- Membertou

2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
VOTING DAY
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016
9:00AM - 8:00PM
Membertou Trade & Convention Centre
(Kluscap Room)
50 Maillard Street
Membertou, N.S.
B1S 3W3
ADVANCED VOTING
This notice is to inform the Electorate that
there are NO ADVANCE POLLS for the
upcoming Band Election to be held
on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016.
If you are not able to vote on Election
Day for whatever reason, other
arrangements can be made. A mail-in
package can be issued to you and can be
picked up by seeing either Chris LaPorte
or Jane E. Meader.
INDEX
Voting Information
Page 2
Complete List of Nominees
Page 3
Making an Informed Decision Page 4
First Nations Elections Act, Membertou Election Facts
Page 4
Chief Campaigns
Pages 5-7
Darrell Bernard
Page 5
Edwin LaPortePage 6
Terry PaulPage 7
Council Campaigns Pages 8-19
Paul Adams Jr.
Page 8
Austin Christmas
Page 8
Craig Christmas
Page 9
Dean Christmas
Page 9
Gail ChristmasPage 10
Krista DevoePage 10
Sean GinnishPage 11
Calvin Googoo Page 11
Robin Googoo
Page 12
Adam E. Gould
Page 12
Lee GouldPage 13
Craig HodderPage 13
Mabel Michelle Joe
Page 14
Shaylene Johnson-Paul
Page 14
Johanna LaPorte
Page 15
Melissa MacDonald
Page 15
Graham Marshall
Page 16
Allister ‘Buster” Matthews Page 16
Cary PaulPage 17
Clifford PaulPage 17
Lance PaulPage 18
Travis PaulPage 18
Storm SackPage 19
Carol Sylvester Page 19
*Please note all candidates are listed alphabetically. 2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
NOMINATIONS FOR CHIEF
1.
Darrell Bernard
2.
Edwin (Eddie) LaPorte
3.
Terry Paul
NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL
1.
Paul Adams Jr.
2.
Austin Morris Christmas
3.
Bernd Christmas
4.
Craig Christmas
5.
Dean Stephen Christmas
6.
Derek B. Christmas
7.
Gail Christmas
8.
Julie Christmas
9.
Joan C. Denny
10.
Krista Marie Devoe
11.
John S. Francis
12.
Debra Ginnish
13.
Sean Ginnish
14.
Calvin (Cal) Googoo
15.
Robin D. Googoo
16.
Adam E. Gould
17.
Lee Marie Gould
18.
Craig Hodder
19.
Mabel Michelle Joe
20.
Shaylene Johnson-Paul
21.
Johanna LaPorte
22.
Melissa MacDonald
23.
Paul MacDonald
24.
David Marshall
25.
Graham Curtis Marshall
26.
Allister (Buster) Matthews
27.
Brendan J. (Deebo) Paul
28.
Cary Paul
29.
Clifford M. Paul
30.
Daniel J. Paul
31.
Lance Paul
32.
Lawrence (Quism) Paul
33.
Travis (Fella) Paul
34.
Jim Sabattis
35.
Storm Sack
36.
Carol Sylvester
INFORMED DECISION MAKING
Casting your vote is important. Election time
presents an opportunity for members of the
community to have their voices heard by who
they elect to represent them in council. But
before voting, it is important to ensure that you
are making an informed decision. A key aspect
of making an informed decision is knowledge.
Without knowing an electoral candidates’
initiatives, values or beliefs, an elector is unable
to choose the candidate that suits their needs
best.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GAIN THIS
KNOWLEDGE?
This newsletter presents the chance to read
the nominated Chief and Council candidates
platforms. From this information, voters will
gain insight into the candiates values, goals and
initiatives if they were to be elected as Chief or
member of Council. Another way to pursue this
knowledge is to review candidates past actions.
Some questions to ask yourself or the candidate
are:
•
If previously on the Council, has the
candidate taken part in making a
difference for the community?
•
What successes can they name?
•
If a candidate is a first time nominee has
their presence been noted in the community?
•
What are their goals?
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
FIRST NATIONS ELECTIONS ACT
On April 2, 2015, the First Nations Elections Act and
the First Nations Elections Regulations came into
force.
Similarly, the First Nations Elections Regulations were
designed to offer improvement over the Indian Act
election regulations, some of which are:
•
Requirement that nominees accept their nomination in writing to become candidates;
This legislation and accompanying regulations are
part of the Government’s commitment to provide
frameworks that support stronger, more stable and
effective First Nations governments. In particular, this
legislation provides the political stability necessary
for First Nations governments to make solid business
investments, carry out long term planning and build
relationships, all of which will lead to increased
economic development and job creation for First
Nations communities.
•
Distribution of mail-in ballots only to those
electors who make a written request and provide identification;
The First Nations Elections Act and accompanying
regulations provide a robust election system that
individual First Nations can choose to opt into.
Among the many improvements over the Indian Act
election system, the First Nations Elections Act offers:
•
•
Four year terms of office;
•
Provisions for the holding of advance polls if desired;
•
Provision for an automatic recount when the vote count is close.
