Chief & Council Communications

May 29-30, 2014

Chief and Council met for 2 days in Parksville where they worked towards developing the Long-term Plan for Stz’uminus First Nation.  The goal is to have a long-term plan rolled out to the community in the very near future.

May 21, 2014

Stz’uminus First Nation is currently undergoing a feasibility study for its long-term water/wastewater, and as a result Chief and Council were invited to Nanoose to tour their wastewater treatment facility.

Chief and Council supported by Band Council Resolution Stz’uminus First Nation participating in the Canadian Environmental Assessment process as part of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project consultation.

Kinder Morgan had met with Stz’uminus First Nation Chief and Council previously with respect to the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project, and as a result is continuing to meet with Stz’uminus First Nation to discuss potential opportunities to work together.  Chief and Council have had discussions with Kinder Morgan around having them come to our community to discuss this project directly with our members.  Stz’uminus First Nation has applied for and has been accepted into the National Energy Board Hearing process for the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project at which Stz’uminus will have an opportunity to present its interests with respect to this project.

Chief and Council made plans for a 2-day Long-Term Planning meeting to take place in Parksville.  The guiding question from Chief and Council at all decision-making points will be “How can we better service the community?”

Chief and Council supported a joint funding application submitted by Nautsamawt Tribal Council for $30,000 to be used towards looking at energy efficiency opportunities for homes and public buildings.

May 7, 2014

Chief and Council approved funding to go towards the Elder’s trip in July in the amount of $19,130 from CCIF.

Chief and Council supported by BCR a funding application to BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centre in the amount of $1,000 to go towards the Elder’s trip.

Chief and Council reviewed and approved the Stz’uminus First Nation 2014-15 fiscal budget.

Chief and Council approved a CCIF request in the amount of $2,500 for the Stz’uminus 3^rd Annual Soccer Tournament to be held June 27-29.

April 23, 2014

Chief and Council discussed fisheries where Chief stated, “We never gave up our Rights and Title, We never gave up management of our Territory, It has slowly been taken away by DFO policies”.  Chief and Council strategized with respect to defending and fighting for Aboriginal Rights of our Nation.

Chief and Council directed Administration to start working towards the development of a long-term strategic plan for the Nation.

Chief and Council welcomed a representative from Parks Canada, Krista Royle, who discussed the feasibility project currently underway for a Proposed National Marine Conservation Area and ways in which Stz’uminus could be involved in the process.

Chief and Council supported by BCR an application for $15,000 to First People’s Cultural Council which would support the teaching of Hulquminum in our schools from September through March/15.

April 16, 2014

Chief and Council supported by BCR a funding proposal for $3,000 to go towards the Elder’s trip in July.

Chief and Council supported by BCR the subsidy application for the next six houses currently being constructed in the Sandpiper subdivision.

Chief and Council supported by BCR a funding application to New Relationship Trust for $3,000 to go towards the Elder’s trip in July.

Chief and Council approved new signage to be put up at the entrances to Stz’uminus community areas.

Chief and Council reviewed and discussed strategies around asserting control over fisheries management.

Feb 20, 2014

Chief And Council up date:

Chief and Council hosted and participated in a joint “community-building” initiative with the Town of Ladysmith Mayor and Council where members from each community had an opportunity to get to know members from the other community.  The benefits will come from the communities working together more in the future and being more supportive of each other.

Chief and Council continue to focus on the Health and Wellness

of Stz’uminus First Nation Community

Feb 12, 2014

Chief and Council up date:

Chief and Council welcomed Michel Woolner, new Human Resources Advisor to Stz’uminus First Nation to the Council Table.  Michel gave a brief introduction outlining her qualifications, experience, and roles and

responsibilities within SFN.  Michel’s overall goal is to provide HR administration and advice which will help our managers to have our employees performing at their best which will help us have efficient and effectively run programs and services which includes being cost effective.

