National Aboriginal Day

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National Aboriginal Day Journée nationale des Autochtones

Postmedia Saskatchewan Special Feature

National Aboriginal Day celebrates heritage and culture

How will you celebrate? Comment célébrerez-vous?

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of SP Creative Features Every year in June, one day is set aside to honour the heritage, contributions and culture of the First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. This year marks the 18th annual National Aboriginal Day celebration on June 21.

First proclaimed in 1996, National Aboriginal Day kickstarts Celebrate Canada! - a series of celebrations that includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and concludes with Canada Day (July 1)!

This year, the celebrations in Saskatoon will take place in the Bessborough Gardens thanks to a partnership with the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. The event will be taking over the mainstage for the morning and afternoon.

The day starts with the colour and pageantry of the grand entry at 11 a.m., including veterans, elders and dignitaries such as Mayor Don Atchinson, Police Chief Clive Weighill, Fire Chief Dan Paulsen, various MLAs, members of parliament, Robert Ducette and First Nations chiefs.

Speeches by selected dignitaries will be followed by a free lunch in the park served by the Indian-Métis Friendship Centre.

“We’ll be providing soup and bannock for lunch and fruit and cake for dessert,” says Bill Mentram, executive director of the Saskatoon

Service and Saskatoon Fire Indian-Métis Friendship Centre. “We’re and Protective Services are expecting to be serving a couple thousand among many community groups meals. It is something we do every year.” and organizations that will be Throughout the afternoon, attendees can volunteering their time to make enjoy amazing home grown entertainment such this event a special festival as Métis fiddle music, Métis jigging, hoop dancing, twitter.com/aandcanada twitter.com/aadncanada honouring Saskatchewan’s different forms of pow wow dance, and a drum #JNACanada #NADCanada aboriginal people. group. Saskatchewan Métis singer, dancer and Being on a weekend may musician, Krystle Pederson, will perform several also boost attendance for songs. facebook.com/aandcanada the festivities. While some Special activities for kids include face painting. facebook.com/aadncanada organizations give their Volunteers from Saskatoon Community employees a day off for National Youth Art Program (SCYAP) will provide face Aboriginal Day, others do not. For painting for children from noon until 2 p.m. In those who would normally have addition to the booths set up byyoutube.com/aandcanada community flickr.com/photos/aandcanada youtube.com/aadncanada flickr.com/photos/aadncanada to work on this special day, it’s an organizations, vendors will also be set up opportunity to gather together to throughout the day to sell beadwork and crafts. connect and celebrate.

You’ll find dream catchers, jewellery, and other National Aboriginal Day is a favourite summer hand-made items. festival for families to honour the traditions of “It will be a wonderful afternoon of aboriginal peoples in Canada. It celebrates the entertainment with food and fun for the family diversity and beauty of the cultural mosaic that to come out,” Mentram explains. make up this great nation.

Having this year’s event taking place on a “It’s a chance to spend time celebrating as a weekend instead of a weekday has had little impact on the number of organizations involved. community which bring together community and bring a stronger sense of that social “It has been many years since we’ve had it on solidarity of who we are as a community … a Saturday. In doing that planning I was actually (not only) as an aboriginal community, but pleasantly surprised to have a lot of community also as a whole Saskatoon community, and groups supporting the event and still offering to that aspect of cultural diversity within our come out and volunteer,” comments Mentram. community,” says Mentram.

Members of Quint, the Saskatoon Police

nad.gc.ca

jna.gc.ca

Thanks to a partnership with the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, National Aboriginal Day celebrations this year will take place in the main stage area of the Bessborough Gardens. Each year National Aboriginal Day gives the community a chance to connect and honour the traditions and culture of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. Grand entry takes place at 11 a.m. (SP file photo)

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

PotashCorp Wanuskewin Days a cultural celebration

by Kira Olfert for SP Creative Features The 2014 PotashCorp Wanuskewin Days Cultural Celebrations and Powwow takes place this year on June 20, 21 and 22.

The celebrations will begin each day with the Grand Entry. Andrew McDonald, marketing manager with Wanuskewin Heritage Park, explains that the Grand Entry involves “spectators rising as the flags and eagle staffs of the host and visiting tribes are brought in.

The drums then begin a grand entry song, and the chief or tribal chair of the host tribe and visiting dignitaries enter the arena, including elders, dancers and youth.”

Three thousand people are expected to take part in this year’s event, including singers and dancers from in and around Saskatoon, but also from as far away as New Mexico.

