FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 2

FREE Visiting Elders find cozy retreat

Alice Morin and her daughter in law Rose Morin came from the Big River reserve for a medical appointment and appreciated the language services at the Victoria Lodge. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

RETIREMENT LOOMS After 25 years in business, Eva Lizotte has decided it is time to put down her needle and thread. - Page 9

LOFTY TARGET MET Cornelia Laliberte of the United Way says the $6.2 million target was met. - Page 16

SEEKING JUSTICE Gordon First Nation Chief Glen Pratt says a $10-billion lawsuit is all about justice for his Former Tamara’s House put to good use community. - Page 18 By John Lagimodiere come to town for medical appointments they don’t have Of Eagle Feather News a place to stay, especially when they are sick. Right now FRED HONOURED hat was once a haven for women in peril has they can stay at various hotels, but they are not as comfort - Former NHLer Fred Sasakamoose now become a cozy retreat for First Nation able as here and certainly don’t have other services we has been inducted into the Wmedical patients in Saskatoon. The former can offer in terms of linguistic services. We have staff Hockey Hall of Tamara’s House ran into funding difficulties and it forced members that speak , or .” Fame. - Page 25 the non profit organization to shut its doors, but the board It is the comforts of home and the language services was interested in keeping the spirit of service to the that have impressed the first few clients that Victoria THE FIGHT CONTINUES community that the building had. Lodge has hosted. Rose Morin from the Big River reserve Boxer Wesley Sunshine was a The just happened to be came with her mother in law Alice for her medical winner in the ring but his looking for a similar building to offer important and appointment. toughest battle continues. needed services to the Elders of Saskatchewan and a deal “We were talking this morning that we feel so - Page 27 was struck. welcome here,” said Rose on behalf of Alice whose first The Tribal Council has converted the building into a language is Cree. safe, comfortable and welcoming place for First Nation “These people here, some of them speak our Coming In March: people, primarily Elders, who are visiting the city for language, and that’s what she loves about this place. She Women’s Issue medical appointments. can’t believe we found a place that speaks our language “The idea came from our elders,” said Saskatoon and the way they treat us it is so welcoming. CPMA #40027204 Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas. “They say when they • Continued on Page 12 2 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2012 WANUSKEWIN HERITAGE PARK – Tyrone Tootoosis – Curator & Manager of Cultural Resources NEHIYAWAYWIN MASKOWSEEWIN - ASKIY PIMATISOWIN LANGUAGE IS POWER - LAND IS LIFE “Astam-come,” said the grandfather to his grandson. “Saysawotay - two-part word “Siypiywnakwan”, pronounced “See pee ewe na kwan”. in many of the rivers and creeks. Nor to eat the fish for they too are sick. tak, kiykwy aywiywiytamatan” – “let’s go for a walk as I want to share The first part “Siypiy” is the Cree word for river, “Seepee”. In the World The Law of Circular Interaction does not discriminate. some things with of Natural Order, we believe our bodies are similar to “Kikawiynaw What affects one affects all. you.” Askiy” Mother Earth. HAIR IS ALIVE, HAIR IS IDENTITY The Elder led The old man slowly held up his right hand and began to speak to The plants, the flowers, the medicines, the roots, the trees and all his grandson to a his grandson.”Always remember the importance of our sacred ways of that grows on Mother Earth are like our hair. Mother Earth is alive and hill overlooking a knowing for they’re based on our spiritual values and beliefs. has an attitude. Hair is alive. This is one of the beliefs of why we are valley and it was Respect yourself in the same way you respect “Kikawiynow Askiy” supposed to take care of our hair by wearing in braids. Hair and the way here that they both - Mother Earth. Respect all life, respect the waters, the rivers, the lakes we wear our hair is not a style. It’s an identity. Hair is alive. sat down. and the creeks.” One of our customs during very sad times is called “Siykawiy - The grandfa - With his left hand, the old man pointed to his veins on his right chikaywin” (“See Ka Wee Chick Kay Win”) and this is when we cut off ther started hand. “You see these ... my veins are similar to the waters on the land, our hair to signal grief and mourning on the loss of a loved one. speaking. “Our the rivers and the creeks. If you don’t respect and take care of Mother My long hair that I braid every morning is not just a style, it is my Cree language is Earth, if you don’t respect and take care of your body... neither the Earth identity. based on a sacred nor your body can take care of you. “Kahkiyow kiykwy wakootoomakan” - everything is connected.” relationship with The veins in our bodies are like the rivers and the creeks that course The Elder continued: “Always remember the importance of our the land and when throughout the land. You see that creek down there? Today, you can sacred ways of knowing for they’re based on our spiritual values and one speaks and drink that creek water, you can go swimming in it, you can catch the fish beliefs. Respect yourself in the same way you respect “Kikawiynow Askiy” thinks in Cree, one in it and eat the fish. - Mother Earth. Rare archival photo of Poundmaker is continuously THE LAW OF CIRCULAR INTERACTION Respect all the birds and the animals, respect the waters, the air reminded to Today, the relationship of our language to the land is becoming and all that grows.” respect and acknowledge the giving spirit of all life. For example, when increasingly difficult relationship. This is due to modern technology and If you don’t respect and take care of Mother Earth, if you don’t we say the Cree word for the color red, we say the two part word “Miykon - the price for civilization including the insecticides, pesticides and the respect and take care of your body... neither the Earth nor you body can akwan pronounced Mee ko na kwan.” sewage that is poured into the waterways of this land. Mankind has made take care of you. The first part, Miyko, is the Cree word for blood. The second part, the waters sick. – Content for this article was gleaned from interviews with nakwan, denotes “the color of”. Mankind has made Mother Earth sick. Today, the waters are black Cree Elders which are now part of Wanuskewin`s Sikakwayan Another reminder is the Cree word for the color blue. We say the and murky with sickness. It’s not wise to drink the waters, to go swimming Oral History Collection. FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News 3 Leaders hoped for more at Ottawa gathering By Mike Gosselin creation was based. Instead, they continue to For Eagle Feather News rely on their bureaucrats who, like the ones trengthening Our Relationship – who created the racist Indian Act in 1876, still Unlocking Our Potential was the act more as roadblocks to Stheme of the recent Crown–First progress than facilitators,” Madahbee said. Nations Gathering held in Ottawa As the dust settles after the first discus - involving Chiefs from across the country sions between First Nations leaders and Prime and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Minister Harper, whispers of positive change Harper called the event “historic” and continue to swirl around, even if they are explained why it took him so long to quiet. formally meet with First Nations leaders. It was an unprecedented meeting with “These past six years have been a the possibility of another taking place in time of, putting it mildly, distractions of one year. Harper stayed longer than elections, of minority parliaments, and, expected, even delaying his flight to of course, world economic and financial Switzerland for the World Economic crises.” Forum late into the evening – a decision First Nations leaders say they want Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is joined some say points to genuine interest in First concrete action to abolish the Indian Act by His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Prime Nations relations. And the two sides and carry out Treaties 1-11 to their full Minister Stephen Harper as they head to the opening ceremonies of the historic agreed on five ‘Immediate Steps for spirit and intent, actions Harper and his Crown-First Nations Gathering. (Photo by Deb Ransom) Action’. government aren’t ready to commit to. can do is commit to ending education discrim - “After 136 years, that tree (Indian ination for First Nations children. Act) has deep roots, blowing up the stump “How difficult is it for a government to would just leave a big hole,” Harper said say ‘we’re going to end discrimination’? If in opening speeches. you need to establish a relationship, go to a “However, there are ways, creative reserve and read to a six-year-old,” Martin ways, collaborative ways ... ways that said. “Set up a literacy program. provide options within the Act, or outside of “There is no doubt that you’re not going it, for practical, incremental and real change.” to get economic development unless you In a joint statement from Harper and the have an education.” Chiefs after the gathering, it was announced Harper’s inability to be more proactive they will establish a task force on economic also frustrated AFN National Chief Shaun development and form a group to work on Atleo. In a CBC News report, Atleo said the structuring of financing to First Nations. when it comes to treaty rights regarding In addition, a report on education will be resource sharing, Harper doesn’t see First reviewed and improving governance and Nations as major players. implementation of treaties will be visited. “Right now, government feels that FSIN Vice-Chief Morley Watson through their actions and through their regu - struck an optimistic note. latory processes and licenses that First “Canada realizes that we have a young Nations are simply stakeholders,” Atleo said. and energetic workforce that has untapped “That is simply not the case.” potential,” Watson said in a prepared statement. Resource sharing wasn’t discussed at the “The vision of our Elders, leaders and gathering, something Atleo didn’t take lightly. people is to prepare our children for life’s chal - “You can’t disconnect a conversation lenges. For this to happen, we need our youth about economics or major resource develop - (to be) educated, skilled and employed.” ment without looking to the issue of land nego - But Anishinabek Nation Grand tiations. The current process, First Nations feel, Council Chief Patrick Madahbee said is deeply flawed. It is unfair. It has not kept pace feelings in Indian country after the event with changes even in common law,” he said. were that Harper was only interested his “The very poverty that we have seen own legislative agenda for First Nations. in places like Attawapiskat are located but “The National Chief (Shaun Atleo) has 70 plus kilometres from one of the most told Prime Minister Harper that a compre - major mines in this country.” hensive action plan would add $400 billion to That is a fact that frustrates people the Canadian economy, and eliminate $150 like Grand Council Chief Mudahbee. billion in social costs,” Madahbee said. “We have epidemic health and social “We are the fastest growing popula - issues, gross inequities in funding for our tion. We are the students and workers of students, and virtually no share in the the future. Why do governments constant - billions in resources being stolen from our ly overlook us?” traditional territories. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin crit - “What we heard from Mr. Harper was icized Harper’s role in the meeting. a lame re-hashing of his government’s so- In The Huffington Post, a news website, called accomplishments for our commu - Martin voiced his displeasure with Harper’s nities and citizens.” reluctance to get serious, saying the objectives Madahbee noted the Gathering began that came out of the gathering have already with ceremony and references to the been achieved. Furthermore, “building a rela - Royal Proclamation of 1763, which envi - tionship” – as Harper emphasized at the sioned a nation-to-nation relationship Gathering – has already been established, between the Crown and First Peoples. Martin declared. “But the Harper Conservatives just cannot “It’s there. It’s on the record.” bring themselves to truly honour the treaty rela - Martin also said the least the government tionship of sharing upon which Canada’s 4 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2012 Rank Comix By Adam Martin

