Training by Demand
Transcription
Training by Demand
TRA EDU NSPO TOU CATI RT PUB RISM ON CO LIC N S S FOR TR ERV I U E C MIN STR T IO CE N ADM ING Y TEL INIS HYD ECOM TRAT ION HEA RO LTH Training by Demand 2013–2014 Annual Report Cree Human Resources Development of the Cree Nation Government Training by Demand 2013–2014 Annual Report Submitted by the Cree Nation Government in accordance with sections 41 and 43 of the Agreement Respecting the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Program and Related Services Table of Contents Organizational structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Director’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Service Delivery Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 •Personnel Plan •Staff Awards •CHRD Capacity Building – Investing in our Frontline Workers Federal Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 •Strategic Planning •CHRD Information System Reporting •CHRD Committees Skills and Partnership Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 •Eeyou Mining Skills Enhancement Program •Mining Labour Market Survey •Eeyou Communications Network Service Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Labour Market Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 •Labour Market Development Program Highlights Skills Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 •Skills Development Program Highlights Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 •Employment Program Highlights Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 •Youth Program Highlights Child and Family Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CHRD Program Section Summary Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 •Projects and Participant Training Interventions / All CHRD Programs Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 CHRD Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Organizational Structure DIRECTOR GENERAL/CRA DIRECTOR CHRD GENERAL SECRETARY COORDINATOR OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Chisasibi •Cree Employment Officers (2) •Coastal Career Counsellor •Coastal Program Officer •Receptionist Mistissini •Cree Employment Officers (2) •Inland Career Counsellor •Inland Program Officer •Youth Program Officer •Receptionist Whapmagoostui Waswanipi Waskaganish Wemindji Nemaska Oujé-Bougoumou Eastmain •Cree Employment Officers (7) Financial Program Officer COORDINATOR OF TERRITORIAL PROGRAMS Sectoral Officer •Mining and Construction Sectors Sectoral Officer •Forestry and Tourism Sector Sectoral Officer Telecom and Transport Sector Financial Program Officer COORDINATOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES Junior Accounting Clerk General Accounting Clerk ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 1 2 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Director’s Message It is with pleasure that I put forth the Cree Human Resources Development Department (CHRD) Annual Report 2013-14. As we all know, this year is the 40th anniversary of the Cree Nation Government organization, previously known as the Cree Regional Authority. The Cree Nation has come a long way in its social and economic evolution. We have much to be thankful for, and we are truly a blessed Nation. I take this opportunity to thank our past and present leaders for all of their efforts in bringing our Nation to where it is today. The CHRD department is proud to play an important role in the capacity building of our Cree Nation. With the many undertakings of the CHRD Staff, you can see that in this annual report, we are operating in full force and working endlessly in the training and development of the Cree workforce in many current, and future employment opportunities. In mid-August, CHRD led our community tours to inform the public on changes in programming, and to speak with the public, enhancing the entity’s community presence. As Chair of the Cree Nation Roundtable on Capacity Building for phase 2, and being part of the tours in the nine Cree communities, it has proven to be both an inspirational and motivational experience. The message we are bringing with these roundtable community tours, is the raising of awareness in the communities, and the importance of Cree history, the 75 agreements, and the huge employment opportunities stemming from these agreements — most importantly, encouraging them in the pursuit of higher education. These sessions are very important for people in understanding that we all have a role to play in ensuring the success of this capacity building vision and making a contribution to this important initiative — carrying on what our leaders have started and have fought for, for so long. Tours completed thus far, have been very productive, generating much positive feedback from the communities. Communities, in conjunction with local government, Cree entities and Cree families, all have an important role to play throughout Eeyou Istchee. We all need to find ways to encourage our youth to stay in school, so that there will be benefits not only for individuals as they choose their respective careers, but also in benefitting our communities, while gaining skilled people in their various labour forces. Over time, our Cree Nation will be able to fulfill the vision of becoming the masters of our own destiny. I want to commend CHRD’s dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly this year, in fulfilling their mandate and who concentrated their efforts and contributions in the sustained and efficient development of human resources and capacity building in Eeyou Istchee. We invite you to review our challenges, accomplishments and plans for our future. Meegwetch and God bless. Louisa Saganash, Director, Cree Human Resources Development 3 Introduction CHRD was first established as a department within the Cree Regional Authority (Now Cree Nation Government) in 2002. The transfer of responsibility from Aboriginal Skills Development Canada was a direct result of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement to manage essential services within the Cree territory. The department was established to provide training and employment resources to the Cree workforce within Eeyou Istchee. Also, the CHRD acts as a liaison between employers and the Cree labour force. CHRD maintains regular data on its clients and participates actively within labour market development. Mission “To equip and empower individuals with the skills and knowledge to achieve meaningful and sustainable employment and personal success” Vision “Help build a qualified and professional workforce to fill any employment need in Eeyou Istchee. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of future generations.” 4 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Service Delivery Initiatives Personnel Plan There are 32 employees within the CHRD that manage both local and regional services. The CHRD staff is managed by a Director of the department, a Coordinator of Community Based Programs, a Coordinator of Territorial Programs, and a Financial Coordinator. •The Director, Mrs. Louisa Saganash is responsible for ensuring that programs and services within the CHRD reflect the overall mandate and strategic direction of the department. The Director of CHRD is also responsible for ensuring the department reflects the overall vision of Cree Nation Governance. •The Coordinator of Community Based and Programs and Services, Mrs. Denise Brown, is responsible for the management of employees implementing service delivery, for the Cree Employment Officers (CEO), located in the 9 Cree communities. The CEOs are responsible for offering client based services related to improving labour market participation within the communities. The Community Based Programs and Services Coordinator ensures that client related services are maintained within the communities and manages issues related to staff and referrals. •The Coordinator of Territorial Programs, Mr. Michael Petawabano, is responsible for managing funding relating to the New Relationship Agreement that was allocated to promote activity and growth within key sectors of employment. The Coordinator of Territorial Programs also oversees personnel, through additional funding provided by Skills Partnership Funds (EMSEP/ECN) and Emploi Quebec. •There are three Sectoral Officers that are under the direction of the Coordinator of Territorial Programs that oversee applications for funding within sectors including; mining, telecom, hydroelectricity, tourism, forestry, transport and construction. These Sectoral Officers review the eligibility of clients and/or organizations to see if their applications meet the requirements for funding. The Coordinator of Community Based Programs also oversees three program officers related to Inland, Coastal and Youth Programs. These program officers are responsible for evaluating program applications and referrals to ensure program eligibility and criteria are met by clients and groups applying for funding. In addition, the Coordinator also manages two employment counselors responsible for providing clientele with career guidance services to develop a career goal and action plan. 5 Staff Awards Innovation Each year, the CHRD recognizes employees that display through their effort, important contributions to the organization throughout the year. In 2013-2014 CHRD staff awards were presented, under three categories, to the following staff members: Innovation is the design of better solutions that meet new requirements, ideally resulting in a better product for service. It takes a great mind to think of great ideas, but a truly remarkable person to set those ideas into action. This person is an action and details-oriented kind of person. These skills came in handy, when as an organization committee member on the 6th Regional Career Fair, she organized and set up the Career Pit. This year, she has made some new innovations in the youth programs, while her presentations that were done with the youth at the local schools, has resulted in positive feedback, and a stronger connection with youth services. Excelling in Teamwork Over the last year, this person has worked with all staff to provide the best service possible to fulfill the needs of everyone at CHRD, has contributed to the success of 6th regional career fair, and encouraged others to complete tasks required to finish the job. When required, he has developed a number of Powerpoint presentations, for the community tour and for special projects. His quality of work speaks for itself – his colleagues also say good things about him: Brendan Forward He has a let’s “get things done” kind of attitude! Community Involvement Always there to assist you, and you can always count on him! One of our newest workers, but longtime contributor, we are lucky he has joined our team, to work with and support the efforts that lead to the success of CHRD. I am pleased to give this award of “Excelling in Teamwork”, to a true team player, Mr. Brendan Forward. She has only been here a short while and she may be small in stature, but she is certainly large in innovation. I am pleased to announce the employee award in “Innovation” goes to Ms. Catherine Quinn. Catherine Quinn Community involvement is the contributions of an individual or individuals to the community in which they reside. This may involve volunteer work, promotion of social causes, or donations to local charities communities’ health and welfare. They therefore develop the capacity to contribute to their own and their communities’ development. This person sits on many community committees that deal with those issues. He attends and contributes to community events, such as tournaments, dances, and entertainment events. His contribution to his community has helped the development in that community through the Housing Committee, and the Economic Development Board. Abel Trapper 6 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 He has worked for CHRD for the past eleven years, and has contributed to the development of policies & procedures, construction, and mining. I am pleased to give the award for “Community Involvement“ to Mr. Abel Trapper. CHRD Capacity Building – Investing in our Frontline Workers The Cree Human Resources Development (CHRD) is investing in its frontline employees, the Cree Employment Officers (CEO) and Career Counselors (CC) by offering a three-year training program. The CHRD has built a partnership with CCDF and UQAT for the delivery of its training program. The Career Practitioner Training Program was developed by the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), a non-profit organization. The CCDF works to “advance career development and the capacity of the profession to respond with compassion and skill to all clients and stakeholders”. The program is delivered under the Continuous Education Department, though CHRD, CCDF and UQAT, wish to see the program recognized as a Micro-Program and accredited by the Ministère de l’Éducation. CHRD believes that a permanent program in the field of employment counseling and career development could be beneficial to Cree and other regional organizations’ employees. A survey will be conduct to evaluate their interest for such a program in the region. The CEOs and CCs shall graduate from the program in 2016. The training program is competency-based and includes ten courses, such as Counseling and Career Development Challenges, using Labour Market Information in Employment Counseling and Work Search. All courses are adapted to the reality of the communities, as well as their clientele’s challenges. This tailored program provides the team with a deeper understanding of the career development process and practical tools to assess and guide their clients on their unique career development path. An internal support system has been developed to ensure that the implementation of the Learning in the Workplace; In-community Support Between Courses is one of them. The CEOs and CCs job description is being reviewed to ensure it is more representative and more adaptive to their role. Finally, individual and group training has been offered to the CHRD team, on work tools such as the database. A Guidebook is being developed to support the employees in their tasks and to standardize services and procedures offered throughout Eeyou Istchee. CHRD is currently evaluating the need for a training program for its team of Program Officers. 