Volume 34 Number 01 January, 2017
Distributing in Alberta and across Western Canada
ALBERTA NATIVE NEWS
Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628
Visit us now at albertanativenews.com
Cover art: Winter Cove Š by Mohan
2
Alberta Native News
January, 2017
Alberta’s Future Leaders seeks youth and mentors for summer 2017 by John Copley Are you a self-motivated post-secondary student and/or young adult who enjoys working with youth? If the answer is yes and you have prior involvement in sports, the arts, recreation, volunteerism and leadership initiatives, an opportunity of a lifetime awaits you this summer when the Alberta’s Future Leaders Program gets underway across the province. Application deadline is February 22. The Alberta Future Leaders Program (AFL), an initiative of Alberta Sport Connection (ASC), is a unique undertaking that partners Alberta Indigenous communities, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the RCMP and corporate sponsors to provide youth aged 9 through 25 years with new experiences, positive role models, opportunities to build confidence, overcome barriers and realize their potential through sport, art, recreation, leadership and cultural programming. “This unique initiative,” explained Scott Grevlund, one of three program coordinators who oversees the program, “creates life-changing opportunities for both our Youth/Art Mentors and for the youth they work with throughout the four-month long summer program in the host community.” If you meet the qualifications and are interested in participating in a program designed to help make a positive difference in the lives of Alberta’s Indigenous youth, this is an ideal opportunity to use your sports, arts, recreation and cultural experiences to positively affect the lives of youth in Alberta’s First Nation and Métis communities. The Alberta Sport Connection's unique program helps build leaders, nurture talent, and enhance community wellness; the organization takes great pride in playing a role that helps to develop “life-changing opportunities for Albertans, whether it's helping someone develop their physical literacy skills, earn a coaching certificate, promoting youth development or participating in the AFL
Leadership Retreat.” “The Alberta’s Future Leaders program,” Sport explained Development Director Eoghan Curran, “not only benefits the youth of the communities, it also AFL Mentors work in Summer Programs for youth in several Alberta Indigenous provides a valuable communities. The application deadline is Feb. 22. holistic experience for the Mentors, who get as much healthy eating, positive lifestyles and active or more from their time working with a community. communities.” Alberta Sport Connection is very proud of the Future Though all youth in the communities are encouraged Leaders program as it continues to provide life changing and welcomed to participate, the average age of opportunities and encourage positive community community youth participating in the program ranges development from a sport, arts, recreation and cultural between the ages of 9 and 16. perspective while supporting the dreams of everyone “We have two mentors in each community and partner involved with the program.” with 10 communities each year,” explained Grevlund, Each summer up to 10 Indigenous communities are who said the program is currently seeking 18-20 mentors accepted into the program and two mentors are placed in for the 2017 program. each community as a Youth or Arts Mentor. AFL promotes Participating communities in 2016 included the Tallcree and encourages Indigenous youth to engage in active, First Nation, Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement, Kehewin positive, and healthy lifestyles. Cree Nation, Kikino Métis Settlement, Whitefish Lake “The program runs from May to August,” noted First Nation 128 (Goodfish Lake), Sucker Creek First Grevlund. “Our Youth and Arts Mentors are paid for their Nation, Whitefish Lake First Nation (Atikameg) and participation and will act as in-community mentors who Boyle Street Community Services/iHuman. will teach and share meaningful life skills through Since its inception in 1996 the AFL program, through activities, special events and field-trips. Depending on the the Alberta Sport Connection and the Alberta Foundation needs and aspirations of the community involved, we offer for the Arts, has partnered with 43 Indigenous programming that can include such things as communities across Alberta. The initiative has five key canoeing, drama, baseball, visual arts, archery, volleyball, components: Intensive Mentor Training, Role Modelling, hockey, basketball and more.” Program, Camps and Trips, Leadership Camp and Over the years, AFL youth mentors have run everything Partnerships. from campfires and cultural and art programs to rafting “Before the program begins,” explained Grevlund, trips and hockey tournaments; activities are based on the “Mentors spend 8 days learning from our program unique needs of the host Indigenous community. facilitator, Elders, community members and past AFL “Every community has mentors about the program, and communities they will be different needs and as such working with. Mentors will meet again during and after we work together to offer the summer to discuss best practices, address current flexible programs that meet successes and challenges that can be shared across all the needs and the communities in the program.” requirements of each Mentors come from various backgrounds but they all community,” noted have something in common: positive attitudes, active Grevlund. “All of our lifestyles and endless energy. As they live and work in the programs are designed to communities, the mentors build strong relationships with promote physical fitness, Continued on page 10
January, 2017
Alberta Native News
3
Controversy plagues Alberta Child Welfare class action suit by John Copley On February 19, 2008, a class action lawsuit was issued by Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench. Referred to as T.L., R.M., and J.S. vs Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta as Represented by the Director of Child Welfare and the Public Trustee, Action No.: 0403-12989, the suit represents all persons who suffered injuries before or during a time when they were subject to a permanent wardship order or permanent guardianship order by Alberta Child Welfare between July 1, 1966 and February 19, 2008, or a temporary guardianship order by Alberta Child Welfare between July 1, 1985 and February 19, 2008. The deadline for inclusion in the class action settlement has now passed (January 15, 2017) but anyone who suffered at the hands of the government or the caregivers provided by same, should still contact victim services and initiate a complaint. Your voice should be heard! It is important to note that this lawsuit has created a great deal of controversy across the province in recent years and for various reasons. First, the lawyer who originally petitioned the court for a class action suit on behalf of his clients was removed from the case because the judge hearing arguments on the resolution of the many cases determined that he was over-zealous and instead handed that responsibility to a law firm that operates out of Ontario. Edmonton lawyer Robert Lee and