I would like to congratulate my step -DOTTER Parisa Hashemi and Richie
Campkin on the birth of their first born child, Mars David Campkin who
was born in Winnipeg on Jan. 27/08.

Grandpa Stabs

Conawapa Project Description - Feb 27
Presented by Manitoba Hydro
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Gillam Recreation Centre Gym
1:30 – 4:30 P.M.
6:30 – 9:30 P.M
Transportation will be provided for Bird members to attend.
Refreshments will be served.
There will be door prizes for both sessions.
You must be in attendance to win a door prize.

Message from I.T.

In attempt to cut operating costs, reduce financial strain, and improve support for the band, the Keeyask I.T. department began to roll out a couple of technologies that would reduce the costs associated with the demand for communications between the Home Office, Gillam Office, and the Winnipeg Office.

Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing was rolled out in the summer of 2007.
After a few very successful trials, and some not so successful trials, we have prepared a road map for Video Conferencing for 2008.
The first issue we have addressed for 2008 is overall quality of the Audio and Video. We will now be using the h.264 codec instead of the h.263 codec, with gives us a much nicer image.
We have also seen the need to be able to view documents, as well give full powerpoint presentations over a Video Conference, and this is now possible.

Why do we need Video Conferencing?
Here is what it costs to send 3 staff members to attend a 3 hr meeting.
Flight to Gillam/Winnipeg return = $1180.20 per staff member
Cost to Stay over one night = $300.00 per staff member
Total Travel Costs = $1480.20 per staff member
Total Travel Cost for all 3 staff members = $4440.60

That same meeting would cost $0.00 using the video conference.

We hope to see more staff comfortable using this technology in 2008.

VoIP
In 2007 we began to experiment with Voice Over Internet, as a replacement for the standard analog telephone.
This year we already completed the crossover to VoIP in our Gillam Office. The Winnipeg Office is expected to complete it's transition to VoIP by the end of January or early February.
We are not just subscribing to a 3rd party telephone provider. The server that provides this technology to the Gillam Office, and soon to the Home Office, and the residents of Bird and members living in Gillam is owned, operated, and located out of the Gillam Keeyask Office.
Using Fox Lake's Phone system, you get a Local Winnipeg number that gives you local calling to Winnipeg, and allows Winnipeg to call Gillam and Bird free of Long Distance Charges.
Other features included are:
Call Forward, Call Display, Music on Hold, Call Transfer, Call Hunt, Standard Voice Mail, and Voice Mail to Email.
You may even see the Chief using his cell phone around Gillam and Bird in the very near future.

Why do we need VoIP?
Did you know it cost between $300 and $400 to set up a phone extension in Gillam and Bird and then around $60 per month per extension on the old analog system. Now add long distance charges on top of that. It gets really expensive.
As a comparison it only costs $100 for a VoIP phone, and just $5.00 per month per extension using our own VoIP service. There is no Long distance charges to Winnipeg. The only long distance fee we pay is just $0.05 per minute anywhere else in North America.
Although the service is not yet fully functional in our Winnipeg Office, we are estimating a combined savings of nearly $2000.00 a month.
Thats $24000.00 per year saved.

As we progress through the year these two communications technologies will hopefully become part of your everyday work experience, and we will do our best make it as easily accessible as possible.

Cheers!
Your I.T. Team.

Memo

All Community Members of Bird & Gillam

Fox Lake Healing Project

Informational Session on Financial Management

The Fox Lake Healing Project in conjunction with Canadian Executive
Service Organization(CESO) will be hosting a two day informational
workshop on personal finances for any persons who interested in financial
management. The workshop is scheduled for November 6 & 7, 2007 at the
Gillam Recreation Centre in the Blue Room. Lunches and transportation for
Bird residents will be provided both days.

The Healing Project wanted to bring this workshop to the community to
target Indian Residential School Survivors prior to receiving any payments
for common experience payouts. This informationwill provide essential
knowledge for managing funds and alert survivors of fruds and scms.

The session will also provide information and advice on how to prepare
legal wills and final testaments. This is aprocedure that many people fail
to take into consideration,however,it is the only way to protect your
assets(including any payouts due to you)and will allow your final wishes
to be heard.

If you have any questions or concerns ,please don't hesitate to call the
office during regular hours for Mary or Angela @ 486 - 2463 and we will
gladly answer any questions you may have. We will also be circulating some
posters and advertisements in both communities in the near futurwe with
all the specific informatio

Come and meet Fox Lake Employment & Training’s new
Life Skills Instructor, Megan

When: Thursday October 11, 2007

Where: Training Centre

Time: 11:30pm – 3:30 pm (Lunch will be provided)

*FLET will also be taking names for those who are interested in the training opportunity*

Life Skills program will be starting on October 15, 2007

Happy Birthday Jocelyn who will be celebrating her 25th birthday on
September 30, 2007. Coming from your family and friends.

