PDF - English River

Honi/Acimowin/News
English River
First Nation
Issue 6
Featuring: Education
July 2015
Message from the Chief and Council
July is upon us and there is much activity taking place at the
English River First Nation (ERFN). Summer is here and with
that, school will be finished and families will be busy travelling
for vacation and meeting with family and friends.
Treaty Day was held June 1 in the band hall and it was very
successful despite the cold and windy weather. Some events,
such as the relay, had to be postponed to another day and
some of the events were moved inside, as the weather was just
too inclement to conduct the activities we normally do on
Treaty Day.
Many members attended and collected their Treaty payment.
The Chief and Council would like to thank Janette Husak and
her staff of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Canada (AANDC) in Prince Albert for attending.
Special guests at Treaty day included: Alfred Dawatsare, Chief
Executive Officer with Des Nedhe Development; a number of
the staff at Tron; Jamie Dickson, Vice-president of Legal for
Des Nedhe; and a number of members of the RCMP. The
members included: Sergeant Shawn Carter of Beauval; Superintendent Grant St. Germaine of Prince Albert, the North
District Commander of 32 detachments; Staff Sergeant Ted
Munro of Prince Albert; and Corporal Tara Norman and Constable Karlo Malik of the Patuanak Detachment.
Some of the highlights of the day included the walk, ride and
parade through the community. The ERFN Dene Drum Group
led by Rod Apesis started the proceedings indoors with some
excellent drum renditions and the presentations of gifts by
Tron staff to the community. Other activities were the payment of Treaty money, the birthday celebration for Elder
Sarazine Ratt, the indoor games and the great participation by
members showing what sportsmanship is all about, and a nice,
hearty meal.
Chief and Council want to thank all those for attending and
special thanks to Mr. Dawatsare and the staff of Des Nedhe
and Tron, Mr. Dickson, the RCMP officers and, of course, all
the members who not only participated but volunteered at the
event. All volunteers set a shining example of teamwork and
I personally want to thank all my Council members for helping out, particularly Councillor Russ Black and Joey Paul who
worked with me early in the morning to setup the band hall.
We will be placing some of the photos on our ERFN Website,
http://www.erfn.net, so all members can see them.
On Treaty Day, we honoured our Elder Sarazine Ratt celebrating reaching 103 years young. Elder Ratt was presented
congratulatory certificates by Patuanak Corporal Tara Norman
from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Canada; His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada; the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C.,
M.P. Prime Minister of Canada; and the Honourable Bernard
Valcourt, P.C., M.P. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. An RCMP certificate was presented by
Superintendent St. Germaine who made the trip from Prince
Albert solely to meet Elder Ratt and make the presentation in
person.
On June 2, 2015 Mr. Dickson made a presentation on the new
legislation known as the First Nations Elections Act which
came into force on April 2, 2015. About 50 members attended the presentation which was held in the William Apesis
Band Hall and which was also broadcast live on our local radio
Treaty Day, June 1, 2015 at English River First Nation: (left) Constable
Karlo Malik of the Patuanak Detachment provides Chief Marie Black with
her Treaty Payment.
station CPAT 89.9. Mr. Dickson spoke in English and this was
then translated into Dene.
This new legislation was developed by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs led at the time by Grand Chief Ron Evans, the
Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat
and the late Chief Noah Augustine of Metepenagiag, who was
the driving force on election reform for First Nations back in
2008.
There has been no involvement by elected leaders of ERFN in
developing or drafting the legislation. However, the Chief and
Council think it is a good piece of legislation for a number
of reasons. If a First Nation wants to participate in the new
election process, the Chief and Council, after consultations
with the membership, can decide to opt in to the new process.
continued next page...
Inside
Message from the Chief and Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Meet the staff of ERFN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Meet the Principal and Vice-principal of St. Louis School . . 4
Vice-chief Gloria Apesis says education
good foundation for a successful life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Head Start Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
First medical doctor graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Post-secondary Graduates for 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ERFN list of St Louis School graduates from 1998 to 2015. 8
Introducing Doug Roy, new principal,
starting in August 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Philip Maurice Passes Suddenly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Officials of AREVA and Cameco visit Patuanak . . . . . . . . . 10
Joint Implementation Report for 2014 available . . . . . . . . . 11
Land Designation vote to take place on July 28, 2015. . . . . 11
ERFN Opts In to First Nations Election Act . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Margaret Reynolds continues to lead an interesting life . . . 14
ERFN Pre-Employment Electrical Training
being Held in Patuanak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Upcoming Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Upcoming Votes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1
...continued from previous page
My Council and I believe it is in the best interests of ERFN to
opt in to the new legislation. Members do not directly vote
on the process of opting in. The rules for how a First Nation
can participate in the new act are set out in the legislation.
There are a number of reasons for this; for example, it will
give a Council more time to govern for a term, which will
allow for proper planning and the bringing of plans and projects to fruition. The term which is currently two years will be
increased to four years and, in general, the longer term allows
for over-all better management.
Another good reason to opt in is we can have advance polls
for off-reserve members and for on-reserve members who are
working. As a Council, we are confident that the new method of voting will make ERFN stronger. It will also buy ERFN
time to develop its own election code and makes it easier to
bring in a custom election code along with a new ERFN Membership Code. I encourage members to read the article inside
this newsletter written by Jamie Dickson, our Des Nedhe Legal
Counsel. In addition, fact sheets will be prepared and distributed to the membership.
Another important article in this newsletter that members
should take note of is the one written by Cheyenna Campbell,
ERFN’s Lands and Resources Officer about the upcoming land
designation vote. The Council and I encourage all members to
vote in this process which is about attracting more economic
development on certain ERFN lands.
On June 16, senior representatives of Cameco and AREVA
came to English River First Nation and met with the Council
and I to discuss progress and issues under the Collaboration
Agreement. The meeting with the Council was good and I believe a frank and honest discussion took place. Originally this
was scheduled for Oct. 31, 2014 but due to the bad weather
the officials could not land. The Collaboration Agreement is
about creating partnerships, the power of partnerships to deliver programs and services in the area of business, education
and training and environmental stewardship. This is the way
for us to plan for the future and put money away for future
developments.
The guests for the day representing Cameco were: Tim
Gitzel, President and Chief Executive Officer; Alice Wong,
Senior Vice-president and Chief Corporate Office; Sean Wiley, Director, Corporate Responsibility; Scott Britton, General
Manager, Rabbit Lake Site; Peter Dodson, Manager, Corporate
Responsibility; Kristin Cuddington, Senior Specialist, Community Engagement; Clint Wapler, Senior Specialist, Joslin Sanger,
Junior Specialist; Brett Bradshaw, Northern Communications;
and Carla Delgado, Administrative Assistant.
Guests from AREVA were: Vincent Martin, President
and Chief Executive Officer; and Tammy Van Lambalgen,
Vice-president, Regulatory Corporate Social Responsibility and
General Counsel.
Speakers were Chief Black, Mr. Martin and Mr. Gitzel. Everyone enjoyed the wise words spoken by the senior officials of
our partners in the Collaboration Agreement, AREVA and
Cameco.
Meet the staff of ERFN
In his position as Director of Education and Training, Alphonse
Janvier is responsible for the operations of the St. Louis School
in Patuanak providing K to Grade 12 and the ERFN La Plonge
students attending Valley View School in Beauval providing K
to Grade 12 and operated by the province’s Northern Lights
School District. He is also responsible for the ERFN Post-secondary Program and various Training Programs.
He points out assertively that he is not responsible for any
off-reserve students attending K to Grade 12, as ERFN does not
receive the funding for students who live off-reserve.
Mr. Janvier started working full-time for ERFN in 1994 and then
2
The Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) Report to the
community for 2014 has been issued and copies were distributed at the school to members on June 16, 2015. If you need
a copy, please contact Jenny Wolverine in the ERFN Administrative Office. The report is on the ERFN Website, http://
www.erfn.net.
Before the meeting, our guests toured the community and
then went to the school for a pickerel lunch where gifts
were exchanged and a video featuring Elder Pat Campbell was
viewed. Then our guests went fishing which was organized by
Councillor Archie Campbell and staff member Norman Wolverine, Land Manager. They proved to be proficient fisherpersons and left Patuanak with their filleted fish.
In the afternoon, a dedication ceremony was held for the
library at the St. Louis School which has been formally named
the Trena Phenix Memorial Library. Attending were our
beloved late principal’s parents, Bill and Erna Hannah and her
special aunt, Janet Cormin. Everyone was so pleased that Ms.
