Introduction to the Graphic Identifier for the Meadow Lake First Nations

We are pleased to introduce the new Meadow Lake First Nations Governance logo. Fromtime immemorial, First Nations have utilized the age-old skill of mnemonics (pronouncedni-'män-iks). This logo brings a story from our memories.

It is full of meaning starting with the sunrise. The sunrise brings a new day. This new dayprovides a chance to improve on the day before. Along with the new day come newchallenges. These challenges can be overcome by our people as a whole.

The sun rays each represent our bands. In the middle is a picture of a family in theirbirch bark canoe. Both the Cree and Dene shared resources, technologies, sciences,medicines, and governance to maintain peace, friendship and partnerships. The waters,trees and land represent the wealth of our resources and that we must continue to adaptin order to prosper and flourish on our lands.

Contents

1. Message from the Tribal Chief Helen Ben....................................................page 1

2. Round One: Community Consultations Complete ........................................page 1

3. Community Coordinator Meetings and Updates ...........................................page 3

4. History of the Negotiations..........................................................................page 4

5. Current Status of Negotiations(News from the Main Table) ........................................................................page 4

6. Constitutional Development Committee News .............................................page 6

7. Elders Advisory Committee News ................................................................page 7

8. Upcoming Open House Style Community Consultations(Future Initiatives).......................................................................................page 8

9. Map of Meadow Lake First Nations .......................................................Back Cover

10. Contact Information.............................................................................Back Cover(Website and 1-800-toll free number)

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Round 1 of Community Consultations FinishedRound One of community consultations havebeen completed with visits to each of theMeadow Lake First Nations (MLFNs) by the maintable negotiators and the Main Office of MLFNsGovernance. The team visited the communitiesto present an overview of the GovernanceAgreement. The negotiation team members areLead Negotiator, Irma Murdock; Director ofGovernance, Isidore Campbell; Legal CouncilJerome Slavik; and from the Governance Office,Communications and Consultations Coordinator,Kevin Lewis.

The goal of Community Consultations is toinform First Nation members about theGovernance Agreement and to receive feedbackabout community concerns. The negotiationteam agreed to provide more information asrequested by First Nation members thatparticipated in the question and answer period.

Garry Laboucan in Island Lake First Nation presenting the Governance Agreement

Message from Tribal Chief Helen BenTansi, it is great to be able to pass on a message from the Office of theTribal Chief. I think that open communication is one of the best means ofkeeping our Tribal Members informed about the direction that we aregoing as a Tribal Council.

There has been years of work dedicated to the Self-government file. Thestaff within the Self-government department have been busy negotiatingand preparing strategy as well as documents required to assist in the roadto implementing self-government in its actuality.

I am very pleased to hear that more information will be presented indifferent formats to the members of the nine First Nations. I feel that weare at a crucial time of negotiations and that the work done thus far will beup for ratification.

In order to make an informed decision, one must have full or as complete of understanding aspossible. Self-government is an important topic and must be considered with full knowledge of theimplications.

I urge all members to read and debate the issue as much as possible. The office of Self-governmentwill provide the information in different formats as to better enable full understanding.

Mahsi cho and thank you.Masi Chogh

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The Elders raised concerns such as the need tocreate a healthy community by healing andworking together and encouraged a continuedeffort to work towards self-determination. Theneed to continue on this path was highlighted bya surprise visit from teachers and students fromvarious schools. Their presence illuminated theimportance of how negotiation issues will affectfuture generations.

One of the key components for successfulparticipation by First Nation members at thegrassroots level and understanding thenegotiation process was the Cree and Denetranslations of the Governance Agreementconducted by team members.

Mr. Lewis and Mr. Campbell respectively providedCree and Dene language translations for theagreement, the overview as well as the questionand answer period. Meadow Lake First Nationmembers commented that they found themeetings both informative and interesting. Teammembers were rewarded for their efforts by theincreased interest and participation in thenegotiation process and the appreciationexpressed by First Nation members that theywere provided with the opportunity tocommunicate in their first language. This type ofconsultation format creates mutual respect andmust be continued to ensure open channels ofcommunications. There were a few people who

were apprehensive, but afterwards a deeperappreciation and understanding for thenegotiating efforts was voiced by the people ineach of these communities.

The First Nation members who were present wereassured that the meeting was the first of manymore visits by the Governance team. Theywanted to know the details of Self-governmentand are expecting change for the better. It wasgenerally felt that self-governance offers moreoptions for improving the economics andtherefore the quality of life on First Nations. Allcommunities expressed further interest inlearning more about the process and lookedforward to the next informational sessions. Teammembers reported an average of 40 peopleattended the meetings in each community.

