Alberta Native News - Digital Edition - February, 2017

Volume 34 Number 02 February, 2017

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Alberta Native News

February, 2017

A tribute to Herb Belcourt for his contributions to culture and community

by John Copley It’s been a whirlwind of awards for Metis entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and activist Herb Belcourt during the last two months. The 85-year-old Sherwood Park resident was honoured in Toronto with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), who also inducted Herb into their Hall of Fame. The CCAB’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Inuit, or Métis business person whose community leadership and business success has made a substantive contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples across Canada. Mr. Belcourt was also honoured by Strathcona Country and the City of Sherwood Park who last month named a spacious and beautifully manicured park in his honour. The newly named park, the second largest in the community is located on the west side of Sherwood Drive, between Oak Street and the trail to the east of the water tower.

“Mr. Belcourt has been a resident of Strathcona County for many years and he is a well–known Metis entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and activist,” said Linette Capcara, manager of customer permitting inspections and customer service with the county. “He has received a number of awards, honours and distinctions throughout his lifetime at the municipal, federal and provincial level. One of the most recent honours was on January 24, 2107, which was proclaimed as Herb Belcourt Day in Strathcona County.”

Herb was also recognized and applauded by more than 400 of his peers, colleagues, government and municipal leaders, family members and others at a special gathering that took place in his home community.

The latter event took place on January 20, 2017 when he was greeted by several hundred people who’d gathered at Festival Place in Sherwood Park to pay tribute to him for his many years as a community and cultural supporter

whose business acumen and determination has helped to change and improve the lives of many Albertans.

Initiated and organized over a two-week period in Herb and Lesley Belcourt enjoyed the celebration at Sherwood Park that was held early January by longtime in Herb's honour last month, along with their daughter, Amethyst and grandsons friend, John Vrolijk, who Jackson and Liam. came upon the idea while enjoying a coffee with CCAB co-Chair Randy Moore, NorQuest Board Chair Al some friends at Tim Horton’s one morning, the gathering Skoreyko, Métis Nation of Alberta Senior Executive at Sherwood Park’s Festival Place saw nearly 450 people Officer Aaron Barner and Edmonton’s Aboriginal show up to celebrate the man who, among other things, Relations Manager, Mike Chow. brought the first-ever movie theatre to the community.

Speaking from the podium, Master of Ceremonies John “Herb is a loved and appreciated community member Vrolijk noted that “over the years Dr. Herbert Belcourt has who has initiated and participated in many wonderful combined entrepreneurial experience and generosity while things in this community - and throughout the province working diligently and steadfastly to ensure that over the last five decades or so - and this is our way of Aboriginal Albertans have access to suitable housing and saying thanks very much for all you’ve done Herb,” noted education. The oldest of 10 siblings born and raised in Lac Vrolijk. “Next week Herb will be travelling to Toronto Ste. Anne, Herb was influenced by his father and has where he will receive a lifetime achievement award and be always maintained a strong entrepreneurial spirit, introduced into the Canadian Council for Aboriginal something that is obvious by the many accomplishments Business’ (CCAB) Hall of Fame. He is the first Métis and achievements he’s made during his life.” entrepreneur to receive the award - the first to be inducted In 2005 NorQuest College named one of their board into the Hall of Fame.” rooms after Dr. Belcourt, noted Board Chair Skoreyko. He Committee members who helped organize and put on said that Herb is “a very special and longtime friend of the event included Thomas Dunlop, Ron Stevenson, NorQuest College. This recognition today is very much Randy Moore, Roy Bird, Roy Craigen, Maurice Perrault deserved. Herb is the model of a great Albertan and and Theresa Majeran.

Canadian. An astute businessman, a generous As the crowd gathered and the evening got underway philanthropist, his legacy reminds us all that hard work cellist Kethra Stewart serenaded the group with several and passion can achieve great, great things.” lovely tunes. Strathcona RCMP Detachment member and NorQuest College presented Herb Belcourt with an bagpiper, Bridgette Hardy-Crytes led the Grand Entry into Honourary Diploma in 2014. the spacious room. Special guests and speakers included, He also received an honorary doctorate of laws degree RCMP Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan, Alberta from the University of Alberta in 2001 and was a recipient Minister of Indigenous of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (Indspire) Relations, Richard Feehan, for Housing in 2005. He is also among a select group of Edmonton Police Chief people recognized with the Order of Canada in 2010 and Ron Knecht, Strathcona Continued on page 12 Councillor Carla Howatt,

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February, 2017

Alberta Native News

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Elder in the Making: the long road to reconciliation

by John Copley On February 8, 2017 Business Link's Aboriginal Business Development Services (ABDS) hosted a special screening of Elder in the Making, a feature documentary that allows viewers to explore the tragic and hopeful history of the Blackfoot people. Through the journey of two unlikely travel companions, this educational and beautifully choreographed film uncovers the truth and delivers a message about the importance of maintaining the land, the water and the air.

Elder in the Making is one of the most interesting, educational, well-written and narrated films I have ever been privileged to watch. This must-see film was produced, directed and narrated by Calgary filmmaker Chris Hsiung, along with co-producer Cowboy Smithx. It was inspired by the work of the Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society, who in 2014 produced the acclaimed film, Making of Treaty 7, and it is more than a subtle hint of what lays ahead if humanity continues on its current path.

Elder in the Making in an inspirational piece of work that brings particular focus to the Blackfoot people of southern Alberta, their culture, their history, their current lives, and their vision of the future. The 95-minute documentary, delivered by Hsiung, a soft-spoken and respectful speaker who doesn’t mince words is a film about southern Alberta’s Indigenous peoples, the trials and tribulations of the Blackfoot people and importantly, the celebrations they've held over the past two centuries as they continue to make their way into the future.

Elder in the Making isn’t the first collaboration for Hsiung and Cowboy Smithx; they’ve worked together on several projects, including Redx Talks, an Indigenous speaker series that premiered at Mount Royal University in the fall of 2015.

Hsiung said he’s learned a great deal about the history of southern Alberta’s First Nation communities over the past few years while hosting workshops on the Stoney-Nakoda Nation, providing technical input with Redx and during his ongoing travels and talks with the Blackfoot people while filming Elder in the Making.

That knowledge is evident as he traverses the film in

conversations with numerous well-spoken Elders, community members and others who are playing a role in watching over and maintaining the land in "Elder in the Making" Producer and Director Chris Hsiung and Co-Producer meaningful and respectful Cowboy Smithx take questions from the audience after screening the film at the Art ways.

Gallery of Alberta.

Hsiung likens the experiences of the organized and populated by millions of Indigenous Blackfoot to that of his own family in that “we both have peoples who for the most part lived in harmony and to navigate two cultures and two languages,” and both mutual understanding. The film delves into the treaties that have faced racism and uncertainty as they’ve made their were signed in good faith by Indigenous leaders and gives way through life. Hsiung is the 23rd generation of the viewers a look at how, over a few decades, everything fell Hsiung family, a family that originally made its way from into disarray. Promises made by governments were China to Taiwan before eventually settling in southern broken. The buffalo were slaughtered, their hides shipped Alberta. Smithx is a Blackfoot Albertan whose ancestors overseas for the leather needed to turn the engines of the signed treaties and honoured agreements while Canadian Industrial Age. Diseases such as measles, smallpox and governments did what they could to undermine those mumps were deliberately introduced into the Indigenous agreements. Hsiung refers to Smithx as being a “foreigner populations. In all, more than 90 percent of North in his own land.”

