BOOK REVIEWS
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TRIBE CREATIVE
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ELSIPOGTOG
NEW TRIBE magazine K.A.S.P
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STAYING SOBER
*ON THE TABLE *TRIBE POETRY WRITING TIPS
Free Vol. 1 2 Issue 12 MARCH 2014 Now Available online www.usay.ca
NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers, Welcome to the March 2014 issue of New Tribe Magazine. A lot is happening right now and it’s going to be a busy season with a new play, some exciting youth based programs, and overall changes to the magazine. One upcoming change I would like to address is that the March issue will be in print, but upcoming issues will be available online only. This will be a temporary change and once more details are known I will let all our readers know when and where you can find the latest issues of New Tribe Magazine.
USAY and New Tribe Magazine events? Feel free to search us out on Face book and join our growing friends list. We post upcoming events, submission requirements and deadlines, and fun stuff like upcoming movie nights and book clubs. It is also a great place to comment on stories or articles you wish to see in our upcoming issues. Do you have an opinion on this issue of New Tribe magazine? Good, bad, or ugly send in your thoughts and we will print it in the letters section.
Spread the word, and stay true Until then check out this to it. great issue filled with a wide range of articles to keep you John Medeiros Creative Director entertained and informed. New Tribe Magazine Need updates on upcoming
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Calgary’s Aboriginal Youth Monthly usayeditor@gmail.com Creative Director John Medeiros Graphic Design Aboriginal Design Group Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth Suite 600, 615 Macleod Trail South Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 403.233.8225 Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland Program Manager Jacqueline Dubyk Financial Officer Jessica Hawryluk Community Outreach Worker Levi First Charger Mentorship Coordinator Josh Fox Morin Administrative Assistant Nikeysha Love Moses Board of Directors President Sarena Provost Vice-President Amanda Gonet Treasurer Melaina Patenaude Secretary Cheryl Hanley NEW TRIBE is a monthly magazine. Our mission is to promote a positive outlook on Aboriginal living in an urban setting by promoting information sharing within the Aboriginal and youth communities Opinions expressed in submitted work/letters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NEW TRIBE or USAY. This magazine is a forum for Aboriginal youth to speak their minds and share their stories without intervention. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for plagiarism of the works in the magazine. All writings are presumed to be the original work of the contributing authors.
Special Thanks to our Community Partners & Funders
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CONTENTS
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16
10 MARCH
COVER STORY
30 19
USAY
7 WHAT’S GOING ON?
23
COMMUNITY
8 WRITING TIPS
25
CREATIVE
10 STAYING SOBER
29
COMMUNITY
12 ON THE TABLE
30
MUSIC REVIEW
14 POETRY
32
MOVIE REVIEW
15 CREATIVE
34
BOOK REVIEW
16 COMMUNITY
37
COMMUNITY
18 ELSIPOGTOG
39
U AROUND TOWN
4
NEWS BRIEFS
K.A.S.P
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NEWS*BRIEFS
Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada Loretta Saunders homicide sparks call by native group for public inquiry The slaying of Loretta Saunders should trigger a national inquiry into the hundreds of murdered and missing aboriginal women in Canada, the president of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association says. Cheryl Maloney spoke hours after police found the body of Saunders off a New Brunswick highway. Police are treating her death as a homicide. “I’m never going to let Stephen Harper or Canadians forget about Loretta and all the other missing or murdered aboriginal people,” Maloney said. “There’s something wrong in Canada if aboriginal people have to live this fate.” Saunders, an Inuk woman from Newfoundland and Labrador, was doing her thesis at Halifax’s Saint
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Mary’s University on missing and murdered aboriginal women. ‘Every aboriginal girl in this country is vulnerable. For Canada to be ignoring it for so long, it’s disheartening.’ —Cheryl Maloney, Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association Maloney said aboriginal Canadian women are five times more likely to be violently attacked than nonaboriginal women. Aboriginal men also face higher risks of violence than non-aboriginal men, she said. Research points to ‘exhaustive list’ of missing aboriginal women
society, and especially our prime minister, has been able to ignore the reality of the statistics that are against aboriginal girls,” Maloney said. “This is not what everyone expects, but she is at risk. Every aboriginal girl in this country is vulnerable. For Canada to be ignoring it for so long, it’s disheartening. How many more families does this have to happen to before they take seriously the problem?” Saunders was studying the murders of three Nova Scotia aboriginal women: Nora Bernard Anna Mae Pictou Aquash Tanya Brooks
A researcher has found 800 cases of missing or murdered Canadian aboriginal women.
Maloney, surrounded by women who had volunteered to help search for Saunders, thanked Halifax for rallying to her side.
Maloney said the “bright, smart” student didn’t fit stereotypes.
