Members of the Mi’kmaw community – including family and friends of Sammy Gehue, and the award winners themselves gathered at the headquarter of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) to celebrate the successes of the three award winners, and the recipient of the scholarship. 
 

“I remember Sammy was with us for the first few years of the awards,” said CMM Elder-in-Residence Don Julien, during initial remarks. “This started with a recommendation with Theresa Muise, who was our health director at the time. She asked our Executive Director Dan Paul, saying we should start the Sammy Gehue Awards to honour this brave young boy.”

Don reflected on his participation in the awards over three decades, noting it’s been rewarding to recognize Mi’kmaw youth for their hard work and dedication.

This Year’s Stars

The recipients of this year’s Sammy Gehue Achievement Awards and the Scholarship include the following: 

• Denver Sylvester – A passionate athlete from Membertou, who spent much of 2024 playing with various hockey teams, and in a major tournament in Montreal.
   
• Lilly Copage – A young leader from Sipekne’katik who balanced academics, sports, entrepreneurship and community involvement.
   
• Jesslyn Alivia Dennis – A determined, kind-hearted student from Eskasoni, whose excellence in dance, figure skating, running community engagement and academics, incorporating Indigenous knowledge into the curriculum earned her an award. 
   
• Carly Brooks – A graduating Grade 12 from Sipekne’katik, who earned the scholarship on account of her resilience, and accomplishments in the realm of academics, athletics, the arts and healthy regard for her own personal and professional boundaries and aspirations.

New Venue

This year, the recipients were presented with their awards and scholarship at The CMM’s building in Millbrook, in a packed third-floor boardroom.

The boardroom was full, and host to an optimistic and convivial space, as families, friends and staff alike applauded Denver, Lilly, Jesslyn and Carly for following Sammy’s fine example.

During the event, CMM Director of Governance presented Sammy’s mother Ginger with a bouquet, celebrating her more than three months of advocacy through her support of the awards and scholarship.

Awards

The Sammy Gehue Achievement Awards and Scholarship recognize and celebrate young people’s resilience and determination in the face of overcoming challenges to pursue and achieve their goals.

The goals and achievements that are celebrated through the awards and scholarship are in a variety of fields. The recipients exemplify the strength and determination needed to overcome disadvantages, excelling in academics, sports, humanitarian endeavours, environmental awareness and advocacy, music, and arts – to name a few areas of interest.

That resilience and strength the awards celebrate harkens back to Sammy himself, a brave and determined Mi’kmaw boy who determinedly fought relentlessly against Franconi’s anemia – an incurable condition – living a commendable, brave and exemplary life.

The awards began 32 years ago, and were later expanded to include the scholarship for First Nations students about to graduate from high school, with plans to attend post-secondary education, in 2000.

The CMM received the Business Excellence Award, recognizing exemplary work for its Member Communities over the course of the past year. We sent a delegation of 10 to the event to accept the award on April 16th, at the Inn on Prince in Truro. 

The award was handed out during the Chamber’s 135^th Anniversary Gala, which included dinner and accolades for fellow award winners Business Person of the Year Miriah Kearney, and Duane Rath, the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
 
The award is proof of the reputation The CMM has for hard work in the community. It was the result of multiple nominations throughout the Colchester County area over the two months ahead of the Anniversary Gala.

At the event, the Chamber praised The CMM’s “powerful example of excellence” in the community with its aquatic resources management, health, infrastructure, business development and cultural preservation, adding that The CMM is, “shaping a more empowered and vibrant future for generations to come,” in a citation read out before Anne-Marie Campbell with Mosaik Credit Union presented the award to Elder in Residence Donald Julien and Associate Director Wyatt White.

The gala event was well attended, attracting a crowd of businesspeople from all around the area.

The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce started as the Truro Board of Trade in 1890, and is an organization that boasts more than 500 members across Central and North-Central Nova Scotia in an assortment of business sectors.   

Mosaik Credit Union, the presenter of this year’s Business Excellence Award, is a consolidated credit union, boasting more than 13,000 members from Amherst to Chester Basin, launched in 2024, as the result of a merger of Community Credit Union, New Ross Credit Union and Victory Credit Union. 

The Department of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries Management (DARFM) has earned The CMM recognition throughout Atlantic Canada with its first Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Management (AAROM) Excellence Award.

