August 2013 nt print

MARY SPENCER

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CHRISTIANA LATHAM

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TRIBE CREATIVE

NEW TRIBE magazine CARRISSA LOWHORN BLACKFOOT BEAUTY

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BOOK REVIEWS

*TURN UP THE VOLUME *TRIBE POETRY ABORIGINAL VOTE

Free Vol. 1 2 Issue 6 AUGUST 2013 Now Available online www.usay.ca

NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers,

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.

As usual the short summer months in Calgary is rushing by and we are now into August which will bring us around the corner to the new school year. Make the most of the month and really take the time to enjoy yourselves and try something new you have always been meaning to get to. Leave summer 2013 with some great memories Do you have an that you can opinion on this issue of New look back and cherish.

Tribe magazine? Good, bad, In this issue of New Tribe or ugly send in your thoughts magazine we offer a great and we will print it in the cover story featuring Carrissa letters section.

Lowhorn, and we get to find out more about her recent Spread the word, and stay true experiences travelling abroad to it. and representing Canada. We also cover some great people John Medeiros and articles so relax in the Managing Editor shade and check it all out.

New Tribe Magazine Need updates on upcoming

NEW TRIBE

Calgary’s Aboriginal Youth Monthly usayeditor@gmail.com Managing Editor 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 Rachel Paris Office Manager Jessica Hawryluk 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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28 AUGUST

COVER STORY CARRISSA LOWHORN 20 By: Angel J. Sanderson

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NEWS BRIEFS

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COMMUNITY

7 WHAT’S GOING ON?

24 VOTE!

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BOOK LAUNCH

10 HEALTH

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MARY SPENCER

12 ON THE TABLE

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MUSIC REVIEW

14 POETRY

32

MOVIE REVIEW

15 COMMUNITY

34

BOOK REVIEW

16 SOCIAL MEDIA

38

U AROUND TOWN

18 COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

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NEWS*BRIEFS

Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada Premiers back national inquiry on missing Aboriginal women Canada’s premiers are backing a call by aboriginal leaders to launch a national public inquiry into the case of missing or murdered aboriginal women, CBC News has learned.

“The premiers at the table agreed to support the call of the Native Women’s Association of Canada for a national public inquiry on this very, very important issue,” Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said.

A delegation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders met with Canada’s premiers this afternoon ahead of a two-day summit of the Council of the Federation in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. that begins Thursday.

Michèle Audette, the president of the NWA, called the backing by the premiers a “major” step forward.

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Audette told CBC News on Tuesday, ahead of the meeting, that she would call on the premiers and territorial leaders to support the group’s push for a national public inquiry into why so many aboriginal women are murdered or go missing.

“It is not a native women’s issue, or an aboriginal issue. For us, it’s a Canadian issue and everybody is affected by that,” Audette told CBC News on Tuesday.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada has said they have documented over 600 cases where aboriginal women have been murdered or gone missing between 2005 and 2010 — a number the RCMP has told CBC News it can’t confirm.

Shawn Atleo, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, welcomed the support for a national public inquiry saying “this is an important expression of support.”

Absent from the meeting, however, were

Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale.

The fact that some premiers were not in attendance doesn’t mean they are not in support of a national public inquiry, Wynne said. The Ontario Premier and Chair of the Council of the Federation said that she would be speaking with the premiers who were not in attendance and “work to get their support on that position.”

“I ask that we not read too much into absences at the table,” Wynne said.

Audette told CBC News earlier on Wednesday she was not happy to see that premiers were absent from the meeting.

“It’s so obvious we are not a priority,” Audette said adding that they could have sent a representative on their behalf, Audette said.

SOURCE -CBC News

COMMUNITY

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TRIBE*creative

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What’s Going On? AUGUST,2013 July 29 - Aug 04 Canada International Blues Festival Shaw Millennium Park Calgary, AB

Aug 14 - 17 Calgary International Reggae Festival Shaw Millennium Skatepark Calgary, AB

Aug 23 Russell Brand Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB

Aug 02 - Aug 10 Calgary Fringe Festival Inglewood Calgary, AB

Aug 16,18,22,25 Globalfest Elliston Park Calgary

Aug 24 Calgary Saudi Arabia Festival Olympic Plaza Calgary, AB

Aug 05 Heritage Day Fort Calgary Fort Calgary Calgary, AB

Aug 16 Selena Gomez in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB

Aug 08 Queens of the Stone Age in Concert Stampede Corral Calgary, AB

Aug 16 Emblem3 in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB

Aug 30 The Wiggles in Concert Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB

Aug 10 - 11 Calgary Dragon Boat Festival Glenmore Reservoir Calgary, AB Aug 10 Chinatown Street Festival Chinatown Calgary, AB

Aug 23 - 25 Expo Latino - Calgary Hispanic Festival Prince’s Island Park Calgary, AB

Aug 31 - Sep 01 Xfest Calgary Fort Calgary Calgary, AB Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 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 Sep 2013 issue: Aug 26 NEW TRIBE AUGUST 2013

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COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY

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HEALTH

GLEN’S STORY by:Glen (Kootenay) Abbott my culture/religion and a sense of where I came from I am shallow I’ve decided to, through reading rooted and I would be uprooted your magazine that I would send in times of trial. in my story in hopes that it might have in it some understanding and All my life I’ve lived in distance experience someone can relate to to my culture/religion because or use to gain betterment in their I did not know and understand lives. As First Nations people we enough about it. I grew up in are many distinct tribes but our Edmonton, away from my First experiences and struggles are Nation community. My mother similar. So in that, I write and tell lost her connection at the age of my story to help myself heal and 4 and stayed in a residential school till the age of 18. Throughout my hopefully others. life I had deep within me, what I Three years of sobriety, still heard some call “blood memory”, healing and searching for the Red a want for something I felt missing.

