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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
Chief David Poitras is pleased with the result of consultations - with elders, youth and general membership - held during April by Salt River First Nation in Fort Smith.

David Poitras: Successful series of meetings held with members.

"I considered it successful," Poitras said of the series of meetings.

The chief noted it may have been the first of such meetings by the band, especially focused on youth, elders and other members.

Poitras explained the purpose was to involve all members in band issues and to get them to trust that they can give direction to chief and council.

"If they give us direction, we will listen to them," he said.

Ray Tourangeau, an elder with Salt River First Nation, attended the elders' meeting and said it went over well.

"I thought it was a real good idea," he said.

Tourangeau added he hopes the First Nation will continue to hold such meetings once in a while to get the membership's point of view on things.

In fact, Poitras said the band might hold these types of meetings at least twice a year. "And, if time permits, maybe quarterly."

The chief and council hosted three meetings. The first meeting with elders 60 years of age and older was on April 11, followed by a meeting for youth aged 13 to 21 on April 12 and a general membership meeting on April 30.

The gatherings focused on educational, social and cultural development, and possible projects for the Salt River First Nation Development Corporation.

"With the elders, we talked about defining their roles in the nation - what they used to be and what they could be now, because things have changed," Poitras said. "We had about eight elders show up, which to me was a really good success."

The youth meeting had a turnout of five young people, which Poitras also viewed as a positive number.

The discussion centred on ideas that could get other youth involved and possible activities that could keep young people busy in the evenings and on weekends.

It was agreed another meeting will be held for youth.

"We're going to let them brainstorm what they want to do," Poitras said, noting Olga Mansbridge, a band councillor, has been assigned to offer guidance and help to the young people as they need it.

Finally, the general membership meeting attracted about 20 people.

Poitras said the band got good feedback on things that it needs to focus on, such as building on culture and language, and developing property it owns around Fort Smith.

"They weren't specific, but they said to go ahead," he said of the suggestions for the land, noting people believe it will help create revenue for the band.

Poitras said the ideas gathered at the April meetings will be considered for a five-year strategic plan being developed by Salt River First Nation.

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