ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN KAKI PI ISPATHIK AKWA ISI TWAWINAH PUSIKONISOWINI ACHIMOWIN COMMUNITY HISTORY & CULTURE BUSINESS Photography Gives Consider the Value Understanding Youth a Voice 3 of Treaty Education 12 Addictions 15

FEBRUARY 2018

Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ

Healing Generational Impact of Residential Schools NCN youth will have the opportunity to learn more about the effects of the Residential School NCN Welcomes tragedy at the upcoming community conference. Rising Above since the beginning. Rick Martin has worked in Community organizers, Rising Above counselling and teaching among for 17 years along Barb Moore and Eleanor Rising Above has been invited to the community March 1-4, with his wife Linda (Oji-Cree) who unfortunately was not able Dumas have attended to bring a conference on healing the generational impact of to join the team on this Rising Above residential schools. The conference brings together survivors, occasion. events before and their children and grandchildren to learn through teaching Preceding the A conference which will witnessing their sessions and intergenerational sharing circles of the impacts on conference, the Rising bring together survivors, impact, they wanted the family, culture and personal identity and a healing path for Above team will be their children and to bring it to the moving forward. speaking to students grandchildren to learn region. With the The conference begins on Friday evening with a concert in grades 6-12 about through teaching sessions help of a grant by the Rising Above Band and Joel Jolly, a talented young residential schools and and intergenerational sharing from the Native Aboriginal musician. A special invitation is extended to how it has affected Indian Brotherhood survivors of residential schools. On Saturday evening will be a their families, circles of the impacts on the Trust Fund and the time to commemorate survivors by hearing their stories. communities and family, culture and personal support of NCN The team from Rising Above is well experienced in this themselves. The trained identity and a healing path and the Family field. Both Howard Jolly (Cree) Selma Poulin (Oji-Cree) are counsellors on the team for moving forward. and Community survivors and have been speaking at Rising Above conferences are available to meet with Wellness Centre, for over 20 years. Howard’s wife Karen (Metis) is presently any individual students their vision has Rising Above’s Board Chair and has been associated with who may need support during and after the presentation. become a reality.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 1 Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Winter Festival Entertainment: FLEX DAY FUN Come out for some fun with the NNCEA

Arts and Crafts Traditional Teachings

Ice Fishing Rabbit Snaring

Drumming Snowshoeing Skating Bannock-Making Sharing Circle

Monday, March 26, 2018 - Thursday, March 29, 2018 9:30 am - 3:30 pm @ O.K. School

Bring a Healthy Lunch

Transportation will be provided

WITH SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: • Mystery Lake Hotel (Thompson, MB) • Three Rivers Store (Nelson House, MB) • NCN Trust Office (Nelson House, MB)

For more information please contact: Lou Moodie at 1-204-307-2243 Terry Linklater at 1-204-307-2246

Entertainment by: The Howard Pitch Entertainment Company, Inc. www.howardpitch.com

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 2 Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ FEBRUARY 2018 Photography Project Gives Voice to Youth About a dozen young NCN Citizens attended a photography workshop on Participants attend the “Success Through Our Eyes” Photovoice Project. February 9th as participants in the “Success Through Our Eyes” Photovoice Project. They’ll spend the next few weeks taking photos around the community and writing descriptive narratives to describe the meaning behind their shots. The aim of the project is to give young First Nations people a voice, and to have a positive impact on future policy, programs and services that are aimed at improving achievement and encouraging leadership. At the workshop, the participants, ages 18-29, learned about their camera gear, ethics, journalism and writing in a narrative form. They then have two weeks to create pieces that offer their unique perspectives on Aboriginal culture, educational success and leadership. Once photos and writing are submitted, they will be compiled into a published booklet. Brandee Albert, from , is the Photovoice coordinator, while NCN’s Cheyenne Spence Colomb is the local coordinator. Other First Nations communities participating include Rolling River, Opaskwayak and Misipawistik Cree Nations. It’s not the first time a Photovoice project has happened in NCN. A few years ago, ATEC students collaborated to present their thoughts on “The Right to Clean Water in First Nations.” Photovoice is considered a valuable way to collect information on a subject from the perspective of the people living through the experience, as opposed to experts brought in. The current Success project is in partnership with Brandon University and Keewatinowi Okimakanak, with funding from INAC.

