spring lean up time!
TRANSCRIPT
Snuneymuxw News is published bi-weekly.
Snuneymuxw First Nation, 668 Centre St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 4Z4
Tel: 250-740-2300, 1-888-636-8789 [email protected]
Spring Clean Up Time!
Volume 7 Issue 83, April 8, 2016
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Education Department
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QQS ATTENDANCE CONTEST
Uy’skweyul Snuneymuxw Mustimuxw, Parents & Guardians;
It is time to start our new “ATTENDANCE CONTEST” for April, May and June!
I am excited to announce that we will be bringing the children who miss 2 days or less and that have 6 lates or less to PLAYLAND IN VANCOUVER!
At QQS we believe that if all of our children are at school everyday on time, we can teach them all that they need to know by the end of the school year.
Our QQS staff has been working hard to understand the needs of the school. What we do know for sure is that we need to work on attendance and getting to school on time. So, the QQS Staff have identified “ATTENDANCE” as our “Greatest Area of Need” and are totally committed to getting our students here every day and on time.
QQS ATTENDANCE CONTEST!
ALL QQS students are entered!
Our contest runs from Monday, April 11th, 2016 to June 22nd, 2016.
QQS students are expected to attend everyday on time (8:40am to 2:30pm) Except
on Mondays we have early dismissal at 2:00pm.
In this contest students MUST not miss more than 2 days.
School starts at 8:40am SHARP! If they walk in at 8:41am they are late!
Lates: what if my child is late for school? Three lates will be equivalent to one day
missed.
Early departures: if a child leaves early three or more times this will be equivalent to one day missed.
Excused absences (example: Doctor or Dentist appointments) parents MUST PHONE IN BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS AT
8:40am to report that their son/daughter won’t be at school because of an appointment or illness.
DOCTOR’S NOTE IS NOW REQUIRED IF YOUR CHILD MISSES 3 DAYS OR MORE.
SAFE ARRIVALS: Please ensure that you sign your child in upon their arrival so that we know that they have arrived at school
safely.
SAFE DEPARTURES: Please sign your child at the front desk, so that we know who they are leaving with. This also helps us
with our bus run at the end of the day. We also need to make sure we know who is in our school at all times in the event
of an emergency.
We will be taking the students who have successfully made it to school and have missed or more than 2 days of school & on time between Monday, April 11th, 2016 to June 22nd, 2016 on this VERY SPECIAL TRIP! THE QQS BEST ATTENDERS will be going to PLAYLAND IN VANCOUVER!
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Who: All of the QQS students who attend school and miss less than 2 days of school between Monday, April 11th, 2016 and June 22nd, 2016.
What: QQS Attendance Contest (for the months of April, May & June)
Where: We will be going to PLAYLAND IN VANCOUVER!
When: The trips will be on:
Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 (Bex & Peter’s Classes)
Friday, June 24th, 2016 (Lisa, Nikki and Tina’s Classes)
Why: We want ALL of our students to be here at QQS everyday!
We need your help parents, guardians, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, friends & relatives! Please help us get all of our children to
school every day and on time!
What can you do?
Set regular bed times and morning routines
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before
Don’t let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of stomach ache or headache can be a
sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, and the principal and other par-
ents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbour, or another
parent.
Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Family members can go outside and stand on their porches and driveways and give our kids positive encouragement for
going to school every day!
Ask your child/children how their day was & “What did you learn today at school?”
Be positive and encourage the kids to come to school!
It does take SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION COMMUNITY to raise a child! Please help us out by making sure that all of our stu-dents are at QQS everyday!
Yours in Education, Roxanne Harris Principal
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FIELD TRIP FORM
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
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VIU GYM WORKSHOP Tuesday April 4, 2016
On Friday April 1, 2016 the grade 4/5 & 6/7 classes went to the Vancouver Island University (VIU) gym. We went to the gym for our P.E.
class and to give the student teachers practice teaching. First thing we did was free play. There were different stations to play: hula-
hoops, stacking cups, jump bands, Frisbees, basketball, and scoops. That’s all the stations and everyone had a turn at each station.
