Volume 35 Number 08 August, 2018
Distributing in Alberta and across Western Canada for over 34 years
ALBERTA NATIVE NEWS
Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628
Visit us now at albertanativenews.com
Cover art: by © Alex Janvier, Cold Lake Air, 1994, acrylic on linen, 91.5 × 76 cm. Collection of Alberta Foundation for the Arts, On exhibit at Glenbow Museum until Sept. 9, 2018
2
Alberta Native News
Diabetes Workshop at River Cree: Sept. 12 & 13 Diabetes Canada and Enoch Cree Nation Health Services are jointly hosting the Third Annual Diabetes Workshop on September 12 and 13 at the River Cree Resort in Enoch AB. The Workshop will provide important information and strategies as well as networking opportunities and support for Indigenous people living with diabetes and their caregivers. Registration costs $100 per person or $1250 for a group of 15. It is well documented that Indigenous peoples around the globe are disproportionately affected by diabetes and related complications. In Canada, age-standardized prevalence rates for diabetes are 17.2% among First Nations individuals living on-reserve, 10.3% among First Nations individuals living off-reserve, and 7.3% among MÊtis people, compared to 5% in the general population. A recent study in Alberta suggested that the lifetime risk of diabetes was 8 in 10 for First Nations persons over the age of 18 years compared with 5 in 10 for non-First Nations people. Among the Inuit people, the agestandardized prevalence rate of diabetes is comparable to that seen in the general Canadian population, but there is concern that rates will rise with large-scale changes impacting healthy behaviour in the far North. Indigenous individuals are diagnosed at an increasingly younger age, have greater severity at diagnosis, develop higher rates of complications, and experience poorer treatment outcomes. Indigenous peoples living in Canada are among the highest-risk populations for diabetes and related complications. These statistics point to an urgent need for culturally specific intervention strategies which will be the focus of the Diabetes Workshop. Screening for diabetes should be carried out earlier and at more frequent intervals. Effective prevention strategies are essential and should be grounded in the specific social, cultural and health service contexts of the community. Particular attention is needed for Indigenous women and girls of childbearing age, as the high incidence of hyperglycemia in pregnancy (gestational and type 2) and maternal obesity increases the risk of childhood obesity and diabetes in the next generation. Early identification of
August, 2018
Powwow celebration at K-Days
diabetes in pregnancy is important, and postpartum screening for diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes should be performed along with appropriate follow up. Diabetes management targets in Indigenous peoples should be no different from the general population. A focus on building a therapeutic relationship with an Indigenous person with diabetes is important rather than a singular emphasis on achieving management targets. The current poor success at achieving management targets highlights the limitations of health services when they are not relevant to the social and cultural contexts of Indigenous peoples. Diabetes Canada provides the following key messages about diabetes for Indigenous Peoples and their communities. Alexis Nakota First Nation Chief Tony Alexis carried the eagle staff accompanied Many Indigenous by Elder Francis Alexis and others as they led the grand entry at K-Days 3rd communities have families annual Powwow July 24-26. Dancers of all ages participated in the spectacular with high rates and high event. (Photos by Terry Lusty) risk of type 2 diabetes. If you are in a community with high rates of diabetes, see a health-care provider to healthy behaviours, such as diabetes walks, weight-loss groups, fitness classes, community kitchens and gardens, learn about ways to be tested for and prevent diabetes. The causes of diabetes are complex. Learning about the and school-based activities for children and teenagers. If you are planning a pregnancy or may get pregnant, get medical, social and cultural contributions to diabetes is screened for diabetes. If you are pregnant and have key to diabetes prevention. In particular, seek to diabetes or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, understand the relationships between the history of visit your health-care providers more often, and find out colonization and the about exercise, breastfeeding and other support groups for current high rates of pregnant women and new mothers. diabetes in Indigenous For more information and to register in the Diabetes peoples. Workshop on September 12 and 13, contact Ask about community hcalliou@onehealth.ca or call 780 470-5440. initiatives that promote
August, 2018
Alberta Native News
3
