MAY 2018 VOLUME 21 - NUMBER 5

FREE Young archer sets an ambitious target

Randall-Dre Friday proudly wears all of his medals he’s won over the years competing in archery and baseball. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes)

YOUTHFUL VOICES Darian Lonechild is one of two outstanding young leaders elected youth representatives for the FSIN. - Page 3

FRED’S TOURNAMENT An annual hockey tourney has been organized to honour the monumental accomplishment of Fred Sasakamoose. - Pag e 5

HAPPY IN STRIPES Charish Cameron-Gamble has put her stick down and picked up a referees whistle . - Page 7

FINDING HIS NICHE Felix Merasty is back working in the mining industry and he By Jeanelle Mandes Right off the bat, he taught himself how to play the couldn’t be happier . Of Eagle Feather News sport at home, creating his own targets in his backyard. - Page 13 A young rising archer has hopes of one day be - His two older brothers, Jon and Jeff, would play with coming a world champion shooter just like his role him as well. POWWOW PRINCESS model, Levi Morgan. “He now has three (bows) and loves his custom Britney Oakes was crowned “He’s the best shooter in the world,” said Randall- made Elite bow from New York,” Kayseas said. “I FNUniv Princess at the recent Dre Friday, who is a member of Cote First Nation but worked very hard seeing that Randall-Dre has a passion 40th anniversary powwow. resides in Fishing Lake First Nation. for archery. It’s absolutely exciting Randall-Dre has a - Page 17 Friday,14, has been participating in archery for lot of potential to offer the world.” two years but the passion was lit when his older broth - Since then, he has taken his passion serious and Sports & Youth Edition ers gifted him with his first bow as a Christmas present started competing in various provincial competitions in - Coming In June - National Aboriginal Day Issue at the age of four. Fast-forward ten years later, when he cluding the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) asked his mother, Sheryl Kayseas, to buy him a new and the Tony Cote Summer Games. CPMA #40027204 bow from Cabela’s to reignite that passion for the sport. • Continued on Page 2 Eagle Feather News MAY 2018 2 Friday works hard to honour sister’s memory

• Continued from Page One Friday represented his community and Indigenous youth when he competed in the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) Vegas Shoot 2018 which was held in Las Vegas on February 9-11. It was there that a scout spotted him and invited Friday to an archery academy in Yankton, South Dakota for the upcoming fall season. With the short notice, Friday might not accept the opportunity but hopefully he will once he’s finished high school, said Kayseas. Friday was scooped up by Team Saskatchewan to compete in national competi - tions and plans to compete in the 2018 Canadian Tar - get & Field National Championships in Nova Scotia in August. In his spare time, Friday enjoys playing volleyball, hockey, baseball, basketball and hunting. Kayseas said her son is very active in hunting for the Elder’s in Fish - ing Lake First Nation and even off-reserve Band Mem - bers. “He hunts deer and moose. He and his brothers Randall-Dre Friday is an elite archer, dedicated hunter, outstanding pitcher and a straight-A student with disperse the meat to elders in the community,” said dreams of becoming the world champion archer. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) Kayseas. Friday faced the hardship of losing his oldest sis - good for my sister.’” kind and values life.” ter, Jackie, seven years ago to suicide. It was a trying Kayseas and her two oldest sons are always en - Friday’s goal is work hard to go to the Olympics time in his family’s life losing someone they were all couraging Friday to continue persevering to reach many in two years to compete in Japan with hopes of inspir - close to. When Friday competes, he always thinks to more accomplishments as an archer, an elite pitcher on ing other youth to work hard at what you love doing. himself that he will play his hardest for his sister. his baseball team and a dedicated hunter. “I want to go to university in South Dakota and “He shut down after she passed. They were “Randall-Dre wants to continue his goal he still do archery around the world,” said Friday. “Work really close,” said Kayseas. “Then he turned the strives for excellence in all that he does,” she said. hard and anything is possible. Never quit what you negative into a positive. He said ‘I’m going to do “He’s a very good young man. He’s very respectful, started.” Youth and sports a winner all the time I was very fortunate growing up to that, but it is a very important lesson to is so much more than just a game and ing if I choose to focus on healthy be able to have the opportunity to play be learned nonetheless. for me it was a place I could try my choices for myself. many different sports. Life is full of ups and downs and hardest and release a lot of built up emo - I was in a near fatal car accident at I honestly do not know where I unforeseen circumstances which is ex - tions I did not know what to do with. 17 where the driver was drunk and I would be without sports in my life. I actly what playing a sport will usually Now it is time I pass the baton onto had to quit all the sports I was playing. think it is important for our youth to be show us that you my children. I can - It was devastating. Sports have never able to play sports and create friend - need to be pre - not wait to be a been the same since, but that does not ships and have other adult figures as pared for whatever soccer/hockey mean you give up the stuff you love, mentors and role models. might happen, be - mom. As busy as I you just find another way. Unfortunately, there are many cause we have no know my life al - If you have the opportunity to join roadblocks to have that opportunity to control over the ready is and will a team, do not pass it up. It might be play sports as well. Not everyone has other team we only definitely continue hard to start out because you are shy or the same opportunities nor the same have control over to get, there is do not have too much confidence in number of obstacles to achieving some - ourselves. nothing that com - yourself in that certain skill but I can thing that some might be born with. This is exactly like life. We have pares to witnessing my children light guarantee you will not regret joining Speaking from experience, sports no control over other people we only up when they score their first goal and that team and the friendships you will or arts is something all youth need to have control over ourselves and our own being there for them when they lose make or the skill you will attain and have in their life. Sports have always choices. their first big tournament. that is something you can take with you been healing in my life. When we hold expectations too Teaching my kids to skate, snow - forever. I grew up playing hockey, soccer, high in life or for a game we usually board and golf is all on the agenda and Every child deserves to enjoy those karate, basketball, volleyball and track wind up disappointed but when we take I cannot wait for my babies to be shred - kinds of moments, memories and & field. I have made numerous friends a step back and look at the bigger pic - ding next to me on the mountain. The friendships made through the love of a who I am very grateful to have met and ture, we understand that there can be ultimate goal is to be able to coach at certain sport. created some lifelong friendships. many different outcomes and it might least one team both my kids play on. I just wanted to acknowledge the Hockey and soccer were my main not be the one we planned but most of It is nice to see my brothers coach - tragedy that happened last month and sports and one thing you learn to do on the time when we learn to take a minute ing together in the winter games as we our thoughts and prayers are with the a team is be a team player, which is to appreciate it all we find out we got a all grew up playing in the Winter and Humboldt Broncos, those who have something truly important to learn for lot more out of it. Summer Saskatchewan Indian Games. passed on to the spirit world, those who life in general. Learning how to win The friends we have made, the The only thing I ever really regret are healing and those who have lost humbly and learning how to lose with - skill we have gained and the discovering in my life was when my focus of sports their family member or friend, my heart out being bitter is not always easy and of our own self and what we like and do shifted to a focus of partying in my teen aches and it is something I could never not all teams you play on will teach you not like and what we are capable of. It years when I really could have kept go - imagine. Eagle Feather News MAY 2018 3 FSIN youth reps determined to be a voice for their peers

By Angela Hill come and give their experience,” “There is almost a hesitation to tinue their studies at the University of For Eagle Feather News Lonechild said. reach our goals,” Baldhead said, and he Saskatchewan. Rollin Baldhead and Darian Baldhead and Lonechild grew wants to change that. Baldhead said he wants to walk Lonechild are the two recently elected up in an urban setting. Part of his platform was based the talk, that being elected by his youth representatives for the Federation “I can speak to the issues that around showing youth that despite goals peers means something. of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. are affecting our young people, but seeming overwhelming, “we can get “The youth believe in me,” he For the next two years they are I can’t speak to what it’s like to there.” said. charged with representing the views of grow up on a reserve,” Lonechild Both youth delegate positions are Planning for their next two years Indigenous youth in Saskatchewan to said. unpaid, but that isn’t slowing either of is well underway, but Lonechild says their leadership. “FSIN as an organization them down. she understands the amount of work The pair was in Ottawa in early they will have. May for the Assembly of First Nations She has watched her father in pol - gathering, where they met with Indige - itics as vice-chief and chief of the nous youth from across the country to FSIN. compare strategies and hear success sto - “Watching him do that has in - ries. spired me a lot,” she said. And they have much more travel Her father was initially surprised coming up. Lonechild says planning is that she wanted to pursue politics, underway to start vising communities Lonechild said. across the province. “He’s been very supporting … his Both representatives will con - calming hand and guiding voice.”

