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The Voice of the Teslin Tlingit Council | Issue 12 - sep/oct 2011

Staff respect campaign Workforce Development is leading a campaign to address staff conduct outside the workplace. Focusing on the word respect, this is the continuation of TTC’s efforts to address something that negatively impacts the entire Government. The message is that all TTC staff share a responsibility of representing our Government. This responsibility is found in our professional and personal relationships and, crucially, on the relationship between TTC staff and the community at large. TTC aims high. We are a pioneering Government that, time and again, demonstrates our Page 3 - How WorkForce Development can help with Fall TTC Nation is leading the way. The pride, strength and your career path accountability that underpin this success will drive highlihgts our development and growth into the future. These strengths don’t get handed down from leadership and upper management alone. Instead they grow up and touch the entire organization; it starts and ends with all of us. This is why Workforce Development is spearheading this initiative to raise the accountability of all TTC representatives. We want to ensure that TTC is a positive, strong Government, today and tomorrow.

Yukon Elections Page 7 Update from the Heritage Department on new TTC would like congratulate Stacey Hassard on his recent election as the position new MLA for Pelly-Nisutlin. We are looking forward to building a positive and constructive working relationship with Stacey. The future development of TTC will be greatly supported by an effective, enhanced working relationship with the Yukon Government. Our MLA is a fundamental link.

Staff meeting In mid-October TTC Staff gathered in the Heritage Centre’s Great Hall for an all staff meeting. The session was lead by Michelle Coloussi and Dan George. Michelle has been working extensively with the individual TTC Departments. The main focus of Michelle’s work has been drafting the Departmental Page 14 - Halloween in WorkPlans; a document that outlines priorities and breaks them down into Teslin refl ections on a fun goals and in turn into projects and programs. Having a clear picture and focus weekend of what each Department is aiming to achieve is a crucial AJA will become a reality for TTC. A requirement for tool for an effective Government. Recently, Dan George has all TTC legislation is that the law is presented to Citizens been invited to expand his mandate with TTC. Previously for their input. These public consultations give Citizens contracted to help with the TTC Leadership Process the opportunity to provide feedback before the law is Review – a role Dan still has – he is now assisting with TTC’s passed, giving them the chance to shape TTC law. Every Governance Strategic Planning. Dan is asking ‘big picture’ attempt was made to bring these consultations to Citizens. questions on the roles and responsibilities for leadership and Sessions were delivered separately to the Clans, the Elders, the administration and addressing how, collectively, we will Citizens who are not affiliated with a Clan and Citizens get there. His work in the Governance Strategic Planning living in Whitehorse. The initial round of consultations is set to focus mainly on General Council. However, at the all staff meeting, TTC staff were asked to present their own was held in September. The AJA Team received ideas on how TTC could function more effectively and feedback from Citizens that meetings in September efficiently. were difficult to attend as many people were out on the land during harvesting season. In response, a second round of consultations targeted at the same audiences, Capital and Heritage Reviews. was delivered in October to try and mitigate this factor. TTC has started an internal review of the Capital and the Attendance numbers for both the first and second Heritage Departments. These reviews improves upon a similar exercise involving the Health and Social Department. rounds were solid but far from spectacular. Those who The review will look at the way the Departments are did attend brought some extremely valuable ideas and structured with a view of promoting efficiency and perspectives. We saw some energetic discussions about effectiveness. It must be stressed that staff performance will Self-Justice. not form part of the review. The driving force behind these More info. ‘Canadian Court system 101’ page 12 reviews is a reflection of how much TTC has continued to grow and develop as an organization since self-government. YMTA graduation This growth is a natural process. The challenges and October saw another high-profile event at Brooks Brook. demands that TTC’s Departments face today are significantly The YMTA ‘Caring for the Land’ initiative celebrated its different to the situation 15 or even 5 years ago. It is crucial second batch of graduates through its program. The Great that we undertake these internal reviews to ensure that TTC, Hall was decorated in stunning fashion as Yukoners gathered as a Government, continues to function to the best of its on Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory for the occasion. The ability and the Departments are fully equipped to achieve event marked the end of two successful intakes of First Nation their mandates. All TTC Departments will undergo these students, aiming to capitalize on the Territory’s mining boom reviews. In 2012 the Executive, Lands and Workforce with their new qualifications in environmental remediation. Development Departments are scheduled for review, with This graduation brings to a close the first year of the Caring the specific timing being subject to budget approval. for the Land initiative. At first, Caring for the Land envisioned two intakes. However, discussions are underway that look As with the Health and Social Departmental review, to extend the program beyond one year. Brooks Brook has recommendations will be presented as information the potential to host the initiative again next year, TTC will to Executive and General Council members. These be working towards securing funding for the opportunity recommendations will guide the implementation and the related economic benefits of hosting the program at process as the respective Departments undertake the Brooks Brook next year. required measures to improve their structure and ultimately the services that they deliver to Citizens. TTC saw several Citizens graduate. Congratulations go to: AJA Public Consultations The last two months have been a busy time for Isabelle Dewhurst Melanie Douville the AJA team. The Peacemaker Court and Justice Rosanne Douville Council Act will be presented for approval by General Jenna McClements Council at the end of November. This will be the Marianne Morris piece of legislation that will be the foundation of the Roxanne Peters Administration of Justice Agreement. This Act will outline the specifics of Self-Justice and guide how the Well done everyone! 2 Your Career path and how Workforce Development can help you

