OCTOBER 2013 VOLUME 16 - NUMBER 10

FREE Contest inspired young entrepreneurs

Contestants Devin Fiddler, Jamie Lerat, 1st place Jana Ross, 2nd place Brandy-Lee Maxi and daughter Valyncia, and 3rd place Stephanie Cappo. Back row: judge John Lagimodiere, contestant Bill Stevenson, judge Brett Wilson, contestant Chris Ross and judge Darryl Stann.

FORMER PM INSPIRES Paul Martin was in Saskatoon recently to add his support to the Aboriginal Youth Entrepre - neurship Program. - Page 3

METIS ACHIEVER Journalist Merelda Fiddler has been honoured as one of the winners of a 2013 Métis Award . - Page 7

THE RIPPLE EFFECT PJ Prudat talks about her role in an upcoming production of Meadow Lake clothier takes top prize SaskNative Theatre’s Circle of Voices. - Page 11 By John Lagimodiere “I was ecstatic when they said I won, because I have Of Eagle Feather News so many ideas for ways to expand my business, and now BUSINESS PLAN WORKS ove, Peace, Bannock Grease!” A simple and I have the financial freedom to pursue some of those Heather Abbey decided catchy slogan that helped Métis entrepre - ideas.” something was missing in the neur Jana Ross beat out six other competi - The second-place winner was Brandy-Lee Maxi with marketing world and she quickly tors to win the second edition of CBC’s Aboriginal her AB-Original Health and Fitness, followed by third filled the niche. - Page 16 “businLess plan competition, Boom Box. place winner, Stephanie Cappo for Steph’s cakes. Other Ross is a teacher from Meadow Lake who has contestants included Devin Fiddler and her handbag LEAVING THE GANG BEHIND launched a clothing line called Bannock Republic business, photographer Bill Stevenson, publisher Chris Stacey Swampy spent more than Clothing. Her energy, business idea and popular clothing Ross and business woman Jamie Lerat. three decades behind bars. Now earned her the $4,000 top prize and loads of advice from CBC provided the promotion and organization for he’s doing his bit to help others business experts after impressing the three judge’s entre - the event while Brett Wilson and PotashCorp supplied avoid the gang lifestyle - Page 25 preneur Brett Wilson, PotashCorp’s Darryl Stann and the prize money. Each competitor also gets access to the Eagle Feather News publisher John Lagimodiere. judges for advice and support of their business ideas. Welcome to our “I was completely shocked when Brett Wilson “There is nothing more important than stimulating Role Model Edition announced I was the winner,” said Ross. “All of the business and entrepreneurs in the Aboriginal community in Canada,” said Saskatchewan born multi-millionaire Coming In November - Veterans & Youth Issue finalists were so well prepared and articulated their business ideas clearly, so I really had no idea who the and former Dragon Den panelist Brett Wilson. CPMA #40027204 judges were going to choose. • Continued on Page 15 2 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2013 OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News 3 Aboriginal Canadians will be key drivers of economy: Martin

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News unique business training program for Aboriginal students is being made available to several schools across Saskatchewan, including two on- Areserve and in Ile a la Crosse. The Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program (AYEP) is intended to close the gap between the business world and First Nation and Métis students in Saskatchewan so they can actively participate in the economy. The program uses Indigenous specific curriculum and is also endorsed by former Prime Minister Paul Martin who was on hand for the big announcement at Oskayak High School in Saskatoon. “Aboriginal Canadians are the fastest- growing segment of our population and Dignitaries and partners participated in the singing ceremony. From left Leanne Bellegarde, PotashCorp, Anna Fontaine will be key drivers of Canada’s economy,” AANDC, Janet Foord Saskatchewan School Boards, FSIN Vice Chief Bobby Cameron, MN-S President Robert Doucette said Martin. and the Right Honourable Paul Martin. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) “The Aboriginal Youth Entrepre - “We want to train more First Nation neurship Program is dedicated to ensuring and Métis people into business and we that Aboriginal students are empowered want them to have careers with us or go with the background necessary to pursue into business and become suppliers. an interest in business and entrepreneur - Either way, this investment in training will ship. We are particularly proud that our give great returns to the province and we program’s textbooks are the first to be set encourage other businesses to come to the within an Indigenous context.” table so it can grow even more.”

Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur student Kelsey Sugar got to meet and photo - graph former Prime Minister Paul Martin. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) Oskayak ran the program last year and Kelsey Sugar is an Oskayak student saw increased attendance and participation who participated in the program last year by the students involved. After a meeting and her interest was in a photography in Ottawa last year, the Saskatchewan business. Eagle Feather News was School Boards Association worked hard to fortunate to be partnered with her and expand the program from Oskayak and Kelsey did some photography assignments Scott Collegiate in Regina to 17 schools for the paper. It was then when she realized across the province including on-reserve she had the talent and that the business had schools at Onion Lake and Ahtahkakoop. potential. She was recently featured on the “This initiative started as a challenge cover of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix with in Saskatchewan education, it became an former Prime Minister Martin. opportunity and now it’s become reality,” Martin was gracious in his words and said School Boards President Janet Foord. was available to the students after the event “However, we will continue to work with as he went and spent time in the class - boards of education to grow this program rooms and talked to the young people. across Saskatchewan to further engage “This is for the youth, but it is the teachers Aboriginal youth in education and future and administrators that make this program employment opportunities.” come alive for the students,” said Martin. “And To help with the expanded offerings, I can’t stress enough how important it is to funding had to be found and Aboriginal engage the Aboriginal community in Canada. Affairs and Northern Development Canada “My grandchildren’s future and the stepped up from government and Potash - future of Canada depend on how we move Corp from industry. forward from here. And I want the young “Our business is here for the long people who take this course to remain faithful haul,” said Leanne Bellegarde, Director to who they are and what they believe Aboriginal Strategy for PotashCorp. because now the world is coming to them. ” 4 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2013 Sometimes the stars just line up properly

ometimes things just happen to always helpful as sional photogra - 34 land-related limitations of the Indian work out. Here we are with our their business phy by describing Act in order to take control of their land October role model edition that wisdom and ability the tragedy that and resources. also has features for Education Week and to write checks, are would be if such This bodes well for future business Sfor Small Business week. a necessity in a fine art as the opportunities in the Saskatoon area for How convenient then that our cover business plan Mona Lisa was the Tribal Council and when that story was on the CBC Boom Box and a competition. actually a duck happens, everyone wins. group of role model entrepreneurs. And All of the entre - lipped selfie. how fitting that Jana Ross, a hard preneurs were Classic. working teacher from Meadow Lake, awesome and the judges learned Bit of a stink eye won the big prize in the Boom Box. something from each one. Highlights of Big thumbs up There is a fair bit of justifiable A role model who happens to be a the event for me included the line “Nice There is some interesting news out outrage in the community over the most teacher and entrepreneur. The stars have bum where you from” by Jana Ross. of the Saskatoon Tribal Council. With recent SaskParty attack ad on NDP aligned it seemed. Stephanie Cappo’s cup cakes. Brandy- Mistawasis and Yellow Quill First Leader Cam Broten. Interestingly as well, the idea and Lee Maxi and her daughter Valyncia Nations recently signing onto the First The province had been making some drive behind Boom Box and the producer dancing to the drum beat. The second cup Nations Land Management Act, all seven strides on the First Nation and Métis of the entire thing was our old friend, cake. Jamie Lerat and the amazing members of the Saskatoon Tribal Council portfolio. CBC’s Merelda Fiddler. display her company made. Devon will now be signatories to the Framework The Joint Task Force on Education She tracked down the sponsors and Fiddlers passion, perseverance and Agreement. and Employment chaired by Gary judges (Conflict alert! I was a judge) potential hand bag empire. The ideas I The Act enables First Nations to Merasty gave the province several ways worked the airwaves and social media to am going to borrow/steal from publisher manage their own land, resources and to improve the lot of Aboriginal people motivate people to get their entries in and Chris Ross! environment according their own land and they had actually started to put together a beautiful half hour TV But mostly Bill Stevenson posing codes, laws and policies. implement some of the recommendations show hosted by the always impressive with duck lips as he defended profes - It also helps them get out from under including funding driver’s license entrepreneur and role model Jacob Pratt. training on reserve. The show is well shot and seven The rocking economy is certainly entrepreneurs were able to showcase helping as well as more Aboriginal their ideas, energy and passion to the people are working or going to school province and it was inspiring. than ever. Despite the many challenges, Fittingly, Merelda was honoured for gains are being made. her lifetime body of work with the Jour - Imagine the surprise when First nalism Award by the Wiichihiwayshi - Nation leaders saw the ad that tries to nawn (We Are Helpers) Foundation at drive voters away from Cam Broten by the Métis Awards two days after the show playing on the contentious and by no ran in September. means resolved issue of resource revenue The lady has produced lots of news sharing with First Nations. over the years and has been very strong The resource issue is near and dear on covering and including First Nation and causes much fear. It is also an issue and Métis people in the content for any that is almost impossible to understand project she is on at CBC. without a four hour seminar. That inclusion makes CBC listeners With the 250th anniversary of the well informed on Aboriginal issues and Royal Proclamation, maybe it is time to it sure helps in the big picture. up the conversation behind doors The Boom Box prize money was between leaders to determine a happy funded this year by Saskatchewan born ground. multi-millionaire business guy and Attack political foes all you want, but former Dragon Denner Brett Wilson and to insert a wedge issue that turns resent - PotashCorp who sent Vice President of Jana Ross once bought a table at Back to Batoche to sell some clothes that she ment towards First Nation people is Procurement Darryl Stann to invest their had designed. She sold out on the first day. Two years later her business is highly irresponsible in this day and age. money as a judge. thriving and she just won first prize in CBC’s the Boom Box. Everybody play nice. We must do Having these guys on your side is (Photo by John Lagimodiere) better. OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News 5 We were not given children to be throw away babies

