Boozhoo!

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Pic Mobert First Nation Reserve rests on the eastern shore of White Lake in northern Ontario, approximately 75 kilometres east of the Town of Marathon Ontario. The Traditional Lands of the Netamisakomik people stretch from Pigeon River to Batchawana Bay. Our lakeside community has a school, a church, a health centre, a training centre, a community recreation centre, a community garden and an outdoor hockey rink. The nearby communities of Marathon, ON and White River, ON provide access to additional amenities. Today, there are over 900 registered members in Pic Mobert First Nation. Over 400 members currently live on the reserve. Pic Mobert First Nation is striving to bring opportunities for improved health, wealth and happiness to our Band Members and all people in our community. In the last five years, remarkable stories of success in economic and community development have emerged within Pic Mobert First Nation and we hope to share with you a few of these stories which make us proud to call Pic Mobert First Nation home.

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Our Recent SuccessesPic Mobert First Nation is in a unique

stage of development and growth. Through strengthening existing partnerships, such as our 20 year relationship with Barrick Gold/Hemlo (which has contributed 18 full-time, permanent jobs to our communtiy and over 2 million dollars in wages and revenue) and creating new business relationships, such as our partnership with Regional Power on the Gitch-Animkii Hydro-Electric project (see p. 14), increased training and employment opportunities have been accessed by our band members.

Since 2009, the hard work of our staff and leadership has been rewarded with success in many projects, including: the expansion of White Lake Resources Corporation (see p. 6), the building of a new training centre and a new health centre on the reserve (see p. 5 & p. 9), Magwayyawk Forestry Services’ direct involvement in the re-opening of the White River Sawmill in 2013 (see p.13), direct involvement in the development of the East-West Tie Hydro Project(see p. 15), and the design of a new Economic Development Strategic Plan in 2014

(see p. 16). We are a small community, but we

are ready to grow! Our community ratified the final agreement for the Land and Larger Land Base process (see p. 11 & p. 12), making it possible for us to add an additional 16 km2 to our existing reserve land (currently less than 3 km2). Soon, we’ll be able to implement a Land Use Plan that addresses the critical shortage of residential, commerical and industrial properties on our reserve.

We’re excited to see so many Band Members taking advantage of our training courses and preparing themselves to enter the workforce. We want to see our community members succeed, so we seek out the kinds of practical learning and training resources that will help them meet their goals.

Over the last 5 years, elected leaders, program administrators and administrative staff have worked diligently to improve the lives of our Band Members. Their hard work and dedication has gained significant momentum and we look to the future with a renewed hope of what is possible for our future generations.

“It has been the dedication and involvement of the community members themselves, and the Elders, that has allowed the administration departments and leadership to put into action the many initiatives and results achieved within the last few years. Miigwetch!”

Chief Johanna Desmoulin

Positive Change, From the Inside Out

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“It is an honour to be a part of the success that is so deserving to our community. It is only with your patience, support and belief that we were able to move milestones within the last few years. It also helped to be dedicated, committed and consistent. Consistency is one of the main keys to our successes, and it seems to be working so far with our goals, projects and staff and community meetings. Thank you too for consistently helping in building better roads for our future generations.”

COMMUNITY VISION:Moving towards positive change together to a

positive and healthy community.

COMMUNITY MISSION:We are dedicated people that are passionately

committed to developing and delivering culturally based programs and services based on the wisdom

and guidance of our elders that respects and acknowledges the potential of individuals and moves

the community to a positive and healthy future.

Five years ago, our community came together in the development of a Community Strategic Plan, which outlines a clear mission and shared vision for the future of our community. A number of social, economic and governance challenges negatively affecting Pic Mobert First Nation needed to be addressed and the Community Strategic Plan provided a holistic framework for us to begin moving forward.

