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Home , Delbert Riley, Five Little Indians, Kainai Nation, Never Too Late (horse), Noel Starblanket, Perry Bellegarde

ISSUE 1 2020 THE BEAR CLAN PATROL COMMUNITIES PROMOTING SECURITY IN A NON-VIOLENT THE AND SUPPORTIVE- WAY MARTEN FALLS CIRCLEThe official publication of the Assembly of CIRCLE FIRST NATION THE COMMUNITY-LED PROCESS TO A NEW ACCESS- ROAD THE GREAT RESET NATIONAL CHIEF BELLEGARDE ON “BUILDING BACK BETTER”

VOLUNTEERISM HOW FIRST NATIONS-LED INITIATIVES ARE PROMOTING LEARNING, CULTURE AND NATIONHOOD PM40787580

NEWS, OPINION, MOVIES, AND MORE...

Winter Issue 1 2020

THE

CIRCLEThe official publication of the Assembly of First Nations

38 About the AFN The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) represents First Nations citizens in . This means we work for you. All our efforts are mandated by leaders from across the country and the priorities for action set by the Chiefs-in-Assembly. In AFN’s The Circle, learn more about the role of the National Chief, Regional Chiefs, councils, committees, assemblies and the AFN staff. We look forward to hearing your feedback.

43 AFN Working This is a section on progress happening in the various sectors at the AFN through its work with Chiefs’ committees, First Nations citizens, tribal councils, professionals and people on the frontline. From environment and emergency services to economic development, health and language, these are the FEATURES updates on how we’re driving change based on the 65 The Great Reset priorities of First Nations. on the unprecedented opportunity to re-align core values around the world 80 Art & Media Art, film, literature and music are all here rolled into 75 Marten Falls Community Leads one section. We tried to capture the interesting, the successful and the under-the-radar artists making Environmental Assessment Process important contributions. Words, sounds and images A change to development as usual are vital to our nations, and it’s essential that we promote our stories and storytellers. DEPARTMENTS COVER STORY 10 Message from the CEO/ Message de la directrice générale 68 The theme of this issue of The Circle shows instances By Janice Ciavaglia of volunteerism across the country. How are First Nations people donating their time to improve their 14 Message from the National Chief/ communities and help their neighbours? You will Message du Chef national read an overview of the Bear Clan Patrol, which in By Perry Bellegarde the last year has branched into two new chapters in different communities. Also included is an overview 18 Messages from the Regional Chiefs/ of four different organizations – Nimkii Aazhibikong, Neechee Studio, Think Indigenous and the Messages des Chefs régionaux Moose Hide Campaign – which seek to promote learning, culture and nationhood in communities 40 Around Turtle Island across Canada. 85 Professional Services Directory

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO MESSAGE DE LA DIRECTRICE GÉNÉRALE Janice Ciavaglia

ela’lioq ela’lioq It’s been said many times throughout 2020, Cela a été dit à maintes reprises tout au long de but this year has certainly been unprecedented. l’année 2020, mais cette année a certainement We’ve faced challenge after challenge globally, W été sans précédent. Nous avons fait face à de W nombreux défis au niveau mondial, national et local. De la nationally and locally. From the devastating COVID-19 pandémie dévastatrice de la COVID 19 aux manifestations pandemic to the protests against systemic racism to the ongoing contre le racisme systémique, en passant par la lutte fight for our inherent and Treaty rights to be recognized and permanente pour la reconnaissance et le respect de nos droits upheld, we have been asked to come up against many obstacles. inhérents et nos droits issus de traités, nous avons dû faire face And though it is difficult to see the positive from where we à de nombreux obstacles. Et bien qu’il soit difficile de voir les stand in the midst of these trials, there is much for us be proud éléments positifs de notre situation au milieu de ces épreuves, il of and to take pride in. y a beaucoup de choses dont nous pouvons être fiers. I see positivity in the way we have built and upheld community Je vois de manière positive la façon dont nous avons construit during this trying time. Nations have come together to support et maintenu notre sens de la communauté pendant cette période one another and ensure that we are all safe and well. Stories difficile. Les nations ont uni leurs forces pour se soutenir mutuellement et veiller à ce que nous soyons tous en sécurité et of people of all ages volunteering their time to care for their en bonne santé. Les histoires de personnes de tous âges qui ont Elders through acts of kindness – from buying and delivering donné de leur temps pour prendre soin de leurs aînés par des groceries and supplies to writing letters to stave off loneliness – actes de gentillesse - de l’achat et de la livraison de provisions show the true resilience and solidarity that we, as First Nations, et de fournitures à la rédaction de lettres pour éviter la solitude are known for. Each act of giving back is an act of that - montrent la véritable résilience et la solidarité pour lesquelles

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Disclaimer: • The advertisers herein are not supported by or endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations • While we are grateful for the support of all of our advertisers, they are in no way affiliated or endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations

The Circle is printed Editor: Published by: President: The contents of this publication may annually for the Justyne Essery Kevin Brown not be reproduced by any means, Assembly of First Senior Design Specialist: Senior Vice-President: in whole or in part, without the prior Nations. 33 South Station Street Krista Zimmermann Robert Thompson written consent of the association. North York, Ontario M9N 2B2 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1600 Design Specialist: Marisa Giesbrecht Phone: 1-866-480-4717 Director, Publication Mail Agreement Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5 Business Development: Contributing Writers: [email protected] #40787580 Phone: 613-241-6789 Michael Bell Ashley Albert, Nikita Day, Toll Free: 1-866-869-6789 531 Marion Street Please Return Fax: 613-241-5808 Christine Miskonoodinkwe-Smith Branch Manager: Winnipeg, MB R2J 0J9 Undeliverable Copies To: www.afn.ca Sales Executives: Nancie Privé Toll Free: 1-866-201-3096 Assembly of First Nations Bill Biber, Brenda Ezinicki, Published December 2020 Publisher: Pat Johnston, Dawn Stokes, Fax: 204-480-4420 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1600 Maurice LaBorde David Tetlock www.mediaedgepublishing.com All rights reserved. Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5

THE CIRCLE is printed on 10% post-consumer FSC certified paper using soya based inks. When necessary to mail an issue in an enclosure, we use an environmentally-friendly, 100% oxo-degradable poly-wrap.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

reminds us all of the importance of staying connected and nous, les Premières Nations, sommes connues. Chaque acte checking in with each other. de générosité est un geste d’amour qui nous rappelle à tous l’importance de rester en contact et de s’entraider. The months to come will present their own challenges, so I encourage each and every one of you to find something that Les mois à venir présenteront leurs propres défis, c’est pourquoi brings you joy. Reconnect with your community – your family, j’encourage chacun d’entre vous à trouver quelque chose qui your neighbours, your First Nation. In order to build back vous apporte de la joie. Renouez avec votre communauté - better, we must first take care of ourselves. Across the country, votre famille, vos voisins, votre Première Nation. Pour mieux First Nations are committed to this healing journey through reconstruire, nous devons d’abord prendre soin de nous mêmes. connection or reconnection with culture and tradition, heading Partout au pays, les Premières Nations s’engagent dans cette démarche de guérison en établissant ou en rétablissant des liens out onto the land and giving their time and effort to ensuring avec la culture et les traditions, en allant sur le terrain et en the safety of others. donnant temps et efforts pour assurer la sécurité des autres. Together, we will move forward and continue to build ourselves Ensemble, nous allons aller de l’avant et continuer à nous into Nations that are thriving and high-achieving. I am proud construire en tant que nations prospères et performantes. Je of the things we have been able to accomplish, both at the suis fier des choses que nous avons pu accomplir, à l’Assemblée Assembly of First Nations and elsewhere, in spite of the des Premières Nations et ailleurs, malgré les difficultés que nous hardships we’ve been asked to endure this year. I know that avons dû endurer cette année. Je sais que nous continuerons we will continue to achieve our goals and go beyond what is à atteindre nos objectifs et à dépasser les attentes. Nous en expected. We will emerge stronger together. sortirons plus forts ensemble. Janice Ciavaglia Janice Ciavaglia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Directrice générale (DG) Assembly of First Nations Assemblée des Premières Nations

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MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CHIEF MESSAGE DU CHEF NATIONAL Perry Bellegarde

he ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a pandémie de COVID 19 qui se poursuit nous a appris many things, perhaps none greater than the value beaucoup de choses, la plus importante étant peut être la of community and how much stronger we are valeur de la communauté et le fait que nous sommes plus when we pull together, even when we have to stay forts lorsque nous nous serrons les coudes, même si nous twoT meters apart. devonsL rester à deux mètres les uns des autres. While some of us might know someone who has been Certains d’entre nous connaissent quelqu’un qui a été touché par la touched by the illness, we all know people who have given maladie, mais nous connaissons tous des personnes qui ont donné their time and energy to help our communities stay safe de leur temps et de leur énergie pour aider nos communautés à and positive. Some have even taken extraordinary risks rester positives et en sécurité. Certains ont même pris des risques volunteering to protect our Elders and our most vulnerable extraordinaires en se portant volontaires pour protéger nos aînés from both the disease and the dangers of isolation and et nos citoyens les plus vulnérables, à la fois contre la maladie et loneliness. Every morning, I give thanks for these people, contre les dangers de l’isolement et de la solitude. Chaque matin, je and in my prayers I lift them up. remercie ces personnes et, dans mes prières, je leur rends hommage. It’s not just COVID-19 that imperils us. In August, I had Il n’y a pas que la COVID 19 qui nous met en péril. En août, j’ai the honour of meeting with Tristen Durocher, who walked eu l’honneur de rencontrer Tristen Durocher, qui a traversé la across , from La Ronge to Regina, and then Saskatchewan à pied, de La Ronge à Regina, puis a fait une grève camped for a month-long hunger strike in the hopes the de la faim d’un mois dans l’espoir que le gouvernement provincial provincial government will take meaningful action to reduce prenne des mesures concrètes pour réduire les ravages du suicide the devastation of teen suicide. Tristen brought this issue chez les adolescents. Tristen a porté ce problème - qui est une – which is an epidemic far more deadly to young people épidémie bien plus mortelle pour les jeunes que la COVID 19 - than COVID – to the steps of the legislature in an honest, jusqu’aux marches de la législature de manière franche, pacifique peaceful and, ultimately, effective way. He gave of himself et, ultimement, efficace. Il a donné de lui même afin d’aider les in order to help others around him and around us to get autres autour de lui et autour de nous à aller au delà des moments beyond those moments of despair and find their way back de désespoir et à retrouver leur chemin dans le monde. into the world. Des bénévoles des Premières Nations travaillent aussi d’arrache First Nations people are also hard at work helping to pied pour tenter de guérir une planète en péril. Au cours des heal our sick planet. Over the past several months, I’ve derniers mois, j’ai eu l’honneur de diriger un groupe de bénévoles joined many of our Elders, Knowledge Keepers, business - aînés et gardiens du savoir, chefs d’entreprise, spécialistes de leaders, environmental scientists and others, young and l’environnement et autres - jeunes et moins jeunes, pour faire old, in raising our voices in support of The Great Reset, an entendre la voix des Autochtones du monde entier dans le cadre international initiative that aims to make greening the d’un ambitieux projet mondial : la grande réinitialisation. economy a centerpiece in the COVID-19 recovery plans of Il est toujours important de se rappeler que notre temps sur nations and corporations. cette planète est limité, mais que les besoins de ceux qui nous It’s always important to remember that our time on this entourent peuvent être infinis. Étant donné les maladies, les planet is finite, but the needs of those around us can be tempêtes destructrices et les feux incontrôlés qui font rage autour infinite. With disease, destructive storms and wildfires de nous, ainsi que les inégalités et le racisme systémique qui sont

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MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CHIEF

raging around us, and inequality and systemic racism mis en évidence, il n’a jamais été aussi urgent pour nous tous being brought out into the open, there has never been a de travailler ensemble pour « faire ce que nous pouvons, là où more urgent time for all of us to work together to “do what nous sommes, avec les moyens à notre disposition ». Ces mots, we can, where we are, with what we have.” These words, attribués à Teddy Roosevelt et répétés par le révérend Desmond ascribed to Teddy Roosevelt and repeated by Rev. Desmond Tutu, n’ont jamais été aussi poignants qu’aujourd’hui. Tutu, have never been more poignant than they are today. Nombreux sont ceux qui ont déjà tant donné au cours des There are many who have already given so much over the derniers mois, mais il n’est jamais trop tard pour s’impliquer past months, but it’s never too late to lean in and offer a et donner un coup de main. En tant que Premières Nations, helping hand. As First Nations, let’s use this moment to profitons de ce moment pour nous montrer plus forts, plus build ourselves up to be stronger, more resilient and more generous to one another. In doing so, we can turn 2020 résistants et plus généreux les uns envers les autres. Ce faisant, from a year of hardship and sadness to one of renewal, nous pourrons faire passer l’année 2020 d’une année de resiliency and hope. difficultés et de tristesse à une année de renouveau et d’espoir. Perry Bellegarde Perry Bellegarde National Chief Chef national Assembly of First Nations Assemblée des Premières Nations

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR NEW BRUNSWICK AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Roger Augustine

reetings from the New forgotten. Children were once again Brunswick and Prince Roger Augustine embracing culture by learning traditional Edward Island Regional customs like drumming and dancing, Office of the Assembly of AFN Regional Chief, NB/PEI hunting and fishing, crafts and cooking GFirst Nations. Welcome to all Leaders, 8 Gitpo Road with the Elders. Parents spent more Elders, delegates and especially the Eel Ground First Nation, NB E1V 4E4 time with their children, helping with youth to the AFN Annual General Email: [email protected] homework and speaking their traditional Ph: 506-625-7878 Assembly. In 43 years of political service, language. I believe that the children were never have I witnessed an event that even able to teach parents a thing or two both brought out the worst fears for about family values, their likes, dislikes our people across Turtle Island and and fears, and the value they bring to the brought them closer together. In times family unit. of uncertainty, people tend to turn our children and Elders, they were the towards leadership for support and cornerstone to providing our people Today I witnessed a flag-raising guidance. While leaders at the national with a sense of security and belonging. ceremony at one of the non-Indigenous and regional level are compelled to The respective mental health teams community schools. It reminded me collaborate with the common goal of were available (as always) not only for that there is hope out there – hope that keeping our people safe and secure, it counselling, but to provide an outlet to our next generation sees the good in could not be done as effectively and children and adults as the COVID-19 all people and races, and that there is empathetically as it has without people pandemic left so many with unanswered harmony in not seeing themselves as at the grassroots level. questions, as well as a constant fear for different from everyone else, but different the health and well-being of their LIKE everyone else. I would like to give special consideration loved ones. to the Community Health Programs Thank you to the community health of New Brunswick and Prince Edward The pandemic, however, also provided us centres, their leadership and staff for Island for their active role in ensuring with an opportunity to spend more time being a part of this hopeful future. the health and safety of the Indigenous within our communities. Community Roger Augustine people of our First Nations communities. and family members were able to get Regional Chief for New Brunswick From ensuring continued health services reacquainted and strengthen bonds that and Prince Edward Island to providing healthy food choices to were always present, but sometimes Assembly of First Nations

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR NEWFOUNDLAND AND NOVA SCOTIA Paul Prosper

s Canada’s original People, Volunteering not only fosters a sense of our ancestors knew what it pride and community, but connects us like to rely on each other Regional to our past, our traditions and our roots, for survival and friendship. Chief Prosper where individualism was detrimental and AsA settlers arrived and persecuted our we worked to support and care for those people, we continued to rely on each AFN Regional Chief, NL/NS outside of our immediate sphere. Ulnooweg Development Group other. From bounties on our heads to Our community volunteers are great role forced relocation, to residential schools P.O. Box 1259 Truro, NS B2N 5N2 models with a strong sense of love and and their continued legacy, to today, Email: [email protected] pride in making our communities better. when our communities are still lagging Ph: 902-893-7379 So many things in our communities behind in socio-economic indicators, Fax: 902-893-0353 would not get done if not for our that same spirit of generosity, sharing members looking out for each other and and helping each other continues. Our our neigbourhoods. communities would not be what they are fundraisers are successful, organizing without a robust spirit of Nationhood As Indigenous Peoples around the and hosting pow wows or any other and volunteerism. world work to reclaim their history and community event, our volunteers are the incorporate stolen culture into their The east coast provinces of Nova Scotia heart and soul of our communities. everyday lives, we are proud to say that and Newfoundland and Labrador are here in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland We would like to take this opportunity known for their friendly and welcoming and Labrador, our people are leading to highlight our youth volunteers. Our nature, and as Regional Chief of Nova the way. But this reclamation of the youth are our future, and watching so Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, ways of our ancestors would not be many youth get involved in community, it is my pleasure to welcome the world to possible without our enduring spirit of supporting each other and our Elders our backyard (post-COVID, of course). community and volunteerism. and taking an interest in community and You will see our spirit of community broader politics via youth councils, is Welal’in and volunteerism as soon as you come to inspiring. Our youth are getting involved Paul Prosper our communities. Whether supporting and taking an active role in bettering Regional Chief for one another by ensuring food is provided their communities while taking control Newfoundland and Nova Scotia to grieving families, making sure youth and shaping their futures. Assembly of First Nations

