Mistawasis The New Voice Spring 2015

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P R OS P E R OU S
M I S T AWAS IS
THE NEW VOICE
A N IR O N BUFFA LO C ENTRE PUB LICATION ;
ED IT ORS: PETRA GOM BOS AN D AN TH ON Y J OH NS TO N
E -M AIL: MIS TAWA SI SNE W S@GM A IL . C O M
Mistawasis Chief and Council, Iron
Buffalo and Economic Board Meet
with AANDC Minister, Bernard
Valcourt
On Thursday, March 19 in Regina, Mistawasis met
with Minister Bernard Valcourt, Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada.
Chief Daryl Watson, Councillors William Badger,
Mel Watson, Carol Ledoux, Greg Pechawis, employees,
Economic Development Board representatives and
member Frank Badger presented opportunities for
M i s t a w a s i s c e n t r e d o n Ir o n B u f f a l o C e n t r e ,
Information Technology and economic development.
Minister Valcourt stated he enjoyed these types of
positive meetings.
Iron Buffalo Attends Cannexus15
Conference in Ottawa
Iron Buffalo Centre staff attended the Cannexus15
conference in Ottawa January 26-29. Staff attended 50+
workshops and has shared workshop information with
Chief and Council.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE. 1.
Good Neighbors and Friends
Gathering
Mistawasis met
with
the
Hounourable Scott
Moe, Minister of
the Environment,
and our MLA to
discuss flooding,
road improvements
and future plans
with Mistawasis on
Friday, March 27,
2015. Our neighbors
the
R.M.
of
Canwood and Leask
were
also
in
attendance.
Mistawasis benefits and is stronger through good
working relations with neighbours, friends, provincial
and federal agencies. One example of this was through
a gathering of neighbours, and provincial and federal
agencies to consider High Water and Flooding
Concern, we are now having large culverts being placed
at 4 locations where our roads cross Mistawasis Creek.
THE NEW VOICE
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THE NEW VOICE
A N IR O N BUFFA LO C ENTRE PUB LICATION ;
ED IT ORS: PETRA GOM BOS AN D AN TH ON Y J OH NS TO N
E -M AIL: MIS TAWA SI SNE W S@GM A IL . C O M
Chief Mistawasis School will be 20
years old this year!!
CMS was built in 1994-95. Students began coming to their brand
new school in the fall of 1995. The school is a source of pride and has
become the hub of the community. Currently, we offer educational
programming that includes the Daycare, HeadStart and students up
to Grade 8. Yearly activities include a Pancake Breakfast to start off the school year, a trip to Camp Kadesh, Thanksgiving turkey
dinner for students, annual Book Fairs, home visits for the first Report Card, monthly Family Fun Nights, annual Christmas
Concert and Community Meal, Cabin Days, class trips to different places of interest, annual Science & Heritage Fair, various
recreational (sports, culture, arts) activities, Awards Day and Community Barbecue to wind down another successful school year.
A 20th Anniversary Celebration will be held as more details are finalized—we will let you know when this milestone event will
take place.
FROM
THE
EDITORS
VOLUME 4, ISSUE. 1.
It has been almost four years now since I
came to Mistawasis for the first time, and I
am so proud and amazed at how much has
changed in such little time. In 2011, I saw the
beginnings of great change at Chief Mistawasis
School and in the community and the rate of
change has only quickened since then. I am
happy to see the smiling faces of the children
and adults as they take part in community
gatherings, cultural nights, family fun nights,
and community meetings. I am most excited
about the Mistawasis Community Planning,
and the involvement, dedication and courage of
everyone from the community in helping to
make it happen. I am also amazed at the many
improvements in public works and
technological infrastructure that have come to
the reserve in the past 3-4 years. As with its
founding namesake, Chief Mistawasis, its
descendants continue to be visionaries and
leaders in their local communities, the province
and in Canada as they come together to meet,
to plan, and to put into action their
communities hopes, wishes and dreams for the
future. I wish the best of luck to all of the
THE NEW VOICE
candidates for the upcoming election who were
brave to stand up to serve their community.
I am so proud to be able to be a part of
such a wonderful community of people and
hope It is my hope that the newsletter helps
to bring both on and off-reserve community
members closer to each other, to Governance,
and to each and ever y department. The
newsletter is a communication tool that is an
especially valuable way for off-reserve members
to stay connected to their roots. In future
issues I would like to include more voices from
our Youth and our Elders. If you ha ve
something you would like to see in future issues
or to share your thoughts and concerns send
me an email at [email protected] or
find me on Facebook. - Petra Gombos
I am happy to contribute and assist Petra
with her good work. I lived off the Reserve for
most of my life. During that time, I always
considered Mistawasis my home. I returned to
live here 20 years ago with the belief that we all
have something to contribute, whether we live
on Mistawasis or at a great distance. This is our
home. - Anthony Johnston
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Mistawasis General Election will
be held on
Friday, April 17, 2015
Elections for the positions of 1
Chief and 6 members of Council will
take place at the Family Centre at
Mistawasis First Nation on Friday,
April 17, 2015 from 9:00 am to 8:00
pm.
If you are an off-reserve elector
and have not yet submitted your most
recent address to Tonie Black,
Mistawasis Membership clerk, please
ensure that you forward any recent
address changes to Electoral Officer
Howard McMaster, the Electoral
Officer whose contact information can
be found to the left. This list of
candidates can be found on page 4.
Good luck to all the candidates in the election!
Thank you for standing up to serve your
community!
VOLUME 1, ISSUE. 1.
THE NEW VOICE
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MISTAWASIS GENERAL ELECTION
2015 NOMINEES
Mistawasis Nominations
(March 6, 2015)
Chief Candidates:
Johnston, Steven Roy
Johnstone, Norma Ann
Watson, Daryl
Wise (Daniels), Beverly
Nominator,
William Ledoux,
Jean Richard,
Mervin Watson,
Linda Head,
Seconder
Treena Beaudry
Elmer C. Ledoux
Kathleen Watson
Lawrence Black
Councillor Candidates:
Badger, Gail
Badger, William (Smokey)
Bird, Leonard D.
Bird, Wayne (William)
Daniels, Leona
Daniels, Pamela (Pam)
Daniels, Robin Lee
Dreaver, William J. (Billy Joe)
Head, Tyson Cecil
Hunt, Thomas
Johnston, Lawrence W.
Johnstone, Kevin C.
Johnstone, Clinton
Ledoux, Carol Marie,
Ledoux Wayne Hubert (Butch)
Ledoux (Sand), Calvin J.
Matheson, Vincent R.
Pechawis, Christopher
Pechawis, Greg
Pechawis, Leslie (Chippy)
Pechawis, Ian O.
Pechawis, Vivian Faye
Pechawis-Moreau, Audrey J.
Sanderson, Derek
Watson, Debra (Debbie)
Watson, Melvin
Marcella Duquette,
Eleanor Badger,
Brandi Bird,
Arnold Victor Bird,
Patricia Daniels,
Ruth Daniels,
Linda Head,
Candice F. Dreaver,
Raymond Sand,
Roger Duquette,
Darrel Duquette,
Norma Johnstone,
Daryl Morisette,
Derek Head,
Judith Rocher,
Sunila Dreaver,
Mary J. McCallum,
Sherry Bird,
Twila Pechawis,
Lora Daniels,
Kayla Pechawis,
Edna Bear,
Geraldine Sanderson,
Norma Johnstone,
Lawrence Johnston,
Derek Head,
Derek Sanderson
Malarie Ross
Darrel L. Duquette
Sherry Bird
Beverly Wise
Harvey Sanderson
Beverly Wise
Mary Rosaline Daniels
Denise Smokeyday
Eunice Hunt
Janet Moyah
Dennis Johnstone
Gilbert Bird
Floris Ledoux
Elmer C. Ledoux
Ivan Sand
Shannon McCallum
Lorna Daniels
Yvonne Saddleback
Steven Johnston
Allysen Badger
Wallace Matheson
Greg Pechawis
Jean G. Richard
Patricia Daniels
Lawrence Black
_________________________________
Howard McMaster
Electoral Officer
March 12, 2015
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Are you interested in becoming a Trustee for
the Mistawasis First Nation Specific Claim
Trust?
