Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Annual Report 2010-11

Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta18178 – 102 AvenueEdmonton, AB T5S 1S7Ph: 780.444.9366 Fx: 780.484.1465www.treaty8.ca

CONTENTSMessage from the Grand Chief 4Report from the Chief of Operations 6Intergovernmental Initiatives 8Treaty Relations 11• Justice 14Livelihood 16• Environment, Land Management& Resource Development 17Education 20• Special Education 20• Education Projects Report 22Health 24• NIHB Policy Analyst 25• Health Careers 26• Co-Management Liaison 27• Treaty 8 Internal Co-ManagementReview 29Children’s Agenda 313 | P age

Elders, Chiefs, Youth, Employees and all members of Treaty No. 8, I am pleased to present to you our 2010 –2011 Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta (T8FNA) Annual Report. T8FNA is always happy to take everyopportunity to report on our activities and this year, we once again have a great deal of info to share.2010 – 2011 has been another year for changes and adjustments for T8FNA and although faced withchallenging and difficult circumstances during the year, T8FNA continues to ensure that the circumstancesare dealt with as smoothly and efficiently as possible. It is the intention of T8FNA to remain true to thevision and intent of Treaty No. 8 and they are put at the forefront of all T8 initiatives.The Elders and T8FNA Executive Board have provided a strong and positive contribution to our ability tofocus on our Treaty and Aboriginal rights. The Elders and Executive Board gave their time, guidance anddirection to T8FNA while at the same time, serving their people and communities and fulfilling their dutiesand obligations. The Elders have shown their support in a strong way; T8FNA is appreciative and grateful fortheir valuable information, insight, and particularly their prayers that we know not only helps and protect usbut also to motivate us in the very important work that we do.The employees of T8 are an outstanding group of individuals. Through difficult and busy times, they haveshown they are dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced in a variety of ways that complement not only eachother but T8FNA as a whole. The staff is definitely to be commended for their continuing efforts to performtheir duties and responsibilities without hesitation and with motivation.Beginning of December 2010, Bobbi Herrera was hired as the Chief Operating Officer. Due to medicalreasons, Bobbi resigned from her position effective April 30, 2011. Unfortunately, Bilateral Processdiscontinued on July 2010 due to lack of funding. As a result, several staff members (Marlene Poitras,Audrey Marshall, Sharlene Alook, Michelle Voyageur, Gwen Muskwa & Lawrence Courtorielle) were eitherlaid off or transferred to another position within Treaty 8 organization. Other staff members no longer withTreaty 8 are: Carrie Kachur, Darryel Sowan, Gloria Fraser, and Lorraine Muskwa who were either laid off ormoved to new opportunities.T8FNA extends its’ thanks to all those who have contributed to our operations and success in the past andhave nothing but best wishes for them in their future endeavors!Financially, as reported by the Auditors, we maintained strong operating results with an unqualified audit andno deficit. This puts T8FNA in strong position to maintain operations and continue to advocate for lastingrecognition of our Treaty Rights.In the Spirit of our Treaty No. 8!6 | P age

Following is a brief summary of the various Grand / Deputy Grand Chief, Executive Board or administrativeactivities that were worked on in the past year:• Elders Gathering and Annual General Meeting (AGM)o Hosted by Sucker Creek First Nation, July 2010o A gathering of Treaty 8 Alberta Chiefs and treaty peoples to discuss rights and develop strategies toadvance, promote and exercise Treaty Rights.• Protocol Agreement between PTOs and GOAo Meetings between the Grand Chiefs and Vice Chiefs of Treaty 6, 7 and 8 and the Minister ofAboriginal Relations and various Cabinet Ministers.o June 2010; July 2010; November 2010; March 2011• Assembly of Treaty Chiefs – 3 sittings hosted by each Treaty areao Treaty 6 – June 2010o Treaty 7 - August 2010 (on Consultation); March 2011o Treaty 8 – November 2010• Livelihoodo Treaty 8 Alberta Position Paper on Consultation was submitted to both levels of government (GOA &GOC) on September 30, 2010.• Healtho Welcomed a new Health Directoro Continuing to develop a comprehensive health system• Children’s Agendao Funding secured for 2 years;o Staff hired and program in progress• Intergovernmental Initiativeso Successful workshops and continuing discussion on issues raised• Educationo Ongoing discussion regarding implementation of Education MOU• Grand Chief Liaisono New position that enables and assists the work of our Grand ChiefIn closing, there continues to be numerous issues arising at a very fast pace and from all directions, particularlywith the Government of Alberta. We are, however, confident with the Elders, Chiefs and the Executive Board’ssupport and direction, we will continue on the right path. Working together can only make us more effective, andhelp us to reach our goal of success for all our people and communities in Treaty 8 territory!7 | P age

The Interagency Working Group (IAWG) held a workshop on October 5 th , 6 th , & 7 th , 2010 in Grande Prairiecalled “Reclaiming Our Indigenous Workshop”.On Day One and Two, Janet & Wallace Fox presented the following topics for discussion:• The Way it Was - Traditional Family Systems using 4 life cycle and the teachings in each stage.oThis part covers on how our ancestors raised their children using teepee teachings. Areas coveredin this part are moss bag teachings, soft spot, naming, belly button, first 3 pole teachings.• The Passage Home• The Significance of Language – key words• How we lost our systemsoHistorical overview of events that led to the changes and how it affected our people to thebreakdown of parenting to the present day in our communities• How do we bring back the Teachings?ooAll of the teepee poles introduced.Obedience, Respect, Humility, Happiness, Love, Faith, Kinship,Cleanliness, Thankfulness, Share, Strength, Good Child Raising,Hope, Ultimate Protection and Control Flaps from the Wind.Day Three, Facilitators Pam Alcorn and Rodney John held a workshop on “Caring for Self as Carer:Personal Safety through Personal Care”.This workshop was designed to offer an opportunity to reflect on ways of seeing beauty, strength, and ease inour daily environments, our work places, and most importantly, in ourselves. To do this, using variousmethods the group explored topics such as: expectations as workers, professional boundaries, workenvironments and practices that promote personal strength and growth.Drawing from personal experience in daily living, professional work, and formal education, Pam Alcornguided participants in how to safely bring ourselves to our work and how to more comfortably and safelycontinue with our lives outside of our work.Pam Alcorn is a ‘high energy, hard working, and an excellent facilitator’. She has more than twenty years ofexperience in community and not-for-profit advocacy, government relations, public policy development, andgrassroots social service provision. Spending the first 30 years of her life in her home town in ‘near’ northernOntario, Pam’s work has been focused in Ontario and British Columbia where she has advocated for social,environmental, and cultural issues. Pam is a staunch believer that safer and healthier communities are the8 | P age

