JULY 2011 VOLUME 14 - NUMBER 7

FREE Iconic Gordon Tootoosis passes

Gordon Tootoosis with two of his leading ladies, Tina Keeper and .

By John Lagimodiere Fall, and of course, North of 60. Tantoo and Kennetch Charlette when they were working Of Eagle Feather News It was this Gordon Tootoosis that I was asked to have together on the epic film Big Bear. t the passing of Gordon Tootoosis, horseman, lunch with to discuss being on the board of directors of They all wanted to pass on a legacy to the next gener- activist, politician, actor, father and Member of the then rapidly growing Native Theatre ation of Indigenous actors and open doors to theatre, the the Order of , we have truly lost a Company. Sitting down to eat dim sum with Gordon movies and TV that they themselves had to kick open. national treasure. Tootoosis is intimidating, let me tell you. More so when Gordon insisted on a strong cultural foundation for all AThe legendary actor passed away July 5 after a battle you see Tantoo Cardinal sitting beside him, but after the that happened and thus launched an arts program that with pneumonia. He was 69 years old. introductions and some awkward gushing on my part, I captivated youth and the community for several years. Born and raised on the Nation, joined the board of SNTC and became a cohort with this It was with the youth that Gordon shone brightest Gordon shot to fame in the 1970s with the movie,Alien Canadian icon, Gordon Tootoosis. and to whom he wanted to give the most. Thunder, and secured his star status in, Legends of the The theatre company was the brain child of Gordon, • Continued on Page 3 APPOINTMENT REMEMBERING Paul Favel has been Métisveteranswill namedtotheHuman notbefogottenat Welcome to our RightsCommission. BacktoBatoche Graduation - Page 8 -Page 15 Edition Coming In August: SERVING BATOCHE FIDDLER EYE ON BIRDIE Justice Kristy Yuzicappi is It’sthattimeofyear Joshua Thomas is an Issue determined to be a againandfiddlers accomplished teacher arewarmingup. badmintonplayer. CPMA #40027204 - Page 7 - Page 15 - Page 26 2 Eagle Feather News JULY 2011 JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News 3 Tootoosis revered by young people

• Continued from Page 1 Tootoosis tread the planks for the first time in 15 years Because of his status, he had the youth’s attention. in the play, Gordon Winter, by Kenneth Williams. It was He willingly gave his time, knowledge, insight and on the BackStage stage at ’s Persephone passion for theatre to the youth and they gobbled it up. Theatre. I interviewed him before the play and he was Once anyone got to know Gordon, they knew that revved up like a young man and said he felt so good to even though he was a big star, he acted like a regular be back on the live stage doing what he loved to do. horseman from Poundmaker. He was patient, always It was when I witnessed this play, that I finally had a warm smile and a friendly greeting. There were understood the acting magic of Gordon Tootoosis. Not countless times outside the theatre company during only was he a commanding presence as the ‘racist’ breaks in meetings or training that he would be swamped Gordon Winter, but the scene where he was being a little by folks in the ‘hood who all had an aunt or uncle that boy, hiding behind his father’s legs when the police came were related to him somehow. to take him to the residential school, that was when I We saw him spend so much time signing people’s truly understood how good an actor he was. ripped up smoke packs with a borrowed pen that it His mannerisms and the way he hid behind his became commonplace. He related about once being father’s leg and sucked his thumb ... the fear in his eyes. attacked in an airport by an old white lady for being “that At that point, he was no longer my friend, Gordon, bastard Albert Golo.” playing a child. He was every child that was ever taken Ah, the price of fame. to residential school, just like he was. Most people in He was quick to tease and joke. When his cell phone the audience were weeping. kept going off during a board meeting he apologized His passing has led to a massive outpouring of grief because he had to check if it was Stephen calling. in community. It is not surprising because in his life and “Stephen who?” we asked. “Spielberg,” replied on the stage, Gordon Tootoosis challenged people and Gordon in his deadpan way as he turned to accept the stereotypes and gave of himself. He was a first rate actor, call. We all cracked up. The man had a voice didn’t he? family man, leader, friend and inspiration to many. Gordon always insisted that the real acting was on He will be dearly missed. stage in theatre where there were no second takes. The Here’s another standing ovation to you Gordon. community was blessed last October to witness Gordon Bravo. If only we could get an encore.

GORDON (Top left counter clockwise) Gordon at Olympic ceremonies, Gordon and playwright Kenneth Williams, Gordon always had time to have a photo taken with fans, and Gordon receives his Order of Canada from Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson. 4 Eagle Feather News JULY 2011

Congratulations to our grads

Welcome to the Back to Batoche and graduation edition.Wealways get a rush out of covering both these events. Seeing the realization of a dreamforstudentswhentheygraduatefromuniversity,tradeortechschool and high school is always enriching. It proves to the students they can accomplish something significant in their lives and gives them the tools, and the confidence to enter the labour market and take on the world. Congratulations to all of our grads this year. You make us proud. WealsogetexcitedaboutBacktoBatoche.ThelargestprovincialMétis gathering has become a July institution. If the momentum from last year’s spectaculareventcanbecarriedforward,BacktoBatochecanbeapivotal economic development machine for the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and for communities and in the surrounding territory. If we could translate the goodwill from Back to Batoche into political goodwill, we could have an MNLAin Saskatchewanand make some much neededamendmentstoourconstitutionandelectionact.Theelectionin2012 isjustaroundthecornerandwedon’twanttogobackwardsnowdowe? This and that ....

Having the FSINAssembly on a First Nation was a great idea and should be done every year. By all accounts, Onion Lake Cree Nation did a fantastic job of hosting all the Chiefs and delegates. ItwasveryinterestingtowatchtheAssemblyonstreamingvideofromthe comfort of a desk.All the political action without having to travel makes for goodtimes,butthevideocouldbeimprovedabit.Onethingwenoticed,nota lot of people realized they were on film which led to seeing some people in animatedconversations,somesmokingandoneluckyladypickingatherteeth withatoothpickliketherewasgoldinthere.Musthavebeensteakforlunch. One highlight was seeing the face of Corey Bugler, manager of SIIT GRAD the Native Sons First Nations United Football Club as First Nation Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies President Randell Morris congratulates after First Naiton donated money to his soccer club. Chief Lonechild graduate Jenny Strongeagle. With an economy that is running full speed ahead, Saskatchewan ran it like an auction and he the three Vice Chiefs all threw in $500 is in the enviable position of having more jobs than available people to employ. Last month personally to help the young role model raise close to $34,000 for his alone, there were 13,000 jobs posted on Saskjobs.com, more than double last year’s numbers. soccer team that promotes alcohol and drug free living. Nice touch. That is a great economy for these Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology grads to be entering into. SIIT graduates approximately 2000 students per year in varying trades and professions.With First Nation and Métis people being the fastest growing demographic in the Summer safety province, many employers are looking to Aboriginal graduates from SIIT, FNUniv, GDI, SUNTEP, the U of S, regional colleges and SIAST to fill many vacancies across the province. Already this year there have been several drownings and deaths from car accidents on reserves and northern communitiesacross Saskatchewan. Two simple things can almost eliminate both problems. In most drownings, the victims were not wearing life jackets. In most car accidents, the victims were thrown from the car because they were not wearing seatbelts. So please, this summer wear your lifejacket when you are on the water and fasten your seatbelt when you are in the car. Letters from Inside and next month Next month we have a few graduates to still acknowledge and some catch-up articles, but the focus will be our justice issue with stories on people working in the system and our letters from inside. Just a friendly reminder to all our friends inside prisons or remands in Saskatchewan, we are soliciting (sorry, bad word)...we are asking you to send us your opinions on what can be done “inside” of jails, so that when you are done your sentence, you don’t come back. Isitprograms?Tradetraining?Crochet?Angermanagement?Howtoget yourdriver’slicense,SocialInsuranceNumberandStatusorMétiscard?What isit?Letusknow.Ifthatdoesn’tfillyourboots,thenjustsendussomethingfunny. We’ll take anything. The best three letters will be published in ourAugust Justice issue and will receive a $50 honourarium sent to a loved one outside to help with the grocery bill or something. Send the letters to Eagle Feather News PO Box 924, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3M4.Looking for a powwow list? Check out our website at www.eaglefeathernews.comfortheDennisFisherultimatepowwowlist. JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News 5 Traditions important in graduation ceremonies

