Tansi

Honouring Life TikTok Challenge

Reclaiming Our Youth Healing Program & Honouring Life

Honoring life is funded by Alberta Health Services and the intent is to help prevent, bring light to mental wellness and suicide prevention. We are asking to submit a TikTok video that brings attention to Suicide Awareness and mental health.

* Theme set out by honoring life

* Prizes for first, second, third

• First Place - $500.00
• Second Place - $300.00
• Third Place - $200.00

Final submissions will be shared with the Honoring life team and our Driftpile Community Page. Be creative as the intent is to have your words, your creativity be showcased to bring awareness to suicide and mental wellness.

The Submission Must Include:

1. Story board of the TikTok video
2. Messages you want to be known during the TikTok
3. Send story board and final video to rfreeman@onehealth.ca

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 11 @ 3PM

Notice: Smoke in the Area

Notice: Tie Up Dogs

Town of Slave Lake makes commitments to remedy comments from Town Council

Notice: Waterline and Hydrant Repairs

Band members on the waterline North of the highway and East of the river.

The water will be SHUT OFF completely Saturday November 28th and Sunday November 29th.

We will be making repairs to the waterline and hydrant in that area Saturday November 28th and Sunday November 29th.

Please stockpile water

Public Works Team

Canadian Natural: Building Futures Scholarship

Canadian Natural is proud of our training and education initiative, Building Futures.

This program is part of our long-term commitment to contribute to the quality of life in the communities in Western Canada where we do business.

We continue to provide business and employment opportunities for people who live near our operations. As we grow, we also need good, qualified people, especially in our field operations. We currently have over 7,000 employees worldwide and we keep growing.

Our Building Futures Program has a focus on trades and technical areas related to the oil and natural gas industry. It involves four main components:

• Providing scholarships for training and education in the trades and technical areas of the oil and natural gas industry;
• Encouraging young people to stay in school and promoting the variety of options related to trades and technical training;
• Supporting industry-community partnerships related to regional training initiatives and programs such as Inside Education; and
• Operating a dedicated Canadian Natural training facility near Ardmore, Alberta.

Since its inception in 2002, we have awarded over $1.37 million in scholarships to more than 1,330 students living near our operations.

We accept applications three times a year, April 15th, August 15th and December 15th.

Please click on the link below for more information.
https://www.cnrl.com/careers/student-opportunities/scholarships

National Addiction Awareness Week
NNADAP

Being Apart and Staying United

Nov. 24, 2020 - Sober walk
Nov. 25 and 26, 2020 - Community Hall Events

Registration for Nov 25 and 26, 2020 will be 8:30 AM at the DCN community hall. Only those registered will be able to attend the two-day event.

Also, we will be having Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Reiki at the Health Center.

Call 780 355-3931or email stwin@onehealth.com to book. Clients will have priority.

All Covid guidelines and procedures will be followed. Due to current restrictions, the community hall has a capacity limit. Screeners will be present. Social distancing must be displayed.

Chief & Council Condemns Statements Made by Slave Lake Councillor

November 8, 2020

Treaty 8 Territory Driftpile Cree Nation - The Chief and Council of Driftpile Cree Nation wishes to condemn and express its deep disappointment in statements made by Town of Slave Lake Councillor Joy McGregor regarding the Indigenous homeless community in and around Slave Lake.

Most troubling was Joy McGregor's statement that "we need to stop being so nice to them, we need to stop feeding them and need to stop doing all these wonderful things" [for the Indigenous homeless] as elements in her proposed plan to "get these people home" to their "settlements" and "communities".

Driftpile Cree Nation is of the view that neither the approach, nor the language used by Councillor McGregor are appropriate or acceptable - particularly in an era of reconciliation between First Nations and Canada.

Further these comments reflect a gross or willful ignorance about the root causes of the problem as well as a troubling lack of will to come together to resolve these issues in partnership with First Nations.

Put simply, what is manifesting as homelessness and/or drug and alcohol addiction today is the direct result of our peoples' forced disconnection from our land, culture and community by Canadian colonization. We are seeing the immediate impacts of the intergenerational trauma created by residential schools, the subsequent 60s Scoop, and the abuses that were continued within the child welfare system. Finally, we are seeing the pernicious effects of systemic racism and the attendant lack of equal opportunity for success in society.

We do not raise these facts to blame or finger point as that is unproductive and divisive. Rather, we raise these facts because we believe it is important that we begin with an understanding of the role colonial policies and practices have played (and continue to play) in creating the current situation and that we move forward with a shared responsibility for fixing the issues that have been created.

