AUGUST 2012 VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 8

FREE Symbolic burn rekindles spirits

Two children reflect as they watch the boat burn away many of the communities bad memories of residential school. Former Chief John Cook encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities to better themselves. (Photos by Carmen Pauls Orthner )

METIS BLUE This youngster showed his Métis pride at Back to Batoche held in July. - Page 13 By Carmen Pauls Orthner FACING CHALLENGERS For Eagle Feather News Métis people in Saskatchewan ormally, the sight of a large boat will be going to the polls in Sept. engulfed in flames might be cause President Robert Doucette has Nfor alarm. However, on an August five challengers. - Page 14 afternoon in Lac La Ronge Indian Band territory, that sight was met with relief, and SHANNEN’S DREAM even celebration. The boat was the centerpiece of a two- Grade 5 teacher Karen Goodon day healing event organized by the Lac La helped organize a Regina walk Ronge Indian Band, under the auspices of in support of education. the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. - Page 16 Inspired by an archival photo depicting a wooden barge full of residential school LETTERS FROM INSIDE students coming ashore in 1935, the band In this annual feature we hear commissioned Pinehouse craftsman Eric from inmates who tell us about Natomagan to build a re-construction of that their mistakes and their hopes boat. for the future. - Page 22 On August 8, youth representing the Band’s six communities paddled the boat for a short trip along the shore of Lac la Ronge, accompanied by several GOLDEN BOY former residential school students. Seated in the middle of the boat was elder Elizabeth Charles of Stanley Mission, Angus McLean Jr. struck gold at who had recognized herself as one of the passengers in the 1935 photo, and inspired the re-creation project. the Saskatchewan Summer “You think about their experience in being lonely, and having no power, no say. They couldn’t turn back even Games held in Meadow Lake. if they cried,” said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, who sat next to the elders in the boat. - Page 24 “It’s really emotional, but it’s good to feel, because in order for us to move forward, we need to feel, to let in what happened.” Welcome to our Justice Edition After the short trip, the boat was hauled to the rear of the band’s Senator Myles Venne School, while a funeral Coming In September - procession of sorts filed through the town of La Ronge and out to the band’s cemetery. This gave people an oppor - tunity to remember those who died at the residential schools, before heading to the school for a lunch of moose Back to School Issue stew and bannock. CPMA #40027204 • Continued on Page 5 2 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2012 AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News 3 Saskatoon police building on lessons from troubled past By Andréa Ledding that have been made. around crime. Additionally, other changes that they held it in high regards and had For Eagle Feather News “In policing and the healing of rela - have been made to protect the especially tried their best to earn it not only with n the final day of the Truth and tionships ... lessons were learned, and vulnerable sectors of missing women and changes in attitude and policy, but with Reconciliation Commission healing has occurred.” children. cultural practice. O(TRC) national event held in The Saskatoon City Police Service has “The way we handle murdered and “We understand what that eagle staff Saskatoon in June, Chief Clive Weighill, expanded its cultural relations unit, under - missing Aboriginal women has been means, because we worked four years for on behalf of the Saskatoon City Police taken diversity training specific to Aborig - revamped. There is no waiting period,” it, going to ceremony,” noted Weighill, Service, was one of many group and indi - inal history, culture, and needs, and has a Weighill explained, adding that there will adding that they had attended sweats and vidual “Acts of Reconciliation” to come police advisory committee on diversity. be a memorial to the murdered and missing undergone all the appropriate protocol in forward, make a statement, and place an Public complaints about the police service Aboriginal women in the new police head - order to truly appreciate and culturally item of significance in the TRC’s are not only taken seriously, but are handled quarters that is being built, “to provide a honour the eagle staff, and what carrying “Bentwood Box”. at a provincial level by a commission, not place for the community and family it means. “We need to repair relations — it “(Indian Residential Schools) had an the Service itself. members to gather.” takes time to heal and to build trust.” unfortunate societal, psychological, and “We have regular meetings with FSIN The new police headquarters, Weighill then presented the TRC cultural fallout,” noted Weighill. (Federation of Saskatchewan Indian complete with memorial, is expected to be commissioners Justice Murray Sinclair, Referring to dark chapters in Canada’s Nations) which are a constructive and two- finished sometime in late 2013. Marie Wilson, and Chief Wilton Littlechild history, not only in terms of Residential way conduit,” said Weighill. “We meet Weighill and some of his staff with a Saskatoon City Police staff cap that Schools, but Saskatoon’s own history with with the Saskatoon Tribal Council two members have also been presented with an was placed in the Bentwood Box, as a sign the City Police in events such as the death times a month.” eagle staff, and the chief was quick to point of commitment to on-going relationship and of Neil Stonechild, who was dropped off He added that they also have support out that it wasn’t just a token gesture but restitution, and a gesture of reconcili ation. in a remote part of the city on a winter night and communication provided from the and froze to death, and the resulting inquiry Metis-Nation Saskatchewan. Issues into the police practice of “Starlight Tours”, discussed include active recruiting of First Weighill outlined some of the positive steps Nations police officers, and discussions

Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill places his statement and a Police Service cap in the Bentwood box with the help of survivors Eugene Arcand and Madeline Basile. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) 4 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2012

Cons gang feared in Indian Country There is a gang running rampant in Indian Country and they are making everyone cower in fear. This gang wears blue and they are known as the Cons. They are highly disci - plined, wear suits and only say what their boss tells them to say. They originated in Alberta, but have slowly taken over the country and now control it with an iron fist. At the smallest sign of a snub, this gang will mercilessly turn on you. Fiddle instructor Fay MacKenzie and 12 year old Tristan Meyers from Calgary They will wreck your future, take all of your money and impose their will on you Alberta share in the Absolute Beginner class. (Photo by Andrea Ledding) and your family. And you have no recourse whatsoever, because even if you do find a weakness in them, they will just change the law as they see fit to meet their means. Their best bit of thuggery and misdirection is the classic “we are only doing what Fiddler’s descend on Arcand’s annual event the Indian people tell us they want.” The 15th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Gabriel Dumont Institute – Metis finger- Using this classic gambit, the gang of Cons have imposed the following on Indian Fest kicked off with bright sunshine and weaving and beading. people: Accountability provisions brought forth by their lieutenant Kelly Block. She the sound of fiddles from every direction. There is also a children’s activity purports to have hundreds of letters from scared Indians who want more accounta - Running from August 9 until Sunday centre, on-going entertainment and bility on reserve. August 12, John and Vicki Arcand’s competitions under the new hardtop roof Their henchman Rob Clark brought forward changes to the Indian Act … pred - acreage plays host to musicians and and mainstage, and a food concession with icated on all those consultations that Clark has purported to have with Indians across dancers of all levels from all across Turtle a variety of contemporary and traditional Canada … except for any in Saskatchewan or any in his riding. Island. dishes. Each night a concert takes place on Also, one of their analysts, Crazy Tom F we’ll call him, says that Indians want Twelve year-old Tristan Meyers was the mainstage featuring world-class enter - to own their own land. They even got an Indian to join their gang, his name is Manny an enthusiastic first-time fiddler from tainment, and additionally each of the nine … he agrees with the government so all Indians must want private land and the ability Calgary who said it was “awesome” and fiddling instructors chooses a fiddling to let pipelines cross it. couldn't wait for the next workshop. student to mentor for a feature concert. To top it off, just this month the Cons have decided that there are not enough Instructors provide group and individual The competitions take place Saturday, Indians living under the same roof so they decided to cut housing on reserve across direction in one-hour workshops with finals beginning Sunday morning, Saskatchewan. They think this will help create family unity … it’s easy to be united organized by style and ability; this year and concluding with the Fiddle Finale and when you live with 13 other family members right? various styles of fiddle, traditional jigging, Trophy and Cash prizes in the afternoon, To top it off, the gang of Cons have installed one of their goons into the Upper and guitar workshops are being offered including the awarding of the Chamber. Senator Patrick Brazeau, quite possibly the only Indian to publically endorse alongside cultural activities provided by Saskatchewan Championships. the Head Con Steve, has been rewarded with a lifetime job making about $150,000 a year with all kinds of perks. And to make his community proud, he rarely shows up, apparently distracted by the various court cases that keep him away from the Senate much of the time. Way to show up Patrick, glad that Trudeau of the Reds punched your face several times. So in Indian country, get used to the gang of Cons running the place … for at least two more years anyway. Until we rid the community of the Blue Con scourge, we are in trouble. The hard part is, they control the purse strings AND the law. And that combination can’t be beat in the streets, no matter how prepared you are. Get out and vote Vote whenever you get the chance. Métis people, your chance comes on September 8 when you vote in the Métis election. In October, all Métis and First Nation people in Saskatchewan have the opportunity to vote in municipal elections. And voting in “mainstream” elections does not lessen your indigenousness … never let anyone tell you that. It actually enhances your citizenship. You have the right to vote. Use it. And a favourite at the Fiddle Fest is always the jigging seminars! Jiggers getting jiggety! (Photo by Andrea Ledding) AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News 5

