FEBRUARY 2010 VOLUME 13 - NUMBER 2

FREE Province, feds pull FNUC funding Chiefs dissolve board, Lonechild negotiating for restoration of funding

By Warren Goulding Of Eagle Feather News ith the words most knew were inevitable still ringing in their years, student leaders and Federation of WSaskatchewan Indians Chief Guy Lonechild say school is not out for troubled First Nations of Canada University (FNUC). First Saskatchewan’sAdvanced Education Minister Rob Norris announced the Province was with- drawing $5.2 million in annual MÉTIS REGISTRY funding. MN-S Secretary Alan Morin “Our government has lost confi- proudlyholdshisMétis citizen- dence in the governance and ship card. - management of First Nations Page3 University,” Norris said. “This is a regrettable but necessary decision.” CREDENDASUCCESS Federal Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl followed suit five days Cameco has committed $2 later when he told the University the million to an innovative federal government would not be education program. providing $7 million in anticipated - Page16 funding, effective April 1. But the dramatic announcements don’t mean FLYING HIGH the final bell has rung for the univer- SIIT has inked a deal with the sity that has been plagued by allega- federal government to provide tions of financial mismanagement trainingfortheaircraftindustry. and political interference for several - Page 18 years. Chief Guy Lonechild says government has a treaty obligation to provide “We have had lots of conversa- funding for First Nations University. (Photo by JenniferDubois) GRADUATING! tions with Minister Chuck Strahl at Katherine Bear has completed (Indian and Northern Affairs) and FSINshowedaccountabilitybytaking the Muskoday Adult Basic with Minister Norris,” Lonechild action and dissolving the board. Education Program. said. “We all agreed that the status “We did our part by listening to -Page 20 quo was unacceptable.” the students and the grassroots Key to delivering on what people. It’s the government’s time to DOUBLE PLAY Lonechild promises will be a new era act responsibly as well,” said PlaywrightKen Williamshas for FNUC was the announcement Lonechild. accomplished a rarefeatin from the FSIN on February 9 that an “The new board’s terms of professionsal theatre circles. interim board of governors was being reference will be decided by the - Page 25 put in place. That followed the interim board of governors. They FSIN’s move to dissolve the univer- will have at their access the Meyers Norris Penny financial review and Welcome to our sity’s board of governors and to put the Manley Begay governance report Health & Wellness Issue the senior administration on leave. which is due on February 18,” Coming In March : That action took place at the FSIN’s Lonechild said. Women’s Edition legislative assembly in Saskatoon. Lonechild said the chiefs of • Continued on Page 2 DIANE ADAMS CPMA #40027204 2 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2010 That place is home: Cadmus Delorme

• Continued from Page One Lonechild agrees both levels of government have a The Chief was referring to a review of allegations duty to provide funding for post-secondary education. made by former chief financial officer Murray Wester- “The province and the federal government have to lund and a study being prepared byAmerican academic honour treaty,” Lonechild said. “We need to have mean- Dr. Manley Begay. ingful discussions which will be the first step in many The new members include Bonita Beatty of the Peter discussions.” Ballantyne Cree Nation; Don Pinay of the Sakimay First Lonechild says negotiations need to take place in the Nation; Diane Adams, president of the FNUC students’ short-term, suggesting it will happen in the next few weeks. association; Sidney Fiddler of the Waterhen Lake Cree There were several events that led up to the funding Nation; and Joely Big Eagle of the Whitebear First cuts. In December, the university’s chief financial officer, Nation. Saskatoon lawyer Donald Worme has been Murray Westerlund claimed he was fired from his job, named legal counsel to the board of governors.Addi- although university president, Charles Pratt, said the tional board members will be named soon. decision was mutual. Westerlund alleges he was released Student leaders expressed support for the develop- from his duties after presenting documents highlighting ments that will see a new board in place and negotiations inappropriate spending. Westerlund’s memos alleged to restore funding take on a new urgency. that Pratt had received $98,000 for unused vacation pay “I am confident in a bright future for the Universi- and Vice-presidentAl Ducharme was paid $82,000. Both ty. Our first goal is to reinstate funding obviously so that were over the course of four years.Among other things, next year students can go to FNUC like they did this Westerlund highlighted costly trips to Montreal, Las year,” says Adams, the students’association president Vegas and Hawaii. and new board member. On February 3, students from the Prince Albert, “This is new board will be professional and account- Regina, and Saskatoon campuses organized a trip to the able and I look forward to the work.” FSIN legislative assembly, where they were given the Cadmus Delorme, vice-president of the students opportunity to address the assembly. association says students are determined to see FNUC Five presenters spoke, asking for the board to be continue to meet the needs of Aboriginal students. dissolved. During a closed-door session of the assembly “Education is the key out of poverty. We don’t want that lasted about seven hours, the announcement came scraps. Our education is treaty right,” Delorme said. that Norris had withdrawn funding. “Sadly, people are often afraid of change, but last The debate went into the next day and sources say week, action was taken and the future is bright. We do 46 chiefs voted in favour of dissolving the board in a not accept that the school will be gone next year. Our unanimous display of support for the resolution. There fellow students are like brothers and sisters of ours and were eight abstentions. Students’Association Vice-President Cadmus Delorme the instructors like our parents. That place is home.” - With files from Delaney Windigo FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News 3 Genealogical Centre will assist in registration process

By John Lagimodiere known,” said Doucette, himself a history buff who has federal government. We want to build some momentum Of Eagle Feather News collected thousands of historic documents and materials because this is the most important initiative the MN-S has ebruary is registry month for citizens of the Métis over the years. undertaken. Nation – Saskatchewan. To kick off the “Thesedocumentsandmapsshowthatthisareaaround “We need to register people and get them citizenship month of awareness, the MN–S cards and get both the federal and provincial announced the grand opening of Saskatchewan’s governments recognizing the Métis. When we Fnewest Genealogical and Archival Research knowhowmanypeoplewehave,itispowerful.” Centre. The old MN-S registry had 21,000 Loaded with historicaldocuments,maps and members. Doucette, on the other hand, estimates text books, the centre will be pivotal for people there are 100,000 Métis in Saskatchewan. looking to find out about their family trees and “This centre is our effort to help people personal history. understand their history. Other than some big One of the biggest assets of the centre is the institutions, this is one of the best collections of microfiche collection of all of the Scrip land documents for Métis people going back to the documentsgiventoMétispeopleforlandpayoffs 1700-1800s,” said Doucette who expects the during the expansion into the Canadian West. registry process to be ongoing for several years. “The grand opening today symbolizes the “This will be important for us to get people continuing reestablishment of the Métis Nation to register.Wehave to have a credible and veri- Saskatchewan as a legitimate third order of fiable registry as we negotiate harvesting agree- government which will lead to the realization of The four MN-S executives, Treasurer Gabe Lafond, Vice President Alan ments. our self-governing aspirations as a positive, Morin, President Robert Doucette and Secretary Max Morin were the first “This centre will help.Weneed to establish (Photo by John Lagimodiere) productive contributing sector to the province to get their Métis citizenship cards. in the minds of government that we are a legiti- and this great country,” said MN-S President Robert SaskatoonwasheavilysettledbyMétispeoplebeforeChief mate people.” Doucette. Whitecap and John Lake came anywhere near here. The The Genealogy Centre will ultimately help people The Genealogy andArchival Centre will assist those settlements were all up and down the South Saskatchewan prove their connection to the historic Métis communities in tracing their family roots and preserving parts of their River. Many of these settlements are unknown.” of the homeland. To qualify for a Métis citizenship card history that in the past have been lost.Toassist those, there To supplement the Genealogy Centre registry work, you must: Self-declare, prove historic tie to one of the is a genealogist and assistant genealogist on-site should the MN-S has hired several staff to reach out and make the historic Métis communities, be accepted by the community anyone require help in tracing family lineage. process accessible. and be distinct from First Nation and Inuit people. The registry will formalize and clarify citizenship “We have seven full-time intake officers and ten “This is a very pragmatic research room with lots of requirements, aid in the accurate return of statistical data mobile ones. They will be out going to the regions to help resources for people to discover their past and move into on Métis citizenship, and provide a basis for improving theregionalpeopleworkontheregistryprocess,”saidMN-S the future,” said Doucette. quality of life for all Métis people in Saskatchewan. Secretary Max Morin who holds the Registry portfolio. “It is our goal that there is no question in the minds of “The history of the Métis people in Canada is little “The goal this year depends on the budget from the any government about the legitimacy of our registry.” 4 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2010

Courageous leaders stepped forward for First Nations University

he untold story of the First Nations University of Canada crisis has been courage. Chief Guy Lonechild stood up in front of the Chiefs in Assembly in his first duly called Assembly as Chief and poured his heart out. His address stressed the importance of post- Tsecondary education to himself. “Where would I be without post-secondary education?” he asked. His passion shone through and his courage came out when he resigned from the board of governors of the University. Great leaders take risks, sometimes make unpopular decisions and lead by example. Chief Lonechild did all that in the span of two days. The Chiefs showed courage by changing the status quo and dissolv- ing the University’s board of governors. The dissolution has been long in coming … some would say it was too long, but finally, on a motion from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief CliffTawpisin, they finally made the right decision to dissolve the board. Sadly, the government had waited too long for this decision and the plug was already being pulled at that time. The student leaders from the University also showed courage, more than most people know.No one has reported this yet, but some members of the StudentsAssociation in Regina were facing threats. Some of those threats were apparently delivered by Ross Pratt, the son of the suspended FUNC President Charles Pratt. Following the board of governors meeting with the students, allegedly this young lad was driving his fancy Hummer around and HONOURING JOSEPHINE GREYEYES around the traffic circle outside of Kokum Beas … he then parked, Josephine Greyeyes, of the Muskeg Lake First Nation, passed away on Saturday January 9, entered the University and proceeded to call out names of student asso- 2010.Above, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Cliff Tawpisin holds the photo of Ms Greyeyes ciation leaders and label them as “blacklisted” while he was in Kokum that hangs in the hall of their band office. Muskeg Lake has a grand legacy of leadership that Beas. has followed from the massive number of people in their community who have volunteered There were also veiled threats towards students to not get on the for the military. Photos of all their veterans adorn the walls of the band office and also of the bus to attend the ChiefsAssembly in Saskatoon.Amember of manage- building on the urban reserve in Saskatoon that houses the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian ment sent out an email questioning the Student Association insurance Nations. Ms Greyeyes joined Canadian Women’sArmy Corps, at the age of 21, on March 31, to try to prevent them from renting a charter bus to attend the Chiefs 1943. She served until 1946 at various locations across Canada. During the course of her three- Assembly in Saskatoon. year service, M. Greyeyes was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War They also they tried to get all the students to sign waivers to get on Medal. The passing of Ms Greyeyes brings the number of First Nation World War II veterans, the bus and he also questioned whether the funds were properly author- who are members of the Saskatchewan First Nations VeteransAssociation, down to four.Read ized through the Student Association. There was also a direct threat to more about Ms Greyeyes and other amazing women in our March edition which is always a StudentAssociation representative who asked a professor to address dedicated to the people who hold our communities and families together, women. a class about the trip to Saskatoon.Aperson in management threatened him with non-academic misconduct, a very serious charge that stops you from attending any university. Regardless of the threats, the students came to the Assembly and spoke with passion and respect to the Chiefs. That took courage. Now the provincial and federal governments have to show some courage and trust and restore the funding to the First Nation Universi- ty of Canada in whatever shape the newly named board of governors creates. Hopefully as a peaceful and accountable school that encour- ages freedom of speech, family and excellence in education. Just like it did prior to February 2005. Registry month for Métis

