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Thursday, September 27, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Petition is ready! Sign and Share!
Sign the Petition to cut wages, eliminate perks and severance packages!
http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/chippewas-of-rama-first-nation-chief-and-council-2012-cut-wages-and-severance-packages-to-elected-leadership
http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/chippewas-of-rama-first-nation-chief-and-council-2012-cut-wages-and-severance-packages-to-elected-leadership
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
MY SPEECH FOR CHIEF ON CANDIDATES NIGHT
Hello Cheryle Snache i have lived in Rama for the past 39 Years . My Mother is Velma Graham and my grandparents were Ben Sawyer Sr. and Carrie Sayer. I have to grown children Samantha and Kory Snache which some of yous may no. Under this current administration, there has been job loss, no job shadowing,no training programs, no economic development, therefore no job creation and no community input into matters that affect us all. This will change should you choose to elect me Chief of our community. I have a plan to enhance the current businesses we already have. A new marketing and merchandising strategy and plan for the country Market, Ojibway Bay Marina and Black River Wilderness Park. Our retail spaces at the Casino can be improved to showcase Native designers and our artists. Rama currently owns farm land that we could be farming. we could create jobs and produce healthy local foods for our community. Food security is a very important issue to me as a leader. Our seniors and our children should have healthy, nutritious food to eat without worry. If elected as our Chief i will hold monthly community meetings here at the hall and minutes will be posted every month. The Membership will be surveyed to determine Chief and Councils salary, I firmly believe that it is the memberships money that pays Chief and Councils salary, therefore they should determine what they are worth. I stand behind this. Job shadowing and mentoring will begin immediately and i want to do away with the policies that are paralysing and develop new policies with community that will empower our people to reach their potential. No decision will be made that affect you and this community without your input first. The fact is our community needs our help. We need to implement a new plan that will ensure our future, improve our present and honour our past, while preserving jobs and creating mew ones. In the next two years I will address the following.Enhance the businesses we currently have. Develop a new marketing/merchandising strategy, Focus on Job Creation, Developing sustainable business partnerships that encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in us. A plan to address affordable home ownership in our community, Youth and Elder Advisory Councils will be established to help guide us, Rama will rejoin the Union of Ontario Indians so we can work together to protect out Treaty Rights, Work to improve relationships with other First nations. Going into this election I want to hear from you, your thoughts,your ideas, your stories,and your memories. our community was know for humility and being humble These are our roots. Our roots will make us strong again. I ask for you vote Aug. 31. Cheryle Snache
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
CHERYLE SNACHE 2012- LEADERSHIP WITH VISION
Congrats to every one that has been nominated in our next election its hard to reach all of are members who live off the reserve we were only given 22 names. This has to change to reach me and please do i can be contacted at cherylesnache@gmail.com.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Cheryle Snache for Chief - Election 2012
CHERYLE SNACHE 2012 - LEADERSHIP WITH VISION
Aaniin. My name is Cheryle Snache and I am running for the responsibility of the position of Chief of Rama of First Nation. I have a number of key areas of concern for our community which I will address, but first a little bit about myself. I have lived in Rama most of my life and I'm the mother of two grown children, Sam and Kory who grew up here and call Rama home.
I am passionate about our culture and preserving all aspects of our language and traditional knowledge. I am an active volunteer and advocate in our community and I started up the Rama Food Bank in 2009 when I saw that there were food security issues right here in our community. I have extensive experience from marketing and tourism to self-employment and business start-ups. Everyone agrees right now that the top priorities in our community are jobs and Economic Development. Creating meaningful jobs for our people must start with job training and job shadowing. Our people need to hold the majority of the positions in our community, including leadership and management roles, and supporting those that have gone on to post-secondary education. Working for Rama should be a career building move that also addresses our social issues. Economic Development should address long term sustainability and must be community driven. We have so much potential here in Rama that we need to maximize. Our greatest assets and resources are our people. We need to develop a brand new marketing strategy with community input that will put Rama in line with First Nation communities like Membertou and Osoyoos. I have a plan to develop our land, our community and our people, that will enhance the quality of life for everyone and still respect and protect the environment and our waters.
Housing and Home Ownership is another area of great concern to me. Healthy, sustainable home ownership should be accessible to all and we need to look at ways to accomplish this. I feel the price of land should be more affordable for our people that want to build a family home here in the community.
Our Language is our Culture. A Cultural Centre for our Youth is another top priority and having a plan is vital to this. Today's youth need a sense of cultural identity they can be proud of and we need to support this. An Elders and Youth Council must be established to help voice the will of the people. Supporting Arts, amateur sports and Education is critical to our young people’s identity.