esult of inclusive policies and practices, and that safe work practices include caring for self. Curiosity abouthow to integrate the personal, political, and professional in policy development and practices inspired Pam tocomplete a Master of Arts Degree in Studies in Policy and Practice through the University of Victoria.In the early 1990s Pam re-located to Vancouver Island and found a personal and professional home facilitatingwomen’s personal exploration and professional development in the Cowichan Valley. She is currently workingwith groups in the Cowichan area to facilitate critical thinking in community and policy development and workpractices.Working Together Effectively WorkshopOn February 2 nd and 3 rd the “Working Together EffectivelyWorkshop” was held at the River Cree Marriot Hotel in Enoch,Alberta. The sponsorship of Alberta Employment and Immigration(AEI), Northwest Region, helped to make the workshop possible.The purpose of the Working Together Effectively Workshop was tosupport First Nation Communities and Tribal Councils withinTreaty 8 to:‣ Learn from one another‣ Discuss environmental and funding trends, and‣ Identify best practices for delivery of coordinated client-based services.Sixty-seven individuals signed up to participate in the workshop. Of these nine represented Tribal Councils,forty-eight represented individual First Nations and ten other First Nation organizations. In addition four staffmembers from the Northwest Region of AEI participated in the workshop.The workshop was a great success. The response to the workshop was strong. The workshop was originallyplanned for forty participants and expanded to accommodate sixty-seven participants. Overall each day of theWorkshop was ranked as excellent or good by 95% of evaluation respondents.The keynote speakers were definitely a highlight of the workshop. In terms of the expected results, the workshopprovided:‣ An up-to-date understanding of current trends and issues‣ An improved understanding of promising practices‣ An improved understanding of capacity issues and strategies for how to build the capacity needed for theplanning and implementation of client based services.The area where discussion was started but more work is needed is creating opportunities for communities andTribal Councils to share and discuss their delivery approaches to client services. One of the key learning from theworkshop is that Working Together Effectively is an on-going issue and not something that can be adequatelyaddressed in one workshop.9 | P age

In August 2010, I was offered the position of the Treaty Relations Coordinator. Since taking over this role I wasvery fortunate to have the Elders Council and Elders Coordinator to provide me with the guidance, support andinput we require furthering our work in our Treaty Discussions.We are also very fortunate to have our Treaty Issues Working Group (TIWG) which consists of:Health:Livelihood:Gloria Fraser or Michelle Voyageur (alternate)Darryel Sowan and/or Joseph Jobin and Nora AlookEducationChildren’s Agenda:Treaty Discussions:Dale Awasis or Audrey Marshall (alternate)Ann NipshankDustin Twin and Gwen MuskwaThe TIWG members is the dedicated staff in the organization who have the knowledge and expertise in each ofthe practical measure areas who provide recommendations and guidance required to further our work inunderstanding our Treaty Rights in each of these areas.Our focus this year was on Treaty Research. We had to transcribe and transfer to permanent storage of all ourinternal Elder’s interviews which has now been completed. We also reviewed all previous research documentsdeveloped over the past 10 years in each of the Practical Measures areas to develop a “Gap Analysis” on differentissues impacting our Treaty Rights. We found that it is mostly policy and legislation being developed both at theFederal and Provincial level that keep hindering our Treaty Rights, especially on our rights to hunting, fishing andtrapping.We will continue to review and compile information provided by the Elder’s interviews both internally and wewill be looking to the TARR Centre for any additional information from previous interviews done by both TARRand IAA so that we can do an analysis and compile the Elder’s understanding and start defining our Treaty Rightsin a more comprehensive way. It is our Elders who hold this knowledge and we want to honor their work theyhave provided in the past and to continue our fight with governments to implement and uphold our Treaty basedon the Elder’s understanding and the “true spirit and intent”.The Guiding Principles to the Treaty Relationship (GPTR’s) which the Elders have provided for us are still awork in progress as Canada did have issues with some of the language within the document, we have made someamendments to the principles and will work towards sign off by both Treaty 8 and Government of Canada. Theseprinciples will be the basis for further discussions on developing an understanding of our Treaty Rights by boththe parties.11 | P age

