Yellowknives Dene
First Nation
2016 – 2017 Annual Report
Mission Statement
FIRST NATION MISSION To assert our Weledeh Dene Rights, as long as the sun rises, the rivers flow, and the grass grows
FIRST NATION VISION Our vision is to be a Healthy and Sovereign Weledeh Dene Nation with Excellent Governance
VALUE STATEMENTS
We the YKDFN Chiefs and Council are guided by the following values: • Weledeh Culture – we practice and promote our traditions, culture, language and spirituality • Integrity – we are caring, respectful and honorable to all people • Well-being – we live a healthy, balanced life that relies on nature • Accountability – we are accountable and transparent to our people
First Nation Summary (can be used as background information for proposals)
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) is part of the Akaitcho Territory Government. It is one of five main Dene groups that live in the NWT and is governed by a Chief and Council which has offices in Dettah and Ndilo. Overall, the YKDFN Chiefs and Council affirm our sacred obligation to serve our people and our commitment to live balanced contemporary lifestyles with culture and traditions important to our community, to speak our traditional language, and protect our natural resources and treaty rights. For Chiefs and Council to lead the YKDFN to a prosperous future requires the support of our members. We will work cooperatively and in partnership with all members, YKDFN administration and legal entities to achieve our proposed outcomes to improve the well-being of all our members.
Dene Laws Share what you have Share all the big games you kill; only take what you need and share with others who do not have any. Help each other Help the poor, sick and Elders, who are in need, visit them; give them food, cook, for them. Help them get firewood or whatever needs to be done around the house. When you lose someone in death, go to the family right away, help out the widow as much as possible and help take care of the orphaned children. Love each other as much as possible Treat each other as brother and sisters as though you are related. Help each other and don’t harm anyone. Be respectful of Elders and everything around you Don’t run around when Elders are eating; sit down until they are finished. Sleep at night and work during the day Don’t run around or laugh loudly when it gets dark. Everyone should sleep when darkness falls. Be polite and don’t argue with anyone Don’t harm anyone with your voice or actions. Don’t hurt anyone with your power. Don’t show your anger. Young girls and boys should behave respectfully Don’t make fun of each other, especially in the matter of sex. Don’t make fun of older men and women. BE polite to each other. Pass on the Teachings Elders are to tell stories about the past every day. In this way, young people learn to dis- tinguish between good and unacceptable behaviours and when they are older, they will become the storytellers someday, who will then someday keep the circle of life going. Be happy at all times The Creator have given you a great gift—Mother earth, take care of her and she will always give you food and shelter
“Prepare the children for a good life by teaching them in this way— It is your responsibility”
Message from the Chief(s)
The Chief and Council has once again completed another successful year in 2016-2017. We would like send out a Mahsi Cho to our Administration staff for their hard work and dedication in helping our First Nation flourish.
Akaitcho Process Negotiations: The Akaitcho Process Negotiations has received a positive feedback from the Tom Isaac (Special Representative for the Federal Government) report. It gave Akaitcho Negotiations to reach AIP status within 18-24 months.
Chief Edward Sangris Budget: Based on the affirmative outlook of YKDFN Budget, it has been another successful year for the First Nation, except for reducing of 2 programs due to mine closure.
Trust Agreement: To prevent further shutdown of any upcoming or current programs, the YKDFN have established the Gosoomba Dehshe Trust Agreement, the agreement will put the YKDFN in a more stable position on our financial goals.
Det’on Cho Corporation: The Chief and Council and Det’on Cho Corporation Board of Directors has had a successful year. DCC has recruited a new CEO, Paul Gruner. Paul has helped DCC become more financially secured, and became further involved in establishing DCC in becoming one of the leading Chief Ernest Betsina corporation in business ventures.
In conclusion with the help of our members and staff the Yellowknives Dene First Nation through governance, we are becoming a more sustainable First Nation.
Michael Cheeks Chief Executive Officer
Message from the Chief Executive Officer
We are pleased with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s (YKDFN)’s accomplishments over the past fiscal year 2016-2017. Our organization has pursued a number of important goals, that have undeniably benefited the Yellowknives Dene. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s success is owed to the drive and commitment of its competent Administration, Program Managers, support staff, Chiefs and Council, Elders Senate, Youth Council, and the Yellowknives Dene Members, whom we serve under the guidance of the Dene Laws.
The YKDFN is fortunate to have a strong and talented team of dedicated leaders, managers, and staff. We want to personally thank the Chief and Council for their role in providing good governance, and their recognition that the vital role that they play in guiding management in the carrying out of our day to day duties, with integrity.
The annual reports from each of the Departments highlight program successes, and identify opportunities which are abundant in Chief Drygeese Territory. The YKDFN administration will continue to champion the Yellowknives Dene First Nation priorities, as articulated in the 5-year strategic plan, and the Building for the Future reports. The YKDFN organization will continue to be managed through the application of best practices for all current and future generations.
This annual report provides highlights of our 2016-17 achievements i.e. Secured support for the establishment of a Yellowknives Dene Trust by working together in order to ensure the future prosperity of our region, and the health and well being of all Yellowknives Dene. We have initiated community infrastructure projects to build an additional 2-bay garage, renovate and expand the Wellness building in Dettah, and Daycare for Ndilo, a regulation size gymnasium, a multiplex cultural Centre, and a multiyear skills development initiative.
We expect that all of these initiated projects will advance and be completed over the next three (3) to five (5) years.
We, will continue to work tirelessly in building a strong Yellowknives Dene First Nation organization that strives to provide for a healthy nation with positive intergovernmental relationships with other governments and industry partners.
Current Chief and Councillors Chiefs
Edward Sangris Ernest Betsina Councillors
Jonas Sangris Bobby Drygeese Napoleon Mackenzie Philip Liske
Mary Rose Sundberg Randy Baillargeon Lena Black Catherine Lafferty
Gordie Liske Paul Betsina
Community Wellness
After School Program Chekoa Program in Ndilo and Dettah is designed for children to attend after school to continue to learn in the structured program. The staff follows an activity calendar with different daily events. They focus on healthy lifestyles, reading, spelling, mathematics, and arts and crafts. A healthy snack is provided each day. This program is from Monday to Friday, 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. The Chekoa program will run throughout the year.
Gym Program The gyms in both Ndilo and Dettah are open on a daily basis. Hours are 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The gym workers have been organizing structural activities with different age groups; focusing on sport activities in hopes Jennifer that the youth will gain some insight in a sport that will take them to Drygeese different places in Canada. The youth play a lot of soccer, soccer baseball, Wellness volleyball and floor hockey.
Division
Spring Carnival A Spring Carnival was held in Dettah and Ndilo in April 1-3, 2016. This Spring Carnival
April 1/16 April 2/16 Staff Challenge (afternoon) Adult Events/Youth Events Children Events Talent Show (evening) Kiddie Carnival Drum Dance (evening) April 3/16 Pancake Breakfast Adult Events Youth Events Kids Events Event Awards Community Cookout/Closing Prayer Our carnival was very successful with a great turnout that everyone looks forward to each year.
Mothers/Father’s Day Celebration Our office hosted a barbeque at the Weledeh Site for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. As usual, husbands and sons cooked for the mothers, and wives and daughters cooked for the dads. It was a great time for people to socialize at a positive event – this was a huge success.
Career Fair On May 12, 2016 the Wellness staff assisted with the annual Career Fair by setting up booths on health and wellness, addiction awareness, restorative justice and the Dechinta Naawo Program. The Wellness Staff also assisted with the overall planning and implementing of career fair.
National Aboriginal Day Celebration On June 21, 2016 the YKDFN Wellness Department organized an Aboriginal Day Celebration at the YKDFN Wiilliideh traditional grounds (YK River). The Wellness program and the YKDFN Lands department collaborated on portions of the program. The Lands department opened the celebration with an opening prayer, drum prayer song and then commenced with awards and recognition. We held a fish fry with bannock and potatoes, traditional food works in which Elders demonstrated how to prepare a muskrat, ducks, beaver, fish and traditional sewing. In the children’s area we prepared little YKDFN history coloring books, face painting along with supervising children on newly built playground. Our youth had a fundraising canteen, silent auction and 50/50 draws along with a canoe rides. During the event we also had a duck plucking contest and canoe races and finished off the night with a drum dance. The Aboriginal Day event was a huge success with a great turnout considering there was a raven mad daze event in Yellowknife.
Summer Program Our Community Wellness program delivered a successful summer program in Dettah and Ndilo with a lot of outings such as going to the beach, Cameron falls hike, baseball camp, multisport camp, canoeing, gymnastics, library, book store, swimming at dock in Dettah. At the program we would have a movie night, nutritious cooking class, board games. This summer we also hosted a science camp with Elephant Thoughts who delivered a 5 day science and technology camp who engaged participants with hands on fully interactive demonstrations and experiments. We also ha our youth travel to Whati for Mackenzie youth Summer games.
Dene Games Competition Culture Camp From August 4-6, 2016 we held a Dene Games Competition at the Weledeh site. The competition consisted of: set up, ice breakers, team building activities, intro to dene games and the traditional way to life and responsibilities, survival skill. Stick pull, spear throw, leg wrestling, canoe relay, tug of war. We finished the camp with a nature Walk to spiritual tree and hill and a family BBQ/Awards. This was a very successful event.
OTL Youth Health Leadership Workshop In partnership with University of Alberta we held a on the land health leadership workshop. The workshop gave the youth a chance to develop leadership skills, practice cultural skills and voice their health conceptions using a clicker survey, photo voice, ipad survey, focus groups and mural art. The UofA student made a presentation on the youth input and feedback and presented to our leadership, wellness staff, lands staff and others and discussed the next steps to address the youth concerns. This is on-going and will be working with UofA further on this project.
Family Fun Sunday On Sunday, August 21, 2016 we held a family fun Sunday that consisted of a barbeque and had a child parent games. This was a great for families learned ways to work together as a team. We had a great turnout with prizes that were won.