Road, I am currently incarcerated I come to understand now that I for a couple of months and still needed my culture/religion. many more to come. I’ve known for years that being in jail, with My family tree whittled away. no direction, is not the life and Having no men in a position path I wanted. Through therapy, of strong spirituality or a good AA, choosing positive people to understanding of Sioux songs, be around, work and family time, stories and the Sundance there these things kept me rooted while was no one to hand down these I was in my community. Without traditions because of deaths and Hello (Aba Washted),

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residential school interference. So in search for these values, beliefs and traditions, I looked towards other First Nation cultures and what was being offered in Native healing centres. Now, which I believe, is a misunderstanding, misguided direction of many who are in search of healing and their identity. I did not find what I was looking for, beautiful and strong but not for me, I did not connect.

So I took to this at a young age to mean, “I must not be Nechi enough” (LOL). I went on with life searching for spirituality and belief.

In the church I found hope and faith. With it came understanding and direction, but my blood memory was telling me nope this isn’t it, good stuff as well, but not what I’m looking and searching for.

As a young man I moved back to my community and found many of my relatives dealing with similar problems. Having lived a life of

COMMUNITY uncontrolled adolescence and no guidance, I found myself drinking more to cope, something I’ve done since the age of 12. Because of my alcohol problem and generational disconnect from my community, I struggle with becoming a strong and positive community member.

Having ups and downs, shacking up at the age of 18, I became a father, this put more pressure on me to try and do better. I not only had myself to worry about, but a growing family as well. I attended sweats, I tried to deal with my drinking in my community but at that time I lacked understanding and fell back into drinking. Up until now I’ve been in and out of relationships, 8 children with 2 different women. My companion today, I believe, without her strength our life would and could be far worse through all our ups and downs.

negative elements, wrongs to me, I missed defining moments. I didn’t see that I could be part of it too.

If I only asked and put myself aside I would attain the peace so many Elders, Leaders and those with understanding share. I have been too caught up in myself to realize and understand that if I start giving what I have and share what I went through, when needed, I would be given. By putting aside the fear of the unknown, not dwelling and building up unreal situations, selfdestructive behaviours, I would not miss out on so many positive opportunities or make wrong choices. I understand and realize that this life I was searching for was always there. I just did not see it because of my misunderstanding.

Quitting drinking I found doesn’t make things instantly become better. What it does, is it gave me a clearer outlook at what I’m up against, what’s holding me back and Today at 34, being sober and gaining the chance to correct my wrongs understanding I come to accept and to accept what I can’t change. the good and n bad experiences, I live for the moment, and because When I was drinking I would let I am incarcerated I have and had my problems and situations build time to reflect on my life with a up and cause stress. I would not clear mind. Free from everyday deal with them. Eventually I would stresses, work and some family vent or just right out explode, responsibilities, I am taking this usually with negative effects. I was time to work on myself, connect using alcohol to free myself from to what I realize my spirit has been tension, stress, and the ability to starving for. fix my life. Alcohol always gave me the false belief that my life was I look back on moments in my life, all good, it made me feel numb. back in my community. I see leaders, Alcohol just added fuel to the elders and youth who live their fire. I went on for years drinking everyday life having a connection, and trying my best to maintain and a sense of belonging. I was the best life I could for my family, blind to that and focused on believing things were all good, but

eventually nothing worked and I fell, and my family fell with me.

I distanced myself from my kids and wife. I didn’t care anymore. I didn’t care about spirituality, family, bettering myself, drinking was all I cared about. I went out working.

After blowing all my money on drinking I found myself back to what I do best, running a chainsaw, blazing trail. On New Year’s Eve I went out to party and have a good time. That night changed my life.

That is why I am where I am today, not just in jail, with understanding.

Almost killing someone in a bar fight changed me so dramatically, how quick my life and someone else’s could go one way to another when belief, community and a sense of belonging is absent and fueled with fire.

I don’t need alcohol. I sit here and face challenges and obstacles. I am embracing defining moments.

If I don’t try to better myself and allow myself to dwell on missed opportunities then as a father, husband, brother, relative and community member, I will not grow. What could I contribute if I don’t try? I see the opportunity to clear the obstacles to the Red Road in my distinct culture and show signs of direction for those who are becoming. That’s what Leaders do, they blaze trail so no one is left behind or lost.

Ish Nish (Thank you)

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FLAVOR

On the Table Basic Roast Chicken INGREDIENTS

1.6kg whole chicken 1 lemon, halved 2 teaspoons olive oil DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 220째C. Lightly grease a roasting pan. Place a wire rack into roasting pan. Trim excess fat from chicken. Discard neck. Rinse chicken (including cavity) under cold running water.

Pat-dry with paper towels. Season cavity with salt and pepper.

Gently squeeze the juice from half the lemon over chicken, rubbing juice into skin. Place both lemon halves into chicken cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen string.