Applications are now being accepted if:
You are a Band member
You are (18) years of age as of June 12, 2015
You have not been declared to be mentally
incompetent
You have not been convicted, and not pardoned, of an indictable offense
involving fraud, breach of trust, theft or forgery
You are not a member of Council as of June 12, 2015
If you are eligible to apply, please send the following to
PricewaterhouseCoopers:
A cover letter indicating the reason why you would consider serving as a
trustee
A detailed resume
A statement certifying that you are eligible for bonding
If you are the Chief, or a Councillor, a written statement certifying that if
selected you will resign your current position
Application deadline - 4:30pm, April 10, 2015.
Submit applications to:
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Attention: Marlene Arnott
Suite 600 – 128 4th Avenue South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1M8
Fax: (306) 652-1315
VOLUME 1, ISSUE. 1.
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D I REC TO R O F O P ERA TI O N S
Tansi, it is an honour to be able to submit a
report to another edition of the “New Voice,” this
edition being our fourth quarter submission, which
is also our Easter edition.
It is that time of the year that Mistawasis is in
the process of completing “year-end” things like
preparing for the audit process and preparations for
the new fiscal year. Directors and Managers along
with staff are in planning mode for budgets and
program work plans for 2015-2016. Council has
signed off the Aboriginal Recipient Funding
Agreement (ARFA) for 2015-2016. Orientation
packages are being developed for Council for an
effective transition.
The Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) is
at its final stage. Watch for information on the web
site and for hard copies which will be distributed to
membership. I would like to take this opportunity
to thank Anthony Johnston, Special Projects, for
taking the lead on this project.
Council ha s also signed a band council
resolution (BCR) to join the newly established
Thickwood Hills Watershed Association and to
appoint Director of Public Works, Russ Head to sit
as the Mistawasis member on this Association.
The culvert project with construction of four
major culver ts star ted in Febr uar y with an
anticipated completion date of March 31, 2015. This
project is with Ritchie Construction of Canwood.
The cost of $ 762,595.00 is to be covered by the
Watershed Authority with reimbursement from
AANDC.
Mistawasis has also engaged in a Letter of
C o o p e r a t i o n w i t h Fi r s t Na t i o n s Fi n a n c i a l
Management Board (FNFMB) on May 2013. The
Financial Administration Law Funding Agreement
was officially signed Feb. 27, 2015. A band council
resolution (BCR) was signed off Feb. 27, 2015 for the
Fi n a n c i a l Ad m i n i s t r a t i o n L a w ( FA L ) . It i s
anticipated that Mistawasis will become fully
certified by end of March 2015 (More details are in
Chief Financial Officers’ report). First Nations
Market Housing is another project that we are
VOLUME 1, ISSUE. 1.
currently researching and analyzing. This project is
emphasizing home ownership. Another project
being contemplated is the First Nations Tax
Commission. This concept is to research and
analyze framework for revenues from government
transfers, settlement agreements, royalties, land
leasing, and business enterprise.
Another partnership that Mistawasis is involved
in is with Enbridge, more specifically, the Line 3
Replacement Program. Part of this project will entail
the researching of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge
(ATK) as it pertains to Mistawasis “traditional use
sites” by Mistawasis for hunting, fishing, trapping
and gathering as well as locations of historical or
ceremonial importance.
A more detailed report of past accomplishments
of Council will be published can be found on page
__ of this newsletter. Again, to as part of the good
working relationship between Governance (Chief &
Council) and Administration (Directors/Managers/
Coordinators/Staff), Council goes out to lobby for
programs, projects, and funding and then passes
these on to Administration to develop and
implement. Thank you to Council for their
commitment to our membership and to the
community; it is much appreciated.
I would also like to personally take this
opportunity to commend and thank all of our
directors, managers, coordinators and staff for their
hard work and their dedication to the Mistawasis
First Nation. These are the people that are tasked
with the day-to-day activities of providing programs
to the community and adhering to the budgets. (
Happy Easter to all.
Respectfully
submitted by:
Louis LeDoux,
Director of
Operations
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EXEC UTIV E A S S IS TA NT TO C H IEF & C O UNC IL
My main responsibility is to accurately
record the Minutes and Proceedings of the
Regular Chief and Council Meeting as
well as other Special Council Meetings
that Chief and Council may call.
Our Regular Chief and Council Meeting is
usually held on the last Tuesday of the month,
however, there are times that we have to be flexible
and schedule these meetings on an alternate date
depending on what issues may arise. In addition to
Chief and Council presence, we also have our Urban
Representatives from Prince Albert, Mervin Watson
and Delores Werchola and Derek Genereaux, Collin
Ledoux and Noel Pechawis from Saskatoon. Any
Urban concerns can be taken to the representatives
and they will then be presented on your behalf. As
with all band members, it is encouraged that
submissions be in writing and that as much
information is provided so that informed decisions
can be made.
The Regular Chief and Council Meetings
consist of presentations by outside guests and
organizations as well as monthly updates by the
Director of Operations, Louis Ledoux and each
Department’s Program Directors. Part of these
meetings includes the reading of correspondence
that the membership and the general public submit.
At times, I may be directed to provide a standard
written response to the correspondence, however,
the majority of the correspondence is responded to
by the Program Manager or the Director of
Operations. When you submit correspondence, it is
recommended that you follow up and I will let you
know who is responsible for responding to your
concern and/or request.
to
sustain
continuity,
information is
usually filed and
maintained for
easier retrieval.
Because we
do a lot of
networking and
partnering with
the
business
environment, it is
M. Joslin Pechawis
imperative that we Executive Assistant to Chief and
always maintain Council
good
public
relations. That networking is country-wide from
Vancouver to Halifax. Therefore, it is key to
communicate effectively and treat all of our callers
and visitors with courtesy and respect. With that
and as mentioned previously, that is just the start!
In terms of volunteering and having fun, I was
approached by our Radio Manager, Darrel Lafond to
do the Gospel Hour every Sunday.
Since it’s
inception, it has been very interesting and a lot of
fun. Although there may be that misconception that
it is all Gospel, we do mix it up with Inspirational
and Motivational Music as we have to entertain the
caller’s request. We have a diverse listening audience
so we basically play what they want to hear.
With that, we hope you have a memorable
spring and as for myself I am definitely looking
forward to a new season!
Happy reading and if you haven’t yet tuned in to
CHEC 93.7, check it out, it’s a lot of fun!
Secondl y, I am responsible for the File
Management System for the Chief and Council
office and needless to say, with thousands upon
thousands of documents to retrieve and manage, it
has been a challenge to say the least because we do
have documentation dating as far back as 1968.
Some of the information can be archived, however,
VOLUME 1, ISSUE. 1.
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C O U N C I L L O R L ES L I E “ C H I P P Y ” P EC H A WI S
Once again it’s time for an update on what’s
been happening on Mistawasis First Nation since
our last report. In the area of Communications, we
sure noticed that our Radio Station is a very
excellent tool in regards to getting messages across
our nation to members and friends. It’s been very
helpful to our community and our members for
announcements, birthday greetings, it’s equipped for
informational interviews, and on-line talk shows.
Most of all it is now ready for our off reserve Band
Membership to log on live to our radio station
which is 93.7 FM and can be accessed through our
webpage at www.mistawasis.ca.
The thing that impressed me most is the fact
that our Radio Manager, Mr. Darrel Lafond took it
upon himself to get our youth involved with our
radio station. He currently has three youth under
his supervision and they all are doing an excellent
job now. When they first started they were a little
shy. They wouldn’t say much but now you can’t keep
them quiet! From the last report we got from
Darrel, on Friday, February 27, 2015, he reported to
Leadership that the three girls improved lots and are
doing an excellent job. They are: Sekwun Mckenzie,
Shaylene Mckenzie and Shaina Ledoux. Thank you
so much girls, for coming forward and showing
interest in the Communication Sector.
the above please feel free to contact the band
office, and ask for Jocelyn Pechawis.
