MLIB The Traveling FeatherAUGUST 2012 WE, THE TSE’KHENE NATION (PEOPLE OF THE ROCK) ARE PROUD PEOPLE

6.30Friday August 3rd

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MLIB The Traveling Feather

McLeod Lake Indian Band would like to thank you for visiting the 2012 AGA in Mcleod Lake. We also would like to thank all our sponsors!

McLeod Lake Indian Band address

General Delivery

McLeod Lake, V0J 2G0

Toll Free 1-888-822-1143

Newsletter SubmissionsWould you like to write something for The Traveling Feather? Please submit your story to mklijnsmit@mlib.ca

MLIB Publiction No.21

The Traveling Feather is published up to 12 times a year. Members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and readers of The Traveling Feather can submit t h e i r n e w s a n d p i c t u r e s a t mklijnsmit@mlib.ca

Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

adele chingee - McLeod Lake Indian Band bandmanager

A big Tse’khene Congratulations to Duz Cho Logging and Duz Cho Construction, on receiving outstanding Business Awards and achievements in 2012. I want to acknowledge and recognize both Al and Jim on their success as Managers whom have brought their team and Operations to the top. It’s been a long and bumpy road but with their hard work and dedication and positive relationship with external business that they’ve brought success and brought National recognition to MLIB Entities. In my opinion, YOU ROCK! I’m sure there are many others to thank from the inception of the Entities, the reality is, Al and Jim you are still here today. You’ve brought the companies through very dark times and survived. Thank you to both companies and a job well done.

Getting back to Administration, it’s been very interesting times for MLIB.

In order to meet the demands of the work load, MLIB has restructured and incorporated changes to the organizational chart plus the hiring of a fulltime Human Resources/Office Mgr to take on day to day management of the Office. The restructuring would give me an opportunity to deal with the bigger items of the Band, refocus and concentrate on my primary duties and core competencies for MLIB.

Again, I will be focused on:

Policy Development:“To develop policies, procedures and bylaws for the review and approval of Chief and Council”.Financial:“the financial management of the MLIB resources in collaboration with the Financial Controller”.Council:“To prepare materials and reports in support of MLIB Band Council Operations”.Government Relations:“to manage agreements and relationships with other levels of government”.Community Relations:“To maintain an open, equitable, and service oriented relationship between the community and MLIB Administration”.Planning:“to assist MLIB Chief and Council with the design and implementation of physical development and strategic plans”.Practical Reserve Issues:“to manage the community’s infrastructure and assets in collaboration with other Senior Managers in Public Works, Finance and Land Management”.

The Management of the Staff and Administration Office will be performed by the newly hired HR/Office Manager. At this time I want to thank DC Logging for sharing their HR (JOY) on an Interim basis. Joy has been a big help during the interim sometimes arriving at the office at 7 a.m. and then rushing back to DCL for her afternoon shift. Way to go Joy!

I’m looking forward to the refocus and the hard work ahead. Especially to reviewing MLIB’s current governance documents to begin making them current. Most of our Policies and By-laws are very outdated and in need of revamping.

Although MLIB faced challenges in late May and early June when MLIB offices were blockaded by a small group of members, MLIB has been receiving lots of membership and public support for the positive activities of the Band. In the June Quarterlies, many members came to voice their support of MLIB. Shortly following the blockade, staff and community members participated in a Debriefing session with a Professional Counselor. Chief Orr and staff members attended a training session with Bruce Ramsay on Critical Incident Stress Management on July 4-6, 2012. The information provided by Mr. Ramsay was very valuable and as an instructor he is very knowledgeable on critical incident stress, we look forward to bringing him back to work with our community members and all the staff. Crisis is defined as “an acute emotional reaction to a powerful stimulus or demand”. There are usually 3 characteristics of crisis: 1. The usual balance between thinking and emotions is disturbed;2. The usual coping mechanisms fail;3. There is evidence of distress, impairment or dysfunction in the individual or group involved in the crisis. 1

1 – CISM Group Crisis Intervention by Jeffrey T. Mitchell, CTS

There have been many vacancies in our Organization as of late. We’ve been able to appoint Interim individuals in to fill in until we successfully recruit experience and skilled candidates. We look forward to the new staff coming on board with MLIB. We’ve received several applications from members in Vancouver and out of Province who are very skilled that want to come and work with us. We certainly will be interviewing those individuals.

I want to personally thank the staff for all their hard work and dedication to the Band. I know, at times, it hasn’t been easy but as a team we’ve always supported one another. In my eyes, the staff is all STARS and deserves acknowledgment and recognition. We look forward to continuing to provide services and programs to band members. We also look for ideas for new programs or new ways of doing things; if you have any new ideas please share it with us.

We gave another face lift to the Band Office. We realize it’s very old instead of building a new facility we’ve been doing upgrades to different wings every year. With the way our Business Entities are performing, we can look forward to a new facility and more community infrastructure.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Adele Chingee

Community ForestDuz Cho has now finished logging our first Community Forest block and is in the process of logging the second block. This Forest License is managed in partnership with the town of Mackenzie. The Board of Directors is made up of three people appointed by MLIB, three people appointed by Mackenzie, and one chair. MLIB representatives on this Board are myself, Lionel Chingee, and Perry Hogan. It is nice to see this Forest License finally operational and we look forward to good things that can come from it, such as enhancements to local recreation.

Treaty 8 LoggingThere is no logging currently underway on the Band’s Treaty 8 lands, but we are planning to log about 50,000 cubic meters of wood this winter. The Forestry Layout Crew has been busy establishing block boundaries and road locations in preparation for future logging, with a continued focus on stands containing pine trees killed by the mountain pine beetle. The crew for this season consists of Lionel Chingee, Sam Chingee, Perry Hogan, and Brandon Duranleau. Log prices have improved slightly and the forest industry is starting to recover. Hopefully, we will get a decent enough price for the wood to make it worthwhile to log.

In the meantime, we are continuing to tend areas that were logged and planted in the past. The silviculture crew has been out all summer cutting unwanted brush from forestry plantations so that the crop trees can grow better. The crew for this season consists of Victor Chingee, Allan Inyallie, Oke Inyallie, Dan Solonas, and Shane Solonas.

FirewoodIn the midst of summer it is often easy to forget that winter is not that far away. All on-reserve elders will be provided with firewood for this winter. The delivery program will start in late summer and continue throughout the fall.

Three Feathers First Nation Consortium LicenseThe Board of Directors is still working on getting this forest license opportunity up and running. We are in the process of finalizing our Forest Stewardship Plan and expect to receive the actual Forest License soon after the plan is completed. Our goal is to receive the license sometime in the next

ryan bichon - McLeod Lake Indian Band forestry manager

couple of weeks and carry out some planning for operations. Fieldwork will be conducted this fall so that we can get the necessary permits in place and hopefully be logging this winter.