K-Days Princess Alicia Cardinal's reign comes to an end by John Copley K-Days 2018 took place from July 22-29 this year and featured the annual K-Days Pow Wow, a three-day competition powwow that once again drew more than 700 dancers and thousands of spectators. In past years the powwow was accompanied by a Northlands Indigenous Princess Pageant, but the 2018 K-Days celebration did not include the pageant. “I’m not sure what happened or why it was cancelled,” noted the 2017 Princess Pageant winner, Alicia Cardinal. “I was surprised and a bit disappointed that I couldn’t pass the crown to the new princess, but I had to turn it in and my reign is now complete.” Cardinal, who received the crown last year from the pageant’s first winner, Brittney Pastion, is a member of the Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement near Caslan, Alberta. “I am hopeful that the event will return again next year,” Cardinal said, adding: “I think they want to hold the pageant again, but I also believe they want it to have a professional touch and will seek outside help to ensure that they get it right.” Cardinal said she really enjoyed her year; “it was a really good experience and it’s helped me learn and grow and appreciate my culture even more. I hope the pageant resumes next year because I know there’s a lot of interest and it was just starting to build. I had a lot of girls talk to me about the pageant and most them said they’d like to get involved with it. I think the powwow and the pageant are really important; K-Days is a very large event and it’s the perfect place to show our culture and educate the general public.” During her reign, Cardinal participated in many functions. “I was invited to the CFR Rodeo; I visited many schools where I addressed the children. I participated in numerous photo-shoots, round dances, helped to make videos and so much more. The year went by very fast, probably because I am still in school and doing what I can to encourage Indigenous girls to consider their futures and to make education a priority.” Alicia said she didn’t know that the pageant would not run this year until the K-Days celebration was about to get underway, but noted that she did have some doubts, especially when she didn’t see any of the information videos she’d made promoting the pageant appear on TV. “We made a couple of info-style videos earlier this spring and in them I spoke about the pageant and encouraged Treaty Six girls to get involved and to put their names up as contestants. It took quite a bit of time and energy to put the videos together, so I was surprised when I didn’t get any feedback from the community. A second video encouraged the communities to come out and participate in the powwow.” Now that her one-year reign is over, Alicia said she has a few ideas on how the event can be improved. She said that soliciting help from other pageant producers, such as those who host the Miss and Mrs. Indigenous Canada pageants, could help the program attract more participants. “I’d also like to see other First Nations in Treaty 6 take up the call and get more involved in this important event. There’s a rather large cost-factor when it comes to hosting the Pow Wow and the Northlands Indigenous Princess Pageant and so far the onus has been on just one band. We have more than 40 Treaty 6 communities and if they all get together to take turns then all of the communities would be better informed and better prepared.” In closing, Cardinal said, “I really enjoyed my special moment at K-Days this year when the women brought me the purple shawl and I danced for the crowd. It helped to symbolize what I am really interested in - mental health. It helped me a lot because just days before I entered the contest last year my father passed away. If I can help even one family and bring awareness to others by sharing my
experiences in overcoming the intergenerational trauma of the Residential Schools, then I will have accomplished another one of my goals.” She noted, “During this past year the experience I gained as Northlands Princess was an honour for me. It was a wonderful and activity-filled year that has given me an opportunity to travel, meet new people and grow as a person.” In the meantime, Cardinal is currently working to fulfil yet another goal; she is enrolled in the Education program at the University of Alberta. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher; it’s my childhood dream,” she smiled. “I hope that in the future I will be able
K-Days 2017 Powwow Princess Alicia Cardinal
to make a positive difference in the lives of the children I will be teaching.”
4
Alberta Native News
August, 2018
“No Government Grants” Publication Mail Agreement No. 40050628 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation Department: Suite A, 10632 124 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1S3 E-mail: nativenews@telus.net Tel: (780) 421-7966 Fax: (780) 424-3951
Volume 35, Number 8, August 2018 ISSN #08294135 www.albertanativenews.com EDITOR: Deborah Shatz ADVERTISING: Sales 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.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Trans Mountain worksite receives blessing from Enoch Cree Nation (July 27, 2018) – Alberta Premier Rachel Notley joined Enoch Cree Nation, the federal government and Trans Mountain officials for a special blessing ceremony near the site that will store pipe needed to build the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The site, just west of Edmonton, will be one of the four staging areas in Alberta that will receive and store materials needed to build 980 km of new pipeline. “Today’s blessing is an important step forward in the construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project,” stated Premier Notley on July 27. “It demonstrates just how integral our Indigenous communities are to the success of this pipeline and Alberta and Canada’s economic future. With this blessing, construction for the Enoch Cree Stockpile Site can begin and we move that much closer to getting this pipeline built.” The Trans Mountain Expansion Project is estimated to generate billions of dollars in economic activity and government revenue in Alberta. “Canada is a place where the environment and the economy go hand in hand, and where projects that are in the national interest get built,” added Canada’s newly appointed minister of Natural Resources, Amarjeet Sohi. “The blessing received today is an important milestone in the ongoing construction of this project.”
