MAY 2010 VOLUME 13 - NUMBER 5

FREE School’s out for Saskatoon campus

First it was home to Indian Federated College. More recently it has been the Saskatoon campus of First Nations University of . But now the University has announced that the Saskatoon property will be sold as the institution struggles with its financial challenges.

SHE STRUCK SILVER TanishaLafondisanewcomerto the sport of badminton. But that didn’t stop her from winning a silvermedal. - Page 3

TALKINGPOLITICS LiberalleaderMichaelIgnatieff End of an era for First NationsUniversity says he’d restore funding for FNUC. By Delaney Windigo have been acknowledged,” Lonechild said. - Page 6 For Eagle Feather News “We are appreciative of Minister Strahl’s recog- irst Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) nition of that significant progress. We will continue BIG IMPACT President Shauneen Pete had the unfortunate to speak to federal government leaders about the AFN Chief Sean Atleo is task of announcing the impending sale of the importance of this institution.” expectingtheTruthandRecon- Saskatoon campus, which would result in its closure. The province has restored its commitment to $5.2 ciliationtohaveamajorimpact. FThe Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon million in funding for the university after reaching - Page13 campuses are all facing cuts to faculty and staff. The an agreement with FNUniv, the University of Regina move is part of FNUniv’s financial restructuring due and Meyers Norris Penny Limited. TOURISM OPPORTUNTY to lack of funding. “I’m pleased to follow through on our commit- Days prior to the announcement of the sale, the ment to provide stable funding to support the BrianHardlottewouldliketosee federal government pledged $3 million through the students of FNUniv,”Advanced Education, Employ- tourismincreaseintheStanley Indian Studies Support Program. ment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said, Mission area. “We’re pleased with this announcement, because “As part of the agreement, Meyers Norris Penny - Page 9 it means that students currently enrolled can will handle financial reports, while the U of R “facil- AWASIS HONOURS complete their courses,” Pete said. itate(s) strong support to FNUniv in the areas of However, the money will only keep the univer- administration, financial management and gover- Educator Karen Shmon is a sity open untilAugust 31. nance.” fittingwinnerofanawardinthis, The ultimate goal is to get the federal govern- Norris says he will continue to lobby the federal the Year of the Métis. ment to restore the remaining $4.2 million. government on behalf of FNUniv. - Page 14 Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations “The signing of these agreements has enabled (FSIN) Chief Guy Lonechild also welcomed the me to continue lobbying the federal government to Welcome to our announcement. invest in the partnership and ensure the remaining Sports & Youth Edition “FSIN is equally pleased that the significant $4.2 million in federal funding stays in Coming In June: improvements in governance, accountability and Saskatchewan.” National Aboriginal Day Issue financial stewardship at First Nations University • Continued On Page 20 CPMA #40027204 2 Eagle Feather News - Focus on Youth MAY 2010 Beardy’s undefeated on road to curling gold Harris defended badminton

By Jessica Iron title, will be back for three For Eagle Feather News etting a team organized By Jessica Iron proved to be the most For Eagle Feather News difficult task for Brooke ade Harris from Pelican Lake First Nation, repre- Cameron’s curling team at the First sentingAgency Chiefs Tribal Council, returned to GNation Winter Games. defend his under-14 badminton title at the 2010 Once assembled, the mixed First Nation Winter Games in Saskatoon. Though he had team from Team Beardy’s and Wseveral factors that could have easily distracted him, he perse- Okemasis First Nation quickly vered and took the gold medal once again. worked together and maintained Anyone else might have allowed their competition to get their undefeated status right on to to them.At provincials, he lost to a fierce competitor – who victory in their gold-medal match surprisingly met him on the court for his gold medal match. against Saskatoon Tribal Council. Not to mention, his parents were in the audience, whom he Although they did not practice had never played in front of before. All this led to a very much before they played together, nervous Harris. Cameron explains that she was no Yet despite his modesty, Harris was clearly a strong stranger to the game. contender. He tried out amongst 50 other hopefuls for a coveted “I already knew how to play – spot on theAgency Chiefs team.At the Winter Games he won I learned in school,” she says. every match leading up to the finals. But still he wondered Even still, the two-hour final The Beardy’s mixed team won gold in curling. Left to right: Kirsten how his last game might play out. was intense. To prepare for the Mandes, Colin Eyahpaise,Amy Gamble, Blake Cameron and Brooke The final game was as intense as he suspected it might be. game, Cameron and her teammates Cameron. Thankfully he won the rally, giving him an advantage. In the listened to music that would pump first set, the score was 21-18. But by the second set, Harris them up. She giggles, explaining, represent Team Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation took a stronger lead, with a final score of 21-15. “We listened to The Chicken Dance and YMCA in curling again at the next Games. When it was all over there weren’t any standard celebra- in our vehicle,” she giggles. In the meantime, she’s keeping fit with her busy tions. Harris wanted to pack up his bags and head home as soon It wasn’t Cameron’s first time at the Games, schedule full of soccer, badminton and curling. She as he could. however. Last time she played broomball. When she jokes that maybe someday she’ll be a professional “It was fun ... but I really missed my family,” he says. was approached for curling this year she decided to curler. With one gold medal already resting proudly He’ll spend the year playing basketball, soccer, badminton give it a try. She wasn’t expecting to enjoy it so much around her neck, maybe that dream is closer than she and maybe track. But he plans to return next year, in hopes of but because she had so much fun she intends to thinks. a three-peat performance. MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Focus on Youth 3 Badminton winner learned game quickly

By Jessica Iron For Eagle Feather News anisha Lafond of Pelican Narrows had barely played badminton at all before she took everyone Tby surprise, beating out 30 girls at the Prince

Tanisha Lafond took home silver in badminton at the First Nation Winter Games in Saskatoon. Albert Grand Council try-outs for the FSIN Winter the outlines were. I would practice outside my grandma’s Games, securing a spot in the under-12-girls category. house, and just rally with my friends or my uncles. Or I With just a week of practice under her belt, she would go on the computer and watch videos of people bravely ventured on to the Games. playing badminton.” However, she proved to be a very quick study. In She also mentioned a few other strategies that helped fact, this was probably a huge factor in why she took her succeed. She got plenty of rest during the week and home a silver medal. kept her diet clean and healthy. “Before the last game I was sitting and watching how “I drank water – I didn’t drink too much pop. I was others played – I was drinking lots of water too,” she sticking with healthy stuff –like Subway, not McDonald’s recalls. or any fast food.” She credits her uncles Justin, Wade and Carlyle Clearly, she spent time envisioning what she wanted, Merasty for training and preparing her for her competi- considering all the things that would help her win – and tion. they did. Lafond says that she will try out for volleyball Gold medals were the most sought after items at the “They would rent out the gym and teach me where next year, although badminton is still a possibility. First Nation Winter Games. 4 Eagle Feather News MAY 2010