America’s Indigenous populations were extinguished by Elder in the Making is a walk-through history, complete these actions. with illustrations, diagrams, explanations and The film winds its way through time, often going back conversations with an array of people, some whom have into the past to better explain both the present and the passed on to the spirit world since their involvement in the future. film. Elder in the Making is dedicated “in loving memory” Many new laws, brought on by the many changes in to those people and includes Elder Narcisse Blood, government leaders, didn’t bode well for the Blackfoot or Michale Green, Michele Sereda and Lacy Morin- for any other Indigenous person living within the borders Desjarlais. of Canada. When the Indian Act was established in Viewers of this film will be enthralled and impressed by Ottawa, it gave government extraordinary powers and the words and actions of these participants and many complete reign over the Indigenous people it purported to others, including buffalo expert Wes Olson, archaeologist represent and protect. It was part of a growing desire to Davide Walde, grandfather and Elder Floyd Smith, youth assimilate the country ’s First Peoples. It was developed a worker Jason Plain Eagle, interpreter and guide Shanna year before the treaties were signed and that in itself is a Goodstriker, Leroy Little Bear, Kris Demeanor, cultural sign that the government had no intention of honouring curator Herman Yellow Old Woman and many others. treaties. Then just a short time later, in 1879, Prime Elder in the Making is a film that immerses its viewers Minister John MacDonald approved the building of Indian into the past and delivers an important story of how a Continued on page 14 foreign culture launched itself onto a land that was already

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Alberta Native News

February, 2017

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Volume 34, Number 2 February 2017 ISSN #08294135 www.albertanativenews.com EDITOR: Deborah Shatz

‘60s Scoop Survivors win in court

by John Copley

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It took eight long years, but on February 14, 2017, Ontario Superior Court Judge Edward Belobaba ruled in favour of the plaintiffs in a class action law suit that proved that government was negligent and “breached the common law duty of care” that was its responsibility when it ordered the removal of Indigenous children from their homes and communities and handed them over to complete strangers.

Judge Belobaba’s decision brought the hammer down on a government that in the 1960s failed in its responsibility to provide proper care when it initiated a program that “scooped” Indigenous children from their homes and communities and in due process handed them over to nonIndigenous parents. These youth, some children as young as four, were stripped of their identities, torn from their families and communities and raised with no knowledge of their heritage, religion or culture. Some were placed in loving homes, others were bounced from home to home but they all suffered from the loss of Aboriginal identity.

In an interview, Bernadette Iahtail, Executive Director of the Creating Hope Society, a non-profit organization whose motto reads: An Aboriginal Home for Every Child in Care by 2025, said she was “very pleased with the Supreme Court Decision,” and said she expected some positive change, “but to ensure that change actually happens, we need government to put an immediate emphasis on healing by committing more dollars for prevention and preservation programs for Indigenous organizations. We are the people who can work most effectively, an Indigenous organization helping Indigenous people. We need to engage families and communities in dialogue and work with them to ensure that healing comes full circle.”

The Sixties Scoop is a term that refers to a federal government-introduced program that began in the mid1960s and ended in the mid1980s. Its mission was to remove Aboriginal children from their homes and communities and foster them out to non-Indigenous caregivers. Over the past decade these children, now grown, have spoken out about the trauma they suffered, the identities they lost and the families they left behind.

Ottawa said it has no plans to appeal the decision and move forward with reconciliation. Iahtail said she hopes the federal government will go one step further.

“What we hope for is formal recognition of the (cultural) genocide that took place,” she said, adding “that what needs to follow is an apology from the Prime Minister. Canada needs to recognize the impact that caused so much devastation to people who grew up in the child welfare system. Yes, I am pleased with the decision but we must keep in mind that there is no amount of money that can replace the loss of family, the loss of community connection and belonging, and, speaking for

myself, the loss of language, culture and tradition that continues to separate us from our own Indigenous people because of assimilation. Money cannot replace the loss of a healthy childhood, nor can it fully embrace the ramifications of trauma, mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual abuse and the aftermath of the child welfare syndrome. The government wanted to take the Indian out of a child beginning with the residential schools and continuing from the 1960s until today. The child welfare system is still broken; there is much more that can be done to ensure that Aboriginal children are cared for by Aboriginal families and communities.”

From 1965 through 1984 thousands of Indigenous children were removed from their families; Judge Belobaba came down hard on a government he said breached its trust and then tried to contend that consulting with First Nation communities would be a waste of time because consultation wouldn’t have made any difference to the children.

In his submission, Judge Belobaba wrote: “This is an odd and, frankly, insulting submission. Canada appears to be saying that even if the extension of child welfare services to their reserves had been fully explained to the Indian bands and, if each band had been genuinely consulted about their concerns in this regard, that no meaningful advice or ideas would have been forthcoming.”

Canada’s Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde, head of the Assembly of First Nations, said he was pleased with the court’s decision, noting that “children of the Sixties Scoop deserve justice, healing and reconciliation. The Sixties Scoop was part of an ongoing attempt by Canada to rob First Nations children of their language, their rights and their identity. Today’s decision is a step towards reconciliation.”

Just one week before Judge Belobaba gave his ruling the Liberal government said it would block the judge from delivering his ruling because Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett announced plans to negotiate with Sixties Scoop survivors across Canada. But the loud cry from plaintiffs, opposition critics and citizens across the country forced Ottawa to back down and allow the Sixties Scoop survivors from Ontario to have their court ruling. The Liberal government is already under fire for failing to set in place initiatives and programs it promised during the last election campaign. However, Minister Bennett has reiterated that her government is ready and willing to move forward with a reconciliation settlement – further distancing itself from the antiAboriginal, stall tactics employed by the Stephen Harperled Conservatives.

Continued on page 15

January, 2017

Alberta Native News

Alberta child welfare class action members appeal settlement

by John Copley In mid-November 2015 Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Denny Thomas approved an Alberta Child Welfare Class Action Settlement that was initiated in February 2008. Its aim was to represent all persons who suffered injuries before or during a time when they were subject to a permanent wardship order or permanent guardianship order by Alberta Child Welfare between July 1, 1966 and February 19, 2008, or a temporary guardianship order by Alberta Child Welfare between July 1, 1985 and February 19, 2008.

Edmonton lawyer and child rights activist Robert Lee, who was removed from the case by Judge Thomas in 2015, was asked by a class action member to file an appeal on Thomas’ decision in late January this year. Among the list of seven reasons for filing the appeal, noted Lee, was the fact that “Class Members did not have a reasonable opportunity to obtain the materials that were submitted to the Court and to respond,” and that “the Class Members did not get the opportunity to question Sabrina Lombardi, the lawyer for McKenzie Lake Lawyers who filed an Affidavit in support of the settlement.”

The ground for appeal also noted that the Representative Plaintiffs were not asked if they would agree to give the Class Members more time to respond to the materials; that McKenzie Lake Lawyers claimed that the Class Action was only about making applications to victims of crime, when there were actually 5 Class Action common issues; and that one of the Representative Plaintiffs swore her Affidavit in support of the settlement with a lawyer who worked at the Government's law firm.

The Alberta Court of Appeal granted Mr. Lee’s request for an appeal of the case on February 9, 2017; the

application will be heard in the Law Courts Building in Edmonton, Alberta beginning at 9:30 a.m. on February 22, 2017.

Initials rather than names are being used in this article to identify exactly what the appeal is about and why is was filed.

Class Action Member R.T. filed an application for permission to overturn the Alberta Child Welfare Class Action Settlement that was approved by Justice Thomas of the Court of Queen's Bench over a year ago. The application includes explosive allegations of wrongdoing. One of the most serious allegations in the Court filed documents is: "The effect of the settlement is that the Class Members, as a group, do not receive any benefit from the settlement. The Class Members, as a group, are actually worse off than if there had been no settlement. All of the monies paid by the Defendant that go into the settlement go to Class Counsel."

The Application also alleges that, TL, one of the Representative Plaintiffs met with a lawyer who worked at the Government's law firm to swear her Affidavit in support of the settlement, without being told that she was meeting a lawyer working at the Government's defence law firm. The Application alleges that the Class Members only had 1 day to get the settlement materials from Court, to get a lawyer and to respond in writing to the settlement materials. Further, it is alleged that Justice Thomas started Court at 1:30 pm, when the official start time given to the Class Members was 2 pm, which prejudiced the Class Members. The Application states that the Appeal is supported by the Representative Plaintiffs.

