Our Local Sturgeon Population

SAVE OUR
LAKE STURGEON
A Threatened Species
Once plentiful througout North America, severe overfishing
in the late 1800s and early 1900s decimated sturgeon
populations—current estimates put modern populations at
less than 1% of their historical size.
Factors impacting Lake Sturgeon populations:
 Overfishing — taking large fish removes breeders
 Poaching — illegal harvesting of meat/eggs (caviar)
 Habitat destruction — dams impact spawning grounds
 Slow growth — 15-25 years to breeding age
 Low fertility — females breed only once every 4-6 years
Our Local Sturgeon Population
Sturgeon located in the Kitigan Zibi area are unique among Lake Sturgeon in North America because
they spend most of their time in rivers (Gatineau-Désert-Eagle River system) rather than in lakes.
We know this through the Kitigan Zibi Natural Resources and Wildlife Department (NRWD), which
has been studying our sturgeon population for almost 10 years. Tagging, radio telemetry and spawning
studies help us learn more about how many fish there are, where they go at different times of year, and
where they breed.
Our local sturgeon population is small, and in danger.
Help us make a difference!
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Please do not fish for Lake Sturgeon on the Gatineau-Désert-Eagle River system
Other populations on KZA traditional territory are less vulnerable: Lac St-Louis or
Lac des Deux-Montagnes
If you do catch a Lake Sturgeon, keep only juvenile fish (under 106 cm long) to give
adult fish a better chance at breeding successfully
Report any illegal harvesting activities (fishing on spawning grounds, poaching)
For more information, please contact the Kitigan Zibi Biologist at 819-441-2323 ext. 22
Head’s up! Spring is in the air and the turtles are on the roads!
From May to September it’s common to see turtles near roadways, hanging
around on the sandy shoulders or trying to cross to the other side. All kinds of
turtles will be roaming around, looking for mates and for places to lay their eggs.
Keep an eye out for these turtle crossing signs around the rez, and when you see
them, watch out! You might find a turtle on the road nearby.
Kitigan Zibi Natural Resource and Wildlife Department
For more information call 819-441-2323 ext. 22
The Turtles of Kitigan Zibi
Anishinabeg
Did you know?
There are 9 different turtle species in Quebec. Most of these are freshwater turtles, but we have
one sea turtle species as well! Freshwater turtles spend most of their time in the water, but you
might see them on land as well in the spring and summer. If you see them on land, it usually
means they are just passing through as they search for mates and places to lay eggs.
3 turtle species are present in the Kitigan Zibi area:
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
 14-20 cm long
 Rough brown or
grey-brown shell, each scale with
concentric rings (like tree rings)
 Black head, orange or yellow neck and legs
 Yellow underbelly with black squares
 THREATENED—Federally protected under SARA
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
 11.5-14 cm long
 Smooth dark brown or black shell
 Black head, neck and legs, with yellow
orange
or red lines
underbelly with browish center
 Yellow
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
 20-36 cm long
 Shell colour ranges from pale brown to black
 Thick shell, large head, legs and feet
 Yellowish underbelly
 Careful! Long neck with powerful jaws can
deliver a painful bite. Do not attempt to pick up!
If you find a turtle, please leave it where it is and do not try to pick it up
or move it anywhere. Let it go on its way and it won’t bother anyone!
Kitigan Zibi Natural Resource and Wildlife Department
For more information call 819-441-2323 ext. 22
Kitigan Zibi Whip-poor-will Project
Head’s up!
What are Roadside Listening Surveys?
Researchers and field technicians from Kitigan
Zibi Natural Resource and Wildlife Department
will be conducting Roadside Listening Surveys
at night, in the area from Grand-Remous to
Gracefield, from May 25th to June 2nd 2015.
We’ll be driving around after dark, stopping
once every kilometer along our listening routes
to look for whip-poor-wills.