Councilor John Kwissiwa

The creation of the Community Strategic Plan in 2009 brought with it renewed enthusiasm to see Pic Mobert First Nation reach its full potential. We have been eagerly improving internal capacity and taking every opportunity to make progress on our goals.In the last five years, this dedication has led to:• Oath of office implemented in 2010;

Chief & Council commit to sobriety, behavioural standards and representing their community with honour

• Hiring of a Certified Management Accountant as Financial Manager and complete fiscal management turn around

• Lands & Resources Department established in 2010 – today this department employs 4 people

• Over 75% of our management staff are band members• Student Success Co-ordinator and Literacy teacher (hired in 2013) have

directly improved education outcomes for local students• The number of students graduating from High School and adults receiving

their GED through Ontario Works continue to increase• Existing departments have been expanded, creating new internal

capacity and employment opportunities• Better policies and procedures in place for Program Managers and band

administration to ensure consistency across departments and better succession planning

• Commitment to fighting drugs/addiction problems in community and supporting access to treatment

• Since April 2013, PMFN has increased the number of band member positions from 58 to 125 – an 115% increase!

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“I am very proud to see our own people take on projects and do them well. It is great to see our youth taking on important roles and carrying them with pride. Empowering our people truly brings out the beauty in our community, especially with the recent accomplishments and the increase in the numbers of our people working.”

Councilor Paul Kwissiwa

Creating BetterOpportunities at Home

We have been hard at work bringing employment services and training programs to our community. These initiatives help our community members improve their skill sets and also attract new employment opportunities to our community. In that last five years we have:• Built a New Training Development Centre in 2012 • Brought the full spectrum of Ontario Works services to our

community, greatly improving the number of job-ready workers and the quality of our labour pool.

• Demonstrated that Community Development and the focus on capacity building are directly linked to the increase in numbers of community members employed and those in continued training

• Pursued new employment opportunities (IBA’s and Joint Ventures) developed through WLLP and engagement with regional industry has significantly increased

• Held many Training programs for AZ truck driving, heavy equipment, mining essentials, sawmill and lumber yard, diamond drilling, security guard, drivers’ education and much more

• Made upgrading programs including GED certificate and Ontario Secondary School Diploma programs available to adult learners.

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Councilor Pam Bananish“As a band councillor there comes a lot of hard work, commitment and being accountable to you all, on and off reserve. Like going and sitting in meetings all day, travelling in good or poor weather, being away from family and community. But through it all, I will continue to be committed and to work hard and fight for what belongs to us, for the future of our community and the Pic Mobert First Nation people. Thank you all!”

The White Lake Limited Partnership (WLLP) was formed in 2008 to implement business ventures and projects on behalf of and for the benefit of the Pic Mobert First Nation; Pic Mobert is the limited partner and White Lake Resources Corp. is the general partner.

In 2009, following a major downturn in the forest products industry, the WLLP was struggling – it had one employee, its activities were limited and its future was uncertain. Over the last five years, the Chief and Council of Pic Mobert First Nation have actively supported the revitalization of WLLP and we’ve seen its capacity grow and evolve in recent years.

Under the leadership of board president Marlene Sabourin and CEO Norm Jaehrling, and working together with the Economic Development Department, WLLP has diversified its capabilities and services to include heavy civil construction, site clearing, security services, contract labour and mine reclamation services. Revenues have grown from under $100,000 to over $1 million annually.

Today, WLRC employs upwards of 17 people and has an active Board of Directors, made up entirely of Pic Mobert Band Members, who provide leadership and support to company activities and ensure that the company activities are always in the best interests of our community.

“The White Lake Limited Partnership has been successfully turned around and, through working through opportunities created by the leadership and supported by our business partners, is positioned to continue to be an important source of employment and revenue for the Community over the long term.”

