Alberta Native News - Digital Edition - July, 2016

Volume 33 Number 07 July, 2016

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Alberta Native News

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National Aboriginal Day 2016 draws record crowds

by John Copley Canadians of all cultures and ethnicities joined together this year to participate in National Aboriginal Day (NAD) 2016, and in doing so ensured that the June 21 Summer Solstice annual celebration was among the largest and best-attended events ever. In Edmonton and area NAD 2016 got underway on June 15 this year with a book discussion at the Whitemud Crossing library and again on June 19 in St. Albert’s Lion Park, where First Nation and Metis music, performed by both local and regional performers and musicians, was once again the hit of the event.

On Tuesday June 21 the National Aboriginal Day event, Oti Nekan (Our Future), was held in Borden Park located in north Edmonton. It was sponsored by the Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Creating Hope Society, Homeward Trust, Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School District and Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations.

“It was an outstanding day,” nodded CNFC Edmonton Executive Director Ron Walker during a recent interview.

“The crowds were outstanding; the food and crafts venues were busy all day, the entertainment was superb and the ongoing dance exhibitions that took place throughout the afternoon were a colourful delight. It was really nice to see so many of our young people out in full regalia, dancing proudly across the lawn. They wowed the audience, as did another special moment that saw Premier Rachel Notley make her way into the park and up onto our stage.”

The Creating Hope Society’s Program Director Crystal Beaverbones called the celebrations “an outstanding and meaningful day” and reiterated Walker’s words when she said: “It was a very successful event; it was well attended, there was a ton of parking space and a lot of room for everyone. I was delighted with the venue; it was our first time at Borden Park but hopefully not the last.”

Beaverbones credited all of the sponsoring bodies for their input and support and gave special note to the work and achievements of the CNFC, who she said, “were

responsible for getting the two school boards and Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations on board as cohosts” of the 2016 NAD event.

Canadian Heritage also helped to sponsor the event again this year as did Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations department, who (l-r) Crystal Beaverbones, Francis Whiskeyjack, Ron Walker, Elmer Raine and paid the fees for the use of Elder Emil Durocher represented some of the sponsoring agencies of the Oti Borden Park.

Nekan National Aboriginal Day celebration in Edmonton.

The crowds began to gather long before the 11 a.m. Pipe Ceremony ended and they were treated to an up-close look at how a teepee is erected. Elder Emil Durocher, along with Francis Elder Whiskeyjack, Elmer Rain (Homeward Trust), Ron Walker (CNFC) and several other helpers set up the poles and circled the teepee with a long rope that was used to securely tie the poles together. Once the canvas was added, the Pipe Ceremony got underway.

Emcee Ron Walker The Grand Entry line gets ready to begin its procession during National Aboriginal introduced the Host Drum, Day celebrations in Edmonton. the Blackstone Singers immediately after the Pipe importance of the national day of recognition and the Ceremony, and from that moment on the excitement of the opportunity it gives all Canadians to come together to day continued to build. The program began with an celebrate Indigenous culture and the important opening line-up led by a group of young dancers, contributions that First Nation, Metis and Inuit people complete with face paint, have made to Alberta and Canada. many dressed in traditional Premier Notley’s comments and salutations were brief regalia; the main Grand but her visit was not. She remained at the Borden Park Entry was scheduled for 5 event for 35 or 40 minutes and casually and amiably shook p.m. hands, answered questions and paused for photographs Premier Notley made with dozens of different individuals, groups and children. her entrance just after “She was genuine, that’s for sure,” said Walker. “I was 11:30 a.m. and was invited very impressed with the way the premier met and spoke to the podium, where she with the people; she spent time talking to them and taking addressed the growing photos with them and I think that was a very nice gesture audience with enthusiasm and one that should be recognized.” and words of praise. She Continued on page 15 talked about the

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Alberta Native News

July, 2016

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How to implement UNDRIP Attorney General and Minister of Justice Jody Wilson- Declaration. Accordingly the way the UNDRIP will get Raybould addressed the Assembly of First Nations implemented in Canada will be through a mixture of Annual General Assembly on July 12. Here is an excerpt legislation, policy and action initiated and taken by of her remarks about Canada implementing the UN Indigenous Nations themselves. Ultimately, the UNDRIP Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: will be articulated through the constitutional framework of (Responsible governance) is unfortunately, not as Section 35. simple as just ripping up the Indian Act. Although, if we So what are the improved or new mechanisms we need are speaking openly, adopting the UNDRIP should really to support the Nation-to-Nation relationship? What require us to do so. But, in so doing, we would also create legislation or changes to policy do we need now and in the legal and economic uncertainty future? To create the legal and political during the period of transition. space for Indigenous peoples to move How we deal with the existing forward - to breathe life into Section 35. administrative structures onWhat the federal government can do reserve, including the Indian Act now is begin the process to recognize mechanisms that already exist to your Nations and your legitimate support the transition, must be institutions of government. What we can carefully considered. There is do - in full partnership - is to facilitate the already significant infrastructure transition - to set us on an irreversible and steps towards economic path of action - and to develop a national improvement on many reserves reconciliation framework with improved so we have to be very careful and new mechanisms to guide this about the new mechanisms that we transition to rebuilding strong, selfput in place. To build on our determining Nations with practicing and success. thriving cultures.

At the same time we also have to This includes mechanisms to Minister of Justice be mindful of the vested interests negotiate modern treaties under new Jody Wilson-Raybould in the status quo that are resistant mandates as well as other constructive to change. Not to mention the arrangements that will provide a clear citizens of the Nations who may be afraid of change and and predictable path for Indigenous peoples and more comfortable with the devil they know than the devil governments for the exercise of decision-making and they do not. But this is the challenge of Nation rebuilding governance. It means supporting Nation building in the - something that those of us in this room who have been context of historic treaties and, where there are no treaties, dealing with these issues for years fully understand and respecting the proper title-holders. It means creating new embrace. mechanisms to facilitate self-government beyond the So as much as I would tomorrow like to cast into the fire Indian Act band. of history the Indian Act so that the Nations can be reborn And we need to get moving on developing these in its ashes - this is not a practical option - which is why mechanisms as soon as possible. And yes this work will be simplistic approaches, such as adopting the UNDRIP as controversial. But it is absolutely necessary. And it cannot being Canadian law are unworkable and, respectfully, a take multiple generations. We do not have time. By some political distraction to undertaking the hard work required accounts at the current rate of negotiating our way out of to actually implement it. the dysfunction of the Indian Act system using existing What we need is an efficient process of transition that mechanisms would take 600 years. This is not acceptable. lights a fire under the process of decolonization but does To truly celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada next so in a controlled manner that respects where Indigenous year, I would very much like to be able to come back to communities are in terms of rebuilding. the 2017 AFN Assembly, knowing we have a jointly As was described to me by one chief when I was BC developed plan, put it in place and with the work well Regional Chief, rather than popping the balloon that is the under way to develop and implement the mechanisms to Indian Act, we need to let the air out slowly in a controlled support the transition in this, what some have called, "the and deliberate manner - slowly until it is all gone and age of recognition". when it is all out what replaces it will be strong and We simply cannot waste time on reinventing the wheel healthy First Nation governments - governments that or replicating reports of yesterday - we must act with design and deliver their own programs and services. conviction and determination. As a proud Indigenous This approach is consistent with article 38 of the person as well as a proud Canadian, I know that my future UNDRIP which sets out that the role of the state, in and the future of the generations to come, is inextricably consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, is tied to the success of the project of creating a stronger to take the appropriate measures to achieve the ends of the Canada that is inclusive and respects diversity - a postnation state that recognizes pluralism and a system of government that supports this objective. Strong Indigenous Nations are a part of this vision.

