SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK CHIEF AND COUNCIL MEETING
FORT LACLOCHE BUILDING
SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2022
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Present: Chief Angus Toulouse Councillor Anna Marie Abitong Councillor Arnelda Bennett Councillor Leroy Bennett Councillor Michael Abitong Councillor McKenzie Toulouse Councillor Nelson Toulouse Councillor Nicole Eshkakogan Councillor Paul Eshkakogan Councillor Sheldon Toulouse Councillor Rhonda Stoneypoint Trudeau

Staff: Darla Boston, Political Office Administrative Assistant Wade Owl, Political Office Coordinator

Regrets: Councillor Lawrence Solomon

Chief and Council Minutes – September 2nd, 2022 Page 2

Opening prayer by Councillor Nelson Toulouse

Meeting called to order at 11:20 AM.

Opening remarks by Chief Angus Toulouse

Looking to have a light meeting, sign off on oaths of office, and discuss individual Councillor priorities; recalled a time in the past that all Council meetings were done in the language. Previous eras have had Indian Affairs dictating the meetings by way of contribution agreements. Speaking on the history of Sagamok, examples such as the pollution of the mill were unable to be addressed due to the government of the day preventing us from acting in our best interests.

Provided a history of the language and its education in the community, from how it fell off in use and teaching. We need to be creative in revitalizing the language, from methods such as providing incentives or instilling pride. Our language is what makes our people unique, and losing the language would lose our culture.

On the subject of sharing and treaty negotiations, the value of resources taken from First Nations communities, if paid back by the government, would bankrupt the Canadian government. Obviously, that number is not being sought, but our unique treaty allows for us to proceed with legal action. Recently, a ruling in Stage 3 stated that the government had an obligation to increase the annuity and provide a collective share to allow for community growth. This case is critical to ensure the next seven generations have a clear relationship with the province, and its relationship with the land’s resources.

Much of the court case has to do with the past, but a new fiscal arrangement needs to be made to ensure that the same rights and care are given to First Nations that are enjoyed by Ontarians at a provincial level and all Canadians at a federal level. Gaps such as infrastructure, housing, and more could be addressed with a new fiscal arrangement.

My intention is to be available to the community, and I wish to be in office as much as possible. I’ve already been on several home visits to meet with members to listen to their concerns and address their needs. Being accountable and available is what I’m about.

Rhonda is strongly wishing to remain on the ZEI board; Angus as Chief has made the recommendation to have Rhonda serve on a different board instead. Rhonda is free to discuss the decision with the Chief.

Chief and Council Minutes – September 2nd, 2022 Page 3

The recommended appointments are as follows below:

APS Police Governing Authority

Paul Eshkakogan

Community Wellness Steering Committee

Arnelda Bennett, Leroy Bennett, Nicole Eshkakogan

Education Committee

McKenzie Toulouse, Mike Abitong

Espanola General Hospital Board

Nicole Eshkakogan

Finance & Audit Committee

Angus Toulouse, Lawrence Solomon, Paul Eshkakogan

Housing Committee

Sheldon Toulouse

Human Resources Committee

Angus Toulouse, McKenzie Toulouse, Nicole Eshkakogan

Litigation Management

Leroy Bennett

Nogdawindamin

McKenzie Toulouse, Nicole Eshkakogan

North Shore Tribal Council

Angus Toulouse, Lawrence Solomon

OFNLP

Lawrence Solomon

Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin

Nelson Toulouse as male Elder rep Myna Toulouse as female Elder rep Leroy Bennett as cultural support

SDC Board

Leroy Bennett, Mike Abitong, Paul Eshkakogan, Rhonda Stoneypoint

ZEI Board & ZCLP Board

Angus Toulouse, Anna Marie Abitong, Arnelda Bennett, Lawrence Solomon, Nelson Toulouse, Sheldon Toulouse

Other committees will be addressed at the September 13th, 2022 Chief & Council meeting.

Chief and Council Minutes – September 2nd, 2022 Page 4

Discussion of Councillor Priorities

Anna Marie Abitong

Interested in ZEI and ZCLP given the work going on with the school construction and mining claims; issues with school contracting and hope that it will be resolved; informed that the Sept. 2023 move in date has been shifted to late Sept. 2023, but suspect that it may be later. Special timber is needed for the frame of the building, and may be a reason for delays. Served on ZEI & ZCLP boards during the last Council term, and worked on shaping policies and procedures according to the needs of employees. Also sit on the Espanola General Hospital Board, speaking with Nicole, given her background she would be a good fit, but there may be a conflict of interest given Nicole’s status as a funder and VP of associated committees. If we are to have committees, then I would prefer to have working committees. If we have working committees, then the honorarium/stipend structure needs to change. The current committee structure seems to lend itself to just reporting on a monthly basis with little work done.

Agenda item: addressing the possibility of working committees, look at terms of reference. Lots of work to do with FNWSC, moving to Negotiation Jurisdiction Table.

Has submitted an application for additional funding to expand the day care, with the end goal of a 72-space facility. No infant spaces at the daycare because of community feedback that stated the belief that infants belong with the mother. Have been on the Ministry’s funding table, and are aware of our proposal to expand; hoping to wrap that up this term.

There are a lot of new staff for the new school year, and would like remind to Council that the school has an outdoor activity with students and staff, and Council is invited to participate. Will be sometime next week, and the principal will send out invites to the back-to-school activities. Changes surrounding school transportation will come to Council in a briefing note; one of the contractors have terminated their contract, and was not successful in finding a community member to purchase the school bus. AJ Bus Lines will take on the River Road run and high school runs.