Phenix’s parents and aunt could attend. Ms. Phenix was a
wonderful, loveable person who cared deeply about our community and our most precious resource, our children. She is
sadly missed and will never be forgotten.
Students at St. Louis School were presented with achievement
awards. The gymnasium looked colourful with all the decorations and my Council and I want to thank all the teachers and
volunteers for assisting with making it a wonderful day for
everyone.
On behalf of the Council, I would like to congratulate all the
Head Start Graduates, Kindergarten Graduates and Grade 12
Graduates. Your successes make the entire community proud.
This Grade 12 Graduation is the 15th since the high school was
built on-reserve at Patuanak. The theme of this newsletter is
Education and ERFN is providing the best education it can
to our youth, who are going on to post secondary education
and are graduating. We are proud of them wherever they live
across Canada and in the world.
The Council and I wanted to advise the youth membership
that it has secured funding from AANDC for five members
under the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy
Programs and Services. Please watch out for the recruitment
posters for this summer’s jobs.
There are many activities taking place this summer for ERFN
members. There are a number of pilgrimages; Dale Apesis
is planning the summer youth conference at La Plonge and
Councillor Joey Paul is working with members for the Indian
Summer Games being held at Ochapowace Nation First Nation in August. I encourage members to look at a listing of
events on the back page of the newsletter.
In closing, the Council and I would like to wish all members a
happy and safe summer.
Chief Marie Black
left in 2002, returning to work again in 2010. Originally from
La Loche, he is not a member of ERFN. When he started he
was the principal of St. Louis School and the Director of Education and Training.
He talks enthusiastically about the Post-secondary Program
when he says ERFN currently has about 32 students attending institutions who are funded by ERFN on a full, partial or
one-third basis for their education costs. Mr. Janvier is quick
to point out that ERFN is similar to all other First Nations
in that it receives limited dollars from Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada (AANDC) to cover the costs of
books, living allowance, and tuition. “With the funding we are
provided, we will look at other areas for dollars,” he said. “At
ERFN we have operated in a deficit the last few years. For the
2012-2013 to 2014-2015 fiscal years the Post-secondary Program
combined deficit is just over $93,500.” Mr. Janvier considers
this a good deficit because members are given an education to
enter the job market.
“This year ERFN has funded 32 students who are enrolled in
programs from general arts to doctorate degrees,” he says.
“Wahji Kasten who is graduating this year is the first one from
ERFN to graduate as a medical doctor ” (see article First Medical Doctor Graduates).
“Other ERFN post-secondary students have graduated in fields
such as arts and sciences, law, nursing, teaching, veterinarian,
master of education and a doctorate in literature,” he said.
“Then we have the trades graduates such as carpenters, cooks,
electricians, media arts and production, mechanics, process operation technicians (mill workers), truck drivers and welders.”
Mr. Janvier outlined the process for ERFN students to apply to
the Post-secondary Student Support Program. Students must
submit an application by May 31 and must submit all supporting
documents including a letter of acceptance, letter of support,
high school, or post-secondary marks. According to Mr.
Janvier, not submitting the required documents constitutes an
incomplete application. Applications are reviewed and students
are then advised of the decisions by July 15. A committee is
established consisting of Mr. Janvier, a representative of finance
and one Councillor. Every year new members are appointed
to the committee. “The demand exceeds the cap of $516,000
minus administration costs that ERFN receives annually. On
average, it costs approximately $25,000 a year for a student to
attend a university program. That’s about 100k over four years
of university. In 1996-1997 AANDC funding increases were
capped at two percent annually for core budgets which included
education, community infrastructure and social assistance.”
Mr. Janvier reflects on how far the program has come. In 1998,
ERFN was not using all of its dollars in the Post-secondary
Student Support Program. Since 2000 the demand for dollars under the program has been increasing. “Back in 1998, we
delivered a University Entrance Program, which is a provincial
accredited Grade 12, which gave students an opportunity to apply for entrance into a university,” he said. “Now that we don’t
have such a program, all funding goes to direct student cost.”
ERFN employs a post-secondary student counsellor who works
with ERFN students and travels to the various institutions
to work with them based on a request from the students or
institution. The costs for this position are funded out of the
Post-secondary Student Support Program. “This counsellor
works with the students to ensure success. The position is critical to the success of the students as the counsellor works with
them on issues that can occur involving both academic, social
and personal circumstances.”
In addition to the funding from AANDC, ERFN uses funding
from Meadow Lake Tribal Council funding agencies to sponsor
post-secondary students in various non-university trades’- oriented courses. Approximately ten students are sponsored in
this way every year, according to Mr. Janvier. ERFN has used
dollars from the Collaboration Agreement to offer training for
electricians and power line technicians. Ten students started in
the recent electrical program and five remain; three students
are currently enrolled in the power line technician course in La
Ronge offered by Northlands College.
Mr. Janvier notes that this fall the focus is on the upgrading
bridging program which upgrades individuals so that they can
move towards enrolling into the Provincial Adult Grade 12 Program. “We also assist students in trades training in various levels from level one to the journeyman level. Since I came back in
2010, we have sponsored more than 40 members in trades-orientated programming and I see this as a big accomplishment for
ERFN. That means 40 members have the skills to work at their
trade and provide for themselves and their families.”
Mr. Janvier rattles off the accomplishments that have occurred
Alphonse Janvier, English River First Nation Director of Education and
Training
under his watch with ease. “In 1999, we completed the three-phase
expansion of St. Louis School allowing ERFN to operate its own
K to 12 Program for the first time. In the first phase, the gymnasium was built, in the second phase the elementary wing and the
third phase was the high school which was completed in 1999”.
“The driving force behind these accomplishments was the Chief
and Council, and they have been the driving force behind all
aspects of education development on ERFN,” said Mr. Janvier.
My role is to provide them with advice and recommendations
on education and training matters. The building of the high
school dramatically increased the success of ERFN graduating
students from Grade 12, now 88 percent of the students graduate. This is a tremendous accomplishment for ERFN and past
and present Chiefs and Councils.”
Mr. Janvier says that years back, the lack of education was a crucial barrier to development in the north and as such he became a
teacher in northern communities. He holds a bachelor of education from the University of Saskatchewan which he obtained
“many, many” years ago. Looking back on his career, he said
“I have no regrets about coming to ERFN. I have the seen the
development of students, the infrastructure, the business and
economics, the sewer and water, and business complexes at Beauval and Grasswood. A tremendous amount of development all
initiated by the Chiefs and Councils. I can’t see how people can
say that the Chiefs and Councils have done nothing; I look back
at the developments and believe much has been accomplished.”
Treaty Day 2015
First in line for Treaty Payments: (left to right) Chief Marie Black, Elder
Sarazine Ratt, the oldest member of English River and RCMP Patuanak
Corporal Tara Norman and (in back) Elder Pat Campbell form the line for
Treaty payments.
3
Meet the Principal and Vice-principal of St. Louis School
St. Louis School Vice-principal Rebecca Bell
St. Louis School Principal Marie Wilson
This is the last year for Marie Wilson as principal at St. Louis
School. Ms. Wilson has been the principal since September 2014
and a new principal, Doug Roy takes over in August 2015. Ms.
Wilson will return to her previous position of vice-principal and
Early Reading Intervention (ERI) teacher as the current vice-principal, Rebecca Bell, is leaving for another school in Luseland, Saskatchewan. Ms. Wilson had served as the vice-principal for three
years.
ince provides the funding for the camps and local community
members act as cooks, counsellors and perform maintenance
tasks. The camp director and coordinators will deliver a variety of
literacy-based camp activities in a safe, caring, and fun-filled environment during the day and the locally hired youth will provide
activities after 4pm to bedtime.
Ms. Wilson replaced Trena Phenix who passed away suddenly last
August. Ms. Wilson was asked to step in as the principal after
ERFN attempted numerous times to hire a replacement. She says
simply that ERFN could not recruit a principal who was suitable
to the education philosophy of ERFN. According to Ms. Wilson,
“Given the circumstances when I took over, it has been a trying
year, but with student and staff co-operation we have had a very
successful year!”
The philosophy of ERFN with respect to the school is to provide
an opportunity for the children to succeed and reach their full
potential. Keeping with the spirit and intent of Treaty obligations,
ERFN strives to establish an education system that will provide
the best possible education. Dene language/culture education and
skill development opportunities will contribute to enhancing the
spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being and balance of each individual that participates in the educational system
of ERFN. “Culture is used to build self-esteem and at ERFN we
believe it plays a major role in student success,” said Ms. Wilson.
