Sagkeeng First Nation

DRAFT SAGKEENG FIRST NATION COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (Click to Downloand .pdf)

May 2, 2007 Developed by: Mathieu Courchene, Hunter-Courchene Consulting Group

Table of Contents Background

BACKGROUND

On April 24, 2007, the Chief and Council for the Sagkeeng First Nation First Nation (Chief Donavan Fontaine, Councillors Reinie Courchene, Joe Daniels, John Courchene, and Myles Courchene) initiated a community strategic planning process. These initial discussions were intended to identify a series of achievable objectives that will be undertaken during the current term of office of this Chief and Council of the Sagkeeng First Nation. The outcomes of this meeting will result in a much broader community consultative process in which the initial draft of the plan would be shared with the community and a subsequent course of action on how the community may be engaged in in further developing the Community Plan. .

Objectives of the Draft Community Plan:

The overall objective of the Draft Community Plan was to initiate a community engagement process to identify the desires and aspirations of the community members and how this would be included in the activities of the Chief and Council. The Draft Community Plan would also affect the services and programs provided by the Band. The Draft Community Plan would be presented to the community for their input and comments in hopes this would inspire community ownership of the process. It was also designed to create a baseline standard by which Chiefs and Councils’ activities would be judged. It suggested that this Community Plan would be larger than the current or future community leadership and would represent the dreams and aspirations of the entire community while including short and medium term doable tasks that work towards the larger community goals.

This draft Strategic Plan was organized as “one pagers” and as a rolling draft and framework on specific subject areas. Each one pager would include a vision statement, short- and medium-term objectives and initial action items identifying those responsible for completing the tasks.

BAND ADMINISTRATION

Vision Statement:

The administration of the Sagkeeng First Nation First Nation is an open, transparent, efficient and effective public service to the community. The administrative and governance functions of the community are clearly defined with the roles, responsibilities and relationships of Chief and Council and the various band administrators outlined.

Objectives:

The development of one Universal Administrative Manual that would include policies, procedures, reporting requirements and clear lines of authority for all administrative functions of Sagkeeng First Nation. Regain control and responsibility of our own Administration by taking over the roles currently performed by the community co-manager. Be accountable to both the community and to funding agencies. Sagkeeng First Nation will seek to streamline reporting requirements to funding agencies allowing more emphasis to be put on community accountability and communications. Establish ways to inform and educate the community on the activities of the Sagkeeng First Nation band office. Establish weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting to the community by way of newsletters, bulletins or a magazine, webpage and radio. Have a trained and qualified staff working on behalf of their community. Staff must have access to training and to professional development opportunities to better serve their community.

Areas for Immediate Action:

Undertake a comprehensive review and amalgamation of all administrative policy and procedural manuals. The review will seek to develop a comprehensive policy and procedure manual for all programs and services provided by the First Nation. Lines of authority and reporting requirements will be clearly identified for all staff so that they understand their roles and responsibilities. The establishment of accountability procedures and structures for both the community and funding agencies. Community accountability would include processes where budgets and interval expenditures are presented to Chief and Council for review and approval. Explore opportunities that may exist to improve communications with the community on Band office activities including an identification of existing practices in other communities and determine what method would best serve the community of Sagkeeng First Nation. Establish and implement an expenditure and reporting policy for Gaming/VLT’s funds. Establish and implement a Staff Loans and Advances policy. Create a loan program.

Responsible: Gerald Courchene as Chief Administrative Officer will take the lead with the assistance of programs and service managers and directors.

BAND GOVERNANCE

Vision Statement:

Sagkeeng First Nation will be governed by a constitution that is based on its traditions, values and culture. Objectives Establish custom election and governing codes/laws that set out how Sagkeeng First Nation will be governed.

Areas for Immediate Action:

Establish a Chief and Council sub-committee to lead the work towards a custom election and governance code. The sub-committee will have Myles Courchene and Joe Daniels as Sub-Committee Co-Chairs with five (5) other community members serving on the committee. It was suggested that youth and elders be represented on the sub-committee. The sub-committee will draft a Terms of Reference for review and approval of Chief and Council.

The immediate objective of the sub-committee will be to:

1 Determine the process to amend and ratify new Band governing documents;

2 Gather and review other existing codes that can be used as a model (do not recreate the wheel); and,

3 To draft a complete sample election code for review and next-step direction by Chief and Council.

COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION AND RESTORATION – PRIDE IN ACTION

Vision Statement:

Instil a sense of pride and responsibility in the appearance of the Sagkeeng First Nation.

Objectives:

Create “Community Pride” where organizations, volunteers and citizens come together to work on projects that will make Sagkeeng First Nation cleaner and more presentable. Ideas include: community street and welcome signs; home painting; tree planting, garbage clean-up; old car pick-up (with approval); setting up community gardens with a green house; and, demolition and removal of abandoned buildings. One objective of the beautification project will be to work towards by-laws that will ensure that Sagkeeng First Nation continues to be a clean and beautiful community.

