JUNE 2018 VOLUME 21 - NUMBER 6

FREE Survivors share common experiences

Holocaust survivor Nate Leipciger and residen - tial school survivor Eugene Arcand gathered for a dialogue to discuss the commonalities of their experiences. (Photo by David Fisher)

CELEBRATING SCHOOL It has been 20 years since George Gordon Education Centre replaced its residential school with a new facility. - Page 7

AT THE HELM OF MVA Andrea Lafond comes to her new role as CEO of the Meewasin Valley Authority with a perfect background for the job. - Pag e 9

TIPI PAINTING Some very special artists have landed the perfect summer jobs and they couldn’t be more pleased. - Page 11

NURSING EXCELLENCE Bodeine Dusion recently won a prestigous award and she’s inspired to do even more for her community. - Page 17 INSPIRING STUDENTS These have been difficult times for young people in the Battle - ford but Tarrant Cross Child is By Jeanelle Mandes students to provide the audience with a deeper under - helping them cope. - Page 23 Of Eagle Feather News standing of the challenges they faced. Two survivors from different traumatic times in “I spoke with Eugene and we had common expe - history sat down to have a dialogue called the Coura - riences, common trauma and certain common loss,” National Aboriginal Day Edition geous Conversation. Leipciger said after the session in early June. Coming In July - Graduation Issue Residential school survivor Eugene Arcand and “We (didn’t) compare our suffering but we talked Holocaust Survivor Nate Leipciger shared their stories about the common elements of our past.” CPMA #40027204 with one another in front of over a thousand Saskatoon Continued on Page 2 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 2 Arcand, Leipciger endured trauma in residential schools, concentration camps Continued from Page One Leipciger, originally from Poland, survived the Holocaust in German-occupied Poland. He was 10-years old when he and his family spent many harrowing months trying to avoid capture in the ghettos but eventually they were discovered and sep - arated. He lost his family after being moved around different concentration camps dur - ing the German occupation of Poland. Leipciger lost his mother and sister as well as other family members. He emigrated to Canada in 1948 along with his father and has lived in Toronto for the past 70 years. Prior to the Courageous Conversation event, Leipciger said he was familiar with the history of residential schools and had heard of Arcand’s residential school story. Arcand, from the Muskeg Lake First Nation, was apart of Canada’s terrible legacy of residential schools that has caused profound suffering and loss for In - digenous people. Arcand was six-years-old when he was taken away from home and placed at the St. Michael Indian Residential school in Duck Lake. He attended that school for 10 years and one year at the Lebret Student Residence. CeCe Baptiste, SIIT’s Associate Director of Finance, helped bring Arcand into the idea of sharing his story in the Courageous Conversation event. She said she truly appreciated the honest way that Arcand and Leipciger shared their commonalities of their two experiences. “I was quite touched and I felt really honoured to hear their stories,” said Bap - tiste who helped co-moderate the event along with Heather Fenyes. “I found Eugene and Nate understood the impact that they were having on the students.” Baptiste hoped attendees took away a common understanding of what the two different cultures had endured in the past. “An opportunity such as this, where you have a survivor from the holocaust as well as a survivor from the residential school, being able to share their stories and talk alongside each other is extremely rare,” said Baptiste. “We are going to lose those opportunities as people grow older.” David Fisher, the Executive Director of Concentus Citizenship Education Foundation, helped organize the Courageous Conversation event. He said the two survivors both endured something horrific; a deliberate and mechanised genocide. He added the event wasn’t a comparative exercise but was designed to discover par - allels as each situation was unique. “It was discovering the dark commonalities and also the inspiring commonal - ities,” said Fisher. “They talked about strength and resilience. There was a genuine chemistry as they spoke to each other. It was very emotional at times and they were very generous with what they shared.” Fisher said even with the large number of students that attended the two-sur - vivor dialogue, you could hear a pin drop. “I was taking a moment to survey the room and the students were glued to their words on what they were saying,” he said. “There was a spontaneous standing ova - tion for them at the conclusion.” Leipciger and Arcand ended the Courageous Conversation by encouraging the students not to be bystanders but to be upstanders and to get involved when they see an injustice. It was a momentous time for the two survivors to treasure. “Eugene and I had meetings of our spirit and we’re two spiritual individuals. Our understanding and interaction of each other, I cherish very much,” said Leip - ciger. “I hope we can continue this dialogue on many other occasions.” Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 3 Flag raising a step towards reconciliation By Jeanelle Mandes onciliation flag in Of Eagle Feather News honour of Indian Reconciliation Saskatoon recently residential school held a reconciliation flag raising cere - and Sixties Scoop mony to honour residential school and survivors. Sixties Scoop survivors and the lives that Don Ewles, were lost. the Grants and “Looking back at what happened to Communications us in residential schools – the loss of Manager of Saska - culture and language, the physical, sex - toon Community ual and mental abuse, the blatant racism Foundation, said we experienced – this ceremony is in - the reconciliation credibly important to me and for all the flag raising was a survivors,” said Elder and residential symbolic moment Elder Frank Badger talked about the school survivor Frank Badger in a media to bring people to - impact of the residential schools and release. gether. the importance of events like the “By going back to our roots and “It was a Reconciliation flag raising in moving celebrating our culture, language and tra - great moment for forward. ditions, we are making our way back to people to stand (Photos courtesy of Gilles Dorval) who we once were as proud First Nation, shoulder to shoul - Inuit and Métis people. We are teaching der … to say Saskatoon is a community our ways to the generation today and that believes in reconciliation,” said those yet to be born, and we will show Ewles. our children that no one will ever expe - (The flag raising) was a great day rience this dark time again.” and a great opportunity to come out to - Mayor Charlie Clark said there is a gether and hear many different voices there is a tremendous effort underway in and see the beauty of Indigenous cul - Saskatoon, throughout the , to work to - ture. (It’s a reminder) that we’re stronger wards reconciliation and to create a and richer when we recognize each stronger Treaty relationship. other’s value and we work together to “By honouring survivors and keep - create a better and more inclusive com - ing the next generations top of mind, munity.” over 80 non-profits, businesses, institu - Shirley Isbister, President, Central tions, and faith communities have been Urban Métis Federation Inc. said recon - making a positive change in our com - ciliation is a shared journey which begins munity through the work of Reconcilia - with each and every one of us. tion Saskatoon,” he said. “It’s important for us to provide op - It is remarkable to see such a strong portunities like the Flag Raising Cere - community-wide support for this impor - mony and the Rock Your Roots walk to tant work as we raise the Reconciliation help people explore the meaning of rec - Saskatoon flag this morning and recom - onciliation and respond to the Truth and mit ourselves to a stronger community.” Reconciliation’s Calls to Action,” she Reconciliation Saskatoon consists said. of 88-member organizations such as the On June 20, there will be an official City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty unveiling ceremony for a reconciliation Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Coun - art project called the Coming Spring in cil, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. Victoria Park. along with 84 business and community The following day, on National In - organization members. Reconciliation digenous Peoples Day, the third annual Saskatoon and members of the commu - “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconcili - nity gathered on May 29 in Civic Square ation will be celebrated in the City of outside City Hall today to raise the Rec - Bridges. Eagle Feather News 4 JUNE 2018 The best of times

