March 2012 New Tribe by New Tribe Magazine

ROMEO SAGANASH

REAL MEN ARE REAL FATHERS

GARRY GEDDES

NEW TRIBE magazine WAB KINEW is playing with fire

GRANT APPLICATIONS TIPS

*TURN UP THE VOLUME *BOOK REVIEWS

ATTAWAPISKAT UPDATE

Free Vol. 10 Issue 11 MARCH 2012 Now Available online www.usay.ca

NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers,

Need updates on upcoming USAY and New Tribe Magazine Welcome to the March, 2012 events? Feel free to search us issue of New Tribe Magazine. out on Face book and join our I’m sure we are all getting a little growing friends list. We post tired of the cold upcoming events, weather but I’m submission going to go on requ irements a limb and say and deadlines, the end is near and fun stuff and warm sunny like upcoming days are on the movie nights and way. (Don’t hold book clubs. It is me to that) also a great place to comment on It’s a busy stories or articles month with you wish to see many events on in our upcoming the schedule so issues. be sure to check out the calendar on page 7 so that you don’t miss anything fun. If Do you have an opinion on this there are events you want people issue of New Tribe magazine? to know about please contact us Good, bad, or ugly send in your and we will make sure it gets in. thoughts and we will print it in the letters section. In this issue of New Tribe magazine we have a great cover Spread the word, and stay true to story on Wab Kinew that is it. a must read for fans. Wab is becoming more well known each John Medeiros day and it’s great learning more Managing Editor about this talented artist.

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 1109, 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

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

CONTENTS

24 MARCH

COVER STORY WAB KINEW 20 Story by Christine McFarlane Photography by Tyson Anderson

NEWS BRIEFS

15 23 TALENT

7 WHAT’S GOING ON?

STORY TELLING

8 TRIBE ART

COMMUNITY

10 WRITERS, TAKE NOTE

COMMUNITY

12 ON THE TABLE

MUSIC REVIEW

14 POETRY

MOVIE REVIEW

15 COMMUNITY

LITERALLY

16 ROMEO SAGANASH

COOL ART

18 HEALTH

COMMUNITY NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

NEWS*BRIEFS

Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada Taseko reaches deal with first nation to conduct tests at site VANCOUVER -Taseko Mines and the

The court supported TsilhqotÕ in and imposed a 90-day injunction which was to expire in early March but which could be renewed.

TsilhqotÕ in Nation have agreed to a compromise that will let Taseko do some work on the site of its proposed $1-billion New Prosperity mine without interference.

In its decision, the court urged the parties, including the provincial government, to Ò engage in consultation immediately with a view to resolving the differences and competing interests.Ó

Last October, the province of British Columbia granted Taseko permits allowing it to carry out work on the property near Williams Lake.

Ò And the three parties listened,Ó TasekoÕ s vice-president of corporate affairs Brian Battison said.

The TsilhqotÕ in objected to the provincial permits, saying the first nation had not been consulted or accommodated - a legal requirement - before the permits were issued. They blocked TasekoÕ s workers from entering the site to do the work and both parties brought legal actions - Taseko asking for an injunction preventing the blockade and the TsilhqotÕ in asking for an injunction prohibiting Taseko from carrying out the work until the proper consultations had taken place.

The three-way agreement among Taseko, the TsilhqotÕ in National Government, which represents six first nations (TNG) in the area of the proposed mine, and the provincial government was reached after a number of face-to-face meetings.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

The province says the energy centre was too risky to merit taxpayer investment, but the president of the company backing the project says government and third-party analysis showed it was economically viable. Ò We believe it is bad-faith dealing,Ó said Ken Horn, president of Teedrum Inc., the company partnered with aboriginal groups to design, construct and finance the facility.

SOURCE -THE VANCOUVER SUN

Province won’t back First Nations refinery ALBERTA -Energy Minister Ted Morton

has pulled provincial support for a $6.6-billion bitumen refinery in Alberta’s industrial heartland. The proposed Alberta First Nations

Energy Centre last year received conditional approval to take part in the provinceÕ s Bitumen Royalty In Kind program, which was designed in part to support the construction of upgraders in Alberta. On Feb. 8, Morton told proponents the government had decided not to support the project.

Ò We were hearing right up until a week prior that the deal was economically viable, from (Morton’s) assistant deputy minister,Ó Horn said. Ò HereÕ s a deal that has been in the works for four years, millions and millions of dollars spent. SOURCE -EDMONTON JOURNAL

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

What’s Going On? MARCH,2012 March 01 - 03 Annual $100 Film Festival Calgary, AB www. 100dollarfilmfestival.org March 02 - 04 Drug Policy Conference Calgary, AB www.facebook.com/ events/326389277384684 March 03 Change for Hope Gala Calgary, AB www.calgarywomensshelter.com March 05 - 09 Aboriginal Awareness Week University of Calgary Calgary, AB March 10 Devastation - International Muay Thai Gala Calgary, AB www.deerfootinn.com/event_ activities March 11 - 13 Women Warriors, Indigenous Voices: First Annual Indigenous Women’s Symposium Prince George, BC womenwarriorsindigenousvoices. weebly.com

March 15 - 17 2012 Soaring With Knowledge 4th Annual Conference Calgary, AB www. fnmiec.teachers.ab.ca March 17 St. Patrick’s Day March 18 Aboriginal Youth Explosion MRU Calgary, AB www.canadabridges.com March 20 - 23 Gathering Our Voices 2012 Nanaimo, BC www.bcaafc.com March 21 Pitbull in Concert Stampede Corral Calgary, AB March 22 - 24 ACAD Spring Show & Sale Calgary, AB www. acadsa.wordpress.com

Calgary Flames 03/04/2012 04:00 PM Dallas Stars @ Calgary Flames 03/06/2012 07:00 PM Montréal Canadiens @ Calgary Flames 03/09/2012 07:00 PM Winnipeg Jets @ Calgary Flames 03/13/2012 07:30 PM San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames 03/15/2012 07:00 PM Phoenix Coyotes @ Calgary Flames 03/18/2012 06:00 PM Columbus Blue Jackets @ Calgary Flames 03/26/2012 07:00 PM Dallas Stars @ Calgary Flames 03/28/2012 07:30 PM Los Angeles Kings @ Calgary Flames 03/30/2012 07:00 PM Colorado Avalanche @ Calgary Flames

Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

If you have an event youÕ 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 2012 issue: March 25

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

TRIBE*ART

GarryÊG eddes mikisiw-art@hotmail.com

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY

Writers, Take Note!

