Volume 33 Number 10 October, 2016
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Cover art: Protecting Š by Aaron Paquette, mixed media on canvas On exhibit at Bearclaw Gallery in Edmonton, bearclawgallery.com
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New works by Paquette and Meili on exhibit at Bearclaw Gallery The cover of this month’s Alberta Native News is a beautiful painting called “Protecting” by Aaron Paquette. It is part of a stunning exhibit presented at Bearclaw Gallery entitled “element·ally” and it features new works in clay by Dianne Meili and new works on canvas by Aaron Paquette. The exhibition is opening Saturday, October 22 and the artists will be in attendance from 1 - 4 pm. The exhibition continues through to November 3, 2016. Aaron Paquette is one of Canadaʼs premiere First Nations artists known for his bright colours, strong lines and for sharing new ways of looking at age-old experiences and beliefs. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Aaron has been creating art for the past 20 years. He apprenticed and has become both a Cathedral Stained Glass artist and a Goldsmith, influences of which can be seen in the line and structure of his paintings - displayed in various galleries throughout the country. Aaron is also an experienced facilitator, trainer and engaging public speaker. He has worked with the Royal Conservatory’s adjunct program -Learning Through the Arts- as both a Mentor Artist and as the First Nations Representative and Consultant in Alberta. A skilled communicator, Aaron has worked with Alberta Education in reconciliation, specifically between communities and school administration. He has worked for years with the Edmonton Public School Board with both in-class sessions and special sessions for promising young artists. The Catholic School Boards in the Central and Northern Alberta region have also enlisted Aaron in many projects ranging from elementary school visits that tie art into curricular learning to mural painting with High School students. Aaron also has regular art shows in Galleries across Canada, takes on public art commissions, works as a guest curator for The Art Gallery of Alberta, St. Albert’s public Gallery: Profiles, and the McMullen Gallery at the University of Alberta Hospital. He currently has a traveling exhibit with the Art Gallery of Alberta called "Halfbreed Mythology."
“I am an artist,” explains Paquette. “In my paintings, I seek to nurture a relationship with the viewer. I try to use colours that are calm or soothing, but also fresh and exciting. My goal is to create work that a person can be comfortable with and can invite into their home. In this manner, I hope to deliver a message. In each painting I try to include a story that is meaningful to me and encourages discussion. I hope that my work can act as part of a catalyst for greater understanding. I feel that it is important to allow art to be beautiful while conveying deep and sometimes very serious meaning. My work almost always features an aspect of nature and our relationship with the earth.” Paquette has studied on his own and followed his own path. “I feel that this has strengthened my art and allowed me to retain a portion of valuable naivete,” noted Aaron. “In addition to painting, I am also working on a series of illustrated books for my children, so that they can know who they are and gain an appreciation for their history.” Aaron is sharing the top billing at Bearclaw Gallery this month with Dianne Meili - a Cree Metis potter who has been “playing in the mud” for five years, creating pottery that begs to be picked up and touched. Meili creates sculpture and decorative bowls intended to make the beholder feel a connection between themselves and the Creator, as well as all living things – animal and human. Spending hours shaping and carving each piece, there is a true symbiosis between Dianne and her medium. She is both respectful of, and thankful to, the powers that allow her to share her creative talents. In exchange, it seems she has been rewarded with clay that yearns to hold her intensely animated shapes and glazes and firings that give a unique finish to her spiritual vessels. The Bearclaw Gallery, located at 10403 124 Street in Edmonton is well-known and highly regarded as a fine Canadian First Nations art dealer and gallery. Over the last three decades, the Bearclaw Gallery has established solid relationships with First Nations artists from across Canada and has proudly promoted Canadian First Nations and
Bear Medicine © by Dianne Meili
Calling on our ancestors © by Aaron Paquette
Inuit art and artists to buyers both at home and internationally. For more information, visit www.bearclawgallery.com.
October, 2016
Alberta Native News
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Volume 33, Number 10 October 2016 ISSN #08294135 www.albertanativenews.com EDITOR: Deborah Shatz ADVERTISING: Ben Samuels
National Inquiry gets a slow start by John Copley
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Ottawa’s call for a national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women began in earnest in December 2015 but the initiative took time to put together and it was late July 2016 when media reports highlighted some of the initial work being done before the inquiry could get underway. On August 3, 2016 the Liberal government officially launched the national inquiry, an initiative that’s been restricted to a two-year term. Considering that it took 11 years, seven for the final group of Truth and Reconciliation commissioners to come up with a final report, it would appear that two years may not be enough time to get to the truth of the matter. Earlier this month the lead commissioner of the inquiry, Marion Buller told media that she and the other four commissioners were in the process of hiring staff as they prepared to open the Vancouver-based Inquiry Headquarters. She defended the process being put in place to ensure that after nearly a decade of failed talks and no action by the Conservative-led Harper government, answers would be forthcoming. Buller stressed that the new appointed Commission is “moving at great speed, but we are also being careful about what we are doing.” Responding to concerns and complaints from groups that include the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), Buller went on to blame the messenger, noting that when the inquiry was announced this summer it was done in a manner that “mistakenly” lead people to believe that the inquiry sessions would begin immediately. “Those expectations were built inappropriately and unfortunately,” assured Buller. “However, when you look at the start times ... for other inquiries and other commissions, we are actually doing very, very well.” She also noted that the commissioners were adamant at ensuring “that we are culturally appropriate because Indigenous cultures across Canada are radically different from each other.” As trite and unconvincing as that may sound, Buller is right, but the two bottom lines have little to do with cultural differences. Every Canadian wants to get to the bottom of the barrel to find out what sinister monster is responsible for the ongoing issues of murdered and missing Aboriginal women, be it incompetent policing, a malingering hate for Indigenous peoples or stereotyping and marginalization coming full circle. Others want to know if there’s any truth to a 2015 report by the RCMP that points to Aboriginal men as being responsible for most of the violence perpetrated on Indigenous women. Women’s organizations just want to know why it’s taking so long to get the ball rolling and why such a lack of communication exists between the Commission and the public. During the 2016 Sisters in Spirit campaign, an initiative
that hosts vigils throughout Canada on October 4 each year, NWAC President Francyne Joe, speaking from Ottawa, said her organization was concerned. “We are very concerned,” she noted in comments to media. “The two-year mandate that the National Inquiry Commission has been given leaves a very short time for the mandated tasks of establishing regional and issuespecific advisory bodies, creating trauma-informed and culturally aware counselling services, and beginning the substantive process of listening to family members, loved ones, and survivors express their stories all across Canada.” It doesn’t seem reasonable, she argued, that after so many Canadians have made it clear that they want answers, the commission is moving at a turtle’s pace and without any signs of progress to date. “After 11 years of conducting indepth research, publishing extensive reports, and campaigning for a National Inquiry to address the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls, we are very disappointed to see that over two months into the two-year Inquiry mandate, no visible progress has been made. Family members, loved ones have been waiting for decades to be heard. We recognize that it’s a big task to start a National Inquiry but the lack of communication has been disappointing and worrying.” In a statement, Francyne Joe said that family members, loved ones, and survivors deserve a transparent National Inquiry that is capable of delivering justice and properly honouring the over 1200 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada. “A transparent National Inquiry,” she added “includes easily accessible information regarding office locations across Canada, readily available contact information to the Commissioners and their staff, a step-by-step guide on how to get involved with the Inquiry, a straightforward and coherent website, and other necessary infrastructure that will ensure the success of this Inquiry. The time has come for the Inquiry Commission to illustrate its competence in being able to adequately address the systemic causes behind the high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls. The immense responsibility associated with the tremendous task of addressing one of the gravest human rights abuses in Canada’s history leaves no time to waste. The time to begin this important work is now.” The Native Women’s Association of Canada is committed to monitoring the progress on the National Inquiry and will continue to apply pressure on the Inquiry