Boat LaunchRadloff Engineering has been working on the site plans for the boat launch. Planning and permits have taken longer than expected, so this project is a little behind schedule. We are still hoping to start construction of this project later in the summer.

Cultural CampMLIB Council has committed to the establishment of a permanent cultural camp as a place where Band Members can gather and carry out traditional activities. We are in the process of evaluating potential sites and exploring what is required as far as assessments and permits before proceeding. Issues such as sewage disposal, garbage management, safety, and environmental impacts need to be addressed at this planning stage.

Community ProjectsThe Community Projects crew has been busy cutting grass and trimming weeds to maintain the grounds on the reserve, at the AGA site, and at the baseball field. The crew for this season consists of Doris (Maddo) Prince, Sundance Inyallie, Roxanne Smaaslet, and Ted Inyallie. They have done an excellent job and I think you’ll agree that the grounds look awesome!

Ryan Bichon

Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

Mlib - Education Department - Jodie WareDanache’a,

Well it’s that time of year again, AGA – summer is in full swing here in McLeod Lake!!! Well it’s been 14 months since my world was turned upside down yet again with the loss of my beautiful twin, Jamie Lee Ware <3. What a legacy she has left behind, she will not be forgotten, and forever in my heart shall she be!!!!

My son is now finished grade 5; we just celebrated his 11th birthday and he is enjoying sleeping in now that its summer time. My daughter is 7 years old and will be going into grade 2 at Morfee Elementary this fall. She loves the water this year, and I call her my little “water bug”!

Employment/Training 2012/2013Please see Terra Tylee’s individual department report. It saddens to inform you that Terra Tylee has been approved for an ‘educational leave’; she will be leaving us on July 27th and will be devoting the next 2 years to her education!!!! An internal job posting has been posted for an interim 2 year position, posting available online. I will keep you posted in future publications.

“Terra, it has been a pleasure working with you!! You have been a tremendous help in the Education Dept, your enthusiasm and eagerness is captivating and I wish you nothing but the best that life has to offer! Good luck and congratulations on your education journey!!!!!! ”

Elementary/Secondary 2011/2012MLIB currently has 99 students registered with the Education Department. This past year, we have provided the following assistance:

• We had 4 requests received for tutoring assistance.• We assistance 20 off reserve students with their school fees.• At this time, we have 4 confirmed graduates for June 2012;

o Mariah Chingee Hawaiio Marlon Chingee Hawaiio Jayde Duranleau Prince Georgeo Mercede Jane Lewis Edmonton

• 60 students have accessed our effort and attendance incentives for elementary/secondary level.

Elementary/Secondary 2012/2012The Education Department will be doing another major mail out/email to all parents for the upcoming school year. To be mailed by mid August 2012. Packages will be made available during AGA time, so if wish to fill out, please come see me for the paperwork.

• School Supplies for September 2012, at this time, there is not budget allocated. Once again, I will keep parents/students up to date if this changes. Make sure you read future newsletters…!!!!!

Post Secondary 2011/2012MLIB funded the following:

• 15 full time students in the Fall 2011o 6 University Levelo 4 College Levelo 4 Upgrading o 1 Trades

• 20 full time students in the Spring/Winter 2012o 6 University Levelo 3 College Levelo 5 Upgradingo 3 Tradeso 1 Part-timeo 2 Withdrew

• 4 for the Summer 2012The following has completed their programs:

• Lucy Martin – Bachelors of Environmental Planning• Misty McInnis (Ackles) - Interprovincial Red Seal Journeyman Certification. “Not only did I

complete it, but I am the Most Improved Apprentice in all of BC for 2012. The first time ever that a women has won. In addition, I was recognized for all my accomplishments by being featured, interviewed and photographed for an article, entitled "Women in Roofing", written in the Roofing BC newspaper (vol. 8, no. 2, summer 2011 edition)”.

• Jacob Grusing – Mining Industry Certificate• Caleb Grusing – Mining Industry Certificate• Dorothy Prince – Makeup Artistry Certificate

Post Secondary 2012/2012To date, I have had a total of 22 applications received for the Fall 2012 semester. 11 students will be continuing from last school year. 10 new requests for sponsorship has been approved as of July 20, 2012.

Youth Please see the individual reports by the Youth Workers; Ruth Johnny, Shandi Covell and Miranda Grattan.

At this time, I only administer the Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) dollars. ECA 2012/2012 funds are still at $300.00/year for children aged 4 to 18 only. Funds do not accumulate over the years, so parents are encouraged to use. We do have forms developed; please email me at jware@mlib.ca for more details.

If parents need more information on what their towns offer for youth programs, please check out your local Friendship Centers, Youth Centers, Recreational Centers, as free programs are offered everywhere for school aged children. I have also taken it upon myself to research various areas for parents if they are unable to search the web for such programs. Please contact me if need any more information or have suggestions!!!!

EldersYeah, we now have a full time Elder Coordinator, Kathy Parkinson!!!!!! We had 3 resumes that applied for the Elder Coordinator position, unfortunately, none of them had the qualifications needed therefore I was able to offer the position to Kathy! Please see her individual report for a more thorough update. Welcome Aboard Kathy

Summer Work Experience Program 2012 (SWEP)Due to budget availability, this year MLIB was only able to get $2487.00 from FNESC. These monies are specifically geared towards on-reserve students. Miranda Grattan, Youth Support Worker has hired Robert Wokeley for the summer to help with the youth programs. Welcome aboard Bert!!

Well that’s about all I have to report for now, please contact me if have any questions or suggestions on any of the programs we currently offer or if need more information. I can be reached by phone (888) 822-1143, extension 848 or by email jware@mlib.ca.

Mussi Cho (Many Thanks) for your time!!!

Jodie Ware

Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

McLeod Lake Indian Band - health department update The McLeod Lake Indian Band Health Team continues to build its vision to provide quality services to the members of the proud Tse’Khene First Nation.

These services support people on their journey to become more self sufficient and self reliant. The Health Team also dedicates time and resources to promoting holistic health amongst members and their families.

Hard work, perseverance, compassion, and confidentiality are pillars of our team.

Our goal is to inspire the best from our community, our organization, and each other. Inspiration is found in our community in many forms: parents attending traditional parenting programs to be the best parents they can be; adults attending life skills programs to improve work skills to secure meaningful employment, families supporting one another to overcome crippling addictions, everyone working together to improve the lives of our children.

