Community Update

May, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 1

MISHKEEGOGAMANG OJIBWAY NATION Community Update

Why Investing Hydro Funds is Important

In the fall of 1999, Brian Brown gave a community presentation on hydro funds at Ten Houses and at the Main Reserve. Several options were presented and Brown outlined the idea of setting up a Trust Committee to administer the Hydro Settlement dollars. But the community membership at the time demanded a payout to members each year, and the Trust Committee was never formed. It was easier to just pay out the funds than to argue about what could be done with this funding that would benefit the whole community. Yet the debate has continued, and the original presentation has something important to say to us. What the presentation showed is:

If half the hydro funds were invested each year and not spent, then after 18 years you would have $11,589,620 in the bank and you would earn $695,377 interest each year (at the 1999 interest rate of 6%). You could spend the interest each year and that would mean your money would continue “The money should be used for anything for the good of the communities. We want to build a future for the next generation.” Romeo Skunk making money.

The other way to look at this is to say, if the First Nation spent the $750,000 it paid out each year on building houses, you could have built approximately 5 houses each year at a cost of $150,000 each. As of today Management of Funds you would have built 45 homes, owned free and clear by Mishkeegogamang. This information is being shared with the Nation has engaged two different auditors in order to report to the funder that the funds Now look at today’s situation. What are community membership as a way of being over the last 10 years to prepare its audits. disbursed to the First Nation have been spent we left with after 10 years of receiving the transparent and accountable. There are An auditor is an outside party that has a (used) according to the agreement. Ontario Hydro Settlement dollars? allegations, rumours and gossip in the designation in the accounting field. Auditors The roles of the auditor and of the First That is a question community members community about fraud and mismanagement are bound by the Institute of Chartered Nation being audited are clear and distinct: need to answer for themselves. by the Chief and Council, and in the interests Accountants. The auditor follows strict of transparency and accountability, this guidelines when preparing each First Nation • The First Nation prepares financial community update on record-keeping and audit. These rules and regulations require the statements summarizing its financial Mission Statement fund management shows that all the funds auditor to fill out forms for each area that is activities throughout the year. that should be in the bank account are there. being audited, verifying that the information • The auditor looks at the First Nation records, Pashkokogan Healing Lodge is Mishkeegogamang First Nation is contained in the First Nation accounting summarizes them and expresses an opinion committed to support families required to submit audits to the Department records is accurate. as to whether the First Nation records show in overcoming their addictions, of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Why have an Audit? a fair and accurate summary of its financial trauma, and neglect by regaining a First Nation Inuit Health Branch, and all other activities throughout the year. strong spiritual connection to the federal/provincial funding organizations It’s required by funders. An audit is required land, its resources and potential for for each fiscal year. Mishkeegogamang First by each federal/provincial funding agreement continued on page 5 rebirth, and to reflect those teachings in the family and community. In all the audits for the Ontario Hydro Settlement Agreement – THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY FINDING OF MISMANAGEMENT OR FRAUD COMMITTED BY ANYONE. Page May, 2009 Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation Community Update

Financial Report 2001 - 2008

The spreadsheet shows the financial position of each program at the end Financial Position of every fiscal year from 2001 - 2008. Where the number is in brackets, it means the program had a deficit at the end of the year. This is a summary of At March 31, 2007: Band Member Advances audited financial statements. All the numbers in this document were taken • Mishkeegogamang First Nation had a from audited statements and put into a format that makes it easy to see deficit of $2,550,737. Mishkeegogamang First Nation passed a where the money has been spent. • Nearly every program has contributed BCR (Band Council Resolution) to stop all to this deficit. advances of any kind to band membership Some tips to help you read the financial report and staff. This was done due to the large • SURPLUS means the amount of money left over at the end of the fiscal year. At March 31, 2008: amount of money owed to the band because • Mishkeegogamang First Nation had • It is always shown as a regular number. individuals do not pay back the advances. reduced their deficit of $2,550,737 to The amount of advances that have not been • DEFICIT means how much you had overspent at the end of the fiscal year. $1,145,421. paid back currently stands at $70,000. • Deficits are shown in brackets ($000,000) Annual Funding Salaries