Both Dustin Twin and I sit on the Treaty Relations Commission Working Group (TRCWG) which consists ofrepresentatives from Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 as well as representatives from Canada. This working groupmandate is to explore the proposed Alberta Treaty Commission. This working group has established a subgroupto look at developing options for a proposal for the proposed Alberta Treaty Commission. It will beimperative that we seek input from our Leadership, Elders and community members to develop the mandate forthis commission. There are two existing Treaty Commission; one in Saskatchewan and the other in Manitoba.Canada will be seeking a mandate for two additional Commission one in Alberta and the other in Ontario. If thisCommission is to be established as an independent body, we want to ensure it is reflective and given the mandateto look after the Alberta First Nation interests.These are the highlights of work that was undertaken within our workplanand budget for this fiscal year. In order to do this work, we need guidanceand input from our Elders which is the other major activity in our workplan.In order to seek input from our Elders we hold meetings with the Treaty 8Elder’s Advisory Council which we schedule twice a year. Our first onewas at our “Honouring our Treaty Gathering” in Sucker Creek on July2010 and the second one was held in February 2011 in Slave Lake whichwas our “Elders and Youth Symposium”. These two gathering were verysuccessful and a special thank you to Sucker Creek First Nation forhosting our gathering last year.We also hold Elder’s Focus Group sessions with a smaller group of the Elders Council and this year we werefortunate to have four meetings. We held meetings in June, September, December and March. From thesemeetings we get recommendations, guidance and input which we incorporate into our work and provide it to theChiefs for advice as well.The Elders are our teachers and would like to extend a very special thank you for your dedication and knowledgethat assist and guide us in our work. Also to our Chiefs who provide their knowledge and political support in thework we do as well. It is with this combined and unified support we will continue our fight to seek trueimplementation of our Treaty Rights based on ourunderstandings and inherent rights.I look forward to next year and working with our great Treaty 8team!“To Protect, Promote, Bring to Life,Implement, and Sustain the TrueSpirit and Intent of Treaty No. 8 aslong as the Sun shines, the Grassgrows and the Waters flow.”Treaty Relations StaffGwen Muskwa, Sharlene Alook, Dustin Twin, Lorraine Papequash12 | P age

13 | P age

JUSTICEApplication for funding was made to Justice Canada to fund a Justice Coordinator for theremainder of the fiscal year.The goals of the Justice workplan was to develop a Justice Survey. The survey was to becirculated to the Treaty 8 First Nations (Alberta) and to compile the responses into commonJustice concerns which are impacting the Treaty 8 members. The second goal was tocoordinate a Justice Forum of representatives from the respective First Nations and bothCanada and Alberta at the table. The third goal was to request for a representative from each ofthe Tribal Councils, Bigstone Cree and Smith’s Landing First Nation to discuss therecommendations from the Justice Forum held at the Sawridge Hotel in Slave Lake.Justice / Elder’sCoordinatorDustin TwinThe survey questionnaire was filled in by representation from most of the First Nations, although not in greatnumbers the concerns identified were common amongst many of the First Nation members who completed thesurvey forms (results available upon request).Samples of the comments made under the “Other comments” section of the survey questionnaire are:“Early Prevention & Awareness of Justice can lead Youth a crime free life style; also role models have a stronginfluence.”“Structure or boundaries are crucial; discipline & consequences have to be defined; Family/God/Elders have toplay a big role; and I’m in support of all initiatives that are focused on prevention & rehabilitation.”Annual Report – 2010/2011 JusticeSamples of the comments/recommendations given by the JusticeForum participants, and Justice Action Committee are:“We are at a crucial time; we are losing our Traditional Elders”“We need to gather the Elders knowledge while they are with us.”“We need to honor our Elders while they are still with us. Get theirbios and contributions they have made in their community.”“Need to develop a 5 year strategic plan for Justice.”“Create Youth programs to give them new experiences and keep them busy. “14 | P age

(A complete list of the recommendations and comments from the Justice Forum and the Justice Action Committeeare available upon request.)The Justice Coordinator was funded for this fiscal year with no commitment for the next fiscal year due to theuncertainty of the Federal Election.There are some First Nations who have an interest in exploring the development of a Justice Program in their FirstNation.Some Tribal Councils have established a Policing program toserve the First Nations of their Tribal Council area. Some FirstNations have Crime Prevention programs and other FirstNations have had Youth Sentencing Circles and RestorativeJustice programs in their communities.Due to uncertainty of future funding to support a JusticeCoordinator beyond March, 2011 because of the FederalElection, Treaty 8 will await the results of the election and theapproval of the Federal budget.“Do you not allow the Indians to make their ownconditions, so that they may benefit as much aspossible? Why I say this is that we today makearrangements that are to last as long as the sunshines and the water runs. Up to the present I haveearned my own living and worked in my own wayfor the Queen. It is good. The Indian loves his wayof living and his free life. When I understand youthoroughly I will know better what I shall do. Up tothe present I have never seen the time when Icould not work for the Queen, and also make myown living. I will consider carefully what you havesaid.” Keenooshayo15 | P age

Chief Leon ChalifouxChief of LivelihoodChief James AhnassayDeputy Chief ofLivelihoodMessage from the Chief of Livelihood – Chief Leon Chalifoux, Swan River FirstNation:The Livelihood department is comprised of Consultation, Environment, LandManagement and Resource Development and the department’s role is to providecoordination, facilitation, and advocacy services and functions on ‘livelihood’ relatedmatters and issues. With the collective direction of the Chiefs Livelihood Committee(Chief Arthur Noskey, Chief James Ahnassay, Chief Richard Kappo, Chief RoxanneMarcel, Proxy Chief Clayton Auger) and the Consultation Technical Team (SteveKutmulycki, WCTC, Roy Vermillion, ATC, Jim Webb, NPTC, Allen Willier, LSLIRC, AlRollins, KTC) the Livelihood department continues to ensure all related information isshared with the member First Nations and the efforts remain focused on ensuringrecognition and respect of our Treaty Rights. I wish to extend my appreciation andgratitude to those mentioned above for their time and hard work.Director of LivelihoodJoseph JobinDarryel Sowan left Livelihood, T8FNA, on December 1, 2010 to pursue a newemployment opportunity. Livelihood extends its best wishes to Darryel and success tohis future endeavors! Joseph Jobin resumed the role of Director of Livelihood. Theposition for the Land Management & Resource Development Manager remained vacantdue the short time left in the fiscal year but will be filled in the near future.Executive AssistantNora AlookIdeas Group (formerly known as Trilateral):This group was originally set up by GOA under the Protocol Agreement, Government to Government Relations.From the start, Treaty 8 has always questioned the structure of this group and formation. This group is no longerin existence.On March 21, 2011, the three Treaty area Grand Chiefs met with Minister Len Webber. The Minister suggestedrevitalizing the Consultation Review sub-table. Alberta proceeded with drafting the Terms of Reference for thesub-table and developed a matrix (for discussion purposes) on four key issues: 1. Ongoing process for dialogue,2. Consultation on high level government initiatives, 3. Triggers for Consultation, and 4. Delegation ofprocedural aspects of consultation.This process was not necessarily agreed upon by the Grand Chiefs as it did not address the concerns raised bythe Treaty 8 Position Paper on Consultation.First Nation Consultation Policy on Land Management & Resource Development-Review:In 2006 and again in 2009, the Treaty Chiefs of Alberta passed Resolutions unanimously rejecting andreaffirming the rejection of GOA’s First Nations Consultation Policy. The Policy is not being followed in a fairand consistent manner by Alberta’s various Ministries and is often ignored altogether when it is viewed as animpediment or inconvenience by Crown officials. On May 20, 2009, Minister Zwozdesky asked the GrandChiefs of Treaty No. 6, 7 and 8 on how they wanted to proceed with the Policy review.16 | P age

