Alberta Native News - Digital Edition - October 2018

Volume 35 Number 10 October, 2018

Distributing in Alberta and across Western Canada for over 34 years

ALBERTA NATIVE NEWS

Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628

Visit us now at albertanativenews.com

Cover art: Woman With Blue Spirits Around Her ® by Alan Syliboy; 11 x 14, acrylic on canvas On exhibit at Bearclaw Gallery in Edmonton; Oct. 20 - Nov. 1. www.bearclawgallery.com

2

Alberta Native News

October, 2018

Alan Syliboy is featured at Bearclaw Gallery: Oct. 20 – Nov. 1 The beautiful image on the cover of this month’s Alberta Native News is by the incomparable Alan Syliboy. It is part of an exhibit of his new petroglyph inspired works that will be featured at Bearclaw Gallery in Edmonton from October 20 to November1, 2018.

An established and highly acclaimed Mi’kmaq artist, Alan Syliboy’s work is influenced by the indigenous Mi’kmaq rock drawing and quill weaving traditions.

Working in acrylic and mixed media, Alan creates vibrantly coloured images while exploring the themes of family, searching, spirituality, struggle, and strength. The use of layering symbols and mark making creates depth and texture in Alan’s work.

“I see making art as a way of organizing chaos,” explains Syliboy.

“My work is inspired by the ancient petroglyphs which were carved in stone by my ancestors on walls in caves.

This was their way to capture and respect the spirit of the subject. When I paint these images, I feel I am channeling a way to bring their spirits back into our consciousness.”

Alan Syliboy has had an eclectic artistic career – experimenting and excelling in many diverse genres.

He created a limited edition Butterfly gold coin for the

Canadian Mint in 1999. In 2002 he was presented with the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2003 he was the featured artist and Aboriginal consultant for the production Drum! for CBC television. He was also involved with Muiniskw, a CBC animation special which included his artwork.

In 2007 Alan took part in creating illustrations for the novel “The Stone Canoe: Two Lost Mi’kmaq tales,” which inspired him to continue his use of the Little Thunder character throughout his works, even co-writing a song for his band Lonecloud, called “Little Thunder.”

Alan made huge contributions to the 2010 Olympics.

He was the lead artist of a group sculpture called “Keepers of the Eastern Door.” He also painted twelve breathtaking 4’x8′ panels entitled “People of the Dawn” which was later shortlisted for the Lieutenant Governor’s Masterworks Art Award.

Alan has completed several magnificent art installations. He partnered with Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the province of Nova Scotia to create ‘3D Butterfly’, a 4.5 meter wide by 4.5 meter high mural. The mural was painted live in the Halifax Stanfield main lobby over three days in August of 2013. Alan did

New museum is free for Indigenous patrons

By Terry Lusty The "seven-year itch" has ended.

On October 3, art, culture, history, languages, even motion came together as feature elements under the roof of the new provincial museum in downtown Edmonton.

An estimated three thousand people descended on the newly-opened Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) amid much fanfare to celebrate and to satisfy their curiosity about

what the $375.5 million facility had to offer.

They weren't disappointed.

On the heels of the opening ceremonies involving the world champion Northern Cree Drummers as well as the Logan-Alexis Drummers and Indigenous dancers, Elder Francis Alexis offered an opening prayer.

Premier Rachel Notley then praised the new structure and those responsible for its development over the past seven years. Several MLAs, Indigenous leaders and museum administrators were also in attendance for the occasion which concluded with songs from the Dene Tha Drummers and some fancy footwork from the Metis

"Humpback Swimming with Red Spirits" by Alan Syliboy on exhibit at Bearclaw Gallery.

this work while standing on scaffolding, two storeys high.

Alan also enjoys bringing art and music together. His latest band, the Thundermakers, has been experimenting with spoken word, line art, and projected animation.

Bearclaw Gallery located at 10403 124 Street in Edmonton is well-known and highly regarded as a fine Canadian First Nations art dealer and gallery. Over the last three decades, Bearclaw Gallery has established solid relationships with First Nations artists from across Canada and has proudly promoted Canadian First Nations and Inuit art and artists to buyers both at home and internationally.

For information visit bearclawgallery.com.

Child and Family Services Jiggers, accompanied by guitarist Don L'Hirondelle and fiddler Brianna Lizotte.

Wood, bone and stone, flora and fauna, furs and hides, tipis, beads and quillwork - it's all there, ready for viewing and experiencing. Visitors sauntered about, excited in anticipation of the exhibits. Visitors were spotted staring in amazement at the tens of thousands of displayed articles, which included sparkling gemstones, gigantic mastodons, cloth and hide garments, articles from the fur trade, and so much more.

Upon first entering the museum one is immediately confronted by an enormous, towering skeleton of an Albertosaurus and an impressive remake of a massive wooly mammoth, not to mention a spiraling staircase in Continued on page 12

New Petroglyph Inspired Works by

Alan Syliboy from October 20 to November 1 View the works at: www.bearclawgallery.com

Bearclaw Gallery 10403 - 124 Street Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5N 3Z6

bearclaw gallery FIRST NATIONS ART GALLERY

Tel. 780-482-1204 Fax: 780-488-0928 info@bearclawgallery.com www.bearclawgallery.com

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will be visiting Edmonton to learn about your experiences, the successes and the challenges of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement.

The NCTR is consulting First Nations, Métis and Inuit Residential School Survivors and intergenerational Survivors who have or may be affected by settlement agreements.

for more information www.education.nctr.ca Come out to the Lessons Learned Community Gathering!

We want to learn from your experiences.

NOVEMBER 14, 2018 EDMONTON, ALBERTA

October, 2018

Alberta Native News

3

Take part in Land-based learning symposium at NorQuest College

By Elliott Young In Canada, land-based learning education has been practiced by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities since time immemorial. Today, there is an increasing interest across many cultures and backgrounds in this way of learning.

Here at home, and internationally, the growing body of knowledge is strengthened by the teachings of Indigenous community Elders and knowledge keepers, regarding promising and proven approaches and how they contribute to improving the student experience.

NorQuest College will be hosting a symposium on November 5 and 6, 2018 to cover many of these practices.

Educators, Indigenous leaders, and students are all encouraged to attend.

The Program In partnership with the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, and Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council, NorQuest College will bring educators, professionals, students, Elders, and Indigenous community leaders together to learn, share, and experience best practices and create new opportunities for knowledge transfer, educational methods, and building partnerships. The focus is to create better learning opportunities for all students, both Indigenous and nonIndigenous.

“We are very excited for this symposium,” says Conor Kerr, Manager, Indigenous Relations at NorQuest College. “We have some amazing keynote speakers who have an extensive knowledge of land-based learning and how to bring it right into our schools for our youth. Landbased learning continues to be an important subject for our Indigenous community and we know that this gathering will create many opportunities to learn from each other.”

Featured Speakers The symposium is honoured to welcome Dr. Leroy Little Bear, whose lifetime of accomplishment includes

some of the most important political achievements for Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. His dedication to education, leadership, A land-based learning symposium will be held at NorQuest College in Edmonton community-building and on November 5 & 6. advocacy has led to a United Nations declaration, changed the Constitution of Canada, and influenced the Button is currently the Director of the Laowitja Institute, lives of thousands of students. His contributions to Queensland Couth Native Title Services and the advancing human rights have improved the status of Queensland Rugby Union, and has served on numerous Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. In his other councils and committees including the Queensland life’s work, stretching from a residential school on the Indigenous Education Consultative Committee, and Blood Indian Reserve to his position of great influence in Queensland Council of Social Services.

Breakout Sessions international human rights, Leroy Little Bear has given In addition to great speakers, the symposium features a Albertans and people around the world a shining example variety of educational breakout sessions. The sessions will of scholarship, leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.

Monday’s keynote speaker is Dr. Alex Wilson. Dr. either focus on a lecture-style learning environment in the Wilson is Neyonawak Inniniwak from the Opaskwayak college’s Singhmar Centre for Learning or have an Cree Nation. She is a professor with the Department of experiential learning component where the participants Educational Foundations and the Academic Director of will spend the first day out on the land with Elders and the Aboriginal Education Research Centre at the knowledge keepers.