Applications being accepted for Aboriginal Emerging Writers program more on page 15

By Andrea Tombrowski

Got a story burning in your soul? Having trouble finishing that halfwritten manuscript gathering dust on the shelf? Applications are now being accepted for the Aboriginal Emerging Writers program offered through The Banff Centre (www.banffcentre.ca). The purpose of the three-month program is to support the development of emerging Aboriginal writers and storytellers through mentoring and guidance from Elders and established Aboriginal writers. The intensive program consists of two parts: a 2-week on-site residency program (September 10-22, 2012) and a 10-week online program (October 1-December 7, 2012). Enrolment is limited to eight participants. For the purposes of this program, an emerging writer is a person who can demonstrate a dedication to writing and has created a significant body of written work. To be eligible for the program, a writer must be either unpublished or not have more than one book or collection published professionally. Applicants must be Canadian citizens (or have permanent resident status) and be of Aboriginal descent (Status, Non-Status, Inuit and/or Métis). Fulltime university or college students are not eligible to apply. Scholarships are available for the program. The $7000 grant covers program tuition, transportation, and

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

room and board for the 2-week residency period. Application deadline is May 1, 2012.Applicants are evaluated by a peer assessment committee using the following criteria: Ò artistic and/or literary excellence of the proposed writing project; how the proposed project will benefit and strengthen Aboriginal literature and languages; and the practicality of the proposed project.Ó Applications include three components: an application form, a computer questionnaire and a portfolio. Application Form: The applicant must provide a biography describing themselves as a writer and their motivation for writing (max 250 words). The applicant must also provide a description of the project they expect to work on if their application is accepted, and why the project is important to them (maximum 500 words). Computer Questionnaire: Because of the programÕ s extensive online component, participants must meet certain computer requirements. As such, applicants must have: access to a computer and operating system; Internet access with an e-mail account; an Internet browser; Word processing software; and virus-scanning software

with a current subscription. The computer questionnaire asks applicants such questions as: Who is your Internet Service Provider? What is the make, model and year of your computer? How much memory does your computer have? What word processing software do you currently use? Having an online component as part of the program allows participants to maintain their jobs and study from home while still receiving mentoring for their writing. It also enables writers in remote locations to participate in the program (providing their community has Internet access).The online component also broadens the participantsÕ use and understanding of Internet, a powerful tool in the professional and artistic development of writers. Portfolio: Applicants are required to submit a segment of a book-length manuscript or a work-in-progress, as well as a sample of published or unpublished work (max 30 pages). For More Information: Please note that the above information is intended to serve as an introduction to the Aboriginal Emerging Writers program. Please visit The Banff CentreÕ s website for the program’s official guidelines and forms.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

FLAVOR

On the Table Chicken Tacos INGREDIENTS 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite size pieces 1 cup lemonade 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1 bay leaf 1 (12 ounce) package corn tortillas 1 head lettuce, shredded 2 large tomatoes, chopped 1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 1 (8 ounce) jar salsa 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream DIRECTIONS In a large skillet over medium heat, combine chicken, lemonade, olive oil, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaf. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink, and juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave until soft. When chicken is fully cooked, transfer to serving bowl. Place lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and sour cream in serving dishes. Each person can create their own wrap, using their preferred ingredients.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

crafts

Crafts Lucky Rainbow Mobiles Materials Scissors, ruler, pencil 1 (19-by-25-inch) sheet of Canson Colorline paper Newspaper Colored paper Ribbon or yarn Glitter Pom-poms Markers Any other decorations Child-safe scissors Child-safe glue INSTRUCTIONS

Cut paper lengthwise into 3 equal pieces. Working on one piece at a time, use the ruler to measure and a pencil to mark five 5-inch vertical segments (but don’t cut them). Fold paper along the pencil lines in alternating directions, accordion-style. Keep the paper vertical and folded. Draw the shape of a paper doll (see above) on the top segment. Make sure the outline reaches all the edges of the paper. Cut out the doll shape through all the layers, making sure not to cut through where the dolls’ hands join. Open the string of paper dolls. Set out the decorations (no pom-poms or other choking hazards for kids under 3, of course) along with childsafe scissors and glue. Have your children decorate the dolls — to look like your dinner guests, maybe? Stand the dolls down the center of the table, or in a ring around a hurricane candle or potted flowers (just join the ends with glue or tape

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

POETRY

Journey to the heart by Harry Solorzano The longest journey a man will take is from his head to his heart, these words my grandfather spoke to me when I was a young boy, he said” my son you are on the red road path towards your heart be vigilant that no person or things keep you away from this path, for if it does it will be difficult to return back to the red road path that leads to your heart. I then asked him” grandfather if I do find myself away from the red road path in finding my heart is there anyone or anything that can help me return back to the red road path”. He then said to me” yes there is; if you do find your-self on a different path you must look deep within you and surrender your-self and make the decision to return back to finding the red road path of life to your heart. This will then release the spirit of mother earth and she will guide you back to the red road path of life to finding your heart. He continued on by saying but to surrender yourself is not always so easy, you may not allow yourself to surrender and it may not be because you don’t want to but like I had mentioned earlier the desires and pleasures of life are keeping your mind from making that important decision to return back to the red road path to finding your heart , but no matter how difficult it may be you must try to surrender yourself because your heart has its own pleasures and desires which are healthy and good to the body, mind and soul,and there you will find true happiness in life but you won’t understand these things until you reach your heart . I remember now thinking back that while I was growing up I had often strayed away from the red road path, for me alcohol and drugs is what kept my mind away from finding the red road path to my heart and as my grandfather had told me it was difficult for me to surrender every time but mother earth had and has always stayed faithful to guiding me back to the red road path. I am glad to say I am still on the red road path and although I haven’t reached my heart I am happy to say that I am on the red road path of life and I haven’t allowed drugs or alcohol to keep me from finding my heart. I am on a journey to finding my heart and I will continue on its path until I reach it.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

