VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013

Wishing you all Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings

DAKOTA OJIBWAY TRIBAL COUNCIL

“Indian control of Indian Development”

Long Plain First Nation Waywayseecappo First Nation

Swan Lake First Nation Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation

Birdtail Sioux First Nation Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation

DOTC Room 230 - 5010 Crescent Rd. West, P.O. Box 338, , R1N 3B7 | PH: 204-239-8650 | Email: [email protected] | www.dotc.mb.ca

Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Chairman’s Message Message from the CEO Annual ReportChief Francine Meeches Robert Daniels 2008 Chair- 2009 / DOTC Council of Chiefs CEO/Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Arising from the Annual General Meeting on October 25, 2013 held in I am pleased to provide a brief overview of the major activities undertaken by Waywayseecappo First Nation, I am honoured to serve as Chair of the DOTC Council DOTC Administration and Finance. These are in addition to the normal duties of Chiefs. Chief Russell Beaulieu and Chief Dennis Meeches will serve as Vice- and efforts required for the operation of the organization. Chair and Secretary-Treasurer respectively. Together, the DOTC Council of Chiefs looks forward to working on behalf of the Tribal Council and also meet needs and Aviva Community Fund Competition- for the second year DOTC and its expectation as expressed individually or collectively by our respective . partners competed in order to win $150,000 for its project idea- “DOTC- These are exciting times for the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council as it will be celebrating Ranger-DOPS Sports and Education Initiative for the Youth” that would benefit its 40th year in 2014. During 2014 as well, Yellowquill College will be celebrating students in schools based in the DOTC communities. It is a competition in its 30th year. How opportune as our future lies first and foremost with education. which individuals vote on-line to support their favourite ideas. Despite our Education is and must be a priority if we are to provide hope and progress to our First best efforts, we were not able to convince our members to mobilize and vote Nations and its members. The youth need to be accorded attention- this is no longer for our idea. We do feel that DOTC can win this competition but; it requires a choice. It is a must! On this front, I along with the other members of the Council buy-in and support from us all. Disappointingly, our best efforts fell short. of Chiefs, am fully supportive of the DOTC Strategic Plan 2012-22 that prioritizes in Meetings with Program Managers- the quarterly-based program managers order of importance- education, employment and economic development. meetings will from here-on be augmented with meetings with individual To reiterate, the Tribal Council has identified and is committed to three main priorities- Program Managers. This is to ensure that there is effective communication education, employment and economic development. If our members are to progress and, that any issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner. and have improved economic opportunities, we all must work together towards the realization of these three main priorities. For our part at the DOTC, when delivering Conferences- the CEO and the Director of Operations attended two conferences the services, all programs must have in mind to how each can directly or indirectly in Toronto- Indigenous Issues in Post-Secondary Education: Transition to the participate and contribute towards realization of one and/or all three priorities. Workplace, October 6 & 7, 2013 and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Private Sector Liaison Educational Forum, October 28 & 29, 2013. Yellowquill College is in the midst of its strategic planning. I, along with some of the The conference on post-secondary education for us confirmed that there is Chiefs, did attend the proceedings on November 1st, 2013. I was struck both by the a need to both inform our students and create appropriate means so that commitment and passion that the staff (and indeed the Leadership) has for the College they too can avail better economic and employment opportunities through and its accomplishments to date. However, I was also impressed by the appreciation consideration to science, technology, engineering and maths. There is a and recognition that the College must work to be relevant (while retaining its focus critical under-representation from our students in these domains. There on culture and tradition) in meeting the needs of our students/communities for the is a need for us all to be aggressive and proactive in finding ways to get 21st century beyond. Towards this end, as referenced elsewhere, a YC Working students interested in these areas. The Policing conference addressed the Group on Strategic Directions and Priorities has been established to provide the issue of public-private partnerships for provision of services. The Director of necessary support to facilitate the work that needs to be undertaken by the College. Operations also attended a seminar by Dr. Martin Brokenleg on “Reclaiming Chaired by Robert Daniels/Chief Executive Officer, the first meeting has taken place our Youth: The Circle of Courage”. and, on monthly basis, over the coming months, meetings will take place to address specific issues and tasks that have been identified for consideration. Advisory Services- DOTC Administration and Finance worked with Chief On behalf of the DOTC Council of Chiefs, the Tribal Council congratulates and offers and Council and, Senior Administration of Birdtail Sioux First Nation. Two its best wishes to Chief and Council and the membership of Waywayseecappo meetings were held. All required and/or requested documentation has First Nation. After a long drawn out effort, the First Nation has been successful in been completed and forwarded for use by Chief and Council. As part of replacing the police services by the RCMP. Effective April 2014 (or thereafter), police on-going major workshops in each of the five areas of advisory services- services will be offered by the Dakota Ojibway Police Service. Again, this takes place the fourth workshop on Understanding First Nations Taxation: A Leadership in 2014- the 40th year of celebration of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council. Workshop, was held on November 29, 2013 in . Participants were representative of the Leadership, Administration and Economic Areas from “Indian control of Indian Development”, the above initiatives (and others referenced each of the DOTC member First Nations. The final workshop will be in the in this newsletter) are a great stepping stone to the next 40 years. first quarter of 2014 and, it will focus on Project Management. Finally, I too express my appreciation and thanks to the DOTC staff for its commitment First Nations Education Act Community-based Information Session (January and dedication to the work each undertakes on behalf of DOTC First Nations and its 2014)- DOTC has been again requested by AANDC to undertake on membership. The DOTC Council of Chiefs wishes everyone best wishes for the its behalf a follow-up session to the one in September 2013. It will take festive and holiday season. Merry Christmas and may 2014 be one of health, peace place on January 15, 2014 at the Keeshkeemaquah Conference & Gaming and prosperity for one and all! Centre, Long Plain/Portage. Technically oriented in its approach, this time

