VOLUME 2, Issue 1 contents

on the cover

Special Reports HOME AWAY FROM HOME 06 Canadian universities providing students with a Frazer Whiteduck dancing and sharing his story with the "Home away from Home". youth of Kashetchewan. RECLAIMING AND CREATING 09 The story of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples early support of Indigenous music.

WALKING IN HER MOCCASINS 12 Engaging Indigenous men Features and boys in the prevention of NEW YEARS MESSAGE violence toward women. 05 National Chief Robert Bertrand welcomes the FOR THE RECORD New Year on behalf of the 17 Why archive management Congress of Aboriginal is vital to the Congress of Peoples. Aboriginal Peoples and its constituents. 11 YOUNG LEADERS THE RIGHT START Youth entrepenuer Malcolm 21 Creating healthy and Simon inspiring youth to successful indigenous children create change. through early learning and childcare engagement. THE DANIELS DECISION 19 What is it and what does it CAP PRIORITIES AND mean for you? 23 RESOLUTIONS What's ahead for the Congress of Aborignal Peoples in 2018.

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 3

remember the faces of those who have Daniels c. Canada. Ils ont discuté des left us or that we have lost. This past méthodes qui doivent définir les relations year, the 150th anniversary of Canada, de travail et entre le Canada et le CPA. significantly raised the national En rapport direct avec le jugement awareness on just how far this country Daniels, le conseil d’administration du needs to go in order to rectify and prevent further violence and tragedy CPA a consacré énormément de temps against our Indigenous women and girls. et d’efforts à façonner un nouvel accord The recent launch of CAP’s Walking In politique entre le gouvernement fédéral Her Moccasins, a new and progressive et nous. Cet nouvel accord renouvelé violence-prevention resource aimed at a pour but de représenter et de faire men and boys, is one such answer as to entendre les doléances et revendications how we can work to ensure that present de tous les commettants du CPA d’un and future generations may have océan à l’autre, et de permettre à notre violence-free lives. organisme et au Canada de préparer en Experience is the best teacher. We must unlock and use the sacred partenariat une vraie réconciliation à teachings of our ancestors as a way to l’ère post- Daniels. Le CPA a continué de NEW YEARS guide ourselves and make the best promouvoir les projets de réconciliation Message from decisions for those around us each and avec les trois échelons de gouvernement National Chief Robert Bertrand every day. As this year comes to a close avec l’appui de ses organismes provincial and 2018 begins, we should continue not et territorial (OPT). On behalf of the Congress of Aboriginal only to grow and work together, but to En cheminant ensemble comme Peoples (CAP), I would like to extend a love one another, those who surround us organisme autochtone national et comme and those we may never know. We are healthy and happy New Year to all of peuple, nous devons nous souvenir du all in this together. you. While it is a popular trend to draft passé et nous rappeler les défis que up an ambitious list of resolutions at the Meegwetch, nous avons relevés et ceux que nous beginning of each new year, I tend to National Chief Robert Bertrand avons perdus. L’an dernier, le 150e reflect on what has happened over the past year: the events, developments, anniversaire du Canada, a secoué la challenges and faces that have been a conscience nationale en démontrant tout part of my role as National Chief. ce que ce pays doit faire afin de réparer In March, CAP held its successful et empêcher que d’autres violences et Daniels Symposium. This event tragédies contre nos femmes et nos filles provided an opportunity for its Nouvel An autochtones ne se répètent. Le lancement grassroots members to gather in Ottawa Message du récent de Marcher dans ses mocassins to voice their concerns and perspectives Chef National, Robert Bertrand du CPA, une ressource nouvelle et on the necessary next steps towards the innovatrice de prévention de la violence federal government’s accountability on Au nom du Congrès des peuples the Supreme Court’s final decision on contre les femmes visant les hommes et Daniels v. Canada and the mechanisms autochtones (CPA), je désire offrir mes les garçons, est l’une des interventions needed to establish a working meilleurs vœux de bonheur et de santé à suivre qui nous permettra de garantir relationship between Canada and CAP. à chacun d’entre vous. Il est fréquent de que les générations actuelles et futures In direct relation to the Daniels dresser une longue liste de résolutions vivront à l’abri de la violence. decision, CAP’s Board of Directors has au début de chaque nouvelle année, L’expérience est le meilleur des put an immeasurable amount of time and comme l’habitude le voudrait, au début maîtres. Nous devons débloquer et effort into shaping a new Political de chaque nouvelle année nous nous utiliser les enseignements sacrés de nos Accord with the federal government. fixons comme objectif des résolutions ancêtres comme moyen de nous orienter This renewed Accord has been created to represent and speak for all of CAP’s que nous voulons atteindre mais pour afin de prendre les meilleures décisions constituency from coast to coast to coast cette année j’aimerais revoir en relief les pour les personnes autour de nous and to enable our organization and événements, le cheminement, les enjeux chaque jour. Puisque cette année tire à Canada to work in tandem towards true et les défis qui ont fait partie de ma sa fin et que 2018 et à l’aube s’en vient, reconciliation in a post-Daniels fonction en tant que chef national lors de nous devrions continuer non seulement landscape. l’année que nous venons de terminer. à grandir et à travailler ensemble, mais CAP has continued to advocate for En mars 2017, le CPA a tenu son aussi à s’entraider et à nous aimer les reconciliatory developments and important Symposium Daniels, qui a uns les autres. Nos membres en méritent initiatives with all three levels of mobilisé ses membres à se rassembler pas moins. Ceux qui nous entourent et government, which has included support for its eleven Provincial and Territorial à Ottawa. Ils y ont fait entendre leurs ceux que nous ne connaîtrons sans doute Organizations (PTO). préoccupations et leurs points de vue jamais. Nous sommes tous concernés. In moving forward together as a sur les prochaines étapes d’imputabilité National Indigenous Organization and as du gouvernement fédéral suivant le Meegwetch, Merci. a people, we must look back upon and jugement de la Cour suprême dans de Robert Bertrand, Chef National

