Lac La Ronge Implementation Tables

La Ronge – Morin Lake Reserve (Hall Lake) – Stanley Mission – Little Red – Sucker River – Grandmother’s Bay

Location: 241 km north of Prince Albert
Population: La Ronge #156 (2225)
Kitsaki #156B (649)

Contact information can be found on the Contact Us page.

The town of La Ronge is the centre of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. The central office administers the outer communities of Morin Lake Reserve and Sucker River. The communities of Stanley Mission, Grandmother’s Bay and Little Red River, are self-administered.

Most of the information about La Ronge can be found on this website, as it is the central office.

Available at Lac La Ronge Indian Band Office

Culturally Significant Areas (excerpt CCBP, 2012).
The reserve area of Lac La Ronge is largely developed with most of the culturally significant areas falling outside of the reserve boundaries, specifically within areas around Egg Lake, Nemeiben Lake, Clam Lake as well as La Ronge Lake. However, within the Lac La Ronge and Kitsaki settlement area, culturally significant areas include a burial ground that is adjacent to the highway and nearby the Jeannie Bird Memorial Clinic. Also at the southeastern part of the reserve on the waterfront there is another site that was identified as culturally sensitive. These areas identified should be respected and preserved as the community develops in the future.

In addition to the lands identified as culturally significant within the Kitsaki and Lac La Ronge settlement areas, the Band (LLRIB) has its traditional territory as stretching from Big Sandy Lake in the South, to Foster Lake in the North, putting much of central Saskatchewan within the traditional territory. The Band has identified the location and significance of this territory, and has developed goals for these lands in its LLRIB Policy on Traditional and Contemporary Land Use.

Google Map – https://goo.gl/maps/RjbuJhTjkLN2

Community Survey Response Summaries:

2019-04-29-LAC LA RONGE-Summary

2019-05-01-ALL RESPONSES-Summary

Community Development Plan

PDF Download – 2022-LLRIB-CCP-Lac-La-Ronge

Acknowledgements

This Community Development Plan was developed with significant input from the members of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) under the leadership of the Community Advisory Team (CAT). In the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the Executive Director applied for funding and began lobbying Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to pursue funding for comprehensive community planning; funding was provided in December 2018. The project began with the recruitment of two Navigators, Leonard Roberts in La Ronge and Cora Ballantyne in Stanley Mission. The CAT was appointed by Chief and Council, they began meeting and developing a plan of how to involve as many LLRIB members in community development planning as well as providing direction and support to the Navigators. The Advisory Committee members were as follows:

Chair:	Gladys Christiansen	La Ronge
Co-Chair:	Gordon Hardlotte	Stanley Mission
Councillors:	Ann Ratt	La Ronge
	Mike Bird	La Ronge
	Jimmy Charles	Stanley Mission
	Gerald McKenzie	Grandmother’s Bay
	Devin Bernatchez	Sucker River
	Norman Ross	Morin Lake
	John Halkett	Little Red

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the former members: Kenny Ratt (Sucker River), Angus Mirasty (Little Red), Larry Charles (Stanley Mission), they were instrumental in providing direction and feedback for this comprehensive community plan.

The LLRIB Chief & Council and management team (program directors) are involved in regular strategic planning, every 3-5 years the plan is updated. However, the last community planning took place in 2006. It was time to go back out to the communities to solicit their input and feedback as to what had been accomplished since the last community plan. The Comprehensive Community Planning Initiative provides an opportunity for community members to have a voice in the community’s needs, goals and informs the leadership and management of the communities’ priorities.

The goals in the Comprehensive Community Plan are the results from the community feedback we received from LLRIB members, it is community based planning. What we heard from the community is that everyone wants a safe community, where families can feel safe in their homes and communities.

There are 4 stages to these plans, gathering information, identifying strengths and issues, identifying priority areas and lastly, implementing and monitoring the plan. Our job is to ensure that these plans do not sit on the shelf, that we are all working collaboratively towards these community goals. We all want safe communities for our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren now and into the future.

1 Introduction
1.1 Community Development Initiative
1.2 The Planning Process
1.3 Community Engagement
2 Community Profile
2.1 Community History
2.2 Demographics
2.3 2012 Community Plan – Action Areas
2.4 Strategic Planning
3 Community Goals
Governance
Land, Resources & Environment
Health
Education
Infrastructure / Public Works
Housing
Social
Economy
4 Community Action
4.1 How to Use This Plan
4.2 Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating this Plan
4.3 Implementation Table

1 Introduction

1.1 Community Development Initiative

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The Community Development Initiative (CDI) is an approach to community planning that establishes a vision for the future and prioritizes community projects and programs for implementation to pursue the vision. The philosophy guiding the plan is that members themselves can improve the community by working together, building consensus on priorities and actions, building on community assets and developing individual capacity.