INAC Funding $4,426,792 Mishkeegogamang First Nation pays a total First Nation Inuit of $3,602,741 in salaries per year. Health Funding $1,564,632 33% of total funding goes towards salaries Hydro Settlement $750,000 for the First Nation All other Departments & Casino Rama $4,076,871 • $ 483,311 Band Support *Total Revenue for year • $ 219,627 Social Services Herb ZoBell Royal Bank of Canada ended March 31, 2008 $10,818,295 • $ 751,345 Health Programs Senior Account Manager NW Ont. First Nation Banking • $1,391,569 Education 2300 Anemki Place, Suite E *The Total Revenue can vary by as much as • $ 120,640 Community Services Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1H9 $1,000,000 from year to year. • $ 145,000 Pashkogan February 25, 2009-05-19 • $ 220,480 Safehouse **The Mishkeegogamang First Nation Ph (807)684-8375 • $ 56,160 Housing receives $60,000 from the Richview Fax (807 684-8378 • $ 88,920 Water Treatment Plant Memorandum of Understanding (current Mishkeegogamang First Nation General Inquiries: (807) 684-8302 • $ 125,689 All other departments fiscal year). These funds have been used General Delivery Email: [email protected] combined for funerals, community crisis assistance Mishkeegogamang, Ontario ______to band members, and recreation. To date P0V 2H0 $3,602,741 Total Salaries Mishkeegogamang First Nation has received $50,000 and has spent $130,000 for the Attention: To Whom It May Concern: above types of expenses.

RE: Mishkeegogamang Hydro Funds for 2007, 2008, and 2009

As per request from Chief and Council, we wish to write a letter concern- ing the status of the Hydro funds that flow to Mishkeegogamang First Nation in January of each year. As per the Ontario Hydro Settlement, the SURPLUS/DEFICIT AUDIT First Nation has been and will continue to receive $750,000 each year until January 2017. Since the First Nation reduced or eliminated the per capita SUMMARY OPINIONS payout, those funds have been safely invested in term deposits at RBC. No The Audit Surplus/(Deficit) There are three different opinions payout has occurred, with the exception of payments to Elders and to cover summary shows that a majority for the audits: legal costs. Since the First Nation made this decision to maintain funds on of programs have accumulated a deposit, and with the assistance of the Co-Manager, the overall financial 1. An Unqualified (clear) audit deficit over the past 8 years. The picture of the First Nation has improved significantly. opinion is given when the auditor following programs are the big- feels and the testing shows that the gest contributors to the deficit. Remaining on deposit with RBC is $235,466.27 from the 2007 hydro fund controls are in place, competent release, $691,053.36 from the 2008 hydro fund release, and $583,004.94 • Mould Renovations individuals are managing the ac- from the 2009 hydro fund release. These funds are safely invested in • INAC Community Operations counting system, and the account- Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC’s) held at RBC. As indicated & Maintenance ing records reflect an accurate above, $167,000 was recently used from the hydro funds to cover legal activity of transactions throughout • Water Operations & costs and to make an annual payment to the Elders. At no time has any of the year. Maintenance these funds been misappropriated by any member of Chief and Council or management. Given the financial controls in place, supported by the an- • Medical Services Program 2. A Qualified audit opinion is given when the auditor feels and the test- nual audit that is completed on the First Nation’s financial records, misap- • MSB Multi-complex propriation of funds has not occurred at Mishkeegogamang First Nation. ing shows that the controls in place • MSB Management RBC also completes an annual review of the First Nation, and we wish to are limited. There will usually be commend Chief and Council for the progress they have made these last • Native Claims Negotiation one problem area that will deter- mine this opinion, e.g. if the audi- few years. • NIHB Transport tor is unable to verify a significant • INAC Governor General’s Visit With the permission of Chief and Council, should anyone wish to discuss transaction in the record keeping. this further, please feel free to contact me at my office at (807) 684-8375. • Water and Sewer Servicing 3. A Denial audit opinion is when • Social Development the auditor feels that the controls Sincerely, • Treaty No 9 Commemoration are weak and he or she has no con- fidence in the record keeping. Herb ZoBell, B.Mgt., MBA • INAC Teacherage Senior Account Manager Construction First Nation Banking - RBC Community Update Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation May, 2009 Page Page May, 2009 Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation Community Update

