M’Chigeeng First Nation 1 Home of the Thunderbird

CHIEF & COUNCIL

M’Chigeeng First Nation — Vision Statement

“M’Chigeeng Anishinabek will be a vibrant, progressive, proud, united Ojibwe-speaking First Nation.

Our people will be healthy, self-reliant, respectful of our obligations to Mother Earth, and culturally

grounded, showing mutual respect and support for all people.”

SPRING 2013

Council Meetings

Schedule (2013)

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Council Chambers

April 2 & 16, 2013

May 7 & 21, 2013

June 4 & 18, 2013

July 2 & 16, 2013

53 Hwy 551

P.O. Box 333

M’Chigeeng, ON

P0P 1G0

Phone: (705) 377-5362

Chief and Council

2011-2013 Chief Joseph Hare

Deputy Chief Brian Bisson

Robert Beaudin

Beverley Roy-Carter

Ray Corbiere

Gerald Ense

Kevin Eshkawkogan

Victor Migwans

Henry Panamick Sr.

Hazel Recollet

News from the Chief! There is an empowerment gathering coming to M’Chigeeng on May 7th and 8th. If you attend you will hear from speakers talking about how we might make improvements or enhance our spirituality, our political process, our education and children. The overriding question for me is always the hope and the how of these good things we hear will make a better life for you and me. Hope is the expectation of what you wish for. How is by what methods will change for good happen. There are some good examples of methods or tools for change. For example, we have a pretty good education and learning system in place here in M’Chigeeng. Starting with the Day Care Centre, the Elementary School, the Secondary School and Post secondary schools and training institutions, anyone can get a good education, learn a skill and later be able to get a good job. This is the objective of most, if not all Band Mem-bers.

M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION

Vol. 4

CONGRATULATIONS M’CHIGEENG THUNDERBIRDS NOVICE CHAMPS

Congratulations to the M’Chigeeng Thunderbirds Novice Champs for winning the “A” Division Champs at the 42nd Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) in Mississauga, Ontario on March 14, 2013

CCP Community Story Meeting—Wed, June 19, 2013 ….full story see Page 19

MFN AGM—Tentative Date, August 8/13 ...full story see Page 27

Elections Fall 2013—September 7, 2013 ….full story see Page 10

UPCOMING COMMUNITY MEETINGS

M’Chigeeng First Nation 2 Home of the Thunderbird

NEWS FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Aanii M’Chigeeng First Nation band members! Spring is in the air! Old man winter will soon be gone, and flowers will be blooming. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading the Administration newsletters and getting useful information. We are be-ginning a new fiscal year, April 1, 2013, which means we are closing the accounting books for the old year and beginning a new financial cycle.

The annual Spring clean-up is scheduled for April 22, 2013, so please join us in making our MFN community beautiful. We have a lot of activities that have been completed in the past quarter (January to March 2013) and are planning for the next quarter’s events. We have enclosed in this newsletter a community events calendar so please participate in these great events planned.

1. We have Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos Indian Band, British Columbia who will be doing a community motiva-

tional speaking engagement on May 29th

at the Community Complex from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. He is one of Canada's

most high profile Aboriginal leaders and has made a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur and a proponent of economic self reliance for the Aboriginal community.

2. The Council has approved in November 2012 for the development of a 10-year comprehensive community plan.

The consultant, Four Worlds Center for Development Learning has been contracted to assist to complete this impor-tant plan. The Four Worlds team along with MFN’s Steering Committee Members is scheduled to complete a community

story consultation with band membership at a community meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Community Complex.

3. The Manitoulin Hotel project Grand Opening in Little Current is tentatively scheduled for June 21, 2013 on

Aboriginal Day.

On July 18, 2013, M’Chigeeng is hosting the annual Elder’s Picnic at the Pow Wow grounds, which an estimated

attendance is expected of 700+ people from across Ontario. Also, an evening event is planned with a Johnny Cash im-personator, and casino; get your tickets for this entertaining event at the Anishinaabemowin Gamig Elder’s Center, Ad-ministration office, and Health Center. HIGHLIGHTS OF COUNCIL DECISIONS MADE IN 4

TH QUARTER (JANUARY TO MARCH 2013): (for a full account of

Council meeting minutes, these are posted in the council chambers, post office, elder’s center, health center) #002/13 MINOR HOCKEY FINANCIAL REQUEST THAT, Chief and Council approved the Minor Hockey financial request for operational funding in the amount of $26,869.00 from the OLG Fund.

However it does not always work out that way. Sometimes there are not enough jobs; people drop out of school; fami-lies are started, families break up; people pick up bad lifestyles; people get into trouble. Some of us get sick; problems keep mounting. It is from these varying and difficult conditions that M’Chigeeng is always trying to improve the situation of band mem-bers. It does this by offering a variety of programs and services such as Child & Family Resources, Economic Devel-opment, Social Services, Cultural Activities, Youth Programs, Policing, Recreation, Health Services and of course, Education. These are all empowerment programs and services. Depending on your situation and what you want to do, you only need to decide that you want change in your life and become a better you. A Good first step would be to attend the empowerment gathering next month and take advan-tage of what is available to you. I hope to see you there! Baa maa pii!!

NEWS FROM THE CHIEF

PLANNED UPCOMING EVENTS:

M’Chigeeng First Nation 3 Home of the Thunderbird

NEWS FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

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#003/13 2ND QUARTER CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT as at September 30, 2012: Revenue Expenses Balance

Budget Summary:

Fin & Admin 4,798,952 4,273,869 525,084.00

Rental Units 83,728 39,537 44,191.00

CMHC Rental Units 252,848 271,668 (18,820.00)

Public Works 747,088 715,763 31,325.00

Capital Projects 2,970,159 736,768 2,233,391.00

Health Services 716,120 310,683 405,437.00

Family Resources 335,441 193,927 141,514.00

Ontario Works 1,824,554 1,005,934 818,620.00

Economic Develop. 353,596 36,542 317,054.00

Education 5,946,472 2,470,566 3,475,906.00

20,013,306 10,626,384 9,386,922.00

#005/13 ELECTORAL OFFICER TENDER THAT, Chief & Council approves the posting for the Electoral Officer and the dates for August 31, 2013 for the Advance Poll and September 7, 2013 Custom Election Day for M’Chigeeng First Nation.

The Council has approved the tender submission for Electoral Officer of Peggy Manitowabi and her team to conduct the fall 2013 Elections. The nomination date is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the MFN Administration office (Council Chambers).

#011/13 “DRAFT” CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY (4th reading)

THAT, Chief and Council adopt the M’Chigeeng First Nation Chief and Council Conflict of Interest Policy as amended and as presented.

Below is an excerpt of the M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION CHIEF AND COUNCIL CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY (for

a full copy of the policy, please contact Administration office)

Principles:

The Chief and each Councillor of the M’Chigeeng First Nation: a) has a responsibility first and foremost to the welfare and betterment of the M’Chigeeng First Nation and must always act in

the best interest of the M’Chigeeng First Nation and its members collectively and not on behalf of any particular constituency; b) are expected to act honestly and uphold the highest ethical standards in the performance of their official duties and responsi-

bilities as Chief or as a Councillor; c) are obligated to perform their official duties and responsibilities and conduct themselves in a manner that will bear the clos-

est public scrutiny because they are elected into office by the voting members of the M’Chigeeng First Nation and are there-fore, subject to more scrutiny than private organizations;

d) shall not have private interests, other than those permitted by this policy, as amended from time to time, any directives, laws, or statutes that would be affected particularly or significantly by decisions or actions in which they participate;

e) must arrange their private interests in order to prevent any conflicts of interest. If a conflict of interest does arise between the private interests of the Chief or the private interests of a Councillor(s) and the official duties and responsibilities of that indi-vidual, the conflict of interest shall be resolved in favour of what is in the best interest of the M’Chigeeng First Nation and its members; and,

f) shall disclose in writing in a prescribed disclosure form, including among other things, the nature of any private interests they may hold in any business, corporation, organizations, and shall disclose the names of any boards they serve on, whether for profit or not for profit corporations and shall update the disclosure form for each year they serve in office.