Snaking through the political rhetoric It often seems that the relationship between the Government and First Nation leaders is like playing snakes and ladders. You go along like normal, then good things happen and we shoot up a bit. Then something nasty comes around the corner and we go on a freefall slide back down, forced to retreat and sometimes start all over. This month was no different as we saw three bands take big steps forward in the eternal pursuit of progress. The Sakimay First Nation Chief and Council have success - fully concluded negotiations with Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan with respect to the Sakimay Flooding Claim Settlement Agreement. Band members have voted to accept an agreement for them to receive more than $21 million for land that was flooded in the early 1940s. That was a big ladder Sakimay climbed there. We also saw the take a big step towards control of their land as they have signed on with the First Nations Land Management Act. This move will allow One Arrow to take their land out of control of the Indian Act and the 34 restrictive land management sections and control that land themselves so they can take advantage of greater economic development opportunities at the speed of business. Another good ladder climb. And then Chief Darcy Bear, his council and the citizens of Whitecap Dakota First Nation took another huge step towards self-sufficiency by signing an agreement with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to work toward self-government. Whitecap has shown how using land through the First Nations Land Management Act can free you to stimulate economic development which creates jobs and wealth for your people. Whitecap has been climbing big ladders for years. Relations have been getting better between the Government and the First Nation leaders, and coming off the good vibe that was allegedly created at the First Nations and Prime Ministerial summit in January, we all thought with better relations, life would improve. All this good news was erased when Member of Parliament Rob Clarke, who February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month represents the northern riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill placed the Govern - ment of Canada’s relationship with First Nation leadership in Saskatchewan on a big Storytelling is a gift, a traditional way Branch Library, Paula Howe will lead a nasty snake that has sent relations back years. to transmit culture, language, values, community storytelling event on February We just came off the Prime Ministers historic meeting with First Nations leaders history, and knowledge. In February, First 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Library on 20th Street, when Prime Minister Harper promised the leaders they would not touch the Indian Nations and Métis storytelling events led and Jason Chamakese and Robert Gladue Act without consultation in this new era of working together.Then, days later, MP by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and will present a musical event with cultural Clarke comes out with a private members bill to repeal the Indian Act! community artists, musicians, and story - teachings on February 28 at 1 p.m. at the Clarke says that after consulting northern leaders, they tell him they want the tellers will teach, entertain, and remember. Frances Morrison Library. Indian Act gone, so he is doing this bill on their behalf. Now, that’s all well and good Yvette Nolan, writer-in-residence at the The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural if you had actually consulted with the leaders, but it turns out he didn’t. Chief Tammy Saskatoon Public Library, will be doing Centre will be hosting two full days of Cook Searson of , the biggest band in Saskatchewan by theatre games, storytelling, acting and storytelling at the White Buffalo Youth the way, has come out and said that no, they had not been consulted, not even once cartooning for ages eight to 12 at Pooh Lodge on February 15 and 29 beginning at on this topic. Oops. Corner on February 22 at 2 p.m. at the 8 a.m. with a pipe ceremony. Good relationships are about trust and communication. By not following those Frances Morrison Library, and February 23 Wanuskewin will host an event on values, Clarke has stepped on a nasty snake that has caused a regression of the good at 2 p.m. at the Library on 20th Street. February 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. featuring will and relationships that had been built recently. “We can celebrate how our storytelling storytelling, food, games, and an author Now the question to ask is this: Did Clarke do this himself without consulting can grow into plays and short stories and reading by Lisa Bird-Wilson. the Prime Minister (aka political suicide in the PC Party), or did he do it with the prime novels, all about who we are and where we Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling minister’s full knowledge (likely), meaning that a month ago Prime Minister Harper come from.” Month is organized by Library Services for was making promises that he likely knew he wasn’t going to keep. Elaine Greyeyes will share stories on Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples What’s that they say about a snake’s tongue? Forked is it? February 15 at 1:30 pm at the Mayfair Committee. FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News 5 Fred a kind man who “doesn’t think highly of himself”

am in Toronto and I’ve just come in from As I walked back to my room I thought talented artist, singer and songwriter but he let my people down.” a long walk. For those of you who are about Freddy and about Loretta, his life just couldn’t continue to stuff or medicate the Fred, you never let anybody down. familiar with the city you will know that partner and remembered the big news of pain away. He died of a massive heart attack Rather you set an example for the rest of us I their wedding. All us little girls wanted to brought on by the traumatic events and just as you did today. Everything you have on the corner of Carlton and Church Street stands the old Maple Leaf Gardens, home go and see them get married. For us that memories of his childhood. ever done from hockey, working with youth, of the NHL and Hockey Night in Canada. was the equivalent of any famous wedding Fred, if you’re reading this, myself, and developing sports programs, to the leader - I know that Hockey Night in Canada you hear about today. I am sure many others ship you give community has mirrored for is CBC but for many little kids in the bush He was “our star” and remember a small log all of us a good way to live and reminds us of in the 1940s and ‘50s it was all one and the he was coming home to house, heated with our obligations and responsibilities to family same. Maple Leaf Gardens is now the flag marry his home girl. wood and lit by a coal and community. ship store for Loblaws, a grocery store When I arrived oil lamp. Children The last thing I want to tell you is I have chain. Times do change. back in my room and and adults crowded just come back from Ottawa where I attended Once and not all that long ago, this was turned on the television around an old radio a national conference on Motherhood and the place where young people of my gener - there he was on the and you are playing at Mothering, where Aboriginal mothers and ation dreamed of visiting and for some, of evening news speaking about the horrific the Maple Leaf Gardens. All of us holding grandmothers from across Canada, including coming here to play hockey and becoming sexual abuse he was not only subjected to as our breath to hear better, smacking the radio the Artic, talked about old teachings around stars although we didn’t use words like star, a child, but also had to watch as it was forced when it sounds like it is going to die, motherhood, told strong women stories and at least not in my community. on his little friend. Later that evening I went shushing everybody every time your name talked about the importance of role models But to be a hockey player in the NHL for another walk and tried to rid my heart of was mentioned on air. for their sons and hero's for their children. They and to play in Maple Leaf Gardens and the anger I felt and tried instead to think of the When the game was over the adults were talking about people like you, Freddie. have Foster Hewitt yell into the radio “he good man that came out of that painful, lonely rehashing it all over cups of tea while the We don’t compliment each other shoots and he scores” amid the yelling and place and I marvelled at the strength of not kids raced out to play hockey on a slough enough us Aboriginal people on the good screaming fans was just about as good as only Fred, but of all our people who in spite that had been shovelled clean, the boys work we do. We are told that is not our way life could get for little boys. of – and I won’t go there – have been able to arguing over who was going to be you. but I don't believe that. My old chapan was I thought about all that as I stood on the not only face life in a noble way but also to I remember also when you and Loretta Mariah Mususkaypo Vandal and she was street looking at the now renovated arena and give so much to their people and community. were spotted in Debden and people said you an old, old lady when she passed over. I remembered Fred Sasakamoose. Freddy, My late husband, Shannon Two had a new car and that you stopped to talk She always bragged us up when we we called him, and still do. He was our hero Feathers, went to residential school from the to them. “Miyotaw Ana,” they said. “Moya did good things and that made us feel and his rise to hockey fame meant that age of five to 16. However, it was only days keechameisew. He is kind and he does not good and strong inside so I am bragging perhaps the rest of us could also aspire to be before his death that I learned of the sexual think highly of himself.” you up today to send good energy, to you whatever we wanted to be, something not and physical abuse he had endured as a child That was a great compliment to you and and all the people who have been hurt by many of us did in those days. and by then it was too late to do anything. I a lesson to those of us who heard. When I the horrors of residential school. Most kids didn’t know him personally could only mourn the broken child and started to write this I googled you and read That Hall of Fame will be a better as he lived in another community but many tormented man. things reporters and writers had written about place because your name will be there for of us knew his family and some were related Shannon was a beautiful man, a kind and you. Among the many clippings I found there our future generations. Hiy hiy ki to them or at least bragged that they were. gentle husband and father and an incredibly was one with a quote from you that read: “I nanaskomtin. 6 Eagle Feather News - Health FEBRUARY 2012 Renewing the relationship

Belated Happy New Year greetings to specifically for the protection of First Nation all readers. interests in lands that are otherwise subject The First Nations–Crown Gathering to the control of provincial politicians. that was held on January 24 attracted a lot So the provincial leaders, as well as of media attention and commentary both First Nations representatives, have to partic - positive and negative. ipate in any process that may yield positive I still find it difficult to know what to change for First Nations. make of it. I was surprised that the occasion did not include the announcement of anything of substance, such as new funding for dedicated purposes like First Nation education. A proposal floated by Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of the Assembly of Chiefs, who is an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan College of Law, got a lot of support from Chiefs. He No Constitutional guarantee, however suggested that the prime minister call a First elegant its text, is worthwhile without the Ministers’ Meeting “to make s.35 political motivation to make it meaningful effective”. and effective. It is indeed better to work Section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982 towards achieving a political consensus recognizes and affirms Treaty and Aborig - among the First Nations, the provinces and inal rights but its effectiveness is impaired the federal government rather than to aim by the failure of governments to make the for the amendment or elaboration of Consti - Constitutional guarantee meaningful. tutional text. Moreover, the general language of s.35 is The problem is that the present prime very slowly, case by case, being decided by minister does not accept the established judges who are appointed effectively by the forms of cooperative federalism. And so prime minister and not by the political there will be no First Ministers’ Meeting, representatives of the First Nations them - just as there will be no national meetings on selves. a new health accord for the one that ends in What merit is there in having appointed 2014. The finance minister has already judicial civil servants determine what is the announced the federal budgetary contribu - meaning of the most fundamental rights of tions that will be made to the provinces First Nations? under the Health transfers for a period well The First Ministers’ Meeting proposal beyond 2014 and beyond the time when the made by Nepinak has, unfortunately, not Harper government must face Canadian been universally understood by journalists, voters at the end of its term. including Norman Spector in his recent In this situation First Nations have to Globe and Mail (aka ‘Mop and Pail’) react to the new ways of getting things done, UUninited WaWaayy of Saskaattoon and Area wowouuldld commentary. It has been wrongly inter - or oppose them and wait for another likkee to thank the indiviidduals, organizaattions preted as a call for national Constitutional government. In the sphere of health and employyeees who connttinue to suuppport and reform and rejected on that basis. transfers, the best option for First Nations believe in our mission. YYoour generous gi s of time, talent and treasure haavve achievveed a No one will seriously argue that direct might be the design of new unique funding 2011 cammppaign total of over $6.3 Milllioion ffoor constitutional reform is not out of the formulas negotiated between province-by- our communityy.. question. Among other problems, it risks province or otherwise and involving First awakening the Quebec separatist sleeping Nations and the federal government. AAtt UniUnited WaWay of Saskaaattoon and Area, we dog. Grand Chief Nepinak’s proposal is An imperative across the board would pool resources – time, knowlel dggee, inuence, based on the recognition that a meaningful be giving the force of legislation to make dollars – and disperse them throughouutt the communityy.. WeWe do this in various ways, the ‘renewal’ of the relationship between First agreements effective, as has been recently best-known being funfunddining of human service Nations and Canada as a nation requires a proposed for a First Nations Education Act agencies such as Core Neighhbborhood YoYouutth Co-op, Saskatoon Indian Metis forum and a process for the participation of by the Senate Standing Committee on Friendship Centre, Saskakatoon Student WeWellness Iniittiativvee TTooward Community all of Canada’s governmental decision- Aboriginal Peoples, of which Health (SWITCH) and WWhihite Bualo YoYouutth Lodge. (TToo learn more about our makers, and that must include the provin - Saskatchewan’s Lillian Dyck is a member. ffununding process, plelease visit wwww.uni.uniittedwaysaskaattoon.ca.) cial and territorial leaders. Legislation is also needed to provide secure Buutt ffununding is only part of what wewe do. WeWe also coordinaatte caappacity If we look at one of the most pressing funding arrangements, as was proposed by building programs and build partnerships. is includesudes building respectffuul issues in recent times, that of substituting Auditor-General Sheila Fraser. relationshipsp within the AAbboriginal communityy.. Recognnizinizing thaatt it is First Nation access to an equitable share of Following the conclusion of the important to include the voices of all, the Strength of Spirit committee has been the bounty of the Treaty lands and resources Crown-First Nations Gathering, the prime assisting and guiding UniUnnited WaWaayy in this important endeaavvor. for the current system of government under- minister’s office unilaterally issued a Our community is growining and changing rapidlyy,, and UniUninited WaWaayy of Saskatoon funding and maladministration of reserves statement called an ‘Outcome Statement’ and Area is responding. TTogogether, we are making our commmmunity a place thaatt is from the public treasury, then it is easy to that was widely misconstrued as a joint truly great, fofor everyyoone. see why the provinces must participate in statement. It is difficult to discern exactly any meaningful renewal. what is in store from the opaque and general The law of the Constitution has language in the Statement. Sincerelyy,, allocated control of lands and resources to I did notice that this Conservative the provincial governments. It is true that government did not pick up any of the basic there is still federal authority over the Treaty recommendations of the Royal Commis - Cornelia Laliberte and Aboriginal rights aspects of those lands sion on Aboriginal Peoples that was Chair, UUninited WaWay of Saskaattoon & Area and resources but it is another thing to try appointed by the Mulroney Conservative Board of Directors to get the federal government to legislate government in the 1990s. FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News 7 8 Eagle Feather News - Health FEBRUARY 2012 Concept of fatherhood took a beating over the years What’s the most confusing day on systems: reserves, How can this ashamed of their culture and language. the reserve? The answer to the old riddle residential schools society expect They were beaten and abused. How can is, of course, Father’s Day! and the Indian Act. Aboriginal people they be expected to be loving parents It’s supposed to be a joke, but take a All of these to be kind loving with a foundation and history like that? look at the majority of First Nations ‘systems’ led to people and respon - It took a long time to create this mess and families and they really are missing the where Aboriginal sible parents when it will take just as much time to fix it. fathers. people are today. they don’t know What these fathers need are Blind Spot is a one-hour television The most devas - how? Who taught programs to teach them how to be documentary filmed in North Central tating blow to them how to love? parents. Regina by Geoff Leo of CBC aboriginal families was the creation of They were taught to beat and hurt each Geoff Leo’s documentary has Saskatchewan. Blind Spot – What residential schools. Children were forced other. brought the spotlight to this issue and it’s happened to Canada’s Aboriginal Fathers to attend these schools, separated from They were taught that they were time that Canadian society opened their is a documentary that shines a light on their parents and their communities. The dirty and unwanted. These schools not eyes and their hearts. Stop telling Aborig - the largely unknown and unstudied issue children were beaten and abused in those only took the ‘Indian’ out of the child but inal people to ‘get over it’ because there of fatherlessness in Aboriginal commu - church run government funded schools. they also took their souls and spirits. is a long way to go before healing can nities. It follows three First Nations men This policy removed the day-to-day How can they be expected to be a good begin. as they face their own personal demons family roles from the aboriginal children. parent? The Truth and Reconciliation in their quest to become better fathers Commission is currently travelling even with the odds stacked against them. across the country listening to residen - So what happened? There was a time There was a time when Aboriginal tial school survivor testimonies I when Aboriginal men were fathers and encourage people to go listen and then providers. There was a time when you may understand why Aboriginal Aboriginal families were solid family families were solid family units. people cannot just get over it. units. Things began to change for Until next month be kind to one Aboriginal people as more and more They didn’t get to see how a father or Seven generations of Aboriginal another. settlers came to this land. The need for mother dealt with their responsibilities children were forced to go to residential I enjoy hearing from readers. You land increased the need to herd Aborig - and as such were unprepared when they schools where they lived a regimented, can send your letters to Sandee Sez c/o inal people onto reserves. Buffalo were became parents themselves. Being a institutionalized existence devoid of love Eagle Feather News P.O. Box 924 disappearing and the people were hungry loving parent is a learned behavior; we and acceptance. Station Main Saskatoon Sk., S7K 3M4 so the government introduced a few new learn it from our parents. The children were taught to be or email [email protected] FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Health 9 Retirement looms for Eva

