2011-2012 Annual Report - Carcross/Tagish First Nation

Transcription

Carcross/Tagish
First Nation
photo: Heather Jones/C/TFN
2011-2012 Annual Report
Contents
Our Home....................................................... 4
Governance.................................................... 7
Infrastructure & Finance................................. 15
Health & Wellness.......................................... 18
Heritage, Lands & Natural Resources.............. 23
Capacity Development.................................... 28
Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation..... 31
Clint Smith takes a break from his work on the “Healing Path” trail outside the C/TFN Admin Building.
Message from Khà Shade Héni – Danny Cresswell
Hello all C/TFN Citizens!
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the C/TFN citizens for their support during our
recent Elections. I look forward to continuing working with the government and the citizens over
the next four years.
During the past year much has changed for the government of C/TFN. The citizens spoke
about wanting to establish a constitutional review committee. The committee was established
and provided a number of options for General Council to take into consideration. A series of
community consultations, both individually and collectively were held. In the fall of 2011 the
General Council reviewed the options brought forward and they chose to stay with appointing our
current Executive Council and to hold an election for the position of Khà Shade Héni.
In addition, the term for the Executive Council representatives expired in October 2011. At
that time all Clans were asked to review their current leaders and to provide their updated
representatives. The Elders Council have also newly appointed their representatives to Executive
Council. Our Wolf Executive Elder is Charlotte Hadden and our Crow Executive Elder is Annie
Auston. All of our new representatives are very excited about assisting the government to move
forward.
The government of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation is committed to continuing the implementation
of our priorities and planning process. The Executive Council has been working individually with
the departments to make sure that the community priorities are a success. The many challenges
and obstacles that our government is faced with can be over come by working together in unity for
the betterment of all our citizens.
2011-2012 Annual Report 3
Our Home
“The land has provided for the people for as far back as anyone can remember. It has seen many changes
over time. The landscape has changed and the creatures that have walked over it have changed, but the
spirit of this country has not. It is alive and dynamic.
Like the people of long ago, we value our relationship with the land and its resources as much as we value the
knowledge of our ancestors. Our ancestors taught us that maintaining a healthy relationship with the land and
its creatures ensures survival for all.”
-Book One: Traditional Beliefs and Practices:
Our Place, Our Responsibilities
C/TFN’s “traditional territory”, as defined in our Agreement, is 6,670 square kilometers stretching
from south of Whitehorse, east to include Squanga Lake, south into BC and Alaska, and west
to Kusawa Lake. Settlement land, which includes surface and/or sub-surface rights, totals 1500
square kilometers.
4 Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Our People
C/TFN people are strong, self-sufficient people that have inhabited this land for thousands of
years.
C/TFN is a quickly growing First Nation; there are nearly 882 members in 2011. The majority
of C/TFN members live in the communities of Carcross, Tagish, Annie Lake, Marsh Lake, and
Whitehorse, but our members have also moved across the territory, the country, and the world.
Our Government
C/TFN became a self-governing First Nation in January 2006. This agreement provides the right
for C/TFN people to self-determination, to carve our own future. The Government of C/TFN has
the authority to pass laws on a broad range of matters. C/TFN lawmaking authority is concurrent
with federal and territorial authority.
The Government of C/TFN is structured around the four parts of self (emotional, spiritual,
physical, intellectual) and built upon our virtues and values: selflessness, honour, respect,
courage, integrity, knowledge, compassion, and honesty.
Our Mission Statement
“The Carcross/Tagish First Nation is mandated to protect the environment,
health, education, and aboriginal rights of our people; to continue to preserve
and protect our culture and traditions; to protect and develop our natural
resources and strengthen our economy and the government of the Carcross/
Tagish First Nation for our future generations.”
C/TFN Staff, June 2012
Ken Baker and Carol Duquette are surrounded by family shortly after they received the Queen’s Jubilee
Award for their work with language and culture. May 21, 2012.
Governance
2011/12 has been a time of changes for the Governance
Department at C/TFN. We were delighted to welcome
Michelle Parsons to the position of Senior Government
Official in February. She holds a Masters Degree in Social
Sciences and has several years experience working with the
federal Public Service, representing the rights of Aboriginal
peoples in the areas of Public Safety, Correctional Service,
Justice and Employment Equity. Michelle is a C/TFN
Daklaweidi Member and moved to Whitehorse in 2010 with
her older brother to connect with her community.
We bid farewell to Senior Government Official Gavin
Gardiner, who has moved back to Saskatchewan to be
closer to his family. Hillary Aitken has also moved on from
C/TFN; she has accepted a position at the Victoria Faulkner
Women’s Centre in Whitehorse. We wish her well in this
next step in her journey.
We welcomed a new Executive Council in 2011 as well. The
representatives began their term in November 2011 and
will remain in these positions until November 2015. The
representatives are:
Danny Cresswell
Ishkahittaan
Larry Barrett
Kookhittaan
Charlie James
Daklaweidi
Maria Benoit
Deisheetaan
Wesley Barrett Gaanaxtedi
George Shepherd
Yan Yeidi
Annie Auston
Crow Elder
Charlotte Hadden
Wolf Elder
The Governance Department
represents the centre of the
medicine wheel: the self, the
will, the volition.
The Governance Department
is responsible for
implementing the final and
self-government agreements,
including ongoing
negotiation, legislation, and
policy development.
We also elected a new Khà Shâde Héni, Danny Cresswell,
in May 2012. Mark Wedge, former Khà Shâde Héni, finished
his term in November. We thank him for the time and
energy he has given to C/TFN and wish him well in his next
endeavours.
Other members of the past Executive Council that finished
their term are Doris MacLean, (Daklaweidi), Bill Barrett
Sr (Kookhittaan), Bill Barrett Jr (Gaanaxtedi), Winnie Atlin
(Crow Elder), and Kitty Grant (Wolf Elder). We thank these
members for their service, wisdom, and experience.