Workforce Development is a Department with personalities with their job roles. a large mandate. From Education to the hiring Here at TTC, the Workforce Development of new staff the Department is responsible Department, is pleased to offer the MBTI to all for the development of individuals and the interested TTC Staff and Citizens. An external capacity of the entire First Nation. Career Counselor and MBTI expert, Edmond Reust, has been contracted for the next 6 months A priority is the development of the staff to work with TTC Staff and Citizens to provide and Citizens already working within TTC. clear career counseling services. Ed is using the Workforce Development realizes that fulfilled MBTI assessment tool to gain a clearer picture staff are happy staff, and happy staff are of staff’s personalities so that they can be better productive staff. In this regard the Department advised on what types of positions they should is providing a service to all staff to clarify be looking at. what role would best suit them and which career paths will provide the highest levels of The process is relatively simple. From the start, satisfaction. Ed is keen to express that there are no ‘right or wrong’ answers during the MBTI test. The So are you a champion? Or perhaps an results are kept private, only for the eyes of inventor, healer or inspector? These are 4 of the counselor and the participant. Millions of the 16 imaginative titles for personalities as people take the MBTI test every year. The main assessed by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator advantage is to give the participant direction, (MBTI). The MBTI is the world’s most widely or confirmation, of what style of work best suits used personality assessment tool and it is their personality. Perhaps you are currently increasingly finding a role in the professional engaged in a very detail-orientated job where environment. Companies in Canada and across as you would be better suited on stage speaking the globe are using the MBTI tool to assess to people about the bigger picture. Or maybe their employees and help them match their you are working with large, long term projects 3 when smaller, regular tasks would give you a and established assessment tool is only part of better sense of job satisfaction. Situations can the process. The expertise that Ed brings as a be complicated, a fact not lost on Ed Reust Career Counselor is an opportunity not to be who summarizes the MBTI test as an indicator missed. Based in Teslin at the Administration of patterns. Humans and their personalities Building with Workforce Development, Ed has are varied and not easy to define, but after already started working with a number of Staff. millions of millions of MBTI tests, patterns in personalities start to appear. It is these patterns He is available for appointments and that the MBTI test uses to draw its conclusions consultations. Contact the Workforce – categorizing the results into 1 of 16 possible Development staff or Ed directly on ext. 504 personality types. All TTC Citizens are encouraged Initial sessions take around an hour. The MBTI to get in touch with the Workforce is really the start of the process. It is a great Development Staff to talk over your place to start building your career training and career development options file, Ed will be on hand to help you 390.2532 ex 252 through the assessment and discuss openly other options that are available to help with career guidance and counseling. Participants are invited to focus on the positive aspects and strengths of their personality in the quest for finding an employment position within TTC that best matches them.

