Shubenacadie Band Annual Report 2013

SHUBENACADIE BAND ANNUAL REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2013
Annual Report
September 2012 to August 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013
Table of Contents
Shubenacadie Band Chiefs Remarks Director of Operations Report Band Membership Clerk Report By-Law Enforcement Report Economic Development Report Education Report Lnu Sipuk KinaMuokuom (LSK School) Report Employment and Training Report Fisheries Report Health Reports: Mental Health, Home, Primary Care Operations and Maintenance Report Social Development Report Sports and Recreation Report Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Pages 11-12 Pages 13-15 Pages 16-17 Page 18 Page 19

SEPTEMBER 2013
Chief s Report
By Rufus Copage, Shubenacadie Band Chief
September is upon us and it's getting cold out. The children are back in school so please everyone, be cautious of your driving speed in the community. The council took the month of August off however some council made themselves available during August. I chose to spend the month visiting throughout the community as well as continue to work at ofce. I did not get to visit as many home as I had wished. Anyone who would like me to visit them in their home in the community, please give me a call on my cell 902-805-0141 or email or send me a direct message on Facebook. Some of the meeting I attended in August and September included the Mikmaq Legal Support Network, Education, Wallace Hills contract meetings, Mi'kmaw Kina'Matnewey Board of Directors meeting and the last Union of Nova Scotia Indians meeting. The Shubenacadie Band is holding the rst Community Annual General Assembly at Indian Brook Multipurpose Centre. Department staff will be on hand to answer questions from community members. Other service providers located in Indian Brook will also be available such asthe Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association (N.A.D.A.C.A.) and Mi'kmaw Family and Children's Services.We will be presenting the latest band audit (2012/2013 scal year) as well as a presentation on our Poverty Action Strategic Plan. In regards to band's current nancial situation, we are still deeply in debt. We have been forced to make a lot of changes to the way things have been done in the past. We have to do this so as we do not end up in a situation where we're forced into third-party management. The chief and council have continued to work with our co-managers. It has taken a long time to get some money to x our community centre and roads. The church roof was an in-kind donation as a result of the contract for the community centre which was in great need of repairs due to mould problems. Band council knows there is a lot of people in need in the community but due to the nancial problems, we do not always have the money. The chief and council decided to withdraw from the Union of Nova Scotioa and to join the Confedercy of Mainland Mikmaq as we believe they would better serve our needs. Here is list of some things they will have available to us: 1. Housing inspections 2. 2. ACRES (Lands Environment & Natural Resources) 3. Mikmaq Conservation Group 4. Forestry program 5. Specic Claims. 6. Residential school records research upon request 7. Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre 8. Archaeology Standards Protection of the Debert site 9. The Mikmaq Maliseet Nations News 10.Eastern Woodland Publishing. 11. Status Cards 12. Legal Funding 13. Tripartite Secretariat 14. Band Managers Workshop 15. Labour market programming 16. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Programming October 1st is Mi'kmaq Treaty Day. There will be a meal at 5 p.m. at the Indian Brook Multipurpose Centre.

SEPTEMBER 2013
Director of Operations Report

By Nathan W. Sack nsack@shubenacadieband.ca
This has been a very busy and exciting year serving as the Director of Operations for the Shubenacadie Band. I started working for our band in August 2012 with the expectation that I was starting the job during one of slower months for our administration. However, just as I was beginning to settle into my new role, we were faced with the water crises. During the water crises, I got to experience and witness the type of commitment that our administration staff has for our community and its members. Through ongoing communication efforts, community member donations, team work, community volunteers, we were able to keep our band members supplied with clean bottled drinking water while keeping a close eye on health and safety concerns. While the water crises is now part of our past, I am pleased to report that our secondary well and water infrastructure upgrades are in progress. The band administration is striving to be more accountable and transparent for our band members by the developing administration policies that will have a positive impact on the day-to-day operations of the band. Through the Professional and Institutional Development Program (P & ID) offered through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), our administration has started reviewing and updating our human resources and nancial policies. When these policies are approved by Chief and Council, it will enable our band administration to properly deal with the ongoing, ever-changing challenges faced by the band. Also through this work, our chief and council will have a governance framework model that will clearly outline and identify chief and councils roles and responsibilities. Handling the day-to-day operations for a community our size can be overwhelming therefore its always wise to draw on the experience on others to approach challenges as a team. For this reason, we have established a Senior Management Team. Our Senior Management Team meet every Monday morning to review the nancial health of our band and identify potential administration challenges that can be dealt with pro-actively while dealing with other internal administration concerns such as Human Resources management. In order to prevent duplication of services, all band staff program/project managers meet once a month to review the work they are doing in the community, while identifying internal and external partnership opportunities that can improve our existing bands program and services. These manager meetings are also used to identify potential gaps in services offered by the band and what would be required to ll various service delivery gaps. Band members' concerns regarding our programs, services, and staff conduct are taken very seriously. Should any band member have a concern regarding band issues, it is recommend that these concerns are documented by either providing a letter or email in my attention. Due to privacy concerns, our band staff has been instructed not to engage in online discussions, such as on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, regarding band business. Should any band member wish to speak with one of our program/project managers, they can be reached by either calling the band ofce or leaving a message on our website (shubenacadieband.ca/contact-us) . Overall, it has been a privilege and an honour to serve as the Director of Operations for our band. Please take time to review the program reports in this document as it clearly demonstrates the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our administration staff.

