Volume 35 Number 11 November, 2018
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Alberta Native News
November, 2018
Six Indigenous artists to be featured at AGA: Dec. 1 to March 24, 2019 The Art Gallery of Alberta presents the third in a series of four exhibitions featuring works by six contemporary Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Metis artists, newly acquired for the AGA’s collection. StretchMark opens at the Art Gallery of Alberta on December 1 and continues until March 24, 2019. The exhibit explores tension resulting from moments of rapid growth or change, like stretchmarks. These marks, in the artistic sense, are physical manifestations which honour the difficulty of these processes. StretchMark: A New Chapter Acquisition Project is curated by Franchesca Hebert-Spence, AGA Adjunct Curator of Indigenous Art, and supported by a New Chapter grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. This initiative ensures that works by significant contemporary artists are shared and maintained for the future. The exhibit is organized by AGA, located in downtown Edmonton at #2 Sir Winston Churchill Square and it is presented by TD. The following artists are featured in StretchMark: KC Adams graduated from Concordia University in 1998 with a B.F.A. and has had numerous solo exhibitions, group exhibitions and several Biennales over the course of twenty years. She has participated in residencies around the world and received several grants and awards from Winnipeg Arts Council, Manitoba Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. Adams has been an arts educator since 2001 and is currently teaching at Brandon University. Twenty of her Cyborg Hybrid photographs are in the permanent collection of the National Art Gallery in Ottawa and her installation Birch Bark Ltd is in the collection of the Canadian Consulate of Australia, NSW. Lori Blondeau is an interdisciplinary artist working primarily in performance and photography. She is Cree/Saulteaux/Métis from Saskatchewan and holds an MFA from the University of Saskatchewan. In addition to her extensive exhibition history, Blondeau is co-founder of the Indigenous artist collective, TRIBE, and has sat on the Advisory Panel for Visual Arts for the Canada Council for the Arts. Blondeau has exhibited and performed nationally and internationally. In 2007, Blondeau was part of the
Requickening project with artist Shelly Niro at the Venice Biennale. She recently had a solo exhibition at Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery, Winnipeg and was part of the Scotia Bank Contact Festival in Toronto. Her art is held in both public galleries and private collections. Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal is a multi-media artist, community activist, oskâpêwis, storyteller and life-long learner. Born and raised in Lloydminster, she now lives in Calgary and traces her ancestral roots to Saddle Lake Cree Nation. Since graduating from the Alberta College of Art + Design in 2015, she attended Culture Camp at Blue Quills First Nations University, participated in Emily Carr University of Art + Design’s Urban Access to Aboriginal Art Program, was awarded the BMO 1st Art National Award and has attended the Indigenous Visual + Digital Arts Residency 2016 in Banff, Alberta. Tio'tia:ke - Moonyang, (Dayna Danger) is 2Spirit, Métis, of Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) – Polish descent with a BFA, MFA. Through utilizing the processes of photography, sculpture, performance and video, Danger creates works and environments that question the line between empowerment and objectification, by claiming the space with her larger than life works. Ongoing works exploring BDSM and beaded leather fetish masks address the complicated dynamics of sexuality, gender and power in a consensual and feminist manner. Danger has exhibited her work nationally and internationally and has been the recipient of various grants, awards and honours, as well as participated in residencies at the Banff Centre for the Arts and at Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art. Danger currently serves as a board member of the Aboriginal Curatorial Collective (ACC/CCA) and is an Artist in Residence through Initiative for Indigenous Futures at AbTeC. Dean Drever is a member of the Haida First Nation. He was born in Edmonton and studied sculpture at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary. His work has been shown nationally and internationally. Recent exhibitions include Villa Toronto at Union Station in Toronto, Everything’s Going To Be OK Again Soon - a survey show of Drever’s work from 1998 to present, curated by Robert Enright at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, and Fiction/Non-Fiction - a group show curated by Naomi Potter, Wayne Baerwaldt, and Steve Loft at the Esker Foundation in Calgary and “MKG127” at 57w57 in New York City. Drever is currently working on three large public art commissions to be installed in 2018, and a book project with American novelist Barry Gifford. Skeena Reece is a Tsimshian/Gitksan and Cree artist based on the West Coast of British
Art by Skeena Reece, part of the StretchMark exhibit at AGA. (Photo by Rochelle Ball, AGA)
Columbia. She has garnered national and international attention most notably for Raven: On the Colonial Fleet (2010) her bold installation and performance work presented as part of the celebrated group exhibition Beat Nation. Her practice includes performance art, spoken word, humor, “sacred clowning,” writing, singing, songwriting, video and visual art. She studied media arts at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and was the recipient of the British Columbia award for Excellence in the Arts (2012) and The Viva Award (2014). For her work on the award winning film, Savage (2010) by Lisa Jackson, Reece won a Leo Award for best actress. She participated in the 17th Sydney Biennale, Australia. Recent exhibitions include, The Sacred Clown & Other Strangers (2015) a solo exhibition of her performance costumes and documentation at Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art, Winnipeg and solo show Moss at Oboro Gallery, Montreal (2017). As well an iteration of Sweetgrass and Honey/Moss traveled to the Comox Valley Art Gallery as Touch Me solo show in 2018. Curator Franchesca Hebert-Spence is an MFA candidate at the University of Winnipeg, in the Masters of Arts in Cultural Studies stream with a BFA in ceramics from Ishkabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg, Brandon University Visual and Aboriginal Arts program. Her research focuses on identity both as an Indigenous woman as well as a feminist. Hebert-Spence began her art journey as a maker which has created an empathetic lens within her curatorial praxis. Kinship is a common theme within her projects and those responsibilities direct the engagement she maintains within her community. Celebrating its prominent location in the heart of the Arts District in downtown Edmonton, the AGA connects the Gallery and the community, welcoming visitors to experience art first hand. It is a world-class centre for the presentation of regional, national and international art, education and scholarship. The 85,000 sq. foot building, which opened in 2010, is itself a work of art that solidifies Alberta’s Capital as a world-class city. For information visit youraga.ca
November, 2018
Alberta Native News