hen I was a little girl I “pimatisowin,” life, was all about. At some point we are going to have to make serious changes in all areas that overheard my great grand - She would be appalled if she were to finish this “ healing journey “ we have effect children. From poverty, housing, mother talking to a young alive to see the been on for all education and health, to being serious woman who had come to visit her. complete disregard, these many years about punishing abusers and by abusers W“Minikwe ooma noosim. Moya disrespect and lack of and start making I also mean all the people who are ooma awasisak aki me ikosiyak kah love for children that a better life for supposed to protect them. waypin iy ahkok. Drink this grandchild. has become our our kids. Yes, I Cut off the abuser’s hand, a whole We were not given children to throw norm. know coloniza - arm and if that doesn’t work castrate away.” The medicine tion is to blame, I them or put them away forever. If people Both my grandmother and great she offered the young have blamed it are incapable of looking after their grandmother were midwives. My great- woman was birth often over the children, sterilize them. If government grandmother no longer practiced when I control, something years. workers or anyone else whose job it is to was growing up as she was too old but many people say was not practiced in our I often wonder what we would do if protect children don’t do their work, then people often came to her for help or communities. But it was, according to some white guy hadn’t coined that word boil them in Alberta oil. advice and although I rarely paid the old women and midwives I have a few years back. A word that allows, no And for goodness sakes forget about attention to these discussions I remember interviewed over the years. It was not rather, encourages us to whine, cry and their Human Rights! Think about Baby this one because when I was older she practiced by everybody but by some until be sick instead of making us angry Rights, Children’s Rights instead. Forget had the same discussion with me. the 1950s which is about the time that enough to kick ass and change the world about being good Christians, good She said children were a sacred gift everything completely fell apart for our that is so dehumanizing us. Socialists, good Liberals, good Conser - and that we should never have more then families, displacing and dispossessing Kicking ass can mean something as vatives and just plain good people, we could “carry in battle.” I never forgot our children forever. simple as getting up in the morning and because to date those things have offered that partly because it sounded so odd, Children being abandoned, battered, cooking a pot of porridge for our kids. children little protection or love. “not more than I could carry in battle,” sexually abused, tortured, confined, Sitting down and eating it with them, And now that I have totally outraged but I was translating what she said starved, murdered and humiliated is so letting them know we love them and that you and have your attention, know that I literally. prevalent not only in our community, but we will protect and be there for them don’t mean any of those things but we do I realized when I got older that battle throughout our “civilized society” that it forever. That’s all they need, just us have to do something really drastic and does not necessarily mean war. Non- hardly causes a ripple of interest. being there for them. If we can’t do that we have to do it yesterday, last week, and native and some native people called her Abandoned dogs and cats get more then we need to seriously ask ourselves last year because if we don’t we will an “old witch” and maybe she was, but attention than a child. And although we why we are having babies. deserve everything that happens to us and it was a good witch for sure, because she, pay lip service when the abuse is in our Part of kicking ass should also mean the law of reciprocity tells us it will. unlike the witches in the books I read, face and we can’t avoid it, we do nothing not just pressuring, but forcing govern - Our babies need us to be okay. They loved children and for her that is what of any consequence to change it. ments by armed revolution if necessary need us to be courageous and noble. 6 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2013 Our role models

n the memories of the old ones and just north of Winnipeg. In the context in the pages of the history books lie of the 1885 events, Fine Day also many stories. If Hollywood is stands out as the military leader who looking for good stories for a movie, beat British-Canadian forces. Ithe historical Western Plains region is There is a rich store of role model a good place to look. stories in what is now Saskatchewan, It is also a including the good place to look resistance to the for the role imposition of the models that the Indian Act and the editor has chosen reserve system it to focus upon this imposed. We can only touch upon a MOOSE JAW TRAIL month. The Moose Jaw Trail Public Art Sculpture in few examples in There has Saskatoon’s Patricia Roe and Mark Thompson been widespread this commentary Parks in Stonebridge is a collaborative steel local and national attention paid to the and without intending to exclude any creation by Vancouver Public Artist, Jill Anholt, 250th anniversary of the Royal Procla - one of the many, we can name Pia Pot and Susan Mayor. The importance of the Moose mation issued on October 7, 1763. It (Payepot) a contemporary of Big Bear Jaw Trail Sculpture is to highlight the route used was issued by King George III to claim who is one of the first and foremost by First Nations, Métis and other settlers who British North America after the defeat defenders of the Treaties. In his story reached and created the Temperance Colony of Saskatoon by 1883 and 1890. The sculpture and of the French regime but it is also one also finds, incidentally, instances of narrative panels commemorate the heritage of remembered and is important because what Ron Merasty has called the ‘overdeveloped funny bone’ or the site and represent a trail remnant that of the procedures that it set out for emerges from out of the grasslands to become a wonderful sense of humour of the Plains negotiating Treaties. series of arched forms that recall a procession of However, things are never as indigenous people. In the Treaty Four wagon trains travelling along the trail before simple as they might appear to be at region there is a rich history of resist - disappearing into the brush beyond. Mayor first blush, and as I stated in an address ance by leaders such as Louis O’Soup Donald Atchison joined Saskatoon Tribal Council in Winnipeg recently the Royal Procla - and Joe Cote and others from Cowesess, Vice Chief Geraldine Arcand, President of the mation of 1763 must also be recog - Pasquah and Moscowpetung. Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Robert Doucette, nized as part of the legal witchcraft by We have a rich store of more recent SaskCulture Board Member, James Winkel, and artist Jill Anholt, to kick off Culture Days 2013 with Sum Theatre’s ‘Walk the Trail’ performance and the unveiling of the new Moose which the British stole the Indian lands role models as well in our local history, Jaw Trail Public Art Sculpture. over which Canada now asserts de including the author the Rev. Edward facto authority. In the story of the Ahenakew whose book documents the Royal Proclamation we meet Pontiac, story of Chief Thunderchild and the one of the many indigenous role Plains Cree. In Manitoba, Chief Dave models from history. It was the Courchene of Sagkeeng was a leader political and military action of Pontiac in the evolution of modern First Nation (Obwandiyag) and his allies that politics, as was Ahab Spence, an old compelled the British to seek peace, friend from Split Lake in northern and from which actions came the Manitoba, the President of the Royal Proclamation. The lesson is that Manitoba Indian Brotherhood who political action is what leads to legal spent much time in Saskatchewan. The action and which is more important in Rev. Ahab was a member of the the long run. National Forum on Secondary Turning to the Western Plains, the Education and of the Standing stories of Gabriel Dumont and Louis Committee on Native Languages in Riel are well-known on account of Canada who was awarded the Centen - their roles in the troubles of 1885 along nial Medal in 1967 and the Order of the Saskatchewan River, but a closer Canada in 1982. look at our history reveals other leaders A people sets its own destiny in who surely are candidates as role part by making its own history. models for today. Neil McLeod, the Thereby it affirms its sense of identity Saskatchewan Cree philosopher, and identifies the values and things it author and humorist, has done a great holds dear. Its history inspires future job in revealing the story of Mistahi generations. Musqua, commonly known at Big What is the role of the schools and Bear, whose resistance to the enclosure of the education system in remember - of the Cree into small reserves by the ing this history of role models and their government deserves to buy him a contributions? How much of the place in the annals of heroes of the stories of our local heroes is known region. and honoured in the schools, whether Role models who resist the on reserves or in the public schools assertion of unconscionable power system? sometimes end up in jail, and along Must not the system of education with Poundmaker, another Treaty Six and the telling of the stories of local leader, Big Bear spent time in Stony role models operate together? Or Mountain penitentiary, a true political should we be waiting for Hollywood prisoner in the foreboding federal to discover our true stories of inspira - prison which sits on a rise in the plains tion? OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News - Role Models 7

Joanna Potyondi was presented the Most Honourable Métis Woman by organizer Ashley Norton. Merelda Fiddler received the Journalism Award from Eagle FWeathieri Ncewhs’ ivehry iowwn Sandyras Aheniaknewa. wn Foundation honours ten Métis achievers