7 8 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Federal Relations Since the signing of the New Relationship Agreement (NRA) with Canada in 2007, the Department of Cree Human Resource Development has attempted to implement commitments that it undertook in the Agreement, despite problems in federal implementation. The commitments in the NRA are as follows: The most significant outstanding issue was that the funding received, be indexed such that the amount would be “reasonably comparable” to the amounts provided previously to the NRA. We were however unable to sign the new funding agreement because of the complications involved in reconciling the transition to the new agreement, mid-year. There were too many overlapping commitments to our many clients, so Canada prolonged the agreement used prior to the NRA. 1. T he CRA (now Cree Nation Government) implements training courses, job recruitment services and placement services, all related to territorial programs. In addition, we implemented an enhanced delivery structure and offices in the communities and we are in the process of establishing training facilities. All of the above are obligations of Canada in the James Bay Agreement that we assumed responsibility, for the 20-year term of the New Relationship Agreement. 2. In the NRA it is also set out that the funding provided by Canada before the signing of the NRA would continue on terms “reasonably comparable” to the funding received annually until 2008-2009 and this funding is to be provided for the CNG to set-up training programs, facilities and job recruitment and placement services, also on the Territory. In other words, the funding would be for the same obligations as in the above paragraph. The Agreement states that this funding is to be continued for the 20-year term of the Agreement, barring which Canada would resume operation of these services. 3. The annual reporting on the use of this funding and that forthcoming from the NRA, is provided for in section 4.13 of the NRA. The terms of the on-going funding agreement had been negotiated between Canada and the CRA on terms which allowed the Crees to determine programs and priorities. However, just after the signing of the NRA, Canada created a new program which contained conditions that were not compatible with the NRA. The CNG and Canada then entered into discussions aimed at allowing the CNG flexibility to continue our programs and to report on the use of the funding in a manner compatible with the NRA. Last year, 20122013, we came close to such an agreement. In this fiscal year, we hope to sign a new agreement with federal authorities designed to meet the requirements of the NRA. This new agreement would recognize the Cree Nation Governments’ role in determining the programs and priorities and would be a simple funding agreement with accommodations for Employment Insurance funding. Strategic Planning Wemindji Training Center (Capital Development–Strategic Planning) Remoteness and distance, associated with gaining training, present two of the largest challenges to clients interested in building skills towards a career. The establishment of training facilities falls within the mandate of the CHRD as outlined in the JBNQA. Wemindji, as a result of the Impacts Benefit Agreement will be the first community, other than Waswanipi to realize the goal of a community based training center. The training center, Mayaupiu laid its foundation in the fall and is expected to continue construction this spring to be completed in January 2015. The Center places emphasis on programs in demand within the mining sector. This focus is in relation to the Eleonore Mine expected to begin production in the fall. The Training Center will be home to offices of Goldcorp, Sabtuan Adult Education and CHRD staff. 9 Annual Operational Plan The Annual Operational Plan, is an administrative tool that was developed by the CHRD to identify the key components, the expected outcomes, and personnel responsible to ensure implementation. The coordinators and director conduct a review of the AOP on a semi-annual basis to determine the status of each directive and area of responsibility. The annual operational plan addresses a number of areas outlined by CHRD’s strategic planning: 1. Enhance services to communities and organizations: Meeting with all communities during the CHRD Community Tour to promote community-driven projects in partnership with CHRD. 2. Support demand-based capacity building: CHRD has worked closely with Cree School Board to develop a stronger partnership in demand-based training. 3. Build partnerships: CHRD continues to work with employers in industry including Goldcorp, Stornoway, ECN, Eskan, Tawich Construction and others to promote training and employment. 4. Evaluate programs to improve effectiveness: Program evaluation is ongoing and is a standardized element of CHRD’s funding. 5. Integrate and align operations with programs: Service Delivery has been aligned with programs and CHRD has created a communications platform to inform the public. 6. Improve performance management: The CEO’s continue to progress through the second year of their training offered by UQAT. Their training is focused on client services and counseling that will allow them to create action plans for their community and clientele. The annual operational plan has been finalized and submitted to Service Canada. The AOP submission reflects the new Service Delivery Model and during the 2013-2014 Community Tour, the Service Delivery Model was presented to all 9 Cree Communities. 10 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 CHRD Information System Reporting In 2013-14, CHRD installed a complete new version of its database involving a significant upgrade of FileMaker Pro software and a new design of the entire system. At the same time, the CHRD servers, located in Mistissini, were changed as well, to replace obsolete equipment. The CHRD Information System includes different databases keeping data relating to program budgets, employment and training contracts with sponsors and individuals, financial commitments and payments, participant interventions, client files and other program and labour market information. Our system also creates referral forms and pay lists for the training allowances process. The CHRD database can produce the financial reports required by Agreements such as the quarterly and yearly financial reports for Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). CHRD employees in Mistissini access the database via a local network whereas the employees in the other communities can connect to the multi-user system with a remote access. Almost all CHRD employees work on the database every day, including; Cree Employment Officers, Program Officers, Program Coordinators, Career Counselors, Financial Officers, etc. In 2013-14, CHRD hired an employment services advisor who worked closely with the employees, giving individual training and providing workshop database presentations. This resulted in the implementation of new features in our system in order to improve and facilitate the work of all users. The Cree Employment Officers started registering in the database all the employment services provided to the population. The CHRD client action plan form was also completely redesigned. We also developed a specific questionnaire in a database format, to gather information on mining surveys conducted in different communities, following all the current and forthcoming regional mining projects. CHRD can extract various program and client statistics from its system and we acquired all of the program tables and graphs used in this annual report, from our Contract and Participant databases. We also used our Participant database to collect data linked with the HRSDC client accountability process and to complete program intervention post-training results. We can also provide other statistics and reports upon request as was done in 201314 for various CHRD presentations at different meetings and events. CHRD INFORMATION SYSTEM LABOUR FORCE DATABASE INDIVIDUAL RECORDS ON WORKING-AGE POPULATION FOR ALL THE CREE COMMUNITIES + CLIENT QUESTIONNAIRE + CLIENT ACTION PLAN + LABOUR FORCE STATISTICAL REPORTS PARTICIPANTS DATABASE EMPLOYERS DATABASE RECORDS FOR PARTICIPANTS UNDER TRAINING PROGRAMS + TRAINING ALLOWANCES + POST-TRAINING FOLLOW-UP RECORDS ON EMPLOYERS + POSITIONS AND WORKERS + JOB MARKET REPORTS CONTRACTS DATABASE BUDGETS DATABASE TRAINING CONTRACTS WITH SPONSORS + FOLLOW-UP FORMS AND PAYMENTS + FINANCIAL REPORTS BY CONTRACT ALL CHRD BUDGETS AND DISTRIBUTION BY PROGRAM + FINANCIAL REPORTS BY BUDGET CHRD Committees Two committees exist for the purpose of reviewing the assessment of programs contributed by CHRD’s program officers. The mandate of these committees is to review program submissions and to provide a recommendation to the Cree Nation Government on all projects submitted. The jurisdiction of the Apatissiiwin Skills Development Advisory Committee and the Technical Group are as follows: Apatissiiwin Skills Development Advisory Committee This Committee, composed of appointed members of each community and of representatives of the Cree Nation Government, the Cree School Board and the Cree Nation Youth Council. This committee meets quarterly and plays a vital role in the recommendation and approval of training/ employment projects submitted to the respective programs of the CNG –CHRD. The ASDAC Committee reviews all program applications that are over $25,000. Technical Group The Technical Group (TG) is an internal CHRD body consisting of the three coordinators and meets at least once a month. This recommending body was implemented to provide project submissions with a fast-track to review and recommendation process for smaller projects. In 20132014 the TG met on a monthly basis. Appeal All projects that have been denied approval for funding can be contested under Section 85 of the Agreement Respecting Cree Human Resources Development, if they are not satisfied with the decision to refuse funding assistance. When an appeal is submitted, the decision shall be placed under a secondary review by a senior officer, either the Director General or Treasurer of the Grand Council of the Crees. An applicant must appeal within 30 days of a decision and receives a response within 60 days of appeal. During fiscal 2013-2014, there were no appeals of any project submissions denied for funding. 11 12 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Skills and Partnership Fund Two years ago, funding was acquired through Employment and Social Development Canada to meet the demands of the rapidly growing telecommunications and mining sectors. The Skills and Partnership funding is available to aboriginal organizations focusing on: From this opportunity the following programs have been actively serving our territories to meet the needs of mining and telecommunications sectors: •drive innovation in service delivery and systems through partnership (system improvement); •respond to economic partnership opportunities with targeted labour force development initiatives (training-to-employment); and •address program delivery weaknesses and/or gaps in Canada’s network of Aboriginal organizations that provide labour market services (service delivery gaps). Eeyou Mining Skills Enhancement Program 2013-2014 was a very busy year for the Eeyou Mining Program (EMSEP). Essential Skills testing and delivery in 2013-2014 year continued to gain momentum. EMSEP has worked closely with its partners in Human Resources, Education, and Industry to focus resources in preparation of production at the Eleonore mine as well as readiness program in advance of other projects in various stages of development. During the second year of the SPF program EMSEP has completed all development and has achieved the results required under the SPF agreement one full year ahead of schedule. To date: •353 Workplace Skills Assessments have be completed •213 Essential skills interventions have been completed •103 Employment confirmations have been recorded with 76 employed in the sector of training •38 Clients currently still involved in training programs 13 Eeyou Communications Network At the end of the second year, we look back on a busy year. The first year was heavily oriented in a training strategy – how do we train clients across our territory? With a strategy, this year was focused on recruiting the right candidates for training and giving them the skills to work in the field of fiber optics. The coming year 2014-15, will be the final year of the SPF mining program and with a full agenda of assessments and training it promises to be a highly successful program. Mining Labour Market Survey Understanding our workforce and the demands of industries is an essential step to training in the mining sector. First, it helps to identify those who are available and searching for jobs that have the skills that employers are looking for. Second, it helps to understand gaps between industry standards and worker qualifications so that they can be addressed in training. Lastly, it builds clear and transparent expectations between training and employer needs early in the development of projects in our territory. Between February-March 2014, the CHRD worked with Ouje-Bougoumou and Mistissini to create a labour profile of their community members interested in working in the mining sector. This information will help to identify, train and build a workforce that will meet the demands of upcoming mining projects including the Renard Project (Stornoway) and Blackrock Metals Project located 20km south of Chibougamau. These labour market studies are critical in the design of a training model and in the decision making process of potential course delivery in the communities. 