prfn newsletter january 2010 - Ojibways of the Pic River First

OJIBWAYS OF THE PIC RIVER FIRST NATION
Volume 2, Issue 1
January 2010
BLACK LIQUOR/MPI ISSUE
Jamie Michano
Lands & Resources Coordinator
After the closure of the Marathon Mill, I became involved in an
Environmental Review Tribunal Hearing that involved the
former owners of the mill (Tembec), who were disputing the
fact that they were solely responsible for the clean of up several
industrial waste sites left following the closure of the mill in
April 2009.
As a participant in the Environmental Review Tribunal
Hearing, I was kept informed about all the happenings
surrounding the every growing issues related to the closed mill.
The hearing started mid-summer and as time marched on I
kept saying that Pic River First Nation wants to protect the
environmental integrity of our traditional territory. We are not
so interested in who is responsible for cleaning up these industrial waste dumps, but we just want to make sure that SOMEONE is left responsible.
One of my original submissions to the Tribunal, was that we
want to start discussions on what to do with any stored liquid
chemicals sooner rather than later, because, we don‘t want to
Residents of Pic River and Marathon at the
site of the blockade.
Elder looks on at the MOE/Tembec meeting.
* continued on page 17
ELDER’S CHRISTMAS DINNER
Pic River hosted its
annual Elder‘s Christmas
Dinner on December 15.
The turnout was
incredible with an
attendance of 70 elders
and spouses. A big
thank you to Linda
Michano and her
catering crew, to
Council members and
Administration staff for
the distribution of food, APS officers for drink distribution, the Health
Centre for the gift baskets for the elders, and to Doris, Mary, Dennis,
Doug and their choir of youth for the beautifully sung songs during the
evening.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Administration
2
Finance
3
Health
4
Early Childhood Education
9
Education
10
Economic Development
14
Lands & Resources
17
Social Services
21
Capital Housing
24
Page 2
Chief and Council Meetings are now back on the
air. After a minor technical problem, meetings
will resume on the community channel every
Tuesday at 6:00 pm., unless otherwise stated.
PIC RIVER FIRST NATION STAFF APPRECIATION
Pic River First Nation honored its employees during Staff Appreciation on December 18th with a
delicious lunch and recognition of full time employees for 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25
years, 30 years and 35 years of service to the First Nation.
Front Row (seated) - Chief Roy Michano, Geraldine Michano (20), Alvina Michano (25), Eva Couchie (10), Edna Fisher (10), Cindy
Fisher (35), Councilor Arnold Michano
Second Row – Liz Michano – Children and Family Learning Centre Director, Susan Nabigon (15), Lisa Michano-Courchene (5),
Rose Moses (15), Erica Perkins (10), Debbie Crosson (10), Shirley Michano (35), Doris Robinson (20), Caroline Deschamps (20)
Back Row – Anthony Michano (20), Garland Moses (15), Norma Starr (10), Adele Nabigon (15), Glenda Michano-Nabigon (10),
Douglas Vollett (15), Corrine Skworchinski (5), Joe Michano (10), Marian Turgeon (5), Howard Desmoulin (5), Delphine Nabigon
(35), Morris Desmoulin (15), Thelma Nabigon (30) Robert Starr – Finance Director, Nicole Desmoulin (5), Debi Bouchie, Band
Administrator.
Missing – Esther Michano (35), Kathleen Nabigon (30), Leona Michano (25), Alice Nabigon (20), Byron LeClair (15), Alanna Starr
(15), Adele Hemmingway-Rayasi (15), Helen Andre (10), Stephanie Michano-Drover (10), Daryl Desmoulin (10), Anita Desmoulin
(5), Sandra McIntyre (5), Gloria Sauve (5), Sandra Desmoulin (5), Melodie Touchette (5) and Cheri Desmoulin (5)
Page 3
ASSET MANAGEMENT - PSAB 3150 IMPLEMENTATION
PSAB (Public Sector Accounting Board) 3150 is a directive issued to change the way how Assets
(Roads, Buildings, Computers) are tracked and accounted for in the Public Sector (First Nations,
Government, Municipal). PSAB 3150 states that the Public Sector must account for assets the way
business and industry have been doing since the early 1900‘s. Prior to this change, most Pubilc
Sector Organizations have been simply expensing capital acquisitions and not reporting on their
balance sheets the true value of their organization. Since this a complete change to accounting rules,
we must comply or risk having our audit opinion being a
negative one and potentially cause problems with
funding agencies and our banking partners. PSAB 3150
states that we must be compliant prior to March 31st,
2010.
The work involves several steps including defining asset
types within our community, threshold levels, identifying assets, cataloguing, and determining ongoing depreciation. Doris has been instrumental in the identifying and cataloguing stages and is almost complete. In terms of valuation of infrastructure assets, Milestone has been contracted to determine the values of all First Nation building, road, and water infrastructure. This is anticipated to
be completed in the near future and once all the data is collected we can than proceed with putting a
true dollar value to our community infrastructure and assets.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
With recent developments in terms of
computer systems and software Pic River is
now in a position to implement a Records
Management system for securing and
digitizing documents of any type. Our
accounting software provider XYNTAX has
developed an economically feasible
software system for archiving of
documents. We purchased the system and
software in the summer of 2009 and had
our summer student Katie Twance start
using it. She was quite successful and being
able to learn how to use the software and
we now have an archive of over 10 years of
Band Council Resolutions and Council
Meeting Minutes stored.
PERSONAL FINANCE MANAGEMENT
Finance along with Capital, Social Services, and
Early Childhood Education will be meeting in the
near future to develop a series of Personal
Financial Management programs to assist
individuals and families with budgeting, financial
goal setting, and overall financial
management. Keep an eye out for posters
advertising these free programs.
Page 4
CLINICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS
ERICA PERKINS—HEALTH DIRECTOR
The Pic River Health Centre was successful in its application for Clinical Infrastructure Project funds to
the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). These are dollars that NOSM received from the
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to expand and upgrade the learning and clinical education
spaces and equipment in the NOSM clinical learning sites throughout Northern Ontario. The Health
Centre will use these dollars to purchase equipment for the Health Centre. The equipment which has
been identified by staff as a need is a sterilizer, and automatic external defibrillator, an exam table, step
stool and a surgeon‘s stool.
This equipment will benefit the staff working at the Health Centre, the patients who visit the Health
Centre for appointments and the learners from NOSM who do their ICE 106 placement in Pic River.
Good Job Pic River!
COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE UPDATE
SHELLY MICHANO
The H1N1 vaccination clinics were very successful. Over 300 people came out and got vaccinated. Through
that process they protected their families and our community. It is important to remember that even though
you have received the H1N1 Vaccine are protected you are still susceptible
to the seasonal flu.
Our numbers for seasonal flu vaccinations are down by approx. 60%. If a
seasonal influenza outbreak were to occur today, our community would
be at an increased risk from past years because of the decrease in the
number of people vaccinated. Seasonal flu targets our elderly and our
young. It is important that we continue to protect ourselves by hand
washing, hand awareness and vaccinations. We will continue to have the
We are looking forward
to National Literacy
Day on January 27. We
will be set up at the
school and will have our
Healthy Snack Mix for
all the children and
parents to enjoy.
seasonal flu vaccine available at the health centre. We will be holding flu clinics in January and February.
People are encouraged to come out and get vaccinated.
December we held our quarterly healthy weight clinic at the Children & Family Learning Centre. The heights
and weights of 13 children were done.
In the last year we were able to have many
We have been very busy in the schools as
successful Pic River Swim Nights thru the
well. Mel & I have been to all classes with
funding we receive from the Aboriginal
such topics as Diabetes Prevention,
Diabetes Initiative. We look forward to
Personal Safety & Injury and Nutrition.
holding more swim nights. Parents are re-
We will be back in the school in February
minded that the bus is only for those 16 &
for more Nutrition programming.
older or accompanied by adult. Marathon‘s
Port Hole Pool rules apply.
Page 5
When you're a nurse you know that every day you will touch a
life or a life will touch yours. ~Author Unknown
COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE UPDATE
MEDOLDIE TOUCHETTE
Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday. October, November and
December were busy months with the preparation of the HINI and seasonal flu clinics. It kept
everyone quite busy with a large percentage of the community‘s population receiving the vaccine
(HINI). As a reminder, seasonal flu vaccines are still available and those who have not yet received it
(even those who have only received the HINI) are encouraged to do so.
It’s that time of year when it’s cold and slippery outside, which means your risk of
falling is increased. Some risks factors of falling include (Gloria Sauve RN):