3 Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan to attend week-long sessions every month for half a year. They couple of months to do fun things like swimming with animals, Citizen Profile: have learning sessions in everything from health and safety to scuba diving and parasailing.” media production, and enjoy activities from museum tours to Gossfeld has great advice for young NCN Citizens. Nicole karaoke parties. “We all have the ability to overcome any challenge life gives Gossfeld acted as emcee for a conference called Improving us. Stand tall and be proud of who you are. We already possess Gossfeld Quality of Life, with participation from almost all 63 First everything needed for greatness.” Nations in Manitoba. Last fall, she travelled to Whitehorse, If you know a young person our community should celebrate, Improving with colleagues to present a bid for North American let us know! Indigenous Indigenous Games 2020. She appreciates the opportunity to help Lives the community, such as giving out hot meals and care packages. “Giving back to the less fortunate is such a fantastic way to show your gratefulness,” she says. Nicole is the granddaughter of L. Gail Gossfeld- McDonald and Jerry McDonald, and graduated from NNOC in 2009. She says her experiences growing up in NCN and as a youth coordinator have shown her that young people are crucial to the Nicole Gossfeld works future success of First Nations. in as a Youth “We always hear ‘youth are the ICT (information, future’ and that’s true,” she says. communication and “As young people, we need to learn technology) coordinator for more about our heritage, traditions Nanaadawewigamig—First and language. There’s so much Nations Health and Social beauty in our culture, and we need Secretariat of Manitoba. mentors who can help us implement “Learning about it into our everyday lives. We need different perspectives and to recognize our importance and use opportunities, and being our voices to ask for help, to take the exposed to successful, reins and to lift each other up.” hardworking Indigenous Nicole plans to complete a people are my favourite project management program and things about this job,” is already envisioning her future Gossfeld says. successful life. One Nanaadawewigamig “I plan to be living in my own program invites 24 youths apartment and managing my money from different First Nations so I can travel to exotic places every

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 4 Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ FEBRUARY 2018

KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN Community News Loving the Fun! Speed Skating Another Great Month with NCN Parks and Rec! Floor hockey is keeping everybody busy this month, with more 4 on 4 league practice at OK School. On Sunday, February 11th, kids enjoyed a movie night and munchies at Duncan Wood Memorial Hall. That same day, there was some high-action youth ball hockey. So great to see our Ball Hockey young people having fun and getting some exercise! To celebrate Valentine’s Day, kids enjoyed a dance and light show at DWMH. Prizes were handed out for freeze dance, funniest dance and broom dance. Thanks to the Rec Crew (Justin Randy, Priscilla, Warren and Christebelle) for their hard work. Watch for upcoming movie trips to Thompson, which usually includes free transportation, admission, drink and popcorn. There are only 65 spots so be ready to sign up at Movie Night 307-2246! Speed Skating If you’re looking for fun for your family, join our NCN Parks and Recreation group on Facebook. We post events ahead of time so you can plan to join us!

Champions Ball Hockey

Speed Skating Dance Storm Makes Impact in Youth Hockey Storm Yetman helped his team win the Norman Regional medal for the hardest shot Minor Hockey Association 2017-18 championship and in the Norman Region provincial qualifier. The Thompson King Miners are defending Minor Hockey Association One of NCN Cree Nation’s finest up-and-coming stars, Alvin champions from last year’s provincials. Atoms A division. Storm Yetman, with his team. Storm was also interviewed by CHTM, and received a gold

5 Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan Hitting the Ice and the Road in NCN Minor Hockey During the weekend of Thanks to the Nozicka-Spence family for accommodating January 19-21, the NCN the team during this weekend! NCN Bantam and Peewee Atom and Peewee Team teams will travel to Norway House on February 9-11 and to NCN Parks travelled to Norway House to Cross Lake on February 16-18. The scheduled tournament in and Recreation for sponsoring the NCN Minor Hockey teams for a tournament. Both teams Swan River has been cancelled due to a shortage of teams. The in order to participate in all tournaments. played hard throughout the Peewee and Bantam team weekend and created many will also play tournaments memories on and off the in during the ice. The NCN/Wabowden month of March, and Peewee team came second possibly NCN. A reminder to in the tournament, bringing players that daily attendance a trophy to NCN which will at school and a positive be displayed at the Gilbert behaviour is mandatory to McDonald Arena. On participate. A special thanks January 23-25, the NCN Midget team travelled to Cranberry for a tough weekend at the “Igloo.” The boys and girls battled hard but came up short against Norway House, Cross Lake, and Cranberry. Jody Spence took a late hit and is now on the Injured Reserve list for 4-6 weeks with a broken collarbone.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 6 Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ FEBRUARY 2018

Obituary

Earl Swanson Jr. June 30, 1999 – Jan. 21, 2018 Earl Swanson Sr. and Leona Swanson had a handsome young boy named Earl Jr., who was born on June 30, 1999. He leaves to mourn his father Earl Swanson Sr., Vezna Swanson, Ashton Swanson, Darlene Tait, Janet Tait, Jason Swanson, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and family. Predeceased by his Mother Leona Swanson. Earl Jr. loved hunting and fishing. He got his first moose when he was eight years old. He enjoyed getting ducks, geese, and rabbit. Whenever he got the chance to go hunting he would go. He also enjoyed camp with his grandparents Joe and Maggie, and his uncle Elvis Francois. Earl Jr. also loved playing basketball — sometimes all hours of the night. Mostly he loved riding his dirt bike. He was a big Toronto Maple leafs fan, and loved the colour red. Earl Jr. was very outgoing, loved the outdoors and was always on the go. Earl Jr. was smart, full of love, caring. He put so much passion and love into everything he did. He always let everyone know how much he loved them. Earl Jr. had an amazing soul, humorous, always put a smile on everyone’s face, he will always have a piece of all our hearts and we will always have a piece of him in ours. Goodbye. We all loved you very much and will miss you tremendously, you touched so many lives, you have taught us to be kind to others, your humour, kindness, and selflessness will continue to inspire us forever. Rest in Peace Earl.

