Chippewas of the Thames 2013 Myeengun for Chief Election Platform

Myeengun, Wolf Clan

The impact of history has only unlocked the door for a stronger future

Deshkon Ziibi

7/4/2013

My commitment to Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

Boozhoo Chippewas of the Thames Membership It is with extreme pleasure that I have been nominated for the position of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Chief in the 2013 election. As in the last election I have again weighed the pros and cons and spoke with band members and I have been encouraged to participate. I would like to inform you that I will accept my nomination to run for Chief in the 2013 Chippewas of the Thames band election. Today I will share thoughts and observations and platform. I do need to acknowledge our valued technicians and experts that have worked hard to supply the best research and wisdom and willingness to incorporate as a foundation, Anishnabe Traditional Knowledge. As we travel together into a new-generation we are seeing the Chippewas of the Thames population grow rapidly. It is imperative to make sound investments and responsible decisions today.

Thoughts My recent term on council has been a tremendous and a rewarding experience and I very much enjoyed the many discussions, research, debates and resolve. My Insight on current structure, need and strengths are heightened. I am extremely honored that you have entrusted me with important decisions for our Nation. In the past two years there has been recognition of residential school survivors, Anishnabe language increase, a land claim settlement, #idle-no-more rallies, a comprehensive community plan, and rekindling of our treaty partners. These actions have created impacts on our daily lives. Yet, there is still much more to accomplish. Ive heard Chippewa band members make a clear statement of wanting to know and participate in decisions that affect our community. Ive heard band members say that more needs to be done with the youth and education needs to be a priority. Ive heard our elders appreciate support but also seen them evicted from the (once) seniors/vets building, community centre and most recently a room at the seniors complex. Ive heard employees of our nation want to participate with at community events. Ive heard off-reserve members feel unattached to activities at home. Ive heard culture and ceremony is important and needed. Ive heard the churches on our reserve are extremely-valued. Loudly, Ive heard git er done

Observation The social structure currently in existence at Chippewa today offers good and not so good news. Our aspirations are high and culture is very important, as outlined in the community story, but our health department realizes an almost 80% addiction rate today. Our seniors population is rising and in-need of more services to accommodate current needs. Our social service (Ontario Works) requirements exceed available funds and with recent regulations there is little support to help those that do find employment. London has a current 9.1% unemployment rate (July 2013) with a national average of 7.1 % Child-Welfare and Family services on reserve is in much need of support as we assume responsibility for our own familys well-being. Our Child Welfare Case Management team has a large caseload (200+) and requires assistance during this time of department growth. Education is an avenue that can propel better living standards for band members and our education team requires support. Educators are visibly under-paid as our school board receives approximately $4000.00 less per student per year.
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Wiiji-Anookeewin (Employment and Training) is a great tool to support opportunities on and off reserve and can be the link for partnerships and creative job market strategies. Our team has been busy and transparent and conducts business very well. Recreation can balance out and contribute to a holistic lifestyle and the Chippewa recreation department strives to make this a valuable component to our daily lives. Housing on reserve has increased but so has strain on our infrastructure (water, drainage and sewage and roads). The roads department has been continually busy every season. Culture and religious freedom is very important and valued at Chippewa. What can we do? Each of these issues can be addressed with strategic planning that involves communication with band members. Id like to become more involved in talks directly with you. We have great staff that looks at pros and cons and evaluate all sources of options. The family structure carries great strength that becomes the root for self-esteem that leads to beautification of our community that leads to partnerships and prosperity. Lets meet regularly at comfortable settings such as at breakfast, evening fires, planned socials and just spontaneously. We have the foundation, want and ability to thrive; Id love to assist as a spark to git er done.

Who is Myeengun? Myeengun means wolf in Ojibway and Im a member of the wolf clan. I am a current elected band councilor for Chippewa. Ive been very fortunate to have studied Anishnabe culture with various elders and today I am a conductor of ceremony and practitioner of Aboriginal traditional medicine and the Anishnabe language. Ive conducted many weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies in and outside of our community. My practice with traditional medicine supports healing from various illnesses such as cancers and diabetes. Ive gained extensive experience at Anishnabe Health Toronto as program manager and as oshkibiiwis (healers helper) along with working on the street patrol program in the homelessness initiative. I have been involved with many pow wows as coordinator (this year at Chippewa), emcee, arena director and security. I have been asked to speak at the World Religions Conference three times representing Aboriginal Spirituality in Waterloo and I conduct many cultural workshops and various speaking engagements. I have blessed the 2010 Olympic flame that crossed through Chippewa and conducted ceremony at the Seniors Building and commercial mall. I like to use the seven Grandfather teaching and medicine wheel along with contemporary research as a guide for decisions and pass this on to those seeking direction. One of my greatest influences is Elijah Harper and since his passing I now carry the wampum belts with me at all times.