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Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre opens in Edmonton by John Copley October 26, marked the official Grand Opening of the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC), a unique tripartite undertaking that unites First Nations in Treaties 6, 7 and 8 who are working together to “collectively create an educational environment that will keep Indigenous cultures vibrant and strong.” The centre is located at 11710 Kingsway Avenue in Edmonton. IKWC opened its doors last year and is currently operating a Virtual Library that is accessible to Indigenous students and educators in First Nations’ schools throughout the three treaty regions. The virtual library is for Band operated schools and offers learning resources, Indigenous educational information, curriculum and resource information, programs and research that reflect the cultural values and beliefs of First Nation schools. As progress is made, the collection of available materials will continue to grow, particularly as interviews with Elders, community leaders, business professionals and others influential in the education of youth make their way onto the website. Audio and video formats will be utilized; the website’s library will store and share historical and archival information that will include tools for teachers and students. Knowledge regarding traditional ceremonies and languages will be available on the site, as will tools for teaching students. Resources will also be made available for teachers who will be teaching the five basic languages (Cree, Blackfoot, Sioux, Saulteaux and Dene) spoken in Treaties 6, 7 and 8 territories. During the official Grand Opening of the Centre, IKWC CEO Clayton Kootenay noted that “education is the silver bullet in the hunt for transformational change and the advancement of our nations. It is the secret weapon against colonization, marginalization, and poverty. Fundamental to First Nations’ education is the preservation and revitalization of our languages and culture.” The IKWC Virtual Library offers multiple learning
paths and a wide range of options in the pursuit of knowledge and has been designed to assist students with their studies in a online supportive environment. The initiative is another The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought an end to the official opening of the precedent-setting move by Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre in Edmonton. Alberta First Nations determined to strengthen their communities and cultures through education and material, which is being curated by Indigenous educators language retention. Log onto the website and research staff, will utilize various tools, including at www.ikwc.org to learn more about the organization, its video, photos, audio books, film and more. Alberta’s Firstmandate, mission and vision. Parents, educators and Nations operated schools will soon be the first in the administrators who are registered and logged into the province to receive resources and support from KIWC to organization’s website will find a variety of educational help facilitate the preservation and revitalization of enhancement information by clicking on the Virtual Indigenous culture and tribal languages. Former Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weaselhead emceed Library icon. There you will find four options: Grades Kthe event and in his opening remarks spoke briefly about 3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. “key people in the room, who were among the first to the IKWC Director of Research and Innovation, James talk about this notion of building an organization that Knibb-Lamouche noted in an interview that “we are not would provide a hub of information - not only for our yet live with the ‘public’ section of the Virtual Library. We but for our communities, our young people at large Elders, are focusing on the students and educators in Band and also” for the general public. Operated K to 12 Schools right now, then parents and “IKWC,” explained Weaselhead, “will provide an administrators. These areas will require sign-in as it relates to our cultures and languages, and education, information for our target audiences. Once more we hope this whole concept will also be heard throughout information is developed, we will also be providing Alberta; this will allow people to have a better content on the ‘public’ section” in the IKWC website.” understanding of who we are in Treaties 6, 7 and 8.” Land, language, history and culture are the main themes After an opening prayer by Maskwacis Elder Marvin of focus with emphasis on digital story-telling in the Yellowchild, Weaselhead took the podium, introduced higher grades, while the K-3 includes friends, animals and early training with abc’s and 123’s. The Grades 4-6 icon participating Chiefs and IKWC administration and staff to focuses on the four main themes and adds information on the gathering and talked about the organization and how it such things as friends and traditions, traditional skills, Continued on page 5 Indigenous knowledge and science and storytelling. The
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Alberta Native News
November, 2018
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Improving child welfare care (ANNews) - On October 21, 2018, the Provincial Government introduced Bill 22: An Act for Strong Families Building Stronger Communities in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, which would significantly alter First Nations child welfare care offreserve within the province. Although Assembly of First Nations Alberta Regional Chief Marlene Poitras thinks it is a step in the right direction, she would like to see legislation that impacts First Nation families, co-developed with First Nations. “I acknowledge the provincial government’s commitment to putting First Nations families first in a system that has consistently failed our children,” stated the Regional Chief. Over 71% of children in care in Alberta are Indigenous. “This startling statistic and the overrepresentation of First Nations children in care is an ongoing crisis that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. The Government of Alberta is listening to these concerns and is acting,” noted Regional Chief Poitras. Indigenous communities currently have no formal role in court processes. Under the proposed legislation, First Nations would be automatically notified about all private guardianship applications involving children who are members or believed to be from a particular First Nation. The new legislation would also close a legislative gap that allows private guardianship applications for children in care under the Family Law Act, without requiring a mandatory home study and cultural connection plan as stipulated in the Child and Youth Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA). “This proposed legislation is a step in the right direction, though I would call on the provincial government to include First Nations leadership every step of the way when it comes to decision making that impacts our children,” stated Regional Chief Poitras. “Co-development of the legislation should have been on the table in this process and I am anxious to see what subsequent phases hold for direct involvement of our Chiefs and leadership.” Other key features of the legislation support the wellbeing of children by ensuring continuity of financial supports and making culture and safety central to all decision-making. When a private guardian dies or is unable to continue in their role, children currently lose funding that helps pay for counselling, respite care, transportation and other important services. Under the new bill, those financial supports would follow the child, not be tied to the guardian. “This is the first time First Nations will see the bill in its
