MARCH 2013 VOLUME 16 - NUMBER 3

FREE Indspiring event for young and old

Gabrielle Scrimshaw from Elizabeth Zarpa from Newfoundland and Labrador and Graham Kotowich of Saskatchewan acknowledged the crowd after they were presented with their youth awards at the 20th Annual Indpsired Awards hosted in in March. (Photo courtesy Indspire)

THE DOCTOR IS IN Soon-to-be doctor Danielle Desjardins got the news she was hoping for She’ll be working in P.A . - Page 8

FAMILY SUPPORT When a health crizis hit this Muskeg Lake family, support was found close to home. Show attracted array of talent to Saskatchewan - Page 10 By Andréa Ledding and photos taken with Wab Kinew, Darrell Dennis, or For Eagle Feather News Indspire recipients such as Theoren Fleury. MADE THEIR WE DAY askatoon recently played host to the 20th annual The show itself ran smoothly with the hosting, enter - Students from Oskayak High Indspire (formerly National Aboriginal Achieve - tainment, dancing, music, video clips sharing the back - School in Saskatoon participat - Sment) Awards at TCU Place. Televised nationally ground of each recipient, and on-stage presentations to ed in an inspirational event. by APTN and Global, the awards were hosted by multi- recipients with the newly designed award. A pre-show - Pages 16 talented Darrell Dennis and Cheri Maracle, along with gala was hosted by Shell Canada, while BHP Billiton many prominent co-presenters such as celebrity and hosted a post-show gala where guests mingled and NEW COLUMNIST activist Candy Palmater, and Wab Kinew, who sang a enjoyed complimentary food and drink. The 2013 Indspire Award recipients are: Jacqueline Recently back from Mexico, combination hip-hop/drum song to honour the three Guest, Alberta – Arts; Charlie Evalik, Nunavut – Eagle Feather’s newest youth nominees. Business & Commerce; Winston Wuttunee, columnist has lots of advice to Talented musicians Terri Clark, Sherry St. Germain, Saskatchewan – Culture, Heritage & Spirituality; Shawn share. - Page 20 and Burnt Project 1 featured songs on-stage during the evening, while a dance-infused number from A Tribe A-in-chut Atleo, British Columbia – Education; Lloyd TOSSING SOME HEAT Called Red rocked the crowd with their combination of (Sonny) Flett, Alberta – Environment & Natural Resources; Ruby Jacobs, Ontario – Health; Viola Piapot’s Alyssa Kaiswatum is traditional pow wow music and electronic dance/DJ Robinson, Nova Scotia – Law & Justice; Duane Smith, playing softball in Minnesota music. Northwest Territories – Politics; Gail Cyr, – these days and loves mixing up Their spectacular opening number was backed by a Public Service; Theoren Fleury, Manitoba – Sports; her pitches . - Page 23 group of 20 traditional fancy, jingle, grass, and a hoop dancer choreographed by Jacob Pratt, and was a real Graham Kotowich, Saskatchewan – Métis Youth Award; Welcome to our show-stopper … or starter, depending on how you look Gabrielle Scrimshaw, Saskatchewan – First Nation Youth Women’s Issue at it! Award; Elizabeth Zarpa, Newfoundland and Labrador The Sid Buckwold Theatre was packed with – Inuit Youth Award; Alex Van Bibber, Yukon – Lifetime Coming In April - Arts & Entertainment Edition gorgeous and excited community members who could Achievement Award. CPMA #40027204 be seen lining up afterwards to get their programs signed • Continued on Page 12 2 Eagle Feather News MARCH 2013 MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News 3 Laryn Oakes performs to honour murdered jingle dancer friend By Darcy McKenzie A competitive powwow dancer, For Eagle Feather News Oakes was never one to seek the spotlight talented traditional dancer, 16- or prestigious awards and honours. The year-old Laryn Oakes is Miss Manito Ahbee pageant crown, Aanswering the calling as a role however, was different because of her model for today’s First Nations youth. friend, Tonesha, but also what the pageant Oakes is an accomplished powwow and crown could translate to other First dancer who has been honoured with a Nations youth struggling to find their way highly distinguished traditional ceremo - in today’s overwhelming world. nial position within the powwow “Today’s youth need to know who community. they are – know their culture and In November 2012, Laryn Oakes language. We are the next generation of competed in and won the Miss Manito leaders and role models and schooling or Ahbee pageant. The award and pageant education is one of the most important represents missing and murdered Aborig - parts of our life – don’t let anyone tell you inal women throughout Canada. The Miss that you can’t because you can,” is Oakes’ Laryn Oakes was recently crowned Miss Manito Ahbee. The pageant is in memory Manito Ahbee pageant is in memory of message to all young people. of Sherisse Houle who went missing and was a murder victim. Sherisse Houle who went missing and In honour of her crown as Miss was a murder victim. Manio Ahbee and her friend Tonesha, For Laryn Oakes, the Manito Ahbee Oakes is competing in two powwow pageant became a more personal pursuit season opening events – the annual as one of her best friends, Tonesha Desjar - Denver, Colorado powwow in March and lais Walker, also a jingle dancer, was the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, murdered in July 2012 while visiting New Mexico in April where Laryn has Edmonton. been named Lady Head Dancer, a unique “That should have never happened to honour especially for a youth. her. She was looking forward to graduat - “It is such an honour to be named ing high school and excited about her Lady Head Dancer at the Gathering of future. What happened to Tonesha was Nations. I will do my best to represent what pushed me to compete for the Miss Miss Manito Ahbee, my community of Manito Ahbee pageant and win, in her Nekaneet First Nation and my family,” honour,” Oakes exclaimed. Oakes said.

Laryn Oakes intends to use her position as Miss Manito Ahbee to raise awareness of murdered and missing Aboriginal women. 4 Eagle Feather News MARCH 2013 Don’t be buffaloed ... we’re going daily, sorta Welcome to our Women’s issue and If we had our druthers, our first step rumblings from some quarters that it is our 15th Anniversary edition. We are would be to convince sacrilege that this doing nothing special to celebrate our big some First Nation bison is locked up day other than this paragraph … sure it and Métis men to and on display …. is a nice milestone but we intend to hit quit abusing their and there have been many more and will save the cake and partners. That is a others saying that fireworks for the big 25th. simplistic notion, but proper protocols Thanks must go out to our advertis - sometimes we are have been followed ers, readers, writers and printer who make our own worst and it is nice to be the effort every month worthwhile. enemies. able to visit the We have noticed one thing over our • • • legendary animal and have people learn years and that is it is very frustrating, as A Senator that is doing good things about First Nation culture at the same a monthly paper, to sit on news stories. though is Saskatchewan’s own Senator time. Sometimes it is three weeks before we Dr. Lillian Dyck. She is very involved in Regardless of the controversy, for can print a story. helping families that have lost or missing sure we are taking the kids down to see The economics of being a weekly or members through Iskwewuk E-wichi - the buffalo. The Forestry Farm Park and daily paper don’t work so we have been witochik” (Women Walking Together) Zoo is one of Saskatoon’s greatest places trying to figure out an alternative. and is a regular voice for accountability to take the kids. This white buffalo only The best way to deliver timely news in the Senate. You should hear her talk adds to it. nowadays is the Internet. We are about disgraced Senator Patrick Brazeau! • • • currently in the process of building an This lady knows her stuff. Senator There is some good news and some cries for help. They quickly ran into a online version of Eagle Feather News Dyck’s life has been captured in a play bad news out of Regina this month. The house that was engulfed in smoke and that will deliver daily news, sports, that is coming to Saskatoon in April bad news is some idiotic gang members found an elderly lady in the entry way, weather, obituaries, a calendar of events called Café Daughter written by the took video of a beat in … the animalistic confused and in panic. and pretty much everything you need in amazing playwright Kenneth T, ritual where a young man or woman They led her out, extinguished the a daily paper. The process is arduous and Williams. Next month we will have a subjects themselves to a beating orches - flames in her hair and got her seated on a quite involved and we don’t know feature on the play and the Senator’s life. trated by their alleged friends and soon nearby parked car when they realized she exactly when we will be launching It is an amazing tale indeed. to be allies in the gang. had no shoes. These quick thinking and because we want to do it right, but we • • • The video circulating on Facebook acting young people certainly deserve the fully intend to have it going before too shows a young guy beat unconscious by kudos they are receiving from the family long. five or so idiots who happen to think this of the woman they rescued. Good job There is so much going on in the is cool. It is disgusting to watch and Karli and Huey. Aboriginal community in Saskatchewan impossible to watch all the way through. • • • that it needs this type of service and we The good thing is the police watched the Lastly kudos go out to the fine folk want to be the ones to deliver it to you video and are now pressing charges of at Egadz. They finally have a home to call with our network of great writers and assault against the morons who did the their own as they bought a building on columnists. Stay tuned. beat in. 1st Avenue North in Saskatoon and • • • We hope this can actually help those renovated it to fit their needs. We need a national inquest into the kids get the help they need … in jail. This organization offers invaluable extremely high numbers of murdered and Sadly, that is all they know. Sympa - services to youth at risk. One of their missing Aboriginal women. According thies go out to anyone who thinks this is most successful programs is the My to published reports, there are over 500 a way to roll and the young people who Home concept that gets young people cases. If there were 500 cases of missing are left with no family options that are into safe, supportive and affordable and or murdered white ladies, or even better than willingly letting people beat houses as they finish their schooling. men, there would be outrage, inquests, your head in. The new location will house their headlines blaring and an all out attack on The good news is there are young programs and over 100 staff and has big the root causes. But sadly, the govern - Senator Lillian Dyck people that are prepared to risk life and windows and a sunny main area that just ment cares more these days about limb for others. Karli Weiss-Delorme and says “welcome.” defending its picks for the Senate than A white buffalo has arrived at the her boyfriend Huey Creely made good Good job to donors PotashCorp and figuring out solutions that will alleviate Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. news in Regina recently. As they walked the Saskatoon Foundation that kicked in the oppression of Aboriginal women in The white buffalo is sacred to many First home from an appointment, they saw for a great new kitchen. Go check this Canada. Sad. Nation people. There have been smoke pouring from a house and heard place out. MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News 5 Old photos hint at values that kept us strong There are so many teachings and stories about The Photographs not only capture a moment in time Indigenous women’s lives I had a hard time deciding three ladies they also prompt the recall of our own memories, they what to write about this month. Much of my time lately from Fisher act as “mnemonic devices.” A mnemonic device aids has been buried in archival research studying histori - River are us to remember, it assists the memory. These two photos cal photographs from northern Manitoba so I decided striking. raise a lot of my own memories about women in my life to share two of my favorite pictures. The hard who are no longer among us. They remind me of old They grabbed my attention because they capture a outdoor grannies and great aunts who used to wear those long moment in time from way back and are monuments to work of dresses and our grandmothers who have long since left this world. their lives is moccasins, Neither of these pictures alone tells us much about well worn on their faces, strong bodies, and everyday who were women’s lives because they are posed shots – someone clothes. One looks bored, the other curious and the third hard workers asked them to stand still and look at the camera. But looks a bit impatient. Their head scarves and their home- and had they still have the power to teach us and keep memories made dresses, store-bought sweaters, along with their dignity and alive. beautiful hand-tanned wrap-around moccasins and pride in their moccasin rubbers, suggest they are dressed for work accomplish - and not in their Sunday best. Perhaps they were ments and impatient at being taken away from their work by this family. They silly photographer. exemplified The mothers and babies were photographed in the the values of 1920s. The moms are clearly proud of their children, hard work, so, too, are the little girls proud of their home-made generosity, dolls. Like the grandmothers, these women have the humility, look of hard workers. It is striking that the babies are pride, love not very small, some were probably already walking and compas - but are kept in their tihkinákana while their mothers sion. These work. values that L-R Bella Bagg, Helen Bushy, The women and children in these two pictures are kept us strong Annabella McKay. Fisher River Cree beautiful. They radiate pride and dignity, and remind as a people Nation, Koostatak, MB c. 1938 Credit us that beauty comes from within, not from name-brand are worth Fisher River Cree Collection. Mothers and Babies, Maria Portage, MB c. 1920 clothes and make-up. They took pride in their ability to striving for Credit Archives of Manitoba, R.T. Chapin Collec - feed and look after their loved ones to the best of their today and passing on to our own children and grand - tion, #128. ability under harsh conditions. children. 6 Eagle Feather News MARCH 2013 Law-making in Canada a complex process

