Spring 2016 Vol. 17, Issue 1

Voice of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation

As the NWTMN heads into Land This new database will include: and Resources Final Agreement Enumeration needed for Final Agreement • General Information (the “Final Agreement”) Each individual member entry negotiations, the enumeration of will also display information Métis members will be one of the that will allow the NWTMN to main priorities for the Northwest create various reports — such Territory Métis Nation. as creating a list of deceased members, a list of members This concerted effort among the above or below a certain age Fort Resolution Métis Council, range, or a contact sheet and the Hay River Métis Government mailing list so we may inform Council, the Fort Smith Métis our members about upcoming Council to enumerate Indigenous activities. Métis throughout Canada will ensure that the NWTMN holds a • Genealogy Information complete membership list as we Members will have access to commence Final Agreement and family lineage pages, which self-government negotiations. displays concentric rings of ancestors, representing the Eligibility requirements generations of the member’s The NWTMN Agreement-in- direct ancestors. Principle sets out the following criteria for eligibility in the To verify the genealogical NWTMN Land and Resources information, we require Final Agreement (the “Final supporting documentation. The Agreement”): following is a list of supporting documentation that will be accepted: Enumeration • long-form birth certifcate; • baptismal certifcate; Priorities • birth certificate of parents, grandparents and • P o t e n t i a l M é t i s great-grandparents; beneficiaries who are • custody orders for permanent living throughout Canada custody; and are encouraged to apply • adoption certificates. for enumeration We strongly encourage all • If you are not sure of potential Indigenous Métis your ancestry, contact us benefciaries throughout Canada and we will help identify to submit an enumeration your eligibility as an boundaries. legal defning for used be to not and only purposes illustrative for used be to is and prejudice without is map This application. You do not have to NWTMN member NORTHWEST TERRITORY MÉTIS NATION PROPOSED AGREEMENT AREA - AGREEMENT -IN-PRINCIPLE (2015) live in the The agreement area set out in this map does not defne the extent of the NWTMN’s traditional territory. Indigenous Métis to be a beneficiary of the of the NWTMN harvest wildlife, including bison and caribou, beyond the Agreement Area. The key negotiation objective NWTMN Land and Resources Naomi Champagne for the NWTMN is to ensure the traditional harvesting activities continue throughout the NWTMN traditional territory. Final Agreement. Individuals There are various negotiation and legislative options to accommodate the continuation of NWTMN traditional harvesting Enumerations Clerk who are potential benefciaries activities. For the NWTMN, the issue of “extinguishment” of the aboriginal rights of the NWTMN is not under negotiation. (867) 872-2770 of the NWTMN process and are [email protected] 3.1.1 An individual will Métis is defined as follows: An individual may not be Updated database now living across Canada should be eligible to be enrolled an Aboriginal person of enrolled under the Final The enumeration working group apply to be enumerated today. under the Final if he or she is , or Agreement and: developed an updated digital data Box 720 Canadian citizen who: ancestry who resided in, A. receive benefits or entry program designed to securely We want to provide the best 138 Simpson Street A. is Métis; or used and occupied any part exercise rights under a treaty; store our members information. services and most suitable Fort Smith, NT B. was adopted as a Child, of the Agreement Area on B. be on an Indian Act The enumeration database will also governance for the members of X0E 0P0 under Laws or under NWTMN or before December 31, band list; feature security on enumerations the Northwest Territory Métis custom, by a Métis or is a 1921, or a descendant of C. be enrolled under a documentation so there are no risks Nation — even those living in descendent of such person. such person. Land Claims Agreement. to members providing information. southern Canada.

On July 31st, 2015, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories signed the Northwest Territory Métis Nation Land and Resources Agreement-in-Principle.