entirety and we will need to take the time to review all aspects of this legislation and how it could impact our rights,” concluded Chief Poitras. “I have always said that reform of the child welfare system needs to be First Nations-led and it needs to respect First Nations jurisdiction over First Nations children.” If passed, An Act for Strong Families Building Stronger Communities would fulfil one of 16 immediate actions set out in A Stronger, Safer Tomorrow, Alberta’s fouryear public action plan to improve the child intervention system. The action plan focuses particular attention on the safety of the more than 6,000 Indigenous children and youth receiving intervention services from the province. “For too long, governments have not only failed to put families first, but failed to work closely with Indigenous communities,” stated Alberta Minister of Children’s Services Danielle Larivee. “This new bill would make practical, overdue changes that clarify necessary steps to keep children safe, supported and connected to their community so they can grow into healthy, thriving adults.” The new legislation would also close a legislative gap that allows private guardianship applications for children in care under the Family Law Act, without requiring a mandatory home study and cultural connection plan as stipulated in the Child and Youth Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA). “When Indigenous children are adopted without consideration of culture or placed into guardianship without notice, trust in the system is undermined,” explained Tyler White, CEO Siksika Health. “These changes not only reflect the work of the ministerial panel, they show that the Alberta government is finally listening.” In addition, the legislation clarifies court and caseworker criteria for making decisions in the best interest of the child. Culture is currently listed as one of 16 ‘matters to be considered.’ The new legislation creates a single, clear version of 13 interconnected considerations, with culture being a central theme. “Every day, Bent Arrow’s frontline staff help Indigenous children and families walk in two worlds,” stated Patti Brady, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society’s Deputy Executive Director. “For children receiving intervention services, traditional teachings and cultural connections are a lifeline that sustains them. We’re proud to partner with this government as it moves culture to the heart of decision-making and strengthens Continued on page 6
November, 2018
Alberta Native News
Wisdom Centre
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came to be. “The concept of IKWC is not a new idea as it was borrowed from Citizens Plus in June 1970,” he noted. “This concept was called the ‘Alberta Indian Education Centre’ (AIEC) and was designed to promote studies of Indian history, culture, language and values. Several years later the concept started to become a reality and in 2013 the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs passed a resolution in support of IKWC and in 2017 opened its doors and began operations. The need for a First Nations owned and operated Indigenous organization that focuses on a culturally appropriate educational environment for First Nation band-operated schools that supports lifelong learning is evident. The utilization of our culture, our knowledge and our languages as a foundation for the education of our children is paramount.” IKWC Board member Robbie Moosewah is a council member with the Saddle Lake First Nation (SLFN). He spoke as the proxy for SLFN Chief Eddie Makokis. “Chief Makokis sends his best regards and congratulations on the official opening of the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre,” he began. “Organizations like this allow us to continue to fight hard to keep our cultures alive and our languages flourishing. We will continue to teach our children, and the generations yet to come, about our culture and languages throughout Treaties 6, 7 and 8.” Piikani Nation Chief Stan Grier acknowledged attending Chiefs and dignitaries and thanked CEO Kootenay and his staff for their commitment and hard work to keep the movement towards Indigenous education going. He reflected on the AIEC established in 1970 and on the now-famous Red Paper, a document that offered a set of counter-proposals to Trudeau’s White Paper, a government plan to eliminate Indian status in Canada. The Red Paper set the course for First Nations people to take control of their historical and cultural resources and the ability to protect their languages. “When Chief Norman Yellowbird handed the Red Paper (to counter Trudeau’s White Paper) to Mr. Trudeau it set us on a course for our people to take charge of our own education; it’s been a lifelong journey.” Chief Grier lauded the efforts of everyone who for many years, “worked hard and overcame many obstacles” before First Nations were able to take charge of their own education. “Today,” he added, “we sit here in a facility that will allow us to take ownership of our education, our sacred articles, our stories, our futures. The hope is that our children and our future generations can have a better life than we had and that they can be proud of who they are.” Treaty 8 Grand Chief Rupert Meneen lauded the efforts of the IKWC administration and staff and the many community leaders who participated in and helped move the IKWC project forward. He thanked the many workers and office personnel who worked tirelessly over the past year or more to develop the programs and the information needed to make them viable. He also congratulated the Chiefs and Councils throughout the three treaty areas for their part in making this education project a successful venture. “This is an historic day for First Nations people, our schools and other schools who will be able to access all of the information we have stored in this place,” noted Chief Meneen. “Down the road I see this as being a source of information, not just for our schools but for all schools across Canada.” Kevin Murchie is the Associate Regional Director (Alberta) for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. He spoke about Edmonton, as the gathering place “for people to come together to talk about issues of importance. It seems fitting that we are gathered here today to mark the official opening of the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre. I am honoured to have been invited to meet with you all here today. Most importantly, I’d like to recognize the leadership and the vision of the Board of Directors here at IKWC - and the staff. They are all doing important work to ensure that studying Indigenous history, culture, languages and values will continue for many generations to come.” Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan joked with the audience for a few minutes before noting that “this is great - here you are in this place doing this incredible work, focusing and sharing this wisdom, which is something I truly feel our society, our white society, has lacked. My experience working in Indigenous communities is that there is plenty of wisdom to be shared, especially if you are open to it. Even today I learned a little bit about how to use a knife when shaping and molding a paddle; I was here just 10 minutes and I
learned something I hadn’t known before. I’ve been invited to every community by every Chief who is here today and I appreciate that; the welcoming you receive is always incredible and if you are open to learning, things will transform.” Feehan spoke about his department and noted that it isn’t just Indigenous Relations that has a vested interest in working in unison with Indigenous Nations and people, it is the whole of the Alberta government. “Our premier, Rachel Notley is ultimately committed to making sure that Indigenous people” are able to live and work on a level playing field, “and soon all school curricula from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are going to be learning about Indigenous traditional knowledge and wisdom.” The last person to take the podium was IKWC Board member Jeannie Paul. “It’s been a long journey for the IKWC to get to this point and I thank you all for taking the time to join us today. As a mother it is extremely important for me that our children are educated and able to understand their
5 cultures and speak their traditional languages. It is equally important that there are supports available through our platform to our First Nations communities, supports that include culturally appropriate education, guidelines, policies and research based on the needs of our communities. “IKWC is unique and works with the guidance of our (community) educators. Students and teachers using our Virtual Library will soon have access to education resources, e-books, film and more. The information being (put together) at IKWC is the first step in working with our communities for the betterment of our students and ensuring lifelong learning with a focus on our traditions, culture and languages.” IKWC’s mandate includes honouring the diversity among Indigenous cultures; honouring the inherent and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples; celebrating and sustaining First Nations environments, languages, cultures and identities; and developing a legacy of knowledge and teachings for lifelong learning. For more information see the website at: www.ikwc.org.
