Band Council News. Working together for a better community. Message from Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck KITIGAN ZIBI ANISHINABEG

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1 Band Council News VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 2013 KITIGAN ZIBI ANISHINABEG Working together for a better community. IN THIS ISSUE OF COUNCIL NEWS Meetings Attended by the Chief...4 BCR s...5 Messages from Councillors Dates for Future Community Band Meetings...12 Kwey Kitigan Zibi Community Members, I am pleased to have this opportunity to share some words with all KZA community members. I want to say chi migwech for the continued positive support in allowing me to represent the community. As I have mentioned in the past, I am most humbled and honoured to represent Kitigan Zibi, a community where I was raised and a community where I have raised my family. I wish to express my sincere recognition and appreciation to all the community members who work for the community. The community is able to move forward because of your efforts and contributions. I also want to thank all of the private community owned businesses that operate in the community. Your continued efforts make the community stronger and more viable. Business development in whatever shape it takes is an important community cornerstone that needs to be further developed over the coming years. I realize there are challenges for business development but I also realize that there are viable opportunities that must be closely examined. The Economic Development study which was completed by Miss Francine Whiteduck will provide the Band Council and the community with important insights relating to possible next steps for community economic development. An executive summary of this report will be sent out to the community and posted on the website. During the past 6 months I have been involved in a number of files. Some of the files have been: Securing funding from Aboriginal Affairs for the construction of a new outdoor rink; police sector funding agreement for the coming year and continued efforts to have a multi-year agreement; development of draft by-law for waste disposal and protection of Message from Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck community aquifer which will come to the Band Council for one last review prior to being adopted; provided in-put in regards to KZA annual audit report; pursued discussion with NCC in regards to proposed new inter-provincial bridge. The proposed new bridge project has now been cancelled; pursued discussions with NCC in regards to opportunities related to Gatineau Park; I met with the NCC in regards to the future of Victoria Island and advocated for the development of the vision of Elder William Commanda; I participated in various meetings and forums in order to have our voice heard and to advance the interest of Kitigan Zibi; I have participated in meetings related to forestry and a few related to graphite mining; informed community and worked to have Chief Kirby Whiteduck come to present Pikwàkanagàn s position in regards to the land claim process in Ontario at a Community Band meeting; spoke at and participated along with members of the Band Council as well as community members to the June 21 raising of the KZA community flag in front of Ottawa City Hall. This was a first for the city of Ottawa and a first for KZA which was the result of meetings held with Mayor Watson. Discussions and the seeking out of opportunities with the city of Honoring Elder Bertha Commanda.

2 Message from Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck Ottawa will continue; presented and participated with KZ dancers and drum in the Jacques Cartier park event on June 29, This came to recognize the important role of Algonquins in ensuring the survival of Samuel de Champlain in 1613; participated and presented at other events related to the historical encounter between the Algonquins and Samuel de Champlain; met with the Mayor of Gatineau to discuss business and other opportunities for KZA; followed up with the Community Master Development Plan which was presented at a Community Band meeting and the Community Simulation project which is being done with Carleton university; provided support in the promotion of the KZ Cook book which was prepared by the Natural Resources Dept.; promoted the sale of Awazibi syrup at different venues; sat in on the Anishinabemowin language symposium gathering; pursued discussions in regards to the additions to reserve for an additional 24 square kms to KZA. We are now waiting for a final confirmation of the first stage of approval which is expected for the end of September 2013; The community was host to the Dr. Stanley Vollant walk as well as the Nishiyuu Journey walkers which went through the community. The Nihsiyuu Journey event culminated in a large gathering that went from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill. These two important activities required the mobilization of numerous community members in order to provide a supportive and welcoming environment to the individuals that spent a bit of time in the community and on Algonquin territory. It is my