We are all part of a wider community in Canada and it is only by working together with a shared sense of responsibility and mutual cooperation that we can succeed in solving these complex problems. Indeed, this is precisely what reconciliation calls for.

We recognize that Treaty 8 territory suffers from a serious homelessness problem and we have a significant interest in resolving this pressing issue. To that end, Barbara Courtorielle, the Executive Director of the Slave Lake Aboriginal Friendship Centre worked diligently to rezone a provincially-owned building to be part of the solution for the homeless community. Unfortunately, on November 3, 2020 the Slave Lake Town Council rejected the rezoning proposal put forward. We are and continue to be deeply disappointed by the lack of partnership shown by the Town of Slave Lake in this regard and the us/them attitude demonstrated by the Town Council.

At this time, I am calling on our members to move away from supporting Slave Lake's economy, similarly, we will not be making any further capital expenditures in Slave Lake until such time as we receive a public apology for the callous, cruel and racist comments made by Councillor McGregor.

It is our sincere hope that the Town of Slave Lake Council will take the opportunity to reflect on this incident and this letter and extend a hand to us in partnership so that we may work together with compassion, kindness, and mutual understanding toward a resolution that will be effective rather than one rooted in intolerance, contempt and a lack of understanding. Effective solutions are to be found in the former and are rarely, if ever found in the latter.

We as First Nations People have always been resilient and will continue to move forward regardless of the opinions of those who choose to continue to speak from an uneducated manner.

We look forward to having meaningful dialogue with you to begin of what we hope is a more constructive relationship in the spirit of unity.

Chief and Council, Driftpile Cree Nation

Notice to Membership: Checkpoint Security Re-Instatement

Please be advised that due to the increase of Coronavirus cases in Alberta, Driftpile Cree Nation will be re-instating the Security Checkpoint Program. This will not affect travel on and off the Nation for community members. This is a proactive measure to prevent and/or limit exposure to the virus entering the Nation.

At this time the program is for precautionary purposes and surveying; a future notice will be sent out when/if travel is affected.

The Security Checkpoint Program will commence MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16 2020 until early in the new year. There will be another notice posted should the end date change or be definite.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Director of Economic Development/Nation Securities: Eddy Cardinal at 780-507-7499.

In the spirit of peace and unity,
Chief and Council

Notice: Contact Numbers

Please take note of the contact numbers for Membership, Agricultural Benefits and Social Development

Agricultural Benefits Claim document submission (This is the ONLY contact for this information)

Danielle Thunder:
Email: agbenefits@dpcn.ca
Phone: 780-507-9463

Legal questions regarding Agricultural Benefits Claim

Ian Bailey:
Email: agbenefits@dpcn.ca
Phone: 780-233-2199

Membership inquiries only

Rose Alice Okimaw:
Email: roseaokimaw@dpcn.ca
Phone: 780-843-9729

COVID Relief Fund

Karen Cunningham:
Email: socialdir@dpcn.ca
Phone: 780-536-4255

Update on COVID Off Reserve Support

The deadline for submitting application has now passed.

It is now in the administrative process. There are a couple steps in this process and once these steps are completed then release will happen!

Also, once this process has been completed, we will have an accurate amount that will be distributed to each member.

The expected date that we will start distributing is between the mid-end of November.

This is just to keep you informed.

If you have any questions please email socialdir@dpcn.ca

Keeping Each Other Safe

Representatives from the Royal Bank of Canada branch will be available on November 16th and 17th to open bank accounts with RBC. They are unable to have anyone come out on November 18th but if there is a need for additional days, we will try to book another date for this service.

They will have 2 staff available to open accounts and expect the process to take 10-15 minutes so we can book 20-minute slots for members. Please be on time for your appointment to help avoid line-ups. We will have hand sanitizer and masks on site so that we will be able to provide this service while maintaining the COVID-19 safety guidelines.

RBC is also looking at bringing in an Investment Specialist. He is confirmed and working with a Financial Planner, however, this still remains to be confirmed.

Please call Rene Chalifoux at the Administration Office (780-355-3868) to book an appointment to meet with the RBC staff on those dates.

Thank you.

Keeping Each Other Safe

If you are interested in donating used & in good condition winter gear for children ages 0 – 17yrs old please bring them to the Social Development building, we will make sure a child in need will receive your donation.

