Annual Report
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Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta 18178 - 102 Ave., Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1S7 2012-2013 T: 780-444-9366 F: 780-484-1465 www.treaty8.ca Annual Report Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Report prepared by Victor Horseman Treaty 8 Nations of Alberta 24 First Nations in Treaty No. 8 (Alberta) Athabasca Chipewyan Loon River First Nation First Nation Lubicon Lake Band Beaver First Nation Mikisew Cree First Nation Bigstone Cree Nation Peerless Trout First Nation Chipewyan Prairie First Nation Dene Tha’ First Nation Sawridge First Nation Driftpile Cree Nation Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Duncan’s First Nation Smith’s Landing First Nation Fort McKay First Nation Sucker Creek First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Swan River First Nation Horse Lake First Nation Tallcree Tribal Government Kapawe’no First Nation Whitefish Lake First Nation Little Red River Cree Woodland Cree First Nation First Nation CONTENTS Message from The Grand Chief 2 Message from The Chief Operating Officer 4 Intergovernmental Initiatives 6 Treaty Relations 10 Livelihood 15 Education 20 Health 29 Children’s Agenda 34 Message from The Grand Chief Grand Chief Roland Twinn When I was elected as Grand Chief for Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta I was honored with a drum song which was sung by Chief Leslie Joe Laboucan! The beat of the drum and his powerful voice echoed throughout the gymnasium. The people of Treaty 8 then lined to congratulate me and the Chiefs gave extended words of encouragement. Elders, Chiefs, ladies and gentlemen, it’s been an honour to have served as the Grand Chief, it’s been quite the experience and humbling. I appreciate the confidence you had in me to carry out my duties. Today it’s my turn to extend my hand to each and every one of you. To offer gratitude, appreciation and humility and thanks! On behalf of the Executive board, it’s a pleasure to present the 2012 – 2013 Annual Report. Although the fiscal year ended, our work continues and will continue as long as sun shines, the grass grows and the waters flow. Our People will move forward in solidarity to maintain our treaty rights. What will stand out for me will be Idle no More - to see such a movement wake up the Aboriginal voice, not only in Treaty 8 but across the country and the world. This has prompted Treaty 8 First Nations Voice to awake as well. I recall being in Ottawa, it was cold and raining when I received my marching orders to go meet with the Prime Minister of Canada. Upon arrival at PMO we (Chiefs) were escorted up to his board room, a moment of “what did I get myself into” came into my mind but then I heard drumming, chanting, singing and the voices of thousands of people, I knew what I had to do and I did it! Our assemblies and meeting have a common factor where the host drummers will drum and sing the Grand Entry of the Eagle Staff and Flags, where Chiefs and veterans bring the flags in. A flag song followed by a veteran song and concluded by a victory song. With the closing ceremony of the assembly the drum group will retire the flags with drum and song. No matter where I’ve been, east to west to north, the beat of the drum is strong and feeds me the strength to carry out my duties as your Grand Chief. Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Chiefs have caucused regarding the changes to provincial and federal regulations and legislation. We also caucused with the Grand Chiefs from Treaty 7 and Treaty 6. To let our position known through this journey. We move forward and maintain our progress, we must find the solidarity to stick out not alone but as a people. Quote late Chief Walter Twinn “I saw Indian problems as and economic problems. But prosperity doesn’t solve everything. To keep our culture alive, we need to know our spiritual beliefs. We need strong reserve communities…. Cree people have to be yourself. Nobody can do it for you. If you want to walk tall and proud, you have to be a contributor.” This goes for the people of the Dene, Beaver, Chipewyan, Sioux and Blackfoot, Blood all our relations… May the creator watch over us and our ancestors guide us and you believe in us! Page 2Page 2 Canada and the First Nations Historical Timeline OFFICIAL DATE OF FORMATION AS A PROVINCE OR TERRITORY: l 1870 Province of Manitoba l 1871 Province of British Columbia l 1873 City of Winnipeg l 1905 Province of Saskatchewan l 1905 Province of Alberta l 1999 Nunavut Grand Chief Roland Twinn Page 2 Page 3 Message from The Chief Operating Officer Joseph Jobin Elders, Chiefs, Youth, Employees and all members of Treaty No. 8, I am pleased to introduce our 2012 – 2013 Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta (T8FNA) Annual Report. T8FNA is always happy to take every opportunity to report on our activities and this year, we once again have a great deal of information to share. The Elders and T8FNA Executive Board