Nekanootawinek (“Progress” in )

Annual Report 2009/2010 Table of Contents

Message From Chief Nelson Genaille, TLEC President...... Page 3 Message From INAC Minister...... Page 4 Message From Deputy Premier Eric Robinson...... Page 5 Introduction...... Page 6 Amount of Crown Land And Other Land Chart ...... Page 7 TLEC Board Of Directors & Implementation Secretariat Staff ...... Page 8 TLEC Implementation Update...... Page 9 Executive Director’s Report...... Page 11 Finance Officer’s Message...... Page 14 Implementation Officer’s Message...... Page 15 Implementation Officer’s Message...... Page 16 Implementation Officer’s Message...... Page 17 Executive Assistant’s Message...... Page 18 The Implementation Monitoring Committee...... Page 19

Treaty Land Entitlement Committee Of Inc. Member Entitlement

Barren Lands First Nation...... TREATY NO. 10 Brokenhead Ojibway Nation...... TREATY NO. 1 Buffalo Point First Nation...... TREATY NO. 3 ...... TREATY NO. 5 Fox Lake First Nation...... TREATY NO. 5 God’s Lake First Nation...... TREATY NO. 5 ...... TREATY NO. 5 Marcel Colomb First Nation...... TREATY NO. 6 Mathias Colomb Cree Nation...... TREATY NO. 6 Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation...... TREATY NO. 5 Northlands Dene First Nation...... TREATY NO. 10 Cree Nation...... TREATY NO. 5 ...... TREATY NO. 5 O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation...... TREATY NO. 5 Rolling River First Nation...... TREATY NO. 4 ...... TREATY NO. 4 First Nation...... TREATY NO. 5 ...... TREATY NO. 5 ...... TREATY NO. 5 Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation...... TREATY NO. 4 York Factory First Nation...... TREATY NO. 5

Cover Photo Captions and Credits: Image 1: Indians (Black and White). Credit: Manitoba Archives c.1895 Image 2: Treaty Land Entitlement Chiefs’ Committee, February 1983 Image 3: The Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement Signing Ceremony at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, May 29, 1997 Image 4: Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation TLE agreement signing ceremony, July 30, 1998 Image 5: TLEC Board of Directors 2010

2 Annual Report 2009/2010 Message from Chief Nelson Genaille President – Board of Directors Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba Inc.

Tansi! also recognized that First Nations, Greetings! along with TLEC, lack adequate human and financial resources to I am Chief Nelson fully implement their TLE agreements. Genaille from the Sapotaweyak The need for speedy TLE Cree Nation and implementation is warranted, as I first became this will be beneficial in raising the the President for value of First Nations lands in the TLEC in 2008 area of economic development. The and was recently re-elected by our desire is there for First Nations to Member Entitlement First Nations in complete their TLE agreements, but June 2010 for another 2 year-term. greater cooperation of all parties involved in TLE implementation is I was involved with Treaty needed, including the private sector. Implementation when I first served as a Councillor for the Sapotaweyak The commitment I give to our Member Cree Nation. The road for me to Entitlement First Nations is that I have implement this Treaty obligation is the experience in land conversion and very challenging and ambiguous as the desire to fulfill this outstanding the Parties involved – and Treaty obligation for the benefit of all Manitoba - are continuously changing our future generations. leadership and technicians. Megwetch! Recently, Canada and Manitoba were reviewed by their respective Auditor Chief Nelson Genaille Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Generals. The reports stated that President Reserve creation under the Manitoba TLEC Board of Directors Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement is slow and time consuming. Both Auditor Generals

Nekanootawinek 3 Message from The Government of Canada

On behalf of Indian economic and social well-being of and Northern Affairs First Nations communities. They can Canada, I wish to provide access to natural resources extend greetings to the in northern parts of the province Treaty Land Entitlement and urban services and consumer Committee of Manitoba markets in the south. and all the Entitlement First Nations in The Treaty Land Entitlement Manitoba. I would also Committee plays an integral role like to thank everyone in working with First Nations, the involved for your hard work and Province of Manitoba and the dedication over the past year in Government of Canada as we meeting our common goals. undertake the complex work of continuing to add Treaty Entitlement We share a vision of the future in Lands to reserve. which First Nations are healthy, safe, self-sufficient and prosperous I wish you continued success, and communities. By implementing the look forward to working together Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement with you in the future. Framework, we are bringing that vision closer to reality. Sincerely,