Another area I look after is the CDC, the
Communication Development Corporation, an
organization that assists communities within the
catchment area for projects and programs. We
look at education, infrastructure improvements,
our youth, and cultural events. There are actually a
total of ten areas we look at that meet the CDC
criteria. This organization sure helps offset some
of the costs in these programming areas since we
never get enough funding from the department to
o p e r a te , e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e P u b l i c Wo r k s
department. So we are very fortunate and pleased
to be part of CDC within our Saskatoon Tribal
Council.
I would like to wish each and everyone of you
a good year in 2015, and hope this report gets to
you in good health and spirit.
Another great device we use for communication
is our quarterly newsletter, The New Voice, that goes
out to our membership. Each Director gives an
update on their program areas as well as the Chief
and Council. The leadership gives an update also on
their portfolios, and this medium is provides a very
good line of communication also for our
membership to read.
Our Urban Representatives from our three
major cities, North Battleford, Prince Albert and
Saskatoon, are doing a good job in relating
information to our urban membership from the
office of the Chief and Council. They sit in our
monthly regular council meetings and keep the
urban membership updated on all issues. Our reps
from Saskatoon are Noel Pechawis, Colin Ledoux
and Derek Genereaux, from Prince Albert, the
reps there are Deloris Wercola and Mervin
Watson and from Battleford it is Edwin Villebrun.
If you require any contact numbers from any of
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
From Creeliteracy.org
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NEWS FROM IRON BUFFALO CENTRE
MISTAWASIS INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Fiscal Year end is here and the Income Assistance office need ALL utility bills
submitted prior to end of March 2015. Bills are in the mail by the 20th of each month
so please submit to Iron Buffalo as soon as you get them. Also all new IA forms need
to be signed for April 1, 2015 so be prepared.
The Road to Re-licensing is one of Iron Buffalo’s mandates so if you do not have a
driver’s license please call to see what options you have available to you.
Income Assistance is going to be issuing assistance by direct deposit within the next
month so if you do not have bank accounts
please come to Iron Buffalo and we will assist
you with the process. Royal Bank will be
coming out to make a presentation to the Band
in the near future and they are willing to set up
bank accounts for Income Assistance clients.
My contact number is (306)466-2390 ext 232.
Yours sincerely,
Patricia Daniels
Income Assistance Supervisor
OUR OBJECTIVES:
To provide financial assistance to any eligible individual or family
unit who resides on-reserve. this program is a program of last-resort
which reflects the province of Saskatchewan’s standards and rates.
We invite you to participate in, and share
development of our community’s most important
assets---people and families.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
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N EWS F R OM SPE C I AL PR OJ E CT S
Anthony Johnston, Special Projects, Iron Buffalo Centre
I look forward to work, because of the people I work
with. Iron Buffalo Centre staff are wonderful. All
these women make me blush at least once a week.
In addition to Special Projects, I am also the National
Child Benefit Re-Investment (NCBR) coordinator.
National Child Benefit Re- Regina Industrial School
& Cemetery
Investment Program
In this last fiscal year (April 1, 2014 to
March 31, 2015) NCBR has provided funds to
support:
Chief Mistawasis School Education
Nutrition Program,
Christmas Food Hampers,
Community Christmas Meal,
Celebration Banquets for Iron Buffalo
clients/students and families who complete
training programs,
Woman in Trades (WIT),
Employment Readiness,
Driver Training Program,
The First Nation Working Group has not
met since November. The Group will reconvene
shortly. Work will continue to create a nonprofit corporation, seek input from all 30+ First
Nations who had children attending this school,
determine ways to properly commemorate
children who are buried at the cemetery and
prepare for a meeting with the City of Regina
Municipal Heritage Advisor y Committee.
Mistawasis had about 50 children who attended
this School. We had children who died while
attending this school, and may be buried at the
School’s cemetery. The City of Regina is
planning for industrial development in
Northwest Regina where the cemeter y is
located. The site must be protected, and the
children must be remembered.
Child Care, and
Approximately three-quarters of my salary
is paid through NCBR.
Depending on federal government
allocations, we hope to provide similar
supports in the new fiscal year. Last year, all
First Nations experienced reductions in
NCBR funds. Mistawasis NCBR funding
was reduced by about 40%.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
The Regina Industrial School in 1905
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MI S TAWAS I S C OM M UNI TY PL AN
Mistawasis has begun an exciting project to create a Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP).
Developing a Community Plan is about understanding the need for change and preparing to move
forward together as a community.
February 2015 Workshop
Update from Mark Nener and Leah Perrin, Community Planners
Cities & Environment Unit (CEU) and Mistawasis First
Nation hosted a community engagement workshop on
Februar y 26-27, 2015 for the Comprehensive
Community Plan (CCP). CEU staff travelled to
Mistawasis for two days of conversations with Councillors,
Elders, staff and students. It was the team’s fourth visit to
the community and the focus was on reviewing the draft
Vision Statement and beginning to develop the Action
Chapter of the Plan.
The Action Chapter of the Community Plan will describe
where Mistawasis wishes to focus energy and attention in
order to achieve it’s long-term Vision and have the most
beneficial impact in the community.
The Action Chapter also will show how Mistawasis can
grow physically and will identify key projects, policies and
programs for many sectors in the community. Broad directions
and priorities are established in the Action Areas for sectors
such as culture, education, health, environment, housing, etc.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
The community must determine the Action
Areas of the Community Plan. The circles on page
12 shows an example of possible areas that the
Community Plan can address. The input received
from community members during the February
workshop and all previous workshops will directly
inform development of the Action Areas.
The goals of the workshop included:
•
Review the CCP process and work
completed to date.
•
Gather feedback on the draft Vision and
Values statements.
•
Review Strengths and Issues and identify
Root Causes.
•
Identify Action Areas
•
Explore future development options
•
Generate policy, program and project ideas
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PL AN
Action Areas
Who is the Planning Team?
The Community Plan will show how
Mistawasis can grow physically, and it
identifies key projects, policies and programs
for many sectors in the community. The
Action Areas will describe broad directions and priorities for
areas such as culture, governance, education, health, environment
and housing.
Mistawasis has engaged the Cities &
Environment Unit (CEU) from Dalhousie
University (Halifax, NS) to help develop the
Comprehensive Community Plan. The CEU team
includes professional community planners and
designers. With over 10 years of experience
working with First Nation communities across
Canada, CEU has worked collaboratively in many
different contexts to develop Community Plans
with First Nations.
The community must determine the CCP’s Action Areas. The
image below shows an example of possible areas that the
Community Plan can address. The Vision is at the heart of the
strategy.
For more information about CEU, including
personal bios of the team, visit www.ceunit.dal.ca
Community Lead, Anthony Johnston, will help
with outreach and be the main point of contact for
the project. A Planning Work Group of community
members will help guide the process.
Mistawasis comprehensive community planning-staff
workshop with Dalhousie University. Feb. 26-27, 2015
Community planners from the Cities and
Environment Unit – Dalhousie University (Halifax)
returned to Mistawasis February 26 and 27 for their
4th visit. Workshops on these 2 days looked at actions
to make our vision happen.
A comprehensive community plan document will
be produced, shared and be our guide for current and
future community development.
For more information please contact:
Anthony Johnston, Plan Lead 466-2390 (ext. 234)
[email protected]
Mark Nener, Community Planner- (902) 494-3678
[email protected]
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
We hope that our community planners are able to
return and present the Mistawasis Comprehensive
C o m m u n i t y P l a n d u r i n g t h e Ju l y / Au g u s t
Homecoming.
It was good to see Mark Nener again and good to
meet Leah Perrin. I hope your weather in Halifax
improves.