SOURCE -CBC News
“She wasn’t what society expected for a missing aboriginal girl. Canadian
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What’s Going On? MARCH,2014 March 02 The Backyardigans Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB March 06 - 08 Annual $100 Film Festival Plaza Theatre Calgary, AB March 06 - 10 Disney on Ice Stampede Corral Calgary, AB March 06 Harlem Globetrotters Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary March 08 Lady Antebellum Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB March 08 Calgary Festival of Health and Wellness Carriage House Inn Calgary, AB March 12 - 16 Calgary International Auto & Truck Show BMO Centre Calgary, AB
March 17 Saint Patrick’s Day March 17 ZZ Top in Concert Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB March 17 - 21 Aboriginal Awareness Week University of Calgary Calgary, AB March 22 Celtic Woman in Concert Jack Singer Concert Hall Calgary, AB March 25 Nana Mouskouri in Concert Jubiliee Auditorium Calgary, AB March 25 - April 20 The Mountaintop Theatre Calgary Calgary
Calgary Flames Home Games 03/05/2014 7:30 PM Ottawa Senators @ Calgary Flames 03/07/2014 7:00 PM NY Islanders @ Calgary Flames 03/10/2014 7:00 PM Los Angeles Kings @ Calgary Flames 03/12/2014 8:00 PM Anaheim Ducks @ Calgary Flames 03/18/2014 7:00 PM Buffalo Sabres @ Calgary Flames 03/21/2014 7:00 PM Nashville Predators @ Calgary Flames 03/24/2014 7:00 PM San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames 03/26/2014 8:00 PM Anaheim Ducks @ Calgary Flames 03/28/2014 7:00 PM NY Rangers @ Calgary Flames
Calgary YMCA Rec Night Every Tuesday 7:00pm - 10:00 pm
If you have an event you’d like us to include in our monthly calendar, email it to us - usayeditor@gmail.com by the third Wednesday of the month. Submission deadline for the April 2014 issue: March 26 NEW TRIBE MARCH 2014
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COMMUNITY
WRITING TIPS Artifacts Are Us: Much like “Show and Tell” this writing project involves students bringing in an object from home. This object should represent something about the student. Have them share their personal artifact one at a time. Once everyone is done, encourage the students to write their feelings Oftentimes just getting the words and ideas about the objects shared. on the paper is the biggest hurdle, so the following writing tips include This project could be extended to fun ideas that will help hone a include writing a short story about child’s thoughts. Build upon small their own personal artifact. Either successes with a variety of writing a realistic explanation of what the projects and be sure to offer plenty object means to them, or a fanciful of praise along the way. creative tale about its origin. Learning to write can be one of the most challenging skills anyone can attempt. For this reason it is difficult to encourage challenged youths to put forth the effort, practice and time it takes to adequately develop their skills, and gain a love for the written word.
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After the project is complete, read the various stories out loud so everyone can enjoy the experience. Seeing how writing can be used to explain and entertain is a good start. Photojournalism: Many times, reluctant writers are more visually oriented than their peers. Tackle this head-on with a photojournalistic project. Have students capture objects, places and engaging events on camera. Start by writing captions and then move to writing journal entries about the photos. Show how photos can be
COMMUNITY arranged with both the captions newsletter. Having a purpose for and short descriptions to build a writing is a great incentive. Assign story. columns and features according to individual likes and interests. Write letters: Letter writing can For example a girl who is fashionbe used as the perfect gateway obsessed can write about popular into writing activities. Have clothing trends and the child who students write letters in response loves team sports can put together to the characters they are studying, a recap of a game for all to enjoy. books, TV programs, or movies. Then have them formulate a The work of pulling together a response using the characters point weekly newsletter can be a great of view. This project forces them team project that draws reluctant to think outside the box, but in a way that is educational and creative at the same time. If you want to start an ongoing letter writing project, consider pairing up with a local retirement home. Kids can write letters to the residents and the residents can respond. These new connections can be a valuable experience for writers out of their shell. Not all involved. wanting to let the group down, they will step up to the challenge and Get their words published: A take pride in their contributions. great way to encourage writing with challenged youths is to help Newsletters can also be subject them get their work published. specific. You can assign reports Seeing their name in a byline, that are written with magazine either online or in print will help style headlines or with a collection them see themselves in a new of short tidbits rather than a regular light. Celebrate their efforts and book report. Sometimes exploring continue to encourage writing as one character or a single incident a way to express themselves to a that happened is a better way to get wide group of people. started with writing. Combining all the single subject articles to make Start a newsletter: If you can’t find up a newsletter style book report a suitable outlet to publish their can make the difference between a work, consider starting a weekly completed assignment and a zero.
Play What If? Regardless of the subjects the youth are studying, you can introduce “What if” style questions. Brainstorm “what if” thoughts and encourage the student to write a story about what would happen if things happened differently. Change the ending to historical events, introduce funny thoughts and ask introspective thoughts. Design a game: Creating a board game is a labor-intensive way to build writing skills. Consider the style of game you want to focus on and then challenge the student to write questions and answers for the cards. For example kids can write all the trivia cards based on a particular subject. Once all the questions are complete, play the game and make adjustments as needed. Relax standards: If your goal is to get children to write, than it can be helpful to relax standards until they develop the habit of putting their thoughts on paper. This might mean you allow typed papers, spelling and grammar errors and more. Second-guessing their own abilities can be paralyzing. Relieve the pressure and provide room for their creativity to bloom by accepting papers a little less than perfect.
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COMMUNITY
STAYING SOBER
By: Andrew Pearson
As a teenager, you face various temptations to use alcohol or drugs every week and this has become a common problem among many youth. While you may think they will make you cooler or more popular in the eyes of your friends or classmates, your perception of using alcohol or drugs is skewed - it won’t do those things, instead you will only cause harm to yourself. Or maybe you started because you were simply curious or want to use it as a way to forget your problems. Aside from you being too smart to succumb to the pressure to use drugs and alcohol, the following are some reasons why staying sober is a better choice.
affect your brain because you’re at an age that your brain is still developing, causing learning problems or addiction later in life. Substance use actually leads to poor decision-making, coordination loss, memory impairment, distorted vision, and effects on your mood stability. High alcohol or usage can cause blackouts – not remembering things that you do or say is not a good thing to wake up to the next morning.
loss of muscle and motor control. Organs keep your body moving and working well, so it’s important to take care of them. You also don’t know what is in the drugs you use – because they are illegal, there are no regulations on their content and are not guaranteed to be safe. Maintain your self-respect. While under the influence, your judgment is skewed and things that seem like a great idea are actually very risky. You may not have as good of control over yourself and you might say or do something you will regret or be embarrassed about later. They could cause you to think driving or having unprotected sex is a good thing to do.
