FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 23 - NUMBER 2

FREE Sci-fi with a mental health theme

Comedian, satirist and now an author, Ryan Moccasin has written a novel that explores technology’s harmful impact on society and how a future government uses technology to treat it. (Photo by Betty Ann Adam)

THERAPY, CREATIVITY Bill Stevenson has found a way to deal with the deep depression that he felt after the death of a close relative. - Page 6

RETIRING Gilles Dorval has made a huge difference in the lives of many people during his time with the City of Saskatoon. - Pag e 9

A SON’S LOVE Kerry Benjoe has had a lot to deal with in recent years and she’s making it through tough times thanks to her son. - Page 10

RECOVERING April Gamble survived a horrific car crash and now she’s shar - ing her story in hopes of saving lives. - Page 18 Betty Ann Adam and about the struggle for people to take back their hu - Of Eagle Feather News manity. TRANSFORMATION As a stand-up comedian, Ryan Moccasin loves to “It highlights the harmful effects of technology on make people laugh, but his new novel explores what society. Human connection is more important than tech - Jenn Sutherland was deter - makes people sad. nology in the end,” he said. mined to change her lifestyle “I wanted to write about mental health. I see In - Moccasin, a member of Saulteaux First Nation and her hard work has paid off in digenous communities and the mental health crisis that who lives in Saskatoon, is best known for his wry a big way. - Page21 we have been facing for some time. I wanted to go there view of the world in stand-up routines at venues and explore that with a science fiction novel,” Moccasin around the city and as “propaganda minister” at Health & Wellness Edition said in a recent interview. TheFeather.ca, an Indigenous satirical website he Coming In March - Women’s Issue Suicide Empire is about a dystopian future where created with buddies Shawn Cuthand and Danny governments have turned to advanced technology to Knight. CPMA #40027204 solve a mental health crisis that is plaguing the nation • Continued on Page 2 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 2 Moccasin credits sobriety for interest in mental health issues

• Continued from Page One He also read, and was inspired by, the politics and current affairs are the focus of the somewhat daunting classic book, Man’s trio’s humour, Moccasin has a personal inter - Search for Meaning, by Victor Frankl, a est in mental health: he got sober two years survivor of the Nazi death camps who dove ago. deep into the effects of human suffering He was surprised by how important and how people can overcome it. counseling therapy was in his journey. Like “It’s been around for 50 years but it’s many people, he used to scoff at the image of on my recommended reading list for sure,” a person lying on a couch, while a man with a Moccasin said. beard and a notebook sat by silently. He thought about writing non-fiction, “People have this stigma about going to but with storytelling being such an impor - a therapist or a shrink, they call it. They’re tant part of Indigenous culture, he decided nervous and don’t know how to approach it. to talk about the issue in a novel. “It’s so far from that. It’s basically like He loves science fiction and was in - talking to a friend. Your thoughts are like a ball spired by The Hitchhikers Guide to the of yarn, all tangled up, and the therapist is Galaxy, Flowers For Algernon and the there to help you knit it into a nice sweater, or - George Orwell dystopia, 1984. ganize your thoughts. Suicide Nation, which includes five “Going through it, I realized this is actu - pages of Canadian mental resources, was ally helpful talking to somebody, an addictions self-published. It went on sale on Amazon counselor. We need more of these resources on Jan. 7 and quickly became one of the for people who need help, especially the In - top three sellers in the Native American digenous communities,” he said. section and top 900 in the science fiction Ryan Moccasin honed his humour on the In therapy, Moccasin learned about de - category. stage and now he shares it in a book and on pression and anxiety – common problems for It is available at McNally Robinson the satirical website www.thefeather.ca people with addictions. in Saskatoon, where a book launch will be (Photo supplied) He became a fan of funny and informa - held March 6. tive podcasts, especially The Hilarious World Anyone experiencing crisis can call of Depression, which made him laugh while the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at showing him he wasn’t alone. 1-833-456-4566. Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 3 Homelessness focus of annual Regina vigil

helping the city’s homeless population By Carmen Pauls Orthner every day. For Eagle Feather News Stonechild Kaye, McCallum, and Stabbings. Beatings. Starvation. speaker Dean Bear are just a few of those Freezing. who now have safe, secure housing Harley Stonechild Kaye has lost far through Phoenix’s HOMES program. too many friends to the brutal ways that “They’re very important to us,” Bear death comes to those living on the streets – said of Phoenix. “Now (that) I have a home, and were it not for a fellow homeless man I am more secure, emotionally, mentally, he calls his “brother”, he might have been spiritually, and physically.” one of them. Even with those successes, homeless - “When he’d see me lying in the al - ness remains a serious problem in Regina. ley… (he said) ‘I’ll keep you warm,’” “This isn’t a typical funeral … but Stonechild Kaye said of Wilfred McCallum, we’re here to say that we won’t forget, and the friend who taught him how to survive that we commit to doing better,” said Blair on the streets. Roberts of the John Howard Society. The two men – one standing, the other It grieves him that many of those be - in a wheelchair – were among the crowd ing remembered at this event did not have gathered downtown at Regina’s City Plaza that same support in life. on a chilly February 4, night, attending the “It makes me sad that much of home - city’s fourth annual memorial service for lessness can be directly tied to the trauma of those who have died as a result of being Wilfred McCallum (grey hoodie) and Harley Stonechild Kaye were involved in colonialism, residential schools, and sys - homeless in Saskatchewan’s capital. the homeless memorial holding up candles to commemorate those who died liv - temic injustice toward our Indigenous The service was a large, multi-racial ing on the streets. neighbours,” he said. event, with a circle of glowing candles Project, said it warmed his heart to see that of homelessness, and the pain and even “When 80 per cent of those living in lifted high in the air, tears and hot choco - several hundred people had come to ac - hopelessness that those living on the streets homelessness are Indigenous, we have to late, a canvas signed with statements of knowledge and mourn those who have deal with every day. acknowledge that the problem is with the grief and solidarity, a drum song and an el - died. “We should be here to help them,” system, and not with the people caught up der’s prayer. There were also calls to action, “Being homeless, you get in the habit Fougere said. in it.” promises of change, and stories from those of telling yourself, ‘Nobody cares,’” Fran - The City and the Regina Police Serv - Roberts believes that an end to home - who spoke from their personal experience cis said. ice are taking steps, as are organizations lessness is possible. of homelessness. Mayor Michael Fougere called on such as the Street Culture Project and “Our city is only as good as it treats its Cody Francis, an Indigenous man every level of government – provincial, Phoenix Residential Society, which co- citizens on the margins,” he said. “Today we who works with Regina’s Street Culture federal, and municipal – to end the tragedy sponsored the memorial service. They are remember, and tomorrow we get to work. ” Eagle Feather News 4 FEBRUARY 2020 Grateful for some ‘me’ time