The Enoch stockpile site will also help spur investment in the region as improvements to the site will help to kickoff the Enoch Cree Nation’s industrial subdivision. “We are pleased to partner with Chief Morin and his community to build this work site that will play an important role in the construction of the Expansion Project and create a lasting legacy for the Enoch Cree Nation,” remarked Ian Anderson, president of Kinder Morgan Canada. “Getting ‘boots-on-theground’ in Alberta is a major milestone for Trans Mountain, but more importantly for the communities, workers, local businesses and Indigenous Groups that have been waiting to share in the success of the project. We’re excited to deliver on our commitments and ensure as many people as possible can benefit from an expanded pipeline.” “We are proud of the relationship we have built with Trans Mountain and to partner with them on this project,” noted Enoch Cree Chief Bill Morin. “This work site will allow us to create opportunities for our people and community for many years to come.”
August, 2018
Alberta Native News
5
Is online learning right for you? What if you could access all of the things you look for in an education- be it quality professors, specialized content, or stimulating courses- from the comfort of your own home? That’s where online learning comes into play! In a distance education format like the one offered at Athabasca University, flexibility is guaranteed. We are true to our slogan “Open. Flexible. Everywhere.” since our flexible scheduling and formats give you control over your studies and let you have time for your life. But how do you know if online learning is really the best fit for you? You can start ...by asking yourself: Do I have solid computer skills and regular access to a personal computer, with a high speed internet connection? Do I have good time management skills? Am I selfmotivated and disciplined enough to set a schedule and follow it in order to meet online deadlines? Am I comfortable in a virtual environment, e.g.; communicating with my peers and professors via online chat rooms, emails, and discussion threads? Am I an independent learner who needs little to no direction and has the patience to deal with obstacles out of my control? Am I looking for a flexible alternative to inclass learning that allows me to tailor my education around my lifestyle?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you’re ready to enroll in an online course! Still wondering if online learning is worth it? Check out all the benefits of studying in a virtual setting: -Flexibility! Besides providing you with the ability to study at your own pace and set your own schedule, flexibility in online learning also applies to how you choose to learn! You can take advantage of this freedom and tweak the way you break down the material rather than being forced to do it a certain way as some professors do in a classroom setting. -Gain more work experience and learn new skills that will help you advance in your career! A survey conducted by The Learning House showed that 44% of individuals who completed their online programs of study improved their employment standing by obtaining a first job, or a full-time or new job. Salary increases were received by 45% of those surveyed and 36% of respondents obtained promotions. Earning a degree shows prospective employers that you are ambitious, informed, committed, and prepared for new challenges, and the skills learned from studying in an online setting (such as learning new software, creating and sharing online documents, and using new audio/video materials) translate to many professions! Take it from AU graduate Stephanie Potter (MBA ’17), who was promoted 3 times during the 3 year period of getting her MBA. -Concentrate better! Online universities allow you to attend classes in your own space! With the ability to customize your work environment, you can maximize your productivity and cultivate a distraction-free space in order to use your learning time more efficiently. -Lower costs and debts! Studying online eliminates housing, transportation/commuting, and other costs. This translates to lower debts and more savings; it has even been estimated that pursuing an online degree instead of an equivalent course at a private university can save you up to $20,000 after one year. AU also has a “pay-as-yougo” system; you pay for each course only when you register for it, and course fees include all textbooks, class materials, and access to a tutor or success centre. There’s no formal timeline to complete most AU credentials, so if time isn’t a concern, you can take your
classes as you can afford them, and you may be able to complete your education with little student debt. Even if meeting your personal goals means a faster pace and a heavier financial commitment, there are financial aid options available to support your online studies. -Build an online network of peers! Distance learning is suited for introverts and extroverts alike! While introverted people find it easier to have their voices heard from the comfort of their own homes, extroverts are able to interact with their peers through online chat-rooms and discussion threads. Additionally, with access to students from all over the world, there’s no telling what opportunities could arise from your interactions through AU! -Learn from anywhere in the world! Distance learning facilities allow students to complete courses and programs without attending scheduled group classes in a central location. You can even take your exams without having to travel outside of your community through virtual invigilation/proctoring services such as ProctorU, where students are monitored by professionals via webcam whilst taking their exams! Wherever you are, even if you are hundreds of miles from the nearest town, your AU university campus is right there. Athabasca University is proud to provide outstanding academic support, and we have seen AU students complete courses and degrees while traveling abroad, while stationed in remote arctic outposts, while serving overseas with the Canadian Forces or with humanitarian groups and while competing as professional or Olympic athletes. AU is a world-class leader in online and distance education, and we are dedicated to providing you with opportunities to pursue your personal interests and professional needs without having to sacrifice your family, career, or community commitments. Apply to AU today!