As a Chief the Social Well Being of the community should be front and centre when considering any and all decisions. We need to look after our people, especially our Seniors and their needs, and those that are the most vulnerable to social issues. I can assure the people that no decisions shall be made until the well-being of this community is factored in.
I believe we are all shareholders and therefore are entitled to any and all information affecting the future and well- being of this community. This would mean financial information on time and written for you, and all council meeting minutes will be posted. My bottom line is no decisions will be made that affect you and this community without your input first. I want to do away with policies that are paralysing and implement new policies that will empower. I can assure you that voicing your concerns over policies that affect you and your family will not affect your security or employment and that the new Chief and Council will hold open door meetings monthly at the Community Hall where you can have your say and have your concerns addressed. You will have a voice in this community if I am chosen to lead.
It is no secret that we are facing rough waters ahead as a community. Things will look worse before they get better, but I believe that we're all in this together, and we will have to work together as a community and a nation to heal our people and create Unity amongst ourselves once again. Together we can achieve this. I welcome your comments, questions and concerns and you can reach me at any time, day or night at 705-325-5538 and by emailing cherylesnache@gmail.com My door is always open and I am welcoming community members ‘Open House’ style in my home every Monday evening from 5:00-9:00pm for tea and coffee and discussion. With our hearts and our votes we have the power to change our community for the future. Cheryle Snache, Crane Clan of Rama First Nation
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Chippewas of Rama Election
Nomination Night July 20, 2112 6:00 p.m. to 9:00.pm. Candidates Night Aug 16 2012 6:00 p.m. start Election Aug31. 2012 All meetings at the Chippewas of Rama Hall
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Ojibway of Rama Ontario
I remember as a boy said old Sam Snake , living in my father's wigwam. It was sixteen feet across, and covered with sheets of birch bark, sewn together with roots. We slept on rush mats. Above us, just beneath the smoke- hole hung strips of venison, which were dried by the smoke as it went up. When it was dry, they would take the venison down, salt it pound it down and store it away in bark boxes for the winter time" Thus did an elderly Ojibway Indian describe a scene oh his childhood days. He was born and brought up on the Rama Reserve , near Lake Couchiching , Ontario . It was there that we met, while camping for a few days on the reserve in the summers of 1937 and 1938, But things have greatly change n the last fifty years at Rama. This old Indian Sam Snake , typifies the change. No longer does he live by hunting and trapping but by farming. On the reserve , each family has a piece of land from one acre up, on which they have built their frame houses. Around the house lies the garden where they raise all kind of vegetables for there own use. Many of the young men do not farm, but seek employment locally in the lumber camps. Quite a number of them also act as guides to the white tourists who come north every summer on fishing excursions. Fishing is also important on the reserve, for drawn up on shore in front of each dwelling are numerous small, canvas-covered fishing shacks. When winter comes, the Indians haul these out over the frozen lake, and through an opening in the floor they cut a hole in the ice. Then sitting down by a small stove, they defy the wintry weather and wait for the fish either a hook and line or a three-pronged spear, The many fish that they catch form an important part of there diet, as there little or no hunting left in the district. A blending of ancient and the modern can be seen at the annual fair in mid- September . On display are all kinds of farm produce, the children school exhibits, and many of their ancient hand crafts , These last include birch bark ware, beautifully decorated with porcupine quill work, bows and arrows , carved wooden souvenir swords, toy canoes, and axe - handles. Walking about among the other Indians are the older men, dressed in traditional buckskin and feathers , ready to tell you of their hunting exploits in the"good old day. Also one would be sure to meet the chief, Alder Yorke. He has been the chief for the past twenty- one years , or seven terms . for nowadays the chief and his two councillors are elected every three years. Alder Yorke is greatly responsible for the progress among his three hundred tribesmen. at rama during the last few years. although he himself was in his younger days a great hunter and trapper . Except among the older folk the fine legends and traditions of the Ojibway have almost disappeared. But when the thunder rumbles and the lighting flashes, even the youngest of the Rama Ojibway know that the thunder bird a monstrous white bird living in the clouds is angry and is shooting its long blue cylindrical stones or "thunder - bolts" through the air, trying to kill its traditional enemies, the serpents. In spite of many superstitions or belief in murderous witches who fly about at night in the form of a ball of fire, the Ojibways at Rama are a kind and hospitable people, they showed us every kindness while we were there. and we found that by being kind and honest to them , they would return the compliment with interest". One of our best memories of the reserve is of an elderly Ojibway women , who was very poor . Before we departed we gave her a few matches and some food that we had left over. She was very pleased, and thanked us as best an Indian can, But her real appreciation was shown when just before Christmas, she made and sent both to my friend and myself, a pair of tiny beaded moccasin.. By Emerson Coatsworth (Wah-sah-wah-gurh) Upper Canada College ,Ontario April 3 1939
