DECEMBER 2016 VOLUME 19 - NUMBER 12
FREE The Kohkums are home for Christmas
From left Dalton Lightfoot, Mitchell Poundmaker, Cory Dallas Standing and Krystle Pederson bring the Rez Christmas story to a close with a four day run at the Broadway Theatre. (Photo by Sweetmoon Photography)
WALKING THE TALK Residential school survivor Eugene Arcand has high praise for the Frances Morrison Central Library in Saskatoon. - Page 3
RAPPING THE ISSUES Beary D’s music is touching some nerves, dealing with some of the tough issues of the day . - Pag e 12
ONE LAST TOUR Curtis Peeteetuce is leaving his role as artistic director of GTNT but he’s enjoying one more fling with the Kohkums. - Page 14
SHE’S A FIGHTER Shana Pasapa is doing her best to help women find the power to look after themselves in tough situations. - Page 21 SHE’S A PRINCESS Popular Christmas show has been around since 2001 Stephanie Bellegarde has been crowned FSIN princess in By John Lagimodiere most successful tour season ever. the pageant’s 70th anniversary Of Eagle Feather News The Christmas Kohkoms were originally created year. - P age 27 SASKATOON – The Kohkums from Kitweenook, by Curtis Peeteetuce in 2001 for the Circle of Voices from the holiday fan favourite Rez Christmas, hit the program. It began a holiday tradition for the company Newsmaker of the Year Edition big time this year. with many of the actors returning to reprise their roles Coming In January -2017 Preview Issu e No, they didn’t find the world’s biggest Wal-Mart. yearly for the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre The feisty old ladies are actually taking over the 400 (GTNT). CPMA #40027204 seat Broadway Theatre for the final four nights of their • Continued on Page 14 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 2 PotashCorp brings Christmas cheer to Sask. food banks
By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News SASKATOON – Just in time for Christmas, Potash - Corp has announced a half million dollar matching gift for Food Banks of Saskatchewan. The economic slowdown in Saskatchewan has hit the poor the hardest and more people are being added to the rolls daily. This situation has put stress on the food security system and the food banks are struggling. “The holidays can be a challenging time for many families and individuals in our community who are al - ready struggling. 21,000 people a month go through our doors, and it has stretched our resources at the food bank. Almost half of those visits are children,” said Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director at the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre at the announcement of the gift. PotashCorp provided their support to food banks across Saskatchewan for a seventh straight year with their matching gift campaign. Between now and Dec. 31, PotashCorp will match the first $500,000 in cash do - nations to Saskatchewan food banks. “Food security is a key part of our mandate as a company. We try to help feed the world. And we have to help feed the people in our own home towns and communities,” said Wayne Brownlee, Executive Vice Wayne Brownlee, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of PotashCorp and Lau - President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of rie O’Connor, Executive Director at the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre say that many people’s PotashCorp. food security is threatened by the high demand at the food banks. PotashCorp is matching individual do - (Photo by John Lagimodiere) “Saskatchewan is our home and it makes a big dif - nations up to $500,000 for food banks across Saskatchewan. ference. Our employees rally to this cause and anything We simply could not do what we do without this in - times, and offer hope to those who need it the most.” we can do to help we are more than pleased to do so. It credible support,” O’Connor continued. If you want to donate items to the food bank, is the season of giving,” he said. “With our community’s donations matched dollar please consider supplying high demand items like “PotashCorp’s matching donation campaign has for dollar by PotashCorp, our organization can continue hearty soups and stews, canned protein, canned fruit and placed us in a much better position to meet this demand. to provide emergency nutrition during these trying vegetables and infant formula. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 3 Reading for Reconciliation
By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News SASKATOON – A section of the Frances Morrison Central Library in Saskatoon has been dedicated to recon - ciliation. The section is packed with books by Indigenous authors and others with top - ics ranging from fiction to poetry, to his - tory and residential schools. In a promi - nent location in the front of the library, a box wrapped in red cloth is in a window display that can be seen from inside and out. A ceremonial smudge and prayer from Elders Walter and Maria Linklater helped launch the official opening. “As an active member of Reconcil - Eugene Arcand and the Truth and iation Saskatoon, the Library has firmly Reconciliation bundle he donated to committed to answering many of the the Saskatoon Public Library. Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (Photo by John Lagimodiere) Calls to Action. Our work in is intended to bring all members of our community together as we acknowledge the past and kind of a legacy is about building public move forward toward reconciliation to education and understanding. Status quo can’t prevail. And the Library is walking the talk.” The Saskatoon Library has embraced “Status quo reconciliation. They are partners in Rec - onciliation Saskatoon, all of their employ - ees have been through Aboriginal aware - can’t prevail. ness seminars and they have recently named the Stonebridge outlet the Round Prairie Branch in honour of Métis people And the who lived in that area since the 1860s . Mayor Charlie Clark was on hand Library is for the dedication. “There is a grassroots discussion to help us come to terms with the failure of walking society with the residential schools. Credit to the Library to take this space for learn - the talk.” ing and reflection in a safe space,” said – Eugene Arcand Clark. “My hope is that Saskatoon is the promote healing and ultimately make our place that is learning and growing and city, province and country stronger,” said building a community based on reconcil - Carol Cooley CEO and Director of Li - iation. This is an important time for our braries for Saskatoon Public Library. city. We can feel proud and hopeful for “Today we fulfill a promise we years to come.” made to residential school survivor Eu - To officially open the section, Ar - gene Arcand, to create a space dedicated cand invited his fellow residential school to reconciliation in the library” survivors Harry Lafond, Kelly Bitternose, The reading section came about Walter Linklater and Maria Linklater from from a gift and request from Eugene Ar - the audience to join him in cutting the cand. Arcand was presented with five birch bark. complete sets of the Truth and Reconcil - “I never thought in my life we would iation Commissions report and Calls to deal with the residential schools. But this Action and books. So far, Arcand has reading section is a call to action,” said Ar - donated boxes to SaskPolytechnic, the cand. Greater Saskatoon Catholic School “The best part of this opening was Board and the Saskatoon Public School having my fellow survivors here. Little Board. He donated this box to the library things mean a lot.” because of the important role they play in The Read for Reconciliation space public education. holds SPL’s growing collection of In - “This is precedent setting in this digenous literature and will host pro - province,” said Arcand of the Read for gramming focused on healing, truth and Reconciliation section. reconciliation in Saskatoon. SPL’s Read “The residential school story will for Reconciliation booklist is available at be told by them. Bearing witness to this www.saskatoonlibrary.ca/reconciliation. 4 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 Standing Rock the big story of 2016
Suffice to say, 2016 was a very protest, there was never a lack of news or even the crisis in the north with difficult year. Just read the news. Often, coming out of the territory as live young people taking their own lives. when we consider our news maker of streaming and social media platforms Add in poverty and poor rural the year, it is easy to get a couple of carried a majority of the action. Indigenous and non-Indigenous really good and positive stories into the People sent supplies and relations and that spills over into the board. Will that stop the protests? Not mix for the voting. Unfortunately this fundraised. Colten Boushie shooting. This case will a chance. year was quite the opposite. Eventually several thousand receive plenty of attention in 2017 That was a pretty heavy year and The past year we faced was violent veterans showed up in support and when it hits the courts. we hate to bum you out. Always and dirty. The Eagle Feather News team stood between the protestors and police. The province has yet to come to remember that even though there have narrowed down the stories to the school To the jubilation of the camp of terms with the stinging racism that been tough times there is still lots of shooting in La Loche, the Husky oil protestors that swelled to over 13,000 erupted online after Colten’s passing. love and joy out there and ordinary spill on the people at times, This story is tragic all around. people are doing extraordinary things North it was And just wait until next year when every day in our communities. Saskatchewan announced that they start cutting ground for the So continue reading on. You will River, the Colten the project will replacement pipeline that is going to find much more uplifting news in the Boushie be put on hold. run through parts of Saskatchewan. remaining pages of the paper. shooting and the Following The chatter online has people Merry Christmas and Happy New confrontation that, the talking protest already. This is going to Year to everyone and may you have and violence at Veterans asked be a difficult season since the deal is safe travels and good tidings this Standing Rock. for and approved and it is all legal and above holiday season. None of these received stories were fun forgiveness to tell and there from the aren’t any happy Dakota people endings in any of because of the them. violence and We didn’t broken Treaties leave it