2013/2014 Annual Report Edition 1

J. R. Twaddle Naomi White

Ivan Wells

Martin Sankey Bertha Ryan

Sue Mccormick

Tracey Green

Niko Mckay

George Bryant

Natasha Nadine

Raymond McKay

Greetings Lax Kw’laams Members, We are pleased to share with you Edition 1 of the 2013/2014 Annual Report from the Lax Kw’alaams Band. Among the highlights of the report is the beginning of construction of a new school building, plans for a new youth centre and the beginnings of our community greenhouse. The report also highlights the work of our program areas such as housing projects, strategic health planning and well-supported education initiatives. We call this “Edition 1” because there is so much more we have accomplished together over the past year, including a tremendous amount of work we are doing to make informed decisions about the future of our territory and the marine environment. Edition 1 is intended to highlight the outstanding work of our staff to provide services to members near and far. A second report “Edition 2” will focus on our challenges and progress in the areas of employment and training, economic development, and our financial position. As leaders, we are proud of all of our achievements over the past year, but also recognize that 2014 presented many challenges. As we move forward together, we will need meaningful and thoughtful engagement from our Members, accountable and transparent leadership and careful planning for an even brighter future. We thank each and every one of you who continue to contribute to our vibrant community every day. We greatly appreciate the ongoing dedication of our community member volunteers, committees, and our hard working staff. Thank you for you support. Mayor & Council

Message from Mayor & CouncilGreetings Lax Kw’alaams Members!

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Contents

4 - Health and Well-Being 8 - Enhancing Education for Lax Kw’alaams Learners 12 - Communications 18 - Fisheries 20 - Recreation & Youth 22 - Housing, Membership & Social Development

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Lax Kw’alaams Mayor & Council

Band Administrator

Health

Finance Administration

Education Fisheries Recreation Housing Membership Social Development

Lax Kw’alaams Organization Chart

Health & Well-Being

Growing Healthy LifestylesCommunity Greenhouse

In January 2013, the Lax Kw’alaams Healthy Communities Committee proposed an exciting idea to build a greenhouse in the community to provide healthier food choices and bring gardening back to Lax Kw’alaams. The Committee-- which includes representatives from the Band Council, the Recreation and Health Departments, the Coast Tsimshian Academy, the RCMP, and the Grandmothers Group --started out by researching what type of greenhouse would best suit our environment and our needs. Based on the research, they decided to purchase a 26-foot greenhouse dome from Growing Spaces. They then applied for and received over $22,000 in grant funding to build the greenhouse structure. Historically, gardening was a big part of our way of life. Almost every household in Lax Kw’alaams had their own garden, and family members worked together to prepare their gardens for each growing season. Today, with a rise in diabetes, obesity, cancer and heart disease in the community, the new greenhouse will help promote healthy lifestyles and learning about the gathering and the preservation of food. Along with a few local community members, two students who are participating in the Agriculture and Fish Processing Program in Prince Rupert have been hired to build and set up the greenhouse. The plan is to grow vegetables (60% of crop), fruit (20% of crop) and traditional herbs/teas for health and medicinal purposes (20% of crop). The Committee hopes that more youth will help with the planting, maintenance and harvesting of the produce, as well as deliver the produce to community members, especially Elders.

The Committee is looking to the community for ideas and suggestions about what should be planted in our greenhouse garden. We are also looking for donations, which will help in the initial start-up and maintenance of the garden. Donation could include gardening tools or equipment, seeds or money to go towards the development of the greenhouse. If you have questions or ideas, or would like to contribute, please contact Shawn Bourgoin: recreation_director@laxband.com

Photos of what the greenhouse may look like once it is built. 5

Health Betty Reece, Health DirectorThe Health Department coordinates a variety of programs and events for all ages and life stages including: Mom’s and Tots, Pre-Natal, Headstart, Kindergarten Fair, Girls Group, Men’s and Women’s health. We believe that everything is connected, and therefore we support and work with other programs and initiatives in the community. For example, we work with the school and the recreation centre to bring in healthier food options and support the building of a community greenhouse to supply community members with fresh, local produce.

Updates from 2013/2014

Making the Transition to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Starting in October 2013, FNHA assumed the responsibilities of Health Canada: First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which included all funding for federal programs and staffing (i.e. Health Canada staff and many health programs in Lax Kw’alaams).

