First Nations Success Story

If there was ever any doubt that culturally focused education contributes to student and overall success, this story of a graduating class might just convince you that incorporating traditional values, culture, language and identity is the most important factor in a vision of the future for First Nations communities, not this so called "progress" that is continually shoved down our throats, leading us further and faster down the path of outright assimilation.
 

Landfill

 We need to fence in  the land fill to stop the bears from coming around, and garbage should be put out the day of the garbage pick up,, not sitting on decks for days The band needs to build steel garbage bins. This may help  in keeping the bears out of the village.

Think somebody maybe should've told this guy not to wear the bear suit?

Nice. First Nations Day. Less than a week after the bear shooting. Thumbs up buddy.

Update from the MNR regarding the bear

Update on the bear from the MNR. This particular bear wore tracking tags in its ears, which means it has been moved by the MNR before. They confirmed that the police or anyone really only needed to call them and they would have moved the bear again. This is just too sad on so many levels. I agree with the commentor about the potential for mauling of a child, that risk is always there, as it is with dogs, etc. But it's the treatment of the bear following the shooting, the suffering, the secrecy etc that is truly upsetting. There are two elders in this community who have both expressed their saddness, concern and disappointment about this. There is a bear who was found struck by a vehicle in Wooodstock New Brunswick that the water walkers just found. They are doing ceremony for that bear in that community at present. Where are our ceremony makers at a time like this? Oh another thing the MNR did tell us was that the police report on the bear shooting is public record that we have the right to see it. The police board is meeting this evening by the looks of things, and I did request the police report be made public in my email to chief and council on the weekend. I got very minimal response and no one took me up on my request and offer that someone from council come to my house and visit me over the weekend to give me the facts as they have to come to know them about the bear shooting incident.

Shawna

Bear Shooting

As most of the community is already aware a bear was shot and killed in Rama last week.Numerous bear sitings have been reported this past spring.It is understood that a member of the Rama Police Services shot a year old black bear, estimated to weigh 150lbs.The bear was shot near the graveyard, wounded and ran away to die. Reports indicate that the bear ran up the tracks toward the bush on the east side of the tracks. It was also rumoured that the bear suffered and was heard moaning as it died. It was not given a proper burial.Contributors to this blog have emailed Chief and Council to get answers as to why a young bear was shot by a police officer and left to suffer for three days. The response received is that chief and council are 'looking into it' and have called for an investigation and would report to the community. That was on Saturday June 18th. Contributors to this blog contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) who advised that that particular bear was wearing a tracking collar. We are waiting to hear from them with more information. A couple of things are cause for concern. How can a bear be left to suffer in a First Nations community? The bear is our brother, our teacher and our protector. We learn from the bear and honour and respect the bear as part of our ceremonies. Also, it's concerning that a police officer shot the bear. Why wasn't the MNR called to tranq and relocate the bear? Did the officer discharge his or her service revolver to shoot the bear? In a residential neighborhood no less? From what I understand a substantial amount of paperwork has to be completed when an officer discharges a weapon. So what's in the police report? Why is nobody telling the community what happened? The truth would set us at ease and allow us to collectively decide how to come to terms with the death of the bear. It is interesting and important to note that in other FN communities when a bear is killed or dies ceremony is held and the community feasts to celebrate the life of the bear. This bear was left to die wounded and it's spirit unacknowledged. The bear carries very powerful medicine with him. What does that suggest about our community? It concerns me greatly to think how far removed we are from our original instructions. I've requested that the police report be disclosed to the community. We have a right to know what really happened and how that bear spent it's final days.In closing I will transcribe what Master Herbalist Matthew Wood has to say about the bear:
Bear. Bear provides one of the most powerful and important medicines in human society. The bear, which occasionally walks upright, is the animal most analogous to the human being and from it the Indian people learned which plants to eat and many medicine plants. With his claws bear digs up roots, pulls off berries and bark, catches fish and small animals and insects. Thus the bear is totem or representative of the food and medicine gatherer and preparer.
Bear medicines strengthen what we would call the adrenals (adrenal cortex). They give reserve, power and stamina. One set of bear medicines are oily, brown furry roots (there are more of these than one would suppose). The  oil builds up the adrenals, which are composed of oil. Another set are berries, which bears love to eat. These sedate and cool, since fats and oils build up energy reserves which can cause hear.
People with bear medicine are constitutionally usually large and powerful, the they tend to be introspective. Like the hibernating bear, they like to sleep and dream. Often they are not active in the theatre of life until some powerful stimulus awakens them to their destiny. They need the first of the two categories below. People who need bear medicine of the second category are thin, weak with exhausted adrenals. They need dietary oil to rebuild their system.
In closing, we just want to acknowledge the bear, thank him for his life and ask that Creator help that bears spirit return to the spirit world. I ask that the bear forgive us for our indiscretions and bless us with his medicines. We also ask that leadership be honest and share the truth with the community.

Miigwech.

Environment

There latest propaganda on the environment, stating Rama is on the leading edge of environmental issues is laughable. Do people really believe this crap. Protecting are water as we pour tones of salt into the lake every year killing every thing in its path.

What makes an Elder?

By Maurice Switzer


BayToday.ca

Thursday, April 28, 2011

A lot of people want to know when someone becomes an Elder (capital “E”).
During my involvement as a reviewer in two Native Studies textbooks being introduced into Ontario high schools this coming fall, editors were regularly calling to ask if certain First Nations citizens should be referred to as Elders.
I suggested that a good test would be to call these individuals and ask how they wanted to be described. Anyone who replied “Elder”, I said, wasn’t one.
Every First Nations person who achieves senior citizen status can rightfully be described as an elder, as in “elderly”, but the magic number seems to vary, depending on the circumstance. A friend was just in my office inviting me to join a “seniors” billiards league with him, for which the qualifying age is 50.
That seems a tad young. I didn’t sit in front of a computer until I was 50. Come to think of it, I didn’t even start to grow up until I was that age.
Good luck to celebrities like Brittany Spears who produce their autobiographies when they’ve reached the ripe old age of 17 or 18, but, comparatively speaking, they’re still in life’s diaper years.
It seems that a better way to define such an important term as Elder is to provide examples of people who seem to fill the bill. For me, the first prerequisite of an Elder is that they be someone from whom we can learn important things about how to live a good life.
Three names immediately come to mind, all of them having passed into the Spirit World in the past few months.
****
I met Ernie Benedict at First Nations Technical Institute on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory east of Belleville. We were developing the first Aboriginal-specific post-secondary program in journalism , and Ernie was asked to be an advisor for our media faculty.
The first time he visited the campus, I was speaking with him outside the FNTI building on a beautiful, sunny, late spring day. I happened to glance over Ernie’s shoulder and saw a huge snapping turtle trudging up the steep driveway incline behind him. That image will stay with me forever.
Elders in FNTI programs did more than open and close meetings, a practice that Anishinabek Elder Gordon Waindubence might include in his wry definition of “drive-by spirituality”. We relied on Ernie’s experience and accumulated wisdom about journalism – he began writing, editing and printing his first newspaper in Akwesasne on a high school Gestetner. (Younger readers can Google Gestetner.)
During one class he talked about how mainstream media so often treat Native Americans as if we are invisible. He offered the example of a young Inuit boy who ran for miles to notify authorities after stumbling across the 1935 wreckage of the plane in which American humourist Will Rogers died.
“Not one story mentioned the name of that Native boy,” Ernie told us, a lesson I have recalled on many occasions since.
****
Few teachers can command attention in the way Merle Assance-Beedie did when touching on her residential school experiences for participants in cross-cultural workshops. You could hear the proverbial pin drop when she described how her idyllic childhood years with loving parents abruptly switched to the trauma of internment at four residential schools.
Merle never had to elaborate on the cruelties she endured; the impact they had on her for decades told in her voice, and brought to tears many who heard her speak. The fact that she paid a visit to one aging clergyman who had been particularly abusive to her spoke volumes about Merle’s unshakeable conviction that kindness and compassion are better solutions than hate and revenge.
Hundreds of teachers, social workers, police officers and government employees have participated in cross-cultural workshops we call “The Missing Chapter: what you didn’t learn about aboriginal peoples in school”, a title contributed by Merle.
****
When I once hesitatingly told David Gehue that I was surprised by some of the, shall we say, “colourful’ language he sometimes used, he snorted “I’m not a holy man.”
What you saw was definitely what you got with the lumbering Mi’Kmaq healer, who had been tutored by some of the most respected traditional teachers on Turtle Island.
Blind from an early age following a scuffle with his brother, David was groomed by the old people in Indian Brook who believed that the little boy born with pure white hair was destined to do important things.
Like many true Elders, he had to experience life’s bumps before accepting sacred responsibilities, in David’s case the duty of carrying the Shake Tent ceremony. He helped scores of people – Native and non-Native – deal with all manner of pain and sickness, with results that often baffled practitioners of Western medicine.
He told those who sought his help that he could only relay things about their condition that the Spirits showed him; that ultimately, each of us has to do what is required to heal ourselves.
David’s death followed by a month that of his brother with whom he had the childhood scuffle that caused his blindness.
****
May their spirits be in a better place, and shine in the night sky with all the other stars.
Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation. He serves as director of communications for the Union of Ontario Indians and editor of the Anmishinabek News.

