Department: Administration

Category: Senior Management

Location: Grand Council Treaty# 3

Salary: Negotiable

Closing Date:  July 30, 2010

Grand Council Treaty# 3 offers an exceptional opportunity for a results-oriented leader with significant experience to lead a dynamic and vibrant advocacy team and to work closely with the Grand Council and member First Nations.  The Executive Director will manage the development, implementation and maintenance of GCT3 Representative Services (GCT3  RS) operational policies, practices and principles that provide for competent governance, accountability, effectiveness, transparency and efficiency; implement organizational vision; provide direction and support to the political office and GCT3 RS Board of Directors.  The Executive Director will support and advocate the needs and rights of the Treaty# 3 membership; and ensure the Grand Council’s mandate to protect, preserve and enhance inherent and treaty rights is used as the foundation for the decision-making process.  The Executive Director will be responsible for a variety of duties ranging from supervision of all staff, oversee the preparation of financial reports, negotiate for additional financial resources and liaise between the staff, Board of Directors, Chiefs and Councils, Treaty# 3 communities, stakeholders and partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation with a professional degree from a recognized university in Business, Human Resources or Finance is preferred.  Specialization that has been obtained through an exceptional combination of training, education and or experience may be considered. 

The successful candidate must provide evidence of experience of strategic leadership and senior management of a not-for-profit organization or corporation.  Extensive experience with financial and human resources management; demonstrated knowledge and experience in leading a First Nation Political or Advocacy organization would be an asset.  The applicant shall highlight proven experience in problem-solving, decision-making, financial and policy analysis; leadership role modeling/mentoring to encourage optimum performance by staff; proven ability to develop and sustain partnerships and strategic networks; superior written/oral communication/negotiation/presentation skills to represent Grand Council’s dealings with multi-levels of government and various stakeholders.  Finally, the candidate shall hold a solid understanding of Grand Council Treaty# 3 history and mandate, Treaty Rights, challenges, opportunities, and political processes pertaining to First Nations.

The ability to communicate in Ojibway is considered an asset.  Requirements include ability to travel, valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in the covering letter how they meet the qualifications of the position.

Send resume to:

GCT3 Representative Services

P.O. Box 1720

Kenora, ON

P9N 3X7

Fax: 807.548.5041

Email: executive.director@treaty3.ca

The Grand Council’s Treaty#3’s dedication to excellence is complemented by its profound commitment to building and sustaining a self-dependent Nation for Grand Council Treaty# 3.  Individuals from the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty#3 are encouraged to apply.  We thank all those who apply.  Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  Submission of a criminal record check required prior to offer of employment.

June 30, 2010

HST- What You Need To Know

Will I be exempt from the HST?

- On July 1st, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) comes into effect in

Ontario.

- First Nation status card holders will have to pay the 13% HST for

the months of July and August only.

- Starting September 1st, First Nations status card holders will be

exempt from the 8% provincial portion of the HST at the point of

sale for eligible off-reserve purchases.

- Status card holders will be refunded the 8% provincial portion of

the HST for July and August.

- As is current practice, purchases made on reserve remain tax free.

2

How do I get my money back for purchases made in July and

August?

- Status card holders can file a refund application with the Ontario

Ministry of Revenue to get refunds for purchases made July 1st to

August 31st, 2010.

- Refund application forms may only be submitted between

September 1st, 2010 and November 1st, 2010 and must be

accompanied by:

o Original receipts

o Photocopy of both sides of the Indian Status

Card

- Refund application forms will be available after August 1st only!

- Refund application forms will be made available:

o At your Band Council Office.

o Online at the Ministry of Revenue website at

www.ontario.ca/taxchange

o By calling 1-866-ONT-TAXS (1-866-668-8297)

Where do I fax, email or mail the refund application forms?

This information will be found on the refund form.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

For more information, call 1-800-337-7222 or 1-866-668-8297 or visit

www.ontario.ca/taxchange.

Essay Contest Announcement

Deadline extended to June 30^th, 2010

Grand Council Treaty #3 is holding an Essay Writing Contest for Treaty 3 students, the topic is Treaties.

We want to know what our Treaty 3 students know about treaties:

• What research have you completed on treaties, and/or
• What have you learned about treaties in school, and
• What do treaties mean to you?