many of his clients say they have been treated with disrespect by the Judge Denny Thomas, the same judge that apparently didn’t know the law when he recently sentenced accused murderer Travis Vader while using a section of the Criminal Code that the Supreme Court of Canada declared unconstitutional in 1990. During the past month, several people brought to my attention that Judge Thomas, among other things, started court proceedings early (1:30 p.m. instead of 2 p.m.) a move that didn’t allow everyone involved in the case to be present, and also hurried through the cases and reached his conclusions in a short afternoon session despite the fact that his actions were protested by victims who’ve been waiting for years for a just solution. “On November 13, 2015,” noted Velvet Martin, a woman who claims that her child was so badly mistreated while in government care that she eventually died because of malnutrition and other causes, “I attended court to object to conditions of the Settlement Agreement. I was waiting outside the courtroom at 1:45 pm when a person told me that the court had already started. The notice I received from the law firm handling the case, London, Ontario-based McKenzie Lake, said that the hearing was to begin at 2 p.m. Because I got into the courtroom late, I missed what happened at the beginning. I believe it was wrong for the hearing to get underway before ClassAction Members could show up and voice complaint.” Martin also noted that “Judge Thomas also made negative and disparaging comments about Robert Lee, who he said did not have standing anyway. Mr. Lee was my lawyer and also the lawyer for several others, others who did not and do not want to be represented by McKenzie Lake. During the hearing a Class-Action Member came forward to object and appeared very timid and out of her comfort zone. I felt very badly for her; it was my impression that Justice Thomas was dismissive. I also came forward to voice opposition to the settlement and felt that Justice Thomas did not take time to consider my concerns either.
“I felt that this was not a real hearing; rather like we were just going through motions - it was like a sideshow. Justice Thomas approved the settlement and said he'd give a written explanation later. He made his decision on the spot although the Class Member only just filed papers objecting to the Settlement that day. It was a farce; we have waited for years to settle these matters and they rushed them away in an afternoon court session.” Martin said she’s confused and no longer knows where she stands or even if her case will be one of those on the docket. “After the hearing, I attempted to ask McKenzie-Lake how to apply and one of their lawyers, Sabrina Lombardi, abruptly told me that I'm not a Class Member, but she wouldn't tell me why the change of heart. I've written to the firm and the Law Society of Upper Canada several times trying to achieve clarification but without response. I'm very upset and literally in a state of limbo. With the impending Settlement reaching a close, generations of victims, I fear, who have put years of efforts and faith into resolution, will be failed. I have spoken with other victims who tell me that they've expressed confusion and concern when it comes to McKenzie-Lake lawyers, and they were informed - similar to me - ‘it is only you who feels this way.’ All one needs to do is examine Facebook posts by
Class Members to see that there is tremendous mistrust and confusion over the handling of this suit. It seems no one is able to get straight answers. I have many pieces of information that I am willing to share about the victims and the mistreatment they have received. “(Lawyer) Sabrina Lombardi mentioned that litigants are expected to do their own work; that the firm isn't responsible for assistance. Members are upset that Justice Thomas allowed litigators who they dismissed continue to represent their interests. Other questions I have include: Continued on page 10
4
Alberta Native News
January, 2017
World Indigenous Nations Games coming to Edmonton By Scott Lingley, University of Alberta The 2017 World Indigenous Nations Games are coming to Edmonton this summer. Representatives from Indigenous groups in Western Canada and from Brazil, Ethiopia, Panama, New Zealand, Russia and the United States signed a declaration of intent last month at a summit on the Enoch Cree Nation west of Edmonton to bring the games to Canada from July 2-9, 2017 at various venues in and around the city. Treaty 6 Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild, who chaired the summit, has been a strong proponent of an international Indigenous games for more than three decades. He said the Edmonton region is a natural choice as a venue for the first North American edition of the games as it has a history of hosting very successful international games like the Commonwealth Games, the Universiade and the World Track and Field Championships. In addition to connecting Indigenous peoples across international lines, he said events like the World Indigenous Nations Games serve an important purpose for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people at home. “It’s very important to our own people, especially our
youth, to try to re-engage with our identity, our culture, our traditions, and sometimes the medium of sport is the easiest way to do it.” The university will be supporting the event by providing facilities for it. Treaty 6 Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild (seated, second right) was among Chief Littlechild said that as Indigenous representatives who signed a declaration of intent to bring the 2017 a U of A alumnus and former World Indigenous Nations Games to Edmonton next July. varsity athlete, it was meaningful to him to reach out into place in the coming months. to the university for expertise and support in bringing the “We hope our commitment to strengthening ties with event to fruition. Indigenous communities and our tradition of athletic “The tradition of the U of A not only in sport, but the excellence will enable us to contribute to the success of the traditions I grew up with as a student there, I’ve tried to games,” she said. hold up highly through my own personal career and The inaugural World Indigenous Nations Games took development, so having the university’s involvement in place in 2015 in Palmas, Brazil, attracting more than 2,000 the World Indigenous Nations Games brings all that full participants from 23 countries for competitive and cultural circle,” he said. activities. Canada sent a 53-member delegation Deputy Provost Wendy Rodgers said the university is comprising representatives from Alberta, British honoured to provide support for the event as the pieces fall Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Littlechild not only led the Canadian delegation, but also competed in the river swimming race as a 71 year-old, claiming a gold medal in his age group. Though he expects to be very busy in the coming months, he won’t rule out participating in the upcoming games. “I do want to focus on the organizing part of it, but I also believe you should practise what you preach—I want to encourage my own people to get involved with physical activity as well,” he said. This article was originally published at ualberta.ca.