Financial Meeting

Saturday ,June11,2011   Chippewas of Rama Community Hall  9:30a.m. Identification requuuired MEMBERS ONLY.

The Money Train

In  2000 Rama saw the big payday, with there share of Casino Rama funds released. To go to economic development, education, health , culture and enhance the casino. Did it? One thing that went up was  the pay for Chief and Council and never stop ed. Until now  Severance packages big Christmas bonuses and clothing money came also we did   nt  have that before. And yes C&C got money to travel but nothing like what they have to day.i would,nt say a thing about wages if we had jobs,  if people weren't living below the poverty line, if we had economic development that created work.for all. as was the casino was suppose to do. and if we had homes that people owned and the land with it.We gave up a big piece of land for the casino and  will be giving up more with the new deal. and for what. Every thing has change here  More policy's that restricted us from being who we are. And every thing is a liability we  have put millions into ventures that have failed.  And some retail that has been running in the red for years, So if things were different i would say a thing.We could have evolved into a  self -sufficient community with  a sense of pride and spirit. we have had the money to look after our needs and not have to ask for funding and to diversify and not re lie on the casino funds .Did we?

The Ojebways and the Six Nations

The Ojebway chiefs having closed their talks, concerning the renewal of the, treaties,the wampum belt were returned to the Onondaga chief, with the salutations of all the Ojebway chiefs, and there warriors, women and children. John S. Johnson one of the Mohawk chiefs next addressed the council. He informed the Ojebway chiefs of the relation existing between the Six  United Nations. The Mohawks he said are considered the head nation next to the Oneidas, and the Cayugas and the Tuscaroras were their children who were also three brothers. The Tuttelees, Nanticokes, Mantuas, and the Delawares were their nephews who dwell in the bosoms. Johson the explain the emblems contained in the wampum belt brought by Yellowhead, which he said they acknowledged to be acts of their father. Firstly the council fire of at the Sault St. Marie has no emblem, because then the council was held. Secondly the council fire at Mantoulin has the emblem of the beautiful white fish, this signifies purity or a clean white heart that all our hearts ought to be white towards each other. Thirdly the emblem of a beaver placed at an island on Penetanguishew Bay denotes wisdom, Fourthly the emblem of the  white deer placed at the Lake Simcoe signified superiority, the dish and ladles at the same place,indicated abundance of game and food. Fifthly the EAGLE perched on a fall pine at the CREDIT denotes watching and swiftness in conveying messages. The Eagle was to watch all the council fires between the Six Nations and the Ojebways and being far - sighted he might in the event of any thing happening communicate the tidings to the distant tribes. Sixthly the sun was hung up in the centre of the belt, to show that their acts were done in the face of the sun, by whom they swore that they would for  ever    observe the treaties made between the two parties. Page 121  History of the ojebways by Peter Jones.

We need Leaders.

We cant live in fear of speaking out, by some of the comments people don't trust the C&C it should,nt be that way We need leaders to preserve our culture , our language, and  land. , at meetings they  were open and  free to speak. not just th e chief  .   There should be no secrets from the members . And when they go some where there should be a report as to why they have traveled on our behalf. This is our home and we  the right to have a say in all matters the effect  us our land and our children. And our money  .   If we lose our language our traditions . Then what? We need leaders the speak for us , that fight for us and that work for the members. We don't need politicians. We need a few more people on council . with less pay . People who run for the people not the money. Who really care. Our children need to know there history , and where they came   from   how we got here   . They don't no. Every one has  to be treated equal there is no balance here any more.

Step Up

Step up and help people when they need it. We use to be the sharing , caring people.as native people we help our brother out. Stand up for your rights , what do you fear? You have rights . Why do so many worry about there jobs , what about the way things are here you complain but say nothing i guess if you have a job that's all that matters. One day your going to wish you had.

What Makes A Healthy Community?

Clean and safe physical environment, Peace. equity and social justice. Adequate access to food,water shelter  ,income safety, work and  recreation for all. Adequate access to health care services. Opportunities for learning and skill development. strong, mutually supportive relationships and networks. Workplaces that are supportive of individual and family well- being.  Wide participation of residents in decision- making. Strong local cultural and spiritual heritage. Diverse and vital economy. Protection of the natural environment. Responsible use of resources to ensure long term sustainability.

Environment

When Rama had an Enviormental group , which i was chair of. We were looking  at ways of saving our Band money in the way of different energy sources. the fire hall and new day care had not been built yet and asked that C&c take into consideration solar panels for energy., for all new buildings. Just common scenes, We also wanted by-laws to protect our wetlands, we wanted community composting, and  recycling program that would have made money not cost us would have created jobs and add much more life time to the landfill. When i walk around Rama at night i see empty buildings with lights on and we are heating these buildings .The  Environmental group wanted our children to have there own peace garden at the school, to have them compost and  have there own gardens. WE wanted a environment dept, that would look at the impact to the land and water before anything was built .Enviornmental programs in the school and wind power for the community. I left after i realized that i was banging my head against the wall . We did get a recycling program in Rama but one that is failing.

What Are We Doing To Mother Earth

The more parking lots  that are put on OUR land means more  road salt. Which destroys vegetation and trees it poisons are wildlife and destroys  soil. It kills fish and impacts fresh water ecosystem.More and more we are loosing our trees and our sacred plants. Trees are a  source of oxygen and absorb carbon dioxcide a green house gas from the air. They are homes for wildlife  and give us wood ,fruit and medicine. Trees provide shade in the summer reducing heating and cooling cost.    And in the winter keep us warm by shielding us from the wind and snow. The less trees the more flooding. We wanted a natural walking trails at the park and water front . Not roads ,If we are going to plant flowers then plant the ones that should be here.Same for the trees . The walking trails at the water front  have destroyed alot of the medicines and trees. Never mined the cost Lets put our money into replants  trees not big rocks. We need to protected the environment for the next generation.

IT Is The Chippewas Of Rama.