Community

10 Tips for Preparing Grant Applications by Andrea Tombrowski Preparing an application for a grant or artistic program is often a formidable undertaking. Here are a few principles to consider when crafting your application. (1) Read the instructions carefully and thoroughly before beginning work on your actual application. Make sure you meet ALL the requirements. ThereÕ s nothing worse than putting hours of work into preparing your application, only to find out half-way through that you donÕ t meet a certain requirement. ( 2) Submit your application on time. Most programs do not accept late applications. Double check if the application has to be POSTMARKED on or before a certain date or RECEIVED on or before a certain date. If the deadline is not clearly specified, then inquire to find out the exact details. (3) Give yourself enough time to work on your application. Applications are generally straightforward to follow, but are time-consuming to complete. DonÕ t start on it a week before the deadline. Jurors can spot a rush job. (4) Multiple copies of the application are often required. With some grants and program applications, multiple copies are required of the written information (e.g., budget, project description, bio) so that jury members can each receive a copy. However, sometimes only one copy of certain support material is required (e.g., DVD, CD, portfolio). Provide exactly what is requested. (5) Quality is more important than

quantity. Writing a 3-page description of your project doesnÕ t make it more worthy than a 1-page description. WhatÕ s important is that you are clear, concise and accurate. The merit of the project is whatÕ s important, not the number of words presented.

Balance: (A) minus (B) = 0

(6) Be realistic about your goals. Your application is being assessed by peers in your field; they know what is involved in bringing a project to fruition. Hence, donÕ t expect to research and write a 300-page tome in three months, or write and produce a 1-hour documentary in four weeks. You must prove to the jury that your project has a realistic chance of being completed. Being realistic in what you can accomplish Ð given your skill set, budget, time and other resources Ð demonstrates to the jury that you have a good grasp of what is involved.

(8) Before you seal the envelope, go through your application once more, carefully checking it for errors or omissions. Proofread your work. Spelling and grammatical errors do not present a professional image. If you are not skilled at proofreading, then ask someone who is to look through your application. Acceptance to a program or applying for grant money is usually a competitive process. Improve your applicationÕ s chance of success by presenting a well put-together package.

(7) If you are required to submit a budget, the budget must balance.This means that ‘revenue’ (e.g., grant money, your contribution, etc.) must equal ‘expenses’ (e.g., living expenses, transportation, long distance charges, etc.). In its simplest form, a budget might look like this: Revenue (A): Grant request: $1000 My contribution: $300 Sub-total: $1300 Expenses (B): Living expenses: $1100 Transportation: $100 Long distance charges: $100 Sub-total: $1300

If your expenses are greater than your revenue (which is often the case), then you must find a way to either increase your revenue or decrease your expenses. The balance must equal zero.

(9) This may seem elementary but it shouldnÕ t be overlooked: make sure youÕ ve written the correct address on your mailing envelope. After all the work you put into creating your application, itÕ s worth it to double-check that the destination address is correct and complete. (10) And finally, don’t let an intimidating application form discourage you from applying. You will get more effective and efficient with each application you complete. Who knows, you may be the next person to receive that fabulous (!) letter which states, Ò We are pleased to inform youÉÓ Good luck! NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY

“Move forward together-whether you’re the part of the First Peoples or the new peoples” (Quote by Romeo Saganash) 16

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

Romeo Saganash is moving forward

COMMUNITY

Story and photo by Christine McFarlane Romeo Saganash was the first Indigenous person to run for a federal political leadership, and though he has now stepped down, itÕ s likely heÕ ll be back in some capacity. Raised in the northern Quebec community of Waswanipi, Romeo is a residential school survivor. Before being removed from his home to attend residential school, where he would remain for ten years, Saganash spoke only Cree. Like other native children that were removed, he was taken away from his family, culture and territory, along with14 siblings, all of whom were split up and sent to different schools. Saganash credits a tragedy as being the catalyst for the drive he has shown throughout his career Ò While I was away at school, my father passed away, and I was told by the priests that they did not have the funds to send me home for the funeral. It was not being able to say a final good bye to my father that changed things for me. It made me achieve drive for everything I did and to create change.Ó Saganash went onto to graduate from the Montreal law school, Universite du Quebec. He is multilingual fluent in Cree, both of Canada’s official languages and Spanish. He has been in politics for 30 years, and it was his record of leadership, his ability to bring people together and his inspiring personal story that made Romeo a favourite. It marked his commitment to overcoming challenges and achievement and had most First Nations people believing in him and what he had to offer for the NDP federal leadership.

