Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

DAY 1 – Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

17^th Annual General Assembly

Keeshkeemaquah Conference & Gaming Centre

Long Plain First Nation

OPENING CEREMONIES

Pipe Ceremony conducted by Elder Morris Merrick, Long Plain First Nation

Grand Entry/Opening Flag Songs by the Assiniboine Juniors Drum Group

Opening Prayer by Elder Esther Cameron, Long Plain First Nation

OPENING REMARKS

Chair Katherine Whitecloud provided opening remarks and welcoming all in attendance. She expressed thanks to Elder Morris Merrick who is here to offer sage and advice this morning. Once a quorum is achieved we will adopt the agenda and rules of procedures and then the business of the agenda.

Host Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation

Chief Meeches expressed thank you to the Chair, the Elders for the opening prayer and pipe ceremony and the Assiniboine Junior drum group for the songs. He is honoured to be here today welcoming everyone to the new Keeshkeemaquah Conference Centre. This week his community will be celebrating the signing of their two treaties. The next few days will be critical and historical as we go through the leadership selection. He wished to acknowledge former Grand Chief Dennis who is now Treaty Commissioner for the great work he did and to extend our thanks to him as tonight there is a toast and roast to him in Winnipeg. He welcomes all the Chiefs and invites all to the powwow this weekend. He also acknowledges Tim Daniels for carrying in the eagle staff.

AFN Regional Chief Francis Flett, Manitoba Region

He extends greetings to all in attendance. It has been an honour to serve the people all these years and he knows what it takes for the leadership to be committed in achieving their goals. He commends leadership for their support and direction as well as their hard work. Tomorrow we select a new leader that will take us on your direction forward.

He conveys thanks to Chief Dennis Meeches and his community for hosting the assembly and for welcoming us in their traditional territory and lands.

AMC Acting Grand Chief Irvin McIvor

He greets all Chiefs, Elders, Councillors and citizens of all First Nations. He provides thanks to Elder Morris Merrick for the opening ceremony, to Elder Esther Cameron for the opening prayers and to Chief Meeches for hosting the Assembly.

As Acting Grand Chief, we represented Manitoba in Vancouver at the Residential School Forum where we put in a formal request for a similar forum in Manitoba for all former residential school survivors considering there were 19 schools in Manitoba alone. The conference had many in attendance with 1480 people registered dealing with the alternative dispute process that has made some important changes.

Today we will review the AMC Annual Report and Financial statement and hear the Youth Secretariat report. The AMC Youth Department created the cover for the AMC Annual Report and the theme for this years’ Annual Assembly which is “Suicide Prevention - helping one another to save lives”, thank you to the Youth Department for producing these.

This evening is a toast and roast for Dennis White Bird we all know the great work he has conducted. The new Grand Chief elections are tomorrow at the Victoria Inn, I wish them the best of luck. It is an honour to be here representing the Sandy Bay First Nation of 5100 people. Thank you and have a great day.

REVIEW OF THE AGENDA

Chair Katherine Whitecloud reviews the agenda for today and tomorrow and asks any questions on the agenda?

Chief Murray Clearsky: Question on newly incorporated Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center, does this organization still answer to the Chiefs in Assembly as a whole or to the Executive Council? I require clarification on this issue.

Chief Robert Daniels: Would like clarification as to the HRDC administration dollars.

Chair Katherine Whitecloud: Questions are noted and will be answered during the Executive Director’s report.

Chief Alfred Everett: Provides thanks to Chief Meeches and Council for hosting the conference. His question is could the candidates make an introductory speech to the Chiefs in attendance today.

Chair Katherine Whitecloud: To respond to this request, we will await the arrival of the electoral officer and to be fair to all candidates and to follow the rules, we would need to wait to hear from him. We will revisit your request prior to the end of the day.

MOTION #1 - To adopt the agenda for the AMC Annual Assembly for July 26-27, 2005 with revisions.

Moved by: Chief Clearsky, Waywayseecappo First Nation

Seconded by: Chief Barry McKay, Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve

Motion Carried

MOTION #2 To adopt the Rules and Procedures as reviewed.

Moved by: Chief John Thunder, Buffalo Point First Nation

Seconded by: Chief Murray Clearsky, Waywayseecappo First Nation

Motion Carried

TABLING OF AMC ANNUAL REPORT - Roger Carrier, Executive Director

Roger begins with the latest virtual tour of the government house. AMC continues to negotiate with Roseau River to secure land in Winnipeg. The resolution of the Government House was passed by the Chiefs in Assembly in 2001 it has taken some time to work on the business and implementation plan with Roseau River. Each facility is approximately 9000 sq feet. Architect is Dave Thomas, Peguis First Nation and Virtual Tour by Derek Quill. At this time Roseau River has submitted their offer to the City of Winnipeg.

Roger welcomes all to the 17^th Annual General Assembly, thanks for the songs and the Elder for the prayer. This is the first time that AMC has held an Annual Assembly in Long Plain, gives thanks to Chief Meeches and his community.

This years Annual General Assembly includes the election for Grand Chief. Dennis White Bird has accepted an appointment as the first Treaty Commissioner of the Treaty Relations Commission. We wish him success in his new role.

AMC’s management team meets bi-weekly to discuss and resolve issues and monitor annual work plans. Detailed reports from the management team are located in the Annual General Report.

In 2004/2005, AMC held 3 assemblies alternating between northern and southern First Nation communities. During these assemblies, the Chiefs passed 40 resolutions that directed the Grand Chief and secretariat to address First Nation issues. A copy of the Resolutions Status Report has been distributed to the leadership for your review and if further clarification is required we are here to answer your questions.

In 2004/2005, the Executive Council, as the source of authority between assemblies met 6 times and passed 38 motions with numerous additional tasks being assigned to the Grand Chief and Secretariat staff. Pursuant to the Constitution, the Executive Council shall meet up to 6 times per year.

The key objectives of the restructuring strategy are:

To restructure AMC’s political structure by:

a. Redefining the role of the Executive Council as the source of authority between assemblies by implementing a new Portfolio system for the 10 member Executive Council.

b. Redefining the role of the Chiefs in Assembly:

§ redefined resolutions process will come forth in a future assembly

§ redefined rules and procedures

§ amended AMC constitution

c. Redefining the role of the Grand Chief by:

§ Electing the Grand Chief using the broader base of the electorate, ie. all First Nations. This was brought to the assembly in 97 it was since shelved but we are bringing it back to the assembly again today.

d. Redefining the role of the administrative structure by:

§ Established a Research and Policy Development unit that conducts research to prepare the Grand Chief to lobby government to effect change to government legislation and policies that adversely affect all First Nations citizens in Manitoba. Policy and research using statistics and history and trends putting forth our issues to government.