Areas for Immediate Action:

The creation of a working group with terms of reference to work on and track progress on the beautification project. The working group will include a Chief and Council representative as the chair, a Youth Council representative, an Elder, the Social Director and three community members. One idea that was brought forward was that community members seeking funding from Chief and Council would be asked to contribute time to the beautification project.

LANDS

Vision Statement:

The Sagkeeng First Nation will strive to settle land disputes within the reserve and have a land base on which to build a successful and prosperous community. Access to our Traditional lands and a gaining a just and fair share in its resources will lead to a brighter future for our community and children’s children.

Objectives:

To determine the current status of the following land issues and implement action by selecting legal advice and implementing a community strategy:

1 Treaty Land Entitlement Process;

2 Comprehensive and Specific Claims;

3 CN Rail (Addition to Reserve);

4 1926 Surrender Paper Mill Site;

5 MB Hydro Towers;

6 Lot 7 Anglican Church; and

7 River Erosion.

To initiate activities toward the development a land code for Sagkeeng First Nation. This will include work on but not limited to:

1 Access;

2 Drainage;

3 Sub lot development;

4 Certificates of Possession

5 Matrimonial Real Property;

6 Lands registry regime;

and 7 Zoning.

Areas for Immediate Action:

John Courchene and Myles Courchene will be responsible to determine the current status of the current land issues and start on the development of an action plan towards their resolution. In addition to the external activities, both will be responsible for setting out an action plan towards the development of Sagkeeng First Nation land management regime. All activities will seek to learn from the lessons learned by other communities who have worked on these issues in the past.

HYDRO NEGOTIATIONS

Vision Statement:

Initiate and negotiate a broad-spectrum settlement to address all the damages done by hydro development to Sagkeeng First Nation lands and traditional territory. Manitoba Hydro is primarily responsible for all the erosion in our lands therefore it is their duty to provide appropriate compensation for damages and/or loss of use.

Objectives:

Establish a community negotiating position that will include community perspectives and be integrated with the overall community plan and vision. The position will be based on an analysis of the previous Accord’s strengths and weaknesses and on research of other deals and lessons learned by those who have negotiated with Hydro companies in Manitoba and in other jurisdictions e.g. Nisichiwiyasik (Nelson House First Nation & Waskwatum Dam).

A key objective will be to commence and accelerate the completion of the riprap program along the entire bank of Sagkeeng First Nation’s waterways.

Chief and Council will strive to ensure Shoreline Stabilization is resumed and expedited.

Establish a negotiating team with an experienced lawyer and negotiator. Strategies should be based on existing experience with other First Nations that have negotiated Hydro agreements.

Economic development opportunities should also be explored, i.e. windmills, equity positions, partnerships, labour and employment agreements.

Areas for Immediate Action:

Develop a position for the Sagkeeng First Nation in its’ negotiations with Hydro Manitoba. Chief and Council to work with the Hydro Working Group and establish a new terms of reference and approach for the group.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Vision Statement:

Build an entrepreneurial spirit within Sagkeeng First Nation. Create an environment and mindset that will allow Sagkeeng to be a leader in Economic Development. Develop and create a strong local economy that minimizes the leakage (dollars leaving Sagkeeng). Establish a strategy that will facilitate Sagkeeng First Nation’s full participation in the regional economy.

Objectives:

To hire an economic development officer for Sagkeeng First Nation that will work with individual businesses and the Band by providing needed expertise in the area of business administration and development.

To develop feasibility studies and business plans that take advantage of, and identify opportunities when they arise. These plans may be used in areas where the Band may wish to pursue businesses on behalf of the community. These may include capital investments in urban areas or other areas that must provide a positive return on investment.

Determine the terms and conditions of the economic development funding provided to Sagkeeng First Nation and that the budget be prepared and presented to Chief and Council.

Develop a plan for the existing business owned and operated by the Band (these include the superstore, casket building etc.) while creating opportunity for diversification and potential acquisition of other business interests.

Training should be available to those within the community wishing to pursue business opportunities.

Establish a Development Corporation with an incorporated board comprised of Sagkeeng citizens with experience and knowledge in the business world, government and an understanding of community development. This is to be at arms length from Chief and Council simply due to the fact that politics and business does not work. This Development Corporation will not be an independent entity/body from the community. There will be accountability, redress and checks and balances in place.

Areas for Immediate Action:

Donovan Fontaine and Reinie Courchene have the economic development portfolio and will oversee the initiative. Fact finding and research will be conducted to determine what is the best structure and process for Sagkeeng.

HOUSING

Vision Statement:

That everyone who wishes to live on the reserve have an opportunity to do so. Further, that Sagkeeng First Nation undertake the formal establishment of a housing authority to meet the needs of on and off-reserve membership. To provide quality housing and in a sufficient amount that adequately addresses the needs of Band members. Alternative housing will be explored and includes but not limited to Log Homes.

Objectives:

That a comprehensive needs assessment be undertaken. The assessment should include a review of the current housing situation to determine the costs of completing renovations and repairs. The assessment will also need to look at the immediate, medium-term and long-term housing needs for Sagkeeng First Nation.