The Application is supported by 3 Affidavits by Mr.

Artist to create 400 paintings for Edmonton’s Tawatinâ Bridge Edmonton – Canadian Métis artist David Garneau is the commissioned artist for Edmonton’s Tawatinâ Bridge. The bridge will link the south side and downtown portions of the Valley Line LRT. The Request for Proposals asked Canadian Indigenous artists to submit their ideas David Garneau for the Percent for Art project that will accompany the bridge. Garneau was chosen from a shortlist of three artists to complete the $295,000 commission.

The artwork will consist of more than 400 panels

installed on the ceiling of the pedestrian walkway under the LRT tracks. Each will be shaped and painted to refer to Indigenous aspects of the region. One panel, for example, will feature the silhouette of a Northern Pike while the interior will show a map of 1880s Edmonton. Another will have the form of an ancient pot with the inside depicting local medicines. Ranging from 16cm x 5cm to more than 2.5 x 2.5 m, the paintings will be arranged to suggest the flow and interconnectedness of people, animals, the river, clouds, and time.

David Garneau is an Associate Professor in Painting and Drawing studies at the University of Regina. He holds an MA in American Literature and BFA in Painting and Drawing with Distinction from the University of Calgary and has exhibited widely throughout Canada as well as internationally. He is a greatly sought after speaker at

5 R.T., Affidavits by RM and JS, who are both Representative Plaintiffs and DVM, a Class Member. The Affidavits of RM and JS, who are two of the Representative Plaintiffs state that they were not told about the short time that was given to the Class Members and

that they would have given the Class Members more time if they had been asked. They also state that they were not told that the effect of the settlement was that all of the settlement monies would go to the lawyers.

This Class Action has already seen many twists and turns as this case has already seen the removal of the original lawyers, David Klein and Clint Docken QC by the Representative Plaintiffs. The new allegations in the Application to overturn the settlement are that McKenzie Lake lawyers, the Ontario law firm responsible for the Class Action, negotiated a settlement that provides no benefit to the thousands of Class Members. The allegations in the Application have not been proven and will be argued in the Court of Appeal in Edmonton, Alberta on February 22, 2017 at 9:30 AM. conferences and symposia. This commission represents a homecoming for him and is his first public artwork in Edmonton.

“My interest in this project is personal and professional.

I was born and raised in Edmonton and spent my youth exploring the River Valley. My great, great grandparents were Laurent and Eleanor Garneau (Métis) after whom the nearby Garneau district was named. That the Tawatinâ Bridge is so near to their river lot inspires me to return to this site with a proposal that honours our connection to this place, embodies some of the uses and teachings attached to this site, and engages the Indigenous community to cocreate a work of art that is at once accessible and sublime.”

Garneau will engage with Edmonton’s Indigenous communities as he refines and creates his artwork.

Edmonton Arts Council Public Art Director Katherine Kerr says: “We are delighted that an artist of David Garneau’s stature brings his personal story as well as artistic inspiration to this project. We anticipate that the completed artwork will stand as a living reminder of the many currents that connect our shared stories and histories.”

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Alberta Native News

February, 2017

New training opportunities for Indigenous Women Calgary, AB – Women Building Futures (WBF) and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project recently entered into a new partnership to recruit, assess and train Indigenous women for safe and productive entry into the pipeline construction field.

The newly created 8-week Trans Mountain Pipeline Construction Labourer Training Program (the Program) will begin on July 4, 2017 and includes safety training, workplace procedures, hands-on skills training, workplace culture awareness, fitness awareness, financial literacy, career development, cultural programming and job search skills. Through a successful funding application, WBF and Trans Mountain successfully leverage funds to make the Program possible. Indigenous groups were involved in sharing feedback to assist in the development of the curriculum based on the needs of the market.

All training will take place at WBF’s classroom and training facility in Edmonton, while the employment opportunities with the construction of the expansion project are located within the Project corridor between Strathcona County and the BC/AB border. Housing at WBF, which includes 42 self-contained subsidized apartments, 18 of which are for single mothers with children, will be available for women during the program.

To kick-off this new program, Indigenous women are invited to attend a five-day Career Builder Session which will prepare them to apply for this program. This session will include math instruction, application completion, assessments and self-discovery workshops.

Kathy Kimpton, WBF President & CEO is passionate about empowering women in non-traditional occupations and changing lives through learning.

“This new program is especially important because it gives Indigenous women a unique opportunity to enter into the construction industry, and be able to live and work close to their communities,” said Ms Kimpton.

“By offering the WBF Career Builder training, we will be able to prepare these women within their cultural framework for success. The impact this new partnership will have on the lives of these women will be profound,”

Ms Kimpton concluded.

“Trans Mountain has a 60-year history of working with communities and we’re committed to providing Indigenous communities with benefits through employment, training and business opportunities,” says Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada.

“Over the past several years, we’ve worked hard to build upon our existing relationships to pave a path forward for our company to deliver Project benefits for Indigenous communities. Through our employment, training and procurement polices, we’re continuing extensive consultation with training providers, industry associations and communities to create initiatives that will enhance 2 employment opportunities, support economic development and increase the long-term shared success of the Project,” said Anderson.

Upcoming Career Builder Sessions will be held in Stony Plain, Edmonton, Wetaskiwin and Hinton. Women can register for these sessions by calling 780452-1200 or toll free at 1-866-452-1201.

A second delivery of the Program is planned for 2018.

WBF is Alberta’s premier destination for women who want to discover, pursue and advance in a career in trades.

A Social Purpose Organization and registered charity, WBF is valued for its uncompromising approach to meeting the needs of women and industry by recruiting the right people, providing them with the right training and matching them with the right employer. WBF offers women pre-trades competency-based training in welding, steamfitting/pipefitting, plumbing, sheet metal, carpentry, electrical and heavy equipment operator training at their training centre in Edmonton. WBF has quickly become the go-to place for women interested in a career in the construction trades and for companies wishing to diversify

their workforce. For more information about WBF, visit womenbuildingfutures.com.

In November 2016, the Government of Canada approved Kinder Morgan Canada’s plan to expand the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline system – between Edmonton, Alberta and Burnaby, British Columbia. The Project is subject to 157 Conditions from the National Energy Board that covers the life span of the Project, which, is expected to be in-service in late 2019. For almost 60 years, the 1,150-km Trans Mountain pipeline system has been providing the only West Coast access for Canadian oil products, including about 90 per cent of the gasoline supplied to the interior and south coast of British Columbia. For more information visit transmountain.com.

February, 2017

Alberta Native News

Irving K. Barber Scholarships support BC Aboriginal students VICTORIA – More than 300 Aboriginal postsecondary Aboriginal students in BC will benefit from over $1 million distributed by the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society this year. The application deadline is March 31, 2017.

The scholarships are open to BC residents who Award recipients Esmae Rothfusz and Julia are Aboriginal, who have Thielmann been active in their school or community and are planning on studying at a postsecondary institution in the province.

“Irving K. Barber scholarship awards are assisting Aboriginal students to advance their education, build careers and take their place as community leaders,” said Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing demographic in British Columbia, and they are an important part of building a strong, skilled workforce in our province.”

“The Award has changed a lot for me,” notes award recipient Julia Thielmann, a Metis student studying at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, “because it has helped me manage many pressing financial obligations, and being a law student is very expensive.”

Julia’s road to self-actualization has been mired in challenges and periods of self-doubt.

She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to a family of three children. She has Metis citizenship through her grandparents. Growing up, she was never quite sure what she wanted to do in terms of a career.