he many issues relating to Indian and transform into practices, conventions and ulti - Nations and Metis people’s rights when whose interests and rights are affected. Métis people that are being brought mately law that becomes binding. compared to the rights of others such as Presently it is impossible for the federal to the forefront of public attention In a sense it can be said that in this area linguistic minorities. The regrettable government to legitimately enact any statute T what is the law is what Canadian situation, pertaining to such interests. and debate cover the entire spectrum of law and law-making in Canada. the political actors can where appointed The situation is reminiscent of the ille - Most readers will be familiar with the do and get away with! judges get to decide gitimacy of anything the Mulroney govern - sources of law in statutes or acts of Parlia - Think of the manipula - the fundamental ment could do following Oka, which led him ment or the provincial legislatures, and tion of the power of rights of aboriginal to appoint the Royal Commission on Aborig - familiar, too, with judge-made law which is Parliament by prime peoples is a result of inal Peoples in 1991. Mulroney was fond of based on specialized analysis focusing upon ministers, and actions the failures of the the image that negotiators must be prepared precedent. The latter category of law is often by governors-general First Ministers ‘to put some water into your wine’. called the ‘common-law’ system for reasons in decisions about the Conferences on The idea that the political action of having to do with its origins in British legal legitimacy of government acts. Aboriginal Constitutional Reform of the Aboriginal leaders can lead to constitutional history. Here I want to show that recent issues in 1980s and the Charlottetown Accord which changes might borrow from this image to say The third, and presumably the least- the spotlight exhibit the workings of the first attempted to define those rights in forums that the political action can change water into known source of law comes from political two familiar sources of law, but that the third where representatives of Aboriginal peoples wine, where the wine is the law. No one can action. Where folks identify things or actions source of law too must be considered in and governments met. draw water however from the poisoned well that really matter to them, and insist on them assessing prospects for potential ways of As the late Jim Sinclair made clear in his of current Aboriginal-government relations. for a long time, the law might well come deciding the place of aboriginal peoples in famous speech in 1987 First Nations and Alternative political action is needed. around to giving legal effect to these things political decision-making in Canada. Métis people are not going away. One of the On the government side actions can range or actions. There are a number of ancient Statute law-making has been in the fascinating things to observe in the future is widely including a new Royal Proclama - examples in obscure areas of property law forefront of confrontation and protest over how the indigenous leaders’ insistent political tion and changes to federal institutions. where the law has recognized the insistent such bills as Bill C-45 and Rob Clarke’s action might be transformed into practices As for 91(24), the leaders of both sides use of the lands belonging to others as legal private member’s Bill C 428 on amending that become acceptable and ultimately can expressly change it by having a First rights, such as the right to walk on lands or the Indian Act. These laws are made by binding on governments. The legitimate role Ministers Conference, as is now provided to take things from the land. Parliament and the protestations are directed of the leaders is helped by the Constitution - for in the Constitution Act 1982. The But the important area of development at the government of the day that under al recognition of their role in any negotiations Daniels case, which was reviewed here for First Nation and Métis rights lies in the Canada’s undemocratic system actually on parts of the Constitution, such as s.91(24) briefly last month, has been appealed by area of constitutional law, where the boundary controls Parliament. of the Daniels case fame. the federal government. and the relationship between law and politics Judge-made law is frequently in the What sort of practice might emerge? An There are options to letting the judges is most evident. Where certain political actors news, mainly in cases on aboriginal rights obvious one would be the recognition that no go on to decide the issue instead of the are concerned, such as elected politicians and where the judges invent the law, and, a critic legislation is enacted without consultations legitimate representatives of both sides. appointed Governors, their actions can might fairly say, unfairly so in the case of First and negotiations with the Aboriginal people But don’t hold your breath on this one.

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For information contact Shannon Avison Email: [email protected], Phone: 306-790-5950 x3230 Check out http://vimeo.com/34969745 to see what its all about! MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News 7 Support for families of missing women By Andréa Ledding Muskego, to the Nashacappos,” noted For Eagle Feather News Okemaysim-Sicotte. arlene Okemaysim-Sicotte and “The volunteer work we do and espe - Myrna LaPlante recently received cially on my end is to give wholehearted Dthe Queen’s Diamond Jubilee sincere support for their missing loved ones. Medal for co-founding “Iskwewuk E-wichi - It was gratifying to know that there are witochik” (Women Walking Together) to colleagues and friends who dedicate their spread awareness of those missing, and to lives to the injustices that happen in our support their families. native communities, in particular to the “I became involved after my Aunt families of the missing.” Emily Osmond (LaPlante) vanished from Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik is her home in September 2007,” said comprised of core members and friends from LaPlante. “To date, Aunt Emily has not been all walks of life, men, women, students, located and we continue to search for her. professors, a senator, people of religious Myrna LaPlante and Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte were each awarded the “Our family also has another missing faith, and retirees, explained Darlene, Queens Jubilee Medal for their work in helping families of missing Aborigi - person, Cody Ridge Wolfe, age 17 was last including Priscilla Settee, Mary Anne nal people. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) seen at , Assailly, Helen Smith McIntyre, Marlee to support families of missing persons will general public,” said Okemaysim-Sicotte, Lestock, on April 29, 2011 and we have been Ritchie, Val Arnault-Pelletier, Rita Bouvier, be expanded. adding that the focus is on “these families intensely involved in this search as well. To Lorraine Pura, Rachel Fiddler, Senator “We do our work with the support of our who endure day in and day out the reality date Cody’s disappearance remains Lillian Dyck, Christine Smillie, and Kathie families, husbands, sisters, aunts, daughters, that a person they love dearly is nowhere unsolved.” Pruden-Nansel. sons, community, politicians, and the to be found.” She says she will continue to raise “It came in response to the 2004 awareness, keep these topics in the news, response for the Stolen Sisters report that was educate the community, and let families researched by Amnesty International and the know there is support available. Native Women's Association of Canada. “I encourage communities to support In (Saskatoon and Saskatchewan) there activities related to missing persons and were a high number of missing indigenous violence against women and children,” she women, girls, aunts, sisters, mothers reported noted, adding a thanks to Senator Lillian and on file with RCMP and Saskatoon City Dyck for the nomination and to community Police Services. We met for the first time in members, friends and family who have October 2005 at the White Buffalo Youth expressed their congratulations. She feels Lodge. There were over 50 people and we shy and humbled to be singled out, and decided to plan an event to support the families accepts the award on behalf of the whole of the missing.” organization. Currently a core group of about ten “It was very humbling, I was thrilled to women along with many supporters, they have worked with Senator Dyck throughout received the City of Saskatoon Living in the last seven years, and my thoughts imme - Harmony Award from the Cultural Diversity diately went to the mother of missing Karina and Race Relations committee in 2008. Bethanne Wolfe, Carole who is deaf, that this Okemaysim-Sicotte hopes that the country work is for her, for Gwenda Yuzicappi, to the will hold a national inquiry into those Smokeyday family, to Herb and Pauline missing, and that the limited federal program