Councillor Candidates No Longer Have to Live on Reserve

A decision of the Federal Court of Appeal refunds of tax exempt sales to the First Nation in 2008 has cancelled the requirement that as well as individual band members. candidates for councillor positions at band It is called e-service and is already council elections have to live on the reserve. available in other parts of Ontario. With Candidates must qualify according to other e-service, there will be no more filling out regulations, such as being a band member paper vouchers by hand. The refund amount and being at least 18 years of age, but they no is calculated automatically so there is less longer have to be residing on a reserve to run work for on-reserve gasoline retailers. It is a for a councillor position. This ruling of the faster, more efficient way to get refunds. court is for bands such as Mishkeegogamang Information on each gasoline tax refund that hold elections under the Indian Act. claim sent to the ministry will be kept private, It was Gull Bay First Nation band safe, and secure. members that appealed the section of the Another new and improved item that Indian Act which stated [75. (1)] “No person is currently getting the bugs worked out other than an elector who resides in an of it is the new status card. It will have a electoral section may be nominated for the magnetic strip on it that will contain the Because of arson, Mishkeegogamang no longer qualifies for insurance on many of its buildings. office of councillor to represent that section band member’s information and will make on the council of the band.” it a more efficient means of identification. The appeal states “Subsection 75 (1) of the Indian Act violates section 15 of the Election 2009 to be held July 15 Arson Creates a Charter…and is therefore invalid to the The Mishkeegogamang First Nation General extent that it prohibits electors who do not Election date is July 15, 2009. The current reside on the reserve from being nominated term of Council expires on July 14, 2009. A Ripple Effect of Losses for the office of councillor.” nomination meeting will be held for three Arson causes a lot of suffering and loss. In In fact, the band has not claimed This decision took effect on August 19, hours on June 3rd, and June 8th will be fact, the whole community feels the shock insurance on the last three fires as a result 2008 and applies to Mishkeegogamang the last day candidates can withdraw their when a house burns down. But arson also of this high deductible and because it can’t for the June 15, 2009 Chief and Council nominations. Off-reserve member election causes a lesser-known loss: the loss of afford to lose its insurance. election. packages will be mailed out June 10, 2009. insurance privileges and other financial The 30 CMHC homes, the teacherages Polls will open at 9:00 a.m. on July 15th supports. and the safe house are the only buildings 2009 Treaty Annuity Payment and will remain open until 8:00 p.m. The Thirty homes were constructed in on the First Nation that carry insurance. Treaty Annuity Payments will take place July Election Officer will inform off-reserve Mishkeegogamang between 1999 and 2001, All other homes, community buildings, 9, 2009 between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. members of the elected Chief and Council all financed through the Canada Mortgage and the school carry no insurance. Several There will be NO third party pickups. Notes on July 19. Housing Corporation (CMHC). Five of these insurance companies have been approached will NOT be accepted. All members must The Ontario regional office of INAC no homes have since burnt to the ground, four for estimates to insure these buildings, but produce their Status Cards. longer provides additional funding for the as a result of arson. none are interested in dealing with the First band council elections. First Nations in Because of this high rate of arson, Nation. Electronic refunds and new status cards Ontario, as in all other regions, may use Band Mishkeegogamang is now considered a high The CMHC Agreement (to mortgage the Support Funding or own source revenues for risk for insurance. Insurance premiums have homes) states we must carry insurance on Mishkeegogamang is working towards an elections. risen from $3,500 in 2001 to $7,740 in 2007. CMHC homes. If we lose the insurance then electronic service that will make it easier for The deductible for houses has risen from we could potentially lose the Ministerial gasoline retailers to do business. Electronic Treaty day is July 9th $5,000 to $75,000 per loss. Guarantee as well. vouchers will be accepted for gasoline tax Abitibi Bowater Working with Mishkeegogamang