Workforce Development is committed to enhancing the capacity of TTC’s workforce and Citizens. This quality

TTC General Council | November wed 23 - Thu 24

Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre, Teslin each day 9 to 5 with an hour for lunch

Agenda highlights

Day One - Departmental Annual Workplans | Discussion of Departmental core budgets Day Two - Passing of Peacemaker Court and Justice Council Act | Appointment of Justice Council Members

Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided Questions? Need help with transport? Contact the TTC Executive Services Department (867) 390 2532 ex 236 | [email protected]

4 Report from TTG

Tle’ Nax T’awei Group (TTG) is the business existing businesses. The fi nancial performance for arm of TTC, owned by the Teslin Tlingit Council the fi scal period ending December 31, 2010 met the Business Trust (TTBT) and with its headquarters expectations of the Board and management. The based in Whitehorse. Tle’Nax T’awei Limited improving economies in the Yukon and North West Partnership (TTLP), Tle’ Nax T’awei Industrial Territories have helped TTG register the largest Limited Partnership (TTLPI) and Yukon Water profi ts to date. Services Limited Partnership (YWSLP) are business holding partnerships, managed by one partner, Tle’ Management & Reporting: TTG businesses are Nax T’awei Inc (TTI). TTG works to provide TTBT managed by a management team consisting of the with a fi nancial return and promote fi nancial self- President, Richard Sidney, Chief Executive Offi cer, suffi ciency for our First Nation. Justin Halowaty, Chief Operating Offi cer, Bill Dallas, Human Resources Manager, Desiree Balderas, The following is a summary of some recent Controller, Kristina Eide and divisional managers. highlights up to October 2011. The management team reports through the CEO and TTBT Activities: The Trustees of the TTBT are President to the TTI Board of Directors, which meets Sam Johnston, Kim Smarch, George Henry, Sarah six to eight times a year. The TTI Board members Johnston and Roberta Jackson. As of the end of are Richard Sidney, Kelly Morris, Carl Smarch, October 2011 the Trustees have met twice and a Riel Sidney, Delores Jackson and Lori Joe. Elder meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2011. Efforts representative Douglas Smarch has retired and the outside of meetings include a review of formal TTC Elder’s Council is in the process of choosing a meeting requirements by George Henry and Stephen replacement. The TTI Board reports to the Trustees Phillips and a review of the TTBT & Tle’Nax T’awei of TTBT four times a year. TTBT and TTG provide Limited Partnership Investment and Capitalization reporting both to General Council and to other parts Policy effective December 2, 2007 (the “TTBT of TTC at the annual Non-Governmental Asset Investment Policy”). A separate report on proposed management meeting each fall. amendments to the TTBT Investment Policy will be presented at the Non Governmental Assets (NGA) Human Resources - TTG is happy to report that this General Council on December 1st, 2011. year almost 10% of our workforce are made up of TTC Citizens. Our plan this year or early next year is Business Activities & The Economy: Since the to coordinate another TTC high school student tour acquisition of Yukon Water Services and Sunset of our local businesses. The full day will consist of Septic (“YWS”) based in Whitehorse and the the students spending time getting to know the jobs Coca-Cola distribution business in Yellowknife/ of our Sr. Management team as well as the General Hay River in April of 2010, TTG has not acquired Managers of each of the respective divisions. The any more businesses. The focus for TTG has students will have an opportunity to ask questions subsequently shifted to managing and growing our and get more information about future career 5 opportunities with TTG thus helping them decide what they may want to do when they graduate. In previous years Need the feedback from the students was very positive and our hope is to conduct another field trip with students before computer the end of the first quarter of 2012. We

will work cooperatively with the TTC Word processing Internet searching help? Education support workers to make this Emailing Publishing Social Networking happen.

Tle’Nax T’awei Limited Partnership Free Computer Tutoring (“TTLP”): As reported there have been no new purchases since April 1,

2010. Rather management has focused on internal growth and improving Drop by Teslin Community Campus: efficiencies, effectiveness and profitability through review and changes. Monday evenings, 5:30pm-9:30pm

Tle’Nax T’awei Industrial Limited Arrange a private tutoring session: Partnership (“TTLPI”) Highlights: The recent move of YWS from Industrial 390-8800 or [email protected] Avenue to the McCrae Subdivision has now brought all the TTLPI operations within blocks of each other, making for better operational control and more Community Access Program efficient management.

