Conditions Ripe for Grass Fires

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FREE Volume 30 Issue 4 MA TSI YI KA PI SI KI SOOM (APRIL) 2021

Siksika Nation’s Most Trusted News Source Conditions ripe for grass fires

Photo by Carly Weasel Child Local fire depts. responded to a grass fire in the Little Chicago area of Siksika Nation that burned 160 acres.

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Yellow Old Woman playing semi-pro Alberta doing away with Blackfeet Tribe share Vaccine with football with Airdrie Irish Tax Exemption cards Blackfoot Confederacy and locals

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Check out and Like our Facebook page. “Siksika Media” for the latest and breaking news, pictures and videos. Nisowo (4) Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper MA TSI YI KA PI SI KI SOOM Yellow Old Woman pushing himself in AFL commuting there and back is a little difficult winner of the AFL plays the winner of the as I do not have my class 5 license yet; how- Northern Football Conference (comprised ever, this team messaged me, drove out to of teams in Ontario and Quebec) for the my reserve, and picked me up on our way Canadian Major Football League national to their games. Games played as far as Fort championship. MacLeod. The 2021 AFL season has been reduced I hope to learn a lot from this team in the in length to accommodate pending health next few years, what it takes to be a profes- restriction and is scheduled to start this up- sional athlete on the collegiate level, to bet- coming July. This year the season consists ter myself each time I fail, and progress into of 6 games, 3 home and 3 away. a level no six-foot Blackfoot linemen has ever gone into yet.” Yellow Old Woman played high school football with the Strathmore Spartans where he was spotted by the Irish. Standing 6’0, at 275 Ibs., team captain Connor Lutz said Yel- low Old Woman made an immediate impact in his rookie year, earning him a starting position on the Irish offensive line, despite being just 19-years-old. “Offensive lineman do not regularly get recognized on the stats sheet or highlight reel; however, this position is critical to the success of the team as they are responsible for protecting offensive ball carriers from be- By Wesley Water Chief ing tackled by the opposing teams biggest defenders,” said Lutz. Photos submitted In 2019, Shayde Yellow Old Woman was “Shayde has a quiet and reserved per- sonality but plays with a fantastic controlled Shayde Yellow Old Woman plays recruited by the Airdrie Irish, a men’s semi- offensive linesman for AFL Airdrie Irish pro tackle football franchise playing in the aggression and tenacity that sets him apart from other players. The team is glad to have Alberta Football League (AFL). He is look- Airdrie Irish 2021 Game Schedule ing forward to the start of this season, which Shayde re-sign for the 2021 campaign, fol- lowing the cancelled season in 2020 as a begins in July, and pushing himself to the July 10 @ Edmonton Elite next level of football. result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team July 17 vs the Calgary Wolfpack “During my first season in 2019 with expects Shayde to once again fill a starting July 24 vs the Central Alberta Buccaneers August 7 @ Grand Prairie Cowboys Airdrie Irish, I was a little skeptical of how or- role on the Irish offensive line.” The AFL has teams in Grand Prairie, August 21 vs Fort McMurray Monarchs ganized the team will be with a limited num- August 28 @ Cold Lake Fighter Jets ber on their roster,” said Yellow Old Woman. Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Edmonton, Red “Airdrie is an hour out of the reserve and Deer, Airdrie and Calgary. Each season the APRIL 2021 Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper Nisito (5) Siksika Nation’s Tech Sector Comes Together to Improve Siksika’s Internet and IT Services

Submitted by Siksika Health, Jennifer Kohlhammer

“The digital divide refers to the inequity in internet access between some communities, mainly rural, remote and on-reserve, and other communities, mainly urban and off-reserve, that prevents socioeconomic parity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and excludes many Indigenous peoples from the digital economy.” - First Nations Technology Council