Reception University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Wilson is a recipient of Participants are also invited to a reception with the University of Saskatchewan Provost’s Award in Aboriginal Education for connecting research to pedagogy entertainment provided by Asani, an Indigenous women’s and practice, the Avenue Community Centre for Gender & trio from Edmonton. Asani draws from their cultural Sexual Diversity’s 2014 Affinity community service heritage to create music that is accessible to a wide award, the 2015 Provost’s Award for Community audience, but delivers a powerful message from their Outreach and Engagement, the 2016 Nellie Award, and hearts.

Registration the 2016 Peter Corren Award. She was recently To register or find more detailed information about the recognized by the Legislature of Manitoba for her extensive ongoing work with Indigenous communities symposium, go to landbasedlearningsymposium.com revitalizing Cree culture through land based education.

NorQuest is also pleased to welcome Selwyn Button.

4

Alberta Native News

October, 2018

“No Government Grants” Publication Mail Agreement No. 40050628 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation Department: Suite A, 10632 124 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1S3 E-mail: nativenews@telus.net Tel: (780) 421-7966 Fax: (780) 424-3951

Volume 35, Number 10, October 2018 ISSN #08294135 www.albertanativenews.com EDITOR: Deborah Shatz ADVERTISING: Dan Moser 780-421-7966 Alberta Native News is published monthly for distribution to Native Bands and Metis Settlements across Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Northwest Territories.

All rights reserved. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Editor. Alberta Native News is published by 320754 Alberta Ltd. For change of address, please send both old and new addresses.

We welcome your stories, pictures, artwork and opinions. Please send anything you would like to have published to our office.

UCP's reckless plan would harm Indigenous people

By Chief Tony Alexis October 5, 2018 (Edmonton, AB) - Climate change has $85 million used to create jobs in Indigenous already begun its negative impact on First Nations, Inuit communities, lower energy costs and most importantly, and Métis people in Canada. With the help of Jason reduce pollution in Alberta. We have seen success in Kenny, leader of the United Conservative Party in Alberta, countries across the world taking this issue seriously. the harm would continue with his plan to scrap the Sweden's emissions reduced by 22 per cent between 1990 Climate Leadership Plan. It seems Kenney values Doug and 2013, during the same time its economy grew by 58 Ford’s position on this plan over the position of the per cent. We can do the same here in Alberta, reduce our Indigenous people who actually live here in Alberta. emissions while growing our economy under the Climate Indigenous people have always been protectors of the Leadership Plan. earth. Our knowledge has been key to preserving our air, Jason Kenney is willing to put our children and our water and land. It is reckless and negligent to permanently future in jeopardy when he talks about cancelling the damage the health and well-being of our future Climate Leadership Plan. It’s extremely unfortunate that generations by not taking climate change seriously. This is he is not willing to think of the long-term effects of his not the issue to divide Canadians on, especially Albertans. harmful take on climate change.

When Kenney talks about cancelling the Climate Chief Tony Alexis is the leader of Alexis Nakota Sioux Leadership Plan, it means cancelled investments of over Nation just outside of Edmonton, AB.

Another missed opportunity

Like us on / Alberta Native News

SUBSCRIPTION FORM Alberta Native News

Suite A, 10632 124 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1S3 Name _______________________________ Address _____________________________ ____________________________________ Postal Code __________ SUBSCRIPTIONS $57.75 per year or $100.80 for two years (includes GST)

Edmonton, AB – The Supreme Court of Canada ruled on October 11 that the federal government does not have to consult with First Nations when drafting new legislation. In an appeal brought forward by the Mikisew First Nations, the majority of the judges ruled that parliament must act “honourably” toward Indigenous persons during the legislative process but there is no requirement to consult before a bill is tabled.

While the Mikisew Cree First Nation is disappointed with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Courtoreille v. Canada, their struggle to defend their treaty rights continues. Though the ruling means provincial and federal governments do not have the duty to consult about legislation threatening First Nation rights, Mikisew expects Canada to live up to the statements made in court that it would consult.

“We are very disappointed that the court refused to advance reconciliation with this case,” said Mikisew’s legal counsel, Robert James.

“The lack of consultation on these Bills led to bad laws, which resulted in failures like the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project and weaker environmental protection for all Canadians.”

Mikisew Chief Archie Waquan said the ruling was a missed opportunity. “Mikisew and other First Nations have valuable knowledge, laws and experience to contribute. We should be at the table with government not reacting after the fact through litigation.”

The decision ends Mikisew’s 2013 legal challenge to the previous federal government’s cuts to Canada’s environmental protection laws. Through Bills C-38 and C-45, the Harper government changed the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act, and the Navigable Waters Protection

Act, drastically reducing federal oversight over fish and their habitat, navigable waters, and species at risk. The Bills also reduced the number of projects requiring federal environmental assessments and reduced the scope and depth of assessments for those projects.

This decision does not end Mikisew’s fight to protect its treaty rights. Chief Waquan noted the decision does not prevent the Crown from actually consulting. “The Crown has said they could and would consult and we will hold them to that promise.”

“I wish to recognize Mikisew Cree First Nation, Chief Archie Waquan, and former Chief Steve Courtoreille, in their fight to protect our Inherent and Treaty Rights through a court system that is not our own,” stated Assembly of First Nations Alberta Regional Chief Marlene Poitras.

“My disappointment today is only surpassed by my deep frustration to see a missed opportunity for meaningful involvement of First Nations in the legislative process, a process that can have deep and lasting impacts on our peoples, our lands, our waters, and our Treaty and Inherent Rights.”

The Harper Government passed these laws without consulting with Mikisew and other affected First Nations.

At the Federal Court, Mikisew successfully argued that governments have a legally binding duty to consult First Nations when developing legislation that may impact the rights of First Nations. After the Federal Court of Appeal overturned the earlier ruling in 2016, Mikisew took its case to the Supreme Court of Canada, which has upheld the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision.

“This decision is not the end of our journey to protect our lands and waters, concluded Regional Chief Poitras.

“The Supreme Court held that the government must act according to the Honour of the Crown and we will continue to hold the federal government to that high standard.”

October, 2018

Alberta Native News

5

Eschia Books is on the lookout for new authors and illustrators

by John Copley Well known artist, journalist and Indigenous cultural working on this project with Sherry Letendre but advocate Dianne Meili is the owner of Eschia Books, a community and band leaders are putting the book Stony Plain-based Aboriginal-owned publishing house together, writing it and coming up with the kinship words aimed at printing books that spark interest in Aboriginal and terms that will embrace their community.” cultures, engage more young readers, and encourage Two other books are also being planned with the Alexis understanding through genuine, insightful writing.

Nakota Sioux.

“As an Aboriginal publisher,” explained Meili, “Eschia “These books will deal with suicide and social Books is really beginning to take a place in terms of problems amongst youth,” explained Meili. “It’s a story cultural retention and education. We have several books about a young man and a young woman; the man lost his on the go right now and one of them is by Dr. Darlene mother to murder and later in the year seeks solace Auger, an author from Wabasca who has written four through a Sundance Ceremony, something that really books that have to do with raising children.” helps his grieving. The young woman is being bullied and Dr. Auger earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree having family problems and her concerns are dealt with in (Psychology major/Drama minor) from the University of a different manner.”