PotashCorp Wanuskewin Days Cultural Celebrations and Powwow is one of the first competitions of the year for the powwow trail. McDonald says that “as far as the competition is concerned, it is always well attended, and in particular, is viewed as being one that is judged fairly and justly. Dancers and singers like competing here, because they know they will be able to have their best efforts recognized.”

This year, seven categories will be judged: Men’s Fancy Dance, Men’s Grass Dance, Men’s Chicken Dance, Men’s Traditional Dance, Ladies’ Fancy Dance, Ladies’ Traditional Dance and Ladies’ Jingle Dance.

There will also be artisan vendors with a wide range of First Nation jewellery, crafts and gifts. Food vendors will be on-site with a variety of food, including bison burgers and bannock.

For the kids this year, Saturday will feature the CBC Kids Area. CBC on-air talent will be on hand to help with activities and prize giveaways. There will also be a bouncy castle and face painting.

For a second consecutive year, the Powwow Princess Pageant competition will be a feature of the celebration at Wanuskewin Days.

McDonald says it is a “wonderful opportunity to create and showcase positive role models embracing culture to the youth.”

The young women who compete for this title must submit an essay and a resume that details their education and volunteer work.

“We want to get a sense of who they really are as a person,” says McDonald. The winner will represent Wanuskewin at other events

along the powwow trail for the next year.

Wanuskewin is also proud to honour First Nations veterans at the celebration.

“We are happy for this opportunity to recognize our veterans and elders by having them walk together for the Grand Entry.

We want them to know that they are well respected.”

McDonald says that over the years, he has noticed more and more people bringing their young children and grandchildren to the celebration. An increasing number of local schools are also bringing their students to embrace the celebration. “We’ve worked really hard to make this a positive, family friendly event for the community,” says McDonald.

He credits Wanuskewin’s staff and volunteers for creating such a “welcoming environment at our great venue. We try to have 15 to 20 volunteers providing support at any given time, ready to help with parking, directions, handing out brochures or staffing the vendor tents. They are all well prepared and happy to help if you have questions.”

The volunteers also help with the set-up and take-down of the event; each phase takes approximately three days.

If you are interested, Wanuskewin would love to add you to their volunteer roster this year. McDonald says “Even though we close the actual building during these three days, it is still a really big operation. We need volunteers on the ground.”

McDonald says that celebrations like Potash Corp Wanuskewin Days Cultural Celebrations and Powwow are important for people of all ages and from all backgrounds.

“It is important,” he explains, “because this is more than just reading and hearing about culture. This is experiencing culture.

This is seeing it and feeling it, and it really creates understanding and a positive way for everyone to become familiar with First Nations cultures and background.”

If you are interested in volunteering for Wanuskewin Days, please contact Roxanne Parker at 306-931-6767 ext. 221 or by email at roxanne.parker@wanuskewin.com. If you are an interested food or artisan vendor, or are a First Nations veteran interested in joining the Grand Entry, or if you would like any further information or directions, please visit www.wanuskewin.com/wanuskewindays.

PotashCorp Wanuskewin Days Cultural Celebrations and Powwow is free to all

Celebrations at PotashCorp Wanuskewin Days begin with the Grand Entry, as chiefs, elders, visiting dignitaries, First Nations veterans, dancers and youth enter the site.

(SP file photo) Powwow dancer Raindrow Starchild holds an eagle-foot baton. (SP file photo) Multiple generations of powwow dancers joined in last year’s Grand Entry at Wanuskewin Days.

(SP file photo)

participants, spectators and community.

Friday’s Grand Entry starts at 7:00 p.m., Saturday has 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. starts, and Sunday begins at 1:00 p.m.

Olfert is a Saskatoon freelance writer.

STORY NO. 11

Gary belongs to two communities.

We’re proud to be one of them.

years

of nourishing human potential.

Gary Lerat grew up in a community he loves — the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan.

Today, he’s also a member of the PotashCorp community. Thanks to a unique outreach program, we’re tapping into the talents of First Nations and Métis people like Gary. We offered him a career path at our Rocanville mine, and he’s making the most of it. “It’s got that community feel,” says Gary about PotashCorp. “Everyone there is almost like family.” To see the video of Gary’s story, visit PotashCorp.com/25

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

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The power of powwow

by Blair Braitenbach for SP Creative Features As Julian Kakum stands dressed head to toe in full traditional regalia before a group of elementary school students – telling his personal story and providing insights into his cultural practices – he says he is fulfilling a calling. By presenting a snapshot of indigenous traditions through music, dance and storytelling at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, Kakum is following a path laid down by his forefathers dating back hundreds of generations.