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October, 2016
Alberta Native News
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Saluting Aboriginal Firefighters by John Copley Even as a child I remember my father, who spent several years building bridges and skyscrapers in Montreal before he joined the army and went off to war, talking about the prowess and courage of the Mohawk people, especially, he said, those that he worked with, swaying in the wind 100 metres or more above the city’s concrete streets. When we moved west in the late 1950s he said the same of the Cree and other Indigenous peoples who often put their lives on the line to ensure that northern communities and infrastructure laying in the path of forest fires were protected. “They’ve had a few centuries to learn that trade,” he’d say, “because for the most part the only people living in heavily forested regions are Aboriginal people; they had the most to lose.” He was right; over the years I’ve heard numerous stories about the bravery of Canada’s First People and their willingness to tackle the impossible and come out on top. “Long before the settlers ever arrived in the west,” assured Ft. McMurray Forest Area Manager, Bernie Schmitte, “the Aboriginal people were putting out fires on their own; they have a natural ability as firefighters. For some people, this is the life and because Indigenous peoples are akin to the land, they can really excel. Some of the kids coming out of the program today are doing excellent work.” The role of the wild land fire fighter hasn’t changed that much over the decades, but the training programs are continually being upgraded to meet the ever-changing fire conditions. “The training is more intense today,” emphasized Schmitte. “Fire behaviour - why one fire does one thing and another similar fire does something totally different plays a much bigger role than it has in past years. Safety awareness and instruction has become more important than ever before.” Until the early 1950s no training programs were in place in Alberta, but firefighters with experience could always be found when a fire broke out. Organized training first got underway in Kananaskis in 1951. The ten-week course was held in a building that had formerly been used to house some of Canada’s Second World War prisoners. Within a short time, the course was increased to 12 weeks and wild fire training was added to the program. More intense training got underway following a large fire south of Hinton, a fire that was threatening a nearby lumber mill. The owners went to the government and told them they needed better fire protection if they were to continue to build the infrastructure needed to harvest lumber. “That fire was the catalyst for change,” reported Alberta Wildfire Information Officer Janelle Lane in a 2015 documentary produced by the Alberta Forest Service to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Wild Fire Training in Alberta. “The forest protection system started improving thanks to key players like Frank Platt and Ted Hammer. Fire behaviour and fire line safety was on the minds of forestry officials across North America throughout the 1950s. In 1959 representatives from the Alberta forest service participated in a new fire behaviour course in Montana. From crew sizes to training and command systems, the idea to train firefighters was gaining momentum."
The training paid off for Indigenous firefighters in a number of ways. The biggest achievements came when fully-trained wild land forest firefighters like Sam Sinclair took their knowledge back to the communities. That’s what he did in 1959, the last year that training took place at Kananaskis. “Slave Lake district ranger Sam Sinclair, a proud Métis, did well at the school,” noted Lane. “He showed strong leadership (and) brought all his training back to his home district and put it to use training local Aboriginal people. He drummed up enough funding on his own to train a group of men as firefighters in the spring of 1960.” As Sinclair and others trained people in their respective communities, a new training school opened; today it is known as the Alberta Forest Service’s, Hinton Training Centre. In a five-page report entitled “50th Anniversary: Aboriginal Firefighter Training in Alberta,” from which the documentary was made, Lane wrote that “with fire a fundamental part of Aboriginal culture” Sinclair had little trouble gaining new recruits. The report notes that Paul Courtoreille, an Aboriginal firefighter from the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area remembers learning about wildfire as a child. “I learned about fire behaviour before I actually took any course,” notes Courtoreille. “Now that I look back (I realize) it was something that was ingrained in the culture.” He lauded Sinclair, calling him a man who “stood up for his people.” The input and experience of the province’s Aboriginal firefighters has been invaluable, both as source of vital information, and because their efforts and achievements helped to bring about the rules, regulations and protocols that exist today. Fast forward to May 2016. On May 3, Fort McMurray was threatened by the quickly spreading flames from encroaching wild fires. The city and several neighbouring communities were evacuated. Within a week more than 49 wildfires were burning in Alberta; seven were deemed to be out of control. More than 1200 firefighters, including those from local First Nations communities, along with 145 helicopters, 22 air tankers and more than 140 pieces of heavy equipment, were brought into action. In all, more than 90,000 residents from throughout the Ft. McMurray region were evacuated. Local fire departments called in some outside help; the Ft. McKay Fire Department was one that responded. “It was the first time we’d ever been called on to help control a fire outside our area,” noted Fire Chief Mel Grandjamb in a recent interview. When he and his crew
arrived in Fort McMurray they worked primarily in the Grilling Terrace where in two days they helped to secure more than 200 houses that had been threatened by the fire. As structural firefighters Grandjamb’s crew did not participate in fighting the wild land fires. A wild lands fire fighter with five years of experience on the job, 28-year-old Josh Cardinal is a member of the Saddle Lake First Nation. A former Firetack Crew member, he joined the Helitack Crew earlier this year and in fact was still in training for his new assignment when word came that Fort McMurray was under siege from nearby forest fires. “I was just completing my training at the Hinton Training Centre when we heard about the fire,” explained Cardinal. “When we finally got out on the fire line we were able to do our part and have fun while doing it, with safety in mind - thanks to the expert training we’d all received in Hinton.” In a blog, Cardinal remembered the fire, but particularly those he worked with. “We were called a ‘Special Unit Task Force’ a few times by other fire fighters because our call sign was “CH62, LH07, CH06, LH03,” which is a mouthful to repeat on the radio every day,” he assured. “A unit crew is usually filled with twenty firefighters. We only had fourteen, but we sure didn’t act that way. Everyone’s work ethic was as great as the next persons. Our leaders and Strike Team leaders were very knowledgeable and everybody was always looking out for one another, either through posted lookouts Continued on page 11
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October, 2016
Daphne Odjig changed the future for Indigenous artists by John Copley When Daphne Odjig passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2016, the world became a quieter and more solemn place. She was a winner, a warrior, a free spirit and one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Born on September 11, 1911 in Manitoulin Island’s main city of Wikwemikong, Odjig was the eldest of four children born to Dominic and Joyce (nee: Peachley) Odjig. Her Britishborn mother met and married her husband in England, where he was serving the Canadian army during the First World War. Daphne moved to Kelowna, British Columbia later in life, having spent much of her time in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she worked diligently to enhance her career, a career that would eventually lead to many accolades, awards and recognition, both from her peers and from the public. When she passed on, Daphne was residing in Kelowna; she was 97 years old. She was a recipient of the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, an accolade she received in 2007. Her work was also the subject of a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada in 2009. The National Gallery exhibit: “Drawings and Paintings of Daphne Odjig, A Retrospective Exhibition,” distinguished Daphne Odjig as being the first Canadian Aboriginal female artist to exhibit a solo show at the prestigious gallery. Odjig was also elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Art, was a recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and the holder of numerous honourary doctorates from several Canadian universities. Perhaps her greatest achievement came when she received the Order of Canada
Daphne Odjig spreading joy in 2011. Photo by Lisa Siegel.
