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Meadow Lake News

Birch Narrows Buffalo River Canoe Narrows Clearwater River English River Flying Dust Makwa Sahgaiehcan Ministikwan Lake Waterhen Lake Nation Dene Nation First Nation Dene Nation First Nation First Nation First Nation Cree Nation First Nation

May 2019 Volume 2 • Issue 5

At left, chiefs Carol Bernard (Waterhen Lake), Ronald Mitsuing (Makwa Sahgaiehcan), and Leslie Crookedneck (Island Lake) participate in the FSIN assembly. Below, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau receives a beaded gift from one of the chiefs in attendance at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Legislative Assembly held May 21-23 on the Flying Dust First Nation. Prime Minister speaks to FSIN gathering of chiefs For many in attendance for the last week’s spring session of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Legislative Assembly at Flying Dust First Nation, the event ended on a high note. Capping off the three-day session Thursday afternoon (May 23) was a special address from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who spoke with First Nations chiefs and others on hand about the progress already made between the government and First Nations people, as well as the work that lies ahead to keep that partnership strong. “I want to start by recognizing we are on the land of the nations in the Cree community of Flying Dust First Nation,” Trudeau remarked. “We acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land... Ahead of this event, I was reflecting on the promises I made during the 2015 campaign. I told people the time had come to renew nation-to- nation relationships with First Nations, a relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. I said, if elected, our government would take up that work and make it our priority. Nearly four years later, our priorities have remained unchanged.” The prime minister went on to say, the progress the federal government and First Nations have made together, is a testament to their commitment to do things differently. ~ Cont’d on Page 16

Upcoming Treaty Days - 2019 Treaty Day celebrations have begun on the nine Meadow Lake Come celebrate with us! First Nations. This special day commemorates the signing and the Birch Narrows Dene Nation Monday, June 3 historic relationship formed between the Government of Canada and Canoe Lake Cree First Nation Tuesday, June 4 Indigenous peoples between the 18th and 20th Centuries. Treaty Day also Buffalo River Dene Nation Wednesday, June 5 commemorates the annual meeting at which representatives of the federal government distributed treaty payments to members of Indigenous bands English River First Nation Thursday, June 6 who signed the . The first of these payments was in 1872 Clearwater River Dene Nation Friday, June 7 and they are still distributed to this day, although now they are mostly a Flying Dust First Nation Tuesday, June 11 symbolic gesture. Most descendants of the Numbered Treaties signatories Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation Tuesday, June 18 receive $5 annually – an amount that has not increased over time to reflect inflation. Therefore, these funds are financially insignificant, but they Waterhen Lake First Nation Wednesday, June 19 confirm the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the government. (Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation held its Treaty Day on May 15)

For further information, please contact: Meadow Lake Tribal Council • 8003 Flying Dust Reserve • Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1T8 Phone: 306-236-5654 • Fax: 306-236-6301 • Email: [email protected] • website: www.mltc.net • ©MLTC 2019

