senklip - march 2016
DESCRIPTION
The March 2016 edition of the OKIB Senklip newspaperTRANSCRIPT
SENK’LIP NEWS March - 2016 EDITION - OKANAGAN INDIAN BAND 12420 WESTSIDE ROAD VERNON, BC V1H 2A4 - FREE
SENK’LIP NEWS
Editor: Shaylen Smith
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
OKIB joins the Okanagan Rail Trail Inter-jurisdictional
Development Team as an Owner Jurisdiction
A portion of the CN Rail corridor in Lake Country. (JOHN MCDONALD /InfoTel Multimedia)
VERNON, B.C. – February 17, 2016 –
Okanagan Indian Band leadership released
the following statement today regarding
the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative:
“Since our injunction application to re-
claim our reserve lands affected by the
proposed trail was denied last year, we
have chosen to move forward in a new di-
rection to ensure our involvement and
demonstrate our desire to engage in posi-
tive discussions with our neighbours. As
the cultural gateway to the Okanagan,
Council seeks to partner on investments
that will have significant benefits to the
region. We look forward to actively partic-
ipating in the planning, development and
management activities of the IDT, howev-
er our participation does not affect our ti-
tle, or specific claims to the proposed
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, Direc-
tor of Lands and Economic Development
as OKIB representative on the four person
working group.
Ph: 250-542-4328
Fx: 250-542-4990
Community Page 2
Okanagan Indian Band Important Numbers CUT AND PLACE ON YOUR FRIDGE!
EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Emergency OKIB Volunteer Fire Dept. Water Buildings Main Band Office Toll Free Administration Education/Training Human Resources Membership Finance 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
911 250-545-4111 250-308-8075 250-306-1363 250-542-4328 1-866-542-4328 250-542-5094 250-558-3706 250-558-1414 250-545-2402 250-545-3800 250-260-3616 250-542-3444 250-542-7132
Council Meetings Schedule
Regular Scheduled Meetings
First Tuesday of the Month: 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 fol-
lowing 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 sub-
mitted to the Executive Director by Wednesday at 4:30pm the week be-
fore 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
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 in-
cluding: community engagement information and annual/quarterly reports.
Call the band office, or email [email protected] to sign up.
Culture & Language Page 3
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 speak-
ing 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 learn-
ers and take direction and help bridge the children’s needs. This program
is currently offered three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednes-
day, 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 chil-
dren 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:
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 Lan-
guage 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 close-
ly 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 en-
couraged 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 sug-
gests learners need to put at least three words together, instead of learn-
ing single words. This is where the Paul Creek Curriculum will be a good
foundation for a starting point for language classes. Classes started on No-
vember 12 and will continue on Thursday Night from 6pm-8pm at the Lan-
guage Nest, 11 Victoria Road Vernon, BC, V1H 2A9 and will continue in
the new year. Everyone welcome!
Language Night Participants on Language Nights:
The Language Nest hosts a night of captikwl in the pithouse or at the Lan-
guage 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. Every-
one welcome!
If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren please contact Danielle
Saddleman or Marnie Gregoire at 250-503-5593 or email okib-
I would like to thank our sponsors for donating items for our Pendleton
Theme Raffle:
I would also like to say thanks to Shar Gregoire, Lacey Gregoire, reception-
ists and parents who helped sell tickets. Congratulations to Allysha Pome-
roy (Teal Louis’ mom) who sold the most tickets! $120 in ticket sales!
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
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
Kyley Bonneau
Askasha Drynook
Teal Louis
Aiden Marchand
Brielle Marchand
Keziah Marchand
Owen Marchand
Zoe Marchand
Leanna Houle
Nevaeh Saddleman
Adrian Wilson
Congratulations to our Winners
Pendleton Blanket – Martie Louis
Pendleton Towels – Evelyn McKay
Pendleton Cups – Jennifer Houde
Pendleton Blanket – Newport Beach Pendleton Towel – Lacey Gregoire Pendleton Towel – Danielle Saddleman Pendleton Cup – Lacey Gregoire Pendleton Cup – Marnie Gregoire
Community Engagement Page 4
The Okanagan Indian Band will be introducing a new
format for engaging the community this year. The com-
munity engagement sessions will not be formal
meetings; there will be booths distributing information
for the various projects and programs in the organiza-
tion.
Monthly engagement sessions scheduled until May that
include a General Band Meeting in April to deliver pro-
gram updates.
