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PRFN NEWS<br />
Lands Dept. Update<br />
Page 2<br />
PRFN on LinkedIn<br />
Page 2<br />
Education Update<br />
Page 3<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com<br />
<strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> Business World Cafe<br />
A big thank you to everyone that came out on<br />
Monday, November 21st for our first <strong>Prophet</strong><br />
<strong>River</strong> Business World Cafe!<br />
We had a great turnout & we look forward to<br />
hosting another event like this soon!<br />
How to Reach Us<br />
Page 4<br />
From the CAO<br />
Page 5<br />
Patient Travel<br />
Reminders<br />
Page 6<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
Page 7<br />
Road Trip to Whitehorse!<br />
Below are a couple photos from our recent trip to Whitehorse. See page 9 for more!<br />
Christmas Food<br />
Program Reminder<br />
Page 8<br />
Whitehorse Pictures<br />
Page 9<br />
<strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> <strong>First</strong> <strong>Nation</strong><br />
Dene Tsaa Tse K’Nai <strong>First</strong> <strong>Nation</strong><br />
P.O. Box 3250<br />
Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0<br />
<strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com<br />
1.844.323.0324 (Toll Free)
Lands Department Update<br />
We are very excited to have welcomed five new staff to the<br />
lands department over the past few weeks.<br />
Jenn Reno – OGC Liaison<br />
Robin Tsakoza – Senior Lands Technician<br />
Land Ealey – Reclamations Manager<br />
Timber Bigfoot – Lands Manager<br />
Penny St. Pierre – Referrals Technician<br />
The lands department has another job still posted for a Lands Technician. We also are developing a list of monitors and<br />
people interested in going out as monitors. If we don’t get applicants for this position, there is the potential for one<br />
of those monitors to step into this full-time role.<br />
The lands team is also going to be forming an Advisory Committee. We are hoping to have Elders, youth, and leadership<br />
on this committee. The lands team will coordinate meetings and update the committee on lands department activities<br />
more in depth than these updates, so that committee can help inform and direct the lands team work. There will be a<br />
letter going to all members in the near future for people interested in sitting on the committee.<br />
A really big announcement! Council has signed a BCR designated a large area of the traditional territory that includes the<br />
“Trutch” area as a PRFN Traditional Use Preserve. This means that the lands team, working with other <strong>First</strong> <strong>Nation</strong>s in the<br />
region, will not be allowing any further development in this area. We will be doing a study to see what disturbances are<br />
currently in this area and will be working with companies to reclaim those disturbances. We will be talking to members<br />
about traditional use of this area, about making sure there is access for members to use this area, and about enhanced<br />
monitoring involving band members in this area.<br />
The lands team is considering a new motto, “Protecting our rights, protecting our territory” as that the main function of<br />
the lands department. There is a lot of meaningful, long-term employment that can happen with that as the goal.<br />
Did You Know <strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> Is Now On LinkedIn?<br />
Make sure to follow <strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> <strong>First</strong> <strong>Nation</strong> on LinkedIn! We will be sharing information about job opportunities,<br />
training programs & more! Simply search <strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> <strong>First</strong> <strong>Nation</strong> on LinkedIn.com & connect with us now!<br />
2 November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com
Education Department Update<br />
Our PRFN students are receiving instruction at the levels they are at, in both<br />
literacy and numeracy. This is important in a classroom so that kids are not<br />
at a frustration level or that their work is too easy for them.<br />
Students traveled to Edmonton to participate in the Memorial Round Dance<br />
at Enoch Cree <strong>Nation</strong>. They enjoyed a variety of activities on their trip,<br />
including Galaxyland, Pumpkins after Dark, and Haunted Houses. It was such<br />
a great trip and everyone was excited to talk about their experiences when<br />
they returned home.<br />
Darylyn got her first moose and invited students to help with the<br />
preparation. Lorraine spent the day with the students showing them how to<br />
butcher the hind quarter and make dry meat. Students have also started<br />
swimming and swim to survive lessons at the NRRM pool. Rock climbing<br />
lessons have also started.<br />
We have written several proposals and grants to support the school and are<br />
happy to report that many have been approved! One of the proposals that<br />
got approved included free snowshoes. We are excited for those to arrive<br />
and know that they will be put to good use.<br />
We have ordered some sound equipment and a recording device to move<br />
forward with interviews with the Elders. We hope to start this very soon.<br />
Stay tuned for a start-up date. We would like to host an engagement dinner<br />
with the Elders to kick start discussions about what they would like to see<br />
happen.<br />
Recently Education supported the development of the proposal and planning<br />
for the Saw Mill Program and a Sewing class. Congratulations going out to<br />
a successful completion of the program and to the graduating students.<br />
Candace has been looking at expanding the school playground with some<br />
