MLIB
APRIL 2010
NO.6
The Traveling Feather
WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE
SPRING
YEARS
TREATY
810
"An optimist is the human personification of spring."
O Â
n April 1st, McLeod Lake Indian Band celebrated their 10th year aniversary of the Treaty 8 signing. The celebration was just a beginning of our milestone celebration. There will be more at this years AGA in August. The morning started with an opening from Chief Derek Orr, followed by presentations on the history of the Treaty
from former Chief Alec Chingee and current Band Manager Adele Chingee. Band members, staff and MLIB dignitaries came from all over the province to be a part of this memorable morning, who all listened with great interest to the presentations. Many door prizes were given away and the overall mood was energetic and joyfull; however, the anticipation of the morning was the
pig roast and the celebration cakes. We hope everyone who joined had a great morning! Have a look on page 8 for Treaty 8 Celebration pictures or visit our website at www.mlib.ca (click Treaty No.8)
McLeod Lake Indian Band | General Delivery | McLeod Lake, British Columbia | V0J 2G0 (250) 750-4415 | Toll Free 1-888-822-1143 | www.mlib.ca
Contributors MLIB The Traveling Feather Derek Orr, Guy Rocheleau, Cindy Berg, Margie Alec, Tania R. Solonas, Meaghan van Somer, Jodie Ware, Marc P. Klijnsmit, Alec Chingee, Jennifer Weightman, Jolene Solonas, Kandy Klijnsmit, Geraldine Solonas & Marc P. Klijnsmit McLeod Lake Indian Band address: General Delivery McLeod Lake, V0J 2G0 Toll Free 1-888-822-1143
Newsletter Submissions
Bought this truck at an auction with some of my distribution cheque. A 1995 Ford 350. Very proud. I was moving my cousing Jason Solonas, Wilfred Solonas's son, to the Island from Prince George. It was a beautiful sunset in the year 2000.
Would you like to write something for The Traveling Feather? Please submit your story to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca
Website and email address www.mlib.ca msolonas@mlib.ca
MLIB Publiction No.6 The Traveling Feather is published 12 times a year. Members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and the people of McLeod Lake can submit their news and pictures at mklijnsmit@mlib.ca
Office Opening Hours The McLeod Lake Indian Band Office is open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm.
New Website Online Soon
Treaty 8 Celebrations are sooooo cool!!
WWW.DUZCHO.COM 2
Tania R. Solonas
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ood Day to Everyone in TseK’ehne Country! This past month has been so wonderful out in McLeod Lake. I was able to participate in the ‘Residential School Trauma workshop’ that was put on by Joseph and Ruth Heney. It was such an eyeopening experience. It brought to light the cold truth and hard facts of what actually went on at the Indian Residential schools throughout Canada from 1837 until as recently as 1996. I must forwarn you that the information given below can be very upsetting; but I feel that these truths need to be told, especially to the Second Generation so that we better understand what Our Parents went through. It was very disheartening to learn that Our Parents, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents were all given numbers and that is who they were known as throughout their childhood education. I did not know the depth of the depravity that the Government of Canada, the Churches, and the RCMP inflicted on our Aboriginal People, especially on our Children. Since the beginning of First Contact; small-pox infested Hudson’s Bay blankets were given to Natives to infect and kill off the Villages. There are actual pictures of small-pox ridden children playing with healthy children so that they could get infected. The Reserves were called Rancheros back then, because the people were fenced in like cattle, and you needed a pass from the “Indian Agent” to go out of bounds. The Government of Canada also sanctioned the sterilization of our Native Children through various methods including: making children stand in front of crude x-rays on their pelvic areas, operations, and the tying of tubes. The Government would pay Doctors at the time $300 for each child they successfully sterilized. There was maximum of a 50% survival rate for Our Children who attended Residential Schools. Therefore Our People today truly are SURVIVORS! I commend each person that has made it through the atrocities they may have been subject to. We are all decendants of a Strong People, the Survivors of the Genocide, the Survivors of Residential School, and only the strong lived; and from those strong Indians we descended. 3
One man, Kevin Annett who used to be a Pastor for the United Church down south is the guy the started the initial exposure and uncovering of the Murduring of Indian Children, and the Stealing of Native Lands. The Residential Schools ran “Officially” from 1867 – 1986, but the actual date of inception was as far back as 1837 and the last one closed in 1996. The last Residential School to close was actually Lejac which is where most of Our Parents, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents attended in Fraser Lake, British Columbia. There were approximately 250,000 who went through these types of schools, ages 3 – 16 years, and well over 100,000 of those children were killed through small-pox and tuburculosis infection, murdered, etc. A lot of these children were starved, sexually, physically, mentally and emotionally abused. They were deprived from human attachment, love, caring, and the basic necessities of life and health. I have been learning about how important Human Attachment is in the nurturing and caring