By Judy Bird Calvin Racette was presented with the involved in education as an advisor on the inclusion of Métis People and their rights For Eagle Feather News Gabriel Dumont Award in the Education Dumont Institute board and as a teacher’s aide in the constitution. en people in the Métis community category. A teacher, writer, and historian, with the Catholic Schools in Yorkton. Most The Wiichihiwayshinawn Foundation have been recognized and Racette has worked in First Nation and recently, was crowned Mrs. Batoche 2013. board members are already thinking ahead honoured for their varied and Métis education for 33 years, and holds The Portrait of Honour and Lifetime to next year’s awards show, and are working lengthy achievements. strong his belief about the importance of Achievement award was given posthu - on taking the event to a different community TThe honours were part of the 2013 education to help his community succeed. mously to Harry Daniels, and was accepted so it is more accessible to people in rural areas. Metis Awards, the second year for the “Being recognized by the community by his daughter Chigal Wightman Daniels. Other award winners included: awards, presented in Regina by the is pretty special. I feel that they validated Harry Daniels was a founding member of Social Justice - The Louis Riel Award: Wiichihiwayshinawn Foundation. me tonight and I feel good about that,” the Métis Society of Saskatchewan and an Richard Charette Wiichihiwayshinawn (pronounced said Racette. active leader in politics and business, Community & Social Development: wee-chee-way-sha-nan) is the Founda - He also had a chance meeting with working for improved social conditions for Wayne McKenzie tion’s Michif name which means ‘we are some parents of former students at the aboriginal people in Canada. One of his Youth Award: Victoria Bourassa helpers’. The Foundation began in 2011 event, and learned of the impact he had. most notable roles as a leader was during Arts Award: David Garneau to promote achievements of Métis people, “I had a couple of parents come up to the national Constitutional negotiations in Entrepreneur: Jean Gray empower Métis women and to preserve me here tonight and say, ‘you know we the 1970s and ‘80s, when he fought for the Science & Wellness: Karen LaRocque culture and tradition. Current board have a couple of girls who are teachers, members include Ashley Norton, Samatha and they said they are teachers because of Racette, Gina Angelski and Elder you, and we want to thank you for encour - Geraldine Harris. aging them and supporting them when Organizers added music to this year’s they were in school.’ They were my event. Métis musicians Phil and Dallas students when they were in Grade 7.” Boyer kept toes tapping with their fiddle Merelda Fiddler won the Journalism and guitar tunes before the program began Award, presented by Eagle Feather News. and during intermission. The official Fiddler is used to being behind the scenes, program began with a grand entry, then an but was honoured to be put front and honour song performed by the Rainwater center at the event. Singers. The women’s drum group, led by “It’s a little awkward,” she said. “As Elder Betty McKenna, drum for the I said (in my acceptance speech), if you’re purpose of healing and connection. doing journalism well, you shouldn’t be Hosts Keon Francis and Sean Dean, of the focus, everybody else should be and The Bionic Bannock Boys, entertained the you should just be putting their stories out guests with their comedic banter, which was there, but I’d have to say it is great to share sometimes in song, and with a bit of teasing. (receiving this award) with family.” Keynote speaker Roger Ross, of The Most Honourable Métis Woman CreeRunner Communications, touched award went to Joanna Potyondi for her on the Awards’ night theme, Strong Metis life-long dedication to proudly promoting Women. He reminisced about the strong and sharing her culture. women in his life, including his grand - “It’s a huge honour,” she said. “There mother and aunties, and how wonderful are so many women who should have an it was growing up with them. honour like this, so many Métis women “They taught me how to be strong,” who are educated and have done so much he said. He reflected on growing up in with their life.” north central Regina, being in school, and Potyondi is proud of her Métis roots the impact these women had on his life. which trace back to Métis leader Cuthbert “Being tough will get you through Grant, and eagerly shares her knowledge school, but being strong will get you of Métis history. She inspires and through life.” motivates Métis women to be the best they The main attraction was the awards can be and to rise above challenges. program, with categories of Social Justice, Her skills and contributions are varied. Community and Social Development, She taught upholstery for 22 years, makes Education, Youth, Arts, Journalism, Entre - capotes, vests and bags, sat on numerous preneur, Science and Wellness, Most boards and committees, including a provin - Honourable Metis Woman and Portrait of cial justice committee, a traditional elders Honour and Lifetime Achievement. Ministerial Advisory Committee, has been 8 Eagle Feather News - Health OCTOBER 2013 There is help for victims of domestic abuse

here are a lot of angry people walking the streets in Saskatchewan and not just crazy Rider fans either. There are mean, nasty, proud “wife beater shirt” wearing knuckleheads walking the streets in a community near you. TWhy do we allow men and society for that matter, to call these undershirts wife beaters? I have heard jokes about women using their rolling pins as husband hitters but the name isn’t as widely accepted as a wife beater shirt. We can joke and attempt to minimize the hidden truth about domestic violence, but abuse is abuse and this is an epidemic in our communities which has to stop. According to Statistics Canada: “Provincially, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have consistently recorded provincial rates of police reported violent crimes, had the rates of violence against women in 2011 that were double the national rate. The rate of violent crime against women in Nunavut was nearly 13 times higher than the rate for Canada.” Men who assault their partners rarely assault their friends, neighbors, bosses or strangers. If we don’t witness the abuse does that mean it isn’t happening? I’ve heard people say, “He’s such a great guy; he would never do that to his spouse.” Although some people don’t see violence against women as a serious matter, or is a private matter, we have to change these attitudes. Abuse thrives in secrecy so let’s make a collective effort to bring the issue into the open where it belongs; no human being deserves to be living in terror. There are shelters for victims of domestic violence that are filled to capacity and women and children waiting for a safe place to stay. Let your Chief and Council and other elected representatives know that violence against women in Canada and in your community is a huge problem. Ask them what they are doing to end violence against women. Ask yourself, “If not you, who? If not now, when?” So why do women stay in an abusive relationship? Some women stay because they have a strong belief in keeping the family together; sometimes relatives or in-laws blame the woman for the abuse and insist that she stay. Some women even think that the abuse is normal and if her man doesn’t hit her then he doesn’t love her. We all need to change the way we perceive violence. Don’t turn your head or pretend you didn’t hear it – call the police if you witness violence and listen to the victim if they choose to share their experience with you. We all need someone who will listen. Now fellas, don’t get your sleeveless undershirt in a knot, I know that not all women are victims; sometimes they are the abuser. Either way let us all recognize that we must stop being abusive to the people we love and begin to take that first step towards healing. There are domestic violence prevention programs out there to help. If you are experiencing violence in your life remember there are people who care and are ready to listen. If you have painful memories of past abuse, reach out for help, now. It’s okay to talk about it. In Saskatchewan contact Circle Project Association Inc, Regina, Kanawey - imik Child and Family Services, Battleford, Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friend - ship Centre, Prince Albert and Sign Inc. in Yorkton. If you are living on a First Nations contact your Band Office or Health Centre and find out if there is an Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Program in your community. “There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.” Keep your letters and emails coming? Send your questions or comments to: Sandee Sez c/o Eagle Feather News P.O. Box 924 ST Main Saskatoon, SKK 3M4 or email [email protected] OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News - Health 9 Healthy menus and weight control: Wisdom about Dietary Practices

gricultural use of antibiotics results in drug residue and antibiotic-resistance bacteria in the foods we eat. The effect of this low- grade, long-term exposure on children or adults is Aunclear. What is clear is that our use of antibi - otics in A SPECIAL DAY medicine Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Secretary May Henderson and President Robert Doucette presented former must take Prime Minister Paul Martin with a framed historic political cartoon. It was a special day for Henderson this addi - who was at Oskayak High School for an announcement just one day after finding out that she was going tional to be a recipient of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. The Saskatchewan Order of Merit is a prestigious exposure into account. You as a consumer of food recognition of excellence, achievement and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being should demand, through your purchasing power, that of the province and its residents. May is certainly deserving and will join six others to be inducted in early only antibiotic-free milk and meat be made available. November in Regina. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) As a consumer of healthcare, you should use antibi - otics with a physician who is open to holistic ways and is open to dietary, nutrition’s options. • Too much fruit juice is a carbohydrate, in other words sugar • Treat raw honey as you would any other sugar, use it sparingly • A study by Cherasken and Ringsdorf has shown that when sugar is ingested, the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria can fall by as much as 60 per cent. Excessive sugar inhibits fatty acid metabolism because it is high in calories but lacks the nutrients needed to make enzymes work properly. High intakes of sugar also decreases the need for magnesium and increases the amount of magnesium excreted in the urine. I suggest you read the labels carefully. Any time sugar appears among the top five or six ingre - dients, don’t buy the product. • Food sensitivity can be induced by over- consuming a given food every day for a long period. The average soft drink contains nine teaspoons of sugar. Cola drinks contain high amounts of phos - phoric acid, which binds with magnesium and pulls it out of the body. • Lead and mercury are other factors that may interfere with proper metabolism and contribute to the development of food allergies. When lead and mercury bind with digestive enzymes, the enzymes become inactivates. In this state, the enzyme cannot carry out their task of breaking down food properly. The result is impaired digestion, impaired absorp - tion and the development of food allergies. • When dietary fiber intake in low, the transit of food resides in the intestine for much longer than normal. This creates an environment in which intes - tinal bacteria can begin to ferment in the intestine. The diet must be carefully evaluated to detect any significant imbalances in nutrient intake. • This is why we look towards guidance from doctors of all backgrounds for good health.