The plan integrates goals and actions included in other planning documents already established by the community. The plan provides leadership and staff direction on how key issues in the community should be addressed to work towards self-sufficiency. The plan can also be used to leverage funding and partnerships from external agencies.

The plan includes measurable indicators that can be used to assess the overall health and well-being of the community. Being able to measure progress is important as it allows community members, leaders, and federal agencies to understand what effect investment is having in the community. Over time, the consistent measurement of capacity development and community well-being indicators allows for periods of reflection on progress and a greater understanding of how future investments can address the community’s evolving needs and priorities.

Lac La Ronge Indian Band has undertaken significant work to develop the plan. Having clear community vision, goals, and actions that are endorsed by the community is critical to a prosperous future. The community is committed to supporting a plan that captures local ideas and aspirations, provides direction for the future, and serves as a tool for
immediate and ongoing action.

1.2 The Planning Process

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1.3 Community Engagement

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The most fundamental characteristic of the Community Planning process is that it is community based. The goals and measurement tools described in this Plan are a direct response to the concerns, suggestions and feedback of community members, band staff, and Chief and Council. Ideas contained in the plan have strength, power and endurance because they come from the people of LLRIB.

During the creation of this Plan the following community engagement opportunities were shared with members to contribute:

Community Survey (February 2019 – April 2019)
School Engagements (March 2019 – April 2019)
Treaty Day Engagements (May 2019 – June 2019)
Urban Member Treaty Day Engagements (June 2019)
Staff Questionnaires (2019)
Elder Interviews (2019)
Youth / School Engagements (March 2019 – November 2019)
Community Meetings (October 2019 – November 2019)

2 Community Profile

2.1 Community History

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Treaty 6 – 1876

On August 23, 28, and September 9, 1876, Treaties were signed near Fort Carlton and near Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. The promises written in the Treaties included assistance with transition of a new way of life; right to hunt, trap, and fish; tax exemption; education; medical assistance, reserve land, agricultural tools, support, and peaceful co-existence with the newcomers, Treaty annuity payment of $5.00 for each status member; purchase of ammunition and twine for nets; farming tools: hoes, harrow, scythes, hay forks, reaping hooks, axes, cross-cut saw, hand-saw, pit-saw, grindstone, auger, carpenter’s tools, wheat, barley, potatoes and oats to plant; and housing or buildings and compensation made for the value of any improvements.

Treaty 6 Adhesion, 1889

Adhesion to Treaty 6 between the Woodland Cree and representatives of the Crown were signed at the north end of Montreal Lake, Saskatchewan on February 11, 1889 by James Roberts and his headmen (Elias Roberts, Amos Charles, Joseph Charles, and John Cook). Treaty adhesions were signed at later dates because not all First Nations could be present at the treaty negotiations. The adhesions are the same as the treaties originally signed near Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt. Vicky Roberts, the granddaughter of Chief James Roberts, wrote that James Roberts was hesitant to sign
treaties at first because he was afraid if he signed the Treaty “…there would be trouble for his people in the future, yet if he did not sign, his people would starve to death, as they were near starvation by this time” (Roberts, V. 1997). The clause in the Treaty which promised to help the Indians in time of famine persuaded him to sign.

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band was formerly named Chief James Roberts Band. In 1910, the James Roberts Band split into two bands, one stayed as Chief James Roberts Band which included Little Red River Reserve, and all outlining areas except Stanley Mission. The other band was under Amos Charles which covered only the Stanley Mission reserve. The two bands amalgamated in 1950 and became known as the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities are: Morin Lake Reserve (Hall Lake, Sikachu, Clam Lake Bridge), Stanley Mission, Little Red River, Nemeiben (also known as Sucker River), Grandmothers Bay, and La Ronge (Bells Point, Queen Street, Far Reserve, Big Stone, 101, Jack Pine, Morin’s Hill, Second Post, Big Rocks, Charles Street).

2.2 Demographics

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2.3 2012 Community Plan – Action Areas

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Action Area 1: Capitalize on Our Assets to Stimulate Entrepreneurship. Promote economic development and entrepreneurship, increasing opportunities for Band members to gain skills and start businesses that build on the unique strengths of LLRIB.

Action Area 2: Open Communication, Governance, and Leadership. Foster discussion and community involvement, encouraging community engagement and communication across LLRIB.

Action Area 3: Re-Invent Housing. Innovate new approaches to housing, developing housing option that meet the local needs of the community and serve as catalysts for community development.

Action Area 4: Promote Recreation and Wellness. Provide new opportunities for all Band members to be active and healthy in their daily routines.

Action Area 5: Empower Youth. Develop spaces, structure and supports that enable youth to succeed as the future leaders of the community.