JUBILEE MEDALISTS The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle Corporation and the Native Women’s Association of Canada are celebrating ten years of service at the local, provincial, national and international levels. They have a mandate to support and assist Aboriginal women and their families in the social, economic and political spheres through education, advocacy, research and resource sharing. They recently took this special opportunity to honor six outstanding Saskatchewan Aboriginal women who received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals were presented to (from left to right) Linda Head – Mistawasis First Nation, Judy Hughes – , Julie Pitzel – Prince Albert, Sylvia Popowich – Yorkton and Karon Shmon – Saskatoon. (missing is Lori Whiteman). The medals were presented at CUMFI Métis local in an intimate reception for family and friends. 8 Eagle Feather News - Health MARCH 2013 The doctor is in ... Prince Albert that is By Morgan Beaudry For Eagle Feather News ome life events are so huge, so important, that you can’t wrap your head around them until you tell Ssomeone else. “I called my parents as soon as I knew and then got a call from my boyfriend who is halfway around the world doing an emergency medicine elective in South Africa,” said Danielle Desjardins. The big news? Soon-to-be Dr. Danielle Desjardins was officially ‘matched’ with a residency program in Prince Albert and, in just over a year’s time, will be a fully-qualified doctor of family medicine. “Matthew is super excited because he likes P.A. and my parents are also pumped to have me living at home!” Desjardin’s ‘match’ is both an ending and a new beginning in her professional journey. The matching process is like a cross between a job interview and blind The luck of the draw saw Danielle Desjardins get to go home to P.A. for the last stage of her medical training. date. During their final year, medical students rate their (Photo by Morgan Beaudry) preference of hospitals and specialities where they’ll compared to where things are now. The work of strong mapped out just what sort of role model she wants to be. complete one to five-year residencies. This is the last women has paid off and done great things.” “I hope to bring up my children in a supportive envi - stage to becoming a doctor in a particular field. The Desjardins had no shortage of women role models ronment that treats women equally and teach them that programs, in turn, rate their applicants and both sets of in her life including her mother, a teacher, and her sister, they can be anything they want to be,” Desjardins said. information are fed into a computerized system that a social worker who Desjardins credits with introducing “If I have a little girl and she wants to become a determines the match. Desjardins applied to 16 programs, her to women’s issues. Although the journey towards carpenter she’s welcome to do that. had her heart set on two, and serendipitously one of those starting a family hasn’t started yet, Desjardin has already “You should become what you are passionate about.” two was her match. For Desjardins, this professional journey is coming full circle, taking her right back home to where her dreams of becoming a doctor began. The youngest of three children, Desjardins grew up on farm just north of Prince Albert. “I think I decided that I wanted to be a doctor as early as Grade 4,” Desjardins said. Her family has always been squarely behind her, encour - agin g and supporting her when she changed her field of studies three years into her physiology degree. “I was originally working towards optometry and was even accepted when I found out, just ahead of the deadline, that I was accepted to medical school,” said Desjardins. “It was a big surprise to my family. Optometry is an 8-to-5 kind of job and medicine has long hours and is tough on your quality of life.” Desjardins is part of the growing trend of women outnumbering men in medicine. While there are still specialities that are still considered to be more ‘male’ or ‘female’ skewed, the medical profession itself has become a very female-friendly career choice. “When I was applying to residencies, some of the programs emphasized how willing they are to accom - modate pregnant students and students with young families”, Desjardins said. “There is an emphasis on ensuring there’s a quality of life so that you can balance being a mom while becoming a doctor.” On the other hand, family medicine is the kind of practice that allows doctors to deliver a wide variety of care, including delivering babies, which is a part of the job Desjardins really cherishes. “It’s important for women to be in medicine. They tend to be in touch with patients’ feelings, and they take more time to delve into underlying issues and hear patients’ thoughts,” said Desjardins. It’s hard for 25-year-old Desjardins to imagine a time when women were a minority in professional fields like medicine. “I was just listening to a podcast about the gender gap – it’s incredible to think how women had fewer rights MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News - Health 9 Violence against women can’t be tolerated ell folks, Saskatchewan has excuses for why our men hit us – there is Years ago there used to be the “rule General Secretary said: “There is one pulled into the front in the race no reason and no excuse. Violence against of thumb” which stated that a man could universal truth, applicable to all countries, Wto see which province is the women is a violation of human rights. beat his wife with a stick no thicker than cultures and communities; violence most violent to women and girls. Ever We all have a his thumb! How against women is never acceptable, never sick! responsibility to end messed up is that? excusable, and never tolerable.” On February 25, 2013 Statistics the violence against There was a time What do you think we are teaching Canada released a report that found women and girls in when women were our children when they see their Mom or violence against women in Saskatchewan our communities. I’m considered the Kohkum getting beaten up? I’ll tell you! was approximately double the national ashamed to say that I property of their We get generations of children who think rate. Shame! have witnessed husbands; those it’s a normal behaviour. Considering that the statistics only assaults and did days are long gone. These children will grow up and they represent assaults that are brought to the nothing about it. I No one has the right will beat or get beaten; we have to put an attention of the police, the actual numbers told myself it was none of my business. to abuse women and girls or anyone for end to this vicious cycle. are higher and even more disgraceful for Truth be told … I was scared. I survived that matter. All women have a funda - Violence against women won’t just Saskatchewan and all of us who live here. a violent relationship and seeing the mental right to live in safety and security disappear, but progress is possible. The problem is so widespread, an We need to support the development article in an American magazine states of solutions and strategies at all levels of that if the numbers we see in domestic We need to reinforce the message to girls government to address this issue. violence were applied to terrorism or Through leadership, advocacy and gang violence, the entire country would and women that violence against them is education we can work together and be up in arms, and it would be the lead engage our communities to end violence story on the news every night. always unacceptable and they should seek against women and girls. Why do men hit and why do the Mexican proverb: “The house does women stay in these abusive relation - help and report it when it happens. not rest on the ground, but upon a ships? We need to reinforce the message woman.” So take care of your women, to girls and women that violence against love and nurture them. them is always unacceptable and they Keep your letters and emails coming. should seek help and report it when it assault brought back those feelings of without fear of violence, abuse or oppres - happens.“He loves me; he just had a bad helplessness. I retreated to my cave – my sion in their relationships. Send your questions or comments to: day at work.” “He’s frustrated because he safe place. In 2008 the United Nations launched Sandee Sez c/o Eagle Feather News PO couldn’t find a job.” As I heal I know that I need to step a global campaign to end violence against Box 924 ST Main Saskatoon, S7K 3M4 Ladies we need to stop making up and help these women. women. In his report the United Nations or email [email protected] 10 Eagle Feather News - Health MARCH 2013 Muskeg Lake mom, daughter find strength in family