Currently at St. Louis School, the Dene language is taught in K to
Grade 4 and next year it will expand to Grade 5 and eventually
to all grades including Grade 12. Presently, about 50 students
take daily classes in Dene for 30 minutes. Other aspects of the
culture are taught at camps in the fall and winter at locations such
as Dipper Lake and Key Lake. At the camps, there are activities
such as bannock making, beading, medicine walks and tanning. All
teachers have also been instructed to emphasize Treaty teachings
in their classrooms.
Alphonse Janvier, Director of Education, and Ms. Wilson had
applied in the past to Frontier College to operate Summer Literacy
Camps for students. Previously the proposal was not approved,
but this year it was. The purpose of the camps is to overcome
“summer learning loss” which refers to a decline in student performance between the end of one school year and the beginning
of another. School provides a routine in children’s lives that
allows them to learn, study and think. Because summer vacation
interrupts this routine, it is important for families to encourage
their children’s reading and learning over the summer.
This year ERFN will be operating Summer Literacy Camps for
Grades 2 to 8. Students attending will do math and reading using
nature and the land base along with traditional methods of learning. Parents are involved and can come and stay at the camp.
This is a pilot project and St. Louis School is the only one offering
such a camp in northern Saskatchewan this summer. The prov-
4
This year there are seven Grade 12 graduates who will be taking a
trip to Orlando, Florida departing on July 7 and returning on July
15. “We, as a community are proud of these graduates and all our
graduates,” said Ms. Wilson. “We want to offer them a global view
and this trip is a stepping stone.”
Speaking of St. Louis School, Ms. Wilson says, “Kids like to be
here, it is a safe place for them. The gymnasium is open for their
use including extra activities such as basketball, baseball, floor
hockey, track and volleyball. We have a student, Nolan Black,
who is competing in the provincial competition in the high jump.”
Many staff take the time to offer various after school activities.
Having taught in St. Louis School for a number of years, Ms.
Wilson says, “I can tell you that if you want to be productive, you
have to immerse yourself in the kids, as the kids take us as the
real caregivers during the day.”
As for Patuanak and ERFN, Ms. Wilson thinks that teachers are
very lucky to be given the opportunity to teach in this community as the learning and life experience is very positive. “There
is excellent professional development that allows teachers to be
effective in the classroom. The behaviour of the students is exceptional; parents should be commended for instilling good values
in their children.”
She loves the area, has a lake close by and her dog loves the walks.
“Looking at this setting, we take a lot for granted,” she says.
Ms. Bell teaches Grade 2 and she says every age group is able to
make connection and converse with staff. She says, “The children
come to see both Marie and I after school and they take the dogs
for walks, bake cookies with us, and just sit and chat with us. A
teacher is never a stranger at St. Louis School as the children are
very welcoming.”
“I am honoured that parents really trust us with the children and
that they are involved in their children’s education. On parent
teacher nights we have 95 percent attendance; when we have an
open gym night, the parents come and participate in the activities
with their kids,” said Ms. Bell.
She points out that the hot lunch program was at first run by
the teachers and that the parents are now involved and that this
activity is used for fundraising for student trips.
The enrollment is now about 180 students and continues to rise
according to both Ms. Bell and Ms. Wilson. St. Louis School has
15 teaching staff and five teaching assistants.
Vice-chief Gloria Apesis
says education good
foundation for a
successful life
Vice-chief and Councillor Gloria Apesis has held the portfolios for Education and Health for many years at English River
First Nation (ERFN). Under Chief Marie Black’s chieftainship,
this has been Vice-chief Apesis’ second year as the councillor
responsible for education including post-secondary and training. During Ralph Paul’s tenure as chief from October 2007
to October 2011, Vice-chief Apesis was also responsible for
the same portfolio.
She works closely with Alphonse Janvier, the Director of
Education, and Training and Marie Wilson, the current principal of St. Louis School. “Collectively, the leadership and
the staff are trying to get our young members or students
to complete high school and to then consider university or
trades so that they have a good foundation for a career,” said
Vice-chief Apesis.
Personally, she feels really proud and happy for the achievements of the young members who have graduated. “As a
Chief and Council we are committed to education and encourage our young members to complete their studies. The entire
community feels proud of these successes.”
Vice-chief Apesis tells the short history of education at English River First Nation (ERFN) easily, especially since education of students in high school began on the reserve.
According to the Vice-chief, the Chief and Council led by
Chief Archie Campbell had to lobby Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada hard to get the high school
on-reserve. In 2000, the first graduation class of Grade 12
students educated at St. Louis School occurred.
Since the high school has been built at Patuanak, Vice-chief
Apesis says, “Our success rates for students graduating from
Grade 12 have increased significantly. It has been 15 years
since the first Grade 12 graduation at St. Louis School and
those graduates have set a trend and started ERFN on the
road to graduation success,” said Vice-Chief Apesis.”
Previously, students in Grades 9 to 12 were sent out of the
community to attend high schools such as Valley View at
Beauval and others in Meadow Lake, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. Personally, Vice-chief Apesis is a parent of three
graduates of St. Louis School and one from a high school in
Saskatoon.
Having high school students stay in the community is much
better says Vice-chief Apesis. “The students continue to stay
with their parents until they are old enough and have become
responsible adults as there is much more of a family bond.
The parents can see their children every day and remain fully
involved in their education and their lives. I believe by having
the students educated to Grade 12 in the community means
the parents worry much less.”
When parents had to send their kids to high school outside of
the community many issues come into play, notes Vice-chief
Apesis. “The issues include culture shock and parents not
knowing who their child’s friends are, students not knowing
the community that the school is located in or, how to get
around because one of your parents is not there to drive you.”
Vice-chief Apesis believes parents continue to be closer to
their children if they attend high school in their community.
Vice-chief Apesis speaks of the graduates of St. Louis School
with fondness. She talks about how some of the young ERFN
Vice-chief Gloria Apesis
members have gone on to post-secondary and had much
success.
As she talks about the post-secondary graduates a big smile
appears on her face. She is certainly happy and content with
the successes. This year, she says, “ERFN is seeing its first
medical doctor graduate (see article on first medical doctor
graduates) and the community is very, very proud.” Personally, she would like to see more ERFN post-secondary
students going into the field of medicine and graduating
as dentists, general practitioners, and surgeons and to see
others branch out into other fields of medicine such as
chiropractors, optometrists, ophthalmologists and health care
support positions.”
“Other ERFN Grade 12 graduates are going into the trades
and there is such a high demand for good tradespeople that
these members have a good foundation for success, too,”
said Vice-chief Apesis.
Vice-chief Apesis has big dreams for young members at
ERFN who can go and get an education and then return to
work in the north. ERFN operates training courses on-reserve and the Vice-chief cites the current electrical training
occurring in conjunction with Northlands College. This type
of training in the community is good because it is much
easier for the students to live in their home community, especially if they have children; it is less stressful on them, said
Vice-chief Apesis. “They can attend the training and walk to
it and don’t need a vehicle.”
“ERFN operates a daycare on-reserve which is an advantage
for students with children,” she said. “Today you need an
education to succeed in a global world that really values
education.”
Vice-chief Apesis says, “At the same time it is important to
remember who you are, important to maintain your culture,
language and traditions as we move forward as a community.
The Chief and Council believe that we can maintain our culture, language and traditions with educated members being
the driving force for retaining these identities because they
can write and teach others. We don’t want to forget where
we came from.”
St. Louis School is undergoing renovations with the roof
being replaced. During the replacement, the Vice-chief wants
all members to know that the school is off-limits. The gymnasium will not be open and the work should be completed
by the end of August when the school will be fully functional again. It was important to get this replaced so that the
integrity of the structure remains strong and would not be
damaged by water coming from the leaky roof.
5
Head Start Program
In the last quarter of the 2014-2015 fiscal year, there are four
children aged four years attending the morning session and five
children aged three years present in the afternoon.
The Aboriginal Head Start Program at English River First Nation
started 15 years ago at the St. Louis School. In 2013 the program
was moved to the new Great River Health Centre.
Rosanne Black, a member of English River First Nation (ERFN)
manages the program. The program operates Monday through
Thursday and Ms. Black teaches the children on these days and
her Fridays are spent attending to administration matters.
