Posted on February 16, 2010
FINALIZING THE ELECTION CODE... 
 What has happened since the last discussion?

In 2002, extensive discussions were held with the members on updating the Election Code. For various reasons, however, the discussions were put on hold and no further action was taken.

Since 2002, the YFN has signed a treaty and developed and ratified a Constitution. Now with the effective date of the treaty approaching, YFN is required to complete several acts that will shape the legislative framework for YFN, one is the Electoral Code (Elections Act).

Please join us as we finalize this process. Your input is valued and we would appreciate your participation throughout the process.

Community Consultation meetings have been arranged for the following dates and locations:

HIT-TAT-SOO (Ucluelet East)
Date: Monday, February 22, 2010
Place: YFN Community Hall
Time: 6:00 p.m.
(Dinner provided)

NANAIMO
Date: Tuesday February 23, 2010
Place: Dorchester Hotel - Cambridge Room
Time: 6:00 p.m.
(Dinner provided)

PORT ALBERNI
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Place: The Hospitality Inn
Time: 6:00 p.m.
(Dinner provided)

First Nation and district sign protocol agreement
Story - Courtesy of Stefania Seccia, Westerly News
Published: Monday, February 1, 2010 - Westerly News

The Yu?lu?il?ath First Nations (YFN) council and the District of Ucluelet signed a protocol agreement today that officially confirms the commitment to build a strong working relationship based on respect.

The protocol establishes a formal understanding that the YFN and the district share common interests in the Ucluelet peninsula and surrounding area. The YFN was formerly known as the Ucluelet First Nation but they intend to officially change to the phonetic spelling of the traditional name.

"I feel overwhelmed, I like seeing our leadership together," Tyson Touchie, YFN member, said to the representatives of each government sitting around the table. It also ensures continued communication and joint decision making on matters of mutual interest such as education, land use, health and economic development.

Representatives from the Yu?lu?il?ath First Nation and the District of Ucluelet met at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Monday to sign a protocol agreement that was a year and a half in the making.

"This protocol acknowledges the unique relationship the District of Ucluelet has with the [YFN] and our desire to build on our collective past for a more secure future for both communities," Ucluelet mayor Eric Russcher said.

The agreement was short two signatures because two members of the YFN council were unable to attend Monday. When the document is fully signed it is expected to be open to the public. Land-use decisions and increased security for local families through responsible economic development was also part of the agreement, which is split up under different sections including culture, social aspects, environment and communications. It has a term of four years.

"We have agreed to respect each other's communities; and now we will develop the processes for enhanced communication," said YFN Chief Councilor Violet Mundy in a media release. She was unable to attend due to health reasons.

The two communities have already put the protocol into action and created a joint land-use planning committee. This follows after the YFN was a signatory to the Maa-nulth treaty with the provincial government in 2006, which will come into effect on April 1, 2011. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR VISITORS AND CLIENTS

Throughout this next month and a half, you may notice that many of the staff is away from the office.

What's happening? Well, CFO - Cathy Rothwell was successful in her application to INAC for some Professional and Institutional Development Funds and has arranged for Instructors from Royal Roads University to visit us here in Ucluelet.

Various courses have been arranged, ranging from ‘Performance Management' to Adapting to Change'. Full participation at these sessions is mandatory for the staff and successful completion of all courses will award them with a Certificate - Competency Framework for Mid-Management Skills.

We have arranged to have someone fill in at the front-desk of the Health Centre and the Administration Office to cover for us while we are away on these dates:

o       Tues. February 23
o       Wed. February 24
o       Thurs. February 25
o       Mon. March 1
o       Tues. March 2
o       Mon. March 15
o       Tues. March 16
o       Fri. March 19
o       Mon. March 22
o       Tues. March 23

We thank you in advance for your understanding.

Ucluth Invests Fisheries into Economic Development

Effective on January 19, 2010, the Ucluelet First Nation ("UFN") Chief and Council officially invested the UFN fisheries department in to their sister company - the Ucluth Development Corporation ("UDC").

The newly formed entity, titled Ucluth Fisheries Limited Partnership, will be managed by  the UDC and will be governed by five board members; each who have been jointly appointed by the UDC Board of Directors and the UFN Chief and Council. Appointed to the board are Charles McCarthy (Fisher), Jack Touchie (Elder), Robert Mundy (Community Member), Violet Mundy (Chief Councillor - Economic Development Portfolio), and Alan McCarthy (UDC Board Representative).

Members of the board will each serve a four year term that will coincide with the respective term of the UDC Board of Directors and UFN Chief and Council.

There will be m uch to do over the next couple of months and the UFN and UDC will be working closely together to see that the transition process goes smoothly. It is anticipated that the UDC will have full management of the UFN fisheries interests by April 2010.

For more information please contact Trevor Jones, UDC Chief Executive Officer by telephone (250) 726-3499 or by email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).


2010 CHIEF AND COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The 2010 Chief and Council Elections are just around the corner (June 2010) and we will need to provide the Electoral Officer with your most recent mailing address.

If your contact information has changed please contact Christina Klotz, Membership Clerk so that we may update our records. Christina can be reached at the YFN Treaty Office, toll-free 1-888-926-2416, ext. 225 or email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Thank you!