Ohiarihkó:wa / July 2014 Featured Programs

Medicaid Office for the Higher Public Works Service Aging Education Coordination Kawennì:ios

Thompson Brothers Honored

1 Helping Build a Better Tomorrow I Love Rakeni Social Services Division Holds Father's Day Event

By Mona Romeo, Staff Development Coordinator

n June 14, 2014, the Social Services Division HAVFD was kind enough to bring one of their trucks of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe hosted the to the park to allow the children to view and speak to “ResponsibleO Native American Fatherhood Day” at the firemen. Generations Park. The event offered an opportunity to recognize fathers and father figures as well as give Through the combined efforts of the social services fathers and children a day of fun filled activities and division programs, a BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all who games. attended. Some of the activities enjoyed were a scavenger hunt, The afternoon closed with a social by local drummers dunk tank and tug of war. Each father was given a who graciously donated their time. t-shirt with the logo of the event. Drawings were held We also thank Seneca Select and CAA Enterprise for for prizes that we felt fathers would appreciate such as their generous donations that helped make this event a fishing gear, car washing supplies, camping equipment, success. sporting supplies and other similar items. We anticipate that A poster contest was this event will be held held in the weeks prior yearly on the Saturday to the event. Princess before Father’s Day. We Porter had the winning thank all of the fathers poster. She received a and father figures who day trip for two adults brought their families to and four children to celebrate the importance Calypso Water Park. of fatherhood and hope to see you again next year. ◊

Above: Kwiio White from the Akwesasne Group Home Takes A Turn in the Dunk Tank

Left: Joseph White Won the Racing Package

Right: Matthew Benedict and Family All Set for Fishing.

Other Door Prize Winners Not Pictured: Kyle Jacobs - Sports Basket Anthony Tillman - Car Wash Ian Oakes - Gardline Photography 2 Economic Development Welcomes New Director Christopher Thompson Selected

By Allyson Doctor, Communications Department Director

he Office of Economic Development welcomes development and strategic planning. Christopher Christopher Thompson as the new Director. started with the Tribe on Monday June 9, 2014. ChristopherT brings more than a decade of experience to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, most recently Christopher received his BSc in Psychology from from the Mohawk Council of Trent University in 2003 and has studied Economic Akwesasne, where he spent the past Development at the University of two years managing the Economic Waterloo. Christopher is a member Development Program. He moved of the Akwesasne Area Management home to share his expertise in 2012 Board and fulfills the Director role after a decade in London, Ontario. where he is a strong supporter of His federal experience is vast and workforce development. includes working with the Federal Christopher is the son of Jerry and Economic Development Agency Connie Thompson and brother to of Ontario (FEDDEV) as an both Jordan and Kelly Thompson. He Economic Development Officer, the lives with his wife Shannon who is a Federal Economic Development library consultant. of Northern Ontario (FEDNOR), Human Resources and Skills Christopher will focus on Development Canada (HRSDC) developing a strong and diversified and Service Canada. Throughout this economy in Akwesasne and looks time, his experience centers around forward to working with Lindsay First Nations and rural community Tarbell. Two positions will be hired development, workforce development, grants and shortly and the Office of Economic Development will contributions, business services, community economic strengthen its efforts towards attaining economic self- sufficiency. ◊

On the Cover: The achievements of Lyle and is not only historic, but deeply personal to Akwesasne. These young men demonstrate leadership, courage and commitment to the world through our game. Our youth have strong, educated role models. It is an honor to recognize our winners of 2014.