Brush both sides of chicken with oil. Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Place, breast-side up, onto rack in roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour or until juices run clear when chicken thigh is pierced with a skewer. Stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Serve with roast vegetables, if desired.

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connect

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WORD Empty hole Lonely hole Beating slow Falling apart Careless face No expression Was a hole Now a separation Eyes full of tears Chest full of pain Sense of happiness So hard to gain Fake smile Real frown Good memories Only bring us down Hard days Sleepless nights Fallen very low From many heights Given an hand I refuse to take Thank you for this The cause of your mistakes Lived in a moment One so blind to see A dumb little thought Of you & me‌.

By: Chaz Prairie Chicken 14

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Community

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COMMU NITY

The Problem with Relationships and Social Media

by TARRA WRIGHT-MANYCHIEF

Several months ago I meet a new guy through Facebook of all places, it was my first time meeting someone ‘online”, but we had several mutual friends and both came from the same respective communities.

After messaging back and forth for few weeks he finally convinced me to go for lunch with him and the rest is timeline history.

another cheesy picture or status update. During the time that we dated I never really thought about what it was that I was putting out there for everyone to see. When times were good I posted a shameless amount of selfies, and when things weren’t going so well I posted downtrodden quotes to signify my discontent.

We dated for several intense weeks posting every cute cuddly picture of ourselves on our timelines, we gushed our new found emotional to each other attachment all over Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I’m sure after the first couple weeks there were people gagging every time one of us posted yet

It all began when we first changed our relationships status to ‘in a relationship’, of course tagging each other.

It was then that I realized the support I had carved from my community of online friends simply was not there.

Of course being me I began to think the worse, ‘oh my I had made the mistake of gosh there must be something letting my online community

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wrong with him, and what was it that my ‘friends’ weren’t telling me.’

Of course the result of having this reaction towards the online response I received, I inevitably opened Pandora’s Box. By wondering out loud through a number of status updates about the relationship I had opened the flood gates of criticism and openly welcomed negativity in the front door. Almost immediately I received messages, texts, phone calls, everything short of actual smoke signals, all critiquing various aspects of the relationship.

COMMU NITY of ‘friends’ judge what I was doing with my life. Of course the harsh reality was that many of these people I hadn’t seen in months, if not years, and I was allowing them to get into my head. Many of the people that I am friends with online, they had only ever met me once or twice and only know me through my social media persona.

in thinking it all actually had some added value to my life.

Ultimately we broke up after dating for almost two months and in some way I felt that social media played a part.

But after everything was said and done all the ‘friends’ that had so keenly watched our relationship play out though social media were nowhere to be found. They had simply As the relationship progressed moved on to the next dramatic so did the level of criticism, thing happening online. So people continued to message where did that leave me… me to tell me that he was doing this or that, really any From the entire experience little tidbit that they thought I learned a number of things that I should know about him. about both the effects of At one point someone even social media and of course text messaged a screen shot of about myself. First off by a comment that he had made posting both the positive and on someone’s status update. the negative of what was It was downright disgraceful happening in the relationship to see people that I respected, I had willingly opened myself foaming at the mouth for the up to criticism. By sharing opportunity to stir up a little a lot of information through online drama. But the worst status updates and tweets other part was that I was the one that people were beginning to feel won’t put my foot down and they had a vested interest in stop listening to the garbage what was happening in the they were feeding me. relationship, and as negative as this sounds many people I hate to say this but I worried out there were really rooting that I would actually lose some for a negative outcome simply real friends by not listening to because they needed to feel what they had to say. By living better about themselves. At my life on social media I had the end of the day when I was actually brainwashed myself expressing not so positive

things about the relationship, I was making someone else feel better about their life.

Ultimately this experience had changed the way that I interact with other people online, I think twice about what I think is appropriate to share with others. It also taught me that I care to much about what other people think, at the beginning of the relationship I over shared because I was so happy about being with this new guy, I wanted everyone to be happy for me. Unfortunately not everyone felt the same way that I did and while I can’t be responsible for what they say, I can take responsibility for what I choose to listen to.

I would never say, ‘don’t post things online about your relationship’, all I can say is be prepared to handle the different reactions that you receive from your online community. All relationships need a bit of privacy away from preying eyes and negative forces in order to blossom, and it’s always best to take social media with a grain of salt and a smile.

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Community

Calgary Stampede 2013 The Midway cuisine at the Calgary Stampede is nothing like the basic ingredients used at your dinner table. Fry it, put it on a stick or this year the new thing was put it in a martini glass. That’s right, a tiny turkey was served as a dinner in a martini glass. How about a beef with mashed potato “cowboy sundae”, or being served a doughnut burger with maple syrup as the condiment. So what was the Best in Show for food? Why it was the deep-fried-Pop-Tart with whipped cream, covered in Fruity Pebbles cereal. This was a kids delight dream, all that sugar in one place.

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and potatoes as a dessert. The more traditional foods were there to please the crowd, but trying new foods can be an experience to enjoy.

The rodeo complies six major events, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wresting, Bull Riding, Bareback, Barrel Racing and Tie-Down Roping. These events are the crowd drawers and pleasers. The rough riding, fast roping men and women train for the events and when the day comes they put on a whole hearted show.