Happy New Year everyone! (In - Her anxiety level decreases a lot Takoza Equine Assisted Traditional dian time) when she is around horses. It’s like Alternative Therapy, which is based January was a long month with a their spirits intertwine. Watching my south out of Katepwa Lake along the mixture of cold and warm weather. As daughter around horses is such a beau - Qu’Appelle Valley. It was introduced a The Indigenous Peoples & the Press we witness the weather change, we also tiful feeling because I know she’s in number of years ago to treat clients course takes a look into the Indigenous see so many sicknesses go around. her happy place, which makes me who suffer with mental issues, PTSD, representations in the media and learn - I kicked off my New Year’s Eve happy. There’s something about horses trauma and anger issues. ing on how to report in Indigenous with a nasty head cold cooped up in my where they radiate peace and tranquil - Horse therapy programs are be - communities and how to properly kokum’s basement trying to break my ity. coming so popular on the prairies that cover Indigenous stories. high fever. It was only two days after Which leads me to my next area. there are waitlists. But if you want to see In my Advanced Print lab class, I that I started to feel better. Thinking I Pet therapy. I’ve always found this par - positive results, it’s worth waiting for. have three students who will be con - was done with being sick this year, it tributing to Eagle Feather News came back with a vengeance a month monthly for the rest of the semester. later. To learn my lesson from the first This part of their assignments is to time, I took the time to stay home from cover Indigenous stories through a work and rest. non-Indigenous lens. My life has always been on the go I believe this gives them a basic since I started my new job teaching understanding of following protocols journalism at the University of Regina when covering an Indigenous story. So, back in the fall while I continue my du - welcome my three students; Suliman, ties with Eagle Feather News. Ade and Kaitlynn. You will be reading I’ve always put others and work their stories until April. before my own health and wellness. I As Health and Wellness is the was always worried about finishing theme for this month’s issue, it’s a good tasks with both of my jobs and I never time to acknowledge that it’s also Abo - had the time to sit, relax and take some riginal Storytelling Month. We are all “me” time. It was nice and it felt good. storytellers in our own way. Picking up So, it’s important to take that time a good book is therapeutic and yet re - for yourself when you’re not feeling freshing. well and it’s OK to step back and say, If you don’t feel like reading, you ‘my body needs to rest.’ When people can check out Indigenous storytelling say, “get some rest,” take that advice events. The old people say winter is and actually rest. I returned back to usually the time when stories are work with a clearer mind, no sniffles or shared. constantly sanitizing my hands and I When I head back to my reserve felt even more recharged. for a weekend, I turn my cellphone off Speaking of wellness, my daugh - and have an actual listen and visit with ter Sharlize, who has Autism Spectrum my kokum-mom and uncle-dad (haha Disorder, is now involved in a horse – Indigenous peoples and their family therapy program that has been helping Jeanelle’s daughter Sharlize is enjoying a new kind of therapy which has ties always seem to confuse many.) her tremendously in identifying her been beneficial to her. This is called horse therapy. (Photo submitted) I love listening to their stories of emotions, learning patience and empa - when they were young or the stories thy, and how to self-regulate during ticular service compelling. There is As mentioned earlier, I started they share that were passed on to them meltdown crisis moments. such a high appreciation for animals teaching at the University of Regina from my late grandparents and great- Once a week, she comes in for a that are trained to work with those who School of Journalism holding the Asper grandparents. I treasure those mo - few hours to feed and care for a desig - need the service whether it be to cope Visiting Chair of Journalism. I teach ments. nated horse. Sharlize grew up around with health problems, mental illness, Indigenous Peoples & the Press and the So, with that, enjoy this issue horses and I always knew she had an physical or neurological disability or lab for Advanced Print. which is jam packed with unique and incredible gift for being around these even just needing an animal to pet. I am loving my position as a pro - heart-warming stories of our Indige - powerful animals. This issue includes a story of fessor because I can teach what I know. nous peoples. FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 5 Embracing the automated life ... sorta

There are early tech adopters, there are late walked through my house clicking on things that I they asked for my order number (forgot) and if I had adopters and there is me, a stubborn luddite with needed: coffee, laundry detergent, etc. Then I brought bags (forgot). only the apps on my phone that my phone came glanced out the window and saw my dog running A young millennial showed up a few minutes with. around my yard – sans collar – like a rez dog. (He later. He had a phone strapped to each of his wrists It takes a lot to convince me that technology making him look like a bearded cyborg. makes things simpler rather than more complicated. As we loaded my order into the vehicle, I apol - And generally, that “a lot” has to be life becoming ogized for forgetting the bags. “I’ll remember next completely unbearable before I change things up. time,” I assured him. Case in point: I broke my iPhone a year ago. “That’s fair,” he said. I find it ironic that this is The headphone jack snapped off in the iPhone so the the millennial go-to phrase when literally nothing phone only worked on speakerphone. I still took has been fair to them. They have to deal with higher calls until I got it replaced, which meant I had to yell tuition costs, higher housing costs and lower salaries into my speaker in all sorts of public locations. Yes, – AND climate change. But still, their favourite say - people loved me everywhere. had outgrown his other collar as he has a thick neck. ing is, “that’s fair.” I guess it’s better than, “that’s rad.” For the first time last week, I ordered groceries Like mother like puppy, I guess) After the Walmart order went well, I was in - online at Walmart.ca. I chose it because it is free. So now every time I look at him, I think “rez spired to order KFC online. And then after a terrible And Walmart is now charging a loonie for carts – dog. You’re such a rez dog.” I added collar to the list. night of stomach discomfort, I ordered a fresh food and I am tired of rummaging through my car for a The online ordering process was pretty simple. delivery service. This service prides itself on getting loonie. You add your list, then they ask you a couple ques - people to vary their cooking repertoire. I never have them because I use them for park - tions like, “Do you want bags or will you bring The meals I remember growing up were: ing downtown because I don’t have the parking app your own?” I primly clicked “will bring my own.” wieners and kraft dinner, wieners and beans and and I never will have it because I have enough apps. Because online me is so much more organized that wieners with wieners. (I feel like this article is go - And the real question is: what is Mayor Charlie IRL me. ing to show up on strange search engines because of Clark doing with our data? (That hippie is probably The last step is picking a time for your pick-up that sentence.) gonna abuse our data to start sending us more re - and you’re done. I picked an early morning Sunday Now I’m cooking stuffed chicken (badly), pan- minders to recycle!) and then spent the rest of the weekend bragging seared steak (badly) and chicken and pear Waldorf So, more times than not, when I’m at Walmart, that I had an important appointment on Sunday salad (badly). I don’t have a cart. Twice I have balanced a weeks’ morning. Never before have I cooked such a diverse ar - worth of groceries in a basket which is an excellent I showed up, parked in those special close to ray of foods (badly). workout though it takes hours to get the dents out of the store spots and called the number on the sign in So far everything has showed up more or less as your hands. front of me. intended. I’m not sure if using technology more has As I placed my online order at Walmart, I “This is so easy,” I thought to myself. Then simplified my life but it has made it more interesting. Eagle Feather News 6 FEBRUARY 2020 Therapy and creativity helped depression, PTSD

By Suliman Adam For Eagle Feather News Bill Stevenson’s outlook and approach to mental wellness all changed in 2015 after he lost his nephew to suicide. “His mom had passed away previously, a couple of years prior,” recalled Stevenson, 43, who has a background in Human Justice and works as a cultural coordinator and mentor for youth and helps them spend their time in a positive way. “That weighed on him, it hurt him and haunted him, and he never got over it,” Stevenson continued about his nephew. “In the end, he went to look for her. “That broke me, it hurt me, and I felt myself falling into a de - pression,” he said. “I didn’t know if I could move past that.” Stevenson describes his life at the time as going toward a perpet - ual stupor, but things slowly started to get better as he reached out for help. He promised himself to focus on his health and made a list of the things he could do to eliminate negative habits from his everyday life. “I’m a creative guy, and during that time, my creativity went to the wayside, so I would engage in creativity, effectively, and work my proj - ects to completion,” he said. Making that list and breaking the cycle would turn his life around. “Then, I could see that things would get better and they did,” he said. Stevenson also connects his past experiences to the knowledge of social injustices. “I began to understand that the system was broken and if I wanted to do healing, I would have to work with that, work with the system to make sure others could come to that conclusion in a safe manner,” he said. According to the website of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Bill Stevenson, 43, cultural coordinator and mentor for the youth, after attending an event Health, Canada’s largest mental-health teaching hospital and one of the at First Nations University. world’s leading research centres, “The economic burden of mental ill - ness is estimated at a loss of $51 billion per year (including) health care costs, lost pro - ductivity and reductions in health-related quality of life.” “It’s a very large statistic, how much is lost in productivity with employment, peo - ple off on leave and people in hospitals,” said David Nelson, a retired psychiatric nurse and senior program consultant for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Saskatchewan Division. Nelson added: “It’s a drag on the economy.” Nelson said services and programs offered through CMHA in Saskatchewan in - clude an array of training and educational programs to deal with workplace wellness and suicide-prevention services. “I think it’s really paying off,” he said. “People are much more open now. Not to - tally, there’s still a problem, but more are open, talking about some of the issues they have, and not hiding it away, and also going earlier for support,” Nelson said. It can still be difficult for people to reach out for help, according to Cody Hutchin - son, a veteran who was diagnosed 14 years ago with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “I think some people would be afraid to learn that,” he said of his diagnosis. “But, I was actually relieved, because after six weeks of not knowing what was going on, I was happy to know what the problem was.'' Hutchinson, 49, connects his symptoms back to his childhood experiences. His road to healing was supported by group sessions and physical activity. “It might be something as simple as an outing with the family, or getting out of bed, and some people can’t do that.” he said. When a support group he belonged to shut down, he and his peers hosted their own unofficial meetings. “We were the ones that experienced it and we can talk about it.” He emphasized the importance of seeking help. “The worst part is, people can’t see a physical sign to mental health,” Hutchin - son said. “If you break your leg, or something, they can see you in a cast, and they un - derstand it will take six to eight weeks in a cast, maybe a bit of rehab, and after rehab you’re pretty close to being back to normal. “But, with a mental health problem, it’s something they can't see and there’s a huge stigma about it.” Hutchinson believes there is a generational aspect involved. “A lot of older people, they’re the generation that says, ‘We don’t talk about that kind of stuff. We don’t want to hear about it.’ I know for myself, I have come a long way, but will I ever be 100 per cent like the way I was before? Probably not, but I’m OK with that.” Anyone experiencing crisis can call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1- 833-456-4566. FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 7 Payepot students with disabilities now able to ride the bus to school