Our Agreement-in-Principle can be read in full at www.nwtmetisnation.ca Métis assert rights in WINGS The Voice of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation Thaidene Nëné Box 720 • Fort Smith, NT • X0E 0P0 Phone: (867) 872-2770 • Fax: 1-867-872-2772 • Toll-Free Phone: 1 (866) 872-6866 Northwest Territory Métis Nation President Garry Bailey: (867) 394-4015 • [email protected] Vice President Betty Villebrun: (867) 621-0917 • [email protected] Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Beck: (867) 874-6457 • [email protected]

Métis Community Councils Fort Resolution President Arthur Beck: (867) 394-4151 • F: 1-867-394-3322 • [email protected] NORTHWEST TERRITORY MÉTIS NATION PRESIDENT, GARRY BAILEY, displays NWTMN Fort Smith President signage within our traditional territory. This is a Ken Hudson: 867-872-2643 • F: 1-867-872-5225 • [email protected] screenshot from the video Northwest Territory Métis Nation - Thaidene Nëné / East Arm – which is now Hay River President available online. Trevor Beck: (867) 874-4442 • F: 1-867-874-4472 • [email protected] The NWTMN has been negotiating an Impact and Benefit Agreement in Respect of the Establishment NWTMN Staff of the Proposed East Arm National Park with Parks Canada since December 2013. On June 10, 2015, the Executive Director NWTMN Chief Negotiator and the Federal Parks Negotiator signed a Negotiator’s Agreement regarding Ursula Vogt: (867) 872-2770 • [email protected] the Impact and Benefit Agreement in respect of the Administrative Assistant establishment of the Proposed East Arm National Park. A Negotiator’s Agreement has been signed Arlene Mandeville: (867) 872-2770 • [email protected] to indicate there is agreement between the Parties regarding most aspects of the Impact and Benefit Communications Manager Agreement. Important details such as the boundary Kyle Napier: (867) 872-2770 • (867) 621-1025 • [email protected] of the proposed park, name of the proposed park and the financial package must be determined prior Manager to entering into the Impact and Benefit Agreement. Vance Sanderson: (867) 872-2770 • F: 1-867-872-2404 • [email protected] The outstanding issues will be resolved upon Canada Enumeration Clerk receiving a mandate with respect to the outstanding issues when the new federal government is formed Naomi Champagne: 867-872-4044 • (867) 872-0001 • [email protected] after the federal election. Finance Manager Unlike the Métis historical experience with Wood Jennifer Heron: (867) 872-2770 • [email protected] Buffalo National Park, through the Impact and Benefit Agreement with Parks Canada the NWTMN Finance Clerk / Travel will continue to exercise our Aboriginal rights. The Bev Pischinger: (867) 872-2770 • 867-621-0602 • [email protected] draft Impact and Benefit Agreement will: Human Resources / ASETS Manager • not impact any asserted Aboriginal rights of the NWTMN; Pearl Bird: (867) 872-2770 • F: 1-867-872-2772 • [email protected] Lands and Resources Coordinator • provide the NWTMN with representation on the park management board equal to Parks Canada; Tim Heron: (867) 872-2770 • F: 1 (867) 872-2772 • [email protected] • provide Métis members with advance notice of Lands and Resources Clerk contracting opportunities and details regarding the Kelsey Heron: (867) 872-2770 • [email protected] contracting process; • through the NWTMN’s involvement on the park management board, the NWTMN will develop guidelines for the issuance of business licenses; Training Fund

• ensure best efforts will be made to maximize ASETS Manager apprenticeship and summer student job opportunities Pearl Bird: (867) 872-2770 • [email protected] for Métis Members; Career Counselor • provide the NWTMN with representation on Candice Mercredi: (867) 872-2770, ext. 33 • [email protected] the hiring committee for Parks Canada employees within the proposed National Park; Employment Counselor • recognize the Métis history and culture in the Michelle Larocque: (867) 669-8906 • [email protected] promotional material for the proposed National Park; and Community Field Workers • recognize Métis place names in the promotional Fort Resolution material for the proposed National Park. Trudy King: 867-394-4151 • F: 1 (867) 394-3322 • [email protected] The NWTMN produced a short film of interviews conducted during a ground-truthing mission in the Fort Smith Thaidene Nëné. Trevor Evans: 867-872-2770 • F: 1 (867) 872-2772 • [email protected]

