\nLinda Sioui, consultant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe meeting begins at 8:30 a.m.<\/h2>\nMr. Luc Lain\u00e9 from Wendake introduces himself and mentions that he will act as the moderator\/facilitator for today’s meeting. He mentions that he was present at the Trois-Rivi\u00e8res meeting a year ago and looks forward to seeing the progress made on this file. He invites the Elder, Mr. Serge Loiselle, from the Odanak First Nation, to lead the opening prayer.<\/p>\n
\nOpening Prayer<\/h2>\nPrayer by Elder Mr. Serge Loiselle of the Odanak First Nation. He asks the audience for a few minutes of silence while praying that the Great Spirit guides the assembly in the work to be carried out today and advances the cause of First Nations.<\/p>\n
\nRoundtable<\/h2>\nThe facilitator speaks again and invites all those present to state their names and the organization they represent as part of a roundtable. He takes the opportunity to introduce Ms. Linda Sioui, who will be taking notes during the meeting.<\/p>\n
\nPreliminary Remarks<\/h2>\nChief Ghislain Picard thanks the Huron-Wendat Nation for hosting those present at this meeting on their territory, as well as the entire assembly for their presence. He greets them on behalf of Chief Lance Haymond, who was unable to be present today.<\/p>\n A special thank you is addressed to former Chief Allan Claxton for his presence, as Chief Picard is now convinced that there is life after politics (*laughter from the assembly*).<\/p>\n Chief Picard looks back to the year 2000 regarding the housing and infrastructure meeting that took place in Listuguj, recalling the findings of that preliminary work. He mentions that the report of that meeting confirmed the obvious need to do something regarding the housing file (state of crisis). Eighteen years later, First Nations are playing catch-up on this file. However, the current context seems favorable for this catch-up. He is pleased to see the presence of national representatives.<\/p>\n During the last meeting held in Trois-Rivi\u00e8res last year, all agreed that a strong “turn of the helm” was needed to provide the momentum necessary for catch-up and to equip communities and institutions. Today’s political context is much more favorable than it was about three years ago. This opportunity must be seized to realize the will to equip our communities and institutions and thus provide the necessary momentum.<\/p>\n He thanks all those whose knowledge and expertise contribute to guiding us and moving this file forward. During a future meeting in Ottawa, he will have the opportunity to meet the National Executive, which represents ten regions across the country, to promote our institutions in Quebec. According to him, it is entirely logical to proceed this way, with great pride. When Chief Picard looks at the institutions First Nations have established, he sees that this is the path to follow. He reminds the assembly that housing is a major priority, as well as an indicator of health among First Nations. He recalls the important contribution of Mr. Guy Latouche, resource person, who has been there since the very beginning.<\/p>\n Chief Picard recalls the shortfall of several thousand housing units. It would therefore be necessary to build many units to bridge this gap. This meeting also allows for the participation of several institutions, but it is necessary to conduct a thorough preliminary analysis to account for existing organizations and tribal councils. Today’s goal is to further this reflection, which can continue during future meetings. Chief Picard concludes by saying that despite the challenges, very good collaboration exists at the regional level, and the chiefs feel listened to by all partners of the tripartite table, in addition to being part of the solution. He mentions that he will be here for part of the day and wishes everyone a productive reflection.<\/p>\n Luc Lain\u00e9 speaks again. He thanks Chief Picard and mentions the partners, giving the floor to Ms. Jos\u00e9e-Ann Paradis.<\/p>\n Ms. Paradis mentions that the meeting is a continuation of the Regional Housing Strategy initiated several years ago. Some recommendations found today were drawn from last year’s session. As Dale Booth mentioned, we had a very productive meeting last year. Work will continue, and Ms. Paradis announces a second housing mobilization session in November (date and logistics to be confirmed). The context is conducive to these meetings, and we must take advantage of it. She highlights the recent visit of a colleague from headquarters, Natalka Cmoc, who decided to visit Quebec as part of her national tour because the strength of Quebec depends on the passion of housing stakeholders to advance the files. She encourages everyone to continue the wonderful work in the established partnerships. She is pleased to recognize new faces and to be present today, along with her colleagues from Gatineau and Quebec, to advance the housing file.<\/p>\n Luc Lain\u00e9 introduces Mr. Guy Latouche, resource person for housing and infrastructure at the AFNQL, and member of the Tripartite Committee on Housing.<\/p>\n Guy Latouche presents the context and the draft Regional Strategy on Housing and Infrastructure. He recalls that the mandate of the Tripartite Regional Committee consists of developing said Strategy and mentions that the group has set a two-year deadline to achieve this.