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PaytahchemowinMoose Cree First Nation newsletter - Fall 2012

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From the Chief’s Office - Norm Hardisty Jr.Challenges and opportunity during this termChief Norm Hardisty Jr.

PAGES 1 - 2

Deputy Chief Earl CheechooPAGES 2 - 3

Executive DirectorPAGE 3

Associate Executive DirectorPAGE 4

AdministrationPAGES 4 - 5

Employment and TrainingPAGE 6

EPR CentrePAGES 7 - 8

AFN Food StudyPAGE 9

Health ServicesPAGES 10 - 11

Health CentrePAGE 12

Youth CentrePAGE 12

Social AssistancePAGE 13

Language and CulturePAGE 14

Public WorksPAGES 15 - 16

Lands and ResourcesPAGES 16 - 17

Resource ProtecctionPAGES 18 - 20

In this issue:

Wachay! Greetings to all Moose Cree First Nation members.

The fall season is now upon us and the tradition-al fall hunt is in full swing. Chief and Council wish you all a safe hunt and encour-age you to continue our traditional practices of

sharing and helping each other as we exercise our rights on our traditional lands.

The newly elected Chief and Council commenced their duties officially on August 9, 2012. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our previous Council for their dedication to serving the Moose Cree First Nation over the past four years. A special note of thanks to former Dep-uty Chief Charlie Cheechoo for his valuable con-tributions to the Moose Cree First Nation over his 19 years of service as Deputy Chief, and the many years he served on Council previous to that. His

tireless work on behalf of the community has al-ways been appreciated. Gitchi Meegwetch to you all! I wish you well in your future endeavours and hope that you can continue to contribute in some capacity to the benefit of our strong and growing Nation.

I look forward to working together with our new Councillors, and those that have returned to Coun-cil, over the next four years. I welcome our new Deputy Chief Earl Cheechoo to office. Earl brings many years of experience to his new position and I am confident that this will be of benefit to the Moose Cree First Nation in the years ahead.

1FaLL 2012 - Paytahchemowin newsletter

2012 Gathering of our People / 10th Anniversary Creefest

www.moosecree.com

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FALL 2012 - Paytahchemowin newsletter2 www.moosecree.com

Chief Norm Hardisty Jr.Continued from Page 1...

The new Council has recently completed one month of orientation activ-ities including detailed briefings on our resource agreements, resource protection, and program and service issues. There is a lot of information to process and get up to speed on but it is absolutely necessary in order for Council to provide the best advice and service to our citizens as we move forward.

The next four year term of office will be very challenging as we move into an era of increased provincial and federal government cutbacks in funding, not only to First Nations but to many of the regional political or-ganizations that support us through advocacy and policy initiatives. This has the potential to cause division and conflict among us but we must remain united and not fall into the tired old government traps of divide and conquer. Working together to ensure that our collective efforts are truly benefiting our citizens must remain our focus.

I believe that we must build on the progress that we have made as a Nation and that we collectively remain committed to strengthening our community. We must put plans in place that are focused on addressing the challenges that weaken our families and community. These plans must address our needs in a holistic manner focusing on our physical, mental and spiritual health. We must also ensure that we are economi-cally healthy as this will provide us with the means to meet the needs of all our citizens.

The Moose Cree First Nation is at a critical point in our development as a Nation. The decisions we make and the plans we develop now will have far-reaching impact. We have done a lot of work over the years and the major resource agreements have been signed off and are at varying stages of development. A key piece of this work has been to engage our citizens in determining what our priorities are and will be as a Na-tion. Thank you to all our citizens for contributing to the development of the MCFN Strategic Plan through your participation in the Strategic Planning community sessions. Your input is a necessity and the driv-ing force in determining our future as a Nation. Just a few weeks ago Chief and Council reaffirmed the direction given by the people in rela-tion our self-generated funds and our spending priorities. We are taking thoughtful and prudent steps to put the necessary plans into action to spend these funds as directed in the most efficient and effective man-ner. I ask for your continued patience as this process requires careful planning and the expertise of financial and investment advisors that will assist us in making good decisions that best reflect the priorities of our citizens. How we plan and manage our self-generated funds today will enable us to respond to the needs of the Youth and will ensure that our Elders enjoy the remainder of their lives in comfort and with the care they deserve. Most of all, we must plan well and make the best deci-sions we can for those generations not yet born just as our ancestors did for us many years ago.

On behalf of the Council, meegwetch for your continued support and we wish you a safe and successful fall hunt.

Chief Norm Hardisty Jr.

Wah-chay. I would like to extend greetings to all citizens of Moose Cree First Nation along with my appreciation to the member-ship for entrusting me with the responsibili-ties of Deputy Chief. I also wish to acknowl-edge and thank former Deputy Chief Charlie

Cheechoo for his years of service and dedication to all Moose Cree citi-zens.

We also need to acknowledge and be grateful for our Cree heritage that flourishes inside each and every one of us. One way that this is expressed is how during certain times of the year we feel a strong de-sire and eagerness to be out on the land, this desire is triggered when we hear the geese flying over our community, when the leaves begin to change colour and when the first frost occurs. This is a result of our spiritual connection and understanding of how environmental changes, such as the weather, affect the land and animals.

The fall time brings us the opportunity to once again be on the land and

to harvest food. It is a time of renewal and a time to strengthen relation-ships with our family, friends, environment, and the animals. It is always interesting to listen to camping or hunting stories, I will share one story that is of significance to me: as always, when Cree is spoken it expresses our culture:

One fall Uncle Mathew said after a rainfall, “let’s go Moose hunting, “da – milow- shin (will be good) “moosh - ka hun” (river is high).” We left the next morning to go up the French River and during our trip we stopped a few times to check for signs of moose. We travelled all day and reached the second fork – Kawayastik River, and evening was upon us when Mathew said “let’s look for a place to camp for the night.” We rode about 10 minutes more when he told me “turn the canoe around” because he saw a place to camp we rode by earlier. All of a sudden Mathew was pointing at the shore; I thought he was telling me to go that way to avoid a rock. I looked at Mathew again and he was grab-bing his rifle. I looked at the shoreline and there stood 3 moose. We shot them and went ashore; Mathew’s first words were “shum-goon-nan” (they are feeding us).

Deputy Chief’s Office - Earl CheechooSubmitted by Earl Cheechoo, Deputy Chief

FALL 2012 - Paytahchemowin newsletter 3www.moosecree.com

Greetings to everyone. Fall is upon us, leaves have changed colours and have fallen, and river levels will hopefully rise for the Moose hunters. For those of you going out on the land, I wish you a successful harvest and en-joy your time out on the land and safe trav-

els.In this fall issue, I want to provide information on a few items.

Chief and Council

We have posted on our website, pictures and the names of the current Chief and Council. We also did a mail out of the poster. This was done so that our membership will know (for those who are not sure) who their Chief and Council are.

