Volume 36 Number 5 May 2019
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ALBERTA NATIVE NEWS
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Cover art: Self portrait in regalia Š by DelreÊ Dumont, See story on page 2
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Alberta Native News
May, 2019
Our cover artist: Delreé Dumont By Regan Treewater The beautiful art on the cover of this month’s Alberta Native News is by Delreé Dumont, a very talented contemporary artist. “I’ve always been an artist” commented Delreé in a recent interview. “Since I was a child, I’ve always excelled in the arts.” Born in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Dumont built an impressive thirty-two-year career in Alberta’s competitive oil and gas industry, and British Columbia and Saskatchewan’s underground diamond mining operations, before devoting herself full-time to her art in the summer of 2014. Now, an established and celebrated artist, she has enjoyed international acclaim in addition to national Canadian recognition for her powerful depictions of Indigenous themes. As a member of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, Dumont possesses a deep spiritual connection to her heritage, and has always endeavored to foster dialog facilitating greater understanding and appreciation of the rich traditions she was born into. “Throughout those thirty-two-years I always promoted appreciation for the beauty of our traditions and culture; and being in a corporate environment this was accepted, and it was truly embraced and appreciated.” Dumont continued, explaining that: “I left the oil and gas industry in July of 2014; and I picked up my brushes and I started painting fulltime. I used to do Realism – and I still dabble in Realism – but I discovered Pointillism, which is a fancy word for dots,” she mused. “I paint wildlife, horses, flowers, and dancers in regalia.” Using acrylic paints, Dumont’s subjects are inherently connected with movement – an electricity that she brings to life with remarkable vibrancy with dots. “Movement and color have a special place in my work. Some people have commented that my work looks almost three-dimensional, like it’s not restricted to the canvas at all. I want people to see the birds fly off the canvas, to see the fluttering of a dancer’s shawl.” A traditional dancer herself, Dumont’s focus on Indigenous themes is a deeply personal one, but also an attempt to help the content resonate with diverse audiences in lasting and meaningful ways.
“I feel that Pointillism promotes the beauty of our culture and traditions in the sense that it appears like beadwork on canvas; it reflects our history, and dance, and songs,” she explained. “My work draws on my experiences as an Indigenous person.” Delreé was initially drawn to traditional dance to remember and honor her mother and now her husband, Sheldon as well. Her engagement with this form of performing art has also taken on healing qualities. After losing her husband to cancer in May of 2018, Dumont’s work has entered a new stage of exploration. Much of her current material delves into the many facets of the emotions and realities she is being confronted with: pain, loss, grieving, and her new identity as a widow. “I picked up my paint brushes again in late September; I started attending art shows again, painting my experience as a widow, and grieving, learning to be who I am again as an individual and artist. Some of my paintings do reflect the pain of my loss.” The current creation hanging from her easel depicts a solitary woman sitting on the ground “with sweetgrass and her hands in her lap. She just finished smudging but grief overwhelms her, and she cries and cries – a healing cleanse.” The component of visually captured movement characteristic of Dumont’s style is represented by smoke rising upwards. Despite closing her gallery, Delreé’s Native Art Gallery, in Didsbury, Alberta – a cultural epicenter for three years – Dumont’s career continues to ascend to new heights. In 2018 she was invited to represent Canada at the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, Germany by invitation of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Attendees were able to watch as Dumont painted live and on location at the Embassy. She has completed two new exhibitions on the docket and is actively composing a children’s book that she will, of course, be illustrating herself. Delreé Dumont’s story is an inspiration to everyone who every day, dreamed of being an artist, and as she lives out her own dream, with all its twists and turns, her work continues to evolve and flourish. Artist Delreé Dumont exhibited her beautiful art at the Alberta Indigenous Tourism conference last month.
May, 2019
Alberta Native News
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Indigenous film, arts and culture were celebrated in Edmonton By Regan Treewater This was a landmark year for the Dreamspeaker’s Film Festival and Rubaboo Arts Festival, as the two partnered for an incredible eleven-day celebration of Indigenous arts, film, culture, performance, storytelling, and innovation. “This year we changed things up by extending the festival in days and adding a festival partner to help celebrate this wonderful milestone,” noted Dreamspeaker’s Festival Society President, Robb Campre, in his welcome address. “When you look back on the last 25 years so much has changed yet one thing that has remained is our commitment to promoting, showcasing and highlighting our Indigenous artists for all to see.” And “showcase” they did, during a diverse and dynamic anniversary gala and performance on May 7. The evening began with live music resonating through the expansive vaulted ceilings of MacEwan University’s Allard Hall. From a second-story mezzanine a single captivating male voice rang out accompanied by drumming. A varied crowd of all ages attended, even very young children cradled in their mothers’ arms. MacEwan University music student, and soon to be graduate, Kyle Hunter opened the program’s festivities with a solo guitar performance. Hunter also provided musical interludes throughout the night. The proceedings were hosted by a charmingly goofy duo - Geraldine Carriere and Trevor Duplessis - that presented awards for the Dreamspeakers Film Festival. With submissions from all around the world, the winners this year were diverse in background and content. Highlights of the scheduled performances included a short-film celebrating the collaborative achievements of Running Thunder and Shumka’s Ukrainian folk dancers in their world-class piece, Ancestors and Elders. The Running Thunder dance group then graced the Triffo Theatre stage with excerpts from Ancestors and Elders. The audience enjoyed a healing jingle dance, a lively chicken dance, and a captivating hoop dance complete with stunning regalia. Also featured during the first act, were the exuberant school-aged musicians of the Winspear Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta. Their
Nauzanin Knight
June features our special Powwow Guide. Email natnews@shaw.ca to have your event included in our guide. We also offer special discounts for powwow posters to appear in Alberta Native News and on our website.
