ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
OKIMAHKAN OTY’AMIWIN
FROM THE CHIEF
Marcel Moody Keeps
You Current on
NCN Priorities
2
OKIMY’WINI ACHIMOWIN
PUSIKONISOWINI ACHIMOWIN
Constitution
to Move NCN Towards
Self Governance
New NCN Store in
Nelson House
Breaks Ground
GOVERNMENT
BUSINESS
3
5
NOVEMBER 2014
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
Inauguration
Ceremony
Begins New
Era for Chief
and Council
On September 4, 2014 Marcel Moody
was sworn into office as the 19th Chief
of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation since
the 1908 Adhesion to Treaty 5 signing.
The inauguration ceremony included a special moment
when former Chief Jerry Primrose took off his headdress and
helped Chief Moody don his new headdress. This symbolic
transferring of leadership from Chief Primrose, NCN’s longest
serving Chief, to Chief Moody, the Chief with the most votes
received by any NCN Chief, was a highlight of the ceremony.
Newly elected Chief Marcel Moody (centre) after former
Chief Jerry Primrose (left) helped him don his headdress,
signifying the transfer of leadership. Grand Chief David
Harper MKO (right).
Chief Moody ran on a platform designed to improve
the lives of NCN Citizens in critical areas. His primary goals
are to improve housing and infrastructure and develop a
strong, responsive and effective government that serves the
best interests of NCN Citizens. Plans are also being developed
to improve public safety, increase educational, cultural and
youth opportunities as well as finalize and expand business
opportunities.
Chief Moody said, “I am especially pleased to welcome
Councillors Bonnie Linklater and Willie Moore who are not
only well respected youth within our community, but have
special expertise in education, training, recreation, lands and
resources.” Both have indicated they do not want to be treated
as ‘rookies’ but as equal colleagues who have been elected to
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
Many NCN Citizens were in attendance showing their support for Chief and Council at the
Inauguration Ceremony.
represent all NCN Citizens and to provide added perspective
on key improvements for our community’s youth.
Councillors Ron D. Spence, Shirley Linklater, Patrick
Linklater and Joe Moose have been re-elected for another
four-year term and plan to complete the work they started
during the last term of office. Chief Moody is also very
pleased that four of the incumbent members of Council
were re-elected and share a common platform for the
next four years.
During the election and based on the feedback
received Chief and Council’s plans will be to “focus on making
NCN the best First Nation community in which to live, work
and play.” We plan to work with all NCN Citizens to create
a positive, healthy, safe environment for all. Council stressed
that this term they will not let anyone deter them from the
implementation of the platform the people have voted.
“Our Citizens have made it clear they support our plans,
this election had one of the highest turnouts ever seen in
NCN history,” said Moody.
All members of Chief and Council signed their Oaths
of Office and Allegiance at the inauguration ceremony and
expressed a commitment to build a better future for our
Citizens to the best of their ability.
(L to R) Councillors Willie Moore, Ron Spence, Bonnie
Linklater, Chief Marcel Moody, Councillors Shirley L. Linklater,
Joe Moose and Patrick Linklater read their oaths as the
newly inaugurated government.
1
Chief and
Council
Get Right
Down to
Business
Newly Elected
Council Outline
Steps to be
Taken and
Future Plans
Newly elected Chief and
Council started their new
term in office by addressing
concerns raised during
the recent election appeal
hearings and outlined ways
to resolve issues, add clarity
and reduce further animosity
within the community.
Chief Moody said, “All NCN
Citizens have a role to play in
improving our community.
We plan to work together
and we have already taken a
number of steps and begun
the task of improving internal
communications, informing
our people and starting
strategic planning for the
benefit of NCN Citizens.”
Continued on Page 2
OKIMAHKAN OTY’AMIWIN
From the Chief
Tansi,
I want to first thank our
former leaders. They
worked hard to build an
important foundation for
our community. I especially
want to acknowledge
outgoing Councillor D’Arcy
Linklater who served NCN
so well for more than
two decades and former
Chief Jerry Primrose our
longest serving Chief.
Their wisdom, grace and
leadership will be missed at
the Council table. We wish
them both the best of luck.