By Roberta Cross words. family blurr A casino night in Marcelin and a steak For Eagle Feather News “Stand!” She and blend night in Saskatoon have raised funds to he amazingness of my announced on together to pay Bev’s expenses. Distant family and family” is the first thing Bev reaching that create an strangers are making donations. “T Lafond talks about. What milestone in amazing “I’m amazed at the compassion that comes next is an amazing story of physiothera - network of we still have as a community, beyond my strength, humour and love. py. support. home community of Muskeg.” In early 2011, Lafond’s six-year-old Bella’s “Family She recognizes that the support “is daughter, Bella Arcand, had a massive courage is support and also for Ava, to be able to stay in her own seizure late at night. obvious. Last the visits home. I’m not worried about selling our “It was terrifying,” she says, “I started week, a nurse weren’t house, or more. screaming for my sister Kaila to call 9-1- told Lafond expected, but “I’ve had to learn to ask for help, I’ve 1. She was so freaked out she dialed the that Bella was it feels had to learn to accept help, and to live with TV remote.” progressing normal. Now uncertainty.” The doctors didn’t know what was faster than I’m in the Lafond says she needs to remind wrong, and it wasn’t until Bella suffered any child she hospital, I see herself that “they’re not helping me, another seizure in a swimming pool and had seen in a it’s not the they’re helping Bella. And she deserves almost drowned that the serious testing began. 30-year norm. Other the best.” Despite being on three different career. families don’t All through her illness and treatment, medications and receiving treatment Getting have what we Bella has been positive and brave. monthly, Bella was suffering up to 30 to meet Bella have. I’m When she was asked what this article serious epileptic seizures a day. She also is a privledge. beginning to should be about, Bella called back “fun!” had a continuous motor seizure, where her She has never see how Asked what was fun about her experience, left leg, tongue and stomach were met a fortunate I am she replied “swim!” (Bella’s physiother - constantly in seizure. She couldn’t walk stranger. to come from apy moved into the pool that week.) or play like before. She’s totally this family.” This little girl and her family have a A specialized medical team genuine. Lafond is lot to teach us about facing our challenges Bev Lafond with her daughers Bella and Ava. diagnosed Bella with Rasmussen’s Doctors, grateful for with spirit and courage. Encephalitis (RE) in February 2012. RE nurses and all the For more information on RE, visit is a rare brain disease, with only a few visitors have to watch out for her jokes support from community at Muskeg Lake www.rechildrens.org hundred known cases in the world. It and tricks. Lafond was raised part of the Cree Nation and the surrounding commu - Donations can be made at any affects healthy children between two and time by her grandmother, Alphonsine nities, plus her family in Marcelin, Leask, Affinity Credit union in the name “Bella ten years. No one knows what causes it. Lafond, and she recognizes her granny’s Blaine Lake, Saskatoon and Edmonton. Arcand”. Standard anti-seizure medicines and treat - determination and honesty in Bella. ments don’t work on RE. So the only “I miss my grandma but feel I’ve got known “cure” is radical surgery called a a part of her in B.” hemispherectomy. Bella’s strength and spirit keeps her That big word meant a big choice for family going. During this illness, she has Lafond – to agree to have the right side of never asked “why” or “why me?” She also Bella’s brain removed. has conquered her fear of needles. She’s “It was gradual steps to understand - gone from being scared of them, to now ing what the hemisperectomy meant,” telling the nurse “I’ll watch!” as it goes in says Lafond. “At first, I didn’t imagine her arm. her going to university or driving. Then I “If she’s this strong,” says Lafond, “I met parents whose kids had graduated and have to be that strong.” got their licenses after the surgery.” Lafond has another amazing Bella, now almost eight years old, had daughter, Ava, full of personality and fun. 10-hour brain surgery on January 30, 2013 She is a very good sister, helping and in Edmonton. The operation started late looking out for Bella. She’ll say, “Mom, because Bella hugged and kissed 14 you go help Bella.” Lafond thinks “it’s relatives before she went in. amazing that Ava can say ‘my needs don’t “I think it blew the nurses away, need to be first.’ Most adults can’t do that, they’d never seen so much family in a let alone a six year old.” waiting room.” Because of non-stop hospital visits The surgeons were precise and the and medical trips to Edmonton before the surgery was a success. surgery, Lafond’s paid leave at her job has But recovery is hard work. Her brain run out. But that doesn’t stop her. is re-wiring, finding new ways to do “If Bella needs to be here for five familiar things. Bella has lost movement months, with my sister Kaila and my and vision on her left side. She has to learn family, I can do that. I don’t want her to to use her left side again, including miss out on anything. I want her to have standing and walking. every chance to succeed.” To everyone’s amazement, Bella Kaila and her daughter Hailie moved kicked a ball with her left leg two weeks in to help. after surgery. “I’m a single mom,” says Lafond. “I’m alone but I’m not, I’ve got my sister Bella works with a language therapist, Kaila, and the rest of my family, and my physiotherapist and occupational therapist other siblings – Bonnie and Bill – that at a rehab hospital in Edmonton. She also always help out, no matter what.” goes to school for an hour a day with the Lafond’s mom, Carol Lafond, and her other patients. Right now she speaks in dad, Len Leask have been with her short sentances, and mostly energetic through everything. Both sides of the MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News 11 Human rights hearing into Aboriginal child welfare policies underway in Ottawa By Fraser Needham that shouldn’t be. The organization’s latest that the best way to ensure First Nations For Eagle Feather News numbers for 2006 estimate there are about children and families get the support and he Assembly of First Nations and 27,000 First Nations children in foster care services they need is by working together – a child advocacy group are taking nationally. with First Nations, provinces and territories Tthe federal government to task over The human rights complaint was orig - – and not through the Canadian Human what they say are woefully inadequate inally launched by the AFN and the First Rights Tribunal. The Government of welfare policies that are forcing many Nations Child and Family Caring Society Canada will continue to work with First Indigenous children into foster homes. in 2007 and FNCFCS executive director Nations to ensure that children and families The AFN and the First Nations Child Cindy Blackstock says after years of have the supports they need to lead healthy, and Family Caring Society of Canada have lobbying efforts that have gone nowhere, it safe lives. Protecting women and children Cindy Blackstock taken their complaint to the Canadian was felt there was no choice but to take the on reserve is a priority for the federal Human Rights Commission in a 14-week federal government to the human rights government, and we’ll continue to take the community and within an Indigenous hearing that began on Feb. 25 in Ottawa. tribunal. concrete steps that result in real progress for setting but this option is not always available AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo says “This case was filed as a last resort after both women and children. As this matter is and they are forced to look outside and the high number of First Nations children successive governments failed to implement before the courts, it would be inappropriate within the province for foster families. currently being transferred into foster care the solutions that would help First Nations to comment further.” He also says that with about a $24 is at a crisis level. children stay in their families,” she says. In the past, the government has argued million shortfall between what “There are more First Nations children “The government of Canada needs to welfare funding for First Nations children Saskatchewan First Nations receive for child in care today than during the height of resi - do what caring adults do as a matter of has increased by as much as 25 per cent welfare funding compared to what the dential schools,” he says. “This is complete - course – put children first and end the since 2007. province provides, under-funding is playing ly unacceptable. Equity for First Nations inequities. We cannot, as a people or a Kyle Prettyschield, the executive a role in why some First Nations children children and families is essential and country, afford to discriminate against director of the Federation of Saskatchewan are ending up in foster care. necessary to create safety, security and to children as a matter of public policy.” Indian Nations health and social secretari - “There are funding discrepancies to ensure our children have the opportunity to When contacted last week, the Depart - at says 2012 numbers show there are what Aboriginal Affairs provides on-reserve succeed.” ment of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern currently about 4,100 First Nations children to what the province provides off-reserve,” The AFN estimates that provinces fund Development said since this case is currently in foster care. Of these, approximately 2,976 he says. child welfare rates at about 22 per cent before the human rights tribunal, it won’t be – or 73 per cent – are with families off- “This is where the gap is showing that higher than what the federal government making any specific comments. However, the reserve. He says the preference of the there is more needed in on-reserve services currently provides for First Nations children department did provide this response via email: province’s 18 Indian and Child Family when it comes to child welfare. More in the and says this is forcing many into foster care “The Government of Canada believes Services agencies is to keep children within area of preventative services.” 12 Eagle Feather News MARCH 2013 Indspire’s Métis Youth Award winner inspires through dance

• Continued from Page 1 training at the Royal Ballet School in “His mother was a dancer for many investment, determination in spite of Milling around in the lobby after - London, England, on scholarship at age years,” explained the senior Kotowich, obstacles, and a willingness to work wards, Eagle Feather News chatted for a 18 before returning to Toronto’s National and so when Graham’s sister began taking towards success for not only themselves, few moments with Graham Kotowich’s Ballet School. lessons, it seemed natural for him to join but the larger community they are a part father, who was proud as could be of his He was then offered a contract with in. of. son, who was being honoured with a an English ballet company where he has “Yes, it was a lot of driving over the It was another celebration of Aborig - Métis Youth Award for his outstanding been dancing the past four or five years. years to lessons and recitals, but it was inal achievements – not just the individ - achievements in dance. A professional Career highlights so far include perform - worth it.” uals singled out, but the communities they ballet dancer who began dancing at age ing for the Royal Family at Buckingham Kotowich is a fine example of the come from and work for, and the heritage seven, he successfully auditioned for the Palace, and teaching and demonstrating Indspire recipients and the role modeling they are a part of and are carrying on to National Ballet School summer dance in ballet workshops aimed at raising youth each of them gives to the community — the next generations – so here’s to many program in Toronto at age twelve, later awareness. a lot of hard work and dedication and more to come. Indspire visit not all glitz and gala esides the big production and A special luncheon was held with honouring of award recipients, guest speakers including hockey legend Indspire is all about youth. The and award recipient Theo Fleury. The B students were lucky enough that some Indspire: Soaring Youth Career Confer - ence also took place over a couple of days. recipients and high profile Aboriginal The basement of TCU Place was people from across Canada sat at their table taken over for a high level career fair. and shared a meal with them. Employers came from across Canada to Students also toured the University of recruit and inform the next generation of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Indian the labour force. The big hit at the career Institute of Technology and SIAST where fair was the Potash Corp Facebook picture 150 students, from Grades 9 to 12, received opportunity. Students, and employers, hands-on experience, as well as knowledge could don the garb of a miner and pose of the post-secondary setting and support with their favourite chunk of potash and services. The students participated in inter - it was immediately uploaded to their active SIAST program demonstrations and Facebook account for all their friends to learned about the SIAST Aboriginal see. There were also giveaways, draws student services that support First Nation and information sharing. and Métis students in their education.