Submissions should include your name, First Nation you are a member of and what level of education you are at. They will be 1.5 spaced and in 12 pt font. The length of the essay should be for:

• Secondary students-                       1 to 2 pages
• Postsecondary students-                2 pages

The deadline for submissions has been extended to Wednesday, June 30^th, 2010. Previous submissions may resubmit revised essays otherwise their initial submissions will remain.

Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee and be provided with notification of the decision by Monday, July 5, 2010.

10 winners will be selected and awarded $250 each; 5 postsecondary students, and 5 secondary students.

Submissions can be emailed to the Education Policy Analyst, Yolanda Fobister at yolanda.fobister@treaty3.ca, or faxed to her attention at fax #: 807-548-5041.

Miigwech!

GRAND COUNCIL TREATY #3 COMMENDS THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO FOR MAKING GOOD ON ITS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT THE POINT OF SALE EXEMPTION BUT QUESTIONS THE “BRIDGE PROPOSAL” AND ITS IMPACT ON ELDERS AND LOW INCOME FAMILIES

NEWS

Grand Council Treaty #3 communities in Ontario rely heavily on the off-reserve stores found in Kenora, Red Lake, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout and Dryden, Ontario.  “Our relationship with vendors in Treaty #3 territory need to be one of respect for our inherent and treaty rights,” states Chief Warren White of Naotkamegwanning First Nation.   “The Province of Ontario needs to be clear what is expected of Vendors during the two month period where the point of sale exemption should be in place but for the inability of the Canadian government to administer it.”

In the reaction to possibly losing this important accommodation of the inherent and treaty rights of the Anishinaabe communities in Treaty #3, a right for the protection of treaty property in the 55,000 square miles of the territory of the Anishinaabe, some important research was completed.   Dr. Fred Lazar highlighted how the loss of the point of sale exemption would hit already economic disadvantaged families across Ontario, but the stark results that would have befallen the Treaty #3 communities.  More than $667,000 in income, which is considered treaty property, would have been lost in Chief White’s community of Naotkamegwanning, this is income of single parent families, trapper’s, fishers, all dependent on off-reserve stores for their goods and services in the community of over 1100 people.

On September 1, 2010 both Canada and Ontario have agreed that the full implementation of the point of sale exemption would be available for Status Indians in Ontario.   This would mean that an individual with a valid Status card would not be required to pay the 8% of the HST that would be collected by the Government of Canada on behalf of Ontario within the Harmonized Sales Tax regime.    This practice has been in place since the sales tax was considered to be incapable of being levied against Status Indians more than 30 years ago because of section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867 (“Indians and Lands reserved for Indians”) being Federal jurisdiction and the Federal Indian Act legislation.    This has been long-standing Federal and British policy, to protect the property of treaty Indians since the Royal Proclamation of 1763.

Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly, the Grand Chief of 28 member communities associated with the Grand Council Treaty #3 is intending to take measures to ensure that the two months where it is proposed that Ontario will allow a “rebate” of any sales taxes paid by Status Indians because of the inability of fully implementing the HST point of sales exemption for Status Indians until September 1, 2010.    There is a two month window, where in fact, what Grand Council Treaty #3 demanded should not happen, will happen.   Single families, welfare recipients, traditional fishers and harvesters who can barely make ends meet because of Crown not willing to fully implement Treaty #3, will be forced to pay a 13% tax to fund Crown governments.  This is against Treaty #3 and will have an impact on the citizens of Treaty #3 communities who reside in Ontario.

Grand Council Treaty #3 had participated in the discussions over the week to negotiate this proposal and acknowledges the difficulty in achieving the full implementation of the point of sale exemption under the new regime.   At one point it was said that it would take 18 months to achieve the implementation, so it is certainly good news that the Government of Canada has committed to getting this done in 2 months.   Yet, there will still be impacts on low-income people in Ontario that hasn’t been properly accommodated over the summer.

First Nations in Ontario will continue to live under the “GST rules” of a point of sale exemption of the full Harmonized Sales Tax if the vendor delivers the good or service to a reserve.  In addition, the 13% tax is not administered by on-reserve vendors who will now have a significant competitive advantage if they had the same access to economic development funding and small business support that their off-reserve counterparts enjoy.    Grand Council Treaty #3 continues to push for more economic development funding and better employment and training programs to lift their citizens out of poverty.   Better fiscal relations between Canada, Ontario and Grand Council Treaty #3 is the end goal.

