A community member perspective...
Subscribe To Rama Community Forum
Posts
All Comments
Friday, November 26, 2010
Rama First Nation Members and Employees-A message from the Band Manager
Given the state of the global economy, leadership and administration of the Chippewsas of Rama First Nation have been looking at numerous initiatives to reduce the First Nations overall budgets. After careful review of the funds disbursed in December the recommendation to discontinue the $150.00 Christmas Gift was accepted. This will reduce the overall 2110 /2011 operating buget by $ 130,000.00. As you will recall the $ 150.00 Christmaas Gift began in the early 1980's to assist many families during the Christmaas Season. As a community and employer, we all have become much more prosperous and do not face the same challenges of the past. We do acknowledge there are still families who require assistance and in an effort to give back, we encourage every employee and community member to donate time, money or a gift this season. The decision to eliminate the $ 150.00 gift was necessary as we strive to find ways to reduce the overall budget.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Question & Answers to Rama Open Council Meeting Held Oct. 25, 2010 at 7pm
Continued...
Q. Dawn: Are salaries according to education levels?
A. Brenda: leadership. People need to be treated with respect.
Comment: Anna: Respect is honesty.
A. Brenda: I would love to see community meeting.
Q. Anna: What was your salary back when you were first elected?
Q. Sara: Next 5 year forecast. Financially budget and keep some extra just in case.
A. Chief: We are already doing that.
Q. Anna: I meant to go back, just to see.
A. George: 1972...yes...I have 2 college diplomas, certificates.
Q. Sara: We should access outside grants and proposals. It could help with services supplied by departments. It would be easier than calling up Dan. It is great that McGregor did strategic plans. But do a detailed strategic plan for each department. It is time consuming to always see Dan.
A. Chief: We do encourage managers to go on-line to source out government programs. They do always have to come here in case we already applied for funds and may have given up services because of funding. Scholarship funding... and not just rely on Rama.
Comment. Shawna: That would be almost a full time position just to do that research.
Q. Shawna. Re: Economic Development. What are we doing for full time employment?
A. Chief. EggSmart is coming. We just posted a couple of jobs today. It is priority .. we hoped to have medical diagnostic centre.. We haven't gotten the ball rolling. It is a priority. We hoped our people would go to school in those areas. You could go anywhere not just Rama.
A. Ron: We need to get our budget in line to expand and do that stuff. An industrial park.. or something else. I know we can't just spend, spend, spend without doing our homework.
Comment: Nancy: Something related to it. a restaurant. We don't do anything for the water. I don't really want to be a casino indian.We have to diversify. We have a marina resource.
A. Chief. We do have a successful marina.
Comment: Nancy: We had a restaurant that is now a piece of cement.
A. Ron. We are trying to encourage our community to use that park and our departments.
Q: Nancy: Is there a committee set up to apply to use the cabins?
A. Ron. Yep, there is.
Q. Nancy: I'd love to use it for an artists group.
A. Gina: Yes, Recreation did use it for day camps and some families used it too. Advertising will be done.
Q. Sara: How much have the businesses profited?
A. Chief: Will be dealt with at the finance meeting.
Q. Sara: I'd like to see a chart showing the progression of business profits.
A. Chief: We'll try to get that.
Q. Anna: What about the real estate Rama has purchased?
A. Chief: We started buying properties once it was speculated and we tried to purchase without fan fare.
Q. Sara: Are we purchasing space/rent in Orillia?
A. George: A little ahead of where we are but getting there.
A. Chief: Post office is for sale.
Q. Sara: Transfer land too?
A. Byron: They don't give that back.
A. George: Lovers lane move up to Fawn Bay corner. We were supposed to get what we lost in the land claim, what Nawash got in 25 years. Future generations would have a bigger land base.
Q. Nancy: Was that just a rumour -- it would turn into band land?
A. Chief. No, it is a huge process.
Q. Anna: Where is the money coming from to buy land?
A. Chief: Budgeted out of Casino Rama revenues.
A. Brenda: Parcels bought were shown on maps at meeting last year.
Q. Arnold: Severance packages abused when people leave and come back. There should be a time limit...Where you have to be out of C&C for 3 terms.