After high school, Julia worked for four years but, never felt she was “getting anywhere." She couldn’t get a good job as she lacked the necessary education. In 2013, she decided it was time to go back to school and so she applied and was accepted to Okanagan College, and later to the Okanagan campus of UBC, where she obtained a degree in Psychology. Julia excelled in her studies and made it onto the Dean’s Honour List, and secured a position as a Research Assistant at the College.

Julia eventually decided to study law at the University of British Columbia because of its practical application to the causes that interested her – gender equality and environmental protection. She secured a student loan for her first two years in College but found it difficult to cover expenses for such things as food, accommodation and transportation. She had to work up to three days each week just to support herself while pursuing her studies.

The Aboriginal Student Awards Julia received from the Irving K Barber BC Scholarship Society in 2016 enabled her to focus on her studies rather than worrying about how to meet her basic needs. She also found that she had time to volunteer and so now works with the Law Students Legal Advice Program to provide free legal services to UBC students. This enables her to help out other students, while at the same time gaining experience as a legal representative.

In the future, Julia hopes to support the Aboriginal community through the provision of legal representation for community members who lack the wherewithal to afford such services. She hopes to utilize her education and professional experience to tackle social issues such as gender equality and environmental protection.

Esmae Rothfusz has received two Aboriginal Student Awards from the Irving K Barber BC Scholarship Society to help her with the costs of training to become a nurse at the University of British Columbia - Okanagan. She received $3,500 in 2015 as a New Applicant, and an additional $1000 in 2016 as a Past Recipient as she continued with her education.

“The best part of receiving the Irving K. Barber Aboriginal Student award is knowing there is a support system to encourage people towards higher education and many more people should take advantage of this opportunity,” says Esmae.

Esmae found the first two-years of her nursing program to be very challenging as she struggled to adjust to life as a student after several years away from the classroom, and to the difficult task of learning a whole new medical vocabulary. However, her parents had always inspired her to work hard and to strive to be the best she could be academically.

Esmae also wanted to be a role model for other Aboriginal students and so dedicated herself to succeeding and to achieving strong grades.

The Aboriginal Award that Esmae earned has been particularly helpful in covering the ongoing cost of commuting between Peachland, where she lives, to the Kelowna campus of UBC. She also used part of it to pay for a summer course she took to save time and expedite her graduation.

Esmae has received a lot of support from her Aboriginal community - the Faik-uz Nation - that has providing funding for her tuition and living expenses. Her prospects include working in a hospital in Peachland, B.C., and building a career in maternity care as she would like to contribute to her community by providing healthcare to expectant mothers. Most of her current courses are taken from a First Nations social/welfare perspective, and she believes this will help her deliver appropriate healthcare services to Aboriginal people.

The Irving K. Barber Society’s Aboriginal Student Awards program is funded from the returns on an endowment fund established by the Province of British Columbia. It was created to assist in removing barriers to higher education for Aboriginal peoples. Awards of $1,000 to $5,000 each are issued every year through a competitive process to students studying at all post-secondary levels, from trades training to doctoral programs.

“Ike Barber recognized the untapped potential of British Columbia’s Aboriginal youth,” says Society Chair Ray Gandhi, “and the society that bears his name is pleased to facilitate, in some way, the educational advancement of these very deserving students.”

To find out if you might qualify for an Aboriginal Student Award, visit www.ikbbc.ca

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Alberta Native News

February, 2017

Amiskwaciy sports program reaches new heights

by John Copley Last year Amiskwaciy Academy added a new sports/athletics program to its school curriculum when it introduced the Amiskwaciy Eagles, a senior high school basketball team that enables young high school student athletes to participate and play in organized sporting activities. This year, after getting their feet wet via several exhibition games and participation in a local tournament, the team joined the Edmonton and area high school basketball league, which falls under the auspices of the Metro Edmonton High School Athletic Association, an entity that has been dedicating itself to sport in the Capital Region since 1988. In all, the Association has 51 member schools and oversees 15 different sports.

“It’s an exciting and meaningful opportunity for our students to work together, learn together and play together as a team,” noted Amiskwaciy teacher Terris Mah, who acts as the teacher/supervisor of the group.

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The Amiskwaciy Eagles - Top: School/student coordinator Terris Mah, Coach Dakota Nepoose, players: Matthew Favel, Javan Roasting, Brandon Sanderson, Anthony Bull, Blaye Chickosis, Head Coach Naim Cardinal Bottom: Damon Rattlesnake, Jimmy Loonskins, Taydin Badger Missing: Coach Michael Swampy.

The High School basketball program embraces three different divisions and includes 47 teams, from area schools; the Eagles are one of the 12 teams that make up Division 3. Division 1 includes 15 teams while Division 2 has 20 teams that are divided into two groups, Pool A and Pool B. “Naim Cardinal, the Cultural Liaison at Centre High Campus and I held several basketball clinics last year for both boys and girls and this year the boys team joined the

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league,” noted Mah. “We are now making an effort to reach the playoffs. Naim is the head coach of the team and he is assisted by two University of Alberta students, Michael Swampy and Dakota Nepoose.”

All three coaches have experience as players and are enjoying the opportunity to work with and teach Amiskwaciy students about the game of basketball.

“It’s a rewarding experience for us and an exciting opportunity for the students,” noted Cardinal in an interview following a game between the Eagles and the W.P. Wagner Warriors, an energetic group of players coached by W.P. Wagner teacher, Keith Kruse.

“This is the team’s first experience with organized sports and though we still have a way to go before we can compete with the best, the boys have come a long way and are doing remarkably well,” noted Cardinal, who oversees several practices and two games a week. “The competition is tough because many of the schools have been in the league for years now, but we are making great strides and are confident that as our experience grows our team will thrive. Basketball, like any team sport, is great for the students. It builds character and self-esteem and most important it involves team work, something that will help every student as he moves forward into the future.”

“It’s a lot of fun and we are improving every day,” noted Anthony Bull, who joined the team last year. The Grade 12 student attended Amiskwaciy Academy in Grade 9 and returned last year for Grade 11. "Two of the coaches Mike and Dakota - are from my home community, Maskwacis, so I am familiar with them and learning a lot from them this year. In coming years I expect that the team will do quite well.”

Anthony plans to continue with basketball as he moves ahead and pursues a career in Engineering. His plan is to attend NAIT once he’s graduated from Grade 12.

“The coaches are tough on us, but achieving success only comes with hard work and dedication,” said Blaye Chickosis, a team member and a Grade 12 student whose home is on the Poundmaker First Nation, located near the community of Cut Knife in north-central Saskatchewan.

“I’ve really enjoyed attending Amiskwaciy Academy; I’ve been getting my education here ever since Grade 7. The basketball team is a great addition to the school and I really enjoy being a part of the team. I’ve learned so much this year and find it to be a very rewarding experience.”

Blaye plans to attend the University of Alberta next year and is interested in pursuing an education in Native Studies.

The loss against W.P. Wagner on February 8 kept the Amiskwaciy Eagles in ninth place, one spot out of a playoff position, with two games remaining.

“The boys will do their best to get the win we need to move ahead,” assured Coach Cardinal, “but win or lose they have nothing to feel bad about; they’ve done a great job this year and they’ve come a long way as a team. The future looks promising.”

February, 2017

Alberta Native News

9

Marchers remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

by Regan Treewater The keynote address, delivered by activist and Walk for February 14 was an uncharacteristically warm night here in the City of Champions. The roads were filled with Justice organizer Bernie Williams, served as a haunting slush and muck -- but that did not deter a crowd of reminder that it is our own mainstream society that has passionate First Nations activists and local community long neglected the needs of First Nations women in members from taking to the streets in solidarity for the particular. “I was sold into sexual slavery at the age of missing and murdered women and children of Canada. eleven,” Williams revealed to the sizeable crowd. She Young and old, women with bundled newborns in tow, went on to explain that marginalized communities are not and even those not personally effected, united for the sole only victimized by, what she termed “colonial powers,” purpose of demonstrating that Canadians, of all but also by more insidious offenders like addiction and backgrounds, will no longer turn a blind eye to major poverty. She cited fentanyl laced drugs as the most current violations of basic human rights within our own borders. and prolific murderer of Indigenous people.