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MI S TAWAS I S ME M BE R SH I P NE WS
•
Our Website
www.Mistawasis.ca now has a
“Count Me In” tab for members
to submit their mailing
address. This has been a big
success for updating our
mailing address list.
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED:
•
•
•
•
Certificate of Indian Status Card
Valid Passport, Photo Driver’s License, Health Card
Parents must bring their children’s Valid Saskatchewan
Health Card to receive payment for that child or
children.
Current Photo Identification from a recognized
Employer or Governance Agency.
Did you
know that
our total
population
Indian Registry – Tonie Black
Call: 1 (306) 466-2390 Ext. 235
Email: [email protected]
is 2,638?
NEED A STATUS CARD?
Please make an appointment to come into the
office to apply for a status card and bring your
identification with you such as:
•
•
•
•
Birth Certificate
Health Card
Driver’s License
Expired Status Card
Status cards will only be held for 10 days after it is
made if no one comes to pick up the card it will be
cancelled.
If your completed Status card is not picked up in
that time frame the Status card will be cancelled
and sent back to AANDC. This is AANDC’s
policy. The reasoning is that there is a waiting
list for Status cards, and it holds up the process
of receiving more Status Cards for other
members. We do not receive a new shipment of
cards, until all cards on hand are picked up.
Mistawasis and Iron Buffalo Centre’s new
policy is that telephone or in-person
harassment will not be tolerated. This
Once again we need current postal addresses or email
causes delays for Status cards and your
addresses of membership 18 years and over so information
application will be moved to the bottom of
can be sent out. Please pass this message on to any Band
Members you may have contact with.
the list for continued harassment.
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MI S TAWAS I S ME M BE R SH I P NE WS
Dear Band Members,
I appreciate working for Mistawasis Band as our Indian Registry Administrator and Income Assistance support
worker. Here are some highlights of last year and upcoming events. For this year, I want to share with you about
myself and the work I do.
Highlights /Upcoming Events for this Year 2015
•
Nominations for Chief & Council March 6 2015 @
Family Center 1:00pm-4:00pm
•
Mistawasis First Nation General Election Day April 17 2015 @ Family Center 9:00 am-8:00pm.
Contact Howard McMaster by calling 1844 280 1176 or
Tonie Black 1306 466 2390 to update your address for
mail-in ballot package before April 7 2015.
All staff that attended were required to write a
report on what conference workshops that we
attended. For more information on our reports
please visit Mistawasis Band Office or you can come
have a look at the Iron Buffalo Centre.
Highlights of 2014
•
Treaty Day July 31 2015 @ School Gym
10:00am-12:30(lunch break) 1:00- 3:00pm.
•
Started working with Income Assistance
Patricia Daniels July 23, 2014
•
Cannexus Conference January 25-28, 2015 in Ottawa
Career Counseling for Income Assistance.
•
I passed my Driving Learners examine in Sept
20, 2014. I then passed the 6 hours in-car and
the 6 hour in-class on Nov 13, 2014. I am now
waiting for the Driver’s Test in June 2015.
•
Christmas Gift Card Distribution Dec 16, 17,
18, 19 in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Mistawasis,
North Battleford, and mailing addresses
collected from band members.
Adrienne Clarkson was the Keynote Speaker January 28
2014 at the Cannexus Conference in Ottawa located in the
Shaw Centre.
The Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson spoke about her
life of being a refugee and how her family struggled, and
survived in Canada.
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Do you need a Status Card (SCIS)??
Are you interested in getting the New Secure Certificate of Indian
Status? Transportation will be provided to go to AANDC in
Prince Albert from the Iron Buffalo Centre. Sign up! First come,
first served!
No fee required.
They take photos there.
No appointments necessary.
You must be: 16 years and older must provide 3 pieces of Identification:
1. Birth Certificate
2. Health Card. 3. SGI Photo ID or Driver’s Licence (max 6 months expired)
If you do not have the above then you must present a Guarantor Declaration Form with
your other valid Identification.
Please see Tonie Black for Guarantor Declaration Form if needed.
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CNHEWS
I EF M
I SOM
TA WA
SCH
OOJ
O LE CT S
FR
SPESCI SI AL
PR
Front row: Kristin Ledoux, Amanda Goller, Melissa Gelowitz, Terry Ledoux, Louella Johnstone, Pearl Munro Campeau, Sunila
Dreaver; Middle row: Denise Desjardins, Kim Greyeyes, Rob Rae, Edna Beatty, Marilyn Moreau, Jasmine Dreaver, Caitlyn
Moosehunter, Brittany Johnston, Veronica Laliberte, Dorothy Johnstone, Kim Johnstone; Back row: Principal Donna Autet,
Loretta Dreaver, Shaunna Currie, Braeden Watson, Yvonne Ledoux, Gord Burns, Lucas Johnstone, Mandy Currie, Paul Still, Carlea
Checkosis
ST Math
Principal’s Message:
Tansi! Wow the school year is just flying by! We have been
very busy here at CMS which makes our days go by super fast and
I cannot wait for Spring to be here so we can all enjoy some fresh
air.
I would like to extend a huge shout out to all of the students
who are working so hard to get their percentages up on ST Math
and to those students who have reached 100%. Keep up the
awesome work! We are all so proud of you!
I would also like to thank the staff here at CMS who dedicate
their time after school doing extra-curricular activities and the
parents who volunteer their time to help in any way they can.
Without your hard work and dedication, our children would not
get to experience all the wonderful, fun things that they do! Ekosi.
Mrs. Autet, Principal
FSIN Science Fair
CMS had 2 teams present projects at the 7th Annual
Saskatchewan First Nation Science Fair at Prairieland Park in
Saskatoon. We are proud of these young people representing
Mistawasis.
Christopher Ochuschayoo and Johnny Johnstone’s project was
“Airplanes in Flight”.
Seline McKenzie and Tienna Duquette-Lewis’ project was
“Northern Lights-Myths and Legends”. Seline and Tienna placed
3rd in their category. Congratulations.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
We are in 2nd place!! Congratulations to
all thirteen of our students who completed
100% in ST Math:
Ayden Johnstone, Beautiful PechawisMorin, Sadida Matheson, Peyton Johnstone,
Kreedance Cameron, Nevaeh Takakanew,
Landon Osbourne, Natowa Whitefish, Evan
McCallum, Jonas Badger-Rae, Ethan BadgerRae, Logan Badger, and Carina Pickering.
Students will be receiving an incentive as
they accomplish certain levels in the program.
Saskatchewan Regional Heritage
Fair
CMS Grade 5-8 will attend a one day
workshop and present 6 projects. Good luck
and have fun!!
After School Recreation
March after school activities included
drummin, badminton, art, archery LAX (pee
wee, bantam and midget). All students
require parents/guardian permission to
participate in recreational activities. Please
call the school to let us know if your children
are not allowed to participate.
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H EA LTH C ENTRE NEWS
Successes
Challenges
The Mistawasis Health Department has been
working towards delivering health programming and
services independently. In other words, Mistawasis
will deal directly with Health Canada through
Contribution Agreements, as opposed to the Funding
Agreements flowing through Saskatoon Tribal Council.
In preparation for this Mistawasis was required to:
We had some challenges this past fiscal year
with the Health Centre, itself. Beginning in October
with air quality issues, followed by freezing, then
flooding in early November. This meant that the
Health staff had to evacuate the Health Centre on a
number of occasions. Although we are back in the
Health Centre, we expect to be evacuated again in
the near future when construction begins on the
C o n d u c t f o c u s g r o u p s w i t h e l d e r s , repairs to the Health Centre
community members, staff & leadership, in
As we move into spring and a new fiscal year:
addition to community consultations to
identify health priorities in the community;
We are implementing a new Mistawasis Crisis
Develop a 3- year Health Plan, including a
3-year budget with consultations with
community and leadership;
Establish a Health Committee;
Research, identify and negotiate for 2nd
Level Ser vices with a 3 rd Level Ser vice
Organization and finally, negotiate for 2nd
Level Services.