7 Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan NNOC High School Term 2 Pushes Students to Excel in Learning

It is hard to believe that term GOAL OBJECTIVES 1 is complete and we have 1) Enhance the literacy and • Provide adequate resource supports for all students in order to meet their needs now started term 2 of our mathematic skills of all students • Provide pull out opportunities for intensive math and literacy groups 2017-2018 academic year. through individual and school • Implement monthly literacy and numeracy activities Term 1 was a great semester wide incentives • Provide resources, ideas, and activities for staff to implement and we hope that term 2 is a 2) To offer high quality student • Provide staff with adequate preparation time and the materials needed for their course success as well. During term programming and instruction in • Teachers consistently assess students in order to determine needs all courses • Resource Team to provide the needed materials to support student success and meet the 1 our attendance dropped needs of all learners throughout the term, which 3) To seek the involvement and • Send out monthly newsletters, calendars, and memos has a significant impact on all participation of community • Hold monthly Parent Advisory Committee Meetings for community students and the community. members within the school • Provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills to the community It is essential that students 4) To improve attendance of • Hold students accountable for being late and missing class are in school daily and students and enhance the school • Make parents and guardians aware of absenteeism on a consistent basis (phone calls, letters on time. A reminder that climate for all home, home visits, documentation) “Attendance Matters” and • Principal to make home visits on a weekly basis to students struggling • Implement monthly in school activities to promote mental health, inclusion, and student/staff that an education can provide wellbeing. numerous opportunities for those who take advantage of NNOC will be offering courses such as 30S/40S Pre-Calculus, Duet’s Karaoke,” Public Health Presentation on February 14, their schooling. 30S/40S Chemistry, 40S Biology, 30S Accounting, 20S Term 2 Home Visit Day on February 28, and more. Note: The As term 2 begins, NNOC Financing, 31G Cultural Exploration, 30S Music, 40S Global scheduled staff meeting on February 20 will be cancelled due Issues, and more. A reminder to students that they are required to the several Cold Weather Closure days as we do not want to seeks to improve our school to obtain 30 credits (17 Compulsory Credits and 13 Optional miss anymore class time. in several ways in order Credits) in order to graduate. to enhance the quality of During the month of education, community February, NNOC will have cohesion, and school climate. their “Staff and Student

Mr. Thomas and a student discussing current events in agriculture and the difference Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Levasseur strategically between traditional food and processed Seven Teachings Display. planning to meet the needs of all students. foods (Mouswa vs. KliK).