Diane Adams For Eagle Feather News va Lizotte has put the final stitches in a long and successful career. She has been designing clothes, blankets and fashion with a First Nations Eflair for more than 25 years. Her shop, Kihiw Crafts and Fashions, was nestled in an aging mini mall in Saskatoon’s west side for a decade. Now, Lizotte has retired and closed the doors. Her designs are recognizable across the province – men’s ribbon and star shirts, custom bridal gowns, white satin quilts and athletic track suits. The First Nations and Metis-inspired looks were popular, and as Saskatchewan’s economy boomed, so did the demand. Lizotte says that same booming economy changed her neighbourhood. “That seclusion isn’t there anymore,” she said. “We used to be on the outskirts of town, now we’re not on the outskirts, there’s development all around us,” she added. While developers built suburbs around her, Lizotte began to become weary of the work required to run her booming business by herself. After more than two decades, Eva Lizotte has decided it’s time to slow down a little. “It’s gotten too big for me,” she said. “There’s a lot of stress that comes with the business. There’s a lot of last minute orders, a lot of rush orders, a lot of deadlines. When those deadlines have to be met, they just have to be met.” During pow wow season, Lizotte said she would often go an entire weekend without sleeping, just to get the orders done. She says that kind of constant stress has left her in ailing health. Lizotte and her husband are building a home in quiet Rockford, Saskatchewan, three hours east of Saskatoon. “We are going to be moving back onto the land that we have, it’s just a slower pace of life, just more time to sit down and reflect on what’s important to you,” she said. Lizotte says she hopes returning to a more tradi - tional lifestyle will help her regain her health. She says the decision still wasn’t easy. Lizotte couldn’t find the right person to take over, sobbing as she talked about saying goodbye. “It’s still my baby and I take it very seriously and I don’t want to just pass it on to anybody,” she said. “I need to know that the person that it goes to cares about it as much as I care about it because it’s been such a big part of my life.” Lizotte says she’ll continue to design as a hobby from Rockford, but any sewing and manufac - turing will be sent overseas. 10 Eagle Feather News - Health FEBRUARY 2012 Facing the challenges of pesticides in our foods By Flo Lavallie Mexico and United States and it’s fresh? sweeten foods like oatmeal. toxins. For Eagle Feather News How can that be? In my garden, when I Nutrients in common spices like Eating local garden foods are he flyers we receive in the mail pick my vegetables, within half an hour nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne, important to our health. Station 20 Food advertise organic food opposite to the lettuce leaves and radish leaves are cumin, curry, oregano, rosemary, sage and store is necessary for our people to access Tsoda pop. The power of advertis - wilted and the radishes are soft. basil have powerful antiflammatory local food. ing and a person’s informed choices are a The study done by Dr. Paula Baillie qualities and fight bowel problems. They Save our community! Our children, challenge. Hamilton M.D. P.H.D. author of Toxic also restore the liver’s ability to flush our future. In the Overload says that a chemical called First Triclosan is a toxic chemical that acts on Nations the hormone producing glands. The and thyroid especially is affected. It can lead to brain fog, mood swings, Aboriginal  culture, as fatigue and weight gain and other well as the symptoms. Triclosan is also found in European toothpaste, liquid soaps, cosmetics,  culture, we clothing and plastics. These pesticides that were are found in our food triggers learning,   attention and memory problems in raised   children and adults and can cause infer - close to  Mother tility in women. Earth. In Perchlorate, a toxin in lettuce, is  Flo Lavallie affecting women’s sex drive. Up to 93 per my  cent of all leafy greens have perchorate, childhood years, we as children gathered  dandelions, flower greens, saskatoons, an odorless industrial toxin that hinders    chokecherries, cranberries, strawberries the Thyroid’s output of sex drive and raspberries. The Native population hormones. gathered and dried blueberries, meat, A multivitamin can often reverse the juniper berries and Labrador tea. damage toxic foods have created. We picked stones and roots with Selenium will help to detoxify the toxins. horses to prepare the land for our organic Zinc will help build the immune system. food. The mastery of chemicals has ruined Vitamin D will protect the body of defi - our food to the of illness and ciencies as well. Probiotics will strength - poisoning. en the body and help the body against In the grocery stores food comes from bowel diseases. Yogurt can be used to FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Health 11 Campus Masinahikanis A University of Saskatchewan notebook Working Together to help the reserves are generally poor with limited infra - the elderly (kihtehayak) should be supported Masuskapoe at the new “Office of Aboriginal structure and services. Having worked for First through an organized network of care (health Initiatives” on the new U of S campus on the most vulnerable (Bonita Beatty) Nations in health services delivery and gover - services, family, other agencies) and that all English River urban reserve at Grasswoods nance for many years, I have learned that it takes levels of government should invest in the Road, south of the city. We also welcome the Greetings from the faculty and students of community people engaging with others to building of Long-Term Care homes in or close appointment of Jacob Roesler as the new the Native Studies Department at the Univer - make a difference in any area. Success is to the communities. Furthermore, having youth Aboriginal Undergraduate Student Advisor. sity of Saskatchewan! We are entering the completing little steps along the way. I have also sit on community committees and boards is Jacob comes from northern Manitoba and is a middle of the academic term and everyone is observed that compassion and persistence were great for youth engagement; and social graduate of First Nations University. He joins plowing full speed ahead on course work and necessary assets for leadership and longevity. networks between the old and young should be Lorie Peters-Whiteman and both can be found research projects. All are looking forward to our With limited resources, life is often not fostered through the organization of intergen - at 248 Arts Tower. week-long mid-term break (February 20-24). good for the more vulnerable community erational activities. Lastly, building Healthy Native Studies faculty and students are also This month we are featuring some of the members, especially the babies and children, families through prevention programs and busy fundraising and preparing their research research conducted by Dr. Bonita Beatty from disabled, and elderly (the aged kihtehayak). A family support resources can help ensure that papers to present at the upcoming Native Deschambault Lake, a member of the Peter former U.S. Vice President put it well: “The the children and disabled get the best possible American/Indigenous Studies Association Ballantyne Cree Nation. Dr. Beatty is well moral test of government is how it treats those care. (NAISA) conference being held this year at known for her work in the areas of health who are in the dawn of life, the children; those News: The U of S is entering its Third Inte - Mohegun Sun Casino in Connecticut, management and administration, policy analysis who are in the twilight of life, the aged; and those grated Planning four year cycle. This time June 4-6. and policy-making, strategic planning, and in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and around the university-wide strategy includes NAISA is an international academic asso - community development and training. the handicapped.” four academic priorities, one of which is ciation university and college teachers and She is currently an Assistant Professor in The Treaties were intended to establish “Aboriginal Engagement: Relationships, Schol - students. It’s a professional organization Native Studies and Co-Director of Research in good relations both inside and outside the arship, Programs.” dedicated to supporting scholars and others who the International Centre for Northern Gover - communities and these relations were to be This priority area is intended to encourage work in Indigenous Studies. Last year the nance and Development. Her commitment to based upon the values of sharing, generosity, “the creation of diversified approaches and conference was held in Sacramento, Califor - northern communities continues in her many love and kindness – all of which came from the flourishing initiatives in every college and unit.” nia, and attracted over 900 conference partici - research projects, her teaching and her Creator. The moral responsibility therefore has To help meet this priority, the university pants. community service. She is currently conduct - not changed – people must still work together has made a commitment to co-ordinate univer - The Native Studies faculty at the U of S is ing research projects on northern life and devel - to benefit and support those who cannot help sity-community relationships and recently honoured to be selected as the NAISA confer - opment and on ways to respect the dignity of themselves. appointed Candace Wasacase-Lafferty as the ence host for 2013 which also coincides with elderly people in chronic or end of life care. So what can be done? Some of my research new Director of First Nation & Metis Engage - our 30th anniversary. Dr. Bonita Beatty, Research Notes: It is in the areas of First Nations elderly care and ment. You can check out NAISA at well known in research circles that First Nation northern community engagement suggests that You will find Candace and Wilna http://naisa.org/ JRRGIRRGELWHVJRRGIIRRRGELWHV  $5(<28($7,1* &$1'< )25%5($.)$67"

    Kevin Nabess discusses IT opportunities with Donald Bear.