up to us, that littered though. We left it North America. to the readers and hands down they A massive blizzard has hit the picked the Standing Rock protest and camp and the community is now asking conflict as the news maker of the year everyone to pack up and go home. for 2016. Even though it was an Some insist the fight isn’t done yet American story, the call to protect the and vow to remain vigilant. This story water and support the Standing Rock is far from over because in January, community was strong. Donald Trump becomes President of The defenders of the water were the United States of America and he going to make sure the Dakota Access likes oil and coal. The killing of Pipeline was not going to be built under Racism, oil and gas development a Missouri River reservoir near and pipelines and violence in our Colton Boushie Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. communities are all realities that are was just one of the After witnessing the violence that going to be important issues to tackle in tragic stories of the police force used on the protestors 2017. It is a staggering list but the harsh 2016 sparked outrage around the world, the reality. cause and emotion spilled over into Financial resources are scant in the Canada with many people making the north and the recession has not made trip down to support the water things any better. protectors. Those issues tied to colonialism Even though many complained and residential school trauma led to that the mainstream media ignored the incidents like the shooting in La Loche DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 5 Armed with peanut butter, I waged war against the mice
You know that sense of forebod - anywhere else on this earth. I drove to dead mouse was in the trap. The other had been chewed beyond recognition. ing you get while driving down a dark town one weekend and bought traps in trap had peanut butter still in it – “I see,” I said as I closed the Saskatchewan road that someone is in the gar - which told door. I trudged back into the house, the car with you? In my case, it’s den sec - me that it feeling as chewed up as the nipple. pretty much accurate as I always have tion of was just For the next 12 hours, my life company – mice. Wal- one mouse. became a blur of setting traps, check - In late October, I realized that I Mart. I As I gin - ing them, disposing of the mouse- had visitors when I was cleaning under set them gerly batted body, resetting them, waiting and the seat of my son’s car seat and found with the trap out checking. We killed four mice that one of his toys chewed to bits. For a peanut of the car night. second I thought maybe our kid was butter with my ice I got desperate. My partner was part dingo – but the mouse poop beside (yup not my first time at the mouse scraper on the ground for my looking over my shoulder while I was it made it clear. I had an infestation. rodeo) and left them overnight in my boyfriend to later pick up (and com - searching online. “You shopping for a I worried about mice crawling on car. plain about), I was smiling brighter new car?” my son every day as I locked him into The next day the peanut butter than the sun’s reflection off the snow. “My car has mice in it.” his car seat. But my mom says that’s was gone but there was no carcass. I was home free. “Yeah but there’s no guarantee not realistic. She called upon her vast My traps were duds and my mice had I paid for a de-mousing package they won’t get in the new car.” knowledge of child-rearing to assure received a gourmet dinner. at a Saskatoon detailer. It was expen - “Then I’ll just buy another one, me: “He’s at the age where he can So, I bought new traps. They also sive but how much would you pay to and another one, and another one…” fight off a mouse.” did not work. By day three, I was erase mouse urine from your life? When I opened the door to my I was skeptical. wondering if I should just sleep in my When I picked up my vehicle, I car the next morning on my way to “Really? That’s on the child de - vehicle covered in peanut butter and felt like a new woman. The car work, the peanut butter was sitting in velopment charts? Eighteen months – armed with a hammer. smelled clean, the carpets washed and the trap, uneaten. But I did not feel able to fight off a small rodent? So Fortunately one of my friends sanitized, and I could sit down know - glee or even mild joy. For I will never what at 24 months – is he able to had battled mice the year before in ing that I was definitely not sitting in be truly free from the mice, I know strangle a badger with his bare his rental. He gave me some plastic mouse poop. Life was a delicious ro - that now. hands?” traps that were guaranteed to do the dent free cake. That weekend they sent me a Now, here the animal lovers who job – the job here being bloody mur - Then last Sunday, I went out to dark message – we can enter your ve - have extended their warm arms to ro - der. the car to look for a baby bottle that hicle when ever we want. Wherever dents might want to look away. The traps worked. When I had been left overnight. I opened the you go, we’ll be there too. I had no intention of ever allow - opened the door to my vehicle, I re - door, looked under the backseat and But on the bright side, at least ing this animal to live in my vehicle or ceived a prairie Christmas present– a saw the bottle, minus the nipple which I’ll never get lonely. Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 R6 econciliation Saskatoon grows
By Angela Hill “So, it’s working with all people in For Eagle Feather News the community regardless of their faith, SASKATOON – The bright yellow flag ethnicity, and creating an understanding of Reconciliation Saskatoon is being of the Indigenous People before and how raised outside buildings across the city. we can work together to ensure that no - It shows that more and more organ - body gets left behind,” Dorval said. izations are committing to the process “I really think we have an opportu - of reconciliation in their workplaces and nity for change.” within their communities. Reconciliation Saskatoon started Reconciliation Saskatoon is a group with a handful of organizations that of community organizations looking to would meet over lunch, but continues to build public awareness, education and grow, said Sangster. engagement on reconciliation, said Rhett The flag raisings outside buildings, Sangster, director reconciliation and com - including the most recent one outside the munity partnerships for the Office of the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools head Treaty Commissioner (OTC ). office and one outside St. Paul’s Hospi - From left, Brad Bird of the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, “We’re trying very much to be a di - tal, are just a small part of the activities Gilles Dorval representing the City of Saskatoon and Rhett Sangster of the Of - verse group, representative of all the Reconciliation Saskatoon are helping to fice of the Treaty Commissioner presented the Reconciliation flag at the Rock voices in the community to talk about organize. Your Roots, Walk for Reconciliation this summer. how we move forward and also to build Since the launch of Reconciliation (Photo by John Lagimodiere) relationships, to be reconciliation in ac - Saskatoon, they have organized speaking tion,” he said. series, Aboriginal Awareness Training to “Because of course reconciliation is Reconciliation Regina could look like and It grew out of the City of Saska - businesses, blanket exercises, conversa - not just an organizational responsibility, on Dec. 2, Sangster and Dorval met with toon calling 2015 the Year of Reconcili - tions with survivors and the massive but a responsibility of each and every in - interested stakeholders in Lloydminster. ation after the release of the Truth and Rock Your Roots, Walk for Reconcilia - dividual,” she said. “This is a movement that we’re look - Reconciliation Commissions’ (TRC) tion that happened in the summer. The passing of the library budget last ing to spread organically and allow people Calls to Action. The Reconciliation Recently the Saskatoon Public Li - week was another step in ensuring equi - to take it on and be creative and build Saskatoon mandate is to create opportu - brary announced the name of the new table service, Cooley said. new relationships,” Sangster said. nities for education about history and en - branch to be opened in Stonebridge as “We will be able to increase our The timing is right, because the TRC courage response to the Calls to Action, Round Prairie This was done in consul - hours of service in our core communi - report woke people up a little bit, he said Gilles Dorval, Director of Aborigi - tation with an elders’ advisory panel or - ties,” she said. added. nal Relations for the city. ganized in partnerships with Reconcilia - “To me that’s reconciliation in ac - “I think there is a genuine interest in By pulling in organizations from tion Saskatoon. tion.” doing better, but there is also hesitancy, across the city they can work collabora - “The relationships that we’ve built Cooley said Reconciliation Saska - these are issues that are political and some tively and pool funding, “so we can do have made each of these initiatives toon is important now because there was people are a bit hesitant to get outside of more with less,” said Dorval. stronger and more representative of our public recognition that something needed their comfort zone.” There are about 35 groups involved community,” Sangster said. to happen after the Calls to Action. That’s where Reconciliation Saska - now, including tribal councils, the In - The library also just opened a rec - “I think it helps keep the momentum toon can play a role. They offer advice, dian Métis Friendship Centre, Central onciliation reading room in their main going,” she said. can facilitate discussion and create a safe Urban Métis Federation Incorporated, branch, because education is the first step The model started as a pilot in Saska - space to build trust and shared relation - Saskatoon Public Library, the OTC, in committing to reconciliation, said toon, said Sangster, but the mandate of the ships, Dorval said. health regions, the City, newcomer or - Carol Cooley, director of libraries and OTC is provincial. He said there have “Find the we, instead of the us and ganizations, churches and others. CEO. been discussions in Regina about what them,” Sangster said. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News Confederation School program earns Indspire Award 7 By Julie Wriston engage his students in a variety of ways. Of Eagle Feather News Tipi teachings are one form of learning SASKATOON – The Nehiyawiwin Cree that is useful not only to educate stu - Language & Culture Program at Con - dents about things like numbers and federation Park Community School in words, but also to instill values such as Saskatoon was honoured recently with an listening skills, respect, and hospitality. Indspire Award at the Indspire National “I teach the kids about staying pres - Gathering for Indigenous Education. ent, that this is a skill. Good listening The award provides meaningful skills are a way to show respect,” he be - recognition to Confederation Park lieves. School for bringing Indigenous knowl - Drumming and dancing groups are edge and teachings to students. another great tool for teaching language The Nehiyawiwin Cree Language and culture. & Culture Program began in 2005 “Using the same principle as nurs - through a partnership between the Cen - ery rhymes, singing helps kids learn lan - tral Urban Metis Federation Inc., the guage, and legends.” Saskatoon Tribal Council, and Saska - It also helps to build confidence. toon Public Schools. The program ex - “We go around and do perform - tends from pre-kindergarten through to ances which helps build the kid’s self- grade five and offers bilingual and bi - esteem. Other schools really admire cultural teachings that include Cree lan - what we are doing.” guage, cultural protocols, and involve - This year, Awasis suggests that ment in feasts, ceremonies, powwows “the reconciliation process is looking and round dances. Approximately 85 per for ways to give culture back to Abo - cent of the student population in the pro - riginal people.” Confederation Park Community School students displayed their cultural teach - gram are of First Nations or Métis her - He sees this as a good step for - ings at an assembly to celebrate the raising of the Treaty 6 flag in June. The Ne - itage. ward for the “government to be more hiyawiwin Cree Language & Culture Program at the school recently received Wally Awasis has spent the last five relaxed about releasing funds for pro - an Indspire Award. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) years as the Cultural Teacher at the Ne - grams like this.” hiyawiwin program. Looking forward, a big aspiration Grades 7 and 8 this year. is important to all schools. “Culture is embedded in language. would be for Nehiyawiwin to have a “Each year we add a new teacher, “If you understand about us, you Without language, kids miss out on the school of its own. but we lack funding so we are stretch - will appreciate us more. We need to train teachings of our culture – things get lost “We are busting at the seams,” ing our reach to include the higher people how to do this in more schools. in translation.” says Awasis. The program has contin - grades.” Although we have done a lot, we can do Awasis utilizes the Culture Room to ued to grow in size, extending to Awasis believes that this program more.” 8 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016
DECORATING THE TREE Youngsters in Ms. Kristie Fedoruk’s Grade 2 class at St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre showed up at the Affinity Credit Union’s St. Mary’s branch in Saskatoon to help deco - rate the Christmas tree. St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre is a com - munity school partner with Affinity Credit Union’s Art for Life, a Remai Modern program operating in se - lected schools. This is St. Mary’s first year of a three-year partnership. The museum offers en - hanced visual arts experi - ences through workshops in the classrooms. To commemorate the sea - son, the Grade 2 class at St. Mary’s School made sparkling foil decorations for display. After placing their special creations on the St. Mary’s Affinity Credit Union seasonal tree, the youngsters enjoyed art making and a snack before heading back to their school. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 9 AFN honours Downie’s reconciliation efforts
By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News SASKATOON – As Donnie Speidel sang an honour song and presented Gord Downie with an eagle feather, the Canadian rock legend broke down in tears and was visibly emotional. Downie was honoured by the Assembly of First Nations for his work on reconciliation and the impact he has had around Canada by the release of The Secret Path, an animated film based on Downie’s poems and music about a boy named Chaney Wenjack who ran away from res - AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde addresses the assembly as Valerie Galley holds idential school and didn’t make it home. He passed away beside a railway Gord Downie’s hand as he was honoured in front of Chiefs from across Canada. line. (Photo by Shelley Mike Photography) “Gord Downie is shining a light on the inequality experienced by in - digenous peoples. Today, we lift up and honour Gord Downie, whose words and music have introduced millions of Canadians to the story of Chanie Wenjack, a young boy who has come to represent the thousands of children subjected to the Residential Schools system, just one of the many who was taken from his family never to see them again,” said As - sembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde. The solemn occasion was shown and shared widely on social media. “It will take 150 years, or seven generations, to heal the wound of the residential school, to become a country that can truly call ourselves Canada. It means we must become one,” Downie said who was also given the name Man Who Walks Among the Stars. “We must walk down a path of reconciliation from now on. Together and forever. This is the first day of forever. The greatest day of my life. The greatest day of all our lives.” Proceeds from the Secret Path album and graphic novel will be do - nated to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the Univer - Donnie Speidel sang an honour song for Gord Downie and then tied an eagle feather sity of Manitoba. onto his hat. (Photo by Shelley Mike Photography) 10 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 11 Federal gov’t supplying cash for Canada 150 Fund
By Julie Wriston digenous Cultural Centre; • Creative workshops and community celebra - Of Eagle Feather News • A Métis culture and language gathering, in tion, in partnership with Buffalo People Arts Institute; REGINA – A new $400,000 fund has been created to partnership with Gabriel Dumont Institute; And a final cultural gathering to showcase activ - help foster a greater awareness and understanding of in - • Expansion of an Indigenous literary festival, in part - ities and ensure a legacy, organized by SaskCulture. digenous culture in Saskatchewan. Guided by the Truth nership with Saskatchewan Aboriginal Writers Circle Inc.; SaskCulture will be responsible for fund man - and Reconciliation Commission’s agement and distribution. Calls to Action, the Canada 150 Fund “Canada’s 150th anniver - will be used to build new and respect - sary serves as an opportunity ful relationships between Canada’s In - for us all to reflect on this digenous and non-Indigenous peoples point in time, including the through language, literature and arts years leading up to it, and the engagement throughout 2017 and be - changing relationships going yond. forward,” says Joanne Mc - The funding announcement was Donald, President, SaskCul - made on Nov.25 by Ralph Goodale, ture. the federal Minister of Public Safety SaskCulture, a provincial and Emergency Preparedness non-profit cultural organiza - “This funding will help celebrate tion, together with expertise the achievements of a broad cross-sec - from various partners – tion of people in Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Indigenous Cul - their invaluable contributions to Cana - tural Centre (SICC), Gabriel dian nation building.” Dumont Institute (GDI), The announcement outlined a list Saskatchewan Arts Board of activities that will take place with (SAB), Saskatchewan Aborig - fund support: inal Writers Circle Inc. • Indigenous artist presentations (SAWCI), and Buffalo People to schools through LIVE Arts, in part - Arts Institute - will offer a nership with Saskatchewan Arts Board range of accessible and partic - and Saskatchewan Ministry of Educa - ipatory programming designed tion; to build understanding and • Design and delivery of In - awareness of Saskatchewan’s digenous language workshops for SaskCulture and their partners in this photo include representatives of some of the other Indigenous peoples and cele - youth in First Nations communities, in groups that received Canada 150 funding including the Regina Folk Festival and the York - brate a new relationship mov - partnership with Saskatchewan In - ton Film Festival and others. (Photo courtesy SaskCulture) ing forward. 12 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 Rapper Beary D bites into the important issues
By Jamin Mike The song is based on the protest involving hun - His first album is currently in planning. He works For Eagle Feather News dreds of people who gathered in opposition of the with DillyBat Productions, a production group based Beary D is a rapper on the rise. He brings the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux out of Saskatoon. Themes for his new album are to shed young life and all sorts of issues to light through the art Reservation in North Dakota. light on different issues Indigenous people are facing of music. But with his devotion for rapping, he uses mu - “I’m hoping this song will get people’s attention. like pipeline protests, rising suicide rates in the north, sic as tool for stress relief and to announce his thoughts It is important that we get these messages out there.” and poor conditions on reserves around Canada. to the world. One of his first gigs happened at the Sutherland “My focus is to bring people together with my Brennan Colby Daniels, 22, hails from the Muskeg Hall in Saskatoon in 2015. He opened up for an artist music of all cultures by speaking on all issues.” He Lake and Okanese First Nations but makes his home in by the name of Preme from Thunder Bay, Ont. plans on keeping up with his music and is excited to see Saskatoon. Since the age of 12, Daniels found that put - “My feelings were very nerve wracking at the where it will bring him. Family continues to stand by ting pen to paper and writing down lyrics was a passion time, but went away once I performed,” he said. his side. of his. But in 2009 when Daniels was in high school, he began taking his rapping career to the next level.