I always say there has never been a Johnson, Gregory Scofield, Warren Car - 20 years, which represents significant better time to be an Indigenous person in iou and Louise Halfe. And there are sev - new economic development and oppor - Saskatchewan. eral more. tunity for power projects led by First All the good news and events in It has speeches, poems, lyrics and Nations communities and businesses. seven member First Nations of the May and June, so far, are evidence of several different stories from our past Nice. Saskatoon Tribal Council to learn about that. Lots of things are lining up. and present. I have officially found the jobs, joint ventures and partnership op - Thank goodness for the Calls to first book for my summer reading list. portunities tied to the Nutrien supply Action from the Truth and Reconcilia - Also last month we found out that chain. Business and opportunity. Both tion Commission. People are actually former Tribal Chief and Elder Joe answer Call to Action 92 adopting them. Quewezance and our favourite colum - And have you heard? Several land I spent several days in Regina this nist, renowned writer, Elder and teacher claims and specific claims have entered month. Things were going on. The First Maria Campbell are both to receive ho - into the compensation and negotiation Nations University of Canada was host - nourary doctorate degrees this year. stages in Saskatchewan. The federal ing the Indian Communication Arts Joe from the University of government has recognized the claims of Summer Institute on Journalism. Our Saskatchewan and Maria from the Uni - the James Smith, Peter Chapman and Jeanelle Mandes was one of 40 different versity of Winnipeg. Chakastaypasin First Nations after instructors working with 24 students These fine folks are decades of work by those leaders. over a month and a half of intense train - leading the way for They lost approximately 60,000 ing in radio, web, newsprint and TV. our future graduates. acres dues to fraud, Many of their stories are in this issue. Did you know and there is more. Most of those stories tie to a Call to Ac - the Indigenous gradu - Word is also out that tion. ation class has grown Black Lake has At the same time as the Institute, every year for the reached a settlement the University of Regina was hosting past several years? on their “cows and Congress of the Humanities and Social That’s awesome. In plows” claim with Sciences, a conference for 5,000 aca - 1960 there were 60 the government and demics from around the world to get to - ‘Indians’ in university are figuring out what gether and think and share thoughts. This in all of Canada. Now to do with it. Call to gathering had lots of “Indigenization” they estimate 35,000. Action 47. and reconciliation presentations avail - To support those How about able and was a very strong theme. In - students, the Provin - that? During this digenous academics everywhere. cial Ministry of Edu - month of celebrating Many of those academics and writ - cation, the folks responsible for K-12 National Indigenous ers came together for the official book curriculum and outcomes, have had History Month and launch of ‘kisiskâciwan’ packing the every available employee in their Min - People Day, take the Atrium of FNUniv with dignitaries, stu - istry go through a full day Aboriginal dents, family and many of the writers awareness seminar. That would never Leaders like Joe Quewezance and that contributed to the book. have happened 20 years ago. Maria Campbell, literature like ki - Jesse Rae Archibald-Barber edited All of the above education initia - siskaciwin and educational gains ‘kisiskâciwan’. The book contains rich, tives and gatherings answer Call to Ac - are reason to celebrate during Na - oral narratives from First Nation and tion 63. tional Indigenous History Month. Métis cultures from Saskatchewan and On the business end we saw contains the voices of dozens of Indige - SaskPower and the First Nations Power time to read those Calls to Action and nous leaders and writers. Authority (FNPA) sign a First Nations take note of what is going on around you Maybe some of these names are fa - Opportunity Agreement to source 20 in your community. miliar to you: Big Bear, Thunderchild, megawatts of flare gas power generation Also, I witnessed the Saskatchewan Read ‘kisiskâciwan’ to understand Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, Edward projects with the Flying Dust First Na - Industrial and Mining Suppliers Associ - the impacts and admire the resiliency. Ahenakew, Maria Campbell, Buffy tion. The project is worth an estimated ation bring over 60 of their members to Lots of good things are happening Sainte-Marie, Rita Bouvier, Harold $300 million of potential revenue over network with Nutrien employees and the in this province. Celebrate it. JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 5 INCA students about to tackle the exciting world of journalism By Jaycene Lathlin For Eagle Feather News When Jamin Mike listened to Jeanelle Mandes’s stories about journalism, when they were both working at their local community radio station, he knew he was meant to be a storyteller. Since then, Mike has followed in Mandes’ foot - steps by attending the INCA Summer Institute, a seven- week introduction to journalism at First Nations Uni - No INCA Summer Institute would be complete without a class photo with instructors in front of the tipi versity of Canada (FNUniv). in the First Nations University of Canada epic atrium. (Photo by Shannon Avison) They and three other former INCA survivors shared their experiences with the 2018 INCA students area of expertise. The institute is facilitated by Shannon “I highly recommend this U of R journalism be - on a panel discussion on the opening day of the Insti - Avison, the INCA program coordinator, runs from May cause that’s how you get started, and you have to start tute. 7 – June 22. somewhere,” said Powder. Mike, from Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, “This year is the largest class we have ever had “Believe in yourself and don’t get discouraged. said he always been drawn to broadcasting. and plus we added teaching units, added instructors You have a lot of classmates that you can do team - “I always watched Nelson Bird on CTV Indige - about Twitter, podcasting, and two APTN instructors, work.” nous Circle then Creeson Agecoutay,” said Mike, re - producers coming to work with the students, which Another newly recruited student, Robert Merasty ferring two well-known Indigenous journalists in we never had before.” said Avision. “It’s really tremen - from Ile-a-la-Crosse, who has been a journalist for 46 Saskatchewan. dous this year.” years, said he needed to come back for a refresher. He “Something always drew me to news.I remember Newly recruited INCA student Mary Powder hails first heard of INCA in the late 1980s and took INCA in as a child I would sit there with my kokum, Doreen, from Yellowknife. She came to Regina for this institute 1991. watching news like a grown-up would.” specifically. She was encouraged by one of her super - “I love the class and I would come back here any - The INCA Summer Institute brings in professional visors and so far, she said the institute is very interest - time for another refresher and I would recommend it to journalists in different media to teach the students their ing and makes her want to go further. any young person who is interested,” he said. Eagle Feather News 6 JUNE 2018 Running all about dead bodies and compliments As soon as our long, emotionally degrading But it’s also boring so I’ve come around to the say, “Jogger discovers body.” Maybe I’m jogging winter ended, I laced up my sneakers and headed ways of the earphones. I also run to comedy (Jon wrong. outside for a run. Oliver, Bill Maher, Amy Schumer) which is why If I really want to happen across one, I should I don’t overthink running. I don’t follow any you’ll sometimes see me hunch over laughing. spend more time running under bridges and through routine. I just pick a distance I want to reach and thick brush – but that’s how you end up getting to then run in one direction until I’m halfway there and be a dead body in the first place. then I turn and run back the other way. It couldn’t I get passed by other runners a lot. Because get much simpler than that. there are some quite fit people out there and I’m measure miles by tracking the movement of the more jiggle than not jiggle. A few weeks ago, I was sun through the sky. Totally kidding. I use a running passed by the same woman twice, coming from dif - app on my iPhone which is why I’m the old lady ferent directions. running with her wallet. It’s like she was time travelling and I just hap - I don’t wear expensive running shoes and I pened to see her on her way back in time. Or, maybe hardly ever replace them. My guide is that I’ll re - I look around a lot when I’m running, admir - she was twins? Or maybe I’m just really, really place them when I can feel the pavement through ing the foliage, the infinite shades of green that slow. That’s why a few weeks later when I finally the soles or I can see my feet through the shoes. can be found this time of year. I also look down at passed someone – two middle aged guys, I felt like I don’t get caught up in marketing or brands the ground because that is the only way to find yelling, “this is happening, bitches.” But I didn’t be - because Native American runner Jim Thorpe from money. (I have found exactly no money in decades cause I couldn’t spare the oxygen. the Sac and Fox First Nation won Olympic gold of running but I never give up.) When you run, other runners will nod at you. wearing shoes he found in the trash. I also check out the big houses on the side of It’s a secret communication that only we share. Ba - He went to the Olympics with shoes, they just the streets and imagine myself living in one of sically, we’re saying, “Yes we will be ready for the got stolen the night before the races. Imagine being them. I know a lawyer who used to run past a cer - zombie apocalypse unlike these other suckers.” enough of a jackass to steal someone’s shoes just tain house every week and would point at the house, There are a lot of reasons to run – staying fit, because they’re going to beat you. That literally “that’s my house.” And then what do you know? stress release, getting weird tan lines. But I’d say makes you an Olympic-sized dick. One day it was. Course she is a lawyer; us regular my favourite reason was one of the most unex - So, ever since I heard that story, I haven’t paid folk might have to resort to a B&E situation. pected. too much attention to what I wear on my feet. (Run - I’ve been running since I was 12 years old. I’ve One day I was out running and I came upon a ning bras should be top of the line though. If you run all over the place – in New York City, Toronto, dad and a little girl about five. can breathe normally, it’s not tight enough.) Montreal, Regina and on my rez, of course, while had long black hair in a ponytail like me and I listen to music which is a new thing for me. being chased by rez dogs. when she saw me running towards her, she started I used to run with nothing but street sounds as back - Yet with all of my diverse locations, I’ve never running too. ground because it is safer. You can hear cars and ever come across a dead body. Not that I want to – Her dad pointed at me, “she’s copying you!” It bikes coming. I’m just surprised is all. Because newspapers always was the best compliment I’ve had in years. JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 7