and was presented with an eagle feather from the Chief of her home reserve, an honour traditionally bestowed only upon the bravest warriors and the best hunters. “I believe that Daphne planted the seed of her own great talent, nurtured it, and from her own success inspired and enabled other Native artists,” noted author and journalist, Clint Buehler, a learned scholar when it comes to Indigenous art and the role that Indigenous artists have played during Canada’s continuing growth. “She worked with such great artists as Norval Morrisseau and Alex Janvier; her influence, ability and wisdom helped many Canadian Aboriginal artists achieve the public recognition and acclaim they deserved. That was just the beginning of her influence and it was built on her own incredible talent. The success of Daphne, Norval, Alex and many others would provide the foundation for the success of the next wave of Native artists such as Joane Cardinal Schubert and Jane Ash Poitras, who in turn are being succeeded by yet another new generation of brilliantly talented Indigenous artists.” Odjig was considered to be a Woodlands artist, but it is important to note that the varying colourful shapes and Ojibwa pictographs she created were often intermingled and influenced by the work of Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh, artists whose work she long admired. She played a prominent role in leading First Nations painters into the mainstream of Canadian art. Much of that success came in the early 1970s when she, along with Norval Morrisseau, Jackson Beardy, Carl Ray, Eddy Cobiness, Joseph Sanchez, Alex Janvier and others met in Winnipeg to talk about such things as art and the establishment, an establishment Janvier said that “didn’t have much use for us, or for the work we created.” In an interview Mr. Janvier lauded her spirit, tenacity, perseverance and wit which he said “were among the great skills” that enabled Daphne Odjig to succeed as both an artist and an inspirational Canadian woman. He also spoke about the creation of the ‘Indian Group of 7’ and noted that the group was actually comprised of numerous other members who also attended the meetings in Winnipeg. These artists supported the idea of “going public” to make society aware that Indigenous art wasn’t a novelty item,
but instead a distinct piece of art, derived from meaningful tradition, a symbol of the unique identity of Indigenous culture and society. “There were quite a few artists that came through those doors to participate and talk,” noted Janvier. “One of them, and he really doesn’t get enough credit, was Bill Reid. He was a great artist but he was being led around by an advisor who was always hanging about and talking too much and getting in the way. Someone, maybe Daphne, maybe Norval Morrisseau, who had many philosophical statements at his disposal, told Reid’s advisor that he should go and wait at the airport because his participation wasn’t welcome. He didn’t come back after that, and unfortunately Bill Reid’s name didn’t allow us to be called the Group of 8. That title came about through the media, they put that tag on us - called us the Indian Group of Seven.” In fact, noted Alex, it was Bill Reid who encouraged media to pay attention to what was going on when it came to Indigenous art and the people who created it. “Bill Reid,” noted Janvier, “worked for a radio station, I think it was CBC. He made some connections and they showed up. He played a key role in helping us establish an identity through his media connections and expertise.” It was the beginning of a new era in Indigenous Art and Aboriginal awareness. Daphne and her late husband opened the Wahsa Art Gallery in Winnipeg in the early 1970s. The success of the gallery was imminent and for many of Canada’s Indigenous artists it was an ideal opportunity to get their goods in front of the buying public. The gallery specialized in Indigenous art and within two years helped to see several of the artists have their work put on exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. In 1973, together with Alex Janvier and Norval Morrisseau, Odjig founded the Professional Native Indian Artists Association. The Group of 7 stopped exhibiting their work together in 1974 as the artists went on to establish their individual careers. The group remained friends for decades. Of the Indian Group of Seven, only two survivors remain; Alex Janvier and Joseph Sanchez. Odjig has been referred to as the grandmother of Aboriginal art and the driving force behind the Indian Group of Seven. “It’s true,” noted Janvier, who credited the hard work and eventual success of the group to the tenacity, doggedness and brilliant ideas offered up by Odjig. Everyone played a role, he said, but Daphne “had some great ideas and the ability to express herself. She was a catalyst and she will be missed.”
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BBMA 15th Anniversary Gala honours deserving Métis youth by John Copley The 2016 Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards (BBMA) gala set a new attendance record this year when more than 650 guests made their way to the Ramada Inn and Conference Centre in Edmonton to participate in the annual celebration that awards deserving Métis students with scholarships that will help them pursue their educational goals. Among those attending this year’s evening of recognition and award presentations were dozens of award recipients, more than 60 new sash recipients, family members, 100 alumni, Elders, Founders, corporate sponsors and dignitaries. “We enjoyed a remarkable turn-out again this year - the biggest in our history,” smiled BBMA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Theresa Majeran. “It was a perfect commemoration that honoured the 15 years that the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards have been supporting our students. To see the smiles and hear about the success of all the alumni that joined us this year was truly inspiring to everyone in the room. It was especially rewarding to see the new graduates, this year’s award recipients, who will follow in the footsteps of their brothers and sisters.” Founded in 2001 by Dr. Herb Belcourt, Orval Belcourt, and Georges R. Brosseau, Q.C., the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards support the educational dreams of Métis youth and mature students in Alberta. During the past decade and a half nearly 1500 awards have been provided helping Métis people with the opportunity to complete their varied educational goals. Those opportunities, noted Majeran, come via a “unique one-of-a kind initiative, a program provided by the foresight and wisdom of the BBMA Founders and the ongoing partnership they share with the Edmonton Community Foundation.” The annual celebration began with a Grand Procession of the BBMA students, noted Majeran. “The bagpipers started the anniversary night off with a bang when the 100 alumni students and former award recipients led the way into the grand ballroom, accompanied by the attentiongetting and delightfully delivered music presented by the Edmonton City Police bagpipers and drummers.” A variety of well-known dignitaries, sponsors and special guest speakers took to the podium during the evening gala. “Our co-emcee, alumna Lisa Square received her Métis Sash from Elder Marge Friedel back in 2007 during one of our first events,” noted Majeran. “She is currently the Director of Marketing for APTN in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We were all very pleased to note that Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan spoke during the event, as did Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Carl Amrhein.” Minister Feehan said that “these awards create a positive ripple effect for Metis people. Today’s recipients will become the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Belcourt Brosseau Metis Award recipients make a real difference in their communities and in Alberta’s economy (and) together, we are inspiring others to follow their dreams.” The 15th Anniversary event saw the return of many BBMA past recipients, sash holders and new award recipients who made their way back to Edmonton to participate in another of the organization's milestone moments. It was like a family reunion of sorts. “Special highlight moments took place over the course of evening,” noted Majeran. “One of these highlights came when Shaun Emes, a BBMA alumni who has gone on to become a lawyer (currently working in labour relations) addressed the gathering. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was called to the Bar in 2010.” Emes returned to Edmonton from Calgary for the annual celebration and reunion so he could present three historical Métis Sashes to the BBMA Founders. The lives of the Métis have been woven together from a variety of cultures, traditions and beliefs, including the significance of the Métis Sash. The Louis Riel / Coventry Historical Sash was presented to Dr. Herb Belcourt. “This sash,” explained
A group photo of Belcourt Brosseau Metis Awards Founders and this year's award recipients.
