Left to right: Councillors Kathryn Campbell, Evelyn Stone, Myrtle Swanson, Chief Joe Buckell, Councillors William Swanson Sr., Emile (Andy) Neyland and Linda Peterson
Michipicoten First Nation – Inaugural Meeting and Celebration
On Tuesday, April 5, 2011 Michipicoten First Nation held its Inaugural Meeting of Chief and Council, as elected on March 12, 2011 for the term April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013. Members, their families, local dignitaries and guests were invited to witness the swearing in of Chief and Council and to share in a feast of traditional foods prepared by members Paula Penno and Irene Piche. The evening festivities opened with a Prayer by Elder Dave Swanson and smudging ceremony, celebration songs by Craig McKay and drummers and a welcome speech from Chief Buckell.
The official meeting began with Chief Joe Buckell, Councillors Linda Peterson, Myrtle Swanson, Kathryn Campbell, William Swanson Sr., Evelyn Stone and Emile Neyland giving their Oath of Office, along with the signing of appropriate banking authorities. The Chief spoke briefly about the importance of consistency in serving the membership and creating a sustainable future for the First Nation and in turn, each Councillor addressed the audience. Once the official portion was concluded, the evening continued with a dinner and social in the spirit of togetherness and community.
Elected Chief and Council 2011 – 2013
- Chief Joe Buckell
- Councillor Linda Peterson
- Councillor Myrtle Swanson
- Councillor Kathryn (Kathy) Campbell
- Councillor William Swanson Sr.
- Councillor Evelyn Stone
- Councillor Emile (Andy) Neyland
Chief Joe Buckell is serving an unprecedented fifth straight term as Chief. The Chief resides in the town of Wawa and has an office on Michipicoten First Nation reserve. The Chief can be reached in the office when he is not required to be away on First Nation business attending AFN, Chief’s of Ontario, Casino Rama, Robinson-Superior Chiefs’ Meetings, Northeastern Regional Chiefs’ Forum and heading the centre of excellence on renewable energy resources. The Chief has a degree in Business Administration and an extensive background in Management and Administration in the industry sector. The Chief has been a strong advocate for socio-economic development and self-sustainability and outspoken on issues regarding traditional, treat and land rights usage and is known and well respected on federal, provincial, regional and municipal government levels. Chief Buckell is committed to providing a consistent sustainable economic future, providing ongoing benefits and a life of opportunity and dignity for all members.
Linda Peterson resides in Wawa and is now serving a second term on Council and works for the First Nation as Education Counselor, is fluent in and certified to teach Ojibway and is the Indian Registry Administrator, certified at a federal level. As a staff member she recently assumed the duties of Community Services Supervisor and sits on various Native Educational Working Groups. as well as being an advocate on advancing Educational issues. Councillor Peterson has strong traditional beliefs and practices and was implemental in promoting a Cultural Room for Students at the local High School. Councillor Peterson is excited to be again working with the Chief and fellow Councillors for the benefit of all members.
Councillor Myrtle Swanson, an Elder in the Community, is in her fifth consecutive term on Council and has chaired the Education Committee and attends the Restoration of Jurisdiction Working Group sessions on behalf of the First Nation; she has attended the Women’s Council as an invited Elder and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Dilico. Councillor Swanson has an educational background in Health and has represented the community on a variety of groups keeping in touch with health and educational issues and contributes a keen interest, knowledge, experience and patience in all matters affecting the First Nation and its members.
Councillor Kathryn (Kathy) Campbell lives in the Community and has served six terms on Council in the last decade, as well as being a member of staff previously in Administration, Membership and as Chair for the Housing Committee and in the past on the Education Committee. Dedicated to the promotion of creating a healthy community for future generations, Councillor Campbell is looking forward to again working with membership and Council for the benefit of all.
Councillor Willam Swanson Sr. is an Elder in the Community and has served a total of seven consecutive terms on Council. Councillor Swanson also worked for years in the mining industry, is the appointed representative on forest management planning attending meetings with the Ministry of Natural Resources; Chairs and participates on several Committees and was a member of the negotiation team on both the Algoma and Boundary Claims. Councillor Swanson has a strong sense of community and presence on Council.
Councillor Evelyn Stone has been a life long resident of the community and served as Chief in the early nineties and Councillor for several terms since. Evelyn is a Traditional Elder who shares her Knowledge and wisdom with strong values and belief in living in balance with Mother Earth. She has three children who are her pride and joy and is an active volunteer on various committees in Wawa, including Wawa Area Victims Services, Violence Against Women, Wawa Walks 4 Women, the Winter Carnival and she is also called upon by various organizations including local Schools, Churches, Rotary Club and others. She is a past employee of the First Nation in Health Promotion and has dedicated over 30 years to her community. Evelyn looks forward to the future building on the strengths and balance of the membership as a whole, to help guide the journey of walking side by side, looking to the four directions (East, South, West, North) and following the medicine wheel teachings, she can see a clear future for the community, future leaders and children. Evelyn is quoted as saying “together we can prosper one day at a time”.
Emile (Andy) Neyland lives in the Community and continues in service through numerous terms on Council. As a staff member, works diligently to ensure the health and safety of the community as well as being in charge of Operations and Maintenance, Roads, Infrastructure and Heavy Equipment and outside contracting under Band Operated Businesses. Councillor Neyland has been on various boards including the Board of Directors at Dilico and brings a committed and supportive approach to Council business.
Meetings of Chief and Council are scheduled a year in advance usually by Council Resolution and are regularly held once a month on the final Thursday evening to allow members to attend, however, emergency or special meetings may be called at any time by the Chief as necessary. There are typically no meetings in July of each year. The Band Manager with the presiding Chair prepare Agendas for Chief and Council Meetings. Regularly scheduled meeting of Chief and Council may have a In-Camera portion where the public may not attend, for matters of confidentiality, or under negotiation or naming individual members or staff.
Chief and Council, for the duration of their terms, are also the Board Members for two First Nation Corporations, the First Nation of Michipicoten Cultural Association which holds lands in Trust for the First Nation, and the Michipicoten First Nation Economic Development Corporation.