Principal Bryan McNabb of the George Gordon Educational Center says that the move into their new school from the old residential school 20 years ago was a fresh start and an exciting time and good reason to celebrate 20 years later. 20 years of education celebrated on George Gordon First Nation

By Lynea George For Eagle Feather News It’s been 20 years since staff and students walked the halls of Canada’s last res - idential school and the occasion was something to celebrate. Bryan McNabb, the Principal of George Gordon Education Centre (GGEC) re - flected on the past, as he looks ahead to the future. In 1992, he began his teaching career and he later became principal before mov - ing into the new school. “It was really difficult being the principal in the old building because of so much deficiency and being in separate buildings, because the kids would have to walk across to the gym and library,” he said. The GGEC replaced the Gordon Day School that was part of Gordon Indian Residential School. The residential school was opened on reserve in 1886 and was used as an ed - ucation facility until 1996. McNabb said the old building was immediately demolished once the new school was opened. He said the reason for that was to move away from the whole stigma the build - ing represented. The First Nation requested a new school in 1995 and was approved in 1996, but it was not completed until 1998. “It was a fresh start and new beginning,” Mcnabb said, adding it became something that instilled pride in the community. The celebration could not have come at a better time. The reserve has been rocked by several tragedies, including the loss of their chief. When teacher Tammy McNabb, suggested hosting a 20th anniversary celebration of G.G.E.C everyone jumped on board. McNabb was an intern at the old school in the fall of 1997 and re - members taking tours of the new school while it was being built. “It was an exciting time,” she said. Her enthusiasm has not worn off, as she has hope for the future of the school. She would like to see more culture activities to take place for the community. “I want to initiate to start a smudge walk” Mcnab said. The 20th celebration was important to Mcnab because “education is our buf - falo,” she said. Mcnab wanted current students to know there is a whole other world out there. “I am on my second generation of teaching kids,” she said. Initially, Sheila Kinequon a former teacher had mixed feelings when leaving the old school. But she’s now pleased to see how things have changed. “We will continue to grow and develop our youth to be good strong people who will be successful and live good lives” McNabb said. Eagle Feather News 8 JUNE 2018 Elder works for change within Regina Qu’Appelle Heath Region By Megan Currie That is why there are so many Indians For Eagle Feather News here.” Elder Harry Francis recalls the time The role of Elder at NHS has al - 60 people gathered in the Medical Inten - ways focused on patient care. sive Care Unit at the Regina General Hos - The first Elder was Emile Piapot, pital and paid their final respects to a grandson of Chief Piapot, who could beloved matriarch. speak and write in English. He had the Speaking in his office, surrounded teachings of the old people and was one by gifts from patients and community of the ceremonial people. members, the Native Health Services’ Piapot’s knowledge of English Elder recalls when the woman’s doctor made him especially valuable to his asked him to come to the unit. people in the white man’s hospital. “They had come to consensus that The NHS opened in 1982 and fo - they were going to stop all treatment cused on patients in the Emergency De - and let nature take its course by dis - partment and the Pediatric Unit, said connecting all life support,” said Fran - Director Brent Robison in an email. cis. It is now embraced within the pri - At the unit, he found a throng of mary care team. Instead of receiving a people who loved the woman gathered small honorarium, Elders are now part to say their goodbyes. Francis helped of a union. coordinate for loved ones to go in four Francis, a certified addiction to six people at a time. worker with advanced counseling cer - His role didn’t end there. While tificates, is available to help families leaving the unit Francis overheard a and also welcomes them to bring their young nurse blurt out ‘Why are there so own Elder. many Indians here?’ The Elder’s office is open from 8 Francis took that opportunity to a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but he often stays late teach her about Indigenous kinship. into evenings helping to conduct cere - “So, I said, ‘this woman has mony. touched many of these people. They One of the most significant may not have the same last name but changes Francis has overseen is now they are all brothers and sisters and they dying patients are sometimes moved accept each other as brothers and sis - from the medical unit to the spiritual ters, children and grandchildren. I know room to have life support disconnected, that the system says only immediate so family can gather and conduct what - Harry Francis provides Elder services at the Regina General hospital. family, well this is immediate family. ever ceremony needed. JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 9 Lafond takes the helm at the MVA Andréa Ledding is really an opportunity to reframe our messag - For Eagle Feather News ing and conversations to build knowledge and The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) has understanding on multiple levels of the suc - hired a new chief executive officer: none other than cesses, purpose, and vision of Meewasin.” Andrea Lafond. Lafond notes the critical importance of the “Andrea Lafond has been in her position of MVA is creating balance between human use CEO for 30 days but has gleaned an enormous while educating about and conserving the lands amount through broad consultations with staff, stake - and river system for future generations. holders and board members,” says MVA board chair Her Métis heritage, combined with her Cer - Colin Tennant. tified Aboriginal Financial Management desig - “In that short time, I’ve observed a quiet con - nation through the Aboriginal Financial Offi - fidence, keen observation skills, an intuitive sense of cers Association, positions her to undertake this direction and a natural inquisitiveness.” crucial position, continuing to preserve the river Tennant adds that her proposed visioning ex - valley for present and future generations while ercise this fall will only help identify unique oppor - educating all levels of government and people tunities for the MVA’s future. on environmental stewardship and a shared his - “From our perspective, hiring Andrea def - tory, present, and future together. initely remains the right decision for our board. “My background ties in both professionally Meewasin’s future certainly looks very good.” and personally. When I look to leadership op - Meewasin is a conservation agency dedi - portunities it is about truly respecting the pur - cated to conserving the cultural and natural re - pose and vision and the history of how and why sources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. an organization came to be. Lafond has high praise for the MVA as well. “Respecting that history and moving for - “The path that led me to Meewasin was ward on opportunities through strategic posi - truly my passion for the MVA and its tremen - tioning and messaging,” explains Lafond, dous efforts on conservation, providing access adding that the importance of good steward - and education to the histories and biodiversity ship cannot be overstated. of our lands and our river valley.” “Personally, I feel strongly that when it re - Recently, though, funding cuts have been lates to our natural lands and water systems we an ongoing challenge for the MVA, but Lafond have to be making conscious long-term deci - Andrea Lafond has taken over the helm of the Meewasin sees this as a potential to grow. sions to conserve these areas. Valley Authority in Saskatoon. The Authority is “The present challenge, which I perceive as “These are not resources we can get back responsible for the conservation of South Saskatchewan the potential, is funding our critical work. This once misused.” River Valley. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) Eagle Feather News 10 JUNE 2018 Perry Bellegarde awarded Saskatchewan Order of Merit By Jeanelle Mandes province a better place, and I Of Eagle Feather News thank them for their tremendous Assembly of First Nations efforts.” (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde also worked on Bellegarde was among six re - the 25-year gaming agreement cipients who received the in Saskatchewan which helped Saskatchewan Order of Merit at solidify the gaming industry to a ceremony held at the Conexus build casinos such as the White - Arts Centre in Regina. cap Dakota Dunes and the Liv - Bellegarde said he was sur - ing Sky Casino in Swift Current. prised to receive the award. He also worked on the Veterans “I was very honoured and Compensation Package for In - humbled to receive the award,” digenous veterans. That and he said. “I didn’t know that any - many more accomplishments one nominated me. It’s a big ho - led him to receive the province’s nour.” most prestigious award. Lt.-Gov. Thomas Molloy “The organizers and the placed medal around the recipi - committee must have recog - ents’ necks and talked about nized how we’re trying to work their work over the years. together to improve this “He talked about some of province (to) build bridges and the things I worked on over the relationships,” said Bellegarde. years,” said Bellegarde. “Get - For 33 years, the ting the Treaty 4 reserve Saskatchewan Order of Merit grounds back to reserve status at has recognized people who Fort Qu’Appelle and uniting the demonstrate outstanding contri - 34 Treaty 4 tribes and they butions to the province in areas talked about the transfer of the such as the arts, business and in - Indian hospital back to First Na - AFN National Chief was recently awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit – the province’s dustry, agriculture, community tions control.” most prestigious recognition. (Photo submitted by AFN Communications) leadership and volunteer serv - Molloy also presented the ice. This year’s recipients will five other recipients with the province’s highest honour,” markable citizens and looking at chosen for the Order of Merit join 229 other citizens who have Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Molloy said in a media release. the accomplishments and con - this year, I am truly humbled. previously been invested into the “The Order of Merit is the “Saskatchewan has re - tributions of the six individuals Their work has made our Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 11 Tipi-making a work of art By Sheila LaRose ideas into one design.” For Eagle Feather News The theme of the main tipi is “those Larissa Kitchemonia sits cross- who have gone before,” said Peter Brass, legged on the floor chatting with other Art Collection Manager at FNUC. artists as they dip their brushes in Tim “It could be veterans, it could be Hortons cups filled with water, and paint missing and murdered Indigenous on canvas tipi liners. women and girls, it could be residential The artists are students and alumni schools and children that passed away of the First Nations University of there, it could be Sixties Scoop.” Canada. While most of the artists are The liners will be installed inside 14 from Saskatchewan, Adam Martin is tipis on the lawn of the First Nations Uni - from Six Nations and Bruno Hernani is versity campus in Regina. from Peru. Finding 14 tipis wasn’t easy, ac - The students are painting a series of cording to Brass. 50-foot wide canvas liners that will be in - “Tipi-makers are in high demand. stalled in each tipi. The people that could provide Cree tipis “They’re huge,” said artist Jori could only commit to making three. The Cachene. “There’s three of those in the other ones we ordered from the States, big tipi, so it’s a gigantic job.” and they exclusively make Sioux (tipis).” Roland Kaye, Elders’ Helper at Roland Kaye says you FNUC, was responsible for setting up should have good thoughts the tipis of different sizes and styles – when you are setting up a some had 13 poles, some had 15. tipi. He will smudge them In the 1980s, a group of before they are open to the Saskatchewan Elders developed teach - public. ings to go with each pole, according to Kaye. “Those values, I tell people, are in - stilled in each and every one of us. It’s not just a First Nations value or teaching – like love, or trust, or respect. “Each and every one of us has that within us, to live like that. So, these teachings, to me, are a tool to live a bet - ter life.” Using tipi poles as a way to teach values is a new development. “I’m sure 100 years ago, when they were putting up their tipi, they weren’t saying, ‘Here’s the love pole,’” said Kaye. “It was more or less survival – let’s “Collaborative painting comes with get our camp together and survive.” its challenges,” said Kitchemonia. “This Still, said Kaye, “They’re good project turned out to be a good mix of dif - teachings. Everybody utilizes them at ferent areas of interest. There’s always some point in their life. Schools use things to learn from each other,” he them, lots of institutions use them.” noted. Cachene envisions the tipis being a “What we decided to do was amal - gathering place over the summer months, gamate all seven artists (and) work on the a place for students and visitors to learn. largest tipi together,” said Cachene. “We’ll be here all summer,” she “We came up with the themes to - said. “Come visit! Pull us out of our lit - gether and incorporated everybody’s tle paint world and come talk to us.”

