VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014

Wishing you all Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings

DAKOTA OJIBWAY TRIBAL COUNCIL

“Indian control of Indian Development”

Long Plain First Nation Waywayseecappo First Nation

Swan Lake First Nation Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation

Birdtail Sioux First Nation Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation Dakota Tipi First Nation

DOTC Room 230 - 5010 Crescent Rd. West, P.O. Box 338, , R1N 3B7 | PH: 204-239-8650 | Email: [email protected] | www.dotc.mb.ca

Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Chairman’s Message Message from the CEO Annual Report Chief Nelson Bunn Robert Daniels 2008 Chair- 2009 / DOTC Council of Chiefs CEO/Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council On behalf of DOTC, it is my pleasure to offer congratulations and best wishes I am pleased to provide a report of activities undertaken by DOTC Administration. to the newly elected Chiefs and Councils of Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and These are in addition to the normal work required and undertaken to ensure the Dakota Tipi First Nation respectively. We look forward to having Chief Lance smooth operations for the Tribal Council. All the normal activities and Roulette (Sandy Bay) and Chief David Pasche (Dakota Tipi) as members of the DOTC Council of Chiefs. requirements have been undertaken. Reporting and accountability of all We congratulate and offer our best wishes to Doug Palson, Chief/Dakota Ojibway activities takes place at two levels- the monthly Council of Chiefs and, the Police Services as he assumes the elected position of President of the First quarterly meetings of the Program Managers along with this important forum- Nation Chiefs of Police Association. the DOTC Newsletter. It was my honour to welcome the members of the Yorkton Tribal Council to DOTC I thank Tracey Ironman for her effort and work for the Tribal Council. She has Offices on November 27, 2014. I was pleased to chair the meeting between opted to take leave break to chart out for herself other possibilities. We wish DOTC and Yorkton Tribal Council. Having perused the DOTC website, the Yorkton her well. Theresa Myran has assumed the position of Administrative Secretary. Tribal Council requested the meeting to have an exchange of ideas and sharing of best practises. The Yorkton Delegation was led by Tribal Chief Isabel D`Soup I also want to again congratulate Yellowquill College on its 30th Anniversary as and, also accompanying her were senior staff and some program managers. I had honour to attend its Open-house to mark the occasion. I notice with satisfaction that DOTC Administration is pursuing and undertaking You will note and hopefully appreciate the various initiatives undertaken by with diligence the work required for the realization of our three main priorities- the DOTC programs. As Chief Nelson Bunn has referenced, focus continues education, employment and economic development. To reiterate, these are three to be and will remain the realization of the three main priorities- education, necessary conditions to ensure both hope and direction for our membership and employment and economic development. youth and, the future strength and vibrancy of our communities. As you peruse the newsletter, you will note emphasis or reference to initiatives falling under Climate Change and Adaptation Project- the project is ongoing and is to each of these three areas. be completed by March 31, 2015. Community research workers have Education- a major effort by DOTC is the project funded under auspices of the been selected for each of the DOTC communities. Field-work is now being Confederacy of Culture and Education Program. In November, I undertaken. along with 200 other people attended the presentation by Dr. Martin Brokenleg. He spoke to reclamation, hope and resiliency of culture and our futures. Another FNCCEP- the presentation by Dr. Martin Brokenleg has already been referenced. project, through efforts of DOTC Administration, approximately 30 students from The project has two components- First Nations and DOTC respectively. The DOTC schools had a once in a life-time opportunity to meet with the Nobel Prize schools or organizations within the five participating communities have Winner Dr. Ferid Murad (Medicine 1998). We thank Dr. Pawan Singal/Director, been provided with funding support to deliver language classes and also a Insititue for Cardiovascular Sceinces for his vision and effort in providing this workshop in exploration of culture and tradition. DOTC has delivered the above opportunity. presentation and, to be delivered are two similar forum and a publication Employment- the Enhanced Service Deliver Project is a major initiative within (formatted along the DOTC First Nations Magazine) that will serve to highlight DOTC. Though presently working with two DOTC communities –Long Plain and culture, experience, language and tradition. Sandy Bay- to prepare youth (18-24 years) for employment, it is my hope that AANDC will work to open up the project to other interested communities. ESD is PIPD- DOTC Administration is coordinating the delivery of the PIPD project for also in discussion with YouthBuild that is partnering with Manitoba Institute of Birdtail Sioux First Nation. Focus will be on Governance. Trades and Technology. Orientation to SBON Chief and Council- DOTC Administration was pleased to Economic Development- from DOTC Administration, Robert Daniels, Karen Bruno and Anupam Sharma attended the day-long forum hosted by Manitoba provide on October 28, 2014 an orientation to the new Chief and Council. Institute of Trades and Technology- ``From Membertou to Manitoba``. In Skills Post Secondary Conference- Anupam Sharma attended this conference addition to representation from Membertou First Nation, I am informed there organized by the Conference Board of , November 5-6, 2014 in Toronto. was good representation from corporate, education and government sectors. DOTC Chiefs will also be meeting with the representative of the Choctaw Indian In attendance from across the country was a formidable representation from Tribe of Mississippi to explore possible economic development collaboration the corporate, education and government sectors. It was a good opportunity and collaboration between the two parties. It is important to be kept informed to highlight our efforts at the DOTC and, these were well received during the of activities and initiatives taking place elsewhere and in the larger Canadian various workshops. economy. Sun Monthly Articles On behalf of my colleagues, the Chiefs, I thank DOTC staff for their commitment and dedication in serving our communities and its members. Lands Economic Development Special Projects (the former LEAF Program)- As the holiday season approaches, DOTC wishes everyone a Season`s the three projects are underway. Presentations on environmental awareness Greetings, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May it be one of good health, to the selected schools are taking place as scheduled. The first issue of the peace and prosperity. We look forward to working with all during 2015. (Continued on page 2)...