§ To develop and implement a strategy, providing accurate information timely through various vehicles including mainstream media.

2. To raise AMC and First Nations profile by connecting with all key stakeholders.

§ Additional resources have been provided to the Communication’s unit to implement their strategy.

§ The key objective of the strategy is to reconnect with all key stakeholders by providing accurate information on a timely basis, ie. monthly, quarterly and annually.

§ The key outcome of the communication strategy is to keep all stakeholders informed so they will support First Nation initiatives.

3. To focus on political advocacy by moving major projects/programs outside the

organization. We have members sitting on that board and take action via Executive Council. The ultimate authority is the Chiefs in Assembly which is connected to the Executive Council.

§ The major projects/programs include the MFNERC and HRD – Employment and Training.

§ Currently, MANFF is an independent legal entity that remains at arms length of the AMC.

§ Recently, MFNERC was incorporated but remains at arms length to AMC through the Executive Council.

§ Once HRD receives their 2^nd generation multi-year funding, a new organization will be established.

Key Human Resource objectives are to recruit qualified AMC personnel, to ensure that AMC provides a safe and healthy workplace for its personnel, to offer all personnel an opportunity to access training and career development courses and to partner with the public and private sector to create employment opportunities for First Nations citizens. Detailed reports of the unit’s accomplishments are included in the Annual Report.

Key Financial resource objectives are: to secure adequate resources to fund AMC activities, to maximize the use of all financial resources. To maintain an accurate accounting system to ensure that AMC is accountable to all key stakeholders including First Nation governments and other levels of government and to manage the resources effectively. A copy of the annual audited financial statement is included in the Annual Report.

Question regarding the administration portion of HRDC, we are going to hold the fee to 2% this year, if you need a letter in addition we will send that out to you.

Partnering with the private and public sector and recently with MTS, major targets being set and continuing to monitor those monthly and work to establish more in the province, municipalities and federal governments. These are listed in the annual reports. In closing on behalf of the management team we thank the Chiefs and the host community and to all the candidates for Grand Chief good luck.

ANNUAL REPORT DISCUSSION

Chief Murray Clearsky: Has the portfolio for the Chiefs on education. We met with the RDG Mary Blais and I think its fair the assembly has their opinions to how its operating before it becomes operated. A letter was sent to the RDG from some of the communities regarding the special education program not in favor of the Executive Council making decisions on their behalf. So that was the clarification I had requested, does MFNERC answer to the Assembly or to the Executive.

Roger Carriere: The Executive is the source of the authority between the assemblies and when decisions are made they report back to the Assembly. The Resource Centre was incorporated recently and is very connected to the Executive Council. With regards to the special education program some are seeking an umbrella option for all sources of revenue to come from one agreement to the community whether it is employment and training or FNIHB etc. it is the ideal situation. Those are the letters you are referring to and they are just negotiating that. We have not heard of any against the AMC as a whole.

Chief Clearsky: The letter that Mary Blais shared with us, by the mover on the Education Resource Centre that he was not in favor after agreeing to the motion. I got a letter from Mary Blais of how good the program is running. Staff can make copies for all the Chiefs so they have some information on the MFNERC. I know there is a lot of money coming to this, and I understand the Chiefs are concerned about equality and dollars should be coming to their community. I strongly believe in this MFNERC and the good things that come from it, and would like to see us all come together on this, no north and south disputes. Lets be united on this, we are all equal on this. Feel free to come to our board meeting and ask us questions. Thanks to Dennis for hosting us here.

FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORT – George Merasty, Director of Finance

AMC’s financial objectives are:

To secure adequate resources to fund AMC initiatives;
To maximize the use of all financial resources;
To maintain accurate accounting records of all funds;
To ensure that the organization follows all approved operating budgets; and
To retire the organization’s operating deficit.

George reviewed the balance sheets and the summary notes for each area in the Auditors Report year ended March 31^st, 2005.

In 2004/2005, we maximized the use of the resources by expending out resources effectively, while earning a surplus of approximately $100k. One of the primary objectives in managing the financial resources is to retire the accumulated operating deficit, which was approximately $2.2 million in 1999. The deficit has now been reduced to $560k. It is imperative that we retire our deficit to prove to creditors and investors that we have the capacity to manage our financial resources and are in good financial position to build our Manitoba First Nation Government House.

Our greatest challenge as a political organization is to secure multi-year funding to finance the organization’s strategies and ongoing operating expenditures.

Motion #3 to accept the AMC Annual Report 2005

Moved by: Chief DennisMeeches, Long Plain First Nation

Seconded by: Chief George Neepin, Fox Lake First Nation

Motion Carried

Motion #4 to accept the AMC Financial Audit Report and Financial Statements

Moved by: Chief Murray Clearsky, Waywayseecappo First Nation

Seconded by: Chief Robert Lavallee, Skownan First Nation

Motion Carried

AFN REGIONAL CHIEF ANNUAL REPORT – AFN Vice Chief Francis Flett

I am seeking support on some of the issues to be presented today. Much work has occurred in fisheries with a new federation put in place by the fishers to continue the work and processes on fisheries issues. A resolution was passed that calls for a Fresh Water Fish Marketing Corporation to have an elected board. Yesterday a meeting occurred with some of the fisherman from the Lake Winnipeg area and the Federation Chair, to partner up and get funds from the federal departments involved in fisheries and taking back to the Federation Board for support from all the Winnipeg fishermen.

In addition to our initiative the Manitoba First Nation Diabetes Committee were also attempting to create a Centre of Excellence of Diabetes. We have amalgamated to develop a strategy to produce both of the positions into one to serve the general public.

One of my portfolios is First Nations gaming along with Vice Chief Bird from Saskatchewan. We met with people from the U.S. on their experiences and discussed what we can do in Canada. They suggested we establish 2 committees to lobby to make changes to certain sections under the Criminal Code to make it easier for First Nation communities to have authority over gaming.