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief David Pratt and FSN Youth Representatives Darian Lonechild and Rollin Baldhead at the AFN Assembly in Ottawa. (Photo supplied)

“We’re supposed to advocate for would best be led in the direction young people … we’re elected in to by young people, so to expand the be that voice,” said Lonechild, 20. place of youth in this organization She says they have a reminder is really important. Creating a for youth also. youth council, I think would do “They are leaders in their own that.” way and the lands are theirs as well.” They want to create an annual The first priority for Baldhead, youth summit to have a place where 24, and Lonechild is creating a youth youth can learn how to have their council. voices heard through the political sys - The goal is to have diversity in tem like the creation of and voting on voices and experiences on-and-off resolutions. reserve, LGBTQ youth, and from the The pair also wants to tackle the many nations within Saskatchewan issues they see at the forefront for In - including Dene, Saulteaux, Cree, digenous youth, including mental Dakota and Nakota, said Baldhead. health and language revitalization, “I think as young leaders we can Baldhead said. create more leaders and provide that He says too often he sees youth opportunity for young people to that seem to wait for approval. Eagle Feather News 4 MAY 2018 Now I’m a sports reporter!

Throughout the years in this business, I always 2011 and received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in felt intimidated covering the sports beat. I never April 2013. thought I knew enough or that I was ‘sporty enough’ to That’s a lengthy list and it begs the question, report on sports. would Indigenous sports in Saskatchewan be so popu - Fred Sasakamoose All Star Hockey Week and the list That was the situation up until a few years back lar without Cote’s contributions? goes on. when I was the Eagle Feather News summer He was acknowledged by being in - intern, and I was assigned to cover every - ducted into the Saskatchewan First Nations thing about the North American Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame, his home community Games (NAIG) that were held in Regina. named their arena after him, and this month, I profiled dozens of NAIG athletes Sasakamoose will be honoured with the from near and far and continued to do re - Order of Canada – one of the highest honours search about Indigenous athletes and in the country that recognizes those who’ve founders of sport programming in made significant contributions to Canada. Saskatchewan to expand my knowledge. I Recently, I did an interview with him at learned about how people started from little the Fred Sasakamoose “Chief Thunderstick” to nothing to kickstart a program for youth Invitational Hockey Tournament and in sports. As years passed, those sport ini - throughout the interview, he had this smile tiatives continue to evolve and excel even to when he spoke passionately about Indige - this day. nous youth and sports. Last summer, I covered (formerly It reminded me of when I did a story on known as) the Saskatchewan Indian Sum - his grandson, Landon Sasakamoose who mer Games in Regina. While conducting in - pushed himself to achieve greatness in track terviews with numerous athletes, a thought and field. Landon spoke how his grandpa crossed my mind ‘do these kids know who would commit his time to fully support him Tony Cote is?’ So, I threw that question into in his track and field endeavours. my interviews. Surprisingly, most of the ath - It’s amazing how the trailblazer contin - letes were clueless. I explained who he is. ues to promote excellence in Indigenous Tony Cote, from the Cote First Nation, sports. is the founder of the Saskatchewan Indian The generational ripple effect continues Summer and Winter Games. He held the with Saskatchewan Indigenous professional first Saskatchewan Indian Summer Games athletes Ethan Bear and Brigette Lacquette. in Cote First Nation 1974. There are so many kids that look up to these Fast-forward 43 years later, and the two young athletes with hopes of making it Games were renamed to the Tony Cote Win - big one day. ter/Summer Games last year to honour the Covering a widespread of Indigenous sports enthusiast. sport stories over the years left me with a In the early ‘70s, Cote established the sense of pride for the athletes. first all-Native Junior ‘B’ Hockey team in Kudos to their parents/caregivers, men - Saskatchewan, managed a women’s fastball tors/role models and all those who organize a team that took them as far as the National Jeanelle Mandes and Fred Sasakamoose after completing an interview at game, tournament or a sporting event. Indian Activities Association championships the Fred Sasakamoose “Chief Thunderstick” Invitational Hockey Tour - You’ve all made it possible for the youth to and he formed the first all-Native Old- nament. excel in sports. Timers hockey team called the Wagonburn - From Tony Cote to Fred Sasakamoose ers where they competed in Alberta, New Brunswick Without a doubt, there are others who dedicate and many more who contributed to Indigenous sports, and even as far as Florida. their time to invest into sports for Indigenous youth. there will always be people stepping in to ensure that Cote has many accomplishments that earned him For instance, Fred Sasakamoose from Ah - Indigenous sports will continue to prosper. awards to recognize his contributions. He received the tahkakoop Cree Nation is well-known as the first In - I would like to wish all the best to the Indigenous Tom Longboat award in 1974 for outstanding sports - digenous hockey player in the NHL playing for the athletes who are competing in this year’s National Abo - man, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2008, he was Chicago Blackhawks in 1953-54. He helped form the riginal Hockey Championships in Nova Scotia. inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in Northern Indian Hockey League, he established the Good luck and most importantly, have fun! MAY 2018 Eagle Feather News Sasakamoose tourney showcases Indigenous talent 5 Former NHLer, teams from Quebec participated in event that honours hockey legend’s historic achievement

By Jeanelle Mandes no team entry fees but it’s invitational Of Eagle Feather News only. We guarantee all the prize money The third annual Fred Sasakamoose through corporate sponsors which the to- “Chief Thunderstick” Invitational tal prize is $42,500.” Hockey Tournament kicked off with an Teams travelled from near and far to opening ceremony to honour one of the compete in the tournament. A team from biggest Indigenous hockey legends – Mr. Waswanipi in northern Quebec travelled Sasakamoose himself. the furthest to play. Big NHL names such Sasakamoose, from the Ah- as former Los Angeles Kings player tahkakoop Cree Nation, is well known as Dwight King also played in the tourna- Canada’s first Indigenous person to play ment. The event is a First Nations tour- in the NHL. All his life, he dedicated his nament and players on teams have to be time in sports whether if he was playing, from that community and each team was coaching, training or mentoring. He con- allowed three player imports. tinuously leaves an everlasting impact The excellence of Indigenous in budding and long-time hockey players hockey talent is what drew a huge crowd Freddie Sasakamoose accepts a cheque from Gary Daniels, General Manager lives. of spectators. Each year, the “Chief of the Dakota Dunes Casino, a sponsor of the Chief Thunderstick Hockey Tour - “The name itself I’m proud to be Thunderstick” Invitational Hockey Tour- nament. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) part of this. I’ve always dreamed about nament grows bigger and has picked up the future for our people,” said its pace, said Sasakamoose. Sasakamoose. “It’s great hockey. There “It’s come a long way and it picked coming in second place is Cross Lake Is- ward went to Konrad McKay from Cross were some NHL players that participated up so fast. Teams come in from the North landers, third place is Peter Ballantyne Lake Islanders, Nathan Bruyere was in this tournament.” and it’s just unbelievable,” said Cree Nation STARS and Canoe Lake named Best Defense from Cross Lake, Young Guns placed fourth. Rene Hunter from Cross Lake earned Judd Black Water from Norway the Most Sportsmanlike player spot and House was named the MVP, the top for Norway House team won Best Goalie.