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR QUÉBEC Planning from the core: community-led planning MESSAGE DU CHEF RÉGIONAL POUR LE QUÉBEC Ghislain Picard La planification à partir de la base : la planification par la communauté By/par Kim Chevrier, Première Nation Kebaowek; Karonhienhawe Linda Delormier, Kahnawà:ke; Marie-Eve Bouchard, Première Nation des Innus Essipit; Catherine Béland, IDDPNQL

ince time immemorial, our People otre peuple planifie depuis have been planning and working Ghislain Picard des temps immémoriaux, together to keep healthy relations en travaillant ensemble with each other and the land. These AFN Regional Chief, Québec/Labrador pour maintenir des 250, Place Chef Michel Laveau, Nrelations saines entre nous et avec la Straditions are preserved by many First Nations through unique community-led Suite 201 terre. Ces traditions de planification sont perpétuées par de nombreuses planning journeys. In our region, a growing Wendake, QC G0A 4V0 Premières Nations grâce à des number of First Nations are turning to Email: [email protected] Ph: 418-842-5020 cheminements de planification uniques comprehensive community planning (CCP) dirigés par la communauté. Dans to create and implement their collective notre région, un nombre croissant de Executive Assistant: Mélanie Vincent vision, rooted in the land and in the spirits Premières Nations se tournent vers la of all their members. Cell: 418-580-4442 planification communautaire globale Email: [email protected] (PCG) pour créer et mettre en œuvre Volunteers are at the core of community-led leur vision collective, ancrée dans la planning. From participating in planning terre et dans l’esprit de tous committees or working groups to helping leurs membres. with communications and engagement activities, they contribute to every step of the journey. Des bénévoles sont au cœur de la planification communautaire. Qu’il s’agisse de participer à des comités de planification ou à Essipit Innu First Nation: Daring to Dream des groupes de travail, ou encore d’aider à la communication et In the Essipit Innu First Nation, the CCP Committee aux activités de mobilisation, ils contribuent à chaque étape includes seven volunteers and a Councillor. As guardians of du parcours. the process, their role is to guide the development of a new Première Nation des Innus Essipit : Oser rêver comprehensive community plan through extensive and diverse Au sein de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit, le comité community engagement activities: makusham, conferences, PCG comprend sept bénévoles et un conseiller. En tant que focus groups, surveys, etc. All Essipiunnuat, both residents and gardiens du processus, leur rôle est de guider l’élaboration d’un non-residents, are invited to participate. So far, over a third of nouveau plan communautaire global, grâce à des activités de community members have volunteered their time to contribute mobilisation communautaire étendues et diverses : makusham, to Essipit Innu’s new collective dream. Everyone, from children conférences, groupes de discussion, enquêtes, etc. Tous les to Elders, shares how proud and hopeful they feel when they Essipiunnuat, qu’ils soient résidents ou non, sont invités à see everything they are accomplishing together. participer. Jusqu’à présent, plus d’un tiers des membres de la communauté ont donné de leur temps afin de contribuer au Kahnawà:ke: Setting Clear Priorities nouveau rêve collectif des Innus d’Essipit. Tous, des enfants aux aînés, partagent la fierté et l’espoir qu’ils ressentent en In Kahnawà:ke, having a community plan to fulfill their voyant tout ce qu’ils accomplissent ensemble. shared vision has emerged as one of six key priorities for Kahnawa’kehró:non future, along with economic development, Kahnawà:ke : Définir des priorités claires food sovereignty, health and wellness for youth, language and À Kahnawà:ke, l’élaboration d’un plan communautaire pour culture mentorship and family resources for parents. These réaliser la vision commune de la collectivité est apparue priorities were identified through wide-ranging engagement comme l’une des six priorités clés pour l’avenir des citoyens

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by the Kahnawà:ke Collective Impact (KCI), a de Kahnawà:ke (Kahnawa’kehró:non), au même titre que le community-led movement supported by multiple développement économique, la souveraineté alimentaire, la santé community organizations. Both the planning process et le mieux être des jeunes, le mentorat linguistique et culturel and KCI rely on volunteers, who form the backbone et les ressources familiales pour les parents. Ces priorités ont été déterminées grâce à une mobilisation de grande envergure du of the initiatives. Their passion for their community mouvement Kahnawà:ke Collective Impact (KCI) qui est dirigé shines through their actions. By sharing their stories, par la communauté et soutenu par de multiples organisations ideas, time and expertise, Kahnawà:ke volunteers communautaires. Le processus de planification et le mouvement KCI embody what community-led planning truly means. s’appuient tous deux sur des bénévoles, qui constituent les piliers des initiatives. Leur passion pour leur communauté transparaît à travers Kebaowek First Nation: Reclaiming Language leurs actions. En partageant leurs récits, leurs idées, leur temps et In the Kebaowek First Nation, community members leur expertise, les bénévoles de Kahnawà:ke incarnent ce que signifie have been expressing their desire to reclaim their réellement la planification par la communauté. language and culture. Seeing that language resources Première Nation Kebaowek : se réapproprier la langue were rare, volunteers from the Mikana Survivors Au sein de la Première Nation Kebaowek, des membres de la Group collaborated with their local community communauté ont exprimé leur désir de se réapproprier leur langue planning team to develop and launch a collection et leur culture. Voyant que les ressources linguistiques étaient rares, of children’s books in the Algonquin Anishinaabe des bénévoles du groupe de survivants Mikana ont collaboré avec language. Kebaowek Elders, youth and kids l’équipe de planification de leur communauté locale pour développer collaborated to choose the theme, write the text and et lancer une collection de livres pour enfants en langue algonquine anishnabe. Les aînés, les jeunes et les enfants de Kebaowek ont lovingly illustrate each of the books. Having more collaboré pour choisir le thème, écrire les textes et illustrer avec educational resources is an important step towards amour chacun des livres. Disposer de plus de ressources pédagogiques seeing Kebaowek members reclaim their language and est une étape importante pour aider les membres de Kebaowek à se their history. réapproprier leur langue et leur histoire.

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR ONTARIO RoseAnne Archibald

here are many instances fill those gaps. For example, beaders of volunteerism in Ontario like Amber Sandy (@ambsandy on everyday – likely countless that RoseAnne Instagram) volunteered their time and are happening on small scales Archibald organizing skills right at the beginning thatT we can’t see, but that our Nations of this pandemic to create a virtual certainly feel the positive impacts AFN Regional Chief, Ontario space where community members could from. First Nations in Ontario have Toronto Administration Office come together to chat and join in on always come together to support their 468 Queen Street East, Suite 400 culturally relevant activities. 2 communities to be strong and healthy – Toronto, ON M5A 1T7 Generosity and giving back are this includes through volunteerism. Ph: 416-597-1266 Toll Free: 1-877-517-6527 essential values always, but especially As graduation rates continue to rise, Fax: 416-597-8365 now. We are happy to see these values so do the number of volunteer hours embodied so fully by First Nations the youth in our communities achieve; Executive Assistant: Robin Beauclair all throughout Ontario. It is our hope post-secondary students across the Email: [email protected] going forward that this embodiment province have helped to organize and continues and that people everywhere host cultural events on- and off-campus, seek out opportunities to support and many artists, dancers and creators others in any way they are able to. have increasingly donated their skills and talents to raise awareness and money for Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne good causes. Archibald recognized Chief Debassige RoseAnne Archibald and other First Nations’ exceptional Regional Chief for Ontario Beyond the average volunteerism we see shows of volunteerism in a press release Assembly of First Nations in the region, COVID-19 has sparked this May, stating, “I applaud the efforts action and initiatives among all First of First Nations leaders and volunteers Nations that require active volunteerism who have been working tirelessly to keep to sustain. Just a few months ago, for their communities safe and stop the example, Chief Linda Debassige of spread of COVID-19.” In the face of this M’Chigeeng First Nation initiated an pandemic, First Nations in Ontario have Island-wide fundraiser to provide more risen to the occasion, generously and ventilator capacity at Manitoulin Health consistently giving their time, resources Centre (MHC). Discussing this initiative, 1 www.manitoulin.ca/mchigeeng-chief- and energy to numerous projects. MHC president and CEO Lynn Foster linda-debassige-initiates-fundraising-for-more- stated that Chief Debassige “took it In a time where physical distancing manitoulin-ventilators 2 www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/connecting-in- upon herself to put together this letter is essential and our regular ways of isolation-indigenous-people-create-find-and-share- and submitted it to chiefs, businesses coming together as communities have community-online-1.5510595/beading-instagram- and municipalities, and they have kindly been put on pause, First Nations people and-an-online-community-one-artist-has-turned- kicked it off with a very generous gift.”1 in Ontario have found creative ways to to-social-media-to-stay-connected-1.5512154

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR The spirit of volunteerism Kevin Hart

s the Assembly of First in this uncertain time has been Nations (AFN) Regional extremely appreciated. Chief of Manitoba and a Kevin Hart Becoming a volunteer has its benefits as First Nations person who is AFN Regional Chief, Manitoba well. Volunteerism builds self-confidence knowledgeableA of our communities, I 2-275 Portage Avenue and offers opportunities to learn new recognize that the spirit of volunteerism Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B3 skills, meet new people, form friendships, Phone: 204-956-0610 l is vital to our people and way of life. The support the community and give back traditional philosophies and teachings of Cell: 613-290-6283 Email: [email protected] in reciprocity. As we continue to move our ancestors remind us that our purpose forward, volunteers are needed more than is to seek mino-pimatziwin, which means ever to assist communities. People will Executive Assistant: Brenda Bear “the good life” in both Ojibwe and . continue to be needed to check up on the Ph: 204-793-5756 The good life comes when we help one elderly and sick, the disabled and others Email: [email protected] another and support each other, because who have difficulty living independently. those acts of kindness bring goodness. To increase the number of volunteers, Volunteering in the contemporary it will be important to ensure that the context continues to honour these volunteers know they are making a ancestral philosophies by helping our initiated after numerous reports by difference and helping community and our people. women stated that they felt unsafe on their community. public transportation. These community- In the Manitoba region, volunteerism is Volunteers are valued now more than based models clearly demonstrate that readily apparent in organizations that ever before, and their spirit of love for we can achieve positive advancement were created from a volunteer start. their community does not go unnoticed. when we together to volunteer as Two prominent examples include the We must recognize our volunteers in a members of the community. Bear Clan Patrol and Ikwe Safe Rides good way, as they truly are our silent – both started as helping groups. These Volunteerism has been an important heroes. If you have the opportunity to volunteer groups were initiated directly component for providing relief during volunteer within your community and because of an issue or a fundamental the COVID-19 pandemic. Community for your people, please consider it. To reason for their work. The Bear Clan volunteers have stepped up to ensure those people who continue to volunteer, was created to support the north end that our Elders and vulnerable people are I thank you, personally and on behalf of of Winnipeg with safety and bring a cared for and that the community has the Manitoba region. presence of support to the community. the information to support the health Kevin Hart Ikwe Safe Rides provides a safe mode and well-being of all. We truly thank Regional Chief for Manitoba of transportation for women and was these people. The work of volunteers Assembly of First Nations

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR SASKATCHEWAN Bobby Cameron

ānisi, Anīn Šikwa, Edlanet’e, or have dedicated a large portion of Hau Kona, Hau Kola, their lives to helping others without Hau Koda, Bobby Cameron ever being acknowledged or asking for acknowledgement. We know that On behalf of the 74 member AFN Regional Chief, SK T 100-103A Packham Avenue volunteerism provides immense support First Nations, Veterans, the Federation , SK S7N 4K4 of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and a sense of solidarity and enhances Email: [email protected] our communities in ways that aren’t (FSIN) Executive, Staff and Senate, Ph: 306-956-6904 l Fax: 306-955-3913 we extend greetings from the ancestral always evident. Our volunteers continue lands and unceded territories of the to contribute tirelessly without financial Executive Assistant: Cecile Brass reward of any kind, and without them, Cree, Dënesųłıné, , Dakota, Ph: 306-956-6947 l Cell: 306-502-3446 Nakota and Lakota encompassing the we wouldn’t be able to help our people Email: [email protected] Treaty areas of 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 in as effectively during times of great kisiskâciwan (Saskatchewan). FSIN upheaval such as COVID-19. continues to work diligently to ensure From the Veterans, FSIN Executive, that our Treaty & Inherent Rights, Title protection for all its citizens. We know Staff and Senate, to each of our unsung and Jurisdiction remain paramount and that we have all been impacted greatly, heroes in each of our communities, are upheld, protected, respected and but it will be many years before we territories and ancestral lands – adhered to at all levels of government. know and understand completely the kinanâskomitin. We are forever in your We know that these sacred binding extent of the damage this has caused debt. You are and will continue to be in agreements have no time limit, and worldwide. We also know that without our thoughts and prayers. We thank you our ties to the land and community are the volunteers who stepped forward for standing with us in solidarity, side- interwoven with our strong sense of from each of the communities here in by-side, impacting our people in a good culture, language and identity. Saskatchewan, we wouldn’t have been way and without expecting anything in March 2020 brought the world to a halt able to mobilize effectively. return. We acknowledge you, we see you, with the onslaught and appearance Volunteerism is at the heart of we hear you, and we know who you are. of COVID-19. The World Health our communities, and the valuable Hiy Hiy, Organization (WHO) declared it a contributions it provides has immense pandemic, and FSIN quickly responded potential to drive community Yours in the Spirit and intent of Treaty by developing their own internal engagement, change, inspiration and and reconciliation, COVID-19 FSIN Response Team, which collaboration, and facilitates relationship Bobby Cameron continues to work continuously with 74 building. Our unsung heroes have Regional Chief for Saskatchewan First Nations to ensure the safety and special mention because they dedicate Assembly of First Nations

28 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR Marlene Poitras

ndigenous women are they need to know how to get out of underrepresented in leadership roles Marlene Poitras their situation gently, but not bully them across the country. The Iskwewak into releasing anything. This child needs Mentorship program was developed AFN Regional Chief, Alberta to know who their mentors are and who Ito assist in addressing barriers that exist AFN Alberta Regional Office they can look up to. We are the role for Indigenous women. Through the Box 1688 models. I enjoy working with all groups program, female Indigenous mentors Maskwacis, AB T0C 1N0 of different ages.” in leadership positions volunteered and Ph: 587-588-7254 were paired with women across the Email: [email protected] Khianna Ribbonleg was a mentee in age spectrum to share their skills and the program and has noticed from a knowledge in leadership. Participants Executive Assistant: young age that Indigenous women were met monthly, were provided with Ann Gladue-Buffalo underrepresented in leadership roles in opportunities for learning from mentors Ph: 587-588-7254 her Nation. “I always wondered why and received teachings from Elders on Email: [email protected] there is only men in leadership. Even the traditional leadership roles of women in my community, there wasn’t a Chief and girls. elected who is a woman, ever.” Reflecting on the Iskwewak program, Alberta Regional Chief Marlene comments of a mentor and mentee of Khianna shared the following: “When Poitras says the existing barriers for the AFN Alberta Iskwewak Mentorship Indigenous women, particularly in program: Elder Ivy Raine from Louis I heard about this program, I thought, areas of leadership and governance, Bull and 22-year-old Khianna Ribbonleg ‘Finally, an opportunity to learn from were the impetus for developing such a from . women, why they don’t get in, obstacles program. “Before contact, women held they face, and how they overcome it.’ complimentary roles and responsibilities Elder Raine has made a personal I see so many of us re-learning what to men in shaping our societies and commitment to being a good role model we need from one another to function nations,” she explains. “Women were for younger generations. She says as a whole. A man, or a woman, is not the ones raising up our leaders. They younger generations are disconnected more powerful than the other. Yes, we were the ones teaching our young people from traditional lifestyles that people have different roles, but that has never like her were fortunate to live in. Many how to be good leaders. Women had meant that one is less capable or stronger factors, such as foster care, urban life, vetoes over decisions. Generations of than the other. Women carry their own intergenerational trauma and more can colonization and painful policies like the important responsibilities. We need to get affect mental wellness and the ability to and residential schools led back to a balance between all members heal. When reflecting on the program, to the marginalization of Indigenous of our communities for our Nations to Elder Raine shared the following women and Two-Spirit people. The thoughts with AFN Alberta: “[Youth] truly succeed. We can accomplish so knowledge of the duality of our have to learn to return to their roots, much when everyone contributes to their responsibilities as men and women realizing which avenues to go through. I full extent.” was forgotten.” teach all these traditional and everyday Marlene Poitras For this issue of The Circle, AFN Alberta skills – how to control your temper, grief, Regional Chief for Alberta proudly presents the thoughts and recovery. To a youth who is confused, Assembly of First Nations

