For the fifth consecutive year, friends and partners of

the Museum met on March 24 to participate in our

annual benefit cocktail. Thanks to the contribution of the

75 guests who attended the event as well as many

partners, the Museum is proud to announce that it has

raised $20,000, which will help our educational and

cultural missions.

Again this year, the Musée des Abénakis invited gueststo discover the contemporary culture of the AbenakiFirst Nation. The culinary discovery of the evening wasgiven for a fifth time to the chef Steve Bissonette fromthe restaurant Sagamité, located in Wendake. Inaddition, a silent auction offered 12 artworks producedby native and non-native ar tists and craftspeople,including four Abenaki ar tists. A huge thank you goesout to Carmen Hathaway, Christine Sioui-Wawanoloath,

Jacques T. Watso and Joyce Panadis. These ar t piecesdelighted all the guests in attendance. Finally, a drawfor a getaway package in Essipit including two nights ina condo and a whale watching cruise was won by alucky community member: Daniel G. Nolett. The Muséedes Abénakis sincerely wishes to thank all its partnersand guests, without whom this event would not havebeen as successful!

(continued page 8)

Odanak Abenaki Newspaper Volume 10 Number 1 May 2016

News from your Museum

Fifth Edition benefit cocktail of the Musée des Abénakis

Kwai fellow band members,

In our current reality as first nations people wecan’t help but be impacted by the suffering in oursister communities with the ripple effects ofgenerations of undignified experience. As FirstNations we must continue to look at how ourhistory is consuming our future and the power we

give to others for our outcome. We also want tolook at how we can bring support and worktogether to address issues that keep leading toongoing suffering. I want to say that my prayers arewith those touched and affected by the currentwaves of tragedies.

Rebuilding our communities in a way that can helpour children know and be proud of their roots is ofprimal importance. Gathering together and takingan active role in our community, near and far iscontributing to strengthening and healing ournation. Reconciliation requires our restoring thecore of our communities. The heart, thecompassion, the collaboration once enjoyed by ourpeople is what will be needed to restore a unitedforce from which we can build a solid base for thegenerations to come.

We are currently reviewing programs, services andpolicies, to ensure healthy efficient workingenvironments, thereby improving the services forour members and their families. We are alsoupdating our employee manual to address concernsand issues raised in the last term, whichcompromised our advancement as a nation.

There is no doubt that the reality of existing factionscannot be ignored as an element that impacts muchof the discord not only in the work environment butalso in the community environment. We mustcontinue to try and identify what we as a nationthink of as our priorities and address them, together.

In peace and friendship,Chief Rick O’Bomsawin

Word from the Chief

W8BANAKI PILASKW

Kway Mziwi Wôbanakiak, DEAR ABENAKI PEOPLE,

I am pleased to undertake this newmandate with objectives that, evenrecently, have already taken form. Ihandle primarily the Education andLand files.

EDUCATION My main objective for this file is to“Broaden our knowledge to ensurethe sustainability of our AbenakiNation through education”.

To achieve this, meetings are goingwell to bring together resources fromdifferent services (child care,homework assistance, etc) and schoolauthorities to adequately meet theneeds of all members. Also, in thecoming weeks, I would like to speakdirectly with members to betterunderstand your needs andexpectations concerning theseexisting services and identify togetherthe improvements to be made where

necessary. I invite you to participatein large numbers for better efficiency. Regarding the teaching of our culture,we already have educationalmaterials. This is a basic curriculumdesigned for teaching elementaryschool students, which I havevalidated the information included. Itherefore intend to propose asystematic implementation of thecurriculum in elementary schools so itbecomes part of the educationalprogram. This application can beoffered and adapted, if necessary,depending on the region where youlive, and I can present it to the schoolboards if needed.

It goes without saying that we needmore material to establish acurriculum in high school or evencollege. Considering that many of youhave done advanced studies and nowpossess various expertise, I would liketo extend an invitation to participateon a voluntary basis in a democraticexercise drawing on your knowledgethrough your Abenaki vision andsharing this with me. The goal is toexpand knowledge concerningdifferent disciplines such as appliedsciences, astronomy, law, education,to name a few.

Please send me your details by emailat obomsawinr@gmail.com so that wemay eventually get together and forma permanent round table for Abenakieducation. It will therefore become

possible to build a quality educationprogram with factual informationabout our Nation and thereafter haveit implemented in educationalinstitutions and community actions byknowledgeable Abenaki people.Together, the Abenaki Nation willmake its mark in education!

LAND This file is still relevant in my goals asa representative for both theAbenakis of Odanak Council and theGrand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki. I would first like to congratulatethe Ndakinna Office team andhighlight their hard work informingand educating our people on theimportance of protecting ourenvironment and our ancestral rights.