FACTS
Membertou now holds its elections under the First Nations Elections Act (2015) which are held every four (4) years;
•
An electoral officer is chosen to oversee election process by the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern
Development;
• Provisions that allow groups of First Nations to hold their elections on a common day and •
Voting must be done in-person or by mail-in line up their terms of office;
ballot;
• Clear criteria on the eligibility to be a candidate for the position of chief;
•
Advance polls will NOT be held for this election;
•
The possibility for individual First Nations to institute a candidacy fee of no more than $250, which would be refunded if the candidate received at least 5% of the total votes cast. Membertou candidates do NOT pay a fee;
•
Anyone of the age 18 or older that is on the band list is eligible to vote;
•
On Election Day, June 15, 2016, polls are open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
•
Similar to other election laws, penalties for
defined offences such as obstructing the electoral process and engaging in corrupt or fraudulent activities in relation to an election;
•
When voting, you are not obligated to share your choice with friends or family. Votes are completely confidential;
•
Your vote counts. Band Council election is a majority vote, every vote makes a difference;
•
To see the election results you want within your community, it is crucial to cast your vote.
•
No role for the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development in receiving,
investigating and deciding on election
appeals.
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
DARRELL BERNARD
We are not only the seventh generation; we are also the first,
and each generation in between. Live your life so that you
could look your great grandmother in the eyes without shame
when you pass, as well as your great granddaughters eyes
when she does.
I am Darrell Bernard, candidate for Chief of Membertou. I am
the son of Wallace and Pauline Bernard, husband to Sharon
Bernard, and dad to four children and grandfather to nine
grandchildren.
I have worked for Membertou in many capacities for 34 years.
I am a mechanical and structural steel draughtsman by trade,
I returned to community college and added process pipe
drafting. I have driven trucks, operated heavy equipment. I
have been the manager of Caribou Marsh Enterprises and I
am currently the Director of Public Works. I have owned and
operated my own business, and also have 21 years
experience on our Council.
Our community is growing quickly. Our growth rate is around
5%. We need to prepare ourselves for this growth. Our
community services programs need to have their resources
updated periodically to keep up with our constant changes.
Even our new school needs to prepare itself for more students
each year. We have added more streets and parking lots. This
requires more equipment and labor. We will require a
sustainable housing program that continues to build a
reasonable number of homes without jeopardizing
employment opportunities for our people. We need to increase
our addictions services. All of our programs should consider
cost of living and advancement.
We currently have over 20 departments in Membertou that fall
under either Government or Commercial departments. Within
these departments there are several different initiatives in place
to improve processes and provide services to our community.
We need to further develop these programs to include thee
Land Management and environmental protection.
I am proud of the work that we have done to improve our own
situation in our Membertou. Many people have made great
contributions to develop our community, our infrastructure,
our education system, administration, social programs, housing
and other services that we enjoy today.
Increasing our business area is important but we also need to
increase the size of our residential property. We have had the
additions to reserves process take up to 12 years. Our current
growth could leave us without serviceable reserve lands in
three years. Our land holding should reflect both.
Should you decide to elect me as Chief of our community, I
along with cooperation of Council would like to initiate some
changes that I feel would improve the functionality of
Membertou.
The sustainability of our community will depend on us being
mindful that development cannot leave out the future needs
of our children. In order to provide them with a future that has
room for their growth, we must pace our growth appropriately.
We must be careful not to over exceed our means to the point
where our progress is being funded by further debt. This is
not the legacy that we want to leave for our children or
grandchildren.
Communication in our community needs improvement. I would
be a chief that would be accessible to the staff and residents
of Membertou. I would stop in on departments and meet with
department directors and managers whenever possible.
It is important to provide employment and training
opportunities within our departments for residents of
Membertou. It is also important to provide opportunities for
the upward mobility of our long-term staff, both native and
non-native.
I feel that the position of Chief is a full time one as well as the
position of CEO. Several years ago the Chief & Council had
merged the two positions as a temporary solution to the
vacancy left by the former CEO. The position of Chief requires
full time attention.
The roles and responsibilities should be defined for members
of council. Each portfolio held should come with a set of
guidelines to insure that council members provide support
to departments. Delegation of responsibilities would allow
council members to participate more effectively in issues that
concern our community and outside agencies.
We have been given some incredible opportunities by our
parents and grandparents. It is very important that we leave our
future generations the good things that we have built for them
without taken away their capacity for growth.
On June 15th vote Darrell Bernard for Chief, for our future.
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
EDWIN (EDDIE) LAPORTE
“The change we need, The voice we deserve”
I am honoured that members of our community have
nominated me to run for Chief of Membertou. I have accepted
the nomination and invitation to serve my community with
an open heart and most importantly an open mind! I have
discussed this with my wife Shawnee and our four children.
This is when it became clear to me that our children deserve
to have a Membertou they can look forward to, by
strengthening our culture, our prosperity, and their futures.
We need a positive go forward plan for our community, not
just for economic growth, but enhancing opportunities in
post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, and employment
for our youth who are the future leaders of this community.
I do not want our generation’s gift to our children to be an
unmanageable debt.
I am a father, a husband, fishing captain, business owner, and
the recipient of the 2016 Apprenticeship Award of Excellence.
With these years of experience, I have forged great
partnerships with business leaders, politicians and stakeholders
here at home. My hard work and determination along with my
life experience, has provided me the knowledge that a leader
needs to be a successful, as Chief of Membertou.
I am a young family man. I was always taught to respect the
advice of my elders. Their perspective is invaluable and their
voice needs to be heard. Throughout this campaign I will
always seek their guidance both personally and politically.
