2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT Ch’íyáqtel TZEACHTEN FIRST NATION “Tzeachten First Nation remains the keepers of our traditional territories, this responsibility being passed on to us by our ancestors and exercised through sound cultural, environmental and socio-economic stewardship.” Table of Contents Chief Glenda Campbell……………………………………………………….……………….. 1 About Us…………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Council Reports: Lawrence Roberts……………………………………………………………………….. 5 Les Joe…………………………………….…………………………..……….………….. 7 Melvin Williams………………………………………………………...……………….. 9 Cathy Hall……………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Our Departments General Governance………………………..…………………….……………………. 13 Finance …………………………………………………………………………………. 14 Programs and Facilities………………………………………………..……...………. 15 Community Centre ………………………………………………..……………. 15 Sports Field ………………………………………………..….…………………. 17 Community Programs & Leisure………………………...……..……………… 19 Housing ………………………………………………………………………..……….. 21 Lands……………………………………………………………….……………………. 23 Strategic Plan...……………………………………………………...………...………………… 25 Financial Statement……………………………………………………...……………………… 26 CHIEF GLENDA CAMPBELL 2014-2015 was a very exciting, prosperous year and marks a very important time in our history as Tzeachten people. In Political Governance we are made up of 4 elected Councilors and one Chief. Elections for all positions occurred April 1, 2014 and two new additions are Mel Williams Jr and Les Joe as Councilors. We welcome the new Councilors this year. In Political Governance we work together collectively as a team to promote a healthy, safe, sustainable community for all our members and always keeping in mind the future generations. We each hold portfolios which we provide guidance to throughout the year. This does not limit us to tending to portfolio work only. We encourage all of Council members to be knowledgeable in all areas of Governance. We review Tzeachten’s Strategic Plan every year and establish priorities which and keeps us on track of what it is we want to accomplish for the year. Strategic Planning also helps to guide us with Budget Planning. My portfolio is Global, which includes Children and Families, Social Development, Health and Capital, and Economic Development. Map of CFB land settlement Chief & Council with the new Welcome Figure at the Community Centre 1 I would like to recall the past years events and accomplishments. We are respectful of the land and water and all living beings, including one another and our ancestors in the spirit world. We think for today, but we always keep in mind the future. Tzeachten accomplished significant projects in 2014- 2015 fiscal year. Some of the key highlights are as follows: We expanded the Multi-purpose building at the Sportsfield to accommodate courses for secondary upgrading and other educational diploma program such as Hairdressing and Esthetics Program. We upgraded the commercial kitchen facilities at Tzeachten Community Centre to accommodate the Seabird College Professional Cooking Program.. The upgraded facilities also improved capacity for the community centre to host bigger events. We completed significant improvements on the community centre site which included beautifying the main entrance through landscaping, improving lighting, parking and signage. Tzeachten also facilitated major renovations and improvements at our shopping Centre (Vedder Crossing Plaza) which included improvement of the storefront and adding First Nation Artwork. Tzeachten also completed purchasing approximately 2 acres of land to facilitate the expansion and improvement of Tzeachten Cemetery. Chief and Council have approved funding for improvements to Cemetery site including fencing, landscaping, parking, lighting and signage. Tzeachten in partnership with Yakweakwioose and Skowkale achieved an historical court land settlement for the former (CFB) Canadian Forces Base Lands. It is anticipated that by the end of 2015 the lands will be added to reserve. Given the above outlined accomplishments, I am confident that Tzeachten is on course along the path of sustainable growth and development. This sustainable growth and development would not be achieved without strong support of our members, including Elders and Youth. We have a strong Vision accompanied with a strong Mission in Governance that guides us in providing leadership and services to our membership. It is my honour to support and approve this year’s annual report. It summarizes key accomplishments of our Chief and Council and our dedicated staff. I look forward to the next fiscal year. Respectively, Chief Glenda Campbell Chelotsowe’t 2 ABOUT US 3 CFB Land Settlement Signing— Leaders of Skowkale,Yakweakwioose & Tzeachten First Nations Tzeachten First Nation is located in Chilliwack, BC. 105 kilometers from Vancouver As of July 2015 we have 569 members, and about 250 live on reserve. 