The digital divide is a current and increasing reality for Sik- sika. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) targets for internet speeds for all Canadian homes and businesses is at least 50 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads, or in other words: fast enough to stream HD videos, attend videoconference meetings, play multiplayer Nation members and collaborators who are knowledgeable and online games, or quickly download large files on several devices experienced not only in IT, but also about the community itself, at the same time. Yet a recent community survey (Jan/Feb 2021) with participation from Siksika Nation’s governance, commercial, showed that average speeds across Siksika are 14.83 Mbps for educational, health, and social services entities, including Siksi- downloads and 6.79 Mbps for uploads - nowhere near Canada’s kaTel. The collaborative nature of the group allows for pooling targets. of resources and sharing of collective wisdom, knowledge, and A number of internet options are available in Siksika for house- experience. hold and commercial use, however most of these are not mean- To-date, Siksika’s internet group has prioritized project plan- ingfully invested in the current and future development of Siksika ning for improved internet service and capacity building for the Nation. A coordinated effort by Siksika for Siksika, reflective of Nation’s tech sector, and pursued resources to help make these deep community understanding is essential for the creation of a goals possible. With unanimous support from Siksika Nation Chief healthy digital ecosystem that will allow Siksikawa to thrive. and Council, the group submitted an application to the Govern- Siksika Nation has identified internet connectivity as a current ment of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund for internet infra- priority area. In mid-2020, Tribal Manager, Mr. Richard Sparvier, structure upgrades that will include a mix of wireless and fiberop- initiated a working group to address internet and information tech- tic cable solutions, for full coverage of Siksika Nation. Information nology (IT) challenges in Siksika that had been highlighted by the about successful applicants has not yet been announced; please COVID-19 pandemic. The working group is made up of Siksika stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Since January 1, 2021, Siksika Health Services has been al- located the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for Siksika Nation members. The Moderna vaccine is a mRNA vaccine. mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies. Siksika Health Services will communicate any additional al- location of other types of vaccines, to ensure nation members are informed on the type of vaccines offered. As of right now, the only vaccine offered in Siksika Nation is the Moderna Vaccine.

- Submitted by Siksika Health, Kelsey Solway Noi (6) Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper MA TSI YI KA PI SI KI SOOM

Photo by Wesley Water Chief Photo by Wesley Water Chief Old Sun students Lane and Torie Wolf Leg, and Jeffery Waterchief The warm weather brings out the smiles from Old Sun staff Lorelee Water- enjoying lunch outside the college on a warm April, Spring afternoon. chief, Fritzie Woods, and Erwin Bear Chief. I think they are smiling. APRIL 2021 Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper Ihkitsika (7)

Photo by Siksika Health Krista White and Treasure Yellow Old Woman were amongst the many people who made the the Calgary Urban Indigenous Community Immunization Clinic a welcoming and respectful place to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Photo by Siksika Health The Calgary Urban Indigenous Community Immuniza- tion Clinic was staffed by nursing students and community volunteers, including Dentists, Paramedics, and Medical Officers of Health. Iciar Bercian, graduate Photo by Siksika Health nursing student at the University of Calgary, prepares Dr. Crystal Cobb, a Calgary-based dentist, immunizes a young indigenous woman. a COVID-19 vaccine.

Clinic Hours Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Photo by Siksika Health Representation of traditional Blackfoot culture, showcased here by Siksika’s Jarrett Pretty Young Man and Lanny McHugh, helped create a safe space for people to experience healthcare.

DENTISTS:

-Dr. Deb Crowfoot

-Dr. Garet Herget

-Dr. Davis Fox

-Dr. Kayla Leugner-Lavallee Photo by Wesley Water Chief The pastures are still brown but Spring time crocuses are here. Nanisowo (8) Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper MA TSI YI KA PI SI KI SOOM Siksika and Bow Valley College partner to offer Health Care Aide Certificate to Siksikawa