From our Elders I will rely and call upon their life experiences,
advice, traditions, language and how to preserve all of this
going forward. I value our youth. I want and need to talk with
them during this campaign. I will continue our conversations
when I am elected. I need to know what supports they need,
what their dreams are and how as a community we can
support them. I will listen!
I have many ideas on how to generate new revenue. I will work
to maintain best business practices to ensure financial stability
and growth of our community’s investments. I will work toward
strengthening infrastructure.
I look forward to serving our community and working
collaboratively with the council we elect to build a stronger
Membertou.
We have an opportunity to bring new Ideas, new ways of doing
business and new ways to make the Chiefs office more accessible to our community.
I will be knocking at your door. I will be listening to your ideas
and concerns. I want to help.
I thank you for the support you have shown me in the past. I
will not forget it. I will work with you and for you.
I cannot do it alone but I can do it with your support.
On June 15, I ask for your vote.
Together we can!
Wela’lin!
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
TERRY PAUL
Dear Community Members,
When confronted with tough decisions that impact our
community, I think first on our elders, our children and our
grandchildren. They are my purpose, the reason why I have
committed the last 32 years of my life to building a better future
for Membertou. Putting their interests ahead of anyone or
anything else, drives each of my decisions and has consistently
provided clear direction at every turn.
As your Chief, I continue to stay true to my promise to working
alongside council members and others as we continue to
make strides that demonstrate our perseverance, protect
our environment and encourage progress. Our community
members have witnessed the challenges overcome by
past generations and can now compare it to our thriving
community, richly developed for our future generations. Few
chiefs have had the pleasure of being so closely tied to such an
important transition, and I would be honoured to continue to
lead our community into the next phase of growth.
My dedication to our community is proven and unmovable.
Time, I deeply understand, is often our most precious resource
and I will continue to give mine in earnest. Giving a lifetime
to my community had been a humbling and rewarding gift.
I would feel both honoured and privileged if you re-elect me
as your chief, and we continue to make this great community
greater.
Sincerely,
Chief Terry Paul
Progress With Purpose
PERSEVERANCE
“Our families have lived side-by-side for thousands of years, and
along many of Cape Breton’s shores. Investments that serve as a
nod to our perseverance and reconnects us to parts of our past, are
crucial. As well, using our investments to accelerate self-reliance
adds tremendous long-term value when acquiring these assets.”
My commitments:
•
To reinvest revenue from the purchase of the Medical Arts Building on King’s Road to support the construction of about five homes annually.
•
To continue to expand our commercial activities and develop beneficial partnerships that support
economic growth
•
Identify and implement agreements that continue to expand our footprint and help guide development that benefits our region
•
To share our pride in culture, share our stories with others, respect our traditional ceremonies and to
continue to demonstrate our perseverance
•
To educate our youth so that they have the power to advance and benefit from the many opportunities their future holds, both here in Membertou and
outside our community
PROTECTION
“As we consider the environment we live in and what we’ll be
handing over to future generations, we reflect on harvesting and
hunting, our waters and our air. It’s also imperative that we include
the health and wellness of the homes and communities we live in.”
My commitments:
•
To continue to make significant strides in home repairs, creating a safe and comfortable environment for our families
•
To expand new home construction, including new building lots on both sides of the Trans Canada Highway, and more affordable housing and apartment units
•
To identify new ways to inspire healthy living, such as maintaining community trails and opening a state-of-
the-art health and wellness centre.
•
To build stronger children and community through recreation
•
Quality healthcare for our elders
•
Improved gathering spaces
PROGRESS
“When I think about what makes a community thrive, I look to our
children and grandchildren and how they play in a community
that looks different than the one many of us played in when we
were young. As we remain grounded and focused, and continue to
build on our hard-earned successes, I know that Membertou will
continue to prosper.”
My commitments:
•
To continue to demonstrate that we are good financial stewards, using the momentum gained from being the first community to receive the Financial Management System Certificate from the First Nations Financial Management Board
•
To remain open and accountable to community members
•
To build and maintain new partnerships that have a direct benefit to Membertou and all Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia
•
Membertou first for jobs and other career opportunities
•
Continued growth in new revenues
To learn more, please visit www.chiefterry.com
Re-Elect Chief Terry Paul
June 15th, 2016
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
PAUL ADAMS JR.
My name is Paul Adams (Junior); I have been working in
Membertou since 1997 as a carpenter and have been in
housing for the past 5 years. Over the years I have seen many
great things happen and have come up with several good ideas
which have taken far too long to get done or are still being
worked on. I pass them on to my superiors and throughout the
community hoping that they get heard. I hear much at Housing
and listen to everything anyone says. It would be nice to be
able to bring these forward as I hear them and not have to wait
for it to get to where it needs to be.
Search Junior Paul Adams on Facebook to find me
and message me.
We have a talent here for great ideas and would love to see
them realized. The way things are done now can be slow and
many things can be forgotten or put aside for a better time
because of this. I’m hoping with your support we can get things
moving faster so as to not lose out on valuable opportunities to
advance our people and community.
We need to continue to build for our future and get everyone
involved, not just wait and hope it works out. This is what I
would like to see happen over the next 4 years, either through
me or through whomever you elect to council.
If you wish to talk with me I’m easy enough to get a hold of.
Many of you have me on Facebook or have my cell number.
AUSTIN CHRISTMAS
Community of Membertou,
I can’t express how much of an honour it has been over the
past 2 years to represent you and your loved ones in council.
