‍Present:

Angus Toulouse
Anna Marie Abitong
Arnelda Bennett
Lawrence Solomon
Leroy Bennett
McKenzie Toulouse
Michael Abitong
Nelson Toulouse
Nicole Eshkakogan (virtual)
Paul Eshkakogan
Rhonda Stoneypoint
Sheldon Toulouse

Staff:

Andrea Hajt-Jacobs, Assistant Director – Council Secretariat
Meggan McCracken, Director of Finance Natalie Spencer, HR Manager
Claudette Fournier, Acting Director of Education
Darla Boston, Political Office Administrative Assistant
Evan O’Leary, SDC General Manager (virtual)
Meggan McCracken, Acting Director of Finance
Melanie Lazarus, Director of Community Wellness
Roger Jones, Council Secretariat
Samantha Keysis, Director Lands, Resources & Environment
Sean Cassidy, Director of IT & Communications
Susan Deschamps, Director of Long Term Care (virtual)

Guests:

Leslee White-Eye, First Nations With Schools Collective

Regrets:

Shelley Watt Proulx, Director of Mental Health & Addictions

Opening Prayer by Nelson Toulouse

Meeting called to order @ :30 AM

Motion 2023/07 #05

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept the agenda as presented and amended.

Moved by: Arnelda Bennett

Seconded by: Nelson Toulouse A/O: 0 Discussion: Items added – CWD Transportation, Saswin Briefing Note.

CARRIED

RHT Update by Gimaa Angus Toulouse

Meeting scheduled for July 28th, 2023 with the Chiefs’ Litigation Management Committee to discuss numbers prepared by Ryan McLeod and Wayne Grier. Further, a larger meeting is to be scheduled in August 31st and September 3rd to discuss going to a large treaty gathering. A quorum of Council will be needed ahead of the 21 communities gathering. No venue is prepared as of yet, but the Sault is tentatively selected. The LMC is developing a rationale regarding inflation and how it should have been applied to the $4.00 payout received each Treaty Day, but is only a work in progress.

Conversations need to be had regarding amounts for each member, whether it be based on age or a flat number. However, further data is needed in order to facilitate these discussions. It should be noted that Sagamok’s data is not the issue, but the island communities data or lack thereof. Council will need to hear from the community to make the best decision. All of the 150 rooms for the September 9th gathering in Sault Ste. Marie have been allocated. However, the Minister has business to attend to in BC on that date, so we are pushing to have it as close to the original date as possible to prevent issues with rooming. AMA – I have received questions regarding funds distribution, how will be it be done? Meggan – we’d like to push for electronic distribution as much as possible. AT – Council would also like to see members receiving a cheque, but for those who are unable to make the trip home, electronically is always a good alternative. PE – members should have a choice between EFT and cheques, as some who don’t have bank accounts would be receiving money. LS – Receiving this money is a momentous event that having distribution in person would do a lot for community morale. NE – At least in Siska Nation, direct deposits are encouraged first, and a deadline is set a month ahead of the distribution to allow for people to submit their info. If you don’t submit EFT info, you receive a cheque.

Previous Meeting Minutes

Motion 2023/07 #06

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept the Chief & Council minutes of May 30th, 2023 as presented.

Moved by: Rhonda Stoneypoint

Seconded by: Sheldon Toulouse A/O: 0 Discussion: The spelling of Juanita Skruibis’ last name was incorrect. Will be corrected with the appropriate spelling.

CARRIED

Motion 2023/07 #07

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept the Chief & Council minutes of June 22nd & 23rd, 2023 as presented.

Moved by: Arnelda Bennett

Seconded by: Rhonda Stoneypoint A/O: 0 Discussion: The minutes provided are for both days, as the meeting continued the following day.

CARRIED

Motion 2023/07 #08

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept the Chief & Council minutes of June 27th, 2023 as presented.

Moved by: Sheldon Toulouse

Seconded by: Lawrence Solomon A/O: 0 Discussion: No motion to adjourned was passed, but a closing prayer was done. Council decided on consensus that the meeting had been closed.

