Community APRIL 2018 Your community FREE newspaper Connection REGINA INDIGENOUS 60s Scoop Survivors

She has returned to centre stage to Ironically, that was where I was survivors. It only Includes Status help change the laws. introduced to my culture.” Indians, and how is healing going to start for our people if Then, the courts decided that the Leticia says, “As to the court’s they don’t get to tell their stories? best interests of the child lay with proclamation of what’s in the best So we rallied. Our trip to the interest of the child—today, each her psychological parents and Legislature got us case is different. Family should allowed young Leticia contact with the promise of an apology. Non- always be the first consideration her birth family after 13 years. She Status and Métis people went remembers, “on my 13th birthday I before removing a child from their culture. To retain identity through the same horrors we all waited in the house all day for the did in foster care. They too were phone call that never came. My birth and pride, love sometimes isn’t enough. Adoptive parents can’t auctioned off and sold all over mom and I eventually developed the world or left in foster care a relationship, but it’s hard and fully understand the cultural their entire lives. To this day our severed.” bonding that is necessary.” children languish in the system. I Leticia is now healing through am focused on healing our people photo courtesy of the Racine Family She learned that her birth parents both spent many years in Indian her own addictions (“my way of our children, our families. Then Residential School in Birtle, MB. coping” she says). “I’ve been our communities will follow, then Leticia’s Story Leticia saw that her 10 biological through 9 treatment centres.” our nation, but it can and will be acine v Woods 1983 was a siblings, who were raised on the done. court case that made Canadian reserve, had it rough. The Regina Indigenous 60s Rhistory. Leticia is not included in the Scoop Survivors Group was Growing up in the Racine family settlement because she was created to have a unified voice. University of Saskatchewan’s Dr. had its own set of ills. Alcoholism adopted into a Métis family. and sexual abuse inflicted by a Saskatchewan was among Raven Sinclair has studied the the last province to form a family member made her childhood At a recent meeting at the case for her masters thesis. It representative group. The frightening. Gathering Place, Mayor Fougere brought light to what’s come to be National body (survivors’ society) called the Knowledge Keepers known as the Sixties Scoop. The “I had no identity, nobody to connect released information about opting to speak. The mayor listened to term refers to the practice, during with. I always felt shame, I asked out of the government settlement. the 1960s onward, of taking or myself, ‘why did I have to be this the whole thing, along with about Opting out means individuals can 40 people from city of Regina. “scooping up” Aboriginal children colour?’ I’d look in the mirror and say negotiate a better settlement. from their families for placement ‘I hate you’.” Says Leticia, “I don’t want They feel that the offer is unfair, poverty and desperation to be the in foster homes or for adoption. and does not include everyone. “I didn’t think there was another deciding factor in settling for the This was deemed to be “in the best interest of the child”. person like me in the entire world. compensation”. I was the only ethnic child in the Leticia explains, “They didn’t consult with any The Regina Indigenous 60s The psychological trauma was whole school in the 70s & 80s in small town Manitoba.” Scoop Survivors Group meet inflicted over Leticia Racine’s weekly on Wednesdays at 7pm Leticia & Kerry, founding members of formative years as her biological at 2901 5th Ave for the healing “I grew up with an the Indigenous 60s Scoop Survivors mother attempted to disrupt and overwhelming fear of of intergenerational trauma. abduct her young daughter. The being stolen, after 2 Anybody who is a 60s scoop long trial resulted in a ruling of abduction attempts survivor is urged to come and staying with the family she had by my birth mother.” share their stories which will be known for 8 years—the Racines. taken to a national level in Ottawa “I was a troubled kid,” in May. Even now, when a non-Indigenous she admits. “I was family wants to keep their sent to a group home SIDE Indigenous foster children, they from age 13-18. I got IN refer to the Racine case. in trouble with the law P2 Community Voices and was sentenced All Nations Healin’ Thru Artz Now society wants to challenge to secure custody. the ruling. Attitudes and culture P3 60s Scoop Survivors (cont’d) have changed. The group Regina TRC Calls to Action Indigenous 60s Scoop Survivors, erry Bellegarde recorded her P4 The Good Life co-founded by the woman who was Kerry’s Story experiences of the abuse It’s Tax Time at the centre of the original case. continued on page 3 sheK suffered at the hands of her adopted family in the 1970s. P5 BigEagle Down Under Her biological mother was in YMCA PiT Count residential school between the ages of 4 to 16 and she struggled P7 Reconciliation Regina with alcoholism and the fight to Pauline Gabriel WoD Nominee be happy. A 16-year old Kerry eventually met her mother in P8 NC Vibe . She didn’t understand North Central Then - Tom Boy

