-‐4415 ext.858 alchingee@mlib.ca Minnie Isadore at (250)-‐750-‐4415 ext 860 misadore@mlib.ca
Mussi Cho
e e g n i h C c e l e A r o d a s I e i n Min
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.
Natural Resources Report Treaty 8 Forestry Logging on Treaty 8 lands is underway and we are on track to log 50,000 cubic meters before spring breakup. This level of harvest is equal to the long-‐term sustainable cut that has been determined for the land base. We should perhaps be cutting more to use up dead pine trees that are losing value as they get older and greyer, but prices for logs are not high enough to justify an increased cut. As a result, we are operating at a middle-‐of-‐the-‐ road level that ensures sustainability while cutting some pine trees before they lose their value as saw logs. At this current level of harvest, we are not over-‐cutting or under-‐cutting wood from MLIB lands. Community Forest Duz Cho has now Pinished logging our Pirst Community Forest block and is in the process of logging the second block. This Forest License is managed in partnership with the town of Mackenzie. The Board of Directors is made up of three people appointed by MLIB, three people appointed by Mackenzie, and one chair. MLIB representatives on this Board are myself, Lionel Chingee, and Alec Chingee. It is nice to see this Forest License Pinally operational and we look forward to good things that can come from it, such as enhancements to local recreation. Three Feathers First Nation Consortium License This new Forest License is a partnership between McLeod Lake, Tsay Keh, and Kwadacha bands. The Board of Directors , with representatives from all 3 bands, has now received the actual Forest License for this tenure. Planning and layout of our Pirst harvest area is underway. The goals of this license opportunity are to provide economic benePit as well as strengthen relationships between the 3 communities. Boat Launch Plans and permits for a boat launch at McLeod Lake are coming together. The goal is to have a boat launch in place by the end of summer. Cultural Camp MLIB Council has committed to the establishment of a permanent cultural camp as a place where Band Members can gather and carry out traditional activities. Following site visits with the elders last summer, McIntyre Lake has been selected as the site for this camp. Further planning in underway. Issues such as sewage disposal, garbage management, safety, and environmental impacts need to be addressed at this planning stage. The goal is to have the camp established before the late summer hunt. Employment Opportunities We will need to Pill a number of positions for summer to carry out all the work that is planned. Positions will be posted in the next few weeks. Please provide a resume and expression of interest if you wish to be considered for summer employment.
MLIB Natural Resources Manager
n o h c i Ryan B
Quarterly Report March 2013 Geraldine Solonas, On-‐Reserve Councillor
Well, it is that >me of the year again for our Quarterly mee>ngs for Council to meet with Band Members to provide informa>on on what is currently happening in administra>on of services/ programs; financial informa>on of the Band and Band businesses; and, other informa>on that may be per>nent to Members as First Na>ons, such as the impending Health Transfer of First Na>ons’ health services from First Na>ons and Inuit Health Branch (Health Canada) to the First Na>ons Health Authority, apparently which is a first >me event in Canada. The Federal Government has approached MLIB and proposed self-‐governance nego>a>ons be put into gear, which would include: economic benefits; land; funding; and, First Na>ons Inherent Rights. Informa>on of this will be provided to Band Members consistently throughout the nego>a>on process with feedback from you on an ongoing basis through community and Quarterly mee>ngs. The Oil & Gas (OGC) nego>a>ons have not been completed as of February 21st. We had two unproduc>ve mee>ngs since December with the province; and, await informa>on. They have been advised that: they do not hear/admit MLIB issues that are of our concern, which they look upon as being minimal; as we sit at mee>ngs, thousands of dollars slipping through due to inadequate referral process which is underfunded to begin with; cumula>ve effects should be part of this agreement, but not to OGC; COLA was never taken into