The Chiefs recommended implementing the Mikisew principles including other relevant court case principles intothe Policy. On October 2, 2009 in responding to September 3 rd letter, Premier Stelmach stated “The principlesoutlined in the Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada court decision represent a good foundation for discussingchanges to the Policy and Guidelines.”Top consultation lawyers drafted a Position Paper on Consultation based on discussions from the Alberta Chiefsmeetings. The draft Position Paper on Consultation was further reviewed by Treaty 8 technicians and a rep fromthe independent Nations and the Tribal Councils. The revised copy was then submitted to the Assembly of TreatyChiefs meeting which was held on June 1, 2 & 3, 2010. At this meeting, it was suggested that the Alberta Chiefsmeet and discuss solely the subject matter of Consultation. This meeting occurred in Calgary at the Assembly ofTreaty Chiefs meetings held on August 24 & 25, 2010.The final draft of the Position Paper was submitted to the Government of Alberta’s Premier Ed Stelmach, to thePrime Minister Stephen Harper, to the Honourable Len Webber and to the Grand Chiefs of Confederacy of TreatySix First Nations and Treaty 7 Management Corporation on September 30, 2010, with a copy to each Ministrywithin the Government of Alberta. So far, P. Monteith, Executive Correspondence Officer, acknowledged receiptof the Position Paper on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.Jasper National Park of Canada – Aboriginal Inclusion in the Park:The Jasper Aboriginal Forum (JNP) committee have continuously been informed and reminded that they need toconsult with First Nations directly, especially those First Nations of Treaty No. 8 (1899). Jasper National Park(JNP) has always “glossed over” the fact that their park is directly on our Treaty and Aboriginal lands. When thePark was formed in 1903, the federal government kicked the First Nations peoples out of the Park. JNPrepresentatives stated they do not want to deal with rights-based interests to the Park and in respect to the FirstNations, i.e., Treaty Rights. They prefer to deal only with those who have “historical interests”, i.e., AseniwucheWinewak Nation.The mountains are the sacred places since time immemorial, a place to gather strong medicine that only grow onthe mountains. It is also a place to practice key ceremonies that can only be practiced at these locations becauseof its close connection to the Creator.Environment, Land Management & Resource DevelopmentWater Allocation Sub-Table:On the September 3 rd , 2009 letter addressed to Premier Ed Stelmach, the need for immediate discussion wasclearly identified for the management of water allocations sub-table pursuant to the Protocol AgreementGovernment to Government Relations.On April 20, 2010, Chief of Livelihood, Chief Leon Chalifoux met with Minister Rob Renner. Chief Chalifouxwas very clear that he was not acting or speaking on behalf of the other Chiefs and that a meeting had to takeplace that included all Treaty 8 Alberta Chiefs. This was the first productive meeting which has resulted inseveral meetings between AENV and Livelihood staff to address the issue of a deficient working relationship andrespect. A potential one-day meeting between Treaty 8 Alberta Chiefs and Minister Renner was discussed but didnot occur.17 | P age

On October 29, 2010, Livelihood department met with AENV staff to finalize the agenda for the November 2 ndmeeting. One of the items that AENV was insisting had to be on the agenda was ‘relationship building’. OnNovember 2 nd , 2010, a meeting occurred between Minister Rob Renner, ADM Bev Yee, AENV AboriginalRelations staff and representing Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, Chief Janvier, Chief Paulette, Chief Noskey,Chief Laboucan and T8FNA staff, Victor Horseman, Joseph Jobin and Nora Alook.Minister Renner committed to scheduling meetings with the Tribal / Regional Councils and independent Nations.Another commitment identified is to schedule meetings between the senior staff of AENV and T8FNA toestablish a path for relationship building and to develop a Terms of Reference. Unfortunately, T8FNA has beenunsuccessful to meet with AENV although a number of meetings were booked only to be cancelled by AENV.BILL S-11:On November 18, 2010, a mandate was given to a “ChiefsWater Committee” via Assembly of Treaty Chiefs (AOTC)Resolution to negotiate, on a without prejudice basis, with theGOC to develop changes to Bill S-11 or any replacementlegislation and related funding and policy issues. There is noTreaty 8 First Nations involvement in this process; however, the“Committee” has committed to make presentations and updateson their progress at the AOTC meetings. The current membersare Montana, Samson, Louis Bull, Tsuu T’ina, Whitefish andAlexis.Assembly of Treaty Chiefs Fall SittingRadisson Hotel Edmonton South, Nov. 16, 17 & 18, 2010Treaty 8 Livelihood attended a meeting on February 3 rd , 2011, where a draft negotiating position was presented.Chief Cameron Alexis made a submission to the Senate Committee who were conducting hearings on Bill S-11based on this position. Livelihood attendance was limited to that of an observer. Full participation required aretainer fee to be deposited into a lawyer’s account; an agreement to share in legal and consultant fees on a goforwardbasis; and a commitment to pay travel costs for designated representative.Joseph Jobin, Director of Livelihood, attended and presented to the Senate Committee on March 2 nd , 2011 onbehalf of Treaty 8 Grand Chief.The Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta (the T8FNA) has consistently communicated our willingness to work withthe Minister of Indian Affairs on issues that impact our members. Our First Nation leadership want to ensure thatour member First Nations have access to safe drinking water as a basic human right and as a means to exerciseour Treaty Rights. The Treaty 8 Chiefs of Alberta recognize the need to fill the regulatory gap. Therefore, wewould support legislation that respects our right to have a clear and central role in the regulation of water in ourcommunities, that presents some practical possibility of actually improving drinking water for First Nations, andwhich respects our Treaty and Aboriginal rights. We would support legislation that is developed in genuineconsultation and collaboration with First Nations.Due to the recent Federal election, Bill S-11 is no longer valid however this legislation will return.18 | P age