Attention all Métis people. The MN-S needs you to register and get a proper Métis card. This objectively verifiable registry will prove your ancestry and allow the Métis Nation to lobby on your behalf. The old registry had 21,000 names but with all the crooked elections and the carpetbaggers that are still on the list from when Métis Local presidents were selling cards so people could hunt, this list is corrupted and no good to anyone. In order to be a Nation, you have to know your citizenship. President Robert Doucette estimates there are almost 100,000 Métis in the province. Help him prove it by signing up. FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News 5 FNUCabeautifuldreamthatshonebrightly

ffectiveApril1theFirstNationsUniver- Thesewerenotthemeekleaderswhocametothe MorleyWatsonsetinmotionthetrainwreckthat AlDucharmeonadministrativeleave. sity of Canada will no longer receive Indianagenthatinhand. Dr.LloydBarber,the followed.Thiseclipseofreasonhaddevastating The new 12 person board was to be funding from neither the Province of formerheadoftheoldIndianClaimsCommission, consequences.Goodpeoplewerehurt.FNUC’s composedofFirstNationsacademics.Themove SaskatchewannorIndianNorthernAffairsCanada. supported the dream and became a leading reputationwasshreddedandwiththeexceptionof wasasuddenreversaloftheFSIN’spastposition. EThereducedfundingwillmeanthebeleaguered advocate in creating the Saskatchewan Indian afew,thebrightestandbestleft,enticedbyother TheProvinceofSaskatchewanannouncedthe institutionwilllosehalfofitsfunding.Thedecision FederatedCollegeattheUniversityofRegina. Universitieseagertorecruittheirexpertise.The sameday,itwouldstopfundingeffectiveonApril effectivelymeanstheendofFNUCanditspossible Therewereotherswhosecommitmentand FNUCbecamesubjecttothelowestformofband 1.Thefederalgovernmentfollowedandsixdays rebirthasamuchsmallerTribalCollege.Itisa skillsbrokethetiredineffectiveIndianAffairsmold officepolitics.Itlostitshard-earnedreputationand laterannouncedthatittoowouldstopfunding considerable irony that the Federation of and made real progress a bloated board of FNUC.ItnowappearsFNUCstudentswillbe SaskatchewanIndianNations whichfoundand happen.TherewasMr.and governors, mired in transferringtoeithertheUniversityofReginaor nurtured FNUC during its early years should Mrs.JohnMacleod,FSIN politics,lostsightofwhat theUniversityofSaskatchewan. becometheagentofitsdecline34yearslater Senator John Tootoosis, an institution of higher Itwasn’tthestudentsnorfacultythatfailed It all began with a hopeful dream and Sharon Carrier, Wes learningreallymeant. theFNUC.Itwasn’tFirstNationscitizenswho commitment to make Indian control of Indian Stevenson, Dr. Oliver Vice ChiefWatson broughttheissuetotheforeandwhoconsistently education a reality.During the 1960s, Indian Brass,IdaWasacase,Dr. may have been the triedtohaltthedeathspiraloftheinstitution. AffairscontrolledFirstNationsschoolboards, Richard Katz, Del hammer but it was the IntheendwasadysfunctionalFirstNations hiredteachersanddeterminedcurriculum.Itwas Anaquad, Dr. Blair collusion of a 28 man leadership and to a degree, hostile federal and a time of boarding schools, assimilation and Stonechild, Dr. Eber board that allowed the provincialgovernmentswhokilledit. powerlessness. Some First Nations had no HamptonandCarolSanderson,themotherofIndian collapsetohappen.Likeaturtlepullingintoitsshell TherewasatimewhentheFNUCwasan Chiefsandwerecontrolledinsteadbyclergy. controlofIndianEducation,tonamebutafew. theysimplyrefusedtoact.Enrollmentdroppedto internationallyrecognizedandrespectedcollege. When First Nations children failed it was SIFCbecameasuccessfulinstitutionattract- half. The Canadian Association of University Itsgraduateshavegoneontogreatthingsanditis agreedtheIndiansthemselvesweretoblameand ingstudentsandfacultyfromacrossCanada.Some TeachersplacedFNUCundercensorship.The intheirsuccessthattheFNUC’slegacywillbe littlecriticismfellonIndianAffairs.Inthosedays facultyweregraduatesofsuchprestigiousuniver- FNUC’sacademicreputationwasallbutdestroyed. found.Thepain,confusionandastonishmentthat FirstNationsleadershipweremoreaccountable sitiesasOxford,HarvardandMcGill.Therewas Thedisintegrationofthecollegewasfurther itcouldallbelostsosuddencomesassuchashock. totheIndianActthantheirownpeople.Thegoal atimewhentheSIFChadmoreFirstNationPhD erodedbyallegationsofmisappropriationsoffunds. IfonlytheFirstNationspoliticianscouldhave ofIndiancontrolofIndianeducationwasnotto facultythananyotheruniversityinCanada.The Thepresident,CharlesPratt,wasimplicatedaswas transferredtheboardovertoFirstNationacademics successfully mimic the mainstream butto also collegehadbecomeaninstitutionofconsiderable his right-hand man Al Ducharme. Some very at an earlier time, things may have become so meetFirstNationstandards. reputationamongitspeers. serious allegations of theft were made against different.TheFSIN wouldhavebeenhonoredand The1970swereaboutchange.Indiancontrol FNUC,likeotherFirstNationinstitutions, YvonneHowseformerheadofIndianSocialWork. rememberedinsteadofvilifiedanddisgraced. ofIndianeducationwasspearheadedbythechiefs hadanationaloutlookandalocalhiringpractice. Aglimmerofsanityemergedonthesecond It’struethereweresomeFirstNationsleaders andsomeremarkableFSINexecutive.ChiefDavid TheinitialturmoilwithinFNUClikelybeganwhen dayoftheFSINChiefsConferenceonFeb4.Five who tried, but they were outnumbered by the Ahenakewdeservesalotofrecognitionandrespect facultywerehiredfromoutsidethecountry.Some years of procrastination had resulted in a manywhofailedtheirownpeople.Thelessonin forhisforcefulleadershipinthatpivotaltime. localcandidatesfeltentitledtothesepositionsand showdown. The Chiefs agreed to dissolve the thisdebaclemayverywellbeitisbesttoallow HewasfollowedbyChiefSolSanderson weresoonbackedupbytheirrespectivechiefs. FNUCboardofgovernorsandplacedisgraced thepeoplewhocandotheworkdotheworkand whoseaspirationsforhispeopleknewnolimits. ThedreamwasbetrayedwhenViceChief FNUCPresidentCharlesPrattandAdministrator leavetheFirstNationpoliticiansoutofit. Canadian democracy skating on thin ice

eliveinhistorictimes.Aborigi- representativesofthepeople,wasdismissed roles and workings of the three branches of entangledrightinthemiddleofthismuddle, nalpeoples,notonlyinCanada, bytheleaderofaminoritygovernmentwho governmentinCanadaisuseful. butunfortunately,mostlyasobserversonthe butaroundtheworld,aredevel- is not chosen by the people. Let us start with the official mandates sidelinesratherthanaspoliticalactorswhose opingnewinsightsandwaysofdefiningand Whether we like it or not, the fate of according to the formal Constitution. The actionsdodecidewhatislawfulandwhatisnot. Wprotecting their own interests. Aboriginal peoples depends largely on the Parliament, or the legislative branch, has The prorogation of Parliament has Aboriginal people are beginning, after fate of the states in which they live, and we powertomakelaws.‘Thegovernmentofthe caused consternation among First Nations a long period of darkness, to participate in all have a stake in striving for stable and day’or executive branch, has the power to because of the context of uncertainty and public life and are making contributions to democratic institu- administer those potentialanarchythatthelatereturnofParlia- thedevelopmentandwelfareofthestatesin tions. Parliamentary laws.And the court, ment may have for some essential changes which they live. reform is the most the judicial branch, totheIndianActmembershipcodethatwas Recenteventsremindusofthefragility pressing agenda in has the power to required by the judges in the McIvor case. of democracy,and of the need forAborigi- Canada, which is interpretthelaws.As The quest to test the limits of power nal people to pursue their interests in all known as the least soon as we look at between the courts and other branches of available venues and forums. democraticofdemoc- this structure we see government was illustrated in the 1999 Indigenous peoples around the world racies because of the that this Constitu- MarshalltreatycasewheretheCourtissueda lostachampiononFebruary1withthedeath centralization of tionalformalitydoes quick‘explanation’ofitsdecisiononceitsaw ofMiguelAlfonsoMartinez,aCubanofficial politicalpower in the prime minister. not represent reality in Canada. theuproariouspoliticalactionandreaction. who has acted as chairman of the United Regrettablyitisdifficulttoseehowthat The prime minister has roles that are TherecentKadhrcaseinvolvingoneof Nations bodies that have been at the centre sort of reform might come about, given the found nowhere in the written Constitution. the members of a Toronto terrorist family ofUNattentiontoindigenousinterestsover controloftheagendaforchangebythosein Parliamentneverexercisescertainpowersthat showsthedelicatebalancebetweenjudicial the last generation. Martinez also authored power and the wisdom that those who gain are clearly written in the Constitution.And andexecutivepower.Thecourtwasreluctant an important study on Treaties and had power by a system are not likely to be keen sincetheamendmentsoftheConstitutionAct to order the government to act. It was the visited Canada. Our condolences go to his to overturn it. 1982 the traditional role of the courts in the same in the McIvor case: the court deferred family and friends. Thecourtshavesaidthattheentiretheory Britishsystemhasalteredsignificantly. toParliament,whichiscontrolledeffective- The most recent assertion of unilateral ofAboriginalrightshastodowiththerecon- The unelected judges are ‘interpreting’ ly by the prime minister. prime ministerial political power by the ciliationoftheinterestsofAboriginalpeople the Constitution in ways never intended by Perhaps the justices remembered the prorogation (ending of a session) of Parlia- withtheinterestsofothersinCanada.Thatsort thepoliticianswhodraftedtheConstitution. words attributed to American President ment is also an important reminder of the ofreconciliationrequiresstrongandvisionary The judges are reviewing legislation and AndrewJackson,(aka‘theIndianFighter”) fragilityofdemocraticinstitutions.Theaction leadership.Butworkableinstitutionsthatdull strikingitdown,andorderinggovernments who said in reply to a decision in favour of is given disconcerting sharpness because thepotentialfortheexerciseofarbitrarypower to take remedial actions. the Cherokee: “The judge has given his Parliament,whichismadeupoftheelected arealsoakey.Aquickandcursorylookatthe The interests ofAboriginal peoples are decision: now let him enforce it.” 6 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2010 Storytellers were held in high esteem