This award was long time coming, and something DARFM staff were hoping for – but also a bit of a surprise, says Billy Francis.

Billy, DARFM’s Indigenous Fisheries Manager, has overseen and guided the work that earned The CMM the award and accolades it received in January.

“Our AAROM group is one of the largest AAROM groups in all of Canada, let alone just the Atlantic provinces,” Billy said, during an interview with the Comms Department. “Jus to see the recognition from our fellow peers is amazing.”

To prepare for this year’s award, DARFM Director Tyler Sack implemented a strategy that entailed studying what earned the previous recipient their AAROM Excellence Award.

“Tyler had a piece of paper from last year’s award, and he had it all scored out and said, ‘This is what we’re striving for this year,” Billy said.

What won The CMM its award was the open, clear communication between DARFM and the Member Communities who make up its Member Board, he added.

“I do believe it was open dialogue with a lot of the different communities (that won us the award.) We tried to make as much of an impact as possible when we were picking this award up. It was quite a big ceremony, we had a lot of people coming along,” Billy said, noting that it was an event celebrating Indigenous achievement in AAROM and fisheries-related fields across Atlantic Canada.

The AAROM Excellence Award is presented by the Atlantic Policy Congress of the First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC), at the Fisheries Awards Banquet and Ceremony – part of the APC Annual Fisheries Conference. This year, it was held at the Delta Beausejour, from January 28^th to 30^th in Moncton.

Francis and a delegation from DARFM and the OED were attendance. This delegation included including Executive Director Angie Gillis, Resource Management Officer Technician (RMOT) Alfred Young, Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinator Josh Sack, Program Managers Alannah Williams and Kelsey White, Indigenous Fisheries Administrator and Tag Supplier Cathy Irving, Administrator Chera Gilby and Culture, Education and Engagement Manager Alanna Syliboy.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to see our hard work recognized with the AAROM Excellence Award. This is such a meaningful achievement for all of us at CMM, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of our Member Communities and the amazing team we have here,” said CMM Executive Director Angie Gillis.

“It’s been such a journey, and to see this recognition really feels like a celebration of our shared efforts, our culture, and the future we’re building together. I couldn’t be happier,” she added.

The AAROM Excellence Award recognizes the achievements and contributions of members in the fisheries and aquatic resources fields.

The presentation of the award caps off three-day event, where fisheries managers, community members, industry leaders and government staff share and receive updates related to commercial fisheries. The conference also recognizes and celebrates the contributions of members in the past year. 

Jenica Atwin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, visited Millbrook on Aug. 14 to announce the funding, in the presence seven of the eight Member Community Chiefs and a number of CMM directors, managers and staff.

“After numerous discussions, we are so pleased to have these emergency management positions in our communities,” said Trina Khattar, CMM Director of Community Services and Infrastructure.

“We are looking forward to continued discussions with our partners to further enhance emergency management capacity in our eight member First Nations.”

The funding, and the recruitment of staff in the coming weeks, are part of a response to the community-level need for dedicated emergency management coordinators in The CMM’s Member Communities.

With the increasing severity of wildfires, floods, hurricanes and snowstorms, Wednesday’s funding supports the federal government’s efforts to make First Nations equal partners in multilateral emergency management service agreements – which allow First Nations to have a greater say in how they handle emergencies.

The funding and staff it will support will help First Nations continue with a leading role in assessing community need and determining proper course of action in emergency situations.

“The CMM is very happy to host the federal government’s funding announcement today,” said CMM Associated Executive Director Wyatt White after the announcement.

“We believe that this funding will form an important base for growing the capacity for each of our communities to not only meet the challenges of emergencies but to learn and grow from those experiences. The world is challenging more rapidly, and we will work with key partners like the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia to ensure Mainland Mi’kmaq communities get the support they deserve.”

With the federal support, local-level emergency management personnel will help Member Communities respond to events promptly, and in a culturally relevant manner.

CMM Executive Director Angeline Gillis, unable to attend the announcement in in person, said the funding announcement, “marks a significant step in strengthening the resilience of our communities.”

Gillis said support from dedicated emergency management coordinators means better prepared communities, which can handle emergency situations better. This will empower communities to lead in responses that honour Mi’kmaq cultural values and traditions.

“This funding recognizes the importance of Indigenous leadership in emergency management and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding our people and our lands,” Gillis said.