Majeran, “was hand-made on a loom using sheep wool. Its design is a replica of the Coventry style sash worn by Louis Riel. His original sash is currently on display at the Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum.” The Festival du Voyageur Sash, which traces its origins back to circa 1885, was presented to Georges R. Brosseau Q.C. This unique sash “is a Métis version of the Assomption Sash with a black border representing the Temps Noir or dark time, a period in history that began around 1870-1885, when the Métis, considered traitors by Canada’s government, had to hide their true identity.” The third sash presented by Emes, the Jean-Baptiste Lagimodiere Assomption Sash, was presented to Orval Belcourt. Anne-Marie Gaboury, the first white woman in Western Canada, and Lagimodière were the grandparents of Louis Riel. “This unique and well known sash celebrates the fur trading era and is especially meaningful to canoe enthusiasts who want to relive the glory days of the river highways,” explained Majeran. “The colours were inspired by American-residing First Nations who believed
that the more colourful sashes were in higher demand within these communities.” Special guest Tony Belcourt, a Michif leader and former head of the Métis Nation of Ontario performed a Drum Song that had been gifted to him. “This Sun Dance Song was a real hit,” smiled Majeran. “The song is titled "Many Eagles Thirsty Dance” and it was formally given to Tony Belcourt, then-President of the Metis Nation of Ontario, by the keeper of the song, Elder Francis Eagle Heart Cree, a great grand-son of Many Eagle Set. Tony is the keeper of this song. He calls it “The Michif Song.” It represents the bringing together of Indigenous Nations who share blood ties, lands, customs and values. It was first “brought down from the Thunder” and given by Gitchi Manitou to Many Eagles, a Metis leader, at a Sundance held at Buffalo Lodge Lake near Belcourt, North Dakota in about 1820.” The Sash Ceremony presenters, Elders Betty Letendre and Jerry Wood congratulated and presented sashes to the Continued on page 14
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October, 2016
Enoch First Nation welcomes new bike park by Terry Lusty Enoch First Nation chief and council, educators, administrators, and most importantly, the youth, were beside themselves with excitement on September 30th to celebrate the ribbon cutting that officially opened their newly-constructed bike park - largely inspired by marathon cyclist and advocate, Don Patterson. For Patterson, it was the fulfillment of a vision he held for some time about contributing to healthy and active lives for Aboriginal youth. Patterson has organized numerous sports events over the years and takes great pleasure in seeing the outcome of his efforts, especially those delightful smiles and lit-up eyes of the children who are the recipients of such a blessing. This particular project fell into place shortly after Patterson returned to Alberta following his recovery from an injury that forced him to cancel a marathon bicycle tour extending all the way from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to the lowest land area in Canada, in southern Ontario. That tour was supposed to occur in July of 2015. Upon his return, he started reconnecting with the Aboriginal community around Edmonton and ran into Mike Gladue from Enoch. Gladue was the individual who did a 'Walk for the Nations' to raise awareness of the plight of residential school students, Patterson explained. During the course of their conversation, Patterson enquired as to what he thought about the idea of developing a bike program and building a track at Enoch. Gladue loved the idea. So did Patsy Steinhauer, their new director for education who responded, "Absolutely, let's make it happen," recalled Patterson. The same reaction was echoed by the kids Patterson visited at Kitaskinaw School on the First Nation. They all raised their hands," when posed with the same question he said. It seemed that anyone he raised the matter with wholeheartedly supported the concept. Patterson found it kind of easy to get the support he needed for the project. After all, he said, "The people there learn about their traditions, their culture and also have a real love for their children." That fact became all the more
apparent when he approached the band council. "I talked to Lana at the chief's office and she said: Well write me up a paragraph so we can do a resolution.” He dropped by the next day to ask how long the process would take and she came back with, "oh the Bike Park organizer Don Patterson, cuts the ribbon, opening Enoch Bike Park as chief already signed off on Kitaskinaw students cheer him on, Sept. 30. it." And, so, the band gave up land about the size of a football field on the north side out there, riding regularly, they can earn their bikes," of the arena which signaled all things were a go. explained Patterson. Any child who becomes a regular The next stage required the physical equipment, things participant in the program could have that opportunity by like dirt for the bike track, and bikes and helmets for the the coming May or June. kids. With that in mind, Patterson got busy bringing in As for the off-season, winter Olympics cross-country outside partners. One was Revolution Cycle in skier Becky Scott "has a wonderful program for Edmonton's west end "who designed this really cool track Indigenous youth in northern Alberta," Patterson with jumps and turns." explained. "So, if we can get some coaching and some When he asked around the reserve about dirt for the equipment, then the kids will be biking from April to track, “the guys at Enoch said: Hey, we've got dirt!” And October; then from November to March, when we have when he also needed clay because dirt alone would be too snow, they can be outside enjoying nature while crosssoft, they said they could help with that as well. country skiing." No sooner did Patterson ask when they could start The programs, he argues, will help the kids "feel better bringing dirt, than they said, "tomorrow." about themselves; they’ll do better in school and be better For the next three weeks, they hauled load after load, at time management." after load for a total of fifty loads which required ongoing Enoch Chief, Billy Morin agrees wholeheartedly. "With shaping and packing. "It's been a great community effort," the new technology, the kids are drawn into TV, he stated. computers, couches and the iPhones," he moaned. Don The other partner they needed was for the bikes and and other supporters, including the band's youth helmets. Through Canadian Tire and their Jump Start department staff "are bringing back that physicality." But Program, he was able to get a commitment from the large the benefits of the program are not just the physical chain. The YMCA helped him draft a proposal and they element he explained, but the "mental, spiritual, and got funded within weeks. Thus, everything fell into place emotional elements” as well. and the Enoch rec centre, he stated, will run the program "Our kids need that balance," he concluded. with kids signing out the bikes and helmets. But that isn’t The kids also want an easily accessible spray park and a all. Far from it. skate pond, noted Chief Morin. Now comes the real Today it's a vision, he expressed matter-of-factly, "but its beauty of the bike going to be a reality." program. "If the kids are
Winter is coming!
Slow down and drive responsibly!