Then the student teacher called us all over to sit down somewhere so she could tell us what we were going to do. She was saying there
are four stations. Station #1 is the omniken (a giant ball), station #2 is the track (relay races), station #3 is 4 square, station #4 is drum
fit. My favorite station was station #4 because it was fun and the music was loud. Everyone was put in different groups. And I don’t
who was in the other groups but mine. In my group was Melissa, Morgan, Gabby and me.
After, everyone was playing Titanic. It was fun because we had to use three hula-hoops and five people were on one team. It was easy
but then someone fell off so we had to help him. We made it there and back and I think our team won. After we played that game we
did yoga, everyone sat in a big circle, we had to partner up with someone. And I partnered up with Alexis. Some poses were funny and
some of then were hard too. After we did yoga, we all got water bottles with a little orange inside it.
I hope we could go to VIU again.
Written by Debbie Tommy
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Health Department
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Support Groups
Men’s Healing Group - Monday nights
Sobriety Circle - Tuesday nights
Women’s Wellness Group - Thursday nights
Youth Group (for Boys and Girls 8-18) - Times will be announced through
the Schools
Rides and Child Minding:
Should you need a ride or child minding for any of the groups being held at
the Snuneymuxw Health Center, please contact:
Health Reception at 250-740-2337 to confirm your request before 2:30 pm
on the day of your group.
Rides for members on and off reserves will begin 1 hour prior to program
start time.
If you have a group you would like to start or skills to volunteer with facili-
tating a group give us a call at the Health Center at 250-740-2337 and ask
for a Mental Health Team member.
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Social Development Department
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Important news for Snuneymuxw First Nations (SFN) Social Development Employable Clients
Currently to date SFN has 78 employable clients. Our goal is to provide support and training op-
portunities for clients to aid in the process of getting back into the work field.
Social Development strives to get all income assistance clients off income assistance to gain em-
ployment training and work. We would like to hear your voice on future training or career oppor-
tunities.
The next mandatory training is set for April 18, 2016
This is written notice to inform ALL employable Income Assistance clients that according to the
Social Development policy 2.2 -Termination of benefits- refusal to participate in an appropriate
training or rehabilitation program will result in Social Development closing your file.
FAILURE TO SHOW for any employment workshops- will result in your SA file being closed.
HYDRO BILLS
Social Development is going to try something new, which is to assist
clients with developing new life skills.
In July 2016, Social Development will be accepting copies of BC Hydro bills to add to client files
to keep updating the “equal installment rates” for each client.
Social development is allowed to pay the equal installments ONLY which is provided on client’s
BC Hydro bill and Social Development will no longer be making payments directly to BC Hydro.
We will be adding your BC Hydro payment to your SA cheque for you to pay directly.
It will be the YOUR responsibility to CHECK YOUR MAIL REGULARLY and to BRING IN A COPY OF
YOUR BILL.
NO BILL = NO PAYMENT
On Social Assistance day clients will have the responsibility to pay their BC Hydro bill either
through the bank teller or on a computer creating a BC Hydro account.
A copy of BC Hydro bills will be kept on file.
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Housing and Infrastructure Department
Spring Clean of Large Items May 24-27 Annual pick up of large items - May 24-27
Please place your items curbside BEFORE this date on May 21-23 (long weekend) for pickup
starting May 24th. Please sort your items like the picture below - items not sorted may NOT be
picked up.
What will be picked up:
Fridges/Freezers - Appliances will not be picked up if they contain any waste.
Household appliances
Televisions
Beds
Bicycles
Electronics / Stereos / VCR’s
Mattresses / Box-springs
Furniture / Couches
Computers / monitors
Tables / Chairs
Barbeques
Dishwashers
Shelving
What will NOT be picked up:
trade or industrial waste,
raw sewage or septic tank sludge,
animal feces, waste, or related pet litter products,
demolition or construction waste,
wood or wood refuse, ashes,
yard and garden waste, rocks,
engine oil, oil filters, automotive or marine-type batteries
Please contact the SFN office at 250-740-2300 if you have any questions.
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Garbage and Recycling Garbage is picked up every Thursday Recycling is picked up every Wednesday
Garbage - Please put garbage waste in good regular BLACK garbage bags not in shopping
bags. Bags that break or fall apart may NOT be picked up. Clear bags cannot be used for gar-
bage.