A wooden barge carries youngters to residential school in this 1935 photo. Youngsters were encouraged to sign the boat before it was set afire. (Photo credit Northern Saskatchewan Archives) Ceremony will lead to era of friendship predicts La Ronge elder • Continued from Page 1 As the smoke and flames rose higher and higher, a members to take advantage of the opportunities they have The following day gave the elders and other resi - group of musicians chanted and drummed, while the been given. dential school survivors a chance to share their own crowd watched with solemn faces, some using smart - His successors as chief, notably the late Myles Venne stories, before gathering in the school’s outdoor rink. phones or digital cameras to record the moment. The boat and Cook’s own son, Harry Cook, helped ensure that the There, the boat was heaped with dry branches, with was nearly a charred skeleton when the first drops of rain vision of band-controlled education became a reality in freshly-hewn logs set around its base. Those who wished began to fall, and within minutes, the rain’s soft splats each of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s six communi - to were invited to sign their names on the boat’s painted had turned into a torrential downpour. ties. sides. Listening to the crackling of the fire, the thrum of And now, with the help of events like this one, he The boat was then smudged with sweetgrass, and a the drums beating, and the voices clamoring about the reflected, the painful history of the residential school medicine bundle representing former students who had rain, former band chief John Cook pondered aloud about won’t ever be repeated. died or were unable to attend was placed inside. Four the day’s events. “Now we'll work together – Indians and whites, handmade torches – representing the four directions – Cook, a residential school survivor himself, dropped whatever colour you are, we’ll all be friends here in La were then lit and used to start the fire. out of school at 16, but he now encourages young band Ronge.” 6 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2012 Promoting the North takes money

omewhere in Green Lake country Rose has always been such a kind there is a thief and not just one of and generous woman ,even more so your ordinary run of the mill kind since she became a great grandmother. S And come on man, or mans, as my either. This one is into fried bannock. That’s right, fried bannock! Rose old dad use to say, you don’t want your and Rik Richardson have had their life story to be “the man who stole fried restaurant, Keewatin Country Junction, bannock from a great grandmother!” broken into four times over the last few For the reader’s information, years and each time the fridge and Keewatin Country Junction is a seasonal freezers have been raided and ALL the stopping place, opening on the May long fried bannock is gone. weekend until the end of the summer. Hundreds of pieces of lovely, The menu is small, but great, with delicious fried fresh bannock stolen and homemade not one left for a soup every hungry traveller’s day, Indian coffee. Can you Tacos and imagine that? Who bannock would do such a anyway you thing? can imagine Grant it, Rose it. Fried, makes the best fried baked, bannock I have ever eaten and that’s smothered with blueberries picked from saying a lot because mine is pretty darn just down the road and all the pie you good, but I have to admit hers is better. can eat and the coffee is fresh and strong. It is so good people come from as Rose purchased the train station far away as Europe to have it so I guess from CPR more then 20 years ago with if you think about it, an idle thief or the dream of one day operating a thieves with nothing better to do would Stopping Place at the Junction. have to eventually make the decision to “I wanted to serve good food, steal it. promote northern arts and tell the story Imagine them sitting around one of our country and people,” she says. night when the talk turns to their favorite But it all cost a lot of money and pastime, which is stealing of course, and realizing the dream took years. someone suggests the Junction’s She and her husband Rik opened the bannock. Can’t you hear the conversa - Junction in 2002 and after a few rocky tion “Hey, man that old lady makes years, “things are starting to look a little better bannock than my nokom!” better.” “Yeah I know I stopped in Promoting the North, its history, yesterday and she had big trays full natural beauty and resources is sitting around all over the place, oh man something that is close to both Rose and it was just brown and shiny and that Rik Rik and they work tirelessly to that end. was eating a big piece covered with jam. They have travelled across the Man I thought I was gonna die I wanted country and to Europe checking out it so bad.” markets for local products such as wild And presto the deed is done. The rice, berries and indigenous medicines Junction is broken into and then the thief and have found not only the interest but is hooked and has to keep coming back the market as well. for more. “If we could develop to serve that It makes sense, addictions are addic - market we could create successful busi - tions. But like all of them they cost nesses throughout the North.” Rik says. somebody money and for Keewatin “But to do that people need money” Country Junction the cost of broken It has always been amazing to me windows is prohibitive. how big companies can get huge gifts So a message for the bannock thief and grants of money from our govern - or thieves, Rose and Rik have come up ments, both provincial and federal, to with a plan to help you out because you develop the resources of our territories don’t really want to end up getting but find it so difficult to do the same for caught and having to do time for stealing the most valuable resource of all and that fried bannock, that would be kind of is the people. embarrassing. If even one per cent of the resources Rose will type up her recipe and hauled from the territory was poured post it on the door and if that does not back into developing the human work for you then leave a note on the resources, be it in education or small door suggesting she do a weekend business and industry, think how much workshop, open to the public, of course, richer we would all be. so no one knows it’s you, and you and Rich materially and spiritually as all the other participants can learn to well. It is too bad that governments, cook it for yourselves. regardless of party affiliations, are so Now that’s a great idea don’t you narrow and shortsighted. Ah well, one think? day… AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News - Health 7 Frustrated residential school victim continues his struggle By Larrisa Burnouf raise money and awareness about the continued discrimi - The Common Experience Payment deadline has already For Eagle Feather News nation and abuse they face years after the last residential passed and the IAP deadline is September 19, 2012. t’s like there’s no hope,” says a near-defeated school closed its doors. Lloyd Hugh Courterielle of the treatment and “Zero compensation for losing a limb. There’s “I what he’s calling a hidden agenda in the lack of something wrong with the system here,” explains an compensation for residential school survivors with emotionally and physically exhausted Courterielle. disabilities. “I’m struggling. I have to pay people to help me and I Courterielle was just 10 years old when he lost his left haven’t got that extra money.” Courterielle, who lives in a leg in a tragic accident while at a residential school in northern Saskatoon apartment, says he struggles every day to accom - Alberta, the same school where he was also sexually plish the basic tasks that many people today don’t think twice molested repeatedly. Fifty-some years later, he is still about including hauling groceries into the house and doing fighting for compensation for the loss of his limb and the laundry. loss of a life he could have had if he wasn’t left physically Courterielle has already been compensated for the sexual mutilated from the accident. abuse he faced as a child in residential school. He says the He says compensation for losing his limb, which was money was not enough for the hardship caused and should amputated just above his knee, was denied following an have included compensation for his leg. Once he realized Independent Assessment Process hearing, on the grounds the legal wrangling around the IAP decision, he knew change that he was not pushed or physically hit when he fell under was needed at a federal level. He says if Ottawa doesn’t agree the tractor that crushed his leg. to help him or renegotiate on the behalf of disabled survivors, “If you don’t get pushed or slapped then you’re out. You he’s willing to take it as far as he can to see change and lose out on a compensation package,” explains Courterielle. compensation dollars. “That has to be renegotiated. You know we were under Courterielle also says the equipment the federal govern - their jurisdiction. Like if you didn’t send your kid to the resi - ment provides to the disabled survivors is terrible. He walked dential school, the parents would go to jail.” on a faulty prosthetic leg that was 1.5 inches too short for Courterielle staged a one-man protest outside the over a decade. Finally receiving a newer prosthesis that was Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina last week. It was the the correct length this year, Courterielle now faces additional second of many he says he will hold across the country in hardship as his aging body struggles to accommodate the major cities including Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and over-compensation he grew accustomed to while walking Ottawa. He says he is fighting so that other residential school with a limp for so many years. survivors who have lost limbs or other extremities don’t have The new leg however, broke while sitting on the legisla - to suffer like he has for a lifetime. tive grounds in Regina during his first day of protest. He was Courterielle is an advocate for residential school left screwing bolts into the piece himself in order to fix it survivors living with amputations and other disabilities. He enough to walk. As such, he is also accepting any used Lloyd Hugh Courterielle sits by himself on the steps says taking his protest on the road is also an opportunity to equipment or prosthetics for less fortunate residential school of the Saskatchewan Legislature. survivors also in urgent need. (Photo by Curtis Cameron) 8 Eagle Feather News - Health AUGUST 2012 High rate of diabetes for First Nations girls