SEPTEMBER 2013
Band Membership Clerk Report

By Patricia J. Bernard pbernard@shubenacadieband.ca
The IRA (Indian Registration Administrator) is responsible for maintaining the Band list, through registration of the appropriate documentation required by the Indian Act. I maintain a proper, accurate ling system that will store and assist me with the issuing status card and registering events. The IRA is responsible with registration of members by completing appropriate documents required by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC). This includes providing advice to new parents with respect to completing application for registration such as joint requests and live birth forms, and forms for registration. This may include obtaining birth documents from Vital Statistics in Halifax in person or via mail. If you want your child registered, please purchase a long-form birth certicate from the province in which your child was born, and come to the Band Ofce for the parental consent form, which must also be completed by both parent named on the document. Amherst Regional Ofce has stated that they will not accept copies of birth document, and therefore original must be submitted for registration purposed in long-form. In the event the Birth Certicate becomes lost, they will replace your document. The IRA is required to provide verbal verication of a person's status, whether they reside in Canada or the United States of America, or another province. This verication of Indian Status is often required from departments who assist band members with their education expenses.In Canada, I provide verication of a persons's status to several different departments. i.e. drug stores/ dental ofces/eye vision centre/Department of Motor Vehicles. Even hospitals call for proof of Native status. The IRA is authorized to sign off on fuel tax exemption application when a person receives their drivers license. I verify the information and send the completed application to Service Nova Scotia. I am not able to sign off on application pertaining to Bill C-3 band members until I receive conrmation through my computer line of their assigned status card and number and when it is activated. The IRA will assist members with registration of children, or recording a marriage or death in the registry. I verify all the pertinent information submitted, and ensure that documents are submitted in a timely manner. The IRA will issue paper status cards to band members on a rst come rst serve basis. AANDC has been providing IRA's with a limited supply on paper status cards over the last few years. The IRA must submit their report showing the issued card log in order to receive a new batch of status cards. This can take some time to receive, as we are waiting on regional ofce to send them to us. They are also limited on the number of cards that each region receives from headquarters. The IRA is required to contact off-reserve members requesting that they return the Indian Status cards which they had previously requested, and did not return back to the band for processing. If you hold an expired cared you must apply for a plastic laminated card before you can proceed to apply for the new SCIS card, which is currently available only at the the regional level. Copies of a pamphlet for acquiring a new SCIS are available from my ofce, which give all the directions you need.

SEPTEMBER 2013
By-Law Enforcement Report

By Jason McDonald jmcdonald@shubenacadieband.ca
During the past year, I have been involved in many new ventures for the band such as the development and implementation of our new residency and trespassing bylaws, land designation, animal safety, and process serving. The Residency By-law will assist our administration by making non-band members apply for residency on our reserves. This will also ensure that band members will remain the main beneciaries of band programs and services. With the residential by-law in place it reassures that the abuse of homes and the ownership of homes can be monitored and administered through the band. Trespassing by-law were created to help deal with unwanted people in the community and to allow our band to take necessary steps and have these people removed from our community. Since April, I have been attending university studying lands management. This training will to help me prepare for development projects taking place in our band ensuring we strive to meet the best interest of all band members.
Land designation
Land designation is a process that First Nation communities must go through to lease portions of reserve lands to corporations. A committee consisting of band representatives and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) have been working with establishing our bands land designation process and working on other economic development projects. We hope to have our Wallace Hill IR14A designated in the near future to ensure continued economic development goals.
Animal Safety
For the past year I have also been serving as the bands animal control ofcer. Upon request, I have had to assist SPCA and band members dealing with animals at large. We are currently drafting an animal control by-law that will assist the band administion animal control on our reserve lands, while ensuring there are a set of rules in place to deal with neglected animals and their caretakers.
Band Administration Process Serving

In cases where the Band needs to reach band members I have been delegated to serve as the bands Process Server. In certain situations, I am required to hand deliver notices to band members. Should any band member have any by-law ideas, questions, or concerns please feel free to contact me at 902805-0154 or jmcdonald@shubenacadieband.ca.

SEPTEMBER 2013
Economic Development Report

By David Nevin dnevin@shubenacadieband.ca
Roles & Responsibilities: As development ofcer we are responsible development ofcer, review proposals, negotiating for the band. To determines if businesses are viable and assist in obtaining funding for band members and the band. Assist Entrepreneurs with business plans and pay up to 25% of the total cost of the business plan. Obtain nancing for entrepreneurs from mainstream lending institutions. When that is not available we approach organizations such as: Aboriginal Business Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, and Unlooweg Development group as well as all aspects of development for the community. Land Use Pilot Project (LUPP): The program activity Federal Administration of Reserve Land encompasses the Crown's statutory and duciary obligations as the administrator of reserve lands held in trust for the use and benet of First Nations. Those obligations are fullled through the timely response to requests for land transactions and activation of land and resource assets, additions to reserve, environmental protection performed with due diligence which preserves the principles of communal use and benet while meeting the aspirations of First Nations in building safe, healthy and successful communities. The LUPP for Shubenacadie First Nation, was started approximately two years ago with the intention of developing Wallace Hill to its fullest potential, while maintaining the integrity for Band members. The ultimate goal is to create a means of generating revenue to back our dependency to the federal government. We have a sitting committee on LUPP that consist of Co-chair Chief Rufus Copage, Co-chair Belinda Smith AANDC. The remainder of the committee consist of council members band staff as well Department of Indian Affairs staff. Band Programs Craft Contributions: This is a program to teach crafts people within the cottage industry on how to do remedial book keeping. The amount of money varies but we try and keep the contribution around $250. The craft person will be asked what material they purchased, what they made as well as how much money they have made. Equity Contributions: This Program is to assist band members in getting in to business. The Shubenacadie band provides 10% of the total cost up to $5000.00 to a nancial institution on behalf of the borrower. This is to allow the band member to borrow up to $50,000.00 from a lending institution, to get up and running in their business. Band Small Ventures: The Entrepreneurs with Program provides access to business services , including: business assistance (in Nova Scotia); and help to identify requirements for specialized equipment. Who is eligible? Shubenacadie Band Members that have aspirations of running their own business seeking funds under $1000.00 and will be reimbursed at 50% of the total: meaning the maximum can be $500.00 paid by the band.(must have receipts paid in full before fund can be acquired) Entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for support through the Economic development Program: have been unsuccessful in acquiring equipment for business from other sources.(Paid in Full) will include Unemployed individuals and Social Assistant Recipients; have a little stating the individuals intension. Must reside in Province of Nova Scotia and be a member of Shubenacadie Band. The program provides Band members who are unable to obtain nancing from a traditional nancial institution access to business loans. What can the program be used for? The types of projects supported by this program include: starting small business; purchasing and applying new technology. 1919 Land Claim: Although, 1919 land claims show up in the economic development budget it is not administered as such, this would be handle by Band Lawyer James Michael.