Red Cross Satellite Office in MCFN

The official opening ceremony for the Red Cross Satellite office will be on November 14, 2012 at the EPR centre. Planning for this event is un-derway and notices will be provided once finalized. There is also a bro-chure on our website that you can review.

Wetum Winter Road

An application has been made to Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry for the operation and maintenance costs to open the Wetum Winter Road this winter. We have not heard a response as of this date (October 5, 2012).

There is approximately 15 kms remaining to be constructed and an ap-plication for the necessary permitting is underway. Funding is in place to do the remaining work. Permits are required on an annual basis, with the exception of the Permit to Take Water, which is a five year permit.

Although there are numerous issues before us, we recently celebrated Thanksgiving and we should all take time to be thankful for our family, friends and our community.

If you have any questions or comments, please come and drop by my office to speak with me, I appreciate receiving your feedback. On this note, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and enjoy-able fall season and a plentiful fall harvest.

Respectfully submitted by:Peter W. Wesley, Executive Director

Mathew had many valuable teachings for me. Now it is my responsibil-ity to share and pass on such stories as they explain who we are as Cree people. That experience was not just about harvesting moose; it was about the relationship Mathew had with the land and his knowledge of it. The term “shum – goon-nan” he used during that hunting trip was in itself an important lesson. It defines our relationship with all the ani-mals, with the land and with the water. After that trip, I recall wondering what he meant when he said “shum-goon-nan”. Who was feeding us? It is a term that is used to describe our relationship with all creation that God has given us. Such lessons apply to all harvesting practices “the time we spend on the land is valuable for our Cree heritage”.

I will remember this and other important lessons in the performance of my duties as Deputy Chief over the next four years. Since officially

commencing the duties of Deputy Chief on August 9, 2012 I have been working hard, as have the Chief and new and returning Council mem-bers, on preparing for the new term. Moose Cree First Nation is facing many challenges but also has many opportunities to further explore and develop, opportunities that will benefit current and future generations of our people. I look forward to working with the Chief and Council, and in partnership with you, the Moose Cree membership, on these chal-lenges and opportunities in order for us to move ahead together as a people and as a community.

Deputy Chief Earl Cheechoo

executive Director Peter WesleySubmitted by Peter Wesley, Executive Director


Greetings to all Moose Cree citizens;

It’s been a busy few months since the last newsletter. The updated stra-tegic plan was presented at an information session held at the TCJMC in August; the plan has been approved. This gave us the go ahead to proceed with implementing the priority areas in the plan. We also heard additional input into the plan and these were noted and will be imple-mented in the near future. Please note this plan is a living document and will be reviewed annually. Quarterly updates will also be provided to membership on the progress of the plan. I will be drafting a sum-marized list of all the strategic action initiatives for Year 1; this will be posted on our websites (www.moosecree.com and Facebook), and also through a brochure mail-out within the community. Should you wish to see the full document of the updated MCFN Strategic Plan, please contact Executive Services for a copy.

Since new Council began their 4-year term in August, notices have been posted online and within the community inviting interested MCFN citi-zens to sit on the various committees as members at large. We still have a few vacancies and I encourage you to consider sitting on these com-mittees. If you are willing, please forward a letter of interest to the Ex-ecutive office.

As summer ends, another season begins … moose hunting season. This is the time of year when our Cree hunters are feeling the call of the land. Wishing everyone good fortune at this time for a successful moose hunt. Please remember to share with our elders. Meegwetch.

Respectfully submitted byBertha Sutherland, Associate Executive Director

Associate Executive Director’s MessageSubmitted by Bertha Sutherland, Associate Executive Director

Wachay & Greetings to everyone.

MCFN Employee ID Cards

In the next few weeks employee identification cards

will be issued to all employees. The ID card will be attached to a lanyard and worn around the neck to ensure that it is visible at all times. The purpose of the ID cards is for clients and visi-tors to easily identify Moose Cree employees when services are being provided and during major events such as the annual Gathering of Our People. The cards, which are being designed and produced by Paul Chakasim, will have the MCFN logo, employee’s name, job title and photo. They will be phased in over the next few months beginning with full-time em-ployees, in particular, those employees who enter client homes as part of their jobs. (Homecare nurses, homemakers, housing staff).

Certificate of Indian Status Cards

This is a reminder that Indian Status Cards are issued on Wednesdays and Fridays. Please ensure that you bring your ID’s with you for proof of identity. Acceptable identification includes:

Category 1 Valid Canadian Passport; orCategory 2 Two (2) are required 1 with a photo - Indian Status

Card, Health Card, Driver’s Licence; Birth Certificate; Employee ID with Photo; Student ID with photo; Fire-arms License; or

Category 3 Guarantor Form (forms are available at our office).

Service Canada Outreach Services

The Service Canada representative will be at the MCFN main office on December 11 & 12, 2012.You can access a wide range of government programs and services through Service Canada, and you can do this on the Internet, by tele-phone, in person, by mail or at one of their 329 Service Canada Centres. They also provide scheduled and mobile outreach services for remote communities such as Moose Factory. For more information on these services, visit their website at www.servicecanada.gc.ca. Watch for posters in the coming weeks for more details.

Update - MCFN Membership Meeting Regulations

As I mentioned in the Summer Edition of this newsletter, the Council approved the recommendation from the Leadership Committee to pro-ceed with a vote on these regulations so that these regulations can be finalized and implemented. At the time of this writing, the informa-tion packages are being prepared and will be mailed out to Moose Cree members.

Administration departmentSubmitted by Patricia Wapachee, Director of Administration & Communication


If you have not received a copy feel free to contact Caroline Sutherland or Patricia Wapachee.

Voting will be done by secret ballot and will take place as follows:

1. Voting In Person: November 2, 2012, 10:00am to 6:00 pm atthe Moose Cree Complex.

2. Advance Voting: October 22, 2012 - November 1, 2012, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily at MCFN main office.

3. Mobile Voting: October 22, 2012 - November 1, 2012, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily at the local hospital or Voter’s home in Moose Factory. Mobile voting is for Elders and those Voters who are confined in the hospital or home due to illness or disability.

Please contact Caroline Sutherland or Judy Reuben at 705-658-4619 to arrange for advance or mobile voting. Respectfully submitted,Patricia Wapachee, Director of Administration & Communications

Communications UpdatePaul Chakasim, Communications and I.T. OfficerGreetings everyone! Here’s a brief update on some of the noteworthy items I have been working on over the last few months.

107.1 FM The Island Streaming Online

The Island broadcasts from the John R. Delaney Youth Centre in Moose Factory, and for those that do not yet know I have set up the radio sta-tion to stream live online. This is an exciting development that will allow you to listen to your local radio from anywhere an internet connection is available. You can find the radio player by visiting www.moosecree.com and clicking the banner at the very top of the page.