Funding

The CMM’s eight Member Communities will split the federal funding, with portions going to Annapolis Valley, Bear River, Glooscap, Millbrook, Pictou Landing, Sipekne’katik, Wasoqopa’q First Nations and Paqtnkek Mi’kmaq Nation.

August’s funding comes in addition to previous federal funding, which supported the hiring of three coordinators with The CMM and Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) – the new funding brings up the total number of emergency management coordinators in Unama’ki to 11.

A combination of service to community and to the quality of life of its own employees earned The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq the Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS) Reimagining Work Award.

The award was presented to a delegation of CMM team members and Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Tamara Young, who attended the three-day IONS Exchange 2024 event in Membertou, recognizing the top rate workplace culture The CMM exemplifies in its communities – and its own offices.

Exchange 2024

At the three-day celebration at the Eltuek Arts Centre and the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, the CMM’s delegation was presented with a painting from Loretta Gould and acknowledged by IONS for its achievements in front of an audience of around 200 people.

“I had an amazing time at my first Exchange 2024,” said Trina Khattar, Director of DCSI and a member of The CMM’s delegation.

“I felt very welcomed with my team and developed many friendships as well.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, in which second-place recognition was given to New Glasgow’s Summer Street Industries, IONS hosted numerous workshops to engage applicants for the award on May 13 and 14.

These workshops included a series of table talks with experts in various fields called ‘human libraries,’ in which those experts shared insights with guests.

‘Human libraries’ included a variety of discussions from a beading workshop to discussions of good governance and the applications of artificial intelligence in the workplace.

Exchange 2024 also included a panel discussion, through which dignitaries discussed the pros and cons of a four-day work week.

During the May 13^th award ceremony, Chief Young accepted a painting by Loretta Gould from IONS staff.

“It felt like a relaxed environment,” said Young of Exchange 2024.

“The human library experience was different but interesting. It gave people a chance to be heard which I think is what we all really want.”

The events and workshops were officiated by Elders L’lun (Lawrence) Wells and Mary Louise Bernard, opened and closed with traditional drumming performances and the Honour Song.

Achievement

It’s an understatement to say Murphy, who was among The CMM delegates present in Membertou to accept the award, is excited to watch The CMM receive the award.

Speaking to Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Nations News shortly before the May 12-14 IONS Exchange Gathering award ceremony, she said, “I was telling people I want that award so bad.”

While applying, Murphy, HR Outreach Coordinator with The CMM, kept an open mind about the outcome, noting that even if The CMM didn’t clinch first place, she was interested in seeing and learning from what other organizations were up – and how it earned them recognition.

“I was telling people, if there are other organizations that are doing something better than we are, then let’s learn from them, and what they’re doing,” Murphy said.

Murphy noted she is happy to set an example of how to integrate culture into the workplace.

Application

The road to Exchange 2024 began when CMM Executive Director Angie Gillis noticed a call for applications for the award and suggested applying for the award to Lisa Murphy.

“Angie just sent an email and said, ‘Should we throw our hats into the ring?’ I said absolutely and that’s when I started to write the things down that we do,” said Murphy.

Murphy recalled a straightforward and simple application process, compiling information on what the CMM has been doing for its workplace culture.

Murphy sang the praises The CMM in the application she prepared, pointing to the many initiatives the nonprofit implemented to promote work-life balance and morale among employees, with respect for Indigenous culture.

These initiatives include, but are not limited to, a four-day work week; work-from-home options during poor inclement weather; encouragement to attend cultural events during work hours; promotion of culture and spiritual well being with an Elder in residence, HVAC tech that allows for smudging; leave policies that don’t fall within colonial parameters; paid shutdowns twice a year; a social committee to enhance work culture and internal training opportunities.

It took about a month from the point Murphy decided to apply, to the moment she submitted the application.

She stressed the importance of spreading the word about the lengths to which The CMM goes, to serve its member communities and give its employees a good place to work.

“Coming from my last job into here, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, what a difference.’ It was like night and day,” Murphy said.

“(The award) shows how much of a good job we’re doing, supporting our community and our employees.

Reimagining Work

Clary Chambers, Engagement Lead with IONS, said it was difficult choosing a winner, because The CMM is one of many community impact organizations in Nova Scotia that cares a great deal about its employees.

“Where The CMM really stands out is that they are not only doing amazing work in community, but also bringing that same level of reimagining and support to their internal workplace. That’s what we really wanted to highlight with that award, specifically,” Chambers said.