1 VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014

CEO Message continued from page 1... LEDSP Newsletter, coordinated and produced by DOTC, has been printed and awaits distribution. DOTC has been requested by AANDC to provide a briefing and update on December 9, 2014 to the Assistant Deputy Minister visiting then from Ottawa. For us, this is an acknowledgement and perhaps appreciation to the quality of work undertaken and delivered by the Tribal Council. Anupam Sharma and I continue to write our monthly news columns for the `First Nation Page``, Winnipeg Sun.AANDC Presentation I too join Chief Nelson Bunn in acknowledging and thanking all our staff-members for their effort and work. It is noted and appreciated- a big thank you! Finally, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to working with you and serving you in 2015.

D.O.T.C. EDUCATION & COUNSELLING SERVICES Holiday greetings to everyone! December is a very busy month for our students. They are in the process of writing their exams or finishing up term papers. We are sure that they are looking forward to the relaxing holidays and spending time with their loved ones. We at D.O.T.C. Education & Counselling Services continue to strive for success by encouraging and supporting our students in their educational endeavours. Our Educational Counsellor, Bev Bunn, works with individual students, often meeting with them at their educational institutions to check in and see how they are doing. For our students in other cities or provinces, our Coordinator of Student Services, Irene Graveson, calls and sees how they are doing. D.O.T.C. Education provides services to all First Nation students who drop in at our office, located at #2 – 345 – 10th Street, Brandon. You can also call our office at 204-729-3610 and leave your name and address so that we may mail you an application package. We want to remind the students that the office will be open on December 31, 2014 for the students to pick up their January 2015 student allowance. M.I.E.A. will also be open on December 31, 2014 for any students attending educational institutions in Winnipeg.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year from D.O.T.C. Education! Irene Graveson

DOTC EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION OF YEARS OF SERVICE

We thank you for your commitment and dedication!