By Julia Peterson and I didn’t want the same thing to hap - For Eagle Feather News pen to this little boy.” The wheels on the bus are going Charlene Fourhorns, Ben’s grand - ’round and ’round for students with dis - mother, says the mobility van has made abilities at Chief Payepot School, now a positive difference in her family’s daily that their new mobility van has arrived. routine. The van has been bringing three disabled “It’s made transportation for Ben students to and from school since the to school a whole lot easier,” she said. end of December. “Before, we were having our own Principal Nicole Crowe, whose 16- little struggles to get him there. And now, year-old niece Alashia uses the van, says just having that opportunity for him to its arrival was an emotional experience. have his own bus really made a differ - “When I found out, I did shed some ence, and we see it in him. He's really ex -

16-year-old Alashia rides the mobility van to Chief Payepot School. The van was funded by Jordan’s Principle and deliv - ered by Move Mobility at the end of De - cember. (Photo submitted)

tears, because it was such a barrier that cited to go to school, he waits for his bus, we’ve crossed,” she said. “I wish we and when he gets home, he's happy.” would have looked into this sooner for Fourhorns is particularly pleased my niece.” that Ben will now be able to go on field The van was funded by Jordan’s trips, since he missed out on opportuni - Principle, an organization that makes ties in the fall. sure all First Nations children living in “We were a little disappointed be - Canada can access the products, serv - cause, during the Agribition week, Ben ices and supports they need. Crowe be - wasn't able to go simply because we did - gan the process of applying for the van n't have a way to take him,” she said. over the summer after she learned that “So, he had to stay home.” one of her new students, Ben, uses a For Fourhorns, the most important wheelchair. feature of the mobility van is that it allows “Over the summer, I found out that Ben to be more included in school life. we have a little boy that was starting “The one thing I’ve learned with kindergarten that’s in a wheelchair,” she Ben is that I don’t want him to be treated said. different, and him not having a bus kind “And it scared me, because I of put him there,” she said. “But now, be - thought of my niece – who had trouble cause they have their own bus, they’re getting to school since kindergarten – like all the other kids.” 8 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 Indigenous Women’s Digital Health Stories: A form of advocacy and reconciliation in healthcare

ByEFN Staff shared the videos at public event in August Indigenous women’s health stories are in Yellowknife. complex and accessing culturally appropri - She has also shared them with medical res - ate healthcare is challenging. idents at the University of Calgary, has spoken Shelley Wiart, co-founded Women Warriors, an Indigenous fo - cused, holistic health program that helps Indige - nous women share their health (Above)Dr. Paul Naude and Shelley Wiart stories. presenting at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First The program Nation Simon and Alma Community Hall also provides free on Tuesday, Jan 28. (Photo by Shelley fitness classes Wiart) (Left) The gathering in Yel - and nutrition edu - lowknife at the Indigenous women’s cation. health stories community event. It is all “The partici - the digital storyteller presenters and a pants shared their community elder. From left to right: Max - personal stories ine Desjarlais, Back row: Beatrice of negative expe - Harper, Shelley Wiart. Front row: Gail riences with Cyr, Dorothy Weyallon, Sheryl Liske and healthcare Tanya Roach. (Photo by James O'Connor providers in our Limited) round circle dis - cussions and one- on-one with me,” Wiart said. about the stories on the Aboriginal “Also, they expressed the desire to Peoples Television Network, and share positive stories of their community was invited to present at the gov - and culture because of the negative media ernment of the Northwest Territo - and stereotypes of Indigenous peoples in ries cultural competency training. Canada.” More recently, she was invited She said healthcare professionals often to present alongside Dr. Paul Naude, don’t understand how intergenerational a family physician to Makwa Sah - trauma and the legacy of residential school gaiehcan First Nations. can impact Indigenous women's health or “I was excited because I felt the challenges they can face accessing like I could do a better job just talk - quality health care. ing to Indigenous communities, Wiart created five digital stories about sharing the videos with them, and Indigenous women—two from the Onion giving them some help with advo - Lake area near Lloydminster, Alberta, cacy and using their own stories to where she currently lives, and three from transform the healthcare system,” Yellowknife, NWT, where her family is Wiart said. from. The five digital stories can be In the online videos of health stories, viewed on the Women Warriors Indigenous women share their experience website www.womenwarriors.club. but also their traditional knowledge and healing practices and service needs. Shelley Wiart is Métis and a The videos also educate non-Indige - member of the North Slave Métis Al - nous people about traditional healing prac - liance, Yellowknife, Northwest Ter - tices among different Indigenous groups, ritories. She is currently enrolled bridging the gap between western medicine full-time at Athabasca University in and Indigenous medicine. her fourth year of a four-year B.A. “Indigenous women need more spaces degree – Concentration: Sociology, to tell their own stories in their own Minor: Women & Gender Studies. voices,” Wiart said, adding the women had She is the co-founder of an Indige - complete control over their stories, from nous focused holistic health pro - writing to selecting photos and music in gram, Women Warriors aimed at im - the videos. proving Indigenous women’s health The project goal is to share stories to outcomes. increase healthcare providers’ understand - ing of Indigenous women’s health and fos - ter reconciliation in healthcare. Wiart FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 9 Bison return to Wanuskewin Gilles Dorval By John Lagimodiere “We are building a conservation herd Of Eagle Feather News unlike any other one that I can think of,” said There are six pregnant bison year - Dr. Walker at an event to welcome the bison. lings just hanging out at Wanuskewin “It will always be a small herd, but the retiring after right now. foundations for the next five years are clearly Dr. Ernie Walker, the founder and there. You have to understand how precious heart of Wanuskewin calls the develop - these bison are. This isn’t just Wanuskewin three decades ment a ‘miracle.’ These remarkable ani - bringing some bison and dumping them off mals are going to be the foundation of of a stock trailer. These animals are going to the Wanuskewin herd that will hopefully be pampered. They are precious. They are sa - with City of launch the Park into UNESCO World cred.” Heritage Site status. The return of the bison was made pos - These bison are of excellent line - sible by a generous donation from the age. According to Dr. Walker, when the Brownlee Foundation. Since 2013, Wayne Saskatoon last of the bison were on the plains in Brownlee has been involved with 1872, a man found six orphaned calves Wanuskewin as co-chair of the Thundering By Andréa Ledding from one of the last herds. He took them Ahead campaign, as Vice Chair of the Board For Eagle Feather News and raised them and grew quite a large of Directors, and as a donor. His urge to Gilles Dorval is retiring from his position with the City of Saskatoon after herd on the Flathead Reservation in the “think bigger” prompted Wanuskewin’s vi - over 30 years of hard work advocating for better relationships with Indigenous peo - United States. The American govern - sionary plans for expansion. ples in various communities. ment decided to reduce the size of the “I have had the good fortune of travel - “Gilles has been working as co-chair with me for Reconciliation Saskatoon reservation and the gentleman eventu - ling many places around the world and see - since 2016, and he’s a real champion in the community of Saskatoon, advocating ally sold the small herd to another couple ing historic sites. I was always disappointed and pushing for change,” said Rhett Sangster of the Office of the Treaty Com - men on the same Reservation. They grew we didn’t have ones here. Growing up, I missioner (OTC). the herd to about 800 animals but be - learned about history from the 1700s for - “Gilles has relationships with everyone in the community, and I just have a cause of loss of land, the herd had to be ward. But when I got introduced to Ernie and lot of respect for him.” sold. Wanuskewin and I learned what was here, I Sangster notes that Dorval’s intentions are good and everyone trusts him, “be - cause he’s in for the right reasons, so Indigenous peoples benefit the same ways anyone else benefits.” Reconciliation Saskatoon was one of many communities to celebrate Dor - val in January as he wraps up his time with the City, honouring him with a lunchtime meal, star blanket and honour song. “We recognize all the hard work he’s done and good relationships he’s cre - ated, and recognize that we couldn’t have done it without him,” said Sangster. “Everyone wrote in a book good wishes for him, it’s an opportunity for the community to recognize him and tell him how much we valued him. We’ll miss him and look forward to his success in his next stage of life.” Dorval looks forward to the next stages too, but enjoyed looking back at his career. “I really tried to represent change within our systems and organizations and communities to increase the quality of life for Indigenous citizens in Saskatoon and surrounding region,” said Dorval, adding that everyone worked together to find out what the issues were, and to create real and lasting changes. The 2012 Truth and Reconciliation event was a highlight. “That really provided an opportunity for our community to come together and work towards that positive change … acknowledging the truth of our shared his - tory. We want to share this land, so we need to understand our shared history and Dr. Ernie Walker, founder and the heart of Wanuskewin regaled the audience what impact that had on the fabric of our lives.” with the lineage of the herd of bison that will be at home at Wanuskewin Her - He feels that this has brought about uplifting change and optimism from part - itage Park. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) ners, the Indigenous community, and investors. “We’ve had these opportunity to work together to enhance the training and In 1907, those Plains bison from the realized we are just missing so much history economic and working opportunities – lots of Indigenous languages and em - last wild herds were bought by the Govern - here that we can bring to life,” said Brown - ployment opportunities, as well as Indigenous businesses,” said Dorval, adding ment of Canada and were shipped to Elk Is - lee of his family’s reason behind the dona - there has been support for addressing racism and discrimination, and many won - land National Park near Edmonton. A total of tion. derful organizations such as the OTC, Gabriel Dumont Institute and Saskatchewan 71 plains bison from Elk Island were trans - “We need to build more understanding Indigenous Institute of Technologies. ferred to Grasslands National Park in 2005. and for people to get along in this province. “We have mutual areas of common interest where we can pool our resources In late November 2019, Parks Canada This is a legacy for a long time.” to see things come to a reality.” selected six healthy bison (female yearlings) Thundering Ahead was publicly Other highlights include raising Indigenous flags at city hall and other loca - for transfer from Grasslands National Park to launched in 2017 to raise funds for tions, introducing smudging policies, and working on the naming policy which led Wanuskewin. And in December 2019, those Wanuskewin’s capital expansion, grassland to the designation of Chief Mistawasis Bridge. historic animals were transported more than restoration, UNESCO World Heritage des - “Wichitowin Conference is going into its sixth year now and we continually 400 kilometres, from Grasslands to ignation and return of the bison. This national have more and more delegates from all across Canada,” added Dorval, noting other Wanuskewin, and in front of elders, capital fundraising campaign has brought developments such as the Pathway to Reconciliation Program which develops Rec - Wanuskewin staff and with a bison song be - together donors and supporters from across onciliation ambassadors internally. ing sung, they were released. The bison fi - North America to see this extraordinary re - “Reconciliation Saskatoon has grown to 98 organizations (which) have nally came home to Wanuskewin. newal to fruition. joined us on our journey to reconciliation. “The miracle here is this. There was an The Brownlee Family Foundation “It’s been a really rewarding fulfilling career and it’s all because of people opportunity to get some other animals from has donated $5 million to Wanuskewin’s in the community, I learn so much from different individuals, especially the old the United States. When a very special bull Thundering Ahead campaign to initiate people that share their stories in the journey,” said Dorval. bison from Yellowstone National Park joins the return of the bison to this national “I get paid by government but I work for the people. At times I’ve been caught the herd soon, the genetics of the herd can be historic site. The Bison Facilities at in the middle but when we pull together and don’t get polarized and can have brave traced straight back to the ones that roamed Wanuskewin will be named for the conversations: that’s how we see real progress.” the plains. Brownlee Family. 10 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 Student amputee copes with depression