Accreditation
The Health Program successfully completed the
accreditation process with Accreditation Canada. At
the Annual General Meeting in November, the Health
Centre was presented with a plaque for achieving
‘Accreditation with Commendation”.
Staffing
Over the course of the past year the Health team has
grown with the addition of the following staff:
A Home Health Aide
A Focus on Families Home Visitor
A Focus on Families Coordinator
A Homecare Nurse
Line, which will provide community with an
opportunity to access someone after hours and on
weekends;
As of April 1, 2015 Mistawasis will have an
independent Health Program;
We will be offering a new health program, which
will provide community members an opportunity
to change their way of thinking about making
healthy choices about diet and exercise. The
program is called Miyo Matisowin and it will kick
off in March…watch for the posters!
Season’s Greetings from Jean Pechawis,
Medical Transporation Coordinator and
the Medical Taxi Drivers Everette
Sanderson and Ron Kennedy.
Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter .
from myself and all the taxi drivers. I
would also like to welcome Lorraine
Pechawis to our list of casual drivers.
Mental Health Therapist
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HOME CARE AND COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM
Tansi, Spring is around the bend, we would like to introduce our Home Care staff;
Charlotte Lewis LPN -Home Care Nurse, Home Aides- Lynne Whitney, Eleanor
Badger, Home Makers- Bernice Sanderson, Sandra Bird (Casual)
Home Care is providing services:
Nursing care in home when needed- Dressing
changes, Medication teaching, Vital signs, Ordering
equipment and supplies to live independently at
home, Teaching client and family to help with self
care
Who can get Home Care?
Have just come home
from Hospital
Waiting for care in a
Long Term Care Home
Home Health Aides duties- Personal Care, Home
Management, Respite Services, Reassurance visits
Have an illness or disease
that needs follow-up
Home Maker- Provides meals on wheels for lunch
(Monday-Friday)
Need Nursing care in the
home
Choose to live at home
instead of a long term
care home as long as it is
safe
Family and friends who
need help to continue to
care for a person at home
What is Home Care?
Helping people help themselves
Services for people of any age; mainly in their
home
Help people to be able to stay in their own home
and be with their loved ones as long as possible
Work with other service providers to get the
needed care
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HOME CARE AND COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM
The Home Care program is starting monthly workshops this year. The Dementia workshop on
January 27th, was well attended by community members. The Heart and Stroke workshop on
February 13th by Dietician Stephanie McClean, teaching “heart healthy” choices of nutrition
and also nutrition bingo was well attended with 16 people. Upcoming workshops will be posted
in Health Centre, everyone is welcome to attend.
Maternal Child Health Upcoming Events for March 2015:
All held at the health centre.
Good food box – last week of March
Prenatal and parenting classes, dates will be posted
Learn to cook with grade 6 students – March 13
Community kitchen – next one will be cooking a
lactose- free meal
Marcy Hansen – Maternal Child Health
Community Addictions Prevention Program (CAPP)
Good day to our wonderful community! I would like to
share my most memorable days with the community.
o
o
o
On August 18, 2014, the Health team held a Family
Fun Day at the Health Centre. We started with a
breakfast and had many fun events all day long,
including a dunk tank, which our Chief and council
participated in. Thank you to all the volunteers
that day, you made it a great success!
On Aug 6, 2014, we had a Smoking Cessation
workshop and on that day I went home and told my
children that I was going to quit smoking. It’s been
six wonderful months and I haven’t had a smoke!!
Feels wonderful…a success story.
In October 2014, I got sick and was off work for
several weeks. This made me realize that I won’t
take life for granted anymore. I cherish it!
The Living Well Program
This year has been a busy year for the
Living Well Program in the community.
Everyone has been so accommodating and
supportive. Teamwork with coworkers and
community members has been truly amazing!
When there have been tragedies in the
community, people have been there for one
another. With that comes the focusing on the
strengths & gifts that people demonstrate.
As a Living Well Therapist, I encourage
those strengths to be utilized when difficult
times occur, so we can grow in our paths and
learn from life lessons.
I especially believe in the medicine wheel
concept of having balance, because, it is a tool
that can be used as a guide to help us have a
better quality of life.
I am so appreciative of the health, school
staff and community members here. I would
also like to acknowledge my Living Well
supervisor, Laverne Laliberte and colleague,
Danielle McFadyen (co-worker in Living Well
Program) for their support and
encouragement.
Eunice Cachene
Living Well Therapist
Ekosi…
Submitted by: Bernice Pechawis
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Overview of Programming and Events: July 2014 – March 2015
Community Events
From the desk of
Focus on Family
…
•
Family Fun Day – August 8, 2014
•
Wrap Around Process – Feb. 11th-12th, 2015
•
Healthy Relationships Workshops – November 17th, November 24th, ,January 12th, 2014
•
Winter Festival 2015- Feb. 18th, 2015.
•
Men’s Group with Austin – Discontinued
•
Men’s Group with Calvin Sand – Began January 27th, 2015.
•
Women’s Group –“ Women Inspiring Nurturing Girls and Self ” –
W.I.N.G.S. March 5, 2015
•
Ongoing Scrapbooking and Culture Nights
•
Purchased 43 pairs of Skates and 23 helmets for Children’s Use
Professional Development Training
•
Self Care – Reiki – Feb 2nd, 9th, 2015
•
On Going Core Training- We Attended: Modules 1,2,4,& 6
•
Labour Board Presentation
•
Annual General Meeting – November 24th, 2014
•
CISM Training with Children – September 27th-29th, 2014
•
Team Building Workshop
•
Family Violence Workshop-February
•
Suicide Silence – September 29th-30th, 2014
•
Trauma and Addictions – November 18th-21st, 2014
Culture Nights at Chief Mistawasis School.
Left: Yvette Duquette, Family Support and
Right: Velma Nayneecassum. Below: Lori-Ann
Pechawis, Family Support
THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE’S PARTICIPATION AND VOLUNTEERING WITH OUR
MANY WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS.
Submitted by: Yvonne Saddleback,Coordinator; Lori Pechawis,Family Support, Yvette Duquette;Family
Support
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The past two years have been busy for
Public Works. We have had a number of
projects approved by ANNDC (Indian
Affairs) during this period:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
main grid road improvement was
completed,
gasification is nearly complete,
new sewage lift station construction start
date is May 2015,
main water treatment plant is in the design
phase and should be out for tender in the
spring of 2015 with a possible start date for
construction in the summer or fall of 2015,
decommissioning of wells start date is May
2015,
low pressure waterlines connected to four
houses in south village. More house will be
connected,
two additional access roads were built in
south end of reserve,
Phase 1 of outdoor rink project was
completed,
fiber optics to the main village is complete,
and
the diesel fuel station has been located at
the Public Works compound and is in
operation.
capital project proposal has been submitted to
connect satellite water plants to main water plant.
We will connect more houses with piped water,
rather than deliver water to these homes. This
capital project submission has received a B1 rating.
Note: a B1 rating is the highest rating in AANDC
(Indian Affairs) classification for projects. This
project still has to receive final approval from
AANDC.
High Water Damage Concerns and
Mitigation
Due to drainage issues each spring; new and
larger culverts will be placed where roads cross
Mistawasis Creek. Through support from the
provincial Water Security Agency and the federal/
provincial Emergency Flood Damage Reduction
Program we will install:
•two culverts toward the North end on the
main grid,
•two culverts on a secondary road North of
the Health Clinic,
•two culverts on the main grid by Band
office, and
•two culverts on secondary road at the Lake
Village.
This project should be completed by the 30th
of March.
Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial
Interests or Rights Act
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
Federal government safe drinking water
legislation is now in effect on First Nations. A
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
O n 1 6th D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 4 n e w f e d e r a l
legislation came into effect on First Nations
reserves. This new law will impact people living
on-reserve. Community information meetings are
being planned for new fiscal year. Generally
speaking, rules on-Reserve will now be the same
as off-reserve and are enforceable by the courts.