The transfer of health services to the FNHA allows for greater First Nations control over the design and delivery of many of the health programs and services that serve us on a daily basis. It will also lead to a more culturally appropriate, safe and effective health system for BC First Nations.

Throughout 2013/2014, our department, Council and members have been involved in this exciting transition in a variety of ways:

• We are part of the North Coast Tsimshian Community Engagement Hub. • Council Members are very active participants in sub-regional (Northwest) and regional (Northern) caucus meetings. • First Nations Health Council (FNHC) and the FNHA representatives were invited and attended numerous meetings in Lax’ Kwalaams with Elders, Mayor and Council and community members. • The Health Director is a very active participant at the First Nations Health

Directors Association (FNHDA) meetings.

New Equipment After many years of negotiations, our community finally was able to purchase a defibrillator for the Health Centre (an electrical device that provides a therapeutic shock to the heart to help reestablish its normal rhythm; used for life threatening conditions such as arrhythmia) Patient Travel The Band increased the amount of funding available per person for patient travel Health Staff We have seen many successes in terms of our health staff. An additional nurse practitioner joined the team, which means that we now have two nurse practitioners serving four communities! We also recently hired a new Home Care Nurse who is a member of the Lax Kw’alaams band. Finally, we have been been successful in retaining more long-term nursing staff, which means better continuity of care and relationships with patients. New Programs A new Headstart Program was established in the fall, lead by Stephanie Thompson. Coming in 2014/2015 We hope to continue building relationships between the school, the recreation centre, and the health centre—towards a more integrated holistic approach to health and well-being in our community.

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The Spirit of Lax Kw’alaams celebrated its 52nd birthday this year! This ferry has seen a lot of mileage, but not to worry, in 2012 the engines were tuned up and the boat was refitted with new propellers, windows, a lounge area and a fresh paint job! The Spirit of Lax Kw’alaams has a crew of five, four of whom are Members. It can carry15 vehicles and up to100 passengers. In addition to making sure travellers get to and from Tuck Inlet and Prince Rupert, the crew also does pharmacy pickups for prescriptions and transport lab samples. These services reduce the need for patient travel, which is especially helpful for our Elders. Next year, the Spirit of Lax Kw’alaams may have a new job of filling in for the airport ferry in Prince Rupert.

Current Ferry Schedule

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY Depart Aero Point – 8am and 4pm Depart Tuck Inlet – 9am and 5pm

SUNDAY

Depart Aero Point – 4pm Depart Tuck Inlet – 5pm

Current Fares

Vehicle and Driver: $32 one way Adult: $21 one way

Seniors and Students: $15 one way Children 5 & Under: Free

Please call ahead for reservations: 250-625-2445

The Spirit of Lax Kw’alaamsCelebrating 52 years!

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Enhancing Education for Lax Kw’alaams Learners

New School Building for the Coast Tsimshian AcademyExciting Times for Lax Kw’alaams

Winter 2013: Work on building site begins

Spring / Summer 2014: Designs approved & steel erection begins

April 2015: Construction complete (expected)

September 2015: First Day of School in the new school

(expected)

These are exciting times for the Coast Tsimshian Academy and the entire community of Lax Kw’alaams. We are delighted to have started construction of the long-awaited new community school, which is anticipated to open its doors to students in September 2015! Through the hard work of band leadership and administration, the federal government agreed to invest $19.7 million in the community school. In the summer of 2014, we saw the form of the school take shape as the steel framework was built. The school is now almost fifty percent complete! The school will be a beautiful, two-storey, 2005-square-metre building, tailored to our needs, including spaces to teach home economics (with a state-of the-art kitchen), industrial arts and gathering places for cultural activities.

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Updates from 2013/2014 We drafted a post-secondary policy to help define roles and responsibilities (coming soon). The Band also increased funding for training allowances, including more funding for living expenses, tuition and bus passes. Coming in 2014/2015 • There are 44 band-funded students continuing on with College/University programs this fall! • Revise and shorten the post-secondary application package and make it available online.

• Finalize and distribute the post-secondary policy.• Bring back the upgrading program so that students can get the prerequisites they need for post-secondary education.