Isidore Campbell in Birch Narrows during Q’s and A’s

Island Lake First Nation presentation of the Governance Agreement

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The eight First Nations within the Meadow LakeTribal Council each have a Community Coordinatorwho works to create awareness of the negotiationsand governance issues. One component of theirduties is to establish a governance committeeknown as a Constitution Development Committee.

The Committee will then work towards developing acommunity constitution. Some of the Committeeshave held community information sessions andconsultations. A number of concerns raised by thecommunity consultations pertain to:

• government structure; • lands; • passing laws; • delegation of law-making power; • choosing leaders; • accountability; and• citizenship and general items.

The first meeting of the New Year held in MeadowLake began with introductions and updates fromeach of the Community Coordinators. The eightcoordinators gave positive reports about theircommunity. Some reported difficulties with meetingwhile others had more progress due to communityinvolvement.

There are currently three positions that are in thegovernance section of the Meadow Lake TribalCouncil office, which was previously known as theGovernance Secretariat. Both Kevin Lewis and JeffMcCullam recently joined the Meadow Lake TribalCouncil. They have been introduced to thecoordinators as their new Communications andConsultations Team on Governance. The otherposition is held by Director of Governance, IsidoreCampbell.

Coordinators were given surveys so that theircommunities could participate in the MLTC politicalrenewal process. The main objective of the surveywas the future direction of the Meadow Lake TribalCouncil.

The survey results gathered had direct input into thefuture direction of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.QED consultant Doug Elliot, whose firm specializesin surveys and statistical analysis, presented thesurvey results at the March General Assembly inSaskatoon.

The coordinators were given an introduction to thenew plans for 2006-2007. This was a new directionwhich included a new logo and the new Open Housemethod of community consultation with acommunications strategy that will include inputfrom First Nation members. The coordinatorsapproved the new strategy.

The coordinators update their community on furtherconstitutional work and development through radioshows, school visits, informational meetings, andcontinued training initiatives such as Board Roomtraining.

A few Meadow Lake First Nation members traveledto the Banff Institute of Leadership to attend atraining session on “Self-Government and GoodGovernance”. The Coordinator Reports, throughoutthe year, are instrumental in keeping the negotiatingteam informed on committee activities.

Coordinator’s Meeting: Each of the MLFN has a communication coordinator.

Brenda, Gloria, Ruth listening to updates.

Community Coordinator Meetings and Updates

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The Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) began in1981 when the First Nations of the Meadow LakeDistrict united to form the Meadow Lake DistrictChiefs Joint Venture. Co-operation between theregion’s First Nations strengthened and in 1986the Meadow Lake District Chiefs becameofficially known as the Meadow Lake TribalCouncil. The eight First Nations that are currentlyinvolved in the Governance Agreement are:

- Birch Narrows Dene Nation- Canoe Lake Cree First Nation- Clearwater River Dene Nation- English River First Nation- Flying Dust First Nation- Island Lake First Nation- Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation - Waterhen Lake First Nation

Today MLTC is striving even further to promotepositive growth for the nine Meadow Lake FirstNations (MLFNs). MLFNs may pass laws in areaslike Education, Justice, Technical Programming,

and Business Development at their own paceand on their own time frame.

The health sector of MLTC has been supportingFirst Nations Health and Wellness programs fromthe beginning. Today these programs providevaluable, widespread healthcare services to allcommunities on a regular basis. MLTC is forevercommitted to the health of its member FirstNations.

The Meadow Lake Tribal Council has grown fromhumble beginnings into a major developer of thenine member communities. As an advocate forFirst Nations issues, MLTC has given a loudervoice to the Meadow Lake First Nations. Themain goal has always been to create Health,Community Wealth and Good Governance forthe communities that are represented innorthwest Saskatchewan. That vision is as strongtoday as it has ever been.

History of Negotiations

Status of Negotiations on the Governance AgreementMeadow Lake First Nations negotiation team havebeen meeting with the Federal and Provincial teamsto continue Governance negotiations. Thenegotiating parties alternate hosting the meetings atdifferent locations. Team members include leadnegotiators, lawyers and technicians working to bestrepresent the interests of their clients.

Members of the Meadow Lake First Nations ElderCouncil hold pipe ceremonies each morning toopen the proceedings adding historical and culturalsignificance to the negotiation process.

First Day proceedings usually start with the deliveryof the agendas which are set out ahead of time toallow the parties to prepare for discussions. Thetopics warrant lengthy discussions and debates buteach team strives to complete the agenda in atimely fashion. The teams also break several timesduring the negotiations to discuss issues in private.

When all parties are in agreement they move on tothe next section, chapter or subsection. When aproblem or concern arises, each team may break,hold or flag the item for future negotiations orinternal reviews. This process allows words to bedeleted, sentences to be questioned and sectionsto be deleted or added. Chiefs assist in the processthrough the Chief’s Advisory Board as well as beingpresent at the main table.