Legitimate and strong Indigenous Nations have already begun to change the way Canada is governed for the Continued on page 13

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Northern Gateway pipeline approval overturned by federal court Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde congratulated the Gitxaala Nation, Gita’at First Nation, Haida Nation, Kitasoo Xai’Xais Band, Heiltsuk Tribal Council, Nadleh Whut’en and Nak’az-dli Whut’en for successfully defending the rights of their peoples following the decision by the Federal Court of Appeal to overturn approval of the Northern Gateway pipeline.

“This decision reinforces, yet again, that First Nations have rights as peoples that are recognized in the Constitution and that full and meaningful consultations with affected First Nations must be undertaken and respected by all, including the Federal Cabinet,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde.

“First Nations must be involved from the very beginning of any proposed projects or activities. This is why the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the path that must guide our way forward. It will ensure our peoples and our rights are respected and upheld. This standard must be met across the board.”

On Thursday June 30, 2016, the Federal Court of Appeal decided that the Canadian Government failed in its duty to consult with First Nations on Enbridge’s Northern Gateway project. The government neglected to discuss subjects of critical importance to First Nations by ignoring many of the project’s impacts and offering only a “brief, hurried and inadequate” opportunity for consultation. The judgment calls for Canadian officials to engage on all subjects of interest to affected First Nations, and to exchange information freely and candidly, with explanations to the level of reasonable fulfilment. Eight First Nations, four environmental groups and one labour union launched the legal challenge in October 2015.

"This decision confirms what we have known all along -- the federal government's consultation on this project fell well short of the mark," said Chief Larry Nooski of Nadleh Whut'en First Nation. "Yinka Dene Alliance First Nations refused Northern Gateway permission to enter our territories as a matter of our own laws, and now the Court has made it crystal clear that the government must listen to us and take our laws seriously."

This decision demonstrates the need for substantial dialogue between First Nations and the Crown about the legal implications of project impacts on the inherent and Treaty rights of First Nations before any decisions are made that may negatively impact those rights. Each project must be assessed on a case-by-case basis in terms of its potential impacts on the rights and jurisdiction of each affected First Nation.

National Chief Bellegarde added: “We support First Nations in exercising their right to self-determination and economic development. First Nations will be part of the

national dialogue on how the current regulatory system must be reformed because we’ve known for a long time that it is broken. The way to fix it is a new approach that reflects our values and our right to make decisions on any matters that could affect our lives, our lands or our people. The government says it is embarking on a new approach and the path forward will only be successful if First Nations are fully involved in an approach respects our rights.”

The court reversed a 2014 federal approval of Enbridge’s $7.9 billion Northern Gateway project by the Harper Conservative government following a Joint Panel Review (JPR).

The judgment says the government neglected to discuss subjects of critical importance to First Nations by ignoring many of the project's impacts.

"The inadequacies -- more than just a handful and more than mere imperfections -- left entire subjects of central interest to the affected First Nations, sometimes subjects affecting their subsistence and well-being, entirely ignored. Many impacts of the project ... were left undisclosed, undiscussed and unconsidered," the decision reads.

"It would have taken Canada little time and little organizational effort to engage in meaningful dialogue on these and other subjects of prime importance to Aboriginal Peoples. But this did not happen."

The three judge panel that heard the appeal was split 21.

The Calgary-based energy company Enbridge and its 31 Aboriginal equity partners asked the National Energy Board for a three-year extension to the 2016 construction deadline to allow for more consultation. But the First Nations who oppose the project say extra time won't sway their position.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also voiced his opposition to a crude oil pipeline through the Great Bear rainforest, through which Northern Gateway would traverse.

The proposal would involve the construction of more than a thousand kilometres of pipeline from northeast of Edmonton to Kitimat, B.C., for shipping to international markets. A parallel line would send 193,000 barrels a day of bitumen-thinning diluent in the opposite direction.

"The time has come for the federal government to put this toxic issue behind us for good, by rejecting the Northern Gateway project once and for all, and by following through on the commitment to ban oil tankers on the coast," said Chief Fred Sam of Nak'azdli.

Environmental organizations are celebrating the appeal court's decision.

"Today is a good day for the B.C. coast, climate and salmon rivers," said Sierra Club spokeswoman Caitlyn Vernon.

"By overturning federal approval of Northern Gateway, the courts have put yet another nail in the coffin of this pipeline and tankers project."

The Sierra Club helped raise money to fund First Nations involved in the legal challenge.

John Carruthers, President, Northern Gateway responded to the ruling with the following statement: “Today the Federal Court of Appeal addressed important concerns regarding the Northern Gateway Pipeline.

Though the court found that the Joint Review Panel recommendation was acceptable and defensible on the facts and the law and is reasonable they concluded that further Crown consultation is required.

“While the matter is remitted to the federal government for their redetermination, Northern Gateway will consult with the Aboriginal Equity Partners and our commercial project proponents to determine our next steps.

“However, the Aboriginal Equity Partners and our commercial project proponents are fully committed to building this critical Canadian infrastructure project while at the same time protecting the environment and the traditional way of life of First Nations and Métis peoples and communities along the project route.”

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K-Days comes alive in Edmonton: July 22-31 This year Northlands has really pumped up K-Days as Edmonton’s hottest summer festival with two new rides (Himalaya and Charlie Chopper), over two dozen new fair foods, the first ever Canadian Drone Racing Championship in TechLife, the Laugh Lounge, Style District, Canine Stars, Peking Acrobats and Zombie Outbreak!

But they didn’t stop there!

This year they also doubled the daily live entertainment with two stages and 20 concerts over 10 days! Not only that, they are partnering with the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation to put on the first ever K-Days Pow Wow and Northlands Indigenous Princess Pageant.

It’s the best of both worlds! Everything you love about K-Days will be back (including the Kinsmen Lottery!) and there’s so much new stuff to see and do you’ll have to plan multiple visits to enjoy it all!

The colour, dancing and drums of a traditional powwow will be celebrated at K-Days for the first time this summer.

The annual summer fair will include a powwow at 3 pm till 8 pm every day from July 22-31, 2016 and it will feature a grand entry with a different theme each day.

Check the website www.k-days.com The annual July exhibition hosted at Northlands takes place in Edmonton on the traditional territory of Treaty 6 First Nations and the addition of a traditional powwow is a welcome feature at this year’s celebration.

Another exciting new development at K-Days this year is the introduction of a Northlands Indigenous Princess Pageant. Northlands and the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation will be hosting the pageant as part of this year’s KDays Traditional Powwow. The winning Princess will hail from the Treaty Six traditional area and she will be between the ages of 18 and 25 and a high school graduate.