considera>on with past agreements; and, MLIB has great issue with the amount of water used in the oil fields. OGC to revise the previous agreement, track changes and provide this to MLIB the first week in March. The Council is engaged with the Public Trustee Office in Vancouver regarding a proposed change to Sec>on 10 of our Amended and Restated MLIB Trust Agreement. Currently, the Band owes about $8 Million (yes, eight million dollars) due to this annual loan formula as it currently stands even though the Band has paid about $4.5 Million (four and a half million dollars) into the Trust in the past three years. Each year, even if the Band is not taking any money out of the Trust for programs, the Band s>ll owes more money to the Trust due to this sec>on. The Band has two lawyers and the Public Trustee’s lawyer is working with Council on this issue. MLIB is also involved with BC Hydro Site C mee>ngs. Several Treaty 8, Northern BC and Northern Alberta First Na>ons met in Fort St. John following the last BC Hydro mee>ng to discuss our unity on First Na>on issues with regards to this looming project. Our discussions were on: the lack of >me to provide sufficient response in their process; their lack of recogni>on of our Inherent Rights as First Na>ons; their lack of concern for the cumula>ve effects of this project; and, our unity will have them see us as someone they have to contend with. As men>oned in my first paragraph, the en>re Health services currently being provided by First Na>ons and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) will be taken over by the First Na>ons Health Authority (based in North Vancouver) in October of this year. As a Band, we will sign annual agreements with the First Na>ons Health Authority. It is stated that there will be NO changes to current services despite the take-‐over. As a Councillor, and my previous lack of knowledge of this Health takeover un>l last October, I have requested that there be presenta>ons at the Quarterly mee>ngs. In a previous report, I stated I was quite concerned that this has been on the table for several years, and especially in the last two
years, and there had been next to no informa>on given to the grass roots people who are the ones who will be greatly affected by such changes. This shows that there needs to be beGer repor>ng from those aGending mee>ngs on behalf of the Band/members (for those who do not already do this). The Council is currently working on this issue of repor>ng and communica>on at the Council level, but must also be done at the staff level also, which is part of providing the best services that we can. At the end of February, the Council aGended a retreat in Kelowna. At first, I was a bit reluctant to even think of spending funds on such a thing, but once we were there and discussed why we thought we were there, it was good to get Council issues on the table and discuss them and provide possible solu>ons. It is good for a team to hear hear{elt issues of each other and be cognizant of that in the future. On that note, the staff aGended a two-‐day session on staff training and development in Mackenzie in mid-‐ February. I did not aGend, but no>ced how the training affected some of the staff in a posi>ve way and I am very proud of them for how they took the training to heart! In my February monthly report, I men>oned the Regional Community to Community Forum held in ML and how well aGended that was by seven organiza>ons from Mackenzie, Prince George, and, McLeod Lake. I am s>ll in awe of that mee>ng considering the amount of people discussing how we could work together to make our lives and programs beGer to service all people in the area, including cultural awareness ac>vi>es. I am very proud that Councillor Des>ny Bear volunteered her >me towards Aboriginal Day celebra>ons in Mackenzie for this year. The Council is looking towards the forma>on of a MLIB Economic Development plan which would enable the Band to run the Band businesses from a central point and would take some of the current ac>vi>es the Council engages in to a more proficient level with blessings from all who may be affected by such a process. The Council feels the Band has goGen to the point where such a plan would be of great benefit to the growth and growing prosperity of the Band. Along with the above, I have been involved with many other maGers: 2013/14 budget recommenda>ons to