There were 136 graduates across all programs!

EducationLisa Green, Education Coordinator

The Lax Kw’alaams Band Education Program administers funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) to post-secondary students. We also apply for other sources of funding to implement educational programs in the community, including the reading program for pre-school to Grade 10 students. As well, the Education Program funds and administers a Summer Student Program where students 15 to 30 years old, living on-reserve, can gain work experience and job skills by working for the Band throughout July and August. This year, the Band employed an Education Coordinator Assistant and a Receptionist Assistant at the Band Office and the Health Clinic, three students at Brighter Futures Summer Camp, and three more in the maintenance shop Finally, the Education Program administers funds for the Boarding Home Program, which provides financial support to students who are attending Grades 11 and 12 in Prince Rupert.

1298113SHORT TERM

COURSESUNIVERSITY / COLLEGE

TRADES

4VOCATIONAL

227STUDENTS!

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Welcoming our new Principal!Lax Kw’alaams was delighted to welcome our new Principal at the Coast Tsimshian Academy, Mr. Kelly Rambeau!

Mr. Rambeau comes to us as a former Principle in the Nisga’a school district. He brings with him an inspiring vision, where school should be a positive and supportive environment that has the best interests of all the learners at heart. It is his belief that school staff, parents, guardians and volunteers must collaborate as a team to create a nurturing environment which supports all children to explore new ideas, challenge themselves and learn to the best of their abilities. Mr. Rambeau also encourages open communication between home and school at all times. For him, education is a shared responsibility and everyone needs to be involved. He is enthusiastic about the challenges that lie ahead and looks forward to becoming an active member of the community and getting to know all of the students, parents and community members. He is also looking forward to learning more about the about the Sm’algyax language and Tsimshian culture. He is the father of two wonderful children. Originally from Nova Scotia, Mr. Rambeau brings 27 years of skills and experience and has a Master’s Degree in Education

Coast Tsimshian Academy

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Communications

After hearing from members that improving transparency and communications are both a high priority, in January 2014 we implemented a variety of communication tools to share information and get members involved in decision making. Lax Kw’alaams Band Website and Facebook We launched a brand-new website, which has become a hub for information and updates from the Band, as well as a place to celebrate our stories and culture. Come check us out at www.laxkwalaams.ca! We also moved our social media platform to a Facebook Page, which encourages dialogue and allows us to reach more members while complying with Facebook regulations. Many of you may have also received a phone call or email from us with updates about Band meetings and other business. We are very pleased to be using these new tools to reach out to members.

Our goal is to increase transparency and to give members the opportunity to have their voices heard .

Communicating with Our MembersUpdates from 2013/2014

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Community Open Houses Community Open Houses were held in Lax Kw’alaams, Prince Rupert, Terrace and Vancouver from June 24 to 28. These were open to all members for an opportunity to learn about communications, economic development and proposed Liquified Natural Gas projects in our territory. The open house in Vancouver was live-streamed to our website and Facebook page, and the presentation boards were made available online. We also posted short videos of the presentations given by our research teams, who are helping us to understand what the potential impacts of LNG will be on our marine environment and community.

The First Survey

From January to June 2014, we sent out a survey to help us understand members’ communications preferences and opinions about LNG. The goal of the survey was to gather information that would allow us to develop an effective strategy for: • communicating fully with members both on- and off-reserve; • receiving feedback on key issues facing the nation; and • reaching key decisions efficiently with guidance from members in order to deliver further prosperity to the nation. More than 500 (18%) of members completed the survey. With so many responses, we now have a better understanding of members’ priorities and the important questions that need answering. The report, containing the full survey results, is available on the Band website at http://laxkwalaams.ca/reports/baseline-survey-results/ A follow-up survey was also conducted and the results were shared with members. The report, containing the full survey results, is also available on the Band website at http://laxkwalaams.ca/reports/key-issues-survey-results/ Coming in 2014/2015 We will continue enhancing our communications. Our communications goals for the year are to: • Continue to grow the new Lax Kw’alaams Facebook Page and website. • Hold more meetings with members on key issues. • Build more capacity for communications within the Band. Let us know how to reach you so we can keep you informed! Good communication requires good contact information. Please send your contact information to the communications team at laxkwalaamsmembers@gmail.com

