From the website and office of Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs ontario.ca/aboriginal

Casino Agreement Signed With Rama First Nation

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release

January 26, 2010

Rama - Chief and Council for Rama First Nation joined with Minister Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, in announcing a new partnership with the province which will ensure Casino Rama’s future for up to 35-years. The announcement took place in the lobby of the Casino Rama hotel with representatives from Ontario, Ontario Lottery and Gaming, Casino Rama management, local leadership and businesses. Members of Rama First Nation and the administration joined in the celebration.

This agreement officially starts on August 1, 2011 with a 20-year term and two renewable options which extend the agreement to 35 years. It is estimated to be worth $1-billion dollars to Rama First Nation.

In her remarks, Chief Sharon Stinson Henry said, “Today marks a revitalized and positive relationship with Ontario, one founded in a reviewed sense of mutual respect and partnership. This relationship will take Casino Rama to new heights, so I say to all of you waiting for new opportunities, your time has come.”

Chief Stinson Henry thanked everyone who worked so hard on the Agreement, citing her Council for their diligence in supporting the negotiations. She also spoke about members of Rama First Nation “…for their vision and support in this venture which has benefitted so many.”

A gift presentation of the Apple Ash Basket with traditional medicines was made to Minister Bentley to commemorate the occasion. It was created by Rama community members Larry and Langford Shilling in the 1980’s. Chief Stinson Henry said the precious gift was made to demonstrate Rama First Nation’s intent to work in a government to government relationship with Ontario.

For more information, please contact:
Cathy Edney at 705-325-3611 ext. 1416.

A special invitation from Chief and Council

A special invitation from
Chief and Council
to Rama First Nation
Community Members and Administration

An announcement and
media conference is being held
at Casino Rama
in the hotel lobby

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
11:00 a.m.

You are cordially invited to attend

Reception follows

Letter to Community

January 26, 2010

Dear Rama First Nation Members,

During the past week, a number of stories in the Orillia Packet & Times relating to Rama First Nation community issues have been published. A number of you have contacted us expressing your concerns about the Packet and other outside media as a forum for community issues. When contacted for comment by the newspaper, Chief and Council declined primarily because we believe that our community business does not belong in the public press. It attracts the kind of negativity that has plagued First Nations for decades.

As you know, the public does not understand how our community operates and believe we should operate as a municipality.

Rama First Nation Chief and Council are responsible for a significant scope of administration. They include all the services provided by a municipal government plus Health and Social Services, Education, Housing and Business Development to name a few. We also deal with all levels of external government including First Nations governments and related treaties. As part of our accountability and transparency to you, our members, we provide updates through regular community meetings, including unaudited and audited financial reports.

Over the years, Rama leadership has completed a number of visioning initiatives in consultation with you, our membership, both on and off-reserve. The most recent ten-year visioning consultation was completed in 2005-2006. Your vision established health, education, language and culture, economic development and diversification to be among the community’s key priorities in our strategic planning process.

No government – First Nation or otherwise – and no matter how accountable, will be able to satisfy all of its constituents all of the time in spite of opportunities for community employment; investment in education; housing; and the like. Rama First Nation is no exception. Indeed, on an ongoing basis, information that has been the subject of editorializing by the Orillia Packet & Times has been made available by Rama First Nation leadership to our community members.

With so many positive developments and opportunities in Rama First Nation, it is unfortunate to see a negative focus on our community. We have so many good stories to share.

In calls over the past few days, many of you have voiced support for Chief and Council’s decision to continue to focus on our accountability to you. Miigwech for letting us know how you feel. We appreciate your continued support as Rama First Nation begins an exciting new decade of growth and accomplishment.

Chief and Council

A message from Chief and Council Regarding OPEN COUNCIL MEETINGS

Chief and Council provide regular updates and opportunities for community members to discuss issues and concerns in an open forum. We are proud of our record of transparency and will continue to provide information and updates in a timely manner.

Regular community meetings are held in addition to those which address specific matters such as the Chippewa Tri-Council Coldwater Narrows Land Claim negotiations, Casino Rama Post 2011, Financial Reporting, update meetings and other important matters. We are responsive to community concerns and endeavour to provide timely public consultation/information sessions.

Open council meetings have been held regularly over the past nine-and-a-half years but have recorded low participation. These meetings will continue in 2010 with the following changes:

· Open Council meetings will not be held in the same month as a Community Meeting enabling Council to devote the appropriate time and resources to community-wide meeting presentations.

· Agenda items for Open Council meetings should be submitted in writing to Dan Shilling, First Nation Manager, or Annette Sharpe, Executive Assistant to Chief and Council one-week ahead of an Open Council Meeting. If there are no submissions, a meeting will not be held. To communicate notices, we will post written notification at locations in the community; on the website; and facebook page.