14 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Nine Outside Plant Technicians and 34 Telecom/Network Operating Center Technicians have been recruited from across Eeyou Istchee. As we look to the final year of the program, training will continue and a new generation of telecommunications professionals will complete their training. The newly trained will have versatile skills, sought by the ECN Network, local communications companies, and regional service providers in Eeyou Istchee. Sustainability of employment is a priority through shared resource partnerships. By entities sharing a professional to maintain, consult, and monitor quality we create a mutually beneficial approach to telecom employment. With a third year quickly underway, we are excited by the possibilities within a growing sector. Service Delivery ABOUR MARKET 1 L 3 EMPLOYMENT 2 SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 4 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT In 2013-2014, CHRD migrated to the new Service Delivery Model. This model consists of 4 distinct pillars of service delivery. While distinct, these pillars are intended to complement each other while providing assistance to clientele at various stages of career development. Each are intended to support greater participation in the Cree Labour Market by promoting awareness, skills development and employment programs. The four standard service delivery pillars are augmented by two Skills Partnership Fund projects on a three year basis, ending in March 2015. 15 1. Labour Market Development Introduction: CHRD supports both employers and employees. By working with our clients and employers to outline their needs, we create a clear picture of the opportunities for our workers to pursue. In addition, by understanding labour needs and our clientele, we create a stronger strategic direction for CHRD. Defining our clientele, their needs and employer needs is the purpose of labour market development programs. Labour Market Programs are one of the four pillars of service delivery offered by CHRD. These programs are available to Cree companies and beneficiaries, employers interested in hiring Crees, Cree communities and entities looking to increase labour market participation and knowledge. Some examples of labour market programs run within the current year include: Services: 1) J ob fairs, symposiums and conferences: Beyond hosting its own Annual Regional Career Fair, CHRD also participates and provides funding for symposiums within various sectors, trade fairs and school fairs that promote education and career awareness to young people. 2) L abour market studies: As part of the growing demand of several mining projects, CHRD funded two Cree labour market studies to assess the labour pool interested in mining, their educational levels, and work experience. This data will be used by mining companies interested in hiring and recruiting Crees to work within the mining sector and also by vocational training delivery partners for upcoming vocational training programs related to mining. 3) C ommunity Profiling: Including two studies that were done on a regional level in 2005 & 2008, CHRD is mandated to provide regular community profiles of the Cree labour pool. This is done through data that is collected by the Cree Employment Officers in the communities as well as a using other data available such as the Statistics Canada and Emploi Quebec community surveys. 16 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Labour Market Development Program Highlights Regional Career Fair INTRODUCTION Throughout each year, the CHRD works closely with different departments, entities, and institution that offer training, employment, and services to our clientele within the territory. These services are working together and are creating a system of support to our clientels. When effective, they provide resources, training and a clear sense of direction to the clients we work with, and increase overall employment within Eeyou Istchee. For this reason, CHRD works in partnership with these groups to promote each other’s services to the public to ensure our clientele will have the resources available to them to gain employment. Over the last six years, the CHRD has provided the Career Fair to help encourage young people to continue studies and motivate them to pursuit growing careers in our territory. Each year the Career Fair is hosted by a different community to promote awareness on a regional level. This is an endeavor that requires collaboration with the host community and numerous organizations. THE CHALLENGE Despite many services being available to our clientele, living in Eeyou Istchee, participation and engagement within education and CHRD services needs improvement. This issue is primarily due to a lack of awareness of how these complimentary services can assist people in Eeyou Istchee. Furthermore, without a clear sense of direction for job seekers, many of these services do not provide a sustainable outcome for our clientele. The challenge is to promote these services as a network and pathway to furthering employment and skills development as it relates to a career. Lastly, bringing together these organizations, institutions and employers to promote this message, is an ongoing requirement. THE SOLUTION A regional job fair is a common practice within southern townships and cities. It allows job seekers to network with employers, share their resume and potentially to gain employment. While many events are specialized to specific employment fields, the CHRD’s unique position, permits them to display employment and services within the region. For this reason, a broader range of employment fields including health, education, public services, mining, construction and telecom can be promoted through regional services providers working within the Cree territory. This makes the regional career fair a viable solution to promote the employment and services within our territory. THE IMPLEMENTATION The 6th Regional Career Fair was hosted in Ouje-bougoumou, QC. The theme was “Believe and Achieve”. The overall objective of the Career Fair was to promote awareness of careers and to provide a greater insight of the labour market for people in making wiser decisions in planning their future. The Career Fair was held for two days; October 2, and 3, 2013. The first day of the Fair was the “Academic Day” mainly focused on education including keynote speakers, workshops and presentations on educational opportunities in the Cree territory. Lower attendance was an issue, due to a funeral within the community and conflicting events scheduled at the same time. Despite this, over 180 people were registered for the first day. The evening was hosted by the Youth Council of Ouje-Bougoumou, including a fashion show and youth entertainers. The second day of the Regional Career Fair was the “Trades Day”, which included a presentation by Goldcorp, a Career Pit for resume building and career counseling, and workshops related to employment and disability. The evening was a night of entertainment for all participants including David Hart and Crystal Shawanda. The second day, brought only 119 people, again due to the funeral that the community was attending. CONCLUSION The Regional Career Fair was a great success in promoting careers and educational opportunities within our territory, to the inland communities. In total, there were around 300 people who attended the Career Fair. Primarily, these individuals were from Ouje-Bougoumou, Mistissini and Waswanipi. Future events will focus on partnership with the Cree School Board and Youth Councils to promote greater regional participation. 17 Community Tour The 2013 -2014 year began in April with the planning of a CHRD community tour. The CHRD conducts a tour of nine Cree communities every two years. The community tour presents the best opportunity to present CHRD services to all the communities, to explore partnerships and to identify the needs for each community. The 2013 -14 version of the tour generated a great deal of interest with an excellent turnout for presentations where the new model for programs and services was introduced to the communities. These community visits also presented CHRD with an opportunity to visit most secondary schools to present to the Sec 4 and Sec 5 students a great presentation on the trades. We were very well received in the community schools and the students showed serious interest and asked unbelievably great questions. This had our team thinking about apprenticeship, work integration strategies the importance of identifying early career choices and the possibilities for integration through summer student programs for students interested in training within the trades sectors. The latest version of the tour was one of the most successful ever and produced a lot of interaction, information and some great planning tools. Each community contributed an average of 50 employability questionnaires that will be used for future planning of programs and contribute to the overall labour market picture of our communities. The CHRD would like to thank all of the communities for their support and attendance and all the CEOs that helped make our visits possible. Also, events in each community were a great opportunity to present the Eeyou Communications Network Training Program, Emploi Quebec, Disability and Eeyou Mining Skills Enhancement Program mining programs. The major focus of the tour was to increase the level of input from the communities in identifying: 1. Training requirements 2. Community development programs 3. Important community projects Community leaders were encouraged to engage in the partnership with CHRD and to adopt the demand driven approach to drive their community needs, by working in collaboration with the Community Employment Officers as well as the CHRD Program Officers and Coordinators. 18 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 2. Skills Development Introduction: Across the territory, jobs are developing and changing and requiring more knowledge and skill from our workers. Services provides by CHRD’s Skills Development programs are focused on providing clientele with the skills and knowledge to gain and retain employment. By working with employers, and educational institutions within and around our region, we support the training of hundreds of participants each year. Most importantly, by working closely with employers and training institutions, it ensures that the training our clientele receives is tailored to an employment need. By utilizing our extensive network of employers, CHRD prioritizes training opportunities that are “Demand Driven”. This is to say, that there is a reasonable employment scenario for clients engaged in training. While training is part of the CHRD mandate, employment is the primary focus and for this reason remains an important element of Skills Development programs funded by CHRD. This ensures that CHRD continues to progress in alignment with Employment and Social Development Canada while fulfilling its obligation to promote labour market participation for Crees within Eeyou Istchee. Services: 1) V ocational (DVS) Training: CHRD can help to provide additional funding for program related costs such as professional fees, equipment rental, lodging, meals and other training related expenses to effectively deliver a course with high potential for employment. 2) Essential Skills: Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), benchmarking our clients has become a standard practice for regulated industry training. When required, essential upgrading programs have been delivered. In addition, pre-technical training programs to prepare for work within the construction and mining sectors continues to grow. 3) C ustomized Training: CHRD works in partnership with employers and educational institutions to develop programs that target specific employer needs. These customized programs have high levels of employment due to the demand driven nature and industry input in the design and delivery. 4) W orkplace Certifications: Many jobs now require specific competency cards to be considered an eligible candidate for employment on a construction, mine or transport related opportunity. Food Handling and Safety (MPAQ), First Aid, Mining modules, ASP Construction and specialized training for Hazardous Materials Transport are a few examples of funding CHRD is providing to ensure employability for our clients. Skills Development Program Highlights Early Childhood Educators INTRODUCTION Every year in the Eeyou Istchee, the population increases by 2.15%. As of the year 2012-2013 there was a total of 276 births throughout the 9 communities. This being the case, the current amount of child care and family service facilities in our communities is 16. Each facility holds an average of 80 children. A child educator duties iclude that she/he is responsible for the children in all aspects of overall their development – their hygiene, health, well-being and safety. The child educator is also in charge of planning and applying educational programming for the age group that she/ he is assigned. A child educator must also hold a certificate or diploma in early childhood education. 