fully what trauma her mother P9 Health Benefits of Gardening endured until she reached her 30s. P10 RPS Units in mamaweyatitan “The government thought they Community Calendar were rescuing us. They pushed another culture on us. They P11 NCCA News Leticia leads the recent rally in Saskatoon assumed we didn’t need our of the Indigenous 60s Scoop Survivors culture, but it helps us heal.” P12 Learn to Speak like tovolunteer andhelpkeep ANHTA forthe full10years.“I participating andsupporting Elder LillianPiapothasbeen channel. be heardon ANHTA’s YouTube produce 2CDs. The CDscan and singersin2009/10to hired toworkwithNCrappers (Vancouver rapperOs12)was In yearspast,RonDeanHarris script developmentworkshops. facilitating creativewritingand with ANHTA formanyyears, Chip McDanielhasbeen beading andIndigenouscrafts. Elder teaching,storytelling,and and Reconciliationstudies,with The focusin2018ison Truth season. preferences atthebeginningofa workshops, dependingonyouth’s ANHTA offers aselectionof Youth setthelearningagenda. youth. It’s asafespacetoempower productive andcreativeactivities. and flowswith and bright House isclean Bannock beside the Their space contributions. for financial tax receipts charitable from thewebsite. ANHTA issues and encouragesPayPalsupport “Help InnerCity Youth Group”, established aGoFundMepage busy rebuildingthewebsite,has Meanwhile, amarketingguruis determination and creativity flows. offices at30465th Avenue, the support elsewhere.Fromtheir 1 yeartogivethemtimeseek received transitionalfundingfor year fundingbut ANHTA has INAC couldn’tgrantmulti- from Saskatchewanalone. Canada, including30applications $12 milliontodistributeacross Affairs Canada(INAC)whichhad to IndigenousandNorthern Their filehasbeentransferred available. Centres. That moneyisnolonger National Association of Friendship eight yearsoffundingfromthe (ANHTA) madethemostof All NationsHealin’ Thru Artz 2 beyond thisfirstdecade. care ofthefuturehumanity’— M to continuehercallingof‘taking onica Fogelisindeeddetermined NCCA Community Connection through thearts. after afewyearsofhealing respect andnew-foundidentity have gainedself-esteem andself- their talents.Monicaknows they theatre anddramaafterexploring school. Somehaveevenpursued have goneontopost-secondary through ANHTA programs and many youthwhohavebeen Monica haskeptintouchwith on thestreet. was todivertotheryouthfromlife After sheescaped,hermission 20 yearsclean,addiction-free. the streetlifeandcansaysheis that she’s nolongerinvolved in leave him.”NowMonicais tried tokillmewhenI my pimpwhooverdosedmeand violent, abusiverelationshipwith intravenous drugsandinavery explains. “ Flowers wasmurdered.”Monica streets atthesametimeElaine (1981). “Iwasoutworkingthe (1996) andElaineFlowers the murdersofPamelaGeorge trauma.” relate totheintergenerational a holocaustsurvivor, soIcan from eachanother. Myfatherwas of oneanother. We’re learning Monica explains“We’re accepting school stories. are incorporatedwithresidential turtle island.Drummingandbeats music andtraditionalstoriesof shares legends,ceremonial translations. Dickie Yuzicappi An ElderworksinCree/English facilitators thatMonicahires. teachings comefromlocal Other artisticexpressionand school.” to encourageyouthfinish shoulder. Isharemyexperience for ahug,toprovideanearor available trades, always jack ofall creative besidetheyouth.I’ma I enjoybeingproductiveand the kidssafeandoff thestreet. I wasaddictedto A Decade of Determination A Decadeof home, suchas cases closerto historical also shared sessions have courts.” The verdicts inthe on therecent discussions serious group “We havehad proud Community Voices and transportationhomeat7:00 Bannock House,allartsupplies covers asupperfromthe The ANHTA after-schoolprogram he smiles, “I get to meet cool he smiles,“I gettomeetcool stress relief from studying.“And,” U ofRandfinds ANHTA agood in hisfirstyearofjournalism at beading andcreativewriting. He’s Monday andWednesday for lives inReginaandishereevery visited fromManitoba.Henow attended oneclasswhenhe Eighteen-year oldEricPiapot ANHTA doesn’thavetoend. and performing.Shehopes Tyra wantstocontinuewithmusic I cannowseecareeroptions.” second family. I’veopenedupand It’s asafeenvironment,like who allhavesimilarexperiences. I’m herebecauseofthepeople people. I don’t socialize much, but speaks withrespect,“It’s the and I’mnowinmy4thyear.” Tyra bass guitar,2 yearsago.Ilearned grade 9,” she says, “but I returned “I wanderedawaywhenIwasin the hip-hop,danceandbeading. ANHTA whileingrade8,loving who livesinNC.Shefirstjoined Tyra Thompson isa19year-old learn. enthusiastic youthareeagerto cropof future, butthisyear’s No oneiscertainofthegroup’s YouTube channelinthesummer. posted ontheirwebsiteand program. Itwillbefilmedand in adocumentaryofthe2018 this springbutallareparticipating programs. There willbenogala considering offering summer Budget permitting,theyare Healin’ ThruArtz Thompson, FrontRow:ElderLililanPiapot,MonicaFogel Back Row:Volunteer Tracy Desjarlais,EricPiapot, Tyra All Nations pm.

permitting. runs untilJuly/August,funding over thedecade. This season through the ANHTA program There havebeenover300youth of thiscaringgroup. good friend.Shelovesthesafety 2 years,afterbeinginvitedbya trouble.” She’s beeninvolvedfor it after. Plusitkeepsmeoutof whatever comestomindandfix she laughs.“We’re toldtowrite learn andI’mnotbeinggraded!” and thecreativewriting.“Iliketo different beadingtechniques time. She’s enjoyinglearning and apositivewaytospend ANHTA tobeahealthyoutlet Monday to Thursday. Shefinds want togivehername,ishere Another youth,whodidn’t journalism inawarzone. infantry withaspirationsofphoto people.” Hisplansaretojointhe 306-205-7333. participating, callMonicaat to 7p.m.Ifinterestedin at 30465th Ave. from4 Thursday through Monday www.anhta.org discuss plans forthefuture. from thepreviousyearand welcome tohearsuccesses - 30425thavenue. All are Sunday April 29that1pm Annual GeneralMeeting on ANHTA willbeholdingtheir April 2018

story & photos J. Morier April 2018 Truth & Reconciliation NCCA Community Connection 3

REGINA INDIGENOUS Kerry’s Story - continued This is the twelfth in Truth and Reconciliation a series of articles s examining the 94 60 Scoop Survivors Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

