TSUUT`INA DASAALI - Dit`onik`odza Limited Partnership

TSUUT’INA DASAALI
THE CHARITY’S REPORT
TO COMMUNITY 2014
1
M E S SAG E F R O M T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R
S
INCE OPENING THE DOORS
of the Grey Eagle Casino in
2007, we have seen consistent growth of community
programs and services that have increased the quality
of life for Tsuu T’ina members.
As our community continues to grow, so will our need for better
programs and services to maintain our health and prosperity.
Careful planning and thoughtful programming will continue to
drive us toward our goal of building a more prosperous community
for future generations.
IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I PRESENT YOU WITH
THE CHARITY’S REPORT TO THE TSUU T’INA COMMUNITY.
In the pages that follow, you will find information about the
programs that have been funded, including those that support
housing, health and education, and will hear from community
members who have directly benefited from them.
As the Executive Director of the Charity, I am so proud of what we
have achieved in the past seven years as a community, and the
progress we have made towards sustainability and self-sufficiency.
The Charity will continue to set new goals and objectives in our
pursuit of building capacity to develop a healthy, strong, vibrant
community, and we look forward to many more challenges and
successes along the way.
I encourage you to read this report in its entirety and want to
thank each and every one of you who contribute to our
community on a daily basis; your dedication is appreciated.
Siyisgaas, thank you,
TA M M Y W H I T N E Y
2
executive director
3
M E S S AG E F R O M CO M B I N E D G E N E R A L M A N AG E R A DV I S O R
F
OR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS,
our team of 40 employees have
effectively managed the cash cage, upholding the
regulatory policies required to operate in the casino.
Our employees have done an exceptional job managing the
responsibilities of the cash cage, including providing high-quality
service to customers, running chips to open and close table games,
handling chip exchanges, recording cash coming in and out of the
cage, and reconciling cash at the end of each shift.
ON BEHALF OF THE COMBINED GENERAL MANAGER
ADVISORS OF THE CHARITY CASH CAGE, I AM PLEASED
TO PRESENT THIS REPORT TO THE TSUU T’INA
COMMUNITY.
We know that working in the cash cage can be stressful as it comes
with a lot of responsibility, which is why and we want to thank each
and every one of our employees for their dedication and continued
commitment to its successful operation – without you, our success
would not be possible.
As we move forward, our team will continue to strive toward
creating a best-in-class gaming facility that customers repeatedly
visit and that will better shape the future of the Tsuu T’ina Nation.
We take so much pride in the work that we do and look forward
to continuing to successfully operate the Charity Cash Cage.
Thank
n you,
SHARLENE BIGPLUME
4
combined general manager advisor
com
5
CHARITY CASH CAGE STAFF
Matthew Abtosway, Leah Alexis, Nostha Alexis, Lacey Baker,
Terry Baptiste, Sherry Baptiste, Kendra Bigstony, Daphne Big
Eye, Dominic Big Crow, Jordan Big Plume, Sharlene Big Plume,
Trudy Big Plume, Joanne Crane, Trevor Cutknife, Candace
Giroux, Danielle George, Frances Jensen, Jaylene Lagrelle,
Jessica Liening, Lila Little Chief, Jewell Melting Tallow,
Kudakwashe Mucheri, Lydia Mucheri, Shelda Panisiak, Robert
Pelletier, Dwayne Reznik, Michaeline Running Bird, Roxie
Schukat, Trina Shorting, Shalane Smallboy, Carla Starlight,
Cody Starlight, Keshia Starlight, Judith Sutherland, Maryanne
Tomso, John Whitney, Paula Whitney, Peggy Yaceyko.
6
7
ANDY ONESPOT councilor
G
ROWING UP ON THE TSUU T’INA RESERVE,
Andy
witnessed the struggles his parents and grandparents
faced, and is now working hard to ensure that the
H A S
F I R S T
S E E N
H A N D
H O W
CHARITY-FU N D E D PROGRA MS
H A V E
C H A N G E D
P E O P L E ’ S
8
L I V E S .
Charity has programs in place that can help these students
choose a career path that will lead them to success and bring
quality of life improves for future generations.
value to the community.