Teams from across Canada came to participate in the invitation only tournament playing for a prize pool of over $40,000 dollars. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes)

His son, Neil Sasakamoose, who is Sasakamoose. “It shows our younger the chairperson of the event wanted, to people there is a future for them instead honour the former Chicago Blackhawk’s of drugs and alcohol.” player by naming a tournament after him The Sasakamoose family and tour- and inviting teams to compete each year. nament organizers hope next year’s tour- “In 2015, we wanted to figure out nament will be just as much fun and even how to honour him and we thought ‘why bigger. don’t we have a contact tournament and “The name itself came into focus honour him through hockey’,” said Neil. and being much involved with the youth, “This year, we wanted to create a I want to continue that journey for as national championship for Indigenous long as I live,” said Sasakamoose. talent. We ended up with 28 teams. The The champions of this year’s tour- difference with this tournament is there is nament are the Norway House Bruins, Eagle Feather News 6 MAY 2018 We’re resilient, like the hot chick in Kama Sutra Years ago, I watched a movie called the Kama Sutra. stayed at her work, working double shifts while she looked pensive city in the world. It took place in India and had some pretty graphic sex for a place for all of us. Being a mom now, I can imagine her When I finally returned to Canada (Edmonton to be scenes (which is not even the point here but I thought I’d men - walk to the car and how scared she must have been. specific), I was deeply in debt and contemplating bank - tion for those of you interested in that kind of thing.) I still remember when she walked back into my aun - ruptcy. I even went to the library and read, “Bankruptcy for The heroine of the movie is married to a rich guy but Dummies.” ends up falling in love with a poor dude. And he ends up get - It was a title I found especially fitting. ting punished for this with an elephant squashing his head In order to find a job in Edmonton, I had no car so I had with its foot: Judge, jury and elephant-executioner. to walk to the nearest strip mall for work. I found jobs at I went to the movie with my East Indian friend and as HomeSense and Starbucks but got fired because I kept wear - we were leaving the theatre I was like, “Wow, India sure has ing navy slacks instead of black ones. some interesting punishments. I know crime would go way So, I found another job at Linens’n’Things stacking cof - down here if we had moose crushing people’s heads.” fee makers on top of one another about 20 feet in the air while She was not impressed and pointed out that the movie standing on a staircase with no sides. If it sounds dangerous, was a movie, not a documentary and it was based in, like, the tie’s house with my siblings. Her face was glowing and they that’s because it was. sixteenth century. spilled into the door beside her, their little faces fat with hap - I was making enough money to keep my debt from get - Anyway, other than being told off for being racially ig - piness. I know that I pretended to be grown up (I was six) and ting worse but no more than that. So I started looking through norant, a line that stuck with me was from the main charac - didn’t run to her but it was one of the happiest moments in Native newspapers for conference listings. Then I would call ter. This woman had lost her home and the love of her life. my life. the organizers and offer myself as an MC. This helped bring In a stereotypical movie, she would have been leaking When you hit hard times, you have to use whatever in some cash and even led to a job offer which I accepted. tears like a rez car leaking antifreeze. But she wasn’t. The tools are at your disposal to survive and in my mom’s case During this time, I felt like humiliation was my best movie ends with the heroine walking down a trail by herself it was her family, her job and her faith that we’d be okay with - friend because I hung out with him so often. I focussed on the and saying: “Knowing love, I will allow all things to come out her. And we were, though throughout my childhood I positives. I appreciated how the hard labour took the place of and go, to be as supple as the wind, and take everything that brought it up in order to score extra treats, “Remember that a gym membership and when bosses and the public were comes with great courage.” time you left us and I was so very sad? ‘member that?” Chil - rude to me, I blogged about it like my favourite writer, hu - To me this fit the definition of what it means to be re - dren are monsters. mourist, David Sedaris. silient, a quality which all people must have in order to sur - I had my own moments to learn resilience. When I was This allowed me to see the situation outside of myself. vive and thrive in life. in my twenties, I moved to New York City. There were free It allowed me to turn a shit-day into a funny story. We moved around when I was little as my mom concerts and movies in the park. The best part of resilience is that it’s a quality that searched out a good situation. She and my dad had broken You could go kayaking on the Hudson River for free everyone can have. Although I’d argue that First Nations, just up and she was running short on cash. Also, she was in be - on Saturdays. If you were fast and sneaky, you could score by virtue of our history and the colonialist shit we have to face tween homes, so my mom had to split up her four kids. Two free food at craft services tables set up on the many movie sets on a daily basis, have bucket-loads more than average. of us stayed with one aunt to be closer to school, the younger around the city. I am pointing out the free stuff because I spent But we may bend but we will not break, like that hot two stayed with a different aunt on the reserve. My mom a lot of my time there unable to find a job in the most ex - chick in the Kama Sutra. MAY 2018 Eagle Feather News 7 Ex-hockey player happily trades stick for whistle and stripes

By Jeanelle Mandes There are some challenges that Of Eagle Feather News come with officiating a hockey game, Growing up around the hockey rink such as missing a call, but Cameron- is this young girl’s everyday life. Gamble said you must not let it bring Coming from a hockey family, your motivation down as a referee. Charish Cameron-Gamble from the “At FSIN (youth tourney) it was a Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, two-man system we were working and played the sport her entire life but de - reffing the atoms division. It was chal - cided it was time for a change. She had lenging to catch every little thing and never seen a young female Indigenous not being able to (make) those calls. referee and wanted to take up the chal - “You sure get questioned by the lenge of officiating a hockey game. coaches and the players,” she said. “It is “It feels quite the same because eye-opening when I do miss a call but it you’re still in the game but it feels kind just makes me want to be better and keep of weird. It’s a lot of pressure to be a an eye out for every little thing. It’s not good ref because it’s really up to you defeating.” where the game will go. But I like it,” she In her home community, people said. would tell Cameron-Gamble how proud “I’ve never seen a female Indige - they are of her which gives her even nous ref before. Personally, I don’t take more motivation to continue reffing. Al - it as a big thing but I guess it is.” though she hasn’t played hockey for two The 16-year-old girl, who has been years now, she hasn’t lost interest in the reffing in her first season, had to take an sport. in-class course in Delisle to be certified She wants to continue reffing until and to receive her Saskatchewan Hockey she figures out what she wants to do af - badge. Cameron-Gamble went straight ter high school graduation. But the idea into the intermediate class and had of entering into medicine is an appealing learned about the basic ref calls. thought to Cameron-Gamble. Charish Cameron-Gamble is one of the only First Nation women hockey referees in the province. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

Mom Crystal Cameron-Gamble and dad Donald Gamble Jr. play a big role in Charish’s officiating career providing regular rides to the rink juggled with the demands of the other hockey players in the family. ( Photo by John Lagimodiere) “I knew of the hockey rules so it “I want to go into the medical field, was kind of easy,” she said. “I’ve learned a nurse maybe. I like everything about what kind of calls to make in certain sit - medicine,” she said. “I was thinking of uations on the ice. If you’re in a game attending school in B.C. but I’m still not and missed a call, you have to discuss it.” sure yet.” After receiving her referee certifi - She hopes her story will inspire cation, Cameron-Gamble is able to ref other young Indigenous girls to try some - hockey games up to the midget division. thing new and to break the stigma that She spent her entire season officiating reffing is only meant for males. games in her home community and felt “Try something new. It really is nice right at home. and different to have women on the ice Her first out of town games were especially reffing,” said Cameron-Gam - the Federation of Indigenous Sovereign ble. Nations (FSIN) Youth Hockey Tourna - “It’s nice to come out of the comfort ment on April 27-29 in Saskatoon. She zone because they don’t treat you like refereed 30 games that weekend leading you’re a woman but the same as every - to numb feet but a big pay cheque. one else.” Eagle Feather News 8 MAY 2018 Northern Sask darts champions keeping their lives on target

