Cook’s Ferry Indian Band Newsletter

TALKING STICK

October/ November 2016

Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation elder in Williams Lake, B.C., and by her first day at residential school in 1973, when she was six. She admitted the colour orange still reminds her of that painful past.

“It’s overwhelming what it signified to me. What I didn’t have in school is learning about the histo-ry.”

And Webstad is comforted knowing a whole new generation is becoming more aware of the past.

“That was my dream – for the conversation to happen annually about residential schools,” she said.

“I am blown away and I am humbled and hon-

oured how it’s taken off.

It is to be noted that for the first time this year, B.C.'s new school curriculum will include Aborigi-nal world views and perspectives. It’s hoped Or-ange Shirt Day can inspire a movement across the country in recognition of the commitment to reconciliation, anti-bullying, and anti-racism.

Story from CBC news online Sept 30, 2016

Chief David Walkem report

At Sustainable Forestry Initiative- SFI- annual meeting in Tampa Florida. Honored to intro-duce Seminole Culture and Language Leader Herbert Jim. Herbert provided a Welcome to the Seminole Tribe of Florida's territory to the SFI conference participants. He stressed the responsibility we all have to look after the land, forests, and water to sustain life.

On behalf of the SFI Board Len Joe and I pre-sented him with the following gifts - sweet grass, fresh sage picked by Paul Joe, a Nlaka’pamux Food Field guide, and a soap-stone Salmon carved by Charles Brown from Lytton.

I sit on the SFI Board - an organization that certifies sustainable forest manage-ment practices in North America - repre-senting Stuwix Resources and Len sits on the Resource Committee. We are working on improving the certification standards, especially on how indigenous values are incorporated into forest management practices that are practiced by all certified to the SFI standards.

2

Chief and Council received a visit in May 2016

from Julieta Arevalo Mendez. Julieta is an Indian

from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Julieta had a recurring dream that she needed to

walk the hills up North and meet with Indians

from this area.

Julieta had some struggles with getting her visa

but the dream finally came true in May with help

from her friends. She travelled to Alberta, Manito-

ba and British Columbia . The purpose of her visit

was to exchange cultural similarities with people

she meet crossing her path.

Cook’s Ferry Chief and Council had the pleasure

of meeting with Julieta as she shared her cultural

experiences with the Band. Chief Walkem and

Councillor Hewitt took Julieta on a small tour of

the land and there was an exchange of gifts be-

tween both parties. We wish her well on her jour-

ney and a safe trip home. If you wish to find out

more about Julieta, go to her Facebook page :

Julieta Arevalo Mendez

A special visit from Mexico to Cook’s Ferry

3

Financial Administration Law

Since Cook’s Ferry Band has been added to

the First Nations Fiscal Management Act,

we have been working on our Financial Ad-

ministration Law (FAL). The FAL is a writ-

ten set of rules that pertain to the Band

when dealing with financial matters. The

FAL will not only establish transparency and

accountability, but also encourage participa-

tion of membership. Once drafted, the draft

law will go to the First Nations Financial

Management Board for review and approv-

al. In addition to reviewing our FAL, the

First Nations Financial Management Board

is performing a financial performance re-

view of Cook’s Ferry Band covering the peri-

od of the past five years.

Gathering Our Voices Aboriginal Youth

Gathering 2017

Registration has opened for the Gathering

Our Voices Aboriginal Youth Conference

that will be held in Kelowna March 21-24,

2017. Last year Cook’s Ferry Band spon-

sored 6 youth and 2 chaperones to attend

the conference in Victoria. Participants

were asked to submit an article for the Talk-

ing Stick Newsletter to share their experi-

ences with membership. Their articles were

very well written and moving. With the con-

ference being held closer to home this year,

and such moving articles from previous par-

ticipants, we anticipate that more youth will

be interest in attending. Chief and Council

are working on developing a budget and se-

lection process to send youth (ages 14-24)

to the conference this year.

Some other important dates related to the conference can be found on the conferences website at http://gatheringourvoices.bcaafc.com. These dates are in relation to Registration, Call for Facilitators, Call for Exhibitors, Call for Key-note, Emcee and Entertainment, Call for DJ, Call for Youth Talent Showcase, Nomina-tions to Honour an Aboriginal Youth Cham-pion, Workshop Registrations and Volun-teering. There are several ways to partici-pate in the conference.

More information on sponsorship of Cook’s

Ferry Band Youth to attend the Gathering

Our Voices conference will be available in

the coming weeks. If you are interested in

receiving the information when it is availa-

ble, please let us know and we will ensure

the information gets to you.

Housing Policy

The draft Housing Policy has been delivered

to membership for review through a few

meetings and has been made available for

review online. We have received some feed-

back and are now compiling a final draft

which will go through a legal review in the

next few weeks. Once it has been through

the legal review the final draft will be up-

loaded to the website for your review. The

final community meeting to review the final

draft will be held Friday November 25th,

2016. I encourage anyone who has com-

ments to bring them forward. A timeline

outlining when the draft housing policy in-

formation was made available to member-

ship can be seen within this newsletter and

available at the Band office.

Report from Councillor Christine Minnabarriet

4

Grave Shoring System Lending Policy

A lending policy has been developed for our

Grave Shoring System that is used during bur-

ials to ensure the safety of grave diggers. The

intent of this policy is to ensure that there is a

process that allows Cook’s Ferry Band to

share the equipment not only with Band

members but also with neighboring Bands.

Page 1 of the Grave Shoring System Loaning

Policy is displayed within this Newsletter.

Heskw’en’scutxe Health Services Society

During August the Heskw’en’scutxe Health

Services Society Board of Directors and man-

agement met with the Councils of both

Cook’s Ferry Band and Siska Band to begin

the work to develop our next Community

Health Plan. The current 5 year Community

Health Plan was written to obtain funding

during the transition from Health Canada to

First Nations Health Authority. The period of

time it covers is coming to an end and we are

now beginning to work on the development

of the next Community Health Plan, which

will be a 10 year plan.

The Community Health Plan is the document

that states the goals of the organization and

provides us with something to measure our

success in reaching those goals. Community

input is valuable to the development of this

document. Over the past year or so we have

seen some strengths and some weaknesses

and a willingness to grow stronger as an or-

ganization.

To help develop a useful plan, we need to

know what types of services community

members would like to see in the Community

Health Plan. There will be things that we defi-

nitely can deliver, others that we may need to

be more creative in how we deliver, and some

things that we just cannot facilitate. Howev-

er, knowing the types of services needed

gives the Society a starting point to seek op-

tions for delivery of these services. Incorpo-

rating ideas into our Community Health Plan

also reaffirms the need for services and that

helps determine budgets and funding availa-

bility. I want to encourage anyone with ideas

to bring them forward to the Board of Direc-

tors or your Chief and Council. Throughout

the first two phases of our Comprehensive

Community Planning Chief and Council heard

a lot of great input around health and we will

be looking to incorporate that feedback into

the Community Health Plan.