Devils Lake diversion project is something that we don’t really know about, we know it will probably happen in August. Our Premier has been out there lobbying to halt it. Last night before I came here we had a meeting with a group of people that talk about the diversion. It is unknown what the diversion will cause and the environmental impacts to our lakes and waters here in Manitoba.

I was invited to that meeting from the Mayor of Gimli, we are jointly developing a strategy for a lawsuit against the Devils Lake diversion in particular of the impacts to First Nation traditional and treaty rights. I have committed financial resources to this legal fund from my Regional funds. An amount of 50k is required to start the legal process. All the Mayors have gone back to their constituencies to ask for funds. The total cost will be 250k, but the 50k is just to proceed on the legal process. I ask the Chiefs who could be potentially affected and others to support as much as you can because we need to stop it. We don’t know the kinds of species that will come up the streams and affect our lakes. Think about this process and try to support it.

Regarding the floodway expansion, we are receiving calls in our office asking for support to get First Nations people and their resumes in for positions to be created. 20% of that employment has to be First Nations that is about 2000 people for the next five years. Operators or those with a specialty of some sort can get a hold of our office and we’ll see what we can do.

YOUTH SECRETARIAT REPORT – Amanda Measwasige, Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative Representative Presentation

Originally from the Eagle Lake First Nation in Ontario and has been working with the AMC Youth Secretariat for a year and a half. As a survivor of suicide, and having lost a brother to suicide, I have gained skills along the way that can prevent others from committing suicide. I have learned that helping one another can prevent suicide. We all know the effects of suicide in our communities. Today I am here to provide the leadership with a brief overview of the programs developed and delivered by the AMC Youth Secretariat, which are noted in the Annual Report. I am honoured to be working with my colleagues and proud of them for taking ownership on this issue.

We all know the wide and demoralizing ripple effect from every First Nation suicide through a chain of inter-connected families and communities. The problem of Aboriginal suicide has often prompted well intentioned non Aboriginal individuals and agencies to seek solutions on behalf of the Aboriginal people. Unfortunately many people do not understand that they approach the situation from an ethnocentric perspective that seldom recognizes aboriginal world views.

The Youth Secretariat firmly believes that the answers to the issue of suicide must come from the community. We always start on the belief that First Nation Elders and healers, front line workers, counselors and youth have the knowledge and experience to offer resources to people in need, through our own traditional knowledge and experience to help each other. We need to utilize and honour the teachings of hindsight and vision which incorporate the Aboriginal values and world views that reinforced and support healthy communities.

Statistics of Manitoba First Nation by suicide: in 2002 – 29 deaths, in 2003 – 37 deaths and in 2004 - 35 deaths.

Shares a story she heard from an Elder of why the youth are lost. A woman was looking for answers of why youth are lost; the Elder said they are looking for their belly buttons. First year of life you keep the umbilical cord and when the child lived past that age the belly buttons are put in the ground with a ceremony to ground the child. This ceremony is lost therefore they are now lost.

Before I conclude I would like to take a moment of silence to remember those lives that have been lost to suicide and the lives and remember the lives that will be forever changed. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work and the support through actions in the future. Suicide can be prevented.

LUNCH BREAK

AMC CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS - Priscilla McIvor, FAI Legal Counsel

Chiefs Introductory Comments

Chief Jerry Primrose: Sits on the Personnel and Finance Committee with AMC. The last few years we have looked at the AMC Constitution and began amending the clauses that are obsolete. We also worked with then Chief Yellowback of God’s River and Priscilla to amend the Constitution. I think the Chiefs will be quite pleased with the changes we have made. We worked with the Executive closely so that they are consistent with what needs to be done.

Chief Dennis Meeches: It is an honour to represent the southern Chiefs on this committee there is a strong working relationship. I want to thank Priscilla for her hard work and Councillor Yellowback. Welcome Chief Clearsky to DOTC, he made an application yesterday to the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, thank you for joining. Congratulate MKIO for positive steps in their Constitutional amendments for allowing their people to vote for their Grand Chief. This is a historic step give them a round of applause. This has been talked about for years, it’s important that the AMC and also SCO are talking about this. This is one of the most important steps in this country to allow our people to be decision makers in leadership selection. If we allow this to happen, the country will take notice of First Nations across this country, including the federal government. It is critical we support the amendments on this note and move forward, allow for strong political growth. I am honoured to participate in this discussion.

Chair Katherine Whitecloud: It is an honour to see Chief Meeches wearing his headdress and echoing the comments made by Councillor Assiniboine when we were talking about the headdress and the importance of carrying the eagle staff in. These are the roles that leadership play for our people. There is a very strong significance that these staff and headdress carry. When you come together at the assemblies please make the effort to wear your bonnet, carry your bonnet or carry whatever it is you are presented to wear for your people as Chief.

Priscilla McIvor: Good afternoon. In front of you are the packages of 3 documents, Constitution of AMC in the draft form, the existing one as it stands now, and the amended Constitution summary in chart form, with present wording, suggested wording and the rationale. The last is the easiest way to see the progression and proposed changes. I will go through the draft Constitution of the AMC and take questions at the end of the presentation.

In the preamble I took out the repetitive clauses and deleted and cleaned up areas but the intent and purpose remained the same. We updated to newer terminology. Within in the next section in the mission statement you will see stronger and more positive words.

Chief Ovide Mercredi: I would like the opportunity to question why you removed certain words.

Priscilla McIvor: The changes were not made unilaterally, the Personnel & Finance Committee met regularly for over 2 years, as well we met with the Executive Council based on the organizational strategy in 2001 to change this Constitution.

Chief Ovide Mercredi: I think the preamble is an excellent one that requires no modifications because a lot of effort was put in initially in creating this organization. At the time people were concerned with maintaining our rights, so if you remove the references to us as autonomous people having rights since time immemorial I would oppose that strongly. I disagree that you say we are seeking confirmation. We are not doing that.

The preamble is also with Canada and the Constitution is the basis of our treaty rights in the Royal Proclamation. We should not remove this. We use the Proclamation to affirm our rights. We are not supporting the Constitution we are simply stating this. In reading the preamble whoever was responsible for writing it was quite masterful. I suggest it be left alone the way it was written which was to portray to whoever reads it, who we are, it’s the essence of the preamble. I cannot go with any of the proposed amendments you suggested.

Priscilla McIvor: We are referring to mostly page 2 of the summary. In looking at self government and moving away from Canada’s legal system the Constitution is a limited recognition of our rights. In order to have any rights we have to prove to Canada that right even exists. One of things with keeping it in our Constitution is that we are legitimizing that.