Previous falls

Vision Problems

Arthritis

Low blood pressure when standing up or dizzy

Acute illness

Previous Stroke

Hip, knee & / or foot problems

Unsteady when walking

Loss of Balance

Trouble thinking or remembering

Use of drugs/ alcohol

Having to get up to the bathroom quickly

Osteoporosis

Unsafe stairways

Trouble getting in & out of the tub
Do you wear appropriate footwear? You’re
probably thinking to yourself ―I think so‖. Have
you ever inspected your shoe to see if it’s
appropriate to your foot? Here a few guidelines
to help you (Gloria Sauve RN).

A wide toe box (1/2‖ between the tip of the
toe and the end of the shoe

Sufficient depth

Good arch support

Shoe fits without rubbing along any area of
the foot
As people age, some feet tend
 A safe non-slip sole
to spread in the forefoot (toe
 Secured to the foot
area) due to body‘s weight
and activity, which means our feet can
become wider as we age. Do you know if your shoe is wide enough for your foot? Take a blank
piece of paper, and trace the outline of your foot. Now, take your shoe and place it directly over
your tracing and see if your foot is wider than your shoe. If the outline is wider than your shoe, you
will need to replace your shoes with more appropriate ones to fit your feet correctly.
For any questions, please contact Melodie Touchette at 229-1836 ext. 610
Page 6
HEALTH CENTRE RENOVATIONS
ERICA PERKINS—HEALTH DIRECTOR
The Pic River Health Centre has received funding from First Nations Inuit
Health to do renovations to the Health Centre. The renovations will include
upgrades to the bathroom to make it wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair lift
will be installed to make the basement accessible to all members of the
community. A sterilization room is being built, a new furnace and HVAC system
installed and the upstairs of the Health Centre will have a face lift with a new
coat of paint. These renovations will help us better service community members
and improve the working environment for staff.
Milestone Construction is the contractor working on the project and the
renovations began the first week in January. The Health Centre staff and
Milestone Construction are working very hard to ensure services at the Health
Centre are not disrupted during this time. Please have patience as we work
towards improving the Health Centre.
HOME & COMMUNITY CARE
GOOD DAY,
I hope everyone had a great holiday. I am
currently entering my 16th week of
employment with Pic River and am thoroughly
enjoying my position in the Home and
Community Care Program. Until Gloria‘s
return, I am responsible for managing the
program and supervising the home support
staff. Thanks you to all employees and clients
for your patience and understanding during
this transition period.
HOME AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Currently, we have 3 Personal Attendants, 2
Personal Support Workers, and 5 Home
Support Workers working for our community.
Beginning in February, our staff will decrease
as some of our staff will be attending the PSW
program offered in our community.
Congratulations & good luck with your studies.
As well, training sessions have been held for
home care staff on Monday afternoons. Home
care staff have worked through Ontario
Infection Control Network‘s course on
―Infection Control for Personal Support
Workers.‖ Other training included conflict
resolution, professionalism, ethics and
teamwork.
JOHN COOKE
ACCREDITATION
Aside from managing the Home and Community Care
Program, I work one day per week on accreditation
business. As of January 18, 2010 accreditation
committee members have completed all required
organizational practices needed for an Aboriginal
Health Centre. This part of the process is half the
battle, the next task at hand involves working through
the standards and ensuring how we function aligns
with Accreditation Canada.
Starting in February, surveys will be distributed to the
community. We are about to enter into our ‗Primer‘
stage of accreditation. In the ‗Primer‘ stage, we will
gain knowledge about our current state and determine
what areas need work on prior to Accreditation
Canada‘s survey. Please watch for posters advertising
surveys. It is extremely important that we get as much
participation as possible with these surveys.
Community members who fill out a survey will receive
a ballot for some awesome draws at the end of our
survey period.
This truly is an exciting year of change for our clinic
and a time of completion for members who have been
working towards accreditation. Congratulations and in
the words of Lao Tzu – ―The Journey of a thousand
miles must begin with a single step.‖
Page 7
MEDICAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
WENDY TWANCE— HEALTH CLERK
FNIHB Transportation
The FNIHB Thunder Bay Zone Office is requiring at least a 1 to 2 week notice to process applications.
Community members are reminded that the front office processes 70-80 requests for travel to medical
appointments per month. Please get your request for travel as soon as you are aware of your
appointments. If you received an appointment card or letter from the doctor‘s office please bring it in, it
would speed the application process up a bit. FNIHB asks that I contact the doctor‘s office to confirm
over the phone appointments. When you do contact the Health Centre, please have the following
information:
1.
2.
3.
Your full name
The date and time of your appointment
And the name off the specialist and the referring doctor
(For out of town dentist & eye appointment you must have a letter from the
Marathon Dentist or Eye Doctor stating you must travel out of town for this
procedure)
The above information will be provided to the Thunder Bay Zone Office, who will provide a Prior
Approval Number for the needed benefits.