Kawennì:ios “Good Words” is published monthly by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Communications Department, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655 Allyson Doctor - Director / Editor (518) 358-2272 Aimée Benedict-Debo, Publications Manager [email protected] Alyson Cole - Production Assistant www.srmt-nsn.gov 3 Office for the Aging Program Feature

By Allyson Doctor, Communications Department Director

he Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe welcomes volunteerism, and increase efforts to attract younger the experience and commitment Lora Lee seniors with a new image, programming and services. LaFranceT brings to her new role as the Director for the Please join the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in welcoming Office of the Aging. Lora Lee’s entire career has circled Lora Lee to her new position. the coordination of benefits for elders. In her position, Lora Lee states she will be “striving to put ‘Seniors About the Office for the Aging First” and living the mantra, “If it’s good for seniors, it’s The Saint Regis Mohawk Office for the Aging good for everybody.” (SRMOFA) provides senior Lora Lee La France was born services on the Saint Regis and raised in Akwesasne. She is Mohawk Indian Reservation. the daughter of George and Lynn The SRMOFA is centrally La France and the granddaughter located in Tsi Tetewatatkens of Peter and Elizabeth La France building behind the Tribal Police and Mary and Phillip Thompson, Department. Our services include: all of Akwesasne. Lora Lee is a graduate of Salmon River Information and Assistance Central School; she received her The SRMOFA is a central Bachelors of Science from Cornell source for accurate, up-to-date University and her Masters of information on programs, services Business Administration from the and benefits for seniors and University of St. Mary. caregivers. Lora Lee has spent the past Transportation eight years as a certified HIICAP counselor at the Seniors Center, Seniors can request helping seniors understand transportation to and from their and apply for health insurance; Lora Lee LaFrance Named Director home to the seniors’ center for additionally, she operates the the noon meals and activities. NY Connects program, helping elders and disabled Assisted transportation/escort services are also available individuals find and obtain benefits. Previously, she for those who need a ride to appointments. Scheduled worked at Health Services as a facilitated enroller, as a group trips are also available for shopping, banking and patient services coordinator and with First Environment scenic tours and special trips. Research Projects as a Research Support Specialist with the Albany Superfund studies. In-Home Services Lora Lee is very excited to begin her position as Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Director of the Office for Aging. Her priorities are Program (EISEP). Non-medical service that assists to fill vacant staff positions to increase the availability people who are not able to meet their personal care and efficiency of services, revise the mission statement needs independently. Services available can help with to make “Seniors First”, increase collaboration and bathing and housework.

4 Caregiver Services The Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides free, unbiased, Caregiver services are for anyone caring for an elderly confidential assistance with health care questions and or disabled person. They include a monthly caregivers concerns. newsletter and support group. The services are designed to help those families providing care to a frail senior. Services and activities that foster good health, healthy lifestyles and promote physical and mental health. Nutrition Services Medication management consists of activities Nutrition services are intended to promote the health that assist older persons to adequately manage the and well-being of older adults. Meals are served at the medications they are taking and avoid medication center or delivered to the participant's home. Services misuse and/or abuse. can reduce the isolation experienced by many older adults. In addition to the home delivered meals, a weekly Legal assistance is provided by Legal Aid Society breakfast box, supper bag meal, weekend frozen meals of Northeastern New York. The Paralegal provides and shelf stable meals can be provided. Nutrition assistance to seniors with a variety of legal counseling is provided for seniors. issues. Other Services Being active by participating in various activities may prevent the A Maintenance Support seniors from feeling depressed Worker can help those who and lonely. Activities also sparks do not have friends and/ the creative talents of seniors. or family who can assist The Activity Coordinator them with minor home actively promotes various maintenance and repairs. events including Monday SRMOFA can also assist bingo, Ace to King card with building improvements games, Day trips, etc. Seniors and maintenance including are always encouraged to accessibility modification, make suggestions on trips, defined as structural presentations, crafts and other adaptations that meet the activities of their interest. needs of older individuals who have disabling conditions. The Saint Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens Club, Inc. is open to all Seniors age 55 and older. Membership SRMOFA staff assists seniors with in the Seniors Club is not necessary to use SRMOFA referrals by completing applications and gathering Services. The Senior Citizens Club, Inc. is a separate required information for various tribal programs such entity that works with the SRMOFA to achieve as Home Improvement, Energy Assistance and Food common goals. Distribution programs. The SRMOFA Advisory Council is a voluntary group of citizens who provide information, guidance, advice and support to the SRMOFA to develop, coordinate and administer services to older persons. ◊

