Athabasca Tribal Council

What is a Tribal Council?

A Tribal Council is either: (1) an association of Native American bands in the United States or First Nations governments in Canada, or (2) the governing body for certain tribes within the United States or elsewhere (since ancient times). They are generally formed along regional, ethnic or linguistic lines.

Board of Directors

ACFN Chief Allan Adam, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation

FMFN Chief Jim Bouchier, Fort McKay First Nation

FMFN#468 Chief Ron Kreutzer, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation

CPFN Chief Vern Janvier, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation

MCFN Chief Steve Courtoreille, Mikisew Cree First Nation

The Athabasca Tribal Council as a representative and service organization for five First Nations has undergone major structural changes. The Chiefs and valued employees have discussed the usefulness of the organization and determined that the mission statement should be our goal in meeting the needs of our people.

ATC Organizational Structure


Education

The Department of Education assists, supports and enables ATC First Nations in their education endeavors. Significant progress has been made in reviewing and developing the mandate of ATC Education in cooperation with ATC First Nation members.

The department assists ATC First Nations by:

Developing and promoting effective communication among ATC First Nations and relevant organizations

Facilitating the development of ATC First Nations education programs

Researching and developing effective First Nations education programs at ATC



Finance and Administration

The Department of Finance & Administration is responsible for enhancing the economic well-being of the five First Nations and their members. This involves working with individuals interested in starting businesses as well as expanding existing operations. Assistance ranges from answering inquiries, aiding in the preparation of business plans, to working to procure financing from government sources and financial institutions. Additionally, the department works with potential investors in negotiating joint ventures and creating business and employment opportunities for the member First Nations.



Environment

The Department of Environment’s mandate is to develop strategies to ensure the five First Nations and ATC have the capacity and capability for effective environmental consultation and participation, and to participate effectively in multi-stakeholder regional environmental management systems and initiatives.

Our responsibilities include:

Consultation with communities, ATC, government and industry.

Research and monitoring of field work, ensuring that traditional environmental knowledge is used effectively.

Research and monitoring of field work, ensuring that traditional environmental knowledge is used effectively.

Relationship building between community leaders, stakeholders, environmental proponents and industry.



Finance and Administration

The Department of Administration has three support staff working under the direction of the Executive Assistant. The administration staff are very dedicated and play an integral part in ATC’s success. There is administrative support offered in the development of the Fist Nation policy, capital and operational planning and addressing the needs of the First Nation’s membership, such as post secondary education and training, social services, capital infrastructure, medical transportation referral, and native liaison services. The ATC staff are available for community visitations as and when required.

The Department of Finance performs all accounting and financial planning of the Athabasca Tribal Council. It also provides:

Tax assistance and tax planning for First Nations communities and members

Assistance with budgets and financial statements

Assistance for First Nations businesses with year end closing and financial statement preparation

Performs review engagements for First Nations businesses

Provides First Nations businesses with financial and business advice



Health and Social

At present, the Child Welfare Coordinator is developing an ATC Child Welfare program. The groundwork has been done and in the near future we can look forward to beginning negotiations with the Provincial Government and Indian and Northern Affairs on the agreement necessary for the development of the program. This program will allow our First Nations to form their own policies and procedures in regards to their Child Welfare issues. This step toward self governance ensures the communities are given the opportunity to decide the future of their children in crisis and a welfare system that meets their needs.



Technical Services

The Department of Technical Services mandate is to provide technical advice; aid in designing, planning, inspecting and obtaining other technical expertise; develop funding arrangements; and make recommendations in implementing capital projects (including housing, facility operations, maintenance and conducting environmental assessments).

As well, to adopt and maintain a technical service policy that is consistent with the program directive of the Alberta Region of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, related to the framework for funding Technical Services for First Nations within the region.