Kakum is one of the lead dancers with the Wanuskewin International Dance Troupe. Every performance Kakum provides consists of a series of men’s traditional dances as well as explanations into the customs inherent to the Aboriginal community.

Each dance and each dancer’s story is different, he explains, which allows all powwow dancers to share with the world their ancestry and what it means to them as individuals.

“There are teachings of dances in schools, but usually it’s just passed down through family – it just comes natural to that person to start dancing,” says Kakum after his presentation, who is adorned in a crown of eagle feathers and uniform showcasing green, yellow and red, which represent plants, flowers and autumn’s changing colours, respectively.

“There are always people who have difficulties and problems in their life.

For me I’ll go unwind at the powwow and it’s just a place for me and I go into my own little world. That’s my place of thought; I always do a lot of thinking when I’m dancing. I tell stories, I pray to my grandparents and I know they’re watching me every time I put on my regalia. I know they’re proud of me and I do this for the people.”

With National Aboriginal Day 2014 taking place June 21, Kakum

will be one of the dancers on hand performing as part of PotashCorp’s Wanuskewin Days Cultural Celebrations and Powwow from June 20 to June 22.

Powwows, typically held throughout spring and summer, are significant to the First Nations culture in a number of ways. As a gathering, they allow those within the indigenous community to celebrate and share their heritage while also providing a venue for greater understanding for individuals of non-aboriginal decent.

Wanuskewin’s three-day event includes indigenous artisans and food vendors, a princess pageant, kids’ activities, prize giveaways, drumming, music, singing and of course dancing.

There are many different styles of powwow dancing within indigenous cultures, such as traditional, grass, fancy, chicken and more – several of which will be on display at the heritage site’s celebration and powwow.

Kakum’s chosen dance style of “traditional” includes keeping pace to a double drum beat.

More importantly, he says, is that many believe traditional dancing has shamanistic healing powers.

“Powwows are sacred dances that we do, and as I was taught by my grandfather, these powwows are meant to heal people,” Kakum explains.

“Sometimes there are people who are sick who come to these powwows and it’s up to the traditional dancers who have the eagle feathers to do the dance to heal the people.”

As part of Kakum’s personal story shared in his presentations, he tells a tale of how he came down with a serious illness as a young child while growing up on the Little Pine First Nation. By entering the healing circle with elders

As a youth, Julian Kakum discovered the healing power of the powwow. He is now a lead dancer with the Wanuskewin International Dance Troupe.

(Photo: Blair Braitenbach) The regalia worn by powwow dancers is unique to each dancer and dance. Many elements, including eagle feathers, are considered sacred.

(Photo: Blair Braitenbach)

performing a ceremony, he says he fully recovered, which ultimately led to his love of dance and in turn becoming

a traditional healer in his own right.

While showcasing the history and meaning behind his people’s heritage, Kakum stresses the importance of showing respect to elders, the

environment and to those who came before them and their otherworldly spirits. He says it’s important for him to pass down these ideals to his own young children as they grow up and learn from his experience and knowledge – thereby ensuring the path he’s followed continues for another generation.

“I am going to be teaching them the things my grandfather taught me, to do these ceremonies, and that’s what I look forward to,” Kakum says. “As well, my first language is Cree, so I’m teaching them that and they’re already picking it up.”

For more details on Wanuskewin’s cultural celebrations and powwow and general information on the heritage site, visit www.wanuskewin.com/ wanuskewindays .

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company raises profile of indigenous peoples

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of SP Creative Features The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company has concluded another compelling season of live theatre, featuring thoughtprovoking and emotionally charged performances.

One of the most popular shows of the past season was called Dreary and Izzy, a coproduction with Western Canada Theatre, Gateway Theatre, Persephone Theatre and SNTC. “It was a really good season for us. I am really proud of all the work of all the artists,” says artistic director Curtis Peeteetuce.

According to Peeteetuce, the 2014-2015 season promises to be even better with a slightly different direction in terms of play selection.

“We’re going to focus and emphasize a little bit more of the entertainment component of theatre, so we’re keeping our programming light next season. We’re doing a couple of comedies – a few are heartwarming and will tug at people’s heart-strings in a positive way,” Peeteetuce explains.