participation was a delightful addition to the program, highlighting both festivals’ commitment to engaging young people. Memorable above all, were the shining smiles on the faces of the youngsters as they finished their piece and walked proudly off stage. Organizers did an exemplary job of infusing art and creativity into all facets of the evening. As attendees exited the theatre for an extended intermission they feasted not only on sumptuous treats, but also on the visually mesmerizing fashion creations of Indigenous designers. Models sporting colorful eye-catching garments vogued on Allard Hall’s staircases, flaunting modern trends infused with Indigenous flare. The second act brought with it a ‘mature content’ warning from the MCs. The stage ignited with energy and the electric movements of Virago, an Indigenous burlesque group from Vancouver. Two charismatic dancers gave solo performances that aimed to challenge colonial conceptualizations of feminine beauty and sexuality – hence the ‘mature content’ warning. Hoop dancers Arik and Sabrina Pipestem brought new meaning to the term ‘agile’ as their flying hoops of many sizes flew through the air – at times it was impossible to keep track of how many hoops were in action. The evening’s performances held a bit of everything and served as an exceptional celebration of the diversity and inspiration present in today’s Indigenous arts’ scene. Each of the eleven days of the twenty-fifth annual Dreamspeakers Film Festival and tenth annual Rubaboo Arts Festival boasted a full program, one especially geared toward engaging youth. Whether patrons attended the exceptional line-up of Indigenous films, the gallery exhibitions, the myriad of live dance and musical performances, the youth activities, youth talent show, or the final gala showcase, this year’s event was one for the books. “Edmonton is proud to be a hub for arts and cultural activities and festivals,” noted Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. “Each year Dreamspeakers serves as a valuable platform for Indigenous filmmakers to share their
Jerry and Jo-Ann Saddleback
Dreamspeakers Festival Society Executive Director Christine Sokaymoh Frederick and Festival Director Barry Bilinsky.
perspectives with Edmontonians, while the Rubaboo Arts Festival showcases artistic works and crafts in multiple disciplines. In doing so, these festivals celebrate and honour our city’s Indigenous roots, providing an authentic opportunity for cultural sharing and understanding.” If you did not make it out this time, make sure you do not miss the Dreamspeakers Film Festival and Rubaboo Arts Festival next year – there is so much to experience and appreciate.
Drummers opened the festival at Beaver Hills House Park.
Indigenous communities are leading the charge with Solar Solutions and Renewable Energy Contact Kuby Energy to learn more
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Alberta Native News
May, 2019
“No Government Grants” Publication Mail Agreement No. 40050628 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation Department: 102, 10155 114 Street NW Edmonton AB T5K 1R8 E-mail: natnews@shaw.ca Tel: (780) 421-7966
Volume 36, Number 5, May 2019 ISSN #08294135 www.albertanativenews.com
Treaty Chiefs call for a National Day of Action this month
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.
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The Assembly of First Nations held a forum on May 12 to discuss Ottawa's desire to change four policies: Specific Claims policy (also called modern day treaties), the Additions to Reserves policy and the Comprehensive Land Claims policy which addresses historical grievances over the loss of lands and mishandled trust monies, and the Inherent Right policy which deals with issues related to self-government. However, plans by Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett to replace the modern-day treaty and self-government policies by June has alarmed some chiefs and activists who believe Ottawa's final aim is to push First Nations into becoming municipalities and extinguish Indigenous rights. First Nations chiefs and grassroots activists gathered at the meeting to send a message that they plan to resist any plans to scrap key modern treaty and selfgovernment policies. A dozen First Nations chiefs from across Canada are also taking a stand against proposed federal legislation (Bill C-92) that would overhaul the Indigenous child welfare system. On May 6, 2019, Chiefs from Treaty No. 6, 7 and 8 territories issued a statement that read, “The Chiefs of Sovereign and Treaty Nations have consistently told Canada: ‘Nations don't make laws for other Nations.’ Despite numerous attempts to work with the Federal Government, Canada continues to unilaterally develop laws and policies without our right to free, prior and informed consent.” "As sovereign Nations, treaty and title holders, I refuse to allow Canada to continue on with its genocidal laws and policies that are deliberately created to destroy our Nations and peoples. No outside government will tell me how to exercise my Nation’s international right to selfdetermination in our sovereign treaty territory," stated Alexander First Nation, Chief Kurt Burnstick. Although Minister Bennett announced last month that Canada would not proceed with replacing the land and inherent rights policies that threaten our rights, the Chiefs of Sovereign and Treaty Nations are announcing the launch of a National Day of Action in the coming weeks to stop Canada's ongoing termination agenda. "Canada has never stopped trying to implement their 1969 white paper policy which is meant to domesticate our international Treaties, turn us into municipalities and
remove us from our lands. We must stand in unity as Chiefs and peoples to fight off this agenda for our children and future generations," stated Onion Lake Cree Nation Okimaw Henry Lewis. "Canada continues to choose unilateral actions over developing meaningful partnership with our Nations while publicly flaunting this idea of co-development of law and policy. The reality on the ground is Canada continues to develop policy in secret and in a rushed divisive manner leaving us out of these discussions. Our people are concerned about what they see happening and are telling us we must take action to stop this," stated Kukpi7 Judy Wilson. The Chiefs stated that “Bill C-92 (An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families) does not respect First Nations sovereignty and our future generations. Bill C-92 pays lip service to our laws by "allowing" for the creation of "Indigenous laws." Our laws are ancient – the proposed Bill will set major limitations on our Nations by forcing us to apply the Canadian Constitution, the Human Rights Act and Canadian standards of the "best interest of the child." This process effectively transforms our First Nations inherent right of our children and family wellbeing into Canada's