www.companionhealthoasis.com 10 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture OCTOBER 2013 Passion and prejudices: Reflections of a female writer

avid Gilmour, a writer, University of Toronto pee your pants (note: bring extra pants to class.) My instructor and heterosexual guys-guy, says favourite essay is when he has to ride a bus standing that he only teaches courses about writers up because someone stole his seat and he’s too timid that he is truly passionate about and “(u)nfortunate - to ask for it back. The description of him standing Dly none of those happen to be Chinese, or women.” and watching the countryside fly by, feeling As a female writer who only writes with Chinese everyone’s eyes on him and pretending that he food on her breath, I can’t help but feel a bit doesn’t care, makes the horrific experience of going perturbed. to the movies alone and pretending to answer texts Gilmore says this isn’t because women or to marry him. And then Elizabeth delivers the verbal on my phone, pale in comparison. Chinese writers aren’t good writers but rather bitch slap of the century:“From the very beginning— 4. Facebook Statuses: In this part of the class because “he’s a middle aged man and he’s interest - from the first moment, I may almost say— of my we will read aloud absurd Facebook posts, such as: ed in middle-aged writers.” I hadn’t realized until acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing “I’m not racist, I have many coloured friends,” or the this point that neither women nor Chinese people me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your merely inexplicable “at the hospital with my could become middle-aged. I guess we just leap from conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of grandma, tongue ring is healing well.” I don’t believe youth to elderly in a single bound. others, were such as to form the groundwork of disap - in laughing at others’ misfortunes but if people are But Gilmour deserves neither censure nor praise probation on which succeeding events have built so determined to expose themselves and their bad – dude wants to teach what he wants to teach and if immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a grammar on the Internet, then we should - nay we you don’t like it, then you don’t have to spend your month before I felt that you were the last man in the must - take advantage of their attention-whoring tuition money on it. Although the name of his class, world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.” ways. “Love, Sex and Death in Short Fiction,” should be Ooh, snap. Hey Darcy – your jaw just called – it’s 5. After Dark by Haruki Murakami: This other - renamed, “What Old White Guys Think about Love, on the floor and you need to pick it up! worldly author will make wonder if you are alive or Sex and Death in Short Fiction.” 2. Dairy Queen Blizzards: Technically a food, dead, asleep or awake. While reading his work, I’ve Teaching a university course ranks third on my not a book, but you are required to bring this dessert found myself standing in traffic in my PJ’s - it’s that list of ideal jobs (right behind “International Jewel treat to every class and – this is the tough part – it has mind-addling! (Or maybe, I need to cut back on the Thief” and “Person Who Pets Horses”), and if I got to be an interesting concoction because you will be super-juice.) I don’t even know if you can learn what my wish, the items below would be on the required marked on inventiveness and courage, i.e. a skor Murakami has to say, I think you can only experi - reading list for my course, tentatively titled, “All bar/banana/black liquorice combo will get you only ence it. That is Best in Life”: a “C.” So there you go, a syllabus that reflects my 1. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: We 3. Naked by David Sedaris: Sedaris is a personal passions and as such will only be attended wouldn’t read the entire book, just the juicy parts like memoirist who writes short stories about stuff that by my most patient and or drunk friends. where Mr. Darcy tells Elizabeth Bennett that – happens to him. None of it is self-aggrandizing, it’s I’ll email the U of T and see if they’re interest - against his better judgment – he’s decided to ask her brutally honest and weird and so funny that you will ed in running it. OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture 11 The Ripple Effect

Eagle Feather News writer Dawn Dumont interviews derstood about Métis people in writer/actor PJ Prudat about her upcoming writing Saskatchewan? Like, for instance, project with SaskNative Theatre’s Circle of Voices group. is it true that they can see in the Dawn: So, what is the Circle of Voices? Explain it to me dark? as if I were a three-year-old, but a bright three-year-old, PJ: I still get people asking “how like that kid in that movie Little Man Tate with Jodie Métis are you?” And it happens Foster. everywhere I go. It opens up this PJ: It’s the youth theatre program at SNTC. It can dialogue and I have to explain be a range of different ages of young actors and because our history isn’t well- writers. Circle of Voices is about collaboration. I come known. That question relates up with the storyline but once we get into workshop back to the play. People don’t mode, the COV group influences it from their realize how massive in time this perspective. was in history not just for Métis Dawn: The play focusses on Hugh Richardson’s sentenc - people but for all of Canada. The ing of Louis Riel – why did you choose this time in events still impact us today, espe - history? cially for Metis people fighting to PJ: It’s just a jumping off point. As much as I love be acknowledged by history and history, this play isn’t going to be a history piece. The by government. At least now, thing that happened to Louis Riel was such a massive there doesn’t have to have such a punishment for the Métis people. It was like a ripple horrific outcome – the death of effect that radiated outwards from that execution. Riel – but I feel that there is that Dawn: I thought you said nipple for a second. Ripple same fight for survival and for makes more sense. fairness and equality. PJ: I’m interested in examining the impact on Dawn: What kind of education do families. People in the same family can have different you have and does it help you in stories, different perspectives. I’m also interested in your work as an actress and writer? PJ Prudat is collaborating with Circle of Voices at SaskNative Theatre. tall stories and I want the actors to play with and PJ: I have a BA in Drama with a minor in Anthro - thought about it. gamble with these exaggerated stories. I chose pology. I tried to get into a theatre conservatory Dawn: (Gasp) Richardson as a subject because of a story that I program for years – but in hindsight, I was glad I PJ: I’ll talk to the theatre community and we can fix heard about him. The story was about his household didn’t. Because the program I got into allowed me to that. I remember working on a play in Edmonton and from the eyes of housekeepers. We don’t tend to hear look at many different aspects of the arts like visual all these students showed up for the show with their from that point of view when it comes to history. arts and music. It’s made me more open – for chocolate bars and popcorn – and I was like these Dawn: Because you’re writing about something that whatever reason I was meant to have a more gener - guys are ready to go! actually happened do you feel a different responsibility alized education. I didn’t know what I was doing until Dawn: So we have a precedent – that’s all I needed to than if you just made it all up – like when I’m writing an half way through and now I know that there is hear. online dating profile for myself? nothing else I would have loved more or given so The COV program runs from October to March. The new PJ: I feel like I am making it up. There’ll be specific much of myself over to – than story-telling. group of participants start the second week of October. historical documents to tell the story so I’m writing Dawn: Movies are in theatres and plays are in theatres – Their show, Reunir by PJ Prudat – inspired by the from an informed point of view but I’m also inter - but movies have popcorn and theatres don’t – can you sentencing of Louis Riel by Hugh Richardson – will ested in the story telling aspect. explain why this travesty exists? premiere in the spring of 2014 at STUDIO 914 (home of Dawn: What do you feel is the thing that is most misun - PJ: As a child, I never ate popcorn so I never SNTC). 12 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture OCTOBER 2013 Exhibit honours Indigenous Group of 7 artists

By Jessica Laplante For Eagle Feather News new exhibit at Regina’s MacKenzie Art Gallery will honour the achievements of a historical and ground breaking Indigenous artists’ alliance. The exhibition, 7: Professional Native Indian Artists AInc., is the accomplishment of six years of research and development by MacKenzie associate curator, Michelle LaVallee. Visitors to the gallery will have the opportu - nity to view over 120 works, including recently uncovered masterworks which have not been accessible to the public for many years. Artists Norval Morrisseau, Daphne Odjig, Alex Janvier, Carl Ray, Joseph Sanchez, Jackson Beardy and Eddy Cobiness came together to fight for the recogni - tion of Indigenous artists during a time when they were being excluded from contemporary Canadian Art insti - tutions. The group began to meet in the 1970s and offi - cially incorporated in 1974, becoming the first self- organized and legally incorporated First Nations artists’ organization in Canada. “It is our conviction that people should have the opportunity to know these artists and appreciate their work, individually and in collective exhibitions such as 7,” said Jeremy Morgan, Executive Director of The MacKenzie Art Gallery. ‘We believe this exposure contributes to the devel - opment of a healthier, more equitable community.” The retrospective allows gallery visitors to engage Artists Alex Janvier and Joseph Sanchez look on at the opening of 7:Native Indian Artists Inc. at the with each artist’s distinctive style and also appreciate MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina. their collective artistic impact. And 7 offers insight into the vibrant vision that was not hindered by the margin - That was my humble start, ” said Janvier. Alberta. Janvier completed his Fine Arts diploma with alization and challenges each artist experienced within He continued to develop his craft while attending Honours at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. mainstream Canadian society. residential school. The exhibition is a powerful testament to the Two of the three surviving artists, Alex Janvier and “Every Friday, from about two o’clock until four we resilience of the Indigenous spirit. Joseph Sanchez, were in attendance during the opening would do art. That was the only time in that whole school “We are caring people, we are intelligent people. events for the exhibition. that I was feeling myself … deeply feeling that I was That’s why we are still alive. And these paintings here Janvier, of Dene and Saulteaux heritage, became reaching myself. Those were precious moments.” pretty well tell that story,” says Janvier. interested in art at a young age on the Cold Lake First Following residential school, Janvier was accepted 7 will be at the MacKenzie Art Gallery until January Nation. into The Art College of Ontario. However, due to the and will tour Canada from 2014-2016. “After the rain, the ground is nice and smooth. I legislation of a pass and permit system imposed on First Additional information is available at www.macken - would have a long stick and I would be drawing pictures. Nations, he was restricted to pursue his education in zieartgallery.ca OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News - Small Business 13 14 Eagle Feather News - Forum stresses importance of building on-reserve economies