Teslin Outfitters Ltd (TOL): Based on Territory on several occasions. direction and support from General Council, TTBT, TTI Board and Management of TTI have been Chilkahit Holdings: TTLP has continued to provide seeking a purchaser for TOL for over a year and it management and administrative services to Chilkahit continues to be marketed for sale. Holdings Limited Partnership (“CHLP”), owners of the Shoppers Plaza and the Tutshi Buildings in Yukon Inn: The Yukon Inn had a good year in 2010 Whitehorse. As reported last year the exterior and and is ahead of the budget plan for the first nine roof of the Tutshi Building were fully refurbished and months of 2011. It also continued to renovate inside the elevators in the Shoppers Plaza were upgraded and outside in order to maintain its market share and refurbished with new cylinders being installed. of business. TTC and TTG have also continued Currently both premises are fully occupied. pressing the other owners to buy TTC’s interests in the Yukon Inn Trust. A more expansive report will be presented at the December 1st NGA General Council, all Citizens Lightning Fire Management: TTG continues to are warmly encouraged to attend. At the NGA GC provide the Company and the administration for the the report will be complemented by a presentation to Fire Suppression seasonal business. Management General Council from TTG and those in attendance was provided by Pat Lindsay. The crew were all will have the opportunity to ask questions. For Tlingit citizens and had one of their busiest years Citizens wanting more information on TTG your first ever due to the fact that they were dispatched out of contact point is the Executive Services Department. 6 New position in heritage Heritage Sites Offi cer

The Heritage Department created a new position and potential for preservation and interpretation of recently - the Heritage Sites Offi cer. these sites. It will also involve consultation with To outline the mandate and to introduce the new the TTC Executive Council and Elders to develop TTC staff member Deslin Neek went directly to policies and priorities around access to heritage the source. The following, is a report from our resources and preservation. Economic and tourism new Heritage Sites Offi cer, Brian Charles. opportunities around heritage resources will also be explored by this position. First, let me say that I am thrilled to be the Heritage Sites Offi cer for TTC. This is a new Since starting with TTC, I have been working position and means that I will be establishing a at becoming more familiar with the community framework within the TTC Final Agreement for and getting to know the Elders. I have been managing land-based heritage resources in the familiarizing myself with existing policies and Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory. procedures and learning about the operation of the TTC government. I have also had opportunities I have lived in Whitehorse for many years and to visit some of the heritage sites in Teslin Tlingit now look forward to spending time in Teslin. In Traditional Territory. the past, I have operated my own businesses and I have recently completed diplomas in Business In late August I travelled with Heritage and Lands Administration and Renewable Resources & Resources staff, as well as TTC Elder Robert Management through Yukon College. Lee Jackson, on Teslin Lake to attempt to visit Johnstontown. Despite having to turn back due This position involves managing land based to bad weather, I was able to see some of the heritage resources including maintaining a landscape and heritage features on the lake south heritage inventory and assessing the condition of Teslin. We all enjoyed Robert Lee’s stories of 7 life on Teslin Lake. The Campagne Aishihik First Nation (CAFN) and the Yukon Government (YG) Heritage Branch invited me to accompany them on an ice patch monitoring survey in early September. Greg Hare from YG Heritage and I flew by helicopter from Whitehorse to Champagne where we picked up Gary Darbyshire with CAFN Heritage. We then flew to various alpine ice patches within CAFN traditional territory to look for artifacts. We found some bones and skulls from A shot from the various mammals but no human artifacts Heritage photo stock on this trip in the alpine. This was a documenting a Heritage great experience for me as TTC has a story of past times. In Sites trip up Teslin trip alpine ice patches within its Traditional Territory as earlier times, when food well. was scarce in the spring, people would remove a strip of bark off a pine or spruce tree and eat the In mid September, I accompanied Lands & inner portion of the bark. Resources staff on their patrols up the South Canol Road where we visited TTC heritage sites at I am currently taking a course in Heritage Resource Sidney Creek and Portage. Later in September, I Management through the University of Victoria to accompanied Ty Heffner from Matrix Research and add a heritage focus to my other management skills. TTC Citizen Sarah Fox on a heritage assessment As part of this course and in conjunction with my of two proposed forestry blocks around Hermit position as Heritage Sites Officer, I am developing Lake. It was interesting to see and learn about the a restoration and management plan for the Freddie culturally modified trees (CMTs) in the area. Johnston house. I would appreciate any information or stories that relate to the Freddie Johnston house. A coniferous tree with a strip of bark removed from about shoulder height to the ground, it could be a Part of my position involves working with a TTC CMT. Some CMTs are known to date back to the Citizen who may be interested in becoming more mid 1800s and are a heritage resource that tells involved with the Heritage Department. I’m looking forward to this mentoring opportunity and encourage anyone who may be interested in pursuing a career in heritage resource management to contact me at the Heritage Centre at ext. 384.

I look forward to becoming more involved in the community of Teslin and I thank you for the warm welcome that has been extended to me.