Plans are in place to broadcast live events both over the air and online. Once these plans are finalized, the technical setup can begin. We expect to be capable of broadcasting live events before the end of the year.

Moose Cree`s Community Activator, Nathan Cheechoo, also has a regu-larly airing program every weekday morning with health news and com-munity activities. Tune in!

TV Installation in the Moose Cree Complex main area

A TV has recently been installed at the Moose Cree complex for adver-tising purposes. You will find job postings from Moose Cree, Detour Gold, OPG, KAP, Sibi, and more. You can also see the latest news alerts, weather conditions, and various video programming. We hope this new technology will serve you well.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions for the website, newsletter, or anything else. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. [email protected]

Paul ChakasimCommunications and I.T. Officer

Next Service Canada visit: December 11 - 12, 20129:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Moose Cree Complex Main Office

Whether you want to apply for Employment Insurance; get a Social Insurance Number; enquire or apply for Old Age Security, Canada Pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Passports, or other service offering, please drop by and speak to a Citizen Service Officer.


Summer Work Experience 2012

Another summer has come and gone and it gives us great pleasure to announce that the Summer Work Experience 2012 was a great success!

A Student Luncheon was held on August 24th at the John R. Delaney Youth Centre in honour of the students who participated and completed their work experience. We wish them all much success in their future education and career goals!

Congratulations to Tanner Cheechoo, who won the Student of the Year Award for being the best well-rounded student this summer.

Congratulations to Kiana Seidel and Alyssa Gunner (pictured) who won the Best Attendance awards, for having perfect attendance this summer with the Right to Play program.

Pictured below are:

BACK: Gerald McComb III, DJ O’Connor, Tanner Cheechoo, Michael Kata-paytuk, Dustin Rickard, Delroy Echum, Zach Tomatuk

FRONT: Abigail Quachegan, Alyssa Gunner, Karrina Katapaytuk, Rachel Katapaytuk

Employment and TrainingSubmitted by Connor McComb, Project Officer, Economic Development


Greetings everyone from the staff of the EPR and Community Parks and Recreation Council Staff:

Raymond Butterfly - EPR/ Arena ManagerClint Cheechoo - Maintenance Technician Paul Rickard - Casual Maintenance

Office Phone: 705 658 2740Conference Area Phone: 705 658 2927Hospitality Suite: 705 658 2926

Maintenance Operations

Landscaping:The maintenance staff of the EPR worked tirelessly this summer on land-scaping around the perimeter of the building. For the purpose of patron safety metals posts were also put up at the parking lot entrance located at the North end of the building.

New Boilers:Newtin Shop out of Tim-mins arrived on Oct 1st to install new high effi-ciency boilers in the EPR. The previous boilers that were installed during con-struction had many issues with the ignition rods and became very difficult to maintain. Parts for the old boilers were almost im-possible to locate.

Cain Safety:Cain Safety also arrived Oct 1st to carry out the annual inspection on the alarm and sprinkler system for EPR. They will be conducting a full inspection at the Arena as well.

The Canadian Red Cross:Carole Timm, Branch Manager of The Canadian Red Cross Society Tim-mins office was in Moose Factory partaking in a site visit of the EPR Center on Tuesday Oct 9, 2012. Carole will be in to look at the new office space that The Red Cross will be occupying as of Nov 13, 2012.

Community Parks and Recreation Council

Mark Cheechoo – Facility Supervisor Corey Metatawabin – Facility OperatorDarryl D Corston – Maintenance TechnicianDarcy Cheechoo – Facility Operator Trainee

Arena Office Phone: 705 658 4196Community Hall Phone : 705 658 4061

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Emergency Preparedness Response CentreSubmitted by Raymond Butterfly, EPR / Arena Manager


Evening Sewing Classesat the Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre (CCIC)Sewing lessons are back! Frances Moses and Katie Visitor will teach you how to make slippers, moccasins, mitts and gloves.

Sewing class will take place every Tuesday evening from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm beginning Tuesday, October 7, 2012.

For more information or to register, please contact:Kim Cheechoo(705) 658-4619 ext [email protected]

Emergency Preparedness Response CentreContinued from Page 7...

A Facility Operator position has been posted as of Oct 1st and will be filled within the next few weeks. Greg Moore has been hired on a short term basis as a Facility Operator until the position is occupied.

Arena Operations

The arena staff installed the ice for the 2012 – 2013 hockey Season dur-ing the week of August 20th to the 26th 2012. The early start to the season was to accommodate the Hockey Camp of Hope which ran from August 27th to the 31st. The Camp was a huge success and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Brendan Biedermann and his team of coordinators on a job well done.

Arena Maintenance

The staff are currently priming and painting the dressing room area downstairs. Industrial floor tiles have been ordered for the arena office, men’s washroom, women’s washroom and canteen. The toilets, urinals, sinks and hardware are going to be replaced with new products gradu-ally throughout the winter months in the arena and dressing room area washrooms. Parents, coaches, trainers, and managers are reminded to inform the children to respect the facility as it is very costly to maintain.

Community Hall

New tables and chairs have been ordered for the Community Hall for a total of 72 rectangle tables and 600 chairs. The order has been shipped and will be arriving before the end of the month. A new sound system will be installed and a power point projector and screen will be available for the users of the facility. Wireless internet will also be available within the next month or so.

Ice Rental Rates for 2012 – 2013 Season

Monday to Friday8:00 am – 4:00 pm $ 50.00 / HR5:00 pm – 11:00 pm $100.00 / HR

Saturday & Sunday8:00 am – 11:00 pm $ 50.00 / HR12 Noon – 11:00 pm $100.00 / HR

Tournament Rate: $ 80.00 / HR

Meegwetch.

Submitted By:Raymond Butterfly, EPR/Arena Manager


First Nations Food, Nutrition, and Environment StudySubmitted by Stephane Decelles, Nutrition Research Assistant

For more information on traditional food sampling, please contact:Laurie Mark: (705)-658-2473

The random household member who will be selected for completing the interview will be given a gift card for their participation. People will also be given a gift card for traditional food samples.

The AFN Food Study will determine the levels of contaminants in our food and water supply on reserve. The environmental changes are im-pacting the health and traditional lifestyles and diet of First Nations on reserve, thus increasing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease in the first nation population. All information collected from this study will be owned by Moose Cree First Nation.

The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (FNFNES) is conducted in full partnership between the Assembly of First Nations, Health Canada, the University of Northern British Columbia and Univer-sity of Montreal. The results of the study will be published next fall after the community results will have been discussed with and accepted by the Moose Cree First Nation members.

For more information, please contact:

Stephane Decelles, Nutrition Research Assistant [email protected] or visit the study’s website: www.fnfnes.ca

During the months of October and November, Moose Cree First Nation will be partici-pating/conducting the AFN food study on reserve.