6
Alberta Native News
August, 2018
Stampede's Indian Village renamed Elbow River Camp By Terry Lusty One of Canada's most impressive displays of the historic and cultural traditions of First Nation people is embodied in what's been long billed as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth - the Calgary Stampede. In addition to its 100 plus years of rodeo excellence, as well as chuckwagon racing and the electrifying grandstand show every evening, the Calgary Stampede's Indian Village has been a vital and integral part of the Stampede since its inception when hundreds of First Nations people led the parade and Tom Three Persons was named the first bronc riding champion at the inaugural 1912 rodeo. The First Nations people of Treaty Seven region in southern Alberta - the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, StoneyNakoda, and Tsuut'ina Nations - continue to embellish the colour, vitality and flavour of the world-famous Stampede which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The Indian Village, situated on 6.4 hectares of land along the Elbow River, accommodates 26 tipis many of them handed down over the generations. Designated tipis are open to the public every day for 10 days and First Nation family members answer questions, tell stories, display their regalia, furs and beadwork and some visitors, if they're lucky enough, may be treated to a drum song or flute tune. This year’s Indian Village showcased a notable increase in the number of crafts sellers onsite and featured a large tipi that had four or five First Nation service organizations and band representatives on hand to explain what they do and what they have to offer. The site also had staff and volunteers demonstrating traditional cooking (i.e. dry meat, bannock), tipi raising races, hand games and various forms of traditional dance, including grass, chicken, fancy, jingle, hoop, and others. On the last day of Stampede it was announced that the Indian Village was undergoing a name change to Elbow River Camp. The change was the result of discussions by the Stampede in consort with the tipi owners. According to some insiders not wanting to be named, they wanted to get rid of the older term, "Indian� which is no longer used by Indigenous People in Canada. One of the highlights of the Stampede is the participation of the Indian Village Princess. With no intent to diminish the esteem held by the Stampede queen and
two princesses, the Village princess is probably one of the most sought-after photo subjects during the ten-day event. This year’s princess, Cieran Starlight, succeeded the 2017 princess, Savanna Sparvier, and hails from the Tsuut'ina Reserve just on the southwest outskirts of Calgary. According to Mackenzie Mitchell of the Princess Committee, Starlight was chosen over four other representatives from the other four Treaty Seven tribes following two weeks of rigorous competition in such areas as public speaking and dancing. Now age 22, Starlight is a jingle dress dancer and is enrolled at the Alberta College of Art and Design and has her sights set on acquiring a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and, later, her Masters. Her art has been showcased at a Calgary gallery and she claims it is her "means of staying connected with her Treaty Seven culture." She especially enjoys beading, sewing and designing regalia. She hopes it rubs off on the younger generation and provides some incentive for them to do likewise. In addition to representing her Treaty Seven colleagues, she also represents the Calgary Stampede, often in the company of the Stampede royalty - Queen Lindsay Lockwood and princesses Jadn Holle and Jessica Wilson. During her reign which began last fall, Starlight has made hundreds of appearances, including overseas. As well as her own cultural responsibilities, she and other royalty put in countless hours promoting the Stampede. For Starlight, her role is like a dream come true. It was something she aspired to "since I was a kid," she confesses. Then too, there are the Calgary Stampede Foundation's Indigenous Youth Programs. Launched in the fall of 2017, they consist of five programs designed to help youth in the development of resiliency and life skills, to connect with their Native culture and, very importantly, to simply have some fun! The program was made possible thanks largely to the generosity of Metis artist Mel Benson. Its intent is to celebrate Aboriginal culture, while providing an opportunity to learn as well as develop and showcase leadership skills. Traditional teachings are employed, coupled with interactive games and fun in utilizing such resources as art, dance, games and LEGO robotics.
Top: Indian Village Princess Cieran Starlight has been an exceptional ambassador for the Nations of Treaty 7 and the Calgary Stampede. Bottom: Powwow dancers delight the crowds.