At the engagement sessions Band members can visits
booths, provide feedback and gather information for
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
and on the Facebook page, make sure you watch for
changes as we try to keep you informed through the
year.
Community Engagement Sessions for 2016
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 Page 5
From the Manager
Lorraine Ladan
Welcome Back and Thank You!
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 Day-
care. We missed Denise and it is nice to have the entire team pre-
sent.
I would like to acknowledge Mary Marchand who supervised the two
daycare rooms while Denise was away. Mary did an excellent job
and rose to the challenge with enthusiasm. Thank you, Mary!
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 coop-
eration 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 Thurs-
day, March 17 for Stu-
dent Led Confer-
ences. If you have any
questions, please con-
tact 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’ama-
la?tn will take part in a
dental screening day
with the dental staff
from Interior Health
and OKIB Nurse Sha-
ron Cullen.
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.
We are looking forward to be able to go for walks again once the
road down to Komasket dries up a bit more, as the children love to
walk and explore our beautiful land.
We have been signing tons of song in the language and we look for-
ward to learn more and more from our cultural teacher Mona. Noth-
ing 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 chil-
dren.
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 mud-
dy.
Our Parent activity night will be March 15th. We will be doing some
easy sewing activities with Ramona Wilson. A light snack will be pro-
vided. 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 papa-
ya, kiwi, different apples,
pears, mango, and pear/
apple. We talked about differ-
ent 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 Ra-
mona.
Thank you,
Karla, Ramona, Marnie and Tupa
Wai from the P’qel qin room,
February 17th was a special day for the Kindergarten class as we
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 eat-
ing 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!
Mrs. Alexis and Trish
OKIB Chief commends the Human Rights
Tribunal ruling that found the Canadian Fed-
eral Government has discriminated against
Aboriginal children by providing inequitable
federal funding to on-reserve social, health
and wellness services.
VERNON, B.C. – January 27, 2016 – Chief
Byron Louis released the following statement
today regarding the recent Human Rights
Tribunal ruling:
”The answer is not to shuffle money around,
but to invest an equitable amount of re-
sources and create First Nations informed
ways of caring for the well-being of our chil-
dren. 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 com-
munity strengths, values and traditions.”
The OKIB is meeting, as a Nation, with the 7
other bands located throughout the Okana-
gan Valley to create an action plan that is
sustainable, non-discriminatory, and in-
formed by Okanagan Nation members. The
action plan will include principles of self-
determination, holistic approaches, and cul-
ture and language.
OKIB representatives attended the Chil-
dren’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 fol-
lowed by strategic planning facilitated by the
Okanagan Nation Alliance.
Planning included next steps in re-
sponse to the tribunal findings with a
significant focus on ensuring that
Syilx Leadership makes reconciliation
a priority in terms of past and future
funding to address the disparity. Fur-
ther to this the community wants par-
ticipative, legislative, reform to Minis-
try of Children and Family Develop-
ment and Federal policies and prac-
tices.
At a community level, the discussion about
closing service gaps, funding, and interim
measures and partnerships were discussed
which include recruitment of community fos-
ter placements to help keep our Syilx chil-
dren in community with family.
Okanagan Nation Alliance
hosts Child First Forum
Pictured from left to right: Faith Louis-Adams, Andrea Auger, Yancy Ochoa and Buffy Mills at the ONA Child First Forum
Participants at the Child First Forum January 26, 2016
Youth Page 7
Pro-gram
Time
Days/Date
Loca-tion
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
Youth Events for March 2016
Contact Mario Richard, Youth Worker/Coordinator
Office: 250-542-5094 Cell: 250-306-1300
Email: [email protected]
Health and Community Page 8
Want to come and soak in
the tub? Here at the Health Center, we are starting the Bathing Pro-
gram. This program is for community member’s that need
some extra help with having baths or do not have access
to water/bathtub. Want more information? Call Home Care
RN Patty or Wanda Home Care Supervisor, to set up an
appointment to see if you are a candidate for this program
250-542-5094.
Need something to do? If you are an adult over the age
of 19, come join the Day Program at the Blue Bird Build-
ing. This program is a chance to get together with other
community members and have FUN. This program is on
Mondays and starts at 9am. At the moment, we have a
master of Qigong teaching us the moves from 9am to
11am. We will have guest speakers, games and activities
for members after Qigong. Come join the fun, Call Wanda
for more information 250-542-5094.