30 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR Volunteering is a part of who we are Terry Teegee

olunteering is an interesting to help. I’ve heard stories of people Terry Teegee and important concept. It’s spontaneously showing up when someone based on a distinction between was struggling to bring home heavy AFN Regional Chief, BCAFN paid work and free time, a loads of food, as community members 312 – 345 Chief Alex Thomas Way distinctionV that I don’t always find knew that help was needed without being Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1 relevant. Our Indigenous cultures don’t asked. If you need a ride to town to visit Ph: 250-314-1502 necessarily think of the work we do to a sick relative, there is always someone Toll Free: 1-866-869-6789 help each other as volunteering. Helping ready to offer. Fax: 250-828-9893 each other is part of who we are. I admit that part of this self-reliance Special Advisor: In our everyday lives, our friends, results from the lack of services our Jaime Sanchez, MCIP RPP family members and neighbours are communities have struggled with for Cell: 250-713-1129 constantly supporting each other. That’s generations. Canada has never lived Email: [email protected] the basis of so much of our concept up to its fiduciary obligations, and our of what it means to be Indigenous. If communities have had to learn how to you are struggling to get a moose home get by with less. But our commitment to from the bush, people are always ready each other goes deeper than that. In the Bahtlats system that my community, Takla Nation, is part of, everyone has a role to play. The chairs and tables don’t get set up by magic; it takes time and effort. Coffee needs to be made, food prepared and served. This work – the basic work that connects us together in our clans and forms the basis of our traditional governance systems – is done by the whole community, and often by the youth. And we don’t have to ask. There is always help when you need it, especially during a Bahlats ceremony. It’s by taking on this work, no matter how small, that you begin to build trust with the Elders in your clan. And it’s through that service that young people begin to be distinguished as leaders and eventually come to be given traditional names. Really, what some call volunteering, I think of as leadership. In this time that we have set aside to celebrate volunteers, let’s not forget that service to our communities is a deeply held value, done by every member and often without the formal recognition that comes with a volunteer position in the non-Indigenous world. Terry Teegee Regional Chief for British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

32 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CHIEF AND REGIONAL CHIEF FOR THE Norman Yakeleya

ne of the many things that and worked on committees after their unite us as First Nations regular jobs were over, I offer you my people is our strong sense Norman Yakeleya deepest mashi cho (thank you). Your of community. In moments AFN Regional Chief, NWT contributions have helped unify ofO great need, our people don’t just our people and strengthen our 5125-50th Street, 1st Floor, recognize the importance of looking after P.O. Box 2338 collective voice. one another – they put it into action. Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P2 Throughout this ongoing COVID-19 Email: [email protected] As you flip through this last issue of the pandemic, I’ve witnessed our people Ph: 613-859-5063 AFN’s The Circle magazine, you will honour their duty to community like Fax: 867-920-2254 meet outstanding individuals setting never before. I am grateful for all the excellent examples for all of us about people in our respective Nations who, our relationship to each other and our without question, are ensuring our communities. These people saw great Elders are safe and cared for during needs in their Nations and beyond these uncertain times, preparing meals and took action simply to make life and supplies for people that need extra this year. We would not have reached this better for others. I hope their stories support right now, giving their time significant milestone if it weren’t for the inspire you to think about how you can to guard border checkpoints and who countless volunteers who have supported contribute to creating a bright future continue to support their community’s our cause. Though some have done a lot for those around you. response to this global crisis in many of hard work quietly behind the scenes, Mashi, different ways. To me, that’s what the their efforts and dedication to our Nation spirit of volunteerism is all about – are worthy of the greatest recognition. Thank you, people giving their whole self for the To all the people who freely lent their Norman Yakeleya betterment and protection of expertise and guidance, rolled up their Dene National Chief their community. sleeves to set up and make our assemblies Regional Chief for The Dene Nation of Northwest run smoothly, prepared meals and served the Northwest Territories Territories celebrates its 50th anniversary Elders, mentored our children and youth Assembly of First Nations

34 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEF FOR THE YUKON Kluane Adamek

ä̀nnchʼe! the 2019 Heritage Yukon award for Outstanding Contribution to Yukon On behalf of the Assembly of Kluane Adamek First Nations Yukon Region, Heritage for their project Ndoo please allow me to express AFN Regional Chief, Yukon Tr’eedyaa Gogwaandak (Forward D 2166 – 2nd Avenue Together): Vuntut Gwitchin Stories. my gratitude in The Circle magazine for Whitehorse, YK Y1A 4P1 the work it has done to unite our regions The project celebrates Gwich’in Email: [email protected] storytelling tradition and Indigenous and share information for the past two Ph: 867-393-9227 years. I look forward to the next step in Fax: 867-668-6577 language revitalization through the collaboration and information between production of a series of radio plays. our regions! Finally, a special acknowledgement to It is fitting that this last issue focuses on of kindness over the past spring and all the 2020 Graduates. Congratulations volunteerism and the message of hope summer that inspire me every day. to you all. This class is the epitome and inspiration volunteers provide to our of resilience, and that resiliency and We are fortunate to have some award- communities. As we know, leadership leadership is everything we need right winning volunteerism in the Yukon, as is more than a title or role – it is about now. As the world remains embroiled who you are and how you show up. I well. Particular congratulations go out to: in challenges and we continue to push draw inspiration from my community forward in this new rhythm, this is their members who are doing the heavy lifting • George Skookum, who was awarded moment to continue to carve a path on the ground. Showing up for our the Commissioner’s Award by the forward and model leadership for us all. neighbours is an inherent part of who we Commissioner of Yukon for his are as First Nations, and it is a privilege volunteer service during the National All these examples – from award winners to witness as a fellow leader and a citizen. Aboriginal Hockey Championships to the unsung heroes of our communities – embody the true spirit and leadership During the challenging times we are that took place in Whitehorse in navigating through the COVID-19 May 2019. George has a long history of #AYukonThatLeads. We continue to pandemic, volunteering has taken on of volunteering for youth sports, forge a path through to the new normal an even broader definition. Right now, including as a coach and volunteer in the midst of the pandemic, and it volunteering is taking place in formal board member for multiple sports remains critical that we are mindful volunteer programs across our territories, organizations. and aware of our physical and mental but it is also happening in the countless • Sommer Rose Mervyn, who was health. We are all experiencing these small acts of kindness that happen every awarded the Skookum Jim Friendship circumstances in different ways, and I day. Whether it’s sharing harvests with Centre Award for outstanding want to urge everyone to take advantage neighbours who are at risk for infection, volunteerism in her community. of the supports available in your providing childcare for a family member community. • Cole Elise, who was awarded the Sandi or friend or simply spending time Gleason Memorial Award for a high Gunalcheésh (thank you) and Dak’ànutà listening and connecting, I commend school graduate who plays hockey and everyone who has volunteered their own jè’ (take care)! shows leadership both on and off the ice. time to help someone during this difficult Kluane Adamek pandemic. Leadership is about showing • The Gwaandak Theatre and Vuntut Regional Chief for Yukon up, and I have witnessed countless acts Gwitchin Government, who received Assembly of First Nations

36 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020

ABOUT US About the AFN

he Assembly of First CHRONOLOGY OF Nations (AFN) is a national NATIONAL CHIEFS advocacy organization representing First Nations citizensT in Canada, which includes Walter Dieter more than 900,000 people living in (born May 31, 1916; died Sept. 7, 1988) was a Cree member 634 First Nations communities and in of the Peepeekisis Indian Band in Saskatchewan. Mr. cities and towns across the country. Dieter was one of the founders of the National Indian Brotherhood and served as the first National Chief from First Nations leaders (Chiefs) direct 1968 to 1970. the work of the AFN through resolutions passed at Chiefs Assemblies, which are held at least twice per year. The AFN National Executive is made up of the (born Feb. 21, 1921; died Nov. 15, 1989) was a member of National Chief, 10 Regional Chiefs and the chairs of the Knowl- the Shuswap Nation of the Neskonlith Indian Band in edge Keepers, Women’s and Youth councils. Regional Chiefs British Columbia. are elected every three years by Chiefs in their regions. Chiefs, who are elected by the citizens and members of their respective communities, elect the National Chief every three years. (born Sept. 26, 1946; died Apr. 15, 2019) was a Cree member The role of the National Chief and the AFN is to advocate on of the Starblanket in Saskatchewan. In behalf of First Nations as directed by Chiefs-in-Assembly. 1971, he was elected Chief of his community at the age This includes: of 24 – the youngest Chief in Canada at the time. • facilitation and coordination of national and regional discussions and dialogue; is a member of the Chippewas of the Thames reserve • advocacy efforts and campaigns; • legal and policy analysis; in Ontario. • communicating with governments; and • relationship building between First Nations and the Crown (born Jul. 28, 1933; died Mar. 12, 2010) was a Cree member as well as between both public and private sectors and the of the Ahtahkakoop Indian Reserve in Saskatchewan. general public. George Erasmus is a member of the Dene Nation in the A Declaration of Northwest Territories. FIRST NATIONS is Cree from Grand Rapids, Manitoba. He began his role as We, the Original Peoples of this land, know the Creator a political advocate for First Nations in the late 1960s. put us here. The Creator gave us laws that govern all our relationships is a Cree member of the Mistissini Cree Nation in to live in harmony with nature and humankind. northern Quebec.

The laws of the Creator defined our rights and responsibilities. is Ojibwe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. The Creator gave us our spiritual beliefs, our languages, our culture and a place on which provided Shawn A-in-chut Atleo us with all our needs. is a Hereditary Chief from the Ahousaht First Nation in B.C. We have maintained our freedom, our languages and our traditions from time immemorial. Perry Bellegarde (Current) We continue to exercise the rights and fulfill the responsi- is a Cree member of the Little Black Bear First Nation in bilities and obligations given to us by the Creator, for the Saskatchewan. He served as Chief of the Federation of land upon which we were placed. Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. He has also served The Creator has given us the right to govern ourselves and the right to self-determination. as the Tribal Chair of the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and Councillor and Chief of Little Black The rights and responsibilities given to us by the Creator Bear First Nation. He was elected AFN National Chief on cannot be altered or taken away by any other Nation. December 10, 2014.

38 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 www.afn.ca 39 AROUND TURTLE ISLAND By Christine Miskonoodinkwe-Smith

“Notorious Cree” teaches Indigenous culture through TikTok In the thick of the country’s lockdown in March, Jones – otherwise known as “Notorious Cree” – started making videos on the popular video app TikTok about Cree culture, traditions and teachings that he could share with a wider audience. What started out as something to pass the time quickly turned into a lifestyle for this rising influencer. “For so long and even today our voices are not really heard on a lot of platforms,” Jones told APTN News. “We’re not really in any of the mainstream media a lot of times, so you know a lot of people, they kind of forget Indigenous people are still here, they’re strong and there’s a lot to us, so I think it is important to share my culture.” Jones, who hails from Tallcree First Nation, makes a variety of content including comic sketches, Indigenous hoop dances and personal messages to share with his audience. To date, he has amassed a following of more than 600,000 people, and that number continues to rise daily.

Ground-breaking agreement signed to map out funding for First Nations child welfare overhaul A ground-breaking agreement signed in early July by Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller and AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will bring about much-needed discussions about how the government plans to fund an overhaul of the First Nations child welfare system. The need for a First Nations-led child welfare system is an essential move for the well-being of all First Nations communities, especially those who want to assume the responsibility of caring for their children. This agreement was made after the Trudeau government passed Bill C-92 last year, officially known as An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, aiming to reduce the number of children in care.

40 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 AROUND TURTLE ISLAND

B.C. housing project New framework allows connects elders and for new First Nations-led youth in Kamloops service delivery Kikekyelc: A New Place of Belonging is a new housing project in Kamloops, B.C. that aims A recent framework agreement signed in June to connect First Nations Elders with youth who between the and the have been part of the child welfare system. The new Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) housing project opened on September 1, 2020, and can will allow for the transfer of water and wastewater services house up to 26 youth aged 16 to 27, as well as from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to the AFNWA. This five Elders. agreement will affect 15 First Nations communities in The $4.7 million project is a first for Lil Michef Atlantic Canada. Otipemisiwak Family and Cultural Services (LMO), The framework agreement explains both the negotiation who hope this project will help youth transition process and the roles and responsibilities of both parties for from care to independence by giving them access the transfer. This framework agreement will advance a new to the onsite Elders to encourage healthy living First Nations-led service delivery model, which is a huge step and engagement with whatever substance abuse towards self-determination, giving First Nations more control counselling they need. According to Housing and over services in their communities. Youth Team Leader Seanna Proulx, connecting youth to Elders will in turn connect them to their culture, a The AFNWA is aiming for full autonomous operations by relationship they would have missed while in the child Spring 2022. Once the transfer is complete, the AFNWA will welfare system. assume responsibility and liability for water and wastewater services to over 4,500 households and businesses on reserves across Atlantic Canada. New marine facility in the works At the end of June, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Pacheedaht First Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of a multipurpose marine facility in Port Renfrew, B.C. This MOU is part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing efforts to renew their relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. The primary goal of the new facility is to provide marine search-and-rescue and environmental response services, as well as to strengthen their marine safety and response capacity in the Juan de Fuca Strait, located along the border between Canada and the U.S. Chief Jeff Jones of Pacheedaht First Nation said, “The construction of the Marine Safety Centre in our territory has been a vision of the Nation for many years. It will help Pacheedaht exercise a greater role in protecting and managing the 112km of marine coastline, vast territorial waters and abundant resources.”

www.afn.ca 41 AROUND TURTLE ISLAND Petition to honour Tommy Prince on new banknote redesign Tommy Prince, the most decorated Indigenous soldier in Canadian history, has been selected as one of over 600 eligible nominees to be featured on the next Canadian five-dollar bill. He was an Indian residential school survivor and fought in the Second World War and Korean wars. Later in life, he was forced to sell his war medals in order to help him survive. A petition to consider Prince for the redesign started after the deadline for nominations passed back in March. James Bezan, Conservative MP for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman – where Prince once lived – was one of seven MPs that started the petition. “He represents the best ideals of bravery and contribution and sacrifice, as well as needing to tell a story about reconciliation and systemic racism…and he encapsulates all that in just his story,” Bezan said. Prince’s face on the new bill could be a symbol for equality. He believed in equal rights for all Indigenous people across the country and in the U.S. The final selection will be announced by the Bank of Canada in early 2021.

Eskasoni First Nation launches new company to bring community high-speed Internet Yukon First Eskasoni First Nation has announced that they are starting their own telecommunications company, Eskasoni Communications, in order to Nation aims bring high-speed fibre optic Internet to the community. The new company will partner with Seaside Communications to make the project possible. to bring solar The project has been in the works for the past five years. The band council has power to made numerous calls and trips to both Ottawa and Halifax to bring the project to fruition. Community members are pleased about the project and are excited community for it to reach completion. The pandemic has required more people to depend on an internet system that is unreliable and leaves many residents resorting to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Old hotspots in order to get online. Crow, Y.T. is working on a project to get Eskasoni Communications is planning to start installing the fibre optics in homes solar power running to the community’s by the beginning of December. grid, supplementing the current diesel generator system. Complications from the pandemic have broken the project down into three phases. Though it will still be months before the project reaches Phase Three, the solar panels are expected to reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel by 189,000 litres a year. For a fly-in community that has no outside road system, obtaining fuel can be expensive and this solar power project could potentially save the community millions of dollars. The solar project will also be one of the largest generation projects across the Circumpolar North. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will own and operate the solar project in a 25-year purchase agreement with ATCO Electric and the Yukon Government. If all goes well, the community will be able to switch to green energy next summer.