Take care of your body. Alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream and frequent usage can increase your risk for many life-threatening diseases and it can also damage every organ in your body. Drugs can also lead to organ failure, as Your brain is your best asset. well as increasing your heart Using alcohol and drugs can rate and blood pressure, and Substances 10
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can
harm
you.
FICTION You might think you are being careful, but sometimes you don’t know how much your body can handle. The more you use, the more likely you are to become addicted – If you try to quit, you may find out that you can’t. Some drugs are designed to make users go unconscious or unable to move – if you find yourself in danger, you will not be able to protect yourself.
teens aren’t drinking alcohol or using drugs. In fact, research has shown that 71% of people ages 12-20 have not had a drink in the last month.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary – This organization has many programs for youth to get How can you resist the urge to involved in. They are academic, recreational and some offer say yes? leadership opportunities.
• If you’re in the presence of substances and being pressured to use them, the best thing to do is to be assertive Additionally, if alcohol or drugs and say no. Make eye contact are consumed in a high quantity, and stand up for yourself. in a short time period, or are Build healthy friendships mixed with other substances, • they can poison your body, with others who do not use cause breathing problems, or alcohol or drugs. Surrounding lead to a coma or death.Alcohol yourself with people who don’t or drug use can also lead to use substances means you will fatal traffic accidents because be less likely to be in situations the driver got behind the wheel where drugs or alcohol are present. while under the influence. Drinking and doing drugs is against the law. You cannot legally drink or possess alcohol until you are 18. If you’re caught, you can lose your driver’s license, have to pay a large fine, or get your car taken away. If any of those happens, it will surely make getting around in your daily life a bit more difficult. All banned drugs are illegal for everyone, not just youth. You’re not the only person staying sober.While it may seem like everyone is doing it, most
What are some resources available in Calgary?
• Calgary AfterSchool – This after-school program offers a way for youth ages 6-16 to keep busy with sports, art, drama and music. These programs are held at many public and private schools, as well as community centers, churches and YMCAs.
• Calgary John Howard Society – Provides different programs, such as Child and Youth Empowerment Strategy and the Youth Drug Impact Project, set up in sessions to • Find other alternatives to help teens with prevention and keep you busy – join after-school intervention of risky behaviors or community groups that offer programs during the week or • Calgary Youth Addiction weekends. Check your school, Services – Part of Alberta community organizations or Health Services, this offers church for different ideas. If prevention services, counseling you can’t find something you and treatment. like, take charge and start one Connecteen – This yourself. Find a group of people • to help you, including parents organization gives peer to peer and other kids.You can also take support when you need advice. up individual projects – learn a new skill or hobby.
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FLAVOR
On the Table Clover Cookies INGREDIENTS
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup butter at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 tbsp. vanilla extract Green food coloring DIRECTIONS Measure the flour, baking soda and salt into a mediumsized bowl. Stir well and set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about 1 minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be stiff. Add several drops of green food coloring. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. (Make sure children wash their hands immediately after kneading--food coloring can be messy.) Gather the dough into two balls, flatten into disks beginning at the edge of the dough and working toward the center. Cover with plastic and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. After the dough has chilled, place one half on a large piece of plastic wrap, cover with another piece of plastic wrap and then roll until it is 1/4-inch thick. Lift off the top sheet of plastic wrap and cut out shamrocks, beginning at the edge of the dough and working toward the center. Place each shamrock on an ungreased baking sheet. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 8 minutes or until the edges begin to lightly brown. Remove to a rack to cool. For particularly festive shamrocks, decorate them with green candies or frosting. Makes about 34. 12
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WORD
The Most Important Women in My Life by Randy Parsons
A little different from the others The way you do the thing you do How independent you are You have your ups and downs like everyone else But you know that. On these days where it’s not good at all You live life like someone on their best day You smile laugh like there is no tomorrow. You showed me that this is true You just have to be you. Except for when you need to change For the greater good in you To stop the bad and only perceive in the greater good... You are like the buffalo you handle your problems straight on Just like the buffalo when it heads straight into a storm You know that it will be over sooner than later if you face your problems See you showed me that handling my problems is to be strong It is to know how to step up in life To be a leader not a follower and To trust that I know where I am going in life