On Monday to Thursday the program runs 10 am to noon and
from 1 to 3 pm. Children who are either three to four yearsof-age are eligible to be enrolled. The children must be potty
trained prior to enrollment in the Aboriginal Head Start Program.
Ms. Black believes that this is a good program. “The Head Start
Program makes a difference in the lives of the children who
attend as it provides a good foundation for the child to start
learning once they are school,” says Ms. Black. “The program
helps the children develop and it helps them on the path for a
lifetime of learning.”
Children attending the Head Start Program at ERFN learn how
to print their name. Other lessons that Ms. Black teaches the
children are reading the alphabet, learning their numbers, and
recognizing shapes and colours.
The goals of the Head Start Program, funded by Health Canada,
include assisting children on-reserve to experience opportunities
that will help them in gaining confidence, and establish a desire to
learn. The objective of the program is to start young members
on the road to becoming successful in life.
Head Start Graduates for 2015: Roseann Black’s Graduating Class for
2015 had Four graduates. (left to right) Kylen Black, Dawn Dawatsare, Faye
Dawartsare and Raegan Dawartsare.
The program works with parents and other caregivers on parenting skills and strengthens family relationships.
Photo by Sweetmoon Photography
2015 St. Louis School Kindergarten Graduating Class: (left to right)
Janell Apesis, Ryanne Apesis, Nigel Aubichon, Whitney Black, Allie-Joe
D’Jonaire, Carson D’Jonaire, Caden Laliberte, Dashiel Moskotaywenene,
Chace Wolveriene, and missing Robert D’Jonaire. The class was taught
by Miss Smith and Miss LaRivere and graduated on June 15 with the proud
parents, relatives and friends in attendance.
St. Louis School Grade 12 Graduates: (left to right) Keenan McIntyre,
Tylor George, Rikki Maurice, Treyvin Wolverine and Christian Wolverine.
Missing Heather Dawatsare and Syanna Misponas. The graduates will be
Going to Orlando, Florida for their trip in July.
6
Dedication of the St. Louis School Library: On June 16, 2015 the library
at St. Louis School in Patuanak was dedicated in the memory of Trena
Phenix, the Principal of the school who passed suddenly last August. Ms.
Phenix was a much respected administrator and teacher. She loved reading
and had a passion for books. Many members of the community were in
attendance at the dedication including Ms. Phenix’s parents , Mr and Mrs.
Bill Hannah, and special Aunt Janet Cormin. She is sorely missed by all.
First medical doctor graduates
On June 28, 2015, English River First Nation will reach an historic milestone in its Education and Training Program. Wahji
Kasten, (nee Sanders) daughter of Toronto artist, Simon Paul, will
be graduating from the National College of Natural Medicine in
Portland, Oregon as a Doctor in Naturopathic Medicine. She
also will receive a master’s degree in acupuncture.
According to Ms. Kasten she is, “really excited to graduate and
her family is very proud of her.”
The entire English River First Nation is proud of her and would
like to offer their congratulations to Wahji Kasten and extend
her best wishes in her employment endeavours.
Regarding natural medicine and acupuncture, Ms. Kasten says, “I
think it is a normal thing for a First Nation person to use natural
medicine and to be drawn to that as it is part of our customs and
traditions. Acupuncture has proven to be effective for persons
who are dealing with addictions and other health issues.”
Ms. Kasten has attended the college in Portland for the past six
years. During her time there, she met and married Grant Kasten
and they have a girl named Zea.
She graduated from a high school in California and prior to
attending the college in Portland, Ms. Kasten graduated with a
bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Antioch College
in Ohio. She then worked in a lab and realized she wanted “to
help people.” She then decided to move to Toronto to be closer
to siblings and attended the University of Toronto to take the
pre-requisites needed for medical school. She then became interested in the field of Aboriginal health care providers.
As for the future, she would like to work with an organization
providing health services to First Nations. If offered a job in
Saskatchewan, she would gladly come back.
Ms. Kasten says she still has aunts, uncles and cousins living in
Patuanak and has fond memories of the community and her
relatives.
Wahji Kasten
Post-secondary Graduates for 2015
University
Pre Employment Electrical
Trades
Carmeleda Campbell
Ryan Campbell
Tommy George, Industrial Mechanic
Jill George
Brent Lariviere
Nevin McIntyre, Welding
Trudy John
Nicky Maurice
Wadji Kasten
Robert Nest
Danis McIntyre
Debbie Wolverine
Tammy Wolverine
Power Line Tech Program
Office Management
Adam Paul
Danielle McIntyre
Timothy George
Chief and Council would like to congratulate the members who have studied hard
and are about to embark on the next
phase of their life beginning their new
careers.
Glen MacDonald
In general, ERFN has been
experiencing higher levels of
educational success in recent
years. In total, there were 231
ERFN students enrolled in
school in Patuanak and LaPlonge
in spring of 2012, with an average
of 13 students/class.
ERFN reports that approximately
80% of students entering
kindergarten will graduate high
school; there is a 100% graduation
rate for students entering grade
12. The graph to the right shows
graduation trends for ERFN
students at St. Louis (Patuanak) and
Valleyview (Beauval) during the
period from 2000 to 2015.
7
ERFN List of St Louis School graduates from 1998 to 2015
Class of 2000
13 Class of 2001
Colleen Wolverine
Jeffery McIntyre
Tracy Aubichon
Jonathan McIntyre
Jacy Estralshenen
Debbie Wolverine
Audrey Piche
Jocelyn Wolverine
Kyle Lariviere
Charlene Black
Karla Aubichon
Trina Estralshenen
Katrina Eaglechild
Genevieve Campbell
Jessica Paul
Jenny Campbell
Margaret Lariviere
Allen D’Jonaire
Crystal George
Kim Wolverine
Verdeen Cook
T.K. Campbell (Beauval)
Trenton Campbell (Beauval)
Class of 2004
Tara Aubichon
Kelli Apesis
Chelsea Aubichon
Matthew Black
Anthony Campbell
Stephanie Campbell
Chastity Dawatsare
Shiela D’Jonaire
Jerald John
Glenda Lariviere
Cherokee Wapass
Precious McIntyre
Eric Campbell
Rachael Paul
Marcus Campbell
16 Class of 2005
Dale Apesis
Darci Apesis
Lewis Black
Katherine Campbell
Brent George
Rodney Wolverine
Nicky Maurice
Victor Wolverine
Jordan Wolverine
Garrett Maurice
Shannon Jackife
10 Class of 2002
Cory Wolverine
Trevor Black
Janine Dawatsare
Jayme Apesis
Janis Apesis
Rachel McIntyre
Keith Black
Kristopher Maurice
Carrie Welsh
Maury Matchee
Ralph Campbell (Beauval)
Tenille Campbell (Beauval)
11 Class of 2006
Eric Bear
Valerie Campbell
Megan Gar
Nevin McIntyre
Jeremy Maurice
Adam Paul
Vicky Maurice
Tiffany Wolverine
Jade Campbell (Beauval)
Class of 2008
Dallas Apesis
Jimmy Apesis
Dennis Misponas
Kris Piche
Amber McIntyre
Jerimi McIntyre
Sarah Dawatsare
Jana Black
Class of 2012
8
Jessica McIntyre
Larissa Campbell
Tashina Black
Trudy John
Joshua Eaglechild
Rena Wolverine
Ryan Apesis
Tyler Campbell (Beauval)
8 Class of 2007
16
Kaylene Apesis
Chad Merasty
Mitchell Black
Ezekiel Dawatsare
Sam D’Jonaire
Randie Gunn
Davene Lariviere
Erin Maurice
Daniel McIntyre
Toni Misponas
Michael Paul
Miranda Wolverine
Dana Campbell
Vicky Wolverine
Heather Black
Emile Hanson (Beauval)
8 Class of 2009
11 Class of 2010
Stephan Apesis
Allandria McIntyre
Ryan Wolverine
Jordan Campbell
Gabrielle Janvier
Bobbie Aubichon
Neena Maurice
Elaine Baxter
Dana Black
Nikita Black
Lanie Campbell
Daniel Gunn
Adele Lariviere
Brent Lariviere
Laura Maurice
Tianna Maurice
Joshua McIntyre
Stacie Misponas
Carlin Wolverine
Jimy Wolverine
Carmeleda Campbell
Marissa McCallum
Abraleigh McIntyre
Keziah Wuttunee
Cheyney Gunn
Dayna Hanson
William McIntyre
Kelly Dawn Gardiner
11 Class of 2013
Brittany Apesis
Kendra Campbell
Keith Currie
Brianna Gunn
Zachary George
Tawnee MacDonald
Daniel McIntyre
Bella Natomagan
Dylan Opikokew
William Wolverine
Kellie Black
Shaniya Black
Chad Lariviere
Lucas Lariviere
Tayvan McIntyre
Wyatt Piche
Garry Wolverine
Jaydon Campbell
Tara George
8 Class of 2014
A.J Piche
Austin Janvier
Kacie Opekokew
Mitchell Misponas
Russ Black
Shaniel Maurice
Brittany Dawatsare
Alicia Aubichon-Misponas
Krista George
Shenine Kenny
Kessa Laliberte
Cassandra Wolverine
Donovan Montgrand
Keegan Hanson
8
12 Class of 2003
* Does not include Adult Education graduates
17 Class of 2011
11
Kally Apesis
Tenniel Apesis
Jaimee Aubichon
Mariyanna Black
Amy Herman
Jarrett Maurice
Skyler Maurice
Ashley McIntyre
Kelsey McIntyre
Theoren Misponas
Kenneth Paul
12 Class of 2015
Keenan McIntyre
Trevin Wolverine
Christian Wolverine
Tylor George
Heather Dawatsare
Shyanna Misponas
Rikki Maurice
Amy Janvier
Shayna Paul
Jayme Hanson
8
Introducing Doug Roy, new
principal starting in August 2015
The new St. Louis School Principal Doug Roy starts in August of 2015
St. Louis School will have a new principal starting in August.
