AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 22 - NUMBER 8

FREE Indigenous judges named to Prov. Court

Judge Murray Pelletier was officially sworn in at the Provincial Courthouse in August 2 and he honored with a blanket from members of his Cowessess First Nation. (Photo by Nathan Raine)

TONY’S LEGACY All of is grieving the loss of respected Elder Tony Cote. But he has left a legacy of accomplishment. - Page 4

LAW ENFORCEMENT Savannah Fox has always wanted to be a police officer and a recent experience confirmed her decision. - Pag e 6

LT.-GOVERNOR MIRASTY Saskatchewan has a new lieu - tenant-governor and for the first time he is a member of a First Nations community. - Page 7

BACK TO BATOCHE The 49th edition of historic Back to Batoche featured some very special surprises this year . - Page 8 By NC Raine time in 20 years, since Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-La - For Eagle Feather News fond’s appointment in 1998, that an Indigenous woman DAY OF MOURNING From 1977 to 2017, Saskatchewan had a mere has been called to the judicial bench in Saskatchewan. The annual Day of Mourning is four First Nations and Métis judges working in the Or in this landmark case, three. coming to honour victims and provincial court. “In my belief – the accused, the victims, their offer hope for the future. In the last year, courtrooms in Saskatchewan have families – when they’re in court and when they see a - Page 11 finally become more diverse, with the historic ap - judge that speaks their language, understands their cul - pointment of four Indigenous judges to the bench: ture and background, where they came from, I believe Justice Edition Michelle Brass, Natasha Crooks, Mary McAuley, and that they feel they’re heard and have a fair trial,” Judge Coming In September - Back to School Issue Murray Pelletier. McAuley told Eagle Feather News. The appointments of Indigenous women (Brass, “So, I think (these appointments are) significant.” CPMA #40027204 Crooks, and McAuley) is historic because it is the first • Continued on Page 2 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2019 2 Judge McAuley wants to continue the level of excellence established by Judge

• Continued from Page One McAuley. McAuley, from Cumberland House Cree Nation, Despite being early in her career on the bench, replaced the recently retired Judge Gerald Morin, who McAuley has made an impact in the courtroom. She was the first Cree-speaking judge in Saskatchewan and speaks of an individual at a recent bail hearing known served for 18 years. Also fluent in Cree, she provides to be aggressive when before a judge. After she re - those appearing in court with the opportunity to express manded the individual, she expected an outburst, but in - themselves in their native Cree tongue. stead the individual thanked her and walked out. “I want to make sure I keep on with that level of “I think they know when they’ve had a fair trial or excellence that Judge Morin established,” said not,” she said. “I think it kind of tips the balance a lit - tle bit where they feel a little more confident when the judge is a peer who knows their background.” McAuley said she hopes that the number of In - digenous judges begins to reflect the number of In - digenous people accused in the criminal justice system. Indigenous people make up 76 per cent of the inmate JUDGE MARY MCAULEY population in Saskatchewan prisons. “I hope (having more Indigenous judges) will cre - Brass, who was sworn in early this year, said it’s ate change. I think, over time, custody will cease to be been a learning experience so far, and she is continuing the only viable option in terms of a sentence. I’m hope - to see that regardless of race, we are all human beings ful that we will be able to bring about change in them facing the same issues. without always having to put them in jail.” A recent study suggests nearly 50 per cent of In - Judge Michelle Brass, from Peepeekisis First Na - digenous children in Canada live in poverty. These tion, is also optimistic that these appointments can high poverty rates are linked with higher crime rates, spark change. Brass, who is the appointed judge at Es - suggests Brass. tevan, hopes to serve as an example for people of all “We’re still dealing with the intergenerational ef - backgrounds in her community. fects of residential school, and our colonial history, “It’s being a role model for other Aboriginal peo - which is contributing to poverty and poverty-related ple that they can aspire to becoming a judge if they so crimes. We’re still dealing with a population boom, wish. It’s bridge building,” said Brass. where our population has increased 30 per cent over the “In Estevan, there aren’t many Aboriginal people, last ten years,” she said. “This isn’t an exhaustive list; so it’s showing to non-Aboriginal people that we are do - this is just looking at why things are the way they are.” ing these jobs, too.” In the wake of some historic trials in Saskatchewan JUDGE MICHELLE BRASS Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2019 3 Appointments will breathe new life into inclusion of Indigenous legal traditions