Open House: Feb. 4
PAY NO WITHOLDING TAX WITH STATUS CARD
• FORMER EMPLOYER PENSION PLANS • LOCKED IN RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS FUNDS WILL BE DEPOSITED DIRECTLY INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT *Not Available in QC.
January, 2017
Alberta Native News
5
Heather Shillinglaw art is featured at the Stony Plain Multicultural Centre by John Copley The Stony Plain Multicultural Centre is currently hosting Métis artist Heather Shillinglaw’s newest exhibition of art entitled “Buffalo Corral,” a unique undertaking that highlights, among other things, the Cree and Métis heroes that she holds in high esteem. Writers, poets, painters, political leaders and family members come together in what the artist describes as “an idealistic, romantic perspective of the Strathcona Refinery from its beginning in the 1800s until today” in a walk-in door panorama that captures the essence of cultural awareness and the beginning of an era that brought modern-day growth and change to Alberta’s central region. This newest exhibition of Shillinglaw’s art got underway on January 9 and continues until March 3, 2017. “Buffalo Corral,” explains Shillinglaw, “is a panorama made out of doors. Its 360-degree perspective of landmarks embraces our 1850s’ industrial refinery row and is translated in my own romantic perspective by using beadwork and research of historical painters that portrayed the Metis; their work is located in the Museum de Beau Arts, Ontario Gallery of Art and the Chicago Institute. The time period of the Romantic Era is something that I studied in galleries in Paris, Germany and Austria. A drama that highlights the awe of nature that the romantics translated via many mediums has inspired my collaging Métis traditions in beadwork, based on my own interpretation of beading techniques. I was inspired by the historical paintings to modernize the Métis and Cree heroes of today.” “Buffalo Corral” is a colourful and educational look at Métis history in western Canada, particularly in Alberta. Comprised of eleven 72-inch by 36-inch door-styled panels, Shillinglaw’s new exhibition of art gives viewers an extraordinary look into Métis culture and lifestyle in an uncertain era that initiated the ongoing growth of western civilization in Alberta. While this must-see collection of
art will inspire, enlighten and educate all Canadians, the significance of the work is the way in which it honours and celebrates the achievements of the Métis peoples of Alberta. In a statement, curator Lucille Frost noted that Metis artist Heather Shillinglaw poses with her "Buffalo Corral" exhibit now on “the Multicultural Centre display in Stony Plain, Alberta. Public Art Gallery is committed to exhibiting and promoting the work of materials telling stories of the hardships of the Metis Alberta’s artists. Since 1974 we have diligently presented women inextricably linked to whom they married, some a diverse selection of high quality visual arts within the treated as peasants and traded as country wives. They led community of Stony Plain. With great pleasure, we begin devalued lives, surviving on their skills of trapping and the 2017 exhibition season with Métis artist Heather harvesting and utilizing Indigenous medicines for their Shillinglaw’s Buffalo Corral, an exhibit I would sustainability. “My personal journey of discovering our unique encourage every Albertan to visit. The exterior of this landscape occurred about 20 years ago on a boat in the installation presents the vivid image of a contemporary Straits of Magellan. Heading due north, with the openindustrial landscape. Marked by clouds of pollution, this Drake Passage to the south, are two of the three ocean image is showcased against an internal organic landscape navigable passages around South America between the populated by historic and contemporary individuals who Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Through my practice, I have have influenced Heather throughout her life. The learned from Elders and medicine women and through my panoramic image of an industrial landscape is created by I have realized the uniqueness of the Albertan travels interconnected doors to form a corral within the gallery; landscape. I have merged stories from my childhood and inside this corral the artist has rendered an alternative visions of my mother walking in the forest. My paintings, forest landscape populated by Metis and Cree individuals and teachings come with the goal of sharing installations whom have influenced Heather and her creative process. the public art of our landscape and sharing with the viewer The complex personal narrative portrayed within the how those landscapes help to heal us. By embracing spirit, corral is starkly juxtaposed against the polluted mind and body we can live in a healthy, balanced way.” environment which surrounds the forest oasis, asking On the journey through her artistic life Shillinglaw has viewers to consider the impact we have on history and on had close mentors, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, “whose wise our environment.” words focus on some simple techniques to improve the A proud Métis artist, Shillinglaw noted that in the viewer’s attention; also the very prominent and respected making of Canada, “the struggle of our lives is interwoven. As an artist, I make narratives through Continued on page 11
6
Alberta Native News
January, 2017
Exciting Métis jigging and fiddling celebration: Feb. 18-19 by John Copley If you are looking for fun and adventure and a great place for some real family entertainment, you can find it on February 18-19 when you make your way over to Rocky Mountain House to help celebrate the start of Canada’s 150th Birthday Celebration. “There will be a great deal of activity taking place on both days,” assured Canada 150 Voyageur Rendezvous Committee Member Mellissa Duhamel. “We welcome everyone to come and join with us as we commemorate Canada’s 150th Birthday with a Family Day Celebration and Métis Homecoming. There is no charge for admission. The two-day event will include a Métis Jigging and Fiddling Competition, a talent show and fireworks display, all of which will take place at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site.” The fireworks display will take place Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. The Family Day Festival will also include live entertainment featuring Sierra Noble and Donnell Leahy, Dog Sledding, Horse & Sleigh Rides, Cabane à Sucre, Tractor & Wagon Rides, Northern Inuit Game Demonstrations and Voyageur Winter Games. A Homecoming Banquet will take place on Saturday, February 18 at the Lou Soppit Community Centre. The doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7. Banquet tickets are $35 per person (or $280 a table) and are available at the Rocky Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Tanya Humphrey Professional Corp. or online at: universe.com/homecomingbanquet. The jigging and fiddling competitions get underway both Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m with winners being named on the final day of competition. Junior jigging contestants (ages 7-12) and Youth jigging contestants (ages 13-18) will include both male and female competitors, while Adult (19-59) and Senior (60-74) competitors will vie for prizes in both male and female categories. There are no entry fees for contestants who enter the fiddling, jigging or talent show competitions.