By John Lagimodiere er and is Chair of the Committee. He Of Eagle Feather News promotes business at every turn. e need to go get it,” “We use events like this to said Gary ‘Litefoot’ elevate the conversation on Davis in a keynote business. We have some of the address to eager economic develop - leaders of some of the most success - “ment W proponents. ful joint ventures and business in the “We spend too much energy Aboriginal community of pointing fingers at everyone else than Saskatchewan. The information figuring out what we can do to help they shared was invaluable,” said ourselves.” Tootoosis. Davis, the President and CEO of the Panel participants included National Center for American Indian notable business minds such as Vern Enterprise Development spoke some Biachu, Paul Favel, FHQTC Tribal inspiring words at the Building Blocks President Edmund Bellegarde, for Economic Development Forum held Geoff Gay CEO of Athabasca Basin in September. Development and Brad Darbyshire “Being an entrepreneur is not new CEO of Points Athabasca. to us, but we have to open up to the Panel discussions focused on world and start with our strengths and their success and how they achieved core values. There is not one Tribe in the it. With many big businesses owned United States that has an economy. By Gary Davis, Gilles Dorval of the City of Saskatoon, FHQTC Tribal Representative Edmund by First Nation groups employing that I mean we can’t keep a dollar in our Bellegarde, Leanne Bellegarde of PotashCorp, Bernie Ness of SREDA and Milton Tootoosis on-reserve citizens, money is community that touches seven hands. from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner gathered for a photo at the First Nations starting to flow into communities. “We need to attract new money and Economic Development Forum. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) The opportunity is now to make keep it in our communities.” leave for everything,” said Merasty. “If we initiative housed at the Office of the Treaty sure that money can circulate in that Gary Merasty agrees with Davis. need a haircut, to get our car fixed, to do Commissioner with strategic priorities to community, thereby spreading the wealth Merasty is the President and COO of Des our taxes we always have to go to the assist in promoting and development and eventually creating an economy. But Nedhe, the highly successful business arm nearby town. Small and medium busi - opportunities including Aboriginal entre - it takes time and patience. of English River First Nation and he nesses are the backbone of the economy preneurship and First Nation economic “Everyone has to take their own path opened the forum with some realities of and we have to build that.” development. to success,” said Vern Biachu who is the business or lack thereof on many reserve The Forum was hosted by the Milton Tootoosis is the Director of manager of the BRIDG Program. communities. Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Livelihood and Economic Independence “Don’t expect to hit too many home “In my home community we have to Development Network, a service-oriented for the Office of the Treaty Commission - runs. Long term success is a real grind.” Small Business Week 15

Brandy-Lee Maxi and her daughter Valyncia were inter - viewed by CBC after their PowFit demonstration to the Boom Box judges.

Boom Box winner plans to invest in her business

• Continued from Page One “I often get emotional about this topic but it is something I truly believe in.” Brandy-Lee Maxi took second with her powwow based fitness program that aims to get people moving and healthy based on culture and tradition. Steph’s Cakes incor - porates traditional Aboriginal designs on cakes that turn out like works of art that are as tasty as they are beautiful. Ross has become somewhat of a hometown sensation in Meadow Lake. “I have been getting a ton of attention around home. It seems like everyone knows who I am now and I feel like I have the whole city rooting for me,” she added including that her mom was very proud of her. Like any good entrepreneur, she intends to get some business training and invest the money right back into her business. “I want to expand my inventory and add V- neck T-shirts and hats and try out some new designs and slogans, invest a fair bit of money into advertising and much more. I have a lot of JANA ROSS plans for this money!” 16 Eagle Feather News - Small Business OCTOBER 2013 Entrepreneur launches website for Indigenous artisans

By Fraser Needham her own hands. “We seem to be reaching about 12 to 17 additional For Eagle Feather News The Saskatoon-based First Nation entrepreneur users every hour,” she says. hen Heather Abbey got tired of trying to launched ShopIndigenous.ca last month, a website “We had about 350 items on the website at launch find authentic Indigenous merchandise on that has 24 categories and sub-categories of merchan - and right now that’s hit almost 500 items and the users the web, she decided to take matters into dise including jewelry, music, fine art and much more. are coming in from everywhere.” Abbey says the She says if you are interested in something by an W idea behind the site Aboriginal artisan, chances are you can find it on this is to link Aboriginal site. artisans with “There are accessories such as star blankets, potential buyers in a music, household items – basically anything you can low-cost and think of from beaded earrings all the way to mukluks effective way. and moccasins.” “I saw a need Abbey has already won various awards for her definitely as there business acumen. She was selected as “Wilson’s Wild are dozens and Card” on CBC’s 2012 Aboriginal Boom Box compe - hundreds of Aborig - tition and ended up taking home third place. inal artisans, they Abbey was also awarded capital for placing in the had nowhere to sell top 10 in the SK Progress2Capital Business Compe - their stuff, they tition, placed in top three in the Mino-Bimaadiziwin couldn’t access the Youth Business Plan Competition and first in the 2013 markets, they didn’t Aboriginal Youth Idea Challenge. have the knowledge All of this is quite a long way from being a single or ability to access a mother on social assistance just a few short years ago. global market for “I always was driven, it’s just the circumstances sure,” she says. that surrounded me, I wasn’t able to access the credit “It’s just a and I didn’t have the completed business plan,” she matter of conven - explains. ience and accessibil - “It was just a matter of growing more as an entre - ity for them.” preneur, as a woman and a mother and combining all Abbey adds that those into creating a blueprint and following it to a although the website successful launch of this website.” is still in its early Abbey is a member of the Little Pine First Nation. Heather Abbey recognized an opportunity to help Indigenous artisans and put her stages, interest She recently moved from Regina to Saskatoon to business plan into action. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) seems high so far. launch the ShopIndigenous.ca website. OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News 17

During the trip to mark the Royal Proclamation Canadian Indigenous Chiefs and delegation took part in a Wreath-laying and Pipe Ceremony honouring First Nations loyalty and defence of the Crown. From left: Col. M. Makulowich, Army Adviser at the High Commission, Grand Chief Ray Sanderson (Master Corporal) Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association, Chief Perry Bellegarde (Feder - ation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations), Mr. Philip Favel (World War II, D-Day Veteran), Mr. Edward Baldhead (World War II Veteran), Lt. Col. Rev. Dr. William Beaver (Chaplain). (Photo courtesy of Valerie Galley) Chiefs travel to England to mark 250th anniversary of 1763 Royal Proclamation

he Federation of Saskatchewan from Canada took part in a ceremony to Indian Nations delegation marked recognize the relationship with the Crown the 250th anniversary of the Royal in Green Park at the Canada Memorial in Proclamation of 1763 with a ceremony at London, England. Spearheaded by Chief Tthe Canada Memorial in Green Park, Bellegarde, this trip and the members of London. A brief reception was held at this delegation, especially elders, remind Canada House in Trafalgar Square us that Treaties entered into in the 18th followed by the Pipe Ceremony. and 19th centuries are international and “As indigenous peoples, it is very living agreements, and that they merit important for us to be here because the being honoured today. Royal Proclamation of 1763 represents the “The Royal Proclamation recognizes first time that the Crown recognized indige - our right to self-determination as it recog - nous peoples’ title to lands and territories,” nizes indigenous peoples as nations and stated FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde. tribes,” said Willie Littlechild who is the “The Royal Proclamation is funda - Treaty Six (Alberta) International mental to the legal framework for First Spokesperson, a Truth and Reconciliation Nations in Canada and is referenced in Commissioner and the North American Canada’s Constitution. The Proclamation Representative to the UN Expert also laid the foundation for the Crown to Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous enter into Treaties with First Nations as Peoples. they did in the late 1800s. Being here to “The UN Declaration on the Rights maintain that relationship with the Crown of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the UN is essential for maintaining and recogniz - General Assembly in 2007 and by Canada ing our inherent and treaty rights. in 2010, calls upon us to collectively work “We are here to demonstrate that with our Treaty partners to resolve our Treaties are still alive and that the terms issues, differences and our rights. have yet to be honoured according to their “The relationship from the indige - spirit and intent,” added Bellegarde. nous perspective is about peace, friend - A delegation of more than 30 First ship and respect. This is how our rela - Nations Chiefs, Veterans, Elders and tionship was viewed with the Crown,” Leaders, representing indigenous peoples Littlechild concluded.