As a new councillor it was an real eye opening experience at
just how much there is to keeping our community moving
forward, no amount of preparation can get you ready for an
experience like this. Chief Terry and my fellow Council
members have been very welcoming to me and have given
me the opportunity to see for myself what our history and
humble beginnings has brought us. By taking on the Fisheries,
Membertou Executive Committee, Finance, Public Works, the
Market and Trade Centre portfolios, also I am the Membertou
Development Corporation board, I have been able to see
firsthand the work that gets put into the operations of
Membertou. Some Positive things I noticed are:
•
We have very strong executive support, the Government,
Commercial, and Financial Departments of our Band have done an awesome job over the past 2 years, I cannot thank them enough for their patients and for keeping the council informed.
•
We have a very active Chief and Council as opposed to
some other communities across Canada, our council
members get involved in all aspects of our community, they are willing to take on extra tasks outside of the every
Tuesday meeting and we communicate our progress while talking during our round table discussions at the end of our meetings.
•
The Chief and Council give back to the community there
are no barriers to overcome when it comes to supporting
our Elders, Youth Education, and Members with Special
Needs.
•
We have given ourselves a mandate for new housing,
although we cannot promise individuals housing you can
have more hope that you will get one, all you have to do is
look around our community to see what your leadership is
doing to build affordable housing
I am happy to answer any questions you have to the best of my
ability at any time. To show my commitment to you and our
community my attendance for council meetings was 92.5%,
this does not take in consideration the number of meetings I
attend on a weekly basis for my portfolios.
I hope on election day you re-elect me to continue to represent
you and our great community of Membertou.
Sincerely, Austin Christmas
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
CRAIG CHRISTMAS
I WANT YOU TO JOIN MY TEAM!!!
I, Craig Christmas, am running for a position on Membertou’s
council.
I’d like to share a few things about myself and point out some
ideas community members have been talking about:
•
•
•
•
I have a strong voice.
I am approachable.
I understand the struggles of many of our community
members...I don’t and won’t forget where I came from.
I am not afraid to speak my mind and to fight for what I
believe in.
People have been mentioning many things such as:
•
•
•
•
Routine inspections on maintenance and air quality in
temporary housing units.
More support for small business owners.
Subsidies for the working poor ( income based formulas for
affordable housing, help with power bills)
Social events for 19-50+ such as dart tournaments, horse
shoes, washer toss.
DEAN CHRISTMAS
Dear Community Members,
IDean Christmas am running in the 2016 elections. I would
like to thank you all, for your continued support over the years
serving you as a member of council. I would like the
opportunity to continue representing our community in the
future. There have been a lot of changes taking place in
Membertou that we can all be proud of, with a great deal of
work still left to do. I believe this work will make our
community stronger and healthier this all starts with our
youth and children, who are our future. Their goals and dreams
are ours to share and keep and to work towards. This all starts
with treating everyone with respect, honesty, fairness and
charity. I love our community and all its people and I want
everyone to be successful. I look forward to serving you in the
future. I would also like to take this time to say a special Thank
you to Shylo Marshall and Skye Christmas for nominating me
for this year’s election.
Thank You, and God Bless
Dean Christmas
•
Incentives to come off of social such as job creation to
collect EI hours.
These are only a few of the ideas that people have been giving
me. All community members deserve a chance to be heard let
be your voice. #teamcraig
Thanks in advance for your support! 902-304-9950 lets talk.
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
GAIL CHRISTMAS
My Dear Community Members of Membertou,
My name is Gail Christmas and I have accepted the nomination
of councillor here in Membertou.
For those of you who don’t know me I am the daughter of
Jeanette Tuplin and Gary Christmas and the granddaughter of
Ruth and Bernard Christmas, Shirley and Graham Tuplin. I am
28-years-old and have lived my entire life here in Membertou
other than attending college in Halifax. I am a recent Human
Services/Child and Youth Care graduate from the Nova Scotia
Community College, Waterfront campus in Dartmouth. I am
currently working with Mi’kmaq youth in Cape Breton as a
mentor and also work with the Resiliency Education
Leadership Adventure Youth Service (RELAYS), which is a youth
intervention program here in the Cape Breton District. I also
volunteer at the Mi’kmaq Women’s Resource Centre and
Membertou Elders Center.
I truly believe that I am ready to fulfill the position of councillor,
once given the opportunity; I will work hard for our people and
will take on the role of councillor with respect, integrity, and
understanding. I know that I am young and you may believe
that I am not ready but don’t let my age be a deciding factor in
your vote on June 15, 2016.
We have so many wonderful people here in Membertou that
contribute to the community and make it what it is. I would like
to be your voice and hope that you will support me.
On June 15th Vote Gail Christmas for Council.
Gail Christmas
[email protected]
902 578 6245
At a young age I was always told to dream big and to follow my
dreams, no matter what obstacles appeared. I’ve experienced
those obstacles and can relate to the many issues of poverty,
addictions and housing. I have also experienced our
community’s support, assistance and genuine love to see
me succeed as a better person.
KRISTA DEVOE
My name is Krista Devoe and I am looking for your support in
the upcoming election, taking place on June 15.
Membertou has been my home for my entire life, and I am
proud to be able to raise my children, Zachary and Jordyn, in
the community that I love. I am the daughter of Judy and Basil
Hodder, sister to Lynn and Craig, and married for nearly 8 years
to Ernie Devoe.
