Tag: BOCN

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COVID-19 Memo

Willow Cree Health Services Memo: COVID-19

To: Membership of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation

From: Willow Cree Health Services, Inc.

Date: March 17, 2020

Re: Doctor Days/Appointments

Tansi Membership,

Please be advised that WCHS operations will be adjusted to ensure the health and well-being of our community.

Effective immediately, there will be no gathering of individuals in the clinic and the following measures are being implemented:

  1. Individuals attending appointments must call reception @ (306) 467-4402 to advise them of their arrival at the health clinic. Individuals will not be permitted to wait in the waiting area.
  2. Doctor days will continue via telehealth with a Primary Health Nurse representative. Doctors will not be on-site. The following doctors will be available on the following days:
    1. March 19 – Dr. McMillan
    2. March 24 – Dr. Melle
    3. March 27 – Dr. Melle (OAT)
    4. March 31 – Dr. Silver
  3. Immunizations are available by appointment only.
  4. If you require prescription refills, please contact your doctor in Rosthern to make arrangements.
  5. The Mental Health Team remains available by appointment. Individuals requiring additional Mental Health supports are encouraged to contact:
    1. Crisis Centre – 306-933-6200 (Saskatoon Mobile Crisis) or 306-764-1011 (Prince Albert Mobile Crisis)
    2. Suicide Prevention Centre – 1-833-456-4566
    3. Crisis Service Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or text “START” to 45645
    4. Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868
    5. For additional information and Mental Health Supports, please contact WCHS @ 306-467-4402
  6. Patients requiring dialysis treatment are encouraged to contact Ivie should you be unable to make arrangements with family for transportation.  Medical transportation remains available.

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding these or other health related matters, please contact Willow Cree Health Services @ 306-467-4402.

Thank you,

– Willow Cree Health Services

Categories
COVID-19 Memo

Emergency Management Team Memo: Update on COVID-19

To: Members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation

From: Emergency Management Team (EMT)

Date: March 17, 2020

Re: UPDATE: COVID-19

Tansi Membership,

The Emergency Management Team (EMT) continues to meet daily to address the many concerns that are being raised by community members.

Here is an update on some of our activities to date:

  1. Supplies have been purchased to provide a basic care package to assist with disinfecting your home for community members. Due to commercial demand these supplies are limited. Delivery will be door-to-door over the next couple days. Distribution will begin today, Tuesday, March 17th.
  2. Social development clients are asked to contact the Band Office via phone and leave your name and number so that Social Development staff may contact you. Social assistance will be disbursed on Tuesday, March 31st. Distribution will be conducted like a drive-thru so that clients/staff interaction is limited. Distribution will be conducted at the Arena parking lot. Additional specific instructions will be provided soon.
  3. The Public Works department has advised that only EMERGENCY situations will be handled until the situation improves. Emergencies include: a) Furnaces – no heat; b) no water; c) sewer problems; d) no power.
  4. A separate Willow Cree Health Services Memo will be distributed shortly.
  5. At this time, we are requesting our hunters and gatherers to contact the Band Office and leave your name and number.
  6. Information on the upcoming Nominations and Elections will be provided on Wednesday, March 18th. We expect that significant precautionary measures will be in place to ensure the safety of our community members, while maintaining the integrity of the election.
  7. Elders and sickly in our community are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. We are encouraging families to check on our Elders and sickly in ways that limit actual, physical contact. Make sure they are receiving medications and their prescriptions are being filled. If shopping is needed, please offer these supports; and anything else that may be needed. We strongly recommend that one (1) CHAMPION from each family is chosen to support our Elders and help keep them informed. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of LIMITING physical contact with our Elders. Please do not place them in a situation of unnecessary risk.
  8. The Canada Child Tax Benefit will be distributed by the Government of Canada on Friday, March 20th as normal. We are encouraging community members to avoid taking families on outings as this could potentially increase the risk of exposure to your families to COVID-19, and subsequently cause an outbreak in our community.
  9. We are working with Education department officials to address some of the concerns community members have raised while our schools are closed. More information will be forthcoming by the end of the week.