His name is Doug Roy and he is an experienced administrator.
Mr. Roy will be replacing the current principal, Marie Wilson,
who is returning to her previous position as vice-principal and
early reading intervention teacher.
Treaty Day 2015
Birthday Greetings for Elder Sarazine Ratt from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Canada: (left to right) RCMP Patuanak Corporal Tara Norman
presents Elder Sarazine Ratt a congratulatory certificate from the Queen.
Chief Marie Black read out to the audience what the description on each of
the four certificates prior to providing them to Corporal Norman.
His last teaching position was in Oman, an Arab Country on
the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle
East where he worked for the school term of eight months.
He has resided in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and
Quebec, teaching in various First Nation communities. He
says he is looking forward to his upcoming time in Patuanak.
“This is already a pretty good school, a nice community and
hopefully we can make it better so that it is the best possible
First Nation School in Saskatchewan and in the country.”
He is looking forward to meeting parents and the younger
students at the start of school as he met mostly high school
students during his visit to Patuanak in June.
Married to Queenie, they have a six-year-old daughter.
Elder Ratt (left) addresses the attendees at Treaty Day 2015: Elder Ratt
spoke in Dene to members with (back left to right) Chief Marie Black,
Corporal Tara Norman of Patuanak, Sergeant Shawn Carter of Beauval,
North District Commander Grant St. Germaine of Prince Albert and Staff
Sergeant Ted Munro of Prince Albert listening attentively to Elder Ratt’s
words of experience and wisdom.
Philip Maurice Passes Suddenly
Philip Maurice, an employee of the English River First Nation
(ERFN) passed away suddenly earlier this month in hospital in
Saskatoon. Mr. Maurice was well-known in the community as he
worked in the Operations and Maintenance Department at ERFN
for more than 25 years.
Gilbert George, the housing coordinator for ERFN worked
closely with Mr. Maurice and said he will be sadly missed. “He
was a great co-worker and was good at his job. He had much
experience at the reserve fixing anything involved with the water
and sewer lines including house maintenance,” said Mr. George.
“Mr. Maurice was a very humble and kind-hearted person. He
was friendly, outgoing, had a great sense of humour—especially
when he was telling jokes with co-workers in the Dene language.”
Mr. Maurice was committed and dedicated to helping those living at Patuanak, even if it involved working after hours to solve
an issue, said Mr. George. “He also went to La Plonge Reserve
to deal with problems there relating to sewer and water. All
and all, he was a great co-worker and great friend to all, treating
everyone the same.”
Black, Vicky Maurice, Trevin Wolverine and Jaydan Aubichon.
The funeral service for Mr. Maurice was held on June 10, 2015 at
St. Louis Roman Catholic Church with interment at the Patuanak
Cemetery. Officiating at the service was Father Eugene Whyte.
Honourary pallbearers were Pat MacKasey and ERFN staff and
pallbearers were Henry Maurice, Richard Maurice, Kristoffer
Maurice, Nicky Maurice, Jordan Campbell and Duane Laliberte.
The Maurice family wishes to express their gratitude to all
sharing in their loss. The family told the community that the
prayers, deeds of kindness and attendance at the service was
greatly appreciated and will be remembered forever.
On behalf of members, Chief and Council offer their condolences to the family of Philip Maurice. In his honour, all ERFN
Offices were closed on the day of his funeral.
Born on Oct. 4, 1959 Mr. Maurice passed away on June 5, 2015.
He was 55 years-of-age.
Mr. Maurice is survived by: his wife Rheda; children: Norma
(Duane), Kristoffer (Brittany), Nicky (Randie), Neena (Jordan);
grandchildren Dana, Nolan, Emre, Annabelle, Baby River (Bossman); brothers: Henry (Dolores), Richard (Adrienne); adopted
brothers Clifford Laliberte, Calvin Laliberte (Karen); sisters:
Ceclina (Labada), Louise (Indian), Hazel (Brown), Margaret (Paul),
Shirley (Mark), Debbie (Richard); uncles: Frank, Gilbert, Peterson
(Andrea), Robert (Yvonne); aunts: Cecile and Frieda; brotherin-laws: Noel McIntyre (Celina), Victor McIntyre, Russell Black
(Maryann), Randy McIntyre (Celestine); sister-in-laws: Delia Black,
Evon McIntyre, Margaret-Rose McIntyre; godchildren: Shaniya
Philip Maurice
9
Meeting to discuss the Collaboration Agreement: (clockwise with backs
toward camera) Councillor Russ Black; SeanWiley, Director, Corporate
Responsibility (Cameco); Tammy Van Lambalgen, Vice-president Regulatory
Corporate Social Responsibility and General Counsel (AREVA); Vincent
Martin, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (AREVA); Tim
Glizel, President and Chief Executive Officer (Cameco); Alice Wong, Senior
Vice-president and Chief Corporate Officer (Cameco); Scott Britton,
General Manager Rabbit Lake Site, (Cameco); Vice-chief and Councillor
Gloria Apesis; and Chief Marie Black.
Tour of the Ambulance: (left to right) Tim Glizel, President and Chief
Executive Officer Cameco; Chief Marie Black and Vincent Martin,
President and Chief Executive Officer (AREVA).
Officials of AREVA and
Cameco visit Patuanak
On June 16, 2015 officials from AREVA and Cameco, the partners of English River First Nation (ERFN) in the Collaboration
Agreement (CA) arrived at Patuanak to discuss issues around the
CA and to tour the community to see the infrastructure progress being made. During the meeting, the Chief and Council and
the officials from AREVA and Cameco discussed subjects such
as education and training, particularly with respect to members
entering trades and working as apprentices. Other subjects discussed included the improvements to community infrastructure
such as housing and the Great River Health Centre.
Tim Gitzel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cameco
and Vincent Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer of
AREVA both expressed to the Chief and Council that they were
committed to working in partnership in an attempt to address
the situations.
After the meeting, the officials went on a tour of the community
starting with the Great River Health Centre. Lloyd Williams, the
northern primary care nurse led the tour. Both Mr. Gitzel and
Mr. Martin indicated they were quite impressed with the facility
and enjoyed examining the ambulance.
After the health centre, the tour of other areas of the community included some of the new housing units that are being added
to the inventory at Patuanak. The officials commented on seeing
the restaurant when they first came in to the community.
The tour group went to the school to have lunch where Elder
Pat Campbell gave the prayer. After lunch, Chief Marie Black,
Mr. Martin and Mr. Gitzel addressed the members.
Tour of Great River Health Centre: (left to right) Lloyd Williams, the
northern primary care nurse; Vincent Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer (AREVA) and Tim Gitzel, President and Chief Executive Officer (Cameco); and Scott Britton, General Manager Rabbit Lake Site (Cameco). Mr. Williams explained what the equipment at the centre can do.
10
Banner presented to English River First Nation by Cameco.
