AUGUST 2013
Education in Our Community
Graduation Celebration
2013 Career Fair
Okanagan Indian Band, 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC. V1H2A4 “Ensuring the Future through Cultural, Social and Economic Development.”
Senk’lip News
Editor: Sharmaine Gregoire Ph: (250) 542-4328 ext. 215 Fx: (250) 542-4990 sharmaine.gregoire@okanagan.org Mail: 12420 Westside Rd., Vernon, BC, V1H 2A4
Chief: Byron Louis Councillors: Homer Alexis, Lyle Brewer, Barbra (June) Cole, Tim Isaac, Allan Louis, Coola Louis, Diane Louis, Raymond Marchand, Russell Williams and Leland Wilson
AUGUST 2013
DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORTS Term: April 2013 – June 2013
Economic Development Division Summary: The first quarter of 2013 – 2014 was spent creating an Economic Development Department while increasing Band revenues and jobs.
bookkeeping and orchestrating meetings, Joan supports the Department’s revenue and job creating initiatives. Staff training programs in project management, real estate development and economic development are under development to ensure effective performance and succession planning.
is essential. Funds have also been secured to establish a Band trust. The trust will ensure future revenues are spent in ways accountable to future generations by reducing risk.
Accountability: Membership and investor access was improved by relocating the Department from the Operations Building at 6 Mile to the Health Building. Details about the Department’s work have appeared in Senclip and on Face Book – and will be on display at the July 3rd Band Quarterly Meeting.
Increasing Revenues & Jobs: Negotiations with Esso (Service Station Development); Eagle Rock Aggregate Customers (Joint Venture); Sea Breeze (Wind Farm Development); Department of National Defence (Removal Contracts); Ministry of Forests (Logging Contracts); Coral Beach Farms (Cherry Orchard Joint Venture); TELUS (Fibre Optic Joint Venture) and Retirement Concepts (Elder’s Centre Development) are currently underway.
Some of the over $400,000 produced by the Department last quarter will be used to improve Head of the Lake landscaping. Joan is the Economic Development Assis- As investors will be visiting the Department tant. By preparing documents, completing this summer, a positive visual impression
This quarter the Department has also provided advice to nine Band entrepreneurs. Their projects have included a RV Park, an Equestrian Centre, a Bottle Water Company, and a Fashion Design Company.
Staffing & Training: Band members Joan Vedan and Joe Louis were hired as the Department’s staff. Don is the Band’s UXO (Unexploded Ordinances Officer). He works in conjunction with the Ministry of National Defence and an explosives removal contractor, to decontaminate the Mabel Lake area, post warning signs on the Goose Lake Range and inform the public of the dangers associated with Goose Lake Range travel. Don is also coordinating the completion of a Swan Lake Service Station Feasibility Study and supporting other Department activities.
Finance Department The Finance Department is currently busy working through the March 31, 2013 year end audit. The unaudited statements show 2012-2013 ended with a noncommitted surplus of $144,334. The Finance Department work plan for 2013-2014 is a progression of the 20122013 work plan. Finance strategy #1: a) We are examining all areas of Finance, determining where improvements can be made.
Operations, Lands and Housing
b) The first phase of server upgrades Finance strategy #2: was completed in 2012 and the planned a) The Financial Administration By-Law phase two upgrade will be proposed in was approved in 2012, the by-law prothe 2013-2014 detailed budget. vides direction, integrity, and security in c) We made great progress in comall OKIB financial processes. pletely changing the G/L and creating b) In 2013-2014 we will review and upmeaningful reports with the Insight redate all finance policies and procedures porting software. We are currently workin accordance with the Financial Admining through the detailed budget process istration By-Law. with new Insight budget software. The Finance Department is in the process of d) The Economic Development Depart- hiring a permanent Finance Clerk to comment has taken the lead on high speed plete our staffing. information systems connectivity. Strategic
The Operations, Lands and Housing Division (OLH) have refined the goal setting technique and defined a new work plan for the 2013 – 2014 fiscal year. This year, with the intent of providing a more functional tracking tool and providing more realistic goals, the work plan has been separated into the following three sections: Property Management Supporting all Research and Development for the creation and refinement of an Administrative Framework improving the efficiencies of Maintenance, Capital, and Lands programs within OKIB. Cross-cutting Issues The development of areas of transition between the administrative portion of the day to day calendar, previous Capital Investment and the Strategic Plan set by Chief and Council.