belief from my observation of these activities that both had an impact on young and older participants. Finally, it should be noted that over 60 % of the costs incurred by the community for these two events has been recovered. Migwech to all community members who assisted with the event or who joined these events. The summer period has been and is always a busy period for KZA. This summer 2013, over 100 workers were hired for the summer work projects, some 35 plus workers were hired for brush cutting, seasonal workers were hired by KZHSS to assist the elderly, workers were hired for housing, housing repairs, roads, road maintenance work and a few were hired in some other areas such as forest, fire fighters with the Sopfeu. Although the duration of the employment is limited in the number of weeks, the creation of the maximum number of jobs is most important. It should also be noted that a more focused approached was taken this summer in regards to the summer work crews which consisted of teams with one overall supervisor. This approach will be reviewed at the end of the work season in order to get input in regards to what worked well and what needs to be improved. This will form the basis for the necessary preparation for next year. The audit is now complete with the overall KZA programs finishing the fiscal year in a good financial position. The audit report will be put on the KZA web site and a summary copy of the report will be sent to every household sometime during the month of September. Community members wishing to have more detailed audit information are asked to contact the KZA Community Services Director/Comptroller at I am also available to meet in regards to the audit report. The issue of confirming funding for the summer work projects is always problematic. Aboriginal Affairs does not directly provide funding for summer employment (summer work projects) which requires that all sectors work together to confirm an annual budget which can be in the neighbourhood of $ 600 thousand dollars for the summer work projects. Approximately 65% of the required funding for the summer work projects comes from the income assistance program. This program is undergoing a review by Aboriginal Affairs and changes may occur in the future. We will follow this issue closely as this could have some challenging implications. The issue of the comprehensive land claims process by the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) is continuing its course. This process has been decades in the making. This claim covers some 9 million acres of land in eastern Ontario which has been and continues to be the land of our nation as a whole. We have had the opportunity over the past couple of years to have had the lawyer representing the AOO as well as the Chief of Piwàkinagàn and a few councillors to come and share at Community Band meetings their position in regards to their comprehensive claims. Community members were able to share their concerns and to ask questions to these individuals at the Community Band meetings. Documentation in regards to this claim has also been made available. I have also had the opportunity to speak with Chief Kirby Whiteduck on more than one occasion in regards to the AOO claim in order to share my deep concerns and to listen to his point of view. The AOO claim has now reached the stage of a draft Agreement in Principle (AIP). It is my understanding that a vote to accept or reject the AIP will take place sometime this fall. Although the AIP contains many elements, the main elements are an offer of 300 million dollars, 117, 00 acres of land as well as other arrangements in regards to access to Crown lands. Should the AIP be accepted, it is my understanding that it would take several more years to have a treaty ratified. Five Algonquin communities announced on August 19, 2013 that they were writing to the Canadian and Quebec government to request the setting up of a process to negotiate a treaty. They also provided a shopping list of issues that they wish to discuss as part of this treaty making process. The five communities are: Long 2

3 Message from Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck Point, Lac Simon, Kichisakik, Pikogan and Wahgoshig in Ontario. There has been no documentation provided in regards to the lands being claimed but these lands belong to the collective Algonquin Nation. I have been asked if I supported the comprehensive claims process of the AOO and the most recent announcement by the five Algonquin community who want to go forward with a treaty making process. I have always stated that I do not support any process that would come to extinguish our inherent rights to our ancestral lands. The present Federal comprehensive claims process requires extinguishment, certainty or similar meaning words. This is the only policy in place at this point in time and is one that First Nations have been asking to have modified. Some work has been completed but nothing concrete has emerged. I realize that we need to sit with governments to discuss an understanding in regards to land, land use, resources and other issues but this must be done from a sharing perspective and not one of extinguishment. We