recently, many in the province have called for changes likely that you’ll be sensitive to it,” she said. to the judicial system. While those changes may still be Paul, who is from English River First Nation, question marks, experts say adding Indigenous per - stresses the significance of these judicial appointments, spectives to courtrooms will foster understanding in saying that it will breathe more life into the inclusion culturally sensitive issues. of Indigenous legal traditions within the overall Cana - “In terms of Aboriginal and treaty rights, there’s an dian legal system. Shoshanna Paul, Aboriginal Law North Chair increasing recognition of Indigenous people’s own laws Even something like Judge McAuley’s fluency in forming the laws of Canada,” said Shoshanna Paul, Cree creates meaningful inclusivity in the courtroom, judicial diversity. Aboriginal Law North Chair in the Saskatchewan she says. “The Calls to Action from the Truth and Recon - Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. “If you think about the language barriers that ciliation Commission (TRC) is the impetus,” said might exist – for some people their first language may Poitras. “When one province starts that kind of move - “Having a brown person in not be English. Do we have a criminal justice system ment, the other provinces can follow suit.” that can accommodate for that? Well, with Judge “We’re adding Indigenous perspectives, experi - the room when there typically isn’t McAuley, yeah. That’s pretty significant.” ence, knowledge, understanding, insight, creativity, to one will definitely change the con - While progress is being made in Saskatchewan, the bench. I expect that will start to come out in deci - sion making.” - Marilyn Poitras the federal government currently has no Indigenous versation.” judges on the Supreme Court. Of the 153 federal judges Poitras noted that the justice system has histori - appointed in Canada from October 2016 to October cally been a racist place, and these appointments may “This raises the question – do we have anyone 2018, only six were Indigenous. bring more accountability in the courtroom. with experience or expertise in our courts in Indigenous Marilyn Poitras, Director at the Wiyasiwewin “Having a brown person in the room when there peoples’ own laws? Being Indigenous doesn’t make Mikiwahp Native Law Centre, said she hopes other typically isn’t one will definitely change the conversa - you an expert in your nation’s laws, but it’ll be more provinces can follow Saskatchewan in increasing their tion.” Eagle Feather News 4 AUGUST 2019 Tony Cote’s legacy will live on