QUOTES:

“The citizens of Grand Council Treaty #3 that reside in Ontario should have confidence that every effort was taken to maintain this point of sale exemption,” stated Ogichidaakwe Diane Kelly, Grand Chief on behalf of 26 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario.  “We were extremely fortunate to find a path towards protecting the property of our citizens which is a treaty right in Treaty #3.   The point of sale exemption is key First Nations policy in Ontario and honours the commitment of the Crown to protect the interests of Treaty #3 communities as long as the sun shines and the grass grows, that is to say forever.”

“We will continue to advocate for a full implementation of Treaty #3 and a better understanding of the treaty by these Crown governments,” vows Grand Chief Diane Kelly.  “While we achieved maintaining the status quo, we need to serve notice to both Crown Governments that they ignore our rights and interest to the peril of the economy of Northwestern Ontario.   Couchiching First Nation proved that direct action worked, the First Nations in Ontario proved that direct action can move mountains in the HST battle, and it is a shame that the tool of last resort must be resorted to so much with the present Governments of Ontario and Canada.   Just and lasting reconciliation policy needs to have the fuller attention of these Crown representatives.”

For more information contact:  Darlene Curci, political.office@treaty3.ca  Telephone:  (807) 548-4214

Website:  http://www.treaty3.ca

 Essay Contest Announcement

 Grand Council Treaty #3 is holding an Essay Writing Contest for Treaty 3 students, the topic is Treaties.

 We want to know what our Treaty 3 students know about treaties: 

• What research have you completed on treaties, and/or
• What have you learned about treaties in school, and
• What do treaties mean to you?

Submissions should include your name, First Nation you are a member of and what level of education you are at. They will be 1.5 spaced and in 12 pt font. The length of the essay should be for:

• Secondary students-                       1 to 2 pages
• Postsecondary students-                2 pages

 The deadline for submissions is Saturday, June 19^th, 2010.

 Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee. Winners will receive notification and presented with awards of $250 at the All Ontario Chiefs Conference being held in Couchiching First Nation from June 22, 23, 24, 2010.

 10 winners will be selected; 5 postsecondary students, and 5 secondary students.

 Submissions can be emailed to the Education Policy Analyst, Yolanda Fobister at yolanda.fobister@treaty3.ca, or faxed to her attention at fax #: 807-548-4214. Miigwech!

ANISHINAABE OF TREATY #3

The Chiefs’ Assembly will be hosted by Chief Reubin Cantin and the members of Wabigoon Lake First Nation.

Date: June 8, 9 & 10, 2010

Location: Wabigoon Lake First Nation

***All members of the Treaty #3 Nation are encouraged to attend.***

For more information please contact Candace Morrisseau 1.800.665.3384 or 1.807.584.4214 ext 2240 or email political.office@treaty3.ca

The Grand Council Treaty #3 Education office is an area that encompasses a wide variety of education issues. At Grand Council the Education Policy Analyst works in cooperation with the Tribal Councils, First Nations, School Boards and other organizations providing educational services to First Nation students of Treaty #3. Grand Council Treaty #3 recognizes the need of providing support, resources and political advocacy in the area of Rights to Education for  its Citizens.

In This Issue:

• Early Learning
• Elementary & Secondary
• High Cost Special Education update
• Postsecondary
• Education Partnerships Program
• Upcoming events

Early Learning

The Ontario Ministry of Education announced this year that the Early Learning program will be implemented in some provincial schools for the 2010-2011 school year.  INAC’s Shelly Knot-Fife has the regional lead in discussions with Grand Council Treaty #3’s education policy analyst Yolanda Fobister and an initial meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2010 with regional representatives from Education, Social and Health programs to discuss INAC’s plans for the implementation of the Early Learning program in First Nation communities.

Elementary and Secondary

Nominal Role:

INAC rolled out new nominal role reporting forms in 2009 which caused some confusion for First Nations. INAC’s regional office will provide information sessions on the new Nominal Role forms to Treaty #3 First Nations; the dates, time and location to be determined and announced.

Audit:

The Audit on INAC’s administration of the K to 12 program has been released and is available on-line at: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/arp/aev/pubs/au/ese/ese-eng.pdf

High Cost Special Education:

The review of the High Cost Special Education funding formula is near completion with the financial analysis conducted by Robert Beaudin. An information session will be held in Thunder Bay on May 20, 2010 to present his findings and options available to First Nations. Attendance at this session is recommended for First Nation education representatives that work closely with special education reporting.