Addressing Key Issues
Going Forward
We now look toward the next four years and building a strong
future for NCN. Our goal is to work with a unified Council to
implement the platform you elected us to implement. Council
and I want you to know we will continue to do our best to
represent the interests of our Cree Nation. Most importantly,
we plan to build a good, safe and functional community, and
we hope organizations and Citizens will work with Chief and
Council to achieve this.
Focused on NCN Priorities
We don’t plan to maintain the status quo. We are already
working to find effective ways to fix or build homes and
roads that need serious repairs, upgrade our Nation’s water
and lagoon systems, improve public safety to protect our
Citizens, enhance educational sports, recreation and cultural
programs, create jobs and opportunities for our youth,
finalize and expand business and economic development,
and communicate responsibly to our Citizens. This newsletter
and future information postings, web updates and radio
announcements will keep you up to date on progress and
upcoming events.
Council and I give you our word, we take very seriously
the oaths and promises made before you at the Inauguration
Ceremony. We will do the best we can to make our Citizens
proud and our Nation better.
Your Support and Input
is Important
We are keen to hear from you about key issues you believe we
should be addressing. I personally hope to visit as many of you
as possible to hear your concerns and I know other councillors
are intending to do the same. We know there has been a lot of
frustration in the past over serious housing, water and safety
issues. These are critical things we are already developing plans
to address but we ask for your patience as it will take time and
your cooperation to address.
I sincerely hope you will attend the General Assembly on
November 18th to demonstrate your support for, and belief
in NCN’s future. I know that by working together in positive,
proactive ways, we can better our lives and those of our
children and grandchildren.
Ekosani!
Chief Marcel Moody
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
[Continued from Page 1]
Chief and Council Assign Deputy Chief
and 2014-2018 Portfolio Designations
At the September 25, 2015 Chief and Council meeting Councillor Ron Spence, after receiving
the most election votes for Council, was nominated for Deputy Chief. Spence agreed and was
unanimously appointed. Chief and Council Portfolios have also been assigned:
Chief Marcel Moody
Councillor Willie Moore
• Intergovernmental Relations
• Finance
• Trusts and Treasury
Board President
• Land
• Culture and Heritage
Shared Portfolio(s): Natural
Resources
Ron D. Spence (Deputy Chief)
Councillor Joe Moose
• Justice
• Human Rights
• Public Safety
Shared Portfolio(s): Education,
Training and Employment,
Natural Resources
• Housing
• Infrastructure
• Public Works
Councillor Bonnie Linklater
• Youth and Recreation
Shared Portfolio(s): Education,
training and employment
Councillor Patrick Linklater
• Business
• Business Development
• Technology and Innovation
Councillor Shirley L. Linklater
• Public Service
• Health and Wellness
• Social Development
In addition to the specific portfolio
assignments, Council is establishing a
Council Planning and Priorities Committee
to handle strategic planning and renaming
the current Finance Committee as NCN
Treasury Board to deal with all financial
matters. The Council members on these
two key Committees will be:
Treasury Board: Chief Marcel Moody,
Councillors, Shirley Linklater, Willie Moore
and Deputy Chief Ron Spence
Planning and Priorities: Chief Marcel
Moody, Councillors Joe Moose, Bonnie
Linklater and Deputy Chief Ron Spence
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
2
Council Plans General Assemblies
and Improved Public Involvement
Council has established dates for four General Assemblies
over the next year, starting November 18. When a planning
statement will be delivered by Chief Moody on behalf of
Council to give NCN Citizens a much better sense of what
Council will be doing over the next year. A community
calendar will be in the next Achimowina newspaper.
To improve accountability and transparency, there will
be opportunities at each Council meeting for NCN Citizens or
groups to voice their concerns in accordance with policies that
will be developed and provided to NCN Citizens.
Council also ensured steps will be immediately taken to
improve communications with the 40% of NCN Citizens who
live off the reserve. An Advisory Council is being considered to
deliver regular updates to Citizens in Nelson House, and Chief
and Council plan to do regular home visits. This process was
recommended by former Chief Norman Linklater who said,
“This used to be done on a weekly basis to get feedback and
keep Citizens informed.”