Memorandum

TO: All Residential School Survivors

FROM: Fox Lake Healing Project

DATE: September 21, 2007


RE: COMMON EXPERIENCE PAYMENT APPLICATION


A representative from Services Canada will be available to assist with application forms on the following days and locations

October 1, 2007 1pm – 4:30pm Training Centre – Gillam Mall

October 2, 2007 9am – 4:30pm Health Boardroom – Bird

Please bring two pieces of identification with you. ( Birth Certificate and or any one of the following: status card, Manitoba Health Card or Drivers License )

Welcome Baby Girl Eden Brooke

Wishing you God's blessings of love,
His protection and guidance from heaven above.



Wishing you his Grace every day and night,
Loved by your family and precious in God's sight.

Congratulations to Sheena and Tim!
With love from family and friends.

Fox Lake Moose Hunt

By Lorne Hanks
Environment and Resource Manager
Fox Lake Negotiations Office
For Fox Lake Cree Nation, the fall moose season is a key traditional activity. Its importance extends beyond recreation. It is an important part of Fox Lake’s history and culture and it is how many Fox Lake families get much of their meat for the year.

Manitoba Hydro and its consultants are conducting a number of studies in Fox Lake traditional territory that could impact on Fox Lake moose hunting activities. Fox Lake is prepared to cooperate with Manitoba Hydro to minimize conflict, but this cooperation is based on the understanding that Fox Lake’s moose hunt is the more important activity in this region.
Traditional moose hunting is not rigidly defined. The duration and territorial extent of the moose hunt are determined by the weather and by animal movements, not by calendars and maps. From year to year the season may start as early as late August and may extend well into October. Traditionally and contemporarily Fox Lake moose hunters have moved throughout Fox Lake’s traditional territory in the Lower Nelson lowlands. Important Fox Lake moose hunting areas identified by Fox Lake resource users include:
Areas around the watershed of the lower Nelson River and its tributaries between Gillam and Hudson Bay, including Weir River, Angling River, Kiskwasotasine River and Roblin River.
The area around the Limestone River and its tributaries north of Bird.
The area along the north shore of Stephens Lake.

In general the areas Fox Lake moose hunters are most interested are located near rivers and streams.
Resource users have indicated that the times of day when moose activity is at its peak are the hours following sunrise and just before sunset. These periods are when interference is most harmful.

This document was prepared with assistance and input from a number of Fox Lake resource users including Frank Beardy, Morris Beardy, Nelson Henderson, John Lundie, Glen Massan, Jack Massan, Noah Massan, and Wesley Neepin. Input and assistance were also provided by Abraham Beardy of the Fox Lake Resource Management Board and Amelia Bone of the Conawapa Working Group, as well as Chief George Neepin, Councillor Shirley Neepin and Councillor Conway Arthurson.

Fox Tracks Article:

Hydro Studies Try to Avoid Traditional Fall Moose Hunt

As reported in previous issues of Fox Tracks, Manitoba Hydro, its consultants, and a number of Fox Lake members are studying the water, plants and animals throughout the Fox Lake traditional territory in an effort to understand the potential effects of the Conawapa Project. Some of these studies need to be done during the Fall Moose hunt, and Fox Lake has expressed concern that these activities are disturbing the hunters during this period.

Over the past few weeks Fox Lake and Manitoba Hydro have been trying to find a way to avoid the Fox Lake hunters while gathering information to help protect the environment if the Conawapa Project is built. Manitoba Hydro recently agreed to do a number of things to try to minimize disturbance to the hunters.

One of the first things Manitoba Hydro did was to make sure that all field workers are advised of the importance of moose hunting as a traditional activity of the Fox Lake Cree Nation and field workers have been instructed to take extra care in when doing their field studies to avoid interference with Fox Lake moose hunters wherever possible.

Manitoba Hydro has also instructed its study team that unless required for survey or study purposes, helicopters and airplanes ferrying field workers and supplies should to travel away from the Nelson River and tributaries. In addition, pilots will be asked to fly at higher altitudes wherever possible to reduce the potential for disturbing moose and hunters.

An important step that was agreed to was to find better way to communicate with the Fox Lake Members about the field studies being carried out in the Fall. Manitoba Hydro has produced a Conawapa Fall Activity Map and sent copies to Fox Lake so that it can be posted in the Band Office, Conawapa Camp and any other key places for Members to see where the various studies will be done. In addition to the map, each week Manitoba Hydro will send Fox Lake a Conawapa Fall Activity Table summarizing information about the locations and times where each study will be done. The table will be put in a weather-proof sleeve and posted outside of the same places as the maps. The table will also have a contact name and phone number for people to call if they have and questions or concerns.