The video is available on YouTube, and can be Hay River viewed by searching: NWTMN George Lafferty: 867-874-4470 • 867-874-4472 • [email protected]

Wings Spring 2016 Page 2 NWTMN: self-government framework agreement in discussion

SENIOR NEGOTIATOR FOR INDIGENOUS AND NWTMN LEADERSHIP AND EXECUTIVE STAFF NORTHWEST TERRITORY MÉTIS NATION NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA, CHRISTIE discuss community land selections, scholarships, court PRESIDENT, GARRY BAILEY, (far right) in negotiations MORGAN, (second from the right) discusses funding cases and engagement related to the process at a Board with the Parties at a Main Table discussion in Edmonton, contributions related to agreed upon milestones. of Director’s meeting in Edmonton. December 2015. The NWTMN Land and Resources • implementation plans and The parties to the self- NWTMN Constitution Phases of self-government Agreement-in-Principle includes fnancial arrangements relating government negotiations will The NWTMN Constitution will The NWTMN plans to negotiate a Self-Government Negotiations to self-government agreements; be developing a self-government provide the framework for governance self-government in two key phases: chapter. • accountability to members of work plan and a schedule for self- of the NWTMN. The parties involved in the the government and designated government negotiations. In general, the Constitution will Phase 1: Models of Governance negotiations are the Northwest Métis organizations; Upon conclusion of the describe the relationship between The NWTMN will determine Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN), • legal status and capacity of the negotiation of the self-government Métis Members, the NWTMN and respective authorities among the Government of Canada government and designated Métis agreement, Métis members will Métis Councils. designated Métis organizations (Canada), and the Government organizations; and vote to approve the self-government The NWTMN Constitution will and internal law-making authorities, of the Northwest Territories • transition the NWTMN to a agreement. Throughout the include the following details: management of administration and (GNWT). Together, these groups self-governing and law-making self-government negotiation • NWTMN Government (Board/ fnances, and land-use planning and prepared a draft Self-Government authority and the Councils to process, the NWTMN will engage Executive) including powers, duties, management over our own respective Framework Agreement, which will designated Métis organizations. Indigenous Métis members. composition and membership Métis lands. be reviewed at a forthcoming Main • Recognition of Designated Métis Table sessions. T h e n e g o t i a t i o n a n d Self-government Organizations (Métis Councils) and Phase 2: Policies and Programs implementation of Self-Government On the effective date of the Final their authority The NWTMN government will The purpose of the Self- will be grant funded by Canada Agreement, the NWTMN may be • Term of offce deliver and administer programs and Government Framework similar to other self-government deemed a self-governing authority • Election rules and procedures services based on language, culture, Agreement is to facilitate the 2 agreement negotiations. with limited self-governing powers • Procedures for general meetings, education and training. There will stage negotiation process. Stage The Framework Agreement: and law-making authority in place, board meetings and meetings of the also be a focus on providing economic 1 of the negotiation may include • sets out an approach to, and a if the parties agree to proceed with executive development programs, affordable the negotiation of the following process for negotiations; self-government. • Financial administration housing, child welfare, and income matters: • identifies the scope of The parties may consider Phase standards support options. This could lead • the requirements of a negotiations; and 2 self-government negotiations • A system of political and fnancial into methods for developing and Constitution; • establishes an agenda and over the delivery of programs and accountability to Métis Members improving our own local government • models of governance; timetable for negotiations. services after the Effective Date of • Confict of interest rules infrastructure, such as overseeing • governing structures, the Final Agreement (e.g. housing, • Process for making NWTMN our own buildings and roads. management and administration; Self-government negotiations education and training, culture and Laws by the NWTMN Government • use, management and for the Northwest Territory Métis language, social services, health • Conditions under which the The NWTMN plans to continue administration of Métis Land; Nation will begin upon the signing services, child welfare, customary NWTMN may sell or lease land consulting members with respect to • management of funding and of the Self-Government Framework adoption, policing, etc.) • Financial principles include governance structures; models; and revenue; Agreement. guidelines, re: expenditure of capital a NWTMN constitution.