SEPTEMBER 2013
Education Department Report

By Velvet Paul vpaul@shubenacadieband.ca
2012-2013 has been a productive and successful year for Shubenacadie First Nation Education Department. LSK students and staff have been very busy with various educational endeavours and activities. Listed below are but some highlights of our 2012 2013 programming. SEP This year saw our SEP focus on the delivery of in-class support program that has been more greatly individualized. There has been an emphasis on identifying high needs learners, providing timely testing and ensuring adherence to documentation procedures. Plans for the future include continued in-class resource delivery, inclusion support and making connections to other service providers such as the IWK. Math Tutoring The Math Tutor Program funded by MK and the Chiefs of Nova Scotia has been a major contribution to the success of our students in Math. LSK has hired a full-time Math Tutor who works with students on an individual and small group basis in order to increase math prociency. Feedback from both students and teachers has been very positive regarding the value of the Math Tutor program. Adopt a Library This is LSKs third year of participation in the Adopt a Library Wow Reading Challenge, which is for elementary (P 6) and Jr. High (7 9). In the 2011 2012 academic school year LSK Elementary won Gold, in First Nations, Nova Scotia, Canada and World categories. LSK Jr. High won bronze. For the 2012 2013 academic school year LSK Elementary won Silver in the Past Champions category with LSK Jr. High also winning Silver in the same category. LSK is the rst, First Nation School to win a county title and proudly displays the trophies and banners in our main foyer of the school. Lnu Klusuaqan Wikatikn This workbook entirely, in Mikmaq, is lled with culture and tradition based activities and is a great learning resource for all. ALI Canadian Heritage and LSK School funded this project. We are very proud of the completed project, great job ladies. LOVE Program Leave Out ViolencE is a violence prevention and intervention organization that supports our youth to learn advanced leadership and life skills while they create works of art (poetry, photography, video) that become powerful educational tools. The Love program has been at LSK for four years and has been a very successful partner in education within our community. Red Road Project LSK School, and Shubenacadie Band, is proud to be part of the Red Road Project, which promotes healthy life styles and alcohol and drug free living. Our two youth representatives, have weekly activities in our community involving youth. X-chem Outreach X-chem is a (FREE) multifaceted outreach program with over 20 years of experience engaging youth in science. This was LSKs rst year with X-chem; the students were excited and completely mesmerized with the science experiments and demonstrations. For more information: Hockey Skills Program In partnership with the Employment and Training Department and the New Paths Grant, the Shubenacadie Education Department developed a Hockey Skills Program to encourage exercise and healthy activity for students. The program runs three days a week at the East Hants Sportsplex and is staffed by students through the Shubenacadie Student Summer Employment program. Lacrosse - In partnership with Lacrosse Nova Scotia, EPP and MK, LSK has created a lacrosse program. The program consists of purchasing new equipment and providing training to students in the community. This year Shubenacadie Band is proud to say that we have two students who have been chosen for Team Nova Scotia; congratulations Connor Dennis and Bryson Knockwood.

SEPTEMBER 2013
Lnu Sipuk KinaMuokuom Report

By Jonathan Crawford jcrawford@shubenacadieband.ca
The 2012-2013 school year was LSKs fth year of operation. The school year closed with an overall grades Primary-12 enrolment of 146 students. The student population was broken down into 76 students in the P-6 classes and 72 students attending grades 7-12. As in previous years, the efforts of our dedicated staff provided invaluable learning opportunities for our students to take advantage of LSKs unique learning environment. As since its inception, LSK continued to adhere to Nova Scotia provincial curriculum outcomes while also enhancing the standard course offerings with Mikmaq and First Nations cultural content. LSKs combination of smaller class sizes, individualized instruction and support, and an all-around inclusive atmosphere enabled students to remain focused on their learning and achievement. With respect to achievement, in June of 2013 LSK hosted its fth graduation ceremony. Nine students were awarded their Nova Scotia High School Diploma during this event. Over the ve-year period of LSKs operation (2008-2013) we have seen a total of 31 students receive their high school graduation certicate. The inclusion of Mikmaq language classes for all students in grades Primary-10 continues to be a foundational piece of LSKs programming. Over a six-day school cycle students in grade P-6 participate in an average of ve 40-minute language classes, while students at the grade 7-9 levels attend three 1-hour sessions per six-day cycle. The mandatory grade 10 level Mikmaq language course is offered on a semester basis. A focal point of 2012-2013 was on strengthening our commitment to our First Nations School Success Plan (FNSSP). This multi-year school improvement process, developed by LSK staff in conjunction with and support from MK FNSSP coordinators and consultants, details a series of action steps and supporting instructional strategies to guide efforts toward achieving school-wide targeted improvement in the areas of literacy, numeracy, Mikmaq Language, and student retention. In September 2012, LSK was recognized as the rst MK school to complete the three-year school improvement cycle. The continued excellence in the delivery of our Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) program has been a key component of our resource programming in support of our FNSSP literacy goal. The LLI program serves as a critical reading development tool for P-3 students, while Learning Centre and other resource programming provides academic, behavioural, and social supports for students in upper elementary and Junior/Senior High. On June 5, 2013, LSK played host to the annual MK Fine Arts Festival for the third time in ve years. Students representing ve Mikmaq communities provided attendees with a range of individual and group musical, dance, and instrumental performances. As well, various visual art projects displayed the immense talent of MK students. Other programming highlights for 2012-2013 include our Treaty Day celebrations, which enabled students to participate in a number of cultural workshops; the honouring of Indian Brooks veterans during our annual Remembrance Day ceremony; the seasonal delights of our Christmas Concert; the mid-winter pick-me-up in the form of Winter Carnival; another strong LSK showing at the MK Regional Science Fair in April, the 4th annual Grade 4-6 Kejimkujik National Park Trip, during which students visited signicant historical sites, including a Mikmaq burial ground, petroglyphs, Port Royal, and Fort Anne; and the end-of-the-year Jr. High Semi-Formal and the High School Prom.

