Senklip - March 2016

SENK’LIP NEWS March - 2016 EDITION - OKANAGAN INDIAN BAND 12420 WESTSIDE ROAD VERNON, BC V1H 2A4 - FREE

A portion of the CN Rail corridor in Lake Country. (JOHN MCDONALD /InfoTel Multimedia)

OKIB joins the Okanagan Rail Trail Inter-jurisdictional Development Team as an Owner Jurisdiction VERNON, B.C. – February 17, 2016 –

demonstrate our desire to engage in positive discussions with our neighbours. As Okanagan Indian Band leadership released the cultural gateway to the Okanagan, the following statement today regarding Council seeks to partner on investments the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative: that will have significant benefits to the “Since our injunction application to reregion. We look forward to actively particclaim our reserve lands affected by the ipating in the planning, development and proposed trail was denied last year, we management activities of the IDT, howevhave chosen to move forward in a new di- er our participation does not affect our tirection to ensure our involvement and tle, or specific claims to the proposed

SENK’LIP NEWS Editor: Shaylen Smith

Ph: 250-542-4328 Fx: 250-542-4990 shaylen.smith@okanagan.org

Chief: Byron Louis Councillors: Homer Alexis, Lyle Brewer, Barbara (June) Cole, Tim Isaac, Allan Louis, Coola Louis, Dan Wilson, Raymond Marchand, Russell Williams and Leland Wilson

lands.”

Of the 47.5km rail corridor that runs from Coldstream to Kelowna, a 2.5km section of the corridor lies within the boundaries of the Duck Lake Indian Reserve 7. The band has designated Darcy Aubin, Director of Lands and Economic Development as OKIB representative on the four person working group.

Community

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Okanagan Indian Band Important Numbers CUT AND PLACE ON YOUR FRIDGE! EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Council Meetings Schedule Regular Scheduled Meetings First Tuesday of the Month:

Emergency OKIB Volunteer Fire Dept.

Water Buildings

911 250-545-4111 250-308-8075 250-306-1363

Main Band Office Toll Free Administration Education/Training Human Resources Membership Finance

250-542-4328 1-866-542-4328

Health Social Development and Training Head of the Lake Hall New Horizons Snc’c’amalta?tn Daycare and School Cultural Immersion School Public Works and Housing/Lands Territorial Stewardship/Research

250-542-5094 250-558-3706 250-558-1414 250-545-2402 250-545-3800 250-260-3616 250-542-3444 250-542-7132

9:00am to 4:00pm

Second Tuesday of the Month: 5:30pm to 9:30pm Third Tuesday of the Month:

9:00am to 4:00pm

Changes to the schedule and community meetings/emergency meetings will be communicated to the membership in the following ways: www.okib.ca www.facebook.com/OkanaganBand www.twitter.com/OkanaganBand Process All requests to be added to the Chief and Council’s agenda must be submitted to the Executive Director by Wednesday at 4:30pm the week before the next meeting. Agenda items are reviewed and approved by the Executive Director and Chief on Thursday afternoon. Contact Stacy Yow, Executive Assistant to Council: 250-542-4328 ext. 210, or by email at stacy.yow@okanagan.org

OKIB members, if you have moved, please update your address with the Band Office.

Members who sign up for the Senk’lip will receive the other important mail outs including: community engagement information and annual/quarterly reports.

Call the band office, or email okibadmin@okanagan.org to sign up.

Culture & Language

Page 3 Language Night Participants on Language Nights:

Way’ everyone The Language Nest Program, E hee-a-thinaugh chekwook"tl"ap il skwook"tl"eelt I'll "tl" ghugh "tl"a hap. Is a program that has fluent speaking elders leading Language Revitalization by connecting and directing the staff and children in the program, which makes us so unique. The house in which the program is situated is meant to feel like “gramma’s house”.

Where the teachers are the elders, and the workers are there to be learners and take direction and help bridge the children’s needs. This program is currently offered three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 12pm-3pm.

The Language Nest began this past October and will run until March. The program is for children from the ages 0-5 years of age.