ongratulations to all our high gown and cap, as well as a hood or sash The only exceptions were the handful For many, wearing traditional regalia school, college and university with their school colours on them. The of students who were sponsored by and old world gowns is an act of self- graduates! I hope you had a fun doctoral (PhD) gowns, hoods and caps churches to attend high school.They were determination, a public assertion that we and safe time at your victory dances. are the flashiest, often made out of also the first among us to attend univer- are “citizens plus” and have the right to CGraduation ceremonies are very velvets, silks and sity, again sponsored claim and practice the best of both formal events. They begin with an satins and some have by churches, and worlds. Walking across the stage with our academic procession of the teachers, rabbit or ermine fur most became diplomas in hand is a modern day act of school officials and graduates who take linings. At university ministers or priests counting coup—despite all the odds their places on stage, then after many graduation cere- and teachers. against you, you did it!And you make us speeches, the graduates walk across the monies the professors High school has all proud! stage to receive their diplomas, often to wear different been available to us Special congratulations to Oskayak the lively cheers of their families and coloured gowns that now for about four High School graduates! Their numbers loved ones. represent the universities they graduated generations.And while we still have lots this year reached a record high of 30 All the graduates wear academic from. It’s an old fashioned European of catching up to do, the numbers of our graduates! That little red school house has robes, hats and hoods that are draped tradition that lives on today because graduates are slowly increasing. come a long way since its early days as across their shoulders. It is a tradition that people value it. It is beautiful and empowering to the Saskatoon Native Survival School. dates back to European medieval times It wasn’t too long ago when our witness First Nations and Métis graduates During times of celebration it is when academic teachers and clerics wore people had little hope of completing high and professors wearing their gowns, in important to take the time to honour the specific types of gowns every day to school let alone attending college or the English tradition, and their moccasins, groundbreakers who have passed on. distinguish their profession. university. We were denied access to beadwork, feathers, and Métis Sashes in Heartfelt condolences to family and loved The tradition of graduation gowns public high schools until 1948-49 when their Indigenous traditions. ones of Gordon Tootoosis. He was a came from the old universities in the federal government expanded the First Nation and Métis ceremonies champion of education and an inspira- England. Today, teachers no longer wear residential school system to accommo- that honour our graduates are now tional role model for us all, and especial- gowns to teach in but the tradition of date high school students and made conducted all over the province. What ly for our young people. wearing academic gowns at graduation transfer agreements with provincial makes these so special is that they Indig- His presence at community events, is now practiced all over the world. schools to pay for us to attend. Until then, enize old European graduation cere- celebrations, conferences, and on the Each school or university has its own the province wouldn’t accept status monies by combining the cultural tradi- stage will be dearly missed. style and colours of gowns, caps and Indians into their schools because we fell tions of both. Doing it “our way” repre- We honour him and give him thanks hoods. High school and undergraduate under federal jurisdiction and were not sents pride in our accomplishments and for the beautiful and empowering legacy students usually wear a single coloured taxpayers. our cultural heritages. he gifted us with. 6 Eagle Feather News JULY 2011 WhatistheNRTA?

lot of attention is being paid these provinces obtained control of the lands and isascheduletotheActandiscalleda‘Natural Constitution.Therearesomegeneralamending days totheNRTA. In factMKO, the naturalresourceswithintheprovinces.Wecan Resources TransferAgreement’. In the result formulas in the ConstitutionAct 1982 which organization of northern chiefs in pauseheretonotethattheoriginalnameofthe eachofthethreeprairieprovinceshasitsown require a great deal of agreement among the Manitoba, held a conference in Winnipeg on constitutional document that created Canada NRTA1929. federalandprovincialgovernmentsforamend- Athe subjectduring the last week of June. was the British NorthAmericaAct. ThatAct TheNRTA1929ofeachprovinceandthe ments.Constitutionalchangeisnoteasybecause The NRTA has been the subject of no longer exists by that federal government itrequireverybroadpoliticalsupport. discussion at meetings in Saskatchewan, name because it was was made part of the ButtheNRTA(orproperlyso-called,the including at meetings of the chiefs of renamed by the Constitu- Constitution of ConstitutionAct1930)canbeamendedbythe Treaties 1-11. What is the NRTA? Why are tionAct 1982. Canada by what is special provision found in each of the agree- First Nation chiefs talking about it? When the Prairie now called the ments.Thatrequiresonlyagreementbetween The NRTAis shorthand for the ‘Natural provinces were created – Constitution Act thefederalandaprovincialgovernment.That ResourcesTransferAgreementAct.” in 1870 in the case of 1930. The original is a unique way to alter the Constitution of It is not an ordinaryAct or statute.An Manitoba and in 1905 in Act that made the Canadainaveryimportantarea: thelandsand ordinary Act or statute or piece of legisla- the case of Saskatchewan NRTAs part of the naturalresourcesoftheprovinces.FirstNations tion (these are all synonyms) can be andAlberta – the federal Constitution of have Treaty rights in those lands and natural amended by the Parliament or Legislature government kept authority and power over Canadawaspassed,asthenrequiredbythelaw resources. that created it. But the NRTA is not the administration of the lands and of the Constitution, by an Act of the United An example of the use of the special ordinary because it is not only anAct but resources. During the 1920s, years of nego- Kingdom Parliament at the request of the amending formula in the NRTA is the it is also part of the Constitution of Canada. tiations were held between the federal and Canadian Parliament.TheAct, as the interest- Saskatchewan amendment in the 1990s that This requires some explanation because the prairie provincial governments on the edreaderhasnowcorrectlyguessed,wasorig- amended the NRTAto enable the province to it has caused confusion in discussions. The transfer of the lands and natural resources inallycalledtheBritishNorthAmericaAct1930. paymoneyinsteadofprovidingCrownlands explanationcanstartwiththehistoricalreasons from Canada to the provinces. The Prairie WeturnnowtolookathowtheNRTAcan to meet its obligations under the NRTA. for passing the NRTAand then move on to provincial governments wanted to be in the be amended.The Constitution of Canada can TheNRTAcannotbechallengeddirectly explainwhatisneededtochangeoramendthe same position as the original provinces and onlybechangedbythespecialproceduresthat because it is part of the Constitution. If the NRTA.Inalaterissuethediscussioncanmove be in charge of the lands and resources. are set out for amendment in the Constitution Constitutioncouldbestruckdownbythecourts on to consider how the NRTArelates to the An agreement was reached in similar itself.ParliamentandtheLegislatureshaveno thentheCanadianTaxpayersAssociation,for Treaties, and why it is the subject of concern terms between the federal government and constitutional power or authority to unilater- example,couldgotocourttoaskthejudgesto for First Nations in the Prairie provinces. each of the three province’s governments. allyamendtheConstitution.TheConstitution strike down s.35 that recognizes and affirms When Canada was first created in 1867 Theseagreementswerepassedintolawin1929 binds all governments and courts in Canada. Treatyrights.Nextmonthwecanlookatwhat bytheConstitutionAct1867theoriginalfour byanActofeachoftheprovinciallegislatures Thecourtscaninterpretthemeaningofthe optionsmightbeavailabletosecurerespectfor andofthefederalParliament.Eachagreement Constitution,butthejudgescannotchangethe Treaty rights. JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Education 7 Yuzicappi plans to go where she is needed

By Shinoah Young Education For Eagle Feather News program. hampion jingle dress dancer Annette Kristy Yuzicappi earned a Yuzicappi Bachelor of Indian Education earned her (Elementary) degree. She says dancing Bachelor’s Cwas the key to her success. The 28-year- of Indian old mother of two convocated from the Education in 2002.Yuzicappi felt if her First Nations University of Canada on aunt could do it then so could she. June 7, 2011. Yuzicappi’s career in teaching “I turned to prayer and to dancing compliments her passion for dancing and that got me through everything,” jingle dress. she said. During summer break, after the “I love it because it’s a fun, healthy school year ends, she dances at a pow and natural way to celebrate and relieve wow every single weekend. stress.” Her love of dancing began at age Yuzicappi is from Standing Buffalo four when she first danced fancy shawl. First Nation, where she chose to do her Three years later, at age seven, 16-week teaching practicum this past Yuzicappi began jingle dress dancing. spring. As a champion jingle dress dancer, “There were not a lot of First Yuzicappi has performed and danced Nations teachers when I was school age pow wow throughout North America. and I want my students to be comfort- Even after two solid decades of able in my classroom,” she said. jingle dress dancing, she remains “I want to be real, and to encourage humble when it comes to contest pow Aboriginal youth to believe in their wow and is happy to dance amongst her abilities so they can one day reach their relatives. goals.” Anyone who has seen Yuzicappi Yuzicappi also volunteers as a knows she is a natural. In fact, substitute teacher and as an after school Yuzicappi often takes first place. program coordinator at Tatanka Najin Yuzicappi has two small children Elementary School while she awaits both whom love to dance. Her seven- graduation. year-old son chicken dances, while her “This is just the beginning,” said three-year-old daughter dances fancy Yuzicappi. “Education is forever shawl. ongoing for me. “I’ve passed the (dancing) tradition “There’s so much I want to do with on to my kids,” she said. my degree and convocation will push As Yuzicappi looks to the future, me to succeed even further,” she said. she knows where she wants to go next. In the future she hopes to complete “I enjoy all grades kindergarten the Inclusive Education Program which through nine and I want to teach in a focuses on special needs students. She band school, with any First Nations also plans to attend graduate school to community, even if it’s not my own,” pursue a Masters in Education. explained Yuzicappi. Yuzicappi’s aunt,Annette, encour- “Because that is where I am needed Kritsy Yuzicappi hopes to helpAboriginal youth to believe in themselves. aged her to enrol in the Bachelors of most.” 8 Eagle Feather News JULY 2011 Favel named to Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Don Morgan, Ministerof Justice andAttorney General and Saskatchewan Human Rights CommissionerDavid By Darla Read Arnot flank new Saskatchewan Human Rights Deputy Commissioner Paul Favel. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) Of Eagle Feather News lawyer originally from the Poundmaker Cree pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 education on citizenship brings a multitude of assets to the commission. Nation is humbled and excited to be joining the rights and responsibilities. “I think because he’s a First Nations person and a Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. “There’s no better way to make positive changes for First Nations lawyer, he fully understands the issues Paul Favel is one of three new appointees to the the long-term future of any society than working with facing First Nations people in the province of ACommission. children,” says Favel. Saskatchewan. That is an incredible asset to have. He practices commercial and corporate law in “I think any education program that will be “He’s a very intelligent person and a very good Saskatoon, and he also focuses on First Nations legal developed is only going to serve Saskatchewan society lawyer, so that will obviously help us. Secondly, he issues. He has worked closely with First Nations organ- generally in a positive way.” knows the issues very well that we face. izations such as the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Favel says he’s a laid-back, objective person who “We think he’ll add a lot. I think he has a balanced Nations. Favel was also designated Queen’s Counsel last likes to listen to people, and believes that will help him view on many things.” year, which is an honour awarded to members of the legal in his new position. He says being a First Nations person Jan Gitlin and Barry Wilcox were also appointed to profession to recognize exceptional merit and contribu- makes him aware that there are still problems in how the Commission. Gitlin is a highly respected member of tion. people treat each other. Saskatoon’s Jewish community who has volunteered He also devotes a lot of time to volunteering with “Whether people of colour or based on other grounds tirelessly for the Saskatoon Museum of Human Rights. youth organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters such as religion. I think you bring that, that ... society Wilcox is a senior member of Prince Albert’s legal Saskatoon. generally always has to get better at appreciating people’s community who is known for his expertise in mediation That’s partly why he’s excited about the position, differences and just try to get along better.” and alternative dispute resolution, which is something because the commission plans to focus a great deal on SHRC Chief Commissioner DavidArnot says Favel the Commission plans to focus on JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Health 9 Business community donates large for Station 20 West