Three locally hired Community Research Assistants: Lisa Sutherland, Jordana Sutherland and Laurie Mark, will be visiting 100 random households on-reserve to conduct household interviews and hair sampling. Water samples will also be collected at selected households on a second visit. Your partici-pation in each component of the study is completely voluntary and all information collected is kept strictly confidential.

All Moose Cree First Nation members are also invited to submit samples of traditional foods which will be tested for contaminants. These may include fish, plants, mammals and birds. Up to five dif-ferent samples of 30 different types of foods will be collected (see table below). We require one cup (250ml) of raw, smoked, boiled or cooked traditional food for each replicate. Each replicate should be harvested in a different area on your traditional land and should NOT have anything added to them such as butter/margarine/salt, etc.

Traditional food samples needed:

Moose Meat Beaver Meat Snow Goose / Wavey Trout – Searun BlueberriesMoose Heart Muskrat Meat Duck – Mallard Trout – Brook Raspberry leaf teaMoose Liver Partridge – Ruffed Grouse Duck – Black Sturgeon RosehipsMoose Tongue Partridge – Sharp tail Duck – Pintail Pike Cedar teaCaribou Meat Partridge – Spruce hen Pickerel / Walleye Chokecherries – Highbush Labrador teaRabbit Meat Canada goose Whitefish Cranberries – Highbush Wild mint

Summer 2012 - Paytahchemowin newsletter10 FALL 2012 - Paytahchemowin newsletter10 www.moosecree.com

In the 2012/2013 fiscal year, Moose Cree First Nation – Health Services will be working on its renewal of its Health Transfer Agreement with Health Canada-First Nations & Inuit Health Branch.

The following programs are under the Health Transfer Agreement:

a) Health & Wellnessb) Public Healthc) Home & Community Care

For the 2012/2013 fiscal year, NIHB Transportation Services will be a Stand Alone Agreement.

Health Needs Assessment – Call for Proposals

A Call for Proposals (CFP) was issued to conduct a Health Needs Assess-ment for our department. This Health Needs Assessment will give us direction in terms of the programs and services, and the same informa-tion will be used when we start working on the renewal of our Health Transfer Agreement.

COMMUNITY REQUESTS

In our previous submission to Moose Cree’s newsletter, we submitted the following information regarding community requests. Lately we have been receiving the same requests for assistance.

a) NIHB requests (Glasses, dental, travel to and from treatment centres, etc.) We don’t have the funds to cover any NIHB costs. If you have questions regarding what benefits are covered by NIHB, please call Sandra Linklater at WGH at (705) 336-2497 ext. 33.

b) All donation requests are to be sent to the Executive Director or designate. Under our Health Transfer Agreement, it is not an allowable expense.

c) Emergency Requests are to be sent to the Executive Director or designate. Under our Health Transfer Agreement, it is not an allowable expense.

Community Ramps

In the recent call for OFNLP (formally known as Casino Rama Funds) applications, one of our staff submitted an application for community ramps. We are pleased to announce the application got approved for funding. However, it should be noted that this program will be the last resort as the people requesting for a ramp will have to exhaust all other services prior to applying for funding under this program.

Elders Comfort/Disable Funds:Under this program, we have been covering eye surgery examination costs for elders. At times, we will cover medications if they are not cov-ered on the approved NIHB list; the person has to bring a receipt.

CAS Matters:All CAS matters are referred to Gary Innes, Band Representative. He can be reached at his cell phone number (705) 507-4739.

Home Inspections or Dog Control:All calls go to Thomas Jolly, CHR, at (705) 658-4220.

Requests for Home & Community Care Services:All calls go to Linda Wesley-Rickard, H&CC Coordinator at (705) 658-6650.

Requests for Home Support Program Services (LTC):All calls go to Emily Linklater, HSP Coordinator at (705) 658-6650.

Traditional Healers Honoraria Requests:Geraldine Govender, Director of Language and Cultural Programs, is now responsible for Traditional Healing Requests.

Pathways to Healing – Time for Change Conference

In March of 2012, the Health & Wellness Team coordinated a Health & Wellness Conference titled “Pathways to Healing – Time for Change”. The staff are to be commended for all their hard work in the planning and implementation of this conference. In spite of the low turnout, they did receive a lot of positive feedback in the topics that were presented and the facilitators that were brought in. In the future, the Health & Wellness Team will be looking at other means in getting the various top-ics out to the community. Thanks to all the people that participated in the conference. The next one is scheduled for January 2013. We will keep you posted.

Northern Consulting & Counseling Inc

We are pleased to announce that MCFN Health Services has extended Maricela Faucheux, Northern Consulting & Counseling Inc., contract for another year. Maricela Faucheux has been coming to our community for the last two years to provide counselling services. To schedule an appointment please call our receptionist at (705) 658-4619 ext. 256. Please note her counselling sessions will begin in the month of May.

Furthermore, Kevin McPhee, Family Therapist, will be in our community to work with families. He will also be working with our staff in terms of self-care, creating awareness of vicarious trauma, and one-on-one counselling sessions.

Moose Cree Health ServicesSubmitted by Allen Sailors, Director of Health Services

Summer 2012 - Paytahchemowin newsletter 11FALL 2012 - Paytahchemowin newsletter 11www.moosecree.com

Residential School Memorial

Next summer, we are planning to host a residential school conference. We are hoping at this conference, a memorial will be erected to honor the students that never made it home and to the survivors.

We will need volunteers to sit on a planning committee to plan for this important event. It is our intention to get the James Bay coastal com-munities and northern western communities involved in the planning. If you wish to be part of this planning committee, please leave your name with our Secretary/Receptionist at (705) 658-4619 ext. 256.

The following was released by Sandra Linklater, Manager, Non-Insured Health Benefit Services, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority:

NIHB - FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:

Be advised that Health Canada does not automatically grant an autho-rization for escorts unless the criterion in the Medical Transportation Policy framework for escorts is met.

Each trip is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and each request for an es-cort is reviewed according to the medical justification contained within the escort authorization letter.

There are instances where Health Canada is not approving an escort in medi-vac situations as the escort authorization letter does not contain sufficient medical justification.

In these cases, the un-authorized escort is NOT FUNDED for any type of medical transportation benefit which is inclusive of meals, accommoda-tion, local transportation or return transportation back to their home community.

In medi-vac situations, when the paperwork is processed and submit-ted to Health Canada, the escort is “denied” and the escort is deemed ineligible for service. These ineligible escorts are then required to make provisions for their own meals, accommodations, local transportation and return to their home community at their expense; as WAHA cannot file a claim with Health Canada for these ineligible (un-funded) escorts. Our ability to recover on expenses related to ineligible escorts is zero.

Please be cognizant of the requirements for an escort authorization and that sufficient medical justification must be provided to facilitate the review and approval of an escort by a benefit analyst at Health Canada in Ottawa.

