Chief’s Update March 2025

Dear KFN Membership,

The Chief and Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Evergreen Forestry Management presented an update on its current financial challenges, which concluded with a proposed recovery plan. During the meeting, discussions also focused on the completion of current and prior year-end audits to ensure transparency and to prepare for general membership approval. It was also noted that KFN will be working to fill vacancies in the Finance Clerk positions as needed.

Council approved the purchase of a 15-seater bus for the Dene Ts’eh Ts’udaa K’ehondii Koe Daycare. In addition, requests were made to extend the Youth Centre hours for young people, and to explore whether funding from the Justice Program could be utilized for this purpose.

On Friday, March 7, 2025, the Chief and Council met with the CEO to discuss staffing-related matters. Immediate actions were recommended, including increasing council presence with staff, addressing miscommunication, and reviewing social media concerns through the implementation of appropriate policies and procedures. Following the resignation of the Finance Manager, it was strongly advised that all KFN property, including intellectual property, be returned. The hiring of temporary support to address the backlog of data entry was also discussed, as this is critical to the continuation of programs and services.

During the Capital Planning meeting held on March 13, 2025, with Gavin Olvera from the GNWT, Council approved a revised budget for several initiatives. These include the Dene Wellness Building assessment, grave marking improvements, repairs to the community freezer, and transitioning community light poles to cost-effective LED lighting.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Chief and Council attended a meeting in Edmonton with representatives from the Federal Government and GNWT to discuss the RIRSD and TLE negotiations. The meeting was informative and beneficial to Council. The following day, Council met with Baden, Wadden & Duffy LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, to learn about legal services they provide, including employment, governance, election codes, Treaty Land Entitlement, and Agricultural Benefits. Later that day, Council also received a presentation from Mowbrey Gill LLP, a financial advisory firm, on their available services.

During the Council meeting on March 20, 2025, updates from Colliers were reviewed, including visits with members to assess remaining damages from the fire and flood. Discussions also took place regarding equipment availability for upcoming projects and opportunities to source products through the Ehdah Cho Store.

On March 21, 2025, Chief and Council met again with Gavin to discuss updates to the Capital Planning Infrastructure Fund. As a result, Council committed to developing an asset management plan. Planned upgrades include improvements to the community freezer's electrical system, the addition of a proper sanitation and butchering station, and the installation of upgraded streetlights. Council also prioritized implementing outstanding Capital Planning Infrastructure projects before their funding expires and discussed upgrades to the municipal garage.

We are committed to keeping you informed and look forward to continuing to work together for the betterment of our community.

Elaine Auger
KFN Chief