Our schedule for February 12:00-12:30 – Arrival Time – Free Play 12:30-1:00 – Action Words/Objects Words “Nest Goal of the Week” which changes every week 1:00-1:30 – Animals/Food/Dress-up time 1:30-2:00 – Art time 2:00-2:30 – SNACK TIME 2:30-3:00 – Drumming, singing, and dancing This month we are using action words and objects words and in the third week we will be combining the words together, for example, “Joe, walk over there and touch the table ... door, floor, etc” “Joe, stand up and touch your nose.” We will continue making this a fun activity for the children and let them be the lead and teachers. The children love being the teacher... ;) This is a good time for staff to learn action and object words to help them speak more nsqilxcen to the students.

We have a number of children who signed up this year. Our students are: Kyley Bonneau Askasha Drynook Teal Louis Aiden Marchand

Brielle Marchand Keziah Marchand Owen Marchand Zoe Marchand

Leanna Houle Nevaeh Saddleman Adrian Wilson

Marnie Gregoire is the Cultural Worker and has been with the Language program for three years, and she continues to find new ways to involve the children with the language. Marnie has taken Nsyilxen 1 and Captikwl 1 and taken the mentor apprenticeship. Danielle Saddleman is the Language Nest Coordinator; she is a beginner speaker and has taken a couple of languages courses at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan and Nsyilxen 1 (Paul Creek).

Our Language teachers are Virginia Gregoire, Pauline Archachan, Cecelia Gottfriedson, and Adam Gregoire. The elders continue to work very closely with the children, and are involved in performing activities with them.

The children know a lot of the animals, numbers, days, colors and foods.

The table is the best place to learn. Since the program started we have encouraged the children to ask for food in Okanagan. They are able to ask for more food items, such as bread, water, fruit, veggies, and milk.

Our language teacher for family night is Adam Gregoire. He strongly suggests learners need to put at least three words together, instead of learning single words. This is where the Paul Creek Curriculum will be a good foundation for a starting point for language classes. Classes started on November 12 and will continue on Thursday Night from 6pm-8pm at the Language Nest, 11 Victoria Road Vernon, BC, V1H 2A9 and will continue in the new year. Everyone welcome!

Bernadette Louis Vina Wilson Patsy Gregoire Ruby Alexis Maria Alexis Raymond Alexis

Mary Louis Mackenzie Miller Kacey Miller Paul Alexis Joanne Alexis Carley Marchand

Marguerite Marchand Zoe Marchand Karla Louis Howard Louis Colton Gottfriedson

The Language Nest hosts a night of captikwl in the pithouse or at the Language Nests, so far we have had story night on these dates: October 29, December 15, February 11, 2016 Way to go everyone! Adam Gregoire, Victor Antoine, Wilkie and Maria Alexis have been our story tellers. Everyone welcome!

Byron Louis Jamie Louis Ben Louis Garret Louis Nora Louis Justin Joe Pwalxken Joe Sapion Joe Tanya Saddleman-Joe Morgan Wilson Sharmaine Gregoire

Nelson Gregoire Ruby Alexis Maria Alexis Paul Alexis Joanne Alexis Amber Cardenas Mackenzie Miller Kacey Miller Dillan Wright Isabella Wright Natalie Chambers

Dempsey Cohen Devon Cohen Coola Louis Cassandra Seymour Nahko Magpie Mile Seymour Bernadette Louis Wally Louis Bernie Brown

If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren please contact Danielle Saddleman or Marnie Gregoire at 250-503-5593 or email okibnest@okanagan.org.

I would like to thank our sponsors for donating items for our Pendleton Theme Raffle: Pendleton Blanket – Newport Beach Pendleton Towel – Lacey Gregoire Pendleton Towel – Danielle Saddleman Pendleton Cup – Lacey Gregoire Pendleton Cup – Marnie Gregoire

Congratulations to our Winners Pendleton Blanket – Martie Louis Pendleton Towels – Evelyn McKay Pendleton Cups – Jennifer Houde

I would also like to say thanks to Shar Gregoire, Lacey Gregoire, receptionists and parents who helped sell tickets. Congratulations to Allysha Pomeroy (Teal Louis’ mom) who sold the most tickets! $120 in ticket sales!

Community Engagement

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Community Engagement Sessions for 2016 The Okanagan Indian Band will be introducing a new format for engaging the community this year. The community engagement sessions will not be formal meetings; there will be booths distributing information for the various projects and programs in the organization.

the topics of interest to you.

There will be prizes at each engagement session, tickets will be distributed until 6:00pm and the draw will begin at 6:45pm. Entrants must be present to claim their prize.