Beary D’s message is starting to be heard.
“It’s an addiction and a reliever. I found another way out,” he said. Daniels was nicknamed “Bear” at birth. And throughout his younger life, he was into sports. He spent most of his life in the city, but was also moving back and forth from Regina as well. When he would play hockey, his friends would always call him Beary— thus making “Beary D” his stage name. Daniels expressed that he couldn’t have asked for a more supportive environment and family. He wrote a song called Bridge City. The song heavily expresses the life of a youth living in Saskatoon. This was his first major recording and after the song had been published, it was a hit on social-media websites which started getting his name out to the public. Daniels started creating more music, expressing different things. His newest recording, Standing Rock, is a song that takes the movement to another level of un - derstanding. Daniels shared that he believes that the protesters in Standing Rock are fighting for a good cause. “I wrote this song to support the people fighting for clean water… it’s a right and so is clean land,” he explains. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 13 Cumberland House leaders, students visit DAPL protest camp Members of Cumberland House Cree Nation, including several students, had an opportunity to witness an historical event when they visited Standing Rock in November.
By Tiffany Head sense of peace in the camp, but the For Eagle Feather News front lines had a completely different Driving into the camp, what they feeling. saw was surreal. There were countless “Very different vibe, very nega - flags from many nations on the outer tive vibe,” he describes. edges of the camp as far as the eyes Cardinal told his students that could see. what they saw there was what they Members from the Cumberland talked about in history. The police and House Cree Nation were in the Sacred security were doing everything they Stones Camp to support the Dakota Ac - could to provoke a response. cess Pipeline Project (DAPL) protest “The people here have given them on November 16. absolutely nothing,” Cardinal stating Cory Cardinal, the Nisto Awasisak about how the protestors never re - school principal, along with 10 stu - sponded to the police violence. dents, three elders, Chief Lorne Stew - The members of CHCN were art and Gerald Favel, President of honored with an honor song and a flag Métis Society of Cumberland House, song. Chief Lorne Stewart brought the got a firsthand look at what was hap - CHCN flag to be raised with the rest of pening at Standing Rock. the flags. Cardinal said this was an oppor - “It was a special moment. They tunity of a lifetime for his students. thanked us for coming to support This was something they could experi - them,” Cardinal said. ence, “instead of reading it in a book.” Grade 12 student Peter Bear said He stated that he was hesitant to that it was great that they got to go and go at first because of all the violence was in awe by how many non-Aborig - he saw on social media but he knew inal people that were present showing they had to go. their support. “It’s about showing support for “It was my first time being there something that is near and dear to all and it felt really good that they ac - of us, protecting our water resources,” knowledged us being there,” Bear said. Cardinal said. Cardinal said it was tough when He talked about how when they they had to leave because they felt got into the camp, there was a sign very much at home on spiritual that stated the purpose of the camp. ground. “Absolutely no drugs or alcohol “Our heart definitely stayed there, on you or in you, this is a camp of we wanted to be there longer, it was prayer and ceremony.” such a beautiful place to be,” Cardinal Cardinal said when he felt a real said. 14 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 Peeteetuce enjoys time with Mitchell Poundmaker on final tour with Kohkums
• Continued from Page One This year is their 14th installment and it included a tour around Saskatchewan to over a dozen communities as far south as Nekaneet and as far north as Buffalo Nar - rows. This tour is the last for creator Curtis Peeteetuce who ends his time at GTNT as Artistic Director in the New Year. And he loves the experience of the final run full of nostalgia. Artistic Director and playwright Curtis Peeteetuce and actor Krystle Pederson share a quick moment in “One of the blessings of this particular production is front of the touring van before the cast heads off for a gig in North Battleford. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) having Mitchell Poundmaker back as the original Sihkos. Mitchell and I were both there back stage donning our dresses and our tights and our bras and wigs and our purses over 15 years ago,” Peeteetuce recalls. “It is really nice to come full circle and have Mitchell back with us. It is amaz - ing I’m so blessed. Another is having Cory and Dalton back. They have done this three years now and then Krystle Pederson returned who has been so involved in the Christmas series ... having those four involved really brings back a lot of memories. We had a lot of fun on tour. That was another blessing and now we have the Broad - way to look forward to,” said Peeteetuce. This time around, Zula, Claire Bear and Sihkos find themselves searching a mysterious new toy store for the perfect gifts for their great grandchildren. Hijinks ensue, insults are hurled and the ladies go on an adventure that teaches them a mes - sage that stokes the Christmas spirit. And laughter ... lots of laughter. “The best part of the show is the laughter and the fun. We have so much fun on stage and get to joke with each other,” said veteran actor Krystle Pederson who plays the trickster. “It is great to bring joy to the community. The tour has been fun. It was nice to go back home to Buffalo Narrows. The communities have been really welcoming.” And the communities love the show. The inside jokes, pop culture references and the Cree language, music and culture all combine for a delightful experience. “We connect with the communities because we in - corporate the Cree language. I love seeing the actors use the language. What our theatre does is give them back some sort of language retention,” added Peeteetuce. “And I love watching people give an honest sincere laugh from the belly. We hear that every time we do the show. That is a gift right there.” Pederson agrees about the importance of the lan - guage in the play, and also the importance of the mes - sages. “It feels good having so much Cree language in the show. It is nice to hear them laugh and get the jokes. It is also a challenge for us to make sure we get the Cree right,” said Pederson. “The play gets me in the spirit. It reminds me to be with my family and not make it so much about presents but more about the family. The Kohkums are all about be - ing together and supporting each other and making each other laugh no matter what the situation is.” Even though it is Peeteetuce’s last play as the Artis - tic Director, don’t say goodbye to the Kohkoms quite yet. “I am outgoing artistic director, so now the incom - ing director has some choices to make. I will always be here. I think our actors are always going to be here. We have over 25 alum performers who have done the Rez Christmas series,” said Peeteetuce of future shows. “And we are all here standing by so if GTNT and the new Artistic Director want a brand new Christmas show, hey, they know where to get a hold of me.” The play runs at the Broadway December 14 to 17th. For tickets call 306-652-6556. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 15 Warm up with some Christmas gifts from the North
By Linda Mikolayenko for Eagle Feather News been privileged to hear Elders’ stories of what Music, books, movies – these are classic gifts for any occasion. This holiday sea - it was like when a dog team was the primary son, you can delight family and friends with selections that have a northern mode of winter transportation in northern Saskatchewan touch. Check out these suggestions for children, youth, and adults. Saskatchewan. These stories were a gift she felt she needed to share. “One way I could do that was to give all these Small Town Life by Roland Corrigal stories – all their memories – to the old man in ($10) the book,” says Körner. Roland Corrigal, from Air Ronge, released his Jeremy’s relationship with the old man leads first CD in November. Small Town Life consists him to his own adventure that includes Aci - of six original songs, with styles ranging from mosis, the yellow dog. classic to modern. The Land of Rock and Gold “Social media reviews have been glowing,” says Directed by Daniel Redenbach and Janine Corrigal. “I feel that it will open more opportuni - Windolph ($30 DVD Pre-order) ties as a Métis from northern Saskatchewan who If you don’t mind waiting a while for delivery, is now recognized as a Canadian Country you can give someone a DVD of a unique dra - Recording Artist.” matic feature film. The Land of Rock and Corrigal was awarded 2016 Aboriginal Artist of the Year by the Saskatchewan Gold has recently garnered acting awards for Charity Bradfield of La Ronge at Country Music Association. Small Town Life is available for purchase from the Red Nation Film Awards in Los Angeles and the Saskatchewan Independent rolandcorrigal.com or Amazon. For digital download and streaming options, Film Awards. check out Amazon, iTunes, Google Play and Spotify. Filmed last winter in the La Firewater: How Alcohol Is Killing My People (and Yours) Ronge area, the movie has been By Harold R. Johnson, University of Regina Press ($16.95) screened