Much is happening in Boyle Street these days. The 80 story tower remains a controversial issue and the LRT Valley line is moving along steadily. I have attended meetings about these two projects as well as attending a meeting about the Medically-Supervised Injection Sites proposed for the inner city. We need better control with this situation, as I am not happy with the needles and drug paraphernalia I see laying around Boyle Street. Worst of all, I have seen a few people passed out with needles still in their arms. I believe safe injection sites will eliminate those problems.

I am in my second year as President of the League and am learning much about the position. I have some good teachers on the Board like Candas Jane Dorsey, Jordan and Joelle Reiniger, and some mentors outside the community like Elder Gilman Cardinal, Lem Mundorf, and Councillor Scott McKeen, to name a few.

We have some new board members and staff. Let me introduce to you new board members Ron Allen, Sharon Pasula, and Curtis”Red Rock” Cardinal. Jordan Reiniger has returned to the board as our Treasurer. Karen Jackson has stepped down, which is a huge loss for us as she was very passionate about Boyle Street and was great at keeping us in line. As well, we have three staff members who are keeping the Plaza running smoothly. Maryam Abdul has been on staff for at least two years and has kept the Plaza humming while we look for a replacement for Christine. She will be working with new staff members Charm Logan and Ester Malzahn. Ashley Salvadore and Travis Fong, our Community Initiative personnel, are working diligently at bringing the Membership numbers up. All of our staff are first class, and with Sharon, Curtis, and Charm with us, it gives the League a strong Indigenous presence and will represent that community well.

We continue to look for board members to keep the League strong and better informed. Come by the Plaza for more information and have a look at this awesome, busy place.