After successfully running his electrical company for 35 years,
“The Host First Nation Charitable Casino Policies Handbook
Andy decided to let his sons take over the business so he could
(brown book) is set up to support children, and that’s important
continue to work for the Tsuu T’ina community as a member
because we need to invest in our next generation,” says Andy.
of Council.
A N D Y
The next generation of Tsuu T’ina leaders need support and the
Since the casino began operating in 2007, Charity dollars have
Andy joined the Tsuu T’ina Council in 2010, and has seen
funded many programs that have improved the quality of life for
first-hand how Charity funded programs have changed people’s
everyone on the reserve and provided more opportunities for
lives.
young people to succeed.
“The money that comes from the casino supports every
Andy admits that the funding process is complicated and can
program on the reserve and benefits everyone no matter what
be difficult to understand because it’s unlike any other funding
position they are in,” says Andy. “With this funding, we have
they’ve ever had in their history.
been able to build more houses, provide better health programs
and encourage our children to pursue higher education.”
“The revenue that’s generated from the casino is regulated by
the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission,” explains Andy.
When Andy grew up, he noticed there was limited support for
“Charity dollars have to be distributed to the community as
health programs, not enough housing for families and says many
outlined in the brown book, otherwise we could lose our casino.”
children did not go on to college or university.
Andy encourages people who are interested in finding out how
“My mom was always big on education because she went to
to receive support from Charity funded programs to visit the
catholic residential school,” says Andy. “Her belief in education
Charity’s office or to come and meet with Chief and Council.
was passed down to me, and it’s something I’m passing down to
my children and grandchildren – and is something I want all of
the children on the reserve to consider after high school.”
“I ran for Council because I wanted to help people, and that’s
what I’m here to do,” says Andy. “And the Charity’s office is here
to support the community too.”
9
FIRST NATION GAMING POLICY IN ALBERTA
IN 2001, THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE
FIRST NATION GAMING POLICY, PROVIDING INTERESTED
FIRST NATIONS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR
AND OPERATE A CASINO FACILITY.
U
NDER THIS POLICY, FIVE HOST FIRST NATIONS
were
approved to build casinos, including:
• Tsuu T’ina First Nation, Grey Eagle Resort and Casino;
• Enoch First Nation, River Cree Resort and Casino;
• Cold Lake First Nation, Casino Dene;
• Stoney Nakoda First Nation, Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino;
and
• Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation, Eagle River Casino.
10
These five Host First Nations worked collaboratively with the
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to create the Host First
Nation Charitable Casino Policies Handbook to regulate First
Nation casino operations and the disbursement of charitable
funds through First Nation licensed charities.
The creation of the Host First Nation Charitable Casino Policies
Handbook marks a significant achievement for Alberta’s First
Nation gaming communities, as it is currently the most lucrative
funding model that has been negotiated and implemented
in Canada.
11
THE CHARITY
THE DIT’ONIK’ODZA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP & GUJA
NATS’IYINI’HI BOARD IS TSUU T’INA’S LICENSED CHARITY.
T
HE CHARI T Y I S RESPO NSI B LE for managing the
Charity Mission
operations of the Charity Cash Cage, which oversees
A funding source and support system that enhances the
the recording and collection of charitable proceeds
Tsuu T’ina First Nation
from slot machines and table games at the Grey Eagle Casino
and the Charity Administrative Office, which oversees the
management and disbursement of charitable funds for
programs and services.
Charity Vision
• Become a leader in the gaming industry in Canada
• Own and guide legislation
• Assist the Tsuu T’ina Nation in becoming sustainable
and self-sufficient
Charity Values
• Integrity
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Capacity Building
• Cultural Legacy
12
13
COMBINED GENERAL MANAGER ADVISORS
THE TSUU T’INA GAMING CORPORATION
The Gaming Corp is a committee of Chief and Council. It provides strategic oversight and direction on casino operations, policy, and
regulatory compliance. It also serves as a liaison between the Charity and Chief and Council, providing dispute resolution services and
guidance in accordance with the Nation’s strategic priorities.