CEO Norm Jaehrling

White Lake Limited Partnership

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Nurturing our Spirit“Through the process of community revitalization and advocacy, we have also learned that we had lost our connection to the land and have now awaken to recognize the importance of exercising our traditional rights and use of land as aboriginal peoples. We are hunters, fishermen, gatherers, we are keepers of the land. Miigwetch to those land-users for exercising traditional land use.” Chief Johanna Desmoulin

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As Anishinaabe people, we are inheritors of a cultural legacy that was almost lost during the 20th century due to the effects of colonization and historical oppression of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. The wisdom of our elders and the traditions of our people can give us strength in difficult times, teach us about our connection to Mother Earth and provide guidance in our everday lives. Each time we join together for cultural events, ceremonies and community feasts, we feel the spirit of our Nation growing stronger. We have annual community celebrations on Aboriginal Day (June 21st) and an annual Pow-Wow on the August Long weekend. There are lots of other traditional activities happening as well – periodic workshops for making drums and shakers, regalia making, several sweatlodges, seasonal ceremonies, and a drum circle. Pic Mobert has a traditional drum group (Fearless Ojibway) that is in high demand across the region at Pow Wows, with a number of the younger guys coming up as strong singers.More and more of our Band Members hunt, trap and fish on our traditional lands. We are working to teach our children and youth the traditional ways to ensure this legacy will be passed on to future generations.

In late 2012, the tabling of the Omnibus Bill C-45 sparked the Idle No More movement led by Aboriginal people across Canada. The legislation, which removed environmental protections from

thousands of lakes and rivers across Canada, has brought Aboriginal people together to defend our environment and ensure the rights of all individuals are respected by Canada’s Federal government. We are proud to live in this country and know that a sustainable future for Canada is possible if we all work together.

Finding Our VoicePic Mobert First Nation Band Members are not afraid to stand up for what we believe is right. Our community has come together many times recent years to make our voice heard in the face of political agendas that will infringe upon our rights and our quality of life.

(Below: PMFN Band Members protest Bill C-45 in 2012)

“In order for First Nations to be successful and economically independant, we need to generate revenues through our natural resources. When we utilize our natural resources to generate a surplus economy, we do it in a balanced and honourable way that reflects respect for nature, but at the same time provides socioeconomic benefits for the community at large. Balance is a major component to success.”- Councilor Louis Kwissiwa

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New Health Services CentreOur beautiful new building was completed in July 2010. It includes a large reception area, office space and examination room for a visiting doctor, a telehealth site (OTN), a foot care clinic, a large training room and office space for 9 staff positions. We are currently at capacity with a Health and Social Director, a Public Health Coordinator, a Mental Health (and Addictions/Suboxone) Worker, and Family Support

Worker, NNADAP, an Early Childhood Intern (NOHFC), a Mental Health /Special Needs Intern (NOHFC), a Dilico Addictions and Mental Health Worker (ages 0-18), and two part time Right to Play workers.Sisters Susan and Jude run the Footcare Clinic on a weekly basis, and we also have a Suboxone program to support clients who are working to address opiod addictions.

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Working Together for a Healthier & Happier Community

Chief Johanna received confirmation from the Regional Director General in October 2014 that final approval for our water treatment project was granted. The project has been awared to Kiindom Construction and is schedule for completion in the spring of 2016. The new water treatment facility will provide a long term source of clean and reliable drinking water to the community after so many years of struggling with substandard systems. We congratulate the Chief and Council for their vision and tenacity on this project - achieving this was not easy!

New Water Treatment Facility Coming Soon!

Carol RowlandHealth & Social Director

“Health is everything – looking after our bodies, dealing with addictions, having fun, being physically active, and caring for our spirits. Our staff try to help with it all!”

The Netamisakomik Centre for Education is another proud success story for Pic Mobert First Nation. Over the last 4 years, a dedicated team of teachers and education professionals, lead by Principal Jacky Craig, have transformed the school into a wholistic and enriched learning space for children attending grades K-8 in the community

The First Nation Student Success Program administered by Nokiiwin Tribal Council has been a tremendous help in improving literacy and numeracy skills of our students through consistent programming across grade levels and in accessing more teaching resources. Through the New Paths program provided through AANDC , we have been able to buy a new laptop for each classroom, provide our teachers with additional professional development opportunities and bring more cultural activities to our students.