Action Area 6: Build Connections. Provide access to infrastructure and services that creates regional connections between the six communities to improve quality of life on a daily basis for all Band members.

2.4 Strategic Planning

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The LLRIB undertakes Strategic Planning every 3-5 years to identify the overarching vision and the priority goals, outcomes, and strategies which support the most critical functions the Nation must take. The most recent Strategic Plan from 2019 sets the strategic goals for the Nation’s departments until 2023. The Strategic Plan Vision is:

Tradition – Innovation – Success
aniskach isihtwawin – tukoota – kuskihowin

The five strategic goals include:

Goal 1 – Enhance the presence of Woodland Cree culture and language in all communities.

Establish and implement a Woodland Cree Culture and Language Framework as the foundation for all school operations. – Education
Establish an Elders’ Network to support and link current and future Elders to each other and to support members and community events and ceremonies.- Membership & Elders’ Council
Develop Cree language materials using innovative technologies to assist in the acquisition and use of Woodland Cree. – Education – Cree Language & Culture
Identify and implement approaches to support the traditional economy (fishing, hunting, trapping, culture and arts). – Economic Development, Education, Health

Goal 2 – Enhance the physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being of all members.

Improve Band Security Services through increased patrols and expanded powers of Community Support Officers. – Support Services
Open and sustain a Wellness Center to address members’ addictions and mental health challenges. – Health
Establish access to nurse practitioners in all communities. – Health
Enhance access to traditional health practices. – Health & Elders’ Council
Renovate, improve or expand existing businesses (community stores/gas stations) to provide more consumer goods and choice. – Economic Development
Increase the delivery of proactive parenting supports. – ICFS, Health
Expand recreation services for youth to include more non-sporting activities as well as traditional crafts and skills, and arts and music.- Recreation, Education, Health

Goal 3 – Enhance existing housing conditions and increase new home availability.

Identify approaches to increase the cycle of renovations to existing houses. – Public Works & Housing
Complete Home Ownership Policy. – Public Works & Housing
Increase communication to all members regarding the various opportunities for home ownership. – Public Works & Housing

Goal 4 – Enhance educational programs and services for all children and youth.

Establish an Educational Authority to secure enhanced funding to deliver improved programs and services from K4 to grade 12. – Education

Goal 5 – Enhance members’ independence and life skills.

Develop and implement bridging programs to transition off or minimize reliance on welfare. – Social Development, Economic Development
Establish and implement a job creation strategy. – Economic Development, Education
Establish youth summer employment programs to meet community needs (spring clean up/landscaping/home painting) – Economic Development, Education
Identify and deliver opportunities for more trades training and post-secondary course offerings in communities. – Education (Post Secondary)
Investigate the use of alternative energy sources (solar, wind, water) and co-generation projects to reduce electricity costs. – Economic Development
Complete and implement an Advances and Emergency Funds Policy – Finance & Administration
Adapt/Develop and implement a financial literacy education program for members. – Social Development, Education
Develop and implement a home maintenance education program for all home owners and renters. – Public Works & Housing

3 Community Goals

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Community feedback collected through the various forms of engagement helped to create the guiding goals and actions included in this section of the Plan. Based on the input of LLRIB members, a planning wheel was developed that includes eight priority areas all surrounded by the theme of culture. For each theme, background information, data, and community goals are provided.

Governance

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Background

LLRIB leadership consists of 12 Council members and one Chief governed under a Custom Electoral system that requires an election be held every three years The Chief and Council is the elected government of the LLRIB. Their function is to provide good government for the Band by implementing by-laws and policies, carrying out strategic planning, ensuring fiscal management and monitoring the overall band operations. The Chief and Council have delegated the day-to-day administration of Band programs to its only employee, the Executive Director. This position in turn is responsible for supervising for Program Directors, who are then responsible for to the Band’s public/civil servants within their departments.

To provide the necessary administrative and financial support to the programs delivered by the Chief and Council, an administrative infrastructure has been established. The main administration branch for the communities for La Ronge, Sucker River and Hall Lake are in the Central Office in La Ronge.

The 2012 Community Plan outlined the following action and commitments for the area of Governance:

Action Area: Open Communication, Governance, and Leadership

LLRIB Commitments:

Organize, come together, and participate in regular community and Band-wide meetings, events, and sessions.
Provide welcoming, safe, and supportive environments for all Band members to participate and share ideas about the future of LLRIB.
Improve communication within and among LLRIB’s member communities.