Communicating with Our Members

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In the spring, the Lax Kw’alaams Community Vision Contest was held to celebrate the beauty of Lax Kw’alaams culture, territory and people. Participants submitted photos, poems, and stories to express their passion for the community and demonstrate why they are proud to be a Lax Kw’alaams member. Selecting the winners was a difficult task as all of the submissions captured many great aspects of our community, culture and what being a Lax Kw’alaams member is all about There were three prizes. Third place was selected by our communications team; second place, by members from an online survey; and first place, by a jury made up of Band employees and two members working with the communications team. And the winners were …

Jury Prize:People’s Choice ward: Third Place:

Why I love Lax Kw’alaams

I can remember as a child when I would visit with my late grandfather, Gordon, he would tell me stories like how the Halibut got its dark side, or of Txa’msem and what he did. For example, how the Steelhead got its name...

RAYMOND MCKAYGEORGE BRYANT IVAN WELLS

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Thanks to all who participated!

Community Vision ContestWhy we love Lax Kw’alaams

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Our Vibrant History

We’ve been working with the Bill Reid Centre for North Coast Studies to share their archives of Lax Kw’alaams with members. Clockwise from top right: H.N. Topley - Houses along the shoreline Marius Barbeau - Chief’s storage boxes for wealth. O.C. Hastings - Port Simpson from the hill behind the church, & Tsimshian pole of the standing-beaver.

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Clockwise from top right: G.M. Dawson - Traditional houses and poles. E. Dossetter - Lax Kw’alaams (looking across the bridge towards Rose Island) Robert Wilson Reford - Fire hall and totem poles on the water front at Port Simpson. Marius Barbeau - Old totem pole.

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FisheriesFisheries Stewardship Program

The Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries Stewardship program is run through the Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries Department. We conduct rigorous scientific research to monitor the condition and use of marine resources within the territory. Lax Kw’alaams leaders use information collected from this research in negotiations involving fishing rights or proposed industrial development

Staff - Bill Shepert – Fisheries Manager - Charmaine Carr-Harris – Contract Biologist (Skeena Fisheries Commission) - Jen Gordon – Biologist - James Russell – Fisheries Technician - Jim Henry – Fisheries Technician - Wade Helin – Fisheries Technician - John Latimer – GIS Technician Funding for core programs - Fisheries and Oceans Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) - Coast Opportunity Funds (COF) - New Relationship Trust Our Partners - Skeena Fisheries Commission - Simon Fraser University - Metlakatla Fisheries - Gitksan Watershed Authorities - Gitxaala Environmental Monitoring

Updates from Summer 2014North Coast Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring We finished our 2nd successful year of identifying important habitats for juvenile salmon in the Skeena River Estuary. The information we get from this project helps inform decisions being made about proposed development in the territory. Fisheries Monitoring Lax Kw’alaams members have a constitutional right to harvest resources from the traditional territory. On behalf of the band, Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries collects information on how many fish Lax Kw’alaams members catch so that the importance of this resource is accurately represented in negotiations with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) as well as industry. Food Fish Distribution Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries distributed sockeye and halibut to members in the Lax Kw’alaams and Prince Rupert areas. Testing the Radioactivity of Prince Rupert Harbour We collected ocean water to test for Fukishima radiation outside of Prince Rupert Harbour. Our results, and results from other locations, can be found at: http://www.ourradioactiveocean.org/results.html. Allistair Lake Hydroacoustic Study (Skeena Fisheries Commission) A Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries Technician assisted in the September 2014 hydroacoustic study of sockeye salmon in Alistair Lake. Hydroacoustics is the study of sound in water.18

Coming in Winter 2014/2015 Lax Kw’alaams Crab Population Monitoring Program (NEW) We are starting a monitoring program to collect information on the moulting timing of Dungeness crab populations in Lax Kw’alaams territory. This information is important for the protection of Lax Kw’alaams’ access to crab resources from competing commercial and recreational fisheries and proposed developments. We will be installing monitoring stations in popular crabbing areas starting October 2014. Clam Biotoxin Monitoring Program and Community Harvest Plan For the 3rd year in a row, Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries will be maintaining Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Biotoxin Stations at clam and cockle harvesting sites throughout the winter. The information collected from these stations will determine when areas are safe for the community to harvest. Openings and closings will be posted on the website and at the band office. Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries staff will visit sites regularly to collect samples and information on community harvest. Zooplankton and Ocean Water Temperature Data (in partnership with Metlakatla Fisheries) We will be collecting zooplankton samples and information on ocean temperature at key sites through our juvenile salmonid monitoring program to track changes in the habitat during the winter. This information will give us more details about where juvenile salmon need to live and how long they stay in the estuary.