August, 2018
Alberta Native News
7
Poundmaker’s powwow draws large crowds by John Copley On August 4-5, the St. Albert-based Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres Society celebrated its 45th Anniversary with a traditional Powwow and a Drum competition that drew large audiences from around the region and beyond. As it has done in past years PLTC reached out to youth, Elders, families, stakeholders and the general public with invitations to attend the free event at the powwow grounds adjacent to the lodge at 21058 Poundmaker’s Road near St. Albert’s eastern boundary. The free overnight camping area was a busy and much appreciated hub of activity for the many visitors who utilized the site. Arts and crafts venues complemented the venue as did the numerous catering trucks that offered an abundance of food choices throughout the weekend. The event, noted Executive Director Brad Cardinal, “provides participants an opportunity to socialize and engage in our cultural activities and appreciate the richness of the cultural diversity within our community.” The annual powwow, guided by Elders and aided by treatment facility staff, got underway both days with a 1
Fancy Dancer (Photo by Terry Lusty)
p.m. Grand Entry led by Indigenous veterans Wallace Bona and Chuck Stevenson, flag and staff carriers, Aboriginal Elders, Chiefs, special guests and dignitaries from various levels of government, including Alberta Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan. Though the powwow was traditional in nature, Traditional Dancer (Photo by Terry Lusty) the event hosted an Iron Man and Iron Woman dancing grandmothers, women, children and adults, all of Dance Competition and a Drum Contest that saw the top whom were dressed in beautiful regalia with colours and four places take home prize money; a new vehicle was patterns too numerous to mention. awarded to both first place Iron winners. More than 340 dancers were joined by a weekend High Noon, Sweetgrass, The Travellers, Running crowd that numbered over 2000. Lester Rabbitskin offered Thunder, Red Rose Thunder, River Cree, Spearpoint, Cree an opening prayer and a trio of Inuit singers - Sami Kirk, Boy, Crow Lodge, Sorrel George Mantle and Robert Kelly - presented an Honour Rider, Cree Selects, and Song before shaking hands and thanking an appreciative Mountain Sioux were the audience for its warm response. 12 competitive drums Throughout the afternoon comments from the podium vying for prize money. honoured the Elders and acknowledged the “outstanding They were accompanied work being done by our firefighters, police services, by seven non-competitive armed forces and others who put their lives on the line” in drums, including Grey an effort “to keep us all safe.” Cloud, Cache Lake, Bear The afternoon was filled with sunlight and high Street, Buffalo Cloud, temperatures as the singers, drummers and dancers, each Nakota Thunder, H-Town with an amazing capacity for bearing hot weather and Cree and Flying Stone. heavy regalia, continued their up-tempo pace. Siksika Nation Drum Patricia Makokis, Director of Indigenous Programs at Group Sorrel Rider led the the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension, was Grand Entry and later invited to speak to the gathering about the importance of participated with drums education. from across the region and beyond that welcomed Continued on page 9
8
Alberta Native News
Our cover artist: Alex Janvier The stunning image on the cover of this month’s Alberta Native News is Cold Lake Air (1994) by the incomparable Alberta artist Alex Janvier. It is part of a major retrospective, organized by the National Gallery of Canada, that spans the entirety of Alex Janvier’s 65-plus year career and is on exhibit at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum until September 9, 2018. The extraordinary exhibition is entitled Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master. It features more than 150 artworks showing the evolution of Janvier’s unique vision. Rooted in the geocultural landscape of his northern Alberta home, Janvier’s works on paper, canvas and linen combine Dene iconography with Western abstract art styles and techniques. “His paintings tell the story of his experiences, as a boy in residential school, through learning about art as a student, to the many years of working as a professional artist putting his work out there for all to see,” noted Greg Hill, Audain Senior Curator of Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Canada. According to Janvier, “My paintbrush is really my most powerful tool because it is available for my personal empowerment. Art has empowered me by allowing me the freedom to paint what I want, when I want. I truly enjoy creating art. My works can provide an opportunity to inspire others to come closer to the spirit of our Creator, Yedairye.” Born of Dene Suline and Saulteaux descent in 1935, Janvier was raised in the nurturing care of his family until the age of eight when he was uprooted from his home and sent to the Blue Quills Indian Residential School near St. Paul, Alberta. Although Janvier speaks of having a creative instinct from as far back as he can remember, it was at the residential school that he was given the tools to create his first paintings. Unlike many Indigenous artists
of his time, Janvier received formal art training from the Alberta College of Art in Calgary and graduated with honours in 1960. Immediately after graduation, Janvier took up an opportunity to instruct art at the University of Alberta. While Alex recognizes the artists Wassily Kandinsky (Russian) and Paul Klee (Swiss) as influences, his style is unique. Many of his masterpieces involve an eloquent blend of both abstract and representational images with bright, often symbolic colours. As a First Nations p e r s o n emerging from a history of oppression and many struggles for cultural empowerment, Janvier paints both the challenges and celebrations that he has encountered in his lifetime. Alex proudly credits the beadwork and birch bark basketry of his mother and other relatives as influencing his art.
August, 2018
As a member of the commonly referred to “Indian Group of Seven,” Janvier is one of the significant pioneering Indigenous artists in Canada, and as such has influenced many generations of Indigenous artists. By virtue of his art, Janvier was selected to represent Canada in a Canadian/Chinese Cultural Exchange in 1985. Although he has completed several murals nationally, Janvier speaks of the 450-meter squared masterpiece entitled “Morning Star” at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, as a major highlight in his career. In January 2004, one of Janvier’s works was displayed in Paris, France at the Canadian Forum on Cultural Enterprise. In recognition of his success, Alex Janvier has received many life time achievement awards and accolades; he was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2007 and a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2018.. His art appears in countless prestigious collections worldwide and he is highly regarded as a national treasure for both his art and his philanthropy.