Public Lands Administration Act:T8FNA was asked to coordinate a combined response on commitment and recommendations of the FNs withoutany “official” political implications. This proposed regulation has a potential for a significant impact on theTreaty and Aboriginal rights and our ability to exercise these rights. There are very clear Treaty-based issues thataffect the FNs which made sense to collectively identify those common issues and cost share the legal andtechnical analysis and to provide an even platform for FNs to engage in the discussions. Robert Freedman, JFKLaw, was retained. A few of T8 Alberta FNs participated in cost sharing the legal fees for Robert to conduct areview of the regulation and provide advice on potential impacts to Treaty and Aboriginal rights. This initiative isin progress.Keepers of the Athabasca:This organization is comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, environmental groups, concernedcitizens and communities working together for the protection of air, water and land. Our on-going support of thisgrassroots organization is based on a Resolution by the AoTC. The Keepers of the Athabasca organization ishosting the “Keepers of the Water V: Water of Life” gathering on August 10-14, 2011 at Lac Brochet, MB.West Moberly vs. BC (Inspector of Mines):JFK Law Corporation lawyer was retained to prepare an application to intervene in the West Moberly v. BC case.A number of T8 Alberta FNs agreed to cost share on the legal fees. West Moberly claimed the mining permitswould cause adverse impacts to its Treaty 8 right to hunt caribou. Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta agrees withthe submissions of West Moberly First Nations that Williamson J. took the correct approach in assessing thenature and scope of West Moberly First Nations’ harvesting rights under Treaty 8 and applying the legalprinciples of consultation and accommodation to the specific record before him. Treaty 8 First Nations of Albertaagrees that British Columbia had not met its duty to consult and accommodate in the case at bar. Consultationand accommodation in relation to potential impacts to Treaty 8 rights must be meaningful, and the Crown mustconsider factors relating to the meaningful exercise of Treaty rights in consultation processes. The mandate of theparticular government officials tasked with undertaking consultation with the First Nation cannot limit the ambitof consultation. This court case has been decided and T8FNA participation was a factor.Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) - Boreal Leadership Council (BLC):CBI is a national convener for conservation in Canada’s boreal forest and committed to working withconservation groups, First Nations, resource companies and industries, governments and scientists. CBI workswith the BLC and serves as BLC’s secretariat. Jim Webb is the representative on this Council on behalf of Treaty8 First Nations of Alberta. The BLC are signatories to the Boreal Forest Conservation Framework. TheFramework is posted on their website at http://www.borealcanada.ca/lead-council-e.php.19 | P age

In early February 2011, Dale Awasis was appointed Director of Education for the Treaty 8 First Nations ofAlberta. The mandate of the Education Department is to oversee the development of a comprehensive,contemporary and holistic education system. To this end the current fiscal year work plan identifies activitiesthat will move towards attaining the overall mandate. These activities are Strategic Planning Retreat,Community Consultation and Development of Educational Jurisdictional Capacity.SPECIAL EDUCATION REPORTTreaty 8 Special Education FundingSpecial Education funding will support both direct and indirect services using an Intervention Basedapproach. Under this approach, teachers/specialists with the appropriate training are able to use and interpretassessment instruments to develop Individualized Program Plans and the necessary intervention programs toaddress the students’ immediate needs while awaiting formal assessments. This approach permits theflexibility to utilize intervention strategies more quickly.Most of INAC’s resources will continue to be allocated to First Nation schools using the Intervention BasedApproach. Some resources will be reserved for those students diagnosed with Extra-Ordinary/Profoundneeds. Students with Extra-Ordinary/Profound needs will be funded using the new Assessment BasedApproach.Students with Extra-Ordinary/Profound needs are those students with SEVERE Disabilities who requireconstant one-on-one assistance to complete regular tasks, as well as extensive additional supports, some ofwhich can be found on the Monitoring Checklist. The intention is that only the most profoundly disabledstudents will be eligible for this funding.Dossier Special Education ImplementationIn order to improve data collection within Treaty 8 we have moved towards a secure, online data managementsystem called Dossier. This electronic database replaces the current paper system and allows schoolinformation to be stored securely and that it is accessible by only those who the community authorizes.Towards this end we developed a training manual and conducted training at all the participating bandoperated schools this year. While there we gathered feedback on the training procedure and the school’simpressions on Dossier.20 | P age