The options for a revised funding formula for First Nations will be presented to the Chiefs for a decision at the All Ontario Chiefs Conference being held in the Couchiching First Nation on June 22, 23 & 24, 2010

POSTSECONDARY 

Provincial News:

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has developed Ontario’s Postsecondary Education and Training Policy Framework for Aboriginal Learners.  The policy is in draft form and a copy has been distributed to First Nation’s leaders. A copy will be distributed via email to education representatives for review. The Ministry of Education’s Aboriginal Education Office has contacted Grand Council Treaty #3 to coordinate an information session with Treaty #3 First Nations; the date, time & location to be determined and announced.

 April 27, 2010, Ontario announced that it is investing $26.4 million in Aboriginal postsecondary education. The funding will support First Nation students with bursaries, career counselling, and mentoring for First Nation students. It will also provide funding to Aboriginal postsecondary institutions to offer programs in partnership with colleges and universities and to improve its student centres.

Federal News:

Requests for confirmation by the Chiefs of Ontario First Nation Education Coordination Unit regarding changes to the delivery model of the PSSSP and ISSP. No updates on INAC’s position on postsecondary funding have been provided.

Education Partnerships Program

In 2009 Grand Council Treaty #3 conducted a thorough Needs Assessment of the education system within Treaty #3 under  INAC’s Education Partnerships Program (EPP) . The final report titled Mino Kakendaasowin: Fulfilling Sakatcheway’s Vision has been distributed to the Chiefs of each Treaty #3First Nation. This year, Grand Council Treaty #3 will submit a proposal for Phase 2. The end result will be drafts of a Memorandum of Understanding  and joint action plan under a tripartite agreement with Grand Council Treaty #3,  the Ministry of Education, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada that will improve the student success rates for First Nation students.

UPCOMING  EVENTS

May 20, 2010:

              High Cost Special Education Information Session in Thunder Bay

May 19, 20, 21, 2010:

              Ontario Native Education Counsellors     Association Conference in Sault Ste Marie

June 8, 9, 10, 2010:

              Grand Council Treaty #3 Chiefs Assembly in Wabigoon First Nation

June 11, 12, 13, 2010:

              Chiefs of Ontario, Embracing our Resources- Our Strategic Direction

              Policy Forum in Toronto

June 22, 23, 24, 2010:

              All Ontario Chiefs Assembly in Couchiching First Nation

Grand Council Treaty #3 is the historic government of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 and is the political organization for the 28 First Nations in the treaty area. 

To Protect,Preserve and Enhance Inherent and Treaty Rights

Grand Council Treaty# 3

Phone: 807.548.4214

Toll Free: 1-800-665-3384

Email: yolanda.fobister@treaty3.ca

Fax: 807.548.5041

Website: www.gct3.net

P9N 3X7

I would be quite remiss if I did not thank Louise Centena, the former Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy Health Policy Analyst for her punctilious efforts to set in place a hard copy filing system and an electronic filing system which is proving to be most helpful.  Louise’s last day on the job was Friday, March 12^th, 2010.  Let’s wish Louise all the best in her future endeavors.

With the continued and collective efforts from Dianne Longe, Rita Letourneau and Lois Stoll we have been successful in accessing funding for the Aboriginal FASD & CNP earlier than in previous years and this will set the standard in accessing funding as soon as the funding is received at the Grand Council Treaty # 3 Office.  The next step is to access the funding for the Aboriginal Diabetes Education Project in the most timely manner possible.  It is the position of Grand Council Treaty # 3 to hand the program management and administration of the Aboriginal FASD & CNP and the Aboriginal DEP to the Regions involved in these programs for fiscal year 2011 – 2012.  The purpose for this action is the Ontario Government, through their respective Ministries, will be able to forge closer ties with each of the four (4) Regions.

The Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy (AHWS) is governed by the Joint Management Committee (JMC) and the JMC will not be meeting again until such time as a decision is made with respect to the topics of Governance and Renewal.  Until the decision is made “…all notable business within the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy will be brought to the JMC via polling or teleconference.”