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Alberta Native News
November, 2018
Author Darryl McLeod wins GG Literary Award Cree author Darrel J. McLeod’s powerful memoir, Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age, is a heartbreaking story of resilience – a must-read for all Canadians. It is the winner of this year's prestigious Governor General's Literary Award in the English Nonfiction category. Mamaskatch was among the 70 Canadian books considered to be the best published this year across seven categories, written in both English and French. The awards will be presented by Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, in Ottawa on November 28, 2018. Growing up in a tiny village near Lesser Slave Lake, Alberta, Darrel was surrounded by his Cree family’s history. In shifting and unpredictable stories, his mother, Bertha, shared narratives of their culture, their family and the cruelty that she and her sisters endured in residential school. McLeod was comforted by her presence and that of his many siblings and cousins, the smells of moose stew and wild peppermint tea, and his deep love of the landscape. Bertha taught him to be fiercely proud of his heritage and to listen to the birds that would return to watch over and guide him at key junctures of his life. However, in a spiral of events, Darrel’s mother turned wild and unstable, and their home life became chaotic. Sweet and innocent by nature, Darrel struggled to maintain his grades and pursue an interest in music while changing homes many times, witnessing violence, caring for his younger siblings and suffering abuse at the hands of his surrogate father. Meanwhile, his sibling’s gender transition provoked Darrel to deeply question his own sexual identity. The fractured narrative of Mamaskatch mirrors Bertha’s attempts to reckon with the trauma and abuse she faced in her own life and captures an intensely moving portrait of a family of strong personalities, deep ties and the shared history that both binds and haunts them. Beautifully written, honest and thoughtprovoking, Mamaskatch - named for the Cree word used as a response to dreams shared - is ultimately an uplifting
Child Welfare
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connections to Indigenous communities.” “Throughout the Child Intervention Panel, we heard from Indigenous people that change must occur to ensure children remain part of their culture,” added Peter Choate, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health, Community and Education at Mount Royal University. “The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has called on us to do child protection differently. These changes increase cultural and familial connection for Indigenous children.”
account of overcoming personal and societal obstacles. Despite the traumas of Darrel’s childhood, deep and mysterious forces handed down by his mother helped him survive and thrive; her love and strength stayed with him to build the foundation of what would come to be a very fulfilling and adventurous life. The Canada Council for the Arts writes that "Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age dares to immerse readers in provocative contemporary issues including gender fluidity, familial violence, and transcultural hybridity. A fast-moving, intimate memoir of dreams and nightmares—lyrical and gritty, raw and vulnerable, told without pity, but with phoenix-like strength." Darrel J. McLeod is Cree from Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta. Before deciding to pursue writing in his retirement, he was a chief negotiator of land claims for the federal government and executive director of education and international affairs with the Assembly of First Nations. He holds degrees in French literature and Education from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Sooke, BC, and is working on a second memoir following the events in Mamaskatch. In the spring of 2018, he was accepted into the Banff Writing Studio to advance his first work of fiction. In an interview setting, McLeod explained his motivation for writing the memoir. He said, “Two things primarily. First, An Elder I loved and respected, Catherine Bird, told me I should. We worked together and often exchanged stories. One day she said to me, “Tairl, you have to write these stories down. They will help people.” I thought she was right, so I began to write very short stories almost immediately and that was twenty-five years ago. Some of those initial stories found their way into Mamaskatch. “The second was a compulsion to share the story of all the trauma my family went through, as a result of cultural The legislation would make additional changes, which reflect engagement with Indigenous communities, frontline organizations and stakeholders: Increased emphasis on child safety and well-being as a top priority for courts and caseworkers. New guiding principles to help make Indigenous involvement a fundamental component of the system. Strict public reporting requirements, including reporting every death, injury and serious incident within four days.
and community disruption – the loss of language, of our ancestral home and way of life within two generations. Colonization was destructive and all-encompassing. My family was thrown into the great unknown with a “sink or swim” mentality, no supports in the transition. I got through it all relatively intact but the rest of my family didn’t. My great-grandfather’s generation was healthy and lived to a ripe old age – without any help from the state I might add – there was no old age pension for treaty people until the sixties I believe. There were treaty payments, but this was minimal.” McLeod described his writing process. “It took five years, actually six, including the final year of editing,” he explained. “It was truly an emotional roller-coaster. Wakeful nights of joy, after successfully reviving the essence of a loved one, or of sorrow after writing a difficult scene or recalling a tragic memory. In writing a memoir, and portraying loved ones as characters on paper, I got to see them in a different light – dynamics, motivations, and causalities that I had never before contemplated. The net effect though, was that in spite of perhaps seeing a different, at times darker, side of family members, I ended up loving them all even more than before.” Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age (ISBN 978-177162-200-4) was published by Douglas & McIntyre in September 2018. For more information visit douglasmckintyre.com.
Mandatory all-party reviews of CYFEA every five years. This is the first in a three-phase review of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. Additional amendments are expected in 2019 after further engagement with Indigenous partners.
Minister Larivee meets with Elder Rose Wabasca at Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society in advance of tabling An Act for Strong Families Building Stronger Communities.
November, 2018
Alberta Native News
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National Inquiry announces dates for final submissions Vancouver, B.C. – The Commissioners of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls have announced that final submissions from Parties with Standing will be heard at events in Calgary and Ottawa. Both proceedings will be open to the public to observe the formal statements made directly to Commissioners. The final submission events will be held on November 26-30, 2018 in Calgary at Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire and then on December 10-14, 2018 in Ottawa at The Westin Ottawa. “We are grateful to all Parties with Standing for their important contributions and look forward to hearing their valued insights on the wide breadth of evidence collected by the National Inquiry,” said Chief Commissioner Marion Buller. “We are confident that their diversity of perspectives will deepen our understanding of this national tragedy and help inform the development of meaningful recommendations for government.” The National Inquiry granted official standing to approximately 100 parties, including persons and groups who have demonstrated a substantial and direct interest in the subject matter of the investigation, as well others with expertise and perspectives deemed essential for the National Inquiry to fulfill its mandate. Throughout the Truth Gathering Process, Parties with Standing have been active participants entitled to representation before the National Inquiry and to ask questions of witnesses as permitted. The final submissions from Parties with Standing will mark the culmination of the National Inquiry’s evidence gathering activities.