Researchers and field technicians from Kitigan Zibi
are listening for whip-poor-will calls to get a better
idea of their population size and location. This is
valuable information for the recovery effort of this
species, which is a Threatened species with federal
protection through the Species at Risk Act. Unlike
most birds, whip-poor-wills call most often at night
when the moon is out. Since they’re so good at hiding
during the day, it’s best to look for them after dark.
What is a whip-poor-will?
Whip-poor-wills are small nocturnal birds that feed
on flying insects. They chant their loud, namesake
whip-poor-will song continuously on spring and
summer evenings. During the day, whip-poor-wills
roost on the ground or on a tree limb and are very
difficult to spot.
You may sometimes see researchers and field technicians driving around secondary roads at night. Rest
assured that we will always stay on the road, and off
of private property. We only listen for the birds, and
we won’t impact the birds or their habitat in any way.
What can I do to help?
Why are they being studied?
Regular surveys such as the Breeding Bird Atlas
indicate that populations have been reduced by
more than 30% over the last 10 years (i.e. 3 whippoor-will generations). In order to help stop this
decline and possibly reverse it, we need to learn
more about where the whip-poor-wills are, how
many there are, and what state their habitat is in.
If you hear a whip-poor-will calling at night, please
let us know! Give us a call at the Kitigan Zibi Natural
Resource and Wildlife Department with your name,
location, and approximately where you heard the bird
calling. This will help us plan new routes to expand
our project and possibly find more whip-poor-wills.
You can also call us if you find anything noteworthy,
i.e. dead whip-poor-wills or other animals, or if you’d
just like to learn more about the whip-poor-will
project and other Species at Risk.
Kitigan Zibi Natural Resource and Wildlife Department
For more information call 819-441-2323 ext. 22
This workshop is for prospective entrepreneurs who are interested in finding out
more about accessing funding for business start-ups, or for the expansion or of
an existing business.
 Business Development Bank of Canada – Aboriginal
Banking Services Presenter: Patrick Lamarre
 The Native Commercial Credit Corporation (SOCCA)
Presenter: Laurent Odjick
 Societe d’aide au development des collectivities
(SADC) Presenter: Julie Benard
 KZA CEDO Program Presenter: Anita Stevens
For more information regarding this workshop please contact Anita Stevens at
819-441-5170 or by email at [email protected] .
May 19, 2015
Production Tree-Planting Opportunity
Attention Interested KZA Registered Community Members:
The Natural Resource and Wildlife Department is looking for interested treeplanters to undertake a small tree planting contract on a forest management and
wildlife project on inter-municipal lots of the MRC vallée-de-la- gatineau. The
contract consists of 2000-3000 trees with the potential an additional 2000-3000
trees. The block is located off of Chemin St-Jacques in Messines approximately
25 minutes from Kitigan Zibi.
Requirements:
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Applicants must have their own transportation (4X4 truck is
preferred)
Applicants must be physically fit and able to work in extreme
weather conditions
Applicants should have a minimum of 1 season experience in
production tree-planting or have completed the Rexforêt treeplanting course.
Applicants with a valid CSST First Aid Certificate will be preferred.
Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours
Rates: Tree-Planters will be paid $0.20 per tree planted plus benefits.
Deadline to apply is May 27th 2014 at 3:30 pm
If you are interested or have any questions please contact Erik Higgins at the
Natural Resource and Wildlife Department – (819) 441-2323 Ext.27. If you are
unable to reach Erik, you may also leave a message with Linda Dwyer at 819441-2323 Ext.21.
1 - Location of Tree-Planting Block
Sasha’s
back with
ZUMBA
Dance exercise for men and women.
Wednesdays - KZ School Gym - 6 pm
Starting Wednesday, June 3, 2015.
Families, teenagers and friends ...
Join-in on all the fun!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
K.Z.H.S.S. - Òde Wìdòkazowin
15TH ANNUAL
Child Wellness Week Activities
Pleas
e not
e that
JUNE 2 - 5, 2015
isi
uperv
s
l
a
t
n
these a
ctivities a
th pare
re for children 6 years old and under wi
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
10:00 a.m. to LITTLE RAY’S REPTILE ZOO: This activity will take
11:00 a.m.
place at the Pakinawatik School and is open to all children
6 years old and under. (Parents and children at home are
welcome to come to the show.)