Are you Métis and from the South Slave?

If you or anyone you know may be eligible for NWTMN membership — or needs to update their information — please contact our enumeration ofce today.

Enumeration Clerk Naomi Champagne [email protected] W: (867) 872-4044 F: (867) 872-2404 www.nwtmetisnation.ca

Page 3 Spring 2016 Wings NWTMN ASETS partners with programs The Aboriginal Skills and Courses Delivered ASETS Eligibility Employment Training Strategy ASETS is partnering with Aurora College, and Residence (ASETS) from the Government Service Canada, and the GNWT’s of Canada offers regional training Department of Education, Culture and • Métis clients residing in the Employment and Akaitcho Territorial communities of Fort Smith, opportunities for Métis, First Government to deliver community-based Nations, Inuit and non-status regional programs. The application dates Fort Resolution, Hay River and Aboriginals who are unemployed are subject to change, so watch for new Yellowknife will be eligible for or underemployed. The Northwest postings online and in the community. funding Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) delivers ASETS to Métis clients • Environmental Monitoring Training • Clients must provide any Métis (five-day diploma) — students will residing in Fort Smith, Hay River, status and proof of residency in Fort Resolution and Yellowknife. have knowledge of community-based monitoring, compliance and remediation, order to be eligible to receive This program is provided governmental aspects, and traditional training funds. based on Métis membership, and knowledge. Pearl Bird is not dependent on NWTMN • Office Administration (two-year membership. diploma) — Aurora College: program ASETS Manager graduates will have the knowledge (867) 872-2770 The NWTMN ASETS program and skills required for today’s office [email protected] is offered in accordance to our environment, with an emphasis on agreement with the Government of working in northern communities. GRADUATES OF THE FORESTRY PROGRAM are celebrated for The goal of the program was to get Canada. ASETS also partners with their successful pilot course of the Forestry Operator Program at students right into employment, GNWT-ECE, regional business, Upcoming Courses Queen Elizabeth Park, Fort Smith. as FOP graduates would have the industry, and training institutions • Driver Training — Fort Resolution knowledge and skills to harvest by to deliver student programming. (five-day certificate) students will be Métis HEO The four-month program will be Fall. There are current discussions trained and tested to drive Class 4, 5, or 7. ASETS is also partnering with offered in Fort Smith. You must around running the Forestry Priority for the Heavy Equipment Operator meet Aurora College’s entrance Operator Program again. upgrading students • Safety Training — Fort Resolution program at Aurora College, requirements. Academic Upgrading is a priority and Hay River: students will have an securing two seats specifically Grade 10 had been a requirement for the fund, due to limited understanding of safety around various for interested Métis students who Forestry course helped for the program, but students funding available for those construction environments. apply at the Thebacha Campus for Fall harvest without their Grade 10 could also in Fort Smith. Graduates will The Forestry Operator Program enter by passing a placement test. students hoping to complete • Construction Basics (two-month have experience running several (FOP) was a 60-day training This program was delivered in their GED. This program will also diploma, in March) — Hay River and heavy equipment machines of program which provided the partnership with Aurora College, allow students to increase their Fort Resolution Community Learning choice safely, and will be trained basic skills for harvesting, forest ECE, Service Canada, Northwest grades to increase the students Center: strengthens the skills needed to to operate heavy equipment in safety, and hands-on time with Territory Métis Nation, Dehcho chances of being accepted as a build the planned health center in Fort northern communities and across harvesting simulators which ran , and Treaty #8 student in their preferred feld. Resolution. Canada. last summer. Tribal Council. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE The Northwest Territory Métis Nation leadership established a scholarship program to support the development of our membership through education and training. Scholarships are available to high school, trades, college and university students. The program offers 21 scholarships with a total value of $15,750. $750 APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, annually Scholarship applications are accepted throughout the year Applications available at nwtmetisnation.ca/training.html For more information, please contact Pearl Bird at (867) 621-0144 or [email protected]

