Darlene Bess

Information sharing related to Canada’s defence policy and the opportunities for leveraging existing resourcing at UM. Advocacy for dual-use proposals. Information sharing related to opportunities for collaboration concerning development of Canada’s north, including the greater Churchill area. Advocacy for utilization of UM resources such as the Churchill Marine Observatory for Canada’s plans in Hudson’s Bay and the high arctic. Information sharing regarding UM’s research strengths and capacity to assist the Government of Canada. Information sharing on research and innovation opportunities/capacity including facilities and research focus areas. Information sharing and collaboration related to northern and arctic food security. Information sharing on UM’s research strengths in designing resilient all-weather roads and rail-line relocations that improve northern connectivity while minimizing impacts on local wildlife and traditional ways of life. Information sharing and advocacy for support regarding UM’s work with Indigenous communities to increase access and opportunities for Indigenous learners in Manitoba. Advocacy of proposals related to the Build Strong Communities Fund. Advocacy for federal, long-term solution to address challenges experienced by dental college and clinic since the onset of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDPC). Advocacy for changes to immigration policy limiting the number of international students Canada accepts, and advocacy to address the consequences of Canada’s diminished international reputation. Advocacy and information sharing on opportunities for fostering a collaborative and impactful innovation ecosystem that supports researchers, the institutions they represent, and commercialization of ideas and property. Support, advocacy and information sharing related to the mandate of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s ongoing activities. Accessing Government records and archives related to residential schools. Advocacy for support for annual events and programming.

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act, Section 141 Monetizing annual federal infrastructure grants to First Nations to securitize First Nation Finance Authority (FNFA) debentures.

Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials around environmental protections and safe drinking water for First Nations communities including through the reintroduction of Bill C-61 An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands. Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials related to strengthening First Nations policing and obtaining equitable funding. Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials to support residential school commemoration, combat denialism and implement the Murray report obligations. This work includes proposing amendments to Bill C-9 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places).

Discussing the community's projects with an objective of determining best practices to reach full capacity for community-led large-scale projects. This has included asking for direction on potential funding opportunities that are available.

Assist BCAFN in arranging meetings with key decision-makers on BC First Nation community priorities including housing and community infrastructure, justice and policing, fisheries, environmental conservation and climate change.

Raise awareness about the First Nations Bank of Canada; seek opportunities for economic development.

Infrastructure and Housing Investments Description: To advocate for investments in infrastructure and housing, including federal programs that support the development of water and wastewater systems, community facilities, affordable housing, and capital planning that meets the needs of Mamaweswen member First Nations. Administrative and Fiscal Arrangements Description: To work out administrative and fiscal arrangements with the federal government that support Mamaweswen Tribal Council’s exercise of jurisdiction and self-determination, including discussions related to self-government agreements, direct funding arrangements, and governance capacity. Health Transformation and Community Wellness Description: To seek support for the development and implementation of health and wellness programs, including federal investments in Indigenous health transformation, culturally grounded mental health services, addictions treatment, and chronic disease prevention tailored to Mamaweswen communities. Climate Resilience and Clean Energy Description: To secure federal support for clean energy initiatives, climate adaptation projects, and environmental protection efforts led by Mamaweswen. Education, Skills, and Training Description: To engage federal departments on funding and policy supports for culturally relevant education, post-secondary access, early learning and childcare, and skills training programs that prepare members for participation in a changing labour market. Food Security and Community Wellbeing Description: To seek funding for initiatives that promote local food production, food sovereignty, and traditional food systems to improve nutrition and wellness outcomes for Mamaweswen members. Child and Family Services Reform Description: To secure federal resources to support the full implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, including funding for the co-development of Mamaweswen’s child and family services law, prevention-based models, and wraparound supports. Economic Development and Employment Supports Description: To pursue federal programs and partnerships that support economic development initiatives, Indigenous entrepreneurship, workforce training, and employment supports, with the aim of addressing systemic socio-economic barriers faced by Mamaweswen member communities.

Working with Mattagami First Nation to address and gain access to funding for housing, schools and infrastructure concerns in their home community through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, as well as other related government entities. Working with Mattagami First Nation to expedite the Additions to Reserve (ATR) process.

Communicating with government officials about a potential land settlement claim between the Government of Canada and the Soowahlie First Nation.

Arranging meetings with government officials to discuss how the University of Victoria's research and innovation capacity can support the Government of Canada’s defence priorities, including Arctic and maritime surveillance and security International Student Policy Development. Student Assistance Programs. Discussions to support co-operative education and work-integrated learning opportunities for students. Tri-Council Grant Programming (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) and Canada Foundation for Innovation, with respect to research funding Post-Secondary Policies to advance knowledge development and mobilization. Legislation and budgetary measures to support the role of post-secondary education to advance education, innovation, research and science. Discussions regarding supports for research programming related to reconciliation, health, climate, energy, oceans and aerospace initiatives. Partnerships, Policy and funding to advance research, development and deployment of community-based clean energy systems Funding for research and campus infrastructure Advance discussions and supports for UVic’s research centres Continue to advance partnerships and funding to support Ocean Networks Canada Development of a national network for CanAssist to increase opportunities to develop assistive technology equipment for people with disabilities Canada-wide. Support for education and importance of knowledge based economy. Role of Canadian University Research Parks in Commercialization of Research and Technology.