Physical upgrades to the building have included new flooring, an upgraded security sytem, new maintenance equipment, tables and chair and a stage which has been made available for community events as well as school productions.

Principal Jacky Craig“I returned home after

teaching in Moose Factory and Sioux Lookout, hoping to make a difference in my community. One of my goals is to maintain consistent programming and staffing year to year. This has a positive impact on student learning and will help each student prepare for high school and post secondary education.

We are very fortunate to have the support of the Chief and Council, the Nokiiwin Tribal Council, the Ontario Works Program, the Parent/Teacher group, and other organizations.

The staff at Netamisakomik Centre for Education are compassionate and committed to student learning. Our school continues to excel in maintaining a healthy, inclusive, and safe learning environment.”

Success in Education

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“Every student has a strength. They have to believe in themselves and success will follow.”

Nicole SimpsonStudent Success worker

Chief Desmoulin and Min. of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmerman with PMFN Councilors L. Kwissiwa, J. Kwissiwa, W. Sabourin and S. Sabourin present the Land and Larger Land Base Final Agreement initialed on March 24, 2014

Success in Expanding our Land Base

Land & Larger Land Base (LLLB) Process

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Currently, Pic Mobert First Nation is made of two small reserves (north and south). Our current total Land Base is only 2.86 km2 and these lands have been been fully utilized for housing and community infrastructure needs. We have been facing a serious predicament in which we have no room for new housing or commercial development in our community, despite a growing population and increasing economic opportunities we’d like to pursue.

The Land and Larger Land Base (LLLB) process was initiated 23 years ago by Chief and Council with the signing of the Framework Agreement with Ontario and Canada in 1991. It has been a long and challenging process to navigate but community leaders over the years have kept the hope of a larger, unified reserve alive.

The process stalled several times over the last two decades but our most recently elected Chief and Council were determined to see the process completed. Chief and Council created a negotiation team to move the process forward and, thanks to the hard work of that team, this year we celebrated the creation of a formal Final Agreement, which was ratified with overwhelming support (99% in favour) from our community on June 21st, 2014. The agreed upon LLLB will add an additional 16 km2 to PMFN’s reserve lands.

It will take approximately two years for the land to be transferred to PMFN and between now and then, we have a lot of work to do. Our newly launched Economic Development Strategic Plan (see page16) outlines the steps we will take to ensure proper management and maximum benefit to our community members. This summer, our Lands and Resources Department developed a visual model to lay out zones for intended uses of the land: residential, commercial and industrial zones, including special plans for commerical and industrial development along corridor on Highway 17. We look forward seeing our community grow!

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A Special Message from Chief Desmoulin:The time has come and we First Nations people are no longer sitting in the background waiting for things to change. We are leaders, we have brought our voice to the industry and governments, that it is our time to benefit from our natural resources in our traditional territory, and finally, our voice is being heard. The duty to consult and the ratification of our Land and Larger Land Base has provided us with the opportunity to build a community and a voice to develop partnerships with industry and benefit from the control, use and management of our natural resources.

We acknowledge the federal government in their efforts to bring to light what was rightfully ours all along. It is a time for building relationships and exercising our rights as First Nation people and embracing opportunities within our territory. In 2014, I hope you find that wealth driven initiatives and meaningful employment are a factor in sustaining and taking care of ourselves over the long run. We have the power to control our destiny.

Moving forward, let’s continue to stay focused on the bigger picture, making decisions that are in the best interest of our community, our children and children’s children and generations to come. We look forward to a brighter future together.