Moving toward the development of a sustainable future for the OKIB community and providing support to the Long Term Strategic plan drafted by Chief and Council.
work. With the roll-out of the Land Use Planning, Housing Strategy and the Water Master Planning, and the assistance of the First Nations Market Housing Fund, the team has added a Housing Clerk, Communications Officer and a Policy Consultant.
We will also be rolling out a significant investment in Capacity Development, both within the OLH team as well as across the OKIB staffing compliment. This is an investment from the First Nations Market Housing Fund that supports the training as well as provides the dollars and support to The Operations, Lands and Housing divi- any Policy Development related to Houssion are still actively seeking the capac- ing. ity to address the on-going administrative needs as well and program development OLH expects the coming year(s) to be fast and improvement. Recent additions to paced and exciting for the membership of the OLH Team are a new compliment of the OKIB. Maintenance staff to assist in reducing the VISION: work order back log as well as assist in the Ensuring out future through Cultural, Sodevelopment of the administrative frame- cial and Economic Development Time frames have been identified as Short Term (Mid-year), Medium-Term (Calendar-year), Long Term (Fiscal-year) and Multi-year; updates and corrections will be provided as the work year and reporting move forward.
Council Meetings Scheduled & Process
Regular Schedule: 1st Tuesday of month 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of month 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 3rd Tuesday of month 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Changes will be circulated via email and www.okib.ca
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All requests to be added to the Councils agenda must be submitted to Executive Director by Thursday noon preceding each council meeting. Agenda items are reviewed and approved by the Executive Director and Chief Thursday afternoon. If you have any further questions or clarification please contact Sherry Louis, Executive Assistant to the Council, 250-542-4328 ext. 210 or email sherry.louis@okanagan.org
SNC’C’AMALA?TN NEWS From the Director/Principal Lorraine Ladan Closures We will be closed on Monday, September 2 for Labour Day. New School Year The first day of school is Tuesday, September 3 when we welcome back the staff and students. If you have not registered for school, please do immediately by calling 250-545-3800. Infant/Toddler Daycare Some days we are very, very busy and other times it’s pretty quiet. There will be some openings available for September, please call if you are looking for daycare. We are sad to say good-bye to Gus; we hope to see him when they come home for a visit. The latest information from Health Canada about nutrition for infants has encouraged us to change some practices in our room. We are limiting the use of sippy cups and anyone over a year old is encouraged to use an open cup. Each child has a teeny tiny cup and we only put in an ounce of milk or water. It’s amazing how quickly the infants master the skill of drinking out of their own tiny cup.
Congratulations Congratulations Daniel Eustache on your graduation from Fulton Senior Secondary and winning the Technology Education Award. We are very proud and happy for you; all the hard work and commitment you made will pay off in your future endeavors. Jeff, Nancy, Niki and James Eustache.
AUGUST 2013
We are also paying closer attention to how much cow’s milk the babies are drinking during the day. Too much cow’s milk (more than 3 cups in a day) can lead to iron deficiency and anemia. “Offering milk in a cup can help avoid excess consumption”. Older infants who prefer to drink cow’s milk in a bottle will get a little bit in a bottle after their meal/snack and no one goes to bed with a bottle of milk. Water is available all day long and we have a sit-down meal or snack every few hours. Sometimes a child will sit on a chair at the table and point to the cupboard or fridge: it’s like they are saying “I’m hungry. Please feed me.” Ramona, Mary and Nancy
Summer Day Camp Snc’c’amala?tn once again is offering a Summer Day Camp for children ages 6 to 10. The first session started on July 8 and will end on July 25, 2013. The second session will run from July 29 to August 16, 2013. Summer Day Camp at Snc’c’amala?tn operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
3 5 Year Old Daycare Way’
In each session there are approximately 6 field trip days. In the first session the field trips consisted of the Vernon Towne Cinema, Lakeview Park, picking Siya berries at Beau Park, Polson Park, O’Keefe Ranch, Armstrong Park & Pool and the Atlantis Waterslides. During the days spent at the daycare, fun theme days are planned such as Hawaiian Day, Superhero Day, Pirate Day and Pajama Day.