THAT, Chief and Council accept the 2nd

Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements as at Sep-

tember 30, 2012 as read and presented.

M’Chigeeng First Nation 4 Home of the Thunderbird

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NEWS FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

#012/13 OJIBWE LODGE – CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SHORTFALL-GRANT REQUEST THAT, Chief and Council approved of a Grant to offset the shortfall in revenue of approximately five hundred thou-sand ($500,000.00) as presented per option #4 for the construction cost of the Ojibwa Lodge as per request of the Anishinaabemowin Gaming Elder’s Group as follows:

OPTION 4

Split it three ways grant funding from OLG and STGC, Land Claims is a loan

Grant from OLG 166,666.67

Grant from STGC 166,666.67

Loan from Land Claims 166,666.66

500,000.00

Mortgage from Land Claims 166,666.66

Rate 4.75%

Term 5 Years

Amortization 10.00 Years

Schedule based on payments 12.00 monthly pymts per year

Start schedule in the month of May

Monthly payments 1,744.00

Principal paid 73,585.00

Interest - 60 mth period 31,038.00

Balance - 60 period 93,082.00

Interest - Life of Mortgage 42,609.00

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLANNING At the December 4, 2012 Council meeting (motion #334/12 RFP OR QUOTE - COMPREHEN-SIVE COMMUNITY PLAN (FNMHF)) , it was approved for the consultant Four Worlds Centre for Development Learning to develop a ten (10) year comprehensive community plan.

The Four Worlds team is Dr. Michael Bopp, Dr. Judie Bopp, Susan Powell, and Dr. Lee Brown. Dr. M. Bopp has a M.A., Community Development, Ph.D. Education for development, co-founder of Four Worlds. Michael’s specialization is in designing and coaching community-led participatory community interventions for human and community develop-ment, in building on the spiritual and cultural strengths of communities, and in helping communities to bridge with institutions of government and business, and to structure the collaborative arrangements they need for development. Michael has authored and co-authored numerous research and policy studies, articles and books related to transforming Aboriginal conditions and to comprehensive community healing and development more generally. He has worked in more than 20 countries outside of Canada.

Dr. Judie Bopp – M.A., Education, Ph.D. in Participatory Development and Education. Judie specializes in designing community learning and institutional strengthening processes in women’s development and in policy research related to critical issues facing Aboriginal women in Can-ada, in leading and coaching community planning and development processes, and in guiding local managers and leadership in the mobiliza-

tion of their own staff and communities. She has worked in 14 countries outside of Canada.

The Four Worlds team is scheduled to complete a community story consultation with band membership for the week of June 17, 2013. Phase 1 will be gathering of information from various sources, one of the most important sources is a community meeting. A community story/meeting is scheduled for

FURTHER, That Chief and Council acknowledged per Council meeting motion #252/12 Ojibwa Lodge Con-struction Tenders – Project Team recommendation of September 4,2012 the estimated total capital construction of $2,386,332.00 FURTHER, Chief and Council approve the repayment of the abovementioned Grant through various sources of funding for the shortfall of $500,000.00 for the amortization period of 10 years.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Community Complex.

TOTAL COST OF THE OJIBWAY LODGE PROJECT

$2,063,900.00

#028/13 COUNCILLOR RESIGNATION THAT, Chief and Council accepts the resignation letter from Councillor Melanie Debassige with regrets as read and as presented. FURTHER, That Chief and Council decided against a By-elections per the election code. We wish to acknowledge the valuable contributions that Melanie Debassige made in 5 terms (2005) as a Councillor for M’Chigeeng First Nation.

M’Chigeeng First Nation 5 Home of the Thunderbird

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The goal of comprehensive community planning (CCP) is leading to sustainable human and community develop-ment outcomes. The CCP seeks to achieve five inter-related goals: 1. to diagnose the full spectrum of community realities, conditions and needs in all sectors and levels of commu-

nity life (people, institutions and the community as a whole); 2. to identify community strengths and capabilities, and cultural and spiritual strengths; 3. to describe a holistic vision of where the community wants to go; 4. to describe viable pathways (i.e., a framework for action) the community will need to take in order to reach its

desired outcomes; and 5. to strengthen the relationship between wellness, community development and planning (the process of com-

munity engagement in reflection on its own realities and potential is itself a healing process, and provides strong impetus and momentum for the work ahead).

FOUR WORLDS APPROACH FOR THE WORK TO BE CONDUCTED IS AS FOLLOWS: • supporting comprehensive and participatory community planning processes; • supporting the design and implementation of community programs that fulfill the goals of community plans; • evaluating the effectiveness of community programs; • evaluating the effectiveness of federal, provincial and territorial programs that are supposed to benefit commu-

nities; • helping organizations (whether government or civil society) become more effective at reaching their goals; • conducting research that supports more effective development programs; and • designing and facilitating training programs (both accredited and non-formal) that build capacity for community planning and change work. This is an important endeavour to improve the MFN community, and Council recognizes that the community mem-ber is an important stakeholder in the development of this comprehensive community plan. Your community partici-pation is recognized as an asset and is valued and encouraged. Please participate in this important community event on June 19, 2013.

I wish to express congratulations to Neil Debassige, Principal/Education Manager on obtaining the 2013 Guiding the Journey Award Laureates - Leadership achievement for Laurentian’s Aboriginal Educator Award for the partnership work between Laurentian’s School of Education and Lakeview School. Further, I wish to express congratulations to former Councillor, Melanie Debassige for graduating with a Masters of Business Administration and completed a thesis on Community Economic Development. We are very proud of their outstanding achievements. Congratulations also to the M’Chigeeng Atoms champs at the Little NHL

There have been a number of changes in staff including a newly created position of Office Administrator. Corrina “Missy” Corbiere was the successful candidate and started in this position on February 4, 2013. Please welcome her aboard.

We are implementing Customer Service survey boxes for each workplace to im-prove services and programs. We are always looking to improve community pro-grams and services, please feel free to fill out a customer services survey form, write us a letter or drop in to discuss with one of our department managers or my-self.

We hope that you enjoy and participate in the community events planned.

Baa maa pii Brenda Ense, Chief Administrative Officer

NEWS FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

M’Chigeeng First Nation 6 Home of the Thunderbird

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GOVERNANCE

We had a good response to the Alternative Dispute Resolution survey from our membership. The survey deadline has passed and the results are being compiled. Over 712 surveys were mailed out to off reserve band members and over 700 on reserve. We had 85 returned surveys from off reserve members and 246 from on reserve. The data was entered into a software program called Survey Monkey. It is a popular survey tool that compiles data in any format we choose and allows us to print out hard copies of graphs and information reports. In addition to the survey questions we had over 240 suggestions and comments. The responses have been overwhelmingly in favour of developing our own Alternative Dispute Resolution policy. To the question, “Do you support the Alternative Dispute Resolution through M’Chigeeng First Nation?”, 282 members favoured our own ADR policy while 20 were not in favour. Another 30 did not respond to the ques-tion. Counter to this was the response to the statement “The ADR process should be based on traditional values and customs only.” 40 off reserve members agreed and 37 disagreed. 98 on reserve members agreed and 137 disagreed with the statement.

The conflict might be explained by the responses to other survey questions. “Do you think that a healing circle is a good way to resolve disputes?” Off reserve, 30 said yes and 5 said no while 50 were un-sure. On reserve, 139 said yes, 15 said no and 87 were un-sure. “Have you attended a healing circle?” Off reserve, 35 said yes, 49 no.

On reserve, 128 said yes, 114 no. “Do you think the mediation process is better than the court process?” Off reserve said, 32 yes, 5 no and 45 not sure. On reserve said, 141 yes, 12 no and 82 not sure.