By NC Raine For Eagle Feather News In a competitive game of darts, the object is to reach a total sum of zero, Georgina Ratt and Ashtin Bear counting down from 501. and their championship trophies Because values on a dart board at the provincial dart tournament range from 1 to 20, with small target ar - in Saskatoon. Photo by Wayne Hudson. eas for doubles, triples, and bulls-eyes, elite dart players must command a high level of concentration, precision, and skill to go along with constant strategic calculation in the race to zero. It’s certainly much more involved than the “pub game” it’s often charac - terized as. Just ask provincial champions Georgina Ratt and Ashtin Bear. Ratt and Bear are the respective 2018 Women’s and Men’s Darts Cham - pions. The two aren’t strangers to hoist - ing their victory trophies – Ratt has won two consecutive provincial titles, while Bear is now on a three-peat. Ratt, 46, from Stanley Mission, is about as naturally gifted as they come. She played recreationally in Stanley Mis - sion for a few years until family and you imagine what would happen if you he said. “I was going through a rough But Bear also hopes his success friends persuaded her in 2000 to enter the actually did?’” patch in high school and starting to mis - inspires others to chase after their goals, provincial tournament. In her inaugural Ratt plans to commit to practice behave, but darts always kept me level as unconventional as they may be. tournament, she placed top 8 and was with the goal of winning Nationals in headed.” “Just pursue what you love to do. I on her way to nationals with the provin - Quebec this June. She has also helped to That level-headedness has also al - thought darts was the weirdest thing, cial team. start a dart club in Stanley Mission, with lowed Bear to travel across Canada to but I pursued it and probably had the “After that first tournament, I was the goal of encouraging young people to compete against the nation’s best. With most fun I’ve had in my life,” said Bear. hooked,” said Ratt. “I guess you could discover the benefits of darts. ambition to compete on the world stage, “Start as young as you can and say I was a natural.” One such young man experiencing Bear is well on his way to achieving stick to it. I’m glad to say I’m still do - Since then, darts has taken Ratt those rewards is three-time provincial darts greatness. ing it.” from coast to coast in Canada, and all the champion Ashtin Bear. Bear, 23, from way to the World Cup in Japan where she Prince Albert, is fast becoming a force in competed for Team Canada, establish - Canadian darts. Along with his provin - Law Society of Saskatchewan ing a second sort of family along the cial titles, he has won senior boys provin - way. cial championship and runner-up in na - Public Representatives “When you travel for tournaments, tionals in the mixed youth division. you get to know a lot of people in the dart Like Ratt, Bear had modest begin - The Law Society of Saskatchewan is seeking applications from members community. Everyone shares the same nings with his darts career in 2011. of the public, who are not lawyers, to serve as board members for up to a passion, it’s like a dart family,” she said. “After my first ever day of youth three year term. The confounding thing about Ratt’s provincials, I thought I was sitting fifth The Law Society regulates the legal profession in the public interest, success is that she’s attained it with es - and I was sitting first,” said Bear. “I psy - including setting standards for admission, education, ethics and the conduct sentially no practice. Until last year, Ratt ched myself out and ended up not even of lawyers. This duty is entrusted to the Benchers who are the governing had been on a four-year dart hiatus in or - making the team. But I came back strong body of the Law Society. der to concentrate on work. Her first next year, and now it’s my sixth year on Public Representative Benchers participate fully in the deliberation and tournament back was provincials – the team.” policy decisions of the Benchers and they are an integral part of the which she won. Bear credits darts with keeping him discipline process. No particular area of expertise is required. Public “People think I practice ten hours a on the straight and narrow during some Benchers are called upon to use their practical experience and to express day,” she laughed. “When they find out difficult times in his youth. opinions and views of the public. Experience with non-pro t organizations that I don’t practice at all, they say ‘can “Darts got me out of bad scenarios,” and professional regulation would be an asset, as well as pro ciency with computers and software. Successful applicants will be required to obtain a criminal record check. There is a signi cant time commitment in serving as a Bencher. Meetings are held approximately ve times each year for up to two days per meeting at various locations across the province. Travel will be required. In addition, there is preparation time, committee work, investigations and hearings. Successful applicants can expect to spend a minimum of 20 days per year working as Benchers. An honorarium is paid and expenses are reimbursed. For further information, please visit http://bit.ly/prjobdes to view the position description. To apply, please submit your resume by June 15, 2018 to: Timothy J. Brown, Q.C. Executive Director Law Society of Saskatchewan Avord Tower 1100 - 2002 Victoria Avenue Regina SK S4P 0R7 or [email protected] Website: www.lawsociety.sk.ca MAY 2018 Eagle Feather News 9 Is Dirk on the right planet? You might think race relations Of course, his constituency who revels in playing to the main - “Hey, sorry things went down back are getting better or worse in agreed. And there is a certain satis - streams’ perceptions and stereotypes. there, but we’re not sorry, so, yeah. Saskatchewan. I’m here to add to the faction that comes when ones’ half- Laughing at Indians is fun. We good now?” confusion. assed pronouncements are validated. The third thing that had me won - And finally, we have that tor - First up, the Dirk worries for a I wouldn’t know. When I make dering if I was on the right planet con - mented black kid in Balgonie who certain celebrated Saskatchewan ra - lofty statements I cerns the Pope’s took his life after being bullied and dio personality. To protect his identity, tend to make refusal to apolo - teased for being black. When the kid we will call him J. Gormley. No, that’s them whole- gize for the resi - stood up for himself the RCMP too revealing. We’ll call him John G. assed. dential schools. It bravely stepped in to arrest him be - Yes, that will work perfect. Second, we seemed a no- cause bullying classmates must be Dirk is not worried for John G’s have the “joke” at brainer. kept safe and snug. soul. This guy is a Christian, or a a recent country On the one The message seems to be, don’t Muslim, so he’ll not go to hell, but to music show. hand, Matthew you dare interrupt other kids from that other place. Cupar. For the 18:5-6 says “And having their fun. Congrats Balgonie. No, I worry for his well-being, Humbolt Broncos benefit the organiz - whoever welcomes one such child in Now I am sure Balgonians are for I fear the antics of a certain popu - ers hired a comedy duo, The Indian my name welcomes me. If anyone hoping this issue goes away. It doesn’t lation in this province are giving him and the White Guy. All is well until causes one of them to stumble, it look good and its making people have … issues. the dynamic duo whip this gem from would be better for them to have a uncomfortable conversations. It’s in - He has a tough job. To stay rele - their back pocket: “Shake it from the large millstone hung around their neck convenient as hell. vant, he reads the mood of his con - river, shake it from the trees, shake it and to be drowned in the depths of the Clearly, we have work to do in stituency – a constituency that has for the Indian with STD’s.” sea.” this province, and this country. You’re hardened opinions of a certain popu - Now you might think, “THIS is On the other hand, we got no sea damn right its inconvenient, awkward, lation in this province. outrageous! How can entertainers rely on the prairies, so no worries there. and there are those who will defend So far, he has been up to the chal - on stereotypes to reinforce ugly per - On the third hand, apparently Je - their privileged positions to have their lenge. ceptions of an entire population? Us - sus said, “Yea, go out to the hinterland fun and sense of peace. Consider his deft handling of the ing racism for a cheap laugh?” and reap artworks, land and sculp - Thankfully I happen to know the murder of a dreaded Indian. Cele - Apparently, concert goers went tures, and there will be a thing called majority in the mainstream realizes brated radio personality verbally bananas with laughter. I have taste in FacePlace. Hoard these investments, this and they are wanting to take up stickhandled around the truth and, like music, so I wasn’t there. ‘cause I dig the gold!” the challenge. As allies. a champion, he cherry picked facts to Even better? Part of the comedy Some will say, but the Catholic Dirk says, “This is the tame ver - embed the dead firmly in the role of duo was an Indian! They’re doing it to church did apologize. And it did issue sion of what I originally had in villain, and the murderer as righteous. themselves, just like that Chief in B.C. a statement of regret and sorrow, like, mind.” Eagle Feather News MAY 2018 C10oaching is proving rewarding for award winning mentor