By Adeoluwa Atayero She believes knowing the options ing to cover my leg that I had to come to of psychology at the University of For Eagle Feather News gave her the strength to make the deci - terms with the idea that I wasn’t me Regina, says that despite Kerry Benjoe decided in 2018 that sion alone. As she expected, the news anymore. Saskatchewan’s high number of Indige - she was going to have her leg amputated. was received with some tearful reac - “I did not leave my house for about nous people, services are lacking. The Indigenous journalist and grad - tions from her family members. a month. The reality that I had to give “I was dismayed to find out that In - uate student at the University of Regina’s “My mother is a very strong up my career as a journalist started to re - digenous people here don’t have a lot of School of Journalism, had suffered a foot woman and I have only seen her cry ally hit me and I slid into a depression.” mental health options specific to their injury about five years ago. twice, the day I told her about my deci - Benjoe credits making it past that needs and cultural orientation,” he said. dark mental state to three major things: Beshai plans to provide Indigenous writing, going out for wings with her students at the U of R with a mindful - Kerry Benjoe and son, Chancelier Deneyou, friends and her son, Chance Deneyou, a ness-based intervention that he’ll adapt having a moment in the hallway of the U of first-year student at the University of to the needs of Indigenous people. R, where they are both enrolled as students. Regina. His team includes Brenda Green, “Chance was the main person who associate professor of Indigenous made sure I was taking all my medica - Health Studies at First Nations Univer - tion, eating and ensuring that I had sity of Canada. someone with me when I needed it the Beshai will use a $165,000 grant most,” she said. from the Canada Institutes of Health For Deneyou, being his mom’s Research on the three-year project. rock was a privilege. The team will begin recruitment “I saw it as a way to give back to next year as well as create a guideline her for all the years she has taken care for the mindfulness treatment as it con - of me,” Deneyou said. “I love my cerns Indigenous people. After it has mom.” been tested on a small group of stu - Benjoe had a support system, but dents, Beshai hopes the project will start some Indigenous students do not have a conversation about using mindfulness the same help. as a cross-cultural tool for mental Shadi Beshai, associate professor health.

Benjoe describes herself as “an in - sion and the day of the surgery,” Benjoe dependent, single mom who work(s) in a said. field that helped me tell the stories of In - “It made me feel in a way that I digenous people.” was the cause of her pain.” Sharing stories through her writing Along with the physical pain she was a passion Benjoe thought she might was experiencing, Benjoe took on this have to give up. emotional burden, too. “I dealt with the pain secretly for a “I knew I had to be strong for long time, but after a while, I could not everyone, so I did my best to always deal with it anymore,” Benjoe said about have a smile on and stay brave,” Benjoe the ordeal. She made up her mind after said. learning all the treatment options from She recognizes now, that by not her doctor. dealing with her mental status upfront, “I made the decision to go through she started a downward spiral that hit the surgery by myself,” she said. “For bottom in May. me, the possibility of amputation was al - “I had these little milestones in the ways at the back of my mind. I did not hospital, like being able to walk, that have to, but I realized, if I don’t do it gave me strength,” she said. now, I would have to do it at some “It was when spring came that I point.” had to decide whether or not I was go - FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 11 12 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 Gabriel Dumont Institu

By NC Raine For Eagle Feather News Gabriel Dumont Institute has turned 40. “Its pretty impressive to think about the impact we've had on Saskatchewan and the number of people we’ve trained,” said GDI executive director Geordy McCaffrey. To celebrate the anniversary, GDI hosted a two-day Métis culture conference in Saskatoon, including a dinner where they inducted new members to the Order of Gabriel Dumont. “It’s really overwhelming, seeing alumni and all the people from the community who have supported GDI and recognized the importance of having a Métis controlled insti - tution.” McCaffrey has been affiliated with GDI for 27 years – first as a SUNTEP student, even - tually working his way up to executive director – and has witnessed its growth from a small in - Mission S stitution to providing diverse, Métis-centred To promote the renewal and deve educational services across the province. “We really try to create a culture where research, materials development, people feel welcome and believed in, so they those materials and the design, de These are just a few of the 1300 SUNTEP Alumni GDI has across the province. can succeed,” said McCaffrey. (Photo by Peter Beszterda ) “Coming to GDI was a life changing mo - Métisspecific educational progra ment for me. I didn’t have much confidence, and didn’t see myself as a teacher or professional. But stepping into that SUNTEP class - room, I saw my culture and that I belonged. Through that process I built up my confidence, and I know we’ve done that for many people.” In its 40 years, GDI has provided over 1,300 students with Bachelor of Education degrees, established services in 11 communities and created partnerships with the uni - versities in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and regional colleges. They are the largest employer of Métis people in the province. “I was around when it started. To see 40 years of this, not only education for our young people, but the people who came back to go to school, that’s something that never

umont Gold Order of Gabriel D t Clement Chartier Medal recipien ncil) Métis National Cou (Photo submitted by