2 years Lisa Myran DOTC Finance Garnet Meeches DOTC Health Kelly Davis DOTC Health (3years) Darlene Daniels DOFNHAI 10 Years Ralph Francis DOFNHAI (3years) John Meechas On-Reserve Housing Darlene Peters On-Reserve Housing (3years) Sheila Harris DOTCHAI Kenneth Esquash DOTCHAI (3years) Olga Starr DOCFDC Roberta Johnston Yellowquill College (3years) 20 Years 5 years Larry Acoby DOTCHAI Robert Daniels DOTC Administration (6years) Theresa Myran DOTC Administration (6years) Anupam Sharma DOTC Administration 25 Years Stacy Pratt DOTC Fire Prevention Hank Richard DOTCHAI Vince Eastman DOTCHAI (6years) Doreen Beauchamp Yellowquill College (26years) Courtney Penner Yellowquill College (6years) Margot Remnant Yellowquill College 35 years Jocelyne Stockwell Yellowquill College Irene Graveson Education

2 VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014 DAKOTA OJIBWAY HEALTH SERVICES

Working together, the Tribal Nursing Officer and Tribal Home & Community Care Coordinator successfully submitted a proposal to FNIHB for additional funding dollars. These monies will help DOTC nurses in attending a one day professional development workshop on various aspects of Pediatrics- assessment, growth and development, and common condition.

At the South Zone Health Workers Quarterly Meeting a two-day Trauma Informed training was provided. This workshop provided participants with basic information on the counseling, recovery process and introduction of new paradigms by which to examine understanding of “healing” and their roles in the area of trauma where it concerns healing and recovery.

Swan Lake First Nation hosted a Men’s Gathering on October 25, 2014. This gathering drew on the training and knowledge of specialists and invited speakers to address the relevant health and other issues of importance to men. The NNADAP Community Coordinator and Case Management Coordinator spoke on the value of storytelling, and the sharing of personal testimonials as essential cultural strengths and customs. These are important for the revitalization of local histories, traditional teachings, and community, and individual wellbeing.

In addition to the above commitments, DOHS staff were invited and pleased to attend two community Health Fairs- Swan Lake First Nation (October 24, 2014) and Birdtail Sioux First Nation (November 6, 2014). The health program representatives engaged in information-sharing, responding to inquiries and, most importantly, connecting with the community members. Vital resource materials on prevention, health programming and contact information were also distributed in each of the communities. Litonya Scott -Director of Health 1-204-988 5379

DOTCHAI & DOFNHAI HOUSING

Greetings from the DOTCHAI/DOFNHAI Staff,

Even though Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, it brings along with it lots of snow and cold temperatures. Be sure to keep your driveways clear of snow and ice. It is also very important to keep your walkways shovelled at all times. This is not only for your own safety, but for the postal workers as well. Mail will not be delivered if there is not a clear path to the mailbox.

During the winter, parking bans will be in effect as well. The Cities of Winnipeg, Portage and Brandon have websites that with the listing of current snow. This will help avoid a costly fine and a possible charge for towing.

Renovations for the fiscal year are nearing completion. If you have any maintenance concerns, please email to our offices- Winnipeg ([email protected]), Portage ([email protected].) and Brandon ([email protected].). This also allows us to have access to an electronic copy for all requests on file.

The Housing Program will be exploring available options for online banking. We are always looking for more convenient ways to help our tenants pay rent in a timely manner.