I think we can see that although support leans favourably for the development of our ADR process there is some uncer-tainty that stems from a lack of knowledge or experience with alternative processes. It also suggests that we need to educate our members more fully on alternative mechanisms as well as the validity of Anishinawbek customs. The Alternative Dispute Resolution survey was the result of input from the Chief and Council, the Audit and Governance Committee and an independent consultant. As well as col-lecting demographic data such as age groups, values and residency band members’ experiences with conflict were identified and rated.

The second draft of the Alternative Dispute Resolu-

tion Policy was completed. The ADR coordinator

has made presentations of the draft policy to Chief

and Council and the Audit and Governance Commit-

tee. Comments and recommendations from those

meetings were further incorporated into the policy or

were brought up as discussion points for ongoing

development work.

On March 21, 2013 we held our second community

engagement meeting. We had approximately 50

people turn out for the dinner and following presen-

tation. The assembly then broke into four tables

and were tasked with going over the draft ADR Pol-

icy clause by clause.

At these breakout tables community members re-

viewed, revised and commented on the draft policy.

We had a lot of valuable recommendations and criti-

cism that will be used to fine tune the policy. Short

comings and vague wording were readily identified

and those changes are being acted upon.

Good work and participation community mem-

bers!

As a result of all the community feedback a third

revised draft policy has been put together. This will

be presented at the community meeting on Tues-

day April 23/13. At that time another review of the

ADR Policy will take place. It has been heartening

to see so many of our people involved in this proc-

ess,

Miigwetch!

Off Reserve Results

On Reserve Results

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

M’Chigeeng First Nation 7 Home of the Thunderbird

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GOVERNANCE

Off Reserve Results On Reserve Results

One more important task is still in the works. We asked the Elders to recommend names and wording to better reflect

the cultural view of our people in the wording and titles used in the policy. Words used in the draft policy we want to

amend are commission, commissioners, panel, conductor and Sharing Circle.

We have recommendations to put forward but they will not be presented at this upcoming community meeting. Their sug-

gestions, which embody the protection of the whole of society, Anishinawbek philosophy, are a perfect match for the ide-

als and purpose of mediation and the aims of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

M’Chigeeng First Nation 8 Home of the Thunderbird

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

GOVERNANCE

FIRST NATIONS LAND MANAGEMENT ACT / MATRIMONIAL REAL PROPERTY

COMMUNITY MEETINGS ON PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP NEW LAND LAWS

M’Chigeeng Chief and Council have resolved to start developing M’Chigeeng’s own laws dealing with management of its reserve lands. This would allow M’Chigeeng to take over control of its reserve lands from the federal government. It would mean that M’Chigeeng’s laws – not the land provisions in the Indian Act – would apply to M’Chi-geeng’s reserve lands. The new laws would include rules for what happens to “matrimonial real property” (which can include a family home and the land it is on) when spouses separate or when one spouse dies. A federal law called the First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA) allows First Nations to assume control of their own reserve lands. For M’Chigeeng to do this, it must develop its own Land Code and the community will vote on it. Community meet-ings will be held on February 13 and March 6 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers to discuss the issues raised by these changes, and to get community input on a draft of the Land Code. The following principles will guide the development of the laws:

a) recognition of First Nation jurisdiction b) access to justice and dispute resolution c) addressing underlying issues such as housing and economic security. In or-

der to help members better understand the issues, this article will address the following questions:

1. How is power currently exercised over reserve lands? 2. Why would M’Chigeeng want to develop its own Land Code and take over

management of reserve lands from the federal government? 3. What is the process for moving from federal government control under the

Indian Act to control by M’Chigeeng under its own Land Code? 4. Why is it important for M’Chigeeng to have its own matrimonial real property

rules? 5. What issues need to be resolved in order to create matrimonial real property

rules that work for all families in M’Chigeeng?

2. Why would M’Chigeeng want to develop its own Land Code and take over manage-ment of reserve lands from the federal government? The FNLMA allows First Nations to assume greater control and responsibility over their reserve lands. Under the FNLMA, once a First Nation adopts a Land Code, it has the power to make laws related to interests or rights in and licenses to its land, and devel-opment, conservation, protection, manage-ment, use and possession of its reserve land. By developing its own Land Code, M’Chi-geeng would be able to make its own rules relating to reserve lands and would be able to enforce these rules. For example, it would give the Band greater control in deciding whether to lease lands to members or non-members for development projects, or to build its own projects on lands to generate profit. The Band – not the federal government – would have the final say, and any profits from lands would go directly to the Band. Funding for the Band to assume these new land management responsibilities would be provided by the federal government through the Lands Advisory Board.

1. How is power currently exercised over M’Chigeeng’s reserve lands?

Currently, the Indian Act governs reserve lands and the federal government exercises a great deal of power over land management. Although the Indian Act allows the Band to make its own by-laws, this power is limited.

Land management involves many things: it involves the power to make rules about the creation of interests in land (for example, Certificates of Possession (CPs) and leases). Land management also involves the power to manage public lands that are for the benefit of all the community members (for example, parks and police stations).

M’Chigeeng already exercises some control over the management of its reserve lands. However, under the Indian Act, the federal government has ultimate responsibility for administering transactions relating both to “common lands” (public lands held for the benefit of all members) and “member lands” (meaning private interests such as a CP or a lease). This means, for example, that the federal government must technically approve the transfer of a CP from one person to another, and can make final decisions about use of public lands on the reserve.

Please plan on attending the Community Meetings to learn more!!!

M’Chigeeng First Nation 9 Home of the Thunderbird

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GOVERNANCE

It would also give M’Chigeeng greater control over dispute resolution. No matter whose laws apply on-reserve, sometimes disputes arise over land. Currently, M’Chigeeng has no power to create formal ways for resolving these disputes, so members and non-members have to go to the courts. This can be expensive and time-consuming. The Land Code would include M’Chigeeng’s own rules and procedures for resolving disputes relating to lands. The Land Code could also give M’Chigeeng the power to enforce laws in a variety of ways. It could create offences relating to land, impose fines, imprisonment, etc. It could appoint prosecutors to prosecute offences and appoint Justices of the Peace to adjudicate to ensure compliance with its laws and decide cases relating to violations of its laws. If no Justice of the Peace was appointed, M’Chigeeng’s laws would be enforced in Ontario Superior Court. But not everything would change: Title to reserve land and the ability to sell reserve lands would be unaffected: No one – not the band or individual members – would be able to sell off reserve land. Underlying title to land would not be affected. Mortgages would continue to be granted for interests in land only (for example, CPs or leases), and no one could mortgage the underlying title to land – which means title would never be lost to a bank because someone could not pay their mortgage. M’Chigeeng would not gain control over all decisions related to land: M’Chigeeng’s rights and powers would include the interests, rights and re-sources that belong to the land to the extent that these are under their jurisdiction. This includes forestry, crops, livestock and agriculture. It does not include fisheries, migratory birds, or endangered species, nor does it include oil and gas (which are subject to the Indian Oil & Gas Act) or ura-nium and radioactive materials. Taxation would operate in the same way as it does under the Indian Act: CPs and property on the reserve would still be tax exempt under the In-dian Act. The Land Code would not create new powers to tax real or personal property. The Indian Act sets out the powers of the Band to tax land; this would not be affected by the Land Code. Treaty rights and Aboriginal rights would not be affected.