ANDY ONES P OT
BRENT DODGINGHORS E
DIT'ONIK'ODZA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Charity Board is appointed by Chief and Council and is responsible for approving and/or rejecting funding proposals that have
been submitted to the Charity and reviewing the Charity’s annual financial records. Governed by the policies outlined in the Host First
Nation Charitable Casino Policies Handbook, the Board is responsible for consulting with Chief and Council in yearly meetings to
discuss priorities of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, acting as an advocate on behalf of community members.
ST EPHEN R U NNER
PAD DY BI G PLUM E
TAM M Y D OD G I NG HOR SE
R I C HARD WH ITN EY
DIA N N A WH ITN EY
The Combined General Manager Advisors are responsible for all aspects of conducting and managing operational functions, financial
transactions and overall monitoring at the Grey Eagle Casino Charity Cash Cage. They are responsible for overseeing Charity
employees, including bankers, cashiers, chip runners, count room supervisors, sorters, counters, recorders and amalgamators.
From left: Maryanne Tomso; Trudy Big Plume; John Whitney; Sharlene Big Plume. Not pictured: Frances Jensen.
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15
CHARITY STAFF BIOGRAPHIES
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TAMM Y W HITN EY
JAN E STA R L I G H T
K E L LY F E H R
ERI N WHI T NEY
SHYANNE B I G PLUM E
SHYLOH WH ITNE Y
executive director
reporting compliance officer
controller
accounting technician
executive assistant
receptionist
As the Executive Director, Tammy is
As the Reporting Compliance
As the Controller, Kelly is responsible
As the Accounting Technician,
As the Executive Assistant,
As the receptionist, Shyloh is
responsible for the successful
Officer, Jane acts as the focal point
for the management of the Charity’s
Erin is responsible for maintaining
Shyanne is responsible for managing
responsible for providing secretarial,
leadership and management of the
for all compliance activities for the
finance and human resource
systematic records of transactions
schedules and providing support
clerical and administrative support in
Charity and oversees the day-to-day
Charity. She processes and
functions, overseeing the day-to-day
and verifying and recording those
with correspondence, reports, and
order to ensure that Charity services
operations. She works closely with
distributes information to ensure the
activities of the finance team,
transactions for the Charity. She
presentations on behalf of the
are provided in an effective and
the Board on proposal approvals
Charity adheres to relevant laws,
ensuring it is organized, efficient and
prepares and processes invoices,
Charity office. She also researches
efficient manner. She is responsible
before they go to Chief and Council,
rules and regulations. Jane is also
producing accurate financial
accounts payable, accounts
and compiles data, liaises with
for developing and maintaining a
and is responsible for the planning
responsible for maintaining
information. He’s responsible for the
receivable and payroll.
stakeholders on behalf of the Charity,
current and accurate filing system,
and management of the Charity’s
documentation on funded programs
preparation of budgets and cash
and has a role in establishing and
receiving and directing messages to
programs, human resources,
to ensure that information is current,
flows, and for maintaining financial
coordinating the implementation
the appropriate people in the office,
finances, community relations and
and is reported to the appropriate
ledgers for the Charity, as well as
of administrative policies.
and for providing executive support.
risk management functions.
agencies as requested.
assisting with all eligibility criteria.
17
TWYLLA STARLIGHT director of finance
I
STARTED MY CAREER IN FINANCE
sixteen years ago as
a cheque sorter,” says Twylla. “And now I’m the Director
relied heavily on band funds through treaty rights and revenue
of Finance.”
from companies on the reserve.
Twylla has worked her way up through the Nation’s finance
When the casino opened, people didn’t know the funds were
department, working full-time while taking Post-Secondary
regulated through gaming legislation.
courses in the evenings to upgrade her skills.
G I V E
TO
THE
T O
B A C K
CO M M U N ITY
Casino Policy Handbook that the Alberta Gaming and Liquor
accounting, and I’m now taking degree courses, which will
Commission hold us accountable to, which a lot of people don’t
eventually lead me toward my goal of achieving my CPA
know,” says Twylla. “We created the rules, we are abiding by
designation,” she says.
the rules and we have been very successful at managing the
by the Charity, which has given her the support she needs to
pursue her goals.
“If I can do it, so can other people,” says Twylla. “There is an
opportunity for people to access funding for their education
,
T W Y L L A
P E O P L E
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W I T H
K N O W L E D G E .
