Good morning Kahkewistahaw First Nation,
We’re just a day away from the Agriculture Benefits Per Capita Distribution (PCD), and I want to provide some important updates on community safety.
Before I get into the community safety update, I want to share a quick note on the Agriculture Benefits PCD. As of yesterday, we’ve processed approximately 845 forms, all of which are now in the queue for payment starting tomorrow.
Please be patient if your EFT doesn’t show up right away. In speaking with other First Nations, some members have waited up to 7 days for their funds to land after being queued—this can be normal especially if your bank account isn’t with TD. Thank you for being patient and #KahkewisthawProud
Back to the safety- in the coming days, you’ll notice an increased security presence across the Nation. This will include the RCMP, our local community safety patrol, and an external security team. Their role is to help keep our homelands safe and respond to any threats or unsafe behavior. If you see them around, please say hello—they’re all good people who are proud to support and work alongside our community.
You can expect to see checkstops, additional patrols, and wellness checks to ensure everyone is doing okay. KFN Leadership will also be out doing home visits today and tomorrow to talk about what’s expected as we head into the PCD.
The expectations haven’t changed—they’ve been in place for the past eight years. For those living on the homelands, please remember:
• No dealing drugs from your home;
• No allowing drug dealers to deal from your unit; and
• No alcohol-fueled parties.
Leadership has removed individuals from housing before for breaking these rules, and we won’t hesitate to do it again. The safety of our children, Elders, and the wider community will always come first. I’ll say it again—the safety of our kids, Elders, and community will always come first.
Later today, we’ll be posting a list of individuals who are banned from entering KFN lands due to past behavior. If any of them show up, the RCMP will be called to escort them off our territory. Anyone caught harbouring banned individuals also risks losing their house.
The Agriculture Benefits payout is a good thing for our Nation—a chance for all of us to move forward in a positive way. Let’s respect the safety plan and use this opportunity to make good choices for ourselves and our families. You all deserve to live in a safe and healthy community. Please do your part to help build a stronger, safer Kahkewistahaw First Nation.
Looking forward to seeing everyone out and about—spring is here, and it’s shaping up to be a great weekend. Enjoy the sunshine and be safe!
On behalf of KFN Council,
Chief Evan Taypotat