42 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS COUNCIL

Report from the Knowledge Keepers

ince the inception of the National Indian Brotherhood • Quebec/Labrador representative and the transition to the Assembly of First Nations William Sunday, Akwesasne Reserve (AFN), there has always been a place of honour • New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island representative and distinction for Elders that is evident within Eldon Bernard, Tobique First Nation Sthe Charter of the Assembly of First Nations. The AFN Knowledge Keepers Council (“the Council”) provides both • Nova Scotia/Newfoundland representative spiritual and political guidance to the AFN. During the past Phyllis Googoo, Waycobah First Nation. 38 years, AFN’s leadership has relied upon the historical and cultural knowledge of the Council, especially in matters relating Key Activities and Accomplishments to Treaty rights and First Nations governance, and this role In the past year, the Council met at the AFN Annual General continues today. Assembly and the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly to discuss The Council includes representatives from each of AFN’s issues and challenges facing the Council and to bring together 10 regions. The Council continues to play an important role in new ideas. all facets of the AFN and its operations. The Council are the keepers of our traditions, values, languages The Knowledge Keepers are: and history. They are guides to our leadership and future leaders. They speak with honour and a great deal of pride. • British Columbia representative The Council will always encourage First Nations leaders and Dr. Gwendolyn Point, Skowkale First Nation champions through continuing to enlighten and inform forums, • Yukon representative such as Chiefs Assemblies, through their experiences, issues, Charles Hume, Champagne and Aishihik First Nation successes and challenges. It is all of our responsibilities to ensure prosperity and the safety of the little ones, just as our • Northwest Territories representative John Bekale, Gamètì ancestors did for us. • Alberta representative The Council continues to engage with other Elders in their Bruce Starlight, Tsuut’ina Nation regions to share information and to communicate national messages to the grassroots. • Saskatchewan representative Joseph Quewezance The Council participated in the National Gathering of Elders that was held in Winnipeg, Man. on September 9-13, 2019. • Manitoba representative Members of the Council actively participated in several Ernie Daniels, Long Plain First Nation discussion panels throughout the three-day gathering, which • Ontario representative included ceremony, reconciliation, language and culture, Edmond Sackaney, Fort Albany First Nation MMIWG, climate change and children and family.

www.afn.ca 43 YOUTH COUNCIL

Amplifying Youth Voices During COVID-19

Cedric Gray-Lehoux, co-chair of the AFN-NYC, from Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation he Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council (AFN-NYC) is a key component of the AFN, representing First Nations youth across the country and advocating for issues that impact them on a dailyT basis. The AFN-NYC is an advisory body that provides opportunities for youth to engage in important issues such as languages, life promotion, mental wellness, healthy lifestyles, climate action, culture and education. The AFN-NYC operates as a 20-member council of First Nations youth from each of the 10 AFN regions. The two current co-chairs are Cedric Gray-Lehoux and Rosalie LaBillois. NEXT STEPS – The AFN-NYC meets virtually, once a month, to communicate MOVING FORWARD their regional updates and priorities to the national level and to The AFN-NYC 2020-2021 priorities include: bring the national updates back to the youth in their regions. • Continue to meet internally over Zoom to push priorities Members of the AFN-NYC have been attending online AFN forward and increase the AFN-NYC profile via social media, Chiefs Committee meetings and working groups to amplify the • Collaborate with the AFN Knowledge Keepers Council, youth voice and advocate for supporting young people during Women’s Council and Veterans Council, these times. • Maintain a visible and substantial presence within the Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the AFN- AFN Secretariat and Executive and its various events, NYC have been undertaking important volunteer work in their sub-committees and working groups, communities. Some of this work includes monitoring roadblocks, • Advocate for First Nations youth involvement in all aspects assisting with preparing care packages for community members of the environment (i.e. protection of lands and waters), and getting groceries to Elders. Now more than ever, young, • Support national and local initiatives on mental wellness and emerging leaders are playing a significant role in keeping our life promotion activities, Peoples safe. Working closely with the AFN Health Sector, the AFN COVID Task Team and external organizations such as • Create a campaign that focuses on restorative justice within We Matter, Canadian Roots Exchange and the Thunderbird #BlackLivesMatter, and Partnership Foundation, the AFN-NYC have been busy • Establish a youth-focused education plan for the providing input on youth-friendly ways to convey the importance implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the of social distancing on and outside of social media. Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

44 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 WOMEN’S COUNCIL

Engagement on the Development of a NATIONAL ACTION PLAN to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA

n June 2, 2019, the Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA (“the National based, trauma-informed and provides Commissioners of the Action Plan”). participants with appropriate cultural National Inquiry into and health supports. The work of the The development of the National Action Missing and Murdered AFN Women’s Council is supported by Plan was delayed due to factors such OIndigenous Women and Girls released Resolution 67/2019 “Development and as the COVID-19 pandemic. In the their final report. The final report, Implementation of a National Action Plan summer of 2020, the federal government entitled Reclaiming Power and Place, is on Violence Against Indigenous Women, announced the creation of a core working a two-volume report and includes 231 Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA.” The focus group and sub-working groups which are recommendations and Calls for Justice to of the engagement sessions will be on responsible for guiding the development end violence against Indigenous women, developing a vision for a First Nations- of the National Action Plan. girls and 2SLGBTQQIA. Following led National Action Plan to end violence the release of the final report, the The AFN Women’s Council has against Indigenous women, girls and federal government committed to the launched a National Action Plan 2SLGBTQQIA people, and on identifying development of A National Action Plan to Engagement Process, which uses a immediate action to be taken supporting End Violence Against Indigenous, Women, family-first approach that is distinctions prevention activities and initiatives.

www.afn.ca 45 COVID-19 TASK FORCE

COVID-19: Our Work Continues By Regional Chief Paul Prosper

hile the global COVID-19 pandemic has brought officials at Indigenous Services Canada (including the First Nations uncertainty and challenges, First Nations Inuit and Health Branch) and the Public Health Agency of have worked hard and made great sacrifices to Canada to identify needs and ensure that regions are provided with minimize the impacts of this disease in their funding resources, health data and related information to support Nations.W Colonial and racist structures, systems and policies their pandemic responses. continue to impact First Nations well-being. Factors such While AFN continues to advocate for First Nations Peoples and as higher rates of underlying medical conditions, remote First Nations leadership continues the groundwork to support their community access challenges, lack of access to health services citizens, First Nations individuals are doing their part through and health care resources, inadequate housing, lack of clean their everyday actions. To protect their Elders and their Nations, drinking water and lower socio-economic status make First individuals are staying home when sick, practicing physical Nations particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. The AFN distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, limiting large gatherings COVID-19 National Task Force (“the C-19 Task Force”) was and wearing a mask inside public spaces. Everyone must continue established by the AFN Executive Committee to ensure First to be vigilant and cautious. Nations needs were addressed during the pandemic. The C-19 Task Force engages in dialogue with experts, leadership and First Nations to share information, identify priority areas and advocate for the funding and relationships required to support self-determination and to strengthen the ability of First Nations leadership to respond to the current pandemic, prepare for a potential second wave and move forward into a new reality stronger than before. Supporting this work are the Data, Reopening and Pandemic Plan working groups. Through drawing on experts in the field, these working groups are building a knowledge base of experiences and issues faced by First Nations during the pandemic to date and are using this information to inform and develop advocacy tools. In addition to the efforts of the C-19 Task Force, the policy sectors of AFN are continuing their advocacy efforts with the

46 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 COVID-19 TASK FORCE

INTERVIEW WITH SPRING DAWN COOK AKIWENZIE Community Health Nurse, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, Ont., July 31, 2020.

Q. What is Nawash First Nation doing about the COVID-19 pandemic? Nawash First Nation is giving away health items – masks, mental health resources, training on naloxone kits, hand sanitizers. Nawash has a population of around 750 – a high population of Elders. Protecting Elders and members of the community is the main priority. Information is given out with mailed flyers as well as Facebook, and a security checkpoint was set up at the boundary to limit traffic to members and essential supplies only. Q. How is the community responding to the pandemic? The community has ordered public health measures – social distancing, masks, sanitizers and closing the border except for supplies and essential services for a while. Food vouchers have been sent out to band members periodically, and there is expanded hours for the food bank. There is a high need for mental health resources – isolation, addiction issues within the community and a few overdoses have negatively impacted community members. Resources are available for people with addictions, and programs for people supporting family and friends with addictions. Programs offered at the health centre include immunization, home and community care and programs for Elders and children. We are always looking for best ways to support our community in isolation and creating settings outside for people to safely socially distance to get resources and access to health care. Q. What does the community need? A treatment facility within community is needed. When people go away for treatment, they come back to the same experiences. Continuity in messaging with the community is always a challenge as well. Q. What traditional initiatives/resources are offered? There is a community medicine garden, with sage, mullen, sweetgrass, tobacco and more.

www.afn.ca 47 EDUCATION

Changing the Way We Learn Through Resilience, Adaptation and Volunteerism

he Assembly of First Nations not every family has a strong internet over the coming months. For him, (AFN) continues to advocate for connection or a device for every member. connecting virtually with materials and increased and sustainable post- Students may need to work around their research has already been an integral secondary education resources family’s household schedule to access part of his education and learning andT learning opportunities through their education. process. His school, like many others, community-based programming. Amidst will be working to ensure that all course For many students, being away from their COVID-19, students and youth are materials are available online, so that student networks, or perhaps not being adapting for the upcoming year. They’re students everywhere will be able to access also exploring innovative ways to give able to create a network in their first the resources necessary to continue back to their communities by using their year, might also pose a challenge. James their studies. educational and traditional backgrounds. responds that although students might be physically apart from each other, there “I’ve been able to succeed in terms of As for post-secondary students, they’re are alternative ways to build connections. planning ahead,” says James when asked aware that life will look different this James states that virtual networks act about flexibility. He stresses that “it’s year. In a discussion on post-secondary as strong ways to stay together. “We are about a work-life balance.” Though it 1 concerns, James , a First Nations student supportive of each other,” he says of the may be tough, defining a new school from Northern Ontario who is entering recent months spent virtually connecting routine will be vital for continued success. his fifth year of studies, expresses that with fellow classmates. But students are not alone in this matter. there will be many new challenges to face during the school year. He explains In terms of addressing these challenges, Juliana, a recent Batchewana First that in the case of many First Nations, James explains that tuning in with Nation graduate, highlighted how online learning and connectivity will pose time management will be an important First Nations can support students challenges for students. For example, skill that students will need to develop who are finding alternative ways to

48 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 EDUCATION learn. She explains that both K-12 and During the pandemic, she delivered care Though this school year will present post-secondary students may look to packages to Elders in her First Nation. many new challenges, it also presents alternative ways of learning outside “Seeing those Elders’ faces and [seeing] opportunities for growth and new the classroom. that they knew someone was taking care learning. Students have continuously of them was really important to me,” says shown that they are resilient and A great example of a space for alternative Juliana as she reflects on her experience. adaptable. However, it’s important that learning is the Indigenous Garden in Caring for the community is time well they remember to care for themselves, Kelowna, B.C. Justen, an Okanagan invested and well spent. as well. Indian Band First Nation graduate and employee at the Indigenous Garden, For post-secondary students, remote As Juliana says, “Self-care and self-love is explains that the space is used not only as learning might be challenging. Juliana’s a revolution. All of that work is valid.” a community garden, but also as a space advice to students is to “find what keeps to revitalize traditional foods, medicines, you whole and what keeps you grounded.” 1 An alias is used for anonymity purposes. language and culture. The Indigenous Garden has hosted guided tours for K-12 and post-secondary school groups, creating a space for on-the-land learning. “It’s great for curriculum…My goal is to have students volunteer and work with the garden,” Justen explains. He believes the outdoor space can “change what the classroom looks like.”

THOUGH THIS SCHOOL YEAR WILL PRESENT MANY NEW CHALLENGES, IT ALSO PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND NEW LEARNING.

It is evident that students can use their education to give back in different ways. For example, James explained that students and graduates can offer their expertise by researching and providing advice to their First Nations with what they’ve learned through their schooling. “You don’t have to volunteer your time in [a] physical presence,” he says. Similarly, Juliana expresses that there is an importance for students to create and participate in a network of support and that building community is important volunteer work. She gives the examples of connecting through beadwork or learning about traditional medicines as ways to connect to each other and to culture.

www.afn.ca 49

ENVIRONMENT

Volunteerism: Greening-the-AFN Committee at the AFN National Office

irst Nations have long been by staff members to lessen their impacts studies have shown that disposable masks recognized as environmental on the environment include drying contain micro-plastics that have long- leaders who have an ancestral laundry outdoors, which decreases energy term harmful effects to the environment. commitment and responsibility consumption. Others are choosing to Many of these masks can already be Fto Mother Earth. Many feel a deep- purchase clothes second-hand. This helps seen along roadsides or floating in seeded connection with nature and all to reduce waste and subsequent impacts our waters. that it encompasses. This traditional to landfills. Still others have sought out interconnectedness with all living things and have purchased foods from local The efforts of the Greening-the-AFN led to the formation of the Greening- farmers, which has a two-fold effect: Committee have shown that no matter the-AFN Committee. Created by the buying local not only helps to grow the where we are, whether it is working Assembly of First Nations (AFN) local economy during this difficult time, from home or in the office, we all have Environment Sector, this voluntary but it also helps to lessen our carbon a responsibility to protect Mother group is comprised of AFN staff from footprint by decreasing the distance food Earth. If people are willing, changes are across various sectors at the National travels from farm to plate. AFN staff possible, and these small changes can be Office. Its primary mandate is to discuss, are a truly remarkable group! They have accomplished in a good way that does not promote, educate and create actionable shown that despite the dramatic impacts need to be challenging or burdensome ways in which the AFN National Office caused by COVID-19, we are all still to implement. can shift towards a greener and more capable of doing our part. environmentally friendly workplace, while Whether you are just beginning to notice In addition to meeting monthly, the also taking initiatives at home. the impacts of climate change and Greening-the-AFN Committee members want to make a difference or you are a Although AFN staff have been working produce a monthly newsletter that is seasoned activist committed to saving remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, distributed to all AFN staff. In their Mother Earth, the Greening-the-AFN the committee has not let this time of spare time, these dedicated volunteers Committee is an inclusive space that uncertainty deter the positive momentum pull together interesting articles, tips and encourages and promotes our shared and good work completed to date. The tricks for others to read at their leisure. committee meets monthly via video call The newsletter is light, entertaining and responsibilities to ensure the health, well- to discuss a diverse set of issues relating meant to encourage an environmentally being and protection of Mother Earth for to the environment. Admittedly more conscious mindset for all. Recently, the seven generations to come. Perhaps there challenging during the global pandemic, committee has organized a “show us your are similar groups in your community AFN staff have proven that we, the best reusable mask” campaign, which or workplace? If not, perhaps this is caretakers of Turtle Island, can all still encourages staff to use reusable rather something that you’d like to start? For strive to live sustainably by making small than disposable masks. the more information, please contact our changes in the way we live our daily billions of masks that might be thrown National Climate Change Coordinator, lives. Some examples of actions taken away each day around the world, while Jamie Lavigne, at [email protected].