Well we are having fun in daycare. Lots of water play to keep cool; arts, crafts and free play inside when it is too hot!
In our first session we were fully reaching our limit of 40 children. This year’s student workers are; Erin Brewer, Daniel Clark, Martina Lewis, Roshanne Louis and Sophia Torres who is the student supervisor. They have been working hard to plan and implement a fun-filled agenda for the children.
September is coming fast, if your child was born in 2010 and you would like them to attend our Head Start program (free to band members), please give me (Denise) a call at the daycare 250-545-3800. We the staff and the children have been Enjoy the rest of your summer! having fun and enjoying our fun filled days of Summer Day Camp. Lim Limpt, Denise, Nicole & Autumn
Lim Limpt, Theresa Clark, Program Supervisor
Welcome to the OKIB Administrative Team Yancy Ochoa, Human Resource Manager We pleased to announce that Yancy Ochoa has joined the Okanagan Indian Band fulltime as the Manager of Human Resources. She started on Monday, July 15, 2013 and with her she brings a solid education and experience background to assist her in this position. Yancy will be situated in the main Band Office (250-542-4328 ext. 206) and please help us welcome.. Welcome to the Team Yancy. Please join us in welcoming our newest member of the Finance Department, Misty Kruger! She began her journey with the OKIB on July 22nd and is located at the Band office. Misty was hired in the capacity of Finance Clerk and will be working under Don’s supervision. She is a community member and comes with experience working in a financial support capacity with First Nation organizations. Her experience is complemented by an Accounting Certificate from Okanagan College. Misty, welcome to the team! We wish you a long and prosperous future with the OKIB!
Misty Kruger, Finance Clerk
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Please see OKIB website www.okib.ca for the following job postings: • Principal for nkmaplqs i snmamayatn i kl sqilxwtet Cultural Immersion School Grades 1-7 • Snc’c’amala?tn Secretary Page 3 | www.okib.ca
AUGUST 2013
2013 OKIB GRADUATES 2013 Graduates - Celebrating your Success
Graduation day is such a wonderful even that comes to a student. The Okanagan Band Chief, Council and Staff would like to extend their congratulations and recognition to the 2013 Graduates on your hard work and dedication to your education. We wish you all the best and success in your journey ahead of you while walking the path to your dreams and reach your goals.
Grade 12 Graduates
Anna Alexis
Maggie Alexis
Stuart Dubrett
Grade 12 North Surrey Secondary School- School District #36 Parents: John and Kim Alexis
Grade 12, W.L. Seaton- School District #22 Parents: Paul and Gloria Alexis
Grade 12 George Elliot Secondary School District #23 Parents: Sheridan Terbasket
Joel Evans
Collin Gauthier
Catherine Louis
Grade 12 Paul William Kaesar High Fort Smith NWT Parents: Maurice and Sheila Evans (nee Alexis)
Grade 12 Vernon Secondary SchoolSchool District #22 Parents: George Bonneau and Kim O’Neill
Joel is very active in Hockey as a goalie, and in school with team sports such as volleyball, soccer, and track and field. In grade 11, Joel was fortunate to have been cast and won, the lead role of Larry Sole, in the film adaption of Richard VanCamp’s book entitled “The Lesser Blessed” Joel is going to take a year off school to work to help identify his true passions. Continuing to pursuing acting is just one possibility.
Collin has been accepted at Okanagan college in the fall to become a physical education teacher. His goals after he graduates from college are to be able to use his education to give back to his community.
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Grade 12 Clarence Fulton Secondary School District #22 Parents: Richard and Jennifer Louis
Daniel Eustache
Grade 12 Clarence Fulton Secondary School District #22 Parents: Jeff and Nancy Eustache
Roshanne Louis
Grade 12 - Open Door School District #22 Parent: Martie Louis Future goal is to attend the Makeup Design for Film and TV Program.