Over the next few weeks, Rama First Nation members will receive a community survey asking about your preferences for communications. Please take time to let us know how Chief and Council can serve your needs for information and consultation.

Community members will be notified about submission of agenda items in the Ojibway Times, posting in the community, website and facebook.

Members of Chief and Council continue to be available for individual consultations with community members. Please contact us at (705) 325-3611 or 1-866-854-2121.

COURT OF APPEAL – 35% DECISION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT’S NEXT?

Chief and Council are working with legal counsel to examine the options, which includes the possibility of an appeal at the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court is the last available appeal.

HOW LONG WILL AN APPEAL TAKE?

Chief and Council have 60 days from today (Jan. 22nd) to request an appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court may take some time to decide if they want to hear the appeal and if they do, it will likely be heard sometime in 2011.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE 35% FUNDS?
If there is an appeal at the Supreme Court of Canada the 35% funds should remain in the Escrow Account until a final decision is made.

HOW WILL WE KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON?
Chief and Council will be providing regular updates and announcement to our community members about this matter so please check the website http://www.ramafirstnation.ca/ or contact Chief and Council directly.

A Message from Chief and Council

Friday, January 22, 2010
COMMUNITY ADVISORY

Dear Community Members,
The Court of Appeal for Ontario released a decision today against Rama First Nation in the 35% Revenue Sharing case. The court ruled that the 35% funds currently held in escrow should be shared among Ontario First Nations.

“We are very surprised and disappointed with the decision,” said Chief Sharon Stinson Henry. “We believe that we have a solid and well prepared case. We intend to review this decision and determine how to proceed. Our main concern has always been to ensure a fair decision for our community in view of all the work and sacrifice made in hosting Casino Rama.”

The Chippewas of Rama First Nation will consider all options before responding to the decision by the Court of Appeal for Ontario regarding the 35% Casino Rama Revenue Sharing issue.

“Rama First Nation is very proud of the Casino Rama revenue sharing contributions made to the 133 First Nation communities throughout Ontario. We believe that our community is also entitled to receive fair compensation for the responsibilities and challenges of having Casino Rama in our community.”

Please be assured that Chief and Council will work with legal counsel to protect our community’s interest. In the meantime, it is business as usual. We are confident in our community’s continued success through plans for economic diversification.

We will provide our members with more information as it is available. For further inquiries, you may contact any member of Chief and Council.

Chippewa Tri-Council Coldwater Narrows Land Claim Negotiation,

November 12, 2009

RE: Chippewa Tri-Council Coldwater Narrows Land Claim Negotiation,
Address Update

Dear Community Member,

The historic Chippewa Tri-Council Coldwater Narrows Land Claim negotiation is in the final stages of negotiation. The elements of settlement are currently awaiting a mandate by the Federal Cabinet and, if this proposed settlement is accepted, we will proceed to a ratification vote in our communities. We will be providing you with information about the terms which have been negotiated on your behalf once available. Plans for the ratification vote will also be provided if Cabinet approves the elements of settlement.

The Chippewa Tri-Council First Nations will be holding meetings in our respective communities, and in the Toronto area, to ensure that our members have an opportunity to hear about the proposed settlement directly from our negotiating team.

Settlement will require a formal ratification process so it is important to ensure that all members are registered. At this time, we are updating our database for meeting invitations, information packages and voting. Please fill out the enclosed information form and return by November 30, 2009, or as soon as possible. It is important to ensure that all members are registered for this historic vote. When we have detailed information about the ratification vote arrangements, we will let you know.

Thank you for assisting in this membership address update. If you believe that any family members have been missed, please have them contact Kathryn Simcoe in Rama Lands and Membership at 705-325-3611, extension 1517, with current contact information. An essential part of this process is to eliminate names of relations who are deceased. Please ensure that any such registrations are also made with Lands and Membership.

You may also contact Cathy Edney, Communications Manager at 705-325-3611 or 1-866-854-2121, ext. 1416, Kathryn Simcoe, Rama Lands and Membership Manager at 1517, email cathy.edney@ramafirstnation.ca or kathryn.simcoe@ramafirstnation.ca with updated information. For inquiries about the claim itself, please contact any member of Chief and Council at 705-325-3611 or 1-866-854-2121.

Sincerely,

Chief Sharon Stinson Henry

Encl.

c.c. Rama First Nation Council
Kathryn Simcoe, Lands and Membership Manager



FOR A pdf COPY OF THE MEMBERSHIP UPDATE FORM PLEASE CONTACT

THE RAMA COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT communications@ramafirstnation.ca

Notice to Community Members
Re: Membership Committee

WHO BELONGS?

…is the question First Nation communities across Canada are answering for themselves. Rama First Nation is revitalizing the Membership Code project.

