Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw

“to tell a story”

Shuswap People of the North

February 2012 - Pelltsipwenten (Cache Pit Month)

Lexey’em

Inside This IssueNStQ Treaty News p. 2 T’exelc Treaty News p. 3

Xats’ull Treaty News p. 4 Stswecem’c Xgat’tem Treaty News p.5

Ts’qescen’Treaty News p. 6

Northern Shuswap Tribal Council p. 7

Canim Lake Community News p. 8

SXFN Community News p.9

BC First Nation News p. 10 Around Secwepemc7ulecw p. 11

First Nation New p.12

Welcome Elders, council, staff, community members and honoured guests, Minister and dignataries. Welcome to T’exelc Traditional Territory.

It is an honour to be here today to share with you the signing of an agreement between Mt Polley and the Williams Lake Indian Band (WLIB).

This is a special day for WLIB and it’s members. We have reached an agreement with Mt Polley Mining Corp which recognizes that we have Title and Rights in the area in which the mine operates. This agreement contains benefits for our community in the areas of education, economic development and environmental management.

This agreement is a statement to Industry that if you work with and respect First Nations in whose Territory you want to operate in, it can be beneficial to work together.

Industry must recognize the land is our economic base and ‘the land’ must be fully respected. Without land and water protection no one can survive. In this day and age money is important however this alone will not sustain us. First Nations have shown we can survive off the Land and that is what our forefathers worked so hard for.

By Joel Benoit, Communications Coordinator

The Mount Polley Participation Agreement was formalized today at a ‘Signing Ceremony’ held at Sugar Cane. Williams Lake Indian Band (WLIB) chief Ann Louie and president of Imperial Metals Corporation, Brian Kynoch signed the agreement.

Through this agreement WLIB has secured its traditional land entitlements for economic growth and environmental preservation and a strong working relationship with Imperial Metals.

Chief Ann Louie clearly sent a message that First Nations are not opposed to economic development. ‘Employment opportunities and environmental preservation of land and water should be taken with equal priority. This agreement has taken many years to achieve in order to respect our traditional territory with the life of the mine’ stated Chief Ann.

Imperial Mining is noted for its practices in environmental management with the company’s president, Brian Kynoch, receiving the 2007 E.A.

Scholz Medal for outstanding contribution to the development and sustainability of mines in British Columbia and work of the late Mt. Polley Environmental Superintendent, Ron Martel.

President Kynoch announced the economic improvements for the Band and the city of Williams Lake, providing employment for community members and exercising their right to protect the quality of their land through this agreement.

BC Minister of Forest Lands and Resource Operations, Steve Thompson, addressed the important role of the Band in mining and moving forward with the agreement backed by the strong support of the provincial government.

Guests included BC Minister of Community, Sport & Cultural Development Ida Chong; Mayor Kerry Cook, Williams Lake; Donna Barnett, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA; Bob Simpson, Cariboo North MLA; Pat Bell, Prince George Mackenzie MLA and Dave Porter, First Nations Summit.

Williams Lake Indian Band signs Agreement with Mount Polley

[l-r] Holding the gift presented to the WLIB Brian Kynoch, President of Imperial Metal Corporation, Councillor Richard Sellars, Councillor Jo-Anne Moiese, Councillor Heather McKenzie, Councillor Robin Gilbert, Chief Ann Louie and Councillor Vern Michel.

It is our belief at this time that we are the first to reach an agreement between an active mine and the First Nation whose traditional territory it operates in. We commend Mt. Polley for addressing issues in relation to Aboriginal title and rights. We are hopeful that we continue to work collaboratively for the life of the mine.

It is our hope this agreement will set the stage for anyone wishing to do business on our lands.

I want to thank the staff of both parties who worked so diligently to achieve this agreement.

Chief Ann Louie - ‘This is a ‘special day’ for Williams Lake Indian Band’photo - Brian Kynoch & Chief Ann Louie

WLIB members do an Honour Song in celebra-tion of the agreemnt being signed

February 2012 p.2

Principal Negotiator’s Report NStQ Treaty News

Leadership Council Report“Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw” (NStQ) refers to the lands, people and communities of Canim Lake Band, Soda Creek Band, Williams Lake Band and the Stswecem’c-Xgat’tem First Nation. The “NStQ Leadership Council” (NStQLC) refers to the combined community councils of each of the four communities (total of 22 members) who meet monthly to guide the treaty process and to address items and issues of common concern. A Terms of Reference endorsed by the NStQLC, guides the process.

Government-to-Government Agreement

We have commenced discussions with the province regarding the government-to-government agreement. The initial discussions were to establish the structure of the negotiations, the communication structure, and a very clear statement that NStQ did not view this as merely a consultation agreement.

It was clearly stated that the only line of communications would be at the negotiation table and not through the individual First Nations or their natural resource office.

We emphasized that the days of dividing the communities was over and that if they attempted any nonsense the Chiefs would be meeting with their Minister and that negotiations would end. During discussions regarding the terms of reference that province did try to limit the scope of the negotiations but NStQ did not agree to this limitation.

It is hoped that these negotiations might result in a meaningful cooperative management relationship with the province within the Territory. Our next meeting will bring together the two parties concepts for the Terms of reference and commence the negotiations.

The Negotiations

The negotiations were conducted for both days in Williams Lake and were attended by the provincial chief negotiator, Roger Graham who has recently returned from a 6-month leave of absence. He reported to the table that given the amount of work to be completed by the province that we could expect a new and improved land and cash offer in September.

He has committed to working cooperatively with NStQ in the development of the offer to the extent that he is allowed given his instructions from the provincial cabinet. He stated that he was very much aware that the previous offer did not meet the expectations of the NStQ and that he would do everything in his power to try and meet those expectations this time around.

He also reported that the province was once again reorganizing their negotiation teams but it was his hope that he would be able to retain the NStQ table, as we were so close to completion of the agreement in principle. We made it very clear that these negotiations rely upon relationships and that it took years to establish a good working relationship. Any change would be expensive and time consuming to the NStQ.

During the negotiations we concluded quite a few substantial issues in several chapters and committed to the completion of several more prior to the next meeting in February. We also reestablished our communications committee and asked them to develop a complete set of chapter descriptions for the membership. They are to report back at the next negotiations.