owe it to the present and future generations to work towards a peaceful coexistence and to ensure that the land and water is protected, and that we get our rightful share from what the land provides. There is no doubt that a divided nation and multiple voices will make it more challenging to address governments. I also realize that nothing will come easy but with persistence we can make some progress in a manner that will not leave a legacy of extinguishment and abandonment. I am confident that we can succeed to achieve our objectives and to bring forward the voices of our ancestors. I did send a letter to all the Algonquin communities in early July This letter was an invitation to have a one day unity meeting on September 14, 2013 on Victoria Island, Ottawa and to use this day to discuss those issues that relate to land and water that unite us and to celebrate our nation. I attempted in a humble manner to put forward the idea of a nation unity meeting similar to the kinds that were held centuries and decades ago but in particular in the 20 s 30 s etc in Kitigan Zibi. These were Grand Councils that demonstrated unity and attempted to deal with issues in the best way they could at the time. I attempted to explain that we needed to show to all our members but most important our youth that the leadership could sit at the same table and to respectfully discuss those issues that bind us and not those that might divide us. I should note that I received a response from 4 communities through 2 letters. One letter was signed by 3 Chiefs, Chief Paul from Eagle Village, Chief St.Denis from Wolf Lake and Chief McBride from Temiscaming. The second letter was from Chief Whiteduck from Pikwàkinagàn. I wish to also note that each letter was fairly lengthy and without going into detail, each detailed its reluctance to gather as I had proposed but offered a much more reserved and possibly a more lengthy approach. The other Algonquin communities have not responded to my letter. I will therefore recommend to Council that we not go forward with the September gathering. I believe that the main hope for our nation lies in a nation that is united and one that primarily speaks with one voice on the key issues. I also realize that many people before my time have tried time and time again to work towards unity but such dedicated work never did create the kind of catalyst that was required. That being said, I have not lost hope as I believe that a unified Algonquin Nation is something achievable. I place much hope in our youth and in the positive, respectful and non-judgmental guidance that elders can bring. I am prepared to journey with any and all Algonquin s who believe in unity and are prepared to work to create the kind of unity we so dearly seek. Questions and comments in regards to my role as elected KZA Chief periodically surfaces as it has over the years. As I have said in past newsletters and at Community Band meetings, the Chief is the spokesperson for the community and is called upon to work with an elected Band Council. Whenever I am in conflict of interest as defined in the Band Council guidelines I remove myself from any decision to be made or any direction to be given. This it should be noted, does include the workplace in which I am situated. During situations where I am in a conflict of interest, Council members who are not in a conflict of interest situation take on the file in order to address the issue to be considered. I along with the Council members are available to respond to questions that are raised in order to provide to the best of our abilities factual information. When we are unsure about a situation, we call upon the Sector Directors and/or front line workers to provide us with the necessary information prior to providing a response. As KZA provides numerous programs and services, the Sector Directors have an important task in managing the programs in their respective areas. Sector Directors can also be contacted for program and funding information. I strongly believe that it is important to have as factual information as is possible before arriving to a conclusion. I recognize that the present government will continue to advance legislation that will come to impact KZA and all other First Nations. I believe that we must try to intervene with a KZA position where possible and to work with other First Nations in order to have our common position considered within the bigger scheme of issues that are to be brought forward. The lack of opportunity for free, prior and informed consent in regards to legislation is of most concern but it is a reality with which we are confronted. The continued action of government to sew seeds of doubt at the 3

