During the month of April, we worked and played hard, we have had some successes and challenges, but when we continue to persevere and be patient, we achieve the outcome we want.

First, I would like to congratulate our Hockey teams, their parents, organizers, and the Coaches for great hockey fun. I also would like to congratulate the hockey teams that came home with the cup. I heard that our players did great as did the goalie! It is good to have another life besides work. Again, congratulations to all the players who work hard on the ice.

Secondly, I congratulate those students who will be graduating with diplomas and or degrees! Our community has to prepare for summer students, continue to prepare them for the work force and assist some of them who are returning to school. Great job, Students for sticking with your goals, studying hard and obtaining what you want!

Back to work, our Council and I have had many different meetings. I need to congratulate Councilors Barry and Cleon for assisting our Health Director, Lisa Beaverbone, in ensuring that Health Canada’s funding criteria meets the payroll. In the past, we have carried Health Canada during their first payroll, this year, due to the advocating and lobbying efforts, the Council and Health Director have been successful and we hope they continue.

I also need to congratulate the Social Development Department for reducing Social Assistance, which means we have put more people into training or employment opportunities. The department continues to improve with the assistance of the training efforts of INAC and the Director, Danita Strawberry. We, now have to plan for the savings to continue training, or finish a project.

It is an exciting time for O’Chiese as we are moving along to improve our community. We have implemented a beautification program this year and the grand prize will be a 10 X 10 shed! I am looking forward to Treaty Day, our cultural events and all the visitors that will be coming to our community. Treaty day is being organized by our Operations Department and our Field Services Officer from INAC. It will prove to be interesting and I think we need to beef up our ball team or a sports team of some sort. I hear that a team is being organized; we have yet to organize a team ourselves. It is good to see us working together and all I can say is that we can only get better.

Our Councilors and I have been implementing the communication pattern to improve our staff and manager capacity. We are the political leaders and we need to act like it. We need to let the managers and staff do their important work for you. When we interfere, we undermine our policies, our managers, and ourselves. Having structure creates stability and eventually accountability. We can assist our Managers and staff by being Political Leaders, lobbying, and advocating for the best interests of our people and community.

As leaders, we have concentrated on trying to build our economy, our community, and people. Recreation is important and it is nice to see the young people and their talents. Sometimes, we need to spend time just being with the youth, our people and our community. Sharing, laughing, and encouraging each other, only then can we appreciate and respect the work we all do.

As always, I thank the community, elders, and employees for their continued support, encouragement, and prayers. Always my biggest supporters, my wife and family; I thank you.