The topics will be included in the Sen’klip, the website Monthly engagement sessions scheduled until May that and on the Facebook page, make sure you watch for include a General Band Meeting in April to deliver prochanges as we try to keep you informed through the gram updates. year.

At the engagement sessions Band members can visits booths, provide feedback and gather information for

Date

Time

Event

Location

Feb. 24

4:00pm-7:00pm

Community Engagement Session

HOL Hall

Mar. 16

4:00pm-9:00pm

Community Engagement Session

Winfield Memorial Centre

Mar. 23

4:00pm-9:00pm

Community Engagement Session

HOL Hall

Apr 14

9:00am-3:00pm

Career Fair

HOL Hall

Apr. 28

4:00pm-9:00pm

General Band Meeting

HOL Hall

May 10

4:00pm-9:00pm

Band Council Meeting

Winfield Memorial Centre

May 28

10:00am-3:00pm

Community Engagement Session

Komasket Park

Jun. 21

All day

Aboriginal Day

TBD

July

No Sessions

August

No Sessions

Sep. 21

5:30pm-9:00pm

General Band Meeting

HOL Hall

Oct. 11

5:30pm-9:00pm

Band Council Meeting

Winfield Memorial Centre

Snc’c’amala?tn From the Manager Lorraine Ladan Welcome Back and Thank You!

Page 5 Way from the Infant/Toddler room!

Happy Birthday Keenan, Tanessha, and Jason who all turned 2 in the month of February.

Happy Valentines from us all in the skəmxist room. Feb was a very wet and cold month, so we didn't get outside as much but were able to do lots of art and other fine motor and sensory activities; which is a great from of overall development for the infants and toddlers.

They really enjoy playing in the sand table and finger painting.

It is great to have Denise Alexis back at Snc’c’amala?tn. Denise is Head Start Coordinator and Supervisor of the 3 to 5 Year Old Daycare. We missed Denise and it is nice to have the entire team present.

I would like to acknowledge Mary Marchand who supervised the two We are looking forward to be able to go for walks again once the daycare rooms while Denise was away. Mary did an excellent job road down to Komasket dries up a bit more, as the children love to and rose to the challenge with enthusiasm. Thank you, Mary! walk and explore our beautiful land.

We enjoyed having Stephanie August in the Head Start Room.

Thank you Stephanie and best of luck with your future endeavours.

I appreciate the work of all the staff in the Infant/Toddler Daycare and Head Start Room. I commend and respect them for their cooperation and extra work while Denise was away and while Mary was busy with both programs. I recognize that this took extra effort on the part of everyone.

March 21 to April 1 – Spring Break Preschool, Kindergarten and the Cultural Immersion School will be closed for a two-week Spring Break.

The daycare and Head Start programs will remain open over Spring Break with the exception of Good Friday on Friday, March 25 and Easter Monday on Monday, March 28.

All daycare and school programs are closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Kindergarten children will be dismissed at noon on Wednesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 17 for Student Led Conferences. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Alexis at 250 -545-3800.

Report cards will be sent home on March 16.

Dental Screening Day March 8, all children attending Snc’c’amala?tn will take part in a dental screening day with the dental staff from Interior Health and OKIB Nurse Sharon Cullen.

We have been signing tons of song in the language and we look forward to learn more and more from our cultural teacher Mona. Nothing beats being able to hear the children sign in the language.

Lim Limpt Infant Toddler Staff

Way’ I am so happy to be back and look forward to working with you children.

We would like to wish Elizabeth a Happy Birthday!!

Spring is pretty much here, so we will venture out for walks and look at all the new growth that nature has to offer. Parents please try and send your children with gumboots because it can be wet and muddy.

Our Parent activity night will be March 15th. We will be doing some easy sewing activities with Ramona Wilson. A light snack will be provided. We look forward to seeing you.

Denise Alexis, Jordyn Alexis, Karen Herriot, Tupa (Virginia)

Way! From the Speplina Room February is heart month, our class was learning about how to have healthy hearts. We tried new fruits such as papaya, kiwi, different apples, pears, mango, and pear/ apple. We talked about different kinds of exercises, and feelings to keep our spu’us (heart) happy!

Our visit to the library was very enjoyable. The children loved the story time. Reading stories with child will increase literacy, so take the time to unplug and read.

Snc’c’amala?tn continued...

Page 6 Happy Birthday Akasha on March 17. I hope everyone had a great time on their 2 week spring break. Our first year in a long time to have a 2 week spring break.