<\/p>\n He ends his presentation, and Luc Lain\u00e9 invites participants to ask their questions.<\/p>\n Dominique Collin offers a comment regarding the word “innovation”; funders have difficulty with this word. Secondly, he maintains that innovation will always be different from what we think. In his view, when talking about strategy, we must avoid being too specific about what that innovation will be; otherwise, we exclude possible solutions. What must be avoided is thinking that innovation will come from government structures. In society in general, innovation is the fruit of interaction between governments, markets, and civil society. If we always bring everything back into the government fold, we risk not being able to innovate. He invites reflection on the role of markets and individuals in our attempts to structure the innovation in question.<\/p>\n Ms. Paradis mentions having read Guy Latouche’s presentation regarding the Strategy and questioned him about it. In her view, the current situation is good in terms of funding and investments made in housing. A presentation will be made later in the day by the representative from British Columbia regarding their institution. She asks everyone to keep in mind this favorable horizon for thinking outside the box and staying there, and to remember the context and schedule of the Government of Canada, as well as the investments and budgets granted over the last three years. Regarding governance, it would be good for Quebec to align with this national momentum.<\/p>\n Mr. Odjick mentions that there was talk earlier about developing a territorial or community base. He says there are two Algonquin communities thinking of opting for reserve status or traditional territory status. He mentions that these communities are currently penalized because of their current status, which prevents them from further developing their lots and housing infrastructure (water, sewage, others). One of them does not even have water or sewage infrastructure and is located only two hours from Ottawa. These people live out of a central building to take showers and do laundry. He asks if there is a way to bypass these inconveniences without having to wait for reserve status. He concludes by welcoming any suggestions. Thank you!<\/p>\n Guy Latouche responds that issues of allocations and territories are thorny. He says he knows the cases Mr. Odjick is referring to. There has been a lot of improvement regarding additions to reserve lands. During the past year, he mentions having said it was a ten-year process, though there have been many improvements over the years. On the government side, there is now a policy in place that is more user-friendly to assist First Nations in their process. Discussions must be undertaken between the parties involved, adding a dose of goodwill to move forward.<\/p>\n Chief Ghislain Picard thanks Mr. Odjick for this important question. He recounts that when he gets a response from government representatives, he can no longer stand hearing that it is a complex issue, and maintains that this issue should be brought to the Table of Chiefs, along with the examples cited. The issue of additions to reserve lands is a very complex matter to handle at the government level, but it must be addressed. He mentions knowing which specific community Mr. Odjick is referring to and says he has already been there. Furthermore, many solutions reside within the community, and if the issue were brought to the Table of Chiefs, it could probably be handled there to find potential options, despite it being much broader. Turning to the tripartite table would mean being limited by the criteria or regulations we are familiar with today. A discussion could be started within this process to see how far we could go. Chief Picard mentions that he is taking notes on what has been said and highlights that eventually, this question could be raised in the next meeting.<\/p>\n Luc Lain\u00e9 introduces the next item on the agenda, which consists of three presentations regarding the second axis, Skills and Capacities, after which there will be a break. He invites the representative of the First Nations Adult Education School Council, Ms. Rola Helou, who introduces Tanu Lusignan, who will proceed with the first presentation, as well as his colleague, Mr. Patrick Robertson.<\/p>\n At the end of Mr. Lusignan’s presentation, Luc Lain\u00e9 asks if there are any questions. As there are no questions, he gives the floor to Mr. Patrick Robertson, who will present on the community of practice in Mashteuiatsh.<\/p>\n Patrick Robertson mentions the desire to offer their youth work market experience (housing managers). He says it is a human network eager to work together for the well-being of our communities. The community has a platform that allows exchanges between members (numbering 120). People have a direct link to their workplace (questions and exchanges). There is also a section on partners. In short, the objective is for each member to recharge, collaborate, and exchange. It reflects what housing officers encounter in the field. A total of about forty housing officers are on-site, and they are laying the same foundations as what is being done today in this meeting, except it is happening at the housing officer level.<\/p>\n A short video presentation follows. Afterward, Patrick Robertson looks at what could be exchanged on a national scale. He evokes the possibility for this community of practice to expand nationally.