In 1985, Romeo founded the Cree Nation Youth Council and served as Deputy Grand Council of the Cree. From 1990 to 1993 he served as Deputy Grand Chief of the James Bay Crees of Northern Quebec and from 1997 to 2000 he served as vice-chair for the James Bay Advisory Committee on the Environment. His work in the economic sector with Creeco Inc. and the Eeyou Co. showed his understanding of how to balance the duty of being stewards of the land with sustainable economic growth. He was a principle author of the landmark agreement between the James Bay Cree and the Quebec government and a key negotiator of the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous people. He now represents Abitibi-James Bay-Nunavik-Eeyou in the House of Commons. As a prominent Cree figure in a riding with many Aboriginal voters, Saganash received personal support from NDP Quebec leadership candidate Thomas Mulcair who referred to Saganash as a Ò very important candidate.Ó It was on September 16, 2011, that Romeo Saganash announced that he was running for the leadership of the NDP to succeed Jack Layton, mentioning the encouragement he received from the late leader. It was Layton who said to him, Ò Who better than to take up the challenge?Ó A big part of SaganashÕ s campaign was about consulting with people and incorporating their points of view into his plans and not just paying lip service to that idea. He believed that the members, who set party policy and all Canadians, are part of determining

how we act in government. He recognized and made sure that First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples had a voice. To be a strong leader he believes that you must have a few core attributes to qualify for the job. Some of these attributes included having a leader who has a vision, because without a clear idea of where to take the country, there cannot be hope that anyone will follow. Ò A leader must be able to bring people together: because the politics of division diminishes us all, and we are stronger when we work together. This is a core value of the New Democrat Party and a core value of Canadians that we must restore in our democracy.Ó Speaking to the youth of today, Saganash says, Ò Learn to believe in yourself and what you can achieve,Ó and Ò itÕ s important for the youth to get involved because thatÕ s the only way they can bring change, whether it is locally or federally, if you donÕ t show up, you canÕ t make a difference.Ó On February 9, 2012, Saganash announced that he was withdrawing from the race, citing illness in his family and a lack of confidence in his campaign. Ò I received a warm reception and support from Party members, but its impossible to run a winning campaign as the favorite second choice.Ó He was the second person to quit the leadership race. Robert Chisholm, a Nova Scotia MP had also pulled out before him. The leadership contest that began in September will culminate with a convention in Toronto on March 24. NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

Health

Real Men are Real Fathers Virtually any man can become a father. It happens all the time. Very often it happens without planning, in a moment of passion, where condom use was ignored in the heat of the moment. Maybe your girlfriend or wife lied about her birth control, didnÕ t use her birth control correctly or long enough or said she couldnÕ t get pregnant. Whatever happened, she got pregnant and chose to have your baby. It is very difficult to raise a baby, even with two active young parents. Earning enough money is one of the biggest pressures. Even older, more financially established couple struggle with buying diapers, formula, pediatric visits, toys, and baby clothes and bedding. Many men just canÕ t Ò handleÓ it. They are not ready for this kind of a commitment to the mother of their baby or the financial responsibility of being the father of a baby. This may be one of the first times in your life that you should and can take responsibilities for your actions, gentlemen. You created life. Life

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

entered the world. You are legally responsible to support the baby that you fathered. Being a father can be a huge burden and leave you wrought with worry. It can also be a time of joy, learning, hope and bonding. Do whatever it takes to get a job, get a better job or earn more money. Enroll in college classes or a technical school in a highly employable field. Don’t worry about what your friends are doing right now. Being a father is being a responsible human being. Try to make this demanding and difficult part of your life into a more tenable situation. Speak openly with the mother of the baby, whether you are married or not, together or not, about each of your expectations. Discuss child care, work and school obligations and baby sitting options. Chances are you will disagree about some things here. Be a real man and step up to the plate and your responsibilities. It is up to the two of you to care for this baby, feed this baby, make sure it is warm, happy, clean and healthy.

Spending time with your baby may be stressful at times, but you will form a loving bond with your child, just as the mother and other family members will. Spending time watching him or her grow and develop will touch your soul. Each passing day will swell your heart with pride and love. The love you feel for this baby will grow and grow and will feel like no other love you will ever know. As your child grows, he or she will grow fond of you, close to you and trust you implicitly. You can have an active role in his learning how to read, speak and play. If this is not enough to keep you involved in your own childÕ s rearing, imagine the joy in your heart, and you will feel it, when this baby smiles when seeing you for the first time. Your baby will love you unconditionally provided you simply love and tend to her or him. It will be difficult for sure. You will be somewhat envious of your friends who are free to date, party and do whatever they please after work or school. You have your commitments to your child, and hopefully, to

HEALTH its mother. Having a father figure in a babyĂ&#x2022; s life has been proven to enriching to the growth and development of the child. A male child has a unique bond to its same sex parent and its opposite sex parent, as does a female child. They go through normal phases of development when encountering both parents. Two parent households, even if separate provide the children balance and points of view. It encourages, without them even realizing, that parents have certain responsibilities to fulfill to a relationship with a significant other and the child. Compromise. When the baby grows into its toddler years and beyond, the roles of the parents, especially the father become

more and more apparent in how the baby develops and acts. Bonds of love form and fathers come to realize the impact their input is having on their growing baby. Babies with involved fathers are clearly at an advantage over those who fathers are absent. You can make a difference in a personĂ&#x2022; s life. This person is yours. Your baby begins to speak words, and later, sentences, to ask questions and show approval and disapproval. You will learn their signals and words. They will become the focal point of your life and love. Raising children in any circumstance requires some degree of sacrifice, but adults do it for the babies they created in love. People who are adults are

accountable. Real men are real dads. Real men are not afraid to show their love to their women or their babies and children. Great men in history were loving dads. Any man can become a father, but being a daddy is a special relationship that no one can replace. When your child begins his or her journey into the school years, having an active and attentive father who is present enhances learning and socialization. As the child gets older still, your child will know you were there for him or her and provided guidance, advise and unconditional love. You will have help make a strong human being who knows how to make wise choices.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