Turtle Island lost an incredible look on his face. He greeted my daugh - 1874. He was a survivor of the Indian man on July 31, 2019, Mr. Antoine ter and I with open arms. He fed us por - Residential School era, which was the “Tony” Cote. ridge, toast and tea. I admired all of his most terrible experience of his life. He passed away at the age of 84 artwork and his memorabilia of his Tony was a Korean War Veteran – due to health complications, surrounded awards. 25th Infantry Brigade, 81st Field Reg - being named after him. by family and loved ones during his last My daughter was infatuated with iment RCA. Tony was Chief of Cote “I’m very proud of it ... they will breath. his collection and she started digging First Nation from 1970 to 1978. always be mentioning my name,” he I had the honour to sit with the around. I tried shooing her away from Tony was the founder of the said in an archived interview. “At least family at the Regina General Hospital touching everything and Tony said, Saskatchewan Indian Summer and I’ll be known for awhile anyway.” while they brought Tony down to the “ahh, just let her be.” One of my Winter Games. He held the first Aside from establishing the sum - Native Health Services smudge room. favourite memories of him. Saskatchewan Indian Summer Games mer/winter games, Tony also estab - I sat and listened to various stories Over the years, I’ve learned so in Cote First Nation 1974. Fast-forward lished the first all-Native Junior ‘B’ of Tony from his loved ones. Although Hockey team in Saskatchewan in the I was saddened, I felt comforted to early ‘70s. He managed a women’s fast - know more about the life he had lived. ball team that took them as far as the I reflected on the time I’ve known Tony. National Indian Activities Association I first moved to Regina back in championships and he formed the first 2006 to pursue my post-secondary stud - all-Native Old-Timers hockey team ies at the First Nations University of called the Wagonburners and they com - Canada (FNUniv). Tony worked as the peted in Alberta, New Brunswick and university’s commissionaire and he sat even as far as Florida. at a kiosk greeting people who walked Throughout his lifetime, Tony had by. many accomplishments that earned him There was something about Tony awards to recognize his contributions. that made him feel like a moshum, so I He received the Tom Longboat award approached him and introduced myself. in 1974 for outstanding sportsman, the We talked about who he knew from my Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2008, home reserve of Beardy’s and Okemasis he was indicted into the Saskatchewan Cree Nation. After that, I was comfort - Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and re - able enough to stop by his desk to chat. ceived the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in During my early morning classes April 2013. at FNUniv, I would stop at the Univer - In November 2018, Tony was sity of Regina’s Tim Hortons café and amongst eight Indigenous athletes and buy us coffee and breakfast sand - builders who were inducted into the wiches. He always had an empty chair Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Game at beside his desk so I would sit and eat the University of Saskatchewan. beside him, catching up on the latest. That’s a lengthy list of accom - I remember one time, a few stu - plishments. Everything he has achieved dents walked by us during our morning in his life will leave an everlasting visits. He leaned in and whispered that legacy for many generations to come. they are dating so and so. I looked at I am proud to have known Tony all him with a surprised look and replied, these years. I will cherish the memories, “how do you know that?” And his re - The last photo I took with Tony Cote at this past Remembrance Day serv - stories and the words of encouragement sponse, “I know a lot that goes on ice held at FNUniv. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes) he left me with. here.” We laughed. My condolences go out to this One summer, I attended a pow - much about my friend, Tony. 45 years, the games were renamed to family, his home community, wow in Keeseekoose First Nation. I Tony is from the Cote First Nation. the Tony Cote Winter/Summer Games Saskatchewan Indigenous Veterans, drove around the Cote reserve search - His great grandfather was Chief Gabriel two years ago to honour the sports en - FNUniv, his friends and all that knew ing for Tony’s house to shower up. Cote who was the main spokesperson thusiast. At the renaming ceremony, I and loved him. He will be missed After almost an hour, I finally found his for all the Saulteaux Tribes during the had the privilege of interviewing Tony dearly but will live forever in our house. He opened the door with a happy signing of Treaty 4, September 15, and ask him his thoughts on the games hearts. AUGUST 2019 Eagle Feather News 5 It was a poopin’ puppy party For no particular reason, I decided to go and The clerk backed away before she had any more puppy turn into a kitty?” make my life 100 per cent more difficult and got a misgivings about my lack of experience with animals. “That could be awhile.” puppy. We decided to take him. While I was paying for the Personally, I'm looking forward to when the pup Well, I did have a reason, I’ve always wanted a dog, one of the clerks said, “Uh, your pup is having some turns into a dog because safety is a concern as a woman dog to go running with. I haven’t run with a dog since problems with diarrhea.” always. I was a teenager and my dog then was a three legged I felt this was the universe testing me. “How bad do The other day I was on a walk with my toddler and sweetie (my family never got dogs, we generally took the pup, and my son asked to go down by the river along in whatever was dropped off in our front yard.) a path. My son is a rather safe boy so I was excited when That dog – a male my mom named Marsha be - he made the suggestion. We were throwing rocks and cause she’s crazy (my mom, not the dog) – always tried playing with the pup when I spotted three men along the to run in front of me which meant that my runs were a shore. I couldn’t see what they were doing so I asked my chaotic mess of trying to run around or jump over our four-year-old who simply replied, “throwing rocks.” I well-meaning crooked-legged pooch. didn’t pay them any more attention. So, my goal was to get a dog big enough to run with. Then we got ready to leave and my toddler jumped But the SPCA only had puppies available. I was shown a back into the stroller (along with being risk-averse, he’s black and grey puppy – the last of a litter. His name was you want a dog, Dawn?” also a bit lazy). I was struggling to get him up the hill when Stormy. They showed us into a “socialization room” I smiled and said, “That’s not a big deal.” I figured those three same men appeared to the right of me on bikes. where my four-year-old and I met him for the first time. he’s a pup, how bad could a little dog’s diarrhea be? Somehow our departures had coordinated at the ex - My toddler wasn’t very impressed and kept trying to My question was answered about ten minutes after act time – a little too perfectly – I immediately felt unsafe get the puppy to play on the cat furniture. I had to explain we got in the house. It went on through the night and into especially since they looked like dirtballs. But luck was that puppies can’t climb. the morning. So, the universe was really testing me: “Hey, with me and right before the first bicycle would have been “Then we should get a baby kitty,” my toddler as - you said you wanted a dog. Here’s a damned dog.” in front of me, the guy wiped out. The other two stopped serted. I somewhat agreed as I’ve always been more of a I called a vet from the SPCA approved list to ask behind him. cat lover than a dog person but running is where dogs have about the diarrhea: “What’s up with puppy diarrhea – how Another stroke of luck; another bicyclist appeared the upper hand. is there more of it than of him?” from the other direction right at that moment. He just The puppy had a cone around his head. The dog at - They assured me that it was perfectly normal and looked like a regular dude and asked the guy who fell if tendant explained that he just had “the operation” and would go away on its own. My second question was, he was okay. needed to keep his cone on for seven days. “Does this vet clinic also handle after hours gunshot I didn’t. I just gave the three dirtballs the patented “Right, so he just got spayed,” I explained to my tod - wounds?” Because you never know, right? Dumont glare. dler. After a couple days, the diarrhea went away and I felt I do feel like the universe was protecting me and my The young woman corrected me. “Neutered.” at peace with my decision as I watched my toddler play kid that day but I won’t be going down there again. Not “Right its cats that are spayed.” with the dog at least until he said, “So, when does our at least until my pup is a solid crotch-biter. Eagle Feather News 6 AUGUST 2019 Cadet program strengthens Samantha Fox’s ambition of becoming a police officer