If you suspect you may have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or you have traveled abroad within the last 2 weeks, you can use this SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL to see if you should be tested for COVID-19.

The most important thing at this point in time is our collective effort to ‘flatten the curve‘.

You can do your part by:

  1. Practicing ‘social distancing’: 2 metres or 6 feet apart, avoiding unnecessary travel, avoiding shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
  2. Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly;
  3. Staying home; and
  4. Practicing proper cough etiquette (into your sleeve or shoulder).

In closing, we understand that these are challenging and worrisome times in our community, but in order to protect the health and well-being of our community members, we all have to do our part. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our plans as the situation evolves. Our primary methods of communication will continue to be our text blasting service (to subscribe text “BOCN” to 393939), and our nation’s website (http://bocn9697.com), and social media (Facebook/Instagram).

If you have any questions, suggestions, concerns, or thoughts, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team at the Band Office: 306-467-4523; or email: emergencymgmt@beardysband.com.

Thank you,

– Emergency Management Team

Categories
COVID-19 Statement

Emergency Management Team Statement: COVID-19

For Immediate Release

March 12, 2020

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM STATEMENT: COVID-19

Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – The following statement was released from the Emergency Management Team (EMT) in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic:

“The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic.

The Emergency Management Team – Councillor Kevin Seesequasis, Councillor Jeremy Seeseequasis, Emergency Response Manager, Brenda Seesequasis, Director of Health, Kim Jonathan, Emergency Management Assistants Carmel Cameron and Loressa D’Jonaire, Community Health Nurses Mary Salisbury and Carrie Hadland, the Chief Executive Officer, Jaye Cameron, and the Chief Financial Officer, Daryle Gardipy – met this afternoon and well into the evening to discuss the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic and continue planning a responsible path forward.

The Emergency Management Team is taking this issue very, very seriously.

Many questions have been posed to members of Council, and to members of the Emergency Management Team.

We would like to update you on our response to-date, what steps we’re taking moving forward, and answer some urgent questions.

To date, we have:

    • Conducted a community information session with Dr. Khan, the Regional Medical Health Officer with Indigenous Services Canada during Emergency Preparedness Week last week;
    • Sent multiple text blasts with relevant, reliable information to educate community members about COVID-19;
    • Distributed door-to-door, detailed information regarding COVID-19;
    • Allocated funding to purchase additional disinfecting and cleaning supplies for public buildings; and
    • Reviewed the BOCN Pandemic Plan to ensure our community is prepared to responsibly deal with this situation.

Due to the rapidly evolving local, regional, national, and global situation, we are taking the following precautionary measures:

    • Individuals arriving back home from anywhere out-of-province will be required to self-monitor for a period of not less than 14 days;
    • All individuals entering public buildings shall be required to sanitize/wash their hands prior to conducting their business;
    • All public gatherings have been cancelled including:
      1. Community and sporting events;
      2. Out-of-community forums, workshops, professional development and training events, and conferences;
      3. Gym/Youth Centre activities; and
      4. Health Centre groups and events (essential services will still be delivered).

*NOTE: the cancellation of public gatherings does not include cultural ceremonies – these activities are encouraged to continue – please pray for our community.

    • All non-essential travel amongst Band staff has been cancelled;
    • In consultation with, and on the advice of Dr. Khan, the Regional Medical Health Officer, the decision has been taken NOT to close the schools AT THIS TIME;
    • Mandatory hand-washing at all public institutions and CRCEC/CBMES/Daycare shall be instituted daily at 11am and 1pm OVER AND ABOVE regular hand-washing practices;
    • Special provisions for Social Assistance day will be made – detailed instructions and information will be provided at a later date;
    • Each household will also receive a jug of soap to support the primary method of prevention. Additional details will be provided at a later date;
    • All custodial staff will receive information on how to effectively disinfect surfaces using appropriate products; and
    • The Emergency Management Team will meet daily to assess the situation and adjust plans accordingly.