A. George: I took it once, that wasn't my plan.
Q. Arnold: There should not be such a gaping hole.
A. Chief: That person has to build up to ...
Q. Arnold: Should it be stopped?
A. Chief: It is up to the people at this table.
A. George: I ran, people me in.
Q. Arnold: If you get voted out -- you shouldn't be able to run again and if you don't run, you shouldn't be able to run again. I heard statements were made like "I'm going to run again because I need the money". The people make the decision knowing or not knowing.
Q. Dawn: People who leave a job don't get a severance and if Rodney left the position by not running, they should not get a severance either.
Q. Sara: Yes, there should be a severance package if you are not going to run again. But it should have been $35,000 according to the labour board. The formula has to be amended. Give them 3 months to find employment.
Q. Arnold: Can't bleed the system. The system cannot handle it! The financial golden goose is going to be dead!
A. Ron: We see that.
Q. Arnold: $1000 clothing allowance should be abolished. Can you just pass something here right now?
Chief adjourned the meeting stating she did not eat lunch or dinner and everyone is tired.
Meeting adjourned approximately 9:45pm.
Q. Dawn: Are salaries according to education levels?
A. Brenda: leadership. People need to be treated with respect.
Comment: Anna: Respect is honesty.
A. Brenda: I would love to see community meeting.
Q. Anna: What was your salary back when you were first elected?
Q. Sara: Next 5 year forecast. Financially budget and keep some extra just in case.
A. Chief: We are already doing that.
Q. Anna: I meant to go back, just to see.
A. George: 1972...yes...I have 2 college diplomas, certificates.
Q. Sara: We should access outside grants and proposals. It could help with services supplied by departments. It would be easier than calling up Dan. It is great that McGregor did strategic plans. But do a detailed strategic plan for each department. It is time consuming to always see Dan.
A. Chief: We do encourage managers to go on-line to source out government programs. They do always have to come here in case we already applied for funds and may have given up services because of funding. Scholarship funding... and not just rely on Rama.
Comment. Shawna: That would be almost a full time position just to do that research.
Q. Shawna. Re: Economic Development. What are we doing for full time employment?
A. Chief. EggSmart is coming. We just posted a couple of jobs today. It is priority .. we hoped to have medical diagnostic centre.. We haven't gotten the ball rolling. It is a priority. We hoped our people would go to school in those areas. You could go anywhere not just Rama.
A. Ron: We need to get our budget in line to expand and do that stuff. An industrial park.. or something else. I know we can't just spend, spend, spend without doing our homework.
Comment: Nancy: Something related to it. a restaurant. We don't do anything for the water. I don't really want to be a casino indian.We have to diversify. We have a marina resource.
A. Chief. We do have a successful marina.
Comment: Nancy: We had a restaurant that is now a piece of cement.
A. Ron. We are trying to encourage our community to use that park and our departments.
Q: Nancy: Is there a committee set up to apply to use the cabins?
A. Ron. Yep, there is.
Q. Nancy: I'd love to use it for an artists group.
A. Gina: Yes, Recreation did use it for day camps and some families used it too. Advertising will be done.
Q. Sara: How much have the businesses profited?
A. Chief: Will be dealt with at the finance meeting.
Q. Sara: I'd like to see a chart showing the progression of business profits.
A. Chief: We'll try to get that.
Q. Anna: What about the real estate Rama has purchased?
A. Chief: We started buying properties once it was speculated and we tried to purchase without fan fare.
Q. Sara: Are we purchasing space/rent in Orillia?
A. George: A little ahead of where we are but getting there.
A. Chief: Post office is for sale.
Q. Sara: Transfer land too?
A. Byron: They don't give that back.
A. George: Lovers lane move up to Fawn Bay corner. We were supposed to get what we lost in the land claim, what Nawash got in 25 years. Future generations would have a bigger land base.
Q. Nancy: Was that just a rumour -- it would turn into band land?
A. Chief. No, it is a huge process.
Q. Anna: Where is the money coming from to buy land?
A. Chief: Budgeted out of Casino Rama revenues.
A. Brenda: Parcels bought were shown on maps at meeting last year.
Q. Arnold: Severance packages abused when people leave and come back. There should be a time limit...Where you have to be out of C&C for 3 terms.