By Chelsea Laskowski eral life. And being a positive role model and being there for person then they’re not going to perform at their optimal For Eagle Feather News the kids on and off the ice,” Boes said. state.” Hockey has been good to Courage Bear, so he’s Bear moved to Saskatoon for university long ago, and The time he invests in his players pays back, as they good to it. he started his 13-plus years of coaching because he always en - keep in touch with him when they get older, going from be - That’s the driving force behind the Ochapawace-raised joyed working with kids. He cares about his players, asking ing athletes to becoming his friends. Some stop by to visit with Saskatoon man’s decision to coach Bear when they’re in the city, or he not one, but three teams this year. keeps up with them from afar on Bear coaches the city’s Ban - social media. tam Flyer Warriors, Midget AAA “If an individual had success, Contacts and is a coach taking obviously they had lots of influ - Team Sask to the National Abo - ences in their life, but hopefully riginal Hockey Championships in you had some sort of a lasting im - early May. pact in a positive way,” Bear said. The mentality behind Bear’s Bear received his SMHA ho - current coaching schedule is two- nour on April 24 at the associa - fold. As a parent coach for two tion’s annual general meeting. As teams, he said he’d be in the arena a man who credits his ability to do anyway to support his kids and if what he does to his supportive he has something to offer he partner and workplace, where he might as well get involved, and as knows leaving work early for prac - a non-parent coach he said “I owe tice or a game is alright and that his it to the game. partner will cart his kids around This year the Saskatoon Mi - when he’s away, Bear was not nor Hockey Association (SMHA) ready to be in the spotlight. He de - is naming Bear the city’s Coach scribes his reaction to going up on of the Year. By virtue of that win, Courage Bear, middle holding the plaque, was joined by Brett Baron, Chris Nomeland and John stage to be recognized as “sheep - he is up for nomination at the Linklater, all from sponsor of the award Al Andersons, and on right SMHA President Terry Wisse ishly embarrassed.” provincial level later this year. after the award presentation. (Photo by Brad Klebaum - www.klebaumphotography.ca) He said the coaching he The SMHA win had nothing to does comes because of the do with how many wins Bear’s teams tally up, said the them how they are doing in school and what they want to do mentors and positive influences he’s had in hockey association’s executive director Kelly Boes. Parents of in life, he said. over the years and doesn’t want to take sole credit for kids on Courage’s teams made a large number of sub - “At the end of the day you’re just coaching people and the work he does now. missions to support his win. they want to be treated as people,” he said. “X’s and O’s are In fact, he said he is constantly learning, not just “What they almost all speak to is how much of a good, part of it, and strategy and tactical stuff are all part of it, but from coaches but from the very athletes he works with positive influence he is about life, not just hockey, but gen - unless your kids you coach believe you care about them as a on a daily basis. Eagle Feather News MAY 2018 11 Jordyn Burnouf paying it forward in sports world

By Angela Hill can Indigenous Games Saskatchewan joined. is super supportive, a network of people For Eagle Feather News team, then she became the head coach. “It was great to have the student that are there for you.” Many youth across Northern The support is not just there for the Saskatchewan know Jordyn Burnouf and athletics but also to help tackle the bar - when they see her, it’s all smiles. riers that prevent youth from getting into In fact, through her involvement athletics, Burnouf said. with Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and “It’s started to bridge the gap be - Field (SaskATF), Burnouf has directly tween Aboriginal communities and the coached about 80 kids and oversaw the sport.” training programs of far more. Burnouf says that mentorship is the “It makes me feel very, very fortu - most important part of her work. Among nate to be able to impact kids in that Burnouf’s mentors she mentions her for - way,” said the 27-year-old. mer coach Rope as well as Jocelyn Chan - By day she works in cultural and dler, a physio therapist who encouraged community engagement at Northlands Burnouf and other youth to learn to swim College in La Ronge and the rest of the and train as lifeguards (the Ile-A-La- time she is organizing track and field Crosse aquatic and fitness centre is meets, peer-based training clinics, and named after her). Rope, in particular, chatting with the rest of the SaskATF played a significant role in Burnouf stay - team. ing in sport and in university, Burnouf “We’ve been slowly but surely said. building the sport up over the past 10 “To have that support and to have years, it’s been incredible,” Burnouf said. those people there helping me, makes a Burnouf’s love for track and field world of difference. That’s why I always started when she was in a kindergarten pay if forward because I know the posi - gym class in Ile a la Crosse. The passion tive impact it had on my life,” she said. grew from there, and Burnouf went on to “I really have to pay tribute to those win awards and medals for long jump, incredible people in my life.” Jordyn Burnouf places a medal on the winner of the youth race at a past triple jump, running, and javelin, includ - And through coaching Burnouf sees Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and Field Championships in Saskatoon. Men - ing two golds at the North American In - the positive cycle continue, as youth she toring and coaching track athletes has been Burnouf’s way of returning the guid - digenous Games in 2008. has coached are coming forward to be - ance she received from her sports mentors. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) Her talent and excitement for the come coaches themselves. sport was noticed by her coach Derek “It just becomes a sustainable cycle, Rope and he invited Burnouf to join the “I think I was one of the first head athlete mentorship for the younger kids,” then you can step away and people keep SaskATF board. She and other youth coaches of women,” she said. she said. “We’ve built a community that doing it on their own,” she said. talked about what track and field should SaskATF started organizing clinics look like for Indigenous youth in for remote communities that might not Saskatchewan. get access to any coaching or to the range There was no looking back. After of sport track and field offered, Burnouf graduating high school Burnouf became said. The University of Saskatchewan an assistant coach for the North Ameri - Huskies track and field team members Community-minded Burnouf about more than track and field

Along with Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and Field, Jordyn Burnouf has a lead role in coordinating Vibrant Roots, a two-day conference for Northern youth happening May 16 and 17. Students from communities across the North are invited to attend workshops, cultural sessions, and be exposed to the great work that people from their commu - nities are doing. “It’s a time when students can learn about culture, education and leadership,” Burnouf said. The idea is to encourage Northern youth to pursue their goals. “Think outside the box, think about that one thing you would love to do and you can do it,” she said. This is the second year of the conference and will include sessions on jigging and powwow dancing, youth parliament, environmental sustainability, and discus - sion on culture with Elders. Of note, Burnouf says the artists Snotty Nose Rez Kids are coming from Van - couver. “They are going to be able to talk in a way that will reach kids,” she said. Organizers are expecting about 300 youth to attend. Burnouf says she sees the youth come together over the two days and last year’s closing ceremony was amaz - ing. “The Round Dance was incredible, it was so powerful,” she said, all the youth felt it and all of them eventually joined in. 12 Eagle Feather News MAY 2018

The East Central U15 Female Volleyball team will compete in the nationals held in Edmonton this month. (Photo supplied)

