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Welcome New Council !
Swearing In Ceremony April 2015 (See page 3 )
www.nndfn.com
Message From the Chief
2
Welcome New Council
3
Victoria Gold
4
JV Clark Events
5
Youth Hockey Camp
6
Dooli Dan Ki
7
Education Dept
8
Cache Creek Gathering
9
Lands & Resources
10- 13
Mining Reclamation
14-18
Job Opportunity
19
Walking With Our Sisters
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
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Hello,
Elders , youth, citizens and beneficiaries of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun. Once
again, it is a privilege and a great honour to be tasked with the responsibilities of Chief
of the Nation. My congratulations go to the candidates who were successful at achieving
seats at the council table. It took a lot of courage to put your names forward to the
election committee. As you all know, I have been in this position before and now the
work begins! Council have already begun working on the budget for presentation to the
Assembly in July which will take up a great deal of our time. Priorities must be set in place
in regards to important areas of education, economics, politics and most importantly,
the social issues of our community. We must meet with other First Nations in Yukon to
share and make it clear that we are Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow.
Mussi cho.
Chief Simon Mervyn Sr.
WELCOME NEW COUNCIL
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SWEARING IN CEREMONY—APRIL 2, 2015
Congratulations to Chief Simon Mervyn Sr., Deputy Chief Millie Olsen, Councilors
Irene Johnny, Melody Hutton, Ronald Peter, Sharon Peter and Youth Councilor,
Kaylie-Ann Hummel!
VICTORIA GOLD
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The Victoria Gold Scholarship deadlines are as follows:
Course Start
Fall 2015
Winter 2016
Application Deadline
August 14, 2015
December 15, 2015
Scholarship Award
August 28, 2015
January 4, 2016
If you need any more information on the Victoria Gold Scholarship please contact the NND Education
Department Teri Buyck ext. 137 or myself Natasha Young ext. 131.
YUKON COLLEGE - FOOD & BEVERAGE OPERATIONS PROGRAM
By: Leanne Hoogland
I am currently in the process of finishing the Food and Beverage Operations
Program at Yukon College. Through the food and beverage program, I have
learned to provide exceptional dining experience through comfort, hospitality
and guest satisfaction. This program was a great way to demonstrate my skills,
knowledge and hands on practical training that I have worked hard all year to
achieve. The course outline also includes: business communications, computer
fundamentals, accounting, events coordinator, and marketing.
The knowledge I have learned in the past year has given me a great sense of
how to prepare myself to be successful in the business world. I would also like
to mention that I received two scholarships this year through Victoria Gold,
which has helped me tremendously. Life in college has its ups and downs,
especially financially. I would like to take a moment to thank Victoria Gold and
The First Nations of Nacho Nyak Dun for all your help and support, I greatly
appreciate it, mussi-cho to you both.
After completion of this course, I choose to work in a restaurant setting and
complete my hours for both front and back of the house, as well as possibly
finishing off with, The Professional Meat Cutting and Merchandising Program
at NAIT University in Edmonton, Alberta.
The CBA Committee is pleased to announce that the annual report will be available at the end of April, if
you would like a copy please send me an email or give me a call.
Natasha Young ~
J.V. CLARK UPCOMING EVENTS
J.V Clark Events
April 16 – Kids Helping Kids Lasagna Dinner
April 17 – In-service for staff—Dooli
April 26-May 2 – REM for Grade 10-12 in Watson lake
April 27-May 1 – Culture Week/Mini REM for Gr K-9
May 7 – Heritage Fair
May 14 – BCPE – SS11, English 12
May 15 – BCPE – English 10
May 19-29 – Dental Hygienist
May 20-22 – School Review
May 26 – 9am Concert – Katie Avery, Fiddler
June 5 – Native Grad in Whitehorse Kwanlin Dun Culture Centre
June 12 – J.V.C Graduation & Awards Day
June 15 – Last Day of School!
June 18 & 19 – BCPE – Math 10, Science 10
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POST-SECONDARY DEADLINE
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Environmental monitoring training
Ages: 16-20 year old.