Indigenous leaders from across Canada ventured to Britain to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Royal Proclamation. 18 Eagle Feather News - Education Week OCTOBER 2013 First Nations University celebrates 10 years

By Judy Bird Students were thanked for choosing For Eagle Feather News the university, and faculty and staff were he First Nations University of recognized for their years of service and Canada marked its 10th anniver - contributions to the success of the institu - sary with a celebration at the tion. Regina Campus on September 12. The Jacqueline Anaquod, president of the Tevent began with a pipe ceremony in the FNU Student Association and a fourth morning, and the official program opened year student in Health Studies, spoke of with prayer, led by Elder Audrey her experience as a student and single Cochrane. parent, noting that along with the uncer - Joining the celebration were Lt.-Gov. tainty of the university’s future, students Vaughn Solomon Schofield, federal, also faced personal challenges, such as provincial and municipal governments life pressures and identity struggles. With representatives, First Nations chiefs, past the support of faculty, staff, resident FNU presidents Eber Hampton and Elders, and each other, students were able Shauneen Pete, University of Regina and to overcome these challenges. other dignitaries, past and present “To me, the university is a symbol of Jacqueline Anaquod is the President of the First Nations University of Canada (Photo by Judy Bird) students, staff and faculty. all the struggles and everything we have Student Association and sees the University as a role model. FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde remi - fought for,” said Anaquod. “I am so proud of this institution,” education, one has to make it a way of life, nisced about the event in 2003, having “To see it come up from the ground said Vianne Timmons, University of as education is a life-long process.” been present when Prince Edward, official to what it is today is a very beautiful thing. Regina President. Chief Bellegarde later echoed that representative of Queen Elizabeth II, offi - I think it’s a really great reflection of In 2010, Timmons played an integral sentiment in a private interview. cially opened the university. In his speech, where we’re going to go in the future. This role in creating a financial and adminis - “Our old people always say you’re Bellegarde noted that the event was university is a role model of who I want trative partnership between the U of R and going to need two systems of education if occurring at the same time as the Treaty 4 to be in today’s world. FNU to ensure FNU would be able to you’re going to survive in this world: K- celebrations in Fort Qu’Appelle, and that “I want to be able to walk and carry continue functioning as a university. 12, maths and sciences, go on to universi - both served as a reminder of the agreement the attributes of the tradition, innovation “It’s got strong governance, it’s got a ty, but do not ever forget your languages made between the Crown and First and leadership wherever I go when I leave strong financial foundation now, it is and ceremonies, traditions and customs. Nations people when the treaty was signed here, and I’m excited.” working on enrollment increases, outreach That’s what this place offers. in 1874. While the struggles for accreditation to the community. I feel nothing but “Everybody can come to this institu - The 10-year journey hasn’t been and funding are no longer at the forefront, absolute pride and immense optimism.” tion and get a really good bicultural smooth for the First Nations University of the challenge remains for increasing She praised the First Nations Univer - education,” said Bellegarde. Canada. It began with celebration and enrollment. During troubled times, sity for its unique focus and courses, and “The First Nations University of growth, but experienced disruption, loss, students rallied and campaigned vigor - looks forward to the future with optimism Canada is a gem. It’s the only place in the struggle and change. Years of accusations ously to save and promote their universi - and hope. She acknowledged the late world where you have indigenous about financial mismanagement, funding ty. Their efforts contributed to the insti - Elders Isador Pelletier and Velma Good - knowledge preserved and kept, from the cuts and threats of losing accreditation tution’s survival and improved enroll - feather and how they would be proud to languages, to the worldview and cere - took a toll on student enrollment, program - ment. In 2010, 750 students were enrolled, see the university celebrate this milestone. monies, to teaching science from an ming and faculty and staff jobs. Through but the numbers dropped the following Timmons shared a quote from Good - Indigenous perspective.” all the challenges, the university has year. Through recruitment efforts, this fall, feather as a reminder of the university’s After the official program, the cele - triumphed, and it continues to be a beacon FNU has 755 students enrolled and important role and the key for students’ bration continued with a mix and mingle for students seeking advanced education reaches 4,000 students on campus through success. lunch with students, faculty and staff, from an Indigenous perspective. its classes. “In order to achieve your goal in followed by a mini powwow. OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News - Education Week 19 Couple supported University of Saskatchewan students Trista each other Pewapisconias and Jason Smith will be convocating with in purusit MBAs in October. of MBAs

By Jessica Iron Joseph For Eagle Feather News f you take a business-like approach to life, things just might fall easily into place, and with a little more finesse. Just ask Jason (Jay) Smith and Trista Pewapisco - nias, a couple who have managed to juggle a relationship, family, and work while they were simultaneously enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program Ithrough Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan. It all started with a five-year plan, where they both dared to dream of pursuing a higher education. It wasn’t easy, there were financial challenges and conflicting schedules, but the biggest barrier was initially finding the courage to apply. “I was always intimidated by people who have a Master’s degree,” confessed Pewapisconias. “But I decided if I could do it, then everyone is capable of continuing their education. “Also networking and getting out of your comfort zone is crucial to business. I’m a shy person and it’s something I work at on a daily basis.” Smith echoed his partner’s sentiments. “It is very scary to try something new and get involved in higher education,” he said. “A lot of the time it’s stressful to do something you are unsure of, but there comes a time when you have to get out there and accomplish something. “No one can do it for you. You have to do it for yourself.” Both had trouble accessing funding, but they didn’t let that stop them. They believe their bands simply prioritized funding for undergraduate students, so they accepted that they would have to find other means to continue in their programs. They received scholarships and applied for student loans and student lines of credit. Smith also worked full-time at Saskatchewan Indian “No one Equity Foundation (SIEF). But perhaps what most got them through was being each other’s biggest can do it supporters. That and alternating classes with child care and family obligations – quintessential teamwork at its best. for you. They both believe that programs like the MBA program are not only advanta - geous to First Nations people, but You have to necessary. “Any program that puts First Nations do it for business people on a level playing field in any industry is a positive step,” said Pewapisconias. yourself.” “There is such a disparity between First Nations people and the rest of the Canadian population in terms of quality of education. I believe that business skill and understanding of good business is the next step in evolving First Nations business effectiveness,” said Smith. “Remaining humble is also very important in doing business. Every time you treat someone with disrespect you lose them as a potential resource in the future.” They just returned from China, a mandatory component of their program, and are now looking forward to convocation in October. “It is so exciting and I cannot wait for it. It will be so surreal. During the ceremony I know that the feeling will be multiplied by a million,” said Smith. Smith just accepted a position as First Nations Account Manager for Affinity Credit Union for southern Saskatchewan. Pewapsconias is still waiting for the right opportu - nity to present itself. “I would love to work for an organization where I could make a difference,” said Pewapsconias. 20 Eagle Feather News - Education OCTOBER 2013 Cree language students eagerly tackle new language

By Roberta Cross Alison Kakish travelled For Eagle Feather News from Alberta to participate, nderstanding stretched far beyond words in July preparing for her new during a four-day accelerated Cree immersion Meadow Lake teaching job. course. Teachers Belinda Daniels and Randy “I’m amazed at how Morin created a Nehiyaw (Cree) learning space for a full much has stuck,” she says. “I Uclass of adults. just remember the words. It’s Daniels developed the course over ten years, based pretty crazy.” on Stephen Greymorning’s model. With a Masters in While most students language methodologies and having learned Cree as a were non-Cree, Kakish second language, she knows students’ challenges. observes that “all of us really Daniels believes in language revitalization and in wanted to be there, and it teaching excellence. made all the difference.” Students from three countries and two provinces compose Cree sentences with “Language development isn’t just delivering content, Kim-Cragg is encouragement from teacher Belinda Daniels. it’s knowing how the brain works, and how to stimulate committed to do something memory cognition,” says Daniels. about Canada’s racial “Randy and Belinda brought themselves, and Morin’s first language is Cree, and he has taught with divisions and the negative effects of colonialism after touched people here with language,” says Butt. “That Daniels for five years. He holds degrees in both Arts and experiencing the TRC event in Saskatoon. multiplies, like when trees blossom and pollen goes Education. “I didn’t think it would be language learning,” he everywhere. Everyone breathes it in.” “I am most happy with teaching stories that come says, “but it’s a good fit.” from learning a language,” Morin says. “Stories stick Now he has more confidence talking to others about with students.” reconciliation. Two native Cree speakers assisted. Bill Cook offered “Personally, it’s made me happier. I feel rich, even songs, games and taught syllabics and Delvin just having scratched the surface,” says Pringle. Kanēwiyakin shared cultural and spiritual teachings. “I respect First Nations tradition and culture. This Students repeated words together, then individuals class is the piece I’ve been missing. I have felt insincere went to the board to speak and point to images. by not understanding the language, because language is “A communal way, an embodied way, keeps people how you understand culture.” awake,” Daniels says. Sigrid Wagner, an engineer from Switzerland, was “Making sign language, looking at pictures, speaking energized by the holistic teaching and “depth of meaning and listening to the words created a fully engaged expe - in between the sentences, rience,” said Omeasoo Butt, a PhD candidate. letters and syllabics.” Through this method, students start speaking right There was meaning for away. the teachers, too. “I know many were surprised by how fast they were “When I teach the learning,” says Morin. Nehiyaw language to willing “There was no time to be bored,” says David Kim- students, it fills my heart Cragg, a United Church Minister, “but there was time to with pride because it tells me be frustrated!” that there are people out Many students found it painful not to grab a pen. there who are willing to fight Some had anxious faces saying unfamiliar words in front for the survival of the of others. While uncomfortable, this indigenous way of language for future genera - learning was powerful. tions,” says Morin. “I have overcome some of my fears,” said Bob Daniels believes Pringle, the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and “learning language is the key Youth, with pride. to unlocking misconceptions The teachers were inclusive, enthusiastic and caring. and ignorance.” She sees “I never felt I was struggling on my own,” adds Kim- more Cree and non-Cree Cragg. “If everyone was messing up, you could laugh people coming to classes, and ask your friend for help.” making possible a new era of collaboration.