East Central volleyballers heading to nationals

By Jeanelle Mandes opener for many commu - play,” said Delorme. able for everybody to Of Eagle Feather nities to see the skills of With the nationals play,” said Mckay. News these 10 volleyball play - coming up, Delorme “We just wanted to The East Central vol - ers. But it didn’t happen hopes to make the experi - show that we as First Na - leyball team consists of 10 overnight. ence memorable. tions do have a good team passionate U15 female The East Central “I’m excited to go to and if they give us a players from Standing girls’ volleyball team got Edmonton to compete,” chance, we could do re - Buffalo, Carry the Kettle, its first shot playing the she said. “It’s fun and ally well and we have.” Kawacatoose, Kahkewis - sport back in January. nerve-racking at first but Once they finish tahaw and Standing Buf - They have competed in once you play together as playing at the nationals, falo Dakota Nation and its nine tournaments since. a team, it’s good.” the girls will venture off a team that is making its They placed third in their Mckay sets up prac - into soccer, fastball and way to the nationals in Ed - first Sask. Cup and have tice for the girls two to beach volleyball until they monton this month. also placed second in their three times a week in are back in full throttle for second and third Sask. Standing Buffalo. He, the next season. cup. In the big Cougar In - assistant coaches and the vitational Tournament in parents are fortunate to Regina, they placed 2nd have this recreational ac - as well. tivity for their girls since it The East Central gives them something to team recently played in do. the provincials in Saska - “We put structure toon placing second out of into our youth’s sports 40 teams in where we give them a Saskatchewan. chance in that support sys - “We did really well tem,” he said. and as one of the top “At the same time, to teams in Saskatchewan, I show them what the are believe we have a lot of capable of doing and talent,” said Mckay. where they can take their “We pretty much sports level to a new high started from scratch. It where they can play uni - was amazing how we put versity or college volley - together a team, it was ball. more like a jigsaw puzzle “With this club, I One of the team cap - where we fit the pieces to - wanted to show that we tains, Tavah Delorme, gether and it turned out have First Nations athletes travels 2-3 times a week awesome.” that can do really well.” to Standing Buffalo One of the team’s When travelling to from Regina for volley - captions, Tavah Delorme, some tournaments, the ball practices. 14, from Carry the Kettle parents and coaches chip (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) but residing in Regina, in money from their own travels weekly to Stand - pockets to ensure the girls’ “It’s going to be fun ing Buffalo for volleyball can play. It’s not only because we’re one of the practices at the school about competing that top ranked teams in gymnasium. She has been drives them to these levels Canada,” said head coach playing volleyball for four but it’s the passion that Faron Mckay. years and grew up play - players of the East Cen - “I’m totally amazed ing with her parents who tral team show for the love because you’d never think ignited her passion for the of the game. a team would do so well sport. “In our club, we did - in their first year.” “I look up to my n’t want to make it all Making it to the na - mom and dad because about finances. We tionals was a huge eye- they influenced me to wanted to make it afford - MAY 2018 Eagle Feather News 13 Felix Merasty finds his niche in mining industry

It’s difficult to find an industry that the 1970s Ile-a-la-Crosse didn’t have a Lake mine. His job is an important one, ties to provide that balance: a sauna on Felix Merasty hasn’t worked in. high school so it was a struggle when he as the remote northern operations see site, pool tables, a full-size gym, pool The Ile-a-la-Crosse product started had to go away to Prince Albert for staff work long shifts for seven days in, tables, bicycles, canoes, paddleboards, off his career in the Armed Forces in the school. He credits those teachers with seven days out. kayaks, and boats for fishing. late 1970s, and several years later he giving him a base to get into the work - There are full-scale events like Na - “People love to fish in the summer moved on to work as a surveyor assistant force. tional Aboriginal Day where Merasty is because most of us are from down south at Cluff Lake mine and at Key Lake as a While Merasty taught all over the introducing hand drummers and hoop and city dwellers,” he said. pipefitter’s helper. North after completing his education at dancer visits for the first time. It’s easy to Despite the leisurely activities NORTEP, even influencing two of his get staff together and fill a bus for out - Merasty facilitates, he said it is a lot of own kids to get into the profession, he ings like inter-mine hockey tournaments, work to come up with new ideas, facili - had another interest brewing. curling bonspiels, and picnics. tate events, get people to come out, and “I always wanted to get back into “Just to get them out of the mine make sure everything is in working order the mining sector,” he said. site, get them not thinking about work,” on site. However, the mining work Merasty he said. “It’s a lot of work. People think we did in his younger years didn’t interest “It’s just mental health. A lot of peo - don’t do that much work but” Merasty him this time around. Rather, he found ple have issues at work or at home and said he is there from start to finish with himself wanting to do the work he’d seen it’s good to instill a positive mental things like bingo. recreation technicians do when he health and the balance in mental health He said this line of work keeps him worked stints at Fort McMurray in be - and just to have fun.” motivated to stay active with running tween teaching jobs. The mine offers up a lot of ameni - and badminton. “They were helping people out, keeping them motivated,” he said. “I kinda thought maybe that’s what I’d like to get into too.” The work involves organizing ac - tivities outside of work hours that keep mine staff busy, entertained, and active. It was a perfect fit for Merasty, a lifelong Felix Merasty is back working at a job athlete and coach who runs marathons, he loves. plays hockey, and is going to the Masters Indigenous Games in Toronto to play He ended up pursuing teaching, in - doubles badminton this summer. fluenced greatly by the role models who Orano ended up hiring Merasty sev - helped him finish high school. Back in eral years ago to work at the McClean 14 Eagle Feather News MAY 2018 Ahenakew earns Economic Developer Award By John Lagimodiere Muskowekwan First Nations. Of Eagle Feather News Ahenakew took his economic inspiration from his father Willard, legendary The Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) artist and political cartoonist. celebrated Indigenous Economic Development Day by hosting the annual SFNEDN • Continued on Page 15 Economic Developer of the Year Awards at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 7-12, 2018 Economic Development Week in Saskatchewan and May 7, 2018 has been proclaimed In - digenous Economic Development Day.

Lee Ahenakew received his Individual Economic Developer Award from SNFEDN Executive Director Shaun Soonias. (Photo by John Lagimodiere

The 2018 Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Awards, proudly sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada, showcases the work, passion and outcomes achieved by an individual First Nation citizen and community that builds positive business relationships, employment for First Na - tions and incorporates traditional values into mainstream business practice. The Individual Economic Developer Award went to Lee Ahenakew. A unanimous selection, Ahenakew has had input in some major economic growth including being one of the founding board members of SIGA and ushering First Nations into the gaming sector, Vice-President of Member Relations for the Canadian Council for Abo - riginal Business (CCAB) and Chief Executive Officer for BATC Investments Ltd, a development corporation owned by member First Nations of Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Ahenakew saw that the Duty to Consult was driv - ing business relationships and opportunities for First Nations economic development and was looking for an opportunity to learn in a practical sense how resource companies and First Nations worked through the Duty together to create these opportunities. Ahenakew found an opportunity at BHP Billiton Potash to do this. During Lee’s time at BHP he man - aged a team of three, overseeing relationships between BHP Billiton’s Potash business and local First Nations and municipalities for Jansen Project. He supported planning and First Nations en - gagement for a port solution and planned and man - aged integration of socio-economic studies into two mining project studies. In this position he won BHP Billiton’s 2015 Health Safety and Environment Awards (Community category), an international award, for negotiation of best case practice oppor - tunity agreements with Kawacatoose, Day Star, and MAY 2018 Eagle Feather News 15 First Nations finding their place in mining and resource sector