The competition is tough, fast paced and rewarding even if you don’t win. To watch the Bareback riders just holding

onto a rawhide strap, and the other hand swinging free, you can see the stress in his face as the powerful horse bucks around the ring. The rider’s arm feels all the pressure of every move the horse makes even though the strap is adjusted just for that rider.

He can’t let the free hand touch the horse or anything and he must stay on the full eight-seconds or he will be disqualified. Saddle Bronc is much the same except you have the saddle. Steer Wrestling is just what it says.

You jump off a horse at a fast run and jump on the steer. Oh the mud, and what strength it takes to take that steer

COMMUNITY down. As the crowd roars the cowboy is only thinking of getting that steer down at the fastest time of anyone.

All of these Rodeo evens take strength, concentration and a great crowd to cheer them on.

The Novice Saddle Bronc is for the youth. Some riders were experienced and some were first timers There is nothing like seeing the excitement in the faces of the young riders who are riding the bucking horses for the first time. They enter the novice level and their adrenalin keeps them on top. If you’re one of

those kids that don’t mind being dragged into the dirt then the Wild Pony Racing is for you. Teams of three ages 8-12 try to rope a wild pony and try to get one kid on the ponies back for at least two jumps, bucks, or sidesteps, the fastest team wins. They need all the encouragement they can get from the crowd, so bring your voice and cheer them onto a win.

The Calgary Dance Stampede was an exciting competition which drew dancers of all ages to the competition.

Dressed in full colorful

costumes and performing a variety of dance styles the crowd was memorized at each dance event. There was also instructional workshops for all the different styles of dance. The energy, talent and excitement fills the room for over 75 hours over the ten day period weather you are a spectator or a competitor.

As a young Aboriginal Youth the excitement of experiencing the Calgary Stampede entices the youth to join into his or her favorite event and be a part of the excitement next year.

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Carrissa Lowhorn: Blackfoot Beauty by: Angel J. Sanderson photos: Anthony “Throsh” Collins

“Without my spirituality I would not be where I am today. Without the help of others I would not be where I am today. Dreams include reaching your highest potential and most of all helping others.”

- Carrissa Lowhorn Blackfoot model and beauty pageant title-holder, Carrissa Lowhorn, is in a category of her very own. Raised in a military family by her grandparents, she grounds herself in community, academia, and volunteer work. With her roots firmly planted in her cultural identity she ventures the world, titles in hand, with humanitarian instinct.

appearances.

Recruiting potential contestants is another duty in the pageant life, and she does her best to scout Indigenous beauties from all over.

Carrissa began her pageantry as Miss Southern Alberta 2011 in the Miss Canada Globe competition; she went on to win the national title as Miss Canadian Scholarship Ambassador. After victory a day in the life of Carrissa included attending a wide variety of events, fashion shows, presentations to High Most recently Carrissa schools, speeches at charity qualified to represent Canada fundraisers, and conference for Miss Tourism Planet in

Athens, Greece.

Before heading to Greece, Carrissa had to make a stop in Toronto to pageant train for five days.

Pageant training is rigorous.

The body, mind, and soul have to be in a balanced and in a strong disposition to handle all the tasks and promotion required.

Five days in heels is akin to climbing a mountain! Blisters, swelling, shin splints, headaches, super long days, must all be handled with grace and beauty.

Just as she was about to embark on her adventure the Calgary flood happened.

The flood devastated over 200 homes, affecting over a thousand people from back home, including her family home on the Siksika Nation.

Torn between helping her grandmother, who she credits for doing a large portion of NEW TRIBE AUGUST 2013

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COMMUNITY her fundraising for Greece, and heading to Greece to accomplish what she set out to do she created a compromise to contribute as much as possible for the 2 days prior to boarding the plane.

Upon her return, Carrissa decided that she would like to create a fundraiser in the near future, to contribute to rebuilding her Nation. Volunteer work is huge aspect of her life as a pageant contestant. The Diabetes Foundation is close to her heart, as she did some fundraising for the George Canyon concert, also volunteering her time to organizations such as The Mustard Seed, and The Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Carrissa talks about her inspirations. She credits her late best friend, Amber Crossguns, as being a huge influence in everything. She describes her as a vivacious girl, full of life, an out-of-thebox thinker with big dreams.

Her wanderlust and love for life prompted Carrissa to seek a life extraordinary as a tribute to Amber’s spirit. She shares a 22

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quote from a letter that inspires her journey thus far there has her to this day: been much support garnered: Siksika Health, Siksika Chief “Can you hear the twinkling & Council, Siksika Family stars? I can. They speak to Services, Deb Crowfoot, and me in my sleep...” (Amber Jessica Armstrong; family, Crossguns). friends, and supporters have all contributed to her personal campaign to fulfilling her dreams.

No dream comes without a ton of hard work, and pageants are definitely hard work. A lot of sweat and tears work go into preparations. Finding sponsorship, keeping the body tight, the mind sharp, and the will strong are among the tasks that Carrissa must be consistent in upholding.

Throughout

Walking the ‘Red Road’ is what Carrissa chooses.

With her current position in the Aboriginal Relations sector of TransCanada, a Bachelors of Arts in International Indigenous Studies, competing in global pageants, and working towards her goals of furthering her education; she is surely a women who is set to challenge the idea of feminism in her own way. Working hard to ensure a place on the international stage, while continuing in her studies, and volunteering to better her people, she blazes ahead as a true role model for youth.