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1 VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013

CEO Message continued from page 1...

representation and participation will be sought from the Leadership, Band Administration, Principals, Education Authorities and Guidance Counsellors. Focus will be two-fold namely the “deconstruction of the First Nations Education Act” and compiling an effective communication strategy by which to affect the required changes. The session will be open to all First Nations located in the southern Manitoba. Land Environmental Action Fund Program (2013-14) - as per terms and conditions of the program, a two-day workshop on “First Nations and Participation in the Green Economy – Communication, Capacity, Creating Opportunity” was recently delivered on 19th and 20th November 2013. Developed and facilitated by David Lane, the workshop focused on capacity, capability and opportunity. Day 1 addressed both the high-level and specific examples of projects initiated by First Nations in Manitoba and elsewhere in . Day-2 in , it had a on-site and practical hands-on focus in respect to the housing initiative on improved efficiencies and savings of energy (and resources). The main deliverable of this project will be 2 issues of Newsletters focusing on “Green Economic Initiatives and Outlooks” and; secondly, a “tool-kit” on small, medium and large sized projects by which the DOTC communities (and other First Nations) can assess and evaluate their ongoing or future projects. Another initiative, sometime in January 2014, there will be school-based presentations and hands-on interactions on issues of environment and green economy to teachers and students in some of the DOTC communities. Language Classes- under terms of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres program for 2013-14, DOTC Administration has contacted and made a call to the school principals in DOTC communities, if they are interested in implementing language classes for January-March 2014. A school-based initiative, it can be open to community members. We have received enthusiastic response from some while we await the same from others. Enhanced Service Delivery Project- As referenced elsewhere in this newsletter, DOTC Administration has provided the required assistance and support to the two partners- Dakota Ojibway Health Services and Social Development Program. Finally, DOTC Administration together with the Leadership expresses it appreciation to all staff members for their commitment and dedication in working to meet the needs and expectations of our member First Nations and its larger membership. We wish everyone greetings for the festive season. Have a safe and restful holiday and, we will be ready to go again in 2014!