Chief Ovide Mercredi: In the original Constitution we are not embracing it. It says here that recognition of the existence of the Canadian Constitution does not dilute, impair or undermine the sovereign status of First Nations of Manitoba. That was one of those clauses that stated the relationship with Canada. In the Constitution we have the statement in their supreme law the existing, not submerged by it. Removing the clause that our Nations are part of the international community you are domesticating who we are as a people. The existing preamble is an excellent one that should not be touched.

Priscilla McIvor: Another discussion we had on this, as we are moving towards nationhood, if you look at any other Constitution in the world, there is no other recognized nation in their Constitution so in order to be recognized as a sovereign nation we don’t need to recognize it. The other issue is that in the Constitution of Canada we had no say in the development of that document. I’m not opposed to it but that is the rationale.

Chief Norman Bone: Thanks to Dennis for hosting us here today. I have concerns with the AMC Constitution and I am glad that this discussion is here. So we can have a good discussion on the proposed changes. I commend the Chiefs involved and carrying this. The concerns are not going to be resolved this afternoon. I will not vote on this resolution this afternoon, this is not a one hour or two hour decision. There has been some presentation being done. When I reviewed the current changes, I am beginning to feel that as a First Nation involved, it seems that our treaty rights and inherent rights may not be protected in the current changes.

What I want to see is more discussion by ourselves as leadership before we begin this, but I will not support it as of yet. I want to know how will it affect our people, I will sit down with my lawyer first and ensure my peoples rights are protected. If changes cannot be reflected from the Keeseekoowenin points of view, we cannot be part of this organization.

Chief Robert Daniels: I have concerns regarding the amendments we passed and the resolution from Swan Lake that we are a First Nation as part of the Assembly and the assumptions the AMC has taken on a bigger role than what it is. We have the right to do up our own at the First Nation level. To have a Constitution that has certain positions that maybe misinterpreted.

Priscilla McIvor: With your permission I would like to continue on, if we could go through the rest of the amendments. I have taken down your comments and would like to finish the presentation and have more discussion and see where to proceed.

Chief John Thunder: I think passing a resolution is premature so let’s make the best of our time and do it a step at a time, maybe we will only get through a few pages, but it will be done to the best of our ability.

Priscilla McIvor: One of things that we did not want to do was rush through it. The resolution was drafted if we were ready to move it. There is no rush to continue with the document as it stands.

Chief Dennis Meeches: Thank you to the Chiefs that expressed concern on the speed of the resolution and the changes that have come forward. There is a lot of difference of opinion and matters as it relates to First Nations people a lot of them range from governance to education to housing. When we have a difference of opinion we do have an assembly, it is tough to get unified on certain issues. This is an important document our people need to have and we need time to look at it. Some of us have looked at this for a few years. A lot of Chiefs around the table have been involved over the years or were involved when this amendment process started. We need to change how we do business as First Nation people, because the way things are going now, is just not working. So we proposed changes to move our people forward in the direction to set our people free. Matters of the heart, mind and spirit these are done through this course.

Other readings are required but I hope to see the day that we do have Nations that are very strong in terms of their governance institutions, culture and traditions, and carry those forward to our children and grand children.

In my mind I believe that some day we need to have grassroots elections to give the power of the vote back to the people sitting in our audience, in our urban centers. I’d like to extend that right to the people we represent in our community I also look to the day for unified elections in every community. All under one election act. Why do we have to sit here in every Assembly and welcome someone new to the table, its part of the problem, we need to have every one on the same page. We need to move forward to make strong political statements to the people of this country. We always say we are Nations, a lot of times we don’t act like them. We act within our own little communities and not within a unified voice at times. I understand treaties, I have studied history and learned from my grandfather. That is the message I have to carry to represent my people, helping other communities, providing advice, a new level of understanding.

Never to take away from the treaty rights and over time we’ll make those changes. This is a Constitution that governs the AMC. The Constitution itself has been gathering dust and not performing to its full potential. I respect all the Chiefs that are here and those that blazed the trail for us. We have time to go over these issues lets get more involved in the process and what is happening. Take it back to your people and bring it forward another day. I hope that you take that message to heart for unity. We need to make the time for change, a lot of educated young people coming up.

We’re only part of Canada when it suits our needs. We need to try to be a sovereign status within a sovereign country. That’s what this Constitution will give you the way it is presented. That is my opinion on it.

Chief Terry Nelson: Thanks to Chief Meeches for hosting and people of Long Plain.

We recognized that the AMC is not a treaty organization it has no status as an organization that signed treaties. Only the First Nations are treaty, Roseau River signed a treaty in 1871 as a Nation. What we are talking about is a political organization where 62 First Nations belong, a committee or a network organization, it is not sovereign it is a political entity.

When my father and other Chiefs from strong minded nations of the Apache and Mescaleros in southern US, wanted to meet with them, they had a good talk with them. The Apaches said we will invite you, we like the way you talk, we want to hear the words you are saying, words of sovereignty. So someone suggested we will come there next week and we will bring our lawyers, and the Apaches said to stay home because if you are going to talk about sovereignty, the people decide not the lawyers. Once you decide what it means you tell the lawyers what it means. What happens to lawyers they get trained the in the Canadian and US system. No offence to our learned friends here. We are not asking you what it means we are here to tell you what we want as 62 Chiefs. It is pretty hard to construct something with 62 different minds. I commend you for the work you have done.

Is the AMC effective and can it be effective? We need to go down this path.

As Chief of Roseau River at this point I don’t need the AMC, but I like it because it is a good communication system. To see other facilities like this, they are doing real good. I appreciate the AMC and the changes being proposed, but we have to go down this path.

Mathias Sinclair proxy for Chief Bighetty:

I believe it’s a matter of wording any changes to reflect the thinking behind and the ideology we are hoping to pursue in determining all the statements that have been made by the Chiefs. It is important that we are careful on how we introduce that concept to make changes. We can do without having to refer to North America, we know where that is. But if we delete a statement as stating that we as a congress of peoples and the rationales we are seeking confirmation, amongst ourselves we can agree. The important thing is our association with the governments of the day, Canada and more secondly the Province, as an example a particular Constitution begins as “we the people”. I think they borrowed it from us. My point is it is important to make that statement so that rest of the country will never forget otherwise we make it sound like a challenge. We are under a treaty clearly understood by both sides. But how is it interpreted by the law of the land.