Fall Harvest/health Fair This year we collaborated our Health and Harvest fair into one weekend, which was a huge success. On Friday, August 26/16 we had our Community Wellness Programmer plan a visit for the GNWT-Wellness Staff and health fair representatives to our community of Dettah. The visit consisted of a walk through our community, visit the home with their own raised garden beds and a cultural area at an Elders home in which the visitors made dryfish of their own. On Friday evening we held a cooked food contest where the participants brought cooked Fresh vegetable soup, stew, bannock, dryfish and were judged. Prizes presented after the judging. On Saturday, August 27, 2016 we hosted a Community Healthy Living Fair/ Fall Harvest Fair. We started off with a opening prayer with drummers, we had a workshop on canning and food preparation, had garden and greenhouse tours, dryfish making demonstrations, health information/awareness booths in the Ndilo gymnasium with live entertainment Jesse Gon. Our youth presented their mural that was created at the on the land camp.
Halloween Party Our Community Wellness program offered Halloween parties in both communities on Saturday. The parties consist of a haunted house, games for all ages and snacks and beverages. This is a fun well-attended party. We have parents, teenagers, children and babies engaged in a positive activity together. Both parties were a success. Empowering & Inspiring All Girls Program From November 2016 to March 2017 we delivered an 18 week girls group. We hired an outside facilitator. The program focused on body image, self-esteem, relationship and healthy living and the goals were to prevent high risk behaviors, support girls through normal changes associated with puberty and support the transition to middle and high school. The program consisted of ice breakers, snacks/refreshments and program delivery. The following were the topics that were covered: • Body image • Public nurse visit • Pregnancy • Christmas theme • Goals and visions boards • Media literacy • Self-esteem • Valentines theme • Communication • Relationship: Being a good friend • Celebrating you
Christmas Program Our Community Wellness was able to deliver the following very successfully. Wednesday, Dec 14/16 Elders Christmas Party Saturday, Dec 17/16 Christmas Craft & Bake Sale Sunday, Dec 18/16 Christmas Party Sunday, Dec 18/16 Volunteer Appreciation Day Monday, December 26/16 Boxing Day Handgames Tournament December 22-23, 2016 Mini Volleyball Tournament December 28-29, 2016 Mini Soccer Tournament
Post-Secondary Education Night On Wednesday, January 4, 2017 our Wellness Department and Human Resource Department hosted a post-secondary night. The night consisted of supper, panel guest speaker’s discussions who answered the following questions: 1. Tell us about yourself: Name, Parents & grandparents, Community grew up in, and Favorite subject in high school or your high school experience 2. When did you know you wanted to attend post-secondary school? How did you decide? 3. What school did you end up going to? Why? 4. Explain what you did a month before going to school? 5. What did you specialize in? What was the process like? 6. How did you afford going to school? What are your top three money saving tips? 7. What made you successful in school? What kept you going? 8. What opportunities do you have now because of school? We had 33 people attend the session, which was a great turnout and we are very pleased with so many young people interested in furthering their education. I would like to thank the following panel guest speakers who were all YKDFN members: Erica Abel, Nursing Program, Aurora College Jeff Rosnawski, Mine Engineering Technologist, Cambrian College Angela Charlo, Business Administration, Grande Prairie College
Elder and Youth Workshop On January 30 & 31st, the Dene Wellness Programmer attended the Elders’ and Youth: Bridging the Gap workshop that was held at the Ndilo gym, there were 40 participants. The participants listened to the Elders talking about the Dene culture, traditional way of life, traditional teachings and Dene Laws, teachings on the meaning of life, traditional skills, traditional knowledge of the land and environment. Elders talked about how they lived on the land with their families when they were young. They lived according to the Laws of Nature, Cycle of Life and applied the principles of the Dene laws and Spirituality; family system, traditional roles and responsibilities of men and women, rites of passage, roles and responsibilities of boys and girls were passed on from generations to generations for the survival of the families. In the workshop, various activities included such as Elders and youth discussions on social issues and work in small groups to identify ways of dealing with issues facing the youth and Elders; lot of storytelling, energizers and ice breakers, youth serving food to the Elders and interacting with the Elders. The Dene Wellness Programmer facilitated the presentation of the Cycle of Life.
Soccer at the Fieldhouse To encourage our youth to not be influenced by negative behaviors we had our Community Wellness Assistant Programmers bring the youth to the field house on Saturdays from April to June 2016 and January to March 2017. We transported our youth from the communities and we welcomed other youth who in the facility to come and join. We would have warm ups and drills and have a soccer game. It was a great turnout each week. We had regular practices at our community gyms also and send teams to soccer tournaments at Fort Liard – November 25-27, 2016 and in Fort Simpson – February 17-19, 2017 – both tournaments are teams won community banners.
Spring Break Culture Camp This Spring Break our Community Wellness coordinate a culture camp at Mason Lake (YKDFN Cabin) from March 18-23, 2017. The youth were taught on the land survival skills, trapping, snaring and drymeat making. We had very knowledgeable resource workers who worked positively with each youth. This camp was very successful.
Behchoko Youth tournament We sent two youth teams to the youth handgames tournament in Behcho Ko March 25-26, 2017. Our one team placed first place. We had numerous parents and young men that volunteered and travelled with the team to chaperone, drive and drum for the boys. It was powerful to see our young boys beam with pride and confidence when playing and feeling a lot of support. Prior to the boys travelling we also had handgame practices in the communities.
Handgames & Drumming Hand Games and drumming practice was held once a week in Ndilo and Dettah until the end of June. There was a break during the summer months, and it was started up again in the fall.
Fundraising Our youth without Community Wellness Programmer led fundraisers, which were a Garage Sale, Bake Sale, Car Wash and Canteen.
Family Nights May 3 & 5, 2016 May 24 & 26, 2016 theme: summer gardening September 27 & 29, 2016 theme: Healthy living November 29 & December 1, 2016 theme: Diabetes January 24 & 26, 2017 theme: Physical activity February 21 & 22, 2017 theme: Anti-bullying Pink shirt day On the Land Program This Spring Break our Community Wellness coordinated a culture camp at Mason Lake (YKDFN Cabin) from March 18-23, 2017. The youth were taught on the land survival skills, trapping, snaring and drymeat making. We had very knowledgeable resource workers who worked positively with each youth. This camp was very successful.
Dene Wellness Program
Counselling Services Counselling and support was provided to clients in Dettah, Ndilo and Yellowknife. Referrals were also made to treatment centers and community resources as required. Counsellor would also make connections with other organizations and refer clients to other organizations in Yellowknife when needed. This fiscal year we made our counselling services more convenient making our Counsellors do home visits, go for coffee or meeting in our Dettah or Ndilo Offices.
Acupuncture Sessions Acupuncture sessions were held in Dettah and Ndilo in April, May and June. This is a very popular program for assistance with substance abuse as well as other health issues. A lot of our clients that receive counselling are referred to this session.
Sewing Sharing Circle The women who attended the women’s land program participated in the sewing circles to continue working on their moose hide wrap around moccasins with duffle and sewing mitts with duffle lining. The ladies were happy and proud of themselves when they finished their moccasins and mitts. Others were beading and knitting. The ladies enjoyed coming to the sewing circles as it brought positive energy for them by interacting and connecting, sharing their sewing techniques with others, storytelling, building healthy relationship and providing support and guidance to one other. The Wellness Programmer provided information on other wellness programs and services available in the communities. Snacks were provided.
Grief and Loss Workshop Our Wellness Department partnered with NT/NU Council of Friendships Centres to deliver a Grief and Loss Workshop at our Weledeh site August 8-12, 2016. The workshop consisted of residential school system/issues, living outside of our comfort zone, how do we heal in a holistic way, Dealing with abuses, spirituality, take back our power, forgiveness, dealing with loss/types of loss, unresolved grief, lending a hand, support groups, Debriefing from the week workshop before and after. This workshop was very successful and the participants were very satisfied by the delivery. During the sessions we had our counsellor at the kitchen area where they individuals would drop in for a one on one sessions.
Women’s Retreat The Women’s Retreat was held on September 24-25, 2016. We had our Counsellor, Dene Wellness Programmer and Justice Coordinator facilitate the Women’s Retreat. The first day started with a prayer, followed with introductions, greetings and creating safety for all the participants and resource people by developing rules and safety guidelines. The identified challenges, had traditional activities, storytelling and a sharing circle. Day two consisted of traditional activity, berry picking, stages of change, letting go exercise, giving and receiving, prayer and letting go. The retreats are very popular that women request to continue and would also requested follow up session to touch base on where they are at.
Crisis in Community In September and October, extreme horrific tragedy deaths of four young adults in our communities impacted the families, youth, children and community members struggling with trauma, grief and loss from so many losses in a short time. A crisis intervention team was formed with community agencies and Wellness staff to provide emergency support and grief counseling, crisis intervention and emotional support and home visits were done with families, individuals, recues team and community members. Referrals to mental health, medical professionals and other community agencies as needed. The Dene Wellness Programmer assisted the Wellness staff in planning and delivering programs and services in our community of Dettah and Ndilo.
The Dene Wellness Programmer compiled educational information on Stages of Loss and Grief process; What is post-traumatic stress disorder; The importance of self-care plan; and Yellowknife resource numbers for emergency and support services. This information was inserted in the Wellness Division newsletter, which was distributed to all the homes in Dettah and Ndilo, and was emailed to contact list.
As there was an extreme need for Community Healing workshops, Loss and Grief workshop, and training for the development of Crisis Response Team due to the tragedy deaths of four young adults in our communities. The Dene Wellness Programmer wrote a Crisis Intervention training and healing workshops proposal for approval from the Chief and Council.
In November, the Wellness Director, Mental Health Counsellor and the Dene Wellness Programmer made a presentation on the Community in State of Emergency at the Chief and Council meeting as well as the submitted the Crisis Intervention training and healing workshops proposal.
Men’s Free Hair Cuts Once a month we offered men’s haircuts on Saturdays. This was a great way to reach out to our men in the communities. We had our Counselor and support present. We had quite a few men reach out to our counselor after this program. October 15, 2016 December 3, 2016 December 4, 2016
YKDFN Dechinta Program On Oct. 21 our Counsellor facilitated a sharing circle with the Dechinta Program students and they created a vision board. The students established trust by opening up in a sharing circle and were able to share their vision board, dreams and goals in their life. For couple of students, it was their first time to create a vision board. Working on their vision board was helpful for them as they’re aware of their goals and how they’re going to reach their goals.