Buffy rocks Edmonton Folk Fest (ANNews) - Despite the heat, the smoke and the rain, 2018 Edmonton Folk Music Festival was an absolute delight as always, with amazing music, great food (including bannock burgers) and friendly faces. Canadian Aboriginal folk icon Buffy Sainte-Marie graced us with an energetic and powerful performance on Thursday night filled with hits, including Starwalker. Buffy and her band played their set in front of a red dress representing missing and murdered indigenous women and closed out the show with some traditional singing and dancing as they left the stage to a roaring crowd.
The festival also featured Hurray for the Riff Raff, whose modern, alternative music is inspired by Puerto Rican native roots. Their song Rican Beach had some powerful sentiments that were particularly resonant: “First they stole our language, then they stole our names, then they stole the things that brought us faith.” All in all, the 2018 Edmonton Folk Music Festival was an expertly executed celebration of folk music and culture with a stellarlineup that continues to be a mainstay of Summer in the city.
Top: Buffy Sainte-Marie moved the audience with her brilliant performance and important message to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women. Bottom: Powwow dancer dazzles at EFMF.
To advertise your business or community event call Dan at 780-421-7966 or email natnews@shaw.ca. Visit us online at albertanativenews.com
August, 2018
Alberta Native News
9
Interstellar Rodeo features Indigenous performers (ANNews) - A little scattered rain couldn’t dampen the excitement at the 2018 Interstellar Rodeo at Hawrelak Park in Edmonton. Alright, maybe it was more than a little rain. Regardless, nothing represents Summer in the city more than a weekend-long festival filled with amazing music, unique food trucks, and general fun for the whole family – even if we had to get a bit wet covering it. This year’s iteration of the Edmonton staple really stepped up their game as far as paying tribute to Indigenous culture, art, local history and community resources. Making sure to reminding attendees that they were celebrating on Treaty 6 territory was just the tip of the teepee. The Indigenous Artist Market Collective (IAMC) had
Poundmaker's
cont. from p 7
“We have a booth set up today by the last teepee,” she noted, “and it’s ironic that when Brad asked me to say a few words we’d already been talking about culture and wellness for our Indigenous people. We were talking about how Poundmaker’s Lodge has been here for 45 years, an amazing accomplishment that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. “Today it is more important than ever to remember how important education is and how important health and wellness are to our wellbeing. Right now, in Canada there is a lot of talk centered around reconciliation but what we must first talk about and understand is the truth about the colonial history of this country. We must absolutely invite and encourage government, society and our red families to come together to understand that we all benefit from being on the land because our ancestors signed the treaty. “It’s important that we all understand how we get to live on this land. The work being done here at Poundmaker’s is critical and very important, especially in the way we move forward because the aftermath of residential schools lives daily in the lives of our people.” In a follow-up interview, Makokis spoke about the importance of bringing all Canadians together, to learn together and to understand what is needed to achieve true reconciliation. Her experience working with groups at the university has been positive and she is optimistic that change can happen if it’s achieved by working together. “I know that when we bring black people, red people, brown people and yellow people - all of the families together and we allow a safe space to share our conversation, positive things begin to happen. When this happens, we see transformation and this is what gives me hope. Racism is still rampant in this country and if we don’t do everything we can to bring it to an end, it will continue. That’s why it is important to have your voice heard - for example Edmonton wants to establish a cultural and wellness centre for Indigenous people and that is a positive step in the right direction. Your voice matters so please get involved and get your families involved; if all
an amazing display of local crafts, and iHuman had an opportunity to showcase some of the talented and resilient young people that they support in the community. But they didn’t stop there. Interstellar put together a starstudded musical lineup that featured 40% performers from Aboriginal descent, including A Tribe Called Red, Riit, Diga, Josh Q, and Alberta-based artists Nêhiyawak, Celeigh Cardinal and Jay Gilday. From A Tribe Called Red’s astoundingly high-octane performance on Friday to the modern and ominous throat singing of Riit on Sunday, there was a non-stop flow of quality entertainment. It was absolutely worth getting a little wet for.
Throat singer RIIT gave a captivating performance at the Edmonton Interstellar Rodeo.