Inviting Elders
to Advise
Elders, chosen on the basis of
their traditional values and
respect for their advice will
be invited to attend Council
meetings for various topics
Elder Sam Dysart
as part of the decisionmaking process.
The new roles and responsibilities of Chief and Council
were reviewed and agreed to at the recent Council meetings.
Chief Moody said “We expect all members of Council will
continue to adhere to the highest ethical standards at all times.”
Chief and Council stated they are all excited to be given
the opportunity to serve NCN Citizens and emphasized they
welcome positive suggestions at all times.
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
NOVEMBER 2014
OKIMY’WINI ACHIMOWIN
Government News
Constitution
to Move NCN
Towards Self
Governance
Over the past year, the federal government has
passed a number of new laws that are applicable
to us unless we have our own laws. We
must prepare consolidated financial
statements and release all information
publicly even in relation to our business
interests. We are concerned about the
difficult situation this places NCN in where
competitive business issues are involved. The
hotel, food and hardware businesses are three
very competitive businesses. We do not believe
our competitors should have access to our financial
information. Other legislation was passed that allows
the Minister of Indian Affairs to take over our government
that there is a leadership dispute even if we have
The development of our own Constitution ifourit decides
own custom election laws. Then there is the upcoming
has been identified as being a very
federal Marital Property law that will take effect in December
important step in our goal of creating a
unless we pursue the land code process or we pass our own laws
strong government. The importance of having our
under our Constitution and a self-governance agreement. We
own Constitution has been made clear a number of times over
are trying to decide whether to develop land laws under other
the past few months. Firstly, our Election Law was challenged
federal legislation which is quite prescriptive as well. The federal
on the basis that it violated section 15, the
laws create a standard for passing First Nation
equality provision of the Canadian Charter of
laws that is not applicable to Parliament or
Rights and Freedoms. Citizens with a criminal
Legislatures across the country. Can you imagine
Over the past
record involving an indictable offence who
if every time these governments wanted to pass
year, the federal
had never been elected to Chief and Council
a law they had to get at least 25% or sometimes
government has
were prohibited from running for office while
51% of Canadians or the citizens of a province to
passed a number
anyone with a criminal record for an indictable
vote on the law or any amendments? It would
of
new
laws
that
offence who had previously been elected was
be unworkable and very, very costly. The same
are applicable to us problems face us from these federally imposed
allowed to run after eight years. Human rights
unless we have our provisions. Why should we not be able to elect
challenges were filed so Chief and Council
decided to seek advice and direction from
our leaders to decide these issues after obtaining
own laws.
the Court of Queen’s Bench. A temporary
input from our Citizens, just like federal and
mandatory injunction was ordered to allow
provincial legislators around the world do?
all NCN Citizens with such records to run for
All of these developments reinforce the importance of
office if eight years had gone by since they
having our own Constitution so that in addition to our
were convicted. Justice Dewar granted the
own law-making processes, NCN Citizens will know their
injunction till June 2015 to give us time to
rights and responsibilities, so that the responsibilities
consider the issue further without challenges
of Chief and Council are outlined, so that
during the last election. Then, during the
there is a Code of Ethics for Chief and
election appeals, it was argued that failing to
Council and NCN staff, and so
provide a mail-in ballot process for NCN Citizens
there must be regular
living off-reserve was also discriminatory on the
basis of section 15. Considerable discussion of this
issue took place in relation to the appeals and the court
was advised that the issue had been raised.
The Judge noted governments usually pass laws and
when their validity is challenged, the government appears before
the court and argues the law is valid.
However, in this situation, Chief and Council brought issues to
NCN Citizens as required by the NCN Election Law established
to comply with federal policies. The proposed amendments
were intended to ensure NCN’s laws did not violate the Charter.
But, as our law-making process is based on a referendum or
plebiscite process where all amendments must be voted on
by NCN Citizens, the amendments were rejected. This left
us open to challenges about the validity of our law. Chief and
Council was concerned the criminal record provisions as they
currently exist and the lack of mail-in ballot procedures violated
the Charter so was in a very awkward position in court. Advice
was sought as to which value prevailed – equality or grass roots
democratic decision-making even if it violates fundamental rights.