Please be informed that our offices will be closed at 3:00 pm Friday, December 19, 2014 pm and will reopen Monday, January 5, 2015 at 8:30am. The housing office in Winnipeg will be open Friday, January 2, 2015 for rental payments. Georgina Brass, Program Manager, 1-866-856-5550

DOTC Council of Chiefs & DOTC Staff Wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas Holidays Please note our offices will be closed on December 19, 2014, 3:00 pm & Reopens on January 5, 2015, 8:30 am

3 VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014

DOTC SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM YELLOWQUILL COLLEGE

For the September 2014 newsletter submission related to Income Assistance, our focus was on the broad historical context and the perspective held by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC). We now consider its delivery and the impact can Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! have for the client and also the respective First Nation. Congratulations to Chief Lance Roulette on his recent election Income Assistance is a program of last resort that covers basic as Chief of . Everyone at the college needs (food, clothing and shelter), special needs and pre-employment is extremely proud of Lance’s accomplishments. Lance support for individuals. The program in its present form has evolved is a former graduate of Yellowquill College’s First Nation as a result of the policy changes within the Manitoba Provincial Governance Program; we wish Lance all the best in his Employment and Income Assistance. Policy updates are sent from the capacity as Chief of Sandy Bay! Province of Manitoba to AANDC Manitoba Region. These updates are Strategic plan work continues at the college. At this time last then forwarded by AANDC to appropriate authorities of relevance to the year, the college was embarking on a mission to develop a respective First Nations. strategic plan that would include work plans to assist with the work DOTC has set out to do as a tribal council. We are now To assist in determining eligibility and need for Income Assistance the carrying out those work plans and continue to develop and prospective client is required to present identification and residency implement as needed. documents. Financial need is assessed through review of documents such as medical documents, bank statements, notice of assessments Programming is happening! Yellowquill College has programs and identification of assets. For a complete listing of documents being delivered in four different communities: Long Plain required, a client should be in contact with their local Income Assistance (Mature Grade 12 and Business Certificate programs); Sioux Administrator. Valley (Mature Grade 12); (Mature Grade 12); Little Grand Rapids (Mature Grade 12); and DOCFS The Compliance Framework has been changed. First Review- the (First Nation Child and Family Services worker program using review period remains one month. While any missing information the work and learn model). related to essential items listed Annex B - Essential Items for Each Workshops Yellowquill is delivering a series of workshops Income Assistance File is noted; penalties not assessed prior to titled “Working with Aboriginal People – An Overview” April 2013. However, after this date, any information missing will be commissioned by ANCR (All Nations Coordinated Response assessed a month financial penalty to the First Nation. There is no Unit). Approximately 150 staff of ANCR will be completing opportunity to correct Income Assistance Files; but certain documents the workshops. Other upcoming workshops in the areas of (pay statements, cheques, receipts or hydro bills) will be considered for Addictions and in the area of Child and Family Services will be follow-up within 45 days to help reduce the financial penalties. available. Please check our website for further updates.

With the New Compliance Framework, the review period second and Alumni work continues and I would encourage anyone who subsequent reviews remain at twelve months. Any information missing has attended Yellowquill College to contact us. Further to eligible items from the aforementioned Annex B items will hereon information can be found on our website. result in ineligible files and financial penalties will be assessed for the Applications for the Mature Grade 12 program are still being twelve months. There will also be no opportunity to correct any Income accepted for Term 3 (beginning January 26) and Term 4 Assistance Files. It is expected that all documentation is present on the (beginning April 7). If it is the completion of a few credits Income Assistance File prior to the release of payment to the client. that stands between you and the Grade Xll Diploma- apply at Yellowquill College. Therefore, it is important for all concerned that all required documentation be completed prior to the issuance of any benefits. Otherwise, the costs For further information on any programs or activities, please can be high and, these are usually borne by the First Nation. feel free to visit our website at www.yellowquill.org.

For the next issue, I will focus on the changes being contemplated with the Special Needs policy. Doreen Beauchamp, Jason Daniels, Director, Social Development Director/Yellowquill College 1-204-855 2921 1-204-953-2800

4 VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014 DAKOTA OJIBWAY CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

The community and urban offices of the Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services are all busy preparing for their annual Christmas dinners for children in care and their foster families. Some of the offices are also busy preparing activities during the Christmas school break. Please check with your local office to see what is being planned.

