Community Development
The Community Development Program is a fund that members can access for the purpose of creating value for the community of Fishing Lake First Nation. The program reports to the Chief and Council, Trustees, and Beneficiaries.
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The Community Development administration and disbursements of funds are distributed by the Community Development Manager based off the Community Development Policy which is a component of the Fishing Lake 1907 Surrender Trust Restated and Amended Agreement. Under Article 5 of the Trust Agreement the Council is to establish an account to be known as the “Fishing Lake Community Development Account” (the “Community Development Account”). The Trustees are obligated, on or before March 31st of each year, to transfer into the Community Development Account an amount equal to the Annual Distribution, which is an amount equal to “three (3.00%) percent of the average of the closing Market Value Trust Property as of December 31 for the preceding five (5) years”. Upon the deposit of the Annual Distribution into the Community Development Account the funds are to be administered and disbursed by the Community Development Manager of the First Nation for the sole purposes of Community Development and in accordance with the terms of Article 5.
Other than the deposit of the Annual Distribution into the Community Development Account the Trustees of the Fishing Lake 1907 Surrender Trust are not involved in the administration and disbursement of the funds. This is the Council’s responsibility.
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There are seven areas in which the Community Development Program is focused: Economic Development, Housing, Education, Sports and Recreation, Culture and Language, Health, and Urban Gatherings.
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The Community Development Fiscal Year runs from April 1st - March 31st. Only registered members can apply to access the Community Development Funds.
Community Development Staff
Anin! Community Development's Head Office is made up of the CD Manager and CD Clerk. Feel free to contact the Main office if you do not have a Urban Representative.
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We currently have three Urban Representative in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Regina. Calgary's Urban Representative position has not been filled yet.
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To access the Facebook Groups just click on the "Facebook" icon for each area and it will take you to their respective pages.
Urban Events for 2024/2025
SAVE THE DATES!
These are the Urban Events that will be happening in your urban centres. Please contact your Urban Representative for more information or follow their Facebook Pages.
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Please Note: Calgary does not have an Urban Representative at this time so please contact the Main Office for more information.
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Christmas Dinner Dates will be released at a later date, and they are mainly funded by Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation.
Applications
All applications must be completed with the required documents or they will not be approved. If you need help completing your application please contact your urban representative. If you do not have an urban representative please contact the main office.
Economic Development
Small Business
This is a $5000 grant that supports members who want to start, acquire, or expand an existing small business. Members must be 18 year of age to apply for the small business funding. Members can apply every 5 years. Application will be updated May 8, 2024.
Education
Student Enhancement
The education application is to assist band members with educational assistance that is not covered elsewhere. This includes course tuition, a laptop, educational assistance if you have a disability, educational travel for off-reserve students, and a graduation incentive for off-reserve graduates.
Health
Non-Insured
This Program helps members that need emergency travel to see immediate family who are in critical condition. Travel rates vary. It also helps with paying up to $200 for medication, vision, or dental that is not covered by NIHB. Elders 65 years and up can receive up to $600 towards medical, vision, or dental that is not covered by NIHB, as they have higher medical needs.
Health
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance is to help members with floods, house fires, essential bills (only Power, Water, or Energy), and groceries. Members can receive up to $250 per year. This a last resort program, if you haven't already received help from other areas then you can apply for help through Community Development.
Housing
Urban Housing
This application is for members to apply for housing renovations or a purchase of a new home. The program provides up to $2500 for housing renovations every 5 years, and $5000 for a new home purchase every 5 years. Application will be updated May 8, 2024.
Community Development Policy
The Community Development Policy is a living document. The Fishing Lake Surrender Trust gives guidelines as to how the money should be accessed, for example the money can not be used towards a per capita payment. All other direction regarding its distribution comes from Chief and Council. This policy gets updated as motions are passed regarding the funds. The Community Development Manager will always have the most up to date policy.
Policy will be available May 8, 2024.