Chief and Council welcomed Charlotte Elliott, Education Director for Stz’uminus First Nation to the Council Table.  Charlotte gave a presentation on current issues within the education environment which included SD 68 Local Education Agreement, proposed new Education Act, ISSP funding, data on student success, education around appropriate student behavior, budgets, busses, Post-Secondary Funding, new Primary School addition, and staff changes.

Chief and Council were presented with the Election timelines as per our Election Code.  A March 5 Nomination meeting was approved, an April 3 Election was approved, and Fred Schiffner was the approved contracted

Electoral Officer.

Chief and Council had previously requested Administration work to provide options with respect to treaty

negotiations with the goal being not to continue to have Stz’uminus First Nation incur any further debt going

forward.  Stz’uminus First Nation hosted a meeting with the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group member Nations, our

representatives met with both the Federal and Provincial governments, and we obtained legal review and advice on our options.  As a result, it was determined that the best option for Stz’uminus First Nation would be to

withdraw from Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group and take a temporary “time-out” from participating in treaty

negotiations.  This option provides for a clean break and the greatest protection from liability for treaty-related debt going forward.  We have been working as a Nation over the previous few years to be financially responsible in all areas,  and it was time to address this area.  With the support from our community members and Elders, Chief and Council approved withdrawing from Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, and taking a “time-out from treaty

negotiations effective April 1, 2014.  The Stz’uminus portion of debt held by the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group is close to $5 million with the exact allocation to member Nations not yet determined.

Chief and Council approved a 2014-15 funding proposal to First People’s Heritage Language and Culture Council for the Aboriginal Languages Initiative Program in the amount of $25,000.

Jan 29, 2014

Chief and Council up date:

Chief and Council approved the second phase of the Sandpiper Housing construction.  Stz’uminus First Nation will be building 2 Duplexes and 2 Single Family homes which will add another 6 housing units in total to our

community.  This is another step in providing an opportunity for our Stz’uminus First Nation members access housing in our community.  These units are being financed which means there is a monthly loan payment that will have to be paid.  The families moving into this housing will be families who are able to pay the monthly payment.

Chief and Council welcomed Nautsamawt Tribal Council to the Council Table.  Nautsamawt had come to talk to Chief and Council about the change to their concept and approach to service delivery where they would like to have a higher presence in the community and work on First Nation to First Nation learning.

Dec 11, 2013

Chief and Council up Date:

Chief and Council approved entering into an Emergency Services Agreement partnership with Cowichan Valley Regional District which would put our community in a position to develop and have in place an Emergency

Preparedness plan which would include training for both staff and community members.  This plan will include the coordination of programs, services, and training with other neighboring communities in the case of disaster.

Chief and Council commissioned an archeological study of assets recovered from the Royal BC Museum for the purpose of:

i. To understand as completely as possible the heritage of the Stz’uminus First Nation – the time and details of

iii.lands occupied, resources used, harvesting methods, diet,

iii.and social traditions, and to have this evidence summarized in a form readily

iii.understood by the people of Stz’uminus First Nation.

ii. To maximize scientific evidence in support of claims regarding traditionally occupied territory; and

iii. To gain custody and control of all excavated materials and evidence, including archeological field records,

iii. analysis, and reports, that provide the evidence of this heritage

Chief and Council approved an Individual Housing Application.  This application is indicative of the progress our community members are making with respect to taking control of their own housing needs.  Community members who have a steady stream of income are able to apply for a mortgage on their own which allows them to design and build their own home.  Stz’uminus First Nation Housing Department can work with members through each step of this process.

Chief and Council approved the distribution of Christmas gift cards to off-reserve members who come into the office.

Nov 27, 2013

Chief and Council up date:

Chief and Council approved the following:

Plans to bring ancestral remains home from Royal BC Museum at the end of December.

Four lots to be used for the CMHC 2014 proposal to build 4 new homes in the new year in the Sandpiper subdivision.

