Ah-neen, Elders, community members, and employees!  The end of summer is nearing and before you know it, it will be September and not too long after the snow will start to arrive.

Traveling seemed to define the month of August; from off-reserve meetings to traveling to the United States to Mystic Lake. The trip to Mystic Lake, Minnesota went extremely well I believe the Elders had a great time! The venue was great and the Pow Wow was excellent. There were no problems at the border as all bus passengers had their passports; all in all it was a nice trip. Our Elders do a lot for our community and I would like to thank them for all their hard work!

I am receiving positive feedback from the Alberta Government employees who attended the Cultural Awareness Camp hosted by the O’Chiese T.U.S Program.  Thank you to the T.U.S. Program staff and Elders that put on an exceptional camp.

With September just around the corner, students enjoy back to school shopping and remember to work hard and study hard. As students take your schooling seriously and persevere in attaining your career goals. Strive for your education and work towards your career goals as the O’Chiese First Nation continues to expand in programs and services which creates employment opportunities.

O’Chiese First Nation continues to invest in our students by providing affordable off reserve housing with Enterprise 203 Ltd. and funding initiatives through our partnership with Yellowhead Tribal Council because we believe in our students and a bright future. 

As many of you know, I also play baseball and enjoy golf and am on summer vacation so I will be playing sports and hitting the tees to practice for the O’Chiese Golf Fundraising Tournament in September. Enjoy your summer vacations!

As always, I thank the community, elders, and employees for their continued support, encouragement, and prayers.

Respectfully, Chief Darren Whitford, O’Chiese First Nation