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Sacho ooza’/Chuzsul ooza’
Nak’azdli Dustl’us
In This Issue
From the
Dayi’s Desk
Aboriginal
Walk/Run Training
Wasi Lepka’s
Naming Balhats
Tiny Homes
in the News
Moose Research
Upcoming Events
And More
Bi-monthly Newsletter of the Nak’azdli Whut’en January/February 2017
From the Dayi’s Desk Hadih Nak’azdli Whut’enne,
I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and may it be a
heathy and prosperous 2017. Also, I hope you all had a great holi-
day break.
Position Filled - Chief Operation Officer You will be happy to know that Nak’azdli Whut’en has filled this po-
sition. The gentleman we hired is Michael Frank. Mike has a wife
and two young boys. He is from Alberta and his family is planning to
join him this summer. So, I encourage our members to introduce
yourselves to Mike and make him and his family feel welcome.
Continued on next page.
2 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Keyoh Group The Keyoh group has met, and we have asked
that they come up with ideas on how they see
themselves being involved in a shared decision
making process and to develop a funding alloca-
tion model that will be fair to all Nak’azdli
Whut’enne. The Keyoh group is our trusted
source for the future of our lands and our goal is
to have a unified voice, for the betterment of all.
Councillor Resignation Please be advised that Councillor Angel Ransom
sent in a letter of resignation to the Council prior
to the holiday break, and it is with great regret
that at the duly convened meeting on the 19 of
December, the Council accepted her resignation.
We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Healing Centre I would like to thank everyone who participated
in the Nak’azdli Whut’en-hosted brainstorming
dinner, to discuss how the healing centre could
be operated. We received some very interesting
suggestions and we are planning another session
on January 26, to review our initial findings and
expand our discussion to make this a reality.
Community Feasts Nak’azdli has committed to having feasts with the
staff and community throughout the year to dis-
cuss items of interest and concern with leadership
and staff. A community feast is being planned for
the near future.
Training On January 19 and 20, the leadership along with
some staff attended a governance workshop in
Prince George. The goal is to set Nak’azdli on a
path to become a more effective and efficient gov-
erning Nation. There may be an opportunity in the
future to bring the training to our community for
members and staff.
External Relationships We are currently in conversations with the Carrier
Sekani Tribal Council and a few of our neighbor-
ing First Nations on current and future agree-
ments. As these discussions evolve, I want to en-
sure that the members are informed before we do
anything. I encourage you to attend future mem-
bership meetings to get more information.
In closing, I want to thank members for their en-
couragement, support and for bringing items to
my attention. Even though it is busy , it is my in-
tent to ensure we do what’s best for the communi-
ty. So if you feel that you are not being heard or
want to ensure that you are, feel free to come and
have a discussion with me either in the office or at
my home with my family. As promised throughout
the election, my door is always open.
A’wet’ Za’
Respectfully,
Your Dayi Alexander McKinnon
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 3
Resignation Angel Ransom January 4, 2017
RE: NOTICE OF RESIGNATION AS AN ELECTED
NAK’AZDLI WHUT’EN BAND COUNCILLOR
To: Nak’azdli Whut’en Members and Staff, Affiliated Organization(s) and Third Parties,
First of all, I would like to extend many thanks to Nak’azdli Whut’en for electing me as a
Band Councillor. I appreciate the Members, Staff and Leaders for taking the time to work
with me in this role.
While this role has been a great opportunity, after much thought and careful consideration,
I’ve made to the hard decision to step down and resign from my position as an elected Band
Councillor with the Nak’azdli Whut’en, effective December 31, 2016.
It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all, and I hope that we cross paths in the future.
Again, thank you for your time and support, and I wish you all the best.
As per page 20 of the June 2016 Nak’azdli Whut’en Chief & Council Terms of Reference,
a quorum of Council accepted my letter of resignation (dated December 8, 2016) at the
December 19, 2016 Chief & Council meeting.
Please feel free to stay in touch using my personal email address [email protected].
Respectfully Submitted,
Angel Ransom, B.Pl, MCIP RPP
4 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Community Events January 2017
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26
27 28
29 30 31
February 2017
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3
4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13
14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22
23 24 25
26 27 28
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 5
January 1-2 New Year’s Day Offices Closed
23 Blue Monday 1 - 8:00 pm Kwah Hall
23-26 Heritage Week Nak’albun School
24 Community Initiative Project 11 am – 1 pm, Elders Society
26 Healing Centre Community Dinner 5-8 pm, Kwah Hall
29 Keyoh Meeting 1-3 pm, Kwah Hall 31 Health Beat Screening 9:00 am - 4:00 p, Kwah Hall
February 3 Community Breakfast 8 - 10 am, Kwah Hall
13 Family Day Offices Closed Community Breakfast 8 - 10 am, Kwah Hall Outdoor Hockey Tournament 9 am, Outdoor Rink
Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am - 4 pm, Cottonwood Park
22 Pink Shirt Day
25 Texas Hold-em Tournament Noon, Kwah Hall
Ongoing Mon Run/Walk Training 5 pm, Kwah Hall Soup and Bannock 11 am-1 pm, Cultural Centre Women’s Wellness 6:30-8:30 pm, Nak’azdli Health Centre Drop-In Yoga 5-6:00 pm, Kwah Hall Beading with Elsa & Katrina 5:30-7:30 pm, Cultural Centre
Baking Night Ages 13-18 3 - 8:00 pm, Youth Centre
Tues Soup and Bannock 11 am - 1 pm, Nak’azdli Health Centre Youth and Adult Drop-in 1-4:30 pm, Community Wellness Centre After School Homework with Desiree High School Library Wellbriety 6 pm, Nak’azdli Health Centre
Cooking Night Ages 13-18 3 - 8:00 pm Youth Centre
Wed Nak’azdli Learning Group 10 am-1:00 pm, College of New Caledonia Pre/Post Natal Group 10 am-12:00 pm Health Centre Dakelh Immersion 11 am-noon, Community Wellness Center Run/Walk Training 5 pm, Kwah Hall Dakelh/Syllabics 6 - 8:00 pm, Cultural Centre Game Night Ages 13 -18 3 - 8:00 pm, Youth Centre
Thur Uloo khoh (Mother Goose) 10 am-noon, Nak’azdli Health Centre Run/Walk Training 4 pm, Kwah Hall Men of the North 6:30-8:30 pm, Alternate Justice Centre Cooking Night Ages 13 - 18 3 - 8:00 pm Youth Centre
After School Homework with Desiree High School Library
Fri Elder’s Tea 11 am—2:00 pm, Nak’azdli Health Centre
First Friday of the Month Elder’s Breakfast 9-11:00 am
Run/Walk Training 5 pm, Kwah Hall
Movie Night Ages 13 - 18 3 - 8:00 pm Youth Centre
6 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Birthdays
Happy Birthday to my
Beautiful Mother Nature, Judy Lazarre
Love, Carla & Baby’s
Happy Birthday, Neasha
Happy Birthday, Dad
From Mommy, Daddy and Little Brother
Happy Birthday, Teresa
Happy Birthday, Fred Sam
From: Chief & Council
Happy Birthday, Kelsey Sam
Happy Birthday, Kyle Isaac
Happy birthday, Wayne Sam
From: Chief & Council
.
