Peguis Grads 2017: Our Fabulous Vegas Grad
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Peguis New Horizon Vol.11 Issue 3 June 15, 2017 Peguis Grads 2017: Our fabulous Vegas Grad Top L to R: Melford Cochrane, Leonard Crate, Nolan Favel, Cory Flett, Quinton Flett, Michaela Cook, Tyrell Briscoe, Sam Bear, Tyrome Bair-Spence, Shyann Anderson Middle: Clarissa Rose, McClure Spence, Sam Spence, Alyssa D. Stevenson, Austin Stevenson-Sanderson, Kaila Prince, Camera McPherson, Linden McCorrister, Eric Krywenko, Dominique Guimond Bottom: Clarissa Williams, Jasmine Williams, Robert Williams, Dylan Wilson, Marcus Wilson, Denika Woodhouse, AJ Wastasecoot, Taylor Thomas, Kiefer Sutherland, Minonah Stevenson, Bailey Stevenson Peguis Treaty Monster Bingo! By James Wastasecoot know that you will also experience Peguis June 27, 2017 - The Peguis loneliness, being on a smart phone Central School gym was packed today doesn’t really cut the loneliness, as 31 students graduated from high you have to have human contact. school to begin the next phase of So, don’t be afraid to reach out and their lives. Master of Ceremonies for be with the ones that will love and the day was teacher Karen Myron support you on your journey.” who worked with her colleague, Chief Glenn Hudson brought Karen Courchene, and the Grad greetings from the Council. He Committee throughout the year to reminded the gathering that prepare for the graduation. As the indigenous peoples are still in a grads paraded into the gymnasium transition from the past to the escorted by parents, grand-parents present and, for the grads, from their or friends, their aspirations were home community to the external read aloud over the loudspeakers. one. He noted that indigenous “University, college, join-the- people are now embarked on workforce, undecided” rang out in reconciliation and suggested that the room. Following an honour song everyone embrace it. “This is what by the drum group, Loud Eagle, the graduates will experience out there. ceremony to recognize and honour Working within society we have to the grads began. Margaret Fiddler promote that spirit of change and delivered the Elders’ message to reconciliation to allow for healing.” the graduates. “I know you’re going He warned graduates they will to experience culture shock and encounter racism. “Be proud of who there’s a lot of things that will take you are as a person, be proud of your PEGUIS GRAD CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 a lot of getting used to,” she said. “I accomplishments, and be proud to state who you are as an individual.” Peguis Hosts Regional Enbridge Consultation Meeting By James Wastasecoot Winnipeg, June 12 – 13, 2017 - Peguis First Nation Consultation and Special Projects Unit hosted a workshop of federal oversight agencies responsible for the Engbridge Line 3 replacement project, and Indigenous representatives in Winnipeg on June 12 and 13. Mike Sutherland, Director, said the workshop was successful because it brings Manitoba First Nations into the process of establishing an Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) on Line 3 that is set to begin construction in August 2017. “The workshop was a chance for Manitoba First Nations to add their perspectives to the drafting of a terms of reference for the Committee,” he said. “Alberta and Saskatchewan indigenous communities held similar workshops in February of this year and have provided feedback to the “co-development” exercise.” Enbridge staff faced hard questions at the workshop. L to R: Fiona Fjeldheim, Jason, Dan O’Neill, On November 29, 2016, the Jamie Honda-McNeil federal government approved “teeth” which many people want don’t have this capacity,” said Enbridge’s plans for the pipeline. the Committee to have to be able Sutherland. “We are hopeful Others see involvement as a A Nov. 25 Order in Council to force Enbridge to put safety that this will be addressed in the risk that can be managed for authorizing the project to go of the environment, water and coming weeks as work progresses everyone’s safety, especially - as forward said that “the Governor communities ahead of profit,” said to draft the terms of reference.” is being promised - if they have a in Council, having considered Sutherland. “But I’m cautiously Enbridge officials made a hand in monitoring the project. In Aboriginal concerns and optimistic.” presentation of the Line 3 addition, it’s an opportunity that interests identified in the Crown In addition, as things stand, IAMC project on the second day of communities starved for economic Consultation and Accommodation is limited to Line 3, the Enbridge the workshop. Tensions were development, training and jobs Report dated October 31, 2016, project to replace the existing visible as one participant refused can ill afford to pass up. The Line is satisfied that the consultation pipeline which runs from Hardisty, to shake the hand of the lead 3 offers millions to address all process undertaken