There will be four cash prizes for Junior and Youth competitors ranging from $200 and $300 respectively for first place winners to $75 and $100 for fourth place finishers. The top three Adult Male and Female competitors and the top three Senior competitors will receive prizes of $500, $350 and $200. Tiny Tots (up to 6 years of age) and Golden Age (75 years and older) category winners will share $300 in prize money; the prize money will be divided by the number of entries received (based on an estimated 10 entries for Tots and three for Golden Age). The Fiddling Competition will be broken down into five categories and will include both male and female contestants. Total prize money for Juniors (7-12 yrs.) is $400 while the total shared purse for Youth (13-19 yrs.) prize winners will be $900. The winners of the Male/Female Adult Amateur category will share $1,800 in prize money with the Adult Male/Female Open Category (19-59 yrs.) and Senior Male/Female (60-plus) winners sharing $2,400 respectively. The Talent Show will take place on Sunday afternoon, immediately following the Fiddling and Jigging competitions. Talent Show vocalist categories will include Youth (up to 19 yrs.), Adult Male and Adult Female categories (2059) and Senior Male/Female (60-plus) The youth winners will share $600 in prize money; Adult Male and Female category winners will share $1,050, as will the three top finishers in the Senior category. The breakdown for the Adult and both Male and Female category winners will be: $500 to first place; $350 to second place and $200 to third place. All categories share a similar structure when it comes to cash prizes. In all, more than $18,500 in prize money will be shared by the overall top finishers in each category. Creative Cuisine is catering the meal for the Homecoming Banquet. It is important to note that the cutoff date for contestant entries is 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 18.
Visitors attending the Métis Homecoming and Jigging/Fiddling Competition will also have the opportunity to enjoy some outstanding entertainment; featured performers include Sierra Noble, Donell Leahy, the Allan Christie Band and the MacArthur Celtic Dancers. Winnipeg, Manitoba’s Sierra Noble has been a wellknown part of the Canadian music scene since a very young age, beginning her touring career when she was only 14 years old as a solo old-time fiddle player. Her evolution as an artist led her to try her hand at singing and songwriting which she debuted with a song called Continued on page 11
January, 2017
Alberta Native News
7
“No Government Grants� Publication Mail Agreement No. 40050628 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation Department: Suite A, 10632 124 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1S3 E-mail: nativenews@telus.net Tel: (780) 421-7966 Fax: (780) 424-3951
Volume 34, Number 01 January 2017 ISSN #08294135 www.albertanativenews.com EDITOR: Deborah Shatz ADVERTISING: Sales 780-421-7966 Alberta Native News is published monthly for distribution to Native Bands and Metis Settlements across Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Northwest Territories. All rights reserved. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Editor. Alberta Native News is published by 320754 Alberta Ltd. For change of address, please send both old and new addresses. We welcome your stories, pictures, artwork and opinions. Please send anything you would like to have published to our office.