Lands and Resources Department

The Pic Mobert First Nation (PMFN) Lands & Resources Department’s mission is to cultivate a better quality of life for the residents of PMFN by ensuring access to natural resources development within PMFN’s Traditional Territory. We accomplish this goal by creating economic opportunities; advocating to both industry and the government, on behalf of PMFN; encouraging sustainability; and asserting our Aboriginal and Treaty rights in the territory and within the 1850 Treaty area.

The Lands & Resources Department is responsible for the overall administration of natural resource development within the traditional territory of PMFN. This includes consultation, negotiating Impact Benefit Agreements, participating in environmental assessments, land use planning, collecting traditional ecological knowledge, mapping, and securing funding for the department etc. We also work closely with the economic development department of PMFN and White Lake Resources Corporation to ensure PMFN benefits from and develops business relationships with industry and government.

Recent Activities Completed:• The LLLB ratification process was organized and lead by our

department.• Annual land use activities to promote land use; fish derby,

community hunt, youth camp, etc.• Fish health, population and habitat studies on White Lake.• Promote and organize community clean up week.• Historical research and Traditional Ecological knowledge

collection projects.• Administering a PMFN community trap line.• Environmental Monitoring activities.• Overseeing the land claims process on behalf of Pic Mobert

First Nation.

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Conceptual Drawing #1: a residential subdivision layout on the shore of White Lake.

Land Use PlanningWith the successful negotiation of the LLLB (see pages 11 & 12), we are now studying ways in which the additional reserve lands can best be used to the benefit our community. The Lands & Resources Department has been very busy planning potential uses for the expanded land base including addressing residential, commercial and industrial needs which have been identified by the community. Below are two conceptual Land Use Planning diagrams, showing how a residential zone and a community marina might be laid out. The Lands & Resources Department will balance the ecological wealth and the economic potential of the Traditional Territory, in a culturally ethical manner.

Theresa Bananish, Lands and Resources Director

The Lands & Resources Department will advocate for the use of the Natural Resources within PMFN’s Traditional Territory in a holistic manner with consideration of the historic, current, and future usage and interests of the Netamisakomik people.

Conceptual Drawing #2: a possible layout for a new marina on

White Lake

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In 2013, Pic Mobert First Nation started a new chapter in its economic development through an active and strong participation in the forest products industry. The Pic Mobert Sawmill Corporation (PMSC), owned by our White Lake Limited Partnership, holds our community’s ownership in White River Forest Products Ltd., a unique partnership with the Township of White River and Tembec Founder and retired CEO, Frank Dottori. PMSC holds a 23.5% interest in the company. The partners saved the mill from the wrecking ball after Domtar closed the mill about 6 years ago. The mill was brought back into working condition and commenced operations producing dimensional lumber in 2013; a second shift was added in 2014.

Today, close to 40 Band members are employed either directly by White River Forest Products and through a labour contract with White Lake Resources Corp., a major achievement in that under the Domtar ownership, there were virtually no Band members employed. CEO Frank Dottori has acknowledged the importance of the First Nation workforce, noting that it is unlikely that the mill would be able to operate without this.

The reopening of the sawmill has also provided an opportunity for our community to enter the timber harvesting business, with the creation of Magwayyawk Forestry Services (MFS), a limited partnership with White River Forest Products Ltd. MFS will provide supply half of the timber harvested from the White River Sustainable Forest License, which will eventually be as much as 300,000 m3 annually.

Going forward, Band Members may benefit from opportunities for skilled and unskilled work in the mill and harvesting operations, as well as trucking and wood yard services.

Pic Mobert Sawmill Corporation“One of best things for the development and self-sufficiency of First Nations is for them to become operators. The best way for them to control their own

destiny is to start taking real ownership and participate.” Frank Dottori, CEO of White River Forest Products

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“There is ample opportunity for more band members, especially entrepeneurial minded ones, to get involved in Forestry on the White River Forest. There is ongoing demand for skidders, truck drivers, road building and more. The door is wide open.“

Wayne SabourinDeputy Chief/Councilor, Energy Portfolio

Gitchi-Animkii Energy Limited Partnership

Gitchi-Animkii Energy Ltd (a subsidiary of PMFN) is working in partnership with Regional Power Inc. to develop two new hydro-electric generating stations on the White River. It is the biggest initiative Pic Mobert First Nation has ever undertaken. This 150 million dollar project has enormous potential as a wealth creator and revenue generator for our community and our Band Members.