19 THE NEED THE SOLUTION At the current growth rate in the Eeyou Istchee, there is a very high demand for basic childcare services. This demand is maintained by child educators, and has been instituted as a public not-for-profit service. Similar to the rest of Quebec, this means that over 80% of basic child care needs are met by public services when compared to 65% throughout the rest of Quebec. In order to maintain the quality of service against the growing demand of caring for more children within Eeyou Istchee, new qualified professionals needed to be trained. Cegep St-Felicien was approached to work in partnership with the communities and Child & Family Services to offer a customized course delivery for Early Native Childhood Services. The program uses a skills-based approach, and has been developed in terms of objectives and standards. This approach takes into account factors such as training needs, the work situation, and the general goals of technical training, thus providing the program with a basis of defining and evaluating learning activities. The program is made up of 18 courses. Each course has been designed according to a skill-based approach and includes a portion of field or practical work. It also meets the requirements of Ministre de L’Education de Quebec & the Ministere de la Famille et des Aines du Quebec with regards to the recognition of professional qualifications. IMPLEMENTATION THE CHALLENGE Like many jobs within Eeyou Istchee, training within the territory is limited and often acts as a barrier to clients continuing their education towards a desired field. In addition, training that is offered, requires consideration of the unique culture and needs of native children in order to offer care that considers community lifestyle. This ensure two things. First, the likelihood of integration into the job place will be a smooth and effective transition. Second, it would offer candidates that would otherwise not be able to participate, the opportunity to gain training in a growing field. The challenge is tailoring a course to address the specific needs and remoteness of the Cree communities. 20 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 The program is taught on site, in the community, with access to childcare centre, pre-k, kindergarten, Head Start Program and School-Age Program. The total program lasts 1 455 hours and may be completed in approx. 54 weeks of full-time training, at a rate of 30 hours per week. Programs were delivered in Waswanipi and Waskaganish with 18 participants selected for each program. The courses covered various tasks including observational, interactive and educational routines that a childcare worker needs to incorporate in their day-to-day services. In addition, health and safety, special needs, teamwork and routines were incorporated into the lessons. Overall, the program is intended to provide Early Native Childhood Services workers with the following: 1. Allow the future educator to perform his/her work qualified 2. Watch the future educator’s integration into the for a labour force to meet the huge production scale are obvious. It is estimated that as many as 700 workers will be onsite at the time of the production phase when ore will begin to be extracted and refined at the mine site. For Cree people, it represents a new opportunity for a future generation to establish a full career in the mining sector. work place 3. W atch the evolution and reinforcement of the future educator’s professional knowledge 4. Watch the future educator’s professional mobility 5. Integrate the cultural and social specificity of Native way of life CONCLUSION With their courses expected to be completed in early Spring and Summer of 2014, the Cree territory can expect to see growth in the quality of services offered through childcare. This is a successful practice because it links a clear need to an employer and responds through effective training measures suited to our territory. The CHRD would like to congratulate all those that undertook the training and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and childcare service professionals. Goldcorp Partnership and Customized Training INTRODUCTION: Goldcorp’s Eleonore Mine is anticipated to be one of the largest production projects within Quebec over the next 15-20 years. With an estimated 7,000 tons to be extracted each day and 600,000 tons each year, the need THE PARTNERSHIP – COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL The impact benefit agreement and partnership serves two levels of Cree people within Eeyou Istchee. On a community level, Goldcorp is committed to work with the Cree Nation of Wemindji to ensure its community members are given employment opportunities. On a regional level, Goldcorp is partnered with Cree Nation Government to outline its employment needs and the training requirements of the jobs available at the mine site. Collectively, the partnership between Goldcorp, Wemindji and Cree Nation Government makes it one of the largest regional training projects in the territory. However, the goals outlined within the partnership are ambitious, placing as many as half the jobs onsite as available opportunities for Cree people. While ambitious, mining presents new challenges for Cree workers including underground certification, new industry demanded skills, and life skills to ensure workers can function within workplace. In order to reach this goal a plan to address the educational, social and industry related challenges needed to be developed. THE WORKFORCE INCLUSION PLAN A continuum of support representing the expertise and services of educational institutions, industry knowledge and standards, and CHRD funding and essential skills delivery was created. The overall aim of the partnership was to develop a clear path for workers from recruitment, preparation for training, technical training, 21 hiring and retention. By doing so, we achieve a clear picture of issues and barriers and what support needs to be provided. The partners of this workforce inclusion plan meet regularly to discuss what jobs are upcoming, training solutions, customization of training and current retention of Cree workers on site. The outcome is a dynamic training and employment platform that ensures recruitment and training that are clearly linked to a job. Goldcorp communicated this need to the Workforce Inclusion Group, stating that they would require 8 mobile mine mechanics be trained to meet the production phase of the mine. It was agreed that if a training program could deliver 8 candidates that they would be strong candidates for employment at the Eleonore Mine. Mobile Mine Mechanics INTRODUCTION A mobile mine mechanic is responsible for the maintenance of vehicles during operation to ensure that they are in optimal condition during production shifts. This includes greasing of parts, maintenance of hydraulics, welding of damaged and worn parts and more. The machine operations underground are challenging and place strain on the vehicles. In order to ensure that operations are not halted, a mobile mine mechanic works to maintain this equipment. PROGRAM OUTLINE – CHALLENGES, SOLUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION Challenges Goldcorp’s timeline for production required a customized course with an accelerated course delivery, underground certification and strong candidates that could manage the course load. This accelerated, and job specific training required a location and institution that would be able to meet the demands required by Goldcorp with the right facility and timeline for the employment opportunity. Furthermore, to have the technical understanding of mobile mine equipment required instructors with prior experience of industry demands. The Solution Centre Formation Professional La Sarre specializes in course delivery for heavy equipment mechanics. The program would be run for six months starting in November, to allow enough time for an onsite evaluation and would coincide with Goldcorp’s hiring schedule. The program was reviewed by Goldcorp and with the incorporation of a few modules was suited for their needs. 22 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Implementation All students within the course were given TOWES tests to assess their essential skills. Essential Skills is a nationally recognized framework that assesses reading, document use and numeracy with the levels required for a given job. Student results varied, but there was a clear need for training support in order for the selected candidates to be successful in their course. For this reason, students were provided with an onsite essential skills instructor, to work with them during their training. This was the first program of its kind for CHRD clients, that blended onsite life skills and essential skills with course delivery. Over the six months that followed, the mobile mechanics were engaged in their program, that included hands on training, mixed with classroom time. They dedicated 6 days of their week to learning the skills and knowledge that they would apply onsite at the Eleonore Mine. Despite this intense course load, they remained excited and committed to their program, going beyond the criteria of their program by volunteering to take drug screening and also becoming involved in community activities. CONCLUSION As of April 2014, all of the 9 students enrolled in the program have completed their stage at the mine with a great deal of positive feedback. Each, following the completion of their stage, were interviewed by Contractor CEMAC-THYSSEN. Five are currently targeted for employment with Goldcorp while the remaining four have an opportunity with mining contractor, CEMAC-THYSSEN. This program represents a new standard and methodology in training for demand, strongly founded in support and the direct product of partnership between education, CHRD, and industry. We are proud of all the participants of the mobile mechanic program for their dedication, to the program, their professional and personal development and wish them the very best as they join other Cree workers as a new generation of Cree miners. Great job guys! 23 3. Employment Introduction: Integration into the workforce is a key pillar of the CHRD service delivery. Training represents one part of work readiness, while employment and development of on the job skills is the second step in major sustainable employment. Work skills are being redefined as life skills + technical skills + essential skills combined. Many newly trained workers require work experience to become more employable. This is especially true in the construction, health and administration sectors, where working with employers to assist newly trained workers in gaining much needed work experience is a top priority. Job creation is also a high priority of employment programs. With a three times labour force capcity, it is not adequate to simply train only for the available jobs – we must also support new employment initiatives. The Wemindji Laundromat is a good example of job creation based on industry development and supported by CHRD funding. Services: 1) J ob Placement: Work experience that provides an opportunity to clearly understand career options is a key role of job placement. It aims to help our clientele to build experience/ work hours while developing a career path. For teachers, construction workers, health professionals and other jobs requiring experience to work in Eeyou Istchee, job placement presents a viable solution to work integration, gaining experience and increasing skills relevant to the industry. 2) J ob Creation: Supporting new business development and employment opportunities that promote Cree labour force participation through sustainable, long-term employment. 3) A pprenticeship: For skilled trades, hours are required to advance as a trade’s person. Partnering with employers, CHRD funds apprenticeship grants to assist newly trained carpenters, welders, and other trades people to integrate and gain experience. 