. 3. What is the process for moving from federal government control under the Indian Act to control by M’Chigeeng under its Land Code? The Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management is an agreement originally signed by Canada and 14 First Nations Chiefs in 1996. The Framework Agreement allows First Nations to opt out of the land management sections of the Indian Act and establish and administer their own regimes for managing reserve lands and resources. The FNLMA sets out the necessary steps to doing so. These are the steps M’Chigeeng would have to follow to assume control over its reserve lands under the FNLMA: M’Chigeeng requests to become a signatory to the Framework Agreement and is ac-cepted into the process by INAC. M’Chi-geeng develops a Land Code, with funding provided by the Lands Advisory Board. M’Chigeeng and the government jointly ap-point a person called a verifier, who checks the Land Code to ensure it complies with the Framework Agreement. M’Chigeeng and the federal government negotiate an Individual Transfer Agreement which specifies the lands being transferred, identifies any out-standing environmental issues and sets out the funding M’Chigeeng will receive in order to carry out land management responsibili-ties. Together with the verifier, M’Chigeeng develops a process for the community to ratify both the Land Code and the Individual Transfer Agreement. Surveys and environ-mental assessments of the land are carried out. The Land Code and Individual Transfer Agreement are ratified by the community. The ratified Land Code comes into effect on a date specified therein and M’Chigeeng takes over management and administration of its reserve lands.

4. Why is it important for M’Chigeeng to have its own matrimonial real property rules? The government has acknowl-edged that First Nations women are being denied rights to matrimonial real property equal to those of non-First Nations women living off-reserve. Matrimonial property refers (“MRP”) to things that both spouses have a right to own or use. There is a distinction between real property (the family home and the land it is on) and personal property (such as cash or cars). Off-reserve, provincial laws determine how real property and personal property are divided when a married couple separates or when one spouse dies. How-ever, because the province has no power over reserve lands, provincial laws about MRP do not apply on reserve. There is cur-rently no federal law that applies in this area. This means there are no rules to determine the rights of spouses with respect to MRP – for example, who gets to live in the home, who gets the money if it is sold, etc. Often, women are disadvantaged by this because their name may not be on a CP or a lease so, even if they have lived in the home for many years, they may have no legal right to the home if their husband dies or they divorce. This can become especially problematic when there are children involved. It is in the interest of the entire community to ensure that there are clear rules in place with respect to on-reserve MRP. These rules should protect the rights of spouses and children and protect the First Nation’s interest in reserve lands. Under the FNLMA, a First Nation is required to pass its own MRP rules within 12 months of the date that the Land Code takes effect. However, M’Chigeeng would have to address the question of what

to do about on-reserve MRP regardless of whether it signed on to the FNLMA. This is due to the fact that the federal government is expected to soon pass a law dealing with MRP on reserves. This law gives First Na-tions two choices: pass your own MRP rules or the government’s new rules will apply to reserves. 5. What issues need to be resolved in order to create matrimonial real property rules that works for all families in M’Chi-geeng? The M’Chigeeng Audit and Governance Committee has identified the following is-sues/situations that would need to be ad-dressed in developing MRP rules:

Where one spouse is a band mem-

ber and one is a non-band member, what happens if the member spouse dies

Divorce – break-down in a relation-

ship

Children – non-band members, fos-

ter, adopted, “illegitimate”

Relationships the rules will apply to.

E.g. “common-law” couples? Same-sex?

No living will or more than one will in

existence

Access/lack of access to money,

resources

Lands and changes to CPs

Family violence

Sale of assets

Outstanding mortgages

FIRST NATIONS LAND MANAGEMENT ACT / MATRIMONIAL REAL PROPERTY

M’Chigeeng First Nation 10 Home of the Thunderbird

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ELECTIONS—2013

Elections 2013 DATES TO REMEMBER

Nomination Date—July 27, 2013 Mail Out Ballots to off-reserve voters August 7, 2013 Filing of Criminal Record Checks – August 9, 2013

Advance Poll for Elections – August 31, 2013

Election Poll Date – September 7, 2013

Electoral Officer Peggy Sue Manitowabi 705-859-3295 1-800-334-4101 Email peggy_suemanitowabi@hotmail.com Address: P.O. Box 102 Wikwemikong, ON P0P 2J0

STAFF: Peggy Sue Manitowabi – Electoral Officer Marilyn Kimweon – Deputy Electoral Officer Regina Webkamigad – Translator/Deputy Electoral Officer Marlene Kimewon – Deputy Electoral Officer Sheri Wabanosse – Deputy Electoral Officer Administrative Support

On March 5, 2013 M’Chigeeng First Nation

Chief & Council accepted the Electoral

Officer Tender from Peggy Sue Manitowabi;

Motion #060/13 ELECTORAL OFFICER

SERVICES—September 2013 Elections

M’Chigeeng First Nation 11 Home of the Thunderbird

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Be specific about who should have your personal belongings and keepsakes.

Make arrangements for your business.

Leave instructions for funeral wishes.

Leave a gift to someone outside the family. To be valid, a Will must:

be in writing (you can write your own or use Will forms available from various sources)

be signed by you;

state your wishes with respect to disposing of at least one of your assets; and

state that it takes effect after your death What should be in the Will?

Your Will should provide instructions for the distribution of all your land and per-sonal property (ie. money, jewelry, etc.)

What should I consider when making a Will/What do I need?

A list of the full names and addresses of your beneficiaries.

A list of all your assets, real or personal property (these assets may include a commercial licence, crops, ani-mals).

A list of all your debts and the location of your bank accounts and other assets.

Directions on the distribution of your assets and a list of special items you wish to give to specific people.

The name of someone that you want to be your administrator (executor).

Wills and Estates Wills and Estates

LANDS & INDIAN REGISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR

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ADDRESS UPDATE FOR ELECTIONS / REFERENDUMS ETC.

ATTENTION: M’Chigeeng First Nation Band Members Please provide your current contact information for elections, ref-erendums and other M’Chigeeng First Nation events which may require your participation. Please email updated information to: Adam Debassige, Lands and Indian Registration Administrator at adamd@mchigeeng.ca or Winnifred Panamick, General Clerk at winniep@mchigeeng.ca.

You may also send your contact infor-mation to: M’Chigeeng First Nation P.O. Box 333 M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0

Tel.# 705-377-5362 Fax # 705-377-4980

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to hearing from you.

M’Chigeeng First Nation 12 Home of the Thunderbird

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Are there special rules for signing of the Will? It would be preferable to date your Will and to have someone wit-ness the signing of your Will. Your witness(es) should be an adult(s) who is not mentioned in the Will. The spouse of someone men-tioned in your Will should also not be a witness. Can a Will be changed or modified? You can change your Will as often as you like. In fact, it is a good idea to read it over from time to time to make sure it is accurate and up-to-date. You should change your Will if, for example, there is a birth of a child, divorce, change of residence, death of someone mentioned in your Will, or if you have acquired new valuable articles. You should always initial all changes or ad-ditions and have them witnessed. Where should I keep my Will? If you choose to keep your original Will, put it in a safe place such

as your safety deposit box, a fire-proof box, a home safe or a safe at the band council office. Banks will usually allow your executor to take your Will from the box. You should tell a family member, your executor or someone you trust where your Will is kept so that your final wishes can be car-

LANDS & INDIAN REGISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR (Con’t)

The Indian Act and your will Section 42-52 in the Indian Act , govern the will process for “on reserve Indians” Section 45(2) of the Indian Act and Section 15 of the Indian Estates Regulations says that, “any Instrument signed by an Indian may be accepted as a Will...” If you have something written down, you have testamentary capacity, and it is sign by you, then it is a valid Will according to the Indian Act and its Regulations. The Indian Act and its Regulations for Wills do not apply to ALL status Indians. It applies to Status Indians who are “ordinarily resident on reserve or crown land” Let Me Help You.... If you have questions or concerns regarding your will you can contact the Band Office.

CONTACT INFORMATION Adam Debassige (705) 377-5362 Ext #206 Email: adamd@mchigeeng.ca

A Will May...