Slowly but surely negotiations between the solution to this important issue,” said Bowater is committed to minimizing Economic Development Committee with forest products company Abitibi Bowater Roger Barber, Vice President of the Ontario the amount of area removed from hunting representatives from the First Nation as and Mishkeegogamang are moving forward. Woodlands for Bowater. during harvesting operations while still well as Bowater could work to identify and Communication with the company is Bowater also delayed operations in protecting worker safety. develop economic opportunities for the ongoing, but the band has not been in a rush the Dole Valley area in an effort to address The forestry company said they would community. Bowater supports the First to see forestry work continue. “The forest the concerns of traditional users, and the hire local workers on road building projects Nation Ranger Program, which employs is our sanctuary,” said Chief Connie Gray- entrance to the Dole Valley Road was moved and had already trained and employed 11 up to 30 youths per year from nine First McKay. “I don’t see anything happening further south in response to local concerns. people on spacing operations. They also Nation communities. Bowater contributed until we have meaningful community Barber said Bowater agreed to delay assisted with heavy equipment training, to the Mishkeegogamang hockey program, consultations.” the harvest of approved wood directly next including providing first aid and common computers for Mile 50 School, and the Treaty Bowater (prior to amalgamation with to the highway and on the portion of John core training, and paid for a rental van tor #9 Commemoration. Abitibi) sent the band a letter in 2007 that Derouin’s trap line immediately west of transporting the trainees. Barber said they would work with summarized Bowater’s accomplishments Wertheim Lake. They proposed a committee Band members and councillors from Mishkeegogamang in the Hill Lake area to in the area. They agreed to defer operations of representatives from Mishkeegogamang, Mishkeegogamang were given tours refine the harvest pattern and to develop in the Velos and Medcalf areas until the the Ministry of Natural Resources, and featuring harvesting operations and forest prescriptions to protect First Nations values next planning cycle to allow more time to Bowater to work together to modify the renewal, protection of water quality, tourism in the area. “Approaches that we develop in develop mutual understanding in regards harvesting pattern in the Dole Valley operations, canoe routes and wildlife this area could then be applied to the 2007- to the special importance of those areas to area. Such a committee would attempt to preservation. They committed to involving 2017 planning area,” he said. the First Nation. “Bowater has committed to “combine traditional knowledge, science, youth in the First Nation Ranger program. try to find a long-term mutually agreeable and operations experience.” Bowater said a Mishkeegogamang Community Update Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation May, 2009 Page

Chief and Council Respond to Anonymous Email Complaints

The following letter is in response to an the Chief and Council for the progress they anonymous email sent to Wasaya earlier have made these past few years. this year: In regards to allegations about certain construction projects, the band From: Chief and Council leadership has consulted the people of Mishkeegogamang First Nation Mishkeegogamang and provided every March 2, 2009 opportunity for them to voice their opinion about the future development of our Statement re: Anonymous email complaints community. The Chief and Council also feel it is Late last week, an anonymous email important to clarify a number of incorrect was brought to the attention of the Chief allegations put forward about the protest on and Council. The email had been sent to February 19. Contrary to what is stated in the members of the media. This statement is our anonymous email, the Chief and Council Auditor at work. Audits by an outside auditing firm are required by law. The auditors inspect official response. have never intended to “stay home” to avoid every aspect of the accounting each year. The Chief and Council note that the email accountability. is anonymous and that it contains a number More seriously, it is important to note How an Auditor Works continued from page 1 of factual errors and misrepresentations. that the recent protest resulted in a number While we completely support the right to First the auditor looks at Mishkeegogamang’s documentation, check this documentation of incidents of threatening and intimidating free speech, we feel that the sort of blind own records. This is called the “internal for signatures (approval process), trace behaviour on the part of some of the allegations put forth in the email are both verification.” He or she goes through each it to the general ledger, then trace it to the individuals involved. The violent nature of irresponsible and unconstructive. item on the balance sheet, and inspects all returned cheque and bank statement. the threats was especially intimidating as Regarding the accusations put forth in records, including: The auditor also does an “external the people to whom they were directed were regard to the Hydro Settlement, the Chief • Bank accounts verification.” Written verification is obtained women. and Council have been committed to • Accounts receivable from the funding agency (INAC, FNHIB Free speech and exchange of ideas full transparency in accounting for these • Intercompany accounts etc.) as to how much money was sent to are a vital part of our community life. monies. Proof of this can be found on the • Capital Assets Mishkeegogamang. The auditor will then But free speech also entails respect and band website where a detailed account of • Loans and Mortgages verify that these amounts appear correctly responsibilities. We believe it is essential that the Hydro Settlement can be found. • Accounts payable in Mishkeegogamang’s records. He/she will any future rallies or protests are conducted The Senior Account Manager of the Royal • Revenues trace deposits to the bank statement, and to in such a way as to ensure the respect and Bank provides further evidence that the • Expenditures the general ledger. safety of all. We will take steps to ensure the band money is being managed in an honest The auditor tests the record-keeping by If the auditor suspects fraud or safety of everyone. and responsible fashion. His letter from selecting certain transactions, e.g. for a mismanagement, he is obligated to report this Too often a lack of information can result February of this year which will be made $5,000,000 budget the auditor may test all finding. The audit includes a legal document in frustration or anger. For this reason, the available contains the following statements: cheques over $5,000. The auditor also “digs to show that all the rules and regulations of band leadership remains committed to ...the overall financial picture of the backwards” from the financial statements the Institute of Chartered Accountants have transparency while we continue to address First Nation has improved significantly... to the general ledger. He or she will ask been followed in completing the audit. the challenges and opportunities in our At no time have any of these funds been for the cheque requisition and supporting community. Through mutual respect and misappropriated by any member of dialogue, we believe that everyone at Chief and Council or Management... Mishkeegogamang can contribute to an misappropriation of funds has not occurred informed debate about our future. INAC INTERVENTION at Mishkeegogamang...we wish to commend There are three distinct levels of intervention which are determined by the level of First Nation capacity as well as the Council’s willingness to address the situation. These are: Co-management • Low level: The First Nation is willing and has the capacity to address and remedy the problem. This level allows for a First Nation-managed Remedial Mishkeegogamang is currently working • As of February 4, 2008, Mishkeegogamang Management Plan (RMP). The First Nation is responsible for preparing a Re- on de-escalation from a Co-Management First Nation has been in Co-Management medial Management Plan, the budgets that go with this plan, and ensuring agreement. The Co-Management with Pashe-Whiteway Management & that the plan is followed so the First Nation can retire its debt. agreement expired March 31, 2009. A brief Training Group Inc. This is considered a • Moderate level: Recipient is willing but lacks the capacity to address and history of how this agreement came to be: moderate level of intervention. remedy the problem. This level requires the recipient to appoint a Co-Man- • Before February 4, 2008, See INAC Intervention (box) for an ager. This means the First Nation Administration and the Co-Manager share Mishkeegogamang First Nation had a explanation of the three levels of intervention. signing authority on all cheques/expenditures. They share the responsibility Band Manager to assist them with day-to- of preparing the budget and remedial management plan to address how to Historical Note: Back in 1995 the day operations, as directed by INAC. This get the First Nation out of debt without jeopardizing services. The Co-Man- Mishkeegogamang First Nation was was a low level of intervention. ager assists with developing training capacity of the First Nation staff. forced into a Third Party Administration • In early 2008, Mishkeegogamang First Agreement because it had accumulated • High level: The Minister believes that a recipient is high risk and/or is un- Nation was behind in the reporting a deficit of $3,442,758. This deficit was willing to address and remedy the default or other financial difficulties. High requirements. INAC felt that the mainly due to the negotiation costs for the level intervention results in the Minister appointing a Third Party Manager First Nation needed someone with Ontario Hydro claim: legal fees, honoraria/ (TPM). This level of intervention means that the First Nation does not have more experience in accounting and Interpreters and meetings. These costs any signing authority or spending authority at all. All the expenditures are administration. The hiring of a Co- contributed $2,149,317 to the deficit over authorized and approved by the Third Party Administrator. The mandate of a Manager came as the next level of the three fiscal years 1992/93, 1993/94 Third Party Administrator is to ensure that the programs are delivered, but intervention. and 1994/95. has no responsibility to get the First Nation out of deficit. Page May, 2009 Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation Community Update