A. George: I took it once, that wasn't my plan.
Q. Arnold: There should not be such a gaping hole.
A. Chief: That person has to build up to ...
Q. Arnold: Should it be stopped?
A. Chief: It is up to the people at this table.
A. George: I ran, people me in.
Q. Arnold: If you get voted out -- you shouldn't be able to run again and if you don't run, you shouldn't be able to run again. I heard statements were made like "I'm going to run again because I need the money". The people make the decision knowing or not knowing.
Q. Dawn: People who leave a job don't get a severance and if Rodney left the position by not running, they should not get a severance either.
Q. Sara: Yes, there should be a severance package if you are not going to run again. But it should have been $35,000 according to the labour board. The formula has to be amended. Give them 3 months to find employment.
Q. Arnold: Can't bleed the system. The system cannot handle it! The financial golden goose is going to be dead!
A. Ron: We see that.
Q. Arnold: $1000 clothing allowance should be abolished. Can you just pass something here right now?
Chief adjourned the meeting stating she did not eat lunch or dinner and everyone is tired.
Meeting adjourned approximately 9:45pm.
Question & Answers to Rama Open Council Meeting Held Oct. 25, 2010 at 7pm
(Continued)
Shawna's comment (continued) Delegate more to the community.
Dawn's comment: Let managers do their jobs.
Q. Shawna: One Councillor did not attend the education meeting. Where did you go after the election? George, back me up, we had a conversation (about this) prior to the election.
A. George: Along with growth comes all these issues we have. Even knowing I got a severance pay, they still voted me in. We are the people who can take this community into the future. Grids -- services to members. Enhanced $ for education. Maybe the future will bring us ... not when you or I want it. When committee decides what C&C get (paid). Chief doesn't live here.. Don't like that kind of talk. Somebody doesn't live here... Bill C31, inacted.. status of people. This table has to build a strong community. Move forward. Gossip. Our own worst enemy. The Justice St. Clair... the people have elected our own people. Let them lead. Get involved. It is a good thing you are all here.
Comment: Shawna. We are getting involved.
Q. Raven: At school, I'm learning about our people in ancient times. The Community spoke first, they told Chief and Council how things are to be done. Education is a low end. I spend $50 each semester. Up the ante a little. Hard on kids with families on welfare.
A. George. Community committees advise C&C. 40 years ago, Mark and I left to go to school outside Rama. We were the first ones to go. It is not where we wanted it to be. It takes a long time. (8:05pm) People helped each other more. Then I think this Council has done a good job in the past. We should shrink down numbers of employees... but we have staff...
A. Chief. Just to add to Raven's question. We are in the 21st Century. Back then it worked... It can't work now because... our people elect us based on our campaigns.
Comment. Anna: There are many days I have to turn off our heart. I had to take a woman's money (at the casino). I wish we never voted for the casino.
A. Daniel Shilling (Dan): We have engaged a consultant, Debbie McGregor, to look at education We had to have a cap because some people used education as a living. We haven't received the results we hoped and we need to deal with that.
Q: Nancy Bishop (Nancy): We have resources... but not utilizing.. computers at library but they are not open in the evenings. 4:30pm closed. Little areas at the MASK could be used for people to do their homework.
Comment: Anna: If I was in position of C&C, I'd donate to education fund. I wouldn't think twice and not going out to buy a new car right away either.
Q. Dawn Ireland-Noganosh (Dawn): Education policy so far. I applied for a FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute) program... I was told it was probably the last time I'd get funding because of the # of times I accessed funds. But the programs I used it for is no where near the dollar amount for a regular university program. Why do we need a non-native consultant to tell us how to run our own education?
A. Dan: How do you know she's non-native?
Q. Dawn: You can focus on that, but the bigger picture remains.
A. Dan....
Q. Dawn: Did you review the education policy with the education manager?
A. Dan. She was consulted. .... for year and 1/2.
A. Ronald Douglas (Ron): No policy is perfect. Whether its a housing policy ... Chi miigwetch policy. You said something and I agree that we need to do a better job of stating what we do and justify out salaries. Hardest part of job -- to get people working together.