On Tuesday, April 13^th, 2010, we had the opportunity to have Roberta Pike, Acting Manager, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy, attend a meeting which was held at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.  It was at this meeting that the Regions brought forth the following AHWS issues:  Administration Fee(s); historical clawbacks; meticulous reporting requirements and the need for consistent Grand Council Treaty # 3 Representation at the Joint Management Committee (JMC) and Working Group (WG) Tables.  Ongoing efforts are being directed towards addressing the historical clawbacks made by AHWS.  These efforts should culminate in a position with respect to the clawbacks not later than Monday, May 31^st, 2010.

This concludes my update for the month of April 2010.

The Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) require the MinisterChildren and Youth Services to review the Act and publicly report the results of the review every five years.the last review, a new provision was included (Sect 226) that requires the Ministry to seek input from First Nations Leadership, Aboriginal Organizations and Children’s Aid Societies on scheduled reviews of the CFSA.Section. 226 requires Child Welfare agencies “when providing services to a person who is an Indian or native persons or in respect of children who are Indian or native persons, with a view to ensuring compliance by societies (agencies) with those provisions.”

Once MYCS announced the review in December 2009, discussions and coordination were underway with GCT3 and the two Anishinaabe Child Care Agencies, Weechi-it-te-win Family Services and Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services to ensure that the scope of the project was covered by all parties and minimal duplication and overlap occurred. In February 2010, GCT3 received formal confirmation of funding from MCYS and the project was brought to the Treaty #3 Chiefs Committee on Social Sustainability for direction and guidance to completing the project as per the GCT3 Engagement Strategy. Next, consultations were completed with the Chiefs of the First Nation communities of Grand Council Treaty #3. Interviews were conducted with seven questions of the service and service delivery to First Nation children and families.

A preliminary report of findings was brought back to the Chiefs Committee for discussion and direction. Also invited attendees to the Chiefs meeting were the representatives from WFS and AAFS who provided an overview of their respective completed reports.

It was strongly and consistently identified that the compliancy of the Child and Family Services Act for non-Native CAS’s were not met and those services provided by the Native CAS excelled. These disparities exist even though there are historic inadequacies of lack of funding to the Native Child Welfare Agencies, which provide the Service in a manner that is consistently considered positive by the Community. Finally, the support of the federal and provincial leadership is required to continue to improve the care and service to the communities, families and children of Treaty #3.

Treaty#3 Women’s Council

On March 5, 2010, the Grand Council Treaty#3 Women’s Council and staff attended the Greenwood Inn in Winnipeg for a Strategic Planning Session facilitated by Diane Redsky. Sasakwe-Gagido-Ikweg (Giving Life to our Voice ) was a two year plan to assist the women in moving forward. Members of the Women’s Council are: Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly, Joanne Petiquan-Moore, Karen Kejick, Darlene Paypompee and Judy Morrison.

Gender Equity in Indian Registry Act

In April 2009 the Court of Appeal for British Columbia ruled in the case of McIvor v. Canada that the Indian Act discriminates between men and women with respect to registration as an Indian and violates the equality provisions in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In its ruling, the Court gave Parliament one year to amend the provisions of the Indian Act that were found to be unconstitutional.

In order to comply with the Court of Appeal’s decision, the Government of Canada has moved forward with legislative amendments to certain registration provisions of the Indian Act.

The proposed amendments to the Indian Act will only extend registration to eligible grandchildren of women who lost status as a result of their marriage to a non-Indian man before April 17, 1985.

First Nations Citizens in 60s scoop Litigation

In Toronto April 26-29, 2010 the case launched by Marcia Brown (Martel) and Robert Commanda is being heard by a Judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The purpose of those hearings is for the Judge to hear arguments presented by both plaintiffs to have this case proceed as a class action. If the Court rules in their favour, then they may be “representative plaintiffs” representing a large number of persons all of whom had a common experience and seek the same judicial remedy.

Anishinaabe Family Services and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services and Treaty #3 shared in the cost of a bus to allow individuals to hear the case in Toronto.
Many First Nations families and communities have lost children as a result of the Sixties Scoop, many of whom never came home. The Ontario Chiefs in Assembly passed a resolution in November 2008 in support of holding government accountable for the 60s Scoop.

Band By-Law Project Initiative

The objective of the initiative was to develop common First Nation band by-laws and rebuild Treaty#3 First Nations law-making capacities. A Band or First Nation By-Law is a local law passed by Chief and Council and is only applicable on-reserve.