On the Land Women Retreat The Women Retreats was held at BDene camp - February 4-5/17 The Retreat included a spiritual traditional ceremony and a prayer for guidance and strength, identified what they needed from group to feel safe, expectations from the program. The land program focused on building healthy relationships, develop self-esteem and strengthen their Dene Culture. The facilitators, Elder and Wellness staff provided counselling, letting go ceremony and sharing circles. The presentations were on building trust exercises, identifying challenges, stages on changes, healthy lifestyle choices, self-care, and personal growth, giving and receiving spiritual gifts. Our Elder talked about the Dene Culture, traditional teachings and our Spiritual and Sacred Dene Laws, shared each of the Dene laws of their meaning and purposes which was passed on from generations to generations for the survival of our Dene people. Traditional skills taught by the Elder included participant’s hands-on learning experienced in making drymeat, dryfish, sewing wrapped around moccasin and duffel lining, sewing a doll for connecting with inner child, as well as storytelling, fishing, setting and visit rabbit snares, setting and visiting traps, snowshoeing and going for nature walks.
Pan Territorial On the Land Program Summit Alice attended the 3 days Land-based Program summit – March 14-16, 2017 that was organized by the GNWT Health and Social Services and Health Canada. This summit was organized to promote wellness by integrating holistic healing approaches through land based programs for individuals, families and community. People from NWT, Yukon, Nunavut, Alaska and other provinces came to the summit. The Dene Wellness Programmer was excited and honored to present a slide presentation on the Wellness Division’s land-based programs for children, youth, women, men and families.
Grief, Loss, Dying and Death Facilitator Stephen Garret is a facilitator, trainer and a consultant who is the owner of Just Alive Consulting from BC. work with the Dene Wellness Team. He facilitated a staff training and development and on the land program from March 27 – 31st and work with families in the community from April 1 – 2nd.
On The Land Program We offered an on the Land Program Feb 18-19/16 and March 27-31, 2016. The presentations consisted of identifying challenges and identifying ways of dealing with challenges, identify goals on how to live a healthy lifestyle, Power of Choice Wheel model, understanding Grief/loss and living with Grief/loss, self- care and support system. Talked about the various aspects of loss such as loss of culture, loss of a way of life, loss of parenting, loss of relationship, loss of job and as well talked about the different types of death – accidental death, cancer, health complications, suicide, miscarriage and natural death. Those various aspects of losses and death result in a different journey with grief and life’s challenges that each person faces in their daily lives. The facilitator, Elder and Wellness staff supported the participants with their healing process, letting go ceremony, counselling sessions were available, and at end of the day they had sharing circles and talked about what they had learned from the program. The participant using the power of choice model has help in working through their healing process of letting go their pains from grief and loss. On the Land Programs provided a safe and empowering environment for the participants to reconnect and strengthen their Dene way of life; personal healing process with others in the group; reflective and nourishing of inner self and the opportunity to spend time together on the land away from their work, home and caregiving responsibilities. Upon completing their program, they felt energized, inspired and rejuvenated to return home to their family and community.
Family Wellness
Mama and Bebia Sessions Mama and Bebia sessions were held regularly in the Mama Bebia Classroom. Wellness allocated a classroom for the Mama Bebia program. Our Mama and Bebia sessions are planned in advance with guest speakers, fitness classes and outings. During a session the clients are welcome. Once the group is settled, the participants introduce themselves; where they are from, due date or age of child and how many children they may have. There are snacks and beverages provided at the session and if possible, the mothers help participate in cooking a healthy meal with enough to take home afterwards. The sessions are from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. but can last until 6:30 p.m. depending on the activity and the number of participants. The mothers enjoy each other’s company and like to socialize with each other. After sessions are done, a door prize is given out. The clients are then able to receive their baby bag.
Lunch Workout For the month of April 2016 we offered lunch hour workout, which was with a Julian Michel’s video. We had quite a few women that came out to this. The workout was very intense and women did see results. For the month of June we offered lunch hour walks in which we also had quite a few participants come out.
Parenting Class Our Family Wellness Programmer partnered with Healthy Family Program with YKHSS to deliver a family support program that focuses on families with children of all ages. A healthy lunch will be provided with great door prizes. The units they covered were: • Strengthening family foundations and motivating growth • Reducing stress: Tools for stress management • Discipline and special parenting circumstances • Discipline ad special parenting circumstances
Sakaii Summer Day Camp We had a Saka?a summer day program for ages 6-10 years of age. The camp took place from July4-August 19, 2016 – Monday to Thursday. We used Fridays for staff reports, clean-up of the facilities, meal planning and shopping for the next week along with staff training for half of the day. We had Sakaii delivered in Ndilo and Dettah. Both communities had access to the community gyms but was based out of a classroom for the mornings. The program provided the participants a safe, fun environment for the children to participate in educational games, sports, cooking and baking, traditional arts & crafts and field trips to various locations in the city and areas of Yellowknife along with having them attend a cultural camp on the land in July and August. It was important to give our children an experience that they would not normally be able to do such as horseback riding the most. The programs were also very engaged with our community gardens helping water the plants along with harvesting the vegetables. The children were able to enjoy their summer through the Saka’a program and participate in outings they may not otherwise have afforded.
Elder Support Elders were visited by the Family Wellness Programmer. Rides were given to appointments such as visits to the doctor. Elders needing translation or assistance look to Community Wellness for support in areas such as translation, assistance with forms or with government processes. Our Family Wellness Coordinator contacted Elders in the communities and began assisting them with filling out applications for the Senior Fuel Subsidy and was the third party contact between the GNWT and Elders. The Family Wellness Coordinator held luncheons (Oct 4/16 Feb 21/17 Mar 21/17) for Elders monthly in both Dettah and Ndilo. For the Elders that couldn’t make it to the Wellness Centre, the Programmer dropped the meals off at their homes and visited with the Elders. Speakers of interest to the Elders were invited to the luncheons.
Celebration of Babies On Saturday, January 14, 2017 our Family Wellness Programmer held a Celebration of Babies. We recognized all the babies born in 2016. The celebration consisted of a lunch fun games, making a baby 2016 shirt with great door prizes. It was a great turnout with loads of fun and laughter.
Dechita Naowo
Introduction The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) Dechita Naowo program had a successful year of delivery in 2016-17. Training was provided in the following areas: 1. Job Readiness/Employment Placements; 2. Environmental Monitoring/Land Stewardship; 3. Personal Growth and Leadership; 4. Trades Exam/Post-Secondary Preparation; 5. Construction Basics; and 6) Admin/Research Assistant training.
1. Job Readiness/Employment Placements Participants took part in career planning through a Career Cruising workshop with a facilitator from Education, Culture and Employment. They learned about their own individual learning styles and which types of employment would best suit their preferences and completed work related to Margaret communications on the job and managing stress and personal wellness. Erasmus, Participants learned safety on the job, particularly relevant to construction sites and environmental remediation. They completed certificates in Fall Program Protection Hazard Awareness, Firearms Safety, Predator Defense and Manager Shotgun Handling, H2S Safety, Spill Response Level 2, Mould Awareness and Asbestos Abatement, Pleasure Craft Operator’s Certificate and Transportation of Dangerous Goods; all industrial safety workshops were facilitated by Arctic Response. Participants leaned the value of Personal Protective Equipment and used safety gear such as hard hats, safety glasses, fall protection harnesses, reflective vests, snow-mobile helmets, goggles, face masks and steel toed boots. Participants in the Administrative/Research Assistant stream participated in work experience placements for 5 weeks, giving them an opportunity to utilize skills they learned in the program in real work place situations. Types of positions they covered included Administrative Assistant, Data Entry Clerk and Program Assistant. The YKDFN Human Resources Employment Officer assisted participants to continually revise their resumes to include most recent training taken in Dechita Naowo, and submit resumes for employment where applicable.
2. Environmental Monitoring / Land Stewardship Participants gained experience with GPS, using maps and compasses while on the land, as well as hand held devices for collecting data on the land. Participants learned navigation skills and traditional markers in Chief Drygeese Territory while out on day long boat excursions. They had the opportunity to learn traditional knowledge from Elders and community resource people. They took part in First Aid/Wilderness First Aid courses and received certificates through Arctic Response. Photo Credit: Margaret Erasmus
BEAHR Environmental Monitoring Two modules of the BEAHR Environmental Monitoring Program were delivered in the fall: 1) Environmental Monitoring – Core module (3 weeks), Environmental Monitoring – Research (2 weeks). Core skills included teamwork and communication, observational skills, decision making, and conflict resolution. Lessons covered an overview of environmental management and planning, ecology, energy cycling, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, local topography and plant identification, the water cycle, soil science and environmental legislation. The students took part in case studies and learned about different types of environmental monitoring. Technical skills included taking field notes, using photographic equipment and measuring. Participants gained experience with handheld Garmin GPS units, navigating with both compass and GPS, mapping and plotting UTM coordinates on topographic maps, basic environmental site assessment, and using an auger to make holes in the ice for water sampling. On the land skills included survival and first aid, hazardous materials, fire awareness and safety, obtaining food and water, building a fire and constructing a shelter. Participants set a net through the ice at Powder Point, and caught fish. They learned how to use chisels and ice jiggers. They also learned how to make a winter fire and how to cook fish on the fire. They shared some fish with Elders in the community, and provided some fish to community programs. As well, they learned how to take samples from the fish for various types of sampling. An Elder came in to the program and shared stories from the land, traditional knowledge and history of YKDFN with the participants. Environmental Monitoring Research topics included research skills, random sampling, reviewing reports, data collection, permissions and protocols, quality assurance and quality control, contamination and sampling, record keeping, vegetation sampling methods, soil sampling methods, fish sampling, sediment sampling, monitoring water quality and monitoring wildlife. They reviewed studies on the caribou in the NWT and how to monitor and track them. Participants attended a community engagement session on arsenic contamination at the Giant Mine site, providing input on remediation of the site involving where to place water treatment components. They also took a tour of the Giant Mine site, viewing the tailings ponds and water treatment plant. Participants travelled to Goulet Bay by boat, learning navigation skills, and how to travel by boat in the fall. They also scouted for moose along the way.