Priority and Planning Process
One of Governance’s most important successes of this
past year was building the Priority and Planning Process,
a comprehensive community, staff, and leadership driven
process to identify priorities and manage for outcomes.
Planning for
the future
In the Spring of 2010, the leadership of C/TFN came together
to make this change happen. Management Board, which
consists of the Director from all five departments, and
Executive Council, the clan-based executive branch of the
C/TFN government, began working together to:
• Establish a shared strategic direction for C/TFN (clear
goals; measurable targets; action priorities);
• Put in place a performance management system to ensure
that results are achieved and reported; and
• Improve the Budgeting process so that resources are
aligned with goals and priorities
In 2011-12, the process was continued and expanded.
Constitutional Change
“All of creation is constantly changing. The only thing that does not change is the fact that
change happens in cycles, or cycles of cycles. There is always a beginning and there is always an
end. There is always a coming together and there is always a coming apart. There is always new
and there is always old.” −Book 1
2011-12 was a time of change for the government of C/TFN. The citizen protest in
January 2011 shone a light on the discontent in the community and pushed the need
for dialogue to the forefront. To resolve this protest, Executive Council and 6 citizens
sat down together to create a solution. These 6 citizens consulted with many other
C/TFN citizens to compile honest opinions on what was working – or not – in the C/TFN
government.
A Special Community Assembly was held in February to expand the dialogue and move
towards solutions for the issues identified. While there were many solutions put forward,
it quickly became apparent that leadership selection was the most pressing issue, which
had implications for constitutional change. A committee of citizens was formed to study
some options and put forward creative solutions.
The Constitutional Committee of Cynthia James, Albert James, Justin Ferbey, and
Georgianna Low tabled their report in August 2011. At the October General Council
meeting, all six clans discussed the options on leadership selection for two full days. After
long dialogue, a resolution to amend the constitution was passed by consensus, calling
for the election of the Khà Shâde Héni but the continued traditional appointment of the
Executive Council members. This change was officially adopted December 3-4, 2011.
The Executive Council and Governance office worked to update the membership list,
develop an election code, and appoint an Electoral Officer to conduct the election. The
election was held on May 25, 2012 and Danny Cresswell was elected the Khà Shâde Héni.
Governance Department, Dec. 2011
Communication
Communication has steadily emerged as a pressing need in
the community and throughout the whole First Nation.
Hearing each Other
For the 2011/12 fiscal year, the GC/TFN has made it a top
priority, as part of the new priority and planning process, to
improve two-way communication with the community. We
need to do a better job of being linked to the community,by
directly communicating with citizens about the C/TFN
Government’s goals, priorities and plans, and hearing from
them about what concerns they have.
In an effort to move our First Nation towards the proud,
independent, and caring First Nation that we once were,
we must focus on improving communications between the
governing bodies and the membership as a priority.
The first step towards improving communication this year was
the formation of a Communications Team. The Team is made
up of a representative from each GC/TFN department and three
citizens. They meet once a month, hold regular events, develop
materials, and take actions to improve communications. The
Team put together this annual report, worked on the new
website, puts together the quarterly newsletters, and holds
community information-sharing events.
Art Johns walks near a caribou blind above the Friday Creek ice patch, August 2011
Statistical Portrait
As part of the election process, Donna Geddes (along with
the help of many others) has been working diligently to
improve the statistical portrait of our members. Donna and
the team did outreach within the community and across the
country, getting in touch with members who hadn’t heard
from the First Nation in years. As a result we have a more
accurate picture of the population than we have in the last
few years. There are a total of 882 members, including 93
elders over age 60.
Financial Transfer Agreement
The Financial Transfer Agreement is part of our SelfGovernment Agreement. It is the mechanism by which the
federal government flows funding to Carcross/Tagish First
Nation for the operation of our self-government. The original
FTA was signed for 5 years, to be renegotiated when it
expired.
Negotiations for the new FTA began in 2011. Since many
other First Nations had already signed their FTA, C/TFN was
presented with the same version. This version included some
provisions that C/TFN was not happy with. However, there
was not much opportunity or invitation to negotiate the
terms of the agreement with the federal government.
At the December 3-4, 2011 General Council meeting,
C/TFN’s negotiator Matt Mehaffey and Justin Ferbey
presented the details of the FTA to all members of General
Council for their discussion. It was agreed that we needed
more dialogue and information on this issue, but C/TFN
would stand our ground on our principles and values.
On January 14-15, 2012, the topic of the FTA returned to
General Council. Bill Stipdonk, a negotiator for other First
Nations that have signed the FTA, presented his opinion to
GC for discussion with Matt Mehaffey and Justin Ferbey.
Members of General Council agreed by consensus that
C/TFN would not agree to the new FTA, but would continue
to fight politically, legally, and administratively to get a more
equitable agreement for C/TFN.
Political leaders and technicians have been busy talking
to Members of Parliament, other First Nation leaders,
bureaucrats, and lawyers. So far, Canada and C/TFN have
agreed to a six-month extension of the Financial Transfer
Agreement so that negotiations can continue.
Building Bridges
C/TFN leaders and technicians take part in intergovernmental work in the territory through the Council
of Yukon First Nations, including monthly meetings,
continuing dialogue, building workplans, collaborating on
negotiations, and much more. C/TFN also works with the
Self-Government Secretariat, an off-shoot of CYFN. The SGS
assists all Yukon First Nations with a very wide range of
tasks, projects and initiatives that relate to self-government.
C/TFN is a member of the Land Claims Agreement Coalition
(LCAC), a coalition of First Nations that work to ensure that
comprehensive land claims and associated self-government
agreements are respected, honoured and fully implemented
in order to achieve their objectives. LCAC is working to bring
public and political attention to the Fiscal Harmonization
Policy being pursued by the Government of Canada. This
policy seeks to fund all First Nations based on a uniform
formula, determined by the Government of Canada.