study by U of S researchers Dr. and Osgood were able to track the rates “When we looked at the last 10-15 “We believe what we are seeing in Roland Dyck and Nathaniel of diabetes in both First Nations and years, diabetes prevalence was quite First Nations children is largely related Osgood from the Indigenous non-First Nations populations in similar between the two groups,” Dyck to the emergence of type 2 diabetes A Saskatchewan over 25 years from 1980 says. while diabetes in non-First Nations People’s Health Research Centre reveals that pre-adolescent and adolescent First to 2005. This groundbreaking work “However, by being able to go back children is still predominantly type 1,” Nations girls face higher rates of covers a longer time period than any to the early 1980s, we found diabetes Dyck says. diabetes than other children in other childhood diabetes study done in was only half as prevalent among First He says the increase in type 2 Saskatchewan. Canada. Nations children at that time. diabetes is related in some ways to a Using data gathered from the The study is published in the “Over the 25-year period of the data dramatic shift in lifestyle for both First Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Dyck Canadian Journal of Diabetes. studied, the rates greatly increased, Nations and non-First Nations children. particularly among pre-adolescent and “Kids and youth aren’t as active as adolescent First Nations girls.” they used to be, and there has been a Dyck and Osgood used health care steady increase in weight in Canadian system administrative data to look at children in general over the last 30 years. Métis floral beadwork – children from birth to age 20, and This factor has significant implications, compared diabetes incidence (number along with dietary habits, to diabetes.” of new cases) and prevalence (the total Contributing factors to diabetes, number of cases) between First Nations such as poor diet, affect youth from an art revisited and non-First Nations youth in the disadvantaged populations even more province. since they may lack access to high They found that diabetes prevalence quality foods and opportunities to be eading is about discovery, was cleaned processed and twisted into amongst First Nations youth more than involved in physical activities such as meeting strangers who become fine strands that could be split as fine as tripled from 1980 to 2005 while increas - organized sports. friends. human hair. The strands were moistened B except for a section at the very end that ing by less than two times amongst non- Children born of women with I had the privilege of taking a Métis beading class at John Arcand’s Fiddle served as a needle. First Nations youth. diabetes are also at a higher risk of Fest. The class was taught by Amy Prevalence was highest amongst becoming obese as well as later devel - Briley who authored a book with First Nations girls, with an almost four- oping diabetes. Gestational diabetes also Gregory Scofield. The book can be fold increase. An important limitation of has higher rates in First Nations women purchased at the Gabriel Dumont the study was that it could not differen - than non-First Nations women, increas - Institute and a DVD is included. tiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. ing this risk factor as well. Gregory writes about what beadwork meant to him as taught to him as an eight-year-old boy by his auntie, Georgina. Beading was respected by the Métis community, The beads were strung onto the assisting them to heal from the hard life sinew and a needle with linen or cotton they endured. thread made the tiny stitches that Culturally, poverty brought out their secured the beads to the cloth or leather creativity. In the evening, when the surface. Métis beadwork is based on supper dishes were done, the women floral designs with unlimited composi - and children gathered around the tion and designs. kitchen table in silence counting their There were 12 women in my class precious beads, visiting, laughing and tracing flowers, threading our needles, telling stories. The art of beading eased choosing various colored beads for our their pain and made them proud of their project. Everyone shared their previous accomplishments and workmanship to experiences about other classes they had show others as well as teaching the taken. Amy, our instructor, did a children how to bead. fabulous job of teaching. Some had Sherry Ferrel Racette shared the never taken a beading class and Amy history of bead workers and the was a very patient teacher. materials used for beading. Large beads We all left the class with various were used for necklaces. Women flowers and stems beaded. Health can dressed their family members and be a pursuit of the adventure of beading. produced various goods such as purses, One yellow bead at the centre of the leggings, leather pants, dresses and flower to me means the centre of life to jackets. the Creator. These items were loaded into the “The Harmony Song” project at Red River Carts and taken to markets in Tamara’s House used beading as a part the United States. Some of work is of healing journey of survivors of proudly displayed in many museums childhood sexual abuse. around the world. The many talents of When beading one can use an odd these women were cutting out patterns, colored bead amongst the flower to stitching garments while visiting while identify their work or humble them - they worked sharing their stories happy selves in the eye of the Creator that or sad. symbolizes that in life nothing is perfect. The beadwork of the pasts tells This bead is known as a Spirit bead. stories. Sometimes they used sinew pulled from long tendon that ran down Flo Lavallie can be contacted at the backs of deer and moose. The sinew WWW.companionhealthoasis.com AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News - Health 9 There’s joy climbing up the hill to old age

The other day my grandson asked I know I I like being old family may not always like the choices me what it’s like getting old. I actually am and look forward to you make. You may not like the choices hadn’t given it much though until that sometimes getting older still. It you make. Know that you are not alone; time. forgetful. But has set me free. I like we all are in the same boat when it I know that I’ve become kinder to then again, the person I have comes to choices and at the end of the myself, and less critical of my some of life is become. I know I am day we are the ones that will have to decisions. Heck, I even like myself and just as well not going to live live with the choices we made. have become my own friend. In my life forgotten. In forever, but while I I still have a long way to go before I have said goodbye to many friends my defence, I am still here, I will I can be considered “real old” like my and family who left this world too soon; eventually not waste time older sisters, but I am well on my way before they understood the great remember the important things. worrying about what could have been, up the hill. freedom that comes with aging. Over the years my heart has been or worrying about what will be. I am enjoying the time I have. So at I no longer care too much what broken. How can your heart not break And I shall eat dessert every single the end of my conversation with my others think of me or what I choose to when you lose a loved one, or when a day … if I feel like it. I am truly amazed grandson I told him that getting old was do with my life. I asked myself, whose child suffers, or even when somebody’s at how fast the time has gone; it seemed a wonderful gift. business is it if I choose to read or play pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts to take forever when I was 15 and I left out the parts about the aching on the computer until four in the are what give us strength and under - waiting to get my driver’s license or body, stiff joints, poor eyesight and morning or sleep until noon? standing and compassion. waiting to turn 18 so that I could vote. sleepless nights. These are things he I will dance with myself to those I am so blessed to have lived long I know the youth get tired of will find out for himself as he walks up wonderful tunes of the ‘60s and ‘70s enough to have my hair turning gray, hearing “make good choices” but in our that hill on his own path. and I don’t even close my curtains and to have my youthful laughs be ever-changing world there will always My blanket advice to the youth – anymore while I dance around my forever drawn into wrinkles on my face. be choices put before you. Spend some Stop giving each other hickies! Ever living room. So many have never laughed, and so time thinking about what you want sick. I have even walked on the beach in many have died before their hair could from your life and find the path to get a swim suit that is stretched over my turn silver. you there. I heard that life is like eating Keep your letters and emails fluffy body, despite the pitying glances As you get older, it is easier to be a jar of jalepeno’s, what we do today, coming? Send your questions or from the young hard bodies, for I know positive. You care less about what other can burn our butts tomorrow. comments to: Sandee Sez c/o Eagle they will get old; everyone does. people think. I don’t question myself Be aware and be careful. Make Feather News P.O. Box 924 ST Main Someone once said, “I still have a anymore as I’ve even earned the right good choices and enjoy the time the Saskatoon, SKK 3M4 or email full deck, I just shuffle slower now.” to be wrong. Creator has given you. Your friends and [email protected] 10 Eagle Feather News - Health AUGUST 2012 Faithful continue to visit healing waters of Lac Ste. Anne

By Terry Lusty For Eagle Feather News he number of people traveling to and attending the Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage, northwest of Edmonton, Twas significantly down this year. So, too, were the numbers who ventured into the ever-sacred healing waters of the Lake, thanks in large part to a last-minute health advisory from the Province cautioning people to not take in any water from the lake and to not even wade in it. The warnings were due to the presence of blue-green algae. The algae, according to Alberta Health, can produce a toxin which can cause nausea, fever, sore eyes and throat, swollen lips, diarrhea and other issues. Not even boiling The faithful make offerings at Ste. Anne statue. (Photo by Terry Lusty) the water makes it safe for drinking and people were cautioned to avoid eating much fish from the water as well. Similar water advisories were issued for McLeod Lake near Whitecourt and Pigeon Lake, just west of the Hobbema Reserve. This year’s pilgrimage attracted folks from almost every part of Western Canada and the NWT in addition to Manitoba, Ontario and some of the north-central and north - western U.S.A. Especially noticeable was the high number of Saskatchewan licence plates. One of Saskatchewan’s resident female recording artists, well-known for gospel songs, Yvonne St. Germaine, was back at the pilgrimage sharing her wonderful vocals at her CD booth and in the Cursillo Tent. It’s all part of her “giving back” to the Creator in return for His helping her to turn her life around, she explains. The Native communities that sponsored masses included the First Nations of Alexander, Alexis, Cree (Ermineskin, Louis Bull, Montana, Saddle Lake, Samson, Wabasca), Dene (Black Lake, Lac Brochet and Wollaston,), Pelican Narrows, Piikani, St. Theresa Point, Tlicho, and Métis from Buffalo Lake, Alberta. Apart from the masses was the annual Blessing of the Lake on Monday and the Candle Light Procession on Tuesday night in addition to the Way of the Cross and the daily children’s activities. Clay LeBlanc, executive director for the pilgrimage figured attendance this year was reduced to about 12,000, less than half the normal attendance. “It’s difficult to calculate because hundreds walk in from across the road where they park in the ditches,” he added. Dorothee Morin, 70, originally from Green Lake, Sask., recalled the years her family used to take her to the pilgrimage near St. Laurent, Sask. “It was hard for elders because it’s sort of in a ravine,” she explained. “It was also on a much smaller scale than Lac Ste Anne” which she enjoys a lot. “It’s real nice going there. I like the camp, meeting people you haven’t seen for a long time, and the mass and prayers for the sick.” Morin said she “used to suffer from back pain, couldn’t sleep and was on pain killers.” She ran into a healer there who, “Put his hands on my shoulders, I knew he had power.” After that, she says she felt good and still does. She also recalled a friend who had a bad stroke and couldn’t walk but does so now, since visiting with the same healer. Such are the testaments of the faithful believers who will likely return again and again to the wonders the Creator gifts us with by and in those healing waters of Lac Ste Anne. AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News - Gabriel Dumont Institute 11 Cemetery project highlights Métis community of Batoche By Karon Shmon For Eagle Feather News Many think of a cemetery as being a reference to the past, but it also enables us to see how those who came before us are a part of our current lives and are forever connected to future generations. The Gabriel Dumont Institute, Friends of Batoche Historical Site, and Parks Canada have undertaken a unique project that will enable visitors to Batoche National Historic Site to learn more about the Métis community, which existed prior to, during, and after 1885, identifying many of the families and individuals who have connections to the area. Located within the boundaries of the Historic Site, the Saint Antoine-de- Padoue Cemetery is the parish cemetery for Batoche. Founded in 1881-82, it is named after Saint Anthony de Padua, the patron saint of lost things and lost people, perhaps in reference to the many Métis families who moved westward after being displaced from their lands in Manitoba. A guide to the cemetery has been created, and consists of a map and a corre - sponding list of 374 people interred in marked graves. There are also nearly another 500 people listed as being interred Parks Canada interpreter, Ronald Jobin, who worked on the guide, tours a group through the cemetery. in the cemetery in unmarked graves, infor - (Photo by Peter Beszterda of GDI) mation which has been gleaned from and additions with each reprinting. the 1885 Fallen Veterans’ Monument, and here, it is not hard to understand that these records held by the Roman Catholic The Saint Antoine-de-Padoue the large stone marking Gabriel Dumont’s beloved relatives and friends lived mean - Diocese of Prince Albert. A weather Cemetery expresses a diverse range of grave pay tribute to some of the people ingful lives because they touched the shelter near the cemetery contains all of cultures, lives, and lifetimes. These range involved. For the less famous interred hearts of others. the information in the brochure, which is from the early days of the community to available at a nominal cost from the the present, and honour those who are Friends of Batoche gift shop at the Site or now famous as well as those who have from the Gabriel Dumont Institute. more recently passed on, some of whom The guide also highlights some of the were 20th century veterans. more notable persons buried in the The 1885 Resistance significantly cemetery. Considered a work in progress, changed the lives of the Métis and the the guide will be updated with changes community of Batoche. The Mass Grave,