By Andréa Ledding For Eagle Feather News hristine Smillie and Paul Wilkinson of Station 20 West are all smiles, along with Saskatoon's core neighbourhood. The core will have a grocery store again after 13 years without one. “Essentially, in the last six weeks we raised about $800,000,” says Smillie, Cproject co-ordinator for Station 20 West. Wilkinson, project manager, was away from the office but last seen by Eagle Feather News at the Refinery where a fundraiser from handmade chapbooks with recipes were being sold – everything from the supplies to the artwork and the labour and the entire proceeds was donated by community writers, musicians, artists, and companies. “So much of the community has been behind us, but these really big donations that came in from the business community were largely because of Joe Remai.” At a reception April 19 in the Saskatoon Club, Remai attended, listened closely, and asked good questions before announcing he would be donating $275,000. “Then he used his influence on colleagues and friends in the construction industry, as well as other people and family members. JimYuel donated $100,000, Joe’s brother John and sister-in-law Sonya Remai donated $100,000,” explained Smillie, adding there were many others such as Henry Hamm of Hamm Construc- tion, Greg Yuel, the CEO of PIC Investments, Brian Turnquist, the executive of Thompson Jaspar andAssociates and his wife Kathy, each donating $25,000. Station 20 West will soon become a reality. “Michelle and Bill Wright also donated $25,000 and were instrumental in the Royal Gala Fundraiser in February.And of course the Kinsmen Club, who gave $225,000.” Smillie explained that it always takes one investor or individual to step up and get the ball rolling. On an individual basis it was Remai, but in the corporate arena she creditsAffinity Credit Union for being there from day one. “Affinity were the first to really step up,” she said, adding they pledged their support but didn't make it public immediately. “Not only did they give us a $2 million mortgage, but they made a half million dollar donation.Affinity’s gift was huge and Remai’s prompted the other business people to step up.” Lorne Wright of Wright Construction offered to do construction management at cost, holding the first construction meeting Thursday, June 30.Aformal ground- breaking ceremony will be held, possibly as early as July 20, and the project is expected to be complete by July 2012. “It’s not complex, a large two-storey rectangle – not a complicated building to build,” Smillie said. “But we’re really excited. The Saskatoon Health Region came in with three major programs.” Kids First will occupy 3,500 square feet. It’s a very successful province-wide initiative that works in poorer neighbourhoods. House- holds with young kids who are low-income and may have other issues are given workers to provide whatever family support is needed to raise healthy kids with invention and prevention, rather than intervention. AMother Centre will take up another 1,000 square feet. services and programming will be paid for by the Health Region but created by the women who use the space, modeled after similar successful programs in cities like Vancouver. Building Health Equity, initiated by the Health Region after the November 2006 Health Disparity Report, will round out the second floor office spaces along with CHEP and QUINT, and the University of Saskatchewan’s Outreach and Research Centre which will house permanent staff as well as temporary students and staff to establish programs and initiatives in the core neighbourhoods. The first floor will be 5,000 feet dedicated to the Good Food Grocery store – a café, seating, and a community kitchen as well as a 2,700 square foot multi- purpose room. “It can be divided for meetings or used for weddings, feasts, or dances by the community,” said Smillie, adding that the Saskatoon Co-op advised them in their grocery store which will be similar to “a Bigway store in a place like Lumsden, a full range of fruits, vegetables, meats and family staples, somewhere between a Safeway and a convenience store.” 10 Eagle Feather News - Health JULY 2011 International delegates share cancer experiences

ow do your boobies feel? The suffer in silence. The Iknewthatmen cancers are treatable if they are caught in 2011 World Breast Cancer very people that are could get breast the early stages. conference was a huge success supposed to support cancer but I had There is life after a cancer diagnosis. this past June in Hamilton, Ontario. them have turned nevermetasurvivor I have met many people who are 20 and HDelegates from 38 countries gathered to their backs because untilthisyear.When 30 year survivors and they give me hope. discuss the issues related to breast cancer they don’t under- he got up and spoke Sharing our cancer stories help others to in their communities. stand and are fright- attheconferencethe deal with their own diagnosis and helps Breast cancer incidents are on the rise ened themselves. whole room (over us heal. I know it’s very scary to be told in many underdeveloped countries and Many of the 400 women) was you have cancer but consider that treat- myths and misunderstandings in relation delegates were surprised to hear that the quiet. We all knew the emotional journey ments have come a long way and people to this serious disease are the reason that First Nations in Canada are facing similar that he had been on and he was so thankful are living longer. many women and men will die. issues. to be welcomed into “the sisterhood” as When I was first diagnosed I went I learned that in some countries you “Canada is a rich country, they said, he called it. searching for a support group. cannot even say the word breast. This how can this happen here?” He has a new zest for life and is eager You may hear that you should be mentality has to be addressed if we are to This conference provides an oppor- to get the message out to the men in his eating healthy, getting daily exercise and see survival rates increase. tunity for doctors, researchers, nurses and country. He started his own support reducing your stress … not the easiest I met a group of nurses from Jamaica survivors to share their experiences and organization for men with breast cancer things to do if you can’t afford the food, who informed us that many of the young hopefully initiate change in their and appears to be doing well. don’t have time to exercise and stress is women being diagnosed in their countries countries. To all my brothers from other something you deal with on a daily bases. will die because their men don’t want to It was overwhelming to sit in a room mothers: don’t die of embarrassment if These are all common factors for have a “one titty woman.” with over 400 delegates, the majority of you find a lump in you chest area, people who live in poverty like many of Ever sick! Women are so much more whom were survivors. We shared stories underarm or notice something different our First Nation peoples do, but we can than their pieces and parts! of hope and loss and by the end of the with your nipple. You need to follow up make the best out of what we have – we The conditions on many of our First four-day conference many friendships with your doctor. While you’re at the are a resilient bunch of people. Nations are comparable to the conditions had developed. doctor’s office, you may as well get your Protect your skin this summer and in the underdeveloped countries. Issues Breast cancer, cancer in general, does prostate checked. wear sun screen. like access to health care, language not care about race, ethnicity, gender or Something else to think about: many Thanks for your emails and letters. barriers, cultural difference and ignorance. geographic location. Cancer does not care young men are being diagnosed with Write to Sandee Sez C/O Eagle Feather Breast cancer is a disease of our cells if you are rich or poor; old or young, it testicular cancer so if you notice pain or News P.O. Box 924 Station Main, and something that is not contagious yet does not care whether you live in a lumps that don’t belong there you need Saskatoon, SK S7M 3M4 or email many women are shunned, isolated and mansion, on the street or in a Tipi. Tapew! to have them checked by a doctor. Many [email protected] Diabetes: Are you at risk?