The Honourable John Duncan, PC, MP Fulfilling Treaty Land Entitlement Minister of Indian Affairs and obligations is not only about Northern Development reconciling the past, but also about And Federal Interlocutor for Metis creating a stronger future. New and Non-Status Indians reserve lands are a valuable tool providing opportunities to improve

4 Annual Report 2009/2010 Message from The Government of Manitoba

On behalf of lands to those First Nations who the Province of possess TLE agreements, whether Manitoba, I am they be independent agreements honoured to or under the terms of the Manitoba provide greetings Treaty Land Entitlement Framework to the Member Agreement. I am honoured to inherit, Entitlement First fulfill and further my late colleague’s Nations of the commitment. Treaty Land E n t i t l e m e n t As a gesture of that commitment, this Committee of Manitoba for this year, our government, in partnership Annual Report. with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Treaty Relations As a Treaty Indian and a Minister Commission of Manitoba, hosted a of the Crown, I have the sacred historic and symbolic event in the responsibility and obligation of not Manitoba Legislature. On May 12, only representing the views and 2010, “Treaty Day” was held in the interests of my constituents, but also Manitoba Legislative Assembly to ensuring that the views and interests honour, respect and pay tribute to of all First Nations peoples are equally the that were considered and respected when it signed by the Crown and the First comes to governing the province. Nations beginning in 1871 to 1910 throughout what is now known as the Since 1999, our government has a Province of Manitoba. proven track record in working with First Nations on a government-to- I am proud that our government government level on a variety of issues respects First Nations’ Aboriginal and that includes economic development, Treaty Rights and remains committed employment and training, education, to meeting our TLE obligations. health care, co-management of natural resources and fulfilling Treaty Ekosi! Meegwetch! Thank you! Land Entitlement obligations. Honourable Eric Robinson As you may be aware, my predecessor, Deputy Premier the late Honourable Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern prioritized Manitoba’s commitment Affairs in satisfying its role in the Treaty Land Entitlement process through the provision of available Crown

Nekanootawinek 5 Introduction: The Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement

On May 29, 1997, the Manitoba On May 29, 2010, the thirteenth Treaty Land Entitlement Framework anniversary of the signing of the TLE Agreement was signed between Framework Agreement occurred. Canada, Manitoba and the Treaty Since that time, 15 EFNs have Land Entitlement Committee of executed their individual Treaty Manitoba Inc., on behalf of 19 Entitlement Agreements (“TEAs”) Entitlement First Nations (EFNs) at under the TLE Framework Agreement the time, at the Opaskwayak Cree and are currently engaged in the land Nation, Manitoba. selection and acquisition process.

Since the TLE Framework Agreement As of August 2010, Canada has set signing, Canada recognized the aside a total of 426,893 acres of land O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation and as reserve for these 15 EFNs under the Marcel Colomb Cree Nation the TLE Framework Agreement. as separate First Nations under the Indian Act. Treaty Land Entitlement (“TLE”) refers to land owed to certain First Nations The TLE Framework Agreement under the Numbered Treaties in outlines how the parties have Manitoba signed by the First Nations agreed to fulfill the outstanding TLE and the British Crown between 1871 obligations in Manitoba arising from and 1910. Treaties 1 to 10 provided the Numbered Treaties and it sets that the Crown would set aside a out the principles, responsibilities certain amount of land as reserve and dispute resolution processes land based on the populations of associated with the land selection the “Indian bands” at the time of the and acquisition process to be original surveys for reserve lands. undertaken by the EFNs. Not all Indian bands received their land entitlement as promised in The TLE Framework Agreement the Numbered Treaties and this is provides for up to a total of 1,100,626 what is referred to as “Treaty Land acres of land and $76 million towards Entitlement”. the process of selecting and acquiring lands to be set apart as reserve for the EFNs. Of the 1,100,626 acres, 985,949 is the Crown Land Amount to be selected and 114,677 is the acreage amount to be purchased, or acquired, by those six (6) EFNs who do not have an abundance of Crown land to select from within their territory. Northlands Dene First Nation TLE Signing Ceremony - November 1999