Caribou monitoring Participants took part in a caribou monitoring project in collaboration with YKDFN Lands and Environment Division. Before going on the barrenlands, participants took part in a Trailmarker data collection workshop to learn how to use a hand- held data collection device for caribou monitoring. The participants travelled by ski-doo on traditional trails from Ndilo up to Gordon Lake monitoring caribou. Then, they travelled to McKay Lake continuing to monitor caribou. Participants learned how to make emergency shelter and campfire in the open. They also helped to butcher some caribou in Photo Credit: Margaret Erasmus the traditional ways, and they learned navigation skills in the barrenlands, taking precautionary methods and working as a team, keeping each other in sight at all times, and making alterations on the trail, due to open water hazards. They met with the Elders upon returning from the barrenlands, and reviewed the data collected, and talked about traditional values while hunting on the barrenlands. The Elders stressed the importance of being cautious on the land. They were happy to hear the students had taken firearms safety courses, and the precautionary measures the Traditional Knowledge holders took with the students on the barrenlands. The Elders discussed differences in caribou behavior in the barrenlands, including grazing and movements, compared to the treed areas. They talked about the importance of being respectful to the caribou and different protocols that are followed on the land – don’t throw any of the meat away; and when cutting up the meat, ways to determine if the meat is healthy. They reviewed the data, showing the Elders, the actual routes taken from the data on the computer. The Elders stressed the importance of using our Dene names for the lakes and areas travelled on the land. All their stories and advice was recorded on the data collector.
Environmental Remediation In the early spring, there was an opportunity to expand their environmental monitoring training to include environmental remediation. In addition to industrial safety courses, participants took part in basic Heavy Equipment Operator training on four pieces of heavy equipment: Excavator 360/345 – pre-check and walk around, safe operating maneuvers controls and gauge functions, basic boom and stick movements, pad preparation, proper digging techniques, building ramps, change bucket, sorting rock, loading 30 ton Rock Truck and handling blast mats. 30 Ton Rock Truck – pre-check and walk around, safe operation of truck, control and gauge functions, proper driving including loading by excavator, backing up to loading equipment, driving in congested areas, different types of dumping. Skid Steer – pre-check and walk around, safe operation of skid steer, handling material with forks, changing attachments, proper usage of bucket for snow clearing and spreading gravel/sanding. 270 Loader – Pre-check and walk around, safe operation of loader, control and gauge functions, handling and moving material with forks, snow clearing on ice, driveways and parking lots, traveling on roadways and streets, changing attachments, moving and placing material with slings and chains. The trainers were surprised at how fast the students learned to operate the machines and stated they would give a positive reference for each and every one of them to future employers. The participants were prepared to treat the HEO training as if it were a job; showed up on time each day, carried a lunch, wore Personal Protective Equipment, had a good attitude and worked well with everyone involved. Once participants had gained enough skill on the machinery, they used their skills to clear snow in the community, as well as at a local jamboree held on the ice.
Fish Habitat and Marine Science In March, there was an opportunity to partner with the YKDFN Youth Society and the Lands and Environment Division to take 6 students to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre in B.C. Students learned how to take Ph levels of water, collected plankton and studied it under microscopes, studied differences between ocean water and river water, collected sea-life from the bottom of the ocean and studied it, hiked the rain forest, learned about salmon fishing from local First Nations fishers and studied fish habitats.
3. Personal Growth and Leadership Participants attended some modules of the MATRIX program at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. Through collaboration with the YKDFN Wellness Division, some of the participants attended a healing retreat on-the-land near Dettah. They also took part in personal growth workshops on self-care, creating vision boards, grieving, lateral violence, anger management, healthy lifestyles, exercise and nutrition. They had the opportunity for individual counselling as well as the group sessions with the Wellness Division Counsellor. Participants attended a one-day course on the mental health of children and received certificates Photo Credit: Margaret Erasmus from High 5 for this training. Participants received mentoring from staff and community resource people. Participants learned how to budget and developed personal budgets for themselves which they updated throughout the program after doing actual expenditures vs budgeted expenses. While on the land in various aspects of the program, participants stopped at graveyard sites and showed their respect. They learned the history of where the Yellowknives Dene used to live along the shoreline of Se Ko Ke. Participants took part in a Leadership Course through the Yellowknives Dene Community Learning Centre, covering modules such as leadership qualities, challenges faced by Aboriginal people, federal/territorial/municipal and First Nation political structures and how they work, conflict resolution, critical thinking and problem solving.
4. Trades Exam/Post-Secondary Preparation Participants worked through practice workbooks in preparation for writing the trades exam. Participants completed an Introductory to Computers course and courses in Math and English. Some people inquired about the program, but were referred to other programs that were more applicable to their needs. For example, young people closer to school age were encouraged to go back to high school, and appointments were set up with appropriate counsellors. Participants used the material for the Environmental Monitoring Program to upgrade their English skills for an hour each day. As well they worked on English spelling and grammar, and practiced writing short stories and other English assignments. Participants also upgraded their Science skills through the Environmental monitoring program, core module.
5. Construction Basics Participants learned how to use a variety of hand tools and power tools, construction site hazards and how to eliminate them, as well as reporting hazards. The participants worked on construction project planning, and learned how to sketch small building designs, using varied designs. They learned how to do measurements and how to cut materials to fit angles and squares. Participants assisted with installing a ventilation system in the community greenhouse in Ndilo. Participants took part in a one-week certified construction course, Basic Maintenance I, through MACA, with Photo Credit: Margaret Erasmus both theory based and hands on instruction. Participants learned how to build a floor, walls and roof, and completed framing in a cook house at the YKDFN Wiiliideh Site. They also began construction on a smoke house and gazebo. Participants built a tent frame at Goulet Bay for use by the First Nation. They learned how to work on construction in the bush with limited access to power, and when the weather was turning colder. They set nets independently out on the lake both in the lake and through the ice in the winter.
6. Administrative Assistant/Research Assistant Participants learned MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and email basics, and practiced with daily assignments ranging from setting up articles for a newsletter to creating budgets for meetings and preparing powerpoint presentations on some of their experiences. They practiced typing to increase typing skills. Participants learned how to set up emails and practiced using email for assignments daily. The University of Alberta delivered 2 sessions on survey development and research ethics. Participants took part in a clicker survey and helped to develop a short clicker survey. They also learned about pre- testing and post-testing for evaluation purposes, and helped to develop pre-tests for MS Word and MS Excel. The participants learned overall office procedure basics, including office etiquette, ethical principles, maintaining confidentiality, answering phones, taking messages, office communications, greeting clients, managing fax and email, scheduling meetings, organizing meeting logistics, maintaining attendance records and other office schedules, entering data, screening and processing office correspondence, ordering supplies, preparing cost estimates for purchase order requests, filing, maintaining electronic files, keeping the office/reception area neat and maintaining office equipment. Participants practiced building agendas and taking minutes through regular class meetings on various subjects. Participants assisted YKDFN with data entry on a survey the First Nation had done with its members.
Greenhouse and Gardening Dechita Naowo managed the Ndilo greenhouse and gardening programs in Dettah and Ndilo. One gardening coordinator was hired for each community. Calls were put out for garden / greenhouse plots, followed by assigning plots to members. Assistance was given to gardeners with all areas of growing food, including soil testing, adding fertilizers/nutrients, weeding and watering. Produce from two plots were given to Elders and community programs. The Manager and Coordinators partnered with Ecology North to deliver the annual Fall Harvest Fair. This year it was done in conjunction with the Wellness Health Fair. Harvest Fair activities included a petting zoo, an outdoor fish fry, sampling garden foods and products, tours of the gardens and greenhouse and rides to tour other community gardens in town.
Management In addition to coordinating and developing the programs offered, the Manager also taught some of the courses, including Admin/Research Assistant and Trades Exam/Post-Secondary Preparation. Management worked on developing partnerships to further the program: Current partners include Det’on Cho, University of Alberta, Engage North, Aurora College Yellowknives Dene Community Learning Centre, Ecology North and K’alemi Dene School. The Manager also worked with other YKDFN departments including Public Works, Wellness, Human Resources and Lands & Environment to lobby for support for future funding for Dechita Naowo. The Manager participated in planning meetings on renovations, community tourism, and developing employment opportunities for members. The Manager provided reporting to funders and continued with proposal writing for funds to deliver future programming. Sponsors Dechita Naowo would like to thank our sponsors this year: Government of the Northwest Territories: Education, Culture and Employment; Health and Social Services – Anti-Poverty Initiative; Industry, Tourism and Development; NT–NU Council of Friendship Centres – Urban Partnerships; DeBeers Working Group; and the Government of Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs. We would also like to thank Chiefs and Council, Administration and the Elders Senate for their support, as well as other YKDFN departments for their collaboration and support: Wellness Division, Human Resources, Land and Environment and Public Works.
Photo Credit: Margaret Erasmus Land & Environment Department
The Land and Environment Department of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Band Administration has been established by Chief and Council to act as the primary point of contact for a wide range of issues that deals with Lands & Environment. All matters of land disposition, wildlife and water management, development and rights based consultation initially move through this office. As a high capacity office this department serves the whole membership needs, in addition to the more typical matters associated with the environment. These activities ranged from engagement on existing mining projects, wildlife management, advocating for treaty rights, reviewing technical material and annual reports, wildlife management, land management and planning and traditional knowledge research Johanne and documentation. This department ensures that the land, environment, natural Black resources, and heritage resources are protected within Chief Drygeese Territory. Director, Land & Environment
Overview The 2016/2017 year was busy with protecting the land and environment, and natural and heritage resources within Chief Drygeese Territory while delivering existing programs/projects. New projects like the Traditional Place Names project and Land Use Planning came on board and existing programs like the Giant Mine Advisory Committee (GMAC) were improved.