Happy Birthday Adanaz Julian
May your day be blessed
filled with love an laughter
Love, Grandma Ludale
Happy Birthday, Granny Celina Lazarre
Love you to the moon and back
God Bless you every day
Love, Carla, Nessy, and River
Happy Birthday, Jesse Erickson
From: Leona & Emery
Happy Birthday, Kristi Howell
From: Auntie Leona & Uncle Emery
Happy Birthday, Pete Erickson
From: Leona & Emery
Happy Birthday, Art Jr.
From: Leona & Emery
Happy Birthday, Jenny Bear
From: Leona & Emery
Happy Birthday, Victoria (TORA) Prince
May your day be blessed. We are lucky to have
an amazing , loving, bossy, caring sister
From: Your bro’s
Happy Birthday my dear Victoria Prince
Love you to the moon
Love, Mom
Happy 40th Birthday, Mike Bjork
Love, Mom & Dad J
Happy Birthday to
Irving Joseph, Victoria Prince,
Ursula Prince & Nicola Kristoffersen
From: Cecilia & Arabella
Happy Birthday, Kelly Robertson
January 4
Happy Birthday, Nicole Robertson
February 26
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 7
Robert Henry Erickson Sr.
June 29, 1957 - February 5, 1987
30 Years have come and gone
Brother, still your memory is strong.
We remember the day like it was yesterday
The shock and pain never totally go away.
We carry on one minute, one hour and one day at a time
It hurts that you were taken away in your prime.
We feel your love and strength when we are weak
We feel your love and guidance when we find it difficult to speak.
We all love and miss you each and every day
We carry your love with us all each in our own way.
Dance in the stars and continue to guide us from above
Let us always feel your everlasting love.
Missed and Loved Eternally
Leona, Emery and Family
In Memoriam
8 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Sherry’s Health Update As of October 12, after a visit with my oncologist,
Dr. Dhillon, I am now cancer free! Yes!!
I would like to thank so, so many people who have
helped in so many different ways during my ill-
ness. First and very important is God, our Creator,
whom I love very much. Musi.
Musi to my family (Margo, Vanessa, Mona, Irene,
Jenny, Marie my sis, etc.), friends & family that
have visited me; Beth, Nellie Prince, Rosie Sam,
and so many family and friends to mention. Jo-
anne who just got into hospital and as sick as she
was, she walked to my room to see me. Musi &
nkesi my friend forever. Ten months later, she is
still in hospital but healing now to good health.
Those that prayed and gave me energy and bless-
ings in PG Hospital; Lauretta Prince and family
(her mom Mildred, Yvonne).
A big Musi to all band staff, Chief & Council that
helped emotionally and money wise.
Musi to all that helped out with the fundraising. It
really helped out with gas for my family to come
visit me in PG.
Musi to the Health Centre staff for helping us out.
It was a long time for me to be hospitalized and at
times very lonely. Musi going out to my sis Marie
for the Christmas dinner for me and Howard.
Most of all, I couldn't have done it without my hus-
band, Howard. I had 7 chemo treatments with the
first one in PG. The rest (6 treatments) were in
Vanderhoof, with each lasting about 5 hours. My
husband waited for me in parking lot; winter
weather n all. Love you to the moon and back ,
my love.
Before my treatment, I had to see the oncologist,
Dr. Dhillon to check me out and see if I'm okay for
chemo treatment. The next day was chemo so
each appointment was basically a 2 day thing
times 6 treatments. Afterwards I get very tired out
especially 3 – 4 days after. I had trouble with ei-
ther constipation (very painful) or diarrhea and
sometimes both, one after another.
A big thank you going out to the nursing staff at
the cancer clinic in Vanderhoof and another big
thank you to all the nurses at Stuart Lake hospital
and the doctors, and my doctor, Dr. Vidushi.
I will be monitored by Dr. Dillon for the next 2
years; appointments & bloodwork every three
months.
Last of all, snachalyaz to June McMullen (nee
Moise), CSFS Liaison Worker. She did a lot for
me and checked on me once or twice a day. She
was one busy woman there. Enjoy your retire-
ment, June. You deserve it!!
All in all, I am back to normal.
Workwise, I won’t be returning back to work; early
retirement. I miss the office but I I’m getting used
to it. It took a while but getting easier.
Snachalyaz.
Sherry Sam
Sherry’s full letter can me viewed on the Nak’azdli
Facebook page and on the Nak’azdli website.
Community Updates
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 9
Logan wishes everyone a Happy New Year and
hopes you have a great start. Logan is on the
mend and is working toward a recovery.
To confirm and clear up any stories- Here is a
brief summary of where Logan is and how he got
to be there.
Logan has a disease where his immune system is
attacking his own red blood system, (his white
blood cells are attacking his red blood cells).
This caused the following: kidneys to shut down,
blood to clot (clots can kill)- Logan currently has
four clots: right calf, right hip, right lung and left
lung this means logan has difficulty breathing.
Logan is on blood thinners to prevent anymore
clots from forming.
Logan is on medicine to 'wake up' his kid-
neys. The Kidneys were being attacked and so
shut down to prevent further damage. The medi-
cine being sent to the kidneys is to nudge the kid-
neys awake again. This process can take many
months and even up to a year.
Logan is on medicine (every couple of weeks) to
kill his immune system (kill his white blood cells)
Logan is on dialysis to keep his blood clean until
his kidneys wake up (a line going into his jugular
where the blood can leave his body- get filtered in
a real and actual filter and then the clean blood
sent back into his body). Dialysis is Monday/
Wednesday/Friday and the nearest machine is
Prince George.
The existing blood clots, the doctors are hoping
his body will attack those and get rid of
them. (fingers crossed). Until the clots are gone,
Logan will have a difficult time walking without los-
ing breath and needing a break.
As far as we know and are hoping- Logan will re-
cover, it's just a matter of - when. It is a long a
slow road. We only ask that if you have a cold or
flu, that you not go near Logan as he is on medi-
cine that kills his immune system and this makes
getting sick very easy for Logan.
We (Logan and the family) wish to thank you for
your kind words and prayers. We hope you hav-
ing a great start to the new year.
Thank you again.
Respectfully,
Leon Erickson
Logan’s Health Update
10 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Oki, My name is Michael
Frank. I am from the
Kainai (Blood) First Nation
and a member of the Fish
Eater’s clan. My parents
are Lois & Harley Frank
and I blessed to be the
grandson of the late
Dr. Helen Manyfingers
(Order of Canada) and
Great Great Grandson of Tom Three Persons
(1912 Calgary Stampede Bronco Riding Champi-
on). I am happily married and have two sons.
Previously, I have been the Chief Executive
Officer for the Driftpile First Nation, MLIB Band
Manager and CEO of the Blood Tribe Health
Department. I have also been a Police Officer
and worked in the corporate sector in downtown
Calgary in the oil and gas sector.