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 8 Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ FEBRUARY 2018 NNCEA Continues on Path to Improvement in 2018 Tanisi, nitotemak! The school year is already half way through! government wants to allocate funding in a better way. The goal Technology (ICT) has been a This month, there will be the annual local OK Science Fair on is equity and parity with enhancements. Many people have challenge in our system. This February 22nd, 2018 from 12:30-2:15 p.m. Feel free to come to been working diligently on this endeavour. Task teams were set year has been no exception. the school. up to explore/report on various areas of need: early childhood Since September, we’ve had Managing Budgets education, special education, infrastructure, post-secondary, lots of “down time” with the educational funding mechanisms, unique needs of northern/ internet/email which affects In the Liberal budget of 2016-17 to 2019-20, the government remote communities, etc. day to day operations. Many of promised substantial dollars to improve First Nations In the last two years, over $502 million has already been of these instances are beyond (FN) education in Canada. Nationally and regionally, the expended to FN education across Canada. For 2018-19, a the control of the ICT dept. minimum amount of $334 We’ve become so dependent million dollars is to be utilized on the technology. The for on-reserve primary and community band-width secondary education systems. needs improvement and This is very good news for FN fiber optics are super costly. education at NCN and across MFNERC personnel were Canada! In time, how things are here to begin an upgrade done as well as increased funding on our ICT system, which of our schools and all FN schools will be completed in the will improve and is great, great near future. Your patience news! and understanding during Board Meetings such times is appreciated. Improvements take time. The NNCEA Board continues to I believe that a concerted meet every second Tuesday at effort is underway to improve 5 on a monthly basis at AMEC. technological service to the Tasks include: policies; budget; north. This is welcomed strategic planning for the last news! few months of their term which expires on November 2018. The School Assessment next two school board meetings Clarke Educational Services are scheduled for February 13th, (CES) is assessing our 2018 and March 13th, 2018. school system for the years Indigenous and Northern 2012-2017. The CES team Affairs Canada (INAC) has is gathering lots of info changed their name again. INAC via surveys, observations, is now known as Indigenous interviews, etc. A draft will Services Canada (ISC). They have be presented to the NNCEA the school feasibility study plan Steering Committee on and will decide on the matter. It is February 26th, 2018. A final hoped a positive decision will be report will be presented to made soon. the Steering Committee and Facing Technical the community on March 19th, 2018. So make sure you Down Time attend! It will contain data For years, the Information, on the positives and needed Communications and Continued on page 10 9 Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan Continued from page 9 improvements of and for our continuing at OK. Jerry Sodomolak visited OK on Thursday, A win-win situation for everyone involved where the plan/ educational system, as well as January 25th. This is a most welcome addition to our school costs were shared and a fine example of working together or numerous recommendations efforts! wetatoskimitowin to get things done! Special thanks to Nic for implementation. Once Emergency Response Campbell, NNOC Principal, Justin Rupert, James Warren, David this is done, phase two will Kobliski, Lou Moody, Cheyenne Spence, Wanda Bunn, NCN begin. Cell phone service at the OK is practically nil and non-existent. Chief and Council, Public Works, Mike Cullen, and Fern Hart. To fix it is beyond the scope of the NNCEA budget. In an Nehetho Language emergency response situation, communication is vital amongst Post-Secondary Sponsorships The Assistant Director has administration. Access to a land line is a challenge too. Walkie- The Post-Secondary Committee will meet on March 1st, 2018 been delegated to create/ talkies have arrived and are now available for school use. School in Thompson. Approximately 80 NCN members are being oversee the Nehetho administration will oversee storage of the devices. They will be funded around the country, with the most from Manitoba. The Language and Culture team. available for emergencies and safety purposes. NNCEA handbooks have been revised and will be available. They will be working at Working Toward Grad Keep in mind, the deadline for sponsorship applications is the bottom level of AMEC. April 30th. If you have intentions of applying for sponsorship, This team is to create Cree Semester one is now done at NNOC. Semester two began you need to apply to educational institutions first. A letter of immersion curriculum for on Monday, January 29th, 2018. Attendance needs to improve at acceptance from the educational institution is an important N/K for 2018, integrate NNOC. INAC looks at these statistics when it comes to making new part of the application process. For more application info, Aboriginal perspectives into school decisions and the distribution the curriculum at all grade of dollars. It is imperative that all levels, provide Nehetho registered students attend and language and cultural do their best to succeed. Grade supports to teachers, the 12 graduation is on the horizon! school and community, to Students who intend to graduate plan/coordinate an annual must continue to work hard to language and cultural succeed! gathering and/or event(s) PAC Committee for all. This compliments Parental Advisory Committee the PATH plan that was (PAC) meetings are held once a developed by the NNCEA month. The Principals advertise School Board last December. them. It’s a time to gather to Elders Program share school information and The Elders in the School have a say in what’s happening. Program is running smoothly The NNOC PAC is busy with and is a work in progress! fundraising for graduation Arlene Smears and William already. This is most positive, A. Spence oversee our school thank you parents! Elders: Gordon Hart, Sam School Repairs Dysart, Lena Dysart, Lydia In partnership with the Band, the Linklater, Darlene Mason, NH Development Corporation, Henry Wood, Harry Spence, Gilbert McDonald Arena, Stella Linklater, Joyce Wood, NCN Parks and Recreation, and Andrew Wood. They the Duncan Wood Hall has take turns working, a group been repaired/painted and a of five works one week then new gym flooring has been the other group of five works installed. Now, at long last, the the next week. This schedule NNOC high school students has been working well. They have a gym for phys. ed classes, are making a difference! They the youth have a facility in the even have their own private evenings and weekends, and the space now! community can utilize the facility Welcome to for meetings too. A few details Kindergarten regarding on-going maintenance will also be finalized soon. Welcome to Kindergarten is

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 10 Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ FEBRUARY 2018