4 Message from Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck community level and within First Nations in general is something that we must be mindful of at all times. We must work with the best facts we can secure at the time and not allow ourselves to be swayed by innuendos and political positioning which will not come to serve any positive purpose. A vigil for Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander was held on Friday September 6, This marked the 5th year since they were reported missing. I once again invite anyone that might have any kind of related information to please communicate this information to the family or to the police. It is never too late and all information is relevant. Kichi migwech to elders, youth and all community members who have taken the time to drop in to speak with me or who have called or ed. I continue to find these discussions to be most enriching and educational. Although I can not always do something on the spot to assist with certain issues, I will take the time to listen and try to provide assistance when and where possible. Finally, but most importantly, I want to take this time to wish all students who have returned back to school the very best for the coming school year. Please work to make your school year an enjoyable and successful year. Kichi migwech Date Location Purpose January 8, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. AFN meeting to discuss logistics for meeting with Prime Minister January 10,11, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. AFNQL meeting and rally on Parliament Hill January 14, 2013 Victoria, Island, Meeting with Chief T. Spence Ottawa, Ont. January 16, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Meet with Mayor of Ottawa-Business opportunities January 25, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Meeting at French Embassy: Discuss Planned Champlain activities January 29, 30, 31, 2013 Quebec, Qc. AFNQL Chiefs meeting February 6, 2013 Gatineau, Qc. Meeting with Mayor of Gatineau-Business opportunities February 14, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Parliament Hill Rally February 26, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. AFNQL Press Conference on Policing March 4, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. AFNQL meeting and meeting with Minister Vic Toews on the issue of policing March 12,13, 2013 Odanak, Qc Chiefs meeting Re: FN education March 27, 2013 Quebec, Qc Chiefs meeting on Policing-Meet with Canada and Quebec April 10, 11, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. NCC Re: Interprovincial bridge April 19, 2013 St. Faustin, QC. Meeting with Crete lumber mill April 22, 2013 Val D Or, Qc AANTC Chiefs meeting April 29, 2013 Gatineau, Qc. We Day Event with KZA Youth May 6, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Meeting with City of Ottawa Re: KZA flag, protocols etc Meet with NCC Re: Victoria Island May 9, 2013 Alymer, Qc. Meeting Re: Proposed Archeological activities May 16, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Presentation at opening of Indigenous Art exhibit-national Art Gallery May 29, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Presentation with Chief Kirby Whiteduck to city officials from across Canada May 30, 2013 ST. Faustin, Qc. Presentation to MRC Natural Resource table in regards to land use in the Laurentians June 11, 12, 13, 2013 Montreal, Qc. AFNQL Chiefs meeting June 4, 2013 Gatineau, Qc. Access to Information Tribunal hearing June 14, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Presentation to city of Ottawa officials Re: First nation issues June 19, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Presentation at National Aboriginal Harvesters Conference June 21, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. KZA flag raising on front of Ottawa City hall: Opening of NCC exhibit June 27, 2013 Ottawa, Ont. Presentation with KZA Natural Resources Dept Re: Article by Ottawa Citizen on KZA Rez. cookbook July 23, 2013 Rupert Qc. And Ottawa, Ont. Acronyms: AFN Assembly of First Nations AANTC Algonquin Anishinabe Tribal Council Meetings Attended by the Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck Outside the KZA Community- January 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013 Meeting in regards to a piece of land next to Masham Qc.: Meet Carleton Univ. Re: Simulation project AFNQL Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador NCC National Capital Commission 4

5 BAND COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS January 2013 July 2013 DATE BCR NO PURPOSE Jan. 7, Grocery Permit for KZ Freshmart Jan. 7, Cancelled Jan. 7, Annual increase in KZA salaries Jan. 14, Loan Guarantee Return of Land Feb. 4, Special Event Permit for wedding Feb. 11, Opposition to Bills C-38 and C-45 Feb. 4, Contribution Agreement with FNHRDCQ Feb. 11, Modification to daycare space allocation Feb. 4, Transfer of land to KZA member for compensation for land issue. Feb. 18, Specific claim submitted to AANDC Feb. 25, Cancelled Feb. 25, CEDO Loan Feb. 25, KZA budgets are accepted as presented. Feb. 25, Use of funds from KZA s Band Revenue Account March 4, Support for addition to carwash to present business March 4, Adoption of new housing policy March 18, Loan Guarantee Return of land March 18, Loan Guarantee Return of land March 18, CSD authorized to sign agreement with Montreal U. April 2, Tripartite Policing Agreement April 2, First Nations & Inuit Childcare Initiative Agreement April 2, Special Event Permit (wedding) April 8, Loan Guarantee Return of land April 8, Loan Guarantee Return of land April 8, Loan Guarantee Return of land April 