rubber matting and updated equipment, in hopes to integrate some language<br />
components as well. She has completed a proposal and we are just waiting<br />
approval.<br />
Don't Forget! We Need Your Input!<br />
We need your input for the 2022 <strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> Health and Wellness Survey! This survey will be used to support the<br />
development of <strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong>'s health and wellness services. Your truthful responses to the following questions will help us<br />
develop services that best meet the needs of our community.<br />
If you are uncomfortable responding to any question, please leave it blank and move on to the next question. To help<br />
preserve your anonymity, please do not write your name on this survey or provide any identifiable information. Your<br />
responses will be kept strictly confidential.<br />
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Renee Lomen at renee.lomen@prophetriverfn.ca<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com<br />
3
How To Reach Us<br />
We are always looking for ways to reach out to our members and help<br />
you stay connected with our community. We have started several<br />
initiatives that will help us stay connected.<br />
Are you online?<br />
Website:<br />
We have moved several functions online including community notices, job<br />
postings, access to council minutes, and community news. Be sure to go to<br />
www.prophetriverfirstnation.com for regular updates and sign in to the Members Only section to view<br />
communications that are private for our members only. This includes access to the AGM, Members Forum, Council<br />
Minutes, Updates to the Trust and more.<br />
<strong>News</strong>letter:<br />
Don't forget to subscribe to updates so we can send you this newsletter by email as well as other PRFN updates. If you<br />
want a printed copy we are happy to mail one or drop it off for you.<br />
Social Media:<br />
We are regularly posting to our Official PRFN Facebook page. Please follow our page and share it with other members so<br />
we can all stay connected.<br />
Member Forums:<br />
We’ve been hosting regular online member forums every month for members to connect with each other and talk<br />
to the Chief and Council. These forums will be recorded so you can view them online if you are unable to attend. If<br />
you have a question for the Chief and Council and it will be answered in the monthly forum.<br />
Please send it to: communications@prophetriverfirstnation.com.<br />
Email:<br />
Chief and Council, CAO and all department managers review their<br />
email regularly. Please see list of emails and extensions here.<br />
Phone:<br />
We encourage you to call us anytime at 1.844.323.0324 and leave<br />
a message with the department manager you wish to speak to.<br />
Your message will be automatically sent as an email to the person<br />
you have called.<br />
Text:<br />
We’ve upgraded our communications to include texting. If you can<br />
receive text messages on your phone we encourage you to text us<br />
at 1.888.710.2318 and let us know your name and your phone<br />
number. We will keep you updated by text message. We will also<br />
send out member surveys this way to make it easier for you to<br />
participate.<br />
Mail:<br />
Printed copies of newsletters and announcements will be put in<br />
community members' mailboxes. If you are an urban member and<br />
would like us to mail you monthly updates and newsletters we are<br />
happy to do that.<br />
1.844.323.0324 (Toll Free)<br />
Chief Valerie Askoty<br />
valerie.askoty@prophetriverfn.ca<br />
Councillor Beverly Stager<br />
beverly.stager@prophetriverfn.ca<br />
Councillor Deshanna Tsakoza<br />
deshanna.tsakoza@prophetriverfn.ca<br />
250.500.1285<br />
x108<br />
x107<br />
Communications Department<br />
x106<br />
communications@prophetriverfirstnation.com<br />
CAO Devin Bellerose<br />
devin.bellerose@prophetriverfn.ca<br />
Lands Department<br />
Dene Tsaa School<br />
Finance Department<br />
Health Department<br />
Housing Department<br />
x109<br />
x101<br />
x102<br />
x105<br />
x104<br />
x103<br />
<strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> Trust 1.833.396.1895<br />
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November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com
From the CAO<br />
As the year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Staff & Chief<br />
& Council for the great things we have happening in this wonderful community. We want<br />
everyone to have access to the information they need to ensure transparency &<br />
accountability. We continue to make inroads with this, & more to come in 2023!<br />
We have the privilege of working with a Chief & Council that are focused on moving<br />
forward & making decisions that benefit the community for both the short & long term. We<br />
are an inspired, dynamic & vibrant nation that feels anything is possible when we work<br />
together & make true connections with each other. We have demonstrated this time & time<br />
again.<br />
Devin Bellerose, CAO<br />
Our operational & capital plans have progressed significantly with the final stages of the skating rink, the CCP, & new<br />
initiatives that allow us to continue to move sustainability forward. Regional cooperation is an essential element in our<br />
continued success including the recent MOU signed with the City of Fort St. John outlining plans for an urban reserve for<br />
members of the nation living in the city.<br />
We continue to invest in our employees whenever possible to ensure they have the best equipment & resources that we can<br />
afford & the training to do the job right. As part of this process, we will be reviewing our service standards this year to better<br />