contact Bill Gamblin, post-secondary counsellor, at Outdoor Education for $6,900; Graduation Exploration m A big thank you to the 1-866-233-6432 (toll free) or [email protected] for $9,200; Post-Secondary Enhancement for $46,000. Aboriginal Business Upgrades KINANASKOMITAN! Your continued support is appreciated! Certificate Program (ABCP) organizers at the ATEC. This year, the new bobcat Your Director Reminders/Comments For the next ten months, that was purchased has of Education is m Keep yourself safe in winter! Always let someone know two students, Pauline come in real handy. NNCEA when you’re going out on the land and travel with a buddy enjoying all the McDonald and Nicole maintenance can clear the with extra supplies/equipment. successes, challenges McDonald, are being snow quickly and reliance m Drivers please obey the rules of the road/speed signs in the and learning lots! trained as Finance Clerks at on the NHFI has decreased. school zone! We don’t want anyone getting hurt! Working to improve no cost to the NNCEA! This is convenient for us and m Parents: if you could meet your child after being dropped our school system m A team from the Live saves NNCEA money! off the buses at the end of the day, this would be great. Different organization is always at our We don’t want any child to go missing after they’ve been CAP/CIP Budget will be here for grades foundation! dismissed from school. Your cooperation will help. Announced 6-12’s once again. They m This month, in preparation for teacher recruitment for The CAP/CIP allocations will be here on March 2018-19, the Assistant Director, Wm. E. Thomas, will be for 2018 are now known. We thank the CAP/CIP committee 8-9, 2018 to do all kinds attending Job Fairs at the major universities in Manitoba for approving the following NNCEA applications: Healthy of interesting, fabulous, (BU, U of M, U of W). Information on the NNCEA will be Breakfast, Snacks and Hot Lunch Program for $46,000; High useful activities with displayed and distributed as well as application information. School Apprenticeship Program for $36,800; Life Skills and our students at OK. Our It is hoped that this early effort will give us a head students will do lots and start on recruiting teachers for the next school learn lots from this event. year. m Don’t forget, Spring Break m Welcome back to Ms. Edith Linklater who has is March 26-30th and April returned to her grade four position. Spencer 2-6th, 2018. During this Lindsay is now teaching Kindergarten in the half time, there will not be any day program. Ariel Simpson-Linklater (Printshop school at OK/NNOC. Operator) is an EA at OK now. We welcome Ivan During spring break, Muskego (new CCASEL teacher) and Jeremia there will be FLEX DAY Michell (gr. 7). We hope to have another grade 6 FUN activities for some teacher soon. Ms. Caitlin McNeil will return on students held from March February 18th, 2018. 26th, 2018 to March m Katie Kern has been recruited to do a short 30th, 2018. This is so our term Human Resources contract to the end of students can have some April 2018. She’s been hard at work. Thus far, fun, enriching activities to she’s created an NNCEA information pamphlet, do while NNCEA Admin/ helped with recruitment/evaluations/policies, teachers/EA’s are on break. etc. Plus, she’s developed a marketing plan for m In case you’re wondering the Printshop. So, if you need items printed, about that structure come check out our services. We can print towards the lake by the posters, postcards, business cards, bookmarks, AMEC, it’s the Family and tickets, brochures, etc. at a reasonable cost. Community Wellness Monies generated from this service will help Centre building. It’s a offset the costs of operating the Printshop. sweat lodge enclosure! Mr. m On January 23rd and January 24th, 2018, a Felix Walker has started team from the MFNERC was here to present/ having sweats. Talk to him share info on the First Nations Curriculum for more information. Framework called “Our Gifts” which is being developed. It was held at the United Condolences to all those Church from 10-4 with lunch/beverages who’ve lost love ones in the provided. Useful information was presented. past while! Our thoughts are Unfortunately, not many community members with you and we wish you attended. Whenever meetings are scheduled, hope, healing and happiness! please do your best to attend! 11 Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan KAKI PI ISPATHIK AGWA ISI TWAWINAH History and Culture Our Veterans Deserve Eagle Feathers By: Elder D’Arcy Linklater Sr. Eagle feathers certainly came to its crossroad when a decision was made by from war. But our veterans are considered our veterans to go and defend our treaty partners and their went to war anyway to the highest land. In doing so, they also defended our ancestral land and our protect our treaty partners, honour given to freedom and liberty. people and land. an individual, which In our Indigenous society, the highest honour is to receive All soldiers were is presented by an an eagle feather for something that you have accomplished promised all kinds of esteemed person for the betterment of the collective, including the future benefits, but our veterans that has journeyed in life’s generations. returned home to racism, physical, spiritual, mental, and Eagle feathers mean a lot to our people. A feather isn’t discrimination, and emotional path. It can take just something that falls out of a bird, it means much more. unemployment despite receiving honours and medals. As years before an individual The feather symbolizes trust, honour, strength, bravery, power, Indigenous people, they didn’t have the right to vote in federal receives an eagle feather freedom and many more things. To be given one of these is to elections and weren’t eligible for veterans benefits. Some lost during their life journey. be hand picked out of the rest of the people in our society – their treaty status and weren’t allowed to live on reserves. At each crossroad in it’s like getting a gift from a higher power. But they had a strong sense of civic duty and fierce pride in this journey of life, there is This honour is well earned through personal sacrifice and their people. a choice to be made, and bravery. Their legacies live on and will live on in our hearts and it is weighed against our Our veterans earned eagle feathers and deserve to be blood memories. values, beliefs, principles, our acknowledged and recognized through a monument erected We should consider naming our roads, streets, buildings, history, and the future of in their memory. awards, scholarships, place names like lakes, and rivers in their our unborn. Nisichawayasihk According to our sacred treaties, our people were exempt memory. Their sacrifices won the freedoms that we enjoy today. Consider the Value of Treaty Education By: Elder D’Arcy Linklater Sr. Relationship (wahkometowin) communicate in terms of a renewed relationship. We need to Treaty commemorations is very important to our reconcile ourselves and to create balance and harmony. and treaty day events are people, and at the time of It is time to awaken our consciousness to come together an excellent opportunity to treaty making the Queen as a human family. It is about time that we walk with one voice, promote and enhance the adopted us as her children, to one solution, not to get rid of the Indian problem, but to walk culture and traditions of first protect us and to take care of with one heart-beat for the sake of all our children. nation communities as they us. According to our people, If we could but recognize our common humanity, that we were at the time of treaty the established kinship is to do belong to each other, that destinies are bound together in making. journey with one heartbeat, one another, that we can be free only together, that we can Creating treaty awareness one body, and one mind. survive only together, that we can be human only together, and understanding in Manitoba Our ancestors did not we can live harmoniously together as members of one human and beyond, have been supported by recognized treaty events. solicit the loss of our lands family. The TRCM have embraced the opportunity to and our autonomy or the The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM) has support events, which will in turn serve to create a greater detachment of our culture demonstrated its strong ability to create a presence in respect understanding of the treaty relationship. and spirituality. This is the to the treaties throughout Manitoba by generating discussions It is our sincere pleasure to acknowledge the focused message that we want to about the treaties and the treaty relationship. diligence and purposeful dedication the TRCM has in its