6:00 p.m. to T-Ball: This activity will take place at the Ball field behind
7:30 p.m.
the Youth Center, for 4 - 6 year olds and their parents.
(If it rains the activity will be held at the KZ School Gym)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
9:30 a.m. to BIKE RODEO: This activity takes place at the Pakinawatik School
10:30 a.m.
and is open to all children 3 years old & Jr./Sr. Kindergarten levels.
Parents please bring your child’s bike & helmet to school this day!
(If it rains the activity will be cancelled until the following day.
Same place, same time.)
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
6:00 p.m. to SWIMMING: This activity takes place at the Williamson Pool. Parents
8:00 p.m.
please call Laurie at Odekan 819-449-2702 to reserve your spot! A
light snack of cheese, crackers, grapes & juice will be provided.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
9:30 a.m. to CULTURAL ACTIVITY- READING CIRCLE: This activity
10:30 a.m.
takes place at the Pakinawatik School and is open to all
children 6 years old and under. Parents and children at home
are welcome to come and participate in the Reading Circle.
A snack of bannock and blueberry jam will be provided and the
children can make a bracelet or necklace.
6:00 p.m. to BEACH PARTY DANCE: This activity will be held at the
8:00 p.m.
Community Hall and is for all children 6 years old and under.
Parents and their child can come dressed in their beach wear.
There will be music & dancing along with snacks and drinks and
activities, face painting, etc ...
See you
there!!
Laurie Commando
@ Odekan
819-449-2702
These activities
are sponsored by
ODEKAN
on.
COME
Celebrate
WITH US
Rainy Meness
40th Birthday Party
Live Band
featuring Strange Brew
Special musical guests:
Eddie Cote & Tim Whiteduck
Saturday, May 30th
Starts at 8 pm , 18 yrs+
Community Hall
311 Fafard Street
Maniwaki, Quebec
Cash Bar
THE MIX / LE MIX
32 Kichi Mikan
Maniwaki, QC J9E 3C4
RESTAURANT / RESTO
Drive up and make your order
Call ahead: 819-441-2811
Call/Text: 819-334-5131
Drive-thru take-out / Service au Volant
Monday – Friday: 11 am - 3 pm
PLATES
Chili and Bannock............................................ $7.50
(Fresh Bannock with nice hearty chili)
(Fried Bannock covered with cheese and chili topped with lettuce,
tomatoes, and sour cream)
Indian Taco....................................................... $9.00
Club Sandwich............................................... $10.00
(Original Club Sandwich served with fries or chips and coleslaw)
(6 wings with fries or chips and coleslaw)
(4 fingers with fries or chips and coleslaw)
(Classic hot hamburger served with fries or chips and coleslaw)
Chicken Wing Platter...................................... $10.50
Chicken Finger Dinner.................................... $10.00
Hot Hamburger................................................. $9.50
CASSE CROUTE
Small Fry.......................................................... $3.25
Large Fry.......................................................... $4.75
Family Fry......................................................... $6.50
Sauce............................ Small $0.75.….Large $1.50
Poutine.......................... Small $3.75..…Large $4.75
Family Poutine.................................................. $7.50
Chili Poutine.................. Small $4.75.….Large $5.75
BBQ Pork Poutine......... Small $4.75…..Large $5.75
Indian Pogo...................................................... $3.00
Homemade Crispy Chips................................. $4.50
Homemade Crispy Bacon Ranch Chips........... $6.00
(Homemade chips with bacon, cheese, ranch and green onions)
Cheesy pulled Pork Chips................................ $6.00
(Homemade chips with marble cheese, green onions and pulled pork.)