Council; PGNAETA’s Annual Leadership Strategic Framework; touring Mt. Milligan; Staff Apprecia>on Barbeque; Personnel Policy Review; Land Management Forum; Specific staff reviews; hiring of contractor for Elec>on and Membership code reviews; and, many, many mee>ngs with businesses doing business in our Tradi>onal Territory. I must say I appreciate what I do on behalf of you, as my people, and I am quite aware you put me where I am at (besides the Lord ); and, I will con>nue to do the best I can, speaking up the best I can and pray for much blessings to be upon each and every one of us, our families and those connected to us in any way, that when we meet or work with others not of our Na>on, that we take the best from each other and share that to provide a beGer life for our children, grandchildren and future genera>ons!! With much respect…
s a n o l o S e n i d l a r e G
Geraldine Solonas
Psalm 91…
Social Assistance March 2013
SA has 12 clients to date on reserve; 2 PPMB, 3 PWD, 1 on medical leave, 1 in school, 2 COPH, 1 is working part time and 2 are seeking employment. I’ve started a new program on March 4th which is a mental health support program for 2 speciPic clients. Everything is coming together quite nicely. The clients and their families are very happy with this program so far. We will be covering health, wellness, education, beginner computer skills, photography, cooking, life skills, swimming, the gym, the ACE program in PG and much more. I am looking forward to this new adventure and the support it will bring. Keep you posted in future publications. Any questions, please feel free to phone me at #250-‐750-‐4415, extension 852 or by email jdyble@mlib.ca. Sincerely,
e l b y D Jen
Social Development Worker
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if
Kayleigh Calder
stop opening presents and listen. My coach says:you‘Pick a number and go a!er him’
McLeod Lake
Indian Band
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Duz Cho Construction L.P., McLeod Lake Indian Band, & BC AMTA are hosting an Environmental Technician Certificate Program from Vancouver Island University BC to be held in Chetwynd from April 22nd, 2013 to May 24th, 2013. There are 5 seats each for McLeod Lake Band Members, as well as West Moberly First Nations, Sauteau First Nations and Halfway River First Nations, to participate in this exciting opportunity. The objective of this course is to give the participants the skills and abilities required to assist Biologists, Environmental Technicians, Engineers, and Site Restoration and Environmental Monitoring professionals. The course outline as follows: -
Land Monitoring Skills (5 days) Water Monitoring Skills (5 days) Construction Site Monitoring Skills (5 days) Fish and Fish Habitat Monitoring Skills (5 days), and Essential Environmental Skills (5 days)
To pass, the participants will need to meet or exceed the following: - 90% attendance for this program - Demonstration of practical field skills, and - Completion of field journal assignments. Graduates of the Environmental Technician Certificate Program will be certified to complete Environmental Monitoring and Assessment of Hydro-Electric Development, Mining, Forestry, Highway/Road Construction, and Oil and Gas Operations within the traditional territories. If you are looking to upgrade your current skills, or you want to join a dynamic team of people who are passionate about the environment, this is the course to apply for!
Closing date for applications is March 25, 2013 Please submit resumes to Jodie Ware, Employment and Training Fax 250-750-4420 Or Deborah Prince Land Referral Office Fax 250-788-8824 No phone calls please. Only those selected will be called for an interview
Return to Spirit Reconciliation Workshop The Return to Spirit Reconciliation Workshop is offered by the Prince George Diocese and is held at the Domano retreat. It is a Pive day workshop intended to address the healing needs of individuals who experienced residential school. In order to attend this workshop you must have attended the Pive day Aboriginal Workshop. Dates for the Reconciliation are May 27th to 31. Please see Linda Jones or Meaghan Van Somer if you are interested in going. We have had several band members take the Pirst week long program and have always had very positive feedback from them upon completion. Focus of the program is not about revisiting what happened