Retreats
Sharing Our
Knowledge
Another key success for the Governance department was
organizing many successful knowledge-sharing retreats.
Executive Council and Management Board are now meeting
on a quarterly basis to spend time together, review their
progress on the priorities, and discuss any issues emerging
from their Departments.
The new Executive Council has made it a priority to build on
the success of the Executive Council – Management Board
retreats. They have been meeting with each Department for
a full day to build understanding, discuss pressing issues,
and talk about how the Department is doing. In the 201213 fiscal year, they will plan a retreat between Executive
Council and General Council.
Celebrations:
Although we work hard, we sure do play hard too! C/TFN
was proud to host a celebration on National Aboriginal
Day, June 21, 2011. The day began bright and early with
the sunrise ceremony at 4:30, then continued throughout
the day with a Four Races ceremony, traditional meals,
performances, and celebrations.
Master Carver Keith Wolfe-Smarch, along with other C/TFN
carvers, led the Pole Raising Ceremony. The welcoming man
pole is now permanently situated near the visitor centre and
carving shed.
C/TFN also participated in the Inland Tlingit Celebration,
held in Teslin from July 28-30, 2011. C/TFN hosted the
evening meal on Saturday, welcoming 500 people to the
event.
Policies
Governance plays a key role in developing and revising the
policies for C/TFN. In 2010-11, the major policy revision
projects were the Temporary Financial Assistance Policy.
This policy had not been reviewed since 2006 and was
not reflecting current government priorities. There was
substantial research, dialogue, and work put into reviewing
the policy thus far. This will continue in the next fiscal year.
We are moving into the final stages of the Social Housing
Policy. The Governance Department will work with the
Housing Department to design new programs and policies,
but will not implement these programs until the Social
Housing Policy is improved.
The Governance Department has also conducted a thorough
review of the Financial Policies and Procedures, along with
the Finance Department. These will be presented to the
General Council for review and approval.
The Personnel Policy and Procedures are continuously
being revised. This year, we are proud to have implemented
a Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy and Conflict
Resolution Policy to continue to build a workplace and
community built on our virtues and values.
Governance Department, 2012
Infrastructure & Finance
Finance Department
C/TFN is happy to welcome Don Smith as the new Finance
Manager. Don comes from Mackay & Partners in Whitehorse
to join the rest of the Finance Team. Lynda Dickson is the
Accounts Receivable Clerk, Joyce Hall is Accounts Payable,
and Shayla Bayne is the Payroll Officer. The team is led by
Nelson Lepine, Director of Finance and Infrastructure.
The Finance Staff worked hard in 2011/12 to expand their
skills. We are building the capacity of our staff to understand
and implement the AccPac program, the software that our
Finance Department uses for payroll, accounts receivable,
and accounts payable. Lynda, Joyce, Shayla, Don, and
Nelson now have a greater understanding of the program
and are better able to use the software to suit our needs.
Infrastructure and Finance
represents the physical
portion of the medicine
wheel. This Department
is responsible for meeting
some of the physical needs
of our First Nation and our
Government.
This year, the C/TFN audit was completed faster and with
fewer conditions than the previous year. We are working to
build on this success and ensure the 2011/12 is even faster,
to make sure citizens have a clear picture of the financial
accountability of the government and have a chance to ask
questions on it.
The Finance Department has been working to present
monthly updated income statements to each department
Director. This will ensure Directors have a clear picture of
the financial health of their departments so that they can
plan more carefully. This step will continue to improve our
financial accountability and transparency as a government.
Improving our
accountability
The Finance Department is now working on revising our
Financial Policies and Procedures to reflect current best
practices. This is another step to making the government
more accountable and transparent.
“Having accountability for our words and actions can create a place we can come together to resolve
our issues. Accountability is a self-honouring obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for our
actions. It is living our life knowing that our talk and actions are in balance and are considered to be
good not only for ourselves, but for others in our home, workplace, and community”
- Book One: Traditional Beliefs and Practices:
Our Place, Our Responsibilities
Capital Department
Celebrating our
successes
We are extremely proud of Michael Smarch, C/TFN citizen
and Maintenance Operator, who became certified as a
Small Water Operator and Bulk Water Distributor this year
through the Environmental Operators Certification Program
(EOCP). This is a huge achievement for C/TFN, since many
First Nations find it difficult to recruit and retain certified
operators.
In 2011/12, the new
Water Treatment Facility
in Tagish was completed.
This new state-of the
art facility keeps Tagish
in compliance with the
Canadian Drinking Water
Guidelines. This project
was supported by the
Building Canada Fund.
Michael Smarch, C/TFN citizen
and Maintenance Operator
Minimizing
our impact
The Capital Department
is taking other steps to
ensure our actions are
in line with the C/TFN
mission statement.
We have purchased new dechlorination equipment for the
new truck that will limit the impact on the environment
when we discharge chlorinated water. By law, if water is
not delivered within 24 hours, it must be removed from the
water delivery truck. By removing the chlorine before the
water is dumped, it is less harmful to the environment. The
new equipment will allow us to do this. This project was
supported by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Canada.
In 2011/12, a new Solid Waste Collection system was
installed. This system will reduce the amount of disturbances
by bears, dogs and other animals, since it is more secure.
This will keep our neighbourhoods cleaner and safer. As a
next step, the Capital Department is investigating a recycling
program, to make sure even more of our waste is conserved
and we continue to reduce our environmental impact.
One of the major successes
for the Capital Department
was our Youth Initiative
Program. By seeking support
from external funders, we
were able to employ two
C/TFN youth on a full-time
basis for a term trainee
positions. Clint Beattie and
Shane Schinkel worked with
our Building Maintenance
Manager, Garth Jamieson,
learning work ethics, life
skills, as well as the technical
skills needed in building
maintenance. Both Clint and
Shane enjoyed the program
and are now moving on to
further training.