As the Nak’azdli Whut’en Chief Operating Officer
(COO), my door is always open to meet with Na-
tion members and staff to discuss their needs and
I welcome all ideas for your Nation.
As the COO, I am responsible for directing and
overseeing the daily operations of Nak’azdli
Whut’en. as my position serves as a bridge be-
tween Nak’azdli Whut’en department heads and
Chief & Council. I am responsible for the develop-
ment and management of the Nation’s budgets,
strategic plans, annual work plans and business
models of the AANDC policies and procedures.
My role as COO requires me to provide in-depth
knowledge of local and federal AANDC regula-
tions and policies to the Nation and include report-
ing to Chief & Council on the Nation’s activities,
initiatives, programs and projects while maintain-
ing autonomy to direct and manage the day-to-day
operations. Lastly, I work with Chief & Council by
recommending and attaining Nak’azdli Whut’en’s
strategic goals in conjunction with the manage-
ment team.
With your help, my goal is to better enhance, de-
velop and maintain the strategic relationships with
individuals/groups involved in the planning, devel-
opment, implementation, maintenance and financ-
ing of the Nak’azdli Whut’en Nation.
Academically, I am a graduate of the University
of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Philosophy / Native American Studies and a Mas-
ter of Arts (Interdisciplinary Studies) within the Na-
tive American Studies Department and Education
Department.
I have been a Lethbridge College Instructor on the
main campus and at the Peigan Board of Educa-
tion. I have also been a teaching assistant at the
University of Lethbridge. My research involves
First Nation Governance, the First Nation Election
Process, Aboriginal Masculinity, and First Nation
Business/ Economic Development.
Politically, I have been the Chief Electoral Officer
for the Cold Lake First Nation, Blood Tribe
(Kainai) and the Chiniki (Stoney) First Nation
General Chief & Council election and recently
have been returning officer for the Government
of Alberta
Michael Frank
Chief Operating Officer, Nak’azdli Whut’en
[email protected], (250) 996-7171 ext. 241
New Staff Michael Frank, Chief Operating Officer
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 11
Membership Due to recent changes in the Membership Depart-
ment, Strict ID requirements will now be followed.
These regulations were put in place by INA.
Please note the requirements were put in place on
January 9, 2015. The membership department
has been lenient in regards to ID, in order for indi-
viduals to obtain ID over the past year and 9
months. We will now be strictly following the re-
quirements set out by INAC.
Please see below the list of primary and second-
ary ID exceptions and if you do not meet the re-
quirements (NO photo copies of ID are accepta-
ble) you will NOT be issued a CIS Cards (status
card) at the Nak’azdli Whut’en Office
At the time of application for assistance, each ap-
plicant must provide two pieces of identification
(ID). One must be a photo ID from the list of pri-
mary ID, and the second may be selected from
either the primary or secondary ID list.
[see Policy - Table: Primary and Secondary ID]
Primary ID (Photo ID) Secondary ID
BC Driver’s Licence and Services Card
(Combined Card)
BC Services Card (Photo Card)
BC Identification (BCID) card
Canadian driver’s licence
Passport
Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) is-
sued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Cana-
da (INAC) [see Additional Resources]
Original citizenship papers or immigration docu-
ments—, these include: Record of Landing
(IMM1000), Sponsorship Undertaking: Confir-
mation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292),
Permanent Resident Card, Canadian Citizen-
ship Certificate (after February 1, 2012), and a
refugee protection claim or Temporary Resident
Permit (IMM1442). (See note below).
Canadian Citizenship Certificate issued prior to
February 1, 2012 (wallet sized card issued and
includes photo).
Offender identification card issued by Correc-
tional Service Canada
BC Services Card (Non-Photo Card)
Birth certificate
Citizenship papers or immigration documents
(without photo)
Credit cards
CareCard
Older versions of the Certificate of Indian Status
(CIS) issued by AANDC (Laminated Certificate
of Indian Status, Certificate of Indian Status “All-
in-One,” or Certificate of Indian Status “Pilot Pro-
ject”) [see Additional Resources]
Other documents that, by themselves or in con-
junction with other documents, would be consid-
ered acceptable identification for cheque cash-
ing purposes at banks or other financial institu-
tions
Other acceptable proof of ID for a dependent
child [Also see Policy – Exceptions]
12 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Nak’azdli YouTube Channel
Help us reach
100 subscribers
and enter to win
some great prizes!
Communications & Events
Coppermoon Receives Award for Work with Nak’azdli Whut’en Coppermoon Communications recently received the Silver Leaf
Award of Excellence in Community Relations for their work with
Nak’azdli Whut’en. Their assistance with our community engage-
ment helped Nak’azdli reach the decisions made last fall regarding
pipeline agreements as a Nation.
Silver Leaf is Canada’s premiere professional awards program cel-
ebrating excellence in business communication. You can learn
more about the Silver Leaf awards at iabccanada.ca.
.
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 13
Photography Policy
Over the past month or so, a few community
members have expressed that they do not wish to
be photographed at community events. Individuals
participating in community events may be photo-
graphed as part of the Band’s promotion and doc-
umentation of these events. It is nearly impossible
to ensure that specific individuals will not be pho-
tographed.
However, if you do not wish for your photo or
photos of your children to appear on the Nak’azdli
community website or social media, please let the
Communications staff know by e-mailing commu-
[email protected] or calling (250) 996-7171.
We will do our best to honor your wishes and en-
sure that your image is not included in any online
or printed material.
As always, if photos are requested by organiza-
tions or individuals outside of the community (such
as the PG Citizen or a corporation), the individuals
pictured in the photo will always be contacted for
their permission prior to releasing the photo for
use.
Dustl’us Submissions
Birthdays: Please include: Submitted by,
Submitted for, Date, Message (limited to 40
characters)
Memorial Messages : Please include: Submit-
ted by, Submitted for, Date, Photo or artwork,
Message (limited to 80 characters)
Anniversaries and Other Holiday Messages:
Please include Submitted by, Submitted for,
Date, Photo or artwork, Message (limited to 80
characters)
Thank You’s and Other General Community
Messages: Please include: Submitted by,
Submitted for, Date, Photo or artwork, Message
(limited to 80 characters)
Events in the Community and Surrounding
Communities that may be of interest or benefit
to Nak’azdli members Location, Date and Time,
Event Description, Contact Info, Photo, artwork or
flyer (if applicable)
Excluded from Publication: Personal opinions
and editorial comments will not be accepted for
publication; Statements that may be personal or
offensive to others should be avoided; Copyright
material will not be published except with the ex-
press written permission of the copyright holder.
The following submission guidelines have been
developed to help clarify what can and can’t be
submitted for publication in the Dustl’us.
14 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 15
Community Breakfast 8 - 10 am Kwah Hall
Outdoor Hockey Tournament 9 am Outdoor Rink
Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am - 4 pm Cottonwood
Tickets: $20 for Adults and $10 for Children Available at BNK Automotive, Ltd., Nak’azdli Whut’en Band Office, Nahounli Creek Gas Bar, Sana’aih Market, and Suspenders General Store.