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Band Building Improvements
willing to pay rent, along with a letter of
recommendation.
Band Office
The Band does not receive any direct funding
for housing on-reserve. CHMC does provide
limited funds for house renovations. These
limited funds may provide for renovations for two
houses annually, subject to certain qualifications.
Most repairs to Mistawasis housing comes from
band base capital or the band’s own source
revenue. Band own source revenue includes funds
that come from land leases, Saskatchewan Indian
Gaming Authority (SIGA), etc.
The Band Office roof structure and shingles
were replaced because of the poor condition and
leaking roof at the Band Office. The heating
system, electrical system, air conditioning and
lighting was also upgraded. This work was funded
t h r o u g h t h e D a ko t a D u n e s C o m m u n i t y
Development Corporation (CDC) funding.
T h i s p a s t f i s c a l y e a r, t h e B a n d p a i d
$181,000.00 rent to CMHC for Band members
living in CHMC houses on-reserve.
Iron Buffalo Centre
Some renovations were made at Iron Buffalo
Centre this last Spring/Summer. This project was
completed with some delays and was funded by
Dakota Dunes-CDC.
Chief Mistawasis School
Discussions are taking place about collecting
rent from members living in CMHC houses onreserve and to charge user fees to members living
in band houses. These user fees will cover the cost
of services such as water, sewage, garbage, heating,
plumbing and electrical ser vices and snow
removal.
The heating system retrofit project is near
completion.
Housing
Housing Policy has been ratified by Chief and
Council. The Policy is posted on Mistawasis First
Nation web site (Mistawasis.ca) for membership
to review and recommend changes. A few First
Nations have used our policy as a template in
developing their housing policies.
Construction of four (4) (1200 Sq. Ft.) 4
bedroom new houses and one (1) band house
conversion has been approved. These new houses
should be completed by this Spring. The Interim
Housing Authority will be selecting band members
for these houses based on terms and conditions of
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC) funding a greements. Interested
members are asked to submit applications to the
Band Office and include a letter stating you are
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
Is the meeting in Prince Albert or Saskatoon?
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Having Healthy Finances, Will Build A
Healthy Community
Back in April 2013, Mistawasis submitted a Band
Council Resolution to the Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development Canada
requesting that they be added to the Schedule of
the FNFMA. The First Nations Fiscal and
Statistical Management Act came into force on April
1, 2006 and was renamed the First Nations Fiscal
Management Act (FNFMA) on April 1, 2013. It is an
optional piece of legislation that was designed to
promote the continued economic development of
participating First Nations.
While all First Nations have the authority to pass
by-laws related to the taxation of land under
t h e In d i a n Ac t , t h e F N F M A o f f e r s a n
alternative and rigorous authority for First Nations
to collect property tax. By opting into the
property tax system under FNFMA, First Nations
are better positioned to promote economic growth
and capitalize on solid business relationships,
resulting in a better quality of life for community
members.
The legislation enables First Nations to participate
more fully in the Canadian economy and foster
business-friendly environments while meeting local
needs by:
•
strengthening First Nation real property tax
s y s te m s a n d Fi r s t Na t i o n s f i n a n c i a l
management systems;
•
providing First Nations with increased
revenue raising tools, strong standards for
accountability, and access to capital markets
available to other governments;
•
allowing for the borrowing of funds for the
development of infrastructure on-reserve
through a co-operative, public-style bond
issuance; and
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
•
providing greater representation for First
Nation taxpayers.
Once a First Nation has been added to the Schedule
of the FNFMA, it can begin working with any or
all of the First Nations institutions established
under the Act:
•
The First Nations Tax
Commission (FNTC) is a sharedgovernance corporation that regulates and
streamlines the approval of property tax and
new local revenue laws of participating First
Nations, builds administrative capacity
through sample laws and accredited
training, and reconciles First Nation
government and taxpayer interests.
•
The First Nations Financial
Management Board (FNFMB) is a
shared-governance corporation which
assists all First Nations in strengthening
their local financial management regimes
and provides independent certification to
support borrowing from First Nations
Finance Authority and for First Nations
economic development.
The First Nations Finance
Authority (FNFA) is a non-profit
corporation that permits qualifying First
Nations to work co-operatively in raising
long-term private capital at preferred rates
through the issuance of bonds, and also
provides investment services to First
Nations and First Nation organizations.
•
The institutions work together to improve the
ability of First Nations governments to address the
social and economic well-being of their
communities, while providing the practical tools
available to other governments for modern fiscal
management.
In May, 2013, Mistawasis entered into a Letter of
C o o p e r a t i o n w i t h Fi r s t Na t i o n s Fi n a n c i a l
Management Board (FNFMB). The purpose of this
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(Cont. from previous page) Letter of Cooperation
(LOC) is to outline principals that will facilitate
Mistawasis’ development of a financial
administrative law and of a financial management
system using standards established by FNFMB.
The FNFMB is Canada’s only legislated body that
develops and publishes Financial Performance and
Financial Management System Standards for First
Nations. The FNFMB is an Aboriginal institution
that provides a suite of financial management tools
and services to First Nations governments seeking to
strengthen their fiscal stewardship and
accountability regime and develop necessar y
capacity to meet their expanding fiscal and financial
management requirements.
T h e F N F M B i s o n e o f t h e Fi r s t Na t i o n
institutions created through the First Nations Fiscal
Management Act (FMA) which is federal legislation
designed primarily to provide participating First
Nations with the tools and capacity needed to
facilitate their participation in long-term pooled
borrowing through the Capital Markets – on a
similar basis as other governments in Canada – to
support their social and economic development
objectives.
To support the FMA’s primary initiative, the
FNFMB has established the following standards and
corresponding service:
•
Fi n a n c i a l Ad m i n i s t r a t i o n
Standards and Approval
•
Fi n a n c i a l Ma n a g e m e n t S y s t e m
Standards and Certification
•
Financial Performance Standards and
Certification
Law
Fi r s t Na t i o n s i n C a n a d a c a n a c c e s s t h e
FNFMB services to support their own financial
management and accountability development. These
services are completely optional and apply only to
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
those First Nations who choose to make use of
them.
Throughout 2013 & 2014, the Chief and Council and
Administration deliberated on these potential and
viable options for the future of Mistawasis. For too
long, we as a Community have struggled with
financial hardships which restricted us in bettering
our community. For our own purpose and means to
demonstrate our financial management capacity to
our stakeholders, FNFMB provided a mechanism
for Mistawasis to demonstrate our credibility to our
Members, other governments, investors, and capital
providers with respect to our financial management
and financial performance.
As of October, 2014, FNFMB provided us feedback
that Mistawasis has demonstrated and excelled in
Financial Performance Standards according to the
Capital Market Standards. Our next step was to
develop our Financial Administration Law
(FAL).
The decisions made by leadership of Mistawasis
today can have a profound effect on the economic
and financial health of us in the future. Financial
administration is linked to everyday activities of our
First Nation and increasingly, the complexity of
these activities and the overall pace of change have
increased the volume and complexities of risks
facing us.
The new reality is that Mistawasis leadership faces
increased scrutiny from membership and other
stakeholders on accountability and transparency but
at the same time must make critical decisions which
may involve taking some risk. The big challenge is
how to effectively oversee the governance and
decision-making in a way that balances managing
these risks while adding value, accountability and
transparency to the decision-making process.
Having an effective financial administration system
is fundamental to ensuring good governance and
protection of the economic and financial health of
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(Cont. from previous page) Mistawasis by connecting
the decision making to the acceptable level of risk.
