Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw First Nation
AUGUST 30 2010
Band OFFICE News Find out what’s happening in the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Band Office and community!
CONTENTS Pg2 Pg3-4 Pg5 Pg7-12 Pg13 Pg14
Pg15 Pg16 Pg17 Pg18-19 Pg20
Staff Contact Info From The Band Manager’s Desk Public Works Update Back-To-School Insert Job Posting: Connections Coordinator Job Posting: Kwa’kwa’ka’wakw Cultural Teacher Invitation to Bid: Elders’ Centre Notes Council Portfolios Colouring Calendar
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FIRE SAFETY
There have been many close calls recently with fire safety. Often these close calls happen because the wrong element was turned on. Please pay close attention any time you use the stove, oven, woodstove, heater, candle, or any other hot item. It is also important that your smoke alarm is working and has a good battery in it. Bob Swain will be coming around to all of the houses to make sure that yours is working. It’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy in your kitchen, but baking soda will also work to put out small fires.
Attention all Dog Owners: There have been many complaints made to the Band Office and the Animal Protection staff regarding mistreatment of dogs on the Reserve. If your dog is barking and whining at all hours of the night and day you are mistreating it. Not only is it very disrespectful of your family and neighbours to have to put up with the annoyance, it is also a crime that the residents and owner can be charged with. If you do not know how to look after your dog then ask for advice or give the dog away. There is a $5000 fine for a first offence, $10,000 for a repeat offence, and possibly six
AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Margaret Bernard, 902-2308
Finance Manager finance@gwanak.info
Conrad Browne, 902-2301
Economic Development Manager ecdev@gwanak.info
Silena George, 949-7406
Elders’ Coordinator silenag@gntreaty.org
Colleen Hemphill, 949-8424
Chief Treaty Negotiator colleenh@gntreaty.org
Jessie Hemphill, 902-2306
Admin. Assistant / Communications jessieh@gwanakplan.org
Linda Henderson, 949-8424
Treaty Office Assistant
Lorna Henderson, 902-2304
Housing Manager housing@gwanak.info
Pat Dawson, 902-2309
Social Development Manager patriciad@gwanak.info
Grace Smith, 902-2320
Education Manager graces@gwanak.info
Ted Stevens, 949-8393
Forestry Manager forestry@gwanak.info
Bob Swain, 230-0087
Public Works Manager bswain4@telus.net
Elisha Taylor-Child, Native Courtworker etaylor-child@nccabc.com Les Taylor, 902-2307
Band Manager manager@gwanak.info
Crystal Walkus,
Treaty Resource Assistant crystalw@gntreaty.org
Jessie Walkus, 949-8343
Receptionist (fax) 949-7402
Natasha Walkus,
Treaty Resource Assistant natashaw@gntreaty.org
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AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
From the Band Manager’s Desk Many of you may know that procedures have changed with respect to Social Assistance. We were audited by INAC recently and they found that we were issuing checks without the proper documentation required for issuing benefits checks. I have told Pat Dawson not to issue checks unless we have all the necessary documentation in place. If we issue checks that don’t have the proper documentation, INAC will withhold funds or request monies back. This will affect the overall program and we cannot jeopardize the program that will ultimately affect everyone. Please ensure that you fill out the necessary form prior to S.A. day so your check will not be delayed. Please be advised that the Band Council approved monies from non-INAC funds to be allocated to the community for such things as carnivals and hockey registration. Be further advised the funds are limited. $10,000.00 set aside yearly for such events. $6,000.00 was used up already for the recent carnival. The balance for the year is $4,000.00. There will be no other funds after that. The carnival bracelets were provided at no charge. Please advise if there was any concern regarding the dispensing of the bracelets. Council meetings were to happen on a regular basis but due to the recent deaths in the community, council meetings have been adjourned to the next date of September 1, 2010. Contined‌ 3
AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
As you may have heard our Coastal Guardian Watchman Boat was involved in an accident recently. In an attempt to go through the narrow channel at Wyclees and the leg was hit and suffered some extensive damage. The cost of repairs and replacement was around $10, 000.00. We have managed to adjust our budgets around to accommodate the unexpected costs. After careful review we now have no more room for any unexpected repairs and related costs to keep our program running. We had a de-brief session with our crew and have now implemented the necessary precautions to avoid a similar incident. Any similar incident will seriously jeopardize our program. I am truly sorry for the incident as well as the crew and hopefully we can continue without incident for the rest of the project. Please note that we are sprucing up the Eke-Me-Xi School and it will be receiving a new coat of paint. Gila’kasla,
Les Les Taylor, Band Manager
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AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
Public Works Update Chlorine reading for this week is 0.70. Chlorine is put in our water system to get rid of germs and bacteria. The samples taken are so that we know how much chlorine is in our water supply. The goal is to have good potable drinking water for us to use. There is a shovel that went missing from the cemetery. For Dorie Anne's funeral there were 4 shovels left to cover her grave and only 3 were found. I open the hall, light the stove, when there are funerals for our community if I am available.