6 Annual Report 2009/2010 Amount of Crown Land and Other Land Chart

Entitlement Treaty Crown Land Other land Total First Nations Number (Acres) (Acres) (Acres)

Barren Lands 10 66,420 66,420 Brokenhead 1 4,344 10,137 14,481 Buffalo Point 3 3,432 607 4,039 Bunibonibee 5 35,434 35,434 *Fox Lake 5 26,391 26,391 God’s Lake 5 42,600 42,600 Manto Sipi 5 8,725 8,725 *Marcel Colomb 6 17,007 17,007 Mathias Colomb 6 217,364 217,364 Nisichawayasihik 5 61,761 61,761 Northlands Dene 10 94,084 94,084 Norway House 5 104,784 104,784 Opaskwayak 5 47,658 8,410 56,068 *O-pipon-Na-Piwin 5 17,674 17,674 Rolling River 4 2,356 44,756 47,112 Sapotaweyak 4 108,134 36,045 144,179 *Sayisi Dene 5 22,372 22,372 *Shamattawa 5 24,912 24,912 War Lake 5 7,156 7,156 Wuskwi Sipihk 4 44,168 14,722 58,890 *York Factory 5 29,173 29,173 Total 985,949 114,677 1,100,626

* To date, these six First Nations have not signed their individual Treaty Entitlement Agreements under the Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement.

Nekanootawinek 7 The Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba Inc.

Implementation Secretariat Board of Directors

Under the terms of the Manitoba TLEC is governed by a Board of Treaty Land Entitlement Directors, comprised of five (5) Framework Agreement, the TLEC’s elected individuals from the TLEC’s Implementation Secretariat provides Member Entitlement First Nations. its Member Entitlement First Nations with both technical and advisory As of June 2010, the TLEC Board of support in accordance with its Directors consists of the following implementation responsibilities individuals: outlined in Article 33 of the TLE Framework Agreement. • Chief Nelson Genaille, President - Sapotaweyak Cree Nation; In addition, TLEC’s Implementation • Councillor Paul Chief, Secretariat is also expected to Vice-President - Brokenhead use its best efforts in creating a Ojibway Nation. positive working relationship with both Canada and Manitoba • Mr. Conway Arthurson, in the implementation of the TLE Secretary/Treasurer - Fox Lake Framework Agreement. Cree Nation; • Councillor Garth Flett, Board Director - Opaskwayak Cree Nation; and, • Councillor Brian Cromarty, Board Director – . Directors are voted in by TLEC’s Member Entitlement First Nations every two years at TLEC’s Annual General Meetings, which TLEC is required to hold annually by June 30 of each calendar year. Standing, L-R: Myles Courchene, Marion Wilson, Chris Henderson, Laren BIll Seated, L-R: Terri Grasby, Linda Reimer, Margaret Mentuck

Standing, L-R: Brian Cromarty, Garth Flett, Conway Arthurson Seated, L-R: Chief Nelson Genaille, Paul Chief