Chief Black talked about the benefits the CA is bringing to the
community, how the community is making progress under the
agreement and that each of the partners is working hard to
address issues.
Mr. Martin mentioned that he remembered coming to the community two years ago and that he was impressed with the improvements such as the Great River Health Centre, and the new
housing. He also talked about the education and training that
members are receiving through the CA.
Mr. Gitzel spoke for a few minutes and said he had also noticed
the improvements in the community. He explained to the audience that he was familiar with northern Saskatchewan as he grew
up in Meadow Lake and began working in a mine as a summer
job while attending university. Members in attendance listened
attentively as he talked about attending hockey games for the
Meadow Lake Stampeders and watching a hockey player, Abe
Apesis, who of course, was from Patuanak. In closing Mr. Gitzel
said he was giving the community the banner that was hanging
on the wall of the gymnasium.
Chief Marie Black with the assistance of Marlene Wolverine, the
executive assistant to the Chief and Council presented the guests
with gifts. The guests then went fishing and later, with filleted
pickerel in hand, departed for Saskatoon.
Proud Fisherperson: Carla Delgado, Administrative Assistant with Cameco
handles her fish while Councillor Archie Campbell fillets more fish in the
background.
Joint Implementation Report for 2014 available
By Jenny Wolverine
The Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) has a significant
role in the Collaboration Agreement (CA) between ERFN,
AREVA and Cameco and reporting is one of the committee’s
key responsibilities. The JIC Report 2014 has been finalized
and was presented to the English River First Nation (ERFN)
community on June 16, 2015 when officials visited Patuanak.
The report contains highlights of progress on each of the five
pillars, namely business development, community investment,
community and regulatory engagement, environmental stewardship and workforce development.
The report begins with comments by Chief Marie Black and
Cameco’s Senior Vice-president and Chief Corporate Officer,
Alice Wong. Both Chief Black and Ms. Wong conclude that
the CA agreement has helped with improving the community
in terms of infrastructure, education, housing, sports, training
and sharing the responsibility for the protection of people and
the environment at Cameco’s mining operations.
Housing is one area where progress has been made. Rose
Gardiner shared her story about receiving one of the first
homes brought into Patuanak and Louis and Mary Jane Wolverine tell their story about their bathroom renovations. A
total of 15 new modular homes were purchased and moved to
ERFN. The majority of the homes went to Patuanak while a
few were transported to the La Plonge Reserve.
Other articles contained in the JIC Report include Debbie
Wolverine sharing her story about training and Tiandra Wolverine telling her story about competing as a wrestler and taking home the silver medal at the North American Indigenous
Games in Regina. Rosalyn Misponas also shared her story
about culture and about the annual ERFN Cultural Camp at
kilometre 160 on the Key Lake road.
Another article is about the church that was built and opened
on Christmas Eve of 2014. The report also focuses on the
safety aspect, specifically the ambulance and how having our
own ambulance improves transport times and, possibly later
can be a source of revenue, as well as serving other communities.
Please contact Jenny Wolverine at the ERFN Administration
Office to obtain a copy or visit the ERFN Website: http://
www.erfn.net/ to look at the full report.
Land Designation vote to take place on July 28, 2015
By Cheyenna Campbell B.A., LL.B., ERFN Lands and Resources Officer
The purpose of the designation is to allow Chief and Council
of ERFN to attract additional businesses to sub-lease property
from an ERFN, and/or to enter into development arrangements with ERFN. This will result in economic development
of ERFN lands.
ERFN will seek employment opportunities for ERFN members; provide training for employment; to be able to obtain
certification in various industries by ERFN members. It will
also generate revenues by ERFN business licensing, rebate of
federal and provincial taxes - all possible revenues for supporting ERFN priorities like education.
What is a Designation Vote?
Cheyenna Campbell B.A., LL.B., ERFN Lands and Resources Officer
The English River First Nation will be conducting a land
designation vote on July 28, 2015. This article explains the
background on the process, an explanation of the ballots, as
well as how and where voters can vote.
Background
The English River First Nation (ERFN) is a signatory to Treaty 10. Under the terms of Treaty 10, the Crown set aside
lands for ERFN. ERFN has acquired new reserve lands under
the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) land process.
The lands to be designated are lands which were purchased by
ERFN through their TLE process:
(a) Beauval Gina’s Gas Bar;
(b) Porter Island;
(c) Cable Bay Cree Lake; and
(d) Slush Lake #2.
Beauval Gina’s Gas Bar, Porter Island, and Cable Bay Cree
Lake are each already ERFN reserve lands. Slush Lake #2
is not yet reserve lands, but is in the process of becoming
reserve land.
In order to develop the property and its resources, the
reserve and pre-reserve lands must first be designated. A
designation vote is a process where a band may authorize
Her Majesty the Queen to grant a lease or other interest in
reserve land, with the consent of the band council. Her Majesty will then enter into a lease with ERFN’s land management
company who can then develop the land, obtain financing as
required, and sub-lease to third parties to allow for exploration and development of mines and extraction of minerals.
There will be three ballots involved in this designation vote.
Land May Be Designated
Under the Indian Act, a designation vote can be held with
respect to reserve land. This is land whose legal title is currently with Her Majesty and has been set apart for the use of
a band. Since the reserve land is legally held by Her Majesty,
the band, through a “Yes” designation vote of the eligible
voting members, authorizes Her Majesty to grant leases or
other interests in reserve land. It is also possible to designate
ERFN land which is in the process of becoming, but is not
yet reserve land (like Slush Lake #2).
Land Status Maintained
Under the Indian Act, the lands covered by the vote do not
lose their status as reserve land when they become designated. The designation allows for leases and other interests to
be granted in the reserve lands which would not otherwise be
allowed under the Indian Act. Also, certain sections of the
Indian Act will no longer apply to designated lands.
Since a designation applies to reserve lands, Her Majesty
still has authority over the management and control of the
designated lands. Her Majesty would enter into a lease with
11
ERFN’s land management company (presently English River
Enterprises Inc.), which would then be able to sub-lease portions of the designated reserve lands to third parties.
The Designation Vote
A “Yes” vote gives the ERFN Chief and Council the authority
to sign a document called the “Designation Document.” The
designation document can be summarized as follows:
1.
It designates the land to Her Majesty the Queen (Canada), for leasing purposes between ERFN’s Corporation
and Canada;
2. It gives the corporation the right to sub-lease the reserve land for commercial, retail, tourism, and recreational purposes; and
3. It includes a subsurface designation, which is for exploration and use of subsurface interests.
There will be three Designation Votes, each with a separate
ballot, to be voted upon at the same time:
(a) Ballot No. 1 - Reserve Land Leasing
For the reserve lands to be leased as a commercial property
for commercial uses:
Off-reserve and La Plonge members receive their ballots in
the mail. Instructions on completing the mail-in ballots are
enclosed. Receiving a mail-in package does not mean that
you cannot vote in person at the Poll, but you can only vote
once.
The Simple Majority Required
For each of the three designation votes, if 50 percent + 1 of
those eligible voters who cast a ballot are in favour of the
designation, the designation passes.
In the event of a “Yes” vote, the Chief and Council will sign
the applicable “Designation Document”. The Chief and Council then pass a Band Council Resolution asking the Minister
of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to
accept the successful designations.
In the event of a “No” vote, the applicable “Designation Document” will not be signed and the land will not be designated
for the purposes set out in that Designation Document.
If there is a yes vote for some but not all of the three designation votes, the designation(s) for which the majority is met
will pass while the others will fail.
Information Meetings
i) At Beauval – Gina’s Gas Bar- a commercial gas bar,
a restaurant, and a residence on site for the store
manager;
If you are a voting member and require any further information about the designation of ERFN Lands, there will be
community information meetings held as follows:
ii) At Porter Island- a commercial property for commercial outfitting uses; and
Information Meetings
Location
Date and Time
iii) At Cable Bay Cree Lake- a commercial property for
commercial outfitting uses.
William Apesis Band Hall
Patuanak
To be announced
(due to fire evacuation)
La Plonge Reserve
Community Centre
To be announced
(due to fire evacuation)
Tron Boardroom
301- 2555 Grasswood Rd.
Saskatoon
July 9, 2015 at 6 pm
(b) Ballot No. 2 – Pre-reserve Surface Land Leasing
For the Slush Lake #2 pre-reserve lands to be leased as a
Commercial property for commercial uses.