So, if it is a matter of wording its important how we get it down. Original peoples of this land means what it is. We have to deal with 2 other parties certainly in our case, just wanted to clarify this.

Priscilla McIvor: Previously there were no definitions. Chiefs in Assembly was never defined same as Executive Council, delegates and official delegate.

Use of the word Aboriginal has been deleted.

First Nation was previously defined but outdated.

Article numbers have been changed in the new document.

Ideals – Article 2

Has not been changed

Principles – Article 3

Some clauses in other sections were brought into this section or moved out to flow better.

Cleaned up and made sure the principles were in the appropriate place.

Mandate – Article 4

The section changes slightly to reflect the changes in the election of Grand Chief.

Reads through the mandate opening paragraph

Clause 8 was changed to more positive wording

Clause 9 added Executive Council

Membership – Article 5

Number 3 was changed to show how a First Nation becomes a member, having a referendum allows a voice from the people. Requirement for written notice included.

Number 9 was added for clarity and the rest of the clauses remain the same.

Instruments – Article 6

Number 4 was changed to include the Youth Secretariat based on the resolution passed last year.

Assemblies – Article 7

Assemblies were originally in Article 9 but have been moved and broken into sections for easier reading. The wording has not changed.

Schedule – Article 8

This section remains the same.

Function and powers – Article 9

All reference to Chiefs Committee was taken out pursuant to resolution in 2001.

Deleted power to election Grand Chief

Procedure – Article 10

A separate document for Rules and Procedures be adopted and kept separate from the Constitution to eliminate frequent Constitutional amendment. A draft is in the works.

Decision making – Article 11

We kept the same meaning just a slight change in wording.

Resolutions – Article 12

Previously no main section on this, and was added.

Quorum – Article 13

Currently there is no section that deals with Quorum except in the Appendix attached to the Constitution. It is more appropriate to have it within the Constitution as it is an important aspect of the Assembly.

Business can continue as long as there were 21 Chiefs – previously common practice but now added.

Executive Council of Chiefs Role and Composition - Article 14

Previously appointed by Tribal Council but now it will be by the Grand Chief, will act as a senate with the ability to appoint people the Grand Chief can work with.

Chief Ovide Mercredi: This one is a critical amendment, changes and alters the relationship. Creates a super Chief and gives people incredible power and potential for abuse. Checks and balances are required so no one becomes all powerful in this organization and the mandate to handpick from north and south. They could all be NDP promoting the policies of that party or all that think the same, thereby avoiding other ideas. No person should be given that power or authority. Chief Bone said that if you create an organization that is not accountable to my First Nation and my people that it is not acceptable.

Chief Irvin McIvor: As a member of the Executive Council I was chosen by my Tribal Council through a process to represent the 25,000 people. I don’t see this as flawed by coming from my Tribal Council. I echo Chief Mercredi’s concern it is not fair to hand pick friends, it happens in our communities as it is. Pick who we want to hire and adds to fuel to the fire in our communities. It should be left as is.

Priscilla McIvor: This issue came up in previous discussions and that fear. At the end of the day, the mandate comes from the Chiefs in Assembly and the decisions are made there, the accountability is to them as well.

Also changed number 9 – only Chiefs of the Executive Council or appointed Proxies are entitled to speak, move, second, vote or discuss resolutions at an Executive Council meeting. Only by permission by the Chair can an advisor, technician or other person speak to a resolution or agenda topic. In the event of voting, each Executive Council member or duly recognized proxy shall have one vote.

Authority and Accountability – Article 15

Remains the same, but just moved around for clarity.

Decision making – Article 16

Was already in the Constitution but was made into its own section.

Grand Chief – Article 17

This remains the same minus reference to the Chiefs Committees. A Code of Ethics for the Grand Chief outlining what is acceptable behaviour is a document yet to be finalized, in draft form only.

Election and Term – Article 18

Direction for the First Nation people to vote for the Grand Chief, hence changes in 1 and 2. There is a draft on this, but still in progress.

Chief Billyjo De La Ronde: If there is a consideration of trying to elect a Grand Chief on a one Indian one vote basis, then certainly Pine Creek will not be part of the AMC. The reason is we can put 15 Pine Creeks and they will still not have enough votes compared to the urban population. This is not even worth discussing.

Chief Dennis Meeches: I don’t want to go through the same thing as last time. I’ll try and rephrase it. In this province right now and the political evolution of our First Nation politics, it has really been hitting a brick wall. Everything from FAI to housing, so things haven’t been working in my mind. I’ve been in First Nation politics since 1988, then 1998 elected Chief so I have seen a lot of things people are facing, the day to day issues that we have in our community. They introduced Corbiere 10 yrs ago, but before that we extended the right to vote 10 years prior to Corbiere. This right to vote helped Long Plain people over all. It is not an issue to us if people live off reserve. Long Plain has a very open minded way of conducting affairs on the First Nation, allowing it to prosper. We have transferred in hundreds of people to our community which is unheard of in this country.

I’m trying to say is that the old way of doing business does not work, so we have undertaken a new way of doing business. Why don’t you follow a new red road, the way our ancestors said it was to be, not the Indian Act way. We need to move as Nations to one unified Nation, through political unity, via Tribal Councils and AMC as strong central governance with not one strong Chief, but collectively to support each other.

Allow First Nation people the right to vote, what is wrong with that idea? It is a noble, right thing to do, to allow my children the right to vote. Let them think for themselves who is the best Chief for you. Extending that right to vote is basic fundamental right. What if we make the wrong decision as Chiefs voting, they will blame us, but let’s all take the credit together. In reality it dictates that we allow our people to vote. Please give them that right, it is about time. I do not want to be sitting here 20 yrs from now talking about it again. I’ve heard it so many times, the excuses of how things die from not unifying.

It does not take away from individual treaty rights to do this we are just coming together as a stronger political unit. My dream is for the Anishinabe people across this country and in the U.S. to come together under their own government. Do not say will Indian Affairs will give us enough money to do that. There are ways if there is a will, and the support of the people to get the job done. That is why I strongly support that.