of children. It is the basis for so many morals and values that a person needs later on in life. Brothers and Sisters were not allowed to see each other. The Childrens’ hair was cut when they entered school, and a white powder was put on their heads and wrapped overnight to kill off the bugs the Children “apparently” had. Children were not allowed to speak their Native Language. Up until 1947 the Children were not allowed to go home 365 days a year (all year long), and after 1947 they were allowed home during the summer time. The Government has committed outright Genocide on Our Aboriginal Peoples since First Contact on Turtle Island (North America). I received this information from Ruth and Jacob, and it is fact-based. If you need proof of this, I can call Ruth up and get her to send us documentation to this affect. I realize that this information can be very upsetting, but it is what a person does with this information that I am concerned about. It may help us to have a better understanding of what people who went through Residential School may have endured, and maybe when we work with those affected and their children, we will be more open to their needs. Here are a few websites you may want to check out for additional information or help: www.irsss.ca
> Indian Residential School Survivors Society
www.nrsss.ca
> National Residential School Survivors Society
www.turtleisland.org > forums and discussion groups on related subjects
Beautiful McLeod Lake by Ken Solonas 4
Chief Derek Orr’s Monthly Report
D
ear Members,
I continue to hear positive feedback on our website. I hope Band Members are taking advantage of McLeod Lake Indian Band’s improved website (MLIB.ca). If you wish to automatically receive monthly issue of the newsletter you can add your e-mail to the subscription box on mlib.ca homepage. Currently we have approximately 100 subscribers and on a Google search of First Nations, McLeod Lake Indian Band is one of the top picks to appear!! We continue to have people access our site from as far away as Italy, Spain and China. The website is a direct link to McLeod Lake Indian Band projects and activities and will provide Members with up to date information. I would like to thank webmaster Marc Klijnsmit on the continuing development of the McLeod Lake Indian Band website. Keep up the great work Marc! March has been a very busy month. On March 4-7 McLeod Lake Indian Band held quarterly meetings at McLeod Lake, Prince George, Vancouver and Kelowna. I would like to thank all the Members that attended and provided their input on discussion items at the quarterly meetings. We had 61 Members attend at McLeod Lake, 51 at Prince George, 12 at Vancouver, and 7 at Kelowna. Vancouver and Kelowna had a number of Members that confirmed their attendance, but did not attend.
After gaining Membership support, on Wednesday March 17, 2010 the Chief & Council of McLeod Lake Indian Band and Terrane Metals issued a joint press release. The press release confirmed McLeod Lake Indian Band’s support of the development and operation of the Mt. Milligan copper and gold mine, which is clearly situated within our Traditional Territory. Prior to the signing of the Treaty Adhesion in 2000 the Province and Canada requested that the McLeod Lake had to gain other First Nations support that there was no overlap issues. McLeod Lake Indian Band was successful in completing this and adhered to Treaty 8 at a Signing Ceremony on April 27, 2000. The press release is available on our website (MLIB.ca).
On March 22-23, 2010 I attended a business summit in Vancouver organized and hosted by Enbridge Pipelines. The Summit was well attended and provided some very good information and networking opportunities. Enbridge continues to work towards the construction of a pipeline from Bruderhiem Alberta to Kitimat British Columbia. Enbridge hopes to start pipeline construction in 2013 and be in operation by 2016. A significant portion of the pipeline route is within our Tradition Territory. McLeod Lake Indian Band and Enbridge continue to discuss 5
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pportunities associated with the pipeline. Some these topics include education and training, job and construction opportunities, equity sharing and direct award contracts. In addition Enbridge has also been offered that they would be willing to discuss putting one of their pumping stations on our reserve lands in Bear Lake, which could provide long term benefits through tax revenue and jobs. However, I have also heard that some members would like to use this reserve lands for residential area. Nevertheless, we will be setting up community meetings to discuss these options with the Membership of McLeod Lake Indian Band. When dates are identifies there will be notice sent out and a posting on the web.
Mackenzie Pulp Mill The McLeod Lake Indian Band has signed an Economic Development Agreement with the province which is a 20 year deal giving us access to a series of forest licences to cut 800,000 cubic meters of wood for 5 years. The Economic Development Agreement is conditional upon the reopening of the Mackenzie Pulp Mill. As the fibre supply is intended to supply some of the needs of the Mackenzie Pulp Mill, we are presently negotiating what the arrangement with the pulp mill will be.
Last week I was going through Bear Lake, BC and stopped by the Grizzly Inn for some lunch. Band Member Kandy (Tylee) Klijnsmit and her husband have re-opened the new and improved Grizzly Inn Restaurant. I had a soup, clubhouse and fries. The food was great, service was great. I wish you all the success in you new business venture. I hear Friday nights are steak night. Check it out!!
