Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council brings together seven member nations to unify our voices and strengthen our inherent indigenous rights, title, and interests in our territories.

News

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Honours National Indigenous Peoples’ Day

(Unceded Territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation – June 21, 2021) Carrier Sekani Tribal Council wishes its members and surrounding communities a joyous National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Today marks the 25th anniversary of what was once known as National Aboriginal Day. 

This day falls in the midst of two other important cultural markers; National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. Given the cultural reverence of this time and in respect for Two-Spirited and other LGBTQIA+ people, we have much to celebrate. Our shared culture of acceptance, engagement and understanding is worthy of recognition on its own. As we honour National Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the midst of both National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, we have three wonderful reasons to celebrate.

While it’s important to acknowledge our Peoples on this day, we cannot forget how much work there is still to do towards reconciliation. While this is a 25th anniversary, we as the Dakelh people have been celebrating our history since time immemorial. Every day, we can be proud of our history, our culture, our tenacity and our strength. Today is an important reminder of that fact.

We’re Hiring: Technical Services Unit Coordinator

Submit your application by Wednesday, June 30, 2021 – Reporting to the General Manager, the Technical Services Unit Coordinator position ensures the overall coordination and administration of all programs and series offered by CSTC, Technical Services Unit (TSU).

Job Posting

The CSTC is a Non-Profit Organization located in Prince George BC, and is seeking to fill the role of:

TECHNICAL SERVICES UNIT COORDINATOR – 1 Year Term

Job Summary

Reporting to the General Manager, the Technical Services Unit Coordinator position ensures the overall coordination and administration of all programs and series offered by CSTC, Technical Services Unit (TSU). Under the Memorandum of Understanding between Indigenous Services Canada and CSTC, Technical Services Unit, the TSU organization is to provide engineering services to CSTC Member Bands under the direction of a professional engineer who will provide overall technical responsibility for TSU designs, specifications, and construction supervision services.

Qualifications

The position of Technical Services Unit Coordinator requires completion of Grade 12, post-secondary education and related experience. The incumbent must possess a range of technical, managerial, and project experience and experience working with First Nations and/or of First Nations Ancestry is an asset. Good computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, business English skills, and interpersonal skills are also required.

Conditions of Employment

· Must be able to travel a minimal amount;

· Must have access to a reliable vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license;

· Full-time 1 year term position, subject to funding.

Purpose of the Job

Specific duties are as follows:

· Direct the TSU support staff, engineers, and maintenance personnel;

· Secure and maintain budgets;

· Overall supervision of the Coordination of the capital program;

· Provide assistance to liaise and consult with Band and Tribal Councils within the area to promote TSU services;

· Maintain contacts with other First Nations’ agencies;

· Actively represent the interest of the TSU as they relate to the capital program to various agencies and associations locally, provincially and federally through meetings, conferences or other functions as required;

Clerical Duties (With Additional Clerical Support):

· Maintain program filing system and update as necessary;

· Maintain library of technical reports;

· Maintain office inventory and equipment;

· Verify vendor’s invoices and other project invoices and prepare for submission to the CSTC Finance Department;

· Make inquires to INAC regarding status of capital projects or other requests;

· Satisfy quarterly reporting requirements of INAC by creating and maintaining a database of all capital projects for input into Capital Project Progress Reports for quarterly reporting requirements to INAC on behalf of member Bands by staff;

· Track project status (budget versus expenditures);

· Prepare capital project invoices for submissions for the CSTC Finance Department:

· Prepare funding request submissions for maintenance training, as required;

· Create form documents (i.e., completion report, etc.) for data input on the computer;

· Prepare capital project submissions, as required;

· Attendance at CSTC meetings, as requested.

Personnel Management

· Directly coordinate support staff, engineers and maintenance personnel;

· Follow established personnel policy for all staffing actions;

· Enforcement of personnel policy and disciplinary action, as necessary;

Financial Management

· Assist in the preparation of budgets as they relate to the operation and planning of technical services with Consultant;

· Provide assistance to negotiate and secure budget amounts for all contracts and proposals;

· Review and approve all invoices, obtain all monthly and annual program revenue and expenditure statements;

· Provide assistance to ensure financial reports as required by the funding agencies are prepared and submitted.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or skills required of the incumbent.