Comment: Shawn: It starts with a handful ... you support us and we can support you.
Comment: Beverly Wallace-Holota (Bev): First thing...
A. Byron Stiles (Byron): I work hard here... I've never been asked to justify my salary.
Comment: Nancy: We're not saying you don't work hard.
Comment: Shawn: That's not our fault. We need to meet more. Give us more of an opportunity to have a say. The ball is in your court.
A. Gina Genno (Gina): I thought that was a busy job (her former job as Recreation Manager). We still have to learn. No matter how many are here around the table. We all still have to learn about everything. It was probably me, who was not at the education meeting. I had a lot of things to do and I recently had a death in my family. Yes, we make good money... I'm a workaholic... I love Rama and the people here.
A. Chief. Going back to Raven's point, we could establish a youth council. They can meet with C&C.
A. Raven: Why not just make it a youth council? If they are making recommendations.
A. Chief: It doesn't matter what we say, we do it wrong.
A. George...
Q. Raven: Well, are you actually going to listen to them?
A. George & Gina: Absolutely.
A. Raven: At my school, we got to put our input into it (student council). It was not for us, but for the younger kids (at school in Orillia).
A. Chief: Every aspect. trust, police board, trying to stream line.. for 15 years... no change...
Q. Arnold Snache (Arnold): Chief salaries being disclosed.
Q. Shawna: Where are we at with developing our own constitution?
A. George: Constitution. Could have created councils. We are fighting with other First Nations. It didn't go further. Still court cases. Are we going to rejoin the First Nations? The union? Developing laws and the system. Its coming but we went off track.
Q. Arnold: How long can this reserve sustain the high cost to run this reserve? Dan. Wish Rick was here. $27 million a year in salaries and a $35 million a year income.
A. Dan: Didn't factor in the agreement new figures will be released at the next finance meeting.
A. Chief: We are going to be fine. Yes, we are going to be landlords. Sure, we make big salaries. We need to continue to diversify. We are interested in a furniture company. We have secured the jobs of our members. It was a huge blow to lose $18 million in escrow of Casino Rama revenues. They argued over our 134th and they want to take that away.
Q. Arnold: We alienated them all. When you are fighting over money... You are not good friends.
Q. Anna: That was when Lorraine was in place with Bob Rae to secure (casino revenue agreement).
A. Chief: I think she did a good job. Unfortunately, it was not secured.
Q. Anna: We should have challenged it.
A. Chief: We are going to have the...
A. Chief to Shawn's question regarding constitution development. We are going to have lot of committee meetings. Land code, Williams Treaty, meeting are going to be ongoing.
Q. Jennifer Jewell (Jennifer): Chief, there is a rumour going around that you make more than the National Chief. Is that true? and if so, do you do more work that the National Chief?
A. Chief: I don't even know how much he makes.
A. Chief. Hope to get land claim resolved. Involved in OTC (Ogemawahj Tribal Council). The development of First Nation treaty curriculum.
A. Brenda Ingersoll (Brenda). to Shawna: C&C have priorities for the year on a list. This year, we have discussions regarding constitution. This year, we put that topic right on there instead of on the fly.
Comment: Shawna: Good.
A. Brenda: Tracey (Snache) didn't feel she had input (in Education policy). Miscommunication. Margaret Froh met with C&C 3 or 4 times and argued points for benefits for future of the kids. We needed to get them done. She (Tracey) was consulted with earlier through Margaret and Margaret brought Tracey's input to C&C table. The old way was not efficient (going through policy line by line with the manager).
Q. Dawn: Just to comment on George's opinion. There was a discussion to step up living expenses of students. The workload alone -- Education dept. can't get a part-time job. Tracey says she is waiting for C&C to decide. Great idea. You also mentioned laborers making $18 per hour. Where is the incentive for young people to go to school?
A. George: Years ago, $ needed to raise a family. Start upgrading, adult education. May be ways of doing it. Dr. McGregor to look at education system. It was looked at by OTC four years ago. This is more independent.
Q. Sara Cunningham (Sara): One million $ budget. All of education. One staff member to deal with one program. to be really effective, a lot of our students don't really know the options. an advisor, guidance counsellor, we need more people involved. how much it will cost them for their education?