If it’s good for seniors, it’s good for everybody. " Lora Lee" LaFrance 5 Dirty Filter? Clean It Up! (Read in a British Accent)

By Angela Benedict, Air Quality Program Manager

irt. Now that’s a dirty word, haha! I am not but when dealing with a machine that’s supposed to necessarily talking dirt but dirty filters. How filter air, it is a very big deal. Having a dirty filter on manyD filters do you have in your house? How many your air purifier, air conditioner, furnace, humidifier or filters do you change or clean? dehumidifier can lead to respiratory illness. I think that’s defeating the purpose. It also can cost you more Ok, let's start in the kitchen. How many filters do money by the unit having work harder. you have there? I have a water filter, refrigerator filter and a stove vent filter. I change the water filter every A dirty filter exposes you to dirty air! So what can six to seven months. The refrigerator and stove vent you do to be sure everything is good? Change or clean filter…well, umm. You're supposed to clean those? I the filters regularly. When dealing with a humidifier, it’s haven't ever cleaned or changed them. I never really a little different. Humidifiers deal with water and what thought about it until now. Ok, moving on to the living do bacteria like? Moisture. Depending on the type of room. Do you have a vacuum? Bagless? Well, they have water you use in a humidifier, you can be exposed to filters that need to be cleaned regularly. The point I a multiple number of things. It’s best to use distilled am trying to make is that we all have maintenance that or deionized water rather than tap water because tap needs to be done in order for things to work correctly water can have added chemicals. If the water is from and sometimes it can have a negative effect on our a well, it can contain lots of minerals, iron or have lime health. or calcium deposits. Whatever the water has in it gets suspended in the air for you to breathe. Recently, my technician went into a home with an air purifier. When the homeowner was asked about No matter what you have in your home for now changing or cleaning the filter, it was that deer-in- and for the next seven generations, let’s change out the the-headlight look. Most of the time it's no big deal, filters! ◊ 6 Director of Human Resources Retires After 19 years of Service

By Allyson Doctor, Communications Department Director

hen asked about her next stage in life, Juanita’s Juanita reflects on the early years with the Tribe, when eyes lit up as she spoke about the time she was there were 250 employees. “We now have almost 700 goingW to be able to spend with her ten grandchildren. employees. I love them all. I love that I had the chance Throughout her tenure, she has worked tirelessly to to be part of this exceptional team of people. We are an create a supportive human resources division focused on amazing group who come together for our community employee benefits, payroll and the structure necessary whenever there is a need”, referring to both the programs to take care of a growing workforce, run by the Tribe and the people while recognizing the impact of her who recognize need and go above team directly reflects each and every and beyond to care for community tribal program. Juanita said, “I loved members through fund raisers every minute of my time working and organization. Fond memories at the Tribe. I loved watching us shared include the “kidnapping” grow. It was an absolute honor and a of Tribal Chief Paul Thompson privilege to serve our programs, our during a very difficult period of program managers and the directors time for both our community who work so hard every day to help and our Tribal employees; Juanita our community.” credits Chief Thompson for having the open mind to listen to the needs Juanita came to the Tribe of those employees who serve our from Parks Canada after years community. of experience as the Chief of Compensation and Benefits. Juanita is thankful for her Her knowledge and training was committed team and specifically the catalyst for her transition to recognizes Patti Herne and the Tribe. In January of 1995, Margaret Jacobs for their dedication Alma Ransom hired Juanita as to service. Margaret will be serving Juanita Plans To Spend More a temporary employee. Juanita as Interim Director, a decision Time With Family Like This Cutie, shares her decision to leave Parks Juanita expresses the height of Grandchild Josephine Canada was very personal and confidence in. solely revolved around being able to give up the long commute and "I thank Juanita for the spend much needed time with Juanita has been a opportunity and honor to work her children. With Parks Canada, staunch advocate for all with her these last five years. She Juanita started as a Pay and Benefits was more than just my manager; employees" of the SRMT she was my role model and friend. Clerk, transitioned to a Pay and Verifier Position. She credits the for 19 years. She will Her knowledge, integrity and words years of training, and investment in of encouragement will be deeply her continuing education with her be missed but never missed," stated Interim Director ability to transition to a leadership forgotten. Margaret Jacobs. ◊ position with the Tribe. 7 " Akwesasne Athletes Honored Thompson Brothers and Tarbell 2014 Winners