A new Water Tank Cleaning trailer has been purchased
to improve our service to the community. It will keep our
equipment clean, reducing the possibility of contamination,
and increasing our capacity so we can clean more tanks in
a day. One tank has the capability to clean with hot water,
which will improve our service to citizens.
Housing Department
The need for good quality affordable housing is increasing
across the territory. The Carcross/Tagish region is no
exception and the C/TFN staff and Team members hear this
message loud and clear.
In 2011/12, the Housing Department worked with the
Governance Department and Housing Team to build a solid
foundation of programs and policies. The staff has been busy
consulting with other First Nations in the Yukon and across
Canada to research what has worked – or failed – for others.
Housing our
People
This year, we have been focusing on the Social Housing
Program policy. We need to make sure the foundations of
this program – the applications, intake, decision-making,
and roles and responsibilities - are healthy and wellfunctioning before we build any other programs. We will
continue to build options for C/TFN citizens to have a home
on C/TFN land.
Health & Wellness
Canada Pre-Natal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
Health and Wellness
represents the emotional
portion of our government,
providing support and care
for our citizens in need.
Supporting
our moms
and babies
Our children are the future of our First Nation. As parents,
clans, and community, we must work together to nurture
them from conception onwards. The Health and Wellness
Department is committed to supporting our young ones
through the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program.
The CPNP has expanded and grown in the last year, to
provide more services and support for kids from conception
to three years of age in our communities. Patricia James, the
CPNP Coordinator, works full- time to provide information
and activities on nutrition and breastfeeding options.
Carcross and Tagish are small communities where fresh
vegetables, fruit, and healthier options are lacking. We try
to support parents and babies to get the right minerals and
nutrients by educating families on nutritional needs, helping
parents travel to Whitehorse, and providing programs and
services in Whitehorse, Tagish, and Carcross.
Some of our activities in 2011-12 included:
“Parenting begins in the
heart, not the head, and
nurturing begins prior to
conception, not just after
birth.”
- Book Two: Government of
Carcross/Tagish Traditional
Family Beliefs and Practices
• hosting a workshop on Dental Healthcare
• learning about seat belt safety
• Diabetes nutrition information sessions
• Home visits, walking program, pilates &swimming
• Traditional pursuits berry picking,
• Christmas and Halloween events
• Easter egg hunt
• Hospital visits
Congratulations to new parents and welcome to 20 new
C/TFN members this year: 12 boys and 8 girls!
Home & Community Care
Home & Community Care Program serves the C/TFN
communities of Carcross, Tagish and Squanga areas.
Services include: regular home care for Elders and members
requiring assistance, as well as Christmas and spring
cleaning with a team of helpers. Home bound citizens can
also receive Meals on Wheels. As part of the Health and
Wellness team the worker assists with the Elders program
and other activities.
Youth & Elders Programs
Christina Barrett came into the Health and Wellness
Department in 2011 as the Youth and Elder Coordinator.
Under her guidance, we have seen gatherings, teachings, and
celebrations of the youth and the elders in our community.
Honouring our
Elders
Two C/TFN youth successfully completed a 22 day First
Nation Tourism Training course, Arlynne Jim and Nervano
Gatensby. This project was done with the support of the
Department of Advanced Education and Dustin Davis,
operator of Cabin Fever Adventures in the Carcross area.
Arlynne will return to work with Cabin Fever Adventures this
summer.
Our elders are happy to join in the weekly lunches with our
moms and babies in the CPNP program. We worked with
Governance to coordinate the annual train ride to Bennet,
with the support of White Pass & Yukon Route.
The weekly sewing program is still going strong every
Wednesday and Thursday night. For our youth, we hosted a
great safe celebration for Halloween. There was also a wellattended Christmas and New year sledding party.
Elder Winnie Atlin
Health and Wellness paired up with the Heritage, Lands,
and Natural Resources Department in Fall 2011 to conduct a
van tour with our elders. The goal was to capture traditional
knowledge about the historical range of the Southern
Lakes caribou. The day culminated in a delicious feast of
traditional foods.
Outreach Workers
Our Outreach Workers strive to provide continued support
for C/TFN citizens and community members, helping to keep
us all on the good path. This can include emotional support
and counselling for people dealing with residential school
issues, family and children matters, or grieving processes.
The Outreach Workers can assist in making health-related
appointments, make referrals to other sources including
Family Council, drug and alcohol treatment, personal
growth programs, counseling, mental health services, legal
assistance, visiting members in the hospital, aftercare, grief
work, and other services.
In co-operation with the Transitional Employment and
Temporary Financial Assistance Programs, the Outreach
Workers help and support people in developing their
personal development plan towards self-sustainability.
“When our actions disrespect
our values, we wander off the
good path, are lost and lose
sight of our purpose, of our
reason for being. Love brings
us back, back to the Dikée
Aankáawu’s (creator’s) way,
back to being all that we can
be. Love from others, and
learning again to love ourselves
brings us back to the good
path.”
-- Book Two: Government of
Carcross/Tagish Traditional
Family Beliefs and Practices
Our Outreach Workers will walk beside their clients on a
healing path, providing assistance where they can.
Justice Program
“Reaching for help is an expected
thing, not a shameful thing. It
is the way we give others the
honour of helping. It is the way
we serve each other – the way
we live the values of family,
the way we stay a kwáan
(community). Nowadays seems
like people think asking for help
is like admitting failure – you
know, being asked to help is an
honour. It is saying to another
you are important.”
