OCTOBER 2016 VOLUME 19 - NUMBER 10

FREE Northern students shine for Lt.-Gov.

Jocelyn Bird (right) of Churchill Community High School in La Ronge, pictured with the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, was the Grade 7 re - cipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence. (Photo by Linda Mikolayenko)

CIVIC ELECTIONS We have a few interesting tidbits on the upcoming votes and some of the Indigenous candidates. - Page 7

CELEBRATING CherishJean Baptiste was among the former and current students marking the 40th anniversary of FNUniv. - Pag e 8

STRENGTH OF WOMEN Delia Opekokew received a Lifetime Achievement Award at a special event held recently. - Pages 12 - 13 By Linda Mikolayenko ation by taking part in a contest, Imagine a Canada. For Eagle Feather News Young people can participate by creating a story, poem, BOARD GAMES LA RONGE – The Honourable Vaughn Solomon piece of art, short film or essay. Janelle Pewapsconias is Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, began “I envision a Canada where everyone realizes that bringing “Neeched up Games” to and ended her annual northern school tour in La Ronge. we are stronger together,” said Schofield. the world with her special brand Between Sept. 24 and 27, Her Honour presented “Friendship is the basis of healthy communities of humour. - Page 20 six Lieutenant Governor’s Awards of Excellence, as and a very strong country. We can never ever underes - well as a number of Northern Saskatchewan Student timate the power each one of us has to make our coun - LACROSSE SCORING Achievement Awards. try better.” The sport of lacrosse in “We always get a warm welcome when we come The Award of Excellence winners are good ex - thriving in Northern here, so it’s great to be back,” she said in her opening amples of well-rounded individuals making a differ - Saskatchewan these days. address to the students at Churchill Community High ence. To be considered for the award, students must - P age 21 School in La Ronge. demonstrate proficiency in academic achievement, Before presenting the awards, Schofield encour - school attendance, leadership within school and/or Role Models Edition aged students to participate in Orange Shirt Day on community, awareness and pride in northern lifestyles Coming In November - Veterans & Youth Issu e Sept. 30 to remember those who attended residential and heritage, future goals, and special talents and in - schools, and to share their thoughts on what the future terests. • Continued on Page 3 CPMA #40027204 of Canada will look like through the lens of reconcili - Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 2 Young singers committed to drumming to a healthy beat

By Jeanelle Mandes “I met them (during) last year’s powwow trail and trail as a drum group mother ranges from a vehicle Of Eagle Feather News in January, they invited me to sing with them.” breakdown to a drum breaking. A young drum group comprised of members from The drum group travels near and far to compete in “At Dakota Dunes powwow, our last drum ripped. all areas of Saskatchewan is drumming its way to make powwows and owes it to Taypotat’s mother, Aliza, who But thanks to Buffalo Lodge (another drum group) for a difference. is proud of her son for forming an inspirational drum giving us a drum to finish the powwow because we The singers, who call themselves Young Express, group. packed up and we were ready to go home. base their group foundation on sobriety – something that “I’m proud of him because (some) people out there “And (the Buffalo Lodge singers) came up to us each member holds proudly. are in gang life and are into drugs and alcohol. I’m so and said they wanted to see us finish the powwow,” she “I myself have never touched alcohol or drugs. I proud of him that he doesn’t do any of that,” Aliza says. says. tell the other drummers in my group (to refrain) “It’s actually a nice feeling when these from drugs and alcohol, otherwise we won’t be big drum groups that they look up to come travelling,” says lead singer, Emery Taypotat, up and approach them to tell them ‘keep it who formed the drum group. up boys, you guys are doing a good.’ I like The 16-year-old singer has mentored his that. It pushes me more to take these boys to drummers ever since they were first initiated where they want to go,” says Aliza, who into the powwow circle over a year ago in his also has two kids who dance powwow. home community of Kahkewistahaw First Na - Taypotat, who is currently in Grade tion. Since then, the singers have travelled to 11, looks up to Battling Bear, an original compete in over 100 local and distant pow - style drum group and also Bear Creek, a wows. contemporary style drum group from On - “The furthest we travelled was to Kainai, tario. He has been singing for five years. Alberta and to Manito Ahbee powwow in Win - Taypotat’s advice to the youth who nipeg,” says Logan Thomas, 17, who sang his want to sing in powwows is to get out there whole life with his family’s drum group called The Young Express drum group has traveled extensively across Western and give it a try. Big River Cree. Canada competing in powwows and promoting a healthy lifestyle. “As a lead singer of a drum group, I “I like travelling to far places with my bros and “I try my best to take him where he wants to go,” would like see other drum groups out there singing and meeting new people.” she says. “I don’t take one car, I take three or four cars. not giving up and to keep going,” he adds. “Singing has The Young Express drum group ranges from the I pretty much look after them.” been a dream come true.” youngest who is 16 to the oldest who is 27 years old. The She adds that mostly all the singers in Young Ex - After graduating high school, Young Express group has inspired many listeners, including Cody press call her ‘mom’ and handles any conflict in the singers such as Taypotat and Thomas wish to pursue Burns, the oldest singer in the group. drum group. post-secondary educations and continue singing on the “I believe in these guys and I like the way they “I put them all together and tell them they are pow-wow trail promoting sobriety and pride in their present themselves,” says Burns, who is an Alberta oil- drum brothers and (remind) them they are role models. culture. field worker, but is taking a break to sing with Young Ex - Everything calms down from there,” she adds. “Look out for Young Express, they’re up and com - press. Aliza says the challenges she faces on the powwow ing,” says Burns. OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 3

JAEDON ROBERTS COLLIN MONTGRAND DAKOTA LAURIN RYANNE TORRENCE JOSEPH DESJARLAIS GRADE 10 GRADE 12 GRADE 8 GRADE 11 GRADE 9 RHODA HARDLOTTE LA LOCHE COMMUNITY CHARLEBOIS SENATOR MYLES VENNE ROSSIGNOL MEMORIAL SCHOOL SCHOOL COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL STANLEY MISSION DENE BUILDING CUMBERLAND HOUSE LA RONGE ILE-A-LA-CROSSE LA LOCHE

Cynthia Khaikka (centre) was one of 86 recipients of a Northern Saskatchewan Student Achievement Award. She is pictured here with the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, and Scott Tom - porowski, principal of Churchill Community High School in La Ronge. (Photo by Linda Mikolayenko) • Continued from Page One for her accomplishments and leadership This year’s recipients, selected by a skills, Bird, herself, says that if other stu - committee led by the Regional Director dents were to look up to her, she would of the Ministry of Education, are: hope it would be for the qualities of Grade 7 – Jocelyn Bird, Churchill “kindness” and “caring”. Community High School, La Ronge The Northern Saskatchewan Stu - Grade 8 – Dakota Laurin, dent Achievement Awards were created Charlebois Community School, Cum - to acknowledge and promote student berland House achievement and academic success. This Grade 9 – Joseph Desjarlais, year, 86 students from 12 schools and the Rossignol High School, Ile-à-la-Crosse La Ronge Masinahikana – Online Edu - Grade 10 – Jaedon Roberts, Rhoda cation Centre were recipients. Hardlotte Memorial School, Stanley When Cynthia Khaikka graduated Mission from Churchill Community High School Grade 11 – Ryanne Torrence, Sen - in June, she received the Graduate of the ator Myles Venne School, La Ronge Year award, so she was surprised to re - Grade 12 – Collin Montgrand, La ceive a Northern Saskatchewan Student Loche Community School - Dene Build - Achievement Award, as well. ing, La Loche Originally from Wollaston Lake, a Jocelyn Bird had an academic av - member of the Hatchet Lake Denesuline erage of 92 per cent, and an attendance First Nation, Khaikka achieved second average of 98 per cent, noted Schofield, place in the Skills Canada cooking com - adding that she was active in sports and petition, and served as the teen repre - the arts. sentative on the school daycare board. She was a member of the basket - “In my younger years, I wasn’t a ball, volleyball, track and field, and flag top student,” Khaikka admits, “but in my football teams, and the Girls Wellness last year, I really improved.” Group. A member of the Lac La Ronge She is now enrolled in the Northern Indian Band, she learned to bead from Teacher Education Program and wants her grandmother, and plays both piano others to know that they, too, can follow and guitar. Although she was recognized their dreams. 4 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 An abundance of role models at Eagle Feather News