Excerpted from The Tewaaraton Foundation and Indian Time Newspaper

he Tewaaraton Foundation awarded University This year marks the first time the Tewaaraton Award at Albany attackman ,has been given to two recipients in the same year. UniversityT at Albany attackman Miles Thompson, and University of Maryland midfielder "The Tewaaraton Award is built on a mission to winners of the 14th annual celebrate excellence in the Tewaaraton Award, presented game, recognize the game's Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Native American heritage and the Smithsonian’s National to give back in a meaningful Museum of the American way to the Native American Indian in Washington, D.C. community,” said Jeffrey The Tewaaraton Award T. Harvey, chairman of the annually honors the top male Tewaaraton Foundation. “We and top female college lacrosse are also committed to a set of players in the United States. values that brings honor to the game today and to the heritage A Tewaaraton Award finalist of the sport. First and foremost, for the second consecutive we are proud to recognize year, Albany attackman Lyle these worthy players, the first Thompson led the nation with Native American recipients of 77 assists and 128 points. The the Award.” junior from Onondaga Nation, New York quarterbacked “As this is unprecedented, Albany’s top-ranked offense to we note that the Selection the NCAA quarterfinals. Lyle Committees are made up of joined brother Miles as the the 10 active coaches and are first brother duo to be named overseen by a chairperson. It was Tewaaraton finalists in the determined by the committee same year. to have these two individuals share the game's top award. Part of perhaps the most Their vote was unanimous. Emotional Hug as Brothers Congratulate prolific attack combination We applaud the committee for Each Other in NCAA history, Miles their commitment to the true Thompson ranked first in the purpose of The Tewaaraton nation in goals with 82. The senior from Onondaga Award as it is profoundly meaningful that these two Nation, New York, played his way to first team All- record-breaking players — teammates, brothers and America East honors for a second consecutive members of the Onondaga Nation — are symbolic of season and earned America East Tournament Most the game, its heritage and its future." Outstanding Player honors. 8 Two-way midfielder Taylor Cummings led Maryland including the NYS Section X All American Award, with 63 goals, 128 draw controls, 37 ground balls and Academic All Northern and Section X All Northern. 30 caused turnovers and ranked second on the Terps’ He also plays lacrosse for the Akwesasne Indians Jr. B fourth-ranked offense with 24 assists and 87 points. team and Sweetlax Lacrosse. Tarbell, who will play at The sophomore from Ellicott City, Maryland, and U.S. Cornell in the fall, also has a 4.0 grade point average. Women’s National Team member earned her second Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-America first team and first team All- Alie Jimerson is a member of the Cayuga Nation, ACC honors. Bear Clan, and a two-time captain at Lake Shore (NY) High School. She will play at Albany in the fall, and “We’re thrilled to honor Taylor as the first sophomore has already played for the Haudenosaunee Nation in to win the women ’s last fall's FIL world Cup. Tewaaraton Award,” said Sarah Aschenbach, About The Tewaaraton executive director of the Foundation Tewaaraton Foundation. First presented in “The fact that four of the 2001, the Tewaaraton five finalists, including Award is recognized as the Taylor, competed in preeminent lacrosse award, the national title game annually honoring the top is a testament to the male and female college tremendous work of our lacrosse player in the selection committee and United States. Endorsed we congratulate all five by the Mohawk Nation finalists on their record- Council of Elders and US setting seasons.” Lacrosse, the Tewaaraton Each year, the Award symbolizes Tewaaraton Award lacrosse’s centuries-old celebrates one of the roots in Native American six tribal nations of the heritage. The Tewaaraton Foundation ensures Iroquois Confederacy – Alie and Kason Accepting Their Awards Accompanied by a the integrity and the Mohawk, Cayuga, $5,000 Scholarship Oneida, Onondaga, advances the mission Seneca and Tuscarora – and presents scholarships to of this award. To learn two students of Iroquois descent. more about The Tewaaraton Foundation, visit www. tewaaraton.com. The 2014 Tewaaraton US Lacrosse Native American Scholarships were awarded to Alie Jimerson and Kason "On behalf of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Tarbell. congratulations to the Thompson brothers and Kason Tarbell. Our community is honored to recognize their It is the first time someone from Akwesasne has been dedication to the Creator’s game and their passion is awarded the scholarship. Tarbell is a member of the inspirational and spans beyond the sport of lacrosse. Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the son of Tina Tarbell We look forward to recognizing them and other lacrosse and Will Whelan. He has been playing varsity lacrosse legends later this month at the dedication ceremony at Salmon River Central School for four years and is for the new lacrosse box at Generations Park," offered team captain. Tarbell recently received a slew of awards Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. ◊