We wish to reinforce a few things to community members:

    • The most important step you can do to protect your family and prevent an outbreak in our community is to simply – AND THOROUGHLY – wash your hands! When done in conjunction with proper cough etiquette, social distancing (2 metres or 6 feet), avoiding unnecessary travel, not shaking hands, and frequent disinfecting, we can all do our part to prevent an outbreak from occurring in our community.
    • Do not panic. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Regional Medical Health Officer maintain that the risk to residents of Saskatchewan is generally low. All our decisions are being guided by up-to-date medical advice, experience, and common sense.
    • Do not share inaccurate information or jokes about COVID-19. Inaccurate information on social media has a common tendency to be taken seriously. Let’s all work to ensure our community has the most accurate, up-to-date information possible and that we’re all working collectively to prevent an outbreak.

These steps are initial, temporary measures put in place to reduce the risk of an outbreak today. As the situation evolves, additional measures may be taken to prevent and/or combat an outbreak in our community.

We will continue to provide detailed information about our on-going efforts to prevent an outbreak using 4 primary methods: Door-to-door delivery, our Nation’s website: http://bocn9697.com; the Chief & Council Facebook page; and our text blasting software.

In conclusion, our Emergency Management Team is working diligently to prevent an outbreak in our community. All BOCN members are strongly encouraged to join the BOCNs Text Blasting service to receive up-to-date information. To subscribe, simply text “BOCN” to the number 393939.”

– 30 –

For medical information, please contact:

Willow Cree Health Services: 306-467-4402;

or visit: Saskatchewan.ca/covid19

For general information, please contact:

Chief & Council Communications: 306-467-4523  |  communications@beardysband.com

Categories
Jobs uncategorized

Employment Opportunity: Employment Coordinator, Willow Cree Healing Lodge

*Note this position will require some delivery of services at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. Individual may also be asked on occasion to deliver services at the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon.

CORCAN, as part of the Correctional Service of Canada, is responsible for the Employment and Employability Program for offenders serving a federal sentence. CORCAN support and operates a wide variety of interventions in federal institutions as well as for offenders under community supervision.

Employment Coordinator positions with CORCAN provide a unique opportunity to conduct duties related to the delivery of interventions and services related to assisting offenders to build employment and employability skills in a correctional environment (institution and community based). Part of these interventions will include the delivery of the National Employment Skills Program (NESP) for Indigenous male offenders. This group program is facilitated by the Employment Coordinator to contribute to offenders learning soft skills that are transferable to an employment environment. Learn more about CORCAN at http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/corcan/index-eng.shtml
The incumbent of this position will be based at Willow Cree Healing Lodge providing services and interventions to offenders at that site.  These will be delivered to individual as well as groups of offenders who are under the supervision of the Correctional Service of Canada.  In addition, the incumbent will be required to facilitate NESP on an as needed basis at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. On occasion, if the individual is agreeable, may be asked to deliver NESP at the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon.  The incumbent must be willing to work on a regular basis within a federal correctional environment, and have direct contact with offenders.

Information you must provide: Your résumé and cover letter

In order to be considered, your resume/cover letter must clearly explain how you meet the following:

*Experience in intervening with and/or supporting individuals who are working on changing their behaviour;

You are encouraged to detail your work experience and other relevant skills and abilities in your cover letter and resume to demonstrate why you are interested in and what you would bring to this position.  These documents will be used to determine which applicants will be interviewed.

*Note: A Valid driver’s license is required.

Security Requirement: Reliability Status security clearance is required (will be completed following candidate selection if individual does not already have)

Positions to be filled: 1 – position up to one year with potential for indeterminate in future determined

Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter no later than October 18, 2019 to Margie Brown, A/Manager, Employment and Employability at Margie.Brown@csc-scc.gc.ca.