to people as a result of colonization and residential school experiences, but rather, is about moving beyond the past and stepping into the future in a positive way. People have experienced it as personally empowering, allowing for a sense of personal possibility and leading to increased conPidence. McLeod Lake Indian Band would like to encourage all band members to take the time to attend this worthwhile program. Currently there is not a schedule for the initial week long program, but fall will see this offered again. If you are interested in taking in this benePicial healing workshop let Linda or Meaghan know and we will let you know when dates are Pinalized.
s e n o J Linda More Horoscopes on Page 18
th
January'29 :'Peace'Northern'Caribou'Committee:' ' This% far% into% 2013,% it% is% decidedly% too% late% to% initiate% the% maternal% penning% component% of% the% recovery% program% for% the% Moberly%herd%as%the%calving%period%will%begin%mid=March%and%the%animals%may%be%too%sensitive%that%far%into%pregnancy%to%be%moved% into%a%pen.%The%animals%will%likely%be%transported%by%helicopter%or%by%truck%if%the%access%is%feasible.%The%options%for%penning%this%year% would% limit% it% to% existing% areas% that% already% have% fencing% in% place.% A% rancher% in% the% Stewart% Lake% area% has% several% reindeer% in% an% enclosure%already%with%another%section%of%enclosure%that%has%been%offered%out%for%use%in%this%program.%It%would%provide%a%resource%of% knowledge%and%limit%the%necessity%for%additional%full%time%monitoring,%the%problem%being%that%the%animals%and%soil%currently%in%the% pens% would% require% testing% to% ensure% that% no% disease% would% be% introduced% to% the% wild% caribou% that% would% be% transplanted.% This% testing%takes%some%time%and%it%may%not%be%possible%to%move%the%animals%this%year.%With%the%augmentation,%it%has%been%proposed%that% ten%cows%would%be%transplanted%from%the%Moberly%herd%(which%may%now%require%the%entire%herd%be%moved)%and%another%ten%from%the% Graham%herd,%to%which%six%would%be%returned%pending%the%success%of%the%program.%The%number%of%animals%transplanted%would%also% increase% the% genetic% integrity% of% the% resulting% herd% from% the% source% population% to% the% receiving% population,% thereby% strengthening% their%potential%for%recovery.%As%it%is%likely%not%possible%to%have%the%animals%penned%by%early=March,%works%are%proposed%to%spend%this% year%preparing%the%Moberly%ranch%(north%side%of%the%Peace%River)%%for%penning%at%this%time%next%year.%The%criteria%required%for%penning% is%the%limited%risk%of%predation%(generally%prevented%by%human%based%activity%in%the%area,%proximity%to%known%wolf%pack%territories,% alternate%prey,%etc.),%ease%of%access%(pre=existing%with%little%requirement%for%upgrading%or%further%construction),%cost%(as%relative%to%all% aspects%of%the%program)%and%prevention%of%habituation%(the%animals%returning%to%the%area%in%following%seasons).% Questions%have%risen%on%the%condition%of%the%caribou%and%other%ungulates%in%the%Peace%Region;%the%current%population%is% mostly%older%animals%and%it%has%been%questioned%why%there%are%so%few%young%generation%animals%within%the%populations—which%is%a% major% concern,% as% the% animals% statistically% breed% between% two% and% twelve% years% of% age;% many% have% noticed% that% the% moose% in% the% region%are%also%now%herding%together%in%attempt%to%avoid%predation,%which%suggests%that%not%only%are%their%numbers%down%to,%but%also% that%the%general%populations%within%wolf%packs%have%become%a%significant%enough%threat%that%the%moose%need%to%herd%for%survival;% some% new% migration% patterns% have% emerged% with% the% Quintette=Babcock% sub=herd,% witnessed% as% far% north% as% One% Island% Lake% and% Tupper,%and%previously,%near%the%Kiskatinaw%River%bridge%on%the%97.%% % The% decisions% made% regarding% the% parameters% for% the% proposed% predator% control% program,% and% the% necessity% for% it,% were% established%during%this%session,%requesting%hunters%from%the%three%First%Nations%to%hunt%the%packs%in%the%area%(see%map),%to%collar%the% alphas% for% further% investigation% into% their% inhabitance,% populations% and% migratory% patterns,% and% as% applied% to% the% program% in% the% attempted%reduction%of%their%numbers%to%allow%a%more%sustainable%population%of%caribou%to%develop%in%the%area.%%
Blue:%outlining%the%Moberly%Herd%range;%Red:%outlining%known/potential%wolf%packs%threatening%herd%