Assist Consultant Engineer (With the Following Duties)

• Certify project documentation to obtain capital funding as per MOU;

• Certify as-built drawings and/or CAIS forms to obtain O and M funding for the Bands as per MOU;

• Direct and review design work prepared by TSU technical staff;

• Review designs prepared by consultants, as needed;

• Certify Asset Condition Reports to INAC, if needed.

• Professional advice to Bands on capital and maintenance items, as needed;

• Capital planning for CSTC;

• Assist in submission to INAC and other agencies for additional capital and O and M funding;

• Liaison with BC Environment, Health and Welfare Canada, and other government agencies (i.e., environmental and health concerns with CSTC communities).

• Provides an engineering advisory service to Tribal and Band Councils by:

• Plans and organizes feasibility studies, capital planning studies, and pre-engineering investigations leading to effective Tribal Council planning by:

Implementing Capital Projects in CSTC Bands by planning and organizing the design and construction of new infrastructure projects, community buildings and school buildings, and the alteration or additions to existing to facilitate the work quality, timeliness, and budget constraints and other duties, as related.

If you are interested in this position, submit a cover letter, resume by June 30, 2021, to:

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Attention: General Manager

Suite 200 1460 6th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3N2

Email: generalmanager@cstc.bc.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry per Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. People of Carrier Sekani are encouraged to apply.

Congratulations to the Graduates of the Key to Employment Program

(Unceded Territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation – June 14, 2021) Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is proud to announce the graduation of thirty students from the Key to Employment Program, run by Indigenous Community for Leadership and Development (ICLD).

An outpouring of interest resulted in the program doubling its intake from fifteen to thirty students. Graduates met in a Zoom chat room, unable to be face-to-face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even under our challenging circumstances, thirty students proved their strength and intelligence, coming out the other side armed with the knowledge and skills to make their mark on the workforce.

CSTC hopes no matter what type of success these graduates seek, they will take the experiences they made here and forge ahead to create a world for themselves and those around them to be happy and fulfilled. Whether this training marks a major milestone or is simply a single step towards their goal, we applaud the Key to Employment graduates for their hard work.

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Key to Employment Graduates Celebrated via Zoom

Statement From the Tribal Chief in Response to Discovery of 215 Children’s Remains at the Site of the Former Kamloops Indian Residential School

If you are in need of counselling support, the IRSS Emergency Crisis line is available 24/7. Call 1-800-721-0066 for support.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is devastated to learn that the remains of 215 children were discovered buried on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last weekend.

This Thursday, May 27, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc band confirmed the remains were found with the help of a ground-penetrating radar specialist. Work is still being done on the site to potentially find more remains.

Some of our people spent their childhoods at this school, which closed in 1969, and it is possible our own members are among the unidentified remains found there last weekend. This is a painful reminder of an unspeakable injustice on our people through the Residential School System that aimed to erase us from our land and from history.

These 215 lives ended in childhood were the result of an act of colonial violence and genocide; we will never know who these children would have become to us.

We as Carrier Sekani First Nations must say a prayer for much needed healing and to honour the children who were forcibly separated from their families before having their lives taken from them too soon.

As a community, we will never forget the atrocities done to our people, but we have the strength of many to heal and pray together. We are reminded to also ask for healing for those who still carry the scars of Residential School today.

Our hearts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc band as we spend time this weekend reflecting on this horrifying discovery.

With great sadness,

Mina Holmes,

Tribal Chief, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Carrier Sekani First Nations Support Apportionment Decision by Minister Conroy

(Carrier Sekani First Nation Territories – May 21, 2021) –The Carrier Sekani First Nations applaud Minister Katrine Conroy’s apportionment decision for the Prince George Timber Supply Area that was announced today. It represents the culmination of a collaborative decision-making process between the Carrier Sekani First Nations and the Minister on the apportionment decision.

