Chief´s Message

Tansi, Kle´ne´te, Anupetu, Wa´ste, To the Elders, Senators, Veterans, Chiefs, Headmen, Women´s Commission, First Nation Members and Youth.

On behalf of the Red Earth Headmen, Elders, Parents, Students, Youth and First Nation Staff, we are honoured to be a part of our 2004 PAGC Annual Report. It has been a learning, challenging and interesting year for us, as we try our very best to work together understanding there is still much to be done.

I encourage all First Nation members to stand together as communities on issues that affect each and every one of us from day to day. By doing this, we as PAGC will be stronger in overcoming these barriers.

I wish everyone safe travel and continued success for each First Nation and for the betterment of all people within the Prince Albert Grand Council. May God Bless you and keep you.

Tiniki, Marsi cho, Pidamiyaye.
Chief Miller Nawakayas

Education

The education legacy left by the former leadership and membership of the Red Earth First Nation has provided a dynamic educational system under the jurisdiction of Red Earth First Nation Chief, Council and school board. They have designed and delivered an educational foundation that supports the development of our young community members from Headstart to grade twelve, along with the encouragement of members to access post secondary and technical training. This educational foundation is further enhanced by the commitment to seeking culturally relevant learning experiences, which are based on our First Nations philosophy of education.

Graduation

This year we are proud to present our 2004 graduates who exemplify the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the Red Earth First Nation. Together, the parents, families and leadership would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our 11 grade twelve graduates, 29 kindergarten graduates and 23 headstart graduates. As a community we will continue to encourage and support our learners.

Youth Cultural Camp

A variety of cultural activities take place throughout the week. Youth learn about camping procedures, preparation and dressing for big game hunting and waterfowl from start to finish. Hunting techniques are developed and include gun safety. Elders are involved throughout the week sharing their experiences and knowledge of living off the land.

Health

The Red Earth First Nation has incorporated a Community Holistic Health Program to address the physical, mental, spiritual and intellectual well being of our membership. The following areas covered include but not limited to:

• Diabetes, West Nile Virus, Pandemic Flu, etc. Prevention and Treatment information has been distributed to the membership through workshops and Community Clean up.
• Youth Cultural Workshops to deliver a Wellness Model solvent and substance abuse, problem solving skills, utilization of the Elders’ knowledge and wisdom on wellness based on our values and traditions.
• Parent Workshops that include parenting skills, stress management, men and women healing etc.

Economic

Ethanol Project Update

The Nipawin Biomass Ethanol project is currently completing the final stages of raising the necessary capital in order to commercialize the technology for biomass ethanol.

To date, the project has completed a feedstock analysis, funded by the Canadian Adaptation for Rural Development. We are currently completing the arrangements for the Green Municipal Enabling Fund. We are pleased to also note that the project has met the objectives of the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) for its first round, further budgets and negotiations will be taking place over the next couple of months with the WEPA working Committee.

Application on behalf of the three Bands of Cumberland House, Red Earth and Shoal Lake has been submitted to the Northern Development Fund.

The project is progressing along the slated timeline and will carry on with the majority of its main work once all of the funding agreements have been signed.

Data Gathering and Mapping of Our Traditional Territory Throughout the Greater Sipanok and Pasquia Hills Area

The priority of the Red Earth and Shoal Lake First Nations continues to be to resolve issues of First Nations Rights and Title to Lands and Resources and reclaim our traditional territory throughout the Greater Sipanok and Pasquia Hills region. We continue to uphold the steadfast beliefs and principles respecting our relationship with the lands and resources taught by the Elders and have guided our First Nation when we entered into the Sipanok Agreement with the provincial government and the Bi-Lateral Accord with the federal government based on the Inherent Right and Treaty.

To this end, our First Nation has undertaken one strategic process to legitimize our rights and interests by initiating a Data Gathering and Mapping Project of our Traditional Lands. The project entails comprehensive mapping of traditional activity of the Red Earth People including hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering regions, sacred sites, ceremonial sites, etc. Elders Interviews and Treaty Harvester Interviews is concurrently undertaken for verification and supporting documentation. The primary purposes and objective of the project are to:

• Document our First Nation People´s occupancy and land use throughout our traditional lands;
• Respond to provincial and federal encroachment and exploitation of the lands and resources in the area; and
• Ensure our rights and title to the lands and resources are protected for the use and benefit of our children, our children to be born and the generations to come.

Preliminary maps have been completed and we are preparing for verification interviews with our Elders and Treaty Harvester on the initial data. Further mapping and interviews are planned.

Ecotourism Certificate Program

The Red Earth First Nation in coordination with Shoal Lake are planning to offer an Ecotourism Certificate Program which will be delivered within the community. The program, that will span over a 26 week period, will provide students with the guiding principles of ecotourism and will explore the possible opportunities for industry grow right here is Saskatchewan.

Community Update and Current Activities

Mamawe Community Hall

The Mamawe Community Hall was officially opened in April of 2004. “Mamawe” is the “coming together´ and gathering place for the citizens of Red Earth.

Youth Choir – Oskayak Cree Singers

Our community continues to benefit from the gifts of the Oskayak Cree Singers. The youth participating in the choir are ambassadors of the Red Earth First Nation and provide the community and member nations with their songs of Cree gospel and hymns that also include contemporary gospel songs. Red Earth also recognizes the contribution of our adult choir, the Lucius Nawakaya Memorial Singers.

2004 First Nation Winter Games

The Red Earth First Nation was pleased to co-host the 2004 First Nation Winter Games along with Cumberland House and Shoal Lake First Nation. It was a privilege to participate in the showcase of the athletic and team spirit of our First Nation youth from across Saskatchewan. Overall the 2004 First Nation Winter Games were a success and extremely positive experience for all who participated including our athletes, support staff and volunteers.

The 2004 First Nation Winter Games provided us with an opportunity to work in partnership with Nipawin, White Fox and Carrot River. We would like to thank each as we utilized their facilities for our events.