The first show of the season is SNTC’s Christmas play called N’cimos (pronounced nee-chee-moose), which means “sweetheart” in Cree.

“Out in Cree country a lot of people have a lot of fun with the word N’cimos, so we’re really going to employ a lot of that humour into the story,” Peeteetuce says. N’cimos will also tour through several Saskatchewan communities.

The second show of the season is a Circle of Voices production. COV is the SNTC youth program. The show is called The House You Build and is written by notable Canadian playwright Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. She was featured last year in the Persephone Theatre production called A Man A Fish.

In what will be a first for a Circle of Voice production, The House You Build will include contemporary and traditional dance.

“I’ve known Donna-Michelle for a couple of years now and it was just a blessing that she was interested in writing the next Circle of Voices play for us,” says Peeteetuce. “We’re

bringing in professional dance choreographers, pop artists, as well as cultural leaders.”

Drew Hayden Taylor’s latest play, Crees in the Caribbean, will be the headlining show for SNTC in spring 2015. The story revolves around a couple whose children send them on a second honeymoon to celebrate their 35th anniversary. Neither of these elders have left their remote community before and now the couple are boarding a plane and traveling to the Caribbean.

“We’re bringing back the work of Drew Hayden Taylor because producing Drew Hayden Taylor has been very successful for us.

The Saskatoon community is very well aware of his work through Persephone, through independent production and through SNTC, as well. We’re anticipating this will be a great show,” says Peeteetuce.

While it is technically the off-season right now, the SNTC crew is still very busy. The theatre company has been chosen to do a 15-minute performance piece at the opening ceremonies of the North American Indigenous Games in Regina, July 20.

The performance piece will be written by Kenneth T. Williams and directed by Yvette Nolan. Peeteetuce will also be performing in the production. The opening ceremonies will be broadcast across the United States and Canada.

Also this year, SNTC will serve as host theatre for the annual gathering of the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance, Oct. 16 to 19. SNTC will be providing entertainment each evening. Delegates from across the country will attend the conference including producers, artistic directors, playwrights, actors and directors.

As the Theatre company celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, Peeteetuce feels this makes them established.Yet he

knows there’s still so much more that the organization wants to accomplish.

“We really want to aim to be a sustainable and inclusive theatre company. We don’t want our community supposing SNTC is exclusively for indigenous artists or the indigenous community. We’re very much about universal messaging and universal performance. We just come from the Cree tradition and that’s because this is the home of Cree territory,” says Peeteetuce. “And also because our founding member Gordon Tootoosis and Tantoo Cardinal, they were also Cree, so we very much honour their language and their culture and traditions.”

Peeteetuce promises the next year will bring some “big and positive changes” to SNTC. He was mum on what those changes would be specifically, but added, “they are all very exciting.”

This spring SNTC wrapped up another successful season of theatre with a play called Dreary and Izzy.The production was co-produced by Western Canada Theatre, Gateway Theatre, Persephone Theatre and SNTC. (SP file photo)

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

North American Indigenous Games benefit Aboriginal youth

by Robyn Tocker Indigenous youth from 26 for SP Creative Features regions across Canada and the Sports competitions hold much of the world’s United States will gather in admiration, especially popular ones like the Olympics, the Canadian Summer Games and the Paralympics.Yet there Regina from July 20 to 27 to is one unique competition that Saskatchewan athletes compete at the North American especially excel at: the North American Indigenous Games Indigenous Games. Between (NAIG).

3,700 to 3,800 athletes, from Since its beginnings in 1990, NAIG has taken North ages 13 to 19 years, are expected America’s young, indigenous athletes by storm. Like the to participate in the high level Olympics, it occurs every three or four years. The athletes, sports competition. ranging in age from 13 to 19 years, compete in various (Supplied photo) sports such as volleyball, wrestling, archery and basketball.

In total, there are 15 different sports events.

NAIG was first hosted in Edmonton, Alta., and since then there have been seven games, six of which Saskatchewan has won. In fact, our province hosted the second NAIG in Prince Albert in 1993. legacies we want to leave behind,” said “It’s evolved into a high-level sports competition and Crowe. cultural village,” said Ron Crowe, CEO of NAIG 2014.