Students ponder myriad of career choices

By John Lagimodiere “It makes a difference. I also tell youth

Of Eagle Feather News that there are so many opportunities of

The Edwards School of Business, Future employment within the health industry; from is Yours Career Fair, drew hundreds of entry level environmental worker/food     students from around Saskatchewan to services workers to X-ray and lab technicians. explore career options. The students were It’s very rewarding to motivate and speak exposed to dozens of different career oppor - with youth about career opportunities and to tunities and breakout sessions extolling jobs hear all their positive plans on future career in mining, government and health districts to aspirations.” name a few. Kevin Nabess is an SIIT student in Infor - Donald Bear is a Representative mation Technology and he was taking in all Workforce Associate for the Saskatoon the information the employers had to offer. Health Region and he was kept hopping with “The future in IT looks good. Everyone the students seeking advice on jobs and needs this service into the future,” said careers with Saskatchewans largest employer. Nabess. “I have been telling youth attending the “I am using today to network and get my EURXJK   career fair today, that we need more Métis name out there. There are lots of opportuni - and First Nations doctors, nurse practition - ties. Even in health they are hiring IT people 5RRP  $$YYHQXH 5 6 6DVNDWRRQ ers, registered nurses and licensed practical and they told me to email them my resume. nurses, providing quality care for our people,” Times are changing and we have to change ZZZFKHSRUJ said Bear. with the times.” 12 Eagle Feather News - Health FEBRUARY 2012 Tribal Council proud of Lodge • Continued from Page 1 “Before we would hang out at the hospital and it was difficult. Now we can hang out here, have coffee, watch TV or movies or just relax and listen to music. But they have a really friendly staff.” Tina Thomas is the Coordinator of Victoria Lodge. She has a background of working for community services and she and the staff are up for the task of creating a welcoming and family atmosphere. “We are excited about this. To meet the people coming in and providing the best quality service that we can is important to us,” said Thomas as she led a tour through the Lodge. “Each person can have their own room. We can host up to eight people now and they have access to three square meals a day, and Elders and quiet rooms and support from the staff. These people are dealing with serious health issues sometime and the staff takes their job seriously. On hand for the inaugural ribbon cutting were from left, Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas, Tina “The direction given to the staff was to treat people as Thomas, Marie Buffalo, Kim Iron Eagle, Jesse Cardinal, Rose Thomas and Saskatoon Tribal Council Vice if this was their home away from home. With a lots of Chief Geraldine Arcand. Missing Regina Mitsuing. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) smudging and elders around it is going to take us a long way.” The services the Lodge offers are unique in the city and will save many people boredom, frustration and lost time and the benefits will help the clients and their health. “We want to emphasize that it is a place to come when you are in town for medical,” said Chief Thomas. “Some people are spending the day in their car, or in the hospital or driving around while one person is getting dialysis. This is somewhere the people can come that’s close to lots of places, but still quiet where they can enjoy the comforts of home and speak to someone in their language. “It is nice for people from the north or from reserves to come to a place where there are people they are comfortable with. Obviously they are here under stressful situations and every little bit helps. We will subsidize this if we have to help make it run. It is important.” Whitecap FN takes another step towards self-government The Whitecap Dakota First Nation has taken another step toward self-sufficiency after signing a Framework Agreement to negotiate self-government for the First Nation. The Agreement was signed between the John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation after the historic summit between First Nation leaders and the Prime Minister of Canada. “Governance, accountability and transparency have been the cornerstone to our continued success,” said Chief Bear. “This agreement moves us another step forward in our journey to sign a self-government agreement with Canada. A self-government agreement will recognize the Whitecap Dakota First Nation as a government with the ability to create laws, authorities and empower our community members to break the cycle of dependence created by the Indian Act.” This Framework Agreement marks the start of a process for determining Whitecap Dakota law-making powers, including how they will manage their resources, preserve their culture and build on their successes in economic devel - opment. It will foster an autonomous and accountable First Nation government and also include arrangements to ensure harmonious relationships with other governments. “The signing of this agreement is an important milestone along a path of renewal and reconciliation,” said Duncan. “Self-government agreements give Aboriginal groups greater control over the decisions that affect their communi - ties, laying the foundation for sound governance and an improved quality of life for their members.” The Framework Agreement sets out a process for Canada and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to negotiate a self- government agreement. As the next step in the process, the parties will begin negotiations of an Agreement-in-Principle. FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Health 13 Thunderbird opens doors to future By Kerry Benjoe that it was hard at first but eventually came For Eagle Feather News to love his time at the centre. eading Thunderbird Lodge, a resi - “There were two main things that I dential youth treatment centre already liked about it,” said Tyance. “One Llocated near Fort Qu’Appelle, is was the cultural program that they had and more than just a place to get clean, it can the other was the horse program with be the doorway to a brighter future. Twisted Wire Ranch that I really liked.” The centre, an entity of the File Hills It was the first time he had partici - Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, opened its pated in cultural activities or seen a horse. doors in 2007 with a focus on spirituality Tyance said the staff at the centre was and culture. It has evolved over the years, great and with the facility’s programs and but culture has remained a key support of others he was able to turn his component. life around. Michael Tyance, a former client of the For 12 weeks, clients participate in centre, is living the life he never dreamed cultural, spiritual, clinical and education - of and couldn’t be happier. He is happy al programs. Originally, it took both such a place exists. female and male clients but now focuses Originally from Thunder Bay, Ont., on males between the ages of 12 and 17. the now 20-year-old took a chance and “I took a chance and never looked travelled to Saskatchewan to seek back,” said Tyance. “I love my life now.” treatment for his addictions. On Oct 12, He not only completed the 12-week 2009, Tyance walked through the doors program, but went on to graduate high of the centre and says it was “best decision school, took up bronco riding and is a Twisted Wire Ranch employee. I ever made.” Thunderbird Lodge Executive Director Karen Main is shown here with File Hills “I work hard for what I have,” said Although he was only 16, his life was Qu’Appelle Tribal Representative Edmund Bellegarde. already in a downward spiral addicted to Tyance. drugs, living on the streets and in trouble He plans on taking up a trade such as lodge said success stories like Tyance are ent school status. with the law. welding within the next couple of years. the most rewarding. On average, about “Looking back over the past five “I started smoking marijuana at 14 Tyance said his family in Thunder 60-to 75-per-cent of clients graduate. She years, certainly it’s about celebrating and was addicted to pills by age 16,” said Bay are happy with his successes and are estimates about 200 youths have received where we come from over a short time but Tyance. “I committed crimes to help fuel proud of what he has accomplished. If it treatment since the centre opened its focusing on where we’re going,” said my habit and had legal problems.” weren’t for the centre he believes he doors. Main. That’s when he heard about an would still be living on the streets of Main said the centre continues to She’s looking forward being able to aboriginal youth treatment centre in Fort Thunder Bay. evolve to meet the needs of clients. The continue offering the unique program - San and agreed to treatment. He admitted Karen Main, executive director of the centre has recently applied for independ - ming in the future. 14 Eagle Feather News - Health & Healing FEBRUARY 2012 Residential school survivors telling stories at Saskatchewan hearings

time again at the hearings. At the hearings, survivors She said it’s also important for society because the speak publicly about their experience at residential rest of Canada needs to be educated about what went school and what kind of impact that experience has had on in residential schools. on their lives. For many it’s a very emotional experience. “I always take great hope in these gatherings and Wilson said it’s important to provide survivors a in the testimonies that we hear because no matter how chance to address the commission. difficult, no matter how dire, no matter how heart - “What we have seen in almost every community breaking some of the details are there’s almost always that we’ve been to for hearings is that survivors play a point where people are able to see the positive in that an incredibly important role in inspiring each other,” experience or what they learned from those hardships,” said Wilson. “What does inspired mean? It means the said Wilson. spirit within us. It means somehow we find that spirit She finds inspiration in survivors who are able to Marie Wilson within ourselves to also be able to stand up and speak put the past behind them and look toward the future. up.” “I find that very encouraging and very hopeful and By Kerry Benjoe She said the most valuable thing that has been very uplifting,” said Wilson. “Not only for those who For Eagle Feather News learned from the hearings is that survivors are able to are speaking, but for all of us as we share the next esidential school survivors will soon have an create their own community. chapter in our Canadian history together.” opportunity to share their stories. In preparation The commission has conducted 20 hearings in The TRC was also at the Key First Nation and Rfor the Saskatchewan National Event that is to northern Canada and six in the Maritimes as well as Prince Albert in January. It is to host hearings at Pelican happen in June in Saskatoon, the Truth and Reconcilia - some national events. Narrows from February 13-14 and Stony Rapids tion Commission will be hosting 12 community hearings. Wilson estimates the commission has hosted 30 February 16-17. It will return to Saskatchewan for a The first of the hearings took place at the First detailed hearings like the one that was hosted in Regina. three-day hearing in Onion Lake on April 3-5. Nations University of Canada. “It’s always new.” said Wilson. “It’s never the same In May the commission will host a two-day event For three days a large crowd gathered in the atrium old same old. It is so heartfelt that you cannot help but in Fort Qu’Appelle May 14-15 and another in Buffalo of the university – the smell of sweetgrass lingered in feel it at the level of your own heart. But it is also Narrows on May 17-18. the air – as one-by-one survivors recounted their expe - heartfelt in the way it is inspirational, the way it is There are also events to be held in North Battle - riences to the TRC. The mood was sombre, many tears uplifting. ford, Beauval and Ile-a-la-Crosse, but those dates have were shed by survivors and those in the crowd. “People come here not because they have given up yet to be announced. However, during the breaks people gathered in but because they are still trying, because they are Further information on the TRC can be found on groups sitting, talking and visiting. choosing to do all that they can to try and be well and its website (www.trc.ca). Marie Wilson, one of the commissioners, said that to live good and positive type of bonding is something she has witnessed time and lives.” Where The Blood Mixes carries powerful message By Mike Gosselin benefit from. For Eagle Feather News “SNTC is extremely excited to he Saskatchewan Native Theatre present this powerful work from one of Company concludes its 2011/2012 the hottest Aboriginal artists in Canada Tseason with the 2009 Governor (Loring). General Award winning play Where the “We know that this play, which has a Blood Mixes, written by Kevin Loring. lot to say about residential school issues, The play also marks the first full will stick with our audience for a long season with Alan Long as SNTC’s general time after the curtain closes,” Long said. manager. Where the Blood Mixes features “January was my one-year anniver - Saskatoon thespians Kent Allen and sary and 2011 was a year of renewal for Robert Benz acting along side SNTC SNTC in which we have made excellent alumni Curtis Peeteetuce and Muskeg progress as an organization,” Long said Lake’s Carol Greyeyes. from his office at Troupe de Jour in Falen Johnson rounds out the cast. An Saskatoon. added bonus is live music performed by “We love our new home on 20th and Saskatoon musician Lindsay Knight. our strong relationships with sponsors and Long is so excited for this play, he funders that are key to our viability as a admits it’s already influenced next season. charitable organization. We have added “Curtis (Peeteetuce, SNTC’s artistic seven new board members and created a director) and I are already planning the voting membership base.” next season which also promises to bring And as far as business goes, atten - strong professional work, rooted in dance has been growing steadily Aboriginal culture, language and history.” throughout the season, something Long For tickets to Where the Blood Mixes, hopes Where the Blood Mixes will call (306) 384-7727 or go to www.sntc.ca FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Entertainment 15 Tattoo artists compiling impressive body of work