at a number of film Harold R. Johnson of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation wanted to start a conversa - festivals, but now the creators tion when he wrote his latest book, Firewater: How Alcohol Is Killing My People want to distribute it theatrically (and Yours). After only being released this fall, it is a national bestseller, now in across the country, and get the its third printing. It was a non-fiction finalist for the Governor General’s Literary story out into the world. To do Awards, which Johnson says was a huge surprise. that, they need help, so have set “I wrote in Firewater that alcohol was a sub - up an Indiegogo campaign. ject nobody wants to talk about,” says John - Different levels of contribution son. “I was wrong. It seems now is the time will get you a range of perks – that people want to discuss it.” from digital downloads and DVDs, to a beaded necklace and a secret recipe for You can find reviews, newspaper articles and bannock. radio interviews online and you can contribute to the conversation by picking up a copy of the book at most booksellers. When the Trees Crackle with Cold: A Cree Calendar pīsimwasinahikan By Bernice Johnson-Laxdal and Miriam Körner, Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing ($19.95) Inspired by her childhood memories, Bernice Johnson-Laxdal collaborated with Miriam Körner to create a picture book that brings to life the six seasons of the Cree cal - endar, divided into twelve moons which reflect the cycle of nature. For Frost-Exploding Moon (December), the text reads: “When the trees crackle with cold, we stay close to home. Kohkom tells us stories of times long past while we sew moose- hide mittens for Christmas gifts.” Warmly illustrated with Körner’s watercolour paintings, the book is written in English, with some of the text in the y-dialect of the northern Plains Cree of the Île-à-la Crosse area where Johnson-Laxdal grew up. The authors, who both live at Potato Lake near La Ronge, wanted to create a resource for northern schools and provide other readers with a glimpse into life in Northern Saskatchewan. Yellow Dog by Miriam Körne Red Deer Press ($14.95) In her first young adult novel, Yellow Dog, Miriam Körner captures the spirit of times past, while creating an engaging contemporary story told from the point of view of a young boy, Jeremy. Körner has been on many northern wilderness adventures. In her travels, she has 16 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News – Business/Careers 17
A full house at the FNPA 2nd Annual Energy Forum was welcomed by organizers. (Right) Chief Jim Leonard of the Rainy River First Nation in Ontario shared how his community leveraged financing of $130 million to build a solar farm in his Hcomumguenit yi. nterest in discussing renewable energy in Sask(Phaottosc byh Beill wStevaenn son)
By John Lagimodiere sult and accommodate is going to have a ment. Of Eagle Feather News big impact on development in the future Vickie Wetchie from Green Arrow SASKATOON – Renewable energy and and that future development must include Corp who has solar panels powering engaging First Nations businesses in sup - First Nations he says. And he broke down houses in her community put it straight for plying it was the topic of the day at the the law to something simple. “Duty to when it comes to engaging the community. First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) Consult means we need to talk. So get out “Consult early and consult often,” 2nd Annual Energy Forum on First Na - there and start talking,” said McLeod. she said. “Do not walk in at the last minute Rainy River is an isolated community of tion Renewable Energy in Saskatchewan. SaskPower has made a plan to in - of a project and expect a warm reception. just over 300 people. A packed house at the conference led crease the amount of renewable energy it You have to spend time getting to know Companies like Suncor Energy, to walls being removed and tables added to buys into the grid and Tim Schuster, Di - our community. BluEarth and Lockheed Martin Energy accommodate the interested parties. Busi - rector IPP and Development, Environment “Get to know our leaders. Not just also made presentations on their services ness and Indigenous leaders from across and Sustainable Development showed the elected Chief and council, but our Elders and new technology available in the field. Canada came together to share best prac - amount of opportunities available. The de - and family heads. Come to our events like The large turnout was a bit of a shock tices and to network with community eco - velopments could result in hundreds of the bingo, even. And use simple jargon for the organizers, but they were happy to nomic development corporations and big millions dollars of economic development and imagery. If you drop a big technical have to deal with it. business. opportunity. manual on the desk, you lose us.” “We had well over 200 people at - After an opening prayer from Elder Many attendees came looking to find Chief Jim Leonard had an amazing tend including 30 or so walk ups,” said Joe Quewezance and territorial greetings the secret to engaging and meeting First story of success. By acquiring two energy FNPA CEO Leah Nelson-Guay. by Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief and Nation development corporations. A panel, licenses to sell power to Ontario Hydro, he “I think this shows that the interest FNPA board chairFelix Thomas, presen - including Colin Asselstine of the Kluane has transformed his community. in the renewable market in Saskatchewan ters from leading organizations shared Development Corporation (KCDC), Chief “We used those licenses to leverage has never been higher. Thanks to our their wisdom. Jim Leonard of the Rainy River First Na - over $130 million in investments to our sponsors we were able to create this fo - Trevor McLeod, the Director of the tion in Northern Ontario and Vickie community to build a solar field,” said rum so interested people could get to - Centre for Natural Resources Policy at the Wetchie who is the General Manager of Chief Leonard. “Our people are trained in gether and make those introductions. Canada West Foundation talked about reg - Green Arrow Corp, a business owned by solar now and those skills are portable.” “Hopefully those conversations lead ulatory law and the current issues facing the Montana First Nation in Alberta pro - The solar project they have pays the to partnerships that increase First Nation resource development. The Duty to Con - vided invaluable information on engage - band back over $3 million annually. And participation in renewable energy.” 18 Eagle Feather News – Business/Careers DECEMBER 2016 Award winning RezX TV shows its community spirit
By Jeanelle Mandes “We really appreciate Chris’s in - for the people in the community. That he kitchen, a men’s shelter, daycare and af - Of Eagle Feather News volvement in the community and the and his crew and the people he works fordable housing suites in Regina. Once REGINA – Regina’s own Indigenous support he is able to provide to us. We with feel it’s important to contribute to us they receive the city’s approval, they television program, RezX TV, won the were very excited,” says Patty is a great feeling.” hope to start breaking ground in the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance spring. (CCSA) Tuned In Award in the cat - “I encourage anybody to egory of best news program. support our organizations that The winner of award chooses don’t get help from the gov - where to donate the $1,000 cash ernment,” says Ross. prize and RezX TV decided to do - He explains RezX TV nate to a non-profit organization will continue to support Soul’s close to their heart. Harbour Rescue Mission. The Chris Ross, the executive pro - Season 3 Premiere date has not ducer for the television show RezX been finalized but Ross hopes TV, said the win is a chance to do - it will be sometime in Janu - nate to a charity of their choice and ary. They will be accepting ad - had asked their TV show provider, mission donations at the pre - Access Communications, if they miere screening and the can donate the winnings to Soul’s money collected will be do - Harbour Rescue Mission. nated to Soul’s Harbour Res - “I really wanted to donate to cue Mission to continue their something to help with our inner support. cities and the homeless and less Recently, RezX TV intro - fortunate. I feel a large proportion duced a brand-new host, Tyler of people who are homeless are Tootoosis to join the original First Nations people. There’s a soft host, Erin Goodpipe. Ross spot in my heart for (those) living adds that Shaw Cable will be on the street,” he says. RezX TV hosts Tyler Tootoosis and Erin Goodpipe will now be seen across the province through streaming the Indigenous TV “It was a huge opportunity to Access Communications and Shaw Cable. (Photo by Mike Dubois) show on Channel 10 where it donate to them to help out.” will be available to communi - The donation is very welcome con - Humphreys, marketing manager of The monetary donation will be go - ties throughout the province. The TV sidering the festive season and the dire Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission. ing into the Samaritan project, which is show expanded from a province-wide need in the community. “Chris is an activist and an advocate a project that will have a new soup magazine. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News – Business/Careers 19 20 Eagle Feather News – Business/Careers DECEMBER 2016
From left, Deputy Premier Don Morgan, Jim Cocoran, Lockheed Martin, William Faulk, Sikorsky Aircraft and SIIT President and CEO Riel Bellegarde. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)