D.O.T.C. EDUCATION & COUNSELLING SERVICES December is a busy and happy time of the year for the students as they prepare for the holidays with exams and looking forward to the holidays to be with their families. We are striving for success and keeping within the strategic goal of providing services to all First Nation students to achieve their goals. We are very proud to congratulate the following students who have graduated and found employment in their field of training: Amanda Reid, Birdtail Sioux First Nation – Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is now employed by the Capital District Health Authority, specializing in the field of oncology nursing and is working with clients that have health issues such as leukemia or lymphoma. Angela Chalmers, Birdtail Sioux First Nation – Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree with Distinction from University of Australia. She is a scientist now and is ready for employment. Linda Eastman, Canupawakpa Dakota Nation – Bachelor of Education degree. Linda is a former D.O.T.C. Education student who, on September 9th, 2013, received recognition and the teacher excellence award for her contribution to the Fort La Bosse School Division and the community for 34 years of service. We celebrate and share their accomplishments. They are role models for the upcoming youth entering post-secondary education and may not know what career path they want to take. D.O.T.C. Education provides services to all First Nation students who drop in at our office, located at #2 – 345 – 10th Street, Brandon. You can also call our office at 204-729-3610 and leave your name and address so that we may mail you an application package. All D.O.T.C. offices will be closed as follows: Friday, December 20, 2013 – Office closed at 3:00 p.m. December 23, 2013 – January 2, 2014 – Offices Closed January 3, 2014 – All offices will re-open We want to remind the students that the office will be open on December 30, 2013 for the students to pick up their January 2014 student allowance. M.I.E.A. will also be open on December 30, 2013 for any students attending educational institutions in Winnipeg. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year from D.O.T.C. Education!

2 VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013 LAND ENVIRONMENT ACTION FUND PROGRAM

The Environment and Our Economy LEAF Workshop, 19-20 November 2013

Knowledge of sustainability, natural ecological systems, cycles, and processes is intrinsic to living off the land, and endures through a moral commitment to taking from the Earth according to need and not desire. What traditional culture and society has long been aware about through teachings and practice, modernity and scientific-rationality is now appreciating: the well-being and sustainability of the larger society is better assured if it lives in harmony with nature, rather than aiming to master and manipulate it. Ultimately, our economy is only a smaller subset of the broader environment, though intimately connected.

The main outcome of the 2013 Lands Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) Project is to conceptualize, develop, and deliver a Green Economic Development Toolkit for the six DOTC member First Nations. Some of the potential environmental topics will include: wind, geothermal, solar and other green energy projects; improved land use, sustainable farming and forestry; hunting, fishing, and food cooperatives; efficient transportation; better water use and management; greener buildings; cultural and ecotourism; natural cleaners and cosmetics, and recycling and waste management.

In order to introduce the project and discuss potential opportunities for green economic development that are unique to DOTC communities, a two-day workshop was held with representatives from each community.

Day 1 of the workshop, held in Portage la Prairie, provided an opportunity for knowledge sharing around emerging green economic opportunities, recent changes to Candian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), the EcoEnergy Program, Climate Change Adaptation Program and presentation and discussions around the draft Green Economic Development Toolkit.

Day 2 of the workshop, held in Swan Lake First Nation, allowed participants to review and discuss the Swan Lake Housing Program, geothermal, and submerged attached growth reactor (SAGRs) wastewater treatment technology. It also provided a hands-on tour and demonstration of some equipment and technology available for improving energy efficiency.

This workshop provided members with insight into possible business or entrepreneurial related opportunities that could be explored in an economy that is knowledge-based, and increasingly responsive to issues of environment and sustainable development. Furthermore, an interactive and participatory approach provided members and leadership with an opportunity to explore and propose solutions that may be “outside of the box”, and initiated a forum for sharing successes and challenges that others have faced with green initiatives.

David Lane DMCL Environmental

There is a road in the hearts of all of us, hidden and seldom traveled, which leads to an unkown, secret place. The old people came literally to love the soil, and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power. Their teepees were built upon the earth and their altars were made of earth. The soul was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing. That is why the old Indian still sits upon the earth instead of propping himself up and away from its life giving forces. For him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of life and come closer in kinship to other lives about him. ~ Chief Luther Standing Bear ~

Man’s heart away from nature becomes hard. ~Standing Bear ~

You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves. ~ Unknown ~

3 VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013

DOTC SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM YELLOWQUILL COLLEGE

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PHASE IV

The fourth year of the youth leadership program commenced November 4, 2013 and will end March 31, 2014. This program will provide, youth18-30 years of age, training in various capacities in First Seasons’ Greetings from Yellowquill College staff and Nation program areas. Mentors were identified in programs Income students! Assistance, Employment and training, and Health. In Manitoba Region 25 youth were selected and two coordinators. The following are youth Our activities since the September newsletter include a staff- wide strategic planning session on November 1st. This and their mentors in DOTC area: planning session included Chief Francine Meeches, Chief YOUTH MENTOR Nelson Bunn, Chief Russell Beaulieu, Waywayseecappo First Nation Council member Wallace Clearsky, DOTC Elisabeth Assiniboine Gerald Assiniboine-IA staff members Robert Daniels, Anupam Sharma and Irene Tennile Daniels Lorraine Daniels- E&T Graveson as well as Yellowquill College staff. Invited students were Melanie Garcia (CFS program) and Angela Prince-Smoke Paige Martin Leah Roulette-IA (First Nation Management and Administration). This planning session focused, among other things, on our vision statement Casey Richard Cathy Spence- E&T and mission statement. We also discussed future Yellowquill Veronica Cameron Barb Hobson-IA College planning. Our next strategic planning session will be held in the near future. Terri Lee Scott Myrna McIvor- E&T