Submitted by Kelsey Solway high demand for HCA’s at the Siksika Elders Lodge. Siksika Health Services has “Siksika Elders Lodge recog- partnered with Bow Valley Col- nizes the loyalty, compassion, lege to offer information ses- honour and respect that mem- sions about the Health Care bers of our team have demon- Aide Program. strated,” explained Kory Duck The Health Care Aide (HCA) Chief, Team Lead for Siksika Certificate program focuses Elders Lodge. on developing the core skills “By investing in them by needed to care for individuals supporting their educational with various health care needs. endeavors; this is our way of Topics include personal care, saying ‘we value you, we hon- assisting with mobility and nutri- our you and thank you for your tion, communication, assisting contributions to the unique care with medication delivery, and needs of our Residents past, clinical skills. present and future.’” Learners will gain theoreti- “Our team at Siksika Elders cal knowledge and practical Lodge, believes that Siksika Na- experience through a combina- tion truly deserves highly skilled, tion of on-campus labs, online certified individuals that will sup- or in-class learning, and clinical port our community members instruction in continuing care, and their continuing care needs acute care, and community/ and investment in our people, home care settings. and our team will set the stage Upon completion of the pro- for the sustainability of the Siksi- gram graduates will find work in ka Elders Lodge. We will contin- hospitals, long term care, pri- ue to strive to meet our mission vate residences, and other sup- as a part of the Siksika Health portive care facilities. Services organization, which is Leah Wack is the Dean for to provide exemplary health and Regional Stewardship at Bow wellness services.” Valley College. Wack says that This delivery format of the this partnership give prospec- Health Care Aide program has tive Siksika students the sup- a blended delivery structure. port they need during the HCA The blended delivery option al- program. lows you to complete the theory “I’m so pleased that Bow components of the courses on- Valley College is able to serve a line and the lab components on role in this important community campus. Almost every course initiative,” said Wack. “Gradu- includes a lab component. The ates of the Health Care Aide final 5 weeks of the program are Certificate program will serve a a full-time clinical experience. valued role in their community at Depending on the number a time when it is most needed.” of courses you take at one time, “Our partnership with Sik- you will need to attend on-cam- sika Health Services to provide pus labs up to five or six times this program to the community per month. Bow Valley College will help ensure a supportive en- and Siksika Health Services vironment for the success of the will work to coordinate travel ar- learners participating.” rangements for Siksika students Siksika Health Services is for on-campus labs. seeking certified Health Care For more information, you Aides to work within the orga- can visit www.bowvalleycollege. nization as there is currently a ca Driver killed on 901 after two semis collide By Wesley Water Chief around 7:00 p.m., two semis ran head on into each other on the Traffic had to be diverted onto 901 highway, with one of the the back roads on the west-end truck drivers being killed in the of Siksika Nation as emergency accident. personnel and work crews dealt Sgt. Mercer with the Gleichen with the aftermath of a fatal truck RCMP said no charges have collision. been laid to date and are unable Photo by Wesley Water Chief On the evening of March 30, to release name of deceased. Crews clean up debris the next day after trucks involved had been towed away. APRIL 2021 Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper Piihkso (9) Alberta to do away with Tax Exemption cards to stop duplication of services and red tape By Wesley Water Chief

The Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA) served notice on April 15, that the Alberta Indian Tax Exemption (AITE) card used to purchase gas, tobacco and accommodation, exemption from tax on Alberta reserves and used by eligible individuals, will be eliminated. The notice posted by the TRA on their website reads that the card will be discontinued to reduce administration of the card. “In order to reduce administrative burden and unnecessary duplication as part of the Government of Alberta’s ongoing commitment to reduce red tape, the AITE card issued by TRA is being eliminated. Effective June 21, 2021, eligible individuals entitled to purchase fuel, tobacco and accommodation exempt from tax on Alberta reserves must present their federal Certificate of Indian Status card (federal status card) to the respective exempt sale retailer as valid AITE cards to be phased out on June 21, 2021 evidence of exemption.” In short, the AITE card will no longer be accepted by exempt take effect June 21, 2021. From Siksika Nation’s leadership per- sale retailers after June 21, 2012 and the Indian status card will be spective, the AITE card has served as an arbitrary and unneces- accepted as proof for tax exemption when making those purchases. sary obstacle to the exercising of our Treaty rights. Alberta has no Siksika Nation Chief Ouray Crowfoot says the move is wel- business interfering in a Government-to-Government relationship comed and in a statement provided to Aitsinki on behalf of council, between the Crown and the Nation. The discontinuance of the said the card never should have “existed in the first place.” AITE card is long overdue and should have never existed in the “Chief and Council welcomes the discontinuing of the Alberta first place.” Indian Tax Exemption (AITE) cards, aka the “White Cards” set to

Tune in to 104.7 FM radio on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. to hear the Northern Lights Gospel Hour, showcasing local and northern musical talent and artists. Kiipo (10) Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper MA TSI YI KA PI SI KI SOOM

Little Chicago fire burns 160 acres By Wesley Water Chief

With the lack of rain this fall season and unpredictable wind conditions, the situation was ideal for a grass fire that Siksika Fire Chief, Tom Little Child estimates burned 160 acres in the Little Chi- cago area on Wednesday, April 14. Fortunately no homes or buildings were lost in the afternoon fire that spread westward out of the valley. Little Child said having short grass around residences prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes and buildings. A Public Fire Order prohibiting fire risks had been issued by Sik- sika Nation Emergency Services two weeks prior on Mar. 28, due to the dry conditions and unpredictable wind.