4 4 Councilor Lawrence Roberts Our Elders at the Elders Gathering A few Tzeachten Elders at the annual Elders Gathering 51 Ch’iyaqtel means place of the fish weir As an elected councilor for Tzeachten First Nation, I have responsibilities in the following portfolios: Fisheries, Elders, Tzeachten Land Management Advisory and Treaty. Fisheries: 2014-2015 Tzeachten recorded a great year for the sockeye run. This run afforded our members a good supply of food and economic development opportunities. As well, for the first time in ten years there was an availability of eulachon. The eulachons were distributed amongst the community. Tzeachten Elders: I would like to note that Tzeachten was successful in supporting ten of our Elders to attend BC Elders Annual Gathering held in Penticton, BC. Approximately thirty Tzeachten elders participated in the Christmas dinner at the Best Western Restaurant in December 2014. Land Management Advisory: As a Council liaison I participated in the development of two important laws and an emergency preparedness plan. The first law that Tzeachten Lands Management Advisory Committee completed was the Animal Control Law. This law guides animal control and management within Tzeachten Community. The second law that the Advisory Committee woked on the zoning law which helps resolve conflict in land uses on Tzeachten. Treaty: Tzeachten Council members including myself regularly participated in many sessions where updates on the treaty negotiations process were provided. Based on the outcomes of the sessions the Sto:lo Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association appears to have accomplished significant achievements in the fiscal year 2014-2015. As a member of the governance team, I am proud of the accomplishments of Tzeachten in 2014-2015 and I know that 2015-2016 will be a productive year. 6 6 Les in the dunk tank Councilor Les Joe Les in the dunk tank 7 I am a newly elected Councilor and my portfolio is as follows: Language and Culture, Youth, Traditional Foods and Treaty. In 2014-2015 Fiscal Year a lot was accomplished in the above outlined portfolios. With respect to Language and Culture, Tzeachten Members continued to participate successfully in ongoing Language programs. At Cultural Events, Tzeachten was able to successfully coordinate a celebration of raising welcome figures at the entrance of the Community Centre. As well, Tzeachten was successful in coordinating the celebration of Aboriginal Day which focused on showcasing heritage, culture and health wellness activities. Tzeachten First Nation membership were participants at the Sto:lo Children’s Festival to celebrate our children and youth. Tzeachten Council and Staff commenced drafting a traditional food policy which is expected to guide the fair distribution of traditional foods to membership . The community successfully distributed wild game as well as coordinated and supported fish canning sessions. With respect to youth, Tzeachten was able to coordinate and facilitate successful initiatives for children and youth, some of the key highlights of those activities include, summer student job programs, health and science workshops, reading and literacy workshops, sporting and leisure clinics and tutoring sessions. Also Tzeachten provided an opportunity for children and youth to learn traditional sports. For the Treaty, there have been informative updates on the Treaty process to the community at the membership meetings. The updates to our membership signify achievements that have been made on the Treaty Negotiation process. Overall while being on Council, I have enjoyed participating in the Governance of our community and have witnessed growth and potential in our programs and services for our membership. I look forward to further growth and development in the next fiscal year. 8 Tzeachten’s tutoring program Tzeachten students at the Tzeachten Student Awards Councilor Melvin Williams 9 As a newly elected Councilor, I have had the opportunity to learn leadership skills over the past year. My portfolio consists of Education, Treaty and Recreation and Leisure. Recreation and Leisure Tzeachten successfully facilitated a number of activities for the membership. Some of those activities include: Sports clinics for the youth throughout the year in the areas of soccer, baseball, archery and volleyball. Tzeachten has supported membership to participate at the waterslides and Gathering our Voices youth conference in Prince George. We provide an opportunity for youth and family members to attend the Sto:lo Ice Hawks annual hockey tournament. Tzeachten also offered family related events such as Earter, Halloween and Christmas dinners. Education After strong consideration from Sto:lo Education department they have agreed to start providing living allowances to our post-secondary students. Our community continues to support our students by offering tutoring programs throughout the school year. Tzeachten is now the home to the Seabird Island College programs which includes Hairdressing, Professional cooking and Nail technician. Treaty I have had the chance to participate in a number of Treaty updating and information forums over the last year. I have learnt a lot and would like to recognize those who have been involved on the Treaty process and I look forward to learning more in the coming years. Overall, I am proud with the progress achieved by Tzeachten this year. I look forward to another great year! 10 Diamond Girls annual tea time Tzeachten Student Awards—Grade 