Lessen the involvement of departmental officials in your private affairs. Avoid delays in settling your estate. Make the settlement of your estate a more personal matter. Help to avoid family conflicts by expressing your clear intentions. Protect any customs or traditions that should be passed on to your family

TREATY PAYMENTS

M’Chigeeng First Nation 13 Home of the Thunderbird

CAPITAL PROJECTS / PUBLIC WORKS

Information for Community Band Members From the desk of Earl Debassige

AMPLE NOTICE WAS GIVEN – REMINDER EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2013 WATER SHUT OFFS: April 3, 2013 Water Rates going up by 1.5%. If you have not paid your water bill, shut offs will begin and there is an additional $75.00 fee to reconnect. This also applies to Band Members on water holding tanks where their service will be discontinued until paid in full.

GARBAGE USER FEES: April 2, 2013 Must be paid by every household, only $52.00 for the year regardless if you haul your waste to the Recycling Depot. Next Year 2013-14 the Rate will be increased to $78.00.

EARTH DAY CLEAN UP: Monday, April 22, 2013 Band Staff, High School and Public School students will be picking up gar-bage from the ditches on our roads and streets. Everyone is encouraged to do your share and clean up your side of the ditch. Remember, we must take care of Mother Earth. Public Works will pick up the filled garbage bags along the roads.

WATER/SEWER RATES:

Effective April 1, 2013 Water Rates going up:

Town water from

$103.00 to $105.00

Business Rate from

$209.00 to $212.00

Water Delivery from

$93.00 to $95.00

Sewer Rate from

$34.00 to $35.00

GARBAGE USER FEES:

Effective April 1, 2013

Must be paid by every

household,

regardless if you

haul your waste to the

Recycling Depot.

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CAPITAL PROJECTS/PUBLIC WORKS CONTACT INFORMATION:

Elvis Debassige—FIRE/W/WW 377-4476 Earl Debassige—Manager 377-4159 Howard Corbiere—Roads 377-5571 Corey Corbiere—Roads 377-4368 Edward Bebamash — Maintenance 282-6291 Darryl Ense—W/WW 377-6218 Tom Ense– Water Delivery 377-6047 Public Works Garage 377-4015 Water Plant 377-5941 UCCM Police 377-7135 EMERGENCY (24 HOURS/DAY) 911

SPRING CLEAN UP: April 22, 2012 to May 3, 2013 Public Works will be going around to pick up unwanted trash/bulky items as long as it is in one spot near your driveway. They are not going to clean up your yards. Please call the Administration Office to get your name on the list for pick up.

M’Chigeeng First Nation 14 Home of the Thunderbird

HUB CENTRE

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Hello community members, here is brief update on the M’Chigeeng Education and Training Hub Centre developments. We are located upstairs in the M’Chigeeng First Nation Admini-stration Office; we have eleven staff that work under the Hub Centre. All programs that en-compass the Hub include the Ontario Works Program, LDM/ASETA Training Program, the Literacy, Basic Stills Program/Adult Education Program and the Post Secondary Program. We have been very active with our Hub Centre developments with training initiatives and workshops helping prepare community members become more employable. The concept of the Hub Centre is to establish a one stop centre so that band members have quick access to education and training developments. The goal is to support their career goals so they become independent and live healthy prosperous lives where the individuals have access to opportunities for training, education and skills development, career planning, counselling and assessments. Another goal of the Hub is to eliminate duplication of programming from different programs, be more cost effective, planning collectively for our band member’s education and training needs. These measures will assist and determine how we will support each individuals plan for a positive outcome. On other developments we have been actively involved with numerous education and training initiatives throughout the community, we are working with the Anishi-nabek Identity, Mind and Spirit Program (AIMS) which is located at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation. The program is twelve weeks that en-tails life skills and self awareness, there are four intakes for this pro-gram, they are nearing completion with their second intake, so if any individual is interested for the third intake please call Kenjgewin Teg Education Institute at 377 4342 or email adult-educationofficer@ktei.net.

We recently partnered with the Great Spirit Circle Trail with training for the New Manitoulin Hotel located in Little Current. The training has three compo-nents 1) Front Desk Agent 2) Housekeeping Room Attendant 3) Food and Beverage Server. The initiative was fairly successful, we will be having a second training session for the hotel mid May approximately so please con-tact the Hub Centre for further developments.

We had the Career/Fair on March 26th, 2013 at the M’Chigeeng Complex which was a suc-

cessful event; we had 163 participants with fifteen booths with guest whom provided motiva-tional and career opportunities. We had the Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop on April 8

th, 2013 at the MFN Hub Centre; we

had approximately 18 participants that hopefully will engage in self employment endeavours.

M’Chigeeng First Nation 15 Home of the Thunderbird

We will be hosting a five week Retail and Customer Service Course which starts April 15th to May 17th, 2013, with successful completion the course will provide opportunities in the retail business. The course will be offered at the MFN Hub Centre, please contact Christine McCracken at 705-377-5362, Ext #225. We will be initiating our annual landscaping program this spring, we will be sponsoring a contest for individual households that want to improve their landscaping, and posters will be posted soon! We will also be starting our gardening workshops and assisting with the community garden, location to be determined! We also provide monthly grocery shopping buses to Espanola; the next shopping trip will be scheduled May 4th, 2013, June 1st, 2013, June 29th and August 3rd. The August 31st, 2013 will be a Sudbury school shop-ping bus. Thank you and have a safe enjoyable spring and wonderful summer!

HUB CENTRE

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Course Runs: April 15th- May 17th

Looking for a job? Why not get the right training to develop the skills? Many jobs are available locally and we would love to be the first step to-wards getting you those employment opportuni-ties! Areas of training include:

Communication Skills Professional Attitude How to Handle Upset Customers Basics of Retail Tools of the Trade Resume Writing Interview Skills

CALL NOW TO REGISTER!

*Limited Number of Spots Available*

Registration Deadline is Wednesday April 10th

Food Bank Hours will be changing to Tuesday & Thursday Referrals are required the day before delivery.

M’Chigeeng First Nation 16 Home of the Thunderbird

FAMILY RESOURCES

FAMILY RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Summer is fast approaching and the secondary and post secondary students will be seeking summer employment. Last summer Family Resources hired three students under the MFN YEP (Youth Employment Program). This summer Fam-ily Resources would like to hire two (2) post secondary students as Child and Youth Worker and Family Resources/Student Assistant. Family Resources hosted a two day youth conference on February 16

th and 17

th, 2013 titled “Inspiring Minds”. The con-

ference was well attended by MFN youth and with many youth attending from nearby communities. The youth were well engaged in the activities and learning sessions. Some of the comments expressed by the youth who attended the con-ference were: awesome, enjoyed the sharing of the presenter’s personal stories, creative activities, laughter. There is a need to develop an active Youth Council that will promote programming and initiatives that have been identi-fied by the youth for the youth. A scheduled meeting time and date will be posted in the near future and a personal invi-tation will be sent out to the youth. There are many positive eventful things happening within the FR Department. Family Resources will be acquiring a

“van” for transporting the children and youth to events and programming. The MFN Health Center has been able to se-

cure funding for the van so FR is very appreciative of their generosity and

ongoing commitment to the children and youth of the community.

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER PROGRAM

For the month of March 2013, the Family Support Worker has been managing a caseload of 11 files; each family file is cur-rently involved with the Children’s Aid Society. Amongst these 11 files, there are 21 children involved with CAS. In addition, for the month of March 2013, the Family Support Worker has closed 3 family files with 7 children no longer involved with CAS. The Family Support Worker has formally provided M’Chigeeng First Nation with her resignation, scheduled for May 31, 2013. During this transition period, the FSW will con-tinue to maintain the current caseload, but also attend to any new referrals.