Prizes: Adults (16+) $500, $300, $100 Children $250, $150, $75
Contact Alyssa Krause at the Band Office for details
(250) 996-7171 or [email protected].
Get Your Dabbers Ready!
The bingo managers have met and are hoping to organize
a tester bingo to try out the new equipment in early February.
We hope to resume the regular bingo
schedule in mid-February.
ACTIVITIES
F E B R U A R Y 1 3
16 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Nak’azdli Youth Centre
Youth Centre Grand Re-Opening November 27, 2016
Baking Nights for Ages 13-18 Mondays, 3 - 8:00 pm
Cooking Nights for Ages 13-18 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3 - 8:00 pm
Game Nights for Ages 13 -18 Wednesdays, 3 - 8:00 pm
Movie Nights for Ages 13 - 18 Fridays, 3 - 8:00 pm
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 17
Nak’azdli Recreation
Baking with Winnie Check out Nak’azdli Recreation’s Facebook page
to see what Winnie has planned each week.
Tuesdays, 1-4 pm, Health Centre
Free Gym 1-8 pm, Mondays & Fridays in January
Drumming & Singing Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 pm, Kwah Hall
Nak’albun Pro D Days January 24, February 24
PLC Half-Day on February 26.
Check out Nak’azdli Recreation’s Facebook
page to see what Winnie has planned!
Loonie Auction February 3, 12-6 pm, Kwah Hall
All Ages Public Skating Stop by the FSJ Arena for public skating.
Cost is $5--children 5 and under are free!
Fridays:, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Arena
Sundays:, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, Arena
January 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
February 3, 5 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
March 3, 5, 10, 13
18 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
The 13-week Aboriginal Walk/Run Program be-
gins on Monday January 30th 4:00pm. Train for
the Nak’azdli Walk/Run, the Vancouver Sun Run
or simply start a new fitness routine!
The following programs are open to everyone.
Learn to Walk Mondays, Tuesday and Thursdays, 4-5 pm
Starting from Kwah Hall
Learn to walk a 5 or 10K with Winnie Sam.
Learn to Run Tuesday and Thursdays, 4-5 pm
Starting from Kwah Hall
Learn to run a 5 or 10K with Dallas Sam.
Walk Faster and Run Faster Programs
also available.
7th Annnual Nak’azdli Walk/Run April 23, 2017
Join the 7th Annual Nak’azdli Walk/Run! Details
will be announced on the Health Centre Facebook
page closer to the event.
Vancouver Sun Run April 23, 2017
Interested in running in Vancouver’s Sun Run?
Recreation will be holding fundraisers to help with
travel costs. See Winnie for details.
More information about the Vancouver Sun Run is
available at www.vancouversun.com.
Aboriginal Walk/Run Program Starts January 30 4:00 pm Kwah Hall
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 19
The Health Beat Team will be here on Tuesday
January 31st to perform health screenings.
What is SportMed HealthBeat? SportMed HealthBeat is a fun and easy way to
learn about your personal risk factors for heart
disease and diabetes, and what you can do to
help lower your risk.
You will get the chance to test your health BE-
FORE you start your Aboriginal RunWalk program
and again 13 weeks later AFTER you finish your
training. These BEFORE and AFTER screenings
will show you the improvements that you have
made in your health as a result of the Aboriginal
RunWalk program and living a healthier lifestyle.
Who is eligible? To be eligible for SportMed HealthBeat you must
be a part of Aboriginal Healthy Living Activities
2017 and Aboriginal RunWalk program.
Register with Winnie Sam.
What happens during the HealthBeat Screening? You will receive your own HealthBeat folder and
be asked some questions about your family and
personal health history.
Next you will get to have your blood pressure,
height, weight, waist girth & grip strength meas-
ured.
Then you will have your total cholesterol, HDL
“good” cholesterol and glucose (blood sugar test
for diabetes) measured. This finger-prick screen-
ing test will give you your results in about 5
minutes.
Finally you will have a chance to test your aerobic
fitness with a simple 6-min walk test.
After the health tests, you will have the chance to
discuss your results with a nurse, diabetes educa-
tor and/or dietitian. If you choose, you can also set
a personal goal to improve your health.
A second Health Beat Screening will be held at
the end of the thirteen week Walk/Run Training.
Attend both screenings and see
how much you’ve improved!
Health Beat Screening January 31 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Kwah Hall
20 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 21
We will host a youth lesson in volleyball followed
by a short playday on the first half of February 4
in Fort St. James followed by an adult one-day
tourney for the afternoon/evening.
Youth Camp Youth camp is free and the playday is free. There
will be medallions for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and
toques to lucky draw players as FNHA has donat-
ed toques for this program.
Adult Tourney There will be a cost for the adult tourney, but with
prizes.
Poster and details to follow shortly.
Input Needed Please contact Leon Erickson with the following:
1. Your interest to send one or more teams (and
how many)
2. If you have youth but not enough for a team
(we will do our best to accommodate and join
players to make teams.
3. If you are not interested in this activity (so we
know not to expect you).
Contact Information Leon Erickson
Coordinator, Northeast Region
Aboriginal Sport, Recreation & Physical
Activities Partners Council
P.O. Box 1846
Fort St. James, BC V0J1P0
Phone: (250) 996-6866
Fax (250) 996-8010
Email: [email protected]
www.aboriginalsportbc.ca
www.facebook.com/ASRPAPartnersCouncil
Volleyball Playday February 4
22 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
The issue of gangs and organized crime is one of
the top policing priorities across the country and
remains a top priority for the Province of British
Columbia and all policing partners.
All major cities in Canada and the United States
have gang and organized crime issues they are
forced to deal with. Cities in British Columbia are
no exception.
Gangs and organized crime, in some form or fash-
ion, have existed in the province of BC since Van-
couver was founded.
British Columbia, largely due to its geographical
position and economic prosperity, is a major tran-
shipment point for illegal goods, including drugs
and firearms. BC’s large and busy sea, air and
land ports of entry can provide easy access to in-
ternational markets for those looking to import,
export, or ship their illicit products.
To describe this illicit commerce, we can generally
say: ecstasy, methamphetamine and marijuana -
east and south - guns, cocaine and cash - west
and north. In recent years, however, the role and
importance of marijuana has significantly declined.
The emergency of new “poly” drugs, like the mak-
ing of fake Oxycontin and Oxycodone pills using
highly potent opioids like Fentanyl, has created a
shift in what BC-based gangs and organized crime
groups are producing.
The formula behind much of the violence is sim-
ple; once you have drugs, and the perception that
there is money to be made, this leads to competi-
tion and ultimately to conflicts. These conflicts are
sometimes resolved through public shootings.
Fortunately, injuries to innocent bystanders are a
rare occurrence.
Gangs and their associates have a callous disre-
gard for the safety of others when disputes erupt,
and potentially, it can place the public at risk.
Since the 2008 and 2009 peaks in the number of
gang murders, there has been a continued down-
ward trend. We have seen the number of gang-
related murders drop to record or near record lows
between 2012 and 2014.