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Creative speaks to the bi-provincial foundation from where the album was created with co-producer Tim Toolman Hill in Manitoba and Miller in Ontario. Using their talents, wits and technology, they collaborated on the songs via cellphone conversations, texts, BBM messaging and Facebook chats. There is a definite departure from the hard rock sounds of Jesus Murphy and I would say an almost dancey quality to these new songs on Help Me and Shimmer. The power ballad, Powerful Love would make a great wedding song or a romantic soundtrack to a valentines date. Each track is proof of great songwriting with balanced production. It would be remiss of me not to mention songwriter Matthew Miller, cousin Miller’s dynamic vocals, which to two-time Juno winning Blues- are both piercing and pleasing. cat Derek Miller. Jasper is Matt’s Haudenosaunee inspired singing third band pulling together sounds at its finest. and experiences from his previous two bands, The Descendants As I write this review, Miller is and Jesus Murphy, which saw on his way to Manitoba where 3 different incarnations with 3 he has been selected as one of 18 different musicians. His musical participants in the 7th Aboriginal roots lean towards hard rock and Music Program (AMP) Camp. he is a young master in the game. There he will hone his musical The Separation, is described as a business and artistic skills for combination of Soul, Blues and one week. Upon returning to Six Country, influenced by the great Nations he will perform at the musicianship found on Six Nations Great Theatre on the same bill as such as The Pappy Johns Blues Anishnabe funny man and CBC Band, True Rez Crew, Lacey Hill, podcast host Ryan McMahon on Robbie Robertson and the list goes February 18th. on. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ If you think the title of the album the-separation-ep/id804446005 is an umbrella over a series of heartbreak songs, you’d be wrong. The album title, The Separation include artwork, decals and three bonus tracks. T h e tireless engine behind Jasper is Six Nations based Oneida Bearc l a n singer/
Jasper - The Separation, Pulls it Together album review by Janet Rogers This time last year, the Jasper band’s Matthew Jesus Miller and drummer Bill Wood travelled, on their own dime to the west coast of the Turtle to be part of a Native Music Showcase in Victoria British Columbia. The hard work and ambition behind this band seems limitless with the talent to back it all up. And rather than clutter the world with more plastic and aluminum based material (or whatever compact disks are made of) Jasper released their latest 5 song EP, The Separation on February 1st 2014 as a digital download on itunes and with other online music distributors. A deluxe version of the album will be released on a USB key and will
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COMMU NITY
Nothing Prepares You For Loss By: Christine Smith (McFarlane) It’s the phone message you always dread waking up to-a member of your family calling you and saying, “Please call, it’s rather urgent.” In my case it was a nightmare come true, but it wasn’t about the person I thought it would be about-it was about my favorite uncle.
blankets yet. As soon as I heard my mom’s partner Jim say “it’s urgent,” I jumped out of my bed like there was a fire lit underneath me, and I started pacing back and forth, back and forth, listening to the RING…RING…. RING… of the phone on the other end.
Nothing can prepare you for a loss or a death, whether it’s a friend, a member of your family or even a pet. I have always had this awful dream that one day I would get a phone call from back home in Winnipeg saying, “Christine, your mom has passed.” In fact in the current manuscript I am working on, I have a story about that dream. I never thought that a semblance of it would become real.
Minutes passed before I finally heard my mom come on the other end of the phone. I said, “What’s wrong?” and the words I didn’t want to hear came out “Your Uncle Sam passed away.”
I remember holding my phone, punching in my voicemail password and rather groggily listening to my voicemail. I hadn’t even crawled out from under my 16
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At first I didn’t want to believe the words, and I kept muttering “oh my god, oh my god,” and then my mom’s partner came on the phone and told me once more “Sam is gone, he died last night.” At first when I was told that my Uncle Sam was gone, I didn’t cry. I was in shock. I got really quiet and then the words came out of my
mouth like verbal diarrhea “OMG!! OMG!! What happened? When did this happen?” My Uncle Sam was special to me. Even though I only met him a few times over the years that I have gotten to know my biological mother again, he stayed a part of my life in his own way. It was this that made him special to me. When I first started to get to know my mom and her side of the family, I remember I moved around a lot. I never stayed at one address longer than a year, but this didn’t stop my uncle from trying to stay in touch with me. I would move to a new address, and I’d receive a letter from him. It was complications from diabetes that killed my Uncle Sam. He was 58 years old, too young to die, and I’m going to miss him, especially when I go home every summer to
COMMU NITY see my mom. Dealing with a death is difficult. I’ve gone from every kind of emotion you can think of. I’ve been feeling incredibly sad, have fits of crying, have felt immense anger, and just generally feeling like the whole thing is a dream and I’ll wake up and find out its not real. Sadly, that’s not the case though, and in dealing with my uncle’s death, I’m also learning once more to cope with another great loss. Grief, much like mental illness is a neglected and misunderstood process that touches us all at one point in our lives. I have learned that grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss of any kind, so the feelings I’m experiencing are also normal and natural for me, but it doesn’t make things any easier. The problem is that we have all been socialized to believe that these feelings are somehow wrong and unnatural. It’s especially difficult when someone tells you “it was the Creator’s plan,” even if you know it to be true on a subconscious level.
it was definitely a shock, but I also know that though I am going to miss him terribly when I go back home each summer to visit my mom and the rest of her family, I do know that he is no longer suffering like he was before he passed on.
backyard, he fell and my mom’s partner and I tried to help him up. In my rush to help him, I accidently grabbed his bad arm (the one where he was receiving needles for his diabetes and dialysis) and he hollered “my arm, my arm.”
In the last few days, my mom’s partner has been calling me to see how I’m doing. We chat about how my Uncle was when he was well. We talk about the sense of humor he had, what a jokester he could be, how he would go around showing my writing to people on our reserve, and we laugh and remember him for how he was.
It was then that I realized how much pain he was in, because he had never yelled at me before. I felt really badly and started crying. I started crying because I realized then that even though he was in pain, and could barely get around, he didn’t let it stop him from getting my other Uncle to drive an hour from our reserve to come and see me while I was visiting.