Order of Gabriel Dumont Silver Medal Recipient Norma Welsh Order of Gabriel Dumont Medal recipients Cle (Photo by Peter Beszterda) Glenn Lafleur and Katrina Barkwell who accepted posed for an historic photo at the gala. FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 13 ute celebrates 40 years

could’ve happened without GDI,” said Nora Cummings, Métis elder and founder of the Saskatchewan Native Women’s Association. “I’m so proud to see that our Métis people have an institution to educate Métis peo - ple,” she said. “That’s why I feel GDI is an important part of our nation. In fact, I think it may be the most important part of our Métis Nation.” New inductees to the Order of Gabriel Dumont, the Métis Nation’s highest honour, included gold medal recipients, fiddler John Arcand, President of the Métis National Coun - cil Clement Chartier QC, and historian Lawrence Barkwell who received the award posthumously which was accepted by his daughter, Katrina Barkwell. Silver awards were presented to Norma Welsh of Regina and Glenn Lafleur of Beau - val. The celebration was steeped in Métis cul - ture, and included workshops on embroidery, jigging, beadwork, sash finger-weaving, rib - Statement bon skirts, genealogy, square dancing, song lopment of Métis culture through writing, fiddling, memoir writing, and flora. Métis musicians John Arcand, Donny Par - , collection and distribution of enteau, Jess Lee, Lucas Welsh, Tahnis Cun - evelopment and delivery of ningham, Angela Rancourt and Julianna Par - enteau delivered a powerful showcase at the These current GDI students all received the Order of Dumont Bronze Award. (Photo by Peter Beszterda ams and services. gala. ) Karon Shmon, GDI Director of Métis Culture and Heritage, reflected on SUNTEP and the impact of there being a Métis-rep - resented teaching force in the province. “There is a twofold purpose in that: to have Métis children and families see that this is something they can aspire to, and for everyone to see that a capable Métis person can take on a leadership role while bringing Métis content to the classroom,” she said. “It’s really a celebration of how much GDI has grown in 40 years. Our people called for a way to be educated in a culturally affirming way, where our culture and heritage would be preserved,” she said. “Now, all our programs are infused with Métis culture so people can reclaim their cultural grounding.”

ont Silver briel Dum rder of Ga fleur O t Glenn La ecipien leur) Medal R Glenn Laf mitted by (Photo sub

Gold Order of Gabriel Dumont Gold ment Chartier, John Arcand, Norma Welsh, el Dumont r of Gabri ll Medal recipient John Arcand d the honour on behalf of her father Lawrence Orde ence Barkwe cipient Lawr (Photo submitted by John Arcand) (Photo by Juli Labrecque) Medal re ection) esy GDI Coll (Photo court 14 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 Schofield finds life after trauma, addictions

By NC Raine Now, in addition to motivational For Eagle Feather News speaking, Schofield is an author, the Di - At 15 years old, motivational speaker versity and Inclusion Program Coordina - Niall Schofield lost his brother to a drunk tor at DyMark Industries, clothing-line driver. owner, and driving force behind Western Since that day, Schofield has battled Canada's premiere BMX park. through many highs and lows, but that “The BMX track all goes back to memory of his brother has remained at the my brother,” said Schofield. “It was a big forefront of everything he does. part of our youth, so it was something I “I’ve learned, through these traumas was inspired to do for him.” I’ve faced, that you have to confront your To build the track, located in War - fears. It’s important to have fear because man, Schofield enlisted former Olympian fear can drive or propel you forward from rider Trent Jones to help design a track, something you couldn’t do normally,” said and received over a million dollars of fi - Schofield. nancial support from local businesses and It was a sense of duty that initially industry, including a significant contribu - started his venture into motivational tion from DyMark. speaking. At 17 he began sharing the ex - The track was completed a year ago perience and pain of losing his brother at and is growing fast. The number of riders speaking engagements. quickly surged from 23 to 54 and is pro - But Schofield, who is also a Sixties jected to attract more than a hundred in the Niall Schofield (centre) and models wearing his clothing-line, Douglas Bird. Scoop survivor and was sexually assaulted coming year. at a young age, began seeking comfort Through the project, Schofield for his traumas through substance. caught the attention of DyMark, a com -

Niall Schofield representing DyMark Industries at an employers event.

“I went through an addiction with pany that specializes in the design, manu - multiple drugs and alcohol. I had a 23-year facture, finishing and erection of struc - addiction, and went down a really deep tural steel, miscellaneous metals and hole,” said Schofield. custom fabrication projects. Four years ago, Schofield said he “They created a new position for me. had a 'spiritual awakening'. He got sober It's a dream job. And it can only happen and began speaking again. And it was from a company that has great leadership around that time, during the Northern and a greater vision in moving together to - Saskatchewan suicide crisis, that he com - wards reconciliation.” mitted to another huge change: he dropped The position, which was created in everything from his life in Vancouver and response to the TRC Calls to Action, has drove to Saskatchewan. increased Indigenous employment and “I felt a really powerful calling. I supports initiatives that benefit Indige - wanted to see if I could make a difference, nous communities. impact people through my experience with Schofield’s newest venture, his own addictions and suicide prevention,” said clothing line, is inspired by his family. He Schofield. named it Douglas Bird to honour the par - When Schofield speaks, he is unre - ents from whom he was taken - Douglas served, drawing on his own struggles and Whitehawk and Alice Bird. life. He speaks on Fetal Alcohol Spec - “Douglas Bird clothing represents trum Disorders (FASD, a condition of overcoming your fears, dealing with your which he suffers), suicide prevention, fear, demons, overcoming trauma, and mov - love, and chasing your dreams. ing forward,” said Schofield. “I tell people that trauma is not hav - I’ve seen that everybody faces ing a voice. It comes from burying your trauma. So, my focus its to give Indige - hurt, not having a platform or voice to nous people hope and face whatever move forward,” he said. they’re going through on the inside.” FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 15

Harris Sutherland, in the middle holding a gavel, was surrounded by friends and family when he was sworn in as the first First Nations Chair of the North Battleford Chamber of Commerce. Gold Eagle Casino operations manager new chair of Battlefords Chamber

By Lisa Pitzel For Eagle Feather News Harris Sutherland, the operations manager of Gold Eagle Casino in North Bat - tleford, is the incoming chair of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce. Sutherland, who originates from the Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation (BOCN) is the first First Nations chair in the 114-year history of the chamber. He was honoured with a star blanket which was presented to him at the induction, by Chief Roy Petit of Beardy’s Okemasis Cree Nation. Some of Sutherland’s family were in attendance. “We are so proud of my nephew, Harris. He will be very good as the chair be - cause he already has done so much in his life,” said his aunt Francene Okemaysim. Sutherland has served on council at BOCN, has worked with Indigenous Child and Family Services and has volunteered with many organizations, she said. Sutherland believes that partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people will help boost the economy in the area. With the connections he has made since moving to North Battleford in 2010, he feels he can help continue the work the chamber has already done to engage with Indigenous people. “The partnerships we build will open doors and minds and will also correct some misconceptions people might have about First Nations,” he said. “The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce is a leader in the work it does with In - digenous people,” he said. Sutherland is a member of the Battlefords Education and Special Events Com - mittee, the Community Reputation Committee and the Battlefords Business Excel - lence Community. He is a volunteer with the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre, Meals on Wheels, the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club, the Battlefords Busi - ness Excellence Community and the chamber’s golf tournament fundraiser. Linda Machniak, executive director of the Chamber, feels the impact Harris makes with the community in his role as chair, will be very positive. In 2006 the Chamber received an award for its Indigenous initiatives and is ac - knowledged as a leading chamber in the province, Machniak said. “We are implementing initiatives based on the Truth and Reconciliation Com - missions Call to Action #92, which includes ensuring that Aboriginal people have equitable access to jobs and training in the corporate sector. “We also want to provide education to all our members about the history of In - digenous people in our area,” she said. The Chamber will provide a series of training programs to promote Indigenous awareness. The sessions will take place on Feb. 26 and Oct. 8. “Level 1 will discuss the history of treaties and residential schools and their im - pacts. We have a lot of members interested already,” stated Machniak. Sutherland feels encouraged by the commitment in the community towards rec - onciliation and inclusion. He wants to educate the public about the many Indigenous business owners in the province. “One of my goals is to have a business directory available that showcases In - digenous businesses. We can build more partnerships and people will be aware of the many businesses owned by First Nations and Metis people,” he said. Building bridges and partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peo - ple is of utmost importance to him. “My ultimate goal, as chair, is to build a sense of community. That is the legacy I would like to leave,” he said. 16 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020