The following excerpt provides a basis description on when an escort may be authorized; the KEY to approval is the level of detail provided in the letter on the medical justification on why an escort is required:

Non-Medical Escorts

5.5The provision of a non-medical escort may be approved, following a

doctor’s or community health professional’s request, only when there is a legal or medical requirement such as:

a. Where the client has a physical/mental disability of a nature that he or she is unable to travel unassisted;

b. Where the client is medically incapacitated;

c. Where the client has been declared “mentally incompetent” by a court of competent jurisdiction and assistance to access medically required health services, legal consent or help with activities of daily living is required;

d. When there is a need for legal consent by a parent or guardian; e. To accompany a minor (as determined by provincial/territorial

legislation) who is accessing medically required health ser-vices;

f. When a language barrier exists to access medically required health services and these services are not available at the re-ferred location; or

g. To receive instructions on specific and essential home medical/nursing procedures that cannot be given to the client only.

The above notice was confirmed by Heather Larson, Manager, Non-Insured Health Benefits Operations , First Nations and Inuit Health:

“I am writing to confirm that in order for NIHB to cover the costs of a non-medical escort the non-medical escort must meet the criteria 5.5 of the medical transportation policy framework. This applies to all escorts, regardless of their mode of transportation… i.e. coming out on mede-vac, scheduled air, charter etc.

If there is not supporting documentation indicating the need for an es-cort as per section 5.5 the traveler cannot be considered as an escort and as such would not be eligible to have their travel costs covered by the program.”

If you require further information, you can call Sandra Linklater at (705) 336-2947 ext. 33, or Heather Larsen at (616) 952-0139.

Annual Report

We are in the process of completing our annual report to the member-ship. Once the Health Committee has reviewed the report for their com-ments, copies of the annual report will be available to the membership by calling Health Services at (705) 658-4619 ext. 253.

In closing, I wish all the people heading out to their fall harvesting activi-ties a successful hunt, lots of rest and relaxation and to enjoy the time with your family.

Respectfully submitted by:Allen Sailors, Director of Health


Influenza 2012

It is that time of year again and the flu season is officially underway. We will be getting our flu vaccine late this week and the first place of immuniza-tion will be at the hospital. Flu clin-ics to the public will begin Monday of next week. (October 22nd).

The symptoms of Influenza are as follows:

A sudden onset of cough and fever. You may also have a sore throat, body aches and/or headache, chills and extreme fatigue. Some may also have vomiting and diarrhea.

Everyone should self-screen before coming to work and work areas should be cleaned/disinfected daily. If you are symptomatic with two or more of the following symptoms please remain at home and call in. If you are in need of care call a health care provider. Please wash your

hands and put a mask on should you need to go to the hospital. Influ-enza is preventable with practice of the following:

• Keep washing your hands frequently• Cough and sneeze into sleeves or Kleenex• Sanitize our hands in public places• Stay home when you have flu-like symptoms• Take medication and vitamins as prescribed by your doctor.• Drink plenty of water and other fluids daily.• Gargle with warm salt water• Avoid people who are sneezing, coughing or have a fever• GET YOUR FLU SHOT ANNUALLY

Follow the advice of your health care provider. You can also call Tele-health Ontario for advice (1-866-797-0000). Thank you for your coop-eration and take care of each other. Be well.

Christina Linklater, Community Health CoordinatorCheryl Moore, Community Health NurseRita Lazarus, Community Health Nurse

Moose Factory Health Centre UpdateSubmitted by Christina Linklater, Community Health Coordinator

Youth Department

On September 20, 2012 Chief and Council approved a motion to create Moose Cree’s first Youth Department! This new develop-

ment is a milestone and bit of history in the making within the organi-zation. Never before has there been a dedicated Youth Department to deal with important issues within the Moose Cree Youth Demographic. This will be a more systematic way for youth to access new programs and opportunities and build capacity for the Youth Centre to manage multiple projects. A new sign and MCFN logo will be placed on the out-side of the Youth Centre, the home of the New Youth Department. The draft mission statement is:

Mission Statement

“The Youth Department is fully committed to develop and deliver qual-ity programs, services and activities that foster active participation which leads to the empowerment of young people in areas of employ-ment, entrepreneurship, sports, education, health, community service, volunteerism, decision-making and preserving and promoting our Cree Culture and Language.”

Every department within the organization has a committee to report to. Executive Services will be putting out a call for 4 community members to sit on this new Youth Department Committee in the near future. An event will be planned to celebrate the new developments.

Youth Council Revival

Nancy Corston Youth Counsellor is currently working on reviving the current Youth Council to continue the work they started over 2 years ago. The Council’s Terms of Reference still need to be resubmitted for final approval by Chief and Council. The Youth Council have a budget of $200,000 that was generously donated by the Creeville Partnership in 2011.

To date the Youth Council has invested in the radio station 107.1 The Island, a recording studio workstation and sports and volunteer medal-lions. New projects may include an outdoor skating rink and lighting at the basketball cage, a feasibility study for a new swimming pool/recre-ation centre and possibly a public play ground/park for families to enjoy. Keep an eye out for developments in the near future.

Jay Monture,Youth Centre Manager

John R Delaney Youth CentreSubmitted by Jay Monture, Youth Manager

Greetings from the staff at the SocialAssistance Office:

Norma McComb,Director of Social Assistance(16 years of service)

Edna Sutherland, Case Worker (11 years of service)

Hayley Cheechoo, Case Worker (4 years+ of service)

Verna Cheechoo, Finance Clerk/Receptionist (9months of service)

Caseload

Our total caseload as of October 1st, 2012, is 250 and is broken down into the following categories:

Two Parent Families 41Single Parent Families 45 (44 female heads, 1 male head)Single Persons 134 (90 male, 44 female)Temporary Care Children 30

There are 44 ODSP clients as well which would bring the total caseload to 294.

Changes to Ontario Works

Earlier this spring the provincial government announced cutbacks to the Ontario Works Pro-gram with the introduc-tion of the 2012 provin-

cial budget. These changes included removing the Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefit (CSUMB), removing the Home Repairs Benefit from social assistance, establishing a cap on Discretionary Benefits and freezing social assistance rates. Our First Nation leaders took action and lobbied against these changes. The Minister of Community and Social

Services announced that temporary relief will be implemented on these changes until April 1, 2013. The Health Related Discretionary Benefits will remain until March 31, 2013. However as dictated the CSUMB and Home Repairs program will end on December 31, 2012.

The Chiefs Committee on Social Development and the Social Services Coordination Unit have started working with the First Nations and the Ministry to come to a viable solution on these benefits. They are con-sulting First Nations in terms of their concerns, identified needs and possible solutions.