was scooped from my mother I’m always ready to argue or fight Calls to Action I at age 1½ in Melfort, SK. or I’ll just leave when things get In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and My mother had not shown her horribly out of hand. I was afraid advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the Truth and pregnancy and my biological father of being a parent. I never wanted Reconciliation Commission makes the following calls to action. was unaware. Later he told me to be the monster she was. “... I thought you were with your mother’s family.” Once I was playing outside, reburial in home communities crawling around on my knees. Reconciliation where requested. No one was aware I was being I came indoors and she was MISSING CHILDREN AND adopted out. I saw the inside of busy with sewing. She was mad 75. We call upon the federal BURIAL INFORMATION 10-13 foster homes in one year. because I wrecked the knees of my government to work with I accumulated illnesses: thrush, pants. She stuck straight pins into provincial, territorial, and 71. We call upon all chief lice, and issues with soiling myself. my knees then ordered me to climb municipal governments, coroners and provincial vital These were not investigated as around again. The pins impaled churches, Aboriginal statistics agencies that have medical conditions. my skin and my bones, it was communities, former residential not provided to the Truth and excruciating. I don’t think I school students, and current Reconciliation Commission of 1977 was even 10 years old. landowners to develop and Canada their records on the I was 2½ when I entered the implement strategies and deaths of Aboriginal children in ______’s home. I once asked my Being punished was a daily procedures for the ongoing the care of residential school new family ‘how did you choose occurrence. The family belonged to identification, documentation, authorities to make these me?’ They picked me from a a religion that controlled every part maintenance, commemoration, documents available to the catalogue. ‘You had the most of our life. Since I had so little, I and protection of residential National Centre for Truth and adorable eyes,’ they said. stole things, like toys from the local school cemeteries or other sites Reconciliation. shop. My room was constantly at which residential school 1980 searched and the stolen items children were buried. This 72. We call upon the federal I couldn’t have been 5 years old. found. I dealt with the police who is to include the provision government to allocate sufficient I recall needing a bath and being threatened and warned me, then of appropriate memorial resources to the National Centre afraid. My adoptive mother threw I had to deal with my parents, and ceremonies and commemorative for Truth and Reconciliation to me in the tub and ran the cold finally the church. These episodes markers to honour the deceased allow it to develop and maintain water. My skin felt like ice and went on for years and I learned to children. the National Residential she made me lay down in the tub. become manipulating, dishonest School Student Death Register She held me down and the water and to say what they wanted 76. We call upon the parties established by the Truth and started to cover my face. I tried to hear. I became what they engaged in the work of Reconciliation Commission of holding my breath and I struggled. wanted—a church girl. I was their documenting, maintaining, Canada.. I was terrified and wondered if I pet—docile, weak, obedient. commemorating, and protecting residential school cemeteries to would never breathe again. 73. We call upon the federal adopt strategies in accordance I wasn’t raised to accept myself. government to work with with the following principles: I woke up on the floor, freezing My background was excused as churches, Aboriginal and choking. She was screaming ‘we are a United Nations family’. communities, and former i. The Aboriginal community at me to ‘get up’. My spirit died My culture was not honoured or residential school students to most affected shall lead right there, I know. I could not mentioned. I didn’t know we spoke establish and maintain an online the development of such believe I was in a home where another language, that we were registry of residential school strategies. someone, who was supposed to many tribes and a solid and proud cemeteries, including, where be my parent, my protector, had nation. I never knew our dances, our possible, plot maps showing the ii. Information shall be sought so violently taken my trust and my drum, our singing or celebrations, location of deceased residential from residential school belief system away. our language, our Elders and how school children. close we are as family. Survivors and other Knowledge Keepers in the I wasn’t tall enough to reach the 74. We call upon the federal development of such sink so I was given a chair to help I was ashamed of my skin and government to work with the strategies. with dishes. I could not return to mocked for my insecurities. My churches and Aboriginal school after lunch until the dishes schooling was a bad memory. community leaders to inform iii. Aboriginal protocols shall were done. I did all the dishes at I constantly tried to wash and the families of children who be respected before supper time and on weekends scrape the brown, the dirt off my died at residential schools of any potentially invasive while the other children in the body. I dreamed of being the the child’s burial location, and technical inspection and family were free to do their own supreme white person. Instead I to respond to families’ wishes investigation of a cemetery thing. was told “Look, you could be like for appropriate commemoration site. those people” as we drove down ceremonies and markers, and I also tended to my adopted mom’s 20th Street in Saskatoon. ‘Those garden and flower beds, I cut grass people’ were Indigenous. They and shovelled snow. I had rock were me! They made it seem like The 94 Calls to Action and the entire picking duty in their fields. I was their existence was a disgrace, reports published by: made to clean the family bathroom that every person was ugly and an from a young age. addict and struggling. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2012 "The best strategy is Besides the hitting and constant I’ve come to learn that my great- 1500–360 Main Street negative criticism from my adopted great grandfather was Napoch Winnipeg, MB R3C 3Z3 going to involve indigenous mother, my social life didn’t exist, (Nahpase) or Iron Body, one of the Toll Free: 1-888-872-5554 neither did television. I was belittled original signatories of . [email protected] • www.trc.ca and non-indigenous people and knew I’d never be one of them. Hon. Justice Murray Sinclair To this day, the habits formed As an adult, now healing from —Theworking One together."Who Speaks of from this treatment remain. I am being hated, I see that my adoptive Pictures in the Sky untrusting, judgemental, I’ll hide the family were the dishonest ones, things I think I might get in trouble hiding what is good in our nation for. I’m afraid of the dark and small and raising me with no regard to places, basements and the cold. my own identity. I’m afraid of being left behind, of being alone, of losing everyone For years I didn’t realize that and everything I have. I’m afraid though I was dark in colour, they of drowning and will always flinch were dark in their souls. when someone raises their hand. 4 NCCA Community Connection Community Interest April 2018

Volunteering is good recovery work “Living the Good Life” is held at The Good Life is all about positivity and a healthy lifestyle, Four Directions which includes volunteerism, physical activity and sobriety. Community by Lisa Workman Health Centre 3510 5th Ave. Volunteering is a great way to We are lucky to live in a Mondays from 1 to 3 pm. use up some of your spare time. dynamic community that has Find a volunteer opportunity that lots of agencies serving the hen you are newly clean suits you. Make sure that you are neighbourhood. Check out Remember that boredom and and sober, it is important to doing activities that you enjoy Indigenous Christian Fellowship, inactivity can lead to relapses. planW your time so that you don’t whether it’s sports, arts, crafts or North Central Community Volunteering will keep you active get bored. Volunteering is a great working with food, etc. Volunteer Association, Rainbow Youth in a positive way. You will have way to spend some time and can serving children, seniors, youth or Centre, All Nation’s Hope and something good to focus on so that be a help to your recovery. It is a even animals, REACH. Outside you won’t be thinking about using. It positive activity to replace some whatever you our community feels good to give back and make a old bad habits. enjoy the there is Regina difference. most. Have Humane Society, There are many benefits to fun working Regina Food volunteering. It can get you alongside other Bank, Carmichael out in the community meeting volunteers, Outreach and The Good Life Community Network new people and gaining new agency staff Soul’s Harbour is a team of agencies and community experiences. Volunteering can and the Rescue Mission. members interested in promoting the help you to learn new skills and public. Most There are also Good Life philosophy in the community abilities and you maybe even find importantly, many churches of North Central Regina. If you are some hidden talents. When you make new, healthy, sober friends. and ministries and schools that interested in joining our efforts, please volunteer, you feel good about could use your help. call or text Lisa at 306-519-4183. yourself. And you are practicing your values like hope, love and kindness. Sometimes you might From opportunities to develop new skills, to finding deep and meaningful personal connections, get a meal, access to some volunteering positively impacts all involved. What value do you find through volunteering? second hand items or a chance at National Volunteer Week April 15-21, 2018 is focused on celebrating the value of volunteering in some paid work. You might even all in its forms! —Volunteer Canada receive a certificate of appreciation or some other recognition.