I am a trained Child and Youth Care Worker, but I do believe in
constantly challenging myself, personally and professionally.
I work as the Mi’kmaw Physical Activity Leadership Coordinator
for Membertou, and my passions drive my goals, both inside
and outside of the office. Ensuring that Membertou has access
to physical activity opportunities is key. Breaking barriers to
getting involved is what I love to do. I strongly believe that
building strong leaders, both young and young at heart, will
ensure that our community can lead itself, regardless of the
area. Whether we are training fitness instructors, youth
leaders, public speakers, from the ground level, straight up
the corporate ladder, mentorship and training opportunities
are on my radar at all times. We need our community leading
our community.
As a young, driven, family-oriented woman, I do believe that
I can help guide decisions that affect each of our community
members in a fair and honest way.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent the entire
community of Membertou.
On June 15th, please show your support by voting for
Krista Devoe.
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
SEAN GINNISH
My name is Sean Ginnish and I am announcing to you today
that I have been nominated to serve as a Councillor. I must
say that I am humbled and honoured by the nomination, but
am excited for this opportunity and I would like to thank the
community for nominating me.
This is a tremendous opportunity in a tremendously important
time for our community. Together, we have achieved a lot over
the past number of years and we have seen Membertou grow
to be a model that all communities try to emulate. I applaud
the Chief and Council for the work that they have done and I
hold them in the highest regard. My candidacy will be about
building on the great foundation that the Council has already
laid and I want to be a part of taking Membertou to even
greater heights of prosperity. Our people deserve the best, and
my best effort is what I will give for the next four years.
CALVIN GOOGOO
Vote Calvin Googoo (CAL)
•
Plumber by trade.
•
Strong support for education and trades.
•
Full time availability. •
Honest & approachable.
•
•
Believe in Active / Healthy lifestyle.
Supports mentorship.
Vote for Cal he is your Pal
Membertou has been my home community for my entire life
and will be the community that I raise my family in for the rest
of my life. I believe that I can bring a more open dialogue to
our community as a Councillor and will make my decisions
based upon proper consultation with the community. As your
Councillor, I will not only be serving the community as a whole,
but you as an individual. If you ever have a concern or an issue,
please come and speak to me. I look forward to speaking with
you during this election and learning the issues that are most
important to you.
I thank you for your support and I look forward to representing
you at Council in the future.
Wela’ lin
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
ROBIN GOOGOO
Community Members,
I am writing to ask for your vote for Council on June 15, 2016.
I would like to continue to be one of your voices in this
community.
On a personal note,
• I have lived in Membertou for 45 years.
• I have been married for the past 29 years.
• I have 6 children and 7 grandchildren.
As a band member,
I am very proud to say that I am from Membertou.
I have seen the changes that have made Membertou what it is
today.
I have the drive, the heart and the desire to continue to make
Membertou a better and safer place to live.
As a businessman,
I have always believed that Membertou is a place to do
business and have successfully run several businesses from
our community over the past 22 years.
The most important trait that I have gained is compassion.
This gives me the ability to deal with people on a personal level.
I believe in treating people fairly and expecting the same in
return.
I have a lot to offer and if given the chance, I always do my best.
As your councillor,
• I will work with any person to make Membertou better for you, your children and your family.
• I will bring fresh ideas and new approaches to make Membertou a place for families.
The one promise that I will continue to make to you is that,
I will always do what I know is right for Membertou.
This Election Day, I ask for your support.
Sincerely,
Robin Googoo
Membertou First Nation
Candidate for Council
www.robingoogoo.ca
ADAM E. GOULD
Dear Membertou,
I am honoured and humbled to be nominated for Membertou
Council. It is with humility and confidence that I accept the
nomination for the 2016 election. We’la’lio’q!
Professional Communications in Intercultural and International
Communications (MAIIC, ’11). I also have my Bachelor of Arts
(’03). Education and training open doors to opportunities, and
I share these values with our youth.
First, I thank long-time friends Craig Hodder for the nomination,
and Krista Devoe for seconding, and wish them both my best
with their respective campaigns.
My background includes working with the Mi’kmaq–Nova
Scotia–Canada Tripartite Forum, Communications Nova Scotia,
and several Government of Canada departments. Every job
was a privilege and asset, helping me earn valuable knowledge
and experience in personal and professional development.
Membertou has always been where I call ‘home’ and I am lucky
and happy to be back where I grew up. When I was 23, I moved
to further my education and gain some life experience. At age
34, I returned home to take a job as Membertou’s Manager of
Communications and Government Relations. The position has
given me a greater understanding of our governance, daily
operations, and our community’s programs.
Most importantly, the time away from home instilled a renewed
appreciation and admiration for our community. In the decade
away, I was always told of Membertou’s progress and I could
not wait to visit so I could see the new development and my
old friends. When visiting home, I would always discover
something new, only able to say “wow” at how far we’ve come.
I also continued my education and earned two more degrees,
a Bachelor of Public Relations (BPR, ’08) and Masters of
I will not make any promises to you as it is not realistic. Instead,
I guarantee you that I will listen to your concerns and address
them, and ensure the work we do is in Membertou’s best
interests. If elected, I will be only one of 12 voices, but will do
my absolute best to work for Membertou’s future as a
community and business.
Some have asked me, “Are you ready?” I say, “Yes I am.”
