Saqamaw aqq Keptinaq - Chief & Council
Saqmaw Terry Richardson - Chief Terry Richardson
Platinum Jubilee Medal Recipient
Nmultes Terry Richardson. Saqmaw wjit Oinpegitjoig ula April 2020 ewi-iknmuet. Ta’n teluisi-kisna, unaqapeml ula 8 te’sijik. Trevali Mining-iktuk elukuti Mi’gmaq Benefits Manager wjit apoqnmu’ti underground mining aqq mill operator programs wjit L’nu’k New Brunswick-iktuk aqq New Brunswick Community College. Apoqnmu’ti contract aqq employment opportunities. Canadian Forces-iktuk elukuti ula 25 te’sijik aqq nemu’ltesn Canada-iktuk. Bilingual aqq Oinpegitjoig-iktuk etek.
My name is Terry Richardson. I have been Chief of Pabineau First Nation since April 2020. Before that, I served as a councillor for eight years and worked with Trevali Mining as a Mi’gmaq benefits manager, supporting the development of underground mining and mill operator programs for First Nation members in New Brunswick through NBCC. I also supported contracting and employment opportunities. I served 25 years in the Canadian Forces and travelled across Canada. I am bilingual and live in my home community of Pabineau First Nation.
Health Vitalité aqq University of Moncton board-iktuk eyk. Saqmaw wjit Oinpegitjoig ta’n teli-ewi’t, honorarium nnue’gati-iktuk mawi-iknmuei aqq ma’qmit $100,000 kisi-iknmuei ula nawit four te’sijik.
I have had the pleasure to sit on the board for Health Vitalité as well as the board for the University of Moncton. In my time as Chief in Pabineau, I have given my honorarium back to the community, resulting in my giving back over 100K in the last four years.
Ula na nmultes wjit Oinpegitjoig, Capital Construction-iktuk elukuti aqq nemu’ltesn wjit na’sit projects. Apoqnmu’ti Health Center aqq Pow Wow wela’kwejk. Aqq apoqnmu’ti poqji-elukutimk wjit water treatment facility.
During my time in Pabineau, I was responsible for capital construction and worked on many projects, including building our Health Center and our Pow Wow grounds. I also helped begin the work on our water treatment facility.
Canadian Forces nemu’ltesn aqq kejitk tel-kekina’masuti ta’n apoqnmasik ula na nmultes. Aqq nemu’ltesn na 2-te’sijik Administration course Seneca College-iktuk Nova Scotia-iktuk. Ula na nmultes wjit military, nemu’ltesn 3 tours of operation. Na tours nemu’ltesn ta’n wla tel-wela’lin negotiations aqq tel-nmu’ltesnik, aqq tel-wela’lin issues wjit peace aqq wela’lin.
The Canadian Forces gave me many skills that I now bring into my current role. I also completed a two-year administration program through Seneca College in Nova Scotia. During my military service, I completed three operational tours, which taught me the importance of negotiation and how to sit together, talk through issues, and resolve them in a peaceful and respectful way.
Leadership wjit tel-wije’wultinenew, aqq wela’linenew wjit na mawi-elukutijik Oinpegitjoig-iktuk. Ta’n pmi-aji-mlkikna’titaq nnue’gati, kjijitunenew ta’n L’nu’k kisna’tu’titl wjit wli-pimajultijik. Wikuom, kina’matnewey, aqq health me’ we’jitg. Mu Leadership ma’si apoqnmasultinenew, aq mawi-elukutijik nnue’gati-iktuk ta’n tel-elukutijik msit ta’sijik. Nuta’q wela’linenew wjit ula term aq pmi-aji-mlkikna’titaq ekonomi aqq nnue’gati.
Leadership is about working together, and we are fortunate to have a strong team in Oinpegitjoig. As we work to grow our community, we understand the importance of providing what our members need to improve their lives. Housing, education, and health remain priorities. We are supported not only by strong leadership, but also by dedicated community employees at all levels. We look forward to our term as we continue growing economically and working together to strengthen our community.
Ta’n tel-kesalk 2024, nemu’ltesnenew wjit nawit four te’sijik aqq mawi-elukutijik ta’n etlianew. Kjijitunenew ma’si kejimk aq me’ te’s wjit elukutimk. Nuta’q pmi-wela’linenew aqq municipalities etli-iktuk aqq pmi-aji-mlkikna’titaq ekonomi portfolio kulaman Oinpegitjoig mu ma’si wjit federal aqq provincial funding. Gas station Vanier Blvd-iktuk pemi-elukuti aqq strip mall kisi-kisi’tuatenew ula 2024. Aqq mali elukutenew green energy hub Port of Belledune-iktuk aqq opportunities ta’n wetapeksultijik development wjit SMNR (Small Modular Nuclear Reactors), Hydrogen, Battery Storage, Clean Steel, aqq ta’n ta’sit developments.