Most programs within the L&E department are funded by revenue from contractual arrangements with various funding parties. The purpose of the contracts is to deliver programs and services such as the Traditional Knowledge Collection Database, Research and Regulatory function, the Aboriginal Aquatic Monitoring Program, the Giant Mine Advisory Committee, and the Land Use Planning Scoping Initiative. The contract implementation requires fiscal responsibility and is based on funding received and compliance reporting submitted to the funding agencies.
L&E has identified some areas for future improvement and will continually work to strengthen program delivery. The L&E programs/projects are further summarized below. The L&E staff hope you find it informative and that this report helps you gain insight into the operations of the Yellowknives Dene First Nations Department of Land & Environment.
Mission The mission of the Department of Land & Environment is to protect and promote stewardship of the land, environment, and resources in the Chief Drygeese Territory by asserting the YKDFN’s rights and pursuing sustainable economic benefit for current and future members to preserve a traditional way of life.
Vision The Department of Land and Environment will continue to work cooperatively with government and industry, drawing on scientific and Traditional Knowledge, to balance environmental preservation with economic development. Decisions will be guided by principles of sustainability and ensuring the safe access to land and natural resources for our members.
Land & Environment Department Year in Review
Land Administration Work The Department of Land & Environment (L&E) is responsible for the management of YKDFN land, water and wildlife interests. It does this by reviewing applications relating to the occupation, use and disposition of land and resources, and then compiling land use occupancy information. L&E also intervenes in regulatory proceedings that have a potential to negatively impact the land, water and people on Chief Drygeese Territory.
The L&E reviews various types of applications which are also processed by the L&E department; such as, land use applications and water license applications provided by regulatory boards. Other relevant applications and notices respecting land and water use are as follows: • City of Yellowknife: land leases and transfers, developer applications, solid waste reviews; • Government of the Northwest Territories: applications and notices; such as tourism and outfitter applications, park expansions or creations, commissioner’s lands applications, forest management applications; • Government of Canada: park creation or expansion, disposition of crown land. • Research: review Aurora research applications, as well as other agencies research that may impact YKDFN. Finally, the L&E receives and processes Permission to Occupy (PTO) applications. The L&E reviews the PTO’s on a case-by-case basis and provide recommendations to Chief and Council.
Treaty Entitlement Negotiations The Liberal federal government was sworn in last autumn seeing the end of the Harper-led Conservative Government. With the new Liberal government we have renewed hope that they work more productively with First Nations having outstanding treaties. This is particularly important for YKDFN membership as negotiations under the Harper-led Conservatives were stalled, at best.
Our Elders’ Treaty Rights are of the utmost importance; going forward in the negotiations process, we will continue to remind the current government of those rights and our commitment to them. Our Ancestors wanted to protect us from encroachment and to guard our freedom and way of life for as long as the Sun shines, the rivers flow, and the grass grows. We need to continue to press the federal government on what those rights mean, as this was a sticking point for the previous government. To this end, the Akaitcho Process is working on ensuring that there is no Treaty Extinguishment in the Agreement to ensure that all Akaitcho members keep their Treaty rights.
The Akaitcho negotiations team has studied previous agreements with other aboriginal governments of to learn what provisions should be incorporated into the Akaitcho agreement. The goal is to reach an agreement that contains some of the best elements of other agreements, while avoiding potential negative outcomes. Our office will continue to push for the strongest possible agreement for the Yellowknives membership.
The negotiation process has been strategic and forward-looking in terms of negotiating the best agreement for Akaitcho and ensuring that each Band’s interests are considered. This agreement will help YKDFN become more independent of funding from the Federal and Territorial governments. Our aim is for the Nation to be strong, self-sufficient and able to deliver high-quality programs without needing the approval of outside governments. The successful negotiation of the Agreement is the key to achieving this. An Agreement that not only preserves our treaty rights, but strengthens them. Research and Regulatory Work The Research and Regulatory Specialist has been essential to a wide range of activities undertaken by Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN). These activities include engagement on existing mining projects, wildlife management, reviewing technical material and annual reports, and water management. The Research and Regulatory Specialist attends a range of technical workshops put on by active mining projects such as: Dominion Diamond Ekati, Diavik Diamond Mine, Gahcho Kue diamond mine, and Snap Lake diamond mine. Information from these workshops is reported back to Chief and Council and the community. Technical staff visit active mine sites with (and without community members), to better understand the impact of mining projects and help interpret technical information about the project for reporting back to leadership and the community.
This last fiscal year the Regulatory and Research Specialist participated in a number of public hearings on behalf of the YKDFN. These hearings included the hearing for the Ekati-Jay project and the Sabina Mine project. Participating in public hearings is major component of engagement and provides a way for the Yellowknives’ concerns to be put on the record. The YKDFN’s contribution to these hearings influences decisions about the fate of developers’ projects, and helps ensure that members’ rights are protected. The Regulatory and Research Specialist also deals with a wide range of land based issued including transboundary mining projects, such as the Sabina Back River Gold Project in Nunavut; wildlife management issues, such as the Bathurst Caribou Range Management Plan; engaging with exploration an junior mining companies; on the land research applications; and aquatics monitoring programs, such as the Aboriginal Aquatics Management Plan (AAMP).
Land Use Planning Land use planning is an important process undertaken by governments to help guide the responsible use of resources, ensure the preservation of ecologically and culturally sensitive sites, and support land claims and aboriginal rights. To begin the process of Land Use Planning, The Department of Land and Environment retained a consultant to provide guidance on initiating the process of regional land use planning within Chief Drygeese Territory. The resulting deliverable is a Draft Terms of Reference (ToR), Work Plan, and Budget detailing a process for developing a comprehensive land use plan. Currently, a Traditional Use Study was completed for certain areas within Chief Drygeese Territory that will assist in future decision making.
The land use planning scoping documents will be used by the YKDFN to assist in securing further funding to support land use planning. By securing funding for detailed land use planning, YKDFN is helping secure future economic independence and the preservations of our culture and way of life for future generations.
YKDFN Survey Design A field survey program was conducted to map existing improvements and infrastructure located within the community of Ndilo. The project includes the design of the survey parcels encompassing existing houses, buildings, or other improvements. There are several unsurvey lease sketches located within the community which are administered by GNWT, and the perimeter of these leases will eventually be identified to delineate between IAB Lands and GNWT administered lands.
The end product for the 2016/2017 fiscal year is a survey design for all IAB administered lands located within the community that consists of a large site plan in the form of a paper map, as well as a digital file in CAD format. This will be used as a land management tool for YKDFN.
If time and funding permits, we would apply the same process to the community of Dettah and the Dettah Access Road. A portion of the Dettah lots have already been surveyed in the past. The strategy for Dettah would be to tie-in all existing structures/improvements/infrastructure located on IAB lands within the community.
Going forward, this project will require a high level of interaction between YKDFN staff and Chief and Council and the YKDFN community members.
Traditional Knowledge (TK) Mapping Program In the past, YKDFN’s TK research was, and is, contained in maps, written reports, audio and video recordings, and transcripts stored in Land and Environment’s (L&E) storage files. Meanwhile, L&E is digitizing this information into our GIS TK database program called “Trailmark” to help ensure its long- term safety and preservation in addition to making YKDFN’s traditional knowledge more accessible to members and YKDFN decision-makers. This information provides invaluable support to the current land- claim negotiations and future land-use planning initiatives.
Indigenous people use the Trailmark Software to help them monitor and protect lands and cultural heritage. Most people (non-Dene) use Esery based GIS map program, which is just as expensive but not geared for First Nations. This Trailmark TK Database Software Program is a unique web-based GIS mapping and mobile data collection system that has survey capability, and is a digital heritage management tool. It is a powerful tool to archive, protect and search our existing TK database that will eventually be mapped with all of YKDFNs traditional knowledge, land use studies, scientific field studies, monitoring data, maps, interviews, recordings and more, plus allow us to conduct quality TK research.
Eventually this TK database system may have a sub-component built into it to house YKDFNs referral management tool to further assist community land managers and Leaders to track and make informed responses to industry and crown consultations. Eventually, L&E is hoping to build this referral based component into the TK database system so that we are on top of land management. This will be a referral process (the only one in NWT) that ensures we never lose lands again. This will end up becoming a very powerful tool for YKDFN.
It is imperative that we keep this program going as this is the direction all Indigenous nations across Canada are going to preserve their TK evidence in a presentable format.
Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program (CIMP) The Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program (CIMP) provides monitoring and assessment of cumulative environmental impacts in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The CIMP monitors water, wildlife and birds, vegetation and fire, fish, air and climate, marine life, snow, ice, and permafrost. The Department of Land and Environment’s Traditional Knowledge Program successfully completed year 2 of a 3-year CIMP project titled “YKDFN Barren-ground Caribou Traditional Knowledge Mapping and Analysis Project”. YKDFN’s purpose for this project is to digitize more than 40 years of traditional knowledge research. Furthermore, as a requirement of the funding, YKDFN made some TK data barren- ground caribou available to regulatory decision makers, YKDFN members and researchers to facilitate a better understanding and monitoring of the caribou. What was accomplished so far: • Digitizing and uploading years of previous TK transcripts, audio, annotated traditional use maps, into YKDFN’s TK Map Software database called “Trailmark”. • Established an on-the-land field data collection guided by Traditional Knowledge and information gaps, which engages both Elders, Adults and youth. • Provided a public webpage with a GIS-lite took that acts as a portal where some data can be seen within a public portal at the following link: http://www.ykdfn.trailmarkapp.com/ • Gap Analysis of Caribou TK – ‘what we don’t know’ and ‘what existing sources of TK data are still missing’. This was done thru interviews and archival work. • On-the-land Bathurst Caribou Monitoring Program led by Angus Charlo and accompanied by youth and YKDFN Land Users.