Cree language teacher Randy Morin teaches the group new words. 0CTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News - Health 21 22 Eagle Feather News - Education OCTOBER 2013 U of S Aboriginal scholars elected to prestigious academic society

By Fraser Needham seen to be such a peripheral topic,” he says. For Eagle Feather News Henderson’s academic work focuses wo University of Saskatchewan on looking at ways to challenge the Crown academics are the first Aboriginal to honour treaties. He has also been scholars from the institution to be involved in various constitutional negoti - elected to the Royal Society of Canada. ations including the Charlottetown Accord TSakej Henderson is the director of the and the drafting of the United Nations Native Law Centre and Marie Battiste Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous teaches in the College of Education. People. Henderson is a member of the Chickasaw Battiste’s research has examined ways Nation and Battiste a Mi’kmaw member. to improve educational outcomes of The two are also married. Aboriginal youth and developing and Battiste, who is also only the fourth creating the Indigenous humanities. woman from the U of S to be elected to the Because of the nature of his work, RSC, says their selection to the prestigious Henderson admits he was initially a little academic society is proof that Aboriginal bit reluctant to accept an award from what scholarship is starting to get the recogni - some might see as an academic society tion it deserves within the Canadian representing the colonial order. However, university system. he says he later reconsidered. “The Social Sciences and Research “For myself, I had a lot of hesitations Council, through their Aboriginal about it at first but was convinced that program, has opened up those doors since treaties are with the Crown and the wide,” she says. royals, then I have an obligation to bring “And there has been for quite some that spirit into the Royal Society again.” years funding that has gone into doing a Overall, Battiste says their election to lot of research with Indigenous commu - the RSC can only be viewed as a positive nities, not on Indigenous communities, but thing in terms of Indigenous scholarship. with Indigenous communities and with “It’s a growing area and I think that Indigenous scholars.” this recognition is really that they are Henderson adds the selection does beginning to see that this work is now appear to show some broadening in terms something that can be brought to not only of what universities are now deeming to to our institutions, as in the University of be mainstream research. Saskatchewan, but to large institutions like “Since most of my work is always the Royal Society.” against the Crown and has always been The Royal Society of Canada was first conceptualized by the Crown as some established in 1882 to recognize achieve - radical project, it brings Aboriginal and ments by scholars in the arts, humanities Sakej Henderson and Marie Battiste are now members of the Royal Society of treaty rights into the mainstream and not and sciences. Canada. (Photo by Victor Hamm) National Foster Families Week in October

By Kristine Scarrow difference is being made in the lives of “Examples of success stories might SFFA Facebook page.” For Eagle Feather News our province’s children and youth.” be how you overcame the challenges you “Despite our successes, there ach year, in the third week of In addition to celebrating foster faced. Perhaps you went back to school, continues to be a real need for more foster October, Canadians honour the families as part of National Foster Family earned a degree, started a business, families across this province.” Davies contributions of approximately Week, the SFFA is looking to feature helped others in your community or says. 35,000 foster families across the country individual foster care success stories. The became a remarkable parent to a child of With 66 per cent of children in foster Efor their ongoing commitment to organization has put out a call for your own. Select stories will be featured care Aboriginal (Status, Non-status and providing care to foster children, the most personal in future Métis), the recent partnership between vulnerable children in our society. In stories from issues of the SFFA and Fox Valley Counselling 2013, National Foster Family Week will former foster the SFFA Services Inc. in Regina, along with the be celebrated Oct. 21-27. children of foster Ministry of Social Services have focused Events will be held around the how being in parent on increasing the number of First Nations province, with the kick-off event taking foster care newsletter foster homes. place on Monday, Oct. 21 in Regina. has helped The “We encourage caring and “We are celebrating those who have them to Advisor, committed families willing to open their opened their hearts and homes to children succeed. and one hearts and homes to vulnerable children who need a safe, nurturing place to live,” Despite winner to call our foster parent recruitment line Saskatchewan Foster Families Associa - incredible will at 1-888-276-2880 for more informa - tion (SFFA) executive director Deb challenges, receive a tion.” Davies says. children in $100 pre- For more information about “As an organization, we are proud to foster care paid becoming a foster parent, please visit the support dedicated and caring foster go on to VISA Social Services website at families in Saskatchewan in the become successful adults, and the SFFA card. Contest details can be found on the www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca or the important work that they do. It is because would like to highlight these inspirational Saskatchewan Foster Families Associa - Saskatchewan Foster Families Associa - of their incredible contributions that a stories: tion website at www.sffa.sk.ca or on the tion website at www.sffa.sk.ca. OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News 23

Ted Whitecalf and Marilyn Poitras have combined their considerable talents for a project that pays tribute to First Nations and Métis elders. (Photo by Jackie Gabriel) Honouring their Elders

By Jackie Gabriel we have here. That’s what he really strives For Eagle Feather News for in his photography. He found a way in Saskatchewan husband and wife the books to preserve culture through word, duo is honouring the wisdom of song and visualization and by capturing it the Elders through words and in different mediums. photography. There have been 13 books to date: ATed Whitecalf is the owner/producer Beardy’s I which was done in 2001 of Sweet Grass Records in Saskatoon and followed by Beardy’s II and III as well as a grew up on the Sweet Grass First Nation. calendar in 2005/2006 in addition to another His wife, Marilyn Poitras, a law professor book; Kahkewistahaw I and II, Montreal at the University of Saskatchewan, grew Lake, Carry the Kettle, Ochapowace, Star - up in Indian Head, a small town near the blanket and Kawakatoose I and II. A lot of Qu’Appelle Valley. the titles of the books have a strong message Both remember with fondness the such as Pasikohk (Kahkewistahaw Elders influences of the Elders in their communi - Vol. II) meaning ‘time to get up now’ and ties and felt that these Elders had a lot of Atahkamohk meaning ‘listen up’. wisdom and life experiences to offer their Poitras says the stories in the books communities. They were a resource to be give her the same type of feel as being shared. Through the Sweet Grass Records connected to her Grandma with whom she team of professionals with Poitras as editor was particularly close, and the stories that and Whitecalf as interviewer/photograph - come out of the books are just incredible. er and with the help of the FSIN, they were “The resilience of human nature blows able to bring some of that Elder wisdom to me away with those books. It makes me the forefront in a style that involves preserv - proud to be Métis and proud of that history. ing the culture through word and photo - They are so accomplished and so full of graphic mediums, and presented in a book wisdom from life experience that you just format. can’t get in any other place. “Beardy’s was the first one and we’ve “I am always humbled by the stories,” done three or four books there. It was word said Poitras. “The more we do it seems the of mouth after that because it started to more cultural knowledge comes out of them show people some of the stuff that we’d and there is a shift happening in that we done. generally don’t teach cultural things “It’s a passion for me to show everyone through print and it is shifting so that more what we have done as a people and they get teachings are being made accessible amazed by seeing it in this format,” said through that.” Whitecalf. Whitecalf and Poitras are currently He feels that when you are hired to do working on a veteran’s calendar for the something, you should try to find a different Battleford’s Tribal Council and a veteran’s way of presenting the material and he book for Kahkewistahaw as well as a book believes that is what they have accom - which highlights their Elders living off plished with the Elders books. Whitecalf reserve. tries to challenge himself on what he can All books are available at the First do with it, not to change it in any way but Nation and McNally Robinson. You can to see the naturalness of what it is and who contact Ted Whitecalf at: they are, and the beauty of these Elders that [email protected] 24 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2013 Group behind Sisters in Spirit earns Peace Award