Law enforcement may be considered one of the hard - Drills was Fox’s favourite class because Const. Be - est jobs there is, but recent Cadet Orientation Police Studies langer gave her the opportunity to be the “right maker.” This (COPS) graduate Savannah Fox is up for the challenge. means she was leader if Belanger wasn’t there. Fox was then From the time she was a little girl Fox has always had responsible for making sure drill and uniforms were perfect, an interest in law enforcement. the department was respectable, and at times, disciplining “Policing has been a long-term interest for me, and I other cadets. thought this program would help me for my future career (as “I had to be somebody for everyone to look up to, and a police officer),” said Fox. I was this because I already knew what drill was because of “It would give me deep insight into what policing is the training I received from air cadets for six years,” said Fox. like. I thought with this program it will help me for my fu - Fox worked so hard in the COPS program she gradu - ture career knowing police officers and knowing how to be ated as valedictorian. She also received Certification of involved with the community.” Completion from the COPS and at the Saskatoon Indian The Saskatoon Police Service eight-week program ran Metis Fellowship Centre graduation on June 15 she re - from February 5 to April 4. ceived the Community Justice and Policing Award. Throughout the program cadets got to do things such “As soon as I entered the program, I wanted to put my as shadow a police officer in a ride-along and sit-along in the foot in and give it my all every day. I had to show up. I could - different units. They also participated in miniature version of n’t miss a day,” said Fox. the Police Officers Physical ability test (POPAT) and did dif - “That motivation has brought me far because I got to ferent drills. be valedictorian and I think that was an amazing reward that There were presentations from the Saskatoon Police I got to receive.” Service Explosive Disposal Unit and from Major Crime Unit In the fall, Fox will be attending Saskatchewan Poly - Staff Sgt. Vince Ashmeade. Participants were also given a technic in Saskatoon for their Aboriginal Policing Prepara - real life crime in the beginning to see if they could solve it tion program and is then considering applying to the police by end of the eight weeks. academy. “I gained an excellent, strong connection with multiple Fox’s goal is to become a police officer not only be - police officers in the Saskatoon Police Service through the cause of her interests in law enforcement, but so she can be COPS program,” said Fox. more involved in and serve her community and be a suc - “A couple of police officers asked me ‘are you going cessful role model to other Indigenous women and youth. to pick up an application on your way out?’ on the day of the She hopes to go into patrolling as it would be something The experience in the COPS Program has led COPS graduation,” said Fox. new every day. Savannah Fox to pursue a career in policing. AUGUST 2019 Eagle Feather News Mirasty Sask’s first Indigenous lieutenant-governor 7

By Kaitlynn Nordal the position, which he graciously ac - tween First Nations and non-First Na - Chief Bobby Cameron. For Eagle Feather News cepted. He feels this role is a tremendous tions people. “This is historic, as this is the first A Lac La Ronge Indian Band mem - responsibility but is looking forward to “I think this is a historic day for our lieutenant-governor in Saskatchewan ber has become Saskatchewan’s 23rd and meeting the people of Saskatchewan. nation and certainly for the province of who is First Nations and the first fluent first Indigenous lieutenant-governor. Mirasty acknowledged the impor - Saskatchewan having someone with not Cree speaker. The relationship in this Former RCMP F Division Com - tance of him being the first person of only Mr. Mirasty’s resume to come into province has been drastically harmed mander Russell Mirasty was sworn in as First Nations descent in the role. this position but with his Aboriginal iden - through systems, through ignorance and Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant-Governor on “That is important to me personally tity. It’s significant to where we are as a through hate. the morning of July 18 at Government (and) I think as well to the province. It nation and a province,” he said. “We have a Queen’s representative House in Regina in a formal ceremony. will be meaningful to how I conduct my Mirasty and Moe have already that is now one of the First Peoples of Mirasty formally takes over this po - duties going forward,” he said. started speaking about some of the things this land. Let’s start repairing our rela - sition from W. Thomas Molloy who died He also feels that this is a step to - they would like to make a priority for the tions by being examples. Lasting change from pancreatic cancer last month. wards building relationships and recon - future of the province. comes with political will.” The lieutenant governor is appointed ciliation. “I look forward to working with Mr. Lac la Ronge Indian Band Chief Mirasty in official and unofficial conver - Tammy Cook-Searson expressed her sations leaning on some of his insight for pride in a band member achieving a pres - the benefit of the government but also tigious role. the people of this province,” said Moe. “I commend Prime Minister Justin Mirasty’s lieutenant-governor du - Trudeau for his great insight on recom - ties started immediately following the mending the appointment of Lac La swearing in ceremony. Ronge Indian Band member Russell Mi - There will be a formal installation rasty, as the new Lieutenant-Governor ceremony at some point in the near future for Saskatchewan,” said Chief Cook- at the Legislative Building. Searson. The swearing in of Mirasty was “Mr. Mirasty is a nation builder lauded by Indigenous leaders. The Fed - and strong community leader. He is eration of Sovereign Indigenous Nations articulate in both his first language of (FSIN) Executive sent their congratula - Cree and English. tory greetings. “We have always been proud of “It was a proud day for First Na - all his accomplishments and we look tions people in Saskatchewan to see one forward to this new chapter for of our own named as the Lieutenant- Saskatchewan, Canada and the 23rd Governor of Saskatchewan so quickly in Lieutenant Governor, Russell Mirasty, light of our recent great loss,” said FSIN Lac La Ronge Indian Band member.”