Community

Wab Kinew talks to the Tribe by Christine McFarlane photo by Tyson Anderson Wab Kinew (pron: WOB ka-NOO), from the Ojibway’s of Onigaming First Nation is a man of many hats, and his presence is inspiring. Schooling and having an education has always been important to him, and he credits some of that to his present success. Kinew graduated from high school at the age of 17 and graduated from University at the age of 21. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Manitoba, has training in the traditional Medicine ways of his Anishinaabe people, is a hip-hop artist who is a one of a kind musical talent, and is a CBC radio producer/ host based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Active for years in the hip-hop scene, after coming up as part of the hip-hop crew Dead Indians, Kinew began to stack up the accolades in 2008. His video for If This Was Right (which he executive produced, produced and starred in) was nominated for several awards including the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award for Best Music Video Award, the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Video and the ImagineNative Film Festivals award for Best Music Video. Wab also shared in a prize at the 2008 ImagineNative Film Festival for Best Documentary, Current Affairs and Talk Radio. It was in early 2009 that Kinew released his debut solo album Live By the Drum through a joint venture between Strongfront Productions and his own company Indie Ends Productions with support from Manitoba Film and Music. The

album has EMI distribution via Arbor Records. His album is supported by the video for If This Was Right (which has been added by MuchMusic) and has a significant online presence. Live By The Drum is Wab Kinew’s personal brand, and he even has it tattooed on his arm. Live By The Drum was the name of his 2007 summer series on CBC Radio One. Kinew says “I started working at CBC almost by accident. I wrote a letter to the editor of the Winnipeg Free Press, a paper in my city and they published it. The letter was about a controversial NHL player Tod Bertuzzi and whether he should be allowed to play on Team Canada when he had sucker punched a guy and ended his hockey career. He had criminal charges and lawsuits against him and people were mad at him because they did not want him to represent Canada. My letter was about how he has apologized, admitted he was wrong and has said he wants to make amends, and if he is the best guy, then give him a second chance.” The issue was important to him because Kinew says “I got second chances in my life because when I was younger I used to party, get into some trouble, but I got second chances and I feel that I have made good on them. It is important to have second chances” It was after the letter was published 6-7 years ago that someone from the CBC read it and actually looked him up in the phone book and asked him if he wanted to turn it into something for the radio. Kinew says “I went in and turned it into a rant for the

radio and when I went in, I also sat down in a story meeting and kicked around some ideas, because I had a different life experience than some of the people there.” From there, Wab Kinew’s career in journalism started rolling. Kinew worked on the radio for a bit, and he pitched his own radio show- Live By The Drum and then did another music show for CBC Manitoba, and then transitioned to television journalism as a daily reporter with CBC. Kinew says “ My career may have started accidently but I always tell people to never underestimate the power of writing a letter. I wrote that letter and it gave me an awesome career, but the groundwork was laid by me going to school, learning how to write, being good with computers while growing up, not being afraid of public speaking because of the way I grew up and performing music, and I learned the journalism stuff on the job, and have been lucky to have a good mix of classroom learning, on the job learning, and great people around to help me out.” It was while working as a daily reporter that he also began to work on special projects such as comedy, the most recent 8th Fire series and other specials. The origins of the CBC Series-8th Fire came from Richard Stirzberg and other people who worked on it include Waubgeshig Rice, and Connie Walker and it was a provocative four part documentary series that premiered on Thursday NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY January 12, 2012. The title for the series draws from the Anishinaabe prophecy that declares now is the time for Aboriginal peoples and the settler community to come together and build the ‘8th Fire’ of justice and harmony. The show took you on a journey through Aboriginal country to show you why we need to fix Canada’s 500 year old relationship with Indigenous peoples; a relationship mired in colonialism, conflict and denial. The series propelled people to look past prejudice, stereotypes and misunderstandings and gave you a glimpse into a new generation of Aboriginal Canadians who are reclaiming both their culture and their confidence. The four-part DOC ZONE series will be complemented by an extensive website and in-depth programming, features and stories on CBC Radio One and CBC News. The series will also be sold through the CBC Shop in Spring 2012 and is available for pre-order for educators at CBC Learning. The 8th Fire Series has given Wab Kinew more visibility. , Wab Kinew says “ It has not changed the course I am taking, but it has definitely made things more intense.” While promoting it he did a short video on the five most common stereotypes of Aboriginal people that people need to give up, he has appeared on the George Stromboulopoulos show, has had a flood of messages on facebook, twitter, emails, and people offering words of encouragement and thanks and has had invitations to go to schools and communities. Kinew says, “The ratio of positive to negative comments for 8th Fire has been 100-1 which is really rare for native stories and broadcasting. The

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

8th Fire and its visibility on a larger scale, has had people from outside my home community and across the country getting in touch and wanting to work together. The other thing that has changed is the recognition factor, and Kinew says, “its nice that people are responding to the 8th Fire in the way that they are. However Kinew is humble about the recognition he is getting surrounding the success of 8th Fire and says, “ Its not like they are responding to me, what they are responding to is they are happy that Native people are being portrayed in a real and authentic way, and they associate me with that. I appreciate it and I am humbled by it but its something greater than me, it’s about the people.” It is this humble attitude that makes Wab Kinew inspiring. Other work that Kinew is involved in is starting a language program in his kid’s school, titled “Let’s Speak Ojibway for Our Kids,” where “the idea is not to put a teacher in front of a class of children but instead bring kids in with their parents, the parents are there to make sure the kids are okay and match them up in groups with fluent speakers, Elders etc and give them a chance to do things togetherarts and crafts, games, sing alongs. The whole idea is to recreate in the classroom what happens in the homes of fluent speakers, which is that the older generation through activities, and doing stuff together transmits the language to the younger generations. If you look at what happens in Native languages across North America right now, its like they are dying, and what I want to do in the classroom is recreate the chance for young people to learn the language in an organic and natural way.”

The language program is another way that Wab Kinew says he is giving back to his community because language is very important to him and a huge part of who we are as Native people. Recently Kinew was invited to the University of Toronto’s Indigenous Writer’s Gathering that took place at First Nations House on February 8-9, 2012 where he spoke at a panel titled “Journalism and the Preservation of Storytelling in a Digital Age.” It was there that I was able to catch up with him. I asked him what kind of message could he give to the youth of today in regards to overcoming challenges, and his reply was “ The main thing I believe is that education in all its forms is super important- University, post secondary, high school, traditional, native language, and also life experience and travelling, seeing the world outside your own backyard, because that’s what makes you a good person, an interesting person because it is through travelling enough that we see we are all the same, regardless where we live, the languages we speak, what we do for a living. We are all human beings. Lastly, beyond that, “I want to encourage young people to do what it takes to make themselves happy, and for them to know “that we are good enough, we deserve it enough to have good lives, we can have technology, we can have jobs, we can have education, have schooling but we should do it in a way that respects our Indigenous values, and respects our sacred lands. We can be Anishinabe and also live in the modern world. It’s all about working hard and staying motivated, nothing worth having is not without a fight, so we cannot give up.”