12 Graduates Councilor Cathy Hall 11 Ey swayel mekw’at! (Good day everyone!) In addition to carrying the Finance and Taxation portfolio I was also given the Housing portfolio. I am very pleased to welcome our new Finance Director, Lori Falys to the Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) and Louise Knott as our manager for the new Property and Public Works department. We continue to work towards updating our First Nations Financial Management Board Certification. In order for Tzeachten to continue borrowing through FNFA we are currently working towards achieving final financial certification namely the Financial Management Systems Certification. We also look forward to the completion of our Housing Policy through our Property and Public Works department. On June 10, 2014 the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) issued its first $90 million debenture. This successful debenture reflects the economic growth in First Nation economies and establishes strong financial systems by First Nations governments. The FNFA continues to work towards increasing this debenture in 2015-16. This fiscal year we completed some major capital projects such as the addition to the Sportsfield multi-purpose building to accommodate more classroom space as well as upgrades to our commercial kitchen in the community hall. Along with our various annual community events, this year we partnered with Stó:lō Nation Health, Stó:lō Culture Committee, Stó:lō Nation Culture Series, Yakweakwioose, Skowkale, and Soowahlie in hosting the Aboriginal Day 2014 event which was held at the Tzeachten fields. After many years in the court system we finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel with the successful completion on our legal fight over the CFB land claim for Tzeachten, Yakweakwioose and Skowkale. I raise my hands in appreciation to all those that participated in this legal battle. Also after many years of meetings and negotiation, we completed our Animal Control Law. On behalf of the Tzeachten Diamond Girlz Club I would like to thank all those that participate and donate to our annual Tea Time and Christmas Craft Fair Fundraisers. And a special thank you to all the parents and family members who come out to celebrate their children’s educational accomplishments at our annual Tzeachten Student Awards Ceremony. Finally many thanks to our General Manager and staff for all your efforts in keeping Tzeachten on track and providing professional and courteous service to our members and the general public. It is very exciting for our Tzeachten community and staff as we experience economic growth, educational advancement, employee capacity building, and continue blazing the trail for other First Nation communities. Councilor Cathy R. Hall Salacy 12 Administration I would like to express thanks and appreciation to all Tzeachten staff in their assistance to Chief and Council in their pursuant to building a livable community where Tzeachten First Nation members are proud to live, work, shop, play and call home. Tzeachten administration worked hard under the direction of Tzeachten Chief and Council to accomplish several priority strategic initiatives over and above the regular operational responsibilities during the fiscal year of 2014-2015. James Atebe General Manager Tzeachten completed Chilliwack River Road Sanitary Sewer project in May 2014 whereby a total of nineteen (19) members’ properties were connected to City of Chilliwack Sewer System and decommissioned the sceptic field systems for those properties. During the fiscal year Chief, Council members and Administration completed improvements of the new entrance to the Tzeachten Community Centre which included enhancement of vehicle circulation, landscaping, parking, lighting and signage. Christine Dedrick Executive Assistant Chief and Council and Administration further completed a 3.000 square feet addition to the Sports Field Multi-Purpose Building and the Community Centre kitchen to accommodate the Seabird Island College Educational programs which include: Hair Styling, Nail Technician, Professional Cooking, High School upgrading programs. Tzeachen also complete developing a Housing Strategy and working towards completing the Housing policy. The housing strategy and policy will guide Tzeachten Chief and Council as well as Administration in addressing and managing current and future housing issues within Tzeachten community. Finally administration assisted Chief and Council to complete a three year strategic Plan accompanied with a three year capital project plan and the associated financial Plan. Colleen Deck In conclusion 2014-2015 Fiscal Year accomplishments have demonstrated that Tzeachten First Nation is continuing along the path of sustainable social, cultural and economic development.. Executive Assistant to Chief and Council 13 11 Finance Lori Falys Carrie Ritchie Jennifer Janik Loren Muth Finance Director Finance Officer Finance Clerk Finance Clerk I am pleased to join the staff at Tzeachten as Director of Finance and feel honoured to report on the 20142015 fiscal year on behalf of the Finance department. I like to think of Finance as being the heart of any organization, assisting all departments and