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
FINANCE MEETING
I have had a few members talk about the Finance meeting the other night, Which gave no new info. When they talk about the money they just think about the 35%, And that WAS millions , Be sides the 35% there still and is other money from INCA the trust, some of the business. Millions over the years have been spent. on failed ventures and that's not are fault . The blame goes to the people that have been elected since the Casino got here. Why would the CFO get paid $244,970 and the Band Manager $ 169,034 are there jobs not to manager are money? The business are costing us millions and all on running in the red except for 2 and they thing this is good because people have jobs. What do you think? This is insane to me or maybe its just me. They may have a new deal but i still don't think that the casino will be here for 20 or 30 years. The government does,nt care about us and never have . OLG is going to be looking for operators for the Casino and the Chief said they were going to put in a bid maybe with a partner. Good luck with that one Hope the partner has money as we don't. I still don't no whats happening with the trust. Some one fill me in... 48% of the$ 38 million budget is wages wow for such a small community doesn't leave much for any thing else .. But one good thing we have $250 million in collateral like buildings equipment ..... so who do you sell the buildings to? and a lot of that equipment is just doing noting.No new houses and no development in the works. And the rich get richer.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Land
I think if people knew what life was going to be like they would have voted no for the Casino, Seem 's like we just keep giving more for the Casino and for what. More land now for a parking lot whats next? What happen to the idea of a strip mall on Benson side road, Lets hope the land they have purchased gets turned into Band land soon for housing.Just the fact that we have no say in what is happen to our land is bad enough remember it belongs to all...
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Meeting
Finance Meeting. Rama Hall June 14th , Dinner 5:30 p.m. 6:15 Meeting Indian Card required Be there find out where are money is going or should i say where it's gone.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Just Saying.
The word protocol should not be used in a failing corporations , Just saying . I'm truly sick of here that word when every you have to ask something . Is the policy's and protocol for Chief and Council not likely . There is so much unnecessary red tape and policy's here its just plan stupid. Do you think other First Nation's are run this way no there not.When i talk to members from other First Nation they can't believe we put up with it . Stand Tall. And when i talk to some people here there like oh cant do that we have to follow the protocol what are they BRAIN WASHED. any way..............
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
PARKING LOT
Question's that were sent on May 16, 2012 on the Parking Lot. 1. Has the land been designated commercial, or is it still zoned residential? 2. H as the land been officially surrendered? Is this land in the Bands name. 3. Have all environmental issues or impacts been addressed, including permits , to meet criteria, under INAC's land management act? 4. Does the Band have the right to lease out a new piece of land without consultation and referendum by the members? And if so how did we do that? 5. Did the Casino not purchase the Willison property for RV Campers to use? Thank You Cheryle Snache
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
WATER
In our culture the women take care of the water, as native people are culture there is noting more important to us then the land. Are whole culture is based on this. In Rama i see the opposite , What is the point in having a water ceremony when we are putting tonnes of salt into the lake , when we are leasing out are farm,s only to have them covered in pesticide , which makes there way to the lake as every thing does. Think about our children breathing in that, I have try, ed a number of times to have an all out pesticide band on our territory but have not had any success. I guess the money that they receive for taxes on the farms is more important then the health of are land water. And us.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
PARKING LOT
In this months Ojibway Times the employee parking lot was mention saying while there was no Master plan to be shared yet, when one is ready it will be presented to the community. The parking lot will be built in the coming months. I have some questions about the whole process . First we were told that there would be a vote on the 2011 Deal and when there told us about the new deal April 2010 at a community meeting we were told no vote . We were told that the members would have input into the Master plan while this has,nt happened. And this is how OLG supports Casino by investing in the parking lot ,.one we have no say in gee thanks . More of the same propaganda the new deal will be worth $1- billion to Rama over 35 years. If you believe that your living in a dream world.