This experience confirmed that our law-making process
needs to be revised. The law making processes in our draft
Constitution are very important as they ensure NCN Citizens
have input, but that the elected leadership will be able to make
decisions that can be supported if there is a legal challenge
in court.
3
General Assemblies, and
mechanisms for our Citizens
to bring forward concerns at
Council meetings. Basically, so
that we can take more control
of our lives and re-build our
Nation. The development
of a Constitution is an
important step in the process
of self-governance. We plan
to proceed to hold more
workshops and engage with
you in other ways so that
our Constitution will shortly
become a reality. We need
to develop our own laws in
key areas such as finance,
citizenship, land management
and education.
These developments
reinforce the
importance of
having our own
Constitution so that
in addition to our
own law-making
processes, NCN
Citizens will know
their rights and
responsibilities.
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
[Government News continued...]
Election Appeals Withdrawn.
Election Law Review Considered
On September 19, 2014 in Nelson House an
Election appeal hearing was held in response to
objections recently filed regarding the 2014 Chief
and Council Election process.
The Election Appeal Committee (Arne
Peltz lawyer and independent adjudicator, Carol
Prince, Agnes M. Spence, Robert McLoed-Spence
and Marilyn Linklater) heard oral presentations
and reviewed written submissions on concerns
around procedural and jurisdictional issues
including the preparation of the voters list,
establishment of polls, printing and distribution
of ballots, provision of information to candidates
and the public, security of ballot boxes, conduct
of business by Chief and Council during the
campaign period, operation of the polls, ballot
count procedures, reporting of the results, dealing
with intoxicated voters and mail-in ballot options.
The Electoral officer presented detailed
information regarding all concerns and was
cross examined on her evidence and responded
to further questions from the Committee,
appellants and Chief and Council.
The Appeal Committee indicated to
the parties that on the basis of the material
before it, there was no established violation
of the Election Law and it was not shown that
the outcome of the election was affected.
Appellants elected to withdraw their appeals
instead of continuing further with the appeal
hearing and one appeal was dismissed for lack
of evidence.
It was agreed the hearing was a
valuable exercise and all participants stated
their commitment to working together in
future for the benefit of the community’s
democratic life.
NCN is involved in ongoing review of
its laws and law making process, which will
allow for concerns raised in the appeal and
suggestions for the improvement of the
The printing and distribution of ballots, preparation of the
electoral process to be further considered.
voters list and establishment of polls were among the topics
To view the complete report please
reviewed at the election appeal hearing.
visit ncncree.com
PDA Supplement Agreement 2
The Wuskwatim Project
Development Agreement
was signed by NCN and
Manitoba Hydro in 2006.
Due to changes in the
global market and other
factors it was agreed to supplement the original agreement
with proposed options. NCN Citizens will recall that in the
spring Chief and Council was waiting for draft documentation
regarding the Project Development Agreement Supplement
2 proposals. Currently Council and NCN advisors are sorting
out the complex issues involved and plan to be able to provide
an update at our General Assembly on November 18. They
are examining various options, including whether NCN can
proceed without amending the Taskinigahp Trust Indenture
at this time. NCN is also considering seeking advice and
direction from the court about the amending procedures in
our Trusts and will provide further information next month.
Chief and Council and NCN advisors are reviewing options for the Wuskwatim PDA Supplemental Agreement and will report on progress
at the upcoming General Assembly.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
4
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
NOVEMBER 2014
PUSIKONISOWINI ACHIMOWIN
Business News
Thompson Family Foods Just the
Beginning for New NCN Development
The past two years have been really busy as we have launched
our new grocery store in Thompson, our temporary grocery
store in Nelson House and begun preparation for our new
store in Nelson House.
Thompson Mayor
Tim Johnston
presents NCN
councillors with
a Certificate of
Appreciation
from the City of
Thompson at the
official opening of
NCN’s Family Foods
store last August.
New NCN Store Breaks Ground
On August 28th, the sod-turning took place for our new
grocery store. It will be located close to the NCN Government
Office, near the old Northern site. The design is finished and
the RFP for the store will be issued by the time you read this
story. The store will be an asset NCN can be proud of. Longer
term, we hope to build more stores close by and encourage
a local service industry to grow so that we will have the same
types of facilities as other similar size communities.