Russell Mirasty takes the formal oath of office to make him Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant-Governor on July 18 at Government House in Regina. (Photo by Kaitlynn Nordal) by the Governor General of Canada, on Mirasty, who was born and raised in the recommendation of the prime minis - La Ronge, believes this will be helpful to ter. The person in the position serves for him in his new role. five years as a representative of the “We are all a combination of our Queen in their respective jurisdictions backgrounds, families, history and where and gives Royal Assent to new legisla - we grew up and that’s no different for tion. me,” he said. “But it certainly gives me an “As lieutenant-governor of added perspective in terms of the Saskatchewan, I know (Mirasty) will con - province itself and the communities that tinue to make a difference for the people are a part of this great province and it will of his province and all Canadians, and in - be a great benefit.” spire others to create change in their com - Premier was also in at - munities,” Prime Minister tendance during the swearing in cere - said in a press release. mony. Mirasty got the formal call from the Moe also thinks this is a step in the prime minister on July 12, offering him right direction to a better relationship be - 8 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2019 49th edition of Back to Batoche full of surprises

By John Lagimodiere In addition, the fund will support student services Of Eagle Feather News and increase education governance capacity at the post- The 49th annual Back to Batoche celebration was secondary level. Student funding and services will be a resounding success from start to finish. delivered primarily through Gabriel Dumont Institute Hard to argue when the opening ceremonies in - (GDI) of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI) cluded announcements on initiatives including housing, an arm of MN-S. education, safety and justice for Île-à-la-Crosse resi - “As the education arm of the MN–S, GDI is dential school survivors to kick off three days of culture widely recognized for its capacity and its reputation for and honouring of the ancestors. providing services to the Métis of Saskatchewan and Maya Hoskins-Fiddler opened the event with a creating awareness and sharing knowledge on Métis heart-warming rendition of the Métis National Anthem history, culture and education,” said Dr. Earl Cook, and then it was into the good news. Education Minister and chair of Gabriel Dumont Insti - The Île-à-la-Crosse Steering Committee and the tute Board. Métis Nation of Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum “There is so much research that correlates post- of Understanding with the Honourable Carolyn Ben - secondary education as a critical factor in closing the nett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to begin socio-economic gap between Métis and non-Indige - to collaboratively chart a path forward to address the nous populations.” legacy of the Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School. Through Next up was housing. In partnership with the Gov - Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, this process, the parties are hopeful that options can be ernment of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen agreed upon and supported, including addressing the MN-S announced a new program to assist first-time McCallum and Carolyn Bennett, Minister of immediate needs of survivors. Métis homebuyers and promote home ownership. Crown-Indigenous Relations were all smiles at Back (Photo by John Lagimodiere) “This has been a heart-wrenching journey for our Citizens who qualify will be able to access up to to Batoche this year. survivors and families of those students who have $15,000 towards a down payment, and up to $2,500 for passed,” said Glen McCallum, MN-S President. closing costs, if they own the home for at least 10 “We have had promises from other governments years. They will also have access to professional advice over the years that never came to fruition and we ap - from realtors, lawyers and mortgage brokers through proach this with cautious optimism. However, we have the home buying process. built a respectful, honest relationship with Minister “Home ownership for many Métis citizens has Bennett and officials and we have achieved respect in not happened due to a multitude of government policies several areas and I expect we will in this as well.” that perpetuated crippling poverty. We recognize this Île-à-la-Crosse boarding school was operated by and have worked with the federal government on proac - the Province of Saskatchewan and the Catholic Church tive specific actions which will uplift Métis families to from 1906 to 1976. invest in their futures through home ownership,” said Former students of the school were not eligible for Derek Langan, MN-S Housing Minister. compensation under the Indian Residential Schools “Having a secure, stable home to go to is impor - Settlement Agreement, as the school was never feder - tant for families on so many levels, including mental ally operated or administered. and physical health, as well as building wealth. This is Former Île-à-la-Crosse students filed a class action a hand up for our citizens.” against the and Province of The opening ceremonies were topped off with an - Saskatchewan in 2005. Plaintiffs allege that both gov - other MOU, this time with the RCMP. Royal Canadian ernments are responsible for the sexual abuse, physical Mounted Police “F” Division Commander Mark Fisher abuse, cultural abuse, isolation, and mental and emo - and MN-S President Glen McCallum agreed to con - tional abuse that former students endured while at - tinue the work of building trusting and mutually bene - tending the Boarding School. ficial relationships between Métis citizens in Speaking of students, a big leg up was offered to Saskatchewan and the RCMP. current and future ones. The protocol stipulates that the RCMP will rec - President Glen McCallum and Minister of Edu - ognize MN-S as the government for Métis citizens and cation Dr. Earl Cook announced a new 10-year, $89 affirms the need to work together to build stronger, safer million post-secondary fund specifically for Métis stu - communities. dents. Following a presentation from the Citizenship The new post-secondary fund provides direct fi - Registry to President McCallum and his wife Verna of nancial support for Métis post-secondary students in the their genealogy, three days of culture, visiting and cel - form of tuition, books and living allowance. ebrating the land and Métis history commenced. AUGUST 2019 Eagle Feather News 9