4) C apacity Building: Technology and job requirements will change within the career of many Cree workers. CHRD is available to offer on-the-job training that provides retention and ‘keeping up to date’ with the requirements of your job. 24 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Employment Program Highlights Employment Initiative for Persons with Disabilities INTRODUCTION According to United Nations, more than 50-70% of people with disabilities that live industrialized nations are unemployed. The prevalence of disability in indigenous populations is known to reach 35% in adults. Support is a real issue, and as many as 44% are not within the labour force and 8% are unemployed within Canada. This has resulted in disabled persons facing considerable differences in their standard of living and within aboriginal communities this is especially true. Within Eeyou Istchee, Cree people face unique challenges given the remoteness, the greater need for transport, and the unique needs of clientele from community to community. However, with average employment expected to be 65 within the upcoming years disability is an important consideration for our workers. In order to understand the issues and needs as we plan for the future, answering the question of what is the situation of persons with disabilities is in our communities, is one of vital importance. THE NEED The disability initiative was created to help persons with disabilities find sustainable employment within the territory. With as many as 35% of people within aboriginal communities living with a disability or supporting someone with a disability, there is a client source that exists with diverse challenges when entering and maintaining employment. These barriers within the Cree communities have resulted in a disability clientele that has had challenges maintaining work and require support from family to maintain a quality of living. Furthered by the fact that disability clientele remain one of the least represented demographics of clientele within the CHRD’s services, a new and client focused approach was required to create awareness and inclusion for disabled people in Eeyou Istchee. THE SOLUTION THE CHALLENGE Disability clientèle within our communities at times are not aware of what services may be available to them and consequentially, struggle through the process for assistance. Beyond this, the needs of some clientele may extend for some time and cover a broad range of mental and physical impairments. In order to properly serve clients that need support a clear assessment of their needs had to be undertaken. This scenario, of nine communities covering a broad territory, including various sectors of employment driving community growth, required an assessment. This would generate a clearer picture of where resources, partnerships and services could be delivered to create effective change in disability employment. A disability coordinator was hired to implement an employment initiatives for persons with disabilities. Regional in its approach, the coordinator would be responsible for: 1. Promoting public awareness 2. Meeting and assessing the needs of disabled clientele 3. Partnering with employers to find employment solutions within communities 4. N etworking with health services and community entities to outline the support structure available to clientele 5. Create an action plan based on the research gathered during these tours Wendall Nicholas was hired to undertake this responsibility because of his extensive background within policy and advocating the rights of first nations people with disabilities on a national level. Joining the CHRD team on their community tours during the late summer and early fall, he began networking to understand community issues and promote CHRD’s services. This was done with the hope of creating a preliminary strategy to tackle disability issues over the months following the community tour. In addition to the services and expertise brought by Wendall, youth role model and musician Matthew Iserhoff was also invited to participate in community visits. Matthew’s participation provided valued perspective as a youth leader, musician and Cree role model. Furthermore, Matthew Iserhoff’s understanding and awareness of community issues both within the coastal and inland communities, helped to create a strategic direction to community visits. Lastly, understanding his own challenge living with disabilities, he was able to speak with clients from experience and encourage a proactive approach to managing their disability. 25 IMPLEMENTATION The disability initiative, equipped with an understanding of community issues began to seek out support from the Cree Board of Health and Social Services, Community Bands, and employers to develop employment solutions within the communities. In conjunction, community members were approached from all communities that were living with disability to promote inclusion, support and to hear how they felt programs could benefit them. The results of these discussions were then provided during workshops that allowed community members to see how their challenges could be supported by a network of services from community bands, health services, and CHRD. The tours were completed with two workshops being held in Chisasibi and Mistissini within the month of March. All community members, employers and entities were invited to be part of a discussion that outlined the issues surrounding disability, programs to assist them and partnerships that will be needed to dissolve barriers for disabled persons. The discussions covered many themes including : 1. Culture 2. Education 3. Health 4. The role of family 5. Technology 26 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 These were passionate discussions that held the perspectives of families that struggle to find a solution to a clear problem. Above all, a clear desire to work a contribute as community members was present with all who live with and support those living with disabilities. CONCLUSION The information provided from the workshops and community tours has given a greater understanding of the needs of our disabled clientele. At this time, 2 disabled clients have been accepted and are undertaking the ECN Fibre Optics Training and more have been identified in each community for employment programs. The success of this program is the establishment of a dialogue and mutual sense of action that is being committed to by community members. Already, several projects have been proposed that will provide work to more clientèle living with disability and begin to create a more inclusive workforce within Eeyou Istchee. 4. Youth Introduction: The CHRD offers a wide range of support for young people living in Eeyou Istchee. Employment programs exist for students that are at school, returning from school during the summer, or out of school looking to build work experience. In addition, providing career development services to those looking to establish early goals and a clear direction remains a priority. Lastly, promoting careers, science and technology to young people allows outlets for young people to explore new possibilities. The work experience programs require close partnership between the CHRD and local entities, employers and institutions. Many of the students working throughout the year and returning from Post-Secondary studies during the summer have skills but require work experience to increase their employability. By working in collaboration to provide early opportunities we are investing in a long term link to employment for young people establishing themselves within the workforce. Collectively, the youth programs provided program assistance to over 2400 young people. This is a positive contribution to the capacity of our Cree youth. By working closely with our youth departments, schools and employers we can continue to advance our youth towards sustainable employment in our region. 27 Youth Program Highlights Wapikoni Mobile INTRODUCTION The Wapikoni Mobile is a travelling training studio that offers audiovisual and music workshops to Native youth in First Nation communities. Created by filmmaker Manon Barbeau in 2004 and co-founded by the Atikamekw Nation Council and the Quebec First Nation Youth Council, the mobile studios have since reached over 3000 youth, 25 communities (including Mistissini, Chisasibi and Oujé-Bougoumou) and 9 nations. Participants have produced over 600 short films, 450 musical works and have won 80 prestigious awards and honorable mentions! THE PURPOSE The purpose of our workshop is to allow First Nations youth to express themselves on subjects that matter to them, to develop their social, technical and artistic skills, and share their voices and talent with their peers and throughout the world. Through individual and collective empowerment, the workshop also aims at improving the social, educational and professional integration of these youths within their community and society in general. In addition to giving access to professional resources, training and developing skills, this empowering project also contribute to preserving, archiving and promoting Cree language, culture and traditions. THE METHOD “Learning through creation”, an inherent approach of Wapikoni mobile: transferring knowledge and know-how through “hands-on” experience. Using video and music as powerful learning and communication tools. THE WORKSHOP In collaboration with the CHRD and the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (AANDC), a Wapikoni audiovisual and music training workshop was held in Mistissini, from August 4th to 29th. The workshop immersed participating youth in the context of a real production and ran for a period of 4 weeks. Participants were encouraged to develop a personal project on a topic of their choice. They benefited from practical training and explored the various technical aspects of filmmaking (shooting, sound, editing, sound recording, etc.). They learned how to master digital technologies and were actively involved in every stage of the process. Their training and progression were closely supervised by 2 professional filmmakers, 1 youth worker, as well as 1 filmmaker assistant (Sheldon McGregor) and 1 local coordinator (Allison Coon-Come) from Mistissini. At the end of the workshop, participants presented their works during a public screening, gathering 150 members of the community (family, friends, elders, Band Council), – a great moment of individual and collective pride! This project allowed 25 youth to develop skills, acquire technical knowledge and participate in the production of 5 short films and 3 musical works. This was the 4th Wapikoni workshop in Mistissini. 28 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 THE IMPACT Our workshop reinforces participants’ confidence in their capabilities, as well as their self-esteem, two fundamental elements for success. The project also develops their social and employability skills, such as working with others, reading comprehension, organizing ideas, writing, oral communication, decisionmaking, working in teams, etc. Many participants have returned to school to complete their education and pursue their career. The project also encourages the emergence of positive leaders who, in turn, will inspire the others to get involved in the community. They will become positive figures and examples of success among their peers. In the long run, many participants will become active citizens and contribute to the enhancement of their economic situation, as well as that of their families and communities. Empowering Cree youth and reinforcing self-confidence with creative and stimulating activities, our workshop has also been recognized by many organization as preventing and reducing suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, criminality, and school dropouts. The increasing number of positive testimonies and success stories that add up during the years confirm the relevance of our action and the positive impact of our workshops. Read Allison’s story here. FOR MORE INFORMATION Explore our films and music: www.wapikoni.ca Contact us at [email protected] 514 276-9274 Find us on Facebook! 29 Mission of the Child and Family Services Department We are the team that empowers Child and Family Services Centres in Eeyou Istchee to enhance the quality of their services, to develop their autonomy and to work efficiently. We are part of a strong network that fosters our Cree values, culture and language in the services that we provide for children and families. We are working together for the future of our children! 30 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Child and Family Services Message from the Director It is with great pleasure that I present the 2013-2014 report on the activities and achievements of the Child and Family Services Department of the Cree Nation Government (CNG). First and foremost, my team and I would like to acknowledge all childcare staff members who are truly Kelly Pepabano committed to improving childcare services, and who form the backbone of our network. Without this group of dedicated persons, we would not be able to play such an important role in stimulating the development of our young children. I also want to seize this opportunity to recognize one director whose work has been outstanding, our recipient of the “Director of the Year” award for 2013: Wendy Moses of the Wasèyapin Childcare Centre in Eastmain. Wendy has been a director for 17 years now, a career she started only two days after graduating from the Educators in Native Childcare Services training program in January 1997. Wendy has been involved in providing quality childcare services with her team for all this time, thanks to the cooperation that she has established with her staff and board of directors. Wendy, on behalf of all parents and children in Eastmain as well as on behalf of your colleagues throughout Eeyou Istchee, we thank you for your dedication and commitment to early childhood education! As for our regional team, we would like to recognize Pamela Norquay, who was this year named “Regional Staff Member of the Year”. Pamela deserves this honour because of her dedication to supporting the accounting operations of childcare centres throughout the Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee. This year, in addition to her regional responsibilities, Pamela made an enormous contribution to the negotiations regarding our new agreement with the Québec Ministère de la Famille. All childcare employees join me in thanking Pamela for her hard work, and for helping to make this agreement a reality. In other news regarding our personnel, our esteemed colleague Wabigwan Polson left our team in October of 2013 to explore new avenues in her career – she is currently working as an instructor for the Educators’ program with the CEGEP de St-Félicien. She is greatly missed, and we wish her all the best in her new role. New Agreement with Québec The highlight of our year has certainly been the negotiation of a new agreement with the Provincial Government’s Ministère de la Famille (MF), which was approved in principle by the Grand Council of the Crees and the MF Authorities in the summer of 2013. This new agreement, which gives us the mandate to oversee and manage the CNG’s obligations with regard to childcare services, will allow us to significantly improve the working conditions of childcare employees in all of our facilities. The process of negotiating this agreement required the commitment of many people, in addition to our internal team at the Department. We owe many thanks to our Grand Chief, Dr. Matthew Coon Come, who provided us with the services of chief negotiator Abel Bosum, to the director of Cree-Québec Relations Tina Petawabano, to our tireless allies Lucie Bergeron and Josée Beaulac as well as to the team led by David Heritage. 