Dialogue

Tsawout First Nation

The Tsawout First Nation is located on Vancouver Island on one of the most spectacular traditional territories anywhere. I have had the pleasure of working with the Tsawout First Nation for many years, most recently through the First Nations Market Housing fund to assist with Housing Policy, writing a Maintenance Manual, training on Property Management software and exploring Housing Authority models. The Tsawout are very progressive and are pursuing a commercial development to benefit their people economically.

Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation

We have once again been blessed with visiting one of the most beautiful places on the planet with a rich history and yet another great First Nation to work with.

There is a magnificent view of the territory from the Midnight Dome where we had our first glimpse of Dawson City and the Klondike River flowing into the Yukon River.
We were told many stories, one of which was how the Tr’ondek Hwech’in people who are part of the Han meaning “People of the River”, were displaced from their seasonal hunting and fishing grounds by the Gold Rush.

The Tr’ondek Hwech’in lost much of their language which they are now reviving. When their traditional territories became overwhelmed with people coming to find their fortune in Gold the Tr’ondek Hwech’in gave their stories and songs to their Alaskan relatives for safe keeping. These stories and songs are now also being revived.

The First Nations Market Housing Fund sent us to Dawson City to help the Tr’ondek Hwech’in people strengthen their Housing and Infrastructure Department as Housing is such an important issue for all of the First nations in Canada, especially to people living in the far North with its extreme climate.
Linda with Jackie Olsen, Executive Director of the Tr'ondek Hwech'in & talented artistLinda & Jorn, Hosuing & Infrastructure Director

Tataskweyak Cree Nation

We visited this Cree Nation in late May of this year. The territory is absolutely gorgeous, but the ice had not yet finished melting off the river – very far North in Manitoba. As always on our journey we met kind and generous people. This Cree Nation still hunts and fishes but the traditional way of life is threatened by the Hydro dams as many of the trap lines will be bought by Hydro so there will be more reliance on processed foods. The Tataskweyak Housing Department is looking at data bases to keep track of Housing, Maintenance and inventory so we connected via the web to some data base webinars.
The challenges of Northern living are daunting for Urban dwellers like us, but are taken in stride by the community 100mg viagra. One thing we would like to help with is sports equipment for the youth as recreational opportunities are limited. Looking forward to going back soon!split_lake

Visit to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation in the Yukon September, 2013

The LER team had a great visit to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) in the beautiful Yukon territory. We had community, staff and Chief and Council meetings in Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Takhini. We had the pleasure of working with a Facilitation team from Turtle Island. The staff of the CAFN were as dynamic and hard working as always.

We also had the pleasure of visiting Kwaday DanKenji (long ago…people’s place) with Harold Johnson, the creator of the wonderful site and a member of the Chief and Council of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
CAFN Team

Harold Johnson and Linda

Harold Johnson and Linda

© Linda E. Ross 2012

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