Ministerial Guarantee November 7, 2008 The Ministerial Guarantee is used To: Chief Connie Gray-McKay to secure a loan from the bank for CMHC housing mortgages. The First Booshoo Connie, Nation came very close to losing I just want to take this time to the Ministerial Guarantee due to voice my concerns on the yearly the number of housing units lost payments people are requesting to arson. If the First Nation lost the to access. I would like to decline Ministerial Guarantee, this would the idea. We the people of mean that Mishkeegogamang First Mishkeegogamang First Nation Nation would have to pay out the full should be more concerned for our amount of the mortgages on these children and grandchildren and so homes. The mortgages on the 18- on. We want to build a future for unit project are approximately $1.4 the next generation. million. The money should be used Mishkeegogamang First Nation for anything for the good of the has worked hard to not lose the communities. There are lots of Ministerial Guarantee. When one opportunities for self-development of the units burned, the First Nation within our community. Instead, was required to rebuild the home the cash is flowing towards the or to pay out the one unit in full. The new renovation program will enable many houses to be upgraded and repaired. Liquor Store or Beer Store and we Mishkeegogamang First Nation have to recognize this loss of funds. made a special request to CMHC to These funds could be used for good continue paying for a house that no Let the Renovations Begin purposes in the community. longer exists. In crisis situations, funds may If the Ministerial Guarantee is The band is preparing to purchase materials amount of labour to work on elders’ homes be needed for important issues. revoked the band will go into third for home renovations and is planning a and other places where the homeowner is However, [looking towards the party administration. We cannot home beautification competition as a way unable to participate. future] is my highest priority. afford to lose homes to arson. of “thinking outside the box” and stretching “We hope to get people to do as much I continue to stand by my chief the use of the housing dollars. work as possible on their own. The thinking and council, even after all these Mortgage Renewal Co-Manager Myrna Whiteway said Chief was that if people put their own sweat into years of not living on the reserve, and Council received notice from Indian it they will take pride in their home,” said and I will continue to help them CMHC mortgages could not be and Northern Affairs Canada in late March Whiteway. in the positive and good goals that renewed for almost a year past the approving the purchase of materials for Details of the competition will be posted our young ones can benefit from in due date because there was a list of housing renovations. Fifty existing housing as they become available. Community the future. Let’s work together and work (deficiencies) for them that units in the community will benefit from members are encouraged to be part of a stand strong for our community. hadn’t been completed when the the funding amount of $600,000.00. After committee to set up the regulations for the Support our chief and council, units were constructed 10 years inspecting the houses and assessing their competition. See Jeff Loon or Roberta Skunk because we put them there to make ago. This work had to be done and renovation needs, materials such as doors, (O&M and Housing) if you are interested in a difference and for the betterment the homes had to pass CMHC windows and kitchen cupboards are being being on this committee. of our First Nation. inspection in order for the mortgage purchased at a cost of $616,000.00. The First Nation is required to submit Take care of yourselves and to be renewed. Whiteway said home owners will be a report by June 30th which includes an each other, encouraged to put sweat equity into their invoice from the material supplier as well as houses to be eligible for thousands of dollars confirmation from the First Nation that all Romeo Skunk Missing Rent Payments of prize money. She expects to hire a minimal material has been received.