If you aren’t a fan of sporting events, With this evolution, Crowe explained, the regions are the cultural village is a great way to broken up into 26 regions, 13 in Canada and 13 in the USA. still be involved in NAIG. The village Regina will have athletes coming from California, Nevada, is taking place at the First Nations Florida, the Maritimes, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and University on the University of Regina many more locations across North America to compete campus. from July 20 to 27. “We’re expecting about 3,700 to 3,800 “It will be the hub on all non-sport activity. There’s athletes in total,” said Crowe. nightly entertainment for participants and guests. There are With so many indigenous peoples populating Treaty also food venues, and a health and wellness conference,” 4 territory, Crowe said, it’s not only an said Crowe. opportunity for athletes to show their Speaking from personal experiences, prowess, but also for cultural events to bring Crowe said NAIG is a great way for the community together. One event Crowe athletes to network and build cherished hopes will do that is the opening ceremony memories with their fellow athletes.

NAIG is a great held on July 20. The event costs $10, and the “[NAIG] makes memories, leadership way for athletes goal is to pack the stadium with spectators. skills, an interest in sports, and the ability “It’s more for the athletes to make sure to connect and network with a number of to network and they see the support that comes from this youth for years to come.” build cherished community, the City of Regina, and Treaty 4 Crowe and his family are no strangers territory,” said Crowe. to the games, as he and his wife, Beverley memories with The opening ceremony may have a cost, Missens, competed in the Saskatchewan their fellow but the sporting events and cultural events First Nation Summer Games in 1977 and that will take place across the city are free.

1978 respectively. Their children have athletes.

Crowe hopes this encourages people to competed and continue to compete in come and take part in the NAIG games, either the Saskatchewan First Nation which will take place at 21 different venues.

Summer or Winter Games, and their “Be a spectator. If you want to contribute eldest daughter competed in NAIG in back, be a volunteer. We have a number of activities taking 1997. Crowe said he still has the friends he made from the place that need volunteers,” Crowe explained. competition. “I still have fond memories and friends that I Volunteers make up any event going on in the city, and have been able to maintain. Networking is going to be longNAIG is no exception. Crowe encourages those who lasting and go beyond the games,” he said. “[The athletes aren’t participating in the competition or any of the events are] equipped with opportunities in the future.” to take the opportunity to volunteer and “be part of the Crowe extends a special thank you to sponsors of NAIG community and contribute.”

2014, without whose support NAIG wouldn’t be possible.

It’s important not only for the athletes to be involved, Some of these sponsors include the University of Regina, but also the host community, said Crowe. “We encourage the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, indigenous youth, and all youth for that matter, to be part the City of Regina, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian of the games through volunteer efforts.”

Nations, Sask Sport Inc., Access Communications CoSome of the volunteer opportunities are food handling, operative Limited, APTN and Saskatchewan Indian Gaming security, or helping with set up and take down of the Authority. venues.

To learn more about the North American Indigenous “Having a legacy of volunteerism is one of the Games, visit www.regina2014naig.com .

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National Aboriginal Day

THE SASKATOON POLICE SERVICE recognizes

National Aboriginal Day

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CELEBRATE CANADA! ( UNE 21st - JULY 1st) (J National Aboriginal Day: June 21st St. Jean Baptiste Day: June 24th Canada’s Multiculturalism Day: June 27th Canada Day: July 1st

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Everyone gains by celebrating NAD

by Miranda Burski of L-P Specialty Products First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples have played a significant role in shaping Canada into the country it is today. To recognize that role, the Government of Canada in 1996 proclaimed June 21 to be National Aboriginal Day. Since then, communities across the country have increasingly come together to celebrate the day.

“Heritage, culture and language constitutes the backbone of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada,” said Orenda Yuzicapi, director of Regina Aboriginal Day. “A strong, vibrant culture relates healthy communities and a strong people. Celebrating our connection to our culture on National Aboriginal Day strengthens our awareness, pride, knowledge and overall health. And when we share our culture, we create better education by understanding, and everyone gains.”

The National Aboriginal Day events hosted throughout Regina encompass everything from demonstrations and sporting events, to a month-long celebration of Aboriginal history. Each takes place on a different day, allowing National Aboriginal Day celebrators to take part in as many as possible.

The first of the events is the 17th annual National Aboriginal Day Celebration in Grassick Park, hosted by Circle Project and Indian Métis Christian Fellowship. The free event begins at 2:30 p.m. on June 20 and runs until 8 p.m.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, visitors to the event can participate in children’s activities and cultural activities, as well as visit an elder’s tent and have a family photo taken. Food will also be available, including hamburgers, hot dogs and cotton candy.