By Flo Lavallie diabetes can restore normal blood For Eagle Feather News sugar levels. any of our adults in Canada • Family history of diabetes – If a and in our First Nations and family member has diabetes or a Métis communities are at grandparent one must be very risk. Being overweight is a condition cautious of lifestyle, eating habits, Mthat is directly related to Diabetes. exercise, drug use, smoking, alcohol Diabetes is a blood sugar disorder; use should be kept to limited amounts. it also shows up abnormalities in fat • In my opinion, stress is a factor, and protein metabolism, inflammation example – death in the family, an and immune system function. accident, a divorce, sexual abuse, That is why diabetes is so destruc- workplace stress, racial experiences, tive to the body and its organs. The repetitive stress syndrome are all hormone, insulin, promotes the uptake contributing factors in diabetes and of blood sugar by cells throughout the should be considered. Counseling, body. food treatment plans, could be Diabetes can occur when the effective. pancreas (hormone producing gland) Signs and symptoms are: does not produce enough insulin. Or dizziness, craving sweets, headaches, if the cells of the body become feel shaky, irritable if meals are resistant to insulin. missed, feel tired and weak when a When the sugar carried by the meal is missed, need to drink coffee blood it cannot get to the cells. to start your day, need to have a This can lead to serious compli- cigarette, (sugar is the first ingredient cations – such as heart disease and you taste in tobacco since it is a plant) stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, feel inpatient and moody, poor kidney disease, gum disease, pain memory, forgetful, calmer after such as arthritis, poor circulation in eating. the legs, muscle, pain called If you suspect you have diabetes fibromyalgia, depression, autoim- a person should consult their mune disorders and thyroid disease. physician. • Trying to achieve ideal body Part 2 next month weight in early stage of type 2 JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News 11 Families anguish over mysterious disappearances

By Delaney Windigo comeforwardwithanyinformationtheymay Wolfeisdescribedas5-7inheight,110lbs, Muskowekwan First Nation, his mother’s For Eagle Feather News haveregardingherdaughter’sdisappearance. with brown eyes, medium length black hair. homereserve.WolfewaslastseenonaFriday t has been one year since Carol Wolfe Although Wolfe believes Shehas aheart-shapedtattoo andwasreportedmissingonSundayMay1. last saw her daughter, 20-year-old someone kidnapped her on her left hand and a birth Up until a few weeks ago, an active Karina Wolfe. Wolfe’s family has daughter, she remains opti- markonherupperlip. ground search was taking place on the been left wondering and waiting for the mistic that Karina is alive. AnotherSaskatchewan Muskowekwan First Nation. Ipast year. “I miss her deeply. I just family is searching for their The RCMP conducted aerial searches Carol Wolfe was waiting for the bus have to be positive and be loved one. Cody Ridge of the area. At the time of Wolfe’s disap- when she saw her daughter Karina on the strong,” said Wolfe. Wolfe(norelationtoKarina pearance there was flooding, with some evening of July 2, 2010. Karina asked her The police say they do not Wolfe) went missing from washed out roads. Dive teams have since mom for the keys to their house and was havealotofinformationtogoon. the Muskowekwan First scouredthewaterinhopesoflocatingWolfe. thenseengettingintoagreyCorvetteonthe “When we went to the Nation onApril 29. Thus far, there has been no sign of Wolfe. 800 block ofAppleby Drive in Saskatoon. public we did get some infor- The 17-year-old was LaPlantesaysfoulplayisnotsuspected. When Carol’s birthday rolled around mation. We did get some tips last seen at his grandmoth- “The RCMPhave talked about potential a couple weeks later and she still hadn’t but truth be told we didn’t get KARINA WOLFE er’s house when he set out hypothermia,”saidLaPlante. heard from her daughter, the concerned a lot,” said Sgt. Grant Little. on foot to visit a friend. It The family plans to renew their mother became worried. As for the grey Corvette, would have been an eight- momentum for a ground search. In the Karina who would sometimes stay “Thatvehiclewastrackeddown. kilometre trek but Wolfe meantime,theyarehopefulofhissafereturn. away for days at a time would never miss The person who operates that never made it. Wolfe’s “We have hope. We hear stories of her mom’s birthday. vehicle has been interviewed paternal aunt Myrna things happening and years later a person “I knew something was wrong because multipletimes,”saidLittle. LaPlantesaidhewastexting is located, so we’re not giving up yet,” shewouldnormallycome,”saidWolfe. Police are calling that indi- a friend until about 2:20 said LaPlante. It was out of character for Karina to be vidual a person of interest but a.m.andthetextingstopped. Wolfe is not first person in his family away that long and it was then her mother they are stopping short of LaPlante says Cody to go missing. Wolfe’s grandmother decidedtofileamissingpersonsreport. calling him a suspect. wasagoodkid,withasense Emily Osmond went missing from the Now, one year later, her family is “Until we can exclude of humour. Kawacatoose First Nation in 2007. hoping to spark renewed interest in the people to the satisfaction of the “He was a shy, quiet, Wolfe is described as 5-7 in height, case. The mysterious disappearance is investigators they remain CODY RIDGE WOLFE respectful person.” 110 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes under investigation by the Saskatoon City persons of interest,” said Little. LaPlante says Wolfe and a scar between his nose and upper lip. Police major crime unit. The police are also looking into an indi- has never been in any serious trouble and it Anyone with information on the CarolWolfeisdeafandshespokethrough vidual involved in a sexual assault case that is not his character for him to run away. missing persons mentioned are asked to a sign language interpreter at a recent press happened around the time of Karina’sdisap- Wolfe lived with his parents near call the RCMPor Crimestoppers at 1-800- conference.Wolfemadeapleatothepublicto pearanceandinthesameareashewaslastseen. Wynyard, Saskatchewan. He frequented the 222-8477. 12 Eagle Feather News - Back to Batoche JULY 2011 JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Back to Batoche 13 Batoche newly improved, open for business

By Gaylene Poulin national youth gathering, traditional Métis foods, plus back to the grassroots of the festival, such as high- For Eagle Feather News the always popular lighting local Métis artists he Elder’s lodge is completely renovated, and chuckwagon and like Donny Parenteau, the Saskatchewan Pavilion is now finished and chariot races are set Darren Lavallee and Ryan both are ready to welcome thousands of visitors to take place over Keplin (aka Fiddling to this year’s Back to Batoche gathering. the four days of Lefty). For me, being a part TThere are now 20 buildings on the Back to Batoche activities. of the festival over the years Days festival site. The improvements are thanks to the “This Year’s is a pleasure. generous support of the Clarence Campeau Develop- Festival is sure to “Being able to see the ment Fund (CCDF), The Gabriel Dumont Institute be a fantastic growth of the facilities (GDI), Metis Nation-Saskatchewan, The Back to event,” says Co- and venues, it’s a real Batoche Committee and the hard working event Chair Shirley tribute to the festival, management team lead by Claire Belanger-Parker of Isbister. Chuckwagonandchariotracesarealwaysapopularattraction Métis culture and its CNT Management Group. “We are getting at Back to Batoche. (Photo by Kymber Rae Photography) growth in popularity.” The site is now a three-season event centre. CCDF has helped with investments at the Back to Batoche site.With over $1 million in support from the Fund in the past several years, the site now has more cabins, pavilions, electrified sites, two new kitchens and also some much needed operating dollars. “To me as an event manager in this province, I would say that they are the most spectacular outdoor event grounds in Saskatchewan. There’s nothing like it anywhere else. With stage capacity, cabins, pavilions, Elder’s lodge and full operating kitchens,” says Belanger-Parker. “It is a dream location for any event to re-locate and weareopen for business atBatoche. The Back to Batoche site welcomes relationships and growth.” According to Belanger-Parker, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been invested in the surrounding communities in the area during Back to Batoche days, by travelers and visitors to the festival. So aside from being the newest three season event grounds in the province, the site once again will be host to thousands during Back to Batoche Days. This year’s Back to Batoche Days is expected to pull in record numbers again. “We are ready for the crowds this year!” Exclaims Belanger-Parker. “But none of this would be possible without the enormous support of volunteers. Volunteerism at Back to Batoche Days is something that is growing and embraced with open arms at Batoche. Without the volunteers, last year’s Celebrations would not have been what they were.” The Back to Batoche Days Committee is again this year making a call out to volunteers to help in every aspect of the festival. “If you’ve ever walked the grounds at Batoche, you’re walking for a long time.” says Committee Co- Chair Robert Doucette. “Many of our elders are camping in the area and need to be transported and we need people to help out. To sign up you can fill out a form on the back to Batoche website, www.backtobatoche.org”. Last year’s Back to Batoche 125th Anniversary Celebrations drew in over 30,000 new visitors to the site over an eight day festival. The Celebrations were nominated by Saskatchewan Tourism as Event of the Year for the 2010Awards of Excellence. This year’s festival will return to the traditional four day event with competitions beginning as early as Thursday, July 21, when the gates open, until the closing day on Sunday, July 24. Alarge list of Métis artists as headliners for the main stage, plus traditional competitions including fiddling, jigging, square dancing competitions, bannock baking, traditional voyageur games, Métis Got Talent, Mini- Métis program, Métis Artisans Village, slow-pitch tournament, world record spoon ensemble attempt, a tribute to Métis veterans, a 14 Eagle Feather News - Back to Batoche JULY 2011 It’s one more try for spoon record