I have inserted below a map of ourancestral territory that we use andwhich extends over a significant landarea. We have occupied our ancestors’territory for over 12,000 years. I amavailable should you have anyquestions.

MAY KCHI NIWASKW (THECREATOR) PROTECT YOU!

Réjean OBomsawin Councillor at the Abenakis of OdanakCouncil

Representative at the Grand Conseilde la Nation Waban-Aki

2

Kwai! Hello to all members of theAbenaki Nation,

I would like to mention that during myterm, I will look after the elders’ filefirst and foremost. This does not meanI will devote all my time on this oneissue. I firmly believe, as a councillor,that my responsibilities include takingpart in the decision-making process forall the initiatives and policies putforward by our Band Council.

During the past year, with the help ofRobert Saint-Ours, I developed ourpolicy for elders whose objective is toreduce their isolation and improve theirquality of life using all the resources atmy disposal in order to best meet theirneeds. For more information, pleasefeel free to contact me.

Around mid-April, my fellowcouncillors and I discussed animportant program in my view: minorrepairs. The purpose of this smallinexpensive program is to help elders,families and low-income individuals torepair homes requiring minor or urgentrepairs. I eagerly hope this program willbe renewed.

I would like to remind you of theimportance of attending publicmeetings, of asking questions andvoicing your opinion on issues thataffect you. This is the best way for thepopulation to feel they have the powerto change things. Your participation andinvolvement are necessary for a healthydemocracy.

To conclude, I would like tocongratulate Joyce Panadis for herinduction as a signatory member of theInstitut des Arts Figuratifs du Québec.This organization only welcomesdistinguished artists as members,whose talent and quality of works areremarkable. I invite you to visit theInstitut’s website to better understandthis organization’s mission.

Thank you for taking time to read myarticle.

Best regards

Claire O'BomsawinCouncilor

Kwai,Five months have passed since thelast election. Pending files are goingwell and we are progressing slowlybut surely.

The plans for the refurbishment ofthe library, located at 102 rue Sibosis,were prepared by the Grand Conseil’sengineers, and we will issue a call forbids shortly for the next steps. Theobjective is to have our new libraryoperational before the summer.

Meanwhile, the expansion of thedaycare centre (CPE) will begin soon,which will create 16 new places.

A proposal was made to the RégieI.A.E.P. du Bas St-François that theCouncil’s accounting departmentcould provide secretary-treasurerservices for the 2016-2017 fiscal yearin the amount of $14,000.

A basket-making workshop was heldfrom January 24 to March 26 at theAbenaki Museum of Odanak. I wouldlike to point out the professionalismand generosity shown by our eldertrainers: Anette Nolett, Diane Nolettand Barbara Watso.

I would also like to thank all theparticipants: Carole, Lise, Ginette,Johanne, Mélanie, Rosalie, Charlotte,Alanis, Alice and Osalée. A specialthank you goes out to Nathalie Cardin(Education Agent), without whom theproject would not have been possible.

In closing, I wish you all, dearmembers of the great Abenakifamily, a beautiful summer and mayeveryone attend the 2016 Pow Wow,held from July 1 to 3.

Thank you and hoping to see yousoon.

Florence BenedictCouncilor

Réjean OBomsawin,Councilor

Word from councilors

Kwaï aln8bak! Sigwan kizi païa!

We received a letter from Indigenous and NorthernAffairs Canada (INAC) in February finallyconfirming they would offer funding of $93,731for our snow removal equipment purchased lastDecember totalling $228,000. A letter indicatingour displeasure was sent to Mr. Bruce Labrador,Regional Manager, Capital and housing withINAC. We received a letter from INAC last fallfollowing our request for funding for the purchaseof the said snow removal equipment informing usthat the purchase of such equipment wasadmissible without specifying that it would onlyrepresent 35%. We had proceeded with thepurchase with the understanding that theexpenditure was eligible.

We obtained additional funding of $82,423 fromINAC for infrastructure work on the new

administrative offices (fall 2014) and for variousrepairs to hydrants and streets such as paving repairwork (2015-2016). It was like manna from heaven!We had not expected this at all. The sum receivedallows us to free up funds for other future projects.

At the end of February, Chief Rick O'Bomsawinsigned the funding agreement with the Secrétariataux Affaires Autochtones (SAA) in the amount of$400,000. This agreement is intended as a newinvestment in economic development for theCouncil, which is in Phase II of the construction ofan industrial motel next to the existing motel alongRoute 132. This amount stems from ouragreement under our Aboriginal Initiatives Fund II(AIF II) with the SAA. This project was submittedto the SAA in the fall of 2014 and it took them ayear and three months to finally analyze andaccept our project. The building construction costis estimated to a sum of $800,000. If you add thecost of the repairs of the site and the cost for theextension of the infrastructure, the total cost willapproximately be 1.5 million. A sum of $400,000will stem from the AIF II, while the other portionwill be a loan the Council will contract with afinancial institution.

The Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Akicurrently occupies the premises of the BandCouncil’s former administrative offices, located at102 Sibosis, since February, following therenovations completed in January.

Regarding the challenge of Section 6 and itsdiscriminatory impacts, the Government ofCanada had appealed the favourable ruling made

by the Superior Court of Quebec in the fall of2015. In late February, we were informed that theGovernment of Canada was withdrawing itsappeal, and thus the ruling made by the SuperiorCourt still stands. The Indian Act will be amendedto reflect this new Court ruling. Certain people inCanada will therefore become eligible forregistration once Section 6 of the Indian Act hasbeen amended. However, this may take about ayear and a half.

The Council applied for funding from INAC toconduct a feasibility study for offering recreationaltourism accommodations on Judge Gill’s property.This study will allow us to determine whether theproposed accommodation project in Huttopia-style tents is feasible. In addition, we wouldconduct a feasibility study for lightedinterpretation trails located in the same area. Weare awaiting a response from INAC for this study.

In closing, the Council plans to invest about$50,000 for relocating the Odanak library. We havelearned that the library no longer meets theRéseau Biblio standards in terms of surface area.Steps have therefore been taken with RéseauBiblio and technical services at the GCNWA todevelop plans and specifications that meet RéseauBiblio standards. However, should this plan notwork, we plan to relocate the library in theconference room of the Band Council’s formeradministrative offices.

The work would then begin in the spring.

3

Hello to all,

Below is a short progress summaryof the files assigned to me ascouncillor:

Restaurant Le CalumetSince February I've been in charge ofmeeting individuals who areinterested in renting Le Calumetrestaurant. At the time this ar ticlewas written, there had been one visitand five people had shown interest.To be continued…

ChurchesA sum of money was offered to theCatholic and Anglican churches to assistemployees with administration tasksand/or other property related expensessuch as heating, electricity, etc.

Odanak’s Anglican Church wasinspected by a building constructionengineer as well as a structural

engineer to provide an updatedcondition report of the building. Acopy of these reports will bepresented to the committee of the St.Francis Anglican Indian MissionChruch. In addition, we unfortunatelylearned that our request for financialassistance from the Québec ReligiousHeritage Council was rejected. Stepshave therefore been taken so that theAnglican Church may qualify for theprogram.

HealthCertain people have expressed theirconcerns about the reliability ofmedical transportation. Indeed,some worry that if for any givenreason the designated driver isunable to provide the transportation,there is no replacement. I wouldtherefore like to reassure thesepeople that Ms. Claire Laramée willensure medical transportation ifrequired.

Cultural policyAn agreement in principle wasreached between the Odanak andWôlinak band councils in the eventthe position of cultural policyprogram coordinator was created.This individual would be under theauthority of the Waban-Aki Nation.For the moment, we are awaitingconfirmation from the Wôlinak BandCouncil as to their participation inthe program.

Alain OBomsawinCouncilor

DANIEL G. NOLETT,Executive DirectorAbenakis of Odanak Council

Word from councilors

Word from Management

Here is a brief summary of the SupremeCourt of Canada’s decision handed down onThursday for the Daniels Case, done by DavidSchulze, from Dionne Schulze law firm. :

• Métis and non-status Indians are “Indians” forthe purpose of the division of powers betweenthe federal and provincial governments – “thehistorical, philosophical, and linguistic contextsestablish that ‘Indians’ in s. 91(24) [of theConstitution Act, 1867] includes all Aboriginalpeoples, including non-status Indians andMétis.”

• This should not be surprising since theSupreme Court decided in 1939 that the Inuitare “Indians” for the purposes of the divisionof powers and fall under federal jurisdiction.

• Neither the term “Métis” nor the the term“non-status Indian” is defined in the Danielsjudgment: the court recognizes “definitional

ambiguities” that will be resolved in thefuture – it only decided that “the two groups,however they are defined, are within thescope of s. 91(24).”

• The Court emphasized that it was notdeciding whether any group had Aboriginalor treaty rights protected under section. 35of the Constitution Act, 1982.

• Finally, the Court stated that “finding Métisand non-status Indians to be ‘Indians’ unders. 91(24) does not create a duty to legislate,”meaning the federal government has thepower to pass laws concerning these groups,but no obligation to do so.

• If there is no federal obligation to legislateconcerning Métis and non-status Indians, webelieve there is also no obligation to spendmoney on them – that remains subject to thegovernment’s discretion.