Alberta and a Doctorate Degree (iyiniw pimatisiwin Meili has taken her company to western Canada’s kiskeyihtamowin (IPK) Indigenous life knowledge, grassroots. wholistic health and wellbeing) from the University “We’ve received manuscripts from people in Ontario Nuhelotine Thaiyotsi Nistameyimakanak Blue Quills. She and they are good stories, but for now I want to is the owner of Pitapan Consulting and for the past 18 concentrate on grassroots western Canada and I encourage years has been a wholistic practitioner. anyone with a story to tell or a remedy that works or “We are publishing her books, complete with art work, communities that want to tell their story or are seeking and are now in the process of seeking an Indigenous solutions to educational and cultural issues to contact us.” illustrator-type artist and others able to help put the Meili said she wants to hear from western Canada’s finishing touches on these books, which will be created in Indigenous writers and authors with a story to tell - fiction the English and Cree languages and in Cree Syllabics. The or non-fiction, so she can help them get their work into books will include two lullaby CDs, a moss bag print. (cradleboard), a traditional baby swing and a doll. The “I know that there are a lot of good stories in the package also contains a five-foot tall teepee which will communities and we’d like to share them with the rest of provide a lot of opportunity for learning and for fun.” the world. My goal is to make even better relationships Another book in the process of publication comes via with community people and provide a healing and Mother Earth Essentials (MEE), an Aboriginal beauty empowering service. The idea is to help bridge the cultural product company owned and operated by entrepreneur divide by telling these stories that can be shared across the Carrie Armstrong. MEE blends “Aboriginal knowledge country. We are working to create authentic, meaningful and traditions with the finest ingredients,” thus sharing its Indigenous publications.” luxury line of products with Indigenous culture and Eschia Books, like most book publishers in the traditions. province, is a member of the Book Publishers Association “The book,” explained Meili, “is the story of her of Alberta (BPAA), an organization founded in 1975 to company and how it grew to become the successful support the development of a thriving provincial venture that it is today. Carrie also visits with First Nation publishing industry, away from Canada’s traditional book communities where she gives presentations on making publishing centres. Today one of the strongest natural teas and skin care recipes. These practices have communities of regional publishers in North America, the always been part of our culture but because it wasn’t BPAA counts over 30 member companies, many of which written down or recorded, Carrie has found that there’s a are owned and operated in Alberta. real need to share her knowledge and bring these traditions “On May 15 this year,” noted Meili, “we participated in back to the community. the celebration of BPAA’s ‘Alberta Book Day’; we had a “Carrie’s book tells the story of herself and her booth at the Federal Building and during the day we were company, but it also offers a series of recipes on how to visited by Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda. make natural teas and skin care products. Much of Carrie’s It was an amazing time and after his visit he announced in knowledge about natural products was passed on to her the House that it was ‘Alberta Book Day.’ There were from her grandmother, Mary Belcourt. This book will be about 20 booths set up for the event with every publisher beautifully illustrated and in full colour; a must-have book showcasing their selection of new books. We, as the and a natural addition to every home.”

Indigenous arm of Lone Pine Publishing, were one of Eschia Books is also working with the Alexis Nakota many book publishers, including those who self-publish Sioux Nation on the development of kinship books. and publish on a smaller “This will be a board-style book that will most often be scale, to attend the event.” the very first book that a child reads or has read to them. It The BPAA later thanked will incorporate such words as mother, father, auntie, the Alberta Government for sister, brother - all with the hope that the children will use declaring May 15, 2018 as these words within their homes and their community. It’s the inaugural ‘Alberta about getting back to the time when everybody was your Book Day,’ something auntie and every child belonged to the community. This BPAA President Alexander book will focus on kinship terms; the idea is to encourage Finbow called “the first and enable family and community closeness. I am event of its kind in

Alberta Native News is seeking freelance writers.

Send a writing sample to annews@telus.net

Eschia Books owner Dianne Meili

Alberta,” adding that it “is a great way to profile an industry that publishes a tremendous variety of quality titles, some of which win major awards, and to showcase to MLAs and their staff the wonderful resources that exist in their own back yards.”

Lone Pine Publishing, founded in 1980, is a BC-based book publisher, best known across Canada and parts of the United States for its gardening books and nature guides.

Over the years the company has published over 600 titles and also distributes books for a number of smaller Canadian and U.S. publishers through an extensive network of independent booksellers and other retailers.

Lone Pine Publishing maintains head office operations in Vancouver and central warehouse operations in Edmonton as well as a sales office and warehouse in the State of Washington. Lone Pine also maintains a network of satellite warehouses.

When Dianne Meili purchased Eschia Books five years ago from its previous owner, Kathy Van Denderen, the company had already published 10 books; in the past five years Eschia has published 12 more titles and has many others in the works.

“The books are available by ordering off of the website and Eschia also has a unique distribution system as we have bookstands in various outlets like gas stations and stores,” said Meili.

Lone Pine Publishing noted that Eschia Books are “available in many retail outlets other than bookstores and Canada Book Distributors in Edmonton is Eschia's exclusive distributor. Canada Book Distributors has sales representatives across the country that sell the books into many non-traditional retail stores, museum gifts shops, travel info centres, mom-and-pop stores and many chains such as Loblaws/Superstore, Walmart, Canadian Tire and many others.”

To learn more about Eschia Books visit bookpublishers.ab.ca or contact Dianne Meili at eschiabooks@gmail.com.

6

Alberta Native News

October, 2018

2018 BBMA award recipients, leaders and founders

2018 BBMA recipients receive their Métis Sash On Saturday, September 22, 2018 the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards (BBMA) initiative celebrated yet another milestone and for the 17th consecutive year honoured deserving Métis students whose hard work and determination is enabling them to succeed.

Fred Keating co-emceed the event with BBMA alumni and clinical psychologist Christie Ladouceur. They got the ball rolling just after 4:30 p.m. with Brianna Lizotte, a talented young Métis musician who provided relaxing fiddle music for the 400-plus guests who gathered to celebrate the achievements of BBMA award recipients and this year’s attending Sash Ceremony recipients.

Lizotte was also commended for her continued contributions as a volunteer and mentor within the Métis community and for her lengthy tenure with the Red Deer Royals, a prestigious concert and marching band that has been performing for the past 41 years.

Keating and Ladouceur introduced the many special guests, dignitaries, government officials, sponsors and Elders attending the evening event. An opening prayer by Elder Doreen Bergum was followed by the singing of both the Canadian and Métis national anthems by well-known vocalist Sarah Wolfe.

BBMA Chairperson Kathryn Brosseau and Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) CEO Martin Garber-

by John Copley Conrad were the first to offer welcoming comments from the podium.

“Today,” noted Kathryn Brosseau, “we are here to witness first-hand the pride, success and camaraderie of the Métis people here tonight. This evening would not be possible without the support and hard work of everyone involved - the founders, the donors whose contributions to our endowment fund help to financially support the recipients’ need to pursue post-secondary education and fulfil their dreams of a successful life. This year we are able to support about 171 students with approximately $660,000.”

She went on to thank organizer and communications manager Theresa Majeran and the many volunteers that help to make the annual event special every year and the BBMA Panel Members “who volunteer countless hours to review all of the student applications and manage all of the tasks that support our BBMA.” Martin Garber-Conrad spoke about Indian residential schools (IRS), reconciliation and the ongoing trauma suffered by all Indigenous people, including those who apply for post-secondary funding via the BBMA awards program. He noted that the residential schools that housed more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children for more than 150 years, “has left a legacy of injured

generational trauma at a personal and community level and has had profound negative effects on the relationship between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians.”

Garber-Conrad also spoke about the loss of family, identity and hope, but noted that “applicants also write about people in their family and community who have inspired them. They write about their drive to learn about their culture; they write about achieving their educational goals and of their dreams for the future and about becoming role models for other young Métis people.

“The numbers of students assisted by the BBMA and the dollars awarded are indeed impressive but the real power of BBMA is the change in individuals - their pride, their opportunities, and their connection to their culture. In the era of the IRS, education was a tool for cultural assimilation but in the BBMA era education helps to create opportunities for cultural recovery, reclaiming pride and for personal, community and economic development.”

Before the Sash recipients were called to the stage, BBMA Sham Thorne spoke to gathering about the Métis sash, its shape, uses and colour structure and how it came into being. She was followed by BBMA alumni, James Henry, a student at Law who attended the University of Victoria and who offered some good advice to awards recipients about to enter their post-secondary studies. Both of these BBMA Alumni educated the audience, offered some great advice and had the crowd roaring in laughter with personal anecdotes and stories of their educational pursuits.

Following an outstanding dinner buffet provided by the kitchen staff and management at the Edmonton Inn on Kingsway Avenue, co-emcee Christie Ladouceur spoke about the BBMA and its founding partners and then introduced a five minute video entitled: “The Founder’s Vision for the Future.”

BBMA Continuing Student, Ramsey Mudryk is enrolled at the Emergency Services Academy where he is going to be studying to become a Primary Care Paramedic, a career field that he decided to pursue when he was a volunteer at the Elk Point Fire Department and saw, noted Keating, “the incredible work being done by RCMP officers as they went about their typical heroic duties.”

Mudryk, determined to become a leader in his community, spoke to the audience, noting that, “I come from Elk Point, a small community in Alberta that is also the home of MNA President Audrey Poitras. Growing up I had little knowledge of my Métis heritage and little exposure to my Métis culture. My family, like many others, chose not to fully embrace their Métis heritage just to avoid persecution and discrimination from other groups of people. Over the years, however, all of my family members have continued to restore the roots of our heritage. It is a difficult process when starting from scratch so I didn’t really have the chance to embrace my heritage until I was in junior high school. Because the social studies programs didn’t get into much Indigenous culture, I had to take learning into my own hands.