Carrissa reminds us, “ Don’t forget to always dream.”

Community

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Community

YOUNG ABORIGINAL VOTE! Living a democracy means having only three civic responsibilities: paying taxes, obeying the law and voting.

Almost everyone (there are a few exceptions, of course) have no problem obeying the first two, mainly because the consequences for not doing can be rather severe. For some reason, however, voting is a responsibility so many Canadians do not fulfill even though it is the one civic duty a Canadian citizen can fulfill that will directly impact the other two. This responsibility is even more vital for Canada’s native populations who live throughout the provinces and 24

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need to have their voices heard on issues not affecting them but can affect their descendants and their tribes for years to come.

The more young Aboriginal Canadians who participate on Election Day the more impact their opinions and desires will have on Canada’s future.

working in Canada as do all Canadians. While long considered almost with an immigrant status in their own native land, Aboriginal Canadians today are thoroughly integrated with mainstream culture, industry and most importantly, government.

Therefore, it is imperative Native Canadian voters let their voices be heard and this is especially true for younger Aboriginal Canadians just now or recently receiving the right to vote.

A long ongoing struggle in Canada’s long history has seen the native peoples slowly incorporated into modern Canadian society.

While still holding on to values and traditions of their own, Aboriginal Canadians now Not only is it important for these enjoy the same benefits and young native Canadians to vote responsibilities living and so their elected representatives

COMMUNITY constituents, but getting younger voters involved will lead to a lifetime of participation in the election process. Of course, young voters of all walks of life will feel disenfranchised and think, “my vote won’t matter.” The way to overcome this attitude is encouraging not just one young native voter to go to the polls but all the young voter’s friends, school mates and others in the tribe who are new to the voting process.

This leads to a self-reinforcing tendency on Election Day to go to the polls and cast a vote. There may even be some antagonism and argument over who gets the vote. Just like with the lottery, however, no one can win if they don’t participate. Encouraging these young voters may mean some are happy with the result and some are disappointed but all will feel empowered having fulfilled both a civic duty and a responsibility to make Canada a better place.

when considering the impact local and national government can have on the reserve and the tribe. Also, emphasize that not all Aboriginal Canadians have the same agenda for their own people. The Delawares in the east and the Sioux in the west can have two completely different directions they want to go and the only way to steer the government is through the vote. The sooner young native Canadian voters realize this basic tenet of government the sooner the tribe and the reserve as a whole can see the benefits of electing candidates who support these initiatives.

Of course, young Aboriginal Canadian voters do not live in a vacuum and are a part of Canadian society in many more ways than just part of the tribal organization. Voting is how everyone no matter ethnic origins influences government policy. Electing candidates who agree with a voter’s position leads to changes and change is When talking with young native always good with government.

Canadians about the election process it’s also important to Whether the issue is taxes, emphasize there is a difference the military, social welfare, between candidates for infrastructure (roads, railroads, provincial office and those who utilities, etc.) or managing will go to Ottawa for federal Canada’s vast natural resources, positions. Both are important only electing candidates who and neither can be discounted reflect the young voter’s

position will real change happen. Otherwise, things stay the same and the usual very small percentage of Canadians who bother to vote will dictate the country’s future.

It is imperative the young Canadian citizens vote and participate in the government that will influence the rest of their lives. For the young native Aboriginal Canadian this is even more important because of the control and administration government has over the reserve, the tribe and the policies directly affecting every aboriginal Canadian of any age.

Without participating in the vote the reserve will be overlooked and even possibly neglected as other voters with their own agenda bring more influence on the provinces and Ottawa. Furthermore, continue to emphasize the need to understand not every tribe or ever reserve has the same issues. Again, the only way to influence policy is to elect candidates tuned to the needs of the reserve’s residents and the tribe’s direction for now and long into the future.

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Community

Acclaimed Métis Writer Cherie Dimaline Launches New Book at Gala Event By: By: Christine Smith (McFarlane) The literary scene in downtown Toronto was hopping at Loft 404 on July 12, 2013 for the launch of acclaimed Metis writer Cherie Dimaline’s new book “The Girl Who Grew A Galaxy” (Theytus Books, 2013). The event also marked the release of the fourth issue of MUSKRAT, an online Indigenous magazine who unveiled their revamped website.

The 100 people in attendance were treated to a reading by Anishinaabe writer Giles Benaway who read several selections from his debut collection “Ceremonies for the Dead”. Academics/ activists Susan Blight and Hayden King spoke about their newest

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draw together, project, renaming the streets community and monuments in Toronto with celebrating everyone’s identity and allowing each other to be Ojibway names comfortable with each other.”

Hosted by Toronto personality and 2-Spirited People of the “We wanted a launch that First Nation board member EJ represented the fun, dynamic and Kwandibens, acts included music, unique nature of the book,” said burlesque and readings and ended Dimaline. “We wanted to reach a with a round dance lead by Josh diverse audience because that’s Smoke and Stephanie Pangowish the best possible outcome for this book, to be read cross cultures and from Smoke Trail Singers. with differing lenses.”