The October issue is always one of eye-catching ad with bold letters, and Elder Edward Baldhead recently our favourites to pull together. Telling Our Own Stories, with a photo passed. Finding and celebrating role of an Indigenous woman holding a Henry Beaudry was a scout in the models or good things to write about is camera. I knew right then and there Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. His never a challenge. Indigenous people what career path I wanted because I old friend Dennis Fisher shared this across Saskatchewan are excelling in wanted to become a storyteller and a story about Henry with us. Mr. Baldhead previously shared business, the arts, education, sports, voice for Aboriginal peoples in “Henry was on the Board of with Eagle Feather News that the politics, the environment ... you name Saskatchewan--all from reading an ad.” Wanuskewin at one time. After the war highlight of his career of military is it. She was once one of the students I he became an artist. Well once our serving in the present working with We just got lucky at Eagle Feather taught at FNUniv during the INCA Queen visited WHP. Needless to say youth and education. He was very News by finding and hiring two role summer institute, then she interned for she was bestowed with many native involved with First Nations culture and models of our own. us in 2014 and covered the heck out of gifts. Henry brought this painting, say tradition and was a regular bringing in Julie Wriston has joined us as NAIG and has freelanced for us ever 24” x 36”, framed canvas and said they the Eagle Staff at powwows and events features editor and will also be in since. should give it to the Queen. Someone across the province. charge of marketing. We have been Jeanelle is joining us part-time for explained to Henry how the process Elder Baldhead served on the working with now as she worked … all matters like gifts, board of the Saskatchewan First Julie since we is in the U paintings, have to be approved by the Nations Veterans Association and met her in 2007 of R Queen’s people months in advance. prayed at hundreds of community when she was Journalism “Can’t do Henry, Sorry but can’t events for the people. director of School do it. About a month later, WHP got a communication where she is letter from the Queen’s office. ‘Oh, they for the Métis earning her had a lovely time … people were so Nation- Masters. We good to us … etc. and we have a Saskatchewan. figured that question for you? There is one gift we She left was a good cannot account for. It is a framed, there for the thing. We original painting, signed by one Henry BRIDG program will get her Beaudry. Can you help us identify the where she News editor, Jeanelle Mandes, on left and fea - to tell you donor?’” worked with tures editor and marketing lead Julie Ann Wris - her story One of his murals is still on communities to ton on right have joined the Eagle Feather News some day. display at WHP. develop good team. ( Photo by John Lagimodiere) She is a Elder and Veteran Edward governance and determined Baldhead was a war veteran originally business opportunities. She was also the young woman and we are happy to from One Arrow First Nation. He CEO of Pinehouse Business North and have her on board. served in the Regina Rifle Regiment. led that business through some very With the addition of these two go He had extensive service and travel interesting developments. Her getters, Eagle Feather News will only throughout Germany, Europe, Holland experience and passion for improving get better at bringing you the news from and England. the lives of First Nation and Métis an Indigenous perspective every single people in Saskatchewan will fit in very day on our website. And every month well here. you will see interesting and in depth And we also are proud to relevant articles to the issues of the day announce that Jeanelle Mandes has from our wide array of freelance writers Elder and veteran joined us as news editor. in our monthly paper edition. Edward Baldhead Jeanelle will be in charge of daily Please help us welcome Julie and (top) and veteran news and populating our website. Jeanelle to the team when you see them Henry Beaudry both Jeanelle is very familiar with Eagle out representing us in the community. passed away in the Feather News. Jeanelle was inspired in We are excited to go and grow with last month. Grade 11 by an ad she saw in Eagle these dynamic and powerful people. Feather News. The passing of two role models This was in her cover letter when The community recently lost two she applied for the job “I stopped at an role models. Veterans Henry Beaudry OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 5 What happened? All my roles models are young, lol!

The role models throughout my keynote address given at the British Li - duced a rich cultural library. working and not working in our com - childhood were old people or at least I brary, called for an apology from Queen People like Brenda MacDougall, munities. Who believe transparency is as thought they were old at the time, lol. Elizabeth. Chris Anderson, Winona Wheeler, vital to making change, as is good lead - And then, I didn’t have any in my She said, “Canada has gone Cheryl Troupe, Kim Anderson who are ership. Neal McLeod who, with one young adult life. I was so angry, hurting through a truth and rec - leading the Cree word a day, is preserving an in - and just plain disappointed with people onciliation process way to new digenous language and with it all its cul - and the world that I couldn’t see the for - where some of the perspectives tural riches for another generation. est for the trees. churches have apolo - of their peo - Ruth Cuthand, whose courageous Then one day a woman 20 years gized for its role but ples and his - art puts a face on the colonial Witiko, be older than I came along and helped me we’re still missing the tory. it through the paintings of Small Pox or to see, and those old people popped back biggest portion of the People the strong images of Ghost Dance Shirts. into my life and helped me come home. apology, and it’s from like Christi Gregory Scofield and Louise Halfe, who It wasn’t an easy journey, mostly be - the people who actually Belcourt and with powerful words on paper tell a story cause I’m not easy, but the memory of orchestrated it. representatives of the Issac Murdock, who, at their own ex - about our “trail of tears.” their kindness, generosity, humor and British Crown.” pense and the fundraising of host com - Zoey, the beautiful young woman, common sense made the road smooth. Palmater is the first leader ever to munities, have criss-crossed our country who works tirelessly with youth, helping The rough stretches and potholes were call for a royal apology. bringing teachings given to them by them to create better lives and who sings my own. “There can’t be any reconciliation,” elders, and much needed support to peo - songs of strength. Lancelot Knight with My nokoms and chapan, grand - she says, “until the British Crown and its ple who are working on the water issues his sweet voice and beautiful guitar, mothers and great-grandmother were people know what happened, know what Indigenous leaders and elders warned Krystal Pederson with heart and talent probably the most influential and even the intergenerational impacts have been us about in the 1920s and more recently, enough for all of us, Ekwol whose pow - now that I am an old lady myself, they and take responsibility for it and apolo - the grandmothers who have been leading erful lyrics and images give us strength, still influence me and direct my life. But gize and do something to make the water walks around the Great Lakes. Marilyn with her strong heart and sense who are my role models today? amends.” For women like Liza Brown who of justice. Tasha with her films and They are amazing young people A woman like Karon Shmon at the dedicated 18 years of her life to the Sun - Glenda with all her passion, love of whose courage and understanding of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, under whose tep program, helping other equally ded - plants and the earth. world around them fill me full with such leadership and very little money, has icated people give it a “Mitchif Heart” We are indeed wealthy with role optimism that I don’t think I will ever re - created not only an art gallery and pur - and who was so cruely and crudely “dis - models who give us pride, a loving be - tire. chased an amazing collection of Michif missed without cause” for her dedica - lief in ourselves, and most especially the Not only do they have all of the art, but she is also responsible for estab - tion. courage to move forward and as my old above attributes but they are also fiercely lishing a Michif museum as well as a vir - People like Emile Bell and Tyrone mentor use to say, “role models do it independent and smart. People like Pam tual one and a publishing house, that has Tootoosis who over the years have never and they hold up their people” as they Palmater, who went to England and at a published artists and writers and pro - been afraid to speak truth about what is go. 6 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 There’s more to fashion magazines than their shiny covers