“Today, my Métis heritage has become an integral part of my identity. I continue to learn more about my culture and what it means to be Métis. I think that what has allowed our nation to continue to grow is our sense of community and our willingness to help one another reach for and achieve our goals and ambitions.

“My dream is to improve emergency services on Métis settlements and in First Nations communities, including fire rescue and emergency medical services. To achieve my goals I need to work hard and be able to afford my Continued on page 15

October, 2018

Alberta Native News

7

Cultural expo attracts thousands

by Terry Lusty On September 28, 2018, Edmonton welcomed a truly NICE event and they did so in great fashion, respectful of all Indigenous people on Turtle Island. Indeed, visitors and participants from throughout Turtle Island flocked to Edmonton in droves to be part of this absolutely awesome event.

A smashing success! Fantastic! Amazing! Phenomenal!

These were but some of many enthusiastic and positive sentiments expressed by individuals that took in the first National Indigenous Cultural Expo (NICE) at Edmonton's Expo Centre at Northlands.

The Sept. 28 - 30 undertaking, an all-inclusive cultural showcase, lured no fewer than 1200 registered dancers, 27 drum groups and thousands of visitors to the highlyanticipated powwow.

Most of the focus at a powwow generally targets drumming, singing and dancing; these aspects of the event were incredible and energetic. However, at NICE, special writing workshops were also held for the younger generation. The skill and creativity demonstrated at this event was inspirational. Participating children were taught how to create a story of their own, then turn it into a simple book that they could take home with materials provided by the facilitators. The university-sponsored program entitled, Rehabilitation Medicine, targeted children seven years of age and under (as well as parents and/or guardians).

Saturday evening, Sept. 29, showcased a special Fashion Gala, which featured many talented Indigenous fashion designers from across Turtle Island.

An added dimension to the cultural component of NICE was the excitement of the hand game competitions with $30,000 in prize money for first place. This is a highenergy event that brings out the best action and gaming from all over the country - north to south, east to west.

Yet another hall played host to the Metis component of NICE with fiddling and jigging workshops and competitions as well as informational workshops on the history of Alberta's (eight) Metis Settlements that are selfgoverning entities in the central and northern regions of the province.

The third and final additional feature of the expo was the Inuit segment which showcased Arctic Winter Games demonstrations and cultural food tasting (dried fish and meat, muktuk). In addition, drumming, singing and dancing workshops rounded out the Inuit's traditional offerings and provided a terrific learning experience for the uninitiated who dared to step into a totally new experiential world.

NICE coordinator, Judy Kim-Meneen, was very busy throughout the entire weekend, ensuring that everything went as smoothly and safely as possible for all concerned.

She was pleased with the success of the event and had nothing but immense pride and praise for the numerous volunteers who contributed to the overall efforts of NICE. The ever-popular powwow was definitely the key element of the weekend event. The intricate and innovative dance styles with varied and vibrant dance regalia that literally made one's head "swim" was a photographer's dreamworld. With more than 1200 dancers participating there were no shortage of subjects to choose from. And, it really was a dizzying challenge for the busy judges who had to focus ever-intently on the numerous contestants in each age category and dance style, while remaining unbiased in their selection of finalists and champions.

The Grand Entry - one of the true highlights of any powwow – was spectacular, moving and respectful. It brought out the tremendous variety of colour, style and fashion which, combined, added so much flavour to the overall occasion.

What a sight! What energy! What a feeling!

The competitive hand games were exciting to watch at the Indigenous Cultural Expo.

This massive undertaking was the result of feedback stemming from last year's extremely successful National Gathering of Elders that was held at the very same venue as this NICE event.

At the time, and with the next Elders' Gathering a long way off (Winnipeg, Sept. 9 - 13, 2019), a significant number of people expressed their desire to have an annual event that would bring people together and celebrate all of the Indigenous cultures in one venue.

A committee was assembled and decided to host a cultural extravaganza. The NICE event met and exceeded all expectations. And, really - after all was said and done - one must confess how NICE that was!

Tentatively speaking, the next NICE, according to Federation of Metis Settlements leader, Gerald Cunningham, "will occur in Edmonton again in 2020."

Stickman Stan Isadore leads the Grand Entry.

8

Alberta Native News

A new home for Yellowhead Tribal College

October, 2018

Metis fiddling at NICE

By Regan Treewater There are exciting developments afoot at Edmonton’s needs of our students has more to do with Yellowhead Tribal College. cultural considerations. We understand their Have you perhaps, been wondering what the City of unique struggles, the societal and personal Edmonton was planning to do with the old Grant obstacles they face, and we know that 40% MacEwan building on 156th Street? Well, it now serves of our students have families.” as YTC’s new, and vastly improved, campus.

This approach, serving student needs on a “The City’s vision was to fill the building with non- case by case basis, is made possible through profit groups, and we are not the only ones who share the small class sizes and faculty and staff that are space, but we do currently occupy a majority of the trained to address learning as unique to each Metis Fiddler Don L'Hirondelle and Leonard Gauthier on guitar building,” explained Dr. Rachel Hertz-Cobb, YTC’s individual. performed during the Metis Festival at the National Indigenous Senior Administrative Officer.

“For instance,” Dr. Hertz-Cobb explained, Cultural Expo in Edmonton.

Photo by Terry Lusty “Our previous campus had some very obvious “my understanding is that at any other postlimitations,” she continued. “It wasn’t the sort of space secondary institution, if a student needs where students could easily find a quiet sunny spot to sit extended time on an exam, they’d need to go diploma programs, or a Bachelor of Social Work degree. down and make themselves comfortable to study or read a through an extensive process to formally document a Dr. Hertz-Cobb and her colleagues are hopeful that with book – those regular things that students do. We’re all so disability or establish why they need that their new building facilities, YTC can continue to expand excited about this move.” accommodation.” its course offerings.

There are still some unique situations that the YTC “Here, students only need to communicate with their “The program offerings we have at YTC speak directly administration must maneuver. At a recent reception held instructors – our student body faces obstacles everyday, to community needs,” she commented. to kick off the new school year in their new space, YTC and we make sure that education is not one of them,” Dr. Regarding programs in development for the 2019/20 hosted students, staff, faculty and First Nations Hertz-Cobb stated proudly. school year, Dr. Hertz-Cobb stated, “Solar panel community members to celebrate the institution’s “Childcare can be another hurdle, last year we had a installation, community health worker – these are careers upgrade, building smoke detectors needed to be disabled student give birth during the school term. She was able to that are necessary and help to build vibrant communities.” for the afternoon to allow for a traditional smudging bring her baby to class with her – we’ve had a number of With their campus now situated along one of ceremony to take place. mothers with young newborns bring their babies to class. Edmonton’s major traffic arteries, YTC knows that they “We obviously need to be able to smudge, and we’re It’s not a disruption. When you create that environment will have greater visibility. problem solving now to figure out the best way to make where this is possible, and normal, then you not only make “This also makes getting to class easier for our students. this possible without having to get the fire marshal to learning accessible, but you remove a major stress factor, We’re working on getting a better sign put up so that patrol the premises manually every time we need to do and students are more likely to finish their program people walking or driving by know where we are.” this. There are definite things that we need to do to make successfully.”

Their move to a new building, and gradual expansion of the space our own.”

Along with their new building and increased number of course offerings will soon translate into a larger student Since 1986, Yellowhead Tribal College has been a classrooms, YTC has also hired an Indigenous language body. YTC has big hopes for the future, and everyone is leader in pioneering post-secondary education focusing on specialist. excited to be witnessing the college’s first convocation the cultural and community needs of First Nations “We are even planning to make conversational Cree ceremony in many years. With four years of proud students. evening seminars open to the community,” said Dr. Hertz- graduates walking across the stage to receive their degrees, “It isn’t just a matter of teaching different material,” Cobb. “In this way we are engaging not only our students, YTC’s students and staff are getting but a small glimpse of elaborated Dr. Hertz-Cobb. “Math doesn’t change based but the greater community as well.” the wonderful progress being made within their on where, or to whom, it’s being taught. Our focus on the Students can now choose from a number of promising community.

October, 2018

Alberta Native News

9

Tanis Flett - Leading by Example Graduating is a major accomplishment and there is great joy in donning your cap and gown and receiving your parchment. It is a day when you look back on the challenges you’ve overcome - the late nights studying, driving through storms to get to class, remembering the people you met along the way, and the fun memories you’ve made.