love tattoos. I love having tattoos a tattoo artist a star, 937-3698, or drop “Sometimes when I finish a piece, I and I will probably add to my if done right. in at: 10201 11th wish it was mine,” confesses Tinker. existing … yes, body … of artwork. However, Adams Ave, North Once he ran ‘dry lines’ on himself – I is always Battleford. using the tattoo gun minus ink - so that Tattoos can be such interesting, creative pieces of art. improving his See his he could understand the pain clients feel, I wondered how many talented, work. He’s portfolio at: although clients have repeatedly told professional Aboriginal tattoo artists constantly looking www.rockstartat - him he’s very sensitive and a great were in Saskatchewan, so I asked around around to see what toos.ca or on listener. on Facebook. Two artists came highly other tattoo artists Facebook: Tinker loves doing memorial tattoos recommended by many different people, have done, seeking out inspiration. Rockstar Tattoos, . and portraits. Consultations with clients so I was very excited when they both “When you see someone else’s work Brad Tinker, from Pinehouse, was are a necessary part of direction. agreed to do interviews! and it just wows you, you just start in the mining industry for 17 years, but “I plan it out from the get go,” says Howie Adams, from Fond Du Lac, thinking ‘I wish I could do something was always into art. He’s a mixed Tinker. “I break a client’s body parts opened Rockstar Tatoos in North Battle - like that.’ That inspires you to become medium artist who does sculptures, down like canvas. I don’t frame any of ford in November of last year and has better at your work,” says Adams. painting, airbrush, and pencil drawings, my work. I have ends that are feathered already been making a name for himself. Adams has been tattooing since he as well as tattoos. Several years ago, off, so if you do decide to add to it, it’s not People have booked with him from was 16 years old. His first piece was a after he learned how to tattoo, Tinker and random pieces all over your body. If you across Canada, probably due in large tattoo on his own arm, and it marked a his partner, Wiggy, quickly opened up a get tattooed from me in the beginning, all part to people noticing his work on passion that would continue to linger in shop. Their Prince Albert business is my work will flow. I won’t just put others. the back of his mind for many years. He called PA Custom Tatooing. stamps all over you and make it a sleeve. pursued art school and is experienced in Tinker strongly recommends The plan will be right from Day 1.” airbrushing, oil and acrylic. He anyone interested in tattooing get an In his spare time, Tinker loves to graduated from Vancouver Animation spend time with his wife of School in 2001 and his artwork has been 12 years and their three sold throughout Canada. He still doodles beautiful kids. and draws quite a bit, and he hopes to “I left a job that paid tattoo more of his own freehand work, me a lot of money for only though he is quite happy to oblige a working five months. I left client who brings in a design of their that job to come and do a choosing. job that I love,” says Most clients know what they want Tinker. before they tattoo, he says. However, he To book a tattoo with does caution younger clients who don’t Brad Tinker, call PA Ink understand the long-term implications Custom Tattooing at (306) of their choices: “Be smart, start small. A beautiful sample of Howie Adams’s work. 764-3994, or stop by their Put it in a place where you can hide it, if store at: 160-B 17th Street you need to, for work. No names – apprenticeship. He travelled, went to West, Prince Albert. unless it’s a memorial tattoo.” conventions, took seminars with See their portfolio on Facebook: PA As the owner of one of only two renowned artists, met artists from all Ink Custom Tattooing. tattoo shops in North Battleford, Adams over the world, and he also studied the If there’s an artist, entertainer or Brad Tinker at work in Prince Albert. gets a steady stream of clients, though art on his own, but that gets costly. event that you think could be featured in It makes sense, as tattoos are a he’s occasionally able to take walk-ins. Interestingly, Tinker has no tattoos Eagle Feather News, give me a shout at: constant source of advertising. These If you would like to book a tattoo with of his own. He likes being different, but [email protected]. See you next living, breathing works of art can make Howie Adams, call his shop at: (306) he loves tattoos on other people. month! 16 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2012 United Way surpassed lofty objective in 2011 By Darla Read For Eagle Feather News hen Cornelia Laliberte and the rest of the United Way’s campaign cabinet set its most Wrecent campaign target for the 2011 Community Campaign, they knew they were setting a lofty , but one they were sure was attainable. “We were underestimating and being conservative” in past campaigns, says Laliberte, who is finishing up her term as chair of the United Way’s Board of Directors, after being on the board for six years. When Laliberte joined the board six years ago, the United Way’s campaign raised $3.3 million. Last year, a campaign goal was set at $5.1 million, and $5.7 million was raised. That’s why this time around, she says the Cornelia Laliberte was confident the United Way would reach its lofty objective in 2011. campaign cabinet members wanted to set a realistic goal and not underestimate the donations. after raising a total of $1 million over a series of pleased we’re working on it.” She says the campaign cabinet met every two weeks, campaigns. Two years ago, it reached the $2 million Because Laliberte is chair, she has served on most where it would crunch the numbers to determine just how milestone. of the board’s committees, as well as chairing the Allo - the campaign was going. “Because of our achievement, we can admit three to cation Committee, which is the one that will determine “There were a couple of meetings where we were five funded agencies this year,” notes Laliberte. She says which agencies will benefit from the latest campaign getting a little nervous,” she chuckles. right now a short-list is being prepared from 20 agencies dollars. There was no need to be nervous. The campaign goal that applied. Laliberte is happy to point out that now it’s Laliberte has been busy. With the latest campaign, was to reach $6.2 million. When the numbers were standard practice to ask agencies what kind of impact there were meetings every two weeks from March 2011 tallied, more than $6.37 million was raised, which is the they have on Aboriginal people in Saskatoon. until just last month, plus the monthly board meetings largest-ever Community Campaign for United Way of Prior to this campaign, 2008 was the last time and any committee meetings. Saskatoon and area. agencies were admitted, and then it was five. Laliberte As Laliberte’s time with the Board draws closer to Laliberte says the success of the campaign was in believes it had been about 10 years prior that any agencies an end, she says getting a chance to really know and large part due to the top accounts. Forty per cent of were admitted. The Board hopes to admit these newest understand what the agencies do has been the most donations came from the top four contributors: Cameco agencies by March. enjoyable part of her time with the United Way Board. and the United Steel Workers (USW) Local 8914; Laliberte is most excited when she talks about the “I got to see what impact the dollars raised has,” she PotashCorp and USW Locals 7458, 7689, and 189; Strength of Spirit advisory committee that was estab - explains. Agrium and USW Local 7552; and Mosaic Potash lished in 2006. Since its inception, Laliberte has chaired Because of being on the Allocation Committee, she Colonsay and USW local 7656. the committee, which made the recommendation to visited many of the agencies in person. She’s proud of And, for this year’s campaign, Cameco Corporation increase funding to Aboriginal organizations or any the wide variety that has been helped, whether it’s the raised more than $1 million. The company began organization that can illustrate it has a positive impact Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Saskatoon contributing significantly to the United Way in 2004. on the Aboriginal community. Indian Métis Friendship Centre, or the Learning Disabil - Three years ago, it reached “Once in a Million” status “It’s more work to do,” says Laliberte, “but I’m ities Association of Saskatchewan. FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Education 17 Students build home for Whitecap family By Mike Gosselin framing, roofing, plumbing, tile setting, it evolved into “the satisfaction of knowing family will live in it.” For Eagle Feather News carpentry, electrical, dry walling, you put a hard day’s work in.” Chief Bear went on to say projects like n a freakishly cold morning in mudding/taping, insulating, glass work and He also learned something very this fit well with Whitecap’s current and Saskatoon, a group of high school painting. important to achieving successful career in future housing needs. Ostudents brought a little warmth Four months later they had a finished finishing carpentry. “Of the 500 employees who commute into the world. Actually it was a lot of house to present. Through a partnership “This is where it’s good to have a to work in Whitecap, 250 said they would warmth. between the Saskatoon Board of Education woman’s touch,” he said with a shy smile. live there if they could.” In the form of their latest ‘shop’ project. and Whitecap Dakota First Nation, the “Everything has to be pretty.” H-CAP not only addresses the need for But instead of tables, shelves or spoon holders, these young people were showing off a house they built. It’s a house a family from Whitecap Dakota First Nation will live in. Fittingly, PotashCorp Centre at Mount Royal Collegiate was packed with politi - cians, education reps, proud parents and throngs of media types. And as the brand new house posed ominously in the backdrop, a spontaneous theme emerged: “I wish I had this when I was in high school.” Mount Royal Principal Bruce Bradshaw said it. Saskatoon Board of Education Director George Rathwell agreed. The Board’s Chair Ray Morrison To help cut the ribbon, there was from left to right H-CAP teacher Rob Fraser, MLA Jennifer Campeau, Whitecap Chief couldn’t resist either. Darcy Bear, Senator Melvin Littlecrow, H-CAP student Michael Munro, Saskatoon Board of Education Chair Ray Morrison “I made a lamp in shop class,” Rathwell & Director George Rathwell. (Photo by Mike Gosselin) joked. Fourteen students from six schools house was presented to Whitecap Chief Whitecap Chief Darcy Bear said there housing, it also addresses the shortage of across Saskatoon participated in H-CAP – Darcy Bear. is already a basement ready for the house. skilled tradespeople in Saskatchewan. the High School Carpentry Apprentice Michael Munro was one of the “It will be added to Whitecap Housing The 14 students who completed H- Program. They started in September and did students in H-CAP. He admitted to initially Corporation’s rental stock. It’ll be adver - CAP can now challenge their first year it all: concrete foundations and finishing, thinking of the project as an easy credit but tised, people will apply for it and a working apprenticeship exam.

Two things are certain in life.

We’ll help you defer one.

TTeleSeleService® 934.4000 1.866.863.6237 af nitycu.ca 18 Eagle Feather News - Business/Careers FEBRUARY 2012 $10-billion lawsuit

ThisThis Month: What Is Canada’sCanada’s Plan?