Commissioners will submit their final report to the Government of Canada by April 30, 2019. Last month, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls made oral submissions at Supreme Court of Canada in the case Barton v. Her Majesty the Queen. The National Inquiry’s argument focused on what is already known about the overrepresentation of Indigenous women as victims and judicial notice. “During the short time we have held hearings across the country, we have heard hundreds of stories of violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls,” said Chief Commissioner Marion Buller. “The death of Ms. Cindy Gladue and acquittal of Mr. Bradley Barton is emblematic of how Indigenous women are seen as less than worthy victims in general, but specifically within the justice system,” concluded Chief Commissioner. The National Inquiry argued that the racism Indigenous women experience as victims must be considered when judges are determining what, if any, prior sexual hearing evidence can be admitted. “Judicial notice should be employed to recognize that the history of colonialism translates into higher rates of victimization, racial bias, stereotypes and assumptions that result in Indigenous women being viewed as less than worthy victims or less believable,” said Christa Big Canoe, lead counsel who made the oral submissions on behalf of the National Inquiry.
New provincial court judges reflect Alberta's diversity The Alberta government has appointed three new judges to the Provincial Court of Alberta to ensure Albertans have more timely and representative access to justice. Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay was appointed to St. Paul Provincial Court and Melanie Hayes-Richards was appointed to Provincial Court, Edmonton Criminal. Michelle Christopher was appointed to Medicine Hat Provincial Court – the first woman appointed to that judicial district in the history of Alberta. “Melanie Hayes-Richards, Michelle Christopher and Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay are accomplished women whose dedication and expertise make them important additions to our Provincial Court,” stated Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. “A more representative judiciary means all Albertans benefit from a greater diversity of experience on the bench. Albertans deserve to see themselves reflected in the people who provide justice in their community.” The three appointments will fill vacancies in each court location. In addition to ensuring the judiciary better represents the population they serve, the new judges will hear more cases and increase Albertans’ access to justice services. “Every day, we hear from women in our programs about how difficult their courtroom experiences can be – and their struggle to convey the seriousness of the violence they and their children experience,” remarked Natasha Carvalho, Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter. “With the government’s new funding for victims of crime, we are improving how vulnerable populations are treated and seen in the courtroom and,
with this historic appointment, we are also providing role models that have never existed in our community before.” Unlike Court of Queen’s Bench and Court of Appeal justice positions, which the federal government appoints and funds, the province both creates provincial court judge positions and appoints judges to those positions. Of the 27 provincial court judges the Government of Alberta has appointed since 2015, more than half are women. Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay is the third Indigenous judge appointed in the last three years and Michelle Christopher is the first female judge to serve in the Medicine Hat Provincial Court. The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) celebrates the appointment of Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay as a judge to the St. Paul Provincial Court of Alberta on November 6, 2018. Judge Arcand-Kootenay is a nehiyaw-iskwew (Cree woman) from the Alexander First Nation in Treaty 6. Her legal career has been devoted to family and Aboriginal law, including acting as a roster lawyer for the Legal Representation for Children and Youth branch of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate. Judge ArcandKootenay has also acted as legal counsel for Akamkisipatinaw Ohpikihawasowin Child and Family Services (AKO), a delegated First Nation Child and Family agency in Maskwacis. Judge Arcand-Kootenay
“The National Inquiry has heard hundreds of stories of violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls. We have also heard how Indigenous women feel that justice does not serve them,” said Chief Commissioner Marion Buller. She added, “The National Inquiry had to intervene in this case because it is clear that systemic racism adversely impacts Indigenous women and girls when they are complainants of violence at the hands of others.”
has led by example and has served as an inspiration for many people in her community. Brooks Arcand-Paul, Secretary and Treasurer of the IBA, stated “this is a momentous appointment for Alberta, our Nation, the Alexander First Nation and the Arcand and Kootenay families. The Honourable Judge ArcandKootenay is most deserving for the appointment and will make an extraordinary addition to the bench with her experience.” He added, “Judge Arcand-Kootenay is the first woman from Treaty 6, and the second First Nations woman to be appointed to the bench in Alberta. She joins the four Indigenous judges currently on the Alberta bench, of which three have been appointed in the last three years by the Alberta Minister of Justice.” The Indigenous Bar Association is a national association comprised of Indigenous lawyers (practicing and nonpracticing), legal academics and scholars, articling clerks and law students, including graduate and post-graduate law students. They are mandated to promote the advancement of legal and social justice for Indigenous peoples in Canada and the reform of laws and policies affecting Indigenous peoples.