here was no television in our Forexample,storytellers,especiallythe furhatallsummerandwinterandhealways as it streaked across the sky it turned into communitywhenIwasachildandno old ones, were well taken care of by family smokedaoldcrookedbrierpipe.Idon’tthink balls of fire rolling across the dry woodland radiountilIwasaboutsixyearsold,so members and community. To have one in heeventookitoutofhismouthtosleep.Well, and setting fires. storytellerswereimportantpeopleandstory- your family was a great source of pride. whenwewenttravelingtopickSenecaroots He said the horses all ran away and the Ttellingwasstillthecoreofourlives. They were provided with a special place in and berries for the summer Pah chah neese, people were terrified, sure that they were Everything came from these stories. the homes they visited, riding his old grey going to perish, when suddenly an old bull Our creation narratives, our history, our with choice food and horse, would lead us buffalo stepped out of the smoke and began heroes,betheylongagopeoplelikeGabriel many gifts, like my out on to the land. dancing. Pahchahneesesaiditwas apitiful Dumont, Joseph Vandal and Big Bear or chapan and our old What an exciting looking old animal with a scruffy coat and new ones like our uncleAmbrose who had uncle Pah chah neese. time that was for all of almost as “skinny as the people.” When he been wounded in a far away war or auntie They both moved us kids and how noble finisheddancingthebuffalospoke.“Hahow Betseywhohadtakenonabearoveraberry among our extended our old uncle looked. nitootametik,myrelativesIhavegreatpity patch and won. family circle staying Wewouldbesoproud for you and I will not let you die in this fire Someofthestorieswereserious,others with each family for a ofhim.Hewaslikethe or starve. Follow me and I will see that you hysterically funny. Some were accompa- week, a month sometimes a whole season. grandchiefsofoldendaybuffalohuntsthus are looked after.” niedbysongsotherswithprayer.Somewere Theoldpeoplewhostilllivedindependently sparking our imaginations and giving us Pah chah neese said the people recentnewsfromothercommunitiescarried were provided with food, there was always endless hours of buffalo hunt games which followedthebuffalothroughthesmokeand bytravelersandotherswerejustplaingossip a big stack of split wood by their door and came,ofcourse,fromthestorieshehadtold on the other side was a small green valley carefully edited so persons were protected. kids like myself who would gladly gopher us. and a camp of people who were happy to “Kah kiyew miyo achimona,” my forthem,runningerrands,haulingwaterand Aswetraveled,theoldladieswouldtell see them and who fed them soup, blue nokom would say. “All good stories,” washing dishes just to be privileged to their us about the places where our people had berries and wild mint tea. When they had teaching us from infancy to old age how to stories. Whenolderpeoplewantedapartic- campedforhundredsofyears.Look!Seethat eaten their fill the old buffalo danced for live in a good way and give us tools we ularstorytheywouldcomewithbiggergifts hill,thatwaswhereauntyLisahadChiBoy. them again and told the men to remember would need in our life’s journey. like several freshly baked bannocks or She was picking raspberries you know … him by telling this story and doing this Some storytellers were family cakes, a moose tongue or the very best of andbythatcreekoverthere,that’swhereyour dance. members like my chapan (great-grand- all,amoosenose.OldPahchahneeseespe- moshomskinnedthatduckandwhenheput Pah cha neese said the people all fell mother) who was respected for her ability ciallywouldtellstoriesallnightforamoose itdownforaminuteitflewoff.Allithadwas asleep when he finished dancing and when notonlyinourcommunitybutalsofaraway. nose or boiled whitefish. feathers on its wings and tail. Hey! Hey! He they woke up it was raining gently and She knew not only the ahtyokewina the I remember a story as I write this and thought it was dead. nearby a herd of buffalo grazed.After a few creationstories,butalsothefamilyhistories. I’ll share it with you. John Lagimodiere Andthestorieswouldgoon.Later,after days the land that had been burned black There were also hunters, trappers and didn’t give me a moose nose but he and his we camped for the night and had eaten our was green with new grass and the people gathererswhoknewthelandintimatelyand daughterWillowdidgivemea boxofhome supper, Pahchah neesewould tell us a story grew strong and healthy. could recount the history and stories of all baked cookies. aboutthebuffalowhodancedforthepeople When he finished his story Pah cha the places on the land as well as their own Old uncle Pah chah neese was my on this very spot maybe 200 years ago. neese would get up and dance for us. adventures on it. nokom’soldestbrother.Hewasprobablyin Our kokom’s people were traveling “Kisaynew pasqua moostoos oma Protocols and rules were carefully his seventies when I was a little girl. Not through this territory, he said, hunting oneemetowin,” he would say when he observed.Itwasn’tlikesomeonesaid,“you really old but one of those people who was buffalo, deer, berries, nuts, anything they finished. have to do this before you can hear or have born old. couldfind.Theywerenearstarvation.There “This is that old buffalo’sdance.” And a story,” but the rules and protocols were a Pahchahneesehadlonggreyhairanda was hardly any water and the land was we would go to sleep dreaming about that partofyourlifeandyoujustdidthem.Tonot handlebar moustache. He wore moccasins blowing away. There would be huge elec- old grandfather spirit who saved our people dothemwastoletpeopleknowyouhadbeen and rubbers, old grey suit pants, a blue shirt trical storms at night, he said, but never any in that long ago time. very poorly raised. and a red scarf around his neck. He wore a rain.Onenightthelightningwassowildthat Hiy hiy ikosi, merci. FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News 7 Storytelling seen as valuable teaching tool

By Andréa Ledding relating. For Eagle Feather News “Elders should share this knowledge lmost 400 youngsters from local with the generations to come ... they will schools attended the provincial be the leaders and they need a way to look launch of SaskatchewanAborig- for living in a peaceful manner.” inal Storytelling Month on February 2 at Discussing the Pipe Laws, not all of Athe Saskatoon campus of First Nations which are recorded in the book as it is a University of Canada by the very sensitive thing to record sacred Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre. It material in print and oral teachings are still crucial, McAdam said the person gifted was a feast of cultural storytelling to Students and teachers from the Confederation Park Community School partic- with the Pipe is also given the sacred entertain, remember, and teach. ipated in a round dance at First Nations University’s Saskatoon campus. After welcoming remarks from Syvia teachings. wearing skirts to emphasize dignity and “We need to keep our traditions going McAdam of Saskatchewan Indian “Anyone can make war: the greatest pride, and remaining concealed and and try our best to include the old with the Cultural Centre, Miriam McNab of First warrior is the one who has the strength to modest, every day or when nursing new in a way that holds the kids and Nations University, Carole Vandale of the make peace,” shared McAdam, giving the infants. “A concealed package is more works, but still respects the past. Our Saskatchewan Library Association, and example of Poundmaker, and the founda- powerful than an open package.” Elders are integral,” he says. Ross Gardipy of the Cultural Centre with tion of treaties being signed nation to Chamakese said events will be held The Saskatoon Public Library, like a greeting on behalf of the Premier, the nation. at Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre many libraries, will also be hosting events. crowd was treated to storytelling from She also spoke of the profound role throughout the month and can be found At the Mayfair branch, Wilfred Burton Barry Ahenakew and Regina Shingoose, First Nations women traditionally had as on the website: www.sicc.sk.ca or phone will do a Friday afternoon presentation on drumming and song from Marc Longjohn, clan mothers or “warrior women” – gifted (244-1146). February 12. and a multimedia children’s book read in and powerful women with authority in “February is the perfect month – it’s Paula Howe will do adult storytelling Cree by Darryl Chamakese. councils and leadership roles. cold outside, you gotta reach kids on the on Wednesday, February 24t at 6:30 p.m. Adults joined Sylvia McAdam and “Much of this knowledge is still too inside somehow,” said Chamakese, who at the Library on 20th, and the following Elder Mary Lee for Teepee Teachings and sacred to print,” said McAdam. grew up on Pelican Lake First Nation, Saturday morning Pooh Corner at the discussion of the SICC’s new and popular Women were lawkeepers. The closest listening to stories and learning his Main Branch will feature storytellers, “Cultural Teachings” book. in today’s standards would be judges with language that way. fiddlers, and Inuit throat singers. “The inherent sovereignty of First knowledge and education and ceremonies. Nations people is unique, and our ability She noted that in Cree tradition, the drum to transfer and transmit stories as First was gifted to the men so that they could Nations people in the way we always have keep up with the women. done since time immemorial is Mary Lee, Elder at Oskayak High important,” McAdam said. School, gave tipi teachings to the She spoke about traditions such as the gathering, agreeing that women are very use of tobacco as rites of access to sacred powerful, spiritually. teaching and sacred knowledge, and “I always fast before I teach, to have respecting and keeping an open mind to permission to talk about what the old stories and teaching from Elders. ladies left behind. I can talk about the “This is for anyone who wants to knowledge, but we don’t own anything. learn, not just First Nations people.” What you took and what was left behind, “Our people learn through story- wasn’t yours,” explained Lee of sacred telling,” McAdam added, talking about knowledge and story. how rewarding it is to learn First She also emphasized the importance Nations laws and respectful ways of of honouring your womanhood by

Mary Lee (left) presentsVictoria Stevens with SICC’s Cultural Teachings book Sylvia McAdam (right) was a integral part of the development of the book. 8 Eagle Feather News - Health FEBRUARY 2010 Suicide on First Nations a growing concern

