SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK CHIEF & COUNCIL MEETING
MULTI EDUCATION CENTRE
OCTOBER 18TH, 2022
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Present:

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

Staff:

Angela Southwind, Housing Manager
Bruce Southwind, Fire Chief
Meggan McCraken, Finance Manager
Melanie Lazarus, Director of Community Wellness
Natalie Spencer, Human Resources Manager (virtual)
Ross Assinewe, Director of Planning & Infrastructure
Ryan McLeod Samantha Keysis, Director of Lands, Resources, and Environment
Wade Owl, Political Office Coordinator

Guests:

Jim Baraniuk
John Lees, Orbis Consulting (virtual)
Roger Jones, Wolf Consulting

Opening prayer by Nelson Toulouse

Meeting called to order @ 5:54 PM.

Opening Remarks by Chief Angus Toulouse

Open w general comments from myself; identifying key administrative and governance matters council is to discuss as priorities. Reminded yesterday to come up with a plan to identify and address the opioid addiction problem, a task force was established last year, will need to determine next steps for that force. BN to be drafted on what took place. Yesterday also reminded us of the need for a community policing strategy with the APS; was some discussion years ago, but need to talk about the elements initially identify and recognize the new Chief of Police who is willing and excited to engage in community development with us.

Development of a residency code took place last winter as a way to assist police in keeping individuals who pose risks to the safety of the community out. What is the status of the work and how can it be enforced to ensure everyone stays safe?

Communication is a big aspect in ensuring transparency, good governance, and community health. A communications committee was established during the last council term to identify the needs and preferences in communicating information to members at home and abroad.

Election law is a frequent issue with past Councils, and so far, has not been able to be brought forward to the community for a reference vote. The time frame of Council terms is a tight window to work within, and some direction in reforming the existing consultation policy may be necessary to make progress.

Committee terms of reference may need to be refreshed to ensure our committees are effective and agile in delivering their mandates, and will result in changes to both the Elders and Youth Councils. I visited the Elders during last week’s meeting, and expressed that the terms of reference are being reworked to allow for a more inclusive voice be given to Elders who may not otherwise be able to speak.

Housing is a struggle for all First Nations communities and ours is now different. Addressing the short-, medium-, and long-term Housing needs is a high priority. Ensuring our services are available at all hours, for those who require it, is a mindset we need to keep when addressing those in need.

Traditional lands, resources, and treaty rights are at the forefront of our way of life, and claims require funding. Each community is responsible for finding funding to address these claims. A strategy to prioritize our claims for the return of our lands and where applicable, financial compensation, is not cheap. Legal teams, research, and more go into each of these claims and require funding.

The relationship with Nogdawindamin needs to be strengthened and updated. <see notes from package>

Community conflicts are finding their way to the Chief, and a process of conflict resolution to ensure they are properly resolved with minimal Council intervention is necessary.

Lastly, John Lees and his organizational review, its impacts on how the organization is run, should be given 2 days to discuss and provide input on the resetting and reorganization on the administrative and governance side of things.

November 4th and 5th are the chosen dates, in Casino Rama for our review. The 3rd and 6th will be a travel day, with the Sunday morning available for any last minute work.

Motion 22/10 #01

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to accept the agenda as presented and amended.
Moved by: Councillor Arnelda Bennett
Seconded by: Councillor Lawrence Solomon
A/O:
CARRIED

Motion 22/10 #02

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to reestablish the mental health task force, review their previous recommendations, and produce multiple implementation plans for consideration at the November 4th and 5th Council meeting, with Jim Baraniuk as the primary consultant, and the execution of the treatment centre for the January intake.
Moved by: Councillor Nicole Eshkakogan
Seconded by: Councillor Arnelda Bennett Discussion: - McKenzie Toulouse: Ensure that we approach the matter with open minds and compassion. Nelson Toulouse – Glad to be moving forward in a holistic way; we are at a critical stage and need to communicate to put people at ease.
A/O: 0
CARRIED

Motion 22/10 #03

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to appoint Arnelda Bennett, Nicole Eshkakogan, McKenzie Toulouse as Council representatives for the Mental Health & Addictions Task Force with the understanding that community citizens may volunteer to join.
Moved by: Councillor Mike Abitong
Seconded by: Councillor Lawrence Solomon
A/O: 0
CARRIED

Motion 22/10 #04

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to accept the minutes of September 2nd, 2022.
Moved by: Councillor Nelson Toulouse
Seconded by: Councillor Sheldon Toulouse
A/O:
CARRIED

Motion 22/10 #05

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to accept the minutes of September 13th, 2022.
Moved by: Councillor Nicole Eshkakogan
Seconded by: Councillor Mike Abitong Discussion: Minor errors present in certain titles and roles, to be corrected.
A/O:
CARRIED

Motion 22/10 #06

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to accept the Q2 Education Report as presented by the Director of Education.
Moved by: Councillor Nelson Toulouse
Seconded by: Councillor Sheldon Toulouse
A/O: 0
CARRIED

Motion 22/10 #07

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to approve the open tender for the School Transportation contract with a deadline of March 31st, 2022.
Moved by: Councillor Nicole Eshkakogan
Seconded by: Councillor Leroy Bennett
A/O: 2 – AMA, ST
CARRIED

Motion 22/10 #08

Sagamok Chief and Council motion to appoint Anna Marie Abitong as Sagamok rep and Claudette as an alternate to the Kenjgewin Teg Board of Directors.
Moved by: Councillor Nelson Toulouse
Seconded by: Councillor Mike Abitong
A/O: 1 – AMA
CARRIED

Closing prayer by Nelson Toulouse.

Meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM.

Next meeting is scheduled for November 4th, 2022.

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