The grocery business is very
competitive. As with any business, it
takes time to grow and prosper. We are
pleased to announce that after a year
in business our store in Thompson is
holding its own and sales are increasing
on a monthly basis. We have learned
that more support from NCN Citizens
would help our store and all of us in
the longer term to have more moneys
to invest back into our community.
We know money is tight for most First
Nations families in Nelson House and
elsewhere. For this reason, instead of
offering Air Miles or points, we provide
a 5% rebate on a number of items. We
have weekly sales also. These specials
are posted in flyers at our local post
office. We encourage you to support
our stores in Nelson House and
Thompson as that helps us not only to
sustain the business but to ensure that
there will be benefits for our Citizens.
Also, our goal remains to employ as
many NCN Citizens as possible so if you
are looking for work, please contact
Kim Linklater, Human Resources
Members of Chief and Council were in attendance to officially break ground and reveal plans for the proposed
Specialist at the NCN Government
NCN store and post office in Nelson House.
Office (204) 484-2332.
Important Changes
to Mail Services!
Mail service will be provided at the temporary location in the Gilbert McDonald Arena,
adjacent to the canteen on the main floor until fall 2015.
5
Due to the fire at the previous Northern Store location the
Canada Post Office in Nelson House has moved from its old
location. The office was closed October 24 for three days.
It reopened at the temporary location in the Gilbert McDonald
Arena, adjacent to the canteen on the main floor October 27.
General delivery and all other mail service including post
office boxes, office hours, delivery times and parcel pick-up will
operate as normal at the Arena.
The new permanent Post Office home is being built at the
NCN Store and is expected to open Fall 2015. Plans include post
office boxes for all NCN Citizens. We appreciate your patience
while we work to improve our community mail services.
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN
Community News
Volunteers of Calvin
Spence Search and
Recovery Recognized
Thank You to
Councillor Linklater
Chief Marcel Moody presents a recognition gift to members of the Search and Rescue Team
involved in the search for Calvin Spence.
Several NCN Citizens were
honoured by Chief and
Council on August 14 for
their heroic and selfless
efforts to find and retrieve
the missing body of
Calvin Spence.
Spence an experienced
trapper and fisher was
reported missing in
November of last year. His
body was recovered days later
by a group of NCN volunteers
who worked tirelessly to
scour the shorelines, woods
and waterways in the area.
Wilson Moore, a lead
volunteer for the search team
recalls, “The support from the
community was outstanding.
It shows how the people of NCN come together in times of
need and do whatever it takes.”
An event was held in Nelson House for nearly two dozen
members of the search and rescue team along with the RCMP
officers involved. A recognition gift was presented by Chief
Moody, Councillors Ron Spence, Joe Moose, Patrick Linklater
and Darcy Linklater to Wilson Moore, Jerry McDonald, Roy
Spence, Wayne Francois, Donald Spence, Wilson Hartie,
James Bonner, Lanny McDonald, Darryl Moore, Kevin Tait,
Glen Spence, Jason Bonner, Douglas Spence, Jim Moore, Elijah
Linklater, Geraldine Bonner, Elizabeth Linklater, Angela Spence,
Sydney Spence, Nellie Bonner and RCMP officers Brian Auger
and Ryan Linklater.
Chief Moody spoke on behalf of Council and presented
individual recognition gifts. “The diligent and heroic efforts,
sacrifices made and individual commitment are important not
only to Calvin’s family and friends but as an inspiration to all.”
”Awareness like this can help everyone and getting more
involvement in the community can help us react fast and could
save lives in the future” Moore said about the event.