SEPTEMBER 2013
Employment & Training Report

By Mary Ellen Sylilboy msyliboy@shubenacadieband.ca
The Indian Brook Employment and Training Program has funded just over two hundred interventions in the past year and served 286 drop in clients. Our funded interventions include but are not limited to the following: Work Experience Program: is used to assist unemployed individuals to receive hands on job experience and training while receiving a wage which is E.I. eligible. For every hour of training provided by the employer, there must be a minimum of four hours of actual work experience of the acquired skill. This program is for clients that have no prior attachment to the work force. Targeted Wage Subsidy Program: This Program is designed to assist people who have been out of the labour market for some time and could benet from on the job training. Employers are responsible for paying 50 per cent of the wages and providing a Letter of Employment upon completion. Summer Student Program: This Program is for youth that are between the ages of 15-30 that are enrolled Fulltime, passing and returning to school. We applied and received two additional sources of funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Service Canada for our Summer Student Program. We provided summer employment to 57 students. Employment and Training had 98 per cent of students employed return back to post secondary and secondary training. First Nation People with Disabilities Programs- This consist of various programming for clients with documented disabilities. We are able to work with our Mental Health Coordinator to develop and cost share on a case by case basis. Self-Employment Assistance- This program can be utilized to assist participants in seeking technical and consultative expertise to help them assess business plan opportunities and prepare a business plan. Clients must have a viable business plan as recommended by the band EDO. Aboriginal Women Programs- This consists of innovative programming specically for Women in order to break the some of the gender challenges women face in the competing work force. i.e.: Trade programs such as Ground Works and Womens Unlimited. Older Worker Initiative Programs- This consist of programming specically developed for the older worker to gain the skillsets needed to be competitive in the competitive work force. Skills Development Programming- This is our most common program, this consist of Academic Programming developed and recognized by the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Our most successful Program has been the Adult Learning Program. We received funding for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school year through proposals and grant money. Job Creation Program- This program consist of a partnership for EI eligible clients that provides meaningful work activities for unemployed Aboriginal people and the program supports employers, community groups and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with human resource requirements. We had one client go through this program and are gainfully employed in their eld of training. Mobility-Exploration Program- This is a one-time assistance program for clients that are relocating for work and that work is in excess of 150km one way. We had a total of six clients relocate for work. Apprenticeship Program- This program is for clients that are registered Apprentices with the Province. We can assist with licensing fees, exam fees and technical training fees. We had a total of ten new apprentices registered this past year and an additional two complete and receive their Red Seal as Journeymen.Youth Program- This program is for Youth ages 15-30 and is used to assist youth in gaining work experience that would allow them to make the transition from school to work. We used Youth programming to operate and maintain the Indian Brook Pool this year. Our Youth Mentorship Program is ready for implementation for the 2013-14 school year as part of our Stay in School Initiative.
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SEPTEMBER 2013
Fisheries Department Report

By Michael Stephens mstephens@shubenacadieband.ca
Please be advised that the Shubenacadie Band Fisheries Manager has been working steadily since June 3, 2013 and can only accurately speak to the details of the Bands shing operations post hiring date. Several major changes have taken place for the Shubenacadie Bands commercial shing operations. The newly appointed Fisheries Manager strongly believes in hard work, transparency and accountability. The band will be developing all of its future shing initiatives around these concepts in moving forward with its operations to ensure success and future growth. Throughout the 2012/2013, commercial shing seasons, several new relationships have been established with various harvesting companies throughout Nova Scotia. The band licenses for snow crab, lobster, groundsh, scallop, swordsh and bluen tuna are now being shed with alternative arrangements than in the past and have since proven to be more effective in employing band members and generating revenue for the community. Please see the Shubenacadie Band 2013 audit for further details on the nancial aspects of its commercial shing operations. The audit is available online athttp:// shubenacadieband.ca/shubenacadie-bandaudit-2012-2013 In July 2013, a Band Council Resolution (BCR) was passed by chief and council to support awork planwhich was developed to pursue funding from the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI). The work plan outlines a condensed schedule that will require the development of a sustainable business plan, strengthened human resources policies, a data collection system, strategic plan and reporting procedures. Upon the successful completion of these work items, the band will be able to access funding to purchase a new commercial shing vessel for the Shubenacadie Band. The Fisheries Manager is working steadily with AICFI business development team advisors to consolidate all resources from this funding into the purchase of a multipurpose vessel that essentially will be utilized year round to sh several of the band's commercial licenses. A bandowned vessel can potentially bring harvesting returns from the average 30-35 per cent they are at now to a full 100 per cent prior to associated vessel expenses. This drastic increase has numerous benets that will improve both the band's commercial shing operations and communal food shery activities overall. Presently, the Shubenacadie Band owns thirty-six (36) commercial shing licenses, nine (9) of which are designated to herring/mackerel for bait and cannot be sold according to the licensing conditions. The remaining twenty-seven (27) licenses are to harvest gaspereau, clams, snow crab, lobster, scallop, sea urchins and swordsh with an attached restricted bluen tuna bycatch tag allotment. The four (4) licenses held by the band for clams have not been actively pursued in the recent history due to the low market uctuations and/or outdated harvesting practices. The Fisheries Manager is networking with various stakeholders throughout the industry to develop new innovative harvesting methods in order to maximize the efciency and returns for these under-utilized licenses. These future initiatives may include investing into aquaculture technology to develop and farm an abundance of clams to harvest for both the commercial marketing and communal distribution. The Fisheries Manager is also working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) representatives to establish a commercial harvesting method for the one (1) scallop and two (2) sea urchin licenses held by the band. This will require increased training for divers in the community and provide additional employment opportunities. Diving for the product ensures better quality and higher returns for the band. These initiatives will take time to develop however the potential growth for the band's sheries operations will be worth the concentrated effort that lies ahead. ...... continued on Page 12.
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SEPTEMBER 2013
Fisheries Department Report