For Tanis Flett, a graduate of the Northern Lakes College Social Work Diploma program in June of 2017, it is also proof that her hard work and determination have set her up for a successful future.

Tanis Flett, mother of four, lives in Sucker Creek First Nation with her husband. During her childhood, her family moved around and lived in many communities across northern Alberta. When asked how this affected her as a child, she says, “I don’t think I realized it back then, but it made me very adaptable as a person. I got used to meeting new people, and it broadened my view on life.

That influenced who I am today.”

Flett was a stay-at-home mom for eight years and, when her youngest child started kindergarten, she decided it was time to return to school. Flett credits her husband and his support in her success. She chose to study with Northern Lakes College because of it accessibility. The High Prairie Campus, only 20 minutes away, made it easy to travel back and forth.

During her studies at Northern Lakes College, Flett was

involved with several committees including the Student Union, the Student Association, Academic Council, and was the Community Education Committee student representative for High Prairie.

Flett comments, “I had incredible instructors. The people in the Student Association and staff at the College were great. I really appreciate their support. It was a really good four years.”

Flett was excited and relieved when she made it to graduation day. Flett recalled when she was attending a convocation ceremony a few years earlier and watched a Social Work student being called up to receive multiple awards. This was an inspiring moment for her and she set a goal for herself to be that person one day. Her hard work paid off; on her graduation day Flett received three awards, including the Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medallion for highest academic achievement.

“I hope that my children will see my hard work and effort as an example for themselves to succeed in life. I believe in leading by example. If you work hard, you can achieve anything you want,” she says.

Today, Flett works for the Social Development Department at Sucker Creek First Nation. In her work, Flett continues to aim high and says that her education has given her the skills and tools to handle challenging situations.

Northern Lakes College is a multi-campus college

Poundmaker's Lodge events celebrate sobriety: Nov. 15 & 17 The Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centres’ Elders, Board and staff are pleased to announce upcoming community engagement activities in recognition of National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW). A Sober Walk will be held on Thursday November 15 and a Round Dance will follow on November 17.

“National Addictions Awareness week has been around since the late 80’s,” stated Brad Cardinal, Executive

Director of Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres, “and since its inception, Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres has taken the initiative to continue raising awareness and educating the public on efforts to reduce the impact of addictions on our community at large. Our engagement activities will focus on celebrating continued recovery and healing with significance placed on the role of Indigenous culture.”

Northern Lakes College is committed to providing affordable, relevant programming through a variety of supported delivery methods that will suit the needs of any learner.

ACADEMIC UPGRADING

RESOURCE TECHNOLOGY

- Academic Upgrading - Adult Basic Education

-

BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES -

Business Administration Business Administration – Accounting Human Resource Management Diploma Office Administration

Introduction to Surveying Oilfield Operator Training Power Engineering 3rd Class Power Engineering 4th Class Power Engineering 4th Class Lab Certification - Power Engineering 5th Class - Survey Theory & Calculations

HEALTH CAREERS

TRADES

-

- Carpenter Apprenticeship - Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane Apprenticeship - Electrician Apprenticeship - Pre-Employment Carpenter - Pre-Employment Electrician - Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician - Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) - Pre-Employment Mobile Crane – Crane and Hoisting Operator - Pre-Employment Welder - Welder Apprenticeship

-

Advanced Care Paramedic Advanced Care Paramedic Upgrading Emergency Medical Responder Health Care Aide Health Care Aide Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Health Care Aide Employed Student Tutored Education Program (eSTEP) Practical Nurse Primary Care Paramedic Primary Care Paramedic Upgrading

HUMAN SERVICE CAREERS -

Addiction Services Worker Addictions Counselling Diploma Early Learning and Child Care Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Educational Assistant Certificate Social Work Diploma

UNIVERSITY STUDIES - College and Career Preparation - University Studies

CONTINUING EDUCATION & CORPORATE TRAINING - Business & Leadership - Computer and IT - Forest Stewardship - General Interest - Renewable Energy - Maintenance Management Professional Certificate - Safety & Driver Training - Technical Training - Water and Wastewater Operator Preparation Training

www.northernlakescollege.ca 1-866-652-3456 NEW BEGINNINGS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

Alumni Tanis Flett, with Daniel Vandermeulen, Chair, NLC Board of Governors.

located in northern Alberta and is focused on providing relevant, quality programs through a distributed learning model, serving over 6,000 students annually. To meet regional needs NLC offers a wide range of certificate and diploma programs in Business, Health Sciences and Allied Health, Human Services, Technology, Trades, University Studies and Academic Upgrading.

The College collaborates with Campus Alberta partners to offer degree completion opportunities throughout its service region, including a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Social Work. Northern Lakes College also provides a wide variety of professional accreditation and certificate programs through its Continuing Education and Corporate Training Department.

For information visit northernlakescollege.ca or call 866-652-3456.

Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres prides itself on its 45-year history of providing exceptional addiction treatment services to Indigenous populations.

“Our organization has strived to be a leader in bringing issues of importance to the forefront in both mainstream and Indigenous communities,” added head of community engagement Libby Szarka. “We believe ongoing engagement through cultural ceremony significantly improves health outcomes amongst our Indigenous peoples and strengthens Alberta's health care system.

“We invite the community to show their support in acknowledgement of this important week.”

For more information visit www.poundmakerslodge.ca.

10

Alberta Native News Book Review

Structures of Indifference: An Indigenous Life and Death in a Canadian City

By Mary Jane Logan McCallum and Adele Perry University of Manitoba Press (September 2018) Paper, ISBN: 978-0-88755-835-1 Review by ANNews staff Structures of Indifference examines an Indigenous life and death in a Canadian city and what it reveals about the ongoing history of colonialism. At the heart of this story is a thirty-four-hour period in September 2008. During that day and half Brian Sinclair, a middle-aged, non-status Anishinaabeg resident of Manitoba’s capital city, arrived in the emergency room of the Health Sciences Centre,

Winnipeg’s major downtown hospital. He was left untreated and unattended to, and ultimately died from an easily treatable infection.

Authors Mary Jane Logan McCallum and Adele Parry examine Sinclair’s death as a combination of three particular structures of indifference, born of and maintained by colonialism and racism. The three structures are the City of Winnipeg (within the province of Manitoba), the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and the life of Brian Sinclair.

At first glance Brian Sinclair’s death by indifference seems horrific and unbelievable. Page after page, the authors build a convincing case that his death was totally believable, resulting from systemic racism in the colonial history of Winnipeg and in the development of the health system there. The reader comes to the horrific realization that indifference equals devaluation and dehumanization.

Given the history of Winnipeg, Brian Sinclair’s death was both tragic and sadly predictable.

McCallum and Perry present the ways in which Sinclair, once erased and ignored, came to represent largely dehumanized ideas about Indigenous people, modernity, and decline in cities. This story tells us about ordinary indigeneity in the city of Winnipeg through Sinclair’s experience and restores the complex humanity

Saddle Lake forum will explore emerging sustainable industries An important forum titled, "A Strategic Path to Sustainable Economic Independence” will take place at the St. Paul Recreation Centre on November 26 & 27, 2018. In addition to interesting and informative presentations, the event will include a banquet, trade show, lunches, entertainment, door prizes and plenty of networking possibilities.

“Saddle Lake Cree Nation of Alberta is hosting the event aimed at bringing together traditional land users, community leaders, governments and industry innovators to foster Indigenous inclusion in the evolving sustainable industries that will nurture and save our Mother Earth,” explained Chief Makinaw Eddie Makosis.

Sponsors and exhibitors representing the various aspects of the sustainable sectors are invited to contribute to the event through sponsorship. Attendees from Indigenous and Métis communities that are interested in promoting economic independence are expected from across western Canada. The conference agenda is also designed to appeal to Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments interested in learning about the impact of the emerging sectors on

sustainable economies.

Topics from Day 1 include: Harm reduction strategies for Indigenous Communities using cannabis, Reclaiming the traditional concepts of health, Sustainable economies in the hemp and flax industry, the Indigenous carbon credit program, financing opportunities in the sustainable industry. Topics from Day 2 include Trading opportunities in the cannabis industry, Developing partnerships with Indigenous groups – medical and industrial hemp, and Ecommerce in the cannabis industry – investing in Indigenous Nations.