However, that said, the violence that we see oc-
curs in cycles. We may experience periods of rela-
tive calm followed by several violent and very pub-
lic incidents. While planned to some degree, these
are most often crimes of opportunity that are not
bound by jurisdiction. They can happen anywhere
and at any time.
Gang and organized crime investigations are ex-
tremely complex and take a tremendous amount
of resources. We are fortunate in this province to
have a number of integrated and specialized units
ready to assist.
The RCMP is intelligence-led. There is a high-
degree of information-sharing amongst all agen-
cies because we are united in our efforts to keep
our communities safe. Not only do we draw upon
our law enforcement partners, but we also have
significant resources within the department / de-
tachment committed to holding those responsible
for the violence, accountable.
Gang loyalty: Today’s gangs are extremely fluid in
nature and quickly shift alliances often based on
the commodity they are dealing with.
As we see time and again, the end result of orga-
nized crime activity is often an untimely death.
The average age of a murdered BC gang mem-
ber/associate is just under 30 years old.
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 23
Traditional Practices Workshop November 7-9, 2016
The Alternate Justice Centre and Weaving Our
Way’s three-day workshop provided a chance
or Nak’azdli and the surrounding communities to
discuss traditional practices. Each day a panel of
Elders addressed topics such as the potlatch
system, the role of Keyoh holders and traditional
governance.
The Men of the North provided traditional food
for the workshop on Day 1, which they harvested,
prepared and served to the community. The
luncheon included moose, beaver, bear and
salmon prepared in a variety of ways. The
moose nose was the first delicacy to go!
The workshop was recorded and transcripts are
being prepared of the sessions.
You can also watch the workshop videos on
Nak’azdli’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/
UCvQBkayZGL_TlT_cpjQ9S3Q
Subscribe to Nak’azdli Whut’en on YouTube and
help us reach our goal of 100 subscribers—the
number required by YouTube for a custom
YouTube address (which will make it easier for
people to find us).
Alternate Justice Centre Weaving Our Way
Men of the North Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, Alternate Justice Centre
24 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Wasi’s Naming Balhats
“A lot of people had come to up me wondering if I
was dead,” joked Wasi Lepka explaining the com-
munity’s reaction to news of his Naming Balhats.
“The last naming potlach that was here—I don’t
know maybe it might have been my mom.”
Balhats were once common in Dakelh culture for
all sorts of clan business and celebrations. Now
most are held to conduct business for those who
have passed. Wasi’s family made the decision to
hold his naming balhats several years ago. Janet
Besherse is Wasi’s Auntie and the sister of his tra-
ditional namesake, the late William Alexander.
Janet explained, “William’s siblings got together
and decided that Wasi should take William’s tradi-
tional name—Whetjayas.” At William’s balhat in
2014, Wasi handed out cigarettes and announced
that he would be taking the name.” The process to
get to this point has taken several years.
The Alexander family prefers the traditional
balhats, rather than the more modern dinner.
Family members spent the last year preparing
dried and canned meat, canned vegetables and
berries for the guests along with packaged food
and housewares. Bolts of fabric were purchased
and cut into strips during the balhats. The fabric
was given out so that people could make some-
thing in memory of the late William Alexander.
To begin the celebration, each clan danced Wasi
into Kwah Hall—first the Lhts’umusyoo (Beaver)
Clan, followed by the Lusilyoo (Frog) Clan, then the
Lohjabou (Bear) Clan and finally the Kwun Ba
Whuten (Caribou) Clan. Amid drumming and sing-
ing, hugs and well wishes, Wasi’s Uncle George
announced his name as the celebrants circled the
hall.
During the next dance around the hall, well wish-
ers pinned money to Wasi’s vest.
Wasi and the celebrants once again danced
around the hall during the Berry Dance. The group
stopped periodically for jokes and dances with
people from each clan. Many kind-hearted jokes
about Wasi were shared. One of the most memo-
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 25
rable was Elder Mildred Martin who lamented that
she was “sixty years too late.”
Wasi was selected for this honor based on his
good works within the community. It is a next step
on a longer journey towards his leadership role
within the clan. As the balhats came to a close,
Wasi and Victor West formally asked Julie Jaques
from Takla to sew his regalia for when he be-
comes DeneZa. She agreed.
Victor West and Sandra Tegee were the speakers
for the event. They shared memories of William
Alexander’s life and contributions to the community.
William Robert Alexander was the son of Albert
and Christine Alexander. He was a member of the
Beaver Clan.
“When William was born his grandfather brought
him down to the river and baptized him right there,
very powerful thing that William went through.”
Ludwig Wasi Lepka is the son of Bergie Lepka
and Sadie Jarvis. He is a member of the Beaver
Clan. Wasi is married to Tanya Stafford. They
have two sons—Dominik and Wade.
26 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Education
Reprinted with permission from BC’s Representative for Children and Youth’s Annual Report.
Community Breakfast
February 3 • 8-10 am • Kwah Hall
Sponsored by Nak’azdli Education.
Everyone is welcome!
Rides available for the Elders.
Call (250) 996-1019 to schedule a ride.
Nak’albun Heritage Week January 23-26, Nak’albun Elementary School
Monday Displays in the Gym and Medicine Stations
Tuesday Trapping Demonstration and Pit House
Wednesday Drumming and Storytelling at the Campfire Banuk and Tea
Thursday Ice Fishing and Feast Day
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 27
28 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Nak’azdli Health Centre
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects
of an overdose from opioids (e.g. heroin, metha-
done, fentanyl, morphine). BC has developed
a Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program to help
save lives. Kits and Training are available at the
Nak’azdli Health Centre.
A Naloxone Kit is an important part of a well-
stocked First Aid Kit. Be prepared to help.
Individuals can overdose on over-the-counter
medications as well as “street drugs”.
More and more, “street drugs” are cut with fen-
tanyl. Fentanyl is much stronger than other
drugs out there. This can result in unintention-
al overdose when a drug user ingests high-
er levels of opioids than they think they are
taking.
Naloxone Kits and Training Learn how to administer Naloxone—
You could save a life!
Naloxone Overdose Prevention Training
and Kits are available to anyone who wants
them— family, friends, neighbors or any
other individual who simply wants to be
informed and prepared.
If you prefer, the health nurse can come to your
home; Lisa and Stephanie are also available to
make group presentations.
Visit towardtheheart.com for more information.
Avoid the Flu this Winter! The best way to reduce your risk of OR avoid get-
ting the flu is ongoing prevention. Here are some
tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:
Getting plenty of rest and fluids if you’re
sick with influenza-like illness. Most people
will recover on their own at home. Seek medi-
cal care if there is trouble breathing, pain in
the chest or a high fever that does not get bet-
ter after 3-4 days.
People at high risk of complications who
experience influenza-like illness should
seek medical care without delay. Their doc-
tor may want to prescribe a drug that must be
given early to be effective.
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 29
Staying home if you’re sick— You don’t
want to spread the flu to your classmates, col-
leagues, or friends. Make sure to rest and get
better before returning to work or school.