By Michael Stephens mstephens@shubenacadieband.ca
.... continued from Page 11. The one (1) gaspereau license held by the band has been actively harvested by a band member for a sustained period and has helped that band member to sustain his livelihood for several years now. The Fisheries manager will be pursuing additional access to this species in order to provide increased employment to community members. The fteen (15) lobster, one (1) snow crab, and one (1) swordsh/bluen tuna licenses held by the band have been committed to various harvesters throughout the band's history. To date, no particular relationship has proven to be sustainable, accountable or fully transparent which has had adverse impacts on both the band and its communal shermen. Currently steps are being taken to provide the best possible returns to the community with these licenses and are progressing in recent months. The 2013 Shubenacadie Band audit will attest to the success of these new relationships that are presently being established and worked. The quota for the one (1) groundsh license held by the band was sold to the harvesting company Good Venture Fishing Ltd. for the 2013 season. The current market for groundsh is at an all time low dropping app. 50 per cent from the 2012 season and the industry overall has taken a hard hit with many businesses being heavily impacted with their operations. The band's groundsh license includes a bycatch of Halibut however the peak harvesting times do not correlate with one another and this produces little return overall. The Fisheries Manager is working to develop a proposal that will be submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and other stakeholders in order to gain a halibut license. The proposal is in the research phase and will take time to get all the necessary information to submit an appropriate proposal in order to gain access to this industry. Atlantic Canadas halibut shery has recently been given the Marine Stewardship Councils sustainable seal of approval, which should assist the band's efforts to secure a license for this species. The Fisheries Manager will aggressively pursue access to this shery and will post any updates to the bands website and community newsletter. The Fisheries manager is working steadily with the bands legal advisor to develop a solid foundation for contracting procedures with future commercial partnerships. This strategy that is being developed will protect the Bands interest and jobs for community shermen. A new hiring procedure is also being developed for community shermen that include strengthening Human Resource policies and implementing worker contracts for band shermen. Another option that is being explored will be to provide a benets package for shermen that will include increased health coverage and optional pension plans for career shermen. It is important to maximize the efciency of current resources by establishing sustainability and consistency in present harvesting practices. This will need to take place prior to pursuing increased commercial access in order to gain the support needed from stakeholders throughout the shing industries. The Bands Communal Food, Social and Ceremonial rights are still being actively asserted throughout our traditional territory by membership. The band is adamant about protecting these rights for future generations and will continue ghting for the protection and meaningful assertion of Mikmaq Treaty and Aboriginal Rights. Presently the band is not committed to any shing agreements or unilateral processes that may negatively inuence band memberships ability to access the resources of the water. A strengthened and amended food shery lobster management plan is currently developed and is ready for ratication from leadership. The inland shery remains the same as it has for thousands of years. If a band member or their family needs food from the rivers or lakes of the Sipeknekatik traditional Mikmaq territory, those band members have the right to harvest it in a respectful manner.
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SEPTEMBER 2013
Health Dept.: Mental Health

By Tina Sack-Nevin tsnevin@shubenacadieband.ca
Mental Wellness Denition- a relative state of mind in which a person is able to cope with and adjust to the recurrent stresses of everyday living in an acceptable way. In our community we have learned that everyone is different and coping with everyday stressors can be challenging at times but it's in our best interest to nd what works for everyone on a individual basis. The Mental Health staff at the Indian Brook Health Centre have successfully completed training (PD) in the past year in these areas:Acupuncture (certied Acupuncturist);Options to Anger (certied instructors);Aboriginal Shield (certied trainer);Mental Health First Aid;Changing Minds Program. The Mental Wellness Coordinator and Mental Health Counselor have been extremely busy in the past year delivering programs to t the needs of the community. These programs involve children, youth, adult and seniors. The Mental Wellness program up to date has delivered: Twelve-week healthy lifestyles program offered to community members one day a week with resources to help with healthy lifestyles and choices. Prevention programs of drug abuse, drug use, and or alcohol abuse. Mens prevention program - 12-week program for men, assisting in all areas of social, spiritual, mental and psychological. (2 wolves program) Grieving Support group - 12 week program for members who were having difculties in dealings with the passing of a loved one, traumatic events in ones life and mental health and addictions issues. Harm reduction - with youths on a retreat (girls/ boys) - assistance from Healing Our Nations to help deliver workshops. Crisis team-(ongoing) developing a team of community members to train and prepare for crisis. Aboriginal Shield Program -12 week program offered into LSK school, one day a week for grades 5-8. This program gave tools for youths 10-14 to help with everyday issues that they may experience. Youth Groups: September/12- June/13 offered one day a week for ages 5-9, 10-14 and 14-18. These groups focused on self-esteem, bullying, cyber-bullying, prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, cultural activities and traditions. Mental Health Counselling and referrals - one on one (Jacklyn Paul), child and youth (Alision Plune) Adult (Sandra Miller) OT services - Rachel Sutherland offering services to 0-7 years of age; home visits and schools. Seniors Group - Seniors meeting two times a month to promote activities that meet their needs. Seniors were provided with workshops on prevention of falls, safety in the home and they went on eld trips. Hearing and Speech Pathologist - Jessica Laboutchie will be providing services in the community and in schools to meet the needs of our children from 0-12. NA (Narcotics Anonymous) - Offering assistance in space for meetings, Tim Hortons cards, and supports through mental health and addictions. Treatment Referrals The Mental Health Counsellor has made referrals for clients to detox centers, rehabilitation programs and methadone treatment clinics. Assisting with transportation through FNIB. Making calls to ensure the best quality of care for our members remain sufcient. Community forum- series of meetings to hear concerns from community members regarding drug related issues-ie: needle use/abuse and cleanup. Babysitting Course- (two per year) organized by Mental Wellness Coordinator for participants ages 11-15 CPR/First Aid- (three per year) to community members and staff of the Shubenacadie Band. For more information, contact Tina Sack-Nevin tsnevin@shubenacadieband.ca or Jacklyn Paul jacklynpaul@shubenacadieband.ca.
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SEPTEMBER 2013
Health Dept: Primary Care