Saddle Lake Cree Nation is leading the way in Alberta to host an Indigenous Forum on opportunities within the emerging sustainable and innovative industries. The objective of this forum is to explore options on achieving sustainable economic independence with those Indigenous nations who want to help in improving the quality of life, create employment opportunities and build on community development. It will provide strategies to create long-term partnerships in the various sustainable sectors that can establish intergenerational wealth within

October, 2018

denied him in his interactions with Canadian health and legal systems, both before and after his death.

Structures of Indifference completes the story left untold by the inquiry into Sinclair’s death, the 2014 report which omitted any consideration of underlying factors, including racism and systemic discrimination.

McCallum and Perry provide a thought-provoking look at the death of an Indigenous man in a facility that should have nurtured him. Sadly, their method of analysis can be used to describe countless other deaths, including deaths of children in care and also the many missing and murdered Indigenous men and women in Canada. This is an important book that belongs in schools and libraries across Canada. Truth and reconciliation will only be possible if mainstream Canadians accept the truth of their history with Indigenous people and then take the needed steps to close the gaps in living conditions.

Indigenous communities with responsible corporate partners nationally and internationally.

“Join Saddle Lake Cree Nation as we lead the way in developing strategic alliances in a variety of sustainable industries for Indigenous and Métis entrepreneurs and communities,” stated Chief Makokis. “The forum is designed to provide an opportunity to build meaningful partnerships with key players in the sustainable and innovative industries.”

Being a sponsor is an opportunity to network with Indigenous Leaders, Business Development Officers, Development Corporation CEO’s, Indigenous Agriculturists, Entrepreneurs as well as industry professionals and service providers in a dynamic businessto business environment. Success will be measured through the creation of collaborations with Indigenous and Métis groups who are actively involved with business developments and agricultural properties and are well positioned to transition into the sustainable and innovative sectors.

Saddle Lake Cree Nation is located in northeastern Alberta and is in the Treaty 6 Territory with a total registered population of just over 10,895 members. The nation is an affiliate of the Treaty Six Organization. It is a vibrant community fostering self-sufficiency and promoting an improved quality of life by providing meaningful economic opportunities within the community and beyond for its large and growing young population.

Digital Buffalo Ltd. is a Saskatoon-based company working with Saddle Lake Cree Nation to organize this economic development business forum. For information contact Cheryl Maurice, President & CEO, at digital.buffalo@outlook.com or by phone at 306-2027685.

October, 2018

Alberta Native News

Redpatch comes to the Citadel Theatre: November 1 - 11 “Redpatch” - a stunning new Canadian production - is coming to the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton from November 1 - 11, 2018. The play tells the story of a Métis soldier who fought for Canada in the Western Front of Europe during the First World War. This is a personal story and role for Raes Calvert, the Indigenous actor, producer, and writer who co-wrote the play. His grandfather fought in WWII and in part inspired the work, as well as Raes’ portrayal of the lead character.

Over 4000 Canadian First Nations soldiers volunteered to fight during the First World War, between 1914 and 1918. “Redpatch” follows the story of one Métis soldier from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation of Vancouver Island who travels to the battlefields of France to help defend his country.

Set in both Canada and the battlefields of France, “Redpatch” follows the experiences of this young solider as he endures the war. Featuring a cast of Indigenous performers, “Redpatch” takes the concept of a classic war play and turns it upside down by shifting the focus onto Indigeneity and the horrors of war.

The run of the Edmonton production coincides with Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the end of World War I. Co-written by Calvert and director Sean Oliver, this production took Vancouver by storm last season, receiving six Jessie Richardson Theatre Award nominations.

Calvert is a Métis theatre artist who lives and works in Richmond BC. He is returning to the Edmonton Citadel Theatre after performing in “Children of God” last March. He is a founder and Co-Artistic Director of Hardline Productions. He has toured nationally and internationally with such companies as Neworld Theatre, Green Thumb Theatre, Axis Theatre, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and Presentation House Theatre and is a graduate of Studio 58. Last year he was a recipient of a Hnatyshyn REVEAL Indigenous Art Award.

In a 2017 Q&A with Theatre Wire, Raes gave insight into his process and the unique challenges of taking on the role, as well as being the co-writer and producer of the play.

He explained that he did many hours of research in the creation of this piece.

He said, “Reading books about WWI such as “All Quiet on the Western Front” and Joseph Boyden’s “Three Day Road” and reading history books and journals from soldiers who fought in this war. I also traveled to Nootka Sound to the land of my own ancestors and where we have set the home of my main character. We met with local elders and learned some of their language and stories. All of this lends itself to a more diverse and authentic character that is rooted in truth - which I think is what all actors should strive for.”

Calvert discussed the fact that the cast of “Redpatch” features six Indigenous performers. He said, “I feel very honoured

11

New senator appointed

to be able to act with the other actors in this cast.

They come from all across Canada and from a diverse range of communities. I believe that actors and their characters should always be influencing my work, making offers and taking risks. It has been interesting seeing the Alexis Nakota Chief Tony Alexis congratulates Patti Laboucane-Benson on her different takes that actors appointment to the Canadian Senate. A Metis researcher, Laboucane-Benson has who are new to the show spent much of her career working at Native Counselling Services of Alberta. bring to their character to make them their own.”

Calvert explained that he he added. “This is a unique experience in that I wrote this cowrote “Redpatch” with the show’s director Sean Harris show with the director. We have worked together many Oliver. He said, “Sean Harris Oliver and I began the times before and consistently for the past 10 years. We creation of “Redpatch” five years ago in the hopes of constantly confer with each other about script elements telling a story that we had never seen told on stage. It is and how we want things to work.” important to recognize this part of our history and Calvert concluded his interview by saying that viewers specifically the contribution Aboriginal soldiers made for can expect to experience “a thrilling historical drama Canada during WWI. This play has taken years to get to highlighting the contribution Aboriginal soldiers made for where it is now, and I hope that anyone interested takes the the Canadian Armed Forces during WWI. Movement to chance and comes to see this piece of theatre which is very sound and music will elevate this particular production.” close to my heart.”

For information and tickets visit citadeltheatre.com or “It is my job as an actor to fulfill the director’s vision,” call 780-425-1820.

12

Alberta Native News October, 2018

New museum

cont. from p 2

the background that visitors couldn't help but challenge.

The entire structure is spacious, warm and inviting with high ceilings, fine lighting - some of it natural - and plenty of elbow room.

With 82,000 square feet of space, there's plenty of room to wander about and soak in the sounds and sights, enjoy the comfortable feel it presents and drop in at the gift shop and/or the cafe for coffee and relaxation.

The immense Columbian mammoth and wooly mammoth proved extremely interesting to many as did the Indigenous artifacts in a central, circular room constructed of wood and displaying beading regalia of First Nation people that took numerous hours of painstaking labour to stitch and fashion.

A few of the exhibits are stand-alone ones such as the Manitou Stone and two Sacred Stones whose true origins are unknown.

The fur trade era is well represented as are modes of travel, birds and animals, and a separate gallery featuring GWG garments.

Of a more contemporary nature is the inclusion of display items reflecting some of the province's iconic individuals such as Alberta's first Indigenous Lt. Gov., Ralph Steinhauer from Saddle Lake, human rights activist Muriel Stanley Venne of Edmonton, two Native country and western bands, Lethbridge University professor Leroy Little Bear, and Metis president Stan Daniels with First Nation member John Samson (the duo hiked to Ottawa to protest high food costs in northern and remote Indigenous communities).

To its credit the museum has built in audio stories that

the public can listen to and learn from. This “living history” includes a telephone switchboard as well as Indian Residential School Survivor stories.

The natural history gallery offers wonderful and realistic representations of wildlife in natural settings. One diorama that drew a lot of onlookers displayed a golden eagle with eaglets in a nest on a steep outcropping of rock.

The realism is absolutely Indigenous drummers performed at the new Royal Alberta Museum grand stunning. opening, in front of a beautiful art installation by artist Aaron Paquette.

At present, the museum houses over two million The museum also has a Children's Gallery with handsitems with another half-million waiting to be transferred on activities that include sounds and motion elements. Of from the old museum in Glenora. Much of this requires particular interest to youngsters is the Bug Gallery that "careful packaging," said Chris Robinson, the executive contains beetles, spiders, insects, etc. On opening day both director. Built by Ledcor between 2014 and 2016, the the Bug and Children's Galleries attracted long line-ups of museum spent over a year safely moving the display excited children, anxious to view the thousands of tiny materials to their new location. This, according to critters, some actually alive.