October, 2016
Alberta Native News
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Father Jim Holland honoured with headdress ceremony By Terry Lusty October 2, 2016 will likely be a day that Father Jim Holland, parish priest at the Edmonton-based Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, will never forget. On that date, a Sunday, a special transfer ceremony transpired in which the Oblate priest was gifted with a full eagle feather headdress - one of the most prestigious honours one can receive from Canada's Aboriginal community. This particular ceremony follows on the heels of an earlier one this year by which the beloved priest had a street alongside the church named in his honour. Officiated by Elder Martin EagleChild, a Kainai Elder from the Blood Reserve in southern Alberta, the ceremony was conducted at approximately 1:30 p.m. following the 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday service that is largely attended by numerous Aboriginal people from in-and-around the Edmonton region. On a regular basis, out-of-town Aboriginals also complement those in attendance at Sunday's 11:30 a.m. services. The one special feature that never fails to grab the attention of the church goers is the inclusion of some of the Native religious traditions that occur during the service. However, the Sunday service of October 2nd proved to be extra-special as one hundred or more church-goers made their way after the mass to the church basement for the headdress transfer ceremony. The event began with an explanation of the ceremony and the facilitator, Martin EagleChild, told of his friendship and respect for Fr. Holland ever since the time the two had met and befriended one another some years earlier. EagleChild, who had more than one eagle feather headdress back home had decided some time ago that he would transfer one of his headdresses to someone he considered worthy and most deserving of such a prestigious honour. After some degree of thought, EagleChild chose Fr. Holland to be the recipient. Over the past few months, EagleChild obtained materials and refurbished the headdress. During that period of time a local committee of Elders from Sacred
Heart met and planned for the special ceremony that would honour Fr. Holland, who is revered and respected in the Edmonton community. Once Sunday rolled around, the Elders gathered and set up the chairs, as planned, in the church basement. A large inner circle of 35 - 40 chairs were arranged to accommodate mostly seniors and Elders while the balance of about 50 - 60 more were set up in theatre style. The ceremony was preceded with a brief historical background provided by Paul Vanderham. Father Jim Holland (top) flanked by Canadian Air Force veteran The actual ceremony commenced with John McDonald and Elder Gilman Cardinal and (bottom) with EagleChild seating Fr. Holland just a few feet Elder Martin EagleChild. away, and facing him and four of the church Elders. EagleChild described the high esteem in which Fr. painting his face in preparation for the headdress transfer. Holland is held. He detailed some of his valued That was followed by four tales of bravery that were contributions, especially to the Aboriginal congregation recited, each in one of the four cardinal directions, by and community in and around the Edmonton area for Canadian Air Force veteran, John McDonald who then, better than 20 years. The hundred or so congregants that along with EagleChild, paraded the subject - Fr. Holland had gathered in the room were then informed that the in a clockwise fashion around the inner circle. Holland was then seated again in front of EagleChild priest had come from a Baptist family in North Carolina. He then moved to Canada where he joined the Franciscan where he was formally presented with the headdress amid Order prior to his move to Edmonton where he was later whoops and hollers, as well as trilling from the women present. ordained into the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Elder Gilman Cardinal then bestowed upon Holland the Holland was recognized for often "going above-andbeyond" his regular role and duties as he helped his flock Cree name, 'Napew ka mio tee heet' which, translated into through good and bad times, frequently putting in long English means, 'Man with a Good Heart.' The ceremony concluded with a mini-round dance with hours and end-to-end consecutive days of dedicated service to his faithful. Aside from helping individuals on a the parishioners participating. This was later followed by one-to-one basis and seeing to their spiritual needs, he also an opportunity for people to line up and congratulate Fr. arranged for special church services, weddings, funerals, Holland personally. Thus concluded an honourable, traditional ceremony garage sales, occasional meals for hundreds at a time, visiting the sick and infirm, personally counselling those that many people never get to witness during their time on Mother Earth. For the recipient of the transferred with real-life issues, and so much more. Flanked by the four church Elders, in addition to the headdress - Fr. Jim Holland - it was, indeed, a most special others seated in the inner circle, EagleChild proceeded by occasion that will never be forgotten.
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Alberta Native News
October, 2016
Amiskwaciy Fall Feast honours community and individual achievers by John Copley The new school year is underway and throughout the Capital region, area schools are planning their schedules, setting their goals and creating opportunities to help give students the tools and knowledge they’ll need to move ahead in years to come. Kingsway Avenue-based Amiskwaciy Academy introduced the 2016-17 school year to its community partners and supporters, Elders and others during the school’s annual Fall Feast, an initiative designed to introduce and honour valued members of the community for their participation, sponsorship and support. Each year the Edmonton school honours the many companies, city services, groups and individuals involved with the school and its student body. The school hosts several feasts each year and each one is accompanied by a scrumptious meal prepared by the facility’s kitchen staff. Amiskwaciy Academy’s 2016 Fall Feast took place at the school on Friday, October 7. The initiative, organized and hosted by the Elders, staff, students and volunteers at Amiskwaciy Academy, was another successful venture this year. Numerous schools from across the district were invited to join in as the school celebrated the coming of a new season and this year Amiskwaciy students and staff were joined by peers and colleagues from Ross Shepherd, WP Wagner, Avalon, East Glen and M.E. LaZerte schools. Members of both Edmonton Police Services and the RCMP attended the event; both of these community supporters work with the students at the school and participate in floor hockey and other sports/fitness events. The EPSB was well represented once again this year with several public school members named as recipients of honour blankets, a traditional, Native American-inspired wool Pendleton Blanket, presented as a symbol of appreciation for ongoing commitment and extraordinary effort. Various groups who work with the school, including the Active Aboriginal Seniors Group of Edmonton (AASGE), were also in attendance. When Edmonton senior Lynn Lush and her colleagues formed the not-for-profit group in the spring of 2014 they were looking for an alternative to the already existing Aboriginal senior’s organizations in the Capital Region. The group depends entirely on its own resources and abilities and wanted to help however and whenever the school needed them. “We set our goals and then we go out and achieve them,” said Lush. One of their goals was to participate at
Amiskwaciy Academy and that opportunity came when Principal Fred Hines asked them to participate at the school on a weekly or Amiskwaciy Academy Elders Francis Whiskeyjack, Don Langford and Jeanette bi-monthly basis. Lean with Honour Blanket recipient Robert Wiznura, a Professor at Grant MacEwan “This was the first University. school for us,” smiled Lush. “We are now also working in five other schools; it’s been a very rewarding experience for every member of our group. And I hope for the students as well.” After prayers by Elder Francis Whiskeyjack and some upbeat music delivered via the drums and rattles of the Amiskwaciy Drummers and the voices of Elder Whiskeyjack and Amiskwaciy Drummers provided early entertainment for guests during the Academy teacher Terrace school’s 2016 annual Fall Feast. Mah, EPSB School Board Trustee Ray Martin took the mic and spoke about the committed teaching staff that help to create an holistic importance of the feast and the uniqueness of the school. learning environment. These values also reflect those of “I am very pleased to be here today on behalf of the Edmonton Public Schools as we work together to Edmonton Public School Board Trustees and to have the transform the learners of today into the leaders opportunity today to be a part of the school’s annual Fall of tomorrow. Today’s feast is a ceremony, rooted in strong, Feast,” he began. “It is a time to be thankful and to rich traditions of the past, but it is also a celebration of the celebrate the beginning of a new season, even though future and the potential of new life and opportunity to winter isn’t something that everyone enjoys. It gives me come. I am so pleased and honoured that you have invited great pleasure to see so many of you here today - members me to join you today to give thanks and to help you of the community, students, Elders, and community celebrate; it is truly a pleasure.” Principal Hines took to the podium and told the partners. It is also very pleasing to see so many other schools throughout our district participating here today. gathering of about 250 onlookers that the school wanted to This is a wonderful opportunity for students and “recognize several individuals today. It is important to us community to not only gather together to celebrate the to give back to the community and our community changing of seasons but also to learn more about First supporters who work with us to help ensure that our Nations, Métis and Inuit culture. Amiskwaciy Academy is students are successful. The awesome community support a unique place that brings together Cree language, culture that we receive is really unique and very much and knowledge in a positive and quality educational appreciated. The support we get from Edmonton Public setting. Today’s gathering recognizes how we are all Schools is important and it goes a long way to ensuring the connected; Amiskwaciy’s teaching styles and learning success of our students. This afternoon we’d like to begin opportunities reflect this connection through the Continued on page 11 involvement of Elders, community partners, family and a
October, 2016
Alberta Native News
Amiskwaciy
cont. from p 10
by calling the Elders and Superintendent Darrel Robertson to join us on stage.” The first two Pendleton blanket recipients, explained Hines, “are individuals within our school division who have been very instrumental in ensuring that our students arrive on time here at the school in a safe manner. This past year we brought back our Grade 7 and 8 Junior High students. The transportation via yellow busing has been very successful; the people in transportation have worked long and hard to ensure that busing has been available to Amiskwaciy Academy - yellow busing North of the river, free to our parents and our students." He called on Elders Whiskeyjack, Langford and Lean to join with Superintendent Robertson and together they presented the Pendleton (Raven) Blankets to Chris Wright, Director of Infrastructure (EPSB) and Fraser Methuen, Manager of the EPSB Distribution Centre. “During the 2015-16 school year,” stated Hines, “we developed a unique partnership with MacEwan University. They worked with us and together we were able to establish a dual credit program for our Aboriginal Studies class here at Amiskwaciy. Last year we had 18 students complete the course. A professor from MacEwan University came here and taught our students for 29 hours. The students thoroughly enjoyed the course; our students visited the university and became familiar with it. Each student received a high school credit plus the course was accepted as an option course at MacEwan should they choose to utilize the university for their post-secondary studies.” The time spent developing the initiative and the hours the professor spent teaching the students came at no charge. “Today,” said Hines, “we take a moment to honour Professor Robert Wiznura and MacEwan University for the great job they did, for their time and consideration and for working and caring about the students here at Amiskwaciy Academy.”