8, Loan Guarantee Return of land April 8, Loan Guarantee Return of land April 8, Interest rate for Revolving and CEDO loans April 8, SOPFEU Agreement April 8, Fire Protection Agreement with Ville de Maniwaki April 8, Authorization for land claims researcher to conduct research on KZA April 27, Funds from Economic Devel. Program for Rexforet forestry course April 27, Sylviculture contract with Rexforet April 27, Long term agreement for technical work with Rexforet May 6, Loan Guarantee Return of land May 6, Loan Guarantee Return of land May 6, Loan Guarantee Return of land May 6, Loan Guarantee Return of land May 6, Loan Guarantee Return of land May 6, Contract for convention d intégration et de l entente de récolte May 13, Grocery Permit for KZ Freshmart May 27, Declaration against federal government s funding agreements May 21, Child Wellness Days May 27, Appointment of Emergency Preparedness Plan Co-ordinator May 27, Authorization for summer student land claims researcher to conduct research on KZA May 27, Authorization for community to cut pine for housing purposes June 17, Allotment of land for housing purposes June 17, Confirmation of occupancy in newly constructed house re: Mould Mitigation Program June 17, Amendments to HR policy accepted as presented 31 Cancelled June 17, Authorization for Finance Supervisor to sign all documents related to clicsequr June 24, Congratulatory message for all students in education July 8, Grocery Permit for Smiley s July 8, year agreement for PF Resolu Inc. July 15, Special Event Permit (wedding) July 22, Cancelled 5

6 Summer s End Greetings to All Larry Whiteduck, Councillor Economic Development, Environmental Issues, Elders, Veterans Recognition Portfolios GUEST SPEAKERS It has been 15 months since my election to council. The Council is fully engaged with community stewardship and time is going by very quickly as we continue to develop the Economic Development portfolio. The plan is essential ground work to developing and moving towards becoming more self-sufficient. As outlined at the community meetings, there appears to be some significant changes on the horizon with the economic development assistance program, such as a requirement for the economic development sector to operate at an arm s length from band controlled program administration. In addition, as you will see, the study we completed will be presented at the next band meeting indicates there are over 260 communities already engaged, many that are highly successful, that have adopted this structure. We need to take a look and ask ourselves how successful have we been in developing employment opportunities. How can we developed own source revenue which can assist us in meeting the everyday challenges as a First Nations community? The ability to find different sources of revenue will become even more critical as current funding programs and initiatives dry up or disappear at both the federal and provincial levels. So moving in a direction that enables us to design a strategy to ensure we get what we want out of these existing programs would appear the most practical approach. In summary, the initial work we are conducting looks at the current needs and challenges facing existing businesses, and economic development issues. People s input at focus groups discussions and an excellent survey response provides some very good considerations to enhance the economic development program. We also sought the views of surrounding communities and external agencies to examine their perspectives about development planned for the region as this is sure to impact our community. All of this feedback is helping us to understand the opportunities in our own territory beyond the reserve boundaries as well as some community business potential. It gives some clarity on what is working, and what is not working. At our last general band meeting, in August, and our next meeting in September, council is providing opportunities for information sharing, and are inviting guest speakers to provide information sessions about our initial research findings, financial management programs and the current status of existing federal and provincial programs. This background information will assist us in tailoring a strategic approach to meet the needs of Kitigan Zibi members. This weekend which was the first of two community band meetings dealing with economic development, we heard from guest speaker Terry Goodtrack, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA), an organization that works with First Nations across Canada to strengthen financial administration capacity. Mr. Goodtrack who is Lakota- Sioux has a wealth of background assisting First Nations communities with financial planning strategies; he outlined the following key points in summary format: First Nations need to start looking at and finding new ways to generate own source revenue as current funding levels are not keeping pace with needs. He provided an excellent overview of how the growth of the First Nation population will impact us, and how we still start to feel this impact within the next seven years, and the need to start planning for it now. With the move to cut funds of First Nations institutions, it s a question of time before First Nations start to feel even more cut backs with program dollars at the community level, and he highlighted the need for a plan to address how we will address the needs. Funding levels are not keeping pace with inflation, community culturally-relevant means of new sources of revenues will be essential. Knowing the potential of partnerships that are beneficial to the community is an effective way to gain financial strength. It is essential that we start a process to find new means of ensuring community self-sufficiency and 6