is consistent Alberta to Gretna, Manitoba. Enbridge official Jamie Honda three areas to participating First with the honour of the (see sidebar). It will not apply to – Mcneil, the head of the x Nations. The federal government Crown.” The Line 3 Replacement other projects or activities such team. Things got heated and the has committed $21.6 million Project is subject to 37 binding as mining, hydro dams, power participant was asked to refrain to fund an Indigenous pipeline conditions that will be enforced by corridors and other developments from asking further questions. environment committee to the National Energy Board (NEB) which touch on indigenous He left the meeting shortly after. ensure ongoing monitoring of the before construction can begin, territories throughout the country. The incident points up the mixed project over a period of 5 years. during construction and during First Nation workshop participants reviews pipeline developments In addition, over $27 million operation. Natural Resources clearly want the IAMC model, are getting among First Nations in engagement agreements for Canada, led by Major Projects when completed, to apply to on the prairies. Some decry the Indigenous groups have been Management Office – West is all development projects which lack of adequate consultation and committed by proponent Enbridge. working with NEB and indigenous could impact their communities participation in their construction “It’s an important task for all 26 groups on the “co-development” of but recognize this requires and monitoring. In January, nations along the line that might the Committee terms of reference. further discussion, according to 2017 the Assembly of Manitoba be affected,” said Chief Ken Sutherland says that while he has Sutherland. Chiefs filed for a judicial review Chalmers of Birdtail Sioux First concerns about the initiative, it is Another issue is the Aug 1, 2017 in Federal Court of the federal Nation. “We know that the line is a demonstration that First Nations date which Enbridge says they approval of Line 3. “Canada going through but the job for us are making progress in their must have shovels in the ground. committed to restoring public is to make it as safe as possible long struggle to have a voice in This means that Enbridge will confidence and modernizing the for our children. Our participation the board rooms where resource begin working on the project [National Energy Board] with a on the committee means we will development decisions are made in before the Committee is even set specific focus on Indigenous and have a voice in the monitoring and Canada. up and functioning. “So, Enbridge traditional knowledge,” Grand making sure Enbridge follows the He told PNH: “The committee’s will begin work and making Chief Derek Nepinak told the CBC safety guidelines, to respect the role is described as ‘advisory’ filings with National Energy at the time. “Instead, the Enbridge land and make sure it’s safe.” and that it ‘shall not block the Board but right now we don’t Line 3 decision is founded upon authority of the NEB (National have the capacity to monitor. We a process that marginalized CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Energy Board).’ This means the will have to find resources to do Indigenous voices and legal Committee will not have the that. Without federal support we orders.” 2 Peguis New Horizon // VOL. 11 • ISSUE 3// JUNE 2017 Enbridge Line 3 workshop Cont’d from Page 2 Peguis, Long Plain and Birdtail Sioux are among the communities forging ahead in commercial developments by establishing businesses that operate off-reserve where the markets and consumers live. “We have developed our own corporations,” said Chalmers. “We plan to bid on projects from Enbridge to sure our people are involved in training, jobs and business opportunities. Especially in the monitoring. We have our young people going into commerce and environmental studies, so this is an opportunity to have them involved. It’s a positive initiative. It’s a matter of how we’re going to do it as we go along.” Meanwhile, the discussions of Natural Resources Canada, National Energy Board, First Nations and Metis to frame terms of reference for the IMAC goes on. Another “Line – wide” meeting of representatives from all three prairie provinces is scheduled for June 26 to try to come up with a draft that captures all of the views around the table. “It’s a work in progress. My hope is that everyone can come together and we can agree on a terms of reference to get this committee set up asap,” said Sutherland. Line 3 Replacement Project (from: Natural Resources Canada website pipeline to be shut off quickly if necessary; the installation of 18 new https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/resources/19188) pump stations and associated infrastructure and equipment; and the The Government of Canada has approved Enbridge’s Line 3 construction of three new storage tanks located at the Hardisty Terminal.