By Gaylene Poulin For Eagle Feather News he Back to Batoche Days Festival is once again attempting to break a Guinness World Record for largest spoon ensemble. The group had made the attempt last year, and fell T31 players short of the record. The official record, as it stands is held by a Chinese group that had 888 spoon players, but that record was smashed on July 4, with (unofficially) 1,364 spoon players by a group in Indiana. The group headed by Phillip Collier and Steve the “Spoon Man” Tankersley, a professional spoon player; who also happens to be Collier’s cousin. Collier said the idea came to them after Tankersley told him about a workshop he conducted with participants playing the spoons. “As I got everything set up for the attempt, I looked and saw that previously England had held the record prior,” says Collier. “So that got me to thinking, who else has tried this? After some research I found the Back to Batoche 125th Celebrations attempt of last year and they were trying again this year, so I’m curious to see what’s going to happen north of the border on July 22.” The Back to Batoche Committee is gearing up, getting ready for the Friday, July 22 of the festival where Donny Parenteau and Band will be playing Big John McNeal in an attempt to have over 1,400 spoon players play along with them. Organizers are encouraging everyone coming to Batoche and surrounding commu- nities to come to the Festival that night to help them break the record. As for Collier, he had this to say about the attempt in Batoche: “My cousin would kill me if he heard me say this, but I wish them the best of luck and we’ll see what happens, I will certainly be paying attention!” Festival goers at back to Batoche will have another chance to break the spoons playing record. The goal this year is over 1400. We think it can be done! (Photo John Lagimodiere)

You can expect lots of fiddling and jigging again at Back to Batoche. There have been improvements to the main Clarence Campeau Development Fund Gathering Place, and to the Elders lodge. (Photo by Kymber Rae Photography) JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Back to Batoche 15 Duty to never forget Veterans

By Gaylene Poulin For Eagle Feather News o pay tribute to the Métis soldiers that made great sacri- fices for our freedom and for the country, the Back to Batoche 125th Anniversary Committee laid the ground- work towards a Memorial Gardens and monument at the Back to TBatoche Grounds. To carry on that legacy, the Métis National Council General Assembly declared 2011 – 2020 the Decade of the Métis Nation. This declaration followed in the footsteps of a tremendous- ly successful 2010Year of the Métis, a year that put the Métis Nation on the world stage and one that saw the 125thAnniver- Veterans observe a moment of silence at last year’s dedication of the Veterans gardens. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) sary Celebrations become the largest Métis festival in North America. “These successes set the tone for a vision, which will continue for ten years, each year to be dedicated to a specific theme. The year 2011 is dedicated to paying tribute to our Métis veterans,” said Clément Chartier, Métis National Council President Métis were present during the First World War and the Second World War, fighting shoulder to shoulder during combat, some members in the army and navy, others members of the air force and some working as medical support helping to save the lives of their injured brothers. “Today, all of our World War I veterans have passed on and only a handful of our World War II veterans remain with us. The Métis Nation will continue the fight for recognition and support of our veterans who may have lost their voices and we salute those who have sacrificed for our freedom and our ability to have choice – the Métis Nation will not forget the brave men and women who were not fortunate enough to return home as well as those who returned home and never received any or adequate compensation for their duty,” added Chartier. During this year’s Back to Batoche event, 15 Métis veterans from across Canada will be honoured for their services at a commemoration at the Veterans Gardens on July 22. They will be presented with plaques as a small token of appreciation for their services. “It is because of our promise to never forget those who have been to or are currently at war that the Métis Nation has dedicated the first year of the Decade of the Métis Nation to Paying Tribute to our Métis Veterans.” adds Chartier. “It was their duty to fight. It is our duty to never forget.”

Batoche has drawn fiddlers from across Canada and the United States in the past. 16 Eagle Feather News - Back To Batoche JULY 2011 invests in Métis projects

By John Lagimodiere Through public education programs Of Eagle Feather News carried out at national parks and national he federal government recently historic sites in Western and Northern announced $4.25 million for the Canada, Parks Canada will highlight how creation of 18 projects that will the Métis people have enriched the lives help Métis communities preserve their of all Canadians, socially, economically, Thistory and culture as well as present their politically and culturally. rich heritage to all Canadians. Projects in Saskatchewan include: This announcement was made at Riel • Thecreationofanartexhibitat House National Historic Site, a site of Batoche National Historic Site great importance to the Métis. • Parks Canada is working with the “These projects will significantly Métis Nation of Saskatchewan to tell their contribute to the preservation, awareness stories at , , and and promotion of Métis history and Batoche National Historic Sites, and culture. . Together they “In funding these projects, we are will develop interpretive and outreach recognizing and celebrating the invalu- products for target audiences. able contributions of the Métis people • The Role at FortWalsh/Cypress across Canada,” said Rod Bruinooge, a Hills Massacre National Historic Site. Member of Parliament from Winnipeg. This project will allow Métis people to “Our government is committed to present their perspective on the tragic building strong, effective and mutually events that took place at beneficial working relationships with National Historic Site. Guest curator, Sherry Farrell Racette, stands by a Métis hooked rug by Marie Métis and otherAboriginal groups so their Pedestrian access will be provided Grant Breland (1820-1889). The rug is one of the pieces in the current art show, stories can be told and appreciated by all along the river Valley between the ruins Resilience/Resistance: Métis Art, 1880-2011, on display at Batoche National Canadians.” of the Métis Village north of the palisades Historic Site through the summer. (Photo by Peter Beszterda for GDI) This funding will not only allow and the Cypress Hills Massacre site and remodelled and rejuvenated Batoche upgrades were mechanical and building Parks Canada to help local Métis commu- trading area south of the palisades. Historic Site visitor reception centre related, but now the building is more nities and organizations preserve their The art exhibit at the Batoche which just received a multimillion dollar efficient for visitors’and school groups to history and culture but will above all be National Historic Site was assembled by face lift this past year. enjoy their visit. used to further explore how Parks Canada curator Sherry Farrell Racette and Other than the grand walkway and the There is a grand opening and its Métis partners present their includes an amazing array of artists. renovated theatre, most visitors won’t ceremony on July 22 during Back to important role in Canada’s history. The exhibit is in a new part of the notice the changes as much of the Batoche celebrations. JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News 17 Australian Martu see bene7ts of mining

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News ow often do you get a group of Aborigine from a desert in Australia boating down a northern Saskatchewan river on their way Hto a traditional Dene feast of smoked fish, fried caribou, ribs and caribou head? As it turns out, some people had the experience at least once in their life. Adelegation of Martu business and political leaders were guests of Cameco Corporation for 12 days in July and they were taken on a whirlwind tour of cultural centres and Cameco mining sites. The Martu People of the western side of the Gibson Desert inAustralia are in an enviable position. Within the past several This photo of the Martu delegation was taken at Pine Channel, between Fond du Lac and Stony Rapids. Some flew in on a years, they have won recognition of their Twin Otterwhile the Martu were brought in by boat from Stony Rapids.The Martu were treated to caribou and smoked fish. ownership of most of their traditional It was an amazing day and site to see the Martu exchange cultures. The Martu loved the people, the trees and water. One of lands, in the form of 'native title'. the Martu is wearing Chief Napoleon Mercredi’s headdress. (Photo Cameco) The territory on which they have title has a fine deposit of uranium and they are welcome from theAthabasca Dene. The such a positive experience. Mother Nature has been well looked after interested in developing that resource with most touching moment was when they “We showed you can create paths for up here. the company that holds the development played an Honour Song for them at the youth, maintain your culture and to be “But I want to take back from here rights. That happens to be Saskatchewan FSINAssembly. I saw some of the group able to introduce them to many of our business opportunities. If we get together grown Cameco, the world’s largest crying. It was very emotional.” partners and suppliers was rewarding.” back home and have one voice, and start uranium producer. Billy Landy also known as Butler, is Butler was impressed with the running our own business and be close Sean Willy, director of Corporate the chairperson of the Martu develop- territory and the operation and he has one with the companies. Social Responsibility for Cameco Corpo- ment. He was impressed with the focus when he returns to his home fire. “Maybe we have our people be ration has worked closely with the Martu expansive trees and water up north and “I want, as a chair person, to be directors of companies and sit on boards. people as they develop a relationship that the hospitality of the communities and of united and have one voice,” said Butler. I want our people to own things and to will hopefully lead to business for both Cameco. “This is amazing, the amount of water benefit the future and educate our young parties. “I blame Cameco for spoiling us,” and trees, all on the uranium land.And ones.” “They have known they had uranium joked Butler. “We have been eating ever for over 20 years,” said Willy. since we arrived.This is very interesting “We purchased the project in 2008 this trip. They have taken us to First and we are in the process of getting their Nations and to their mine site and I have support for the Kintar Project. We some stories to bring back to our people. brought them here to show them what we “At Rabbit Lake we went to where have done in northern Saskatchewan and they mine it, produce and truck it out. It our relationship with the Aboriginal was good to see in first person and to hear people. stories from the employees.And at their “Wecantellthemallwewant,butif tailing pond for water, I notice ducks are you have a visual and tactile aspect and swimming there. They do a fantastic job.” actually bring them here so they can get His job, and that of the delegation, is first hand input from communities that to now take back what they have have lived in the uranium industry for 50 observed and tell their people about it. years, theAthabasca Dene, the Métis, and “We have taken pictures and one of the Cree, it is powerful. our students is filming it. I want to tell our “We wanted to show them our focus people, in our language, what we have on indigenous employment, education, been hearing,” added Butler. training, business development, The Martu suffer from the same community investment and environmen- social problems as many First Nations in tal stewardship.” Canada. The tour included stops at Rabbit “I think the Martu are looking for an Lake Mine, visits to the communities of honest relationship and their own Black Lake and Stony Rapids and a meet solutions for their communities, just like and greet with northern suppliers and in Saskatchewan,” said Willy who is also partners. There was also a cultural aspect a northerner. to the tour that included stops at “Growing up in this area, it is my Wanuskewin, Batoche, a gathering and country, but to see it through their eyes traditional feast at Pine Channel and a for the first time or even being in a boat visit to the FSINAssembly. for the first time. It shows how far people “Alot of the tour was learning about are apart geographically, but really how uranium mining, but the second part was similar we are. also the cultural exchange,” said Willy as “They have the same concerns as we he reflected on the tour. do here. Radiation or the safety of the “We wanted to show how your water and dust. culture can survive with development. “They are asking all those questions. That it can actually be extenuated.At Pine Both to the technicians at our mines and Channel, they received such a warm to the community Elders. This has been 18 Eagle Feather News - Gabriel Dumont Institute JULY 2011 GDI launches two new initiatives