Costs to complete estimates for the home renovation partnership with community members.

Costs for an additional garbage bin for 1 week each month to be rotated around the major areas in the community.

Community Christmas dinner on December 19.

An Aboriginal Health Initiative proposal submitted by the Health Department for $50,000

The Health Centre purchase of new computers.

A Tl’uqtinus Burning Ceremony for November 28 on the Fraser River.

November 4, 2013

Chief and Council up date:

Chief and Council worked to prepare for the Stz’uminus First Nation Annual General Meeting.

October 30, 2013

Chief and Council up date: 

Chief and Council approved new membership to Stz’uminus First Nation according to membership rules.

Nicole Norris, FN Liaison of Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) gave introduction and update to Chief and Council to activities of Island Corridor Foundation.

Chief and Council approved a $100 distribution to Stz’uminus members from 2012 business profits.

October 24 and 25, 2013

Chief and Council up date:

Chief and Council reviewed and approved over 70 Education Policies over a two day period.

‪October 16, 2013

Chief and council up date: ‪

Chief and Council reviewed and approved all Housing Policies which will help to meet the housing needs of the community going forward.

September 11, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

The RCMP had attended the Chief and Council meeting to introduce Staff Sergeant Dave Herman who has replaced Staff Sergeant Larry Chomyn.  Chief and Council welcomed Staff Sergeant Herman and had expressed their willingness to work cooperatively with the RCMP for the protection and safety of our community members.

Chief and Council had approved a budget of $25,000 to be put towards health and safety repairs to Elder’s homes.

Chief and Council had reviewed and gave further direction towards progressing projects within Stz’uminus.

Chief and Council had approved the purchase of new computer hardware and software for Administration to maintain secure and reliable information systems for the future.  Chief and Council had also approved the purchase of 19 new computers for the Community Centre.  These new computers are very important to our community as they allow access to training and programming for our whole community.  Chief and Council have directed Administration to work to set up systems which will increase Employment Services, and these new computers are an important part of this initiative.

We are getting a build-up of garbage within our communities, and Chief and Council had discussed actions to be taken to help with this increasing problem.  Chief and Council had discussed actions around cleaning up the existing garbage, and actions around the prevention of illegal dumping of garbage in the future.

Chief and Council had set the date for the Stz’uminus First Nation Annual General Meeting, and is scheduled to take place November 6, 2013 at 5pm.

Chief and Council had reviewed a legal opinion which gives options around Treaty.  Chief and Council are very concerned about the increasing debt this program is creating for our Nation, and for the future of our children.

July 30, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

MNP had presented to Chief and Council the Stz’uminus First Nation 2012-13 Audited Financial Statements for approval.  Stz’uminus First Nation had operated within its budget for the year, and is in a healthy financial position.

July 23, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council had arranged for a dedicated meeting to discuss both short-term and long-term projects for the community, and worked to prioritize these projects and develop a first draft plan.

July 17, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council signed the loan documents in the amount of $568,681.00 for the 4 CMHC homes.
Chief and Council discussed the New Primary School Addition progress.
Chief and Council discussed the progress of the new homes being built in the Sandpiper subdivision.
Chief and Council discussed the issue of garbage being dumped in our community.
Chief and Council discussed the progress of our new Stz’uminus website being developed which will help to better communicate with our members

July 3, 2013

Chief and Council up-date: 

Chief and Council signed a new 5-year Fire Prevention/Suppression Service Agreement.

Chief and Council approved quotes to repair and re-activate two housing units to help alleviate the shortage of housing in our community.

Chief and Council signed the CMHC Housing agreements which provides for 4 new additional homes to be built in our community through the CMHC subsidized housing program.

Chief and Council ratified the request which helped to support the Stz’uminus Soccer Tournament held in Ladysmith on the weekend of Jun 28-30.