Daniels Case overview

4

FIFTH DISEASE

Eruptive disease in pre-schooland school-age children

The incidence of an eruptive diseasevaries from year to year. However,several cases of fifth disease havebeen observed in 2015-2016.

The disease was so named because itwas the fifth disease to be discoveredamong the group of infectious rashes.This disease is the cause of the virusnamed Parvovirus 19.

It most often affects school-agechildren (5 to 10 years old), but alsoextends to adults and infants. Itoccurs primarily in late winter or inthe spring. Its incubation period isaround 14 days and itscontagiousness from 1 to 5 daysbefore the eruption. It's different fromother infections since it begins withred cheeks, giving a slapped-cheekappearance. Thereafter, the rashextends to other body parts,especially the forearms and thighsand sometimes to the rest of thebody. Rashes resemble lacelikepatterns. In the weeks following theillness, redness may reappear due tostimuli such as exercise, irritation,stress, heat or sun.

Children nevertheless remain in goodcondition, usually without any fever,sometimes itchy, and adults often havejoint pain. Children can attend schoolsince the disease is no longercontagious at the eruption stage.Treatment of symptoms may berequired as needed since healing isspontaneous in 2 to 5 weeks. Althoughbenign for children and adults, it can bedangerous to a fetus which mayincrease the risk of developing severeanemia. When a pregnant woman isexposed to fifth disease, she shouldconsult her physician. There is novaccine against this disease. The onlyway to be immunized is to havedeveloped antibodies after beingexposed to the disease. It is believedthat 50% of adults are not immunizedagainst fifth disease.

If you wish, please contact us at theHealth Centre!

Marcelle HannisNurse MCH - Ext. 233

Jean-Bernard Girodias / CHU Sainte-Justine,Montréal / October 2010

Looking for Health Risks

COMMUNITY HEALTH PLAN We recently completed the planning activityfor the next five years (2016-2021). The five-year plan takes into account the results fromthe Community Wellness Study conducted in2015, along with the data collected to date.The plan will then be submitted to Council forapproval for Health Canada.

PHYSICIANSince March 2, 2016, Dr. Pascale Robert hasbeen receiving patients at the Odanak HealthCentre. Priority is given to members and theirimmediate family (spouse and children) whodo not have a family physician. However, atime slot is also reserved for walk-in patients.Contact the Health Centre for moreinformation.

Have a wonderful spring!

Deny ObomsawinHealth Services Director Odanak Health Centre

• There are legal restrictions toaccess a file?

• Spouses are not the user’srepresentative? Therefore, theycannot sign a consent form toaccess the spouse’s file?

• Parents cannot make a requestalone for access to their child'sfile if the child is 14 years of ageor older? The child must beconsulted and must give consent.Children must give their free andinformed consent.

• If there is a breach ofconfidentiality by a staff member,sanctions may be applied.

Right to privacy: “Every person has aright to respect for his private life.”

Right to respect: “Every person has aright to the respect of his reputationand privacy. No one may invade theprivacy of a person without theconsent of the person unlessauthorized by law.”

Marie-Pier Nolin (in replacement ofAndréanne Gouin)

Quebec health information manager(Medical Archivist)

Reference:https://www.agisq.ca/boutique.asp?TypIde=2&MnuPer=0&MnuIde=2

Did you know?

What you can do! Early Spring• Do not cross a frozen body of water once thetemperature begins to rise as unstable ice is notalways noticeable.

Sunshine and High Temperature• Apply a moderate SPF sunscreen (at least SPF15) and use a lip chap or balm with SPFprotection.

• Make sure you consume enough water beforeand during your time outdoors and make sureyou have access to safe drinking water.

Before You Head Out Into the Bush...• Tell someone where you are going and when youexpect to be back.

• Ensure you have all the fuel, food, clothing,camp gear and clean water you need.

Safe and Clean Water• Use water purification equipment or bring thewater to a rolling boil for at least one full minutebefore consuming.

Gone Fishin’• Always wear or have enough lifejackets orPersonal Floatation Devices (PFDs) on board.

• Make sure your boat, motor are in good repairand always bring paddles.

• When cleaning fish, make sure you wash yourworking area to avoid contaminating other foods.

Hunting Game and Gathering Foods andMedicines

• Wear durable and warm and bright hunter'sclothing.

• Do not use old lead shot.• Clean shot out of the animal as quickly and asthoroughly as possible to minimize risk.

Our Animals and Those Pesky Insects Too• Wear clothing that covers the skin and applyinsect repellents containing DEET.

Breathing Easy• If you have a puffer, carry it with you at alltimes.

• During poor air quality days, it may be advisableto stay indoors and to limit any strenuousoutdoor activity.