version of "Indigenous law" subsumed under Crown Sovereignty in complete violation of our inherent rights. This is the result of manufactured consent and the co-development process supported by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) which is an organization.” "The AFN needs to stop engaging with Canada like they are a government; they are not - we are the Treaty and rights holders. We will speak for ourselves, not an interest group organization – this is the reason our Nation withdrew from AFN. We will not allow our Treaty to be compromised for our peoples and future generations," stated Chief Eddy Makokis from Saddle Lake Cree Nation. "On behalf of our Nation and three other First Nations, we filed an early warning action with the Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) against all the unilateral actions of Canada. In December 2018, a letter was sent to Canada asking what steps Canada has taken to protect the rights of our Nations to our free, prior and informed consent in all aspects from legislation to policy changes. CERD gave Canada until April 8 2019 to respond to our UN CERD submission," added Erminskin Cree Nation Chief Craig Makinaw. "The deadline for Canada's response to CERD's letter was April 8, 2019. Are they abiding by international norms? Is this a state that should sit in the Security Council when they do not follow international laws?" Continued on page 8
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May, 2019
Alberta Native News
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Northern Lakes College graduate finds 'things just fall into place' Returning to school as a mature student is never a simple task. Brooke Ghostkeeper can attest to that. In spite of the challenges, her advice to others is concise: “Just do it! It is a life-changing experience. Things just fall into place.” It is evidently worth the sweat and tears, as Brooke’s educational ambitions have no end in sight. Brooke was born and raised in High Level and relocated to Slave Lake as an adult. Looking to start a career where she could set long-term goals, she enrolled at Northern Lakes College in Slave Lake, graduating from the Social Work Diploma program in June 2014. Brooke did her program practicum at WJS Canada, landing a full time job there upon graduation. Commenting on how she felt on graduation day, she says, “I could not believe that I had achieved my goals and my dreams. I had achieved a milestone. It was a surreal experience.” Being able to stay in her community as she attended Northern Lakes College meant she had the support of friends and family as she pursued her studies. She and her
partner have two children, aged eight and twelve. She relied on friends and family for childcare many evenings and weekends. “I chose Northern Lakes College because it is in my community, which is convenient. Moving from the community to study was not an option I would have considered,” she states. One of the many benefits of attending Northern Lakes College, with its small class sizes, was that she had the support of her instructors. She recounts, “When I got to a point where I was overwhelmed with personal challenges, they were there to support me. They helped me to stay focused on my goal and to push through.” Today, Brooke continues to work at WJS as a Family Service Specialist, providing in-home support to families and youth. After taking a three-year break from studies, she started her Bachelor of Social Work through the University of Calgary in September 2017. She is on track to graduate with her degree in November 2020 and is interested in the field of mental health and addictions.
Maskwacis High School students to build Elder’s Village by John Copley A new and exciting pilot program announced by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in late April got underway on the Ermineskin Cree First Nation at Maskwacis in early May when a group of 36 students, 12 from each of the community’s three high schools, began to build the first of eight new homes in an Elder’s Village project that will be funded in part by an ISC contribution of nearly $1,000,000 . “It is a very unique program that not only builds much needed homes on the reserve but also provides high school students the opportunity to learn construction trades through hands-on involvement,” noted Jay Noel, the program manager and business development community partner with Your Choice Homes, the Saskatchewan-
based company heading up the construction project. “The first three homes in the Elder’s Village project will be built by the students in a program that will continue into the summer months.” The other five homes will be up for grabs by local tradesmen and high school students who are inspired by the work they are doing and apply for an apprenticeship in their trade of choice. It is expected that this project will be the first in several other projects that will be designed to create more needed housing in the future. Ermineskin leadership noted that “this is a new style I'm learning, exposing students to the construction careers as they learn and work with pride by contributing to
Brooke Ghostkeeper
When asked where she sees herself in five years, she does not hesitate, “I will be working on a Master’s degree in social work.” their community. Our partner, YC Homes, are experts at turning blueprints into curriculums and job sites into classrooms. This is a unique funding approach being taken by ISC as they are adding a training component, Housing through Education, to the local (Elder’s Village) construction project. This is a very important program for the Ermineskin Cree Nation Housing Department as over the next several years the number of contractors retiring far exceed the number of youth that are (currently) registered to start their Journey To Apprenticeship.” “This is a unique opportunity for Maskwacis students to receive high school credits towards their diploma by learning valuable life skills at the time receiving future apprenticeship hours for potential future careers in construction,” stated Ermineskin Chief Craig Makinaw. Your Choice Homes began building homes for First Nations in Saskatchewan and have since initiated programs outside that province. “We have been involved in Alberta for a couple of Continued on page 10
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Alberta Native News
May, 2019