It is also important to state that as of Septem-

ber 15, 2016 I no longer sit on the Board of Di-

rectors for Heskw’en’scutxe Health Services

Society as an appointed representative for

Cook’s Ferry Band. Chief and Council have

appointed Lorette Edzerza, Cook’s Ferry Band

Manager as my replacement. My experience

on the Board has been a learning curve, but I

believe that the Society

is moving in the right

direction. I thank every-

one for their patience

along the way.

Report from Councillor Christine Minnabarriet

5

The Nicola Tribal Annual General Assembly

(AGA) is being held Thursday October 20, 2016

from 9 am to 4 pm at the Merritt Civic Centre.

Cook’s Ferry Band membership are encouraged

to attend the AGA.

Nicola Tribal Association (NTA) consists of six Nlaka’pamux communities – Coldwater Indian Band, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Nicomen Indi-an Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band, Siska Indian Band; and one Syilx commu-nity – Upper Nicola Indian Band. Quorum for the NTA Annual General Assembly is one mem-ber from each of the member . Presently other than some fisheries related ser-vices, Cook’s Ferry Band does not receive ser-vices from the NTA. We need to determine what services we need from the NTA. Over the past two years the NTA has engaged with consultants of J. Morrison & Associates to develop a new governance structure for the NTA. The concept of a new governance struc-ture that gives a forum for political leadership is necessary. As it is currently structured, the NTA is a non-profit organization, and therefore has no political voice. The current structure is not working and changes need to be made. J. Mor-rison & Associates have been presenting a pro-posed Governance Model that separates Gov-ernance (Stewardship) from Administration (Program Delivery). During mid-August and into September, J. Mor-rison & Associates began taking their presenta-tion of this proposed Governance Model to membership of the Nicola Tribal Association. However there is little context given as to what these meetings are about and how it is im-portant to membership. “Nicola Tribal Govern-ance Meeting. One Voice Moving Towards Na-tionhood” did not explain what was to be pre-sented at that meeting. The process needs membership feedback, however no information

is provided prior to the meeting to stress im-portance of membership feedback to the pro-posed governance model. Throughout the presentation of the proposed Governance Model, there is a focus on cultural identity and the relation of culture to Govern-ance. There is no disagreement that culture has had a defining role in our historical governance practices. As they mention in the presentation, our stories gave us “laws” and protocols to fol-low. The main story focused on in the presenta-tion is a Syilx creation story of the Four Food Chiefs. The handout provided by J. Morrison & Associates to those present at the meeting de-scribing the story of the Four Food Chiefs fol-lows this article. The Four Food Chiefs story just one example of how we can find the values, laws and protocols in our stories. When we express the importance of cultural identity as who we are, and its rela-tion to governance, it is important to include Nlaka’pamux stories as well. The Nicola Tribal Association is made up of two Nations – Nlaka’pamux and Syilx. We need to find bal-ance and incorporate Nlaka’pamux stories as well. At the September 29th meeting, J. Morri-son & Associates told those in attendance to search out Nlaka’pamux stories and forward the information to them. As Nlaka’pamux we have many stories that will also provide a basis for natural laws and protocols. Just as our lan-guage dialect changes from region to region, our stories vary too. We need to ensure that our stories are incorporated into any Governance Model we adopt. J. Morrison & Associates presented the pro-posed Governance Model to Cook’s Ferry Chief and Council September 14th. The overall con-cept of Nation Governance is definitely

Report from Councillor Minnabarriet on the

Nicola Tribal Association Proposed Governance Model

6

a direction that we need to move towards, especially since the 2014 Supreme Court of Canada Tsilhqo’tin decision which reinforces that we need to move ahead as a collective Nation. The work presented is a good start, however it requires more membership input. It requires more understanding on how Aboriginal Title issues will be addressed with this Governance Model as a Nation. The Nicola Tribal Association represents only part of the Nlaka’pamux Nation. How will this model work with the Nation as a collective? How will this model work with shared areas of the Nlaka’pamux and Okanagan Nations? There simply needs to be a greater understanding of these issues before we can adopt it. J. Morrison & Associates presented the same presentation to NTA membership at Cook’s Ferry September 29th. The attendance at this meeting was minimal. Many constructive comments and concerns were brought up. Delivery of more information to membership so that informed decision can be made was brought up. Within the presentation they talk about “Free, Prior and Informed Consent” yet the process of moving this Governance Model along is not addressing this concept. J. Morrison & Associates mentioned that approximately 30 people attended the com-munity meeting last year. The meeting held at the Merritt Civic Centre on September 27th was also small. As mentioned, the meeting held at Cook’s Ferry on September 29th had 7 NTA mem-bers in attendance, 4 of which sit on Chief and Councils. There are no more additional meetings schedule for Community Engagement (as the presentation is titled). The next presentation to membership is at the AGA. Without an understanding of what this means to membership, they have little invested in attending the meeting. As demonstrated at the 2015 NTA AGM, those present can put forth a motion as to the direction this governance model takes. This Proposed Governance Model will be on the agenda at the NTA AGA. It is important that Cook’s Ferry Band membership attend to hear from J. Morrison & Associates on what this pro-posed Governance Model means to you. How this model will affect you. It is important that membership help determine what NTA is doing for Cook’s Ferry Band, and how this proposed governance model helps us move forward as a Nation.

The diagram below, though may be hard to read, is the Gov-ernance Model proposed by J. Morrison & As-sociates.

Nlaka’pamux (Spaxomin tlSyilx) Chiefs Council (name

to be determined)

Secretariat (Chief of Staff, policy analysts, jurisdiction, writers,

communications)

NTABoard of DirectorsExecutive Director

• Program and Service Delivery• Communication Centre• NWSFA, Tmixw, FRAFS

Policy Implementation Intergovernmental

Relations

Administration (reception, financial services, IT)

Stewardship

Membership

Title Committee

Elders, Youth, Knowledgeable community reps

Admin/Operations

ProvinceFederalOther First Nations

HealthEducation and Employment TrainingSocial DevelopmentLanguage, Arts and CultureLandsNatural Resources

Treasury Board (Taxes and Revenues)

New InitiativesBusiness Development (Carbon Credits)Economic DevelopmentEmployment Development

FN Band Chief and Councils

Proposed Governance Model

CEO

7

8

9

10

11

12

During a loved ones passing, the grieving process can be quite stressful for friends and family mem-

bers. Often one of the tasks during this time is grave digging. The soil in our area is often made up of

sand, gravel and rock which is not very stable. In addition, our dry climate further reduces the stability

of the soil resulting in extreme safety hazards for grave diggers. To address this issue, Cook’s Ferry

Indian Band has purchased a Hydraulic Shorting System used for the purpose of maintaining safety

while grave digging.