Q. WhatWhat is Canada’sCanada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel? about justice: Pratt Canada'sCanada's plan involves the construction of a national repositoryrepository for the A. long-termlong-term management of Canada’Canada’ss used nuclear fuel, which is a waste By Kerry Benjoe prroductoduct fromfrom the generation of electricity in nuclear power plants. It also For Eagle Feather News involves the development of a used fuel transportation system and he George Gordon First Nation has launched a $10-billion claim against the constructionconstruction of a centrcentree of expertise that will be a hub for national and iinternationalnternationalnational collaboration. Canada’Canada’ss plan is called Adaptive Phased federal and provincial governments. In a prepared statement, Chief Glen Pratt Management. Tsaid the lawsuit was about justice. “As a people we are sick and tired of being cheated out of the wealth that rightly TThehe plan rrequiresequires that used nuclear fuel be contained and isolated in a belongs to us under our treaty and Canadian and international law,” he added. deepdeep geological rrepositoryepositoryepository in a suitable rockrock formation. Used fuel will be The suit served on Jan. 10, alleges Canada and Saskatchewan improperly denied safelysafely and securelysecurelyely contained and isolated fromfroomm people and the environ-environ- George Gordon access to billions of dollars worth of potash and oil and gas lands mentment in the rrepositoryepositoryepository using a multiple-barrier system. This apprapproachoach is the culmination of mormoree than 30 years of rresearch,esearch, development and through misconduct by both levels of government throughout the George Gordon demonstration of technologies and techniques in Canada, the United Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement Agreement process. The agreement was entered States, Switzerland, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom and into by all three parties on Aug. 11, 2008. eelsewhere.lsewhere.e. Deep geological rrepositorieseepositoriespositories have been constructed and areare “The general tenor of the lawsuit is that George Gordon First Nation, like many ooperatingperating araroundound the world for various types of radioactive wastes. First Nations in Saskatchewan, are still owed land by Canada and Saskatchewan and before disposing of valuable oil and gas or potash lands to third parties ... that there’s A fundamental tenet of Canada’Canada’ss plan is the incorporation of learlearningning and an obligation on the governments to find out from the First Nations whether they are kknowledgenowledge at each step, to guide a prprocessocess of phased decision-making. The plan builds in exibility to adjust the plan if needed. interested in acquiring those lands first, which they did not do,” said Jeffrey R. W. Rath, an Alberta-based lawyer, who The plan will be implemented over several decades. Over this period of is representing the First Nation. ttime,ime, we may experience changes in the values and prpreferenceseferences of The leadership of George Gordon CCanadiananadian societysociety,, and advancements in knowledge and technologies. is raising a number of issues and AdaptiveAdaptive Phased Management is designed to be exible to ensurensuree new concerns about two mines near the llearningearningning and social priorities araree incorporated in Canada’sCanada’s plan and to allow this plan to adapt to other changes we may encounter along the reserve and on land located in its wway.ay. traditional territory.One is an under - ground potash mine called the Jansen The site selection prprocessocess that is currentlycurrently underway is designed to Project owned by BHP Billiton eensurensure that any community that is selected to host this high-technology,high-technology, Diamonds Inc., a member of BHP nationalnational infrastructurinfrastructuree facility is both informed about the projectproject and Billiton Group of Companies. The willingwilling to host it. The siting prprocessocessocess is also designed to ensurensuree that ssurroundingurrounding communities, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit who will mine is located 75.4 kilometres away potentially be afaffectedffectefectedected by the implementation of this prproject,oject, araree involved from , where George inin projectproject assessment and planning. Gordon is located. Rath said George Gordon had the Q.Q How was this plan developed? right to select the lands in question. A. TheThe design of Adaptive Phased Management emerged thrthroughough a Also in July 2008, Acron Joint three-yearthree-yearee-year study and dialogue with Canadians about a range of managemanage-- Stock Company (Acron), acquired the ment options (2002–2005). The study engaged thousands of citizens, sspecialistspecialists and Aboriginal peoples in every prprovinceovinceovince and territory.territory. The majority shares of a Saskatchewan pplanlan was selected as Canada’Canada’ss plan by the GovernmentGovernment of Canada in Corporation, which owns the rights 2007. to vast potassium deposits in lands bordering on the George Gordon Q.Q Why is this plan needed? reserve lands. A. For decades Canadians have been using electricity generated by nuclear According to Rath, the $10- powerpower rreactorseactors in Ontario, New Brunswick and Quebec. When used Gordon First Nation Chief Glen Pratt nuclearnuclear fuel is rremovedemovedemoved fromfrom a reactor,reactor, it remainsremains a potential health risk billion-figure was achieved through forfor many hundredshundreds of thousands of years and must be safely isolated economists and experts. fromfromom people and the envirenvironment,onment,onment, essentially indenitely.indenitely. “We’re looking at just the cost of development,” said Rath. “The cost for the BHP mine is somewhere around $8 billion. What we were advised TodayToday Canada’sCanada’s used nuclear fuel is safely storedstored on an interim basis at by the experts we consulted in drafting the statement of claim is that it’s the value of licensedlicensed facilities located wherewhere it is produced.produced. Like many other countries resources George Gordon was not provided as a result of Canada and Saskatchewan’s withwith nuclear power programs,programs,ograms, Canada is planning for the future.future. Ensuring thethe long-term, safe and securesecure management of used nuclear fuel is an actions. It could potentially reach that amount if you’re looking at oil and gas lands importantimportant responsibilityresponsibilityesponsibility we, as Canadians, share.share. or potash lands or whatever it is. “Then economic losses as well, certainly there are different multipliers and calcu - lations that goes into figuring out what a First Nation loses by not being able to assess JJo-AJo-Anno-Ann FFacellaacella is the DirDirectorector of SSocialocialocial ResearResearchch and Dialogue taxes and royalties against people developing these resources.” atat the NNuclearuclear WWasteaste ManagManagementement OOrganization.rganizrganization. SheShe has wworkedorked fforor prprominentominent public opinionopinion rrmsms (Gallup(Gallup CanadaCanada and The George Gordon First Nation further alleges that Canada acted unconstitu - GoldfarGGoldfarboldfarb CoConsultants)nsultants) and as SSenioreniorenior AAdvisordvisor at OntarioOntario PowerPower tionally by not counting all of its members or potential members in the settlement as GenerGGenerationeneration befbeforeforore joining the NWMO in 2002. OverOver the past would now be required following amendments to the Indian Act under Bill C-3 in 20 yyears,ears,, her wworkork has ffocusedocused oonn public ininvolvementvolvement in policpolicyy makingmaking,, and in parparticular,ticular, societal needs and expectatioexpectationsns January of 2011. cconcerningoncerncerningning the lolong-termng-term managementmanageementment of used nucnuclearlear fuel. The Province intends to fight the action. Ms. FFacellaacella has a mastermaster’s’s degrdegreeee in PPoliticalooliticlitical SScience.cience. “At this point I can just say that we are confident in the Province’s constitution - al authority to be able to manage and control the natural resources of the province, “Ask“Ask the NWMO”” is an aadvertisingdvertising featurefeaturfeature published rregularlyegularly in this and other communitycommunity nnewspapersewspapers to rrespondespond to readers’readers’’ questioquestionsns about Canada’sCanada’s plan fforor managing used nucnuclearlear and we’ll be defending the lawsuit vigorously,” said Linsay Rabyj, communications ffueluel ooverver the longlong tertermm and its implementation.implementation. e e NuclearNuclear WWasteaasste ManagManagementement director at Saskatchewan Justice. OrganizationOrganization welcomeswelcomes yyouroourur questions.questions. PPleaselease forwardforforward youryoourur questionsquestions to A spokesperson for the federal government was to review the claim and said that [email protected]@[email protected]. a statement of defence would be filed in due course. A statement of claim contains allegations that have not yet been proven in court. www.nwmo.cawww.nwmo.ca FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Business/Careers 19 Kawacatoose stepping into potash industry By Kerry Benjoe For Eagle Feather News he is planning on delving into the potash mining business but is Twilling to share the wealth. Chief Darin Poorman announced in January that a partnership agreement has been reached between Kawa - catoose and Native American Resource Partners (NARP) to develop the band’s potash resources. “We’re going to move forward as a collective not just as Kawacatoose,” Poorman said. The Chief said to expect an announcement sometime in the future regarding a coalition of other First Nations that plan to become part of the partnership. “I believe in the collective approach,” said Poorman. “I believe we can do things as one voice as First Nations people. I think that’s the way to move forward. We have to start doing things for ourselves.” Once it was decided that NARP was the company that fit the criteria, Poorman began spreading the word to other First Nations. He said the momentum is strong. “We still have some that are skeptical but that’s how we are as First Nations,” said Poorman. “We don’t move Will this be the view that potash miners see at the Kawacatoose potash mine? (EFN File photo) into anything until we are absolutely sure because we always have to remember the children yet unborn, as our forefathers did with the treaties. “We still enjoy the benefits because they thought about (future generations) and leadership have to keep that concept in (mind).” He believes this venture will stand the test of time and create a brighter future for First Nations people, because there is power in numbers. Poorman said as First Nations person he’s not confined to his own reserve. He has relatives from other parts of the province and he’s hunted on other reserves. It’s about sharing with one another and that need to help one another is what motivated him to try to form a coalition of First Nations invested in the project. Poorman said in the end it may mean Kawacatoose’s share may decrease as more First Nations join but it also means more First Nations will benefit from the proposed project. • Continued on Page 20 T & T Trucking Ltd. 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T&T Trucking is committed to the principles of practices of employment equity. We invite all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, visible minorities and Aboriginal Persons to apply for our opportunities. 20 Eagle Feather News - Business/Careers FEBRUARY 2012 Kawacatoose sitting on rich deposits: Poorman

He said the deal with NARP wasn’t a projects. It has offices in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to be a part of the industry deal that was entered into lightly. and Salt Lake City. and that’s why his company is willing to Companies from as far away as China John Jurrius, CEO of NARP, said a partner with Kawacatoose. and India approached the First Nation all lot of research is done before hoping to develop the natural resources. it enters into any project. With so much interest in Kawaca - “After researching the toose’s resources, the leadership knew it potash industry for over was time to act. three years we decided it was It was decided that their best course a sector we were comfort - of action would be to hire experts and able with moving into,” said research each of the companies. Jurrius. “With three major Poorman said it was very important potash players in the Chief Darin Poorman to take time to choose the right company. province, over $100 billion • Continued from Page 19 “It wasn't like we did this in 10 days,” in market assets, almost $10 He said potash mining is going on all he said. “This happened over a two-year billion annually in revenues around them but Kawacatoose hasn’t been period. and you look around at the a part of it. NARP was selected by Kawaca - 39-million acre potash belt “We know we have the resources,” toose.” there is not one acre of First said Poorman. “We know we sit on the It is a Canada-U.S. private investment Nation land involved in any richest deposits of potash based on some firm, which only serves First Nations by of these mines.” of the drilling that has been done in our providing capital so First Nations can He said the potential is area.” develop their own natural resource there for First Nations in +HOS:DQWHG.LSOLQJ