Octavia McKay is a Grade 11 student at Oskayak High School in Saskatoon. She took advantage of the Potash Corp Facebook photo booth at the Indspire: Soaring Youth Career Conference to get her picture taken as a miner of the future holding onto that pink rock that helps feed the world. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News 13 Inspiration for Indspire production came from many sources

By Tyrone Tootoosis our respective languages and cultures. It is with respect Buffalo” and since 1985 Indspire has awarded over $49 For Eagle Feather News and humility that I offer the following brief summary of million in scholarships and bursaries to over 14,000 ongratulations to 2013 Indspire Award recipients the 2013 Indspire Set / Stage: Aboriginal students. Lining each side of the stage were and Saskatchewan’s own Winston Wuttunee, In summary, the tipis/poles on the stage represent - artificial grasses and bullrushes and they were strategi - CTheoren Fleury, Graham Kotowich, Gail Cyr and ed the following foundation of Values: Obedience, cally placed to serve as a reminder of the surrounding Gabrielle Scrimshaw. Respect, Humility, Happiness, Love, Faith, Kinship, landscape of a nearby creek and the plants that grow As a Cree artist, I served Cleanliness, Thankfulness, Share, Strength, Good Child around a buffalo jump. as the Cultural Advisor and Community At the centre and bottom base Liason to the Executive Producer and of the stage was a graphic of a huge Co-Executive Producer for the NAAF medicine wheel which lent artistic Awards in 2005 and 2010 and again for representation to our tribal oral the newly named Indspire Awards in histories and teachings of our place 2013. in the Natural Order. The often Singers and dancers from our dance colorful history and cultures of our company, Great Plains, performed in this Métis brothers and sisters also year`s Awards and I want to say a special included the historical use of tipis, thank you to Henry Gardypie, Brad the unforgettable era of the buffalo Crane, John Noon, Donnie Speidel, hunting days. Nathan Pelly, Sheldon Wuttunee, Our First Nation story, culture Larynne Oakes, Ron McNab, Mallary and history is, in many ways, Oakes, Bobby Badger, Terrance connected to the story, culture and Goodwill, Michelle Whitecalf, Bradly history of the Métis Nation. A Goodwill, Ted Bison, Marcus Petaykan, further honoring of our Métis Rod Belanger and TJ Warren. brothers and sisters was the far This was Indspire`s 20 Year from subtle incorporation of a Anniversary year and this year’s theme Métis Sash serving as a border for was ‘Modern World: Traditional Values’. the two huge screens on each side Co-Executive Producer of the of Awards Stage. Awards was my good friend, Jennifer Lastly, I`ve been deeply Podemski whose initial vision captured inspired by the history of Chief A Tribe Called Red rocked the opening number on the stage that took a year to create. much of what became the stage. Concep - Poundmaker and it’s his Plains tualizing the elements and components of the stage for Rearing, Hope and Ultimate Protection. The 38 huge Cree name Piytikwahanawapiyin that is highlighted in the Awards is to a certain degree a collaborative effort golden eagle tail feathers on centre stage represented Cree syllabics on the edge of the stage. After the Awards between Jennifer and myself with approximately a year Honour, befitting of the 14 outstanding Recipients of the and Gala ‘was a wrap’, I was gifted by Indspire with not in planning time. Indspire Award who`ve made outstanding contributions only the Cree Syllabics but also with all 38 golden eagle This year’s theme for the Indspire Awards acknowl - in each of their respective journeys. tail feathers that we used on the Awards stage. edged our modern day world which we’ve infused with The four full-sized Buffalo on stage paid homage to I guess I’ll find a way to use these ‘props’ as there’s traditional values in the retention and maintenance of the modern day First Nation adage, “Education is our always another show on the horizon. 14 Eagle Feather News MARCH 2013 Our federal leaders and tips for the lady readers

hilst deciding what to write this month, I chief architect practice, the Creator made the moron. turned my enormous mind to a subject of Aboriginal Impressed with that prototype he mass produced where it is not necessary to know anything, policy for it, so now we have the Canadian Taxpayers Federa - W Harper. tion. but where the attitude of knowing everything comes in very handy. So when the subject of politics cohered Recently the The jury is still out though on which was the in the vast expanse of my brain thingy, certain thoughts Would-Be- Creators’ greatest fumbles – the duck billed platypus, came to mind about our federal leaders. Commandant Thomas Flannigan as a righteous crusader for equality, Such as ... of Indians or the CTF as an edifice for truth. “She’s a fine specimen of a water bug on the suffered a cata - Now you may find this odd, but it’s true: You CAN surface of life” strophic meltdown when he admitted seeing nothing reason with someone appointed by Steven Harper. I’ve On Rona Ambrose, Minister for the Status of wrong with the ogling of depictions of naked children. often reasoned with hamsters, too, and got the same Women. I am informed she has opened up all women’s This guy is responsible for Conservative policy on all delightful results. uteruses for public debate in Parliament. I have no idea things Indian. • • • how that is supposed to work. “He is a man of terrific abilities, all of them I have just been reminded that this edition of Eagle “One of the most freakishly benighted organic life corrupt. He shines and stinks like roadkill” Feather News is supposed to be about women. I know forms it has been our utter lack of pleasure to have On Bruce Carson, advisor and hand-holder to as much about women as I do politics. So here are some haunt Parliament” Steven Harper. Mr. Carson has been linked to fraud, helpful tips: On disgraced Conservative, Bev Oda, after she got corruption and influence peddling while attached to Ladies, if you want to stop your man from biting punted for, among other things, falsifying federal Harper’s office. his nails, make him wear shoes. documents. Also she ordered $26 orange juice on a Later, he had the audacity to try to steer govern - Ladies, if you find your man lying in your bed, government sponsored junket in France. ment contracts on First Nation water projects to his gasping for breath and calling your name, you didn’t “A massive intellect rivaled only by Fisher-Price girlfriend, a former prostitute. hold the pillow down long enough. garden tools” • • • Dirk says, I went to a mind reader. Only got On Senator Patrick Brazeau, professional brown - I seem to recall a wise old man saying that, just for charged half price. Who’s awesome now! noser to, and fall guy for, Harper. He was tossed out of the Senate for an alleged sexual assault on his girl - friend, because her politics weren’t right. While many in Indian country were high-fiving in glee, we gotta think good thoughts for his ex-girlfriend and for his children who are victims of this megalomaniac. “Not content with denying him a moral compass, in a fit of irony the Creator endowed him with the ability to speak” On Mike “The Real Puff’d Daddy” Duffy, appointed to the Senate by Steven Harper. Recently the Duffster, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau were investigated about spurious claims to their housing allowances. “If he were any more stupid we would have to water him twice a week. Failure has gone to his head” On disgraced mental giant, Thomas Flannigan, MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News - Gabriel Dumont Institute 15 Gabriel Dumont Institute promotes women authors International Women’s Day was on March 8. This annual international event is our survival as a species. Women, in particular, have been central to Métis iden - more than a century old, and is observed in countries throughout the world. Since tity since the beginnings of the Métis people. Since its inception in 1980, the Time Immemorial, women have been our main culture keepers. Without women’s Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) has had a rewarding and positive relationship cultural knowledge, the world’s stories and other cultural traditions would be with its Métis, First Nations, and Euro-Canadian women authors. Below is a list greatly impoverished, and humanity would lose vital gender perspectives key to of some of the talented women authors who have published books with GDI.

Cathy Littlejohn Cathy Littlejohn is a historian, teacher, and writer based in Saskatoon. With Ron Rivard, she co-authored The History of the Métis of Willow Bunch. For the last ten years, she has identified Métis soldiers to document their contributions. Her research has taken her from family docu - ments, to local libraries, and to Europe’s battlefields and war cemeteries. Through her travels and research, she has uncovered incredible sto - ries of courage and perseverance. Her new book, Métis Soldiers of Saskatchewan: 1914-1953, is the culmination of these efforts. Donna Lee Dumont Donna Lee Dumont is a proud descendent of Peter Fiddler and his Cree wife Mary Mackagonne. She has been inter - ested in art since her childhood in northern Ontario where she first sketched her environment. She feels fortunate to have painted in northern Saskatchewan with A.Y. Jackson, and to have studied Oriental brushwork with Szeto Kei in Cathy Littlejohn Vancouver. Donna Lee is retired from her career as a high school art teacher. The Institute recently published her book, Peter Fidler and the Métis. Lisa Bird-Wilson Lisa Bird-Wilson has worked at GDI since 1997 in a variety of roles supporting and promoting Métis education. In 2012, GDI published her book, An Institute of Our Own: A History of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. In early 2013, Coteau Books published Lisa’s book of short fic - Donna Lee Dumont tion, Just Pretending. She is currently at work on a young adult book that centres on Métis culture and the folklore of the Rougarou, and on a biography of the late Jim Sinclair, a Non-Status political leader from Saskatchewan. Amy Briley Amy Briley is a graduate of the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), and has been employed by GDI since 2008. Gregory Scofield taught Amy to bead, and she instantly fell in love with this art form. She has co-facilitated beading workshops for beginners and enjoys beading in her spare time. In 2012, GDI published her book and DVD guide (co-authored and developed with Gregory Scofield), wâpikwaniy: A Be - ginner’s Guide to Métis Floral Beadwork. GDI will soon publish Amy and Gregory’s new resource, maskisina: A Guide to Northern-Style Métis Moccasins.