Young people showing leadership skills

ometimes when you see a young person dressed like a gang banger withthebandana,crookedcapandwiththeirpantsontheground,you canshakeyourheadabout“kidsthesedays.” But I have recently been witness to many events that show the future is Sactually very bright. I had the opportunity to be the co-speaker of the house atthelastMétisNationSaskatchewanLegislativeAssembly.TheAssembly CLOSE CALL was a day and a half of the old grandstanding, false accusations, petty jeal- Firefighters scrambled as flames surrounded during a raging ousiesandbickering.Attheannualgeneralmeetingimmediatelyfollowing, grass fire onApril 19. The fire was allegedly started when copper thieves doused their loot severalyoungpeoplegotinlineatthemicrophonetoaddresstheassembly. with gasoline or some other flammable liquid and then set the wire on fire. The wire (below) Andtheyouthhadnothinggoodtosayaboutthebehaviouroftheirelected was lying on a dirt road located on the south eastern corner of Wanuskewin at around 1:40PM officials. They said they were embarrassed by the goings on and the petty in the afternoon. Police and Fire Commissioners explained that people who sell copper wire personalpoliticsthatputimportantgovernanceandpriorityitemsontheback are required to remove the rubber from around the copper wire before they can sell it. The shelf.Andthismessagecamefromseveralyouth,notjustonerabble-rouser. blaze came within 20 feet of the building in places, forcing fire fighters to cut firebreaks in the Over at the First Nation University of Canada, it was the pressure from field between the building and the valley. Fortunately, other than a burned tepee by the front thestudentsandtheircallforaccountabilityoftheadministrationthatfinally gate, there was no damage to the building. Three weeks later, the green of the valley is now spurred the leaders to action(that and the funding cut). Since the school had overtaking the burnt reminder of a close call in April. (Photo by Tyrone Tootoosis) its funding cut, the students and staff have been communicating, lobbying, livinginthecampusandevengoingsofaraswalkingallthewayfromPrince AlberttoReginatoshowtheirsupport.Theseyoutharevociferous,educated anddetermined.Thesetraitswillserveallofuswellintothefuture. Nottosaywecanforgetaboutouryouthinbaggypantsandgangs.Many resources are neededto ensure we getthemevery opportunityto participate inoureconomy,butman,theyhavelotsofgreatrolemodelstolookuptothat aren’teventhatold.Howrefreshing. Farewell to Mike IwasnotalwaysafanofAPTN.Badprogrammingkeptmeaway.But inthelastwhile,APTNhasbeenshowingsomegoodstuff,withsomewitin CashingIn,withfreakinessinRabbitFallandwiththegreatanimationofBy theRapidsandWaposBay. Alotofthecreditgoestothenetworkforinvestingintrainingprograms for upcoming writers and also to the emergence of our own Mike Gosselin. Mike has had his fingers in manyTVproductions in the past few years and hasnowcarvedhimselfoutagoodreputationandenoughworktokeephim scriptingthrough2010.NotbadforahalfbreedfromReginawho,whenhe started writing for us, went through several career changes in an alarmingly shorttime. It looks like writing was what his career was meant to be and due to his hectic writing schedule and life demands of two young kids, Mike has now writtenthefinalchapterofhistimehereastheArtsColumnist.Wecertainly wish him the best of luck and when he writes that big Hollywood hit, we certainly hope we get a shout out when he wins his People’sChoiceAward. GoodluckMike. Next month in Eagle Feather

Our June issue pays homage to NationalAboriginal History Month with our much anticipated NationalAboriginal Day History quiz.The test willchallengeyourmemoryandyourfunnyboneatthesametime.Wewill alsolookatournetworkofFriendshipCentresaroundtheprovinceandthe role they play in youth programming and with NationalAboriginal Day celebrations. Also in June, we are always pleased to bring you the story from the SaskTelAboriginalYouthAwardsofExcellence.Youwillmeetyouthfrom around the province who have excelled in the arts, sports, academics and communityinvolvement.Itisalwaysupliftingtoheartheirstoriesofsuccess. AndwewillbringthelowdownfromtheNationalAboriginalHockey Championships where Team Sask boys just won Gold and the girls took fourth. MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News 5 Promises, legal guarantees cheaper than war

will first wrap up in short order last the merits, and it is not conceded that int erpretation is what may be called, for the Act is inherently geared towards month’s rant about the odd usages the other side has the moral and political the sake of convenience, “the spirit and elimination of registered Indians. of the English language that have authority to decide? intent” of theAct. Another feature of the spirit and been emerging in Canada. Language is important and our The spirit and intent reside intent of the Indian Act definition I Is there a linguistic equivalent to indigenous languages will be a topic for somewhere in the origin, in the histori- system (the registration system was political correctness? What do you do another month. cal context of the installed only in 1951) is its original about people who adopt an expression ••• legislation, and vision of defining nuclear family house- like ‘begging the question’when they guides all subse- holds based upon the male head of mean ‘raises the question’? Are there Parliament is in quent interpreta- family. any rules? Should there be any? I am a the process of tion. In 1985 the draftsman of Bill C-31 fence-sitter in such debates. amending the When this is must have thought that he had effec- But I do believe that close attention Indian Act in examined in respect tively eliminated sex discrimination. to the function of effective communi- response to a B.C. to the IndianAct we But he did not. That should be a lesson cation would alter the way we speak. Court of Appeal find in 1876 a for those interested in perfecting a piece Just as we must avoid local idioms decision which involves the definition British imperial policy outlook that of legislation that was never designed (‘pulling the wool over your eyes’) to and registration of ‘Indians.’ Anumber sought to do away with the indigenous to accord with current ideas of equality. be understood internationally, we might of presenters to the Parliamentary peoples of its far-flung colonies. Is it not better to adopt the view that reflect about the choice of words used Committee last week, including a Not by war. War is expensive. The the Act should be left behind in a in expressing ideals or asserting rights. number of First Nation organizations, famous Royal Proclamation of 1763, process that works towards First For example, many indigenous were suggesting further amendments to which was proclaimed after serious Nations autonomy and self-determina- folks refer to our ‘land claims’.Aclaim address what was said to be continuing military defeats at the hands of Pontiac tion in renewed relationships? is not a right; it is less than a right. sex discrimination. and his armed forces, shows us that A Nation constitution is a better In court, a claim is made to a body I have little confidence that further promises and legal guarantees are place to design a vision of the ‘good that is recognized as having the amendment beyond what is strictly cheaper than war. society’, of justice and protection for authority to decide if the ‘claim’is to be necessary to maintain the legality of the The spirit and intent of the Indian the needs of individuals, while making recognized and protected by law, or not. Indian registration system is desirable, Act first enacted in 1876 followed the room for the reflection of a First This is based necessarily on the idea that never mind necessary. Imperial policy of doing away with Nation’s own preferred values. the court has the proper authority to First, detailed tinkering with theAct indigenous peoples by assimilating Itisnexttoimpossibleatbesttoget decide the issue. necessarily entrenches it and legitimizes them into the intruders’society. agreement on how to amend the Act. This reveals one of the reasons why it. Second, complex attempts to deal Today such objects are genocidal Things like sex discrimination are not Elders are wary of ‘taking our Treaties with sex discrimination are likely to run and contrary to international law. The topics that quickly attract consensus. to court’. afoul of one or more of the many other aim of theAct was to put indigenous Those who believe that the archaic Is it not better and more reflective equality guarantees in the Charter. peoples on reserves in order to admin- and indefensible Act can be perfected of the assertion of self-determination, The practical meaning of legislation ister their lives during the process of must believe that it is possible to knit a to refer to land ‘disputes’, where comes from interpretation by the courts. assimilation. silk purse out of a sow’s ear, and this nothing is conceded from the start about One of the elusive factors in such legal The legacy of that idea today is that while tiptoeing through a mine field. 6 Eagle Feather News MAY 2010 Liberal leader Tumblingfundingdooms Ignatieff would Saskatoon campus restore federal he decaying orbit of the First Nations. First Nations courses were funding for FNUC Nations University of Canada has created where no such field of study had existedbefore.Thisrequiredresearchand resulted in the closing of the By Darla Read innovation. Elders were very much Saskatoon campus after 34 years. The For Eagle Feather News IndianSocialWorkprogramwilllikelybe involved from the beginning. T ederal Liberal leader transferred to Innovation Place on the The Social Work program became a Michael Ignatieff Saskatoon Campus of the University of hive of creativity with morale running made a trip to SaskatchewanwhereitwilljointheUniver- high. Faculty who could have worked in northern Saskatchewan last sity of Regina SocialWork program. otheruniversitieswereattractedinsteadto month. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff with Desnethe- TheautonomyoftheFNUCprogram the Saskatoon Campus. A DISW degree F He was the first federal Missinippi-Churchill candidate Gabe Lafond. isverymuchindoubt.ThehopeisFNUC from the FNUC meant something. politician in a long time to Social Work will not The college’s make a stop in the community of Ile-a-la-Crosse. He and his candidate for the riding only survive but position changed as of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, Gabe Lafond, also met with Aboriginal grow back in a reju- upcoming regional leaders in Prince Albert. venatedFirstNations FirstNationscolleges Ignatieff is confident Lafond will do well in the riding in the next election. Ignatieff Collegeindependent were established, says if people don’t want four more years of Conservative rule, voting for Lafond is of the Federation of flourished and the only choice. SaskatchewanIndian developed social If the Liberals formed government in the next election, Ignatieff promised to Nations. work courses of the restore funding to theAboriginal Healing Foundation, as well as the First Nations Keepingupwith own. Mainstream University of Canada. While he says the KelownaAccord wouldn’t be resurrected in events related to the FNUC crisis is like universities inspired its original form, there would be a return to the ideals of it. trying to sight in on a moving target. So byFirstNationpracticealsocreatedsimilar “There was also a process,” Ignatieff said. “One of the things we’ve got to get much is happening so fast. Negotiations courses. FNUC was no longer the sole back to is that process where federal leaders, provincial leaders, Métis leaders, First appeartobemoredemandsthanaprocess player in the field of First Nation Social Nations leaders are around a table, a big table, making big, strategic decisions to fund of give and take. FNUC is scrambling to Work. education, housing and health.” meet the federal government’s require- There was some also some conflict Ignatieff says education is his first priority. mentswhiledesperatelypruningcoststhat betweenproducingnumbersofgraduates “We’ve committed explicitly to lift the cap on funding for Aboriginal post- totaled over $300,000 a month at last and smaller numbers of high quality secondary education, and I want to close the gap on the funding ... the distance between report. graduates.TheFSINChiefswhomadeup the funding allocated by the federal government and provincial government in primary The sale of the Saskatoon Campus themajorityoftheFNUCboardatthetime and secondary. Because I just can’t stand a country where some kids get a better shot will free funds to pay bills and severance focused on numbers. Some professors than others, basically because of race, let’s be clear.” for faculty. It is rumoured the Saskatoon were criticized for being far too lenient TribalCouncilwantstopurchasetheland with their students while others insisted for $3.5 million.The land was assessed at their students maintain high standards. slightlyover$2.5millionafewyearsago. Some students lacked basic writing ThefutureoftheFNUCappearsquite skills but were given passing grades bleak. Student enrolment has dropped by despite this handicap. The FNUC still over one half since the crisis began. produced quality graduates but standards Essential federal funding totaling $4.2 had been compromised by some of the million over and above the $3 million moreenablingprofessors.Standardswere already committed has not been guaran- slipping and more than a few graduates teed as of press time. who had worked very hard for their Evenso,thepossibilityoffullfederal degrees were alarmed. funding coupled with the $5.2 million SocialWorktherapy,onceconsidered promisedbytheProvinceofSaskatchewan cutting edge, no longer met the demands may not mean the survival of the FNUC. of the work place. It wasn’t until younger The exact debt load has never been clear. sessionals were brought in that these Creativebookkeepinginthepasthaskept therapies were up graded. A promising such expenditures as wrongful dismissal MastersDegreeledbyRichardKatz,PhD settlements out of annual reports. If the andElderDannyMusquawasintroduced FNUC survives it will become – as it to address the counseling needs of resi- started–afederatedcollegeoftheUofR. dential school survivors. The Department of Indian Social Amasters program was in the works Workwashighlysuccessfulinitstime.The but internal lateral violence and rabid needs of First Nation’s clients surpassed Indian politics had already contaminated thetrainingandeffectivenessofthemain- theschoolofIndiansocialwork.Theinno- stream.TheUofRsupportedthecreation vative and healthy environment essential of a hybrid Social Work degree utilizing to academia had been compromised. both First Nation and mainstream Somuchhaschangedin34years.The standards.ThecourseincludedfullUofR blendingofFirstNationscultureandsocial study plus First Nation practice. This work practice was considered irrelevant meant an enhanced Bachelor of Indian back then but it is considered entirely Social Work degree required four years relevant now. The work of the FNUC insteadofthreeyearstocomplete.Students School of Indian SocialWork has laid the came from all over Canada and Social foundationforotherFirstNationColleges Work agencies from across Western andhashadaprofoundinfluenceonmain Canada sent delegations to recruit stream social work practice. graduates. Comewhatmayithasmadealasting These were not First Nation inspired contribution and should be honoured as courses but rather courses intensely First such. MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News 7 8 Eagle Feather News MAY 2010 Truth and Reconciliation commissioners getting to work