Members of the Search and Rescue Team for Calvin Spence with Chief Moody and
Councillors Ron Spence, Patrick Linklater, D’Arcy Linklater and Joe Moose.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
6
On behalf of all NCN Citizens, Chief and Council extends a
warm and heart-felt thank you to Councillor D’Arcy Linklater
for his more than 20 years of service. D’Arcy’s time as band
Executive Director and Councillor continually proved his
dedication and commitment to achieving a sovereign, selfsustaining Cree nation. He leads by example working to
achieve a better life for youth, families and Elders through
respect for culture, land, history, tradition and education. His
knowledge and experience with ceremonies, agreements
and negotiations for various initiatives including Treaties,
Ethinesewin and Heritage Resource Agreement for the
Wuskwatim Hydro project, TLE Agreement, start up of AOL
and ensuring adherence to NCN Customary Laws and beliefs
was and will continue to be greatly valued.
On May 13, 2013 at the Manitoba Legislature D’Arcy
was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
for his many years of service and significant contributions and
achievements as a First Nations and Canadian Citizen. The
honour was presented by Commissioner James Wilson.
D’Arcy’s work in preserving culture, being a leader
in many social, political, historic and economic initiatives
and programs along with his significant contribution
to the community, Manitoba and Canada are among
his many achievements.
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized as an Elder
in our community and to have had the privilege to work on
Council. I am proud to have also served on the Assembly of
Manitoba Chiefs, Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba,
Assembly of First Nations and co-chaired Nisichawayasihk
Aski Keche O’nanakachechikiwuk over the years.”
Born in Nelson House, and having worked as a trapper
and fisher D’Arcy continues to be an active NCN advocate
working to restore the health of our waterways, land and
wildlife as well as traditional burial and heritage sites. D’Arcy
also co-authored a book called Ka’Esei Wahkotumahk Aski
– Our Relationship with the Land about Treaty and Elders
Teachings which draws from his knowledge and experience in
Nelson House.
We wish
D’Arcy health,
happiness and
success in his
future endeavours.
We know he
will continue
to be a valued
asset to NCN,
our people and
our community.
Good luck D’Arcy! D’Arcy Linklater receives Queen
Kinanaskomitinan. Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
NOVEMBER 2014
Couple Celebrates
50 Year Wedding
Anniversary
On October 12, 2014,
Henry Spence and
Madeleine Spence (maiden
name Linklater) celebrated
50 years of wedded bliss.
The happy couple renewed
their vows at a ceremony
held at the RC Church and
took part in an anniversary
feast with friends and
family members at
the Wellness Center.
Councillors Pat Linklater
and Joe Moose were in
attendance at the wedding
ceremony where Council
honored the couple’s
milestone achievement
with a donation to the
day’s events.
“It was an event
well worth celebrating.
We have great respect
for them both and their
commitment to each
other. Their dedication
to each other and their
long relationship is an
inspiration to all of us,”
said Patrick Linklater.
In Memory of
Jack Spence
Henry and Madeleine Spence recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Sarazine Spence, Henry and Madeleine’s
daughter retells the story of the couple’s early
days and meeting.
“I guess times were a little different back in
1964. Madeleine grew up in South Indian Lake
and Henry grew up in Nelson House and was
raised by Helen Spence. Apparently one day
her parents, Andrew and Caroline Linklater
told Madeleine that she was to marry Henry.
Madeleine, a teenager at the time, said she
did not even know him but agreed to marry
Henry. I guess it all worked out.”
Congratulations on 50 years and best
wishes for many more happy years together!
Many NCN community
members
remember
fondly the life
of Jack Louis
Spence and
are saddened
by his passing
on September 1, 2014 at
the young age of 58. Jack,
a well-recognized member
of the community was a
carpenter and contributed
to community housing
development. He was
known as a hands-on guy
that helped out when ever
he could. He was much
more than a grandfather,
father, husband, uncle and
brother a fact emphasized
by his strong connections
to his family. Jack is survived
by his wife Marilyn of
32 years, children Jack,
Durmond and traditionally
adopted daughter Faith
and eleven grandchildren,
his contributions in our
community did not go
unnoticed and he is missed
by many. Our hearts,
sincere condolences and
sympathies go out to Jack’s
many friends and family.
OSICHIKIWINAH AKWAH KAWIATI AETUKUMIKUK
Arts and Events
Fun for All at the Annual NCN Summer Festival
The Annual NCN Summer Festival, held from
August 24-30 for participants of all ages, was a
great celebration of NCN community, culture and
Traditions. The week’s events included the Arrow
Shoot, soccer and baseball tournament, go-cart
designs, talent contests, jigging, coin toss, cribbage
and scrabble tournament, dance competition,
mixed puthachaboo traditional neck bone eating
contest, animal calling, canoe races and more.
