Regional Council decentralizes

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Staff cuts brought about by decentralization of sevices, have hit the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council (LSLIRC). But director John R. Giroux says the 14 employees were laid off "because the bands are assuming responsibilities of the regional administration" and at least four of the 14 employees were simply transferred to bands.

LSLIRC, Giroux says, "is in the unique position that it is composed of the bands and "each of the bands have their own organizational structure.

"The positions were funded through Indian Affairs by lump sum payment and the regional council determines its own staffing. Indian Affairs is downsizing and intends to pass the savings to the band level, although we have yet to see it."

Giroux said three of the people laid off by LSLIRC were picked up by the Driftpile Band and a fourth is now working for the Sturgeon Lake Band.

The cuts eliminated four regional council positions in finance and administration, three in education, two in technical services, two in band support and capital management and one each in social development and economic development. Director Giroux also lost h is executive secretary.

Says Giroux: "downsizing and devolution is one of the objectives of the organization which is ultimately to prepare the bands to deliver services and administer programs at the reserve level."

Though the bands will not receive additional funding to take on the additional responsibilities, Giroux says "the bands feel they are in a position to assume the responsibility. It's a very important step that the bands are taking towards control of their destiny and future."

The regional council will continue to provide administration support for capital projects such as water and sewer and school buildings, but more delivery of services will go to the reserve level. Giroux says this "provides an opportunity for their band members to shoot for employment goals. It will improve the socio-economic status of the reserves."

Giroux insists that the layoffs are "positive from the band perspective. They haven't lost services. These are transferred to the band level. We're still here as a core staff entity," for administrative, consultation and support.

The district administration of LSLIRC will continue in a financial monitoring function with responsibility for accounting, says its director.

Meanwhile, the regional council which is directed by a board of chiefs and councillors from its member reserves, returned Jimmy Giroux of Driftpile to the presidency at its annual elections, April 24, in Grande Prairie.

Also elected to one year terms were; Jim Badger of Sucker Creek, first vice president; Dustin Twinn of Swann River, second vice president; Sidney Halcrow of Grouard, third vice president; Clifford Freeman of Driftpile, secretary; and, Pete Joyce of Sturgeon Lake, treasurer.