7 Larry Whiteduck, Councillor Economic Development, Environmental Issues, Elders, Veterans Recognition Portfolios training needs. Undertaking a self-analysis towards understanding community capacity, developing community capacity and training of the community work force is critical to generating own source revenue. Lastly, it is essential for our community to move towards a more self-sufficient future, training our work force and tailoring our efforts towards ensuring the development of new business opportunities and partnerships will enable us to generate our own new funding. Respectfully Councillor Larry Whiteduck Alison Commando, Councillor Policing Sector, Membership, Youth and Recreation Portfolios COMMUNITY INPUT NEEDED! Kwey Kitigan Zibi Community Members, Chief and Council continue to work diligently on many of the Issues that we as Algonquin people are being faced with. It is extremely important that YOU as Community members inform yourselves also, as many important decisions need to be made and YOUR thoughts and suggestions matter. We the Council continue to inform ourselves about the: Algonquin s of Ontario Claim; The recent invitation by 5 other Algonquin communities who have invited the Governments to participate in negotiations for a Modern treaty; As well as the many other issues that we are faced with on a daily basis. These issues will impact us ALL and as Council we are taking the necessary steps to inform these Algonquin Communities and the Government about our rights as Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. It is detrimental that YOU as a Community member inform yourself about what is happening and please take the time to share with us and others your knowledge. MOVING FORWARD: We continue to move forward with Economic Development and will be inviting more First Nations speakers who are experts in their fields to come and share their knowledge with us. Please take the time to attend these Community Band Meetings and information sessions. The more we educate ourselves through presentation and discussion the better prepared we are to make steps forward. As summer comes to an end and school is now starting I would like to take this time to congratulate all graduates in High School, Adult Ed. and Post-Secondary. I believe that one of the best ways to effectively make our community better is by educating ourselves, so continue to work hard and persevere. Please know that Chief and Council recognize your efforts and sacrifices and we adopted a Band Council Resolution recognizing this fact that was included in the flyers this summer. As I have continually stated, I believe that we are at a pivotal point in history where educating ourselves and the rest of the Canadian population needs to be our priority. Our steps moving forward should be about educating and bringing in allies that can help us achieve strength in numbers. Finally, I would sincerely like to say Kichi Meegwech to the Band Labourers who continue to clean-up the Community. After this winter s snow storm there was a lot of downfall on the roads and trails making it impossible to access many areas within our community. The hard work that you have done and continue to do has not gone unnoticed. Working Hard for a Better Community, Sincerely, Alison Commando 7

8 Billy Ottawa Community Services Sector, Employment and Training, Community Bingos Portfolios Kwey KZA, I hope that you have been enjoying the summer and taking time to profit from the nice weather. Fall will be here all too soon, and then the joys of winter. This summer has been a busy one for me, between working on the Community Rink project and Council duties, while challenging, has been very rewarding. The rink is progressing well and should be finished in the near future. It has been a privilege for me to work on something that the Community and especially the kids will use for many years to come. Many Community members have been asking if a roof will be added, I can only say at this time that I have been pricing roof systems out, so that we have an idea of what the costs will be. Projects such as this are always dependant on funding and at the moment we have not heard of any forthcoming monies, but will at least have the plans and pricing in hand, ready to go should something develop. I would like to acknowledge everyone who came and participated in the Housing/Repairs input sessions held at the Community Hall on the 21 st and 28 th of August. Improving and streamlining our services in this area has been important to me. While no one policy can hope to cover all aspects and situations, I felt that it