Longtime local residents of the surrounding area, both In the basement of Edmonton’s Sacred Heart Church of the First People, row after row of long sprawling tables First Nations and not, shared stories about seeing the same filled a dimly lit room. Within a half hour the large space women walking their street corners for months, only to was completely packed with standing room only and a one day find them absent. This reality is corroborated by crowd of people huddled outside craning their necks to Rosvita Dransfeld’s 2012 documentary film Who Cares. listen through the open door. “This affects everybody,” The footage, all shot in close proximity to the Sacred Heart explained a tired looking middle-aged woman while Church, chronicles the ongoing efforts of Project KARE, fixing her hair in front of the bathroom mirror, “it’s an an RCMP initiative to help identify the recovered bodies everybody problem, it’s just that nobody knows about it.” of murdered women. Although the project continues to She politely declined to have her name appear in print, but provide important closure for grieving families, one began to count -- first on the fingers of one hand, then on cannot help but wonder if more can’t be done to prevent the fingers of the other -- how many women in her family such disappearances before the fact.

The procession, which snaked its way from the innerhad gone missing or been murdered.

In 2006 Danielle Boudreau was the initial visionary of city McCauley area, past the police station on 103A the Edmonton Walk for Missing and Murdered Women. Avenue, looping around at Churchill Square, seemed to Before the opening prayer, she tearfully announced that grow as the march progressed. A formidable police escort this would be her last year leading the effort. She was lined the entirety of the route -- the lights atop their joined by her mother, Linda Boudreau Semaganis and vehicles strobing colourfully. During her opening members of the local non-profit Edmonton Sisters4Sisters, remarks, Danielle Boudreau told gatherers that in past founded by Cynthia Rattlesnake Cardinal and her sister years Edmonton Police had kindly volunteered their Bonnie Fowler. Cardinal and Fowler first established their services to ensure the group’s safety. She noted this as a group to commemorate the memory of their sister significant cooperative collaboration between First Georgiana Faith Papin who was a victim of the notorious Nations and law enforcement, two groups that have long serial killer, Robert Pickton. They remain committed to harboured mutual animosity and mistrust. Marchers came supporting other families who have had mothers, sister, out in full force brandishing drums and homemade wives and daughters silenced by violence. “It’s genocide,” banners all to show their collective support. “When you announced guest speaker Gladys Radek, “what better way walk away, you don’t walk away the same as when you came in,” Semaganis announced with conviction. to do it than to kill our women – the givers of life!”

Such events as this have gone a long way towards promoting awareness. Non-Indigenous people are gradually becoming more conscious of this persisting issue, while Indigenous people are being reminded that they do not have to remain alone in their suffering or grief.

Groups like Edmonton Sisters4Sisters provide a valuable support network for families afflicted with loss, while the Edmonton Walk for Missing and Murdered Women gives a voice to victims’ loved-ones. Among these determined community leaders there is the hope that this trauma will not be the unfortunate burden of the next generation.

“To be an effective leader and a warrior you have to also be ready to be hated,” Semaganis proudly announced. But in that packed basement and along the streets of Downtown Edmonton there was nothing remotely resembling hate -- everyone marched like warriors.

Organizers reiterated to participants that change cannot happen overnight. But with Semaganis’ battle cry fresh in my mind as I type out these final thoughts, “we lose less, and less, and less, until we lose no more,” I think it becomes clear that with leaders like these, tragedies will not be the enduring legacy for yet another generation.

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Alberta Native News

February, 2017

Shillinglaw's art is exhibited in Canada and around the globe

by John Copley Métis artist Heather Shillinglaw is a hard-working, award-winning artist whose beautiful creations have won numerous awards and found their way into private and corporate collections across the country. A devoted wife and a nurturing mother, she is also known as an active guest speaker, presenter, women’s advocate, educator, world traveler and an individual who works hard to promote her culture, community and country. One of her biggest joys comes whenever she is called upon to share, via her artistic visions or the spoken word, the knowledge of her proud Metis heritage and the lessons she’s learned from her Elders, grandparents and those she’s met in her travels to far-away places.

“I’ve been quite fortunate in that I have been able to develop some unique relationships with people in both South America and Europe,” explained the artist during a recent interview. “These opportunities have been presented to me thanks largely to the support I’ve received from the Alberta Foundation of the Arts and the Edmonton Art Council.”

Shillinglaw has travelled to places such as Paraguay and Argentina and most recently, to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. She is currently awaiting word on a possible grant that will take her to Scotland, where as an artist-inresidence, she hopes to pursue an artistic creation in partnership with the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland.

“I find that no matter where you go people are interested in Canada and its Indigenous populations,” noted the artist. “I’ve spent many hours talking to others about Canadian history and the role of the Métis people within that history.”

The nine-day visit to Budapest, Hungary, took place during the latter weeks of August 2016. While in Budapest

she completed an art installation entitled “Whispers in the Forest.”

“This work,” explained Shillinglaw, “began when I made a trip to the Cold Lake Primrose Air Weapons Range to Hungarian curator Beata Szechy and artist Heather Shillinglaw discussing her document what was once "Whispers in the Forest" installation during the Environmental Art 2016 Exhibition my ancestors’ traditional in Budapest last year. hunting and harvesting grounds. I was a bit dismayed with what I came across and Shillinglaw, “Curator Szechy told me that this was the first as a result I wanted to contribute something that would let time the National Gallery took such interest in a piece of people know just how delicate our environment is. Before work coming via HMC’s global artistic exchange the government took that land from my ancestors in the (program). The piece has garnered enough interest that the 1950s, it was a beautiful, contaminant-free tract of land, a curator has plans to take the exhibit to Texas later this sacred place that had been used and cared for by year.”

HMC, which opened its doors in 1990 as an artistic, Indigenous peoples for centuries.”

Without permission, Shillinglaw made her way onto and educational institution, is an artist run, non-profit, multiacross the land and was appalled, but not surprised, by disciplinary arts organization dedicated to excellence, experimentation, and education in all forms of what she found.

“There was garbage and environmental damage in contemporary art and culture. The organization is every direction,” she said. “The land was no longer in dedicated to promoting international art and the balance, no longer pristine, instead only destruction from understanding of world cultures, through high quality art constant abuse, spilled oil and garbage that included old exhibitions, cultural exchanges and related educational signage, empty toxic containers, pop cans and other junk.” programs.

“Their goal,” explained Shillinglaw, “is to inform and To highlight the importance of maintaining a natural and toxic free environment, Shillinglaw’s “Whispers in the educate the community at large through cross-cultural Forest,” was installed at the Hungarian Multicultural exchange, provide an opportunity for artists to work and Centre (HMC), where it was curated by Beata Szechy and exhibit in Hungary, and provide the artists with a showcased for the ‘Environmental Art 2016 Exhibition’ at supportive environment and uninterrupted time to work their Artist-in-Residency program. the Petöfi Irodalmi Múzeum and at Gallery 12, a gallery during HMC/AIR provides national and international emerging sponsored by the Hungarian National Gallery.

“During an informal dinner meeting,” noted artists with the opportunity to produce new work while engaging with the arts community in Budapest, Hungary.”

While travelling, and visiting the galleries in Budapest, Shillinglaw received reviews from the general public and others.

“One comment came from a commercial artist, a friend of Beata’s who works alongside the Hungarian Multicultural Centre who told me that the curator normally picks artists that contribute to the artist in residency program, an undertaking that usually comes with a cost. In the case of this exhibit, I was invited on the basis of my work and how the work was received in the exhibition and during both locations. I am pleased to say that my artwork was discussed for conceptual context from scholars representing the fine arts programs at neighbouring universities who attend the literary festival.”