A MESSAGE FROM THE YOUTH PROGRAM

Youth Program The Youth Program Child & Youth Workers have been working hard in delivering youth programs, activities and events

to all youth of the community. There has also been an increase in the participation level of youth attending activities

and programs such as:

Gym nights at Lakeview school to increase physical fitness

Right To Play activities at the Youth Centre to promote Youth leadership skills

Out of town trips to Espanola for swimming, snowboarding & ski-ing trip

Special arts & crafts workshops

Activities for the Winter Carnival

Assistance with the ‘Inspiring Minds Youth Conference’ held on February 16-17, 2013 which was successful in youth attending the two day conference

March Break activities & events

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M’Chigeeng First Nation 17 Home of the Thunderbird

FAMILY RESOURCES—YOUTH

Up and Coming Events, Activities and Workshops for Spring/Summer:

Beginners’ Running Club – starting in April every Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00 pm

Continuation of Gym Nights - every Monday nights Right To Play Sport For Development this coming weekend of

April 5th, 6th & 7th, 2013 for those youth participants registered Right To Play ‘Circle Up Youth Symposium’ – for a week April

14th-19th, 2013 in Parry Sound at the Tim Horton’s Memorial Camp. For this year’s Youth Symposium – Community Mentor Daina Stevens has selected two youth of M’Chigeeng and Con-gratulations Sarah Migwans-Bayer and Brett Ense to attend this great opportunity to learn some new leadership skills & other knowledgeable workshops & have fun doing it!

Right To Play activities and games at the Youth Centre continued every Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 5:00-7:30 pm

Regalia making workshop will be starting soon, stay tuned to dates

Lacrosse and Baseball for youth

Notes I would like to send a special Chi-Miigwech for volunteers Juanita Migwans and Kali Ocean Corbiere who helped me out especially with supervising, setting up supplies, materials and clean up of programs held during the March Break. The April Calendar will be out, so look for it at the Post of-fice and extra copies will be left on the counter for those that are interested, even posted on Facebook and at the M’Chi-geeng Youth Centre.

If you have any creative ideas that you would like to share with me, or even if there’s some-thing that you would like to see happening, and places to hold events, please feel free to give me a call at the Band Office 705-377-5362 ext. 218, or email youth worker dainas@mchigeeng.ca

Looking forward to hearing from you all.

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M’Chigeeng First Nation 18 Home of the Thunderbird

FAMILY RESOURCES — YOUTH

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NEW VAN FOR

YOUTH PROGRAM

The Health Services Department have

purchased a new 2013 Dodge Grand

Caravan; which will be used for the

Youth Program!!!

M’Chigeeng First Nation 19 Home of the Thunderbird

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLANNING (CCP)

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M’Chigeeng First Nation 20 Home of the Thunderbird

Past Activities & Events: - February 28

th and March 1

st the grade 7 & 8’s travelled to Sault Ste. Marie to go ski-

ing/snow boarding at Searchmont. All the students had a great time! - On Tuesday, March 5

th Lakeview School hosted the “Island Boys Basketball Tourna-

ment” with teams coming from: Central Manitoulin Public School, Little Current Public School, Charles C. McLean Public School and Wasse-Abin Pontiac School and of course Lakeview School. It was a exciting, busy day of ball, congratulations to all teams!! - Congratulations to the M’Chigeeng Novice team for winning the “A” championship at the LNHL during the March Break. Way to go Thunderbirds!!! - On March 21

st, Lakeview School had their Ojibwe Public Speaking contest with all the participants advancing to

the KTEI Ojibwe Language contest in Birch Island on March 22nd

. Congratulations to Aysia Francis-Debassige who came in 2

nd place and to all the other participants. You all did a great job!!

Upcoming Activities & Events: - Grade 8 Grad Photos with Lifetouch is scheduled for April 5

th starting at 10:00am. Students are to

wear a white-collar shirt, if you don’t have a white-collar shirt – Lifetouch will have one available. - Lakeview School’s “The Wizard” play is scheduled for April 11

th @ 7:00pm – Admission is FREE but

donations are welcome!! - May 7

th-8

th: “The Wizard” cast members will be travelling to Toronto to watch “The Wizard” live!!

- The Island Soccer Tournament is on May 9

th with the junior team going to Pontiac in Wiky and the sen-

ior team will be going to CMPS in Mindemoya. SPRING BREAK – May 13th – 17

th (No School) Victoria Day HOLIDAY – May 20

th (No School)

Lakeview School Track and Field Day is scheduled for May 31st

CONGRATULATIONS NEIL !!! 2013 Guiding the Journey Award Laureates

Neil Debassige – Leadership Neil Debassige’s approach to leadership in his role as principal of Lakeview School on Manitoulin Island is rooted deep within Ojibwe culture. During the school day, he shares knowledge about cul-tural traditions like the Seven Grandfather teachings. In learning and teaching partnership between Lakeview teachers and Laurentian University education students, Debassige shares his vision for Indigenous education. Every year, fifth year Laurentian students spend a day at Lakeview. Debassige conducts sessions in which he explores important ideas, including balance and the Medicine Wheel teachings with the candidate educators. He invites M’Chigeeng community members and Lakeview teachers to present Indigenous education teaching and learning components. It’s all part of Debassige’s commitment to strengthen cultural bonds and share Indigenous knowledge. As a mentor for teacher candidates who have their practicum placement at Lakeview School, Debassige guides and supports three to seven candidates each year. By being a partner with non-Indigenous teachers, learners and leaders, Debassige creates respect and appreciation for Indigenous knowledge, culture, and languages. Debassige received Laurentian’s Aboriginal Educator Award for the partnership work between Laurentian’s School of Education and Lakeview School. Debassige’s effective speaking engagements and presentations in the North-ern Ontario School of Medicine and at Laurentian University were also recognized. Debassige was principal of Wasse Abin High School in Wikwemikong and at Francine Wesley Secondary School in Kashechewan. Debassige taught school for five years from 1995 to 2000.

M’CHIGEENG EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Lakeview Elementary School

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M’Chigeeng First Nation 21 Home of the Thunderbird

M’CHIGEENG EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Day Care Centre

TOY LIBARARY at

M’Chigeeng Daycare

MONDAY– FRIDAY

8:00 am—4:30 pm

(CLOSED DAILY FOR LUNCH 12:00-1:00)

THURSDAY EVENING 6:30-8:30

Why buy toys when you can borrow ?

Call 705-377-5383

Playgroup:

Tuesdays

10:30-12:00

Arts & Crafts

Preschool Newsletter

Dear Parents of the Pre-School Program: Here we are into April already, spring has sprung. The pre-school room has full enrollment with sixteen children. We have two regular staff, Brenda and myself. We are sad that we have to say farewell to Mae who has been a tremendous help to us in our classroom over the last few months. Mae was working on a one to one basis with one of our students. We would like to take this opportunity and welcome Janine Corbiere to our preschool room. Janine is doing a four week student placement with us; she is in the final stretch of her E.C.E College pro-gram at Kenjgewin Teg. A big thank you goes out to Karen McColeman who attended our staff meeting last week and introduced us to our new preschool/pre-k literacy library. Karen also did a mini workshop on literacy. We now have plenty of new books for each of our classrooms. The children have been working very hard on their phonics and math. At the math table, so far we have covered the chapter on patterns and sorting; and we are now working on rote counting. At the phonics table, we introduced the upper and lower case letters of

the alphabet. Some of the children have scored quite high for example,

20/26; 16/26; 14/26; 13/26; and 10/26, and the remainder of the chil-

dren are beginning to understand about the letters, and what they are. We can now have fun with letters, sponge paint-

ing with letters, rubber stamping with letters, etc, etc. Just about all of the children can recognize their names. On the

cultural side of things, we have hand drumming with Ms. Ann and Geraldine once a week. Since the children really en-

joy drumming we would like to ask parents to bring in drumming clothes for their child. It could be just a skirt for the girls

and some type of vest for the boys.

While I am on the topic of asking, I would like to provide a list of items that we would very much appreciate, if parents could donate them to our classroom.