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 5 A Home Away from Home Spiritual, Emotional and Cultural needs of Indigenous students By Matthew Gallina

he familiar smell of bannock with primary concern and it called on the perfect amount of butter, the universities to develop Indigenous- T joyfulness of a drum circle that focused programs in specific fields awakens your spirit, the serenity of a while promoting awareness of smudging circle that calms your Indigenous rights, histories and chaotic world, and the life teachings perspectives. from Elders. Nowadays, Indigenous Today more Indigenous students are students do not have to drive attending university than ever before seemingly endless hours or sit in an in Canada. According to the 2016 airport waiting for a connecting flight Census, the Indigenous populations back to their home community in increased to 4.9% of Canada’s total order to experience some of their population, over half of Indigenous culture. Universities across Canada are Canadians are now residing in encouraging Indigenous students to metropolitan areas. Indigenous Tom Deer speaking with students reconnect with their cultural identity students attending university are often about the Condolences Cane. and practices right on campus, their far away from their families and “home away from home.” community members, sometimes provides opportunities for students to Recommendations from the Truth and experiencing loneliness and isolation achieve academic success while Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and which can negatively impact their maintaining cultural identity. Faculty the Council of Ministers of Education, studies. members regularly use Indigenous Canada (CMEC) are responsible for Six Nations Polytechnic is a methods of pedagogy to teach course spearheading the increase in recognized leader in providing material. All programs are open to all Indigenous programs and services in Indigenous-focused programs to Indigenous students regardless of universities across Canada. In university and college students. status, as Six Nations Polytechnic December 2015, the TRC released its Through the three-year Bachelor of continue to increase student final report into the history and legacy Arts in Ogwehoweh Languages engagement and motivation by of Canada's residential school system program, students use language to successfully allowing Indigenous entitled, Honouring the Truth, engage in the continued development scholars to share their knowledge and Reconciling for the Future. This of Ogwehoweh shared cultural culture with all people in the campus Report included 94 calls to action understanding. Cayuga or Mohawk community. urging all levels of government - language is the core area of study in The Elders in Residence Program at federal, provincial, territorial and this program. After graduation, Dalhousie University is a catalyst for Indigenous, to work together to change students are able to find employment the increased Indigenous programs and policies and programs in a concerted in many diverse fields including services called for by the TRC and effort to repair the harm caused by curriculum writer, policy analyst, CMEC. The program initially began in residential schools and move forward researcher and language revitalization 2015 to assist students enrolled in with reconciliation. Education was a strategist. Six Nations Polytechnic Indigenous Studies, but has since

6 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 expanded to include Indigenous the true history of Canada.” However it is important that students in other programs of study. Through the success of these efforts, Indigenous students recognize their Elders from Ojibwe, Mi’kmaq and the Elders in Residence Program will leadership role in creating systematic Métis Nations are available 24 hours a receive increased funding in January institutional change. day, seven days a week to assist 2018, allowing more Indigenous “Indigenous students need to make students from Dalhousie and its students at Dalhousie University to noise to have services available to a f fi l i a t e , U n i v e r s i t y o f K i n g ’ s C o l l e g e . find comfort, connection and support them” Musqua-LeBlanc says, “They “The program is a success beyond through Elders. Many Canadian need to let their voices be heard. Two what was planned” says Geri Musqua- universities are striving to ensure arms to hug, two ears to listen and one LeBlanc, Elder and coordinator of the future Indigenous scholars achieve mouth to speak.” - Geri Musqua- Elders in Residence Program, academic success through increased LeBlanc , Elder and coordinator of the “University students want to be with programs, services and initiatives. Elders in Residence Program. someone that understands what they need at the particular moment.” Musqua-LeBlanc’s duties include leading talking circles and smudging ceremonies that alleviate anxiety and reduces stress for students. She believes that smudging ceremonies are especially cathartic for students living away from home and who may be overwhelmed by the stress and pressure of graduating university. “We had an emergency smudging in the middle of the night for a student!” she says. The Elders also gift Indigenous students medicine pouches at graduation ceremonies and are committed to fulfilling the spiritual, emotional and cultural needs of students, be they on- or off-reserve scholars, “All Indigenous students deserve our care,” she says. It is because of Elders like Musqua- LeBlanc that Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College underwent significant changes to provide a desirable educational experience for all Indigenous students. The Elders in Residence Program played a crucial role in having the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag permanently installed at Dalhousie University and were responsible for convincing the university to create designated rooms for ceremony. Many faculty at University of King’s College and Dalhousie University, particularly new staff members, routinely participate in the Kairos Blanket Exercise facilitated by the Elders. “Most faculty didn’t know about the content of the blanket exercise, such as the pass-system,” Musqua-LeBlanc says. “Universities have to know about