Tsuu T’ina Nation has the most lucrative funding deal in Canada,
which is addressing the needs of the community by providing
access to programs and services that are allowing everyone
to move forward together.
through programs supported by the Charity, and there
If community members are interested in starting or accessing
a program within the community, Twylla encourages them
Twylla says she receives a lot of encouragement from the
community, which is what inspires her to succeed.
In her role as the Director of Finance, Twylla is responsible
and helping community members understand how the
E M P O W E R I N G
process which is a very empowering feeling,” she says.
is overwhelming support from people in the community.”
for overseeing the funds that are distributed to programs,
I S
“We actually helped develop the Host First Nations Charitable
“I’ve completed my certificate and accelerated diploma in
Twylla’s education is being funded through programs supported
I N S P I R E D
Twylla says before funding from the casino came, Tsuu T’ina
process works.
“Part of my job is to be an interpreter because I have to turn the
complicated funding process into something that everyone can
understand,” she says. “When people come to me with
to talk to her or to the staff at the Charity office.
“We work with the community and program managers to help
people access programs or to help them develop business plans
that are in line with the handbook legislation,” says Twylla.
“We have an open door policy, and if we don’t have the answer,
then we will go find it for you.”
Twylla says that while the process isn’t perfect yet, it is
constantly improving and eventually Tsuu T’ina will become
an example for all Host First Nations in Canada to follow.
questions, it’s my job to go out and find the answers they need
to make it clear.”
19
CHARITY FUNDED PROGRAMS
The Charity provides funding to the following programs and services that support members of the Tsuu T’ina community.
Administration & Legal Departments
Stephen Runner, Terry Braun
Administration Building Repairs
Patricia Simon
Alberta Native Hockey Provincials
Stanley Big Plume
Annual Celebrations
Eva Korpela
Bullhead Adult Learning Centre
Glen Eagletail
Culture & Museum Department
Jeanette Starlight
DND/Tech Training
Carol Gottfriedson
Economic Development
Terry Metatawabin
Education Department
Harold McBain
Everyone Helping One Another
(Spirit Healing Lodge)
Audrey Weasel Traveller
Finance Department
Eva Korpela
Fire Department
Mike Cutknife
Governance Department
Diane Meguinis
Grade 9 Ottawa/Toronto Trip
Harold McBain
Gunaha Language Institute
Steven Crowchild
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Health Center- Non Insured
Health Benefits (NIHB)
Bernadette Crowchild
Health Human Resource
Capacity
(Health Centre Staffing)
Bernadette Crowchild
Homeless Shelter
Ivonne Crane
Hospitality Training
Delphine Pipestem
Hotel & Conference Center
Eva Korpela
Housing Major Renos
Allan Galenski
Housing Repairs & Maintenance
Sylvia Crowchild
Human Resource Department
Chantelle Big Plume
Infrastructure Department
Sarah Meguinis
Lands Department
Jim Two Guns
Language Commission
Bruce Starlight
Off Reserve Residential Program
Yvette Starlight
Peacemakers Program
Roxanne Whitney
Police Services
Keith Blake
Post-Secondary Program
Camille Whitney
Recreation Program
Stanley Big Plume
Roads Program
Chris Two Guns
Seven Chiefs Sportsplex
Caylem Simeon
South West Ring Road
Darrell Crowchild
Specific Claims
Jim Big Plume
Technical Services
Allan Galenski
Treaty Relations
Regena Crowchild
Youth Ridingv Rodeo Program
Marvin Dodginghorse
Main Lift Station
Terry Metatawabin
Membership Department
Theresa Big Plume
New Residential Housing
Allan Galenski
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C H A R I TA B L E P R O G R A M A P P L I C AT I O N & S E L E C T I O N P R O C E S S
Program proposal and budget
is developed
by the Community Program
Program is re-evaluated
Manager in consultation with
at the end of the year and
Tsuu T'ina Nation leadership
the budget is resubmitted
for approval
ST
8
EP
STE
P
1
Proposal is reviewed by the
Manager, Finance Controller,
The Program Manager
Executive Director and
for review
2
STE
funds are being spent
is submitted to the Charity
EP
P 7
the Charity on how
ST
provides updates to
CHARITABLE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
are selected
for funding based on their ability to meet and contribute
to the needs of the Tsuu T’ina community.