RAMA HOST MEETING - Aboriginal Economic Development Board
I wonder what Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Band thought as he was given a tour of Rama . One of the most success full Bands in Canada In 2000 Osoyoos set a goal to become economically self - sufficient in five years it succeeded. Not bad for a band that was bankrupt and taken over by Indian Affairs . when he took over as Chief and turned it into an inspiration.. Today they have RV parks vineyards, winery , construction company , cement companies, cultural center and a $100 million interest in hotel and conference. . Louie believes good government involves being accountable and transparent - to its own constituents. He believes depending solely on federal government foe payouts will not break the cycle of poverty or address the social ills that colonialism, residential schools and the reserve system have inflicted. If you create jobs you will reduce health issues, social problems and addictions. .. Given that the tour was with the Chief and band Manager i can just imagine what was said. To bad the members of Rama are not included in these meetings . With the lack of economic development in our community how has a seat on this board by Sharon Henry helped us ? Cheryle Snache
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Communication
When you are elected to be A chief or a councilor its your job to talk to the people even tho you may not want to or like them or don,t agree with opinion . It has gotten so in Rama that i guess they feel this is,nt part of the high paying jobs. When you email a question to C$C you receive a email back from the Band Manger. There is no more community meetings, And if they don,t want to see you in council they don,t. Communication with the members well there is none.They should be punching a time clock, in the real world you dont, get paid unless you are there.But they have created there own world as to what they think it is to be a Chief or Councilor.Just saying ....
Friday, April 27, 2012
To days WTF is Council just dont want to here you.
Iam very much into the environmental issues here and around the world. I join groups i write letters, sign pet ions lobby the different governments on the issues and its some thing i have done for years and will all ways do. To protect Mother Earth.Here i see no interest by Chief and Council when it comes to the Our environment. In Feb. i asked to be seen in in council for an idea i had to save money . Rather then pay Orillia to take are compost i wanted to Put composter at the school and get the kids to compost make raised gardens and to plant organic vegetables . And to make and design there own peace garden a place where they could call there own and to sit and to be proud of a place to learn. The Principal was all for it. I was,nt asking for a job Just wanted to teach the children some thing they could use later on in life. Chief and Council would,nt even see me.I got a letter saying thanks but we dont need your help and the have a Green Team. What got me was they would even take the time to listen.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Parking Lot
I will say it loud and clear most people do not want a Parking lot in the center of our community the 4 corners . Most likely Toronto or that area is getting a Casino so that means a lot less people here. And most likely workers as business does down so i feel another parking lot is unnecessary . If they are going to lease more of our territory we should have had a vote .
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
VOTE
Well i guess we have to wait until the Chief can have the media there to find out how the vote went on the claim well we all ready no what has happened on the other three first nation, Any thing to make her look good i guess.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Pow Wow
What needs to happen is the members have some in put on the pow wow period , I thought every one like black river and were glad it was out side again , Having it at the seniors is not where it should be, Why cant it be at the ball park or the waterfront Rama Park . What we need to do is go back to having a traditional pow wow and i think alot of people feel the same.It is costing way to much and i would like more of the Chippewas of Rama traditions formerly the Chippewas of Lake Huron in simoce taught to our children. . I feel it should,nt all be about money. That's me Cheryle Snache
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Eliminated
It feels bad out there right now, with the jobs that have been eliminated based on the needs of our First Nation at least that is according to the Chief on how the people were picked. I think that if job shadowing had started years ago this would not have had to happen and I feel for the members, but I new it would happen and have been saying it for years. Even called a racist for wanting are people to be trained to take over the jobs the non- natives hold. Plain and simply the money has run out. Our needs well they haven't listen to our needs for years.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Layoffs in Rama
I don't work in the community, I don't hear the ins and outs and everyday rumblings, but I did hear that the layoffs have begun. I'd really like to hear the truth and not just hear say. I'd like to hear from those people that got laid off and what your thoughts are. And I'd really like to hear from those that have had enough of this bullshit leadership and bullshit 'economic development' in Rama.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Transparency
In the past Band minute,s were posted in our Band Office . That way we could see who was doing what and who voted on the different motions. Now we go by here say. Every time its an Election year you start here i did,t agree to that or i was,nt a part of that i said no to that or i did,nt no that. . From the people in power and the people who were in power and want to be there again. Look all i want is the truth. Posting the council minutes is transparency and accountability.
