As we see our community improving, the Leadership and I want to ensure that we have long term benefits and employment opportunities. When we are trying to ensure that we have these benefits, we have continuous meetings just to ensure that we have the right negotiable tools, the right knowledge and the right people involved. Not only do we have to think currently but we also need long term vision and create a foundation for someone to follow and build upon. It is difficult for us to understand sometimes that in order to get the benefit for the whole of the community and future; we must meet, stand our ground, and ensure conditions are beneficial to retaining our cultural heritage.

Improving conditions come with their own impacts and challenges, however, when we continue to push forward and persevere, we will achieve what is best for our community. As we become self sustaining, we start to see what is needed. We know that we need better buildings to house what we have; we need improved roads so we can pave, and we need recreational facilities so we maintain healthy lifestyles, and the list grows. More importantly, our elders and parents need to teach the key areas; our language and culture. It is good to hear us speak our language in our meetings and when we visit each other but I also know that our young people are not speaking the language, so I commend our school for teaching the Saulteaux language to our young people as the cultural teachings are in the language. Therefore, our community needs to think about education, working hard and supporting each other as we grow in population and opportunities.

We know that as community members, we need to improve our living conditions and improve our infrastructure. It starts with information and meetings and I would like to thank the community members who attended the housing meeting. Yes, as leaders we know that the needs are greater than the resources. We have made decisions that have seen a number of different housing styles such as stick builds, modular homes, and prefabs. We realize that the waiting list grows as our population rises and buildings are getting older. As we can see, there is more need than resources. As our community members increases, we realize that we will need some guidelines and standards to keep our houses in healthy and safe conditions. As I stated before, we require policies and regulations to assist in managing our assets and make informed decisions. Thanks to the Housing Crew, they are managing as best as they can with what resources they have. The Council and I are pleased with the many improvements made to our community.

Even during all the meetings, our Senior Managers must also organize events that bring us together and one of those events is our Treaty Day. Thank you to Shane and his crew and I also hear that INAC is assisting in organizing this event. Just looking at the events, we are set to have a day full of activities for everyone. As community members, let us help by participating, keeping the area clean and be respectful to the organizers and the volunteers. Again thank you to the organizers!

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.