Youth Conference On March 24, 2010 I was a keynote speaker at a youth conference organized and hosted by Carrier Sekani Family Service, in Prince George, at the Coast Inn of the North. The theme of the Youth Conference was “On the Rise, Our Past, Present and Future.� McLeod Lake had a number of students attend the youth conference. Councillor Jenine Solonas and Band Member, Roberta Mitchell chaperoned our youth at the conference. For those that do not know me personally, I was pretty haywire back in the day. I was heavy into drugs and alcohol and heading down a dark path of loneliness and self-destruction. Most my friends and family had given up on me and I believe that many expected to attend my
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funeral if I continued that lifestyle. I told my story of how with a little determination, a lot of help and faith that I was able to persevere and accomplish many of my goals and dreams. One of those dreams was to be elected Chief of the McLeod Lake Indian Band. Today I have the honor and gift of being a leader and representative in our community. I wanted the youth to know that, despite many of the challenges that we face, with hard work, determination and perseverance anything can be accomplished and that they have the opportunity to be and do anything they want in the future. A special thanks to the chaperones and students, on the last day of the conference the host gave recognition to how well the McLeod Lake youth behaved. WAY TO GO YOUTH!! I would also like to acknowledge and thank Carrier Sekani Family Service for the awesome job on the youth conference and the beautiful necklace they gave me as a gift for speaking. On a personal note, I am very happy that spring is on the way. It seems like it has been a very long winter. Arlene and I are working to finalizing our plans for our September wedding in Hawaii. I have never been out of the country before and am looking forward to our trip, the wedding and spending some quality time with our family. On March 06, 2010 our youngest boys, Owen, turned two. Now that spring is on its way we have been able to go out in the back yard and play. Mom (Jane Inyallie) bought Owen two hockey nets and sticks, so Owen is always ready to go out and play “ocky.” Owen only chooses to use about 10 words at this point. The rest of the time he just points and grunts. Seems to work for him and when we don’t understand Erica gladly translate for us. Erica has wanted to go to piano lessons for some time and will go to her first lesson tonight. We have Logan signed up for “Sprockets,” which is a course designed to develop kids mountain bike skills. Arlene continues her two full time jobs as a mother and as a consultant. I have been working on a diet and getting in shape for our wedding day. I am getting in a little more gym time these days and stay active chasing the kids around the back yard and riding my mountain bike. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully,
r r O k e r e Chief D 7
TREATY
YEARS
810
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More Treaty 8 Celebration pictures at www.mlib.ca 9
Elder Program Report My last report went into the Quarterly report for those meetings so it was not in the last monthly newsletter. This month I have taken over doing the “word of the week” from the Youth department. I take a Tse’khene word, find a picture and put how to pronounce it on a sheet and send to all MLIB users and make sure this goes to our Day care as well as to a Day care and the schools in Mackenzie. It is interesting an interesting project. I was contacted by Susan McCook who works with the Elders of Kwadacha. They would like to have a regional gathering of our people: Kwadacha, Tsay Keh, McLeod Lake, Takla, West Moberly and Halfway in August of this year at Moose Valley, which is towards Kemess. I think this would be a great event for our Elders to attend, to meet with friends and relatives from other Nations. This is a reminder to Elders that if you have been abused physically, including sexually, at an Indian Residential school you must start your claim by finding a lawyer. The deadline for this is September 19th, 2012. If you have questions on this, please call me and I will assist you in finding a lawyer. I have booked rooms for the Elders Provincial Gathering in Vernon. The Gathering is in Salmon Arm and the accommodation is all taken up already. This is in case funding is allocated to this trip. This year’s Elders program budget has been limited to wages for the coordinator and funding for monthly meetings. Funds for annual trips and the Elder rent subsidy are not in this upcoming year’s budget. There was a Residential School Trauma workshop during the first week of March which was attended by staff, Band members and service workers from Mackenzie. The Elders who attended feel it was very good to talk about how they were treated and shared some of this information with others, including children of survivors who sometimes do not know what happened at these schools. This workshop encouraged survivors (people who attended these schools) to speak out and share their stories. Many people who work with First Nations people do not understand why some of our people are the way we are with our addictions, poor family relationships, lack of self esteem, etc ., which is a result of the trauma we experienced while attending these schools. The atrocities that happened at these schools need to be heard by others, there needs to be forgiveness and healing in our lives in order for us to live better lives and those who did not attend need to understand the effects the system has on our people, including future generations unless there is healing. The Elders who attended would like more of these workshops held. Arrangements were made for an Elders meeting in McLeod Lake on March 12th, but only two Elders showed up. Something for the Elders to consider is should most of their meetings be held in PG where we usually get about fifteen Elders. I am currently working on a proposal to the “New Horizons” for Seniors/Elders program with HRDC. The project is for a 3 week total immersion language day camp for the month of July, except for the week of the Provincial Gathering, in McLeod Lake on the old Rez site with two Elders per day teaching the language and another two cooking. Nothing but the local Tse’khene dialect will be taught and spoken at this camp. The camp will be open to any Band members interested as well as others connected to the Band, through family or work. Pray that this funding is approved and we get the funding before July 1st. Elders have expressed their interest in the past with this concept of teaching in a camp setting which is normal compared to teaching in a classroom. There needs to be several meetings with interested Elders for their input into the project. Belated birthday wishes for March: Alec Chingee, the 9th; Albert Chingee, the 27th; and, Julie Dallaire, the 30th. Birthday wishes for April: Michael Solonas, the 4th; Veronica Cunningham, the 13th; Sheri Solonas, the 19th; Albert Isadore, the 27th. Please let me know if I have forgotten anyone. The next Elders meeting is set for Wednesday, April 7th in Prince George at the Days Inn. Wishing you all a blessed, safe, and happy Easter. Remember the reason for the season.
s a n o l o S e n i Gerald
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. 10
Ca
Horoscope This month will be a positive time for you, Aries, due to strong influences in your sign. The Sun will be in Aries until April 20, adding confidence and motivation. You'll make positive changes and decisively begin new initiatives over the first few days. Love may be difficult during the Venus/Mars square around April 3. A New Moon on April 14 in your sign will herald a new beginning. You'll start fresh and take action decisively into May. Mars in Leo, another Fire Sign, will lift your spirits and help you enjoy life, especially around April 21 and 22.
The Sun, Venus, and Mercury will all move through your sign this month. You'll be relaxed and enjoy all of your relationships. There may be some stress at home or with a parent, though. Mercury and Venus will be in Taurus for most of the month, emphasizing friendships and loving communication. The Sun will move to your sign on April 20, bringing an added boost of confidence and charisma, and you'll be in your element. A Full Moon in Scorpio on April 28 may bring difficult emotional issues. Mercury will turn retrograde in your sign on April 17, creating misunderstandings.