Canadians work together we can put these misunderstandings behind us and we will all be better for it.” Poundmaker’s Lodge, renown world-wide for its innovative leadership and proven addictions treatment programs, has a long and successful history that began in 1973. Poundmaker’s annual powwow “features opportunities for our treatment centre to engage with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit An honour song was performed by Northwest Territories visitors (l-r) Sami Kirk, communities as well as George Mantle and Robert Kelly. (Photos by John Copley) supporting those Albertans maintaining abstinence from drugs, alcohol and tobacco addictions,” stated Cardinal. “We believe ongoing engagement through cultural ceremony significantly improves health outcomes amongst our Aboriginal peoples and strengthens Alberta's health care system.” PLTC follows Wallace Bona Brad Cardinal Patricia Makokis accreditation practices as well as Aboriginal Best and Promising Practices in providing exceptional addiction and mental health treatment services to Indigenous populations.” Aboriginal Health. PLTC currently offers a 42 day adult residential “In addition,” noted Cardinal, “we have aligned with Alberta's Addiction and Mental Health Strategy and treatment program and a specialized 90 day treatment continually ensure timely access to treatment thereby program for young adults. The society also administers the meeting the needs of our clientele. Poundmaker’s Lodge Iskwew Healing Lodge, an aftercare facility for women. Treatment Centres prides itself on its 45 year history of
Positions Available Northland School Division No. 61 is looking for advocates for Indigenous Education and supporters of First Nations, Metis and Inuit language and culture. The division has several positions to fill for the upcoming school year. We are looking for teachers who have successful experience in rural and Aboriginal communities, can build on the current strengths of the students, and can work towards literacy and language improvement through common Division goals and initiatives. For specific vacancies, please see www.nsd61.ca/careers. Candidates will hold as priority, strong student and parent relationships, improvement in attendance, and learning success for all students. All candidates must be eligible for teacher certification in Alberta and will be required to provide an up-to-date RCMP criminal record check.
Like us at
/ Alberta Native News
Please apply to: Wesley Oginski, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, Northland School Division No. 61, P.O. Bag 1400, Peace River, Alberta T8S 1V2. Phone: (780) 624-2060 Fax: (780) 624-5914 Email: applications@nsd61.ca
10
Alberta Native News
August, 2018
Indigenous Pavilion shines at YEG Heritage Festival (ANNews) - The Indigenous Pavilion hosted by the Canadian Native Friendship Centre was one of 71 outdoor pavilions showcased at the Edmonton 2018 Heritage Festival on August 4 to 6 amidst the beautiful splendour of Hawrelak Park. The award-winning Indigenous Pavilion is one of the most acclaimed at the annual cultural festival, having won multiple awards in year's past for superb entertainment and cultural displays. 2018 marked their 39 th year at the festival. The pavilion showcased amazing Indigenous dancers and drummers and offered the best bannock burgers and bison skewers in town, as well as an assortment of talented art and craft vendors. One of the highlights at the pavilion was a visit by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, who was honoured with a ceremonial blanketed ceremony. It wasn’t the record-breaking number seen last year, but organizers of the 2018 Edmonton Heritage Festival were very pleased with the positive energy and multi-cultural pride celebrated by Edmontonians over the August long weekend at Hawrelak Park. Despite issues surrounding road construction near the park, transportation concerns, and inclement weather, the event drew close to 360,000 visitors who came from around Edmonton and across the continent, to sample the tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of a diverse array of cultures. Visitors enjoyed delicious foods, art and culture displays and amazing dance performances from 100 countries and cultures at 71 outdoor pavilions, with over 25 stages throughout Heritage Park. Jim Gibbon, Executive Director of the Edmonton Festival Association was thrilled with the success of this year’s Edmonton Heritage Festival. “The weather on Sunday and Monday couldn’t have been better,” said Gibbon. “We are really thrilled that so many people came out and were able to access the park quickly and easily.” Gibbon attributes much of the success to the new transportation adjustments made in response to road
construction, as well as the increased number of people who came to the Festival by bicycle or on foot. He thanked the volunteers and the people of Northern Alberta for their amazing support. “Without volunteers and our amazing cultural communities this event couldn’t take place,” he remarked. Once again festival-goers supported Edmonton’s Food Bank at this year’s Edmonton Heritage Festival presented by Servus Credit Union. The goal was to raise 50,000 kilograms of food during the Festival food drive which officially lasted until Friday, August 10. As of that date, the Food Bank had only collected 36,000 kilograms of food. In Edmonton the need for food support is still high. “In July, Edmonton's Food Bank Elder Violet Poitras led dancers in the grand entry during Edmonton's distributed hampers to 20,892 Heritage Festival. CNFC board member Ella Mayer accompanied Premier people (more than the population Notley who was honoured with a blanket ceremony. Photos: Terry Lusty of Camrose),” says Marjorie Bencz, CM, Executive Director donations at major grocery stores and City of Edmonton of Edmonton’s Food Bank. Fire Stations or by making a monetary donation Besides providing food hampers to over 20,000 people online www.edmontonsfoodbank.com/donate. Every $1 every month, Edmonton's Food Bank also provides food donated provides food resources for 3 meals. for 500,000 community snacks and meals through its The Food Bank (at 11508 120 St. NW) can receive fresh agency partners. Edmonton’s Food Bank receives no core garden and non-perishable donations between 8:30 am & funding for food purchases or operations from any level of 8:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30 am to 4:30 pm government and relies on the generosity of the community Friday and Saturday. and food industry partners to assist those in need in You can also help by hosting a food drive. Call the Food Edmonton. Bank’s resource development team at 780.425.2133 to Edmontonians can support the Food Bank in the learn more on how you can help raise food and money to following ways: By dropping off non-perishable food help feed those in need.