It was a “beautiful coincidence,” Chambers noted, that the event took place in Membertou, with a First Nations nonprofit receiving the award.

“The last gathering was in the Halifax area, so to receive so many people in the place I call home and to see everyone traveling from all parts of the province was great.”

The IONS Reimagining Work Award “recognizes an impact organization in Nova Scotia that demonstrates exceptional practices for justice and equity in their workplace,” states information released by IONS ahead of Exchange 2024.

IONs accounts for unique leadership structures, and practices that enable staff wellness and polices that bring out the best in people, when choosing a recipient for the award.

Impact organizations, such as nonprofits and charities are selected for the award, acknowledging their provision of critical services and solutions for social and environmental challenges – and communities affected by them, and the award is given acknowledging that there are many pressures for resources in work that is often undervalued, leading to stress and other challenges.

The award acknowledges the value of a welcoming workplace, which values the opportunity for transformation, serving both the community and its own employees.

While the event celebrated serious action taken by employers in the community service sector, guests also took some time on Sunday night to let loose, cut a rug and dance to the sounds of a set played by Morgan Toney and Keith Mullins.

The CMM is proud to announce that Angie Gillis, BA, LLB, has been named Executive Director, and Dr. Donald M. Julien, C.M., O.N.S., DCL, DHumL, has been named Director Emeritus.

To see full media release visit: Media Release – Change in the Office of Executive Director 2022

To access the three videos produced for this project, please click the links below:

Siobhan: https://vimeo.com/user177990869/siobhan

Simon: https://vimeo.com/user177990869/simon

Greg: https://vimeo.com/user177990869/greg

To read full release, click here: ADI Community Champions August 2022

Creating an energy efficient home is not a change you make overnight. It is a series of small changes you can make every day, in every part of your home.

Energy efficiency means getting the most out of each unit of energy that you purchase while using it wisely to eliminate ways that your home wastes energy.

Making your home more efficient will make it more comfortable, safer, healthier, and save you money.

What is Energy Efficiency and Conservation? Energy Efficiency and Conservation is doing more with the same amount of energy or less energy.

Unsure of where to start on making your home more energy efficient? Here are some small tips to get you and your family started.

Lowering your energy costs is easy when you switch to LED light bulbs. Start with the lights that you use most often. Any lights that you use more than 2-hours per day is a good candidate for LED bulbs. LED’s make more light with less electricity and they also last longer, saving you more money in your wallet.

The water heater is the 2^nd largest energy user in most homes. One reason for this is that we use a lot of water. Another reason is that we pay twice for water – once for the cost of water itself and again for the cost of heating the water. Reducing the amount of hot water that you use will save money on both bills.

Kitchens are home to appliances that use a lot of electricity and water. You can save up to 5,000 gallons of water each year using a modern dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand.

Living rooms are where most of the electronic devices in our homes can be found. We watch TV, turn on the computer, and use other electronics in our living room, resulting in the costs adding up. Your electronics can draw energy even while they are turned off. The living room is perfect for other energy saving measures as well, especially if it has multiple windows, a fireplace, or several air vents.

Heat is the biggest energy expense in your home. Most homes have a Furnace or HVAC for a heating system. These systems are regulated by a thermostat, which tells the system how much energy to use and control the temperature in your home. Use a Programmable Thermostat to save energy. Have a professional Inspection and tune up on your Furnace and HVAC systems:  Oil burning furnaces should be checked every year. HVAC systems should be maintenance also once a year. And check filters for replacement or cleaning throughout the year.

Cooling your home is just as important as heating it. Before you turn on the air conditioner, reduce your need for cooling. Use fans and natural ventilation first. Make sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible. Clean filters on a regular basis: Why? Dirty or clogged filters block airflow and reduce efficiency.

Your home uses energy through many machines in many places, and it Is important that you take measures to operate each of these as safely as possible.

Decreasing your energy use means making changes throughout your home. Make each change as safely as possible and install some additional safety features, such as a carbon monoxide alarm.

With these simple steps and monitoring your changes, you’ll be saving in no time! Energy efficiency is a journey, not a destination.

Tammy Proulx is the Energy Project Coordinator for the Department of Community Services & Infrastructure. To learn more about this article, Tammy can be reached at Tproulx@cmmns.com or 902-324-3826