9 Just Flush It Out of Sight, Out of Mind

By Shawn Martin, Public Works Manager

hether you are on a public sewer collection 3. If you must use a garbage disposal, use a disposal system or a private septic tank and leach field, that grinds food into easier particles for your septic theW issues remain the same, it really doesn’t just go away. system to digest. Some residents are connected to the public sewer 4. Minimize the use of heavy duty cleaners. collection system (sewer line). Some have a gravity line that is connected to the main “sewer line” while 5. Do not pour grease down the drain. others are connected to a pump system. What gets 6. Do not flush or pour hazardous materials down the sent down your toilet is important to you, to your home, drain. They are a hazard to groundwater. Dispose to our facility and to the environment. of them properly. The following should not be 7. Protect your system. Do not flushed or introduced to any drive over the leach field, build sewer, either directly or through structures on them or cover with a kitchen waste disposal: food, concrete or pavement. glass, goldfish stone, seafood shells, plastic objects, grease, metal, 8. Do plant grass on leach field to sanitary napkins or tampons, minimize soil erosion and keep it diapers, socks, rags, cloth or kitty mowed to prevent weed growth. litter. 9. Perform regular maintenance. In addition, you should Solids must eventually be pumped NEVER introduce these to your from the septic tank. The general system: explosives, flammable rule of thumb is “a family of four material, strong chemicals, with a 1,000 gallon tank should gasoline, lubricating oil, grease or have it pumped after 3-5 years of hypodermic needles. full-time use”. This should be done by a professional hauler because If you are on a private septic tanks hold bacteria and dangerous tank or a D-box/ pump up system gases. Local haulers can be to a leach field, the same rules contracted and is the homeowner’s should apply. There are others that may not seem to responsibility to pay for the service. be all that important but should be well noted. If you are interested in learning more about caring for 1. Divert rainwater away from the leach field: A soggy our water resources, visit the USEPA's website: www. leach field will not drain and absorb liquid waste. epa.gov and select 'Learn the Issues' then 'Water' tabs. 2. Don’t overload your system There you can find the SepticSmart® and WaterSense® links and many really good publications specifically • Check faucets and toilets for leaks geared for homeowners. • Use aerators on faucets • Reduce water levels for smaller loads of laundry You can also contact Planning & Infrastructure at • Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it 518-358-4205 with specific questions about our local • Use a displacer to save the amount of water systems. ◊ needed to flush the toilet. 10 Medicaid Service Coordination Community & Family Services Division Program Feature