A. Dan: Reason why we moved education over here is to build a stronger relationship.
A. Brenda: We talk about this more than you think. We always weigh how much it takes to feed families. It was part of my platform to take a 25% pay cut...part of a larger plan. There was a trust that isn't there. It was based in INAC. Sad to see lack of trust with C&C and community. If we can repair that, we could do a lot. We have taken a cut... as for the actual dollar amount, that is to be disclosed at the next finance meeting. When you have senior management making a lot more than C&C, someone said C&C don't deserve as much as the Police Chief, Fire Chief. When I was a kid, we never spoke to C&C in a disrespectful way.
(to be continued)
Shawna's comment (continued) Delegate more to the community.
Dawn's comment: Let managers do their jobs.
Q. Shawna: One Councillor did not attend the education meeting. Where did you go after the election? George, back me up, we had a conversation (about this) prior to the election.
A. George: Along with growth comes all these issues we have. Even knowing I got a severance pay, they still voted me in. We are the people who can take this community into the future. Grids -- services to members. Enhanced $ for education. Maybe the future will bring us ... not when you or I want it. When committee decides what C&C get (paid). Chief doesn't live here.. Don't like that kind of talk. Somebody doesn't live here... Bill C31, inacted.. status of people. This table has to build a strong community. Move forward. Gossip. Our own worst enemy. The Justice St. Clair... the people have elected our own people. Let them lead. Get involved. It is a good thing you are all here.
Comment: Shawna. We are getting involved.
Q. Raven: At school, I'm learning about our people in ancient times. The Community spoke first, they told Chief and Council how things are to be done. Education is a low end. I spend $50 each semester. Up the ante a little. Hard on kids with families on welfare.
A. George. Community committees advise C&C. 40 years ago, Mark and I left to go to school outside Rama. We were the first ones to go. It is not where we wanted it to be. It takes a long time. (8:05pm) People helped each other more. Then I think this Council has done a good job in the past. We should shrink down numbers of employees... but we have staff...
A. Chief. Just to add to Raven's question. We are in the 21st Century. Back then it worked... It can't work now because... our people elect us based on our campaigns.
Comment. Anna: There are many days I have to turn off our heart. I had to take a woman's money (at the casino). I wish we never voted for the casino.
A. Daniel Shilling (Dan): We have engaged a consultant, Debbie McGregor, to look at education We had to have a cap because some people used education as a living. We haven't received the results we hoped and we need to deal with that.
Q: Nancy Bishop (Nancy): We have resources... but not utilizing.. computers at library but they are not open in the evenings. 4:30pm closed. Little areas at the MASK could be used for people to do their homework.
Comment: Anna: If I was in position of C&C, I'd donate to education fund. I wouldn't think twice and not going out to buy a new car right away either.
Q. Dawn Ireland-Noganosh (Dawn): Education policy so far. I applied for a FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute) program... I was told it was probably the last time I'd get funding because of the # of times I accessed funds. But the programs I used it for is no where near the dollar amount for a regular university program. Why do we need a non-native consultant to tell us how to run our own education?
A. Dan: How do you know she's non-native?
Q. Dawn: You can focus on that, but the bigger picture remains.
A. Dan....
Q. Dawn: Did you review the education policy with the education manager?
A. Dan. She was consulted. .... for year and 1/2.
A. Ronald Douglas (Ron): No policy is perfect. Whether its a housing policy ... Chi miigwetch policy. You said something and I agree that we need to do a better job of stating what we do and justify out salaries. Hardest part of job -- to get people working together.
Comment: Shawn: It starts with a handful ... you support us and we can support you.
Comment: Beverly Wallace-Holota (Bev): First thing...
A. Byron Stiles (Byron): I work hard here... I've never been asked to justify my salary.
Comment: Nancy: We're not saying you don't work hard.
Comment: Shawn: That's not our fault. We need to meet more. Give us more of an opportunity to have a say. The ball is in your court.
A. Gina Genno (Gina): I thought that was a busy job (her former job as Recreation Manager). We still have to learn. No matter how many are here around the table. We all still have to learn about everything. It was probably me, who was not at the education meeting. I had a lot of things to do and I recently had a death in my family. Yes, we make good money... I'm a workaholic... I love Rama and the people here.