The information provided is for general knowledge by Cate Morris sharing only and it is recommended to seek It’s Tax Time! professional advice for detailed tax questions.

ello/Han Koda. I hope you Deductions help you reduce your contribution room early can help learn a valuable skill in the process. are well, prospering AND at taxable income dollar for dollar. Tax with future tax deduction room as How you decide to file is entirely thisH time of year, preparing to file Credits reduce the amount of taxes their income increases. A filing a personal choice based on your your 2017 tax returns. There are you have to pay. These tax savings teenager may affect parental filing current needs but the importance of plenty of opinions on tax reform, deductions and credits can also fall so check with what works best for filing each year and on time cannot budget redistribution and sadly, into two categories: non-refundable your family. be stressed enough. The deadline misinformation that strikes fear into and refundable. And yes, there are to file your 2017 return is on or people. To help you get in the know standard taxes percentages tied How do I file my return? There before April 30, 2018 to ensure about your dough and face some of to income levels that are applied are several ways to complete commencement or continuity of your own tax fears, read on. to everyone but paying lower than and file your return. You can hire any possible federal and provincial these standards can be influenced an accountant if you have more income-based benefits. Does everyone need to file a tax by individual circumstances and tax complex circumstances. Some return? Anyone who has earned reducing efforts. This year’s filing use tax preparer businesses to file Useful tax filing tips: income is required to file a return. will be based on last year’s tax on their behalf. These businesses 1. Be organized – Keep your tax However, it is recommended base. The 2017 Federal Tax Rate charge a fee to file and many also documents, receipts, previous that everyone file a return, even was 15% on income from $0 to pay refunds out immediately – for returns and other tax information if there’s no income to report. $45,916.00 and 20.5% on the next an additional fee. These fees can in a clearly marked folder or Processed returns determine level up to $91,831.00. The 2017 mean hundreds less for you and box identifying it as Taxes/Tax whether you can be considered or Saskatchewan Provincial Tax Rate yours so be a smart consumer Information. approved for receipt of any income- was 11% for income from $0 to and weigh the real costs to your 2. Learn to Understand – You based federal programs. Common $45,225.00 then 13% on the next household if considering this route. don’t need to become a tax expert examples of such programs are level up to $83,989.00. There are You may receive your refund earlier but you should try to understand the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) higher levels also but I’m staying but it is at the expense of losing the rules that affect your household. th 3. File on Time – Avoid fines, that is issued on the 20 of each within more relevant levels. These money that could be put towards penalties and delays in benefits month and the Goods & Services amounts have changed for the your debt or savings. There are by always filing your return by the Tax (GST) credit that is issued 2018 tax year. Also, provincial rates also free tax preparer clinics that deadline. quarterly. Benefits run every July to vary amongst provinces. will file for you if you meet their 4. Strategize – Meet with or ask June and are determined by your requirements based on income and someone to help you find ways previous tax year. Note that when Is there an age restriction for level of complexity required for your to save on your taxes through you file a federal return, you’re filing a return? No, there is no return. This is a great community applicable deductions and credits. filing a provincial return at the same age restriction to start filing. The service for lower income people time, which may provide you with requirement to file a return is based because it keeps more money Taxation, filing returns and resulting additional income-based provincial on income earned. So any income- in the hands that need it most. benefits or consequences are a benefits. earning youth can choose to file Another option is to file your own complex matter. Although it’s not a return. There are a couple of taxes using a software or online necessary to know everything How much tax will I be required benefits to doing so. It’s likely their program. There are free options about such things, it is important to pay? This is determined by income will be low enough that they as well as minimal cost options to you have some understanding on a number of individual/family wouldn’t be required to pay any do so. If you want to really learn things that directly affect your life. variances – whether you’re single taxes so they may receive a refund the ins and outs of filing, there are I hope this article encourages you or married, have dependants or on taxes deducted from their pay. still paper forms that are simple to fear less, learn more and act to not, have Tax Deductions to claim Another benefit to filing is that it enough to complete with help only empower yourself through this tax such as RRSP contributions, starts their RRSP contribution room a Google search or call away. filing season and start on your way have Tax Credits to claim such – which is how much they can save These can be mailed in or filed via to a better financial existence. as medical expenses, etc. Tax for their retirement. Starting their telephone. The cost is free and you April 2018 Community Interest NCCA Community Connection 5