SUBSCRIPTION FORM Alberta Native News Suite A, 10632 124 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1S3 Name _______________________________ Address _____________________________ ____________________________________ Postal Code __________ SUBSCRIPTIONS $57.75 per year or $100.80 for two years (includes GST)
Happy New Year 2017 by Xavier Kataquapit, Under the Northern Sky Here we go into a new year and it really looks like 2017 is going to be full of surprises. I know that for First Nation people all across Canada, 2016 was a glimmer of hope considering that we had a new government that was much easier for my people to deal with. A lot of positive changes have happened in this past year as many of the changes the Trudeau government had promised us took place. There are still many other commitments the Liberal government made to Aboriginal people and hopefully they will happen in 2017. We are all going to have our hands full dealing with the repercussions of the election of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States. I am not at all sure he actually really did win the election as there seems to have been lots of questions about voting results in many states. It also seems like there was some kind of back story that involved other levels of the United States government that affected the election. The big question is what it will mean for us as Canadians as we are such close neighbours. Things could go kind of crazy this year if the super powers keep playing chicken with each other. The United States, China and Russia are butting heads on so many levels and in many places around the world. It seems like we have returned to a cold war period where all kinds of unintelligent and unsafe situations are happening. Instead of trying to view the world as Mother Earth where we are all connected and depend on each other for survival, we are getting told once again that we should mistrust and hate one country or another. Too many of us are falling for it and that presents us with a very dangerous world climate that could lead to major skirmishes and even a Third World War. We as Canadians have joined with western alliances
and been involved in wars in so many Middle Eastern and African countries over the past 30 years and that has resulted in a very unstable world. Thousands of civilians have been killed in the name of our interest in control and resource domination. Cities and lands have been destroyed by arms and bombs made right here in Canada. Many countries have also not been working very hard to deal with climate change and that has put us in danger. We are rapidly experiencing many changes to our climate and conditions in the Arctic and Antarctic are causing the melting of huge ice sheets and glaciers. That has an enormous impact on the Aboriginal and Inuit people of the far north and also of the creatures that have lived in that frozen environment for thousands of years. Under the new right wing government in the United States it seems that the climate change deniers will be in power under the rule of giant oil companies so I am not counting on a lot of good news for Mother Earth. How will our Liberal federal government be able to deal with all of the pressure we will be getting from our neighbours to the south to continue to go to war and move away from protecting our land, water and air? How will Justin Trudeau's government stay the course and find some balance in satisfying the money controllers while still protecting and supporting it's people and our Mother Earth? Sadly, I believe we are moving into a very risky year and one fraught with danger. I suppose it is easier and more comfortable to just ignore all of these things that are staring us in the face. However that kind of apathy is causing us huge problems world wide and people are ending up with very right wing and fascist Continued on page 8
8
Alberta Native News
January, 2017
Landmark film to be screened in Edmonton: Feb. 12 at Metro The rights of First Nations children take centre stage in the landmark documentary, “We Can’t Make the Same Mistake Twice” which will be screened in Edmonton at 1 pm on February 12 at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau. Co-presented by Reconciliation in Focus and the First Nations Action Research and Education Service (FNCARES) at the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta, the afternoon event will include a very special discussion with acclaimed filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin and Child and Family Rights Advocate Cindy Blackstock, following the film. “We Can’t Make the Same Mistake Twice” follows the historic discrimination complaint filed against the Government of Canada in 2007 by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations. Led by the tireless and determined Cindy Blackstock, the head of the Caring Society, they argued that child and family welfare services provided to First Nations children on reserves were underfunded and inferior to those offered to other Canadian children. Despite challenges from the federal government to have the case dismissed, the Canadian Human Rights Commission referred it to a full hearing by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, which began proceedings in 2013. Over the course of the next three years, Blackstock and her allies tenaciously fought for what they knew was right in the face of overt – and covert – challenges. Obomsawin’s deft documentary lens gives us a rare and detailed glimpse into the Canadian legal system as a remarkable story of courage, conviction and justice unfolds. This stunning NFB documentary, the 50th by legendary Abenaki filmmaker, Alanis Obomsawin, follows the
Happy New Year
cont. from p 7
governments. Already, I am hearing racist, bigoted and hateful rhetoric as more right wing groups and organizations push to follow the lead of the United States
Human Rights case launched against the government of Canada for racially discriminating against First Nations children. Watch the trailer at nfb.ca. The Human Rights complaint denounced the gaps in services made available to First Nations children compared to other Canadian children, arguing that these inequalities are based solely on the children’s origins, and play a role in driving First Nations children into the child welfare system, where they are 6 to 8 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be placed in foster care. The complainants alleged that this situation was not unlike the assimilation and trauma caused by residential schools - a topic that was also discussed during the trial. Including the many appeals, the legal process spanned nine long years before finally ending in victory for the plaintiffs in 2016. “We Can’t Make the Same Mistake Twice” gives a voice to those involved in this legal battle, notably Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the FNCFCSC, who endured government spying and retaliation as a result of her central role in the trial. Director Alanis Obomsawin guides us through the intricacies of the legal system while never losing sight of the real issues at stake: the welfare of children and the survival of First Nations cultures Join Cindy Blackstock and Alanis Obomsawin for the Edmonton Premiere of “We Can't Make the Same Mistake Twice.” The film’s running time is 160 minutes, which will be followed by an engaging and informative Q & A session. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $6 for students and seniors. Buy tickets at the door or in advance through Metro Cinema at metrocinema.org. There are a limited number of free tickets available for youth, Elders or others government. I love reading history and in my travels all over the world I have been so happy to visit the many beautiful historic sites in so many countries. However, much of my research in history and my visits revolve around the reality that war and conflict has always been prevalent right through the ages. It almost always revolves around the very wealthy few wanting more control and money at the expense of people, creatures and our Mother
Master filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin has been making documentaries through the National Film Board of Canada since the 1960s. One of the most prolific – and significant – voices in documentary, Obomsawin is committed to sharing Indigenous perspectives in her expansive body of work, which now stands at 50 features and shorts. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honours and remains fiercely committed to her craft at the inspirational age of 84.
