Senklip - May 2016

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

Talking Politics on UXO Lands

March 16, 2016 - The Okanagan Indian Band Chief, Councillor and Directors welcomed a visit from the Honorable Stephen Fuhr, Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Kelowna—Lake Country.

Mr. Fuhr is the Chair for the Standing Committee on National Defence.

Chief Byron Louis and Councillor Lyle Brewer directed the discussions on DND UXO clean up, Land Use Planning (Round Lake Treatment Centre Referendum), the Rail Trail Corridor, Colonial and Commonage Claims and Addition to Reserve Lands—CN Rail/Beau Park.

When asked if he will advocate for the OKIB in Ottawa, Stephen Fuhr stated, “You have my full support...and I am actively involved.”

Fuhr related that being able to say, “I’ve been there; I saw it” helps him as he advocates on the identified issues.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Round Lake Treatment Centre and an in depth excursion to the Madeline Lake UXO Range.

UXO Clearance Work on Madeline Lake Range—Notice Just a reminder that the UXO program has started once again (April 18, 2016). Notra Inc and OKIB will be on site at Madeline Lake Range providing clearance effort .

We are continuing to clean the site and will be on Madeline this spring and throughout the summer. OKIB will be providing Security Service on this site, if you are in the area after hours please stop in and say hello to the team.

NOTE: The Madeline Lake Range may be closed during 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

demolition periods, if your require access at these times just stop in at the security office.

Thank You, Lands and Economic Development.

Contact Info: Don Louis, 250-542-3444, or Email: don.louis@okanagan.org

Community

Page 2 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

MAY 2016

Culture & Language E hee-a-thinaugh checkwook “tl” ap il skwook “tl” eelt I’ll “tl” ghugh “tl” hap.

The sun rising over the hill on the fawn and the older people.

OKIB Language Nest Way ya ya t swit (Hello everyone)

Page 3 necting 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.

The Langauge Nest Program has been granted funding for the next two years. The program will be re-opening this May and it will be open longer hours. This is awesome for our little xixutems (little girls) and ttwits (little boys), this is more language our children can absorb and become more fluent in our language.

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 inOur program will also be offering Traditional Parenting and Tupa’s volved in performing activities with them.

Kitchen, please stay tuned. If there is something you would like to suggest or learn for The children know a lot of the animals, numbers, days, colors and Traditional Parenting foods. The table is the best place to learn. Since the program startand Tupa’s Kitchen ed we have encouraged the children to ask for food in Okanagan. please, contact us at They are able to ask for more food items, such as bread, water, fruit, the Langauge Nest veggies, and milk. contact listed below.

Honour your Health Challenge winners!

Just a reminder to what our Language Congratulations to our winners!

Nest program is about…

Mary Marchand Bernie Brown The Language Nest Devon Cohen Program, E hee-aZoe Marchand thinaugh cheIf you have any questions, suggestions, or are interested in enrolling kwook"tl"ap il skwook"tl"eelt I'll "tl" ghugh "tl"a hap. Is a program that your child/ren please contact Danielle Saddleman or Marnie has fluent speaking elders leading Language Revitalization by con- Gregoire at 250-503-5593 or email okibnest@okanagan.org

NOTICE After School Care Program Snc’c’amala?tn is licensed to provide an After School Program for up to 12 children from 6 to 12 years old.

The intention is to have 10 children in the program for it to be cost effective. At this point we have 3 students coming on a regular basis.

In order to continue the After School Program in September 2016, we will need to have 10 students enrolled.

The OKIB bus from our school and buses from SD#22 and St. James School transport children to Westside Road.

After school care at Snc’c’amala?tn is available from the time school ends until 5:30 pm.

If you have any questions about the program, please call 250-545-3800 and ask to speak to Nicole, Lorraine or Ramona.

Community Engagement

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Round Lake Treatment Centre Land Designation Referendum Dear Member, The Round Lake Treatment Centre is reIn the March edition of the Senk’lip News questing an extension on their current members were advised that the OKIB was lease so that they may perform upgrades entering the preliminary stages of the Land to the grounds and facilities.

