We have heard in the past the many promises to establish our own governing structures such as boards and committees.  I will make this a reality.

Further, establishing our own governing documents such as:

• Constitution

• Membership Codes

• Election Act

• among others,

will take time but we will present a workplan, timeline, and budget to make these instruments a reality.

Giving ownership to our members and ensuring inclusiveness, consultation and member approval, will give us the tools to advance a healthy, transparent, and equitable government.

As a band member and as many of our band members can appreciate, I have experienced being on the inside and the outside of our Nation’s governance. I clearly see where improvements can be made and where priorities must lie.

I’ve worked and assisted with the different stages and drafts of an election act, on reserve housing policy and the education policies for both the K-12 and post-secondary programs. Currently, as the Coordinator for the Bear Claw Community Development Corporation Board of Directors, I assist with the drafting and development of policy to implement the goals & objectives of the organization.       

Most specifically our Treaty Land Entitlement Claim and the Agricultural Benefits Claim also known as the Cows & Plows Claim

Like many of you, I was quite surprised and disappointed in the decision to terminate our previous general counsel who has spent many years on our comprehensive Treaty Land Entitlement Claim. I believe that if the new Council had taken the time to review the claim with Howe Legal, a better and more effective decision would have been made.

As a member of your council, when this claim was originally filed and later accepted by the Federal Government, I like many of you, are unsure of the status of the claim and how that decision has hindered progress towards settlement. 

If successful, as Chief, I will immediately obtain an update from general counsel and forward this update directly to our membership. I will seek solutions to remedy our Treaty Land Entitlement process so our elders, who contributed to this claim, can witness our success.

Our Elders will be comforted knowing their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will thrive as a member of our progressive Nation.

Review of our current WBFN Businesses and provide updates to our members on their current status and obtain membership insight on improvement for Nation benefits.

Our First Nation currently owns five businesses that provide revenue streams to our Nation.  As shareholders of these corporations, all members should benefit from any financial returns.  As your Chief, I will ensure we provide a report on the status of each of the Nations’ corporations.

With your guidance, we will implement rules on financial distributions that promote:

• sustainability,

• equality,

• transparency, and;

• accountability.

These foundations will guide the Economic Development and Corporate Management boards.

Also, we need to clean up our own back yard before we dive in to new projects. Our world is fast-paced and many opportunities come and go changing as the economy does.  As a Nation, decisions need to be made together by weighing the pros and cons ensuring maximum transparency and maximum benefit.

Absolutely no hidden agendas!

As your Chief, I will ensure our best efforts to invest in our own community and membership towards sustainability and prosperity. We will keep membership updated and communicate the many opportunities that come available!