We also had excellent discussions regarding Treaty Related Measures (TRMs) for the next year. The federal representative reported that NStQ had done a very good job on all of their TRMs in the past, had completed their reporting to a very high standard and as a result were viewed as a good organization to prioritize for future TRMs.

Mission Onward Ranch Option

The Federal negotiator stated that appraisals were nearing completion and once complete she would commence negotiations with the current owners. Ms. Partel has agreed to report monthly on her progress, more frequently if needed

Next Meeting

We will be meeting in Williams Lake on February 27, 28 29 and March 1. The first day or 2 will be a negotiation of the government to government agreement and treaty will commence the next day.

Local Education Agreements(LEA) Update

A Briefing Note was provided by Cindy Charleyboy, Education Coordinator for Xat’súll, updating the leadership council on discussions with NStQ communities regarding the potential for a joint LEA.

The last LEA expired as of June of 2011, included Williams Lake Indian Band, Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, Esk’etemc First Nation and Soda Creek Indian Band with Williams Lake School District #27.

Williams Lake Indian Band has signed a one year extension and Soda Creek has requested more time from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) to negotiate.

Several recommendations were made on the Briefing Note and will be followed up by the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council.

NStQ Framework Memorandum of Understanding MOU

The second draft of an NStQ MOU was directed to the community councils for further discussion and recommendations.

The Framework of the proposed NStQ Framwork MOU among the four NStQ communities is taking shape.

Indian Residential School (IRS) Commemoration Project

An IRS` commemoration project reflecting the impact of residential schools on First Nations is being proposed by Esketemc First Nation in partnership with the City of Williams Lake.

The NStQ leadership is concerned that the First Nations impacted most greatly by the residential school which was located in the T’exelc

stewardship area, have not been consulted on the proposed plans.

It is recognized that residential schools have largely contributed to the decline of language and culture for the NStQ membership.

The NStQ leadership will be exploring the best options for a commemoration project that will respectfully represent the impacts and legacy of the residential schools while honouring the survivors and memory of those lost to the residential schools.

The Commemoration Project supports regional and national activities to educate, memorialize and/or pay tribute to former Indian Residential School (IRS) students, their families and their communities.

Twenty millions dollars have been identified for funding to be disbursed over two fiscal years: $10 million for 2012/13 and 2013/14.

A call for proposals for 2011-12 is posted on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) website with a closing date of March 18, 2011.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada is working with the TRC in reviewing applications and selecting organizations, the next step being developing contribution agreements.

February 2012 p.3 T’exelc Treaty News

By Kirk Dressler, WLIB Communications

On January 24th, 2012, Prime Minister Harper announced that 18 Bands from across Canada had been selected to move forward with the next round of additions under the First Nations Land Management Initiative (FNLMI). Eight of the 18 First Nations, came from BC, and Williams Lake Indian Band was one of those.

The FNLMI enables participating First Nations to opt out of the 34 land-related sections of the Indian Act and to develop their own land codes to govern their lands and resources. Under the FNLMA, all administration of land is transferred to the First Nation, including the authority to enact laws with respect to land, the environment and resources (except oil and gas, uranium and radioactive minerals, fisheries, endangered species and migratory birds).

The FNLMI was initiated by a group of First Nation Chiefs who had a vision of a government-to-government arrangement with Canada that would enable signatory First Nations to opt out of parts of the Indian Act in order to assume jurisdiction over their reserve lands and respond to economic development opportunities for their communities at the speed of business.

The resulting Framework Agreement was signed by the Federal Government and 14 First Nations in 1996, with the First Nations Land Management Act receiving Royal Assent in 1999. Since that time, the signatories to the Framework Agreement has grown from the original group of 14 to a total of 58 First Nations. Of these, 37 have ratified their own land codes and two of these communities have included their land codes under broader self-government arrangements with Canada.

The Indian Act is a slow inefficient process when it comes to anything to do with ‘reserve’ lands. Before lands can be developed, for instance, they have to be designated. This requires an elaborate and bureaucratic process that almost always requires two referenda.

Typically the process takes a year or more to complete, and there are inevitably numerous twists and turns along the way. And then once the land is designated, First Nations have to go through INAC’s leasing process, and adhere to their requirements for environmental and other assessments.

These additional steps add months or even years to the process of utilizing lands for economic development or other purposes. The Indian Act system does not reflect the needs or desires of communities, either. There is minimal room for creativity and First Nations input into leases or other instruments is very limited. Even if a community fully supports an initiative, INAC has the ability to prevent the project from proceeding.

Williams Lake Indian Band To Take Over Land Management from AANDC

The FNLMI puts the decision making authority precisely where it should be: in the First Nations Community.

First Nations within the FNLMI are required to go through a community process and develop a “land code”, which is really a form of Constitution regarding lands management. The Land Code must be ratified by the Community, and once it is ratified it becomes law.

The Band Council is bound by this Code, and by the accountability and other provisions

contained within the Code. The best part is that INAC no longer has control over any of the processes, as the FNLMI agreement takes the processes outside of the Indian Act.

The FNLMI gives a First Nation authority to develop other laws,

as well, regarding lands related matters such as environmental protection, preservation of resources and a broad variety of other topics. These laws can be tailored to meet the needs and desires of the community. There is far greater room for creativity and ingenuity.

Eighty First Nations were waiting to be added to the FNLMI. The fact that WLIB was one of the eighteen selected speaks volumes about WLIB’s capacity and the recognition it is now receiving for its accomplishments.

The Community should certainly be proud that WLIB was selected! The next few years will be exciting as we move forward with this new form of self-governance over lands management.

If you have any questions about FNLMI or other issues, please contact your WLIB Team at (250) 296-3507 or:

Chris Wycotte, Treaty Manager: chris.wycotte@williamslakeband.ca

Charlotte Gilbert, Self-Government Coordinator: charlotte.gilbert@williamslakeband.ca

Kirk Dressler, Treaty Communications Coordinator: kirk.dressler@williamslakeband.ca

[Editor’s note: The announcement on Williams Lake Indian Band being selected for the First Nations Land Management Initiative will provide the other three NStQ communities a good look at what the ‘Managment of NStQ Lands’ could be under a treaty.

An NStQ treaty will remove the NStQ communities from under the Indian Act altogether. A treaty will place the majority of the decision making around governance, lands. natural resources and financial management totally in the hands of the First Nations. There will still be some areas where the decision making will be done in partnership with British Columbia or Canada, and the NStQ will have an equal voice in those decisions.]