8 Annual Report 2009/2010 Implementation Update

Under Article 33 of the Manitoba • All the Parties (Canada, Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement Framework and TLEC) have agreed upon Agreement, the Treaty Land “Dashboards” for Years 5 to 8; Entitlement Committee (“TLEC”) • The Parties agreed to reinstitute of Manitoba Inc. is mandated to the use of Tracking Charts for provide its Member Entitlement First 2010/2011; Nations (“EFNs”) with technical and professional support services in the • Securing a new Independent implementation of their individual Chairperson for the Treaty Entitlement Agreements Implementation Monitoring (“TEAs”) signed under the terms of Committee and ensuring the the Framework Agreement. continued operation of the Implementation Monitoring In addition to providing technical Committee’s independent office. and professional support, TLEC is On May 1, 2010, Mr. Lloyd also required to use its best efforts Graham was appointed as the in creating a positive working Independent Chairperson by the relationship with both Canada and Parties; and, Manitoba (commonly referred to as • Continuing to assist EFNs in the “Parties”) in the implementation building community capacity of the Framework Agreement. to resolve Third Party Interests on acquired and selected lands On May 29, 2010, the thirteenth under their individual TEAs. anniversary of the signing of the In recognition of improving Framework Agreement occurred. communications and coordination Since that time, 15 EFNs have in the on-going implementation executed their individual TEAs and of the TLE Framework Agreement, are currently engaged in the land staff from Canada, Manitoba and selection and acquisition process. TLEC initiated a three-party strategic planning initiative on March 3, As of August 2010, Canada has set 2009. At that time, the Parties asked aside a total of 426,893 acres of land the then Assistant Chairperson of as Reserve for these 15 EFNs under the Implementation Monitoring the Framework Agreement. Committee (“IMC”), Mr. Lloyd Graham, to facilitate these planning In this past fiscal year of 2009-2010, sessions. TLEC has played a critical role, in collaboration with Canada and On June 17 and 18, 2009, the Manitoba, in achieving the following Parties met as they began to consider accomplishments: common goals and principles that should be adopted to guide the

Nekanootawinek 9 Implementation Update - continued

proposed strategic planning process. (“EFNs”) with a united front, As reported by the IMC in its and not use it as a forum to Annual Report for 2009/2010, these present different views on how “common goals” expressed by the to proceed, which only serves Parties at the meeting were: to have EFNs hesitate and pull back; • To reach consensus on next • To share information; steps with respect to the lands to be transferred; to develop a • To have a strategic plan up and common plan; running quickly, not a year from now; • To show respect for the perspectives and views of each • To define common goals; and, other; to respect the First Nation • To ensure the plan is practical objectives while developing the and concrete and translates plan; into what needs to be done to • To learn from the past, and transfer each specific parcel. not repeat the mistakes or the learning curve; As of June 2009, the Parties have • To work together towards been regularly meeting in relation common goals; to the implementation of the TLE Framework Agreement under this • To satisfy Treaty obligations; Strategic Planning Process. • To stick to schedules and timelines; Over the last three fiscal years, • To develop joint work plans for TLEC has operated under annual each parcel, and ensure that Contribution Funding Arrangement each party understands what (“CFA”) agreements with Indian and they need to do and when that Northern Affairs Canada (“INAC”) needs to be done relative to the – Manitoba Region. This funding other steps; relationship has allowed and enabled TLEC to continue fulfilling • To quickly come to ways its implementation responsibilities and means to resolve third under the Framework Agreement, party interests; to conduct as well as continuing to serve and parcel review meetings with represent its Member EFNs. the Entitlement First Nations

10 Annual Report 2009/2010 Chris Henderson TLEC Executive Director’s Report Reporting Period: April 19, 2010 – December 2010

Introduction: our objective which resulted in Canada and Manitoba to both declare that they Tansi! Boozhoo! were committed to accelerating the Greetings! TLE land conversion process.

I want to take Prior to accepting the Executive this opportunity Director role with TLEC, I was employed to formally with the Government of Manitoba’s introduce myself Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet as the Executive as a Project Manager, providing Director of the policy analysis and political advice to Treaty Land various provincial Cabinet Ministers. I Entitlement Committee (“TLEC”) of intend on making use of this internal Manitoba Inc., effective April 19, 2010. knowledge for the benefit of the TLEC Member First Nations in the successful My name is Chris Henderson and I implementation of the TLE Framework am Anishinaabe and a First Nations Agreement. member of my father’s home community, the Since my start date with TLEC on April (signatory to Treaty No.5), and a former 19, 2010, I have been reacquainting band member of the Sapotaweyak and familiarizing myself with the Cree Nation (signatory to Treaty No.4), internal operations of the organization a Member Entitlement First Nation by working with the TLEC Board (“EFN”) of the TLEC. of Directors (“BOD”) and the TLEC Implementation Secretariat staff, as As a former employee of the TLEC, I well as orienting myself to some of the am acutely aware of the terms of the major issues confronting TLEC and its Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement Member EFNs. Framework Agreement and the current challenges that exist in the The two major issues that required my implementation of the reserve creation immediate attention were the TLEC process. During my term as Southern Organization Review (December 18, Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ 2009) and the preparation of a new Organization (2004-2007), we proposal and work plan for 2010/2011 commissioned a comparative analysis to be submitted to Indian and Northern of the TLE implementation processes Affairs Canada – Manitoba Region, in and Manitoba. The now a core funder for TLEC. intent was to draw attention to the slow-pace of the reserve creation I will now provide a brief summary of process in Manitoba under the TLE my activities since assuming the role of Framework Agreement. As a result of TLEC Executive Director. this report, I believe we accomplished