staff to meet the goals and aspirations that they set out to accomplish. No activity takes place without a financial component and we in Finance take our role seriously to provide guidance and support for everyone from Council, General Manager, program Managers and individual staff. The year always starts off with the budgeting process. Finance co-ordinates the budgets for Council’s approval and that sets the map for the year ahead. The budget will include which capital projects are to be completed and how the funding of current and existing programs will be allocated. Finance’s contributions during the year are to report to Chief and Council quarterly on the financial stewardship by the various departments, liaison with the General Manager and program Managers with respect to their individual budgets and reports and meet all reporting requirements. The 2014-2015 year started with Erin Creagh as Director of Finance and she has left big shoes to fill as her contributions to the position were many faceted and well executed. The 2014-2015 budgets contained two capital projects, the Chilliwack River Road sewer system and the acquisition of additional land for cemetery expansion. These capital projects are the building blocks for future growth and expansion. Finance is looking forward to being a part of the continuous growth and assisting with the internal systems required for Council to achieve the long term goals and aspirations for Tzeachten First Nation. The Finance department is continuing its growth and knowledge of the new computer software program Xyntax and learning how to best use the features to enhance the reporting system and strengthen internal controls. Finance believes in investing in staff and acquiring new skills to more effectively complete our role within Tzeachten and we are all looking forward to the next year with enthusiasm. 12 14 Programs & Facilities Community Centre The Ch’iyaqtel Community Centre consists of a full size gymnasium, complete with electronic scoreboard, basketball hoops, bleachers, sound system, commercial kitchen, and staff offices. The facility houses the following departments: Tzeachten Administration; Finance, Housing and Public Works. Throughout the year there have been numerous improvements to the Community Centre including: renovation to the commercial kitchen, additional storage for kitchen equipment, updated security system, and fresh staining of the welcome poles. The Community Centre is host to many events, whether those are private rentals or community events. Private rentals include MMA competitive events, small concerts, weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, corporate parties, and conferences. During the school year, Seabird Island College also uses the space during the days for their culinary course. Community events held at the Tzeachten Hall include the Halloween Party, Christmas Parties, Easter, and varying workshops. 15 Skylar Gormley Gina Malloway Eleanor Abbott Programs and Facilities Supervisor Receptionist Events Coordinator Fred Jackson Nancy Malloway Debbie Malloway Tom Phillips Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance 16 Sports Field The Tzeachten Sports Field consists of one full size soccer field with lights, one fenced baseball field with lights, and one unfenced baseball field shared with another soccer field. The field also has a large gazebo with picnic table seating, a one kilometer walking path, outdoor fitness equipment, and an outdoor playground for youth. The multipurpose building consists of a full size classroom, hair and nail classrooms, change rooms and showers, concession, and offices. The Sports Field houses the Program and Facilities department. Over the last year, the following changes have happened to the sports field: purchasing of new equipment to help the sports field staff, the expansion of the multipurpose building to create space for the nail tech and hair styling classrooms, and the expansion of the overflow parking lot. The Tzeachten Sports Field is home to many rentals and events throughout the year. Rentals include soccer practices and games, baseball games, rugby practices, and varying tournaments. The multipurpose building also houses the Seabird Island College, offering courses in Adult Upgrading, Nail Tech, Makeup, and Hair Styling. The classroom also is used for varying workshops throughout the year. Events that occur at the Sports Field include Aboriginal Wellness Day, the Pow Wow, and the Tzeachten Open House. 17 Albert Malloway Simon Roberts Sports Field Worker Sports Field Worker Brenda Malloway Glen Malloway Sports Field Worker Sports Field Worker Cecil Malloway Sports Field Worker 18 Community Programs and Leisure The Tzeachten Recreation program has undergone substantial restructuring this year resulting in a change of management and location after a hiatus of nearly half a year. We are now based primarily at the Sports field Complex, though some activities remain at the community Centre and a small number at alternate sites. We are committed to providing healthy activities and lifestyles for our community members, and we strive to uphold the five pillars of the Tzeachten First Nation. We host sports camps and workshops throughout the year, as well as participate in the annual community events, such as Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and Aboriginal Wellness Day. We also schedule family outings to summer hotspots like the Cultus Lake Waterpark, the Vancouver Aquarium, and Science World. 