This diagram outlines how the program application
and selection process works.
3
EP
P
Liquor Commission and/or
and distributes funds to the
6
First Nation Development Fund
The Charity reviews
the proposal for eligibility,
and applies for funding for
approved programs through
ST
from Alberta Gaming and
STE
The Charity receives approval
the Dit'onik'odza Board
and/or First Nation
Program Manager
Development Fund
ST
EP
5
STE
P
4
Proposal is submitted to Chief
Completed proposal packages are
and Council for a Band Council
issued to the Alberta Gaming and
Resolution (BCR)
Liquor Commission and/or First
Nation Development Fund for funding
22
23
CASINO REVENUE DISTRIBUTION
T
HE CHARITY RECEIVES A PERCENTAGE
of proceeds
from table games and slot machines after prizes are
paid to players.
As a Host First Nation, Tsuu T’ina receives charitable gaming
proceeds from two sources, Host First Nation charitable casino
proceeds, which are only available to the licensed charities of
First Nations that own casinos and First Nation Development
Fund proceeds, a portion of which are shared among all First
Nations across Alberta.
The Charity is responsible for overseeing and managing the
disbursement of funds from both sources. The following spread
contains a breakdown of how charitable proceeds are allocated.
24
25
SLOT MACHI NES revenue distribution
TAB L E G A M ES revenue distribution
SLOT MACHINE REVENUE
$
TABLE GAME REVENUE
$
70%
$
30%
$
$
$
40 %
$
50%
(APPROX.)
TSUU T’INA GAMING
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
50%
(APPROX.)
15 %
TSUU T’INA GAMING
LIMITED PA RTNERSHIP
THE CHARITY
$
15 %
THE CHARITY
$
FIRST NATIONS
DEVELOPMENT FUND
$
30 %
ALBERTA
LOTTERY
FUND
$
30 %
TSUU T'INA NATION
FIRST NATIONS
DEVELOPMENT
FUND
$
Tsuu T’ina Gaming Limited Partnership is the organization responsible for operating the Grey Eagle Casino.
First Nation Development Fund is the Alberta Government’s lottery grant program that is available exclusively to First Nations in Alberta.
The Tsuu T’ina Gaming Limited Partnership receives approximately 50 per cent of the net revenue generated from table games and 15 per cent of the net revenue generated from
The First Nation Development Fund receives 40 per cent of the net revenue generated from government-owned slot machines in First Nation casinos.
slot machines. This money is used to cover the costs associated with operating the casino.
Alberta Lottery Fund is the Alberta Government’s lottery grant program that is available to all charitable organizations across Alberta.
10 %
NON HOST FIRST NATIONS
FIRST NATIONS
DEVELOPMENT FUND
Of this 40 per cent, 30 per cent is available to the individual five Host First Nations where that revenue is earned, and the remaining 10 per cent is shared among the other Non Host
First Nations across Alberta.
In Host First Nation casinos, ALF receives 30 per cent of the net revenue generated from government-owned video lottery terminals (VLTs), slot machines and ticket lotteries.
In Non Host First Nation casinos, ALF received 70 per cent of the net revenue.
26
27
ACCOUNTABILITY
THE CHARITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR UPHOLDING
ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES AS OUTLINED IN THE FIRST
NATION CHARITABLE CASINO POLICIES HANDBOOK AND THE
FIRST NATION DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANT AGREEMENT.
Key Accountability Measures for First Nation Charitable
Key Accountability Measures for First Nation Development
Casino Policies Handbook
Fund Grant Agreement
• Proceeds must only be used for Alberta Gaming and
• First Nations can only use First Nation Development
Liquor Commission approved purposes or objects that
Fund grants for economic, social and community
are essential to the delivery of the Charity’s charitable
development programs.
or religious programs.
• Proceeds must be used to support the Charity’s overall
These measures are in place to ensure that proceeds are used to fund programs and services that benefit the Tsuu T’ina community.
objectives, programs and services as approved, and not
solely to provide benefits to specific or select members
of the Charity.