31 Other Programs Related to Child and Family Services In addition to regular childcare services, our Department also manages other programs related to children and families. These programs are made possible through agreements, specifically the Health Canada agreement for the Head Start and Maternal and Child Health Programs, and the Service Canada/Cree Human Resources Development agreement for the implementation of the First Nations Childcare Initiative (FNCI). Because of our ability to manage numerous programs at the regional and local levels, our Cree childcare centres continue to offer more integrated services than most centres across Canada. They include childcare services, Head Start programs and services dedicated to children living with special needs. One more element was added to our list of responsibilities in 2013-2014: we have ensured the implementation of a new agreement, this one between the Cree Nation Government and the Québec Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale. Our work involved developing guidelines and reviewing projects aimed at alleviating poverty throughout Eeyou Istchee. Thanks to the work of a Committee composed of the deputy grand chief, the chair of the Cree School Board and the chair of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services, we have been able to assist Cree organizations in developing and implementing six important projects, details of which are provided in the next few pages. All of these endeavours would not have been possible without the support of our Cree leaders, who endorse the work that we do to promote the development and well-being of Cree children and families throughout Eeyou Istchee. On behalf of all families in our Territory, I wish to thank them. Meegwetch. 32 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Child and Family Services Personnel Our Department is based in Mistissini, with five full-time employees working out of our main office. One employee is based in Waskaganish, one works within the Finance Division in Nemaska, while a final employee worked in Chisasibi until October 2013. In 2013-2014, we also continued to count on the support of a team of professionals who coach our team in the areas of management and finance. Department team members continue to ensure that childcare services are being provided by Cree personnel in the Cree language, and use culturally-appropriate tools. Our work also includes ensuring that the childcare centres and Head Start programs reflect the communities’ cultural values, beliefs and traditions. One of the main roles of our regional team is to travel to all the communities in order to provide technical and professional support to staff and board members of the nine Child and Family Services Centres. At the end of 2013-2014, more than 350 Crees worked in child and family services, most of them in permanent full-time positions. More than half of the persons working as educators now hold college-level diplomas. Centres providing childcare services and Head Start programs each hire one director who looks after management (human resources, finance, materials, administration, services). Directors are assisted by coordinators for each facility, as well as by administrative assistants. Each centre employs a number of educators (including special needs educators and in some cases, home visit educators). All centres also have cooks and janitors on their regular staff. Finally, some centres have pedagogical counsellors as well as coordinators for their Head Start programs. Implementation of our Action Plan For fiscal year 2013-2014, the activities of the Child and Family Services Department have included the following. Programs and Agreements This year again, our Department channelled funds from a number of programs and agreements to local childcare centres, in order to support their operations. These programs and agreements have a significant impact on the economic vitality of our communities, as they injected more than 18 million dollars into local services, renovations projects and training programs. •The Agreement respecting Childcare Centres between the Government of Québec and the Cree Nation Government, which was renegotiated this year, gives us various responsibilities, including renewing childcare centres’ permits, carrying out inspections, facilitating the implementation of background inquiries for all staff and board members of childcare centres, dealing with local and regional complaints and providing technical and professional support to the centres. •The Cree Childcare Program is funded through an agreement between the Cree Human Resources Development Department (CHRD) and Service Canada. This program allows local childcare centres to improve the ratio of children to educators, thus enhancing the quality of services. •The Cree Head Start Program is funded by Health Canada. Through this program, educators facilitate educational activities within childcare facilities or through home visits for families of children who do not attend the childcare centres. Home visits are a great way to introduce developmental activities for young children and to help children and parents alike discover the joys of ‘learning through play’. Other activities offered through the Head Start program included services for children who have special needs, various stimulation activities for children, parent-child playgroups, parenting workshops, nutrition workshops, first aid training for parents and various events to highlight the special bond that connects the Cree communities with young children. •The Maternal and Child Health Program is funded by Health Canada. This program allows us to establish a partnership with the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay in order to facilitate the delivery of health promotion services to children and families, through the  Mashkûpimâtsît Awash program. •The Cree Alliance for Solidarity is funded through a twoyear agreement between the Cree Nation Government and the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale. Our Department has provided logistical services for the implementation of this agreement in 2013-2014, and will continue to do so in 2014-2015. The work of the Cree Alliance for Solidarity consists in coordinating services and funding projects that aim at alleviating poverty throughout Eeyou Istchee. In 2013-2014, the Cree Alliance Committee, composed of the deputy grand chief, the chair of the Cree School Board and the chair of the Cree Health Board, examined a total of 30 projects, 13 of which were accepted for funding. Out of these projects, 6 started in 2013-2014, while 7 were scheduled to start in fiscal year 2014-2015. 33 4. The Cree Child and Family Services Centres Association has received funding to develop a series of 10 books: 3 for infants, 3 for toddlers and 4 for pre-schoolers, to motivate Cree families to develop a habit of reading, starting at a very young age. Reading in the early years leads to better cognitive and language skills, better retention of information in school, enhanced memory and improved levels of concentration, all factors that impact on school success, school retention and outcome in life. Books are scheduled to be published in 2014-2015, and their launch will be accompanied by an awareness campaign. Out of the successful projects, 4 were geared toward child and family services, and are overseen by partners in our child and family services network: 1. The Community Social Pediatrics project, based on a model implemented successfully in Montreal by Dr. Julien, allows a team of resources around the Awash Estchees Childcare and Head Start Centre in Whapmagoostui to create partnerships with the clinic and social services. A paediatrician and a social worker meet local young children and families and a variety of community-based services are organised to meet their needs. 2. The Waskaganish Apishtiawaash College initiative, led by the Waaseskun Childcare and Family Services Centre in collaboration with the  Mashkûpimâtsît Awash program at the clinic, is inspired from the Harlem Children’s Zone Baby College in New York City. The project promotes the healthy development of young children, with an approach centering on family involvement, through 9-week cycles of sessions focusing on parent-child bonding, best parenting practices as well as cognitive and early literacy skills. 3. The Wemindji Fly Families in Community project was developed through a community development process organised by the local Awash Program at the Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre in close collaboration with the Kanawhymigoo Childcare and Head Start Program and with local partners. This project aims at supporting parents in their most important responsibility, and involves 8-week sessions where parents of children within a specific age group (pre-K; K & grades 1 and 2, grades 3, 4 & 5; grade 6 and Sec. I) get together to explore their roles as parents, and connect with one another to build their own support networks. 34 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 TWO MORE CREE ALLIANCE PROJECTS STARTED IN 2013-2014: 5. The Mistissini Youth Council held the Turtle Concepts workshop in March 2013, to help build essential life skills for youths 13-29 to succeed in school – such as developing healthier lifestyles, overcoming fear, developing persistence and resilience with respect to goals and aspirations. Subjects also included drug and alcohol abuse as well as suicide. 6. The Chisasibi Business Service Centre is working on developing a community-based business that will build and manage a vegetable greenhouse. Funds from the Cree Alliance are being used to conduct a feasibility study to look at technical production details and business management issues. The greenhouse should be built by the summer of 2015 (through other funding). The project also involves the adaptation and implementation of a well-known gardening animation program for childcare and primary school children (A Treasure in my Garden). The 7 other projects that received the approval of the Cree Alliance for Solidarity Committee will be implemented starting in 2014-2015. Support to Childcare Centres in the Nine Cree Communities •In 2013-2014, we continued to support the nine existing child and family services centres’ boards of directors, and facilitated training sessions for a number of them as well. We assisted local boards in the supervision of the operations of their childcare programs and services. •We provided technical and professional support to all directors and staff members of the centres involved in Childcare and Head Start programs, including on matters dealing with legal aspects, building maintenance, materials, human and financial resources, training, educational activity programs, promotion, general co-ordination of the centres and assistance in problem-solving. •We reviewed and analyzed childcare information from various sources (governments, associations, agencies) and distributed relevant documents and information to childcare centres. •We developed new tools and systems to assist the directors in the supervision of all programs and services. •We also monitored regular maintenance needs and services for our 16 childcare facilities to ensure that they function to their best capacity. Accessibility and Affordability of Child and Family Services •At the end of fiscal year 2013-2014, there were 1,208 funded full-time childcare spaces available in the nine communities through the $7.00/day program. Free spaces were also available for children whose parents are receiving social assistance benefits. •With the Head Start program, families whose children do not attend the childcare centres on a regular basis also benefit from various services. The Head Start program is designed to meet the needs of low-income families and of families with children who have special needs. Training and Development In order to promote the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of children in the context of Cree heritage and culture, it is important for the Department to provide opportunities for training and development for staff members and persons who wish to pursue a career in early childhood development. HERE IS AN OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES TAKEN IN 2013-2014: •College-Level Training Programs Each childcare centre is required to meet the provincial Act and Regulations ratios, which stipulate that two out of three educators working in childcare centres need to be trained. In addition, numerous graduates from this program also find employment in the Cree school and Health systems. On June 3, 2013, 20 students from the Cree Nation of Waskaganish completed their certification with the CEGEP de St-Félicien’s Educators in Native Childcare Services training program. Congratulations to all graduates who, thanks to their commitment and dedication to the well-being and education of young children, have earned their diplomas and are now recognized as qualified educators. Our thanks also go to the First Nation of Waskaganish, which has sponsored a good portion of the costs associated with this ENCS program. The ENCS training program is still very much in demand throughout Eeyou Istchee, as local needs for trained educators in the communities are high. New programs started in Waswanipi in April 2013 and in Wemindji in October 2013, both with sizeable groups of students. In addition, we started a new program for the Special Needs Educators in Whapmagoostui in January of 2014. The Waskaganish ENCS graduates and their instructor from CEGEP de St-Félicien, Corie Smith Druggett. 