By Andréa Ledding “Eachofthecommissionersspokeona of a judge, but rather a For Eagle Feather News combination of personal reflections and a formalstatementtaking. henewofficespacefortheTruthand recommitment of the solemn pledge of the “Wesitwiththebig Reconciliation Committee official- work we have before us,” said Wilson, group – in a circle when ly opened, with Commissioners adding there was a keynote address from wecan–opentheforum unveiling the logo: “For the child taken, for chairJusticeMurraySinclair,whosegrand- andtheysharewhatever Tthe parent left behind”. childparticipatedintheblack,white,yellow, aspect of their experi- Aspecial teleconference call was held andredribboncuttingceremonysymboliz- ence they are ready to for Aboriginal media outlets immediately ing new generations. share with us ... their after the opening. “We’re asked through our mandate to own story, or a personal “We’reonthe15thfloorofofficespace documentandwriteuptheresidentialschool testimonial,” said on Portage and Main in Winnipeg – it’s a history.” Wilson. significant location for us,” said Commis- Besides collecting all written archives In Prince Albert from churches and governments, the Truth they were given written sioner MarieWilson, explaining that 75 per Commissioners Willie Littlechild, Murray Sinclair and and Reconciliation Committee will be copy as well as tapes of cent of Residential School survivors live in Marie Wilson are preparing to hear from people who creatinganenormousoralhistorycollection what was said, while the West and North, whereas 75 per cent of attended Residential Schools. non-Aboriginals live east of Winnipeg. from survivors, their children, and their others prefer to meet in “It’s about finding good ways to have familiesaffectedbytheexperience,andthose private. ingthemselvesofwhathasbeengoingonin meaningfuldialoguewiththoseaffectedby whoworkedattheschools,andtheirfamilies. “Wedoallthatwecantoaccommodate their families.” theschoolsandallofCanada–thisisagreat Wilson noted public education will be key. their comfort levels, requirements, and Commissioner Willie Littlechild said location for this to happen ... it’s a very “Publiceducationmeansreconciliation cultural needs.” oraltestimonyisonlyoneway–somehave spiritual space honouring the survivors and with all of Canada. There will be a number Somehavefamilyorsupportworkers– sungsongstosharetheirexperiences,others families at the heart of all the work we do of community events and seven national Wilsonnotedit’sentirelyavoluntaryprocess havedonetheatreproductions,quiltworkor with the (Truth and Reconciliation events–thisJuneinWinnipegisthefirstone. and individuals must determine their own blankets, art, or poetry. Committee).” The second will be a year from June in readiness; the Truth and Reconciliation “It’s not restricted to oral testimony – Wilson described the opening as Inuvik,” she said. Committee’s job is encouraging people to thoseothermediaareveryexcitingtoreceive positive and uplifting – about 250 people Because of delays in the process, they share their stories, because it often the info through,” Littlechild said, adding attended a traditional prayer ceremony led are requesting deadlines be bumped to contributes to their healing. that language was also critically important, by an Inuit and a First Nations Elder, with complete their five year mandate, holding “We’veseenwhatapositiveimpactthis so simultaneous interpreters are present to welcomingremarksfromManitoba’sdeputy national events every six months after June hasonnotonlythemselvesbuttheirfamilies honour, retain, maintain, and strengthen premier, many Chiefs, and all parties to the 2011. – the generation after did not know that languages. agreementincludingtheSurvivorsAdvisory Wilsonnotedthiswasnotacommission happened to their mom, dad, aunty, grand- “It will only get better in terms of how Committee. of enquiry where witnesses testify in front parents – they all have a better understand- we are able to address it going forward.” MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Education 9 Historic church marks 150 years