Community Goals

Enhance safety and security in the community

Neighborhood watch program
Security & RCMP involvement
Youth center
Curfew
More street lighting
More involvement with the parents
Enforce dog bylaw
Safe transportation
Remove drug dealers from the community

Address gang activity in the community

Neighborhood watch
Family support programs
Youth committee & Youth programs
Educate students about risks of gang life
Support system for victims
Cultural activities for healing and prevention

Bylaw Development and Enforcement

Establish an Animal Control Bylaw
Develop a Noise Bylaw
Establish a youth curfew
Enforce drinking and driving laws
Develop partnerships with La Ronge and Air Ronge for compatibility and enforcement

Improve communication between members and leadership

Increase participation of Chief and Council at community events
Hold additional community meetings
Use of social media & print materials (posters / flyers / newsletters)

Community Data

Number of annual community meetings – TBD
Number of training sessions attended by staff – TBD
Male to Female Ratio for Chief and Council – TBD
First Nation election turnout – percent of eligible voters – TBD
General Assessment Score – TBD
Change in General Assessment Score – TBD
Number of general band meetings held annually – TBD
Average length of time served in role of Chief and Council members – TBD

Land, Resources & Environment

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Background

The LLRIB Lands and Resource Office protects the traditional lands and traditional activities for LLRIB members. The Lands and Resource Office provides services for the leadership, administration, and membership. The Lands and Resource Office is committed to the ensure aspects of the “Duty to Consult and Accommodate” are being met with government, business, and industry.

LLRIB Lands and Resource Office Mission:

The mission of the LLRIB Lands and Resource Management Board is to ensure the meaningful engagement of LLRIB in all decisions surrounding Resource Development and Land Use in LLRIB Traditional and Shared Territory with the objective of balancing sustainable economic diversification, environmental health and sustainable traditional use by LLRIB Band Members in keeping with the values of our ancestors and our history as Treaty peoples, for the benefit of present and future generations of LLRIB members.

LLRIB is a multi-reserve Band with 19 reserve lands which amount to 210,003.5 hectares. They include:

Bittern Lake 218 – 6,886 hectares
Four Portages 157C – 0.20 hectares
Fox Point 157D – 56.70 hectares
Fox Point 157E – 4.20
Grandmother’s Bay 219 – 4,488.90 hectares
Kiskinwuhumatowin – 2.90 hectares
Kitsakie 156B – 74 hectares
Lac La Ronge 156 – 605.40 hectares
Little Hills 158 – 517.20 hectares
Little Hills 158A – 38.30 hectares
Little Hills 158B – 131.20 hectares
Little Red River 106C – 12,939.30 hectares
Little Red River 106D – 2,590 hectares
Morin Lake 217 – 14,146.10 hectares
Old Fort 157B – 5.40 hectares
Potato River 156A – 409.50 hectares
Stanley 157 – 251.30 hectares
Stanley 157A – 3.8 hectares
Sucker River 156C – 156.80 hectares

Culturally Significant Areas

The reserve area of Lac La Ronge is largely developed with most of the culturally significant areas falling outside of the reserve boundaries. Within the Lac La Ronge and Kitsaki settlement area culturally significant areas include:

Montreal River
Old cemetery located in downtown La Ronge
Old cemetery located in Air Ronge
Residential school site and cemetery in downtown La Ronge
Anglican Church in downtown La Ronge
Mass grave area located near the Keethanow Gas Bar next to 101 Reserve (remains have since been relocated to Far Reserve cemetery)
Old rock stove and chimney located next to Keethanow Gas Bar
Little Hills Cemetery (location of first treaty days and the burial site of Chief James Roberts)
Hudson Bay Post (south of La Ronge near Bells Point)
Dog Island (situated southeast of the RCMP station in La Ronge)

Community Goals

Protect the Environment

Protect the lakes and water sources from contamination
Monitor lake for contamination
Remove fuel tanks located near the lake
Prohibit littering in community areas and lakes
Restrict tree removal but allow for thinning of vegetation to prevent wildfires
Reduce pollution from mines
Relocate the lagoon further from community center

Protect Traditional and Historic Sites

Little Hills
Fox Point
Graveyards
Mushroom land
Bells Point
Churches
Keethanow Corner
Old Hospital
Cultural site downtown
Traditional hunting areas, traplines, and berry picking areas.

Community Data

Population density – TBD
Land acquired through land claims – TBD
Number of Urban Reserves Created – TBD
Active number of leases – TBD
Active number of permits – TBD

Health

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Background

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services Inc. promotes healthy communities for the well-being of all community members in the communities of La Ronge, Sucker River, Hall Lake, Grandmother’s Bay and Little Red Reserve.

The LLRIB Health provides these programs and services:

Prevention and recovery
Mental Health
Indian Residential School
Suicide Prevention
Family Violence & Crisis Counselling
Cultural Support
MMIWG
Medical Transportation
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Long Term Care
Wawhtwikumik Group Home
Administration
Public Health Nursing
Water quality control
Sexual Transmitted Disease
Dental Health
Prenatal/Maternal Health
Health Education
Youth Wellness
Home Care Services
Diabetes Nursing
CHR Support
Emergency Response Coordination
Jordan’s Principle Support

LLRIB Health Mission:

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services will provide quality and efficient programming which is equitable and accessible while supporting and ensuring the holistic wellbeing of all band members in each of our communities.

