Mino-bimaadiziwin Live Well, on Earth with All Our Relations

Sakimay Community Newsletter – Summer 2017

In this Issue: • MESSAGE FROM CHIEF & COUNCIL • COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS SAKIMAY FIRST NATIONS • COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR Community Planning • DEPARTMENTS OVERVIEW MESSAGE From Chief Lynn Acoose

Anīn sikwa! On behalf of our Council and staff, I am pleased to offer this greeting to all our members and friends. This newsletter has been developed to provide updates on our community planning activities.

The Council and staff have been working on many initiatives in governance, planning, and service delivery. These initiatives include developing improved management systems in lands, housing and administration.

Our primary focus has been the management of our land. Sakimay First Nations has attained developmental status in the First Nations Land Management Act. We have also been undertaking zoning, by-law development and the first phase of environmental planning.

Council has recently launched a new on-reserve economic development entity, Zagime Management Limited. A local market study and business plan have been completed as part of the launch. Our other entity, Four Horse Developments remains the primary developer for our urban lands.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of our housing program, the Housing and Public Works Department is undergoing restructuring. The medium-term objectives in this restructure includes the establishment of a tenant governed Housing Authority for both on-reserve and urban housing.

Staff and Council continue to resolve many legacy issues, including the renovation of our 3rd Avenue North commercial property in which is well underway. The other legacy issue is of course our lake front areas. In September of 2016 the Federal Court ruled in favour of the tenants of our cottage areas who disputed rent increases through the court in 2010. is appealing the decision on our behalf and we are seeking to achieve a new out-of-court settlement. During this eight-year court process, we have worked on a new Head Lease arrangement and a redevelopment plan for our lake areas.

Future planning includes: cultural programming for members in Regina (Kihkendan Wahkihikan Otenan); infrastructure upgrades for both Sakimay and Little Bone; a community centre for Little Bone/Minoachak; a solid waste transfer station to replace the existing land fill sites; and a new K-8 School on Sakimay.

Our Anishinabe Governance Project continues to inform our way forward. We have begun the naming and renaming our lands. We are engaging our elders to preserve cultural spaces and maintain our relationship with the land. Last summer, the Water Council and Hunting Council were initiated in ceremony. Goose Lake School (Nihki Sahkahegan) has implemented a strong focus on cultural curriculum for our children. We will continue to support traditional governance as we work to remove ourselves from the .

This is just a short summary of the many changes that have taken place in the last two years. These many initiatives are possible due to the work of our people. Because we all worked on the Comprehensive Community Based Plan, our First Nation has a roadmap for the future. I congratulate all our members for contributing your vision for our future.

Chi-migwetch, Chief Lynn Acoose COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS First Nations Election Act and Sakimay 2017 Election

During the community engagements for Sakimay's Comprehensive Community Plan, the membership stated they want Sakimay to get out from under the two year Indian Act election system. During 2011 and 2013, the Sakimay First Nations conducted information sessions with members on the First Nations Election Act (FNEA). Another round of sessions were held in 2016, with members in Regina, , Yorkton, Winnipeg and on Sakimay about the FNEA. Under the FNEA the term of office for Council is four years. The FNEA is an interim measure to provide enough time to have a series of meetings with members on developing our own leadership selection process. As a result of the 2016 meetings and feedback from members, the Council passed a resolution in November 2016, which was sent to Indigenous Affairs advising that Sakimay First Nations would have its 2017 elections according to the FNEA.

In addition to the meetings in 2016, a written and online survey was conducted where members provided feedback on the options under the FNEA. These options include: setting the number of Council members - from the Chief and two Councillors, all the way to the Chief and twelve Councillors; whether there would be any advance polls and the locations; and whether there would be a candidate fee for anyone running for Chief and for a Council position.

Based on the survey feedback, the most responses received from members were that: • the current number of Council remain - the Chief and seven Councillors; • four year term • there should be one advance poll in Regina; and • there should be candidates fees of $250.00 for Chief and $200.00 for a Council member. According to the FNEA, if a candidate receives at least 5% of the vote, she or he will get their candidate fee reimbursed.

This direction was included in three resolutions that were sent to Indigenous Affairs. It also included that the next election for Sakimay First Nations is Wednesday, September 6, 2017.

One major change that all members MUST be aware of is that mail-in ballots will not automatically be sent out. Under the FNEA, a member has to request a mail-in-ballot from the Electoral Officer. So members have to be aware of this change.