Designation process. For the Okanagan The referendum is performed by IndigeIndian Band to enter into leases for econous and Northern Affairs Canada and you nomic development purposes, land must may vote via mail in ballot (using this packbe designated via a referendum process. age,) or by voting in person on the referendum date of Wednesday May 25, 2016.

Previously scheduled referendums on December 15, 2015 and March 30, 2016 The Chief and Council would like the were cancelled out of respect for funerals membership to know that they fully in the community. Whenever the referensupport the land designation. dum is rescheduled we are required to repeat the information process so that we R-L: Darcy Aubin, Director Lands and Ec Dev; Stephen Fuhr, MP Kelowna-Lake Country; Byron Louis, Chief; and Marlene Isaac, Executive can ensure fair and informed voting.

Director RLTC.

WHAT benefits does OKIB get from the Round Lake Treatment Centre?

Other than the lease revenue, the RLTC provides:  Employment – 24 of the 35 employees are OKIB Band members;  Priority hiring of OKIB members;  Rehabilitation facility that is accessible to membership;  OKIB is recognized by other Nations for having the facility on the Reserve;  Maintaining and preserving the land; and  Responsible development.

What does a YES vote mean?

It means you are in favour of: 1. Extending the designation for 49 years for a range of permitted uses; 2. The OKIB extending the lease to the RLTC for 35 years; 3. The OKIB increasing the rent from $28,000 to $80,000 for the first 5-year period of the proposed 35-year term

What does a NO vote mean?

1. It means that the RLTC will have to move in 2 years; 2. 24 Band Members would be laid off OKIB will be responsible for: 1. Maintaining the buildings and roads at a cost of $280,000 per year which the Band cannot afford at this time; 2. finding a new tenant would require time, money and resources we do not have.

Snc’c’amala?tn

Page 5 foot wear we find shoes that due up to be best, as the little ones love to explore. We have been busy spring cleaning our yard and the children love to help!

Mona our cultural teacher brought in some lovely sunflowers for us to explore and we now have them on display in our discovery box!!

Lim Limpt Infant Toddler Staff

Snc’c’amala?tn News From the Manager Lorraine Ladan Unplug and Play Week April 30 to May 8 is Unplug and Play Week. The North Okanagan Optimist Club in partnership with the Early Years Council and Health Promoting Schools is promoting seven days of opportunities to balance technology use with family time and connecting to nature and learning about science. Unplug and Play Week is an activity rich event designed to bring attention to the effect of an inactive lifestyle on children and show parents the abundance of opportunities for active living that are available in our community. A list of activities will be published in the Sunday edition of the Morning Star.

Luna Ray enjoying the crisp leaves.

Closures All programs at the Early Childhood Education Centre and School will be closed: Friday, May 20 Staff PD Day Monday, May 23 Victoria Day I will be on vacation from April 29 and returning to work on May 24, following the Victoria Day weekend. Mary Marchand will be in charge at Snc’c’amala?tn during my absence. Thank you, Mary.

Way from the Infant Toddler Room Happy Birthday to Matthias!

We have been very busy in the infant toddler room! We have full numbers everyday of the week!!

We have been enjoying the beautiful weather and going outside as much as possible! It is still chilly in the morning so please ensure you send your Child with a light jacket or sweater, and appropriate

Way’ from the 3 - 5 Head Start Room!

We would like to wish Adrian, Camilla and Jordyn a Happy Birthday!

We would also like to welcome Rae we are very happy to have her.

It is getting warmer out, but some mornings are still chilly. Please send your child with a sweater or a light jacket.

We would like to invite you to our parent activity night at the end of the month. We well be having our annual plant swap on May 31st @5:00 pm. Please sign up in advance so we know how many plants everyone is to bring. A light snack will be provided.

Denise Alexis, Jordyn Alexis, Rae Cohen, Karen Herriot, Tupa (Virginia) Way! From the Speplina Preschool Room Thank you to Pierre Wilson for letting the Preschool class look for signs of spring on our property. We seen at?men (yellow bells) smukʷa?xn (sunflowers) skʷnkʷinm (butter cups). Thank you Ruby Alexis for taking us our and sharing your knowledge of all the plants.

Our playground got a little bit of a facelift. Our rubber tiles were replaced with wood chips thanks to the maintenance crew for making our playground safe for our children. The old tiles were uneven due to the tree roots.