When: June-August, 2014
Where: NND Traditional Territory (Full Time - 7 weeks)
MAYO YOUTH HOCKEY CAMP
Youth, Tyrell Genier, Julius Hager and Nathan Hager standing
with John Chabot. John is a retired former professional NHL
player. He is First Nations (Algonquin from Kitigan Zibi) and
is active in visiting youth to speak and run hockey skills
camps across Canada. The boys attended a 5 day hockey
camp with him this past year!
For more information please contact : NND Coordinator Josée Tremblay at 867-996-2265
Ext 117
or Yukon College/Mayo campus representative Sandy Washburn at 867-996-8800.
DOOLI DAN K’I
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DOOLI DAN K’I 2015
We had a very successful Elders Gathering at the end of March in Carmacks. We had lots of
Elders and we know that people enjoy being together talking about common issues.
On April 17th we hosted an in-service for J.V. Clark school which a huge step towards
getting our heritage, culture and traditional teachings into our school. We had 12 Elders
from our community as well as Elders from Pelly and Carmacks. This is just the beginning
and we have a lot more work to do. We know that one day was not near enough but it is a
good start.
Upcoming events:
 May Gathering: May 20-22
 Aunties and Uncles Retreats (July)
 We are continuing to work on materials for the daycare so that they have resources to
help teach Dooli
Dooli teaching help define:
A person’s relationship with their
community.
Relationships with immediate and
further extended family. Examplethe trust that is given with a name
and the responsibility that accompanies it.
How a person interacts with themselves and the world with nobody
around. What each person feels personally about their culture, harmony
with the world, and the connection
to their ancestors. This covers how
each individual related to the world
in their everyday lives.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
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2015 Graduates
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND THEIR
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FOR YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS!
High School Diploma Graduates
 Sydney Anderson
 Carolyn Lucas
 Kaydrienne Hummel
 Khandolyn Jackson
 Laura Jacobsson
 Kylie Modras
 Jarret VanBibber
Post-Secondary Graduates
 Leanne Hoogland – Food & Beverage Operations, Yukon College
 Paul Peter-Profit – Heavy Equipment Service Technician, Grand Prairie Regional College
 Teresa Samson – First Nation Governance & Public Administration, Yukon
College
 Martin Slama – Electrical Engineering, University of Victoria
Post-Secondary Deadline for Applications
Summer Semester - Friday, May 8th, 2015
Fall Semester – Friday, August 7th, 2015
Winter Semester – Friday, November 27th, 2015
Native Grad : June 5, 2015
J.V. Clark Grad : June 12, 2015
Yukon College Grad : May 15, 2015
**Please ensure graduation papers are in by May 30, 2015
CACHE CREEK ELDERS GATHERING
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Cache Creek Update April 12 – 16 , 2015 By: Nancy Ash (Hummel)
Present at Cache Creek for the Elders gathering were Bella Peter, Lena Malcolm, Faith Fraser, Ellen
Fraser, Gordan and myself ( Nancy ). Nicole Hutton from Heritage and Jimmy Johnny were also there.
We left on Sunday and seen 4 caribou on this side of Gravel Lake on the highway. It was the first time
ever seeing caribou like this. It was a very nice trip to Cache Creek.
Elders from Tr’ondek, NND, Fort McPherson, and Carcross/ Tagish were there. It was so nice to have
Carcross/Tagish there with us. The women from McPherson and a few ladies from Dawson set rabbit
snares and caught some. The camp worker Mike T. also went out and got more rabbits. We had Tim and
Sarah there from CPAWS , to talk about the Peel Watershed and in the evening a short films were also
shown—two movies from Maryjane Moses. We had grieving talks with Maryjane Jim and her husband
Tim. It was so good and I was happy we had that down there. It was so sentimental and all of the feelings and discussions came out. Everyone felt so supported . They did some dry meat making and we all
pitched in together to help around the kitchen. Lots of bannock was made every day. I was happy to see
my friends from McPherson. I told them every night at bedtime that I love them all. There were some of
us who went for a drive further down the highway for a ride and seen some sheep and caribou. It was
good to be out there and meet new people. Being in the bush is a good feeling. Next year I will go again.