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A panel of successful band members speaks to students at the Waterhen Lake/Flying Dust Career Exploration Tour May 6. The panel included (l-r) Shaylee Mazuren (university student), Judy Fiddler (teacher), Shanelle Moore (heavy equipment operator), Mike Matchee (teacher) and Angela Fiddler (company union rep). At right, Roseann Iron shows students on a graph the lowest pay – $1.76 per hour – is social assistance when compared to becoming a carpenter, a nurse or teacher. Waterhen Lake/Flying Dust career event offers encouragement to youth A joint Career Exploration Waterhen. “My role here today is not after high school when getting to “So, the reason why we’re Tour hosted by Waterhen Lake solely to let the youth know about your first job interview. giving you this information is and Flying Dust First Nations for our company, but more importantly “You’ve got to be ready and because we want you to realize Grades 7-12 school students as to give them confidence as they you’ve got to be focused because if social assistance is at the bottom well as adults was held May 6 at search for jobs in the near future.” they offer you the job, it’s like right of the pay scale,” Iron said, adding the community school gym at Fiddler notes it’s not easy being now. The job’s not going to wait for police officer, electrician, or Waterhen Lake. The event was titled Indigenous and working away from you, they have others they can give social worker salaries range from ‘Your Participation will be your home for long periods of time. it to,” she said. “My main thing is, it’s $37,000 to over $110,000 per year. Success’. “I had to learn and deal with possible for anyone to get off the “It’s very important you get your The session, held for First Nation systematic and racial issues, but reserve and be successful.” maths and sciences during high students from Flying Dust and I found out there are people in Roseann Iron, a social school as it will open many career Waterhen, began with a career most companies out there to help development coordinator with the opportunities for you in the future.” panel of accomplished band those who need the support,” she Meadow Lake Tribal Council, gave Iron stated there’s more to life members who spoke about their said. “Some workers have to be students a sampling of what certain than living on the reserve. current line of work and offered gone away from home for up to careers pay in wages and what “Follow your dreams,” she encouraged to the youth to begin 20 or more, so it’s important youth additional schooling is required. said. “Don’t stop at Grade 12, but the path of post-secondary studies go through the proper channels “Being on social assistance is continue on and remember we are by creating a path and following it. because companies want to retain the lowest at $305 per month, that alway here to support you.” The panel included Angela their Indigenous workers.” works out to $1.76 per hour – I Creeanna Mirasty, a Grade 10 Fiddler (company union rep) , Fiddler said it’s important to don’t think you want to be there,” student in Meadow Lake, was one Mike Matchee (teacher), Shanelle continually host career days on Iron said. “Say you wanted to be a of about 100 attendees who, after Moore (heavy equipment operator), reserves because it’s easier for carpenter, their average hourly pay hearing the information, said she’d Judy Fiddler (teacher) and Shaylee her and her colleagues to come is $18.13 per hour, a nurse can make like to be a social worker when she’s Maureen (university student). in and talk to the students in their $33.22 per hour while a teacher’s done high school. “I work for Civeo as the home community rather than the starting wage is $25.96.” “The last few years I’ve babysat housekeeping coordinator – we’re students, staff and parents doing all Iron said for those who do not go a lot and I’ve also been around accommodation specialists and I the planning. on for specific training, can work in foster kids – it’s hard to see them work in Fort McMurray, AB,” said Fiddler’s main advice was about a variety of jobs for minimum wage, come and go, though,” she added. “I Angela Fiddler, a former resident of being in the right frame of mind which is currently $11.06 per hour. believe I would be good at it.” Grade 11 students organizing trip overseas A group of Grade 11 students Nine students will be to date has been catering and from Waweyekisik Education Centre taking the trip and the food sales. So far we have raised at Waterhen Lake First Nation is group plans to raise $50,000 about $10,000,” Lapratt said. planning a major trip in 2020 that before then to cover plane One of the first things will take them across the Atlantic fare, accommodations, all nine students and their Ocean. transportation, meals, entry into accompanying chaperones “We taking a 10-day trip to Italy museums and other special tours had to do was apply for their and Greece during the Easter break and excursions as well as some respective passports. Lapratt’s next April,”DEADLINE said student FOR Lucas APPLICATIONS additional IS April spending 19, 2019 money. came just recently, and he was Lapratt. “We chose this location Highlights of the trip will be relieved. because some of us have been to visiting the ancient city of Rome, Grade 11 student Lucas Lapratt shows off his “It’s been quite a few weeks passport which just arrived in the mail. the (United) States a few times, Venice, the Vatican among now since I applied, so it’s good so we thought we’d go out of the others. last December with candy gram it’s here now and I don’t have to country this time.” “We started with our fundraising sales, but our major fundraising worry anymore,” he added.

