Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/323637
PAGE 4 • JUNE 2014 I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the career of a humble and genuine community leader, and a man I am proud to call my friend; Mr. Frank Whitehead. As you know, Frank has served as the Member of the Legislature (MLA) for the riding of The Pas for 5 past five years, and for personal reasons, recently resigned. In this role, Frank played a key role in advancing First Nations issues within Cabinet, and amongst his fellow colleagues. As the MLA for the The Pas, Frank represented one of the largest Aboriginal constituencies in Manitoba, with 70 % of the population being Aboriginal and First Nation, which includes Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), Easterville, Cross Lake, Moose Lake and my home community of Norway House Cree Nation. Frank has long served his community of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. As Chief of OCN, Frank was instrumental in paving the way for community and economic development and was successful in laying the important and necessary foundation for the growth of a healthy and vibrant northern First Nation. Frank has always demonstrated a passion for the advancement of First Nations issues, having worked for several Tribal Councils and organizations including: Swampy Cree Tribal Council, Northern Development Corporation, New Careers North and the Cree Nation Tribal Centre and has held many board positions including The Pas Friendship Centre, Opaskwayak Indian Days, Manitoba Human Rights Commission, and the Tipi Matowa Association. Prior to his candidacy for the NDP nomination in the riding of the The Pas and election as MLA, Frank served as my political advisor in my former role as Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Frank's role in the organization, and in my office, was greatly respected by all. Frank has always been a natural leader who represented the interests of Aboriginal and First Nation people and has built strong working relationships with all levels of government, non- profit organizations and the private sector, always demonstrating diplomacy, respect and professionalism. Frank's keen political interests and vision motivated him to seek the nomination for the NDP candidacy in the riding of the Pas in 2009, where he was successfully elected in a by-election, and then re-elected again in the 2011 Provincial election. My Council and I would like to thank Frank for his continued support for Norway House Cree Nation and all First Nations he represented during his time in the Legislature and for being a strong advocate for Aboriginal and First Nation people. We wish Frank the very best in his future endeavors. We look forward to being actively involved in the upcoming by-election for The Pas, where, together with the other First Nation communities in the riding, we will be instrumental in choosing a new First Nation candidate to represent us and be our voice in the Legislature. We will work hard to ensure that the riding of The Pas, continues to be held and represented by an Aboriginal candidate. Ekosani Best Wishes to Frank Whitehead June, 2014 Message from chief ron evans, Norway House Cree Nation Education.Support.Access.Community. Beindemand... ExploreRedRiverCollege'sAboriginalEducation,designedspecificallyforAboriginallearners,andACCESS Modelprograms,developedtohelpthosewhodon'tnormallyhaveaccesstopost-secondaryeducation. NewProgram:AboriginalProgramforCollegeEnrichmentandTransition One-yearcertificatetoincreaseindividual,cultural,academic,andcareerdevelopment.Acquirethe skillsandprerequisitesatthecollegeleveltotransfertootherRRCprogramsofyourchoice. Otheravailablecourses: •ACCESSAircraftMaintenanceandManufacturing •ACCESSBusinessAdministrationIntegrated •ACCESSCivilEngineeringTechnology •ACCESSNursing •AboriginalLanguageSpecialistProgram •AboriginalSelf-Government •CommunityDevelopment/CommunityEconomic Development •ComputerApplicationsforBusiness •IntroductiontoTrades Formoreinformation,contact:SchoolofIndigenousEducation,RedRiverCollege Phone:204.632.2180 | Toll-free:1.855.413.7854 | Email:register@rrc.ca | rrc.ca/aboriginaleducation You'reinvitedto NORWAYHOUSECREENATION's 3rdAnnualGolfTournament Tuesday,June24,2014 BelAcresGolf&CountryClub Registrationbegins@10:00am ShotGunStart@12:30pm Dinner@6:00pm Cost:$350.00perperson Includes:gift,golfcart,lunch&dinner 50/50 LongestDrive ClosesttothePin PuttingContest Mulligans PuttingStrings Allproceedsinsupportof NorwayHouseCreeNation LeadershipFund ForMoreinformationpleasecontact RobinDowsett Byphoneat(204)957-0968 orbyemailatrdowsett@nhcn.ca Chief Ron Evans Norway House Cree Nation