A horse therapy program in the Qu’Appelle Valley helps those who struggle with mental illnesses, trauma Photos submitted) aIndn bedhaviiogurael issnueso in ua sixs-w ehek porogrrasm. e therapy program aids students’ confidence, behaviour

By Jeanelle Mandes him what they need.” Of Eagle Feather News Haywahe created his own horse therapy after he Horses are helping students from Chief Payepot and his family saw other equine services working with School to cope with emotional issues. Indigenous communities were lacking something vital “(My students) had different issues, from behav - in their programs. ioural to suicide and all kinds of things. We figured this “They weren’t addressing our core areas of de - would be a good program for them,” said learning re - velopment in the holistic understanding of the medicine source teacher, Gaylene Brady. wheel,” he said. “We’re not therapists, by any means, “When we first took them out, they were hesitant. but we do understand the horses and the healing pow - By the time the six weeks was up, they were actually on ers of the horses. So, we intertwined those together.” the horses and riding them. Especially the ones with the Haywahe runs the program with four trained and behavioural (issues). They learned to control their emo - certified equine facilitators including himself. The cost tions instead of having outbursts because the horses are of equine programs across the province ranges any - very receptive to that so the horses would act out. That where from $350 to $500. was a big thing for a lot of As a way of giving back, Haywahe charges $140 “ ... we do them.” per person for six weeks. The program runs for three to Brady took students four hours a day with a lunch included. Haywahe said understand the to Takoza Tipi Camp lo - they didn’t want to charge a lot because the traditional cated in the Qu’Appelle knowledge used in the program was handed down to horses and the Valley south of Katepwa them and it’s their way of sharing that with those they Lake, where they partici - serve. healing pow - pated in Takoza Equine “I like that he (uses) a ers of the Assisted Traditional Alter - traditional aspect. He’s not native Therapy. speaking down on the stu - horses.” The program ad - dents, everybody is equal. dresses mental, emotional, It doesn’t matter if you are a mbcradio.com and behavioral issues affecting youth in Saskatchewan. student, teacher or a volun - Knowledge Keeper Timothy Haywahe from the teer. At the program, every - Carry The Kettle First Nation has been operating the body has a voice and that’s program for 20 years. what I love about it,” said Brady knew her students would benefit after see - Brady. ing how Haywahe worked so diligently with her stu - “I plan on taking ten dents. more students in the “For the students who were shy or closed in, Tim spring.” taught them how to use their voices and to bring it The Takoza Equine out,” she said. Assisted Traditional Alter - “He would empower them and taught them native Therapy program can how to work with the horses. He has a knack on be found on the Takoza Tipi knowing what each student needs without me telling Camp website. FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 17

Leanne Lewis took advantage of a new program to earn her nursing degree. Student overcomes fear to become nurse

By Lisa Pitzel For Eagle Feather News Leanne Lewis laughs as she recounts her fears of pursuing her dream of be - coming a nurse, that is, until she heard about a new program offered by the College of Nursing and Onion Lake Cree Nation. “I have always wanted to become a nurse. My fear and lack of self-confidence stopped me from moving forward. I doubted myself. My fear was being the only First Nation student and not being able to rely on anyone,” said Lewis. Then an opportunity came where Onion Lake Cree Nation and the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing collaborated and gave members of Onion Lake the opportunity to do their pre-professional year at home. “I was living in Armstrong B.C. when I received a call from my mom who re - minded me that this was the chance I was waiting for.” Lewis knew that obtaining her degree was going to be challenging but never dreamed how difficult it would be to be separated from her family. “My husband Gary and my four kids were getting ready to move to Saskatoon and then we had a discussion and we had to make the tough decision for me to move alone. I did not want to leave, it was so hard on all of us, but we always said it would pay off in the long run,” she said. Some of the challenges were particularly difficult for Lewis but she persevered. “I made the drive home most weekends, and my family would sometimes come to Saskatoon to spend time with me. During midterms or when assignments were due, I wouldn’t see my family for weeks at a time. “I worked when I came home, I tried to be there for my family but there was a lot of guilt for missing things like Christmas concerts and birthdays,” Lewis states. There were many times Lewis wanted to give up because of the guilt she ex - perienced from being away from her family. “I tried to quit in my third year. My husband and children would not allow me to quit and I made them proud by graduating. My next challenge is the National Council Licensure Examination. I will write that in March,” she said. Lewis completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in June 2019 and was one of the first students to enter the program as part of the MOU with Onion Lake Cree Nation. “The college’s program, Learn Where You Live, fit perfectly with the mandate of our reserve. They have a strategic plan that includes us as First Nations people gaining leadership roles once we have the education,” Lewis said. “This mandate helped me to get the job I have now as a home care nurse.” When asked how the program helped her Lewis said, “The program made me realize who I was and how proud I am of being a First Nations Cree Woman from Onion Lake. “I also encourage all young people considering nursing as a career to push them - selves and they will be amazed at how resilient and strong they are.” 18 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 Gamble sharing lesson learned the hard way

By Jeanelle Mandes Now Gamble is learning how to walk again. Of Eagle Feather News “My daughter is expecting in March and all I kept Beading and doing puzzles are two of the activi - thinking ‘my baby is having a baby’ and I was so scared ties that keep April Gamble’s mind busy as she recov - that I wouldn’t have been there for her,” she said. “My ers in Saskatoon’s City Hospital after she survived a car partner and I’s bond is stronger. He’s been with me al - accident. most every day.” On Nov. 17, 2019, Gamble was driving home to Gamble has three children aged 23, 17 and 12. Her Saskatoon from work in Prince Albert. She grabbed daughter Dayzha has taken on the role of her mother to some take-out at a drive-thru restaurant and embarked look after the household and her little brother. It was a on her ride home. She was five kilometres past the pivotal moment in her life that she realized she had to town of Hague when she remembered the burger. grow up fast. As she started to eat it, she kept a close eye on the “It was hard. I was so used to seeing my mom vehicle in front of her. It took a split second for her to every morning and when she got home from work,” she look down and then back up to realize the vehicle in said. front of her was no longer there but instead, she saw a “It was quiet during Christmas without her. I will semi-truck on the right shoulder. never think of Christmas the same. (Before the acci - It was a split second that changed her life. dent) I wanted a pair of shoes for Christmas and when “I can remember waking up and thinking ‘stay Christmas came around, the only gift I wanted was my calm and breathe’. And that’s what I did, I stayed calm,” mom to be home.” said Gamble, who comes from the Beardy’s and Oke - That wish will soon come true as Gamble is set to masis Cree Nation. return home within a month where she will forever Gamble had smashed right into the semi, totaling cherish each day with her family. her SUV. She tried to pry the door open but it was “There’s an appreciation for life,” she said. “The jammed. She was finally pulled out of the vehicle by fear of what could have been really leveled us and we emergency responders. know now that life is precious.” “Once they’ve given me pain medication, the A new law that targets distracted driving in (paramedics) said, ‘We can either take you to Rosthern Saskatchewan took effect on Feb. 1. Fines start at (hospital) or to Saskatoon.’ I told them, ‘I don’t want to $580. die in Rosthern, just take me to Saskatoon. All my kids Gamble said the new law is fair. She hopes oth - are at home’,” she said. ers can learn from her ordeal and obey the new law. “I remember being in the trauma room and seeing “Pull over. Don’t try do things while you’re driv - April Gamble’s days since November have been lights and faces of my family talking over me. (My part - ing. It’s seconds that your life can be changed forever spent in a hospital where she is recovering from a ner) Eddie was there and whispered in my ear ‘you and my life has forever been changed, all because I car accident that could have claimed her life. scared me’.” wanted to eat and drive,” she said. (Photo submitted) Gamble was in excruciating pain. She sustained a “I should not have been eating. I should have broken wrist, a shattered ankle, a dislocated knee, a taken that extra 10 minutes to sit in the restaurant and eating to name a few. In 2018, driver distraction or inat - fractured sternum and painful bruising from the seat - all of this wouldn’t have happened.” tention was a factor in more than 6,000 collisions, re - belt. Distracted driving includes texting, smoking and sulting in 774 injuries and 22 deaths, according to SGI. Janet Carriere named Prince Albert’s Citizen of the Year