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~ Community Profile Zander Lake camp to get Birch Narrows Dene Nation upgrade before summer The community of Birch Narrows Dene Nation at for this same trip,” said chief Jonathan Sylvestre. “It was one time owned and operated a fly-in fishing camp for a real eye opener for me and I can still remember Circle tourists and hunters, but not longer uses it for those Time and some of the personal stories I heard. It’s not purposes. pretty, but it definitely shows youth where drugs and “It’s now a year-round recreation site. It’s remote as alcohol can take you… it takes over your life.” there’s no road to it, so it takes about 15 minutes to fly The trip also includes a bit of fun – the Capilano Sus- there. There’s cabins and our community members use it pension Bridge Park and going up Grouse Mountain. for special gatherings and this summer holistic wellness “We want to give our youth experiences, so hopefully Tiffany Moberly exits the plane with the help of camps will be offered,” said Zander Lake camp coordina- they’ll bring back what they learned and help contribute pilot Barry Obrien. Moberly and councillor Kim tor Tiffany Moberly. “The first five-day camp is scheduled to our community,” added Sylvestre. Sylvestre returned from assessing what needs to be done at the Zander Lake camp the next few weeks. to begin near the end of June with ongoing camps run- ning throughout the summer months.” Clear Lake Days July 29- Aug 2 Open to northern community residents – La Loche, This event happens at the original home of the Birch Clearwater, Buffalo Narrows, Buffalo River, Birch Narrows Narrows people. It’s a one-hour boat ride and band and all those nearby – Moberly said there’s leadership members will stay for the five-day event, while others training and many workshops including land-based may choose to stay longer. BIRCH NARROWS “We go there to bring awareness to our people of DENE NATION traditional and cultural teachings. Council working toward a “We have elders involved, traditional knowledge keep- where we came from,” Sylvestre. “We have a church ers, mental health workers, nurses and other personnel service at the graveyard where many of our family at these camps,” she said. members are buried. It’s a place where we can keep our FACTS happy and healthy community traditions alive… we can’t forget who we are and our Vancouver trip June 7-17 identity.” Birch Narrows Dene Nation has In the middle of June some 30 students in Grades The Birch Narrows Dene Nation is a relatively new band territory at three sites: 733 acres 10-12, and 12 chaperones, will travel by bus from Birch Annual Family Camp next to the North- which came about almost 50 years ago. Narrows to Vancouver, B.C. to participate in the Scared This is family-oriented for everyone from babies to ern Hamlet of Current chief, Jonathan Sylvestre, says their community was originally at Clear Lake – some 40 kilometres away as the crow Street Tour and other highlights in the area. The drug and people in their 80s. It started about 15 years ago and the is their main flies – but because there was no road access, the band was alcohol prevention and education program takes young location is only accessible by boat – about a 35-minute Dwayne Morin and Lyndon Sylvestre get barrels of fuel ready to take to Zander Lake that will be used community; relocated to Turnor Lake and also given a land base as well people on tours throughout Vancouver’s east side. ride. The activities include a variety of workshops, tradi- for outboard motors and generators. 395 acres at near Dillon. “When I was a youth I remember going to Vancouver tional teachings and more. the junction of “Our land here is very small, but this is home to us,” Sylvestre said. “Our biggest territory, which is almost 10 times as big, is and Frobisher Lake which contains over near Dillon on Peter Pond Lake. the historic site of Clear Lake; and He was first voted to council in 2010 at age 23. School serves more than 200 students 6,044 acres east of Dillon on Peter “I was pretty young when I first got involved and didn’t Birch Narrows Dene Community School saying phrases in Dene and showing their parents Pond Lake. The latter two have no know a lot about politics at the time,” Sylvestre admits. “But, accommodates both First Nation and neighbouring how they can count to 10 and say their colours in the year-round residents living there. I was a leader in high school and people looked up to me. Métis students from the hamlet of Turnor Lake. Enrolled traditional language. She added the Dene language In the summer of 1906, the Dene Several band members asked me to throw my name in, so I are approximately 220 students from the Headstart/ classes and the land-based teachings (both new this people of Clear Lake entered into did. As it turned out I had the highest number of votes at that Nursery program to Grade 12. year) are very popular with the students. a treaty relationship with the time.” Vice-principal Karen Sylvestre was born and raised “We’re hoping to offer more high school subjects in Canadian government and signed Then, before the 2014 election, community members in Birch Narrows and has been back home the past six the future because I really think it makes a difference in . Then, in 1972, the Clear asked him to run for chief. He won and was then re-elected years. She received her teaching degree from NORTEP keeping the students engaged,” she said. Lake band, which was then known in 2018. Jonathan is now