Noah Marchand
Sahali Secondary Parents: Len Marchand Jr. and Laurie Marchand Noah has received an entrance scholarship and will be attending McGill University in the fall. Congratulations from our family to all the Grads. We wish them every success in life.
Keenan Marchand
Grade 12 Brookswood Secondary-Surrey-School District #35 Parents: Lance Marchand
2013 OKIB GRADUATES
AUGUST 2013
2013 Graduates - Celebrating your Success Graduation day is such a wonderful even that comes to a student. The Okanagan Band Chief, Council and Staff would like to extend their congratulations and recognition to the 2013 Graduates on your hard work and dedication to your education. We wish you all the best and success in your journey ahead of you while walking the path to your dreams and reach your goals.
Thunder Mitchell
Grade 12 W.L. Seaton Secondary School District #22 Parents: Vanessa Mitchell
Pierre Richard
Grade 12 W.L. Seaton Secondary School District #22 Parents: Pierre Richard and Val Chiba
Enchechan Saddleman
Grade 12 W.L. Seaton Secondary School District #22 Parents: the late Albert Saddleman and Sandra Saddleman
Kalli Van Stone
Grade 12 Clarence Fulton Secondary School District #22 Parents: Garry Van Stone and Brenda Louis
Certificate – Diploma Programs
Vivian Bonneau
Degree Program
Chemical Addiction Studies Diploma Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Merritt, BC
Andrea Reimer
Administrative Assistant Certificate Okanagan College Vernon, BC
Selina Trask
Esthetics Certificate Marvel College Vernon, BC
Lindsey Louis
Bachelor of Arts University of British ColumbiaOkanagan Kelowna, BC
Carling Ryan
Bachelor of Arts Thompson Rivers University Kamloops B.C.
Jonathan Alexis
Bachelor of Music University of British Columbia Okanagan Kelowna, BC
Earl Charters
Bachelor of Health Science Medical Imaging Unitec Institute of Technology New Zealand
Elizabeth Kennedy
Law Degree University of British Columbia
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GENERAL INFORMATION
AUGUST 2013 "I AM METH" Submitted by an OKIB member ~ This was written by a young Indian girl who was in jail for drug charges, and was addicted to meth. She wrote this while in jail. As you will soon read, she fully grasped the horrors of the drug, as she tells in this simple, yet profound poem. She was released from jail, but, true to her story, the drug owned her. They found her dead not long after, with the needle still in her arm.... Please understand, this thing is worse than any of us realize...
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
If you try me be warned - this is no game,
I'm made in a lab, but not like you think, I can be made under the kitchen sink. In your child's closet, and even in the woods, If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I have many names, but there's one you know best, I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth. My power is awesome; try me you'll see, but if you do, you may never break free. Just try me once and I might let you go, But try me twice, and I'll own your soul. When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie, You do what you have to -- just to get high. The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms, your lungs your nose. You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad, When you see their tears, you should feel sad. But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised, I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
My Name Is "Meth" I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start. I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold, The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold. If you need me, remember I'm easily found, I live all around you - in schools and in town. I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine. The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed, The voices you'll hear, from inside your head. The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see, I want you to know, these are all gifts from me. But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart, That you are mine, and we shall not part. You'll regret that you tried me, they always do, But you came to me, not I to you. You knew this would happen, many times you were told, But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold. You could have said no, and just walked away, If you could live that day over, now what would you say? I'll be your master, you will be my slave, I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids, I turn people from God, and separate Now that you have met me, what will you do? Will you try me or not? It's all up to friends. you. I'll take everything from you, your looks I can bring you more misery than words and your pride, I'll be with you always -can tell, Come take my hand, let me lead right by your side. you to hell. You'll give up everything - your family, If you care enough, please share this your home, Your friends, your money, profound poem and the deadly outcome of then you'll be alone. this drug that is killing our young people & I'll take and take, till you have nothing even our old... more to give, When I'm finished with you, — with Peter Nettles. you'll be lucky to live.