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Alberta Native News
November, 2018
Lubicon Lake Band celebrates historic land & benefit settlement (EDMONTON) - After decades of negotiations, an agreement has been reached to settle the long-standing Lubicon Lake Band land claim as well as provide treaty benefits for members. The agreement will help the Lubicon Lake Band build new homes and roads, a community centre and a new school. Premier Rachel Notley and federal Minister of CrownIndigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett joined Chief Billy Joe Laboucan and community members in Little Buffalo on November 13, 2018, to celebrate the historic land claim and treaty benefits settlement signed late last month. The Lubicon Lake Band, the Government of Alberta, and the Government of Canada signed the treaty benefits and land claim agreements on October 24, 2018, after members of the community voted overwhelmingly in favour of the settlement. The community vote was held between September 14 and October 15. With this settlement, the Lubicon Lake Band will finally receive the benefits to which they are entitled under Treaty 8. "The Lubicon Lake band #453 settlement will ensure a brighter future for our children, youth and elders,” remarked Lubicon Lake Band Chief Billy Joe Laboucan. “This settlement will afford better housing, a recreation centre which includes an indoor skating rink, an elder’s lodge and a new school for the community. Furthermore, the conclusion of this 85-year-old land claim will give our membership a more prosperous economic future. Though it is bittersweet as we have lost the founding members who initiated this claim back in 1933. Thank you to all who have contributed to making our dream a reality." The agreement includes a land allocation of more than 95 square miles for the Lubicon Lake Band, as well as $95 million in financial compensation from Canada. In addition, Alberta is providing $18 million. The agreement will also include infrastructure such as roads, housing, utility services, internet and a school. "Today, we are taking an historic step forward on a path of renewal and reconciliation with Lubicon Lake Band and marking a new beginning with the community,” stated Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett. “The settlement we have negotiated together honours treaty promises. It will also lead to better living conditions and new economic opportunities for the benefit of members of the Lubicon Lake Band and all Canadians." This historic agreement will address a decades-long land claim and will contribute to improving the quality of life for members of the Lubicon Lake Band. "This is a truly momentous day for the Lubicon Lake Band, for our province and for all of Canada,” stated
Alberta Premier Rachel during the Notley celebration in Little Buffalo. “Decades in the making, this settlement represents an important step forward, correcting wrongs of the past, and Premier Notley, Chief Laboucan and Minister Bennett, along with MPs and Lubicon building a future dedicated Lake Band councillors, celebrate the historic settlement signed in late October. to meaningful reconciliation." many generations to come.” “It took generations to get to this day, when a major The agreement includes the development of community historic wrong can be made right and the families of infrastructure such as housing, all-season roads, telephone Lubicon Lake Band can begin building a better future on and internet cabling, water and wastewater services, solid their own land. This agreement shows how resilient and waste management, public works and administration strong this community already is. We look forward to building and yard, a school and a multi-purpose forging an even stronger relationship built on respect, community building. cooperation and meaningful reconciliation.” In addition to supporting the health, safety and wellThe settlement addresses an outstanding treaty claim being of members of the Lubicon Lake Band, the dating back to 1899. Because of their remote location, the construction of the community will provide opportunities members of the Lubicon Lake Band were missed by treaty for ongoing employment, training and capacity building. commissioners and were never allocated a reserve or The Lubicon First Nation has had a tumultuous provided the benefits received by signatories of Treaty 8. relationship with both the Alberta and the Federal “It is a huge accomplishment in being able to sign the governments. final agreement with Canada and Alberta, and a time for Over the last three decades, the province of Alberta has celebration among the people of Lubicon, as it is a very licensed more than 2600 oil and gas wells on the significant milestone,” remarked Lubicon Lake Band traditional territory of the Lubicon Cree. That’s more than Chief Billy Joe Laboucan. five wells for every Lubicon person. Territory that the “However, the next major step is being able to build Lubicon have relied on to hunt, fish and trap is now very much-needed infrastructure such as warm and secure crisscrossed by more than 2400 km of oil and gas homes for children and an elders’ lodge, a state-of-the-art pipelines. In 2011, one of these pipelines spilled an school building and recreation centre, as well as an estimated 28,000 barrels of crude oil into wetlands near administration and health centre. Thus, the next major step the Lubicon community of Little Buffalo. It was one of the is building the infrastructure and providing a good, secure largest oil spills in Alberta history. economic future. That would mean careers and businesses The Lubicon have never entered into a treaty with the in the oil industry, forestry and service industry.” Government of Canada. Nor have they ever given up any All parties will continue to work together to implement rights to their lands and territories. Under the leadership of the settlement and collaborate and plan the infrastructure Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak, once-promising efforts projects and the community enhancement process which to negotiate an agreement to create a Lubicon reserve, and is set to begin in the coming weeks. support the rebuilding of the Lubicon economy and “It is truly an honour to be able to celebrate this historic society, stalled for over a decade. achievement with the Lubicon Lake Band on their Meanwhile, the federal and provincial governments territory as we take this major step in our shared journey used 'divide and conquer tactics' to weaken the Lubicon of healing and reconciliation,” noted Minister of Crown- Nation and they used their own failure to provide legal Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett. “Chief Billy Joe recognition of Lubicon lands as an excuse for excluding Laboucan has ensured that this settlement will not only the Lubicon from decision-making over development in deliver on treaty promises, but importantly will improve their lands and from a fair share in the revenue that has community well-being and have a profoundly positive been generated. The Lubicon Nation successfully won impact on the lives of Lubicon Lake Band members for court battles against oil companies who developed without consent. The Alberta government has acknowledged that it brought in vast wealth from development of Lubicon land. In the midst of this wealth, the Lubicon lived without running water. Today, more than 70% percent of Lubicon territory has been leased for future resource development, including oil sands extraction. United Nations human rights bodies have repeatedly condemned the failure to protect Lubicon rights from the impact of large-scale oil and gas development. The treatment of the Lubicon Cree stands as a powerful, emblematic example of the failure of governments in Canada to respect and uphold the legal rights of Indigenous peoples in the face of resource development.