We believe in the unlimited potential of the Tse’Khene people, we can help one another and in the process build a stronger community. The Health Team strives to provide a service where all membership feels welcome. We have an open door policy, where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

We are here to support you with a variety of programs and services untended to support your life’s journey, here are some of the services we provide:

• Proposal writing

• Addictions counseling

• Mental Health counseling

• Relationship counseling

• Awareness building activities

• Parenting programs

• Headstart programs

• Cultural activities

• Licensed daycare services

• Income assistance

• Family support

• Liaison with the RCMP

• Wood shop

• Youth Support

• Exercise classes

• Various workshops

• Youth Activities

• Nursing, including:

o Communicable disease control

o Immunization

o Maternal & child care

o Reproductive health

o Chronic disease prevention and maintenance

o Primary Health Care

• Long-term Care Aid

If you do not see a program that you feel would be beneficial to yourself and the community please let us know...we want to work with the community for the community and we can only improve with your help!!

Our staff consists of:Meaghan Van Somer (Health & Social Services Manager)Chris Kaip (Social Worker/Supervisor)Georgina Chingee (Cultural Advisor/Headstart)Jodi sharp (Headstart Coordinator)Barb Heine (Community Health Representative on a 6 week leave)Cindy Berg (Temporary Community Health Representative)Jen Dyble (Social Assistance/Daycare Coordinator)Nicole Thomas (Infant & Family Development)Tracy Baldwin (Long-term Care Aide)Brenda Schley (Daycare)Charlene Dahl (Daycare)

McLeod Lake Indian Band - health department update

Charlene Dahl (Daycare)Ruth Johnny (Youth Worker)Shandi Covell (Youth Worker)Miranda Grattan (Youth Worker/Community Support)Linda Jones (Clinical Counsellor)

Thank you again for your continued support, it is an honour for each of us to work for McLeod Lake Indian Band. If you have any questions of how the Health Team can help you or your family, do not hesitate to contact myself of any other member of our team.

Mussi

Meaghan

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“Administration is very excited with the new Controller, Michael Shaker, coming on Board.  Michael is a CPA and former Auditor with Deloitte.  In the short time he’s been here he’s made changes to ACCPAC, Payroll and Accounts Payables and streamlined the Chart of Accounts.  Michael will be incorporating more Controls into MLIB Accounting.  We look forward to all the new and exciting changes in Accounting. We are so excited about the path MLIB is working towards and the positive and long term relationships we’re building with Industry, Government of all levels, First Nations and local businesses.” 

  

Michael Edgar Shaker,  CPA  BComm

Financial Controller

McLeod Lake Indian Band

General Delivery, McLeod Lake, BC  V0J 2G0

Tel: (250) 750 - 6845 / Fax: (250) 750 - 4420

E-Mail: mshaker@mlib.ca

WHERE TO FIND ME: Monday, Tuesday and Friday at MLIB main office.

8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Thursday at Mackenzie Employ-ment Services Center located next to CNC

Phone: 250-997-7208

Toll Free: 877-997-4333

8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Wednesdays at the Mt. Milligan worksite or office in Mackenzie

8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Phone: to be announced

All messages can be left at the phone number and email listed for McLeod Lake Indian Band

I would like to start by introducing myself . My name is Misty Williams and I am the new First Nations Employment and Education Liaison Officer for McLeod Lake Indian Band and the Mt. Milligan project. I am a Cowichan Tribes band member from Duncan on Vancouver Island and relo-cated to Mackenzie to work for MLIB. It has been a pleasure getting to know the members and work in the community, I have felt very welcomed. I look forward to meeting you all in the near future.

SERVICES PROVIDED: Employment Support

Training Support

Referral Support

McLeod Lake Indian Band

Phone: 250-750-4415 Ext 836

Fax: 250-750-4420

Email: mwilliams@mlib.ca

Mineral Processing Operator Certificate. In Fort St. James. 16 week program. Starts in Oct and Jan. Approx. 40 people will be hired to work at Mt. Milligan in the mill. If you like video games and computers this could be the career for you. Call for more information.

Industrial Mechanic. In Fort St. James. 22 week program. Starts in Oct to March. Industrial mechanics are in high demand all over the province. If you like to work on cars, truck or machines this could be the opportunity your looking for. Call for more information.

Mobile Crane Operator-Hydraulic 80 tonnes and un-der. In Mackenzie in the fall of 2012. If you are interested in operating equipment and would like to specialize in a certain area, this would be a great course to consider.

Plant at night March 2012 At Mt. Milligan Site

Welcome/Services/Locations

Upcoming Training Programs

First Nations Employment & Education

Liaison Officer Update B Y M I S T Y W I L L I A M S A G A S U B M I S S I O N 2 0 1 2

S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :

Mt. Milligan

will be having tours through out the sum-mer of the work site. It is an experience worth having.

30 applica-

tions for em-ployment have been sent in by members to Mt. Milligan since April. Keep up the good work everyone.

18 applica-

tions for em-ployment at other organi-zations have been submit-ted.

Attended the

following: Quarterly, Aboriginal Steering Plan, AGA Plan-ning, Stay in School Cele-bration, Mackenzie Employment Service Cen-tre Grand Opening

McLeod LakeIndian Band

Every person is a success if they put their mind to it!

Hello, McLeod Lake Indian Band staff, Chief, Council, and Band members,

As many of you already know, my name is Miranda Grattan. Most of you may know me from working with the McLeod Lake youth – a position that is funded through both the Band and Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC). However, I am now introducing myself to you in a new role that I am taking on within the community. I will continue to work as a Youth Worker for PGNFC on a part time basis, but will now work as a Community Support Worker through McLeod Lake Indian Band.

Community Support Worker is a new position for McLeod Lake altogether. Through this position I will offer non-therapeutic, supportive counselling and treatment referrals. The skills and experience that I have acquired over time include a Certificate as a Career Development Practitioner, a Diploma in Social Services with specialization in Motivational Interviewing (a counselling model that stems from working with people battling addictions), as well as an ability to coach and mentor other staff on the Health Team in learning this model.

Youth services are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other weekend, while I will offer Community Support Services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

This position will be able to change and adapt to the needs of the community, so please do not hesitate to bring forward any suggestions, or even concerns that you may have.

Mussi Cho!

Miranda Grattan

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2012

McLeod LakeMcLeod Lake Indian BandIndian Band !!

Land!Referral!Manager!

McLeod!Lake!Indian!Band!(MLIB)!is!seeking!a!Land!Referral!Manager.!!The!candidate!will!report!to!the!Band!Manager!and!work!in!Chetwynd.!!The!Land!Referral!Manager!will!be!responsible!for!liaising!with!

industry!regarding!traditional!territory!land!use.!!He/she!will!plan!site!visits!and!respond!to!all!correspondence!from!industry.!!!The!successful!candidate!will!have!a!solid!understanding!of!the!

traditional!territory!and!land!use.!!This!role!will!appeal!to!individuals!who!have!excellent!relationship!building!skills!and!work!well!with!a!variety!of!different!people.!!The!successful!candidate!will!be!a!selfEmotivated!professional!who!demonstrates!a!high!level!of!tact,!and!sound!judgment.!!A!person!of!