At the request of Fox Lake, Manitoba Hydro has also instructed its study team to make every effort to stay off the land before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. If there are times when they cannot comply with this request it will be recorded in red ink on the Conawapa Fall Activity Table. If Fox Lake Members have any concerns about any of these times because they are in sites planned for hunting, they can call the contact number and the Manitoba Hydro team will try to avoid the hunting site.

In addition to calling the contact number on the Activity Table, Fox Lake hunters are encouraged to contact the Conawapa Camp to advise staff of which areas that study teams should try to avoid so they do not interfere with the hunt. Camp staff will try to make radios available so that hunters can borrow them before they go out to hunt, for emergency use, to make inquiries about activities in their hunting area, or to report any incidents of concern.

If Manitoba Hydro is aware that hunting activities are underway in an area specified by Fox Lake, their study teams will be instructed that if they see a moose in these areas, whether from the air, from a boat or on land, they should assume a Fox Lake Member is actively hunting it and should leave the area as quietly and as quickly as possible. In some cases (e.g., if nets have been set and need to be removed to avoid unnecessary killing of fish), the study teams may need to complete some tasks before leaving the area.

Any incidents or concerns related to Manitoba Hydro field activities and the moose hunt should be reported as soon as possible to the Fox Lake Environment and Resource Manager, Lorne Hanks. Manitoba Hydro field workers should report any incidents to Nick Barnes of the Major Projects Licensing Department. Fox Lake resource users and Manitoba Hydro field workers may also report incidents directly to the manager of the Conawapa Camp, and the manager will ensure that Lorne Hanks and Nick Barnes are aware of the incident. Whenever an incident is reported, Lorne Hanks and Nick Barnes will work together to document, discuss and find resolution to the concern.

Manitoba Hydro recognizes that for Fox Lake Cree Nation and its members, the fall moose hunt is a key traditional activity and an important part of Fox Lake’s history and culture, as well as providing a source of food for many Fox Lake families. Hopefully these measures will allow the scientific studies to continue without unnecessarily disturbing this important activity for Fox Lake.

Sept 14th,2007




Mr. Lorne Hanks
Fox Lake Cree Nation
102-720 Broadway Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3J 0X1




Dear Mr. Hanks:


Re: Cooperation between Hydro environmental study teams and Fox Lake hunters

As we’ve discussed, Manitoba Hydro and its consultants are conducting a number of environmental studies in the Fox Lake traditional territory during the season when Fox Lake members are conducting their fall moose hunt.

Manitoba Hydro recognizes that for Fox Lake Cree Nation and its members, the fall moose hunt is a key traditional activity that extends well beyond recreation. It is an important part of Fox Lake’s history and culture, and it is how many Fox Lake families obtain meat for the year. Manitoba Hydro would like to cooperate with Fox Lake Cree Nation to minimize the effect of its field work on the Fox Lake hunting activity. I appreciate the constructive efforts of you and your members in working with Hydro’s environmental studies team to develop the following measures to be implemented this fall:

Manitoba Hydro’s field workers will be advised of the importance of moose hunting as a traditional activity of the Fox Lake Cree Nation.

2. Field workers will be instructed to take extra care in undertaking their field studies and, wherever possible, to avoid interference with Fox Lake moose hunters.

3. Unless required for survey or study purposes, helicopters and airplanes ferrying field workers and supplies will be asked to travel away from the Nelson River and tributaries, except for the necessity of crossing them, in which case the crossing should be at right angles. Pilots will be asked to fly at higher altitudes to reduce the potential for disturbing moose and hunters.






4. Unless surveys or studies must be conducted at sunrise or sunset, significant efforts will be made to avoid field activities at sunrise and soon after sunrise; and similarly before and at sunset. Generally, environmental field activities will be confined to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on any given day during the moose hunting season. Excursions beyond these hours will be posted on weekly updates as described in Point 6 (below).

5. A map of fall environmental studies will be sent to Fox Lake Cree Nation for appropriate posting in the Band Office or other locations determined by the Cree Nation. The map will also be posted at the Conawapa camp.

6. On a weekly basis, updated information about the locations and expected duration of environmental field study activities in the Conawapa and Keeyask study areas will be sent to the Fox Lake Cree Nation for appropriate posting in the community. This information will also be posted at the Conawapa camp and Nelson Rivers studies office in Gillam. A contact name and phone number will be included with this information so that any concerns or questions can be directed to a member of the Hydro environmental study team and appropriately addressed.

7. To further reduce potential disturbance to moose hunters, Fox Lake members may voluntarily indicate to the Hydro environmental study teams through the Conawapa camp office or the Nelson Rivers studies office in Gillam of their intention to hunt in a specific area, and the study teams will make additional effort to avoid these areas during times when hunters expect to be in that location.

