Cheryle Snache for Chief - Election 2012

CHERYLE SNACHE 2012 - LEADERSHIP WITH VISION
Aaniin. My name is Cheryle Snache and I am running for the responsibility of the position of Chief of Rama of First Nation. I have a number of key areas of concern for our community which I will address, but first a little bit about myself. I have lived in Rama most of my life and I'm the mother of two grown children, Sam and Kory who grew up here and call Rama home.
I am passionate about our culture and preserving all aspects of our language and traditional knowledge. I am an active volunteer and advocate in our community and I started up the Rama Food Bank in 2009 when I saw that there were food security issues right here in our community. I have extensive experience from marketing and tourism to self-employment and business start-ups. Everyone agrees right now that the top priorities in our community are jobs and Economic Development. Creating meaningful jobs for our people must start with job training and job shadowing. Our people need to hold the majority of the positions in our community, including leadership and management roles, and supporting those that have gone on to post-secondary education. Working for Rama should be a career building move that also addresses our social issues. Economic Development should address long term sustainability and must be community driven. We have so much potential here in Rama that we need to maximize. Our greatest assets and resources are our people. We need to develop a brand new marketing strategy with community input that will put Rama in line with First Nation communities like Membertou and Osoyoos. I have a plan to develop our land, our community and our people, that will enhance the quality of life for everyone and still respect and protect the environment and our waters.
Housing and Home Ownership is another area of great concern to me. Healthy, sustainable home ownership should be accessible to all and we need to look at ways to accomplish this. I feel the price of land should be more affordable for our people that want to build a family home here in the community.
Our Language is our Culture. A Cultural Centre for our Youth is another top priority and having a plan is vital to this. Today's youth need a sense of cultural identity they can be proud of and we need to support this. An Elders and Youth Council must be established to help voice the will of the people. Supporting Arts, amateur sports and Education is critical to our young people’s identity.
As a Chief the Social Well Being of the community should be front and centre when considering any and all decisions. We need to look after our people, especially our Seniors and their needs, and those that are the most vulnerable to social issues. I can assure the people that no decisions shall be made until the well-being of this community is factored in.
I believe we are all shareholders and therefore are entitled to any and all information affecting the future and well- being of this community. This would mean financial information on time and written for you, and all council meeting minutes will be posted. My bottom line is no decisions will be made that affect you and this community without your input first. I want to do away with policies that are paralysing and implement new policies that will empower. I can assure you that voicing your concerns over policies that affect you and your family will not affect your security or employment and that the new Chief and Council will hold open door meetings monthly at the Community Hall where you can have your say and have your concerns addressed. You will have a voice in this community if I am chosen to lead.
It is no secret that we are facing rough waters ahead as a community. Things will look worse before they get better, but I believe that we're all in this together, and we will have to work together as a community and a nation to heal our people and create Unity amongst ourselves once again. Together we can achieve this. I welcome your comments, questions and concerns and you can reach me at any time, day or night at 705-325-5538 and by emailing cherylesnache@gmail.com My door is always open and I am welcoming community members ‘Open House’ style in my home every Monday evening from 5:00-9:00pm for tea and coffee and discussion. With our hearts and our votes we have the power to change our community for the future. Cheryle Snache, Crane Clan of Rama First Nation