Expect a bit of tension and stress with three planets transiting the sign of Taurus this month. You may become inpatient with other people or feel bored. The Sun, Mercury, and Venus will all be in this Earth Sign, bringing self-indulgence but also the chance to relax. The Sun will be in Aries until April 20 and there will be a New Moon in Aries on April 14. This fiery energy will get you moving and help you start new projects. Be careful not to waste time or get distracted. Neptune in your sign will enhance your creativity and intuition.
Motivating energy from Aries this month will inspire you to be more active and assertive. The Sun will be in this sign until April 20, urging you to experience life to the fullest. A New Moon in Aries on April 14 will bring added confidence and courage. You just need to believe in yourself in order to be successful. Saturn will move back into the sign of Virgo around April 7, causing some tension and worry for the rest of the month. You may have concerns about shared resources or joint finances. Mars in Leo this month will help you stand up for yourself.
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if
More Horoscopes on Page 20
you stop opening presents and listen. 11
MLIB Education Department
Jodie Ware
Danache’a, Well the past couple of months have been very challenging to me emotionally, physically and spiritually and I survived!!! Lol There is still a lot of stuff that I am dealing with but I am very confident in my abilities to get the job done. I’m not perfect but I can tell you that I truly enjoy my job; working for MLIB! What a year it’s been for the Education Department, lot of success stories, few trial and errors, and overall positive programs. As per my last Quarterly – March 2010 Report, at this time, the following programs will cease until further notice, quick re-cap: • No Elementary/Secondary Attendance & Effort Incentives • Post Secondary 2010-2011 – Very limited. Limits on tuition, books/supplies, and living out allowances. o All current and potentials students are encouraged to seek other funding as a backup such as bursaries, scholarships, grants, student loans, provincial income assistance, employment insurance, and other applicable funding agencies. • Youth – Extra Curricular Activities (Ages 4 to 18), limit is $200.00/year. Monies do not accumulate over the years, either you use it or lose it. • Elders – Coordinator position fully funded. • Employment/Training – No Treaty dollars. Only have PGNAETA funding, in order to access, band member must live within the PGNAETA geographical area. If live outside area, member will be referred to nearest AHRDA. Elementary/Secondary Update Received high volume in phone calls/emails regarding the incentives and the deadline of March 31st, 2010 and how they can access. Thank you to all the parents and support staff for taking the time to make sure your paperwork was faxed and received. Graduates for 2009-2010, had three (3) potential, 1 confirmation received this week. If your child(s) are graduating this year, please inform the Band ASAP otherwise graduation incentives may not be available by the time budgets are dispersed to staff. Congrats to Robert Motz for receiving his Dogwood on March 26th, 2010. Honor Roll – Term 2 • Shelby Mitchell Morfee Elementary Grade 7 • Ashley Fox Morfee Elementary Grade 6 • Kayleigh Calder Morfee Elementary Grade 4 • Faith Ingwersen Mount Slesse Middle School Grade 7 • Alyssa Tylee Heather Park Middle School Grade 8 • Megan Olson Mee-Yah-Noh School Grade 6 • Mariah Chingee Kau High School Grade 9 • Devin Masse Windebank Elementary Grade 7 *This does not include all students; please see future publications for more congratulations…
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For more pictures of LeJac Residential School visit: http://lejac.blogspot.com 13
McLeod Lake Indian Band Home Care Worker McLeod Lake Indian Band has a three day a week position available for a Home Care Worker in McLeod Lake (140 kms north of Prince George) at the main office. The Home Care Worker will work with the Health Team and be under the supervision of the Social Services and Health Manager. Transportation will be provided. Some of the duties required by this position include:
• • • • • • • • • •
Provide Home Care to elders, disabled persons, and others in the community with identified needs; Provide Home Care including general housekeeping, personal hygiene and meal prep as necessary; Transport Home Care clients to appointments and activities; Assist with exercises, physiotherapy and other medical plans; Follow medical instructions carefully and consistently; Establish and maintain a current, accurate, confidential client reporting system; Liaise with family, medical and other resources, as required; Participate in Health team meetings as required, as well as participate in Health related activities; Plan and work within a multi-disciplinary team; Some shovelling and wood chopping is required
Qualifications • Minimum Grade 12 and a Long Term Care Aide Certificate; • Ensure confidentiality is maintained; • Valid driver’s license; • Ability to communicate effectively with the public, effective team membership, conflict resolution skills, good organizational skills, written and oral communication skills are an asset; • The successful candidate will be required to sign an Oath of Confidentiality and undergo a criminal records check. Closing Date: April 12th, 2010 at 4:00 pm. If you are interested in this position please forward a resume and a covering letter to Meaghan VanSomer, Social Services and Health Manager, General Delivery, McLeod Lake, BC V0J 2G0. Telephone: 250-750-4415: Fax: 250-7504420. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. 14