Jaycee Seenie Jason Johnson-IA

Deidre Clearsky Denise Mentuck-IA

COMPLIANCE REVEIWS UPDATE

Pre-compliance review was done on the Income Assistance Program at Long Plain.

ENHENCED SERVICE DELIVERY AND FIRST NATION JOBS FUND January 27, 2014 is our next intake for M12, Business Social Development and Dakota Ojibway Health Services partnership Certificate and First Nation Management and Administration. will coordinate and assist Long Plain, Sandy Bay,and Swan Lake First Call (204) 953-2800 for more details or visit our website at Nations on active measures. The project focus is on youth 18-24 years, www.yellowquill.org. on Income Assistance that want training and employment. Also ,the project involves the First Peoples Development Inc. through the First We can come to your community to present information on Nation Jobs Fund. The project duration is 1.5 years. our programs. Please call Bernice Rundle-Hotomani (204- 953-2800) for more information or Jocelyne Stockwell for workshop information.

Again, Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year.

Doreen Beauchamp, Tim Wasicuna, Director, Social Development Director/Yellow Quill College 1-204-855 2921 1-204-953-2800

4 VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013 DAKOTA OJIBWAY HEALTH SERVICES

Seasons Greetings from DOHS!

We would like to welcome a new addition to the DOHS Team. James Queskekapow has joined the DOHS Case Management Initiative Pilot Project to assist with the completion of the 2013-2014 Work-plan. James comes with a Case Management Coordination experience under Active Measures from working in the Keewatin Tribal Council region. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution Studies and a Master’s Degree in Native Studies. Welcome James!

In 2012 DOHS was successful in initiating a collaborative relationship with the DOTC Social Development Department. This was the first partnership of its kind in Canada and represents a Tribal Council level example of Active Measures in action. This “partnership” provided the foundation for a collaborative approach to AANDC Income Assistance Reform by our two departments, co-writing and submitting a proposal to the Enhanced Service Delivery / First Nation Job Fund project opportunity which is awaiting final approvals. This new project includes three DOTC communities (Swan Lake First Nation, Long Plain, First Nation and Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation) with the potential to incorporate others as the project moves into year 2 and 3. A Project Information Session and Community Planning Meeting is planned for December 3 & 4 2013.

The DOHS Nursing Programs have secured additional funding for capacity building opportunities for community nursing teams. To meet the needs identified by DOTC Nurses, “Mental Health First Aid Certification” will take place in February 2014. The certified training will help to enhance the participant’s knowledge on the mental health aspects of care so that our nurses can provide a more holistic approach to care.

To the two youth from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation and front line worker Tracy Skywater, DOTC presented awards and gifts for their courage in participating in the suicide prevention video developed in partnership with Teen Talk-Klinic. The community of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation also honored Darwin Ironstand, our NAYSPS Coordinator for his work and the support he offered to the Youth along this journey. DOHS would also like to honor and recognize Darwin Ironstand for his hard work and dedication in the area of Youth Suicide Prevention.

Litonya Scott -Director of Health 1-204-988 5379

ON-RESERVE HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE

The Tech Services unit has been busy with the following projects.