Behind These Walls

Talent

By Cory Littlelight

I try to stay strong in here But some days I feel like giving up My days are dark And it feels like the sun went down a long time ago It’s like I’ve fallen and I can’t get up And nobody seems to care Nobody hears my cry Everyday it rains And some nights I just want to die All alone in my cell I guess it’s just me, myself and I Until the end of time Behind these walls It’s hard to trust anyone in here Nobody has got your back I feel like I have nobody to turn to I have nothing left to lose All of the fake women in my life have gone away But that’s just fine with me None of them were ever really loyal and true to me And I don’t need them anyway I’ll do this on my own Being alone only makes you stronger I just don’t know how much more of this shit I can take I can’t take this any longer I’m starting to feel trapped And I just can’t seem to escape this insanity These past few years I’ve lost so much Lately I feel so out of touch with everything and everyone I just can’t seem to get ahead in life It’s like I’m the only one who is still stuck in neutral While everybody else in life passes me by Behind these walls It’s hard to stay strong I’m a man who has lost his direction I’ve lost my way and I need to find my way back I need to come home But where is home? I just hope that I have the strength to carry on And make it through this time Make it through the storm Because I’m not quite ready to give up just yet I’m not ready to throw in the towel I’m much too strong And I’ll make the best of my situation They can’t keep me locked up forever One day I’ll get out One day I’ll be free This isn’t the end of me Someday this Littlelight will shine I just hope it happens real soon Because I’m running out of time Behind these walls NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY

Attawapiskat update

Community services that are taken for granted elsewhere in the province barely exist in Attawapiskat. There is a small clinic but no doctor there. Residents of the settlement face Patients must be taken out by many challenges. Some are natural air ambulance or over the winter and others are political. Up until road for treatment, depending on the 1950s, only tents and other their condition. Fire and police semi-permanent structures were services are also scant. A healing present. In the 1960s, permanent center sits five miles outside the buildings cropped up, but the settlement but it has no running protection they offered from the water. elements was not much better. Heat for the winter was derived After a diesel fuel spill forced Attawapiskat is accessible only from cord wood, which now costs the closure of its high school through its small airport and a $200 per cord. A poorly insulated in 1979, a wood-frame building Ă&#x2019; winter roadĂ&#x201C; that connects it with home on this reservation can was constructed. The school other James Bay communities, burn a cord of wood per week in deteriorated to the point where modular classrooms had to be several hours away. Due to the winter. brought in at very high cost to remoteness of the location, Attawapiskat is a reservation located in remote northern Ontario, where the Attawapiskat River empties into James Bay. Nearly 2,000 people, most of them under the age of 35, live on the reservation. For centuries, it was a summer fishing camp for aboriginal natives in Canada, but became a permanent settlement in the 1960s. Cree is still spoken there, and many of the ancient ways of life are still honored and practiced.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

transportation costs make food and fuel extremely expensive. The price of gasoline sits well above the national average.

COMMUNITY replace it. The poor condition and lack of space and standard teaching equipment in these modules are in violation of the standards set by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, but since 2000, nothing has been done to correct the problem. The result is that parents are more frequently keeping their children away from school.

harsh winters. Toxic mold and raw sewage from poorly maintained buildings raise health problems, particularly for the very young and very old.

Where one would think that government agencies could step in and help, one finds that government is the problem. According to federal law, only Employment is also a problem the federal government can build for Attawapiskat residents. a permanent structure on this DeBeers employs 500 residents reservation at a cost of roughly in a diamond mine located on $250,000 for a single-family home. aboriginal land some 60 miles Even renovation is expensive away, but the royalties from and it costs upwards of $50,000 the land lease do not come to to renovate heating systems the First Nation but go to the and install wiring, plumbing and province instead. The only other insulation. jobs available come from a handful

to funds totaling $80 million dollars provided in past years for infrastructure, home renovation and support, instead of solving the crisis and doing the accounting later. By November of that year, Attawapiskat was desperate for help. After the settlementÕ s chief, Theresa Spence requested emergency evacuation, the Canadian Red Cross stepped up. Donations of insulated sleeping mats, winter clothing and blankets were swiftly flown in. Red Cross officials arrived to evaluate the situation and organize donations that began to flood in as more Canadians became aware of AttawapiskatÕ s plight.

Attawapiskat declared a housing emergency in October 2011 of small businesses and service organizations in the settlement. A small inn houses workers from the diamond mine.

Faced with this problem, Attawapiskat turned to its largest employer, DeBeers, and requested some of the benefits from its billion-dollar mine, going so far as to block one of the mineÕ s roads in an effort to get the companyÕ s attention. Among the requests were help to build homes and a desperately-needed school, and redress for racial and wage discrimination.