Pete Sidney, Elder – Carcross/
Tagish First Nation
The C/TFN Justice Program works with people caught up
in the formal criminal justice system. We strive to work in a
proactive manner, working with people before they come to
the attention of the police or the courts. For us, this means
working closely with community members, C/TFN’s Health
and Wellness Department, and other social support agencies
to identify individuals and families who are experiencing
hard times. These hard times might be the result of
addictions, family break-down, mental health challenges, or
poverty. Our goal is to try and provide a helping hand before
the police and the courts are involved.
For those who are already involved with the criminal justice
system as offenders, we can provide a variety of services
ranging from providing assistance finding a lawyer to helping
support offenders on community release. For victims of
crime, we can help arrange counselling and victim support
in partnership with Yukon Government Victim Services.
Balancing offender and victim needs can sometimes be
tricky, but finding solutions that benefit both is what
distinguishes community-based restorative justice processes
from the formal criminal justice system.
Sometimes, even when the police are involved, we can work
with the RCMP to “divert” the charge(s). An agreement
can be reached between the offender, the RCMP and the
Crown to dispose of the charge(s) if certain conditions
are met. These conditions can be written up in the form
of a community contract, can include paying restitution
(repairing the harm) to the victim, doing community
hours, getting counselling, not drinking or taking drugs,
and enrolling in education and/or training programs. Our
program can help set these diversions up with the Crown
and the RCMP, and we can help monitor and support clients
as they work through these diversions. Usually it’s the
less serious charges that are diverted, although in some
circumstances, exceptions can be made.
The Justice Office can also provide valuable information
to the Court regarding the life circumstances of offenders
and the supports available within the community. This
information makes it easier for the Court to make informed
decisions at bail and sentencing hearings. We also assist
clients who are incarcerated in jails or penitentiaries by
helping correctional staff plan for their release.
Justice Program Highlights for this year include:
• Providing Gladue pre-sentence reports for C/TFN citizens
and others. These reports, which have been mandated
by both the House of Commons and the Supreme Court
of Canada, are very valuable tools when it comes to the
sentencing of aboriginal offenders. Our reports have been
so successful that the Justice Office has been asked to
provide reports for citizens of other First Nations;
• We have been pioneering a new approach to releaseplanning for federal offenders under Section 84 of the
Canada Corrections and Release Act;
• We are offering free legal aid clinics prior to each Court
circuit so that community members can review their
matters with counsel in a more relaxed setting. This makes
the day of the circuit less chaotic and results in better
service for our clients;
• The Justice Office continues to work in close partnership
with C/TFN outreach workers, probation officers, alcohol
and drug services counsellors, and mental health clinicians
to provide support for those clients experiencing difficulties
or dealing with charges;
• The Justice Office has also played a role in re-establishing
Family Council as a support mechanism for clients
involved with the justice system; and
• The Justice Office, with support from community
members and the Territorial Court, is starting to run more
sentencing circles.
The Justice Office is open between 8.30am and 4.30pm
Monday to Friday. For more information about programming
or to request assistance, please call Mark Stevens at 8214009 or 867-332-1717 (cell). Mark’s e-mail address is:
mark.stevens@C/TFN.ca.
• Improving working relationships with a variety of external
justice agencies, including but not limited to federal
and territorial corrections, the Territorial Court, adult
probation, victim services, the Federal Crown, legal
aid and the RCMP. These improved relationships have
increased our ability to provide timely and effective service
to our clients;
Shirley Lord welcomes the Peace &
Dignity Runners to Tagish, May 2012
Celebrating
together
The Health and Wellness
Department hosted many great
events this year. Just a few of
these include:
• National Addictions
Awareness Week
• Health Fair
• preparing Christmas hampers
for community members
• regular community luncheons
• Breakfast program at the
Ghuch Tlaa school
• Blood Ties Four Directions
sexual information sessions for
men, women, youth and elders
• Connect parenting workshop
with some of the members
• Dealing with loss and grief
sessions at Hospice Yukon
• Step program and weight loss
program with initiating healthy
eating and exercise programs
• Diabetes information sessions
• Sisters in Spirit Walk
commemorating missing or
murdered First Nations women
Transitional Employment Program
Employment has a direct impact on human being’s self-confidence and the value they place in
their lives,their families, their clans and communities. The Transitional Employment Program is
successfully helping our people to build courage, independence, respect, and knowledge while
moving towards employment.
C/TFN First Nation’s Health And Wellness Department has operated several versions of employment
programs in the past decade. Determined to make it a success, in 2011, Executive Council made
Transitional Employment one of their priorities. Health and Wellness, in partnership with Capacity
Development Department, funded and provided leadership for the hiring and training of a Transitional
Employment Manager to ensure the success and sustainability of the three phase program.
Phase 1 is an 8 week Life Skills and Employment Skills program. Employability and life skills form
the core of what employers are most looking for in employee attitude. Phase 1 is designed to ensure
foundational life skills and employability attitudes prepare our members for the next phase in the
program and long term sustainable employment. This phase includes the Pursuit of Excellence and the
Wall, two courses that enhance self-confidence and build on individual and strengths in skills.
In partnership with Yukon College, participants also successfully completed First Aid and CPR
training, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), H2S, Transportation of
Dangerous Goods (TDG), and some completed the Rigging and Hoisting courses.
Here’s what Phase 1 participants had to say:
“I like hearing about communication steps and skills towards good communication as it so happens I
am in a place where I need these skills.”
“I really like the way the days went by so fast and the whole idea of attitudes”
“I learned more about myself and understand choices and the skills to know how to change my
attitude for the better”
“My attitude is better and more positive as a result of taking this program”
Phase 2 is a 3 week Job Readiness Skills program. This phase includes resumé preparation, cover
letter writing,job search skills, interview skills, coaching and mentoring during the transition to the
workplace. Participants will also complete career goals of their choice. Phase 2 also includes the
Advancement of Excellence, an 8 week practicum that supports participants to apply the concepts
and tools from the Pursuit of Excellence and The Wall .