Cultural Knowledge of Contamination and Environmental Change This project is also known as “Geoscience Tools for Supporting Environmental Risk Assessment of Metal Mining”. The funding received to complete this project helped support the continued digitization of the results of past TK information. One of those past projects that is full of YKDFN TK data was titled “Dene Mapping Project”. Currently, L&E has begun entering data from the Dene Mapping Project into our TK database. The Dene Nation’s Dene Mapping Project was designed in the Anthropology Department at the University of Alberta and conducted in all Dene communities in the NWT from the mid-1970s through to the mid-1980s. It was designed to demonstrate long term use of the land by the Dene of the NWT in support of what was, forty years ago, the beginning of an NWT-wide comprehensive land claim. Interviews with Yellowknives Dene trappers and harvesters took place in 1974, 75 and 76. Trappers/harvesters were asked to draw, on NTS 1:250,000 map sheets, their recollections of trails travelled and where animals were hunted or trapped. Traditional camp locations, graves and other cultural resources were also recorded. Each trapper/harvester interview was recorded (we have not located the tapes yet) and a transcript produced.
This data represents a comprehensive, and we believe highly accurate, picture of YKDFN use of the land all around Great Slave Lake that dates back many generations. The earliest date that one of the trappers/harvesters recalled going out onto the land was 1910. Many of the trappers/harvesters also stated that their fathers and grandfathers hunted and trapped the same species of animals in the same areas. We’re confident that the data we’ve entered into our Trailmark GIS is an accurate image of YKDFN lands and resources accessed over at least the past couple of hundred years.
Traditional Place Names Land & Environment’s Traditional Knowledge Program is responsible for gathering and conducting research on traditional place names in the Chief Drygeese Territory. The eventual outcome of this work will be a submission to the GNWT for the official recognition of these names, including the changing of current official names such as Yellowknife River to Wıìlıìdeh or Gordon Lake to Homıìtì. It’s expected that more than 500 traditional place names will be submitted to the GNWT.
An important part of this project is the development of a public website that will promote the use of Yellowknives Dene traditional place names, give website users the opportunity to learn about what each place name means and learn the history behind each name. The website will also have a feature that allows the user to hear each name correctly pronounced. Special attention will be made to promoting use of the website in the public-school system.
Aboriginal Aquatic Monitoring Program (AAMP) The Aboriginal Aquatics Management Program (AAMP) is a regional program run under the Akaitcho Territory Government, funded by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. AAMP has the mandate to satisfy Canada’s duty to consult and accommodate those First nations without a Land Claim/Settlement Agreement on matters relating to fisheries and water management.
Each year, AAMP applies on behalf of each Akaitcho First Nation to fund various aquatics related programs. Data is collected on a wide variety of parameters surrounding fish, water, and soil. Further, this program provides training and employment to YDKFN members as Technicians and Boat Operators who conduct the sampling under the guidance of DFO scientists.
This year, L&E sent YKDFN youth to a science camp where they were taught sampling and aquatics handling.
Bathurst Caribou Joint Management Proposal Early 2016 the Tlicho government, in collaboration with the GNWT put forward a joint management proposal for the Bathurst Caribou herd. This “Joint Management Plan” resulted in a public hearing before the Wek’eezhii Land and Water Board in March. The department of Land and Environment intervened in this hearing, bringing forward several community concerns.
The joint management plan proposed a continued ban on hunting in the “mobile hunting zone” in addition to a plan to develop a predator management proposal. The YKDFN Regulatory and Research Specialist brought forward concerns about the effect that this management plan would have on food security and cultural practices by YKDFN members.
Further, we stated that we would oppose any predator management plan that was either disrespectful or irresponsible; such as, indiscriminate poisoning practices used in the past.
Diavik Diamond Mine In 2016 YKDFN advocated on behalf of YKDFN to oppose amendments to Diavik’s water license that would see changes to how Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were calculated during dyke construction in preparation for the A21 pit. The Wek’eezhi Land and Water Board recommended to the responsible Minister that the water license amendments proposed by Diavik not be accepted, and that more stringent standards be applied.
In response these recommendation, Diavik lobbied the Minister directly and the Minister sided with Diavik sending the matter back to the Board to be revisited. However, the timeline proposed by the Board did not meet Diavik’s needs and the proposed water license amendments were withdrawn. This means that the Diavik operated under its initial water license without being able to operate under higher TSS level. This is a win for the department and for the land.
Diavik has submitted their most recent Interim Closure and Reclamation Plan (ICRP) for review. The review of the ICRP is very important as Diavik will be the first modern mine to undergo reclamation under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. Alex Power, Regulatory and Research Specialist, is reviewing the ICRP to ensure that YKDFN concerns are front and centre and that concerns about the land, water, and wildlife are addressed.
Dominion Diamond Ekati Following the approval of the Jay Project expansion of the Ekati mine Dominion Diamond Ekati Corp (DDEC) sought a water license from the Wek’eezhi Land and Water Board (The Board). YKDFN advocated at the public hearing for the water license in December 2016. The Board granted Ekati the license in 2017. As a condition of the environmental assessment approval, DDEC is required to support on-the-land research into the effect of mineral extraction and development on the caribou. With this support, the Department of Land and Environment is developing its own community based on-the-land monitoring program. This program will see YKDFN traditional knowledge holders and land users on the land monitoring and protecting the caribou within Chief Drygeese Territory.
The Dominion Diamond Jay Project is a proposed diamond mining project that would see the Ekati mine expand. The proposed Jay Project would be located north east of the existing Misery Pit in Lake du Sauvage. To access the diamond deposit a dyke will be built out into Lake du Sauvage, followed by draining the area and the excavation of an open-pit mine.
In the Board’s recommendation and reasons for decisions of the Environmental Assessment many of the YKDFN’s concerns were addressed. The Board placed several conditions on the Jay Project that are protective of wildlife, water, and caribou in particular.
Sabina, Back River Gold Project The Sabina Back River Gold Project is a proposed gold-mining project in Bathurst Inlet, Nunavut. The site is located south of Bathurst Inlet in the calving and post-calving grounds of the Bathurst Herd. The YKDFN Land and Environment office opposed this project and submitted and notice of intervention to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB). This project stands to have a negative impact on the already struggling Bathurst Herd.
The YKDFN Regulatory and Research Specialist and a community elder traveled to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut to participate in the public hearing as part of the Environmental Assessment for the project. At the hearing we recommended that the project approval be denied based on the potential impact on the Bathurst herd.
NIRB recommended that the responsible Federal Minister not approve the project. In its reasons, NIRB cited many of the concerns raised by YKDFN with respect to there being insufficient consideration given to offsetting the effects on caribou. Unfortunately, the Minister sent the matter back to the Board for review.
Following the second hearing NIRB recommended that the Minister approve the project. There were positive and negative aspects to this process. The department still maintains that this project should not have been returned to the Board and should not have been approved; however, Sabina did make a number of changes to their mitigation plan that could offset potential effects on caribou.
DeBeers Snap Lake Mine On December 4th, 2015 the Snap Lake mine closed. This was in response to increasing costs associated with the pumping and treatment of salt water entering the mine workings. Prior to closure, De Beers successfully had their water license amended to allow for higher levels of total dissolved solids (mostly salts) in their effluent water. However, this was not sufficient to allow the mine to remain open without cost overruns.
The Snap Lake mine remains under care and maintenance. De Beers has indicated that they will present information within the next year as to whether the mine will remain in care and maintenance or if it will undergo reclamation. To that effect De Beers will be submitting a revised Interim Closure and Reclamation Plan (ICRP) in January 2018. In preparation for the ICRP, the department Land and Environment in conducting a Traditional Knowledge study of the Snap Lake area.
The results of the TK study will be used in conjunction with the review performed by Alex Power to make recommendation on the ICRP to ensure that YKDFN’s interests are presented in a strong and compelling way.
DeBeers Gahcho Kue Mine With major construction at Gahcho Kue Diamond complete commercial production began in 2016. The department of Land and Environment continue to engage with the operators of the Gahcho Kue mine to ensure that development is as responsible as possible. This upcoming September, YKDFN elders will be participating in a fish tasting event held at the Gahcho Kue mine site.
Tlicho All-season Road The GNWT Department of Infrastructure and the Tlicho Government have proposed an all-season road linking Hwy 3 to the community of Whati. This road will cut through a number of YKDFN traditional use areas west of the North Arm. Despite this, the GNWT did not consult with YKDFN on this project and has questions YKDFN’s rights in the area.
In response, Alex Power has pushed for YKDFN’s participation in the review of the project and the upcoming public hearing. The department of Land and Environment will ensure that YKDFN’s interests and rights will be represented at the public hearing.
Giant Mine Advisory Committee (GMAC) YKDFN is committed to ensuring our members’ views are considered within the remediation project through the committee.
The Committee’s primary role is to analyze and comment on the Giant Mine Environmental Management Plan’s progress. The Committee provides comments and suggestions based on YKDFN Traditional Knowledge, concerning the remediation plan for Giant Mine. The members of the committee consist of seven YKDFN members, AANDC and GNWT representatives, who meet once a month. These committee meetings are open to YKDFN members.
The Community Liaison coordinates all aspects of YKDFN consultation and participation in the Giant Mine project (logistical arrangements of GMAC, public community hearings, mine site tours, evaluation meetings with elders, and YKDFN executive briefings). The Advisor also reviews technical documents and prepares plain language interpretations.
Another project under GMAC is the Toxic Legacies project. This project is about communicating to future generations the dangers and risks associated with the Giant Mine. Since the arsenic will need to be frozen forever, we have to determine how to communicate this to future generations. They need to know how tremendously lethal the stored arsenic will be if it is not maintained properly. Arn Keeling from Memorial University and John Sandlos from Lakehead University are associates with the Toxic Legacies project. A healing ceremony was held at the Wiilideh Site on Aboriginal Day. Over 500 people attended the ceremony. Elders led a feed the fire ceremony, while YKDFN drummers played prayer songs. Representatives from various organizations attended the ceremony.
YKDFN is participating in the Giant Mine Surface Design Engagement (SDE) process to assist in remediation plans for the Giant Mine surface level. Numerous YKDFN Elders, members, and staff attended the SDE sessions to share their input and Traditional Knowledge. As well they raised many ongoing concerns about the project. The Surface Design Engagement (SDE) process was created out of the 26 measures from the Environmental Assessment. The SDE process is critical as it gives stakeholders a chance to provide input into the remediation design of surface components of the Giant Mine. After several years of SDE meetings, the draft report from the SDE process was presented on June 16th, 2016 at a community level in the Chief Drygeese Hall in Dettah. The meeting gave the opportunity for YKDFN members to provide any comments or questions on the report. The final SDE meeting was held on February 15, 2017. It was held in the Chief Drygeese Hall in Dettah. The decisions regarding the surface plan to date were presented at this meeting. Although the Project claims the SDE process is complete, there are still many decisions to be made by the Project Team regarding the surface design.