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINGDoris Gladue has been working as the MOU Coordinator for Treaty 6, 7, and 8. The position, which is housed inthe Treaty 8 sub office in Edmonton, Alberta, is supported through INAC’s EPP (Education Partnership Proposal)joint initiative amongst Treaty 6, 7 and 8. Under the direction of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 Directors of Education, theMOU Coordinator provides administrative support to the First Nations Working Group and organizes informationfrom all MOU sub tables and prepares correspondence and reports for AoTC (Assembly of Treaty Chiefs).Evelyn Goodstriker has been hired as the IKWC Project Coordinator. Her role as IKWC Manger, which ishoused at the Treaty 7 office in Calgary, Alberta, is to develop a multi-year business and implementation plan forthe Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC) that will include the Centre’s mandate, short, mediumand long term goals, governance structure, options for creating a legal entity for the Incorporation of IKWC,scope of operations and staffing requirements.FIRST NATION, METIS, INUIT EDUCATION COUNCIL (FNMI)The Minister of Education, in collaboration with the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, Ministerof Aboriginal Relations and leaders of First Nations represented by the Grand Chiefs of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No.7 and Treaty No. 8, together with the Presidents of the Métis Nation of Alberta and Métis Settlements GeneralCouncil, have established a First Nation and Métis Educational Partnership that will help guide the futuredirection of FNMI Education in Alberta. This will be a true partnership, owned by the participant, that will helpto identify and complement the work we must all undertake within our own areas and organizations to reduce andultimately eliminate the gap in educational achievement for FNMI learners.CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENTGrade One: Treaty 8 Grade One Social Studies curriculum is now a supplementary resource recognized withAlberta Education.Grade Two: Since the completion and publishing of Grade One, Treaty 8 has been in the development stages ofthe Grade Two Social Studies curriculum. To date, the curriculum is in the draft stage with unit lesson plans andthe three booklets to be completed to accompany the curriculum.1.• Social Studies Curriculum in draftGrade Two• Teachers Guide• Three Additional resource booklets – Mother Earth, Cultural Ceremonies and Celebrations, The TreatyProcess21 | P age

EDUCATION PROJECTS REPORTTreaty 8 First Nations of Alberta manages the following Education Projects for the Treaty 8 respectivecommunities:FNIYES – Skills Link Summer Student Employment Opportunities, Teacher Recruitment and Retention,and Parental and Community EngagementYouth Work Experience Mentored and ICT Program - this program supports the provision of opportunitiesfor mentored work experience for youth 15-30 years who are unemployed or under employed. Exposes youth tovarious careers and promotes the benefits of education as being the key to labor market participation.Career Promotion and Awareness - this program supports cooperative Education and provides school-basedwork and study opportunities, career planning, and life and work skills.Science and Technology - promotes science and technology as an educational career choice and encourages theenhancement of traditional knowledge.Summer Student Employment Opportunities - supports skills acquisition through provision of wage subsidiesfor short term work experience and assists secondary and post-secondary students to prepare for future entry intothe labor market to access summer employment.Teacher Recruitment and Retention - this initiative is to assist band operated schools to recruit and retainqualified teachers and educators and provide them with professional development opportunities.I sit on the AHHRI committee where I represent Treaty 8 Education department on educational initiatives beingundertaken in Treaty 8 communities. I also represent Treaty 8 on the FNMI partnership working group.Education Commission MembersChief Rose LaboucanTheresa TuccaroGloria CardinalLorna ThiessenJudy Kim-MeneenRita MartenRay PetersAl RollinsPortfolio Chief for EducationElder RepresentativeDirector of Education – Little Red River Cree NationDirector of Education – Western Cree Tribal CouncilEducation Representative – North Peace Tribal CouncilDirector of Education – Athabasca Tribal CouncilDirector of Education – Bigstone Cree NationCEO – KeeTasKeeNow Tribal Council RepresentativeDirector of Education – Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council22 | P age

Education StaffPortfolio Chief of EducationChief Rose LaboucanDirector of EducationDale AwasisSpecial Education ManagerEileen LinesEducation Projects ManagerEsther GirouxAdministrative AssistantJustine Supernault23 | P age

Tansi, my name is Lorraine Meneen, and I am the Health Director for Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta. Ihave been in this position for six weeks, and I must state this report is largely due to the wonderful support Ireceive from my staff. We continue to manage overall operations and improve effective communicationswith Treaty No. 8 (Alberta) members and respond to significant issues effecting their healthcare. Wecontinue to advocate on health issues that concern our members at the Provincial and Federal level, maintain astrong voice in regards to Health as a Treaty Right, strengthen the co-management process, maintaining fairand equitable decision making processes, and update and follow up on all health initiatives.The Health Department continues to serve as a connection to the FirstNations largely through the Health Commission. The commission continuesto meet to discuss, share and address First Nations health issues and concerns.Our Health Commission consists of Chief Gordon Auger, as the HealthPortfolio Chief, Tribal Council Health Directors and Elders. Chief AllanAdam was also one of the Health Portfolio Chief’s but has decided totemporally step down to concentrate on his community. We would like totake this time to Thank Chief Adam for taking the time away from hisChief Auger & Chief Adamcommunity to provide sound advice and direction to the Health Commission. The Health Commissioncontinues to be an integral part of our department. The Health Commission members continue to bringcommunity perspective/issues and knowledge regarding the health needs and concerns of their member FirstNations. We are thankful for their continued support, guidance and determination in working towardimproving the health outcomes of their communities.Some of the highlights of the past year include:• Continued planning and work on building a Treaty 8 Comprehensive Health System• Health information Management initiatives; Telehealth, Epicentre and Regional Health Survey• Direct assistance with Treaty 8 communities on health related issues• Monthly Health Commission Meetings• CIET Project• Initial Work on the NIHB Denial Tracking Initiative• First Nations Health Managers Forum• Development of an Environmental Health Committee• Exploratory Health Tripartite discussions• Participation at the Treaty Discussions Table• On-going work with the Bilateral Process• Attendance at National Health CommitteesElders Mary Young, Joe Whitehead Sr.,Ruth Gladue and Doris CourtorielleHealth Commission MeetingBigstone Health Centre24 | P age