By Judith Iron pipes. ness and high-risk lifestyles. people; this way we can learn what For Eagle Feather News “It was such a proud moment in She does that through a variety of needs to change. It's always a learning “I do what the Creator guides me my life,” said the Métis woman origi - holistic programs, such as Bringing experience,” Carriere said. to do, but my true goal is to create equal - nally from Crutwell. Having a well- Back Our Warriors, for men, which ad - The Centre also provides some ba - ity for marginalized people,” said Janet known Métis musician providing the dresses violence, anger management, sic needs that many people take for Carriere, recipient of the 2019 Prince music added to her joy in the moment. and domestic abuse, traditional coun - granted, such as a fresh cup of coffee, a Albert Citizen of the Year award. “Even Ray selling and learning hot meal, the use of a telephone or even The award came as a complete Villebrun attended activities such as the the use of the centre’s address to re - shock to Carriere, executive director of the celebration and Kairos blanket exer - ceive mail. The staff at the centre col - the Prince Albert Indian and Métis performed my fa - cise about Indige - lectively agree that everyone needs a Friendship Centre (PAIMFC). vorite song Drums,” nous experience in place to go to where they feel they be - “I was scared and thought some - she said. Canada. long and are welcomed without preju - thing must be wrong. I was called into In the nomina - The centre also dice. the office for a media release, but when tion, Arcand focused hosts support circles, Carriere strives to become her I got there, I was told I won the Citizen on Carrier’s wealth of a weekly addictions community’s catalyst for equality. With of the Year award. My brain couldn’t experience and day program and the Creator’s guidance Carriere is the process it. All I kept thinking was what knowledge, but also works with families executive director at the PAIMFC who is going on?” she said. her willingness to go of missing and mur - just happens to be an advisor for the “She had no idea,” said Carrier’s above and beyond in dered Indigenous Commemorative Day for Missing and co-worker, Georgette Arcand, who had helping everyone people. Murdered Women with the Women’s secretly nominated her for the presti - who walks through A drumming Commission - who sits on the Prince Al - gious award. the doors of the class addresses cul - bert Board of Police Commissioners - The award banquet, sponsored by PAIMFC. Her pri - tural awareness and who is a member of the Prince Albert the Kinsmen Club and the Prince Albert mary focus is health wellness. Indigenous Coalition - who is on the Janet Carriere, on the right, got a Daily Herald was held Jan. 25. Carriere and wellness, espe - “When we run Community Advisory Board for Home - hug from her pal Sheryl Kimbley happily found herself making a grand cially for those who the programs, we lessness – the list goes on. after Carriere was named the entry to the sounds of a powwow drum live with poverty, ad - watch to see what Not all heroes wear capes, but Prince Albert Citizen of the Year. rather than the usual tradition of bag - dictions, homeless - (Photo supplied) works better for the when you meet one, you just know. FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 19 20 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020

Another colonial dispossession that has come to place, committed to a joint declaration with an aim Op-ed by Senator public awareness is the forced and/or coerced sterili - to: zation of Métis, First Nations and Inuit women. The • stopping sterilization and ensuring a safe and Yvonne Boyer residential school system and the Sixties Scoop secure place where informed choice and consent is Canada has long been considered one of the robbed Indigenous communities of their children. guaranteed; safest places in the world to live. Today, many dis - Forced and coerced sterilization robs Métis, First • empowering Indigenous women’s right to pute this claim, particularly Indigenous women who Nations and Inuit women of their capacity to give self-determining their health choices; are the first affected and still topping the list of those birth. Birthing, for Indigenous peoples, is viewed not • acknowledging the that involuntary steriliza - most dispossessed by colonialism. only as a sacred contribution to the family and com - tion is happening; When a political power forces its way of life and munity, but as a strengthening of the relationships to • preventing this practice from happening imposes its institutions onto a people, as the British the land, nature and cultural relationships, and as a again and ensuring the protection of the sexual health and the Canadian state has onto Métis, First Nations way to teach and transfer knowledge to the youth in - and reproductive rights of Indigenous women. and Inuit Peoples, the women are the first to pay the volved in serving at the ceremony of sacred birthings. We also discussed putting in place a foundation price, a terrible price that compounds over time. Today, forced sterilization is another chapter in that would administer programs that help the healing Since the release of the Royal Commission on the colonizers cruel chronicle of dispossessing In - process and help rebuild their community life, includ - Aboriginal Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation digenous life. The depth of the visceral trauma of los - ing funding for treatment of affected individuals and Commission and the recent inquiry into Missing and ing this ability is staggering. their families and a gathering of survivors as a next Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Canadians In Ottawa, on Jan. 28 and 29, the National Col - step. are becoming aware and are beginning to acknowl - laborating Centre for Indigenous Health assembled Gaining awareness of the forced and/or coerced edge its history’s long period of colonial darkness. stakeholders (community, professional, government, sterilization of Indigenous women is a reminder of However, acknowledging colonialism alone Métis, First Nations and Inuit leaders) to see how the how racism remains all too present in determining so - does not end colonial attitudes and the residue of its practice of sterilization could be stopped. The out - cial relations in Canada. racial societal imprint. Colonial racism persists in come was hopeful. Be it at a clinic, in the school yard, at the hockey Canada. Reconciliation will be difficult, and healing The conference participants, including the rink, at the hospital, on the bus, wherever Canadians will be measured in long-units of time, generations in pledge by the Saskatoon Health Authority who were cross paths, more efforts are needed to rehabilitate and fact. instrumental in bringing this issue to light in the first build relationships and to find paths of reconciliation.

I never knew what became of him until we met As grateful as I am for these opportunities Our Children Deserve again at a convenience store in downtown Saskatoon. that already exist, we must recognize the growing He had been living with family and was doing OK need to do more. Opportunity but he never had the same opportunity to attend post- Saskatchewan maintains a high number of By Regan Ratt-Misponas secondary that I had. During our conversation he children in our Foster Care System. As children Our community is all too familiar with the Fos - asked me, “How do you do it?” of the province, we all play a part in ensuring ter Care System. We’ve experienced our children be - This made me wonder where he might be if they have the same opportunities to be success - ing taken away, and we’ve also had many amazing given the chance to attend a post-secondary insti - ful. This all starts with access to post-secondary families who have offered their homes to children tution. This young man had the determination, education. from all over the province. but lacked the same support or financial means. I’m hoping that an increased opportunity to There was one boy who grew up in Pinehouse The Province of British Columbia began ef - post-secondary education will ensure that our that would pop into my head from time to time. He forts to offer tuition waivers to students who have children are in the best possible situation to suc - came from a community that was further north and he aged out of the Foster Care System. Max Fineday, ceed in the future. had the reputation of being a ‘handful,’ but I came to former USSU President, lobbied for a similar pro - And as the province continues to march to - understand that this was his way of showing the gram in our province where the University of wards growth, with a more significant Indigenous strength he had built up at a young age. Saskatchewan, with support from the Government population growing by the day, Saskatchewan will of Saskatchewan took on the initiative. depend on its children to look after its future.