Northern Travel Grant Program
Medical Escort Letters
Community member are to be aware that you are
not to claim mileage through the non-insured
health program if deciding to use a Northern
Travel Grant. And a Northern Travel Grant can‘t
be used when a bus ticket has been purchased
through the non- insured health program.
Medical escorts, either a physician or registered
nurse, may be approved in cases which involve
a client with a health condition where
monitoring and/or stabilization are required
during travel.
Reimbursements
Traditional Healers
(8.1) Medical transportation benefits, within the
client's region/territory of residence, may be
provided for clients to travel to see a traditional
healer or, where economical, for a traditional
healer to travel to the community.
(8.5) The NIHB Program does not pay for any
associated honoraria, ceremonial expenses or
medicines. These costs remain the sole
responsibility of the client.
If wanting to apply for a meal reimbursement
please bring in your hotel invoice and
confirmation letter when you return from
your appointment. There is an extremely high
volume of reimbursements being received by
Thunder Bay Zone Office and due to the change
over in system that was implemented April 1,
2007 community members can expect to wait
4 – 6 months for their reimbursements, please
understand these delays are happening at the
Thunder Bay office and not due to delays in
processing by our staff.
Page 8
ADDICTIONS WORKER
JENNIFER COOKE
Addictions Program
It has been a little over a year since returning to work for the community as the Addictions
Worker. Since returning and adjusting back to a new way of doing things, I have done my best
to offer high quality awareness programs as listed below.
Programs held in 2009
A new system of outreach
I have been piloting is the use
of MSN Messenger. I am
available Monday thru Friday
(Including number of participants in brackets)
Six Week Grief Program (6)
High risk Drug use (30)
8:30 to 4:30 at
[email protected].
Accreditation Committee (8)
Also, I am working on a system
of offering support group
meetings online for our community members, please watch
for future advertisements.
School Programs (9)
Spring Cleansing Feast (50)
Youth in Action (15)
Drug Awareness Presentation (35)
War on Drugs Committee (9)
Gambling Awareness Myths Presentation (60)
Self-Help groups have been a challenge to operate. For the
first four weeks, the ALANON had 4 meetings and the AAA
had 2 meetings. After two months, attendance dropped to
zero. A variety of information session were offered and resulted in zero attendances.
Upcoming Programs
**The key and materials for
AA or Alanon meetings is
available for members to sign
out at the Health Clinic to
hold a meeting. Please let me
know during regular work
hours if you require the key.
8 Week Relapse Prevention Program starting
Monthly Information Session on Various topics starting
February 23, 2010 at 7 p.m.
February 24, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.
Triple P Positive Parenting Program
February 11th. 6:30 (sharp) – 8:00pm
Please register for the Seminar Series with
Tove Desmoulin @ 229-1836 ext. 612, prior
to the first session. Child care can be
provided if requested prior to Tuesday at
3:00pm.
Page 9
Boozhoo from the Learning Centre
Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season. The New Year has started off very busy, with new
children joining our Centre, as well as others coming back.
Clientele:
Licensed For
Enrolled F/T
Socialization
Waiting List
Infants 6
6
No socialization spaces
2
Toddlers 5
Pre-school 16
Before/after school
15
3 F/T
9 F/T
8
3 in socialization
5 in socialization
1
0
Total
26 F/T
8 P/T
3 waiting
We are currently
servicing 25 families.
CENTRE EVENTS
Monday’s at 1p.m. at the Port Hole Pool – Moms and Tots swimming (started Jan 11 runs till March 10)
January 21st 1:30 – 3:30 – Mom and Baby Social at the Youth Centre (once a month)
January 26th at 7 p.m. – Men‘s Native Language Social at the Learning Centre - monthly
January 27th at 6 p.m. – Simple Healthy Meals – first 10 participants – small fee of $5.00 – monthly
February 11th at 3:00 – 4:30 – Valentines Tea – pop in for beverages and snacks
To be announced at a later date:
Budgeting workshop
Sewing – Baby Star Blankets
We will be running another Esso math program starting March 22nd; first 5 families of children in
preschool to grade 1 will be accepted.
The following is a list of the themes for the centre:
*Parents a reminder to dress your
children appropriate for the
weather. We are required to take
the children outside daily. Also
please have your emergency clothing
bags into the Centre as soon as possible; this is for your child’s safety.
(Notes went home in November.)
Week of Jan. 18 – Winter Transportation
Week of Jan. 25th – Literacy
Week of Feb. 1st – Groundhog‘s
Week of Feb. 8th - Valentines
Week of Feb. 15th- Families
Week of Feb. 22nd - Community
Page 10
PIC RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten Class News
The kindergarten class has been busy doing winter activities. We are continuing to
learn about letters and letter sounds. The JK‘s are continuing to explore numbers,
shapes and colors during math. The SK‘s have been doing sorting activities and
have been exploring graphing during math. In Science, we are learning about the
five senses. The kindergarten class continues to enjoy the library every Wednesday and they enjoy
reading books and listening to stories daily. The SK homework program continues to be going well
and a big thank you to each parent for their continued support in the child‘s education. We are all
looking forward to spring and the warm weather it brings.
Mrs. Skworchinski
Grade 1 & 2 Classrooms News
In science, the Grade 1 and 2's have been