To secure funding for Phase 2, a proposal was developed and submitted to the Community
Development Fund, which included a community project and job fair. The application was successful
and funding was secured for the project. The funding included hosting a job fair which was held on
May 8, 2012 in the Capacity Building which was a great learning experience for all participants.
The other major component of the Phase 2 Project is the Healing Pathway. Transitional Employment
participants are building a Healing Pathway along Nares Lake, while learning job readiness and
beginning a community healing process.
During the last year, TE successfully teamed with other C/TFN departments to assist in training and
job shadowing two Wildlife Monitors (Michelle James and Roland Parsons), two Housing Internship
Trainees (Shane Schinkel and Clint Beattie), and one Game Gaurdian Trainee (Angie Low). The TE
Program will continue to grow and expand in the coming years, offering support and skills to C/TFN
citizens ready to make changes in their life.
Phase 3 is the job practical employment support and job shadowing component. Resumes are
submitted to employers seeking employment around their specific job skills and certification.
Ongoing support to encourage collaboration and effective working relationships continues to ensure
project completion.
Heritage, Lands & Natural Resources
Sascha Weber, past Director of HLNR, moved on to the
Yukon Mine Training Association in October. We were
delighted to welcome Bill Barrett Jr into the position of
Director. Bill brings with him a wealth of experience and
training.
Heather Jones returned to the position of Heritage Manager
in July 2011 after a 10 month leave to pursue a diploma in
Professional Photography.
Tami Hamilton joined the organization in July and is now
Natural Resources Manager. Leslie Kerr has moved into a
position at the Yukon College Carcross campus.
Frank James is the Lands Manager. Frank has been involved
with C/TFN through the negotiation process, and has
worked within the Lands Department as the director before
C/TFN ratified the self-government agreements and is an
asset to the organization.
The HLNR Department
represents the ‘spiritual’
wheel. This Department is
responsible for monitoring,
protecting, and responsibly
managing all C/TFN lands,
habitats, fish, wildlife, and
culture for present and
future generations.
The Ecological/Environmental Coordinator was successfully
filled by Wesley Barrett, who will be transferring back
to the HLNR Department from Capacity. The Ecological/
Environmental Monitor was successfully filled by Corey
Edzerza, also a welcome Back! The Campground Attendant
position has been also successfully filled by Michelle James.
Miles Johnson is the GIS/Lands Technician, a full-time
position we are proud to have filled by a C/TFN citizen.
Patrick James and Charlie James continue to fill the roles of
Environmental/Ecological Monitors, while Angie Low has
been brought onto the team as a Game Guardian trainee.
Pat Hiebert is the HLNR Office Administrator.
Sharing our
Gifts
This past year our carving program focused on the
carving of the clan poles. Carvers completed the Yan Yeidi,
Ishkahittaan and Kookhittaan poles. The Daklaweidi pole
was completed in 2011 and the Deisheetaan pole is receiving
its final touch-ups at the time of this report. The Gaanaxtedi
pole awaits a clan decision about its design and then it
will be completed over this next year. The completed clan
poles join the Welcoming Man pole, the Eagle pole and the
Killer Whale pole as recent accomplishments by our carving
program. C/TFN’s Heritage Lands and Natural Resources
department also want to acknowledge the support and
interest from the Carcross Tagish Development Corporation
in making it possible to have the Junior Carvers work
alongside our Lead Carver in the completion of the clan
poles.
Further our Lead Carver, Keith Wolf Smarch and the three
Junior Carvers have been teaching traditional arts in the
Ghuch Tlâ Community School. Our Junior Carvers this past
year have been Aaron Smarch, Jared Lutchman and Scott
James.
This year also saw Jared Lutchman instruct the adult carving
classes which were held throughout the winter months.
The doors of the carving shed/facility are always open for
community members to come and see the work that is being
carried out as part of our programming.
Over this past year Heritage
has been forging a positive
relationship with Parks
Canada and those who
manage the Chilkoot Trail.
This has lead to C/TFN being
involved in interpretation
plans and having a stronger
presence within the park.
In December we signed a
contract with Parks to have
the artists from our carving
program design and create
a traditional painting for
the facade of the Visitors
Interpretation building at
Bennett, B.C.. The artwork
was completed in March
and will be unveiled, in the
presence of our Elders, in
Bennett on July 11 of this
year.
Carving program
Keith Wolf Smarch works on the Ishkahittaan clan pole,
completed February 2012
Artist Grants
This year, the Heritage Department distributed 18 Artist
Grants to C/TFN citizens in order to purchase supplies to
undertake traditional arts and crafts. This program’s success
is measured by the numbers of artists in our community
who re-ignited their passion for their art. Artists are working
on completing carving, bentwood boxes, various sewing
projects, paintings. It is hoped that with the completion of
the projects that we will display the work and honour our
artists.
Keith Wolf Smarch shares his artwork with Jim Robb,
who visited the Carving Shed May 2012
Sustainable Development and Food Security
Funding applications are being drafted by a working group
consisting of Tami Hamilton, Leslie Kerr, Roberta Auston
(Transitional Employment Manager), Nina Bolton (Health
& Wellness Director), Heather Jones (Heritage Manager)
and Dina Delarond for some very exciting sustainable
development and food security projects:
a) Holistic Land Use Planning
b) Salmon re-introduction
c) Community Farm/Garden
d) Forestry - Standing Tree to Standing House
e) Independent Power Supply
Sharing our
Knowledge
The Lands Department is
working to compile data on
the historical range of the
Southern Lakes Caribou.
This data will provide an
invaluable baseline from
which to monitor the herd
and determine some of the
effects of linear development
and climate change.
The Regional Wildlife
Assessment is complete.
This document will be a
wonderful tool to Land
and Resource Managers,
researchers, and policy
developers in that it provides
an overview of what work
has been done, identifies
gaps in data and is based in
the values of the First Nation
Signatories.