Verne Ross, a recent University of Toronto Masters of Social Work The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy and graduate who attended the event the third reprint of Cherie’s breakremarked, “ I’ve never been or out first book Red Rooms can be attended a book launch that was ordered through theytus.com or quite like this. It was great to see found in bookstores nationally. the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal

CREATIVE

ANCIENTS SERIES CLEOPATRA AND CAESAR Christiana Latham NEW TRIBE AUGUST 2013

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COMMUNITY

By: Aj. Bellegarde

MARY SPENCER

Mary Spencer had her first boxing match after only a few months of training, and won. Within a year and half of stepping into Windsor Amateur Boxing Club, she was a National Champion.

whomever is available at World’s Best Boxing Gym in Detroit, which means she spars mostly men, in a lot of different weight classes. “I have to spar whoever is there. It turns out that it’s mostly men.

Some of them are professionals.

Spencer is a reigning Canadian But it’s good for me as a boxer to Champion boxer. The 28 year old train that way.” from Cape Croker First Nation in Ontario has an impressive resume. The Olympian says, “I love In addition to being a Canadian training. A lot of people think it’s title holder since 2007, she has not that fun, but I absolutely love won three World Championships, it. I love improving. The more and Five Pam American titles. Her work you put in, the more you most recent big tournament was can feel yourself getting sharper, last August at the London 2012 quicker, stronger.” She continues, Olympics where she placed 5th.

“I love that it’s an individual sport and that I control how hard I train”.

Spencer is currently living and training in Windsor, Ontario and Spencer played a lot of sports in Detroit, Michigan for yet another high school, including volleyball, National Championships, to be soccer, track and field, and held in October in Regina. She’s basketball.

She says of her been champion in her two weight introduction to the sport of boxing classes since 2007 (66kg and 75 in 2002, “I thought that boxing kg) and plans on earning another would be good cross training title. She says of her intense for basketball. When basketball training regimen, “Every morning season ended I went with a friend at about 6:30 I’ll go for a run. to a boxing gym and before I even Monday, Wednesday, and Friday got into the ring and sparred, I I have my boxing workout at knew that I loved the sport.”

2:30. Tuesday and Thursday I’ll head over to Detroit for a 10:30 She never gets tired of training. workout. By Friday, I will have “The fact that I love training is had 12 workouts.” Mixed in huge. A lot boxers hate running. there are sparring sessions with I know if they hate running, I feel 28

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that much more confident because I know that I love every aspect of training. I love training and that mentally gives me an advantage in the ring.” And she’s still learning the sport. “The more you know about boxing, the more you realize you don’t know,” she says.

A recent coaching change for Spencer from long-time coach Charlie Stewart to Professional boxer and current Women’s International Boxing Association lightweight champion Kara Ro has given her a fresh outlook on the sport she loves. “I’m getting knowledge from a brand new coach. Charlie was an amazing coach. He still is. He showed me a lot. But a change was overdue.”

Spencer now trains out of Boarder City Boxing Club with Ro.” She was a part of my team before, so I know her well. So far, I’ve learned a tonne from her. She really pays attention to the small things, and I think it’s the small things that make a big difference.”

Being an elite boxer has given Spencer a lot of opportunity. She competed all over the world, including Taiwan, Russia, India, Poland, Italy and Costa Rica.

“Sometimes the country will organize and outing and you can

COMMU NITY go and do some touring after the tournament’s finished.

If you want to go and check things out on days that you don’t fight during tournaments you can.” But she says that often her focus doesn’t allow her to take part in those events. “Even though I love travelling, and I love seeing new places, my priority is to compete. I’ll take the days off and use them as rest days. I relax at the hotel instead of going out. The majority of places I’ve been to I haven’t seen at all,” she laughs.

She remembers, “After my first year we went to Taiwan, which is a place I wouldn’t even think of going on my own. Russia and India are places that I wouldn’t go on vacation but I got to see through boxing. We had a World Championship in Barbados a couple of years back and that was absolutely great. It’s one of those places that had I not gone there for boxing, I would have gone on vacation one day.”

One of the other perks is that she gets to visit a lot of communities and talk with youth. “Working with Aboriginals is really important to me. If I ever get an opportunity to go someplace where there’s

Aboriginal youth, that’s definitely what I’m drawn to.”

She’s also a role model with Motivate Canada’s Aboriginal focused Gen 7 program. “With Gen7, it’s more of an opportunity to be hands on and I go back all the time and work with specific

goals and not just have them and cross your fingers and hope they happen; to actually look and see what you have to do to accomplish them and then go out and do it is important. That’s something that I want all of our youth to do.”

That message is something that she herself can relate to. She continues to set goals for herself.

“I’m really looking forward to the 2016 (Olympic) games in Rio. Before that there are lots of important markers.

There’s something big every year. The National Championships this year, then the World Championships that Canada will host in 2014 and then the Pam Am Games in 2015 that we also host. So there’s a lot to look forward to before the next Olympics.”

communities. It’s really rewarding for me to give back especially With over 10 year experience in since I had a lot of role models the ring, Spencer says, “I still have when I was a kid.” a lot of drive. I still get butterflies before a fight, but that’s a good Her message for youth is simple: thing, I think.”

“When you put your mind to something you can accomplish it,” What does she think the future she says. “Find something you holds? “I see myself as a coach love and just pursue it no matter maybe, but I’m really focused on how crazy it sounds.” She says getting to the Olympics again. you’ve got to be willing to put the After that I’ll see what opens up. I work in. “Have a plan. I think it’s think that passion for the sport will really important to plan out your still be there.”