There are still some issues that have to be determined, these include: appointing the Electoral Officer; the date of nominations; and the dates of the candidates forums. Once the Electoral Officer is appointed, she or he will be responsible to follow up on these election procedures.

It is very important to update your mailing address to ensure you receive election information. To do so, please contact:

Neil Acoose, Indian Registry Administrator P.O. Box 339, Grenfell, Sask. S0G 5L0 [email protected] 306-697-2831, extension 232 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS ATTENTION SAKIMAY FIRST NATIONS MEMBERSHIP Aboriginal Shield Program - Community Facilitation Training Course June 14, 15, 16 2017 Yorkton SK.

This training helps facilitators enable youth to gain a sense of Cultural Connection and Pride, while learning to make informed choices about drug use and related activities. Please note: a requirement prior to taking the training is to have a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. This must be submitted PRIOR to attending the training. Please submit your name with your Criminal Record asap as seating is limited.

No cost for registration. Mileage, accommodation & Meals are covered Broadview RCMP don’t charge for Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check

For more information please contact: Sakimay Health Center 306-697-2970

ATTENTION SAKIMAY FIRST NATIONS MEMBERSHIP

Sakimay First Nations Community Plan Call for Members to Join Community Advisory Team

• Want to share your ideas and perspectives on the future of the community?

• Are you interested in guiding the implementation of Sakimay First Nations Community Plan?

Sakimay First Nations is about to commence the on-going development of the community plan and we need people to guide the process and help provide feedback. We are looking for 5 members to create a Community Advisory Team to help inform the new Community Plan for Sakimay First Nations

Please submit your name and a brief letter of interest to Community Navigator – Judy Wasacase by July 14, 2017 to be considered. We will select the team to be a diverse group of members. Sakimay First Nations Community Planning Community Navigator Judy Wasacase [email protected] Phone: (306)-697-2831 extension 258 Toll free: 1-888-725-4629 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS ATTENTION SAKIMAY FIRST NATIONS MEMBERSHIP Kihkēntan Wāhkāhikan Program “THE LEARNING HOUSE” Fall 2017 to August, 2018

What is Kihkēntan Wāhkāhikan:

The objective of this program is to create an innovative approach that will address various socio-economic barriers to employment for Indigenous communities in a manner that is culturally appropriate. The project will provide:

1. Life-long learning opportunities 2. Access to essential supports and therapies 3. Case management and training/employment plans at the end of project 4. Training allowance, personal budgeting and transportation

Requirements: Priority given to SA clients On-Reserve members Pensioners Low-income Bank account required SASI assessment (Substance Abuse Screening) Application Deadline – TBA Contact – Sakimay Band Office for details

ATTENTION SAKIMAY FIRST NATIONS MEMBERSHIP

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations – FSIN Powwow Spirit of Our Nations – Cultural Celebration & Pow Wow July 26 & 27, 2017 – Regina SK Sakimay Regina Urban Lands – Dewdney Ave. & Pinkie Rd.

Submit name and contact information to: Judy Wasacase [email protected] or 306-697-2831 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to Kendra Taypotat – Principal of Goose Lake School Kenda Taypotat won the Educational Leadership Award! Kendra Taypotat is our Principal/Grade 2&3 teacher at Goose Lake School. She received the Educational Alliance Educational Leadership Award on May 4th, 2017. The award is open to a teacher and/or Principal in a T4EA participating First Nation school in the 2016/2017 school year. They must demonstrate leadership through innovation and best practice. Demonstrates First Nations educational leadership and practice that focuses on the unique context of Treaty 4 student learning outcomes and community building.

Kendra will be featured in an upcoming issue of Eagle Feather News. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to Darrian Desjarlais winning Gold at the Provincial Skills Competition for TV Video Production for the documentary – “Blanket Exercise” in April 2017! Darrian will be competing at the National Skills Competition in Winnipeg May 31 – June 2, 2017. Darrian is also graduating from Grade 12 from the Melville Comprehensive High School – June 2017. Congratulations and Good Luck Darrian! The film documents the Blanket Exercise with Bert Fox students and staff about the history of Indigenous People in Canada. Blanket Exercise participants take on the roles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Standing on blankets that represent the land, they walk through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

