Update from Councillor D LaBillois Bjorndal

Good day Eel River Bar Members, with the 4 month anniversary of being elected coming up around the corner I thought I would share my experiences and what l’ve been apart of.

General Councillor Update – Over the last 4 months l’ve sat on the frontlines of many challenges for our community from the drug crisis, motioning the banishments of many non members coming into our community that are undesirable. Most importantly facing the challenge of Canada undermining our sovereignty and Treaty’s and fighting many of the day to day colonial challenges and injustices our members continue to face from colonial government systems.

Education Update – While in these 4 months as Education Portfolio Holder I’ve had a chance collaborate very closely with the Director of Education and many other key players from our organization, DABLE consultants and CLAD building designers to ensure that the
“Standalone Childcare Centre” continues to come to life. During these 4 months we were able finalize an Environment Scan and Needs Assessment, while also having a Feasibility Study in draft form as of right now. During this short time the working team has also been able to start securing dollars to go toward the design phase, also the building and infrastructure phase. Without this project being identified as a HIGH community priority it would have never left the ground, so on behalf of the working group we thank you for taking part to make sure that this was a HIGH identified priority.

Child & Family Update – As Child & Family portfolio holder I’ve had some opportunity to observe the dedication and hard work that comes from the Director and the team under him. Eel River Bar is the only (Canadian Human Rights Tribunal) CHRT41 stand alone building currently under construction in Atlantic Canada. An opening date is soon to be determined but again I have so much gratitude as a Portfolio Holder, Leader, and Band Member for the work done in this department.

Travel Update – To date l’ve been on 2 travels, one being governance training when first elected that I carpooled with someone only receiving hotel and meal money. Second travel I took part in was serving as Chief’s Proxy that most of the trip was reimbursed back to the band directly.

My lines of communication are always open for our people, I’ll continue to have an open door policy over the next 20 months of being your Councillor. If you can’t reach me at the office I can be reached over email d. bjorndal@eelriverbar.ca, 506-686-0016 and or on Facebook.

I look forward to furthering my work and obligations for Eel River Bar and fulfilling what I said I would in the campaign.

Thank you Eel River Bar, Band Councillor D LaBillois Bjorndal