The difficulty I have in my grief is my last memory of him and the words he said to me. It was during my last visit home that I noticed how unwell my Uncle was and how he could barely walk around and was using a walker for assistance. I remember sitting at the kitchen table with him and I said a few words in the language and he asked me who had taught me the language, and then after a few minutes of silence, he looked Grieving is difficult though, no over at me and said “This may be matter what. According to the one of the last times I see you.” “Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving I recall getting quiet when he Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other said those words, and feeling an Losses,” written by John W. James immense sense of sadness wash and Russell Friedman it is said over me, but I brushed them aside that “since most of us have been because I didn’t want to think of my socialized to attempt to resolve Uncle not being around anymore. all issues with our intellect, grief I didn’t think those words would remains a huge problem,” come true, but they have. I don’t know how long I will feel Another memory I have is how at this incredible sadness over my one point when he was trying to go Uncle Sam passing away because outside to sit with everyone in the
There is one thing I must remember in my grief and that no one likes to see someone else hurting, and the important thing I can do for him now is to carry on with my life doing what I love to do, and what he silently encouraged me to dowrite. So, if you have experienced a death or a loss, or are experiencing it now, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to allow yourself to feel the sadness, allow yourself to cry and allow yourself to remember the person you have lost. Don’t stay quiet about the person, remember them how they were, and if they were unwell before they passed on, try to remember that they are no longer in pain, or feeling anymore cold, they will be at peace, and they will want you to carry on in the best way that you can.
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Elsipogtog Fracking is something that elicits a strong response from almost all individuals, regardless of political or racial differences or geographic location. The reason that there is so much emotion on both sides is because of the dramatically high stakes that are involved when it comes to fracking. Some people view fracking as a means of developing energy without having to rely on foreign nations in order to do so. However, a growing number of people view it as a way to further harm the planet and destroy the regional climates and ecosystems that are already so delicate. In addition, there is some evidence that suggests that fracking may in part be responsible for an increased number of earthquakes that are occurring in many locations which did not experience them several years ago. With specific regard to the incident at Elsipogtog, there are two trains of thought. The first train of thought concedes that the members 18
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of the tribe were violent and difficult to control and as a result, decisive action was taken against them. They were pelted with rubber bullets and they had police dogs attacking them. There was also tear gas involved, and many people were caught off guard. However, there is another train of thought which strongly suggests that the incident that occurred was basically an attack on innocent people that were only protesting peacefully. It is extremely difficult to determine what actually happened because there are people that insist that both accounts are true. The one thing that is for certain is that a peaceful resolution to the problem was definitely not found. More importantly, there are now widespread questions regarding whether or not a peaceful solution to this problem can ever be found.
to see anyone do anything to the planet that would cause it harm, especially not in the interest of energy development. However, they found themselves in the middle of a heated debate between themselves and the Canadian government regarding their rights to prevent anyone from coming onto the land and conducting fracking operations. Only time will tell which side will win, but in the meantime it seems as though there really are no winners at all.
If the protest was indeed peaceful, a very troubling question occurs. Why would officials essentially attack members of the tribe who were protesting peacefully instead of attempting to arrive at a peaceful conclusion to the disagreement. Is it because they are simply interested in taking over the land regardless of what anyone has to It is relatively easy to understand say about it? Are they determined why the tribe is against fracking. to get everyone else out of the way They are essentially stewards of through any means necessary? the earth and they do not want If the protest was not peaceful,
COMMU NITY , what other methods can be used to bring the two sides closer to an agreement that works well for everyone involved? Tribal leaders are deeply concerned that fracking operations would essentially destroy the land. The Canadian government says that it has every right to begin fracking operations on the land and that the tribe must move aside and allow them to conduct these operations without interfering. Both sides are astute in their conviction that they are right and as a result, little progress has been made regarding the situation. This may prevent either side from arriving at a peaceful conclusion or compromising in any way.
It seems as though both sides are unwilling to budge. At some point, one side or the other will be forced to concede. The tribal chief has stated that he hopes a peaceful conclusion can be arrived upon, however it remains to be seen how that will be carried out. The reason that this is so important is because it will likely set the precedent for other fracking operations that will be conducted in the future, both in Canada and in other countries. It is exceptionally difficult to determine who truly has the right to the land or how the situation should be handled. Sadly, it is highly unlikely that any conclusion can be arrived at that will please both sides. Fracking is an operation that there is still much to be learned about. Perhaps that is one reason
why tribal leaders are against the operations occurring in the first place. However, it is extremely difficult to make a definitive decision about who is right in this particular incident. In all likelihood, fracking operations will commence at some point, with or without the blessing of tribal members. The more important point to consider is how to treat the tribe fairly and allow them to voice their concerns about the operations and how they will affect the land. Ideally, it will mean that both sides will have to work together in order to achieve the greatest level of success. Time will tell.