In an effort to collect the existing by-laws in the Treaty#3 First Nations, outreach to the communities began with a written request to all Treaty#3 Chiefs of all existing by-laws. Follow-up calls were made thereafter to each community. Where initial contact was unsuccessful or where communities did not respond a community visit was arranged.

Out of twenty one communities where the project was able to make contact eleven confirmed that they had by-laws and ten did not. Two communities identified that they did not wish to participate. By-laws received to date can be categorized in the area of health, traffic, law and order, zoning, intoxicants and trespassing.

A proposal submission has been made to carry on the work for the 2010-2011 fiscal year which would provide an opportunity for communities to work with the elders, Treaty#3 police and justice officials in reviewing the draft template by-laws and developing a strategy for implementation. One of the key frustrations identified by communities has been the issue of enforcement and prosecution of band by-laws.

Disabilities Meeting

On March 15, 2010 Grand Council Treaty#3 hosted an initial meeting for disabilities. The purpose of the meeting was identify issues that required the advocacy of leadership and information to be brought to Assembly. Individuals affected by a disability face many challenges in their day to day living. Some of the key issues identified were the need for improved transportation services, need for improved support/respite services, accessibility in their home and their community, and barriers to employment.

There are future meetings required to begin to propose solutions for the identified issues and begin to prepare a lobby kit for the Chiefs. One of the key tasks at the office is to begin to collect information which is Treaty#3 specific to ensure an effective lobby.

Commission to Promote Sustainable Child Welfare

In June 2009, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services announced the creation of a Commission to Promote Sustainable Child Welfare. The Commission has retained Ms. Ene Underwood, Mr. Barry Lewis and Dr. Wendy Thomson to carry out the Commission’s mandate. The Commission has the capacity to explore a variety of strategies, including the establishment of performance measures and targets, changes to Ministry and CAS business processes, effective accountability structures between the Ministry and CASs, policy changes, supporting consolidation planning, and issues on other parts of the children’s system. Given the wide reaching mandate and authority of the Commission, Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly and the respective child welfare agencies in Treaty#3 advised the Commission on the proper protocols to consult Treaty#3 leadership and the agencies prior to engaging in their work in the Treaty #3 territory.

Treaty #3 is working on filling the position of TARR Director as soon as possible, to oversee all TARR matters.  TARR will continue to work diligently with all the member First Nations to ensure that progress is being made on the Work plan.

As part of our continued work, listed below is an overview of all Treaty #3 claims in the Specific Claims Process for Ontario.

The Specific Claims Branch provides a Summary of all Specific claims listed for Ontario, and according to the website it is at 279.  Treaty #3 has 83 claims listed at different stages of research, which works out to be close to 30% of all claims in Ontario.  Some examples of Specific Claims for Treaty #3 consists of Railway, Bridges, Treaty Land Entitlement, Roads, Timber, Flooding, Garden Islands, Transmission Lines, just to name a few.

Since this Fiscal Year has just begun, TARR was in attendance for a workshop held in Thunder Bay on April 22 – 23, 2010.  The workshop was entitled “Best Practices” by Terry Tobias, which focuses on gathering Traditional knowledge from our Elder’s on transferring all this vast amount of knowledge to maps.  This only being one aspect in the preservation of our traditional knowledge, it is truly vital and that we maintain this crucial form of data collection.  “Living Proof is about a land use-and-occupancy research method called the map biography. It is structured as a how-to manual to help readers design and run the
 data-collection component of a successful map project.

The following is a brief overview of the different types of maps that is used in collecting this invaluable piece of information:

• Biography Maps – This is an overlay of maps and presents one’s own history of trapping and hunting within the use and occupancy of a territory.
• Category Maps – This is a single category of a particular method of interest.  An example would be a salmon kill site.
• Thematic Maps – This is a presentation of related themes such as a Fish Kill Site and mapping Trout, Salmon kill sites for examples.
• Composite Maps – This map represents a conglomerate of Fish, Moose, Caribou, Goose, Rabbit Kill Sites.
• Hodgepodge Maps – This map represents a massive amount of data on one map.  This map is meant not to be read.

For more information on this type of map collection, visit the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs website at www.ubcic.bc.ca

Questions? Give us a call at (807) 548-4214.