Using hydraulic cylinders and side panels the shoring system offers stability to the edges of a grave

while diggers continue to dig within the hole. The shoring system prevents the edges of the grave

from sluffing and collapsing on the diggers. The shoring system remains in place until the casket and

top box are placed in the grave. The shoring system is then pulled out of the ground and the diggers

begin to cover the casket and complete the burial.

It is the desire of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band to al-

low other Bands to utilize the system to ensure

the safety of their grave diggers during their fu-

nerals. The terms of use are as follows.

Terms of Use

To use the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band Grave Shoring System you must follow the procedure outlined

within this document.

Contact the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band office and request the use of the shoring system.

Fill out and sign the attached agreement.

Participate in a brief training session.

Return the system which will be inspected by Cook’s Ferry Indian Band staff.

Sign form, and collect deposit.

About the system:

Manufactured from lightweight aluminum profile particularly chosen for its strength yet lightness. The hydraulic paneling meets a very high strength test to ensure increased safety. The system in-cludes the following:

2 aluminum sides (104″ x 24″) 2 aluminum ends

2 cylinders (27 3/8” (695mm) to 46”(1170mm)) 2 12 foot Hoses attached to T junction

1 single action pump with hydraulic fluid and hose Two lowering straps

Grave Shoring System Loaning Policy

13

Cook’s Ferry Indian Band

Youth Recreation Support Program

Cook’s Ferry Band has developed a Youth Recreation Support Program to support children in partic-

ipating in recreational activities.

Program Details:

The Youth Recreation Support Program is a one-time program and is funded for the 2016/17 (to

March 31, 2017) through Brighter Futures funding with a budget of $20,100.00, a maximum of

$300.00 per Youth Request.

Funding is meant for registration fees and will not cover late fees, volunteer fees, fundraising fees,

fines, penalties or reimbursements for past expenses prior to April 1, 2016.

Eligibility:

This program is open to Registered Cook’s Ferry Band Youth On and Off Reserve between the ages

of 4 and 17. Direct payment to the Recreational Organization is preferred, although submitted re-

ceipts will be reimbursed.

Note:

This program is available for the 2016/2017 Fiscal Year only and is under review for possible develop-

ment of a NLX Trust Funding Program.

Please submit your request to: Lorette Edzerza

Band.manager@cooksferry.ca

PO Box 130 3691 Deer Lane

Spences Bridge, BC V0K 2L0

Fax: (250)458-2312

Please reference: Brighter Futures Youth Recreation Support Program

Youth Name and Status Number

Youth Recreation Support Program

14

Chief and Council have been

working with consultant Scott

Flamand of Flamand Manage-

ment Services on the develop-

ment of a Housing Policy. Sever-

al developments have transpired

during this work.

The draft Housing Policy was

prepared and then distributed to

membership for review and in-

put. The following has been the

process:

February 18, 2016: Eblast went

out to membership with the

Talking Stick Newsletter Febru-

ary/March edition. Page 3 Tina’s

report states working on housing

policy, meetings in the future.

Page 6, in Lorette’s report.

April 13, 2016: Eblast went out

to membership with Talking

Stick Newsletter April/May edi-

tion. Page 13 detailing Housing

Policy development and meeting

process, as well Housing Com-

mittee development.

May 17, 2016: Eblast to Mem-

bership with Invitation to June

11, 2016 Draft Housing Policy

Review meeting to be held at

Cook’s Ferry Band office. Face-

book invitation notice posted.

May 31, 2016: Eblast Spences

Bridge meeting advertised sev-

eral places in June/July Talking

Stick Newsletter.

June 3, 2016: Draft Housing

Policy posted to website.

June 6, 2016: Eblast to mem-

bership informing that the Draft

Housing Policy is on the website.

Eblast to membership re: date

change for June 11, 2016 housing

meeting to June 18, 2016 in re-

spect of Len Marchand’s funeral.

Notice included that the draft

policy is available on the website

for review. Facebook notice of

date change for Spences Bridge

meeting posted.

June 14, 2016: Facebook post

invitation notice for June 18,

Spences Bridge meeting.

June 17, 2016: Facebook post

inviting membership to Spences

Bridge Housing Meeting, includ-

ed website link for the draft

housing policy.

July 7, 2016: Facebook post no-

tice for Kamloops meeting. No-

tice also has Merritt date on it.

July 28, 2016: Eblast notices for

both Kamloops and Merritt

meetings were in the August/

September Talking Stick News-

letter on Pages 7 & 8, and on the

calendar in the newsletter.

August 5, 2016: Eblast notifica-

tion that interim housing policy

is available on the website.

August 6, 2016: AGM notices

were available at the AGM.

August 9, 2016: Eblast notice

of Kamloops meeting. Facebook

post notice for Kamloops meet-

ing.

August 15, 2016: Eblast notice

of Kamloops meeting. Facebook

post notice for Kamloops meet-

ing. Also stated in caption of

picture that the next meeting

would be September 10th in Mer-

ritt.

August 19, 2016: Facebook re-

minder of Kamloops meeting

and reminder of Merritt meet-

ing.

September 6, 2016: Eblast no-

tice of Merritt meeting. Face-

book post notice for Merritt

meeting.

September 9, 2016: Facebook

post notice of Merritt meeting.

September 12, 2016: Facebook

post status update with Final

housing policy review meeting

for November 25th.

** All notices have been posted

at the Post Office Billboard, bul-

letin boards within the Band

office, and on the website.

** Mail out of housing meetings

were also sent to all that do not

have email addresses along with

AGM doc-

uments

Draft Housing Policy Review Meetings

15

Band Members are invited to the

FINAL Housing Policy Review

WHEN : Friday November 25, 2016 - Chief Whitsemnitsa Complex

TIME: 10:00 to 2: 00 pm - Lunch will be served at noon

RSVP: reception@cooksferry.ca — 250 458 2224

This will be the final meeting to review the draft

after it has been through a legal review.

Membership are encouraged to contribute their

The final drafted Housing Policy document will be posted on the Cook’s Ferry

Band website prior to the meeting and distributed on reserve

www. cooksferryband.ca

16

Report from Councillor Tina Draney

Hello Everyone! My Council report will cover August 1, 2016 – September 24, 2016

August 3- C&C meeting

August 6- Annual General Meeting

August 16- C&C meeting

August 17 -19- Heskw’en’scutxe Health Services Society hosted Chief and Council and the Appointed Board members from Cooks Ferry and Siska to discuss the re-newal of the 10 year health plan

August 20- Housing policy meeting in Kamloops

September 10- Housing policy meeting in Merritt

September 14- C&C meeting

September 16- Hans Knakst Tstixw Society board meeting

September 20- Review of the Financial Management Law meeting

September 26-27– Colonization Workshop

I would like to remind members that if you have a request to the band or complaint about the activities of the Band , to either submit a letter to the band manager, Lorette Edzerza, or give her a call.