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K.A.S.P
by Christine Smith (McFarlane) photos by Jason Hargrove
K.A.S.P. Entertainment ( K.eeping A.live S.tories for the P. eople) is an organization started by Paul Robert Walter Sawan, (K.A.S.P.) a member of the Cree Nation with tribal affiliations to Driftpile/ Penticton. K.A.S.P. Sawan did not have an easy life growing up in East Vancouver. By the age of 9 he had witnessed more trauma and abuse than most grown adults will ever face in a lifetime. Experiencing multi-generational trauma and abuse brought upon his family and community from the residential school era, he grew up living in and out of the child welfare system and eventually ended up in group homes and spent time living on the street. Sawan says, “ I grew up living in the dysfunctional cycle of alcoholism and drug abuse and turned to music as a way to escape and deal with my harsh reality.” After moving from Vancouver and becoming part of a crew that
developed, wrote, produced and marketed their own music independently, and going on to win numerous prestigious awards that gave him national recognition, K.A.S.P. Entertainment and what it is today was born.
fallen but stands tall today to share his experiences and maintains his sobriety through his traditional and spiritual beliefs, participating in canoe journeys with youth, step programs and personal development. He balances his personal, family, and career Some awards and nominations life through honesty and that K.A.S.P. has accumulated commitment. over the course of his career include: 2012 Nominee The focus that Kasp has Aboriginal People’s Choice is inspiring and it has Music Awards “Aboriginal transformed itself through Male Entertainer of the Year; his music and he shares it 2011 Nominee Aboriginal with youth to motivate them Peoples Choice Music Awards to persevere no matter what “Best Hip-Hop/Rap Album,” happens in life. His songs tell 2008 Canadian Aboriginal a story of both his struggles Music Awards “Best Hip-Hop and success and he shares Album,” and “2008 Nominee stories of his life to help Aboriginal Peoples Choice others have the strength to do Awards for “Entertainer of the same. the Year.” I caught up with K.A.S.P. and Kasp has struggled with his asked these questions of him: own personal issues and alcoholism and continues Please tell me a little to learn, grow, share and about yourself and why inspire though his music and you started with K.A.S.P. story. He feels that you have Entertainment? to face your past in order to move forward. He has My name is Paul Robert NEW TRIBE MARCH 2014
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COMMUNITY Walter Sawan. I am Cree. I am a motivational speaker and multiple award winning Aboriginal Hip-Hop artist and workshop facilitator with “K.eeping A. live S.tories for the P.eople” Entertainment. I want to motivate and inspire youth and adults by sharing my life story through talking and music.
Through the tools learned along the way and many different youth engagement activities that help them know that they have a voice that matters. What’s your main message to youth that are struggling like you have?
Talk to an Elder, take part in ceremonies, take time and How did your personal learn who you are and your struggles translate into you roots. That will make you wanting to get better and strong and proud. getting into music? Who are your role models Knowing my story could make and why? a difference in someone’s life. I got into hip-hop music Marion Boggs from Choices because I could relate with Seminars, he is such an some of the rappers that were amazing facilitator and out during the 90’s hip-hop speaker and he has a great era. life story. 2Pac, Chief Dan George and Grand Chief How does music help you? Stewart Phillip again their life stories and their speaking It brought me back to my inspires me. native culture with so much pride. I love how I can fuse Do you see yourself as a role to the two when I’m speaking model and if so, how? to a group or facilitating a workshop. Yes, I do, by sharing my story and leading by example. How does K.A.S.P. Entertainment help other youth? K.A.S.P. Entertainment provides talented Aboriginal By being real and speaking performers and singers, from the heart. motivational and inspirational facilitators and keynote How do you motivate speakers for special events youth that attend your and banquets, celebrations, workshops? workshops and conferences. 22
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They are available for customized workshops and coordinate special events and conferences. Some of the services include motivational performances that includes keynote talks, life story, career and 40 minute inspirational performance, one and a half hour workshops that include; expressing yourself through music, child rights through hip hop, the truth about meth, sharing circles, stop glamorizing gang life, drugs, alcohol and addiction, S.M.I.L.E. Anti-Bullying and Cyber Safety. K.A.S.P. Entertainment’s goal is to build self esteem in youth through music creation and performance, storytelling and sharing. They believe that by providing workshops and technical training they are creating leadership opportunities, cultivating a supportive community of peers and mentors and encouraging social change through the development of life skills. For more information regarding K.A.S.P. Entertainment, please visit their website at www. kaspentertainment.com
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BEATS
Turn up the Volume By Katty Jo Rabbit
Johnny Cash Out Among the Stars There are a few artists out there that can release new music after they have left this earth, Tupac being one of them, and now the man in black can enter that infamous category. As the story unfolds, it involves their son going through an entire packrat collection. Just like your auntie who can’t stop thrift store shopping for random items, Johnny and June were hoarders who would keep an entire lifetime of items collected through the decades. This new release of twelve songs was part of that assortment of interesting items, there was other stuff including a camel saddle and large rolled up hairballs that weren’t thrown away. Just kidding about that last part, in all seriousness this album is something you want to check out to really understand where he was coming from. Remember too, that during this album, the Country music scene was in a transition, John Travolta had just starred in a movie that allowed all drug store cowboys to wear buckles and disco line dance. The country scene wasn’t interested in what Johnny was trying to sell, especially since he had fallen from grace. Most of these songs were produced by Billy Sherrill who was part of the new country scene but couldn’t make the album glossy enough to appeal to the Columbia Records label and they dropped Cash, considering him a lost cause, we all know how the story ends. Looks like after thirty years album created will be released with a crowd of diehard fans waiting with open arms. Check out the song I’m moving on featuring Waylon Jennings, and while you’re at it listen to the songs Rock n roll shoes, She used to love me a lot, and Call your mother. Schoolboy Q Oxymoron One of the most disappointing things about rap and hip hop is that it can get repetitive fast, to the point where it almost makes you sleepy and bored, the same beats over and over. This album is far from that and for those fans out there, I know you have been waiting for a while. A year to be exact, which is a long time for an album as most rappers have so much to say there are mix tapes for the in-between. Of course there are collaborations, you have to rock it with a crew and the track that features Kendrick Lamar who is obnoxious and full of the reasons why he is such a great rapper, so to have both take the mic is super fresh, fitting that it is titled Collard Greens. For the third album for this Westside rapper it doesn’t hold much gusto. One song that does make up for this is Man of the year. Such a great beat, crazy video but that is too be expected and for some reason this song just makes sense. Hell of night uses the same recipe and the track is a good jam, although the entire experience is really how you listen, if you listen to the beats its good, but the lyrics are rubbish. Disappointing due to all the great opportunities to really bring the lyrical game, this wastes the music and we can only hope for someone to take samples of some of them. You would think anyone who boasts the effort an “instant classic” would have a solid gold album but overall this is a good mix tape. Time will tell, but in this case don’t believe the hype; better to just take what you need and move on. It really should have just been a mix tape.