Aboriginal firefighters
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Elders Whiskeyjack, Langford and Lean presented the Honour Blanket to Professor Wiznura. The third and final recognition observed during the Fall Feast saw Elders Whiskeyjack and Langford present a Pendleton Blanket to Todd Burnstad, the Director of Financial Services for the EPSB. EPSB Superintendent Darrel Robertson and Amiskwaciy Elder Jeanette Lean “It takes a lot of people present Honour Blankets to Chris Wright, Director of Infrastructure (EPSB) and behind the scenes to Fraser Methuen, Manager of the EPSB Distribution Centre. support the principals and the school administration,” noted Hines, “ensuring that our budgets are in place and our students are all taken care of. The Edmonton Public Schools financial department is supportive and very understanding to our students and our school and we appreciate the work they do.” Over the past several years Amiskwaciy Academy has developed Elders Francis Whiskeyjack and Donald Langford with Honour Blanket recipient partnerships with postTodd Burnstad, the Director of Financial Services for the EPSB. secondary institutions and the private sector to prepare students for entrance into post-secondary provide both articulated transitions for students after grade programs. While we recognize that not all students may 12, and work-based learning opportunities. choose to attend a college or university, we believe that our “The first priority of the Academy,” emphasized students should be able to make the decision from a Principal Hines, “is to provide a learning environment that position of strength.” is both safe and academically challenging. Our aim is to cont. from p 5
from afar or from the person working next to you. These were truly great individuals to have at your side on a fire this size. I was very fortunate to have worked with, as well as learned from, these incredible people.” When his crew arrived on the fire line the hot weather and the blowing wind forced them to cut down a number of trees that were already on fire and threatening to fall over. “The fire behaviour was erratic,” explained Cardinal, “and we really had to keep our wits about us. Trees were burning and swaying and falling over throughout the forested area we were working. The work we did was actually quite routine; it is important to cut burning trees because when they uproot it can be extremely dangerous.” Cardinal remained in the fire-laden district until the fires had been quelled. He said his experience and the knowledge he gained at the Hinton Training Centre, along with the unity and closeness of his work crew, helped them to finish the tasks they’d been assigned without accident or major injury. “Allow me to say that I had one of the best times of my life at the Hinton Training Centre. Forty-one strangers coming together for ten days seemed intimidating to me, but the instructors and mentors pushed and encouraged us every day. The instructors and mentors were unbelievably knowledgeable, as well as hilarious and stern in their push for us to be professional and become a team. ‘Be prepared or be tough,’ is what we would hear every once in a while. I’m sure there were a few that could relate to me for I was not prepared to be up for 6 a.m. fitness every morning. Again, the mentors and instructors pushed us through the tough times, and as we started to come together as a group, we
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would push each other more and more each day. I never would have thought one could come away with such feelings of gratitude for meeting such amazing individuals. We were quite a diverse group – people from the east coast to people from out of country, people who were engineers or in the process of finishing their degrees. There were people from all walks of life - coming together. I was happy to be there; I was happy to help.” To learn more about Aboriginal Firefighters and the 50th anniversary of their Fire Fighter Training visit albertaforesthistory.ca, and check out p. 55 of the February 2016 edition of their newsletter Trails and Tales.
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Alberta Native News Book Review
Firewater: How alcohol is killing my people (and yours) Written by Harold R. Johnson Published by: University of Regina Press isbn: 97808897744377 Review by John Copley Harold R. Johnson is a lawyer, a crown prosecutor, and an author. His latest book, Firewater: How Alcohol is Killing My People (and Yours) is a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s a script that had to be written and though it is a very good read, it deals primarily with bad decisions and the ugly consequences that come with them. It is a book about alcohol and the havoc it wreaks. “This wasn’t a book I wanted to write,” he admits, but instead “a book I had to write because nobody else was talking about it. I firmly believe if we don't talk about it, if we don't bring it out in the open, it's never going to solve itself.” Alcohol and the devastating impact that it has had on Indigenous peoples across the America’s isn’t a topic that most people would understand, but it is one that everyone knows about. In fact, alcohol is synonymous with almost every racist comment, bad joke, stereotypical myth and the ongoing marginalization that every First Nation, Metis, Inuit and Native American person faces today. Firewater, notes Johnson in his book, “was written for my own people, the Woodland Cree. I have no right to speak to anyone else. But if you hear my words and these words help you, then take them and use them in a good way. If you cannot use them in a good way, then leave them here. In our tradition a person does not speak, does not interfere until he or she has been asked. We are not preachers; we do not proselytize. We do not take medicine to sick people and tell them: here drink this. It will make you better.” Johnson’s father died when he was just eight years old. His brother was killed by a drunk driver. After his father’s passing the world changed for him. He was a victim of bullying, sexual abuse, degradation and more, but in his book he makes it clear that he is not a victim, but instead a product of his environment, an environment created through the poor judgment of others and the ongoing neglect of a problem that began when the first settlers arrived and included alcohol in their trade negotiations. Firewater has been nominated for a Governor General’s Literary Award and it is very deserving of the accolade. This is a highly compelling book that took courage and commitment to write. “Thirteen months after I sat down to write it,” he notes, “I had a copy in my hand.” His immediate thoughts raced back to the time when he
was contemplating writing the book and he asked himself the same questions as he had then: What have you done? What have you opened up?” The answer to that, fellow readers, is simple. He’s opened up a can of worms that no-one has had the courage to open before, at least not in the same honest, realistic and soul-searching way. His frank and open discussion is written in layman’s terms, thus making this a book that everyone can read and understand. He doesn’t preach, he doesn’t offer advice, he doesn’t lay blame for the ongoing problems that exist in society today. He simply wants his readers and everyone else to embrace a subject that for too long has been taboo. Changes are possible, Johnson emphasizes throughout his manuscript, admitting that though colonization, marginalization and the lasting effects of residential school trauma help to explain why alcohol has become a burdensome problem, they cannot be used to avoid the inevitable - finding a solution. “If we allow ourselves to believe the victim story and we live by it, we become victims, and victims can never fix their own situations,” he wrote. Some have referred to Firewater as “a passionate call to action” and in my opinion that is an absolutely true statement. Yes, scholars and front line workers and medical communities and even government can take lessons from Johnson’s book, but it is the individual readers who have experienced or are currently experiencing problems with alcohol, that have the power to make a difference. Of course, every company, community, agency or centre that works with Indigenous people should have this book available; it is a great learning tool and one that can and will make a difference in the lives of those who read it. Firewater is a must read, not because Johnson’s authored five other books, but because if he hadn’t survived and overcome the ordeals he’d faced as a youth and young adult, it would never have been written. Firewater embraces a variety of subject matter but none of it has much to do with most of the author's life experiences. Before he changed course and ventured into education and finally university (he’s a graduate of the prestigious Harvard Law School) Johnson had been logger, miner, firefighter, factory worker and tree planter. He always realized that alcohol was a major destroyer of Indigenous peoples, but it wasn’t until he’d earned an education that he was able to construct this manuscript. Johnson is believable; his work reflects an honesty seldom seen and rarely heard. He offers palatable alternatives and spreads no blame; he acknowledges that a growing number of Aboriginal people do not drink alcohol. “The alcohol story,” he notes, “has been repeated so many times, we have thought about it in the same way so many times, that now for many of us it seems natural, normal and even necessary. How many times have you heard the question - will we ever get rid of alcohol? It has become such a powerful story that many cannot imagine
October, 2016
a world without it. Yet, a recent study has shown that 35 percent of Aboriginal people in Canada are completely abstinent. One out of three Aboriginal people does not use alcohol at all. When we think about alcohol we can think in new ways. We can think about those of us who walk in a sober way, people who create their own paths and have freed their minds from the alcohol story.” Harold Johnson has been a crown prosecutor for eight years, and a defence counsellor before that, practicing criminal law. “I never saw any criminals,” he assures, “just people who got drunk and did stupid things, up to and including committing atrocities. So I started writing the book and it took off from there. It had a life of its own. The writing just flowed out. It was effortless. When I got past the fear and sat down, it just poured out of me. I wanted to have a conversation with my brother. When I wrote it, the language in there is deliberate. There are no academic words because my brother wasn't an academic and I wanted to write to him in a language that he would understand.” Firewater: How Alcohol is Killing My People (and Yours) is a book that we can all understand. If that understanding comes full circle to those who read it, then Harold Johnson has accomplished more than he could have ever hoped for.