Aboriginal!ancestry!is!preferred.!

Qualifications,

• Grade!12;!• First!Nations!Studies,!Public!Relations!!or!Communications!Certification!or!a!combination!of!skills!

and!experience;!

• A!general!knowledge!of!traditional!territory!and!land!use;!• Knowledge!of!the!traditional!territory!ecosystem;!• Excellent!interpersonal!skills,!written!and!verbal!skills!including!an!ability!to!communicate!

complex!and!sensitive!information!to!a!wide!variety!of!audiences;!• Experience!writing!letters!and!proposals;!• Experience!with!public!relations!and!making!presentations;!

• Proven!experience!with!Microsoft!Office!suite!of!software;!• Experience!planning!and!organizing!site!visits;!

Closing,Date:,,Open,until,filled!INTERNAL,ONLY!EApplicants!can!forward!their!resume!and!cover!letter!to!Joy!McCaffrey,!General!

Delivery!McLeod!Lake,!BC!!V0J!2C0.!!Fax:!!250E750E4561!email:!jmccaffrey@mlib.ca.!!Please!no!phone!calls,!only!short!listed!candidates!will!be!contacted.!

Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

McLeod Lake Indian Band - land referral update

Over the last year, a lot of discussion has taken place regarding initiatives for the preservation and restoration of western Canada’s caribou habitat from the Yukon into the BC interior as well as some discussion of the nationwide population as a whole. Working groups have been established, and various methods are being examined, though there is a greater push for the immediate action to prevent any further decline, as some of the herds are disappearing rapidly due to the destruction and division of critical habitat and increasing pressure from predation and human interference.

Much initiative has been undertaken by the Peace River Regional District to manage the invasive weeds in the South Peace, with species like oxeye daisy, Canadian thistle, common tansy, orange hawkweed and marsh plume thistle spreading through the region, various methods are being applied and studied to determine the most effective methods of treatment and prevention. Significant results have been evident on some of the problematic areas where the weeds appear to have been fully eradicated, though the continued annual studies of these sites will determine whether or not the methods used have been fully effective. Oil and gas companies have been in consultation with our office regarding the pest maintenance on their right of ways, wellsites and other infrastructure components, as well as Canfor, West Fraser and the ministry of Forests to determine concerns regarding the various methods of application, and the potential impacts to the environment and traditional land use rights.

A lot of new mining projects have begun the early stages of the exploration process from the Carbon Lake area, southwest of the Peace Canyon Dam to the Falling creek area, west of Chetwynd from the Pine River, out to the Sukunka River, everywhere south of Tumbler Ridge, a few projects up the Heritage Highway from Tumbler Ridge and some east of Bear Lake. The methods of extraction vary from surface and underground methods, to progressive section mining. There is a growing concern regarding the cumulative impacts of these mines and their impacts on watersheds and caribou habitat.

Natural Gas infrastructure developments are continuing expansions north for

collection and distribution and several transportation companies are proposing natural gas pipelines out to the coast, for processing and distribution to overseas interests. The exploration and development of natural gas has continued to decrease over the last few years, and with much of the product stored in the ground waiting for the market expansion of overseas distribution, there is no economic feasibility to continue the production of natural gas. With this product, there is far less potential for environmental impacts than the proposed Enbridge oil pipeline, though the concerns remain for the cumulative impacts caused by so many projects of this type in application, dividing caribou habitat and migration corridors as well as potential impacts to other fish and wildlife habitat within MLIB’s Traditional Territory, from west of Summit Lake, out east to the BC-Alberta border.

Wind power proposals continue, covering nearly every high mountain ridge in the area, some projects have been cancelled while others maintain studies with meteorological exploration towers in place.

The negotiations for a Wildlife Habitat Environmental Preserve within MLIB’s trapline are still ongoing after two years of attempting to protect this area for its significance as an undisturbed old growth wildlife habitat that provides a densely vegetated sanctuary for all species of wildlife in the area. It is unique to the region as the surrounding land has been heavily impacted by industrial, agricultural, recreational and domestic use and we feel that its preservation may one day become critical for the sustainability of all wildlife in the area.

A project of interest to many living or working throughout the region may benefit from the installation of five new communication towers, increasing reception from Summit Lake into the Pine Pass. The completion of these installations is proposed for this fall. One of these sites has been proposed within caribou habitat, though mitigative terms were established to minimize any ground disturbance to the vegetation or geophysical structure.

An increasing number of environmental preservation initiatives have begun, in the region and throughout the province, to protect and re-establish wildlife habitat values from

If you would like any further information regarding any of the activities within the Traditional Territory, please do not hesitate to give us a call at the Land Referral Office: 1-866-283-6542

Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

McLeod Lake Indian Band - youth department

Danache’a!

The Youth Program has held a wide range of events and activities : Homework Nights, two sports camps, escort to t he Canucks Alumni game, bannock making, snow shoeing, fundraising, community clean-up, and youth related workshops.

Six MLIB youth and three chaperones were sponsored to attend the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Vancouver this year thanks to Summit Pipelines. This was an amazing experience for the youth to attend and enjoy.

The Youth Program also participated in the Mini Culture Camp held by Jodi Sharp-Hosted by Wh0du ‘h koh, Headstart. The Youth group danced to the beat of Ruth’s drumming from the MLIB office to the Pre-school house decked out in beaver skins, moccasins and a variety of headdresses.

Fundraising efforts were also accomplished by hosting “Indian Taco Community Lunch” and the “Youth Painting Silent Auction” and the received a lot of community support for their endeavours. Mussi Cho for all of the support.from the community

A very special congratulation goes out to Desiree Steele to be the first youth to win the MLIB Youth Education and Leadership Award! Desiree has shown a lot of initiative and has been a constant participant in the Youth Program in a variety of education relate tasks that include -reading, completing homework, learning her Tse ‘Khene language, fundraising and contributing to the community by assisting elders and taking on a community clean up.

The Youth Department is very pleased to have recently hired in June a full time and a part time worker to fill the positions. Summer calendars have been posted and the summer fun is off and running. The part-time youth worker position, which is funded through the Prince George Friendship Center, also provides services to the MLIB youth.

Recently Actua Science Camp ran for a week in July and was well attendee with up to 19 participants. Science and mining projects were explored and hands on learning were applied from all the campers.

Summer schedules are every Tuesday to Thursday at the Band office gym from 10 am to 3 pm, with snacks and lunch provided for all youth. Baking and building your own pizza, family trees, Canada Day rock painting, beading and berry picking were some of the activities. Mad Science Red Hot Robots Camp, up and coming Dance Camp, and Carp Lake campout hosted by the MLIB Health Services and RCMP held July 20-22-2012.. Selected youth with Elders will attend Tsay Keh and Kwadacha to enjoy fun times and keep connected to the elders.