Job PostingNorthern Shuswap Tribal Council is seeking to fill a position in its treaty department.

Executive Assistant to Treaty Team Coordinator

Job Summary- The Executive Assistant contributes to the overall success of the organization by effectively carrying out administrative and executive support func-tions for the Treaty Team Coordinator. This position focuses on providing effective, professional, and timely assistance and solutions to administrative needs and re-quirements.

Skills and Abilities- The ideal candidate will be confident and have excellent communication skills and strong people skills. You must be proficient in the knowledge, use and experience of computers and computer programs and functions. You must have strong administrative, organizational skills and the ability to self-regulate and meet deadlines while keeping attention to detail. The ability to recognize and respect all cultural diversity and understand Aboriginal culture will be considered an asset.

Qualifications & Experience- Three to five years administrative, coordination and executive support experience. A related diploma or certificate is a definite asset.

Working Conditions- Some travel is required. The ideal candidate will have and maintain a valid BC Driver’s Licence and a vehicle in good working condition with appropriate vehicle insurance to meet program needs.

Pay Grade 5: $17.75 - $21.83

For a complete job description and application package contact:

Bonnie Slack, NSTC Operations Coordinator 17 First Avenue South Williams Lake, BC V2G 1H4

b.slack@nstq.org

(250) 392-7361, ext.200 or 1-888-392-7361

Application Deadline: March 2, 2012 at 4:00 pm

Applications will be accepted by post, email, hand delivery or by fax (250)392-6158.

Please provide a cover letter with salary expectations and availability.

**NOTE** Applications received after 4 PM on March 2, 2012 will not be considered. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Coyote Rock Golf Course is one of the WLIB’s businesses to date. Similar business ventures for WLIB will happen more quickly and efficiently in the future under the FNLMI.

Xats’ull Treaty News February 2012 p.4

A New Community Hall for Xat’sūll—Dare to Dream?By Cliff Thorstensen

Many of you have enjoyed the aging ambiance of the Deep Creek Community Hall-- the industrial metal clad exterior, the sticking entrance door, the rough plywood walls, the dangerously spongy floor (especially over near the blackboard), the rustic unisex washroom and the demonic sounds eminating from the prehistoric furnace.

Well, if current plans go ahead, the old Hall’s days as the focal point of Soda Creek Band activities may be numbered. By plans, I mean plans to build a new Community Hall and gymnasium. And by current, I mean an idea that has been around for a couple of decades.

When I first started working for the Soda Creek Indian Band in 2002, the community already had a set of draft floor plans for a gymnasium and a geotechnical report for the site between the existing hall and the “Health Trailer”—now the Natural Resources office. But apart from a huge jar of pennies on the counter in the Treaty Office, no real funds were set aside for a new hall. The existing hall had been partly converted into a workshop and there was a reluctance to use it for meetings—the thinking of some being that if the building were “condemned” INAC would come to the rescue with funds for a new hall.

Unfortunately, since 2002 (and even before that) INAC—now AANDC—has not funded community halls, regardless of whether a Band’s current building is condemned or not. They would fund a gym attached to a school, but Xat’sull does not have a school, and the maximum AANDC contribution of $220,000 was (and is) nowhere near enough to build a new Community Hall.

So, in 2002, the old hall was re-conscripted into service as a gathering place. The workshop materials were removed, the rafters were closed in, appliances were purchased for the kitchen, the floor was “fixed” and the interior was painted. The result: a once-again serviceable but not so majestic place to meet, laugh, sing, argue, dance, mourn, celebrate and remember.

Gilbert Sellars Sr. remembers when the old hall first went up at Deep Creek. It had been an airport building out at the Puntzi Air Strip, a US military base built in the 1950s. The Puntzi site and its buildings were eventually turned over to the Canadian Government, who shut down the base and dismantled the buildings in the late 1960’s.

According to Gilbert, half of one of the airport buildings went to a Tsilhqot’in community, and the other half came to Deep Creek where he, Harry Porter, Leonard Sam and others re-assembled it. Sort of the ultimate Ikea experience, but without the instructions.

“40 million one inch bolts in that thing” says Gilbert, “or at least it seemed that many”.

Pretty well everyone has a tale to tell about the old Band Hall. Lots of dances and parties back in

the day, some of them apparently quite the rip-snorters. Oh, if those walls could talk...

Fast forward to 2010. Careful financial stewardship (some would say hoarding) by Finance Manager, Dawn Armes, backed up by ever-financially-vigilant Band Administrator, Rhonda Phillips, coupled with some expected resource revenue over the next few years, has put Xat’sull in a pretty strong financial position. Community members are once again “daring to dream” of a new Community Hall.

Given the go-ahead by Council and the endorsement of the Family Steering Committee, we commissioned some preliminary design drawings for a new facility. We are now in the process of getting professional estimates of capital and operating costs. AANDC is funding a land use plan for the area around the existing Band offices. Once we have all the numbers together, we will take the options to Council and the community for further direction.

Maybe this is one dream that will become a reality.

[Editor’s Note - The NStQ Leadership was looking well into the future for its members when they made a decision to enter the BC Treaty Process.

It is not to say that the Leadership and each of the four NStQ communities have only started moving forward since entering the process. The four Bands have always strived to provide better services for its members and that includes providing the facilities that will enhance the delivery of those services.

Soda Creek Band has done just that with the construction of a beautiful Band office and a Health Centre, now they are working on taking their dream of a new Community Hall as a step towards creating a feeling of greater pride in the community.]

The Lexey’em is brought to you by the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and The Williams Lake Tribune

Publisher: Lisa Bowering, The Williams LakeTribuneEditor: Agness Jack, NSTC

Advertising: The Tribune

Lexey’em is an independent community newspaper, published monthly, by the Wil-liams lake Tribune and the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council.

The circulation is 1,500, and it is distributed to the NStQ members through the community treaty offices, Three Corners Health Services Society, The Knucwentwec Child and Family Services Society, and it is mailed out to the NStQ members throughout B.C. and North America.

You can also find it at the Sugar Cane Pe-troleum Ltd., the Cariboo Friendship Society, the Williams Lake Public Library, and through other First Nation organizations.