Leah Marie Dorion Lisa Bird-Wilson Leah Marie Dorion is a Métis artist, author, curriculum developer, lecturer, and researcher. For eight years, she was employed in GDI’s Publishing Department: as a Curriculum Developer and a Publishing Coordinator. She has au - thored and illustrated several books including The Diamond Willow Walking Stick, Relatives With Roots, and The Amy Briley Giving Tree. Leah is a visual artist, and an instructor at SUNTEP Prince Albert. She has just finished illustrating Wilfred Burton’s Roogaroo Mickey, which GDI will release shortly. Maria Campbell Maria Campbell is a highly acclaimed writer, storyteller, playwright, and filmmaker. Her broad body of work tells inspiring Métis stories with pride and compassion, with humour and sorrow, and with the same enduring spirit that keeps Métis history and culture vibrant. Through books, plays, and films, and through her ongoing work as an Elder, mentor, and community activist, Maria has made enormous contributions to both the Métis people and to Canada. In 2010, GDI published her book, Stories Leah Marie Dorion of the Road Allowance People: The Revised Edi - tion. Maria is currently working on a Métis-spe - cific cultural cookbook, which will be published by the Institute sometime in the near future. Sherry Farrell Racette Maria Campbell Sherry Farrell Racette has produced a lasting legacy of highly acclaimed resources and award winning resources including, The Métis: A Visual History, The Flower Beadwork People, and The Flags of the Métis. She also illustrated the follow - ing books published by GDI: Call of the Fiddle, Dancing in My Bones, Fiddle Dancer, Stories of the Road Allowance People, and Better That Way. She is currently a professor appointed to the De - partments of Native Studies and Women and Gen - der Studies at the University of Manitoba.

To order any books by these talented authors, please visit GDI’s e-commerce website at https://shop.gdins.org or visit our online store at www.amazon.ca. Sherry Farrell Racette 16 Eagle Feather News - Education MARCH 2013

Grade 11 Oskayak High School students Shanita Checkosis, Raylene Moosomin and Megan Weenie earned their way to We Day celebrations. (Photo by Dawn Deguire) Callout makes We Day for Oskayak High School students By John Lagimodiere educators with free educational resources, We Day events across Canada have more engaged schools. It is great to see.” Of Eagle Feather News student-led campaigns and support strong Aboriginal inclusion, always open At one point during the We Day e Day is an initiative of Free materials to help turn the event’s inspira - with a prayer by a local Elder and have event, Craig Kielburger boasted up the The Children, an internation - tion into sustained activation. The founder follow up and Aboriginal role models Oskayak students and their vastly Wal charity and educational of Free the Children is Craig Kielburger, always included. improved graduation rates. The crowd partner, with a 17-year history of youth a high-energy guy who has been an “Aboriginal involvement is really went wild, as did the Oskayak students. engagement. Saskatoon recently hosted a activist since he was 12. important to us,” said Kielburger who “That was amazing when he called us We Day event that inspired 15,000 “I was impressed with the energy the noted that AFN Chief Shawn Atleo is a out,” said Shanita Checkosis. “It was so students from across Saskatchewan. Oskayak students brought to the event,” National Patron. exciting. It was great to be part of Raylene Moosomin and Shanita said Kielburger who has written two best - “We have a call to action and we something like that, at that moment I was Checkosis were two hard working selling books and travels the world celebrate the Aboriginal community so proud to go to Oskayak.” students from Oskayak High School that inspiring children and doing charity work. across Canada. After this event we had We Day returns in November to earned their way to attend the event of “They even made more noise than me Waneek Horn Miller visit with the Saskatoon. How are you going to earn rock stars, movie stars and motivational talking into the microphone! They were students. Oskayak is actually one of our your way? speakers. outstanding and I was blown away by “I got a lot of inspiration from the their passion.” speakers. They were very motivating,” said Moosomin. About 50 students from Oskayak attended the event. They earned their way by selling We Love buttons to raise money to supply safe water to a community in Ecuador. “Lil Jake the rapper with the stutter was my favourite,” adds Moosomin. We Day is tied to the year-long We Act program, which supports students and

Former Chief and Elder Joe Quewezance (above) opened the We Day event with a prayer and Kendall Netmaker inspired the crowd with his story of entrepreneurial success. (Photos by Dawn Deguire) MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News 17 Dream Woman grand part of aging process I never imagined myself being 57. I that life is what happens 1965 Boston Red immensely that the 13 primary poles in turned that age recently and frankly, it when you’re busy Sox – the year I a tipi stand for a principle meant to guide amazes me. Back a handful of decades I making other plans and became a fan – the lives of the family that lived there. couldn’t see myself being 30 or heaven that’s startlingly true in was Lee Thomas, She’d care that the ribs of a sweat lodge forbid, a crusty old dinosaur of 40. But my case. Felix Mantilla, represent the same things to guide our here I am. Like the other day I Rico Petrocelli prayers and petitions. I can get a senior’s discount in some was thinking about how and Frank I always thought Dream Woman places now and lawn bowling is starting my mind has changed Malzone. That would be like that. She would be the to look really appealing. There’s a touch over the years. I swore up would matter to female version of me, and the perfect of arthritis in one of my fingers, I don’t and down that I was a Dream Woman partner because of it. She’d glean the run as fast as I used to and the term, old- dyed-in-the-wool bachelor. I believed because, well, she was Dream Woman. I spiritual connection between a knuckle timer’s league, has a romantic resonance that I couldn’t possibly find someone love baseball and I love the Red Sox and curveball and an honor song and know and alluring cachet. who would ‘get’ me or the things that to me, Fenway Park (where I’ve never that Kraft Dinner with a can of tuna I’m at a point in my life now where mattered to me most. been) is the green cathedral of hope. She thrown in is the ultimate bachelor’s there’s likely more years behind me than But I’m married now and living a would know all that and be there with a casserole. That’s what the younger in front of me. I’m okay with that darn good life. But there were times that crying towel when they lost and a hug, a version of me thought was vital. because it’s been a thrilling journey up I thought that I would never meet the one kiss and a cheer when they won. Dream Well, nowadays I look at my wife, to this point and I’ve managed to learn a person who could make it all worthwhile. Women do that sort of thing. busy with the things that drive and few things along the way to being me. I That woman would be spectacular. She would also care deeply that the motivate her, watch as she becomes, don’t know if I would necessarily say that Not only would she be sensitive to my bass player for the ‘60s rock group Moby every day, a more fully fleshed vision of I’m wiser but I do confess to being less needs but attuned to my dreams. I called Grape was a guy named Bob Mosely or who she wants to be and I can’t help but susceptible to being fooled – by others her Dream Woman. that the origin of the banjo was the be thankful for her. or more often by myself. She was going to be the one who Gambra River in Africa, made from a Her full life fills out mine. Her joy The trick of getting older is being finally ‘get’ me, the one who understood hollowed-out gourd and gut strings. over the things she appreciates and able and willing to take the time to look implicitly the things that moved me, Recorded music is one of my passions adores have become important to me. back and see the trail. For me it’s how I motivated me, thrilled me and made me and Dream Woman would know that the I see now that my Dream Woman learn to appreciate the gifts that come my the man that I was. Hanks – Williams, Mobley and Ballard doesn’t necessarily need to care about way and how the hand of Creator is She would be the ultimate partner – are part of the ongoing rhythm section things like baseball, music, books and taking care of my life. It’s valuable. because she cared about everything of my life. Oh, and she would also know the nature of First Nations politics and I’ve made a lot of plans through my important to me. that Hawkshaw Hawkins wasn’t a spirituality. It only matters that she cares life and I’m more than glad that most of Dream Woman would care, for character from the L’il Abner comic strip. that I do. them didn’t come to fruition. They say instance, that the starting infield for the Dream Woman would care Ain’t aging grand? 18 Eagle Feather News - Business/Careers MARCH 2013 Active Measures program helps determined Witchekan woman By John Lagimodiere 80s after that.” Of Eagle Feather News She wound up passing with an 83 per achel Thomas of Witchekan Lake cent. “Best feeling ever,” Thomas said. First Nation is a perfect example She started apprenticing for an elec - Rof how a new program called trician who worked on her reserve and Active Measures has begun to show real was loving it. But then her children really results in changing people’s lives on- needed a mom for a while and she reserve. resigned and spent time with her new baby Thomas has eight children and had and attended the Headstart program and left home in her teens for the bright lights focussed on her family. of where she intended to raise That’s when Sharon Ross met Rachel. her first child. Of course, she struggled as Ross is Active Measures Co-ordinator for any young mom would, in and out of Agency Chiefs Tribal Council and once school, and off and on PTA and welfare. she met Thomas she was impressed. “This girl has a can do attitude and In her late teens, she discovered her faith. From left are Caroline Atcheynum the Social Development Administrator at when I interviewed her I thought wow,” “I had nothing left, just nothing,” she Witchekan Lake First Nation, Rachel Thomas and Sharon Ross the Active said Ross. “We got her into the Repair and said. “I prayed really hard for God to help Measures Co-ordinator for ACTC who all show what can be achieved when Renovate Program and she took off. She me and he did. And he has ever since people support each other and individuals never give up. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) whenever I needed help.” was never late. She helped other students, That help has led her on a journey that never gives up and I never once caught in this world comes easy. My most people would never begin. It took her on Facebook during school! Caroline sisters and my mom made it her ten years to finally get her Grade 12 Atcheynum who is the Social Develop - all possible too. and she knew she had to get a good paying ment Coordinator at Witchekan and me, “I have found that when job to support her by then eight children. we kept her going.” you come to the end of a “I felt sorry for my kids. We lived Thomas used skills she learned and goal, there is a happiness that really poor. I was embarrassed to have the materials available in the class to fills your heart. It is their friends come over, we had nothing. repair and paint her house for her kids. something that you have The kids shared beds, I had no furniture Once she was done, she helped the other accomplished that no one and the house was rough. I wanted to be students fix their houses. can ever take away from an electrician because I knew they get “My kids were so happy,” said you.” paid well,” added Thomas. Thomas. “That made it all worth it. They So she headed off to Meadow Lake would invite other kids to the house and not even knowing where the school was. say come see what my mom did!” She eventually found it and by luck was A computer program followed and able to interview and write the entrance now Thomas is working for Active test that day. Measures on her reserve inputting data “Everything fell into place and I and acting as an IT person for Sharon Ross started school,” she said. who just doesn’t like computers. Now that Then came the difficult part. She her kids are in a better place mentally and would pack up four of her children and physically, she intends to get back into make the hour and a half drive every day electrician work and earn her journey - to Meadow Lake to attend her course. The man’s. other children stayed with her mom or “I’m really happy now,” said Thomas. sisters. Eventually the schedule started to “The support of Sharon and Caroline has burn her out. By luck a new student helped me. The support of my partner Abe residence opened and she was allowed to Bear who was my pillar of strength in move into a furnished three bedroom times of doubt and the love of my life, place right beside the school. therefore I did find the pursuit to “My marks went from 60s into the happiness. It is a known fact that nothing MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture 19 Idle No More The cast of Hunger inspiration Strike (left to right) Andre Bear, Avery Kewistep, Kodey behind Circle Whitehead, Tala Tootoosis, Waylon of Voices Machiskanic and Katelyn Howe. production (Photo by John Lagimodiere) he Saskatchewan Native Theatre TCompany has created another youth driven masterpiece for the stage. Emerging Métis writer Sarah Vermette has collab - orated closely with the youth from the Circle of Voices to write Hunger Strike.