PGX 2012 was also sponsored and parents and youth were able to attend in Prince George again this year.

Parents are encouraged to come and visit the Youth Program events and volunteer to help out.

The Youth Cookbook is on sale for $15 and was developed by Tiffany Chingee.

Youth Support Worker-

Youth Workers-

Miranda Grattan

Ruth Ann Johnny & Shandi Coville

Boat

rides

Friday

August 3rd

Mlib - health - linda jonesHello McLeod Lake Indian Band staff, Chief, Council, and Band members,

My name is Linda Jones and I am the new counsellor beginning August 03, 2012. I graduated with a Social Work degree from Okanagan University College in 2002. My practicums through my degree were at Crossroads Treatment Centre and the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, giving me a good grounding in addictions and family violence.

I moved to the North after graduating to become the addiction counsellor at Mackenzie Counselling Services and was there providing services to people struggling with addictions as well as men who had been charged with assaulting their spouses. I designed and presented groups on healthy communication, anger, addiction recovery, and as well, began a weekly supportive drop in recovery program for clients. I was at Mackenzie Counselling Services from July 2002 until January 2008.

Some of you may know me in my previous role as a social worker with the Ministry of Children and Family Development where I was the designated Social Worker for McLeod Lake. I was with the Ministry from February 2008 until present. As a child protection and family support social worker I worked collaboratively with clients to strengthen families and keep children with their families and in their communities as much as possible. During my time at the Ministry I provided services to the communities of Mackenzie, McLeod Lake, Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha. I am grateful for the learning and opportunities that my time at the Ministry provided me.

Initially in 2008, when I told my clients I was leaving counselling to go and work for the Ministry, I jokingly said that I was going to the dark side in my best Darth Vader voice. At that time I wanted to work with families and the opportunity to do that was not possible within the framework of my role at Mackenzie Counselling. Now, as I return to my passion that is counselling, I can say I am returning to the light. I look forward to serving the people of McLeod Lake in my new role and getting to know the various people that work, live and provide services in the community.

Linda Jones

COMMUNITY)HEALTH)REP)))))))))))))))))BARB)HEINE)This%year%my%goal%was%to%focus%on%health%and%wellness%promotion!%Some%of%the%programs%and%activities%that%were%offered%throughout%the%year%included;%the%Health'and'Wellness'Fair,'Nutrition'and'Healthy'Eating'Workshop,'the'Wellness'Wheel:'mini'workshops'that'provided'a'variety'of'information'on'topics'such'as'stretching'and'arthritis'and'exercise.'It%was%very%exciting%this%year%to%initiate%the%Sport'Med'Walking'Program,'%which%was%a%huge%success!%This%large%group%of%community%members%committed%to%the%wellness%program%and%walked%together%three%days%a%week%and%also%took%part%in%nutrition%workshops!%The%Lunchtime'Fitness'Class%continued%to%be%well%attended%by%a%group%of%regulars!%Way%to%go%ladies!%Another%highlight%this%year%was%the%Women’s'Spa'Day!'Activities%included%mini%massages,%foot%care%and%massage,%hand%paraffin%waxing,%and%making%dreamcatchers.%We%finished%the%Spa%Day%with%a%relaxing%Yoga%session!%What%a%day!%%Some%of%the%continuing%programming%that%was%offered%included%the%HIV/AIDS'information%presentation'during%the%Health%Fair,'TB'testing'and'Influenza'Vaccinations.''I%am%also%very%excited%to%announce%that%this'September'we%will%be%offering%a'Mammogram'Clinic'right'here'at'McLeod'Lake!%Details%and%sign%up%will%be%available%soon!'%As%some%of%you%may%have%heard,%I%will%be%away%on%a%leave%to%contemplate%some%life%changes.%I%just%wanted%to%take%this%opportunity%to%say%that%I%have%truly%appreciated%getting%to%know%each%and%every%one%of%you!%My%heart%will%always%be%full%of%many%special%memories!%This%is%a%very%special%community%

and%working%here%has%been%much%more%to%me%than%just%a%job;%it%has%become%like%family%to%me.%I%won’t%say%good%bye,%but%rather%see%you%soon!%Thank%you%to%each%of%you%who%hold%a%special%place%in%my%heart!%%Mussi%Cho!.........Barb%Heine%

Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

McLeod Lake Indian Band - Geraldine solonas In June it was one year since I was elected onto Council. I must say that it has

been extremely eventful (sometimes negatively) and fast paced with MLIB being blessed in many ways throughout the year.

I do submit monthly reports which are available at www.mlib.ca so this will be a report in general.

The Council meet monthly to discuss issues as they arise; have special meetings when required throughout any given month to deal with time sensitive issues; meet at least four times per year with our Band membership to let them know what and how the Council and Band entities are doing, including financially; attend Band community meetings for input into the Band’s Community planning; attend workshops and/or meetings on matters relevant to Council duties/knowledge; and, have numerous meetings with businesses/industry who would like to or are doing business in our traditional territory.

In June of this year, MLIB advised Enbridge Pipeline that MLIB is not in support of their proposed gateway project of which they propose to build a fair length into our Traditional territory, specifically from the Alberta border to the Bear Lake area, then south from there. They indicated to Council, that our non-support would not affect our business relationship negatively, but that has already started by them refusing to support our annual AGA. In the past they provided $3,000 towards our AGA. So much for a forked tongue and not surprising!

We, MLIB, continue to take a stand against the proposed Site C dam being pushed forward by BC Hydro. They claim that this dam will provide ‘clean energy’. But, at whose or what expense??? It has been said that some of the energy will be sold to Alberta; I asked then why don’t they build a dam in Alberta; and, I was told because the First Nations of that area protested when that was proposed. The WAC Bennet Dam went in at a time when there was no community consultation, at this time the government claims there is community consultation (on which we disagree with them on the meaning of ‘consultation’) I strongly believe that if the First Nations put a united front in opposition to this project as well as get intercessors (groups that pray for specific causes/matters) to pray against this project that this project can be stopped, but the intercessory prayers need to start now!

We continue to negotiate monthly with the Oil and Gas Commission & their Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation to renew the “Oil and Gas Consultation Agreement” of April, 2008 and hope to finalize this agreement this fall considering their funding supports our Land Referral Office annually.

We, MLIB, have been blessed in several areas this past year: the positive outcome of our annual audit of 2011/12, including our Band entities’, and this year is a reflection of that; several of our Elders touring China at no cost to MLIB through Canadian Kailuan Dehua; Duz Cho Construction received an “Outstanding Achievement” award at the Aboriginal Business Awards in December of 2011; Duz Cho Logging received an “Aboriginal Forest Products Business Leadership” award (MLIB was nominated by CANFOR for this prestigious award only given out twice previously to outstanding First Nation businesses meeting specific criteria) at the Assembly of First Nations Gathering in July, 2012 (these awards much to the credit and non-ending work of the relevant manager with much thank your from our Council); for the environment we live in; the clean air we breathe; for most of us, our health; our families, whether immediate or those we make; the employment we do have; educational provisions; those we work with sharing knowledge and expertise for our and future generations; our spirituality; and, the tenacity of our people in moving forward in a respectful and opportune manner. May all these blessings and much more continue for all connected to MLIB in any way and I encourage each of you to read Psalm 91 (NIV) daily, if possible.