Just a reminder to parents we go outside every morning and it is still chilly so please dress and send appropriate clothing.

Thank you, Karla, Ramona, Marnie and Tupa Wai from the P’qel qin Kindergarten room, The weather has been great this spring and we have been able to get out and observe signs of spring, like insects, birds and flowers.

Last month we went with Mona to dig for Indian Potatoes and pick sunflowers. The children got to see what the flowers look like and then learned how to dig under the ground to the end of the flowers root to find the little potato.

Congratulations to Liam for finishing his third home reading sheet and reading 90 books so far this year, excellent job and awesome reading!

Happy Birthday to Shiloh, Avery and Jalen who celebrate their 6th birthdays in May! Mrs. Alexis and Trish

Aidan romping in the leaves.

Education and Youth

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Silver & Bronze for Tournament Contestants The youth in the Taekwondo program held weekly at Head of the Lake Hall participated in a tournament in Vernon on Liam Marchand sparring during the tournament.

March 19 2016. Of the 94 contestants that competed in the tournament, Liam Marchand was the youngest. OKIB students received the following awards: Emmarie Louis won silver for patterns and bronze for sparring.

Delaney Marchand got silver for sparring.

Mckayla Bonneau got bronze for sparring.

YOUTH PROGRAM UPDATES The Unity Run is on May 12-15, 2016 Ball Hockey

4:00-5:00 pm Tuesdays (K-6) and Thursdays (JrH/HS)

Taekwondo MURAL Project

We are looking for 6 youth to work on a mural project for the Health building. These youth artists will be paid. The project starts in July 2016.

Applications can be picked up at the Health building, or contact Sheldon Louis by email at boundbyafeather@hotmail.com If you need more information on the Youth Programs, contact: Mario Richard, Youth Worker Office:

Congratulations to Seth & Flora Spotted Eagle for getting their yelCell: low strips and to Exavier Roberts and Courtney Jack for getting their Email: yellow belts.

Class of 2016 Roll Call for Okanagan Indian Band Members If you are graduating Grade 12 Student or Post-Secondary Graduate for the school year of 2015-2016, we would like to know about it.

Details to include in your response: Full Legal Name Parental Information Secondary School/Academic Institute Graduation Photo (jpeg)(optional) Accomplishments/Awards/ Scholarships (optional) Brief inspirational message-up to 50 words (optional) Please contact the Education Department either by telephone 250-5583706 or email: lacey.gregoire@okanagan.org

4:00-5:00 pm Mondays and Wednesdays

250-542-5094 250-306-1300 Mario.richard@okanagan.org

Community Notices Thank you for your support The family of David (Dave) Charles Parker would like to thank those who joined with us in remembering and mourning the loss of one dear to our hearts.

Page 7 The Marchand and Houle families would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to all who came out to support Brooklyn Marchand-Houles journey to health as she continues with her chemotherapy treatments.

Dave’s life was not easy but he found ways to help others when not dealing with his own afflictions. The time he gave to New Horizons caused many of you to praise his good work and kindness. Many of you spoke of his happy-go-lucky ways and how much you’ll miss his smile.

Our families are forever indebted to all who came out to take part in the fundraiser, those who graciously donated items and funds, and to those who gave uplifting to our family to have such support from the community, your actions and support go a long way in showing a very small There is a saying that we are the products of our environment and we hero how loved she think that the positive things peotruly is. ple found in Dave are a reflection of the love and kindness they Thank you again for showed to him. We also felt this your prayers, support and we want to thank all of you for and kindness; it speaks your caring and sharing with us in our time of need. volumes of this great community we call Wayne Bonneau, Mary Brooks, Lorhome. na Hine, Barry Parker and Sharon Parker

UBCO is still in need of come more Housing Surveys to be complete, they will give a $25 gift certificate to anyone willing to fill one out.

Also, the winner of our draw from the last round was Eric Wilson!

To get a survey emailed or faxed to you contact Tetku at 250-5423444, or Tetku.coutlee@okanagan.org.

You can also stop by Public Works & Housing to get a copy.

Health and Community

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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.

Status Cards: Call Membership at 250-542-5094 to book an appointment

Census Teams will be in our community from April 13 to the end of July 2016