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 7

Reclaiming & Creating The story of CAP’s early support of Indigenous music By Brad Darch

uring the preparations for the six-CD box set, which contained door of countless venues where live CAP Daniels Symposium, a only English-language songs. The music was allowed to be played by Dconscious effort was made to apology stated, “While no compilation whites only. include Indigenous culture through should claim to be comprehensive, the Despite this entrenched system of musical performances, traditional absence of French-language repertoire racism, young Indigenous musicians drumming, fiddling and Inuit throat is an incomprehensible oversight which refused to be cast aside and remained singing. Such inclusions are paramount is not reflective of our values, and we steadfastly determined to create and to the reclamation and preservation of will take action to remedy the offense. our Indigenous culture for present and Our company has true admiration for ...Indigenous future generations. Indeed, it is vital to francophone arts & culture and we the process of reconciliation between remain committed to its continued musicians refused Indigenous and non-Indigenous support and development.” peoples in Canada. What the apology did not address to be cast aside and The public and private funding of was the lack of representation by Indigenous culture has become an any Indigenous artists whose work remained steadfastly integral part of the Canadian arts is a part of their vast catalogue. By spectrum. A prominent example way of example, a number of Susan determined... is the Canada Council of the Arts’ Aglukark’s influential albums were play their own music for everyone. commitment to “reaffirming and issued on EMI Music, now a part of Numerous bands in urban, remote revitalizing its relationship with First Universal Music Canada’s holdings. and rural communities across Canada Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in It is well known that today’s social achieved their ultimate dream of Canada” through the recent revisions media platforms offer burgeoning producing an actual record, a tangible of its funding programs. Indigenous artists an unprecedented vinyl disc which could be played and However, there is still much progress opportunity to showcase their treasured by both the musicians and to be made in the restoration of versatility to the world. For musicians their fans. Indigenous culture and its rightful less than a lifetime ago, it was A band’s journey from a basement place in the social-cultural fabric an altogether different story. The rehearsal to recording studio could of this country. Sadly there are still heartbreaking anecdotes from African- be a frustratingly uncertain one. One examples of the cultural talents American musicians forced to endure would have to raise the necessary of our people not being taken into racial discrimination and segregation money to buy studio time and press the consideration or cast aside. when playing concert halls throughout physical records. From there lay the Recently, Universal Music the United States in the 1950s and difficult waters one must navigate to Canada issued an official apology ‘60s are well-known. Such displays promote a record to the public and get to acknowledge their ‘errors’ when of systemic racism were also on radio airplay. Much of the necessary compiling the sesquicentennial full display in Canada. Indigenous support for these artists came through Canada 150: A Celebration of Music musicians were turned away at the an early initiative on the part of

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 9 Congress of Aboriginal Peoples during be the start of something big and the music industry and the Native the mid-1970s, when it operated as the beautiful for the nation's million or so Council. Native Council of Canada. Métis and non-status Indians.” Although there were plans to The innovative Indigenous singer- stated that he hoped establish a label for further recordings songwriter Shingoose was born Curtis that the music could “restore some by Shingoose and other Indigenous Jonnie on Roseau River Anishinabe of our young people's confidence in artists, Native Country seems to be First Nation in southern Manitoba themselves. I want to show the kids the only production that reached in 1946. After gaining extensive it can be done." In speaking to the completion. However, one of the experience playing in various bands Ottawa Journal, he saw the release of EP’s songs ended up occupying a in the United States throughout the Native Country as a testing ground prominent place on the 2016 Grammy late ‘60s, Shingoose made the decision to advocate for greater representation nominated historical album, Native to return to Canada, citing his anger of Indigenous culture throughout North America, Vol. 1: Aboriginal towards the disparaging treatment of Canada, something that he and “many Folk, Rock, and Country 1966–1985. the South Dakota Indian people by other native people hope will be The determination and enthusiasm the American government. Having the beginning of a project that will of such artists as Shingoose and previously performed under his introduce native culture to Canadians the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples family name, he elected to reclaim through the performing arts, films, helped show future generations of his Indigenous heritage and took his records and a multitude of artistic Indigenous youth that it was possible grandfather’s family name, Shingoose, endeavors.” to create and preserve Indigenous from then on. The record launch party aimed to be culture through the arts. The story Playing at in both a celebration of and promotion for of Native Country illustrates that, 1973, Shingoose met the Indigenous the production of Indigenous arts to for its own part, the Congress of poet Duke Redbird and the two began the public and private sectors. Indeed, Aboriginal Peoples has continued to write songs together. By 1975, among the gathered guests were to both advocate for and support its Shingoose was ready to take their Secretary of State Hugh Faulkner, constituency for over 45 years by collaborations into the recording as well as members of the media, giving them a national voice. studio. Redbird’s position of vice- president of the Native Council of Canada may have provided an ideal foundation for supporting Shingoose’s initiative. With the assistance of a special federal grant, Shingoose and Redbird teamed up with a veritable cross- section of the best local musicians at Marc Productions in Ottawa. Renowned folk artist Bruce Cockburn performed on and co-produced the session. Musicians included drummer Richard Patterson (The Esquires, 3’s A Crowd), bassist Doug Orr (The Esquires, The MRQ), fiddler Lee Cremo and banjoist Randall Prescott (Prescott-Brown). Four songs were selected from the session and were released as an EP titled Native Country. According to the back cover of the final edition of the EP, the pressing and distribution of the record was handled by the Native Council. In anticipation of the launch of Native Country, the Ottawa Journal published a story on Shingoose’s project on January 23, 1976. The newspaper cited that the record “could