“LIVE WELL “LIVE WELL SAKIMAY ON EARTH SAKIMAY ON EARTH WITH ALL WITH ALL FIRST OUR FIRST OUR RELATIONS” RELATIONS” NATIONS NATIONS 2016-2017 2016-2017 BAND MEMBERSHIP MEETING BAND MEMBERSHIP MEETING AUDIT AUDIT

WHEN Sakimay General WHEN Sakimay General Account Account Wednesday, August 9 Sakimay Legacy Tuesday, August 8 Sakimay Legacy Trust Trust Sakimay Trust Sakimay Trust 5pm – 8pm Sakimay Retail 5pm – 8pm Sakimay Retail Entities Entities Sakimay Reserve Sakimay Reserve WHERE Acquisitions WHERE Acquisitions First Nations Trust First Nations Trust Sakimay Community Sakimay CMHC Regina Performing Sakimay CMHC Housing Housing Complex Sakimay Arts Center Sakimay Developments Developments Sakimay First Nations Four Horse 1077 Angus Street, Regina, Sask. Four Horse Development Inc. Development Inc. FEATURING All Band Members FEATURING All Band Members · 2016-2017 Audit Presentation · SUPPER welcome to attend!! welcome to attend!! · 2016-2017 Audit Presentation · SUPPER · DOOR PRIZES · · DOOR PRIZES ·

“LIVE WELL SAKIMAY ON EARTH WITH ALL FIRST OUR RELATIONS”

NATIONS 2016-2017 BAND MEMBERSHIP MEETING AUDIT

WHEN Sakimay General Account Thursday, August 10 Sakimay Legacy Trust Sakimay Trust 5pm – 8pm Sakimay Retail Entities Sakimay Reserve WHERE Acquisitions First Nations Trust Yorkton Friendship Sakimay CMHC Housing Center Sakimay Developments 139 Dominion Avenue – Yorkton, Sk. Four Horse Development Inc.

FEATURING All Band Members · 2016-2017 Audit Presentation · SUPPER welcome to attend!! · DOOR PRIZES ·

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR Education – Events Health – Events June 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Community Clean Up & Barbecue 10 am – 2pm 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Flower Day – United Dentist Men’s Women’s Sakimay Treaty Church 12 pm 9 am – 3pm Group Group Day Summer Games – 4-6pm 4-6pm Try Outs Golf @ York Aboriginal Lake Parenting 10-2pm 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Summer Games – Aboriginal Yorkton Tribal Goose Lake School Father’s Day Summer Games – Try Outs Council Headstart Graduation Try Outs Golf @ York Lake Parenting Graduation Ceremonies BBQ Canoe/Kayak 12 pm Track & Field 12 pm 10-2pm 11:00 am 11:00 am 1130 am – 2pm Madge Lake Chief Gabriel Cote Community Dietician Understanding Adult School 9 am – 3pm FASD 4-6PM

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Community Sweat @ Dentist Aboriginal National Abor. Day Last day of school for Sakimay Sakimay Alvin Kaye House Reconciliation Goose Lake Students 1pm 9 am – 3pm Parenting Ceremony - Goose Powwow Powwow 10-2pm Lake School and Community Feast @ Summer Games – Grenfell Elementary Powwow Grounds Try Outs Community School 5pm Beach Volleyball 9:30 am in Grenfell 12PM Kahk FN Couples Relationship 4-6pm

25 26 27 28 29 30 Sakimay Aboriginal Powwow Parenting 10-2pm COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR July 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Aboriginal Parenting 10-2pm

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Aboriginal Parenting 10-2pm

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sakimay Sakimay Sakimay Sakimay Sakimay Culture Camp Culture Camp Culture Camp Culture Camp Culture Camp 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 Aboriginal Parenting 10-2pm 23/30 24/31 25 26 27 28 29 Aboriginal FSIN Powwow FSIN Powwow Parenting – Sakimay – Sakimay 10-2pm Regina Urban Regina Urban Lands Lands COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR August 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 Aboriginal Parenting 10-2pm

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Band Meeting - Band Meeting - Band Meeting - Regina Sakimay Yorkton Aboriginal Parenting 10-2pm

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 Wellness Wellness Days Days Housing & Public Education and Early Works Learning