Nekanootawinek 11 TLEC Executive Director’s Report - continued

Internal Operations: Implementation Activities:

Staffing: TLEC’s Implementation Officers have been tending to their regular day-to- As a result of the TLEC BOD accepting day tasks briefing me on their EFN the recommendations of the TLEC files, as they deem appropriate. The Organization Review conducted by the Implementation Officers were also Legacy Bowes Group, two positions utilized for their expertise and first-hand within TLEC were eliminated: knowledge of implementation matters under the Framework Agreement in 1. TLEC Associate Director position; the preparation of the 2010/2011 and, Work Plan for the Implementation 2. TLEC Administrative and Monitoring Committee (“IMC”). Implementation Assistant. Priority issues that will be addressed in the 2010/2011 fiscal year include: With the elimination of these two positions, TLEC created a third • Working with the Schedule B Implementation Officer position, EFNs to identify barriers and whose primary focus will be on options to acquire their “Other” managing TLEC’s Third-Party Interest land amounts, in light of the time Pilot Project. period for land acquisitions under the MFA nearing; In addition to the elimination of the Associate Director position, • TLEC will continue to work TLEC also eliminated the position of with the EFNs in identifying and Administrative and Implementation attempting to resolve Third Party Assistant on May 25, 2010. TLEC Interests on TLE selections and reinstated the old position of acquisitions; “Receptionist” and this full-time • TLEC will continue working position was filled in October 2010. with the EFNs in identifying and confirming their Priority Parcels In response to some of the findings with outstanding encumbrances within the Organization Review, I have or issues, and attempt to address instituted weekly staff meetings with these outstanding issues; TLEC Staff to review current issues and • Working with the affected EFNs required follow-up actions resulting on the development of a “Hydro from TLEC BOD meetings and other Easement” agreement, to their TLEC gatherings. Other recommended satisfaction and comfort; and, changes continue to be addressed and implemented on an on-going basis. • Continuing to provide technical support to TLEC’s Representatives on the IMC. TLEC’s appointed

12 Annual Report 2009/2010 TLEC Executive Director’s Report - continued

representatives on the IMC are TLEC Annual General Meeting 2010: Councillor Paul Chief of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and TLEC staff worked extremely hard in Ms. Merrell Ann Phare, Executive planning and preparing for TLEC’s Director of the nationally Annual General Meeting in Opaskwayak renowned Centre for Indigenous Cree Nation from June 15 – 18, 2010. Environmental Resources. The TLEC BOD approved of a special honouring ceremony for Mr. Dennis Communications/Outreach: White Bird at this year’s AGM, for his work as past Chief Negotiator of TLEC TLEC participated in the Vision Quest and former Commissioner of the Treaty Conference and Trade Show on May Relations Commission of Manitoba. In 19 and 20, 2010, at the addition, the Member EFNs of TLEC Convention Centre. TLEC staff elected their Board of Directors for a distributed an “Update” Newsletter on two-year period, pursuant to TLEC’s the implementation status of TLE land Bylaw. selections, acquisitions and conversion to Reserve status under the Framework Conclusion: Agreement and “The Long Journey Home” DVDs. My first eight months on the job with TLEC has been extremely positive, TLEC also had a presence at the educational and enlightening. “Honouring First Nations Treaties” event at the Manitoba Legislature In closing, I want to say Giichii- on May 12, 2010, by setting up its Miigwech to Chief Nelson Genaille, display unit and answering questions President of the TLEC Board of about the implementation status of the Directors, and Mr. Conway Arthurson, Framework Agreement. Secretary/Treasurer of the TLEC BOD, for giving me this second opportunity TLEC participated in the Assembly to serve the Member Entitlement First of First Nations 31st Annual General Nations of TLEC as Executive Director. Assembly trade show in Winnipeg and distributed its informational materials Miigwech!/Ekosi!/Thank you! to assembly delegates from across Canada. Chris Henderson Executive Director