Million dollar Sikorsky helicopter donated to SIIT By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News SASKATOON – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has donated a retired from flight status Sikorsky S-76A twin-engine helicopter to the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) for training for their Aircraft Maintenance Engi - neering students. Valued at $1.3 million, the non-flying, twin-engine helicopter with associated equipment and documentation provides an important learning tool for students pur - suing a career in aviation maintenance. “The addition of the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter to our aircraft training fleet al - lows us to provide a greater hands-on experience to our students in a wide array of systems typical of modern helicopters,” said Riel Bellegarde, SIIT President and CEO. “Our students will ultimately benefit in the workforce by gaining early first-hand knowledge of the inspection, maintenance, and repair of a fully rigged helicopter, in - cluding its electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.” SIIT students, First Nations elders, provincial politicians and representatives from local Saskatoon business attended the transfer ceremony at the Aviation Learn - ing Centre. During the ceremony, William Falk, Sikorsky’s director for the Maritime Hel - icopter Project, who leads the program team from Sikorsky’s headquarters in Strat - ford, Connecticut, urged students to embrace a life-long career in the exciting field of aviation engineering. “I encourage students at the SIIT to think expan - sively about the knowledge they are acquiring when they learn to inspect and maintain a modern helicopter,” said Falk. “This knowledge can then be taken to new heights – whether in Canada or internationally. This particular S-76A helicopter was previously maintained and oper - ated with great care to carry thousands of passengers safely and reliably for almost 35 years. “In its second life as a maintenance trainer, this same vessel can open up a world of opportunities for thousands of students.” The S-76A helicopter was withdrawn from active flight status in 2015 after performing 26,291 hours in flight, and 16,723 landings since 1980. During its op - erational life, transport companies used the aircraft to ferry up to 12 workers at a time to offshore oil and gas rigs, among other utility roles. Sikorsky converted the aircraft to a non-flying maintenance trainer in the United States. In August 2016, the trainer and support items arrived by truck at the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre. The maintenance trainer consists of a Sikorsky S- 76A™ twin-engine helicopter recently retired from flight status, along with supporting hardware to keep the trainer functioning. This includes equipment to move and provide power to the trainer, and tablet-based elec - tronic technical manuals that help students troubleshoot maintenance issues with interactive graphics. To ensure familiarization with the trainer package, Sikorsky also has provided training courses for SIIT instructors. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News – Business/Careers 21 Shana Pasapa fighting hard to give women more power in their lives
By Jeanelle Mandes with other women to reignite that power within our - Of Eagle Feather News selves,” she explains. REGINA – Shana Pasapa started a business last Janu - “We need to bring more awareness to some of the ary called Power Our Women (POW). It’s a self-de - issues that are going on right now and this is a good way fence program for women and young girls, who want to bring more awareness.” to power their defense, help instil confidence and atti - POW added a new seminar from striking and anti- tude to women and girls. abduction, which has been described as being very “We expanded into offering a whole workshop. All helpful. the instructors are certified and have background in per - “We help women and girls be aware of the situa - sonal training,” says Pasapa. tion of being abducted. Then we put them in reality The business started off at The Aboriginal Youth training by simulating them in that situation. We give Idea Challenge (AYIC) in Saskatoon, which is a pro - them the tools of different things they can do in those gram that helps potential entrepreneurs to make their scenarios,” she says. ideas real by helping to formulate business plans and The POW team show their participants different finding resources. The business took off last January as strategy tools that will help in crisis situations such as self-defence classes but has expanded into offering if somebody were to grab you from behind upon en - workshops including fitness, nutrition, goal setting, tering into a vehicle. The POW instructors show which healthy living, positive choices, self-defence and bully direction to run and to be aware of things in your ve - management. hicle that may help. Pasapa says some people get emo - Entrepreneur and mixed martial artist Shana Pasapa Pasapa offers self-defence classes in the basement tional because they experience certain situations but is powering her way into the business world. of her home but her and her team travel throughout the feels a sense of relief when they are given an opportu - (Photo by Creeson Agecoutay) province to provide classes and workshops to commu - nity to defend themselves. don’t see often. nities who inquire. “I’m working with a girl right now who is scared “If anyone sees me walking down the street, they Pasapa, who is from White Bear First Nation but to go out in public because of a situation she had before wouldn’t expect I can defend myself very well because resides in Regina, believes it’s a tool that all women and (I’m) helping her to gain the confidence and to re - I’m a shorter woman and I don’t even look like I’m a should have to learn (and) what your body is capable of alize what she’s capable of. To hear that she has a lit - fighter, I know I’m able to handle myself.” doing. tle bit of confidence to do those things is real reward - For those interested in signing up for self-defence “It’s a power that I’ve learned through martial ing,” she adds. classes and/or workshops, Pasapa can be reached at arts and it has helped me to become a better person and Pasapa would love to see more women going into [email protected] or you can find her busi - a fighter but I feel like it’s something that can be shared martial arts because it’s something that she says, you ness on their Facebook page: Power Our Women. 22 Eagle Feather News – Business/Careers DECEMBER 2016 BUSINESS BRIEFS those yet unborn will survive and thrive and enjoy Something fishy in P.A. what we leave behind from this partnership.” .... in a good way New name, same
PRINCE ALBERT – Northern Wild Fishery re - important mandate cently celebrated the Grand Opening of their Prince Albert retail location, making northern fish available SASKATOON – The Aboriginal Human Resource to the public. Council of Canada (AHRC) recently announced its Owned and operated by Hatchet Lake Denesu - new name, Indigenous Works, and expanded mandate line First Nation at Wollaston, Northern Wild Fishery to foster the development of Corporate-Indigenous offers lake trout, pickerel, pike and whitefish straight partnerships. from the waters of Saskatchewan’s North. Founded in 1998 in response to the Report of the The fish is wild caught and blast frozen at lake - Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, AHRC side to keep the fish fresh. The company uses sustain - was mandated with improving the inclusion and en - able fishing practices inspired by traditional knowl - gagement of Indigenous people in the Canadian econ - edge to minimize environmental impact and provides FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron and Roger Francis omy. employment opportunities and economic develop - with the Conference Board of Canada signed an “For nearly 20 years, we have worked with com - ment for people in Hatchet Lake. MOU to do a demographic study of the Aboriginal panies and organizations to strengthen their perform - “We are very excited to be opening a retail loca - community in Saskatchewan. ance and results in Indigenous employment, work - tion in Prince Albert,” says Anne Robillard, CEO of (Photo by John Lagimodiere) place engagement and inclusion. Partnerships are Hatchet Lake Development LP. key to developing the right relationships and generat - “With the hard work and determination of a Canada. He was also involved in helping fund the ing better results. Indigenous Works is uniquely posi - great many people, we officially opened the fish plant original report 20 years ago. tioned to address relationship building and respond to back home about a year ago, and the plant has created “I was at Cameco then and we were approached the growing need for stronger partnership develop - good jobs for people right in Hatchet Lake. Opening to help fund the project. We did it then because it was ment between Indigenous-owned enterprises and cor - a location in Prince Albert for people to buy our fish a no brainer,” said Francis. porate Canada,” says Kelly Lendsay, President and directly is a great step in growing our business and “Once completed, the 20th Anniversary edition CEO of Indigenous Works. we are thrilled to be opening.” will supply insights that strengthen policy across a “It is also timely given calls by the Truth and “We are so pleased to be able to offer our top- wide range of education, employment, health, and Reconciliation Commission and Government of quality fish to the public,” says Ed Benoanie, General