Housing Report Good day to all, For the month of March, I had a very full and busy schedule. This month is the fiscal year-end, and this means that we are finishing up the renovations and reporting for 2009/2010. Also, this is the time of year that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), and others are holding most of the workshops and information sessions for housing staff. I participated in a Project Leadership workshop in Fort St. John on March 9 & 10, an Asset Management workshop in Prince George on March 18, a Property Management workshop in McLeod Lake on March 22 & 23 and an Arrears Management workshop in Prince George on March 25 & 26. These workshops were all very interesting and informative. I now have a better idea of my responsibilities as the Housing Coordinator. I have to take my hat off to all that were and are in the Housing Department. This is a very demanding and challenging position to be in and requires a lot of support from various areas. So, this year everyone can expect a few alterations. I will be sending out information, having a community dinner, and keeping the communication lines open and on-going. I will be working on maintenance, renovations, and building plans; as well as policies, procedures, rent and arrears management. On a side note, I would like to explain a little on how CMHC and INAC funding works; which is where we get some of the funding for the Housing Department. We put in proposals for funding for renovations and we give them a list of all of the houses and the repairs that are needed in each house. CMHC and INAC decide which houses and repairs will be done. They send out their own inspector to figure this out. We are given a percentage of the costs estimated for the work that is to be done. This money usually comes in after the work is done. We are given a time limit to have the work done and reports sent into the funding agent, which is usually during the winter season, and ending in mid-March. They again send out another inspector to verify what work has been done. Whatever work that is not completed, we do not get funding for. Another side note; I would like all members to think about what the housing program means to you? Also, how do arrears impact the nation? - Not enough funds to make loan payments/Mortgages (CMHC/INAC), cover maintenance and repair costs, hire staff to manage the housing, provide insurance, etc. - Limits the Band’s ability to obtain other funding. - Limits the Band’s ability to build new housing units. - Increases the number of applications on the waiting list. - Increases the length of time applicants wait for housing assistance. - Ministerial Guarantee may be called. - Etc. I would also like to take this chance to remind everyone that all decisions that the Housing Department make are based on the Housing Policy, and are not personal decisions. Also, we would greatly appreciate your rental payments prior to the next month. And please do not forget to come in and do the rental calculations and sign the lease extensions. If you fail to do the rental calculations, you will be charged the Lower End of Market rates, which are $590.00 and $620.00 per month. The Housing Department consists of The Housing Coordinator (Jolene Solonas), Public Works Manager (Guy Rocheleau), and the Housing Committee (Margie Chingee, Doris Jackson, Roberta Mitchell, Jessica Solonas, Margaret Solonas). We will be filling the sixth position for Off Reserve Committee Member shortly. I would like to thank everyone for their time, patience, participation and understanding, and Guy for all the help and support that he has given me since I have taken on this position. Mussi Cho, Jolene Solonas McLeod Lake Indian Band - Housing Coordinator Tel: 250-750-4415 Fax: 250-750-4420 Email: jsolonas@mlib.ca 15
Forestry Report Nursing Services: Public/Community Health Ryan Bichon Sharon Kennedy RN and Deb Lewis RN
APRIL 2010
Primary Health Care
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McLeod Lake Indian Band Health Care Services are offered 4 x a month. Contact your CHR: Cindy Berg for information on our program or book an appointment.
Offices also in Mackenzie Phone: 9973263 ext 255 Deb Lewis ext 253 Sharon Kennedy ext 252
This was when I came to McLeod Lake once in 2002. This is a Rez dog and never knew its name or who it belonged to. Thought it be a little nostalgic for people. Margaret Solonas
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MLIB Employment & Training
Margie Alec
Hello Everyone, First of all I would like to thank Tania Solonas for being the acting Employment and Training Officer while I was away. The department has 8 registered students in the College and Career Preparation Program in Mackenzie. The students are progressing well. The department received funds from Duz Cho Construction for the student supplies and fuel top-up. The department thanks Tania for her diligence in inquiring for the support. The McLeod Lake Indian Band Lands Referral Department has funded the CCP Student Registration/Application/Tech/Placement fees. Thanks to all of the companies for their support. The department has 1 member taking the Water Treatment Technology Program from the Thompson River University online program, 1 member had finished his Emergency Medical Planning Advanced First Aid Level 3, 1 member that has received his train the trainer certificate. To others that have taken training under the McLeod Lake Indian Band Employment Training Department, expect a call from the department for the 12-week follow up. The Employment and Training Department has implemented the PGNAETA Labour Market Research to the Application Package. The Labour Market Research was implemented so the clients can ask potential employers what they need and what it takes to be in the line of work you are interested in. It further helps in deciding if this is what you want to be trained for. This kind of questioning gives a chance for you to open the doors to employment.
The Mackenzie Employment Centre Counselors will be available at the McLeod Lake Indian Band for Career Counseling from 1pm to 4 pm on April 13, 2010. You can call Margie Alec at the Band Office to schedule an appointment or come in to see if there is a spot available. I am asking the MLIB members to send or fax a copy of their tickets for the department to scan and put them into the computer. The reason for this is that many of the job opportunities have only an email address and no fax numbers. I will be attaching them to your resume I have on the E&T computer. The Job Readiness Committee has had their first meeting. This meeting was to discuss the terms of reference for the Committee. There are four members on this committee and the terms of reference will be shared after it has been developed with why the committee was developed.