Ontario Native Welfare Administrators Association (ONWAA)

Our next scheduled semi-annual meeting and training session is slated for October 15th – 18th, 2012 in Toronto. It is at these ONWAA meetings that we have a chance to touch base with other First Nation Social Assistance Staff. We also find a sense of comradery with fellow social workers as we share stores of case scenarios, difficulties with various governments, and different understandings and interpretations of government policies. This is a time when we are able to collect and consider information from others and take back to our community what has meaning and value for us, our clientele and our First Nation membership. This year marks ONWAA’s 40th anniversary. Our staff will be attending and we will have a casual caseworker in the office and she will be available for emergencies only.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your time and we wish all har-vesters success this harvesting season.

Respectfully submitted by:Norma McComb, Director of Social Assistance


Social Assistance DepartmentSubmitted by Norma McComb, Director of Social Assistance

Moose Cree Community Activatorwww.facebook.com/MooseCreeCommunityActivatorVisit the Moose Cree Community Activator Facebook page to see the latest activities planned for our community! Activities available for youth, young adults, seniors. Get involved and have fun!


Language & Cultural Programs

It has been some time since I have given an update on the language & cultural programs that I am responsible for. The harvesters component consumes all our time during the spring and fall seasons.

Gathering of our People GOOP/CreeFest

Overall, GOOP/CreeFest was another successful event thanks to the ef-forts of the Mushkegowuk staff and ours. One of the things that struck me was the amount of incredible talent that we have in our community with many emerging artists as well as established ones. When submit-ting the proposal to Canadian Heritage for next year’s GOOP, I had to include a program of events and performances as well as a theme. I’m sure that everyone will like the theme of “Celebrating our Own” featur-ing and showcasing our own local talent and giving them the opportu-nity to prepare months in advance to put on professional performances on the main stage. In the coming months, keep an eye out for notices of planning meetings.

Language Project

Although we made some inroads in the online language programs that I have been working on with Soligsoft Inc., we have run into delays in completing the project as planned. What started out as a project to get an online Moose Cree language learning chat room and virtual class-room as well as a twelve unit interactive DVD to teach Moose Cree has now turned into a three year process very much dependent on the avail-ability of funds.

Cultural Projects

Under Article 3 of the Amisk-oo-skow Agreement, the Cultural Projects Working Group (CPWG) is charged with the responsibility of identifying cultural projects and seeing them to fruition. Cultural projects that ad-dress the loss of culture in the area affected by the hydro development mainly in the Smokey Falls area are being considered. The CPWG has been concentrating on establishing a cultural camp near Kapuskasing but the plan to purchase a property in an ideal location near Val Rita fell through due to major structural concerns. We recently met with the El-ders Advisory Group which works with the Environmental Group under the Amisk-oo-skow to show them areas where the CPWG is considering lookout platforms, monuments and blue-berry picking shelters.

Harvesters

We processed over 500 applications for the spring harvest and approxi-mately the same amount for the fall harvest. There has not been time to tally up the statistics but we have nearly depleted the $400,000 that we got from the DeBeers IBA for this year. Harvesters funds will also

be needed to enhance what funding we will be getting from the Can-ada Ontario Resource Development Agreement (CORDA) for trappers’ assistance. Trappers’ assistance applications will be posted shortly. As with the number of harvesters applying for assistance, the number of trappers requesting help has increased dramatically and I anticipate in future harvests that we will find it challenging to fund everyone who applies for harvesters subsidies in the same way that we have been able to do so up to this time.

Elders Cabins

One of the priorities targeted this year for the Amisk-oo-skow Agree-ment funds is cabins for elders (members aged 60 and over). We have to develop a process on how to allocate the funds and determine how far the assistance will entail, e.g. size of cabins, transportation of materials and labour costs. We need to answer the question of how far will we be able to help within the identified funds. We also have to be fair to every-one who is eligible and we need to get started this winter.

Harvesters Working Group

A harvesters working group will need to be established to advise on how the harvesting funds will be used and how the elders cabins will be allo-cated. This will be brought to Chief and Council to appoint the members of the working group once the terms of reference have been approved.

Support for families to stay out on the land This is another initiative that has been given priority for this year and this entails helping families with tent frames out in the areas where they harvest. This will be another matter for the Harvesters Working Group to work on. Again, it will be important to find a fair and equitable pro-cess for allocating these funds which will come partly from accumulated surpluses from previous years when the harvesters budget was not all spent and from new monies from the Amisk-oo-skow Agreement. This initiative needs to be started this winter as well.

There are other areas for which I am responsible, such as traditional healing and cultural events and to be honest, it can be somewhat over-whelming. Thankfully, I have Bert Trapper to assist and Katelyn Linklater who is providing administrative support to us. I would also like to thank Norma McComb who worked long hours with me on the harvesters ap-plications in the past few years and who has since stepped down.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable time out on the land.

Geraldine GovenderDirector of Language & Cultural Programs

Language and Culture ProgramsSubmitted by Geraldine Govender, Language and Culture Programs Coordinator


Wachay to our friends across the river and the surrounding communi-ties of the coastal areas. We are now in fall season and some of us are out harvesting and spending time with close family and friends like we always do in the fall. Jack Frost has been creeping on us each morning and next thing you know we’ll be traveling the winter roads again.

Lagoon Upgrades

Upgrading the lagoon system and its extensions is one of our main pri-orities. Our optimization report has been sent to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, which have yet to approve the project. The total cost of the project is approximately $2.9 million dollars, but due to other circumstances the project is on hold until the fiscal year 2014-2015. So we are asking our leadership to politically push this proj-ect through and make it reality as it is a much needed project. The la-goon system is over twenty years old now and its operation and parts are starting to wear and tear as it reaches the end of its life expectancy.

Beautification Program

Another season of this important program has once again come to an end. The Public Works Department and its committee members would like to thank the crew for a job well done. Not only did they cut grass and clean the surrounding ditches, but they also helped out in other community activities as requested by other departments. Hats off to the supervisor Robert Katapaytuk and his crew of Buddy Cheechoo, Cameron Cheechoo, Colby Cheechoo, Jordan Koosees, Albert Rickard, Nicholas Rickard and Kerwin Whiskeychan. The other members of the crew have left the project and have moved on to other things or have gone back to school.

Moose Cree First Nation and Mushkegowuk Council joined forces this summer to bring us the 2012 Gathering of our People and CreeFest. The Public Works staff and beautification crew were very involved with the setup, takedown, and general cleanup of the area.

Walkway Project

This project was started in mid -August of 2011 and was completed by the end of August, 2011. Signs and posts were installed and compact-ed granular ”A” base was placed on each of end the walkway. In less than one year after completion, the walkway rails were vandalized and completely pulled off the supports and the signs were pulled out of the ground. Needless to say someone or a group has vandalized the struc-ture, without considering the cost and hard work put into this project.


Public Works DepartmentSubmitted by Abel Wapachee, Director of Public Works


Public Works DepartmentContinued from Page 15...