Chicken Wings ...................6/$5.50……...12/$10.00
(Mild, Spicy hotter the better, Maple Honey Garlic, or Thai)
TACO TEUSDAY.............................................. $8.00
(Save 1.00$ off your Indian taco)
WEDNESDAY SPECIAL
Chinese Plate................................................... $9.75
(Bacon fried rice, 2 eggrolls and sweet BBQ pork)
FRIDAY SPECIALS....................................... $12.00
(Meal comes with drink and dessert)
BBQ / GRILL
Hamburger....................................................... $3.50
Hamburger All Dressed.................................... $4.25
(Lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, relish)
(Lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, relish)
(Red onion, thin sliced cucumber, bacon, sweet mustard, marble cheese)
(Marble cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, sweet mustard)
Cheeseburger................................................... $4.00
Cheeseburger All Dressed............................... $4.75
Cheeseburger Bacon....................................... $4.50
Cheeseburger Bacon All Dressed.................... $5.00
The MIX Burger................................................ $5.00
Hot Dog............................................................ $3.00
Cheese Dog..................................................... $3.50
Chili Cheese Dog............................................. $4.75
Pulled Pork Dog............................................... $4.75
The MIX Hot Dog.............................................. $4.75
HEALTHY SIDE
Grilled Chicken Wrap........................................ $6.75
(Salad, tomato and grilled chicken with mayo)
(Bacon, mayo, tomato and salad)
(Salad, marble cheese, bacon, grilled chicken with buffalo and
ranch sauce)
BLT Wrap.......................................................... $6.00
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Wrap........................... $7.50
Chicken Caesar wrap....................................... $7.50
(Salad, cheese, bannock croutons, grilled chicken, bacon with a
Caesar dressing)
Pulled Pork Melt Wrap...................................... $7.50
(Caramelized onion and marble cheese )
Soup of the Day................................................ $3.50
Caesar Salad.................................................... $6.50
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.......................... $7.50
DESSERT
Deep Fried Oreos (3)....................................... $3.75
Freezees.......................................................... $1.00
Drinks
Pepsi / Ginger-Ale / Ice Tea / Juice / Water...... $1.00
CANDIDATE FOR CHIEF – FRANKIE COTE
Kwey Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (KZA) Band Members,
I would like to begin by saying thank you for the
tremendous amount of support and encouragement I have
received from community members during this election.
The support and encouragement you have shown is
humbling and very much appreciated.
I would also like to thank the previous Chief and Band
Councillors for their commitment to the community. These
positions require much dedication, time and sacrifice and as
a sitting Band Councillor, I personally know the sacrifices
and challenges that are required to serve in these positions.
That being said, the challenges are worth it, as it is an
honour and a privilege to be able to work on behalf of our
people and community.
I would especially like to thank the previous Chief Gilbert Whiteduck and Councillors Bill
Ottawa and Wayne Odjick for their service to the KZA. It was a pleasure to be part of the Band
Council with you and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
A NEW VISION, A PROSPEROUS FUTURE
During the election, I have been asked about a vision for the KZA and where I see its future. This
is not something that I have just begun to think about, this is something that I have been
envisioning and contemplating my entire life.
My long term vision for the KZA is to move towards being self-sustaining and self-determined.
We can no longer solely rely on the current monies we receive from the federal government.
There is no doubt that we, as a community, need to start moving toward being a self-determined
and self-sustaining community. The status quo is not meeting the needs of our people and it is
time for a new direction.
In my letters that I have sent out to the community, as well as in conversations with community
members, I have laid out a path toward self-sufficiency and self-determination. This direction
does not require ANY sale or surrender of our ancestral lands. I have spoken about Impact
Benefit Agreements (IBA), partnerships with companies doing business within our traditional
territory, as well as the creation of an economic development corporation. All these options are
vehicles toward making the KZA a successful and sustainable community. These may be new
models to the KZA because they have never been attempted, but these methods have been around
for decades and have been proven to lead communities towards prosperity, self-sustainability and
self-determination. Our success as a community hinges on our ability to develop these
opportunities. This approach has a strong track record of success among First Nation
communities across the country. The KZA is no different and would greatly benefit from this
approach.