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BEATS
Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Neneh Cherry Blank Project Okay before anything starts, there should be some back story. This particular artist has had a pretty cool life and it comes through in her music as she is able to convey her experience. This then comes out as a different form of music that has infected British hip hop and developed a sound that even MIA has taken from to create a genre all of its own. Being part jazz, part spoken word, part trip-hop, Neneh Cherry brings to you an album that took 16 years to create. She has definitely put some thought into the process and being alone for the first time has also led her to expand her sounds. Experimental for sure, there are different sounds on this where you find her screeching, making dolphin sounds and laughing through songs that have eerie ethereal organ sounds. Makes her music almost uneasy and anxious which contributes to the albums ability to be deliberately weird, without being comical check out the song Blank Project if you want to hear her talent. So back to her story, she was at one time friends with Ari Up of the slits, spent time in Europe and New York. She lived in a home where Miles Davis and Allen Ginsburg frequently stopped by for visits. She had great influences and the ability to make good music, although she hasn’t been able to break through in the mainstream, she probably wants it that way anyway. Check her song Everything. The great thing about new music is you have to hear it all to make an honest judgment and if this is your first time what better place to start then with this album.
Angela Olson Burn Your Fire for no Witness It is rare for performers to show, or allow so many viewers a glimpse at themselves. Most will puppeteer their music until they run out of material, with this Missouri born girl; she bares it all and takes you with her as she evolves into her own sounds. This is a good example of a second album; the way the music speaks to the audience is really another matter. So let’s just get right into it, the song Forgiven/Forgotten is a well written and lingering song that tippy-toes around sounds that are nostalgic of the early ‘90s, but it doesn’t stop there. With minimalist backing bass and guitar, she is able to weave you into songs but you have to be careful or you will miss it. Listen Hi-Five, Windows and White Fire. Some of the slower songs get a little long but that is only because we are used to songs having hooks and obvious start up and shut down riffs, this doesn’t happen in this album. Instead expect abrupt stops, delayed build ups in the beginnings and sudden chorus. Again it doesn’t happen too often but there are a few songs that will catch you mid-thought. Which is okay if you have the patience, so don’t be too quick to move on as this will allow you to form your own ideas and judgments. Of course this is just bias showing through, but that is the great thing about it, you can do with it what you like; make it your own. If you ever get a chance, put this on in your ear buds and walk through a grimy part of town and you will see with a compassionate eye the true beauty of that lonely place. (Just be careful and let people know what you’re doing) This is what the album is about; making the most out of a lonely situation, a universal theme that we all can relate too no matter in what form it comes. She is also able to open the longing in herself and show you that she comes from just a grimy part as well. A good rest from the usual Shakira and RiRi writhing peepshow, insinuating they are forgetting you with finding another woman to fondle. Angela Olsen does it in her own way, with beautiful dresses on, yes she does kind of roll around in some of her videos, but she leaves it to your own imagination which makes it worth the while and of course interesting. NEW TRIBE MARCH 2014
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See You at the Movies
Starring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton
The new reboot of Robocop for fans like me of the original was a dream come true in many respects. The new film is surprisingly good and entertaining and pays enough homage to the original to be a worthy successor of the series. The story holds true to the original but twists it a bit to make it it’s own with more of a connection with Murphy than the original. The character development really allows you to feel for Murphy in ways you may not have before. The main story development dives into many topics such as humanity, family, media influence, and corporate greed as well as crooked law enforcement. It provides us with a glimpse of what the struggle we may one day face with machines or otherwise digitally run government and makes you question the moral and ethics of it all in the process. It keeps you intrigued without grabbing you too tightly and that’s a good thing for this action film. As far as the action sequences go they are what you would expect them to be from a modern high budget action film, with an incredibly polished CGI, high body count, and much more polished overall it’s a much more stylish film than the original. There are a lot of great actors within the film, and most of them provide us with great performances in this remake. Although none of them stand out and I doubt they will be nominated for any awards, they all deliver solid acting which makes enjoying the film all the more fantastic. The biggest weakness in this Robocop reboot is the bloated screenplay. The story can sometime drag on a bit with Murphy’s personal family situation with this estranged wife Clara and son David, and then it juggles Murphy’s personal vengeance against Antoine Vallon who is responsible for the car explosion. In the end, the new Robocop is a breath of fresh air and an excellent tribute to the original while also making a name for itself with a deeper story and thought provoking struggle with humanity as we know it. While it’s far from the instant classic of the 1987 film, I don’t think it’s as bad as what people might have expected and overall is a real pleasure to watch in it’s own right. The bottom line is you should give this movie a chance as it’s genuine and emotional story will leave fans both new and old satisfied.