By Andréa Ledding for their crucial advocacy work such as the For Eagle Feather News Sisters in Spirit community walk for the skwewuk E-Wichiwitochik (Cree for disappeared, missing and murdered “Women Walking Together”) was the Aboriginal women, and a December event winner of the very first “Joanna Miller for families of those who have disappeared. Peace Award” which was presented at The advocacy group provides grass - ISaskatoon City Hall. roots support to families, educates and Along with friends and supporters lobbies at all levels, promotes awareness from all walks of life, the core group and prevention, and networks with other includes Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte, organizations. Earlier this year when the Myrna Laplante, Priscilla Settee, Mary Tears4Justice walkers passed through Anne Assailly, Helen Smith McIntyre, town, they held a potluck community Marlee Ritchie, Val Arnault-Pelletier, Rita event, and Friday, Oct. 4 was their 8th Bouvier, Lorraine Pura, Rachel Fiddler, annual “Sisters in Spirit” march. Senator Lillian Dyck, Christine Smillie, This year it was held at Saskatoon and Kathie Pruden-Nansel. Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, The award, named for a community followed by soup, bannock, and a program activist who worked tirelessly to improve of heartfelt speakers and family sharing Darlene Oekmaysim-Sicotte is one of the Women Walking Together group that conditions in the area of social justice, is their individual grief and their shared hope received the Joanna Miller Peace Awrd this year. Below, people prepare to march funded by the City of Saskatoon’s Cultural for healing and change. for missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Diversity and Race Relations Committee and by Joanna Miller’s family and was adjudicated by a committee of representa - tives from the following: Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee of the City of Saskatoon; the Saskatoon Peace Coalition; Project Ploughshares; Multifaith Saskatoon; Saskatoon Tribal Council; Saskatoon City Police, United Nations Association of Canada, Saskatoon branch; and the Miller family. The well-deserved award acknowl - edges Iskwewuk E-Wichiwitochik’s importance and dedication, raises their community profile and gives them funds OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News 25 Ex-gang member turns back on dead end way of life

By Larissa Burnouf and gang life both on the outside and behind bars. Swampy For Eagle Feather News remembers a hard way of life in the system and after being ou’re not a man if you cry.” Stacey forced by gang leaders to beat up his uncle and steal his Swampy recalls early life lessons and clothing, he started to realize the measure of his actions. memories of a childhood with an abusive Swampy was ordered to take several programs while alcoholic father in Hobbema, Alberta. He says his father in the federal penitentiary, which eventually sent him to the “taughY t him that crying and showing emotions made you Regional Psychiatric Center in Saskatoon. weak and growing up in a reserve riddled with gangs and An anger management program for aboriginal violence, weakness wasn’t allowed if you wanted to offenders made him write an autobiography which forced survive. him to relive his painful past and begin to heal from it. From “Both my parents were alcoholics. My dad was a boot - there he found traditional ceremony and with the guidance legger so I seen people come to my house 24 hours a day, of elders he began the process of changing his life. His gang seven days a week. I seen people get beat up. I seen people wasn’t happy. He says he was ordered to be “beaten out of get shot. I seen people get stabbed.” the gang” by several members. Swampy’s hard home life and constant, relentless That fight nearly ended his life as he now has a visible bullying at school took him down a path that would even - slash scar from beneath his right cheek across his upper lip tually lead him to a life behind bars. to the left side of his face. He began to follow other gang members and by the “They let me go,” remembered Swampy. He was even - time he was in his teens he was behind bars. Swampy tually sent to the Willow Cree Healing Lodge in Duck Lake. remembers being in and out of jail for breaching release After completing his sentence, he chose to stay in Saskatoon conditions and running from the police many times. He was rather than return to his old life in Hobbema. always returning to Hobbema and the same gangs, parties He was hired by the Str8 Up program that takes ex- and fighting ways that put him behind bars in the first place. gang members to talk to at-risk aboriginal youth about their Swampy’s life drastically changed after a night of experiences with gang life, in the hopes of saving a life. drinking and drugs led to a fight. He says from what people “It’s a dead end way of life. Either you’re going to be told him, a man was pushing around a female cousin and behind bars for life or you’re going to be six feet under. after calling him on they took the fight outside where he There’s no future.” STACEY SWAMPY picked up a piece of lumber. Swampy grabbed a knife. Today, Swampy is in his first year Social Work “He was starting to swing at me and I was going to start the heart. I don’t remember. I killed my best friend,” cried program through the First Nations University of Canada. swinging at him and at the same time, my best friend come Swampy. He hopes to go back into the prison system to help walking” struggling to find words, Swampy tearfully recalls, Swampy spent over 35 years in provincial and federal inmates, but this time when he returns, he’ll be on the “At the same time I swung … I stabbed my best friend in institutions. He endured a life riddled with drugs, alcohol other side of the bars. 26 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2013 Technology not so good at building a tribe

he technology today is mesmer - thing they can’t do is build a tribe. As carried the desire to become better writers. wanted our voice to matter. We wanted to izing. In my lifetime we have much as science is able to accomplish, We all shared a dream and a yearning. be included. We wanted to be part of gone from the typewriter to the they can’t do that. They can’t bring When we met for the first time we could something. That’s a desire as old as our tablet in what seems an incredibly short people together in feel that. We sensed species itself. Sometimes in our busy tech - Ttime. I couldn’t have imagined being able a common it in the people in nology-driven lives, we forget that. to acquire an entire book in less than a purpose. They that circle. One woman shared a story about how minute. can’t tie people Over the course her love of writing had been shamed by But I do when I put another one on together in of five days, we the nuns at a residential school. She spoke my Kindle to read when I travel. We even emotion, in spirit, focused only on that through tears of how that had hurt her and buy telephones in order to read. That’s in faith that we energy. We used it to crippled her ability to trust herself with how much it’s changed. were created to be bring us closer the words she felt inside of her. Another I watch young people. They are in community – or together. Nothing woman shared her trouble with her virtual wizards with computers and the desire to be else mattered but academic career and how it had robbed gadgets. Six- year-olds know more far there. They can’t create harmony or paying attention to the flow of it, to her of her ability to express herself freely. about technology than I do and you can’t cooperation. sharing it, to allowing it to enter us. What She let the anger over that out in the group. go anywhere nowadays without seeing That takes a different kind of tech - happened was magical. We became a tribe One by one we shared human people connected by some sort of gadget. nology. To bring complete strangers of people bound by something bigger than moments. One by one we brought The days of robots and artificial intelli - together in unity, equality, harmony and ourselves. We were part of one singular ourselves closer to the others. One by one gence can’t be that far away. You get the purpose takes a technology of the heart. creative energy and it caused us to feel we let ourselves be completely human. idea that anybody can build anything to We watched it happen recently. We were connected in a way none of us expected. We let ourselves be seen, warts and all and accomplish anything at any time. part of it and it changed us and made us I’ve been leading writing workshops, felt accepted. We were Ojibway, Cree, There’s so much techo stuff around more. We were honored by it. We came seminars and classes for a few years and Irish, Métis, Scot and French. We were that most of it I haven’t even heard of or away from that experience understand - I have experience leading other groups. people. We were brothers and sisters. We seen. I thought we were doing great when ing completely that some things will But this was the first time that I actually were equals. my wife got a new cell phone that she always require human spirit to accom - felt led, borne forward, perhaps. There That’s how you build a tribe. You could send text messages with. But the plish. was something far more powerful than my don’t need to be bound by race or culture. sheer magnitude of technological We were part of a writers group I was limited understanding guiding us together You don’t even have to have known each marvels is mind boggling. It seems that hosting. It was held on the campus of as we shared. other before. What matters is equality. every week I see another adapted, faster, Royal Roads University in Victoria. The We became bound by the desire to be What matters is recognizing that we all bolder way of doing things. Science just writers who registered were all 30 years heard. We grew closer because each of us carry the same yearnings, desires, wishes. keeps inventing. old and older and were compelled to carried a story and we wanted that story You build a tribe by heart - the only But I’ve discovered that the one attend because of a love of words. We all to be recognized and validated. We technology capable of changing the world. OCTOBER 2013 Eagle Feather News - Sports 27 Ex-Huskie star savours international basketball tourney in Istanbul, Turkey

By Larissa Burnouf For Eagle Feather News t was a tough loss but a remarkable achievement. Michael Linklater remembers life growing up in Saskatoon’s rough inner-city neighbourhoods, surrounded by drugs, alcohol and violence. I However, that life is long behind him as he’s now touring Istanbul, Turkey with three other teammates from his CIS Championship winning University of Saskatchewan Huskies basketball team. The four represented Saskatoon at the FIBA 3 on 3 Troy Gottselig, Michael Linklater and Trevor Nerdahl, all former Huskie Basketball players, made it to the World Masters Basketball Tournament, losing in the quarter finals in the World 3 on 3 Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Missing is Michael Leiffers. quarter finals. “We were placed in the ‘Pool of Death’ dubbed by “Almost to the point where it wasn’t basketball Linklater, along with teammates Trevor Nerdahl, the tournament committee” says Linklater. anymore. The team that beat us in the quarter finals went Michael Lieffers and Troy Gotselig were sponsored by The October 4 and 5 tournament saw 12 teams from on to the finals, but lost.” IGNITE and wanted to offer thanks to them for helping all over the world compete for the title of World Masters Linklater and his team won a spot into the Turkey them train for the tournament. The guys will tour the in 3 on 3 Basketball and a large cash prize. tournament placing second at a tournament in Puerto country for two weeks before returning back to “We came out in second place from pool play, losing Rico last month. He says they trained really hard and are Saskatoon. , a nail biter in overtime to the team that won it. Our first grateful for the support they received along the way. “We are extremely grateful for this opportunity. I playoff game was an extremely physical game,” “We played solid basketball. I’m happy with our can’t really complain about being ,across the world Linklater recalls from Turkey. team and how well we played.” playing a sport I love with guys who I consider family.” 28 Eagle Feather News SEPTEMBER 2013