Jori Cachene is happy for the opportunity to paint all summer. 12 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 National Indigenous Peoples Day A 1.How many First Nations were deemed “Rebellion Bands” 5. This man was the Premier of Saskatchewan when the CCF 9. What was the name of the Fir after the 1885 Resistance at Batoche? introduced the Green Lake Experiment for Métis road al - Jesse Jim on the Canadian telev a. 10 lowance families. combers? b. 20 a. Tommy Douglas a. Chief Dan George c. 26 b. Alan Blakeney b. Graham Greene d. 3 c. Russ Thatcher c. Thompson Highway d. Thomas Walter Scott d. Pat John 2. Which First Nation received a settlement of $4.5 million in 2015 for Treaty annuities that were withheld after the Resist - 6. This Prime Minister was famously quoted as saying the fol - 10. Name the oldest living First ance. lowing after the hanging of Louis Riel in November of 1885. Saskatchewan. a. Beardy’s and Okemasis “"He shall die though every dog in Quebec bark in his b. Muskeg Lake Cree Nation favour." 11. This gentleman just received c. Lac La Ronge Indian Band a. Wilfred Laurier Merit and has served at almost d. One Arrow First Nation b. John A Macdonald leadership. Hint. He’s from Litt c. Alexander McKenzie 3. What jerk face said the following in 1887. “"The great aim d. Charles Tupper 12. When the Treaty Land Entit of our legislation has been to do away with the tribal system in 1992, how much of Saskatche and assimilate the Indian people in all respects with the other 7. Legendary WWII soldier David Greyeyes received the land? inhabitants of the Dominion as speedily as they are fit to Greek Military Cross for his heroics. Where is he from? a. 10% change.” a. Fond du Lac First Nation b. 1.5% a. Duncan Campbell Scott b. Little Black Bear First Nation c. 5% b. John A. Macdonald c. Muskeg Lake Cree Nation d. 27% c. Laura Secord d. Mistawasis First Nation d. John G Diefenbaker 8. Métis trapper Joseph McGillivray of Cumberland House 13. Now that Treaty Land Entit 4. This person is credited with starting the Association of Indi - helped capture what notorious German leader near the end of bought back, how much of Sask ans of Saskatchewan in 1944 WWII? serve today? a. David Fieldhouse a. Hertgut Schlimhiener a. 3.5% b. Alex Smith b. Adolph Hitler b. 15% c. Frank Bellegarde c. Max Goering c. 33% d. Joseph Dreaver d. Kurt Meyer d. 9%