Wings Spring 2016 Page 4 2016 Update on Court Proceedings

Akaitcho Litigation Agreement-in-Principle. The territory of the NWTMN for In early 2012, the Akaitcho Dene NSMA argue that the Minister traditional activities, including commenced litigation against failed to consult and accommodate hunting, fshing, trapping and Canada. The Akaitcho Dene claim meaningfully William Enge in his harvesting resources from that Canada did not meaningfully representative capacity as president plants and trees. The harvesting consult them with respect to any of the NSMA with respect to activities of Indigenous Métis proposed recognition of Métis potential adverse effects on the are elements of the customs and rights or Canada’s land and Aboriginal rights of William Enge traditions of the distinctive culture resource negotiations with the and NSMA members by the Final of the NWTMN. As Indigenous Northwest Territory Métis Nation Agreement as signifed by the Métis, we are entitled to utilize (“NWTMN”), an Intervenor in Northwest Territory Métis Nation the entire NWTMN territory for this litigation. The Akaitcho Dene Agreement-in-Principle. the carrying out of our traditional have not taken any further steps to The main objectives of the activities. The aboriginal rights of forward their application at this time. NSMA’s application include the the NWTMN are constitutionally The North Slave Métis Alliance desire to be added to the NWTMN protected by section 35(1) of the (“NSMA”) applied to become an Land and Resource Negotiations Constitution Act, 1982: Intervener in this matter in January as a fourth council, the acquisition of 2015. of a separate land and resource NWTMN PRESIDENT, GARRY BAILEY (LEFT), sits with the Jake 35 (1) The existing aboriginal This application was opposed negotiation process or to ensure Heron, Chief Negotiator for the NWTMN (centre), and Darwin Hanna, … rights of the aboriginal by Canada and the NWTMN and a that any fnal NWTMN Land and Legal Counsel for NWTMN (right). peoples of Canada are hereby hearing was held in June of 2015. Resources agreement does not apply recognized and affrmed. The parties expect that a decision to NSMA members. Aboriginal Rights of and occupied lands in the NWT will be rendered shortly by the The NSMA’s application was the Indigenous Métis of well before Canada asserted The use of the words “recognized Federal Court. opposed by Canada, the Government the Northwest Territory sovereignty in the NWT. The and affrmed” indicates that the of the Northwest Territories and the Métis Nation Aboriginal rights of Indigenous Crown has already accepted the NSMA’s Judicial Review NWTMN. These parties have fled The Indigenous Métis of the Métis of the Northwest Territory existing Aboriginal rights. The Application the written evidence they wish to Northwest Territory Métis Nation Métis Nation are derived from aboriginal rights of the NWTMN On August 26, 2015, the NSMA rely upon and cross-examinations (“NWTMN”) share language the collective actions, shared are inherent rights; not dependent applied for a judicial review of concerning this evidence will be (Cree, Chipewyan, Michif, language, traditions and shared upon any other Aboriginal group. the Minister of Indian Affairs and held some time this spring. It is Slavey), customs, traditions, historical experiences of our Northern Development’s (the anticipated that the hearing on the historical experience, territory ancestors and Indigenous Métis. The NWTMN will continue to “Minister”) decision to sign the merits of this case will be held this and resources. The NWTMN, as Indigenous Métis regularly exercise our aboriginal rights to Northwest Territory Métis Nation fall. an Indigenous people, has used use and occupy the traditional maintain our way of life.