I encourage you to check out Cooks Ferry’s Facebook page regularly, to stay up to date on all of the events that happen in and around our community. You may be interested to attend an event sometime!

I hope everyone enjoys Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Working together as a team in a positive way will encourage positive results!

All my best, Tina Draney

Some upcoming meetings that are scheduled:

September 28- C&C meeting

October 2- Spences Bridge Im-provement District board meeting

October 12- C&C meeting

October 13- Off Reserve

Band meeting in Kamloops (I hope to see my family there!)

October 26- C&C meeting

November 9- C&C meeting

November 12- General Band meet-ing in Spences Bridge

November 23- C&C meeting

November 25- Housing policy meeting

December 7- C&C meeting

December 21– C&C meeting

17

We see lateral violence at the First Nation com-

munity levels. It is a cloud that has loomed over

us. Lateral violence has become a destructive

way of life for families and communities. We

have learned many negative ways to live with

one another. We have learned that whomever

drives the best car or lives in the best house, is

better off than we are. This is not true.

This way of thinking has brought on feelings of

jealousy and envy. We have learned to think indi-

vidual based rather than our traditional, com-

munity-based ways of thinking as in the past.

We have learned to want material objects and

forget to be thankful for what we have. We for-

get to be thankful for another day, for our lives,

and for all of creation. These are the real im-

portant things.

We must not get stuck in a place that is constant-

ly blaming one another, including the non-Native

society.

We are all responsible for the choices we make

and the actions we carry out.

We must choose to let go of past grudges and be

aware of how these feelings affect the way we

think and behave. We want to model healthy liv-

ing for our children.

The best way to deal with lateral violence is with

kindness, patience, and understanding.

What is Lateral Violence?

When people use behaviour that includes

gossip, shaming, blaming, and putting down

others

When violence is directed at one’s own peo-

ple

Outward jealousy and envy of others

When oppressed people act out in rage, an-

ger, and frustration

When oppressed groups turn on each other

Oppression is: the unjust or cruel exercise of

power or authority from one group of people

over another group. A dominant group of

people keeping another group of people con-

tained or controlled

Conflict does not need to be volatile or negative.

Conflict can actually lead to increased under-

standing and creative outside the box thinking.

It is the way we deal with conflict that deter-

mines the outcome. Resolving conflict can im-

prove relationships and deepen understanding in

social groups and within yourselves.

“Moving Forward” by Councillor Tina Draney

Why do people use lateral violence?

Unresolved anger, pain, shame

Lack of knowledge and awareness

Cannot accept others

Low self-esteem and self-worth

Stuck in the cycle of oppression

We need to move from greed, power, con-

trol, money, authority, jealousy, and envy

And move towards harmony, equality, shar-

ing, balance, respect, and HAPPINESS!

Communication is a good start to gain

knowledge and awareness to begin to

resolve conflict.

18

Aboriginal Healing Foundation www.ahf.ca/publications/funded-projects

Aboriginal Healing Foundation www.ahf.ca/downloads/historic-trauma

Wellbriety Movement www.whitebison.org.wellbriety

Historical Trauma www.historicaltrauma.com

Historical Trauma and Intergenerational Grief

www.webpages.uidaho.edu/engl484jj/Historical_trauma.htm

Briere, J (1992) Child Abuse Trauma: Theory and Treatment of the Lasting Effects. Newbury Park,

CA: Sage Publications

The Education attainment of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada—2014

First Nations Centre (2005) First Nations Regional Longitudinal

Health Survey

Journal of Aboriginal Health (2009) Intergeneration Trauma:

Convergence of Multiple Process among First Nation people in

Canada

Laboucane, R. (2010) Canada’s Aboriginal Education Crisis.

Understanding Trauma Seminar Resource List

Dr. Allyson L. Cushing, RCC is originally from Nova Scotia and has a Master’s Degree in

Counselling Psychology and specializes in Trauma. She has been working for over a decade

with First Nations throughout BC. Here are some references from her workshop Coloniza-

tion: The Silence is Deafening & Trauma.

Websites

Research

Articles

19

Would you like

to receive

Talking Stick

In your email box?

Simply email

Reception @cooksferry.ca

Or go to

www.cooksferryband.ca

Dates of next issues:

December 1, 2016

February 1, 2017

April 1, 2017

June 1, 2017

August 1, 2017

My name is Cst. Chesley JOHNSON and I have recently transferred to Lytton from the Sunshine Coast where I spent six and a half years.

My background is primarily in general duty policing, with some time spent in plain clothes and a training capaci-ty.

I am originally from Saskatoon Sas-katchewan and grew up in Northern British Columbia (Terrace), prior to joining the RCMP I was living in Victo-ria.

I have two sons Damon(6) and Bray-don(3) and a wife, Tanya. Attached is family photo with our newest mem-ber Robin Sparkles (dog).

I look forward to working with the Cook's Ferry Band in the coming years.

Cst. Chesley Johnson Lytton RCMP First Nations Policing 665 Main St. Box 69, Lytton, B.C

250-455-2225

Meet Cst. Chesley Johnson Lytton RCMP First Nations Policing

20

21

FNHA Form for Off Reserve Medical Travel

22

23

Social Development Updates

Canning Season is still ongoing at Cook's Ferry and we had a handful of members that came and shared their canning techniques and enjoyed each others company. Everyone is invited to participate in these events and El-ders will be receiving these goodies shortly.

Spences Bridge Community Club and Cook’s Ferry will be celebrating Christ-mas this year on Saturday December 17, 2016 at the Chief Whistemnitsa Complex . We will soon hold meetings to organize this popular event. Both Spences Bridge and Cook’s Ferry are invited to help in bringing ideas and skills. I Hope to see many of you to these meetings—Angie

Flash from the past,

Fire Arm Safety

Workshop we are

guessing 10 years

ago?

- With Pearl Hewitt,

Lena Nicholson, Dusty Wilson, Dan-

iel Wilson, Will Paul, Dale Wilson,

Vince Wilson, Oliver Wilson, Ken

Brown, Jessie Spence, Rico Spence,

Phyllis Moses, Charlie Spinks, BJ

Hewitt, Mathilda Clark

Happy Hunting Season!

