Councillor Donna Anderson-Blind

As with most of the GGFN Chief and Council, much of the past quarter has been taken up with completing the 2009-10 audit, developing a strategy to reduce the deficit, and finding ways to reduce spending and generate more revenue. As Finance and Administration portfolio holder, I have been carefully monitoring spending and ensuring that all departments stay within their budgets.

In addition to the audit and deficit, we have been working towards the development and implementation of sound financial policies to ensure that this administration, and future ones, deal responsibly with any GGFN resources. As the Chief mentioned in his report, we have reinvigorated the work to complete the GGFN Financial Management Act, which will be presented to the membership for ratification this winter. We have developed a final draft of the GGFN Personnel Management Regulations, which governs the GGFN staff, and the Financial Management Regulations, which sets the policy, procedures and regulations for all financial transactions. As administrative documents, these will be ratified by Chief and Council within the next month, and will be fully implanted in our administration.

Daycare

Currently, the daycare has 29 children enrolled, but 8 children are on a waiting list as daycare is only funded for 21 seats. Fees for childcare are $10/day for the first child, and an additional $5 for every other child in the family. Payment of the fees are due before childcare service begins with no exceptions, and fees are non-refundable.

This year, the GGFN Daycare will be implementing a yearly curriculum for toddlers and preschool children. The September curriculum includes:

Week 1: Welcome

Week 2: All About Me

Week 3: Leaves

Week 4: Apples

Hours of operation are Monday—Friday, 8:00 am –5:15 pm.

HeadStart

Last year’s Headstart program included a number of exciting and interesting activities.  Children, parents, staff and visitors enjoyed singing along to Cree nursery rhymes, and the children got to try round dancing. The program expanded to include a tooth brushing program, and partnerships were build with other community programs such as the school and health center. Headstart staff continue to update their skills, attending FAS training, a grammar workshop and a proposal writing seminar this year.

Our wind up party included a field trip to the Royal Saskatchewan Museaum. Everyone enjoyed tourning the First Nation, Earth Sciences and Life Sciences galleries, and then we went to the Water Fowl Display Ponds.

The GGFN HeadStart program concluded with another excellent graduation ceremony. Many parents and community leaders attended the ceremony, and an Elder blessed our graduation and provided song to honour the children.

Maintenance of the HeadStart continue to be completed in order to prepare for the new year, which began on September 13, 2010. Daily journaling and attendance will assist in documenting the daily activities of the program, and monthly newsletter, bulletins and memos will be used to update community members and parents throughout the year.

Sports and Recreation

The season started with the First Nations Lil League which accommodated two of our ball teams and one soccer team. All Lil League teams finished 2nd or 3rd in their division this year.

A special thanks goes to Kenny Longman (Crossy), Shawn Lacquette and Donna Anderson-Blind for coaching the Bantam boys team, Ashtyn Morris for coaching the Peewee girls team, and John McNab for coaching the soccer team.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations’ Youth Championships, hosted by TATC, took place on August 26 & 27 in Fort Qu’Appelle. Gordon’s was proud to have sent 5 teams with the Midget and Squirt girls winning 1st intheir dividsion and receiving championship jackets. The Mite Girls & Boys, Bantam Boys and Peewee Boys all finished 2nd in their divisions.  All the teams played well and were a source of pride for our First Nation.

Minor Sports and Recreation would like to congratulate the following athletes:

1. Devon Anderson-Blind—gold medalist in Ju Jitsu .

2. Ernie Severight—Silver Medalist in Ju Jistsu

3. Joshua Montana—made the national ball team—Peewee level.

4. Travis Morris, Mike Morris, Brett McNab, Brandon Assoon and Delany Kehler—winning 2nd of 24 teams in the Canadian 4-on-4 hockey championships (Adult league)

5. Kristie McNab—Making the Canadian Midget Girls ball team and participating in the Rapid City tournament.

6. All 34 Judo participants who earned their yellow belts after 5 months of training.

Congratulations!

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