The Impact of Environmental Contaminants

Water Sources and Food• Do not swim, bathe, or fish near drainagesewers or industry dumping sites.

• Avoid direct skin contact with chemicals(pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc.) and useprotective gear as appropriate.

Smoke and Fumes• Avoid inhaling fumes released from products,for examples: kerosene, gasoline and othersolvents.

Waste Disposal• Dispose waste properly - including human andanimal waste.

How Climate Change Could Impact Outdoor Life• Share observations on changes to theenvironment with your community.

• Monitor food that is stored outside to ensure itremains dry or frozen.

Paule LeïbyCommunity Health Representative (CHR)

Reference: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/promotion/public-publique/home-maison/fn-pn/summer-ete-eng.php

5

New procedure for the renewal of anIndian Status card:

Please note that we can no longer sendIndian Status cards by mail. From now on,members will have to come to our officesto renew their Indian status card by firstcommunicating with us to make anappointment. Members can also request arenewal of their Status card fromIndigenous and Northern Affairs Canada(INAC) by completing the relevant formsfound on their website at: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca. We can also send these formsby mail. The numbers for these forms arethe following:

83-111 (Guarantor Declaration) and 83-130 (Adult Application) or83-131 (For Applicants Fifteen (15) Yearsof Age or Younger).

Change of address or event(s)

Remember to contact us in the followingcases:

• Change of address• Death of a status member • Marriage• Divorce • Birth.

Nathalie Cardin

This is to inform you that the educationpolicy – post-secondary component iscurrently under review.

We invite you to visit our websiteregularly at https://caodanak.com/en/,under the “Services –Education” tab,as information will soon be added inorder to properly inform you on theeducation program – post-secondarycomponent.

For further information about theDepartment of Education, pleasecontact our agents at the emailaddresses indicated below:

Ann Landry – Cégepalandry@caodanak.com

Nathalie Cardin – Universiténcardin@caodanak.com

Why is it important to keep the childseat facing the rear of the vehicle foras long as possible?

Answer Head-on collisions are more frequentand usually cause more seriousinjuries. When the car seat is facingforward, young children are atgreater risk of injury. Indeed, theirheads are heavy in proportion to therest of their body, the bones in theirspine are not fully formed, theirligaments are loose and their neckmuscles are not strong enough toeffectively hold their heads in theevent of a collision. When childrenare installed in a car seat facing therear, the force of the impact isdistributed over the entire bodyrather than just the contact pointswith the harness straps positioned atthe hips and collarbones. In thisposition, the seat back supports thechild’s head, neck, spine and pelvis.

What do the child seat regulationssay and what are the sanctions for aninfraction?

Answer

Section 397 of the Highway SafetyCode (HSC) mentions: • In a moving vehicle, everychildwhose sitting height isless than 63 cm, measuredfrom the seat to the top of thehead, must be restrained by arestraint system or boostercushion.

• The car seat must:- comply with Transport Canada

regulations; - be adapted to the child’s height

and weight; - be installed according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

A police officer who observes aviolation of Section 397 can issue afine of $80 to $100 and threedemerit points. Other fees may beadded to this amount. Similarly, thefollowing question was raised:

What are the regulations andpenalties for using an outdated carseat?

Answer Section 397 of the HSC, as mentionedabove, concerns the use of the childseat. In this Section, it is required thatthe car seat be installed according tomanufacturer's instructions. Themanufacturer is responsible fordetermining the expiration date of theseat; it is not a regulatory requirement.Thus, an outdated car seat no longercomplies with the manufacturer'sinstructions and therefore no longercomplies with Section 397 of theHSC. The fine is the same as for anyoffense in terms of child safety seats,a fine of $80 to $100 and threedemerit points.

To have your car seat inspected,please contact us at 450-568-3733ext. 2 to make an appointment witha police officer.

Administration of the Indian Register Education Policy

Administration Education

ÉRIC CLOUTIER,Director of the Abenaki Police Force

Car seats for our children

Service to residents only

Access to the Odanak disposal site

1.To enter the site and to open the gate, you must beaccompanied by a disposal site representative.

2.For all disposal projects, contact the Abenakis of OdanakCouncil to access the site..

3.Outside the Council's opening hours, make an appointmentin advance with one of the representatives by calling theCouncil.

Abenakis of Odanak Council450 568-2810

104, rue Sibosis, OdanakMonday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon

Accepted at no costPeat and topsoil,

branches and tree trunks, soil and sand,

dead leaves and grass

Non Accepted at no costStones, cement and asphalt,

lumber, garbage, any other material

6

Summer of 2016 Odanak Environment and LandOffice team:Michel Durand, Luc Gauthier, Émilie Paquin,Christopher Coughlin, Kenny Panadis and Danny Gill.