who would otherwise be unable to attend. Email fncares@ualberta.ca with your request. The theatre is wheelchair accessible through the norh side door (ramped). The washrooms in the theatre are not accessible; the coffee shop next door has accessible washrooms. The University of Alberta and Metro Cinema acknowledge their relationship with Treaty 6 territory and specifically wish to acknowledge the Papaschase First Nation on whose unceded land their institutions occupy. Earth. This has resulted in such terrible tragedy in the past and now that we have a world where many countries have so many nuclear weapons our future is compromised to say the least. I believe that a Happy 2017 will rely on each one of us taking an interest in politics and making sure that fascism and right wing governments do not take over our country. This is a trend that is being driven in many countries in the world right now and we have to be on guard, aware and involved if we want to keep our democracy in place. A Happy 2017 will depend on us. For more articles by Xavier Kataquapit visit www.underthenorthernsky.com
Alberta Native News is printing and distributing to more Indigenous communities across Alberta and the west than any other newspaper. Contact natnews@shaw.ca to reach your target audience.
January, 2017
Alberta Native News
9
Northern Cree Singers nominated for 2017 Grammy Award by John Copley Just a few short weeks from now the Northern Cree Singers will find out if seven is their lucky number. That’s because on February 12, 2017 the popular Alberta-based Canadian band, who received their seventh Grammy nomination last fall, will know whether or not their newest album, “It’s a Cree Thing,” released in 2016, has been selected as the winner in the 59th Annual Grammy Awards' ‘Best Regional Music Album’ category. The popular album, which is available from iTunes for just $9.99, has 11 great powwow tunes on board and is just one of many albums that the band has released since the turn of the century. After listening and purchasing this album, I’d say it’s one of their best yet. Tunes that include Watch Your Wives, Indian Summer, Hearts and Arrows and Oh, That Smile are among my all-time favourites and if you check out the album I’m sure you’ll agree. Recorded and produced by Canyon Records, “It’s A Cree Thing” is available for free listening on a number of popular music sites, including iTunes, Napster and Spotify. It’s no surprise that the Northern Cree Singers are considered one of the best, if not the best Round Dancethemed drummers and singers troupe in the business today. Over the years this group’s music has spread its beautiful sounds, stories, songs and dance across North America and beyond. The foot-tapping, head-nodding beats not only reflect the vibrancy of the Round Dance, but also bring a special feeling and a kind of peace that offers a magical blend of both meditating and healing powers. The last time I saw the group play was in the summer of 2015 when they joined the likes of Nathan Cunningham, Derek Miller, Murray Porter and Crystal Shawanda on the stage during National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Edmonton’s Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Group leader Steve Wood, who also teaches high school in Maskwacis, is originally from the Saddle Lake First Nation. The group has won numerous awards and many accolades over the years and have been chosen as multiaward winners during the prestigious annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards galas over the years.
The Northern Cree Singers have been around since 1980 when the Wood brothers made a trip to Idaho to compete in a stick game tournament. There’s a lot of stories about how the group started, and since I tried but can’t reach them in time for deadline I’ll The Alberta-based music group Northern Cree Singers have been nominated for share my favourite version. their seventh Grammy Award, this year in the Best Regional Music Album category “The first day they got for their new release - "It's a Cree Thing." there,” or so the story goes, “they lost their money and didn’t have enough to get of Grammy categories; to that Wood noted: “To be honest, home. The only way they could get the money was to earn I didn't think we'd be nominated again in this lifetime.” This latest nomination proves yet again just how it - so they did, by singing for their supper. The brothers Indigenous music has become over the years as powerful borrowed a drum from a local museum and when they more and more music lovers tune into the powerful and went to sign in at the arena where they were going to hypnotic beat of the drum and the powwow singer. This perform, the director asked them the name of the group. year they are competing against groups that have a totally Looking down on top of the drum, they could read the different sound including non-Indigenous music from: faded words, Northern Cree. Thus the name was born.” Romero and the Hub City All-Stars, Kalani Pe’a Roddie Today the group is respected, influential and has a huge and Barry Jean Ancelet and Sam Broussard. following, especially in North America and Europe. The In his interview with CBC’s Travis McEwan in early troupe size ranges in numbers from 12 to 15, sometimes December 2016 Wood said he’s hoping that the music even more. If you have about eight and a half minutes to catches on outside the Aboriginal communities because he spare, and haven’t already seen it, be sure to check out to share his music and his culture with everyone. He wants their outstanding and beautifully choreographed music also noted that some people still say the group should only video, You Driving Me Crazy, a youTube sensation first uploaded in November of 2009. This particular video be sharing their traditional drum music with people of their own culture. alone has been watched more than a half million times. “We need positive stories for our young people so that The Northern Cree Singers sing in both Cree and they know that they can aspire to great things and they English and are heroes in their own communities and in don't have to be anybody else. They can be themselves,” many others across the continent. Ranked as one of the top he said. five powwow groups in North America, the music of the “(Our music) is meant for everyone,” he added, noting Northern Cree Singers is powerful, explosive, high octane that “when I see in the U.S. in some schools where nonand very much in demand. Native kids are taking up drumming, I think that's In a recent interview with the CBC Wood said that he awesome. Why not? It's our music but we're sharing it.” was surprised to learn that the group’s ‘It’s a Cree Thing’ My sentiment, exactly. album had been nominated for a Grammy. The Native American music category has been dropped from the list