In 1996 the Chippewas of Rama Chief and Council changed the name Rama to Mnjikaning with out consulting the community. The whole matter of our name and who we are has created stress for many, particularly our Elders, who were not   consulted on this change.  We were known as the Ojibwes or Chippewas of Lake Simcoe and Huron. We came into this area in the 1700,s. Our Chief was William Yellowhead (Sr). known as Musquakie ( Mayawassino, Waisoindebay, who died in 1864 aged 95-100yrs. The elder Yellowhead maintaining his alliance to th British was wounded in the war of 1812 defending York (present day Toronto). Four years later at the desire of his father the son, also called William Yellowhead assumed the position of Chief of the Ojibwas of Lake Simcoe and Huron. In the early 1800,s while treaties were signed by Chiefs Yellowhead, Snake and Assance. Yellowheads,s people continued to move around and for a time there was a settlement on Chief Island then known as Yellowhead island. In 1830 the Chippewas of Lakes Simcoe and Huron under Chief Yellowhead, settled at the Narrows(present day Orillia while Chief Snake and his people went to Snake Island and Chief Assance took his people to Coldwater. Under pressure from the non- native government in 1836 surrender of the Narrows now named Orillia took place. With no land base,in 1838 Chief Yellowhead and his people combined their annuity money to purchase 1600 acres on th eastern shore of Lake Couchiching and moved there 1838-1839. The written record calls us the Chippewas of Lakes Simcoe and Huron, and we moved to the eastern shores of Lake Couchiching, present day Rama Reserve located within Rama Township, Simcoe County and Huronia. Our People the Chippewas of Rama worked hard to build a new community on land deemed uninhabitable by the settlers. Our churches, businesses, our sports teams are named after Rama our mail comes to Rama, Rama Road runs through our community.A community survey in2004 found that 151 respondents identified with Rama while 56 preferred Mnjikaning. In  October 2007 a petition with 244 signatures, supporting our name as  chippewas of Rama was submitted to Chief and Council. While Chief and Council could have changed back to Rama via a BCR they decided to have a referendum, on May 23 2008 . The Chippewas of Rama voted to  for the name acquired in th1800,s   by Irene Snache and Cheryle Snache

Anonymity hurts us all

When we post or write letters anonymously, it hurts us all. We realize how difficult it can be, to put yourself out there and put your name to your thoughts and concerns, but it's very important that we start to change the culture of fear of reprecussions. Only when we start putting our names to things, are concerns and issues taken seriously. No one should feel like they have to submit letters anywhere under "Anonymous". No one should have to feel afraid for their jobs or housing situations, or being labeled a trouble maker. It is not making trouble to show concern and stand up for the future of your children and community. It's responsible. We no longer operate our community under the traditional way, where everyone gets a say on important decisions. No, we operate our government under the Indian Act, which promotes distrust and breeds corruption. If we no longer have a say at the table then it's up to us to SPEAK UP about our concerns. How else are they going to get addressed? Before anyone gossips or labels anyone else a trouble maker, please consider where that comes from. Is labelling or gossiping a part of our culture or is it something we've adopted since we no longer govern ourselves traditionally? Shouldn't the people in the community get to feel like they have more of a say? Wouldn't you want to contribute more and participate more if you felt like your opinion actually mattered to somebody? I just want to encourage people not to write anonymous letters. They get swept under the carpet and ignored, when they should be taken up and addressed. If other people feel the same they can support you. No one can support an Anonymous person, but everyone can and likely WILL support you if you put your name to your concerns. Chances are, you're not the only one who feels that way.

Miigwech

Shawna

Some Things Never Change

Over the past few months i have been reading and repairing the scrapbooks of one of our Elders. I my self have been keeping my own for 30 years. Some thing i can  give my children . After reading what was in the papers the past 50 years it can make you feel happy, sad, and so very proud. We had more community spirit back then a togetherness,  we don't have now. The elections were all ways covered by the local papers. More jobs and homes were the big issues. not transparency and accountability Chiefs were all ways up front gaining the respect of the people. all these years later we still need affordable homes, jobs .  But most important we need to get    that        community spirit back.

Take A Stand

Its time for the people of this First Nation to take a stand and speak out. Its time that the Chief and Council start to listen to the band members. For to long we have been left out  and have not had any in put as to out future, and the future of our children. Why are people afraid to speak out , i here to often that we cant we will loose are jobs, i here to often that they have just given up, and that's sad. It is time for the gag orders to go . You go to a meeting and the council say nothing time to be leaders .Its time for every one to be treated the same, Chief and council are not above us ,there needs to be a balance here. The money that the Band has is the money of all Band members and we should have a say in how it is spent not after the fact.We should have a say in what we want but you must speak out .Look at the big picture and think of your children what do you want for them if we don't what kind of life will they have here?

And here's Today's WTF

Article published in Orillia's Packet & Times newspaper, on Saturday March 12, 2011:
Rama First Nation feeling the pinch
Rama First Nation is tightening its belt in hopes of weathering the global economic downturn that has now reached its doorstep, says Chief Sharon Stinson Henry.  At a mandatory staff meeting held at the MASK arena in late February, Stinson Henry announced cost-saving measures all band employees would be required to follow.  Vacation time will be capped, sick time reduced and cost-of-living raises abandoned.  Stinson Henry said chief and council had led by example by taking a 10% pay cut.  She also announced a "voluntary resignation program" for current employees where they could resign in exchange for three weeks of pay per year of service.  "Everybody just sat there and nobody said anything," band member Jennifer Jewell said of the audience's reaction.  "Where did our money go?  It didn't really make any sense."  Jewell, who works occasionally at the Gathering Place stores in Casino Rama, said staff were told the economy and Rama's loss of the 35% Casino Rama revenue case were to blame for the financial crunch. 
Some band members would like to have more say
"What prompted it quite frankly was the downturn in the global economy that is affecting not only Rama First Nation but all governments at every level," Stinson Henry said Friday.  The six-term chief also noted the loss of the 35% Casino Rama revenue case having a strong impact on Rama.  A portion of the band's money comes from Casino Rama, a lucrative resort casino established on the reserve in 1996.  In a 20-year agreement inked between Casino Rama and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation in January 2010, the Chippewas of Rama were allotted a 1.9% share of gross revenues from the casino starting August 2011.
In the first year of the new agreement, Rama First Nation's cut will be approximately $8.8 million, up from $5.8 million under the old arrangement.  But in July 2010, Rama's appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada to receive 35% of Casino Rama's revenue in perpetuity was denied, meaning $180 million held in escrow was released to other First Nations.  Cheryle Snache, who manages Rama's food bank, said the root of the problem goes beyond the economy and the 35% casino revenue loss.  "I think that they've always had the attitude that the pot was never going to run dry," Snache said.  Expensive salaries, bad investments, costly severance packages, travel expenses, and even clothing allowances are the problem, she said.  "All those things, I think, are unnecessary," Snache said.  "I don't think that kind of stuff should happen.  We need to be investing in the community needs."  Both Jewell and Snache would like better communication between chief and council and band members on financial issues.  Jewell said they do receive financial updates regularly, but there is little opportunity for discussion on solutions.  "I think communication always plays a good role in solving problems.  Better communication, not just one way where we're getting information - we want to be involved," she said.  Chief and council do hold semi-annual financial reporting meetings where they present audited financial statements to their members, Stinson Henry noted.  The next meeting will take place in April.  Snache agrees that community members should have more say in possible cost-saving measures.  "On- and off-(reserve) members have good ideas on what we should be doing with our money, but we're not listened to.  Maybe if we had been listened to, things would have been different."  Feedback from the February staff meeting has been good, Stinson Henry said, adding that the response for the voluntary resignation program has been very positive.  She could not say how many people applied for the buyout.  "Rama is in a good position.  We're just being fiscally responsible here looking into the future," she said.