Part of her responsibilities will be to showcase Indigenous culture at K-Days and throughout the year at Northlands events.

The partnership between Northlands and the

Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations provides an opportunity to educate the community regarding Treaty Six, as well as local Indigenous culture and history. In continuation of the festivities and the first annual K-Days Pow Wow presented by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Cree Nation, Northlands is enthusiastic that the Northlands Indigenous Princess Pageant is an important addition to the programing that will enhance and elevate that partnership and also provide an ambassador for Northlands to build the relations within the community.

The aim of the Northlands Indigenous Princess Pageant is to encourage and continue to develop Indigenous girls/women as community leaders and ambassadors while educating Edmontonians and keeping traditional native traditions alive.

The primary goal will be to engage the Northlands Indigenous Princess throughout the year as an ambassador of goodwill for Northlands, where she will attend numerous appearances and events to educate the community while developing her communication skills through teaching and sharing the rich traditions, culture, and heritage of the Indigenous people.

The application deadline for the Northlands Indigenous Princess Pageant was July 13 but if you are interested in learning more about the entry regulations, visit the website at k-days.com.

This year’s line-up for K-Days is bigger and better than ever. With 20 concerts, over 10 days on two stages, all for the price of one pass, this year’s concert series brings unbelievable value to the midway. Energetic shows for teenage music fans including Rita Mae, West Mack, Shawn Hook, Franscesco Yates, Andee, Scott Helman, Jess Moskaluke, Tyler Shaw, Rachel Platten and Victoria Duffield will be featured at the North Stage. More adultoriented headliners such as X Ambassadors, Matthew Good, Moist, Coleman Hell, Tom Hicks, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, Monster Truck, Simple Plan and Finger Eleven will light up the brand new TD South Stage.

Access to both the North Stage and the TD South Stage is free with admission to K-Days. See all 20 musical acts for only $42.50 with the purchase of a 10-Day K-Pass before July 21.

Tickets to VIP sections for both stages are available for purchase at K-days.com.

If the upgrade in musical entertainment wasn’t enough, K-Days will debut two new rides this year. Along with the staple fan-favourite rides like the Mega Drop and the Crazy Mouse, the fair welcomes the brand-new Himalaya and Charlie Chopper to its line-up of both adventurous and family-friendly rides.

You may have thought last year’s Doughnut Grilled Cheese and Foot Long Pizza Dog were wild, but the food masterminds have stepped up their game even more for this year’s K-Days.

And when night falls, the sky transforms into the perfect stage for an amazing dance of fire. It’s a sight that thrills all those who look upon it - from the smallest child to the oldest senior. K-Days daily Fireworks Celebration is the instant in which everyone at the fair comes together, looks up and say, “Wow.”

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CNFC's new executive director Ron Walker looks to the future

by John Copley Ron (Moon) Walker, who until recently was the Program Coordinator for Canadian Edmonton’s Native Friendship Centre (CNFC), has seen his role expanded because of an unforeseen illness that has forced former Executive Director Merle White to step down. Walker, who has now taken over as the CNFC Executive Director organization’s Executive Ron Walker Director, said the CNFC “will continue to fulfill its mandate as we work with other organizations, agencies and governments and strive to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people living in Edmonton’s urban environment.”

In an interview Walker talked about the organization’s varied programs and on-going initiatives and his intention to “continue to work closely with area schools and postsecondary institutions as we move into the future.”

Just days after the 2016 National Aboriginal Day (NAD) celebration Walker spoke about the role that the CNFC played as a major contributor and organizer of the 20th Anniversary event and applauded the efforts of everyone involved.

“The event was very successful and that’s really not surprising, especially with partners that included the Creating Hope Society, the Edmonton Public and Catholic School Boards, Homeward Trust and the city’s Indigenous Relations office,” he noted. “These are the kind of partnerships we need to continue to establish and maintain because there’s a long road ahead and we can achieve greater things by working together to achieve similar goals. In fact, we are already establishing new partnerships with area schools, including Westmount, where we are working with principal Rick Stanley. He would like to

utilize the school as a community hub and we have a lot of similar interests in this area. The schools are the most natural place to achieve progress and a hub that brings the community through the doors will help in that process.

The community rallies around new ideas and programs and so far, we have established a powwow program at the school that will take place every Monday and will embrace students, teachers, families and the general public. We have two experienced and very talented facilitators who will deliver the program.”

The CNFC has also developed a positive working relationship with area libraries.

“We’ve had three different programs operating at three libraries this year,” explained Walker. “Our Tuesday night powwow sessions were held at the Stanley Milner Library and attracted between 40 and 50 people every week; another, our traditional arts program, was held every Monday night at the library in Millwoods and the third is our Cree language program, which we coordinated through the Highlands Library. Beginning this October, we will also be offering a Stony Language program possibly out of Westmount; it’s something that is still being worked out.”

The CNFC maintains numerous programs and initiatives throughout the year; one of those is the summer camp program, an initiative that allows youth aged 7 to 17 to spend time at the camp every July and August.

“Each program session runs for one week,” noted Walker, “and each program is broken down into age categories. Our Turtle Program is designed for youth aged 7-10; the Ravens Program embraces youth aged 11 to 14 years and the Wolves Program is designed for youth aged 15-17 years.”

Space is still available for some of the 2016 summer camp programs; the first of the two Ravens Camps, however, winds up on July 22 and is not available. The second Ravens Camp runs from August 15-19. The Turtles Camp takes place from August 8-12 while the

July, 2016

Wolves Camp runs from August 2-5.

The program takes place at the CNFC. The younger aged groups, added Walker, take a more active interest in the camps and in the traditional learning that accompanies them. This is commonplace throughout most of the programs geared toward youth.

Musical programs, including powwow and Metis dance, and family and CNFC gatherings can get busy and room can get short and as a result the Friendship Centre is often on the lookout for extra space.

“The Stanley Milner Library, for example, will not be available to us during the next year because they are about to undergo some renovations,” noted Walker. “We are currently in need of a facility that we can utilize so if anyone has an offer to make, we would be interested in talking.”

To make matters worse, the CNFC will soon have to find a new location for its main office.

“The owners of this building are currently looking for buyers; they want to sell the property soon, so we are currently and desperately looking for a new location. A gymnasium-sized facility would be ideal and would allow us to deliver more of our programs from under our own roof. As we continue to grow so does the need for more programs and initiatives, not just for youth - but for the whole community. If we had the space, we could host more programs and workshops; ideally I’d like to see us be able to accommodate more cultural programs and a larger facility would allow us to do that.”

Walker spoke about the importance of maintaining languages, cultural practices and traditional values; he spoke about the important role that Elders play in the community and said that he’d like to see the CNFC develop more like-minded partners so the organization could offer programs such as “learning about and playing Indigenous hand games, learning about and singing round dance songs, learning about and participating in powwow dance, and learning about the drum and its significance to Indigenous culture.”

He said, “We could also become more involved in programs that involve physical activity; our youth like any youth need as much physical activity as they can get.”