10 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 YOUNG LEADERS Youth Entrepreneur Malcolm Simon inspiring youth to create change

By Clarissa Pangowish

Malcolm Simon

rowing up in a First Nation “We noticed over the years that a passion of Malcolm’s. He uses his community can be filled significant amount of money leaves knowledge and equipment to help G with challenges, but it’s the community annually. We just others enhance their development important to stay true to who we are thought we can create an opportunity as artists and get the sound they and encourage others to follow their to circulate the dollars here. Another imagined through his music production passions. Few people exemplify that prime example would be to create company, Redbooth Entertainment. principle better than Malcolm Elliott more financial resources for youth “I decided to write a business plan to Simon, Jr. initiatives.” offer young aspiring artists a service Malcolm is a father of two living on Malcolm has received assistance at an extremely affordable price to get Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory from community leaders, through good quality recordings,” Malcolm in . He is a rapper and video both guidance and modest financial says. He sees personal development blogger working under the stage assistance. For instance, community as an important way of growth and name Malcolm Stellar. He is also support helped him start a Brazilian encourages people he works with to an emerging record producer and Jiu Jitsu project that will allow a select overcome challenges. operates his own clothing line. He few local youth to receive training in Most importantly, Malcolm is the recipient of Wikwemikong nearby Sudbury twice a week. is determined to break through High School’s Intermediate “The goal behind that project is to assimilation norms and inspire Anishnaabemowin Award. Most learn discipline and embody ourselves Indigenous youth to build on their importantly, he’s striving to make a within that lifestyle so we can grow individual needs. He believes that, positive impact in his community. The our personal characteristics,” Malcolm with proper investment, we can revenue accumulated from his projects says. “The long-term goal is to provide create initiative projects that all youth is intended to assist and encourage training here in our community for will feel comfortable participating fellow community members to build on the (next) generation so they can learn in, building their confidence to their talents. to adapt to different lifestyles. The achieve anything within or outside Malcolm says he was inspired to inspiration came from noticing that the community. With economic start his clothing company, Gym Iron all people are different and not all development being the primary Paradise, by high school business are interested in the same sports or goal, he believes youth can adapt to classes.“[I was motivated by] economic extracurricular activities.” diversity. “Not every individual is the development, primarily,” he says. Creating music has always been a same or can learn the same,” he says.

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 11 Walking In Her Moccasins By Luke Devine

n Dec. 6, the Congress of Claudette Commanda, an instructor the value of intergenerational and Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and Elder in residence in University community knowledge, the necessity of O launched Walking In Her of Ottawa’s common law department, tackling difficult, uncomfortable topics Moccasins (WIHM), a national opened the event with a prayer, and head on and the importance of listening community engagement and violence- applauded the project as an example of to and working with one another. prevention campaign. The date was “reconcili-action.” “(We) are coming “We cannot shy away from this chosen in honour of the 14 women who together today to learn, and to open the subject,” CAP National Chief Robert were killed in the École Polytechnique doors to reconciliation,” she said. Bertrand said. “The act of violence shooting 28 years ago in Montreal. against Indigenous women and girls WIHM is a campaign rooted in has reached epic proportions.” the rights of Indigenous women and The act of Chief Bertrand’s call to action was girls to live free from all forms of embraced by the Honourable Maryam gender inequality, while emboldening violence against Monsef, Canada’s Minister of Status of Indigenous men and boys to act as Indigenous women Women. leaders in the prevention of gender- “I am reminded of the power of just based violence. The initiative, funded and girls has reached one good man,” Monsef said, reflecting by Status of Women Canada, represents on the positive impact her own the culmination of a three-year epic proportions grandfather had on her family while collaborative effort between CAP, the growing up in Iran and Afghanistan. White Ribbon Campaign (WRC), and The subsequent speakers reaffirmed Using the Medicine Wheel concept, the the Native Women’s Association of the spirit of the initiative, with a few WIHM Bundle publication contains 17 Canada (NWAC). common themes echoed throughout: experiential learning exercises for

Left to right: Duane Morrisseau-Beck, Darlene Gerrior, Chief Robert Bertrand, Chief Wendy Wetteland, Virgina Gluska, and James Devoe