The previous Air Quality Station has been replaced and upgraded. GMAC and YKDFN has worked extensively with INAC on deciding the location of the new station. On November 10, 2016, a community meeting was held at the Chief Drygeese Hall in Dettah. This engagement provided YKDFN members with an opportunity to provide input on the proposed location of the Outfall. During the meeting the members were split into small discussion groups, at the end of the meeting all the groups decided that the location should be at the outlet of Baker Creek to minimize disturbance to other areas.
During the day of January 17th, 2017, a dietary survey was held in Dettah at the Chief Drygeese Hall. This dietary survey was to measure if and how eating habits have changed in the community, since the last dietary survey over 20 years ago. An example of this change is the lack of caribou which used to be the main staple in the YKDFN diet. This survey feeds directly into the Human Health Risk Assessment. A second meeting was held during the evening of January 18th, 2017. This meeting was held for the YKDFN members who couldn’t make it during the day and was held at the Ndilo Gym.
The Yellowknives Dene participated in the country food sampling program. This was a voluntary program that helped fill the gaps in the Human Health Risk Assessment. The YKDFN CL/TA worked extensively on this program during the fall months. Over 56 samples will be submitted on behalf of the YKDFN.
Done Nech – lia Gha Enitle Ko Aboriginal Head Start, Ndilo
We can’t believe that our Aboriginal Head Start year is over! The children had a lot of fun learning and we could see their growth over the year. We feel the children are more than ready to learn in Kindergarten. We had another 15 children graduate from our AHS Program.
This year was full of very important people that decided to drop by and visit with our children and their families. AHS had the Bonnie Prime Minister of Henderson Canada come by to read a story to the Aboriginal children. Minister Head Start Philpott and Minister Bennett and our very own MP Michael McLeod was there in attendance with the Prime Minister.
The AHS children also got to meet Captain Sleno, the potential astronaut that is short listed to become the next Canadian Astronaut. The children had lots of questions for her and they were excited to meet with someone that could go up to the moon.
The 2016/2017 school year was a wonderful experience for those children who attend AHS. There were so many wonderful activities and memories for the children this year. The children had the opportunity to go on several field trips throughout the year such as cranberry picking in the fall. The children went for a drive in the bus to see if they could find ptarmigan in the winter time, eagles in the springtime.
The children also went to Ingraham Trail and on the Dettah road to look for beaver lodges. The children had the opportunity to go to BDene camp twice this year where the children got to experience snaring rabbits. The children also went to the Ice Castle to do some exploring around the castle. The children also went to the Museum to look at the YKDFN room. (some of the children were scared when they saw the BIG MOOSE in the museum)! The children went to various parks in the Yellowknife area to get to know the community that they live in. Also, the children were able to purchase a book at the Book Cellar. The children even went to the Yellowknife dump to see where our garbage goes and what happens to the recycle containers once we put them in the recycle bin. The children also celebrated Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day & Easter.
The amount of success this year has been amazing. The children came to school with speech challenges and without our speech and language workers they would not have improved as much, the parents noticed as well and commented.
There were several highlights this year but the two that stick out for us; one is that the children had physical activity every day. Most days they were outside on the playground unless it was -30. When the temperature dipped in the low minus the children were able to go the gym to run and play. Health Canada states young children should have 90 minutes of physical activity a day, we achieved this with the children. The second highlight of this year was the healthy eating portion that happened in the classroom. The classroom staff did a great job in their menu planning and the children were encouraged to eat what they were given to try it first and if they didn’t like the food then it was ok to say no to it. The teachers would encourage the children to eat their healthy foods first. At the beginning of the year the staff gave the children option of milk or water
The children were able to go to the Book Cellar to purchase books this year for Literacy Week this was something that some of the children never experience. The children of the AHS program went to see a live play at NACC. Some of the children continue to talk about this experience for days later.
At AHS, we have worked to create a place where there is consistency, routine, trust and love. They have learned boundaries in a positive way, and been pushed to go past the limit in what they believe that they can do. As a result, they see themselves as capable, autonomous people who are free to make mistakes and be praised for success. Many children at the beginning of the year were terrified when they spilled milk at snack. Now they just go to the kitchen and get a sponge to wipe it up. All the children love to read and be read to. They “read” to their friends and to themselves.
The children have all learned to be respectful of each other and to negotiate in a good way to get what they need and to play together. When they cannot they ask for help. They express their feelings, and are trusting to be able to do so.
Parental involvement has always been a challenge for us and this year we saw a huge improvement. Many of the parents would bring in wild meat, bannock, muffins, and vegetables trays to fulfill their volunteer hours. We held three parenting workshops where we could provide parents with information on early childhood development. We feel we made a difference with our AHS families and provided support for them throughout the year.
Graduation was great! The children were given a t-shirt, baseball cap with AHS logo on the back, a book and a graduation certificate. The parents were thrilled to hear their children sang “You are my Sunshine” song in English and Wiiliideh dialect. The children also said the prayer in Wiiliideh to bless the food.
During the year I met with the Western Arctic AHS Council in our monthly meetings. Dr. Jennifer Chalmers came into the Ndilo AHS to do our yearly ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. The Ndilo AHS scored with high marks in the ERERS. The program staff works hard to keep our centers to the highest level of academics and social development.
Our program continues to use the AHS “Making a Difference curriculum. The staff continues to implement the curriculum in both the 3 and 4-year-old programs. Overall the children have become wonderful little human beings. Hopefully they take with them, knowing that they are special and unique. That they can take chances be curious and be successful. They have experienced being valued for whom they are, learned to understand some of their culture, and encouraged in every way. All of them benefitted greatly from this program, many would have been lost without it.
Although this is just a highlight of our activities at our Aboriginal Head Start it gives you an idea of the scope of our program. I have enclosed photos of our AHS children so you can see our beautiful children involved in many of our program activities. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me or email me. I would be happy to answer them for you. We would welcome a visit by you and or the band councilors any time you were available.
YKDFN Housing Division
The 2016 - 2017 fiscal year saw many changes to the Housing Division Department including new staff.
- Rose Black took on as the Acting Housing Manager for a 1 year term position until February 13, 2017. - Kristen Lacorne (YKDFN member) was hired as the Tenant Relations Officer for a 1year term position. - We hired 2 summer students for Maintenance helper both YKDFN members, Brian Sangris and Donovan Evans. - Philip Joe Goulet was hired as a casual to help out with the Preventative Maintenance work orders.
Rose Black The Housing Division’s 2016/17 rent collection numbers show that we collected Acting less rent this year than the previous year. The NWT Housing Corporation Housing assessed a total of $ 651,213 in rent subsidies and collected a total of $ 317,587. Manager The Housing Division’s total outstanding overdue receivables account (un-paid rent) is $ 1,209,502.23 which includes both previous and current tenants. The less rental revenue recovery for this year is $ 350,387
The TRO will be working closely with tenants to try and pick up these numbers by setting up re-payment plans. We cannot stress enough how important it is for tenants to pay monthly rent, rents not being paid have a huge negative impact on how our office can operate, it affects our budget which affects our ability to perform effectively.
Our 2016/17 Audit shows that Housing went over budget in Maintenance/Admin costs of $63,008. In order to try and prevent this from happening again Housing has instructed its tenants that all tenant damage repairs must be paid prior to work being completed.
In order for tenants rents to be assessed based on income it is very important that income tax is filed each year. It is also very important that tenants pay their monthly rent & power bills because the NWT Housing Corporation Collections Division is very active in obtaining wage garnishees and income tax refunds, this will also help to avoid an eviction order against public housing tenants with rental arrears.
Something new our office has also started this year is to recognize our tenants in good standing, we’ve sent out ‘Tenant Appreciation Awards’ to 20 of our best tenants:
The following tenants have managed to maintain a zero balance or pay off an old rental account.
Alex Beaulieu Jane Goulet & Freddie Martin Beverly Martin & Leon Sangris Jonas Baillargeon Cecilia Sangris Jonas Noel Crystal Roy Lesley Ann Evans Cecilia Smith Mary Louise Black Catherine Doctor Mary Louise Drygeese Donna Tobie Marguerite Liske Frank Paper Phyllis Beaulieu George Tatsiechele Theresa Black & Dennis Sabourin Herbert Frise & Bernice Beaulieu Sally Ann Drygeese
Congratulations!
In order to be a successful tenant one must pay their monthly rent and power; cause no tenant damages and cause no noise disturbances.
In the fall of 2016, the Housing Division completed the annual unit condition ratings on the public housing units in Dettah and Ndilo. Three major exterior renovation projects (408 – 409 Duplex, 404 – 406 Tri-plex, 410 – 412 Tri-plex) were approved with NWT Housing Corporation modernization and renovation funding, this project was also contracted through the NWT Housing Corporation.
Community and Public Works
Greetings and thank you for a good and challenging 2016-2017! Our staff team works hard to deliver services and implement the workplan of the Community Works program area. I would like to thank fellow Program Managers and YKDFN staff for their support, feedback, and assistance during the year.