Robinson, was one of the more difficult challenges as was In sync with those on the path of reconciliation between meeting time lines for the projected opening. the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community, the Funding for the structure was obtained from both museum is offering free admission for First Nation, Metis federal and provincial levels of government with no and Inuit patrons on the basis of self-identifying as private or corporate dollars whatsoever, said Kelsey Indigenous.

Though not well known, this is consistent Tetreau, communications officer for the museum. The two with best practices in museums across Canada. For major galleries, the Natural History and the Human example, the Banff Museum and Canada's national parks History, were designed by the New York - based firm of also offer free entry for those who identify as Indigenous.

Ralph Applebaum, she added.

Dale Auger Memorial Art show in Bragg Creek: Nov. 2 & 3

by John Copley On November 2-3, 2018 more than 20 First Nation and Métis artists from across B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan will gather together at the Bragg Creek Community Centre in southern Alberta to celebrate the life of First Nation artist Dale Auger, who passed away in 2008, after losing a battle with colon cancer. The Dale Auger Memorial Art Show was inspired by Dale’s daughter, Neepin.

“My dad initiated the art show back in 2004 and it took place each year until his death,” she explained. “I held it once after his death, but 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of his passing and I wanted to bring everyone back together again to celebrate his life and his accomplishments.

“On Friday, November 2, we’ll sit around and talk about what we’ve all being doing for the past decade and while we’re doing it we’ll share a few drinks, tell some great stories and watch and listen to some outstanding entertainers, including traditional dancers and drummers.

We’ll be open and available all day Saturday and of course, all of the artists will be there and they’ll be selling their work. It’s a great time for the community and art lovers and collectors everywhere to come out, meet the artists, share some stories and purchase some beautiful art.

A few pieces of my dad’s work will also be available.

“There will be something for everyone, for every budget and even if you aren’t in the market just now I encourage you to visit with us, meet the artists and celebrate

Indigenous art of all types and forms.”

Sculptures, paintings, prints, bead work, ribbon shirts and much more await those who venture out to the Bragg Creek Community Centre, located about 40 minutes west of Calgary on Highway #8.

“I am very proud that so many of the artists I contacted have agreed to come and participate again this year; many of them were close friends with my dad. This will be a powerful gathering; it’s rare to see so many talented Indigenous artists come together under the same roof to work together and show together.”

Neepin Auger is a Cree artist, educator, author and when the occasion arises, a gifted keynote speaker who specializes in talking about children’s education. She’s also a mother to daughter Gracie; something she’s said is “the greatest masterpiece” of her life. Originally from the Bigstone Cree Nation in north-central Alberta, Neepin now makes her home on the Tsuut’ina Nation near Calgary. She’s been painting for about two decades.

“I studied art under my father and I think that’s also where I got my inspiration to write books for children,” she said in a recent interview. “My dad’s award winning book, “Mwakwa – Talks to the Loon: A Cree Story for Children” (Heritage House, 2006) was named the winner of the Aboriginal Children's Book of the Year Award in 2006 (Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival and Book Awards).

“It’s a story about a young Cree man who is blessed with a gift that makes him a talented hunter who knows the ways of the creatures he hunts and can even talk to them in their own languages. But when he becomes proud and takes his abilities for granted, he loses his gift, and the people grow hungry.”

To get the rest of the story you can find the book online at Heritage House Publishing, Amazon and other book sellers.

Neepin’s books include a two educational series for children. The first, “Discovering Numbers” is an English, Cree and French primary level, 12-page board book designed to introduce basic counting. The numbers are accompanied by simple, colourful drawings of creatures such as fish, butterflies, owls as well as objects such as teepees, sweetgrass, feathers and arrowheads.

The second series, “Discovering Words,” takes on the same format and languages and is designed for the same audience but is 28 pages in length. The book is designed to introduce basic vocabulary for the English alphabet.

Children are taught words such as apple, canoe, drum, loon, moccasin, sweat lodge, teepee, and x-ray.

Neepin is a graduate of the Department of Education and Schooling at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Dale Auger, a Sakaw Cree artist and storyteller from the Bigstone Cree Nation, was just 50 years old when he passed on. As a young boy he went to school in Faust, near the Driftpile Reserve, where his knack for painting brought him recognition as the “school artist.” He attended Continued on page 13

October, 2018

Alberta Native News

13

Conference speakers debate pipeline expansion

by John Copley On October 13, 2018 two educated and intelligent the past,” remarked Berman. “The idea that women stepped up to the podium in a ballroom at the pipelines are answers to climate change is absurd.

River Cree Resort’s Marriott Hotel; one to encourage You don’t buy more cigarettes to quit smoking.”

Albertans and Canadians to denounce pipeline expansion She said instead of expanding the Trans and the other to defend the rights of working Albertans, Mountain Pipeline, Alberta should be many of whom earn a living in a province that depends on concentrating on investing its time and money on Premier Notley Tzeporah Berman the oil industry, and next to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, renewable energy solutions. houses the third largest oil reserves in the world.

In her speech, Notley reassured Albertans that eloquent and believable, demonstrating a respect for one On one side of the debate was environmentalist and the province is aware that climate change is an another that you don’t often find when opponents of any policy adviser Tzeporah Berman; on the other side, increasingly worrying issue but noted that her government issue sit down to talk.

Alberta premier Rachel Notley. Both had been invited by is taking steps to deal with it. The bottom line is that to date Berman’s plan is a solid one, but at the moment only the Alberta Teacher’s Association (ATA) to address there are no energy sources available to compete with oil possible in an ideal world. We cannot move from one teacher delegates during their October 13-15 “Grounded and until there is mankind will continue to put gas in their place to another without oil; we cannot heat our homes or in Truth, Soaring with Knowledge” conference. About cars and jet fuel in their airplanes. fly to our favourite vacation destinations without fuel.

250 social studies, Indigenous education, and “Climate change is real; it threatens our kids, our Several important elements regarding climate change, environmental and outdoor education teachers attended grandchildren, our cities and towns,” remarked Notley. “It pipeline expansion and keeping Albertans at work were the event. The first speaker was Modern Resources CEO is a huge problem. We also face flooding, fires, blizzards not mentioned during Berman and Notley’s persuasive Chris Slubicki, who spoke at length on the strength of the and tornadoes. Our kids and our grandkids will rightly argument; one is the fact that while the world price on oil province’s gas and oil industries and its vast and barely blame us if we run from these problems. To tackle climate is $72 a barrel, Alberta only receives about $20 per barrel tapped oil reserves. change we have to take meaningful steps to reduce because there’s a glut of oil in the province and no sound The ATA received its share of flack for inviting Berman (greenhouse) emissions. As Canada’s largest energy or safe way to move it out of Alberta. With an increase in to speak at the conference; much of that negativity came partner Alberta has a unique responsibility in this regard; railway accidents and oil spills from out-of-date rail cars from UCP leader Jason Kenney, a climate-change denier it’s a responsibility that I accept, and I believe most the only other solution is a better pipeline system and until whose disregard for the world’s scientific community has Albertans accept. Some, however, believe that climate other energy sources are made available and proven to be become legendary. change is a hoax cooked up by nefarious forces pulling the effective there is little alternative at the moment. Today, ATA President Greg Jeffery defended his organization’s strings on some crazy world-wide conspiracy. I know this the construction of the Trans Mountain Pipeline is decision, noting that “teachers, as smart and thoughtful because some of them glare across at me in the aisles of imperative; without it Alberta’s oil will stay in the ground professionals, will be able to hear a range of perspectives the legislature.” and its workers will remain unemployed. and use that discussion to help inform the conversations Notley went on to talk about the hundreds of thousands Also forgotten by the two speakers is the fact that since that occur in their classrooms around these critical issues.” of Alberta workers and their families who depend on the August 31, 2018 the Trans Mountain pipeline system is ATA Associate Coordinator Jonathan energy industry to put food on their tables and a roof over now part of a new "Trans Mountain Corporation", a Teghtmeyer reiterated by saying, “I think Albertans, just their heads. wholly owned subsidiary of the Canada Development like our teachers, are concerned about the environment, “As we see around the world, TV reality stars, climate Investment Corporation - an entity that is accountable to and I think, similarly concerned about the economy and change conspiracy theorists and right-wing demigods are the Canadian Parliament. jobs.” the ones who flourish when working people are kicked to When the orations were complete, and the smoke had Some have labeled the speeches by Berman and Notley the curb. As a premier leading a government committed to cleared, no one emerged victorious. But given the fact that as a showdown between two speakers at opposite ends of advancing the economic interests of working people, I am Premier Notley received the only standing ovation from the rainbow. Though their opinions on how to approach not about to let that happen on my watch.” the attentive audience, the decision goes to her. the future are worlds apart, the bottom line is that despite The premier went on to talk about the many projects the their differences on what needs to be done to get there, NDP has created to they do agree on the need to eventually introduce modernize the province by alternative sources of energy that don’t involve the use of putting people to work, fossil fuels. including the construction Berman, the first to address the gathering, said she isn’t of 240 more schools calling for an immediate end to the use of fossil fuels, she around the province, new just wants expansion of that use to stop. hospitals, highways, “No one is saying shut down the oil and gas industry bridges, petrochemical overnight,” Berman remarked during her speech. “No one plants, wind farms and is saying buy more from other countries; what we’re solar energy projects, saying is right now, it’s big enough. something she said, “are all “We’re at a moment in history where we need to look at under construction, cleaning it up. We’re at a moment in history when we need creating jobs, and fueling to look at how to diversify our economy, to make sure we our economic recovery.” have resilient and safe jobs in the future.”