Six riders started the Bring The Children Home ride which kicked off in Wahpeton Dakota Nation to raise awareness on the issue of Indigenous children in care. (Photo by Jeanelle Mandes)

Children in foster care, residential school survivors motivaton for 600 km ride

By Jeanelle Mandes According to the Saskatchewan Child and Youth Advocate 2018 Annual Report, Of Eagle Feather News 80 per cent of children in care in Saskatchewan are Indigenous which is a much A two-week horse ride aimed at healing, unity, empowerment, awareness and higher rate than the national average of 50 per cent of children in care who are In - reconciliation strode through north central Saskatchewan making its way south of digenous. the province. An Indigenous organization organized this one of a kind horse ride to bring awareness to the issue of Indigenous children in care. The QBOW Child and Family Services planned a 600 km ride called Bring Home the Children Ride which kicked off in Wahpeton Dakota Nation on August 2. The ride’s final destination is Wood Mountain Lakota Nation in Southern Saskatchewan and the journey is expected to take 13 days to complete. “We’re going to use the spirit of the horse to bring an awareness of the children who are in foster care, residential school survivors and 60s Scoop children to symbolize an effort to bring these children back into their communi - ties,” said Neil Sioux, QBOW Cultural Coor - dinator, in a media release. “This ride will not only bring awareness of this growing blunder, but it will also address the fact that First Nation communities have an in - herent right to self-determination including the right to care for their children.” Earlier in the week, the Bring Home the Children Ride kicked off with a commitment ceremony and pledges where riders spoke about their experiences and intentions for participat - ing in the ride. A horse dance and a sweat cer - emony was held on July 31 with a feast following the day after. Although the ride started off in very hot weather, a convoy of supporters fol - lowed behind which carried water and food for the riders and horses. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron was in attendance along with other Indigenous leadership at the opening ceremony of the horse ride. “Bill C-92 has passed now and this ride will symbolize and signify what we’ve been doing to bring our children back home to where they belong,” he said. “(FSIN Vice-Chief) Morley Watson said something real powerful and it stuck with me and many people across Canada. He said ‘our children are looking out the window wait - ing for us to bring them home.’ Let’s go get them!” The ride continued through to Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, Whitecap Dakota Nation, through the Qu’Appelle Valley First Nations of Piapot, Muscow - petung, Standing Buffalo and will end at Wood Mountain Lakota Nation with a feast on August 13. 10 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2019 Inquest leaves Starr family still looking for justice