There’s a meme trending showing ing: my mom bouncing a cheque for my The clothing choices were rather un - Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem and Mar - a girls’ magazine cover next to a boys’ school jacket, finding out that the guy I’d realistic. Who would pay $2,000 for a dress garet Thatcher. The funny thing about magazine cover. been flirting with for months was my sec - and $3,000 for a pair of shoes? Even the Steinem was that the only things I’d heard The difference in the covers is ond cousin, and being excluded from gaunt 13-year-old supermodel wearing the about her was that she was a “man-hating sharp: the girls’ magazine seems to as - Home Ec cooking groups because I kept clothes couldn’t afford them. But that did - feminist with hairy legs.” sume that girls are only interested in eating the n’t stop me Before I even knew what feminism how to look good and how to catch a food be - from dream - was, it was already associated with hate boy’s interest. The boys’ cover is fo - fore it was ing: “Some - and, oddly enough, body hair. But through cussed on success, science and adven - done. day I’ll be these magazines I learned that she was a ture. I know which one I’d want to read! I got able to afford thoughtful and sensitive writer who had The one with the fashion tips. Cuz bored with those challenged male power structures. Reading actually the boys’ magazine looks super Seventeen clothes,” I as - these magazines taught me more about be - boring – science? Meh. and moved sured myself. ing a feminist than anything else ever has. So yes, I am openly admitting that onto Even at Nowadays, magazines like Marie I am a fashion magazine, pretty dress- Cosmo. I’d like to say it was the fashion my current age, however, I would rather Claire and Elle are writing about the U.S. loving, obsessed with make-up femi - shoots but we all know it was the sexually punch myself in the face before I wasted election and informing women about the nist. intriguing covers like “Ten ways to please that much money. candidates perspectives on “female” issues I was about 11 the first time I bought him on his birthday!” (None of them had to But these magazines were more than such as equal pay, maternity leave and not a fashion magazine. I started off with Sev - do with buying him the biggest ice cream sex tips and horribly wasteful clothing having to tolerate being called “fat pigs” by enteen because I wanted to prepare for my cake, by the way.) choices. Towards the back of the magazine, orange men with the muscle to fat ration of high school years. I had already screwed up These writers wrote about sex openly I found something I hadn’t been looking a melting Fudgsicle® – or any person. my junior years with my dorkiness and and with abandon. I imagined the Cosmo for, articles that could only be called “seri - Canadian fashion magazines are no blatant poverty. But high school? That still office as nothing but cushions and swings ous journalism.” slouches. First Nation’s activist and Mrs. had potential! and sequins. The sex advice was quite di - There were articles about the prose - Universe, Ashley Callingbull has ended up Between the glossy covers of Seven - verse: “Experiment!”; “be brave!” and cution of war crimes in Sarejevo, murders on the cover of Flare. teen, there were articles about “most em - “seek out new places” as if young women of abortion clinic doctors and a New York And it was in More magazine that I barrassing moments in school” which were sexual astronauts. City court that only handled sexual assault learned about Kim Pate, a Canadian lawyer seemed to be written by the staff writers try - The fashion shoots were my next ob - crimes. who works for the Association of Elizabeth ing to imagine what girls found embar - session. I studied the pictures of the tall Newspapers and the nightly news Fry Societies and advocates for the fair rassing, “a tampon rolled out of my purse!”; emaciated models, usually while eating a were not discussing these issues. If I had treatment of inmates and who has been “my crush overheard me talking about how bag of chips. not picked up that magazine, I would never one of my heroes ever since. hot he is” or “one of the boys saw my bra “Someday I’ll look like that,” I as - have known about the struggles of women Fashion magazines have their prob - strap – omg!” sured myself, even though it was quite around the world, struggles that we all lems, that’s for sure. But I think you should These embarrassing moments were clear that I was never going to grow past 5 shared. look beneath the shiny cover before you nothing like the real ones I was experienc - ft. 4” or give up potato chips. There were profiles on women like dismiss them with a hastily shared meme. OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News (Almost) everything you 7 need to know about this month’s municipal elections

By Angela Hill WEDNESDAY For Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 26, 2016 1. This round of municipal elections will be held Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 for people in all urban municipalities (cities, towns and villages) as well as odd-num - POLLS OPEN bered divisions and the reeve in rural municipalities. 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

2. To vote in the election you need to be a Canadian citizen, at least 18-years-old and have resided in Saskatchewan for six consecutive months. You have to live in or own land in the city where you vote for at least three months.

3. Some cities already know who their new mayor will be – in Meadow Lake, A VOICE FOR EVERY VOTER Martensville and North Battleford only one candidate ran. This is better than 2012 when six mayors were acclaimed.

4. There was some Indigenous representation on big city councils in the last elec - MAYOR • COUNCILLORS tion – Coun. Charlene Miller in Prince Albert, Coun. Zach Jefferies in Saskatoon. PUBLIC AND CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES

5. Along with drive-through restaurants, Regina is offering drive-thru advanced polling stations for 2016. They first started in the 2012 municipal election. FIND OUT WHERE YOU WILL VOTE ON ELECTION DAY: Enter your home address in the Online Poll Finder 6. If you have no fixed address you can still vote in the election – people living in at saskatoon.ca/election2016 to easily find your shelters can fill out a “Certification of Identity and Residence” and get it signed voting location. by an administration of the shelter where they are staying.

7. There is a big name return to politics in North Battleford where former health VOTERS’ GUIDE minister Len Taylor will be running as a council - Available at Saskatoon lor. Taylor was an MLA from 2003 to 2011 and Public Libraries, Leisure served on North Battleford city council from Centres, City Hall and 2000 to 2003. online at saskatoon.ca/

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2016 election2016. POLLS OPEN 8. La Loche voted early and their new mayor, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm A VOICE FOR EVERY VOTER Robert St. Pierre is getting settled into the job. The Guide contains information on: VOTERS’ GUIDE 9. Depending on where you live depends on how MAYOR • COUNCILLORS • PUBLIC AND CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES • Who can Vote much money you can spend on your campaign. * IMPORTANT * INSIDE THIS GUIDE: NEW INFORMATION 2 Notice of 2016 Elections 6 Ward Maps and Polling Locations FOR VOTERS 2 Notice of Abandonment of Poll 12 List of Candidates See Details Inside Those running for Saskatoon mayor can spend 2 General Information 12 Candidate Profiles • Where to Vote The AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals (VAT) * Qualification of Voters/ 32 Ward Map will only be available at these two Advance Poll General Voting Rules 2 locations: 32 Free Saskatoon Transit Pass Voter Identification 3 • Market Mall: Oct. 15, 20, 21, 22 How to Vote 3 $190,000, and wannabe councillors can spend • City Hall, Committee Room ‘E’: Oct. 15, 17-22 Residency 3 IMPORTANT • When to Vote The VAT will not be available on * * Where to Vote 3 Election Day, October 26. DEADLINES Poll Location Information 3 FOR VOTERS There are new Ward boundary changes * Advance Polls 4 $19,000, where as in Regina mayoral candidates for Wards 2, 4, 7, 9. Homebound Voting 4 * October 14 – Deadline for Homebound Voting will be conducted October application for homebound * Hospital Voting 4 • Candidates’ List 21, 24, 26. voting (see page 4). Mail-in Ballot 5 * Smartphone technology – use your phone to October 25 – Last day top out at $67,000 and those running for council Voting Assistance 5 * prove your identity and residence (see page 3). to pick up mail-in ballot Please note: the taking of photographs AutoMARK Voter applications (see page 5). is not permitted at the polls. Assist Terminal (VAT) 5 • Ward Maps and Free Saskatoon Transit for Voters on Election * spend $11,000. Day, October 26, passes available on back cover. saskatoon.ca/election2016 Poll Locations 10. If you aren’t sure how to get to the polls in • Candidate Profiles Saskatoon City Councillor Prince Albert, you can get a free bus ride. Ac - Zach Jeffries is one of few civic cording to the website, the “City’s Transit Sys - ADVANCE POLLS politicians in Saskatchewan tem will be available free of charge on Election If you are unable to vote on Election Day, Advance Poll that is Indigenous. Day to allow voters with limited transportation (Photo by John Lagimodiere) voting is available October 15, 17-22. the opportunity to vote.” Check the Voters’ Guide to find out the Advance Poll 11. While some cities have only a handful of people interested in politics, Prince dates, times and locations. Albert, Regina and Saskatoon have many people engaged in the race. In Prince RIDE SASKATOON TRANSIT FOR FREE Albert there are four mayoral candidates, 18 people running for council (one ward ON ELECTION DAY! is acclaimed), Saskatoon voters also see four mayoral candidates with 36 running for council, and Regina has five people in the race for mayor and 45 people seek - Find your free Saskatoon Transit Pass in the ing a position on council. Voters’ Guide, and at Saskatoon Public Libraries, Leisure Centres, and City Hall Info Desk. 12. Robocalls are in full swing this election as candidates seek to reach hundreds of people in minutes with messages of what they want to achieve, or concerns If you are a resident of Whitecap Dakota First Nation, they have about their running mates. you will vote for the Ward 7 Public School Board Trustee at Poll 706, 13. In Saskatoon, the longest serving mayor in the city’s history, Don Atchison, is Circle Drive Alliance Church, 3035 Preston Ave. S. seeking re-election for a fifth term in the role.