The annual DOCFS Christmas gathering is set for December 5, 2014 at the Victoria Inn in Brandon, Manitoba. It is great opportunity for the getting together of staff and their families, Local Child and Family Service Committee members, DOCFS Board of Directors and Chiefs and Councils. It is also about showing our appreciation for all for the work they undertake and the support for us. Staff members are formally recognized for their commitment and contribution to DOCFS.

The agency is continuing with the roll-out of the Family Enhancement Program with the intent of working work with families to ensure ongoing their on-going commitment in overcoming social issues. The social issues certainly contribute to the difficulties families face on a daily basis and, these cannot be addressed in isolation. The saying “it takes a whole community to raise a child” is definitely true in our communities as immediate and extended family are involved and working with community resources. There is therefore strong encouragement to involving community resource with the Local Child and Family Services Committee in each community with respect to working with families. The same is being encouraged for our urban offices.

We continue to offer services in a culturally relevant manner to the people based in our communities, rural and urban areas. DOCFS continually seeks to attract First Nation foster parents.

The agency makes every effort to recruit employees from our First Nation communities and continue to seek qualified First Nation staff. A recruitment drive is on-going and our Human Resource Department has set up information booths at First Nation career fairs and other career fairs (i.e. universities, colleges).

If you are interested in becoming an employee or foster parent(s) please call the Administration office at Forest Hills (south of Carberry) 1-877-508-8289 or 1-204-834-2323 and you will be connected to the appropriate person.

Doreen Moellenbeck, Executive Director (877) 508-8289 or www.docfs.org

ON-RESERVE HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE

The Tech Services unit has been busy with the projects listed below:

Birdtail Sioux First Nation Currently no projects underway

Canupawakpa Dakota Nation RRAP – 2 units approved for renovation

Dakota Tipi First Nation RRAP – 2 units approved for renovation

Long Plain First Nation Sec 95 – Managing 5 unit project that is in process of completion Swan Lake First Nation Managing 6 unit project Sec 95 – 1 unit RRAP – 2 units submitted for renovation RRAP – 1 unit currently under renovation

Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation Waywayseecappo First Nation RRAP - 3 units approved for renovation Sec 95 – 8 Unit project - 2014 3 unit project - 2015 Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation RRAP – 6 units currently under renovation Deferred Sec 95 (10 Unit) and RRAP (8 Units) projects 35 Roofs on housing units, Administration – roof and flooring John Meechas, Manager 1-204-239 8652 5 VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014 DAKOTA OJIBWAY COMMUNITY SCHOOL MAINTENANCE FUTURES DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (SMTP) CORPORATION (DOCFDC) SMTP currently has First and Foremost we offer our Congratulations to the 30 schools in 26 newly elected Chief and Council of Sandy Bay First Nation. communities remaining We welcome Councillor Jason Starr as representative of Sandy Bay First Nation to the DOCFDC Board of Directors. for completion of second on-site visits. We are Board & Staff Professional Development ahead of our tentative schedule. Some schools As our on-going strategy to enhance organizational capacity, the Board and Staff participated in a two-day Training and Policy will require a third visit due to staff turnover. Review session on November 4 & 5 at Canad Inns Club Regent Casino. The During the latter visits the new school personnel Training Module was on “Board Development and Evaluation”. The staff also will be introduced to and be familiarized with the attended a two day workshop on “Strategic Planning” on December 11 & 12 at implementation of the Maintenance Management Canad Inns Polo Park through Community Futures Manitoba. Plan (MMP).