BigEagle Down Under Coming Soon ongrats to North by sewing starblankets and Joely was thrilled to have been Central’s fashion facilitating workshops and her accepted to showcase her RPS/NCCA C band paid for her designer fees buffalo inspired fashion at the designer Joely BigEagle for the fashion show. Australian Global Indigenous Presentation Kequahtooway, representing Runway. She is transitioning from Canadian Indigenous Joely expressed gratitude her professional career as an Watch for announcements Peoples at the Global for financial support through engineer towards being a fashion of a joint presentation by the Indigenous Runway Project GoFundMe. She will be hosting designer/artist which she has Regina Police Service and been for the past 20 years. during 2018 Virgin Australian a 2-day fashion workshop on North Central Community White Bear First Nations in May Melbourne Fashion Festival. Association, key topics to as a thank you for her band’s “I want to focus full time on my As Joely tells it: sponsorship. passion that feeds my soul. I include: facilitate art and “The Fashion Festival was fashion workshops l The new Cultural celebrated in Melbourne, to inspire others Engagement Unit at Australia on March 9. It was a to follow their meeting of minds and creative mâmawêyatitân centre in dreams and goals. North Central – its function artists to celebrate family, culture, I volunteer and and purpose history, fashion and art. Much am vocal about love and blessings to the family the community that organized it, including the development l Community Policing lead coordinator Tina Waru. I needed, especially – principles, use, and made some amazing memories with respect to the effectiveness with my fellow designers and areas of Truth and models and new-found family. Reconciliation. I l Understanding police Sometimes I don’t know what have been on a I put myself into. But nothing trajectory to follow services – how to use them makes you feel alive like my dreams and (Crime Stoppers) challenging yourself to new that means putting heights. No matter what, I did my myself out there l Presentations on various best and hope I wowed some and sharing my art people with my fashion and sections of the Police with my community Services designs.” and the world.”

Joely worked hard to raise Presentation to be held at the funds to travel to Australia photo courtesy J. BigEagle- mâmawêyatitân centre in Kequahtooway late April. Watch our social media pages for details. Unique Buffalo headpiece (with Buffalo Horn design by Edward Poitras). BigEagle-Kequahtooway (left) created the dress and the rest of the headpiece.

Call for Volunteers: YMCA of Regina/ Homeless Partnering Strategy to Conduct Save the Date! Regina Communities 2nd Homeless Point- in-Time Count of people living homeless, either JDRF Diabetes Walk Date: April 18 sleeping rough (streets, parks, etc) When: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm or in shelter systems, counted on Where: Downtown a specific day and period of time. It Sunday June 10 YMCA, 2400 13th Avenue, is meant to be a snapshot, painting Gymnasium (PiT Count HQ) a picture of what homelessness looks like in that time and place. he Government of Canada, Key data is also collected to www.jdrf.ca/walk in partnership with the YMCA determine significant details about Tof Regina, Community Entity for those living in homelessness. the Homeless Partnering Strategy in Regina, will be conducting This will be Regina’s second PiT- (306) 533-9940 Regina’s second Point-in-Time Count. The first occurred in 2015, (PiT) count of homelessness finding 232 individuals sleeping on April 18, 2018. In order for rough and in the shelter systems. this to be a successful event, The 2015 PiT-Count involved the YMCA of Regina and approximately 150 volunteers, a community partners are in need turnout that is hoped for during the of many volunteers. To register 2018 PiT-Count. as a volunteer or to find more information, visit www.regina. If you have further questions ymca.ca/2018pit-count. comments, please contact Addison Docherty, Local PiT Coordinator: A Point-in-Time Count, or PiT 1-306-537-7476 or Addison. Count as it’s commonly referred [email protected] to, is the measure of the number 6 NCCA Community Connection Community Interest April 2018

THE SALVATION ARMY HAVEN OF HOPE MINISTRIES

2240 13th Ave. 306-757-4600

www.havenofhope.ca Helping to make a difference in someone's life

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX We will offer a clinic as well as a drop off location. Income Tax Clinic March 1 - April 30

The eligibility is $30,000 for an individual, $40,000 for a couple, $35,000 for an individual with a dependent, and $2,500 for each additional dependent.

For information about services, volunteering or donating visit our web site. April 2018 Community Interest NCCA Community Connection 7 Reconciliation Regina

he launch of Reconciliation Regina was held at Tmâmawêyatitân centre on March 20.

A Pipe Ceremony began the morning in a good way. Lifespeaker Noel Starblanket offered up opening comments and a prayer. Ms. Mary Culbertson, Treaty Mayor Michael Fougere Commissioner of Saskatchewan addressed the group. “Regina Office of the Treaty Commissioner City Council cares deeply about spoke in praise of the leadership this process and acknowledge she saw in the room. “It’s really the participation and presence empowering to be part of a March 24, the YWCA’s Women of Distinction of Chief Bray and Regina project like this. Whether we’re Nominees were introduced at a reception at Police Services. The police will First Nations, non-First Nations OnQueensbury Centre. Left: North Central’s friend Kelly Husack, also always be here as part or newcomers, we’re all here to of reconciliation. We’ve been stay, we have to treat each other Executive Director of SEARCH, nominated in the Wellness, meeting for the past year, talking better in our communities. There Recreation and Healthy Living category; and right NCCA’s own about what we all want to achieve are hard truths to have to talk Go Green and Care & Share Coordinator Pauline Gabriel, through the Calls to Action. In about. Our treaty relationship is nominated in the Community Leadership and Enhancement roundtables with Elders, we’ve in jeopardy. Let’s work together to category. heard very emotional, moving ensure that our kids, kids who are stories. They were not easy to coming out of these schools don’t hear, but will allow the healing have to be putting committees The Women of Distinction Awards will be held on April 26. process to move forward toward together to fix this. Regina, you’re reconciliation as a community. now a leader in the south for We are developing a work plan reconciliation.” of education and inclusion. We will choose to have a language A performance by Charging Bear of respect, participation and Dancers & Singers and a lunch understanding.” was enjoyed by all.

Focused on Building Together what matters

Warren McCall, MLA - Regina Elphinstone-Centre 2900 5th Ave • 306-352-2002 • [email protected] 8 NCCA Community Connection Community Arts, History & Culture April 2018

ART, CULTURE & FITNESS FREE SPRING PROGRAMS Tuesdays & Thursdays Located at mâmawêyatitân centre, 3355 6th Ave. Enter on 6th Ave & Montague St. To register, contact Chelsey: [email protected] or 306-791-9888 ART & TRADITIONAL CRAFTS Tuesdays, April 3 to May 22 A Different Craft each Tuesday: age 8+ Location: (upstairs) Learning Studio B Facilitators: Chelsey Trost, Irene Mosquito 4:30 - 5:30 pm, beading 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Babysitting Certification: age 10+ Location: (upstairs) Learning Studio B Facilitator: Chelsey Trost 6:30 - 8:30 pm

FITNESS Thursdays, April 5 to May 31 Strength Training: age 10+ Location: Dance Studio Facilitator: Chelsey Trost 4:00 - 4:30 pm