Bonnie Hrycuik, a summer student at the Gabriel Dumont Institute, and Connor Burr wave from the Parks Canada float during the Saskatoon Exhibition Parade. (Photo by Karon Shmon of GDI) 12 Eagle Feather News - Back To Batoche AUGUST 2012 Youth honoured at 2012 Back to Batoche Festival By Gaylene Poulin “Shaping our Nation begins with empowering our “We incorporate our culture and traditions into our For Eagle Feather News youth,” said co-chair to the Back to Batoche Festival and lessons. We utilize the environment and seek the wisdom he Métis Homeland buzzed with laughter, music, president of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Robert of our elders to guide us.” family and friends during the Back to Batoche Doucette. This year’s Festival hosted dignitaries belonging to TDays Festival in July. “We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Festival the Canada World Youth (CWY) organization. A special This year the Back to Batoche board of directors incorporated many performers of the youth movement presentation was held in the Gathering Place (known as chose to honour Métis youth. of the Métis across the country. Some of them have the Big Top) where the CWY, along with the Métis Nation performed at Batoche in the past of Saskatchewan (MN-S) signed a memorandum of under - and for others, it will be their first standing. time,” Doucette added. “Today’s agreement ensures CWY’s strong commit - “Some of these youth have ment to Saskatchewan’s Métis youth,” explained Louis been coming to Batoche since they Moubarak, president and CEO of CWY. were babies,” said Festival The two organizations agreed to work together to manager, Claire Belanger-Parker. ensure Métis youth are offered opportunities to assume “It is amazing to see the talent leadership roles in their own communities. in these youth, and to know they “Our two organizations will be identifying specific are the future of the Métis music leadership, entrepreneurship and mentorship opportuni - industry. The chance to headline ties for Métis Youth in Saskatchewan,” added Moubarak here, and make a name for them - The Sunday traditional processional walk to the selves at an early beginning, is National Batoche Historical site and Graveyard saw a simply an honour to witness.” larger group of youth this year than in previous seasons. This year’s lineup of perform - The trek is a tradition of Batoche where festival goers are ers, included talents such as JJ invited to walk to the Batoche graveyard, located one Lavallee, Dallas Boyer, Krystle kilometer from the Festival site in honour of the men and Pederson, Scott Cornelius, and women who died during the Battle of Batoche in 1885. Jennilee Martineau, all of whom Father Guy Lavallée oversaw the ceremony at the are under the age of 30. gravesite. The Ile a la Crosse “I want all of the young people here to come and take Community Cadet Corps were hold,” said Lavallée, standing at the foot of the grave of onsite as special guests to the the men who died in the first conflict 127 years ago. As festival. They are the only Cadet youth gathered around, each one took hold of a board of Corp in the world that incorporates the fencepost that surrounds the grave and gazed at the traditional Métis Sash and culture weathered crosses that lay within. into their regalia and lessons. The “You are the future of our Nation, our youth. We ask youth performed a demonstration you to never forget what the men buried here stood for, drill to the audience as well as and that you now carry the torch for those of us, like me, donated their time on-site cleaning who one day won’t be around to share their story and and assisting elders. sacrifice.” “The Community Cadet The four day festival wrapped up with the fiddling, Corps is a program designed to jigging, and bannock baking finals on Sunday, July 22. develop and enhance leadership A square dancing showcase was also featured highlight - skills and self-esteem in young ing dancers with groups performing from Alberta, people. The program engages Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Clickers and young people in learning about Crinolines were flying as dancers performed to the toe leadership, personal responsibili - tapping music of fiddle legend John Arcand. ty, teamwork and fun,” said Organizers are already taking reservations for next Angella McKay, who founded the year’s festival, slated for July 18 – 21 2013. For infor - group. mation go to www.backtobatoche.org

Above, Shiloh Berscheid, a member of the Ile a la Crosse Community Cadet Corp was honoured with carrying in a flag for the grand entry at Batoche. Shiloh, at age 9, is one of the youngest cadets in the program. Right, young people gather around the grave site at Batoche that holds the remains of some veterans of the battle of Batoche as they listen to a lesson from Father Guy Lavallee. (Photos by Gaylene Poulin) AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News - Back To Batoche 13 Back to Batoche 2012

This youth took being Métis to a different level with his hair dyed Métis blue! As usual, Back to Batoche delivered the usual cultural bonanza that is expected. Fiddling, jigging, bannock baking and pageantry. (Photos by Peter Beszterda of GDI) 14 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2012 Doucette faces challenges for presidency By John Lagimodiere a close eye on the Métis Nation and one inside source Of Eagle Feather News says this election is pivotal. he race is on to see who will lead the Métis “What are the Métis going to do,” asked the source. Nation-Saskatchewan for the next four years. The “If they have this election and according to either side, Telection comes on the heels of a cancelled election maybe the wrong person wins. Are they going to in May and several years of political gridlock and frus - sabotage it again? Will there be unity? I think that is what tration for Métis politicians and citizens alike. we will be looking at.” This had led to lots of interest in this election, both The politics has left people frustrated. So much so for the political positions and for voters who are tired of that two Regions had no nominations for Area Director the same old political fights that see little get accom - and five won already by acclamation. plished and little time spent on building unity in the “Our internal affairs are out of control and we are community. currently our own worst enemy,” says Jo Jo Altenberg a Lots of the politics was brought by some Area concerned Métis voter. Directors who tried their best to derail anything the “If we want to see the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan executive tried to do. Robert Doucette, the incumbent thrive and move forward, we need to stop fighting each President is running again. He didn’t want to get into other and start looking at what needs to be done for our mudslinging in this election, saying he wants to campaign Nation. Personally, I am tired of the drama and old on his record. politics.” “Over the course of five years the current MN-S MNP has been retained as the Chief Electoral Officer administration has addressed many of the issues inherited for this election. They are handling the voting stations from the previous group,” Doucette says. and the count. According to Ian Craven of MNP the “For example, we stabilized the MN-S financially election process will be familiar. by lowering the total debt. Further, we have rebuilt the “The report after the last election said it went well, shattered relationships with all levels of government and so why reinvent the wheel. We intend to put ballot boxes now enjoy positive, stable, growing partnerships with at the same places and use the same criteria for voting initiatives that have benefitted Metis citizens across eligibility.” Saskatchewan.” To be eligible to vote, you have to be a Saskatchewan Doucette went on to list the growth in the last five Métis Citizens who voted in 2007 and are on the voters’ MN –S President Robert Doucette years including increased funding for GDI and CCDF list plus citizens that have registered with the Provincial as well as partnerships formed over Métis foster children Métis Central Registry and authorized the Registry to the general public. These are all things that we need to and family issues as well as negotiations with the use your registration information in the preparation of sit down and strategize over again. With that being said, province over harvesting rights. the voters list. we have to credit our past leaders, their job is not an easy There are five people running for President against If you are not already on the voters list, you may get one. It is extremely difficult for our elected officials Doucette including Ray Laliberte, Wayne McKenzie, on the voter’s list by presenting your MN-S Central whether current or future to move forward the Metis Mavis Taylor, Bryan Lee and Maureen Belanger. Registry Card to the polling clerk at the time of voting agenda within the current political climate in our May Henderson, currently the Executive Director or by registering at the Polling Station by showing province and country but that doesn’t mean we give up of the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre is acceptable documentary evidence for the purposes of – throw in the towel and not vote. I might be naïve but I running for the executive position of Secretary against identification and complete a voter registration form. care about our politics and believe that the Metis Nation incumbent Max Morin and candidates Tammy Mah and Altenberg points out that many things need to be united will not and cannot be divided.” Roxanne Kennedy. addressed by the next MN-S executive. Detailed information about the location of polling “I know I can do a good job,” said Henderson. “I will “Constitutional reform, education, housing, stations will be available after August 10 on the election show up every day and work hard and build good rela - economic development, cultural promotion, language, website or by phoning the toll-free line. Advance polls tionships with all levels of government.” access to training and employment opportunities, our open on September 1 and voting day is on September 8. It is the relationship with government that is pivotal. membership crisis and registry,” listed Altenberg. Other detailed information is available for download at Both the provincial and federal governments have kept “We need to be taken seriously by government and MNSvote.ca or by calling 1.877.780.VOTE (8683). AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News 15 MN-S September election attracts 32 candidates Electoral officer hoping for great voter turnout