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BEATS

Turn up the Volume A Tribe Called Red A Tribe Called Red

When first hearing A Tribe Called Red, there are a number of reactions that are brought to mind. Their sounds are stimulating and their themes are new and fresh, creating a sense of now invigorated with spiritual native american flow. Their songs are sure to be highly influential to the growing American electronic music scene, through their unique sense of rhythm and beat. A Tribe Called Red incorporates musical themes that keeps its music fresh and current.

Listeners are sure to become entranced in their steady beats and trance baring chanting in the classic Native American style, without being off put by the differences in their sound from other electronic artists.

Electronic music should not simply be confined towards the same styles and genres. Fortunately, A Tribe Called Red addresses this and brings electronic music and DJing into a whole new spectrum of light.

Their use of intrinsic pow wow themes and thick beats, establishes their music as something unique and different from the rest of the available DJ music on the market. A Tribe Called Red utilizes heavy drum beats and chats that bring themselves into the modern era of electronic music whilst utilizing the tribal culture. Much like their name suggests, their music is heavily influenced by tribal themes and culture. The thick pounding beats are a reflection of spiritual culture and when listening, listeners feel as if they are being transported into a tribal celebration with all of its wonder and magnitude.

A Tribe Called Red is a must have for any music collection. There are a vast amount of electronic music choices but none of them compare to the creations made by the group of two DJs. Enjoying their music is an easy process and is often made extremely relaxing solely through their trance infused rhythms and beats.

Anyone serious about the music they listen to should try listening to the unique and decisive music produced as it creates a sensation of rhythm and awareness that is not available by other DJ combos. A Tribe Called Red is a rich authentic listening experience that keeps the ears wanting more and allows for the electronic scene to remain fresh and vibrant over time. Their track listing is highly complimentary with such songs as “Red Skin Girl� reigning supreme a moving. Each track is moving and thumps on towards an ultimate resolution after a series of enjoyed musically chained themes.

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BEATS

Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Aluna George Body Music

Composed of Aluna Francis and George Reid, Aluna George is a unique and innovative electronic pop group from London. Their new album “Body Music” brings a 90s style blended with modern electronic pop. Ultimately their music is electronica at London’s best. Their music is easily loved and grasped on to. Aluna Francis’s singing style emanates with a sense of flow and relaxation that allows listeners to be let into the music and soar on a journey as if upon a magic carpet traveling in space.

The music provided is written in such a way that listeners feel as if they are going on a journey and not simply waiting to get to an end. With Aluna George, the experience is truly all about the journey, and nothing else.

This caters towards people who site down and genuinely want to hear the music for what it is.

Another music duo, Aluna George is complimented by the boy girl musical relationship created. Music pieces are driven and flow and vocals are feminine and articulate. This relationship by Aluna George on their new album, allows them to flow and succeed in ways that they previously simply were not able to do.

By utilizing stylistic devices and musical nuances, “Body Music” stands out on its own as a collection of well crafted songs that can be played over and over again on a musical device. These are the types of songs you want to play on loop over and over again and enjoy to their fullest. The song choice from “Attracting Files” to “You Know You Like It”, provide a large range of cohesive material that can be grasped onto and enjoyed.

Electronic music has had the luxury of being able to be taken to new mediums and places with the current stage of music. DJs are getting more involved and are back in the forefront. This compliments Aluna George’s combo through its female vocals and male musicality. Through having the unique combo, Aluna George is able to flow as a cohesive unit through the collaboration of both performers. Akin to many other groups, this duo combo noticeable polishes the music they produce by keeping each other in check. The music and advances made on the track list are a delight and are sure to be enjoyed by a large range of electronic fans across the globe. Aluna George is a must for electronic lovers.

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MOVIES

See You at the Movies Starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston If you are a huge horror movie fan The Conjuring will not disappoint.

Based off a true story, this movie is packed with heart-stopping scares that have the audience jumping out of their seats. Set in the 70’s, the movie begins when the Perron family moves into an old, isolated, run down farmhouse. They almost immediately realize something is not right in their new home. The suspense and tension begin to build as the family has creepy experience after creepy experience. They finally break down and decide to call Ed and Loraine Warren, paranormal investigators. This is where the movie really picks up. The paranormal investigators deem this case the most difficult they have faced in their career. The spirit is relentless and refuses to be driven out. There is not a whole lot of room for character development.

These are definitely not characters that have much depth or that I would deem as interesting, but you do feel both their frustration and fear. By this point in the movie, I did find myself genuinely caring about what happened to the family. There are some really eerie moments that are sure to creep the audience out, as well as some very loud, very jumpy scares. By the time the movie reaches the climax most of the good scares have passed and the film begins to feel rather clichĂŠ. There are no surprise twists or turns; the ending is generally what one would suspect from this type of film. There were a few slow parts and the dialogue left something to be desired, but all in all the movie left me fully satisfied. Director James Wan, best known for his work on the Saw franchise, has really stepped outside of the box. The Conjuring revisits a common plot in a fresh new light. While none of the ideas in this movie are particularly new it still manages to be different and feel unlike any film of its kind. The great skill brought forth by James Wan, paired wit the superb cast is undoubtedly the main reason this movie is so good. The Conjuring actually scares its audience, which gives it the potential to be one of the top horror movies of the year. This movie deserves five stars hands down. Even if you are not usually into paranormal or horror films, I strongly recommend you consider giving The Conjuring a chance. It is so entertaining,definitely money well spent.