Priorities for action identified are the housing repair needs of the Elders, young families, single parents and singles.

That a not for profit housing authority be established by the Sagkeeng First Nation. The authority will have policies and procedures, establish standards, and present annual budgets and action plans to the Chief and Council. This housing authority will also explore opportunities for our off-reserve citizens.

Areas for Immediate Action:

That existing housing authority codes and procedures be researched to determine which elements can be included in a Sagkeeng First Nation housing authority manual and may lead to the development of a stand-alone housing authority policy. That existing housing policies within Sagkeeng First Nation be found and used to administer current situations within the reserve as a new policy manual is developed.

EDUCATION

Vision Statement:

Provide quality education by qualified teachers to all within Sagkeeng First Nation while instilling pride and confidence in our Children and their heritage. To develop students that are equipped and thoroughly prepared for the outside world (universities, colleges).

Objectives:

The following is an initial list of objectives identified by Chief and Council:

1 Provide a quality education grounded in their culture and traditions;

2 Promote and prepare the youth to meet the future needs of the community;

3 Include Elders/Language in the schools;

4 Create a Director of primary education and a Director of post-secondary education for the community;

5 Encourage the inclusion of parents in school life through the establishment of Parent Teacher Associations or Advisory Committee; and,

6 Create awareness on the importance of education that it is key to a better life and positive vibrant community.

Undertake an assessment of the current status of the education system in Sagkeeng First Nation. The assessment will look at the school environment, graduation rates, the skill of the teaching and administrative staff and assess the drop out and retention rates. The goal will be to develop an action plan to address the needs expressed within the review. Create a language program that starts at a young age and continues throughout the education system. This can be established through the Head Start Program and community language courses and programs. If proactive action is not taken the future outlook is not good. In 20 years we will have less than 15% of our population speaking the language fluently.

HEALTHY LIVING

Vision Statement:

Create a healthy community with access to services and programs designed to maintain and promote a healthy lifestyle. Provide adequate services through a caring and dedicated staff in all programs. Objectives:

Work towards the establishment of a local health authority within the centralized administration. Invest in prevention by creating a balance of recreational facilities on both the north and south shores that may include:

1 Recreational parks;

2 Community pools;

3 Fitness Facilities; and

4 Recreational trails.

Other ideas included the establishment of a community cooler for surplus traditional foods or produce from gardens. The cooler could be used as the community Food Bank for those in need. All health services would be included in the operational and administrative review and Universal Policy Manual to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Incentives to assist the community to remain healthy included a best garden contest and establish community greenhouse to produce seedlings and vegetables for individual gardens. The greenhouse can also serve as a potential tree farm that will allow us to replenish our trees in the reserve and possibly traditional area. Learn from participating in national health forums. Initiatives and lessons learned in other communities may be worth pursuing within Sagkeeng First Nation.

Areas for Immediate Action:

Start a healthy living campaign within Sagkeeng First Nation that would include smoking cessation, healthy eating and exercise.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Vision Statement:

Creating an active and healthy community by establishing recreational activities, programs and services for all ages and interests.

Objectives:

Create opportunities for all age groups to participate in all type of activities. The activities may include: camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, arts/crafts, dancing, sports and traditional craft making. Recreational coordinators be hired to assist all groups organize and implement sport and recreational events of all types. Encourage parent involvement in the organization and administration of recreational activities.

Areas for Immediate Action:

Create a working group that includes the youth council to brainstorm on and implement a sport and recreation plan for the community. This Sagkeeng Sport Council will help determine the needs of the community and the action needed. Those seeking funding requests from Chief and Council are encouraged to give back to the community by participating in the coordination or sport and recreation activities.

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING:

Vision Statement:

Creating a trained and qualified work force at all levels required in the labour market. Adult education and learning will be priority due to the high numbers on social assistance.

Objectives:

That accredited training be available in a broad range of subject areas. Explore the opportunities that may exist for employment within the natural resource sectors. Create partnerships with large employers to train and hire workers from Sagkeeng First Nation. Encourage training and development in areas needed within the community. The SETS program report to Chief and Council annually to present their budget and action plan. Included within the reporting requirement will be a projection for future needs and an action plan to build the argument for additional resources.

Areas for Immediate Action:

John Courchene and Joe Daniels are the portfolio holders for employment and training and will lead and report on the work within each area.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Vision Statement:

To be there for the community in times of need without creating dependency.

Objectives:

Assess the capacity and capabilities of the current staff. Include the administrative policy and procedures manual be in the administrative review. Investigate possibility of establishing a hospital visit hostel in the city of Winnipeg. Create a Transition Fund to assist community members who move for employment or health reasons and find themselves in need. This will be in conjunction with SETS. Identify the community need and develop the supports they require to get off social assistance. “Social with a plan”. Investigate ways to make it easier to access social through a direct deposit option and having issue locations on both sides of the river.

Areas for Immediate Action:

Portfolio holder will ensure that the review establishes clearly what social assistance provides community members, the process in which additional demands are deal with and how decisions are made. Ensure fairness and equality exists for all citizens who utilize the Social Program.

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