LLRIB Health Vision

The five (5) communities we serve will work together to promote and enhance healthy lifestyles by ensuring accessible and quality health services.

The 2012 Community Plan outlined the following action and commitments for the area of Health:

Action Area 4: Promote Recreation and Wellness

LLRIB Commitments:

Provide a variety of recreational programs that suit a wide range of interests, skill levels, and age groups.
Improve the physical structure and organization of each community to ensure fun and recreation become part of a daily routine.
Focus on greater community involvement and volunteerism.

Community Goals

Ensure access to health programs and services in the community

Expand addictions support services
Expand mental health support services
Install numbers on homes to support emergency responders
Enhance medical services and training for staff and first responders
Establish a community nursing station
Develop a larger health centre
Develop a pharmacy in the community
Provide physical therapy services
Expand home care support for Elders on reserve
Improve communication and awareness of available health services
Expand pre-natal programs
Expand after care programs
Expand Cree speakers on health staff to translate
Emphasise the medicine wheel in health treatments
Provide sexual health education programming

Promote nutrition and physical activity

Expand access to healthy food options in the community
Develop a community garden
Expand nutritionist support services
Provide meals on wheels service for Elders
Provide healthy lifestyle workshops
Provide more opportunities for programmed recreation in the community (dance classes, yoga, sports tournaments in the community, etc.)
Provide more facilities for recreation (music / dance studio, gym / fitness centre / rec-plex, skate park, sports recreation fields i.e. baseball, soccer, etc., swimming pool, curling rink, outdoor track, indoor skating rink, youth centre)
Provide exercise programs for Elders
Expand diabetes education programming

Community Data

Number of diabetics – TBD
Mortality rate – TBD
Immunization rate – TBD
Number of health clinic visits – TBD
Tenure of Health Services Staff – TBD
Number of ambulance / medical taxi / fly outs – TBD
Number of first responders in community

Education

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Background

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Education – Vision:

The education of our children is based on the culture, values, skills, and pride of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. Educational activities reflecting Woodland Cree culture and Cree language are to be integrated into the provincial curricula to provide the educational foundation from which the individual student can learn to live successfully and happily in any society. By providing educational experiences that interconnect the child’s community, Cree language, history, and culture, the provincial curricula, and the world at large, our children will acquire the skills, knowledge, and strength
to enable them to assume productive roles as adults.

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Education – Mission Statement:

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band, N-12 Education Program will provide an education that meets the unique needs of our children; that emphasizes the four goals of pride, culture, skills, and values; and that helps our children achieve academic excellence and proficiency with the Cree Language. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Post Secondary and Adult Training Program will provide support to Lac La Ronge Indian Band members to gain access to post secondary education, training, and employment opportunities to attain the qualifications, skills and experience needed to pursue individual careers which will further contribute to effective Band government and economic self reliance.

LLRIB Education Department Goals:

To provide a consistent educational program for all students within the system.
To implement and maintain educational programs that meet the unique needs of our students.
To provide educational programs that provide opportunities for all our students to learn and develop knowledge and skills needed to successfully participate in society, whether on or off reserve.
To provide educational programs that will develop pride in our students.
To provide educational programs that promote and upholds the traditional values of the members of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
To provide a programs and levels of service that are equal to the standards prescribed for education within the province of Saskatchewan.
To provide educational programs that involves elders, parents and other community resources.

Community Goals

Enhance Youth education programming

Incorporate traditional teachings, culture, and history in education curriculum and provide additional opportunities for Elders to be involved in education
Provide opportunities for students to study through lands-based teachings
Provide additional after school programs
Pursue additional funding for education programs
Establish an anti-bullying program
Ensure technology is current in schools (i.e. computers for the school / establish community computer lab)
Provide additional post-secondary education financial support
Establish mentorship program for students

Enhance adult education programs and services

Provide parenting classes and programs
Offer Adult Basic Education Certificate Program
Offer General Educational Development course
Provide safety training courses
Provide childcare services for adult students
Provide transportation services or funding for transportation for students to be able to get to courses / training
Provide drivers education courses
Provide evening / weekend certificate training programs

Community Data

Population on-reserve with a High School Diploma or equivalent – TBD
High school graduation rate on-reserve
Students funded by post-secondary program
Graduation rate for Post Secondary Education
Waiting list for post-secondary program
Grade 12 graduates that attended postsecondary school
Certificates last 5 years -TBD
Diplomas last 5 years – TBD
Degrees last 5 years – TBD
Masters last 5 years – TBD

Infrastructure / Public Works

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Background

Water

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band is partnered with the Town of La Ronge and the Village of Air Ronge and owns the Lac La Ronge Regional Water Corporation. La Ronge receives treated water from the Regional Water Treatment Plant located in the Town of La Ronge. The plant was commissioned in 2011 and serves the tri-community. Potable water is piped to all community buildings and homes except for 51 homes on Kitsaki 156B that receive water via transport trucks. These 51 homes are currently being serviced and will be complete by 2021.