I ask Membertou, “Are you ready,” because I know I am prepared
of this responsibility. Vote Adam E. Gould for Council!
Adam E. Gould
[email protected]
902-371-1025
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
LEE GOULD
Dear Band Members:
I’d like to thank Conrad Paul and Josephine LaPorte for the
nomination for the position of Councillor.
It’s good to see that we have a new Family Resource Centre and
that the 55 Plus Group have a new Seniors Centre.
Our Youth Chief and Council, our future leaders, are doing
good work.
Chief and Council have planned a new Membertou Sport and
Wellness Centre/YMCA which is currently being constructed.
We want people to be healthy and well, so I’m glad that this
facility will soon be available for people to use. We also have
the Membertou Boxing Club /Recreation Centre.
Membertou’s becoming more self-sufficient. We use our own
source revenues, because we want our people to live in a
thriving community they can be proud of. I’d like to continue
to be involved in the decisions that are made and to be
involved with what we leave behind for our people.
I’ve been a member of our Chief and Council for the last eight
years. I’m always respectful and I demonstrate good team
work. Once again, I’m asking for your support in our upcoming
election. To the people who believe that I can get the job done,
thank you for continuing to support me. Your support is very
much appreciated.
Respectfully,
Lee Gould
(902)577-6342
A number of people work for Membertou so we’re contributing
to the local economy, as well as to the economy of Cape Breton
Island.
CRAIG HODDER
To Membertou Community members,
I am seeking your support for Membertou’s 2016 general
election as one of your councillors. If elected, my only promise
to you is I will represent Membertou with the integrity,
professionalism, and compassion you have come to expect
from your members of Chief and Council. Membertou, as a
whole, has worked hard, and deserves nothing short of this.
Working for Membertou over the last 13 years, both in Halifax
and here in Membertou, has reinforced my understanding of
the Community’s Vision: strive to balance our cultural,
environmental, and economic goals. It is important that
Membertou protects and preserves our culture and community
identity, learning from the past to develop our future.
Over the next few weeks leading up to the election, I intend to
visit as many community members as possible. I want to use
this time to hear your concerns, answer whichever question
I can, and most importantly, to say hello. If I missed you, or
there’s a better time and/or place to meet with you, feel free to
message me on Facebook, or on my phone (902) 222.2338.
In the end, no matter who has earned your vote, please get
out and vote. The people you vote in will define and shape
Membertou’s direction for the next four years.
Finally, I’d like to wish my fellow nominees, for both Chief and
Council, the best of luck, and a respectful campaign.
Craig Hodder
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
MABEL MICHELLE JOE
To the community of Membertou,
We are not working for today—but for tomorrow.
I firmly believe that the future of our youth and their success is
collectively our responsibility. For this reason I have accepted
the nomination for Council with much honour and humility.
My name is Mabel Joe and I will be running for Council in the
upcoming election in Membertou.
I am not one to make promises. Just ask any one of my
children. However, there is a promise that I make to myself
each and every day. I promise to give my absolute best to
my family. I promise to give it my all whenever I walk into our
school in Membertou. I vow to end each and every day with
absolutely no regrets and a clear conscience.
First and foremost, I’d like to introduce myself to those who may
not personally know me. I have lived in Membertou for most of
my 46 years. I am raising a family with my husband of 24 years,
Dana Joe. We have seven children and a grandson on the way.
If elected, these are promises that I would honour as a Council
member. This is my promise to the community of Membertou.
I am a proud and strong Mi’kmaq woman who is honoured to
work as an educator in my home community of Membertou.
I have devoted most of my life to working with children in
both the early education setting and presently in elementary
education at Maupeltuewey Kina’matno’kuom. As teachers,
parents and as a community we must work together to ensure
that our children are succeeding. We must advocate and be
the voice for those voices that may still be too small to be
heard.
Respectfully yours,
Mabel Joe
Email: [email protected]
ELECT MABEL JOE FOR COUNCIL ON JUNE 15TH
SHAYLENE JOHNSON-PAUL
Msit no’kmaq (all my relations)
Kwe’, I am Shaylene Johnson (Paul) and I have been nominated
to run this year for council in Membertou. I am a strong
candidate, as I am a lifelong resident which gives me firsthand
knowledge of issues relevant to our reservation.
Our community, much like my children, is growing and needs a
solid foundation in order to thrive. I can advocate on your
behalf, and boldly represent our needs through my traditional
values. I will work hard to protect our way of life, and will
support any language initiatives when the opportunity arises.
I am approachable; therefore I can speak on important issues
that involve infrastructure and community planning projects.
I am offering bold new strategies pertaining to energy, food,
water and land use in respect to the environment. I am
passionate when it comes to representing my community’s
views. I will innovatively approach issues pertaining to policies
and will reflect views with integrity and pride. We are a resilient
and hardworking community of people who deserve a
substantial standard of living by having more full-time year
round employment opportunities instead of part time seasonal.
I will represent your ideas with vigor to incite change for
building a safer neighborhood.
If you vote for me on June 15th I will succeed in implementing
ideas gathered from my co-community members to maintain
and improve the quality of life for all.
Wela’lin, Shaylene Johnson (Paul)
902-537-2147
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
JOHANNA LAPORTE
RE-ELECT JOHANNA LAPORTE for Council.
I have been a Councillor for 12 Years. I will continue to do my
best for the whole reserve. I do not promise anything, all I can
promise is that I will be there to listen and help in any way that
I can.