National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21 Proudly celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 13 Annual history and trivia quiz 2018 rst Nation actor who played 14. What year did the Métis Society of Saskatchewan become c. 1000 people vision classic, the Beac - the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan? d. 6000 people a. 1982 b. 2007 18. This Métis activist wrote Tortured People. c. 1993 a. Howard Adams d. 2000 b. Harry Daniels c. Jim Sinclair 15. After contact was made with European settlers, epidemics d. Malcolm Norris Nation female war veteran in were the single largest killer of First Nations. The most lethal was smallpox. In 1780, 1819, 1838 and 1876, sickness killed 19. This doctor was a whistleblower on the federal govern - over what per cent of the population each time. ments appalling lack of investment in Indian Residential d the Saskatchewan Order of a. 20% schools from 1903-1910. What is this unsung hero’s name? every level of First Nation b.30% a. Dr Seuss tle Black Bear. c. 5% b. Dr. Zhivago d. 50% c. Dr P.H. Bryce tlement Agreement was signed d. Dr Phil ewan was covered by reserve 16. What Federal minister of the interior said the following, the year before Treaty 10 was introduced in the House of 20. In 1897, five Indians from Thunderchild were arrested for Commons in 1907? doing what? “If it becomes a question between the Indians and the whites, a. Drinking the interests of the whites will have to be provided for.” b. Selling their crops without a permit a. John A Macdonald c. Dancing b. Edgar Dewdney d. Holding a ‘give away dance’ c. Frank Oliver

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: s r e w s n tion of Saskatchewan dropped how much between 1881 and A 1916? a. 500 people b. 4000 people 14 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 SaskTel Awards honour 12 outstanding youth achievers By John Lagimodiere young people were nominated in “When I arrived at grand en - of the real tragedies that can hap - Of Eagle Feather News one of 12 awards categories, hon - try, I went to stand with the young pen in our communities, and this The sense of success and per - ouring them for their leadership in people and I just saw happy faces year’s recipient showed just that,” severance was in the air as hun - sports, culture, perseverance and and was honoured and happy to said an emotional Cameron of the dreds of parents, teachers and com - education. be in the room and back for this ex - Spirit recipient Nautia Crier. munity supporters gathered for the Buffalo Boy Productions perience. It brought back a lot of “She lost her mom to a mur - 20th Annual SaskTel Indigenous brought the drum and several memories,” said Lonechild who der when she was only 13 and she Youth Awards of Excellence. dancers and some past nominees has gone on to be the FSIN Female has stayed in there and become a One hundred and nineteen and recipients of the awards were Youth Representative. leader on this issue.” RONIN IRON on hand to share their talents. The amount of new young Crier, a Grade 11 student at The Strong Sisters nailed leaders that are up and coming is re - Saskatoon’s Centennial Collegiate their harmonies over a few songs, ally inspiring for me and instills hope was humbled by the award. Dallas Boyer and his dad, Phil, in me as a young leader. It was quite “I feel like such an honour played some toe tapping fiddle an emotional experience for me.” and I am looked at as a strong per - tunes and 2015 Outstanding Colleen Cameron is chair of son and a role model. For my Achievement recipient Darian the Awards and she noted that the mom, I think it is important to Lonechild gave an emotional most difficult category for the make her proud and myself proud speech about the impact the award judges each year is the Spirit and know in my heart that some - has had on her journey and how Award. where she is listening and watch - good it was to see all the outstand - “This award is given when ing over me.” ing youth. young people fight through some Crier credits her perseverance ALAN SPOONHUNTER NAUTIA CRIER SPIRIT JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 15 Past winner empowered by Award to the supports of two teachers in Achievement award is an excep - is hard work. I push myself, dedi - particular. tional athlete and student at Bed - cate myself and go up against those “Jamie Kelly, a teacher at ford Road in Saskatoon and he barriers and stay drug and alcohol Centennial, and Chelsea Davis, a wants to be an engineer. free. I try to keep my family and former teacher at Centennial and is “I like to try for this award. It friends around me to keep my goals now at EGADZ. They are my su - in sight. I want to go into engineer - Alan Spoonhunter - Sports per moms and a big part of my Asia Huynh Whitebear - ing so I push myself as hard as I can life. If it wasn’t for them I would in my school work,” said Iron. ASIA HUYNH WHITEBEAR Technology and Science LOGAN DEITER have dropped out of school in Chante Speidel - Leadership Darian Lonechild and Nautia Grade 9,” said Crier who wants to Darren Bird - Culture Creir shared a good hug after the awards. become a lawyer. Dylayna Thomas - Education They came from the same school and “I am very hopeful for the Honeah Sanderson - same Spirit of Youth Group. future. I hope I set a good example Innovation “I jumped for joy when she Jewel Charles - for all the people having struggles won. We have that connection. Fine or Performing Arts and stuff like that. Drugs and alco - Julia Stonechild - This award will give them all a hol never help the situation and Outstanding Achievement boost,” said Lonechild. you need to recognize the weak - Kyra Ledoux - Sports “It was one evening that I nesses that you have to you can Logan Dieter - was empowered as a young person strengthen them.” Community Service to reflect on all the hard work and Ronin Iron also echoes the Nautia Crier - Spirit what I have done. To be nominated sentiment of Nautia. Ronin, the re - Ronin Iron - is a huge honour and to win is Outstanding Achievement KYRA LEDOUX CHANTE SPEIDEL cipient of the male Outstanding amazing.”

DARREN BIRD DYLAYNA THOMAS HONEAH SANDERSON JEWEL CHARLES JULIA STONECHILD 16 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 Aboriginal curling staging a comeback By Robert Merasty Goulet said the tournament was special For Eagle Feather News because it was the final big event of Hurry hard! Hurry hard! the season. Seventeen-year-old Joseph Desjar - Although the Bonspiel has seen a lais, lead curler for the Morin team in this decline in attendance over the past five year’s Canadian Aboriginal Curling years the atmosphere of this prestigious Championship (CACC), is an example of event was uplifting and positive. youth who are turning to curling as a Goulet remembers, as many as 65 winter sport. men’s rinks competing in the bonspiel. His team swept their way to vic - In the mid-1970s, teams from The tory at the CACC and Desjarlais says Pas, Manitoba; Yellow knife, Alberta he was “elated.” and Saskatchewan came to play in the The Ile-a-la-Crosse youth has various venues held in Melfort, Regina, grown to love the sport and although North Battledored and Prince Albert, this season is over he intends to con - says Goulet. tinue participating in the sport for years In an attempt to revive interest in to come. the game of curling, Mayor Duane “As soon as the T-line Curling club Favel and spouse Elaine Favel teach has ice, I’m on it until it melts,” he said. curling to young students like Joseph That enthusiasm is music to Duane through their physical education pro - Favel’s ears. gram at Rossignol High School. Not only is he the mayor of Ile-a- “We push curling in this commu - la-Crosse, he also helped organize the nity,” said Favel. “In high school every CACC bonspiel because he believes student from Grade 7 to 12 participates strongly in the sport. in curling for two weeks as part of the This year’s event attracted 26 physical education curriculum.” men’s teams and six women’s teams Mayor Duane Favel of the North - from across the province. ern Village of Ile-a-la-Crosse and The Morin team swept to victory in the long running Canadian Aboriginal Keith Goulet, 72, has been curling Lawrence Corrigal president of the T- Curling Championships this spring. They took home a good chunk of the for decades and remembers when curl - line Curling Club teamed up to fund $22,300 purse. ing was in its heyday. raise $30,000 to fund the event. In the mid-1970s, teams travelled Of that $22,300 went to guaran - from Manitoba, Alberta and even from teed prizes establishing a precedent for Favel organizer and participant ing the Easter long weekend to make it the Northwest Territories to participate. next year’s curling Bonspiel. says the competition is always held dur - a family outing. JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 17 Award winning northern nurse committed to her community By Jeanelle Mandes Dussion is originally from the Cumberland Of Eagle Feather News House First Nation but has been a community A northern Indigenous nurse was recognized health nurse in the Saulteaux First Nation for the with the Award for Excellence in Nursing during past three years. She’s been in her career for 10 National Nursing Week at the beginning of May. years and acquired her nursing education at the Bodeine Dussion was happy and shocked University of Manitoba. In her spare time, Dussion when she heard that she was honoured for her studies at home doing an online course so she can services as a community health nurse. nurse in northern isolated communities. “It was quite surprising! It felt like I was “That’s my plan, to go even further in the young to receive such a prestigious award,” she northern communities to help my people,” said said. “I was very overwhelmed that I won it.” Dussion. “I feel there needs to be more (Indige - Every year, Indigenous Services Canada cel - nous) people up in the northern communities help - ebrates the contributions of nurses during May 7- ing our people.” 13 – which is known as Nursing Week. Three re - On May 7, Don Rusnak, parliamentary sec - cipients were chosen through nominations across retary, on behalf of Jane Philpott, Minister of In - Canada: Lyrithe Villeneuve, a long-time nurse at digenous Services, recognized Dussion and the the Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre, Cheryl Yost, other two recipients with the Award of Excellence a First Nations and Inuit Health Branch employed in Nursing at an award ceremony held in Ottawa. nurse at Sandy Lake Nursing Station in remote “This year’s recipients of the Award of Ex - northern Ontario and Dussion, a nurse for 10 years, cellence in Nursing have shown tremendous ded - who works alongside the provincial health system ication to the nursing profession and to delivering to improve services in the community. quality healthcare to First Nations and Inuit com - “Being First Nations, I’ve always wanted to munities,” said Minister Philpott in a media re - work for First Nations communities. I always liked lease. taking care of (people),” she said. “I want to help Congratulations and thank you to Lyrithe Vil - Saulteaux community health nurse Bodeine Dussion’s con - people and nursing just comes naturally. To win an leneuve, Bodiene Dussion, and Cheryl Yost for tributions to various communities led her to receive the award shows I’m doing a great job. It just makes your exceptional commitment and contributions to Award for Excellence in Nursing. (Photo submitted by Bodeine Dussion) me want to continue doing better.” improving Indigenous healthcare in Canada.”