As we move forward into another year and further, I can see our people continuing to move forward positively although at times struggling. I feel I have been put in a unique position to carry a message that there is always hope for a better life. Who would have thought that in 1994, I wanted to die (after reading a bit our First Nation history, I felt there was no hope for us as a people)? As an individual, each of must take what is in our heart, set attainable goals and work towards those in order to be the person we each are destined to be. As adults we are responsible for ourselves (and our children before they become adults) and can blame no one for where we are at in life. Along the path of life, areas of trauma must be dealt with in order for healing to occur… that is what I want to see for my people in the future and will work towards this personally and as a leader. At this time I cannot image where our people could be once more and more of our people accept that healing must start personally, and then it has the ripple effect of flowing into your immediate family, your extended family, your community and then everywhere else! Only thing is, healing goes on forever, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, as does learning, but you are also a better person to those around you!

If you wish to speak to me regarding any of my report, please contact me at 1-250-750-4676.

Geraldine Solonas

Economic Development

Gas Bar, Store and Café

A feasibility study for a gas bar, convenience store, and café was done for facilities either in Mackenzie or in McLeod Lake. The feasibility study considered a number of economic factors and recommended that a first facility be constructed in McLeod Lake, on Highway 97. The land identified is north of the Carp Lake Road.

There will be a display at the Annual General Assembly showing location. For those interested in the study, an executive summary will be available at the display and the full study available upon request. A copy will be posted on the web.

A steering committee has been formed with Fred Inyallie Jr. as Chairperson. For more information or if you wish to make comments, please contact Fred Jr. or economic development officer Bob Inkpen.

Economic Development Strategy

An economic development strategy for McLeod Lake Indian Band was prepared. It promotes the need for McLeod Lake Indian Band to capitalize on the Band’s strengths of its people, its significant businesses in logging and construction, and its predominance within its traditional territories regarding major resource projects. It suggests that the Band form strategic alliances with major companies and earn revenue from the resources of the traditional territory. Funds earned from companies and agreements would then be available to provide services to the band.

Input is sought from Band Members. A report is available for Band Members at the AGA and on the web.

Corporate Officer

The McLeod Lake Indian Band Group of Companies is overseen by a Board of Directors that is appointed by Chief and Council. A Corporate Office is required to assist the Board in administrative matters including the preparation of minutes, the bookkeeping of board expenses, registering of documents and other administrative work that the Board may require. The position is part time and is located in Prince George. The position is posted until August 15. For more information, please refer to the posting at the AGA or on the website. For more information, please contact Bob Inkpen at 2520 788 8823.

Bob Inkpen

Mlib - accounts payable - eugenia isadore Hello McLeod Lakers…………

My name is Eugenia Isadore ,I live in Bear Lake with my daughters Janine, Jillian and my common law husband Darcy for the past 13 yrs now. My parents Eugene & Doreen Isadore also live in Bear Lake but my heart truly belongs with McLeod Lake Indian Band this is where the roots begin.

I was hired on as the accounts payable for the McLeod Lake Indian Band November 14, 2011 and I really enjoy my job and working for the People of the Rocks……….

I’m going to tell you a little story about myself and to where I am today………a few years ago I was living in a dark place and it didn’t matter where I was or what I was doing or who you were? I was on a rollercoaster ride and I wasn’t about to get off anytime soon. I lived like this for 2 yrs and it didn’t get better for me if anything I was digging myself in a hole. I started to wonder why people were shying away from me until one day I woke up alone.……..! Try disciplining your child where there is no respect back! My ugly words were coming out of my daughters’ mouth and to hear that…………. well that was low point in my life and the saddest day of my life and I knew I had to make a change in my life and quick! It wasn’t that easy to make that change and believe you me the people didn’t make it easy for me either? They made sure I didn’t forget all the heartache and hurt I caused them! So guess who was shying away now……….it was me. To regain your dignity back and the respect of others is really hard to do because nobody ever wants to take a good look at themselves…………it’s never our fault? To make that decision and except my actions it was very overwhelming. It’s hard to walk the walk hanging down your head. As a child growing up my dad taught me to never give up and because of his word and the love my family has for me……….. is what got me through that dark place.

To have this opportunity to work for McLeod Lake Indian Band and for the people is my greatest reward to give back for the life I’m living now.

Be kind to one another,

Mussi Cho

Eugenia Isadore

Thanks to everyone who helped cleaning up!!

Terra Tylee - McLeod Lake Indian Band Chief - Employment/trainingDear Members

First off, I would like to start out by letting you all know that it has been a great opportunity to work for all of you. With that being said, I will be leaving the Employment and Training Department as of July 27th’2012. It is with a great sadness that I write my last report for our membership! It may be my last E/T Department report but mark my words; you have not seen the last of me.

Here is summary of the last year’s E/T requests:September 2011

Helped 4 people with training this month, everyone passed!Assisted with 11 band members with training opportunities through Mt. Milligan, Land Referral and AMEC. 2 Band members have been asked back!!!Met up with PGNAETA financial officer to go over file requirements, quarterly report requirements for our ASETS program that is funded here on reserve by PGNAETA.

October 2011First Steering Committee got to meet the representatives on that committee from the 3 First Nations that are working in conjunction with CNC in Mackenzie to identify the barriers that our 3 First Nation’s communities face surrounding education and employment within the community.Assisted off reserve members with their employment goals, helped identify funding sources that maybe available.Helped members apply for jobs at Mt. Milligan.ASETS briefing with PGNAETA to help me fully understand the aspects of the job! There is a lot to it, but if you put your mind to it you can do it!I also helped Duz Cho Construction recruit for Trainees that were needed to train on the D10 rock trucks as well as the D9’s. Successfully recruited at least 6 candidates that fit the job requirements and i believe that 4/5 are still Duz Cho Construction to this day!

November 2011Helped 3 clients receive their safety to help them become more employable.Jodie returned back to work.Met up with the College of New Caledonia Mackenzie regarding our Aboriginal Service Plan objectives and goals for the 3 communities (McLeod Lake, Tsay Keh Dene, and Kwadawcha First Nations) to help our community members with Educational goals and employment barriers that are identified within the three communities and how CNC Mackenzie will work with all three to deliver safety training tickets and other barriers that our comminty faces with regards to employment and education.Helped 10 members that have come in to see look for suitable employment that compliments their qualifications, send out resumes and cover letters on membership’s behalf.