52 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 LANDS AND RESOURCES

A Review of the Specific Claims Policy

he Specific Claims Policy is the federal alternative to States shall establish and implement, in conjunction with court for First Nations seeking to settle grievances Indigenous peoples concerned, a fair, independent, impartial, against the Crown, usually for past breaches of Treaty open and transparent process, giving due recognition to obligations or misuse of First Nations funds, assets Indigenous peoples’ laws, traditions, customs and land Tor lands. tenure systems, to recognize and adjudicate the rights of Since the 1940s, First Nations have been advocating for a fair Indigenous peoples pertaining to their lands, territories and and fully independent process to address their claims, noting resources, including those which were traditionally owned that the Crown assesses the validity of claims using its own legal or otherwise occupied or used. Indigenous peoples shall have advice, manages the policies that fund claims development and the right to participate in this process. negotiation and determines which claims will be negotiated The current process is inconsistent with the UN Declaration or rejected. and the Honour of the Crown; this process is a key principle These concerns have been the subject of countless studies, which the Supreme Court of Canada notes is always at stake Parliamentary reviews, Auditor General reports and between Canada and First Nations and perpetuates conflict overwhelming criticism, and they are reflected by a large of interest. backlog of unresolved claims and large numbers of dispossessed In 2016, following a legislated five-year review of the Specific Indigenous lands, territories and resources. Claims Tribunal Act and a 2016 report of the Office of the Since 2016, the Federal Government has repeatedly stated that Auditor General, Canada committed to work jointly with the its most important relationship is with Indigenous Nations and Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to substantively reform the that reconciliation is a key priority. If reconciliation is indeed specific claims process and policy. the objective, then finally addressing First Nations concerns While the initial focus was on reforming the existing process, with Canada’s Specific Claims Policy and process is critical. First Nations made it clear they expected more than 1 The Honour of the Crown demands a new approach to claims incremental change. Chiefs-in-Assembly passed AFN Resolution resolution – one that is fair, timely and independent. 91-2017, Support for a Fully Independent Specific Claims Process, The minimum standard is outlined in Article 27 of the United calling for the creation of a fully independent process with “the Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“the goal of achieving the just resolution of Canada’s outstanding UN Declaration”): lawful obligations through good faith negotiations.”

www.afn.ca 53 LANDS AND RESOURCES

In 2019, the AFN carried out nine regional dialogue sessions with First Nations and accepted written submissions, asking what an independent specific claims process should look like. First Nations and their representative organizations again echoed the concern that the existing process represents a fundamental imbalance and “implicitly sanctions…inequality, perpetuates injustice and maintains a colonial relationship based on an imbalance of power.”2 Further, “incremental changes to the existing system are not acceptable.”3 One of the key counterpoints raised by defenders of the existing process is that the Specific Claims Tribunal ensures independence. But while the Tribunal was a positive step forward, it only responds to one element of independence – adjudication – and does not address claims outside the Tribunal’s jurisdiction. The Tribunal is also inherently limited by a financial cap imposed by the Crown. There have been over 50 different reports and official statements, including by Canada’s own institutions, which identify the conflict of interest within the specific claims process as the primary impediment to achieving resolution and justice. The current effort by AFN is only the latest of many, and unless it results in something approaching the minimum standard laid out in the UN Declaration, there are sure to be several more in the future. Reconciliation demands that First Nations and Canadians stand together and echo a call that has been made for over 80 years and establish a fair and independent process to resolve outstanding First Nations claims against the Crown.

1 Supreme Court of Canada jurisprudence has begun to articulate the honour of the Crown doctrine and its continuous applications “[I]n all its dealings with Aboriginal peoples, from the assertion of sovereignty to the resolution of claims and the implementation of treaties, the Crown must act honourably.” Further, as a “core precept” that finds its application in “concrete practices” and gives rise to different duties in different circumstances (Haida Nation v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests), [2004] 3 S.C.R. 511 at paras. 16-18). Further, it is not a cause of action itself; rather, it speaks to how obligations that attract it must be fulfilled including, fiduciary obligations, treaty-making, treaty interpretation and treaty and statutory obligations (Manitoba Métis Federation v. Canada (Attorney General), 2013 SCC 14 at paras. 36, 73). Such treaty and statutory obligations are the domain of the Specific Claims Policy and Specific Claims Tribunal Act, S.C.2008, c. 22. 2 Ibid., p. 7. Similar undermining efforts were expressed by the Algonquin Nation Secretariat, December 12, 2019, at p. 2. 3 Anishinabek Nation, para. 7.

54 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 HEALTH Words from Aapooyaki (Bonnie Healy), Registered Nurse from the Kainai Nation

i! My (Blackfoot) name Alberta’s Ministry of Health, the Alberta of the virus in the community. The one is Aapooyaki. First Nations Information Governance Nation in the Centre (AFNIGC) and Indigenous United States, Amskapi Piikani, is still I am a trained Registered Services Canada (ISC) to launch the experiencing positive cases. All Blackfoot Nurse from the Kainai H Alberta First Nations COVID-19 Data Confederacy Nations support one another Nation, actively involved in our Dashboard in April 2020, available to all in their learned lessons and protocols. Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) ways of knowing. . My professional background is multi- The Blackfoot Confederacy Nations faceted, as I have worked in numerous All Blackfoot Confederacy Nations have utilized mixed media methods to deliver health capacities at the local, national experienced positive COVID-19 cases. evidence-based information to their and international levels. As the current We have lost two Elders in total: an members. This includes leadership Blackfoot Confederacy Health Director, Elder from the Kainai Nation (my uncle) providing video updates in Blackfoot I have been fortunate to present First and another prominent Elder from the on a regular basis, social media updates Nations research and community success Piikani/. to members, posters put up and LED stories to governments, institutions, signs are visible in the communities. The The Blackfoot Confederacy Nations First Nations communities and Blackfoot Confederacy was fortunate at were very quick to put protocols in non-profit organizations. the beginning of the pandemic. In early place and quickly respond to cases once March, the Blackfoot Confederacy held At the beginning of the COVID-19 they developed in the communities. All an impromptu COVID-19 panel with pandemic, the Blackfoot Confederacy Blackfoot Confederacy Nations quickly Health Directors from Siksika, Kainai, team quickly developed a position paper mobilized to train their health teams the Blackfoot Confederacy and the ISC with current data on all three Blackfoot to conduct their own testing, with the MOH. This panel addressed members in Confederacy Nations (Siksika, Piikani and Kainai Nation completing two rounds of attendance at the Blackfoot Confederacy Kainai Nation) in Canada and quickly household testing. The Siksika Nation Health Symposium with over mobilized and reached out to provide supported off-reserve members by quickly 300 attendees. support to our off-reserve members. containing a large outbreak of over 25 Essential supply gift cards were mailed cases and 250 households in quarantine, All Blackfoot Confederacy Nations out in early April 2020 and June 2020. which included off-reserve households. provided all levels of health care during Personal protective equipment (PPE) The was the last of the the pandemic. Mental wellness programs supplies were ordered and provided three nations to develop a small number were partly available. The closure of to members during Kainai’s annual of positive cases. Piikani put strict visitor treatment centres heavily impacted ceremonies and for students returning protocols in place, tested its members Blackfoot Confederacy Nations during to school. I worked in partnership with and was able to quickly stop the spread the pandemic.

www.afn.ca 55 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT First Nations Procurement and Economic Recovery During COVID-19

020 has been a challenging year for First Nations across We have been calling upon the the country. The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly federal government to improve its harmful to First Nations businesses with the economic procurement relationship with First Nations repercussions of mass closures, work stoppages and businesses. The current status of contracting stands at less than 2supply line shortages. The state of a depressed economy are not 1 per cent of all federal contracts secured by First Nations, new trials for First Nations. There are, however, added challenges Inuit, Métis and the businesses that self-identify as Indigenous. with the pandemic. First Nations people have once again shown First Nations businesses have raised concerns that the current tremendous resilience, adaptability and a willingness to work procurement system is difficult to navigate and disadvantageous together to get through the pandemic and create opportunities to them. A key missing component would be a centralized for economic recovery and procurement. database of First Nations businesses, with better navigational tools, more relevant data and easier access to contracts. Essential Procurement to this will be First Nations-led accountability and monitoring Procurement is the process of negotiating and fulfilling orders as well as increased communications. The Government of for goods and services. Ideally, this process should offer fair Canada has recently committed to increasing the Indigenous and equal opportunities for businesses to participate, but this procurement target to 5 per cent of all federal procurement – an is not always the case. First Nations businesses are poised to be important step in the right direction. major contributors in the procurement space. The AFN, along with Indigenous technical organizations, have been increasing Economic Recovery efforts to make sure changes to policy match up better with National Chief Perry Bellegarde and B.C. Regional Chief Terry these opportunities and follow the instructions of the National Teegee, portfolio holder, have advocated for the Government Resolution 38/2019 Increasing First Nations Procurement of Canada to provide adequate support measures and financial Opportunities and Benefits. First Nations businesses do, however, stimulus to help First Nations businesses weather the storm. face unique systemic barriers that have obstructed procurement The National Chief has also communicated the importance of potential in the past. Altogether there are disproportionate including First Nations businesses in federal supply chains in barriers when one considers socio-economic situations and response to the pandemic and has spoken to Ministers about the policies that were developed over generations. The AFN, with the inclusion of First Nations in existing and new strategies and guidance of the Chiefs Committee on Economic Development, planning and decision-making processes. has developed an evergreen discussion paper, Procurement in Canada: Possible Actions to Increase First Nations Opportunities For First Nations economic development, some of the greatest and Benefits, which outlines recommendations to increase priorities at this time are the economic recovery of First First Nations procurement opportunities. Some of these Nations businesses, individuals and the labour force in the recommendations include: wake of the pandemic. Many businesses have seen demand plummet since March, especially in the fisheries, tourism and • Undertaking an independent First Nations-led review and hospitality industries. The AFN participated on the COVID-19 action plan to review procurement. Task Force on Indigenous Business Response, which collected • Establishing a 5 per cent First Nations Federal Government information about the capabilities for some businesses to retool mandatory procurement target and increasing sole source to provide products, such as the much-needed personal protective thresholds for First Nations businesses. equipment (PPE), as well as to ask First Nations and other Indigenous businesses about the early issues they were facing. • Improving First Nations procurement data collection and reporting capabilities. A new approach to a First Nations economic strategy will be pivotal to support the recovery, sustainability and development • Increasing enforceability of procurement targets and First of the economy. Enhanced support will be needed for our Nations-led monitoring of the targets. access to all sectors, including agriculture, farming, dairy, • Improving international trade procurement opportunities. energy, forestry, mining, tourism, fisheries, social economy and other sectors. As part of the overall work, efforts will also • Establishing a comprehensive First Nations need to be placed on continuing towards renewable sources of business marketplace. clean energy and supporting the green economy. This time of • Fulfilling the procurement recommendations that benefit economic recovery is an important opportunity for a green shift First Nations businesses that were provided by the Standing in industry, to “build back better” and include an emphasis on Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. sustainability and environmental stewardship.

56 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020

58 Photo credit: Roy Alexander f nieosadlclfo ytm.TeSpeeCuto of Indigenous andlocalfood SupremeCourt systems.The of thecriticalimportance chains, thepandemichasremindedusof With tolarge-scale food majordisruptions productionandsupply languages andlaws that areintrinsictotheseactivities. Nations arerevitalizingFirst theirfood systems, aswellthe subsistence andfood security. time, Duringthisextraordinary traditional ways infishingandhuntingactivities andpartake for actively encouraged communitytoreconnectwiththeir members theircommunities,Nations leaders First and food securityof andvegetable aboutthehealth,safety fruit Concerned farms. over thepastfewmonthsinmeat-processing plants,aswell T of HelpingEachOtherinTimesNeed NUU-CHAH-NULTH PRINCIPLE Living the Namgis members processing rockfish (snapper) at communitydock Namgis membersprocessingrockfish(snapper) FISHERIES The Circle W On top of this, Canada has seen a rash of outbreaks outbreaks this,Canadahasseenarashof On topof markets infood andcreating pricing. uncertainty production andsupply chains,shuttingdown viable he COVID-19 pandemichasseverely food disrupted inter I ssue 1 2020 ie fneed.“Myboys justhappened to befishing at thetime,” times of helpingeachotherin references theNuu-chah-nulth principleof Martin Vancouver Island.Inrecountingthiskinddeed,Chief fuel costsfor from thewesttoeastcoastof thelongjourney o-qui-aht covered nearly $800inassociated largely expenses, in emergency. during thelocalstate of Tla- traditional territory DonSvanvik toenter‘Namgis’ fromChief sought permission Moses Martin Nation. Followingo-qui-aht First protocols, Chief Tla- of electedChief MosesMartin, and James sonsof Martin, that madethedelivery thefishers Gary werebrothers Two of Day weekend. fishandchipsonMother’s for many toenjoy amealof freshcatch wasdistributedThe to277households,justintime the fishingboat withawelcomingsong and dance. at thedock togreet members by of their immensegratitude sendingagroup tothecommunity.ceremonial groundfish The ‘Namgis showed Nation delivered First Tla-o-qui-aht anestimated twotonnesof the Knowing thecommunity of wasindistress,threemembers Island,who passedawayCormorant inlate April 2020. a59-year-old including womanfromthecommunityvirus, on community. 30peoplehadtestedpositive for the Atotalof Nation madeahuge First impactintheremote Tla-o-qui-aht COVID-19 outbreak,agenerous gesture fromtheneighbouring Bay, Nation inAlert ‘Namgis First B.C. was dealingwitha salmon, halibut, tuna,crab, andseaweed. clams When the Pacific coast,theoceanprovides food andmedicinessuchas the For areasof Nations located First onandinsurrounding throughout Manitoba,Saskatchewan andtheNorth. will bedistributed tomorethan75Indigenous communities (a freshwater fish)productcaughtfrominlandlakes.The fish pickerel surplus initiative topurchaseup2.9millionpoundsof Foodfrom theSurplus Rescue afederalgovernment Program, In August 2020,FisherRiver CreeNation received $11million andtheimmunocompromised. and fishingwiththeirElders Nations inManitobaaresharingtheirbountyfromhunting Territories andtheO-Pipon-Na-PiwinSapotaweyak Cree theDeneNation intheNorthwest pandemic. Communities of the arehelpingeachothertocountertheimpactsof country food Nations acrossthe securityissues,First In thefaceof landslide (“BigBar”)that blocked fishpassage. Nations ininteriorB.C. were notablea tofishlastseason due to climate change For andnatural disasters. many example, First mismanagement, threatened by low asaresultof fishstocks Nations hasbeenincreasingly First years, thefood securityof restrictionsonaccessandharvesting.experience Inrecent conservation. Andyet, many Nations continue First to of and commercialfisheriescanonly belimited for thepurpose and ceremonialfisheries must beprioritized over recreational Nations that righttofood, theFirst Canada hasruled social

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Photo credit: Roy Alexander Photo credit: Roy Alexander www.afn.ca FISHERIES 59 HOUSING

Transforming First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Systems

irst Nations housing has long been affected by the shadow of colonial policies, barriers in the Indian Act and top-down federal Fapproaches. Addressing the legacy of colonialization requires new ways and means towards sustainable housing and reliable infrastructure. The National First Nations Housing and Related FIRST NATIONS HOUSING AND Infrastructure Strategy (“the Strategy”) provides a historic opportunity to change INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL current housing and related infrastructure IN BRITISH COLUMBIA governance and delivery into systems that are relevant, innovative, effective, The First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Council in British Columbia (FNHIC-BC) sufficiently funded and managed from a is championing the way towards care and control of their housing and infrastructure. First Nations perspective. Under a mandate from the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, the First Nations Summit and Mandates to transfer authorities has B.C. Assembly of First Nations, the FNHIC-BC was established in 2017 to create a First already been set out in legislation in Nations housing and infrastructure authority in British Columbia. FNHIC-BC strives the Department of Indigenous Services to ensure the needs, perspectives and ideals of B.C. First Nations are meaningfully Act 2019, directing Indigenous Services considered through ongoing engagement and discussion. The “By First Nations, for Canada (ISC) to work collaboratively and First Nations” model of building a Housing and Infrastructure Authority will lead to advance First Nations self-determination transformed housing, infrastructure governance and delivery systems of responsibility, in the delivery of services, including funding and program delivery and services. housing and infrastructure. The transfer With a team of First Nations housing and infrastructure sector leaders, FNHIC-BC of services from the federal government is will build an authority that will provide the opportunity for First Nations and/or Tribal not about devolution processes, but rather Councils to design and deliver programs and services that suit their needs. First Nations assuming authority. The Since 2017, FNHIC-BC has worked with federal and provincial governments to find transfer of authority means handing over ways to collaborate across the jurisdictions – a historical obstacle in advancing First responsibility and control in decision- Nations housing and infrastructure. In 2019, FNHIC-BC signed a Memorandum making and funding surrounding housing of Understanding with ISC that establishes a formal mandate for a collaborative, and infrastructure to First Nations – intergovernmental relationship. Together, they have set out a workplan towards autonomy and independence that was authority transfer. once lost. After completing two phases of engagements and interviews with First Nations Vital to the success of the Strategy is the leadership and housing and infrastructure personnel, FNHIC-BC has moved into Phase data to determine First Nations housing 3 (conducted entirely online due to COVID-19), where pathways towards transformation and related infrastructure needs. The are being explored. FNHIC-BC is holding a series of webinars aimed at informing data gathered across regions in 2018-2019 First Nations about many elements of transfer such as governance, finance, readiness, will be presented in a soon-to-be-released programs and services. The webinars are followed by regional report that will help shape the Strategy’s Zoom sessions, where feedback is gathered from First Nations. implementation and associated costs and FNHIC-BC is hearing a strong message about the need for provide an evidence-based argument for First Nations to move towards self-determination and self- sufficient and sustainable funding. A joint sustainability in housing and infrastructure. The momentum working group developed the Strategy continues as other regions develop their strategies and plans and Implementation Plan to serve as in this new era of systems that respect the inherent right of First guide for First Nations to develop their Nations to self-govern and determine their own future. own strategies and approaches in a way

60 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 HOUSING

that suits their needs, aspirations and timing. Regions and territories are already building their foundations toward the care and control of their housing and related infrastructure. We hope to highlight, now and in the future, those regions, territories and organizations that are proving that the legacies of colonization can be addressed through First Nations- driven strategies that transfer care and control when it comes to housing and related infrastructure.