12 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 Indigenous men and boys to learn from President of the Native Women's Association of and follow. Each lesson is adaptable Canada - Francyne D. Joe. to the needs and cultural protocols of any given Indigenous community. One exercise invites participants to craft personalized warrior shields while reflecting on values of bravery, generosity, peacemaking and spirituality. “The bundle includes tools I could see myself using with my sons and nephews,” NWAC president Francyne Joe says. Since the project’s inception, the Bundle (initially titled a ‘toolkit’) has evolved to better incorporate and reflect Indigenous terminology and knowledge systems. “The community has been at the centre of this project,” said New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council Chief Wendy Wetteland, who also served as a member of WIHM’s National Advisory Committee. Kevin Vowles, WRC’s community engagement manager, expressed gratitude for the wisdom present in each Indigenous community consulted. “The knowledge was already within communities on how to do this work,” I ended up learning more than I Offering programs in: brought Agriculture, Animal Science, Business, Equine, Fashion, Horticulture, Land & Environment, Vowles said. “I ended up learning more Service Industry & Food Production, and than I brought.” Trades & Apprenticeships. Duane Morrisseau-Beck, the WIHM’s senior manager, intends to keep the emphasis on community engagement. Indigenous input and participation remains a critical and ongoing Experience More component of the WIHM campaign. Visit us during our upcoming Preview Days Morriseau-Beck is also determined for the project to maintain its or book a Campus Tour! momentum. The “Train-the-Trainer” phase is due to follow in early 2018, at which point CAP will be reaching Learn more: oldscollege.ca/visit out to Indigenous communities to teach them about the Bundle’s 17 teachings, which can be integrated into community programming for the long term. A formal engagement strategy will be posted at a later date at www. walkinginhermoccasins.org.

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 13 Portage College – The Spirit of Community By Thomas Pashko

he world has changed a great deal since 1968, the year of Portage College’s inception. The goal of providing T educational opportunities for northeastern Albertans, from Goodfish Lake to Fort Chipewyan, was unprecedented. Approximately half of the region’s 14,000 residents were Indigenous Canadians who hadn’t previously been afforded access to the broader economic and social developments in the province.

In 1968, the school began as Alberta NewStart Inc., one of several federally-funded crown corporations across the country designed to improve socio-economic conditions in regions experiencing significant underemployment. But when the federal government ended funding for NewStart in December 1969, the Lac La Biche training centre faced imminent closure. Members of local Indigenous communities, determined not to lose the opportunities to which they’d been denied access for so long, staged a sit-in. Beginning January 17, 1970, around 200 community members staged a sit-in protesting the closure. The sit-in lasted until February 12 and resulted in the training centre being re-opened under the name Pe-Ta-Pun, or “new dawn.”

Over the years since the sit-in, Portage College has always maintained its community spirit and commitment to positive action for Canada’s First Peoples. Pe-Ta-Pun opted to end governance by NewStart, instead creating a development board run by Indigenous people from local communities.

14 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 The emphasis on community outreach is at the core of Centre and the Indigenous Arts Centre. Lac La Biche is Portage College’s history. Fifty years on, about 50,000 also home to the Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art and people have attended or graduated from Portage College, Artifacts, which is also celebrating a significant age by which consists of a diverse student population representing turning 40 years old in 2018. Cold Lake campus is the many cultures where students grow to become life-long second largest campus while St. Paul campus houses the friends. The spirit of community demonstrated in the 1970 Food Sciences Centre with over $5 million dollars spent on sit-in remains ever-vibrant. renovating the now state of the art facility. Boyle campus offers hands-on training for Heavy Equipment Operator Changing the school’s name to “Portage College” in 1998 and Heavy Equipment Technician programs where students was a symbolic recognition of the dedication to Indigenous are offered a ‘camp life’ experience. Our satellite campuses Canadians. The name paying homage to the first peoples include Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Goodfish Lake First showing the Europeans how to traverse the waterways Nation #128 and Frog Lake First Nation where we provide where Portage La Biche linked between Athabasca River accessible local learning opportunities. and Churchill River drainage systems. The Native Arts and Culture program is another extension of that dedication, Our on-campus resources and opportunities extend far which provides Aboriginal and contemporary art studies beyond the courses offered. Portage College is part of that are taught with traditional stories and quality methods Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), and our passed down by generations of teaching. The Artisan Voyageurs teams compete in hockey, golf and curling. Home Entrepreneurship Diploma gives artists the framework games and practices are held at the Bold Centre in Lac La through which to practically apply their skills, while the Biche, a 233,000 square foot facility which includes two Artists in Residence are able to facilitate guidance, dialogue NHL regulation ice surfaces and a seating capacity of 1000. and workshops for both students and local communities. Students also have access to the Portage College Lac La Biche Fitness and Recreation, which includes a gymnasium, Another aspect of Portage’s community focus is ensuring cardio, weight room, racquet ball court, rock climbing wall easy access to Portage College courses, whether through and the Portage Pool. satellite campuses or Distance Education, which allows for over a dozen programs to be explored from home. Working Despite the many changes over the past five decades, to accommodate students in even the most remote locations. Portage College still remains dedicated to the same mission of providing education, training and services to facilitate Through seven campus locations, Portage College learning and development of knowledgeable, skilled citizens is able to offer a wide range of options while ensuring in a caring, supportive and dynamic college environment. quality instruction and close engagement with instructors. Programs include Aboriginal Art, Business, College Prep, To celebrate their voyage of fifty years, Portage will be Environmental Studies, Food Sciences, Health and Wellness, hosting events nearly every month beginning in January Human Services, Trades and Technical, University Studies 2018 to December 2018. After 50 years of success, Portage as well as online courses. The corporate campus in Lac La College hopes you will help them make the next 50 just as Biche will be the future home to the following Centres of prosperous. Please find out more and get involved by visiting Specialization: Water and Wastewater Resources Training their website. www.portagecollege.ca