Items that can be donated:

• Winter coats
• Ski pants
• Toques
• Scarves
• Gloves

Items must be cleaned and washed before delivering to social development.

For any questions please contact:
Kathleen Okimaw Community Navigator @ (780) 355-3866 (or) cell # (780) 523-0659

If your child requires donated winter gear please contact me with your child/children's size, so we can try our best to accommodate them during our winter season.

Take care and keep our future safe and warm.

Notice: Office Closure November 3rd, 2020

Due to the funeral services for our Elder Lillian Bellerose, offices will be closed tomorrow, November 3rd, 2020.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Services for Lillian Bellerose

New Update on COVID-19 Testing Criteria

Alberta Health announced a change in the testing criteria for COVID-19. Individuals without symptoms who do NOT have a known COVID-19 exposure SHOULD NOT be tested for COVID-19.

As of October 20, 2020 COVID-19 testing is only available for Albertans:

• - with COVID-19 symptoms
• - who are a close contact of a confirmed case (whether the contact has symptoms or not)
• - who are linked to an outbreak (whether the individual has symptoms or not)

This new testing criteria will reduce testing wait times and speed up access to results

IF you have any symptoms (New or worsening Cough, Fever, Sore Throat, Runny Nose, difficulty breathing) OR if you have been told you are a direct contact of a case please phone the health center at 780-355-3931 to book your COVID-19 Test.

If you have ANY symptoms, you are still legally required to self isolate for a full 10 days from date of onset of symptoms or until symptoms are gone (Whichever is longer}. If you receive a Negative test result and your symptoms are completely gone, requirement for self isolation will be lifted.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Health Center at (780) 355-3931 and ask to speak with Cherie, Kristal or Linda

Spiritual Readings with Candice Marshall

Hello Members,

We are offering spiritual readings with Candice Marshall for the Driftpile Cree Nation band members for next week from Oct. 26 - 28th. If there are enough requests, we may be able to extend the offer until the 30th.

Please note that this is being offered free of charge as a response for members who are struggling with the challenges of this past year and we are bringing this service in to provide some relief with our mental health and healing to assist us with some of the issues we are experiencing in the community.

These readings are for band members only, including those in the area of the Nation.

Please call the executive assistant at the administration office at (780) 355-3868 or at (780) 805-0565 to book your appointment for a reading, these bookings are going fast so please book at your earliest convenience.

Thank you.

Halloween Festivities

Day School

Have you applied yet?

The Day School application is a 15-page document that YOU complete, and include photo copies of your ID, and a guarantor signature, and you fax or mail to Deloitte in Toronto.
** If this doesn't sound familiar please contact Avis or Nancy at the Health Centre

The deadline to apply for compensation is July 13, 2022

You may apply on behalf of a deceased loved one if these 3 things apply;

1. they attend one of the Recognized Indian Day Schools
2. you are the recognized Executor/Administrator, or have power of attorney
3. the loved one passed on or after July 31, 2007

** note - many were "Registered" with the Day School Class Action Law Firm in either March, July, or October of 2019 by Robin, Shawna, Avis, Nancy or other Health Centre staff. This was NOT an application for Day School.

Day School Information Event

Location: Church Addition
Dates: November 2nd & 3rd
Time: 10AM - 2PM each day

The IRS Workers Avis Giroux & Nancy Chalifoux will be hosting a 2-day event on Day School information of Claims.

If you are looking to submit a claim form to the Indian Day School - We are available to assist with providing information on how to complete the form, as well as, send it out via fax or email for the claimants.

Should you have any questions on this, please call us at (780) 355-3931 or stop in at the church addition on November 2nd & 3rd, 2020

No Stone Left Alone - Honouring Our Veterans

Treaty 8 Chief Dwayne Laboucan of Driftpile Cree Nation Calls for Action for the Infringement of Mi'Kmaq Treaty Rights

Following weeks of escalating violence towards the Mi'kmaq peoples in Nova Scotia, it is telling that such actions have emanated largely from a complete lack of knowledge or awareness of Treaty with Indigenous peoples in Canada. Mi'kmaq fishermen's Treaty Rights have been upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada, twice - yet the infringement of their Treaty Rights continues today unabated.

In addition, the complete lack of action from the Federal Government, Prime Minister Trudeau, the RCMP and other levels of Canadian government sends dog whistles to certain individuals within our country that the violence and ignorance happening on Mi'kmaq territory is acceptable.