ADDRESSING THE LEGACY OF COLONIALIZATION REQUIRES NEW WAYS AND MEANS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE HOUSING AND RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE.

Transforming First Nations housing systems will be complex and challenging (how housing will be funded and delivered, the way organizations will be structured, how services will be operated, etc.). First Nations deserve the opportunity to be accountable, innovative, bold and ambitious in realizing the outcomes that will make a difference in First Nations housing and community well-being.

www.afn.ca 61 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH PROFILE: Reforming First Nations Child and Family Services Funding

n September 2020, the Institute of Fiscal Studies and include community engagement, health, education and housing. Democracy (IFSD) presented a new approach to funding Taken together, these indicators will provide a holistic picture of and measuring the results of the First Nations Child and the well-being of First Nations children, families Family Services (FNCFS) program in Canada. This work and communities. Iwas overseen by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and First In January 2020, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Nations Child and Family Caring Society, in partnership with Métis children, youth and families came into force, affirming AFN’s National Advisory Committee on FNCFS First Nations’ rights to self-governance in FNCFS. However, Program Reform. this new legislation does not yet have funding to support it. The The IFSD report proposes a needs-based funding approach that legislation affirms that there must be a change in how FNCFS is addresses the known shortfalls in the way the FNCFS program funded to create long-term, positive outcomes for First Nations has historically been funded, as well as a framework to measure children and families that are sustainable and grounded in the well-being of First Nations children, their families and substantive equality. The bottom-up funding approach proposed communities. The new approach considers children’s well-being by the IFSD provides a model to reach this goal, defining in the context of their environment, including housing, water funding parameters to support the well-being of First Nations and poverty. In order to raise healthy and thriving First Nations children and families through equitable services and children, the communities they live in need to be healthy and First Nations control. thriving, too. The new approach is grounded in the unique experience of The funding approach seeks to address areas of need, instead FNCFS agencies, which understands first-hand the challenges of the current funding model that is driven by the number of FNCFS agencies face. The current funding model is driven children in care. FNCFS providers will be empowered to act in by the number of children in care in a top-down approach the best interests of children and families and to address needs that does not support First Nations-led decision making. The like prevention services and poverty. This new approach will proposed approach is built from the bottom-up and is driven by involve new data collection and accountability structures that indicators of well-being in the Measuring to Thrive framework. will take time to develop, in a process that must be Community need, performance and First Nations control are First Nations-led. core elements of the funding approach, which align to the new In order to better serve First Nations children, families and legislation. The proposed funding approach accounts for factors communities, FNCFS providers need to be able to holistically including poverty, prevention, geography, capital and fixed serve First Nations children and families in the context of assets, information technology and results. their community. The Measuring to Thrive framework supports The implementation of a new funding model and tool for better data collection and results by measuring what matters to measuring the well-being of First Nations children, families support improved well-being of children, families and communities will take time and must be led by First and communities. Nations. Transition will require partnership among all levels Examples of indicators for children include safety, development, of government. This collaboration will transform the FNCFS physical health and connection to culture and language. For system from one that is discriminatory and hindering for First families, indicators include income, social participation and Nations children and families to one that supports them participation in cultural traditions. For communities, indicators to thrive.

62 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 LANGUAGE

Volunteering: A Labour of Love

ery rarely do definitions to tanker traffic along the coast of Great include where an individual’s Bear Rainforest. commitment to a cause comes Hopkin’s passion for language made from, but it is often described news headlines in 2017. She was Minister asV their passion. It seems Owennatekha Miller’s language teacher and helped Brian Maracle’s passion began when him become one of a handful of non- writing about Indigenous issues for The Indigenous learners of Kanyen’kéha. His Globe and Mail and Indigenous media. words in Parliament echoed out to the He later hosted a long-running CBC roughly 3,500 Kanyen’kéha speakers. Radio program called Our Native Land Miller later commented in a CBC article throughout the 1980s and wrote two highly acclaimed books, for which he that he was worried he would fumble received the Six Nations Community his one-minute statement and “set the Treasure Award in 2008. relationship back by 100 years.” Instead, his success helped to pass the Indigenous THE PATH TO On top of his journalism and writing, Languages Act in 2019. Maracle began learning his language, LANGUAGE Kanyen’keha (or Mohawk). From this, he Minister Miller’s statement made another FLUENCY co-founded Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa, issue very clear: First Nations languages are not translated by House of Commons a school based on the Six Nations Grand Owennatekha Brian Maracle’s passion River territory, with a full-time adult interpreters. Manitoba MP Robert- Falcon Ouellette volunteered to provide about Onkwehonwe starts from language immersion program. The goal his desire to learn more about the an English translation for a statement he of the school: creating fluent speakers of language. For him, it is not just a made in Cree in the summer of 2017. Kanyen’keha. matter of word substitution; there are Maracle’s passion for language was This fall, consultations on implementing various ideas and differences between passed down to his daughter Hopkins key aspects from the Indigenous Onkwehonwe and English that words (whom he shares with Dora Hopkins of Languages Act (such as funding and cannot express. The structure and the Heiltsuk Nation). Hopkins began the establishment of an Office of the logic embedded in Onkwehonwe her career as a child actor in the 1991 Commissioner of Indigenous Languages) enables him to look at the world differently. feature drama Black Robe and later will take place. We hope to see the made her directorial debut at Sundance Indigenous Languages Act turn labours Brian commended that David with the 2004 short Prayer for a Good of love into paid work for First Nations Kanatawakhon-Maracle, a lecturer Day. Her first feature film, Kayak to translators, interpreters and educators, in the Indigenous Studies program Klemtu, explored Indigenous resistance like Maracle. at Western University, has lived a life of volunteerism, one built on To support, reclaim and revitalize of the foundation of Onkwehonwe Indigenous languages, First Nations revitalization. David developed a VOLUNTEER institutions are emerging across Big Mohawk Language Dictionary, which Turtle – similar to Onkwawenna is a useful guide to cultivate Mohawk (VOL-UN-TEER), NOUN: Kentyohkwa. Teaching methods center language speakers. around what they call the “root-words” When being asked for his advice for A PERSON WHO FREELY (or morphemes), rather than using how language starters can become OFFERS TO TAKE PART whole words. This empowers students to fluent speakers during the language think in the language faster in order to journey, Brian offers one useful tip: the IN AN ENTERPRISE say what they want to say. It also helps younger the better. Adults have much learners to understand words and to use harder time studying a language, OR UNDERTAKE A phrases they’ve never heard before. since they have immigrant way of Maracle has been both the Program thinking and they need to go inside SERVICE/TASK. Coordinator and an instructor for this the language and understand the program since 1999, and he isn’t ready to language mechanics. retire his passion just yet.

www.afn.ca 63 JUSTICE

A Global Pandemic WILL NOT STOP Our Work to Address Systemic Racism

ackling systemic racism in Canada has been one of the ways in which First Nations could be included in any legislative top priorities this year within the Assembly of First changes. For example, the introduction of Bill C-3 in January Nations (AFN) Legal and Justice Sector. Following 2020 proposed various changes to the Civilian Review and multiple occurrences involving the use of excessive Complaints Commission (CRCC), which keeps an eye on the forceT against First Nations peoples, AFN is advocating for several actions of the RCMP. AFN found that additional changes could institutional reforms to address systemic racism. AFN has been be made to increase the authority of the CRCC to carry out more actively working towards fostering justice and reconciliation in extensive investigations into allegations of excessive force or First Nations communities and throughout Canada by: unprofessional behavior. In addition, AFN advocated for the end • advocating for increased jurisdiction to police our own Nations, of profiling practices based on racial, religious or ethnic grounds. • pushing for more oversight of the RCMP, and The Legal and Justice Sector will continue to push for such • creating social supports for First Nations who have changes well into the new year and foreseeable future. experienced racism and discrimination in Canadian systems The Legal and Justice Sector has also been working in other and institutions. areas to address systemic discrimination. For example, in In July 2020, AFN was involved in the House of Commons September 2019, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security’s that Canada discriminated against First Nations children and study on racism within Canadian police forces. During this caregivers within the child welfare system while living on- meeting, British Columbia Regional Chief Terry Teegee spoke reserve or in the Yukon. AFN was a main party to the case and about numerous instances of racism against First Nations continues to advocate for First Nations children and caretakers Peoples by the RCMP and submitted AFN’s recommendations who were affected by this discrimination to ensure they receive for change. The top recommendation included accelerating the proper support. Addressing these issues is very important to the implementation of the 231 Calls to Justice of the National AFN, especially if they affect First Nations youth. Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people. AFN also advocated for the creation AFN has been working to meet the challenges that First Nations of a legislative framework in which Canada and AFN could peoples and communities face every day. We will continue to push establish alternative models of policing within First Nations for change in Canada’s law enforcement agencies as we advocate communities. These changes would ensure jurisdiction over our for self-determined policing on reserves and additional civilian own lands and peoples, based on our own legal orders and our oversight throughout the country. It has been a truly challenging own understandings of justice. year for most, especially as we navigate through COVID-19. As the need for civilian oversight within the RCMP and Canada However, as recent events have shown, tackling discrimination Border Services Agency entered the public eye, AFN studied the and racism requires our attention in any circumstance.

64 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 OP/ED

The Great Reset La Grande Réinitialisation

By/Par Perry Bellegarde

very crisis opens a door to a new normal, a haque crise ouvre une porte vers une nouvelle normalité, trajectory into unknown territory. While the un trajet vers un territoire inconnu. Si la pandémie de COVID-19 pandemic markedly highlights the fault COVID 19 met en évidence les failles de notre société, il lines in our society, there are signs, despite the existe des signes, malgré l’obscurité, d’un espoir durable. Edarkness, of lasting hope. Together we have an opportunity Ensemble,C nous avons l’occasion de définir la voie vers l’avenir que to define the path towards a future we want for the next nous souhaitons pour les sept prochaines générations. seven generations. Son , le prince de Galles, a tracé la voie à suivre pour His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, outlined the faire face aux retombées sociales et économiques de la pandémie path towards addressing the social and economic fallouts lors du dialogue de la Grande Réinitialisation (The Great Reset) du from the pandemic during the June 3, 2020 Great Reset 3 juin 2020 organisé par le Forum économique mondial, qui a été Dialogue hosted by the World Economic Forum, which retransmis en direct à plus de 225 000 participants dans le monde was livestreamed to over 225,000 participants worldwide. entier. Son Altesse Royale a souligné la nécessité de « faire évoluer His Royal Highness emphasized the need “to evolve our notre modèle économique et de placer les personnes et la planète au economic model and put people and planet at the heart of cœur de la création de la valeur mondiale ». En d’autres termes, Son global value creation.” In other words, His Royal Highness Altesse Royale propose de placer la nature « au cœur de notre mode proposes that nature must be placed “at the heart of how de fonctionnement », faisant ainsi écho à un principe fondamental we operate,” echoing a fundamental principle espoused by adopté par les gardiens du savoir traditionnel autochtones. Indigenous traditional Knowledge Keepers. Ce programme, intitulé la « Grande Réinitialisation », est l’occasion The plan, entitled The Great Reset, is an opportunity de faire une pause, de se repositionner et d’aligner nos valeurs to take pause, to reposition and to align our core values fondamentales sur notre compréhension renouvelée du monde. Au with our renewed understanding of the world. Earlier this début du printemps, Son Altesse Royale m’a demandé, en tant que spring, His Royal Highness asked me, as National Chief Chef national et leader autochtone, de participer à ce processus. and Indigenous Leader, to be a part of the process. That Cela signifie que je dois contribuer à un dialogue tourné vers l’avenir, means helping with a forward-oriented dialogue, building à l’établissement d’un consensus mondial sur les moyens de « global consensus towards ways we can “Build Back Better,” reconstruire en mieux », en donnant la priorité à nos communautés putting our communities and societies first and resetting our et à nos sociétés et en remettant à zéro notre mentalité collective. collective mindset. Son Altesse Royale, le prince de Galles, a toujours eu une His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, has always had relation profonde et respectueuse avec les Premières Nations du a deep and respectful relationship with First Nations Commonwealth et du monde entier. Il croit, tout comme moi, que throughout the Commonwealth and around the world. He nombre des réponses que nous cherchons peuvent être trouvées dans believes, as do I, that many of the answers we seek can les méthodes traditionnelles des peuples autochtones. Il y a encore be found in the traditional ways of Indigenous Peoples. de nombreux aînés et gardiens du savoir autochtones qui peuvent There are still many Indigenous Elders and Knowledge montrer la voie. Je considère que mon rôle est d’élever leur voix et Keepers who can lead the way. I see it as my role to lift up leur sagesse, pour aider à créer un monde plus sain. En tant que their voices and wisdom, to help create a healthier world. peuples autochtones, nous avons longtemps adopté une relation As Indigenous Peoples, we have long espoused a balanced équilibrée et harmonisée avec l’environnement et la nature, une and harmonized relationship with the environment and relation qui doit maintenant être élevée et montrée en exemple nature, a relationship that must now be elevated and shown comme voie à suivre. Notre compréhension de l’interdépendance to be the example of a path forward. Our understanding de tous les êtres avec la nature est un savoir fondamental transmis of the interconnectedness of all beings with nature is depuis des milliers d’années. En langue crie, nous utilisons le mot a foundational knowledge carried down for thousands « wâhkôhtowin » (lien vers un dictionnaire cri anglais), qui évoque of years. In Cree, we use the word wâhkôhtowin, which l’interconnexion de toutes choses et nos responsabilités envers tous speaks to the interconnectedness of all things and our ceux avec qui nous partageons le monde. Le mot « wâhkôhtowin »

www.afn.ca 65 OP/ED

responsibilities to all those that we share the world with. affirme notre passé collectif et reconnaît notre avenir collectif en tant Wâhkôhtowin affirms our collective past and recognizes que parents et famille. our collective future as relatives and as family. En tant que peuples résilients, les Premières Nations ont tracé de As resilient peoples, First Nations have been charting new nouvelles voies dans des domaines qui sont des exemples éclatants ground in areas that are shining examples of how we can de la façon dont nous pouvons progresser dans le cadre de la Grande move forward in The Great Reset. Across Canada, First Réinitialisation. Partout au Canada, les Premières Nations des Nations in rural, remote and urban locations are merging régions rurales, éloignées et urbaines fusionnent les connaissances traditional and local knowledge with western science- traditionnelles et locales avec les approches fondées sur la science based approaches, finding ways to leverage Indigenous occidentale, trouvant des moyens de tirer parti des visions du monde worldviews to respond to an uncertain future. autochtones pour répondre à un avenir incertain. Grâce à des investissements engagés, présentés dans le discours du Trône du premier ministre, et que j’ai longtemps demandés en tant que Chef national, nous pouvons commencer à construire des communautés durables à long terme. Ces investissements, ainsi que AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, l’engagement à combler le déficit d’infrastructures et de logements pour les Premières Nations, sont essentiels pour renforcer la résilience WE HAVE LONG ESPOUSED A collective. La Grande Réinitialisation a le potentiel de combler les lacunes en matière de connectivité numérique des Premières Nations, BALANCED AND HARMONIZED d’infrastructures communautaires, d’établissements d’enseignement, de logement et de services de santé, ce qui permettra d’accroître le RELATIONSHIP WITH THE potentiel économique non seulement de nos Premières Nations et de nos collectivités éloignées, mais aussi de l’économie canadienne dans son ensemble. Des initiatives telles que de nouveaux projets d’énergie ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE, propre et respectueux du climat contribueront à diversifier notre économie, en créant des emplois et des opportunités pour ceux qui en A RELATIONSHIP THAT MUST ont été privés pendant longtemps et qui en ont été systématiquement exclus. NOW BE ELEVATED AND SHOWN TO BE THE EXAMPLE OF A

PATH FORWARD. EN TANT QUE PEUPLES AUTOCHTONES, NOUS AVONS LONGTEMPS ADOPTÉ UNE RELATION

With committed investments, highlighted in the Prime ÉQUILIBRÉE ET HARMONISÉE AVEC Minister’s Throne Speech, which I had long advocated for as National Chief, we can begin to build long-term, L’ENVIRONNEMENT ET LA NATURE, sustainable communities. These investments, including the commitment to address the infrastructure and housing gap UNE RELATION QUI DOIT MAINTENANT for First Nations, are key to building collective resilience. The Great Reset has the potential to close gaps in First ÊTRE ÉLEVÉE ET MONTRÉE EN EXEMPLE Nations digital connectivity, community infrastructure, education facilities, health and housing needs, lifting the economic potential of not only our First Nations and COMME VOIE À SUIVRE. remote communities, but of the Canadian economy at large. Initiatives like new climate-positive, clean-energy projects will help to diversify our economy, creating jobs and opportunities for those long denied and systemically excluded. The Great Reset is a wake-up call, an opportunity to build more inclusive, sustainable societies that are more resilient La Grande Réinitialisation est un signal d’alarme, une opportunité to climate change and future pandemics. It goes without de construire des sociétés plus inclusives, plus durables et plus saying that this opportunity requires the leadership résistantes au changement climatique et aux futures pandémies. Il of Canada’s Prime Minister, who has committed to va sans dire que cette opportunité requiert le leadership du premier implementing the United Nations Declaration on the ministre canadien, qui s’est engagé à mettre en œuvre la Déclaration Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the foundation from which des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones, qui est le this path forward must be charted. fondement à partir duquel cette voie doit être tracée.