8. If hunting activities are known to be underway in an area specified by Fox Lake (based on Point 7 above), Manitoba Hydro’s study teams will be instructed that if they see a moose, whether from the air, from a boat or on land, they should assume a Fox Lake Member is actively hunting it and should leave the area as quietly and as quickly as possible. In some cases (e.g., if nets have been set and need to be removed to avoid unnecessary fish mortality), study teams may need to complete environmental tasks prior to leaving the area.

9. If desired, Fox Lake Members undertaking moose hunting activities in the Conawapa and/or Keeyask study areas may borrow a radio (if available) from the Conawapa Camp for emergency use or to make inquiries about activities in their hunting area. (It should be noted that radio frequencies may not be monitored at all times.)






10. Any incidents or concerns of Fox Lake hunters should be reported to the Fox Lake Environment and Resource Manager, Lorne Hanks. Manitoba Hydro field workers should report any incidents to Nick Barnes of the Major Projects Licensing Department. Reports should be made as soon as practical. Fox Lake resource users and Manitoba Hydro field workers may also report incidents directly to the manager of the Conawapa Camp, and the manager will ensure that Lorne Hanks and Nick Barnes are aware of the incident. Whenever an incident is reported, Lorne Hanks and Nick Barnes will work together to document, discuss and find resolution to the concern.





Yours truly,


Ryan Kustra
Manager
Major Projects Licensing Department
Power Projects Development Division
Power Supply

I just want to say thank you to Fox Lake, and especially the Keeyask Office for all the support you have show me and my family.
4 weeks ago my wife lost her brother. She has to return the Philippines to help out with, and attend the funeral. Cole and I stayed behind, and the Keeyask office let me resume my duties from home during that time.
The Keeyask Office has gone out its way to accommodate my family during our time of grieving.

I want you all to know, that your kindness and support does not go unnoticed.

Thank you from the bottom our hearts.

Travis, Maria, and Coleton

Congratulations to our niece, Laura Kirkness and big sister Jayde on the birth of her daughter born June 7th at 2:31 pm. Apparently, baby Carmen is a PREMIE weighing 8 lbs 11 oz who came 1 month early! Welcome Carmen Jai Joanne Kirkness. A big warm thanks to our niece, Joanne Neepin for giving her support to her cousin while she was in labour and was there to welcome the latest addition to the Kirkness Clan. 18th Great-grandchild for our mother, Mina Kirkness. Hardworking Laura, her last day of work with the Winnipeg office of Fox Lake was June 6th at 4:30 pm.

Good Luck Jordan!

We like to congratulate and send the best of luck to Jordan Sinclair of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Jordan was selected to play with Team Canada West to compete in the 2007 NHL Prospect Tournament on May 10 to 13th in Boston, MA. We’re so proud of you. Show them what you got Jordan Cry!!

Love,
Dad, Grandpa Stan, Kookum , Uncles, Aunties and Cousins.

The WP Hockey Tournament organizers held a Silent Auction during the Fox Lake Fun Spiel – March 30, 31 & April 1st. We would like to thank the following businesses and people for their generous donations.

Eleanor Lebel
Sarah Peters
Fox Lake Healing Project
Generation North
Gillam Video
Limestone Generating Station
Long Spruce Generating Station
What Knot Shop

	Prize	Winner
1	Pillows & Blanket	Lillian Neckoway
2	Roasting Pan w/ accessories	Lloyd Kirkness
3	Ladies Vest, Candles & Photo Album	Agnes Redhead
4	Bingo Basket	Conway Arthurson
5	Sweatshirt & Travel Bag	Judi & Brent Helgeson
6	PartyLite Basket & tea light ornament	Dolly Turner
7	3 pce Dish set, Epicure recipe book w/spices	George Neepin
8	Children’s Books & denim bag	Agnes Redhead
9	Girls Basket	Kathy Nepitabo
10	Denim Shirt, T-shirt & Bag	Dolly Turner
11	Boys Easter Basket	Enoch Ouskun
12	Girls Easter Basket	John Henderson
13	Coffee Basket w/mugs	Nora Bone
14	Beverage warmer w/Tea & coffee basket	Myrna Whiteway
15	Lunch bag, Desk lamp, t-shirt	Terry Garson
16	Mag Light, Epicure recipe book w/spices	Lloyd Kirkness
17	Coleman Jug & Men’s Vest	Marie Henderson
18	Hair Products Basket	Samson Beardy
19	Boys Basket	Wendy Hatley
20	Fleece Jacket, Mag lite & mini multi-tool	Conway Arthurson
21	Thermal Lunch Bag, rug, t-shirt	Pam Luce
22	Movie Basket	Brianna Munroe
23	Girl’s Hair care Basket	Lillian Neckoway
24	Denim Jacket, Desk set, Glasses	Unclaimed (#886997)