Upcoming Events The current aggregate retention of the maintenance The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) are launching the Just staff within the schools visited is at 90.6%. Five Watch Me! Video Contest. This contest is a way to promote the EDP program maintenance personnel have left the school as one of the programs that Community Futures delivers. The Just Watch Me! maintenance positions recently this fiscal year. Video Contest - Prairie Edition invites successful entrepreneurs with disabilities to share their stories for a chance to win up to $1,000 cash and prizes. For Gary Harris – Prince Albert Grand Council/CRTPA more information please visit the website at: http:www.justwatchmecontest.ca Building Maintenance President is exploring interest from those interested in developing a “Maintenance Aboriginal Business Service Network and Vision Quest Conferences Inc. Training Manual” for school maintenance personnel. present DRAGONS QUEST. Submit a copy of your Business Plan to our contest If and when completed, the envisioned manual and you could win $5,000.00. Deadline to enter is March 6, 2015. Visit www. would be implemented at First Nation schools cfmanitoba.ca click on the Aboriginal Business Plan icon for more information or to down load an entry form. For more information contact the ABSN throughout the provinces. DOTC-SMTP has been Coordinator at 204-944-8438 or email: [email protected]. invited to participate in a round table on this subject during the third week in January 2015. If your community is hosting a career fair, trade show, or any training sessions we may be part of, please inform us and we can try to make it a joint effort!! DOTC Fire Prevention Officer Stacey Pratt

Business, Business, Business!! accompanied SMTP to the communities of St. Theresa Point and Garden Hill to conduct Fire Interested in starting a business and don’t know where to start? We offer loans Inspections on five schools in area. from $500 to $150,000 for business start-ups, expansions, acquisitions. We can offer resource information and we can point you in the right direction!! Professional Development – Andrew Beaulieu has been successfully certified in Water Restoration For further information on the Community Futures program and services please contact our office at 1-866-988-5373 or check out our website at: www. Technician (WRT). Andrew has also completed docfdc.mb.ca Applied Mircobial Remediation Technician (AMRT) training and waiting for exam results. FROM THE BOARD AND STAFF WE WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON!! Stewart Meeches, Manager 1-204-871-8344 Charlene Beamin, A/General Manager Ph: 1-204-988-5390

6 VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014

DAKOTA OJIBWAY POLICE SERVICE

The Dakota Ojibway Police Service Executive continues to advocate at Federal and Provincial levels for the sustainability

and advancement of First Nation Policing. This executive team – Chief of Police and Inspectors - are all members of the

First Nation Chiefs of Police Association (FNCPA) and provide valuable input on First Nation Policing issues.

In October 2014, I was honoured to assume the elected position of President of the First Nation Chiefs of Police

Association. The goals of the FNCPA include- promoting FNCPA as a nationally recognized organization. It is to build

partnerships with all relevant stakeholders- First Nations, Federal, Provincial and territorial governments as well as non- DAKOTA OJIBWAY POLICE SERVICES

Annual Report policing and Justice stake-holders. Develop and build capacity through training for our members. Finally, it also promotes and contributes April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010 to holistic justice and wellness strategies for our communities. The FNCPA Executive has met with representatives of Public Safety Canada to explore the role and input of FNCPA to shaping future direction of the First Nation Policing Program (FNPP).

97 As President of the FNCPA, I am also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) as representative of First Nations. The mandate of CACP is to provide through innovated police leadership greater safety and sensitivity for all Canadians. This opportunity to participate at the Board of Directors level ensures that First Nation Policing continues as a priority for the CACP. The CACP Policing with First Nation, Metis and Peoples Committee (PWFNMIPC) drafted a Resolution with seeking active and meaningful commitment from the Federal Government with respect to First Nation Policing. The resolution was adopted by the membership. It is my intention to work with the President of CACP to arrange a meeting with the Public Safety Minister early in 2015 and present this resolution. At the Provincial level, the Inspectors and I are active members of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP). The goal of the MACP is to address policing related issues at the provincial level. I sit on the MACP Strategic Issues Committee, along with other Police Chiefs in the Province. The recent focus for changes to the Mental Health Act is about the increase of system capacity to support individuals taken into custody, promotion of effective and appropriate management and, subsequent reduction of overtime incurred by our service. Inspector DeLaronde participates on the Aboriginal Policing Committee with a recent initiatives being the advancement of restorative justice for First Nation communities. Inspector Saindon participates in the Infomatric Working Group considering technology advancements and applications particularly in the area of communications. The DOPS Executive Team is therefore contributing to the future directions of First Nation policing and, more broadly, to policing provincially and federally. This active involvement with the issues brings about change that ultimately leads to a heathy, robust and forward thinking Police Service. Meegwetch – Wopida D.A. (Doug) Palson, Chief of Police, Dakota Ojibway Police Service , 1-204-856 5370

DOTC FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM

Inventory taking is underway for all DOTC fire departments. This helps Chief and Council show the short-falls the communities are faced when working to ensure a fire safe reality for all.