A larger facility would also help alleviate some of the costs associated with summer camps because when they Continued on page 12

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Fiddlers and so much more at John Arcand Fiddle Fest: Aug. 11-14

by John Copley Western Canada has so many good-weather venues and summer events that it can be quite difficult to plan your summer holidays. Sometimes you look high and low for the right venue and never find it and other times ideas just fall into your lap. If you want to have a great time this summer, plan a trip to Saskatchewan between August 11 and 14 for the John Arcand Fiddle Fest.

By a great time, I mean wonderful musical entertainment, workshops and cultural events as well as very reasonable prices. There is free camping, plenty of facilities, lots of parking space, free shuttle service to and from Saskatoon, a 200 by 80 foot covered roof with a dance floor and drop-down walls in case it rains. Noncampers will also find special prices for hotel rooms at Saskatoon’s Heritage Inn and Conference Centre. If you’re attending the event for a single day, the cost is just $25; spend the entire weekend for just $60 a person. There is no charge for children 12 years of age and younger.

The John Arcand Fiddle Fest, presented by PotashCorp, will take place at Windy Acres, which is located 10 kms south of Saskatoon on Pike Lake Hwy #60. There is no charge to competitors and no pre-registration for the event; all registrations are done on site at the time of the festival.

Vicki Arcand is the event organizer and wife of the festival’s namesake, master fiddler John Arcand. “Our goal,” she explained, “is to present an annual festival that offers cultural awareness and diversity in programming; we want it to be both inviting and affordable to everyone.”

And the John Arcand Fiddle Fest has been meeting that goal in spades for 19 years.

While the weekend event features a fiddling competition with cash prizes and culminates with the naming of this year’s prize winners, the annual festival offers much more, including a family-friendly atmosphere with a Children’s Area that offers a variety of planned interactive activities for kids.

Things get underway at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning, August 11 with a cultural camp that offers among other things, flat and peyote beading, finger

weaving and embroidery and Metis Art Workshops. Other workshops will include fiddle, guitar and Traditional Red River Jigging. Thursday’s daytime Main Stage performers will include Theresa Sokyrka, Trent Bruner, Jack Walton and a square dancing workshop. An Instructor’s Showcase concert will take place Thursday evening from 6:30 until 10 p.m. and will feature jiggers, Yvonne Chartrand and Raymond Shumi, guitarists Freddie, Sheila and Clinton Pelletier and fiddlers Calvin Vollrath, Patti Kusturok, Lucas Welsh, Daniel Gervais, Fay MacKenzie, Tahnis Cunningham, Gordon Stobbe, Rodney Kipp, Shamma Sabir and John Arcand.

Similar schedules on Friday differ only by the artists who will perform during the Main Stage afternoons and the addition of square dancing (workshops) and Metis Oral Culture Workshops (cultural camp). Saturday begins with Fiddles and Flapjacks (a flapjack breakfast and the serenading tunes of live fiddle music), while Sunday gets underway with gospel music featuring Freddie and Sheila Pelletier.

Two days of free workshops - 110 in all - are included with every guest’s paid admission. Workshops are offered in fiddle, jigging, guitar, square dancing while the Cultural Camp offers a series on Metis Art Forms.

“Workshops,” explained Vicki, “last two full days and deliver something for virtually any level of player – including the absolute beginner fiddler - and fiddles are provided. The instructors are well known and respected fiddlers, dancers, and guitar players who come from all over Canada. The festival has a strong Métis theme, but also promotes other types of fiddle, music and dance from all cultures. Red River Jigging, one of the mainstays of Métis culture, is also taught from beginner through advanced stages.”

Workshops are designed for every ability from beginner to intermediate and advanced - the advanced Fiddle sessions are delivered by the incomparable Calvin Vollrath. Guitar workshops are instructed by Sheila, Freddie and Clinton Pelletier while the Traditional Red

River Jigging sessions are delivered by Yvonne Chartrand and Raymond Shumi.

“The competition features the Traditional Metis Category, the John Arcand Category as well as the traditional contest levels for all ages and skill levels,” noted Vicki. “Some contest preliminaries start on Friday – the bulk of them run Saturday with the finals running on Sunday. This is another interactive opportunity to develop technical, competition and performance skills; the fiddle contest has grown to become one of the largest in Western Canada.”

If you plan to attend the fiddle fest be sure to bring your own lawn chairs and if possible, leave your pets at home; they are not allowed near the main stage area and must be kept in control at all times. Camping is free but fires are not allowed on the site. Vehicles must remain in the designated parking place and are not allowed at the tenting site. The playground is unsupervised and parents are encouraged to keep an eye on their kids while using the playground equipment. Wristbands are provided at the gate and must be worn throughout your stay at the festival.

Smoking and alcohol are not allowed at the main stage area.

The John Arcand Fiddle Fest began in 1998 when John Arcand (known as the Master of the Métis Fiddle) had a dream to give something back to the community.

"John felt (and still feels) that the fiddle had been very good to him,” noted Vicki, about her husband. “He wanted to see the music preserved and the traditions carried on and he wanted to provide an opportunity for young people to learn the traditions behind the music and dance under the Continued on page 10

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Artist Delilah Mah injects meaning into every creation

by John Copley Delilah Mah is an energetic and inspiring entrepreneur and artist who enjoys creating beautiful things she hopes will provide the beholder with added comfort, confidence and a sense of pride. Mah earned her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta in 2008 where she graduated with a minor in Native Studies. She is also a wife, a mother, a business person, a board member and a woman who understands how important it is to ensure that cultural values and traditions do not fade into oblivion, as so many cultures and languages already have.

“Looking back at my childhood I realize I missed out on something special in that I didn't have an opportunity to learn my Native tongue,” said Mah. “I speak and fully understand English, but I can't speak Saulteaux, the language of the people on my ancestral home, the Keeseekoose First Nation, a Treaty 4 community located at Kamsack, Saskatchewan. The displacement from the residential school era affected my entire family, including me and especially my great-grandmother who just celebrated her 105th birthday last week. When I think of language and culture I think back to my childhood and I can remember my grandfather and grandmother taking us out and showing us how to pick sweetgrass, and how we worked in the kitchen to learn about and prepare a traditional feast. Many stories and traditions have been passed down over the years, but much more has been lost.

As our Elders pass on, their knowledge and wisdom, save what they’ve passed on to others, is lost; it is so important for communities to support their Elders and for the Elders to become involved by sharing their knowledge, sharing their wisdom, telling the stories of our people and working with youth, both in school and out.”

Mah might have missed out on the ancient teachings of the Elders, and with a heavy workload and home to manage she might not have time or energy to begin a language course, but she is determined to help her wouldbe clients through the art she creates.

“I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship, just as I’ve almost always wanted to be an artist,” she noted. “My

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guidance of Elders.”

What began as a one-day event has now grown to a four-day festival that celebrates music, dance and culture.

In 2001 the John Arcand Fiddle Fest incorporated as a non-profit organization with a volunteer Board of

first passion, however is my family; we are blessed with six generations.”

Mah’s husband, Terris, is a member of the Alexander First Nation. The two have been together for more than 16 years, married for the past decade. Both are interested in education; Terris is a high school teacher, mentor and Aboriginal hand-game expert (my words) who works with staff and students at Amiskwaciy Academy. Delilah, who didn’t graduate high school as a teenager, went back and earned her education when she was 25 years old.