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Recreation & Youth

Plans are underway to build a gathering place for the youth of the community! More than just a new building, the youth centre in Lax Kw’alaams will benefit young people in a number of ways, for example through access to youth workers and other support, youth-friendly services, programs and educational, cultural and social activities. The Lax Kw’alaams Band has hired Xaris Construction to manage the construction of the youth centre. The planning process is now underway, and the Advisory Committee has been hard at work ensuring that the youth centre meets the needs of our community Through collaboration with the Advisory Committee, and feedback from the Band Council, the preferred design connects the youth centre to the community centre, behind the Elder lodge on the south side. This option also allows the youth centre to take advantage of a shared kitchen and laundry facilities. The centre will have its own dedicated youth entrance, so that young people can feel at home. The size of the proposed youth centre is approximately 3,500 square feet. The preliminary cost estimate is around $2,393,000 and could take approximately 15 months to build. The proposed youth centre includes a lounge and multi-purpose space with games, a computer room, a homestyle kitchen and a multimedia space for movie nights and video games. Stay tuned for updates about progress on this exciting project.

A new Gathering Place for our YouthComing Soon!

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The Lax Kw’alaams Recreation Centre is home to the community post office, a full-sized gymnasium, rock wall, weight room, Elders’ room, youth lounge, and an aquatic facility that consists of a four-lane, 25-meter pool, leisure pool, lazy river, steam room, sauna and hot tub. The centre is the hub of the community and many of our community members come out to exercise, relax and play.

1. The Lax Kw’alaams Learn to Swim Program – The Lax Kw’alaams Learn to Swim program is an initiative geared towards teaching infants, toddlers and youth the basic swimming skills and how to be safe in, on and around the water. It also gives parents with young infants an opportunity to play safely with their children in the water. 2. Kayak Training and Adventure Tours – In April 2014, two participants took part in an intensive 12-day kayak-training course to get certified as a Kayak Skills Level 1 Instructor and as Assistant Overnight Guides. Upon successfully completing this course, ocean kayaking was offered as part of the CTA Physical Education Program. Students from Grades 6 to 10 received four to 10 hours of structured kayak instruction in the pool and had the opportunity to tour the Tsimshian Harbor. The goal for the future will be to offer extended trips both south and north to Paradise Passage, Burnt Cliff Island and beyond. 3. Junior Lifeguard Training – As the pool is getting busier, we have been looking to increase the number of certified lifeguards. This summer we are sending trainees to Victoria for an intensive 10-day training course where they will learn the skills essential for taking the Lifeguarding Certification Course in the fall. 4. AquaFit Classes – In March 2013, Dayna Tait participated in an AquaFit training program where she learned how to teach various kinds of AquaFit classes ranging from Community Rehabilitation for Elders to high

intensity and cardiovascular fitness. These classes are an excellent workout! Classes are being offered during lunchtime and in the early evening. 5. Sport Camps – These are funded through the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation & Physical Activity Partners’ Council. • Basketball Camp – December 2013 • Multi-Sport Camp (Floor Hockey, Basketball & Soccer) – February 2014 6. Monday Night Movie Madness! – Since this summer, we have been showing movies on our new 20x12 movie screen. Two movies are shown each night (one for children/youth and one for teens/adults) 7. 30% off sale for 10-punch passes and monthly passes – Over the past year, we have been offering the 30% off sale every three months. This has greatly helped to increase our admissions to the pool on a consistent basis. 8. Special Events • Ridley Island Terminal-Sponsored Community Day Event – December 21,2013 (96 Participants) & July 7, 2014 (87 Participants) • Halloween Event – October 30, 2013 (217 Participants) • Basketball Tournament – April 4-6, 2014 • Sports Day – May 15-18, 2014. In partnership with dedicated community members to run a variety of sports day events.