Development and Activity in the Traditional
Territory
Across the Yukon and BC, we are seeing increased demands
on the land for resource exploration and development.
C/TFN has been working hard to monitor and respond to
the multitude of requests, often to find that projects proceed
without C/TFN’s approval or awareness.
With the combined effort of the Land Use Team, the
HLNR department, and legal council, C/TFN is proud
to have completed a Resource Development Mandate.
This document will now be delivered to any person or
organization that is undertaking exploration or development
in C/TFN’s traditional territory, both in Yukon and British
Columbia. The mandate gives direction to industry that they
must engage with C/TFN, work out resource and exploration
agreements, and if necessary, negotiate Impact Benefit
Agreements.
•Lands Management Policy
•Zoning (LUT assisted)
•YESAA collaborating with CYFN
•Field Operations Program
•Programs – elders/youth/community
•research and monitoring program
•Intellectual Property project
•Adult language/carving sessions
Donna Geddes and Keith Wolf Smarch skin a wolverine trapped near Carcross.
Natural Resource Planning
HLNR has partnered with Yukon Government, Dept.
of Environment, Canadian Wildlife Service and other
Environmental Consulting Organizations to conduct field
studies that include, Grizzly Bears, Fish, Birds, Sheep,
Caribou and water. These projects will keep the department
very busy through the summer months.
Other topics we are working on include, wildlife monitoring
and enforcement, citizen and youth education and
departmental processes and policies. We continue to review
and comment on YESSA applications for resource extraction
and land development, outfitting quotas and negotiations
with BC for increased cooperation for wildlife and land
management.
These are only a few of the many diverse topics we are
working on day to day, there is never a dull moment in the
Heritage Lands and Natural Resources Department however
our doors are always open to inquiries and concerns.
Heritage, Lands and Natural Resources Department, August 2011
Capacity Development
Yak’ei ikwasateeni ax xooni!
The Capacity Development Department provides programs
and services to C/TFN citizens including early childhood
education at the Ya Dak Du Hidi; K-12 school support,
programs and services; Post Secondary program advising
and support services; and Employment and Training
advising and support services. The Capacity Department
is also responsible for the Human Resource needs of the
organization.
Capacity Development
represents the mental
wheel. This Department
works with the rest of the
organization to deliver
programs and services that
will improve the educational
and employment outcomes
of C/TFN citizens and
community members.
We have recently had some staff turnover and the whole
Department is working together as a team to make sure
things still flow smoothly from day to day. We are looking
at a staff retreat in the near future to bring us all together to
share and build stronger capacity amongst us.
Right now Geraldine James is the Acting Director of the
Capacity Department. Geraldine has a lot to offer to the
Department. She is very supportive and welcomes any
questions or concerns you may have.
2012 Graduates Melissa Barrett-James, Lawrence Ward, Roberta Wally,
Christa Leamon, Austin Smith with Khà Shâde Héni, Dan Cresswell
Human Resources:
Capacity Development Project Manager:
Dina Delaronde is back at Capacity as our Project Manager.
She is responsible for finding us sources of funding, creating
and doing proposals for C/TFN and finding things that will
benefit the First Nations. Right now she is busy working
on a few different proposals that are a joint effort of all the
departments in C/TFN and Yukon College.
The Human Resources Officer
is busier then ever! This past
year has been very busy with
new employee intakes, staff
training, and job evaluations.
The HR Assistant will be
filling in this position while
Geraldine is Acting Director.
The Early Childcare Center has been very busy this past
year. The staff continue to further their education in Early
Childcare and are working together well as a team. They
have been working on improving the learning outcomes of
the children to prepare them for Kindergarten and have been
offering parent support to the families. The last stages of
the new Yard are underway. In a very short time, the play
equipment will be up and accessible to the children along
with a larger yard for them to play in. This is very exciting
for both the children and staff!
Education Support & Finance Coordinator:
First of all a big thank you to Melissa for all her hard work
filling in for Cheryl while she was away! Cheryl is now back
and busier then ever! This position offers support to all the
employes in the Capacity Building. She is responsible for
the finances of our department. This includes, PO s, Cheque
Recs, Invoicing, DOG Grant, Ya Dak Du Hidi billing, tuition’s,
room & board, anything financal.
Ya Dak Du Hidi:
David Gatensby, Peace and
Dignity runner
Employment & Training Officer:
We would like to say good bye to Wesley who is moving to
another Department with C/TFN. Thank you for all your
hard work and good luck! Erika Whelan is filling in right now
until the job is posted. The Employment & Training Officer is
responsible for taking in the applications for training, short
courses and Post Secondary school and to offer guidance
to those that are thinking of continuing their education and
learning. C/TFN offers funding through the Assets Program
and through our C/TFN dollars. But a friendly reminder to
look for other sources of funding before coming to C/TFN.
There is only so much money allocated each year.
Education Programs & Services Coordinator:
The Education Programs & Services Coordinator offers
support to our k-12 students in the Yukon. Whether it
be liaison between caregivers and teachers or funding
applications, Robin is there to help in what ever way she
can. This year she was mainly involved with grades 10-12
in Whitehorse and the High school students working from
home in Carcross. She made visits to Whitehorse often
to ensure our students had the support they needed to
continue their education. She also had students in her office
2-3 times a week through the winter to assist them with
their Individual Learning Studies as part of their Education.
We are happy to say we had 7 C/TFN graduates this year!!
Just recently the Education
Committee has been reestablished. They are here
to assist us and give us
guidance with our Education
Policies and to ensure
everyone has a fair chance at
receiving funding for postsecondary. This committee
will be going through the
applications and making
decisions in regards to the
funding available.
This past year we got the van up and running for our High
school kids to get to the bus and to Gadzoosdda Student
Residence. It was a rocky start but we know what we need
to do to improve it for next year. We also had a part time
contract worker working with our C/TFN students at FH
Collins. She was there to assist them with their schooling
and support them while they were away from home and
trying to get used to the city life.