By Gaylene Poulin For Eagle Feather News étis students will now get the assistance in gaining the skills they need to find and keep jobs through two new initiatives announced Mduring a media event hosted by the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI). TheAboriginalApprenticeship Initia- tive under the federal Strategic Partner- ship Fund and the signing of a GDI- Joe Black (CEO, SaskatchewanApprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission), Robert Doucette (President, Métis Saskatoon health Region Scholarship will Nation Saskatchewan), Maura Davies (President and CEO, Saskatoon Health Region), Kelly Block (MP Saskatoon- provide partnerships within the industry Rosetown-Biggar), and Glenn LaFleur (GDI Board of Governors Vice Chair) took part in theAboriginalApprenticeship as well as opportunities for support to both Initiative signing. (GDI Photo by Peter Beszterda) the employer and recipient. TheAboriginalApprenticeship Initia- manage apprenticeships betweenAborig- These scholarships are just one piece of The recipient must be training in the tive is one of eight projects across Canada inal workers and employers, as well as our overall Aboriginal Health Strategy health fields of Hard to RecruitAreas (As funded under the federal Strategic Part- developing a long-term strategy for and our commitment to improving the defined by the SHR), Management, nership Fund and will receive $2.4 million apprenticeship programming at GDI. health and well-being of First Nations and Therapies, Science and Technology, over two years. The project will empower “This is an important day for GDI and Métis individuals in our community.” Nursing, Social and Community Workers, Métis and Aboriginal peoples to enter Aboriginal peoples,” said GDI’s Vice- The Gabriel Dumont Scholarship and applicants interested in working in apprenticeship programs and gain Chair Glenn Lafleur. Foundation II Scholarship fund will be SHR rural Communities. employment in the growing trades sector “As the economy of Saskatchewan awarded to 17 recipients over a four year Recipients can apply through GDI throughout the province. gets stronger and Aboriginal population pilot project at $1,000 per award. and GDTI as early as October of 2011. “In a constantly evolving labour grows, Apprenticeship Initiative will The Gabriel Dumont Institute, in partnership with Parks Canada, is looking for people who can share Métis history, information and stories about Fort Battleford, Fort Walsh, and Grasslands National Park and the surrounding areas around the Battlefords, Maple Creek, Swift Current, and Val Marie. The partners are looking to identify and interview Métis community members who have a connection to these historically and culturally significant places.

Are you Métis? Do you or your family have a historic and contemporary connection to the areas in and around Fort Walsh, Fort Battleford or Grasslands National Park? Would you like to share your stories with the partners? Bonnie Blakley (Saskatoon Health Region Vice President of People Strategies) and Glenn LaFleur (GDI Board of Governors Vice Chair) at the signing of a If so, please contact me GDI-Saskatoon Health Region Scholarship. (GDI Photo by Peter Beszterda) so we can arrange an market, it's important that Canadians get create more opportunities for Aboriginal interview. the skills and training they need to peoples to gain the necessary skills for Darren Préfontaine succeed,” said Saskatoon-Rosetown- employment."” Gabriel Dumont Institute Biggar MP Kelly Block. Another partnership announced was 2—604 22nd Street West, Saskatoon, SK, with the Saskatoon Health Region that “Through projects like this, our S7M 3Z4 will provide scholarships for Métis government is bringing togetherAborig- T: 306.65711 inal organizations, various levels of students to pursue post-secondary E: [email protected] government, businesses and community education in the health sector. organizations to ensureAboriginal people “We are very happy to partner with in Saskatchewan are able to take full GDI on this worthwhile initiative,” said If you would like to call collect, please phone 1-877-488-6888 advantage of economic opportunities and Bonnie Blakley, Saskatoon Health Region and ask for Darre n Prefontaine. Please leave a message with ultimately, get good jobs.” Vice President of People Strategies. your contact information if we are unable to speak directly. GDI will work with its partners to “It benefits the Region and the build capacity by training educational province to have a workforce that repre- counselors who will coordinate and sents the community we serve and live in. Marsii/Thank you for your time and consideration! JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Gabriel Dumont Institute 19 New resources available from the Gabriel Dumont Institute

By David Morin worldview while focusing For Eagle Feather News on the special relationship he Gabriel Dumont Institute is between a young Métis proud to announce that new girl and her grandmother. resources from their award- Relatives With Roots winning Publishing Department are now is the second in a series of Tavailable. children’s books relating The first is a new children’s story by to traditional Métis values Leah Marie Dorion called Relatives With by Leah Marie Dorion. Roots: A Story About Métis Women’s The first book, The Connection to the Land. Giving Tree: A Retelling This book is a heartfelt story about a of a Traditional Métis Métis grandmother who takes her grand- Story, was nominated in daughter out into the bush to teach her 2010 for a Willow Award how to pick traditional medicines. in the Shining Willow As the granddaughter learns the tradi- category. tional beliefs and stories about how the Gabriel Dumont: Li Métis people use the plants for food and Chef Michif in Images A youngster keepin' it Riel for National Aboriginal medicine, she feels happy to be a Métis This charming and vibrant book and in Words is a compi- Day at the Batoche National Historic Site. child with access to such wonderful introduces young readers to key lation written by Darren (Photo by Peter Beszterda for GDI). cultural knowledge. concepts in the traditional Métis R. Préfontaine, collecting all known images and newspaper Compiled together for the first time, accounts relating to these eclectic sources provide Gabriel Dumont. Gabriel Dumont is an iconic figure in Métis and Canadian history. In the popular imagination, he is well known for leading the Métis forces during the 1885 Resistance, and for being a renowned bison hunt leader, a Wild West show performer, and a husband to his beloved Madeleine. But outside of printed history and a fragmented oral history what do we really know about him? How has he been imagined over the past 125 years? This book answers these questions by focusing on visual and journalistic representa- tions of Gabriel Dumont through time and space. poignant vignettes of Gabriel Many of the book’s images — Dumont’s life, which will greatly some commissioned for this project enhance our knowledge about him, and several newly found — have while further contributing to his never before been published. legend.

The Parks Canada beaver mascot, Parka, gets a group hug from students at National Aboriginal Days at Batoche National Historic Site. (Photo by Peter Beszterda for GDI) 20 Eagle Feather News - Business & Careers JULY 2011 Legal questions leave cloud over Lonechild’s leadership Review could take place at fall assembly

By Darla Read it easier to impeach Lonechild. Instead of requiring a For Eagle Feather News certain number of chiefs to entertain a non-confidence he issue of Federation of Saskatchewan Indian motion, a majority of however many chiefs present is all Nation (FSIN) Chief Guy Lonechild’s leadership that is required. dominated the spring session of the Legislative Twenty-six chiefs voted in favour of those changes, Assembly. while 10 opposed them and two abstained. TAs soon as the agenda for day one was to be adopted, No non-confidence motion was brought up at Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson assembly, but Worme had told chiefs that paperwork raised the issue, noting she had a band council resolu- would need to be filed with the clerk, who would then tion and wanted to know when it would be on the agenda. convene a special meeting within 30 days and provide That started a firestorm of comments, with English written notification of it. Each side will have to make a River First Nation Chief Ralph Paul saying he didn’t presentation to the Indian Government Commission , want to spend another assembly discussing the matter. and if the resolution is approved, they will have to call FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild Much of the winter assembly was spent talking about another assembly in the fall. Lonechild’s leadership, and much of it was behind closed Other issues were discussed at assembly. Interna- doors. tional Indigenous legal expert Sharon Venne spoke about “It’s just going to waste my time, dealing with this the implications of changes to the Canadian Human issue again,” said Paul. Rights Act. Many chiefs agreed the issue had already taken up She warned delegates that while it appeared First too much time, and they said that was why they wanted Nations people were gaining human rights with the repeal it dealt with. of Section 67, giving First Nations access to the act, they Lonechild also spoke to the issue, calling it a waste were in danger of losing collective or treaty rights. of time and energy. “Your treaties are not attached to individual rights “It’s time, I think, to work on issues that affect our because individuals do not make treaties. Treaties are people. And, as chief of the FSIN I’m quite disappoint- made by nations. ed that we’re not doing that, we’re looking to fight one The federal government another,” Lonechild said. has introduced legislation to Legal counsel Don Worme addressed the assembly, repeal section 67 of the cautioning the chiefs about following the proper proce- Canadian Human RightsAct dures. which prevents persons, “If you want to entertain a motion of non-confidence, oftenAboriginal women and as you are absolutely entitled to do, there’s a process to persons living or working on follow. And, that process must be followed, or any reserves, from making decision that you take, I’m afraid, will become review- complaints of discrimination able. And, the integrity of this assembly will suffer.” arising from actions taken or On the first day, the chiefs voted to make amend- decisions made pursuant to ments to the ExecutiveAct, which now appears to make the Indian Act. JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Business & Careers 21 The prospects for FSIN leadership