studying Needs and Characteristics of Living
Things. Animals, plants and people. They
have discovered what living things need to
live and grow. They ways living things are
alike and different.
The students are showing their potato
experiment. They learned that not all plants
are grown from seeds. A rotten potato will
grow roots to grow a new potato plant.
Alexis Nabigon, Bailey Michano, Tori Tyance, Cadence Michano, Gabriel Michano, Dawson Courchene,
Kyrha Moses - McWatch, Kyra Michano, Mackenzie Courchene, Devin Twance, Heather Twance, Landon Starr.
Grade 5&6 Classroom News
The Grade 5 & 6 classroom has been moving along. The Grade 5 students have been especially busy
with math units, completing their work at a quick pace. Both grades have completed a social studies
unit on Early Civilizations, and have now moved on to a new unit in science (Forces on Structures).
Practicing for the Christmas Concert was a lot of fun, and the students enjoyed
learning and playing the recorders. Most students have picked up Ringette
(Physical Education) very quickly, and are enjoying themselves. I would like to
remind all parents and guardians that indoor shoes are required within the
school and the Community Hall. Please ensure that your child has mitts, a hat,
and a sweater for the emergency fire bag that will be kept in the classroom..
Miss Widera
Page 11
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr. Seuss
Grade 7 & 8 Classroom News
The grade 7 & 8 class is busy into their second term. In science, students
have been conducting experiments with fluids and learning the properties
of fluids. During math, they have been studying integers and fractions.
Students have also been writing different types of letters during language
arts.
The students are extremely interested in our current topic in history,
treaties. All have been assigned a Treaty in Canada to explore and write
about. They will be displaying the information when all assignments are completed, please look
out for these displays
As we continue with winter related themes, students will be going curling, and snow shoeing as part
of their physical education activities.
Skate- A Thon for Haiti
Staff and students at Pic River Elementary helped the Maintenance Department organize a skate a thon for Haiti Earthquake
victims. On Friday, Jan 22, more than 50 students skated for
this cause and $2258 was raised. We would like to thank Esther,
and Delphine for their time in the kitchen, the maintenance crew
for the outside work, all those students and parents and other
community members who came out and supported this event.
There were also a number of departments and individuals that
donated hot dogs and hot chocolate, this was greatly appreciated.
Way to go Pic River! A donation will be made to the Canadian
Red Cross once at the end of the week. Way to go!!
Page 12
POST SECONDARY
SUPPORT
“Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
[email protected]
Semester one of the current academic year has come to a close and students are well into semester
two. All students are reminded that transcripts MUST be sent to the Post Secondary office in
January and April. Graduating students must also forward their final transcripts.
REMINDER: Please submit book receipts to the Post Secondary office. If you have exceeded your
allocated amount and if funding is available, the receipts must be sent in to be considered for
reimbursement.
Post Secondary Policy
The policy is available at
www.picriver.com under post
secondary education.
Personal Support Worker Full Time
Program in Pic River
The Personal Support Worker Program is scheduled
to begin on Monday February 1st. This program is
being run through St. Clair College and Anishinabek
Educational Institute. Students will be in full time
attendance for the next 8 months (2 semesters),
both in class and working through their placements.
Post Secondary Funding Application
Deadlines
The deadlines for funding are:
Spring/Summer:
April 15
Fall/Winter:
May 15
Applications can be found at www.picriver.com –
post secondary education or at the Post Secondary
office located at Pic River Elementary School.
Contact North Office
Now Open in Pic River!
Pic River is now home to a new Contact
North Office! Students will be able to
register in distance education programs
and study right in the community! For
further information and to see courses
available, please contact Amanda
Post Secondary Incentive Program
Students may be eligible for an incentive
through the Pic River Post Secondary Student
Support Program. Guidelines and
application are available at www.picriver.com
under post secondary education. Other
scholarship, bursary and grant information is
available at the Post Secondary office and can
be obtained by calling Lila at 229-0188.
Students are reminded to check with the
college or university for any scholarships that
may be offered through your
educational institute!
Good luck to all students in their programs of study!
Page 13
Christmas
Concert
2009
Santa makes a special visit to Pic River for
the evening.
School choir entering the audience with a
rendition of Mary’s Boy Child.
Kindergarten class… save your voices, you
have another 8 years of performances to
go yet.
Page 14
SMALL BUSINESS COMPLEX
The Small Business Complex is coming along. Construction is on schedule with an expected
completion date of March 29, 2010.
To show the changes happening inside the Old Daycare/Private High School and Economic
Development‘s future Small Business Complex, we will keep you updated with Before and After
pictures.
Before
Before
Before
Now - major changes to come!
Now - Common Area, viewing the
stairs to the mezzanine level.
Now - Boardroom
Page 15
The building will house several initiatives already presented to the community.
Some of those programs will be:

An Aboriginal Lending Circle - The purpose of this program is to provide small
business loans to low-income individuals or to those who have no/bad credit and to
create new livelihoods and enhanced capacity for self-improvement. One of the
objectives of this program is to help generate small business development, assist first
time borrowers to start, maintain and expand small businesses, and reduce loan loss
risk. The lending circle will consist of five members who will meet on a monthly basis.
These five individuals will be chosen through an application process. They will provide
business support, advice and feedback to one another and will work together to ensure
timely repayment of every member‘s loan.

The Small Business Training Center

The Begetekong Arts and Crafts Cooperative - Our goal is to develop a program
for the production, marketing, and sales of Pic River‘s arts and crafts. This program
can help artists develop profiles, market their products, teach business skills, and
provide a facility where artists can work on-site and share their art and culture. The
first step towards establishing this program is to set up a meeting with local artists to
discuss plans for creating an Arts & Crafts Program.

Home to the First Nation energy initiatives
WE’RE ON THE WEB!
FOR INFORMATION ON THE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS, CHECK OUT:
www.picriverhydro.com
www.kagianopower.com
www.begetekongpower.com
Page 16
ALLS
F
U
NITO
A
M
D
S AN
T
L
L
A
OJEC
F
R
H
P
G
C
HI
CTRI
E
L
E
O
HYDR
Pic River is proposing to construct a
hydroelectric facility at Manitou Falls
and at High Falls, located on the Pic
River approximately 70 and 85 km
upstream from Lake Superior. The
sites were awarded to Pic River by the
Ministry of Natural Resources as part
of the Competitive Site Release
process. Pic River received Applicant
of Record Status on April 28, 2009.
The project is located on provincial
Crown land within the traditional
land use areas of the Pic River, Ginoogaming, Long Lake No. 58, and
Pic Mobert First Nation communities.
Once constructed, the project will:



Generate environmentally
sustainable hydroelectric power
on a consistent reliable basis;
Connect to and utilize existing
transmission to deliver power
generated by the project to the
grid; and
Produce electricity to be sold under contract to the Ontario Power Authority, in turn,
deriving financial benefits for Pic River.
If you would like more information on this hydroelectric project, Pic River
will be holding a Public Information Session sometime in February. Watch
for postings around the community and on the community channel.
Page 17
* continued from page 1
sitting here in the middle of December
when it‘s 30 below wondering what
we‘re going to do with freezing liquids.
So, while the lawyers for Tembec and
the Ministry of Environment wrestled
with this motion and that stay, and this
discover and that affidavit, our worst
fears were becoming a reality. As it
turned out, Tembec and the Ministry of
the Environment had a meeting in
downtown Toronto during the last
week of November 2009 and struck up
a settlement agreement on how to
properly and safely deal with the black
liquor that was stored at the mill site.
Community meeting held on December 11 at the community hall.
On December 3rd, 2009 we were made aware of a decision of the Environmental Review Tribunal that
allowed Tembec to dump nearly 1,000,000 gallons of concentrate black liquor into the mills spills
settling basin or the SSB.
This decision caught us totally off guard, simply because, the dumping of black liquor into the SSB was
never an environmentally sound option according to the Ministry of Environment representatives sitting
in on the ERT hearing. The only two environmentally sound options throughout the whole ERT hearing
were to truck the liquid chemicals off site or to keep them heated in the mill throughout the winter. Well,
as we all know now, the decision that was made was not the most environmentally sound. The ERT
approved a plan that allowed them to pump this black liquor through a pipe to the SSB, which is located
about 4.5 km south east of Marathon on the shore of Lake Superior. We tried to stop this from
the moment we learned of the plan to pipe the black liquor, but we couldn‘t stop them. We stressed that
we were not properly consulted on this plan. We asked for some time to review their plan. We asked for
time to have our own technical experts to review the science behind their plan. We asked for time….just a
few days. But, the answer was NO. They were going to start piping the liquors the following day.
Continued on next page
Off Reserve Membership Consultation
To better engage a wider scope of membership with regards to consultation processes, Lands & Resources will be hosting an off-reserve consultation meeting in Thunder Bay on the first weekend of
March. We will do our best to advertise this meeting to Pic River membership in Thunder Bay and
the surrounding area. We will keep everyone posted as details are confirmed.
Page 18
This is where the history of this issue really starts. After 15 hours of piping the black liquor, employees
notice that there is a leak in the pipeline. All work stops immediately. Turns out that their safest most
environmentally sound option wasn‘t so safe after all.
They now had to come up with plan B. This plan, as we
all now know, was to truck the black liquor, from the
mill through the town of Marathon to the SSB. This is
when Terry Needham said enough was enough.
Terry blocked the road to the SSB with his truck on the
morning of December 11th. Councilor Ken Lees and
myself headed to town to support the efforts of Mr.
Needham and the rest is history. The blockade of the
SSB road lasted for several days and incited quite a lot
of discussion around many issues. The main issue was
that we did not want concentrate black liquor to be
dumped into the SSB.
Tour of the first spill site on MPI property .
We finally got what we wanted. Chief Michano was quite clear in his position throughout the 10 days
during the blockade. We do not want this black liquor in our territory. Take it elsewhere.
Tembec agreed to removing the majority of the black liquor to existing operational mills and storing the
rest of the black liquor in an area of the mill which had the capability to be heated throughout the winter,
and then removing the liquor in the spring.
This does not mean that there are not other environmental issues
related to the mill, most importantly, the remaining black liquor
that was left in the pipe following the original piping that took
place on December 4th. At a meeting of Council on January 11th, a
decision was made to allow Tembec and the Ministry of
Environment to move ahead with dealing with the residual liquors
left in the pipe. This is ‗their problem…and they‘re now responsible
to deal with it‘. We made our point very clear. We did not want this
black liquor to be dumped into the SSB. We achieved a minor
victory when, as a group, we managed to stop the trucking of the
black liquor to the basin.
We now must be very vigilant and keep the pressure on the Ministry of Environment and Tembec to be sure that they clean up the
mess that they‘ve left us.
After all is said and done, there is still the ERT hearing process
which needs to run its course. That process will start in early
spring. I would encourage any interested resident of Pic River First
Nation to attend the hearings in Marathon.
Tour of the MPI property on December 15.
Jamie Michano—Lands & Resources Coordinator
Page 19
UP AND COMING PROJECTS
Pic River’s Pilot Recycling Program
In the spirit of being more environmentally responsible,
Lands and Resources will be launching a Recycling Pilot
Program in Pic River the early Spring that will include
curb side pick up of recyclables through ReCool. This one
year pilot project was made possible through the Lands
Environmental Action Fund under INAC and was
designed for residents to become stewards of the land
through the promotion and use of recycling. Again, we
need the support of the community to ensure the success
and longevity of this program. The official recycling
awareness campaign will launch in mid-February. More
details to follow.
Curriculum Development
Lands and Resources are always brainstorming ideas to increase the
awareness of the issues happening on our traditional territory. With that in
mind, we have come up the idea for curriculum development that will
provide a better understanding for our younger membership. Our target will
be grades K-12. This is an on-going art project that will begin this month.
Franklin Roosevelt best said it, ―we can‘t always build for the future but we
can build our youth for the future.‖
David Bell Mine Closure Plan
On December 14, Barrick Gold presented the
David Bell Mine Closure Plan to about 50
community members. After the presentation
and community Q & A, attendees were
entered into a participation draw.
Page 20
Treat the earth well.
It was not given to you by your parents.
It was loaned to you by your children.
~Ancient Proverb~
Land Use Management
In January, Lands and Resources held several
meetings and session with members from the
community regarding two important projects,
Sensitive Areas mapping (PRFN Traditional
Territory) and the Land Use Management Plan for
the Mouth of the Pic.
The consultants from PlanLab, Dave Carruthers
and Stephen Wilburn were on hand to lead the
discussions in each of the sessions. There was an
elder‘s meeting, a youth meeting, an advisory
committee and individual meetings were held
through the week of January 19 – 22. A significant
amount of data was collected over from these
meetings from input of different sorts. An overall