It is also available by e-mail to NStQ mem-bers, by sending e-mail information to a.jack@nstq.org.

Archival Photo - a Secwepemc Winter Home or a Pit House, was used by our ancestors from November, Pellc7ellcw7ullcwten, Entering Month to about March, Pellsqpts, Chinook Wind month

February 2012 p.5

Meeting Schedule NStQ Negotiations 2012February 28 & 29, March 1 February 29 - Canoe Creek

March 27 – 29, March 28 – Deep Creek

April 25 & 26, Kamloops

May 29 - 31, Victoria

June 26 - 28, Vancouver (tentative)

NStQ Leadership - 2012March 7 & 8

April 4 & 5

First Nations Summit & Chief Negotiators MeetingsFebruary 29 - March 2, First Nations Summit

Squamish - Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 1000 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver

June 6 – 8, First Nations Summit

Squamish - Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 1000 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver

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Ads

by Heather Camille, GovernanceTrainee

The Stswecem’c Xgat’tem has joined forces with TRUE Consulting (TRUE), TRUE will be starting the Water Availability Study. This study, which is part of an NStQ TRM, will be to determine the availability of fresh-water within or adjacent to the communities of Dog Creek and Canoe Creek. The community of Canim Lake is also part of this Treaty Related Measure (TRM)

TRUE will work in partnership with two sub-consul-tants, Polar Geoscience Ltd. And who will provide their expertise to complete this project in an efficient and timely manner. TRUE Consulting has provided engineering and planning consulting services to First Nations Communities, Municipal, Regional District, Provincial, and private sector clients in the central and southern interior of British Columbia since 1986.

Polar Geoscience Ltd. is an independent consulting firm based in Squamish, BC this firm has over 25 years of consulting experience serving both public and private sector clients. Since Polar Geoscience Ltd. has been established in 2004, they have successfully completed over 150 projects.

Western Water (WWAL) is a company based in the Okanagan and provides hydrogeology services to engineering firms, local and provincial government, First Nations, industry, water utilities, and the land development sector. Some of their expertise lay in groundwater supply development and management, source water assessment and protection, sewage dis-posal to ground, storm water management planning and geothermal well field design.

The project will review relevant and available cen-tral and southern interior BC water data; conduct a preliminary investigation of water needs for Dog Creek and Canoe Creek communities for domestic, agricultural and commercial purposes; and propose alternative management systems that will focus on Dog Creek and Canoe Creek water priorities.

The study will consist of detailed research of available water flow within or adjacent to the Communities; collecting background data on groundwater within or adjacent to Dog Creek and Canoe Creek areas of interest. There will also be research and review of existing water management systems and make recommendations for an appropriate model.

This Water Availability Study is to be completed by March 31st, 2012.

Stswecem’c Xgat’tem Treaty NewsDog Creek and Canoe Creek Water Availability Study

PhotosTop: Water pump at Dog Creek which is used to pump ground water to the main reservoir.Middle: Tske7 is an old village which had to have ditches dug to provide water Bottom: Gustafsen Lake is a man made lake, created by the members to provide water year round for Dog Creek.

[editor’s note: NStQ’s Water Chapter which is currently being negotiated is about water resources throughout the NStQ territory. Water plays an important role in the lives of the Secwepemc so much so that in the past the Secwepemc protected their territory from neighbouring tribes in order that they may continue to enjoy all that ‘Secwepemc7ulecw‘ has to offer.

The rivers, lakes and creeks within the territory offer various species of fish which are equally important to the Secwepemc. The water ways were also important as a means of travel to hunting, fishing, gathering and to the summer camps.

Water, in its natural state sustains all of life and that sustainability, with the importance of the fish resources, is one that the NStQ would like to maintain well into the future, that is the reason for the ‘NStQ Water Chapter’.]

February 2012 p.6Tsq’escen’ Treaty News

Every year in December the Tsq’escen Treaty Department hosts an Elders Breakfast and Open House for our community members. This was held on Friday, December 9, 2011.

At the breakfast the Canim Lake Band staff are invited to the breakfast for the price of a gift for our Elders.

Throughout the day we host a ‘Treaty Open House’ for our community members to get an update on Treaty.

This year we focused the open house displays on the ‘Capacity Initiatives’ and the ‘Preservation of Historical Data Project’.

In the Preservation of Historical Data Project we are transferring all of our audio tapes, video tapes, mylar maps and other related information into a digital format.

Once the transfers are complete th digital data will be stored off site, for safety purposes, in order to ensure our future generations will have access to this valuable information.

2011 Canim Lake Elders Treaty Breakfast & Open House

Tsq’escen’ Elders Hazel Gilbert and Florence Thomas at the Breakfast

(l - r) Reni Theodore, Rebecca Thomas, Elder - Florence Thomas and Jackie McAbee, CLIB Finance Officer at the Open House

February 2012 p.7

Northern Shuswap Tribal Council The NSTC Housing Alliance- working together on community housing challenges, needs & concerns and sharing ‘best practicesby Agness Jack, Communication Assistant

The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council member Bands formed a Housing Alliance back in September, 2005. This Alliance is the only Band Housing Alliance in Canada, dealing specifically with ‘housing issues’.

The housing managers and coordinators from the communities of Canim Lake, Soda Creek, Williams Lake and Canoe/Dog Creek are members of this Housing Alliance. Through the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council, Marg Casey provides administrative support and Yvonne Smith, NSTC Executive Director provides ‘advisory services to the Housing Alliance which meets monthly at the NSTC offices on First Avenue in Williams Lake

The reason for forming this alliance was partly due to the fact that the member Bands are negotiating a treaty. This Alliance is one of the ways in which the four communities have agreed to work together on common areas that affect all four communities.

The Housing Alliance members are: Canim Lake Indian Band – Norma Theodore-Archie; Housing Manager; for Soda Creek Indian Band, Marnie Sellars and Brandi Phillips; for Williams Lake Indian Band , Janine Alphonse, Housing Manager and Holly Wycotte, Housing Coordinator; and for Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, Ken Heidema, Planner and Dean Tenale, Housing Coordinator.

Marnie is one of the longest standing members on the Alliance and was involved in the initial development of the NSTC Housing Policy.

‘Housing’ or shelter is one of the human population’s four basic needs, the others are food, clothing and safety. The Housing Alliance understands that available housing in the NStQ communities is a priority and a means towards greater pride and security for the members.