By Kaitlynn Nordal hanging so he called for help and of records. some people For Eagle Feather News grabbed Starr to pull him up, Bonkowski •Create a policy for in-cell privacy that need The family of Waylon Starr is fi - said. and inmates blocking their windows. help,” said nally getting answers into his 2017 death Staff then came in, cut Starr’s body •Determine if there are times when Verna. in the Regina Correctional Centre. down and tried to resuscitate him but to incidents are more likely to occur and in - She The inquest into his death wrapped no avail. Starr was pronounced dead at crease staffing and checks. hopes these up on July 25 at Court of Queen's Bench the scene. •Develop a more formal method for changes pre - in Regina. During the inquest’s final proceed - the inmate’s family to alert staff and vent other According to the record, Starr ar - ings, Coroner Brent Gough, reminded leave messages if there are any issues. suicides in rived at the Regina Provincial Correc - the jury that their recommendations and •Conduct mock rescue drills with the future. tional Centre on July 5, 2017, on remand findings were to be based solely on the staff. “It is where he was being charged with break testimony heard from the witnesses and After the inquest Coroner Gough my hope, be - and enter and being unlawfully in a exhibits that were available. thanked the family for attending and ask - cause I have WAYLON STARR dwelling. After deliberating for roughly four ing questions during the proceedings. a lot of relatives that are in the same sit - On July 28 Starr was sentenced to hours, the jury came back with their find - “I cannot tell you how important it uation and some of them did try and 82 days at the Correctional Centre. Au - ings and recommendations. is for the operation of the system for peo - commit suicide but they were there for gust 24, 2017 went per usual with Starr The six jurors agreed that Starr died ple to participate,” Gough said. Gough them right away,” said Verna. going through his usual activities and on August 24, 2017 at 23:23 at the also said their input was reflected in the However, she still wants to see calling his mother and said “I’ll call you Regina Provincial Correctional Centre recommendations and could prevent someone held responsible for her son’s tomorrow.” and his cause of death was asphyxiation deaths in the future. death through the justice system. Brian Bonkowski, an investigator by hanging which resulted in suicide. The jury also expressed their con - “My confidence level is kind of low with the Ministry of Corrections, gave They also came back with recom - dolences and said some have also lost right now because it seems so unreal,” the inquest jury a minute by minute ac - mendations which will be sent to RPCC. family members to suicide. said Verna. count of the night’s activities. Because of There recommendations were to: Starr's mother, Verna, said she was “I want to see someone held ac - an alleged altercation with his roommate, • Provide timely access to elders. happy about the recommendations for countable, because somebody shouldn’t Starr was alone in his cell for the night. •Require mandatory suicide pre - elders and a new system for families to be pleading to talk to an elder. They That evening he did see the nurse vention training for all staff, with re-cer - contact workers. (prison officials) are not taking them (in - about stomach pains, but he was returned tification every three years. “I was very happy because maybe mates) seriously enough. They should to his unit. He was checked at 8 p.m., but •Review cultural awareness train - they’ll lift their phones up and get off take them seriously when they admit they then not again until 10:27. When the ing offered to staff with consultation their asses and stand up and listen to tried to commit suicide the day before.” guard came by for cell checks he from First Nations elders. •Require staff knocked on the door to check on Starr briefing at every shift change. noting the covered windows. When the •Audit all log books regularly to en - door was finally opened Starr was found sure correct record keeping and legibility AUGUST 2019 Eagle Feather News 11 It is possible to find justice and peace from within

When I look at my daughters, I It took some time to get used to and it is another to find solutions from therefore could not gather and discuss see the future and there is nothing more being sober and saying no to things and those problems. matters. sacred than that. people that are not good for me. As I do not have it all figured out. I We need each other and we are The future of our innocent chil - time passes – I am now six years sober am still a student. I have been fortunate more powerful together. I attended the dren is dependent on our actions today. – that anxiousness to cross paths Assembly of First Nations this past The world they have to grow up in is from change and with many peo - week in Fredericton and I know AFN not ideal and there is a lot of injustice shifting into a new ple I look up takes a lot of criticism, but I would that needs to be dealt with. and improved version to. This path, I never lump every chief and leader into I believe deeply in being the of myself has faded. I feel, is search - the same category. change you want to see in the world. am able to embrace ing for justice I also see many leaders working Your life can change in matter of myself and my mis - in a world built hard for their Nations and creating pos - years. I went from being a lost and takes I made in the on genocide. itive change. The positive outcomes drunk adolescent to a sober mother pur - past and allow it to Nothing need to also be highlighted. suing her law degree. The amount of make me into a per - happens The media and social media are growth that has happened in the past son who is always learning, healing and overnight. This work has taken genera - good at focusing on the negative and few years is incredible. The amount of growing. tions and the torch continues to be creating its own narrative. There is only work and hours put into balancing all of Once you get used to change and passed down. The warriors of the past so much we can do and so much time this alone is far from easy. It is justice meeting people who appreciate you for and their work continues to be alive we have here. Nothing is perfect, no I am looking for. you, it makes it easier to find and share through us. one is perfect and yes, we have all been It is also about finding your peo - your gifts with the world and give back. The Indigenous activists and schol - colonized and now we are waking from ple. The people who have your back, This giving back is healing within ars who came before us and started cre - that colonial slumber, but instead of be - who care about you, this world and itself and I think for me is a way of ating waves of change and opening up ing pitted against each other, let’s come what they role model to their children seeking justice. Finding justice and new doors for us to go through has cre - together. and the young ones around them who peace within myself first and then using ated space for us today. Indigenous peo - We need our people represented look up to them. that strength to find the answers I need ples are underrepresented in profes - in all professions. We need doctors and So much abusive behavior and to find outside of me. sional institutions and these are spaces lawyers who will support our people. treatment has been normalized and The thing about today is, we have we also need to take back to continue We need artists, actors and film pro - passed down that we accept it. the privilege to access information at changing the narrative just by our pres - ducers to share our stories from our I have come to a place in my life our fingertips. We can research, study, ence and showing up. perspectives. We need activists and where I cannot accept disrespect any - learn and therefore grow. While learn - Divide and conquer was the trade workers so we can rebuild our more. I have walked away from people ing the facts we also need to keep in agenda by displacing our people onto Nations and traditional governance sys - who have bad vibes and put me or other mind the solutions. It is one thing to ad - tiny plots of land (reserves) where we tems. people down. dress harms done to us and our peoples could not leave without a pass and Wawohoda (Respectfully) Day of Mourning honours victims, educations youth