Plastic grocery bags (to send home children’s art work, clothes, etc)

Old high-heel shoes (for our dress up center)

Empty plastic icing containers (great for paint and glue)

Pennies (for our math center…counting)

Baby wipes (for wiping the children’s hands before snack, and washing their faces after dinner; one box per month per child if possible)

I would like to thank all the parents for their support and generous donations when we have our classroom celebrations; such as our Valentine’s party and Easter party. The children really enjoy partying and dancing. If any parent or guardian has any questions, please feel free to call the Daycare anytime and we will be happy to answer them. Sincerely, Deborah Ense, B.ED/RECE

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Mother Goose:

Thursdays

10:30-12:00

Finger Plays

Songs and Rhymes

M’Chigeeng First Nation 22 Home of the Thunderbird

Aaniish naa. n-maamkaadendam, n-gchinendam to mention that it’s been two years that I have been home and n-gichi-nakii. “How are you; I am amazed, I am happy and I am working hard” for our community. Spring is in the air and I feel rejuvenated and motivated to take on various tasks that need to be completed as summer is around the corner. Upcoming HR Activities Workplace Health & Safety Committee has been formed with the inclusion of Representatives from all workplace sites and required training and WHMIS training is completed. The next step is to coordinate our first Workplace Health & Safety Committee meeting to ensure compliance with Workplace Health & Safety Regulations. Human Resources (Audit & Governance) Committee The HR Committee is tasked with an important mandate for making informed recommendations to assist to ensure a positive work force and ensure alignment with organizational vision, values, strategic and operational plan, goals, objec-tives, consistency and fair application throughout the M’Chigeeng First Nation organization. HR committee is responsible for the following:

To review, monitor and evaluate the implementation, planning and development processes that focus attention on human resources

management

Oversee the organizing and evaluating human resources services; researching, developing and recommending policies, programs and

procedures, recruitment, training and development, position classification, pay and benefit administration

Review annually the M’Chigeeng First Nation personnel policy to ensure compliance with applicable standards and laws

Review periodically the compensation and benefit policy, making recommendations where appropriate

Development of an occupational health and safety practices and recommend appropriate changes to existing policies

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Process We are in the final stages of development of the Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism which included several com-munity engagement focus group meetings. All employees and community band membership (off & on Reserve) are stakeholders in this new initiative that will enable the community as a whole find win-win results to situations. MFN Annual Career Fair I would like to acknowledge and Chi-Miigwech to Marlene Debassige and Rachelle Beboning for assisting to prepare and to look after the HR Booth for the Career Fair while I was on annual leave. Congratulations to Sylvia Ense, winner of the CD Player prize; and if anyone had taken pictures of the HR Booth I would like to see them. Revised Personnel Policy – Recruitment and Selection (November 2012): The approved Personnel Policy section of the R&S, effective November 2012, is to ensure the proc-ess is followed fairly and consistently throughout all competitions. MFN band members must be in-formed of the expectations when seeking employment with our community. The following tips will help apply for a job, make it through the screening stage and pass the inter-view process:

All job opportunities will be posted for 2 weeks (Senior Management positions will be posted for 4 weeks)

There is a 5-week turn-around time, from posting to hiring

All Regular Full-Time hires will continue to be ratified by Chief & Council

All Term Full-Time positions will be approved by the CAO

All requirements of job postings must be followed. Please note, late or incomplete applications will not be considered

Ensure reference letters are dated within 1½ year to be considered current and on letterhead from your direct Supervisor, or Manager.

For youth new to the workforce, Professors/Education instructor reference letters will be considered for those applicants. Reference letters from co-workers and friends can be considered character references.

Reference letters submitted will be followed up with phone call reference checks to verify the information stated in reference letters.

60% score of the interview for positions is required; Management positions will require a 70% score.

Knowledge of our community, our traditions, customs; and an understanding and speaking our Anishnabek language are considered

strong assets and are incorporated into the whole R&S process.

Stated in job opportunities, it is mandatory for the successful candidate to submit a 30 day current VSS or 90 day current CRC and that

offer of employment will be subject to receipt of clear CRC/VSS record.

Ensure to fully read and understand employment opportunities in order to fulfill the application requirements (i.e. cover letter, resume, 3

reference letters must be submitted to meet the screening process); and follow up by getting a copy of the full job description in prepara-tion for your job interview.

HUMAN RESOURCES

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M’Chigeeng First Nation 23 Home of the Thunderbird

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Welcome & Congratulations to the new hires of the following:

Keegan Peltier, Arena Helper (Term F/T to Mar 31/13)

Terry Debassige, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Coordinator (Term F/T)

Colleen King, ADR Assistant (Term F/T to Mar 31/13) Ernestine Debassige, Bingo Manager, STGC (Regular F/T)

Renee Corbiere, Clerical Support, STGC (Term P/T) Terri-Lynn Debassige, Receptionist Hub Centre (Reg. F/T)

Corrina (Missy) Corbiere, Office Administrator (Regular F/T) Marlene Debassige, Interim Administrative Support, Finance & CP&PW Departments (Term F/T)

Rachelle Beboning, Interim Administrative Assistant, Economic Development (Term F/T) Lisa Ense, Interim FR Reception, Family Resources (Term F/T)

Colleen King, Payroll Clerk (Regular F/T) Christine McCracken, Literacy/Basic Skills Coordinator, HUB Centre (Term F/T)

Melisa Kasunich, Mental Health Worker, Health Services (2 yr Term)

Recent, New and Upcoming MFN Job Opportunities: Casual/On-Call/Supply-Appointment-Term Positions for: Administrative/Clerical/Reception Support Services Program, Personal & Community Support Workers Daycare Cook - Early Childhood Educator Assistant Custodial & Janitorial Workers Apr 5/13 deadline Administrative Support, Finance, CP&PW Departments (Reg. F/T) Apr 5/13 deadline Fire Prevention Officer, CP&PW (Reg. P/T 20hrs/wk) Apr 22/13 deadline Family Support Worker, Family Resources (Regular F/T) Client Intake Worker (Reg. F/T) OW Dept./HUB Centre, Reposted Apr 17/13 deadline Youth Employment Program (YEP) Coordinator (Term F/T Summer), LDM/HUB Centre Economic Development General Manager, (Term F/T) 2nd posting, May 3/13 deadline Mental Health Worker, Mental Health (Term F/T) R&S completed ECE Educator (Reg Term) Day Care, Day Care

Revised Personnel Policy – Recruitment and Selection (November 2012):

Preparation is key for the interview by completing homework of the M’Chigeeng First Nation organization/department; research to learn about the job responsibilities and obtain a copy of the full job description, (note: employment opportu-nity posting is a summarized version of the job description); the program and service description of the department. We encourage you to read the MFN Annual Reports which are posted on the www.mchigeeng.ca to gain the knowledge of past and present program and service deliverables, statistics, and information. Job seekers are encouraged to make an appointment or come in anytime to seek assistance with myself or the Department Manager of job posted. Also, see the Hub Center to get assistance with resume and cover letter preparation and interview skills. We post new and exciting of job opportunities within our community, at the post office all work sites and at lo-cal businesses, and check out www.mchigeeng.ca. Baa maapiimiinwaa ga-gnoonin “I will talk to you again later” Chi-Miigwech, Rochelle Debassige

M’Chigeeng First Nation 24 Home of the Thunderbird

DRUG STRATEGY INITATIVE

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Greetings Community Members,