19 17 Highlights from 2014 – 2015 - The Walking Club was a huge success; at its peak there were 37 Tzeachten members keeping track of their steps and kilometers. - In partnership with the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Partners Council, we hosted several dozen camps ranging from early athletic literacy to advanced activities such as archery. Additionally, we invited Mike James to Tzeachten several times throughout the year to share his knowledge of traditional sports. These events are always popular and have been fun for all ages. - Homework Club continues to be productive, assisting students with their homework and studies twice a week during the school year. Andrew Muth Programs & Leisure Assistant - The early months of 2015 saw Volleyball return to the Community Centre on weekends, achieving attendance numbers of more than 40 per week. This drop-in sports program will be expanded to include outdoor sports at the sports field in the 2015 – 2016 year. - We continue to offer outings to the Cheam Leisure Centre for swimming and exercise on a monthly basis with strong attendance. 18 20 Property & Public Works Tzeachten First Nation Property and Public Works Department has had a very successful year. Along with the many projects started and finished the Tzeachten First Nations Property and Public Works Department hired two band members through internship programs CMHC and AANDC. After completing the internship both members are now working full time one in Community maintenance and one in Finance. Tzeachten First Nations projects and accomplishments for the 2014 year include: . Chilliwack River Road sewer hook up to the City of Chilliwack project completed. A total of 19 lots were connected . Elders lawn maintenance program in effect . New contract for Garbage/waste/ recycling disposal . Renovations completed on community member’s homes. . New signs for street and house addresses . Successful year for Tzeachten First Nation Housing rentals, which include the 3 plex and the 7 plex Community Services provided: . Spring swap meet . Spring clean up . Community Beautification program . Lawn care equipment program Community Infrastructure Programs: . Fire hydrants cleaned, painted and flushed . New street lightening . Cemetery . New signs for streets and home addresses . Completion on design stage for the garbage bin enclosures 21 Louise Knott Melvin Malloway Brenden Leon Property & Public Works Supervisor Community Maintenance Community Maintenance 22 Lands & Taxation Deanna Honeyman Samantha Bisaillon Brandy Weisbrod Kathy Malloway Lands & Taxation Manager Lands Officer Lands, Taxation Receptionist & Membership Clerk Species at risk study Brandy and Samantha making kits for our Emergency Preparedness day 23 Mobile Patrols The Lands Department initiated weekend Security Mobile Patrol through entire reserve. Allegiance 1 Security conducts random mobile patrols 3 times per night from Friday to Sunday. This is a great way to keep the community safe and create a presence of our security/enforcement team. Species at Risk study – phase 2 We once again hired Dillon Consulting Ltd. in partnership with Seven Generations Environmental Services to conduct a species at risk survey on Lot 20-7-2. The field work took place in Spring (May/June) and fall (September) and consisted of detailed surveys to assess the presence and abundance of Oregon forest snail and Pacific sideband. The survey consisted of transects and point searches throughout the 1.2ha parcel of land. Each sample plot was given a unique identification code with coordinates and habitat information to be recorded in each. Data was organized using a hand-held tablet PC to streamline collection and increase efficiencies in the field. Following the field surveys, data management and analysis will take place. Emergency Preparedness Day On May 10, 2014 the Lands Department along with the City of Chilliwack Emergency team organized the first annual Emergency Preparedness Day. This end corresponded with the end of the Provincial Emergency Preparedness week. Although it was a rainy day we still had some people come out to check out what was going on! The Fire Department gave fire extinguisher demonstrations; there were presentations from Jim McDonald on “what to do in an emergency”. There were information booths from AM radio, First Nation Health, Search and Rescue, St. John’s Ambulance, RCMP to name a few. Animal Control Law On June 30, 2014, the Dog Licensing and Animal Management Law, 2014 was enacted. The purpose of this Law is to regulate pets Tzeachten Lands; to protect citizens and property; and to ensure Members and residents can enjoy their pets without causing danger or disruption to other Members and residents. This law, as with all Tzeachten Laws apply to members and non-members living within Tzeachten lands. Within the law, there are policies and procedures on how to deal with those not complying. Both Allegiance 