1
CANDIDATE FOR CHIEF – FRANKIE COTE
As I have previously stated, the options I have laid out in my letters will address many issues that
are important to the KZA such as:

the need for a new and bigger Kiweda/retirement centre that will better meet the needs of
our aging population;

the need to address lack of employment for our people and provide meaningful
employment opportunities within our community and traditional territory;

the needs for more training and education for our members; and

the need to protect and preserve our Anishinabe language as well as providing new and
innovative ways of learning, such as through technology like the Rosetta Stone (this has
already been done with other First Nation and Inuit languages and is proven to be
successful in revitalizing the language within communities).
These are only a few examples of what we can do together. If other communities can do this,
then there is no reason why the KZA cannot.
The time for change is now. We must embark on a new path otherwise we will be leaving our
children and grandchildren with the same issues the KZA has continually struggle with in the
past and continues to struggle with today. We need to act now in order to leave a better and more
prosperous future for our next generations. I ask you to embrace a new vision and goal for the
KZA. WE MUST DO THIS TOGETHER. The Chief and Band Council cannot and should not
do this alone. The KZA can only be successful if the Band Council and the people of the KZA
work together to build a brighter future.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all candidates good luck and I look forward to
working with whoever is elected.
In closing, I respectfully ask for your support and your vote when casting your ballot on May
23rd, 2015 and VOTE FOR TOMORROW, TODAY. If you have any questions or comments
please feel free to contact me at (819) 230-6432 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Frankie Cote, JD (LL.B), B.A.
2
TO:
Kitigan Zibi Community Members
FROM:
Alice Beaudoin
RE:
Band Council nomination
This letter is in reference to my candidacy for a position as band councilor. I
would like to thank Judy Ottawa and Tash Mitchell for my nomination. I want to
first say that after living off reserve for most of my life, I will be returning to KZ to
live. YAY!
I can add some important issues to write about, but ALL the issues being raised
by the nominees for chief and council in the flyers are important. In considering
these important issues our elders remind us to honor the teachings of our
Ancestors. The Grandfather teachings remind us to live and act with Honesty,
Respect, Wisdom, Truth, Humility, Bravery, and Love. It is with an open heart, an
open mind, and these values that we continue to show love and respect for our
way of life and Mother Earth. It’s important to remember these values and
implement them in ways that balance the needs of the community.
As a strong and resilient Nation, we can only become stronger by talking about
these difficult issues and working together to find solutions.
Our pride as Anishinabe is rooted in our language, culture and traditions. As care
takers of Mother Earth we must remember to find a proper balance between our
past and our future.
Thank you very much for your time, and your support at the polls.
Chi Meegwetch!
Close your eyes for a moment and picture our community - Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Can you see our
beautiful lakes and rivers? Are you able to smell our lush forests? Do you hear the laughter of our Elders
and youth? These are all things that I envision when I think of our community, but I know there is work
to be done to protect these vibrant aspects Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Perhaps like many of you, I do not
hold advanced degrees nor do I have any specialization in politics or economic development; what I do
have is an abundance of love and commitment to our families, our community, and our nation. If
elected to serve on Council, my main priorities will be our families, language, and the preservation of
our ways of life and living.
I come from a long line of leaders and vibrant figures from our community. Some of you may not
recognize me because of my last name, but I am certain you have seen me around whether throughout
my childhood and adulthood or even in the last three years since I returned home permanently. You see,
I travelled around Canada and the US to gain work experience and education, but have returned home
to KZA in order to give back to the community and participate as a productive, contributing member of
our nation. My own children reside here and my wife Shilo and I take great pleasure is immersing our
family in our language, culture, traditions, and nuances of what it means to be Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe.
As a part of the younger generation who has experienced the beauty of our community as well as the
heartache, I am acutely positioned to carry forth a voice that speaks strongly yet in a manner that
recognizes our challenges and strengths. We have incredible language speakers, vibrant cultural
practices and resilient families – these are the traditions that I am committed to carrying forth. As a
member of your Council, I would do my best to ensure that fairness, good governance and Anishinabeg
protocols prevail in interactions with all levels of government – municipal, provincial, federal, and even
our own.