The project consists of two sites, Gitchi Animki Bezhig and Gitchi Animki Niizh, that will produce a combined 19 MW of electricity.

Construction commenced in the late fall of 2013 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2015. So far, the construction phase of this project has brought up to 200 new job opportunities to the area.

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Gitchi-Animkii: What Does it Mean?

Gitchi Animkii = Great Thunder

Bezhig = One

Niizh = Two

“Gitchi-Animkii”, or ‘Great Thunder’ in English, refers to the sound of White River as it travels over the falls where the two hydro-electric stations are being built. Our site names, “Gitchi-Animkii Bezhig” and “Gitchi-Animkii Niizh” use the Objiway words for first and second to indicate their location on the river in relation to each other.

East West Tie Transmission LineThe East-West Tie Transmission Project is an approximately 400 km double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will generally run parallel to the existing transmission corridor connecting the Wawa Transformer Station (TS) to the Lakehead TS near Thunder Bay. The 400 km transmission corridor, between Wawa and

Thunder Bay, is located on both Crown and private land.

Pic Mobert is one of six First Nations in discussions with UCT to finalize a commercial agreement to be provided with economic participation in the line. This represents significant employment and revenue generation opportunities for Bam Kushwada Ltd, a limited patnership between PMFN, Pic River First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band, Fort William First Nation, Pays Plat First Nation and Michipicoten First Nation. This historic partnership between First Nations in the region will create revenue, employment and ownership of the transmission line project.

The Environmental Assessment and Leave to Construct applications are being completed in parallel and planned to be filed at the end of January 2015. Construction is expected to occur from 2016 to 2017. EWT line is slated be in service by 2018.

Boozhoo!As a Pic Mobert band member and an elected member of Council it is an honour for me to be one of the chosen Leaders assigned to initiatives that are moving our community forward. The hydro project has been a long and sometimes painful process however extremely rewarding overall. With all the experience in the hydro development, I am also committed to working on other hydro development projects and am currently engaged in the development of the East West Tie Transmission Line project along with 5 other First Nations. Projects like these will help Pic Mobert First Nation in our efforts to becoming self-sustaining for years to come.

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A Message from Deputy Chief Wayne Sabourin:

Take Action

Training Programs Recently Completed:

• Job Readiness • Driver’s Education • Driver’s License offered courses

in AZ Truck driving, BZ rock truck driving, Log Truck driving training program, C, F, and G1 licensing Enable Programs (get GED, cultural experience events)

• Heavy Equipment Training • Carpentry certificate program

“CFQ” • GPS training through Line Cutting

program• Lumberyard and Sawmill worker

employment readiness • Security Guard training • Entry-level Mining Essentials• Underground hard-rock mining

program in partnership with Barrick Gold

• Safe Food handling certification

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“The sky is the limit! Individuals are encouraged to think outside the box and pursue opportunities that will provide long term meaningful employment that will lead to better quality of life for yourself and your families.

With the Land and Larger Land Base ratification completed, Pic Mobert has an enormous amount of opportunity yet

to pursue. Chief and Council and Program Managers for Pic Mobert First Nation encourage individuals to pursue upgrading, post secondary education, training and entrepreneurship opportunities. New training programs and employment opportunities are coming to our community on an ongoing basis. Contact our Economic Development Department today to learn about our current training opportunities. Now is the time to take action!”

Donna SutherlandEconomic Development Manager

Our New Economic Development Strategic Plan (2014 -2020)Niigaan Zhaadaa (Moving Forward)

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The key concepts of Niigaan Zhaadaa will have a positive ripple effect on our economy.