Thank you to Tr’ondek, NND and McPherson for putting this on.
FEAST AND DANCE
LANDS & RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
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INTRO
The Lands and Resources Department anticipates a steady workload to continue, as we begin the New
Year. We look forward to the work plan set out for 2015. This report offers a quick summary of recent
activities and objectives of the Lands and Resources Dept. Through this update, we hope to help participants of the General Meeting understand some of our challenges and areas for citizens to become more
involved in Land related issues.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
Below is a brief outline of the files currently being worked on by the Lands & Resources department. If
you would like a specific update on a project, please direct your questions to the Lands & Resources staff
listed in the table:
OBJECTIVES
The Department has some big tasks to complete in the upcoming season - outlined in our 2015 work plan.
YESAA Amendments
As you may have already heard through the news, the proposed federal Bill S6 which proposes changes to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Act (YESAA) has recently passed second reading
in the House of Commons and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development. On March 30th, this committee traveled to the Yukon to hear presentations
from Yukon Chiefs. Our Deputy Chief, Millie Olsen, did a great job in presenting the concerns on behalf
of NNDFN. The concerns are specific to four amendments (as explained in the brochure on the information table) which will ultimately affect the way projects are assessed in the Yukon. It may seem that
the federal and territorial governments are teaming up to extract all resources out of your backyard
to support foreign companies to make big profit. These amendments are one way in which the ……..
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territorial government is trying to streamline the assessment process while allowing companies to
entertain limited permitting requirements. If this particular Bill S6 is passed, the 11 First Nations with
land claim agreements have expressed they might take the issue to the courts.
Mining in your Traditional Territory
Currently, there are only two major projects in the Mayo/Keno area who are actively pursuing production. After receiving the YESAB decision document for Flame and Moth, Alexco submitted their
proposal to the Yukon Water Board. NNDFN Lands department has been working on a Long Term
Adaptive Management Plan (LTAMP) for water quality; particularly in the Flat Creek and Christal Lake
Watersheds. We are furthermore reviewing the amendments Alexco proposes to the Quartz Mining
License and are in close contact with the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources of the Yukon
Government on that matter.
Victoria Gold submitted their proposal for a Type A water license to the Water Board as well. The Board
scheduled hearings in Mayo during the first week of June. NNDFN Lands Department is actively working
with consultants and legal representatives to ensure that the mining will be conducted in a respectful manner and that NNDFN ultimately benefits from such activities.
In addition to those two major projects, Northern Cross Yukon is in the process of answering to an Information Request issued by YESAB pertaining to their oil and gas proposal close to Eagle Plains. We expect
an answer from Northern Cross Yukon within the next few weeks. We have some very serious concerns
with the propose project as it stands and hope that these concerns can be mitigated as we proceed with
the process.
On top of the three projects mentioned above, we had roughly 25 placer mine projects going through the
YESAB process since the beginning of the calendar year. Most of these projects are renewals of active licenses but
nevertheless, we try everything to make sure that the miners adhere to Best Management
Practices, reduce effects to wildlife and that the important resource water is not negatively affected.
Fisheries Update
Lands & Resources Department sent in a funding proposal to assess water quality and fish habitat in different locations within the Traditional Territory, focusing on the waters close to the Stewart River. The plan is
to visit a handful of different locations each week of the month, repeating this monthly starting in May and
ending in September. Depending on the amount funding, water sampling will consists of a grab sample
and YSI measurements. The assessment of the fish habitat involves numerous factors that are not funding
dependent.
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Good News: Environmental Dynamics Inc. (EDI) together with NNDFN will install the first sonar on the
Stewart River this summer. This sonar will be a great addition to the ongoing work of salmon restoration. It will allow us to confidently record the numbers of salmon returning to their spawning grounds
and will therefore help in determining the efforts needed to bring the salmon population back to
numbers that allow for traditional harvesting.
Camp Update
Since our last General Meeting in 2014 we were able to plan a youth camp out at Ethel Lake. The outpost
committee put a lot of time and effort into the planning and execution of this camp and we look forward
to continue providing future opportunities for youth to attend our outpost camps.