Photos by Carly Weasel Child APRIL 2021 Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper Nitsikopoto (11) Blackfoot Confederacy gifts surplus Covid-19 Vaccine at Medicine Line

By Stoneboy Nidanamska shots on Wednesday when 298 were immunized. BCTC NEWS RELEASE Anatsi’sinski, Tisha Brom- ley-Wadsworth, BCTC Health April 20-21, 2021 Medicine Coordinator and Aapoyaakii, Line, Siksikaitsitapii Territory – Bonnie Healy, Health Director The Aamskapi’Piikuni Blackfeet for the Blackfoot Confederacy Nation in Browning, Montana were an important part of the and the Siksikaitsitapii Black- organizing team in Canada and foot Confederacy Tribal Council was on hand to assist and give (BCTC) collaborated in a histor- clients their exemption letters. ic government-to-government, “The mobile clinic was a great nation-to-nation act of “reconcil- success, very emotional and no iation” to administer COVID-19 one who attended was turned vaccines to members of the away. We pulled the Medicine Blackfoot Confederacy - and Line clinic together fairly quick- residents of the nearby town of ly and worked with Indigenous Cardston, Alberta. Services Canada; Health Can- The “gift” was made possible ada; Public Health Agency of as the Aamskapi’Piikuni had a Canada; and the Blackfoot Na- surplus of Pfizer and Moderna tions along with the Canadian vaccines after immunizing the to get vaccinated.” The mobile vaccination site and U.S. Border Services, who majority of its members and McNeely said the “act of rec- was set up in a drive-thru for- were very gracious and respect- decided to offer the remaining onciliation” came about when mat, where participants aged 16 ful.” vaccines as a gift, rather than the Montana Blackfeet contact- and older would drive up to the With the program ‪ending wasting the vaccines – setting ed Health Canada, provincial Carway crossing, provide their on Wednesday afternoon‬, Mc- up a mobile clinic for northern and state officials, and leaders passport or Neely says the nation will return Siksikaitsitapi tribal members of the Alberta Blackfoot First status card, and received ei- to the “Medicine Line” to facili- at the Peigan-Carway Medicine Nations to get the ball rolling, ther the Moderna or Pfizer vac- tate another mobile clinic next Line crossing on Tuesday and adding the majority of Montana cine. McNeely said there were week. “We (don’t) want to waste Wednesday, during this chal- Blackfoot members have re- approximately 750 total doses our extra vaccines, so we put lenging time of the Coronavirus ceived both available. this idea together and look what COVID-19 pandemic. doses. “I’m actually brought to “ W e it did! Indian people are gener- According to Piita’hkotokii “We’re tears today hearing that the seen it as ous, and we’ve been vaccinat- James McNeely, the public in- probably at an oppor- ing many people from all walks formation officer with the Black- about 98 efforts to assist our rela- tunity to of life to help save lives and end feet Tribe in Browning, it was a per cent tives and folks across the help those this pandemic. This is a time for surplus of doses on the southern (fully) vac- medicine line with vaccines in need reconciliation and healing and side of the border that prompted cinated and that’s (for) government-to-government the reserve to contact Canadian here on has been awesome!” how First relations to become stronger. officials to offer vaccines to their our res- - Blackfeet Spokesperson Nations Way to go everyone!”‬ relatives in Alberta – and then ervation, James McNeely people are The Aamskapi’Piikuni Black- opening it up to others wishing (and so), on both feet Nation administered over to get vaccinated. through the efforts of the Black- sides of the border. Generous 400 vaccinations on Tuesday “We started having some feet Tribe, BTBC, Southern and kind.” and Wednesday and plan to re- discussion about that about Peigan Clinic, Blackfeet DES, Since cars were turned di- turn to the Medicine Line - on the a month ago,” McNeely said. Blackfoot Confederacy, Siksika rectly around to head back into U.S. side of the Peigan-Carway “We threw this together in the Nation, Piikani Nation, Blood Canada, anyone who participat- Border Crossing - ‪on April 28th‬ last seven, eight days and it re- Tribe, U.S. Customs, Canada ed was given an exemption from and 29th to “gift” more COVID – ally fell together. I am actually Border Services, Health offi- the 14-day mandatory quaran- 19 immunizations.‬ brought to tears today hearing cials from State and Provincial tine period for travellers return- For more information and that the efforts to assist our rela- gov- ernments, the Federal ing to Canada by the Medical Of- media inquiries or to register for tives and folks across the medi- government on both sides - indi- ficer of Health in Canada. Those vaccinations, please contact the cine line with vaccines has been viduals (First Nations and non- in the Cardston area — 20 min- BCTC at ‪587. 287.1100‬ or con- awesome! Many of the folks First Nations) have been vacci- utes away from the crossing — tact Anna’tsi’sinski at tishab@ cried today when they were able nated!” were also welcomed to get their blackfootconfederacy.ca‬

For the best variety in pop, rock, country, and powwow, tune into Siksika’s radio station, on your dial at 104.7 FM. Also available to listen to online at www.siksikanation.com Natsikopoto (12) Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper APRIL 2021

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