66 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 OP/ED

The Great Reset is an exciting opportunity for First La Grande Réinitialisation est une occasion passionnante pour les Nations, and for me personally, to support the way Premières Nations, et pour moi personnellement, de soutenir la voie vers towards a new beginning. Finding ways to live in un nouveau départ. Trouver des moyens de vivre avec la nature et en harmony with nature is to show Canadians and harmonie avec elle, c’est montrer aux Canadiens et au monde entier la the world the strength and richness of Indigenous force et la richesse du savoir autochtone. C’est l’occasion pour nous de Knowledge. This is our opportunity to change the changer notre façon d’envisager nos relations avec le capital naturel, les perspective of how we relate to natural capital, to ecosystems and to “the environment.” The key écosystèmes et « l’environnement ». La clé pour créer une dynamique to building momentum post-pandemic is to work post pandémique est de travailler ensemble en tant que peuple des together as Treaty people, founded in partnership, traités, fondé sur le partenariat, la reconnaissance mutuelle et le respect. mutual recognition and respect. And let me be clear: Et permettez moi d’être clair. En tant qu’humains, en tant qu’êtres à as humans, as the two-leggeds, our original Treaties deux pattes, nos traités initiaux ne concernaient pas que nous, mais were not only with one another but with all beings in tous les êtres du monde naturel lui même. Et maintenant, alors que nous the natural world itself. As we, together in this Great sommes engagés dans cette Grande Réinitialisation, que nous élevons Reset, lift up the voices of Indigenous Peoples and la voix des peuples autochtones et que nous reconnaissons acknowledge the wisdom of balance, harmony, peace de l’équilibre, de l’harmonie, de la paix et du respect, je crois que les and respect, I believe First Nations are showing us Premières Nations nous montrent comment nous pouvons suivre ce how we can walk this new path together and make our ancestors and descendants proud of what we did in this nouveau chemin ensemble et rendre nos ancêtres et nos descendants fiers challenging time. de ce que nous avons fait en cette période difficile. For more information on the Great Reset, go to: Pour plus d’informations sur la Grande Réinitialisation, consultez la www.weforum.org/great-reset. page : www.weforum.org/great-reset (en anglais).

www.afn.ca 67 COVER STORY

Portage la Prairie Bear Clan volunteers

THE BEAR CLAN PATROL How communities are keeping themselves safe

By Ashley Albert

he Bear Clan represents different PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MAN. prevent crime and increase wellness for all things for the different First Manon Timshel was hired as a part-time community members. Nations across Canada. For some, coordinator for the Portage la Prairie Bear “Bear Clan has this really unique ability to they are medicine people; for Clan Patrol in February 2020. She is the be flexible to the needs to the community. Tothers, they are protectors, or both. These only paid employee, and she manages the Our community was seeing a lot of gaps in are some of the principles that each Bear volunteers, develops programming and mental health care and addictions,” says Clan Patrol chapter incorporates into follows the direction of the Indigenous their organizations. Timshel. “A lot of people were looking Women’s Council and Elders. for a venue to really get involved in their Bear Clan Patrols are organized groups of The Winnipeg Bear Clan went to Portage community and really make a difference. volunteers that patrol the streets of different to help the new chapter find its footing. That’s what the Portage Bear Clan Patrol is cities. The first Bear Clan Patrol was formed Timshel explains that they were presented hoping to do.” in Winnipeg’s north end in 1992. It returned with a kit full of guidelines, policies, in 2015 after years of hiatus. According to Timshel works with a team of volunteers procedures, a constitution and the Winnipeg Bear Clan Patrol’s website, that help run the organization. The mission statement along with other the group aims to provide security within leadership committee is composed of the important information. the community “in a non-threatening, non- patrol captains and run the day-to-day violent and supportive way.” “Each Bear Clan Patrol chapter is self- operations with Timshel. There are currently sustained and independent. Our Bear Clan ten people on the leadership committee, This is the approach that two recently- volunteers are all local. It is the framework with a few open positions. The Indigenous formed Bear Clan Patrol chapters are also of the traditional Bear Clan that Winnipeg Women’s Council also helps oversee the taking. The chapter in Alberta and helped us set up,” says Timshel. chapter’s operations. the Portage la Prairie chapter in Manitoba have both been formed in the last few years. Last year, the newly-formed organization Currently, Portage Bear Clan is running While each Bear Clan chapter is independent held a community town hall where people three different types of programs. They from the original Winnipeg chapter, they in Portage weighed in on what they wanted patrol once a week on Fridays, during both used the same guideline handbook to to see from the Bear Clan Patrol. Citizens which they interact with people and hear start the Patrols in their cities. were looking for action that would help their concerns, pick up needles and glass

68 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 COVER STORY

and report dangerous incidents. They are nominate someone else to receive one. They are actively looking for more lucky to have a medical officer on their The care package delivery has become volunteers. The best way to learn more Indigenous Women’s Council that helps something akin to a wellness check. about Portage Bear Clan Patrol and to them with COVID-19 precautions. They get involved is to attend a patrol. All Their third program is the Needle Team also have a close working relationship with their patrols are posted to their website, program. There are currently ten members portagebearclan.org, as well as on posters the RCMP when they do the patrols. who have backpacks with a sharps around town. Volunteers must be over 18 Since the pandemic started, they have container, puncture-resistant gloves and years of age. developed a care package program. a Bear Clan vest. They have an on-call The community feedback and support has Every Wednesday evening, the Bear Clan system where if anyone finds a needle, been very positive, and they are gaining members deliver care packages to anyone they send a message and a member of the more renown each week. They are working who is in need. People simply sign up for Needle Team will respond and clean up the to keep up with COVID-19 changes and, the care package themselves or they can needle to remove that danger at any time. above all, they want to help and not hurt.

www.afn.ca 69 COVER STORY

CALGARY, ALTA. In mid-November 2019, volunteer Gitz Crazyboy put a call out to start a Bear Clan Patrol chapter in Calgary. The Bear Clan Patrol Calgary chapter also utilized the Winnipeg chapter’s guideline handbook in beginning their branch of the organization. The inaugural meeting of the Calgary chapter saw only seven members. Since then, a few individuals have stepped back and new members have joined. Maskwasis Boysis sits on the Council for the Calgary Bear Clan Patrol and is a Calgary Bear Clan Volunteers co-founder. They did their first patrol on November 22, 2019. “Patrols consists of carrying a Naloxone kit [and a] first aid kit and helping people who are on the street. We help anyone and not only Indigenous people,” says Boysis. For anyone who wishes to volunteer, the chapter posts when and where they are going to do patrol on their Facebook page: facebook.com/BearClanCalgary. People who are interested in volunteering can RSVP on the event page or simply show up on the day. Another program the Calgary chapter currently offers is smudging the streets. They have a dinner, hand out food and talk to people. Afterwards, they smudge the streets to rid them of all the bad energy and events that have happened in the areas that they patrol. They carry Naloxone kits and pick up needles they see on the ground. Finally, they give out food and bagged lunches to those in need. Since COVID-19 hit in March, patrols have been fewer and only the Council members have gone out so they can avoid putting their volunteers at risk. During patrols, they drive to safe injection sites and homeless shelters where they hand out lunches, clean needles and condoms. The Calgary chapter has received a lot of positive feedback from the community, and is also working on getting their non-profit status. At the time of writing, Boysis is hopeful that this status will be awarded to the chapter in September 2020. Each Bear Clan Patrol chapter is led and supported by their communities, and they try to make their organizations as diverse as the communities they serve. The work of each chapter is vital, even more so during the difficult times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. With further support and community involvement, the unique chapters of the Bear Clan Patrol can continue to ensure the safety of all First Nations members that they serve.

70 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 COVER STORY

A group of participants at Nimkii Aazhibikong Educational Initiatives How volunteers are promoting learning, culture and nationhood By Nikita Day

cross Canada, volunteers are the number of fluent Ojibway speakers back into our communities because it dedicating time to creating through youth-led and elder brings families together and strengthens safe spaces for Indigenous directed teachings. ties to the land, to the culture and to Peoples to gather and grow our identity.” The Nimkii Aazhibikong Eshkiniijig Nationhood.A The hope is that learning and sharing art, language, culture and Youth Group, which hosts specific The community started building a ceremony may cause a spark for change land-based and language revitalization year-round language camp, based on that communities can ignite into a fire. projects, is led by volunteers Quinn traditional Anishinaabeg knowledge and Meawasige and Taryn Bobiwash. “Some sustainable living practices. The camp Nimkii Aazhibikong of this knowledge is at risk of being lost, is off-grid with no electricity or running Just north of Elliot Lake, ON lies so we’re actively getting out there to water, and they are now working on Nimkii Aazhibikong, an Indigenous-led learn these things,” says Meawasige. “We initiatives to utilize solar power and build Anishinaabe language and culture camp host activities and events and we bring composting toilets. Community support, started by Christi Belcourt and Isaac people in, let people drop by and share fundraising campaigns and donations of Murdoch in June 2017. The focus of this what we’re learning. We’re trying to supplies are important for the continued “language community” is to increase revitalize this and restore the knowledge building and running of the camp.

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coming to Neechee,” says Atlooka. “We just wanted a safe space for us to hang out and express ourselves.” Beginning in the fall, the studio hosts eight to ten arts and culture projects that culminate in a live exhibition and a publication called the Neechee Zine. Workshops have included graffiti, beading, quilling, painting, photography, basketry, moccasin making and drum making, and many more. Neechee has run with great success for four seasons with over 50 youth from over 60 Indigenous communities across Northwestern Ontario attending. The studio is always welcoming volunteers to be a part of programming and youth with strong artistic or leadership qualities are encouraged to apply through the studio’s website. Internships with Neechee include training in arts education, leadership and group coordinating, and can even be counted towards high school or post- secondary credits and volunteer hours. While the studio’s usual programming has been postponed due to COVID-19, at the time of writing, planning and As Meawasige states, “We don’t want work is Nationhood because you’re organizing for workshops in September something that’ll just be one season, one exercising your sovereignty. And that’s are underway. As for the future, Atlooka weekend, or one year. We want this to be spending time with each other, that act is hoping that the studio, which currently a place where this is just the way we’re of love.” going to live.” operates out of the Definitely Art Neechee Studio Gallery, will be able to get their Nimkii Aazhibikong has become more own space. than a camp or a program. “It’s an act Since 2013, Neechee Studio has been of resilience, an act of reclamation,” building their own community over in For now, Atlooka is proud that the says Meawasige. All practices are being Thunder Bay, ON, through the hosting program can be entirely Indigenous-led. carried out with future generations in of free monthly art workshops led by “That’s a huge accomplishment for us,” mind and, as Meawasige adds, “This Indigenous artists and aimed at youth she says. “We’re having our own voices ages 14-30. This is something Lucille heard and that’s important. If it’s going Atlooka, one of the studio’s founders, to be an Indigenous program, it should wishes she’d had after coming to Thunder be run by Indigenous people.” Bay to continue her education. Think Indigenous For many young Indigenous Peoples, Having Indigenous voices heard is front moving to the city can be a difficult and centre to the work being done by transition. “We mostly get Indigenous Chris Scribe, the founder and director of young people from remote communities Think Indigenous, a non-profit that hosts

72 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 COVER STORY the International Indigenous Education Conference. “We want to bring forward the brilliance that Indigenous educators have and carry with them. That’s part of their Nationhood, part of who they are as Indigenous People and we want to highlight that to help our kids in schools,” says Scribe. “I started Think Indigenous because, as an educator, we would be going to different conferences and it was always the same thing over and over again. It was never the impactful truth that needed to be told.” Scribe wanted to create a conference that was relevant to identity and to creating space for Indigenous knowledge to be the foundation of education systems. In to traditional Indigenous teachings that Indigenous teachings, the Moose Hide his community, like many others, there they may otherwise miss in standard Campaign has started a movement are only a handful of language speakers school curriculums. “Our children that calls upon Indigenous and non- left. “Every day, essentially we are losing that are waking up this morning with Indigenous men to stand up against textbooks forever when we lose some of English as their first language instead violence towards Indigenous women [our] Elders and our knowledge keepers,” of their Indigenous language, that are and girls. The campaign started in 2011, says Scribe. not knowing the traditional names of when father-daughter co-founders Raven When the COVID-19 pandemic shut the places in their communities,” Scribe and Paul Lacerte were on a hunting trip down schools in March, Scribe and explains. “We have to pull that back and along B.C.’s Highway of Tears. “I had other educators volunteered their time remind ourselves to think through an this idea that maybe we could use some to launch an online program through Indigenous lens in all things.” of the medicine and beauty that the land Facebook and YouTube. The goal was to had to offer us, and that moose’s life educate students from K-8 using short The Moose Hide Campaign that they gave for us, and use the moose digital lessons that introduced students In a different approach to employing hide as a symbol for people to wear, to

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serve as a daily reminder to live a life free of violence and to speak out against violence if they see it happening,” Raven says. Donations made to the campaign through their website go towards the production of Moose Hide cards and pins. Raven explains, “Pins are available for free, and we cover the cost of shipping just to make it as accessible to folks as possible.” Their website also offers resources on how you can host a Moose Hide Campaign Kiosk – a physical space created by volunteers to interact with people, hand out Moose Hide pins and promote participation. They have since handed out just over 2 million Photo credit: Ben Powless squares across the country, sparking an estimated 10 million conversations on the movement. During this period, they are urging pulse that will move through the spirit of They also realize that, while it is about organizations and individuals to promote our society, and the ancestors will smile Indigenous women, violence is a shared the campaign through their social on us if they see us all working towards experience for many people at all social media networks. that change and maybe they’ll help us.” and economic levels. “We broadened it to The movement also looks towards Preserving and implementing knowledge say that it’s an Indigenous innovation for ceremony as a critical link to sustainable relevant to Indigenous identity is priority the benefit of all Canadians,” says Paul. behavioural change. In February 2021, number one for these organizations, More recently, the Moose Hide Campaign the annual Moose Hide Campaign whether that’s empowering the well- has launched a K-12 education initiative, Provincial Gathering and day of fasting being of youth through artistic providing resources for teachers to help will be held online, in light of the expression, decolonizing education students address their biases and become ongoing pandemic. The hope is that systems or using ceremony and land- better informed about violence towards by the year 2025, 1 million Canadians based medicine to speak out and make women and girls. Paul notes that, in the will fast together on the same day, positive changes in their communities. time of COVID-19, the medicine of this focused on the safety and well-being As Quinn Meawasige says, “It’s all about campaign is needed now more than ever. of women and children. According to learning and bringing people along with “Because of the global pandemic, you’re Paul, “On that day, there will be sacred us, so that we can share our learning with dealing with two of the biggest drivers fires burning all over the country, in all everybody and be part of that larger for domestic violence: social isolation kinds of organizations, companies and community. That’s what Nationhood is and economic downturn,” he explains. communities. Hopefully, there’ll be a to me.”