Recycling - Please remember that ALL recyclables MUST be in a clear plastic bag or in a recycle
bin. The Recycle Depot does not accept anything in a dark garbage bag. If it is noted that your
recyclables are not in a clear plastic bag or bin, it may NOT be picked up.
Wood - Please DO NOT put out wood or wood products on road side for garbage pick-up - we do not pick up wood.
Electronics - Please DO NOT put out your old electronics on road side for garbage pick-up - we do not pick up electronics.
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PLEASE: Have your garbage and recycling out to road side no sooner than 5:00 am and no
later than 8:00 am on the day of that service.
Please keep ditches free of debris and garbage.
Please be aware that excessive debris accumulations could cause drainage issues for yards
on the lower side of the tracks as well as provide additional havens for unwanted rodents.
What goes inside your recycling box / clear bag?
Plastic household containers including:
• Plastic beverage containers (may be returned for refund)
• Plastic condiment bottles – such as ketchup, relish, mayonnaise etc.
• Plastic cosmetic bottles – such as shampoo, hair rinses etc.
• Plastic dish soap / laundry soap
• Plastic food containers – such as margarine, yogurt, peanut butter etc.
• Plastic milk jugs
• Plastic vitamin bottles, pill bottles, mouth wash
etc.
Household Paper
Rinsed household metal containers
NO PIZZA BOXES
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Septic Tank Maintenance
What are the warning signs of a troubled septic system?
Grass over the system is unusually green & spongy to walk on. Drains in
the house are slower to drain than normal. Odors may be noticeable
Grey or black liquids surface in their yards or in the house.
If any of these signs are happening, you need to:
1. Call our SFN maintenance Department ASAP
2. SFN maintenance will call in a contractor to fix the problem
3. expose the septic system lids (the contractor will be waiting for you to expose the lids to your septic system
before he does the service call)
The SFN maintenance department will be checking all septic tanks during the coming summer months.
Reminder – if what you flush down the pot doesn’t rot – don’t do it!
Some items that will not rot & will eventually cause complete failure of your septic system such as:
Any kind of fats or grease down your kitchen sink or toilet
Cleaning paint brushes in your laundry tub sink, rinsing out paint related items or using solvents to clean brushes
in your sink
Reminder – septic systems are not garbage disposals:
Please do not place - disposable diapers, condoms, dental floss, tampons down your toilet
And please try and use toilet tissue that is septic friendly – one of the worst toilet tissues for septic tanks is Char-
min - because it breaks down at such a slow rate, your septic tank will fill much quicker
If in doubt – don’t pour it out!
Paints, solvents, thinners, nail polish remover Laundry bleaches, toilet bowl cleaners & caustic drain openers can
slow the treatment process.
Septic systems can not digest oils, grease & fat – oils or greases solidify in pipes & often plug them (even if you
use hot water)
Remember septic systems are not garbage disposals, including disposable diapers, tampons, their holders, con-
doms, wrappers and many other kinds of refuse plug & impair septic systems.
Solution: Often guests are not familiar with septic systems, post a sign in the bathroom, “if it doesn’t break down,
don’t flush it down."
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Storm Drain Discharge
If any Snuneymuxw member notices abnormal storm water discharges coming from the outlet
pipes that drain into the estuary along Shoreline Drive – please contact
Snuneymuxw First Nation office immediately.
Examples of abnormal storm water discharges:
Continuous bubbles – (soap suds) Thicker, muddy looking water;
sludge or toiletries.
Any other discharge besides normal rain water.
Wild Animal Sightings
Any wild animal sightings, such as bear, cougar or other destructive animal
should be reported immediately to 1 877 952 7277 (FREE) and you can call
the SFN office at 250 667 2746.
If you or others are at risk or threatened, please call 911 immediately.
Reported sightings help make the community a safer place!
Let’s All Walk the Dog!
Dogs are extremely social creatures - Most dogs need one
to two hours of outdoor exercise everyday.
Keeping your dog occupied by providing toys that make him engage in playful "work" such as a
frozen stuffed Kong, or a treat dispensing toy, will prevent barking for a long period time. Always
make sure your dog gets enough exercise before he is left alone so that he will sleep for at least
part of the time you will not be around.