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health easier 18 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 Surviving in a world not built for us This past week I had the honour to at - mate change is happening before our eyes, people has far reaching consequences. Reserves were made to keep the First tend the first Dakota Language Conference changing the ecosystems, and the biodi - When I talk genocidal I mean 99 per cent Peoples of this nation out of sight, out of hosted by Whitecap Dakota First Nation. versity is dwindling. of Indigenous peoples from this continent mind. It was illegal to practice ceremony The conference was a success and Whales are washing up in the tides gone. When I talk genocidal acts, I talk to remember who you are, have a sense of people were able to meet new relations with their bodies full of plastic. More and about forced sterilization on our people identity, any hope in connecting to the land from other communities. The speakers in - more of our beauti - that is still happen - and your people. spired the crowd and those of us who are ful four-legged and ing in our hospitals Our ceremonies are loaded with Dakota and do not know our language. winged relatives are today. spirit, values, laws, and rules, that once Our language is actually endangered and it falling endangered, When I say governed our peoples to live in harmony this is a scary sad thought to think of. and extinct. genocidal acts, I with all living things. Now all living things Let me speak from my heart. Our language talk about ripping seem to be dying. The anxiety is bad today. White Priv - is endangered and children from their Suicidal youth continues to rise. Chil - ilege is even more prevalent today. Having you know what they mothers, families, dren losing hope, not sure who they are or a hard time catching my breath. My eyes say about language, communities and their place in this world. Trying to fit in on keep welling up with tears, I keep trying to “Language is the gateway to your cul - there are now more First Nation children the reserve, trying to leave the reserve to push them back. I am angry and sad. ture.” in the child welfare system today then look for opportunity, getting sucked into Things aren’t good in Indian Country. Our They came for the land, they came there were in residential school. This is on - the temptations of a capitalistic world. Try - reserves are taking hit after hit. for the children, they came for our people going in different times … same story…. ing to end dysfunctional cycles, trying to There are some things people choose and targeted our languages through Resi - History classes will highlight geno - end the intergenerational trauma, but it is not to see because it allows them to safely dential Schools, forced assimilation to for - cides that took place in other countries but harder than it looks to face reality, to face live in denial. I know this world can truly get our native tongue so we would speak, will not recognize or teach about the on - your demons. be an ugly place. There are things we do think and act in ways foreign to our native going genocide in their own home. Every - “From the smallest life form to the not want our kids to see. ways. thing is not rainbows and butterflies and furthers star, we are all related in the vast There are also things we need to un - Indigenous peoples around the things will only get worse for all the chil - web of life.” derstand and need to come to terms with if world, are rising up. The Mother Earth dren here if we continue down the path we If we lose our language, we lose our there is any future left for any children on cries for us to take care of her, as we should are on. culture, and we lose who we are as Dakota this land. be taking care of ourselves, our young, I also cannot blame anyone for their people. The time is now for us to act on re - This land is not yours, this land is not and our old. addictions. It’s understandable once you vitalizing our languages. mine, this land does not belong to anyone I am tired of people pointing the fin - become aware, enlightened of the truth, The only problem is it takes a lot of but the Creator and Mother Earth. It is her ger and blaming our people for what was a learn and educate yourself on the truth of time, and work and effort it is hard enough laws, that need to be followed. premediated plan to “get rid of the Indian.” why you live where you live and why we just trying to survive in this world that Natural Disasters are on the rise, cli - The genocidal acts imposed on our live where we live. was not built for us. Traditional talking circle reveals challenges of Indigenous students By Annette Ermine Magnan was the designated lead for Congress 2018 searcher, scholar, professor, its important and we have a re - For Eagle Feather News “Gathering diversities” conference which is the largest gath - sponsibility as non-Indigenous people to learn more Working with Indigenous students left an impression on ering of world class scholars in Canada hosted by the Univer - about Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing,” said André Magnan that remains even today. sity of Regina in late May. Magnan. Magnan is a Sociology professor at the University of Planning for a conference of this magnitude is an enor - Regina who was asked to deliver a seminar to the Congress of mous undertaking and “from the beginning (the planning the Humanities and Social Sciences conference about the ni - committee) wanted to emphasize Indigenization, Indigenous tôncipâmin omâ Student Success Program (The OMA Pro - knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing and how these gram). OMA is a support network offered to first-year In - contribute to the humanities of social sciences.” MWIWXEFPMWLMRKE&SEVHJSV digenous students organized by the Aboriginal Students Centre. The Community Connections is one of many Congress 'S[IWWIWW:IRXYVIW0XHOWESSESS IRST ATION Magnan acquired a deeper understanding of Indigenous 2018 events that explored how universities can incorporate the students and their struggle to transition to university life after Truth and Reconciliation Commission-Calls to Action to reflect C F N participating in a traditional talking circle with students. a diverse student body. “I got exposure to … the challenges (Indigenous students) “Indigenous knowledge and other ways of knowing can faced,” he said, and realized first-hand the importance of pro - complement one another. If you are a non-Indigenous re - grams like OMA and the enor - mous benefits to students “that helps (them) cope and adapt… to university life.” Programs like this and the Mark Docherty, MLA Office of Indigenization are vi - Mark Docherty, MLA tal to the university’s vision to Reginag Coronation Park indigenize the campus. Regina Coronation Park “Reconciliation is impor - tant to the university,” Magnan :HDUHORRNLQJIRUTXDOLÀHGDSSOLFDQWV said, and this work is reflected 'HVLUHGFRPSHWHQFLHVDUH in their strategic plan called “We“We are are all all Treaty Treaty People” People” Peyak Aski Kikawinaw-To - ½RERGMEPMRZIWXQIRX gether we are Stronger. PIKEP “We are leaders, nation - • strategicPERHHIZIPSTQIRX & business management, ally, in Indigenization,” said • KSZIVRQIRXVIPEXMSRW Magnon. “We are unique that • First Nations University of )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDQGDSSOLFDWLRQSOHDVHFRQWDFW6FRWW/DQJHQDW• Canada is a federated College [email protected] • of the University and partners in MRJS$TVE\MWGSRWYPXMRKGE Congress 2018.” 2:18:04 PM