Gunalsheesh.

Heritage cabin on up Brian can be reached at the Heritage Teslin River Centre or by calling 390 2532 ext 384 8 36 Sawmill Road | 8pm | $20 | 390.2810

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B�es��ng� �n� G�n�l���e�� t� y�� ��� . Carol 9 Happy 2nd Birthday Olivia with lots of love from Mom and Dad

Commercial Loans Self Employment Programs Yukon Mircro Loan Program Feasibility Study Workshops General Business Advice

Citizens can contact staff at WorkForce Development for further information about Dänä Näye Ventures and how they can help turn your business ideas into a reality.

Christmas Craft Sale Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre

December 6th, 2011 3 to 8pm

no charge for tables | call 390-2532 (382) to book yours

systemCanada 101 court

Supreme Court • highest court in Canada of Canada • fi nal court of appeals in the Canadian justice system sits in Ottawa • court sees less than 100 cases a year

• Yukon cases that reach this far go to the BC Court of Appeal Court of Appeal which can sit in Vancouver and sits in Vancouver and Whitehorse Whitehorse • hears appeals from Supreme Court of Yukon and Yukon Territorial Court

• the court of general jurisdiction for the Yukon Supreme Court of • hears both civil and criminal cases Yukon • hears appeals from the Yukon Territorial Court sits in Whitehorse

• deals with most adult criminal cases Yukon Territorial • court also hears all young off ender matters and Court prosecutions under Yukon Law • the civil jurisdiction of the court is limited to sits in Whitehorse, provides $25,000 in small claims services in 14 Yukon • will hear cases that are appealed from the TTC communities Peacemaker Court

• the fi rst court to hear cases concerning TTC Peacemaker violations of TTC Laws Court • can be used by all TTC Citizens to solve disagreements sits in Teslin • peacemakers ( judges ) are TTC Citizens using TTC law and Teslin Tlingit customs to make decisions 12

systemCanada 101 court

NOVEMBER 2011 PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR

Treating all staff with dignity and respect is a responsibility shared by all staff at Teslin Tlingit Council. Ultimately we are all responsible of ensuring that no one is subjected to unprofessional behaviour. Engaging in gossip and the use of coarse or intimidating language negatively impacts the very core of our Government. TTC is committed to providing a positive and safe working environment for all employees.

If any employee feels that they are being treated unprofessionally or being bullied, they are encouraged to document the incident(s) and submit a written complaint to the Workforce Development Director. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to have a written report of the incident(s); it is the first step in resolving any situation of this nature.

The TTC Personnel Policy Manual, Section 13, describes the process for making complaints and the 3 step process that we can use to reach a resolution.

Professionalism in the workplace is crucial, and it starts with you.

TTC would like to suggest the following guidelines:

• Respect yourself.

• Respect others and their rights.

• Do not gossip.

• Keep inappropriate and coarse language out of the workplace.

• Maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal lives.

TTC has professional counsellors available to help when workplace or personal stress threaten to affect your work performance, including your relationship with coworkers. Please, take advantage of Lyle or Barb’s expertise whenever you need or whenever your supervisor suggests this may be of benefit to you.

Remember to apply the workplace golden rule - treat others as you would like them to treat you.

James Smarch Workforce Development Director

Be a good example to coworkers

BE A GOOD EXAMPLE TO COWORKERS Update on the Receation Programmer

The end of October saw a fun packed weekend In June, at a joint TTC-VOT meeting Chief in the community. Jean-Michel, the new Rec- Peter Johnston handed over a cheque for the amount of $65,000 reation Programmer, did a commendable job (see photo below). This fund is to allocated to the Recreational putting on a spooky Halloween themed couple Programmer and towards community recreational activities for of days. the coming year. Chief Peter Johnston with Mayor Starting Friday evening, over 40 parents and For a number of years TTC have of Teslin Clara Jules helped fund VOT’s community children gathered at the RecPlex for an evening - June 2011 at the of thrills and chills. There were lots of activities recreational programs. However, Heritage Centre to keep everyone entertained including pump- with this cheque, kin carving and music. Another highlight for TTC and VOT the children (and a few adults) was the haunted have entered a house. The RecPlex stage had seen a complete more formal joint makeover with a veritable forest of willows commitment dividing the stage from the fl oor. Behind this towards making indoor forest lay traps, tunnels and dark, scary Teslin a healthier, corners for the children to explore. Healthy more active snacks were on hand to keep the energy levels and closer knit high. After nearly four hours and a tremendous community. amount of enjoyment everyone started to head home.