I f you have any questions or concerns please contact Karla or Ramona.

Thank you,

reached our 100th Day of School! We celebrated the day by making 100’s day books, necklaces with 100 fruit loops, a 100 day trail mix snack and a hundred day cake. A big thanks to all the parents who sent in snacks to contribute to the trail mix and to Trish for baking our 100 day cake!

We have been learning about ways to be Heart Smart including eating healthy, being active and living smoke free.

Congratulations to Tajai and Avery for having completed their 2nd home reading sheet this year by reading a total of 60 books so far in our home reading program. Way to go and keep up the reading!

Karla, Ramona, Marnie and Tupa

Mrs. Alexis and Trish Wai from the P’qel qin room, February 17th was a special day for the Kindergarten class as we

Okanagan Nation Alliance hosts Child First Forum OKIB Chief commends the Human Rights Tribunal ruling that found the Canadian Federal Government has discriminated against Aboriginal children by providing inequitable federal funding to on-reserve social, health and wellness services.

Okanagan Nation Alliance.

At a community level, the discussion about closing service gaps, funding, and interim measures and partnerships were discussed which include recruitment of community foster placements to help keep our Syilx children in community with family.

Participants at the Child First Forum January 26, 2016

Planning included next steps in response to the tribunal findings with a significant focus on ensuring that Syilx Leadership makes reconciliation a priority in terms of past and future VERNON, B.C. – January 27, 2016 – Chief funding to address the disparity. FurByron Louis released the following statement ther to this the community wants partoday regarding the recent Human Rights ticipative, legislative, reform to MinisTribunal ruling: try of Children and Family Development and Federal policies and prac”The answer is not to shuffle money around, tices. but to invest an equitable amount of resources and create First Nations informed Pictured from left to right: Faith Louis-Adams, Andrea Auger, Yancy Ochoa and Buffy Mills at the ONA Child First Forum ways of caring for the well-being of our children. We look forward to sitting at the table with decision-makers and creating actionable results based on respect for Syilx knowledge and expertise of Okanagan family and community strengths, values and traditions.”

The OKIB is meeting, as a Nation, with the 7 other bands located throughout the Okanagan Valley to create an action plan that is sustainable, non-discriminatory, and informed by Okanagan Nation members. The action plan will include principles of selfdetermination, holistic approaches, and culture and language.

OKIB representatives attended the Children’s First Forum held January 26th, 2016 in Penticton. The tone of the forum was set

by Andrea Auger who presented the findings of the Human Rights Tribunal which was followed by strategic planning facilitated by the

Youth

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Youth Events for March 2016 Contact Mario Richard, Youth Worker/Coordinator Office: 250-542-5094 Cell: 250-306-1300 Email: mario.richard@okanagan.org

Program

Time

Days/ Date

Location

Taekwondo

4:00pm – 5:00pm

Monday/ Wednesday

HOL

Taekwondo Belt Exam

2:00pm

Saturday March 12

HOL

R’Native Voice

4:30pm – 7:30pm

Tuesday March 1

Pit House

Kwu Xast

4:00pm – 5:30pm

Thursday

HOL

Girls United

10:00am – 3:00pm

Monday to Friday March 28 – April 1

TBD

Health and Community

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Examples of why you would call a nurse: Your baby has spiked a high fever and you’re worried, or your elderly mom has osteoporosis and has sudden and severe back pain.

Here at the Health Center, we are starting the Bathing Pro- Examples of why you would call a pharmacist: You gram. This program is for community member’s that need want information about the side effects of your prescription some extra help with having baths or do not have access drugs, or you are wondering if you can take over-theto water/bathtub. Want more information? Call Home Care counter cold medication with the new prescription your RN Patty or Wanda Home Care Supervisor, to set up an doctor has given you. appointment to see if you are a candidate for this program 250-542-5094.

Remember your pharmacist (where you get your medications) can be contacted to review your medications with Need something to do? If you are an adult over the age you on a 1-to-1 basis. This meeting would allow you to fulof 19, come join the Day Program at the Blue Bird Buildly understand what your medication does for you and the ing. This program is a chance to get together with other side effects they may have on you. Contact your pharmacommunity members and have FUN. This program is on cist during regular business hours.

Mondays and starts at 9am. At the moment, we have a master of Qigong teaching us the moves from 9am to Pharmacists on the 811 line can be reached after hours, 11am. We will have guest speakers, games and activities between 5pm and 9am. for members after Qigong. Come join the fun, Call Wanda for more information 250-542-5094.