in his fifth year as chief and has the in LaRonge and was the Grade 4 teacher at the Birch Outside classroom studies, every April school as Peter Pond First Nation, was distinction of being the youngest First Nations chief in all of Narrows Community Dene School in 2013 and 2014. students and the entire community participate in what split into two bands – both bands . Chief Jonathan Sylvestre, 33, is in his fifth year as chief of She has been the head of student services the last they call Sucker Bridge Week. lived in and near Buffalo Narrows “I realized early on that I can’t please everybody,” he said. Birch Narrows Dene Nation with big dreams to have his three years “This is where we take our students, and anyone before moving to Buffalo River “But, as long as I have a vision, I will work toward that vision. community grow and prosper. “It’s my second year in this position – student from the community who wants to, down to the near Dillon and Birch Narrows near I’d like to see a happy and healthy community and see our kids services and vice-principal and I just love that we have bridge and we catch fish, fillet and smoke them – it’s a Turnor Lake, Saskatchewan. prosper and be successful in school.” a new high school,” she said, adding the new K-12 super fun time as it’s not even a mile from town. Other Birch Narrows is located ap- The community continues to grow and the leadership is secondary studies so they create their own opportunities.” Shalen Moberly, one of seven graduating students this school was built in 2009. “When I was in high school we year, helps decorate for the grad ceremony June 3. schools in the area participate as well.” proximately 120 km from Buf- doing its best with what they have. With community growth, no matter how hard everyone had to travel out – to La Loche or attend the residential Sylvestre says there’s a real sense of community here. falo Narrows and 350 km from “With growth comes challenges and we know drugs and works, Sylvestre notes people still fall through the cracks. school at Beauval. I chose to go to the residential “We have a beautiful school because our students “I love being from Birch Narrows. The school offers Meadow Lake, which is the closet alcohol are a problem, but we’re working on awareness and “We try to aim at our most vulnerable – the youth and school and was there from 1991 to 1994.” have a lot of pride in their surroundings and we often so many thing to community members and I’m proud centre with all amenities. About prevention,” he said. “Unfortunately we are limited in resources the elders. For me, and others who are middle aged, we There are 18 teachers on staff, but 43 people in total receive compliments from visitors about how well our to be a part of that,” she said. “Once a month we hold a two-thirds of the registered total and have to rely on government funding for nearly everything can look after ourselves,” he said. “We do what we can. We work at the school in various departments. students are behaved,” she said. community night here at the school and we always get population in Birch Narrows re- we do.” hire locals to work in the band-owned store, our school One of the thing Sylvestre admires about the school A subject offered this past year was Dene language a big turnout – the whole community shows up.” sides on reserve. There are some An example is the money that flows from Jordan’s Principle, system, our health facilities as well as our Zander Lake fly- is the kids are very respectful as evidenced by having classes and Sylvestre said the youngest ones – “I can truly say this school is the hub of the 600 members living on reserve a fairly new federal program through Indigenous Services. in camp. We also have ongoing training through SIIT. Right no graffiti or vandalism at the school. headstart and nursery students – are now going home community,” she added. and 300 living off-reserve. Both “It’s support for children 19 years and younger who need now there’s training going on for carpentry and home languages, English and Denesu- help right away and for making long-term changes for their renovation/construction. Other training we’ve had, and liné, are spoken on the Birch Nar- future,” Sylvestre said. “We submit an application to the will continue to have as long as there’s interest, is heavy rows Dene Nation. The First Nation program which covers a wide range of health, social and equipment operator, class 1 truck driver training, safety is affiliated with the Meadow Lake educational needs.” tickets and more. We find out what community members Tribal Council (MLTC). In Birch Narrows, some of these funds go toward land-based are in favour of and we try to bring those courses to Birch Chief: traditional teachings and healing. Narrows.” Jonathan Sylvestre “But, we can’t get used to this money because there’s an Birch Narrows sits right next to the hamlet of Turnor election coming up and all this could change overnight,” he Lake and Sylvestre says together they share the youth Councillors: added. programs and arena functions. Jonathan L Sylvestre Sylvestre has big dreams. Set on giving their best, and more opportunities for Dorothy Sylvestre “I want to see our community become self-sufficient and their community, the council has held three open band Kimberly Sylvestre be successful,” he said. “I know that’s a long ways off, but we meetings per year for community awareness and an Ann Sylvestre have to act now and push our students to look toward post- opportunity for members to ask questions.