“I did it the hard way,” she assured, “and it wasn’t easy, but I know how important it is to get as much education as you can. It’s definitely helped me with my own kids. I have to give credit to the women in my early life who always impressed on me the importance of education, of following through with a task, of being proud and honest and able to stand up for what is right and for what you believe in. My mother, who taught me family values, sharing and generosity; my aunt who was one of 12 children in her family who graduated with a university degree; another aunt who chose not to drink and passed that sentiment on to me; and another late aunt who taught me how to stand up for myself when others would try to bully me. I also have to mention my husband, my biggest supporter and the one who encourages me to strive and succeed.”

Though Mah believes strongly in education, she doesn’t want to teach; she wants to create art - but not just any piece of art.

“I want to create art that tells a story to the world, a story of hope and inspiration, of values, tradition and wholeness.” she stated. “One day I asked myself how I could contribute to language and culture and for me it is by showcasing the art that I'm doing. I create images and mixed media art that a person can hang in an office or in a home or even present as a gift. I also create works of art for businesses and institutions that present gifts of appreciation during meetings, special occasions and annual celebrations. Each of the pieces I have created to date has an Indigenous touch - customized and Directors. In 2003 and 2004, with the support of funding and sponsorship, the Festival was able to begin paying limited artist fees, travel and accommodation expenses and began to attract larger audiences.

In order to maintain and grow the John Arcand Annual Fiddle Fest a set of core values was adopted.

“Our core values include promoting and preserving fiddle music and dance, offering mentoring through

Artist Delilah Mah

personalized for the individual. They are stylish, elegant and have a modern technique.”

Mah’s art is simple, but effective. Much of it is delivered via a simple word with a matching background that she can customize to the needs of her clients.

“Some people like feathers, others like symbols or animals or colours that represent their family clan,” she explained, noting that “this type of art is inspiring and in its own way, empowering.”

Those words can be as simple as Cree, Saulteau, Stony, Ojibwae, Elder, Education or Success.

“The art is attractive and quickly catches the eye," smiled Mah. “It adds to the decor of any room and if it's a custom piece, it will also have special meaning to the person or family who orders it."

Delilah Mah wants to sell her art but she also wants to ensure that it has meaning.

“The art is both pleasant and appealing and it is creating interest; the comments I receive are very positive and I’ve found buyers just because they see a piece and find a message that they can identify with. I have set up a website and though it is not yet as complete as I’d like to see it, visitors will get an idea of what I do and they can contact me if they have any questions or are interested in seeing my work.”

For more information or to contact Delilah Mah about one of her creations see the website at: delilahmah.com. workshops, featuring a variety of artist presentations and disciplines and providing a showcase for both youth and talent,” explained Vicki. “Our mandate also facilitates networking among the fiddle, music and dance community; promoting cross-cultural exchanges and creating awareness and promotion of the Metis culture.”

To get to the event take 22nd Street West right out of Saskatoon, stay on Highway #7 and watch for signs.

Windy Acres is located just off the Pike Lake Highway (#60) approximately 10 kms west of the city of Saskatoon.

A printable map is available on the website.

To learn more about the John Arcand Fiddle Fest and to see a full schedule of times and events and other festival information, visit johnarcandfiddlefest.com. You can contact the festival at 1-306-382-0111 or by sending an email to: windy.acres@sasktel.net

July, 2016

Alberta Native News

11

Kind Man Initiative helps build healthy relationships

by John Copley Néya Napew Na Muton is a Cree phrase that means: I Am a Kind Man, a phrase that has become a movement and a program that provides education and balance to boys and men involved in or concerned about violence and the mistreatment of women. Initiated in Ontario’s Friendship Centres and endorsed across the country, the Kind Man initiative was launched in Alberta in 2015 by the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association and is currently being offered at the Peace River Correctional Centre.

The I Am a Kind Man program was created to provide an opportunity for communities to engage men in raising awareness, broaden understanding of violence against women and support men to come together to end violence in a traditional way. It is designed to offer men a safe place to begin to understand their roles and responsibilities toward ending violence. This project focuses on the Seven Sacred Teachings, also known as the Grandfather Teachings and the Tipi teachings.

The program provides a supportive, holistic model for community healing. The I Am a Kind Man program recognizes the challenges Indigenous men face as a result of colonization and historical trauma and encourages them to reconnect with their traditional roles within families and communities.

“The Kind Man Program is a work in progress and we are finding it to be a very useful tool to get the message out that women are special, they are our partners, mothers, sisters, aunts and grandmothers and they rightfully deserve to be treated with love, dignity and respect,” explained Tracy Zweifel, Executive Director of Peace River’s Sagitawa Native Friendship Centre (SNFC). “We are working with different groups in the community, including the Peace River Correctional Centre on initiatives that include exploring and hosting workshops on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and most recently the workshops we are delivering on the I Am a Kind Man initiative.”

SNFC, currently hosting and displaying the well-known Witness Blanket Project, has been working with inmates at the institution for several years and as a result of that ongoing work two of the 11 panels that accompany the Witness Blanket on its Canadian tour are being displayed at the Peace River Correctional Centre until the end of August.

“The overall purpose of the Kind Man Program,” explained Zweifel, “is to engage and encourage the men in our communities to speak out against all forms of abuse towards Indigenous women. It embraces the seven sacred teachings which show us how to live in harmony with creation through wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth.”

The initiative provides the men with education that addresses issues of abuse against women and it works to re-establish traditional responsibilities by acknowledging that Indigenous teachings have never tolerated violence and abuse towards women. The program inspires men to engage other men to get involved and stop the abuse and it supports Aboriginal men who choose not to use violence.

The Sagitawa Friendship Centre’s program is being delivered to inmates by Zweifel and SNFC Elder-inResidence, Dave Matilpi. The program, which is delivered on a weekly basis, provides a balance of traditional knowledge paired with written take-home course materials for these healing-wisdom circles.

“Circles open with some relaxing ice-breaker conversation followed by introductions and a smudge ceremony,” explained Zweifel. “There is a structured agenda to these circles and the series, but in order to maintain a traditional and trusting safe place of sharing and wisdom, there is room for the participants to help to steer topic matter while staying true to the teachings and path to healing.”

“The dynamics of the circle are predictable in the way that some are more vocal than others and some sit back and absorb the teachings in quiet contemplation. Holistic human emotions soften those dynamics with laughter, grief, pain and hope leading all within the circle to trust, share and seek the traditional ways of the many Nations of Turtle Island.”

“We open the sessions with circles and introductions and then we proceed to smudge and pray and share in the teachings of these entities,” added Zweifel. “Each session is complete standing up, with no chairs or tables or barriers between us. The circle immediately creates a safe place where we enter, share and leave as equals. Then we share

anything, tying it to the book and sometimes we walk out of there and I feel like I was the one that was taught. We always end with smudge, prayer and hug. We have received so much positive feedback from the inmates and guards. We have heard that management is seeing an immediate change with our inmates and news is traveling about the success of the program.”

Elder Matilpi’s own journey of ascending from the dark ripples of Residential Schools gives a clear beacon of hope to others grasping for healthy traditional purpose and identity.