In order to assist in preventing the spread of rats - please do not leave dog food or cat food out in
the open – try and feed pets a little at a time so there is nothing left for other critters!
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Fire Protection Services
Fire protection is provided by the city of Nanaimo and North Cedar District - in case of emer-gency, please call 911
PLEASE KEEP YOUR DRIVEWAY CLEAR SO EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLES CAN ACCESS ALL HOMES.
It will significantly increase the emergency response time of emergency per-sonnel if driveways are blocked.
There is a residential fire every 4 minutes
Make an escape plan and practice
Ensure smoke detectors are functioning
During a fire small children tend to hide in piles of clothing or clutter that have gathered on the floor / against walls; precious seconds are wasted if a search is necessary
Do not leave candles unattended
Keep clean and clear all paths of travel to safety, this helps in a speedy es-cape.
Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street (reflective lettering)
A clutter free house is a safer house
Keep the outside access to your dwelling clean and clear of debris so the Fire Dept. can access quicker; make sure driveways / laneways are not blocked with abandoned vehicles or other de-bris
Make sure your children or seniors can operate the exit doors with ease
Make sure bedroom windows are operational and open with little effort
Counter-top appliances should not be operated under the upper cabinets (example – do not use a toaster directly underneath upper cabinets, move the toaster out so the heat is not directed to the upper cabinets
Inspect your wood stove and chimney often for creosote and clean when necessary
Clean-out your dryer lint screen after every load. Clean-out your dryer venting every year
Replace any broken cover plates
Make sure your electrical panel is not exposed and / or is nor covered with a picture / poster
SECONDS COUNT! DONT JUST BE FIRE SAFE BE FIRE SMART TOO
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Windows
Periodically clean the inside and outside of the glass and hose off the
screens.
Please make sure to check both the inside weep-hole and outside
weep-hole in your windows. They might be clogged with dust (inside)
and leaves and spider-webs (outside) and might be preventing water
from passing through.
How can a homeowner help prevent mould growth on window
frames or liners?
When you close your blinds, do not close them tightly and do not drop
the blinds all the way to the bottom of the window liner; leave the blinds up slightly to allow for
air-flow.
For those of you that have curtains or drapes, leave the curtains or drapes up slightly to allow for
air-flow.
Smoke Alarms
Please ensure that all your smoke alarms are in working order.
Periodically test them to make sure they are working.
Please contact SFN Housing If you have any smoke alarms located in your house
that are not in working order.
Wood Burning Stoves - Don’t Forget!
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified, insured Chimney Sweep.
Never start a fire using an accelerant.
Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood.
Clean out the ashes regularly.
Store the ashes in a covered metal container at a safe distance from your house.
Be sure your smoke detectors are in proper working order and Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
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Pest control Please be aware of the following contributing factors for each different pest problem.
Rats and mice - Keep your yard and house clean of open food sources (dog or cat food, animal or fish parts) Keep your grass trimmed and any brush or bushes cut Pick up ripened fruit from the ground. Clear all possible pest nesting areas (junk and burn piles, old couches or beds, tires) in your yard and basement When discarding of fish, deer or elk parts, please take them well back into the forest and fish remains go back to the ocean.
Ants - Clean your house and yard of any sweet foods or drinks (pop or juice containers)
Bed bugs - Highly transferable and can move from home to another home very quickly. Many travel through USED furniture, luggage and clothing. Since this bug is by far the hardest to get rid of, full cooperation from the tenant or home owner with our professional service provider is the only way to get rid of bed bugs.
Contact SFN Housing if you suspect anyone in your household having bed bug bites or any other pests.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please do not throw out beds/furniture you may suspect have bed bugs - homes and furniture can be treated to remove the infestation.
SFN Housing Dept. is unable to purchase new beds/furniture that are thrown out. Thank you.
Keep your vehicles locked!
Transients take advantage of unlocked vehicles for places to sleep - please keep your car locked!
