OFFICIAL STATEMENT! #VoteBarnhardt

So my mom has officially released her statement as nominee for Chief of Tyendinaga,
Please see below :) and spread the word to everyone!!!!!!!! #VoteBarnhardt

- Jenna

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My name is Carla Barnhardt and I am asking for your support in the election for Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

I believe in the strength of our community. We have many individuals and groups who have a great deal to contribute to the unity of our community. There is always an opportunity to learn from each other, to bring ideas, solutions and expertise together to promote a healthy community. We need to listen to each other and to work together.

I intend to serve my community in a respectful, honest, fair and consistent manner. I believe we all must be supportive of one another. We can listen to the wisdom of our elders and apply it to the new reality that growth brings.

Change is a very intimidating occurrence but thoughtful change can often be beneficial. Our programs need to upgrade procedures and policies to better accommodate the reality of our community.

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

I would like to promote economic development. Small businesses would create jobs for our young people and strengthen our community. Currently, the band has very little assistance for new or existing businesses. A rotating loan fund could be established, to assist our start-up businesses. Planning advice and referrals to other helpful organizations would also be required.
It is very clear that there are many in our community with an interest in starting businesses. This would allow more of our people to return to the Territory to raise their families in our culture.

The water quality issue is very serious and widespread. The majority of the community needs to install water purification systems to clean their well water or install holding tanks because they do not have enough water. I have inquired about why, after 15 years of talking about water, so little progress has been made. The answer is always “no funding”. Perhaps it is time that we used our community resources to deal with the issue of contaminated water. I believe the entire community needs to discuss and plan how to proceed. This is too important to us to leave in the hands of the government.

A new administration building, with access for the disabled and elders is needed now. The building is not safe; leaking roofs, evidence of asbestos, outdated equipment, poor wiring, poor ventilation/air quality and the list goes on. It is a stressful work environment due to political interference. Established policies are often ignored but are never amended. Law suits, sick leave and absenteeism is at an all-time high within MBQ. Important positions stand empty for many months, such as Human Resources and CAO. Many departments are short staffed.

Over the years positions have been created to develop by-laws for Tyendinaga. However, to my knowledge, none have been completed and the reason is unknown. Whenever members raise an issue to council, the answer is always that nothing can be done, since there is no by-law.

As the years go by, fewer and fewer community members vote. I find this not only distressing but difficult to accept. My hope is that the 2011 election will bring all eligible voters together, to create change, grab on to opportunities, share accomplishments and increase wellness in our community.

I would like to make certain that there are adequate programs for our Youth. There have been some good examples recently. We need to ensure that a variety of programs and activities are available to meet the needs and interests of the youth in our community. They are our future. There are many problems that need to be addressed. With effective, regular two-way communication, we can be certain that all of the members of our community are involved in looking at the issues and working towards solutions. Establishing clear communication within the community will be one of my priorities. I believe all members should be aware and informed
of all issues affecting our community.

BACKGROUND
My name is Carla Barnhardt, born to Carl (late) and Della Maracle. I am the fourth of six
children; Sharon, Val, Lynn, Penny and Carl (Ted) and raised on Tyendinaga Mohawk
Territory. I am married to Ken (Sam) Barnhardt, 36 years and mother to three children; Cory, Matthew and Jenna and a grandmother to three. Cory is a foreman at Ontario Hydro, residing on the Territory with his wife (Stephanie) and two sons (Jacob and Riley); Matthew, is a steel worker, also residing on the Territory with his wife (Heidi) and daughter (Isabella), and Jenna a Technical Report Writer & Researcher for Scientific Research & Experimental Development in Toronto.

I have been employed at the Mohawk Administration Office for 15 years, currently as the Supervisor of Revenue and Collections. Prior to this, I worked for Dr. Clare Brant and The Native Mental Health Association for 5 years. For the past approximately 22 years I have been the volunteer treasurer for the Anglican Parish of Tyendinaga.
On Dec. 3, 2011, I would like to join with you to heal and grow our community!

If you would like to discuss these issues or have any questions please contact me at
613-966-9734 or carla2056@gmail.com

“Being in a leadership position does not make you a leader. ...Leaders are identified by a community. You become identified as a leader when others recognize that you contribute to some meaningful change.”
2005 - Akuda Benjamin Social activist. Source: Profiles of Peaceful Women by Sierra Bacquie on Section15.ca Accessed June 2011.

#VoteBarnhardt

For those of you who don't know what #VoteBarnhardt is by now, my mom, Carla Barnhardt, has taken a step up and decided to run for Chief of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and I couldn't be more proud of her. For year's she has worked in the administration and has observed all the recklessness of the current Chief R. Donald's mistakes over the years. With some encouragement to members of council, no one has taken a stand to actively run against him, until now.

So, we're going to try something new here. Outreach and raise awareness, particularly with the members who are currently living/working on the reservation. However, acknowledgement to outside community members who still want to be involved with the voting process and helping the youth of Tyendinaga change their community for the better is still greatly important.

Although no official statements have been released by each of the running parties, I'd be very interested to read them and follow this election closely, not just because it's my own mother who's running, but because there's a different vibe in the air this time around. Awareness is becoming a main priority with the #VoteBarnhardt campaign. Even if people aren't #VotingBarnhardt as long as they're voting we would have done our job!!

Follow me on twitter and Facebook for all the campaign updates directly from the horses mouth.

Stay fabulous!
#VoteBarnhardt
- Jenna

Back to Anxiety..

Someone once told me that, no matter what you do in your life, always have a story to tell.
I took this more seriously than even I expected and because it's done well for me, I tried to spread the word as best as my ability will allow.

But some people you can't change.
And some people, you don't want to change.

So, to the best of my ability, as previously mentioned, I will tell my story.
I'm only 25, and maybe I don't know anything about the world, but, my stories make me who I am, and everyday I wait in anticipation on what will happen to me that day. It makes life very exciting, and worth every moment.

Today's my cat's birthday.
So let me start my adventure with him...... :o)

Stay Fabulous - JennaRae