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See You at the Movies
MOV IES
Starring Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Alison Brie When I first heard there was going to be a Lego Movie I said to myself, “Is this real life? Is Hollywood really making another movie based on toys that lures children to the theaters and then shatters their hopes and dreams?” Well I couldn’t have been more wrong with my initial reaction as this movie not only delivered on many levels, but it left me wanting more! It starts out with everyone’s favorite deep voice Morgan Freeman as Vitruvius, a wizard and master builder whom has been blinded by Will Ferrell (Lord Business) who portrays the villain of the film. Before Vitruvis is punted deep within the abyss by Lord Business and his robot minions he foretells of a hero dubbed the special who will put an end to his chaotic plans! The next day we meet what appears to be an ordinary Lego named Emmet whom is a construction worker going about his day to day routine when eh comes across a woman named Wyldstyle who is searching for the piece of resistance which he unwittingly finds and becomes beholden to. So from here it’s up to Emmet and his new friends to fulfill the prophecy of Vitruvius. At first it seems like a generic fantasy movie that borrows a little bit from every children’s story ever written and in a delightful way it kind of does. It’s how it’s written and portrayed that will draw you in and allow you to enjoy every last minute of this fun loving and downright quirky film. Filled with goofy characters such as Unikitty (Alison Brie) and the retro throwback astronaut Benny (Charlie Day) along with Batman (Will Arnett) there are characters for all ages to appreciate! The movie is beautiful from head to toe. From the CGI effects to the subversive element throughout the film, it draws you in with little effort and keeps you engaged. Who would of thought the Lego franchise of all things would be such a riveting and funny ride from beginning to end? It’s both ridiculous and amazing and something you really have to see to believe! The Lego Movie re-creates a youthful creative space through it’s movie magic and exhibits a fun story that may not be a groundbreaking instant classic but certainly will hold a special place in your heart for years to come. It’s not only a film for kid’s to enjoy but one that all ages can appreciate and enjoy and one that reignites a passion in those who grew up with legos. Now let’s get those old lego sets out and build some stuff! NEW TRIBE MARCH 2014 33
LITERA LLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind Boot Camp by Todd Strasser
Boot camp is about an angry fifteen year old boy and his adventures in boot camp. The main character is named Garrett. He is picked up by a pair of people who are bounty hunters. They send him to a boot camp that is located in upstate New York. This camp is called Lake Harmony. When he gets there, he learns his parents sent him to the camp because he refused to break up with his former math teacher. They are also upset because he was staying out too far late at night, and smoking marijuana cigarettes. The main character is a very bright person and we are led to sympathize with him and his point of view. His parents are loving bus distance according to the book. Garrett is not convinced he belongs at the facility. Those in charge doe not let him leave the camp until he has admitted his prior mistakes and conforms to the expectation of the rules of the camp. Camp Staff are allowed by the rules they have set up to use whatever force they believe necessary including cruelly verbally and physically abusive treatment. Garrett attempts to talk his way out of the camp but is unsuccessful. At that point the book makes us realize he realizes he must escape if he is to survive. He is able to leave the camp after plotting to set a fire with two fellow campers. They get to the Canadian border finally where they are free from the reach of the law. Garrett gets to the Canadian border but realizes that his pursuers are in trouble because their boat is sinking. He is then returned to the camp where he is beaten. The authorities of the camp also punish other campers for his behavior so they use him as a scapegoat. In the end, the treatment is successful in the sense that he is accepting of his fate. His mother worries about his safety so she comes to pick him up. He breaks down and confesses that he has been beaten to his mother. He is forced to say to his mother than he was beaten but deserved it. The reader is left with a tour de force of insight into the human psyche. We are forced to ask ourselves what we would have done in the same circumstances. It is a sobering realization for any bystander.
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LITERA LLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor & Park is a surprising tale of teenaged love, kindness and ultimately acceptance. The story begins with the main character, a young teenager named Eleanor. She has the misfortune to be the new girl in a tough school. Eleanor is highly overweight. As a result, people feel free to pick on her mercilessly. She also dresses in an unusual manner, in a way that calls attention to herself with regard for current fashion trends. Eleanor makes friends with another outsider in their circle. The second character is Park. Park is a partially Asian half-Korean young man. Despite living in Omaha for his entire life, Park still feels like an outsider, partially because of his racial background and partially because he is not quite like everyone else in the school. The reader is presented with a sweet story of love between two unlikely people who initially appear to have little it common at first. We are drawn into their story from the very beginning when the main character, Eleanor, finds herself seated on the bus next to Park. Initially, they ignore each other as they think they have nothing in common. Slowly the two start to speak to each other and realize they have a lot more in common then they thought. Both share a love of comics books as well as out of the mainstream music from the 1980’s. Eleanor realizes that Park is probably the only good thing in her entire life and that saddens her. She is constantly verbally abused by her loathsome stepfather who hates her for being overweight and not his ideal of womanhood let alone girlhood. He brings home no money for her and her mother so they are forced to make due with hand me downs that Eleanor desperately tries to vary from day to day, often quite unsuccessfully. But Park loves her and admires her. She, in turn, goes to his parent’s house quite often and finds they are gentle and kind, unlike her own parents who have at best an abusive relationship. Things finally come to a finale at her house with her parents and she is left in sorrow. The story is creatively told in chapters that alternate between the viewpoints of the two. Each voice and viewpoint is convincingly told. We are let into their two worlds and left liking and even loving both very much.
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