Photo credit: R. Kelly Photo credit: J. Nicholls

Paul and Raven Lacerte, co-founders of the Moose Hide Campaign 74 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 COMMUNITY-LED PROJECT

MARTEN FALLS COMMUNITY Leads Environmental Assessment Process A change to development as usual

nder the leadership of local scheduled flights to run two to three days road studies, but none have matched the Community Advisors and the a week. However, this schedule fluctuates present access road EA project in scale Chief and Council, a First with general economic conditions. or potential. The MFFN now embarks Nation community in northern The winter road – open every year for on a journey where we look forward to OntarioU is lending their time to forge plans a brighter future because of access to only a few weeks – is an essential lifeline for a new all-season access road in for the community. Larger supplies for the provincial highway system. We look their community. construction projects can only come to a future where MFFN members and youth can begin to feel we have a rightful Background through the winter road. As such, most plans in the community are subject to place in this resource-rich country we Over the past few decades, better the winter road schedule, which is less call Canada.” communication and infrastructure predictable now with worsening have transformed many parts of the A Community-Led Process climate change. country. However, some parts – including The EA is a community-led process. Indigenous communities – have been left To address their continuing isolation, the Under leadership of MFFN Community behind. In many ways, that is the story MFFN started a number of studies over Advisors and the MFFN’s Chief and of the Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN), the past few decades to plan for ways they Council, the community is leading an Anishinabeg community located at could potentially connect to the provincial and shaping plans for this important the junction of the Albany and Ogoki highway and improve their socio-economic initiative. In many ways, this has rivers. Community members remember condition. Some studies looked at ways been made possible because of the stories of floatplanes that used to come in in which the winter road’s reliability active participation of the community. unpredictably, and how members would could be improved, while others looked Community members come out and have to be ready to leave at a moment’s at potential routes to make an all-season participate in EA events by volunteering notice when the planes finally came. road. The community eventually launched their time to provide vital input and an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a feedback that informs the planning of Dams for hydro generation in the 1930s Community Access Road in 2019, building the project. diverted water away from the Albany on decades of earlier planning work. river, impacting the community’s ability Environmental protection is very to use the river system and making a “The MFFN is proud to have come this important to the community and its floatplane landing less certain. Today, far with a community access road EA,” members, who want to see the best there is a gravel runway in the community Chief Bruce Achneepineskum says. “The standards for protection utilized in this allowing regular airplanes to land and for First Nation has completed a number of project. The MFFN has undertaken an

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Individual EA, which is the highest level In times like these, it might be a slow resources [to] be available and that the of environmental scrutiny a project can process, but it is as important as it has people’s economy and ways of making a undergo, in order to ensure decision- ever been. living [are] able to transition according to makers have the most thorough analysis “MFFN Anishinabeg regard the land and the needs of the people and modernity.” to make informed choices regarding the its resources as a gift from the Creator to The key to the community-driven process project. This choice was made very early use and believe they have been bestowed is the voluntary spirit of the community on, and it set the values and displayed the the role as stewards of the land,” Chief to come out to events and share their leadership the MFFN would undertake Achneepineskum explains. “The MFFN thoughts, input, concerns and knowledge in this process. In the EA process, a people wish to see the lands, waters and that can help shape and improve the combination of Indigenous Knowledge resources continue to yield its resources project. Without people volunteering their and western scientific studies for the ‘seven generations’ to come. The time for these regular events, the project a much deeper level of analysis and traditional pursuits of hunting and fishing team would not have the information thoughtful decision-making. The input of promised in the Treaty are to continue, available to identify key concerns and neighbouring communities is also vital. but also the continued use of all other address them using community knowledge and western scientific studies. This volunteerism helps guide and improve the project. Without this, it would not be possible to conduct a robust community-led EA.

Environmental Protection and Economic Progress With this project, the community hopes to strike a balance between benefiting from the economic potentials of the land they have inhabited since time immemorial while also protecting the land and water that has enabled their traditional way of life. This breaks new ground in Canada, where a First Nation is not only involved in a major project but is also leading it as a proponent. In this way, the MFFN, in collaboration with the province, is paving the way to economic reconciliation for their community and the region. This road will enable the development of other infrastructure required to build mining projects in the Ring of Fire. All of these projects will require their own EAs, so a Regional Assessment by the Federal Government is in the works. This ensures decision-makers receive comprehensive baseline studies and data to make informed choices regarding the project. As we face a new economic downturn, the MFFN will continue to work towards creating a project that benefits their community and sets up new opportunities for the region and the wider province. “This project is a large project, and it will create a lot of training and job opportunities for Marten Falls, but we also want to share these benefits equitably with our neighbours,” Chief Achneepineskum explains. “I think the potential for this project to benefit our neighbouring communities is very significant, and I want to see other First Nations benefit from this. I am very optimistic that the positive economic impact of this project will be felt across the province.”

76 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 BUSINESS MARKETPLACE BUSINESSBUSINESS MARKETPLACEMARKETPLACE Exclusive to The Circle, BUSINESS MARKETPLACE features product and service providers that you need!

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www.afn.ca 79 ART & MEDIA First Nations film, literature, music and more making a splash across the country

SCREEN

FREEDOM ROAD Freedom Road is a five-part documentary series about Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and their battle to build a road after their community was forcibly relocated and cut off from the mainland over 100 years ago. Freedom Road was an eight-year effort between Shoal Lake 40 and the Federal, Provincial and Winnipeg governments, as well as close to 20 First Nations and the International Joint Commission. Directed by Shoal Lake 40 member Angelina McLeod, the series details the multi-generational effort to reconnect their community to the rest of the world.

JORDAN RIVER ANDERSON, THE MESSENGER STORIES ARE IN OUR BONES Legendary Alanis Obomsawin’s 53rd film follows the Stories Are in Our Bones offers incredible real-life story of Jordan River Anderson. a personal journey as director His short life encountered issues with the federal and Janine Windolph and her provincial government arguing over who was responsible children connect with the for his care while in hospital. The lack of support led to land and their heritage, the family and Indigenous activists creating “Jordan’s rediscovering their history Principle,” legislation that forces equitable access to by learning the stories government-funded services for First Nations. The film passed down, or perhaps features moving testimonials from children who have been lost, through generations. affected by the Principle shared with his family. “Over the years, I learned that the memories of our ancestors are in our DNA and can be accessed, but we forgot how to do that,” Windolph told the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). “This made me realize that we are reflections of our ancestors, even if we have not always been handed down the stories – that somehow the knowledge is still inside us.”

80 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 ART & MEDIA

THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open was nominated for five categories in this year’s Canadian Screen Awards, including a nod for Best Motion Picture. The film won Best Original Screenplay and in Direction – a huge accomplishment for an Indigenous film on a national stage. Shot on beautiful 16mm film, co- directors Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Kathleen Hepburn tell a story about two Indigenous women from vastly different backgrounds colliding as one of them flees a violent domestic attack. As the film progresses in real time, the women’s shared cultural experience weaves a fragile bond between them.

LITERATURE

CROW WINTER Crow Winter is the debut novel by Karen McBride, an Algonquin Anishinaabe writer from the Timiskaming First Nation. Following the loss of her father, Hazel returns to Spirit Bear Point First Nation reserve to be with her mother and to reconcile her grief. But an encounter with a pesky old crow – who might be the Algonquin demigod Nanabush – leads her to discover an old magic awakening in the quarry on her father’s land. Crow Winter has been shortlisted for The Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic, and CBC Books named McBride a “2020 writer to watch.” Critics have called it a “page-turner” and “full of spirit, love, mystery and BONE BLACK good medicine that stays with the reader long after you have Carol Rose GoldenEagle (previously Carol Daniels) turned that last page.” is the author of Bone Black, a dark detective story around the theme of missing and murdered Indigenous women with a strong, uncompromising and devoted I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN First Nations woman as the lead. Wren StrongEagle Author and artist Lisa Boivin, a is devastated when her twin sister mysteriously member of the Deninu Kue First disappears. When Wren’s missing Nation currently studying Indigenous persons report with the local health care challenges, creates “a fresh police is dismissed, she begins her understanding of death and grief ” own investigation for justice. (Publisher’s Weekly) through digital GoldenEagle also wrote the novel paintings and a simple narrative in Bearskin Diary, winner of the her new book I Will See You Again. Aboriginal Literature Award The plot revolves around the narrator for 2017 and finalist for three who learns of the death of her brother Saskatchewan Book Awards in overseas and embarks on a journey 2016. Her first book of poetry, to bring him home. She finds comfort Hiraeth, was shortlisted for a and strength through memories and Saskatchewan Book Award dreams of all they shared together in 2019. and through her Dene traditions.

CHASING PAINTED HORSES Chasing Painted Horses is another hilarious yarn from the country’s favourite “blue-eyed Indian,” Drew Hayden Taylor, who has spent the last two decades writing about and documenting the Indigenous experience. One day, Ralph and Shelley’s mother installs a chalkboard in the kitchen. She starts a weekly drawing contest between her children and their friends, at the end of which there’ll be a vote to decide the best artwork. Danielle, a small and quiet girl from school, ultimately wins the contest by drawing a breathtakingly beautiful horse. The novel takes a magical twist from here on out, whisking the reader on a merry-go-round in a vibrant world created by the fearless Curve Lake writer.

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LOVE AFTER THE END Love After the End is a new young adult anthology edited by Joshua Whitehead, featuring speculative short stories with Two-Spirit and queer heroes in utopian and dystopian settings. This bold and breathtaking anthology is a sequel to the popular sci-fi anthology Love Beyond Body Space and Time and features several returning authors, along with new voices. Contributors include Nathan Adler, Darcie Little Badger, Gabriel Castilloux Calderon, Adam Garnet Jones, Mari Kurisato, Kai Minosh Pyle, David Alexander Robertson, jaye simpson and Nazbah Tom.

MUSIC

WILLIAM PRINCE Winnipeg’s Indigenous roots artist William Prince won the 2020 English SOCAN Songwriting Prize for his track “The Spark.” Prince made his U.S. television debut earlier this year on CBS This Morning, performing “Breathless,” and was also featured in Rolling Stone magazine. The SOCAN award is the latest in a long line of accolades for Juno Award-winning Prince, who most recently saw Reliever, his latest release, on the longlist for this year’s Polaris Prize. NÊHIYAWAK Prince released his debut album, Earthly Days, in nêhiyawak’s first full-length album nipiy, inspired by the Idle 2015, which won the 2017 Juno for Contemporary No More movement, has been nominated for the prestigious Roots Album of the Year and sparked a record deal and Polaris Music Prize this year, a big kudos for a small band with subsequent tours – including opening for the legendary a big sound. Hailing from amiskwaciy (Edmonton) on Treaty Neil Young. 6 territory, the trio of Indigenous artists – Kris Harper (vocals Born in Selkirk, Man., Prince grew up in Peguis First and guitar), Marek Tyler (drums) and Matthew Cardinal (synths Nation and is now based in Winnipeg. He’s been on and bass) – combine traditional storytelling with a modern, the road frequently over the past year, performing on contemporary sound. According to Harper, “nipiy is for those a European tour through Germany and the United who don’t seem to fit in for a myriad of reasons, to inspire others Kingdom, as well as the United States. to use their voice and to send messages to future generations.”

DIGAWOLF Digawolf is a critically acclaimed Tlicho- and English-language band from Yellowknife, N.W.T. They were nominated for an Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Juno this past year. The band’s frontman, Diga, has six albums behind him under his belt, each one exploring his experiences growing up in the capital of the Tlicho Nation, Behchoko, N.W.T. Influenced by the works of Neil Young, Tom Waits, Kashtin, Leonard Cohen and Roy Buchanan, Digawolf ’s music is infused with raw Canadiana and the rich culture that surrounds them in the Northwest Territories. Digawolf released their latest single in February, entitled “High Arctic,” which was submitted to be part of Hockey Day in Canada Celebrations in Yellowknife. Their newest album, Yellowstone, was released digitally in 2019.

82 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 ART & MEDIA

THEATRE

PAWÂKAN MACBETH Reneltta Arluk’s has reimagined Shakespeare’s Macbeth, flipped it on its head and pulled it inside out into a revolutionary play that explores Cree history, legend and cosmology. Pawâkan Macbeth takes place pre-colonization, when Plains Cree allied with Stoney Nakoda and warred with Blackfoot over territory, food, supplies and trade. Intense fear, starvation and uncertainty awaken the darkest of Cree spirits, the Wihtiko – a being with insatiable greed. Through the exploration of Plains , history, stories and cosmology, Alruk explores what it means to be human through a journey of love, greed, honour and betrayal. SKYBORN: A LAND RECLAMATION ODYSSEY Directed by Kim Senklip Harvey, Skyborn: A Land Reclamation Odyssey is a one-woman play featuring playwright and performer Quelemia Sparrow as she acts out the characters of a granddaughter and her grandmother, with brief appearances as her mother, father and sister. Sparrow’s Skyborn is an epic odyssey grounded in Indigenous ancestral knowledge where the heroine is guided through the universe on a journey to recover her šxʷhəli (lost soul) from the land of the dead. Deeply rooted in Sparrow’s Musqueam heritage, this adventure introduces unique Musqueam/Sto:lo visual storytelling and animation. Sparrow has described the play as “a familial odyssey of reclamation of self, and land, and blood memory.”

www.afn.ca 83 ART & MEDIA

ART JORDAN BENNETT Jordan Bennett is a Mi’kmaq visual artist who was recently awarded $25,000 from the annual 2020 Sobey Art Award, the most prestigious contemporary art prize in Canada. He was also shortlisted for the 2018 Sobey Art Award and longlisted for the 2016 and 2015 Sobey Art Awards. Bennett received a Hnatyshan Foundation REVEAL award and was presented with the 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Councils Artist of the Year. Originally from Stephenville Crossing, Ktaqamkuk (Newfoundland), Bennett lives and works on his ancestral territory of Mi’kma’ki in Terence Bay, Nova Scotia. His works have used painting, sculpture, video and more to challenge colonial perceptions of Indigenous histories and presence, with a focus on exploring Mi’kmaq and Beothuk visual culture of Ktaqamkuk.

Q&A WITH MICHELLE GOOD Michelle Good is a Cree writer and lawyer from . She has a law degree and Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia. Good is a long-time advocate for residential school survivors. Though she didn’t go to a residential school herself, she has been surrounded by survivors all her life, which has given her a heightened awareness of the topic. In her debut novel, Five Little Indians, she chronicles, with insight and compassion, the desperate quest of five residential school survivors as they come to terms with their past and ultimately find a way forward. Prior to her writing and publishing her first novel, Good also contributed shorter works to a variety of poetry and nonfiction collections. She is currently working on her second book. AFN: What was the inspiration for your new book? Michelle Good (MG): I worked in the area of advocating for residential school survivors for many, many years. It became painfully clear to me that a significant response from Canadians generally was, “This was a long time ago, why can’t people just get over it?” I felt that by responding through the creation of a story that illustrates the profound impact of these schools, people might be more open to understanding and compassion. AFN: What are your literary goals for the future? MG: I hope to continue creating works that confront history as we know it and provide a unique and Indigenous perspective on events that have shaped the formation of this country and the reality of being Indigenous in Canada. AFN: Would you rather be invisible or time-travel, and why? MG: I would definitely choose time travel, so I could go back to critical times in Indigenous history and then be able to come back to modern times and to reflect on them in a meaningful way. AFN: What was the best advice you ever received on writing? MG: To be true to my voice and to read, read, read! There’s nothing like reading brilliant authors to inspire your own voice. AFN: What are you working on next? MG: I’m working on a novel that confronts history around the time of the Cree and Metis resistance in what was then the Northwest Territories, but what we now know as Saskatchewan and Alberta. It will be historical fiction, loosely based on the stories of the lives of my mother and great-grandmother.

84 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020 PROFESSIONAL THE SERVICES DIRECTORY CIRCLEThe official publication of the Assembly of First Nations

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