Today marks a milestone for all British Columbians as the Minister has apportioned 1,240,233 cubic metres in the Prince George Timber Supply Area to First Nations, which represents nearly 15% of the Allowable Annual Cut. This is the largest percentage of an Annual Allowable Cut that the Minister has apportioned to First Nations in the history British Columbia, representing yet another precedent forged through collaboration between the Carrier Sekani First Nations and the Province.

“Minister Conroy’s apportionment decision is a meaningful step towards true and lasting reconciliation,” said Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Chief Mina Holmes. “We finally have a say in what happens in our territories through the collaborative decision-making process set out in the precedent-setting Pathway Forward 2.0 Agreement.”

The success of this collaborative decision-making process is another step the Carrier Sekani First Nations have taken with the Province towards consent-based decision-making in Carrier Sekani Territories. The first step was taken when the Province recognized Carrier Sekani Aboriginal title and rights in the Collaboration Agreement in 2015.

The Carrier Sekani First Nations look forward to working with the Province and neighbouring local governments in building a new forest economy, creating more value from every tree harvested. Working together we can protect our stewardship values while maintaining vibrant communities.

For further information contact: Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council; communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca, 250-617-3862 

Safety Protocols in Place for Start of 2021 Tree Planting Season

(Unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George, B.C. – April 27, 2021) — A task group made up of representatives from the Carrier Sekani First Nations, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and the Province of British Columbia has been meeting since February this year to ensure the safety and protection of CSFN communities during the 2021 tree planting season.

Some of the COVID-19 safety protocols in place to protect communities as tree planters arrive include a 14-day monitoring for out-of-province workers along with a requirement that those workers don’t leave camp or accommodations for that same period of time. Additional protocols have been further outlined in a Provincial Health Order.

Representatives on the task group will continue to meet on a frequent and regular basis throughout the planting season. While supporting reforestation and the forest economy, the task group will ensure culturally and ecologically significant areas on the territories are avoided and that safety protocols are followed to the satisfaction of the Carrier Sekani First Nations.

The 2021 tree planting season is expected to begin in the coming weeks throughout the Carrier Sekani First Nation territories.

CONTACT:
Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer; 250-617-3862, communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca

We’re Hiring: Junior Communications Officer

Submit your application by Wednesday, April 21, 2021—Reporting to the Communications Officer, the Junior Communications Officer will be responsible for assisting the Communications department with social media management, writing press releases, assisting in the delivery of webinars and presentations, and graphic design and video production.

JOB POSTING

The CSTC is a Non-Profit Organization located in Prince George BC, and is seeking to fill the role of:

Junior Communications Officer (6 Month Term)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Communications Officer, the Junior Communications Officer will be responsible for assisting the Communications department with the following duties:

  • Social Media Management
  • Writing Press Releases
  • Assisting in coordinating and delivering webinars
  • Graphic design and Video Editing
  • Development and distribution of communications products, as needed, ie. long term visual assets
  • Additional duties, as requested.

Qualifications

  • Completed or working toward a Diploma/ Degree, preferably in a related field

(e.g., English, Marketing/Communications, Advertising or Public Relations)

  • At least one year of related work experience.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
  • An understanding of social media strategies and media relations.
  • Creative and innovative.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • The ability to multitask.
  • Great interpersonal skills.
  • Above average knowledge of various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
  • Have experience using photo and video editing programs or software.
  • Be able to cultivate strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Wage: $20.00 per hour

Hours of Work:  Non Payday week: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with an unpaid lunch break of 30 minutes and two paid breaks of 15 minutes each day.  Monday to Thursday with the non-payday Friday off. Payday week: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with an unpaid lunch break of 30 minutes and two paid breaks of 15 minutes each day every payday and on Friday until 3:00 pm.

Conditions of Employment

Willingness and to work overtime, successful background check, including employment verification, and reference checks. Please submit your cover letter and resume to:

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Attention: Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer

Suite 200 1460 6th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3N2

Email: communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca

Closing date for this 6 month term position is Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry per Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. People of Carrier Sekani are encouraged to apply.

