Please be advised that the XXXIII Keewaywin Conference has been confirmed for August 5, 6 & 7, 2014
GRAND ENTRY
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) XXXIII Keewaywin Conference will again open with the Grand Entry. NAN would like to invite and encourage the attending Chiefs and/or Proxies to partake in the Grand Entry. The Grand Entry will mark the opening of the meeting on Tuesday August 5th.
NAN would like to request the attending NAN First Nations leadership to bring their First Nations’ flag as they will be carrying their flag in the Grand Entry. Furthermore, NAN encourages the NAN Leadership to bring their traditional headdresses and other ceremonial items with them. Flag poles and holders will be provided. Dignitaries will also be invited to participate in the grand entry. The flags will remain in the conference room throughout the conference.
If you require additional information or require clarification, please contact Joe Wheesk or Michael Heintzman at (807) 623-8228 or NAN toll free 1.800.465.9952.
CONFIRMATIONS/REGISTRATION
Each Chief/Proxy must complete the attached pre-registration form to confirm his/her attendance. Please email to Gail Dick at gdick@nan.on.ca or fax to (807) 623-7730, Attention: Gail Dick.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Travel arrangements will be made for Chiefs/Proxies for travel on Monday, August 4, 2014 and Friday, August 8, 2014. Air travel will be booked by Nishnawbe Aski Nation. For use of a personal vehicle, NAN will cover the mileage and will be based on the NAN daily recommended rate. Any travel stay-over costs, including meals and incidentals, will be the responsibility of the First Nation. Gail Dick will be contacting Chiefs to confirm their attendance and travel arrangements. She can be reached at gdick@nan.on.ca or NAN toll free 1.800.465.9952.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for Chiefs/Proxies, Elders, and guests of NAN will be booked by NAN Staff.
PROXIES
If you are unable to attend, a proxy may be sent. Proxies must be a member of your First Nation and a Proxy notice must be sent in advance on letterhead and signed by the Chief and Council or a quorum of the Council. This letter will ensure that the proxy has full conference privileges to act on your behalf. The designated proxy should bring the original letter to the meeting. A sample proxy letter is attached. Please fax proxy letters to (807) 623-7730, Attention: Gail Dick.
ELDERS
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Elder’s Council is invited to attend and NAN will cover their travel expenses and accommodations.
First Nations and Tribal Councils bringing additional Elders are responsible for all expenses incurred including travel, accommodations, and honorarium.
Elders contact is Jackie Shewaybick and can be reached at 807-625-4951 Direct Line, NAN Toll Free 1.800.465.9952, or via email jshewaybick@nan.on.ca.
WOMEN’S COUNCIL
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women’s Council is invited to attend and NAN will cover their travel expenses and accommodations.
Women’s Council contact is Christine Simard-Chicago and can be reached at 807-625-4953 Direct Line, NAN Toll Free 1.800.465.9952 or via email csimard@nan.on.ca.
RESOLUTIONS
The Resolutions Co-Chairs for this year’s Keewaywin Conference will be Luke Hunter and Bentley Cheechoo. Resolutions to be considered at the Assembly can be forwarded electronically to Luke Hunter at lhunter@nan.on.ca or via fax at (807) 623-7730.
OPEN CALL TO CHIEFS FOR AGENDA ITEMS – DEADLINE: FRIDAY JUNE 27
This notice is also a formal call for agenda items from the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. If there are any priority issues or items that you wish to discuss at the NAN Keewaywin Conference, please contact Pauline Mickelson at (807) 625-4924 Direct Line, NAN Toll Free 1.800.465.9952 or via email pmickelson@nan.on.ca by Friday, June 27, 2014.
DRAFT AGENDA DISTRIBUTION & FORMAT
NAN Keewaywin Conference Draft Agenda is tentatively scheduled to be distributed on Friday, July 4, 2014. In terms of format in handling resolutions during the Assembly, please advise if you would like resolutions to be dealt with at the end of each day or on Day 3 of the conference. Portions of the meeting may be held In-Camera.
ANNUAL REPORT 2013/2014 CHIEFS ADVANCE COPY, PROGRAM AND RESOLUTION REPORTING
NAN Annual Report 2013/2014 Chiefs Advance Copy will be mailed out to NAN Chiefs by Monday, June 9, 2014. A complete Annual Report 2013/2014 with audited Financial Statements and NAN Program and Resolution Updates will be distributed to the Chiefs at registration.
KEEWAYWIN AWARDS AND BANQUET – NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: FRIDAY JULY 4
The Keewaywin Awards nomination form is now available, attached and downloadable from the NAN website at www.nan.on.ca. The following awards are available: NAN Elder, NAN Woman, Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership and the NAN Youth Awards for Academic, Athletic, Leadership/Community Involvement and Cultural. The criteria for each award is included in the attachment. Deadline date to submit Keewaywin Awards nominations is Friday, July 4, 2014.
The Keewaywin Awards and Banquet will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay. Chiefs/Proxies are welcomed to bring one guest each to the Keewaywin Awards and Banquet.
If you require any additional information or require clarification, please contact Joe Wheesk or Melinda Meekis, Conference Coordinators, at (807) 623-8228 or NAN toll free 1.800.465.9952.
Click Here for Registration Form
Click Here for Draft Proxy Letter
NT5