(c) Ballot No. 3 – Pre-Reserve Sub-Surface Interests
For the Slush Lake #2 pre-reserve lands and subsurface to be
leased for exploration and use of subsurface interests.
The voter votes either “Yes” or “No” for each of the three
ballots by placing an “X”, check mark or other mark in the
“Yes” or “No” box in each ballot.
Designation Vote
William Apesis Band Hall
Patuanak
July 28, 2015 9 am to 8 pm
Who Can Vote?
The voters list has been established using the ERFN Membership Code. It has been approved by ERFN Chief and Council Resolution. To be eligible to be a member, you need to
qualify under the Band Membership Code of ERFN approved
by the members June 16, 1987.
Treaty Day 2015
The list of voters of ERFN may be revised by the Electoral
Officer. All ERFN members are encouraged to contact the
Electoral Officer to ensure that he or she is on the list as an
eligible voter. The Electoral Officer is:
Sara Dryka
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
110-3601 5th Avenue East
PRINCE ALBERT SK S6W 0A2
Phone: 306-953-8524
Fax: 306-953-8671
Voting
An eligible voter may vote in one of two ways:
12
(a)
By mail-in ballot.
(b)
In person on voting day at Patuanak on July 28, 2015,
between 9 am and 8 pm.
English River First Nation Dene Drum Group: (facing camera) Rod Apesis
leads members of the drum group in song at Treaty Day on June 1, 2015.
The group’s music was appreciated by the audience.
ERFN Opts In to First Nations Election Act
By Jamie Dickson, Vice-president of Legal Affairs for the Des
Nedhe Group of Companies, and Legal Counsel for ERFN
they could then use to vote. Under the new system, however, non-resident members will receive an information
package about the election in the mail but will then actually
have to apply to the electoral officer for a mail-in ballot,
and will now also have to prove their identity to the electoral officer (example: by sending in a photocopy of a piece of
identification like a status card or a driver’s license).
Also new under this act, First Nations may now have advance voting polls so that both resident and non-resident
members have more than one opportunity to vote. My
understanding is that ERFN Chief and Council are considering holding advance polls for the election later this year in
Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Ile-a-la-Crosse, Beauval, and Patuanak between October 17 and October 21. Watch for specific
announcements later this year for when and where these
polls will be held.
In the future, if ERFN wants to design its own election
code, it is still free to do that. In fact, it is easier for First
Nations who opt in to this new act to then create their own
election codes. The new act sets out a clear process for
how First Nations can create and ratify their own election
codes.
Jamie Dickson Vice-president of Legal Affairs for the Des Nedhe Group
of Companies, and Legal Counsel for English River First Nation: On
June 2, 2015 at the William Apesis Memorial Band Hall Mr. Dickson made
a presentation on the First Nations Elections Act to about 50 members in
attendance. The presentation was broadcast on CPAT 89.9 FM and translated into Dene. After the presentation Mr. Dickson answered member’s
questions .
On June 8, 2015, the Chief and Council of ERFN signed a
Band Council Resolution (BCR) officially opting into the new
First Nations Election Act. The next ERFN election will be
held later this year, on October 26, 2015. ERFN Chief and
Council asked me to write this short article with an overview of the changes.
Set out below are a few of the other changes under the new
First Nations Election Act which members might be interested in. This is not a complete list, but just some of the
highlights.
• E
RFNmemberscannolongerrun forbothChiefAND
Councillor. Under the new act, a member can only run
for EITHER Chief OR for Councillor.
• O
nlyvotingmembersofERFNmaynowrunforChief.
Under the old system, you had to be a voting member
to run for Councillor, but literally anybody could run
for Chief.
The First Nations Election Act is an option because First
Nation leaders in Manitoba and Atlantic Canada pushed for
it. It was designed mostly by First Nation people and not
by Ottawa politicians. It offers a new way of holding First
Nation elections for First Nations in Canada who wish to
use it.
• E
RFNmemberswhowishtorunforChieforCouncil
will now have to pay a $250 fee to the electoral officer
in order to run. Candidates will get their $250 back
after the election but only if they receive at least five
percent of the votes.
There will be several changes to future ERFN elections as
a result of the fact that ERFN’s elected leaders have now
decided to use this new system. By far the most significant
change is that instead of serving two-year terms, ERFN
Chief and Councils will be elected to serve four-year terms.
What this means is that the new ERFN Chief and Council
elected later this year will serve as your leaders from October 2015 until October 2019.
• T
henewactsetsoutoffencesandpenalties.Forexample, it is an offence for candidates to bribe voters, for
any member to obstruct the election process, or for
somebody to vote twice or to vote knowing that they
are not actually an ERFN voting member. People can be
charged for committing such offences and may be ordered to pay fines up to $5,000 or to even go to jail for
up to six months.
Many people believe that a longer term gives First Nations
more stable and effective governments. A longer term
allows first-time Councillors, for example, more time to get
used to their new roles and to learn what it takes to be a
good Councillor. It allows Chief and Councils more time
to create and implement long-term community plans. This
change to a longer term is the main reason why many First
Nations throughout Canada (including ERFN) have opted
into this new Act. Also, this change brings participating
First Nations in line with other governments in Canada who
generally use four-year terms (example: the Government of
Canada, and the Government of Saskatchewan).
There is one change that non-resident ERFN members
(sometimes referred to as “urban members”) should pay
close attention to. Under the old system, non-resident
members would automatically receive a mail-in ballot which
• A
ppealsnowgotocourtandnottoAboriginalAffairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC). If
a member wishes to appeal the results of an election
because, for example, they believe that the election was
not run fairly or properly, they may launch an appeal to
Saskatchewan courts and a judge will rule on it. Under
the old system, appeals would be taken to AANDC and
the AANDC Minister would rule on it.
• U
nderthenewact,therewillbeautomaticrecounts
when a candidate wins by five votes or less.
My understanding is that ERFN staff will be posting fact
sheets on their website soon, and further discussing the new
changes on the radio so that ERFN members have all of the
information they need in terms of fully understanding the
changes involved with this new act.
13
La Plonge Reserve News
Margaret Reynolds continues to lead an interesting life
Margaret Reynolds has had four distinct and different careers
so far in her life. When you interview her you find out quickly that she has led a fascinating and lively life. She is still very
active and energetic.
A member of the English River First Nation, Mrs. Reynolds
currently lives on the La Plonge Reserve. She was born and
raised at Dipper Lake to her parents JB and Clementine Garr.
While living at Dipper Lake, she only spoke the Dene language
until she went to residential school at Beauval. She then started
high school in Lebret at another residential school and later
attended the Sion Academy in Saskatoon to complete high
school.
Mrs. Reynolds then went to Winnipeg to attend the Manitoba Institute of Technology, (now known as Red River College)
where she took classes in medical laboratory technology. In
1967, she graduated as a medical lab technologist and worked at
various hospitals in Saskatchewan including Meadow Lake and
Saskatoon.
In the late 70’s, until 1983, Margaret worked as a researcher
in Dene language at the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College
(SICC). She has a great interest in her Dene language. While
working at SICC, she wrote three books; Dene Legends, Johnny
Goes Hunting, and Dene Syllabics Book. In 1983, she changed
professions and went to work with the Department of Social
Services in the Child Welfare Department. While working at the
Department of Social Services, she taught Denesųłiné language
at the First Nations University. Margaret taught for 20 years as
a sessional instructor. She wants to protect, preserve, promote
and practice her Denesųłiné language.
Then in 2001, she retired and moved to La Plonge Reserve in
Beauval. She taught Dene language at St. Louis school in Patuanak for four years. In 2006 - 2009, she taught at Mission Hill
School in Beauval.
Margaret started sewing as a young girl and was taught by her
grandmother and mother. She started sewing just as a hobby
and now uses her own creative design to create contemporary
and traditional clothing such as dance regalia, gowns, ribbon
A grad dress with wolf accents made by Margaret Reynolds of La Plonge
Reserve.
14
Margaret Reynolds
shirts, traditional jingle and Métis dresses, shawls and wedding
dresses.
“My product displays a design of feathers which is my signature, I call my designs Eneyu which means mother’s clothing in
Dene.” she said.
Mrs. Reynolds has no formal design training but has great ideas
and is very creative. She has an exceptional talent at incorporating creative native designs in her everyday wearable clothing.
She has been sewing for 35 years. She promotes her designs
only by word of mouth and also has fashion shows.