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News he celebration of a church will be the starting point for what is hoped to be a tourism boom for one northern First Nation. The Stanley Mission Cree Nation, a community of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, is positioned Tperfectlytobecomethenext“it”destinationforecoandcultural tourism. Surroundedbypristineforestandsituatedonthebanksof themagnificentChurchillRiver,StanleyMissionisalsohome tothelongeststandingchurchinallofSaskatchewan.Andthis yearmarksthe150thAnniversaryCelebrationofAmachewe- spimawin HolyTrinity Church, an event that Band Councilor Brian Hardlotte hopes will kick start a tourism industry in the Brian Hardlotte saysAmachewespimawin Church has changed the community region. of Stanley Mission. Now he says it is time to use the church as a catalyst for “Thecelebrationisreallyaboutthechurch,”saidHardlotte. future expansion of the tourism industry. “It is 150 years old and still used and means a lot to our community. Our people are very religious and the church structureisamazing.Thatchurchchangedthewaywelivedin thisterritory.” According to Hardlotte, the Cree families in this territory alllivedontheland,butoncethechurchopeneduppeoplestarted tocomeinforChristmasandEaster. “Eventuallypeoplestartedtosettlearoundthechurchand it became a central part of the community,” added Hardlotte. “The Hudson Bay Company set up a post across the river and most people wound up settling over there. But the church was alwaysthereasagatheringplaceonthepoint.” The building shows the mixed influences of the English Church architecture of the day,local Native Culture, and the natural environment. Footings made of local stone supported floorboards,whichweremadeoflocaltimber.Thestainedglass windows,broughtoverfromEngland,anovalwindowand37 Gothic-archedwindowsallowedsunlightintothechurch.Over 1,000piecesofstainedglasswindowswereusedintheoriginal constructionoftheChurch. Thesteepleandspirein1860reachedanimpressive76feet. People, including PrinceAndrew and the Duchess ofYork in 1989,comefromaroundtheworldtophotographandwitness theancientchurch. To celebrate the anniversary, the Stanley Mission community is welcoming the world to a big event on June 10. WithVIPsincludingroyaltyinvited,thecommitteewentallout tohaveeventsforalltypesofpeopletoseeanddo. “Wewill have a tepee village set up, entertainment, boat toursanddemonstrationsoftraditionalpractices,”saidHardlotte. “People will love helping to smoke fish and moose meat or participateinbirchbarkbiting.Allthosetraditionsarefromthis territory.Ofcoursetherewillbeatraditionalmeal.Butthemain thingwillbeaserviceinthechurchforthepeople.” UnlikeotherNationalHistoricSites,theStanleyMissionchurch iskeptupbythecommunitywithnofundingfromthegovernment. “Wewanttodevelopatourismindustryherebutitishard todoitonourown,”saidHardlottewhopointsoutthatthearea isrichinothertouristdrawsaswell. Fivekilometresdownriverfromthecommunityarehistoric pictographs,datingbackseveralhundredsofyears.Acoupleof hundredmetersfromthepictographsaretheStanleyRapidsthat offergreatfishingandexcellentcampingspots.Furtherupthe riveraretherenownedNistowiakfalls.Thispicturesquesiteis whereLaRongeLakedrainstomeettheChurchillRiversystem. “Wehave so much to offer and we are working on more tourism initiatives, but we need individual entrepreneurs and the government to step up too,” said Hardlotte. “The event on the10thisagreatwaytokickoffoursummer,butwantpeople tocomehereallyear. “Oftenourownpeoplegooutandinterpretthesitesaround hereforfree.Thechurchstructureisamazingandthesurround- ing area is rich in wildlife and beauty and we want to share it witheveryone.” 10 Eagle Feather News MAY 2010 Atleo predicts Truth and Reconciliation Commission will have a huge impact

Eagle Feather News was lucky enough to have an Chief Atleo: Well, we have to recognize the value and exclusive interview with Assembly of First Nations Chief the space created by the Residential School Sean Atleo when he was in Saskatoon in March. That Agreement and the apology, and the work in launching interview has been broken into three parts. This month the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but George we discuss the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In Erasmus and the leaders at theAHF had made it very June, we conclude our chat with a discussion on lead- clear that in their analysis of the work that has been ership and family with Chief Atleo and also get to know supported by the federal government and INAC and the lighter, more personal side of the National Chief. Minister Strahl in particular that it takes at least ten years for these projects to really take root and support healing EFN: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is and having been a former executive director of a family going to be rolling out here soon. What impact will addictions treatment centre, I know that field very well, this process will have on First Nations communities and I concur and agree with those findings. So the AHF and following on Canada as a whole? began with an overall project number of around 1,600 projects. It had to shut down over 1,300 projects over Chief Atleo: Really, really critical. I think potentially the country. Over 400 are now at stake. I was just transformational. With the new Commissioners getting speaking to the president of the Inuit ITK , President going I think they have experienced about a year delay Mary Simon. I have spoken with the President of the or so from when they were actually supposed to get Métis National Council, Clem Chartier, and we all share going. Like it has happened in SouthAfrica and Ireland, the notion that it is completely unacceptable to not have it will be an opportunity for the truth to be told. We also ongoing support, especially when programs have not recognize that it is going to have major impacts because reached that ten year point. I know there are supports that stories are going to be told that will really be a traumatic were in the budget, those are principally with the Truth time as well for families and communities when stories and Reconciliation Commission. There were announce- of some of the traumas, the likes of which I and others ments around for health supports and those are important, have seen, witnessed and experienced firsthand. When but what we are talking about are those long standing that begins to make it onto a public record it eludes to programs that have had success in the communities. So the need of ongoing healing efforts to happen concur- we are following up on this. We have had a conversation rently. with the various entities that were part of the Residen- This is concerning because there weren’t resources tial SchoolAgreement. We are asking the churches to in the budget to keep the Healing Foundation going in help with the lobby effort, reaching out to Métis, Inuit the manner that it should. and Indigenous brothers and sisters. They are express- ing strong concern about this as well. So it is the idea that EFN: That is certainly troubling. How do we replace we need to find a way to work together. So the TRC, a that funding gap, because we are going to see a lot of really potential transformational time in this country over trauma coming out and we are going to see another the next five years for the truth to be told for the legacy bad cycle? of these policies. Assembly of First Nations Chief Sean Atleo MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Health 11 Role models stress positive outcomes

etermination, a dream and drive are the They give others the courage to push beyond their own things they say and do. We must be aware too that they ingredients for success.” Wise words potential, opening the door to new possibilities. can also be a bad influence. from a young Aboriginal youth role Their accomplishments underline the positive Good role models teach us good behaviours and model. outcome of hard work, dedication, and leading a values of living ... the rights from wrongs, how to treat “DToday’sAboriginal youth have the spirit to succeed people and the things around us. andAboriginal youth role model, Kaitlyn Taypotat is Good role models can give us strength and help us the prime example of that. feel proud to beAboriginal. Even though things change “Your dreams and goals are the key to open all or go wrong in our family they help keep our spirits doors,” she says. up. Students from across Regina heard Taypotat share Wemustbeabletorelyoneachotherandsupport her experiences with school and her dreams for her and care for each other.We should let our kids see the future.Also a graduate from the Bold Eagle program, good role modeling of ourselves and others. To be able Taypotat told students, “Embrace your culture, enhance to feel we can rely on others helps us to be stronger. I your knowledge and educate yourself.” healthy lifestyle to reach goals. left that seminar with a great hope for our future. There Taypotat was chosen to speak at the 2010 National The tremendous success of positive role models are some truly awesome youth out there. Aboriginal Leadership Seminar at the University of will inspire other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth These things might be good to think about; show Regina. in their communities and Canada to lead healthy and guide kids by modeling good behaviour yourself. Ahigh school student in Regina, Taypotat dreams lifestyles, dare to dream, and believe they can also Learn to look at life in a good way. Have the good of being a doctor, and with her marks and passion she achieve success. In our world we learn by watching things from the past, look forward to and do things to is sure to be a success. and copying others. This helps us sort out how we make a better future. Ovide Mercredi, the former National Chief of the behave. Let your kids dream and talk of the things they want Assembly of First Nations and current Chief of his First Having a role model has always been an important todoandofthepeopletheywanttobewhentheygrowup. Nation in Manitoba was the keynote speaker at the part of our family life.Arole model can be anyone. Show your kids that you believe in them, support same seminar. He told the youth “First Nations, Inuit They can be you, me, mothers or fathers, our grand- your kids and family in the good things that they do. and Métis youth are choosing to lead healthy, active parents, aunties, uncles, cousins or sometimes they can Finally, try to match what you say with what you do. lives and succeeding in all areas, including the arts, even be people we really don't know personally. Thank you for your letters and emails. humanities, commerce, politics, sports, science and Role models can be a powerful influence in our Keep your letters and emails coming. Send your technology.” lives. They teach us many things. They help us learn questions or comments to: Sandee Sez c/o Eagle Mercredi went on to say that role models are who we are, where we come from and where we’re Feather News PO Box 924 ST Main Saskatoon, SKK authentic individuals who are true to their identities. going. We can copy their behaviours and some of the 3M4 or email [email protected] 12 Eagle Feather News - Year of the Métis MAY 2010 2010 - The Yea Anniversary of Touronds battle marked cold and rainy afternoon greeted around 100 people who came to commemorate the 125th AAnniversary of the Battle of Touronds Coulee. A fight that saw a family lose several of its men, their house and their livelihood. In tents overlooking Fish Creek people took time to remember the battle and the allies from the past and to honour some people in the present. Elder Rose Fleury (below) was gifted with a blanket and a painting for all of her work with the Batoche National Historic Site and the Gabriel Dumont Institute. She had announced her plans to retire and move the PA. Métis Nation Saskatchewan president Robert Doucette was given a capote by Karon Shmon of GDI. “I was going to give it to him in later in the event,” said Shmon. “But I couldn’t bear to see him shiver anymore.” Despite the weather, people enjoyed visiting, remembering, some fiddle music and bannock and jam. “You know,” said Shmon. “I am kind of glad it wa s cold today. I think it helps us to remember how those women and children felt huddled in the caves dug into the banks of the river, all the while there is a war around them and gunfire and cannons. We shouldn’t complain about a little cold. Imagine how they felt.”