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16 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 For The Record Why Archive Management is Vital By Annie Gingras

ave you ever been asked for is lost or destroyed. Ultimately, is committees; procedures and guidelines; stories and pictures for a the record necessary for efficient business related memos; employee H wedding or milestone birthday? and the successful operation of the report files; photos. Or, better yet, been asked to compile organization? If the answer is no, key successes of your workplace’s dispose. A document should only 45-year history when you’ve only been be retained if needed for continual "A record is a record with them for 6 months? Whether for operation or is of historical value. home or office, archiving and record regardless of format. What is a valuable record? management are something we keep It can come from a A record is any information created, delaying. Important but often ignored, computer's hard drive, it should be viewed as a “spring received and maintained as evidence cleaning” of sorts. An archive helps and information by an organization cell phone, digital locate items quickly, effectively and in pursuance of its legal obligations or camera, a book, CD easily. There’s no reinventing the business transactions. Typical records wheel by recreating already existing may include (but are not limited to): or USB". documents. Record management meeting materials for boards, councils, today links the past to the present and preserves for the future. Thought must be given to what is necessary to keep. Be proactive in ensuring nothing of import or value

Photo left: Gloria Martin - retired long term admistraitve assistant at CAP Photo middle: Youth at CAP's Annual General Assembly in 2001 Photo right: Past chiefs of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE SUMMER 2017 17 Faces and Places – Unknown photos from the Archives of CAP If you can help identify anyone or place in any of these photos please contact Annie at [email protected]?

18 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 The value of the record may be to as the “to pitch or not to pitch” stage evidentiary, informational and intrinsic of the record’s life cycle. To become an for cultural or historical value (e.g. archive, the record should fall into at organizational charter). Their expiry least one of these categories: Archival and date will be dependent on activity • Ensure accountability (can be to and/or content, with intrinsic records records management members, specific group, public becoming archived while some others at large) may be disposed of. is knowing what you • Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance have, where to find Did you know? • Preserve the rights of the citizen it and how long you An employee spends • Support better decision making and on average safeguard vital information want to keep it. – 30% of time searching or • Preserve organizational memory recreating lost documents • Reduce operating costs What this means for CAP – 3.5 hours per week every year • Minimize litigation risks In today’s world, people come and go searching for information that • Preserve unique or collectible regularly. Records provide continuity can’t be found – that’s about documents 21 days for the function and mission of an organization. Through archives and Only 2-5% records, lives, stories, and what people When records become archives of documents meant to others will be preserved long Following the organization’s agreed created after memory has faded. That is surely upon length of time to keep records are archived the most important legacy archives (retention period), disposal or archival can provide, and it is one which makes occurs. This is affectionately referred them truly priceless.

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 19 The Daniels Decision — What is it and what does it mean? By Amy Nahwegahbow

In 1999, Harry Daniels, Leah Gardner, Terry Joudrey distinct issues, rights or claims, which are available to status and CAP launched Daniels v. Canada, alleging that and Inuit. I Métis and non-status Indians represented the most disadvantaged and marginalized of all Canadian citizens and WHAT IS THE DANIELS CASE? had fallen through the cracks. On appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, Daniels sought For years, both federal and provincial governments denied the following three declarations: having legislative authority over Métis and non-status Indians, the federal government under the justification that 1) That Métis and non-status Indians are “Indians” the Constitution Act, 1867, Section 91 (24) precluded them under s. 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867; from doing so, and the provincial government on the basis 2) That the federal Crown owes a fiduciary duty to that the issue was a federal one. Métis and non-status Indians; and This left many Métis and non-status Indians in what 3) That Métis and non-status Indians have the the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) characterized as a rights to be consulted and negotiated with, “jurisdictional wasteland with significant and obvious in good faith, by the federal government on disadvantaging consequences." Métis and non-status Indians a collective basis through representatives have been denied access to federal programs and services, of their choice, respecting their rights, interests as well as excluded from federal processes to address their and needs as Aboriginal peoples.

National Chief Robert Bertrand at the Supreme Court of Canada after the historic Daniels' Decision was announced speaking 20 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 with the media. WHAT WAS THE SCC DECISION? WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO FEDERAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES? On April 14, 2016, after a seventeen year journey, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a unanimous decision There are still many unknowns as to whether Daniels will declaring that Métis and non-status Indians are “Indians” open the doors for Métis and non-status Indians to obtain under s. 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. This greater access to federal programs and services. CAP is landmark ruling confirmed Canada’s jurisdiction over and working tirelessly to ensure the voice of our community responsibility to Métis and non-status Indians. While this is heard and that our people will finally receive this much- case establishes clear federal jurisdiction, Métis and non- needed support. status Indians may also fall under provincial laws, so long as it does not conflict with federal jurisdiction over Indians.