On June 21,Yuzicapi and her team will be hosting Regina Aboriginal Day in Wascana Park. Booths open at 10 a.m., a grand entrance will take place at 11 a.m. and the event will run until 6 p.m.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to check out demonstrations, community booths, traditional food and a powwow, among other things.

“Métis carts are coming in – they have a display on how they build them, and they set them up and have kids help make the pieces and refine the pieces,” said Yuzicapi.

Among the most popular aspects of the event are the drums and dancing. “We have a lot of tourists that show up… they hear the drums and they come to the park,” she explained.

Wrapping up the weekend on June 22 is Words of a Feather at the Regina Public Library’s Albert Branch. This hour-long family event, which begins at 1 p.m., will have participants creating feathers from book pages.

Supplies will be provided, making it a fun-but-relaxing way to end a weekend of celebrations.

Those who don’t want to limit their celebrations of First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples culture to one weekend, however, should take part in National Aboriginal History Month,with events hosted by The Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association (RAPA).

Today, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., RAPA and Farm Credit Canada are hosting their fourth annual Aboriginal Talent Showcase in the Cornwall Centre. On June 28, RAPA and the North American Indigenous Games will host their second annual, one-day archery and lacrosse youth camp at First Nations University of Canada.

RAPA and Urban Native Girl are also holding a Photo a Day contest throughout the month of June. Participants take a daily themed photo and post it to a social media site with the hashtag #NAHM2014PhotoADay. Those who have taken all of the required photos will be entered to win prizes from Manitobah Mukluks and Tatanka Boutique.

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

P.A. Police Service appoints designated elder

by Hilary Klassen of SP Creative Features The Prince Albert Police Service is breaking new ground by formalizing a relationship inviting a designated elder to advise and assist the force with various culturally sensitive situations.

Given her stature within and beyond the Aboriginal community, as well as her experience as an Aboriginal Resource Officer, Julie Pitzel was a natural choice to assume the role of designated elder. PA police chief Troy Cooper made the announcement June 2, referencing Pitzel’s previous work with the service and his friendship with Julie.

“I feel really honoured,” says Pitzel. “We’ve got a diverse community with all different nations of people and I think it’s very important to open doors of understanding to interact with each other and learn from each other in a positive way.” She believes the role of designated elder is new in Saskatchewan. The process of making it official included discussion and approval from the police commission.

Pitzel served as the Aboriginal Resource Officer for the PA police for 11 years. “I find that PA Police Service is receptive to looking outside the box and seeing what they can do differently. The most important part is a change in educating officers as far as teachings go and knowledge of aboriginal protocols,” she says.

Her position as liaison between the culture and the police allows her to help mitigate difficult circumstances and work towards creative solutions. “When I do a debriefing with a family after a traumatic event has happened, I usually have a circle and use that format. That’s a different way of doing this as well. Getting people to discuss things and be able to share how they feel, besides getting information, I think that’s new,” she says.

Pitzel speaks both Cree and Dené and knows the court process. Being able to explain the complexities of the process in both languages makes the experience more comfortable for people in the judicial system.

Generosity is a core native teaching and Pitzel is known for her generosity as a volunteer. She has served or currently serves as a volunteer in some capacity for the Friendship Centre, the Wapiti Regional Library board, the Indian Metis Friendship Centre, Interval House, a women’s shelter in PA, the Youth Activity Centre, the Native Coordinating Council, the Community Against Family

Julie Pitzel Violence on the Seniors Committee, the Human Rights Commission federally, and as a senator for the U of S. She’s also an elder adviser along with a group of other elders from around the province, who advise the minister of justice. Pitzel received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award in 2013 in recognition of her considerable contributions as a volunteer.

Elders serve a vital role in Aboriginal culture. “We believe there are four levels of growth in a human being, and one is a child, a youth, the adult and the elder, and they all interact within our system, and they become part of that whole growth. They become the teachers and the keepers of the traditions,” says Pitzel.

Pitzel is excited about taking on the role of designated elder. “I look forward to the challenge, I’ve always looked forward to newer things.” She jokes about putting blinders on and parachuting in. But entering the unknown can have an upside. “I get benefits from it too, I learn. I feel good about learning all the time. All I can do is my best.”

Celebrating

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Saskatchewan’s future has a strong foundation Celebrate National Aboriginal Day Saturday

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Make National Aboriginal Day your day to remember and recognize the many contributions Aboriginal people are making to build a better Saskatchewan and a stronger Canada.

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