RayFiddler(above),ManageroftheBatocheNationalHistoricsitestandsinfrontof Tourond’s Coulee at Fish Creek. 150 Métis soldiers took on almost 800 Canadian Troops in this battle and won a decisive victory.Madame Tourond lost two sons and hadanotherseverelydisabledinthebattle.Folowingthewar,MadameTourondlost five more children, several grandchildren and members of her extended family to disease. RayFiddler(left)chucklesasElderRoseFleuryreflectsonherpastinvolve- ment with the Historic Site as she officially retired after a life time of public service. For years Rose has voluntarily offered genealogy services to visitors at the Park and has helped hundreds of people rediscover their Métis roots. She was presented gifts by the Park and by the Gabriel Dumont Institute as thanks for her years of service. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) The Women in Caves (below) image was created by Sherry Farrell Racette and it captures Métis Women and Children hiding in caves dug into the banks of the South Saskatchewan River during the Battle at Touronds Coulee.ThetragicpartoftheMétisResistancein1885wasthelossoflifeofinnocent Métiswomenandchildren.DozensaresaidtohavediedintheyearfollowingtheBattle of Batoche due to starvation and tuberculosis. This was brought on after Canadian forces looted and destroyed Métis farms. Many Metis were never compensated for theirlosses. Métis Did you know?

Did you know? In November 1869, the Métis prevented Lieu- tenant Governor William McDougall from entering Red River.

Did you know? In December 1869, the Métis Provisional Gov- ernment was formed. It was led by John Bruce and .

Did you know? Louis Riel was the first person of Aboriginal ancestry to be elected to the Parliament of Canada. MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Year of the Métis 13 ar of the Métis May 9 - 12, 1885

he Battle of Batoche occurred from May 9-12, 1885. TAfter the battles of Duck Lake (March 26) and Tourond’s Coulee/Fish Creek (April 24), the Métis decided to make their stand against General Middleton’s forces at the village of Batoche. Between 250 and 300 Métis and First Nations came together to fight for their land, including Joseph Ouelette who was 93-years-old when he was killed on the last day of the battle. General Middleton was determined to break the Métis resistance at Batoche and end the 1885 Resistance. On May 9, the actual battle itself began with the arrival of the steamer Northcote, which held supplies and troops. The Métis incapacitated it by lowering a ferry cable which knocked down its smokestacks. With the Northcote disabled, the Métis formed two scout detachments. Ambroise Champagne led one, patrolling the east side of the river, while Patrice Fleury led the other on the west side. The Métis scouts were organized along the lines of the bison hunt with nine or ten captains, each commanding ten men (called dizaines), reporting to Gabriel Dumont, the Métis military leader. On the first day of fighting, the Métis were outnumbered four to one. There were no casualties that day. Middleton reached Batoche in the morning. The Métis started firing on his troops under cover from two houses. through the Métis’ frontline rifle pits. The Métis valiantly The Gatling gun, on loan from the American Army, fired on the fought against their advance, but succumbed to the Chronology of the 1885 Resistance first house and a gun from “A” battery shelled the second house, onslaught. Many brave elderly men remained fighting in causing the Métis to scatter. Both houses burned to the ground. the final hours of the battle so that the younger men could The Gatling gun also fired on the rectory. One of the bullets went return to their families and flee. With the conclusion of the 1884 (December) through the wall hitting Father Moulin in the leg. fighting, the Métis women, children and Elders emerged Middleton had a zareba built during the afternoon to protect from their hiding places. They had dug caves along the Louis Riel and Henry Jackson drafted a petition listing the his men at night, while using it as a daily base of operations. The riverbank, using trees, brush and earth for covering. They grievances of the Northwestʼs inhabitants. The government zareba was built on Jean Caron Sr.’s property, on the highest open responded by appointing a committee to investigate Métis hid in these caves for the entire battle with little food and claims and to make a list of those who did not take Scrip in ground possible, preventing any possible surprise attack from the endured a cold Saskatchewan spring. Manitoba. Métis. The Métis and First Nations fired shots into the zareba Métis casualties included Isidore Boyer, Damase every ten minutes for the entire night. Carrière, Charles Ducharme, Ambroise Dumont, Ambroise 1885 (March) Fighting continued throughout the next two days and the Jobin Jr., André Letendre, John Swain, Calixte Tourond, Métis were running out of ammunition. By May 12, only 50-60 Elzéar Tourond, Joseph Trottier, Michel Trottier and these The non-Aboriginal settlers and English-speaking half- Métis and First Nations were still fighting from their original breeds withdrew their support of the Métis Provisional Gov- three elderly men – Donald Ross, 63, Joseph (La Pioche) ernment. Louis Riel established headquarters at the Ba- force. They had only 40 rifles, with the rest using double-barrelled Vandal, 75, and Joseph Ouelette, 93. toche church and demanded Major Crozierʼs surrender. shotguns; some using nails and spent bullets for ammunition. Early in the afternoon, the North-West Field Force broke - Article by David Morin 1885 (March 8)

Louis Riel put forth a motion for the formation of a Provi- sional Government and the drafting of a Bill of Rights. Word reached Riel that troops were on the way to arrest him. To be continued next month ... Prepared by the Gabriel Dumont Institute with material devel- oped by Darren Prefontaine, Leah Dorion, Ron Laliberté, and Father Guy Lavallée. 14 Eagle Feather News MAY 2010 Trails of 1885 evoke controversial memories

By Darla Read of Poundmaker Hill, an enhanced Back to Batoche Days, as For Eagle Feather News well as other events at Batoche, Stelle Narrows, Fort Pitt ith Mounties on horseback, the Queen’s repre- and . sentative in a horse-drawn carriage, Métis leaders Talk of the Northwest Resistance inevitably leads to talk in a horse and cart, and other First Nations and of Louis Riel and whether or not he should be pardoned – Métis leaders on horses or on foot, the Trails of 1885 were something Wall didn’t want to spend much time on. Wofficially launched in Saskatoon last month. “Weshould probably be focusing on the things we agree Premier Brad Wall says the story of the 1885 Northwest on, which was that born of this tragedy is a history-making Resistance is a painful one, but one that must be told and moment in NorthAmerica.And, whatever the reason we understood because it was foundational to this province and haven’t told the story, we need to tell it now, and govern- the entire country. ment has a role in that, including funding of some pretty “The events of 1885 are a big reason why there was an important events that may be the seeds for the future.” interest on the part of ourAmerican friends for Manifest Although he has an opinion on Riel, Doucette agrees. Destiny, for looking north. It precipitated the railway and “Riel didn’t do anything wrong, it’s just my own arguably had a positive impact on the country expanding thought.And, as a Métis leader, I wouldn’t ask for a pardon. from coast to coast.” Really, I wouldn’t. It’s time to move on, it’s time to move The Trails of 1885 were established two years ago, and beyond Riel, and it’s time to reflect, recognize, and look the trails pull together sites, locations, festivals and events towards the future, not only on what we built and what we’re that are linked by the Northwest Resistance from Manitoba going to build together in this province and in this country. through Saskatchewan on toAlberta. Extra celebrations and “I think the more important thing for all Canadians, programs this year will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Métis, First Nations, and people alike, is to remember not the resistance. only Riel and Dumont and the chiefs, but also all of the other President Robert Doucette signs the partnership For example, this summer will feature a commemora- people who have played a role or contributed to this great document on behalf of the MN-S. tion of the Battle of Duck Lake, a re-enactment of the Battle history and continue to this day.” Karon Shmon honoured at Awasis conference

dedication to excellence in First SaskNative Rentals and the First Nations who saw the need and made it happen and grow and evolve to meet the changing Nation and Métis education has and Métis Education ProvincialAdvisory to the many people who have served the needs of those it served. It was a privilege led Karon Shmon down may Committee to the Ministry of Education, council over the years, helping Awasis to be part of this journey.” paths. She has also blazed a few paths of and she has served on the Race Relations Aher own. Shmon, the Coordinator of Committees of both Prince Albert and Publishing and Curriculum Development Saskatoon. at Gabriel Dumont Institute, was honoured Karon was humble in her acceptance at theAwasis Conference for her commit- of the honour. ment and achievements as an educator. “I am grateful to have had the oppor- Sheila Pocha, an educator and friend tunity to serve Awasis. Its focus on the of Shmon is very proud of Shmon’s child, the nameAwasis itself, initially drew achievements. me to the council. The emphasis on “With 2010 being the Year of the children, families and culture is what made Métis, it was only fitting that we honoured me stay,” said Shmon after she was Karon for her dedication to the Awasis presented with the honour by Métis Nation conference, but also for her advocacy for Saskatchewan President Robert Doucette. education and Métis history and culture.” “I think I was lucky to start my career Besides being an innovator in when there was very little support for bringing theAwasis Conference to another Métis and First Nations teachers because level of excellence over the years, Shmon Awasis became the beacon of support has also done volunteer work on behalf of needed by so many of us. the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation, “We owe thanks to the early builders