RecreationShawn Bourgoin, Recreation Director

Exciting initiatives, programs and opportunities

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Coming in 2014/2015 1. Gymnasium Renovations – On April 7, 2014, the Recreation Centre was closed for renovations. Upon re-opening in Fall 2014, we will have increased floor space in the weight room, new change rooms, new bleachers, and a hardwood floor. Stay tuned for more details on the opening date and the new scheduled programs and services. 2. Learn to Swim Program – Following the success of the Learn to Swim Program this past year, we will continue to offer this program in the 2014/2015 school years as well as structured swimming lessons for those not in school – infants, adults and Elders. 3. Future Sports and Recreation Activities and Programs • Archery Instructor Course – Training will be through the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation & Physical Activity Partners’ Council. Those interested in becoming an archery instructor and teaching archery in the community are encouraged to talk to the Recreation Director. An archery program will then be offered through the school and or recreation centre. • Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Program – In partnership with the Coast Tsimshian Academy, we will continue to offer a variety of outdoor recreation activities to the students and community members. Activities could include hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking and orienteering. • Xtreme Green Team Program – Recycling Program.

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Housing, Membership & Social Development

The Housing Department is responsible for all Band-owned homes in the community, including 34 rental units and social housing. Social housing is where the payee makes monthly payments to the Band and the Band carries the mortgage. The payee can eventually own the home. Maintenance tasks include regular upkeep, fixing damage when someone moves out, painting, and repairs to appliances, roofs, siding, doors, windows and interiors. Other tasks of the Department include construction management and rent collection. The Department also provides support for people to get loans for renovations through the Band and/or the Trust, and puts renovation contracts out for tender. This involves the following steps: 1. Member submits request 2. Committee considers request 3. Home may require inspection 4. If accepted, posting goes out for 10 working days

Updates from 2013/2014The longhouse was upgraded with electrical and doors and was re-insulated Coming in 2014/2015 Ten New Homes Britco Housing will be building 10 new homes in the community. We are currently looking for potential homeowners for these homes. If we are unsuccessful in finding homeowners for all 10 homes, we will possibly turn them into rental properties. Construction will begin in the fall of 2014; the aim is for construction to be complete by August 2015.

Housing Policy We are revamping our housing policy. The revamped policy will cover rentals, the role of occupants, the role of the committee, and procedures for contracting and construction. This policy will help to clarify expectations. The policy will also bring in yearly rental agreements (as recommended by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).

HousingReg Sampson, Housing Coordinator

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The Membership Department serves Lax Kw’alaams Band members in matters relating to the registration of births, marriages, deaths and legal name changes, as well as to the administration of status cards.

Updates from 2013/2014 New Online Application System Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) implemented a new online system. Members can now go online to apply for C-31 and C-3 status. Introducing the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) Card: The new SCIS card is more secure (minimizing likelihood of fraud), more durable (looks more like a driver’s licence), and is valid for 10 years (for adults) and five years (for children 15 years and under). In order to apply for the new card, you will need to complete the SCIS Application form, and provide your birth certificate, two passport-style photographs, and valid identification (for example, a driver’s licence). If you have taken your spouse’s last name, you will also need a copy of your marriage certificate or legal change of name document. Members are encouraged to call the Band office or AANDC for information. You do not have to go to their own Band office to renew your card. You can go to any Band office that offers this renewal service. For more information, visit: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca Reminders • After any event -- birth, death, marriage, divorce, name change -- it takes six to nine months to complete a change of record at the AANDC-BC Regional Office. • It is important for parents to register babies to the Band as soon as they receive the birth certificates from Vital Statistics. Once registration is complete, the child is entitled to medical benefits.

MembershipKaren Knott, Indian Registry Administrator

80%18%

2%

OFF RESERVE

ON RESERVE

ON ANOTHER RESERVE

“We are one of the largest First Nations in BC! As of August 2014, we had 3688 members.”

(source: First Nation Profiles, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada)26

The overall goal of the Income Assistance Program is an improved quality of life through the reduction of poverty on-reserve, as well as improved participation in the workforce for participants of the program. The Income Assistance Program provides funding to assist eligible individuals and families who live on-reserve. To determine eligibility, the Income Assistance Program requires one picture ID and one non-picture ID as well as a copy of your notice of assessment for income tax.