By Jessica Iron notes. Melanie Cook at the FSIN during For Eagle Feather News “The Strategy is helping to increase regular office hours at: (306) 667-2685 ilence is the enemy that feeds the protective factors, such as resiliency, and or the Kids Help phone 24 hour line 1- social stigma of suicide. In reduce factors associated with suicide 800-668-6868. All calls are confidential. Saskatchewan, most suicides occur by focusing on mental health promotion, CommunitiesTakingAction amongS the youth, particularly those that prevention and public education for are ‘at risk’, leaving family members and Aboriginal youth. In June 2009, Northern Health entire communities lost and confused, “The Strategy provides direct Strategy helped organize the Northern feeling powerless and guilty – wondering support to First Nations and Inuit to Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention if they could have prevented the tragedy. improve the mental health of youth and Forum in Prince Albert as a way to In northern communities where to design and deliver community-based address the alarming suicide rates in the suicide is more prevalent, the despair suicide prevention plans. It also North. can be over-whelming. improves crisis response actions and It was a gathering of northern It is chilling to just glimpse the increases the knowledge base around Saskatchewan mental health and addic- graphs comparing the rates of suicide in effective suicide prevention strategies,” tions front line workers and youth, along VICE CHIEF DUTCH LERAT Saskatchewan to two of the main health says Legault. with other community members, leaders Suicide Intervention and Skills Training regions in the North. Athabaska, “Suicide affects everyone in our and officials. (ASIST) as “a first-aid course. Keewatin Yatthe and Mamawetan communities. It is not our way. If As noted in the Northern It’s not to provide long-term coun- Churchill River Health Regions are all someone is considering suicide they Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention seling. It’s to keep the person alive right north of Meadow Lake and Prince should talk to someone they trust,” says Forum Report, “The issue was examined now, for the immediate future, until we Albert. Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat, who has the by all forum participants and informa- can get them the help they need.” The numbers of suicides per FSIN’s health portfolio. tion was gathered and shared. “It’s a two-day workshop which 100,000 people were disclosed on both “Sometimes you may feel that “Participants identified and teaches people to recognize when people Keewatin Yatthe and Mamawetan there’s no other option, but the crisis will addressed needs, and links between are having thoughts of suicide as well as Churchill River Health Region websites. pass,” Lerat advises anyone considering community development and suicide what to say to them, what to ask them Although suicide does occur in suicide. were explored. Participants declared and how to get them the help that they Athabasca, the numbers are not publicly “Ask for help, you deserve it. their intention to engage in more need,” said Kinar. released if the population and occur- Solutions can appear just by talking. specific planning and plan implemen- “It’s for everybody – not just rences per capita are too small because Stop blaming yourself. If you think the tation in their communities.” professionals, but housewives, volun- privacy and confidentiality become an way you feel is your fault, you are The 78-page report covers trends, teers- anybody can take the workshop.” issue. wrong.Your community needs you and observations, action plans and priorities, He also explains that they will drive “Health Canada is concerned about you have a role to play.” comprehensively detailing all the events out to bands who are interested in suicides and suicide attempts in First Most First Nation communities have at the forum. training members. Nations communities. It is an urgent and a first responders team trained to WhatcanIdoaboutsuicide They do training sessions for groups complex matter and finding solutions respond to suicidal situations. Get a with a minimum of 14 people to a takes time and a concerted effort from listing of emergency contact numbers in interventionandprevention? maximum of 30. all partners,” Christelle Legault, a your community to always have on hand Upcoming workshops in Prince spokesperson for Health Canada says. in case of situations that may arise by Doug Kinar, the Executive Director Albert are being offered February 24 and “The Government of Canada has contacting your Band Office or Health of the Canadian Mental Health Associ- 25 and March 24 and 25. invested $65 million over five years to Clinic. ation, Prince Albert branch, is a trainer To register, phone: (306) 763-7747, implement the National Aboriginal If you are unable to contact anyone of the CMHA suicide intervention fax: (306) 763-7717 or email: Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy,” she in your community, you can phone program. He describes the Applied [email protected]. FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Health 9 Family creates memorial fund to honour Kate Monture-Okanee

OnAugust16,2009Kathleen(Kate)Monture-Okanee She was caring, empathetic and passionate about showing RecentlyAthabaskaUniversitydonatedatuitionaward lostallhopeintheworldandtookherownlifeinSaskatoon. the positive sides of groups that have largely been misun- to the Kate Monture Memorial Fund. Essentially they will Her family and friends struggled to understand how such a derstood, such asAboriginals, females and youth. pay for one six-credit course or two three-credit courses talentedandlovedpersoncouldbesilentlysufferingbefore Unfortunately,her family believes, as a result of all the (approximate value of $1,200). their eyes. racism she confronted in Saskatchewan, Monture-Okanee First Nations women enrolled in an undergraduate Monture-Okanee was an excellent student, an accom- no longer saw the world as a good place. degreeprogramwillbeeligibleforthisaward.Theboardof plishedsoccerplayer,powwowdancerandballerina.Atage Inherhonor,hermother,Dr.PatriciaA.Monture,along theKateMontureMemorialFundisdevelopingthecallfor 15, she published her first piece of writing, titled ‘Brown with a board of directors, created a memorial fund to help applications and hopes to give out the award soon. Girl Dancing.’ otherAboriginalyouthpursuetheirdreamssothatnoothers TheKateMontureMemorialFundisanon-profitorgan- Monture-Okanee welcomed challenges, continually lose their hope or will to carry on. ization.All the money they collect goes back toAboriginal amazing those around her. Her family believes she had so TheKateMontureMemorialFundhastwobasicobjec- youth. Donations can be made to the Kate Monture many dreams yet to fulfill. tives: to assistAboriginal youth to reach their dreams in the Memorial Fund c/o Don Worme, Barrister and Solicitor, Those who knew her remember her well. Her funny, arts with a particular emphasis on dance, and to recognize Semaganis Worme, 300-203 Packham Road, Saskatoon, sweet,goodnaturemadeherpopularwitheveryoneshemet. youth achievement in the province of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan, S7N 4K5. – By Jessica Iron 10 Eagle Feather News - Health FEBRUARY 2010 United front on health care makes sense

hroughout history, events have amount of alcohol we consume. Is it diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I am On March 11the Saskatchewan occurred that have caused people going to be easy? No. Is it worth it? overweight and I smoke cigarettes. Not Breast Cancer Network is funding a one- to stand up and pay attention. For Absolutely! exactly the picture of good health but I day seminar for Aboriginal people example, in the 1960s in the United You don’t have to go to a fancy gym am determined to make the changes that dealing with any typ e of cancer. TStates, there was the civil rights to get exercise; you I need to make. The The event will be held at the Delta movement where the world saw black can walk around the advice I give is Hotel in Regina and provides an oppor- people stand together in peaceful soli- reserve, or a few from my own tunity for Aboriginal cancer patients or darity demanding an end to segregation. blocks in the city. doctor. their family to connect with other cancer In the early 1990s the Mohawks of Ask a group of your Believe me, I survivors and share their experience with Kahnesatake gathered to protect their friends to start know how tough it each other. traditional burial grounds from being walking a couple of is to make these If you are interested in participating turned into a golf course. days a week for changes but as I or want more information send me an Most recently, students from the starters and keep mentioned in the email [email protected] First Nations University took a stand to track of your beginning, many Gentlemen, I remind you to have an save their institution from imploding. For progress. Be proactive about your health people have faced adversity and annual check-up of your prostate and each group and event the people were and make yearly appointments with your overcome obstacles and I know that I can testicles. Regular check-ups can ensure moved to action because it was physician and dentist. Often they can to. that if cancer is found it can be easily something they believed in. spot changes in your health before you I’m not going to divulge neither my treated in the early stages. When it comes to the health of display symptoms. weight nor the circumference of my Women, you should be seeing your Aboriginal people in this province we When it comes to alcohol consump- waist. Suffice it to say that both numbers doctor for annual pap tests and breast need to stand up and take action.Aborig- tion choose to take it easy. Drink a lot of are rather generous. I will let you know examinations. If you are 40 years or older inal people have the poorest health of all water and tea, eat less potatoes and pasta throughout the year what progress I have participate in the breast cancer screening groups in the province. and more vegetables and choose whole made and encourage those of your on the programs in your area. The rates of diabetes and heart grain cereals and bread. same journey to let me know how you Until next month, play safe and have disease are going through the roof and These are small things that we can are making out. fun. It is always nice to hear from our we are seeing more incidents of cancer do to better our health. It’s all about Being healthy involves being readers keep your letters and emails in the communities. There are steps that making the right choices. balanced in all aspects of our beings; coming. Sandee Sez C/O Eagle Feather we can take to improve our health; diet To hear me talk you would think that physical, mental, emotional and spiritual News P.O. Box 924 Station Main and exercise, regular check-ups with our I should be a healthy person. Not! I am a so work at nurturing all parts of your Saskatoon Sask. S7K 3M4 or email doctors and dentists and limiting the ten-year breast cancer survivor, recently being. [email protected] FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Health 11 Healthy eating may be easier than you think

By Jessica Iron two cupped hands or half of your plate, spinach or green leaf lettuce – both of your heart and arteries. For Eagle Feather News while a day’s worth of oils/fats should be which are packed full of nutrients and • Cut down on salt by using frozen ake a fast-paced lifestyle, add fast no more than the size of your thumb. vitamins. herbs: Clean and chop herbs. Place food, large quantities of technolo- “You have to incorporate activity,” • Bannock: Add whole wheat to your them in ice cube trays with a little wa- gy and sprinkle it with laziness and ter and freeze. Then place your frozen you will have created a recipe for poor herbs in a labelled plastic bag and Thealth ... fast! It can’t be an easy fix, can they’ll be ready to toss into your stew, it? But maybe it’s simpler than you think. chili, pasta or mashed potatoes. They’ll First, we must become conscious of add plenty of flavor and save you prep our choices and commit to small changes time! in order to see our health improve. • Purees: Purees add tons of nutritional “Alot of times in our life we think we value to almost any dish you make. have to make drastic changes and I think Boil potatoes, yams, turnips or peas. it’s more about committing yourself to Steam carrots, cauliflower or broccoli. making small changes,” Don Bear, a Fruit should be ripe. Use a blender or a Community Developer for Saskatoon food-processor and puree your fruit or Health Region says. vegetable(s). “Also, there’s a dietician at the Line a cupcake tin and pour in your Westside clinic every Wednesday. You purees. Freeze them and then place could do a walk-in or book an appoint- them in labeled bags. Experiment and ment and there’s no cost.Alot of tribal try different combinations in your main councils have dieticians available, and dishes and soups. The fruit purees are more First Nations people should phone great in fruit-flavored teas as a filling and say, ‘How can I see a dietician?” snack. He also recommends that people • For more uses of purees, try Missy switch to whole grains and incorporate Chase Lapine’s, Sneaky Chef: How to fiber into their diets by eating more fruits Cheat on Your Man (in the Kitchen) or and vegetables. Jessica Seinfeld’s, Deceptively Deli- Deliciousfrozenpurees:(clockwisefromtop)pears,broccoli,cauliflower,peas,yams, “These naturally make you feel fuller, cious. blueberries, mangoes and mixed veggies. Center: carrots and saskatoon berries. longer,” he says. •For some traditonal and contemporary People should pay attention to the Florence Highway, a volunteer at the bannock, instead of just using white Aboriginal meals, join Rezipes on amount of starch foods they consume, West-Side Clinic and a resident Elder for flour. You could also try using olive oil Facebook. claims Bear. Instead of making a soup that the Community Diabetes Outreach instead of lard. It’s much better for has potato, rice and macaroni in it, he program stresses. recommends using only one starch. “You can’t just sit back, eat and play Evelyn Linklater, a peer leader for the videos all day. We have to put fun into Live Well With Chronic Conditions activity – not because you have to do it, program, recommends that people use but because it’s fun and relates to your their hands to measure proper portion health.” sizes for their bodies. She explains that a Some Tips to Try closed fist represents one serving of breads or starches. The palm of your hand • Indian Tacos: Instead of using a head represents meat – its size and thickness. of iceburg lettuce for a topping, which Vegetables are measured by filling has very little nutritional value, use