Fire inspections are underway for all DOTC communities including schools, daycare centers and any other buildings the council wants completed. HRDC Canada who was mandated by (ANNCE) is having being phased away from these services by the Government is no longer performing these inspections.

The Fire Prevention program “what’s hot, what’s not” training is back for another school year for all DOTC schools, Sessions have been held at schools in Birdtail Sioux and Waywayseecappo. Dates and times are being set up for all other DOTC schools.

We thank the Portage Fire Department for their donation of five set of turn out gear to DOTC. These were forwarded to Roseau River First Nation help in restoring their fire department.

Christmas is on its way. Some reminders for all home owners- have your tree watered regularly, make sure all extension cords are in good working condition and do not overload circuits. In addition, please make sure smoke-detectors are in good working order and, also have a practice fire escape planning with your family. Be fire safe.

Have a merry Christmas and happy New Year. Stacy Pratt – Fire Prevention Officer DOTC (204) 871-5253 or email [email protected] DOTC Fire Prevention

7 VOL. 5 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2014

ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY PROJECT

Enhanced Service Delivery provides pre-employment supports to clientele who are on Income Assistance, between the ages of 18-24, residing on reserve.

The DOTC ESD team consists of Jacqui Meeches/Coordinator and Tracy Houle/Caseworker. In addition there is a Support Worker for each of our two communities- D. Elizabeth Loane/Long Plain First Nation and Brennon Roulette/Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. Tracy provides direct service, assist individual ESD clients to develop their Mandatory Action Plan (MAP) and ensure supports are available for them as they work to achieving their individual goals. Based within their respective First Nations, D. Elizabeth (Liz) Loane and Brennon are very effective Support Workers who provide/coordinate the required services at community level. The latter two are effective liaison/links between the DOTC Project and their respective First Nations.

During this time period, DOTC Enhanced Service Delivery has pre-assessed 126 clients in Sandy Bay. Currently, DOTC ESD case manages 89 active ESD Clients in Sandy Bay. The following is a break down of ESD client listings for Sandy Bay:

• 61 Regular Enhanced Service Delivery Clients • 28 are attending the Mature 12 Program • 23 have been referred to the First Nation Job Fund for training and/or employment • 3 have exited the ESD program directly into full time employment • 3 have exited into a Post Secondary program • 8 pre-assessments were deemed ineligible for the ESD program.

DOTC Enhanced Service Delivery hosted a two-day Career Planning Workshop in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. This workshop provided participants an overview of the many types of jobs, careers and trades that are pursuable. The workshop helped participants to create a list of employment options as well as identifying any barriers that may prevent them from seeking their employment choice. They were able to develop short and long term goals to assist in making their employment choice realistic.

In Long Plain First Nation, a total of 97 ESD clients have been pre-assessed. Enhanced Service Delivery currently case manages 60 active clients. The following is a breakdown of the DOTC ESD client listings: • 44 Regular Enhanced Service Delivery Clients • 16 are attending the Mature 12 Program • 25 have been referred to the First Nation Job Fund for training and/or employment • 2 have exited the ESD program directly into full time employment • 3 have exited into a Post Secondary program • 7 pre-assessments were deemed ineligible for the ESD program. Jacqui Meeches

DOTC STAFF make a presentation to Dr. Martin Brokenleg Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup visits DOTC with Members of Delegation from Yorkton Tribal Council