What I bring to the table is my fierce loyalty to our people as well as determination and a keen
understanding of our land, culture, traditions and language. Growing up in Kitigan Zibi and spending my
life here has taught me so much more than what I learned while in the “city”. I am proud to conduct
myself softly on our land and teach my children and others how to fish, hunt, trap, tan hides and move
throughout our territory as Creator intended us to do. I have a deep love for our land and everything
that it offers us. As a member of your Council, I will ensure that our waterways and lands are protected
and honoured and that your voice is heard at all negotiating tables.
To my fellow members of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, if you love our community as nation as much as I do,
then you will know how much passion and commitment it takes to step into a governing role. I am ready
and willing to learn and listen and act in the best interests of the community. I am a team player and
therefore willing to work with the other members of council. I do not take this opportunity lightly and if
you choose me to represent you at our council table I will use this partial term (12 months) to gain
valuable skills needed to navigate our politics and advance some key issues which such as:

Limiting non-native access to our waters and land without proper band member
accompaniment or authorization.

Instituting a game warden to exercise jurisdiction on tourism with checks and balances for nonnatives in areas of the Eagle Forest for Fishing and Small game hunting by enforcing a limited
licensing system.

Encouraging and supporting our cultural identity and uniqueness through self-determination.

Looking within our own community for skills and expertise when and where they exist to fill the
roles and jobs required at all levels of our infrastructure i.e. the Band Office, the Health Centre.

Encouraging more collaboration by our various departments in certain areas thereby leveraging
a volume discount scenario. There is an abundance of overlap of spending in areas of support
within administrative roles, and those roles are outsourced (off-Reserve). Our monies are
leaving our nation and not being kept revolving back into our own economies.
I am available to discuss any questions, concerns or insights that you may have. Please feel free to call
me or email me – I would love to hear from you! My phone number and email are:
(819) 334-2339
[email protected]
Let’s keep the dream of our nation alive so that future generations can love our community as much as
we do. In the spirit of togetherness,
Derek Dent (Meness)
May 15, 2015
Kwey, Kwey! Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg,
Ni ojibigē gayē nin nongom ondji, nin damīnendum kichi odamitayāng kichi mashkawīzin kid-akīnang.
Cheryl Tenasco-Whiteduck nin dijnikaz, ni dongibā ondje Kitigan Zibi ashidj nindamitā ondje
abinodjishwogamig. (I write to you today because I want to work with you in building a stronger community.
My name is Cheryl Tenasco-Whiteduck, I live in Kitigan Zibi, and I work at the Kitigan Zibi Daycare)
I have been working at the daycare in Kitigan Zibi for 17½ years (before this I was working at a daycare
centre with a French program in Hull) I came back to Kitigan Zibi to be closer to my late father Albert Tenasco
Jr. because I realized how precious life is after the loss of my mother, Rita Stevens-Tenasco. I also wanted to
“give back to my community” so I spent time working on different projects to contribute to the development of
language and culture, community health and safety, and promoting artistic development within this community.
(Ie. Development of daycare program, Musique Nomade song recording, Mani ashidj Mishen puppet show,
Nosanēyan Wānakiwin group-Drug free community, variety of community fundraisers, member of KZPD
police council for 6 years). I just completed a 5 year term on the Regional committee for Early Childhood
Education with the First Nation Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission. This committee
assists all participating 1st Nations at the community level, and with the provincial government by negotiating
agreements and providing training programs for those working with children. I recently graduated from the
University U.Q.A.M. in Early Childhood Special Needs through one of the programs I assisted in developing. I
am presently the parent representative on the Woodland school board for a second term, where I assist in
overseeing projects and development of elementary and high school programs.