Post Secondary Applications Are you are planning to apply for Post-Secondary? Applications can be picked up from the Band Office or printed from the Band’s website www.okib.ca and are to be submitted Kevin Ned, Education Director (kevin.ned@okanagan.org). Application Deadlines: For September enrolment - deadline April 30 For January Enrolment - deadline September 30 For May Enrolment - deadline January 30 Eligibility for Post-Secondary Funds can be reviewed in the Post-Secondary Policies on the OKIB Web-Site and Funding is based on Funds Available If you have any question about the application form or programs that are funded please contact Kevin Ned by phone 250-542-4328 Ext 211 or email. Page 6 | www.okib.ca
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
OPPORTUNITIES
AUGUST 2013
DRUM MAKING WORKSHOP – KOMASKET What a perfect location the Pitt House at Komasket was for the latest drum making workshop. It set the tone and energy for this group. Throughout the three week drum making session that ran June 25th, July 2nd and July 9th, there was anywhere from 15 to 22 people who attended. It was wonderful to see families coming as a group to share, learn and laugh. Vern Tronson, our facilitator, with the assistance from his wife Mona shared their teachings. They taught us all how to make our drums and they shared the wisdom and stories from their elders throughout the workshop. The group shared a meal each night along with laughs and stories and on the last night we participated in a potluck dinner. Vern welcomed his friends Mary Louis and Bernie Marchand to share the songs that have been shared with them during their life journey as we all listened and learned. As we struggled through the songs at first, with laughter, we were assured that mistakes were ok. As long as we kept on trying and learning and not to let that hold us back from making our voices and our songs heard. What a great group. A special “thank you” to Marie for the wonderful food, Bernie and Mary for sharing their songs, Vern and Mona for sharing their knowledge and to all who came out to participate in this drum making workshop.
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AUGUST 2013
GENERAL INFORMATION
OKIB Child & Family Services with funding from Family Violence Prevention Presents: FREE Drum Making Workshop for OKIB Members Objective: Raise Awareness of the Effects of Family Violence in Our Community Facilitator: TBD Dates: FALL (OCTOBER ?) Time: evenings 5:30 – 8:30 Location: Round Lake
Day 1: Build your Drum Drum kit provided Day 2: Paint your Drum Paint and learn Drum Protocol
B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant To help families start planning and saving early for their children’s education after high school, the Government of British Columbia announced a new $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant. When a B.C. resident child turns six years old, the Province of British Columbia will put $1,200 into the child’s Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Starting immediately, all B.C. children with an RESP and born on or after January 1, 2007 will be entitled to receive the BC Training and Education Savings Grant. Here’s what B.C. families need to do: • Open an RESP account at your financial institution before the child turns seven years old (or by February 28, 2014 for children born in January or February 2007). No matching or additional contributions are required!
Day 3: Sing & Pot Luck Dinner Learn an Okanagan song Outcome: Participants connect the teachings of the Drum to a commitment to become a gentler being. Pre -registration is required, maximum of 25 (a waitlist will be created for additional workshops) Contact: Marie Tonasket (250) 542-5094 EXT 219 or (250) 309-2523 cell
KidSport™ (a Sport BC program) provides assistance ($150 to $400 in grants) to families of children in need to help kids participate in local activities they otherwise could not afford to participate in. For information about how to apply, see the KidSport™ section of the Sport BC website (http://www. kidsportcanada.ca/index. php?page=british_columbia_welcome ). If your community does not have a local chapter, applications would go to the KidSport BC office (can be contacted through the website link noted).
• By opening an RESP account, not only is the child entitled to $1,200 dollars from the Province of British Columbia, they can also access similar education savings grants from the Government of Canada. • Invested in an RESP, the $1,200 grant will grow over time, making it easier for B.C.’s children to pursue the careers of their choice. Having an RESP in place also makes it easier for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and even the children themselves save money for the future. The sooner you create an RESP, the sooner your savings can start to grow and earn interest for your child.
Canadian Tire Jump Start This funding is open to all youth aged 4-18 years. Grants will not exceed a maximum of $300 per application. Funds are awarded for registration fees and equipment. Funding should be for a sustained program that lasts a season for a minimum 1X/week for a minimum duration of 5 weeks. Applications for assistance can be submitted from January 15 to June 1 for spring/summer programs, and from July 1 to November 1 for fall/winter programs. http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en/what-we-do#hta
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