C/TFN continues to work Ghuch Tla Community School on
the School Growth Plan and is looking forward to working
with them again in September. The Education worker is
currently working on programing to be offered in the coming
school year at Ghuch Tla Community School.
Our 2012 Recognition Dinner was a great success! It was to
acknowledge our kindergartens, grade 9s moving on, grade
12 graduates and those who have completed training and
post secondary schooling. Its events like this that bring the
community together to celebrate the achievements of all
these students.
And....
We would also like you to know that the K-12 and Post
Secondary Policies were passed last May 2011 and are now
available on the website, fax, e-mail or in the Capacity
Building. The forms for funding available to High School
students in the Yukon and Post-Secondary and training are
also available.
We look forward and we invite you all to stop by anytime to
get information or just to say hi!
Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation
Our Vision
“Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation’s vision is to build a
private sector economy in Carcross that will create a sustainable
flow of employment and business opportunities for the First
Nation, community, and region.”
Carcross Market Opportunity
Located one hour from the cruise ship port-of-call of
Skagway, Alaska and 45 minutes from the Yukon’s capital,
Whitehorse. Carcross has excellent access to tourism
markets. Some facts and figures:
•An estimated 100,000 – 125,00 visitors pass through
Carcross each, most originating in Skagway
•The Carcross Visitor Information Centre (VIC) receives the
highest visitation of any rural Yukon VIC, and frequently
surpasses the VIC in Whitehorse!
•Skagway will welcome more than 725,000 cruised ship
visitors in 2012 and 2013
These facts speak to Carcross’s visitor volumes, but a closer
look at visitor behaviour reveals the hard truth: very few
visitors stay long enough in Carcross to spend any money
and benefit the local community.
The good news: given the size of the Skagway cruise ship
market, even a small increase in visitor spending and/or
numbers could yield big returns. If Carcross could attract
an additional 1% of Skagway visitors each year for five
years, and those visitors were able to spend money in the
community, that alone could inject an additional $4.25
million dollars into Carcross’s economy!
Megan Jensen, July 2011;
Scott James, May 2012;
Leahanna Dickson, May 2012
photos: Heather Jones/C/TFN
Our Strategy
Carcross has excellent access to visitor markets, and yet its
tourism economy is highly underdeveloped. Until Carcross
can develop a broader range of tourism infrastructure, it
simply can’t grow as a destination. Likewise, unless a local
economy has year-round private sector opportunities, it may
not achieve sustainability.
A commercial village can’t overcome those challenges on its
own. That’s why it’s only one part of the Carcross/Tagish
Management Corporation’s (CTMC) broader strategy.
The strategy is based on four pillars: attractions, commercial
village, accommodations, and residential property. We
believe that focusing on these four areas will yield the
greatest return in developing Carcross as a destination,
generating jobs and business activity, and creating a circular
flow of dollars in the community.
Pursued in tandem, these four strategic pillars will:
•create jobs that are compatible with local human
resources capacity;
•raise personal income levels in the community;
•facilitate upward mobility on the “career ladder”;
•support improved health and wellness outcomes;
•increase tax revenues for C/TFN
•decrease dependence on C/TFN’s social assistance
programs
Carcross Commons Commercial Village
Every successful tourism destination needs to offer visitors a
range of services and attractions to encourage a longer and
experience-rich stay. Every town needs a central commercial
district where residents and visitors can attend to day-today needs, meet neighbours and newcomers, and participate
in community life.
While Carcross is blessed with an abundance of scenic and
historic attraction, it has faced one significant obstacle in
growing both as a destination and a community; a severe
shortage of developable downtown land for commercial
activity. That is, until now.
Introducing the Carcross Commons Commercial Village, the
next chapter in Carcross’s story as both destination and
community.
Situated on a development site encompassing 20,000 ft2,
the Carcross Commons will offer a variety of commercial,
office, and community spaces for lease. The Commons will
be located adjacent to the newly built Visitors’ Pavilion and
S. S. Tutshi Memorial, already hubs of activity.
Visitors entering the historic Carcross townsite will be drawn
to the Carcross Commons’ iconic Tlingit longhouse inspired
design and totems, symbolizing a warm welcome from
the six clans of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation into their
traditional territory.
Creating a Year Round Market
Achieving a sustainable year-round economy means that
some businesses will need to stay open after the summer
busy season is over. Their ability to do so will be linked to
two markets: winter tourists and a significantly expanded
year-round resident population.
With a shortage of developable land and the average price
of a home exceeding $425,000 in the capital, the appeal
of rural properties located within commuting distance of
Whitehorse has never been greater. CTMC expects a surge
of demand for the 160 prime waterfront and view lots it
intends to develop on C/TFN’s settlement lands.
What is now a sleepy little town of 430 could become
thriving community of 1000+ in the future, allowing “early
adopter” businesses in the area to develop a year-round
customer base and maintain the level of services required to
support a winter tourism market drawn by attractions such
as aurora viewing, dog sledding, and skiing.
The big vision is to increase the population in Carcross
so that in the winter small scale businesses can cater to
the domestic population and in the summer capitalize on
the high volume traffic. To achieve this we are working
to develop our lake front properties to establish a yearround customer base. In time we hope to strengthen the
community’s middle class who in turn will seek products
and services in the downtown core particularly in the winter
months when tourism is slow. And most importantly there
will be many years of construction employment for local
Carcross citizens.
Garrick James works on the “Healing Path” trail near the C/TFN Admin Building,
June 2012
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Box 130, Carcross, Yukon Y0B 1B0
Phone: (867) 821-4251 • Fax: (867) 821-4802
www.ctfn.ca

2011-2012 Annual Report - Carcross/Tagish First Nation

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