The Housing & Public Works Department oversees The Sakimay Education Department provides a the administration and operations of the housing healthy learning environment for all present and program located on Sakimay Reserves. The future generations. The Education Department is Housing Department ensures residential units committed to providing holistic, high quality and culturally responsive education system, which will located on Sakimay Reserves and the academically prepare our children to meet the infrastructure utilized to service the units are met to challenging needs of the future. the best of the Nation’s ability. Sakimay Daycare and Headstart program provides Sakimay Public Works delivers quality services to the best possible care and education for children residents of Sakimay, Shesheep, Little Bone and enrolled in the centre by promoting respect, cultural Minoahchak such as building, road maintenance, pride, healthy child development and community construction and garbage collection. ownership. - Regular Grade 12 Bursary $300 – available to all Sakimay membership up until a year from graduating. Must submit original transcripts. - Sakimay Student Awards – August 2017

Environment, Lands & Resources

The Environment, Lands & Resources Department manages and administers Sakimay First Nation Reserve lands. The Environment, Lands and Resources Department is committed to preservation of existing Reserve Land base of the Sakimay First Nation, to the preservation of the obligations exchange between Canada and Sakimay First Nation. The Environment, Lands & Resources Department manages Sakimay First Nation Reserve Lands through applicable Acts, Regulations, Laws and By-laws. Health

The Sakimay Health Centre is responsible for delivering Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health programs that are funded through a contribution agreement between Sakimay First Nations and the Federal Government. The health programs, generally are funded to provide health education, awareness and prevention type activities versus funding to provide individual health benefits. The overall objective is to reduce the negative impacts of the social disadvantages of health affecting the on-reserve population with the future expectations of an improved quality of life and increased control over one’s own health and wellness. Sakimay Health Centre is participating in Accreditation Canada’s Accreditation Primer program to improve client outcomes and health system performance. Participation in the program helps the entire Sakimay Health Centre work together to create a focus on safety and quality. Sakimay Health Centre has achieved Accreditation Primer Award and Accreditation Canada recommends that the organization take action and proceed, this is the first step on the quality improvement journey with Accreditation Canada journey. The centre is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours and everyone is greeted with a welcome and a smile.

Culture, Youth, Family Finance & Service & Justice Administration

Sakimay Culture, Youth, Family Services & Justice Sakimay Administrative Centre strives to Department promotes access for all community work together to create a healthy, residents to coordinated programing ensuring full respectful, harmonious and forgiving participation and interest. community. Leadership will promote honesty, equality and dedication for the wellness of the community and its membership. Intergovernmental Advanced Education Affairs

Sakimay First Nations Post-Secondary Student The Governance Department supports the Sponsorship Program is to ensure Sakimay Registered Members their inherent to Post- overall activities of the Chief and Council by Secondary Education Support will be provided within recording and maintain records, resolutions and the limits of funds voted by Sakimay First Nations itineraries for internal and external meetings Government. The Sakimay Post-Secondary Student and other community engagements. The staff Sponsorship Program is designed to encourage Sakimay Registered Members to pursue higher also assists the Council with various projects education and to graduate with the qualifications and such as land acquisitions, economic skills needed to accomplish individual careers and/or development projects, overall community contribute to Indian self-government and economic self- reliance. The Sakimay Post-Secondary Student planning and organisational development. Sponsorship Program provides financial sponsorship to These activities also include assisting the eligible Sakimay Registered Members towards the cost Council with the development of policies, of their post-secondary education within the budget allocation approved by the Sakimay First Nations’ bylaws, regulations and other legislation. The Government. department also maintains the Indian Registry and Membership programs which includes Eligibility administering member services programs and To be eligible under the Policy applicants: assisting with income tax reporting and the Must be a registered member of the Sakimay First funeral assistance program. Nations as defined by this policy document. Each individual is required to submit a formal application (attached as Appendix B) for educational sponsorship Primarily, the Department strives to assist the to be considered for funding; Council in executing the community’s vision and Must meet university or college entrance requirements and are enrolled or accepted for enrolment in a aspirations through various development and recognized post-secondary institute for a program of planning initiatives that arise from the overall studies. Individuals are required to submit their Community Plan. In the coming months we will acceptance letter and/or class list to verify their student endeavour to provide the community with status. updates on the various development and The deadline dates for applications are as follows: October 31 FOR Winter semester planning projects through this newsletter. (January – April) Miigwetch. February 28 FOR Spring/Summer & Intercession (May – August) June 30 FOR Fall semester (September – December)

Any student, who applies to an institute that has continuous intake, must adhere to the deadline dates to be eligible for sponsorship. No late applications will be considered.