Saturday night the volume went up and the lights down, as the adults crawled out in their zom- bie costumes to celebrate Halloween. A strong showing from the community was comple- mented by some truly elaborate and high quality costumes. A well managed bar was available with all sales going to the Teslin Minor Hockey Association. The entry fee will be channelled separately back into the Recreational fund. The opportunity to let off some steam was welcomed by all. Slowly but surely pink wigs and white wings fi lled the dance fl oor as Teslin started to get its groove on. At the end of the evening des- ignated drivers came forward and folks headed out. The evening has been roundly held up as a success and similar community dances are hope- fully in the pipeline.

A warm thank you has to go out to Jean-Michel and those who helped out over the weekend.

14 •The majority of students also Presentation to Teslin School Council self-rated their health as ‘good or ��� He�l�� � Y�k��’� C��l���� excellent’

Just this week the Teslin School Council Areas of concern welcomed Paula Pasquali, Direction of Ms. Pasquali stressed the importance that when Community Health Programs from the we are working with children it is important Government of Yukon to Teslin. The meeting to start with the strengths and positives. By saw a strong att endance from the community concentrating, initially, on the strengths we with school staff , school council members can more eff ectively identify the areas that and several employees of TTC present. Ms. need att ention and extra concentration. The Pasquali effi ciently ran the group through a title of the report indicated the health angle 2011 report entitled ‘The Health of Yukon’s of the survey. However it was clear to see the Children’. educational slant as Ms. Pasquali demonstrated the strong link between the health of the child The report presented results from a survey of and their academic achievement. Health children grades 6 to 10 Yukon students. The data for perform bett er at school. Conversely, a healthy, the report was gathered in 2009 and included positive school environment can go a long way students from across the Territory in both rural to improving the health of the student. This communities and Whitehorse. Ms. Pasquali unavoidable connection between health and was keen to see if the results matched the education means the school is ‘an ideal sett ing to reality of student life that the adults saw in strive for both.’ Teslin. The fi rst concern that the report dealt with The report began with the good news that was the extent of bullying in Yukon schools. The needed to be highlighted with regards to results indicated a culture of bullying in the Yukon student: Yukon, both rurally and in Whitehorse. Nearly 8 in 10 Grade 6-8 girls living in rural Yukon report •Low use of glue, solvents abuse was reported. that they had been bullied at some point over the last 12 months. Of the students who admitt ed to •Few daily smokers among young students committ ing bullying - rural boys grade 6-8, were the highest catagory at 7 out of 10. •Condom use and knowledge is good which is important considering that the report indicated These results opened an extensive group that 33% ( 3 out of 10) grade 9 and 10s are discussion. The Council agreed that bullying sexual active in rural Yukon. in Teslin is on the decreased. Teslin School has seen a tremendous eff ort and a ‘shift in thinking’ •Students reported generally good access within its staff on the issue of bullying. A to material resources in their family life. number of schemes and new approaches have This included access to computers, vehicles, seen, in the opinion of educators and parents, a vacations. Very litt le diff erence were noted decrease in bullying. The survey indicated that in this regard between rural and Whitehorse the major forms that bullying took ranked ‘name based students. calling and teasing’, ‘lies and rumours’ and ‘being excluded’ in the top three with reasons connected •Virtually all kids reported that they enjoyed to ‘religion’ and ‘ethnicity’ ranking at the bott om. to various extents quality friendships and felt Questions related to cannabis use that they lived in ‘safe neighborhoods’. were only asked of grade 9 – 10 students. 