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$SSO\LQSHUVRQE\HPDLOMMKEDH#\DKRRFD RUID[   .LSOLQJ0RWRU,QQWK$YH.LSOLQJ6N62*6 FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Business/Careers 21 Castle Glass artists breaking new ground By Darla Rread showcase the unique glass ‘slumping’ would be a unique addition to a home, Parkinson was influenced at an early For Eagle Feather News process to potential clients. such as backsplashes, counters, free - age by her father, a landscape and portrait ary Natomagan has been an artist Slumping is where glass is heated standing or wall-mounted art, dividers, artist. for more than 25 years, but it was enough to make it sag or ‘slump’ over a door inserts, railings, or shower doors and She says because of that, she has Gonly recently he began creating mold, but not hot enough to turn it into walls. Commercial installations include always appreciated many forms of art. pieces of art in glass. molten liquid. hotel lobbies, casino wall murals, restau - “I am drawn to Aboriginal artists Self-taught, he draws his inspiration “I was driven by my love of glass and rant and board room feature walls, and because I believe their use of bold colors from growing up on the trapline. the increasing demand for new and glass logos and signs. and creative artistry speaks to the heart.” Natomagan has done a lot of work exciting designer products for the with animals from Northern booming building industry,” explains Saskatchewan. He says there are many Parkinson, noting glass forms come alive other animals he’d now like to try to when you add bold, vibrant colours. produce on glass, such as African animals. Colour isn’t something artist Erin When he was introduced to Castle Lalonde is used to. The Northern Designer Glass owner Janet Parkinson, Saskatchewan artist joined Castle he had never worked with glass before, Designer Glass earlier this year. Much of but discovered he enjoyed the process, her previous work has been in acrylics or particularly texturing glass. oil paints, pencil, or wood carvings. “I like doing something new,” he “Initially, I found (colour) intimidat - says, “instead of just using a pen.” ing and overwhelming,” she laughs. Parkinson says Natomagan’s glass art However, it’s part of what Lalonde likes has made its way into homes and busi - about her new job as a glass artist. nesses in Saskatoon and surrounding area, “I like that I’m often out of my and says he has mastered techniques in comfort zone. I’m always pushing myself glass slumping, fusing and back-painting. to grow and evolve.” Parkinson started Castle Designer There are a variety of glass products Glass in October of 2009. She wanted to produced by Castle Designer Glass that

Gary Natomagan and Erin Lalonde use their artistic expertise to create magical pieces of art that function as backsplashes, shower doors or counters for Castle Glass. (Photo by Darla Read)

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&$67/('(6,*1(5 */$66 840 - 47th Street East, Saskatoon Phone: 306-477-0098 Email: CastleDesignerGlass@[email protected] 22 Eagle Feather News - Gabriel Dumont Institute FEBRUARY 2012 Métis Heritage Days

approached Bishop Grandin to make St. Joseph a distinct day honours n February, various groups in Canada patron saint for the Métis. St. Jean Baptiste (St. John the Canada’s First celebrate their heritage. Such events include Baptiste), the patron saint of French Canadians, remains Nations, Inuit, and Black History Month, and in Saskatchewan, the Métis’ secondary patron saint. On March 19, 1885, Métis. Aboriginal Storytelling Month. All events Louis Riel and the Batoche Métis established the Provi - July 1: Is culminate on February 21, which is Heritage sional Government of the Saskatchewan or the Canada Day. In its Day in Canada. Of course, heritage days Exovedate. original incarna - Louis Riel occur throughout the calendar year. Below March 26 (1885): Commemorates the Battle of tion as “Dominion are some important contemporary and Duck Lake, a Métis victory over the members of the Day,” Métis celebrated this holiday by attending and historic Métis-specific heritage days. NWMP and the Prince Albert Volunteers. taking part in various sports days. In Wood Mountain, IJanuary 1: Li jhoor di laan or New Year’s Day. On April 24 (1885): Commemorates the Battle of in province’s southwest, the Métis, along with the local this day, the social event of the year, families got together, Tourond’s Coulee/Fish Creek, a Métis victory over the Lakota and members of the NWMP, took part in the and fathers and grandfathers blessed and kissed each North West Field Force. Wood Mountain Stampede, the oldest continuous rodeo child and grandchild (la bénédiction paternelle), then May 9-12 (1885): Commemorates the Battle of in Canada. The Métis in the Crescent Lake area around everybody kissed one other, feasted on lii beignes (fried Batoche in which the Métis and their First Nations, and camped at Saltcoats to celebrate at the annual bread), li gallett (bannock), lii boulettes (meatballs), li Euro-Canadian allies were defeated by the North West fair on Dominion Day. Métis in Cumberland House took rababou (stew), and other items, and then continued this Field Force under General Middleton. part in canoe races on Dominion Day, a carryover from tradition with their extended family members through - May 19 (1906): On this day, Gabriel Dumont, the various competitive and social events that were tied to out the day. The day concluded with all-night dance and Adjutant General of the Métis Nation during the 1885 the summer solstice since time immemorial. fiddle parties. Resistance, died. July 13-14 (1851): On this day the Métis defeated a large group of Dakota at Grand Coteau in what is now North Dakota. By the early 1860s, the Métis and Dakota would conduct a peace treaty. July 15 (1870): The Manitoba Act became law. To Louis Riel and his followers, the act was seen as a pact between the Dominion of Canada and the Métis Nation. July 15-16: Is the annual pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine at St. Laurent de Grandin near Duck Lake. This pilgrimage—which commemorates the “miraculous” cure of Rosalie (née Lépine) Nolin, the wife of Charles Nolin—has been important to the Métis since 1884. July 17 (1887): The Union nationale métisse Saint- Joseph du Manitoba, the oldest Métis organization, was founded in St. Vital, Manitoba. A few years previous, on September 24, 1885, Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont founded the Association nationale des Métis, which later became the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph. July (third week): Back to Batoche Days. Since 1971, the modern Back to Batoche celebration has been held at Batoche, although for its first two decades, dates The Battle of Seven Oaks by Sherry Farrell Racette. alternated throughout the spring, summer, and fall. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that the event would be held February 4-March 10 to March 22-April: Li May 31 (1816): Was when the Métis infinity/Circle during the third week of July around the time of the karem or Lent is a period of spiritual reflection and self- of Eight flag was first documented. On this date, Métis original “St. Joseph’s Day” celebration. denial. During Lent, many traditional Métis stories, allied to the North West Company under Cuthbert Grant July 24: Was celebrated by the Métis around including those involving li Jiyaab (the Devil), li flew this flag in the Qu’Ap - Roogaroo pelle Valley. The Métis flag (werewolf), is the oldest patriotic flag Whiitigo indigenous to Canada. (cannibal spirit), June 19 (1816): The and Paakuk Métis or the Bois-Brûlés (flying skeleton), defeated Hudson Bay were often told Company employees at the to ensure that Battle of Seven Oaks. The youth would Métis raconteur Pierre honour their “Pierriche” Falcon soon Lenten obliga - chronicled the Métis victory tions. in his famous song “la March 19: chanson de la grenouil - Is the Feast of St. lère/gournouillère” (“The Joseph—the Battle of Frog Plain”)—the Patron Saint of oldest patriotic song to have the Métis (and of originated in Canada. Canada). In June 21: Is National August 1884, Aboriginal Day in Canada. Pierre Falcon Louis Riel First celebrated in 1996, this Midnight Mass at Batoche, Armand Paquette, Parks Canada. FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Gabriel Dumont Institute 23 November 16 most important day on

Batoche as “St. Joseph’s Day” or “la fête nationale.” In 1884, Batoche area Métis inau - gurated this day as a national Métis holiday. From 1886 until 1958, St. Joseph’s Day was celebrated at Batoche, although its Michif-French character had started to erode Métis calendar during the 1930s. St. Joseph is the Métis’ patron saint, and not surprisingly, the celebration focused on a feast (an ox was “hunted” in the fashion of the plains bison hunts), a mass, and a country fair with music and dancing. Men participated in horserac - ing, shooting, and arm wrestling contests while women displayed their embroidery, quilting, rug hooking, sash weaving, and crocheting. November 16: Louis Riel Day. On November 16, 1885, Louis Riel was executed for treason by the Canadian state. Every November 16, Métis across Canada celebrate Riel’s life, and honour his sacrifice on this day, which is not to be confused with Manitoba’s statuary holiday in February which also has the same name. Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council, states that “November 16 is the most important day on the calendar of the Métis Nation. It was on this day in 1885 that our fearless leader Louis Riel, was executed for defending the rights of his people, the Métis.” Ironically, November 16 is also the International Day for Tolerance. December 24: Li réveillon was the meal that Métis families traditionally held after Cumberland House canoe races...photo from the Louis Dorion archives. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Li réveillon was also celebrated on New Year’s Eve, but this was more a social event, and was comprised of various extended families rather than the Christmas Eve gathering, which focused more on nuclear families. – Article by Darren R. Prefontaine

Enjoy Reading These GabrielGabriel Dumont Institute Publications! Request a catalogue or order online! https://shop.gdins.org

Gabriel Dumont: Li Chef Michif in Images and in Words

DARREN R. PRÉFONTAINE

These dancers rocked at Back to Batoche in 2004. (Photo GDI)