John L.: First there was Bill Shake- John L.: So what are you suggesting? speare. Then Al Einstein. Now Dirk- That consensus amongst the Chiefs is not nanimus Dashing. Dirk, my’man, I automatic? understand we are going to look at the Dirk:That’s right. Sometimes it takes goings-on with the FSIN. the Chiefs time to become of one mind, Dirk: John, The FSIN is steeped in but it is a professional organization. history, legacy and tradition, and it is oneofthestrongestFirstNationorgan- izationsonthisplanet.Todayitismired in questions over leadership. John L.: You are talking about the challenge to Chief Lonechild as the Chief of the FSIN, right? I hear he was served Band Council Resolutions from 25 First Nations calling for his resignation. Forinstance, once the debate on Chief Dirk: That’s right, John. As per First Lonechild’s leadership concluded, the Nation law, Chief Lonechild was Chiefs got down to debating and served 25 BCRs at the Legislative deciding other pressing matters. Assembly held in Onion Lake, though John L.: Alright, hearing the Chiefs got it is unclearwhetherhis conviction for down to business is good news. So what impaired driving is the reason for his happens next, with Chief Lonechild? political problems orif there are other Dirk: It is unclear what the next steps issues at play, or both. are for those who want Chief John L.:Are you suggesting that there Lonechild to stay – and there are may be other reasons why the Chiefs of plenty of Chiefs who want that – and Saskatchewan are calling for his resig- for those who want him out. While nation? there are questions whether First Dirk: I may not believe it, but I am Nation laws are being upheld, and thinking it loudly. For instance, here what they really are, I see a couple of we have a Chief that took a courageous interesting issues. stand and did things to save the First John L.: Alright, my breath has been Nation University from ruin. Had he baited, I am at the edge of my seat, I am nottakentheinitiative,theAnti-Indian suitably intrigued. Also, I am itchy. Lay Movement for Loud Empty and the truth on me, brother. Simplistic Solutions would have used Dirk: First, the overwhelming the debacle as a monument to First majority Chiefs of Saskatchewan Nation incompetence and a waste of embody the integrity and honour of taxpayers’dollars. theiroffices. If convicted of something John L.: Is there resentment over his they know they must resign or risk handling of the affair? being dragged out by their ankles by Dirk:Yes, there were a few Chiefs that the authorities. These Chiefs are got their beaks bent over how he puzzled and some are upset that Chief handledthematter.Whilethemajority Lonechild didn’t handle his conviction of Chiefs had no problem with the differently. saving of University, many took issue John L.: Wow, those are strong words, with how it happened. Smarterpeople Dirk. “Embody” was a particularly nice than me know what that means. touch.And the second point? John L.: Smarter people than you, Dirk. Dirk: It takes courage to be a Chief. That I find hardto believe.Arethereother Some say sacrificing the needs of issues dogging Chief Lonechild? family forthe betterment of ourpeople Dirk: Of course there are, John, and hints at a sort of madness. Orcourage. while those issues are legitimate, they The question is, will anyone with the are too complex for me to deal with stones and the brains want to step up here. But almost all share one thing in to the plate after what has happened, common: some Chiefs want Chief right orwrong, good orbad, forbetter Lonechild to take action, while others or worse? Who would want the job? fighting to maintain the status quo and What would our veterans think, the still others have other priorities and oneswhosteppeduptothelittleHitlers wanttogetonwithbusiness.Thisisnot 65 years ago? unusual. John L.: I am impressed, Dirk. This has John L.: What do you mean? This been one of your most serious columns happens a lot? ever. I know most people only think of Dirk: The FSIN Chief is always nego- you as the eye-candy of this outfit. Now tiating and navigating rival and they have to think of you as having, well, competing demands of 74 Chiefs. To a brain. help him – or her in the future – First Dirk:Iknow,Mr.Leftoveroutoverhere. Nation laws and systems have been Brain. Hurting. Next month, Mr. established, thanks to the work started Answer Guy. Readers ... send by our veterans. So this is not a bunch questions. Dirk rest. of yahoos making stuff up as they go Dirk says, Those who forget the pasta along – these are serious people using are doomed to reheat it. seriousprocessestosolveseriousissues. [email protected] 22 Eagle Feather News - Education JULY 2011

AboriginalIn recognition of their accomplishments, graduates 19 graduates received honoured scholarships to encourage at them special to continue their post SIMFC secondary school education. event

By Bill Mintram LegacyAward; Ashley Howe - CHEPGood Food; Dakota PotashCorp;Antionette Mercredi - PotashCorp Program Coordinator Kematch - Saskatoon Police Service; Keaven Simes – Our community would like to thank and recognize our onouring ourAboriginal Grade 12 graduates and SIMFCAthleticAward;SherriDillon-LesBirdMemorial; event sponsor Potash Corp for their monetary, volunteer, encouragingpursuitofpostsecondaryeducationis David Bear - Aboriginal Business Students Association; and scholarship contributions. This sponsorship was made apriorityfortheSaskatoonAboriginalCommunity. KeavenSimes-CentralUrbanMétisFederationInc.;Keaven incorrelationwiththeUnitedWay’sDayofCaringandhas This year the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Simes-GabrielDumontInstitute;JamesDejarlais-Potash- madeanimpactintheeducationalgoalsandoveralllivesof HCentre hosted with excellence the 27th Annual Native Corp; Darren Kayseas - PotashCorp; Anthony Herman - our young people. Graduate Recognition Night. With 46 graduates in atten- danceabanquetandceremonywasheldintheirhonourand recognizing their achievements. To encourage lifelong learningandpostsecondaryeducation19scholarshipswere handed out. The 27thAnnual Native Graduate Recognition Night Scholarship Recipients are: Ashley Howe - Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools SpiritAward; Lisa Henderson - Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Academic Award; Cassidy Eikel - Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Métis JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Business & Careers 23 24 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Entertainment JULY 2011 Poet 7nds clarity, peace

his month, instead of finding art, everyone, but to myself – I noticed that artfound me. Recentlyafriend of everythingchanged,”saysJanelle.“Itwas mine was invited to a barbecue in likeputtingglasseson.Everythingseemed Prince Albert, and I really wanted to go, so clear. Everything just started to make Tso I invited myself along. sense.” Thankfully, my friend was gracious I was super stoked when Janelle enough to allow for my imposition and agreed to share her poem with Eagle happily took me with her. Feather News. It was a gay/lesbian and family barbecue, and I didn’t belong to any of those categories which made me wonder if they might deny me their free food, ha ha. Of coursetheydidn’t.I meta group of wonderful people who made the most delicious bannock burgers I’ve had in ages. I also met a young poet: Janelle Sakebow, 19, from Pelican Lake First Rainbow Nation.Shehadanewpoemstoredonher -Janelle Sakebow Blackberry and she was showing it to her A rainbow glimmering in the friends and family. I asked to see it, and distance, wasblownaway.Itwasapoemaboutgay After every storm, pride and I was immediately reminded of It shines bright, how meaningful art is always an expres- Whispers, dark stares, sion of something. A simple misunderstanding. Art that has no meaning often falls flat and vapid, refusing to plant itself in Hand over mouth, your memory, settling on the outskirts False surprise, somewhere until something exciting and Don’t wind up, inspiringcomesalong,ploughingtheway Let the rain fall, into your soul. For you are that rainbow, All artists need this, want this and Beautiful, diverse, and full of crave it – emotion, impact, resonance. vibrant colors, alive. Sometimes the desire of expression is there, but it just isn’t coming out. Usually Confident, Ithinkwhatblocksartistsistheirbrain,or Comfort, and love is here. Within more accurately, their inner-critics. the storm, One way to handle this is to connect Look beyond and have patience. with the emotion and just create. Your You are beautiful, critic may be allowed in afterwards, to All the colors, be yourself. fiddlewith the technicalelements ofyour And shine forever, craft. But only then! If your inner critic Happy. begins judging your craft at the very beginning, your art will suffer as you “ThiswassomethingIhadwrittenon struggle with your own judgment. my walk home the day before the Pride In the case of Janelle Sakebow’s Parade,” explains Janelle. “I had been poem, it was so rife with emotion that the reflecting on my own experiences and more technical aspects of structure, breaking through, coming out, realizing rhythm and cadence flowed smoothly that it’s more important for me to love behind; accents that enhanced the myself before I can let anyone love me; emotion, but didn’t detract from it. In because people can feel that, when you short, it left an impact on me, and I was have no respect for yourself, why should still thinking of her poem two days later. they?” IrememberedJanellefromthepicnic She attributes much of her peace and and she seemed quite self-assured and happiness with her incredible support proud of herself and her identity.Even as network. we sat together and discussed her poems “AttimesIknowthebiggesthelpwas and her life, she was very comfortable having someone to talk to,” says Janelle. discussing her sexuality.I didn’t mean to She is so grateful for the acceptance pry and seem nosy, but I wanted to try to she experienced that she is now consider- understandhermotivationasawriter,and ing mentoring gay and lesbian youth. If much of it seemed inextricably inter- any youth would like to get in touch with twined with her identity as a lesbian. her for support, to answer questions or It was educational, and humbling, share their experiences, she welcomes really. To sit across from someone who email letters. She can be reached at: has a very different life and perspective [email protected] fromyoucanbeagift,tohelpyouseepart If you have an artist, entertainer or of the world you don’t see. event that you think should be featured in She always knew she was a lesbian, Eagle Feather News, drop me a line at: but she was in denial for a long time. [email protected]. See you next “When I finally came out, not to month! JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Entertainment 25 Loss of Gordon Tootoosis casts pall over SNTC