Examples of why you would call a dietitian: You are striving to maintain a healthy diet and need advice, or you are wondering about the best diets for certain health conNeed health advice you can trust 24/7? Call 8-1-1 or online at HealthLinkBC.ca. When you call 8-1-1 you are ditions. able to talk to a Nurse, Pharmacist, and Dietitian. You call talk to them any time of the day or night, every day of the Don’t be shy; information is only a quick call away. You year. Consult with a nurse about your symptoms or health will need your health care number to access this service. conditions, talk to a pharmacist about your medications, and get information about healthy eating from a dietitian or Try it out!!! Let us know how it works for you. you can find health services closest to you. If there is an emergency, Call 9-1-1.

Want to come and soak in the tub?

Chief Byron Louis and OKIB Directors met with MP Mel Arnold on February 12, 2016 to discuss local and national issues, opportunities and relationship building.

From left to right: Eddy Davis, Director of Public Works and Housing; Darcy Aubin, Director of Lands and Economic Development; Mel Arnold, MP North Okanagan-Shuswap; Byron Louis, Chief OKIB; Yancy Ochoa, Director of Community and Organizational Services and Development.

Health and Community

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Community Services and Development Department would like to invite you to participate in the following initiatives coming up this Spring and Summer 2016: 

Community Consultative Group (CCG): to meet on the topic of Aboriginal Police Officer and provide recommendations to Council of community priorities



Regional Health Survey: we are participating in the First Nations Health Authority Regional Health Survey (participants will be randomly selected)



Education Strategic Planning: help us determine how to better meet students’ needs by attending one of the community engagement meetings

If you have any questions or require additional information please contact Yancy at 250-542-5094, or via email at yancy.ochoa@okanagan.org Finally as a follow up to my last community update, the second habit of highly effective people: Begin with the end in mind!

“One of the best ways to incorporate Habit 2 into your life is to develop a Personal Mission Statement. It focuses on what you want to be and do. It is your plan for success. It reaffirms who you are, puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world. Your mission statement makes you the leader of your own life. You create your own destiny and secure the future you envision.”

Source: https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits-habit2.php

Williams Lake to Host 40th Annual Elders Gathering The Tl’etinqox (Anaham) Government is hosting the Elders Gathering under the theme: River Unity, River Spirit – “Keepers of the land and water” at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Centre and Thompson Rivers University from July 12 – 14, 2016.

This year’s event kicks off in true Cariboo style with the Wild Wild West Rodeo on July 11 at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds.

The Chair of the Gathering Committee is Cecil Grinder.

For more information and to register, please visit www.eldersgathering.ca or call Cecil Grinder at 250394-4240; Dianne Garner, Director Elders Society 604-798-4519.

Employment

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Here is a selection of available job opportunities:

OKIB jobs are posted on the website at www.okib.ca

Gordon “N” Gordon Interiors Ltd. is looking to hire 8 - 12 OKIB members to work on the BC Hydro Vernon Regional Operations Facility at 1401 Kal Lake Road. The duration of the work will be up to 12 months. The positions available include: • Carpenters or carpenter apprentices • Steel stud framers • Drywall board persons • Drywall tapers Training and apprenticeship opportunities are available. To apply, please contact Al Gordon by phone at: (250) 883-0431 or email at: adgordon59@gmail.com and identify yourself as an OKIB member.

2016 Census Jobs: Glenda Louis is the Census Crew Leader for District 3129 which will include Okanagan & Splatsin reserves. The Early Enumeration collection for reserves will be starting early April and Okanagan & Splatsin members are encouraged to apply as a Census Enumerator for data collection. Apply online at www.census.gc.ca/jobs and if the applicants ‘self identify’ as Aboriginal the successful applications will then be filtered into the appropriate district(s). The criteria is as follows: 18 years or older Canadian citizen or to be eligible to work in Canada Able to commit to at least 20 hours a week including days, evenings, weekends and holidays as required A valid drivers license and access to a vehicle (as vehicles are required for certain areas) Computer literate and have access to computer and internet Candidates must pass a written test, reference check, and government security assessment Enumerators can earn $16.31 an hour and the employment periods between Mid-April and the end of July 2016 depending on the assignments.