As 2024 comes to a close, we look ahead to another four years with our current team. We recognize that much has been accomplished and that important work remains. We continue to strengthen relationships with neighbouring municipalities and grow our economic portfolio so that Oinpegitjoig relies less on federal and provincial funding. Our gas station on Vanier Boulevard is operating, and the strip mall will be completed in 2024. We are also actively involved in the green energy hub at the Port of Belledune and the opportunities it creates through SMNR, hydrogen, battery storage, clean steel, and other developments.
Ta’n wjit tel-kesalk, wela’lioqnenew L’nu’k aqq na’tel communities etli’tijik. Join us at events Oinpegitjoig-iktuk aqq experience our hospitality.
Gesite’lmnenew nnue’gati aqq enjoy sharing Oinpegitjoig wjit na pijila’sultijik.
Nuta’q pemi-elukutenew ta’n elukuti’ltijik saqamawik aqq keptinaq ta’n etli-iktuk.
Nuta’q pmi-aji-mlkikna’titaq nnue’gati aqq wli-pemi-aja’tuatenew.
Nemu’ltesnenew ekonomi aqq pemi-ankweyulnenew opportunities ta’n apoqnmuk Oinpegitjoig pemi-aji-mlkikna’titaq.
In closing, we welcome members of neighbouring communities to join us at events in Pabineau and experience our hospitality. We are proud of our community and enjoy sharing it with those who visit. We carry forward the work of past leaders and continue to move our community in a positive direction. We look ahead to economic growth and remain open to opportunities that will help Pabineau continue to develop.
Keptinaq Susan Ducasse - Councillor Susan Ducasse
Keptinaq Oinpegitjoig-iktuk elmiet — Mawio’miwunugwasi Oinpegitjoig tel-elsit kisi-gbejo-elmiet aqq kepmite’tmimk L’nu’g.
Becoming a Councillor for Pabineau First Nation felt like coming home and honouring the people.
Apje’jite’ji’jk eym Montre’yal-iktuk aq nejinu’k wije’wultijik. Nijina’qike’kik apji elaqteket aq apaja’sit wjit nutaqann. Kekina’muetijik ninen wjit a’tukwaqn aq wjit nutaqann.Wjit ula ninen apje’jite’tmuk aq kejitultijik tami teluisi. When I was young, I lived in Montreal with my family. My parents often travelled and returned to our homeland. They taught us our stories and where we come from. Because of that, we grew up knowing who we are.
Peji nji’nukewey ketu’tmuk: nmitasulti’k aq niji’jijik aq nenu’tmuk ntlamugsis Gilbert a’tukwet. Ula a’tukwaqn teluisi wjit nuji-kiskukl aq nmiamkewey — a’tukwaqn aq a’tukwenaq. Peji-ji’nm wjit ninen elukuti’kewey ewi’kiket ula a’tukwaqn. One of my favourite memories was sitting with all my cousins and listening to Uncle Gilbert tell stories. These stories were the history of our ancestors — legends and teachings. They were told by one of the most vibrant members of our community.
Wela’kwikn iknmueyik eymk aq elmi’kewey eymk wjit naji-iktuk teluisi aq elukwemkewey kejitua’timk. Ula kejitua’timk apoqnmuaji nji’nukewey elita’simkewey. Nekm atawi elita’sit ta’n teluisi. Ewi’kat wikuom aq elita’sit Christmas kisikukewey mawiomi, nji’nukewey kejitua’timk apoqnmuaji nemi ta’n teluisi wenjit.
The values and teachings passed down through our family help us understand who we are and where we come from. This understanding strengthens our identity and sense of belonging. It helped me understand who I am. During family Christmas gatherings at home, these teachings helped me learn where I come from.
Ula na poqji projects ta’n apoqnmu’ti:
These are some of the first projects I helped with:
Samqwan treatment system
Water treatment system
Apoqnmu’ti Samqwan Operator wjit ango’toq Samqwan Water Treatment System. ISC aqq Health Canada aqq mawi-elukuti kulaman Samqwan Water Treatment System wela’kwik elukuti aqq kepmite’k samqwan nnue’gati wjit. Aji-wele’g Landscaping.
