To: Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation Band & Community Members
From: Chief and Council
Date: November 29, 2019
~ Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ~
Chief & Council and Administration Staff
Boozhoo family and relatives! Chief and Council along with the Administration staff, would like to send their very best wishes for health, prosperity and happiness to all of our families and community members.
We have had another incredibly busy, amazing year for the First Nation and for our people! Our First Nation continues to enjoy tremendous growth and progress. We are excited and proud to be a part of history in the making, regarding many of our accomplishments this year.
Most notably is the opening of the very first Urban Aboriginal School (owned and operated by a First Nation) to participate in the newly mandated Reverse Tuition Agreement - Reciprocal Education Approach. The five years of hard negotiations that went into this initiative was well worth the effort. We played an integral part in changing wording within the Education Act which allowed this to occur. Prior to this change in the Education Act, local school boards would only enter into reverse tuition agreements with other local school boards. This historic change in the Education Act now enables us to open and operate an economically viable Urban Education Centre in Thunder Bay. This outstanding accomplishment not only positively impacts our own children and First Nation, but opens the door for other First Nations across Ontario to do the same. There are ever increasing numbers of Aboriginal people residing in, or moving to, urban centres in order to gain better access to education, health and employment opportunities. We can now offer an alternative education option focused on respect, inclusivity and land-based learning from an Indigenous traditional perspective for all children. Together we are making a constructive, positive difference in the lives of countless children and in the way we educate the gifts our Creator has entrusted in our care! Much appreciation goes out to all who assisted in making this dream become a possibility. This is a historic and monumental achievement!
Annual Christmas Gift This is a special time of year that brings much happiness and joy. We also understand that there may be an increased need for additional finances during this holiday season. Chief and Council are delighted to be able to support our members at this special time of year! All adults will receive a $1,000.00 cheque, all youth 12-17 will receive a $300.00 gift card, and all children 11 and under will receive a $100.00 gift card. This gift is comprised of revenue from dividends earned in the “Future Generations Trust Fund” and the FN’s Dallan Forestry company. Your annual Christmas gift will be ready for distribution on Sunday December 8th at the Christmas Feast as well as on Monday December 9th at the Victoria Inn – Wellington Room from 9:00 am. – 5:30 pm. All remaining cheques will go out in the mail on Wednesday December 11th unless other arrangements have been made. (Note: No third party pick-ups. Individual registered band members can only pick up their own gift.) All children and youth who have registered to attend at the Christmas Feast and/or Afternoon with Santa will receive a gift. Our Elders will also receive a delicious turkey and additional $100.00 gift card.
Christmas Feast – Sunday Dec 8th The Banquet room for the feast is filled to capacity (max 550.) If you are registered and cannot attend, please call Honey at (807) 622-9835 ext. 221 as we have people on a waiting list.
Upcoming Events: Due to unforeseen scheduling issues and our Administration Office move, our AGM will take place in early January. A communique with details to follow. Chi Miigwetch!
