Just attended the AFOA conference in Saskatoon highlighting Financial Stewardship, Public Administration and the Foundations of Good Governance. National Chief, Shawn A-In-Chut Atleo gave a rousing opening speech. He stressed the importance of Education especially given the high birth rate in Aboriginal communities. He also stressed the importance of self governance in Aboriginal communities with accountability and transparency through clear and open communication to the people in the communities.
There were panels that discussed the relationships they have with the resource industries and the importance of Impact Benefit agreements and walking lightly on this earth.
Representatives of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations delivered a workshop/panel discussion on their publication: Governance Toolkit – A Guide to Nation Building which I found informative. There were many, many excellent workshops and the entertainment at the end of the three days was spectacular with Paskwaw Mostos (Buffalo) and later the Mykal Gambull Band.
Renewed and new Friendship were an important part of the event as they are for any conference.
The First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF) had a panel presentation with representatives of nations that have had success with the Capacity Building aspect of the Fund and the Credit Enhancement ability of the Fund. As a matter of fact, I am in Manitoba now – just in time for Louis Riel Day. I am in Winnipeg tonight but heading up to Misipawistik to meet with the Nation as a consultant for the FNHMF to discuss how the FNHMF can work together with the Nation to make it even stronger. Very exciting as this is Ovide Mercredi’s Nation, a man whom I admire and my son lives in Norway House just across the Lake and is coming by to see me.
Life is good….

Mr. Mercredi believes that what the Elder meant by “Act Indian” was that the European way of Governance is not necessarily the right way. That traditional methods of Aboriginal Governance which gave more decision making power to the people should be considered when the Indian Act is abolished.Movie A Dog’s Purpose (2017)

This project is definitely underway. Architects have been on site doing final measurements and initial funds have arrived from BC Housing so all preliminary work can be completed. Our co op student from last year, Christina Hull, is calling all applicants to update their information and to provide support and encouragement during this seemingly endless process. It will all be worth it, however! Camosun College is on board with Trades and Technology training for Aboriginal students and the Royal Bank has donated $50,000 towards this training.

During a recent presentation, the former Grand Chief, and Councillor for the Misipawistik First Nation, relayed a comment from an Elder whom he had asked what he thought about the Indian Act. The Elder paused, gave the question some thought and replied: It should be “Act Indian” not “Indian Act”.