Similar to many members of our community, I am interested in what is happening in our community
with the intentions of contributing to positive long term development that will benefit not only our children but
our grandchildren, and future generations to come. Ensuring a solid foundation and stability for our community
in respect to our lands, our rights and title, our culture and language, our socio-economic status, our health and
safety, is of the utmost importance to me. I realize that there are many challenges in which we must prioritize
and approach with caution and sound judgement. As our struggles with the government persist, which is
already effecting our socio-economic situation, I do believe that we need strong tenacious “Kije-inini” and/or
“Anishinabe-ikwe” to work on a long term strategic plan.
The foundation that our community is built depends on the Strategic Plan of our community in regards to;
-Economic Development (Funding resources, job creation, entrepreneurship, investments)
-Health Services (Recreation services, Medical services, Nursing, Mental health, Social Services, Front line
services, NNadap, Environmental, Income Security, Residential School, Elderly Care, Shelter for Abused etc…)
-Support groups (establishing a permanent location for A.A., N.A., Al-Anon, A.S.C.A, Kokoms etc…)
-Early Childhood Care and Education Services (cultural and language development, bonding and
attachment, whole child development, health and safety, parenting, prevention and early intervention)
-Education Services (Kindergarten, Immersion, Elementary, Secondary, Post-Secondary)
-Community Policing (Sensitization training, Criminal Code, Ethics, Restorative justice)
-Band Administration Services (Service Councils, Finance, Membership, Employment, Funeral services,
water and sewage, garbage and recycling, etc….)
-Human Resource: Employment opportunities, Employee Assistance program, Policy development and
analysis, and strong legal representation to minimize civil action lawsuits against “we” the people and future
generations of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.
-Land Claims (Specific lands claims & Comprehensive lands claims)
-Housing (New home owner assistance program, Policy, Construction, Repairs, Inspection, Housing
committee)
-Culture/Language (Program development, Implementation, Sustainability)
-Forestry & Industry (Mitigog, Awazibi, Environmental Protection etc…)
-Communications: (Radio, Flyers, Community Meetings, Service Council Meetings) finding alternative ways
to communicate with band members who are not on-reserve and those who are absent from band meetings.
These are only some of the areas that our band must maintain and provide services and it is not an easy
task. In the name of UNITY and cooperation, I believe the Kitigan Zibi “Band Council” and the “Anishinabe’
of Kitigan Zibi can build a stronger future for generations to come, as well as, for ourselves if we concentrate on
what we already have, and what we need to promote a healthy standard of living and economic health and
growth of our community. Seeing that we are faced with new and harder challenges like transparency and cut
backs, which means that we must show the government where all the funds/money that is transferred to the
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Band is going. The government will not allow for us to use extra funds for other
much needed projects, and now we are losing flexibility in areas where these dollars were previously shared. In
order to obtain a good grasp of what is happening to our community we must take inventory once again to see
what we presently have to work with, what we can create, and work together on improving and restructuring
some areas in how our community operates. As I see it, we must elect strong representatives from our
community, who will deliver the message of socio-economic needs, cultural values, morals, and who will be
supported by you the people of Kitigan Zibi. In spite of our history we have survived many struggles and built
a resiliency to many hardships which have in turn made us stronger as a community. I would like to benefit
from “Endong” activities myself one day. Therefore, I am willing to work for our community in maintaining
programs that benefit the people.
Je vais utiliser mes efforts pour communiquer les besoins de notre communauté dans l’intention
d’améliorer notre culture et droits inhérents, situation socio-économique et santé et sécurité au sein de la
communauté à tous les niveaux de gouvernement. (I will use my best efforts to communicate our community’s
needs with the intention of improving upon our culture and inherent rights, socio-economic situation, and
health and safety within the community at all levels of government.)
Today I am ready to commit to working for our community with determination, honesty, and respect
and even if I do not get elected to Band Council, I am very happy that you have read this far and have taken the
time to hear my concerns for the Kitigan Zibi Community. Thanking you in advance for your attention, and
I wish you all well, as we continue to live here on the beautiful territory of Kitigan Zibi.
Tongojē Megwetch Kakina,
Cheryl Tenasco-Whiteduck