Chief Billyjo De La Ronde: With all respect to Chief Meeches, last time I checked every Indian person in the Province of Manitoba does vote. In the Pine Creek election people from all over voted for Chief and Council. So to say that lets give the people a vote, they do to select their Chief. And the way that I understand SCO and MKO and AMC they are leadership organizations who use the system called the AMC a connected voice. So pass on power to one person between meetings of the Chiefs. That how I see the AMC as Chief I am given the mandate to select the elected leader, if I selected wrong then I will hear from my own people. If we go and elect a Grand Chief at large, if you take an average of 300 votes per 63 reserves what do we say Winnipeg has, about 100k Indians. So what will your reserve vote matter? How will you hold that Grand Chief accountable? Right now the Grand Chief is held accountable by the Chiefs and the Chiefs are accountable to the people

Chief Norman Bone: I’m also of the same opinion of Chief De La Ronde the way he presented the comments. We have always recognized the AMC and AFN as leadership organizations we have always been cautioned by the people of what I am transferring to the Grand Chiefs. Directly hooked to the way the people selected in traditional times. Leadership was selected by who could advocate for them. There was also a direct connection from my community and treaty 2, to enhance those positions at the regional, national and international levels. I have been given no direction to change that yet. We need to discuss this at another table, to review costs at another time.

I think we have enough checks and balances with what Canada wants us to see. They do not vote for their national leader I think? I don’t see everyone voting for the Premier or the Minister. I’m not sure, needs more thought. This is a leadership organization, even if we made the changes, we would still have to create a new arm to discuss this issue. If 50,000 people are lobbying the Grand Chief in Winnipeg guess who will get the attention. Let’s take some of those examples from there. Right now I will not support the proposed changes.

Chief David McDougall:

I congratulate the participants in this discussion, the purpose of this arena to have these kinds of debate for the enhancement of First Nations in this province. Let’s continue debating to weigh the pros and cons. I don’t agree on voting on this today. A lot of our colleagues have legal backgrounds but we also have to consult with our elders, representation of our constituents.

My vision for the AMC proposed facility, to include not just the 63 Chiefs in this room, but for the government house to have a section reserved for the band Councillors. So they will have an opportunity to participate in discussions as well. At the same time, we need to be able to understand each other to work together. It has not been unheard of to accept people in our Nations. My great grandfather came from shores of James Bay, within First Nation fur trade and settled by Island Lake, and was accepted by Island Lake. It is not a new practice.

As you were reading and debating in this document, what I heard was that the affirming in the preamble of all the different tribes that created this land. We address ourselves by what we call ourselves in our language, understanding why we are here. Somewhere in here it should be referenced to our original names, “as the people”.

Internal debate on this issue: legitimization of what I’m doing for my people through the courts through enabling legislation. One thing they can never forget is the words of our Elders, be keen on our teachings, more than a lifetime may take 3 or 4 generations to be understood.

Chief Ovide Mercredi: I think we need pretty fundamental changes in how we work together. Go beyond forums for Chiefs. I’ve looked at some other tribes in the U.S. who have asserted their sovereignty exceedingly because they had the courage to assert. For example the Navajo Nation has an elected legislative assembly in addition to traditional governments in place. But the Legislative body of 88 Council is elected by the membership and the elected President whom heads the Executive body of the Navajo Nation. That’s what I meant by fundamental forum, instead of focusing on this area. We should be focusing on such a body for example if we wait for delegated authority from the government. We have to assert our authority to exercise our sovereignty of the people. And since we believe in a democratic principle, how can they oppose a democratic system of our people.

Therefore creating a law making body for our people in this country and this province, we can bring here in Manitoba. There is no reason why we cannot make laws about child welfare, same with education and having those laws apply in our communities as opposed to the Manitoba Education Act. And no reason why we cannot elaborate our government bodies instead of the Indian Act. We have not created a counter movement to this.

Also our own judicial system, we have the political will and courage to do it. The Chiefs alone cannot make that forum, the power is not there, but if we started a law making assembly that our people support and participate by electing, they we will have the mandate and the authority to speak for them to make on their behalf.

So if we are serious we have to go beyond just the elected leader where they have a voice and say as leaders. And the creativity the Navajo Nation did for the legislative forum, their body of government to coincide and co-exist with traditional government in our case the Chief and Council here. Rather than just engaging in minor changes in this Province.

Chief Dennis Meeches: Thanks Chief Crate for seconding the resolution, I understand we will consider this a consultation and look at it in upcoming Assemblies. I’m hoping that will happen before too many Chiefs change because experience has shown that elections happen frequently and we are almost at the beginning again.

He asks people in the gallery just in curiosity, to stand up if you want the right to vote for Grand Chief. A number of people stand up.

Chief Barry McKay: Thank you to Chief Meeches for your hospitality and facility. To all Elders, Councillors, and Chiefs, my grand father told me before you speak think about what you are going to say, otherwise you put your foot in your mouth. Last few summits we talked about unity in different areas. A few times I asked experienced Chiefs to help newer Chiefs. Here we talk about different resolutions. Some Chiefs that are very knowledgeable in treaties and yet every time we come here, we talk about the white mans paper. We all have problems in our communities I come here to seek help on my social problems. I know there is an election coming up. There are a lot of good comments when the north and south are here together, maybe we should be break up into groups. There are some that have learned the traditional and the white mans way, deliberate the issues.

Like Chief Meeches said, he wants to hear my issues to help in any way he can. But we get blinded by some of the Chiefs who come here only for honorarium, I never see them again. I have invited them to my area, but we all have different agendas. I’m not trying to criticize people here, I have a lot of respect, I’m a poor Chief and don’t look down on people. But for experienced Chiefs like Mr. Mercredi you might offend some people here, we lost Chief Louis here. I look forward to your arguments. We need a sense of direction on where we are going. If we are going to have a real debate lets talk about the real problems. How many are short housing? These white industries are taking all our pulp.

We never had a Grand Chief that charged through on the issues, what is happening to our fish. But everybody has a lot of pride and once we step on each others toes and hold grudges, for 2 or 3 months. Meanwhile the white man is 60 days ahead of us. What happened historically, how did Manitoba Indian Brotherhood do so well? When someone guy gets to high, he gets bought off. Where is our National Chief today? No one thinks past our reserve corner. We get into little fights over dollars. There is enough for everyone, lets not fight over it. Start thinking of the brotherhood more than the white mans piece of paper.