community meeting will be held sometime in
Workshops to Look Out For …
In conjunction with the Centre for
Indigenous Environmental
Resources (CIER), we will be
holding 2 workshops;
*Environmental Assessment
*Climate Change.
Dates for these workshops have not
yet been determined, but
advertisements will go up as soon as
possible. We would like interested
community members to take part in
these workshops as these are issues
that will be greatly impacting our
traditional lands.
February to provide an overview of both projects
thus far, and to
garner additional
input from the
community. A date
has not yet
confirmed, so watch
for advertisements. A
thank you to all who
participated in these
sessions, your input
is important!
Page 21
FROM THE SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR’S DESK
SELF-FUNDED LEAVE
Greetings. As most of you have already heard I am soon going on ―one year of
self-funded leave‖, starting April 1, 2010. One of the band‘s employee benefits is
―self-funded leave‖. So for the past two years I received 2/3 of my pay and
the other 1/3 was put away for me to draw from, for the year that I am off.
I am calling this my ―practice retirement‖. I was worried about going right
into retirement because I read somewhere that 68% of people who retire go
back into the work force. Some people go back to work for financial
reasons but many people just can‘t stand not working. With the
self-funded leave I‘ll get to see how I like not working, and if I really hate it
then I still have the option to return to my job. I know that I will really miss
many things about working here, especially all the great people.
Right now we are looking at possible ways of re-structuring to cover the vacancies.
It hasn‘t yet been decided, exactly how to do that. But hopefully they will soon post
my position.
ADDICTIONS SURVEY
One of the goals and objectives that was on the Social Services Strategic Plan was to get baseline
information on the level of addictions in the community. We know from past surveys and from
experience that addictions to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine,
prescription drugs, gambling, over-eating, etc., etc., are very high
amongst Native people. So in order to effectively address the
problems, and to access additional resources to address the
problems, we need to get some accurate baseline information. We
need to know what percentage of the community struggles with
addictions. What are people addicted to? Have they ever quit? If
they quit, did they pick up a new addiction?
We had a little bit of money left from a grant so we have advertised
for an 8 week Social Services Assistant and Information
Communication Technician to help us with this survey.
Page 22
Actual carnival date set for March 14th- 20th.
We’re hoping to have both daytime and evening events.
Theme of Carnival this year, will be depended on Pic River Elementary students‘ inputs and efforts,
and will be later decided on chief and council for Winter Carnival Theme. Next community winter
carnival meeting is scheduled for Jan 28th 7pm here at the youth centre. Face book winter carnival
page will be advertised by Feb 1st. We are hoping for more community input and involvement, along
with supporting volunteers.
Community Involvement
WE can use your ideas and involvement. There are any ways to show your
support and help out. By wanting events for both day and evening, I‘m hoping
more community members will want to help host and or help coordinator an
event during carnival week.
The Recreation Staff (Nicole, Vinny and I) along
with Social Services Staff (Eva and Tove) are
currently compiling the Policies and Procedures
for the Pic River Youth Centre. We are almost
complete and will soon be ready to submit the
rough draft to Chief and Council. I will also be
posting the rough draft within the next month, as
each sheet gets revised, to the Pic River Website
under the Recreation tab. Please leave your input!
(www.picriver.com) Your opinions are highly valuable regarding this process.
I am available on Tuesdays and Thursdays working out of the Pic River Health Centre assisting
Nicole and Eva with any projects or duties that
need extra help completing. I am enjoying my
time with the Recreation/Social Services Programs. My contract is finished March 31st of this
year and I will continue doing my best and help
where I‘m needed in these departments until
my contract expires.
Enjoy your day!
Julia Michano
Recreation Coordinator Assistant
So far, Community suggestions made,
from last carnival meeting (Jan 28th
@7pm youth centre)
* Snow sculptures
* Community Theme Parade
* Dance/ Jamboree/ coffee house to end the
carnival week
* Broom ball family fun
* Adult Social, That famous Steam Dump
ling Contest, apple pie
* Canasta Party
* Family Scavenger hunt (GPS)
* Curling
* Relay Races
* Skating/ Sliding Party
* Chili Cook off
* Theme days
* Cross country skiing
* Movie Night
* Youth night
* Kiddie Carnival
Anyone wanting
to volunteer or
need volunteer
hours call
229-3699.
28 1-4hike day
Sign up
7-10 healthy
kitchen
14 Valentine‘s Day!
Heart Day 1-4
crafts/games/
healthy
snacks
7-10 Fear factor
21youth council
1pm
1-4 drum making
7-10 drum making
continue
7 youth council
1pm
1-4 skating party/
hot choc. Provide
7-10 drop in
Sun
Youth Council
1pm all youth welcomed!
7-10 funny money
poker play night
prizes!!!
22 3-5 colour me
crazy contest
7-10 frustration/
board games
15 3-5 hide the
chief
7-10 craft/ art project
23 3-5 youth
kitchen
healthy mix snack
7-10 floor hockey/
volleyball
16 3-5 tai chi
exercises
7-10 basket ball/
badminton
9 3-5 drum social
7-10 king‘s court/
basketball/floor
hockey
25 3-5 girls & boys
group activity
7-10 Drop In
7-10 Drop ins
7-10 drum social
11 3-5 scavenger
hunt
7-10 Survivor
Night
good guys vs the
others!!!
18 3-5 craft day
4 3-5 karaoke
day
7-10 Rock band
Thurs
18+
Open Sports
when hall available
24 3-5 girls & boys
group activity
7-10 skate night/
boot hockey
17 3-5 dance games
younger kids
7-10 Movie
Night
10 3-5 ice breaker
games/board
games
3 3-5 sports day
field games
7-10 Drop in
2 3-5 shadow play
Groundhog day
7-10 dodge ball/
basketball
1 3-5 snow
art, outdoor play
7-10 canasta night/
Board games
8 3-5 hike day
sign up
Wed
NO JUNK FOOD
Zone!!
Tues
Sports
Night
Mon
Craft Night/
board/card games
7-10
26 3-5 drop in
7-12 skating/
open sport
19 3-5 craft day
con‘t
7-12 volleyball
Coaching/ game
12 3-5 winter
games
7-12 younger kids
choice of sport
open sport
5 3-5 drop in/
Valentine craft
7-12 volleyball/
badminton
Fri
*NEW
SPORTS NIGHT*
8-12
27 1-4 Badminton
Family fun day
7-12 youth Dance
Party! Drop ins
20 1-4 hike at the
dunes, sign up
7-12 movie night/
fear factor night
13 1-4 Open Volleyball fun day
7-12 Gaming Night
Mario Party night
6 1-4 sliding Party
@ the Pitt
7-12 hand and foot
night tournament
Sat
1-4
Family Sports
7-12 Drop in
RECREATION CALENDAR—FEBRUARY 2010
Page 23
Page 24
Home Improvement Program
Plans for the first set of the Home Improvement Plan are coming to
a closed. It is aniticipated by the end of March, this project will listed
as complete. We would like to congratulate all those who are involved in this program as we are beginning see the overall objective
of the Housing Program becoming a reality – Home Ownership and
Transfer.
Yes, we will be moving ahead with more of the Home Improvement
Program. Council gave approval to the Housing Committee recommendation to continue on with an additional 18 units. A Program is
currently under review with a plan to start by the beginning of April
2010.
The implementation plan is now different as we are now utilizing our own members to implement