Chief and Council ratified the support of a funding application to New Relationship Trust for $25,000 submitted by Coast Salish Development Corp to support activities related to policy and by-law development.

Chief and Council ratified the support of funding applications to New Relationship Trust for $2,000, Nautsamawt Tribal Council for $3,000, and BC Friendship Centre for $1,000 to help fund the Elder’s Trip to Prince George.

Chief and Council supported by Band Council Resolution and application from the Health Centre to New Horizons in the amount of $25,000 to help support Elder’s programs

Chief and Council ratified a Band Council Resolution supporting the application to First People’s Cultural Council for BC Language Initiative for $15,000.

Chief and Council supported the closure of the Nutsumaat Lelum Childcare centre for the period August 12-23, 2013 to allow staff the opportunity to attend a 2-week camp to learn Hulquminum which then can be passed on to our children.

June 13, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

The Province of British Columbia attended the Chief and Council table to discuss the current direction of Incremental Treaty and the impact of this direction on opportunities available to Stz’uminus First Nation.  We were told that neither land nor cash are being offered to us through the Incremental Treaty process.

June 12, 2013

 Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council approved funding from CCIF to help support the Elder’s trip to Prince George.

Chief and Council signed the documents finalizing the settlement of the Second Action claims against the Stz’uminus from the Sewer Project which did not result in any additional costs being paid from current operations.

Chief and Council signed Bank of Montreal financing documents for capital projects which included the Primary School Addition and the Sandpiper Subdivision Housing project.

Chief and Council signed an Addendum to our Health agreements which resulted in additional funding in the amount of $62k for Health initiatives.

Chief and Council signed the Novation Health Agreement which is the next step in transitioning the administration of Health programming from Health Canada to the First Nation Health Authority.

May 23 and 24, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council had met May 23rd and May 24th to review Housing Policies and to discuss the state of our Nation’s housing with a view to working to find solutions to sustainable housing going forward.

May 11, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council met to plan the details around the Elder’s trip to Tl’uqtinus recognizing the importance of working to keep our Elder’s informed of important initiatives within our community.  The Elder’s trip to Tl’uqtinus occurred on May 29th and 30th.

May 7, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council had attended Snuneymuxw Chief and Council Table to discuss building a relationship and partnering on important initiatives.  Chief and Council are working to build these types of partnerships to benefit the futures of our children.  Chief and Council had also previously met with Halalt First Nation and with Penelakut First Nation.  It is recognized that we are stronger working together.

May 1, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council support and approve the construction of a new Primary School addition with a total construct cost of $1,525,000
Chief and Council received a presentation from Kinder Morgan with regards to the Trans Mountain Pipeline project and will be working to make sure Stz’uminus interests are being preserved.
Chief and Council have turned over management of housing operations over to Administration by eliminating the housing committee.  The Administration office will be working to ensure housing policies are being followed which facilitates a fair and equitable housing program for our communities.
Chief and Council supported a BCR supplied by the Health Department to receive funding for a Water Awareness initiative in our community.

April 4, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council approved the 2013-14 fiscal budget.

The expectation from Chief and Council is both a planned and delivered balanced budget.  We have many initiatives in the works for our communities and for our membership, and it is important we always remain financially responsible while moving our community ahead.
Our budget reflects both the day-to-day operational requirements and continuous improvement for the long-term.
Chief and Council supported the Coast Salish Employment and Training funding for a total of $143,303.00 which supports our community programs being run out of both of our community centres, our Hul’qumi’num language program, and Employment support for our community members.
Chief and Council have approved helping to support our two major canoe race events.

March 27, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council reviewed and updated the Terms of Reference for the Housing Committee.  Updating the Terms of Reference is the first step in laying a foundation to build a Housing administration structure which will allow us to both meet the needs of our Nation and the needs of our partner organizations.  Successful partnerships with other organizations are a key component to assisting us with our future housing requirements.  In order to improve our housing situation it is imperative that we build a fair and equitable system with a long-term view.