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 12 Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ FEBRUARY 2018

mandate to enhance, rebuild and strengthen the treaty The terms of treaty no. 5 established a solemn promise that employment and wealth. relationship. the lands within our traditional territories would be shared m Arising from the use The council of elders has assisted reaching the mandate of forever between the treaty nations and the crown and with the and development of the the TRCM. settlers and others entering our traditional lands. lands, waters and natural The council of elders, had participated in the continued Our treaty relationship is not frozen at one moment in resources within our development of the Treaty Education Initiative (TEI) research history, but must evolve and adapt as events take place. Today, traditional lands. publication with the treaty elders teachings series, public in order to honour the spirit and intent of the treaties, we must And where: education through the speakers’ bureau, and the facilitation of now ensure that resource revenue sharing, benefit sharing and m The treaty relationship dialogue by attending various treaty related meetings with the resource access agreements with our nations are a condition is honoured, upheld and TRCM. Each of these endeavours led by the TRCM is one step of any government approvals or licences related to energy, enforced; “for as long as in achieving its mandate. water, mining and natural resource developments within our the sun shine, the grass The council of elders firmly believes that a positive treaty traditional lands. grows and the waters relationship is nourished through the engagement of dialogue As treaty nations, we must work together to achieve the full flow.” and learning from one another under the principles of implementation of the legacy of our negotiators and to secure As leaders and Citizens of respect, reciprocity, recognition, and responsibility. The TRCM a future where all treaty nations and Citizens: treaty nations, every step we embodies this understanding. We continue to support and m Exercise systems of governance and the customary laws take as a nation is to restore work together with the TRCM to enrich the lives of future that reflect ours; and advance our spiritual, generations. m Promote languages, customs, traditions, principles and beliefs; political and economic The former commissioners strong leadership, under the m Continue to use, occupy and exercise stewardship over our sovereignty. guidance of the council of elders, has led the TRCM team traditional lands; We must ensure that to new heights in our communities; with their dedication, m Continue to exercise our inherent and treaty right to our each generation of our commitment and hard work the council of elders mentor and livelihoods; treaty nations will be able to teach everyone at the TRCM. m Harvest practices without interference; determine their own future. The TRCM is a neutral body, created through a partnership m Protect the waters within our ancestral lands and traditional We are here to consider between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Canada territories; how we can act together with a mandate to strengthen, rebuild and enhance the treaty m Protect the fish, animals and plants within our lands; to give life to the treaty relationship and mutual respect as envisaged by the treaty parties. m Exercise our cultural and spiritual practices; relationship and to exercise The TRCM will enhance and maintain positive m Protect our sacred, burial and medicine sites; our customary laws to intergovernmental relations and cooperation, conduct m Deliver adequate education, health care and community protect the waters within our independent research that advances discussion on treaty services to all of our Citizens; ancestral lands and traditional related issues, and facilitate public understanding of the m Live in safe and adequate housing; and territories. importance and role of treaty-making in building a stronger and healthier nation. m Receive and benefit from an equitable sharing of the

DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS? call (204) 484-2256.

Mithwayawin Mitho Tehewinihk Ochi

Nelson House The current residential intake program is for women Women: Jan. 2 – Feb. 23/18 Men: June 25 – Aug. 17/18 Medicine and the next program starting is for men. Referrals Men: Feb. 26 – April 20/18 Aug. 20-24/18 – Admin Week and registration are being accepted now for alcohol Lodge Intake and drug treatment, prevention and aftercare services. April 23-27/18 – Admin Week Women: Aug. 27 – Oct.19/18 Dates Intake dates and administration weeks are as follows: Women: April 30 – June 22/18 Men: Oct. 22 – Dec. 14/18