Monday, March 19, 2012
THE OJIBWAY MIGRATION STORY
According to oral tradition the Ojbways and other Algonquin speakers were originally settled up and down the East Coast . Those who do not share this traditional view think it is more likely the Ojibway lived next to Hudson ,s Bay and moved southward . Traditional Ojibway spiritual leaders are creationists and do not believe in the Bering Strait hypothesis for the people of North America nor the evolution of human beings in a Darwinian sense. Traditional oral history indicates that the early Ojibway planted corn and used canoes, overland trails , and sled dogs and sled,s in winter.According to there oral traditions the Ojibway Daybreak people ( Wa-bun -u-keeg) vowed to stay in the east and may be the people the French referred to as the Abnaki. The prophet of the 1st. Fire told the people to moved or be destroyed. most of the Daybreak people were later destroyed when the whites came. The Mide (shamans) remembered the prophet of the First Fire speaking of a turtle shaped island that would be the first of seven stopping places during Ojibway migration. There are two sites that fit the description. The first is at the mouth of the St. Francis River and the other is an island near Montreal . The 6 Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy were major adversaries during the migration . The seven major stopping stopping places of the great migration were 1 ) turtle-shaped island ( Montreal?) 2 Niagara Falls3) the Detroit River 4) Manitoulin Island of Lk.Huron 5) Sault Ste. Marie 6) Spirit Island in Duluth and Madeline Island in the Apostle Island of Lk. Superior. The Megis Shell rose up out of the water or sand at each locale and they knew when to stop when they found a turtle -shaped island ( Madeline Island) and "the food that grows on the water" (wild rice). The Ojibway have a 3 Fire confederacy composed of the Potawatomi (the fire people, keepers of the sacred Fire), the Ottawa (the trader people) and the Ojibway ( the faith keepers , keepers of the sacred scrolls and the Waterdrum of the Midewiwin ( the organized shamanic society for healers). All of the Anishinabe people are the nation of the Three Fire. Benton -Banai thinks the people were mistakenly referred to as the Chippewa. Densmore said that " The meaning of the word Ojibway has been the subject of much discussion. The derivation of the word from a root meaning "to pucker" has been conjectured. Many attribute this derivation to a type of mocassin formerly used by this tribe, which had a puckered seam extending up the front instead of having a tongue-shaped piece,as in present usage".)Densmore) 1979:5-6). The Three Fires nation was attacked along the migration by the Sauks and Foxes and never fought the whites. They fought battles with the Dakota when they got to the Midwest. Benton- Banai thinks the migration started around 900 AD and took 500. years to complete (1988:102). He believes the Sacred Fire was kept alive that long and the dream of the original 7 prophets was carried by many generations, Lee Sultcman
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Chief & Council,
Re: Coldwater Narrows Trust Agreement
We have carefully examined the trust documents in the package and we do not agree with the $10 million to be reimbursed to the band for the purchase of land as the community was not consulted at all.
The trust doesn't reflect the input of the people. It must be amended or there is enough band members that are ready to vote it down.
The People of Rama
cc: Chippewas of Rama
Re: Coldwater Narrows Trust Agreement
We have carefully examined the trust documents in the package and we do not agree with the $10 million to be reimbursed to the band for the purchase of land as the community was not consulted at all.
The trust doesn't reflect the input of the people. It must be amended or there is enough band members that are ready to vote it down.
The People of Rama
cc: Chippewas of Rama
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
COLDWATER NARROWS LAND TRUST
I hope people show up for the meetings on Our trust as i no we all said hand off Chief and Council, sure dose, not look that way to me.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Chief Yellowhead Island
At the meeting another issue was asked about and that was Chief Island formally know as Yellow head island, and the amount if boats around the island. we wanted to deal with the matter when we had an Environment Group. But we got no where like many of are concerns . The island was classed by the MNR as a Class One Wet land back the the Band was told to keep do something about the boats . When Rama had an Environment Assessment done on all of our land and islands same protect shoreline, and restrict access to the island . We need to protect the spawning grounds around the island.. Chief Yellow heads people lived on the island in 1827, 1828,1829 in 1829 a school and two cabins were constructed.. Before that the Huron were on the island. There are may graves and we no that there is also graves of the Huron.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Meeting
Last nights meeting on are finances does,nt surprise me any. If they don,t get the YOUR treaty money. I don't no what would happen With a budget of Forty some million a year ,and we have less then that in cash and investments. There sure will not be a big trust pay out in July. What a waste of money millions over the past 14 years, Like me and others have been saying it won,t stop till the pots run dry. Sad just makes me mad to think of what we could have done for our community, our future . our children future .With over 20 million on wages every i new this could go on but it has and no job shadowing for are people, maybe a few here and there Look its time this happens before it cant. Are people need full time jobs . But is there any money for job creation now? We have had years to do this.
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