Overwhelming Response to Pipeline Training Program Leads to Doubled Intake

(Unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George, B.C. – March 3, 2021) — Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is doubling its intake for an employment training program aimed at unemployed and underemployed Indigenous members looking to find employment in the regional pipeline and construction industry.

After an overwhelming response from applicants to the initial call for students, the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training offered to double the funding so that CSTC could increase the number of students enrolled from 15 to 30 people.

The training provided by Indigenous Communities for Leadership and Development (ICLD) includes an eight-week course with opportunities to earn tickets required to work in the field, followed by eight weeks of job coaching, including opportunities to directly connect trainees with potential employers.

Registrants who have been selected for the program will be contacted directly.

CONTACT:
Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer; 250-617-3862, communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca

We’re Hiring: Janitor

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is hiring a Janitor responsible for cleaning and sanitizing offices, meeting rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and public areas. Posting closes March 14, 2021

JOB POSTING

The CSTC is a Non-Profit Organization located in Prince George BC, and is seeking to fill the role of:

JANITOR

Job Summary

Reporting to the General Manager, the Janitor is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing offices, meeting rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and public areas. The duties are as follows:

  • Janitorial including, but not limited to, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, restrooms and kitchen cleaning, emptying garbage, and recycling bins, etc.
  • Clean, polish office tables, chairs, desks and all other furniture used in the office or the entire building
  • Dust mechanical devices like monitors, desktops, printers, and any other devices
  • Clean dishes
  • Sanitizing touch-points daily as per COVID Safety Plan
  • Maintaining stock of bathroom supplies and cleaning supplies
  • Maintain the supply and equipment needed for cleaning duties
  • Additional janitorial duties as requested.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED, Janitorial/ professional cleaning experience (at least 1 year preferred) or equivalent education and experience.
  • Prior experience working with cleaning chemicals
  • Knowledge of cleaning procedures and practices
  • Training in the proper and safe use of cleaning materials is preferred.
  • WHMIS Certification
  • Ability to work well under minimal supervision
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Physically capable of lifting and moving objects up to 30 pounds as necessary
  • Ability to knee, bend and climb stairs
  • Ability to follow COVID19 Safety Plan cleaning requirements

Wage: $20.00 per hour

Hours of Work: 2 hours of work, Monday to Thursday after 5:00 pm and Fridays 4 hours after 5:00 pm.

Conditions of Employment

Willingness and to work overtime, including evenings and weekends.

Successful background check, including employment verification, reference checks, and criminal record check Please submit your covering letter and resume three references to:

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Attention: John Lewis, General Manager

Suite 200 1460 6th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3N2

Email: generalmanager@cstc.bc.ca

Closing date for this position is March 14, 2021.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry per Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. People of Carrier Sekani are encouraged to apply.

Training Opportunity Aims to Reduce Socio-Economic Gap

(Unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George, B.C. – Feb. 12, 2021) — Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is making a call to First Nations who are unemployed or underemployed to sign up for a fully-funded in-class employment training program that starts this March. The training provided by the Indigenous Community for Leadership and Development (ICLD) will give 15 students the skills they need to enter the regional pipeline or construction industry.

“We want CSTC members and First Nations to be engaged with as many projects and sectors as possible in the province, such as the Coastal GasLink pipeline, forestry and mining. One of our goals is to assist CSTC members and First Nations to be forearmed with the appropriate resources, education, skills and tickets to enter the workforce, therefore playing a role in reducing the socio-economic gap that exists between First Nations and Canadians,” says CSTC General Manager John Lewis.

At no cost to students, the program is funded through CSTC by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. 

It includes an eight-week course with opportunities to earn essential tickets to work in the field, followed by eight weeks of job coaching. During that time, students will have opportunities to directly connect with potential employers.

The course also contains a cultural component that includes opportunities for local elders to participate in sharing knowledge. Additionally, supports to ensure students can get the most out of class include the provision of meals and childcare. 

Registration is open to 15 people who are unemployed or underemployed and self-identify as Indigenous, Metis or Inuit. The course begins March 1 with an orientation class and the in-class component will commence later in the month.