The mortgages on the CMHC houses are subsidized by CMHC and the rest is supposed to be covered by rent paid by the individual tenants. Native Brother Found the One True Power and his Art When people don’t pay their rent, the First Nation has to pay for Raymond was raised in Canada in an That’s what everyone did,” he said. But this recognize that God was in control of my life.” this shortage. The money for the Ojibway tribe of 600 that was “saturated” led to drunken fighting over women, which Raymond’s faith led to a rediscovery mortgage payment has to come from with two opposing powers – the Word of God finally landing him in jail, his second home of his outstanding talent as an artist and somewhere. This is an unplanned and alcoholism. As a child, he joined a proud for the next 14 long years. gave him a way to heal and reconnect with expense that uses up the cash in and bustling community as they hunted, After coming to Metro Hope, Raymond’s the natural world. Now, instead of the war the bank and creates a deficit in the trapped, and lived off the land. “We learned greatest fight was with self-hatred. “I had scenes he drew as a kid, he draws scenes of housing department. about animal habits, climate changes, and failed to follow the Lord so many times, I peace, as well as of his Prince of Peace. even navigating the wind that carries your struggled with self-condemnation.” he said. After a brief return home to Canada, scent,” he says. “But at Metro Hope I kept at it, and finally Raymond went back to Minneapolis to Fire Truck When Raymond was 10, everything realized I was hungry for the smile of God I work as a program aide for a non-profit that changed. The federal government reduced saw in others.” serves fellow homeless Native American The good news is that their two thousand acres of ancestral land “For the first time I cried in front of other alcoholics. Mishkeegogamang First Nation to a subsidized reservation. “That was the people and let them see who I was – that I’m He regularly visits New Hope Center to will be getting a fire truck in the beginning of the end,” he said. “Free money only human. It was comforting to have some encourage both staff and residents. When very near future. Funding has been was a plague for my family. When everything guys to show that to.” he does, the inner peace he radiates infects approved for this. The First Nation was handed to us, we had nothing to live for, “Bill (Bauske) helped me a lot. Broke it all those around him. will contribute 25% and INAC will and we lost our dignity. Depression led to down for me so I could get understanding for Raymond says the fight is over in his life. fund 75% of the cost. alcoholism that saturated our community.” myself,” said Raymond. “I went to each of them, “I’m 100 percent with God,” he now says Raymond joined gangs and quit school Dan, Bill, Roy. Their actions were consistent with a smile. “I want Him to craft me the way by age 14. “We saw no problem with drinking. with their words. It was very heavy for me to He wants me.” Community Update Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation May, 2009 Page

Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation 2009 Women’s Conference

The North-South Partnership supports Mishkeegogamang Recreation Programs. Improving Life for Children and