Bob Swain, Public Works
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
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Special Back-To-School Insert: Pg 7 Pg 8 Pg 9 Pg 10 Pg 11 Pg 12
Letter To Parents
Student Support Form 2010-2011 North Island College Training Opportunity
Port Hardy Secondary School Staff Contact Information School District #85 School Year Calendar Eagle View Elementary School Calendar
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
IMPORTANT LETTER
To Parents of School-Age Children To parents of students attending the following schools: • Avalon Adventist Junior Academy • Eagle View Elementary • Eke Me Xi • Fort Rupert Elementary • Port Hardy Secondary Please complete the 2010-2011 Student Support Form (next page), one for each child, and leave it at the front desk of the Band Office, where there are additional forms if required. Purchase orders for school supplies will be issued during the week of August 30th at the front desk of the Band Office. Purchase orders will not be issued until this Student Support Form is completed. In order for students to receive financial assistance for school supplies or field trips, students must be living on reserve. Students attending the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw School will have their school supplies provided by the school, so parents are not required to fill out the Student Support Forms. Please note that there will be no bus run on Tuesday, September 7th. There is no bus transportation for students attending Avalon Junior Adventist Academy or Fort Rupert Elementary School. Yours Truly, Grace Smith Education Counsellor/Coordinator
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AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation Education Department PO Box 5120, Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0 Office: Tel: (250) 902-2320 Fax: (250) 949-7402 E-mail: graces@gwanak.info
STUDENT SCHOOL SUPPORT 2010-2011 Information Release This form authorizes the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Education Department to access progress reports, grades, and attendance of: ____________________________, student’s full name. I, the parent/guardian, authorize the above student (high school) to receive a student allowance based on attendance. I, the parent/guardian, authorize the Education Department access to the above student’s registration for Nominal Roll purposes to pay for tuition as a normal resident on reserve. By signing this consent, I also allow the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band to take photos or videos (digital or otherwise) of my child and reproduce in community communications, ie. final reports, community newsletter, for educational events throughout the 2010/11 year. ______________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
____________________ Date
Personal Information Student Surname: Given Name: Middle Name: Date of Birth: Status #:
______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________
School Information School: _______________________
Phone #: ________________________ Parent/Guardian: _________________ Mailing Address: __________________ House #: ________________________ Grade: ____________
Students eligible for tuition or books and supplies must meet the following criteria: 1. STATUS – the student must be status 2. RESIDENCE – the student is ordinarily on reserve 3. AGE – the student must be at least four years of age by December 31st of the current year. 4. ENROLMENT – the student must be attending an approved elementary or secondary school on September 30th of the current year. These are the guidelines set by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
NORTH ISLAND
COLLEGE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw is in partnership with the North Island College to offer the following package courses in the fall:
Minute and Note Taking (NIC - Port Hardy Campus) Thu, Sept 23, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Basic Mac Computers with MAC OS X (G&N College) Mon & Tues, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Sept 13, 14, 20, 21
Mac Computers Intermediate (G&N College) Mon & Tues, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Sept 27, 28, Oct 4, 5
Maintaining Macs (G&N College) Tues: 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Wed: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Thu, 9:00 am – 12:00, Oct 19 – Nov 18
Retail Training (NIC - Port Hardy Campus) Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Oct 4, 5, 6, 7
Building Service Worker Level 1 (NIC – Port Hardy Campus) Wed, Thu, Fri, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Oct 13, 14, 15
We have 6 seats available. As this is a training package, interested individuals would have to commit to registering for all of the courses in the package, which would look very impressive on resumes. Please see Grace Smith, 902-2320 or Patricia Dawson-Hunt, 9022309 for more information. Upon completion of this training package, participants will receive gift certificates. Sign up soon to reserve your seat!