14. There are six Indigenous candidates running in the province’s three biggest FOR MORE INFORMATION cities. Call 306-975-3240 or visit saskatoon.ca/election2016 15. Best use of a hashtag? Kelley Moore in Saskatoon #ExpectMoore Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 F8 our-day celebration marks FNUniv’s 40 years

By Jeanelle Mandes “The First Nations University has university home. end the four-day celebration than the na - Of Eagle Feather News announced a $50-million dollar fundrais - “The community is involved be - tional Chief Bellegarde. He is an inspi - REGINA – The First Nations University ing initiative.” cause they are the ones who contribute to rational leader and comes from Treaty 4 of Canada (FNUniv) held a four-day cel - Jean-Baptiste helped to organize the our success. Had it not been for our territory, he came from here, and worked ebration to mark its 40-year anniversary. FNUniv Alumni networking event, kokums and mothers assisting the stu - with his own tribal council with his own Celebrations kicked off with a feast which featured a panel of alumni mem - dents to get to school and taking care of band and provincially with FSIN, we and a round dance held at the institution. bers who graduated from the institution. our children while we go to school – a lot wanted to honour him by starting a schol - The theme was ‘Pimatisiwin’ which “We had Sid Fiddler, who has his of us would not have achieved our edu - translates to ‘Our teachings, Our Future’ Master’s in Social Work, as well as Mil - cational goals,” she adds. which goes back to the idea of the teach - ton Tootoosis, Vera Tourangeau who is FNUniv Student Association In - ing foundations of FNUniv. an educator, and we had Diane Adams terim President, Heather O’Watch, says the students were excited to be a part of the 40th anniversary celebrations. “As student body representatives, we were excited to be engaged in the many events that the 40th anniversary brought on our campus including the round dance, feast and family day events. It was a wonderful four-day celebration that allowed us as current students, alumni, staff, community members and future students to get together and cele - brate 40 years of Indigenous education on our campus,” said O’Watch. Guest speakers varied from the Fed - AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde eration of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has had a leadership scholarship (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron, to Min - named after him at the University. ister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Honourable Carolyn Bennett and the As - arship in his name to inspire our next sembly of First Nations (AFN) Chief generation of students to go out there Perry Bellegarde. All spoke to congratu - and do what he did and make a differ - late the university on achieving its 40- ence,” says FNUniv President, Mark year anniversary. Dockstator as he announced the Perry “We can think of no better person to Bellegarde Leadership Scholarship.

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By Nikita Longman the journey,” Windolph said. For Eagle Feather News The work of the association is inspired REGINA – The Regina Indian Indus - by the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Ac - trial School Commemorative Associa - tion #75, which calls for…..ongoing identi - tion was recently granted approval for fication, documentation, maintenance, com - heritage recognition of a gravesite that is memoration, and protection of residential home to nearly 40 children who died at school cemeteries or other sites at which Janine Windolph and Trudy Stewart worked hard to protect the cemetery at the Industrial School. residential school children were buried. This the Regina Indian Industrial School. (Photo by Carla Otter) On Sept. 7, the City of Regina Plan - is to include the provision of appropriate ning Commission passed the recommenda - memorial ceremonies and commemorative The cultural support of elder Noel Indian Agent at the time of her death sim - tion to designate the cemetery, located on markers to honour the deceased children. Starblanket was also invaluable during the ply told the family ‘she died’, without ever Pinkie Road, heritage status. It was a unan - “The biggest challenge we faced in process. telling them any of the details.” imous vote. this process was building trust from the Windolph describes the process for a Heritage status and commemoration Days leading up to the city council community,” explains Windolph. heritage site as a means of reconciliation. feels a lot like protection. According to Win - meeting to approve the status were stressful The association spent countless hours “A lot of healing came out of the dolph, “It’s the beginning of a larger con - for Janine Windolph, the President of the raising awareness through film screenings of process within our group,” she recalls. versation.” RIIS Commemorative Association. the documentary RIIS from Amnesia and a “The methodology became the healing Stewart describes the recognition as “I had mixed emotions, tensions and memorial walk that was held on July 27. process. It really brought us together. We “peace of mind.” an anxiety,” said Windolf. Other projects, like the prayer per - were no longer these fragmented voices The association agrees that knowing “There’s always that doubt because formance piece by the late Lacy Morin- speaking alone. We really had to come to - nothing will be developed on the site is a re - when you’ve been doing this for so long, Desjarlais and Michele Sereda, Dancing gether.” lief in itself. you never just want to assume things are go - with Space Inbetween were also created as Stewart added that the awareness be - “There was a group of citizens that ing to go well.” the first project and set the tone for future came a realization for a lot of people. put in a lot of work in before us,” Stewart Reconciliation between Regina citi - awareness. The piece was recently screened “We’ve been hearing about these sto - added. zens and Indigenous people has been the at an Indigenous film festival in Venezuela. ries for a long time as Indigenous people. “To get where we are today is a pretty backdrop for the cemetery’s heritage status. RIIS Board member Trudy Stewart But there were a lot of people who were commendable,” he says. After an earlier unanimous vote in March, recalls welcomed support from city council hearing about these things for the first “RIIS’ next steps are for provincial the City of Regina agreed to adopt and im - during the walk. time,” she explained. status, followed by federal status,” Win - plement the TRC’s Calls to Action. “As we built more trust, that gave us “There was a viewer who came to dolph says. “All of city council and the delegates the confidence in the work that we do, and realize that his great aunt may be one of the “The RIIS narrative is not limited to were aware that this is just the beginning of kept us going.” children who were buried at this site. The a municipal story.” 10 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 NORTEP grads are community role models

By Linda Mikolayenko River for two years, but since January, she has been an For Eagle Feather News Outreach Worker with the Piwapin Women’s Centre in LA RONGE – When Honey Bernatchez first met her La Ronge. In that capacity, she gives presentations, husband, Devin, he was a second-year student in the works in suicide prevention, and supports clients who Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP). leave the shelter. Several years later, Honey followed in his foot - “She’s easy to talk to,” says Piwapin’s Executive steps and also enrolled in NORTEP. Although neither Director, Karen Sanderson. currently works as a teacher, the couple are both mak - This is a quality that serves her well in an initiative ing positive contributions to their community. known as the Little Kokums Club, where twice a week, “I learned a lot from my peers at NORTEP,” says different generations gather to socialize, do crafts and Devin, particularly when it came to strategies about share refreshments. As the leader, Honey sees her role as helping northern youth. making sure the participants are safe and comfortable. Giving back is important to Devin. Because the She engages them by asking for their ideas and taking ad - Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) supported him in his vantage of their skills. education, he made a commitment to teach at Senator “There’s lots of laughs, and lots of learning,” says Myles Venne School for five years, where he was in - Honey. volved in coaching teams in almost every sport. For the past three years, Devin has been the Con - As a youth, Devin played a lot of hockey, including stituency Assistant to MLA Doyle Vermette. Both he and a year with the La Ronge Ice Wolves. Since 2005, he has Honey expect that they will go back to teaching some - shared his passion for the game by coaching. day, but, in the meantime, in their varied endeavours, they “Devin is, without a doubt, a great asset to our mi - are making a difference and gaining experiences that will nor hockey association,” says Kevin Roberts, president serve them well when they return to the classroom. of the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre Mi - nor Hockey Association. “His passion is evident when he goes far and above your average parent volunteer as coach, manager, chap - (Left) Honey Bernatchez erone and minor hockey league executive. He tirelessly prepares to make a pot of puts in extra hours, season after season, to ensure a mi - coffee, part of the hospi - nor hockey player’s experience is full of fun, skill de - tality she shares with par - velopment and building good young people.” ticipants in La Ronge’s This season, Devin’s nine-year-old son, Dade, will Little Kokums Club. be on the Atom team he coaches, and Devin anticipates, that with the resurrection of the North Central Minor (Above) Devin Bernatchez Hockey League, they will play up to 65 games. is dad and hockey coach to Both Devin and Honey believe in keeping their Dade, pictured here in the son busy, and try to be good role models for him, but also office of MLA Doyle Ver - acknowledge that they are role models for each other. mette, where Bernatchez They live in Sucker River where Honey grew up, and works as a Constituency have an outdoor skating rink. Honey is also an active run - Assistant. ner and swimmer, and loves to golf. (Photos by Linda Mikolayenko) “She props me off the couch, too, to get active,” says Devin. “She’s a motivator for me.” Honey taught at Chief Moses Ratt School in Sucker OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 11 Uncertain future for NORTEP-NORPAC staff and students