A. Chief. Going back to Raven's point, we could establish a youth council. They can meet with C&C.
A. Raven: Why not just make it a youth council? If they are making recommendations.
A. Chief: It doesn't matter what we say, we do it wrong.
A. George...
Q. Raven: Well, are you actually going to listen to them?
A. George & Gina: Absolutely.
A. Raven: At my school, we got to put our input into it (student council). It was not for us, but for the younger kids (at school in Orillia).
A. Chief: Every aspect. trust, police board, trying to stream line.. for 15 years... no change...
Q. Arnold Snache (Arnold): Chief salaries being disclosed.
Q. Shawna: Where are we at with developing our own constitution?
A. George: Constitution. Could have created councils. We are fighting with other First Nations. It didn't go further. Still court cases. Are we going to rejoin the First Nations? The union? Developing laws and the system. Its coming but we went off track.
Q. Arnold: How long can this reserve sustain the high cost to run this reserve? Dan. Wish Rick was here. $27 million a year in salaries and a $35 million a year income.
A. Dan: Didn't factor in the agreement new figures will be released at the next finance meeting.
A. Chief: We are going to be fine. Yes, we are going to be landlords. Sure, we make big salaries. We need to continue to diversify. We are interested in a furniture company. We have secured the jobs of our members. It was a huge blow to lose $18 million in escrow of Casino Rama revenues. They argued over our 134th and they want to take that away.
Q. Arnold: We alienated them all. When you are fighting over money... You are not good friends.
Q. Anna: That was when Lorraine was in place with Bob Rae to secure (casino revenue agreement).
A. Chief: I think she did a good job. Unfortunately, it was not secured.
Q. Anna: We should have challenged it.
A. Chief: We are going to have the...
A. Chief to Shawn's question regarding constitution development. We are going to have lot of committee meetings. Land code, Williams Treaty, meeting are going to be ongoing.
Q. Jennifer Jewell (Jennifer): Chief, there is a rumour going around that you make more than the National Chief. Is that true? and if so, do you do more work that the National Chief?
A. Chief: I don't even know how much he makes.
A. Chief. Hope to get land claim resolved. Involved in OTC (Ogemawahj Tribal Council). The development of First Nation treaty curriculum.
A. Brenda Ingersoll (Brenda). to Shawna: C&C have priorities for the year on a list. This year, we have discussions regarding constitution. This year, we put that topic right on there instead of on the fly.
Comment: Shawna: Good.
A. Brenda: Tracey (Snache) didn't feel she had input (in Education policy). Miscommunication. Margaret Froh met with C&C 3 or 4 times and argued points for benefits for future of the kids. We needed to get them done. She (Tracey) was consulted with earlier through Margaret and Margaret brought Tracey's input to C&C table. The old way was not efficient (going through policy line by line with the manager).
Q. Dawn: Just to comment on George's opinion. There was a discussion to step up living expenses of students. The workload alone -- Education dept. can't get a part-time job. Tracey says she is waiting for C&C to decide. Great idea. You also mentioned laborers making $18 per hour. Where is the incentive for young people to go to school?
A. George: Years ago, $ needed to raise a family. Start upgrading, adult education. May be ways of doing it. Dr. McGregor to look at education system. It was looked at by OTC four years ago. This is more independent.
Q. Sara Cunningham (Sara): One million $ budget. All of education. One staff member to deal with one program. to be really effective, a lot of our students don't really know the options. an advisor, guidance counsellor, we need more people involved. how much it will cost them for their education?
A. Dan: Reason why we moved education over here is to build a stronger relationship.
A. Brenda: We talk about this more than you think. We always weigh how much it takes to feed families. It was part of my platform to take a 25% pay cut...part of a larger plan. There was a trust that isn't there. It was based in INAC. Sad to see lack of trust with C&C and community. If we can repair that, we could do a lot. We have taken a cut... as for the actual dollar amount, that is to be disclosed at the next finance meeting. When you have senior management making a lot more than C&C, someone said C&C don't deserve as much as the Police Chief, Fire Chief. When I was a kid, we never spoke to C&C in a disrespectful way.
(to be continued)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)