Under s. 91(24), the federal government has the power to legislate on matters relating to "Indians, and Lands reserved for the Indians," including Métis and non-status Indian issues such as governance structures, funding, and rights.

With respect to the first declaration, the court noted that “delineating and assigning constitutional authority between the federal and provincial governments (over Métis and non- status Indians) will have enormous practical utility”. The declaration would “alleviate the constitutional uncertainty and the resulting denial of material benefits,” as well as “guarantee both certainty and accountability” the federal government fiduciary duty to Métis and non-status Indians. While the ruling does not create a duty to legislate, the courts noted that it has the “undeniably salutary benefit of ending a jurisdictional tug-of-war”.

The Court did not grant the second and third declarations in Daniels, as they found them to be restatements of existing law and would therefore have no practical utility. The federal government’s fiduciary relationship to Canada’s Aboriginal peoples was already well established in Canadian law in cases such as Delgamuukw v. British Columbia, [1997] 3 S.C.R. 1010. Also, the federal government’s duty to consult and accommodate with Canada’s Aboriginal peoples when Educating all students Aboriginal rights are engaged is recognized in Haida Nation of all nations v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests), [2004] 3 S.C.R. Mount Saint Vincent University is the first Nova 511, Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia, [2014] 2 S.C.R. Scotia university to add a wikuom to its campus 257, and R v. Powley, [2003] S.C.R. 207. facilities as a space for Indigenous gathering and education. WHAT DOES THE DANIELS DECISION MEAN Our Aboriginal Student Centre is also a place FOR MÉTIS & NON-STATUS INDIANS? WILL I BE where all students can seek advice and feel at ELIGIBLE FOR INDIAN STATUS NOW? home, especially Indigenous students considering post-secondary education at the Mount. The Daniels decision is about who is included within the Learn more at msvu.ca meaning of “Indians” under s. 91(24) of the Constitution Act 1867, the scope of federal powers. It is not about other laws such as the Indian Act or who has status under the Indian Act. It is only about s. 91(24), not about rights or status.

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 21 The Right Start By Virginia Gluska

had applied for Child Care and was quality early learning and child care is to find themselves in a jurisdictional put on a wait list. I applied and almost unheard of for many off-reserve wasteland. I waited and waited and waited and families, let alone access to culturally- Under One Sky – Monoqonuwicik- it took very long for them to get back, I appropriate early learning and child Neoteetjg Mosigisig, Inc. is the only eventually gave up waiting.” care. It is evident that what was Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and considered a daycare crisis and issues Northern Communities (AHSUNC)- Chrissy¹is a young Mi’kmaq mother that plagued families in the 1980s still affiliated organization in the entire living in Nova Scotia. Off-reserve² has not improved. Child care is neither province of New Brunswick. Under Indigenous families in many provinces universal nor affordable and these One Sky, located in Fredericton, in Canada can feel like an invisible currently has funding to accommodate population when it comes to accessing six children. The program is programs and services that many Child care is community driven and very successful Canadians take for granted. The neither universal nor even though they have not received 2015 Liberal campaign promise to a funding increase since 2002. Like “develop a child care framework that affordable... Chrissy, many families put their meets the needs of Canadian families, children’s name on a wait list for a wherever they live” is a long way challenges are still several times greater space in this coveted cultural early from becoming reality. Affordable, for off-reserve families who continue learning program. Sadly, as of this writing, the wait list currently has 47 children on it. Like Chrissy’s child, most families will give up, while many wait listed children will age out before a space opens for them. For many families, not accessing a spot in this sought-after program also means losing access to learning their language in a traditional, land-based environment, and access to cultural teachings that parents and families long for to revitalize in their communities. In 2017, the Government of Canada committed to engage with Indigenous organizations and partners to develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This distinct framework is being developed on a separate and parallel track to the Multilateral Framework for Early

22 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 Learning and Child Care in order to of Aboriginal Peoples community reflect the unique cultures and needs of engagement align with previous First Nations, Inuit and Métis children reports and federal engagement on across Canada. For the Congress early learning and child care, including of Aboriginal Peoples, this was an the Native Council of Canada (now opportunity to bring our communities known as Congress of Aboriginal together and hear their thoughts on Peoples) 1990 research project, Native what an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, “The Circle of Care”. For Indigenous families and children, Participants during one of CAP's national engagement sessions on a new Federal Indigenous access to culturally appropriate, high- Early Learning and Childcare Framework quality, fully inclusive, flexible and affordable early learning and child care is critical to fully allow all children the head start that they deserve. For many low-income families, even if they are accepted into child care, the high costs make it inaccessible. There needs to be Indigenous early learning and child care that Participants during one of CAP's national engagement sessions on a new Federal Indigenous Early Learning is culturally safe for all children. and Childcare Framework Indigenous children should be treated equally and given the same amount our communities are thriving.” of services and programs that other One of the foremost investments that families have access to. Early Learning governments can make to improve the and Child Care should be low-cost or country’s social and economic fabric is free to give an opportunity for all early to provide solid support for children. learners to grow. The Government of Canada believes Integral to early learning that all Canadian children deserve a programming for Indigenous children real and fair chance to succeed, and that is the need to promote and protect early learning and child care provides Child Care Framework that includes Indigenous languages, cultures and a solid foundation for future success. their families and communities might land-based learning. A prevailing All children, including our off-reserve look like. message at all the engagement sessions Indigenous children, deserve an equal Participants attended regional was that we will know we have been chance, free of barriers. ______roundtables hosted by the Congress successful when “we hear our children of Aboriginal Peoples, representing speak their languages and see them ¹ Real name not disclosed to ensure privacy a broad range of voices from urban, proudly living their culture,” when ² For the purposes of this article, the term ‘off-reserve’ references all CAP constituents rural and remote communities. Eight “children are happy and eager to go to including off-reserve, status, non-status, Métis dynamic and passionate engagement school,” and “when our children and and Southern Inuit. sessions in total were held across the country from June through August. The number one feedback received across sessions was overwhelming gratitude and thanks to Employment and Social Development Canada for asking people to share and for including our communities in the engagement process. Several key points emerged during the engagement process, including the significant gaps and barriers to the accessibility of any services (especially culturally-sensitive Participants during one of CAP's national engagement services) for off-reserve Indigenous sessions on a new Federal Indigenous Early Learning families. Outcomes of the Congress and Childcare Framework