August, 2018
Alberta Native News
11
K-Days features exciting competitive powwow by John Copley It all began on Thursday, July 19, when Canadian Olympic figure-skater and K-Days 2018 Parade Marshall Kaetlyn Osmond made her way through the streets of downtown Edmonton to launch the July 20-29 annual KDays exhibition. Accompanying her and marshalling entries throughout the parade route were several dozens of Alberta’s Special Olympians. This year’s event included 10 exciting and fun-filled days of rides, games, foods, a three-day Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) sanctioned rodeo, a competition powwow and outstanding entertainment by such names as Billy Talent, Ice Cube, The Beach Boys, Cheap Trick, The Village People, Marianas Trench and more. The rodeo saw more than $430,000 handed out in prize money. For a full list of winners and runners-up visit rodeocanada.com The third annual K-Days Powwow, presented through a partnership that began in 2016 between Northlands and the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, took place in the Northlands Expo Centre’s Hall C from July 24-26. Festivities and competitions were preceded daily by a 1 pm Grand Entry, welcoming remarks and commentary by emcees Eugene Alexis and Glen Waskewitch. The Host Drum that led the Pow Wow, Black Lodge, is one of the most respected northern style drum groups on the powwow circuit. Competing Drum Groups and Singers included Young Spirit, River Cree, Mountain Cree, Wild Horse, Young Wild Cree, Battle Hill and Blackstone. The Drum Judge was Erwin “Bear” Scabbyrobe while the Head Dance Judges included Waniya Cardinal (Female Dancers) and Marcus Pahtayken (Male Dancers) More than $50,000 in prize money was handed out to the top five Drum Groups; the winning Drum took home $20,000 with $15,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth and $2,500 to the fifth-place finisher. In its first year the partnership between Northlands and the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation treated Edmontonians to a traditional 10-day pow wow that was designed in part to ensure that first-time onlookers had an opportunity to understand and appreciate the cultural significance behind the powwow. About 200 dancers participated. The goals remain the same, but during the last two annual events Northlands and the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation have introduced a competition powwow to the KDays celebrations. The event continues to attract a large contingent of dancers, now vying for the more than $125,000 is prize money. One of the largest competition powwows in Canada, the 2018 event attracted more than 700 dancers from across North America’s Indigenous communities - up about 20
percent over last year. Most dancers came to enjoy their culture, meet up with old friends and strengthen the cultural bonds of their heritage, while dozens of others strutted-their-stuff in hopes of winning one the many cash prizes up for grabs in this year’s competition. Former Northlands CEO Tim Reid, the man who negotiated the partnership with ANSN Chief Tony Alexis, parted company with the city-owned Northlands earlier this year. Interim CEO Kevin Gunderman told media that: “Reconciliation matters” and that the powwow is about “bringing people together and we are very happy to be a part of it.” Chief Alexis was away at an all-Chiefs meeting in Vancouver during part of this year’s K-Days Powwow, however Elder and Cultural Spiritual Advisor Francis Alexis said that their community is proud to be involved in the annual powwow and pleased Top: River Cree Drum Group performed at the K-Days powwow in with all of the support the venture Edmonton. Bottom: Powwow dancer with beautiful regalia. Elder Francis has gained in his community and Alexis served as a cultural and spiritual adviser for the event. across Alberta. “All of these dancers have a organization was founded in 1879 and named: Edmonton purpose and all of the dances have special meaning,” he Exhibition, a name it retained until 1964 when it became explained. “Everyone dances for a different reason - some known as Edmonton Klondike Days. The annual 10-day for their family, some for loved ones lost, some to carry on exhibition attracts between 700 and 800 thousand people tradition, some to pray for the fulfilment of their dreams. each year and is known to be one of the most popular Others dance as they find their way back into their annual attractions in the country. culture.” When the powwow was introduced to K-Days in 2016, then Northlands CEO Tim Reid noted that, “Chief Tony and I have been talking about bringing the powwow to K-Days for a while now this will be the first in its long history.” And a long history it has been. Northlands, a nonprofit, volunteer-based
12
Alberta Native News
August, 2018