The Community and Public Works program is responsible for implementing the Capital Plan, regular maintenance of YKDFN assets and infrastructure, the delivery of water services in Dettah, managing the sewage lagoon and landfill, following water license Tom Parker requirements, emergency preparedness, wildlife management, Acting Program community clean-ups, and other areas as directed by Chiefs and Manager Council. 2016 – 2017 was a year of new projects initiated from the Capital Plan and the continued delivery of services. Here is a list of our current employees, new projects, and ongoing services provides this year:
Employee List
• Tom Parker – Acting Manager • Herb Frise – Municipal Works Officer • Gilbert Quitte – Water Truck Driver • Marcus Lafferty – Water Truck Driver • Shirley Fowler – Shuttle Bus Driver • Shirley Beaulieu – Custodian
New Projects
The 2016-2017 year saw new projects that have been completed and projects that have been initiated for the current year:
• Ndilo Gravel Pad – Installation of a gravel pad behind the Housing Office in Ndilo that provides a foundation for a new building • Quarry Permit– completed consultations with 13 groups and submitted the application to the GNWT for a quarry permit. The permit is required to do blasting and crushing at the quarry for crushed rock to be used for road upgrades in Dettah • YKDFN Dock – purchased materials for new floating dock in Dettah • Community Welcome Signs – the signs are being carved in Kam Lake and will be installed for 2017-2018. Project is funded by Rock being carved to be a welcome sign the GNWT • Sewage Lagoon Upgrades – installed a staff gauge in the sewage lagoon as part of several upgrades for the site • Ndilo Community Complex –hired Taylor Architect Group (TAG) to draft schematic designs for a community centre including a gym for Ndilo • Old Cemetery Trail – completed in summer 2016 • Air Quality Monitoring Station – collaborated with Lands to clear brush and fencing for the installation of a new air quality monitoring station in Ndilo • Tourism Working Group – member of the group to plan for tourism in YKDFN communities
Services
• Water Delivery – regular water delivery and testing to ensure safe drinking water to residents in Dettah • Shuttle Bus – regular shuttle bus service between Ndilo and Dettah • Summer Road Maintenance - hired contractor to spread gravel and grade roads in Dettah in Fall 2016 • Winter Road Maintenance - hired contractor to plow roads in Dettah during winter as needed • Landfill Maintenance – Spring and Fall organizing and capping at the Landfill with dozer Road Grading in Dettah • Lagoon Maintenance – upgrades at the lagoon and installed lock on access gate • Water License – Adhering to responsibilities of the water license, which includes monthly water testing at sampling sites, general cleanup, and annual reporting to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board • Community Clean Ups – Spring and Fall community pickups. Received funding from the GNWT through to divert wastes from landfill and remove 16 old vehicles from Ndilo and Dettah • Brush cutting in Dettah and Ndilo • Community Freezers – regular maintenance and access as needed • Community Hunt – collaborated with YKFN Lands to organize the delivery of Herb Frise doing community clean-up in Ndilo fuel and supplies and retrieval of equipment for the community hunt in February 2016 • Wildlife management – report wildlife in the communities and capture loose dogs
Community and Public Works would like to thank the Chiefs, Council, Administration, and community members for their support, understanding, and input during the past year. Good communication and idea sharing helps the Community Works program implement projects and deliver reliable services to residents in Ndilo and Dettah. Mahsi Cho. Human Resources
HUMAN RESOURCES MISSION Supporting excellence in the Yellowknives Dene First Nation membership service through the delivery of innovative quality human resources.
HUMAN RESOURCES VISION Work with every Yellowknives Dene First Nation member to provide leadership and Nora Taylor excellence in human resource management that will contribute to the Human community for self-reliance. Resources Program The YKDFN is a non-profit organization and provides family, youth and elders Manager programs and services for its members in Dettah and Ndilo in accordance with the priorities and objectives set by the leadership. It is largely dependent on funding from outside agencies. The YKDFN employs a total of 71 staff, of which 41 are permanent and 30 part-time casual staff and have administrative offices in Dettah and Ndilo. The YKDFN provides services in areas of housing, community wellness, recreation, land management, education, public works, human resources, and day-to-day administration of the organization.
HUMAN RESOURCES Because of dedication and commitment of the Administration and Human Resources division staff, the following highlights of successes over the 2016-17 year were successful in human resources, implementation of the impact agreement(s) and outreach services and delivery.
Community Readiness Initiative (CRI) In 2013-2014, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation administration with the guidance and goals set by the membership and leadership, along with partners, formed a Community Readiness Initiative Working Group (CRIWG) and with the financial support of CanNor engaged Ecolibrio, a consulting firm and completed the Community Readiness Report. Based on the report, two major strategies were developed. The CRIWG comprised the YKDFN, Diavik Diamonds, Dominion Diamonds, CanNor, ECE, and ITI. A working group that included representation from the YKDFN, Federal, Industry and Territorial partners.
As a result of the CRI Working Group efforts and with the dedication of YKDFN staff, we are excited and proud of the outcome and implementation of the goals that have been achieved to date.
Economic Development Strategy: This Strategy was the result of an extensive study that leads to the generation of wealth and employment creation and retention for the purposes of improving the quality of life of YKDFN members. This strategy is driven by a long-term vision of 25 years that is organized into six pre-land title settlement goals and 4 post-land title settlement goals. The economic development vision is: The Yellowknives Dene are a self- governing First Nation with a sustainable economy demonstrating traditional values and investing in strategic initiatives that generate wealth for all ages.
Labour Force Development Strategy:
The result is a strategy with six goals, the first goal being to establish a state of the art facility to promote and increase learning, skill development and employment, for the YKDFN. The Labour Force Development vision is a healthy, education, and trained workforce that has the knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the needs of the YKDFN and the challenges of the emerging labour market.
Legacy Trust: The planning and development of a Legacy Trust has been underway since 2015 and approved by Chiefs & Councillors, and expected to be finalized by March 2018. The purpose of this Trust is to flow financial resources into a fund that will allow it to grow and be used for future generations.
Human Resources Human Resources’ main objective is to maintain the maximum level of service to its membership by having qualified personnel to achieve YKDFN goal which is to improve the well-being of our community members.
The success of YKDFN relies in its human resources, as without people, “Yellowknives Dene First Nation” cannot really succeed. We believe that the ‘people’ are our most important “asset” and must be well managed, for job satisfaction, employee development and retention.
Human resources include managing the recruitment process; performance management; leave and attendance; staff training and development; employee relations; benefits and compensation for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN).
Highlights of Successes/Accomplishments ❖ Career Fair 2016 held May 26, 2016 with 32 exhibitors and over 160 participants ❖ 24 summer students employed during the period May 2016 to August 2016 ❖ 16 post-secondary students assisted through our bursary program ❖ 11 post-secondary students awarded scholarships ❖ Majority of YKDFN members hired for projects, summer employment within YKDFN ❖ Retention of long term employees
Summer Students One of our goals is to ensure that we have a sustainable aboriginal work force within our First Nations by providing unique and customized summer student employment by utilizing our culture and customs, at the same time giving our students heads up and experience to pursue their educational and career goals. The development of employable skills for our students will ensure our success as a First Nations in capacity development, while moving forward to self-governance and self-sustainability, at the same time practicing our traditions and culture. 24 summer students were employed in various YKDFN departments during the period May 2016 through to August 2016.
Employment Stats YKDFN has a total of 71 positions, of which 41 are funded positions and 30 casual positions: ✓ 56 YKDFN member staff ✓ 6 other band status employees ✓ 9 other
A total of 162 persons hired during January 2016 to December 2016, which includes permanent staff, summer students, casuals and on-call. 121 YKDFN members, 26 other status, and 15 non-status employed.
121
26 15 Category 1 YKDFN 121 other-status 26 non-status 15
YKDFN other-status non-status
Impact Agreement Implementation In order to better assist Yellowknives Dene First Nation Members, the YKDFN De Beers and Diavik Implementation Offices have been combined to form a single YKDFN IBA Implementation Division and managed by the Human Resources department.
2016-17 Implementation Work Plan Highlights: ❖ A total of $75,000 was distributed from De Beers Snap Lake project to YKDFN departments to enhance program delivery. ❖ A total of $75,000 was distributed from De Beers Gahcho Ku project to YKDFN departments to enhance program delivery. ❖ 180 individuals assisted through our outreach services such as referrals to outside agencies/industry for employment and training opportunities, through the efforts of the Implementation Coordinator(s).
Education Stats YKDFN/Diavik Education Bursary Program 2016/17 School Year ➢ 16 Members attending post-secondary and successfully completed term were assisted
YKDFN/De Beers Scholarships ➢ 2016 – 11 awarded
YKDFN/Diavik Scholarships ➢ 2016 – 11 awarded
Upcoming Highlights for 2017-18
✓ Planning of daycare facility ✓ Revision of policies for YKDFN departments: Finance, HR, and newly development of Communications, & Land Use policies ✓ Planning of 10th Annual Career Fair
Photo Credit: Jennifer Drygeese YELLOWKNIVES DENE FIRST NATION COUNCIL
Chief Dettah Chief Ndilo
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Assistant Executive Assistant
Finance Manager Human Resources IT Network Technician Program Manager Housing Manager Community and Public Program Manager Director Director Manager Dechita Naaowo Works Manager Aboriginal Headstart Community Wellness Land and Environment
Accounting Officer Administrative Assistant IT Network Trainee Project Coordinator Administrative Assistant Community Works Officer ECE Teacher Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant
HR-Liaison Coordinator Tenant Relations Officer Water Delivery Driver ECE Language and Cultural Mental Health & Addictions Teacher Worker Regulatory and Research Specialist
Implementation Coordinator Oil Burner-Mechanic Water Delivery Driver Bus Driver Justice Coordinator
Plumber Traditional Knowledge Trainee
Shuttle Bus Driver Family Wellness Housing Maintainer Apprentice Programmer Community Liaison/Tech
Advisor Custodian Wellness Programmer
Community Negotiator
Lands Coordinator
YKDFN Organizational Chart Updated June 2017
2016 – 2017 IBA Funds
Elders Council
Expenses Elders Fuel
Spiritual Gathering
DeBeers PA Office
Freezers
Staff Training
Donations
Bus Passes
Reserve Funds
Chief Drygeese Complex Diavik PA Office
Student Allowance
Ceremonies
Culture and Athletics Council Training
Scholarships
Administration Chief and Council Budget Dene Nation - Chiefs salary - Advertising Assembly - Executive Assistants salary - Legal ATG Assembly - Councilor honorariums - Insurance - Interpreting - Supplies Lands Program - Chief & Council travel - Catering Hunt / Trapping - Meeting Costs
Yellowknives Dene First Nation P.O Box 2514 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P8
www.ykdene.com
Dettah Administration Office Ndilo Administration Office
Phone: (867) 873-4307 Phone: (867) 873-8951 Fax: (867) 873-5969 Fax: (867) 873-8545