Marcia P. Guno June 2013

 The Vancouver Nisga’a Urban Local is recognized under the Nisga’a Constitution for the purpose of providing political representation for Nisga’a citizens living in Vancouver to NLG through the election of two Nisga’a Urban Local Representatives.  The Nisga'a Ts'amiks Vancouver Society (NTVS) is a society which is a corporate entity under provincial law, established for the administration of funds for services to be provided to the Nisga’a citizens in Vancouver.  The WSN Rep sits on the WSN and the Programs and Services Committee.

 Held on March 26-28, 2013 Much discussion about overall budget of Nisga’a Nation o Emphasis - Run a budget with “one dollar deficit”. Another point highlighted was importance of locals to measure the impact of programs offered o Emphasis - Evaluations and reporting to ensure community/participant feedback and input. Collier Azak o Appointed Interim CEO for NLG, has since been appointed permanently in this role. WSN Members continue to highlight the need for more information sharing between all elected representatives o Emphasis - Particularly with Nass Area Strategy and all mining, pipelines and development of our traditional territories.

 Held on May 2, 2013 Third meeting of Programs and Services Committee (P&S) o Committee is engaged in making recommendations to NLG Executive. o A comment shared by a member,“...exciting to see this committee move from dreams to doing”. P&S Committee discussed the breadth of the work for the Director and how can we work to not only recruit but also retain a new Director of Programs and Services. From this discussion following two motions put forward by P&S committee o NLG Executive to strike committees to address policy. o NLG Executive to advance a review and restructure of P&S Directorate to create efficiencies of the directorate. Since the May 2 meeting it has been announced that the new Director of Programs and Services has been hired o Roberta Stewart (former Ts’amiks resident)

Enrolment & Eligibility  Each Local has a database in their office listing membership names and addresses Discussion about security and how to keep database up to date. Discussion on how to manage citizenship numbers. Discussion about Elders gift, processing and effective administrative management. Discussion about how to manage individuals that declare Nisga’a identity and then renounce identity. The P&S discussed this issue and how to make recommendation to NLG executive about policy.  Links to NTVS Local NTVS database needs constant updating – this is a key to ensuring effective outreach and communications to our membership and also is critical in per capita funding. Currently over 7000 Nisga’a Citizens.

Nisga’a Child & Family Services  Update on total number of children in care and in foster homes. NCFS is in second round of discussions re: C-6 delegation. P& S Committee interested in having a policy analyst provide information on C-6 delegation and potential impacts.  Links to NTVS Local As WSN Rep for NTVS I have asked a few times for clarification about jurisdiction for NTVS and children in care. I have requested a meeting between the Director of NCFS, and Edna and myself.

Youth Organizing Youth  Youth Coordinator Has presented budget to host “Youth Parliament” Funding not yet confirmed  Update on conferences attended by Youth Coordinator Stronger Nations Ending Violence  Nisga’a Nation Youth Council Elections Were to have occurred by April 1, 2013 All 7 communities reported back on their youth election results except Laxgalts’ap, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver. Discussion about Mixed Martial Arts activities in Nass Valley - concerns raised by NTVS representative.  Links to NTVS Local NTVS Board reps have been trying to engage with NTVS Youth Council, we have asked to attend at meeting to provide some support and hear from youth, but this has not yet happened. NTVS Youth Council needs to have a local election. Board is interested in feedback from youth on how to respectfully engage with, and support, the NTVS Youth Council.

Ayuukhl Nisga’a Department  Presentation Highlights No current language authority across NLG Need to bring forward specific legislation and documentation to continue to preserve, protect and promote Nisga’a language and culture. All related past resolutions were compiled and provided to P&S Committee Challenges in high turnover of staff and keeping resolutions at the forefront - how to locate resolutions in legislation. Nisga’a Heritage Act - to protect intellectual property.  Links to NTVS Local As an elected representative for the Vancouver Local, I have heard from a number of members of the great interest in participating in language and culture. I think we can collectively work to build upon existing resources available both in departments in the Nass Valley and with language speakers locally and from the Nass Valley to deliver multi- level language and culture programs in the upcoming three and a half years.

 School District #92 Superintendant presented report of a 5-year proposed restructuring  Nisga’a Valley Health Authority CEO Report and reorganizational chart presented  Lisims Early Learning Coordinator Strategic Plan presented  Prince Rupert Urban Local Health Officer Self introduction