NEWS CENTRE FOR THE SRFN
Working for First Nations People

Chief and Council notes

 

Office News

We have 2 new Band Manager Trainees.

 

Mr. Dave Poitras. Dave was a drug and alcohol counsellor for over 20 years. Dave had been working for the Treatment Centre in Hay River, NWT. Dave is also an avid Dog Musher and anyone wanting to know more please email him dave@srfn195.com



Ms. Laurie Young has been living in Fort Smith, NWT for over 15 years. She has extensive experience in office environments. Laurie was very involved in the Fort Smith museum and has vast knowledge about the town's evolution and northern history. Anyone wanting to talk to laure please email laurie@srfn195.com

Past News Information:.


What is a Constitution? Why do we need it?
A constitution is a governing tool that used to ensure that every member is treated and acts fairly and equitably to one another and observes the laws of the First Nation. It is imperative that we have something to govern ourselves. Without it we fall prey to the same historical fights and legal battles of the past. The Chief and Council are now in the process of researching and gathering input from other nations and seeing what works and what doesn't. We will keep the members informed on this with updates on our website and newsletters.


Why do we need a policies, codes and bylaws?
Well let's look at this example how most first nations operate ineffectively including ourselves.


LEAP OF FAITH APPROACH
1. Decision Making Power**
2. Build capable institutions
3. Identify strategic priorities
4. Develop policies
5. Choose Projects**
6. Implement them

What happens is that most first nations jump into a project without doing 2, 3 & 4. Why? Because we have been doing it for so long that we can't see beyond it. What happens when you are careful and due diligent?

1. More effective access to and use of resources

2. Increased chances of sustained and self determined economic development

3. A more effective defense of sovereignty

4. Societies not just economies that work


The end result is nation building in a more effective process. If we circumvent opinion than it is just words. However, codes and policies are enforceable and law. We will have to follow Salt River Law once the constitution and codes are in place:


Codes such as:

Civil Service code------Governance Codes
Election Codes----Economic Development codes
Program and Services Codes


You will have a say in there development. There are many codes and they will work.