Practicing frequent and proper hand hy-
giene— Use alcohol based hand sanitizer reg-
ularly and make sure to wash your hands ap-
propriately (wet your hands, scrub with soap
for 20 seconds, rinse off your hands, dry your
hands thoroughly, and use the paper towel to
open and close the door).
Observing coughing and sneezing eti-
quette— Cough or sneeze into your shoulder,
not onto your hand or in the air. Make sure to
wash your hands after!
Getting the flu shot— Protective effects from
the flu shot occur approximately two weeks
after receiving it. The BC Centre for Disease
Control has noted the main kind of flu found
this year is included in this year’s vaccine,
meaning people will be better protected if they
are vaccinated.
Flu Vaccine The flu vaccine is available at Nak’azdli Health.
Call (250) 996-7400 to make an appointment.
HIV Testing Nak’azdli Health also offers point-of-care HIV test-
ing. You can request the test through Lisa or
Stephanie.
Elders Programming Nak’azdli is working with the Elders to develop
new programming with help from a grant through
Community Action Initiative. The program, called
wheni 'uda' 'andit nus de (Us' Past, Present,
Future) is coordinated by Lillian Sam and Ber-
nice Wilkes. Shauna Hesse helped with the grant
writing process and is working with the team to
develop programming.
The group is meeting January 24 at 11 am at the
Elders Society to gather input from Elders. All Na-
k’azdli Elders ages 50 and older are encouraged
to attend.
Wellness Programs Funding up to $3,000 is available to every Band
member every two years. This funding can be
used for Choices, Returning to Spirit and other
Wellness programs.
According to FNHA’s guidelines for treatment, pro-
grams must be FNHA-approved.
FNHA-Approved Treatment Centres
in British Columbia:
Carrier Sekani Family Services
Gya'Wa' Tlaab Treatment Centre Society
Kackaamin Family Development Centre
Namgis Treatment Centre
Nenqayni Wellness Centre
North Wind Healing Centre Society
Round Lake Treatment Centre
Telmexw Awtexw Treatment Centre
Tsow - Tun Le Lum Treatment Centre
Wilp Si'Satxw House of Purification
Contact Jenny Martin or Lisa Sam at the Health
Centre or more information.
30 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Drop-in Yoga Open to Everyone Mondays, January-March, 5-6 pm, Kwah Hall
Sarah Creasor is leading a yoga class on Mon-
days in Kwah Hall. It is open to everyone. For
more information, contact Sara at (250) 996-7400
Pre/Post Natal Yoga Beginning February 7, 10 am, Health Centre
The Pre/Post Natal Yoga Challenge starts Febru-
ary 7. Everyone is welcome—even if you don't
have kids and just want to give it a try! Contact
Dallas Sam or Raegan Julian for details.
Women’s Wellness Mondays, 6:30-8:30 pm
Soup and Bannock Tuesdays, 11 am - 1 pm
Wellbriety Tuesdays, 6 pm
Pre/Post Natal Group Wednesdays, 10 am-12:00 pm
Uloo khoh (Mother Goose) Thursdays, 10 am-noon
Elder’s Tea Fridays, 11 am—2:00 pm, First Friday of the
Month Elder’s Breakfast 9-11:00 am
Weekly at the Health Centre
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 31
Blue Monday January 23, 1-8 pm, Kwah Hall
Feeling down now that
the holidays are over?
Come out and celebrate
Blue Monday with us!
32 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Thank You Thank you to the following for donating items for
the November 18 Loonie Auction and Indian Taco
Fundraiser.
Red Apple
Nahounli Creek Gas Bar
Newland Enterprises Ltd.
BNK Automotive Ltd.
Ouellette Bros. Building Supplies Ltd.
College of New Caledonia
Integris Credit Union
Lakeside Pharmacy
Fort St. James Loonie Bin
Mount Milligan
Overwaitea
SpeeDee
Stuart Lake Dental Office
Stuart Lake Tea Company
The Window Box
Nak’azdli Education
Nak’azdli Chief & Council
Beth Blew
Men of the North Group
Jan Prince
Desiree Whitely
Nak’azdli Youth and Community Members
We raised $4,740.62 toward our youth attend-
ing Gathering Our Voices 2017 in Kelowna!
Gathering Our Voices
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 33
Youth Council
After School Homework with Desiree Tuesdays, High School Library
34 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Social Development Healing Centre Community Dinner January 26 , 5-8 pm, Kwah Hall
We need community input! Please come and
share your ideas. Contact Social Development
at (250) 996-7272 for more information.
Community Christmas Dinner December 13 , 5-8 pm, Kwah Hall
Visit the Nak’azdli Whut’en Facebook page for
additional photos from the night’s festivities
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 35
Lena Ruth Johnson
November 19
Mom, I will never forget you.
I will always remember you,
I really Miss and Love you Mom,
Helen & Family
36 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Cultural Centre Moccasin Making with Betty Alexander February 6 8 am Nak’azdli Cultural Centre
Betty Alexander will be teaching moccasin making
from start to finish during this two-week workshop
beginning February 6 at 8 am .
Contact Jan Prince, Centre Coordinator,
at [email protected] or
(250) 996-6924 for details.
Soup and Bannock Mondays, 11 am-1 pm
Beading with Elsa & Katrina Mondays, 5:30-7:30 pm
Dakelh and Syllabics Wednesdays, 6 pm
Join Guy Prince on Wednesdays at the Cultural
Centre to learn Dakelh and the syllabics writing
system. Everyone is welcome.
Call or text Guy at (778) 978-0253 for more infor-
mation.
Dakelh Immersion Thursdays, 8 am– 4 pm
Check out the Nak’azdli Cultural Centre on Face-
book to see additional photos from past activities
(like Hamper Delivery Day and Moose Preparation
pictured on the next page).
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 37
38 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Elders Society
Mini Workshops The Elders Society holds Mini Workshops on
Tuesdays, 10 am - 12 pm. Topics include chak-
ras, spirit, energy healing, meditation, belief sys-
tems, and the medicine wheel.
Naloxone Training On November 30, Community Health Nurse
Stephanie Sutton presented a workshop on the
use of Naloxone and handed out Overdose Pre-
vention Kits as part of the Strengthening Our
Families program.
Strengthening Our Families Strengthening Families Together is presented by
Adah Dene in partnership with the Schizophrenia
Society. The program meets on Wednesdays
from 10 am-noon.
This program is for families to learn about mental
illness, how to cope and how to support loved
ones. A therapist from the organization leads the
presentations.
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 39
wheni 'uda' 'andit nus de
'Us' Past, Present, Future January 24 at 11 am - 2 pm Elders Society
Programs by the Elders for the Elders
Open to Elders of Nak’azdli Ages 50 and Older
Transportation Available
Contact Bernice Wilkes or Lillian Sam for more
information—[email protected],
(250) 996-7400.
Funded through a grant from the Community Action Initiative.
40 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Natural Resources Keyoh Meeting
January 29, 1-3 pm, Kwah Hall
Lunch will be provided.