35 Much appreciation goes to CHRD and CEGEP de St-Félicien, both of which are very generous in supporting the delivery of these important programs in Eeyou Istchee. We also need to thank the CEGEP instructors, who are making an important contribution by inspiring not only their students, but all childcare workers to become true professionals. •Directors of Cree Child and Family Services Centres Directors of childcare centres participated in three one-week training workshops throughout the year – in Oujé-Bougoumou in August 2013, in Ottawa in November 2013 and in Val-d’Or in March 2014. These sessions are meant to enhance directors’ skills so that they may better meet the challenges of their day-to-day responsibilities. •Financial Administration and Bookkeeping Our very efficient regional finance team continued to travel throughout Eeyou Istchee to provide on-site training and support to all administrative employees in charge of the financial administration of childcare centres. Our team also provided a regional training session for all financial administrators regarding the management of their annual budgets, in January 2014 in Val-d’Or. Team members also continued to prepare the financial statements for the year-end audits, and were heavily involved in the negotiations for the new MF-CNG agreement on childcare services. •Educational Program For the first half of the fiscal year, our regional pedagogical and Head Start advisor continued to provide ongoing training and facilitation of various workshops for all educators on the educational program which is implemented in all playrooms. In cooperation with the regional special needs advisor, she also organized a one-week training session in Montreal for pedagogical counsellors, coordinators and special needs educators, focusing on monitoring behaviours and the referral process with partner organizations. •Special Needs Program Our regional special needs advisor also made regular visits to the childcare centres and supported the educators who foster the development of children who have special needs. She also participated and collaborated with the Regional Special Needs Advisory Committee, along with representatives from both the Cree Health Board and the Cree School Board. •First Aid and Injury Prevention Courses In order to ensure that all staff members remain certified in First Aid and CPR, courses with a focus on children were provided to childcare and Head Start educators as well as to parents in each of the communities. 36 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Liaison •We planned and coordinated three regional meetings and workshops as well as held monthly meetings via teleconference with members of the Cree Child and Family Services Centres Association. The Association represents a means for local Child and Family Services Centres to cooperate on issues of common interest including the renewal of the collective agreement in two unionized childcare centres. The Association also spearheads the development of culturally-appropriate resources for young children such as The Singing and Learning Adventures of Neebin & Waabin in 2012, and is now working on a series of books through Cree Alliance for Solidarity funding. •We acted as liaison with other First Nations and organisations on childcare matters and issues, and ensured concerted and informed actions. •We continued to network and build strong partnerships between the CNG, local Cree Nation Administration offices, the Cree Board of Health and Social Services, CMCs, the Cree School Board, schools as well as the Provincial and Federal Governments to provide inclusive, comprehensive and flexible childcare programs for Cree children, including children living with special needs. Our challenges for 2014-2015 1. Implement the new budget rules associated with our new Agreement with the Province of Québec regarding funding programs and powers. 2. C ontinue to provide professional and technical support to all local child and family service centres in all areas of operations, as well as in the maintenance of their facilities with the goal of empowering and building a strong network of childcare management leaders and professionals. 3. Continue to support and monitor the progress of the Head Start programs as well as of projects funded under the Cree Alliance for Solidarity. 4. Develop a new facility for the Kanawhymigoo Childcare and Head Start Program in Wemindji, so that more families may benefit from services. 5. Continue to deliver the Cegep training programs Educators in Native Childcare Services and Special Needs Education - Aboriginal and Inuit Children in the communities that require these. 6. Collaborate in applying the collective agreements within the unionized childcare centres. 7. Continue to cooperate with the Cree Board of Health and Social Services in the harmonization of services aimed at families and young children of Eeyou Istchee. 8. Continue to work with the Cree School Board and the Cree Board of Health and Social Services to support the implementation of the Cree Alliance for Solidarity, to alleviate poverty in Eeyou Istchee. Our network of services, 2013-2014 FACILITIES CREE REGIONAL AUTHORITY CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES DEPARTMENT CREE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES ASSOCIATION Composed of all 9 Child & Family Services Directors CHILDREN AT FACILITIES SERVICES Awash Estchees Childcare Centre Whapmagoostui 1 80 Head Start Program Anjabowa Child and Family Services Centre Chisasibi 3 80 each Head Start Program Kanawhymigoo Childcare Centre Wemindji 2 65 & 45 Head Start Program Waseyapin Childcare Centre Eastmain 1 80 Head Start Program and Band Council Waaseskun Child and Family Services Centre Waskaganish 2 80 each Head Start Program She She Guin Childcare Centre Nemaska 1 68 Head Start Program and Band Council Awash Shiishiikunkamik Childcare Centre Waswanipi 2 80 each Head Start Program Waspshooyan Childcare Centre Oujé-Bougoumou 1 70 Head Start Program Awash Child and Family Service Centre Mistissini 3 80 each Head Start Program 37 CHRD Program Section Summary Report FISCAL YEAR 2013-14 Projects and Participant Training Interventions /All CHRD Programs In collaboration with Cree nation authorities, institutions and employers, the CHRD continues promoting partnerships creating employment opportunities throughout the Eeyou Istchee. The department maintain its focus on helping individuals prepare for, find and keep employment through its programs it delivered throughout the Territory. CHRD received several project submissions in 2013-14. A total of 210 projects receiving support from CHRD, carried out training activities throughout the communities and territory during the fiscal year. There were more than 4,600 participant interventions in these projects. 38 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 CHRD Projects and Participant Interventions By Program In Fiscal Year 2013-14 NUMBER OF PROJECTS PARTICIPANT INTERVENTIONS Employment Training 21 130 In-house Pre-placement 20 221 Employment Integration 5 120 New Enterprises 8 11 Delivery Assistance 1 22 Youth Territorial 3 309 58 813 Institutional Training 26 427 On-the-job Training 16 60 Labour Market Integration 1 1 Targeted Wage Subsidies 27 157 Self-employment Assistance 4 7 Delivery Assistance 1 9 Employment Assistance Serv. 1 87 Special Programs / Disability 1 150 77 898 Summer Student Program 10 166 Work Experience 14 94 TOTAL 24 260 Summer Student Program 5 123 Cooperative Education 5 1496 Science and Technology 3 475 Work Experience 9 58 TOTAL 22 2152 SPF MINING 25 505 TOTAL 25 505 SPF ECN 4 25 TOTAL 4 25 210 4653 TERRITORIAL PROGRAMS TOTAL COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS TOTAL HRSDC YOUTH PROGRAMS INAC YOUTH PROGRAMS ALL PROGRAMS Note: Projects with employment and training activities in the fiscal year based on the contract dates. 39 2013-14 CHRD Employment and Training Programs Projects And Participant Interventions By Community TERRITORIAL Total of Projects Part. Chisasibi 6 Eastmain 2 Mistissini COMMUNITYBASED HRSDC YOUTH INAC YOUTH SPF MINING SPF ECN ALL PROGRAMS Total of Projects Part. Total of Projects Part. Total of Projects Part. Total of Projects Part. Total of Projects Part. Total of Projects Part. 101 9 72 3 65 4 743 4 95 1 5 27 1081 13 10 95 1 23 1 71 1 6 2 15 210 23 405 10 253 7 58 5 411 7 208 4 53 1339 Nemaska 4 27 4 25 1 9 1 216 1 16 2 11 295 Ouje-Bougoumou 4 29 11 77 3 10 4 103 1 6 1 23 226 Waskaganish 3 34 8 79 3 43 2 221 3 50 1 1 20 428 Waswanipi 6 63 16 195 3 40 2 192 3 30 1 2 31 522 Wemindji 9 133 2 36 2 8 2 130 4 88 4 19 399 Whapmagoostui 1 8 7 66 1 4 1 65 1 6 4 11 153 TOTAL 58 813 77 898 24 260 22 2152 25 505 25 210 4653 COMMUNITY 1 4 Note: Projects with employment and training activities in the fiscal year based on the contract dates. Regional and territorial projects are distributed by community. PROJECTS BY PROGRAM TYPE 25 4 Community-Based Programs HRSDC Youth Programs 22 77 Territorial Programs INAC Youth Programs SPF Mining SPF ECN 58 24 PARTICIPANT INTERVENTIONS BY PROGRAM TYPE 505 25 Community-Based Programs 898 HRSDC Youth Programs Territorial Programs 260 INAC Youth Programs SPF Mining 2152 40 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 813 SPF ECN TERRITORIAL PROGRAMS DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECTS BY INDUSTRIAL SECTOR Transport 15% Construction 28% Tourism 17% Telecom 2% Sales & Services 8% Forestry 17% Mining 13% TPI PARTICIPANTS BY COMMUNITY Whapmagoostui 1% 12% Chisasibi Wemindji 16% 2% Eastmain Waswanipi 8% CBP PARTICIPANTS BY COMMUNITY Whapmagoostui 8% Chisasibi 7% Wemindji 4% 11% Eastmain Waswanipi 22% Waskaganish 4% Oujé-Bougoumou 4% 28% Mistissini Nemaska 3% 50% Mistissini Waskaganish 9% Oujé-Bougoumou 8% 3% Nemaska 41 TPI PARTICIPANTS BY AGE 50 and More 9% CBP BY AGE Under 20 1% 50 and More Under 20 7% 5% 40–49 Years 12% 40–49 Years 19% 20–29 Years 36% 30–39 Years 26% 20–29 Years 50% 30–39 Years 35% TPI PARTICIPANTS BY LEVEL OF EDUCATION College Diploma 2% 1% University Some College 6% Trade Certificate 5% 28% Less than grade 9 20% Sec. 5 Graduate College Diploma 4% 2% University Some College 6% Trade Certificate 2% 24% Less than grade 9 25% Sec. 5 Graduate 38% Grade 9 or more without Sec. 5 42 CBP PARTICIPANTS BY LEVEL OF EDUCATION CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 37% Grade 9 or more without Sec. 5 PARTICIPANTS’ POST-TRAINING RESULTS IN TPI PROGRAMS PARTICIPANTS’ POST-TRAINING RESULTS IN CBP PROGRAMS At School 15% At School 14% Unemployed 28% Continuing Same Program 15% In Another Program 1% Employed Seasonal 4% In Another Program 4% Employed Seasonal 2% Employed 38% DISTRIBUTION BY GENDER OF TPI PARTICIPANTS WITH TRAINING ACTIVITIES Employed 37% DISTRIBUTION BY GENDER OF CBP PARTICIPANTS WITH TRAINING ACTIVITIES Females 21% Males 79% Continuing Same Program 8% Unemployed 34% Females 54% Males 46% 43 Financial Information 44 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Cree Nation Government Cree Human Resources Development Fund Financial Information March 31, 2014 Independant Auditor's Report 2-3 Financial Information Operations and Fund Balance 4 Notes to Financial Information 5-6 Schedules 7 - 11 45 Independent Auditor's Report To Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP Place du Québec 888 3rd Avenue Val-d'Or, Quebec J9P 5E6 Telephone: 819-825-6226 Fax: 819-825-1461 www.rcgt.com We have audited the statements of operations and fund balance for the portion related to funding received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, of Cree Human Resources Development Fund of Cree Nation Government, for the year ended March 31, 2014, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. These financial informations have been prepared by management as required under the terms of contribution agreements concluded between Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Cree Human Resources Development Fund of Cree Nation Government. Management's responsibility for the financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with the terms of the contribution agreements concluded with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor's responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd 46 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 3 An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, these financial informations present fairly, in all material respects, the result of its operation for the portion related to funding received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada for the year ended March 31, 2014 in accordance with the terms of contribution agreements concluded between Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Cree Human Resources Development Fund of Cree Nation Government. 