Prior to The First Nations Fiscal Management
Ac t ( FM A ) , t h e r e w e r e n o s t a n d a r d s o r
comprehensive guidance that addressed the
complexity of financial administration for First
Nations in Canada. The Indian Act does not
specifically address financial administration and
other fiscal initiatives primarily deal with
management of specific revenues and not an
expansive approach to financial management. To
assist First Nations in this new reality, the FNFMB
was created with the legislative basis to provide a
mechanism for First Nations to establish their own
comprehensive Financial Administration Law (FAL)
that is appropriate to their particular needs and
meets applicable standards where required.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
On February 27, 2015, Mistawasis reviewed the final
draft of our FAL at the Regular Chief and Council
meeting with our Legal Council Steven Pillipow
from The W Law Group along with Legal Council
from FNFMB Shayla Point. A motion to accept the
final draft of the FAL was ratified by Chief and
Council unanimously. FNFMB will be taking our
FAL along with our achievement in Financial
Performance to the Board of FMB in the month of
March, 2015. We will become the second First
Nation in Saskatchewan to have all the requirements
fulfilled regarding the standards of Financial
Administration Law; Financial Management System;
and Financial Performance. What this states is that
Mistawasis has the tools and capacity to participate
in long-term pooled borrowing through the Capital
Markets – on a similar basis as other governments in
Canada and the World – to support our social,
infrastr ucture and economic development
objectives.
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First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA)
Ta king Control
Management:
of
Land
•
December 12, 2013 Mistawasis First
Nation was accepted under the Framework
Agreement
The Framework Agreement, on First Nations
Land Mana gement, is a Government to
Government agreement with Canada. This
allows the Mistawasis First Nation to exercise
control and jurisdiction over their lands, by
developing a Land Code that reflects their
laws, priorities and traditions.
• In 1996: fourteen First Nations and Canada
signed the Framework Agreement on First
Na t i o n s L a n d Ma n a g e m e n t , w h i c h
established a process by which each of these
communities could consider the option of
assuming control over their reserve
lands and resources by developing a
Land Code through a vote of the eligible
voters.
• In 1999: Government of Canada passed the
“First Nations Land Management Act”
• In 2001: the Framework Agreement was
amended to allow for additional First
Nations to become signatories to the
Framework Agreement.
• To-date 8 First Nations in Saskatchewan are
in the Operational Stage under the
Framework Agreement – (5 of the 8 First
Nations are from the Saskatoon Tribal
Council (Kinistin, Muskeg Lake, Muskoday,
One Arrow, & Whitecap Dakota).
Benefits of Framework Agreement:
1. Allows First Nations to make timely business
2.
3.
4.
5.
Once the “Mistawasis Land Code” is
developed, it must be ratified by the
eligible voters. The Framework Agreement
requires 25% plus 1 of eligible voters to approve
the land code. Once the land code is ratified it
can only be amended by the eligible voters. The
Land Code does not have to be approved by the
Minister of Indian Affairs.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
6.
7.
and administrative decisions without having to
go to the Minister of Indian Affairs for
approval.
Enables First Nations to enact and enforce
sound environmental mana gement and
protection laws.
Makes it possible for First Nations to make
rules and procedures relating to matrimonial
real property that does not discriminate on
basis of gender.
Allows First Nation to receive and retain
revenue money flowing from reserve land
transactions.
Withdraws the opportunity for provincial or
municipal governments to expropriate reserve
lands through provisions in s. 35 of Indian Act.
Limits Federal expropriation powers.
Provides First Nation with a wide range of
land related law-making powers and ensuring
proper enforcement mechanisms are available.
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The Framework Ag reement enables
participating First Nations to move out
from under the following land related
provisions of the Indian Act:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Reserves (ss. 18-19)
Possession of Lands in Reserves (ss. 20,22 -28)
Trespass on Reserve (ss. 30-31)
Sale or Barter of Produce (ss. 32-33)
Roads and Bridges (s. 34)
Lands Taken for Public Purposes (s. 35)
Surrenders and Designations (ss. 37-41)
Distribution of Real Property but not
personal property on intestacy (ss. 49 & 50(4))
9. Management of Reserves and Surrendered
and Designated Lands (ss. 53-60)
10. Management of Indian Moneys (ss. 66,69)
11. Farms (s. 71)
12. Removal of Materials from Reserves (s.93)
13. Regulations made under section 57 of Indian
Act ; and
14. Regulations under section 42 and 73 of Indian
Act to the extent that they are inconsistent
with the Framework Agreement or the Land
Code or the Laws of the First Nation.
On-Going Activities
•
•
•
•
•
Reviewed copy of draft “Mistawasis Land
Code”.
Reviewed copies of Land Codes from other
First Nations who are under the Framework
Agreement: Muskeg Lake, Whitecap Dakota,
Kinistin, Nipissing, Sliammon, Tsawwassen,
Tskwaylaxia & Tsouke.
Reviewed copies of template for the
“Community Ratification Process”.
Reviewed draft copies of a Mistawasis
Individual Agreement with Chief & Council,
AANDC staff, LABRC staff and NRCan staff.
To enhance the FNLMA process, Mistawasis
contracted the services of LiDAR Services
International Inc. out of Calgary to produce a
digital topographic contour map of
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
Mistawasis 103 and 103D (35,770 acres). This
was funded under the CORP/AANDC
program and will assist in the future planning
of land use on Mistawasis.
NRCan is preparing legal land descriptions
for the following lands:
•
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Mistawasis 103 – main reserve
103A( Lucier property
103B( Kasun property
103C( Galloway property
103D(Crown land property
103E( Hiembecker property
103F( Toth 35 property (gained reserve
status Feb. 2015)
103G(Dalmeny property (gained reserve
status Feb. 2015)
Membership list of eligible voters
Membership Clerk is currently updating all known
addresses. This is an on-going process. It is
important for membership to advise the Band of
their most current address, phone or email address
so information can be shared,
As of January 2015 Mistawasis’ total
population is 2,640
1,783 are over 18 and are eligible to vote
Note: The Mistawasis Band Office has no control
over current addresses – if a Band Member moves
and does not advise the Band Office that they have
moved we have no way of knowing current addresses
– we will continue to post notices on web & news
letter requesting that members advise band office of
current address if they want to receive information
regarding Band Activities.
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Milestones:
•
•
•
•
July 8, 2013: Mistawasis submitted
application to be added as a signatory to the
Framework Agreement.
December 12, 2013: Chief Daryl Watson
and Bernard Valcourt Minister of AANDC
officially signed documents accepting
Mistawasis as a signatory to the FNLMA
Framework Agreement.
July 3, 2014: Mistawasis, AADNC and
LAB officially signed the Implementation
Document for Parts 1 & 11 of the Framework
Agreement initiating administration of the
FNLMA process. This officially starts
Mistawasis in the developmental stage
process of the Framework Agreement. The
Developmental Stage is funded by AANDC.
January 30, 2015 - PINTER & Associates
Ltd completed the Phase 1 ESA report on
Mistawasis 103, 103A, 103B, 103C, & 103D.
Note: Phase 1 ESA is observation based only
and does not involve testing. The report identified
various sites that are recommended for further
evaluation under a Phase II ESA study to confirm the
presence of and characterize the substances of
concern at a given site. Characterization may range
from a ! simple identification to a full delineation of
the contamination site.
ACRONYMS:
Contacts:
FNLMA: First Nations Land Management Act
AANDC: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Canada
LABRC: Land Advisory Board Resource Center
CRP: Community Ratification Process
IA: Individual Agreement
ESA: Environmental Site Assessment
LC: Land Code
BCR: Band Council Resolution
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
Chief & Council 1-306-466-4800 Ext. 231;
[email protected]
Coordinator 1-306-466-4800 Ext. 226;
[email protected]
Membership Clerk 1-306-466-2390 Ext. 235;
[email protected]
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Councillor Les Pechawis, Chief Daryl Watson, Councillor Mel Watson, Councillor Greg Pechawis,
Councillor William Badger, Councillor Carol Ledoux and Councillor Derek Sanderson
Chief Mistawasis
201 3 -201 5 A C C O MP LIS H MENTS
Leaderships wishes to provide you with an update of what has transpired over the past few months and
couple years. We have always been committed to moving forward to ensure that the best interests of
our community members are in the forefront as we develop new projects. We work to ensure that each
voice is heard. Examples of this include Urban Representation for three of Saskatchewan’s major cities
(North Battleford, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon), a Junior Chief, Councillors and Executive, Elders
Advisory Committee and a newly established Health Advisory Committee. The Health Advisory
Committee was established to assist with a better quality of life for community members as well as
assisting the Health Transition process. In terms of communication, portfolio updates have been
provided at each Elders Meeting, at our Christmas Community Meals and at our Annual General
Meetings. Our quarterly newsletter is circulated and posted on our website. One of the challenges that
we have faced as leaders, was the shortfall of funding required for the completion of the Gasification
Project.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
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201 3 -201 5 A C C O MP LIS H MENTS
General Accomplishments
:
Education:
Smudging takes place at Chief Mistawasis School.