2:18:04 PM JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 19 Mirasty’s book on single parent families finds an audience By Tiffany Head and everyone is always on the go. For Eagle Feather News There’s dental appointments, school- With her newly self-published teacher conferences, sports practices or book, 52 Weeks of A Single Mother’s games, cooking, clean and laundry. The Love, Wendy Mirasty filled a gap she list goes on and on. found when she was preparing to be - “We have all those overwhelming come a mother. mother moments where we do not even Mirasty recalled how she tried to have time to cry, even though that is all find single parent self-help books on how we want to do sometimes,” she said. to raise a child in a single parent home Mirasty added there are a lot of self- but found it very challenging. care topics in the book for parents who Instead, she found an article on so - need to remember that they need to take cial media that was very disturbing to time for themselves in a positive way. her. The article claimed that children who She dedicates her book to her son were raised in single parent homes would and, “To the wonderful single mothers become unhealthy adults and turn to that continue to move forward regardless criminal involvement. of what life brings.” “Right away, I thought about my - Her book cover is a picture of two self and my son and thought, that’s not stick figures of a child and a mother with going to happen! That’s not going to hap - a heart in between. pen in my home and I highly doubt that She said that her son drew the pic - it happens in other single-family homes,” ture and told her it was a picture of her she said. and him and the heart in the middle is the She decided it was time to write her love that connects them. Wendy Mirasty couldn’t find any self help books for single parents so she set book to help other single parent families Mirasty said she has not marketed out and wrote her own and self published it. Now people are snapping it up look at the positives even on their most the book and did not think of making a and she has to print more. challenging days. Mirasty had her first profit but hopes, as she continues to do book launch in Lac La Ronge in May. book, said, “it’s a valuable resource for a reflect on, she said. book readings and signing with various Mirasty got most of her inspiration mother to use to reflect on how her life is Mirasty would like the book to agencies and communities, that it reaches from single mothers who have come into right now and how her life will be.” reach out to parents in hopes it would a lot of families. her life and how they’ve kept their fam - The book’s 52 topics for each week help them to reflect on their families and She said the book has been out for ily together despite overwhelming ob - are her reflections on her life values and to build on the love and strengths they al - a week and she has had to order more stacles such as financial strains. experiences and each topic has a quote in ready have. books to be printed. She had not antici - Steven Swan, who helped edit her the end and a question for the reader to Life in the family home gets busy pated such an overwhelming response. 20 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018 Indigenous Governance a topic well worth discussing By Lucy Musqua For Eagle Feather News When File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) Chairman Edmund Bellegarde first got into politics, he never envisioned an Indigenous Governance Symposium. But he sure saw a need for one. After attending The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Devel - opment, he was inspired. “It spoke to a lot of the challenges that were in front of us at the tribal coun - cil, a lot of the challenges that faced First Nations,” said Bellegarde. In May, the two-day 2018 Indige - nous Governance Symposium was held at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) in Regina. It was a joint effort by FHQTC, FNUniv and the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Pol - icy. Keynote speaker Manley Begay was invited to share his expertise in good governance. He is passionate about shar - ing the knowledge he acquired while working with Indigenous people glob - ally. Begay believes it’s his role to share his knowledge to create a brighter fu - ture for Indigenous people. “We really can’t waste time,” said File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council Chairman Edmund Bellegarde was inspired by the Harvard Project and welcome Begay. “We have to be able to create noted Harvard scholar Manley Begay at the Indigenous Governance Symposium. good governing institutions because our Bellegarde said. natural laws, and how those need to be system in place for all the nations here,” grandchildren and great-grandchildren He added that concept needs to be reflected in that relationship in public said Delorme. demand that.” reflected in areas such as health, educa - policies, laws and regulations”. “There was structure, there was He says good governance is critical tion, economic development and the in - Chief Cadmus Delorme of foundations, we did have our schools, and everyone should begin to think more frastructure in child welfare. Cowessess First Nation attended the we did have our societies, our clan sys - clearly about what that means. “We are reawakening that spirit event and also believes in the importance tems.” “The concept of Indigenous gover - amongst our people”, said Bellegarde. of good governance. He suggests it’s Although there are currently no nance is making sure that our natural “It’s OK we understand the public sys - time to start looking at our traditional plans to continue the symposium into an laws, our traditions, our culture, our lan - tem (but) the public has to get to under - governance system. annual event, Bellegarde believes the guages, (are) reflected in public policy,” stand our way of life, our ideologies, our “Prior to the Indian Act there was a need exists.

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Prizes and contest details on our website at: mbcradio.com JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 21 Annual powwow celebrates accomplishments of U of S grads By NC Raine graduated from the U of S this summer, The powwow also drew more than were Dakota Sinclair and Kierra FineDay. For Eagle Feather News with 115 of those students participating in 2,100 children from 40 schools in Sinclair, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Thousands of students, dancers, this year’s graduation powwow. In addi - Saskatchewan. The event is an important from Poundmaker Cree Nation, is the first drummers, and community members tion to the university graduates, almost learning tool, and this year the powwow person in her family to receive a degree. gathered to attend the annual graduation She has used the graduation powwow as a powwow at the University of motivator even before starting her univer - Saskatchewan. sity career. The celebration, on May 30, hon - “I had come to the grad powwow oured the academic achievements of before I came to the university and seeing Métis, First Nations and Inuit students all the grads and pride for them made me from both the University of Saskatchewan excited to attend the university,” said Sin - and high schools across the province. clair. This year’s celebration, which takes “Once accepted and starting univer - over half a year of preparation, was forced sity, this is one of the things I’ve looked to move from the campus bowl to the Ed - forward to most.” ucation gym due to rainy weather. Never - FineDay, from the Sweetgrass First theless, the packed gym was a testament to Nation, is a Bachelor of Science student in the University’s commitment to strength - Pharmacy. She said sharing and celebrat - ening Indigenous culture. ing her culture is what makes the powwow “The University of Saskatchewan such an important event. has dedicated itself to becoming a much “We’re a minority, even though more welcoming and supportive place for we’re growing at the university. It’s al - (Photo by NC Raine) Métis, First Nations, and Inuit students,” Graduates Kierra FineDay (left) and Dakota Sinclair. ways good to be proud of one another. Graeme Joseph, graduation powwow 300 Grade 12 grads from 18 different high committee focused on having more of a There’s a lot of lateral violence and jeal - committee chair said. schools across Saskatchewan took part in Métis presence, said Joseph, which in - ousy within the Indigenous community, “This is something that everybody the celebration. cluded a Métis jigging competition. so I think it’s important to celebrate each should be celebrating,” he said. “These “It draws the University community “This is something we want to do other’s achievements and hard work,” said students aren’t just going to go back to together, as well as the external commu - because a great number of students here at Fineday. their communities to take up leadership nity, to celebrate and honour the accom - the University self identify as Métis. Dur - “I went to the Aboriginal student positions, they’re going to take up leader - plishments of these Indigenous graduates,” ing September of last year, we had over centre my first year and that’s where I ship positions right across the province. said Jacqueline Ottmann, vice-provost of 2,540 students identify as Aboriginal, and made a lot of my closest friends. Being “So, we encourage everyone to stand Indigenous Engagement. roughly 40 per cent are Métis.” able to share this experience, in a pro - with us in celebrating these graduates.” “We know their accomplishments are Two of the university graduates cel - fessional setting, with some of my dear - A total of 384 Indigenous students ultimately accomplishments for all of us.” ebrating their academic achievements est friends is really special to me.” 22 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018

Crooked Lake Agencies First Nations are working together fighting wild fires.