1 Security and the Fraser Valley Regional District (Animal Control) are onboard for enforcement purposes. We have a signed MOU with FVRD for Animal control. Animal Control Officers will come on the reserve to pick up stray/wondering dogs as well as aggressive dogs. Allegiance 1 Security is the first call for any dog issues. The lands department are now issuing dog tags to both members and non-members. Property Taxation It was another busy year in Property Taxation, there are currently over 1000 folios that we manage with more homes still being constructed. Once again adopted the tax rates from the City of Chilliwack and have an agreement with BC Assessment to assess all properties on Tzeachten. As per our Agreement with the City of Chilliwack 75% of all taxes collected are transferred to the City of Chilliwack and 25% is retained by Tzeachten. We offer home owners the option of a prepayment plan, so an agreed upon amount is automatically withdrawn from their account each month to go towards the annual taxes. This has been a successful initiated where almost 300 homeowners have signed up for. This past year we had many projects funded by both property taxation and property transfer tax revenue: Community Mobile Security Patrol throughout the whole reserve lands Expansion of the Multi-purpose building at the Sports field Improvements to the Community Center Exterior which includes new entrance way; additional parking stalls; landscaping and new lighting We were also able to purchase additional land to expand the Tzeachten Cemetery. 24 STRATEGIC PLAN Here is a sneak peek into the upcoming plans for Tzeachten in 2015-2016. Infrastructure Projects for Completion in 2015-2016 Sanitary sewer system on Bailey Road. Detailed design concept of artificial turf field at the sports field complex. Cemetery upgrades. Facilities projects for completion in 2015-2016 Modernization of community centre Increasing capacity to respond to community emergencies or major disaster events. 2015-2016 Action plan To host more workshops on health, wills, stranger alert, skill development, home insurance and Tzeachten operations. To develop and facilitate culture and language programming and teach members traditional practices. Complete work for Financial Management Systems certification from First Nation Financial Management board. Support and facilitate staff training, mentorship and succession in all departments. As of April 1, 2014 our current members of council for 2014-2017 are Glenda Campbell (Chief), Cathy Hall (Councilor), Lawrence Roberts (Councilor), Les Joe (Councilor) and Melvin Williams Jr. (Councilor). 25 23 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Financial Position The Tzeachten First Nation consolidated financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2015 were audited by MNP and received a favourable audit opinion dated July 14, 2015. The next two pages are the consolidated financial position and consolidated statement of operations and accumulated surplus for the year-end compared to prior year. Tzeachten continues to enjoy a strong financial position with the overall accumulated surplus of 21.0 million for current year compared to 20.3 million for prior year being reported on the consolidated statement of financial position. The majority of the accumulated surplus is attributed to tangible capital assets which total 10.4 million for current year and 9.9 million for prior year. The increases to tangible capital assets are a result of completion of the Chilliwack River Road Sewer Project, sports field and kitchen upgrades and purchase of land. Operations The consolidated statement of operations and accumulated surplus shows revenue of 5.4 million compared to prior year of 4.5 million; this is an increase in investment income and funding for the Chilliwack River sewer project from AANDC. Tzeachten shows strong internal financial controls as revenue and expenses are comparable to council approved budgets with only small variances. The increase in cost for the Administration department are a result of increase legal costs for the CFB Specific Claim and cost of capital projects completed during the year. Tzeachten continues to have stable financial growth and resources available for future endeavors. Moving forward Finance department continues to develop new systems and best practices with the goal of obtaining financial systems certification as issued by Fist Nation Financial Management Board. The continued success of Tzeachten First Nation is a result of dedicated staff but also comes from foresight of Council and the Audit Committee to invest in Tzeachten’s future, building for tomorrow and setting goals and strategy to continue to be able to provide a high level of service to members and ensure that the future continues to be one of growth and prosperity. The statements in the following two pages are excepts from the audited financial statements prepared by MNP LLP and approved by Tzeachten First Nation Chief and Council. Anyone who requires more detail or wishes to view the complete audit report, please contact our office or view it at www.tzeachten.ca/finance 24 26 Financial Statement 27 28
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