By Linda Mikolayenko students who met with the Honourable support and allow students to take their ment of Saskatchewan signed a five-year For Eagle Feather News Bronwyn Eyre, Minister of Advanced message to Regina later in the fall, and agreement to support the operation of LA RONGE – Uncertainty regarding Education, in mid-September to convey try to stop the redirection of funding. NORTEP-NORPAC, but now it is seek - the future of the Northern Teacher Edu - why NORTEP-NORPAC is “important “It has been a proven product for 40 ing administrative savings, says Malm - cation Program (NORTEP) and the and essential to the North.” years,” says Desjarlais. sten. She acknowledges that establishing Northern Professional Access College The third-year NORPAC student To date, over 600 Bachelor of Edu - a new structure for the delivery of uni - (NORPAC) is causing anxiety for both and vice-president of the student associ - cation, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of versity education in the north is not an students and staff. ation says, “This decision has put a stress Education degrees have been awarded, easy process. In July, the provincial government “We want our model carried on, advised the NORTEP-NORPAC Board because it has been successful,” says of Governors that its funding would be Malmsten. Indeed, she says the re - discontinued as of July 31, 2017 and sponse to a call for success stories has redirected to another post-secondary in - been overwhelming. stitution. This has left the current 154 Part of the uniqueness of the cur - students and 25 staff wondering what rent program has been the emphasis on comes next. incorporating an Indigenous perspec - “The faculty have noticed that tive in the studies. For example, the In - everybody is worried,” said NORTEP- digenous Studies 270: Literature of In - NORPAC acting president, Jennifer digenous North America course is a Malmsten. “Because of the uncertainty, requirement for both of the Bachelor of they don’t know what the future holds, Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees and that’s hard to handle.” and NORTEP-NORPAC is the only ed - In late September, representatives ucational institution that offers it in from the Ministry of Advanced Educa - Northern Saskatchewan. There are cur - tion and NORTEP met to determine the rently 30 students registered in this next steps. NORTEP-NORPAC students are wondering what a redirection in funding will class. “We agreed that NORTEP would mean to them. Pictured here is the Indigenous Studies 270: Literature of In - Among NORTEP-NORPAC’s facilitate the process of determining who digenous North America class, one of the unique features of the program. strengths, Malmsten includes small our partner will be,” said Malmsten. (Photo by April Chiefcalf) class sizes, face-to-face instruction, tu - “We will make a recommendation to the toring, financial assistance and the “in - Minister of Advanced Education by Jan - on the physical, mental, emotional and and students have been able to take numerable supports that we offer.” uary 31, and then it is her prerogative to spiritual health of the students.” courses leading to other professional pro - “This is a northern issue,” says accept or reject the recommendation.” Desjarlais has initiated a “Go Fund grams, as well. Malmsten. “If NORTEP is lost, then the Rielle Desjarlais is one of several Me” campaign to engage the public’s Just over a year ago, the Govern - North will suffer.” 12 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 Strength of Women recognized at event attended by achievers, superstar elders

By Andréa Ledding The event is hosted by the Federation of Sovereign “I’m raising aware - For Eagle Feather News Indigenous Nations Women’s Commission to raise ness. We never expect Proud families and supporters filled the tables as awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women this to happen to us, and the Strength of Women awards were to be celebrated in and to raise funds to help support the families of the we never know who it’s its second annual event. missing and murdered. going to happen to, which Ruby Whitstone opened the evening by describing family it’s going to affect the exhaustive search for her sister Violet Marie Hea - next. I just pray it stops,” then, beginning in Onion Lake and extending outwards. said Whitstone. “She disappeared into thin air and it wasn’t even “We don’t need our on the news.” sisters taken that way.” Her sister’s skull was discovered in an Alberta Lori Whiteman field in November 2009, and investigators arrived at her shared what she knew Delia Opekokew received the L home just before Christmas. about her late mother Bernard, of the Waterhen Lake “This part of the story is funny and I want you to from others: a well-put- Union. share and take this with you,” she said before comically together young woman describing how the investigators were mistaken for with movie star looks who wanted to be a nurse one pushy Jehovah’s Witnesses letting themselves into her day. house. Whiteman was scooped from her mother in the But then the sobering and tearful truth came: it was ‘60s and has been looking for her ever since. Whiteman the revelation of Violet’s discovery, and all she could is the first mother in two generations of her family to think was she had to go tell her mom. raise her own kids, because her grandmother was lost “The investigators never really told us what hap - to TB when her mom was two. pened to her and they kept saying they had no leads.” “My mom’s name is Delores Marie Whiteman. They did a memorial walk for her for four years. Her nickname was Lolly. She’s been missing for a Finally they were told a man had been charged for Vi - long, long time and may never be found.” olet’s death as well as the death of Janet Chief. On Au - Foregrounded by the impetus behind the event, Violet Naytowhow was one of several inspiring per - gust 16 the man plead not guilty and is in his hometown with a silent auction to raise funds to support the fam - (Photo by John Lagimodiere) formers. correctional centre. ilies, the night then celebrated 56 outstanding nominees OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 13

the past 13 years now,” she noted, agreeing it was nice to come home and visit while celebrating the accomplishments of so many Indigenous women. “There are two tables of family here with me tonight.” Dr. Tasha Hubbard received the Arts and Entertainment award. The Business Award went to Doris Greyeyes. Belinda Daniels was chosen for this year’s Educa - tion award. Dr. Bonita Beatty received the Health and Wellness award. Beverly Poitras won the Law and Justice. Bridgette Laque - tte was first in the Sports playing field. Grade 7 student Deseray Robillard was cho - sen from a field of outstanding youth. Barb Lavallee was the Environment Ochapowace Chief Margaret Bear on left and SIGA Vice President of recipient. Myrna LaPlante and Darlene Human Resources Shauna Bear far right, presented the Leadership & Okemaysim-Sicotte jointly won the Lead - Advocacy Award to Myrna LaPlante and Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte. ership & Advocacy Award for their advo - (Photo by John Lagimodiere) Lifetime Achievement award from Chief Carolyn cacy on MMIW&G, the fundraising and e First Nation and Chris Sicotte of Affinity Credit awareness focus of the event. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) The superstars among superstars of the night — the Honoured Matriarchs — in 12 categories who exemplified the strength were Clara Duquette, Clara Norman, Eileen of women. Vandall, Evelyne Desnomie, Gertrude Mont - Delia Opekokew of Canoe Lake, recip - grand, Jeanne Sutherland, Mabel Ouellette, ient of the Outstanding Achievement Award Mary Thunderchild, Melvina Eagle, Neva Mi - from a field that included Marjorie Hyman rasty, Philomene Roy, Rose Daniels, Sandra and Ingrid Anderson, briefly and humbly dis - George, Shirley McNab, and the supporting cussed her very illustrious legal career now Elder described as “Saskatoon’s Kohkum,” based in Toronto, including numerous high Maria Linklater. profile cases such as Leo Lachance and Entertainment for the evening was pro - Dudly George, along with land claim settle - vided by Teagan Littlechief, Pretty Indian ment agreements and adjudication with IRS Girls Singing, Violet Naytowhow, and Zoey claims. Ochapowace Chief Margaret Bear and FSIN Vice Chief Robert Pricelys Roy. The hosts were Candace Merasty presented the Health and Wellness Award to Dr. Bonita “I’ve been doing IRS adjudication for Wasacase-Lafferty and Merv Brass. Beatty. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) 14 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 Blondeau finds strength to portray painful stories

By Andréa Ledding married to Lori’s brother. For Eagle Feather News “That was my first experience doing performance Cree/Saulteaux/Métis artist Lori Blondeau notes art,” noted Blondeau, adding that one woman shared her mother is artistic and her brother is famed visual that she had been afraid of Indigenous women prior to artist Edward Poitras. Maybe her latest coup, a the experience. Saskatchewan Arts Award nomination for Artistic Ex - “That really struck me because it was a time where cellence, runs in the family. us four Indigenous young women and these four non- “I grew up around art and I studied dance and Indigenous women came to true reconciliation. It meant then went and studied theatre at Native Theatre School a lot because we changed those women’s attitudes to - in Toronto,” explained Blondeau. “Then I realized I wards Indigenous people.” didn't want to do theatre, I wanted to tell my own sto - Blondeau describes her performance art as high- ries.” tech storytelling, drawing from personal experience. Eventually she did a MFA in Art after a three-year “My own stories, my mothers and grandmothers, apprentice with James Luna, a California-based artist. I draw from the women in my life that are close to me, “Then I just continued doing my art practice. And my experience being an Indigenous person living in this now there's no turning back.” crazy time,“ she noted, adding that she always asks Although she also does installations and visual permission before sharing stories. art, there is a unique aspect to performance art. Lately she’s been working with stones a lot, in - “It’s about the here and now, it’s live action. What - cluding the historic Mistassiny, blown up while creat - Artist Lori Blondeau has been nominated for a ever the viewer takes from it, all you have is your mem - ing the Gardiner Dam. Saskatchewan Arts Award nomination for Artistic ories as an audience member or viewer. Then it res - “I wanted to pay homage to the people who have Excellence. (Photo supplied) onates more, because most people who witness fought to preserve these sites, to these stones that rep - performance art, they bring in their own experience wood — and Blondeau stopped, eventually continuing resent who we are as Plains Indians. Elbow kept a rem - into it, so they become a part of the performance in a but with significant alterations. nant of Mistassiny at the Elbow marina so I did a photo way.” “I went back because I was going to put everyone shoot of me wrapped up in red velvet on top of it.” In her closing MFA exhibition, Blondeau com - in the enclosed area — but everyone was crying so I fin - Blondeau notes that Saskatchewan artists and artis - bined personal stories with her mother’s memories of ished skinning the log and telling my mother's story and tic collectives are well-known across the country. Co - Residential School family visits, missing the smell of then put the log down on the ground and walked out.” founder and director of the Tribe Aboriginal Arts or - home so much that her grandmother would toss her She notes it has taken several years for her to ganization since 1996, her own art has been the subject sweater over the fence so she could hug and smell it. be able to tell that story. She traces her love of per - of significant scholarship, international shows, and has As she shaved a poplar log down for the audience, formance art to a 1983 movement and visual art contributed to a growing body of research related to it triggered her mother who began weeping with the show put on by Robin Poitras, who is receiving the contemporary Indigenous art. smell of home — the poplar was her reserve’s usual fire - Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 17, and was “We are leaders when it comes to the Arts.” OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 15 Williams’ play a brave foray into secretive world of child welfare