economic development portfolios. Organizations Canada to renew relationships with Indigenous peo - Manager of Northern Wild Fishery. throughout Saskatchewan will benefit from its publi - ples for the betterment of Canadian society and our “Since our plant opened, we’ve been asked by cation.” economy.” so many people how they can buy our fish because Chief Cameron hopes the new demographic “We have always been recognized nationally for it’s local, it’s sustainable, and it tastes great and is so study will be a powerful tool for industry to plan for our leadership in workplace inclusion and facilitating good for you. Now people can buy our fish from the the future labour pool. stronger Indigenous inclusion strategies in Canadian North without leaving the city!” “This will signify to industry and employers that corporations. Our new name reflects our expanded “This is a great day for Hatchet Lake,” says we are talking about investing so that every one of us vision by helping partnerships between Canadian Chief Bart Tsannie. will benefit in this economy together. More impor - companies and Indigenous organizations work bet - “This fish plant is an excellent business that has tantly it is about our children and grandchildren and ter," explained Lendsay. huge potential and provides a natural, quality product and jobs and economic development for our First Na - tion. We are extremely proud of our efforts in starting this business and getting to where we are today, and proud to bring our local fish to Prince Albert for everyone to enjoy.” The Prince Albert location can be found at 247 River St West, across from the train tracks on River Street. Numbers help make a plan
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Saskatchewan Institute of The Con - ference Board of Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding recently to work together on the 20th anniversary edition of Saskatchewan and Aboriginal Peoples in the 21st Century: Social, Economic and Political Changes and Challenges. “The original report published 20-years ago forecasted an emerging First Nations population that would need to be prepared to take its rightful place in Saskatchewan’s economy,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “The anniversary edition of this report will pro - vide an update on the progress made in preparing the young, vibrant First Nation population.” Roger Francis is the Director of the Saskatchewan Institute of the Conference Board of DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 23 The annual Dirk Dashing Christmas Wish List for Men
John L.: Christmas is coming. have a pair of skinny pants. Worn Drones have been big these last let’s say your man loves to barbe - So whether we want it or not, and them once and damn near gave couple of years and while they cue. You can now get a personal - whether we asked for it or not, Dirk myself a vasectomy. Was talking have become more and more so - ized iron brand to burn a message Dashing is here to supply us with his high for three days. So now, when phisticated; the Millennium Fal - onto your steak. But don’t just go annual Christmas Wish List for Men. I see them being worn, I know that con remains the ultimate gift. with his initials. Why not sear into Dirk, last year’s wish list was a big guy has no . um….stones. Nothing ramps up the festive your meat a pair of eyes … hit. What have you got for us this John L.: So, does that mean … spirit like a hard piece of flying y’know, two ample circles with a year? you no longer plastic ripping large dot in each center! Use your Dirk: John, I consulted with have…. around the living imagination. the huge members of Dirk Nation Dirk: It room, taking an John L.: Interesting recommen - and before I could get their rec - was a miracu - eye out here and dations, Dirk. Any final suggestions? ommendations they had issues they lous, John, and there, while you Dirk: The ultimate, ultimate wanted someone like me to raise the lads and I are mouthing the gift for men would have to be a in a rather public, newspapery have recovered. music from the virtual reality gaming system. But way. And they thought, “Hey, Dirk I’d show you, movie. Doov- don’t go for the cheap version that is a guy like Dirk, so let’s get him.” but this is a Doov, duh-duh- hooks up to your cell phone. Go John L.: The members of Dirk family newspaper and we don’t duh-duh, daa-daa. Good times. hardcore. The depth and clarity is Nation. Gods, every one of them. need a repeat of the Helsinki inci - John L.: This appeared in last incredible. Dirk: First, and I’m a bit torn dent. year’s list as I recall, but I didn’t get John L.: I can see it now, noth - about this, but the Man Bun needs John L.: Yes, let’s never speak one. Here’s hoping this year is my ing will ever get done around the to go. On the one hand, Dirk Na - of the Helsinki incident. year. But what if that is too expen - house ever again. Once more, Mr. tion members feel it is not a proper Dirk: But that’s not the point. sive. What is a loving woman to do? Dashing, you have outdone yourself. symbol of male masculinity. It The members of Dirk Nation feel Dirk: Then your man will ab - Dirk: To be honest, John, I screams, “I, am a turkey lurkey.” they are doing the ladies a public solutely love his very own Han don’t know why anyone listens to On the other, I feel it is a warning service, so they will not waste their Solo iPhone case, guaranteed to me. I looked at the wish lists of to the general public that, “I, am a time when they see a turkey lurkey make him the envy of every corpo - previous years and even I laughed turkey lurkey”, so it kind of serves wearing them. rate executive in Cupar. at myself when I looked at what I a purpose. John L.: Alright, now can we re - John L.: That’s great, Dirk. You said we wanted. John L.: I’ll have to pass this turn to the topic? What should our cannot go wrong with Star Wars. I message on to our good friend, Mr. women be budgeting for us this particularly like that episode where Dirk says, You are stereotyping Warren Goulding. Christmas? Captain Kirk had all those troubles an elf that sings by calling him a Dirk: Second, Skinny Pants on Dirk: If your man is a fan of with the Tribbles and the Klingons. wrapper! dudes. They gots to go. John, I Star Wars then I got you covered. Dirk: …..um, right. Anyway, 24 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016 Time for brilliant Métis leaders to step forward and stand for election
Opinion By Julie Wriston the Saskatchewan landscape. Of Eagle Feather News This is no small task. There is no There has been a lot of election ac - question that there are very capable Métis tion happening all around us. people out there with the heart, passion Last year marked significant change and drive to build the type of reputation in Canadian Federal politics, the needed to make strong relationships that Saskatchewan municipal elections just benefit the people they have been elected finished up here at home, and it was all to serve. but impossible to ignore the U.S. federal This is call to those Métis people election. It is understandable that every - who feel that pull to serve. You are the one is feeling a touch of election burnout. ones that have been watching, you stay in - Here’s the good news: we live in a formed about what is taking place and time and place where we have the free - aren’t afraid to ask the hard questions. dom to vote. On Feb. 4, 2017, Métis peo - You are the ones that know there is a way ple in Saskatchewan have another elec - to lead through the issues, and that there tion to consider, and it’s one we need to are tools out there that can work towards face head on. building a fair, stable, consistent voice Setting aside the issues that have that represents the interests of all Métis taken centre stage over the past few years, people in Saskatchewan. there is still a need for strong leadership. Jan. 5, 2017 is the deadline to submit There is a tremendous amount of progress names for the positions of President, Vice waiting to be made. President, and Secretary. There will also The Métis Nation – Saskatchewan be elections for the position of Regional is responsible for creating relationships Director in all of the twelve Métis re - to address Métis specific requirements gions. in the areas of health, housing, eco - The opportunity is here once again nomic development, justice and educa - to take action, whether that be by putting tion. This requires forward thinking yourself in a position to lead, or by taking leaders, who possess a strong under - the time to understand the platforms of Julie Wriston says that Métis Nation-Saskatchewan needs new and inspired lead - standing of Metis culture and have a those that will, and get out to vote. ership to run for office in the Feb. 4 Métis Nation election. Perhaps the next Gabriel vision about how a healthy Métis pop - We have brilliant leaders among us. Dumont is waiting in the wings to make a big entrance. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) ulation will contribute to the success of They need our support. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News – Health Coping with diabetes means making healthy choice2s 5