Developing a Comprehensive Health SystemStrategic Planning – March 4 th , 2011The Health Staff along with the supportof the Chief Operating Officer, TreatyRelations and our FNIH zone manager,held a strategic planning session inMarch 2011 to compose the stepsrequired in developing aComprehensive Health System. Theplanning session was facilitated byMichelle Voyageur, Chantale Strangand Marie Delorme with ImaginationGroup.Treaty 8 Health has completed the preliminary internal process of developing a Comprehensive Health System(CHS) for the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta. Developing the CHS preliminary process consists of 7 keystrategic priorities: Communications, Funding, Treaty Right to Health, Community / Political Support, WholisticInter-Departmental Relationships, Researching and Archiving & Create Partnerships.We believe the time has arrived in moving forward to the development of a Comprehensive Health System as wecontinue our work on our mandate regarding Health. The funding of this position would become involved intargeting the strategic objectives in building a contemporary comprehensive health system for Treaty 8 FirstNations of Alberta.We look forward to the upcoming year and will be moving on strengthening our Treaty Right to Health bybeginning to look at the development of a Treaty 8 Comprehensive health system.The health department is comprised of several programs / projects; below is a brief summary of activities foreach:Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Policy AnalystThe NIHB Policy Analyst is an advocacy position used to improve and maintain the level of service of the NIHBprogram affecting the members of Treaty No. 8. The role of the NIHB Policy Analyst is to actively reviewproposed policy changes to the NIHB program and to ensure that the interests of the members of Treaty 8 areconsidered. As well, the NIHB Policy Analyst maintains a seat on the Co-Management NIHB sub-committeeensuring that Treaty No. 8 has a voice in the discussions that occur regionally.25 | P age

At the Co-Management NIHB sub-committee members have been working on developing a regional “DenialTracking System”. This system will be used to track what benefits individuals are being denied. Treaty 8 FirstNations of Alberta is in the process of securing a NIHB Navigator; a position that will be used to assist Treaty 8members with accessing NIHB related programs and services.The policy analyst continues to represent Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta at the AFN NIHB caucus. It is throughthis caucus that regions are influencing NIHB policies and programs at the National level.Michelle Voyageur is the current NIHB Policy Analyst and began working with the Health department in July2010. She is currently the co-chair of the Co-Management NIHB sub-committee.Health CareersThe Treaty 8 Health Careers Program is dedicated to increasing Treaty 8 membershipawareness of the many challenging and rewarding careers in the field of health care.When most people think of health care careers, they think of doctors or nurses. Butthere are more than 100 different allied health care careers available, and there havebeen many Aboriginal health care training programs developed for delivery at postsecondaryinstitutions or in our communities to assist in increasing the First Nationhealth care workforce within Treaty 8. It is the intent of our program to identify,cultivate, and support these potential health care workers from our communities, sothey may access or pursue education and training, and come back to deliver health careservices to our members.Janice ChalifouxEach year the “Francis Meneen HealthWarrior” and “Francis Willier HealthWarrior” Memorial Scholarships areawarded to Treaty 8 members that arepursuing health careers. The 2010 – 2011scholarships has been awarded to SherryWillier, Nursing Student.Ann Nipshank, Gloria Fraser & Chantale StrangHalloween 2010 – Treaty 8 Sub OfficeElder Ruth GladueHealth Commission Member &AHHRI Working Group ElderJanice Chalifoux, Health Careers Coordinator, will be on maternity leave for the upcoming year.26 | P age

Co-Management LiaisonThe Alberta First Nations / FNIHB Regional Health Co-Management Committee was structured to jointly assess,analyze, plan, and manage the administration of the Alberta Region Envelope. A formal agreement to co-managethe regional envelope was signed on November 18, 1996 by Alberta Chiefs and the Minister of Health. TheTerms of Reference were finalized in 1997.The essence of co-management in health services is based upon a viable partnership between First Nationscommunity representatives and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch. The goal of this partnership is todevelop strategies leading to community health programs of direct client benefit. At times, these strategies havefocused on building infrastructure, while at other times the focus has been on the development of health programs.Caroline Adam is the current Co-Management Liaison, she assumed the position in January of 2011.There are six Co-Management sub-committees; each of the committees has two representatives from each Treatyarea and two FNIH members.Representing the Sub-Committees are:Co-Management:Children & Youth:Governance & Capital:Health Protection:Mental Health & Addictions:NIHB:Prevention:Chief Allan Adam, Chief Gordon Auger, AlternateBernadette-Sawan, Ann NipshankKirsten Dupres, G Barry PhillipsPatrick Mercredi, Florence WillierMarilyn Willier, Marcella SchnurrMichelle Voyageur (Co-Chair), G Barry PhillipsPaulette Campiou, Wendy WardElder Joe WhiteheadS.R. (Muskwa) HealthCommission Member27 | P age

Each Sub-Committee shares decision making responsibility over specific programs:Children & Youth – Areas of responsibilityinclude: Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve,Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, FetalAlcoholism Spectrum Disorder, and MaternalChild HealthGovernance and Capital – Aboriginal HealthServices Accreditation, Aboriginal HealthTransition Fund, Aboriginal Health HumanResources Initiative, Capital And FacilityManagement, E-Health, Health CareersProgram, Health Consultation and Liaison,Health Planning and Management, SecurityServices in health facilitiesHealth Protection – Communicable DiseaseControl, Blood Borne Pathogens and SexuallyTransmitted Infections, Tuberculosis (TB),Environmental HealthMental Health & Addictions – Brighter Futures /Building Healthy Communities, NNADAP,National Aboriginal Youth Suicide PreventionStrategy, Youth Solvent Abuse ProgramPrevention Program – Aboriginal DiabetesInitiative, Community Health Representatives,Home and Community Care, Injury Prevention,Nursing NutritionNIHB – Dental Services, MedicalTransportation, Mental Health, Pharmacy &VisionCo-Management Priorities for 2010 – 2015 are:1. Increase collaboration between partners2. Positively change health outcomes3. Improve collection, access and use of health data4. Achieve strategic outcomes:- Improved immunization rates- Reduced rates of teenage pregnancies- Increased age of initiation to alcohol- Accredited Health Director Training- Reduced incidence of gang-related activities and incidence of familyviolence5. Recommitment to Co-Management principlesElder Gabe MeneenHealth CommissionMember28 | P age