By Peggy OReilly poreilly@shubenacadieband.ca
The Health Promotion and Disease PreventionHealthy Child Development program has two components: Healthy Child Development and Childrens Oral Health Initiative and Dental Therapy Activities. Healthy Child Development (cluster includes MCH and CPNP) aim to improve the health of mothers, children and families, and support the development of children. The activities completed this year include: 1. Capacity Building and Training: Orientation and on-going training activities attended by program staff 2.Education, Information and Counselling a) Breastfeeding promotion, education and support is offered at prenatal classes, Baby and Me parenting classes and one on one counselling. b) Drug/alcohol counselling and education is offered at one to one sessions and at prenatal class. c) Education on FASD-relatedbehaviourand strategies was offered at one to one sessions and prenatal class. d) Peer mentoring initiatives at Baby and Me parenting class. e) Smoking cessation education is offered at prenatal and parenting class by James Shedden, Mental Health and Addictions. f) Prenatal/postnatal health promotion, education and support: g) One to one and group nutrition counselling/ education offered in prenatal class, Baby and Me parenting class, Shubenacadie District School and LSK school. h) Traditional/cultural teachings offered by the MCH Home Visitor: moccasin making, and sacred umbilical cord pouches. i) Promotion of Mikmaq language at Baby and Me class. 3. Access to Resources a) Vouchers for food given a door prizes at all 6 prenatal classes and some Baby and Me classes. b) Supplies for breastfeeding given at postnatal visit to breastfeeding mothers c) c) Referrals for access to screening & assessment services: Dental, Mental Health, Early Intervention, Speech and Language, Hearing, Smoking Cessation, Diabetes Clinic, Physician, OT, Nutritionist. d) Labour and delivery support. e) Baby supplies. 4. Outreach/Home visits a) Peer mentors: Baby and Me class weekly. b) Community Health Nurse: Post Natal Visits within 24-72 hr of discharge. c) MCH Home Visitor: Home visits for Growing Great Kids curriculum within 1 week of CHN visit. d) Occupational Therapist: Home visits based on referral, Shubenadadie District School, and Sister Elizabeth Cody School. 5. Coordination of Services a) Linking children and families to diagnostic services. b) Case management to improve access to services. c) Coordination with other community based support services: COHI: Provided data base of children 0-6 years to COHI worker; Provided information regarding Maternal Child Health program and encouraged collaboration for future health promotion sessions for prenatal and neonatal groups. Communicable Disease Control: Provide immunizations to infants, children and adults according to the Nova scotia Immunization Schedule;Liason with DHA regarding manditory reporting of Notiable Disease, client records, immunization coverage rate and revised immunization schedule based on missing and incomplete immunizations; Provide educational information on CDC and immunization to clients; Develop community based project to increase uptake of routine immunization and decrease incidence of communicable disease.
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SEPTEMBER 2013
Health Dept.: Home Care

By Terry Knockwood tknockwood@shubenacadieband.ca
Indian Brok Home and Community Care Program What is Indian Brook Home Care? Provides services to people in their homes. Services are provided on basis of need through a client assessment. Services are provided in a wholistic manner because each situation unique. Home Care will support the care provided by the family but it does not replace the family. What services are part of Home Care? Client Assessment A Home Care Nurse will talk with you and your family.The nurse will contact your family physician andother people who have cared for you. OccupationalTherapy, Physio Therapy the nurse will review yourmedical history with you and will conduct aphysical examination in your home. The information gathered is written down in a careplan. Together you and the nurse will plan yourcare and services needed. Case Management After your assessment is complete, aplan is developed with you, to ensure that theservices are provided by the correct caregiver at thecorrect time. Home Care Nursing Direct nursing care that is provided in your home.Monitoring medications, changing bandages, clientand family teaching, nutrition counselling, supervising HCC Support Workers and otherrequests as are appropriate. Personal Care Provided by trained HCC support workers who can help bathing, skin care, turning and positioning, exercises, Who benets from the Home Care program? Any person who: Has been recently discharged from the hospital Has an illness or disease that requires frequent follow- up Who needs Home Care support services to safely live alone Chooses to live at home instead of a longterm care facility How is someone referred to the Home Care program? Anyone can be referred by themselves, family members, friends, family doctor, neighbours or hospitals. Who provides the services for the Home Care program? Services are provided by RNs, LPNs, and trained support workers. Note - The Home Care program does not hire family members to provide direct care on a case by case basis. If you need only housekeeping, please contact the Adult Care Program at 758-2049, ask for Elizabeth (Bunny) Michael. dressing, nutrition meal planning assisting with activities of daily living. Housekeeping Services HCC support workers can help with light housekeeping including laundry, sweeping,mopping a dusting. In - Home Respite Services This service can be done by family member, not living in the same home. It provides rest and comfort for those family members who provide most of the day to day caregiving. It is up to a maximum of 16 hours per week.
15