By Darla Read Tant per Tant, which translates Catalon- “We’re hoping to make it kind of a road in terms of a collaborative. The Of Eagle Feather News ian plays into English and vice versa, is hub of theatre activity on 20th Street.” discussions have already been exciting.” ith heavy hearts, the adminis- a lso housed there. SNTC’s new artistic director, Curtis SNTC has revamped its Performers’ tration and board of directors Playhouse summer drama camp. It kicks of Saskatchewan Native off July 11 in Ile-a-la-Crosse. Peeteetuce Theatre Company try to rebuild and move will lead the camp with youth facilitators Wforward. Forrest Eaglespeaker and Kadane SNTC general manager Alan Long Headley. says that will be tough now that founding There will be week-long camps in board member, Gordon Tootoosis, has Piapot starting July 18, Buffalo Narrows passed away. on July 25 and Saskatoon on August 22. “Abig part of it was his vision. He There are openings the first three stuck it out through all the hard times and weeks in August, too, so Peeteetuce the good times and has always been there encourages people to contact SNTC if for the company to be a figurehead, a they are interested. leader and a role model.” Once the camps wrap up, Peeteetuce Long notes that as SNTC made plans says SNTC will begin prepping for its to downsize and restructure, Tootoosis annual Christmas show and then a profes- stepped up and became a co-chair of the sional show in the spring. board. “We want to just continue the “He always emphasized that the tradition of theatre that SNTC is famous company, for him, was about the youth. for in terms of the quality of production That’s his legacy, really, is the youth that that we do and the quality of story-telling. have come through here.” It’s very much about culture, language and Long says Tootoosis’ presence at history for us.” events, particularly his cultural and While Peeteetuce began his career spiritual knowledge, will be missed the with SNTC in 2001 with the Circle of most. Voices program, he has spent the last eight “Those things were really important, years honing his skills in many areas of that the youth saw someone as successful theatre. as him that was connected to his culture He says it means everything to him to and knew his language. be the company’s AD. “We’re just going to take some time “I definitely came in with stars and to take stock of things and figure out fame and fortune mentality.And, all of the where we go from here.” workshops, all of the artists involved in Long says there are a lot of strong Long says there are definite advan- Peeteetuce, says the move makes sense that program ... really helped me see that Aboriginal people, as well as strong artists tages to three theatre companies sharing from more than just an administrative the arts and culture are part of the human in the community, and he’s sure one of space. point of view. make-up,” he explain s. them will be able to serve on the Board. “La Troupe du Jour works with a “Artistically, I’ve already talked with “It was a really humbling and SNTC recently moved its offices into community outside the mainstream Denis, theAD of La Troupe, and we’ve grounding experience. It’s an opportuni- the offices of La Troupe du Jour on 20th community like we do,” he notes. “You already talked about some great ideas that ty to continue that now that I’ve taken the Street West. Another theatre company, can bounce ideas off each other. we could see a couple of seasons down the helm at AD.” 26 Eagle Feather News - Sports JULY 2011 Tourney helps badminton playerskeepeyeonthe birdie during slow season

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News here was an awful lot of bird abuse going down at Walter Murray High School in early July. No, people weren’t plucking live crows, they were actually hammering badminton birdies at each other Tduring the FirstAnnual NationalAboriginal Badminton Championships. The event was hosted by the Saskatoon Tribal Council asanoptionforyouthwhohadnoeventsforthistimeofyear. “We started to talk about doing this because there was no NAIG last year,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas. “It was a year where there was nothing available for our kids and badminton is a strong part of the winter games and we have a vested interest in keeping the sport going for our kids,” said Thomas. “So we agreed to do badminton and we are hosting it next year but we would like to see it every year.” Over 100 youth and adult athletes attended this year, travelling from across Western Canada for the event. It was kicked off with a clinic run by an Olympic coach Joshua Thomas left, and his partner Wade Harris won the doubles category at the NationalAboriginal and a couple of Olympic badminton players. Badminton Championship in Saskatoon. (Photo by John Lagimodiere) “One of the players said that she wasn’t as talented mixed doubles, doubles and singles in his age group. competitors this year. as some of these kids are at this age,” said Chief Thomas. “The competition here has been really good, not quite “Welook at these events as investments, not costs.We “But through hard work and dedication, she became an as big a tournament as nationals, but still, really good had 102 players this year with open categories. Most Olympic athlete so it gave lots of the kids a boost that competition and practice,” said Joshua who loves players are youth, but there are some older people,” said they can do it, too.” badminton because as he says, “It is the world’s fastest ChiefThomas. “Next year, we host again and the kids that Thomas was on hand watching his son Joshua play. game that involves reflexes and quick movement.” came this year were dedicated and no problems. It was a Joshua had a great tournament to say the least, winning Chief Thomas was happy with the turnout and pleasure to host them and we encourage more next year.” JULY 2011 Eagle Feather News - Sports 27 Thunderchild making final plans for Summer Games

By Alina Perrault ties from Thunderchild – so that we Of Eagle Feather News improve the economy of the region as hunderchild First Nation will be well,” said Villeneuve. embracing a holistic approach as The summer games will kick off on they welcome young aboriginal August 6 with spectacular opening cere- athletes from 13 different Tribal Councils monies. They will begin with the arrival Tto the 35th Saskatchewan Indian Summer of the sacred lance runner. Games in August. “Sacred lance is very similar to a The 4,500 athletes range from 10 to torch run in the Olympics where it goes 17 years old.Among the sports the youth from one past host to the current host so will be competing in are golf, canoeing, that will kick off our opening ceremonies. archery, athletics, soccer, and softball. That’s going to come from Onion Lake Some of the preparations they’ve First Nation and it will end at the opening been working on are the construction of ceremonies,” said Villeneuve. three new soccer fields and updating ball The opening ceremonies will also This runner from Onion Lake went all out at a previous Summer Games. Thun- diamonds. There will be shower trailers, include the parade of athletes, cultural derchild First Nation expects 6000 athletes to visit their community in August. portable washrooms, campsites and dancing, live entertainment, dignitaries, (Photo supplied) plenty of firewood. Athletes will be well and fireworks. fed with mobile kitchens and will have “It’s going to be spectacular opening have that many kids there, you want to those kids have the down time so that they nightly entertainment. ceremonies where, really, it’s going to make sure you’re giving them not only the can attend the career fair, get more leisure Kelly Villeneuve, manager of the rival what the NorthAmerican Indigenous experience of competition, but the holistic time, and start forming relationships with Games, is encouraging visitors to utilize games have done in the past. We’re really approach as well, involving the cultural the different people that are here as well. the canteen on the grounds or support pumped about how that’s going to turn side as well as their future careers,” said We want to encourage that,” said local restaurants and business to help the out,” said Villeneuve. Villeneuve. Villeneuve. region’s economy. Organizers invited business and The biggest thing they are proud of, The Saskatchewan Indian Summer “One of the philosophies of our education institutions to attend to help with the direction Chief Delbert Wapass Games will provide a positive experience games was to make sure that we were athletes plan for the future. They will have and council, is they wanted to have this for the young athletes and visitors. bridging communities in terms of Turtle- daily workshops that talk about teen event on another level in terms of having Thunderchild First Nation is proud to ford, St. Walberg, North Battleford, Edam pregnancy and gangs. all of the kids there for the entire week. host from August 6-11. – you know, the surrounding communi- “It’s that whole philosophy when you “As a host, we want to make sure that www.summergames2011.ca 28 Eagle Feather News - Sports JULY 2011