December 2011Helped various memberships apply for jobs at Mt. Milligan, and other places of employment that complimented their qualifications.Started working with the Social Development Dept to help identify S.A clients employment goals and objectives to start working together to ease the independence of clients on S.A that are employable, that do not need to be on S.A.Christmas Holidays!

January 2012New Year! New Prospects! New Goals!January was a busy month! I helped 20 members successfully apply for various jobs and employment opportunities through out B.C! 10% of members successfully found meaningful employment!I helped 15 members acquire tickets that they needed to become more employable with in the work force.

February 2012Helped a member apply and get accepted into Class 1 Driver’s Training in P.G, in which he successfully completed!Helped recruit labourers for upcoming job training through Duz Cho Construction! Thank You Ken for all your valuable input and your consistant support through out the year! You are valuable ASSET to MLIB.Helped a couple of members with their Union Dues to help them get back to the workforce!~ Please keep in Mind if oyu are part of a Union it is your responsibility to pay those dues annually! Helped 3 or 4 applicants with their E.I inquiries.Helped 4 clients obtain safety certificates for better employment opportunities in the workforce.

March 2012Started planning for the 2012 Career Fair, networked with our sister companies! “Thank you Duz Cho Construction and Summit Pipelines for all your help and support through this planning for the career fair! Thank you Jen Dyble in Social Development to help plan and execute the best Career Fair that

McLeod LAKe has ever seen!Thank you to the College of New Caledonia for their generous donation of $3000.00 to make this the best

Career Fair ever in McLeod Lake history!”Met with William Burgess the camp manager for the Grizzco Camp to discuss employment opportunities for our members in the future with this camp! There will be new opportunities for the McLeod Lake members in the near future with the Grizzco Camps located in Chetwynd B.C. Very Exciting! When the E/ T department learns more about what Grizzco Camp can do for our membership and their employment needs, we will be sure to let you all know of any new and exciting opportunities with Grizzco.Worked with CNC job options teacher, S.A department to identify and recruit eligible members from McLeod Lake and Mackenzie that did qualify for this Job Options program that CNC has put on as a pilot project for our area. Please check out www.cnc.bc.ca to learn more about the Job Options training that CNC will be running again this September 2012 for all office based employment that eligible members will be able to access to find meaningful employment. Prince George Residents; there is a Job Options Prgram that is going on in P.G through the Employment Action office Phone (250) 564-8044 to put your name on their interest list and they will let you know of the next information date for the September 2012 Intake that will be coming up again the fall for P.G residents.  

April 2012Recruiting companies and representatives to attend our 2012 Career Fair! HUGE Job; but a great success, it is amazing the amount of companies out there that are willing to work with First Nations to offer training incentives and employment opportunities for qualified members! Helped membership update their resumes and cover letters for their files and to apply for job opportunities through B.C.Recruited more eligible members for more heavy equipment training in Chetwynd on behalf of Duz Cho Construction! Working alongside CNC and our Social Development Department to amke sure our Students started the Job Options Program on time (April 16th’2012) which was the same day as our 2012 Caeer Fair out in McLeod Lake. The students that did qualify for the Job Options Program attended their program orientation the morning of the April 16th and attended our MLIB Career Fair in the afternoon which helped members, Mackenzie residences network with companies that are looking for qualified candidates to hire onto their team! What an AWESOME DAY! I am still hearing about the career fair.

May 2012Helped 5 members renew safety tickets to help them find meaningful employment.Fishing Job in Mcleod Lake to do a study on the Dolly Varden that were in the specififed watershed from Kerry Lake East to McLeod lake. What a Great Success! It was a once in alifetime job opportunity that never falls in our laps that we were able to contribute to for the greater good of our fish stock. The study was to determine the Mercury Levels in the Dolly Varden between Kerry Lake and McLeod lake. Tfhank oyu to those that were able to participate that day with the fishing! I heard it was excellent and everything worked out in the end! Members were paid an honorarium for the 2 days that this job was going on and Congratulations to those that participated and went and had fun!Lock Out May 23rd-June 4th’2012

June 2012Returned back to work form a 2 week lock out that a very select few members were participating in! Thanks for the time off, but remember this quote;“We are all here for some special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past! And become the architect of your

future”! ~ Robin SharmaGetting caught up with members and clients to get updates on employment status and upcoming job opportunities.Working on Reportng aspect for our funders (PGNAETA)Recruiting applicants for Youth and family and Worker posting! Congratulations to Ruth Johnny for her success in obtaining that job and being so interactive with our children it is nice to see that even though were are all adults, our inner child still likes to come and play and keep us young.Helped recruit members for job opportunities through the Land Referral Department!Collaberating with the Job Options teacher for resume updates, and cover letter writing for our students that successfully finished the program with flying colors! Congratulations to our first set of Job Options Students! YouSupporting and encouraging our students to stick with the program! Because remember this quote;

“Never be afraid to try something new! Remember, amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic” ~ Anonymous.

Thank you for reading my report, it has been a fantastic yet and I hope to see you all in the near future, wish me luck as I return back to school!

Sincerely

Terra Tylee

GREETINGS FROM THE YOUTH PROGRAM!I would like to take this time to introduce myself as the new full-time Youth Worker hired June 18-2012 for the McLeod Lake Indian Band. I am joining the team here with ten years as Youth Worker also I am a certified Care Aide and have completed my book portion of the Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Certificate through CNC online with the Mackenzie CNC. I have yet to complete the practicum part and then I will be certified. I also have been a worker in a Safe House for five years and as a foster parent for five years in the Vanderhoof area. I am a band member from the Dease River First Nations from Good Hope Lake, BC, near the Yukon border.

I am joining the team here in the community to deliver the Youth Group activates and events for the youth 5 to 18 years old. Recently we have been holding Youth Group activities from Tuesdays –Wednesday to Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm at the Band office gym. The children have been enjoying the summer weather and have gone rock hunting for painting, enjoyed making scratch and sniff cards and made a family tree. Other activities held have been the Actua Science Camp for one week and also other planned events such as beading, nature walks; build your own pizza, baking sugar cookies and lots of coloring, crafts and gym time with games.

I feel very welcome in the beautiful and quiet community here and have been greeted and welcomed by all. I am looking forward to the year and the many plans for the children. Cultural activities are what I love to do the best with the children and I am looking forward to exploring their ideas about dancing and drumming, hunting and gathering, traditional medicines and keeping them connected to the values and traditions with the elders in the community. I look forward to getting to know all of the parents and community members as we share this time and space together. Working with youth and elders has been a part of my life for many years and also learning more about the Tse’Khene people and ways. I have spent time on the family trap-line in the past and learnt many survival skills from the Kaska Dena people with hunting, trapping, skinning, making dry meat and smoking fish, tanning and working with moose hides, beading, designing and making puppets, wall hangings, moccasins, clothing and other hand sewn items . I love to camp, fish, swim and hike around the community in search of berries and medicines that I use at home. Thank you for making me feel such a part of the McLeod Lake Indian Band team.