Forward Summit: Paving a path for economic reconciliation by John Copley The Forward Summit- initiated and hosted by the five founding partners: Connect Partnership Group, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Alberta First Nations Treaty 7 Chiefs Association, Stoney Nation and Pimee Well Servicing - took place at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre from February 26-18, 2019. The threeday gathering saw more than 40 First Nations communities from across the province and beyond gather to participate in a series of roundtable discussions and workshops in an effort to discover and discuss ways for Indigenous communities to get more involved in business entities that include mining, forestry, oil and gas, hydrocarbons, renewable energy, capacity building, marker access and much more. “The overall goal of the Summit,” noted Connect Partnership Group Marketing and Conference Manager, Aaron Kerr, “was to give Indigenous people a voice and the opportunity to collaborate with other communities as well as with Indigenous and non-Indigenous business and with non-Indigenous industry.” Kerr lauded the work done by the Forward Summit Leadership Council and the Summit’s two co-chairs, J.P. Gladue, President of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Chief Charles Weaselhead, a former Chief of the Blood Tribe and the former Grand Chief of Treaty 7. The Summit got underway on February 26 with an Opening Prayer by Matin Heavy Head (Kainai Nation) and a warm welcome by Chief Lee Crowchild (Tsuu T’ina First Nation) and concluded on the afternoon of February 28 with a Roundtable Discussion: Breaking Down Barriers and a 45 minute workshop: Making Welcome the Art of Hiring Indigenous Talent. The remainder of the Summit was spent focusing on dozens of important topics that braced such things as: establishing common objectives in the workplace and in the community, the economical potential Indigenous trusts, capacity building, attracting and sustaining economic participation, Indigenous business opportunities in the power sector, renewable energy, forest recertification, increased potential in the hemp and cannabis industries, creating pathways to employment opportunities and much more. Kerr said that he’s received “an incredible amount of positive feedback and energy from every sector” participating in the Summit, something he says will only get better next year when the group comes together for a second time. “People thought the conference was very well run, that it embraced many important topics, and they felt welcome and comfortable as they spoke to others during the various panel and breakout sessions,” he said. “In terms of the survey, we had about a 96 percent overall satisfaction and
91 percent said they’d had conversations they believed could or would result in new business for opportunities themselves, their companies and/or their Chief Charles Weaselhead on the Forward Summit's main stage delivering closing communities. remarks. Photo courtesy of Aaron Kerr Feedback included these words from several who noted Chief Weaselhead, who was recently (March 16) attended the three-day conference. elected as Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge. “As a non-Indigenous professional, the Forward “The Forward Summit was a good opportunity to have Summit gave me opportunity to learn and understand a gathering of the Aboriginal leadership, the economic about economic reconciliation and what needs to be done development arm of our Aboriginal communities and to ensure that First Nations people are part of Canada's leadership of the majority of Alberta’s non-Aboriginal economic plan for sustainability and growth.” David industry in general in the same room to talk about the Franko: Tsuu T’ina Contracting General Partners Inc. current projects that are happening and the potential for “As an Indigenous businessperson, I was most pleased more positive outcomes with the opportunities that are and found good value in the round table discussions in currently available. We spoke at length about the best afternoon sessions. There were several very good practices available to engage Aboriginal partnership with presenters, many of whom were young talented industry. The program focused on the concept of Indigenous people. I thought the round table discussions reconciliation and economic development. We had a had good participation by the people in the room, tremendous list of guest speakers, including current especially from Indigenous people speaking freely, Aboriginal business leaders and non-Aboriginal business sharing their experience and insights from historical and and a wide range of industry leaders. It was a great present-day perspectives. This kind of interaction goes a opportunity to talk about the challenges we face and also long way to meaningful truth and reconciliation.” Errol to talk about the success stories that are taking place in Wilson, Alberta Indian Investment Corporation current partnerships between Indigenous and non“In an age where we only read about conflicts and Indigenous enterprises.” failures in the media, it was incredibly refreshing and Chief Weaselhead said he fields many calls from “noninstructive to hear so many stories of successful business Indigenous business seeking more information about the initiatives among our indigenous communities.” Rob concept of reconciliation and how they can participate in Beamish, CEPA Foundation it with us. I think that working together is always the best “As a non-Indigenous businessperson looking to policy and I can see that is now coming together in advance economic reconciliation, Forward Summit was a meaningful ways.” fantastic opportunity to learn what initiatives are in Over the course of the three-day Summit, Indigenous progress, how to get involved, and make new connections and non-Indigenous attendees embraced the opportunity to Indigenous communities and allies. I highly to collaborate and share experiences during various recommend this important conference.” Stephanie activities. Encouraged by the unique exhibition floor Jackman, Reap Business Association. layout, networking lounge and reception, Forward The February Forward Summit brought more than 500 Summit created an intimate environment that fostered new delegates, 32 exhibitors, and organizations and more than relationships and grew existing ones. Through the 40 Indigenous communities from across Canada. Forward Summit meeting app, attendees connected with Indigenous and industry leaders joined this initiative to like-minded individuals and scheduled meetings in the share experiences and ideas to further the goal of networking lounge. The feedback obtained from delegates economic reconciliation. The format for the three-day indicated that the networking aspect of Forward Summit conference included high production panel sessions with a helped evolve the conversations introduced in key panel combination of Indigenous and industry thought-leaders. and roundtable sessions. Main panel sessions provided information on key topics The focus shifted from Indigenous economies, the surrounding economic and workforce landscape for theme of session topics on day one and two at the summit, Indigenous communities and businesses. as HR professionals joined the conversation in a full day Attendees were then invited to join the roundtable of panels and workshops related to Indigenous workforce discussions and workshops to get more involved and share development. Workforce Forward discussed employment their experiences with expert panelists. and education as an avenue to Economic Reconciliation “I thought the Summit was a very big success and Continued on page 8 something I believe we will all learn and grow from,”