Shillinglaw said the invitation to Budapest and the work she did to satisfy their criteria has enhanced her artistic acumen and is playing a role in enhancing her artistic career.

“Having the curator verbally recognize my work and then having it appreciated by Hungary’s National Gallery is truly an honour and a humbling experience,” noted Shillinglaw. “By supporting this work of art, and with the news and reviews I received in various articles, even though they are in the Magyar language, has enhanced my overall outlook and given me added confidence. The recognition my work received was beyond my wildest dreams. Establishing these new contacts and making new friends within the global arts community, and then bringing these connections back home definitely boosts my visibility and will undoubtedly help my career.”

Shillinglaw alluded to the fact that through her various conversations and the connections she made within Hungary’s artistic community she was often involved in conversations about environmental concerns, including global warming.

The Petöfi Irodalmi Múzeum is a cultural hub of scholars that discuss the arts of today. This exciting exhibition heard from poets, writers, painters and the general public where artwork was discussed in broader detail, not unlike what you would imagine to be the conversation of the art masters of the past. “It is exciting to think that people on the other side of the globe understand the artistic message of the work I created - and what it means,” noted Shillinglaw.

Budapest is wonderful city, rich in culture, she added.

“Turkish baths, Imperial and Roman columns with Corinthian facades, complete with art nuevo. It was an experience that I will never forget.”

February, 2017

Alberta Native News

11

Art and Writing Contest for Indigenous Youth: Deadline March 31 The Aboriginal Arts & Stories contest encourages Canadian youth and young adults of Aboriginal ancestry status, non-status, Inuit or Métis - to showcase their artistic and writing talents on the national stage. Presented by Historica Canada, the competition invites Indigenous youth ages 9 to 29 to submit written work or visual art exploring aspects of Indigenous history and/or culture.

The contest is open until March 31, 2017.

Each year, Aboriginal Arts & Stories receives hundreds of entries from young Indigenous writers and artists across Canada who share their voices and their creativity with the nation. These entries are judged by a jury of accomplished Indigenous authors, artists and community leaders who select the winning submissions, including acclaimed writers Lee Maracle, Drew Hayden-Taylor and Rachel A.

2016 Senior Art Winner / 1st Place, "Maskihkiwiwat"

by Kecia Cook (Regina, SK), Misipawistik Cree Nation, Age 23.

Qitsualik, and artists Ryan Rice and Maxine Noel.

The Aboriginal Arts & Stories contest is divided into three age categories: 9 - 13, 14 - 18 and 19 - 29. First place winners in the two older age categories in both arts and writing will receive $2000 each. The senior winners (19-29) also win a week-long writers’ residency at The Banff Centre (writing winner) and a professional development experience at the Ontario College of Art and Design’s Indigenous Visual Culture Program (arts winner).

Second place finalists in age categories 14-18 and 1929 will receive a cash prize of $1000, and third place finalists will receive $500. All ranked finalists win cash prizes in both age categories. One Emerging Artist and one Emerging Writer will be selected in the age 9-13 category, and the winners will each receive a cash prize of $100.

Aboriginal Arts & Stories accepts submissions on a wide variety of subjects. Past entries have addressed themes of cultural identity, history and myth, spirituality, language loss and revitalization, the environment, family, and residential schools. Read an excerpt from the 2016 senior writing winner, Joshua Whitehead of Peguis First Nation entry entitled, ‘mihkokwaniy’: when i visit your grave in Saskatoon i see the face of kozaruk on the prairie scene, fatteninginsuburbia & here you are with a rag-tag little monument made of sticks & leaves stems from jackrabbits that seem to visit often a little blue ribbon god knows from who & a sad little brown boy In his statement, Joshua explains, “I wrote this piece in commemoration of the kokum I never met who was murdered in the sixties. The poem is an act of what Gerald Vizenor calls, survivance. It is survival and it is resistance; it is bringing the historical into the present to disrupt the

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To advertise your business or community event contact Dan at Alberta Native News at natnews@shaw.ca or call 780-421-7966.

2016 Senior Art Winner / 3rd Place, "Vanished" by Melissa Johns (Burlington, ON), Upper Cayuga, Age 22.

everyday. I want people to stop, think, and know that this is a historical reality that continues today. This poem is for all MMIWG2S peoples. “ Read the full piece here: http://www.ourstory.ca/winners/writing/5518:mihkokwaniy Written submissions can be in any format, within the word limits of the age category. Art can take any form, but it must be two-dimensional. For the full rules and regulations, please visit our-story.ca Aboriginal Arts & Stories is a program of Historica Canada, the country’s largest organization dedicated to enhancing awareness of Canada’s history and citizenship.

For more information, visit www.historicacanada.ca The Aboriginal Arts & Stories contest is funded by The Canadian Government, TD Bank, Canada’s History magazine, the Indigenous Visual Culture Program at the Ontario College of Art and Design University, The Banff Centre, and media sponsor Aboriginal Link.

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Alberta Native News

February, 2017

Siksika Nations signs Castle Mountain Settlement with Ottawa (Calgary, AB) – The Government of Canada and the Siksika Nation have concluded a negotiated claim settlement to resolve a longstanding dispute and move forward together in a spirit of reconciliation and renewal.

The negotiated agreement settles an outstanding specific claim regarding Castle Mountain in Banff National Park.

The Siksika Nation’s claim dates back to the 1880s when land located at Castle Mountain was set aside as a timber berth for the use and benefit of the First Nation. The basis of the claim was that these lands were wrongfully taken from the First Nation in 1908 without their consent and without proper compensation. In 1911, these lands at Castle Mountain (known as the Miistukskoowa Area to Siksika) were added to Rocky Mountain Park, now known as Banff National Park.

The settlement includes financial compensation from Canada to the Siksika Nation to resolve their longstanding dispute about these lands, as well as economic opportunities inside the park and ongoing access to the land for Siksika.

"Siksika began 4 Annual Traditional Horseback Rides from Siksika to Castle Mountain 25 years ago,” stated Siksika Chief Joe Weasel Child. “This year we will be celebrating a new beginning at MIISTUKSKOOWA; as one of our last untouched sacred sites Siksika will be working collaboratively with Parks Canada to share a unique Northern Blackfoot culturally based Eco-Tourism experience with all Canadians and tourists from all over the world.”

“As Canada celebrates the 150th Anniversary of Confederation, it should be noted that the Blackfoot Treaty

Herb Belcourt

cont. from p 2

until 2013 was an Aboriginal Advisor to the Commanding Officer at "K" Division for the RCMP. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Feehan said he was awed by the accomplishments made over the years by Dr. Herb Belcourt and congratulated him for being one of the province’s shining lights, noting “Herb rose to become a

of 1877 enabled completion of the CPR and Confederation,” explained Chief Weasel Child. “Other important contributions the Blackfoot people have made to Canada includes protection of what is now Siksika Chief Joe Weasel Head, Council and Elders met recently with Ministers Western Canada from the Carolyn Bennett and Catherine McKenna to sign the negotiated Castle Mountain USA by entering into the Settlement.

1855 Blackfoot – USA Peace Treaty or Lame Bull journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Treaty long before Canada was a Country and before the peoples,” stated Minister of Indigenous and Northern International Border existed.”

Affairs Carolyn Bennett. “Negotiated agreements help “Now, with this Settlement Agreement the Siksika strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship through Nation will continue to protect the Environment and all mutual respect and create a brighter future for everyone." living things placed here by the Creator for the beneficial First Nation members voted to approve the settlement interest and education of generations of Canadians yet to on March 4, 2016. Canada gave its final approval on come," concluded Chief Weasel Child.