March 5, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council had attended Penelakut Chief and Council Table to discuss building a relationship and partnering on important initiatives.
Chief and Council are working to build these types of partnerships to benefit the futures of our children.
Chief and Council had brought in an expert to discuss Incremental Treaty and the benefits that could be obtained for our community by negotiating this type of agreement.
Chief and Council had discussed options around the Forest Revenue Sharing Agreement and how to move ahead with this agreement in a way that would benefit our Nation both in the short-term and in the long-term.
Chief and Council had reviewed and discussed a report on options available with respect to Tl’uqtinus lands and how we work to regain our rights to this area.  Tl’uqtinus, which was the name of our historical village that was located along the south arm of the Fraser River, holds a lot of history for us and we believe it will be an important part of our children’s future.

February 27, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Stz’uminus Chief and Council had invited Halalt Chief and Council to attend the meeting last night where there was discussion around building a relationship and partnering on important initiatives which would include Language, Education, Economic Development, Incremental Treaty, Herring, and Geoduck.  Chief and Council are working to build these types of partnerships to benefit the futures of our children.

Chief and Council have directed an initiative to increase communication.

February 13, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council have directed an initiative to increase communication.  A new website is being developed and will be up and running within 3 months, our newsletter will be re-designed, and we will be looking at a social media strategy.  A communications team will be going door-to-door to deliver information and to gather feedback which will help in future decision-making.
Chief and Council had discussion around actions needed to promote safety within the community.
Chief and Council had discussed the need for roads improvement, and had directed Administration to inquire about potential funding.
Chief and Council had discussed a media announcement being arranged at the Community Centre on Feb 20 for the funding being received from the Federal government towards the refurbishment of the Centre.

January 30, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

Chief and Council have approved the expenditure for replacing the Kulleet Bay bridge railings.  It was recognized that the condition of the railings is a safety issue within the community, and that this work needs to be a priority.  Work is expected to be complete by the end of March.
Chief and Council have approved a project to upgrade the lighting within the operational areas in the community.  Lighting had been added to existing poles at the Daycare/Community Centre as part of the project.  Work to be done shortly will be adding another pole to the Community Centre area with lighting and also adding lighting to the Administration/Council Chambers area.  The approval of this project addresses more safety issue affecting both community members and staff.
Chief and Council had requested our auditors complete a review of the CCIF funding to find out why when sales are increasing at the Husky Gas Station our CCIF funding coming back from taxes was being reduced.  MNP had found out that the government had reduced our Final Sales Factor ratio with no notice or discussion with Stz’uminus First Nation.  This Final Sales Factor is to represent the amount of tax considered to come from items that are not purchased for resale – final sales.  The government has agreed to reinstate the original Final Sales Factor which in turn will result in $60,000 coming back to the nation as a result of this review, and will result in this increased revenue for future years as well.
Stz’uminus First Nation is a part of a group of First Nations, the Alliance, who are working together to re-establish a land base along the Fraser River where our traditional village Tluqutinus was located.  This group of First Nations is comprised of Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut, Halalt, Hwilitsum, and Cowichan.
Chief and Council will be attending a meeting in February with all other Chiefs and Councils of this Alliance for the purpose of developing a strategy to move forward.  From this meeting we will be in a better position to determine what the extent of our role should be within some of these initiatives.

Jan 16, 2013

Chief and Council up-date:

We are doing a feasibility study for a new primary school
We are continuing with planning with the Town of Ladysmith where we are building a partnership which will result in benefits to both our communities which will allow us both to move forward more quickly
We supported the application for both the University College Entrance Program in the amount of $70,000 and for the Hul’quminum Program in the amount of $130,000.
We are contributing funding towards a new stove for the Big House
We have confirmed funding with Bank of Montreal to get housing in our community
We have arranged for Bank of Montreal to begin giving workshops in our community to help individuals get housing.