When all the delegates arrive, negotiations beginwhere they had left off the previous day. A numberof issues are discussed throughout this process. Ahistorical moment came for both the Canoe LakeNegotiations in Regina listening to Presentation.

Cree First Nation and the MLFNs, where they hostedthe main table negotiations in their community forthe first time. This signaled the first of many for theMLFNs.

The Meadow Lake First Nation negotiating teamconsisted of, Lead Negotiator, Irma Murdock;Director of Governance, Isidore Campbell; andLegal Counsel Jerome Slavik.

Talks continue throughout the usual three-daymeeting covering a number of items with differingpriorities on the daily agendas. The GovernanceAgreement is currently on Draft #13. The goal is tohave lands and resources with all interests takeninto account. It is important that EconomicDevelopment Initiatives are outlined andunderstood by everyone.

Another example is the Negotiation Table inMeadow Lake on March 8 – 10 where MLFNrepresentatives discussed Health Provisions withinthe Governance Agreement. It was an opportunityto have representatives travel to Meadow Lake towitness First Nation history in the making.

Saskatchewan representatives discussedAmendments to sections in Child and FamilyServices. The days were also filled with frustrations,compromise and arguments during the negotiationson Traditional Territories and Citizenship. TheTripartite Governance Agreement was also in itssecond draft.

In closing the Elders spoke in Cree taking advantageof an opportunity to voice their opinions on thenegotiations. They thanked everyone for invitingthem for consultations and expressed interest incontinued participation.

Lead Negotiator Irma Murdock and Director Isidore Campbell in Canoe Lake.

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Negotiations in Regina listening to Presentation.

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Constitutional Development Committee NewsThe most important issue in this line of work is toget the communities to accept their constitutionsand begin to take ownership of it. This wasalways the plan and today this resolve isbeginning to take shape.

The English River First Nation ConstitutionDevelopment Committee held a meeting in earlyJanuary to discuss issues relevant to theircommunity. Committee members were joined bya councillor and an Elder at the meeting. Agendatopics included:

• Community Communications; • The Governance Agreement; • Draft #3 of the English River

Constitution; • Referendum Strategies; • Youth Involvement; and • Constitutions.

The Committee planned to utilize posters and thelocal radio station as communication strategiesto generate interest and inform their communityof the committee’s efforts.

Constitution Development Involves theCommunity

The Flying Dust First Nation ConstitutionDevelopment Committee invited Director ofGovernance Isidore Campbell andCommunications and Consultations CoordinatorKevin Lewis to give an overview of theGovernance Agreement Draft #12 in early

February. Legal Counsel Trina Kondro was onhand to answer any questions put forward by theConstitution Development Committee. Ms.Kondro is a Solicitor with the Edmonton basedlaw firm of Akroyd, Piasta Roth & Day, LLP. Ms.Kondro has been assisting Meadow Lake FirstNations in developing their constitutions.

The evening meeting enabled many to attendafter work and was attended by communitymembers and Elders. This could be anotheroption for communities when developingcommunity interests.

One of the concerns raised regarded gaining FirstNation jurisdiction over young offenders underThe Corrections and Rehabilitation Act. Moreinformation was requested on fiscal relationshipand financial arrangements related to the risingcosts of expected population growth,Implementation Plans and Own Source Revenuewere also discussed in detail. Taxationjurisdiction focused discussion on economicdevelopments and opportunities.

These are two examples of the work being donein our communities and issues under discussion.Future newsletters will focus on other communityinitiatives.

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Elders Advisory Committee NewsDistrict Elders Council Meeting - Hosts KainaiElders

The District Elders Council of the Meadow Lake FirstNations came to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council fora two-day workshop on January 30 – 31, 2006. TheElders opened each day with a pipe ceremony.There were two elders representing each of the ninebands.

Day One began with an overview of the GovernanceAgreement in both the Cree and Dene languagesfollowed by a question and answer period. On DayTwo, Kainai Elders were invited to present andhighlight how their efforts with the Kainai LegislativeInitiative Elder Council have influenced the steps toeducate and ratify their agreements with theCanadian Government and the Province of Alberta.

Elder Andy Black Water spoke on how Elderscontinue to play a prominent role in our First Nationsocieties. He said, “There is no such thing asretirement for us. As we get older and gainexperience, we advance in status and we are inmore demand by our people. We need to work withour minds and with our hearts. Elders are in aposition of prediction and projection. We have a jobto do and we will do that job. We must continue thispath in order to survive.”

Elder Rosie Day Rider added that the involvement ofthe Elders includes taking care of ourselves asindividuals. Elder Day Rider shared remedies for

common sicknesses with medicine made fromplants. She stated, “We need to begin to learn howto take care of ourselves and take full responsibilityfor our actions and our future.”