Birdtail Sioux First Nation 1 Burnout unit

Canupawakpa Dakota Nation 2 - RRAP

Dakota Tipi 1- PCR

3- RRAP Swan Lake First Nation 1 – Sec 95 4 – RRAP 5D – Sec 95 project just wrapping up

5E – Sec 95 project beginning December 1, 2013 Waywayseecappo First Nation 1 RRAP 3 – RRAP 2- RRAP Surplus Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation 3 – Sec 95 0-Sec 95 0-RRAP We have also been doing inspections for all the First Nations, DOTCHAI, and DOFNHAI when Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation requested. Deferred Sec 95 and RRAP until 2014 John Meechas, Manager 1-204-239 8652 5 VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013 DAKOTA OJIBWAY COMMUNITY SCHOOL MAINTENANCE FUTURES DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (SMTP) CORPORATION (DOCFDC) DOTC-SMTP continues to Greetings to all in our beautiful communities. A few of our undertake the initiatives activities for the past quarter include the following: required to fulfill our Board & Staff Professional Development mandate. These have consisted Implementation On October 22, as part of our on-going strategy to enhance of the Maintenance organizational capacity, the Board and Staff participated in a half-day training session delivered by Community Futures Management Plan Leadership Institute on “Organizational Assessment”. Following the training, we Schedules, Fire Prevention, continued with a day and a half of strategizing to complete our 5 Year Strategic Plan for Mold Remediation, and WHMIS information. This 2014-2019. The staff also attended a workshop on “Know and Grow your Coaching information and hands-on support has also been provided Style” December 3 and Website Content Management Training for a half day on Dec 4th. to the new School Maintenance personnel. Community Events The staff is on the second-round of the on-site visits From October to December we completed our Youth Entrepreneurial Training Sessions to to the schools in the communities served by the SMTP the community schools. It was a pleasure working with our youth and learning some of Program. the important visions they have when it comes to entrepreneurship in their communities. For the quarter we trained 105 students from grades 6-12. A few of the business ideas among other the students would like to see are: Gas Bars, Nail Salons, Clothing Store, DOTC-SMTP has received Emergency calls from various Hair Salon, Banks, Game Store, Restaurant, Bakery, Tattoo Parlor, Pizza Deliveries, schools this year. SMTP has responded via telephone or Singing, Dancing and Art. We thank all the school staff and community members for visiting the schools to resolve the issues inquired about. their assistance and the meal planners for making this project successful! Calls to the SMTP staff have been placed by the School The Acting General Manager participated in the DOTC Program Managers Meeting on Maintenance or Principals. October 15th. Also attended were the DOTC AGM in Waywayseecappo on October 25th, the CANDO Conference & AGM, October 29-31, the National Aboriginal Capital DOTC-SMTP has contacted three different HVAC and Corporation Association (NACCA) GM Meeting, in Ottawa on November 26-28th. Electrical contractors to accompany SMTP to various The staff also attended the DOTC annual X-mas dinner in Portage la Prairie on December community Schools to assist in repairs and forward 20th. basic knowledge in preventative maintenance. These contractors will be on an On-call basis. We look forward Business, Business, Business!! to working with the contractors and hope that together we Interested in starting a business and don’t know where to start? We offer loans from can resolve any issues. $500 to $150,000 for business start-ups, expansions, acquisitions. We can offer resource information and we can point you in the right direction!! SMTP Technician Trainers attended Basic Electrical, If your community is hosting a career fair, trade show, or any training sessions we may Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance course in be part of, please inform us and we can try to make it a joint effort!! Winnipeg on November 18-21, 2013. The course was delivered by American Trainco. SMTP forwarded this Answer the following questions below about our program and you could win a cash course information to all FN Schools in our catchment. prize of $50. Mail your response to our address or email to [email protected]. The correct responses will be entered into a draw and the winner selected on February SMTP was very pleased to have School Maintenance 28th, 2014. The winner will be posted in the next issue of this newsletter. personnel from Oxford House Cree Nation and St. Theresa Point First Nation in attendance as well. In its approach, Questions: the training was hands-on and highly informative. This 1. Who is our Board Member from your community? course will help SMTP to assist School Maintenance 2. Where is our office located? workers with safe and timely solutions for areas such as 3. What is step 3 in the “How to apply Process”? Electrical Panels, HVAC units, Glycol system and motor/ 4. Who are 3 of our Community Development Partners? pumps. For further information on the Community Futures program and services please contact our office at 1-866-988-5373 or check out our website at: www.docfdc.mb.ca DOTC-SMTP staff want to wish everyone a “Safe and FROM THE BOARD AND STAFF WE WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS happy Holidays and a happy New Year”. HOLIDAY SEASON!!

Stewart Meeches, Manager 1-204-871-8344 Charlene Beamin, A/General Manager Ph: 1-204-988-5390

6 VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013

DAKOTA OJIBWAY POLICE SERVICE

These are exciting times for Dakota Ojibway Police Service and the communities we serve. I take this opportunity to

highlight some of the recent organizational changes and provide an update on some of our ongoing initiatives in relation

to our strategic goals and objectives.