Sarah Vermette Inspired by the Idle No More movement, the play strives to inform all people that the Earth’s natural resources are dwindling and this should not be taken lightly. Hunger Strike follows the story of a young pregnant girl named Sage, who is strug - gling to live in a world where healthy food, clean water and air are highly regulated commodities controlled by an oppres - sive ‘utopian’ government. The play marks the end of SNTC’s 2012/2013 Circle of Voices (COV) theatre training program. This is the tenth COV program since 1999, a unique culturally grounded program that pairs Aborig - inal youth with cultural leaders and theatre profes - sionals in the community. TICKETS and SHOWTIMES: E. D. Feehan High School Theatre. 8 p.m. Evening Shows $11 (March 7 – 15) 1 p.m. Weekday Matinee $6 (March 11 – 15) Tickets available at the Remai Arts Centre Box Office, 100 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, Sask. Phone 384-7727 or book online at www.perse - phonetheatre.org. 20 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture MARCH 2013 Welcome to Mexcio, hope you’re not thirsty Day 1 Mexican people and much browner American ice cubes! After a couple of hours, she seems Thanks Francisco. We fly into Cancun with a planeload full tourists. We pull our suitcases to the dock and fine, so I do the same. Nothing happens to me Brynne asks me if the lizards can climb of other freezing Canadians. Everyone on the join a lineup that I either. I guess the trees. I tell her no. plane is white except for my niece, Brynne, hope leads to a ferry. rez water has We go to the disco and watch American and myself (in case anyone was wondering I don’t speak a made us teenagers get hammered to Katy Perry songs. if white privilege is in danger of being lost.) lot of Spanish, just immune to I am enjoying my immersion into Mexican We stand in a line to get off the plane, the basics: “si”, whatever culture. then another line to go through customs, then “non”, “cerveza,” parasites are On our way to our room, a lizard falls out another for our bags, and then another to get and “Namaste.” in Mexican of a tree in front of us. My niece’s glare tells our luggage x-rayed. My niece water. me that she will never believe anything I say The smell of the ocean is wafting knows even less. Booyah! again. through the airport, but still I whine to Someone walks past There’s a Day 4 Brynne, “I hope Mexico isn’t one series of her and says, “Hola” and she responds: dance show every night. We meet Francisco, It’s New Year’s Eve. After midnight, a line after another.” (I’m a privileged little “Lola.” who is like a Mexican Matthew man dressed up as 2012 enters the dance floor. princess, too.) After a ferry and a cab, we arrive at our McConaughy, because he’s super laidback The crowd proceeds gently to punch and kick As a traveler, I’m conflicted by the desire resort and it’s stunning. I don’t want to brag and because he never wears a shirt. him. Some people are not so gentle; 2012 to see something unsullied by tourism and but I’ve stayed in many Holiday Inns and this Because of the language barrier, when I wasn’t a good year for them. the desire not to be robbed, beaten and resort kicks the Holiday Inn’s butt. ask questions people don’t answer them. They Days 5-7 beheaded (which seems to be a “thing” in Our room looks like a kick-ass treehouse. just say something to fill the space after my We do a lot of kayaking on the ocean. Mexico right now) There’s a hammock on our balcony. Pretty question mark. As in, “Do you work here year Brynne tries to tip the kayak while I scream. I told my niece all the rules I’d read much every world problem would be solved round?” They answer, “Yes dancing is fun.” This occupies us for hours. online: 1. Don’t drink the water. 2. Don’t drink if everyone had one. It combines two basic Fortunately I’m used to men never At some point, I try and fail to climb a anything with ice cubes in it. and 3. Seriously, human desires: the desire to be swaddled and answering my questions. coconut tree. don’t drink the water. the desire to swing back and forth. I ask Francisco about the lizards. My We learn some Spanish. It turns out that Once outside the airport, it’s so damned Day 2 niece is scared of them and avoids them like the “C” on the tap means hot and the “F” hot that my pale yellow skin sizzles like I remember a pool bar. Also I took these I avoid the guy from Wisconsin that I made means cold. We took cold showers for four bacon. notes: out with on the second night: “Do they bite?” days because we thought “C” stood for I distract myself by listening to Mexican Niece* drunk: 5:46 p.m. Francisco laughs, showing off his super “Cold” and “F” stood for “Fire-hot.” people speak; their accents are delicious. I Aunt very drunk: 5:47 p.m. white teeth. “They have no teeth.” Lola, indeed. want to eat their words. Perhaps that’s just the *My niece is 22 for those of you who “See,” I tell Bri, “Nothing to worry Day 8 Corona talking. think I’m the worst person in the world. about.” We spend the last day taking pictures of We are delivered to the dock where the Day 3 Francisco doesn’t stop there: “But their the Mexican sunset and fighting over the driver leaves us. We are stranded in a sea of My niece drinks a glass of water – with tails are like razor sharp whips.” hammock. Wesahkechak skits educate through humour