By Andréa Ledding “They do the entire program, the day For Eagle Feather News of.” “We do this every year to mourn All the youth involved have been af - the victims who have lost their lives to fected directly or indirectly by those the sex trade, whether it’s through ill - whose lives have been lost. ness, murder, suicide, addictions — “We help plan how the events are that’s what we do, we get together every going to take place, the dignitaries, enter - year on this day and do a walk, and can - tainment, program,” explained Shelby La dlelit vigil, and a feast after,” explained Rose, who has been on the youth com - Jackie Schell, committee member for the mittee for some time. 20th annual Day of Mourning for casu - “There are about nine on the com - alties of the sex trade. mittee right now, some who are just learn - The day originated with the youth at ing and others who have been on the com - Egadz who lost a good friend to the sex mittee multiple years.” trade and wanted her commemorated. Their desire is to create hope, dig - Since then, 142 names of children, women nity, and self-respect out of these tragedies and men from Saskatoon have been by affirming commitment and concern Cree Crain, Lendy Beaudry, Jackie Schell and Shelby La Rose hold up a me - placed on the list of deceased or missing for the victims and their families, so that morial blanket for the Annual Day of Mourning, for those lost to the sex trade victims of the sex trade, and the Day of they feel part of a caring community. in Saskatoon. (Photo by Andréa Ledding) Mourning is now officially recognized by “This day is so important to bring the Province of Saskatchewan as being awareness to the sex trade in Saskatoon these people, it’s important to gather,” Mike Scott’s music group “Brown Kids August 14 of every year. and how big it is, and it’s also a really noted La Rose. “This year we also part - Shine” debuting a song especially written The hope is to not only support beautiful event,” noted Schell. “The dig - nered with the Missing Persons Liaison. for the day and event, and videos created friends and family through the loss, but nitaries, the Elders, the drummers; it’s They are coming to speak this year, which by the youth. Everyone is invited to attend. educate others on the risks and dangers of just a wonderful positive environment, is new.” The event is supported by Affinity the lifestyle, acting preventatively. everyone comes together and it feels The focus is on the families of the Credit Union, Egadz Saskatoon Down - “The youth are the main drive. We nice.” victims, the committee noted, whether town Youth Centre and the youth organ - do background work like funding, but the By honouring those who have lost they’re still missing their loved ones or it’s izing committee. youth do everything else,” explained their lives on the street to exploitation, confirmed that they have passed away. “We invite one and all to join us in Schell. they not only create community support, The evening begins with a memorial honouring the victims on this very im - “We wouldn’t be able to do it with - but educate high-risk youth and others walk after gathering at Pleasant Hill Park portant occasion,” said Schell of the out the youth committee, and they are about the root causes of the sex trade, and at 6:30 p.m., followed by a return to the event that takes place August 14 in Pleas - very dedicated youth who ensure this hap - the very real dangers and risks involved. park for a program and traditional feast of ant Hill Park on Ave S between 20th and pens. “Even to support the families of soup and bannock. Entertainment includes 21st beginning at 6:30 pm. 12 Eagle Feather News AUGUST 2019