By Health R. Kuhn, Medicaid Services Supervisor

The Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) team, important effect and are worthwhile to them. For consisting of Calvan Thomas, Medicaid Services example, an individual who has a love for animals may Coordinator and Heath Kuhn, Medicaid Services do some type of volunteer work two times a week at an Supervisor currently provide services to 51 community animal shelter or pet store. members along with six MCA youth. The entire MSC model is driven on the mindset that The MSC team has done an extraordinary job everything possible is person-centered. The individual at assuring that those whom we serve receive the receiving services drives their service. With this way optimum of care. An MSC is more than an 8:00 a.m. of life, it is essential for the MSC to get to know the to 4:00 p.m. job. An MSC is committed and dedicated individuals support network and the people in the to their particular caseload and, in some instances, individual’s life. An MSC who reaches out to current and support in their colleagues caseloads, 24 hours a day, past individuals from the consumer’s life can discover seven days a week, 365 days a year. patterns of ones life experience and perhaps assist If a consumer is having difficulties Nothing in developing a plan as to where the with their breathing and is escorted consumer wants to go. The MSC to a local hospital, even Fletcher About Me, and the consumer will take action, Allen Hospital in Burlington, try new things, and work together Vermont, the MSC is there. If a Without Me and with other human service consumer sadly finds him or herself professionals, family, friends and in trouble with law enforcement community members to see if and is in Town Court at 2:30 a.m., the plan is effective. If the plan their MSC is there. is flourishing, magnificent. If not, the consumer, in most cases, MSC’s lend a hand with their consumers in making will call for a change in their healthy relationships with either friends and/or family plan. It is important throughout within the community. MSC’s ensure that every this process to develop constructive individual’s life is unique and that their Individualized system supports. This may require the Service Plan (ISP) acknowledges such. An ISP may MSC exploring the community in which the consumer not believe that a particular activity or future goal is in resides as an opportunity for individual growth. that person’s best interest on a professional or personal level but that is irrelevant. We provide the consumer In closing, I feel the MSC Department gives 110% to what he or she wants, “Nothing about me, without the consumers they serve at the Saint Regis Mohawk me.” The MSC’s work at supporting self-reliance and Tribe. They go above-and-beyond to serve their not fostering dependency. We do not take consumers consumers and adhere to Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe grocery shopping, we assist in the coordination of and OPWDD policies, to guarantee services can carry the grocery shopping. The MSC’s uphold a Person on. Centered Planning Process where we capitalize on an individual’s gifts and capabilities. The individual with Should anyone have any questions, concerns or whom the MSC is working with has the opportunity recommendations about the MSC programming, to make choices and express preferences. individuals served or basic questions, please feel free to contact us by phone 518-358-2272 or email heath. One other noteworthy responsibility an MSC has [email protected] or [email protected]. is to make certain that people’s lives are having an We would be glad to assist you. ◊ 11 Calendar Ohiarihkó:wa / July 2014 1 - Swearing-In Cermony - 11:00 a.m. - Former First Americans IGA Building 4 - Independence Day holiday - All tribal offices and transfer station closed 5 - Tribal Monthly Meeting - 10:00 a.m. - Community Building Lobby 8 - Social Security Administration - 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Tribal Clerk’s office 9 - Police Commission Monthly Meeting - 3:00 p.m. - Tribal Council Boardroom 24 - Wellness Day - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Former First Americans IGA Building New Faces Joseph D. Bowen Administrative Assistant Grants & Contracts Alison Cooke Administrative Assistant Office for the Aging Louise M. David Habilitation Aide Family Support Debra A. Higginson Head Start Teacher Early Childhood Development Agnes M. Jacobs Waiver Supervisor Family Support Amanda M. Jacobs Case Manager Child Support Enforcement Unit Trudy Lauzon Outreach Driver Health Services - Outreach Daniel Lazore Teacher Aide/Bus Driver Early Childhood Development Marcy JH McDonald Pharmacy Assistant Health Services - Pharmacy Stacey Mitchell Youth Worker Akwesasne Group Home Alyssa Moore Physician Assistant Health Services - Medical Clinic Rolland L. Morris Solid Waste Worker Environment Patricia E. Pierce Administrative Assistant Health Services - A/CDP Karahkwase Richmond Solid Waste Worker Environment Dakota Tarbell Summer Intern Environment Allan F. Terrance Solid Waste Worker Environment Janet Terrance Counselor Health Services - A/CDP Carrie Thompson Business Office Clerk Health Services - Business Office Donations Sports - $2,500 Community Events - $8,500 Training - $1,000 Funerals - $4,000 Jobs Director of Human Resources - Administration Internal Auditor - Administration Solid Waste Program Manager - Environment Fiber Splicing Technician - Broadband Gaming Inspectors (2) - Tribal Gaming Commission View complete job descriptions and the most current Land Dispute Tribunal Members (2) tribal job postings at www.srmt-nsn.gov. Akwesasne Housing Authority Commissioners (6) Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort positions are posted at Election Board Members (2) www. mohawkcasino.com. Te wá tha hón:ni Corporation Board Members (3) Akwesasne and surrounding area positions are posted at www.myaerc.org. 12 Monthly Tribal Meeting Ohiarí:ha / June 14, 2014 Chaired by Chief Beverly Cook