few weeks ago, I accidentally their history so we started talking about it. in the ‘80s who said that what has happened of the skits have themes that are suitable to stumbled upon two performers We needed to find a way to get this out to the with colonization is that it has suppressed specific audiences, like their ‘Moose’ skit at a library auditorium. It was a community, the history of Aboriginal people Wēsahkēchak inside of us, pushed him which applies well to anti-bullying A – creation stories, for down and he’s not campaigns in schools, or the importance of very happy accident, I might add. Paul Daigneault and Kurtis McAdam example. People alive. What we’re protecting Mother Earth which is relevant lightened up the atmosphere of the half- need to know where trying to do is bring to Idle No More gatherings. filled room with hilarious and interactive they came from so it that back to people so “That’s why we do our role play with Wēsahkēchak skits. was important to us to they know who the creation story, where Wēsahkēchak When they began to select members get that across as far Wēsahkēchak is and creates a new land,” said Daigneault. “It’s to of the audience to participate in the skits, as the Cree culture that Wēsahkēchak is show people that they need to learn to respect I sunk very low in my chair and avoided and that’s why we inside. Every it.” eye contact. However, I sure enjoyed the started doing Aboriginal person They also understand the importance performances of those who were brave Wēsahkēchak skits,” says Daigneault. has Wēsahkēchak. He’s there and he’s what of passing on teachings, which is why they enough to go on stage and I was thrilled “When we first started out, our objective has helped us survive.” encourage young people to become involved when Daigneault and McAdam agreed was to teach culture and create that McAdam is quick to add that adding and are actively teaching youth like to do an interview for Eagle Feather awareness,” said McAdam. “But the more humour makes learning much more McAdam’s daughter, Ariel Rabbitskin, how News. that we started talking about the stories, we effective. to be storytellers. Daigneault and McAdam are both both realized that the objective was a little “People retain more when you keep “I hope one day our helpers, like Ariel, Aboriginal Correctional Program Officers more than that because we started to learn them active and keep them laughing – you eventually take over, and they continue on. at Saskatchewan Penitentiary and they more from the Elders and from the stories make education fun. People will remember These stories, we hope one day will be understand the importance of learning one’s themselves. that. It always goes back to ceremonies. If carried on,” said McAdam. cultural background. In fact, it is a mandatory “So our objectives changed after awhile, you go to ceremonies and listen to Elders They have performed for schools, part of their job to help inmates explore their the more we realized it’s not just about they are always laughing and joking around. conferences, prisons, addiction centres and histories, so teaching Wēsahkēchak skits teaching. It’s about creating awareness as to They make it fun for you, relaxing, and you libraries, over the past two years and are open complements their jobs nicely. where everything started from, as well too. take your guard down. It’s a safe place to be to bookings. To contact Paul Daigneault and “It’s directly related to our jobs because Also, each story has its own objective and and you feel like you belong. It’s a Kurtis McAdam for their Wēsahkēchak a lot of programs that have been developed that’s what we try to emphasize.” welcoming gesture, I suppose. When we do skits, call: 1-306-940-2756 or email: talk about the history of Aboriginal people. They also stress that Wēsahkēchak, that with people, it’s the same and the focus [email protected]. We try to help the inmates learn their social being a trickster, also brings a natural is the same.” If there’s an artist, entertainer or event backgrounds,” said Daigneault. comedic factor to stories. Daigneault and McAdam have several that you think should be featured in Eagle “At first, the teachings just weren’t “Wēsahkēchak has always represent - different skits, with each running approxi - Feather News, give me a shout at: coming across. People weren’t being taught ed the sense of humour in people,” said mately 20-30 minutes, depending on how [email protected]. Daigneault. “I think it was Tomson Highway many audience members they recruit. Some See you next month! MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News - Sports 21

The Karate program at the Ocean Man Community Centre is helping to transform the lives of young people. (Photo by Diane Adams) Ocean Man kids getting a kick out of martial arts training By Diane Adams “When you’re sparring, that’s what In fact, every Ocean Man student at and dedication paid off. For Eagle Feather News you’ve got to learn to do.” the tournament won a medal. “We were proud of them all. They did ids on Ocean Man First Nation Carleen Daniels is Ocean Man’s Sifu Ira says the students’ hard work awesome,” he said. are transforming their lives by recreation director. She says the Kkicking each other. community had problems with vandalism The reserve, just north of , is and school attendance before Karate. Now now home to a brand-new Karate club. they’re nearly a thing of the past. That’s where Ocean Man’s young people “We haven’t had any incidents with are doing much more than getting fit, and the police, with broken windows or break having fun. and enters,” Daniels said. Every two weeks, the young people While it was a young man who started put on their black robes and coloured Ocean Man’s Karate Club, the club is now belts—and get a lesson in Chinese Kempo mostly girls. Chief Gloria Shepherd says Karate. Today, 11-year old Arianna self-defense is on the minds of Ocean Johnson is here early. She’s getting ready Man’s young women – after the disap - for her second tournament next week in pearance of a young woman from this Saskatoon. community five years ago. “The (first tournament) was kind of “I guess the last eyewitness to see her scary,” she said. “I got punched in the face alive, they said she got scooped up in a car a few times. I only got a few points, so I by some people. To me that’s so fright - didn’t get a medal … But I’m trying to get ening, to imagine anybody, any person a medal now.” overpowered and taken away in a Housed in their brand-new, multi- vehicle,” Chief Shepherd said. million dollar communiplex, Ocean “This karate program will prepare Man’s karate club started after one teen participants to know self-defense. They took a class from instructor, Ira Pylypuk, know how to take weapons away from in Estevan. The band was so impressed, people, like knives,” she added. they found the money to send more Surely those self-defense skills will students. After the bus was too full, they be valuable. But today, Arianna Johnson approached Ira, or “Sifu,” to start their is not only preparing for next week’s tour - own club. nament, but learning leadership skills, too. Sifu Ira and his girlfriend, Bridget Sifu Ira and Bridget have been so Pottle, make the two-hour drive twice a impressed, they now have her come in and month to Ocean Man. Together, they help teach the younger students. work with Ocean Man’s 25 students – “I find it exciting to learn new stuff,” teaching them forms and sparring tech - Johnson said. niques. But the kids in Ocean Man are Apparently Johnson learns quickly. learning much more. On March 2, at the tournament in “It takes somebody with a pretty big Saskatoon, she competed in sparring. It heart, and a pretty big spirit to take a hit was her second time sparring in competi - to the face and keep going,” Pottle says. tion, ever. She won a bronze medal. 22 Eagle Feather News - Sports MARCH 2013 FUTURE TRACK STARS The Saskatoon Field House recently hosted the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Indoor Track and Field Championships. The popular annual event offers clinics for up and coming track stars on day one and a full out meet on day two. “It's very exciting to see the growth of the track meet over the past five years,” said Jordyn Burnouf, board member of Saskatchewan Aborig - inal Track and Field.“It's about providing opportunity and building the sport for our First Nations and Metis youth and communities.” Burnouf, a medalist at the North American Indige - nous Games in Cowichan, believes that track and field is a great sport because it is suitable for athletes with varied skills and abilities. “You don’t have to be the fastest sprinter to be the farthest thrower, or the longest runner to be the highest jumper, there is something in track and field that can appeal to all athletes,” said Burnouf. The Meet was a great chance for athletes to hone their skills for the upcoming First Nations Summer Games in Muskoday, and the much anticipated return of NAIG to Saskatchewan in 2014. This year the Championships were proudly sponsored by Areva, BHP Billiton, SIGA, and Cameco. (Photos courtesy Kim Burnouf ) MARCH 2013 Eagle Feather News - Sports 23 and every one of them plays a specific part AK47: Personally, it depends what pitches in my life. My late Kokum Gloria inspired are working for me that day and I usually me go big no matter what the obstacle and know the stats of the batter and throw them to follow my own path no matter what what they are weakest at. I would go for a anyone says. Be a change up. I love my leader, not a follower. change up. Goz: When you’re Goz: What are your getting ready to head future goals? AK47: out on the field to close To go as far as I can in a tight game, what my softball college goes through your career and earn a head? degree in Kinesiolo - AK47: What goes gy. I would like to through my mind is: “(I) need to pitch every pass on that torch to our First Nations youth pitch like it’s my last. Give it all I got. No and be happy for helping others fulfill their matter what the outcome as long as I done dreams. Goz: What keeps you motivated my best.” to keep on tossing the heat? Goz: Okay, here’s the scenario ... you’re AK47: I think of being a First Nation up by one in extra innings at a National woman and going above and beyond to gain championship. It’s a full count against the more experience, take opportunities no other team’s slugger. Obviously it depends matter what, face fear and become a role on the situation but with one pitch to go model in the sport of softball. Also, throw and the win is yours, what’s your go-to the heat no matter how sore I am or how hot pitch? Why? it is outside.

Kaiswatum tossing the heat

Name: Alyssa Kaiswatum softball practices, training tech niques, First Nation: Piapot different coaching, and receiving an entire softball wardrobe of uniforms including Sport: Softball team clothing to wear when not practicing Position: Pitcher or playing games. Signature Pitch: Change-up Goz: What do you dislike the most about playing in the States? Nickname: AK47 AK47: The only things I have to get used to Current Team: Dakota are the kilometres are in miles and some of County Technical College my favourite foods (are not here), example: Blue Knights (Minnesota) poutines, Tim Hortons. Goz: Do you find the competition to be Number: 7 higher playing for Minnesota in compar - Goz: What is the biggest challenge you ison to your past experiences? AK47: I find face in staying focused on your goals? the competition to be tougher in the states. AK47: The biggest challenge I face is In general USA women’s softball is number adjusting to everyday life in general … one in the world. You have to hold your own. my time management. Getting assign - Goz: What would you say is the highlight ments finished, getting to class and prac - of your softball career do far? AK47: My tice on time. This is a big city so driving highlight of my softball career was playing great distance to get somewhere takes in New Zealand. It was in fact the number time. Back home I could drive across the one country I wanted to visit since I was little. city in 20 minutes! Meeting different people, exploring the Goz: What do you enjoy most about different culture and beautiful scenery was playing softball for a large U.S. college? just amazing. AK47: I enjoy the different atmosphere Goz: Who is your role model(s) or hero(s) playing at a USA college. It’s a lot different and why? then back home. They really go all out for AK47: My role model is my family. Each 24 Eagle Feather News MARCH 2013