The NStQ communities also formed this alliance in order to work together on the challenges, needs and concerns of not only the Band administration, around housing, but also to provide for their community members and to address any concerns. It is also an opportunity to share best practices.

The Housing Policy which was adopted last year in each community by the respective Band councils has a number of chapters with the following headings: 1. Administration or Governance; 2. Subsidized and Band Owned Rental Housing; 3. On-Reserve Loan Insurance with Ministerial Guarantee and Privately Owned Housing; 4. Renovations and Additions; 5. General Policies; 6. Individual Band Policies; 7. Policies in Progress, and an Appendices that includes forms and CMHC Housing information.

The Housing Policy is a ‘living document’ meaning that changes, if agreed upon by Band Council can be made in order to meet the needs of the membership. Housing is one of the areas covered by each Band at their respective Annual General Assemblies.

Under Administration/Governance you will find Mandates, Purpose, Definitions, Application of Housing Policies, Scope of Housing Policies and Roles and Responsibilities. (This section will be featured in the next issue of Lexey’em)

Under Subsidized and Band Owned Rental Housing there are 25 sub headings: Housing Application, Eligibility, Client Selection, Construction, Residential tenancy Agreement, Rental Rates, Rent Increases, Inspections,

Services, Looks, Housing Department’s Entry into Rental Units, Damage/Vandalism, Payment of Rent, Non-Payment of Rent, Reschedule of Rent Payments, Historical Rental Arrears Repayment, End of Tenancy, Insurance, Maintenance/Yard Upkeep, Maintenance/Yard Upkeep Rent to Own, Renovations, Abandoned Houses, Ownership Retention, Ownership Transfer and Survivorship.

Under On-Reserve Loan Insurance with Ministerial Guarantee and Privately Owned Housing are the following sub headings: Home Ownership, Application to Build, Land, Eligibility, New Home Owner Selection, Construction, Inspections, Building Codes, Financing, Mortgage Default, Subsidy Funds, Privately Owned Rental Homes, Survivorship, Transfer of Ownership, Maintenance and Yard Upkeep, Insurance, Pets and Noise.

Under Renovations and Additions there are six sub headings: Application, Eligibility, Selection, Inspections, Funding Financing and Building Costs.

Under General Policies: Appeals, Sanitation, Discrimination, Confidentiality, Ethics, Record Keeping, Ratification and Policy Amendment.

Under Individual Band Policies: Damage Deposit, Subletting and Maintenance Fee.

And under Policies in Progress are Permits, Sweat Equity and Other.

Other than overseeing the housing section of each community the committee discuss training needs in the area of housing, such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, maintenance. The communities also

offer basic maintenance for the community members.

At each of the communities, the housing staff work closely with Social Development, Health and administration, as well as with the chief and council in the delivery of housing programs and services to the members living in the communities.

If you wish to see a copy of the Housing Policy for your community drop by your Band office and speak with the Housing Manager or Coordinator.

In the next issue of Lexey’em, there will be a story highlighting some ‘housing successes’ in each community., as well as the MOU with CMHC.

NSTC Housing Alliance[l - r] Delair Ignatius, Ken Heidema & Dean tenale - Sts-wecemc Xgat’tem First Nation; Brandi Phillips, Soda creek Indian Band & Norma Theodore Archie, Canim Lake Indian Band. (missing from photo is Janine Alphonse, the NSTC Housing Alliance Chair)

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February 2012 p.8Canim Lake Community News

A Fictional Story: Joe - Coming HomeBy Elizabeth Pete, Tsq’escen’ Treaty Manager

Joe thought about the twenty-four years of his life, and it felt like it (he) was going nowhere. School was in the distant past and his last job was fighting fire, and now the money had run out. His mom had gone on with her life in a dif-ferent community.

He was on his own and home was at the house of whichever relative allowed him to use the couch, and with the meals, it was the same. The days flowed into each other and became monot-onous weeks, months… When he looked around at his cousins and friends, it was much the same.

This last couple of days, he had spent in a spare room of his Grand-father from his mother’s side, who had health issues and whose eye-sight was failing him. He felt awk-ward even attempting to speak to the old man as he wasn’t sure what they had in common other than their being grandfather and grand-son. After all, he had grown up elsewhere.

He was even less sure about the family gathering that was going to take place at an aunt’s place which could accommodate more people. But, hey, there was going to be food, and others to talk to.

The day of the gathering and a feast came and while the food was plenty and good, he had had to wait for the prayers and speeches to be done. It was indeed different. He suspected some of the talk (in the language he didn’t understand) was about him, as he was invited to stay and meet with the older relatives afterwards.

In a room of six elders, his grandfather, Old John began to speak. He reminisced about his life out on the land and it was obvious how he missed those times. The others occasionally added their own thoughts. After sometime, Aunt Elsie, who had been closest to his mother, directly ad-dressed Joe.

“Your uncle Mike is going out to the cabin for a few days and he is inviting you to go with him. I will get some things ready for you.” Joe wasn’t sure he had heard this right. He was being sent out onto the land and the decision was already made. He didn’t seem to have any say.

As they drove in uncle Mike’s old pick-up truck on an old gravel road, his uncle pointed out places on the land, ‘where he had shot a moose’, ‘where he had fished in winter’, ‘where they had camped’, and so on. Joe listened absently, as he did not know the people that were mentioned.

He only knew about the lands where he had been part of a fire crew, and was vaguely aware of any cultural uses. He had not known his father as he had left when he was a toddler; something his mother had not talked about.

Eventually they got to a small clearing, and he was told the rest of the way to the cabin would be another twenty minutes on foot. Along the way, Uncle Mike informed him that this was learning time for Joe, as well as time for small repairs on the cabin.

The cabin was built of logs and had been there as long as Uncle Mike could remember. It was a

one room structure with a wood stove for cook-ing and for providing warmth.

There were two handmade cots of two-by-fours with old mattresses and an assortment of hand-made blankets. Inside the oven, there was an assortment of small pots, a fry pan, a few dishes, utensils, metal cups, a coffee/teapot of sorts and a few cans of food (soup).

In a box along one wall, there were oil lamps, an old lidded coffee can containing a bit of coffee, bagged sugar and teabags, a hatchet, and odds and ends of wire. The table was made of boards as were the two short benches. There was one dusty four-pane window through which a lake-shore was visible. And was that an outhouse?