Contact:

Audrey McKinnon, Communications Officer, CSTC: 250-617-3862, communicationsofficer@cstc.bc.ca

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council celebrates a successful 38th Annual General Assembly with gratitude

(Unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George, B.C. – Feb. 10, 2021) — Mussi cho to all the membership who attended the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council’s 38th Annual General Assembly online. More than 100 members of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council member nations attended on Jan. 29, 2021 via Zoom, making this an engaging event and an overall success.

“On behalf of the CSTC Staff and Board of Directors, thank you for taking time to join us, we appreciate that many, if not all communities have pressing priorities and matters to attend. This online format seems to be the new standard of outreach and engagement.” – CSTC Tribal Chief Mina Holmes

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the AGA was held online for the first time, allowing members to attend from their homes and communities. This initiative was intended to assist with social distancing and to avoid increasing the risk of infection during this global pandemic.

The eight-hour presentation was a success in large part due to CSTC staff and leadership, community members, sponsors and many contributors who joined us to share their knowledge as speakers.

Several resolutions were passed during the AGA. Because the volume of resolutions was higher than usual, which we are grateful for, and because we were not able to maintain quorum for the full length of time, some resolutions did not make it to the floor to be voted on. CSTC will inform the communities promptly on how this will be resolved and will also release the resolutions that were already voted on. Community engagement and access to information are high priorities for the Tribal Council, so we are working to ensure the remaining resolutions are handled with careful consideration. An AGA Report will be provided to the CSTC Board of Directors including resolutions and action items for the CSTC Tribal Chief and General Manager.

Tribal Chief Mina Holmes and General Manager John Lewis provided great insight into the many developments and accomplishments of CSTC in the last fiscal year, within which the CSTC member nations began to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, CSTC has continued to work tirelessly to serve the communities through projects funded by the Pathways Agreement 2.0, as well as some new initiatives designed to serve those in need of housing and access to food.

CSTC is also grateful for the contributions of Kym Gouchie, Camille Callison, Regional Chief Terry Teegee, Chief Clarence Louie, the Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Dr. Judith Sayers and Zandra Ross. Each of these contributors added their unique element of depth, inspiration, energy and wisdom to the AGA. Our theme, Resilience Through Unity: since time immemorial, was strengthened by all of their thoughtful words and care.

We thank our many sponsors for making this event possible and enriching it through the generosity of financial and material donations: Capri CMW Insurance Services, MNP Financial, Gowling WLG, Forest Eco System Solutions Ltd., TC Energy, Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance, Radloff & Associates, Royal Bank of Canada and Canfor. Because of you, CSTC was able to create an unforgettable experience during our 38th Annual General Assembly.

Finally, CSTC thanks each and every community member who made the time to engage with us through this event. All of the work we do here at CSTC is for the benefit of members and it is our pleasure to report to you and to hear your feedback whenever possible.

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Carrier Sekani Tribal Council calls for federal action and condemns acts of violence directed at Mi’

(Unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George, B.C. – Oct. 19, 2020) — The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) and Tribal Chief Mina Holmes stand in support of the Sipekne’katik Nation’s protected right to fish under the Constitution of Canada, and calls on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take definitive action against escalation of destruction and violence against the Mi’kmaq people.

CSTC member nations have witnessed the apathy and inaction of RCMP in response to acts of violence towards the Mi’kmaq people. It is the responsibility of the federal government to immediately ensure Canadian laws that protect treaty rights to earn a living from fishing are enforced.

The escalating events in the Atlantic lobster fishery dispute are further revealing a deeply flawed standard of justice that is fueled by systemic racism.

Immediate action from the highest level of government must be taken as those inciting hatred and fear have instilled and perpetuated an environment of lawlessness and little action has been taken to prosecute this criminal behavior.

CSTC works hard to build on promises of reconciliation from all levels of government and continues to support meaningful progress and respect for the rights, title and jurisdiction of it member First Nations. We stand in solidarity with Mi’kmaq communities and call on the federal government to exercise its power in upholding the constitution.