May, 2019
Alberta Native News
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Mahikan Trails brings Indigenous Tourism to life By Regan Treewater Canada’s rugged wilderness and breathtaking natural expanse appeal to the adventurous traveler in us all. Tourists from near and far flock to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta each year to take in the stunning panorama of colors and awe-inspiring terrain. The Banff and Canmore regions are international icons of natural beauty, and the numbers of visitors to these areas each year reflects this. Travelers have no shortage of organized tours and excursions to choose from as they plan out their explorations. However, beyond the sloping peaks, and captivating postcard shots, most travel facilitators fail to provide clients with perspective on the spiritual and historical significance of the land – after all, there is so much more to a place than what first meets the eye. Brenda Holder is a Master Interpretive Guide and the founder of Mahikan Trails, a Metis organized tour company specializing in promoting greater understanding of the rich history and bounty of the traditional lands through group excursions and facilitated discovery activities. “A Professional Interpretive Guide is a whole host of things. The ‘interpretive’ component is about helping guests forge meaningful connections as they’re guided through the history,” explained Holder in a recent interview. “For lack of a better term, you need to throw in the ‘make me care factor’ to create these connections. Then you have the word ‘guide’, and this is an extremely important one as it implies a relationship with people – taking people to places that they may not always be familiar with. A Professional Interpretive Guide needs to facilitate and bring the person somewhere, but also be able to let them emotionally and intellectually arrive there in their own time.” Holder and her team take an extraordinary approach to conventional tourism in that Indigenous teachings, traditions, and values lie at the core of the services they offer. “It is that people have access to a company that is
Indigenous so they know that they will be exposed to the teachings in an way,” authentic commented Holder. Customers are able to explore the same sights visited by other tour operators while simultaneously learning about the plants, animals, Brenda Holder was a speaker at the recent Alberta Indigenous Tourism and traditions that saturate Conference in Edmonton. She is pictured above giving a guided tour at Mahikan the land beneath their feet. Trails. Photo: Travel Alberta Instead of simply showing their customers around the region, Holder and her are some medicines that are specifically gathered in colleagues introduce their visitors to their surroundings in winter.” Mahikan Trails has also developed engaging curricula a way that creates a lasting impression and relationship for the facilitation of corporate teambuilding. “This was with that land. challenging, because we needed to design a program that “Initially I came into the guiding world by accident,” make group bonding possible while still focusing would admitted Holder. primarily on creating connections with the land using our “I had no intention, but I had a whole bunch of core values. A lot of the teambuilding workshops I’d seen knowledge and skills. I was working for the British previously were basically a series of ‘goofy little games’. Military and there was a sequence of events that led me to We wanted to allow for the bonding experience, but what I do now. I once pointed out a bear track to some interactions with the surrounding nature. So, our through soldiers – they were intrigued right away, but I was programs are task-oriented. Participants, in groups, need surprised because for me, this was so obvious. Through to interact with their environment in a practical way. Our enough encounters of a similar nature I realized I have Guides teach them concepts and skills, and Interpretive important things to share. I couldn’t foresee the rest of my then together, they put that knowledge to work in order to life working for somebody else, so starting up my own achieve their designated goals together.” business seemed the logical way to go. The most The word “Mahikan” means “wolf” in Cree, and like important part of it was that the content had to be their namesake, Mahikan Trails continues to tread these appropriate and respectful of my culture.” rich traditional lands. Holder’s team goes beyond tourism Now, Mahikan Trails guides visitors through journeys and infuses education into their programming in a way of discovery in a myriad of different facilitated that appeals to travelers from all walks of life. explorations. “Our medicine walks are particularly “We get a lot of people coming to us that have lost their popular,” explained Holder. “People are often stunned connections with their own indigenous heritage and find it that we offer medicine walks in the winter as well. Cold extremely meaningful to be able to reconnect through our affects the chemical properties of the plants, and so there programs.”
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Alberta Native News Book Review
Moccasin Square Gardens: Short Stories By Richard Van Camp Douglas & McIntyre, April 2019 ISBN 978-1-77162-216-5 Review by Deborah Shatz Richard Van Camp is a quintessential storyteller and he shines in his latest offering Moccasin Square Gardens – a delightful collection of short stories recently published by Douglas & McIntyre. Van Camp’s stories transport the reader to an alternate world and an alternate plane of consciousness – at times to his hometown of Fort Smith and other times (for example) to a world of human devouring monsters. Either way, he takes his time to really introduce the characters and unfold the true nature of the story and the circumstance of the journey. The reader needs to take a breath, relax and be present in the story. It is always worth the time because there are Van Camp gems embedded in each story. The Edmonton book launch of Moccasin Square Gardens was held at Audrey’s Books on May 4 and in true May 4 style, Van Camp had an amazing give away of Stars Wars paraphernalia to share with his audience. The force was with him as he gleefully shared his gifts of action figures, books and bookmarks, welcoming each member of the audience and extolling their virtues. His generosity of spirit, kindness and humour was brimming over as he gave gifts to his audience. Of course, his greatest gift was sharing the wonderful stories, from his new book. Van Camp’s, Moccasin Square Gardens is a joyful celebration of Tłı̨chǫ Dene culture and small-town life.