Agenda 1. Welcome Directors & Managers • Reading of Action Items - Tribal Clerk Communications 2. Foster Care Program Allyson Doctor, Director 3. New Director Introduction Community & Family Services Jason McDonald, Director 4. Rites of Passage Presentation Compliance 5. Akwesasne Housing Authority Elliott Lazore, Director 6. Land Claims Update Economic Development Christopher Thompson, Director 7. New Business Education 8. Reading of Action Items - Tribal Clerk Stephanie Cook, Director Environment 9. Adjournment Ken Jock, Director Finance Barbara Montour, Chief Financial Officer Action Items from June Meeting Health Services 1. To revisit the exit agreement with National Grid as Mike Cook, Director it excludes the Hogansburg triangle Justice Matthew Rourke, Acting Chief of Police 2. To have the Compliance Director speak on the sale PJ Herne, Chief Judge and display of drug paraphernalia when he meets with the ACSA Legal Michele Mitchell, General Legal Counsel 3. To have an update of Chief Paul Thompson’s return Office for the Aging for July’s meeting Lora Lee LaFrance, Director Follow-up on Action Items from May Meeting Planning & Infrastructure Ernie Thompson, Director 1. To request from our GIS Tech - copies of maps of the land claims areas available for June's monthly Social Services Division meeting. Karonienhawi Thomas, Director Tribal Administration Follow-up: Chief LaFrance is working with the Tsiorasa Barreiro, Executive Director GIS Technician on this issue. ◊