“My clothing has been sold to customers in Australia, parts of
the United States and the Northwest Territories, and of course
Saskatchewan,” she proudly said. Now she uses modern technology and has both a computerized sewing machine as well as
a serger.
Margaret and her husband Noel have been married for 47
years. They raised two children and they have one grandson
Quinn.
Star blanket made by Margaret Reynolds
ERFN Pre-Employment Electrical Training Being
Held in Patuanak
During the period from March 2 - July 17, 2015, training
occurring on the English River First Nation (ERFN) was setting
a precedent in the north. For the first time in 20 years, the
pre-employment electrical training program was being delivered
on a First Nation in Saskatchewan. Usually the course is delivered at Northlands College in La Ronge according to instructor
Leonard Roberts.
The students undertook the 300- hour certificate program
formally called the Electrical Applied Certificate Program, which
is being offered by ERFN in conjunction with Northlands College who works in partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic
(formerly Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology). The objective of the program is to give the students
a good footing in becoming electrical apprentices. In order to
write an examination to become a journeyman, a person has to
go through four levels of training with each level having 1,800
hours for a total of 7,200.
“The course is about introduction to electrical theory and
practical skills,” said Mr. Roberts. “If they complete the course,
then they will graduate with a certificate. It allows those that
graduate ‘a good foot in the door’ to then go on and become a
journeyman,” he said.
Learning by doing: In the laboratory, Ryan Campbell works on installing a
breaker in an electrical panel.
Mr. Roberts said the course he is teaching is a rare opportunity for ERFN members, as the program was brought to them,
which made it easier for them. “I commend the five students
who are remaining in the program-- Ryan Campbell, Brent Lariviere, Nicky Maurice, Robert Nest and Debbie Wolverine for
persevering and being committed to completing the course,”
said Mr. Roberts. “Fifteen members started the program and
we are now down to the five who are most committed and
most willing to learn.”
Ryan Campbell took the course because he wanted to pursue a
career. “I like working with my hands and I want to become a
journeyman electrician,” said Mr. Campbell.
Some of the students had worked as labourers and had gotten
laid off which is what happened to Brent Lariviere who graduated from St. Louis School in 2010. At first the course was
hard, but he likes working in the lab and says, “With more
time in and learning more, it is becoming fun.”
Pre-employment Electrical Training Course: (clockwise from the left
Brent Lariviere, Nicky Maurice, Robert Nest, Leonard Roberts (instructor)
and Debbie Wolverine work in the laboratory practicing what they learned
in the classroom.
Mr. Roberts is a member of the La Ronge Indian Band and
spent 20 years in the trade. He became an instructor after
being seriously injured when he was struck by a car while
walking on the sidewalk. While Mr. Roberts had to undergo a
transition from being a journeyman electrician to becoming a
journeyman electrician instructor, he now finds that he enjoys
teaching others.
“I like giving the students an insight into working as an electrician and because I went to residential school and faced other
issues, I try to offer my students insight into how to cope with
everything they are facing,” said Mr. Roberts. He has worked
on reserves all over the north and in central Saskatchewan and
says, “There is huge demand for journeyman in Saskatchewan.”
He likes the thought of being part of something good for the
north and for First Nations people in Saskatchewan. He noted
that in the past, Northlands and other organizations could not
get instructors to come to the north to deliver the program.
Persons who wanted to get into electrical work had to go south
and this put extra pressure on the students because they were
away from home, and besides school the other adjustments
were too much for many.
Nicky Maurice, 28 years-old, had worked odd jobs for a number of years, most recently at a grocery store in Prince Albert. He wanted more of a future, so he got into the course
and now wants to get his ticket and possibly own his own
company. “I would recommend this course to other ERFN
members looking at getting into a trade,” said Mr. Maurice.
Debbie Wolverine was working at the ERFN Administration
Office as the assistant in the Social Development Program. “I
was always interested in the trades and was tired of sitting
behind the desk so I decided to enroll in the course as a
change.”
Robert Nest was working at Cold Lake, Alberta for an oil servicing company when he got laid off from his labourer position. “I got tired of not having a trade; I was always interested
in getting into the trades, but did not have the opportunity
till now,” Mr. Nest said. “I am determined to continue and to
finish,” he said. “Having a trade opens doors; you can work
anywhere in the country.” He would encourage all students
to look at all trades, not just the electrical field.
The students will be graduating July 17 and their instructor,
Mr. Roberts, plans to attend so that he can see the smiles on
the faces of his students when they finally realize they have
made it and completed the course. Then Mr. Roberts will be
satisfied.
15
August 9
Upcoming Events
July
July 6 -17
July 11
July 15 and
16
July 18
July 18 to 23
July 27 to
August 7
July 28
July 30
July 30, 31
and
August 1,2
August
August 1 to 7
August 3
August 4,5,6
August 7
August 7-8
National Blueberry Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month
Due to fire evacuation, some dates may
change!
Summer Literacy Day Camp, St. Louis
School, Grades 2-3 and 4-5, Contact
Marie Wilson (306) 396-2161
World Population Day
133rd Annual Pilgrimage St. Laurent
(northeast of Duck Lake)
Nelson Mandela International Day
Lac St Anne Pilgrimage
Summer Literacy Day Camp, St. Louis
School, Grades 6-8, Contact Marie Wilson
ERFN Land DesignationVote
Father-in-Law Day
Father Louis Moraud 50th Annual Pilgrimage, Patuanak Contact Marlene
Wolverine English River First Nation
(306) 396-2055; Dora Lariviere (306)
240-6196; or Rosanne Black (306)
240-4885
National Catfish
Harvest
National Water Quality
Peach Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
Get Ready for Kindergarten Month
World Breastfeeding Week
Civic Holiday
2015 Indian Residential School Gathering
La Plonge Mission Grounds
ERFN athletes depart for Indian Summer
Games in Ochapowace Nation
La Plonge Reserve Guaranteed ‘Slow
Pitch’ Tournament must register by
August 1, Contact Caesar Gunn (306)
240-0095 or (306) 288-4488
Upcoming Votes
The English River First Nation (ERFN) will be conducting
important votes in the next few months.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
August 7-9
Summer Youth Conference La Plonge
Contact Dale Apesis (306) 716-8716
August 9-15
Saskatchewan First Nations Summer
Games, Ochapowace Nation. Contact
Councillor Joey Paul (306) 222-7917
August 12
International Youth Day
August 15 to 18 Canoe Healing Journey
August 19
World Humanitarian Day
August 17 to Annual Family Gathering at the Beach
22
August 23
International Day for the Remembrance of
the Slave Trade and it’s Abolition (UN)
August 31
St. Louis School, Patuanak, tentative start
date for fall
August 31
Valley View School, Beauval, start date
Important Dates
July 1, 1867
August 26,
1991
August 28,
1906
September 4,
1951
in First Nation History
Canada becomes a country
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
Established
Chief William Apesis signs Treaty 10 at
Île-à-la-Crosse
Present day Indian Act Created
Treaty Day 2015
2015 Treaty Day Parade: (left to right) Chief Marie Black, RCMP Patuanak Constable Karlo Malik and Councillor Joey Paul lead the other members participating in the parade on a cold and windy day. (background)
Councillor Russ Black also participated in the walk.
A Land Designation Vote, for members who are eligible
voters, will be held on July 26, 2015. Please see the article
on page 11 or contact the ERFN Administration Office for
more information.
Voting for Chief and Council will be held on October
26, 2015 in accordance with the First Nations Elections
Act. Please see the article on page 13 or contact the ERFN
Administration Office for more information.
Attention Off-reserve Members
The English River First Nation (ERFN) needs an accurate
contact list for members residing off-reserve. Please
contact the ERFN Administration Office at (306) 3962066 with your current contact information: your name,
mailing address, phone numbers and email address.
Treaty Day 2015 Stroller and Vehicle: Katrina Eaglechild with her
daughter Lyla Maurice-Eaglechild in stroller and Rosanne Black’s Head Start
Class School Bus both won prizes for their entries in the parade.
For further information, please contact:
English River First Nation
Box 30
PATUANAK SK S0M 2H0
Phone (306) 396-2055 or (306) 396-2066
Fax (306) 396-2155
16
ERFN La Plonge Sub-Office
BEAUVAL SK SOMOGO
Phone: 306-288-4417
Fax 306-288-4678
Toll-free 1-800-594-9925
Post-Secondary toll-free 1-800-905-7678
Health toll-free 1-877-396-2072
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.erfn.net/
@Copyright ERFN 2015