“To watch and share with these young men,” incarcerated, “is to sit in shame. I wonder what we, as parents and grandparents are doing to fail our young warriors of hope, life and freedom.” Then he remembers Harper’s “apology” speech addressed dryly to our Nations – another stone sending ripples to open old wounds with no one to catch those who fall from this set of ripples. He remembers the countless suicides that followed that “apology.”

Matilpi also remembers the struggle for identity and dignity that he faced himself and watched his friends, loved ones and many more also face. “This is why I do what I do for my incarcerated sons and grandsons of our many nations, for this the healing grounds in which these lost souls are sentenced to. Until we can give them back their purpose and identity. Will they find their pride, honour and respect for themselves and their female partners – the sacred givers of life? We must erase the dark teachings of parenting, sexual abuse, dishonour, etcetera which we were taught and experienced in government and church run schools.”

The work being done by Matilpi and the SNFC is making a positive difference in the lives of inmates who’ve signed on to take the curriculum, as is evidenced by two letters he received from inmates that read, in part: “I am not coming back to this place because of you and the strength and wisdom of ours which I now carry with honour myself…” A second notes: “I know now I must leave my community to find independent strength and healing; when confidence comes to me, I know I can return to my family as a warrior in holistic balance. I know that I must find patience…”

Zweifel is encouraged to see the positive and ongoing process being made at the Correctional Centre and noted several of the observations she’s seen taking place.

“First,” she said, “I’d like to say that the traditional circle we utilize is well supported by the staff working with us at P.R.C.C. The circles in this place feel safe and true to our (F.N.M.I.) traditional ways. Participants are from different Nations but understand and can relate to the teachings, healing and wisdom of the Elder and the traditional medicines. We, as facilitators and participants, have experienced tears of hurt and healing in these circles.

Participants are experiencing positive effects in their personal self-image as well as in the way they view others and they are drawing lines between their actions and consequences as well as understanding the effects their environmental and interpersonal associations with others have over them. I find that the program participants, in viewing a more positive images of themselves and their culture, are looking forward to working towards effecting productive changes in themselves, their families and communities by implementing traditional ways and practices into their lives.”

The program offered via the SNFC has been so successful that the organization recently received a letter of congratulations from Alberta Indigenous Affairs Minister Richard Feehan.

“Congratulations on the progress and success of Néya Napew Na Muton (I Am a Kind Man),” wrote Minister Feehan in his letter to Zweifel. “Ministry staff have informed me of the success of the program at the Peace River Correctional Centre. I commend the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association for providing the training and materials, and the Sagitawa Friendship Centre for your commitment to the men who are benefitting from the I Am a Kind Man curriculum. To leave a correctional centre with cultural knowledge - knowing they have choices and purpose - is the seed that may transform the lives of these men. It is encouraging to hear word is spreading and there may be opportunities to expand the program to other correctional facilities.”

“Our next step,” noted Zweifel, “is to make connections and supports for the men within their communities. As they leave this institution I tell them to connect with Friendship Centres and ask for either the program and an Elder, or get connected through their local Friendship Centres for whatever they need. We are having phenomenal success; there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that light is called ‘hope!”

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Alberta Native News

July, 2016

Health facilities get a boost on three Alberta First Nations The Government of Canada has committed to helping Alberta First Nations communities overcome the difficulties they are facing with respect to social conditions and health.

Prior to a series of meetings with First Nations leadership in Alberta this month, Federal Minister of Health Jane Philpott announced the Government of Canada will invest $17.3 million to upgrade health facilities in First Nations communities in Alberta.

“It is a privilege to meet with Alberta Treaty Chiefs in their territories, to see and experience their realities and successes firsthand,” stated Minister Philpott on July 6, 2016. “They will help me understand the challenges they encounter with the health system and I will reassure them that I am engaged and working with First Nations to help define concrete solutions that work for them. I am committed to supporting First Nations control over their programs to build a health system that is culturally safe and responsive to their needs."

The investments are part of the five-year $270 million Social Infrastructure Fund (SIF) announced in Budget 2016. Alberta projects include investments in a new health centre at John D’Or Prairie (Treaty 8) over the next two years. The SIF funding for Saddle Lake Cree Nation and Enoch Cree Nation (Treaty 6) will be used to expand existing facilities to offer more of the quality health

CNFC

cont. from p 8

are busy and fully booked, the CNFC has to find other resources and facilities - and they must be paid for.

The CNFC also has a partnership with Commonwealth Stadium for pools, fitness and recreation, and another (The Green Shack Program) with the City of Edmonton.

“The Green Shack Program,” explained Walker, “has portals across the city that allow youth from across the city to participate in arts and crafts, play games and interact with one another. The programs are facilitated by city employees; when we take our kids there we also participate and work with our youth.”

services they currently provide. Both health facilities will see an approximate 30% increase in size to better serve their clients.

The Minister also announced that Health Canada will fund four new mental wellness teams within the next three years to serve First Nations communities in Alberta. Mental Wellness Teams are community-based teams which provide a comprehensive suite of culturally appropriate services that can include, but are not limited to: capacity-building, trauma informed care, land based care, early intervention and screening, aftercare, and care coordination with provincial and territorial services.

The additional teams will be funded through the $69 million in interim national mental wellness supports the Prime Minister announced in June. Nationally, that funding will support four mental health crisis response teams, up to 32 new mental wellness teams, training for community health workers and a culturally appropriate toll-free crisis line.

Minister Philpott was in Alberta to attend a series of meetings with First Nations leadership and to visit First Nations communities. On July 6, she toured Maskwacis Health Services and met with Treaty 6 Chiefs. On July 7 she attended the Treaty 8 Annual General Meeting and on July 8 she met with Treaty 7 Chiefs and toured the Blood Tribe First Nation. During her meetings with Treaty The Summer Camp Program also involves such things as learning the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, learning how to smudge and understanding the reasons for smudging, tie-dying, learning a prayer and other culturally relevant programs.

A partnership between the CNFC and Grant McEwan University offers a Jigging Program that is facilitated by CNFC board member, Hugo Martel. The program teaches the history of the jig, the reasons for its longevity and teaches students how to perform the jig. The program is in need of more participants and interested dancers and would-be dancers are asked to call the CNFC for more information.

The CNFC also participates in numerous annual events, including NAD and the annual Heritage Festival, where they have partnered and hosted the Aboriginal Pavilion for the past three decades. The organization brings in various First Nation, Metis and Inuit entertainers for the annual event.

“This year’s line-up,” noted Walker, “will include Canadian fiddling champion Daniel Gervais, well known singer and musician Corbin Poitras, the ever-popular Young Medicine and a number of local powwow dancers who will give demonstrations and display their expertise for

Chiefs, the Minister discussed health issues, including mental health challenges, and the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.

Quick Facts • Enoch Cree Nation is situated in central Alberta near Edmonton. The Nation has a registered population of approximately 2,500.

•· Saddle Lake Cree Nation, with a registered population of approximately 10,500 was once called Onihcikiskowapowin, meaning ‘mirage on the lake’.

• John D’Or Prairie is a community located in Northern Alberta and is part of the Little Red River Cree Nation. Little Red River Cree Nation has a registered population of approximately 5,400. the crowds. This will include some of the youth that we’ve worked with at our powwow sessions this year.”