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Dancing to the beat Culture and tradition were front and centre Friday through Sunday (May 24- 26) when Canoe Lake Cree First Nation held its annual powwow. The event attracted participants from throughout the region, across the province and beyond and serves as one of the early stops of the yearly powwow season. A modern powwow is a social gathering held by many First Nations communities to meet and dance, sing, socialize, and honour their cultures. There is generally a dancing competition, with many different types of traditional dances, music and regalia, often with significant prize money awarded. Above, eagle-staff bearers and other participants showcase their pride during Sunday afternoon’s grand entry. At right, men’s golden age dancer Harry Ohrn dances his style upon entering the powwow grounds Sunday afternoon.

FSIN makes history with first sitting prime minister to attend assembly

Flying Dust First Nation chief Jere- government has focused on the communities get the same funding of us filled with challenges and my Norman, in his address to those most pressing needs in First Nations as non-Indigenous children. hurdles we will have to overcome in attendance, acknowledged and communities as identified by First The prime minister also said as partners. But, together, we have thanked his community members Nations these and other issues are ones lain the groundwork for a new for making everyone feel welcome. “In the time since we started the government continues to nation-to-nation relationship. “It’s been a very busy couple of this important work, we’ve seen work on every day in an effort to A relationship built on trust, weeks for our staff and I want to some real results,” he noted. “We’ve resolve them or to find even better partnership and mutual respect. thank them publicly for pitching in started building nearly 16,000 solutions. For the first time in our history to make this event run smoothly,” safe and affordable housing units “We know the legacy of centuries we are undoing the legacies of he said. “I’d also like to thank the on reserve, and since march 2016 of colonialism can’t be solved in just colonialism and racism that held FSIN for thinking of us and host- our government has invested a few years and with one mandate,” back communities for far too long.” ing your assembly in another place $2.72 billion in support of 3,797 he said. “Chronic gaps in housing, Among those pleased with what other than – here in the infrastructure projects in your clean water, education, good jobs, Trudeau had to say was Meadow North. It certainly makes us feel communities across the country. child services are a direct result of Lake Tribal Council chief Richard more part of the organization.” We also made historic investments old colonial structures we’ve only Ben. Norman, in his closing comments, in drinking water systems on First slowly started to dismantle... For far “It was an honour having the spoke candidly to the visiting chiefs Nations to ensure every First Nation too long, your call for justice has prime minister of Canada attend in attendance. person living on reserve has clean been dismissed, for far too long you our assembly,” Ben said. “Being he “I’d like to share a little story and safe drinking water. As of this let communities suffer alone while was the first sitting prime minister about this facility,” he said. “This April, 83 long-term drinking water the perpetrators go unpunished to attend makes it an historic event. facility was a dream of our commu- advisories have been lifted.” destroying any kind of trust in the We look forward to more future nity about nine years ago. At that Trudeau also spoke about the system. To rebuild that trust,www.mltcfullcircle.ca words dialogue with the Government time we came in as a new council support his government has must be paired with actions.” of Canada and creating more and the chief of the day said, ‘let’s given Jordan’s principle – a child Together, Trudeau added, the partnerships.” not think small’. And then ideas first and needs-based principle federal government and First Also speaking directly to the started coming out and the more used in Canada to ensure First Nations have reached major FSIN chiefs and councillors at the we thought about it, the more we Nations children living on and off milestones. assembly included federal NDP realized we could go big, not small. reserve have equitable access to all “Milestones we should celebrate party leader Jagmeet Singh; federal And hereDEADLINE we are today. FOR So, APPLICATIONS as lead- government IS April funded 19, 2019 services. and use to propel us forward,” minister of Crown - Indigenous ers I know you’re in a tough posi- Thanks to the government’s he stated. “I stand here today Relations Carolyn Bennett; and tion, but I encourage you to think approach to education, Trudeau honoured to be among you federal Indigenous Services big and good things will come of it.” added, the Liberals have also knowing our work is not done. minister Seamus O’Regan, among Trudeau later said his ensured children in First Nations We still have a long road ahead others.