Nekanootawinek 13 Finance Officer’s Message

Anin, Tansi, Wotziye Over the years, I have witnessed EFN’s struggle to overcome barriers Greetings to all which have impeded their ability to members of the Treaty complete the process of converting Land Entitlement land to reserve status. I have also Committee of Manitoba witnessed the successes of other Inc. communities whose determination to overcome those impediments has I am originally from resulted in their arriving at a stage . where the majority of their lands I am a member of have been converted. These EFN’s are the Aboriginal Finance Officers now prepared to develop those lands Association of Canada and a Board for economic ventures to enhance member of the Manitoba Chapter. I prosperity of their people. currently hold the designation of a Certified Financial Manager. To quote Frank Lloyd Wright, “I know the price of success: dedication, I joined the TLEC team in September hard work, and an unremitting of 2002 and it certainly has been a devotion to the things you want to privilege and an honour to serve see happen.” We all want to see the the Entitlement First Nations (EFN’s) successful completion of converting for the past eight years. I serve the the outstanding land debt owed to the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee First Nations. We are all dedicated (TLEC) in the capacity of Finance to the same cause and if we all work Officer and Office Manager. together, we will achieve success.

It is my role to assist TLEC by providing Meegwetch, Ekosi, Mushi! overall sound financial management. This financial management includes Terri Grasby, the preparation of all financial Finance Officer documentation and budget /analysis for TLEC and to assist and advise on short and long term strategic financial planning for the organization.

14 Annual Report 2009/2010 Implementation Officer’s Message

Tansi! My name education, successfully completing a is Laren Bill. I am Master’s degree in Natural Resources of Cree ancestry Management, a Bachelor of Arts (Adv.) and a member of in Native Studies and Geography, the Pelican Lake and a Certificate in Environmental First Nation in Assessment, Protection and Saskatchewan. I Education. joined the team of the Treaty I believe that the land is sacred, as Land Entitlement are the treaties that were signed by Committee of our ancestors. I feel honored to be Manitoba, Inc. in November 2007. implementing these treaties and contributing to the efforts to have Since 1996, I have been working lands returned to the Entitlement First for First Nations in the protection of Nations (EFNs). Despite the challenges First Nations’ consultation protocols, that this work presents, I strongly cultural landscapes, research and believe that the First Nations need to natural resources management. remain focused on seeing their lands become reserve status; the land is Through my career, I have had the integral to maintaining, strengthening opportunity to work closely with the and protecting our cultures and ways Cree (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and of life. I have enjoyed working with all Alberta), Ojibway (Manitoba and of the EFNs to date, and look forward ), and the Blackfoot Nations to continuing this work with Buffalo (Alberta). Previously, I have worked as: Point First Nation, Brokenhead Aboriginal Consultation Advisor with Ojibway Nation, Manto Sipi Cree the Historic Resources Management Nation, Norway House Cree Nation, branch of the Government of Alberta; Rolling River First Nation and Wuskwi Research Associate with the Centre for Sipihk Cree Nation. Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER); and Co-Management Personally, my wife (Reegan) and I Coordinator with the Agency Chiefs have shared our lives with each other Tribal Council (ACTC). for 14 years. In 2008, we were blessed with the birth of our son, Alex. I bring to my career a balance of teachings. Having been raised Ekosi! Miigwech! Thank you! practicing our spiritual traditions, I maintain a strong connection to them. Laren Bill, I have also pursued post-secondary Implementation Officer