Categories
Jobs

Employment Opportunity: P/T, Term Marketing Coordinator / Interpretive Guide

Title: Marketing Coordinator/Interpretive Guide

Responsible to: Community Development Officer – Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation

Responsive to: Executive Director – Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre

Summary: The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation is seeking a qualified individual to fill a part-time, term position as Marketing Coordinator/Interpretive Guide in support of local tourism initiatives.

Reporting to both the Community Development Officer at the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, and the Executive Director at the Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre, the Marketing Coordinator/Interpretive Guide will assist in promoting the region as a tourist destination and in the delivery of local guided tours.

Core Competencies:

  1. Develop and execute tourism marketing plans for the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation and the Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre using a variety of media targeting diverse demographics;
  2. Develop Social Media content to achieve marketing and promotional objectives;
  3. Work with stakeholder groups to identify opportunities and gaps in service/program delivery;
  4. Assist in event coordination, research, and content curation;
  5. Provide administrative support to immediate supervisors; and
  6. Lead guided tours of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation and the Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre.

Qualifications:

  1. Heritage Interpreter Training is considered an asset;
  2. Knowledge of local historically significant events;
  3. Marketing Certificate/Diploma (a combination of experience and education will be considered);
  4. Excellent computer skills;
  5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills especially in a group setting;
  6. Knowledge of local nehiyawak (Cree) culture;
  7. First Aid;
  8. Must be able to provide both a CPIC and VSS; and
  9. Must possess a valid Class 5 Drivers Licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.

Working Conditions:

  • Part-time, 5 hours daily – scheduling to be determined by supervisors and based on facility/administrative needs;
  • Term: Employment starts July 1 till mid-August (with possibility of extension); and
  • Weekend work may be required.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references to:

Jaye Cameron, Chief Executive Officer
RE: Marketing Coordinator/Interpretive Guide
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
PO Box 340
Duck Lake, SK  S0K 1J0
Email: hr@beardysband.com

Applications can also be dropped off with our receptionist in-person at the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Band Office.

Closing date for submissions is 12:00pm (noon), June 21, 2019.

*We thank all those who are interested.

*Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Categories
Accountability

RFP: Accommodations Design

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
PROJECT SUMMARY:

The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation has embarked on a tourism strategy that includes the development of tourism focused accommodations to be located in a rural area with historical significance.

At this point in time, we require a design proposal for lodging units that will accommodate up to four visitors comfortably in an off-grid setting. We are seeking a proposal that will incorporate our cultural values in the design and appearance of the lodging.

CONSIDERATIONS:

The lodging will not be connected to electrical or natural gas services, proposals must include methodology to supply power and heat through sustainable, self-contained solutions.

There will be no foundations for the lodging, units must be designed to be moved.

The location of the project is in a dark sky preserve area; we are seeking designs that incorporate that opportunity as a competitive advantage.

Kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities will be developed as separate structures, design concepts should focus on maximizing space for sleep and comfort.

PROJECT DETAILS:

Project Identification Number: RFP 027.19
Project: Accommodations Design
Project Start: As Soon As Possible
Location Required: Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
Maximum value of contract: $30,000
Proposal Submission Deadline: July 24, 2019 (noon)

PROPOSAL SHOULD INCLUDE:
  1. Project Identification Number (RFP 027.19).
  2. Methodology for community engagement and inclusion in the design study.
  3. Company profile including a statement of qualifications and key personnel who will be assigned to the project.
  4. Proposed project methodology and the division of roles and responsibilities between the firm and the client; work schedule with milestones and timelines.
  5. Relevant experience in engaging Indigenous communities and organizations in design processes including recent project examples and references.
  6. The basis for pricing their services.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Proposals can be submitted to the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation via email: jcameron@beardysband.com, via fax: (306) 467-4404 or by dropping off your proposal at the front desk of the Band Office. A selection committee will determine the best submission and will award a contract to the winning applicant.