The ʔaq̓am Own Source Revenue (OSR) Committee is seeking community guidance for the development of a new ʔaq̓am OSR policy.
So far, about ⅓ of registered community members 15 and up have participated. The OSR Committee maintains their goal of 100% participation, and are extending the survey deadline until September 22, 2025 to ensure everyone is heard. When you fill out the survey, you will also be entered for one of eight chances to win $250! (Everyone who has already filled out the survey will be automatically entered into the draw).
Your voice is critical in shaping the future of ʔaq̓am Own Source Revenue. There is an opportunity to make sure OSR is used strategically now and into the future, as these funds may increase, decrease, or even disappear over time.
The OSR survey is helping the OSR Committee gauge themes, priorities, and ideas with your direct input. Your participation is supporting policy development, research, and goals.
Link to the survey, open until September 22, 2025:
https://forms.office.com/r/uXfzUpbB8A
Printed versions of the survey are available at the front desk of the Band office.
What happens next?
After the survey closes, the OSR Committee and Engagement Coordinator will be in touch to begin booking one-on-one and group sessions. The sessions will involve a deeper discussion, and will be held in family/friend/focus groups or individually, if preferred. All Band members 15 and over will have the opportunity to participate once, and will be asked the exact same questions.
The OSR Committee will then follow up with a ‘what we heard’ report and a draft of the policy for community input and feedback.
What is OSR?
ʔaq̓am OSR are all revenues the Band makes or receives that are not tied to programs or operational funding. OSR comes from many sources, with some sources directly tied to Title and Rights.
Why do we need a policy?
The ʔaq̓am OSR policy is intended to be the voice of the people and a document that outlines how OSR should support community, guided by ka kniⱡwi·tiyaⱡa. ʔaq̓am OSR has the potential to support ʔaq̓amnik̓ for generations. That’s why our decisions as a community now will have impacts in the present and into the future.
The amounts of OSR can increase, decrease, or even disappear over time, but there are many ways it can provide short and long term benefits if we plan ahead.
Why not go directly to a vote?
Making sure our future OSR policy is equitable and transparent is important. The OSR Committee is committed to providing opportunities for everybody to be heard.
Multiple engagements might feel like a lot when other communities have gone straight to vote, but an in-depth process will support a policy that reflects the in-depth voice of our community.
There are many ways that OSR can be used. A balanced policy will ensure OSR is used in ways that benefit the community as a whole and our members individually, now and for the long-term.
If you have any questions regarding OSR or the policy development process, please reach out to the OSR Engagement Coordinator.
OSR Engagement Coordinator: Bailey Repp
brepp@aqam.net
236-361-0110
The ʔaq̓am OSR Committee
- Nasuʔkin Cheryl Casimer, Chair and Council Representative
- Codie Morigeau
- Faye O’Neil
- Rachelle Sebastian
- Corrie Walkley
- Ray Warden