By Andréa Ledding One woman shared her story, one For Eagle Feather News that Williams found shocking. She had SASKATOON – The seed for Kenneth been the victim of false accusations. He T. Williams’ latest play, In Care, was believed her after watching the system in planted over a decade ago when he was action, silencing parents, and the story almost prosecuted as a journalist for cov - sat with him for a long time. ering a story on child welfare in Ontario. He tried to do more stories, but the “What saved me from being prose - legislation was a brick wall. One day he cuted was that information about this wrote a quick piece which is now the particular case had already been pub - main character’s opening monologue, lished once before,” said Williams. NE and In Care was born. “Thankfully Canada’s becoming The cast of In Care have been working hard at rehearsals to prepare for the better educated about child welfare sys - Oct. 21 opening. (Photos by Andrea Ledding) tems and particularly how it affects In - digenous children – because of the work assimilation and genocide was to assault Angel, a policeman struggling after hav - of women like Cindy Blackstock and the family and to separate children and ing to make a judgment call that has him Mary Ellen Turpel Lafond,” noted family.” questioning everything. Emma Laishram Williams. If separation is still going on, the as - empathetically plays worker and coun - “We’re now seeing, particularly sault hasn’t stopped, notes Williams. The sellor Bayley, clashing with Michaela with First Nations children, that it’s in the play itself is under an hour from start to Washburn’s fully-realized Holland, a hands of Aboriginal run organizations finish, but in that time frame a significant First Nations worker who has internal - across Canada, but there’s more First journey takes place. The audience is in - ized the system well enough to replicate Nations children in care than ever, his - troduced to four very vividly realized it complete with cultural signage. torically.” people struggling to make broken sys - After the first act – the play – di - He attributes this to the system it - tems work in various ways. rector Yvette Nolan has designed a sec - self: no matter who is technically in con - Janice Fisher, played by local ac - ond act, a discussion panel. trol of the system it is one still “out of tress Krystle Pederson, is the mother fac - “We don’t want to just leave the au - control.” ing false accusations and child seizure of dience in this space, we want them to “Systemic things just don’t change her three daughters. Further complicating have an opportunity to discuss, debrief, because we’re the bureaucrats in charge, her situation is the fact her very first question, and maybe even problem- KENNETH T. WILLIAMS there’s something bigger going on. This daughter was permanently seized be - solve,” said Nolan. play is about trying to question why this cause she was a teenage sex trade worker “How do we make things better, “But in doing that story I learned is repeating.” and addict who has since turned her life what needs to happen next?” how there’s privacy legislation designed All of the characters but one are In - around. To that end, experts have been to protect the children, and the foster digenous, including two who represent Fisher’s four daughters are the in - sought to facilitate that conversation parents as well as the biological parents, the systems still causing harm. visible but very present characters in this brought about by the paradigm shifts but what that legislation does is prevent “We’ve got to re-examine child production, who haunt her every move to good art brings. Shows are limited to 60 any kind of oversight or journalistic in - welfare and how we’re trying to support try and fight for a future for everyone’s seats per evening, so tickets will go fast. vestigation because we can’t publish any the family,” said Williams. sake. Opening night is Oct. 21, and the information.” “The provincial and federal act of Local actor Aren Okemaysim plays show ends Oct. 30. 6KHUL %HQVRQ 0HPEHURI3DUOLDPHQW6DVNDWRRQ:HVW

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Rook Sparvier from Cowesses First Nation and Terri-Lynn Beavereye and John Sustainable Development Technology Canada Director George Lafond and Jez from Black Lake spoke of their renewable energy projects in their com - President and CEO Leah Lawrence gave the keynote address at the 2nd An - munities. (Photo by Christian Boyle) nual Aboriginal Business Forum. (Photo by Christian Boyle) Business leaders encouraged to embrace innovation

By John Lagimodiere “Education means achievement and so we can capitalize on the jobs and busi - renewable energy, opportunities in agri - Of Eagle Feather News achievement equals success,” said La - ness opportunities during the two to three culture and a panel on procurement op - WHITECAP DAKOTA – Business fond. “Education in our communities is years of construction. Then they want us portunities with SaskPower, SaskHigh - leaders from the clean energy, agriculture one of our biggest weaknesses. This is to focus on housing and education and ways and Lynco Eagle. and infrastructure industries gathered to - where innovation comes in. We have to recreation.” The day was summarised on an en - gether with Aboriginal businesses for a change our education systems. We have Lionel “Rook” Sparvier shared the gagement wall sponsored by Affinity day of idea sharing and networking at the to ask hard questions and do better.” impact of their wind project on their Credit Union where participants added second annual Aboriginal Business Fo - He also pointed out that the oppor - community. thoughts on the day, renewable energy rum. tunities in First Nation communities for “Wind power is a good thing,” said and reconciliation and business. Many of Conference Chair Darrell Balkwill renewable energy are vast. Rook Sparvier. “The key to success for the comments agreed that a better effort welcomed participants to the event with “As First Nations we have to un - us was basing our decisions on objective had to be done by business people to a blunt assessment of the business cli - derstand the innovation wave. We have to third party analysis. And all of our proj - bring young people to events like the fo - mate in Saskatchewan. build better houses that don’t get black ects are driven and owned by our First rum so they could mentor them. All prof - “The Saskatchewan economy is mold. We have to stop diesel generation Nations needs.” its from the forum will be used to provide among Canada’s leaders in growth. Al - for isolated communities and replace that Presentations also included building scholarships to Indigenous students. though growth in the non-renewable re - with solar.” source sector has slowed, Saskatchewan Some communities have already has been blessed with an abundance of started down the renewable path. The renewable natural resources including a Tazi Twe hydro project in Black Lake rich and diverse agricultural sector and First Nation and the Cowessess High an abundance of renewable energy Wind Project were presented to the fo - sources like hydro, solar and wind. rum. Terri-Lynn Beavereye the Business Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal people pres - Manager for Black Lake says the project ent a key human and business resource has strong approval from the community. for furthering these developments,” said “We went to every community im - Balkwill. pacted and explained the whole project to The speech set the day for conver - them. We told them there was no finan - sations around renewable energy and cial risk to us. There is a trust set up and agriculture. George Lafond, former we get elected people on it. We promised Treaty Commissioner and now a Direc - them the land would go back to the way tor for Sustainable Development Tech - it was at the end of the project. 62.9 per - nology Canada (SDTC) joined Leah cent voted in favour so it was a relief,” Lawrence, the President and CEO of said Beavereye. SDTC in the opening keynote address. “Now we start training our people OCTOBER2016 Eagle Feather News 17 BUSINESS BRIEFS

service for their vehicles at an on-reserve location. “The AREVA Family Room will provide a needed “It’s important to build capacity to truly contribute to space for families to gather and take a break from the the economy of our province,” says Wuttunee. therapeutic areas. It’s a space that will be particularly “It is critical that we as First Nations people do our useful for those travelling from out of town, such as part in building partnerships within our treaty areas many of our employees’ families and friends from with non-First Nations partners. It lends to a true real - northern Saskatchewan.” ization of the spirit and intent of Treaty. To work to - gether for the benefit of all.” Lloydminster casino good to go