On the outside of the cabin front entrance, a small covered porch had been built. Nails had been hammered into the wall as places to hang things. He was told to hang his coat on one of these. Wood had been piled up on one end of the porch.

He would be helping Uncle Mike with roof repairs – replacing a few of the cedar pieces. Another task would be to cut more firewood and stock it away from the cabin – safety reasons, he was told.

Under Uncle Mike’s direction, he got busy and removed everything from the oven and into the ‘cupboard’, a wooden plank nailed onto the wall. The pots, he hung on nails on the wall close to the stove, while Uncle got down to the business of building a fire in the stove.

Tonight, he was informed, he would fry the bread (dry ingredients from Aunt Elsie), and Uncle Mike would fish from the old log (the wharf) on the lakeshore.

Uncle wasn’t sure if he could coax the old bat-tery-operated radio to work, and it looked like it was going to be a long night, or rather, a series of long nights. Tomorrow, the land lessons would begin.

[To be continued – in the next issue]

Lake on the left is within the Canim Lake Band tradtional territory

To have your information included, see the ‘contact’ person for your community, see the list below.

Northern Shuswap Tribal Council Marg Casey, Contact person Ph: 250-392-7361, Ext, 206 Fax: 250-392-6158 Canim Lake (Tsq’escen’) Jesse Archie Ph: 250-397-2227 Fax: 250-397-2769 E-mail: employmentcoord@canimlakeband.com

Stswecem’c Xat’tem First Nation Loni Fastlin Ph: 250-440-5645 Fax: 250-440-5679 E-mail: fawcanoe@midbc.com

Soda Creek (Xats’ull) Roxanne Stobie Ph: 250-989-2323 Fax: 250-989-2300 E-mail: r.stobie@xatsull.com

Williams Lake (T’exelc) Shawna Philbrick Ph: 250-296-3507 Fax: 250-296-4750 E-mail: shawnaphilbric@williamslakeband.ca

The Citizen Data Base will assist in areas such as planning for funding needs for Citizen training & education programs.

The NStQ Citizen Data Base is up & running. The NSTC would like your current information.

NStQ Citizen Data Base

Stswecem’c Xgattem Community News February 2012 p.9

The “New Prosperity Project”

To ALL Members of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation

You Are Invted to Attend a Gathering for Community Strategic Planning 2012

To look at - Where we were, Where we are & Where we will be

LOOK SEE CONTRIBUTE

Friday Evening, March 30 & All Day Saturday, March 31

Dog Creek Community Centre

Charter Bus Service AvailableRSVP to the Band Office a.s.a.p. and for more information (250) 440-5853 or call toll free at 1-888-220-4220

By Patrick Harry, Acting Treaty Manager

Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem has stated throughout the process that we are not against development but it has to be done in a environmentally responsible manner and the consultation process needs to be fair to both sides. Once again Taseko Mines has submitted a design to CEAA (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) for review. For those who don’t know CEAA is the agency that administers all Federal Environmental Assessments in Canada. Stswecemc/Xgattem First Nation (SXFN) was aware that Taseko Mines Ltd would be back--the only question was when.

It was on November 4 2010 when Jim Prentice Environment Minister at the time announced the original project had been rejected due to significant adverse environmental effects that could not be justified as it was currently proposed.

Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem held a joint celebration with Esk’et and TNG about a week after the announcement at Little Dog Creek which is an area that is important to SXFN and also where the proposed Transmission Line would cross the Fraser River. The celebration was well attended and gave leadership an opportunity to thank everyone involved for their support and contributions throughout the review process.

On February 21 2011 Taseko Mines Ltd reported that it had submitted a new Project Description for the Prosperity Gold-Copper Project with the Government of Canada. Taseko Mines Ltd also reported the revised plan addressed the concerns identified during the federal review process and greatly reduces environmental impacts, preserves Fish Lake and its aquatics, and enabled all mine operations and its related components to be contained within a single watershed.

Taseko Mines also reported they had assurances from the Government of Canada that it wishes to see resource projects developed and that it is not opposed to the mining of the Prosperity ore body, only the way it was originally proposed.

Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem FN’s main concern with the Prosperity Project has always been the Transmission Line component of the project which includes a Sub Station and a 125 km Transmission Line that would stretch from Enterprise Road (a forest access road to the east of Dog Creek) all the way to Fish Lake and cross 125 creeks, lakes and streams including the Fraser River.

In early June Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem First Nation (SXFN) received word that Taseko Mines Ltd would be hand delivering the new project design to affected First Nations. In mid June 2011 SXFN

received a copy of the design from CEAA and a couple months later the design was hand delivered by a couple of summer students from Taseko.

SXFN was anxious to see what the new design looked like and what changes if any had been made to the design. It didn’t take long for us to realize that the new proposal hadn’t changed and was actually identical to the first proposal when it came to our main concern the Transmission Line.

When the new Transmission Line design came back identical as the original proposal this presented us with a lot of questions for CEAA including “How could a design that had already been rejected by Federal Cabinet be resubmitted”? “What type of review would the new proposal be assessed under”? “Would the previous Panel be reconstituted”? ”Will the recommendations made by the original panel still stand”? How much funding will be available to affected First Nations”?

In late August SXFN received notification from CEAA that they planned on beginning the 90 day period to decide whether or not they would be conducting a review of the project. SXFN opposed the possibility of another review due to the fact that our main concern ‘the Transmission Line’ had not changed and had been rejected by Cabinet.

In December we were notified the project would be reviewed by a Federal Review Panel and the Minister of Environment had set a 12 month deadline to complete the review. CEAA also notified SXFN, in December, of funding allocations for affected First Nations SXFN was opposed as we were not fully aware of the scope of the review and how much involvement would be required by us.

We were not in a position to apply for funding when the Terms of Reference and the Environmental Impact Guidelines were not yet developed for us to review.

At this point in mid February we anticipate further meetings to review the Terms of Reference and Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines.

Until next time Kukstemc.

The Fraser - The landscape where the Prosperity hydro transmission will cross the Fraser at Little Dog Creek, looks like what is pictured here. There are pithouse depressions and petroglyph rocks along the river in the general area, the Fraser cor-ridor from where the Junction Sheep range is near Farwell Canyon down all along to the Fraser Can-yon is a major sheep range.