Young Medicine, led by artists Curt Young and Jamie Medicine Crane, are a multi-talented and multi-award winning team that performs and promotes contemporary and traditional forms of music, dance and art. Their harmonious musical sounds and personal abilities are appreciated by audiences everywhere as they combine singing, guitar, harmonica, cedar flute, hand drum and rattles as they dance their way through a song or story that leaves the audience with an array of inspirational messages.

Walker’s history with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre goes back to the mid-1990s when he was employed by the National Association of Friendship Centres as a Youth Peer Counselling Trainer of Trainers.

Before that he was involved in other training programs, including volleyball. A former athlete who participated and won at both regional and national games, Walker began his athletic career in track while attending Eastglen School. He participated in discus, shot-put and javelin and won medals in both discus and shot-put at the Canadian Masters in 2008. The next year he participated in the North American Indigenous Games where he placed fourth in the Javelin toss. Walker has also participated in and won many medals at provincial track and field competitions over the years and has also been coaching for years; he is currently a certified Level 2 NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) coach.

“Sports and athletics can help open a lot of doors and I always encourage young athletes to work hard; it will help them achieve their goals. That goes for just about anything you do; put in the effort and you can and will succeed,” he encouraged.

For more information about the CNFC check out their website at: cnfc.ca or call 780-761-1900.

July, 2016

Alberta Native News

13

Alberta educators to receive more training on FNMI history The Alberta government will soon be training educators on how to best to teach Indigenous culture and history to Alberta elementary and high school students. On June 22, 2016 representatives from several education organizations signed a Joint Commitment to Action that will ensure that all K-12 teachers in Alberta receive additional training related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit history and culture within the next two to three years.

“To honour this government’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Alberta Education will provide teachers with professional development to ensure that all students learn about First Nations, Métis and Inuit history, perspectives and contributions,” stated Alberta Minister of Education David Eggen.

The following organizations will collaborate to develop professional development for teachers so that all students learn about the culture, history perspectives and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people: Alberta Education, The Alberta Teachers’ Association, The Alberta Association of Deans of Education, The Alberta School Boards Association, The Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia, The College of Alberta School Superintendents and The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

“We believe the Joint Commitment to Action is a positive step forward in Alberta’s commitment that all students learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, along with the histories and vibrant cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people,” added Minister Eggen. “We can’t know where we’re going until we know where we’ve been, so this enhancement to curriculum will serve to enrich the knowledge and understanding of current and future generations of Albertans.”

Earlier in the month, the Government of Alberta announced plans to develop new curriculum across six subject areas, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit content. Through the Joint Commitment to Action, stakeholders are committed to working with Indigenous partners to develop resources for teachers who will deliver this new curriculum.

“All Albertans have a role to play in reconciliation. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is proud to be a part of this historic commitment, and to provide guidance and support to stakeholders to enhance resources and professional learning opportunities for teachers,” stated Ry Moran, Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Manitoba.

Support for First Nations, Métis and Inuit student learning, as well as the inclusion of Education for Reconciliation, which includes ways of knowing and diverse perspectives, will be reflected in future K-12 curriculum. Four million dollars in existing funding will be spent on consultation with Indigenous partners on future curriculum.

“This government is committed to developing curriculum - including the fundamentals of reading, writing and math - that ensures children have the best possible start in life to prepare them for rewarding careers in a diversified economy,” noted Minister Eggen. “Critical subject areas have not been updated in many years, so this work is long overdue. This new process will also allow us to fulfil our commitments to educate our students about the history, perspectives and contributions of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and communities.”

Better student achievement results and establishing inclusive learning environments for First Nations, Métis

UNDRIP cont. from p 4

legal foundations within government, and then to facilitate building the tools and processes needed to bridge between the present and that future state.

On this note, the previous government enacted a suite of legislation that I, along with many others and you, have said is inconsistent with developing a Nation-to-Nation relationship, and as we develop the mechanisms to the transition we will have to reconsider this legislation. And, of course, there will continue to be litigation between Indigenous peoples and the Crown, and courts are not the place to build reconciliation. Accordingly, my role as Minister of Justice and Attorney General is to ensure the Charter is upheld and that the legal positions taken by the Crown in court are consistent with the commitments and values of our government with respect to the evolving Nation-to-Nation relationship with Indigenous peoples.

By way of conclusion, let me leave you with these final thoughts. Now is the time. The political and legal ducks are aligned. There is a friendly government. But we need your solutions. As a government we are not going to impose solutions. With your leadership we can and will make enormous progress for all of us. There is no need to refight battles that have already been won. Limited resources, time and energy have to be expended on building - not fighting. On creating - not destroying. On

better, and will continue to do so. There is room in our country for different legal traditions and ways of governing - for an approach that respects diversity and equality and supports the social and economic advancement of Indigenous peoples as part of our evolving system of cooperative federalism and multi-level governance.

It is what distinguishes Canada as a Nation from other Nations of the world where ethnic tensions threaten cohesion and with this, social and economic stability indeed human progress.

Accordingly there is no place within today's Canada for governments to deny the place of Indigenous peoples to participate fully in decisions that directly and significantly affect them or where rights require action or jurisdiction to be respected. And to this end the Nation-to-Nation relationship is so critical. Where land-use decisions are being made that affect Indigenous peoples, the legitimate and recognized governments of those peoples must be able to participate in shared decision-making with other levels of government. For me, this is how free, prior and informed consent is operationalized.

I see the role of my Department in this period of transition as one of legal facilitation of recognition and reconciliation - to work to lay out the constitutional and

and Inuit are two key goals for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA). ASBA signed the Joint Commitment to Action on Indigenous education on behalf of the province’s 61 publicly-funded school boards – helping to further those two key goals.

“Together with our education partners we are signing an historic and significant agreement,” said ASBA President Helen Clease. “School boards across the province have been concerned about the gap in FNMI student achievement and success, and we have been working Continued on page 14 empowering - not denying. Pressing social issues must be addressed now. But Nations need to be ready to assume jurisdiction and the concomitant responsibility in light of recognition. And while the federal government has a crucial supporting role to play, the hard work is going to be in the community, something I strongly advocated when Regional Chief. As I have said in the commons during the Attawapiskat debate, only the colonized can actually decolonize. No one else can do it for you.

So collectively are we ready to implement the UNDRIP? Are we ready to finish the unfinished business of Confederation? I say we are. I know we are.

There is great hope, optimism and momentum, so let us get on with it. Communication is key. We have much work to do and I look forward to doing this work together during this tremendous moment of transformation.

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Alberta Native News

July, 2016

Tsuut'ina Nation launches three major developments (CNW) - On July 11, 2016 on the Tsuut'ina First Nation, plans were announced for three major commercial developments that will create important business centres near SW Calgary. They will be fed by traffic flowing along the approximately 10 kilometers of the future SW Ring Road Extension that will pass through Tsuut'ina. At the podium for the announcement were Chief Roy Whitney and Canderel Chairman and CEO Jonathan Wener. Canderel is a multi-faceted development company that has been developing, investing in, and managing a wide range of real estate projects across Canada for 41 years.