15 30 to 40 % of students, both male and female, age range feel disconnected to school and are reported having smoked cannabis ‘in the last closer than other to either mentally or physically 30 days’. A worryingly high statistic was that ‘dropping out’ from their education. Ms. Pasquali 3 in 10 of rural boys indicated a consistently was keen for the group to refl ect back on these frequent use of cannabis. Consistently frequent results being presented and ask themselves if this use was defi ned as 6 times in the last 30 days – represents the reality in Teslin. that is over once a week. As with bullying, these statistics initiated a lively group discussion. It The fi nal area of the survey touched on students was mentioned that cannabis, as a drug, had eating habits. Results indicate that rural changed signifi cantly over the years to the strong students tend to be less likely to eat breakfast form that we see today – often laced with other before school and equally unlikely to eat dinners drugs and chemicals. together with their families. In response to the question, ‘do you go to school or bed hungry?’ The impact of smoking cannabis on student’s 4 in 10 rural grade 6-8 boys answered ‘yes’. academic performance was also mentioned, as Slightly less, 3 in 10 for grade 6-8 rural girls and well as the noted potential for mental health grade 9-10 rural girls and boys. The importance concerns. Overall the group concluded that this of having dinner with your family was stressed was an area of concern that needs the att ention of by Ms. Pasquali. It is known that the ensuring the community. children enjoy a family meal can provide a large range of positive infl uences. The relationship The survey also asked students to indicate if between the child and their parent or care giver is they felt cigarett es, alcohol and cannabis had the relationship that most defi nes the health and negative eff ects on their health. The results the academic performance. This is well above the showed that a vast majority (nearly 85%) relationship with the school, their friends and the expressed that cigarettes were bad for media. them – a promising number. Slightly lower, around 80% of students on average said that they Overall, those in att endance felt that the results thought alcohol was bad for them. Ms. Pasquali were reasonably accurate. Certain reservations continued by indicated that a low number – only such as the sample size, the age of the data and 70% - of Grade 9 and 10 students understood the potential for students to give inaccurate cannabis use as negatively impacting their health. responses to the survey’s questions were expressed. Students were also asked about their The results and the shared experiences from the emotional health and well-being. They group illustrated that change can happen. Ms. were asked if they ‘felt sad or hopeless almost Pasquali commented on the strong turnout and every day for 2 weeks or more during the past 12 the impression that many in att endance clearly months and stopped doing some usual activities’. demonstrated concern of the welfare of children The question alluded to asking the students in Teslin. She was also keen to express the positive to indicate if they had experienced feelings of culture that already exists in Teslin. Indeed, it is clear depression. The highest category of students in that there are many successes to refl ect upon and the staff at Teslin School are working smart, working this regard was rural grade 9 and 10 girls, where hard and working together on many of the issues 1 in 3 girls answered ‘yes’ to the above. touched upon during the evening. However, it is as a community at large where we have much more room In response to the question ‘is school a negative for improvement. Community members and parents experience’, or more specifi cally, do teachers care are actively encouraged to get involved, share their about you as person, there was a big dip down to ideas and off er their time and energy to improving only 1 in 3 of grade 9 and 10 boys in rural Yukon. the health and academic success of all our children. The results indicated that many students in this it starts and ends with all of us respect politeness, understanding, honour and care shown towards someone or something that is considered important truth a proven statement, shared with sincerity and integrity gossip a casual conversation about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true