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Oil and Gas activity remains stable in the Peace region. With the price of natural gas which is still under $4, continuing to have a great impact on the region, as well as the temporary set-back of the spring break-up, things have slowed down quite a bit, though applications are still coming in on a regular basis. More companies have returned to planning and developing projects. Though, as has been common over the last year or so, many of these applications are subsequent wells, sometimes up to a dozen well heads on an individual lease and a lot of their projects are just small pipelines and tie-ins; all of these projects are scheduled for construction between now and late fall. We have recently been working with Kym Thrift from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and Delia Christianson of the Oil and Gas Commission to develop a list of caveats applicable to future applications for MEMPR land tenures, which provides us earlier input regarding MLIB’s concerns with projects, a step ahead of their submission to the OGC. We have also been looking into water regulation in the Peace, particularly because of the lack of snowfall and melt-off this spring, resulting in a reduced supply necessary for drilling. In areas like Stewart Lake, northwest of Groundbirch on the way to Dawson, where there is a high level of activity and limited sources of water. In areas like this, companies will need to find further alternatives for resources. Companies are no longer permitted to remove water from Stewart Lake, as it is a recreational fishing site, stocked with rainbow trout, and with the amount of activity in the area, it would be easy to drain the lake. As a result, they have turned to alternatives like trucking water in from the Pine River or finding underground sources of water. There will soon be a new regulation in place requiring community consultation for Water Permit applications, for the removal of water from lakes and rivers and underground wells. With the upcoming implementation of the Oil and Gas Activities Act, there are some great changes and improvements to regulations regarding issues like fish bearing streams and wetlands; for example, stream classification will be altered to regard any watercourse, fish bearing or tributary, as a fish bearing stream. This addition will require construction planning to avoid these habitat resources and will better protect the environmental quality and integrity of their future for sustaining fish habitats. With another addition to the OGAA, there will also be a First Nations Compliance Inspector from the OGC available for joint site inspections and review of projects, providing a tool for ensuring the environmental protection and adherence to regulations in Drilling, Production, Roads, Pipelines and Facilities, in all phases of development. There has not been much activity in wind farms assessment and applications lately, though we will have a meeting in April with Finavera to discuss their Wildmare, Tumbler Ridge, Mt. Clifford and Bullmoose projects, regarding a Traditional Land Use Study agreement and future plans for assessments. The construction out at Dokie is going well, and should continue throughout the summer. There have not been very many Archaeological Impact Assessments conducted yet this year, which have been slow coming into our office, particularly in the last month, having only a few small projects assessed. Many of the projects that have been through application have been for frozen ground conditions, which would have been applied for in the fall and winter of last year. These activities should also be increasing after spring break-up, and we should have more field monitor projects for band members in the next few months and into the fall. For those interested in these jobs, they will require valid H2S and WHMIS certificates. It is also good to have Ground Disturbance, First Aid, and BP Indoctrination. Also, for a lot of this work it is also an asset to have a driver’s license and a Quad Certificate. For more information, we can be reached at the Land Referral Office at (250) 788-2227 or by fax at (250) 788-8824.
LRO Report 18
Hi, I am Sarah Ann Smith and I started going to Master Gees Black Belt Academy when I was seven years old, so I have been there for three years so far. I was driving with my dad Jason and my sister Selina when my dad saw Master Gees Black Belt Academy and said “let’s take a look after school.” After school we had a look. We walked in the front door and saw a tall wearing a certain type of uniform and a big smile. He welcomed us in and the rest is history. Since then Taekwondo has changed me in certain ways. Master Gees Black Belt Academy has made my self confidence better. One day I was walking with my sister Selina. We were craving so we went to the candy store. The store was two and a half blacks away. Se we walked and I felt better than I did before because I know that I can defend myself from almost anything. Taekwondo has also helped me to pay attention. At school in science a friend was trying to talk to me but I paid attention to my teacher instead and I got an “A”. Taekwondo has also helped me to aware of my surroundings. At the tournament in Kamloops in May 2009 I was vs. a ten year old even though I was nine. She through a fast punch but I blocked it and stepped to the side and kicked her side of her chest pad and got a point. I was proud of myself and my family was to. Taekwondo has also helped me with my strength in my arms! At school in gym I was vs. a boy in boxing to climb up the rope the fastest. He was ahead at first but I caught up fast. I am almost to the roof; I touch the roof and win, YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My classmates cheer except his friends they were hoping that he will win. Taekwondo has also helped me with my core strength. I was testing for my black belt and did not know that I could do one hundred sit ups straight. At the first fifty sit ups I was ok but when I got to seventy I felt like giving up, but I kept on going. At ninety I focused on finishing the one hundred sit ups. When I was done I lay down and took a deep breath. I felt proud of myself, now I proved that I have done one hundred sit ups. Taekwondo has helped me with my legs. When I was doing my one mile run I kept my pace but when I needed to go faster and faster I was getting a head I was getting a cramp at the last lap but I kept on going and focused on the finish line. I am done and did it in eight minuets or so. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Taekwondo has helped me with my balance. At school in my gym class I tried to cross a thin bar but I fell. That’s when Taekwondo came in. I tried it again a week latter and almost fell but kept my balance and kept on walking slowly. I did it, crossed the bar. My friends tried it but they kept falling, I guess they need to join taekwondo also. If I did not join Taekwondo I would never cross that bar. I am pretty sure I got and “A” in gym class now. P.S. Gym class is one of my favorite subjects in school. Another thing taekwondo has helped me with is when I went to my friends house to play. We played and played until we went up stairs to get a snack, her brother was there so we said he and started to talk. My friend said “he is thirteen years old” then he said “let’s arm wrestle.” I said “ok”. I was nervous but I new I would win. So we arm wrestled and guess what, I won. He was surprised that I could beat him and he asked if I could teach him a move. I thought him a goose neck he did not learn fast but now he knows. So that’s all I have to say. Thank you for reading. Thank you to my test instructors and Master Gee and Mrs. Gee. THE END
More Horoscopes on Page 18 Sarah Ann Smith
I have something to say....... Anything to share or show?? Send your story and/or pictures to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca 19
Pluto in Capricorn will continue to shake up your world. By now you're getting used to the chaos and finding new ways to cope. The Sun, Mercury, and Venus will move through the sign of Taurus during the month. The Sun will join them there on April 20. This influence will increase your desire to do good work and be diligent and trustworthy. You'll have good relations with other people and get in touch with your sensual side during these transits. Saturn retrograde will move back into your sign around April 7. This could affect your confidence in a negative way.