Karon Shmon (centre) is congratulated by Sheila Pocha and Dorothy Aubichon. MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Entertainment 15 Gosselin’s six-year run in Eagle Feather coming to an end

ixtoWin.It’sthenameofthefirststoryIeverpitched Saskatchewan and complained how I came all the way out community, artists, musicians, filmmakers and of course toEagleFeatherNews.Interestingly,itwassixyears for the show,thinking I had my media pass secured, only to JohnnyLagimodierefornotkickingmeoutofhisofficesix ago.Atime when I had no idea what I wanted to do forget my media credentials. years ago after fudging my writing background. with my life and seemingly no way of finding out. Ilookedatthegirlandsighedabigsigh:“IguessIdon’t It’s been a blast! SThe story was about Jordy Roach, a minor pro hockey makeanymoneythismonth.” playerwhowasenteringahockeyfightingtournament.So, ThenIplayedmylastcardand intriguedwiththeprospect,Iofferedtobehispromoterand made my best sad puppy dog was hired on the spot. face and took one step when But instead of punching his way to the $150,000 prize, shesaidthewordsIhadhoped Jordy never even stepped on the ice. The tournament was toheartheminuteIwalkedup cancelledduetosafetyconcerns.Ilostabitofmoneyinthe to the counter: “Don’t forget process but was able to take the good from the bad experi- your credentials next time.” ence – I caught the writing bug. And I was in. What Although Eagle Feather resulted was the publisher John Lagimodiere best live show didn’tknowthisatthetime(in thisguyhasever fact, he probably found out seenandIwasn’t after reading this), I was NOT even on the list. a published journalist. I had Ahhh, the written an article for Seeds of memories. It’s Success and another for amazing how NewbreedMagazinebutthose fast the years were both work related and have blown past goodfudgingmaterialforgettingwritinggigs.SorryJohnny. since I wrote that first article, But he must have saw at least some raw talent in my Six to Win. And again, it’s work because since then I was able to contribute to almost interestingitwassixyearsago. every edition of Eagle Feather News from then until now. Why you ask. Because six And let me tell you, it’s been a good ride. yearslaterI’monmypathwith Forallthosepeopleouttherewithabitofwritingability a pretty good idea where I’m andapassionforreportingthenews,becomeajournalistfor going. It’s like I finally won asmallpaper.Althoughyoudon’tgetrich,it’strulygratify- some piece of mind knowing ing seeing your words in print, you meet new and interest- I’m journeying well. And it ing people and, my favorite, you get treated like you’re only took six years. And as I important. navigate my journey, very But the best part of writing for a small paper? Getting toughdecisionsneedtomade. intoshowsforfreeandmeetingfamouspeople.Don’tbelieve Decisions like passing the me? torch to the next EFN arts & Let’ssee,asacolumnist,contributingwriterandphotog- entertainment columnist. rapher for Eagle Feather News and the now defunct Shout That’s right folks, you don’t Magazine,Ihavemet,innoparticularorder:BobRock,Bob have to see my ugly mug on Probert,BlueRodeo,theBakerTwins,LorneCardinal,Nick- this page anymore. elback, Stephen Hyde of the Payolas, The Tragically Hip, So thanks to everyone JenniferPodemski,TomsonHighway,GeorgeLeach,Billie who reads EFN, the arts JoeGreen,FredSasakamoose,LeelaGilday,LauraMilliken, Sarah Podemski, Michael Greyeyes, Gordon Tootoosis, Kinnie Star, Tantoo Cardinal, Brad Pitt, Eva Mendes and, my favorite, Selma Hayek. Okay,okay.Ifudgedthelastthreebutaguycandream, right? The point is, and this is a heavily guarded secret, if you say you’re with the media and can act the part, chances are you can get into almost anything. What? You don’t believe me? October2006.CommodoreBallroom.Vancouver.The Tragically Hip were releasing their latest CD World Container at a sold out, semi-exclusive show. The Commodore Ballroom only seats a few hundred people so tickets were impossibleto get. Being thatI was in town and desperately wanting to go, I needed a way. After being rejected for a media pass by the show’s sponsor – House of Blues – I decided to play a little dirty, just to see if it would work. Now remember, if you ever try this yourself, it’s really super important you act as cool as a cucumber when doing it. Carrying a camera and notebook while sporting my paperboy hat, I made my way to the ticket booth. “Media,” I said.The girl asked from where and I told her.She looked on her list and, as we know,I was not on it. ItoldtellherIcouldn’tbelievetheHouseofBlueswould do this to me. Again! And it worked – until we hit snag number two – “do you have your media credentials?” Not only did I not have them with me, I never had any in the first place. But take note, this is where you play the sympathy card. I said I must have left them back home in 16 Eagle Feather News MAY 2010 Boyer’s Olympic trip the thrill of a lifetime

Dallas Boyer is a musi- ancestors wrote and played cian, athlete and leader. A many, many years ago is past recipient of a SaskTel the greatest feeling, and I Aboriginal Youth Award, hope to continue it on for Dallas is an accomplished the next generations to and in-high-demand fiddle come. player and he also holds a black belt in Traditional You are always accompa- Shotokan Karate. Because nied by your dad Phil of his leadership, Dallas Boyer on the guitar. How was one of a handful of se- important is family to lected youth from across your success? Saskatchewan who was chosen to go to the Yes, my dad backs me Olympics and perform in up on guitar and chords for the opening ceremonies. We me. My dad also used to nabbed him for a few quick sing when he was my age, questions about his life. and even younger than me. He had quit singing 20 years ago, and started back What was it like dancing up playing guitar when I at the Olympics? started learning fiddle. So music has and still is a big It was an amazing chance part in my family life. So of a lifetime in Vancouver Dallas Boyer is accompanied by his father, Phil, when he performs. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) we started playing just to to dance the Métis jig dur- have fun, and share the ing the athlete’s parade during the from the experience that you will perience new things that I will al- Métis culture, and that’s where it opening ceremonies. I and three always remember? ways remember. took me to where I am today. other youth from Saskatchewan got chosen to represent the Métis Nation I would like to just list one thing, but Playing fiddle is your full time oc- Any tips for young people who are of Saskatchewan, where we took part spending 16 days with the same peo- cupation. How did you make that fans of fiddle music or martial arts in a 16 day Indigenous Youth Gather- ple kind of grows on you. I remem- happen? on how to get ahead? ing (IYG). Over 300-plus aboriginal ber when I first got there, not know- youth from all across Canada got this ing anyone, and then by the end of Dedication and patience are the two One thing I had been told learning once in a lifetime chance to spend 16 the IYG, after sharing dorms with main things, fiddle is not easy, and it fiddle, and learning karate is every- days, getting to know each other, five to six guys, waking up, eating does take time to learn. I never gave thing takes time, with time comes hanging out, and rehearsing for the breakfast, lunch, and supper, all the up when learning, or making a mis- dedication, with dedication comes opening ceremonies athletes parade bus rides back and forth, with the take on stage. I never miss a show, patience, with patience, then you will where we all showed off our native same people, it just turned out being even if I know there are conse- exceed, accomplish and succeed in dances. like one big family. With little sleep, quences on the other end, playing what ever it is you are trying to do. Was there a particular highlight and always on the go, we got to ex- fiddle, playing music that my Métis MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Business 17 $6 million funding program for Métis entrepreneurs