Florence Highway, Don Bear and Evelyn Linklater shared their expertise in the field of nutrition. 12 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2010 Lonechild’s leadership put to the test

other areas. ingful way. I’m very satisfied on that front that the voices Nonetheless, the White Bear First Nation member, were heard from the grassroots level.” who is proud of his Saulteaux, Cree and Assiniboine an- The response to the FNUC crisis could be significant cestry, knows he is being watched and his relative youth in terms of arming Lonechild and his executive team is only part of the reason. with the confidence to move forward on other files, now “The one thing that stands out for me is that, for the that their leadership style has met the test and passed with most part, people are really watching me in terms of how what appearing to be flying colours. well I can do the job,” Lonechild said in a recent interview. “I would say that I’m extremely happy that a long over- “They want to see if I can be the Chief of the FSIN.” due process of looking at board re-structuring of FNUC is The first crucial test of Lonechild’s leadership met- a milestone, but it’s just a start of what can happen.” tle came in early February, barely three months after the Following his Oct. 29 victory, Lonechild articulated FSIN leaders from 74 First Nations elected him to succeed the goals he set for himself and the four-man executive the often-controversial and combative Lawrence Joseph. team in the first 200 days. With the federal and provincial governments pulling more “I really took a look at the lay of the land,” says than $12 million in annual funding from First Nations Lonechild, adding he listened carefully to what the other University of Canada, Lonechild found himself fighting three candidates in the race for the chief’s office had to for the beleaguered institution’s very life. say. With Lonechild leading the way, the FSIN assembly “I promised a new era of leadership and primarily it voted unanimously to dissolve the existing board of gov- had a lot to do with everything we all had to say. In the end FSIN CHIEF GUY LONECHILD ernors at FNUC and work to restoring the critical fund- we all migrated to the same thing. We all want the same By Warren Goulding ing arrangements that had been withdrawn when the two thing,” he suggests. Of Eagle Feather News senior levels government evidently lost faith in the uni- “My message was that in the first little while I was uy Lonechild is no political neophyte, even versity’s ability to manage its finances. going to make some changes and start looking at revital- though he just marked his 37th birthday on Jan. The action by the FSIN was widely praised around izing and reorganizing the FSIN. 31. The newly-elected Chief of the Federation of the province. Ourorganizationneedstobelookedatcriticallyintermsof Saskatchewan Indian Nations has been on the political “From the phone calls and emails I received from theroleitplays. Gscene since 1999 when he was first elected as a Vice- people from all over Saskatchewan, it was something “WehavetolookathowtomakeFSINmorerelevanttoIn- Chief for the organization. Prior to that he held a num- they were very proud of,” says Lonechild. dianpeople:women,youthandchildren,seniorsandurbanFirst ber of key leadership positions and boasts a resume that “That gives me a real sense that the FSIN has recon- Nationspeople.” has provided experience in economic development and nected with Saskatchewan First Nations people in a mean- • Continued on Page 13 FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News 13 Economic development, justice, women’s issues top Lonechild’s agenda

• Continued from Page 12 cerns of First Nations as part of it. We have never been in- than the conventional prison techniques. A strong proponent for seeking economic develop- volved in any coordinated province-wide structure before.” “Thegoodsignisthatwehavearelativelynewdeputy pre- ment opportunities for First Nations communities in his Ongoing justice issues are also on Lonechild’s mier in Doug Moen who is extremely committed to part- days as vice-chief, Lonechild has already begun work in mind. Troubling accounts of shootings and baffling nering with First Nations,” Lonechild says. that area. Most notable is the plan to work with the RCMP tactics – such as a recent weekend at Stanley “Doug is very highly respected in our circles. That Province and Sask Power to create a new energy body that Mission that saw undercover cops target residents dur- signals that we can do something positive.” would see First Nations involved in power generation. ing a snowmobile rally – need to be addressed, he says. It’s early in his term, and Lonechild says the pace “We’re talking hydro, co-generation and wind for First Lonechild would also like to see more work done on is a challenge but he’s encouraged by the progress be- Nations projects around the province,” Lonechild says. the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. ing made. “We’re really looking at getting to the heart of partici- He would also like to encourage the Province to “Our responsibility on the issues, like FNUC, is to pating in the economy with cultural and environmental con- consider establishing facilities that stressed healing rather stop the talk and really do what we say we’re going to do.” 14 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2010 2010 - The Yea Capote making keeps tradition alive

aking a Hudsonʼs Bay blanket into a coat on a cold January afternoon, 20 women gathered for Gabriel Dumont Instituteʼs traditional capote making work- Mshop with Suzan Lagrove. Capotes are associated with Métis communities – and warmth. Lagrove has years of experience with the Hudsonʼs Bay Company, doing capote workshops for HBCʼs Heritage De- partment across Canada. “The points indicate the size of the blanket, not the price,” explains Lagrove in her intro. Points are the black lines on the edge, which Métis women would incorporate in designs. “The blanket provided women with a large piece of warm ready to use fabric. And the white was great for hunting in winter,” says Lagrove. At one time, each point was worth a beaver pelt or two. But GDI accepted $250 – the all-wool blankets normally sell for a hundred more in-store. Lagrove can obtain “seconds” with unnoticeable flaws, from HBC. Made in Great Britain, the wool blankets havenʼt changed for centuries. The unmistakable HBC green, red, yellow, and dark blue stripes are featured in various ways. After deciding on length, size, and style the women cut, hand-sewed, and visited. In the end, every jacket was slightly different, but all beautiful and incredibly warm. Making only a few cuts, the women used most of the blanket – body, sleeves, and the pointy hood “big enough to Elder Rose Fleury shows off her blanket-stitching skills. (Below) Suzan Lagrove hold a baby”. Pieces are blanket-stitched together (arms, helps Jennifer from Suntep make her cuts. tasseled hood) the fringes cut at seamed areas to wick water away, and, Kimber from the Nipawin area made a shorter coat to wear to the Win- tada! It can be buttoned but is usually tied with a Métis sash. ter Olympics, representing Métis youth at a pavilion. She said sheʼd never Rose Fleury, an Elder from Duck Lake, worked with experienced sewed before but in no time was hand-sewing away with her chosen colour capote-maker Joanne Potyondi, whose son Andrew had brought his beauti- of yarn, GDIʼs music selections playing in the background. ful red and brown capote which he hunts in. And by the end of the day, most of the women were done – just in time Lagrove supervised before cutting – a little scary taking that first snip for the blizzard that shut Saskatoon down. Toasty warm and greeted with into these beautiful blankets but you could also, for a straight edge, snip compliments by strangers who wanted one too! - Written by Andréa Ledding and then tear along the selvage. Métis Did you know? * Did you know? For Métis freighters who transported goods from one place to another,it was commonplace to carry a minimum of two packs (80 kilograms) when walking. While two packs was a common packing weight, some men carried in excess of 170 kilograms at a time!

*Didyouknow?ThefiddleisthemaininstrumentusedinMétismusic. Many Métis played the fiddle. They were often handmade from maple wood and birch, as most Métis did not have the money to buy ready- made ones. FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News 15 ar of the Métis Pride and Prowess: he 2010 Olympic Games have received a lot of coverage in the last year, A Métis Classic not the least of which is the Torch Run which has promoted the games as Tthe Olympic flame made its way across the country,passing through many Leave it to the Métis to make play out of the very skills they needed for work communities and in a number of cases, being carried by Métis torch and survival. Todayʼs Trappersʼ Festival in The Pas, Manitoba reflects the broad bearers. range of skills admired by the Métis. Some of the festivalʼs events include ice The Games assemble the worldʼs best athletes at a competition that will fishing, canoe packing, animal calling, axe throwing, wood sawing, snowshoe showcase the results of their training and diligence. racing, bannock making, trap setting, flour packing, and leg wrestling. For the Métis, feats of strength and skill are nothing new. Out of necessity, Most contemporary voyageur games include some of these events while our forebearers were self-reliant and became known for their strength and some have slightly different activities depending on the season. endurance right from the birth of the Métis Nation. The rugged lifestyles of the Only time will tell if the events common among Métis games will become Métis in early Canada called for those who wanted to survive and thrive, to be part of the Olympics. Our belief about the level of skill and commitment required “faster, higher, and stronger.” to excel at either of these prestigious events is not in doubt and will remain The Métis garnered a reputation as being the “one-and-a-half men” for the something that the Métis continue to prize. amount of freight they could haul and the work they could accomplish compared During this Year of the Métis, the Olympic Games are being held in to others.This compliment should also have been paid to the women and children Vancouver, and Canada will play host to the worldʼs competing nations and will who worked equally hard to maintain their lifestyle and standard of living. showcase our beautiful land, our athletes and our hospitality. In later years, when living became easier for people, the need for such In anticipation of there being a great interest in CanadaʼsAboriginal Peoples, strength and endurance was less critical, but the pride in it remained. The Métis the Four Host First Nations and Vancouver Organizing Committee are bringing hosted their own games more than 300 Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth together to partic- named voyageur games ipate and perform in cultural activities and youth leadership gatherings during and trappers' festivals. At the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. these events, speed, skill, The Saskatchewan Métis delegates include Bradley Brown, Dallas Fiddler and endurance were Boyer, Daniel Olver, and Kymber Palidwar. The four applied last September highly prized. Some and were selected to represent Saskatchewan Métis Youth. They will spend a events celebrated few days in traditional dress, some of their own, and some provided by the champions who would be Gabriel Dumont Institute. They will all wear traditional Métis coats – capotes – the first to drive a dog team which were made a few weeks earlier at a capote making workshop hosted by over the finish line or pack the Institute. Brad and Kymber made their own coats! a heavy load the farthest. The four will be sharing the highlights of their trip in an upcoming feature. - Written By Karon Shmon of GDI Chronology of the 1885 Resistance

1878 (August 1)

Cypress Hills Métis sent a two hundred and seventy-six (Above) Feats of strength signature petition to the Northwest Council. were an exciting part of Voyageur Games. (Right) Dallas Fiddler Boyer, 1879 Bradley Brown, Kymber Palidwar, and Daniel Olver Amendments to The Dominion Lands Act acknowledged that the Métis had outstanding claims to their lands in the will be the Métis Youth North-West Territories. Section 42 indicated that the federal Ambassadors at the government had a responsibility to protect Aboriginal rights Olympic Games this (for both Métis and First Nations), and thus had ao duty t month. (Photo by GDI) limit non-Aboriginal settlement in a region until the local First Nations and Métis inhabitants had their Aboriginal title extinguished through Treaty and Scrip. Section 125 of the act granted occupancy to those who lived peaceably and continually on a piece of land. However, the act, even with these amendments, did not guarantee the Métis title to their lands. Therefore, Métis living in what is now Saskatchewan sent dozens of petitions asking that their oc- cupancy and title to their lands be recognized. To be continued next month ... Prepared by the Gabriel Dumont Institute with material devel- oped by Darren Prefontaine, Leah Dorion, Ron Laliberté, and Father Guy Lavallée. 16 Eagle Feather News - Education FEBRUARY 2010 Cameco supports Credenda