align what we want to achieve with what we are capable of achieving.<br />
I am very proud to lead our staff team in making <strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> a great place to live, work & grow. We are stronger together!<br />
Wishing you & your loved ones a wonderful Christmas & holiday.<br />
November Community Forum Prize Winners!<br />
A big congratulations to our prize winners from the November Community Forum! Make sure to join us on Monday,<br />
December 12th for our next meeting and more chances to win!<br />
NOVEMBER PRIZE WINNERS!<br />
Cheyenne - Bath Basket & Water Bottle<br />
Sheldon - Megalight & Socks<br />
Larissa - Salt/Pepper & Binoculars<br />
Andy - Bingo Bag<br />
Marina - Scarf & Beauty Set<br />
Craig - Blanket<br />
Youth Draw #1 - Ashley Birkbeck<br />
Youth Draw #2 - Trevathan Tsakoza<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com<br />
5
<br />
Patient Travel Reminders<br />
As per FNHA policy, the <strong>Nation</strong> can only provide coverage for appointments to the nearest provider. In our case, this usually<br />
means Fort Nelson, for regular dentist or eye check ups. Regular check-ups not scheduled in Fort Nelson require a Benefits<br />
Exception from FNHA. The Benefits Exception is approved or denied by FNHA. See link to more information below.<br />
Required Documentation<br />
Members are expected to pick up their Appointment Confirmation forms from Elders & Patient Travel Clerk (or Reception)<br />
prior to leaving community for their appointment and return them once appointment is completed. PRFN has the right to<br />
deduct monies owing from future travel funds should the member not return their Appointment Confirmation form or miss/<br />
no-show their appointment.<br />
For more information, visit https://www.fnha.ca/benefits/medical-transportation or contact Lorraine Chipesia (Patient &<br />
Elders Travel Clerk) at 250.773.6555 or by emailing lorraine.chipesia@prophetriverfn.ca.<br />
Sawmill Training Program<br />
Congratulations to all of the members who completed the recent Sawmill Training!<br />
6<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com
Upcoming Meetings & Events<br />
Fort Nelson Parade of Lights<br />
Sunday, December 4th at 5:30pm along 50th Avenue North<br />
December Member Forum<br />
Monday, December 12th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm in the Gym & on Zoom<br />
PRFN Christmas Dinner<br />
Thursday, December 15th at 5:00pm in the Multiplex Gym<br />
PRFN Office & School Closure for Christmas Break<br />
Friday, December 16th, 2022 to Monday, January 2nd, 2023<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com<br />
7
<br />
Get Your Christmas Food Program<br />
Application in Now!<br />
Christmas Dinner is just around the corner! Don't forget that each household of PRFN member(s)<br />
is eligible for ham, roast beef, or turkey for Christmas dinner.<br />
Overall Process<br />
1. Fill out the Christmas food application completely indicating your food choice.<br />
2. All applications will be reviewed and are subject to available funds to cover the costs.<br />
3. You will be contacted by PRFN on whether to pick up your food or if it will be delivered to you.<br />
Eligible Expenditures<br />
Note that you cannot purchase your own food and seek reimbursement, PRFN will purchase it for you. Apply online or<br />
reach out to Lynette in the office.<br />
Need help with your member login? Are you unsure how to access the trust portal? Book an appointment today. If you don't<br />
have online access, call us and we will go over the programs and options with you. Call or text 1.833.396.1895 or<br />
email Lynette Tsakoza at L.tsakoza@prophetriverfn.ca.<br />
Check for updates on Trust Programs<br />
Many of the PRFN Trust programs have been updated. You can visit our Member’s Section to view the most<br />
current programs available and to apply to the programs you qualify for. You can keep track of your application<br />
and past applications here as well.<br />
What do I do if I’m having trouble logging in to my member portal?<br />
If you require any assistance with your login, we can set up an appointment to help. Call/text 1.833.396.1895 or email<br />
trust@prophetriverfirstnation.com.<br />
How do I request a new password?<br />
You can visit the member’s login page and click on ‘Forgot<br />
your password?’ you will then be requested to enter your<br />
email address, click on ‘Request reset link’, and then proceed<br />
to the instructions in your email address inbox.<br />
8<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com
More Photos from the Whitehorse Road Trip!<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com<br />
9
We have made it easier than ever to apply for your<br />
PRFN Trust Programs!<br />
We can help you easily access the programs you<br />
qualify for and get all the up-to-date application<br />
information with a quick phone call.<br />
We are inviting members to set up a meeting with<br />
a PRFN Trust Advisor to assist in getting you<br />
started!<br />
To set-up a short meeting, please email us at<br />
trust@prophetriverfirstnation.com, or call or text<br />
1.833.396.1895.<br />
From the Archives<br />
St. Pierre Camp at Trutch (1966)<br />
Photos courtesy of the Ridington Dane-zaa<br />
Archives. The archives contain hundreds of<br />
hours of historical audio recordings and<br />
thousands of photographs.<br />
<strong>Prophet</strong> <strong>River</strong> <strong>News</strong> is published monthly.<br />
For past issues, visit: <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com/newsletter<br />
November/December 2022 | <strong>Prophet</strong><strong>River</strong><strong>First</strong><strong>Nation</strong>.com
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