The Chief of the Saugeen First Nation says the community made several achievements in 2009 — and there are issues projects he wants to focus on for 2010.
Randall Kahgee says a lot of work still has to be done, and the priorities are youth, education, and preserving culture and language.
He says the band council has set resources aside for a new cultural centre and a woman who lives in the community is working hard to make that facility a reality.
Kahgee says they’re working with the Ontario and federal governments to develop guidelines for energy development on First Nation land.
He notes the new Green Energy Act has influenced that process and he’s hoping an announcement on those new rules is made soon.
Kahgee wants to see ongoing work continue in 2010 to protect territorial rights and solid initiatives to inspire a sense of pride, especially in young people.
On the economic side, Kahgee is hoping the provincial and federal governments decide to keep the point of sale exemption for aboriginal people from the sales tax.
The exemption is part of the existing PST, but was not included in legislation for the new Harmonized Sales Tax that takes effect on July 1st.
The Chief says the province believes the issue is for the federal government to look after, but they say it’s a provincial matter.
Kahgee says if the exemption is not there, the sales tax further marginalizes the most dispossessed people in Canada.
Housing is also a priority.
Kahgee says they’ve received funding from the Department of Indian Affairs for a new eight-unit housing complex.
Chief Kahgee has some concerns about the proposal to install sewers in the area west of the First Nation in Saugeen Shores.
However, he thinks the issues can be taken care of and notes there is a strong working relationship with Saugeen Shores and that he and Mayor Mike Smith have good lines of communication.
Kahgee says the First Nation also supports the town’s efforts to secure Connecting Link funding from the province to upgrade Highway 21 between Southampton and the community.