was important that we get input from Community Members on what they would like to see improved upon and give their suggestions on how this could be accomplished. If you were unable to attend, I encourage you to put your ideas on paper or visit the Community Services Director or myself and share your thoughts. All the suggestions brought forth have been insightful and will be given consideration for updates to future policies and service delivery. As a final note, I would like to wish all our students a successful return to school and a safe fall hunt to all our Community Members who will be looking to fill their freezers for the winter season. Bill Ottawa Joel Odjick, Councillor Education Sector, Language and Culture, Youth and Recreation Portfolios Kwey KZA, I hope everyone had a good, fun, and relatively safe summer :) Keeping things brief, there is not a lot to report right now from the Education portfolio. Working full time elsewhere has made it hard to liaison with the sector staff as much as usual and therefore things to report are a little sparse. The sector worked hard to re-open for the new school year, and a lot was done by everyone in the short time there is to prepare before the start of every year. Of course the daycare keeps right on rolling all the way through. Speaking of working though, I would like to thank the seasonal employment teams we have out right now, the forestry teams, the road crew, community services and environmental cleaning crew for all the hard work they have put in and help it has been to the community. Kitchi migwetch. Best wishes to all for the fall and winter, and hope the rest of 2013 finds you well. Joel Odjick 8

9 Caitlin Tolley, Councillor Health and Social Services Sector, Women, Health and Recreation Portfolios Kwey Kakina, Hello Everyone, I would like to take the chance to tell community members that is an honor to serve on Chief and Council. I would also like to take the opportunity to remind community members that I am available, willing and ready to meet with community members. My contact information is listed below and I look forward to hearing from you and hope that I can assist in anyway possible. I am open to hearing and meeting with community members that may want to share with me their suggestions, ideas or concerns. It s a sincere pleasure and honor when community members take the time to come and share with me. I believe that we are a strong community and we must continue to work together. Each issue is important. I believe that we need to continue working with one another and including other Algonquin communities to build unity and to address some common issues of concern when challenging various levels of government. As we all know with this current government we are facing and living through great challenges. It has been a busy summer for the Kitigan-Zibi Health and Social Services department. The community had various programming all summer for youth including, summer camps, cultural camps and a camp for the teens. I would also like to thank all the staff at the KZHSS for their continual efforts and for working hard to make sure that the needs of the community are being met from the health perspective. As many people know, the KZHSS is a large department and encompasses many programs that are geared toward the physical and mental health of all community members. I would also like to mention that I attended the Kokoms Kabeshinan Summer Camp in the park which was held in July. I would like to acknowledge the Kokoms and the elders for their efforts in trying to revitalize the language, the culture and striving to bring unity to both our community and our nation. On June 21st, National Aboriginal Day was a great day for our community. We had a group of community members paddle to Victoria Island from Wakefield to re-assert our water ways and remind Canadian society that we the Algonquins are still present and still occupy this territory. The group of paddlers also paddled to raise awareness for the protection of our rivers, water ways and lakes. Also in Ottawa on National Aboriginal Day, the KZA community flag was raised for the first time at city hall. This was a historic moment, something we hope to continue doing for years to come. As we know that students are returning back to school this month. I would like to wish the staff and students at KZ school a great upcoming year. And as well to the post-students who are attending college or university this fall. A student myself I know that pursing your post-secondary education is never easy, therefore I am proud of everyone who is striving to achieve their education. I am proud of our community, Kitigan-Zibi Anishinabeg despite the challenges that we continue to face. As mentioned I feel that we should continue striving to work together and not against one another. Kitchi Migwetch ondji pizendam. Thank you for listening today. Sincerely, Caitlin Tolley My contact information is below: Caitlin Tolley caitlincotetolley@gmail.com Cell: (819) By Mail: P.O. Box 126, Maniwaki, Quebec, J9E 3B4 9