Day of Action
cont. from p 4
added Tsuut'ina Councilor Regena Crowchild. "When Canada created Indigenous Services and transferred our monies into that office without any
The characters inhabit Denendeh, the land of the people north of the sixtieth parallel and the stories are filled with a funny and loving look at in-laws, outlaws and common laws – regular people living their everyday lives. There are illegal wrestling moves, pinky promises, a doctored casino, extraterrestrials or “Sky People,” love, lust and prayers for peace. There is mischief to make and lessons to learn in every story. “Moccasin Square Gardens” is the nickname of a dance hall in the town of Fort Smith that serves as a meeting place for a small but diverse community. In the same way, this collection of stories functions as a meeting place for an assortment of characters, from shamans and time-travelling goddess warriors to popculture-obsessed pencil pushers, to con artists, archivists and men who just need to grow up, all seeking some form of connection. Van Camp pokes fun at “leaders who use their careers to benefit themselves,” rather than the people who elected them and he has some fun with “Aunties who gossip” and “Man babies who don’t support their families.” At the same time, he laments global warming, corporate greed, poverty and other pressing issues of our time. In an interview, Van Camp explains that he “braids pop culture with Tlicho Dene culture with Fort Smith grace in this collection; it’s funny, it’s a little terrifying and with the help of Barbara Pulling, Cheryl Cohen and all the editors who published a few of the stories in various collections, we have earned every single word.” “I hope every story leaves the reader with a soul sigh,” concludes Van Camp. “I put all I have into this collection. I have nothing left…It’s so full of emotion and love and concern and hope. I gave all. I promise you Cousins. This is my Camel Clutch (wrestling move) for humanity: smarten up leaders and let’s work together on taking care of what we have and each other for a brighter future for all.” Moccasin Square Gardens is a wonderful read, to be savoured like sharing a special moment with a good friend or a cup of tea with a favourite family member. It amending legislation, it was a violation of parliamentary procedures and a side-stepping of our right to free, prior and informed consent. We should not have to find out through the media about these sweeping changes. Every Canadian should be concerned about the future of their government when Cabinet can make changes to the constitutional structure of the country without going to parliament," said O'Chiese First Nation, Chief Douglas Beaverbones. Chiefs have made it clear to federal officials that First Nations are moving forward with our own priorities as our
May, 2019
On May 4, Richard Van Camp hosted a captivating book launch of 'Moccasin Square Gardens' at Audreys Books in Edmonton.
belongs in every bookshelf and every school library for readers aged middle school and up. And if you get an opportunity to hear Richard Van Camp read his stories in person, grab it. You’ll be glad you did. An internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author, Richard Van Camp was born in Fort Smith, NT, and is a member of the Dogrib (Tlicho) Dene Nation. He acted as a cultural consultant for CBC Television’s North of 60. A graduate of the En’owkin School of Writing in Penticton, he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing at the University of Victoria and completed his Master’s of Creative Writing at UBC. Richard was awarded Storyteller of the Year for both Canada and the US by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. He is the author of 28 books including books for babies and also the award-winning novel The Lesser Blessed (Douglas & McIntyre, 1996).
right of self-determination. "We are calling for a National Day of Action this month to be followed by rolling days of actions against Canada's termination agenda," concluded Okimaw Henry Lewis, Onion Lake Cree Nation; Okimaw Craig Makinaw, Ermineskin Cree Nation; Chief Kurt Burnstick, Alexander First Nation, Xakiji (Chief) Lee Crowchild, Tsuu T'ina Nation; Kukpi7 (Chief) Judy Wilson, Neskonlith First Nation; Chief Douglas Beaverbones, O'Chiese First Nation, Chief Vernon Watchmaker, Kehewin Cree Nation, Chief Makokis, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Chief Laboucan, Driftpile Cree Nation, Chief Margaret Bear, Ochapowace Nation, Grand Chief Joel Abram and Deputy Grand Chief Gordon Peters, Association of Iroquois & Allied Indians.