Updates from 2013/2014 New Online Application System Throughout 2013, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (HANDCAR conducted national program compliance reviews to ensure that First Nations communities were delivering the Income Assistance Program in step with provincial eligibility requirements, provincial rate schedules, and other program terms and conditions. The compliance review for the LKB’s Income Assistance program is now complete.

Coming in 2014/2015 Implementation of a new fully automated system for a more efficient processing of Income Assistance applications.

Social DevelopmentGwen Tait, Band Social Development Worker

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Photo Credits Vision Contest Finalists Ivan Wells - Shoreline Landscape J. R. Twaddle - Totem / Poem Martin Sankey - Eagles feeding on shoreline Naomi White - Sunset Silhouette Tracy Green - Full Moon Sue Mccormick - Father / Daughter story George Bryant - Lax Kw’alaams Fence Niko McKay - Mountain Raymond McKay - Berries Natasha Nadine - Rose Island wide angle

The Bill Reid Centre for Northwest Coast Studies - Simon Fraser University O.C. Hastings - Tsimshian pole of the standing-beaver, & Port Simpson from the hill behind the church. H.N. Topley - Houses along the shoreline Marius Barbeau - Old totem pole & Chief’s storage boxes for wealth. E. Dossetter - Lax Kw’alaams (looking across the bridge towards Rose Island) G.M. Dawson - Traditional houses and poles. Robert Wilson Reford - Fire hall and totem poles on the water front at Port Simpson.

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Contact us Administration Gerri Johnson - Reception, Ext. 221 Gerri_reception@laxband.com Tressa Johnson - Band Administration, Ext. 224 tressa_secretary@laxband.com Jody Musgrave - Clerk, Ext. 223 jody_clerk@laxband.com John Latimer, GIS Technician john_gis@laxband.com Reuben Dennis, Maintenance reuben_maintsup@laxband.com James Henry, Sr., Fire Department james_firechief@laxband.com Recreation Shawn Bourgoin, Recreation Director 250-625-3352 recreation_director@laxband.com Education Lisa Green, Education Coordinator Ext. 230 lisa_edcoordinator@laxband.com

Membership Karen Knott, Membership Administrator Ext. 235 karen_membership@laxband.com Fisheries Bill Shepert, Fisheries Resource Manager bill_fisheries@laxband.com

Economic Development Bob Moraes, Economic Development Officer bob.ecdev.laxband@gmail.com Gwendolyn Green, Community, Employment & Opportunity Coordinator 250-627-5733, gwen.blandov@citytel.net Health Betty Reece, Health Director betty_hdir@laxband.com Leanne Alexcee, Community Health Representative leanne_chr@laxband.com Angela Green, Patient Travel angela_patienttravel@laxband.com Housing Reggie Sampson, Housing Coordinator Ext. 237 reg_housing@laxband.com Social Development Gwen Tait, Social Development Ext. 233 gwen_socdev@laxband.com Fincance Polly Dudoward, Finance Ext. 227 Polly_Finance@laxband.com Karen Knott, Finance, Accounts Payable Ext. 235, karen_accountspayable@laxband.com Deanna Wesley, Finance Ext. 228 Deanna_Finance@laxband.com

Elected Mayor & Council John Helin, Mayor johnhelin15@gmail.com Helen Johnson, Deputy Mayor helen_council@laxband.com Carl Sampson Jr, Councillor sampson.carl.t@gmail.com

Christopher Sankey, Councillor chrisjsankey@gmail.com Barbara Henry, Councillor barb_council@laxband.com Geraldine Alexcee, Councillor gerri_council@laxband.com Lawrence Sankey, Councillor lawrence_council@laxband.com Robert Hughes, Councillor robbi_council@laxband.com Russell Mather Jr, Councillor russellmather3@gmail.com Stan Dennis Jr, Councillor stan_council@laxband.com Theodore White, Councillor ted_council@laxband.com Victor Kelly, Sr., Councillor victor_council@laxband.com Andrew Tait, Councillor andy_council@laxband.com

2013/2014 Annual Report Edition 1

© 2014 Lax Kw’alaams Band