LLOYDMINSTER – The Border Tribal Council, Areva giving back Little Pine First Nation and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) hosted a luncheon in Lloy - SASKATOON – AREVA Resources Canada has do - dminster, Sask. to give an update on the new SIGA nated $500,000 to support a family room in the Mater - casino project and to provide information to local or - Market Tire opens on reserve nal Care Centre at the new Children’s Hospital of ganizations and community members about the job Saskatchewan. and business opportunities the project will bring to This generous contribution to the Children’s Hospital Lloydminster. The casino has received all approvals By Larissa Burnouf Foundation of Saskatchewan’s “We Can’t Wait” Capi - required to begin the project. For Eagle Feather News tal Campaign means that pregnant women and their The 31,000-foot facility would provide 140 jobs, Saskatoon has long been known as a hot spot in First families will have a home-away-from-home right out - which SIGA president and CEO Zane Hansen says Nations business and entrepreneurship in the side their hospital room doors when they deliver their covers everything from marketing to food and bever - province. babies. age. With a booming economy and growing urban reserve “We are proud to invest in communities near our ac - We definitely want to get the project moving along. opportunities, First Nations businesses are continuing tivities and operations and to support healthcare infra - Once we mobilize, you get a lot of resources put in to grow and expand within the Bridge City. structure and services for the benefit of all in place to keep things moving. We’ve built three casinos The first First Nations owned and operated tire shop Saskatchewan. in the last eight/nine years,” explains Hansen. in Saskatoon is now open for business on the Muskeg “We are particularly pleased to contribute to the Chil - “Some of those projects were in the 14-16 month win - Lake urban reserve on Packham Avenue. dren’s Hospital of Saskatchewan’s Maternal Care dow. I think we can move this one a little quicker than Market Tire co-owner Sheldon Wuttunee has part - Centre,” says Tammy Van Lambalgen, Vice President that.” nered with Greg and Brent Hoiness to open the estab - Corporate Affairs and General Counsel of AREVA Don’t be surprised to see the casino up and running in lished business’s newest location on-reserve hoping to Resources Canada Inc. 2017. fill a gap in the market in the province. Wuttunee says he and the Hoiness brothers began building a partnership years ago and expanding onto SIGA’s newest casion could be up and running in 2017 the reserve was an opportunity they didn’t want to miss. “It’s a great opportunity to build an important service to our people and everyone in the community at large,” Wuttunee says. He says it’s also an opportunity to work with reserves, Tribal Councils and First Nations owned companies across the province wanting access to an essential 18 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016 Media types get a lesson on reconciliation

By Jeanelle Mandes people,” said The Star Phoenix reporter and conference and journalist Dr. Marie Wilson. Of Eagle Feather News co-chair, Betty Ann Adam. Katie Sawatzky, a third-year student from the Uni - SASKATOON – A conference aimed at building bet - “It’s a relief and a joy – and a feeling of great sat - versity of Regina School Of Journalism says she is go - ter relationships between the media and Saskatchewan’s isfaction that the conference was so well received and ing to start prioritizing Aboriginal people and their First Nation communities was held in Saskatoon at the attended.” communities and to start fostering those relationships – University of Saskatchewan. The second day of the conference began with a one of the messages from Dr. Wilson’s keynote speech. Over morning pipe ceremony. It was a ceremony that was for - “Marie Wilson’s speech was just amazing. I feel 120 of jour - eign to most attendees, including the owner and pub - empowered and like I have a job to do,” says Sawatzky. nalists, edi - lisher of the Prince Albert Daily Herald and Moose Jaw “It was a really great conference. I really enjoyed all the tors, publish - Times-Herald, Roger Holmes. speakers; they all had so much to share. A key moment ers, “I really appreciate being welcomed and (being for me was when Betty Ann Adam got up to share her educators, able) to participate in the pipe ceremony. It’s the first thoughts during the decision making panel, what she public rela - time I’ve ever experienced anything like that and it was had to say was really inspiring that we need to challenge tions staff a sacred ceremony. It was meaningful,” said Holmes. our assumptions and that we need to think critically on and students He was eager to take everything he learned at the how we’re framing our stories.” from across conference back to his newsrooms ensuring his staff uti - The conference idea stemmed from Treaty 4 News the province lizes the media handbook, a document that was created Editor/Publisher, Mervin Brass, who invited fellow in - gathered to as a tool for the media in Saskatchewan on how to bet - digenous journalists Betty Ann Adam, John Lagi - understand ter cover First Nations issues. modiere of Eagle Feather News, Doug Cuthand colum - the need for “This is a great tool kit for me because I’m not nist and former CTV Indigenous Circle host, and David reconciliation overly familiar and I don’t know how to lead my staff Kirton from News Talk 650 to help plan the event. Truth and Reconciliation Commis - in the media. to embrace this culture and issue. This tool kit is the nuts “We handed out the evaluation forms and we will sioner Marie Wilson addressed the The and bolts of what we need to start to do our job to lead review (everyone’s feedback). But when you were in participants at the Reconciliation and event started our readers through the magnitude of the issue to help the room yesterday, hearing everyone’s comments was the Media Conference in Saskatoon. on the them understand and appreciate it,” added Holmes. a pretty good sign that another conference similar to this (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) evening of “Embrace it as part of who we are and then be able will continue in Canada ... the next step is to have a rec - October 4 to go forward as one people.” onciliation event and bring in people from across with a reception held at the university in the Gordon The event was emceed by CBC's Connie Walker Canada,” said Brass. Oakes Red Bear centre with over 80 attendees. who introduced various speakers such as residential The conference was based on the foundation of the “We began with a reception last night and would - school survivor and Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to n’t you know, it was the first rain/snow of the season. inductee Eugene Arcand, Lac la Ronge Indian Band Action #84-86 under the ‘Media and Reconciliation’ We were very surprised and impressed that we had 80 Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and TRC Commissioner categories. OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News 19 Gaming hard work, but it pays off

By Jeanelle Mandes tion again for 13-14 hours and early Fri - Of Eagle Feather News day morning, I was on my way back The Global Gaming Expo, also home. That’s how fast my trip was.” known as G2E, is the biggest gaming Yee is currently the food and bev - expo in the world and recently held its erage manager at Casino Regina and had annual Top 40 under 40 program which been the manager for almost every single recognizes the future of gaming. department including the pit boss, slot Gaming executives nominate some - manager, bank shift manager, and sur - one from the Emerging Leaders Program veillance. and 40 are recognized worldwide. The biggest position he held was “I was completely shocked when I the casino manager but he took his cur - got the news. I had no idea because it rent position to lessen his work respon - was out of the blue,” says the only Cana - sibility as he was also studying for his dian Top 40 Under 40 nominee, Jada Yee Bachelors of Business Administration from Wood Mountain reserve in South - with a major in Human Resource Man - ern Saskatchewan. agement at the First Nations University “I had a lot of emotions. It was hap - of Canada (FNUniv). piness and that feeling that I finally made “I liked being the (casino) manager it. All of the hard work I’ve done for 17 but I liked my education even more so I years of gaming had finally paid off.” wanted to finish off my degree,” he says. Jada Yee is the only Canadian Nominee of the Global Gaming Expos top 40 un - Yee was informed two days before “Money isn’t everything in life.” der 40 program. The distinction earned him a whirl wind trip to Las Vegas. Jada the event that he was nominated. He did - Yee balances his education and works at Casino Regina as the food and beverage manager. (Photo by Mike Dubois) n’t want to miss his special recognition work with being a family man. Jada and event so he hurriedly booked a last his wife Kristi have four children – two Pratt. All (these) guys that I surround passed away in 2010. minute flight and ended up flying every - boys and twin girls. myself with all helped me get to where I “He told me to always try your best where in North America to finally get to “A lot of my success comes from am and I’ll never forget that.” and to never back away from failure be - Las Vegas, Nevada. my wife. She is my rock. She’s a huge in - Yee expressed how truly honoured cause even when you fail, that’s when “Right away, I felt like a rock star fluence in my life,” says Yee, who also he was that he was recognized not only you learn most in life and you become cause people wanted to interview me,” credits his friends who graduated from the Top 40 under 40 in the world but stronger,” he adds. says Yee. “I was at the convention for FNUniv. also being the only Canadian, who hap - “I believe in First Nation values probably 12 hours and then I went to my “I didn’t do this on my own, there’s pens to be Indigenous. His years of hard (and) to learn as much as possible. So my reception. By that time, I was so tired and many people involved in this entire jour - work stems from teachings that were goal in life is to always learn as much as wanted to go home. ney like my friends Mike Dubois, Cad - shared to him from the university elders, possible in life but in return, share the “The next day, I was at the conven - mus Delorme, Tom Benjoe, and Jacob including the late Ken Goodwill who knowledge with everyone.”