CARRIED

The minutes of July 3rd have been deferred to allow for corrections to be made to the motion numbers and date.

Correspondence

Received correspondence from Doug Gervais, Mayor of Espanola. During the Espanola Town Council meeting of May 23, 2023, a resolution was passed in relation to correspondence from Trent Lakes Municipality’s Oath of Office that acknowledges the treaty rights of Indigenous People and the land that the municipality inhabits. Gimaa recommends putting a history together for the area to share with Espanola regarding their name and town.

In addition, Mike Mercieca has reached out looking for a joint meeting between the Massey Council and Sagamok Council to assist with any needs. Gimaa believes that they may be able to assist with policing, and Sagamok would be willing to acquire services from Massey. The distance between Garden River and

Sagamok makes servicing the community difficult, and partnering with Massey could alleviate that difficulty.

The Biscotasing Roads Board provided notice of a meeting for townships in the District of Sudbury on Monday, August 7th. All persons owning property in Biscotasing Township are required to attend. Paul Eshkakogan was aware of the meeting and has asked Ray Hatfield to attend on his behalf as Ray resides in Biscotasing. Biscotasing does look to Sagamok to assist in identifying and contacting Sagamok members who reside in and around the township, along with land issues. Paul will ask Ray to prepare a Briefing Note on the meeting and its results.

Hydro One Update – Evan O’Leary

Received a legal counsel opinion as of yesterday evening, however the legal documentation is not yet ready to be signed off.

To recap, the proposed line runs from Mississagi to Hanmer and is estimated to increase mining and steel production output for the region.

The 8 communities met with Hydro One on May 9th and communicated that a 50/50 partnership was acceptable, and on June 12th the communities met with the Hydro One CEO to discuss strategy, followed by meeting the Energy Minister Todd Smith. July 10th had the transmission line announced by the Energy Minister, and July 18th saw the communities meet with legal counsel Richard King to create documentation for the limited partnership with Hydro One.

The 8 communities are as follows; Batchewana, Garden River, Mississaugi, Atikameksheng, Serpent River, Wahnapitae, and Sagamok. The partnership has 3 officers appointed; Craig Nootchtai (Atikamekshpeng) as President, Andy Rickard (Garden River) as Secretary, and Bob Chiblow (Mississaugi) as Treasurer.

The next milestone is the announcement of the project developers; once that occurs, the work on the line can begin.

No motion is necessary, as this update is being provided as an FYI. Once a motion is needed, it will be brought forward once more. Until then, updates will be provided as necessary.

Finance & Audit Committee Minutes

The minutes for the following dates have been deferred to the next scheduled Council meeting: September 29th, 2022, October 27th, 2022, November 4th, 2022, March 4th, 2023, March 23rd, 2023, June May 23rd, 2023, 13th, 2023, and July 11th, 2023. Given the amount of documentation, this will give adequate time to Council for review and approval.

Market Housing – Arnelda Bennett

Previously, Council approved construction of a total of 10 Rent-to-Own homes in 2023/2024. Received 29 inquiries, and within those, 13 applications. Reviewed the 13 applications, and assigned priority based on current Housing Policy. One applicant is awarded a CMHC rental unit outside of the Rent-to-Own program. The majority of applicants come from off-reserve. Requesting self-help lot servicing in the amount of $50,000.00 per lot for 4 lots, and will be submitting an application to the Housing Accelerated Fund to cover those lots. Requesting Council approval for the 2023 and 2024 Rent-to-Own homes.

Motion 2023/07 #09

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to accept to approve the proposed 5 Rent-to-Own Homes 2023-24 and 5 Rent-to-Own Homes 2024-25 at an estimated cost of $4.15 million.

Moved by: Anna Mare Abitong

Seconded by: Nicole Eshkakogan A/O: 0 Discussion: The houses are assigned to the following members; 2023 – Blake Eshkakogan, Yvonne Southwind, Jenny Southwind & Blaine Toulouse, and Lauren Southwind & Mitchel Jacko. 2024 – Brenda Owl, Tasha Toulouse, Chelsea Toulouse, Mitchelle Gegwetch, and Skyler Sego & Dashaye Eshkakogan

CARRIED

Motion 2023/07 #10

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to allocate $200,000.00 to cover lot development (hydro, services, driveway, etc.) for up to 4 members pursuing the Self-Help Program.