• If casino proceeds are distributed on unapproved uses,
the amount of the disbursement must be re-deposited into
the casino account and the Charity is subject to fines and
administrative sanctions.
• The Charity is accountable to the Alberta Gaming and
Liquor Commission for all proceeds.
• The books and records of the Charity are subject to review
• Every grant application must include a Band Council
Resolution.
• The Charity must report the use of First Nation
Development Fund grants annually.
• The Government of Alberta or the Auditor General of
Alberta has the ability to conduct audits to ensure
compliance with First Nation Development Fund Grant
Agreement and the First Nation
Policy.
ion Gaming
Ga
• The Government of Alberta has the ability to suspend
the First Nation Development Fund Grant Agreement and
discontinue First Nation Development Fund grants for
non-compliance.
and/or audit by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.
28
29
FINANCIALS
SINCE OPENING THE DOORS
of the Grey Eagle Casino in December of 2007, the Charity has collected and disbursed $262,943,740
to programs and services that have supported members of the Tsuu T’ina community.
Outlined below, is a breakdown of where these funds have been allocated.
PROGRAM
AMOUNT
PROGRAM
Administrator
$ 4,778,421
Governance
$1,966,815
Peacemakers
Adult Learning Centre
$ 2,634,517
Health staffing
$2,315,504
Police
Homeless Shelter
$1,013,958
Property Management
Annual Celebrations
Annual Celebrations reno
Athol Murray College
Bradley Crowchild Golf
Buffalo Paddock
Business Park
$ 750,000
$ 25,951
$2,500
$124,231
$302,003
Hospitality training
Hotel and Conference Centre
Housing Repairs & Maintenance
$777,000
$19,552,092
$8,421,122
PROGRAM
Public Works
Recreation/Sportsplex
Redwood Water/Waste Water
Human Resources
$2,082,078
Ring Road
Infrastructure
$3,384,466
Roads
CCP
$93,979
Lands
Central Travel
$358,176
Gunaha
Chief & Council
$199,495
Language Commission
$713,818
$4,341,185
$86,000
Special Projects
Specific Claims
Team Alberta
Legal
$2,683,266
Technical Services
$264,495
Major Renos
$4,684,571
Treaty Relations
LPGA Program
$7 0,061
Membership
$2,204,440
DND Demining
$104,419
Early Intervention Program
Daycare ELC
$65,982
Multi-use facility
Economic Development
$2,637,912
Museum/125th
Education
$47,711,574
Native Dynasty Softball
Elders
$442,548
Native Provincials
Employment Training
$7 75,000
New Homes
Everyone Helping One Another
$944,563
Non-insured Health Benefits
Finance
Fire department
30
$ 3,546,530
AMOUNT
$9,687,347
$10,574,555
Off Reserve Rents
Peacemaker renovations
$498,552
$1,446,216
$9,232
$739,966
TTN/Stoney corrections
Victim Services
AMOUNT
$166,795
$2,942,755
$1,122,555
$54,013
$7,226,093
$935,337
$2,724,313
$27,324,680
$249,500
$1,700,604
$24,410
$2,592,043
$422,000
$28,660
$9,400
Youth and Community
$12,000
Youth Basketball
$156,150
Youth Rodeo
$3,412,440
$38,678,634
$2,721,986
Total
$262,893,740
$27,102,410
$272,422
31
SAMONE WHITNEY language teacher
S
AMONE WHITNEY GREW UP
in Black Bear Crossing and
has fond memories of her childhood spent with family
a teacher,” says Samone. “I had such a positive experience going
and friends.
to school on the reserve that I wanted to give back to the other
“As a small child, it was great living there because I got to know
all of the other kids in the community,” she says.
After Black Bear Crossing was evacuated, Samone and her
family moved to Okotoks, then to Acadia and now reside in
Tsuu T’ina language and then two weeks later I got a call that our
she wanted to learn about her culture and language.
regular teacher was sick and that I would need to be in the
as a veterinarian, and knew it would be important to take
C U L T U R E
A N D
L A N G UAG E
H A S
A L W AY S
B E E N
I M P O R T A N T
T O
M E . ”
is funded by the Charity, where she took a position as a
Teacher’s Aid.