24

October 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Meditation

Workshop

10am and

2 3

Yoga 6:00

4 5 Turkey Bingo

12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45

New Horizon

6

Noon

Badminton

Physiotherapy

10am

7

10:00

Zumba

8

9 10

Thanksgiving

day

Office closed

11

Physiothera-

py

10am

12 12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45 New

Horizon Meet-

ing

C&C 9am

13

Horseback

Riding

Off Reserve

Meeting–

Kamloops

14

10:00

Zumba

15

16 17

Yoga 6:00

18

Nzenman

Drop In

10am

19 12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45 New

Horizon Meet-

ingg

20

Noon

Badminton

21

10:00

Zumba

22

23 24

Yoga 6:00

25 26 12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45 New

Horizon Meet-

ing

C&C 1pm

27

Noon

Badminton

28

10:00

Zumba

29

30 31

Yoga 6:00

Halloween

Chart: Red Cook’s Ferry Indian

Band Business & Blue SBCC

Elder’s Vision Council Alcoholics Anonymous, Wednesday 6 pm

Basketball , Wednesday 6 pm

25

November 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45

New Horizon

3

Noon

Badminton

4

10:00

Zumba

5

6

Fall Back

Time @ 2 am

7

Yoga 6:00

8 9 12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45 New

Horizon Meet-

ing

C&C 9am

10

Noon

Badminton

11

Remem-

brance Day

Office closed

12

General Band

Meeting

12pm at

Band

13 14

Yoga 6:00

15 16

12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45

New Horizon

17

Noon

Badminton

18

10:00

Zumba

19

20 21

Yoga 6:00

22

Nzenman

Drop In

10am

23 12:00

Free Lunch

Soup

10:45 New

Horizon Meet-

ing

24

Noon

Badminton

25

10:00

Zumba

Housing

Meeting Band

Office 10am

26

27 28

Yoga 6:00

29 30

12:00 Free

Lunch Soup

10:45

New Horizon

Chart: Red Cook’s Ferry Indian

Band Business & Blue SBCC

Elder’s Vision Council Alcoholics Anonymous , Wednesday 6 pm

Basketball , Wednesday 6 pm

26

I thank Rivershed Society of BC, their many spon-

sors and Fraser River Expeditions:

Rivershed Society of BC and their many sponsors

invited the Nlaka’pamux communities to raft the

Fraser Canyon in a unique way to see the Fraser

River for FREE of charge transported by the Fra-

ser River Expeditions.

As part of FraserFEST, people were able to raft

sections of the Fraser Canyon from Xatsull to

Yale, BC, between July 24th and September 6th,

2016. All trips were a 1-day adventure ideal for

people who would like to experience the Fraser

from off-the-beaten track.

On Monday, September 5th, 2016 from the Cook's

Ferry Indian Band community Jack Miller, Florine

Walkem and Rain Ashley got to join others rafting

from Lytton to Boston Bar. They started their

rafting trip where the Thompson River joins the

Fraser River, which is truly a sight to behold. The

blue of the Thompson forms a distinct line in the

Fraser before it mingles and mixes with the silty

Fraser. They enter the Siska Canyon atop of

whirlpools and eddies.

On Tuesday, September 6th, 2016 from the

Cook's Ferry Indian Band community Carol

Walkem, and Daryl Minnabarriet got to join oth-

ers rafting from Boston Bar to Yale (Hell’s Gate).

Lena Nicholson was also signed up but sadly had

to miss the day due to work. My two daughters

and I were able to join from the Nicomen Indian

Band community. We were all told to hold on our

hats. That the day of heart-racing adventures

was sure to get us soaked even on the sunniest of

days. We challenged the rapids at Scuzzy Rock,

China Bar and the unforgettable Hell’s Gate.

Our Grand finale was the roller coaster action of

Sailor Bar Rapids, a chain of huge standing waves

that we rerun several times.

Just after roughing the Hell’s Gate rapids we

pulled into an amazing sand bar and enjoyed a

real refreshing lunch of fresh vegetables, a variety

of cold cut meats, several selections of breads,

hot tea or chocolate and some cold beverages. It

was a great time to mingle with many others, en-

joy the sunny day and take more pictures. I also

learned that we had a 92 year old elder who was

in the other raft. I’m sad to say that I did not

catch her name, but she is the lady in the dark

blue jacket and dark sunglasses sitting beside

Carol Walkem and she definitely looks young.

Fraser River Rafting Expedition by Band Manager Lorette Edzerza

27

Our experience included hiking down a trail, hiking up a

trail, hopping across rocks and trudging through sand

to get to and from the rafts. Also climbing on and off

the rafts was quite a task. Also riding the raft through

constant motion and crazy rapids while holding onto

our rope for dear life at times. I’m sure that I was not

the only one who felt it in my aching muscles for many

days later. I’m so impressed by our many elders, some

with their canes, who endured through this day of exer-

cise and fun.

We also got to see and take pictures of the many rocks sculptured by the Fraser River currents over many

centuries. We also got to see eagles, turkey vultures, falcons, and blue herrings. We saw the remanence

of many fishing and salmon drying sites. It was totally a different perspective to see the Fraser Canyon on

our journey on the river with the mountains, trees

and rocks surrounding us. It made me feel proud

to see the range of land that our Nlaka’pamux

ancestors occupied. Our rafting guide gave us

many history lessons on the railway development

including many remarkable rock walls built by the

Chinese people and the Hell’s Gate cement fish

gates. We all definitely got soaking wet but also

all left smiling and laughing and will share our

experiences with others for a long time.

Florine Walkem granddaughter Rain Ashley

28

Happy Birthday to all our October Band members!!!

Raven:

Sep 22 - Oct 22

Highly enthusiastic, and a natural entrepreneur, the Crow is quite a charmer. But he/she doesn't have to work at being charming - it comes easily. Every-one recognizes the Crow's easy energy, and everyone turns to the Crow for his/her ideas and opinions. This is because the Crow is both idealistic and diplomatic and is quite ingenious. In nurturing environments this Native American animal symbol is easy-going, can be romantic, and soft-spoken. Further, the crow can be quite patient, and intuitive in relationships. Left to his/her own devices, the Crow can be demanding, inconsistent, vindictive, and abrasive.

Happy Birthday to all our November Band members!!!

Snake: Oct 23 - Nov 22

Most shamans are born under this Native American animal symbol. The Snake is a natural in

all matters of spirit. Easily attuned to the ethereal realm the Snake makes an excellent spiritu-

al leader. Also respected for his/her healing capacities, the Snake also excels in medical pro-

fessions. The Snake's preoccupation with matters intangible often lead others to view them

as mysterious, and sometimes frightening. True, the Snake can be secretive, and a bit dark -

he/she is also quite sensitive, and caring. In a supportive relationship the cool Snake can be

passionate, inspiring, humorous, and helpful. Left to his/her own devices, the Snake can be

despondent, violent, and prone to abnormal mood swings.

29

Looking to further your education in the Medical Field?