New events this year included the Rez Car
challenge and Wipeout Challenge. Entertainment
was provided by the Dick bothers, Drink me pretty
and Hector Menow as well as local talent.
Coordinators Lou Moody, Cheryl Moore
and Terry Linklater were pleased with the excellent
turnout and support from many volunteers and
sponsors.
Chief Marcel Moody participated in
the events and said, “It’s important for us as a
community to get together and have some fun at
this event. It also gives kids a chance to learn and
celebrate our traditions and culture.”
Chief Moody launches an arrow to kick off the festivities.
Spectators enjoy the activities.
Councillor Ron Spence fits his arrow
to the bow.
Reverend Hart returns the
competition arrow.
7
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
NCN Winter Festival Coming Soon
Watch for details on the upcoming
Winter festival on the NCN website.
Event plans include traditional skills
competition like trap setting, flour
packing, tea boiling, snow shoe racing,
skidoo racing, dog team racing and more.
All ages welcome!
Annual NCN Golf Tournament a Success
Participants and award winners pause for a photo at the 18th hole of the Thompson Golf Course. Theresa Yetman and
Mike Fayent were among the prize winners.
Event Notices
ROUND 1: NCN CITIZEN MEET N’ GREETS
Futur
g a BrighteCrree Naetion!
n
i
d
l
i
ur
Bu
For O
Lands Designation
RESERVE
NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION
General
Assembly
PROCESS
Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 1:00 P.M.
United Church, Nelson House
November 24, 25, 26 and 28, 2014
All NCN Citizens are invited to attend this open public
meeting with Chief and Council to discuss important
plans for our Nation’s future. General Assembly
Topics will Include: Chief and Council Portfolio
Assignment, Council’s proposed comprehensive
Four-year Strategic Plan.
NCN Citizens are invited to attend the first round of
public meetings for the Reserve Lands Designation process:
SOUP, SANDWICHES, COFFEE AND TEA
WILL BE PROVIDED.
COFFEE, TEA AND MUFFINS WILL BE PROVIDED.
For further information please call the NCN Government Office in
Nelson House at (204) 484-2332 or visit www.ncncree.com
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
Leaf Rapids, November 24, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m., RC Church
Nelson House, November 25, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m., United Church
Thompson, November 26, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Juniper Center
Winnipeg, November 28, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Marlborough Hotel
For further information or to arrange transportation please call the
Implementation Office in Nelson House at (204) 484-2332 or toll free
1-888-323-7658, or visit www.ncncree.com
Do you have a suggestion or a Achimowina story idea?
We would like your comments and feedback. Please contact achimowina@gmail.com
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐣ
The 16th Annual NCN Golf
Tournament held on August
15-17 was once again very well
attended and an enjoyable event
for all involved. Over 30 prizes
were awarded to participants
of all ages in categories for men,
women, juniors and seniors and
for events ranging from the
NCN Flight for NCN Citizens,
longest drive, closest to the pin,
putting, hole-in-one to skins
competitions and more. Winners
included Mike Fayent for Men’s
Championship Flight, Martin
Vermett First Flight, Howard Tait
Second Flight, Malcolm Hunter
Third Flight. Senior Men’s title
went to David Kobliski, Senior
First Flight to Stan Lucovic and
the Junior boys was awarded
to Elton McDonald. On the
women’s side Theresa Yetman
won the Championship Flight
and First Flight went to Faith
Mcdonald with Second Flight to
Mary A-Laubmann. Junior girls
champion was Madison Warren.
Event Coordinators said.
“It was another good year for
the tournament. Our many
sponsors were very supportive,
participation was great and
everyone had fun... We look
forward to the event next year.”
Organizers hope to
continue the event next summer
and encourage those interested
to stay tuned to the NCN
website for more information
and other event postings.
8
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
General Delivery
Nelson House, Manitoba R0B 1A0
Phone: (204) 484-2332
Fax: (204) 484-2392
www.ncncree.com