So on June 15th, I am asking for your support once again..
MELISSA MACDONALD
My name is Melissa MacDonald. I am honored to have been
nominated for Council in the upcoming election.
I am a band member, community member and I have been an
employee of Membertou for almost 12 years. I have gained
great skills and knowledge in my various roles in Human
Resources and as the Native Employment Officer. I am a great
listener and effective communicator. I am honest and ethical.
I would love to have the opportunity to be a voice for you.
My education includes a Bachelor of Business Administration,
a diploma in Hospitality Administration, and certificates in
Indigenous Leadership and Management Development, and
Leadership and Supervision.
Currently, I am completing my Masters in Business
Administration with a focus on Community Economic
Development. One thing that I have learned so far from this
MBA is that economic development (i.e. the jobs, the
infrastructure, the services, the access to funding) is an essential
component for sustaining a community and making it prosper.
We must build capacity first.
Mentorship and Work Experience programs and other initiatives
will allow youth and others to develop skills and do on the job
training so that they are qualified for job opportunities.
My experience along with my education has given me the
confidence to run in this election and I would appreciate your
support.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with me,
please contact me at 902-564-6450 or
[email protected].
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
GRAHAM MARSHALL
Dear Membertou,
My name is Graham Marshall of 27 Aqmoqew Awti first off
I want to thank Kennedy Marshall and Cayman Poulette for
nominating me for a councillor position in the upcoming
elections. Presently I am the Coordinator for the L.O.V.E
Program here in Membertou and have been running it for
6 years, an amazing program which is aimed towards junior
high and high school students as a support group and cover
different topics each week when we meet. I am also a student
at Cape Breton University taking the Bachelor of Community
Studies Program.
It is such an honor to work with these prestigious young people
each day nevertheless to be part of this successful community
called Membertou. The Love Program motivates and inspires
these young people to gain knowledge in life skills and to
get them to see all the career paths in which they can go to
whether it be business, arts, trades and most importantly to
identify themselves and be there as a support system and help
them along the way into adulthood as they are our greatest
treasures in Membertou.
ALLISTER “BUSTER” MATTHEWS
Hello Membertou,
First and foremost I’d like to thank you for your kind support.
To Jasmine and Cody I thank you for nominating me. I hope to
not disappoint. I would also like to acknowledge the band staff
for making Membertou a successful and wonderful place to
live.
Best wishes to all candidates.
In peace and Friendship
Allister (Buster)
My grandfather (The Late Putus Simon Marshall) had always
taught me to always be there for our community and help out
in anyway possible and I have always lived by those words,
which I cherish so much. To be in council I believe that I can be
one of the bridges that connects Council to the youth to carry
on for the next generation so our community can accomplish
more in the future!
Nevertheless, I am so proud to be from Membertou and all
the people here. We are so blessed to have all these amazing
people young and old, each and every one of you and I would
be so honored to serve you as a councillor for our home!
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
CARY PAUL
Preserving Our Past. Protecting Our Future.
This year, we face a historic election in our community. For the
first time, we are electing our representatives to a four-­year
term instead of the usual two. The new Council we form will
be the most important in recent memory. Because of this, if
elected, I will be giving up my current position with Membertou
Fisheries to focus on representing you full time. Throughout
this campaign, we will be hearing a lot about economic
development and the attraction of business to our community.
While I believe that these issues are important, they will not be
the focus of my campaign.
Aboriginal communities across this country are facing
unparalleled levels of youth depression, youth addiction,
and youth violence. As painful as it is to admit, Membertou is
not immune. These issues have touched my own family. My
younger brother is currently incarcerated for committing a
violent act. He was a good kid, who due to addiction, made
some bad choices. These are choices that our youth are making
every day because they lack the support and guidance to make
better ones.
As a proud father of three wonderful boys, I have to look to
the future and wonder what our community will look like.
Economic prosperity is important, but it does us no good if we
lose a generation to depression, addiction, and violence.
We are locked in a struggle for the future of our community,
and it is a fight we must win. To that end I am proposing a bold
plan to get our youth off of the streets and back in school and
after school programs. I am proposing that we reach back to
the wisdom of our past in order to advise and guide our future.
I am proposing that we build the tools to listen when our youth
cry out for help.
I have spent my life working with our youth, trying to help them
choose a better way forward. If I have learned one thing, it’s that
I can’t do it alone. I need your support to help preserve our past
and protect our future. After this election, we’re going to have
eleven councilors talking about economic development, which
is fine as long as we have one talking about our youth. Please
read my platform and honour me with your vote. Together, we
can be the community our Elders always envisioned. Together,
we can protect our future.
Wela’lioq,
Cary Paul
CLIFFORD PAUL
Dear Friends, First and foremost, I am truly honored to be
nominated for the position of Councillor in the upcoming
Membertou First Nation Band Elections. A very special thank
you to all that attended to nominate me.
I take this nomination very seriously. I truly believe in
Membertou and I always thrive to be a strong ambassador
and advocate for our strong and vibrant community.