Visit albertanativenews.com
Let us spread the word for you! To advertise your business, community event or employment opportunity contact Alberta Native News at 780.421.7966 or natnews@shaw.ca
10
Alberta Native News
Child Welfare
cont. from p 3
“Why are funds intended for victims reverting to the Government? This was disclosed to me during an interview with Sabrina Lombardi. Are victims aware? Why do victims require the services of McKenzie-Lake or need to pay a portion of their compensation to the firm if they are able to file a VOC on their own? I've written to the Law Society of Upper Canada repeatedly but get no reply! Is this unusual? It's as if this case is a conspiracy to ensure victims fail to achieve compensation for the harm done to them.” In the meantime, lawyer Robert Lee’s dedication to duty was recently honoured by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Rights, who called him “a rare lawyer who takes on cases no one else will touch including sexual and physical abuse of children in the care system. He is an example of everything that is ethical, just, and fair; he seeks accountability through the law and the judicial process.” Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) President, Muriel Stanley-Venne called him “the most courageous lawyer in Alberta.” During his acceptance speech Lee talked about his experiences in dealing with the class action suit mentioned in this article. “When I first started this work in about 2001,” he said, “I was representing multiple children who had been abused in government care. A non-profit organization had contacted me to find out about a class action lawsuit and the rights of children and what they needed to know for the children and for their own organization. The government found out, Alberta Child Welfare, that I had been invited to speak to this organization and they blackballed me, they threatened the organization that if I was allowed to speak to their membership that the government would cancel the funding to the non-profit organization and that would put them out of business because 80 percent of their funding came from government. “I think that it’s wrong for the Government of Alberta to use its position of authority to obstruct the legal rights of children and to threaten and intimidate organizations and lawyers who simply want to help vulnerable children.
Future Leaders
cont. from p 2
local youth, acting as positive role models and inspiring youth to be their best. The Alberta Sport Connection, in partnership with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), provides opportunities to help strengthen and empower youth who
January, 2017
“The second thing I want to talk about, is that the first class action that I started for children was about the government’s failure to protect their legal rights. An Ontario law firm took over that law suit a couple of years ago, and some of the class members have recently asked me to investigate the settlement, which was entered to in early 2016 and deadline was January 15, 2017. “Upon investigating the Victims rights lawyer Robert Lee was recently honoured by the John Humphrey case I have come across Centre for Peace and Rights for his efforts to achieve compensation for the harms some things that have done to vulnerable children in the province's care. disturbed me quite a bit. One of the things that I discovered is that the Ontario law order - I consider that kidnapping. There was a recent firm who is representing the vulnerable claims list, the hearing in that case and the judge in the case compared the children that had their rights violated, had actually sent the government’s actions in the law suit to that of a John plaintiff, the representative plaintiff, to meet with a lawyer Grisham movie and book by the name of ‘Rainmaker’ and that worked for the government law firm. This is a really he described the actions of the government as a ‘shell gross conflict of interest in my opinion and I am looking game.’ I am waiting for a decision from the judge on that; we expect it shortly. into why this was done. “These are the types of things that vulnerable children, “Another thing that I discovered is that in the class action settlement, it appears that only 10 percent of the kids in the care of government have faced in trying to class members are going to receive a benefit from the obtain the protection of their human rights and access to settlement and 90 percent of the class members actually justice. I can’t leave here without thanking some very important people, Cynthia Orwaard, was my legal receive no benefit at all. “The net result of this is that the class action settlement assistant for 10 years before she retired and I have to thank actually results in the class members, as a whole, receiving her. In addition, I have my own role models - Velvet less compensation than they would have received if there Martin, who has worked for the rights of innocent children was no law suit and no settlement at all. I am investigating herself for many years after being involved in the child this because it seems that the only people that have welfare system. Muriel Stanley-Venne was also a great benefited from the settlement appeared to be the lawyers role model for me; she was awarded the Order of Canada and mentioned by the United Nations. Most importantly I and the government. “The third thing I’d like to talk about is that I have would like to thank my wife, Lisa and my two sons, who started a second class action against the government and have to live with the stress of the difficult work that I do.” To contact victim's rights lawyer Robert Lee, email again this one is for the failure of the government to protect the rights of children. What they did in this case, leerobert@netscape.net or call (780) 800-5584 or visit they have kept children in care, and without a valid court victimsrightslaw.ca. live in First Nation and Métis communities in Alberta. ASC believes that “investing in Alberta's youth today will create a positive tomorrow. Our partners share this philosophy and together we create opportunities for youth across the province to realize their potential.” For more information about the program and application process visit albertasport.ca and search Future
Leaders. Those interested in participating as a Youth or Arts Mentor are encouraged to send a cover letter and resume indicating their position preference to ctfutureleaders@albertasport.ca. For telephone inquiries call (780) 422-9254.