I would like to thank all of those who participated in the 2013 Knowledge Symposium with guest speaker Dr. Gabor Mate. We had over 140 participants on April 3, 2013 at the M’Chigeeng Com-munity Complex. If you did not get a chance to attend the Symposium, don’t worry, as we had the entire conference recorded for future access to Dr. Mate’s lectures. We will be receiving the dvd’s within the coming weeks. Here are some of the initiatives that the Drug Strat-egy has been in partnership within the last year: Employee Capacity & Skill Building Workshops: Traditional Foods, Traditional Medicines (Cold & Flu), FASD session, Craving for Change Health Promotion Activities: Weight Preoccupation, Winter Medicines, New Year Resolutions, Dash Diet, Medicine Cabinet Clean-up Community Events: Debajehmujig Community Play, Diabetes Conference, Winter Carnival, Youth Con-ference, Billboard Contest We are currently in the planning stages to develop our work plan for the 2013-14 fiscal year. I will be meeting with the various community programs to identify joint partnerships in programming. To date the following events have been scheduled: April 30, May 1, and May 2, 2013 – Darryl Tonemah is scheduled to host a number of sessions throughout the community. A poster will be posted soon. Darryl Tonemah is a partner in the Native Health Group (NHG). The goal of NHG is to decrease health disparities among the Native Ameri-can population and increase access to health care. He is also an international educator/trainer for wellness and healthy living with groups all over North America, including the United States, Can-ada and Mexico. May 7 & 8, 2013 – Mnidoo Mnising Empowerment Gathering – M’Chigeeng Community Complex. A list of guest speakers include: Calvin Helin – Aboriginal Author of “The Empowerment Mindset” and the “Economic Trap” Brent Kalownski – Community Mobilization Dr. Ryan Van Cleave – Video Game & Technology Gadgets Wab Kinew – Motivational Speaker; Host of CBC’s Eighth Fire Grace Debassige, Drug Strategy Coordinator

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

M’Chigeeng First Nation 25 Home of the Thunderbird

Health and Wellness Committee Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Health Centre Board Room. Community Wellness Program Aanii! I have upcoming First Aid & CPR training dates booked for Wednesday APRIL 24

th & Thursday,

APRIL 25th, 2013 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the

Health Centre Boardroom, cost is $125.00 per person and I have ten seats available, first come first served. Miigwech, Geraldine Diabetes Programming – contact Valerie Beaudin, Diabetes Educator “Craving Change” This self-help workshop was deliv-ered in three parts on March 20, 22 & 27. It was only the second time the program has been delivered to a community by a team mem-ber of the Sudbury District Health Unit. It offers a How-to Guide for Changing Your Relationship with Food. The following topics were covered; Understand why you eat they you do, Comfort yourself without food and, Change your thinking, Change your eating. The participants enjoyed the program and walked away with a lot of very useful information. Grocery Store Tour – Coming Up April 11, 2013 at 9:00 am—This interactive tour of Island Foodland takes you through the course of reading and under-standing the content of Food Labels.

Spring is in the air…come and make your very own Hula Hoop! Join us on April 4 at Lakeview School, April 11 at Sas-waahns and back to Lakeview School on April 18, all sessions are 5:00 – 6:00 pm.

Diabetes Wellness Clinics – Isabelle Simon, the Foot Care Nurse will be here on April 4 and 11, Natalie Hasting, the Diabetes Dietician will be here on April 4, 11 & 18, please call to book an appointment.

HEALTH CENTRE

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children – contact Melanie Francis or Jennifer Kaiser, Partners in Parenting The HBHC program honored all babies born in 2012, with dinner, desert and a welcoming gift at Saswaahns on Valentines Day! All families and staff are very grate-ful to have had the wonderful ladies of Anishinabe-mowin Gamig come for dinner and join us in presenting the babies with their gifts which included a specially crafted quilt made by the gentle hands of our elders. Chi-Miigwech. Regular programming continues with Mom’s n Tot’s playgroup at the Toy Library every Tuesday and Thurs-day. Earth Day Social at the Wellness Centre on April 22. Medical Transportation Isadora Bebamash is replacing Francine Debassige in the Medi-cal Transportation Program, please contact Isadora for assis-tance with your travel arrange-ments to medical appointments off Island. If you require transporta-tion for a local appointment, Char Beaudin at the front desk can help you with this. Nursing - contact Leah Migwans, Community Health Nurse Doctor clinics are held weekly, please contact the Min-demoya office to book an appointment with your family doctor and call the front desk at the Health Centre if you require transportation. Immunization – if you are not sure when you or your children are due for a needle please call Leah Migwans or Helena Bebonang and they can assist you. An ap-pointment may be scheduled if your immunization re-cord needs updating. Mental Health Program Welcome back Ed! Noojmowin Teg Health Centre re-cently hired Ed Didur as the Child & Youth Mental Health and Addictions Worker for M’Chigeeng. Ed will be working at Lakeview School, Manitoulin Secondary School and the M’Chigeeng Health Centre. Spring Programming coming soon…Youth Anger Man-agement support group, Structured Relapse Prevention Circles, and Safe Talk for Suicide Prevention. Keep an eye out for posters!

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

M’Chigeeng First Nation 26 Home of the Thunderbird

SHE’NDWIN TEG GAMING COMMISSION

Phone:705-377-5833 ~ Fax: 705-377-4980

Aanii, M’Chigeeng Community members, I have been recently hired full time with She’ndwin Teg Gaming Commission as the Bingo Manager, I started as of Febru-ary 1, 2013. She’ndwin Teg Gaming Commission has also hired Renee Corbiere as Clerical Support. This position is a new position and is on a part time basis for one year term.

We would also like to welcome back to our team Joanna Panamick who has been recently been se-lected as a Bingo Attendant. We would also like to wish good luck to Jerry and Stacey Debassige on their future endeavors. She’ndwin Teg Gaming Commission committee members consists of: Diann Panamick Tricia Beaudin Terry Debassige Grace Debassige Corrina (Missy) Corbiere Council Liaison Victor Migwans Alternate Council Liaison Kevin Eshkawkogan The committee has been meeting monthly. Currently we are organizing a planning session with the committee for April or May which will take place at Saswaahns. PROCESS FOR CHARITABLE GROUPS: 1a) Any one on the M’Chigeeng First Nation wishing to fundraise must

first be a registered Charitable Group with the She’ndwin Teg Gam-ing Commission.

b) Once registered, Charitable Group must apply for a Gaming Activity License along with a fee of $50.00. 2. That all Gaming Activity License Application are required to have

two authorized signers. 3. That all Charitable Groups must submit to the She’ndwin Teg Gam-

ing Commission a quarterly financial report on all fundraising. The two principle signers on the Gaming Activity License Application must sign the financial statement.

4. All Fundraising Groups must fundraise for their own Charitable Group. Fundraising is not to be disbursed to any other Charitable Group or fundraise for other groups that are not a member of the M’Chigeeng First Nation.

5. The Bingo Manager may request additional information or clarification of the information will review the applica-tion. Your application may be returned to you for improvement. This will help us to process your application as efficiently as possible.

6. As per the selection criteria, the She’ndwin Teg Gaming Commission will review the application. The decision will be contained within the minutes of the meeting.

7. The applicant will receive a formal letter informing them of the decision, along with the funding agreement outlin-ing the terms and conditions if approved.

8. Should the application not be approved, the applicant will be provided with a letter identifying the reason or rea-sons. The applicant may then resubmit a revised application that addresses the reason or reasons.

Ernestine Debassige, Bingo Manager

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M’Chigeeng First Nation 27 Home of the Thunderbird

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

M’Chigeeng First Nation 28 Home of the Thunderbird

M’Chigeeng First Nation 29 Home of the Thunderbird

Do you have a Child

that is still not

Registered with

M’Chigeeng First Nation?

If you have a child that is entitled for registration with M’Chigeeng First Nation and still

Not registered contact the Membership Office. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION:

Statement of Live Birth (original long form) is required Signed Consent form of both parents to register with

M’Chigeeng First Nation.

Ontario Works will assist in the payment ($35.00) for the long form birth certificate.

For more information, contact Adam Debassige, Membership Administrator at

(705) 377-5362 or email adamd@mchigeeng.ca

M’Chigeeng First Nation 30 Home of the Thunderbird

M’Chigeeng First Nation 31 Home of the Thunderbird

M’Chigeeng First Nation 32 Home of the Thunderbird