ByJohnLagimodiere breaking OfEagleFeatherNews program with étisentrepreneursinSaskatchewan CCDF acting nowhaveaccesstoa$6millionfund much like an thatmayhelpthemandtheirbusiness AngelInvestor. reach the pot of gold. The Métis Energy and Theemphasisis MResourceProgram(MERP),administeredby helpingtocreate theClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund,is an economic settoinvestinMétisentrepreneursandcommu- development nities who want to capitalize on the resource infrastructurefor boominSaskatchewan. the Métis in With$5millionfromtheGovernmentof Saskatchewan Canadaand$1millionfromCCDF,theprogram overtime. willhavetwocomponents;anEquityContribu- The rapid tionProgram,providingsupporttoindependent growth of Métisentrepreneurs,andaCommunityInfra- programs run structureProgramtocreateandbuildMétis-owned by CCDF has Roland Duplessis (standing) and Steve Danners are excited about a new program for Métis businesses. businesses beenapleasant SteveDannersistheSeniorBusinessDevel- surprise, but opmentSpecialistresponsiblefordeliveryofthe accordingtoFundManagerRolandDuplessis, programandheisexcitedabouttheopportuni- italsocomeswithitschallenges.“Growthalways ty.“Wewanttodispersethefundsinthemost comeswithsomechallenges.Thereistheneed effectivewaypossibleforMétisjobandwealth forincreasedstaffandthespacetohousethem creation.Werealize$6millionisnotthatsignif- not to mention the increased overhead costs. icant when you are talking about energy and Increaseddemandplacestravelpressuresonthe resourcesbutitisagoodstart,”saidDanners. staffastheFundservestheentireprovinceand “Theprocessisreallyquitesimple.Giveusacall thelogisticsoftravelisobvious.Theunprece- orfilloutourapplicationwhichcanbefoundon dentedsuccesshasmadeusbettermanagers” ourwebsiteatwww.clarencecampeau.comand saidDuplessiswhoadded,“Theentirestaffas theprocessisunderway.”Dannerswillworkout wellasourBoardisupforthechallenge.Wemet oftheFund’sHeadOfficeinSaskatoonwhile withthefederalgovernmentovertwoyearsago WayneGray,whowilljoinCCDFinJune,will tomakethemawareofoursuccessandinterest workoutoftheFund’sReginabranch. indeliveringnewfederalprogramsforMétis CCDFisknownfortheirhandsonapproach economicdevelopmentinSaskatchewan.When tohelpingentrepreneursandforsharingtheir theopportunitycameforCCDFtodeliverthe expertise.Dannersbringstothetableover20 MétisEnergyandResourceProgramwejumped yearsofexperienceineconomicdevelopment attheopportunity.Itdovetailedperfectlywithour andthefinanceindustry.“Imaynotknowalot traditionalprogramsmakingittheperfectfit. We aboutminingornaturalresources,butIdoknow wantedtomakesurewedidnotjeopardizeour howtoputbusinessdealstogetheranddevelop currentprogramsorcompromisethestandards fundingpackagessothatabusinesshasthebest thatwehavesetforprogramdeliverytoourMétis chanceforsuccess.Theprocesscanbeintimi- business community.INAC were anxious to dating. Entrepreneurs often have a business work with CCDF as they stated that we had conceptbuttheysimplydon’tknowwhereto proventhatwecoulddeliverresults.” start.YoucanstartwithaphonecalltoCCDF. Thoughthisisone-timemoneybasedona Wecanhelpyoueverystepoftheway.” threeyearbudget,CCDFfullyexpectstoseean Besidesassistingprivateentrepreneurs,the extensionbasedonresults.“Wehaveaplanand programwillallowCCDFtopartnerwithMétis onceweproducetheresults,weareconfidentthe communities,organizationsorMétiseconomic federalgovernmentwillbeveryinterestedin development corporations to start or acquire extendingit.Wehavetoshowitworksandthat business.Thisprogramisgeneratingconsider- wecangrowtheeconomyforMétispeopleand ableinterestfromcommunitiesinboththenorth theprovince,”saidDuplessis.“Ifwedon’t,well andsouth.“ThiswillbeaboutMétisjobcreation, franklywedon’tdeservetogetmorefunding.” wealth creation and community business DannersknowsthattheFundhasbuiltits ownership,”saidDanners.“Wecanbridgethe successonprovidinguniqueequityprograms gap between industry and community and andexpertise,buttheyarejustonepartofthe developalongtermrelationshipthatmayormay equation. notincludeCCDF.TheCommunityInfrastruc- “CCDFhasbeenbuiltonourMétispeople tureprogramwillbedrivenbyindustryanditwill and we have not forgotten about them,” said beuptoCCDFtodeterminewhichcommunity Danners.“UnderMERPanybusinessinvolved is close enough to business readiness to be intheenergyandresourcesectorspecificcanbe involvedwiththeopportunity.Thecommunity funded.ItisaboutMétiseconomicdevelopment selectedwilltakeapercentageownershipinthe andprofits. rangeof20%asaminoritypartnerinthebusiness. “WewantwealthandprosperityforMétis Eachyearthecommunitywouldearnanaddi- peopleandcommunities.Thesearedollarsthat tional5%andafterfouryears,basedonpredeter- flowdirectlyintotheSaskatchewaneconomy.It mined criteria, would have an opportunity to meansinfrastructuredevelopmentandhugespin acquire100%ownershipofthebusinesswith off benefits which benefit all the residents of CCDFremainingasapreferredshareholderwith SaskatchewanandCanada. representation on the board. This is a ground Danners added. “Métis business makes sense,giveusacall. 18 Eagle Feather News - Business MAY 2010 PotashCorp CEO eager to recruit workers in Aboriginal community

By Dana Jacobs In recent years, annual sales for Saskatchewan potash For Eagle Feather News have totalled roughly $1 billion per year. orld population growth is expected to create According to Doyle, PotashCorp. currently has $5 employment opportunities and revenue streams billion in expansion projects underway and an estimated for Aboriginal and Métis residents and busi- $3.8 billion gross domestic product being generated nesses in Saskatchewan. annually. POTASHCORP’S BILL DOYLE WIn order to support the increasing demand for food production, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan is developing relationships with Aboriginal communi- ties in the province as partners, suppliers and employees. “We see this as a business opportunity,” said Bill Doyle, president and Chief Executive Officer of PotashCorp. “We need the best that we can find.” Doyle announced the anticipated “potash boom” and PotashCorp’s commitment to providing access- able opportunities for Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal population at a Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business luncheon in Saskatoon onApril 21. Doyle said he believes that with the help of Leanne Bellegarde, a leader in the province’s business and aboriginal communities, PotashCorp can make mean- ingful step towards providing opportunities forAborig- inal individuals and businesses in Saskatchewan. Bellegarde joins PotashCorp on a six-month work- term from the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business to help build the company’s strategy for developing relations with Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal population. “I want to make sure that the Aboriginal community gets a piece of the Potash pie,” Doyle said, citing the need for long-term strategic planning including the development of new business partner- ships and scholarships. Acknowledging the “relatively small” number of Aboriginal employees currently at Potash Corp, Doyle said he would like to see the percentage of Potash Corp’s Aboriginal employees increase to reflect the size of Saskatchewan’s rapidly growing First Nation and Métis community. “We need new workers, there’s no doubt about that,” Doyle said. “As we expand we’re going to need a lot more workforce here and so we need young people to come through our plant gates and join our company – the aboriginal community is a big part of that and we look forward to it.” According to provincial government statistics, 13.5 per cent of Saskatchewan residents identified themselves as Aboriginal in 2001. That percentage is expected to increase to 20 per cent by 2015, indicating a long-term trend toward Aboriginal population growth. Doyle said PotashCorp is also committed to increasing the number of its Aboriginal suppliers. “You’ve got to have various strategies for each individual company that comes across in terms of what they can supply – if it’s steel, if it’s concrete, if it’s construction, if it’s safety systems, all those things have to be individual and prioritized,” he said. Potash Corp is the world’s largest fertilizer enter- prise producing the three main plant nutrients and a leading supplier to three market categories; agricul- ture, animal nutrition and industrial chemicals. MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Education 19 20 Eagle Feather News - Careers MAY 2010 Closure follows walk, live-in

