September 2023
ELECTION 2023 | MAJOR CHANGES IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS
- Application of the First Nations Elections Act and the First Nations Elections Regulations.
- The term of elected officials is 4 years.
- The election period is 65 days.
- Candidates must accept their nomination in writing (it is no longer automatic following the acceptance of the proposal and the support of their candidacy), and they must provide a $250 deposit (by certified check, money order, bank draft, or cash) to the election chairperson no later than October 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The $250.00 deposit will be refunded if the candidate obtains more than 5% of the total votes cast (votes cast, accepted and valid).
- Postal ballots will be sent by mail only if the voter requests it in writing using the prescribed form and accompanied by a copy of identification (such as an Indian status card, driver’s license, health insurance card).
- There will be an advance poll on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, at the community hall located at 58 Waban-Aki Street, Odanak.
- Possibility of an automatic recount on November 28, 2023, following the conclusion of the vote count, which will be triggered when the difference between a winning candidate and the candidate in second place is equal to or less than 5 votes.
- An elector can challenge the election by filing an application either with the Federal Court or the Superior Court on the grounds that there has been a violation of the Act or Regulation that may have influenced the outcome. This application must be filed within 30 days following the election.
August 2023
July 2023
Odanak celebrates its culture by revitalizing the community’s street names
The Abenaki Council of Odanak is delighted to announce a significant cultural initiative to revitalize the community’s street names. This initiative aims to highlight the Abenaki language and reflect its importance. The new street name signs, featuring the names in three languages – Abenaki, French and English – as well as pictograms symbolizing their meaning, are being unveiled this week at the Odanak Pow Wow taking place this weekend.
Since immemorial times, Odanak has been the guardian of a rich history and deep-rooted culture. As part of this initiative, the Abenaki Council of Odanak re-evaluated existing street names to better reflect the evolution of the Abenaki language and its importance in expressing the community’s cultural identity. Some street names have been corrected to align with current linguistic knowledge, helping to preserve and promote the Abenaki language for future generations.
The pictograms accompanying each street name add a captivating visual dimension to this initiative. They tell stories, convey meaning and invite passers-by to immerse themselves in the very essence of Abenaki culture.
The Chief of the Abenaki Council of Odanak, Rick O’Bomsawin, spoke of the importance of this street name revitalization: “This initiative is an essential step in our quest to preserve our language and culture. By revitalizing street names in an relevant and meaningful way, we are reaffirming our attachment to our roots and our desire to share them with the world around us.”
The Odanak Pow wow festivities represent an ideal opportunity to present these new street name signs to the community and its guests. The Pow wow is an emblematic event that celebrates Abenaki culture and brings together participants from diverse backgrounds. The Abenaki Council of Odanak warmly invites all Pow wow visitors to take the time to discover these revitalized signs and immerse themselves in the history and cultural significance they carry.
This revitalization of Odanak street names reflects the Abenaki Council of Odanak’s ongoing commitment to the preservation of Abenaki culture and language. It also testifies to the community’s determination to embrace a vision for the future that honours and respects its ancestral traditions.
June 2023
Online W8banaki resource directory
A Nation’s culture and traditions brought to light with a new 100% Abenaki web resource directory
The Abenaki of Odanak and Wôlinak Band Councils, in partnership with the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki, are proud to announce the online publication of a W8banaki resource directory.
In addition to offering greater visibility to the Nation’s artists and artisans, the W8banaki (Abenaki) resource directory also represents a means to stimulate economic development. In this authentically Abenaki directory where each registration is validated through a meticulous admission process, the Nation’s arts and crafts will be promoted with the objective of encouraging the dissemination of its culture.
In addition to providing a platform to showcase their arts and crafts, members of the directory can be kept informed of relevant news, such as upcoming events and training. Visitors to the website will be able to verify the authenticity of what is presented. In a context where several organizations, festivals or educational institutions wish to call upon the various First Nations cultural actors present on their territory, this type of directory becomes a precious tool to ensure the authenticity of what is being conveyed.
Thanks to the digital agency ASBAN, artisans, artists and visitors will have access to this new tool. In a spirit of pride and community support, the initiators of the project have chosen to collaborate with this Abenaki business established in Odanak and specialized in several information technology sectors.
Whether you are a future member or simply a visitor, you can visit www.ressourcewabanaki.com. Enjoy your visit!
OPPORTUNITÉ D’EMPLOI POUR LES JEUNES PASSIONNÉS DE LA TECHNOLOGIE (In French only)
Vous êtes à la recherche d’une expérience de travail passionnante dans le domaine des technologie de l’information et des communications (TIC) ? Ne cherchez plus, le Conseil en éducation des Premières Nation (CEPN) vous offre une chance unique de développer vos compétences grâce au programme Connexion compétences – Placement dans les TIC !
L’objectif ? Permettre aux jeunes de 18 à 30 ans d’acquérir une expérience pertinente dans le domaine des TIC.
Téléchargez le formulaire à remplir et retournez-le au [email protected]
Date limite pour soumettre le formulaire d’inscription : 14 juillet 2023 (Ne tardez pas, car les places sont limitées !)
April 2023
MAJOR CONFERENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT: CRUCIAL ISSUES FACING THE W8BANAKI NATION DISCUSSED
A major conference of Indigenous experts and researchers was held today at the University of Vermont. For the occasion, several members of the Odanak First Nation were present, providing authentic representation and cultural participation, in addition to the 100+ members who attended virtually.
Next Public Assembly | Agenda
On Monday, April 24, the public meeting of the Abenaki Council of Odanak will be held.
Until then, we invite you to consult the attached agenda.
We hope to see you there.