May, 2019
Alberta Native News
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Health choices must be based on reality by Xavier Kataquapit
I have just gotten over a terrible flu. I felt miserable for 10 days and this sickness lingered on giving me congestion in my lungs, problems with my sinuses as well as a headache and weakness. I have been so careful this flu season and have been watching out for people with symptoms and staying away from them. In addition I have been staying away from groups of people and washing my hands often. One of the reasons I am taking such great care is due to the fact that my partner Mike has a lung condition and it is dangerous for him to end up with a cold or flu. There is a lot of good research out there on flu shots and after digging up as much information as I could, I have decided that it is a good idea to get my annual flu shot. There is no guarantee that the flu shot will be 100 percent effective for whatever strain of flu happens to be running around the country but one thing for sure is that getting this shot will mean that we probably won’t get a severe case of the flu. More importantly the more of us that get the flu shot then the less chance any vulnerable Elders, babies and people with medical conditions will come down with what could amount to a life threatening situation. More than 3,500 people die from the flu in Canada every year and more than 12,000 people are hospitalized because of it. Due to a lot of misinformation on social media, fake news has been spread that promotes a negative take on getting the flu shot. Well, it is possible that in many rare cases people could have a reaction to a flu shot but generally it is much better to get it rather than risk ending up being one of the 3,500 people who die or one of the more than 12,000 who end up in bad condition in the hospital. These numbers are for real. It is ridiculous that only one in four children and one in three adults in Canada actually get the flu shot. I am shocked at how we are now living in an age of antivaccination. Having travelled to over 30 countries on this planet I can tell you that I am very grateful that we have such a good medical system and one where we are provided vaccinations for free. Diseases like measles,
Forward Summit
cont. from p 6
and included panel sessions such as Creating Pathways to Employment and Indigenous Youth Participation in STEM fields. Forward Summit also incorporated an employment program for Indigenous youth. The Indigenous Students Career Fair, hosted by LYNX Indigenous Career Connection, encouraged students and alumni to come down and converse with organizations actively looking to recruit within the Indigenous community. Participants in the Career Fair included: Westjet, Syncrude, Suncor, Imperial and others. The Connect Group exists to produce events that make an impact. The organization conceptualizes, finances, and executes large-scale, world-class events that enhance the experience of all participants. From consumer events, to trade shows and conferences, The Connect Group does it all. Having launched over 150 events for major brands across the world, they’ve learned what it takes to bring a concept to life; and they know what makes an event successful. (1) Companion needed for young adult with autism Employer: Diana Mah Location: Employer’s residence in Edmonton AB Permanent / FT / $16/hour Provide care/companionship to client. Keep records of daily activities and health information. Maintain a safe environment in & outside of home. Drive client to & from post-secondary school and appointments. Ensure that client attends to his activities of daily living. Prepare, serve nutritious meals. Assist in shopping for food, household supplies. Assume full responsibility for client in absence of parents/guardian. Assist client with chores. Required: English, Valid Driver’s License & abstract, Criminal Record Check, Excellent oral communication, alert, client-focused, able to walk and stand for long periods in the community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Apply by email to diana.mah.jb@gmail.com
mumps and polio had been all concerns of the past but in recent years we are seeing new cases of these terrible afflictions and much of the blame for this has to do with conspiracy news circulating on social media that questions the importance of vaccines. I have noticed a lot of anti-vaccine content on social media that try to convince people that these vaccines are responsible for all kinds of health problems. However, there is no real proof ever put forth. Due to the fact that the public more or less is suspicious of drug companies and the medical establishment there are groups and individuals out there who take advantage of these fears and spread all kinds of nonsense about being vaccinated. A lot of people are not getting their children vaccinated and that is producing a situation where these terrible diseases are creeping back into our society. Even polio is reappearing in the United States although it was supposed to be eradicated. Shame on us. Many of us who question big pharma, the medical establishment and government policies are more than willing to believe any baloney we come across even if it might endanger our lives and the lives of our children. I am forever questioning big pharma and in particular the role that industry and the medical establishment has had in the promotion of opoids. I am also very supportive of
many more natural treatments and in general the naturopathic trend. I am also supportive of many of the traditional treatments that have been handed down by my people through the ages. However, I am not naive enough to ever think that we should start treating devastating diseases from the past like measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough with unfounded treatments. Thanks to science and some great research children are not dying or being disabled by these terrible diseases anymore in this country. They are not dying or being threatened by measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough. That is because we have vaccines in place that have saved us from the horrible effects of so many diseases. Let’s always question government, big pharma and the medical establishment because that is just a healthy thing to do. However, when it comes to proven health solutions like the flu shot or vaccines, could we deal with reality and make the choice to accept these life saving medicines? Don’t believe most of what you see circulating on social media and make an effort to do some real research for yourself and your family. Your life or the lives of your loved ones could depend on it. For more articles by Xavier Kataquapit visit underthenorthernsky.com
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Alberta Native News
May, 2019
Colten Boushie documentary coming to YEG: June 1 & 2 Tasha Hubbard’s acclaimed nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up will be screened in Edmonton at Metro Cinema (at the Garneau Theatre) on June 1 & 2. The film is an award winning documentary which follows the aftermath of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old member of the Red Pheasant First Nation, who died from a gunshot to the back of his head after the vehicle he was in with friends drove onto a rural farm property near Biggar, Sask., in August 2016. An all white jury subsequently acquitted farmer Gerald Stanley of seconddegree murder after he testified his gun went off accidentally when he was trying to scare off young people who were on his property. The jury’s acquittal of Stanley captured international attention, raising questions about racism embedded within Canada’s legal system and propelling Colten’s family to national and international stages in their pursuit of justice. Sensitively directed by Tasha Hubbard, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up weaves a profound narrative encompassing the filmmaker’s own adoption, her connection to the Boushie family, the stark history of colonialism on the Prairies, and a transformative vision of a future where Indigenous children can live safely on their homelands. Tasha Hubbard and Jade Tootoosis, sister/cousin of the late Colten Boushie are expected to be in attendance at the premiere screening in Edmonton on Saturday June 1st. Hailed in the Toronto Star as “one of the most