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October, 2016
Alberta Native News
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Walking the walk on truth and reconciliation By Bridget Stirling, University of Alberta "Education is what got us into this mess, but education is the key to reconciliation.” Those words by Senator Murray Sinclair, who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, were spoken at the inaugural Building Reconciliation Forum in 2015. But their echo could be felt among the university leaders, students, faculty members and community representatives from across Canada who gathered at the University of Alberta on September 28-29 to talk about what comes next for acting on the commission’s recommendations. As anthropology professor and Métis scholar Kisha Supernant notes, the U of A has a complicated relationship with Indigenous people. Built on a Métis river lot just 30 years after Treaty 6 was signed, the university has often uplifted itself on the land, bodies and knowledge of Indigenous people. “Our response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action must go deeper than mandatory Indigenous content, territorial acknowledgments or increasing the number of Indigenous students and scholars,” Supernant said. “Non-Indigenous and Indigenous scholars need to work together to dismantle the structures of the academy that give supremacy to western ways of knowing in order to create institutions that value Indigenous knowledges and are deeply connected to the histories of the lands and territories on which they stand." Kelsey Dokis-Jansen, Indigenous initiatives manager and an alumna of the U of A, says this history is at the heart of how the university must move forward as an institution. Dokis-Jansen, who is Anishinaabe from the Dokis First Nation in northern Ontario, said that means “examining the structures and narratives about ourselves as post-
Slow start
cont. from p 4
Commission to live up to the family members’ high expectations. Funded by Status of Women Canada (SWC), Sisters In Spirit (SIS) is a research, education and policy initiative driven and led by Canadian Aboriginal women. The primary goal is to conduct research and raise awareness of the alarmingly high rates of violence against Aboriginal women and girls in Canada. The first phase of the SIS initiative, which began in 2005, conducted ongoing research that gathered statistical information on violence against Aboriginal women. The research team developed a sophisticated database that included more than 200 variables. SIS research proved that there are more than 582 missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Canada “We continue to update our database as well as track new cases every week,” noted Joe. “With this information, SIS investigated the root causes of violence against our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties and grandmother. The SIS team worked closely with families to ensure that their
secondary institutions and acknowledging the role that universities have played in perpetuating what Wab Kinew calls the ‘myth of cultural superiority.’” She added, “This myth, grounded Chief Wallace Fox of the Onion Lake First Nation speaking at the 2016 Building in western thinking about Reconciliation Forum at the University of Alberta last month. Indigenous peoples, stretches (Photo by Ellis Brothers Photography, Reprinted from University of Alberta) back to the early years of colonial thought with concepts such as the Doctrine of series of events this year centred on the theme of “Responsible Relations.” A new open online course from Discovery and Terra Nullius.” Chris Andersen, dean of the Faculty of Native Studies, the Faculty of Native Studies will launch in January, commented during the forum that “Canada’s colonial allowing people around the world to learn the history and history is only important because it set up Canada’s current context of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations in Canada. These efforts supplement institutional colonial present.” Andersen, whose academic work delves deeply into the work such as building new spaces for learning and history and identity of Métis people, believes that the work understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous of reconciliation must be grounded in our past, but that the members of the university community. One of the most powerful moments at the forum was the forum marks a turning point to look forward to our next passing on of a walking stick that was created by Chief steps. “In a very important sense - perhaps the most important Wallace Fox of Onion Lake First Nation for the first sense - it should signal a beginning of the hard work to Building Reconciliation Forum at the University of come, as much as it signals the end of the hard work we Saskatchewan last year. This symbol of reconciliation was passed on by U of S Chancellor Blaine Favel and will have already undertaken,” said Andersen. The university is already undertaking many of these remain at the U of A over the next year. “At the forum, last year's host, the University of steps toward reconciliation, but this event marks another point along the path. Across campus, faculty initiatives are Saskatchewan, presented the U of A with a walking stick, supporting this work. In the Faculty of Education, all new which represents the fact that although we come from teachers are being equipped with the tools to teach different paths, we are now walking the path of Indigenous content and support Indigenous students. The reconciliation together,” U of A President David Turpin Department of English and Film Studies has launched a Continued on page 15 experiences as well as recommendations were well documented and, above all else, focused on restoring the memory of their loved one.” The scope and breadth of this work was published along with heartfelt life stories of the women in NWAC’s “Voices of Our Sisters in Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities” 2nd edition (March 2009). SIS shares NWAC’s objective to educate and ensure effective access to justice for families of missing Aboriginal women through awareness of police training and resources to deal with reports of all missing Aboriginal women without discrimination. More than 200 Sisters in Spirit marches and vigils took place across the country this month. Calgary held its vigil on October 1; Edmonton on October 4. A march and an art installation project helped to mark the 13th annual Sisters in Spirit/Stolen Sisters vigil in Calgary this year. “I’m proud and I’m thankful that all these supporters have joined us today,” said Calgary-based Aiyana Leonard la Couvee, who along with sister Kaiya, organized the art project. “This has been the largest (turnout) we’ve ever seen.”
Calgary SIS vigil organizer and executive director at the Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, Josie Nepinak said that the national inquiry “will enable us to move forward. Many families will receive some justice. We will have some answers, possibly some leads and some closure.” Edmonton’s Sisters In Spirit walk was organized by the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and the Stolen Sisters and Brothers Awareness Movement. The October 4 event featured speakers, musicians, prayer and traditional drumming.