1 Val-d'Or July 29, 2014 ___________________________________ 1 CPA auditor, CA public accountancy permit no. A116128 47 4 Cree Nation Government Cree Human Resources Development Fund Operations and Fund Balance Year ended March 31, 2014 Revenue Government of Canada (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada ''HRSDC'') Community Based Human Resources Development Initiative Funds Service Delivery Initiative Fund Community Based Employment Insurance Initiative Funds Disabled Fund Skills and Partnership Fund 2014 $ 2013 $ 4,516,461 798,073 1,387,635 59,338 919,621 4,831,267 798,073 1,387,635 59,338 1,053,825 Reimbursement from sponsors 7,681,128 60,454 8,130,138 88,480 7,741,582 8,218,618 4,576,915 798,073 1,387,635 59,338 919,621 4,919,747 798,073 1,387,635 59,338 1,053,825 7,741,582 8,218,618 Expenditures Community Based Human Resources Development Initiative Programs Service Delivery Initiative Expenditures Community Based Employment Insurance Initiative Programs Disabled Expenditures Skills and Partnership Fund Excess of revenues over expenditures and fund balance, end of year The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 48 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 - - Cree Nation Government Cree Human Resources Development Fund Notes to Financial Information 5 March 31, 2014 1 - GOVERNING STATUTES AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS The Cree Regional Authority (CRA) was incorporated as a public corporation by a special act of the Québec National Assembly on June 28, 1978. In January 2014 this special act was amended to replace the name CRA by Cree Nation Government (CNG). The CNG is a body established in the public interest and a non-profit corporation without share capital and without pecuniary gain to its members. Its activities involve the provision of various support services to the Cree communities and the management of various projects and programs which are undertaken for the benefit of the Cree Nation. The present financial information is drawn from the financial statements of CNG as at March 31, 2014, on which we have expressed an unqualified opinion and refer only to the Cree Human Resources Development Fund, for the portion of its activities funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Cree Human Resources Development Fund The CNG established the ''Cree Human Resources Development Fund'' to manage the agreement between her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada (Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development) and the CNG. This agreement expired on March 31, 2010 and was renewed, until March 31, 2015. 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND GENERAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICE Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian public sector accounting standards requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. On a regular basis and with the information available, management reviews its estimates, induding, but not limited to, the measurement of allowance for doubtful accounts, provisions and contengencies. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Adjustments are made to income as appropriate in the year they become known. Revenue recognition Revenues are recognized in the period in which the transactions or events occured that gave rise to the revenues. All revenues are recorded on an accrual basis, except when the accruals cannot be6 determined with a reasonable degree of certainty or when their estimation is impracticable. Cree Nation Government Government transfers are recognized as revenue when the transfer is authorized and any eligibility Cree Human Resources Development Fund criteria are met except to the extent that transfer stipulations give rise to an obligation that meets the Notes to Information definition of aFinancial liability. Transfers are recognized as deferred revenue when the transfer stipulations give March 2014 Transfer revenue is recognized in the statement of operations as the stipulation rise to 31, a liability. liabilities are settled. 3 - FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS By resolutions, the Cree Human Resources Development Fund has been commited for an amount of approximately $ 1,104,000 as program expenditures related with funding received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. 49 7 Cree Nation Government Cree Human Resources Development Fund Schedule A Year ended March 31, 2014 2014 $ SERVICE DELIVERY INITIATIVE EXPENDITURES CREE NATION GOVERNMENT Salaries and benefits Meals, lodging and travel Training and development expenses Professional fees and expenses 2013 $ 707,792 26,886 2,284 61,111 707,792 29,758 11,378 49,145 798,073 798,073 The amount of $ 90,281 from Capacity Building program is included in the total amount of $798,073. Cree Nation Government CreeNation Human Resources Development Fund Cree Government Cree HumanB Resources Development Fund Schedule Schedule RevenueB Revenue Year ended March 31, 2014 Year ended March 31, 2014 Community Community Based Human Based Human Resources Resources Service Dev. Initiative Delivery Dev. Initiative Funds Initiative Fund $ REVENUE REVENUE Contribution of 2013-2014 Government of Canada (Human Contribution 2013-2014 Resources of and Skills Development 4,745,867 Government Canada (Human Canada - ''HRSDC'') of Resources and Skills Canada - ''HRSDC'') Reimbursement from sponsors Development 4,745,867 Amounts carried over and transfered to 20142015 Funds $ $ CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Initiative Fund $ $ Community Based E.I. Disabled Fund Initiative Funds Skills and Partnership Fund $ $ Skills Partner TOTAL F Disabled $ Fund $ $ 798,073 1,387,635 59,338 919,621 7,910,534 798,073 1,387,635 59,338 919,621 7,910,534 60,454 4,745,867 (229,406)4,745,867 Reimbursement from sponsors 60,454 4,576,915 798,073 Amounts carried over and transfered to 2014(229,406) 2015 4,576,915 50 Community Service Based E.I. Delivery Initiative Funds 798,073 1,387,635 798,073 1,387,635 1,387,635 59,338 798,073 1,387,635 59,338 60,454 919,6 59,338(229,406) 919,6 919,621 7,741,582 59,338 919,6 51 331,963 331,963 331,963 2,574,561 60,454 2,635,015 Reimbursement from sponsors $ Youth Initiative Fund 2,803,967 (229,406) $ Consolidated Revenue Fund Contribution of 2013-2014 Amount carried over and transfered to 2014-2015 Government of Canada (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada - "HRSDC") REVENUE Year ended March 31, 2014 $ Childcare Initiatives 1,609,937 1,609,937 1,609,937 Cree Nation Government Cree Human Resources Development Fund Schedule B Revenue - Community Based Human Resources Development Initiative Funds 4,576,915 4,516,461 60,454 4,745,867 (229,406) $ TOTAL 9 10 Cree Nation Government Cree Human Resources Development Fund Schedule C Financial commitments Year ended March 31, 2014 Cree Nation Youth Council - Youth Work Experience Cree Nation of Chisasibi - Youth Work Experience Program Waskaganish First Nation - Youth Work Experience Program Cree Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou Student Employment Program Cree Nation of Chisasibi - Student Employment Program Cree Nation of Mistissini - Youth Work Experience Program CNG - Child & ENCS training in Waswanipi Cree Nation of Chisasibi - New Positions - Heritage & Cultural Center Cree Nation of Eastmain - Life Guard / Pool Technocians Whapmagoostui First Nation Creation of Employment - Sports A & E MacLeod Services - Creation of 20 New Positions Waswanipi Grocery Store - Creation of 2 New Positions CNG - DESD Aboriginal Whapmagoostui First Nation - Cultural Association CNG - ENCS program in Wemindji Cree First Nation of Waswanipi Community Action Program CHRD - Workshop and Information Sessions Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute Aboriginal Training Program CNG/GCCEI Roundtable on Capacity Building Nemaska Development Corporation Job Creation - Groc. & Hardware Richard Mark's Garage - Start up Business Chisasibi Business Service - Assistant Financial Controller Balance carried forward 52 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Agreement number Approved disbursements Amount disbursed Amount to be disbursed 17246 42,000 21,000 21,000 18225 67,394 67,072 322 18228 41,920 13,303 28,617 18243 4,459 850 3,609 18244 15,782 13,750 2,032 18245 86,554 58,336 28,218 24511 72,500 24521 72,800 58,810 13,990 24525 121,850 93,182 28,668 24530 48,020 22,137 25,883 24531 218,800 119,972 98,828 24534 24536 29,120 93,026 10,637 83,724 18,483 9,302 24543 24557 68,250 261,478 72,127 68,250 189,351 24558 113,750 92,521 21,229 24559 90,000 75,948 14,052 24561 10,560 9,390 1,170 24564 100,000 100,000 24566 80,004 80,004 24570 81,796 81,796 24575 18,764 4,763 14,001 1,738,827 817,522 921,305 $ $ $ 72,500 11 Cree Nation Government Cree Human Resources Development Fund Schedule C Financial commitments Year ended March 31, 2014 Balance brought forward Ouje-Bougoumou Eenouch - Youth Special Projects J & C Proshop - Start up Business Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute Secretary and Tour Guide Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute Training for 3 Employees Whapmagoostui First Nation Janitorial Training Karen's Depanneur Video - Creation of 3 New Positions Cree First Nation of Waswanipi Administrative Assistant Cree Nation of Eastmain - Assistant Office Worker Nemaska Development Corporation Job Creation - Post office / Mail Agreement number Approved disbursements Amount disbursed Amount to be disbursed 24577 24581 16,835 50,904 19,312 16,835 31,592 24582 31,595 15,798 15,797 24584 62,750 28,833 33,917 24585 19,170 1,076 18,094 24587 33,670 24592 12,478 24594 13,650 24595 $ 1,738,827 $ 817,522 33,670 4,562 7,916 13,650 10,920 1,990,799 $ 921,305 10,920 887,103 1,103,696 53 CHRD Directory Extension Name Title E-mail Mistissini Coordination Office 32 Amisk Street, Mistissini, Quebec, G0W 1C0 / Tel: (418) 923-2525/3285 Fax: (418) 923-2111 324 328 322 325 326 327 329 252 321 770-3584 770-3636 770-3574 323 243 330 Louisa Saganash Denise Brown Michael Petawabano Abel J. Trapper Vacant Benjamin Loon Anna Trapper Stephen Forward Blazo Voyageur Daniel Bland Tammy Reeves Bella Petawabano Brendan Forward Christiane Michaud Jennifer Longchap Conference Room Director of CHRD Coordinator of Programs and Services Coordinator of Territorial Programs Sectoral Officer–Mining & Construction Sectoral Officer–Telecom & Transport Sectoral Officer–Forestry & Tourism Financial Program Officer–TPI Coordinator Eeyou Mining skills & Enhancement Project Program Coordinator Eeyou Communications Network EMSEP, Essential Skills Lead Instructor EMSEP, Essential Skills Instructor Liaison Officer Marketing & Communications Officer Administrative Assistant General Secretary [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mistissini Inland Office 32 Amisk Street, Mistissini, Quebec, G0W 1C0 / Tel: (418) 923-2525/3285 Fax: (418) 923-3243 222 225 226 224 229 223 221 231 Deborah Loon Bella Trapper Catherine Quinn Pauline Etapp Deanna Mianscum Norman Blacksmith Nadia P. Blacksmith Courtesy Phone Program Officer (Inland) Financial Program Officer – CBP Youth Program Officer Career Councillor (Inland) Cree Employment Officer Cree Employment Officer Receptionist/Secretary [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] CRA Finance Office 2 Lakeshore Road, Nemaska, Quebec, JOY 3B0 / Tel: (819) 673-2600 Fax: (819) 673-2266 340 228 264 Thomas Blackned Daisy Wiestchee Frances Edwards Coordinator of Finance Junior Accounting Clerk/ E.I. & Allowance Payment Officer Payroll CHRD [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Chisasibi Office 457 Wolverine Road, Chisasibi, Quebec, J0M 1E0 / Tel: (819) 855-2675 Fax: (819) 855-2683 5801 5803 5802 5800 Alice Nuktie Bernice Sam Martha Matthew Annette Chiskamish Program Officer (Coastal) Cree Employment Officer Cree Employment Officer Receptionist/Secretary [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Whapmagoostui Office 414 Whapmakw Street P.O. Box 599, Whapmagoostui, Quebec, JOM 1G0 / Tel: (819) 929-3959 Fax: (819) 929-3470 Patricia Kawapit Interim Cree Employment Officer [email protected] Waswanipi Office 1 Chief Louis Gull, Cree Nation of Waswanipi, Waswanipi, Quebec, JOY 3C0 / Tel: (819) 753-2025 Fax: (819) 753-2026 Henry Dixon Cree Employment Officer [email protected] Oujé-Bougoumou Office 207 Opemiska Meskino, Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, GOW 3C0 / Tel: (418) 745-2070 Fax: (418) 745-2071 Judy Capissisit Cree Employment Officer [email protected] Wemindji Office 16 Beaver Road, Wemindji, Quebec, JOM 1L0 / Tel: (819) 978-3101 Fax: (819) 978-3103 Christina Gilpin Vacant Joey Georgekish Career Counsellor (Coastal) (819) 978-0319/0324 Cree Employment Officer EMSEP, Essential Skills Instructor (819) 775-2272 [email protected] [email protected] Eastmain Office 76 Nouchimi, Eastmain, Quebec, JOM 1W0 / Tel: (819) 977-2501 Fax: (819) 977-2503 Demerise Mayappo Cree Employment Officer [email protected] Nemaska Office 1 Lakeshore Road, Nemaska, Quebec, JOY 3B0 / Tel: (819) 673-2001 Fax: (819) 673-2003 Sandra Lacroix Cree Employment Officer [email protected] Waskaganish Office P.O. Box 60, Waskaganish, Quebec, JOM 1R0 / Tel: (819) 895-8501 Fax: (819) 895-8503 Virginia Blackned 54 CHRD Annual Report 2013–2014 Cree Employment Officer [email protected]