Youth in Northwestern Ontario From the Four Directions by Dana Tiger Mishkeegogamang is benefiting from One example of the practical help partnerships created by the North-South organized by the Partnership is the summer MAY 29, 30, 31/2009 AT THE MISSABAY SCHOOL Partnership for Children. The goal of camp facilitated by Feed the Children ELDER TEACHINGS this organization is to improve life for Canada. This Christian-based organization children and youth in remote First Nations will be coming out again this summer to run Honouring & respecting ourselves as women • Taking care of ourselves communities of northwestern Ontario. a three-week summer program for children. • Roles & responsibilities as women • Making of a traditional calendar The organization includes representation Another organization called Going Green Ice Breakers • Workshops and Handouts • Door Prizes from Northern communities, local and is looking for ways to fund an ambulance international non-government organizations for Mishkeegogamang. And a group called SPECIAL EVENTS (NGOs), academia, foundations and others. Christian Horizons brings people to the Dr. Joel Bohemier – Maximized Living: A 1-Day Makeover Mishkeegogamang Chief Connie Gray- community to help with home renovations. Cooking class with Cathy Turner @ 3:00 pm McKay is a Board member, along with five The North-South Partnership for Children is Kick off to the “BIGGEST LOSER” Weight Loss Contest other chiefs and representatives from the 30 working. Talk to Chief Connie Gray-McKay First Nations of Northwestern Ontario. about how you could get involved. Contact: Maureen Skunk 928-2407• Dursilla James 928-2298 • Louise Loon 928-2298 Mishkeegogamang First Nation Approach to Resource Development Agreements

1. Rights Based companies as the vehicles through which we • We use Gerry Kerr of Chignecto Consulting • We follow up with members on updates and • We believe that we have three types of grant our permission. Without an agreement, Group, who has extensive experience across with an overview of the proposed agreement rights: inherent rights gifted to us by the there is no consent and the projects cannot the country in assisting with the negotiation when negotiations have concluded. Creator, sacred rights passed to us by our proceed. of resource agreements. 7. Benefits grandmothers and grandfathers, and treaty • It is also important to have legal counsel on 3. Timing • We seek the following type of benefits in rights negotiated with the Crown. board to review the agreements, as these are • We want to conclude agreements with our agreements: • These rights create obligations on us to legally binding contracts. companies at the exploration stage. Often • Employment protect our traditional lands for future companies will say, “Let’s wait until we 5. Due diligence • Business opportunities generations. Our rights also entitle us to have a viable project before concluding • The environmental impact of projects has to • Financial participation share in the benefits from the resources of any agreements.” Our position is that at be assessed independently of the companies. • Training opportunities our lands. any project stage, companies require our We demand to see all permit applications • In Exploration Agreements, we also seek a • Treaty lands are shared lands, not ceded permission to be on our traditional lands. and to have the right to have them assessed commitment from the companies that they lands. As shared lands, we have a legal right • Agreements which cover activities up to by independent environmental experts. will conclude an Impact Benefit Agreement based on the treaty to share in the benefits the point that a company makes a decision • We will also engage an independent with us as a condition of moving to the from these lands. to move to the operations phase are called financial advisor to review the company’s operations stage of the project. • When we meet with companies, we have Exploration Agreements. business case to see if they are being to begin by explaining our rights as the basis • Agreements which cover the operations honest about the financial prospects for the 8. Resolve of why the companies have to share the • Companies have to understand that if they phase of a project are called Impact Benefit project. benefits from their projects with us. refuse to negotiate fair agreements with us Agreements. 6. Community Consultation that there will be consequences. 2. Consent 4. Negotiation Expertise • We keep our community members • Our First Nation is prepared to do what • Our position is that regardless of what • We realize that bringing in experts who informed on our progress. We begin by we have to in order to block projects if the other permissions (provincial, federal) have experience in assisting First Nations having our consultant give a presentation companies refuse to deal with us. This that companies may require to proceed in the negotiation of resource agreements is on Impact Benefit Agreements and types of could include refusing to support permit with their developments, they also need important to ensure we are getting a fair deal benefits we can reasonably expect. We then applications, negative publicity about Mishkeegogamang’s permission to work in in terms of other agreements that are being ask members what their priorities are for the the company, legal action, or peaceful our traditional lands. concluded. benefits we should negotiate. demonstrations. • We see the agreements we negotiate with Page May, 2009 Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation Community Update