This is a tentative schedule
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AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
Port Hardy Secondary School (949-7443) Staff Member Name
Mailbox / Extension #
Al-Jawhary, Naamat Botterill, Shelley Brigden Molly Carlson, Tanya Deacon, D'Arcy Dixon, Jay Dunlap, Frank Fyles, Robert General Delivery Gray, Margaret Gray, Steve Greenland, Darcie Hitch, Elizabeth Imbeau, Blaine Johnson, Stacia Library/Deacon, Cathy Lorusso, Nicole Martin, Colleen McChesney, Susan McGhee, Kevin Minar, Marian Morton, Cecil Nield, Terry NSP Room Reception: Room 130 (band) Room 405 Room 550 Room 625 Room 645 (metal shop) Science Department ? Room 330 Sedgemore, Maggie Spare counsellor office Staff Room System Manager Voth, Jason Walker, Lori Walkus, Jillian Williams, Micah Zoffmann, Karen ALARM SYSTEM PHSS FAX R.C.M.P. Pay Phone EKE-ME-XI ( Leah Hubbard)
3233 3230 3245 3555 3247 3223 3360 3300 1000 3420 3222 3515 3535 3605 3545 3415 3320 3227 3110 3655 3355 3242 3410 3550 3221 3130 3690 3247 3625 3645 3330 3615 3696 3224/3225 1002 3675 3221 3665 3365 3505 1-800-661-2343 949-2671 949-6335 949-9331 949-8332
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AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
2010 September - 17 Days School Opens Tuesday, Sept. 7 In-service Day Monday, Sept. 20 October - 19 days Thanksgiving Monday, Oct. 11 Provincial Pro-D Friday, Oct. 22 November - 20 days Remembrance Day Thursday, Nov. 11 School-based Pro-D Day Friday, Nov. 12 December - 13 days Christmas Break Monday, Dec. 20 to Monday, Jan. 3
2011 January - 19 days Schools Re-open Tuesday, Jan. 4 District In-service Day Monday, Jan. 17 February - 19 days District Pro-D/In-service Friday, Feb. 18 March - 18 days Monday, Mar. 21 to Friday, Mar. 25 Schools Re-open Monday, March 28
Spring Break
April - 19 days Good Friday Friday, April 22 Easter Monday Monday, April 25 May - 20 days School Based Pro-D Friday, May 13 Victoria Day Monday, May 23 June - 21 days Administrative Day Thursday, June 30 Schools Close Thursday, June 30
“Bringing Learning to Life” www.sd85.bc.ca
Summary of 2010/2011 School Calendar Minimum number of Instructional Days Non-Instructional Days
185 days 5
(incl. 1.25 Inservice)
District In-service Day
1
Administrative Day
1
Total Days in Session
192 days
Note: 0.25 of the in-district Pro-D days will be used for Inservice activities. Days of instruction are different than “days in session”. Days in session are days that school is “open” but the students are not necessarily in attendance. On a “day of instruction”, students are to be in attendance and under supervision for the purposes of receiving instruction in an educational program. Minimum Number of Instructional Hours In a school year, a Board of Education must offer not less than the hours of instruction multiplied by the minimum number of days of instruction as set out in the standard school calendar for the school year, as follows: Gr. K*-7: 4.75 hrs x min. number of days of instruction [* full day K is offered at all SD85 elem. schools 2010/11]
Gr. 8-12:
5.15 hrs x min. number of days of instruction
Board Approved: April 12, 2010
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AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
Eagle View Elementary School P.O.Box 369 Port Hardy, BC
School District #85
V0N 2P0
Telephone: 250-949-6418 Fax: 250-949-6485
School Calendar 2010-2011 Aug 31 School Office opens 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Sep 07 School Opens – 10:30 am -12:30 pm 16 Mug & Muffin - 8:00 am – 9:30 am 20 School In-Service day – no classes Oct 11 Thanksgiving 18 Parent/Teacher Conference - 2:00 pm Dismissal 19 Parent/Teacher Conference - 2:00 pm Dismissal 20 Parent/Teacher Conference 22 Provincial Pro-d day - no classes 27 Student Picture Day Nov 10 Remembrance Service – 11:00 am 11 Remembrance Day 12 District In-service day – no classes Dec 03 First Report Card 20 School closes for winter vacation Jan 04 School reopens (Tuesday) 17 School-Based Pro-D day /In-service Feb 18 District Pro-d Day – no classes Mar 11 Second Report Card 21 School closed for spring vacation 28 School reopens Monday Apr 22 Good Friday 25 Easter Monday May 1 Student Led Conference - 2:00 pm Dismissal 2 Student Led Conference - 2:00 pm Dismissal 3 Student Led Conference 13 School-based Pro-D day – no classes 23 Victoria Day Jun 29 Last day of classes & Final Report Card 29 Awards Ceremony – 1:30 pm 30 Administrative Day – no classes Jul 07 School Office closes Aug 31 School Office opens 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Newsletters will be sent home every two weeks. PAC meetings and Special Events will be announced in the newsletters. Please call or send a note when students will be away. Check our websites: School (www.eves.sd85.bc.ca) and District (www.sd85.bc.ca)