First Nation Health Authority has compiled a Health Careers Guidebook that lists all the medical profes-

sions , schools that offer the programs, salary expectations. A great read a resourceful document for any-

one who is interested in this area of studies. http://www.fnha.ca/Documents/

FNHA_health_careers_guidebook.pdf

Indspire helps thousands of Indigenous Students complete their education. Check out their exten-

sive comprehensible easy to use website! http://indspire.ca/for-students/bursaries-scholarships/

Children all over Canada will be reading stories about the legacy of residential schools in classroom this year. Educators across the country are developing resource guides in response to the Truth and Reconcili-ation Commission (TRC) recommendations. Please see the link for a complete list of books www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/10-books-about-residential-schools-to-read-with-your-kids-1.3208021

10 books about residential schools to read with your kids

Stories to open up age appropriate conversations with your children

Student Corner

Did you know that according to some reports, up to $15 million in scholar-

ships may go unclaimed each year in Canada, simply because no one has ap-

plied. Make it your business to take care of your financial future by getting

the support you need to continue your education1. 1.(FNHA Health Careers Guidebook

2016 page 125)

AGES 4-8

Shi-shi-etko, by Nicola Campbell

Shin-chi's Canoe, by Nicola Campbell

Arctic Stories, by Michael Kusugak

Kookum's Red Shoes, by Peter Eyvindson

AGES 9-12

Fatty Legs: A True Story, by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

A Stranger at Home: A True Story, by Chris-ty Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Sto-ries of Kuper Island Residential School, by Sylvia Olsen

As long as the Rivers Flow, by Larry Loyie

My Name is Seepeetza, by Shirley Sterling (inspired from Kamloops Residential School)

We feel good out here = Zhik gwaa'an, na-khwatthaiitat qwiinzii (The Land is Our Story-book) by Julie-Ann André and Mindy Willett Request your local library

to order these books.

30

Micro-grooved teeth are gentle on scalp and

get every nit out!

This comb is the best one on the market as it

is made of stainless steel and will fit lice and

nit. The ultimate weapon to fight head lice and

their eggs .It can be used alone or with other

lice treatment products.

Anti-Slip Bands

The bands allow for better gripping and con-

trol, particular when hands are slippery from

treatment or conditioner.

Advanced Laser Technology

The laser technology welding makes the Nit

Free Terminator Comb a highly sturdy and

long lasting comb.

Micro-Grooved Teeth

The micro-grooving consists of microscopic

edges that are positioned along the teeth in a

tight spiral form. With thorough combing,

these edges, together with the dragging ac-

tion of the teeth, remove even the tiniest nit.

To prevent head lice infestation, comb with

the Nit Free Terminator Comb regularly.

Are you struggling with lice?

Cook’s Ferry is supporting families struggling with lice.

The Band is offering one complimentary NIT FREE TERMINATOR

comb per family which will be distributed only upon request.

All requests will be handled in a private confidential manner. The comb can be

used by all members of the family and is effective in removing both nits and lice..

Disclaimer: The Band is not suggesting this comb is the fix all but if used in support of

other treatments, results should be expected.

Please email or call Angie Thorne at the office to receive your free comb

Made from stainless steel it will not

break or rust when used as directed.

31

Back to School BBQ Memories and Farewell to Summer Student Dorian Billy

32

A reminder that according to the Band’s Wood Policy, (see copy below) a $40.00 minimum dona-

tion must be made to the Band on behalf of the Elders group for each truckload of wood provid-

ed. The Firewood Policy applies to members who live on reserve or near Spences Bridge and

don’t have access to a truck and to the other members who can pick up their truckload of wood.

Also, firewood will only be provided after the $40.00 minimum donation is received by the Band

administration.

Elders (60+ years of age) are exempt. The Band social assistant basic needs program will pay for

eligible recipients.

Because there was some confusion, the Band will not charge relevant members for wood deliver-

ies this past winter but the policy will be in effect for future available wood supplies.

For any additional information or comments, feel free to contact the Band office.

Cooks Ferry Indian Band Firewood Policy

Priority List for Firewood

Elders will get wood split and delivered to their houses

Social Assistant recipients will receive wood split and delivered to their homes

Other members who live on reserve or near Spences Bridge who do not have access to a truck

may make arrangements with the Band Manager to provide them with a truckload of split

wood. The wood will be delivered upon receipt of a minimum $40.00 donation to the Elders

group.

All other members must split and pick up the wood themselves after notifying the Band Man-

ager. They will also have to make a $40.00 minimum donation per truckload to the Elders

group before they get the wood.

If there are any question about this policy, please direct comments to the office.

Operations & Maintenance by Tony Hewitt

The final signage is up at the corner

of Deer Lane—Kukchem to our work-

ers Dusty Wilson and Tony Hewitt!

33

As of September 16, 2016 category 2 and 3 open burning bans are still in place for Kam-loops, Vernon, Pentic-ton, Merritt and Lillooet fire zones until October 15, 2016 or until the public is noted otherwise.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning viola-tion, call *5555 on your cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

For the latest infor-mation on current wildfire activity, burn-ing restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:

* on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

* on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Operations & Maintenance by Tony Hewitt

Pruning season is amongst us: Please pile your stacks of branches and call the Band office for pick up.

34

Author Lars Mytting has written a very successful

book called "Hel ved" (a book about firewood) which

offers advice on important aspects to consider when

lighting a fire.

1. AIR The wood is utilised in the best way when

the draught control is fully open and the flames are

intense. That will also reduce pollution, because gas

particles are combusted and produce heat instead.

Once your home is warm, the temperature is regu-

lated by the amount of wood, not the air control.

2. SMALL AMOUNTS OF SMOKE IS A GOOD SIGN You

want a minimal amount of smoke coming from your

chimney. Smoke is not "exhaust" – it contains high

energy gases that were not burned. That's why it is

a good idea to go outside and take a look at the

smoke from the chimney. Dense, black smoke is a

sign that the combustion is not optimal, usually be-

cause the fire in the wood stove is not intense

enough. When the wood stove burns optimally, only

a bit of steam and some light, odour-free smoke es-

capes from the chimney.

3. A CLEAN WOOD STOVE IS A WARM WOOD STOVE Re-

move soot from your wood stove and the flue pipe

once a year. That way, your wood stove will get

warmer. A soot layer of even a few millimeters re-

duces the effect because the heat is not conducted

so well, but will go up and out the chimney. Clean it

more often if you burn a lot of pine wood which

leaves more soot than other types of wood. 4. . DIF-

FERENT TYPES OF WOOD PROVIDE DIFFERENT LEVELS

OF HEAT Hardwoods provide more heat than soft-

woods with the same volume, but per kilogram, the

different wood types will give off the same heat, and

softwoods are often cheaper to buy. Softwoods are

the perfect firewood at the start and end of the win-

ter when it is less cold. They provide a cleaner burn

without making the house into a sauna. It will burn

quicker, but it can be extended by burning with a

hardwood log.