What we are witnessing in Nova Scotia is not new for Indigenous people across Canada; to be held accountable to the laws put forth by Canadian institutions on their own land, while those same laws, designed to protect all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, are not enforced equally. We have seen individuals actively destroying property and the livelihoods of Indigenous people. That is completely and utterly unacceptable and should be condemned immediately.

Prime Minister Trudeau once remarked that a 'Canadian, is a Canadian, is a Canadian'. Indigenous peoples in Canada should, and must, be treated equally, and with respect. Our country cannot move forward where some individuals in society are protected, and others are not. Reconciliation will never be possible, and racism will thrive.

We demand that Prime Minister Trudeau and the Federal Government take immediate action and condemn the actions and words from both the RCMP and settlers in Nova Scotia. Protect Indigenous inherent rights.

Driftpile Cree Nation stands with Mi'kmaq peoples. #AllEyesOnMikmaki

The Flu Shot: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Community

COVID-19 Case Update

Good morning Driftpile Community Members,

Due to the updated attachments, the Kinuso bus run from Driftpile will be cancelled for the next couple of days, we will update you as we know more.

Update - October 12, 2020

A case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed in a student from Kinuso School. The student was contacted by Alberta Health Services as a known contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The student went in for testing and has been notified that they are positive for COVID-19. The student has been in isolation since they were notified as a known contact. A second student in the same household additionally tested positive for COVID-19. They have also been in isolation for the same time period and received their positive test results. Both students are asymptomatic. The school will be listed on the Alberta COVID-19 school status map website as in outbreak. A school meets that criteria if they have 2 or more confirmed cases within a 14-day period.

Flea Market

Dates & location: Every Third Sunday Starting October 18th @ HPNFC Eagles Nest

11:45AM Registration
1PM Round 1 Begins

50/50 & Concession

Flea Market

Date & location: October 17th, 2020 @ 11AM - 5PM @ HPNFC Eagles Nest

$10/Table
Set up @ 10AM

To book a table please call Bev at (780) 523-4511

AHS: Nov/Dec Workshops for Adults by ZOOM

Social Development Upcoming Workshops

Notice of Nomination Meeting

Ratification Vote Notice

Alberta Basic Security Guard Training

Please note: Upon enrollment, a passport photo and a criminal record check must be completed. The police agency must sign the back of your passport photo while they do the criminal record check. Ensure you state to the local RCMP that the criminal record check is for obtaining a security guard license. This is an accredited training program through Project Safe Canada.

Date & location: October 13-16, 2020 @ 9:00AM - 7:00PM @ Sucker Creek First Nation Community Hall

Deadline for applicants: October 7, 2020 @ 4:30PM

To register or for more information please call:
Johnny Thunder: (780) 355-3866 cell: (780) 523-6079

NOTICE FOR OF RESERVE MEMBERS: COVID Relief Deadline

The deadline to submit your application for off reserve COVID support has been moved to November 1, 2020.

If ANY off-reserve member from Driftpile has not submitted their application NOW is the time to do so!

When completing the application Please ensure that you have also included your children who are under the age of 18 and that you have included their date of birth and treaty number.

Ensure that you have included your current mailing address!

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FORM! I WILL NOT ACCEPT YOUR INFORMATION IF IT IS NOT ON THE FORM!

Email your application to: socialdir@dpcn.ca
Fax: (780) 355-2734

Please note that if you are trying to fax, sometimes the fax is received dark and we cannot read your information.

Those of you that have already completed the application please do not resubmit! UNLESS you did not include your child’s information. If you are resubmitting due to adding your child’s information please indicate on the form.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me at (780) 536-4255 or text this number. Please note that telephone lines are down at the social development office, we are doing our best to get them repaired.

Click this link for the printable form:
http://www.dpcn.ca/images/offreserve-supportform.pdf

Re: Recently Released Offenders into the Community

Leadership has developed and implemented a Nation plan to address this specific situation regarding recently incarcerated individuals who seek to return to the community. We would like to ask for the support of the members as this can be a sensitive issue for those who have family members that will be affected by this plan. The overall goal is safety and protection of all members and our priority is always to keep that in mind at all times.

Thank you very much for your co-operation and understanding.

Off Reserve COVID Relief Program 2020

September 17, 2020:

Attention Valued Member

Driftpile Cree Nation has been granted Federal funding from the Government to support off reserve members to provide off reserve adult members with financial support.