Mussi Cho!

Ruth Ann Johnny

Danache’a All McLeod Lake Band Members! My name is Nicole Thomas and I am the Infant & Family Development Worker at the McLeod Lake Indian Band. I have worked in this position since September 2011. I have had many activities since September. Some of the activities that I have had include:

• Community Kitchen -> Every 2nd Wednesday, from 5pm-7pm. All community members are welcome to eat & enjoy each other’s company!! Started September 2011 – Still Ongoing.

• Breakfast Bag Program -> 2 Days a week, Mondays & Wednesdays, All School-Age Youth get a snack bag to bring to school. Program started in October 2011 and ended in June 2012 (School Ends).

• Candle Making Workshop -> Had in November 2011. All community members welcome to make a candle or two!

• Jam Making Workshop->Had in September 2011. After the members picked berries, made some jam to take home!!

• 2 Sessions of Drum Making Workshops -> In December 2011. All members were welcome to make a drum and take home!

• Traditional Parenting Program (9 Sessions, for age 0-6) -> Started on Monday, January 23rd – Monday, March 19th. Had Elders participate throughout program.

• 2 Sessions of Quillo (Half Quilt/Half Pillow) Making -> In February 2012. All members were welcome to make a Quillo to take home.

• 2 Sessions of Dream Catcher Making -> March 1st, 2012 & March 27th, 2012. Had taught the youth a session & any other community members.

• Participated in Cultural Exchange at CNC (Mackenzie) -> On March 2nd, 2012. I have learned and continue to learn the traditions and culture of the Tse’khene People of McLeod Lake. Great experience and nice to talk with other elders in community.

• Had a Beading Workshop -> April 19th, 2012. Community members can come and learn a new technique in beading.

• Recycling Workshop -> April 30th, 2012. Had Terri McCmont from REAPS come and teach about recycling. All community members learned about composting/vermicomposting and got info sheets for any recycling in area. Recycling bins were given to participants and 4 backyard composters were given away as door prizes.

• Clothing Exchange -> May 10th & 11th 2012. An opportunity for community members to bring in any used items such as clothing, toys, shoes etc. Members are encouraged to take any used items home to be reused.

• Budgeting/Money Management Workshop -> May 17th, 2012. All community members learned about managing their money. The group discussed how budget worksheets can be used to be more ----- how they spend their money.

• Men’s Night -> June 14th, 2012. All men were invited to have a BBQ steak dinner, relax and play crib/poker. It was a night of honouring the men in the community & showing how much they are appreciated!

Mussi Cho for reading my updates!! Will be having many activities coming up in the summer and fall….. Hope to see you all there!! Questions/Comments Email me at: nthomas@mlib.ca

Nicole Thomas

McLeod Lake Tse’khene Elders Society

The Elders recently enjoyed a trip to Abbotsford July 9-12 for the 36th Annual Elders Gathering. A

great time was had by all; there was a lot of laughter and smiles.

The Elders House at #41 Duz Cho Place has started to take form to become a welcoming and inviting space for the Elders to visit and share ideas about community… please feel free to stop by any time Monday-Friday to meet with Kathy. A computer has been setup in the living room for any Elders that would like to learn new skills like emailing, internet, typing programs or job search. There is also a communication board that has been setup to share upcoming community events.

McLeod Lake Tse’khene Elders Society members are invited to attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings to discuss Society and Community matters. The meetings will occur every 3rd Thursday of each month, 10am-2pm, the next meeting to be on August 16th in Prince George. The meetings will alternate between McLeod Lake and Prince George each month.

Financially the Elders program is provided with limited funding from Oil & Gas Commission to cover costs such as office supplies, utilities, rent, wages, Annual Elders Gathering and travel subsidy. It is very important for the Society to obtain outside funding from Government and Local business’s to provide program funding which may allow the Elders to become more interactive with their community. This is a goal being set by Kathy to work together with the Elders for input to apply for various funding initiatives to enable program development.

As the new Elders Coordinator I am very happy to have been shown such a welcoming and warm community. I enjoy every moment I get to spend with the community members and Elders, there is so much to learn. I would like to thank you all for sharing your words and making me feel at home.

Mussi Cho

Elders Coordinator

Kathy Parkinson

Jodi Lynn Sharp & Georgina Chingee

Whodu’Ih Koh Head Start 2012

Dana’che’a, welcome everyone to the 2012 AGA.

Wow another year has passed and it has been an exciting one for Head Start!! We opened the doors to our

preschool in January 2012, this program ran 3 days a week providing our children with culture, language and

school preparation activities. We had 5 children registered at the beginning of the year with 2 more children

joining us in June. Over the 6 months we have learned over 30 Tse’khene words such as numbers 1-5, colors,

body parts, family members, and animals thanks to the teachings of Atsoo Georgina Chingee. Our preschool

year came to a wonderful close June 27th with our preschool graduation combined with the stay in school

bbq celebrating all of our school age children. The kids looked so sweet in their caps n gowns . Our Head

Start summer activities are weekly mini cultural camps held Wednesdays from 11-1pm at the Head Start

site.....Mussi cho to Ruth, Miranda and the McLeod Lake Youth for singing and drumming for us.

Thank you so much to all of the children and families of McLeod Lake for a wonderful preschool year and we

look forward to September to welcome everyone back and we wish Troy and Calvin Jr. all the best as they

start kindergarten in September.

Mussi Cho and Enjoy the AGA

MembershipDear Members,

My name is Marion Jackson and I am currently the interim Indian Registry Administrator for McLeod Lake Indian Band.

One of my duties is keeping the Registry Book updated with any changes in regards to an individual’s status which could be birth, marriage, change of name etc.

I also process Status Cards, unfortunately at this time we do not yet have the facilities to process the new updated Secure Certificate of Indian Status. For those members that live in or around Edmonton they do take your application and picture which is sent to Headquarters for processing providing you have your Birth Certificate and 2 pieces of Indentification ie; Drivers Licence, Provincial Identification or Provincial Health card. This is the same for members that live in or around Tsuu-T’ina Reserve which is south of Calgary, Regina, Prince Albert, Winnipeg and at Headquarters which is located at Gatineau Quebec. Currently there is no office in British Columbia that processes the new card. For more information on location and or contact numbers you can call me at the Band office and I will be glad to assist you.

I would like to remind Band Members that wish to be on our mailing list to keep us updated with your current address; this is to keep you informed on any issues concerning McLeod Lake Indian Band.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy summer.

With respect,

Marion Jackson