Just last week we were able to go on our yearly spring ice fishing trip down the South McQuesten Road.
The week started with a trip for NNDFN citizens, followed by a staff trip and last but not least the youth
was able to go out as well and catch some Grayling and Northern Pike. Everybody was able to show off
the fishing skills and much laughter was shared.
Trapper Program
Pursuant to NNDFN UFA Chapter 16.11.0: Trap-line Management and Use the NND Lands and Resources
Department would like to initiate a Trapper Training Program to begin utilizing vacant trap-lines held by
the NNDFN government. The program would focus on training interested citizens in order to preserve
the traditions and skills needed for future generations to learn the trapping for subsistence purposes
and to continue living on the land.
Currently the NNDFN government holds a number of Cat 1 and 2 trap-lines within the Traditional
Territory that are regarded as being under-utilized (vacant or unassigned). Of those lines held by
NNDFN, is the recently acquired line #42 (Nash Creek), previously held by Village of Mayo resident Jack
Smith. Line #42 should be considered an asset, in that it is in a remote area, but accessible by snowmachine, in winter or horse in summer. Line #42 also has 5x cabins established therefore allowing
NNDFN members to access and stay in this remote area of the Traditional Territory for extended
periods, for shelter and emergency purposes.
This last month NNDFN participants in the program had several attempts to break trail into the Wind in
order to reach our trap line cabins to do assessments and repairs in order to have suitable shelter for
when the program begins next fall or early winter. Snow conditions were deep and wet, which made it
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impassable. Jack Smith and his snow cat transported a new cabin a kilometer past big tree for additional
shelter for future crews.
The new shack proved useful immediately as crews working under Rock Boivin broke trail over to the
hot-springs, after several additional attempts to get over into the Wind River. The crew was able to
perform tasks under the “plan B” schedule and complete various repairs and maintenance objectives at
the Nash Creek Hot-springs.
Stay tuned in the coming months as we will be looking for signs ups for the Yukon Trapper Course. If
we get enough names by July, I can put a request in to hold another course right here in Mayo.
PLEASE COME IN AND SIGN UP FOR TRAPPER TRAINING IF INTERESTED!
Members trained in this course will have the opportunity participate in the hands on NND Trapper
Training Program on the Wind this Winter 2015/16.
MINING RECLAMATION UPDATE
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Keno Hill Closure Planning/Mining Reclamation
Na Cho News Submission
Joint Water sampling with Alexco
NND completed the ongoing joint water sampling with Alexco as per ERDC water licence QZ12-057. NND
youth Hazel Phillips participated into the January 2015 water sampling event with Alexco. Gestie Tees and
Richard Harper completed the sampling during February and March 2015. Due to staff shortage, Gary
Gordon completed the April sampling.
Employment/Job Opportunities
As you probably already noticed; NND posted one job opportunity for one Water Sampler to work with us
at the NND Lands and Resources Department. The closing date to submit applications is April 30 th and we
are looking at May 11th for the start date. (See the poster included in this newsletter). Alexco Environmental
Group is also looking to hire one additional Water Sampler to work with NND on the Joint Environmental
Monitoring program at the Keno Hill Mine Site (Their poster was distributed around Mayo).
We are preparing for the busy field season and we anticipate hiring a group of NND youth, this upcoming
summer to assist the Lands and Resources Department with the work load. The summer workers will have
the opportunity to participate in the following activities; water sampling in the Elsa and Keno regions, environmental monitoring assessment on Creeks and Rivers, field investigations and fisheries field work
throughout the Na Cho Nyak Dun Traditional Territory.
Training/Capacity Development
NND is currently discussing with the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining (CNIM) about potential training programs that could be made available for our citizens. CNIM facilitated a session with Yukon First Nation Governments to explore models of delivery for environmental monitoring. This is of interest for NND
as this agency is looking forward to explore how the program could involve partnerships with a number of
First Nations and industry players.