The Police Service has recently gone through an organizational restructure at the supervisory ranks. To help provide

at the Departmental level the upmost accountability, we have added a second Inspector who will be responsible

for the operations portion of the Police Service. The other Inspector will be responsible for such matters as policy, DAKOTA OJIBWAY POLICE SERVICES professional standards, training and recruitment, records management and information technology. The other change to theAnnual organization Report is the elimination of the Corporal rank. All the Detachment Commanders will now hold the rank of Sergeant. While the jobApril functi 1, 2009 – Marchon 31,will 2010 be

essentially the same, but expectations will be high and they will work closely with the Inspector I/C Operations to ensure optimum service delivery to the communities. I would like to welcome Inspector Conrad Delaronde to our Police Service. Inspector Delaronde brings a vast amount of experience and expertise from his time with the RCMP and Treaty Three Police Service. 97 The second exciting initiative related to our goal of expanding policing service to other DOTC communities, is the transition into Waywayseecappo First Nation. We have finally confirmed the support of Manitoba Justice for the transition of policing services from the RCMP to DOPS. We have a transition team in place and have commenced meetings with the RCMP and, Chief and Council to develop a transition plan to help ensure the community of Waywayseecappo is best serviced during this transition period. A tentative date of April 1st, 2014 has been set for DOPS to assume primary policing services for the community. Expect further updates as the transition progresses. In keeping with another important strategic goal, “to provide effective policing”, DOPS remains committed to staff development. With respect to training and developmental opportunities, we have recently been focused on supervisory and leadership development. It is my goal to ensure that all our sergeants attend the Senior Police Administrator course (SPAC) offered by the Canadian Police College (CPC). This is a highly recognized course and by the end of 2013 three of our sergeants will have completed the course with the others scheduled to attend in early 2014. Funding for this training has been provided through the Aboriginal Policing Professional Development Fund. In partnership with the RCMP Foundation and the CPC, the Motorola Solutions Foundation has donated $100,000.00 towards the creation of the fund to provide First Nations Police Professionals with much needed specialized police education and training offered by the CPC. In an attempt to enhance communication at the community level, I will be attending the communities providing a community presentation updating the community members on DOPS activities and initiatives. Please take note of dates and times of these presentations when they are posted in your community. On behalf of all the members and staff of the Dakota Ojibway Police Service, I would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season and all the best in the new year.

Meegwetch – Wopida D.A. (Doug) Palson, Chief of Police, Dakota Ojibway Police Service , 1-204-856 5370

DOTC FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM

Greetings from the Fire Prevention Program;

The Fire Prevention Program has started the “Getting to know” fire prevention program in the schools once again. We have completed the nursery and kindergarten classes in the following communities starting in Waywayseecappo, Swan Lake, Roseau River, and Birdtail. Sandy Bay and Long Plain are to follow before the Christmas break.

School and daycare inspections will be coming up in the New Year. Due to budget restraints, these inspections will occur during my upcoming visits to teach the “Getting to Know” fire prevention workshops at the schools.

I would like to welcome Mr. Robert Egachie to the heat of the fire program by becoming the new fire chief for Roseau River First Nation, welcome to the DOTC fire prevention team.

Just some friendly reminders as Christmas is quickly approaching:

1. Make sure there is water in your device that is holding your live tree. 2. Check all extension cords for cracks or faulty ends on the cords. 3. Check all lights on your tree and throughout your home. Stacy Pratt – Fire Prevention Officer DOTC I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (204) 871-5253 or email [email protected]

7 VOL. 4 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2013

DOTC Council of Chiefs & DOTC Staff Wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas Holidays

Please note our offices will be closed on December 20, 2013, 3:00 pm & Reopens on January 3, 2014, 8:30 am

DAKOTA OJIBWAY TRIBAL COUNCIL Open House Thursday, December 19, 2013 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

DOTC Administration & Finance are located at Room 230, on the 2nd Floor, Miskwaanakwadook Place, Long Plain First Nation. (Alongside 5010 Crescent Road West, Portage la Prairie, MB) If you have any inquiries, you can contact our office at Ph: (204) 239-8650 Everyone is invited for Refreshments & Snacks Season’s Greetings