By Doug Cuthand, Special to The StarPheonix March 11, 2011

For the past month or two we have been watching the ongoing phenomenon of the relentless march of democracy.We are currently watching the change occur in the Middle East. We have witnessed earlier South America and parts of Africa move from army strongmen to the legitimacy of elected leaders. While the march toward democracy is becoming a worldwide movement, in Canada we are now pathetically out of step. Our House of Commons has been reduced to a shouting match, and the Prime Minister's Office is turning Canada toward one-man rule. First Nations governments in Canada actually are no better. They, too, have power concentrated in the hands of a few who meddle and micro-manage every aspect of reserve life. The time has come to move from the vague concept of self-government to a more tightly defined First Nations democracy. Up to now, First Nations elites have pushed for self-government. The Department of Indian Affairs, a.k.a. the Colonial Office, has been happy to oblige by transferring to the First Nations governments its problems and underfunded programs. This is not self-government. It's self-administration. This form of neo-colonialism is so obvious that it jumps out at you. It's a colonial regime's way of ditching a problem and blaming the victim. Technically Africa has self-government. The colonial powers left, and dumped all the problems on the local governments. Today, they wash their hands of responsibility and smugly blame the victims. First Nations governments in Canada fell victim to the same strategy. Indian Affairs dumped self-administration on First Nations, and transformed Indian governments into Indian agents. This is not true democracy. Band councils control reserves, appoint school boards, and run and micro-manage business development. Every aspect of life on a reserve has the band council's fingerprints all over it. The same holds for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Operational boards run by chiefs should be turned over to experts; meanwhile, chiefs should sit on policy boards, which is closer to their role. Historically it was necessary to stress the role of the chief and council. Following the troubles of 1885, many of the bands that allegedly were involved weren't allowed to have a chief. In the case of the Beardy's band, it was without a chief until the 1930s. Indian Affairs ran the show, and the chiefs and councils had virtually no legitimacy. Part of the political organizing process included the strengthening of the office of the chief and council. As a result, all the political leadership on a reserve comes from the chief and council. In spite of this perceived power and self-government, the Colonial Office still wields power through administrative blackmail and third-party management. The chiefs must bow to accountability to Indian Affairs, at the expense of accountability to their people. Using underfunded budgets and stretched resources, band councils find themselves doing INAC's dirty work. Virtually nothing is developed on a reserve today without the blessing or direct control of the band council. Councils decide the makeup of the school board, appoint and fire trustees, and micro-manage all the band's businesses and activities.
I remember going to a hockey tournament once and finding three band councillors coaching the team. I asked if there wasn't anything they didn't manage. It was a joke, but you get the point. Because band councils have taken on so much responsibility, we end up with a low success rate. Micro-managed businesses tend to fail. Politics mixed in with the education system is a recipe for disaster, and independent bodies such as boards of trustees are viewed with suspicion. The time has come to put the band councils in their place. They can't be all things to all band members. A line has to be drawn, and it's doubtful that it will be done voluntarily. The responsibility to run things must be spread around with independent school boards, health boards and independent business development. The role of government in the economy is to create a positive climate for business to succeed, not to run businesses into the ground. First Nations can get involved in business the same way other governments in Canada do -by creating a "Crown corporation" to implement public policy. When a project or opportunity is too big for an individual company, then the band council should get involved and make the project work. But it has to stay away from day-to-day decision making. In Saskatchewan, the government owns the electric utility, the telephone system and an insurance company, but it keeps an armslength distance from their daily operations. The government provides overall direction, but that's it. Our future success depends on an attitudinal shift by our leaders, including local chiefs and councils, tribal councils and the FSIN. So far the current approach has almost cost us the loss of the First Nations University of Canada. What will be the next crisis? It's time that we looked beyond self-government to First Nations democracy.



© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix



Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/life/Time+adopt+democracy+First+Nations/4421127/story.html#ixzz1GOQxMthv

Time to adopt democracy for First Nations

Time to adopt democracy for First Nations

Rama FN Members call for audit amid financial crunch despite casino

TORONTO-Members of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, home to a lucrative casino, are calling for a forensic audit or RCMP probe after learning their community faces a cash crunch.  In an open letter obtained by The Canadian Press - titled "Where did all the money go?" - they say they do not understand what happened to millions of dollars in casino revenues.  "This reserve is in trouble," the letter signed by "Worried Band Members" states.  "How is this possible?"  In a 20-minute speech two weeks ago, Chief Sharon Stinson Henry stunned a community forum when she said the 1,500-member band was feeling the global economic downturn.  All band employees would forgo cost-of-living raises, see vacation time capped, and sick time slashed, Stinson Henry said.  She also announced a buyout plan in which employees could resign in exchange for three weeks of pay per year of service.  "It was just silence," band member Jennifer Jewell said of the reaction at the forum.  "There was no chance to ask questions in front of everybody.  I think there was a fear that the meeting could have got out of hand with people getting upset."  In a leaflet, the band administration explained it had to "significantly" reduce spending, and that layoffs might be necessary if cost cutting fell short.  In an interview Wednesday, Stinson Henry rejected suggestions of a fiscal crisis, saying the community was "in great shape."  The six-term refused to discuss budget figures but said a pending decline in casino revenues has prompted "a good hard look" at the fiscal future.  "We want to operate on a balanced budget," the six-term chief said.  "That's just exactly what we're doing."  She would not say how many of the 400 band employees had applied for a buyout nor how many council was hoping to grant in an effort to trim the band's estimated $24-million payroll.  Feedback to the proposed measures was "very positive," she added.  Over the past 15 years, the casino has raked in about $5.5 billion in gross revenues and profits of a $1.5 billion, with a sizable part of net revenues going to the band.  "Since the casino opened in 1996, it has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for our community," the open letter states.  "Yet now we have nothing to show for it."  The letter questions whether fraudulent activity had occurred.   Jewell, who works occasionally in reserve stores, said she supported the call for a forensic probe.  "They mismanaged our funds and they're blaming it on the economy," she said.  Stinson Henry said the financial statements were audited annually and available to band members.  Some Rama members said they were afraid to speak out for fear of being ostracized but Cheryle Snache, who manages the reserve food bank, blamed the financial crunch in part on failed business ventures.  She also criticized general salaries and perks along with severance packages for council members.  "It just been mismanagement of funds, band investments, all these high-paying wages," Snache said.  The chief did announce that she and the six council members, who each make more than $100,000, would take a 10 per cent pay cut as part of the austerity drive.  In 2008, the Ontario government looked into about $3 million in payments Casino Rama had made to a First Nation that did not officially exist.  In addition, millions that were meant to help lift First Nations out of poverty went to legal fees and other expenses.
THE CANADIAN PRESS.

Sharon Henry offers Rama employees BUY OUTS!! WTF?

At the MASK gym, a meeting was called on the Territory of the Chippewas of Rama. for Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 10am at the MASK gym in Rama.  It was a cold, dull, gloomy day which seemed to fit the mood of the people.

Community members thought they were commemorating George Washington's Birthday which is Feb. 22nd.  However, a deadening silence came over the entire room as the Chief informed all band employees that she was having contractions, no, the world's economy is contracting.  She proceeded by stating that as she has become leaner, so should Rama.  The following will be effective April 1st:

1. no more cost of living
2. vacation time is capped at 12% (6 weeks max. vacation)
3. sick time calculated at a rate of 1.9% down from 5% (5 days down from the 13)

In a poor attempt to lead by example, Chief and Council have taken a 10% pay cut, and less travel allowance, no dollar amounts were given.  Sorry, no where near enough. 