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New in-house security officers patrol Flying Dust

Six new reserve security officers – Blayne Aubichon, Adrian Piche, Terrance Bear, Janelle Fiddler, Jordan Lachance and Blake Derocher

Six new reserve security officers – all the time, the people working suspicious vehicles,” he said. violent, the RCMP will be called. Terrance Bear, Adrian Piche, Blayne no longer have to deal with New security officer, Terrance Down the road these security Aubichon, Blake Derocher, Janelle some of the verbal abuse they Bear, is pleased with his new job. officers will patrol the streets at Fiddler and Jordan Lachance – are unfortunately experienced from “I joined because I want night to deter criminal behaviour now helping keep the peace on certain individuals.” community members to be safe and act as additional eyes and ears the Flying Dust First Nation. Besides the fuel station, the in whatever they’re doing,” said for the police. “These six recently graduated security team provides personal the 26 year old. “I like being out in The First Nation is now in from a 12-week job readiness safety to staff at the band’s the community, really enjoy this the process of hiring its own program and four weeks of administration office. line of work and appreciate the community safety officer (CSO). security guard training,” said Flying “At times we’ve had some of opportunity to serve and protect Chief Norman said a band Dust chief Jeremy Norman. “It’s a our people get pretty worked up people and their property in my member is presently in training for definite need in our community asking for their welfare cheque own community. We’re not here to this position. and that’s why we made it early, so we’ve instructed our be seen as a threat, but rather to Last week the security team happen.” new security to be present at the keep the community safe.” received their biggest major event The chief said staff, whether it’s at reception counter near the front The Flying Dust security officer right off the bat. the band-owned fuel station, local entrance,” Norman added. will support and enforce FDFN “I’m really proud of our team at school or administration office, Team leader Darren Lachance policies. Although they will not the FSIN assembly May 21-23,” will be able to feel more at ease noted another important area be allowed to go into incidents said Darren Lachance. “In the next knowing someone’s watching out where the security officers will where their safety could be at two months we’ll be in full force for them and their colleagues. be located is at Kohpahwakenum risk, it is hoped they can help at the rodeo in Meadow Lake, the “We’ve had some issues in the Elementary School. address violent crime by acting as Father’s Day demolition derby, past at the fuel station,” Norman “They’ll be patrolling the school mediators to prevent disputes from Treaty Day and the Saskatchewan said. “By having security there regularly being on the lookout for escalating. If situations become Summer Games.” Powwow celebration The 20th annual Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation held its 2019 powwow indoors at the Jason Morningchild Memorial Arena May 18-20 where there was drumming, singing and dancing as people of all ages gathered for the annual cultural event. At left, nine-year-old Kyleigha Moostoos of the Big Island Lake First Nation competes in the Jr. Girls Jingle Dance division. Below, Meagan Dreaver and her three-year-old son, Renan, of Saskatoon, take a break to talk about the type of dance steps to be used in the next round of songs.

www.mltcfullcircle.ca

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