Finally, the federal government announced its commitment to solving the crisis and making sure all Attawapiskat residents have access to warm, safe, dry shelter. The combination of remote A third-party manager for the location, high cost of living, lack settlement was quickly instituted. of services and scant employment Outraged, residents took the prospects equals chronic poverty government to court, but lost their and little hope for the future of case. The judge has ordered the Attawapiskat if it does not receive third party manager to purchase considerable help. 22 trailers in order to alleviate the The worst problem Attawapiskat Conditions grew so dire that the housing crisis. However, arrival faces is a housing crisis and the residents of Attawapiskat declared of the trailers, which must be health and safety worries that a housing emergency in October transported over an ice road, will come along with it. Many of the 2011, as temperatures plummeted. depend on weather conditions. residents still live in tents, semi- Their declaration was met with temperature in permanent structures and mobile surprise from government officials, TodayÕ s homes. Many residential structures who claimed they were unaware Attawapiskat is 15 degrees below do not have running water, indoor of a problem and pointed to the zero. bathrooms or electricity, and the sports complex and healing center cost of firewood and propane for as proof that the community was these homes is sky-high during the healthy and whole. They pointed NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

COMMUNITY

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

BEATS

Turn up the Volume By Katty Jo Rabbit

Mars Volta Noctourniquet ItÕ s been three long years since the boys of Mars Volta have churned, and screamed out an album. So for their sixth installment they have brought together a plethora of greasy riffs, strong storytelling, and of course their own twist of hypnotic rock melodies. With a 13 track set list all you hard core fans should also be pleased to hear that their side project At the drive in, is set to reunite at this yearÕ s Coachella Festival in April. The album is said to engage the story of the Greek God Hyacinthus, he is the guy who was in love with Apollo and was killed by the wind god Zephyrus. In his sadness Apollo would not let Hades take him, and so made his blood into a flower called Hyacinth. The tears of Apollo stained the flower and thus the coloring of the petals. A little homoerotic but tragically beautiful none the less, so be sure to check that out. Another little tidbit the album also incorporates Solomon Grundy, any of you comic book heads will know who that is. Over all stand out tracks are Trinkets pale of moon, In Absentia, and Aegis, with the material being decidedly different from the regular formula of Mars Volta, it is definitely a challenge to listen too without feeling like there is something missing although it is reassuring to know that they are trying to explore a variety of sound to create an element of existence.

Fun Some Nights At first listen it felt like a cheesy boy band trying to evoke the spirit of Freddy Mercury, at second listen it felt like a bad rip off of the Simon and GarfunkelÕ s Cecilia, then with a third and final listen, it became apparent that yes this guys are just having fun. No attempt has been made to create an album with some real merit. Looks like Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, and Jack Antonoff donÕ t really want to be taken seriously. Sorry Glee fans but this band may be categorized as Indie Pop but really itÕ s just a poor excuse to get fans on a Facebook page. ItÕ s not really fun, itÕ s actually quite sad that only one song has some appeal and that the loyal fans that have followed this band since their debut album may have some growing up to do, because I think all the 12 year sisters of the world were only intrigued by the name and free spirited Christian I love all of godÕ s creations feeling they created. But if you wanted to hear church songs you could hear them for free. Speaking of one song that is partially done well, it is the song titled; Why am I the one; could possibly make it into the iPod mix, starts off with a great lead in, than falls flat by the end. This song also made me ask myself that same question because it was extremely hard to find a redeeming trait for this sophomore album. Maybe that is just it, with time like everything else this band will get better. Or maybe being a little lighter hearted will make this band sound better. Hopefully these boys will snap out of it like the Ò mmmbopÓ Hanson brothers, and will try a little harder, instead of just have fun. It doesnÕ t really stick to the ribs, or pack the punch you want. Anyway, this album was pretty lame.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

BEATS

Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Imperial Teen Feel the Sound This was a great listen to in the first session, anybody remember Faith No More, well Roddy Bottum who was part of FNM is now a part of the two men, two girl match up of this San Francisco band. Supremely catchy and realistic, this band is able to capture the maturity of their musical talent, in a tight package where vocals are shared by all, and remarkable. Part of the whole intrigue is the underlying sadness and yearning that comes through. Not a lot has changed from their 2007Õ s The Hair The TV The Baby and The Band, except their willingness to embrace this unexpected transition into symphonic stylingÕ s. DonÕ t hate for this comparison but it feels like the members of the XX grew up, had kids, and made an album, but not quite as sad, and hopeless. Another great thing about this album is the listening quality, over the course of two or three sessions new characteristics were heard, and put a whole new perspective on the album itself. Almost like it changed the scenery and that was the most enjoyable thing. It has to be in the music or the barometric pressure on the ear drums. Through it all it makes for a great time no matter who you are or how old you are, which is how music should be.

Gotye Making Mirrors There has been a lot of buzz about making songs from breakups of course they are all about a certain female British star, but we havenÕ t heard it from the male perspective in such an entertaining way. With his song featuring Kimbra titled Ò Somebody that I used to knowÓ it has proven that men can make break up songs too, and this one is actually quite awesome. The rest of the album feels a little awkward, but don’t let that fool you, this album is definitely a chance for Australian Wouter De Backer to explore his inner workings, and we can only be so thankful to be allowed an audience. He has been around the block a few times and knows what he is doing. Because not only do you gain an understanding of what he wants to do in the future it is safe to say that there is going to be more like it. With other songs that range from soul infused to vocoder laden it is a wonder how his producers let him get away with it. Already he has been given some flak for having such an unfocused album, it is actually a brief rest of the usual with this album, as most compilations are always so derived, and processed this feels like a raw encounter. It is also really nice to be able to play it manically and still feel like you are listing to your own mix or random songs on repeat. Instead the same style and flair is apparent it is just a different genre, hopefully the next one to come focuses more on what he is doing rather than what he isnÕ t. Check out State of the art, Bronte, and I Feel better you wonÕ t be disappointed.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

MOVIES

See You at the Movies Starring Zac Efron, Taylor Swift One of the best animated films around is “The Lorax.” This movie basically tells the story of a creature from the forest who shares some power of hope. This is definitely a Dr. Seuss classic animated tale. The movie follows the adventures and journeys of a boy as he searches to find the girl of his dreams. This will enable him to win the affection of her once and for all. In order to find her, he must first establish and discover the story of Lorax. Lorax is a grumpy creature, yet charming all at the same time. He’s the one who fights battles in order to protect his world.

The Lorax

This is one of the best movies that just was just released on March 2, 2012, and is perfect for kids and families. This movie is both cute and funny, and everyone, no matter their age can enjoy it. This film is filled with delightful characters and vibrant animations and candy colors. This is a movie that is worth seeing if you love Dr. Seuss films. Lorax also delivers a vital and hopeful message, so maybe kids can learn or pick something up from this movie while theyÕ re watching it.