Pow Fit: age 8+ Location: Dance Studio Facilitator: Brandy-Lee Maxie 5th & Elphinstone Tom Boy Store, now home to Four Directions Community Health 4:30 - 5:30

Families! Youth! NORTH CENTRAL THEN - (children under 8 years old must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or older sibling) Tom Boy Grocery Store

by Harrison Brooks I.AM.NORTH.CENTRAL. By M. E. McFarlane quick walk around the Elphinstone and 5th Grocery I live in North Central. a librarian, a mechanic, a stay-at- North Central community sat on that corner. Throughout home-parent, a university professor, willA reveal that the neighbour- 1965 and 1966, the location I grew up here; I just moved here. a business owner. hood has most of the services was under construction and I walk, drive, take transit out of my I am Cree, , Nakota, Métis, you would expect in a in 1967 the city’s second Tom neighbourhood. Anishanabe, , Blackfoot, Inuit, community, except arguably Boy grocery store opened up Sioux. the most important on the corner. Tom I am a university graduate, a high one. The North Central The Boy was a long- school dropout, self-taught, a I am an artist, an actor, a painter, a community has been community standing business in journeyperson. poet, a singer, a writer, a dancer, a without a grocery the area, lasting 19 musician. has been I am a home owner, renter, staying store since 1992. years before it was However, before 1992 without a sold and turned into at a friend’s place, between places, I am Indigenous Canadian, Asian a longtime grocery Kvello IGA. Kvello’s homeless. Canadian, French Canadian, African grocery store stood where ran from 1987 to1992 Canadian, Arab Canadian, Anglo store since the Four Directions followed by four years I am married, common law, single, Canadian, Slavic Canadian. divorced, separated, widowed. Community Health 1992 of vacancy before the I am a football fan, hockey goalie, Centre currently is, at current occupant, the I am a professional, a student, swimmer, body builder, basketball 3510 Elphinstone Street on the Four Directions Community an employee, self-employed, forward, martial artist. northwest corner of Elphinstone Health Centre opened its doors. unemployed, retired, a volunteer. Street and 5th Avenue. Prior to It has been there ever since, I live alone, with family, with a foster 1965, a grocery store named providing food for the soul. I am a parent, an aunt/uncle, a family, with roommates, in a group grandparent, a cousin, a son/ home. daughter, a niece/nephew, a brother/ We live in a fascinating place. sister, a friend. I am a child, a teenager, an adult, a senior. Back in the fall, NCCA was approached by Patricia Elliott, I am cisgender, transgender, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Faculty of Arts, U of R. She lesbian, gay, heterosexual, bisexual, I vote, don’t vote, don’t know where invited presenters on the history of North Central from NCCA and unlabeled, an ally, uncomfortable. to vote. the City of Regina Archives, then gave her journalism students I am a teacher, a bus driver, I am hopeful about the future; I am the option of researching individual profiles or buildings. There an administrative assistant, a discouraged about the future. are many fascinating topics in our community – street names, construction worker, a food server, corner stores that have come and gone, and an interesting cast of I am not who you thought I was. characters. April 2018 Community Health NCCA Community Connection 9 THE BENEFITS of Community Gardening

by: University of Saskatchewan Nursing Students Hannah Dicus and Vishakha Singh pring is going to be here soon engaged in your community is Sand that means the birds will through gardening. The idea of be chirping and the sun will be community encourages members shining. It is time to get out your to socialize and share their ideas gardening tools and get at it! and experiences. This constant Gardening can be an activity the exchange allows people to enjoy whole family can enjoy. There fresh food, be active, and make are many health benefits to new friends. Some of the garden gardening, so let’s look at a few. lots in the community are at Oasis Church and Kitchener School. You` eat fresher, more nutritious foods ` Promotes Good Mental Health What can be better than fresh Studies have shown that being fruits and vegetables? Gardening involved in community gardening provides you with fresh products has increased self-esteem, that you can use to make healthy, creativity, and mental health. nutritious meals for yourself, and Gardening has helped increase your family. Community gardens mood and fight depression. It also have previously shown increased benefits people with dementia food security in the North Central by acting as a distraction and Community. calming exercise. When you are out in the garden you are getting You` get Your Exercise vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin Thinking about how to spend your D is known to protect your bones, time? Gardening is one activity immune system and promote a that allows you to enjoy nutritious good mood. Just remember to food, while also helping to work cover up with a hat and apply the muscles in your upper body, sunscreen to ensure you are your core, and can help improve enjoying healthy sun exposure. your balance. Activities such as digging, planting, weeding and ` Your environment is safe watering work your entire body. Are your children involved? How It is important to remember to does your environment look? break gardening into chunks of Gardening has its perks. It not 30 to 60 minutes to avoid over- only gives us our nutrition and tiring yourself. Gardening is an exercise but it also makes the excellent way to get your exercise place look beautiful with colourful and be active, so go get your flowers. It encourages the hands dirty! younger generation to be involved and increases their interest in Get` involved and feel gardening in the community. So connected get your family, children, friends, Feeling lonely? One way and neighbours out to the garden! you can get involved and

New clients WELCOME for office or home visits! 1056 Albert Street

 Free diabetes checks RATES for Foot Care:

 Free blood pressure In-office visit monitoring for NC Resident...... $15.

 Home visit Foot Care by a trained for NC Resident...... $20. professional at a minimal cost In-office visit for Non NC Resident.....$30. Call 306-757-1046 (306) 545-5900 to book an appointment Home visit Mon - Fri: 9-6; Sat: 9-4 or leave a message for Non NC Resident.....$40.