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888"/4,0),$0. OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News - Sports 21 Lacrosse is thriving on northern Sask. FN

By Fraser Needham For Eagle Feather News MISTAWASIS FIRST NATION – The sport of lacrosse is alive and well on the Mistawasis First Nation. Four youth band members were part of a Peewee team that won a gold medal at the recent provincial lacrosse tourna - ment in Saskatoon. Ivan Ochuschayoo (on left), Lionel Johnstone, Bryley Bowman and Damien Bryley Bowman, 11, Damien Head, Head were a big part of the Prince Albert Peewee Predators lacrosse team, pic - 12, Ivan Ochuschayoo, 12, and Lionel tured here, that won the gold medal at the recent provincial tournament in Johnstone, 12, were all key parts of a Saskatoon. (Photo courtesy of PA Predators Minor Lacrosse Facebook page) Prince Albert Predators team that went undefeated at the tournament. that year we won the city championship Ochuschayoo has been playing Bowman, Johnstone and just through hard work and determina - lacrosse for a little over two years and Ochuschayoo played on a forward line tion.” also participates in basketball. together while Head tended goal. To achieve gold, the Predators de - The 12-year-old says it was also a Lester Ledoux, the recreation co - feated the Saskatoon Swat 7-4 in the fi - big thrill to see the newly formed ordinator for the Mistawasis First Na - nal game of the provincial tournament. Saskatchewan Rush professional tion, says Mistawasis kids began playing For his efforts, Ivan Ochuschayoo lacrosse team in action this past winter. organized lacrosse about nine years ago was awarded tournament MVP. “It was really exciting to see just and interest in the sport has grown toon,” Ledoux says. He says the Predators faced their how good they are,” he says. steadily since. “So we started off with I think eight stiffest competition from the Swat team Lionel Johnstone was also named a “It was introduced to our commu - boys and one girl in the P.A. Minor Box and it was nice to pull out a convincing first team all-star at the provincial tour - Vnitye byt a ecourplea of nkid s bfromo Saxskae- rLea gmue ande thant wotrkoed orut wsel l. IS thinak swikn. atoon aborinagmenit. nal youth

By Fraser Needham The Quebec native says with hard seventh bout for Nathan Metivier and go on with boxing while Nathan will now For Eagle Feather News work and regular training he believes al - first for Curtis. turn his attention to other activities such SASKATOON – Luc “Lefty Kid Pivin” most anyone can be molded into a good Pivin says Curtis Metivier intends to as his studies. has dedicated most of his life to the sport boxer within their respective weight class. of boxing. However, he says it is a disciplined As a welterweight fighter, his ca - approach to training that separates those reer began more than a half century ago that last in the sport as opposed to those where he accumulated a respectable that fall by the wayside. record of 16 wins (10 by knockout), 13 “It’s demanding and sometimes you losses and one split decision. will ask them to do skipping for three minutes and you will be lucky if they do 20 or 30 seconds,” Pivin says with a chuckle. “That’s why I really try to focus on endurance.” Two Aboriginal boxers Pivin is cur - rently working with are the Metivier brothers Nathan, 19, and Curtis, 16. The brothers recently competed in the provincial amateur boxing champi - onships in Regina where both won gold medals in the middleweight class of their respective age groups. Nathan Metivier (left), pictured here Curtis won his bout by technical with boxing coach Luc Pivin, won the knockout after two rounds while Nathan’s gold medal in the middleweight divi - match went the full three rounds where he sion of his age group at the provincial was awarded the decision on points. amateur boxing championships. Pivin credits the Saskatoon Tribal Council with playing a big role in the en - The 78-year-old Pivin now makes couragement and development of young his home in Saskatoon where he works boxers. with and trains young boxers – many of This includes providing the Sion whom are Aboriginal. Middle School on 7th Street East in He says boxing is a complex sport, Saskatoon as a place to train. which requires rigorous daily training “James Ouellette (STC Director of both inside and outside the ring in order Employment and Training Services) is to be successful. the one who gave me a chance to use Pivin says the best boxers are those that place as long as I provide fitness for that are most prepared heading into a the ladies,” he says. fight and this training usually includes “And there is no cost and I can use months of sparring, skipping rope and the facility and the space. That is a big endurance running prior to the actual deal for me.” match. The provincial tournament was the 22 Eagle Feather News – Sports OCTOBER 2016 Team Sask prepares for North American Indigenous Games to be held in

Toronto in 2017 Tryouts have begin across the province as coaches and managers put together Team Saskatchewan for NAIG 2017.

Team Saskatchewan Prepares for fundraising or even sponsoring the team to amonds, gyms and fields to host athletes athletes and coaches new and old to Team the North American Indigenous Games help get them to Toronto, no one person hoping to become a member of Team Saskatchewan. The website can be found In just under one year’s time over can do this alone,” said Longjohn. Saskatchewan. In the past couple of weeks at www.teamsasknaig.ca 500 athletes, coaches and mission staff “This year the steering committee is over 300 young people attended camps, The North American Indigenous will begin the journey to Toronto for the really excited because of all of the people and that was just for soccer. The commit - Games was born out a dream to give our North American Indigenous Games who have come forward to lend a hand. tee estimates that over 1,500 athletes will young people a chance to realize their po - (NAIG) which is set to take place from The games only come around every three attend the talent identification camps. tential, both as an athlete and a person. July 16-23 2016. years and are something that our young “We held two camps for ball and will Founders of the games began with Preparations are currently being people look forward to and work hard to - have another one in the spring. The little other than the will of a few key lead - made to make sure that Team wards making the team. coaches are looking forward to working ers and the support of the Indigenous com - Saskatchewan delivers our young people “As leaders in our communities we with the athletes to help develop their skills munity. an experience they won’t soon forget. need to also work hard to make sure that in addition to assessing their abilities,” Since then, the games have grown to Team Sask Steering Committee the memories and friendships created are said Denise Waskewitch, sport coordinator include many different sports, additional Chairperson Marc Longjohn spoke re - good ones.” for Baseball. provinces and states and have become a cently about all the preparations. Talent Identification camps in all 14 Team Saskatchewan has recently de - multi-million dollar event. “NAIG is an event that requires our NAIG sports are currently being held veloped a new website to act as the infor - Even through all this growth the entire community to help out. Whether it across the province. Sport Coordinators mation “hub” for all Talent Identification goal of helping to shape the lives of our is driving kids to camps, coaching a team, for all sports have been busy booking di - camps, forms and eventually profiles of youth has remained constant. OCTOBER 2016 Eagle Feather News – Sports 23 Tanton revved for NAIG as he completes the circle from fan to chef de mission

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News SASKATOON – Now that Mike Tanton has been named Chef de Mission of Team Saskatchewan for NAIG 2017, he has played every possible role at NAIG including spectator. “I went to my first NAIG in 1990 at the age of 13 in Edmonton and I was blown away. It was like the Olympics. The biggest thing I had ever seen and I couldn’t believe how many Aboriginal people were there,” said Tan - ton in an exclusive interview with Eagle Feather News over eggs and coffee at Nellie’s on 22nd. “I was just starting to see how the world works and this blew my mind.” Tanton has attended every NAIG since. First he qualified as a basket - ball player. His team’s best finish was in Victoria where they got fourth. “Most importantly, in Victoria I got to sit with basketball great Steve Nash and talk about the game with him. I asked his advice. He told me to go for it. Little things like that help you believe in yourself.” After he became too old to play, he became the coach where he had the pleasure of coaching current 3 on 3 international star Michael Linklater. “Mike and his era were great players and it was important to mentor on the next generation.” Eventually, Tanton went on to play with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. He has been involved in developing grassroots basketball pro - grams across Saskatchewan. His community work eventually led to him be - ing the Director of the White Buffalo Youth Lodge. He has been working for PotashCorp at the Cory mine for the past several years. Being named the Chef de Mission is the topping on the cake for Tan - ton and allows him to do that community work that is so important to him. “I have been away from the community for a while ... gone underground if you even want to say it, but being back working with the community in this context gives me the best of both worlds,” said Tanton. “It means a lot and is very cool how I came full circle from fan to this position. There is a different dynamic now and I have to work with kids and adults and show them it is more than just a game. I want to help them and push them to be better. I miss working with and helping people.” Juggling time underground with the important demands of being Chef Mike Tanton attended his first North American Indigenous Games in Edmonton in de Mission will be a challenge, but Tanton is up to it. 1990 and it was an eye-opening experience. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) “I have a varied schedule that allows me time off during the days sometimes and my site has embraced my opportunity,” said Tanton. “They will give me some flex and time off and I can take holidays or use banked time. It will be great.” Tanton will lead about 500 athletes, coaches and mission staff to Toronto for the North American Indigenous Games which is set to take place from July 16-23, 2017. The group is in the midst of raising the $1.3 million it takes to get the youth to Toronto. Team Saskatchewan finished second in 2014 when the Games were held in Regina. Though he doesn’t want to predict a finishing spot for next year, Tanton does know the athletes will have a life changing event. “We have a great team of athletes so far and we have a great management team with our committee and with SaskSport and the Sport For All coordinator over at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations,” said Tanton. “We are doing this as a team, not just me thinking I’m in charge. I’m pretty revved for this.” 24 Eagle Feather News OCTOBER 2016