Update from Councillor D LaBillois Bjorndal for February 23-27, 2026

I write today to keep my communications open and to uphold my promises of being transparent with any dealings I do on our communities’ behalf. The week of February 23-27, 2026 I will be away serving as Proxy for Chief Chris at the Assembly of First Nations National Education Forum. I will be present at the Monday February 23 Duly Convened meeting before taking off to Vancouver.

It is so important we have representation at these meetings, to ensure we have a voice and someone to do lobbying work as we make strides within our Education Department. I’m proud and happy our Education Director will be accompanying me on this trip. Currently we are piecing together funding partners and sources for the Standalone Daycare project. We are sending out RP’s (Request For Proposals) for a Feasibility Study and Needs Assessment for our own community school. Representation at a forum as important as this could really help our community get to where we need and want to be within Education.

Since I will be serving as Proxy this trip comes at very minimal financial commitment from our Band. The AFN has already paid my flight ticket and will be paying my hotel for my stay.

As always, I will represent Eel River Bar with good faith while in Vancouver. I will really make the best use of my time while away, with a major intent on how we can fill the shortfalls to the project underway and find more project partners and take notes on how to get the ball fully rolling on trying to secure a community School. I also look forward to connecting with many old friends on the National Youth Council.

If you need to contact me while I am away, you can contact me via phone 506-686-0016 or email d.bjorndal@eelriverbar.ca. I will reply as soon as possible. Please be mindful of the 4 hour time difference.

Thank You Ugpi’ganjig,

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Councillor D