We are sending our Mining Reclamation Assistant Jay Gagnon to undertake the “Introduction to Environmental Monitoring Course” being offered by CNIM/Yukon College at the Dawson Campus April 24th to May
8th, 2015. At the end of this training, the students enrolled in this training will have a general knowledge of
the requirements for environmental monitoring and procedures for the collection and reporting of project
site environmental conditions.
We will be sending two NND Lands and Resources staff members to undertake the annual spring training
refresher with Alexco Environmental Group in Whitehorse in May 2015. The purpose of this training is to update NND and Alexco’s environmental staff with the latest information about ecosystem ecology, water
quality, hydrology, groundwater and soil sampling training.
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Fish Studies
Our annual ice-fishing outing on the South McQuesten River took place during the week of April 13 th, 2015.
This activity was an opportunity for the Lands and Resources Department staff to spend some time with
NND staff and citizens to continue the dialogue about the McQuesten River Water Quality and fish abundance.
As part of this study, we received the assistance of key researchers to follow up the fish health and otolith
microchemistry pilot project started a couple of years ago with the Yukon Research Center, the Yukon College, the University of Manitoba, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and Access Consulting Group. Graylings and pikes samples were
collected again this year for testing.
The specimen were measured, aged and are becoming part of the database for the Keno project.
Technical Investigations/Keno Hill Mine site Closure Planning timeline.
The timeline for the Keno Hill Closure and reclamation project is currently being amended and NND anticipates being fully involved with the review process under YESAB which could take up to 8 months and also
with the Water Board review which can also take up to 8 months. The Preparation of the YESAB Project
Proposal for the Existing State of Mine (ESM) reclamation plan is anticipated for February 2016. NND Lands
staff is planning to attend, along with one NND citizen and one NND Elder, the upcoming Risk Assessment
Workshop with Alexco and ERDC regarding the Wernecke and Sadie Ladue drainage closure options in May
2015.
Bioreactor and mine pool treatment pilot test project and Tours
Regarding the mine pool test at Silver King and Hector Calumet site, NND continues to work closely with
the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Industrial Chair Amelie Janin and Ph.D.
student Guillaume Nielsen who are working with Alexco and ERDC.
Molasses continued to be injected and recirculating in the beginning of February.
The quarterly sampling was conducted between February 5th and Feb 14th. In March, the injection site
moved from borehole to open pit and the cadmium and zinc loading in the mine pool had reduced
significantly by approximately 65%. A memo will be made available to NND to summarize this information.
We anticipate taking several groups at the site this year to look at the water treatment facilities to better
understand the bio remediation technology systems that could be utilized at the Keno Hill district. We will
start coordinating these tours shortly before spring freshet in June.
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Commercial Greenhouse Feasibility Study
We are planning to coordinate our first focus group meeting, regarding a potential commercial greenhouse
feasibility study, this upcoming May 2015.
We would like to increase and diversify socio-economic opportunities for NND through a more expansive
project that will leave a legacy for NND citizens. We requested funding from the Federal Government to
complete a feasibility study to develop a commercial greenhouse operation. The greenhouse concept was
generated from discussions related to the requirement for seed and seedlings for Keno Hill closure activities, and has the support of NND government, staff and citizens.
In our view, development of a commercial greenhouse would directly address the loss of NND access to
traditional foods and medicines that accompanied the development of the Keno Hill District. It would also
serve to address many of our government’s objectives, and the greenhouse could involve the following
programs:
 Source of food for the community (produce and traditional foods/medicines)
 Training center for youth and citizens under our Education department
Resource for cover trials and pilot tests through the Lands and Resources department
 Healing center/traditional knowledge center where elders could work with youth and other citizens to
pass on their knowledge
 Potential business venture in future years
Initial discussions have identified the potential for the greenhouse to propagate indigenous plants that
could be used in reclamation activities at Keno Hill and elsewhere. It would provide employment opportunities for a range of NND citizens, and a place for elders to share their traditional knowledge with children,
youth and staff.