Three planets in Taurus this month will urge you to relax and slow down. The Sun, Mercury, and Venus will bring out an appreciation of art, music, and nature, as well as your sensual side. However, the Sun will be in Aries until April 20. This will be an opportunity to pursue new initiatives and start projects. A New Moon on April 14 in Aries will reinforce this idea. The planets transiting in Taurus will help you be methodical and work hard to achieve your goals. Saturn will move back into Virgo on April 7, creating fresh challenges.
The Sun in Aries until April 20 will kick-start your initiatives. You're usually hesitant about trying new things and taking risks. A New Moon in Aries on April 14 will give you further impetus to test your limits. The Sun will join Mercury and Venus in the sign of Taurus on April 20. For the rest of the month, enjoy the finer things in life, relaxing activities, and good times with people you like. Try to get outside and enjoy nature and perhaps do some gardening. This will help you to feel grounded. Keep generosity in check this month.
Your energy will be high and vitality strong this month with Mars in your sign and the Sun in Aries until April 20. You can expect to have a lot of confidence and start new projects as of the New Moon in Aries on April 14. Take a few risks, be decisive, and initiate change for the rest of the month. The Sun will eventually join Mercury and Venus in the sign of Taurus. This Taurus energy might create tension and stress if you refuse to slow down and relax. You'll enjoy the company of others but you could argue.
I have something to say.......
More Horoscopes on Page 18
More Horoscopes on Page 23
Anything to share or show?? Send your story and/or pictures to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca 20
Employment/Training Update Margie Alec
I am letting the members know that I am working with Ken Solonas to provide the Graduated Licensing Program. These will be needed for you to take this course • Achieving the Learners License ( refundable if accepted into the Graduated Licensing Program) • Display a level of commitment to the Job Readiness Committee The Graduated Licensing Program is designed to help reduce crashes through restrictions in the Learner’s (L) license stage and the Novice (N) stage. Graduated Licensing Program is a two-stage program designed to help you become a safe driver for life – and reduce your risk of crashing while learning. New Drivers will be eligible for a 6 month reduction in GLP Novice licensing stage. These companies are accepting resumes; Mortenson Company(Dokie Wind Project) is hiring Carpenters, Concrete Laborers, Forklift Operators and Concrete Finishers – Phone # (763)287-5759 – Dowen Virgo Western Coal is hiring Laborers, Blasters helpers, Pacer, Truck trainees, Haul Trucks, Scrapers, service person, Dozer/grader/Backhoe Operators, drillers, Blaster, 992 loader operator, Mining excavator, Welder, Mechanic – Fax # (250) 242-6037 or email wolverine.hr@westerncoal.com Willow Creek Mine (Western Coal) Phone # (250) 788-8842 extension 43 or email d.fraser@westerncoal.com There is training Opportunities at the Northwest Community College – School of Exploration and Mining; you can call Rob Maurer at 1-877-277-2288 Extension 5831 for the details. Mining Exploration Field Assistant Environmental Monitor Assistant Program That is all for this month. Enjoy the spring weather. In Friendship, Margie Alec Employment and Training Officer
Need help with your 2009 taxes? Your 2009 taxes are due April 30th, 2010. If you require help preparing your 2009 or previous year's taxes, please contact Margaret Solonas at McLeod Lake Indian Band reception, (888) 822-1143 or Bob Inkpen at (866) 283-6542. 21
Who is this lovely young lady??? 22
You'll find that Saturn, the planet of limitations, will still influence your general outlook on life this month. You may be less confident or willing to experience life fully. The Sun will be in the sign of Aries until April 20, helping you be more proactive and assertive. However, Saturn will cause you to hold back, and you might fear change. A New Moon in Aries on April 14 should help mitigate somewhat your reluctance to grow. Under this influence, you should face your fears and do things anyway. Mars in Leo will bring fun and good times with friends.
You'll feel more grounded and relaxed with three planets moving through the sign of Taurus this month. Force yourself to slow down, appreciate what you have, and enjoy good times. A New Moon in Aries on April 14 will help you be assertive into May. Mars in Leo will bring confrontations with people who are more extroverted and bossy than you are. You might not like this brash and showy behavior and become defensive and withdrawn. A Full Moon in your sign on April 28 will make you even more moody, introspective, and emotional. Feelings of jealousy or obsession could become problematic.
The Sun in Aries for the first three weeks this month will push you to take the lead and take risks. Your energy will be strong and your confidence elevated. A New Moon in Aries on April 14 will bring out this gutsy energy even further and inspire you to make significant changes. Be active and keep busy all month. Mars in Leo will also give you an added boost when you need it. All of these Fire Sign influences will feel great. The Sun, Mercury, and Venus will also move through the sign of Taurus, bringing the need to relax periodically.