Okanagan Indian Band JOB POSTING DEPARTMENT: JOB TITLE:

LANDS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRUCK DRIVER (On-Call)

The OKIB is looking to fill this important role for the interim within our Lands and Economic Development Division. If you have experience driving a Tridem truck and pup then this position is for you!

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience as you join us providing services in a safe, effective and respectful manner.

You can expect a supportive work environment, which includes a competitive wage.

PLEASE SEE COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION (available at www.okib.ca) Start date:

March 2016

Deadline for Applications:

March 7th, 2016

Interviews:

To be determined

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of three ways: Email: humanresources@okanagan.org Fax: (250) 542-4990 Mail: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4 A Criminal Record Check, Clean Drivers Abstract and 3 References are required.

ONLY THE APPLICANTS WHO ARE SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED

Community

Page 11 UXO can also move or be exposed over time. For example, freeze-thaw cycles, flooding and storms can uncover buried ordnance or move it from place to place. Just because no one has seen UXO in an area for many decades does not mean that it isn’t there now.

What an UXO Looks Like UXO stands for unexploded explosive ordnance - old bombs that did not explode or function as intended.

A good and simple rule of thumb is to not touch or disturb corroded old metal that you find on the ground or in the water. This is a good idea even if you are not in an area that was used for military purposes.

UXO does not look like it did when it was first made. It will have been in the dirt or water for many years so it will likely look old and corroded. It may be No matter whether it is new or old, complete or in pieces, all missing parts so it could look like a piece of old pipe, an old car UXO must be considered dangerous. Disturbing it can make it muffler, a pop can, or just small pieces of corroded metal. It is explode, causing death or injury. usually not lying neatly on the ground or underwater – it is usuIf you see something that looks like UXO: 1. Don't touch it!

If disturbed, UXO can explode, causing death or injury.

2. Note the location and leave the area Remember where you saw the object. Go back the same way you came.

3. Call 9-1-1 or local police ally partly exposed or completely buried.

Many people think that UXO are not dangerous because they As soon as possible, report what have been there for many decades. In fact, an UXO can become you found by calling 9-1-1 or conmore unstable and more dangerous over time. tacting local police.

Do you want to get information on upcoming Okanagan Indian Band and community events, jobs, programs and projects sent to your email?

Join the OKIB email list. Subscribe by sending “Add to Email List” in the subject, your name and your email address to:

okibadmin@okanagan.org

Community

Page 12 Call for Community Members to join the Community Consultative Group (CCG) The Community Consultative Group is a forum for discussion between OKIB members, Staff, Council, and RCMP on programs and service priorities for the Aboriginal Police Officer.

The CCG will meet once a month to discuss programs and service priorities.

For more information, or if you are interested in joining, please contact: Sulinek Saddleman or Yancy Ochoa at 250-542-5094 *NOTE* -This is a voluntary based group and no compensation will be provided.

For There To Be Change, There Must Be Change Dear Editor, The election of the Liberal Party of Canada under Justin Trudeau signalled a complete change in direction for the relationship between the Government of Canada and Indigenous People across the country.

With announced commitments to: - Hold the national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Canada - Implementation of the 94 recommendations outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Respond to the decision handed down by the Federal Human Rights Tribunal showing that Indigenous children living on reserve were discriminated against to the tune of up to 34 per cent, I feel like my federal government is ready to treat Indigenous people as equals and allies.

As a status Indian and a Canadian, I feel this is a watershed moment. As a member of an Indian band, I have some concerns.

A new relationship with Ottawa will mean more funding for reserves to support more health, housing and education programs. Promised Liberal infrastructure spending will provide high paying jobs to thousands of Canadians and Indian bands close to areas where this investment will take place will benefit as well.

Under good leadership, the opportunities for Indigenous communities can only increase.

On October 19, Canadians sent 200 brand new Members of Parliament to Ottawa. Many career politicians had already resigned or were handed their walking papers by the electorate. Canadians wanted change.

I ask my fellow Indigenous people to look at the composition of their own Council's and ask themselves how many decades has nothing changed on your reserve with the same people around the council table?

If you, as individuals, are seeking a new relationship with Ottawa, it's never going to happen when you have the same stagnant leadership in your communities.

For there to be a change, there has a to be a change.

The 12th Annual Nk’maplqs Hockey Tournament needs volunteers for scorekeeping, timekeeping, door sales and 50/50 raffles.

Joey Jack