Chair Katherine Whitecloud: It is important the comments be made but we are getting repetitive. As you make you comments we are taking notes on them. Fulsome discussion can be had again. If and when you decide you are done today. Then we will get into the delegates discussions as Chief Everett stated today.

Chief Norman Bone: My participation is not to be in opposition. I would like to clarify that, my position is to add to the discussion so that a sense of direction can be shaped. If there is a misunderstanding I am here to oppose that is not so. I wanted to make a comment on the Navajo Nation, to create separate tables based on tribes of Cree, Ojibway and Dakota etc. create tables for this forum for this to happen. This is where our comments have to be raised to be recorded to shape the outcome.

Chief Irvin McIvor: I agree with in the proposed changes in the Constitution it needs to be brought up to par in this day and age. To echo Chief Mercredi comments I’m in total agreement because it is something we are gearing for in our community for a clear mandate for Chief and Council. We are tired of being program managers in a social services state. If the grassroots want to elect the Grand Chief then we should look at proposing these changes in our community first. If you come to our band meetings lets make the changes there first. Whether you are big or small all have representation here. Maybe some of us are not as vocal as the sovereign nations. I am for some of the changes, it should not be killed or shelved, there should be a timeline on this, and resolved at the next Assembly. I want my community to prosper. We talk about housing, in my community I am doing things to get houses but also empowering the people. Start by helping your Chief and Council fix your community first.

Priscilla McIvor: AFN Regional Chief – Article 19

Took out reference to Chiefs Committees

Composition and Function - Article 20

Separated and made them consistent. The Constitution is to be a strong document and not watered down.

Change to clause number 7 reads on First Nation lands instead of referencing a community.

Chief Billyjo De La Ronde: Just to be clear you are really creating another hornets nest using the term First Nations land. Anything outside the reserve is not First Nation land, I don’t agree with that. The head office should be located on reserve land.

Accountability – Article 21

Nothing changed just separated similar to the assembly section.

Amendments – Article 22

On number 3, in the event it was accepted it would take effect one week after to allow the election to proceed for Grand Chief tomorrow.

That is all the amendments unless there are other questions or comments

Chief Eugene Captain: I don’t see anything negative but rather productive in measuring the pros and cons of the current Constitution and changes that might reflect the stance of the Canadian government on our treaties even though some are non treaty. In relation to our treaties, Canada states that they have a federal obligation to provide for our treaties. They stated the Contribution Agreements are not part of the treaties. Who, how and when will our First Nation organizations address this very issue in relation to our treaties? When Canada states that they have no obligation to provide according to the treaties.

Similar example is the White Paper of 1969 that Chretien tried to pass in order to eliminate our existing treaties. For our community of Treaty 5 there are things in that treaty that addressed health, education etc. so it is wrong for Canadians to say they don’t have to provide. The Constitution is the supreme law of Canada and yet when we fail to make reference to the supreme law of Canada, where are we going with this.

There are other First Nations with no treaty that are succeeding. When we are so inclined and solely dependent on the Contribution Agreement in place yet there is the question of what is Canada’s role? What is our role? Our lands, the treaties that were signed in relation to our lands there are pros and cons. On Treaty Land Entitlement, did we forfeit our rights when we signed off the documents or did we acknowledge our lands to be sovereign?

This organization the AMC, comprised of Chiefs and Grand Chiefs, where do we stand on this issue, and who do we want to lead and to voice our concerns. When Canada says right now that they have no federal obligation in relation to our treaties, yet to give someone the supreme authority to act or not act on our behalf. We are raising the issues it is a matter of compiling the issues and producing another draft document. There is a lot of concern to pass the resolution or not. I would like to see more discussion on the proposed changes in order for the Constitution to be more concrete and more effective.

Chief Billyjo De La Ronde: Some Chiefs touched on laws I think that is where we can get consensus in creating and establishing our own legal system. That would be equivalent to the Court of Queens Bench in Manitoba for first contact that any First Nation people would have in the court system. So if we have the will to move, I’m sure there are enough Elders out there to guide the legal system of our own laws.

If you look back into history and the way I have been taught is that we are all sitting here Anishinabe people whether Cree, Ojibway, Saulteaux etc. The only other Nation represented here is the Lakota and Dakota people. If you look at our history, the Ojibways separated from the Algonquins and the Cree separated from the Ojibways. Sometime they came together in Island Lake, hence the Oji Cree language, but we are all one Nation of people.

Chief Meeches is right when this thing keeps coming back. Perhaps the way to deal with it, make changes that are not contentious, separate this Constitution with the packages into individual packages and pass those parts that are not controversial and we all agree on. I certainly don’t want to keep talking about this.

Priscilla McIvor: Thank you all for the comments. We have come to this many times. I have worked on this for 2 years. This got larger from changing Chiefs Committees to the way the Grand Chief will be elected and now to keep it status quo to changing it back again to the people voting. So here we are again, and I’m not sure what to do next. I am frustrated of what to do next. I can’t even carry all the drafts I have now. My understanding is that we will not deal with the resolution now. But we do need to move on this, before some of the players at the table change again. In a few months I will be on maternity leave and new legal counsel will start on this again. Do we want the Personnel and Finance Committee to review this? more meetings? I require suggestions.

Chief Terry Nelson: I appreciate the amount of work you have completed and the discussion, it can be frustrating to be taking direction from 63 chiefs, it does change a lot. Elections taking place a lot of new faces. Go back and take a look at the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood and how strong it was and how Dave Courchene Sr. was a powerful Chief and spokesperson. If you look back at that and understand the history of that. He was powerful because they went to the Arab countries to get funded for an economic project of 9 million. The fact is when the Canadian government heard this they said don’t go there and don’t get funded by Arab nations. Canada said we’ll fund you. When you look at the AFN today there is 52 million that flows through there.

There are a lot of Chiefs that depend on the AMC for funds and other issues. Clearly I see from Roseau River and what the people are always saying to us for the past 30 to 40 years when you go back home is I need money. It is the number one key issue people will ask for. My community has 77% unemployment and same with other First Nations. The AMC cannot deliver that kind of money or jobs, the AMC is a political organization. As long as they continue to be dependent upon the government of Canada it will never be effective no matter how much wording you put in a Constitution.

Have to be financially independent, look at this building, the First Nations that are progressive. You see the American Indians, with billions of dollars. You see in the Turtle Mountains 32 million in O and M in one community. They are building 2 schools from 15 million dollars.