Discarding of animal and fish parts
When discarding of fish, deer or elk parts, please take them well back into the forest and fish re-mains go back to the ocean.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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Lands and Resources Department
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SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION JOB POSTING
Newcastle Island Park Facility Operators – Seasonal
SEVERAL POSITIONS
(Term May – early October, 2016)
Summary:
Under the direction of the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) Newcastle Island Coordinator, SFN is recruiting for Newcas-tle Island Park Facility Operators to join the Lands and Resource Department in seasonal capacity. The successful ap-plicants will assist in ensuring Newcastle Island is operating in an efficient manner. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are keen, motivated and able to work independently and as a team member.
Responsibilities:
Ensures that park, campground and moorage facilities are maintained to BC Parks Standards which includes cleaning and general maintenance duties.
Completes all necessary reporting including the Complaint/Occurrence Report and ensures the NCI Coordinator is noti-fied immediately of any issues and infrastructure irregularities.
Represents SFN in their role as the Park Facility Operator and communicates with the public in a professional manner to maintain a positive image of the park.
Where required, utilizes wears and maintains personal protective equipment provided by SFN to ensure personal safety and adherence to safety regulations.
Collects fees from park visitors, docks, buoys and campsites. Manages cash float and ensures it is safely secured ac-cording to SFN procedures.
Operates the boat and motorized utility vehicles for garbage pickup, moving of building materials, pavilion food and bev-erages and other items as required.
Maintains security in park and responds to all first aid emergencies.
Other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience requirements:
Experience in a park and/or marine/moorage environment is preferred.
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Certificate, VHF Marine Radio, Level 1 First Aid & CPR ‘C’, WCB Fall Protection, and Chainsaw Operators Course are a definite asset.
Current and valid BC driver’s license.
Key Competencies:
Ability to excel in a stressful, busy work environment, possess good judgment and show initiative.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to take direction and follow instructions.
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Key Competencies (cont’d)
Must be able to swim and be physically fit.
Public presentation skills are essential.
Strong organizational skills with proven ability to effectively prioritize work flow.
Effective time management skills.
Ability to actively contribute to the team environment and be proactive
Please submit your current resume and cover letter to:
Snuneymuxw First Nation
668 Centre Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 4Z4
Fax: 250-753-3492
Deadline Date: Friday April 29, 2016
For more information contact Trish Malfair at 250-740-2311 or 250-802-0255
Also contact Chris Good 250-740-2300
Please note only those applicants who are short-listed will be contacted
Check out more Job Openings at www.snuneymuxw.ca/jobs
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Prayer Group
With Brother Mark
Saturdays 7:00 pm
614 Centre Street
Garbage &
Recycling Notice
Recycling pickup Wednesday
Garbage pickup Thursday
Please have your garbage and recycling out
by 8:00 am on the day of the service
Please remember that All recyclables MUST
be in a clear plastic bag or in a bin. The
recycling depot does not accept anything in
a dark garbage bag.
Housing Assessments
Assessments of SFN managed rental
homes will be ongoing throughout the
next several months.
The reason for these assessments:
Make sure housing files are kept current and up to date.
Provides the basis for future funding applications
Is a requirement of the funding agencies
Provides SFN housing with a database of information for future planning.
Please contact the Housing Dept if you
have any questions.
Thank you.
Visit www.snuneymuxw.ca for
more info!
Mass at the Longhouse Kitchen
Please watch for upcoming dates
and details.
Thank you.
Church Service
Sunday Service -
7:00 pm every Sunday
Community Supper on
Sunday , April 17th at
5:30 pm
Blessings,
Pastors Pastor Joon and
Christine Cho
Nanaimo
Native
Victory
Chapel
471 Irwin St.
250-754-7866
SFN MEMBERS—
PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT
INFORMATION
Please call the office at: 250-740-
2300 or email:
Please provide your latest contact
information including address, con-
tact numbers, email and any other
updated information.
Thank you for your help!
Wednesday Morning
Coffee Breaks
St. Andrew's United Church at 10:00 AM
311 Fitzwilliam Street
Phone: (250) 753-1924
Check out the latest Nation job postings:
www.snuneymuxw.ca/jobs
www.facebook.com/
SnuneymuxwFirstNation
Recreation Program
Please be advised that the Recreation Do-nation Program has been suspended until further notice.
We will notify you when the Program has been reinstated and the process to follow to be part of the new Program.
Thank you for your patience.