Developed in 2014, Niigaan Zhaadaa (Moving Forward) is our new Economic Development Strategic plan for the next five years (2014 - 2018). The plan development process involved community meetings and focus groups, as well as an online survey to ensure that as many Band Members as possible were able to contribute their ideas and their voice to Niigaan Zhaadaa. The plan contains three Strategic Priorities, five Sectors of Opportunity and outlines timeframes for completing the goals of the plan. Pic Mobert has the opportunity to develop a local economy with thriving small, medium and large businesses, industrial parks, public housing, day care services, hair dressers, convenience and grocery store, marina and gas bars and many other public service sector opportunities.Niigaan Zhaadaa is designed to continue our focus on the holistic needs of the community, but also address the many pressing economic opportunities knocking at our door. The plan’s timelines are designed to match our Strategic Plan goals with ongoing economic development projects already in place. Effective planning and preparation for the utilization of the LLLB areas is also a major priority of the plan.

“I believe that the more united we are as a community, the more our future generations will be successful. The current achievements of the sawmill, Hydroelectric project, and mine have planted seeds for wealth generation and employment opportunities. Moving Forward, “Niigaan Zhaadaa” the Economic Development Strategic plan has paved the way for

other economic ventures still to come!”Councillor Stan Sabourin

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Strategic Directions

Strategy #1: Strengthening and empowering our community through capacity building and

community development:• Provide skills development and capacity building to

band employees and general workforce• Pace economic development growth with internal

capacity to sustain it• Increase support and access for traditional healing

services in the community

Strategy #2: Nurturing entrepeneurial spirit and our local business environment:

• Foster and support local entrepreneurs• Address infrastructure barriers for services and

businesses to come to the community• Partner with the Lands & Resources Dept. to

develop and implement a Land Code Policy to guide development

Strategy #3: Creating and/or increasing connections with the regional economy:

• Attract new business to the community• Develop and strengthen partnerships with other

First Nation and non-First Nation communtities• Foster cultural awareness/acceptance among busi-

ness partners

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Community Garden

This year we received funding from HRSDC to take 20 Elders on a tour of some of the Great Lakes. The trip took place on August 7-13th and was quite an adventure. Highlights included going to a Country Fest, crossing on the Chi Cheemaun Ferry, seeing the Great Spirit Trail, meeting the UOI regional leadership, and talking with local elders in various First Nations and Friendship Centres along the way. Thanks to all for making the trip so successful!

This is the third year we have grown a garden and potato patch, with a number of adults and lots of the children participating. All people have to do is sign up in the spring for a large garden box, and we supply the seedlings and the coaching. The food is used for health center and community

events, and also distributed to the Elders. This year we had a zucchini lunch with a whole range of zucchini cooking for people to try. Healthy and great fun! We want to get a greenhouse next year, and be more self sustaining in our food for the future.

Get Involved

New Horizons Program

VolunteerThere are lots of ways to contribute in the community starting with the annual community clean-up , our youth Pop Cans for Charity project, help by driving youth to Cadets or other events, help us chaperone at the skating and curling programs and of course the Elders always love when people come out to their events. We listen to people’s ideas of what they want to do for the community and help them help the community if we can! Please contact Carol Rowland if you would like to give back to your community through volunteering at healthandsocial@picmobert.ca

Special Thanks

Thank you Chief and Council, Program Managers and Band Administration staff who participated in the development of this brochure by sharing your stories with us. Thank you to all the Band Members who submitted pictures from community events to

be included in this brochure.

We recognize and express sincere gratitude towards our previous leaders and elders who over the last 25 years have laid the groundwork for all the opportunities we see coming available today.

Miigwetch!

Questions? Comments? Want to get involved?Please Contact:

Donna SutherlandEconomic Development Manager, Pic Mobert First Nation

Website: www.picmober.caEmail: dsutherland@picmobert.ca

Phone: (807) 822-2134