November, 2018
Alberta Native News
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Respecting Indigenous Rights in Castle Park (November, 2018) - The Government of Alberta has signed an historic agreement with the Piikani Nation to ensure that treaty rights, traditional practices and Indigenous knowledge are better protected and fostered in the Castle region. To support Indigenous knowledge and culture in the Castle provincial parks, Alberta Parks and the Piikani Nation have signed Cooperative Management Terms of Reference. This is an historical first, as the province places greater emphasis on traditional activities and treaty rights in parks planning. “We heard from First Nations that they often did not feel comfortable in our parks,” remarked Shannon Phippips, Minister of Environment and Parks. “This is a clear message that we need to do better, and do more, to foster a new and better relationship. This agreement marks a tremendous opportunity for government, Indigenous peoples, local communities and visitors to celebrate and appreciate First Nations’ rich culture in Alberta’s parks.” The Castle Management Plan was the first time Alberta Parks included a primary objective respecting Indigenous rights and a chapter devoted to First Nations. The terms of reference create a management board that will increase cultural practices on the landscape and protect access to areas of cultural significance. “This agreement allows Piikani to work collectively with the Government of Alberta in managing this area,”
noted Piikani Nation Chief Stanley Grier. “It allows our people to be more interactive and to express our history and our usage of the Castle region while also ensuring our Elders Minister Feehan, Chief Grier and Minister Phillips sign a historic agreement for and our current generation Piikani Nation cooperative management in Castle parks. can continue to exercise cultural practices and treaty rights important to who we are between our government and the Blackfoot people,” stated Minister of Indigenous Relations Richard Feehan. as a people. It’s an historic day.” The Alberta Parks and Piikani Nation Management “It will enrich and strengthen the planning, management Board will provide input on: Piikani hunting and and operation of the Castle parks, while continuing our harvesting practices such as berry-picking, personal commitment to reconciliation and our respect for wood-harvesting, tipi poles and willows along with Indigenous heritage and traditional knowledge.” The board will be co-chaired by two representatives, cultural practices such as sweat lodges or other ceremonies one appointed by Alberta Parks and one appointed by that require privacy or seclusion. They will also have input into access management and Piikani Chief and council. Up to six other members will be protection of specific cultural areas of importance as well named to the board, including at least one Elder. The board as Interpretation and education of Piikani history and will meet four times per year. The 103,000-hectare Castle Provincial Park and Castle culture, including appropriate use of Blackfoot language Wildland Provincial Park were established in January in Alberta Parks signage and naming. Economic development opportunities will be available 2017. More than $20 million over four years has been such as retail, guiding and interpretation services as well as designated in general parks planning for access routes, training of Alberta Parks staff to ensure awareness of inclusion projects, camping, signage, picnic areas and hiking trails in the Castle parks. Indigenous rights, culture and practices. This agreement truly speaks to the growing relationship
Sawridge and Kapawe’no First Nations and Canada sign MOU The Government of Canada, the Sawridge First Nation and the Kapawe’no First Nation have taken a key step forward on a path of relationship renewal and reconciliation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Self-Determination. The co-developed MOU commits the parties to working together to help advance the First Nations’ visions of self-
determination for the benefit of their communities. The MOU sets out the process and topics for discussions between the parties with a focus on self-government. “We believe this a promising first step of a new journey in reconciliation of our jurisdiction with Canada. Sawridge has and will continue to exercise our inherent right to selfdetermination by way of our Constitution and laws,”
stated Sawridge First Nation Chief Roland Twinn. “We hope this government finishes the process that we started more than 20 years ago with a previous government.” “Kapawe’no looks forward to this relationship for several decades, Kapawe’no First Nation has made targeted efforts to build a foundation for effective governance based on our inherent rights,” noted Kapawe’no First Nation Chief Frank Halcrow. “An effective model of governance will ensure that the decisions and activities of the Chief and Council and the Nation Administration are responsive to the needs of the community.”
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Alberta Native News
November, 2018
Remembrance Day at Amiskwaciy Academy by John Copley On Friday, November 9, Edmonton-based Amiskwaciy Academy honoured the sacrifices made by Canada’s veterans, both in times of war and in peace, as the school celebrated Remembrance Day 2018, an historical year that marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The hour and a half long ceremony got underway with an honour song and a Grand Entry that included Elders, veterans, sponsors, cadets, community partners and members of the Edmonton Police Service and the RCMP. Social Studies teacher Mike Borowiecki emceed the annual event, welcoming and thanking those attending the ceremony and introducing the many participating sponsors, community partners, Elders, veterans and family members. Francis Whiskeyjack offered a prayer and gave thanks for the freedoms and luxuries we enjoy today because of the sacrifices made by our veterans in days gone by. He asked that the grandfathers and grandmothers in the spirit world, “who guide us each day” be remembered for their contributions to the lives we share today. Following the welcoming address Borowiecki introduced the two main speakers at the event, Alberta Education Minister David Eggen, and Métis Elder and veteran Donald Langford. Minister Eggen expressed his gratitude for being there to speak to everyone in attendance. He said, “On this, the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, we gather and try to remember what it was like here in Edmonton and in Canada and the world 100 years ago. We often talk about how things were tough, but we can really only imagine how difficult and uncertain things were. World War I was perhaps one of the worst single events in human history - so many millions of people killed, so many Canadians injured and killed - thousands - and in what was then such a small country. Half of all the people who went to war from Edmonton were injured or killed in action, so you can only imagine the impact on this small city 100 years ago. We lost a whole generation of young men women as well - and it took a toll on the city for many years to come. “When we learn about World War I we learn about the terrible battles; we are actually learning about history, the history of people, the history of humanity. This is a history we have to carry in our hearts to ensure that we do not repeat that history here in this country or in this world ever again. As the Minister of Education that’s a lesson I want to make sure that we learn in all of our classrooms throughout Alberta. We must always ensure we honour and respect the choices they made and we must always remember the sacrifices they made. Our Canadian forces here now in 2018 do a great job, not just protecting our own country but also defending democracy and the rights of people across the globe.” Donald Langford addressed the gathering and spoke
about the atrocities of war, the lingering effects and of his own family history on the battlefront. “I am honoured to be here with you today and to celebrate with you during this, the 100th anniversary of the November 11, 1918 armistice signing that brought an end to World War I.,” said Langford. “Most people don’t have a lot of knowledge about the first world war and the sacrifices made by our veterans, but it is important to remember the sacrifices they made on our behalf, especially those who were Indigenous soldiers. As a (former) soldier I’ve had the opportunity to study the various wars, the tactics, the strategies and how we became involved. One thing I’ve learned is that soldiers don’t cause Elders, dignitaries and community partners participated during the 2018 wars - governments do. Remembrance Day ceremony at Amiskwaciy Academy. Elder and veteran Don “My own family history Langford led the Grand Entry. goes back to the Battle of Batoche in 1885. My grandfather was born in Langford, the Executive Director of Edmonton-based 1874; his father died at Batoche and he told me stories Métis Child and Family Services, served in five different while I was growing up. My next family involvement was Canadian Forces bases as well as in Germany. He was one during World War II.” of about 30 serving members who participated in the nowLangford spoke about his family’s participation during defunct Canadian Forces Aboriginal Forum - a lobbying the first and second world wars and then talked about the group that worked to enhance Indigenous rights and to brave men and women from Indigenous communities create opportunities for young Aboriginal Canadians who across Canada who volunteered for service and were might want to seek employment in Canada’s military. proud to go to war to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. “When Canada’s Aboriginal soldiers returned home In an earlier interview, Langford, a Metis Elder and a after the wars,” explained Langford, “they were basically Canadian soldier for 37 years, said: “Indigenous soldiers ignored and forgotten about - one faction of government were elite fighters throughout the various wars and wanting to put the onus on another and so it went on until conflicts that they participated in. More important is that the turn of the new millennium.” That’s when Canada ’s they returned home with a great deal of knowledge and Armed Forces finally stepped up and for the first time leadership abilities. Some of these include people like Sam officially recognized the contributions of Indigenous Sinclair, who played a major role in developing the Métis servicemen and women. Nation of Alberta; Stan Shank, who helped create Native Amiskwaciy Academy is an Edmonton Public School Counselling Services and the Canadian Native Friendship program of choice that provides solid academic Centres; Vic Letendre who developed Native Youth programming within an Aboriginal context. At Justice Society; Lt. David Greyeyes, who was stationed in Amiskwaciy Academy students have the opportunity to seven different European countries and returned home to participate in traditional ceremonies, rites of passage, and become Chief of his Band, a Regional Director of Indian Indigenous arts. There is spiritual guidance in the form of Affairs and an Order of Canada recipient…..the list goes sweat lodge ceremonies, Sweet Grass purification, and on.” daily drumming and singing in Cree to the Creator.
