November 18th - Lisa Whitford Onion Lake Energy

Guest speaker

Guest Speaker Lisa Whitford spoke to the membership about Onion Lake Energy Ltd., which is a 100% owned First Nations Company that holds the Oil and Gas Permits on land owned by Onion Lake Cree Nations.

Onion Lake Energy President, Roy Littlewolf states that: ‘Onion Lake Energy’s vision is to provide quality stewardship of our Cree Nation’s lands and natural resources, in particular our oil and gas fields, which is guided by our leadership, Elders, industry partnerships and our citizenship. Furthermore, our energy company is a responsible and accountable Indigenous company that is helping maximize our wealth through strategic investments into our community’s development and establishing sustainable business ventures to attain our people’s aspirations for economic livelihood.’

Whitford spoke of the need for balance between the partnering of Onion Lake Cree Nations (ONCN) and the Onion Lake Energy (ONE) program working together in the National and International Market toward (a) growth and stability in the community (b) the protection of land and (c) an economic and Partnership Development of Petroleum and Natural Gas Resources.

OLCN and OLE recognize that surface land is as much of a resource as the minerals that lie beneath it and thereby have developed a Strategic Regulatory Process to ensure that the territory is assessed and protected through all phases of oil and gas development.

Whitford reviewed the agreements, developments and partnership goals that have been established up to the present time, and expressed pride in all the avenues that have been developed, as well as the involvement of the First Nations in the community and beyond.

Lisa was introduced by President Paul and thanked by Rotarian Wayde Blythe.

FRATERNAL MOMENTS

The members extended their condolences to Charles Lamb and family on the passing of his mother, Emily Lamb.

The club will retire the badge of George Phillips in the new year.

Welcome back to Dave McCaw who is recovering from knee surgery.

IN AND AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Thank you to Mayor Rob Saunders for laying a wreath on Remembrance Day on behalf of the Rotary Club.

The Salvation Army Kettle roster is being circulated and Rotarians were asked if they would once again participate in this project. Chairman of this committee is Rob Saunders so if you can take a turn please give Rob a call at 780 871 2797.  The Salvation Army will be serving a meal on Christmas Day at the Anglican Church Hall.

An invitation to the Rotary Club membership from the RCMP to attend their Levee social on Thursday, November 28^th at the Legacy Centre beginning at 4:00 p.m. A thank you to the RCMP as this is the first year that the Rotary Club has been invited to attend.

President Paul stated that matching grants are available up to December 15^th and suggested that the club front $1000.00 that we hope will be raised by Gallivanting Gonzo in order to maximize a return on dollars collected.

Randy Aston / Dick Vokins that we send $1000.00 dollars to Polio Plus before December 15^th in order to qualify for all the matching grants available. Carried

Short discussion on ways that the Rotary Club can become involved in some local projects throughout the community: (1) Assist in some financial way with the newly established Olive Tree (2) help the Olive Tree with repairs to their ramp entrance (3) Assist in developing a proper Kitchen for the Olive Tree and/or helping with meals.

A request from the organizers of the Scotia Bank Hockey Day in Canada to be held January 14^th – 18^{th 2014} . They are looking for park attendants at the various venues/events that are happening during this time. If you can help in this way please phone 306 825 1686