I
am pleased to report to you on the legal services area for the Chippewas of
Kettle & Stony Point First Nation.
I
am pleased to report to you on the legal services area for the Chippewas of
Kettle & Stony Point First Nation.
I have been representing the First Nation since shortly after being called to the Ontario Bar in February 2001. The focus of my cases have traditionally included, and currently entail, the development and review of both employment and commercial contracts; defending the First Nation in actions brought against them, including matters before the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Superior Court of Justice, a Public Commission of Inquiry, and in adjudications under the Canada Labour Code. Other representation on behalf of the First Nation included extensive involvement in the resolution of disputes prior to the institution of formal process, review of by-laws, the development of a Landlord & Tenant regime, and the providing of general advice to the First Nations Manager, Chief & Council and the many Boards, Committees, and Departments within the First Nation. A comprehensive review of all by-laws is underway with a report to follow shortly.
Currently I am the Chair of the Kettle & Stony Point Justice Committee, a member/community representative on the Union of Ontario Indians Appeals & Redress Committee, and a member of the newly developed Community Constitution Development Committee, with all areas indicative of the growth and progression of our community.
This past year has again seen many changes including the conclusion of the Ipperwash Public Inquiry with the Commissioner’s final report expected in early 2007, and a new area that I will become more involved in which is land claims. I will be heading up the Clench file for the First Nation, which will be underway in the near future, and taking on more of an involved role in the Camp Ipperwash file which is lead by Bill Henderson, Legal Counsel. Bill and I worked jointly as well on the Ipperwash Inquiry and I look forward to that continued relationship.
With a teamwork approach between myself as Legal Counsel for the First Nation, the First Nations Manager, and the various Department Managers, the First Nation has seen a marked and steady reduction in the amount of employment litigation and actions to be defended. Contributing to those gains, existing employee discipline policies (both formal and informal) continue to be modified and implemented in a consistent and measured way as part of the on-going review and updating of the overall Employment Manual. Similarly, it is a team effort at the Council table, as leadership partners with administration to ensure consistency in policy adherence; development of regulatory frameworks such as bylaws and policies; and corporate structures are implemented - all with a focus on “getting it right the first time”. This effort is beneficial for the community as it proactively addresses potential liability and risk factors.
I am pleased to be a part of the “team”, as well as an active member of the community, and am pleased to be reporting to you on the developments and activities within the area of Legal Services.
Jonathon George