This month three planets transiting in Taurus will increase your productivity and enjoyment in life. You'll feel grounded and able to relate well to others. The Sun will be in the sign of Aries until April 20. You may feel rushed or bullied at times, but this influence will give you the push you need to make changes. A New Moon in Aries on April 14 will help you be more decisive and start new initiatives in spite of hesitation. A Full Moon in Scorpio on April 28 will stir up buried emotional baggage and negativity. Try to face your inner world.
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Hi Everyone, I have a quick update to share with everyone regarding the BC Hydro Site Project as well as some of the mining projects in the area. BC Hydro Over the past month I have been talking with BC Hydro to come up with a plan to extend the deadline for the Stage 2 funds. What I have done is put together a proposal of expenses the McLeod Lake Indian Band will have over the next few months in completing some of the planned projects. I have included more community meetings, helicopter fly overs of the proposed dam area, site visits to the proposed dam area and of course legal and administration fees. I have submitted the request to BC Hydro and am waiting for a response. If anyone has any ideas that they would like considered in the consultation phase please feel free to contact me at the Chetwynd Land Referral Office. Mining The mining in the area seems to be picking up with many companies talking about increasing production. Currently there are 3 mines producing coal, Peace River Coal, WCC Wolverine Mine and WCC Brule Mine. Duz Cho Construction is working at the WCC Willow Creek mine completing road upgrades in preparation for the re-opening, Jordan Calder and Paul McNabb-Tylee are working for Duz Cho Construction on this project. As many of you may have heard First Coal is closed down under care and maintenance for two reasons. The first is that the ADDCAR mining system was not working as effectively as expected so they have sent the cutting head and coal collector back to be re-adjusted. Secondly the outcome of West Moberly First Nations lawsuit against the BC Government has ordered First Coal to shut down for 90 days while West Moberly First Nations and the BC Government create a plan to help recover the caribou population in the area. I will continue to keep everyone updated on this once more information is released. Hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather. Jennifer Weightman Coal/Site C Coordinator MLIB Land Referral Office 1-866-283-6542
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Post Secondary Update Have a high volume in requests for Post Secondary Applications for the Fall 2010 semester. Please remember that in order for your application to be reviewed, students must submit letter of intents by April 1st and then must complete a Post Secondary Application Package and returned completed in FULL to the Band. Applications are then sorted by: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
McLeod Lake Indian Band members whom are continuing post-secondary sponsorship from the previous school year in the same field. Members who have graduated from secondary school in the previous school year. New applicants in date order, not including members who have dropped out/quit in the 2 years prior to the new application (excluding leave for medical and/or family reasons). New applicants whose studies are not within the 2 – 4 year program length, including those who using the first year to receive grade 12 or equivalent. Applicants who have dropped out/quit prior to the date of new application. McLeod Lake Indian Band members who have chosen severalty may receive Post Secondary sponsorship through the McLeod Lake Indian Band Education Department based on Indian & Northern Affairs Canada INAC funding rates only.
Two confirmed graduates so far… They are: • Daphne Nicolson Pre-UNBC Social Work Diploma • Mabeline Akai Bachelors of Social Work
CNC – Prince George, BC NVIT – Vancouver, BC
“Congratulations, you’re an inspiration to our community; MLIB wishes you the best in your future endeavors”
Youth Update ECA Funds for 2009-2010, so far 30 youth have accessed this program as of March 1st, 2010. These funds do not accumulate over the years; students/parents are encouraged to access before the specified deadlines. There are new forms developed, please email Sharon Dugan or me for more details at sdugan@mlib.ca or jware@mlib.ca. Summer Employment 2010 • Students are encouraged to fax their resumes to (250) 750-4420 or email the Sharon or me by June 1st, 2010. • Ages 14 to 30 are eligible to apply. • Must have just finished school year 2009-2010, AND returning back in 2010-2011 to apply. • Any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Sharon Dugan, Youth Worker or me for more details. o More details forthcoming… Thank you for reading my report, any questions or suggestions, please feel free to call me at (250) 750-4415 or by email jware@mlib.ca. In Friendship, Jodie Ware Supervisor of Education & Employment/Training
Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. 25
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Lionel Chingee is lost in the MLIB bandhall! Please, help him and bring him back to his truck.
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Newsletter & Website Update Winners Last month we asked you to email us a new name for the MLIB Newsletter. Many of you submitted great names, however, there can only be one winner. The Traveling Feather by Allen & Charlene Inyallie won and they are going out for a 5 course dinner at The Grizzly Inn in Bear Lake. Congratulations!
Website More and more people visit the McLeod Lake Indian Band website. Most of the visitors are members, staff or MLIB dignitaries, but we also have visitors from all over the world that show interest in the goings of the McLeod Lake Indian Band. With all the business opportunities
going on, MLIB will be pursuit more on the internet, so it is very important to have an up to date website. If you would like to share something with “the world�, please keep sending your submissions.
Duz Cho Website We are working hard on getting the Duz Cho website ready to go online. We are still waiting for some important content, so we apologize for another delay in the launch date. Thank you for your patience. Greetings,
smit Marc P. Klijn MLIB stats
MLIB Newsletter No.7 will be available May 1st 2010 online at www.mlib.ca or, on request, in print at the McLeod Lake band office.