Recent grass and bush fires spark increased co-operation by neighbouring bands

By Sheila Stevenson For Eagle Feather News Fire chief Stan Bobb will not forget May 6, 2018 anytime soon. On that day, a grass-and bush-fire swept towards 17 homes on the Kahkewis - tahaw First Nation. The smoke from the fires was seen from three reserves and as far away as York - ton, some 86 km north. Bobb and his fire crew spurred into action. They were joined by the RCMP, the Whitewood Fire Department and community members through a 9-1-1 text system. The firefighters lost one house that day but they were able to save 16. No hu - man life was lost during the fire ban, prolonged drought and extreme fire hazard con - ditions. “Safety of persons, personnel and lands are our number one priority,” and the house that was destroyed has been “more than an event,” said Bobb. “It has impacted the (entire) community.” Two days later, Kahkewistahaw Chief and Council held an appreciation sup - per with the community to honour the Cowessess Fire Department. In the past 12 months, several fires have hit Kahkewistahaw, Cowessess and Ochapawace – each could have been far worse. Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme spoke of a positive relationship between the bands, and quarterly meetings of the Crooked Lake Agency which consists of Saki - may, Cowessess, Kahkewistahaw and Ochapowace. Cowessess hosts an Elders’ Fo - rum for reserves scheduled in the first half of June where fire issues will be discussed. A pilot project in the Cowessess community, Delorme said members can sign out one of four lawn mowers available and take responsibility to reduce the danger posed by long grass. The project is to be evaluated October 2018. “In our upcoming Elders’ Gathering we hope to bring up fire concerns and get feedback on how we can work together in ensuring the safety of members of the four reserves,” said Shelley Bear, Headwoman on Ochapawace whose team also assisted during the crisis. Bear said their community is training their firefighting team through TGD Train - ing Consultant Tobey Desnomie, CEO of Saskatchewan First Nation Safety Asso - ciation. Training consists of using heavy equipment, a 500-gallon pumper truck, breathing apparatus and leaf-like blowers to drive back grass fires. Kahkewistahaw held a workshop with Elders, RCMP and people who experi - enced the fires. Attended by youth aged 14-18, it was an opportunity for them to think about firefighting training as a career choice. JUNE 2018 Eagle Feather News 23 Cross Child inspires Battleford students By Tara Campbell table experience for the students, tap - For Eagle Feather News ping the North Battleford Legion Track Tarrant’s Cross Child’s message of and Field Club as a partner in making it hope and restoration has ignited students happen. in North Battleford to run towards a First up was Cross Child’s presen - promising future. tations at John Paul II Collegiate High After witnessing the toll the Colten School and North Battleford Composite Boushie case took on students earlier High School, where he spoke about his this year, Living Sky School Division experience with alcohol and drug addic - Superintendent, Nancy Schultz reached tion, as well as his attempt to commit out to Cross Child to request he bring his suicide. Child of the Cross Running Clinic to This is what Cross Child does; he North Battleford, as part of a larger effort reaches students by being what he says is to bring as much support to the commu - “real” with them. He doesn’t hold back nity as possible. the details of his own harrowing experi - “We have lost four high school stu - ence. In the three years since coming out dents to suicide since January, along with of rehabilitation, Cross Child has reached a young First Nations woman who had thousands of children with his message. Tarrant Cross Child greets students at a high school gathering in North previously attended one of our high “The biggest thing for them is to Battleford. schools, as well as two adults in the com - know they can ask for help,” said Cross munity,” said Schultz. “We are a com - Child. “It goes right back to our mission the Cross Running Clinic T-shirt com - hope. Tarrant’s impact will have far munity in crisis.” statement: To bring the message of hope plete with the race-day-like sponsorship reaching effects for many of our students After receiving the request, Cross and restoration through an active and logos of New Balance and Brainsport, and their families,” said Schultz. Child and his team immediately went healthy lifestyle. If I can spark that hope and a race bib and number. “Hope is what we need to inject into action to plan an event in May in in them, they’re more likely to ask for Using the town’s trail systems, a back into our student population and Tar - North Battleford. help.” two kilometre route was mapped out for rant provided that.” “I had heard about the suicides that A major part of that “spark” comes the students, ending with a lap around In the weeks following Cross were going on at the schools and knew I from the race day experience Cross the track and crossing under the finish Child’s visit, that “connection” and “far- wanted to get into the schools,” said Child’s team delivers to the communities line arch. reaching impact” became increasingly Cross Child. “So, it was like an answer they go in to. The impact the experience had on evident. North Battleford Comprehen - to a prayer.” After the school presentations in students could be seen by the smiles on sive High School started a running group The Child of the Cross Running North Battleford more than 80 students their faces, but it went even further than at lunch and Schultz says the students Clinic team, which includes – among gathered at Centennial Park Track. Each that. This wasn’t a fleeting happiness. look forward to sharing “their gains” others – Cross Child’s wife and four chil - participant received a brand-new pair of “Students made a connection with with Tarrant when he returns to visit in dren, went all-out to create an unforget - New Balance running shoes, a Child of Tarrant and understood his message of the fall. 24 Eagle Feather News JUNE 2018

Morris hoping for a Takoda Morris has her sights firmly set on NAIG 2020 in the NAIG doubleheader Maritimes. By Brittany Boschman For Eagle Feather News Takoda Morris is pitching her way to compete at the next North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) that will be hosted for the first time in the Maritimes. Morris is training for the softball tryouts that will take place within the year leading up to NAIG 2020 to be held in Halifax and Millbrook, Nova Scotia. The 13-year-old from the George Gordon First Nation wants to feel the adrenaline of competing at a national level again. Although she did not bring home a medal, Morris proudly repre - sented Team Saskatchewan last summer as the pitcher for the U16 age category. “We hear all the negatives with our have such great athletes.” “It was pretty cool to go (to NAIG) young people. It’s nice to hear about the Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said at such a young age because I was only youth excelling in sports.” he is proud that NAIG will be held in his 12,” she said. “I met a lot of good people, Morris will be amongst over 500 city as it will create an economic boom. older than me, and I played (with) a lot Saskatchewan athletes who will be com - “Every time you bring people to the of older people. I had fun.” peting for a spot to represent their com - city it’s a wonderful thing because you Morris has played softball since munity in the upcoming NAIG – or as introduce them to Halifax and maybe 2014 with the Southey Eagles in the Mike Tanton says the ‘Aboriginal they’ll come back and reconnect,” said digenous athletes which may include Regina Minor Softball League. Her par - Olympics’. Savage. Morris. ents, Brad and Arlene, train Morris at “I believe NAIG is an opportunity “The second piece for us is the jour - “I think it’s a big experience for home and take her to practices and tour - for any young Aboriginal person in - ney of truth and reconciliation and work - anyone who goes, especially because naments. volved in sports,” said Tanton who will ing together with the Mi’kmaq Sport you’re representing where you’re from,” “(She) makes me proud to have a be the assistant chef de mission of NAIG Council and with the First Nations peo - she said. “My expectations for NAIG daughter who competes with the best 2020. ple of Nova Scotia.” 2020 would be to place this time and to players in North America,” Brad said. “It’s easy to get excited when you NAIG will bring over 5,000 In - do better than we did last time.”