Brett Thoms
Otter Lake May 15, 2021
The Native Alliance Local 019 held its annual general assembly (AGM) on Sunday in Otter Lake.
The Native Alliance of Quebec is a group whose aim is to promote and represent the interests of all status and non-status Aboriginals who live off-reserve in Quebec.
There were . . .
20 people in attendance at the AGM, including MNA André Fortin, who gave the organization $500 from his office’s fund.
Fortin’s visit was the first time an MNA had visited this branch of the alliance, according to the local’s president, Annette Gravelle
The meeting started with a word from President and Grand Chief of the entire organization, Gérard Coulumbe, and was followed with a report on the activities of the group in Otter Lake.
Gravelle announced the creation of two jobs through the Native Alliance 019 with funding from Emploi Quebec. The jobs are to provide at-home services to the elderly and people with reduced mobility in the area.
“We are coordinating and bookkeeping for the jobs, they are paid $14.25 an hour,” said Gravelle.
Economic development Quebec also provided $60,000 to create another two jobs, which includes funds to purchase equipment.
Gravelle also explained how the local Native Alliance has partnered with Waskahegen Corporation to provide social housing to not only members of the alliance, but also to people in need more generally in the Pontiac.
The Native Alliance also reported its finances, which is funded through donations.
“We’re not in the red, we’ve got a little bit, and we’re going to grow,” said Gravelle about the alliance’s finances.
The organization also held an election for the executive and then had a party for the members attending the meetings.
“I think people should join because we are a community that can help ourselves in different ways and if we stick together we will succeed, ‘’ said Gravelle. “Someday we will be able to do more for the population, but we all have to be together, it’s like a big family.”