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
Job Posting: Connections Coordinator Pay Rate: based on qualifications Location: Port Hardy Secondary School Hours of Work: 30 hours per week Reporting to: PHSS Principal Qualifications and Experience: • At least one year of Post Secondary education applicable to work situation that may include courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and First Nations Studies. Knowledge and appreciation of Kwakwaka’wakw culture and communities. • Ability to maintain strong working relationships and communicate effectively with students, staff and parents. • Ability to facilitate and support students academic learning. • Previous experience working with First Nations in an academic environment preferred. Duties include: • Acting as a liaison between school and home. • Supporting students with their school work and monitoring progress. • Being actively involved with students,teachers and parents by maintaining records, encouraging attendance, school work, school activities and homework. • Effective intervention strategies for students at risk. • Ability to teach and encourage study skills. • Works with school staff to support student transitions. Please submit applications including cover letter, resume and two reference letters to: Grace Smith, Education Coordinator Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation PO Box 5120 Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0 Phone: 250-949-8343 Fax: 250-949-7402 Applications should be received no later than 3:00pm on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. We thank all who apply for the positions however only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted. 13
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
Job Posting: Kwakwaka’wakw Cultural Worker Pay Rate: based on qualifications Location: Eagle View Elementary School and Fort Rupert Elementary School Hours of Work: 26 hours per week Reporting to: School Principals Qualifications and Experience: • Extensive knowledge of Kwakwaka’wakw culture and history, that may include (but is not limited to) at least five years of training and experience working with the Kwak’wala language, traditional dances and songs, art and other traditional and contemporary themes. • Fluency and/or some understanding of the Kwak’wala language. • Understanding of cultural and community protocols • Ability to maintain good working relationships with First Nations communities, families, school staff and students, • Secondary school graduation preferred. • Previous experience working with First Nations students. Duties include: • Develops, prepares and presents a variety of learning opportunities for students appropriate to each grade level with the cooperation of teachers. • Promotes understanding and appreciation of the Kwak’wala language, history, culture, traditions, and other contemporary themes. • Promotes and exposes students to the use of Kwak’wala in school. • Coordinates elders and resource people for cultural presentations in school or community. Please submit applications including cover letter, resume and two reference letters to: Grace Smith, Education Coordinator Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation PO Box 5120 Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0 Phone: 250-949-8343 Fax: 250-949-7402 Applications should be received no later than 3:00pm on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. We thank all who apply for the positions however only those short -listed for an interview will be contacted. 14
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