For more information and pictures on these projects, visit our Facebook page: Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak

Forest Area Cleanup

A large-scale clean-up operation tookplace last fall. For 10 weeks, LucGauthier, Christopher Coughlin, KennyPanadis, Danny Gill and Steve Williams(Odanak Environment and LandOffice) assisted by Éric Gauthier(Odanak Public Works) worked hard toclear Odanak’s wooded areas of animpressive amount of waste. With theexception of a few sites, the teamcleaned all the areas identified in2014. A total of 5 large containers and3 metal waste containers wereremoved from our community woodedareas. Much of this scrap metal(appliances, cars, metal containers,etc) had been there for a long time,back when it was normal to dispose ofgarbage in the woods. This clean-upoperation has resolved this issue.However, we discovered a lot of wasterecently disposed of in the woodedareas, mostly large items (furniture,clothes, appliances, etc) andconstruction waste. In addition, wehad to clean-up several camps andcaches buried in garbage.

Finally, certain residents accumulateexcessive amounts of material on theirproperty. This is not appropriate andcould be subject to consequencesissued by the Council given the risks topublic safety.

Conduct for the common good of ourcommunity:

Bulky waste items: Collection of bulky items is organizedin Odanak twice a year. On this day,you can leave these items at the curb,such as old appliances, pool liners,carpets, linoleum, mattresses,furniture, etc. You can thereforeaccumulate these items and dispose ofthem for free on these two days. Thisyear collection is scheduled for May 2and October 3, 2016.

Caches and temporary camps:It is important to understand thatOdanak’s wooded areas are theproperty of all community members.You must pick up your waste when youleave the woods. Other users of theseareas should not have to deal with yourgarbage. Similarly, when you are nolonger using your cache or temporarycamp, you are responsible for taking itdown and returning the site to itsoriginal condition.

Witness of accumulated waste: If you come across a pile of garbagewhile walking in the woods, notify us.We will be organizing other smallcleanup campaigns to make the woodsclean and safe.

Thank you!

62, rue Waban Aki, Odanak, Québec, Canada, J0G 1H0Tel : 450 568-6363 Fax : 450 568-6385odanakenvironnement@gmail.com Site web : http://www.cbodanak.com/environnement-et-terre.html

Forest area cleanup in the fall of 2015

Odanak Environment and Land Office

The Bridle Shiner (Notropisbifrenatus) is a small fish measuringfrom 4 to 6 cm when mature. It ispresent only in North America. Ithas large eyes, a dark band alongthe flanks continuing on a shortsnout and a black dot at thebeginning of the caudal fin (tail).

It lives in grassy areas of riversand the St. Lawrence River or inthe marshes along them.Agricultural pollution anddevelopment along the riversdestroying aquatic vegetation andriparian wetlands threaten thesurvival of this species.

Although they are very commonin the Odanak region (in the St.François River and Lake St.Pierre), Bridle Shiner populationsare declining in Canada.

In Odanak, this small fish specieswhose survival is of SpecialConcern in Canada can be foundin the newly created streambetween the St. François River andthe 1st La Commune marsh. Ituses this stream and marsh as afeeding and spawning site. Workscarried out for Yellow Perch at the1st La Commune marsh are alsobeneficial for this small fish.

Capsule “Species at risk in Odanak”

Forest area cleanup in the fall of 2015

Adult Bridle Shiner

Fish identification in the new stream connecting Odanak’s 1st La Commune marsh to the St. François River

Bridle Shiner

7

7

Over the last few months, much has been said and written about theEnergy East project by the Alberta-based company TransCanada. Theproject to install a pipeline to transport oil from western Canada and theUS to the provinces and refineries in the East, and ultimately allow theexport by sea, has become increasingly controversial in Quebec. Since itssetbacks in Cacouna, where a deep-water port project was canceled dueto the presence of critical habitat for the beluga, an endangered species,opposition to the project has continued to grow.

Several municipalities, along with the entire Montreal MetropolitanCommunity (MMC) have been opposed to the project in its current form,fearing impacts on their drinking water sources. The main reason for theiropposition: the proposed pipeline will cross several rivers, near the St.Lawrence River, which together account for the drinking water supply for

a significant number of Quebeckers. These municipalities are not convincedof the company's ability to manage a potential spill without it having animportant environmental impact.

However, TransCanada has provided a variety of security, prevention andintervention measures in the event of emergencies to ensure the securityof its facilities and surrounding resources. During the installation process,where each part is inspected thoroughly, and during operations, state-of-the-art equipment is used and teams of experts conduct real-timemonitoring of the pipeline. In the event of a spill, the company ensures theyare able to stop the f low of oil within about 10 minutes. Subsequently,according to pre-established intervention plans, emergency teams aremobilized on site to contain and clean up the spill.

