Updates From Councillor D LaBillois Bjorndal

6 Month Update

Education:
The Education team remains very committed into expanding the department, currently we are on the design phase for the Standalone Daycare project and working toward securing funds for the capital and infrastructure part of this project. The Feasibility Study, Needs Assessment and Environment Scan documents are all out of Draft form, these documents along with the Community Comprehensive Plan demonstrates the need our community has to potential funders to see this project move.

Standalone School Feasibility Study work continues to remain in the preliminary stages and our Director of Education is working very hard at the RFP (Request For Proposals). We will be coming together in the New Year as a committee. I am very proud of the commitment from our Education Director in strengthening the department and her work in expanding on capital assets.

Child & Family:
I am very pleased to share some of the work that’s been taking place in this department, just last week Child & Family got an approval from the CHRT 41 Capital Funding to complete the design phase for a standalone Migaju House.

The department has transitioned over into their new building, an official grand opening date has yet to be set for their new building. Like Education, I am very proud of the commitment from our Child & Family Director in strengthening the department and his work on expanding capital assets.

General Council Update:
At the duly convened meeting held on December 8th, 2025, I put forward a motion in council that demonstrates good governance and transparency to our members. The motion will no longer allow spending to be done arbitrarily and will have to be done in a democratic setting/duly convened meeting. What this means is Chief or Councillors no longer have authority to pass cheque requests off to finance without coming through Council in a democratic process reflecting in some type of transparency to the members, this is a great first step into establishing governance code of conducts and policies. This motion was seconded by Councillor Tiffany and carried by the rest of Chief and Council and will be signed as a BCR at the next duly convened meeting. If anyone would like to read the full motion it will be reflected in the minutes, or I can send you it.

I look forward to what’s coming in the New Year, I want to continue to work toward a strong ERB. This is the last newsletter update for 2025. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and have a great holiday season.

Thanks, Councillor D

Update – AFN Special Chief’s Assembly

Last week, December 1–5, 2025, as I wrote in last week’s newsletter, I was away taking part in the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa, Ontario. This event had many participants and delegates that represented their organizations and communities. I made use of my time very wisely while representing ERB, putting in 12–13-hour days of learning, advocating, networking, observing and lobbying.

Tuesday December 2nd, 2025 – I was able to hear concerns from other leaders as they expressed their frustrations to the Prime Minister about many key issues our communities face day to day from these imposed colonial Canadian systems. Also, on this day myself, Councillor Daniel and our Assistant Sonja got to go to Parliament Hill to meet with our local MP on key issues our community continues to face and advocate for the potential Standalone Childcare Centre.

Wednesday December 3rd, 2025 – There were two plenary sessions pertaining to Bill S2 (2nd generation cut off) and Long-Term Reform of First Nations Child & Family Services and Jordans Principle where there were some very knowledgeable and powerful presenters that helped me gain a lot of knowledge on these key issues that affect our community very highly. These presentations gave me a lot more knowledge on the bigger picture of it all, which strengthens my knowledge at the community level. Listening to Dr. Cindy Blackstock speak gives me such a greater understanding of the CFS portfolio I lead. Also, on this day in the NB Caucus Room, the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada was present for a discussion, Chief Chris shared some of his time with me to express our communities concerns which was an honour our Chief shared his speaking window with me, Thank You Chief Chris.

Thursday December 4th, 2025 – There were a lot of ministers present, so it was a laid back day being able to listen in and take information in when Chief’s and Proxy’s voiced their concerns to them. These concerns helped me to see that most of us are in the boat for many key issues and that the fight goes beyond our Band Offices, we must continue to fight Canada on their colonial methods and approaches to our people, regardless of being bounded by the Indian Act.

In closing I’d like to say I represented our community, learning, advocating, networking, observing and lobbying. Eel River Bar is my priority, and I have a deep regard in expanding and growing our community and keeping focus on the big fight and that fight is Canada and what they continue to impose on our people.

Thank you for your time in reading this update. My lines of communication will always remain open, you can reach me at 506-686-0016 or d.bjorndal@eelriverbar.ca