%
TECK:& QUINTETTE& MINE& PROJECT:& Wildlife& Work& Plans:& W1:& Operational& Wildlife& Protection& and& Monitoring:! will! provide! a! commitment!to!the!Wildlife!Protection!and!Monitoring!Plan;!additional!breeding!bird!surveys.!W2:&PreBConstruction&Nest&Surveys:!! additional! information! on! bird! diversity! and! abundance! in! the! project! area;! framework! for! avoidance/mitigating! project! effects! on! nesting! songbirds.! ! W3:& PreBConstruction& Wildlife& Habitat& Feature& Surveys:! project?specific! mitigation! plan! for! wildlife! habitat! features;!prepare!a!field!program!for!surveys!to!provide!additional!information.!W4:&PreBConstruction&Amphibian&Surveys:&project? specific!mitigation!plan!for!amphibians;!prepare!a!field!program!for!surveys!to!provide!additional!information!within!the!LAA.!W5:& ScreeningBLevel& PredatorBPrey& Matrix:! table! showing! the! predator?prey! interactions! in! the! RAA! (Regional! Assessment! Area);! will! inform!the!mitigation!and!reclamation!plans.!W6:&Conveyor&Crossing&Wildlife&Monitoring&Program:!implement!a!program!to!monitor! the!use!of!wildlife!crossing!structures!along!the!overland!conveyor;!install!cameras.!Plan&W7:&Caribou&Monitoring&Program:&monitor! indirect! effects! on! caribou! distribution! and! behaviour;! telemetry! data;! areas! of! high! mortality! risk/increased! stress;! potential! disturbance.!W8:&Validate&Wildlife&Models:&assign!level!of!confidence!to!the!wildlife!habitat!suitability!models!by!spatial!mapping!of! wildlife! observations;! goat,! moose,! grizzly,! caribou.! W9:& Provide& Key& Indicator& Species& Linkage& Matrix:! (species! selected! as! surrogates!for!all!species!at!risk)!table!of!linkages!between!key!species!and!all!other!species!expected!to!occur!in!RAA.!W10:&Clarify& model&Assumptions:!clarify!assumptions!made!in!W/L!habitat!models;!more!detail!in!modelling:!caribou,!grizzly,!marten,!songbirds,! mountain!goat!habitats!for!each!season.!W11:&Aerial&Ungulate&Surveys:!additional!baseline!for!moose,!elk!and!deer!in!RAA;!field!plan! for! surveys;! baseline! surveys! for! winter! ungulate! use! (January! 15! to! early! March).! W12:& Grizzly& Bear& Denning& Habitat& Suitability& Model:! suitability! assumptions! will! be! reviewed,! based! on! biogeoclimatic! unit,! surficial! material,! soil! depth/expression,! drainage,! aspect,! slope.! ! W13:& Grizzly& Bear& Summer& Habitat& Suitability& Model:! suitability! for! summer! foraging! using! availability! of! marmot! habitat! as! a! key! component,! collaboratively! with! vegetation! characteristics.! W14:& Moose& Winter& habitat& Suitability& Models:! early/late!winter!models,!based!on!TEM!(Terrestrial!Ecosystem!Modelling)!in!the!RAA!at!baseline,!overlaid!with!the!project!footprint.! W15:&Incorporate&Pine&Beetle&Kill&in&Marten&Habitat&Model:!assess!extent!of!beetle!kill!in!the!RAA!and!resulting!effect!on!availability! of!marten!habitat!by!reviewing!terrain/ecosystem!data.!W16:&Project&Effects&in&RAA&Based&on&a&PreBdevelopment&Baseline&Scenario:& reassess! the! effects! on! wildlife! VECs! (Valued! Ecosystem! Component)! based! on! pre?development! baseline;! in! conjunction! with! Vegetation/Soils! Work! Plans! for! Cumulative! Effects.! Air& Quality& Work& Plans:& A1:& Effects& of& the& Murray& River& Coal& Project:& assess! cumulative!effects!of!MRCP!in!a!qualitative!manner;!emissions!data!will!be!obtained!from!HD,!overlapping!effects!with!Quintette!will! be!estimated/!assessed.!!A2:&Consistent&Presentation&of&Emission&Rate&Information:!resolve!inconsistent!presentation!of!emission! rate!information!found!in!the!Technical!report!Summary!versus!the!Appendix!details.!A3:&Greenhouse&Gas&Emissions&from&Blasting:& calculate!GHG!emissions!from!blasting!and!add!to!current!estimates;!estimate!of!explosives!used!annually;!calculate!GHG!emissions! using!industry!standards.!A4:&Nitrogen&Oxide&Emissions&from&Blasting:&calculate!NOx!emissions!from!blasting!and!add!to!estimates.! A5:& Update& Table& 6.1B2:! provide! more! detail! of! the! treatment! of! emissions! included! and! status! of! each.! A6:& Include& the& Dustfall& Cumulative& Effects& for& the& Trend/Roman& Mines:! provide! more! detail! to! existing! information,! including! predictions! assuming! similarity!with!comparable!operational!effects!and!overlap.!Soils&and&Terrain&Work&Plans:&S1:&Dust&Loading&on&Soils:!quantify!dust! loading!on!the!west!side!of!the!Murray!River!in!order!to!justify!predictions!of!