WINNIPEG —A total of 32 candidates Executive Candidates Northern Region 2 Elected by Acclamation have been officially nominated to stand President Elected by Acclamation KENNEDY Billy, North Battleford for the election according to Ian Craven, BELANGER Maureen, Saskatoon HERMAN Chester J., La Loche the 2012 Chief Electoral Officer for the DOUCETTE Robert, Saskatoon Western Region 2 Provincial Métis Council of the Métis LALIBERTE Raymond, Buffalo Narrows Northern Region 3 HENRY Janice, Prince Albert Nation—Saskatchewan 2012. The deadline for submitting nomina - LEE Bryan, Christopher Lake MCCALLUM Glen Hector, Pinehouse MCKAY Darlene, Prince Albert tions was 2:00 p.m. Central Time, August MCKENZIE Wayne, Regina Lake 8, 2012. TAYLOR Mavis, Glaslyn RICHARDSON Ric, Green Lake Western Region 2A “We are very pleased with the strong Western Region 1 HURTON Penny, Saskatoon interest for the Executive Candidate nomi - Vice President BELL Michael, Meadow Lake WHITFORD Wayne, Biggar nations,” said Craven, who is also a DESCHAMBEAULT Darren, Prince CHATELAINE Wally, Meadow Lake partner with MNP. Albert TOUROND Henry (Guy), Meadow Lake Western Region 3 “For the Executive, we have at least three candidates running for each of four MCAULEY Dale, Cumberland House Elected by Acclamation ARNOLD Lela, positions. Although we received a total of MORIN Gerald, Saskatoon Western Region 1A Regina 16 nominations for the Regional Repre - sentation, we would have liked to have Secretary seen more of a race in each of the HENDERSON May, Saskatoon regions,” Craven commented. KENNEDY Roxanne, North Battleford “There were five regions where MAH Tammy, Prince Albert candidates were elected by acclamation and two regions where no candidates were MORIN Max, Prince Albert nominated at all.” The following candidates have been Treasurer elected by acclamation as Regional BOUVIER Guy, Meadow Lake Representatives: GARDINER Louis, Ile ‐A‐La ‐Crosse NORTON Morley, Regina Eastern Region 1 Lennard Morin Regional Represetative Candidates Eastern Region 2 Eastern Region 1 Helene Johnson Elected by Acclamation Northern Region 2 MORIN Lennard, Cumberland House Chester Herman Western Region 1A Eastern Region 2 Billy Kennedy Elected by Acclamation Western Region 3 JOHNSON Helene, Archerwill Lela Arnold Craven said more voting information Eastern Region 2A will follow soon and that advance polls BIGSTONE Patricia, Yorkton will open September 1, 2012 with Election Day held on September 8, 2012. LANGAN Derek (Porky), Yorkton “We are looking forward to seeing a great voter turnout,” said Craven. “Voters Eastern Region 3 are encouraged to visit the website at No Nominations Received MNSvote.ca for more information and Northern Region 1 voter eligibility.” No Nominations Received 16 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2012 Walk helps keep Shannen’s Dream alive in Regina