Image Credits: Gabriel Dumont Institute Archival Collection (Gabriel Du - mont, Louis Riel, Blue Infinity Flag, Back to Batoche 2004, Cumberland Gabriel Dumont Institute 2—6042—604 22nd Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 5W1 House Canoe Races, Battle of Seven Oaks by Sherry Farrell Racette); Parks (T) 306.934.4941 (F) 306.244.0252 Canada (Midnight Mass at Batoche by Armand Paquette), and the Archives wwwwww.gdins.org / www.metismuseum.ca of Manitoba (Pierre Falcon) 24 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2012 Saskatchewan Hundreds of students from the University of Regina and the students join First Nations Univer - sity of Canada marched to demand better funding for national protest post secondary edu - cation. (Photo by Creeson against rising fees Agecoutay) By Creeson Agecoutay For Eagle Feather News housands of university students from across Canada came together as one on February 1 Tduring the National Day of Action. They voiced their concerns to the government. The nationwide rally was called, “All Out On February 1st”. At the University of Regina dozens of students from all backgrounds rallied through the halls carrying signs that read, “Reduce Tuition Fees”, “Drop Student Debt”, while shouting, “We gotta beat back the Harper attack.” Daphne Kay from was among them and believes that this day is important for her and the future of many. “If we make enough noise today, we’re going to make the federal government rethink what they’re trying to do to our post-secondary education for all students, not just Aboriginal students,” Kay said. Like Kay, many First Nation students, oppose the two per cent cap on the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP). PSSSP provides financial assistance to all Status Indian and Inuit students who are enrolled in a post-secondary program but not all students are approved funding. Since 1996, the government has limited funding to thousands of First Nation students who want to attend university. Wait lists are long and many potential students will never attend university. Canadian Federation of Students Saskatchewan chairperson, Haanim Nur, believes the cap is unfair to many present and future First Nation students. “There are students who have a Grade 12 diploma and an acceptance letter from a post-secondary institu - tion but they’re being denied funding to walk through the front doors of (the University of Regina),” said Nur. Patrick Smoke, the Aboriginal representative for the Canadian Federation of Students echoes Nur’s message. “Currently, 10,000 students in Canada who are entitled to funding do not receive funding at all. One thousand of those students live in Saskatchewan. This is not just an Aboriginal issue, this is a Canadian issue and we need the support of everyone if we’re ever going to make a change.” Students ended their march at the First Nations University with speeches from Chief Perry Bellegarde and Veteran Tony Cote, among other dignitaries. Cadmus Delorme, president of the FNUniv Students Association hopes that the student’s message is loud enough to reach Parliament Hill and abroad. “We want to educate the public, the unions, the educators, the politicians about the realities of today. Education is the key to success for anybody in this world. The economy has turned into a service world and education gets you that professional service,” Delorme said. Rising tuition fees, overwhelming student debt and underfunded post-secondary institutions were also a hot issue at the rally. FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Sports 25 Sasakamoose, Trottier inducted into Hall By Mike Gosselin the greatest player of all-time. Even better For Eagle Feather News than Howe and Gretzky, some suggest. he Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Saskatchewan Fame recently announced its first inaugural inductees: Tcrop of inductees to be enshrined at BUILDERS: Gordon Juckes, Ed their headquarters in Swift Current this Chynoweth, Athol Murray, Doc Seaman, July. , Grassroots Contributors Bill Six builders, ten players and five teams Ford made the list. Among among them are Fred PLAYERS: , Sid Abel, Sasakamoose and Bryan Trottier. Glenn Hall, Johnny Bower, Fred Trottier is Métis and hails from Val Sasakamoose, Metro Prystai, Bryan Marie. He played minor hockey in Climax Trottier, , , before moving up to the junior ranks with the SJHL’s . TEAMS: 1982-83 University of A natural choice for the Hall, Trottier Saskatchewan Huskies, 1974 , Fred Sasakamoose Bryan Trottier is already a member of the official Hockey 1985 , 1989 Swift Hall of Fame in Toronto and is a seven- 0words, he’s hockey royalty. barrier for Aboriginal hockey players like Current Broncos, 1955-64 Semans Wheat time winner. Sasakamoose was more of an uncon - Bryan Trottier – one of hockey’s best ever. Kings His first four Cups were with the ventional choice. His NHL career lasted a In fact, many people, including the OFFICIALS: Dennis Pottage famed late ’70s and early ‘80s New York total of 11 games with the ’53-54 Chicago likes of Steve Yzerman, believe Trottier is Islander teams that featured Mike Bossy, Blackhawks. But those 11 games broke a Billy Smith and Denis Potvin. barrier. Sasakamoose was the first full Then he won hockey’s biggest trophy blooded Indian to play in the show. twice with Mario Lemieux and the Pitts - Fittingly, the guy from Ahtahkakoop burgh Penguins and another with the is a First Nations hockey hero. He is the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach. guy Foster Hewitt once asked “how the hell Trottier has won the Calder, , do you say your name?” The guy who and Hart trophies and was high-tailed ‘er home to be with his sweet - selected as an all-star 12 times. In other heart after a whirlwind trip to the Bigs. The guy who blew a hole right through the color 26 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2012 War cry of the coward rings hollow irk Dashing lent me, Mr. Answer Guy, the material for this column. Dirk relies on the brainpower mental resources of his crew, those awesome of the Posse, even if some of their ideas are more suited specimens of manhood called Dirk’s Posse. to Penthouse or Playboy. D And Dirk also get great ideas from fans through his I asked them what they want from their women on Valentine’s Day. I cannot use any of their responses in email [email protected] and his facebook page. And a newspaper of this quality. Thankfully – or regrettably, he never uses their real names, Shalabad! as you will soon see – I did receive a couple of responses So ladies, your secrets are safe. And thanks for from alert readers. The first is rather disturbing and it making this life a brighter one with your presence and you got here, so you can save another from the same fate. comes from a troubled young lady I will call Laura. your patience. There are good men out there, Laura. Men like the Laura writes, “Mr. Answer Guy, my boyfriend calls The last word goes to Dwight Glows-With-Feathers huge members of Dirk’s Posse who know that a warrior me down and sometimes he hits me. He says I make him who asks, “What is the best Valentine’s gift you ever fought for what stood behind him – his family, do these things, but he is always sorry. Why do I keep got?” community and territory – and not for the hate he saw making him treat me so bad?” That would be a card I got from my kids, saying I in front of him. Or inside him. That ain’t love, Laura. That is abuse. He’s training was the Best Valentine Dad, ever. Shalabad Manyfingers of Broadview writes, “When you to be a thing. And the complaint, “She made me hit Dirk says, “No man has ever been shot while doing Dirk writes about women is he really writing about the her” is just the pathetic war-cry of the coward. the dishes.” women in his life? ‘Cause if he does, he’s a moron.” The guy is a loser. Perhaps he was born with a hole Saskatoon Interval House at 244-0185 Now hold on here, Dirk may be a moron but ... wait. running through his soul and he needs a beautiful woman Regina Women’s Community Centre at 522-2777 What? to fill that void with her tears. Iskwew, Women Helping Women (PA) at 953-6229 Dirk never uses the beautiful women in his life as But maybe it’s your fear of being alone that compels you to stay. Maybe your self worth has been so damaged, so wounded you cannot conceive of deserving good, nurturing love. Perhaps he inherited a script from his parents that says love is about undermining your woman’s power to cover up his laundry-list of failures and character defects – like a sick movie that must be re-enacted over and over. It may be that he is guilty of things he has done while he has been with you, that you’re not even aware of or cannot come to see. His shame and irresponsibility compete for control, creating a constant state of frustration and rage that can only overwhelm him. Either way, it cannot be his fault. So he takes it out on you. Part of you may already know this and, logically, you know you must leave. But maybe it’s your fear of being alone that compels you to stay. Maybe your self worth has been so damaged, so wounded you cannot conceive of deserving good, nurturing love. But perhaps you are so terrified of him you have resigned yourself to living out what remains of your life in a quiet, desolate form of desperation. As if that weren’t bad enough, your kids – if you have any – are learning that that is what love is, that is how mommies and daddies get along, that is normal. And so the abuse becomes an infection. We could say the disease acquired at the residen - tial schools, that it is there where we learned that mental, emotional, spiritual and physical violence is the way of relationships. There is truth to that. But the greater truth is that no woman deserves to be treated that way. It’s scary, Laura, but I wish you the best in reclaim - ing your power. In doing so I hope you discover how FEBRUARY 2012 Eagle Feather News - Sports 27 Fight continues for Sunshine Wesley Sunshine justing to normalcy after its gone. For me it was diffi - Sport: Boxing cult because I had a dream, and that dream was going to the Olympic Games to test my skills against the Hometown: Regina world. There was a lot of pressure and sacrifice lead - First Nation: Fishing Lake ing up to that point in my career. Then in an instant it Member of: Senior Canadian National was gone! What now? You’re not that person any - more, your friends aren’t the same, you’re not treated Team (four years), Saskatchewan the same. Everything changes and it’s a real blow to Provincial Team (nine years) your psyche. All of a sudden I felt lost and alone. Record: 237 fights 17 losses This is a vicious opponent that we as fighters deal Goz: Researching you wasn’t easy since your heyday with in many different ways, and unfortunately it usu - was before the Internet! What it was like traveling ally manifests itself in unproductive habits and risky around the world with no cell or Internet access?? behavior. WS: I remember sending Goz: What did you do immediately after boxing? post cards or letters home WS: I was lucky enough to when I was traveling over - work for the Ranch Ehrlo seas, and then sometimes Society, a home for clients Wesley Sunshine getting home before the Sports Chat with a wide range of emo - ognize the seriousness of this disease and its tight post cards or letters ar - tional and social issues. I grip it has on your soul, credibility, values. It has no rived! am still involved in boxing social boundaries and destroys people and families Goz: Best memory of be - with Mike as a coach and share my from all walks of life. I am dealing with this opponent ing a member of the Na - knowledge with youth that every day, and will for the rest of my life. I am a tional Boxing Team? want to learn the sweet science. fighter and when backed into a corner I come back WS: When I made the team for the first time at 17. I Goz: What do you do for work now? with a vengeance, so I am determined to gain control was training, competing and hanging out with all of WS: I own a women’s clothing store called Alexis over this disease. the guys I idolized and looked up to. Lennox Lewis, Clubwear with my wife Allison. I also had my own Goz: What is the dirtiest thing a fighter did to you in Edgerton Marcus, Raymond Downey, Scotty Olson, boxing gym in the basement of the Aspen Links Golf the ring? Mike Strange, Marc Leduc, Arturo Gatti, Oscar De and Country Club in Emerald Park (but) it burnt to WS: I have been pushed, lifted and thrown, choked, La Hoya, Vernon Forrest, Ivan Robinson .... the ground. Everything was lost including some re - spit at, elbowed, head butted, and low blowed. What Goz: A lot of tragedy around the 1989 National team. ally special boxing memorabilia. goes around sometimes comes around. Any thoughts on why so many young boxers go Goz: Toughest opponent you ever faced? Goz: Pound for pound the best boxer to ever live? down tragic roads after their boxing careers end? WS: I have had many tough matches all round the WS: My idol growing up was Sugar Ray Leonard. He WS: I believe people who have been in the spotlight globe with the best in the world, but the toughest was my inspiration and I admired his speed, skill, for their talents and abilities, have a difficult time ad - match I fight today is alcoholism. I have come to rec - technique, and image. 28 Eagle Feather News - Youth FEBURARY 2012 Youth honoured after walking for Mother Earth By Andréa Ledding people were friendly and supportive and joined For Eagle Feather News them, or made rude gestures as they drove past. ive Aboriginal youth were given Youth Global “Either way this award’s for you.” Citizen Awards by the Saskatchewan Council He added that a highlight was meeting and Ffor International Cooperation for their partic - walking with Maria Campbell. ipation in the 7000 Generations 850-km walk against Maurice admitted to appreciative laughter that Nuclear Waste from Pinehouse to Regina in the initially he just thought it sounded like more fun summer of 2011. than staying home for the summer, but he valued Geron and Shayna Paul of English River Dene seeing nature one step at a time -animals, trees, First Nation, Reuben Maurice of Beauval, Melissa flowers and the beauty nature provides. Favel of Ile-a-la-Crosse, and River Cote of “It brought us together like a family.” Saskatoon were nominated by Shayna Stock after Shayna Paul agreed that the experience of she interviewed them for Briarpatch Magazine. walking and listening to one another (and learning She praised them for their courage and dedica - to take down camp in two minutes) was powerful, tion to their land and communities, while a letter as well as making a difference to the youth in their from KAIROS, written by Rev. Shawn Stanford- community, and also spoke of predictions and Beck described them as “signs from the Creator” prophecies from a long-deceased Elder, about a and the walk as “a spiritual act.” poison that would come out of the ground. “They clearly situated this walk in a global “I don’t want nuclear waste buried in my tradi - context,” said Stock, adding they were walking on tional lands,” she said. “I have listened to the behalf of everyone in the world, especially the Elders in my communities who are worried about generations not yet born, with “compassion and the water, the animals, and medicine plants.” engagement.” She shared Geron’s words at the Melissa Favel couldn’t make it for the event, Legislature last August. but was also a recipient. John Noon sang an honour “I am proud of our natural resources. I am song for the award winners, and then the evening proud to say I live by one of the most beautiful ended with a dance. lakes in Saskatchewan,” Geron said. “If I have to River Cote and Shayna Paul were among five young The Saskatchewan Council for International give up an ‘unparalleled economic opportunity’ to people to receive Youth Global Citizen Awards Cooperation is a coalition of organizations keep it clean, I am willing to live with the conse - involved in international development, committed quences.” “I don’t want to destroy Mother Earth,” River to recognizing the dignity of all people and their River Cote, youngest youth walker at age 13, said. “I thank the Creator for the strength to walk right to self-determination, protecting the world's joined after some walkers were billetted at his and protect Mother Earth.” fragile environment, and promoting global under - home, and then walked from Saskatoon to Regina. In accepting the award, Geron said whether standing, cooperation, peace and justice. 1

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