Good morning Kahkewistahaw First Nation,
I am still positively reeling from our very own Saskatchewan Roughriders winning the Grey Cup. I wish I could have made the parade yesterday, but I was in the office for a full day of meetings. The parade looked amazing and now we bask for a year in Grey Cup glory!
Today, I want to address three topics: the Housing Assistance Program, the Elders Trips Budget and the Christmas Bonus.
I can confirm that the $1 million Housing Assistance budget allotted for this fiscal year is now fully allocated. Approximately 60 KFN members accessed these funds for mortgage down payments or renovations on homes they own. These dollars came directly from the Agriculture Benefits budget, exactly as we committed.
We plan to continue this program next fiscal year, the year after that, and beyond, so long as our investments continue producing returns for the Nation. However, for the remainder of this fiscal year, we are no longer accepting applications.
The program will restart on April 1, 2026, with another $1 million allocated for those who didn’t apply, as per the policy.
Elders Trip Budget:
Here is some clarity on the Elders Trips. Our original plan was to take as many elders as possible on a trip, and we accomplished that through three separate trips involving approximately 80 elders and their partner or helper.
When we presented this plan last January, we committed and budgeted $1.4 million for these trips. Some members were unable to attend for various reasons, and from the beginning we stated that if any of the $1.4 million remained after the trips were completed, we would create a plan to assist those who did not go.
However, after the three trips (Minneapolis, the Canadian Rockies, and Las Vegas), along with the National Elders Gathering in Edmonton, the entire $1.4 million has now been spent. Therefore, there will be no additional funds paid out to anyone who did not attend any of the four trips.
Christmas Bonus:
Now to the funds budgeted for distribution, the Christmas Bonus.
Last year:
Adults received $500.
Minors received $250, with an additional $250 deposited into their trust.
This year:
Each adult member will receive $1,000.
Each minor will receive $250, with $750 deposited into their trust.
Each on-reserve household will receive a turkey, ham, and box of oranges.
Off-reserve heads of household will receive an extra $150 in lieu of the food package.
Lastly, please keep the Arlene Taypotat family in your prayers as they prepare to say their goodbyes to Pierce, a young warrior taken too soon. May the Creator guide him safely and welcome him on the other side. Life is short and precious, and I will miss seeing Pierce and getting those good questions in my inbox from him. Rest easy Piercey Boy. 
See you all soon at the Christmas dinners,
On behalf of KFN Council,
Chief Evan Taypotat