• Continued from Page 14 cepted by STCI President Brad Dar - “My dad took his art and that con - byshire. cept and helped create national organiza - “We see a huge upside to Indige - tions like Canadian Indian Artisans to sell nous economic development. It is a great crafts. They took that it turned it into a way to improve the quality of life of our business that employed people,” said citizens. The Tribal Council team is re - Ahenakew in his acceptance speech. sponsible for this award and our success,” “He told me that if you have gifts, said Darbyshire. you have to share it with the community.” “But we wouldn’t be here if it was - Ahenakew has also been a director n’t for our clients. They are the key. At for the First Nation Power Authority and Nutrien, Leanne Bellegarde and Tim Her - the Board of Governors for the University rod have been big advocates of ours and of Saskatchewan where he became presi - have provided opportunity. Nutrien is pro - dent, the first Indigenous Chair of the viding a way for STC and the entire In - Board for a medical-doctoral University in digenous community and beyond.” Canada. Nutrien and STC have partnered to The Community Economic Devel - host an event that brought together dozens oper Award went to STC Industrial. STC of Nutrien suppliers to meet with leaders Industrial is owned by the Saskatoon and economic development people of the Tribal Council and was formally launched seven member First Nations to talk about April 1, 2017 with a basic business plan potential business ventures and partner - Jason Smith of Business Development Bank of Canada presented the Com - and goal to leverage the interests of the ships. munity Economic Developer Award to STC Industrial. Accepting the award was Saskatchewan resource sectors Aboriginal STCI also supports many commu - STCI President Brad Darbyshire. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) engagement initiatives. nity initiatives including the White Buf - With one staff member, no work, and falo Youth Lodge Vampire Gala, the An - SFNEDN Executive Director Shaun Soo - sophisticated with structured organiza - limited capital, STCI began its plan to re - nual Saskatoon Tribal Council Future is nias. tions. Today showed there is a lot of sup - cruit staff, secure clients, and move its Yours career fair and the back to school “Lee Ahenakew has done a lot from port for our First Nations. We see in this brand forward into the market. Through back pack program with sponsor Nutrien. an institutional standpoint and his work at room a great diversity of business and in - focused development of relationships with “STCI employees First Nation peo - the First Nation Power Authority and dustry representatives and more of the major Saskatchewan players such as Nu - ple from across Saskatchewan from Fond BATC from a business standpoint. And mainstream than of First Nations. trien and SaskPower Corporation, STCI du Lac to Cowessess,” added Darbyshire. STC Industrial has created wealth and “And I think that’s a good thing was able to land and grow a book of work “We have grown immensely and paid over employment, said Soonias. when we are doing these types of awards within the first six months. one million dollars in wages into the com - “And both speakers today spoke to because it speaks to the kind of relation - After their first year in business, they munity. It is a huge win thanks to Nutrien the mining and resource sector with op - ships and clients and customers and part - had zero injuries and sixty per cent In - and SaskPower.” portunity in the supply chain. Our First ners that our First Nations are developing digenous employment. The award was ac - All that is music to the ears of Nations are maturing and becoming more in this province.” 16 Eagle Feather News MAY 2018 From shoes to moccasins, local running store highlights Aboriginal community

By Tara Campbell like mine to accept some truths and responsibilities on how For Eagle Feather News to do this in Canada and specifically Saskatchewan with The owner of one of the largest footwear companies regards to First Nations people.” in the world is now the proud owner of his very own To provide Davis with an entertaining and informa - Saskatchewan-crafted moccasins, thanks in large part to tive presentation, Michasiw turned to his network of the province’s premiere running store, Brainsport. friends and associates. The New Balance guests were New Balance owner Jim Davis was in Saskatoon in greeted with a welcome song to Treaty 6 Territory and the April to visit Brainsport, where he was presented with an homeland of the Métis performed by Marc Okihcihtaw evening highlighting Saskatchewan’s aboriginal commu - and incorporated special presentations featuring guest nity that including being gifted with a pair of moccasins speakers, Jason Warick, Tarrant Cross Child and Derek featuring the New Balance logo, crafted by Cree artist Rope. Katelyn Paskemin of Sweetgrass First Nation. “The Brainsport presentation was very meaningful in “Every year Jim Davis does a cross-country tour of that it clearly demonstrated their incredible culture and Canada and this was his first-ever stop in Saskatchewan. commitment to their community,’ said Davis. I wanted to give him an experience he’d never forget,” said “It is also one thing to recognize New Balance’s in - Brian Michasiw, Brainsport founder and owner. volvement by writing an email, or even talking about it on “I think that a lot of times he’ll go into a shop and the phone, but to actually meet the people responsible, and they’ll talk about some basic fundamental business things hear firsthand about the impact we are having, was very like margins or discounts, or procurement, and I thought emotional and touching.” those are all important things that need to be discussed, but Both Brainsport and New Balance are supporters of New Balance owner Jim Davis was in Saskatoon re - this wasn’t the time or place.” Tarrant Cross Child’s Child of the Cross Running Clinics, cently to visit Brainsport, the province’s premiere “I thought this was about an education about what which reaches communities in Northern Saskatchewan running store. He was gifted with a pair of moc - Brainsport stands for and how New Balance has sup - and beyond with its message of hope and restoration. casins with the New Balance NB Logo beaded into ported that,” explained Michasiw. “New Balance has always believed in giving back to them. The moccasins were created by Katelyn “Saskatoon is Canada’s youngest city and that is be - our local communities where we do business. Tarrant and Paskemin of Sweetgrass First Nation. (Photo Brainsport) cause of the First Nations demographics. I think it would his outreach to some of the most highly affected areas of be naive and irresponsible if we didn’t discuss the most up North America is a great demonstration of these valuable make a difference in the world.” and coming demographic in this province,” said Michasiw. efforts,” said Davis. “Anne (wife) and I are extremely As for the moccasins, Davis said he was “honoured “On one hand there’s opportunity there for a business proud of the New Balance culture that supports working and delighted” to have received the “special gift” and that like mine, but there’s also a responsibility for a business together with great people like Tarrant and Brian to truly he’s taken them home to “enjoy.” MAY 2018 Eagle Feather News 17 First Nations University powwow reaches 40-year milestone

By Jeanelle Mandes Of Eagle Feather News The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) reached a 40-year mile - stone celebrating its annual spring powwow in Regina. Organizers worked hard to make this year unique from previous years. Richard Missens, the Chair of the FNUniv Spring Powwow Committee, said this year’s event was bigger than any other powwow they’ve ever had. “Over the 40 years, the event has grown. We no longer have the powwow at the campus anymore. We have to hold it in a big facility like this at the Brandt Centre,” he said. “It’s one of the longest running powwows in Saskatchewan and it’s proba - bly the biggest in Canada now. It’s really grown each year. This year, we’ve had more registered dancers than we’ve ever had.” Missens said there was over 800 registered dancers, 19 drum groups, 47 tradeshow booths and 240 volunteers who participated in 40th anniversary pow - wow. It isn’t known what the number of spectators is for this year but Missens said every year averages from 7,500 to 8,000 people. This year’s event was unique as the powwow committee honoured all FNUniv students, past and present in the last 40 years. FNUniv alumni were in - vited to walk in the four grand entries according to designated decades the stu - Britney Oakes, above right and inset below left, was crowned the First Nation Uni - dents attended the institution. versity of Canada Powwow Princess for 2018-2019. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) Another important aspect of this year’s event was the creation of a maga - zine put together by Shannon Avison, head of the Indian Communication Arts (INCA) program. She brought along various writers who wrote stories about the annual powwow’s evolution over the years, taking a look at the courses and proj - ects at the FNUniv. The FNUniv Princess Pageant is a contest that is held every year. Jessie Kaiswatum handed down her crown to the newly crowned princess Britney Oakes from Nekaneet First Nation. “I’m very excited and I’m now realizing how big of a responsibility it is to carry this title,” said Oakes who has been preparing herself for the pageant for a few months. Her duties consist of representing the FNUniv as an ambassador and a men - tor on the powwow trail throughout the year. The traditional dancer is a second- year FNUniv student enrolled in the elementary education program. She plans on proudly representing the one of a kind Indigenous educa - tional institution in the pow- wow circles. Her message to younger women who want the chance to Veterans including Tony Cote were honoured at the powwow and included in each win the title of Miss FNUniv grand entry. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) Princess is to work hard at ob - taining an education and not to lose focus on your culture. “Keep up with your education and finish high school,” she said. “Education is important but also learning your culture, your language, your roots and who your family is. That’s all im - portant.”