February 2012 p.10 First Nation News

BACKGROUND The BC Budget 2012 was tabled February 21st, 2012, which

continues priorities set out in the October 2011 Throne Speech with the three key priorities of jobs, families, and open government and follows up on the Canada Starts Here: BC Jobs Plan, released in September 2011.

EXPECTATIONS There is an urgent need for investment in resolution of Title and Rights with First Nations, as well as investment in quality of life such as education, infrastructure and housing, child and family wellness, health and healing, and economic development. However, BC continues to state it is focusing on no new spending and balancing the budget in the uncertain economic climate. SUMMARY The budget contains no new funding announcements specific to First Nations. A detailed list of Budget 2012 measures and/or announcements affecting First Nations is set out in Appendix A. The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation budget is set out in Appendix B.

CONCLUSION BC’s Budget 2012 is status quo for First Nations; there are no new announcements of BC investment in First Nations, despite the lower quality of life that First Nations experience, and largely unresolved land claims. Budget 2012 does not clearly set out how BC intends to fulfill commitments made to close the gaps First Nations face. Although there is reference to the need for improvements to Aboriginal high school graduation rates, no specific funding is attached. There is reference to creation of an Aboriginal Business Investment Council, but no specific funding announced. Previous BC budgets have invested new funds in First Nations; however, Budget 2012 is extremely lean across all ministries with almost no new spending anywhere. The new tax credits that may affect First Nations (Appendix A) require First Nations to have existing capacity (e.g. must have money to carry out renovations, enroll children in fitness activities, or buy a house). Therefore, they are not accessible to many First Nations facing economic hardship. The budget pertaining to treaty and other agreements remains relatively stable. In the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation’s Service Plan, BC specifically notes revitalizing the Treaty Process, and continues to discuss both completing treaties and entering non-treaty agreements as appropriate (Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreements (FCRSAs), Strategic Engagement Agreements, revenue sharing agreements, etc.).

Appendix A: Budget 2012 Measures and/or Announcements Affecting First Nations

1) BC Jobs Plan There are several initiatives underway, led mainly by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, to fulfill the commitments made in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan. One such initiative is the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council. “Members of the council will be appointed to advise government, First Nations, and the business community to improve aboriginal participation in the BC economy.”

2) Education Although the percentage of aboriginal student graduating from high school has increased, that percentage is still low compared to the percentage of all students graduating from high school. The budget recognizes certain strategies employed by the school districts they include for First Nations learners, “offering curriculum that is more relevant to that group from a cultural standpoint.”

BC Budget 2012: Impacts to First Nations3) Treaty Negotiations With respect to treaty negotiations and incremental treaty agreements with First Nations, the Budget states: While implementation and settlement costs associated with existing Final Agreements have been accounted for in the fiscal plan, the outcomes of other treaty negotiations and their ratification process could affect both the economic outlook and the fiscal plan. BC is committed to negotiating new revenue-sharing agreements and reconciliation agreements with First Nations to streamline consultation on natural resource decisions, provide increased certainty for investors, and provide new economic opportunities to communities… BC will need to accommodate associated fiscal plan impacts as individual negotiations progress. BC is involved in ongoing litigation with First Nations relating to Aboriginal Rights and the settlement of these issues may result in additional costs to government. The 2012/13 budget for Treaty and Other agreements funding is slated at $ 40,007,000.

4) Release of Surplus Corporate Assets for Economic Generation In selling off unnecessary assets BC recognizes the need to consult with First Nations on the disposition of any Crown lands

6) First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (“FNCEBF”) In April 2011, the ministry launched the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF). This fund was created to facilitate increased participation of First Nations in clean, renewable energy projects within their traditional territories. In 2012/13, the ministry expects to provide an additional $1.75 million in First Nations capacity and equity funding. The FNCEBF will also allow for revenue sharing with successful applicants, based on BC resource rents, (i.e. land and water rentals), prescribed under the FNCEBF regulation, that result from clean energy projects that receive land or water authorizations after the enactment of the Clean Energy Act. The budget for the FNCEBF was increased to $ 2,151,000 in budget 2012/13 (2011/12: 1,350,000)

7) Tax credit measures that can indirectly affect First Nations: New BC Children’s fitness and arts tax credits The new Children’s Fitness Credit and the Children’s Arts Credit complement existing credits offered by the federal government, putting a few dollars back in families’ pockets. This tax credit will provide a benefit of up to $25 per child. BC New Housing Rebate Effective April 1, 2012, the current HST rebate threshold for home purchases increases to $850,000. More than 90% of newly built homes are below that price. Purchasers will now be eligible for a BC HST rebate of up to $42,500. For the first time, purchasers of new secondary vacation or recreational properties built outside the GVRD priced up to $850,000 will be eligible to claim a BC grant of up to $42,500, effective April 1, 2012. Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors Tax Credit worth up to $1,000 a year (calculated as 10% of eligible expenditures), helping B.C. seniors stay in their homes longer and also supporting the home renovation sector. It will be available to seniors or family members sharing their home, whether they rent or own, and help to reduce costs of structural changes, such hand rails, ramps or walk-in bathtubs. Medical Expense Credit Budget 2012 removes the medical expenditure limit for other dependents. • Overall Increase in Total Operating Expense by $111,000K • Decrease in Operations Expense by $257,000 • Decrease in Treaty and Other Agreements by $14,000 • Decrease in First Citizens Fund by $419,000 • Increase in First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund by $801,000. **** For more on the Budget 2012 go to the BC Government website at www.gov.bc.ca.

Around Secwepemc- February 2012

SSLCS Meeting Schedule

Friday, March 2, 2012, Xatsull, Health Board Room - 10 am - 3 pm - Lunch provided Friday, May 11, 2012 Xgat’tem, Dog Creek gym, 10 am - 3 pm - Pot Luck lunch Remember to bring a Loonie Auction item!