SEPTEMBER 2013
Operations & Maintenance Report

By Stephen Knockwood sknockwood@shubenacadieband.ca
The department currently employs seven staff, four to perform water/wastewater and public works duties and three to perform garbage and public lawn maintenance. The department is partially funded by Aboriginal Affairs at a twenty-seven percent (27 per cent ) funded ratio. The remaining department budget is supported by the bands own-source revenue (73 per cent). The past year, the department has undergone the following audits: Annual Inspection of water and wastewater facilities all systems inspected to assess program key performance indicators and risk levels, as per the protocols. The results of last years risk inspection were: Indian Brook water system 4.0 Low; Indian Brook wastewater system 3.1 Low; and New Ross water system 5.1 Medium. Maxxam Laboratory annual inspection of water monitoring procedures all staff audited for performance of key procedures. The staff received high marks and commendation for achieving higher standards than previous years. Atlantic Policy Congress & Dalhousie University Asset Assessment the water and wastewater systems were evaluated of the current conditions with a nancial analysis of the cost of upgrading the systems to meet the new legislation. Asset Condition Report Inspection all band public buildings were inspected for Aboriginal Affairs annual report. Public Building Lawn Maintenance, Garbage and Ground Zero The department has three staff members that are responsible for the job duties of lawn cutting of public buildings, collecting curb-side garbage (other than Wednesday from garbage collection company contracted), picking up the garbage in New Ross weekly, and keeping the ground zero grounds orderly. Ground zero has continually been plagued with off-hour dumping which has not been thrown into the bins. This has cause severe nancial burdens from community funds to clean up the overnight and weekend messes and the illegal burning of garbage. This is a reminder to community members to dump your garbage in the bins to assist in keeping the area clean and not to start any garbage res. The grounds will be undergoing the second remediation at a high nancial cost which is resulting in a review of the cost-effectiveness of the community area for garbage collection. Emergency Funding and New Well Construction In late August 2012, the sole community well experienced a failure that prevented it from producing the required volume of water to meet the drinking water demands of the Indian Brook Reserve #14. Application was made and approved under the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canadas Emergency Management Assistance Program for funds to undertake remedial work. During this event, the well was only able to provided very limited production for approximately 3.5 months, from August to November. During this time the community was forced to use an alternative surface water source to meet water demands, however, this triggered a Drinking Water Advisory prohibiting the consumption of water from the water system. The Band brought in both bulk drinking water delivery and bottled water for the residents to ensure that there was a supply of safe drinking water. This event placed a large operational and nancial burden on the community. Initial efforts were made to evaluate the cause for the reduction in water production and to restore operations included the visual inspection of well screen, screen cleaning, and installation of a new pump. These efforts did not result in meaningful improvements in the restoration of water production and the community was placed under boil water advisory until the lack of water production was determined. A more aggressive rehabilitation effort was initiated. ... continued on Page 17.
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SEPTEMBER 2013
Operations & Maintenance Report

By Stephen Knockwood sknockwood@shubenacadieband.ca
... continued from Page 16. The well screen was subject to an aggressive physical cleaning followed by a high pressure wash and an injection of a strong acid to remove any remaining organic lms or mineral build-up. Well production immediately improved and it was determined that the well had the capacity to be put back into production. As a result of the failure, CBCL Limited was retained to complete an inspection and assessment of the well for the purpose of determining the cause of the failure and requirements to restore water production factoring in current regulations, standards and best practices. It was determined that the restriction in ow was a result of the accumulation of mineral deposits and organic lm on the well screen and within surrounding formation that the normally scheduled well-screening maintenance and cleaning would not clear. After a rigorous physical cleaning and acid treatment, well yields return to original levels and were maintained once the well was put back into regular use. Based on the success of the cleaning it was hypothesized that the well screen and surrounding soils slowly became fouled over the years. This in combination with high water consumption in August and the aquifer water levels dropped below the well pump depth, likely lead to the event in which the accumulative fouling nally clogged the screen and surrounding soils. All corrective/upgrade works are subject to current standards and AANDC protocols. For example, the original well was not required to be assessed for Groundwater Source Under Direct Inuence of surface water (GUDI), however the new well and existing well will now be required to undergo a GUDI assessment as required for the multi-barrier approach under the Protocol For Safe Drinking Water In First Nations Communities. For the purpose of installing and integrating the new well into the existing water plant, process deciencies were indentied that were a result of (1) components reaching the end of their useful life or no longer compliant with current standards and (2) necessary upgrades to simply accommodate the operation of the new well. A new production well has been installed 300m east of the water plant into the same shallow aquifer that the existing production well draws from. Test wells were dug and the land cleared. Water quality and pumping tests were conducted and it is determined that the new well will produce water of better quality and yield. With the addition of the second well, it could be assumed that the total well production would have the capacity to service an equivalent population of 2,500-4,300 (pending expansion of the treatment process, consumption trends and long-term hydrogeologic monitoring). This would translate into a potential useful life of an additional 20-45 years for the wells. The total capital upgrade funding from AANDC has been expended for 2012-2013 and the Band will be receiving bridge funding to connect the new well to the water plant in the next four months. Upon conrmation of the capital funding has been received at the AANDC regional ofce for the water plant upgrades, the capital project will continue to the end of the scal year. It is planned for the 2014-2015 the GUDI assessment will be completed after evaluation of one years geological statistical reports are analyzed.
17