AN INVITATION TO BID FOR CONTRACTORS The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Elders Centre requires renovations to the kitchen. Community contractors are invited to provide a submission to carry out the tasks required to complete the job. The candidate contractor must take the following conditions into consideration: • There is just the one project to be done. • Due to the number of people who are working already, we are looking at only 2 people for this job. • Lowest bidder does not necessarily get the project. • The Contractor must remain within his/her specified budget. • Any cost overruns will be at the contractor’s expense. • You will be required to bring in quotes before a P.O. is issued for any and all materials, this can be faxed to my attention from whichever supplier you are using. • Any tools that you purchase will come out of your labor portion of your bid. This project is time sensitive and must be complete within your specified timelines. So, be sure to give yourself plenty of time, especially for hidden damage. Qualifications: • Must have your own WCB number. • Must know the BC & National Building code and must adhere to it at all times. • Must have experience in the construction or renovation field. • Capable of coordinating sub-trades if needed, in a timely manner. • Knowledgeable & experienced in budget control (very important). • Must be able to make important decisions on the renovation process for a smooth and timely finish. • Any and all certificates are a plus with regard to the construction or renovations fields. • References required from similar projects. Sealed submissions must be clearly marked: Attention: Les Taylor, Band Manager Re: Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Elders Renovation Project, Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band Office Submission deadline: September 10, 2010
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
NOTES...… Many of the staff e-mails in the band office haven’t been working because of server issues. If you can’t get ahold of a staff member, phone 949-8343 and leave a message. There is still CCP funding left over for cultural activities. If you would like to do a traditional activity (food gathering, carving, preparing traditional foods, etc.) you can use funds for the following: - $50 honoraria for the elder who leads the activity - Small amount of funds for materials or equipment To get the funding, please submit a written request telling what you plan to do, with who, and when (submit it to Jessie H. at the band office). Call Jessie H. at 949-8343 for more details.
If you have photos that you want to go on the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Website, please drop off a CD or disc with your pictures at the band office for Jessie H. with your name on it.
The campfire ban has been lifted. Other types of open fires are still banned.
AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
Council Portfolios On August 10 there was a council meeting where the councilors chose portfolios for themselves (except for Gary, who was absent). This means that certain councilors deal with certain kinds of issues and go to meetings/workshops that fit their portfolio. The portfolios are: Finance Ernie Health & Social Development Ernie, Gary, Victor Housing Ernie, Terry, Victor, John Forestry Eddie, Victor Fisheries Ernie, John, Terry Education Crystal, Ernie, Terry Economic Development Crystal, Victor, Ernie, Eddie Treaty Ernie, Crystal Personnel & Policies Crystal Recreation Crystal, Terry, Victor Chief Paddy Walkus sits on all committees
Council has passed a motion saying that they will commit to weekly meetings, every Wednesday at 10am. They will alternate between public meetings and ‘gettingdown-to-business’ meetings. Contact Les Taylor with any questions, 902-2307
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
COLOUR ME!
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
AUGUST 2010
Dot 2 Dot
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AUGUST 2010
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation
CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 2010 Sun
Mon
Tue
29
30
31
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
Council Meeting 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Labour Day Holiday
First Day of School!
Council Meeting
Deadline for Band Office Newsletter
GN Payday
Gwa'sala'Nakwaxda'xw Trust Vote 8am-8pm
Job Postings End @ 3pm
12
13
14
20
21
HFS Newsletter
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
Council Meeting
Deadline for Band Office Newsletter
GN Payday
30
October 1
Mt. Waddington Health Network Meeting @ Quatsino 10am-3pm
26
27
Sointula Farmer’s Market
Council Meeting
Band Office Newsletter 19
15
Deadline for bids on Elders’ Centre Renos
28
29
2
Band Office Newsletter
20