Moved by: Paul Eshkakogan

Seconded by: Lawrence Solomon A/O: 0 Discussion: The individuals have not been identified, but interest has been expressed by members. These lots would be located outside of developing subdivisions.

CARRIED

Motion 2023/07 #11

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to allocate a CMHC 3-bedroom rental unit to Mitchell Eshkakogan & Stephanie Loon.

Moved by: Anna Mare Abitong

Seconded by: Paul Eshkakogan A/O: 0 Discussion: Clarifying the unit assigned is a CMHC home, and not a rent-to-own unit.

CARRIED

Midwifery Project - Melanie Lazarus

Requesting Sagamok enter into a data-sharing project with the researchers to access federal data related to Sagamok residents who gave birth between specific dates. The data will be connected with provincial data to promote a case for midwifery in First Nation communities. No names or identifying information will be available, as it will be clustered with other community data.

Council is requesting a presentation from the primary researcher before approving the BCR for data access. There is no issue with this as there is no time constraint to the approval.

Transportation Centralization & Shuttle Service – Melanie Lazarus

Council is aware of the transportation needs for a section of the community, and currently transportation is being provided for various reasons across multiple departments and programs. Further, each department has their own vehicles with dedicated drivers or pulling staff from their roles to drive. Each department has their own budget, contact and booking methods.

There is a clear need to centralize transportation to avoid confusing community members, ensure appropriate staffing. There is also a need for a vehicle manager since the shift to Enterprise Fleet Management, offloading the burden of the Finance Director and Staff.

There is also suggestion for a trial Sagamok Shuttle Service to begin in September 2023 for 3 months, using the large van from the Elders’ Eagle Lodge, and pulling from the current pool of Sagamok drivers.

Nicole Eshkakogan – perhaps bringing in a short-term consultant can be brought in the flesh out the proposal, to avoid the approval before a thought-out budget and plan is presented. The foundation is very solid but a workplan taking into account things such as risk management, staff safety, and insurance would make it more comfortable to approve.

Arnelda Bennett – I would suggest waiting on the vehicle chosen, as funding has been applied for a 15 person van for the youth. The current EEL vehicle is handicap accessible and that makes it less suitable for general transportation needs.

Motion 2023/07 #12

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to allow the Director of Community Wellness Melanie Lazarus to engage with a consultant to explore the proposed Sagamok Shuttle Service.

Moved by: Nicole Eshkakogan

Seconded by: Arnelda Bennett A/O: 0 Discussion:

CARRIED

Primary Care Department Operational Plan – Melanie Lazarus

Currently presenting as if the title of the current department is Primary Care, given the changes made to the organization and splitting of CWD departments. To provide some background on why these changes are being proposed, the current primary care model for Sagamok is disjointed. The structure is currently not working, with no clinical oversight on the nursing staff, with nurses in different departments doing more than they should or not enough relating to their scope of work. Sagamok is funded for episodic and urgent care, i.e. day to day healthcare, but has not been doing that. No chronic disease management, which is the purview of nursing staff. The Nurse Practitioner role is for diagnosis and assessment. Regarding the Minobimaadzewin (sp?) Clinic, it currently is delivered with Maamwesying and MH&A, with Maamwesying providing specialists and the model of care, and Sagamok providing infrastructure and nursing services. Sagamok is working with Maamwesying to improving service delivery and any oversight challenges.

Sagamok Community Health is funded by ISC for the following scopes; clinical care, Home and Community Care, and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative. Home & Community Care is currently being delivered by the nurses at the EEL, when it’s the nurses at Health Office who are funded for this. Health Promotion and Injury/Illness Prevention is going to see a reduction in overall programming with focuses on age group specific education. Staff needed are the Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Lead. A Clinical Lead was hired named Paula Swift recently. Primary Care Nurses, Mino Clinic Nurses, PWSs, Homemakers, and reassigning staff to better suited scopes.