Leroy Bennett

First time Councillor, and the ongoing litigation with the Robinson-Huron Treaty is a priority for me. We all need to know the treaty as it affects us all. Much time is spent researching. Recommend the hiring of more researchers to collect knowledge.

Addressing the addiction issues is another priority.

Chief and Council Minutes – September 2nd, 2022 Page 5

Policy is another focus, with brevity as a guiding principle. The overwording and confusing nature of policies is something I wish to address, as they lend to being impenetrable for the average person. Policies as evolving documents that change with our needs is one of my goals.

Sheldon Toulouse

Congratulations to all Councillors; on the topic of Housing, we had a preliminary approval of $2.5 million (?) for housing, would like to move towards a rent-to-own program for future homes. Have seen that people want to own a home without the stress of seeking approval for new home building. We are not currently building affordable housing for people on fixed or low-incomes, and we need to build to work with people and their situations. Lots of members are interested in the rent-to-own arrangement, and our TD Mortgage and Renovation Loan is getting more difficult to access.

Would like to address the residency by-law; we have too much people from out of the community residing with no knowledge of who they are or where they come from. A census of current residents would be a good way to gain awareness.

Break/Lunch Time Discussion

Regarding the community initiative to use the yellow/white duplex as housing for the homeless. BCR surrounding the yellow/white duplex across from St. Raphael’s. Speak w P&I about the environmental assessment or other documentation of the building.

The twin towers have been renovated, as well as the modular homes. However any offers of housing have been rejected due to the reputation of the twin towers, and the modular homes.

Rhonda Stoneypoint-Trudeau

Communication is a priority, and with the success of the Candidates Night, we should look at having Council meetings live as well.

Community outreach for those who are struggling or in crisis is another priority. As a natural helper within the community, I am seeing how they are being affected by low-income or addictions.

ZEI is a passion given their relationship to the mining industry and how it benefits the youth.

Chief and Council Minutes – September 2nd, 2022 Page 6

McKenzie Toulouse

Extended congratulations, have a background of 7 years in Indigenous education. Culture is number one for me. A mentorship for previous students to assist with learning, as having youth out of school leaves the future of the community without leadership.

The exploitation of land and water, issuing of camp lots of non-residents, and more.

A registration or toll both, camp lot numbers, and other ways of identifying out of community members who are accessing our lands for recreational purposes. It could also be a potential training, education, and revenue stream.

Lateral violence is being experienced across the board, and I wish to meet at least once a month with those experiencing lateral violence or lack of closure regarding experiences with lateral violence.

Youth and Elders governance should be more structured, as members of those communities who are angry or misinformed may do more harm than good in addressing community needs.

Cultural education and breaking out of the colonial mindset is another priority, and the ripple effects that the mindset brings.

It would be good for Councillors to meet with a minimum number of community members a month to better understand the needs, hurt, and changes that are necessary.

Nicole Eshkakogan

Congratulations to all, and would like to support each and every Councillor, even if we do not agree, it is important that we support the others’ visions and maintain a united front.

A priority is to have all staff return to work, ending the extended work from home order that went into effect following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Abitong

Congratulations to all, and to the Chief; honored to sit back at the Council table.

Education is a major priority for me, and building the culture of our people is a major facet of that. The economic development of youth is another key issue I wish to address. The enrichment and education of youth, and the Community Mentor program’s expansion with a female staff member and increased funding is something I wish to address.

Recreation for both youths and adults is another way to draw members away from addictions and reconnect with land based teaching and activities.

Chief and Council Minutes – September 2nd, 2022 Page 7

Arnelda Bennett

Congratulations everyone, my third term on Council; noticed that Economic Development was locked out of awareness of the Council initiatives. Being present now, it will be good for the community to have this awareness.

My presence on the CWD Steering Committee will help me address my priority of opiates, aftercare post treatment, and follow up for those seeking treatment for addictions.

Community communication is another priority, and we need to address the negative comments that arise as a result of lack of communication.

Land code development will help us build businesses, as lack of land code policies hinders the ability of community members to bring economic opportunities within the community.

Paul Eshkakogan

Congratulations to everyone; happy to return to leadership after a 4 year break.

The cooperation between ZEI/ZCLP and Sagamok is something that can be improved.

Election reform is another priority, as the current terms are too short to see follow through on the current or newly elected Council priorities.

Housing and infrastructure is something that needs to be addressed; we’re sitting on money that can be used to meet the needs of the community. We should approach contractors and ask for a plan on how to keep our people housed.

Nelson Toulouse

Congratulations to everyone; we all bring different perspectives, and as the oldest person on Council, it is nice to be able to bring that perspective to the Council table.

Much of the work surrounding the priorities raised here will take time, and change takes time as well.

Bringing back culture is another need, and Council should celebrate the season with a feast of each season. Invite people, get a chance to connect with the community, be accountable, and bring members together.

Personally, I would like to see about dedicating the land located by the lake down Pumphouse Road of the Wasechkum (?) to a dedicated healing space named after Jim W. It would honor a great man of the community from generations past.

As a financial standpoint, I’m unsure of the cost of developing the land, but a plaque commemorating the name would be ideal at the least. Perhaps a medicine garden could be established.

Chief and Council Minutes – September 2nd, 2022 Page 8

Angus Toulouse

Thank you to each of you for sharing, and talking about what we need to see. This will help shape our approach as we begin our term as newly elected Councillors.

Motion 22/09 #01 Sagamok Chief & Council motion to pass BCRs 2022-09-89 RBC Signing Authority Change, 2022-09-90 BMO Signing Authority Change, and 2022-09-91 Signing Authority Change. Moved by: Councillor Paul Eshkakogan Seconded by: Councillor Arnelda Bennett A/O: 1 - Councillor Nelson Toulouse, as his name is stated in the BCRs CARRIED

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