The developments will begin in the next 2–3 years and will consist of: Tsuut'ina Park - About 500 acres in size and located south of Glenmore Trail, between 37th Street and west of Sarcee Trail. This development will focus on entertainment and hospitality, while complementing the success of the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, as well as creating high-value retail opportunities.

Tsuut'ina Crossing - 360 acres located east of the Ring Road and west of the Oakridge community, and stretching from just south of Weaselhead Park to Southland Drive. This development will accommodate a major innovation and research campus at the north end, built in a park-like setting. At the south end, an integrated health and wellness area will include supporting retail, office, and mixed-use developments. It features a spectacular natural setting, with access to trails, parks, and open spaces.

Tsuut'ina Centre - 380 acres and located directly south of Bullhead Road and north of Fish Creek Park. This area will contain a range of parcel sizes and orientations that will support a major regional retail and commercial centre. The centre will be integrated with the administrative and community services of the Tsuut'ina Nation. Collectively, the three precincts will offer significant long-term employment opportunities for Tsuut'ina citizens, its neighbours, and many people in the Calgary region. This historic project will bring social and economic prosperity to future generations, and is a proud legacy for Canderel.

Speaking at the announcement, Chief Roy Whitney described the partnership as historic. He said, "Tsuut'ina will be home to one of the largest, if not the largest, First Nations developments in Canada. In addition to the financial benefits of rents and property taxes that will come from development, so too will come opportunity.

“The real motivation is to create opportunity and allow future generations to work and flourish right here, at home. Generations of Tsuut'ina people will also be able to receive services, to shop, to learn, to invest their money, time and skill, to apply their trades, and to develop a profession – all while being near their families and their extended Nation family. At home. At Tsuut'ina.”

Jonathan Wener, Chairman and CEO of Canderel, expressed gratitude to Tsuut'ina for selecting Canderel to partner in this "transformative" development – a decision that followed a competitive process. "The development potential of lands that abut the City of Calgary and will soon be accessed by the Ring Road is clearly enormous. Tsuut'ina has been quietly, diligently and effectively working on this project for years, to the tremendous credit of Chief Whitney, the Council and their economic development team.

Tsuut'ina and Canderel believe in the future of Calgary and southern Alberta, and see this as a prudent investment for long-term development," said Wener.

Alberta educators

cont. from p 13

OP -HR-37a

together with our education partners to close that gap. This agreement will enable us to support school boards across Alberta as they work within their school divisions to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit student achievement and establish inclusive learning environments.”

In 2010, recognizing the gap in FNMI student success, the ASBA Board of Directors established the Task Force on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Success and Wellbeing, to improve educational opportunities and well-being for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in Alberta.

A year later the task force was expanded, and included representatives from the Alberta Teachers’Association (ATA), the Alberta School Councils’Association (ASCA), the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC), the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) and Alberta Education. In 2014 the task force established the annual Indigenous Shining Student Award, which celebrates First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who are shining examples in their communities.

School board trustees will be expected to understand, support and implement locallyappropriate curriculum that supports the culture, history, perspectives, experiences and contributions of Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. “To support our trustees in that role, ASBA will design, develop and implement professional learning opportunities and resource materials for school boards and trustees, and we are very excited about this opportunity,” said Clease. “We will also continue to work collaboratively with our education partners, Alberta Education and First Nations, Métis and Inuit representatives to ensure that Indigenous regional context, foundational knowledge and culture are promoted, understood and respected.”

July, 2016

Alberta Native News

15

National Aboriginal Day cont. from p 2 Powwow demonstrations took place throughout the afternoon; the number of young people, aged four to fourteen years that participated was impressive and indicative of the importance of maintaining tradition. Chicken and Jingle Dancers offered an impressive sight to an audience that cheered for every dance and every dancer who took to the field.

Oti Nekan (Our Future) was a day of celebration of Indigenous peoples and cultures, but also a recognition of National Aboriginal Day’s 20th Anniversary.

“It’s amazing how fast time goes by,” noted Walker, “but there has been a lot of progress made in those 20 years. Canadians are more aware today than ever before about the important contributions we have made throughout Canada’s history. They are also taking an active interest and that was proven again this year; at least half of the crowd that came to take in the celebration represented various other cultures. NAD is an important day and one that seems to be continuing to grow every year.”

The Oti Nekan (Our Future) NAD event at Borden Park was divided into two sessions with both daytime and evening schedules. The daytime schedule included various powwow dance demonstrations and performances by the Dene Tha Drummers (Tea Dance and Traditional Games), and Young Medicine (contemporary/flute).

The daytime events concluded at 4 p.m. when afternoon emcee Ron Walker handed the microphone over to Bill LeBlanc ((Relik), who assumed that post until the venue closed just after 9 p.m. During the course of the evening LeBlanc introduced numerous performers to the audience, including the Stephanie Harpe Experience, Daniel Gervais with Corbin Poitras, Marilyn Larouche, James Jones, and others.

“There were some phenomenal performances,” assured Beaverbones, “including a brilliant performance by world renowned hoop dancer James Jones. The Stephanie Harpe Experience delivered a great program that really showcased the reasons why they are a very popular contemporary rock and roll band. Metis fiddlers and jiggers, Gervais and Poitras, were upbeat and awesome, as was the evening Drum, a young group of singers from Maskwacis. Every performance offered throughout the day had something unique to offer. Those who attended really enjoyed the performances.”

In all, about 1500 people made their way to Edmonton’s Borden Park on June 21 to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.

Alberta Chiefs calling for implementation of Treaty On July 14, 2016 during the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly, the Chiefs of Alberta voiced their interest in the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ resolution to move beyond the Indian Act, but cautioned against its wording.

“We do not want to simply be tied to a discussion of the Indian Act, there are many issues such as child welfare, education, health care, resource rights, and many other issues that are not Indian Act related but are tied to Treaty.

Our discussion should be focused on a Treaty based implementation process that implements all our rights rather than just the limits within the Indian Act,” said Chief Irvin Bull, Louis Bull Tribe.

(l-r) Teresa Beauvais, Kimiwan Johnson, Blaye Chickosis, Terris Mah, Kira Currie, Tamara Whitehead and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley at the NAD event.

Blackstone was the Host Drum at the Borden Park NAD celebration in Edmonton.

Chief Tony Alexis, Alexis Nakota Sioux, said, “In an Assembly of Treaty Chiefs resolution, dated May 25, 2016, and forwarded to the National Chief, the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs expressed their concern with the intended Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs resolution to abolish the Indian Act, specifically: When an Act such as the Indian Act is abolished it creates a legal vacuum that would radically impact the existing legal protection currently in the…Act; every assurance must be in place to protect First Nations citizens, lands and territories now and for the future.”

Assembly of First Nations, Regional Chief Craig Makinaw, stated, “The

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Chiefs of Alberta in their resolution called for support for a review committee to thoroughly review the impacts of abolishing the Indian Act including but not limited to reserved lands, including those lands to be protected for the future generation and tax implications. The Chiefs also urged the Government of Canada not to proceed with amendment or abolishment until the Treaty 6, 7, and 8 First Nations are fully engaged in any government plan for the future of First Nations, citizens, lands and territories.”

Craig Makinaw is the elected Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Regional Chief for Alberta.

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Alberta Native News

July, 2016