Mgr. Megan Zmetana, BSP Community Nurses: Jude McCann RN & Donna Adams RN 10 NCCA Community Connection In the Community April 2018 RPS Community Engagement Unit & Cultural Unit—Open for Business by Cpl. Sheri Wild he Regina Police Service organizations, businesses, and Community Engagement Unit citizens of Regina. In the coming Tis in full swing. We are a group of months you will see us on beat 8 uniformed police members who and bike patrol throughout the work 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday city. The Regina Police Service out of mâmawêyatitân centre. Cultural Unit will also be working ampbell Collegiate held an he community of North out of the police station at the enthusiastic fundraising drive Central sends a big thank you You can come report incidents centre starting in April. Follow us Cfor 5 North Central agencies Tto Regina Symphony Orchestra to us, request our presence at on Twitter @ReginapoliceCEU or back in November, 2017. Some for their Share the Music outreach events, or just come for a visit. Facebook: Regina Police Service of the activities included a coffee program. The program provides Our mandate is simply to engage Community Engagement Unit. house, minute-to-win-it games, RSO concert tickets to children, with community associations, 306-777-6450. cookie decorating, photo booth, families and other adults who and puppy visits. Students had otherwise do not have financial the opportunity to pay their way resources to attend. Share the out of an afternoon of classes or Music offers complimentary to watch a movie. Pie in the Eye RSO tickets to organizations and Pancake Breakfast were to distribute to individuals and crowd-pleasers. A talent night families who use their service. was held with raffles and a silent auction. Students even auctioned North Centralites have enjoyed their principal and vice-principal’s the symphony and special events parking spots! such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq and the With a student body of 1500 recent Forward Currents Festival kids, the fundraiser was a “Listen and Hear—Towards huge success! In two weeks Prairie Reconciliation” they raised just over $14,000 with each of our NC agencies receiving a cheque for around Left to right: Cst. Frank Kovacs, Cst. Jessy Singh, $2800. Cpl. Sheri Wild, Cst. Tyler Lerat Community Engagement Officers in front of their Thank you Campbell Collegiate office at mâmawêyatitân centre. for everything that you do for our community!! ommunity alendar FREE LISTING in the Community Calendar to promote C C your events happening in April & May, 2018. Deadline for June issue is MAY 14. Seniors’ Walking Club Care & Share for Seniors Wednesday & Friday – 7:50 Tuesdays to 8:50 am at mâmawêyatitân forever...in Call for GO GREEN centre, 3355 6th Ave. For all who motion: Workers for training for am are interested in improving their at 10:30 . the 2018 Riders season! physical fitness. A safe place for Stay for Lunch: $6 adults to get together and exercise at 11:45 am, Training will take place in a quiet, comfortable setting. followed by in late April/early May. In case any problems occur, there Card Bingo! is a staff member on hand at all Multipurpose Room Details to be announced times. mâmawêyatitân centre on the Go Green 3355 6th Ave., forever...in motion at Care & Share Program Facebook page. every Tuesday at 10:30 am Montague St. entrance

Indigenous Christian Indigenous Christian Fellowship Fellowship (formerly IMCF) (formerly IMCF) Soup & Bannock: hosts weekly Monday Craft & Wednesdays Tea, 6 pm at 3131 Dewdney Ave. at noon $2 3131 Dewdney Ave. All welcome.

Chili for Children Elders’ Lunch: Thursdays mâmawêyatitân centre FOR SALE 3355 6th Ave., Montague St. COMMUNITY MOBILE entrance Elders’ ‘First This vehicle is owned by the North Central Community STORE! Choice’ Food $7 Association and was used for business activities and driven Distribution primarily within the city. Comes with truck bed cover, tires EVERY MONDAY Program are in great shape, and vehicle drives nice. Recent work 11:00 am to 1:00 pm done (Feb 2018) includes oil change, new battery, lower mâmawêyatitân centre, Send content for suspension ball joint, and alternator. 3355 6th Ave. JUNE 2018 Engine: Gas V8, 5.4L; 4WD SuperCrew Styleside; 5 ½ calendar - by ft box FX4; passenger capacity - 6; 4-speed automatic Cash only. transmission; transmission w/OD-inc: higher torque capacity Call 306-347-3224 for details MAY 14 Only 149,500 km or visit www.reachinregina.ca Price (reduced) $8,900 firm [email protected] Contact NCCA 306-791-9888 April 2018 NCCA NEWS NCCA Community Connection 11

Helping those with The NCCA Board Looking modest incomes and for New Directors simple tax situations (social assistance by Murray Giesbrecht recipients, any people don’t think • Learn more about the cause new Canadians, Mof joining a non-profit you serve seniors & students) board when they think about Board service is a huge FREE Community Income Tax Clinic volunteering, but serving on a learning opportunity and non-profit board allows you to a chance to broaden your to April 26, 2018 connect with and impact your perspective on many issues. Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 4pm community in very meaningful You can learn a lot in terms of (closed over noon hour, last appointment at 3:45 pm) way. The satisfaction that both community priorities and comes from helping achieve how an organization functions. Walk in to reserve your space. positivity in your community Same day appointment. makes the experience worth the • Build a legacy No telephone appointments commitment. If you are really interested in mâmawêyatitân centre 6th Ave. entrance leaving the community a better Here are just a few of the reasons place, serving on the NCCA Dial 306 before calling! you should consider joining the board is a huge opportunity to NORTH CENTRAL PHONE LIST NCCA board: do just that. Albert Community School...... 791-8539 • Make a bigger impact in The NCCA is looking for new Allan Blakeney Adult Campus...... 523-3650 your community board members for 2018-2020. Kitchener Community School...... 791-8516 Sacred Heart Community School...... 791-7290 Sitting on the board allows Board members are elected Schools Scott Collegiate...... 523-3500 you to connect with your by the NCCA membership at Seven Stones Community School...... 523-3740 community from a much the Annual General Meeting. St. Luke...... 791-7248 more strategic position. As a Directors may serve for a two- board member you have the year term. Aboriginal Health Home Care ...... 766-6379 Aboriginal Family Service Centre ...... 525-4161 opportunity to Aboriginal Skilled Workers Association ...... 565-0544 use your voice AIDS Program South Saskatchewan ...... 924-8420 and connections For more information please Albert Library ...... 777-6076 to help shape contact Murray Giesbrecht, All Nations Healin Thru Artz (ANHTA) ...... 205-7333 the organization’s Executive Director at (306) All Nations Hope Network ...... 924-8424 mission. 791-9881. Bylaw Enforcement ...... 777-7000 Caring Hearts ...... 523-2780 Child and Youth Services ...... 766-6700 North Central Community Connection is a bi- Chili for Children...... 359-7919 monthly newspaper published by the North Circle Project ...... 347-7515 Central Community Association (NCCA). The Circle Project Childrens’ Centre ...... 569-3988 newspaper strives to be fair and balanced in its Circle Project Infant Centre ...... 949-4911 coverage of news, current events and community Early Years Family Centre ...... 529-2520 issues. The Community Connection is written Ehrlo Sport Venture Library...... 751-2411 for the people of North Central Regina in hopes Ehrlo Housing ...... 584-3313 of building community and providing valuable First Nations Employment Centre...... 924-1606 information. www.nccaregina.ca Four Directions Community Health ...... 766-7540 Gathering Place ...... 522-7494