Starring Nicolas Cage, Ciar‡ n Hinds and Idris Elba If you love Nicholas Cage movies, then you are definitely going to love Ghost Rider-Spirit of Vengeance. Nicolas Cage now plays a role as Johnny Blaze in this magnificent film. It is suppose to be seen as a plucky and different look of the character. As the devil’s fugitive capturer, Johnny is still fighting with his curse in this movie as Blaze. He then ends up getting together with the leader from the group known as rebel monks. He then ends up risking everything in the process.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

The main reason why he teams up with the leader from the monk group is so that he can save a little boy from the devil. He also wants to try and get rid of this curse that the devil put on him once and for all. It is just a matter of time, and you must watch this film to find out if he is at all successful. This movie was released on Feb. 17, 2012, and is something that is definitely worth going to watch. Sony pictures teamed up with the director of this film Neveldine/Taylor to try and put something adventurous together. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure for all.

TA LENT

Seeking Endlessly By Stacie Himmelspeck

I’ve realized something today, and that is I’m looking for you. I see if your in my shadows, or even besides me upon my reflection. I search for you in reality, but I find I’m losing my way. I turn to my distant dreams ending up with the same obsession. I glance further down my path, or even besides my past. I look for you in the speed of the train, and at the corner of my eye. Only wishing to catch a glimpse of that smile on your face. Further more with me ending up whispering “if only you left a trace”? My eyes are tired of hoping, as I purse you. This pervious year I’ve come to image that you might not even exist. Self-questioning? Have I lost sight of my noble goal, or is it my life? Either way I know one thing that’s real, and that’s how I feel! This emotion brings me light that I can not pretend to ignore. So that goes with out saying that... I adore you.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

LITERA LLY

Book Reviews For the restless mind Abandon by Meg Cabot Abandon by Meg Cabot is the first book in a riveting trilogy series about a heroine named Peirce Oliveria. She has an accident where she dies and comes back after 20 minutes. During this time, she experiences a NDE. She meets a dark, mysterious man named John Haden, who claims he is from the Underworld. After her accident she finds she has ADD, and no longer is able to handle going to the school she was attending in Connecticut. Her parents separate, and she moves to Isla Huesos in Florida with her mother. There, she is put onto the Ò D WingÓ of her new school, which is where students stay who have serious issues. In her case, sheÕ s dealing with an anger management problem. When Peirce moved, she believed that she had escaped John, the dark anti-guardian angel who has seemed to follow her everywhere after her NDE. Once again, on this island, he returns and draws her to him. The story is of ten year on-again, off-again relationship. There is a sense of loneliness throughout the book as Peirce doesnÕ t have very many friends. By the end of the book their relationship grows, though the book ends and leaves the reader looking forward to the next one. The story is an interesting spin off from the Greek Mythology tale of Hades, the god of the Underworld, and his wife Persephone. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver Laura Oliver writes the second book in a trilogy series, called Pandemonium. The first book really needs to be read to understand this one. Lena, the heroine, lives in a world where love is considered a disease. Everyone needs to be Ò curedÓ of this delirium. At the age of 18, everyone has to go under the Ò procedureÓ . This second book is a look at the Ò thenÓ and Ò nowÓ of Lena’s life. She is mourning over the loss of her first love, Alex. She has learned how to live in the Wild and become a part of it. Now, sheÕ s running for her life with out Alex. When she nearly dies, she’s captured by the Scavengers, a group fighting against the DFA (Deliria-FreeAmerica), and are much different in their tactics than the more rogue Invalids. They help Lena to physically become adept at living in the Wild as well as helping her to get through her depression. She now is living under a fake identity when she meets Julian. He is the son of someone in high ranks of the DFA group, and a forbidden relationships ensues. Lena realizes that she wishes love, which is considered a disease, to return to the world. The ending of the book is a cliffhanger, leaving you dangling, wanting to read more.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

LITERALLY

Book Reviews For the restless mind This CanÕ t Be Happening at MacDonald Hall by Gordon Korman This CanÕ t Be Happening at MacDonald Hall by Gordon Korman is a book written as a 7th grade project. It is about the deep friendship between two boys, Bruno Walton and Melvin (Boots) O’Neil. These two are roommates at the prestigious all boy’s school which they attend in Canada. Both boys enjoying playing all kinds of practical jokes landing them into a heap of trouble. This subsequently finds them being separated, each rooming with two other boys; Elmer Drimsdale, the school genius, and George Wexford-Smyth III, a wealthy hypochondriac. The two friends donÕ t like it, one bit, as they have been forbidden to do anything together. Together they conspire to frame their roommates, cause trouble, and sneak out at night. When Francisco, a fellow student, and son of an Ambassador, gets caught up in an air balloon, they band together and rescue him. Elmer, Bruno and Boots receive a metal from the police department. Elmer is rewarded with a telescope, and Bruno and Boots are reunited as roommates.

From This Moment On by Shania Twain Born Elieen Regina Edwards, Shania Twain grew up in Canada, in a home of 5 children. At two, her mother divorced from her biological father and then remarried shortly thereafter. ShaniaÕ s childhood was darkened by poverty while her mother suffered abuse at the hands of the man she considered her father. It was when she was three that she knew she loved singing. At a first grade show-and-tell, she attempted a public display of her talent, but found herself to be ridiculed by her peers as being a show-off. This was just a bump in the road. At 13, she went on a national tv show to sing. Then at 22, her life fell apart. Losing both her parents in an automobile accident, she worked hard at keeping her siblings together. Her sudden rise to stardom continued despite her personal difficulties. She began raising her own children, dealt with a troubled marriage and found herself divorced. The book entails how the difficult events of her life strenghtened her to be who she has become today.

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

A RT

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

usayeditor@gmail.com

COMMUNITY

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012

U AROUND TOWN

NEW TRIBE MARCH 2012