have provided a strong and positive contribution to the ability to focus on our Treaty and Aboriginal rights. The Elders and Executive Board gave their time, guidance and direction to T8FNA while at the same time, serving their people and communities and fulfilling their duties and obligations. The Elders have shown their support in a strong way; T8FNA is appreciative and grateful for their valuable information, insight, and particularly their prayers that we know not only helps and protect us but also motivates us in the very important work that we do. The employees of T8FNA are outstanding group of individuals. They have shown they are dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced in a variety of ways that complement not only each other but T8FNA as a whole. The staff is definitely to be commended for their continued efforts to perform their duties and responsibilities without hesitation. T8FNA extends its’ thanks to all of you who have contributed to our operations and success in the past and wish the best for you in your future endeavors! Financially, as reported by the Auditors, we maintained strong operating results with an unqualified audit and no deficit. This puts T8FNA in strong position to maintain operations and continue to advocate for lasting recognition of our Treaty Rights. Numerous issues continue to arise at a very fast pace and from all directions, particularly with the Government of Alberta. We are, however, confident with the Elders, Chiefs and the Executive Board’s support and direction, we will continue on the right path. Working together can only make us more effective, and help us to reach our goal of success for all our people and communities in Treaty 8 territory! While this year has shown many changes and adjustments for T8FNA,with challenging and difficult circumstances at times, T8FNA continues to ensure that the circumstances are dealt with as smoothly and efficiently as possible. It is the intention ofT8FNA to remain true to the vision, spirit and intent of Treaty No. 8 and ensure the strength of our Treaty, “for as long as the sun shines …”. Page 4Page 4 Page 4 Page 5 Intergovernmental Initiatives INTER-AGENCY WORKing GroUP (IAWG) Darlene Plamondon, Director of Intergovernmental Relations & Administration Over the course of the last 6 years, a working group composed of appointed technicians from Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8 was established to collaborate on Strategies to support First Nations in increasing labour market participation. Information is shared and workshops are held to support the First Nations work in Skills Development, Training, Partnerships, Youth, Multi-barriers and other labour market participation activities. As part of the 2012-2013 Interagency Working Group Work Plan, Treaty 8 hosted a “Youth Facilitation Training- Future Leaders” workshop. The workshop was held in Slave Lake July 30th to August 2nd, 2012. The following sessions were provided to the youth during the forum: • Life Skills, Public Speaking, • Chief Wallace Fox spoke on First Peoples History and Natural Laws, Inherent Rights • Confidence & Motivation & Treaty Rights, Royal Proclamation and the Indian Act • Presentation Styles • Dr. Leroy Littlebear presented on Governance and Government Role of • Traditional Family Systems Facilitation, Skills and concepts • Historical overview since 1492 • Role of Facilitation Skills & Concepts • Sharon Venne did a presentation on • Language, Culture, Traditions International Agreements & United Nations • Catherine Twinn spoke on Governance as • Parenting Skills Nation Building Page 6 Canada and the First Nations Historical Timeline FORMAL ADHESIONS & SIGNATORIES: l June 21, 1899 Lesser Slave Lake l July 1, 1899 Peace River Landing l July 6, 1899 Dunvegan l July 8, 1899 Fort Vermillion l July 13, 1899 Fort Chipewyan (continued) CANADA AND THE FIRST NATIONS HISTORICAL TIMELINE OTHER ACTIVITIES: “Issues in your Community” The youth identified the need to have more • Gang Violence workshops: • Alcohol, Drug & Sexual Abuse • Hands on for Cultural ways of doing things • Lack of respect for property/garbage • About “the people” & About “Youth” • More activities for Youth • Creativity-Courage-determination(taking • Bullying risks-never give up) • Family problems • Children getting their Cree Culture back • “What would you do to strengthen support for vulnerable and at-risk children, youth and • Aboriginal Culture & Teachings, Ceremonies, families” Pow-wow Dancing/Drums, Singing, Music & • Confidential Counselling Arts • Training Programs – for Youth • At Risk Youth, Self-Esteem, Issues our age • Guidance Counsellors group deals with on Reserve • Workshops and Conferences for Youth • Youth problems and Support Groups • Support/Family groups-building Treaty 8 is an active participant of Alberta’s Aboriginal Workforce Strategy Steering Committee (AWSSC) and strongly advocates for the First Nation Community Action plans and Building Capacity & Resources for Treaty 8 First Nation Communities.