Nekanootawinek 15 Implementation Officer’s Message

Greetings! working on an issue dealing with the interpretation of the Minimum This is my first annual Entitlement Acres for the Schedule B report to the Entitlement EFNs as the parties have their respective First Nation members. positions on the interpretation of the I was hired in early Trust Account. November 2009 as an Implementation Officer. I work with Bunibonibee Cree I had resigned from Nation, and I would like to extend INAC in March 2007 as my congratulations to BCN as 89% a Project Manager from of their TLE land selections have been the Lands Directorate. converted to reserve.

I came to TLEC as I wanted to continue Other First Nations continue to make to work with the Manitoba Framework progress as well. The Opaskwayak Cree Agreement as Treaties require special Nation recently signed a Memorandum principles of interpretation and are of Understanding with the City of sacred in nature to the Aboriginal Thompson on their acquisition parcel People. and will work with the city to negotiate a Municipal Development and Services I am working with both Schedule A and Agreement when required. Schedule B Entitlement First Nations under the Framework Agreement. My God’s Lake is dealing with difficult duties include attending First Nation mining issues. The Nisichawayashik community meetings, to participate in Cree Nation has many parcels that the implementation obligations by all have TPI’s in the form of Water Interests parties. I have also participated in the in Developed Waterways and are in Strategic Planning Sessions in order to current negotiations with Manitoba prepare a four-party joint-work plan and Hydro. The Northlands Dene First to discuss the “Dashboards”, an INAC Nation is engaged in negotiating with survey planning and environmental lodge owners in an effort to resolve tool. I have populated the Tracking the Third Party Interests on their TLE Charts, which shows process and next parcels. steps, which will be distributed to the EFNs at a future date. The EFNs face many challenges like consultation and accommodation and I have participated in orientation must find ways to mutually resolve sessions of the First Nation Treaty Land TPIs and other encumbrances to the Entitlement Coordinators and I am satisfaction of all parties. continuing to assist them in their efforts to resolve Third Party Interests. Miigwech/Thank you! I also prepare briefing materials for the Executive Director for recommendation Linda Reimer, to the Board of Directors. I am currently Implementation Officer

16 Annual Report 2009/2010 Implementation Officer’s Message

Aiinii! I have been recently assigned as the Implementation Officer for My name is three Entitlement First Nations: Myles Courchene, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Mathias a recent staff Colomb Cree Nation and Barren addition to the Lands First Nation. Treaty Land E n t i t l e m e n t In addition to the above, I am C o m m i t t e e also a member of the Portage of Manitoba’s Working Group which is expected Implementation Secretariat. to provide viable options/methods of resolving the portage issue I am a proud member of the Fort encumbering various Entitlement Alexander Indian Band, Treaty #1, First Nation’s land selections and located within Sagkeeng traditional acquisitions. The Working Group territory. membership also includes Mr. Laren Bill, TLEC Implemenation Officer, My primary task is the monitoring and representatives from Canada, and evaluation of the Third Party Manitoba and the Implementation Interest (TPI) Pilot Project that began Monitoring Committee. in 2008. The project was designed to assist the Entitlement First Nation I look forward to meeting and (EFN) members in addressing Third- assisting other EFNs with their treaty Party Interests on their priority parcel land entitlement selections and selections and acquisitions. There are acquisitions. currently 15 EFNs accessing TPI funds. The pilot project is currently in its third Miigwech/Thank you! year of operation. Recommendations regarding this pilot-project are being Myles Courchene, formulated for consideration of the Implementation Officer TLEC Board of Directors.