Northwest Territory Métis Nation Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is the Northwest Territory Métis Nation? The Northwest Territory Métis Nation (“NWTMN”) is a representative body comprised of three councils: the Fort Resolution Métis Council, the Fort Smith Métis Council and the Hay River Métis Government Council. The NWTMN mandate is to serve and protect the interests of Indigenous Métis. This mandate includes the affirmation, protection and recognition of Métis aboriginal rights throughout the traditional territory of the NWTMN. A brief history of the Indigenous Métis of the South Slave region can be found in the Northwest Territory Métis Nation Declaration, which is available on the NWTMN website at: www.nwtmetisnation.ca Q. Who is eligible to be a beneficiary of the NWTMN land and resources agreement? An individual will be eligible to be enrolled under the Final Agreement if he or she is a Canadian citizen who: a. is Métis; or b. was adopted as a Child, under Laws or under NWTMN custom, by a Métis or is a descendent of such person.

Métis is defined as an Aboriginal person of Cree, Slavey or Chipewyan ancestry who resided in, used and occupied any part of the Agreement Area on or before December 31, 1921, or a descendant of such person. An individual may not be enrolled under the Final Agreement and: a. receive benefits or exercise rights under a treaty; b. be on an Indian Act band list; c. be enrolled under a Land Claims Agreement. To verify the genealogical information, we require supporting documentation. The following is a list of supporting documentation that will be accepted:

• long-form birth certificate; • baptismal certificate; • birth certificate of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents; • custody orders for permanent custody; and • adoption certificates. Q. What is the history of negotiations with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation? The Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) have been negotiating since the 1996 South Slave Métis Framework Agreement. The current outcome of these negotiations are available in the Northwest Territory Métis Nation Agreement-in-Principle (AiP), which was signed July 31, 2015. This AiP is available on our website. Our Agreement-in-Principle guides the negotiations as the three parties approach the signing of our Final Land and Resources Agreement. This final agreement is expected to be signed within the next three years. The subjects of our agreement which are currently under negotiation include eligibility and enrolment; wildlife, fish, plant and tree harvesting; Métis land and respective access; water management; subsurface resources; Wood Buffalo National Park and other National Parks; protected areas; heritage resources; financial payments; mineral royalties; economic measures; taxation; ratification of the final agreement; implementation; dispute resolution; Métis organizations; self-government negotiations; and approval of the Agreement-in-Principle.

Page 5 Spring 2016 Wings SWEEP meets at Roaring Rapids Community monitoring strategies discussed

For three days, local Shared responsibility aboriginal governments, among communities southern scientists, and A big priority for the representatives from SRDP is to share the regional municipalities responsibilities among and the Government of the com mu nities — a the Northwest Territories change from the top- ( G N W T ) d i s c u s s e d down involvement from the Government of the environmental research and Northwest Territories. water monitoring along the Tim Heron, Lands and and Delta. Resources Manager with the NWTMN says, “Over Together, these groups the years, I’ve observed make up the Slave River and the same common goals. Delta Partnership (SRDP), Water is for everybody and have met every year to — it’s not just for one Photos provided by SWEEP. discuss the results of the Slave Photos provided by SWEEP. territory or nation — and Watershed Environmental we’ve got a lot of it. So, we Effects Program (SWEEP) SHAWN MACKAY, environment coordinator for Fort THE RESULTS of last year’s water monitoring on the must manage it together.” since the Fall of 2010. Resolution Métis Council, wades through murky waters Slave River shows that 2015 had the lowest water depth where he once boated to retrieve his samples. since record-keeping began 50 years ago. The group discussed p o s s i b l e m o d e l s f o r Lowest water level, sharing water-monitoring massive ice pockets installing cameras meant Earl Evans is a Fort Smith “A lot of those previous nobody present was able responsibilities, including 2015 was the lowest water to monitor migrating bird Elder who spends much of islands are dried up and are to answer as to how these discussing what a potential level recorded on the populations along the his time along the Slave now part of the mainland,” massive ice pockets governing SRDP board Slave River for the late river. He had difficulties River. During the meeting, says Earl Evans, retired, who formed. and committee might summer months (August accessing the cameras, and he shared his past experiences now spends nearly half of his However, the g roup look like. The discussions — September) since record had to pull the boat through along the water — boating time out in the bush. discussed the safety of suggested more localized involvement from land- keeping began in the 1960s. the shorelines. around islands, fshing and Earl also sent researchers these ice pockets, as some users of the area, Elders trapping in abundance. Earl video of him busting areas along the Slave River and professionals, as well Shaw n MacKay, the MacKay says there is has noticed some big changes, through huge, pressurized are now more prone to as equal participation environment coordinator now an extra 50 to 60 and says he’s no longer able ice pockets along the Slave breaking and cracking and representation from with Fort Resolution feet of shoreline that to boat safely outside of the River that hadn’t existed underfoot than they have all regional aboriginal, Métis Council, assisted hadn’t been there when main river because the water in that size before. In the been any time in living territorial and municipal the SWEEP program by he started. is so low. following discussions, memory. governments.