Tasks are to work with HR to develop a plan for staffing structure, retrain nurses, develop a nursing schedule, and work with Maamwesying to close gaps in care.

Motion 2023/07 #13

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to support the proposed organizational workplan as presented by Melanie Lazarus.

Moved by: Paul Eshkakogan

Seconded by: Nelson Toulouse A/O: 0 Discussion:

CARRIED

Interim Supportive Housing Update – Melanie Lazarus

River Road was identified as the location for the Supportive Housing Shelter, but requires renovations to make habitable. Melanie is presenting on behalf of Shelley Watt-Proulx, and is seeking approval for renovation funding in the amount of $307,703.00.

Motion 2023/07 #14

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to approve the funding request in $307,703.00 and to move forward with renovation/retrofit upgrades as per quote.

Moved by: Lawrence Solomon

Seconded by: Arnelda Bennett A/O: 0 Discussion: Council would need to find the funding to cover these costs for sources outside the MHA team budgets.

CARRIED

IT & Communications Q1 Update – Sean Cassidy

Asset management is just about done, with remaining employees being those who work primarily off-reserve or out of office. Microsoft 365 Clean-Up is halfway done, and expected to safe $30,000.00 annually once completed. The ticketing system is fully live, and receiving 80% cooperation, which gives key data on how the department is performing. The website is ongoing; the Webmaster is now ensuring consistent progress, with departments slated to be added this fall. The Omni-Media strategy will have a new employee starting August 8th to ensure it is reaching the demographics it is designed for.

The largest ongoing task is the File Search, Sharing, Back Up, and Storage Migration. It is estimated that it will take to end of the year, and once completed, will provide Sagamok with a consolidated network with backup, security, and file sharing in a dedicated private Sagamok cloud.

Motion 2023/07 #15

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to approve the IT & Communications Q1 Update as presented.

Moved by: McKenzie Toulouse

Seconded by: Paul Eshkakogan A/O: 0 Discussion:

CARRIED

Lands, Resources, & Environment Operational Plan – Samantha Keysis

The LRE Operational Plan was developed using Wolf Policy documents as a template. The goal for the operational plan is to bring the duties of LRE further towards the mandate of stewardship, protection, and preservation. In order to meet the growing scope of work, LRE would require a greater staffing capacity. An application for funding was made to address this need, but was unsuccessful. There is also a focus on reassessing the Land Allocation Process, specifically when it comes to Recreational Lots. All current employees are being funding from the Vale Totten Mine IBA. Historical knowledge, gathering, and community education continues to be a priority, and Allen Toulouse is doing an excellent job. In addition, the annual Fall Harvest is expected to proceed as normal this year. LRE is also continuing to develop the Dispute Resolution Process.

No motion or further questions.

Saswin Building Update – Ross Assinewe

Saswin is currently inundated with bats, and Joey Jacobs assessed the property on June 28th, 2023. The bats have made themselves at home along every section of the exterior. Joey made several recommendations that necessitate extensive work on the property to rectify the problems created by various vermin. Masks and cleaning spray are suggested to prevent bat guano particles from becoming airborne. A total of 13 items are needed to see to the exterior, and the interior requires an in-depth cleaning. Two quotes were submitted for the work, with preference given to Nodin Construction at a total cost of $38,000.00 based on Joey Jacob’s assessment. The contractor will made sure to wear PPE when dealing with the work.

Motion 2023/07 #16

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to approve the chosen quote provided by Nodin Construction for the remediation of the Saswin Building as presented.

Moved by: Paul Eshkakogan

Seconded by: Sheldon Toulouse A/O: 0 Discussion: P&I will be looking for appropriate funding sources, but all are in agreement that the work needs to be done.

CARRIED

2022-2023 Road Subsidy Program – Supplementary Funding – Ross Assinewe

Motion 2023/07 #16

Sagamok Chief & Council motion to approve the BCR 2023-07-09 2022-23 Road Subsidy Program - Supplementary

Moved by: Paul Eshkakogan

Seconded by: Sheldon Toulouse A/O: 0 Discussion:

CARRIED

Meeting adjourned due to lost quorum.

Next Meeting: August 8th, 2023

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