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 23 CAP Priorities and Resolutions What's Ahead For 2018? By Amy Nahwegahbow

t CAP, our goal remains unchanged: to advance the • advocating for the inclusion of Métis peoples in collective and individual rights, interests and needs section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982; of off-reserve status and non-status Indians, A • intervening in the Supreme Court of Canada NunatuKavut Inuit and Métis peoples across the country. (SCC) ruling in 1999 Corbière v. Canada that This means working collectively with our eleven affiliated amended the Indian Act to allow band members Provincial and Territorial Indigenous Organizations (PTOs) living off-reserve to vote in band elections; to improve the socio-economic conditions of our constituents through advocacy, education, research, and policy. • spearheading a 17-year legal battle and historic SCC ruling in 2016 on Daniels v. Canada Over the past 46 years, we have accomplished many things declaring that Métis and non-status Indians are and overcame numerous challenges in advancing off-reserve, “Indians” under section 91(24) of the Métis, and non-status Indian rights such as: Constitution Act, 1867.

Left to Right - National Vice Chief Kim Beaudin, CAP CEO Jim Devoe, National Chief Robert Bertrand, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations 24 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Though we have come far, more work still needs to be done. 3. National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered We, along with our PTOs, continue to set new goals and Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) priorities to better improve the economic and social conditions of Indigenous peoples. This upcoming year, CAP • our Standing with the National Inquiry for the will work on issues identified has priority by our leadership, MMIWG, means CAP will participate in the truth regional affiliates and their constituents, particularly within finding gatherings, national in scope, involving the following areas: the federal government, institutions, and expert panels or witnesses. 1. CAP’s Relationship with the Government of Canada • ongoing involvement through discussing issues, • finalizePolitical Accord between the providing support and advice Government of Canada and CAP to advance reconciliation, strengthen and guide a renewed 4. Human Rights working relationship. • support the full removal of gender-based • advance reconciliation, support and work discrimination from the Indian Act and towards the full implementation of the Truth participate in Stage II - a collaborative process and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 on the broader issues relating to Indian Calls to Action. registration, band membership and citizenship to be launched following the passage of Bill S-3, • participate in high-level engagement sessions to An Act to amend the Indian Act (elimination of advance international Indigenous issues and sex-based inequities in registration). advocate for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of 5. Legislation, Policies, Strategies and Frameworks Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). • engage in discussions on the development of the 2. Daniels Decision Indigenous Languages Act, Bill S-212: An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages • identify next steps to mobilize immediate and of Canada and to recognize and respect effective change for our constituency with aboriginal language rights. respect to advocacy, policy, and program development for CAP and the federal • engage in the development of Canada’s National government. Poverty Reduction Strategy to ensure poverty issues affecting CAP constituents off-reserve.

Clark Somerville former FCM President, Francyne D. Joe National Chief Robert Bertrand and President of the Native Women's Association of Canada, Minister of Indigenous Services Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Families, Children and Social Jane Philpott Development and Robert Bertrand CAP National Chief.

THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 25 • engage in the development of Canada’s National Housing Strategy to deliver more affordable, accessible, inclusive and sustainable homes prioritizing vulnerable persons including women and children fleeing violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans and young adults. • ongoing engagement with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in the development of a final Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. • participate and advocate at the domestic and international level, on changes to environmental legislation and issues of concern to our constituents such as climate change, marine conservation, Indigenous fisheries, conservation of biological diversity, and access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. 6. Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships • assist Indigenous clients with multiple employment barriers to return to school and/or find employment through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) • address Canada’s labour market challenges • host the 4th Annual Creative Leaders Symposium to bring together successful National Chief Robert Bertrand addressing delegates during the 2017 Annual General Assembly Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief Robert Bertrand, along with community leaders from other religious and ethnic minorities voice their concerns about Statistics Canada numbers 26 THE INDIGENOUS VOICE WINTER 2018 on police reported hate crimes in Canada for 2015