The Slave River and Delta Partnership is guided by three community questions: Can we drink the water? Can we eat the fsh and wildlife? Is the ecosystem healthy? Photo provided by Earl Evans.

TIM HERON, lands and resources coordinator for Northwest Territory Métis Nation, FORT SMITH ELDER, EARL EVANS, is joined by scientists from the University of has contributed to the discussion of the Slave River and Delta Partnership since it began to examine air pockes which formed under the ice surface. in 2010. He has noticed the focus on sharing responsibilities back with the communities. The scientists do not know what is causing these air pockets to form.

This year saw collaborative Merging traditional impacts from ongoing meetings and discussions knowledge and industry projects, and are Both traditional Occasionally, there with representatives from the western science continually threatened by Northwest Territory Métis knowledge and western are disagreements Our Métis ancestors cumulative effects. Nation, Fort Resolution Métis science are given equal b e t w e e n t r a d i t i o n a l settled on the lands along Scientists from Canada Water Week is Council, Fort Smith Métis weight and consideration knowledge and western the Slave River in the late t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f celebrated between March Council, Deninu K’ue First in answering the three science. The scientists 1700s, and have relied on Saskatchewan conduct 16-22. The Slave River and Nation, Smith’s Landing guiding questions. All with the University of these waters for hunting, most of the lab research Delta Partnership plans to First Nation, Salt River First o f t h e r e s e a r c h a n d Saskatchewan addressed Nation, Aurora Research trapping and fishing for between 2011 and 2014, continue discussing water information is then these discrepancies in Institute, the University of their livelihood. To some receiving fish, water and ecology monitoring compiled into a report, detail. Saskatchewan, GNWT’s of our Métis Elders, these and bug samples from along the Slave River. which is made accessible “One common goal is the Department of Environment waters face dramatic indigenous land-users and to communities during health of the ecosystem,” and Natural Resources, and and drastic adverse water monitors. the Slave River Coalition. the presentations. says Earl Evans.

Wings Spring 2016 Page 6 Free Indigenous Language Resources Available from regional language managers

The NWT Cree Language Cree, South Slavey, School visits Resolutions made to Program develops and Chipewyan — with and community include Chipewyan community based indigenous options for syllabics. engagements and Michif language revitalization If you are interested in Vance Sanderson and Louise Resolutions were passed at a projects and resources a free copy of this game, Beaulieu are visiting with the previous Northwest Territory through funding from the please contact the NWT schools, and responding to Métis Nation Annual General Aboriginal Languages Cree Language Program requests for visits and lectures Assembly urging NWTMN to Secretariat. for your community relating to medicinal plant use develop indigenous language Vance Sanderson, the Cree password. and identifcation in the Cree resources in Chipewyan and Language Manager, plans language. These visits assist in Michif. This scale of language to reach language-leaders Refocusing on flm the students’ comprehension revitalization programming through new media and The graphic novel Three of plants and land-based requires funding. technologies, school visits Feathers was written by knowledge before the summer. Finding or securing and public engagements, and Richard Van Camp in Vance Sanderson additional funds for more securing additional funds to partnership with the South also actively encourages language support is a process, support developing resources Slave Divisional Education coordination with community through many government in other languages. Council. The movie members, artists and groups do have available will also be flmed in storytellers. funding for organizations and Turtle Island Games: Cree, South Slavey, and “There’s a big focus on programs to access. With the Animal Names Chipewyan. The NWT community involvement,” newly elected government,