By Fabian Ratt Gary Merasty, former Grand Chief of Of Eagle Feather News the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) verybody wants high school to be and vice-president of corporate social an interesting, enjoyable and a responsibility for Cameco, has played a big groundbreaking experience. For part in the formation of Credenda. four people from different cultures, “In early 2000, while I was Grand Evocations, and parts of the province, Chief at the PAGC, we did an Education Credenda Virtual High School certainly Indicator Study for all 28 schools in the was all that, and more. PAGC, and some of the high schools as Gary Merasty, of Cameco, Vince Hill, well,” Merasty explained. Gary Merasty of Cameco, Jessica Constant, Credenda student from James Smith director, Gerry Grandey CEO at Cameco, “Wefound there was a huge gap in the First Nation, and Gerry Grandey CEO Cameco. (Photo by Fabian Ratt) and Edward Benoanie, a graduate, have all math and sciences that were being made found a role at Credenda, ones they all have available to our students in the North.” “When we started in 2005 there were highly paying jobs.” avidly filled. With this development, the PAGC 40 students, now there are about 200 high The continued success and growth of hired Vince Hill to continue research, school students, and 131 college students,” Credenda Virtual High School will help conceive, and ultimately create a solution. Hill added. “Another item we are proud of northern students get the prerequisites they After thousands of kilometres, attending is 62 per cent of our students are First need to be able to further their education. many meetings, and tons of research, that Nations.” Opportunity is knocking and apparently solution turned out to be Credenda Virtual The school evidently is succeeding and Cameco is trying to hold some of those High School. With all this knowledge growing, so it now brokers classes from doors open. regarding the school, Hill was a natural Lakeland College and Red River College. Thanks to Credenda, Edward choice and has the director position at the This influx of qualified people in the North Benoanie, originally from Hatchet Lake school. is what Cameco is after with their contri- Dene Nation, has graduated from Grade 12 In 2005 PAGC launched Credenda bution to Credenda. through its virtual classroom. He was one Virtual High School, a school where Cameco’s CEO Gerry Grandey, was of the original students taking part in the students take part by logging online at a at the luncheon to announce that Cameco 2005 Credenda Pilot Project that has grown computer, either in classrooms at various is pledging $2 million over the next four into a self sustaining non-profit institution. schools around Northern Saskatchewan, years. Plus Benoanie has ripened as well. or at home. The teacher also is usually at “We are always looking for quality “I am in SUNTEP, taking my fourth home. Through the use of webcams and people, and not just at entry level positions, year to get my Bachelor of Education, and other technology,the students can take part, we want to move them up to higher skilled I will graduate this spring,” said Benoanie. EDWARD BENOANIE much like a conference call, in classes that positions where they will need math and It seems he soon will be skilled enough They all explained how they played are not usually offered at their own school. sciences,” Grandey said. to apply his math and science skills in the parts in the forming of the high school, its “We encourage the students to take “Over 50 per cent of our workforce is teaching arena. With Credenda growing, success, and its continued growth at a these classes at the schools, because we do from Northern Saskatchewan, and we have and hoping to enrol 300 high school luncheon held in January. not want to take the place of the school. We a longer term goal of 67 per cent. students next year, they will more than The luncheon was an opportunity for want to supplement the schools,” explains “The only way we are going to meet likely be looking for more teachers. Cameco to announce that they would Hill. that is to make sure they get the skills they With Cameco always looking for provide Credenda with $2 million over the Since Credenda started the numbers need beginning at an early age that puts qualified people, the future seems bright next four years. have been adding up. them into that stream for highly skilled, for other Credenda students as well. FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Education 17 $5 million employment program

By Andréa Ledding and business sectors gain access to a large and eager For Eagle Feather News labour market: a win-win scenario. abriel Dumont Institute (GDI) will be providing “Métis are the fastest growing population,” added job planning assistance and training to 280 indi- Lafond. viduals using over $5 million dedicated by the The Province is also taking part in the initiative, Government of Canada. The money is a part of the and Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, GEconomic Action fund designated as the Aboriginal Employment and Labour, said his Ministry will Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund. contribute almost half a million dollars over two years “Aboriginal people are an integral part of Canada’s in Provincial TrainingAllowances to assist in training society,” noted Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for more health care workers. Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, speaking for the Govern- “Recognizing the significant role First Nations and ment of Canada. Métis will play, this investment by the provincial “Our goal is to have the best educated, most skilled government signifies our commitment,” Norris said, and flexible workforce in the world.” adding all people should have equal opportunities to GDI’s Health SectorAboriginal Human Resources participate fully in the labour market. Initiative and Strategic Partnership Initiative will “This largely came about because of the positive prepare most individuals for entry-level jobs in the relationship of our staff at GDI in maintaining a positive health sector, while just under one-third will be matched relationship with the levels of government,” said with small and medium-sized employers across Lafond, noting health care is one area that is recession- Saskatchewan. proof and always in demand. Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S), Treasurer “Our focus as Métis people has always been one of Gabe Lafond credited GDI for their successful program relationship, and connection – a collaborative approach application, and their relational approach with all levels between parties. of government, business, and community. Lafond is “Following discussions, to be able to deal with this optimistic this guaranteed employment will help the in the year of the Métis is a very good kick-start.” economy, the country, and the Métis andAboriginal job “My grand-daughter is trying to find good work, recipients. and she is a single parent,” noted Elder Michael “GDI staff and programs are respected throughout Maurice who opened and closed a recent media event Canada, and the leading edge of Métis development,” with prayer. He said programs like this which provide Lafond noted, adding they were a model of best practice skills, training, and connections and relationship with in action. employers are just what is needed for the Métis and Rob Norris, Gabe Lafond, Kelly Block announced The program eliminates barriers, allowing Métis Aboriginal people. a $5 million training program aimed at improving to use existing skills and learn new ones, while health “I will be glad to see her get what she needs to access to the workplace for Aboriginal workers. provide for herself and her own.” 18 Eagle Feather News - Education FEBRUARY 2010 Partnership stresses cultural pride

By Andréa Ledding For Eagle Feather News t was an inspiring moment as dozens of children from the nehiyawak bilingual program at St. Francis School sang “Oh Canada” in Cree to open the “mamawohkamatowin” signatory event. I St. Michael Community School hosted the February partnership event between Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Saskatoon Tribal Council and the Central Urban MP Maurice Vellacott and SIIT President Randell Métis Foundation Inc. (CUMFI). Morris announce the aircraft training agreement. “Our children are what we live for, what we wake up for each day,” saidAlma Kytwayhat, an Elder with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and 2009 recipient of a Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Careers take “This word mamawohkamatowin speaks of connect- edness.” Elders from all three organizations chose the Cree name mamawohkamatowin, which means co-operation or mutual assistance. She described it as three hands, Tribal Chief Felix Thomas, Diane Boyko and Shirley shaking hands together in partnership. Isbister celebrated their partnership. 9ight at SIIT “We are all together, all connected together, and all CUMFI president Shirley Isbister said she was related,” she explained. honoured to join a partnership working towards student Saskatoon Tribal Chief Felix Thomas said that Métis success for Aboriginal students. askatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and First Nations represent growing percentages of “Pride in one’s culture is a large component of (SIIT) will build a new training facility and offer Saskatchewan youth, underscoring the importance of success in education and achieving life’s goals,” said an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Training collaborating and pooling expertise and resources to Isbister. Program in Saskatoon thanks to investments from the maximize learning, achievement, and success for First “Our goal is to promote an inclusive, respectful, and Sgovernments of Canada and Saskatchewan, the Nations students. welcoming environment that is conducive to learning, Saskatoon Airport Authority and private industry. “Saskatoon Tribal Council believes aggregate part- parental involvement, and community engagement.” The announcement was made in Saskatoon by nerships can be more effective in the development and She spoke of going to elementary school in Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament on behalf of implementation of sustainable services to address First Saskatoon, hiding her bannock sandwich from the other the Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Nation education disparities, to increase First Nations children, and feeling ashamed of her difference. Poverty, Economic Diversification, and Rob Norris, student success across Central Saskatchewan, and to health, and racism need to be addressed. Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education, close the gap between non-First Nation and First Nation “Not one child should be allowed to fall through the Employment and Labour. learners,” Thomas said. cracks,” said Isbister. The announcement includes Government of Canada “It will mean greater self-esteem, a greater desire to “We want education to be a powerful experience to funding of $1.6 million dollars through Western learn.” transform the lives of all our children,” agreed Diane Economic Diversification Canada under the Western Thomas said afterwards he wants a future where First Boyko, Chair of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Diversification Program for construction of the facility, Nations students can ask, like every other Canadian The event concluded with entertainment from St. combined with donated aircraft worth $200,000 from youth, “what university should I go to, what career path Mary Community School’s Song and Dance Troupe the Government of Saskatchewan. should I choose,” rather than the limited and negative including an Honour Song, Grand Entry, shawl dancers, “Today’s announcement is another example of our options many now face. jigging, and blacklight hoop-dancing. government’s commitment to creating jobs and oppor- tunity for Saskatchewan students,” said Vellacott. “The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program will be an important part of our community, providing students with important skills training to help them succeed and prosper right here in Saskatchewan.” SIIT’s new training program is supported by the Saskatoon Airport Authority and Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. The SaskatoonAirportAuthority has agreed to a free land lease on the site of the training facility, valued annually at $100,000. Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour has agreed to provide operating funding of $350,000. With the combination of Government of Canada funding for construction of the new training facility, the Government of Saskatchewan’s support in operating funding and donated aircraft, the Saskatoon Airport Authority’s provision of land, and the private companies’ support in funds and training aircraft, SIIT is now able to build the new training facility and plans to offer the new program starting inAugust 2010 for 15 students for the two year course. “We are very excited about this opportunity and very pleased that the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan have taken a financial supporting role in this endeavour,” said Randell Morris, President of SIIT. “The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies has been working on this project for a while now and it’s great to see it take the next steps towards delivery.” FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Education 19

Two students from Minahik Waskahigan School in Pinehouse Lake enjoy the ride on a hovercraft they built. (Photo by Kurt Touet) Young female students discover the fun side of science and engineering

By Blue Pelletier are starting to choose electives for high For Eagle Feather News school. iscover Engineering has been “It’s important to show them their around for over ten years. The options before they choose their classes,” annual conference is held at the and Toeut says. University of Saskatchewan’s engineer- Participants all did various projects Ding facility. while in attendance. One of those projects This all-female conference is is a chemical engineering project where designed to help show young girls the fun the end product is a golf ball sized concoc- side of science and engineering, hopefully tion that they can place in their bath and gearing them towards a career in those let dissolve. Another popular project saw fields. the girls build and then ride on hovercrafts. Numbers peaked in the early ‘90s They were also able to enter the when 30 per cent of the enrolment was anechoic chamber which is soundproof. females in the engineering college at the It is a room that cancels echoes and shows U of S. That has plummeted to 20 per cent how sound travels. now. There was also a speaker’s panel Compared to other sciences that is where female engineers came to speak just not up to par. For example theAgri- about the fun and exciting field of engi- culture and Bio Science College is at neering and why it’s a career worth about 55-60 per cent. pursuing. “The discrepancy in colleges like The girls were also taken bowling Computer Science, Physics, and Engi- Friday night by females from the engi- neering needs to change, they are neering college.And there was a banquet currently predominantly male,” says Kurt on Saturday giving all those in attendance Touet one of the organizers of the event. a chance to meet and gather in a social “The idea of the conference is to create a setting away from the classroom. fun atmosphere and hopefully everyone All the girls seemed to have a great gains something from the experience.” time and enjoyed the experience. Of the 75 participants, 35 of them “The idea is not necessarily to convert came from Northern communities like but to show people what science truly is. Pinehouse Lake, La Ronge, Cumberland Teaching kids and stop the science bias House, and Beauval. when picking classes for high school,” Most of those girls are in Grade 8 and said Touet. 20 Eagle Feather News - Education FEBRUARY 2010 Making the grade on Muskoday FN