‘no!effects’!to!soil!productivity!and!support!relation!to! vegetation!and!wildlife.!S2:&Quantitatively&Describe&PreBMining&Baseline&for&Soils:!pre?disturbance!baseline!bioterrain/soils!map!of! existing! mine! disturbances! to! create! a! new! pre?disturbance! baseline.! Reclamation& Work& Plans:& R1:& PreB& and& PostBDisturbance& Reclamation&Capacity&Comparison:!re?evaluate!pre/post?closure!baseline!conditions!of!1,600Ha!of!mine!infrastructure!and!reclaimed! landscape!at!2010!baseline.!Vegetation&Work&Plans:&V1:&PreBDisturbance&Baseline&Vegetation&Analysis:!pre?disturbance!ecosystem! baseline!for!the!existing!Shikano,!Plantsite!and!Babcock!mine!disturbances;!summarize!change!of!scenario!to!include!operations.!V2:& PreBConstruction&Rare&Plant&Survey:&focusing!on!areas!with!high!potential!for!rare!plant!inhabitance;!field!surveys!conducted!in!July;! mitigation! plan! developed! if! deemed! necessary.! Fish& and& Fish& Habitat& Work& Plans:& F1:& Validation& of& Baseline& Hydrology& Model:! compare!regional!and!local!data!from!2011!(2012!data!will!be!completed!in!spring!of!2013);!validate!model!estimates!of!mean!annual! runoff/precipitation;!validate!flow!distributions!at!project!site!tributaries;!update!baseline!model!if!required.!F2:&Sensitivity&Analysis& for& Hydraulic& Modeling& presented& in& the& MAPA:! quantify! any! error! associated! with! the! hydraulic! habitat! model! predictions! for! Babcock!Creek!by!assessing!the!sensitivity!of!model!to!changes.!F3:&Overwintering&Fish&and&Fish&Habitat&Survey:&to!identify!habitats! used!by!resident!bull!trout!population!or!other!species!in!Babcock!Creek!during!the!winter!months;!additional!winter!flow!surveys! suggested.!!F4:&Fish&and&Fish&Habitat&Data&Collection:!collect!supplemental!habitat!measurements!at!several!locations.!F5:&Babcock& Creek& Resident& Bull& Trout& Population& Monitoring& (2013):! provide! a! foundation! for! long?term! monitoring;! track! fish! health! and! population! demographic! information! in! Babcock! and! Gordon! Creeks.! F6:& Update& Babcock& Creek& and& Murray& River& Technical& Data& Reports:! incorporate! existing! literature/2012! data! into! the! existing! baseline! data;! additional! field! studies/analysis! proposed! for! comprehensive!analysis.!Groundwater&Work&Plans:&GW1:&Provide&clarification&on&certain&groundwater&TDR&components/complete& comparison&groundwater&models:&summarize!and!revise!conceptual/numerical!model!inputs;!confirmation!of!model!conservatism.! Human&Health&Work&Plans:&HE1:&Evaluate&Potential&Health&Risks&to&Large&Mammals&and&to&Wildlife&and&People&that&Consume&these& Large&Mammals:&large!mammal!species!not!included!in!the!original!assessment!because!small!mammals!were!deemed!to!have!higher! exposures!as!larger!mammals!have!less!limited!terrain;!add!moose!to!list!of!ecological!receptors;!evaluate!baseline!and!worst!case! health! risks! to! moose,! relative! to! consumption.! HE2:& Evaluate& Soil& and& Vegetation& Baseline& Metals& Concentrations& at& 7& Receptor& Locations& Surrounding& the& Proposed& mine& Site:! baseline! samples! were! not! collected;! insufficient! quantity! of! samples;! strengthen! existing!baseline,!use!new!receptors!to!evaluate!potential!for!coal!dust!effect!to!human/ecological!health.!Cumulative&Effects&Work& Plans:& CE1:& Cumulative& Effects& Analysis& within& the& Application& RAA& using& PreBDisturbance& Baseline:! update! for! Rare! Ecosystems,! Alpine!and!Parkland!Indicators:!Vegetation;!Wildlife:!results!will!determine!whether!a!detailed!cumulative!effects!assessment!will!be! warranted! for! each! key! wildlife! indicator—not! anticipated.! CE2:& Cumulative& Effects& Assessment& within& Proposed& Regional& Cumulative&Effects&Management&Area:!to!address!third?party!request!for!a!cumulative!effects!assessment!within!the!regional!area;! key!indicators!suggested:!caribou,!grizzly,!moose,!rare!ecosystems,!alpine!and!parkland!ecosystems,!old!growth!forest.! ! Any!comments!from!community!members!on!either!of!these!projects!would!be!greatly!appreciated.!Thanks.!MLIB!Land!Referral.!
Spectra!Energy:!Proposed!route!for!the!Natural!Gas!Transmission!System! !
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if TransCanada:!Proposed!route!for!the!Coastal!GasLink!Pipeline!Project!
you stop opening presents and listen.