Waste Diversion

From October 1 - 5, 2012, I attended the Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference which was held in Thunder Bay’s Fort William Historical Park. Not only was I invited, but I was also asked to make a presentation on waste diversion in our community of Moose Factory Is-land. The main topic that I presented was the start of Ontario Electronic Stewardship program within our Moose Cree First Nation Community. I discussed how we got started with the program and the hardships we encountered. I also spoke about the cost of getting all the electronics, steel, appliances and the process of entering the Used Tires Program as well.

During the presentation, I was also informed that another person would be presenting a similar topic. After our presentations, I was surprised that we shared the same problems in seeing this program through. Un-like us, they (Wahnapitae First Nations) share the same goals and they have also been addressing waste diversion for several years now. They are also operating a dumpsite in which all community members have unlimited access to the landfill site.

Abel Wapachee,Director of Public Works

Introducing our Jr. Environmental Technician

Wachay, my name is David Hardisty Sr. and I was hired on August 7th, 2012 as the Junior Environmental Technician for the Lands and Re-sources Department.

First of all, I would like to say I am truly happy to be working for my First Nation community more par-ticularly for the citizens of Moose

Cree as a whole. My professional and educational background includes a two year timber operations technician diploma from the Kirkland Lake Campus of Northern College. Prior to coming to Moose Cree I worked at Ontario Power Generation – Peter Kiewit Company as an Environmental Monitor. Also I spent a number of years as the ISO Manager for Mishtuk Corporation in Waswanipi Quebec.

Since I took this position, I have assisted on several projects some of

which include: the Species at Risk Monitoring Program at Long Ridge, the MCFN values protection plan associated with the Hydro Develop-ment Project and Ground Trothing along the Kapuskasing River. The most recent was with MNR in the data collection and removal of Brook Trout tracking stations located on the Bad and North French rivers. Also, I have attended several informative meetings and planning sessions with my fellow colleagues.

In closing, as your new Junior Environmental Technician I believe that my most important responsibility is to ensure the mandate and mission of the Lands and Resources department is achieved and upheld at all times. I find the work we do is meaningful and is essential in preserving and protecting our Traditional Homelands and Values.

Internal Community Consultation Protocol Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

We recently posted the position of the Consultation Coordinator and have conducted interviews with individuals. Once a successful candi-

Lands and ResourcesSubmitted by Jack Rickard, Director of Lands and Resources


date is hired, we plan to move ahead with the project to ensure that we complete our objectives of the agreement. Therefore, please keep an eye open for future notices on any upcoming activities.

Moose River Brook Trout Movement Study / Fish Tracking Stations on Rivers within the HomelandsChris Chenier, MNR Fisheries Biologist

During the last week of September, the Jr. Environmental Technician accompanied MNR staff in data collection and the dismantling of the monitoring stations located on the Bad and North French Rivers. We are anticipating the results as soon as they are available.

Moose Cree First Nation North French River -Cultural Landscape Preservation Planning CreativeCommunities Prosperity Fund

Unfortunately, Peter Burke was unable to continue as the Environmen-tal Project Officer due to unforeseen circumstances. It was unfortunate to see him leave, but we wish him the best in his future endeavours. We have reposted this position and hope to have this position filled at the earliest time possible. Despite this loss, staff of the Land and Resources is continuing to move this project forward to ensure that we fulfill our part of the agreement.

Broad-Scale Monitoring, Kesagami LakeJeff Amos, Fisheries Population Specialist MNR

I am currently waiting on the results from this past summer’s survey at Kesagami Lake, but from initial discussions with Jeff, he had informed me that the work went very well. The data are currently being entered into provincial database, so Jeff could not provide much in the way of analysis yet, but here is a quick snapshot of what was done. They collect-ed length, weight, age, stomach contents, genetics information from a variety of species of fish. They collected fish contaminant samples from Pike and Walleye and these have been sent to MOE for analysis. They collected zooplankton samples and those have been sent to Queens University for analysis (primarily looking for invasive species (e.g. Zebra mussels, spiny water-flea)). They also collected water temperature and dissolved oxygen data from a couple locations on the lake.

The species of fish that we observed were:

- Walleye - Northern Pike - Lake Whitefish - Lake Herring - Yellow Perch - White Sucker - Longnose Sucker - Spottail Shiner - Log perch

Also during their operation, the crew has observed Cormorants on the lake, but no nests observed though.

According to Jeff, he is hopeful data entry will be completed by end of November at which time he can provide a better description of their results.

Contaminated Soil Cleanup at Hydrometric Station

This past summer, Environment Canada had sent correspondence to MCFN informing us of a cleanup of contaminated soil that was to occur at the hydrometric stations located at the French River.

The Lands and Resources staff had forwarded our comments and con-cerns in regards to the matter which resulted in a couple of meetings taking place between L&R, Environment Canada and their consultants to have them addressed. As a result we were satisfied that all concerns were taken care of. Subsequently, the week of October 2nd, 2012 was agreed upon, thus the notification of flights within the area of the French River, to conduct the cleanup with our Environmental Monitor accom-panying the crew as an observer. These flights were to aid the clean-up of the site as some may have noticed blue helicopter slinging white bags which contained the contaminated soil of small amounts of mercury.

A total of four bags were flown out, weighing approximately 3800lbs in total. A number of small samples were also sent to a certified lab to confirm the site was cleaned. The contaminated material is scheduled to be taken to a facility to properly dispose of in southern Ontario. We are anticipating for the results to be shared with the Lands and Resources.

The following projects will be in the next newsletter issue:

- Land Use Planning – MCFN and Regional

- Moose Cree in Conservation and Stewardship of Bird Species at Risk with the Homelands - Aboriginal Funds Species at Risk

- Nature Canada’s Ivey Foundation Proposal for James Bay Impor-tant Bird Areas (IBA) Work with the Cree 2012

Thank you,Jack Rickard, Director of Lands and Resources


Wachay to all Moose Cree First Nation members and visitors! Fall has already arrived and we’re already past the midpoint or 2 ½ years com-pletion of the Lower Mattagami River Redevelopment Project. It’s been said that the greatest challenges in life can bring the greatest rewards. The Lower Mattagami River Project certainly has been one of those unique challenges for our Moose Cree members and all parties involved. There have been highs and there certainly have been lows, however, many success stories have come out of this project for our Moose Cree members as they move ahead in their perspective work careers and en-hance their standard of living for their families and communities which are the true rewards of resource development for First Nation peoples.

Personal Development / Inner Self DiscoveryAwareness Workshop

In regard to Training & Employments needs, and due to my knowledge with personal development, I was asked by Sibi Employment & Train-ing to give a two day workshop on personal development/inner self-discovery awareness to our Moose Cree First Nation trainees who had an interest in working at the Lower Mattagami River Project, mainly, with Sodexo Food services. Two intakes were given back in March 2012 and July 2012 to (30) trainees. Trainees were showed how one’s outer personal issues and problems have been deeply rooted to their past in-ner conditioning which has created their present habits, patterns and belief systems and as a result, has directly influenced all aspects of their personal and work lives today.