“I started training at the Gunaha Institute and began to learn the
Early on, Samone decided that she wanted to pursue a career
M Y
Samone got a job at the Tsuu T’ina Gunaha Institute, which
of the reserve, she always went to reserve school because
important to me,” says Samone.
A B O U T
children in the community.”
North Sarcee. Even though Samone lived part of her life off
“Learning about my culture and language has always been
“ L E A R N I N G
“I moved home from Olds and decided that I wanted become
classroom,” says Samone. “I was terrified.”
Samone was thrown into her first teaching experience and hasn’t
looked back since. She’s been teaching at the Chiila Elementary
for a year and a half now.
the right prerequisites in high school to qualify for a post-
“I never thought that I would like working with children,” Samone
secondary program.
admits. “But as I got to know them, they started to grow on me.”
“My high school didn’t initially offer the sciences that I needed,
At the Gunaha Institute, Samone, along with the Elders, is
but my teacher started to teach me and two other students
teaching the community the Tsuu T’ina language so that it’s
biology and chemistry so that I could get the courses that
not forgotten.
I needed,” she says.
“I never thought I would get the opportunity to learn my
By the time she graduated, Samone had nine 30 level courses,
language and teach it at the same time – it’s such a great honour,”
14 honours and 134 credits.
says Samone.
“I knew it was possible to get the education I needed to
Samone says she’s not done with her education quite yet and
go to college, but I also knew that I would have to work at it –
sees herself going back to school to get her bachelor’s degree
so I did,” says Samone.
in education. “I want to continue to learn the Tsuu T’ina language
After completing high school, Samone accessed programs
supported by the Charity to attend Olds College.
“I got into the veterinary medicine program, but after I started to
complete some of the anatomy classes, I realized that I wasn’t
going to be able to work on animals and cause them pain,” she says.
So Samone decided to pursue her second career passion, which
was to become a teacher.
and hopefully be fluent one day, and help my community get
there too,” she says.
Samone encourages people of all ages to pursue a university
or college education.
“I teach my students not to give up and tell them that they
can achieve their dreams,” says Samone “And I hope that’s the
example I’m setting for them.”
?idit’oh dini-?i – Have faith in yourself.
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MARTY STARLIGHT AND RANDY WHITNEY beneficiaries of the nihinasagha shelter program
M
A RTY A N D RA N DY SHA RE A SIM ILAR STORY
of addiction,
Both men have successfully made it through the four phases of
homelessness and recovery and are now providing
the program and agree that it has taught them the skills they
support to others in the community that are facing the
needed to reclaim their lives.
same problems.
“Through my addiction, I lost everything,” explains Marty. “If it
wasn’t for the Nihinasagha Shelter, I would be dead.”
Both Marty and Randy lost everything through their battles with
addiction, leading them to become homeless and unemployed.
“The toughest part was losing my family,” says Randy.
Both men came to the Nihinasagha Shelter, which was created
“This house brought me back to life again,” says Marty, “It saved
me – it has everything a person needs to get back on track.”
Through hard work, both men have their families back together
and are now contributing members to the community.
“My life has grown, and I look forward to each day, finishing
something, hearing from my kids and making sure everyone’s
okay,” says Marty. “Before, I didn’t care.”
using Charity funds, with the hope of recovering and rejoining
Both Randy and Marty also have new homes through the
the Tsuu T’ina community.
housing program funded through the Charity.
The Nihinasagha Shelter gives individuals support, motivation
“Everyone is happy for me. I ended up being a role model and
and the necessary skills to reclaim productive and meaningful
they look to me to see how they can do it too,” says Randy.
lives. The program operates on four phases, where individuals
begin with small household responsibilities around the shelter
and work their way up to permanent job placement in the
community, while maintaining sobriety, addressing mental health
issues and rebuilding relationships with friends and family.
“If you don’t stay sober, you go right back to phase one,”
explains Randy.
Both men are now support workers at the Nihinasagha Shelter,
where they are helping other people in the community recover
from addiction and rebuild relationships with their families.
“ T H I S
B R O U G H T
BACK
TO
M E
L IF E
A G A I N .
“It feels good to have a purpose and to be equal again,”
says Marty.