the program of course with some guidance of Milestone. Please be kind and assist our office in
acknowledging the work and commitment of Kevin Connor and his crew in the construction of 34
housing units as well as the 19 unit Home Improvement Program.
Section 20 & 18 Units
The Capital/Housing Program has recognized that two projects are
winding down with their 25 year commitment. Eventually, these units
will be the first to take part in the Home Ownership Program.
However, to ensure that these units are up to standards, plans are under
way to review their condition and to ensure that we have proper
resources that would bring the units up to code prior to their transfer.
This year, the Capital Housing Program will be making an application
under the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for one of their
grant program to ensure we have the proper resources to assist in this
upgrade. Items such the replacement of major capital items such as furnaces, windows, siding and
roofing will be requested. Deadline for applications for this program is set for February 22, 2010.
We are hoping to inform our members of the results by the end of May 2010. Should be become
successful in our application request, we will inform the program participants of how we plan to
implement this approved project.
Page 25
A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.
~Benjamin Franklin~
Northern Housing Conference
On February 23-25, 2010, the 8th Annual First Nations Northern
Housing Conference will be held at the Valhalla Inn, in Thunder
Bay, Ontario. Mr. Garland Moses, Capital Housing Manager will
be one the presenters at the CMHC workshop. His topic of
discussion will focus on Administration.
The housing office will be closed from Monday, February 22, 2010
to February 26, 2010. We will be back in the office on Monday,
March 1, 2010. If you have any maintenance concerns, please call
Tony or Joe Michano at 229-0302.
BREATHE EASIER: Its heating season. You will enjoy
cleaner air and a more efficient furnace by cleaning your
furnace filter every month.
Household
Tips
DEMYSTIFY YOUR BATHROOM: During and after showering,
run your bathroom fans for 30 minutes. The fan removes steam and moisture from the air which causes mold.
DUST OFF YOUR GRILL: Vacuum your bathroom fan grill. Dust will
clog the grill and prevent the fan from removing moisture in the bathroom
making it a place that mold could grow.
Training Programs
In order to support the transfer of housing units to our membership, the Capital Housing program
will begin the implementation of training sessions for our staff and our membership.
Plans are being consider for implementation in the area of the care and
maintenance of Heating Recovery Ventilation systems, furnaces and basic plumbing such as sewage and laundry pumps, septic system care and
schedule of the septic tanks and proper care of the field beds. These programs will be set up every second month starting in the month of May
2010.
Throughout the year, other items will be consider once we received your
feedback as to how the balance of the training and maintenance program should be design.
Page 26
Housing Authority
An open house will be set for February 16, 2010 to provide with a summary of
the discussion and planning of the Housing Authority.
Over the past few months, we have been meeting with Tom Laronde from
Four Winds along with members of the Housing Committee and the
implementation committee. The Implementation Committee is composed of
Clyde Cooke, Daryl Desmoulin Robert Starr and Jerald Desmoulin. The main
objective of the implementation committee is to look at various structures we may want to opt into to
response to how our First Nation can separate the housing portfolio from the First Nation operation to
their own separate identity.
Posting of this session will be posted on our community channel as well as public buildings. Please keep
your eyes open for these announcements.
Annual Income Reviews
The Housing Department is now in the process of conducting their annual
household income reviews for 2009/10. Letters were sent out in December
2009.
The purpose of our annual reviews is not solely for the purpose of calculating
rent. It is also used for audit purposes. This is why it is very important that
our files are kept up to date.
All income reviews need to be completed by the end of February. Second notice letters should be
going out in the mail in the next few weeks. Please have all information into our office as soon as
possible.
Housing Committee
The housing department is very pleased to welcome Angela Desmoulin and
Jerald Desmoulin along with a few old faces Daryl Desmoulin, Doris
Robinson and Collette Goodchild to serve for a two-year term.
Our
Housing Portfolio representatives are Daniel Michano and Louis Nabigon.
We look forward to working with the housing committee for the next 2
years.
Page 27
PIC RIVER ENERGY PROGRAM PURCHASES EQUIPMENT
The Capital/Housing Program through their Maintenance Staff accepts a piece of equipment that
supports and makes their role in keeping the community a safe place to work and live. The 2009
John Deere 317 along with attachments which comprise of 8 foot blade, two sizes of buckets and a
sweeper comes from the Energy Program which is under the management of Bryon LeClair, Director
of Energy.
This piece of equipment is an addition to what the equipment has to do many of the task on their
own and is looking forward to others that can make their work dependable.
The maintenance staff is appreciative and feels confident that piece of equipment is valuable and can
increase their tasks in providing the community with a safe and healthy environment.
Contacting Our Office
Please feel free to contacting our office by phone or email. Our contact numbers are as follows:
Garland Moses, Capital/Housing Manager, 807-229-1749, ext 23 or email, [email protected]
Theresa Thompson, Housing Arrears Administrative Officer, 807-229-1749 or email, [email protected]
OJIBWAYS OF THE PIC RIVER FIRST NATION
P.O. Box 193
78 Pic River Road
Heron Bay, Ontario
P0T 1R0
P: 807-229-1749
F: 807-229-1944
The Making of a First Nation
The Pic River Current is a quarterly newsletter distributed by the
Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation. Your comments or feedback
are always welcome. For more information about any of the articles,
feel free to contact us.
If any community members would like to submit articles,
stories,, pictures, etc. for the quarterly community newsletter
can do so by emailing: [email protected].
www.picriver.com
Olympic Torch Relay 2010
On January 3, the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay
entered our Traditional Territory and made a stop
in Marathon for a celebration. Members of Pic
River got to take part in the festivities. After a
welcoming from Chief Michano, students from
the Pic River Elementary School Choir sang a
song in English and Ojibway and members of the
community also used hand drums to sing for the
audience of over 400 people. Job well done!
As part for the Torch Relay festivities leading up to the
main event, on November 28, Pic River entered a float
into the Marathon Annual Christmas Parade. The theme
was the ―The Magic of Gold, Silver and Bronze.‖ Pic
River‘s float placed 2nd in the Community Category.
Way to go!!
A big thank you to all those who made the events before
and during the Olympic Torch Relay a success, to members
of the Committee—Lila Donaghy & Juanita Starr & to the
numerous volunteers who helped out. We couldn‘t have
done it without you. MIIGWETCH!!