Sewage

Similar to the water service, all but 51 homes are connected to the central sewer system and the rest are pumped out by sewer truck. There are 8 sewage pumping stations that transport sewage to the sewage lagoon located just off the reserve and is shared with Air Ronge. The lagoon is due for an upgrade and the feasibility study to begin this process is scheduled for 2022-2023.

Basic Services

All houses are connected to electricity and almost half of the homes are connected to natural gas. The rest of the homes will eventually be converted from either electric heat or propane.

Solid waste is picked up by truck and hauled to the Regional Landfill southeast of the reserve. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band is partnered with the Town of La Ronge and the Village of Air Ronge and owns the Lac La Ronge Regional Waste Management Corporation.

Public Works provides road maintenance, animal control services and the garage provides vehicle and heavy equipment repair.

Community Facilities

Community Hall/Centre
JRMCC
Youth Centre
Bingo Hall
Band Hall
Band Store
Band Office
RCMP Detachment
Keethanow Gas Bar

The 2012 Community Plan outlined the following action and commitments for the area of Infrastructure:

Action Area 6: Build Connections

LLRIB Commitments:

Enhance and build new infrastructure to ensure direct, safe, and accessible routes to important destinations within and between each community.
Develop creative and affordable transportation options for residents to travel within and between each community.
Create gathering spaces that will link communities and people together.

Community Goals

Maintain Community Infrastructure

Remediate vandalised properties
Regularly clean and maintain all community facilities
Improve drinking water quality
Upgrade water lines to homes

Invest in Community Facilities and Infrastructure

Develop additional playground areas
Establish a recycling program / depot
Establish disposal service for large items (appliances, furniture, etc.)
Provide larger garbage bins
Invest in fire fighting equipment (i.e. fire hall, fire trucks, hydrants)
Provide regular garbage pick up services
Develop a new Community Hall

Improve community road conditions

Develop sidewalks / pedestrian walkways along main roads
Pave main roads
Regularly grade / maintain roads
Install streetlights
Fix potholes
Install speed bumps to slow traffic

Community Data

Number of boil-water advisory days – TBD
Number of trained water technicians – 2
Length of roads on reserve by category – TBD
Internet connectivity speed, point of presence – La Ronge has up to 50mbps service via Access cable and all other communities have SaskTel or Satellite and up to 10 mbps

Housing

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Background

LLRIB HOUSING MISSION STATEMENT

To improve the living conditions of all Members by providing Members with access to affordable housing that meets all health and safety standards through an orderly and regulated housing delivery system that is fair and equitable for all Members and by ensuring that the existing Housing Stock is maintained.

LLRIB HOUSING GOALS

Housing Department aims to fulfil the following housing goals for its Members:

To build and provide access to safe, affordable and energy efficient housing that meets applicable building standards
To develop and administer a maintenance program to ensure minimum levels of health and safety are met
To extend the useful life of the Band’s existing Housing Stock
To promote homeownership on LLRIB Land

The Housing Department manages Band rental units, INAC (non-rental) units, duplexes, 4-plexes and apartments. Housing applies annually for the funding of new housing projects and coordinates the construction with contractors, trades, utility companies and suppliers.

The 2012 Community Plan outlined the following action and commitments for the area of Housing:

Action Area 3: Re-Invent Housing

LLRIB Commitments:

Design and build housing that responds to local needs and conditions.
See every housing project as a way to use and develop local resources (existing infrastructure, material, skills, knowledge, etc.).
Build community pride in housing through innovation.

Community Goals

Ensure Members have access to appropriate housing

Complete Home Ownership Policy
Increase communication to all members regarding the various opportunities for home ownership
Identify approaches to increase the cycle of renovations to existing houses
Develop an Elders home
Develop bachelor housing units
Develop additional homes to address overcrowding
Renovate existing homes

Community Data

Housing wait list – 282
Number of dwelling units on-reserve – 927
Average persons per household on-reserve – 4
Percent of dwellings that are crowded – 41%
Percent of dwellings that are in adequate condition – 35%
Percent of on-reserve dwellings that require major renovations – 10%
Percent of dwellings that need replacement – 10%
New dwellings constructed in past three years – 60
Number of empty lots ready for development – 68
Number of housing units for community staff (i.e. teachers, CFS, RCMP, nurses, etc.) – 20