In Membertou, we are very lucky. We grew up with a great
work ethic. As children, we grew up on construction sites with
our Dads, who in turn, grew up on construction sites with their
Dads. At the same time, our Moms promoted love, the value
of an education, strength, and resilience. In fact, it was the hard
work of Membertou people that contributed to the growth of
the present day City of Sydney. While at the Old King’s Road
Reservation, the men worked in building the city while the
women worked at housekeeping and taking care of some
families. This way continued, and now, we have a community
of people who are very proud of their work, training, and
education. We are truly blessed. When people ask me for the
story of Membertou’s growth and development, I tell them we
are a community of builders, educators, facilitators, business
people, story tellers, survivors, elders, children and everyone in
between. Immense pride in my community is something I truly
reflect and engage in my day-to-day dealings.
I am a firm believer and a staunch defender of our aboriginal
and treaty rights. I promote responsible harvesting and the
sharing of our resources through the ancient Mi’kmaq concept
of Netukulimk. Don’t know if you seen me standing up for our
rights to harvest, but I have made a career out of it.
My platform is simple and very basic. I will not use any form
of negativity to sway a vote. I work on vibrant notions of
positive energy - that positive influences yield positive results.
I truly believe in the strength, training, education, and expertise
of our very own people and encourage the hiring and
consultation of our community members in everything that
we should do. promote, unity, and a collective vision for a
vibrant future for our children and our children’s children.
I truly believe in the preservation of our language, culture,
and way of life.
Please let me know if you’d like me to visit you, to further
discuss my platform - my intentions - and my willingness to
work hard on your behalf. I’ve worked hard all my life - and
have never rested. I will do the same for you!
So, on Election Day, I would be greatly honored and appreciate
if you take advantage of your right to vote. I would also ask,
with great humility, that you vote for me.
In peace and friendship,
Clifford Paul
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
LANCE PAUL
Dear Membertou Voters:
I am honored to be running for Council in this year’s election.
I have lived my entire life in Membertou and have watched our
community grow and prosper. I would like to congratulate all
those who were involved in making our community a better
place to live and raise our children.
I would like to continue to work to improve the lives of our
community members. Here are some of my ideas to develop
in our community.
1. To improve and develop new programs for individuals and
families to support a healthy lifestyle in mind, body and spirit.
Hire more professionals as councilors, coaches and mentors
who incorporate traditional Mi’kmaq family teachings and
values.
2. To build new sustainable infrastructure and to develop our
capacity to run them.
I will be planning to organize Youth Camps in Summer, Fall and
winter. Adult Survival, Hunter safety, FAC courses and Harvest
Camps.
TRAVIS PAUL
My name is Travis “Fella” Paul, first off thank you Shylo for the
nomination. I have no promises to make but will ensure that
the transparency stays strong, build a better collective for our
under privileged and sick.
We know what our people want, so lets give it to them, real
change that most strive for.
Thank you.
I will support the development of a children’s water park in our
community.
I will support the development of a multi-Addiction Treatment
Center for community members.
I will support the development of a Mental Health Treatment
Center for community members.
I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss our future
for the community. If you have any questions or would like to
talk, say Hi, drop in or give me a call at work (9025672018) or
home (9025623265).
Give Lance a Chance. Vote Lance for Council
2016 MEMBERTOU ELECTION
STORM SACK
My name is Storm Sack, I’ve been nominated for the position
of Councilor for Membertou. This is to let you know that I’m
very interested in pursuing this very honorable position in our
community. Although I am very young, my interest and passion
is for our community, it’s Elders, youth and all members. Our
people and our community is my main priority.
It’s time our expanding community thought about the future
generation and the next 25 years and turning over our future
in some meaningful way to our youth. The existing Chief and
council should be thanked for all of the hard work that they
have done and should remain in some capacity to help train
and influence the incoming youth to take over.
supporter to encourage this major change in our council. If
elected it would confirm the community is of the same mind
and council would have to pursue this change. If not the status
quo would remain.
My goals are quite simple, respect and honor our elders who
have guided us this far, respect and honor our youth so that we
may retain the values and teaching that you have given us and
to use this wisdom, along with 21st century knowledge and
technology, to make a respectful and bountiful future for all.
With this, I hope to become a band councilor and ask for your
support on June 15th, 2016.
The important thing that is of discussion is the fact that our
community council holders are also band employees. To me
this represents a conflict of interest and represents a greed
look to the average voter. Choose one or the other and show
your commitment to our people. This is not meant to be
disrespectful but is not anything that happens in other
elections, be it municipal provincial or federal. Even our own
council members has express this many times and on many
venues and meetings, and if elected they would have a
CAROL SYLVESTER
Hello Membertou,
I am one of your candidates running for council in our
upcoming election. My name is Carol Sylvester and I am a
proud band member of Membertou and I have lived here for
most of my life. I am the daughter of Roseanne and Joe
Sylvester, the mother of two beautiful girls, and a proud
grandmother.
My goal is to focus on the social aspect of the community.
I have a degree in communications which I learned skills that
will help me with bringing the community closer together.
I worked with our children for severel years. I am a certified
child and youth worker and I have a diploma in early childhood
education.
I will not make any promises that I can not keep, but I can
promise you one thing and that is I will always do my best to
help in every way possible. Why? Because I CARE! It is extremely
important to look ahead on our children and grandchildren for
the sake of their future. It is also important to be humble and to
never forget where we come from. It is up to us to hang
onto our ways and pass them along.
I will be going door to door campaigning and to give you an
idea of what I would love to see in the community. I am hoping
that I will get some positive feedback and learn about what you
would like to see more of in Membertou. I ask that you support
me in the Membertou 2016 Elections. Wela’lioq!
Sincerely,
Carol Sylvester