We are looking for band members to work on a Membership Code specific to the needs of Rama First Nation. If you are interested in actively participating, please forward your letter of interest by Monday February 15, 2010, to:

Evelyn Ball
Assistant First Nation Manager
5884 Rama Road, Suite 200
Rama First Nation
L0K 1T0

HARMONIZED SALES TAX (HST)

Dear Community Members,

In their budget of 2009, the Ontario Government has announced the "harmonization" of both the provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Ontario intends to implement the HST on July 1st, 2010 and only purchases made on or delivered to the reserve will be exempt from taxation.

HST will also now apply to ALL goods that were previously exempt from PST such as personal services (haircuts, etc.), professional services (accounting, legal, bookkeeping, etc.), Internet, etc.

Ontario DID NOT consult with First Nations prior to announcing their plans for this HST.

We strongly oppose the HST! It is an erosion of our rights!

We have:

• 
  
  Signed a BCR and ask that the Chiefs of Ontario take a more aggressive position fighting HST since it impacts all First Nations in Ontario


• 
  
  Sent a copy of the BCR along with a letter setting out our concerns to our local MP, Bruce Stanton and MPP Garfield Dunlop.


• 
  
  Sent a copy of our BCR to the Chippewas Tri-Council, Williams Treaty First Nations and Ogemawhj Tribal Council encouraging them to get involved too.

Chief and Council will continue to oppose the HST. Keep reading the Ojibway Times and our blog for more or contact Chief and Council.

Yours truly,

Chief and Council

Wills & Estates program for Rama First Nation Seniors

Wills & Estates workshops for Rama First Nation Seniors wishing to complete a Will and who do not already have one, may wish to attend a workshop on one of the dates below

Wednesday, January 27th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Seniors Centre Boardroom (2nd floor)

-OR-

Thursday, February 25th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Seniors Centre Boardroom (2nd floor)

If you have any questions about this Wills & Estates Programme, you may call

General Counsel's Office directly at 705.326.3611.1241 - Jeffery Hewitt

NOTICE TO SENIORS

General Counsel's Office is again offering a Willa & Estates program for Rama First Nation Seniors (those members 55 years of age or older) who wish to have a Will (and corresponding powers of attorney) drafted.

The law firm of Nahwegahbow Corbiere, located at 7410 Benson Side Road, have been retained to complete your estate documents. The law firm will be offering two open workshops for Rama First Nation Seniors about Wills & Estates (they will also answer general questions about Will and estates. Individual appointments to complete your estate documents can be made at the Workshop or you can make an appointment directly by calling 705.325.5020. There is no cost to you for the law firm to complete your estate documents.

For your first confidential/private meeting with legal counsel, you should bring the following with you:

• Personal insurance policies;


• Bank Account Information (i.e. location of bank (s) you deal with, etc.)


• Status Card


• Full Names of any individuals you wish to include in your Will or powers of attorneys


• Any documents supporting property or items you wish to include in your Will (i.e. vehicle ownership, Certificates of Possession off-reserve property deed (s), etc.)


• A list of personal property or items you wish to include in your will (i.e. personal items paintings, jewelry, etc.).

Chief and Council Report January 2010

An estimated 1,500 people joined in the celebration on Wednesday, December 30th when the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch made a stop in Rama First Nation on its journey across the country. Wyatt Simcoe, Rama's community torch bearer, started at the Rama Country Market, curving his way through crowds in the the Administration parking lot to the stage in front of the Seniors' complex. The "Bear Spirit Singers" from the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation provided an honour song to accompany Wyatt on his journey with the torch to the stage. The group is made of members of Wyatt's family who wanted to play something special to honour his participation.

Elder Myrna Watson provided a beautiful opening prayer and the MKES choir sang "O Canada" in Ojibway. Chief Sharon Stinson Henry spoke about the importance of the Olympic torch as a symbol of unity, peace and accomplishment. She also talked about a special connection to the torch through her husband, Walter, who represented Canada in boxing in the 1964 and 1968 Olympics.

Deputy Fire Chief James Simcoe, the Honourary Fire Keeper for Rama, provided a blessing for the Olympic Torch. He spoke about the importance of fire, representing cleansing and renewal. He smudged the torch as part of the blessing. The Rama Drum played as the torch left the stage and continued on its historic journey from the community.

The event featured sleigh rides between the MASK and Administration building, pick up hockey, face painting and refreshments provided by our community caterers, Complimentary ice blue hats and Olympic flags added to the colorful event. On the following pages, we have included some pictorial highlights.

The torch is continuing on its way towards Vancouver for the opening of the Olympic Games February. Miigwech to all who assisted in the preparation for this event especially our Facilities and Maintenance staff who were up early to set up the stage and audio system for the event.