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Background

The LLRIB Social Development Department provides services and resources to individuals who reside on reserve and are unable to meet their basic needs. The department also provides Pre-Employment Supports (PES) programming. The PES program aims at increasing an Income Assistance client’s employability by addressing barriers to employment. PES provides client supports specific to the individual client, within a service delivery case management model. PES Caseworkers provide individualized assessments and develop Mandatory Action Plans that will identify how a client plans to remove barriers to employment and develop the necessary skills and enter educational programs that lead to training and employment (AANDC, 2014). The following are some possible services and programming that PES may offer in order to increase their clients’ employability:

Literacy Courses
Budgeting
Work Skills Training
Safety Ticket Training
Driver’s Education
GED/ABE
Obtaining Identification Cards
Work Experience
Life Skills Training

The Band Membership is also under Social Development, membership is maintained by the Membership Officer. The Band Membership Officer records all events (births, deaths, marriages, divorces, miscellaneous amendments, forced age of majority) to Indigenous Services Canada for the Indian Registry, including transfer requests in and out of the LLRIB. The Membership Officer reports to Chief and Council regularly to update the population statistics and events reported. Indian Status Cards are issued from this office to Band members and to other person(s) applying from other Bands across Canada. Population statistics are completed yearly. The Membership Officer also assists LLRIB Members only in completing assorted forms/ applications.

LLRIB Restorative Justice Program

LLRIB provides a Restorative Justice Program with mediation services delivered by aboriginal people in La Ronge for youth and adults who come into conflict with the law. The mediator attempts to bring people and resources together, so that the harm caused by the offence can be repaired. Agreements often involve community healing, compensation and emotional closure. The Restorative Justice Program service area’s include La Ronge, Hall Lake, Sucker River, Grandmother’s Bay and Pine House.

LLRIB Child and Family Services

In March 1994, the Minister of Social Services, now the Ministry of Social Services, announced that a Tripartite service agreement had been signed with Chief & Council of the LLRIB and Lac La Ronge Child and Family Services Agency Inc. This agreement authorized Lac La Ronge Indian Band Child & Family Services Agency to take direct operational responsibility, for the delivery of child and family services, to the band members in the six LLRIB communities. The ICFS Agency is responsible for the administration and operation of the following services and programs, subject to the legislation of The Child & Family Services Act for the Province of Saskatchewan and the ICFS Agency Policy & Procedures:

Child Protection Services
Foster Care Services
Professional Management and Staff
Public Awareness and Education
Training in Human Resource Development
Program Evaluation
Family Support Services
Preventative Services
Child and Youth Services

The 2012 Community Plan outlined the following action and commitments for the area of Youth (social development):

Action Area 5: Empower Youth

LLRIB Commitments:

Develop a variety of inclusive and ongoing activities, programs, and events that will build and enhance skills and knowledge and encourage creativity.
Provide safe, nurturing, and secure places for youth to gather, learn, and have fun.
Enable and encourage parental involvement and support regarding their children’s well-being.

Community Goals

Motivate and inspire youth to achieve their goals

Bring in role models to engage with Youth
Teach basic life skills
Expand Youth Centers hours
More parent involvement
Educate about higher education
Acknowledgment for achievements
Funding assistance
Expand programs available
Land base training
Hold additional cultural events
Provide sports and recreation activities
Address violence
Provide transportation services

Community Data

Adult correctional services, custodial admissions in Saskatchewan by Aboriginal identity –
Number of homicide victims –
Missing and murdered indigenous women and men –
Men/women victims of spousal abuse –
Number of Income Assistance Clients –
Number of suicides per year –
Number of community of events per year –
List of volunteer boards, committees, etc. –

Economy

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Background

Lac La Ronge is the service centre of the LLRIB, supporting a substantial number of local Band member run businesses and providing a central location for public services and administration.
Keethanow Group of Businesses central office is located at La Ronge Band Office and administers the businesses for the communities of Sucker River, La Ronge, and Hall Lake. The Goal of Keethanow Group of Business is to provide retail for Northern Saskatchewan and employment opportunities for LLRIB Members. The businesses currently operating in the Keethanow Group of Businesses include:

Keethanow Food Supermarket
Keethanow Lumber and Furniture
Keethanow Gas Bar
Keethanow Bingo North
Sucker River Community Store
Hall Lake Gas Bar
Bells Point Corner Confectionery

Additionally, Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership (KMLP) is a privately owned corporation run by a Board of Directors made up of LLRIB Chief and Council. KMLP’s mission is to promote job creation for Band Members and provide opportunities for training and skill development by investing in a variety of private businesses, funding community development and sponsoring student scholarships. With its head office in Lac La Ronge and administrative office in Saskatoon, KMLP employs more than 600 people including 100 Band Members and manages a portfolio of diverse
companies including:

Athabasca Catering Limited Partnership
Canada North Environmental Services Limited Partnership
First Nations Insurance Services Limited Partnership
Kitsaki Procon Joint Venture
Kitsaki Vegetation Services Limited Partnership
Northern Resource Trucking Limited Partnership
March Consulting Associates Inc.