Suggestions for ways to save money in each Department will be accepted at a suggestion box at the band office and other locations.  It is a little too late for Chief and Council to ask for suggestions on how to save their asses now. 

And then came the punch line, an offer of 3 weeks for every year of service for any voluntary resignations.  Applications are due March 4th and decisions will be made by March 22nd. 

If members had any questions, they were to go upstairs for one on one discussions with members of Chief and Council about the voluntary resignation packages.

Reasons why this is happening, we lost the 35% case, more members are coming due to the McGyver case, and the global economy.  At least we can sleep, after receiving the Chiefs assurance that we are isolated and protected from the harsh outside world.

New Series on APTN hits close to home

"Leadership is about submission to duty~not elevation to power"

Special Chiefs Assembly Resolution #50/2010 - First Nation Governments Demonstrating Accountability

SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY
DECEMBER 14, 15 & 16, 2010, Gatineau, QC                             Resolution no. 50/2010

Title:              First Nation Governments Demonstrating Accountability
Subject:         Accountability
Moved by:    Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Proxy, Soowahlie First Nation, British  Columbia
Seconded by: Chief Paul Eshkakogan, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Ontario
Decision:        Carried by Consensus

WHEREAS:

1. Misperceptions and inaccurate information regarding the accountability of First Nations governments continue to be perpetrated among policy makers, in Parliament and the Senate, and through the media.
2. The Auditor General has noted on numerous occasions that First Nations government reporting greatly exceeds that of comparable institutions.
3. First Nations provide a minimum of 168 different financial reports to the four major funding departments (INAC, Health Canada, HRSDC and CMHC), INAC alone receives over 60,000 reports from First Nations annually.
4. Many First Nations have adopted clear professional standards, including ISO certification.
5. The level of disclosure of First Nation governments often is greater than that of other elected representatives, particularly Members of Parliament.
6. Bill C-575:  First Nations Fiscal Transparency Act is both unnecessary and heavy handed:

               Unnecessary as First Nations are already required to report on matters covered in the bill  

               through contribution agreements with the federal government;

               Heavy-handed in that enforcement provisions enable costly and unnecessary legal proceedings

               wherein the Minister is authorized to apply to superior court for enforcement which will serve to

               only further exasperate an already adversarial relationship.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chiefs-in-Assembly:

1. Re-affirm their commitment to maintaining transparent and accountable decision-making structures in their communities.
2. Confirm that their primary reporting and accountability relationship is to their citizens, and that they will design mechanisms to ensure open and informed involvement in community decision-making.
3. Choose to lead by example and demonstrate to other orders of government processes for accountability, including:

                 Providing clear and timely access to audits and public accounts;

                 Itemizing and publicly disclosing salaries, honoraria and expenses associated with the

                 operations of Chief & Council;

                 Ensuring information about community finances and decision-making is easily accessible, and

                 available via the internet where applicable.

     4.  Direct Canada to work with First Nations in the genuine interest of accountability and support joint

          efforts towards the development of specific First Nation governance institutional capacity such as a

          First Nations ombudsperson and/or Auditor-General function as mandated and advanced by the

          Assembly of First Nation and Chiefs-in-Assembly in 2006.

Certified copy of a resolution adopted on the 14th day of December, 2010 in Gatineau, Quebec

SHAWN A-IN-CHUT ATLEO, NATIONAL CHIEF

(see Assembly of First Nations website for more information on Special Chiefs Assembly).

A message From A Concerned Elder

1. Enendamaan _ What I Think.

New Rules for Open Council Meetings

The following notice is in the January 2011 issue of the Ojibway Times.

A message from Chief and Council Regarding OPEN COUNCIL MEETINGS.
Chief and Council provide regular updates and opportunities for community members to discuss issues and concerns in an open forum.  We are proud of our record of transparency and will continue to provide information and updates in a timely manner.

Regular community meetings are held in addition to those which address specific matters such as the Chippewa Tri-Council Coldwater Narrows Land Claim negotiations, Casino Rama Post 2011, Financial Reporting, update meetings and other important matters.  We are responsive to community concerns and endeavour to provide timely public consultation/information sessions.

Monthly evening Open Council meetings have been held regularly on the last Monday in the month, except during the summer, over the past ten years but have recorded low participation.  These meetings will continue in 2011 with the following changes:

• Open Council meeting will not be held in the same month as a Community Meeting enabling Council to devote the appropriate time and resources to community-wide meeting presentations.
• Agenda items for any Open Council meetings should be submitted in writing to Dan Shilling, First Nation Manager, or Annette Sharpe, Executive Assistant to Chief and Council one-week ahead of an Open Council Meeting.  If there are no submissions, a meeting will not be held.  Tom communicate notices, we will post written notification at locations in the community, on the website and facebook page.

Community members will be notified about submission of agenda items in the Ojibway Times, posting in the community, website and facebook.

Members of Chief and Council continue to be available for individual consultations with community members.  Please contact us at (705) 325-3611 or 1-866-854-2121.

Rama Finance Meeting Nov. 2010

Chippewas of Rama Community Finance Meeting, Held Thursday, November 25, 2010 at the MASK Community Room.

Rick Morano, Rama's Chief Financial Officer presented an overview of the actual 2010 audited financial statements for Rama.  Visual projection of the audit pages were provided for everyone to see.

Anna Petrick Pollard asked Rick Morano why Chief and Council's salaries were not listed by each individual Chief and Council member.  The amount shown in the statement was a lump sum of Chief and Council and some staff members.  Rick said that he only has to provide this break down of salaries in the Spring.  Anna proceeded to ask what the salaries were and that we have a right to know because this is a finance meeting.  Rick said we will see that amount in the Spring.  Another question was asked by another member with regard to meeting costs.  Then Anna asked what Rick's salary was.  Rick did not want to answer that question.  Anna asked again what Rick's salary was.  He said it was $200,000.  Anna said that if we cut his salary in half, we could save $100,000 right there.  Nancy Bishop said that wasn't going to happen.  Rick agreed by saying it wasn't going to happen.  Anna said Rick got a little defensive there.  Rick agreed and said he doesn't like answering stupid questions.  Anna said it wasn't a stupid question.  Rick said that it is a stupid question when he already answered that question to Anna in the band office on an earlier date.  Anna then commented that the people in the room didn't hear his answer.  Rick said he wasn't going to make it personal and proceeded to continue on with the presentation.  Dan Shilling, First Nation Manager, then said "This is an audit".

Also, Cheryle Snache asked why Chief and Council do not implement cost saving measures such as solar panels and windmills on Ship Island.  The cost of hydro could be reduced for our buildings and community members.  Rick stated that anyone is welcome to provide a report for their review outlining the proposal for energy reduction.  Cheryle said she asks this question every year and nothing is ever done.  If a public school student can come up with a plan, then surely the hightly paid employees of Rama could come up with a plan. 

Also, Ron York asked why does Rama continue to operate retail businesses / stores at Casino Rama if they are not making much money?  We cannot just keep stores open to provide people with jobs.  Rick said well we might have one store that maybe making money.  Ron asked "Maybe making money?"  and Rick agreed.

Also, Ron York asked what Rama is paying for insurance on the pool at Black River Park.  Rick said $7000 a year.  Ron asked why are we paying for insurance when the pool is empty and not being used.

Lisa Ewanchuk asked why does Rama not utilize technology more to reduce the costs for paper and meeting expenses.  Rick said he tried to do this with the electronic software, Saperion, but people did not want to use it.  So, now another program is going to be implemented.

Nancy Bishop asked why we are paying $21,000 in bank fees in 2010.  Rick said he complains about this every year as well to the bank.  It costs the band $450 for every payroll we run through the bank.

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.