By Melanie McKay Goodon For Eagle Feather News spoke on the t. Bernadette Elementary School reason for the students recently participated in a initiative. Swalk as a part of a Social Justice “Shannen’s Action initiative to recognize “Shannen’s campaign was the Dream,” for equitable education for all largest youth-led Canadian Students. campaign in The event is the result of a Grade 5 Canada. She was teacher at St. Bernadette Elementary nominated to School, Karen Goodon’s passion and receive the youth responsibility to deliver cross-cultural Nobel Peace MLA Trent Wotherspoon and teacher Karen Goodon at the Shannen’s Dream Walk. (Photo by Melanie McKay) education. One student said of what they Prize for the work had learned: “In the treaties it is written she has done in campaigning for cultur - Students in Goodon’s class prepared Approximately 300 letters were presented that all First Nations people would have ally-based equitable education through - for this walk to carry forward “Shannen’s to MLA Trent Wotherspoon and will be the right to an education. Everybody out Canada. She never had the opportu - Dream” and create greater awareness mailed to the Prime Minister. deserves a right and fair education.” nity to see her dream fulfilled and this is through community involvement. “Teaching cross-cultural education Shannen Koostachin’s dream was for why we’re here today,” said Goodon. One student wrote, “I love my school has always been a passion of mine. safe and comfy schools and culturally “We want to continue Shannen’s and my education. I think we all deserve Teaching treaties in the classroom has based education for First Nations children. legacy and stand together in support of her a good education and a good school.” become a responsibility for all teachers in She worked tirelessly to try to convince belief that all Canadian children should Students from St. Bernadette wrote Saskatchewan. There are programs such the federal government to give First have the opportunity for equal rights and letters to Ralph Goodale and Steven as these that can make it more meaning - Nations children equitable funding for equal dollar distribution where education Harper, after hearing Shannen Koostachin ful learning experience for staff and education, before tragically passing away is concerned. Our hope is that Shannen’s of Attawapisk First Nation’s story. students,” said Goodon. at the age of 15 in 2010. dream will become reality and we can Students from St. Bernadette and help the many First Nations schools other supporters gathered at the Legisla - throughout the country that need to be tive Building and heard addresses from rebuilt or need major renovation and to students, MLA Trent Wotherspoon, St. get the funding that the Canadian govern - Bernadette Grade 5 teacher Karen ment so needs to direct its priorities to.” Goodon, Joanna Landry, Coordinator, Goodon committed to teaching her First Nations, Inuit and Métis Education Grade 5 class to taking action in this initia - and other school board staff. Over 400 tive as an extension of an earlier project, supporters participated in the walk. entitled “Project of Heart.” Part of the “From this we need to move forward responsibilities of taking on the project of to make sure that we properly fund heart is the requirement to initiate a social education on First Nations. This is about injustice action. It was thought that doing what is fair doing what is just but Shannen’s dream fit in well with its also about ensuring brighter futures for education. all students all across Saskatchewan and Goodon, her Grade 5 class, St. in fact Canada,” Trent Wotherspoon Bernadette students and many supporters commented.” took part. AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News 17 Campus Masinahikanis - News from the University of Saskatchewan Native Studies Department ampus life doesn’t slow down in the summer Mayor Ford has also stated that any immigrant who this project—which will present the voices of those who time. This is the time when professors and most is convicted of a gang crime should be deported out of have not had the chance to be heard—can get the graduate students do their research, present their Canada. attention of policy makers, researchers, and justice C This tough on crime agenda is one that is supported officials in order to help create effective community- research results at conferences, and do much of their writing. by Conservatives with the passing of Bill C-10. This new based policies to address the issues of Indigenous street While many students law ensures that mandatory gangs. take a break from studies minimum sentences are enforced by getting summer jobs, as well as longer sentences for just as many study straight non-violent drug offences. through. The issue of gangs becomes One large conference even of greater concern because we went to in June was the Corrections Services Canada has Native American/Indige - just come out with a report nous Studies Association stating that gang membership conference at Mohegan within federal facilities is up 20 Sun Casino, Connecticut. to 40 per cent, with the greatest There were over 850 increase in the Prairie Provinces. people registered and 23 One of the greatest were U of S professors and drawbacks with suppression students. tactics on street gangs is that they We presented papers are ineffective. on many topics from The difficulty, in Canada, is Indigenous music to Cree that there is little data or research inland fisheries and Lakota ranching. Each of us has our conducted on street gangs (and even less on Indigenous own areas of research and presenting our work to peers peoples) that can inform policy. and community members is an important way to share Usually when researchers write about Indigenous what we learn and to get feedback. street gangs they only briefly focus on the connection The Native Studies department is moving towards between colonialism and residential schools and give providing more hands-on learning for our students. This little attention to differences and Indigenous perspec - past year some of our classes gave students the oppor - tives. tunity to do applied research—research with a purpose My current research that helps meet the research needs of Indigenous organ - consists of working on a izations, communities, or agencies. photo voice research project For example, our 400 level students developed with Indigenous gang historical timelines for Wanuskewin Heritage Park and members who are part of pictorial histories of Indian Residential Schools in the gang intervention Saskatchewan for the Truth and Reconciliation National program, STR8 UP. Event. STR8 UP runs out of This fall we are offering the first experiential learning the John Howard Society class for NS 107.3 (Introduction to Native Studies). and is designed to help Students will spend more time outside the classroom support Indigenous gang doing research, experiencing Indigenous realities, and members as they work their in volunteer activities. way out of the street gang We are grateful to the Gwenna Moss Learning Centre lifestyle. for providing support and guidance for us to do this. The goal of the project This month we are featuring the research of Robert is to use photographs and Henry, a Métis PhD student in the Department of Native the narratives of the partic - Studies. ipants to help us better His PhD research focuses on the specific roles that understand how some street gangs play in the construction of identity and Indigenous youth become masculinity, the role of the traditional warrior in Indige - caught in the web of street nous gangs, and the role that policies have in creating gangs, and what is needed conditions which make Indigenous youth more vulner - to help them break free. able to street gang recruitment. By focusing on the So far Robert has made a number of conference stories of the participants it presentations and has taught a course on Indigenous is hoped that a stronger gangs. understanding of the Research Notes: Robert Henry push/pull factors of street Over the past few weeks, there’s been a lot of talk gangs can help lead to more and concern about the issue of street gangs running effective prevention and rampant on Canadian streets. We have seen the outpour - intervention strategies. ing of outrage and quick knee-jerk reactions towards the It is an important issue issue. that seems to be growing, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, after the fatal shootings especially in the Prairie in Scarboro in July, stated that Toronto needs to get rid Provinces. of social or ‘hug-a-thug’ programs, and focus on As the old saying states, suppressing gang members through a tough on crime ‘a picture is worth a approach. thousand words’, hopefully 18 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2012 Saying goodbye to the ghosts of priests and nuns My brother, Jack, had passed away It looked like a lonely, sad place to been at or near a residential school and homes I lived in. Suffer the children to before I made it back to my people. I rest. the atmosphere I felt still chills me come unto me. I remembered that. It was 24 and all I learned about my It seemed very odd to me. My today. They told me that I should see was a bitter irony that the children who brother was what I learned through my people’s very idea of God sprang from the graveyards and I went to see them. lay there were forgotten, cast aside by family’s stories and recollections. the ground in which they were laid and Across the road was the cemetery those who pretended to care for them, That’s not a great way to enter what yet there was nothing to proclaim this for the nuns and priest who’d died who had bade them come for shelter, should be one of the most profound of as a sanctuary or even while working at learning and care. Suffer. It seemed the human relationships. as a resting place. If the school. Their key word in the sentence. But I was hungry for any connec - anything it seemed graves were I’d heard it said that we Indians tion at all and I took what I could get. abandoned and marked by never say goodbye. Standing there I’d never really had a brother and the uncared for. Even the elaborate and looking for the unmarked grave of a idea of never having met him hurt a lot. wind felt lonely. I ornate marble and brother I had never met and the sad I found out where he’d been laid to stood there and felt granite headstones, graveyard of Indian kids at that resi - rest. Jack had been my protector when incredible sadness, carefully carved dential school I knew it was absolute - I was a baby. This is one of the things I both for myself and my tragic loss and with names and dates and epitaphs. The ly wrong. No people in their right found out first. One day, at the end of a for the forgotten ones who lay here. grounds were carefully tended. There minds or hearts would cling to the sad long funk, when I was feeling very A few years later, as a practicing were birdbaths, religious statuary, effigies of residential schools. Or to the lonely, unsettled and afraid, I drove out journalist, I was researching a story on flower beds and a small reflecting pool outright lies of religious men and to the cemetery to pay my respects, a residential school that was soon to be surrounded by benches in the full shade women who promised more but maybe say a few words to the wind and bulldozed. I went there prior to the of small oak trees. delivered nothing. cry. arrival of the heavy equipment to take On the other side of the road was I cried for my brother that day. I The cemetery was hard to find. pictures, talk to others who had what former students had called The cried for all of them who’d lived with There was no sign to mark it, and the gathered to witness the destruction of Indian Yard. It was a burial ground. the knowledge that someone once graves were all unmarked and hard to a building that was responsible for the That’s all it was. There were no names, thought that they were less than human see for the tall, brown unkempt grass destruction of lives. It was cloudy. no epitaphs, no headstones, flowers or deserving nothing in the end but an blowing in the wind. There was a chill in the air. It seemed shaded reflecting pools. Instead, it was unmarked, untended plot of earth. That struck me as odd, just as the the day was filled with woe. a dead thing and only the occasional Keep your blessing for yourselves, fact that the edges of that graveyard I explored the main buildings and stuffed toy beaten by rain, leaned on a I said to the ghosts of nuns and priests. were marked by barbed wire stuck on spoke to former students and caretak - rotted, broken cross evidenced any In the end you’re the ones who need posts that were broken and rotting. The ers about the history of the place. The human presence for a long time. them. grass was uncut and there were no stories I heard from the survivors were I thought about what I had been Oh, and, most importantly, flowers to be seen. harrowing. At that time I had never taught of the Bible and religion in the goodbye. AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News 19 Dirk on fame, fortune and the creative process John L: Some say you can’t swing a dead made you choose to do ... whatever it is cat in Saskatchewan without hitting a First you are doing in my paper? Nation or Métis issue. For instance, we Dirk: John, it all started when I myself all say that. Here to prophesy on things was a little children I was playing stick Aboriginal and political is our own Dirk ball with my white friends in Kinistino, Dashing. Saskatchewan. All of a sudden this Dirk: Politics is rampant and hillbilly came up and hit me so hard I numerous in number. But real people got racism. Things got out of hand, and with real human feelings have I gave him so many rights he thought something more important on their he was Treaty. mind. John, they want to know how I do what it is that I do. John L: Writing and the creative process is a mystery to the public. Many people secretly dream of fame to go along with the fortune. But for most writers, fame and especially, the fortune are hard to come by. Dirk: Not for me, John. The hundred of dollar I get from this gig finances my rock star life of sloth, John L: That’s terrible. You know we do opulence and ripple chips. Even now a not condone violence in this newspaper, platoon of grandmothers are busing in right? from Reward, Saskatchewan, to meet Dirk: Of course, John. But it was out me in between qualifying rounds at the of those experiences that I made the 2012 United Ways’ North Central fate filled decision to be a writer. One Bingo and Canasta Championships. look at my fellow writers – pencil John L: Yeah. Money and babes. It’s good necked geeks and overweight computer to be you, Dirk. Now fame and fortune gamers everyone of them – and I knew does have its drawbacks. Do you have any I could take them in a bout of fisticuffs. examples where fame has been a All the better to protect this pretty face, problem? my other money-maker. Dirk: Yes I have. So there’s this guy at John L: That’s interesting, but you haven’t the Rider game. He’s snockered. The given us any insight to the writing process glazed look on his grizzled face turns yet. How do you do it? to amazement when he spies me buying Dirk: Oh. I take a topic. Develop it. And my water and popcorn, “no butter for just when I get to the logical conclusion, me, thank you, Miss.” I know I am in I turn right. But if you want to see my for it when he pushes his way through craft in full flight I will be doing a the crowd, not spilling a drop of his special on First Nation politics this fall. armful of wobbly pops. The focus will be the assorted charac - John L: So what happened? ters running for the big chair of the Dirk: He reaches me and through his Federation of Saskatchewan Indian four good teeth he asks, “Hey, you da Nations. guy? Sho, you da guy, wut with da John L: I for one am looking forward to words and things in that there Inian some real reporting from you. That brings paypurr. Hey, Brandeen, come catcha us to the end of this piece. As usual I found look wut we got here. Yeah, the Inian this ordeal odd but fantastic, Dirk. feller, name o’ Dirk that’cher always a- Dirk: Again, thanks for the compli - readin o’er to the outhouse.” ment, Mr. Lillyhammer. Usually I am John L: That’s the price of fame, my good naked when I hear that sort of thing, so man. How do you handle these situations? thanks for making this a little weird. Dirk: I say, Mr. Premier we talked Again. about how this makes me uncomfort - Dirk says, Due to budget cuts this edition able. Usually at about this time Mitch of The Dashing Chronicles is presented McAdam – you know, the Director of in 2D. Aboriginal Law for the Ministry of Justice – he walks up and says, quit Editors Note: Apologies to the Premier calling me Brandeen. and Mitch. Readers are reminded that this John L: You’re making this up, aren’t is humour and that Premier Wall and Mr. you? McAdam are human dudes with real Dirk: Of course I am. If I had to write human feelings. Send flowers and kudos about real stuff, like politics, I might to Brad at Room 239, Legislative have to do research and check my facts. Building, 2405 Legislative Drive, Regina, That’s almost like having a real job like SK, Canada, S4S 0B3. Brad? Mitch? a whatchamacallit. A reporter. We’re good now, right? John L: Fair enough. So tell me, what 20 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2012 Cross-country march a ceremonial call for justice By Andréa Ledding rather the support and intent. For Eagle Feather News Encouraging everyone to live in the moment and eo Baskatawang and Ashley Bottle are walking work together in unity for change, Bottle added they will from Vancouver to Ottawa in order to focus be lobbying the federal government for elected Aborig - Lattention on the long-contentious and, what they inal representation. Something similar to the Queen see as, highly racist Indian Act. They call it March 4 having an appointed representative; just as the Crown is Justice. They took a break from their hike across Turtle represented in the federal government, so, too should the Island to take in the Saskatchewan Truth & Reconcilia - First Nations have representation as part of the treaty- tion Commission (TRC) National Event, and spoke twice makers and original inhabitants of Turtle Island, they in TRC public hearings in Saskatoon. believe. “We share the legacy of residential schools,” noted “If you see a problem, get up and do something,” Baskatawang. “These are hardships and tragedy we’ve exhorted the young men, to a standing ovation. They can all experienced. It all stems from a bigger problem: colo - be followed on Facebook or Google under “March 4 nialism and federal policy that affects us.” Justice”, where they have already been posting daily for Calling for meaningful changes to the Indian Act over 100 days as they entered August. Now in Ontario, and actual First Nations representation in the govern - they expect to arrive on Parliament Hill in Ottawa with ment, these young men met with frequent applause from a rally either Sept. 3 or 4, with as much First Nations – the audience during their presentations. As Honorary and any other –support as possible. Witness Tina Keeper pointed out earlier, less than ten Baskatawang has sent an open letter to Chief Shawn Aboriginal Members of Parliament have ever been Atleo and other members of the Assembly of First elected in the entire history of Canada (she was one of Nations, asking for their support, advice, and logistical them). Aboriginals were not allowed to vote due to the assistance in perhaps providing transportation and busing Indian Act until 1960, over four decades after women of First Nations communities in eastern Manitoba, won the right to vote. Ontario, and Quebec. “The Indian Act is a piece of legislation that attempts Their petition, which can be signed online at to define identity and how we’re supposed to live our www.gopetition.com, reads: “We, the undersigned, do life. But if there’s a piece of legislation written about us, solemnly attest that the archaic policies that have margin - it needs to be by us,” noted Baskatawang. alized Aboriginal people must be significantly amended, “We need to have the right to define our own in order to promote Aboriginal self-determination. In identity.” addition to acknowledging their role in grievous policy Ashley Bottle agreed, and asked the audience to making and enforcement, it is incumbent upon the support them in prayer as they continued their walk. government of Canada to insert an Aboriginal person, “It’s not just a march, it’s a ceremony,” said Bottle. who is elected by Aboriginal peoples, in the seat of the “We need your prayers, for you to have faith and believe Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Further, we petition the there’s going to be a change for our people. It’s not just government to engage in a respectful and efficient nego - a walk, it’s the beginning of a change.” tiation process that ultimately replaces the Indian Act. Ashley Bottle stands with his staff near the sacred fire He added that they are not working for Creator and We believe that these measures are essential to the well- at the TRC hearings in Saskatoon. (Photo by John their people for any funds, and so in prayer “it doesn’t being of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and are in accor - Lagimodiere) matter the size of the tobacco offering or their gift”, but dance with basic principles of social justice.” $26.5 million hotel and spa planned for Whitecap By Larissa Burnouf a booming tourist destination in the on the reserve. earnings forecasted near the $2 million For Eagle Feather News province, something the federal minister “Right now we’re sitting at a 4.1 per mark per year. he federal government is investing has taken note of. cent unemployment rate, so certainly “It will go back to our development $3 million into a resort hotel and “There are a lot of good things we’re going to need people and again, corporations in each respective Tspa on the economically booming happening and there are obviously jobs,” getting the hospitality training to individ - community,” says Bear. Whitecap Dakota First Nation. says Duncan. uals,” Chief Bear commented. “(We’re) The $3 million federal investment Federal Aboriginal Affairs “This is a place where there are a lot working with our partner in Muskoday will come from the Aboriginal Business Minister John Duncan made the Development Program and is funding announcement in early just a small portion of the $26.5 August, during his third visit to the million needed for the project. reserve in two weeks. The remaining dollars were The 161-room resort hotel secured through the two First will be a partnership which will be Nations, the private sector and jointly owned between Whitecap through the BMO Aboriginal and Muskoday First Nations, with Banking Unit. Whitecap holding a 75 per cent Chief Bear says the CEO of share. the Bank of Montreal personal - The ceremonial unveiling of ly flew into the Saskatoon area the future hotel design took place to invest in the project after many at Whitecap's Dakota Dunes failed attempts to get other banks Casino. The new hotel will be on board. located directly behind and Construction of the resort connected to the casino, via walkway, hotel and spa, which will also making access to the casino for patrons of jobs that wish to be filled so we think and getting some of their band members house a convention center, pool, fitness more convenient. we can help participate in that, along with to work here in Whitecap.” center, restaurant and lounge, will begin With the addition of the resort hotel the private sector and the Province.” Bear also says this resort is going to this fall. and spa to its world-class golf course and Whitecap Chief Darcy Bear says the create substantial economic wealth for Grand opening is scheduled for the casino, Whitecap is expected to become creation of the resort will open up 150 jobs both reserves involved with projected summer of 2014. AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News 21 Conference addresses issue of natural resource sharing By Larrisa Burnouf For Eagle Feather News eter Ballantyne Cree Nation Chief Darryl McCallum quoted friend Ralph Paul during his opening remarks at the Natural Resources Transfer Act (NRTA) PNational Summit in Prince Albert. “He said at a conference, ‘The Dene word for land is mother. You tell me, who would surrender their mother?’ That is a statement that stays with me,” McCallum said. “Because that is exactly how we look at the land.” The Western treaty Chiefs assembled at the Senator Allan Bird Memorial Center over three days to discuss ways they can share in resource opportunities and revenues in each province with government and industry. “We’ve been excluded and our provinces have gotten very, very rich” says Feder - ation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Interim Chief Morley Watson. “But that hasn’t spilled over to the First Nations communities.” At the Summit, people were treated to traditional food, including lots of smoked Vice Chief Bobby Cameron holds the Resource Portfolio for the FSIN and explains moose, and traditional events like these Dene Hand games. (Photo by Angie Merasty) that resource revenue sharing agreements will support First Nations initiatives like housing, infrastructure, roads and education. “On average, we have 1,000 Grade 12 graduates that can’t apply for post-secondary funding. So what do they do?” he asks. “The majority of them will go back home and go on welfare. That’s a plight for our people. That’s a plight for our future.” He stresses that aboriginal leaders need to be more aggressive and assertive when it comes to their issues when dealing with Government. Alberta’s Lesser Slave Lake Regional Council Grand Chief Rose Laboucan struck a note with many chiefs as she spoke. “For once I would like to see the Chiefs from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba unite and work together to accomplish a goal,” she explained “Not for us but for the future of our young people.” She believes unification is key when working on the NRTA legislation, which she finds racist and in violation of First Nations’ inherent treaty rights to hunt, fish and trap. Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus also attended to learn and share the experi - ences that aboriginal communities are facing in the Northwest Territories. “It’s really clear that people believe the same as we do up North. We never did give up our lands, our resources,” he said. Erasmus says his people are facing off against the Harper Government, who is attempting to transfer the rights to water, lands and resources to the Territorial Govern - ment. “Really, it’s unconstitutional.” Many of the leaders feel the same way and will continue to fight to protect and share in the revenues that come from the resources on traditional and ancestral lands sacred to the First Nations people. “We speak of our mothers. What would you do if someone was harming your mother? I know what I would do. It wouldn’t be nice. I’d protect my mother, to death,” Cameron said. The next National Summit will be held next year in Alberta. The first one was held in Manitoba last year.