Elders Village
cont. from p 5
years,” noted Noel, who said he’s been active in home building on the O’Chiese Nation, the Piikani First Nation and most recently, the Ermineskin Cree Nation. “These are small but very important projects; if one community can build one new house a year and utilize its student (population), it’s amazing what changes can happen in a community. That’s because respect for (home-built) housing will increase because kids aren’t seeing them
consequential films ever to open Hot Docs” (Peter Howell) and “a documentary everyone in this country should see” (Tanya Talaga), nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up made history as the festival’s first-ever opening night film by an Indigenous filmmaker and it garnered Best Canadian Feature Documentary Award of the festival. In addition to its Edmonton screening, the film will be screened in Saskatoon (May 23), Regina (May 31), Vancouver (May 31-June 5), Winnipeg (June 5) and Sudbury (June 6). Tasha Hubbard (Cree) is an award-winning filmmaker and an Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Hubbard won a Gemini Canada Award for her first solo project, Two Worlds Colliding, an exposé of the infamous “starlight tours,” whereby Saskatoon police were abandoning Indigenous men in freezing winter conditions. With her acclaimed 2017 documentary Birth of a Family, made in collaboration with journalist Betty Ann Adam, Hubbard parsed the Sixties Scoop legacy: a practice that saw more than 20,000 Indigenous babies removed from their birth families and placed in foster homes or adopted. nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up is a coproduction of Downstream Documentary Productions and
the NFB, produced in association with CBC DOCS and APTN with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Feature Film Production Grant Program of Creative Saskatchewan, Telefilm Canada and the Rogers Group of Funds through the Theatrical Documentary Program, with the assistance of the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund and is distributed by the NFB. nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up is produced by Tasha Hubbard and George Hupka for Downstream Documentary Productions, and Jon Montes and Bonnie Thompson for the NFB. The executive producers are David Christensen (NFB), Janice Dawe and Kathy Avrich-Johnson (Bizable Media). The NFB is Canada’s public producer of awardwinning creative documentaries, auteur animation, interactive stories and participatory experiences. To access NFB works, visit NFB.ca or download its apps for mobile devices.
come in on wheels anymore. The local economy will improve because all those housing dollars aren’t being given away to housing manufacturers and local youth can get involved not just in helping to build a home, but also learning what has to be done for them to take up a trade and use their skills to work in and help improve their respective communities. It is joy to me because of all the positive feedback we get from aunts and uncles and Elders and community members, and particularly gratifying to see how encouraging these communities are when it comes to their youth.” YC Homes also makes every effort to hire locally. “We are the product manager for the students, liaison between the classroom and the job site and we are the contractor,” noted Noel. “We try to hire locally because it sends a good message to have some of the students whose aunts and uncles are in the trades in the construction program because that also helps keep the money in the community.” The schools also play an important role: the teachers work with an online curriculum and Noel says they do a great job when it comes to explaining the ongoing movement of the
program and the hands-on work that they will be participating in. It is safer this way because students won’t be stunned when they get to the job site, they’ll already have some understanding of what they will be doing. For students who begin to work on a home and then finish the job it’s a great sense of pride and accomplishment; knowing that they had a hand in building this new home brings pride that can only be accomplished through participation.” For every six hours of classroom learning, students will receive six hours of hands-on experience. It is no secret that housing shortages are one of the main and most serious issues facing Indigenous citizens living in First Nation communities across Canada. Alberta is among the provinces currently facing the most serious housing issues; in fact, Maskwacis-based Ermineskin First Nation Councillor Jason Makinaw recently told media that his community was about 500 new homes short of what is needed to properly house the community’s population. He said that Elders face the biggest crisis and noted that many are forced to live with their children and grandchildren in houses that are already often crowded and uncomfortable. In a recent interview, he told CBC that building homes for the Elders is really about “bridging the gaps” and that he’d like to see “our Elders live in stress free environments and in a peaceful way. With this project, they’ll be living independently but with someone to assist them with their daily needs. We always want our Elders to be able to help guide the youth; this is a turnaround (in that) our youth are leading a project to build homes for the Elders.” A similar project, also utilizing YC Homes, took place in 2018 on southern Alberta’s Piikani Nation when high a dozen school students worked for eight weeks to build a small 750 square foot home for an Elder on that nation.
nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up June 1 @ 6:30 pm June 2 @ 1 pm Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre 8712 109 Street, Edmonton AB metrocinema.org (780) 425 9212 On August 9, 2016, a 22-year-old Cree man named Colten Boushie died from a gunshot to the back of his head after he and his friends entered Gerald Stanley’s rural property near Biggar, Saskatchewan. The jury’s subsequent acquittal of Stanley captured international attention, raising questions about racism embedded within Canada’s legal system. nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up follows the Boushie family’s pursuit of justice all the way to the United Nations. Drawing together the past and the present, producer-director Tasha Hubbard crafts an urgent and powerful film that demands not only our attention, but our action.
Tasha Hubbard and Jade Tootoosis will be in attendance at the premiere screening in Edmonton on Saturday June 1st.
May, 2019
Alberta Native News
Over 20,000 people enjoy Ben Calf Robe's outdoor Powwow in Edmonton
On May 11, Ben Calf Robe Society in partnership with Edmonton Catholic Schools, Aboriginal Services and the City of Edmonton, hosted one of the province’s largest powwows at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton. Thousands of spectators attended, as well as hundreds of dancers wearing colourful and beautifully designed regalia in celebration of Indigenous culture, tradition, family values and education. The emcees were Hal Eagletail and Elmer Rattlesnake and Enoch’s Rocky Morin was this year's Arena Director, pictured above with Pipeman Cecil Crier. Photos by Terry Lusty
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Alberta Native News
May, 2019