It’s been well documented that when you give a people specialized knowledge about how they truly function inside they become truly en-lightened, and as a result, begin to truly understand that their outer is-sues/problems are but a mere reflection of their unresolved inner issues and conditioning and once addressed their outside issues/problems fall into place on their own. Therefore, the more personal development education and awareness we can offer our First Nation employees the more successful they’ll be in their personal lives, jobs, and communities.

Past follow-up surveys from past trainees have indicated that the knowl-edge they acquired through Sibi Employment & Training programs such as the Employment Readiness training has been paramount in them finding employment which has created the many success stories of our First Nation/Métis employees at the Lower Mattagami River Project.

My work duties include assisting all First Nation/Métis members who fall under the EA (Environmental assessment) area who include Moose Cree First Nation, MoCreebec, Taykwa Tagamou First Nation, and Métis Nation of Ontario. However, I take work applications for all First Nation/Métis applicants who apply for employment at Lower Mattagami River Project and Detour Gold. Also, in conjunction with Sibi Employment & Training, I offer Employment & Training programs in Kapuskasing.

At the writing of this Newsletter a total of (162) First Nation/Métis ap-plicants have applied to the Lower Mattagami River Project and a total of (82) to Detour Gold. The following Employment & Training programs have already been completed in Kapuskasing which include two intakes of Employment Readiness, Health & Safety, and one intake of Office Skills training which have resulted in a number of trainees securing full-time employment at Lower Mattagami River Project and Detour Gold.

Duties of the Kapuskasing Project Coordinator

- Daily Administrative duties which deal with Employment & Training needs of First Nation/Métis individuals who are seek-ing employment at Lower Mattagami River Project and Detour Gold.

- Attend various monthly team meetings in Timmins, Moose Factory, Kapuskasing and Toronto from time to time.

- Attend ongoing Worker’s Forums at the Lower Mattagami River Project site.

- Coordinate and assist with project site visits when requested.

- Assist Moose Cree Kapuskasing members with the processing of the annual fall and Spring Harvesters Support Program appli-cations that assist them with their hunting and trapping needs.

- Coordinate ongoing Employment & Training meetings for the Moose Cree First Nation members living in the Kapuskasing area.

- Resource Coordinator for the Cultural Project Working Group.

- Resource Coordinator for the Elders Advisory Group.

- Perform other work related duties when required.

This concludes my Newsletter report. Please feel free to contact me at (705) 335-3605 ext. 226 or at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments. Wachay!

Ernie LafontaineKapuskasing Project Coordinator

Resource ProtectionKapuskasing Project CoordinatorSubmitted by ernie Lafontaine, Kapuskasing Project Coordinator


Healing and Wellness Counselors – Lower Mattagami River Project

The Counselors on site are working hard and continue to offer the fol-lowing services at the work site. They facilitate one to one counseling, talking circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies and sweat lodge ceremonies.

They will provide an aftercare service for those workers who have com-pleted treatment and require follow up counseling and support. They can facilitate workshops with contractors and supervisors to help them understand the history of the Cree communities in the region.

If required they can also provide any additional services if there are workers who wish to pursue their own healing path and would like ad-ditional help with their own personal growth and self awareness.

They will maintain a library of resource material on site so that the work-ers will have access to resource materials such as books and videos that they can use on their spare time.

Other Activities done by the Advocate

1. Opening new bank accounts.2. Driving workers from the site for appointments, doctors, etc.3. Assisting with resumes.4. Applying for SIN number and assisting with other forms.5. Working directly with the contractors to assist worker issues.6. Hiring process, receiving emails with attached resumes,

forwarded to SIBI.7. Assisting workers to travel home in family emergencies.8. Assist with union issues on site.9. Workers have been hospitalized for various reasons, hospital

visits and support.10. Meeting with families in Moose Factory and other communi-

ties, support services with employment etc.11. Assist workers with SIN cards, health cards and filling in forms.12. Addressing many issues that occur on site to the Implementa-

tion Committee.13. BEWG, HR issues involvement.14. Families are approaching the advocate more often for assis-

tance with referring clients (workers).15. As the workforce will continue to increase we need to continue

to find ways of preparing workers for the worksite, as to ex-pectations, more discussion on perhaps workplace awareness.

16. Scheduling and being at site more often, continuing to work on the workplan for the advocate position.

17. Discrimination awareness. Every dorm, office and sitting room has a poster hanging on an information board with reporting procedures.

18. On site monthly worker forum meetings being coordinated.19. Hunting season planning for workers to take time off.20. Provide advocate support to Moose Cree and OPG. I have been

working with the General Contractor (KAP) and the sub-con-tractors.

21. Workshops in the communities are being organized on various topics including money management, buying a home, work ethics, etc. Home Ownership Workshop scheduled for August 9, 2012, at OPG Project site, two sessions, one in the day and one in the evening.

There are often challenges of integrating workers to this project, one is the length of time they stay to work and being away from family and friends can be hard. Challenges include, the work environment, most workers work a shift of 3 weeks in and one week out. Some work shifts that are two weeks in, and one week out. Some find this difficult and want to return home. We are now implementing positive activities on site, to make the stay for workers more comfortable. The elders come into the work site to have cookouts at the traditional camp grounds we have at the permanent camp. Two weeks ago, a group from Moose Fac-

Resource ProtectionCommunity & social Advocate UpdateSubmitted by Jack Williams, Community & social Advocate



Visit our website! www.moosecree.com

P.O. Box 190, 22 Jonathan Cheechoo DriveMoose Factory ON P0L 1W0

P: (705) 658-4619 F: (705) 658-4734

And on Facebook! www.facebook.com/moosecreefirstnation

Did you know?...Other job opportunities are also listed on the Moose Cree website!Job opportunities from Detour Gold, KAP, Sibi, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and more are continuously posted on our website. Visit www.moosecree.com/employment and scroll down to the Other Opportunities page.

Our Facebook page is changing!Our Facebook page will soon be receiving some exciting updates. We’ll be posting more polls, photos, and other interesting content. If you have not already done so, like us on Facebook and join the conversation!

www.facebook.com/moosecreefirstnation

Community & Social Advocate UpdateContinued from Page 19...

tory spent the night at camp and they cooked moose meat and goose over the fire. The attendance was high, the evening was fun for every-one including the non aboriginal workers who experienced and learned about traditional cooking and food from the elders on site. We are now trying to make these monthly events.

If you require any help or information about services, or if you need to contact or are concerned about a family member working at the project, please do not hesitate to call the numbers below:

On-Site Counselors Office: 1 (647) 476-7636 ext: 1550 Jack Williams Office (Advocate): 1 (647) 476-7636 ext: 1551Cell Phone: (705) 363-0303, Email: [email protected]

moose cree first nation newsletter - fall · pdf filemoose cree first nation newsletter - fall...

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