For Immediate Release
March 1, 2018
COUNCIL WELCOMES INDIGENOUS SERVICES CANADA DECISION: CO-MANAGEMENT NO MORE!
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – “This is incredible news to receive! After nearly 15 years, the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation is under Co-Management no more!” exclaimed Chief Roy Petit.
In a letter addressed to Chief & Council on February 28, 2018, Indigenous Services Canada (formerly INAC) states “… since August 2014, the First Nation has made the much needed improvements, both financially and with capacity development… and has been successfully approved for de-escalation from a Recipient Appointed Advisor (Co-Manager).”
The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation has been under Co-Management status adhering to a Management Action Plan since the early 2000s.
“The Council of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation welcomes the decision from Indigenous Services Canada to remove our Nation from default management status” added Chief Petit. “We must take this time to congratulate our Membership, and acknowledge the work of the entire Council, our Directors, and staff who have worked so hard to ensure the objectives set forth in our new Financial Management Act are being met. This adherence to our own laws continues to move us forward in a good way and is something our community can be proud of!”
The letter from Indigenous Services Canada further states: “A Co-Manager was hired in August 2014 when the First Nation’s finances and the ability for the First Nation to deliver ISC programs were of serious concern… and the [General Assessment] was rated High Risk: -46.38.“
Today’s General Assessment score is -14.67, low risk.
“We commend the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation on the progress made while under intervention/default management and wish you continued success” concluded the letter from Indigenous Services Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Chief & Council Communications
306-467-4523 ext 237
communications@beardysband.com