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Alberta Native News
BBMA Gala
cont. from p 7
new recipients this year. Scotiabank was the Sash Ceremony presenting sponsor and once again presented several iPad giveaways to the 2016 sash recipients. Dr. Herb Belcourt spoke about the importance of family helping family; he acknowledged the sponsors, donors, volunteers, former award recipients and scholars who’ve gone on to enjoy successful careers, noting that “today we are seeing the children of our alumni beginning their educational journeys, and we will be here for you.” Entertainment, noted Majeran, was a prominent highlight this year. “We expanded on the successful dance piece we put together for the 2015 celebration,” she explained. “It was an extension of the ‘Telling the Story of the Métis.’ It was a production created by Sarah Pocklington and it included a video trailer showcasing each dance, from the First Nations Chicken Dance, to a Scottish bagpiper with the Highland dancer, a French step dancer and last but not least, the Métis Jig. The grand finale was performed live on stage, with everyone dancing together in unison; this production was partially funded by an Alberta Arts Foundations grant to produce a cultural video.” BBMA alumna, Laura Caden, was an award recipient in 2008 while attending the University of Alberta. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a Specialization in Environmental Earth Science in 2010. “When I was notified that I’d been selected as a BBMA award recipient, I was thrilled,” she remembered. “The award helped me financially and it strengthened my cultural connection with the Métis community. I have
been the Environmental Lead at Burns & McDonnell Canada since 2014. This position has been the most challenging, yet rewarding endeavour of my professional career …. and I’m not just saying that because my boss is in the audience.” When the laugher faded, she added: “Each one of our recipients here today has a story to share. Stories that inspire and demonstrate everyone has had obstacles that test their adversity and drive to achieve their goals. When I think about my success, the one word to describe it would be resiliency. To be resilient means that one must overcome obstacles and hurdles in this nonlinear path of life. My transition from high school to college was not seamless. In fact, there were many obstacles in my way. These included financial and personal
October, 2016
Representatives from ScotiaBank pose with the evening's iPad Draw winners at the BBMA 15th Anniversary Gala.
BBMA Founders: Dr. Herb Belcourt. Orval Belcourt, and Georges Brosseau Q.C.
hardships, but I always had to keep the end goal in mind. One piece of advice my parents gave me, was that no matter what, no one could take my education away. I was determined to succeed.” Caden spoke about the various jobs she’d had since turning 12 years of age, likening them to a medley of experiences that allowed her the insight and opportunity to move ahead by achieving her educational goals. Everyone, she noted has to start somewhere; no one is handed the career job of choice. It's something you have to work for.” “Even the most seasoned professionals, bosses, and executives had to work their way into their careers,” she stressed. “For our leaders in the room, I encourage you to share your first seven jobs with
your employees. Take the opportunity to make yourself more relatable to junior staff entering the work force. As we journey through the first seven jobs and beyond, we are developing the 21st century skills that employers are looking for. “To the recipients in this room today, I say - you have been given an opportunity. I want you to think about one of the most meaningful contributions you can make right now while in school - and remember, I know what it’s like to be a broke student living off Kraft Dinner and searching out every free lunch event on campus. It’s not going to be your financial contributions that win your future - it’s going to be the time you spend, the connections you make volunteering and participating, the friendships you make, and the doors your experiences will open during your career. “Be passionate, be persistent and try to make a positive difference, not just in your own life, but in the lives of others as well.” Majeran wrapped up the evening by thanking “the large and ever growing group of dedicated volunteers, including students, parents and family and community members. Without your support celebrations like this one would not be graced with so much passion.” Theresa Majeran is available to visit your community, organization or school to talk about the awards and she welcomes inquiries about contributions from companies and individuals who would like to get involved in helping to improve the lives and the opportunities of Métis students. You can contact her by calling 780-977-5515 or by sending her an email to: communications@bbma.ca.
October, 2016
Alberta Native News
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NorQuest College hosts Welcome Back event by Terry Lusty For the third consecutive year, the Aboriginal Relations Office at NorQuest College in downtown Edmonton conducted a Welcome Back Students Day, complete with Elder's prayers, ceremony, dancing, drumming, speakers and a feast. As in previous years, the annual event was conducted in the main foyer of the college on Friday, September 30 with Alexander First Nation Elder Tony Arcand starting things off with an opening prayer in addition to a special blessing of the food prepared for the day's feast. The feast was open to anyone who wished to join the gathering whether they were staff, students or visitors who happened to be on hand for the occasion. Making an appearance as well was special guest Edmonton Centre MLA, David Shepherd. Excited and enthused to be a part of the celebration, Shepherd commended the college for its ongoing programs and its support for the Aboriginal community. The college, he said, plays an important role for individuals pursuing career goals and/or higher education. Shepherd also made mention of the large new building being constructed on the north side of the existing main college campus building. He further noted that the expansion of the college "recognizes the commitment NorQuest has to the trades and industry." Its award winning Alberta Aboriginal Construction Careers Centre is creating new opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in construction-related careers. The college's success and impact on communities is "a great example of what our province can really be," he remarked. Roberta Bear, the Manager of Aboriginal Relations at NorQuest, informed those in attendance that the Aboriginal staff members and mentors are available to assist any and all Aboriginal students. The RBC (Royal Bank Canada) Aboriginal Mentorship Program on campus is a most welcome element that extends a helping hand through its generous financial contributions every year. Thanks to the RBC input, the program is able to employ Aboriginal liaisons who advise and assist the students in a number of ways to help facilitate their educational process as well as help with any
Walking the walk
personal problems they may encounter on the home front. New students are always encouraged to take advantage of the support services that are offered. And the liaisons are an important addition as they contribute to a First Nation dancers and people from the audience dance together at the warm and welcoming conclusion of NorQuest Welcome Back event. atmosphere for the Aboriginal students. This support system also includes culturally-related activities such as talking circles, smudge ceremonies, craft-making and round dances which further enhance the atmosphere for the students. Speaking of culture, no celebration is complete without a feast and that is precisely what organizers provided as part of the day's happenings. To add to the day's festivities, and with A delicious feast of stew, bannock berries and tea wrapped up the Welcome Back drummers in place, there Student event at NorQuest College on Sept. 25. were demonstration dances performed in such categories as jingle dance, fancy shawl selves as was evidenced in their smiles, laughter and highspirited dance routines. dance, chicken dance, and the big bustle fancy dance. In wrapping up the events of the day, a sumptuous feast For the onlookers, many of them being new Canadians of delicious stew, berries, tea and bannock were gladly who had never seen such performances, the traditional devoured by all those in attendance, which included a First Nation regalia, songs and dance movements were a good number of students who happened to be in and first hand experience in Aboriginal awareness. around the foyer area at that particular time. Towards the conclusion of the dance demonstrations, students and the public-at-large were invited to join in on the fun and a number of them not only obliged, but thoroughly enjoyed them-
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explained. “As president, I look forward to working with the full university community to continue in this vital process of change before handing the walking stick on to the University of Manitoba at next year’s forum.” Dokis-Jansen expressed her hope as the forum drew to a close. “I am very encouraged by the conversations that are coming out of the forum. Although it will be a long road, I believe we are getting on the right track." This article was reprinted from ualberta.ca.
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Alberta Native News
October, 2016