This years FNUniv Powwow was the largest ever with over 800 dancers, making the 40th annual event a very memorable one. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) 18 Eagle Feather News MAY 2018 One Nation Warriors from Manitoba were Manitoba team scores champions in the novice division. Oskana Cup novice title (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes)

By Jeanelle Mandes Of Eagle Feather News Sixty-seven teams travelled from near and far to compete in this year’s 13th Annual Oskana Cup Aboriginal Youth Hockey Championships held at Regina’s Co-operators Centre. There were 53 youth and 14 adult teams that registered and some came from as far as northern Ontario and Man - itoba. Madden Tymchak, 9, from Oak - bank, Manitoba was named the MVP of the Championships. A member of the Springfield Icehawks team, Tymchak said he was honoured to bring home the title as the MVP in his division. “It felt amazing because other kids don’t have that opportunity to do that,” he said. “It was fun and cool. I’m taking home the MVP award that looks like an eagle.” Tymchak has been playing hockey for over five years and loves being able itoba were champions in the novice divi - we’re going to push hard for the atom “We did do something special this to play the sport that he loves. sion. The team’s coach, Jordan Armstrong, championship,” he said. year though. We decided to add some teams “It’s fun to get exercise and stuff,” said this was the One Nation Warrior’s first Shelley M. Lavallee, president of Os - to a few divisions so we added an initiation Tymchak said. time travelling out of their province to com - kana Minor Hockey Development Inc., said team with a novice and atom team and we One Nation Warriors team from Man - pete in a tournament and he was surprised the organizers have learned a lot in the 13 called them the Oskana Broncos as a way of they won the championship considering years since the tournament started. honouring the Humboldt Broncos.” they barely practiced. “We’ve learned something new every The Oskana Cup Aboriginal Youth “We don’t have practices. Basically year so we’re always constantly refining our Hockey Championships took place on the tournaments (in Manitoba) is all we got rules or the way we do things,” she said. May 4-6. for practices,” said Armstrong. “We just put this team together this winter. We pushed hard to get the champi - onship at the Oskana Cup. It feels pretty ex - citing seeing all the kids coming together. It was a pretty intense weekend of hockey for the little guys. Just glad we came up on top. The boys worked hard and came to - gether as one to work as a team.” All the team players come from dif - ferent corners of Manitoba which made it difficult to gather for practices but Arm - strong said the boys worked hard when they got together for tournaments. It was a fun and memorable experience for the One Nation Warrior’s to not only take the title as Madden Tymchak from Oakbank, novice champions but to enjoy a weekend MB was named the MVP of the of playing great hockey. Oskana Cup Aboriginal Youth “Hope to be back next year. We won’t Hockey Championships. be able to defend the novice title as the (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) boys move up to the atom division. So, MAY 2018 Eagle Feather News 19 Over 180 teams competed in FSIN Adult and Youth Hockey Championships

The Canoe Lake Young Guns won the FSIN Men’s Adult Hockey Championships in April beating out the Ochapowace Thunder in the final. They received their trophy from tournament chairperson, Clay DeBray on right. (Photo by Milton Tootoosis) By Jeanelle Mandes excelling more and more in the sport of youth hockey and witnessed the FSIN Peewee – La Ronge, Atom – Stanley Of Eagle Feather News hockey.” youth hockey champs who were given Mission, Novice – Muskeg Lake, Fe - Indigenous hockey dominated the Ken Thomas, FSIN Director of trophies, bunnyhugs and banners. male Atom/Peewee – Yorkton Tribal spotlight in Saskatoon on the last two Sport, Culture, Recreation and Youth, The FSIN Youth champions were Council, and lastly the Female Ban - weekends in April with the Federation of coordinated the FSIN youth tournament Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation for the tam/Midget champs went to Team Easter Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) which was on April 27-29. He said there Bantam division, Midget – Onion Lake, Sector. Adult and Youth Hockey Tournaments were 109 teams that registered and 106 held at Jemini arena. teams showed up. It was an opportunity Clay DeBray was the FSIN Adult for Saskatchewan’s Indigenous youth to Hockey Tournament coordinator/chair - showcase their skills and have fun play - person. He said this year’s adult tourna - ing a sport they love. ment had 86 teams, which is on average “Looking at the attendance we’ve based on the previous years. hosted in the previous years for the (FSIN “On daily, there were 3,000 people youth), we’re above what we made which coming through the doors in the rinks,” is a good sign,” said Thomas. “This year, said DeBray. “It was an overall success. we added a female atom and peewee di - We were proud to host as Flying Dust vision to coincide…female hockey is First Nation. We utilized it as one of our growing in Saskatchewan so we figured fundraisers because we’re hosting the we’d add that division into this tourna - 2019 Summer Games.” ment which is why there’s an increase in Each division won prize money, a teams this year.” championship provincial banner with The FSIN youth hockey tournament jackets along with nine awards given to coincided with the Fred Sasakamoose individual players. “Chief Thunderstick” Invitational The Canoe Lake Young Guns won Hockey Tournament on the same week - in the senior contact division with the end. Ochapowace Thunder as the runner-up. “It’s good that both tournaments are Stanley Mission won in the recreation 1 great but it’s unfortunate they are both on division, in the recreation 2 division the same weekend,” said Thomas. “But James Smith won, the Legends 35+ Pe - First Nations people are supporting each ter Ballantyne Cree Nation, in the 45+ tournament which is great.” Masters division PAGC and in the ladies’ With the three Indigenous hockey division Cote First Nation were the tournaments, it was an economic boost in champs. Saskatoon but Thomas said he wished Team Canada Hockey Olympian the FSIN youth tournament received sup - Brigette Lacquette played for her com - port from the city. munity Cote First Nation. “We would like more support when “It was an honour to have Brigette Indigenous organizations are hosting in play, with her playing experience. She’s the city,” he said. “Both tournaments are such a great role model for the youth,” bringing millions of dollars into the city, said DeBray. we haven’t seen a dime from (the City). “That brought exposure having Hotels and restaurants were packed and Brigette play in our tournament and it full.” also showcases that our First Nations are Spectators enjoyed watching great 20 Eagle Feather News MAY 2018

(Right) Kali Whitehawk hopes to play professional hockey and follow the footsteps of her mentor, Team Canada Hockey Olympian Brigette Lacquette. (Above) Team Canoe Lake Captain Rico Opikokew played his final year in the FSIN youth hockey tournament. He hopes to attend college and continue playing the sport he loves. (Photos by Jeanelle Mandes) Young players participating in FSIN youth tournament hope to emulate the success of their hockey heroes

By Jeanelle Mandes Of Eagle Feather News The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) youth hockey tour - nament was an opportunity for Saskatchewan’s Indigenous youth to showcase their skills and have fun playing the sport they love. The FSIN youth tournament brought thousands of people through the doors to witness future heroes take the ice. Kali Whitehawk,10, from Cote First Nation played with Team Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC) who were champs in their division. Whitehawk, who plays defence said she has been playing hockey since she was six-years-old. It was her first time playing in the FSIN youth hockey tournament and said the experience was fun. “It felt great. I feel so happy playing and winning,” she said. After high school, Whitehawk wants to continue playing hockey with hopes of making it big to follow the footsteps of her mentor, Team Canada Olympian Brigette Lacquette, who is also from the Cote First Nation. On the male side, Rico Opikokew played with Team Canoe Lake in the midget division. He isn’t a stranger when it comes to the FSIN youth hockey tournament. He’s played in the FSIN youth hockey tournament for the past seven years with this year as his final competition. Opikokew, 17, has been playing hockey for over 10 years and loves everything about the sport. “I love the feeling of meeting new people and being around family and friends,” he said. Over the years, he said his team has won a few tournaments and that kept him coming back each year. This year, Team Canoe Lake took a loss to Team Ah - tahkakoop. The soon-to-be high school graduate hopes to go to college and continue to play hockey. “I look up to Connor McDavid (from the Edmonton Oilers),” said Opikokew who was also the captain of Team Canoe Lake. The FSIN youth hockey tournament gave athletes such as Whitehawk and Opikokew a memorable experience to take home.