By Julie Wriston access to programs and services, lack of than converting it to sugar which is then Of Eagle Feather News proper infrastructure and a wide range of difficult for his body to process. There’s a good chance that the vast social determinants of health such as low He recalls vividly an encounter with majority of people in Saskatchewan are income, low level of education and in - a medical nurse who took the time to touched by diabetes in one way or an - adequate housing.” show him two vials of blood. The first other. Lyle Daniels has been living with a vial was of a normal blood sample, with Whether it is through knowing diagnosis of the most common form of a normal blood sugar reading (between 3 someone who has it, through a family Type 2 diabetes since 2008. With type 2 and 7) nothing out of the ordinary. The history or by living with it personally, it diabetes your pancreas does not produce second vial contained blood with a blood is an unfortunate reality that many of us enough insulin, or your body does not sugar reading of 10. face. properly use the insulin it makes. As a re - “It looked like maple syrup. It was According to the Canadian Diabetes sult, glucose (sugar) builds up in your a powerful visual about how much Association’s 2016 Report on Diabetes blood instead of being used for energy. harder your heart would have to work to in Saskatchewan, “Approximately Daniels has found that committing move this blood throughout your body.” 314,000 people in Saskatchewan, or to a healthy lifestyle goes a long way to - This was a wakeup call for Daniels. about 29 per cent of its population, are wards managing his diabetes, and in “We need to get information like living with diabetes or prediabetes.” The some cases corrects the damage that the this out to our communities. Visual tools Lyle Daniels suggests eating less, eating cost of this statistic is a staggering $98 disease can cause. are always the best in the community better and staying active are keys for million burden to the Saskatchewan “Our attitudes about eating and ac - setting.” people dealing with diabetes. health care system. tivity have to change,” he suggests. For Prevention is high on the list of pri - The report shines a spotlight on the Daniels, staying active in the form of orities according to Daniels. Telling peo - fact that the Indigenous population in running or walking up to five kilometers ple’s stories and finding ways to relate to people make healthy choices. Saskatchewan is showing diabetes rates daily as well as staying away from sug - the indigenous population will go a long Daniels believes that he is proof that are three to five times higher than ars have made a significant difference way help educate about diabetes. The that we have to “make the time to de - that of the non-indigenous population. in his blood sugar readings. Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) velop a better understanding of our bod - Many factors are identified in the “I’ve had to re-learn how to think provides tools such as an information ies. If we do that, there is hope for a report that contribute to this increase in about food, finding alternatives to sugary package titled Just the Basics. healthy lifestyle in our future.” the rates. drinks and reducing portion sizes to It breaks down information about His simple advice to those who are “Indigenous communities can face about one-third of what I used to eat. We how to make healthy food choices and looking to avoid or better manage dia - multiple barriers to effectively prevent don’t need to eat nearly as much food in the importance of adding activity to your betes is, “eat less, eat better, stay active.” and manage diabetes, such as higher one sitting as we tend to.” life. The resource can be found on the For more information about dia - prevalence of food insecurity, higher He still enjoys the occasional treat, CDA’s website and has been adapted into betes you can visit the Canadian Dia - food prices, higher prevalence of risk but he balances that with activity to help variations in Ojibwe, Plains Cree, Inuk - betes Association online at factors related to type 2 diabetes, less his body use up the extra calories rather titut and Inuinnaqtun to help Aboriginal http://www.diabetes.ca 26 Eagle Feather News – Sports DECEMBER 2016 Hockey moves a new generation of Daniels forward
By Angela Hill “I could stay here forever.” For Eagle Feather News “There is so much diversity among the students A young woman with ties to Mistawasis First and teachers and what you are learning” she said. Nation is using hockey to pave her way forward and “Over the four years I’ve learned so much, but inspiring others to dream big. I’ve grown as a person even more.” “I really wanted to use my opportunity of play - Daniels has been drafted to the National ing hockey to get an education,” said 21-year-old Women’s Hockey League, the first American Sydney Daniels. women’s league to pay their players. She has. Daniels is in her fourth year at Harvard “I’m not ready to give up hockey yet,” she said and plans to go on to play for the first professional and laughed. women’s hockey league in the United States. And others are looking up to the example she is While she is the daughter of NHLer Scott setting. Once or twice a year, Daniels travels to Daniels, playing hockey wasn’t a given for her or her Mistawasis First Nation to visit her extended family. sisters. It started when she was young, but continues today. “My dad actually didn’t want any of us to play Her relatives see the impact her visits have. hockey,” Daniels said. “I would go back and friends and family would “But I begged him and begged him to teach me (say) you’re a role model to these kids, you’re a role how to play and slowly broke him down into teach - model,” she said. ing me. I fell in love with it and it was such a great “It took a while to kind of settle in and fully un - bond I have with him, learning from him.” derstand what that meant and the influence I could Daniels says she loves everything about the have on girls and kids around that are younger than sport – the competition, relying on teammates to ac - me and look up to me.” complish goals, the individual skills required, “and Daniels is modest when it comes to the title. how one sport, a simple sport, can take you so far in “Over the years, I’ve tried to embrace that role your life.” and it helps me … because I try to be a better person Harvard came for her hockey talent when for it,” she said. Daniels was in Grade 10. She verbally accepted then Now when she plays tournaments in the com - went through an official application process in Grade munity, kids tend to flock to her. 11. Fortunately for Daniels, while her father encour - “I love taking the time to have the conversation aged her practicing her shot, her mother encouraged with them to tell them to continue to work hard, good grades. In Grade 12, Daniels found out she keep your grades up, stay in school, things like that,” was accepted. Daniels said. That was four years ago and now in her final “Anytime I get a chance to come back and in - Sydney Daniels is wrapping up her career at Harvard year, Daniels is excited for the future, but also wishes teract with the youth, it’s one of my favourite things.” and is setting her sights on the professional ranks. DECEMBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 27
Over 800 dancers attended the three day powwow at SaskTel Centre in Saska - toon. The theme was Honouring and Respecting our Women. (Photo by Moe Morin)
In an emotional ceremony, Stephanie Bellegarde was crowned Miss FSIN at the Spirit of our Nation Powwow in Saskatoon. This year marks the 70th anniver - sary of the Princess Pageant. (Photo by Moe Morin) Stephanie Bellegarde is named FSIN’s 70th anniversary princess
By Julie Wriston agreed with what I said.” Of Eagle Feather News She is happy to be recognized as a SASKATOON – This year marked the role model and to share her stories with 70th anniversary of the Federation of Sov - the youth. ereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Pow - “I have to take my time, as I am wow Princess Pageant. opening myself as well, I am very grate - The Pageant takes place during the ful for this opportunity.” FSIN annual Spirit of Our Nation Pow - The message she hopes to spread wow. This year’s event was well attended during her title year is, “Listen to our Eld - with close to 10,000 people visiting ers and their stories. Learn your language throughout the course of the weekend. and honour our traditions. It is what de - This year, the theme of the event was Pro - fines us as a sovereign Nation. It is what tecting, Honoring and Respecting our makes us who we are and it connects us to Women. the mother earth and the grandfathers and The Powwow Princess Pageant is al - grandmothers. I encourage the youth to ways a crowd favorite. This year three honour them in a good way.” contestants were judged based on an es - Along with the lifelong prestigious say, an individual interview that includes title, Bellegarde will be responsible for their life goals, leadership qualities and representing the FSIN across North their knowledge of the FSIN. They then America over the next year. No doubt get to strut their stuff showing off their she will be a wonderful role model to skills in dance and regalia. many. Congratulations to Stephanie Belle - Other highlights of the event in - garde who was crowned the new FSIN cluded funds raised from a blanket dance Powwow Princess this year. She attributes hosted in support of Standing Rock and her success to the essay she wrote about the visit from Miss Indian World, Danielle the importance of culture and language. T’Sheena Finn, a member of the Standing Bellegarde was surprised and humbled Rock Sioux Nation. by the unexpected win. For a complete list of the winners in “I’ve been told that I am a hidden the Singing and Dancing competitions, leader, but I didn’t have the confidence to you can visit: think I could win. I was very happy to see http://www.fsin.com/2016/11/23/another- that, when I did my speech, the crowd successful-spirit-of-our-nations-powwow/ 28 Eagle Feather News DECEMBER 2016