SSLCS members & board of directors [back row, l-r] Heather Mckenzie, ; Kellie Louie, Xatsull Treaty Executive Assistant; Elder Cecelia DeRose, Elizabeth Pete[front, l-r] Phyllis Webstad, President; Elder Lena Jack & Rose Wilson

How do Secwepemc Speakers Get Certified to Be Teachers Spi7uy Squqluts Language and Culture Society

by Shirley Robbins, SSLCS member

Language Proficiency Certification – Open

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by Shirley Robbins, SSLCS member

Language Proficiency Certification – Open to members of the five northern Shuswap Bands: Canim Lake, Williams Lake, Soda Creek, Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation and Esk’etemc First Nation. This Language Proficiency Certification is necessary for an individual who wishes to be recognized as a ‘certified language teacher’ and to be paid accordingly when teaching the language in any school within the various school districts.

Student

Put in writing a request to meet with the Language Authority to do a Secwepemc language presentation, include date, time and location

Prepare a lesson plan to present to the committee (eg. Use of Secwepemc words with pictures)

Provide a copy of your lesson plan to the Language Authority prior to your presen-tation

Dress accordingly, as you would when going into a classroom setting

Introduce yourself in Secwepemctsin, including family background, community etc.

Allow ½ hour to 45 minutes for your pre-sentation

Language Authority (LA)

Provide a questionnaire to LA member for the purpose of grading the student

The Language Authority may request clarification on the student’s plan

The LA will provide verbal feedback to the student

The LA may provide recommendations for Shuswap language training for the student

Language Authority Committee Members

Canim Lake (Tsq’escen’): Antoinette Archie & Elsie Archie

Williams Lake (T’exelc): Jean William & Victorine Alphonse

Soda Creek (Xats’ull: Minnie Phillips & Cecelia DeRose

Canoe Creek (Stswecem’c Xgat’tem): Nancy Camille & Mary Boston

Esk’et: Bridget Dan & Phyllis Chelsea

BC College of Teachers

The student is to fill out & submit a Language Proficiency Application, this is available from any of the Language Authority members. This must be done in order for the individual to become ‘certified’ as a language teacher. The cost for this certification is $350.00, the student will then receive an official card from the BC College of Teachers.

The student also requires two references from his/her community and must provide a ‘criminal record check’ to include with the application.

Once the student is certified, there is an annual fee that must be paid in order for the individual to be recognized as a language teacher

For more information, contact: any of the Advisory Committee members in your community

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New Year’s Day WeddingIrene Gilbert would like to congratulate her son Danny Gilbert and new daughter in law Marcia Dixon

on their wedding which was held on New Year’s Eve/Day January 1, 2012 at the Canim Lake Band skating rink.

First Nation News February 2012 p.12

Health Connection Transit Bus - Wiiliams Lake to

KamloopsMondays:

Leave Williams Lake 7:30 am

Arrive 100 Mile 9:00 am

Clinton 9:45 am

Cache Creek 10:15 am

Kamloops 11:30 am

Leave Kamloops 3:00 pm

Cache Creek 4:15 pm

Clinton 4:45 pm

100 Mile 5:30 pm

Williams Lake 7:00 pm

One Way Fare is $5.00

Please call ahead to book your seat. Medical Appointment clients have priority over shoppers.

To Book your seat Call 398-7812

Williams Lake to 100 Mile 3 x /week Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

VICTORIA – A new bursary program will support Aboriginal students studying to become teachers and help them pursue careers as educators.

The Aboriginal Teacher Education Award Program, a $2-million fund, will support Aboriginal students enrolled in a teacher education program at a public post-secondary institution in British Columbia. Awards will be up to $5,000 annually for a maximum of four years.

The Aboriginal Teacher Education Award is in addition to the $10-million endowment fund established in 2007, as part of the Province’s strategy to improve access to post-secondary education for Aboriginal students.

The fund is administered by the Irving K. Barber B.C. Scholarship Society, which works with the Victoria Foundation to provide scholarships and awards to B.C. students throughout the province and internationally. To date, the society has awarded more than $3.8 million from six programs, including $794,000 to 251 Aboriginal students in B.C.

Applications for the 2012 Aboriginal Teacher Education Awards will be accepted until April 10.

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto –

“We need more Aboriginal teachers. They serve as positive role models and can make a difference in an Aboriginal student’s success in K-12, making it more likely that they will go on to post-secondary education and training. The Aboriginal Teacher Education Award is another way BC is responding to the needs of Aboriginal students by providing better access to post-secondary education and training programs that can lead to jobs for B.C. communities.”

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak –

“Aboriginal people and communities are a vital part of B.C.’s economic future and our workforce. This fund will help to train the teachers who will inspire tomorrow’s Aboriginal students to excel, building stronger communities and creating new opportunities.”

Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society chair Hugh Gordon –

“Our society is delighted to be able to expand the Aboriginal Student Award program to a group whose success and leadership will be an immediate and positive example for other Aboriginal students.

“It’s part of our commitment to ensuring access to education for deserving students from

Aboriginal Teacher Education Award Program A New Bursary to Support Aboriginal Students

throughout the province.”

Quick Facts:

Aboriginal youth are the fastest-growing demographic in the province, making Aboriginal people the future of B.C.’s workforce.

Over 21,000 students a year who enrol in public post-secondary identify themselves as Aboriginal. That is a 17% increase since 2007.

Learn More:

For more about this & other student awards offered by the Irving K. Barber B.C. Scholarship Society, visit: http://www.bcscholarship.ca or call the Victoria Foundation at 250 381-5532.

For a video of the recent Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Forum at the Wosk Centre, visit: http://youtu.be/QoaUNAP4JAM

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect

First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Application Closing Date for 2011-2012 Academic Year: May 27, 2012The First Citizens Fund Student Bursary program is funded by British Columbia and delivered by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.This program provides financial assistance to Aboriginal students enrolled in post-secondary education.

Aboriginal students that are ordinarily residents in British Columbia and are enrolled full time in a recognized post-secondary university or college in a minimum two-year program are eligible to apply for a First Citizens Fund student bursary.

The level of assistance will be determined by need and will reflect the amount of assistance received from other sources.

The maximum level of assistance is $700/year for Band or Tribal Council funded students and $2,000/year for non-funded students. Applications will now be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. For more information please contact Jamin Zuroski, Student Bursary Coordinator: Phone: 250-388-5522 -Toll Free: 800-990-2432 – Fax: 250-388-5502 Email: jzuroski@bcaafc.com -Website: www.bcaafc.com Student Bursary Application: http://www.bcaafc.com/programs/firstcitizensfund/31-studentbursary Address: 200 -7725 Tetayut Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 2E4

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