Notley went on to say Premier Notley called the approach being taken by that the province has Berman and other pipeline expansion protesters “a “established North disaster, not only for working people but quite frankly for America’s most forwardeffective climate action as well. If we write off the jobs and thinking climate plan, one the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of working that does something that women and men, I guarantee you we will write off the too many other climate ability to move forward on climate change or, quite plans have failed to do and frankly, on just about any kind of progressive change.” that’s to put working Berman said that the days of using fossil fuels are people first, not last.” coming to an end and that building a pipeline that’s Both Berman and designed to last upwards of 50 years doesn’t make sense. Notley gave powerful “We can’t address climate change by building more of speeches, both were

Dale Auger Memorial art show

cont. from p 12

the Alberta College of Art in 1988, and studied at the University of Calgary for 10 years, obtaining a master’s degree in education in 1996 and a PhD in education in 1999. He lived in Bragg Creek, Alberta, until his untimely death in the fall of 2008. He was posthumously honoured as the 2009 inductee into the Western Art Show’s Hall of Fame at the Calgary Stampede.

“My dad was a great artist but he was also a great father and a friend to many,” noted Auger. “We still miss him a great deal and this upcoming art show will give his friends, clients and followers the opportunity to come out and celebrate his life with us. Everyone is welcome.”

Some of the artists who will be attending the Dale Auger Memorial Art Show include Gary McDonald, Jamie Starlight, Ray Keighley, Graham Pettman, Kristy North Peigan, Gordon Wesley, Ernie Scoles, Delree Dumont, Leo Arcand, Jerry Whitehead, Kevin Pearce, Eric Lee, Melany Parsons, Keegan Starlight, Neepin Auger and others.

On November 2-3 - just weeks away - take the time to visit with these and other well known Indigenous achievers in the world of art.

For information contact Neepin at 403-606-4224 or neepinauger@gmail.com or visit daleaugermemorial.com/

14

Alberta Native News October, 2018

Powwow Dancers at the National Indigenous Cultural Expo

The Powwow Dancers were the highlight of the National Indigenous Cultural Expo held in Edmonton last month. The vibrant dance styles - Chicken, Grass, Traditional and others - were matched by the brilliant regalia and the energetic dancers, providing a top-notch competition and a wonderful display of cultural pride.

Photos by Terry Lusty

October, 2018

Alberta Native News

BBMA Awards

cont. from p 6

education - thanks to the BBMA I have become able to break through that final barrier. In the short term this award allows me to pay the tuition fees; in the long run this financial help will be an investment in this community and that is what really matters, because this investment helps to strengthen the Métis community as a whole.”

First year award recipient, Taneiya Mahe comes from St. Vincent, Alberta. She is currently studying education at the University of Alberta; her goal is to become an elementary school teacher.

“The Belcourt Brosseau Metis Awards,” assured Mahe, as she addressed the gathering from the podium, “has opened many doors to my future and has expanded the availability for my dreams to come true. I’ve wanted to be a teacher from my earliest years and that’s what I would tell anyone that asked.”

As one of several adopted children in her family, Mahe received a rousing applause when she thanked her mom, noting: “I will be forever grateful to my mom for raising us as her own and building and guiding us on a pathway toward success. As an adopted family of Métis and First Nation children our connection as siblings was strong; we came from the same backgrounds and we had all had similar hardships. This made the transition into my forever home much easier; we all shared and experienced successful lives thanks to our mother’s teachings. She taught us how to grow a garden, pick berries, and cook a wholesome meal and many more things. We had happy times and we had hard times just like any family. Sadly, most children’s experiences in the foster care system are not as fortunate as mine.”

She spoke about the residential schools and the 60s Scoop and how these and other programs "intentionally damaged the lives of Indigenous peoples in so many ways.

I want to use my mother’s influence to pursue my dreams in supporting the youth in our society and to be a role model for them. I want to use my personal experiences to help others heal and grow from their own (experiences).

This dream of mine has become a possibility through this award and for that I would like to thank the founders and the panel members for choosing me as a recipient of this award..

The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards initiative began in 2001 with a $13 million donation from Métis entrepreneurs and philanthropists Georges Brosseau Q.C., Orval Belcourt and Dr. Herb Belcourt. The trio founded the awards program to support the educational dreams of Métis youth and mature students in Alberta. Since its inception nearly 1,800 awards have been provided to help Métis people achieve an opportunity to complete their varied educational goals.

The Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) has been a partner with the BBMA since the very beginning of the endowment - about a decade after the Foundation began working to create and maintain a strong, vibrant community by acting as a bridge between donors’ wishes

15

and the needs of charities in the greater Edmonton area. BBMA co-founder Georges Brosseau Q.C. spoke about the endowment fund and what it means to Métis Albertans.

“In order to uplift our people so they can succeed in the world and in our community they need to be educated,” he said.

“Education is the key to success and therefore we are pushing as hard as we can to get as many awards as we can each year. Over the years we have given out more than 1,800 (L-R Top Row) Barry Belcourt, Brenda Bourque-Stratichuk, Kathryn Brosseau, awards for a total Georges Brosseau Q.C. (L-R Bottom Row)Harold Robinson, Michelle Poirier, Lisa disbursement of $7.2 Higgerty, and Orval Belcourt. million.

“The key thing with the awards program is that we base she has struggled through difficult times, but remains the awards on the choice of career that the individual dedicated to achieving both an education and a successful wants to go into. We asked them what they want and what life. People aren’t refused because they don’t have high they wish to pursue and then we asked how we can help.” marks; we base our decisions on the whole person and are To qualify for educational awards, applicants needs to very cognizant that they sometimes don’t have justify their choice of educational pursuit and meet the opportunities. We try to provide the opportunity that many of our young students need - what they do with it will overall requirements of the program.

“We want to know what their participation has been in determine their future.”

And for most, those futures look bright and beautiful. the Métis community; they have to show interest in their “It’s an amazing event once again this year,” noted Metis heritage (and/or) make an effort to get involved in Métis culture and the Métis community,” Brosseau BBMA co-founder Orval Belcourt. “We are so very proud of the many young people who are here today to receive explained.

“We started out with about $13 million and through their Metis Sash and the recognition they deserve for their investments, (and thanks to the Edmonton Community dedication to education and for their hard work and Foundation’s investment) we now have about 19.7 million achievements. Our young people are becoming better in the endowment fund. This is very positive news and one educated as a result of the awards program and their that ensures that our Métis people will continue to have the continued success is proof that a little support can go a opportunity to go to school and to have a successful life.” long way. Congratulations to the many young Métis The amount of the individual awards is based on a awards’ recipients here today and to those who, over the years, have already gone on to achieve their goals.” sliding scale.

“Awards can be as little as $1,000 and as high as $10,000 or more,” explained Brosseau.

“Recipients are selected on an individual basis; awards are not based on marks alone. We look at the overall individual and anyone can qualify, providing they meet the criteria of the Awards Panel, which is made up by Métis people. Sometimes an individual is selected because we see that he or

16

Alberta Native News

October, 2018