Assisting the water operator in maintaining the system.
Working with ISC and Health Canada to help ensure the system is operating properly and providing safe water to the community.
Upgrading our landscaping.
Kepmite’k ika’taqn
Sacred Garden
Ninen ango’toq nnue’gati aqamkewey aq apoqnmuey ninen Kisikuinu’k. (Snow removal, lawn mowing, flower beds)
Enhancing our community environment and supporting our Elders. (Snow removal, lawn mowing, flower beds)
Nnue'gati awti Community Roads
Ninen ango’toq awti-paqte'tk, wastew awtiget, aq pavement awti teluisi. All of the street care services; we monitor potholes, snow removal, and pavement conditions.
Netukulimk — kepmite’tmunk maqamikew aq kisnaqn wjit ninen nnue’gati aq wenjit kisikuinu’k. Sustainability—respecting the land and resources for our community and future Elders.
Ninen ankita’sit samqwan pemkiaq aq maqamikew pemkiaq. Monitoring flood zones and erosion and designation
Maqamikew eptaqn wjit nnue’gati. Addition to reserve.
Maqamikew wikmu’k wjit L’nu’k nnue’gati aji-pmi-mkasik aq elita’simkewey, aq wasoqtesmu’kl ni’pisoqonl ango’toq. Acquiring land for the expansion and furthering the development of the community, including power pole management.
Ninen elukuti’k aq NB Power wjit ango’toq eleknmu’k aq wjit kepmite’k ninen nnue’gati. Elita’simkewey elukuti’k aq INAC, CMHC, Health Canada, JEDI, FNIIP, aq ACRE wenjit ketu’tmuk — me’ tal-wije’wultijik aq kepmite’k elukuti’kewey nji’nukewey apji kisikuk. Working with NB Power to maintain the power lines and ensure our community meets the latest safety standards. Asset management planning to work with INAC, CMHC, Health Canada, JEDI, FNIIP, and ACRE is a challenging but rewarding opportunity I face daily.
Wjit kepmite’tmunk ula elukuti’kewey, nji’nukewey ewi’kiket elita’simkewey teluisi ta’n teluisi ninen wikmu’k aq elukwemk kisnaqn wjit kepmite’tmunk ula elukuti’kewey.
Nekm kepmite’tmunk kisnaqn teluisi aq wenjit wjit ninen mawiomi, aq mu ninen teluisi wen ke’sk wjit kisi-wijewultimkewey L’nu’k nnue’gati. To accomplish these projects, I need to present an airtight plan of how we will acquire and use resources appropriately to complete projects. I ensure the resources are spent in the right places and that we never let greed surpass the greater good of the community.
Ta’n teluisi Oinpegitjoig wenjit maw-wije’wultimk aqq apoqnmuatultimk.Msit ta’n elukuti, wjit nnue’gati. Ninen mite’lm aq L’nu’k.
L’nu’k Oinpegitjoig-iktuk pmi-elita’sultijik aqq pmi-aji-mlkikna’titaq nnue’gati.
Kekina’masultinenew wenji-iktuk ta’n teliaq, aqq pmi-wije’wultinenew.
Mu pmi-wije’wultinenew ta’n kewaqa’tasik, aqq pmi-elukuti’kw wjit welta’sulti’kw.
Ninen a’tukwaqn, ninen kejitua’timk, aqq ninen goqwei kisi-wi’katmuetinenew apoqnmuaji L’nu’k aq pmi-aji-mlkikna’titaq Oinpegitjoig.The future of Pabineau First Nation comes from working together and supporting one another. Everything I do is for the community, and my heart is with the people. The people of Pabineau First Nation will continue to shape the future of our community. We learn from our experiences, correct our mistakes, and continue forward together. We leave behind what has harmed us and work toward positive change. Our stories, knowledge, and voices help strengthen one another and support the well-being of Oinpegitjoig.
Keptinaq Jim Richardson -Councillor Jim Richardson
Cert. Bus Admin, Bcomm, MBA
Jim ji’nm Oinpegitjoig-iktuk New Brunswick-iktuk. Canadian Armed Forces nemu’ltesn senior officer, aqq mali nemu’ltesn ta’n tel-apoqnmasik Government aqq private sector-iktuk. Jim na poqjiaq Aboriginal graduate Queen’s MBA in-residence program-iktuk.