August 15, 2016. Under the settlement, Banff National The negotiated settlement provides the Siksika Nation Park shall remain a Park for the benefit of all Canadians. with approximately $123 million in financial "The roots of the Siksika Nation run deep in Alberta’s compensation. Under the settlement, the Siksika Nation plains and mountains,” noted Minister of Environment has the option to purchase on the open market up to 17,491 Catherine McKenna. “Today, their history and culture are acres of land outside of the boundaries of Banff National recognized through this claim settlement. It strengthens Park and apply to Canada to have the lands added to its the relationship between Parks Canada and the Siksika reserve.

Nation – and by doing so, reaffirms Canada’s commitment The settlement also provides the Siksika Nation with to reconciliation. We will continue working with economic opportunities inside Banff National Park and Indigenous communities across the country in the spirit of with ongoing park access for cultural, traditional and reconciliation, and to protect our natural and cultural educational purposes. heritage for future generations."

"Settling claims is one of many important steps on the prominent businessman in the province. Known for his work ethic, his generosity and his devotion and pride of his Métis roots, Herb has made a phenomenal contribution to the province and has shown us all what can be done and how to do it.”

Herb Belcourt’s success story began in 1958 when, dissatisfied with the plastic coverings on his chrome dinner table chairs, he decided he’d re-upholster them

himself.

“It made quite a difference,” he smiled in a recent interview at his home in Sherwood Park. “I was between jobs at the time and decided that I’d see if I could do the same for others. I put an ad out and in just a few days I had more business than I could handle. We put a staff together Continued on page 14

February, 2017

Alberta Native News

13

St. Albert curling rink welcomes new players - from beginners up

by John Copley On January 29, the St. Albert Curling Club hosted the Jiffy Lube Scotties Tournament of Hearts, an Alberta playdown that would decide which of the province’s teams would be represented in the 2017 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which takes place this year in St. Catherine’s, Ontario from February 18-26.

I watched a game between Casey Scheidegger’s Lethbridge rink and Edmonton’s Valerie (Val) Sweeting.

Scheidegger, a former provincial junior champion and a skip on the World Curling Tour eventually lost to Sweeting, a Vegreville-born curler who skipped her team to a silver medal at the 2014 and 2015 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

“It was fairly close match, and one that everyone here in attendance really enjoyed,” smiled Chester Perreault, the 68-year-old Head Ice Technician for the St. Albert Curling Club, in an interview following the event. Born and raised in St. Albert Perreault has been working with the rink since retiring from his job with the City of St. Albert more than 11 years ago. He’s been the Head Ice Technician for the past six years.

“We host a number of large bonspiels every year,” he explained, and the crowds really come out to watch events like this one. The winner of this game will go on to play one more this evening and that will determine who goes to the Scotties in mid-February.”

Sweeting lost that final match of the day when her rink came out on the short end of a 6-5 victory that won in the 10th end by the Shannon Kleibrink rink from Okotoks, Alberta.

Perreault and his assistant, Audra Lindsey, not only work in the rink by maintaining the ice surface, they also are responsible for teaching several others about the insand-outs of curling rink ice.

“We have a new fellow with us this year, Matt Nelson, who is currently in the process of learning the trade and two high school students, Matt Graham and Nick Oake who come after school and on weekends to help out and to learn more about the game and what it takes to maintain a quality ice surface.

Well known professional curler Marc Kennedy, who

along with Brent Laing and Ben Hebert plays with the Edmonton-based Kevin Koe rink, also participates at the St. Albert club, especially when the younger kids come to play.

“We have a program for the younger ages called Little Rocks, an initiative that sees seven to twelve year olds come out to learn the sport of curling,” explained Perreault. “Marc donated the rocks for this group, rocks that weigh 20 pounds each, about half that of the stones used by adult curlers. Having someone with his talent and reputation is really a great benefit to the rink and we are all very appreciative of everything he does for us.”

In a conversation with Chester Perreault and the manager of the St. Albert Curling Club, Nicole Bellamy, I learned that Indigenous curlers playing at the rink are far and few between, something the pair would like to see change in the future.

“We have five or six hundred Aboriginal people living in St. Albert and we’d like to see more of them come out and try their hand at curling; they’d have a blast,” emphasized Perreault. Our manager holds curling clinics from time to time so a phone call to her would provide some further information on that. Nicole is very interested in exposing the sport to more people and works hard to meet that goal. Before coming to the St. Albert Curling Club she taught the sport at the University of Alberta.

“Curling Canada,” explained Bellamy, “puts on seminars known as ‘the business of curling symposium.’

The Northern Alberta Curling Association hosts these seminars from time to time and the idea is to promote curling in the communities. The most recent seminar dealt with the subject of how to bring more people from minority communities into the sport; the most recent conversation centered around how to get the Indigenous communities more involved. With such a small Indigenous community here in St. Albert, and because we really don’t know the right people to contact, we had a difficult time knowing how to get this movement started, so maybe this article will help to create some of that interest.”

"like" us on and visit us often at albertanativenews.com

Ice Technician Chester Perreault and St. Albert Curling Club Manager Nicole Bellamy.

Youth, students, young families and families with school-aged children are the people most willing to take up a new sport or teach their kids how to get involved in sports participation; there’s no better time than now to do just that.

“We are always looking for new players,” emphasized Bellamy, “and you don't have to have a team together to get involved. If you come and see us, we can put you on a team where everyone has similar experience and you learn together. Individuals are welcome to come down and inquire and we will do our best to make sure they leave with the information they need to become involved in this exciting sport.”

Most of the new teams are formed over the summer months in preparation for the following winter, the season when curling has its biggest impact.

“We do encourage everyone in the St. Albert area to come out and see what we have to offer,” noted Bellamy.

“Call or email me and we can sit down and talk.”

Chester and Nicole can be contacted by email to: sacurl@shaw.ca or by calling (780) 459-7007.

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Alberta Native News

Herb Belcourt

cont. from p 12

and before long we were doing work for trailer companies, stores and individuals who wanted to recover their chesterfields, chairs and other covered household and business items. We were very busy and had so much work it was hard to keep up.”

He eventually sold that business, as he did many others during his life, and went to work putting in telephones and power lines for Darwell Mutual. Vying against one other bidder for the project, he agreed to drop the price of his quote by eight dollars a mile and was awarded the contract. He sold that business and in 1965 created Belcourt Construction.

“It was a very successful business,” he noted, “and one that employed nearly 300 people, 260 working in the field.

In 1971, together with my cousin and partner Orval and my friend and partner Georges Brosseau, we launched Canative housing, an exciting and very successful venture.

Of course, more than housing was needed back then and it wasn't long before the company initiated a life skills program that dealt with everything from drug and alcohol recovery to parenting, nutrition and proper eating, hygiene and general life skills.”

Canative Housing Corporation was a non-profit organization providing affordable housing to Indigenous people. Between 1971 and 2001, the company bought 179 homes in Edmonton and 49 in Calgary, renting them to

Elder in the Making

cont. from p 3

Residential Schools and ordered children to be forcefully removed from their homes so they could become “civilized.” The children were forbidden to speak their own languages, share space with their brothers or sisters, and were most often treated badly and beaten, usually for the smallest of reasons.

That, along with the banning of potlaches, powwows, Sun Dances, and many other ceremonial activities that define a people and their cultures, created a genocidal catastrophe that still impacts individuals, families and communities – and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Elder in the Making doesn’t harshly criticize or lay blame, but instead it appeals to the sensitive side of

February, 2017

Métis families at affordable rates. Canative became the model for similar organizations in Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick and British Columbia.

Herb sold the construction company in 1980 and launched several other businesses in the years that followed. In 2001 partners Herb, Orval and Georges established the Belcourt Brosseau Metis Awards (BBMA) Unveiling the new Herb Belcourt Park in his home community were: Councilors with a donation of nearly Paul Smith, Brian Botterill, Dave Anderson, Herb Belcourt, Acting Mayor Carla $13 million.