Meeting

Community Finance Meeting Thurs, Nov.25, 2010  6:00

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.

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)

Question & Answers to Rama Open Council Meeting Held Oct. 25, 2010 at 7pm

Approximately 25 people were in attendance including the entire Chief and Council.

On the agenda was Arnold Snache's letter asking to discuss the Chief and Council salaries and severance packages.

Added to the agenda was Christmas bonuses, grants and proposals, what happens if Chief and Council committed a criminal offense, and economic development.

The Chief started the meeting by stating she makes $135,000 annually, plus they (Chief and Council) receive an allowance for travel after each election. 

The Chief further stated that Chief and Council have agreed to a reduced travel/gas allowance, and an immediate salary reduction.  The decreases are going to be announced at the next Rama Finance Meeting.  The date of this meeting is to be determined, and is tentatively set for November 25th.  The reason for not sharing the cuts were that Chief and Council wanted to let all the members of Rama know at the same time. 

Anna Petrick (Anna) asked the Chief to clarify which community she belongs to -- Orillia or Rama.  The Chief responded with she was born in Rama, was she (Anna)?  Anna stated that she was not born in Rama but that she has lived in Rama since 1975, which is a lot longer than the Chief has lived in Rama.

Shawna Snache (Shawna) asked "When did the clothing allowance start?".  The Chief responded that it was started before she was elected.  The Chief further added, that Chief and Council (C&C) make a good salary.  It's going to grow.  That's how it has grown substantially.  I'll let Council interject when they wish.  C&C over see the businesses. 

Anna asked if C&C received $6,000 each year for Christmas bonuses, and the $4,000 trust distribution, and vacation, which all totals to approximately $20,000 for the month of December.  The Chief stated that do receive all that.

Shawna asked if the bonuses were based on their salaries.  The Chief stated they go through salaries each budget time.  Shawna asked if they do the same for Council.  Councillor Larry Shilling (Larry) stated that it is a lot of work.  Shawna asked if that was really true.  He responded yes, they work 5 to 6 days a week. 

Councillor Ronald Douglas (Ron) stated he was not there to debate with anybody.  We have made deductions.  We were not told to, we just chose to.  As far as the numbers and the policies, many were put in place before some of us got here.  The scope of the work was unrealized and misunderstood (by the membership).  This is not being said with a with a mean spirit.  Mentally (the work is challenging).  To some it may not be agreed to.  We cannot sleep at times when difficult decisions are to be made.  It can make us sick.

Anna responded that "we all do".  She works at Casino Rama and knows all about stress of the job.

Ron added that they (C&C) cannot turn it off.  A lot of information to learn.  I have heard that some Councillors had heard material several times and still have trouble understanding certain information.  We look at funding agreements, reporting, policies, and we go out into the community to address community concerns, and there are other parts of the job.  Is it worth it?  I'm not sure.  But it's not easy.  Someone said (not C&C, nor Rick) but this person said -- There is nothing that will prepare you for the work that lies ahead of you.  -- The scope of work by other First Nations is not the same as ours.  There's is no less important, however, we have many more responsibilities.

Councillor Byron Stiles (Bryon) chimed in -- the amount of work there is.  Other First Nations meet once a month.  We meet once a week (large binder full of material) and community needs such as health and housing and individual things.  We have to develop policies.

Shawna:  What policies do C&C follow.
Chief answered with a remuneration policy for sure, we make and pass policies, spent months and months on the education policy, housing policies.

Sara asked if there was a cap for mileage.  Yes, there is a cap.
Anna:  Do you (C&C) have to show receipts.  Chief said no.  Anna added that they should return what they don`t use.  The Chief said she still has her 1999 SRV which she bought before she became Chief.  She doesn`t even have the time to purchase a new vehicle.  She puts so much effort in her job.  She had her windshield replaced twice.  She has more dings in her doors from people open car doors around her vehicle. 
Q:  Anna asked doesn`t the allowance just go for gas. 
A:  Chief said it was a vehicle allowance. 
Comment:  Sara said the mileage allowance is $40 per km and that $500 a month is great.  We are actually saving money. 
A:  Chief said although she appreciates Sara`s comments, she stated that she charges mileage if she attends a meeting in Toronto for example. 
A:  Ron stated that if they were to submit a mileage claim for short trips, (all receipts get handed in) it would exceed the $500 allowance they receive.  It would also be a lot of paperwork.
Q:  Anna asked Ron if walks to work. 
A:  Ron said no, he walks during his lunch breaks though.  I drive a lot.  There`s merit there.
The catchment area is Barrie.  They charge mileage for trips outside Barrie.
Q:  Dawn Ireland-Noganosh (Dawn) asked if there is a mileage allowance and a travel allowance.
A:  yes.
Q:  Dawn asked how do you justify your salaries and severance packages.  This needs to be shared with the community.  Orillia has a committee that reviews their Council`s salaries.
A:  Ron asked or do they review recommendations.
A:  Dawn said salaries are not comparable.
A:  Ron stated that he did not set salaries before he started.  The Mayor of Orillia and other municipalities have a different level of responsibilities. 
A:  Chief said C&C is going to provide a comparison of the responsibilities of the City of Orillia Council and Rama`s C&C.  So far, 55 areas of responsibilities has been conservatively identified for Rama.
Q:  Dawn asked if we could see Orillia`s responsibilities and see how C&C compare them.
A:  Chief said we are not privy to Orillia`s list and we are not sure how they set up their portfolios.  On daily basis, we are responsible for fire and police policies.  This is not a 5 day a week job, it is 24 hours.  Rick (Morano)`s father was on the City of Orillia Council and has supplied some information of their responsibilities.
Q:  Dawn asked if a committee could be set up in Rama so we can have a say.  It just means you are more transparent.
A:  Chief said you make very valid points.  Again, just as an example, some Councillors in Orillia are retired.  Also, they have other jobs and have time for a second job.  We have a jammed full schedule.  Days are jammed packed.  Example, land claim settled...almost 2 years since new settlement was sent to them.  Going through a process.  New meeting with Minister.  We only have a week or so to deal with this, and we had a full agenda.  Yes, we have a lot of staff, good staff.

Comment:  Anna said she liked Dawn`s suggestion.

Chief said she is not sure who is on their committee.

Q:  Anna said no bias, but C&C say they run a multi-million dollar facility (Casino Rama), but are you guys just getting the rent money.
A:  Chief said yes come post 2011, but until now, we`ve been having meetings, and we secured an agreement.
Q:  Sara said thanks for doing that reduction.  C&C do work extremely had and many of them have one income.
Comment:  Arnold Snache (Arnold) said Gina`s husband works, Byron`s wife works, `Ron`s wife left her job.
Q:  Sara asked if C&C have pension plans. 
A:  Chief said they do.
Q:  Arnold asked if pension plans are the same as other staff.  Standard Life.
A:  Chief said yes.
Q:  Sara asked what the severance policies were.
A:  Byron said he answered this question during candidates night in front of everyone.  We get 2 months for every year served.  It is capped at 10 years, if elected into C&C for 5 years (at 2 year terms).
Q:  What is that amount.  Based on C&C`s salary.
A:  Some other First Nations may make you take a severance pay when you leave a job, Larry gave up 15 years seniority, Gina did too (left a job), and so did Byron.
Q:  Anna asked if all the other employees get $6,000 bonus too.  Should go by seniority.
Comment:  Dawn said she got $300 bonus and did not get a clothing allowance.  She said she was having trouble accepting C&C`s answers and asked that the committee she suggested be considered.
Q:  Shawna asked why don`t we have 12 councillors (1 councillor per 100 members) as it would cut the workload in half.
A:  Byron said other First Nations who have 12 councillors and they have trouble reaching decisions. 
Q:  Shawna said it is not about what is convenient for C&C.  It is about what is convenient for the community.  Delegate more to the community.

