Greetings MCFN:

 I would like to begin by saying CONGRATULATIONS to all you graduates out there. Your hard work and dedication has finally paid off.  This is truly a time for celebration to acknowledge the academic achievements of our people.

I would also like to say how very proud I am of my mother, Shirley Horn who graduated cum- laude this spring from Algoma University with an Honours degree in Fine Arts.  Ironically, this University was formerly known as the Shingwauk Residential School which she attended for many years as a young girl. Talk about going full circle. Congratulations, Mom! You did it!

 As for work related news, the Land Transfer Advisory Committee has been working hard on advancing the land transfer process with both, Ontario and Canada.  Although we have come up against some interesting challenges and significant delays that have caused a great deal of frustration, we remain focused and committed in our efforts to obtain a land base for our people.  At our last meeting with Ontario, we expressed that we will not accept any further delay in this process and that we are preparing to bring our people home with the premise that we will take assertive action if necessary to make this happen.

 As your band Councillor, I have been in discussions with Kuniwanimano Child and Family Services regarding transfer of service agreements that could provide an option for Missanabie Cree members to utilize the services of an Aboriginal agency in the area of child welfare matters, rather than mainstream agencies, such as CAS.  This is a work in progress initiative that I anticipate will be ongoing for some time.

 We have also been involved with the North East Superior Regional Chiefs Forum, a group of 7 neighboring  first nations, who have opted to work together in the protection of our aboriginal and treaty rights  and our natural resources in our traditional territory .  We are currently investigating opportunities to work in conjunction with this forum and other individuals in the protection of Manitou Mountain, which is currently under set aside protection in our land selection area. I am very excited at the prospect of this project which has been undertaken  by MCFN and look forward to the collective developments of this project.

 As for MCDC, we have been busy, busy, busy. We have met on numerous occasions to date and have addressed many significant issues pertaining to our business ventures and business dealings. This is an area of work in progress, which ultimately will contribute to the development of solid business structure, good management policies and practices, and ultimately better decision making and greater control over the way we conduct business with others.

 In conclusion , the work continues in our Nation building efforts.....so until next month...take care and stay well.

 Jutta Horn, MCFN Councillor