Through a working Cree Language Program Photo provided by the NWT Cree Language Program. says Vance. “ There are the program sees increased partnership with Studio is partnering with the LOUISE BEAULIEU, CREE SPEAKER, presents with opportunities for artists, opportunities for language Ȋle Pariseau, an animal development of the flm, her son and the Cree Language Program. They taught storytellers and anybody groups to develop resources in Cree through medicinal plants at Aurora College. terminology game is now and is working to ensure looking to get more in touch multiple languages. available for free to anybody that a Cree-speaking The program also plans show the challenges and with their land-based language living in Fort Resolution, Fort Elder or language coach is to conduct an ongoing land- hardships of the lifestyle. learning.” Smith, and Hay River. This available on-site through skills flm project over the The goal of the flm is to The NWT Cree Language March is Aboriginal 25-term animal terminology the production of the flm. course of the next year. This produce good flms with Program also plans to visit and Languages Month. game features pronunciation The flm features a cast language learning project guiding language instructors share materials on Aboriginal Feburary was celebrated and spelling for animals and locations entirely out will feature Cree-language that could be enjoyed as an Day and other community as Aboriginal Storytelling in 10 languages, including of Fort Smith. speaking trappers, and will educational resource. events in the South Slave. Month.

Happy Aboriginal Languages Month

March is Aboriginal Languages Month. Celebrate with us by practicing these phrases in our indigenous languages!

nēhiyawēwin – Cree Michif Dɛnɛsųłıné – Chipewyan

kimiwan ekwa ota anohc Oui, yen aw drès. Sínié si neghą níníyá Today it is raining Yes, there are leftovers. It was good to meet you

e’ mehkwa pemakwa meyosina ohci askiy Y fè bo asteur. Ts’ethįé Dene á yanexti The red willow is pretty from the land It’s nice now Please speak more slowly

niwichiwakan ka wapamitinesa wapahki tawnday pe’oototayan? ... hots’į hast’į See you tomorrow my friend Where are you from? I’m from ...

mahti yohtena iskwahtam ekwa tawnshi kiya mataen Dene t’á seł yanełti walí ósą́ Please open the door now Good morning. Speak to me in Chipewyan

NWT Cree Language Program [email protected] (867) 872-2770 Box 720 Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0

Page 7 Spring 2016 Wings NORTHWEST TERRITORY MÉTIS NATION TRAINING FUND ASETS applications are updated every March Please ensure you have the newest applications when you apply for student funding Application Deadlines

Fall Term — September to December July 15 Winter Term — January to April November 15 Spring / Summer Term — May to August March 15 Please contact our offce for information on student funding

Northwest Territory Métis Nation Training Fund PO Box 720 • Fort Smith, NT • X0E 0P0 Fort Smith Offce Phone: 1 (866) 399-7299 • Fax: 1 (866) 399-7399 Email: [email protected] Yellowknife Offce Phone: (867) 669-8906 • Fax: (867) 669-8907 Email: [email protected] Fort Resolution Offce Phone: (867) 394-4151 Email: [email protected] Hay River Offce Phone: (867) 874-4442 Email: [email protected]

WingsWebsite: Spring 2012 www.nwtmetisnation.ca/training.html Page 8 Northwest Territory Metis Nation