The feasibility study would involve:
 Developing a general concept of greenhouse operations and capital requirements
 Identifying products to be grown in the greenhouse (and potential clients in the long term)
 Identifying potential greenhouse locations
 Identifying consultants who could potentially partner with NND to develop and operate the greenhouse operations
 Identify potential funders (YG Economic Development) and funding programs” (FNNND Keno Hill Closure Planning work plan to AANDC, 2015-2016)
The following is an excerpt from our Mining Reclamation/Office Assistant Jay Gagnon;
Hello, my name is Jay Gagnon from the Mining Reclamation department with the First Nation of Nacho
Nyak Dun. I’ve been employed since February and have completed a variety of tasks: I have assisted with
the review of information regarding water quality/heritage/closer options at the Keno Hill Mine Site,
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assisted in ordering supplies and equipment for the field season, I assisted the department in coordinating
small training and the logistics for small events, I assisted coordination with a fishing trip, attended a water
quality monitoring workshop with YRITWC and received certification from them, and in the following two
weeks I will be attending an Environmental Monitoring Program in Dawson. I am looking forward to my
continued employment with Nacho Nyak Dun.
The YRITWC Water Quality course, this past March, in Whitehorse.
Four attended from Mayo (Herman Melancon, Gestie Tees, Jay Gagnon, and Ronald Peter)
We would like to take the time to thank all NND membership and staff for your continued interest and
participation into this program. If you have any questions about the involvement of NND into the Keno Hill
Closure Planning or if you wish to provide any information or comments regarding the project, please
contact the mining reclamation coordinator at: [email protected] or call: 1 (867) 996-2265
Ext 117 and we will direct you to the proper program person.
Mussi Cho/ Thank you!
Yours sincerely,
Josée Lemieux-Tremblay
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Our NND Mining Reclamation assistant Jay Gagnon
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NND lands and Resources Manager Ray Sabo
NND Lands and Resources Manager Ray Sabo and Hazel Johnny Water sampler Mathieu Ducharme under Alexco
busy making bannock for staff ice fishing on April 15th, 2015 on the We will be losing him however,
South McQuesten River.
Alexco is looking forward to hire someone for this position
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
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First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Position Title:
Water Sampler
Department:
Lands and Resources
Term:
Full Time (75 hrs/ biweekly) Term until April 30, 2016
Closing Date:
April 30, 2015, or until filled
Job Summary:
The preferred candidates will have an understanding of local environment conditions and effects associated with past
and current activities facing the ecosystem in FNNND’s Traditional Territory. The applicant must have basic office and
organizational skills and also a good understanding of First Nation Governments. The individual should be willing and
able to undertake field work. This work is a great opportunity to learn about mining reclamation processes.
Main Duties:
Field work will include; water sampling and monitoring, fish habitat assessments, soil investigations and water treatment
pilot studies. Applicants must be self-motivated and physically capable of lifting at least 50 pounds. Duties could include
coordination and delivery of other programs such as meetings, workshops, community events, training, field work and
report writing to the Lands and Resources Department upon completion of assignments.
Working Conditions:
This position is located primarily within NND’s Traditional Territory. This work requires the candidates to be willing to
travel through different methods of transportations to and from the sites; trucks, boats, canoes, ATV’s aircrafts. The applicants must be willing to work overtime hours and weekends.
For more information or to submit your Cover Letter/ Resume and/ or FNNND Employment Application please contact:
Josée Lemieux-Tremblay, Mining Reclamation Coordinator
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
P.O. Box 220
Mayo, Y.T Y0B 1M0
Phone: (867) 996-2265 Ext. #117
Fax: (867) 996-2267
Email to: [email protected]
*Preference will be given to First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Citizens*
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WALKING WITH
OUR SISTERS
Walking With Our Sisters is a memorial
to honour the lives of missing and
murdered Indigenous women of Canada
and the United States, to raise awareness
and create opportunity for broad
community-based dialogue on the issue.
This grassroots project is composed of
1800 pairs of vamps (moccasin tops)
created and donated to the memorial by
individu-als from around the country and
world. The memorial will be touring
Canada and the United States until
September 2019.
Tours will take place at Kwanlin Dun
Cultural Centre April 11– 25, 2015
Thank you to the many women of Mayo for helping to create this beautiful
shawl and vamps that will be on display until April 25, 2015 at KDCC