13 Parents Guide to Higher Education

By Samantha Phillips, Administrative Assistant

High School Senior Year Summer Plan Heading to College for the First Time The summer before senior year is the best time to Parents, this summer will be a difficult transition for start planning for college. In order to better prepare both you and your student. To help them, and yourself, yourself and your student, here are some tips: here is some advice: 1. Visit some colleges together. Ask some of the 1. Go to Orientation following questions to your student: a. Students will select their courses at this time a. What do you like about this college? and meet some of their future classmates. b. Do you feel comfortable here? b. Students start to see their college as “their college” and will begin to form a sense of c. What would you like to identity. study here? c. As a parent, you get to see the Ask some of the college from a student perspective following questions and will have the peace of mind that while visiting the the school is right for your student. college: 2. Don’t Be Afraid to Feel a. What can students do in their free a. There’s a lot of emotions going time? on right now: excitement, fear, anticipation. Let your students b. What do the know you support them and it’s dorms look normal to feel this way. like? b. You’re also experiencing these c. What kind of emotions along with your student. Don’t be scholarships does the school offer? afraid to let your student know that you’re 2. Find out how much the colleges your student feeling the same way! You’re going through is interested in cost. You may use the Net Price this experience together and it will make you Calculator at http://studentnpc.collegeboard.org/ stronger. or the SUNY Net Price Calculator https://www. c. Encourage your student to seek advice suny.edu/student/paying_calc.cfm to estimate your from others. You’re helping them learn to actual out-of-pocket cost and any financial aid that communicate with someone besides yourself. may be available. When your student is at school and an issue 3. Encourage your student to start their applications arises, you can’t always be right by their side. early. Even if your student can’t decide which school By having them make “outside the family” to choose, the amount of paperwork will be less connections, you’re helping them to learn to once they decide where they want to go to school. communicate their feelings and trust that they can handle their own problems. 14 3. Create a Packing List 566: Leadership and School Violence - 3 sem. hrs. a. Start to create a list of the necessities, such as We live in a world of violence and a percentage of clothes, shoes, toiletries and school supplies. it is directed at our schools. School violence remains a continuing theme where some form of crisis intervention b. Get informed about what your student’s college has become a part of being an effective leader. However, offers for technological services. For example, crisis intervention may not be enough to meet these are there printers available in the library? This growing concerns. This class also will focus on crisis way you won’t feel like you have to go out and prevention by discussions of themes such as; zero buy a brand new printer if you know there is one tolerance, bullying, harassment (horizontal violence), available for your student. Safe Schools Act, security issues (guns, drugs, locker c. Find out what the roommate is bringing. There’s and searching of school premises by law enforcement), no need to have sexual abuse and copy-cat two of everything suicide. Furthermore, it is if your student can important to recognize the share. importance of involving parents and community Have a wonderful members when looking for summer with your student! strategies and solutions for this critical issue. Current literature and a panel of Graduate Courses Being guest speakers from the Offered for the Fall 2014 fields of education, courts, Semester and law enforcement 551: Relationships will be included in the between Schools and course. Taught by Dr. Kyle Families - 3 sem. hrs. Blanchfield. This course will explore family, school and Fall 2014 Semester community relationships. Funding Deadline - July It is designed for 15, 2014 counselors, teachers • For the Mohawk Higher and administrators. The Education Program, course will cover research Roderick Cook at 518- that addresses different 358-2272 factors influencing family involvement and teaching • For New York State practices that encourage parent involvement. Students Indian Aid contact Adrian Cooke at 518-474- will be exposed to examining partnerships from a 0537 systemic framework and to communicating with diverse types of families. The text will outline six • For the Ahkwesahsne Board of Education different types of involvement for creating partnerships contact Norma Sunday at 613-933-0409 between schools and families, as well as ways to involve If you have any questions, would like to register the community. Finally, students will discuss proper for one of the graduate courses or want to make an strategies and techniques for improving relationships appointment with the Higher Education Program, between different types of families and the schools, and please call 518-358-2272. Our office hours are 8:30 they will explore the partnerships that can be formed. a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or after hours by appointment only. ◊ Taught by Mr. Lawrence Casey.

15 Health is Your Greatest Wealth Wellness Day 2014

No need to search for treasure. Find it at the Health Promotions/Disease Prevention Committee's 24th Annual Wellness Day or walk the plank! • Browse informational tables and collect lots of loot • Guest speakers will present health topics throughout the day • Kids can get their faces painted by Belly Buttons the Clown • CKON will broadcast live from the event • Feast on a BBQ lunch provided by the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort and the Office for the Aging Your adventure awaits on July 24, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the former First Americans IGA building, 850 State Route 37, Akwesasne.

ECRWSS Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe PRSRT STD 412 State Route 37 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Akwesasne, NY 13655 MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 13655 PERMIT NO. 26

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