Editor: Jan Morier George Gordon First Nation Urban Services...... 949-4230 Get Social! Indigenous Christian Fellowship (ICF) ...... 359-1096 Thanks to contributors to this issue: Kids First Program ...... 766-6792 Kerry Bellegarde Nick Crighton Kids Help Phone ...... 1-800-668-6868 Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway Log House Thrift Store ...... 791-0255 Addison Docherty Monica Fogel mâmawêyatitân centre ...... 777-7033 Murray Giesbrecht Nephi MacPherson Meadow Primary Health Care Centre ...... 766-6399 Cate Morris Student Nurses: Mobile Crisis Services ...... 757-0127 Hannah Dicus & Vishakha Singh Morning Star Ministries ...... 757-8421 Leticia Racine Chelsey Trost Newo Yotina Friendship Centre ...... 525-5042 Cpl. Sheri Wild, RPS Lisa Workman North Central Community Association (NCCA) ...... 791-9888 North Central Community Health Office (Nurse) ...... 757-1046 North Central Community Connection is Mission Statement North Central Community Police Service ...... 777-6450 distributed to over 4,000 households in the North Central Family Centre ...... 347-2552 North Central area. Copies are also available To enhance, engage and represent North Central Kids Music Program ...... 545-3737 at mâmawêyatitân centre and various North our diverse neighbourhood, where Oxford House Society of Regina Inc...... 570-5708 Central businesses. Pasqua Hospital ...... 766-2222 we live, work and play, Public Health Inspector...... 766-7755 Opinions expressed in the North Central by facilitating partnerships, Rainbow Youth Centre...... 757-9743 Community Connection do not represent the programs and services. Randall Kinship Centre...... 766-6700 NCCA. Regina Alternative Measures Program (RAMP)...... 352-5424 We welcome all letters and submissions. The Regina Education & Action on Child Hunger (REACH)... 347-3224 editor reserves the right to accept or reject and Regina City Police ...... 777-6500 edit all submissions. Regina Crime Stoppers ...... 545-8477 NCCA Board of Directors Regina Fire & Protective Services...... 777-7830 Regina Food Bank...... 791-6533 Morris Eagles Betty Krohn Regina Police Substandard Housing Enforcement Team..777-6399 Regina Sexual Assault Line (24 hrs)...... 352-0434 Shawna Oochoo Brandi Reles DEADLINE for Rentalsman ...... 787-2699 JUNE/18 ISSUE Denita Stonechild Shannon Stumph R Healthy Food Store ...... 347-3224 MAY 14, 2018 Tom Wright Regina Open Door Society (RODS) ...... 352-3500 Safer Communities & Neighbourhoods (SCAN)..1-866-51-SAFER [email protected] SaskPower (inspections)...... 566-2500 Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement ...... 787-4723 North Central Community Connection Scott Infant & Toddler Centre...... 525-2344 3355 6th Avenue SEARCH ...... 570-6208 Regina SK, S4T 4L8 Souls Harbour Rescue Mission & Youth Centre ...... 543-0011 Street Culture Kidz ...... 565-6206 Phone: 306-791-9888 Street Project—Needle Pick up ...... 766-7799 Fax: 306-757-1052 SWAP...... 525-1722 e-mail: [email protected] YMCA of Regina ...... 757-9622 Let’s Learn to Speak CREE Together mâmawi-nêhiyawêmototân by Nick Crighton he City of Regina and Regina The Instructor: Public Library have partnered Darren Okemaysim is from Tto host a Cree language the Beardy’s & Okemasis instruction course through “total First Nation. In 1992 he physical response” (TPR) style of received a Bachelor of Arts teaching. TPR is matching a verb in Cree Linguistics and in word with an action. 1993 a Bachelor of Indian Education with a major in Instructor, Darren Okemaysim, is Indian Languages from trained in TPR. Darren is teaching the Saskatchewan Indian conversational Cree and teaching Federated College now the participants about Cree language First Nations University of history and culture. Canada. He is in a Masters of Arts specializing in Cree The program is open to the Linguistics. public and free of charge for everyone. The course is held at Darren’s University teaching mâmawêyatitân centre and began experience include teaching in February, running until May 10, introductory and intermediate from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. The class courses with the Department is live-streamed through social of Native Studies, University of media to increase accessibility to Saskatchewan and the School the public. of Native Studies, University of Alberta. He presently teaches The classes aim to provide the a wide variety of introductory, community with the ability to learn intermediate and advanced the Cree language. There are no courses in Cree with the barriers in this safe, supportive First Nations University of and inclusive environment. Canada, along with education courses in Language Let’s Learn To Speak Cree Teaching Methodologies, Bi- Together is a drop In Program lingual/Bi-cultural Language for all ages, registration is not Programming, First Nations required. (K-12) Language Curriculum Development, and Language The classes are uploaded to Immersion Instruction. a Youtube link for the broader Darren is a fluent Plains Cree community to have access. “Y” dialect speaker, writer, The Cree Language class is an instructor, and researcher. Integrated program with Albert Library. Chili for Children provides tea, bannock and pastries. North Central Community Association shares in promotion.

The Big Three in North Central Knowledge

Former colleagues, and members of the mutual admiration society recently met up at mâmawêyatitân centre. Left to right: Cpl Ray Van Dusen (retired RPS and early committee member of the present mâmawêyatitân centre), Murray Giesbrecht, Executive Director NCCA, Morris Eagles (retired ED of Welfare Rights & NCCA Board member).