The presence of the Kainai Elders was powerful andencouraging. Our own Elders recalled it was apractice of the past when Elders of other nationswould travel to share ideas, remedies andmedicines. We are beginning to see activities of ourpast resurface, which is on the right path to self-determination.

In the afternoon, First Nation Wellness Coordinator,Jan Cyr, of First Nation University of Canadapresented a workshop dealing with colonialbehaviour and First Nations. Ms. Cyr’s presentationfollowed the history of colonization to the presentday. The presentation was very informative onissues such as the negative affects of alcohol. Thepresentation outlined how feelings of inadequacydisappear when we begin to introduce our ownstructured governments and institutions.

The two-day workshop was a success with theElders giving positive comments. The Kainai Eldersfelt welcomed and had a wonderful time sharingtheir experiences with the Meadow Lake FirstNations Elders. It was hard to see the Elders leavethe Meadow Lake Tribal Council building to returnhome because of the warmth they shared with theirpresence.

Jan Cyr is a First Nations Wellness Coordinator, forthe First Nations University of Canada, at the ReginaCampus. Jan provides personal support services toall staff and students. This includes, referralservices to various community agencies, facilitatingworkshops that relate to wellness and increasingself-esteem.

Elder Rosie Day Rider and Elder Andy Black Water Jan Cyr

Ms. Cyr was invited by the Meadow Lake TribalCouncil to present a workshop, titled "LateralViolence", which talks about why ourcommunities are the way they are, based onColonialism and Residential Schools. It's facilitatedin a way that is not looked at in blame or anger, butin terms of how to re-empower ourselves. If we canre-empower ourselves first, then we can help ourfamilies, then our communities.

Please inform any of your family members orrelatives who are attending any of our campuses inRegina, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon, that they canmake an appointment to meet with Ms. Cyr if theyneed some support during their time at ourUniversity.

Elders’ Meeting in Island Lake

On March 11, 2006, Coordinator DexterCrookedneck invited Kevin Lewis out to meet withthe Elders of Island Lake First Nation. There wereten local Elders present and the entire meeting was

presented in Cree. Concerns of poverty were raisedand that ways of getting our people into a betterstate need to be researched and developed.

Traditional ways are very important to the Eldersand these teachings need to be taught to FirstNations members of all ages. The Elders started tobrainstorm ideas to give direction to the people thatwere working in these areas such as the Justiceworker and the Self-government workers. They alsoemphasized that the leadership need to also givethis process serious consideration.

Traditional Territories was also discussed and it wasinteresting to see that the Elders present remindedeach other of areas people hunted, trapped, pickedberries, fished and so on. Sacred sites were also aconcern and that there were many in the BronsonForest that people are aware of. The Elders reallyfelt a sense of belonging due to the fact that theCoordinator and Justice Worker were seeking themfor advice and direction. This was said to be goodpractice.

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Meadow Lake First Nationrepresentatives includingIsidore Campbell andKevin Lewis attended anOpen House in lateDecember on the BloodTribe First Nation locatednear the community ofStandoff in southernAlberta. The purpose ofthe Open House was toprovide members of theBlood Tribe First Nationwith information on theBlood Tribe GovernanceAgreement.

Tribal representativeswere on hand to explaindevelopments in thenegotiations with theCanadian Governmentand the Province ofAlberta with respect toregaining jurisdictionover child and familymatters. The Kainai Legislation Initiative isfocused on research, development andpreparation for the implementation of their FinalAgreement.

They had information displays for thoseinterested in the process. The presentations

began with the traditional welcome of the Elders.Presentations were given by lead negotiators,technicians and Elders speaking about therelevant issues. The Kainai Legislation Initiativehas developed effective consultation strategiesthat the Meadow Lake Tribal Council Governanceteam hopes to adopt.

Meadow Lake First Nations is developing an OpenHouse concept based on a successful modelused by the Kainai Legislative Initiative for thepurpose of informing First Nation members aboutthe governance process and issues. The straightforward style delivers information at thegrassroots level. First Nation members can visit atinformational tables set up at an Open Housewhere they can ask questions or voice theirconcerns about governance negotiations or othertopics.

A documentary is also being developed in boththe Cree and Dene languages to aid in theprocess of distributing information to clarifyconcerns on related issues.

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Future Initiatives: Open House Style Community Consultations Coming

Meadow Lake First Nations Governance Office8003 Flying Dust First NationsMeadow Lake, SK S9X 1T8

Phone: (306) 236-5654Toll Free: 1-800-TBAFax: (306) 236-6301

Email: self.government@mltc.netwww.mltc.net

March 2006

MLFN Bands in North Western Saskatchewan

MLFN Bands