Students, staff and the community have the opportunity to
participate if they wish.
There are also family fun nights held on a monthly basis
that encourages whole family participation.
The Book Fair is held twice a year and is always a
tremendous success.
For new Reserve Creations please
see the
Lands News section of this new
sletter
Phase 1 of the Outdoor Arena is
now
complete
Specific Claim Development fun
ding
support for Gasification Project
Health Centre Accreditation
The students have done exceptionally well with the ST
Math Program and have moved from third place to second
place in March!
Well de-commissioning
In September of 2014, family cultural nights including
beading and such began to encourage family participation.
Diesel Fuel available at Public Wo
rks
compound
To end off the school year, a Community Christmas Meal is
hosted and provided by Chief Mistawasis School and Staff
for the students and community members.
Lift Station project
Housing Policy ratified
Left to right: Tiffany Keller, Seline McKenzie, Mariah
Pechawis, Chris Ochuschayoo, Konnor Johnstone, and Dayden
Daniels-Ledoux.
Finally, we have established the first ever Junior Chief,
Councillors and Executive consisting of Chief
Christopher Ochuschayoo and Councillors Konnor
Johnstone, Seline McKenzie and Tiffany Keller. Maria
Pechawis is Treasurer and Dayden Daniels-Ledoux.
They have sat in on Chief and Council Meetings and
address issues and concerns of CMS student body.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
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201 3 -201 5 A C C O MP LIS H MENTS
Iron Buffalo Centre Highlights and Accomplishments - April 2013 to
North West Regional College Memorandum
of Understanding January, 2014
! 2 Early Childhood Education Level 1
Orientation Programs-28 completed
! Pre-Employment and Employment Readiness!
! Recognized as leader for education, training and
employment programs and services for Youth
and community members.
up to 11 attending
Leask (former Storefront) ABE
CanSask Workforce Development
Agreement 2013
! Surpassed goal of 200 registered clients
Enhanced Service Delivery (ESD) and First
Nations Job Fund (FNJF) are programs and
services to provide Youth alternatives to
income assistance.
! We have registered 60+ clients aged 18-24.
! We are part of an STC project and are
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of
Technologies
! Residential Renovation and Construction
!
Visited by other First Nations, Tribal
Councils, industry, and Provincial and
Federal Agencies.
(RRaC) Applied Certificate. 14/14 start and
complete training
Women in Trades (WiT) Applied Certificate. 14
start and continue to May, 2015
Timber Harvest and Lake Restoration Project
is training and will employ 8 community
members.
Minor renovations and Information
Technology upgrades for our Centre
13.3 acres of land set aside for future
relocation and expansion of Iron Buffalo
Centre.
! Land is located across from the Health Centre
at the corner of the Main Grid and Lake Village
roads.
Hosted Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC)
meeting showcasing new Federal funding
programs focussed on Youth who are on
income assistance.
considered a leading First Nation amongst other
STC First Nations and other Tribal Councils.
Income Assistance has reduced supports by
$400,000+ in the last 2 years by providing
education, training and employment
alternatives.
National Child Benefit Re-investment (NCBR)
!
!
!
!
Child Care Supports
Child Nutrition including Christmas hampers
Driver Education
Supported Employment Readiness and Women
in Trades training programs
Indian Registry Administrator (Membership)
moved to the Centre
! Our current population is 2638
Post-Secondary & Employment and Training
Services (ETS)
! 43 full-time post-secondary students
! 4 part-time post-secondary students
! 5 ETS students
Employment Services
! 273 registered
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
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201 3 -201 5 A C C O MP LIS H MENTS
Special Projects Related Highlights and Accomplishments
April 2013 to March 2015
Comprehensive Community Plan
Partners and Neighbours
! Cities and Environment Unit of
Dalhousie University
(Halifax) is nearing
completion.
! High Water Concerns Gathering
"
Mistawasis and our neighbours experienced
flooding these last 5 years,
"
Through this Gathering we benefit by having
larger culverts placed at 4 points where
Mistawasis Creeks crosses roads.
Leadership Selection Options
! Indian Act, new federal legislation and
proposed Mistawasis Election Code
available on-line and will be presented at
community meetings.
Regina Industrial School (1891-1910) and
Cemetery
! Member of the First Nation Working Group,
! North Saskatchewan River Basin Council
(NSRBC),
"
Mistawasis has a seat on NSRBC board of
directors,
"
NSRBC and Saskatchewan Research Council
staff assisted Mistawasis in preparing and
submitting a proposal to Environment
Canada
! Community member a non-profit corporation
board member representing the FN
Working Group,
! Documentary film crew visited Mistawasis.
! Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF)
"
Mistawasis was recently approved for a seat
on the PAMF board of directors
! Mistawasis benefits by the expertise and
experience on these boards, various
organizations and our neighbours.
Communications
! The New Voice newsletter issued and
!
!
posted on website on a quarterly
basis,
Website (mistawasis.ca) has been
upgraded and is currently being
updated,
Community radio station CHEC 93.7 FM
launched and now on-line.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
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C REE L ES S O N 5 : A F F I RM A TI V ES A N D N EG A TI V ES
New Adverbs
kimiwan na
is it raining?
na
ke'ya'pic na kimiwan
is it still raining?
mo'n~a or mwac
not, no
ki'-kimiwan na ota'hhkosi'hk
did it rain yesterday?
e'he'
mo'n~a
indicator of a yes-or-no question
ce'skwa
yet
yes
no
mwac (dialects: (na)mwac and (na)mo'n~a for mwac
and mo'n~a)
no
mwac n(i)kiske'n~(ih)te'n
i don't know, i don't know it
mo'n~a n(i)kiske'n~(ih)te'n
i don't know, i don't know it
mwac ohci-kimiwan ota'hhkosi'hk
it didn't rain yesterday
Yes-or-no questions are questions to which the
answer may be 'yes' or 'no.' In Cree, yes-or-no
questions are formed from statements by placing
the word in question at the beginning of the
sentence, and then putting na after the word
(sentences 1 to 3).
A situation is denied by using mwac or mo'n~a
(not) with an indicative verb (sentences 1 to 3).
When mwac or mo'n~a is used with a verb in the
past tense, the prefix ki'- is changed to ohci(sentence 11).
mo'n~a kimiwan
it's not raining
mwac kimiwan
it's not raining
mwac ce'skwa kimiwan
it's not raining yet
mo'n~a ce'skwa kimiwan
it's not raining yet
ta'n(i)si e'si-ki'sika'k
how is the weather?
Literally: how is the day?
ta'n(i)si ka'-isi-ki'sika'k
how was the weather?
Literally: how was the day?
ta'n(i)si ka'-isi-ki'sika'k ota'hhkosi'hk
how was the weather yesterday?
VOLUME 3, ISSUE. 3.
Supplementary questions are questions formed with the
words 'who?', 'what?', 'which?', 'when?', 'where?', 'why?' or
'how?' (sentences 14-16). How such questions are made up in
Cree will be described later.
Note: when i is followed by e', only the e' is pronounced
sometimes. Thus ta'n(i)si e'si-ki'sika'k may be pronounced as
ta'n(i)s e'si-ki'sika'k
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