CEO, Chief Financial Officer, aqq lender wjit bank cash management-iktuk nemu’ltesn. Nemu’ltesn aqq tel-apoqnmasik auditing, marketing, project management, program delivery aqq operations, strategic planning, aqq financial aqq human resource management.
Jim is a Mi’kmaw man from the Pabineau reserve in New Brunswick. He served as a senior officer with the Canadian Armed Forces and has extensive senior-level experience in government and the private sector. Jim was the first Aboriginal graduate in the Queen’s MBA in-residence program.
He has worked as a CEO, chief financial officer, and as a lender with a bank in cash management. His experience includes auditing, marketing, project management, program delivery and operations, strategic planning, and financial and human resource management.
Apji-iktuk Jim eym Peru-iktuk Amazon basin-iktuk aqq nemu’ltesn volunteer.
Economic Development Officer elmiet ula January 2020. Ta’n tel-kesalk April 2020 Oinpegitjoig Election, Keptinaq elmiet aqq mali nemu’ltesn wjit Economic Development.
Nemu’ltesn member wjit Government-sponsored Task Force on Aboriginal Development Financing, ta’n eym Chair wjit Regulatory Issues Sub-Committee. Mali nemu’ltesn na’tel ad hoc committees National level-iktuk, aqq apji-wi’katmuet Canadian Banff Centre for Management-iktuk wjit Aboriginal Financial Management Program.
Jim mawita’sit Rossana aq ne’wt te’sijik mijua’ji’jg: Deborah, Scott, Robbie aqq Guanluca.
Until recently, Jim lived and volunteered in the Amazon basin in Peru. He assumed the role of economic development officer in January 2020, and after the April 2020 Pabineau First Nation election, he was elected Councillor with ongoing responsibility for economic development. He was a member of the Government sponsored Task Force on Aboriginal Development Financing where he chaired the Regulatory Issues Sub-Committee, he served on a number of ad hoc committees at the National level, and he was a frequent guest lecturer at the Banff Centre for Management in their Aboriginal Financial Management Program. Jim is married to Rossana and has four children Deborah, Scott, Robbie and Guanluca.
More on Jim Richardson:
Keptinaq Carolyn Fraser - Councillor Carolyn Fraser
Ta’n tel-elukuti Campaign wjit Keptinaq, teplumatl L’nu’k nnue’gati-iktuk wjit L’nu’k nnue’gati-iktuk kisi-welta’sulti’kw aqq kisi-weli-pemi’kw, apje’j ta’n ma’si ketu’tmuk. Ninen nnue’gati eymk Homelessness, Poverty, Unemployment, Addictions, Low Income, Food Bank Shortages, aqq na’tel goqwei ketu’tmuk.
Throughout my campaign to pursue the councillor position, I vowed to give the community’s people a chance to live the healthiest, most fulfilling life, even when the stakes are challenging. Our community faces homelessness, poverty, unemployment, addictions, low income, food bank shortages, etc.
Ninen L’nu’k wjit wi’katmuet. Apje’j ji’nm, mu nemi ta’n ketu’tmuk ta’n nnue’gati aqq nji’nukewey nemitu’k. THIS TERRIFIED ME ta’n kisi-gbejo-elmiet Oinpegitjoig-iktuk apje’j ji’nm, geitu’n ta’n ninen cousins Foster Care-iktuk kisi-wi’kmaqnmi’tijik.
Ula ninen a’tukwaqn aqq history. Mu wen kisi-asi-petu’tmuk.
Apje’j mu nemi ula, mali me’ gesite’lmnen aqq kejitultinenew L’nu’k nnue’gati-iktuk ta’n nemitu’k.
Ninen mite’lm kesaq wjit Foster Care history. Ula wenjit kisi-apoqnmuatultinenew aqq pmi-aji-mlkikna’titaq L’nu’k.
Oinpegitjoig-iktuk eym ula early 1980s aqq nemitu’n jobs me’ pemi-kisi-wi’kmaqnmi’tijik.
Ninen nnue’gati maw-wije’wultimk aqq mali apoqnmuaji resources wjit apje’j nji’nukewey. Maw-wije’wulti’kw, kisi-ango’toqnen Seafood Market, Gas Bar, aqq mali kisi-wi’katmuetinenew mawi. Mali maw-wije’wulti’kw, me’ kisi-pijila’sulti’kw wjit na’tel opportunities.