SEPTEMBER 2013
Social Development Report

Courtesy of Crystal Dorey, Kwilmukw Maw-Klusaqn (KMKNO)
Chiefs Await Decision on Social Case
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mikmaq Chiefs continued their ght against the implementation of changes to the on-reserve Social Assistance Program by having their case heard at the Federal Court in Halifax on June 19-20, 2013. Since early 2012, the Assembly has worked alongside Chiefs from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to reject the proposed changes to the on-reserve social assistance program, presented by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC). The Chiefs, represented by Naiomi Metallic of Burchells LLP, pressed for legal action against the Federal Government when, despite efforts to demonstrate to AANDC how the proposed changes had major gaps and would have devastating affects on the lives of community members on social assistance, AANDC continued to work towards an implementation date of April 1, 2012. AANDCs goal is to bring the on-reserve social assistance program to match the provincial system, which the chiefs know are not comparable systems. First Nations communities do not have access to the services that the provincial agencies do, circumstances on reserve can be different than off-reserve and Provincial services are often not available to community members on-reserve. In addition, this new approach would not include a housing supplement available to people off-reserve and would also involve a claw back the National Child Benet, contrary to AANDCs previous approach to social assistance on reserve. The evidence reviewed in court showed that AANDC adopted this approach in order to achieve cost savings and reinvest these in active measures. Internal documents showed that AANDC staff also identied the same type of harmful impacts arising from the changes as the chiefs had tried to demonstrate. Ms. Metallic argued that, although the chiefs support measures to get community members into the workforce, this cannot be done at expense of gutting a recipients basic allowance and forcing them to make impossible choices between eating and paying for shelter and utilities. She also argued that any reform of social assistance should be undertaken through meaningful consultation with First Nations leadership. The courts heard arguments and evidence from the First Nations side on day one, with the Crown presenting their side on the facts and law on day two, followed by a rebuttal from Ms. Metallic. After the two days of court, Judge Scott opted to take time to review the materials and reserved to issue his decision in the coming months. When asked about how she thought it went, Ms. Metallic commented that the judge seemed well prepared, having read everything in advance, engaged and seemed to understand the issues. That is the most I could hope for in terms of having a fair opportunity to put my clients case forward, said Metallic. Until written decision is received, the injunction to keep the old social rules/manuals in place will remain. Kwilmukw Maw- klusuaqn Negotiation Ofce/Mikmaq Rights Initiative works on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mikmaq Chiefs in the negotiations and consultations between the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. KMKNO was developed by the Mi'kmaq, for the Mi'kmaq.
18

SEPTEMBER 2013
Sports & Recreation Report

By Joan Paul joanpaul@shubenacadieband.ca
September 2012 the Indian Brook Recreation Department and the 2012 Summer Games Committee hosted a parade for all youth athletes who attend the games and held a follow-up meeting with Summer Games Committee. We also began our scheduling for the fall and winter programs. In October we held our third annual Halloween Dance with more then 100 youth in attendance. It was held on October 22, 2012 at the Indian Brook Multi Purpose Centre. Over the past few years, our tness programs, Boot Camp Aerobics, taught by Joan Paul and Kickboxing taught by Ellen Marshall, were very successful with more than 30 women participating. As the Sports and Recreation Director, I gained information on surrounding areas and local contacts involved in recreation, sport, and he alt and tness at the Recreation Nova Scotia Conference which was held October 24-26, 2012 in Truro, N.S. I attended as well as presented at the sixth annual Nova Scotia Aboriginal Sports Summit held October 27-28, 2012 at the Park Place Ramada in Dartmouth, N.S.I also attended the Physical Activity meeting held in Halifax, N.S. The department partnered withEfciency Nova Scotia to host our second annual LED Light Exchange with more than thirty community members participating, an increase of ten per cent from our rst year. To expand my expertise and knowledge in the eld as a manager I attended and graduated from the Balance Means Business on December 13, 2012. The staff with Sports and Recreation Department met to discuss and create functional positive practices in our existing recreation programs.The department registered as a not-for-prot organization in February 2012. From February 19-20, 2013, we teamed up with the Health and Wellness Winter Carnival activities coordinator to host a Ball Hockey tournament held at the Indian Brook Multi Purpose Centre. The department partnered with the Nova Scotia Native Womens Association to deliver tness stations to delegates at the Joint Family Networking Session Workshop February 19-21, 2013. March Break 2013 activities continued to grow and thrive in Indian Brook with approximately 60 youth attending each activity offered. I attended the Recreation and Mental Health Symposium from May 8-10, 2013 in which I gain a vast perceptive of how we are all intertwined. I organized a Graft/Mural Event that took place on May 22, 2013, at the Indian Brook Multi Purpose Centre. More than 50 youth participated by expressing their views on culture, community and community pride by creating art on individual canvases. I became a certied trainerthrough the High Five National Course on the Principals of Healthy Child Development on May 31,2013. I wasrectiedas a Fitness trainer through Cantpro, the largest and most recognized tness organization in Canada on May 20-22, 2013 at Saint Marys University in Halifax, N.S. The Annual Hawks Hockey School took place on June 24-28, 2013 at the East Hants Sportsplex. In collaboration with SuperNova, a science camp that offers science and engineering for children between the ages of seven to fourteen was held at the Mi'kmaw Family and Children community boardroom Aug. 12-16, 2013. The Indian Brook athletes prepared and competed in the Annual Nova Scotia Mikmaw Summer Games 2013 from August 20-25, 2013 in Whycomagh, N.S., brining home a total of 23 medals. The Indian Brook Recreation Department continues to offer sport assistance to all Shubenacadie Band members aged 21 and under.
19

SEPTEMBER 2013
Chief & Council

Chief Rufus Copage Cell: 902-805-0141 Email: chiefcopage@shubenacadieband.ca or rcopage@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Ronnie Augustine Cell: 902-805-0147 Email: raugustine@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Michelle Glasgow Cell: 902-805-0164 Email: mglasgow@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Tommy J. Howe Cell: 902-805-0146 Email: thowe@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Keith Julian Cell: 902-805-0145 Email: kjulian@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Colleen Knockwood Cell: 902-751-0307 Email: cknockwood@shubenacadieband.ca
Councillor Doreen Knockwood Cell: 902-805-0159 Email: dknockwood@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Thomas Maloney Cell: 902-805-0165 Email: tmaloney@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Alex McDonald Cell: 902-805-0151 Email: amcdonald@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor James Nevin Cell: 902-805-0157 Email: jnevin@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Earl Sack Cell: 902-758-5332 Email: esack@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Jerry F. Sack Cell: 902-805-0156 Email: jsack@shubenacadieband.ca Councillor Mike Sack Cell: 902-805-0149 Email: msack@shubenacadieband.ca
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Shubenacadie Band Annual Report 2013

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Shubenacadie Band Annual Report 2013

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SHUBENACADIE BAND ANNUAL REPORT