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November, 2018
Alberta Native News
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Royal Alberta Museum’s residential schools exhibit tells the ‘story of Canada’ By Jordon Mae Cook, University of Alberta (Folio.ca) - On the main floor of the newly opened Royal Alberta Museum, visitors will find an exhibit that is partially enclosed and features a cautionary panel that warns patrons of the sensitive materials within. The residential schools exhibit showcases some of the realities of the residential school system in Alberta, and was curated by Indigenous artist and University of Alberta associate professor Tanya Harnett, who is also a member of the Indigenous content advisory panel for the museum. The exhibit features a video of artist and former residential school student Alex Janvier explaining his experience in residential school, and one of his paintings, Blood Tears, which is displayed so visitors can see both the front and the back, upon which Janvier has listed all that he lost as a student in Blue Quills Residential School. Across from the painting, a glass showcase features materials that face in two directions. On one side are toys and a traditional beaded shirt, things that represent what the life of an Indigenous child was like before residential schools. On the other, a representation of life in a residential school—bricks, a (replica) ledger recording the
“Indian name,” “White name,” entrance date and death. Around 40 to 60 per cent of the children who A new exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum, curated by U of A professor and attended residential Indigenous artist Tanya Harnett, uses artifacts and artworks to convey the realities schools died while there. of the residential school system in Alberta. (Photo: Royal Alberta Museum) “It was hard to balance not re-traumatizing former residential school students and their intergenerational more Indigenous children in care now than there were in descendants, while ensuring the exhibit conveyed the residential schools at their height. “I want people to know the plans are still there, the realities of residential schools to those who may not know much about them,” said Harnett, adding that while she blueprint remains, the strategies remain. The attempts to worked on the exhibit, she imagined the audience was erase the culture aren’t over,” Harnett said. What people take away from the exhibit is something children. Harnett said she considered as she created it. “I always think first of kids. Then the Elders.” “You’d think it would be, ‘I want people to know the An important feature for her to include was the video that plays on an outside wall of the exhibit. The video damage done.’ But that’s not it. It’s more about the truth of outlines the history of residential schools and features this place. Canada 150 has made Canadians ask, ‘What TRC commissioner Justice Murray Sinclair discussing the was here before?’ A vacuum was created, and people want Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But the video to fill it with the truth.” This article was originally published in Folio.ca based doesn’t end in reconciliation. It continues, featuring activist Cindy Blackstock, letting viewers know there are on the University of Alberta.
Treaty Nations Reject Canada's Proposed Framework TREATY NO. 6 TERRITORY and EDMONTON, Nov. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - At an Alberta Assembly of Treaty Chiefs meeting many Treaty Nations have stated their opposition to Canada's proposed Indigenous Rights and Recognition Framework Legislation. Several Treaty Chiefs have sent letters to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ensure that the positions of Treaty Nations is on record regarding rejection of Canada's Proposed Indigenous Rights Recognition and Implementation Framework. The letters are in response to Minister Carolyn Bennett's public message, "No stopping the framework, says Minister Bennett, but she's listening (October 29, 2018)." "The First Nations have made it known publicly and in writing that Canada's aggressive agenda to expedite plans to create legislation designed to deny our rights to lands and resources have been done all without our Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). This does not bring Honour to the Crown," stated Chief Craig Makinaw. "Our sacred treaty matters were not addressed – instead the Minister in July of 2018 sent out a form letter that completely mischaracterized the process and did not include one word on the treaty issues raised in our letter.
Onion Lake was not the only Nation to send a letter against the process. Canada has chosen to ignore those letters resorting to fabrications," stated Okimaw Henry Lewis. There was an expedited engagement period for the Framework process, and the results contained in the rollup documents were selective in nature, supporting only Canada's pre-determined positions and goals and were dispensed only at federally pre-selected and managed meetings, and not released to our Nations. Chief Kurt Burnstick has stated: "As Treaty Peoples, Canada always must bring the honour of the Crown into dealings with our Nations. The present process is full of sharp dealings that bring no honour to either the Crown or the state of Canada." "The Framework is in direct conflict with our Treaty, inherent rights and title. The process does not recognize nor respect our jurisdiction," stated Chief Tony Alexis. "It is clear for our First Nations that continuing with this process will result in a major set-back for the renewal of the relationship between Canada and Treaty First Nations," stated Chief Billy
Morin. "In light of the deteriorating situation in Canada, the Treaty Peoples have tried many ways to open a dialogue with Canada. We have written letters and provided materials to Canada without any formal response. For the sake of our Peoples' and our children's children, we must collectively find a path to advance and implement the Treaty made with the British Crown," stated Chief Eddy Makokis.
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Alberta Native News November, 2018
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