The 2012 Community Plan outlined the following action and commitments for the area of the Economy:

Action Area 1: Capitalize on Our Assets to Stimulate Entrepreneurship

LLRIB Commitments:

Increase and support skill development and education opportunities for all individuals.
Foster exploration and entrepreneurship that builds on the unique strengths of the LLRIB.
Develop more opportunities for all six communities as well as off-reserve members to work together to develop innovative Band-wide projects.

Community Goals

Enhance members’ independence and life-skills

Establish and implement a job creation strategy
Establish youth summer employment programs to meet community needs (e.g. spring clean ups, community landscaping, home painting projects)
Investigate the use of alternative energy sources and co-generation projects to reduce electricity costs

Create employment opportunities for members

Develop commercial enterprises such: movie theatre arcade, café, farm, fish plant, forestry, tourism, dispensary, entertainment centre, clothing store, grocery store, community garden, gold mining/mineral exploration, gravel company, hunting grounds, franchise stores, sawmill.

Community Data

Own source revenue as share of government revenues –
Economic leakage –
Income assistance dependency rate –
Employment rate –
Employment growth –
Percentage of employed individuals working full-time –
Unemployment rate –
Average employment income, full-time, fullyear workers –
Percent of government transfers as personal income –
Percent of employment in public sector industries –
Percent of self-employment income –

4 Community Action

4.1 How to Use This Plan

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The CDP is everyone’s plan. We all have roles implementing it. The following are some examples of what community members, champions, Chief and Council, and community staff will do.

Community members will:

Contribute strategies based on individual passions and strengths
Participate in activities and events that bring the vision alive
Commit to be informed, provide input and share with family
Honour the work that has been done

Champions will:

Provide advice and encouragement to help develop a detailed plan for each theme
Hold knowledge in that topic area
Connect and encourage community members to participate in plan implementation
Meet with other champions to share information, coordinate among themes, and review progress toward the vision
Identify and mentor potential future champions

Chief & Council will:

Champion the plan, and each theme within it
Approve, implement, and report on the plan
Work with champions related to the various Council portfolios
Liaise with and lobby other organizations and governments

Community Staff will:

Use the plan objectives as a guide for ongoing work and development of proposals for new initiatives and funding
Engage and facilitate community members and Champions to develop plans for each theme

Overall, we will:

Empower ourselves and each other; we are all leaders, with opportunities to take initiative
Think proactively, when you sense something coming, consider what needs doing and how you can contribute to a proactive response
Cooperate in teams, working and playing together creates opportunities for synergy, learning, mutual support and fun
Use our values and principles: remembering who we are, what is important to us, and how we work together will help us succeed
Keep it positive: be constructive, building on individual strengths and community assets
Treat conflict as an opportunity for learning: practice compassion and reflective listening when we have disagreements
Celebrate and recognize achievements: honour the contributions of individuals and teams toward our success in implementing the plan
Add new community reports to the master copy of this CCP, which will ensure a ‘library’ of documents is maintained and available for leadership and various departments to review

4.2 Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating this Plan

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The CDP is intended to be a living document. This means it will be monitored and updated as community priorities evolve.

Monitoring

We will document activities and achievements that contribute to the plan and its implementation on an ongoing basis. Once a year, we will celebrate what we have accomplished together. Recognition of steps towards that visions, both small and large, will help energize us to keep moving forward. We will repost on progress annually, using this plan as a guide for communicating about what has been done and how.

Evaluating

We will assess the process and results of plan implementation every 5 years, or more often if needed. The Executive Director will ensure that the evaluation of progress toward implementing the Community Strategic plan occurs in a timely and inclusive way. Champions and staff will carry out the evaluations and engage interested community members.

Updating

We will review our visions, values, principles, goals and objectives following each evaluation of progress toward plan implementation (every 5 years, or more often as needed). We will update the Plan based on community needs and priorities identified through community engagement. This updating will help up make sure we continue to grow and evolve as a community. We must remain willing and able to respond to changes in the world, taking advantage of emerging opportunities and addressing external challenges.

4.3 Implementation Table

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There are many identified actions and projects the community would like to undertake as a result of this Community Development Plan. This information is illustrated in the Implementation Table which summarizes community priority areas, describes their relative importance, and identifies what resources are required. The Implementation Table should be referred to and updated often as projects are completed and priorities change.

The Implementation Table, along with information within this document, should be used when applying for grants and/or project funding opportunities. This ensures leadership, various departments, and community organizations are working towards the same goals.