Healing Lodge Provides Opportunity for Family and Cultural Renewal

The Pashkokogan Healing Lodge is located on practise, healing from trauma, and family the traditional territory of Mishkeegogamang roles. Counselling and sharing circles form First Nation on beautiful Lake Pashkokogan. an important part of the program. It provides a 14-day family treatment The staff at the Healing Lodge includes program committed to supporting families a program manager, intake worker, case in overcoming addictions and trauma and manager, program counsellors, youth regaining a strong spiritual connection to counsellors and an elder. the land. The main building at the Lodge was Referrals to the program may be made donated by the Band; it was a school at by a nurse or doctor, Tikinagan Child one time before the community relocated and Family Services or other community to Osnaburgh. The main building has a services, or clients can apply to the program conference room, kitchen area, and dining individually. room. There are four log cabins that provide Mishkeegogamang has a long history of year-round comfort. The program can trauma stemming from colonial policies. In accommodate 5 families or 30 people in June of 2000, a group was formed to begin total, including children. Because of arson, Mishkeegogamang no longer qualifies for insurance on many of its buildings. addressing the impacts of these traumas Clients that complete the program leave and to start rebuilding the community. It with a follow-up and aftercare plan. Referrals was through this group that Pashkokogan are made to existing services in their home Mishkeegogamang Taking All Healing Lodge came into being. Some of the communities to ensure they receive support topics addressed at the Healing Lodge are and ongoing care. For more information Possible Steps to Provide Safe Water the history of First Nations people, Ethno- on the Pashkokogan Family Treatment stress, Genograms, Indigenous healing Program, call (807) 828-2606 Mishkeegogamang water treatment plants provide safe, reliable, and clean drinking at the New Osnaburgh School, Eric Lake, water. A two-year, $330 million First Nations Ace Lake, and Ten Houses got a complete Water and Wastewater Action Plan supports assessment in 2007. The assessments showed this commitment. In his letter, Strahl that $3 million worth of work needed to be commended Mishkeegogamang for the done. The community had been on a boil progress it has made: Themes and Concerns water advisory for five years. I understand the Mishkeegogamang Following the assessments, Chief Connie First Nation’s participation in the Safe Mishkeegogamang was one of two communities assessed by the North- Gray-McKay wrote a letter to the Minister of Water Operations Program has led to the South Partnership in 2007. In the assessment, community members Indian Affairs expressing urgent concern removal of drinking water advisories on expressed these common themes and concerns: about the water issues at Ace Lake and Eric two of your communities’ water treatment Lake. These two communities have wells • Low income levels and high cost of living (especially for food and fuel) systems. I commend you for your efforts and do not have the required five dwellings and commitment to safe drinking water • Lack of paid employment opportunities to qualify for a water system program. for your community. On February 12, 2009, Chief Gray- • A desperate need for housing, including new construction, repairs and McKay received a response from the maintenance Chief Gray-McKay is pleased that Minister, Chuck Strahl, acknowledging Mishkeegogamang has qualified for a Safe • Lack of physical resources for recreation, including a lack of facilities and that Mishkeegogamang considers the Ace Water Operations Protocol administered alternatives (e.g. arts and crafts) Lake and Eric Lake water systems as a by INAC. Under this program, it has hired high priority. a professional contractor – Northern • Need for children and youth programs, including sports and recreation, Strahl affirmed the government’s Waterworks – to oversee its water systems arts and crafts, and especially land-based programs to reunite the commitment to helping all First Nations to for three years. younger generation with their cultural heritage

• Addictions to gambling, drugs and alcohol, especially among young people

• Suicide and its impact on the wider community 1st prize $1,000.00 2nd prize $500.00 3rd prize $300.00

• Effects of intergenerational abuse and trauma, including stress, depression, anxiety, and unresolved grief THE BIG The Biggest Loser • Health concerns, including diabetes, poor nutrition, respiratory illnesses, G WEIGHT LOSS CONTEST and mental health ES T Weigh-in June 1, 2009 See the many recommendations found throughout the report L at the Nursing Station aimed at addressing these common themes and problems at T O

S Final Weigh-in and Measurement S

www.northsouthpartnership.com E

T E August 31, 2009

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C For more information contact:

Louise Loon – 928-2298

Dursilla James – 928-2298

Thrift Store Set to Re-Open

T W H E I G Daisy Spade – 928-2298 Watch for the re-opening of the Thrift Store in the old finance building at Ten Houses, right across from the band office. This store, called Ojibway Do you want to lose weight safely? Women 2003, gets donations from several Christian organizations, including Do you want to get fit? Christian Horizons in the U.S. and Kids Come First. Plans are to have the All ages – men & women Are you tired of being TIRED? store open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. encouraged to participate!!! Do you enjoy walking?