Open COUNCIL MEETING

Open Council Meeting  Mon night at Band Office 7:00 Oct.25,2010

Changes To Elections

We need to lobby the goverment for changes  as to how the elections are now done. in the news there has been talk by some Chiefs for change. We the   people should have a say. so write INAC and tell them what you would like to see changed . cheryle Snache

Letter to the Editor

Restoring Anishinaabe Culture Takes Faith by Bob Goulais

There was a time, in the relatively-near past, when Anishinaabe people knew exactly who they were. This was unquestionable.


As early as the early-1900s, we had our language. We had our systems of governance. We had our own Spirituality. We had our own way of life – from how we were born to how we died.

We had so much that was inherently Anishinaabe…

How we raised our children.

How we healed our illnesses.

What we learned and how we were taught.

How we earned our living.

What we harvested and what we ate.

How we lived our lives. How we Loved. How we laughed.

How we treated our Elders.

How we sang, created art… how we entertained and socialized with one another…

The sum of all these things is culture.

“Native Culture” isn’t just a band office program. It isn’t just our annual pow-wow. It isn’t an evening language class or even the summer pow-wow trail. It is the sum of all those things that make us uniquely Anishinaabe, including our traditional teachings, our way of life, how we talk to each other and how we pray to the Creator. Culture is our collective identity and how we see ourselves.

And, it’s sad to say, much of it has been lost to history.

But the loss of culture was not our fault. We have no reason to be ashamed. There is good reason why we lost our way.

It is a well-documented fact that Christianity was forced upon the Anishinaabe and many other First Nations across North America. Early missionaries, including that of the jesuit mission in Garden Village (later the Holy Spirit Mission) were established with the sole purpose of converting the heathen, soulless Indians into good Christians worthy of heaven. Later, the establishment of residential schools, like those in Spanish, Chapleau and Sault Ste. Marie, tore apart our families and community with the forcible removement and systemic abuse of our children. All in the name of assimilation, intolerance and the Lord Jesus Christ.

But this was done so subtly, so systematically, and so successfully, that our people have come to accept that they were Christian and that very little was done to our people as a whole. I’ve heard some survivors say they were grateful for their education at residential school and thankful that their Christian faith guided them through those tough times away from their families.

As a result, we have a whole lot of mixed-up Christians singing pow-wow and hand-drum songs, dancing their hearts out, taking Native language classes and marching for Treaty Rights.

I’m not writing this to discourage those like-minded individuals, who are working to raise their families as Anishinaabe. There are many people out there that have shed their colonial outer garments for an AIM t-shirt. They know the challenges of living a life in search of something more. Trying our hardest to give our children what was kept from us.

We try our hardest, but we don’t think Anishinaabe anymore. In reality, very few Anishinaabe people can actually speak Anishinaabemowin. Those that speak Anishinaabemowin, can think in their language… but mainly about Jesus and their shame of being Indian. Original Sin is something far more profound when you have dark skin.

We need to turn the corner on re-establishing our nationhood and re-defining our inherent, indigenous culture as Anishinaabe people.

I have said many times, we need to gradually assimilate into our own culture. This is something my friend Brian Loukes calls “acculturation”.

This begins through education. We must have the courage to transform our entire education system into a truly Anishinaabe institution.

We need to restore our language. This can only be done through language immersion programs in Anishinaabemowin – the official language of our people. Our children need to be able to think in Anishinaabemowin once again. This doesn’t mean we turn our backs on English. This is the 21st Century. We do have to be proficient in both languages.

Nor do we need to sacrifice principles of good education to find our way back to Anishinaabe culture. We still need to read and write, learn mathematics, science, geography, biology and chemistry. We can all do this in Anishinaabemowin and being mindful of our own world view. We do, however, need to be taught our own history, philosophy and way of life. We need to be educated about our Treaty and inherent rights. We need to be educated in the traditional ways of protecting the environment.

Most importantly, we need to have Faith. We need to have Faith that we, the Anishinaabeg, are as important as any other nation on this Earth. We must have Faith that our language and culture is just as valuable as any other. We have Faith in our abilities to govern ourselves and teach ourselves.

We have to give up our reliance on others, including the government. We can indeed be self-sufficient and prosperous, economically, socially and culturally.

But Faith is one of the problems. With the dominance and influence of Christianity in our communities, we won’t be addressing Faith anytime soon.

You see, the Anishinaabe people have our own Faith and spiritual way of life. For all intents and purposes, we have our own religion. Our entire society, including our language and culture, are deeply rooted in Spirituality. These are the original teachings and way of life of our ancestors, Gte Anishinaabeg. We have a society expressly dedicated to living and protecting this way of life called the Midewiwin. This beautiful society keeps many of the most profound teachings of the Anishinaabe, including our Creation Story, the philosophy of Mno-Bimaadiziwin and the Seven Grandfather Teachings. These teachings are only the tip of a very immense iceburg that is the full expanse of Anishinaabe belief, custom, Spirituality and culture. Much of it remains totally unknown to 99 per cent of Anishinaabe people.

Many Christians, Anishinaabe or not, are not willing to trust in their own inherent belief systems. The teachings of the Church are so ingrained in our society, so well instituted in our families and communities – it may never be shed in favour of traditional Anishinaabe spirituality.

Assimilation and Christianity has been so subtle, so systematic, and so successful that we no longer see that there is anything wrong. We can go about our lives, sending our kids to school. We do our best to learn about “Native Culture”, taking Ojibwe language classes and drumming and dancing on the weekend. Come Sunday, after confession, we can settle down to our nice family dinner with the confidence that we will go to heaven. Confident that St. Peter, will meet us at the Pearly Gates and welcome us with open arms.

I wonder what pow-wow weekend is like in Heaven and if Jesus is the Emcee?

Some reserves prosper despite Indian Act limitations

This is a great read. It offers a glimpse into another community's challenges and successes.
Our beautiful community has so much potential. We wish to see it prosper just as much as anybody, but with the help of the community. We are a community people. We are not a political people, politics got us into this, but leadership can get us out.