Suzie O’Bomsawin, Director of the Ndakinna OfficeEmail: sobomsawin@gcnwa.com Phone: 819 294-1686Website: https://gcnwa.com/bureau-du-ndakinna/

Energy East Pipeline – A project that concerns us all

View of the map showing the Lake Saint-Pierre’s north shore. The red dotted line corresponds to the pipeline plannedroute, the red dot represents a pump station and fish are fishing sites visited by Abenaki members.

View of the map showing Batiscan (left) and Sainte Anne (right) rivers’ mouth. In addition to fishing sites, this map depicts a harvesting site.

How does this pipeline concern the Abenaki people?The planned route by TransCanada through theNdakinna west to east extends about 200 km. Initiallyon the north side of the St. Lawrence River, the pipelinewould follow Lake St. Pierre over about 5 km andtraverse all the tributary rivers. It would then cross theSt. Lawrence at Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures nearQuebec City and follow the south shore, traversing theChaudière and Etchemin rivers, and exit the Ndakinnain the direction of New Brunswick. Thus, the projectcould have an impact on ancestral rights and on ourNation’s related interests, especially fishing andwaterfowl hunting, in particular on Lake St. Pierre andthe St. Lawrence River.

For these reasons, the Ndakinna Office at the GrandConseil de la Nation Waban-Aki is conducting anassessment of the impacts that the pipeline could haveon ancestral rights and on our Nation’s related interests.We therefore need your comments and concerns aboutthe project, regardless whether you are in favour oragainst. Our objective is to consider all opinions in orderto help the Nation’s elected officials to take aninformed position.

In the coming months, we will be offering an opportunityfor you to provide feedback to the Ndakinna Office team,which can currently be done now on a confidential basisover the phone, in person, in writing or by e-mail bycontacting Hugo Mailhot Couture at the Grand Conseil(hmcouture@gcnwa.com / 819 294-1686).

For further information on the project, on theimportance of the consultation process or any otherrelated issue, feel free to contact us or visit us at theGrand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki.

Maps show preliminary results of the Ndakinna : Our Land study. Up to now,about thirty hunters, fishermen, trappers and gatherers have been met withthe aim of identifying sites on the Ndakinna where they pratice subsistence,ritual and social activities. These results were examined in relation to theEnergy East pipeline planned route in order to determine priority areas andassess the potential environmental, social and economic impacts that thepipeline may cause if it is built.

View of the map showing the Saint Lawrence River and the Saint Maurice river’s mouth. This map depicts a number of sites visited by Abenaki members for their sub-sistence, ritual and social activities. The white tailed deer represents big game, the hare corresponds to small game while the goose indicates waterfowl hunting..

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The digital ageTo provide Quebec museums access tonew technologies, the Ministère de laCulture et des Communicationsrecently launched a proposal forfunding for the creation of innovativedigital content. Several institutionshave submitted projects to obtain thisassistance: the Ministère has received114 applications and only 35 projectswere selected, including the Muséedes Abénakis! Thus, in the comingweeks, we will develop a projectjointly with outside firms to offer theMuseum’s clientele a uniqueimmersive experience which will takethe form of an augmented or virtualreality featuring our Abenakicollections and ancestral knowledge.You will be informed of developmentssoon!

Major gifts campaignSince 2015, the Museum has beendeveloping a major gifts program to findnew sources of income and strivetowards financial independence. Thus,by joining private partners andfoundations, the Museum will developstructuring projects at the cultural,education and tourism level which willallow us to diversify the offer andclientele and thereby increase our own-source revenues.

In fact, we are proud to announce thatHydro-Québec has become our firstmajor partner by joining the Museumand granting us a sponsorship of$24,000, which will allow more than500 students from disadvantagedbackgrounds to have free access toenriching cultural activities through oureducational program. With thisdonation, students from fifteen schoolswill have the opportunity to increasetheir knowledge and consolidate theskills developed at school by activelydiscovering the lifestyles of the AbenakiFirst Nation by following the 13 MoonCycle that makes up a year in theAbenaki view of the world.

Bell has also confirmed a financialpartnership of $5,000 with the Muséedes Abénakis to develop a customizededucation plan. Through thispartnership, high school students fromthe region will have the opportunity tovisit the Museum and share and discussvarious current issues with their peersfrom different Aboriginal communities.The purpose of this exercise is to gobeyond the stereotypes conveyednowadays and thereby establish viableand constructive dialogue betweenAboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.We will confirm other major partnersover the coming months.