The Pinehouse Photography Club uses photography as a form of therapy for the youth. Led by the founder, Dre Erwin, this club has been in operation since 2017 and has been proven to help youth involved with their well- being and to channel their emotions in a healthy and creative way. The feedback this unique club receives is that photography is therapeutic which has helped the youth with depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide and even addictions. The Pinehouse Photography Club will submit a photo gallery where it will be displayed once a month on our website. One photo from each gallery will be featured in every issue for the year of 2020. FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 21 Sutherland learns to love herself through healthy transformation

By NC Raine be better at my job. She inspires me to be a better version of who I am,” said Robertson. For Eagle Feather News Sutherland said she has no intention of slowing down any time soon. And she’s the When Jenn Sutherland began committing herself to the gym, it was about seeking first to acknowledge that it’s not through beating yourself up, but through loving your - change to improve her well-being. But the transformation she went through, and con - self, that one is able to achieve great things. tinues to go through, certainly goes far beyond just the physical. “Consistency is key, not perfection. We’re all human, we all have slip ups. It’s im - “Weight-loss wasn’t the goal. It was about feeling better about myself, being com - portant not to be too hard on ourselves because that's what causes setbacks,” said fortable in my own skin,” said Sutherland. Sutherland.“If you love yourself, it all falls into place.” “I started to commit to daily workouts – one hour a day. It came from a place of needing to love myself and treat my - self better.” A year and a half after committing to a better way of life, Sutherland has lost approximately 100 pounds, through, as she calls it, ‘good old-fashioned hard work.’ Originally from the Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Na - tion but now living in Saskatoon, Sutherland said she needed to change her life to something sustainable. Sustainability, for Sutherland, means consistency. She now eats five small, high-protein meals a day, and frequents Ryde YXE Cycle Studio four to seven times a week – some - times going twice a day.

Jenn Sutherland, before she embarked on her well-being transformation (left) and Jenn Sutherland in summer 2019.

“It’s such a support - ive place, maybe my favourite place to be. It’s my home away from home,” laughs Suther - land. She also exercises with a trainer, Marie Robertson, twice a week, who she credits provid - ing her with constant en - couragement and motiva - tion. But throughout this process, it’s not about what Sutherland has lost. It’s about what she’s gained. “About a year ago, I was honestly in a depres - sion. I had a lot of nega - tive talk about myself, how I looked, where my life was going,” she said. “But exercise has helped me so much. Now I’m more satisfied with the quality of life. I’m happier and healthier, and it’s actually having a big impact on my relationships with people. I’m a better friend and a better family member.” Robertson, Sutherland’s trainer, has closely observed just how much her client has changed from the first time she walked into one of Robertson’s bootcamps. “I could tell from the beginning; she was really committed. But since then she’s just blossomed,” said Robertson. “In my experience with training women, yes, they get strong in the gym but that’s not the only place they get strong. They blossom into who they’ve always been. The best version of themselves. That’s what happened with Jenn.” Robertson, who has shared Sutherland’s success story on social media, said in a short amount of time Sutherland has already become somewhat of a legend at the studio. She’s always working hard, smiling, and encouraging those around her. Even pushing herself and others to do more than Robertson herself prescribes, she said. “It’s so inspiring for me and for everyone. It makes me want to work harder, and 22 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020 Peter Ballantyne conference offers message of hope

By NC Raine “Helping our youth talk about it is the For Eagle Feather News most important thing because the more Spreading the belief that life is we talk about it, the more we understand worth living was one of the principle and can help prevent suicide,” said Mc - messages delivered to the hundreds of Callum. young people who attended the Peter First Nations leadership has called Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) Youth for more supports and the FSIN has de - Empowerment Conference. veloped a suicide prevention strategy. With the suicide crisis in Northern Simon Jobb, consultant, motivational Saskatchewan in mind, Weldon McCal - speaker, and social worker at Pelican Nar - lum, PBCN Vice-Chief and councillor rows, says more work needs to be done in in Pelican Narrows, knew that address - breaking the stigma around suicide. ing young people directly was para - “People don't know how to talk about mount. From Jan. 18-24 in Saskatoon, it, people are scared of it. When someone almost a thousand young people at - says they want to commit suicide, you tended the Youth Empowerment con - don't know what to say,” said Jobb. ference to talk and learn about suicide “Society tells us that we need to live prevention. the perfect life: nice house, nice cars, nice “It’s a crisis we couldn’t ignore. We shoes. What about the kids and parents knew we had to do something,” said Mc - who don’t have this? The ones that feel Callum. “A lot of the issues we addressed they aren’t worthy? People need to know were things that could lead to suicide, like they have support and can break down poverty, social problems at home, and bul - and cry.” lying. We wanted to address as many is - One of the youths who attended the sues as we could.” event, Tamarus McKay, said she was en - Recently, three young people in the couraged to attend after going through Tamarus McKay (centre) at the PBCN Youth Empowerment Conference with northern community of Makwa Sah - some difficult times in her life. She said the Amazing Race Canada winners Anthony Johnson (left) and James Makokis gaiehcan First Nation died by suicide, in - conference gave her a new sense of hope. (right). (Photo supplied by Tamarus McKay) cluding a 10-year-old girl. The conference, “It gave me a sense of belonging, aimed at young people from ages 10 to 18, knowing that I wasn’t going through things “There’s a lot of doors ready for you call it the present.’ I think a lot of the youth featured a number of speakers, therapists, alone and people can relate to what I’ve if you allow yourself to open them. I heard needed to hear that.” emergency responders, and a registered gone through. It felt hopeful,” she said. a quote from one of the speakers that said, Anyone experiencing crisis can call nurse to show the support network avail - McKay said she left the conference ‘The past is a history, the future is a mys - the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at able to youth. with a new perspective. tery, and today is a gift. That’s why they 1-833-456-4566.

Simon Jobb, (left) and Weldon McCallum (right) at the PBCN Youth Empow - erment Conference in Saskatoon (Photo supplied by Weldon McCallum)

PBCN Vice Chief Weldon McCallum and Chief Peter A. Beatty. (Photo supplied by Weldon McCallum) FEBRUARY 2020 Eagle Feather News 23 Healthy lifestyle begins with an intense Ryde

By Kaitlynn Nordal the first while after high school,” said For Eagle Feather News Mustoe. Healthy living and community giv - When Lynden first had the idea to ing is the mission for the co-owners of open Ryde YXE, she was 10 years into Ryde YXE in Saskatoon. her law enforcement career and was “I grew up participating in all kinds looking for something else out of life, of different sports and activities and I but stayed with her policing job. pursued them all the way to playing uni - A chance encounter with former versity basketball,” said Shaina Lynden NHL player and well-known children’s of Ryde YXE. advocate, Sheldon Kennedy, at a spin

Spin classes have helped countless people regain their health and wellness. And at Ryde YXE, riders also help donate to charity. They opened on Broadway Ave. in together.” Saskatoon. Charities can apply to be recipients Ryde YXE became so popular that at rydeyxe.ca. two years ago, they opened their second Shawna Naduriak, a licensed prac - location in the City Park area. tical nurse, has been going there since To give back to the community, 2016. Lynden and Mustoe instituted Friday Naduriak enjoyed the intense work - night ‘Ryde For Change’ classes. out and now goes four or five days a The $10 class fees all go to a char - week. ity, which changes from week to week. “You share in that experience with “If it was just a regular class, you people and you are more inclined to stick might not come in to get your workout in with it,” said Lynden. at 7:15 on a Friday night,” Lynden said. “So, I think you choose something “But, if we made it special and that not only are you interested in, but are made it an opportunity to give back to the prepared to try something new to come community in different ways, we thought with friends and to build a support it would be a great way to bring people group.”

Shaina Lynden, owner of Ryde YXE, balances a business partnership with her career as a Saskatoon Police Officer. (Photo supplied)

The Saskatoon police officer and a class in Calgary, gave her the idea to member of the Yellow Quill First Nation open a gym. is one of the co-owners of the gym. Ryde “Sheldon was there because he YXE specializes in stationary bicycle – needed and wanted to be there,” Lynden also known as spin classes, an intense said. He said spin was his outlet to deal form of interactive workout that has with daily life. That resonated with Lyn - grown in popularity in recent years. den and she felt there could be an oppor - “I obtained a kinesiology Bachelor tunity to support the community of of Science degree and tucked it in my Saskatoon. back pocket for a little, while I pursued Meanwhile, Mustoe was living in policing as a career and kind of full cir - the United Kingdom, but was thinking cle came back to it,” she said. about moving back, so Lynden ap - Physical activity was always of in - proached her childhood friend with her terest to the other co-owner, Bradie Mus - business idea. toe, as well. Mustoe was interested and the pair “I had grown up here dancing – bal - started looking into how to open Ryde let, jazz – so that’s what I had pursued for YXE. 24 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2020