The centre pieces at the NRTA Summit represented the natural resources that were under discussion, trees, moss, soil, fish and precious metals. (Photo by Angie Merasty) 22 Eagle Feather News - AUGUST 2012 Letters from The Inside .... We know it is tough in jail. First off, you’re innocent, have always believed I am a good person at heart I God Bless! we know that, the food sucks, you miss your family, just always wasn’t good at making the right choices. Shane you can’t smoke anything (by the rules anyways!), And those led me right here in this institution, in On a different note; if there is anything I can do to there are no programs, you have to pay to make a which I’ve been learning a valuable lesson. help and support the community in any way, I am in - phone call and you are overcrowded … and you can’t I am the father of a five-year-old boy (whom I terested. I am an ex-gang member and am willing to afford a lawyer. haven’t seen for a few years) and a two-year-old little do some motivational speeches as well. I am ready to We also know that there are way too many First Na - girl who I get to visit every week. Being incarcerated give back all that I took. Thank you. tion and Métis men and women, and boys and girls in gives me the opportunity to reflect on all the bad custody. things I’ve done and to heal myself mentally, emo - Dear Friend, Something must be done about the societal conditions tionally and spiritually. Upon my release I plan on Hi my name is Kevin Toulejour and I’m writing you that see so many of our people land on the wrong side breaking this cycle that has led me to my so many from Prince Albert Correctional Centre. I read your of the law, but we also can focus on helping the indi - downfalls and be a good spouse to my girlfriend and Eagle Feather News once a month and I like it so viduals that need help to get on the good track. an even better father to my kids. much. In our several years of soliciting What I’m trying to say is I been letters from inside jail, most in this jail over 2½ years on re - writers have talked about the mand because I don’t have mistakes they have made that money for lawyer that’s why? led to jail and how they want to Again I’ve been here and I will change. We applaud that. tell you I never heard a good Below are a few letters that we words in here so when I read received. We also want to make your newspaper that makes me a shout out to our friends that have good days. are doing time in the Edmonton I’m from Northern Max that asked for copies of Ea - Saskatchewan … place called gle Feather News so they can La Loche. I always like to be stay in touch with what’s going around Elder as all my life. on back home. We wish all those Good words make you see a inside a safe journey and hope - better life. I hope I hear from fully a happy return to the out - you soon and maybe I get a pa - side soon. per from you. Have a good day. Thank you. To Eagle Feather News Bye. Hello there! My name is Shane Kevin Toulejour and I was reading your July is - sue and I noticed that you guys I want to thank you so very are accepting letters from much for the bundle of Eagle prison. I am currently in the Feather News that you for - Saskatoon Provincial Correc - warded to our Institution for the tional, sitting on remand. Ever boys from Saskatchewan to en - since my arrest I’ve been living with regret and I just I know there is a good side to every person that is in joy. They really appreciate hearing about the news couldn’t understand why this was happening to me. jail. I know this because it took me a very long time from their home province and some from their home Then I picked up a Bible and started to read it. I’ve to find that positive angle in myself. communities. always believed in God our Creator. I also believe When you are “locked up” it’s almost like you’re sup - We have several boys here at the Max from that he has a plan and purpose for every one of his posed to act a certain way. That tough guy image. Saskatchewan and some of them do not receive any children. Showing any kind of affection can also lead to people news from their home communities or ever from their I am Métis and my mother is Saulteaux (I never knew making fun of you, that’s why you should rise above families. my father) and when she found out that I might not be it. Me personally I could care less what anybody Thank you so much again and I’m sure the boys will getting out for a while she went to an elder to pray for thinks of me, unless you have walked a mile in my continue to enjoy the Eagle Feather News. me. That elder gave me an Indian name. It is trans - shoes, don’t be so critical. I like what Dirk said in Respectfully, lated “Black Eagle.” Winston McLean’s article: “If you are the smartest Bill Chippeway, Aboriginal Liaison Officer I was told they are very rare, special and meant for one in your crew, get a new crew.” Edmonton Maximum Institution, Correctional great things. My older sister says that it suits me. I That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Thank you and Services Canada AUGUST 2012 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture 23 Canadian-made drama soars with this reviewer