By Creeson Agecoutay For Eagle Feather News t’s a dawning of a new day for Katherine Bear. She recently returned home to Muskoday First Nation but that’s not all. She has earned her Grade 12 diploma. I “I feel like I accomplished a lot,” she says. “I’m actually grateful for Muskoday First Nation and the Cumberland College to come out here and give us this opportunity to finish Grade 12.” Bear is among 14 graduates of the MuskodayAdult Katherine Bear of Muskoday First Nation accepts her Grade 12 diploma from Chief Austin Bear. Basic Education Program offered through Cumberland (Photo Creeson Agecoutay) College. This is a first for Muskoday but the program has been offered before, Cumberland CEO Valerie Mushinski says. “Wealso had one at Red Earth. Provincially I believe we are the only college that has ever graduated basic education Grade 12 on reserve so we’re really excited about today.” Students from Muskoday and area spent up to two years in class earning all the necessary classes to graduate. Muskoday ChiefAustin Bear welcomed the oppor- tunity and looks forward with optimism. “We will continue to provide opportunities for our people to become educated, be educated and other training and employment opportunities. I think for our First Nation and perhaps most First Nations there lays the answer to some of our dilemmas,” he says. Russel LeBoeuf is also a graduate and is already planning his future. “I’m going to take small business entrepreneurship at SIAST in September and hopefully run my own business,” he says. The Cumberland College plans to continue to work with First Nations communities in the province to ensure anyone who desires a high school education can get one. FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Education 21 Activist began helping when she was only ten

By Jessica LaPlante For Eagle Feather News essica Yee, a 23-year-old Mohawk woman from theAkwesasne First Nation in Ontario, is a self described “Indigenous Feminist Reproductive Justice Freedon Fighter.” She is an organizer, educator, and facilitator who is committed to supporting youth Jsexual health through feminist and Aboriginal activism. Yee was a keynote speaker at the third annual HIV/AIDS & HCV conference that was put on by the All Nations Hope Aids Network in Regina in November. At the age of 20 years old, Yee founded the Native Youth Sexual Health Network. It is the only organization of its kind run by youth working to build strong, comprehensive, and culturally competent sexuality education programs for Aborig- inal youth across NorthAmerica. She is also heavily involved with many organiza- tions including The Emergency NativeAmerican Task Force, Canadians for Choice, The Highway of Tears Initiative, The Law Society of Upper Canada, and she teaches Jessica Yee founded the Native Youth Sexual Health Network at the age of 20. for the Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health. Yee has been an activist since she was ten years old, when she began seeing youth not much older then her becoming pregnant and being abused.At 12 years of age, Yee applied for a volunteer position at a woman’s shelter. She must have sounded older on the phone, because when she went to volunteer, she was told to come back when she was 18 years old, the minimum age for volunteers at the shelter. “That was my first experience ... it was doing something that was outside of myself, for something that I cared about.” Yee says it was very important for her to pick something that she was really good at. She explained that she has always been fascinated with sex and sexuality because she considers it something that connects human beings. “I’ve always joked that I never had a choice in the things I wanted to be passion- ate about because my mom was such a life force,” says Yee, who credits her mother for being a huge source of inspiration, and the reason why she is so passionate about certain issues, specifically sexual and reproductive health for Indigenous people. There were other strong women in her community for Jessica to learn from: Katsi Cook, a midwife and environmental justice leader, Lee Maracle, a Native feminist and Winona Leduke, who is the founder of Women of all Red Nations, the female equivalent of the America Indian Movement. “I work with young people across Turtle Island every single day and I feel like those are also my everyday teachers. There’s no way I would be in the position I’m in now, teaching others, if I didn't learn from them,” says Yee. Yee shared two Mohawk teachings that were instilled in her. “You have to speak up because if you don’t speak up, people speak for you.” Yee explains that being loud is not something that is seen as a negative thing in her community. “I always find that funny because in mainstream society, you know, being loud as a woman is not really a positive thing.” The second teaching Yee values is that you have to lead in other communities before you can lead in your own. “You go. You help out. You learn. You visualize. You see what’s going on in other communities before you bring it back to your community.” Yee said that her position of executive director of a NorthAmerica wide network is continuously questioned because she is only 23 years old. “There’s still a lot of ageism that goes on.” Despite the fact that the field she works in is dominated by people who are 40 years old and up, Yee stands out as an inspiring and outspoken activist. She believes that sexual education programs that are not culturally sensitive are not working for First Nations youth because they fail to incorporate traditional knowledge and teachings. Yee sends a strong message to youth that now is the time to be developing leadership qualities because Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing demographic in Canada . “If you can’t be that person who is on the podium, or on the protest, or on the picket line, or president of the country. look at the different ways that you can become a leader,” Yee confidently states. “If you are somebody who is coming from a long line of people who have suffered abuse or harm and you break that cycle that’s a form of leadership.” Yee challenges young people to look beyond the box, just as she has been doing for over half of her life. The Native Youth Sexual Health Network is available online at http://www.nativeyouthsexualhealth.com/ and the organization also can be accessed on Facebook and Twitter. 22 Eagle Feather News - Careers FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News 23 Lafond carrying Liberal banner in the North

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News helureoftheNorthwasjusttoomuchforMétis Nation-Saskatchewan Treasurer Gabe Lafond. With the MN-S on solid economic ground and with stable and accountable leadership, Gabe Lafond Twas convinced to resign his post and to accept the Liberal nomination to run for Member of Parliament in the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River riding, the largest riding in all of Canada. “I grew up in the North, I understand the North, and I want to give Northern people a strong voice in Ottawa,” Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River candidate Gabe Lafond (centre) with Senator Bob Peterson and said the newly nominated candidate. Ontario Member of Parliament Bob Rae. (Photo supplied) “This is a massive, diverse riding with strong First Nation, Métis and non-Aboriginal populations. We need a representative who can unite rather than divide.” Liberal Party ForeignAffairs Critic Bob Rae was present at the nomination event in Meadow Lake to show his support and spoke of the strength of Lafond’s leadership and why he thinks Lafond would be an excep- tional MP. “He knows his constituency, he’s not only shown his ability to lead but also to listen,” said the Toronto MP. “I have confidence that he’ll be the type of MP who can bring people from every part of the riding together and tackle serious issues like job creation and skills development.” Lafond brings with him years of experience as an elected representative for the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, where he has acted as treasurer since 2007. He is currently the chair of Gabriel Dumont Institute working on skills training, job opportunity assistance and building partnerships between employers and Métis workers. He says he is sad to leave the MN-S, but is confident that it is the right time. “The Métis Nation has never been in better shape politically or financially,” said Lafond who still had two years left on his elected mandate. President Robert Doucette, Vice PresidentAlan Morin and Secretary Max Morin all have mandates until 2012. “The remaining executives have a great plan and will absorb some of my job duties until a replacement can be named. I talked to all of them in regards to my decision and they supported me.” Born and raised in Green Lake, prior to holding elected positions, Lafond was the Regional Manager for the Canadian Executive Service Organization and worked for the Government of Canada for several years. But he was also into politics and has been with the Liberals for many years. “I helped organize for John Manley when he ran for leader. I got involved in the grassroot level with them. Now, from working with the Métis Nation, it gave me a better understanding of policy and the impact of making policy. Members of parliament make policy. If I become a member of Parliament I can have a better impact.” He also has the backing of his wife Andrea and children Olivia, Mathew and Rylan. “My wife and I had a good discussion six months ago.Itisnotaneasydecisiontomakeasthereisalotof traveling, but my wife is the backbone of the family,” said Lafond. “I rely on her. I got her blessing and talked to my elders, political advisers and other leaders. The Liberals know what needs to be in done in the North. Create economic development, engage in duty to consult and get education opportunities. “We have to identify rights bearing communities and include them. If we succeed in these areas, it will all fall together.” 24 Eagle Feather News - Careers FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Arts & Entertainment 25 Williams scores a double

n a time when newspaper headlines matter. Not only does Williams tell stories assume control of the Band’s finances are dominated by the current debacle of love, forgiveness and letting go, he also after Isaac’s successor left in a flurry of regarding the First Nations Universi- cleverly delves into the world of corrup- corruption. Paula-Jean Prudat shines as ty of Canada, it is darn refreshing to tion and mismanagement by some First Destiny and greatly complements Peetee- Iremove one’s self from the hullaballoo Nations leaders. tuce and Dieter’s effortless on-stage and escape, for at least a couple hours, to Quite fitting considering the chemistry. the friendly confines of the Persephone province’s cut of funding to FNUC was Although it felt as if Jacob was used Theatre for a night of entertainment. the top story on the noon, six o’clock and as more of a supporting character in 11:30 news the day his play premiered. Bannock Republic (Thunderstick featured And Williams pulled no punches in only Isaac and Jacob), Dieter’s perform- letting the audience know First Nations ance was as close to perfect as an actor people are aware there are problems – can get. sometimes seemingly insurmountable His comic timing was impeccable and ones – present on some of our First he was able to display superior abilityn i Nations around the province. But playing a recovering alcoholic who is as Williams did this with tact and offered a funny as he is complex. It is also worth sense of hope without getting too preachy mentioning this is Dieter’s first time on Kenneth T. Williams’ newest play, or standing on the quintessential soap box. stage in over five years. Bannock Republic, is the sequel to Thun- But he (jokingly) accepts no respon- With little-to-no glitches, bang-on derstick – a play that had its run at Perse- sibility for what his characters say and do. timing by the actors and a story that keeps “First of all I had been threatening to audiences wanting more, Bannock phone last fall – and marks one of, if not KEN WILLIAMS the first time (in Saskatchewan, anyway) write a sequel to Thunderstick for quite Republic is a hilarious, thought- a play and its sequel were produced by a some time,” he says with a chuckle. provoking, sometimes tear-jerking play Isaac and Destiny be a decade from now? professional theatre in the same season. “But I had no story and I tend to write that runs on all cylinders for nearly two It’ll be a long wait but surely worth it. “Having two shows produced in one with a process where I let the characters hours. Reminder: Cashing In Season 2 season is one thing,” said Williams over and their stories emerge.” When asked if he’d ever consider Premiere lunch in Saskatoon recently, “but having Ten years later, the characters and exploring the possibility of a ‘three-quel,‘ Just a reminder to all you faithful a show and its sequel produced in the their stories finally emerged to kick Ken Williams raises his eyebrows, takes APTN viewers that Cashing In Season 2 same season by the same theatre is pretty Williams in the butt and get him writing. a deep breath and exhales. premieres March 2 (check local listings). much unheard of.” But needless to say, it was worth the wait. “I’m not sure. Who knows where I’ll Cashing In, a half-hour drama (with a little Not to mention the fact that the two Bannock Republic characters Isaac be in another ten years.” comedy to boot), depicts life in the crazy, plays are written and directed by and star and Jacob Thunderchild are expertly More importantly, where will Jacob, twisting world of a First Nations casino. people ofAboriginal ancestry.And it’s not played by Curtis Peeteetuce and Mark as if Williams is bragging. He said this Dieter respectively. Jacob reluctantly with genuine disbelief, almost like he’s comes back to his home, Thunder Cree still getting used to the idea. But judging First Nation, as anAPTN video journal- from the full house on opening night, he ist doing a boring, run-of-the-mill story may have unwillingly started a trend. when he discovers Isaac, his cousin, has Bannock Republic had everything become Chief of the financially troubled theatre audiences crave: gut-splitting community. laughter, troubling heartache, intricately Added to the mix is Destiny, a sexy woven stories and seriously ballsy subject in-your-face third party manager sent to