5.OVERNIGHT HEATING Very few wood stoves can

burn longer than two to three hours on one wood

load. The old way of closing the air supply so that

the coals will smoulder overnight is a source of pol-

lution and creates the risk of a chimney fire. In addi-

tion, the heat benefit is poor as the gases are not

combusted and the energy is not utilised. The last

wood load in the evening should be some bigger

hardwood logs that burn as normal with the air

vents open. Even if the fire dies out, the insulation in

the house will keep the heat in. The stove and chim-

ney will still be warm in the morning and it is no

problem to get the fire going again.

6. TURBULENCE HELPS! Turbulence is important when lighting the fire because when the tempera-ture is low, the oxygen does not mix with the mole-cules in the wood. Swirls of air bombard the smoke gases with oxygen and makes the lighting easier. This is the reason why the firewood catches fire more easily when the door to the wood stove is left ajar. Some houses are so sealed with insulation that you should open a window when lighting the fire. A blow pipe is also an excellent aid to get the fire go-ing, much more so than bellows.

7. LIGHTING FROM THE TOP IS BETTER Many of the

modern wood stoves were designed to burn from the top down. Take a look at the user manual or get a new one from the Internet if you burned it. Light-ing from the top down is done by stacking logs of wood quite tight and then lighting a small fire on top of the wood so that the fire burns downward. The wood stove will reach its operating temperature quicker, the gases will burn better and the wood load will last longer.

8. ALWAYS MORE THAN ONE LOG You should always put two or three logs on the fire at a time – one log on its own will often die out. The reason is that the burning of a log happens in three stages, and one single log is not able to keep its own process going. More logs have a bigger surface, creates more tur-bulence and keeps the burning process going.

EIGHT TIPS FOR BURNING WOOD ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND : HTTP://JOTUL.COM/INT/GUIDES/EIGHT-TIPS-FOR-BURNING-WOOD

35

Youth Contest WINNER!!

Aboriginal Family Vi-olence Initiative HAN KANKST

TSITXW SOCIETY Lytton, BC

Preston Justice Lytton First Nation, Gr. 8, Lytton, BC

Preston Justice

“It makes me sad that some

mom’s gets abused. No

more moms should be

abused because the mom’s

might have children to take

care of.”

The Youth Initiative is funded by the Aboriginal Domestic Family Violence Preven-

tion Program, AANDC. This fund provides services to the 11 Bands within the

Nlaka’pamux Nation. On behalf of the all communities, CONGRATULATIONS to

Preston Justice

Han Kankst Tsitxw Society

36

Inside Story Headline

The secure status card or SCIS, is a secure identity docu-

ment that provides greater protection against fraud and

identity theft while ensuring access to programs, benefits

and services for registered Status Indians in Canada. If you

are 16 or older and are registered as a Status Indian or

have younger children you should apply for a card. Cook’s

Ferry is encouraging its membership to switch to the SCIS

Card .

Mail everything to:

Secure Certificate of Indian Status Processing Unit 10 , Wellington Street Gatineau QC, Canada K1A 0H4

If the application is complete and accurate, you can ex-pect to receive the secure status card in the mail without delay.

And one final thing, don't forget to save your activation

code and keep it in a safe place, so that you can acti-

vate your card as soon as you receive it.

Inside Story Headline

This story can fit 75-125 words.

Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.

Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting imag-es that appear to be out of context.

Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newslet-ter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.

Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image.

Final Check List before you

send in your form:

the application; Guarantor Declara-

tion form 83-111E; two passport style

photos, one of which is signed and dated by your guarantor, one that has your photographer's name and a date stamp on the back, and has your full name writ-ten on it too;

photocopies of the government issued identification signed and dated by a guar-antor;

the original birth cer-tificate; and

if applicable – mar-riage certificate; legal change of name doc-ument.

And also if applicable – the Statutory Dec-laration form 83-113E

This video will help guide you step-by-step,

through the application process to obtain your se-

cure status card. (Registered Indians 16 years of

age and older) https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/

eng/1414500795986/1414500927223

Have you applied for your Secure Certificate of Indian Status?

37

1. Awuh qu-n Tloo

Hello—how are you.

2. Yee.A.n shwuhawquta

TlaKap.

I am happy you are here.

3. MeechAka naya.

Sit down here.

4. Kshep nooqu twuh wuhash-

EEt.

You have walked from a long ways.

5. Ka.Az qu-n Keza?

Are you tired grandma?

6. Nam wuhEET nooqu a

shwuhoowuht.

There was lots of snow.

7. Kasst a nba-woa

Ice was very bad.

8. Wuheekt mee-it a yee oosh

ka shwuhawqu?

We are going to visit if it’s alright with you.

9.

Ha.EE awuhooza n.Aya tla

nwuhoo-yt.

Yes. You all stay here until Spring.

10. <wuh EET

nooquKayee.shchDOT.>

Thre’s lots of laughter

11. WuhEE tayeed a moss

mess kt!

Our cows will go hungry.

12. Hoo-,alh, hoo-malh, hoo-

malh.

Okay, okay, okay

13. nAchoonayeet lhahhAnsh.

Let’s all go and eat.

14. wuhEEt yemit

We are going to say Grace.

Elder’s Corner—Special Contribution by a Nlaka’pamux Elder

Mee-it a keza kt

Our Grandma’s Visit

38

Breanna Podlasly, a young up and coming art-ist living in Campbell River, is becoming a fast and popular sensation in the Vancouver Island art scene. Her artworks are executed in various mediums including watercolors, markers, col-ored pencils, pencil and chalk pastel. Her most recent pieces are in chalk pastel, which she has determined is going to be her medium for life.

Breanna is a professional artist with over 2 years of experience and showcases her artwork at the many Vancouver Island events. Her ambi-tion is to one day become a world renowned artist.

She is currently fundraising for a trip to the UK to study under world renowned pastel artist, Eric Wilson, in Manchester, England. After discovering his work earlier in the year, Breanna contact-ed Mr. Wilson to discuss where she wanted to take her art and how she could achieve the steps required to get there. They have agreed upon a one-on-one teaching at his studio in England in January 2017.

To raise funds for this trip, Breanna has created a special one-of-a-kind, matted and framed original of a mother Kodiak bear and her young cub. The piece is 41¾’wide by 33½’ tall and was valued over $3,400! It took Ms. Podlasly over 100 hours to complete the artwork.

The framed piece will be on display at Impressions Custom Framing Art Store.