Upgrading the permanent exhibitionThanks to a donation of $35,000 fromthe National Indian Brotherhood TrustFund (NIB Trust Fund) received lastmonth; we will have the opportunity toupdate the permanent exhibitionWôbanaki, People of the Rising Sun,which opened 10 years ago already.Some reproductions of objects locatedin the showroom will be replaced withauthentic objects from our collections.In addition, we will use this donation toreplace outdated multimedia equipmentwith current technology, but restassured, the screening of themultimedia show on the Abenakicreation myth (La Légende de lacréation du monde) will be preserved!

Must-see exhibitionsSummer is fast approaching and we haveseveral beautiful exhibitions to offer. Donot hesitate to come and see theexhibitions and remember that admissionto the museum is free for all registeredOdanak and Wôlinak band members!

We will also have the honour ofpresenting, from June to October, thefirst solo exhibition of the pencildrawing artist Joyce Panadis. Her worksas well as her creative process,anecdotes and photos will behighlighted in this exhibition.

Then, from June to mid-September, theRegalia, Native Pride exhibit will bepresented in the Museum’s outdoorfacility. This exhibit includes 30portraits of dancers – men, women andchildren – from 14 different Nations andoffers an authentic encounter with FirstNations. It provides an opportunity totake a step back from our firstperceptions of the Pow Wow traditionand witness the identity andcontemporary dimensions.

During your visit to the Museum, comesee, or see again, our retrospectiveexhibit Kizi n8nninska kassigaden (untilDecember 23) which celebrates theMuseum’s 50 year history.

In addition, for a second occasion, theOdanak Historical Society will partnerwith the Société historique de la régionde Pierreville to present, in the fall of2016, a new temporary exhibition thatwill highlight the life of Lieutenant-Governor Paul Comtois, a Pierrevillenative (St. Thomas).

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Vicky Desfossés-Bégin, Communications and Mediation OfficerMusée des Abénakis

Kwai,

It is with great sadness that I amleaving the Abenaki Museum’ssenior management team afternearly seven years. However, I'mleaving with a sense ofaccomplishment. The many projectsand eleven awards given to theMuseum in recent years confirm thatthe actions undertaken since 2009have produced results.

I would sincerely like to thank theAbenaki Museum employees, bothpermanent and temporary, withwhom I had the great pleasure of

working. Your dedication, profes-sionalism and passion for yourculture has allowed us to face greatchallenges and to realize strategicprojects for both the Museum andfor the community of Odanak. Youwill always have a special place inmy professional life, and especiallyin my heart.

Members of the Board of Directors:thank you for your trust. From thestart, you have supported me in mygrand designs, in my desire toposition the Abenaki Museum notonly on the Quebec scene, but alsoon the Canadian and internationalscene. As evidence, invitationsreceived to share our success inBarcelona and Mexico concerningthe archaeological project OdanakFort: The Past Revisited. Thank youfor allowing me to experience thesebeautiful moments.

Chief Rick O'Bomsawin, councillorsand employees of the Abenakis ofOdanak Council: your cooperationand financial support for theAbenaki Museum confirm yourattachment to your cultural

institution. I sincerely thank you foryour support and for believing in myvision for your Museum.

Members of the Abenaki communityof Odanak: thank you for yourhospitality, for your support. Sincemy arrival in 2009, you have shownme the importance of safeguardingyour culture, your heritage. You haveshared your concerns and your desireto impart your culture and yourexpectations for exhibitions andcultural activities. I sincerely hope Ihave met your expectations, whichwere never over demanding andalways legitimate.

I am leaving with a heavy heart, butwith a smile, to face new challenges.I can finally say: missionaccomplished! I am handing over thekeys to your institution to a youngmember of your community whosepassion for culture resonates. Ayoung man who has shown me in ashort time his management skills,desire to succeed, curiosity,creativity and a maturity rarelyfound; an Abenaki man who isknowledgeable about history,

culture and who shares hisexperience with pride. From a shyand somewhat insecure interpreter-guide seven years ago, he has provenhis readiness to meet the challenge.Mathieu Gauthier-O'Bomsawin hasthe makings of a great ExecutiveDirector. He will need your support,but I am confident you willaccompany him as you did me.

From the upper reaches of your river,I will witness in the coming years theachievements of a great team led bya true leader. After all, Sherbrookeand Odanak are only a fewkilometers distance. So I say: see youvery soon. Thank you for yourfriendship, for your warm welcomeworthy of the Abenaki First Nation.I did not always have unanimoussupport; it was not the goal. Ibrought the Abenaki Museum to ahigher level; that was my mandate.Mathieu will pursue the Museum’sascent brilliantly.

See you soon, Wli wni

Michelle Bélanger

Michelle Bélanger

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