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See You at the Movies

MOV IES

Starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi

Pacific Rim is a science fiction film. Del Toro, who’s work I am usually a fan of, directed it. However, I must admit, I was far from impressed. The movie chronicles the events that occur after titanic size monsters, refereed to as Kaiju, pop out of a portal between dimensions. The Portal is where else, but smack dab in the middle of the Pacific oceans floor, hence the movies title. Humanity is forced to put aside their differences, unite and fight together to save the world. Huge mechanical fighting robots called Jaeger, are procured and used to demolish these monsters. There are many huge, action packed fight scenes that really had the potential to be epic. They however, are not. The majority of the movie is very dark and wet looking. All the fight scenes ended up looking and feeling pretty similar to one another. It was more like watching the same fight scene over and over than watching a series of different fights.

This movie somehow manages to have a lot going on and drag at the same time. There was absolutely no character development, and the acting and dialogue were also severely, severely lacking. There was no connection to the characters whatsoever, and there were several times during the movie where I found myself checking my phone, or thinking about something else entirely. I felt no fear for the human race, nor the Jaeger pilots as they went into battle. The story line really felt very underdeveloped. It seemed almost as if they explained just the bare minimum and filled the rest of the film with the dark, damp action scenes. If you must go see this film I highly recommend it be in an IMAX theater.

The full emersion helps make the fights look a little cooler, and the 3D effects are actually pretty awesome.

The only person I can really see enjoying this move would be a ten-year-old boy. Audience members of any other age group would be unlikely to share in said opinion. I would have to give Pacific Rim two stars. The idea was new and the 3D was top notch. I however, can think of a bunch of things I would rather spend my twelve dollars on.

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LITERA LLY

Book Reviews For the restless mind

Speaking My Truth - Reflections on Reconciliation & Residential School

This book is a compilation of short stories that deals with the issue of reconciliation of the native people in Canada. There are many first person tails that are tremendously detailed but there are also some that are given by the children of those that were effected by this time period. It all goes back to asking the question about the land that Canada is currently founded on.

It made me think about how all of these great nations got their start from being quite unethical towards the native people.

As is true for many books full of short stories there are some that will glue you to the page and there are others that can be skipped. The stories that are told first hand from the natives are mostly riveting but I found that this wasn’t enough to fully keep my attention. Stories are told in this book that were passed down through the family and it has lost some of its great charisma and details. The loss of culture and the reiteration of the new one is the main subject of most of these stories. We take most of the land we live on for granted but these are the people that gave up their own way of life for the new owners of this land and they should be respected.

I would definitely recommend this book to someone that does not know much about the subject. During the heavy colonization period of the world this was happening in many indigenous places around the world. A new population grows and slowly pushes out the old one until they simply cannot live together anymore and they must assimilate. Also, this book would be great for someone that wants to learn about imperialism as this is one of the focal points.

There are dark spots in every nations history and this book goes over all of them in the Canadian territory. Forced displacement, Residential Schools, and land rights are what these short stories are all about and even though some of them are a tad slow there are many that are very interesting. For someone that wants to learn about the early history of Canada at a beginner level then this is a great book to read.

It didn’t grasp me but it did teach me a good bit about the history of Canada.

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LITERALLY

Book Reviews For the restless mind

The Princess Bride - William Goldman The beautiful and dark romance novel The Princess Bride is a treasure chest of literature. Although it is utterly complicated and the characters are unlikeable there is a magic that makes you wish that everything will be alright in the end. This is a great book written by William Goldman in 1973 and it has not lost its touch since then. It is set in the renaissance era about a woman named Buttercup and her love for a man named Westley who is simply a farm hand. Things get out of control when Westley leaves for herself and himself as well.

William Goldman has made a name for himself on the big screen as a screenwriter and the elements of that type of work are at play here. The dialogue is refreshingly smooth and crisp and each word that is spoken is meaningful. The connections that are made throughout this book are spell bounding. The relationships between the main characters grows and complicates throughout at a great pace that kept me completely interested. Not only is the dialogue great but the narrative is as well. The simple details that Goldman gives you is enthralling. He paints the setting for you so you only have to imagine the rest.

The plot of this book is no less than the dialogue and narrative. It is a romance story but there is many dashes of comedy, tragedy, and adventure throughout. You do not have to love romance novels to love this book, that is a fact. It starts off as young love between Buttercup and Westley and then when outlaws led by the evil Vizzini get involved the plot thickens with haste. There are many scenes in this book that pulled at my emotions like not many other books can do.

The Princess bride by William Goldman is a classic novel that can be enjoyed by nearly all ages. I really did enjoy nearly everything about this book as it was written extremely well. I, myself, am not the usual fan of romance novels or movies but this book had me turning the pages like no other. After it was over I truly did miss the characters in the book and I wished desperately that there was more to no avail. I recommend this book to everyone as it is a great read that you will not be able to put down. The author allowed me to understand how a women of ethnic

background sees the world and how she goes about changing herself and others around hers’ thinking about women and how much they can accomplish. I also loved the wittiness and humor that she has about her.

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FASHION

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