As former Director of Aboriginal Services at Chippewa I have participated and designed environmental projects such as the Chippewa stewardship rangers project, trees for life, youth hunting day and the Chippewa hummingbird study along with fostering better relationships with the ministry of natural resources and the Middlesex stewardship council. I work with Brian Salt of Salthaven and we now regularly release once injured birds such as hawks and eagles back to their natural habitat. I am the host of Nish-Vibes Radio show. I am the current Manager of Aboriginal Services at Conestoga College and Aboriginal healing and wellness counselor. I also teach in Criminal Justice at Conestoga College and in the Medical program at Macmaster University. Im currently writing curriculum for a Native studies program at the college. Ive been successful at creating partnerships in the business world (Toyota, Union Gas and Hydro one) and nourish every avenue to attract opportunities for Chippewa that will lead to greater jobs and Economic Development. Ive participated in many Assembly of First Nation and Chiefs of Ontario engagements. Ive worked well with federal, provincial and municipality governments. I would like utilize my experience and together while working with community members to enhance the gifts you were blessed with as your 2013 Chippewas of the Thames elected Chief. My family consists of my wife of 11 years, Lori daughters Matilda 27, Allana 18, son, Aaron 9 (still an Elvis impersonator), daughter Jillian 8 and my Parents are Freda Henry and Arnold Henry (recently moved on to the spirit world). I hold an honors diploma and a 4.0 grade point average in Indigenous wellness and addiction prevention from Canadore College and was honored by Canadore College as their only nominee for the prestigious Ontario Premiers Award. Please feel free to Google myeengun henry for more information on my endeavors. Chi Miigwetch

Myeengun

Platform Practical steps lead to Balance

It would be beneficial to build from the strengths of existing successes of all programs, policies and procedures and create a vision for enhancement of each. Each program has guidelines and budgetary responsibility; we will blend this with needs of Chippewas of the Thames. The office of Chief must keep a balanced approach to internal and external challenges and opportunities.

Accountability
Provide band members open engagement to have your voices heard on all matters affecting the future of this nation Provide public rationale and results for any travel and budgetary commitments (transparency act) Provide continual public knowledge on all programs and events Encourage community involvement at council meetings, establish an elder protocol Establish a cultural component in all matters affecting our nation Provide accommodation for disabled people

Education

To become fully supportive and build community unity surrounding all levels of education
To deliver the best quality path to each individual seeking education using post-secondary and big bear creek To encourage an indigenous approach to understand the true history of Canada at institutions to improve current statistics Involve our elders and spiritual leaders and previous chiefs and councils To attend classes at Antler River School regularly

Employment
Partnership and collaborative intervention Eliminate barriers and streamline action plans Our youth population is increasing rapidly and will need of stable direction from counselors and role models from the community. Keep advised of labour-market statistics

Culture
Define language and ceremony as an everyday component to Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Attend, conduct and participate in community cultural gatherings Promote the use of language on all band buildings Offer cultural appropriate opportunity throughout the community Open each council meeting with a smudge and prayer Participate at all functions with elders and eagle staff carriers

Environment
Community beautification projects such as community gardens, maintained entrance signs and create a git er done campaign Participate actively with the Thames river clean-up projects Demonstrate our responsibility to our traditional territory with all environmental agencies and governments Promote stewardship, greenhouse and trees for life projects, but also maintain control of our territory

Youth
Stimulate youth involvement with mentoring programs and inclusion in all community events Knowledge is a key, therefore encourage more information sessions about the effects of drugs and alcohol and establish meaningful supports to a healthier lifestyle Encourage families to participate in youth activities

Land claims
Deliver a community dialog to hear all from band members concerning future land claims.

Communication
A Chippewas of the Thames radio station An updated and utilized website Extensive community outreach at regular gatherings and socials

Infrastructure
Roads and drainage projects to alleviate automotive damage and maintenance costs Side walk areas for the safety of community members Resolve brown water and invasive species

Integrity and Professionalism Will prevail in every activity performed under my

leadership as Chief of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. To represent Chippewa with integrity.

Bob Rae and I at Conestoga College

Elijah Harper March 20, 2013

In closingwhoever wins your vote for Chief and Council, please be aware that it has been a pleasure to have been nominated in the 2013 Chippewas of the Thames Election Campaign. Congratulations to the new elected leadership! Chi Miigwetch

Myeengun