• Continued from Page One The walk was long, strenuous, and cold as the The impending sale of the university has been an group encountered snowfall. However, giving up was unfortunate outcome, especially after students and not an option. faculty took part of a two-day solidarity walk from “They always say walk with your head up and I March 22- 24. do that,” saidAcoose, “But for these last two days I The students and faculty walked from Saskatoon walked with my head down because every time I arrived in Regina with blistered and aching feet. looked up all I saw was far, far away.” “It was the most tremendous, amazing, beautiful, There was plenty of time to think during that walk. empowering, tiring, stressful walk,” Professor of “It gave you time to contemplate your thoughts Social Work, Sharon Acoose said. and ... what you want to do in life and this is what I Acoose participated in the live-in at the want to do – I want to teach and I want to teach for Saskatoon campus from the beginning- spending this university,” an institution Acoose says she will some nights alone. continue to fight for. MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Careers 21 Support system got Thunderchild working

By John Lagimodiere Shop foreman Rod McKenzie says derchild the job. He says Gilles Dorval, an “We took someone with an acquired Of Eagle Feather News Thunderchild is fitting in well. employment equity consultant with the brain injury and worked with the t first glance, the slurred speech “We gave him good orientation and City of Saskatoon approached CUPE. community. The Tribal Council was and interrupted gait make you training,” explains McKenzie. “After a “Because of Ervin’s disability, there helpful in providing funding to get Ervin may think this man is drunk. But month he started feeling comfortable with were some things that he couldn’t do right some of the training he needed and it don’t let the appearance of Ervin worked out really well with all AThunderchild fool you. Once you the partners,” Dorval says. see the sparkle of mischief in his “Cooperation with our eye and have your hand union and management here enveloped in his steel grip, you made sure the members were realize there is much more to comfortable with Ervin coming Thunderchild than meets the eye. in and because the job wasn’t An accomplished athlete posted, we had to work with the before a serious car accident 22 union and think outside the box. years ago, this gentle giant with “The management, the the wicked sense of humour has union and us worked to design a successfully re-entered the work job that Ervin was capable of force with the help of co- doing and to be fulfilling. We workers, his union, the had a high level of cooperation Saskatoon Tribal Council and an from the union.” understanding employer. Dorval credits Maximum He works for the City of Driving School with going the Saskatoon, making good use of extra mile for Thunderchild. use of his recently acquired 1A “Because of his physical trucking license. limitations, he really had to “I move the trucks around work at shifting, but he got it andkeeptheshopclean,”explains down.” Thunderchild.“Icleanupafterthe For Dorval, getting Thun- white guys,” he laughs. derchild working again was truly Finding employment, even a partnership, one that offers a locating a suitable home, wasn’t lesson. an easy task for the 55-year-old Gilles Dorval, Rod Mckenzie and Mike Stefiuk worked hard to secure employment for Ervin Thunderchild. “People with disabilities are with such obvious physical limi- the toughest areas to fill in the tations. But with plenty of help from some the job and what was required. It also took off the bat that took some special training workplace. And I think the level of deter- good friends, he’s living the good life. a month for the rest of the staff to get so we made the effort to get him trained up. mination that Ervin brought with him in “It feels great,” he says. “I want to stay comfortable and it’s working out really How can we not do this? It was the right the job was definitely something that here until I retire.The job is great. It makes well and he is part of the team.” thing to do,” Stefiuk says. helped us,” says Dorval. me feel good that I’m doing something. In Mike Stefiuk, president of CUPE 859 Dorval says it took some negotiations “One thing to take away from this is to the next couple of years I want to buy a says it was necessary to put some politics involving the employer and the union, but never prejudge anybody. Ervin, as an house.” and union issues aside in order to getThun- he’s pleased with the outcome. employee has worked out really well.” 22 Eagle Feather News - Sports MAY 2010 Keeping busy key to Sanderson’s success

By Andréa Ledding of Team Saskatchewan at the North American For Eagle Feather News Indigenous Games in Victoria, B.C. ane Sanderson of the James Smith Cree His MLA Darcy Furber was the one who Nation is a hard-working student, athlete, nominated him for the provincial YouthAward. and leader with a strong sense of “I was just driving into town one day and got community and family. He was most recently one a call, it was kind of a surprise,” Sanderson said. Dof six youth in the province to be awarded a Sanderson also volunteers in his community Saskatchewan Youth Award, and also received a in programs like Crystal Meth Awareness and 2009 SaskTel YouthAward for Male Outstanding Gang Exit Programs, also acting as a youth mentor Achievement. for the West Flat Community Centre where he “It kind of made me realize that I’m a role works with Elders and at-risk youth. The key to model to other students and people my age,” success? Sanderson said in a phone interview, adding he’s “Staying out of trouble – staying involved in had a lot of comments from others. “It kind of sports and activities, if other kids could kind of see surprised some people I guess.” that and do the same they wouldn’t run into many Now in his final year at St. Mary’s High School problems.” in Prince Albert, he has served as captain and He says his parents and grandparents have kept provincial spokesperson at two North American him going down the right track, and encouraged Indigenous Games, represented PrinceAlbert and him to make good decisions. So how does he have area at theAcademic Leadership Conference, and time for everything? was selected to represent his high school at the “I try to get most of my school work done in National Biology Competition. school – if you use class time, it’s much easier than The Prince Albert Grand Council has also doing homework.” nominated him for Youth Citizen of the Year, and He’s planning on going into sports medicine he’s working hard towards pulling off a Governor’s through college or university, and if all goes well, General Academic Medal with his Grade 12 marks. college level volleyball will also be in the works. But right now he’s focusing on an upcoming “I go from sport to sport all year, though,” he athletic trip. explained. “Our volleyball team goes to Nationals in Sports, good marks, volunteering, community, Abbotsford, B.C. this month,” he explained. and family – does he have any advice for other So beyond community and academic scholar- kids? ships, he may also be looking at sports scholar- “Just stay involved and keep going down the Dane Sanderson won SaskTel’s OutstandingAchievementAward. ships – he has played elite volleyball as a member right track, it helps things go smoothly.” MAY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Careers 23

Saskatoon Tribal Council and FSIN representatives accept the first place trophy. Host team wins Winter Games, but it went down to the wire

By Andréa Ledding “All the kids had nothing but good For Eagle Feather News things to say – I just hope there are he 2010 Winter Games were an many more Winter Games like that to event in every way – from the come.” spectacular opening, to the He says the real joy is getting to play weeklong competitions. Young Aborigi- with all his buddies. Tnal athletes from across the province “Knowing that will be the last time travelled to Saskatoon to meet new and that bunch of guys will be together – we old friends in competition – badminton, definitely made the best of it and gave it hockey, broomball, curling, and volley- our all. We didn’t need to win to know we ball. did well – we knew within ourselves that This year Saskatoon Tribal Council we did well. That we won really topped it narrowly edged outAgency Chiefs Tribal off for me.” Council for top spot … by one point! Coming out on top was a special Agency Chiefs led in broomball and feeling, but what was most special to badminton, Saskatoon Tribal Council in Daniels was winning the year they were hockey, Meadow Lake Tribal Council in hosting, and hearing from many of the volleyball, and Beardy’s and Okemasis in visiting athletes it was the best Winter curling. The 2010 Tony Cote Award was Games so far. presented to Team Woodland. “I thought that was a very true Mark Arcand, event co-ordinator for statement,” he said, adding how smooth the Games, said things went well thanks everything ran. “To win was just the best to dedication, hard work, organizing and reward we could’ve got.” volunteers behind the scenes, and the Travelling from Mistawasis were attitudes of the young athletes themselves. about 20 or 30 youth, Daniels estimated, “It was pretty special for Saskatoon and all the athletes and their families and Tribal Council to win, the year that STC communities worked hard planning and was hosting,” he noted. getting the athletes prepared. Athlete Colby Daniels of Mistawasis “It was nice being able to help out as was one of the hockey players with the much as I could even if it was just little STC midgets team, in his sixth year of things – volunteering – I had a little part hockey. to do in the opening ceremonies, stuff like “It was great, this year we ‘three- that.” peated’– not many tribal councils have Eagle Feather News caught up with done that – everybody was really relieved Daniels at the National Aboriginal and enthused we did it,” he said. Hockey Championship in Ottawa – at the STC narrowly managed to repeat time of the interview they were leading their 2006 and 2008 wins. with a 3-0 record as they prepared to play “The opening ceremonies was spec- Alberta. tacular. Everyone enjoyed it. I really “To me sports stands really high in enjoyed it, it’s something to remember for my life, right up there school family and sure.” friends … for youth it’s somethingo to d Daniels added the whole Games was to keep them active and keep them out of really well run. trouble – it’s very positive.” 24 Eagle Feather News - Careers MAY 2010