Update on Provincial Moose Research in the Omineca Region A comprehensive 5-year moose study that investi-
gates recent moose population declines in B.C.'s
interior is underway. Inventory work conducted by
wildlife biologists in 2011/12 indicated that moose
densities in some areas of British Columbia's inte-
rior have declined, while they were stable in other
areas. The study will help determine what factors
contributed to the declines and what can be done
to reverse them.
Areas where moose are monitored for survival and
habitat use. Currently (Dec 2016) there are 205 col-
lared moose in the five study areas.
This Provincial Moose Research Project has 5
study areas spreading from Tezzeron Lake near
Fort St. James south to the Bonaparte region
northwest of Kamloops, with 2 related study areas
in north-central BC. These study areas were spe-
cifically chosen to ensure that a range of land-
scape features, including the forest age, the
amount of pine-beetle infestation and associated
salvage logging and road building, are examined.
Cow moose after being fitted with a GPS collar.
The study will investigate:
What factors influence cow moose survival,
such as hunting, predation, parasites and dis-
eases
How does forestry-related changes to the
landscape (logging and road building) influ-
ence cow moose survival
What are the seasonal movements and distri-
bution of moose populations in these areas.
Moose Captures in Prince George South and John Prince Research Forest Currently there 40 collared cow moose in the
Prince George South (PGS) area and 36 in
John Prince Research Forest (JPRF). The cap-
ture crew applies an eartag and a collar and
takes a variety of samples from each cow
moose to assess the age, health and body con-
dition of the cows. The combined experience of
the capture crew ensures that the handling time
was minimal. The capture and handling protocol
was approved by the Ministry Animal Care
Committee.
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 41
Aerial darting of a cow moose. 336 cow moose have
been collared in the Provincial Research Project (Feb
2012-Dec 2016); 203 aerial darting and 133 by aerial
netgunning.
The moose that were collared were in fair to good
body condition. Cows with calves generally had
lower fat stores than cows without calves; this is
expected because of the energetic demands of
producing milk. There were no outward signs of
disease, with only a minor amount of hair loss on
some animals probably associated with early stag-
es of winter tick infestations.
The capture team hard at work. Once immobilized, the
collar is fitted and samples are collected. Samples help
us understand pregnancy rates and prevalence of par-
asites and disease. The capture crew blindfolds the
moose to help minimize stress.
Mortality Site Investigations Mortality site investigations are a key component
of this study. Collars that don’t move for 6 hours
notify biologists by email. Biologists immediately
investigate to determine why the moose died and
what may have led to the death. For example, a
moose in poor body condition killed by wolves
may have been selected for predation because
she was already in poor body condition and thus,
easier to kill.
So far, 9 collared cow moose have died in the
PGS study area. Probable causes of death were:
4 from apparent starvation, 3 from predation, and
2 from unlicensed hunting. 5 collared cow moose
have died in the JPRF study area: 4 from preda-
tion and 1 from unlicensed hunting.
What’s Next? Mortalities will continue to be investigated and
habitat use will be monitored. Locations of col-
lared moose are sent daily to biologists. Biolo-
gists can then determine on a daily basis not only
whether the moose is still alive, but also how they
are using the habitats available on the land. In the
winter of 2016/2017, biologists are planning to de-
ploy a total of 22 collars on cow moose in these 2
study areas.
The GPS-collar tells biologists the location of the moose mor-
tality. Biologists visit the site as soon as possible to determine
cause of death and collect samples.
42 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Prince George South and John Prince Research Forest (red
polygons) are currently 2 of 5 study areas within the Provincial
Moose Research Project. A survey is being conducted over the
winter of 2016/17 that will provide an updated estimate of the
number of moose in these areas (blue and green areas are the
related survey areas).
Harvesting Collared Moose You can legally harvest a collared moose. If you harvest
a moose with a collar and/or ear tag, please follow the
instructions on the tag - call the RAPP line (1-877-952
RAPP (7277); this number is on the tag). We want to en-
sure that there is no risk to human health - the meat is not
edible if the moose was harvested within 30 days of be-
ing immobilized for collaring. If you shoot a collared ani-
mal, please return the ear tag and collar to the nearest
ministry office and let biologists know where you harvest-
ed the moose.
To ensure the safety of hunters, and anyone that may eat
the meat of collared moose, call the RAPP line, 1-877-
952 RAPP (7277), before eating any part of a collared
moose.
Moose Winter Tick Surveillance The BC Wildlife Health Program is continuing the
Winter Tick Surveillance project that began in
2015. It is simple: anyone who sees a moose dur-
ing a certain time of year should note any hair loss
it has and report it; hair loss occurs when moose
rub because of the ticks. From February to late
April, all observations of moose (with and without
hairloss or ticks) should be reported. Provincial
staff will send out survey forms in the new year.
These observations are important to provincial
moose management as it allows us to develop an
index of moose tick infestation through time. Your
assistance is greatly appreciated.
Varying amounts of tick infestation observed on moose
in British Columbia. From February to late-April, the BC
Wildlife Health Program is asking for all observations of
moose winter tick to be recorded (survey forms to be
sent out in early 2017).
Questions Regarding the Provincial Moose Research Project? Please contact Regional Wildlife Biologists:
Michael Klaczek, Shelley Marshall,
or Morgan Anderson at 250-614-7400
or via email ([email protected],
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 43
44 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Tiny Homes Move-In Day November 4, 2016
Four Nak’azdli community members received
keys to their very first (tiny) homes in November.
The pilot program was part of an initiative by
Nak’azdli Housing to address the housing needs
of a sometimes-overlooked group—older, single
individuals who had never (previously) owned
a home..
The project has received a lot of attention—both
in our community and around North America.
Check out the stories—including a recorded
CBC interview with Aileen Prince—at:
nakazdli.wordpress.com/news.
Capital Housing & Lands
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 45
Operations & Maintenance Staff Kenny Martin took over as O&M Supervisor fol-
lowing Bruce Prince’s retirement last year. Kenny
is the son of Cecil and Elsie Martin and married to
Jenny Martin. He is a member of the Lhts’umusyoo
(Beaver) Clan. He is “happy to be here and happy
to help the community.”
Billy Joseph works as Kenny’s assistant. Billy
is the son of George Joseph, Sr. and the late
Suzie Q Joseph. He is also a member of the
Beaver Clan. Billy is married to Mary Bird and
has three children—Amy, Amanda and Andrew.
Billy says, “I’m good where I am. I like it.”
Kenny and Billy take care of Nak’azdli’s roads,
water, sewer and Band building maintenance.
They also take care of the pump house, lagoon
and lift station at Four Mile.
Les (Dago) Prince joined the Operations and
Maintenance team in the fall. Dago is the son of
the late Nick and Irene Prince and a member of
the Beaver Clan. He has four children—Kenny,
Jolene, Jessie, and Sky.
In his new role with the Band, Dago handles
home maintenance calls for the Housing Depart-
ment. He can help with repairs “from the floor up,””
including plumbing, appliance repair, painting,
electrical, furnaces and hot water tanks.