Nekanootawinek 17 Executive Assistant’s Message

I would like to take My duties here at TLEC are to provide this opportunity to administrative support to the TLEC introduce myself. My Board of Directors and Secretariat name is Marion Wilson; Staff at all levels. I am responsible for I am from the Peguis all aspects of meeting preparation and First Nation. I currently communication for Board meetings, reside in Winnipeg Annual General Meetings and all with my family. I was other meetings as required. I provide employed as Executive technical and administrative support Assistant with the to the Board of Directors, Entitlement Treaty Land Entitlement First Nation members and the TLEC Committee of Manitoba (TLEC) from Secretariat Staff members in any way 2003 to 2007 until I assumed the full as required. time position as Executive Assistant to the independent Chairperson It has been 13 years since the of the Manitoba TLE Framework Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement (MFA) Implementation Agreement has been signed. A lot Monitoring Committee. In May 2010, of work has been done throughout I re-joined the TLEC team to continue the years, but yet there is still a lot of on to be part of the MFA Treaty Land work to be done to accomplish the Entitlement process. mandate of the Agreement. I would like to encourage all Entitlement I would like to express my gratitude First Nations, the Treaty Land to Mr. Chris Henderson, the newly Entitlement Committee of Manitoba, appointed Executive Director, for the Government of Manitoba and the giving me the opportunity to serve Government of Canada to continue as his Executive Assistant; it’s a on implementing the agreement pleasure. Since my last appointment in good faith and determination with TLEC, there are new employees to continue on and stride with and Board Members with TLEC, I transferring selected lands to reserve look forward to working with you status. and also to the Board and Staff who have long served with TLEC. Ekosi!

Marion Wilson, Executive Assistant

18 Annual Report 2009/2010 The Implementation Monitoring Committee

With the assistance of an Independent Chairperson in Chairperson, representatives from Canada, accordance with Manitoba and TLEC who are appointed to Subsections 34.09(2) the IMC, address issues of concern in the and (3) of the MFA. implementation of the Manitoba Treaty Land (3) The Implementation Entitlement Framework Agreement (“MFA”) Monitoring and develop consensus on how to resolve Committee shall issues. operate within the budget established in (1) The Implementation Monitoring accordance with (1) Committee shall be generally (a), unless the parties responsible for facilitating the agree otherwise. implementation of the MFA and Merrell-Ann Phare any Treaty Entitlement Agreements, Where the IMC is including: unable to resolve an issue, they may refer it (a) establishing a budget of the to the Senior Advisory reasonable estimated costs of its Committee (SAC) with operation in each fiscal year, being recommendations on the period from April 1 to March 31 how to resolve the issue. in any year, or any part of a fiscal The SAC consists of year in which it operates; the Regional Director (b) monitoring of the progress of General of Indian and implementation; Northern Affairs Canada (c) making recommendations to the (Manitoba Region), the parties for the resolution of any Deputy Minisiter of issue or matter in dispute relating Manitoba Aboriginal Paul Chief to the implementation of this and Northern Affairs, Agreement or any Treaty Entitlement and the TLE Committee Agreement; of Manitoba Inc. Board President. (d) resolving any issue or matter in dispute relating to the The IMC’s dispute implementation of this Agreement resolution methods are or any Treaty Entitlement Agreement progressive. The IMC may which is referred to it by a party or recommend fact-finding, an Entitlement First Nation under mediation services, non- this Agreement or that Treaty binding arbitration and Entitlement Agreement; and arbitration to resolve (e) considering the appropriate disputes. method of resolution of an issue Lloyd Grahame or matter in dispute relating to the As of December 2010, implementation of this Agreement the IMC Representatives are: or any Treaty Entitlement Agreement Merrell-Ann Phare, TLEC Representative in accordance with Article 35. Paul Chief, TLEC Representative (2) Subject to Subsections 34.03(1) and 34.05(1) of the MFA, the Rick Kosmick, Manitoba Representative Implementation Monitoring Committee Winona Embuldeniya, Canada Representative shall meet upon the call of the Lloyd Grahame, Independent Chairperson

Nekanootawinek 19 HEAD OFFICE: WINNIPEG IMPLEMENTATION OFFICE: Brokenhead #4 200 – 1765 Sargent Avenue Box 106, Scanterbury, MB Winnipeg, MB R3H 0C6 R0E 1W0 Tel: (204) 943-TLEC (8532) Fax: (204) 942-0248

For More Information on the MB TLE Framework Agreement and the TLEC, please visit our Website @: www.tlec.ca