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First Nations Employment & Education Liaison Officer Update J A N - M A R
McLeod LakeIndian Band SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
2 band members are currently completing the “Minerals Processor Course at CNC”
2 members completed WHMIS training
1 member completed “Food Safe”
Excel Level 1 & 2 was offered to community and staff
B Y
M I S T Y
W I L L I A M S
Welcome/Services/Locations A database is being created for McLeod Lake Indian Band Members and affiliates. This database will track your employment history and experience. Business’s that contact us looking for potential employees will be able to request contact info for people who have the right experience. If you would like to be included in this database please contact me or email your resume and list of any certificate or tickets.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
WHERE TO FIND ME:
Employment Support Training Support
Monday, Tuesday and Friday at MLIB main office.
Referral Support
8:30 am to 4:00 pm Thursday at Mackenzie Employment Services Center located next to CNC Phone: 250-997-7208 Toll Free: 877-997-4333 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Mount Milligan Mine Resue Team Misty Williams—E/T Liaison
Wednesdays at the Mt. Milligan worksite or office in Mackenzie 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Phone: to be announced
McLeod Lake Indian Band Phone: 250-750-4415 Ext 836 Fax: 250-750-4420
All messages can be left at the phone number and email listed for McLeod Lake Indian Band
Email: mwilliams@mlib.ca
Winning Customer Service
2 0 1 3
Attended the following: PGNAETA Guiding Circles Workshop, Ministry of Social Development Beyond Barriers Symposium, CSC meeting, College Orientation Week
Upcoming Training Programs Mineral Processing Operator Certificate. In Fort St. James. 16 week program. Starts in September 2013. Approx. 40 people will be hired to work at Mt. Milligan in the mill. If you like video games and computers this could be the career for you. Call for more information.
We will be putting funding application forms on the website soon for training and educational purposes. Please watch for them to be added.
ARE YOU A TRADES PREAPPRENTICE? OR WANT TO BE? Mt. Milligan is looking to hire pre-apprentices, entry level. Are you an electrician, Millwright, Welder or Heavy Duty Mechanic. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact me to discuss option.
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if
Keep To The Sunshine Youlisten. Cannot See The Shadows you Your stopFace opening presentsAnd and
e c n i r P h a Debor
Housing & Public Works March 14, 2013 Our team consists of a: Public Works Manager – George McDonald Housing Manager – Boris Boyko Housing & Public Works Maintenance Worker-‐ Paul James McNabb-‐Tylee Housing & Public Works Assistant – Jolene Solonas Our team maintains the Housing, repairs, reserve roads, main buildings and utilities such as septic, water, street lighting, etc. Overview: George started in this position in late spring/early summer of last year, and is a great asset to this department and community. He has overseen the installation of approximately a dozen new septic systems. He has hired 3 band members to assist in the Housing and Public Works Department. He made two big signiPicant purchases which include a sand/plow truck and a loader, which are very practical and useful. George oversees the regular, everyday management, administration and maintenance of the whole department. He makes sure that all required reporting is done in a timely manner. Boris started this position last summer and oversees mostly the Housing repairs and maintenance which is ongoing but also assists George in the maintenance of the reserve utilities. He and PJ work closely together and do a great job of getting all requests done quickly. PJ has become a real asset to the department as well in the fall of last year. He has helped keep the roads cleared as needed which has been a great deal this past winter. He has become very useful with the bobcat and the loader. Paul does a large number of the Housing repairs and maintenance on reserve. He also helps out with the public works department when needed. I have been hired on in the late spring/early summer of 2012 as the Housing & Public Works assistant. The position consists mostly of admin duties, such as letters, reporting, making sure that the department bills get submitted in a timely manner, records upkeep, Piling, ordering, etc. I have completed an Excel level 2 course and would love additional training and schooling to better my skills in and outside of this position. We all work very well as a team, helping each other out when and where needed if possible, and I am thankful to be a part of it!
s a n o l o S e n le
Mussi Cho,
Jo
Housing & Public Works Assistant Tel: 250-‐750-‐4415 ext. 871 Fax: 250-‐750-‐4420 Email: jsolonas@mlib.ca
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.
The Traveling Feather is published up to 12 times a year. Members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and readers of The Traveling Feather can submit their news and pictures at mklijnsmit@mlib.ca