No padding to First Nations paycheques

By Bob Goulais

National Post

Posted: December 23, 2009
The grass is always greener on the other side. I wish my new Palm Pre ran WindowsCE and had the same apps as my old Treo Pro. I wish my hair was long and straight rather than curly. But do we really wish we could be the Chief of Peguis First Nation and make $174,230 tax free? There are many people wish they could be an Indian and have everything tax free, free education and free housing.
Sorry to dispel these contemporary stereotypes. Nothing is free in the world, it all requires hard work. Most of us don't get free housing or free money. There are very few who benefit from the right to tax exemption - they must live and work on-reserve. The majority of us, like you, pay taxes. And very few First Nations students are "sponsored". We get student loans like everyone else.
To address another contemporary stereotype -- First Nations do not make that much money.
In 2006, the average Aboriginal income in Ontario was only $26,000. The unemployment rate for First Nations people living on-reserve is 18 per cent -- three times the Ontario average.
Given these statistics, I certainly can't defend or substantiate the salary paid to the chief and council from Peguis First Nation. Perhaps they were getting bonuses based on their recent negotiated land settlement or their own source revenue. Perhaps, the chief was paid a premium because he's a professional engineer. I have no idea why the councillor is getting paid $310,000. That's is grossly excessive and actually turns my stomach.
However, having worked in First Nations politics for most of my life, I know with absolutely certainty that chiefs and councillors don't get paid that much. In fact, First Nations civil servants don't get paid anything close to what they're worth in relation to what they do for their communities.
In my experience, most chiefs make between $40,000 and $60,000.
Check any First Nation audit. These are easily obtained through a basic Freedom of Information Act request. Yes, indeed. I'm pleased to dispel another stereotype -- First Nation governments are indeed quite accountable.
Of all the levels of government, First Nations not only have to file an annual audit to the Government of Canada, they have to file inordinate numbers of reports for every program and fund they access. In fact, the Auditor General once criticized the sheer number of reports that must be filed, which averaged around 140 official financial reports, per band, each year.
First Nations have established their very own Aboriginal Financial Officer's Association, a network of financial professionals who share policies and best practices. Membership in the AFOA is quickly becoming a standard in the most accountable of First Nations band administrations. Their members of AFOA need to be commended.
However, the Auditor General has also criticized First Nations, stating that in too many cases, dollars intended for social purposes don't always make it to those in need. They were being used for administration and salaries, rather than helping the poor. Peguis First Nation, despite their recent successes, remains one of the poorest First Nations in Manitoba.
I think First Nations need to re-evaluate their priorities when it comes to financial planning. We need to merge our financial values with our societal values. We're a communal, socialist society. These dollars need to be put back into the community, not just into the pockets of the leadership.
However, we also need to measure the value of leadership and the civil service.
In my experience, wages of First Nations program managers, financial administrators and program officers are half of what is made by their counterparts in government. On average, First Nations civil servants have to do a lot more than their jobs ask. For the most part, First Nations have no executive assistants, special advisors, policy analysts or communications officers.
Sure, there may be a few First Nations leaders that make an exorbitant salary. But I estimate that less than one percent of chiefs across Canada make more than $100,000. As I stated earlier, the vast majority make between $40,000 and $60,000.
On the other hand, I would estimate that about 10 per cent make less than $40,000. There are still a few First Nations whose chief is either part-time or strictly a volunteer, paid only by meeting honoraria. Most councillors in First Nations are volunteers who only get honoraria, usually $100 to $200 per meeting, with perhaps a small monthly stipend. Travel budgets for most councils are quite low and not much of a financial incentive.
With statistics like these, why would an accountant, a lawyer, a financial planner or an MBA even consider working for their own community? What incentive does a First Nation have to bring in the best, young university graduates? Why would someone want to be chief -- one of the most stressful, unappreciated, heavily-criticized positions you can have in a small community - when they are making less than $50,000 per year? And they have to worry about getting re-elected every two years, compared to four years in mainstream politics.
And it's true. First Nations are losing their best, young minds to urban centres where they can have housing, a better salary and a more comfortable life. First Nations just can't compete.
Before we paint all First Nations with the brush of contemporary stereotypes, we also need to work towards equity for the vast majority of First Nations civil servants.

Bob Goulais

Nipissing First Nation

E-mail: info@bobgoulais.com

New Post-Financial Information from the June finance meeting

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Group-for-Accountability-and-Fairness/130530581735?v=app_2373072738

Thank you to everyone who took notes at the June financial meeting. The following is a summary of those notes.-


Facts from finance meeting in June
As of June we have $55M in the bank
Total Budget is 40$M for this year ending March 2011
45% of our money for budget comes from our bank account (general revenue account) $16M to 18M
55-18=37$or 39$M left in bank at end of March 2011

Some of which is set aside and cant be touched because of :

Collateral for loans (land purchases) and the Housing collateral fund of $10M and the credit facility of $18M = Which leaves us with approx $15 M actual free and clear cash in the bank at the end of March 2011 at the rate we spend money it wont last long
Money will start to come to us monthly August 2011 which is 1.9% gross of profits could be as high as $10M per year
plus the land leases of approx $4M which still goes into the trust fund
Also casino funding remain the same at approx $10M a year, snow contract/water charges/ sewer charges/ police and fire but is already calculated in the budget so it is not over and above
Even with the new casino agreement we will have nothing left in the bank unless we stop spending like this $24M a year on wages and benefits $18M operating budget

HST REBATE FORMS

HST REBATE FORMS MAY BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE MINISTRY OF REVENUE WEBSITE. You will find the application form in PDF as well as instructions on applying for the rebate/refund.  PST EXEMPTION AT POINT OF SALE RESUME SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2010, IN THE MEAN TIME CONTINUE TO KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS FOR REIMBURSEMENT.

Reserve Transparency

The Canadian Taxpayer's Federation has launched a website to help band members obtain financial information as to how band funds are being used.

This is a great website and a great resource.

It goes to show you that we, the Group for Accountability are not the only ones who see this as an issue on reserve and want to do everything we can to make sure the information is accessible.
This supports the work we have been doing and I am proud to say so.

Rama's final casino revenue appeal denied

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2676048

Voting Strategically

Press Release Involving Rama First Nation and Tribute Resources-Another Business Partnership We Knew Nothing About?

Filing Services Canada

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FSC / Press Release
Tribute Resources Inc. Announces Submission of Bid for Waterpower Project on Trent-Severn Waterway
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States
London, Ontario CANADA, April 09, 2010 /FSC/ - Tribute Resources Inc. (TRB - TSX Venture), ("Tribute"), a developer of renewable energy projects in Ontario, announced today it recently submitted a bid to the Parks Canada Agency for a six megawatt hydraulic generation project ("Project") at locks 24 and 25 on the Trent-Severn Waterway ("TSW"). If its bid is accepted, Tribute will enter into an equal 50/50 limited partnership with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation ("Rama") to develop the Project. A letter of intent has been executed by both Tribute and Rama. Upon receipt of a positive bid response from the Parks Canada Agency, the newly formed limited partnership will apply for a 40 year power purchase contract through the Ontario Power Authority's ("OPA") Feed-In-Tariff Program ("FIT") for both of the sites to inject their electrical output into the Hydro One Networks Inc. local distribution grid.
Tribute anticipates that if the Parks Canada Agency approves its bid, the limited partnership will commission detailed engineering studies in 2010 and will complete its environmental studies by 2011. The Project will work its way through the FIT production program and Ontario's Renewable Energy Approval ("REA") process prior to construction, which would commence in 2012 and be completed in time for a 2014 commercial operation date. The Chippewas of Rama will greatly assist in all aspects of Project development, including the planned Education Centre and species studies.
About Tribute Resources Inc.:
Tribute is a Canadian energy company with a focus on adding value to shareholders by exploring for; developing and maintaining a long-term interest in market-based priced underground natural gas storage assets and in developing renewable energy projects in the Province of Ontario. Tribute's objective is to build a company capable of delivering and sustaining long-term per share growth by developing and managing diversified energy projects that will generate stable long term cash flow when fully developed. Tribute's business plan is to build upon its current asset base to identify, permit, develop, and construct projects that meet its threshold return criteria. Tribute will create value by identifying project opportunities, providing the expertise to develop the projects and maintaining an interest in the completed assets to build long-term stable utility quality cash flow from a strong and diversified energy related asset base.
Tribute believes that it is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the ongoing restructuring of the energy markets in Ontario and North America. Tribute's three business units - Renewable Energy Development, Underground Natural Gas Storage and Natural Gas Exploration - are strategically aligned with the evolving energy market.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may include "forward-looking" statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tribute to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, such statements use such words as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "believe", "plan", and other similar terminology. The risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tribute with applicable securities regulatory authorities. New risk factors may arise from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all of those risk factors or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results, performance and achievements of Tribute to be materially different from those contained in forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchanges) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For further information on this press release please contact Jane Lowrie, President of Tribute at (519) 657-7624 or visit our website at www.tributeresources.com.

Source: Tribute Resources Inc. (TSX-V: TRB) http://www.tributeresources.com


Maximum News Dissemination by Filing Services Canada Inc. *


www.usetdas.com