Treaty 8 Internal Co-Management Review:As Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta continues to work toward improved Health Care outcomes for the memberFirst Nations it serves, the concern of the Co-Management process continues to be a concern. In 1996 theagreement was first established between the First Nations representing the 3 Treaty areas of Alberta and thecurrent Regional First Nation and Inuit Health of Health Canada. The agreement was to “co-manage” the HealthCanada allocations to the Regional envelope. In the past number of years since the inception of the Co-Management agreement concerns have been brought to the attention of the Chiefs of Alberta. There have beentwo Co-Management reviews conducted, in 2004 and 2007, recommendations were made and the result has beenthe same. Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta conducted an internal review in June 2010.2001 - 2002 RecommendationsCompleted2007 RecommendationsCompleted14%16%33%37%YesNoIn ProgressPoor59%14%23%4%YesNoIn ProgressPoor2001-2002 Recommendation topic:(Percentage of topic regarding findings)2007 Recommendation topic:(Percentage of topic regarding findings)42%4% 6%8%23%6%11%CommunicationCapacity BuildingNational/RegionalNIHBTerms of RefFunding FormulaSub-Committee32%14%27%27%Co-ManagementCommitteeSub-Com / WorkingGroupsLogistics & ProcessesTransparency &Accountability29 | P age

Respectfully yours,The Health Team of Treaty 8 First Nations of AlbertaDirector of HealthLorraine MeneenExecutive AssistantChantale StrangNon-Insured Policy AnalystMichelle VoyageurCo-Management LiaisonCaroline AdamA/Health CareersCoordinatorShelly Gladue30 | P age

Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Children’s Agenda has wrapped up their activities in the last fiscal year. From April1, 2010 to March 31 st , 2011 the Children’s Agenda completed the work plan goals and objectives for that period. TheAboriginal Health Transition Fund (Health Canada) provided the Children’s Agenda with financial support during thattime. The Children’s Agenda accomplished key outcomes by setting up the best practice sites in the communities ofDene Tha’ First Nations, Sturgeon Lake First Nations and Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council. We testedimplementation of the Intake referral process and youth councils. The health determinant research was conducted inthe Lesser Slave Lake communities and a final report was completed. When the funding ended with AHTF, theChildren’s Agenda researched funding opportunities. For several months the Children’s Agenda Manager reviewedfunding opportunities to support the Children’s Agenda initiative. By February 10, 2011 the Children’s Agenda wasapproved for funding by the Rural Alberta Development Fund for $1.5 million dollars. Beginning February 1, 2011 toMarch 31 st , 2013 we will be working on completing the final version of the Children’s Agenda Family ServiceDelivery Framework.The Children’s Agenda Family Service Delivery Framework has been mandated by the leadership of Treaty 8. TheChildren’s Agenda was established in 2003 where extensive community consultation occurred in all 23 communities.The members identified community priorities; children and youth programming; early childhood developmentprograms; and culturally relevant programs. They expressed that they wanted their children, youth and families to havebetter access to children’s programming and health service delivery. The Children’s Agenda listened and created thebest practice sites, to test, and integrate programming and services at the Nation’s level. This is how the Children’sAgenda Family Service Delivery Framework was created. The Children’s Agenda developed a user friendly familyservice delivery framework. This framework is now being tested and implemented in Sucker Creek First Nation, LoonRiver First Nation, and Bigstone Cree Nation. They are known as our “test sites”. One of our major focal points is tolook closely at the Early Childhood Development programs and to assist in enhancing the existing program servicedelivery at the Nation’s level. We are working on the creation of the Jurisdictional Friendly Referral Process table,with the intention of creating protocols, and after care protocols to assist First Nation families to gain better access tohealth services and to get specialized services for their children. This table will work on the creation of a road map, aresource tool that will assist First Nation families in accessing services.The Children’s Agenda is officially a separate unit from the Health Department, in previous years the Children’sAgenda was a practical measure under the Bilateral Process and worked under the umbrella of the Health Department.However, since the Bilateral Process ended last year, July 2010, the Children’s Agenda functions as a separate entity.The Children’s Agenda works with the Children’s Programming Advisory Committee that provides advice, directiveand recommendations to the Children’s Agenda. The Children’s Programming Advisory Committee consists of Treaty8’s Child Welfare Directors and Early Childhood Development Program Directors. In addition, we seek guidance andadvice from Treaty 8’s Elder’s Council. We meet with our committees and Elder’s Council on a regular basis. TheChildren’s Agenda is staffed by the Director, Ann Nipshank, Site Technician, Raelynn Lamouche, andCommunication’s Liaison, Darcy Diachinsky. We also want to recognize Chief James Ahnassay for becoming ourChief Portfolio Holder for the Children’s Agenda.31 | P age

Next steps: The Children’s Agenda will be doing a full round of community engagements beginning in October2011 – January 2012. The purpose of the community engagements is to get final feedback from the communitymembers. This is an opportunity for the members to have a say in the work that we are doing so that we canintegrate and develop the final version of the framework that will be distributed to all the 24 First Nations withinTreaty 8.Ann Nipshank / Children’s Agenda DirectorRhonda Willier / Sucker Creek Test Site WorkerTiffany Badger / Sucker CreekDarcy Diachinsky / Communication’s LiaisonRaelynn Lamouche, Test site TechnicianHonoring our Best Practice Site of Sturgeon First NationAnn Nipshank, Chief Arthur Noskey and elder Mary KappoChief Arthur Noskey and Ginny Semantha, Dene Tha’LSLIRC Beatrice Thunder and Chief Noskey32 | P age

33 | P age

18178 – 102 Avenue EDMONTON, ALBERTA T5S 1S7Phone: 780.444.9366 Fax: 780.484.1465www.treaty8.ca34 | P age