Meet Breanna Podlasly, Artist and a Cook’s Ferry Band member

Article submitted by Breanna Podlasly

Raffle tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at Impressions Cus-

tom Framing Art Store and Phototech Foto Source in Campbell River and

at the Co-op Gas Station in Sointula, or directly from Breanna. Tickets

will be available from September 1st to December 1st and will be drawn on

December 2nd.

“There are so many possibilities that can be achieved with pastels, I haven’t found a single flaw using them” says Ms. Podlasly, “It’s like being able to capture the world of nature in a whole new way. Each piece I create has a special piece of me that gets put into it and I can breathe life into a blank paper with a single stroke, they

are magic!”

39

$20.00 RAFFLE TICKET For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Breanna

directly at 1-250-504-2112 (phone) orB.Podlasly@hotmail.com (email) or visit her Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/gaiaoftheriver/

Help Talented Breanna Podlasly live her dream!

40

UGANDA, AFRICA

The International Society of Ethnobiology held

their 15th Congress in Kampala, Uganda from Au-

gust 1 to August 7, 2016. In the week preceding

we held our Emerging Ethnobiologists Workshop

on the shores of beautiful Lake Bunyoni in the

southwest corner of Uganda.

My flight took me to Kigali, Rwanda via an over-

night stay in Amsterdam in Holland – the city of

canal living. It was an eventful canal ride viewing

all the sights and sounds of this very historic city.

The most interesting part being the number of

canal houseboats tied alongside where people

live their whole lives. Another event was the In-

ternational Gay Pride parade featuring a flag that

seemed to stretch over one hundred meters. The

Dutch know how to party.

We spent overnight in Kigali before heading off to

Kabale in Uganda. Rwanda seemed to be at

peace after the horrific genocide that took place

in 1994. Like many African developing countries,

they struggle to bring their standards to a higher

level and deflect corrupt governments.

We were very surprised to arrive at the lake shore

and realize we were going by an open long-boat

for our twenty minute trip to Entusi Retreat Cen-

tre, at night. Entusi is located on one of the many

islands on this beautiful volcanic lake. We arrived

to a very welcoming staff and a great meal pre-

ceded by hot towels to wash off the day’s dust.

The service industry in the rest of the world could

take lessons from this particular staff, they were

exceptional.

The many islands house families who are quite

self-sufficient. There are, however, some families

who have been moved from their original homes

elsewhere and dropped into areas where they can

barely grow a garden. This was the case in Bt’twa

village where Pygmies lived. The poverty was

terrible to hear about and yet the people wel-

comed the young Ethnobiologists with good

cheer. I was warned about the long steep climb,

so did not go.

Several trips brought us to see a traditional medi-

cine man who told us that the Christian mission-

aries forced his people to shun him. He told us

that the country in general was very religious and

just to thumb his nose at the church he would go

to a service occasionally. He laughed telling us

that the priest never knows how to react to his

appearance. Despite the shunning, people do still

come to see him.

Elder Report—Verna Miller

41

Another day we went to a village on a larger island

where we were shown how they are able to grow

and rotate their crops year round. At the village

we were given an unusual tomatoe fruit that was

sweet and very tasty. It is interesting to taste

different foods from around the world.

Our route into Kampala, the capital city of Ugan-

da, brought us through the Equator. Many people

have asked me how hot it was and I can say that it

was like any summer day here at home. This may

be due to the fact that we were at a higher eleva-

tion where it tends to be cooler than the lower el-

evation dry Savannah. Enroute from Kabale to

Kampala we saw various species of hooved ani-

mals, particularly a large herd of Zebra.

While in Kampala we stayed at a guest house on

Makarere University. It is the oldest and most

prestigious university in Africa. For the next week

I attended many presentations so that at the end

when I made my acceptance speech I was able to

make reference to some key items of the Con-

gress. The opening and closing ceremonies were

energetically presented by the university stu-

dents’ performance group. I tried to put the videos

on Facebook but due to the slow internet services

that didn’t happen.

While in Kampala I was able to take a day trip out

to the Botanical gardens and Wildlife Educations

Center in Entebbe. It was a very interesting trip

until we got back to Kampala during “rush” hour.

I have never experienced such chaotic traffic any-

where else in the world. We inched our way

through the traffic until we came to a standstill -

for over an hour. We happened upon one lonely

traffic light that was completely ignored by every-

one. Traffic police were few and far between and

their lives were at risk in trying to direct this crazy

traffic in the dark. Finally after four hours of a nor-

mally forty-five minute trip we reached the guest

house. I would add that to make the traffic situa-

tion even more eventful there are motorcycle tax-

is called “bodabodas” that weave in and out of the

traffic without concern for how close the vehicles

are to each other. It seemed that the distance be-

tween vehicles was a piece of Kleenex apart. Sev-

eral times I had to suck in my breath to avoid

scraping up against another vehicle. Thankfully

our driver had the patience and experience to take

everything in stride. You cannot have “road rage”

in this city or the “bodabodas” will get you.

Each country I have travelled to provide new and

interesting experiences and the dream of visiting

again. Despite the unusual “personality” of Ugan-

da, the people are very friendly and willing to help

out in any way they could. Next stop – Belem,

Brazil 2018.

42

43

The Band office will be closed on

Thanksgiving Day, Monday October 10,

2016

The Band office will be closed in hon-

or of Remembrance Day ,

Friday November 11, 2016

Sunday

November 6 @

2:00 am

44

You are invited to an Off Reserve Meeting in Kamloops

45

Chief David Walkem : Ext 104

david.walkem@cooksferry.ca

Councillor / Land /Registry

Pearl Hewitt : Ext 102

pearl.hewitt@cooksferry.ca

Councillor / Finance

Tina Draney : Ext 106

tina.draney@cooksferry.ca

Counc. Christine Minnabarriet: Ext 108

christine.minnabarriet@cooksferry.ca

Band Manager

Lorette Edzerza Ext 105

band.manager@cooksferry.ca

Social Development

Angie Thorne : Ext 107

angie.thorne@cooksferry.ca

Water Operator

Wilfred A. Paul: Ext 119

wilfred.paul@cooksferry.ca

Receptionist / Executive Assistant

Nadine Methot: Ext 101

reception@cooksferry.ca

Heskw’en’scutxe Health Services

250 458-2212

Cook’s Ferry Indian Band PO Box 130 3691 Deer Lane Spences Bridge, BC, V0K 2L0 Telephone: 250 458-2224 Toll Free: 1-800 707-2263 Fax: 250 458-2312 E-mail: reception@cooksferry.ca Website: cooksferryband.ca Facebook: facebook.comcooksferryband facebook.com/cooks.ferry Office hours Monday to Friday 8:00—4:00 Closed for lunch from 12:00—1:00

You are invited

Cooks Ferry’s Indian Band General Meeting

Chief Whitsemnitsa Complex

Saturday, November 12

from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Lunch served at noon