I say to the Chiefs regardless of what we put in here, I think it is important that we go back to the fundamental issue. How does the AMC get funded? Funded by the government and as long as that continues it will be an ineffective organization controlled by Canada. It is clear to me to create wealth and employment in my community. I don’t need the AMC to do that for me, but I want to be part of it cause of the important communication. I commend you the Chiefs for the work you are doing. This organization has to be effective in however which way we do it. Thanks to Priscilla for her work

Chief Robert Maytwayashing: I concur that it will take a while for us as Chiefs in Assembly to draft a document we are all satisfied with. This is something of great importance to our people as to how decisions will be made on our behalf. We are always struggling with time as an issue. What is the rush? It has taken how long for us to get in the positions we are in today Use the FAI as an example, the powers that be, and the funding bodies created a dilemma for us, to fix it in a 10 year time period it was not realistic. The same holds true for this Constitution. Back in the days our people met for days and weeks on end for a satisfying result. Our time is a factor, but the challenge is how committed are we are leaders to decide for our people.

Chair Katherine Whitecloud: In looking for direction on the overall process. I have been informed this is a consultation session, the revisions have been noted and a redraft will be done and brought back to you at the next Assembly.

Chief Dennis Meeches: Thanks the Chiefs for discussion on this matter. Consider and provide the AMC office with your position on whether you support certain aspects of allowing your people to vote etc. via resolution so it is on paper. We need to have some continuity in the resolutions that are passed here, maybe Chiefs and Councils to provide this for us.

Chair Katherine Whitecloud: Forward your recommendations to the AMC office so they can be built into the redraft to be discussed at the next assembly in 3 months time.

Chief Norman Bone: I was glad to finally get involved in this discussion of the first official presentation. Time frames needed as it may take 2 or 3 meetings to keep it going and alive. I understand the frustration by the presenter by how long she has worked on this.

Regardless of the changes we are still in unity, we still have one organization in Manitoba. We also have an organization that is not broke, what do we want to fix? I’m not in opposition of allowing First Nation to vote but it is the appropriate type of organization I am questioning.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Each candidate is given five minutes and will speak in alphabetical order.

1. Pascal Bighetty

2. Lorne Cochrane

3. Ron Evans

4. Larry Soldier

5. Bill Traverse

CLOSING CEREMONIES

Chair Katherine Whitecloud: Reminder that the pipe ceremony begins at 8:00 a.m. it would be very respectful if we had leadership present to offer our prayers again. The Candidates Forum begins at 9:30 a.m. till noon, followed by elections starting at 1 p.m.

Chief Dennis Meeches: Thanks everyone for attending today. I apologize for being away earlier today as the Chief and Council were going through voluntary drug testing and passing some drug testing and bylaws. Voluntary drug testing in our community because it discourages the drug use. If you need information from our tribe you are welcome to get that from our office.

Closing Prayer by Elder Esther Cameron, Long Plains First Nation

Closing Song by Assinboine Juniors, Long Plains First Nation

Meeting adjourned at 4:15 pm

DAY TWO – JULY 27^th, 2005

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

17^th Annual General Assembly

Victoria Inn, Winnipeg

OPENING CEREMONIES

Pipe Ceremony conducted by Morris Merrick, Long Plain First Nation

Grand Entry/Flag Song by Assiniboine Junior Singers

Opening Prayer by Elder Esther Cameron, Long Plain First Nation

OPENING REMARKS

Chair Katherine Whitecloud provided welcoming remarks and an overview of the agenda for the day. Electoral Officer Moses Okimaw clarified the documents of the Constitution of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and then read through the Election Rules and Procedures for AMC Grand Chief that is used to guide the election process. The Electoral Officer then had the candidates draw for speaking position in the Candidates Forum.

CANDIDATES FORUM

Each candidate is given 10 minutes to speak and prior to this they are to have their nominator introduce the candidate they are supporting up to 5 minutes. The order of the candidates was as follows: Pascal Bighetty, Ron Evans, Larry Soldier, Bill Traverse and Lorne Cochrane. Following the speeches a question and answer period was held for voting chiefs to ask questions to the candidates.

First Ballot Results

The Electoral Officer announced that 59 votes had been cast with none spoiled and the required number to win the election was 30 votes.

Pascal Bighetty 9

Lorne Cochrane 14

Ron Evans 20

Larry Soldier 3

Bill Traverse 13

Second Ballot Results

The Electoral Officer announced that 58 votes had been cast with none spoiled and the required number to win the election was 30 votes.

Pascal Bighetty 7

Lorne Cochrane 14

Ron Evans 18

Bill Traverse 19

Third Ballot Results

The Electoral Officer announced that 59 votes had been cast with none spoiled and the required number to win the election was 30 votes.

Lorne Cochrane 14

Ron Evans 24

Bill Traverse 21

Final Ballot Results

The Electoral Officer announced that 59 votes had been cast with none spoiled and the required number to win the election was 30 votes.

Ron Evans 33

Bill Traverse 26

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

The candidates not successful for Grand Chief were each provided time to offer closing comments on the election.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA CHIEFS GRAND CHIEF

Elder Morris Merrick shared with the new Grand Chief and all in attendance some traditional fundamental beliefs that he feels will help the new Grand Chief for future guidance and strength in his new role. To remember that First Nations people are poor and that he has a big responsibility to work for the people at the community level.

A new headdress was then presented to the new Grand Chief by the former Grand Chief Dennis White Bird. An honouring song was then sung for the former Grand Chief followed by an honour song for the new Grand Chief.

CLOSING REMARKS

Ron Evans thanked all the people who assisted him in his campaign, the nominating Chiefs and his community and Councillors for their support. He thanked the other candidates for well run campaigns. He thanked the Chiefs who voted for the mandate to represent the AMC. He will begin working on his platform of collective unity based on the principles of Wahbung principles to fulfill the vision of the leaders and Elders of the past who foreseen the threats of the future. He thanked the Elders and drum group for prayers and songs. He thanked Acting Grand Chief Irvin McIvor for stepping in and then made a presentation to Chief Dennis Meeches for being host community.

Immediately after this Elder Art Shofley on behalf of Christian Sinclair presented an eagle feather to the new Grand Chief to pass on the strength that he received through this important symbol for First Nations.

Closing prayer was provided by Elder Esther Cameron, Long Plain First Nation

Closing song and retiring of the eagle staffs by the Assiniboine Junior Singers.