Paula-Jean Prudat, Mark Dieter and Curtis Peeteetuce have a hit with Banana Republic playing at Persephone Theatre. (Photo by Michael Gosselin) 26 Eagle Feather News - Sports FEBRUARY 2010 APTN speaking your language at the Olympics

By John Lagimodiere will broadcast downhill skiing as well as Of Eagle Feather News ladies aerials. Charles has several years or the first time ever, Aboriginal experience in radio as a Cree language people in Canada are going to be broadcaster. He has worked extensively able to watch and enjoy the with the Government of Saskatchewan Olympics and listen to broadcasters and Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation, Fspeaking in their own language. but this is his first foray into sports broad- APTN, the first ever Aboriginal casting. Ahenakew has been a public network worldwide to broadcast live speaker and Chief in his home community coverage of the Games, has rallied a 36- for 18 years. member broadcast team to deliver 214 Opikowkew, from Canoe Lake Cree hours of coverage in a mix of English, Nation, and Merasty, from Ile a la Crosse, French and eightAboriginal languages on will be broadcasting a mix of various its standard definition channel and in High Olympic sports forAPTN including speed Definition on APTN HD. skating, Nordic combined and men’s This is the language delivery crew forAPTN’s Olympic coverage. (APTN photo) “To find our 36 multilingual broad- curling. 2006 Olympic Games to study and VO booths and recording on-camera casters,APTN embarked on a nationwide Merasty has worked for CBC and rehearse their own presentations. openings and closings. Van Horne search for talent fluent in their native was the first CEO of Missinipi Broad- APTN then brought the entire group continues to work with these first time languages who had some broadcasting casting Corporation. back to Winnipeg in mid-November for commentators leading up to the Games, experience; some didn’t but had the will Opikowkew has worked in radio for another session headed up by Van Horne. and will also be on hand at APTN’s to learn and become part of the team,” said 14 years, including two years with NCI in This included rehearsing in three mock Broadcast Centre to help out. Jean LaRose, APTN’s Chief Executive Thompson, but this is his first time calling Officer. the play-by-play for live sports.

Asia Youngman and Phillippe Candeloro carried the torch at Wanuskewin.

“We held several training sessions Adam will call play-by-play for with successful candidates – many of APTN’s cross country and biathlon broad- whom are brand new to sports broadcast- casts during the 2010 Olympic Winter ing. The scope of this undertaking was Games. He will be behind the microphone enormous, and we’re thrilled with the for two cross country events: the men’s result,” Larose says. and women’s individual sprint, the women “It is truly our privilege to share some 15k team pursuit and ladies 4x6k relay of our languages and cultures with all of biathlon competition. Canada and to provide the world’s first Adam, from La Ronge, Aboriginal language coverage of the Saskatchewan, will be broadcasting in the Games live and in HD.” Dene language. He has spent 11 years with There is a strong Saskatchewan team CBC Radio in La Ronge andYellowknife, assembled for these Games, including Northwest Territories. Barry Ahenakew, Alan Adam, Abel Harp will be the host of the Aborigi- Charles, Rick Harp, Robert Merasty and nal languages show.Amember of the Peter Harry Opikowkew. Ballantyne Cree Nation, he has more than “It was real interesting setting it up,” 15 years of media experience in journal- Ahenakew said about the process of ism and communication including broadcasting in Cree and describing the host/producer roles with the Aboriginal events. Peoples Television Network. “We had to meet and all the Cree To facilitate training, APTN brought announcers had to agree on what words in Canadian sports broadcasting icon Jim we were going to use to describe a specific Van Horne. More than two dozen appli- sport so that our terminology is consis- cants were brought to Winnipeg for a two- tent.” day training session in August 2009. The Charles and Ahenakew will be applicants left that first session with an covering sports in the Cree language. extensive outline ofAPTN’s coverage plan Charles, from Grandmothers Bay, and as well as a better understanding of how Ahenakew, fromAhtahkakpoop Reserve, to call sports. They were given DVDs of contemporary professional sports and the FEBRUARY 2010 Eagle Feather News - Sports 27 Olympic hockey teams full of Saskatchewan talent

Canadian athlete has never won He hopes to fight next month at the huge splash acquiring J.S. Giguere and a gold medal on Canadian soil at Battle of the Prairies in Regina. Dion Phaneuf. the Olympics. In Vancouver the “I was pretty disappointed about it I Now I doubt it will make them much Men’s and Women’s Canadian Hockey was looking forward to fighting. But it better I give credit to Brian Burke for Ateams just may change that. Both teams will make me want it more next year,” making the trades. are favourites to win gold.And both teams Twardzik says. It will definitely please the fans to are full of Saskatchewan talent. add superstars to a talent depleted The men’s team has Brendan Morrow Huge trades for team. of Carlyle, Ryan Getzlaf of Regina, and Patrick Marleau hails from Aneroid. NHL’s Leafs and Devils Random thoughts .... Marleau is expected to be on the team’s top line. Also representing the Saskatchewan The New Jersey Devils are the big UFC needs to step their game up. The will be coach Mike Babcock who is a winners in what was a historic week of last few cards have been pretty weak … trades in the NHL. native of Saskatoon. Everybody in Rider nation needs to stay Ilya Kovalchuk is a game changer and On the women’s side there is Gina calm. Every team will lose free agents I can’t remember the last time a player of Kingsbury of Uranium City, Megan and every year the Rider brass seem to Mikkelson from Regina and Colleen his stature was traded nearing the trade deadline. find diamonds in the rough … Lebron Sostorics of Kennedy. James is gonna win his second straight The team will be led by team captain The move makes the Devils that MVPpretty easily it looks like but I still and Shaunavon’s hometown hero, Hayley much better. see Kobe and the Lakers lookin just too Wickenheiser. She has been playing in They were already considered a Cup European men’s leagues the last few years contender, I don’t know if they can get by good to beat this year … My favourite and is widely regarded as the top female Washington or Pittsburgh but they are sports to watch that I normally wouldn’t, player in the world and maybe ever. definitely a scary team come the playoffs. but do cause they are at the Olympics are Mike Linklater’s career with the U of S The Toronto Maple Leafs made a the luge, ski jumping, and aerials. The men will look to bounce back Huskies will soon be coming to an end. from a shameful experience and the embarrassment of Turin where they the Manitoba Bisons. finished out of the medals. “I was fortunate enough to be named The Olympics run from February 12- team captain and I do my best to lead by 28. example,” says Linklater. Linklater will be paying in his last Senior night for Huskies home game along with seniors Troy Gottselig and Clint Unsworth. Senior The Saskatchewan Men’s Huskies night is February 13 and it’s a good chance squad has nearly clinched a home playoff to come see a team that many believe has date with their stellar play down the a chance at Nationals this year. stretch. This year’s team has been recog- nized as one of the most talented in years. Twardzik misses chance The team has a dynamic backcourt of Shawron Glover and Mike Linklater. The Boxer and Big River native Stu two are the team’s top scorers and cause Twardzik was unable to compete at fits for opposing teams. National’s due to his hand injury. He was Linklater recently set a Canada West hoping to fight but the doctor told him the and school record with 10 steals against breakwas too bad. 28 Eagle Feather News FEBRUARY 2010 Soldier cousins reunited in Afghanistan

By Jennifer Dubois the back. It felt good seeing family over there. It made For Eagle Feather News me feel good that our family still has its warriors,” said or soldiers away at war it is highly unlikely that Ahenakew. they will run into their cousin at the store. For U.S One of the youngest in his family,Ahenakew has soldier, Greg Rosebluff , and Canadian soldier, been a part of the Canadian military since 2006. He Mahekan Ahenakew, the unimaginable came true. enjoys what he does. “I’ll stick with (the army).After all FThe two men grew up together on the Saskatchewan it’s gotten me this far,” he said. prairies. Rosebluff is from Muscowpetung First Nation. The two men grew up close to each other and are Ahenakew is from Ahtahkakoop First Nation. very much in tune with their First Nation culture. “I knew Mahekan was coming, but I just didn’t know Rosebluff said he recalls how being young, traveling if I was going to get the chance to see him because from one powwow to the next contributed to his military Kandahar is a huge base and they have a huge boardwalk life. there and there’s so many different nations it’s like a little “You see so many elders out there that are getting city,” said Rosebluff. older and older. When you go to the powwows you don’t “I was in the German PX the day before I decided to see very many of them anymore you know.And now I come on leave. I saw a guy having ice cream at the have three cousins that are in (the army), Joey Canadian PX and he was a pretty happy guy and he Kaiswatum, Mahekan, and my cousin, Robin Cote, so it looked Indian but I wasn’t too sure it was him, so I was feels good,” he said. kinda doing my own thing. Then this guy comes and Rosebluff wants to contribute to history like the grabs me and was, like, hey, Greg, and then I realized it elders before him. was him, and it felt great to see him,” he said. “I know the life that I was leading before wasn’t He has been enrolled with the U.S military since going anywhere that would make me proud or my family 2006. Rosebluff said his goal was to be trained in proud. So I can’t wait to come home and go to the Airborne Infantry. For the last three months he has been powwows and to enter grand entry as a veteran,” stationed in Afghanistan. Rosebluff said. “I wanted to join the U.S army because there are Though Rosebluff was able to come home to Regina Mahekan Ahenakew (left) and Greg Rosebluff are certain things that I wanted to accomplish and do that for a short while, he will finish off inAfghanistan this cousins from Saskatchewan who met up in Kandahar. the Canadian army didn’t have. There is just different June before heading to German for six more years in the training,” Rosebluff said. Rosebluff was to go on leave. military. Ahenakew, Canadian light machine gunner, has been “It was great to see Greg in Kandahar. The meeting “It’s hard being away from family, but I am proud in Kandahar for four months. With all his time there the was totally by accident. I walked in the Dutch PX before to be doing what I am doing. It’s hard to explain but it two cousins did not cross paths until the last day before heading out and lo and behold I see my cousin way in gives me a sense of pride,” said Rosebluff.