13 Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan Resource Management Board Update – NCN RMA Land Use Plan Under the terms of the Information System (GIS) mapping equipment and training NCN Resource March 1996 Comprehensive NCN Citizens with ArcGIS mapping software. Based Economic Implementation Agreement m Carried out numerous one-on-one interviews to document Development (CIA) both NCN and community land use and occupancy. Survey Manitoba have agreed to m Identified and documented community concerns and In cooperation and undertake the development priorities as well as land use activities that Citizens would collaboration with the of a Land Use Plan (LUP) for like to see in the future. Firelight Group (www. the Nelson House Resource m Developed a communications strategy to ensure we reach thefirelightgroup. Management Area (RMA) in our Citizens effectively and efficiently. accordance with Article 6: com), NCN Resource Management m Resource Management LUP Vision Nelson House Resource Management and through execution of “As stewards of the land, and based on the lessons learned board and staff Board Left to Right – Gord Dumas, Ed section 6.5(g) where the from our past, traditional practices and our Elders, we are conducting Primrose, Lou Moodie, Eddie Vystrcil. a survey to ask Board has the authority to work together as a self-sufficient people to ensure respect community Citizens develop and recommend of the land, of customary principles and of traditional for their opinions and attitudes on life in NCN territory – as it land use plans. knowledge. Our strong land governance system allows us relates to community growth and preferences for economic Since January of 2014, the to balance our material and spiritual needs, understand the development within the NCN territory. We encourage you to Resource Management Board interconnectedness of everything, and ensure the sustainability complete the enclosed survey and express your opinions. (RMB) have been carrying out of our land, culture and people.” This survey will be an important part of understanding community engagement and Identified Community Priorities: what growth and economic development policies our building capacity to develop m Priority #1: Managing and Monitoring Our Lands and community supports and others that the community has a land use plan that reflects Water; less desire for. It will also help us prioritize what areas in the the future needs and desires m Priority #2: Teaching Our Way of Life; NHRMA are best suited for future economic development and of NCN Citizens, leaders and m Priority #3: what areas are off limits. The more responses we receive from staff. Some highlights over  Protection and Preservation of Our Land. Citizens, the better informed we will be to address key issues the past few years are: Phase 3 of Land Use Planning Process about the resources in our territory. All responses will be kept m Established a land use plan This year (January – December 2018), we are working in confidential and results of the survey will be distributed and vision and values. collaboration with the Firelight Group (Canada’s Indigenous posted in a future newsletter. m Built internal capacity by mapping experts) to complete the following: The survey is expected to take approximately 15 minutes purchasing Geographic m To design and deliver a Community resource based of your time. To encourage you to complete and return the economic development survey to get input from Citizens survey, we will automatically enter your name in a draw for one regarding land use and economic development within the of many prizes. Prizes will consist of a variety of items, including NCN territory; Visa/Mastercard gift cards in various amounts of $50 and $100. m Develop preliminary land use zones based on existing data, Grand prize will be something to encourage people to do the identify gaps, assess land use options and formulate a land survey (e.g., iPad or Smart TV). Community consultants will be use plan framework and policies; hired to walk you through filling out the survey. Please leave m Provide GIS services and mentorship to an NCN GIS ballot attached to the end of this survey. If your form entry is technician and lands staff to develop a series of land use drawn, the NCN Team will notify you via email or a phone call. maps to visually display the variety of resources within the Your opinions are important to us. Please return your NCN territory; completed survey no later than May 1, 2018. Additional copies m Engage community Citizens using the maps produced will be made available on the ncncree.com website and hard to help Citizens establish land use plan zones with lands copies will be available at community buildings or through management goals, objectives and lands management community consultants. Surveys must be submitted as an Steven Deroy and Shauna actions/activities required to help achieve the land use plan attachment to Cody Anderson at [email protected] or Johnson (The Fire Light vision, according to the priorities of NCN Citizens; Roslyn Moore at [email protected]. If you have any Group) visiting NCN in questions regarding the survey, please feel free to contact Cody January 2018. m Draft (write), verify and finalize a land use plan in a format ready for communication and distribution. Anderson via email or at (204) 484-2359 or (204) 307-2528.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 14 Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ FEBRUARY 2018 Helping Overcome and Understand Addiction Since the arrival of Europeans more than 500 years ago when our participants the space to move into forgiveness, not only range of problems and our ancestors struggled with genocide, through the residential for ourselves, but for those who have destroyed the peace disabilities, including: school era, and to the present day, First Nations people have we should have felt as innocent children. We must also find m abnormal facial features suffered the profoundly negative effects of colonization. humbleness, kindness and compassion, not only for ourselves, m deformed limbs Emotional, mental, spiritual, physical and sexual abuse have but for others as well. Only then can we find love and attain m hyperactivity affected our people for generations. Often, addictions act as a peace within, and heal our people. m poor coordination and numbing agent for both adults and children. The Nelson House Medicine Lodge is here to help you and those you movement The Nelson House Medicine Lodge (NHML) helps our love. Call us at 204-484-2256. m delayed development Citizens conquer their traumas and their addictions. It is a not- How does drug addiction happen? m poor social and emotional for-profit organization funded by Health Canada, certified by skills the Canadian Accreditation Council, and prioritizes service to When you smoke, inject or ingest an addictive drug (such m weak sight and impaired the MKO Region. as alcohol, cocaine and heroin), your brain is flooded by hearing The NHML kNOw program uses contemporary techniques dopamine, a chemical signal that creates feelings of pleasure. m heart problems and treatments while emphasizing Indigenous culture. It This happens naturally when you hug someone or eat a piece m kidney defects includes sweat lodge, night lodge, sundance ceremonies, fasting of chocolate, but when a drug releases dopamine, it’s up to 10 There is no cure for FASD, camps and medicine harvesting as required. The assimilation times more powerful. Your body and brain craves that huge hit but we know how to prevent process has created a stigma against many of our ceremonies, of happiness again, and just like that, an addiction is formed. it. If you are trying to conceive, so we rely on the wisdom of Elders to regain the knowledge If a pregnant woman uses drugs, the baby will be addicted or if you believe you may be and the sense of pride our ancestors once had. to drugs when it is born. He or she can be weaned off drugs pregnant, do not consume Workshops for clients can include communications by professionals, but it is difficult and heartbreaking. That child alcohol. If this is difficult for skills, anger and stress management, healthy boundaries and may have physical, emotional and mental problems for the rest you, call 204-484-2256. of their life. parenting. We often focus on self-exploration, inner child, What about the kids of grief and loss, and forgiveness. Our program helps clients to Drug abuse can cause: understand the effects of trauma, colonization, family and addicted parents? m liver failure m seizures, stroke These children have domestic abuse, lateral violence, sexual abuse and addiction. m weakened immune system m heart attack Our compassionate staff includes the treatment director, difficulties while they live with m memory loss, brain damage m coma five treatment counsellors, a traditional counsellor, an intake you and your addiction, and m loss of friends, family, job, home m death worker and an Oskapeyes. They are all professionally certified later in life when they grow Addictive drugs can permanently change your brain. People and undergo continuous training. up. They may experience: addicted to drugs cannot make good decisions and can only The kNOw program runs for eight weeks, during which m physical, emotional, focus on getting more drugs. This is not their fault and they time all 21 participants stay in residence. We run the program mental and spiritual stress cannot fix themselves. Before you or a loved one becomes three times a year for male clients, and another three times a m difficulty in school addicted to drugs, call 204-484-2256. year for women. m fear of authority (afraid We are a resilient people. Recovering from addiction gives Alcohol abuse can cause: they’ll be separated from m weakened immune system family) m cirrhosis, hepatitis m antisocial behaviour m pancreatitis m depression m high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease m inability to keep a job m brain shrinkage m unstable relationships m memory loss, dementia m poor communication skills m anxiety, depression, sleep disorders m fear of abandonment m hallucinations, psychosis Children grow up m increased risk of type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, believing the behaviour of an gallstones, kidney stones addict is normal, so they seek m loss of friends, family, job, home out people who act in the same unhealthy ways when Why is it bad to drink during pregnancy? they are adults. They are at Alcohol passes through the mother’s placenta and blocks an increased risk of becoming nutrition and oxygen from the organs that are developing. addicted themselves. This is A fetus that is damaged by alcohol during pregnancy how the cycle of addiction becomes a child with FASD. These children have a wide happens for generations. 15 Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan Nisichawayasi ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ

Employment Opportunities

PRINTSHOP OPERATOR FLEX DAY FUN CO-ORDINATOR (SHORT-TERM CONTRACT) Employer: NNCEA Inc., Nelson House, responsible for printing/delivering all the Employer: NNCEA Co-ordinator will be responsible to the Director Manitoba demands of the Printshop. Training will Position: Flex Day Fun Co-ordinator of Education and/or Assistant Director. The Position: Printshop Operator be provided. Deadline: Monday, March 12/18 dates of the contract are stated above. Posting Date: February 22, 2018 For more information on job qualifications Interviews: Wednesday, March 14/18 For more information on job qualifications and Deadline: Wed., March 14th, 2018 4 p.m. and requirements, see below. Please send requirements, see below. Please send a cover @ a cover letter, an updated resume with the Start Date: Monday, March 19th, 2018 – letter, an updated resume with the names of Interviews: March 16th, 2018 names of three references to: Thursday, March 29th, 2018 three references to: Start Date: Week of March 19th, 2018 NNCEA is seeking a Flex Day Fun Co-ordinator NNCEA Selection Committee @ AMEC NNCEA Selection Committee @ AMEC Rate of Pay: $14.79 per hour Nelson House, Manitoba for a short term contract. The successful Nelson House, Manitoba NNCEA is seeking a person for the Phone: 204-484-2095 Fax: 204-484-2257 candidate will have to have to organize, finalize, Phone: 204-484-2095 Fax: 204-484-2257 above position. Printshop Operators are Email: katiek nncea.ca manage and report on the Flex Day Fun Email: katiek nncea.ca @ activities or events for OK/NNOC. The @ NNCEA Cold Weather School Closure Policy Footprint Lake Revised Policy – Effective January 16th, 2018 School closure is determined by a temperature reading at 6:00 a.m. based on the Weather Network reading (available at Water Levels www.nncea.ca). The school principals and Director of Education, decide and Footprint Lake inform the NNCEA School Board Chair. Closures are then posted on 60-Day Water Level Forecast the NCN and NNCEA websites and on Facebook by 7:00 a.m. Revised Forecast -40°C WITH THE WIND CHILL February 1 – March 31, 2018 Parents/Guardians decide to send students. Buses will be running. Schools are open. Staff will attend. Classes On February 1, 2018 will be in session. *Note children without proper the level of Footprint clothing will be taken home. Lake is forecasted to -44°C OR COLDER WITH THE WIND CHILL be 798.9 feet. The level of the lake is expected Schools will be CLOSED to all students. Buses will not be to fall 1 inch to an 798.9' running. Parents should not send students to school. elevation of 798.9 feet as of February 1 Staff will attend meetings and planning sessions. by the end of February. During the month -48°C OR COLDER WITH THE WINDCHILL of March the level of the lake is expected to remain fairly Schools CLOSED and staff are NOT required to attend. constant near an elevation of 798.8 feet until the end of the Closures do not affect students’ attendanceawards. month.

B C A D Nisichaway Nehetho E 4 Arrangements have been made to broadcast the above forecast on January 31 – 2 3 5 Culture and Education Authority Inc. 1 February 3, 2018 both inclusive on NCN Achimowin TV/Radio Communications; and at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Arctic Radio C.H.T.M. Thompson.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation NCN on Facebook! ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ Do you have a suggestion or General Delivery Stay current with NCN’s latest news, events an Achimowina story idea? and updates on your computer, smartphone or Nelson House, Manitoba R0B 1A0 We would like your comments, device from our official NCN Facebook page Phone: (204) 484-2332 nisichawayasihk. feedback or news stories. Please @ Fax: (204) 484-2392 contact [email protected] www.ncncree.com

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ 16