The Stoney Tribal Council has made progress regarding the budget and the financial situation affecting the Chiniki First Nation. Chiniki has agreed to a 26-point remedial plan that will result in their deficit being repaid over the next few years. With this issue resolved, each of the three bands are now moving forward with the budget now signed.
In a previous column, I discussed the Bearspaw First Nation’s focus on economic development. According to Bearspaw CEO, Rob Shotclose, development of the ESSO gas station which will house a Tim Horton’s outlet has begun. This endeavor will result in job creation and revenue for the Bearspaw First Nation.
Social and educational programming is also a focus for each of the three bands. Bearspaw Human Resources Development, in partnership with SAIT, will be hosting The Essential Skills Program in Eden Valley, the southern Stoney reserve, set to begin this month. The project will allow people in that community to acquire pre-employment training that will not only enhance their employability but also prepare some to further their education.
The Chiniki CEO, Lindsay Blackett, did not respond to my inquiry. However, it is business as usual. In a previous interview, Blackett noted that housing is essential to health and wellness. This is why the Chiniki First Nation chose to renovate houses that were being repaired by the Alberta government as part of the flood recovery program. This contributed to their deficit but it really was an investment in the health and welfare of community members, considering that housing conditions in many First Nations are substandard.
Like Bearspaw, Chiniki is also focused on human resource development. Most recently, Chiniki College offered a Driver’s Education course, Basic First Aid and a workshop on small business development. Driver’s Education is important given that a significant number of people do not have valid driver’s licenses. This is an employment barrier that needs to be addressed as more and more people seek employment off-reserve.
The training programs offered by Bearspaw and Chiniki, with some exceptions, are offered to all members of the Stoney Nation. Similarly, the Wesley First Nation is currently hosting Health Care Aide training at the Wesley Learning Resource Center.
In 2014, Wesley hosted the Early Learning Child Care training program through which 15 people acquired Level 3 certificates from Bow Valley College. Most of the graduates are now gainfully employed. Now, with 15 people taking Health Care Aide training, Wesley CEO, Hopeton Louden is looking at different initiatives.
Louden notes that there is a focus on community development including addictions. In partnership with Bicycles for Humanity and Bow Cycle, Wesley has started a bicycle program at the Chief Goodstoney Rodeo Center. The program will promote physical activity and provide youth with recreational options.
Most significantly, the Wesley First Nation will be re-designating the former Elder’s Lodge as a Community Resource Center. Funds have been acquired through First Nation’s Inuit Health Branch to begin addressing prescription drug and opioid addiction. This center will become a sustainable resource center to address what is becoming a significant problem. This is a much-needed initiative.
Now, people know my position. Chief and council, as well as administrators, need to start making sacrifices too, when it comes to addressing financial issues. However, it is important to note that not everything is bad as it seems. The Stoney Nation had an overall surplus of $900,000.00. And as you can see, there are many positive initiatives underway in our community.