10 Claudette Commanda-Cote Specific Claims, Territorial Claims, Legal Issues, By-Laws Greetings, I hope that you had an enjoyable summer. In my message to you, I would like to share information on a number of important matters. Recently, the federal government passed new legislation which impacts all First Nations communities. The following, to name but a few are: Human Rights Act First Nations Financial Transparency Act Jobs and Growth Act Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests Rights Act These are laws that have been passed and enacted by Parliament, they are in effect. These laws do impact our community. But, in looking at the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests Rights Act, I firmly believe this will have major impact and consequences for our community, for instance, this new law will enable non-indians to gain rights to the home and land connected to the home on reserve, and it will be the judge and the courts to grant the rights. There are other elements attached to this new law as well. This new law will apply to all First Nations communities until communities create their own law (in accordance with this new law), therefore, I strongly feel that our community must create and enact our own property and matrimonial rights law to protect the vested interest of our reserve land in balance with individual and/or communal rights. The federal government continues to work on enacting the First Nations Education Act. At this present time, we do not know the elements of the new law or how these elements or the education policy framework will impact communities control of their education system; however, what we must be mindful of is that the Education Act will affect our education system. I believe that our community is prepared to maintain and/or enhance our education system. Another important concern is the treaty process sought by the so called Algonquins of Ontario, and most recently, the five Algonquin (legitimate Algonquin people) communities. We must continue to address and affirm the protection of and ensuring our rights to never be compromised or to threaten the principles of our true nationhood. It is our responsibility to never surrender our ancestral lands. We must be cautious in understanding how the making of treaties are defined and understood within the British-Canadian judicial system. It is not our system but rather a foreign system imposed on us. The colonial / Canadian system has always been one sided and to the benefit of those who immigrated to our lands, established and imposed their laws and systems affecting our inherent rights and freedoms. We must remain steadfast to continue to be the only Nation to not sign treaty. Furthermore, we need to ensure and protect our vested interest in our land rights whether our rights are addressed in a comprehensive or specific process. In relations to the specific claims process, the specific land claims negotiator will resume work on the negotiation of Kitigan Zibi s twenty three (23) specific land claims. We are waiting for INAC to present its information relating to the settlement offer. The community will be informed on this relevant information. When the time comes to enter into the settlement negotiation stage, I encourage community members to be actively involved in all stages of the negotiation when being informed on the settlement offer. Community members must guide the pursuit of the best settlement for our community. It is equally important to ensure that any decision on compensation is collectively understood for the best interest of our community, not only for today s immediate needs but also future needs. I encourage community members to participate in community band meetings, it is an opportunity to 10

11 Claudette Commanda-Cote Specific Claims, Territorial Claims, Legal Issues, By-Laws voice your opinion, to share information and raise questions you may have relating to the various issues at hand whether they be community issues, nationhood matters or the government s law and policies. I am there to report to the community, to listen and to respect your concerns; and, I respect and appreciate the information shared by community members at our meetings. Your historical insights, Anishinabe knowledge, and lived experiences I greatly appreciate. Please continue to share your insights. Thank you for your time in reading my message, I wish you a good autumn season. Kitchi meegwetch, Claudette Commanda Cote, LL.B./J.D. Treat the earth well, It was not given to you by your parents, It was loaned to you by your children. - Native American Proverb rb 11

12 Photo with KZA Kokoms on Parliament Hill representing on National Aboriginal Day. Saturday, September 28, 2013 Saturday, October 26, 2013 Saturday, December 7, 2013 Saturday, January 25, 2014 Photo taken on National Aboriginal Day, Plaza Bridge, Ottawa. Proposed Dates Dates For Future For Future Community Band Meetings Special Community Band Meetings may be convened by the Band Council if such meetings are required. The Community Band Meetings will be held from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm Contact Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg 1, Paganakomin Mikan P.O. Box 309 Maniwaki, Quebec J9E 3C9 Phone: (819) Toll free: Fax: (819) Chief s gwhiteduck@hotmail.com 12