Nuhëyatié “our voice”

First Issue

I started an independent newsletter for Athabasca ChipewyanFirst Nation (ACFN) members.

The objective of my newsletter is to engage, inform, and generate a conversation that would empower our members, wherever they may live.  The idea was based on the fact that as a member who lives away from the community I wanted to know about what was happening in my community.  And of course I felt there must be others who felt the same way. 

Can someone who lives 2500 miles away actually produce a membership newsletter? I think so. 

I am doing this without financial backing from anyone for my time on research, writing, layout, printing and mailing of the newsletter to ACFN members.  The only thing I asked of my Chief and Council is to provide information for the newsletter to update members on their activities in housing, education, health, and economics. Regrettably, I was unable to obtain any updates from the leadership for the newsletter.

Still, I was able to release my first newsletter Nuhëyatié“our voice” this month. Nuhëyatié is a Dene word and best describes my newsletter.  “We will talk together.”  Feedback from ACFN members on this first issue is very encouraging. Seeing the newsletter in a few homes I visited over the weekend in the community was pleasing to observe. If you are interested in reading this issue let me know and I will send you a link. 

The next issue will profile ACFN youth, which I am hoping will inspire others to achieve their goals. I encourage members to contact me if they have any submissions, comments, or suggestions on how to improve the next issue.  Submission deadline is May 16th.