Need health advice you can trust 24/7? Call 8-1-1 or
online at HealthLinkBC.ca. When you call 8-1-1 you are
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
year. Consult with a nurse about your symptoms or health
conditions, talk to a pharmacist about your medications,
and get information about healthy eating from a dietitian or
you can find health services closest to you. If there is an
emergency, Call 9-1-1.
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.
Examples of why you would call a pharmacist: You
want information about the side effects of your prescription
drugs, or you are wondering if you can take over-the-
counter cold medication with the new prescription your
doctor has given you.
Remember your pharmacist (where you get your medica-
tions) can be contacted to review your medications with
you on a 1-to-1 basis. This meeting would allow you to ful-
ly understand what your medication does for you and the
side effects they may have on you. Contact your pharma-
cist during regular business hours.
Pharmacists on the 811 line can be reached after hours,
between 5pm and 9am.
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 con-
ditions.
Don’t be shy; information is only a quick call away. You
will need your health care number to access this service.
Try it out!!! Let us know how it works for you.
Chief Byron Louis and OKIB
Directors met with MP Mel Ar-
nold on February 12, 2016 to
discuss local and national is-
sues, opportunities and relation-
ship building.
From left to right: Eddy Davis,
Director of Public Works and
Housing; Darcy Aubin, Director
of Lands and Economic Devel-
opment; Mel Arnold, MP North
Okanagan-Shuswap; Byron
Louis, Chief OKIB; Yancy
Ochoa, Director of Community
and Organizational Services and
Development.
Health and Community Page 9
Community Services and Development Department would like to invite you to participate in
the following initiatives coming up this Spring and Summer 2016:
If you have any questions or require additional information please contact Yancy at 250-542-5094, or via email at yan-
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
Community Consultative Group (CCG): to meet on the topic of Aboriginal Po-
lice Officer and provide recommendations to Council of community priorities
Regional Health Survey: we are participating in the First Nations Health Au-
thority 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
Williams Lake to Host 40th Annual
Elders Gathering
The Tl’etinqox (Anaham) Government is hosting the Elders Gathering under the theme: River Unity, Riv-er 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 250-394-4240; Dianne Garner, Director Elders Society
604-798-4519.
Employment Page 10
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:
[email protected] 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 Ear-
ly 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 ap-
plications will then be filtered into the appropriate district(s). The criteria is as follows:
Enumerators can earn $16.31 an hour and the employment periods between Mid-April and the end of July 2016 depending on the assign-
ments.
DEPARTMENT: LANDS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
JOB TITLE: 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: [email protected]
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
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
Okanagan Indian Band
JOB POSTING
Community Page 11
What an UXO Looks Like
UXO stands for unexploded explo-
sive ordnance - old bombs that
did not explode or function as in-
tended.
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
missing parts so it could look like a piece of old pipe, an old car
muffler, a pop can, or just small pieces of corroded metal. It is
usually not lying neatly on the ground or underwater – it is usu-
ally partly exposed or completely buried.
Many people think that UXO are not dangerous because they
have been there for many decades. In fact, an UXO can become
more unstable and more dangerous over time.
UXO can also move or be exposed over time. For ex-
ample, 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.
A good and sim-
ple 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 mili-
tary purposes.
No matter whether it is new or old, complete or in pieces, all
UXO must be considered dangerous. Disturbing it can make it
explode, causing death or injury.
If 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
As soon as possible, report what
you found by calling 9-1-1 or con-
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:
Community Page 12
The 12th Annual Nk’maplqs Hockey Tournament needs volunteers
for scorekeeping, timekeeping, door sales and 50/50 raffles.
For There To Be Change,
There Must Be Change
Dear Editor,
The election of the Liberal Party of Canada un-
der 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 Com-
mission
- Respond to the decision handed down by the
Federal Human Rights Tribunal showing that
Indigenous children living on reserve were dis-
criminated 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 Lib-
eral infrastructure spending will provide high
paying jobs to thousands of Canadians and Indi-
an bands close to areas where this investment
will take place will benefit as well.
Under good leadership, the opportunities for In-
digenous 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. Canadi-
ans 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 rela-
tionship 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.
Joey Jack
Call for Community Members to join the Community Consultative Group (CCG)
The Community Consultative Group is a forum for discussion between OKIB mem-
bers, 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.