I am a representative of my people. Growing up, I didn’t face the same challenges my community may have faced as children and families. THIS TERRIFIED ME when I moved back to Pabineau as a teenager, knowing full well that my cousins had been taken into foster care. That is a part of our history that we will never forget. Even though I did not experience it, I strongly empathize with my connections within the community that did. My heart breaks for the history of foster care, which is the root in my heart for empowering our people. I have been on the reserve since the early 1980s and have watched jobs become more available. Our community has increased our efforts in working together and improving resources for young families. Together we have built up the seafood market, gas bar, and a stronger, more unified voice. As we continue to work together, more exciting opportunities are on the horizon.
Apje’j ta’n tel-elukuti Health Liaison/Keptinaq, maw-elukuti Healing Team aq nnue’gati wjit mawio’mi’l aqq events.
Ta’n tel-ketu’tmuk aqq ta’n tel-welta’sulti’kw, maw-elukuti ninen team aq apoqnmuaji nnue’gati kulaman kisi-welta’sulti’kw, kisi-apoqnmuatulti’kw, aqq kisi-weli-pemi’kw.
Ta’n Community Member passes away, maw-wije’wultinenew aq apoqnmuatultinenew L’nu’k nnue’gati-iktuk. Support aqq resources kisi-iknmuksi’kw wjit all that are grieving.
COVID-19 kisikuk, kisi-ango’toqnen educational resources aqq vaccination distribution nnue’gati-iktuk.
Ninen Walk-in Breakfast na welta’sultimkewey mawio’mi. Oinpegitjoig-iktuk, L’nu’k aqq locals mawio’mi’tijik wjit Breakfast aqq maw-wije’wultimk.
RCMP aqq na’tel organizations apji-mawio’mi’tijik aq pemi-kejitua’tijik L’nu’k.
Apoqnmuajinenew ula kulaman welta’sultimk aqq maw-wije’wultimk kisi-pemi-aji-mlkikna’titaq RCMP aqq na’tel Breakfast apoqnmuetijik.
Ninen telita’sit apoqnmuet aq kisi-wije’wultimkewey wen. Ta’n ketu’tmuk, eymn aq apoqnmuaji support, kesalulitmunk, aqq prosperity wenjit nnue’gati.
A few ways that I, as the Health Liaison/Councillor, work with the community is to coordinate with the healing team to facilitate community events. Through sickness and in health, I work with our team to ensure that the community is enriched, encouraged, mentored and healed during life’s highs and lows. A few examples of this is when a community member passes away, we come together to offer support and resources for all that are grieving. With COVID-19, we organized educational resources and vaccination distribution throughout the community. Our Walk-in Breakfast is one of our favourite events, although missed during this season. Pabineau would gather with the locals to share over breakfast. The RCMP and other organizations would frequently join in to spend quality time getting to know our people. We encourage this because we wanted to foster positive relationships with the RCMP and other members who help facilitate the breakfast. I believe that I play an essential role as being the go-to player. When we are in need, I will be there creating a common unity with support, love and prosperity at the forefront.
Apji nemu’ltesn Oinpegitjoig Band-iktuk aqq Home Aide Worker wjit Kisikuinu’k aqq persons with disabilities. Ula nemu’ltesn apoqnmuaji ninen team. ASIST trained aqq Doula trained. Mali apoqnmu’ti Children’s Oral Health Initiative Program kisi-gbejo-ankita’sit. Mali maw-elukuti Healing Team partnership wjit Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & 2 Spirited LGBTQ+. Ninen ango’toq promotional events. Full-time board member eym Chaleur Resource Center for Parents. Msit ula programs wenjit pemi-aji-mlkikna’titaq communication, family literacy, emotional ties, health, aqq safety.
Some past positions I have held positions that make me an asset to this team are the Pabineau First Nation Band, Home Aide worker for the care of elders and persons with disabilities. I am ASIST trained, and I am trained as a Doula. I was also instrumental in reviving the Children’s Oral Health Initiative Program. I am very involved in the Healing Team partnership of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls & 2 Spirited LGBTQ+. I coordinate our promotional events. I am a full-time board member of the Chaleur Resource Center for parents. All of these programs aim at promoting communication, family literacy, the development of emotional ties, health, and safety.
Apji teluei:
“Msit L’nu’k nnue’gati-iktuk kisi-iknmuksi’kw a chance.”
Wjit ninen, ula teluisi ta’n pmi-elukuti’kw aqq pmi-wije’wulti’kw wjit welta’sultimk aqq me’ wla teluisi.
I will often say:
“I want everyone in the community to have a chance”.
To me, this means we are always moving forward to a brighter future.