Dago is also available to do side jobs and minor
repairs for homeowners.
To schedule a repair with Kenny, Billy or
Dago, please contact the Housing Office at
(250) 996-0011.
46 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Weaving Our Way Program The year is rapidly drawing to a close and it has
been some time since I have reported to the
membership. I would like to say that it has been a
pleasure being back working for Nak’azdli after six
years of working elsewhere. Thank you to all who
have made my return so welcoming.
The Weaving Our Way program is funded through
MARR. This is a pilot program based on the appli-
cation for funding put together by Aimee Thomson
from PGNAETA, in consultation with the four part-
ner First Nations. This program was the brain
child of the Education and Training people for
each of these bands and the direct supervision
was awarded to Amelia Stark to be run in Na-
k’azdli.
I was hired in December of last year to put togeth-
er and coordinate the three cohorts of the WOW
(Weaving Our Way) program. My assistant April
Thomas started in January. I must say it has been
a very busy few months which have kept us both
hopping. The end date from one program to the
start of the next has been exactly two days and
we have been running continuously since Janu-
ary. We are currently on our last cohort which
ends in December.
The programs have included:
Math and English, Computer Skills, Essential
Skills, Life Skills, Traditional Practices, Respectful
Relationships, Building Services Worker, Flag-
ging, H2S, Fall Protection, Whimis, Confined
Space, First Aid, Transportation, TDG, S100, Fork
Lift Safety, Cashiers Training, to name a few.
The students were all TOWES tested twice to es-
tablish a base level and measure improvement
over the course of the program. The scores attest
to how successful we have been in achieving our
goals. We also worked to help find the students
work placements in and around Fort St. James.
These work placements have resulted in several
of our students gaining employment beyond the
end of the program, and to date there are two that
I know of who are attending other courses at CNC
to upgrade and get into trades.
We have included other departments and agen-
cies to help our students deal with issues that
have come up along the way and have enter-
tained guest speakers to motivate them. Lisa Sam
came from the Health Centre and talked about
adult health, Karla Olinek from the Justice Centre
walked them through the Respectful Relationships
program, Marcelle Leon came and talked to them
about being an Aboriginal Trades Person in a
global market and the opportunities that are avail-
able, the RCMP talked to them about what moti-
vated them to become RCMP, as well as how a
criminal record holds you back. April talked to
them about being a woman in trades.
We had guest speakers from ITA and other agen-
cies which provide training and scholarship oppor-
tunities as well as potential employers such as
Nusdeh. All of them gave freely of their time to
help our students each achieve their best selves.
We have been witness to these young—and not
so young—students taking steps to change their
personal habits and lifestyles to move forward in a
positive way. This program is designed to be a
beginning—to employment, education and what
ever else you want to achieve. We have gone
above and beyond to support the person; includ-
ing but not limited to; driving them to daycare,
booking counselling appointments, referring to the
Justice Centre or any other way we can assist
within reason.
The Employment and Education people for each
of Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en, Yekooche and Takla have
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 47
helped us immensely over the last year and their
support has been invaluable to the student’s suc-
cess. We have experienced two graduations to
date and have seen 24 students complete suc-
cessfully. Our last cohort has 13 students which
will bring our total for the year to 37 only 3 short of
our target.
Save the Dates: In November we will be partnering with the Justice
Centre to bring in a two to three day Traditional
Practices workshop which the students will be at-
tending. We are inviting elder guest speakers from
Burns Lake, Yekooche, Tl’azt’en, Binche, Takla,
Saikuz, and Nak’azdli to share their knowledge on
a variety of topics related to Keyoh, Potlatch,
Medicine, Legends, naming, and the good old
days to name a few. We encourage all of you to
attend what we believe will be a most educational
and enjoyable two/three days. Your memories and
input will be greatly appreciated. This event will be
documented to share the knowledge we gain. We
are scheduled to have the workshop in Kwah Hall
on November 7 & 8. Lunch will be provided both
days. Please join us!!!
Moving Forward: The Band will be managing a further 4 programs
called “On Our Way” to be run later this year and
into 2017. These programs will be community
based, which means that one will be run in each
of the four communities. I will continue on coordi-
nating and putting the programs together for deliv-
ery in the partner bands territories. The next one
being run on Nak’azdli will be in the fall of 2017.
There are a lot of exciting opportunities coming up
in Nak’azdli over the next year, if you have any
questions about other programs you should make
an appointment to meet with Amelia Stark at the
Nak’azdli Band Office. Thank you
Respectfully
Lynne Leon
Weaving Our Way Program Coordinator
48 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Bladerunners Graduation December 15, 2016, Kwah Hall
Left to Right: Brent Felix, Tanisha Prince, Kurt Kristoffersen, Caronline A’houille, JayJay Julian
Weaving Our Way Graduation December 15, 2016, Kwah Hall
Wannablue Alexander, Tera Tom, Dexter Felix, Cecilia Prince, Arthur George, Sharon A’huille, Lonny Prince, Cher West, Ruby Alexander, Clifford Daley, April Thomas, Charlene Joseph, Lynne Leon.
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 49
50 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Nak’azdli Learning Group Wednesdays, 10 am-1:00 pm
Building Service Worker Level 1 March 27-29,2017 8:30-5:00 pm
Level 2 March 30 - 31, 2017 8:30-5:00 pm
Fee: $345.00
This course is designed for individuals with some
experience in the building service and custodial
field. Upon successful completion of the course,
including written and practical testing the student
will receive a BSW– ADVANCED Certificate in
Hard Floor Maintenance.
This program is of special interest to those wish-
ing to update their credentials, to move into a su-
pervisory capacity, and to supervisors and “lead
hands”. It familiarizes the student with the latest in
techniques, equipment, chemistry and products.
Babysitter’s Training
Saturday, February 25th 2017
Babysitter’s Training Saturday, February 25, 2017
Fee: $80 (manual included)
Learn basic child care, accident prevention, first
aid and how to handle emergency situations and
receive a certificate upon successful completion.
This program is based on the Red Cross Youth
Society curriculum. Please bring: pencil, baby doll,
baby clothing and a nutritious bag lunch to class.
For youth 11 years and older.
Register Now! Spaces are Limited.
Call the CNC Campus at (250) 996-7019.
January/Februaru 2017 Nak’azdli Dustl’us 51
Kwah Hall Grand Re-Opening November 3, 2016
New Year’s Eve Family Dance December 31, 2016, Kwah Hall
Remembrance Day November 11, 2016, Kwah Hall
Check out the Nak’azdli Whut’en Facebook page for more photos!
52 Nak’azdli Dustl’us January/February 2017
Contact Us
Membership Hours:
Mondays & Wednesdays
8 am-4 pm
Nak’azdli Whut’en
PO Box 1329
Fort St. James, BC V0J 1P0
(250) 996-7171
(250) 996-8010 (FAX)
Dustl’us Submissions:
Visit Us on the Web at:
www.nakazdli.com
Nak’azdli Whut’en: We Challenge the Future.
Sign of the Times
Happy Valentines Day, Beautiful Nak’azdli Whut’en!