<\/p>\n Luc Lain\u00e9 thanks the representatives of the First Nations Adult Education School Council and introduces Ms. Deborah Taylor from the First Nations Market Housing Fund. Ms. Taylor mentions that her presentation is currently being translated and will be sent to everyone as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Following Ms. Taylor’s presentation, Luc Lain\u00e9 asks if there are any questions.<\/p>\n Ms. Paradis refers to Guy Latouche’s presentation regarding the fact that language represents an obstacle in Quebec and asks if Ms. Taylor’s organization works mostly only with English-speaking communities.<\/p>\n Ms. Taylor mentions that indeed, the majority of communities in Quebec that her organization works with are English-speaking, but they also serve French-speaking communities; they have bilingual employees.<\/p>\n Before the break, Luc Lain\u00e9 introduces Messrs. Allan Claxton and Dale Booth from the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII).<\/p>\n Mr. Claxton mentions to Chief Picard that indeed, there is life after politics: it’s called infrastructure. He mentions that all communities have infrastructure needs and that it is impossible to do worse than Canada. His role consists of supporting chiefs, communities, and regions. He leaves it to Dale Booth to give the presentation.<\/p>\n With that, Mr. Dale Booth recognizes the Huron-Wendat Nation, host of this meeting, and proceeds with his presentation.<\/p>\n Following his presentation on infrastructure, Luc Lain\u00e9 asks if there are any questions.<\/p>\n A question is asked whether Mr. Booth plans to create a national institute responsible for accreditation in Canada, or rather the creation of regional infrastructure institutes?<\/p>\n Dale Booth responds that they are starting something. They are in British Columbia now and are looking at the issue on a national level. But they are considering creating a regional institution. So, how would that be realized here in Quebec? That is a good question and we will mention it. How do we see the establishment of regional organizations while aligning with what FNII does during the development period? How can we benefit from what they do while being informed as the file evolves?<\/p>\n We would like to see someone from this region and from each region sit on the development committee because we still have much to do. We want FNII to become an autonomous institute. This would largely stem from the development committee, through regions guiding us on how they want to operate.<\/p>\n Are there any other questions?<\/p>\n Guy Latouche: We understand that the FNII is under development. The three projects in Ontario you spoke of\u2014under which organization are they found?<\/p>\n Dale Booth: I apologize. I was simply using that example to illustrate, to demonstrate that currently, provinces are actively involved with Indigenous communities and their real estate projects. And that is happening now as we move forward. So, we are witnessing regional developments through the provinces. Doing so gives us greater visibility for large infrastructure developments, and the opportunities will be there. I used that example to illustrate that the iron is hot right now when we talk about infrastructure development and Indigenous communities.<\/p>\n Luc Lain\u00e9 thanks the people who gave presentations as well as Mr. Booth and invites the assembly to take a fifteen-minute break. Afterward, an activity led by the First Nations Adult Education School Council.<\/p>\n
\n10:30 a.m.: 15-minute Break<\/h2>\n
\n10:45 a.m.: Meeting Resumes<\/h2>\nLuc Lain\u00e9 mentions the holding of an activity led by the School Council on adult education (Ms. Rola Helou).<\/p>\n Ms. Helou explains the first activity, which consists of a survey to discover the training being given in the regions.<\/p>\n 1)<\/strong> Survey: on a map representing the location of First Nations communities, participants are invited to stick an adhesive tab (post-it) on the relevant community, indicating the training given there. Participants will stick said tabs on the sides in cases where the training does not concern a specific community. This is also applicable to national training.<\/p>\nOrange tabs: for training already offered and intended for housing officers and\/or managers.<\/p>\n Pink tabs: for training intended for residents (tenants and\/or owners).<\/p>\n Blue-green tabs: for training intended for elected officials.<\/p>\n Participants will have five to ten minutes to identify training by sticking their tabs on the map. Tabs can also be stuck throughout the morning if ideas do not come immediately.<\/p>\n In conclusion of the activity, Ms. Helou notes that there is a lot of regional training being given.<\/p>\n 2)<\/strong> The goal of the second activity is to know the skills and abilities of leaders, housing officers, tenants, or owners, to contribute to the growth of housing communities and determine how we can be innovative. What are the skills required to get our leaders, housing managers, and tenants to where they need to be in the future? What are the training needs?<\/p>\nParticipants will be divided into three groups and, while discussing, they must answer certain questions concerning skills and abilities. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box as much as they want.<\/p>\n Return to plenary.<\/p>\n Report from Group 1 (Robin St-Onge):<\/p>\n |