We will require your patience while we tabulate the amount which will depend on the total number of off reserve members and/or the amount of family units. We do anticipate that this will be provided in either a cheques form or a gift card.

In order to provide this support off reserve members are required to:

• You must be a full member on the band list
• You must provide your status card and 2 pieces of government issued ID

For those who reside out of province or the general area of our Nation can submit the required documents via email at socialdir@dpcn.ca or fax (780) 355-2734. You will be required to also provide your complete mailing address and contact information.

Due to COVID we are practicing safe distancing so cheques will be mailed out through the postal service. We will not replace nor be responsible for any lost cheques. We cannot guarantee delivery nor the time frame as to when you would receive the cheques.

For inquiries please contact Karen Cunningham, Social Development Director at (780) 355-3866.

Driftpile Cree Nation would like to thank Sucker Creek First Nation for their time and efforts to include our Nation in the proposal in for this funding.

Tipi Building

Tipi building on Wednesday. It was an amazing experience for many to be part of the actual construction of a tipi, to learn what each part of the tipi represents, and to see the accomplishment on the faces of the students and parents that were present.

One of the benefits of having your education centre in your community is the inclusion of culture, language and land based learning which the school is offering the students.

This video is a half hour long but every stage of the structure was captured for those who have never learned how to build a tipi and want to learn the basics.
Tipi Building Video

Notice: DPCN Parents with Children Registered in Sporting Activities

For those DPCN Members that have their children registered for individual sporting activities, such as hockey, dance, gymnastics for the 2020-2021 season, you must apply with DPCN social development for their registration fees.

You must include proof of registration, costs and the address and contact of where the payment will be sent to.

NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31, 2020

Please note that we have only set aside a set amount for these registrations. First come first served. Any incomplete application will not be processed. Also, you must be in good standing with the Driftpile Cree Nation in order to be eligible. The maximum amount eligible is $500 per fiscal year.

Contact social development for the application @ (780) 355-3866 or by emailing Karen Cunningham at socialdir@dpcn.ca.

If you have any questions please contact Karen Cunningham at the contact number or email listed above.

REMEMBER IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE APPLICATION AND THE REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE.

Acknowledgement and Recognition of Lakeshore Regional Police Services

DPCN Health Centre In-Person Client Care

Dr. Butcher's Clinic Is Open

Election Code

DPCN Residents Only | COVID-19 Daily Testing

Daily testing for COVID-19 On-Reserve (without having to call 8-1-1) will be starting April 17th, 2020. If you have any of the following symptoms contact the Health Centre (780) 355-3931 for a pre-screening and appointment schedule. We are only authorized to test On-Reserve residents.

** You must be symptomatic to be tested! **

COVID-19 Symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny Nose
• Sore Throat
• Shortness of Breath

Anyone with symptoms can call (780) 355-3931 for a PRE-screen; However,
Targeted High Risk Population Priorities include:

• 65 years or older
• Home Care Clients
• Group Home/Shelter Workers
• First Responders (Fire/Police)
• Health Care Workers

ANYONE SUFFERING SEVER SHORTNESS OF BREATH CALL 9-1-1

ANYONE WITH SYMPTOMS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO SELF-ISOLATE FOR 10 DAYS FROM ONSET OF SYMPTOMS OR UNTIL SYMPTOMS ARE GONE, WHICHEVER IS LONGER

CONSULTATION & LANDS OFFICE MOVE

Tansi, we have moved!

Dear DCN Band Members,

We are updating our band members on the office move. We are now located next to the Regional Police Building. Our new office phone number is 587-749-0490 (local calling number).
*Note* If you would like to sign up for site assessment visits; please visit us at the office, or call us during work hours from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm or email your contact info to: cons.research@dpcn.ca.

Sincerely, Danielle Thunder

Statement from Chief & Council

USERS FEE POLICY REPEAL

Please be advised that effective immediately, the User Fee Policy will no longer be in effect. In an effort to provide fair and equal services to all members, the decision will not impact the services that have been provided to the community members previous to this notice.

Moving forward, there will be no refunds and all outstanding balances will be waived. In addition, any serivces that have been suspended for lack of payment will be restored as of today.

It is the intention of leadership to always ensure that the safety and quality of services meets the needs of each and every community member.

Should you have any questions regarding this notice, please feel free to contact Darlene McLean, CAO at 780-355-3868 or 780-516-4927.

In the spirit of community and wellness,

Darlene McLean, CAO
Driftpile Cree Nation