all TTC staff working with respect, for a Government built on truth, not gossip. 18 Deslin Neek The voice of the Teslin Tlingit Council

Issue 12 - Sep/Oct 2011

Deslin Neek warmly welcome comments, submissions, letters and photographs. We are also available for community announcements and promotions through free advertising. Please note, we reserve the right to edit submissions for accuracy, length and relevance.

Editor: Ian Freeman Communications Coordinator Teslin Tlingit Council (867) 390-2532 ex. 225 [email protected]

Deslin Neek is published in house and bi-monthly by the Teslin Tlingit Council.

Teslin Tlingit Council Box 133 Teslin, Yukon Y0A 1B0

Thank-you to all the participants in 2011’s Breast Cancer Awareness march! Thanks to a TTC Citizen for her generous donation. - from Jade!19 TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY (2011.11.01)

EXECUTIVE HEALTH & SOCIAL (f. 390.2204) (f. 390.2130; Justice 390.2175; ELCC 390.2334) Chief Executive Officer Peter Johnston 222 Director Kyle Kennan 330 Deputy Chief Vacant 251 Administrative Assistant Charlene Peters 334 Executive Director Doug Hogan 264 TFA Intake Clerk Lisa Boutilier 426 Executive Manager Brenda Oziewicz 484 Home Support Worker Dalelyn Secord 331 Executive Assistant Ellen Fournier 236 Health Manager Vacant 327 Executive Office Clerk Sarah Fox 451 Home/Com. Care Coordinator Jade McGinty 323 Executive Elder John Peters Sr. 490 Traditional Counsellor Mary Rose Sydney 329 Councillor (Dèshìtàn) Alex Oakley 236 Wellness Counsellor Lyall Herrington 518 Councillor (Kùkhhittàn) Sandy Smarch 236 Meals on Wheels Coordinator Vacant 333 Councillor (Yanyèdí) Duane Gastant`Aucoin 236 ELCC Manager Patty Wiseman 421 Councillor (Ishkìtàn) Kristyne Geddes 236 Aboriginal Head Start Instructor Natalie Derrick 436 Councillor (Dakhl’awèdí) Isabelle Dewhurst 236 Prenatal Coordinator Jodi Jules 324 Justice Negotiator Georgina Sydney 257 Justice Coordinator Annie Johnston 322 Mgr, Internal Communications & Policy Sarah Wagner 498 Public Phone 332 Communications Coordinator Ian Freeman 225 Receptionist Mildred Jackson 221 CAPITAL & INFRASTRUCTURE Boardroom 485 (f. 390.2164) Public Phone 486 Director Vacant 234 Office Manager Vacant 227 IMPLEMENTATION & NEGOTIATIONS Housing Clerk Wanda Jackson 253 Director Kim Smarch 425 Project Manager Tod Smarch 263 Materials Manager Dick Horne 247 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Property Manager Randy Keleher 248 (f. 390.2176) Maintenance Mike Smarch 248 Director James Smarch 497 Maintenance Daniel Morin 248 Administrator Valerie Tizya 252 Maintenance / Security Mike Callaghan 479 / 386 Human Resources Specialist Judy Corley - Custodian Joseph Smith 245 Recruitment & Staff Relations Officer Vacant 255 Light Duty Mechanic Vacant 483 Staff Skills Development Officer Roanna Gleason 499 Community Skills Development Officer Darlene Skookum 242 HERITAGE Career Counselling / Coaching Edmond Ruest 504 (f. 390.2156) Senior Education Support Worker Robin Smarch 239 Director Tip Evans 383 Education Support Worker (Whitehorse) Lenora Minet 667.8665 Administrative Assistant Roberta Jackson 390 School Elder Tim Dewhurst 390.2570 Business / Marketing Manager Lisa Dewhurst 382 School Elder Sam Johnston 390.2570 Community Arts Coordinator Vacant - Boardroom (Administrative Building) 256 Heritage Sites Officer Brian Charles 384 Language / Culture Coordinator Doug Smarch Jr. 244 FINANCE Reception 381 (f. 390.2413) Elder’s Room 243 Director Pat Wiens 229 Senior Finance Officer Bernadette Wolfe 231 YUKON MINE TRAINING ASSOCIATION Finance Supervisor Kristyne Geddes 493 (f. 390.2508) Finance Officer Darryl Kremer 228 Training Liaison Worker Brandy Greenwood 387 Finance Administrative Assistant Claudia Huber 230 Payroll Officer Carlene Hycha 233 TLE’NAXT’AWEI LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Accounts Payable Jody Sydney 506 (f. 390.2128; 456.4807) A/R & Collections Officer Matthias Liniger 496 President Richard Sidney 456.4202 Banks/Investment Officer Sharon Sterritt 258 Chief Executive Officer Justin Halowaty 456.4202 Citizenship / Records Administrator CJ Marian Sheldon 477 Chief Operations Officer Bill Dallas 456.4502 IT Manager Rick Scramstad 240 Human Resources Manager Desiree Balderas 456.4202 IT Trainee Jocelyn Boutilier 451 Teslin Outfitting Manager Ken Reeder 333.5455 Whitehorse Beverages Manager Kelly Kirby 667.2273 LANDS & RESOURCES Klondike Business Solutions Manager John MacPhail 668.3082 (f. 390.2116) New West Technologies Manager Paul Scholz 668.4054 Director Blanche Warrington 424 General Waste Management Manager Clayton Hadley 633.3138 Administrative Assistant Kendra Sallis 427 Yukon Inn Manager Brenda Riis 667.2527 Renewable Resources Manager Tracy Boyes 428 Lands & Environment Officer Richard Mueller 430 Fish & Wildlife Officer Mike Dunn 429 Brooks Brook 390.2280 GIS Administrator Linda Sidney 422 Yukon College - Teslin Campus 390.8800 Game Guardian Richard Dewhurst - TTC Whitehorse Office 456.4806 / f. 668.7994 Game Guardian Roger Smarch - Thomas Cook Travel 668.2867 Yukon Government 1.800.661.0408 Yukon Inn 667.2527 / 1.800.661.0454