H O U S E
I T
S AV E D
M E .”
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STANLEY BIG PLUME recreation manager
“ W H A T E V E R
T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
I S
I N T O ,
I
T RY
T O
P R O V I D E
I T .”
P
HYSICAL ACTIVITY AND GOOD NUTRITION
are important
for maintaining overall health, which is why Stanley
is passionate about managing the Tsuu T’ina Recreation
Department.
“Every day I get to come up with new programs for our
community members to try, which is helping us all lead healthier
lives,” says Stanley.
a sense of community,” says Stanley.
The Charity funds many of the Recreation Department’s
programs and services as part of its commitment to funding
social programs that benefit the community.
“The Charity has allowed our department to fund better quality
programs for more people,” says Stanley. “Prior to Charity
As the manager of the Recreation Department, Stanley is
funding, community members were required to pay for the
responsible for implementing and supervising lifetime leisure
majority of their recreation fees, which made it difficult for many
activities and providing funding for uniforms, equipment and
people to participate.”
annual program fees for participants in organized sports.
The Recreation Department currently offers a variety of
“Whatever the community is into, I try to provide it,” says
activities, including basketball, hockey, baseball, dance,
Stanley. “We currently offer nutrition information for people that
snowboarding, yoga, elder stretching and self-defense classes
want to start cooking and eating healthy, group fitness classes
to name a few.
and organized sports for all ages, levels and abilities.”
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“Our main goal is to offer programs that are fun and create
“I encourage everyone to come and visit the Recreation
In addition, the Recreation Department also offers after school
Department to get nutrition information and to sign up for a
programs and day camps for children three and up, providing
class or sport they’re interested in,” says Stanley. “The programs
parents with an opportunity to expose their children to physical
are here for everyone to participate in, and it’s important that
activity at an early age.
we all encourage each other to be healthier.”
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MURIEL MANYWOUNDS tsuu t’ina elder
“ A S
A
C O M M U N I T Y
A
W E ’ V E
S A TSUU T’INA ELDER,
Muriel has witnessed the
positive impact the Grey Eagle Casino has had on the
community.
“Without the Charity we wouldn’t have the funding to pay for
the programs we have now,” says Muriel.
In the ’70s, Muriel served a term on Council and says it was
“When I first moved to Sarcee to live with my husband in 1952,
difficult to make decisions with so many competing priorities
there wasn’t a lot here,” recounts Muriel. “As it was on my home
and limited band funds, noting that there are even more
reserve, there was little funding available for housing, and access
priorities for Chief and Council to consider now.
to health and education programs was limited.”
“There is a table full of things for Chief and Council to consider
Muriel recalls the housing shortage becoming dire following the
all of the time,” says Muriel. “And it’s not an easy job to prioritize
Black Bear Crossing evacuation and says the community is only
the community’s needs, but I can tell you they’ve done an
now beginning to catch up to the housing shortage.
excellent job, because as a community, we’ve come a long way.”
“After the evacuation, many people had to move off the reserve
In addition to serving on Council, Muriel raised her four children,
into surrounding communities because there were no homes for
taught elementary and junior high school for 25 years and
them to move into,” says Muriel. “Now, with funding support
served on the Board of Education, the Police Commission as
from the Charity, we’ve been able to build more houses than
well as the First Nation Development Fund.
ever before and people have started moving back home.”
and eight great-grandchildren in her aptly named grandmother
allocating proceeds to fund the housing program, noting that
house.
L O N G W A Y .”
“My hope is that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will
“There are still many people waiting to get houses,” says Muriel.
appreciate the hard work their Elders have done to help create
“But we’ve made a lot of progress so far.”
better lives for them,” says Muriel. “And that hard work will help
Muriel says the language and extended health benefits
A
Now fully retired, Muriel keeps busy with her 13 grandchildren
Muriel commends Chief and Council and the Charity for
it’s had a great impact on the community.
C O M E
them stay healthy and happy.”
programs are other Charity-funded programs that have had a
Muriel expects that the benefits from the casino will continue
positive impact on the community, by preserving the Tsuu T’ina
to grow and that the Tsuu T’ina community will flourish.
language, and making it easier for community members to
access the medical care they need.
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