Howatt, Fiona Beland-Quest, Bonnie Riddell, Vic Bidzinski and Linton Delaney.

“The BBMA,” noted the Missing is Mayor Roxanne Carr. organization’s communications manager, Theresa Majeran, “was launched at the educational funding; more than six million dollars have Edmonton Community Foundation to support the been awarded to deserving students.

Herb Belcourt has been married to his wife Lesley for educational dreams of Métis youth and mature students in more than 44 years. Together they raised a son and a Alberta. Herb is a strong believer in the value of education daughter and have been blessed with several grand- it is one of his life’s passions. He’s dedicated years to children, including the two youngest twins, Jackson and helping Aboriginal youth get ahead in life and achieve Liam Trevor; the sons of daughter Amethyst and partner their post-secondary dreams. “ Paul.

Herb and Lesley make their home in Sherwood The success of the BBMA continues to grow; during the Park. past 15 years, over 1200 students have received mankind, that must eventually show itself in meaningful ways if the world, as we know it today, is to succeed long into the future.

The film isn’t about the development of an Indigenous Elder, though because of their work and their growing understanding of what it really means to be an Elder, both Chris and Cowboy will no doubt soon be considered as such. The film is actually a wake-up call, a plea for government and industry leaders to leave their perches of dominance, wealth and greed and get more in touch with those who depend on the environment and its entities water, air and earth - for survival. It is a plea for sensitivity, logic and reason; it is a unique and in-depth look at what every Canadian would see if they opened their eyes, cleared their minds and for just one moment, put themselves into another's shoes.

Indigenous peoples have lived in North America, i.e.

Turtle Island, for well over 5,000 years. No amount of persecution, ill-doing or acts of racism and genocide have ended their existence. After delivering a very moving story about the St. Mary’s Indian Residential School, built in 1924 and now known as Red Crow Community College, Elder Narcisse

Blood noted that “we can snub our nose and say: you did not succeed in destroying us.”

Many changes are taking place in Canada today when it comes to establishing programs and initiatives that can help Indigenous peoples recover from more than 150 years of marginalization and maltreatment. But still, it seems, there remains a desire by some to relegate and assimilate Indigenous peoples into western European culture. To come full circle, to achieve the goals of what so many worthy but sidelined, or shelved recommendations have already suggested, change in attitudes is prerequisite.

That change will come in time, but progress could be so much quicker if the Canadian school books are rewritten to include the truthful history of Indigenous peoples, if school children are taught to embrace their neighbours and accept everyone as equals, if every school curriculum is revised to include and embrace Indigenous Studies.

That change can come for you - just watch the film, Elder in the Making - and do so with an open mind.

Aboriginal Business Development Services is also screening the film in Calgary in partnership with Community Futures Treaty 7 (CFT7) on March 1 from 12 noon -5 pm at the Cardel Theatre (180 Quarry Park Blvd, Calgary).

Founded in 1996 ABDS is a non-profit organization that helps people start businesses in Alberta. The organization provides one-on-one support and guidance, market research, access to experts, training, networking opportunities and specialized support for Aboriginal entrepreneurs.

February, 2017

Alberta Native News

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MNA signs landmark deals The Metis Nation of Alberta has made some real progress this month in advancing reconciliation with both the Provincial and Federal governments.

On February 1, 2017 Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) President Audrey Poitras signed a groundbreaking tenyear Framework Agreement with the Government of Alberta. This agreement is not only the longest in MNA history, but is also the most comprehensive.

Deriving many of its mandates from the Supreme Court of Canada’s Daniels Decision, section 35 of the Constitution, and United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the collaborative agreement sets a promising precedent for the development of Métis rights, including harvesting.

Premier Rachel Notley stated “This agreement is an important step in the journey of reconciliation. Métis people have a long and proud history in Alberta, and we look forward to continuing to build our strong relationship.”

As an important step towards reconciliation, the Framework Agreement stipulates MNA’s right to participate and collaborate with the Government of Alberta on decisions that will affect the well-being of its members. Some of those priority actions are: Renewing and strengthening the Nation to Nation relationship, facilitating the recognition and respect of Métis Rights in Alberta that upholds the Honour of the Crown and advances reconciliation, developing a “whole of government” approach to Métis issues and increasing economic opportunities for Alberta Métis in areas like environment, climate change, harvesting, health and wellness, housing, education, culture and heritage,

Sixties Scoop

cont. from p 4

"The uncontroverted evidence of the plaintiff's experts,” noted Judge Belobaba “is that the loss of their Aboriginal identity left the children fundamentally disoriented, with a reduced ability to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. The loss of Aboriginal identity resulted in psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, unemployment, violence and numerous suicides.”

Following the decision Minister Bennett said the government would not appeal the ruling, but would push to settle on monetary compensation and reconciliation out of court. This case, however, applies only to children apprehended in Ontario during the Sixties Scoop era. The $1.3 billion lawsuit was brought together for the benefit of about 16,000 Indigenous children in Ontario who were traumatized and otherwise affected when they were pulled from their homes and placed with strangers from different backgrounds and cultures.

Now it will be up to the survivor groups throughout the rest of Canada to come together and demand the same justice given those in Ontario.

Following a February 14 cabinet meeting Minister

The Metis Nation of Alberta recently signed agreements with the Province and with Ottawa. Pictured above: MNA President Audrey Poitras with MNA Co-Minister for Metis Rights Bev New, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Carolyn Bennett and members of the MNA Provincial Council.

employment, and women’s issues.

President Poitras said that she is particularly pleased to sign a framework that not only establishes a promising working relationship with the Government of Alberta for ten years, but symbolizes decades of hard work by all leaders, past and present.

The Métis Nation of Alberta also recently concluded a Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Reconciliation with the Government of Canada (the “MOU”). The MOU was signed January 31, 2017 on Parliament Hill by MNA President Audrey Poitras, Bev New, MNA Co-Minister for Métis Rights and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. Members of the MNA Provincial Council were also in attendance at the signing.

The MOU establishes a time-limited exploratory discussions table between the MNA and Canada with the goal of arriving at a mutually-agreeable framework agreement by September 2017. The anticipated framework agreement would establish a formal

negotiations process based on mutually agreeable subject matters, including Métis self-government, lands, rights and outstanding claims against the Crown.

The MOU comes on the heels of recent positive political and legal developments for Alberta Métis, including the Prime Minister’s November 2015 mandate letter to Minister Bennett providing direction for her to advance a nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship with the Métis Nation as well as the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in Daniels v. Canada that was released in April 2016.

“This MOU has been a long-time coming for Alberta Métis. For many years at the federal level, we have been on the outside looking in. This MOU opens the door for us to finally put in place the government-to-government relationship with Canada our people have sought for generations as well as begin to address the pressing issues of our citizens and communities in Alberta, including dealing with Métis rights, lands and self-government,” said President Poitras.

Bennett told media that “it’s really important that we get to the table as soon as possible, we hope they'll come. What we hear from a lot of the claimants is that it's not just about money. Money is important but getting their language and culture back, making sure their children will be able to speak the language, and getting their culture back, is so important.”

And just as important is the speedy acknowledgement of the Superior Court Decision and an equally speedy plan to set things right. The judge has not yet released his decision on the amount to be paid in damages. What

Sixties Scoop survivors outside of Ontario do not need is another Minister of Indigenous Affairs. i.e. Carolyn Bennett, to begin the long, tedious and expensive process of negotiating one-on-one with the Sixties Scoop survivors in other provinces.

Seal the deal Ms. Bennett and please operate on the motto that ‘what is good for one, is good for all.’ In this case the decision was rendered by the Superior Court of Ontario; what survivors in Ontario receive, others should also receive.

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Alberta Native News

February, 2017