January, 2017
Alberta Native News
Shillinglaw
cont. from p 5
First Nation artist Alex Janvier, with whom I learned much. In 2009 I was an invited panelist to two symposiums on Native Rights and Women’s Rights in Argentina and Paraguay. While there, I engaged many groups with exhibitions and panel discussion that focused on the preservation of the land through art. I also developed connections with the Canadian Embassy, who subsequently sponsored travels to Mendoza, Argentina, where I worked with an anthropologist studying tribes such as the Maputches.” In Paraguay she worked with a Unicef school in a Tobian-Guaranian village. “Their medicine woman invited me to her home,” noted the artist. “She shared with me her knowledge about her medicines. I found that I was able to understand what she was saying without translators, though I did not speak her language. We understood each other because we both cared and shared and because we both came from a similar natural place.” “Buffalo Corral” pays tribute to the history of the bison in North America, honouring the near extinction of the species which occurred in the 19th century and the transition our landscape has undergone since that time. “These painted panels,” she explained, “depict the bounty of Strathcona County in the time before settlement, when Indigenous peoples would use the natural formation of a forest to trap bison during the hunt. Hunted to nearextinction during the 17th Century, the bison, which once numbered in the tens of millions numbered less than 100 in the wild by the late 1880s. “First Nations and Métis peoples living in what is now Canada, used over 1000 different plants for food, medicine and materials in cultural rituals and mythology. Many of these species, ranging from algae to conifers and flowering plants, were indispensably important within Indigenous communities. Knowledge of plants and their uses has empowered peoples to thrive in Canada’s diverse environments.” Heather has chosen to include many of these plants within the corral; by portraying these resources she recognizes their importance to Metis and Indigenous
Celebration
cont. from p 6
“Possibility,” a tune that went on to be featured on television shows such as “One Tree Hill” and “Switched at Birth.” That song led to her opening for international legends Bon Jovi, and Paul McCartney. Donnell Leahy is an extraordinarily gifted fiddle player whose professional career spans over 30 years. Donnell is the front-man and lead fiddler for “Leahy.” You’ll also find him sharing the stage with wife Natalie MacMaster, and brothers Doug and Angus. This is one show you won’t want to miss! When you hear the name: MacArthur Celtic Dancers, you think of the MacArthur School of Dance, which is
11
culture as well as to her own personal life. Within one of the panels Shillinglaw introduces her audience to two important figures, Dr. Troy Patenaude and Mr. Malcolm Norris. These two Metis men appear in traditional trapping garb, and are both set to the outskirts of an encampment, standing next to a campfire with leather tanning beside them as they both work alone. Norris “Malcolm (1900–1967) was an influential Canadian Métis Detail from "Buffalo Corral" by Heather Shillinglaw, currently on exhibit at the leader and activist of the Plain Multicultural Centre. Stony 20th century,” she explained. “Norris served his life has significantly impacted mine.” in the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Air A guest speaker, educator, curator, world traveller and Force then after the war with the Royal Canadian an advocate for women and the challenges they face, Mounted Police; he also worked as an employee of the Shillinglaw’s artwork has been part of private and Hudson’s Bay Company. During his travels, he developed corporate collections across Canada for the past two political views in response to the disorganization and decades ever since she graduated from the Alberta College poverty he saw in Métis and First Nations communities of Art and Design’s drawing program in 1996. A devoted throughout northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Norris wife and a nurturing mother, Heather has worked with the was one of the founding members of the Métis Bissell Centre, The McCauley Community League, Association of Alberta; he sought self-government and Mental Health and various senior centres. Her art has been fiscal self-sufficiency for his people and contributed exhibited in numerous galleries around the country and greatly to Canadian Metis history by organizing the Métis she’s taken her work and her wisdom beyond Canada’s Association of Alberta and of Saskatchewan. borders to places that include Paraguay and Argentina. “Dr. Troy Patenaude’s deep knowledge about nature, She’s worked with Edmonton Public and Separate School culture, the arts, the Rocky Mountains, and North Boards, participated as an artist-in-residence at numerous American history played a significant role in helping schools and and ten years ago she worked on an art project various individuals as they explored the Rocky with Inner City Housing to help celebrate their 25th Mountains. He coordinated and facilitated guided hikes, Anniversary. She’s won numerous awards, including the nature education programs, and intercultural sharing Biney and Smith International Student Competition in experiences with the Cross River Wilderness Centre; he New York and a second-place finish in the annual Peace also worked as Manager of Visitor Experiences with Fort Hills Trust Art Contest. Calgary. An accomplished guitarist, songwriter, and For more information about Heather Shillinglaw’s work curator, Patenaude’s diverse community contributions visit www.shillinglaw.ca included music, art, writing, and traditional storytelling located on the beautiful Island of Cape Breton, in the Province of Nova Scotia. The Island is best known for its rich Celtic Culture, as well as the musical and dancing talents it has developed throughout the years. The Dance School has been a part of this heritage since its inception in 1997, and the focus of the school has remained the same ~ to continue to promote this wonderful culture through both the traditional and modern forms of Celtic Dance. Expect another great performance by this unique and talented group of entertainers. Entertainer Allen Christie is known as a “true modern day troubadour” and one of Alberta's most talked about Roots artists. His singing, song writing and guitar playing are perfectly framed by some of the best musicians
in Alberta to create a superb live performance. He's perfected his addictive blend of roots, country and folk to create a deeply personal sound that is unmistakably Albertan and he might throw in some banjo or mandolin for good measure. Cowboy songs are the forte of the Allan Christie Band; another popular group that you will truly enjoy. For more information about the Metis Homecoming and Jigging/Fiddling and Talent Show celebration call 403.845.2412 ext 3 or email rocky.info@pc.gc.ca. You can also visit the website at: confluencehs.wixsite.com/confluencehs.
12
Alberta Native News
January, 2017