watched three episodes of Arctic Air that they are represented fairly well. One Air is entertaining and heart-warming and before I decided I had to watch all ten thing that I really like is that the charac - each episode has a nice mixture of drama episodes of the first season, which ters talk Dene to each other. It’s never for and humour. The characters are believ - I very long, and it’s always subtitled, but I able, their lines are not contrived, and the was the first clue that I really liked this show. I didn’t want to report on it until I always get a thrill when I hear First plot line for each show progresses at a had seen every episode and I’m glad I did. Nations languages spoken on screen. logical pace. I honestly couldn’t believe how I’ve read a few viewers’ responses Sure, there were moments where I much in-air drama pilots could have until where people thought it was a low-budget noticed a couple actors have maybe over- I was several episodes in. film with poor acting, and that it was acted, but sometimes I think those are just Beach mentioned how cold it is on-set There were hijacks, plane problems second-rate to shows like North of 60 and actor quirks, and they should not when filming and how he nearly froze and pregnant women in labour and that Ice Pilots. I couldn’t disagree more. disparage the rest of a fine production. during an episode where he was in the was just in the air! On land, there were I don’t think having a bigger budget I read an interview where Adam snow the whole time. plane crashes, drug scandals, hit men, and Clearly all the toques, coats, and never-ending twists to the pilots’ love sweaters on Arctic Air were necessary. triangles. I’m a winter girl. I always have been. I The show’s premise is centered on love snow and cold weather, so I’m the struggles of a maverick airline in particularly fond of winter attire. Don’t Yellowknife, NWT, Arctic Air, and the laugh, it’s true – parkas are the height of eclectic family that runs it. Bobby Martin, fashion for me! a former venture capitalist played by Season two starts in January 2013 Adam Beach, rushes back to Yellowknife and runs for 13 episodes, which are in the first episode to save the airline his apparently being shot right now. father helped to build. Throughout the I read somewhere that next year’s rest of the season, his impetuous nature shows will likely include water bomb both jeopardizes and saves the company, forest fires, Japanese tourists seeking depending on the episode. polar bears, and the rescue of scientists The other owner of Arctic Air, Mel from a snowed-in research camp. Ivarson, played by Kevin McNulty, is a I’ll definitely be tuning in, and I hope cantankerous old-school bush pilot who you do too! Support Canadian television. resists change even as the North changes, If there’s an artist, entertainer or which often puts him at odds with Bobby event that you think could be featured in Martin, and his daughter Krista Ivarson, Eagle Feather News, give me a shout at: played by Pascale Hutton. Tim Webber (left) who plays Cece Cooper, with star Adam Beach who plays [email protected]. Hutton’s character, Krista, is a head - pilot Bobby Martin. (Photo Facebook) See you next month! strong star pilot who, when not in the air, spends a great deal of time concerned would make one iota of a difference, other with her father’s health, and simultane - than perhaps increasing the cinematog - ously caught in a love triangle with raphy shots, and I do believe that is Bobby Martin and Blake Laviolette, intended for the second season. Where played by John Henry Reardon. the planes are concerned, there have been I really like that this is a Canadian several references to the significance of show about the North, aired on CBC, with the DC3s they use, and having bigger, very realistic scenarios. You also really flashier planes would look ridiculous for get the sense that this small-time airline a small-time airline. is truly a lifeline to people who live in I think the three main actors solidly remote communities, for supplies and deliver their performances each and every medical emergencies. time and they have awesome supporting The diversity on the show is another actors, like Carmen Moore and Michelle thing to be lauded, as it reflects the society Thrush, who both also appear in APTN’s we are rapidly becoming. Some might be Blackstone. of the opinion that there should be more I’m not a fan of comparing shows of a First Nations presence, but I think either. I think standing on its own, Arctic 24 Eagle Feather News - Sports AUGUST 2012 McLean strikes multiple gold at Summer Games Angus McLean Jr. was almost like Michael Phelps at to take breaths, but it’s a costly after-effect (because) the Saskatchewan Summer Games. Angus took home six you’re kind of not breathing.”) medals from the Games in swimming. Besides getting medals, what was the best part of the He has an older sister who had been in swimming before Summer Games? and had competed at the North American Indigenous The food! They had all the healthy stuff and a lot of fruit. Games in Denver in 2006 and Victoria in 2008. After How many hours of practice do you have every six years of hockey, his parents gave him the choice and week? And how do you balance that with school he chose swimming. The difference has been like night work? and day: frustration, frowns and shyness at practices “I’m in the Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club Tiger have been replaced by smiles, laughter and joking. The Sharks swimming program, and we train 13 hours a swimming has seen extra weight melted away, replaced week. Next year Angus will be joining the Sharks elite by muscle and he has grown about five inches in the last swim program, the Great Whites, which will involve year alone. We cornered him for a few questions about training eight or nine times per week. He admits having his medal success. reservations about the new program. How many years have you been swimming and why “I’m just not looking forward to the new one. As to did you get into the sport? balance, you have to do school work at school even if it I’ve been swimming all my life. It is only until two years means having less time for friends.” ago that I’ve been swimming organized. I got into it (But like any normal teenage Canadian boy Angus plays because I thought it would be easy and my Dad wanted a lot of video.) to keep me into sports.” Any tips for kids that want to get into swimming? What was it like being so successful in the Summer Get chlorine resistant jammers (Speedos!) and have a Games? spare set of goggles always. Winning medals isn’t really that big of a deal to me. (Angus wanted to thank his coaches in the Sharks Swim (Though his parents say he had a huge smile whenever Club, Steven Hay, Roger Boucher, Sharon Lyons and he was on the podium!) Pat Long, as well as his Team Lakeland coaches Regan What was the toughest challenge at the Summer Hamel and Mark Raine. Angus also thanks his mom who Games? kept his training up during time between the end of the I guess keeping track of time would be the toughest parents however that during at least one of his races Sharks swim program (which ended July 4) and the challenge I had there ... I almost missed three of my that he stopped breathing during the final mo ments of Saskatchewan Summer Games which didn’t start until swims. (There was no clock inside the pool so having that race. He explained: “Well I wanted to go faster and July 29. a watch was essential to keeping track of time, and I find that you go slower when you try to take breaths so “I love my mom and I thank her that she helped me so Angus didn't have one. Angus also did reveal to his you can put more energy to going faster instead of trying much.”)