FLU SEASON
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APPROPRIATION VS. APPRECIATION
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TRIBE POETRY
NEW TRIBE magazine Gemini Award Winner Michelle Thrush Talks About Her New Play
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“NDN INTERRUPTED”
*TURN UP THE VOLUME *ENERGY SECTOR ON THE TABLE
Free Vol. 10 Issue 8 NOVEMBER 2011 Now Available online www.usay.ca
NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers, As I sit here writing this the first snow fall of the season is hitting our city, and while it looks pretty out my window, it makes me wonder what kind of winter we will be in for this year. This is a good time to get ready so be prepared and stock up on your winter essentials. Many events will be happening in the next few months and one that you should really watch for is the new play called “NDN Interrupted”, that shows Dec. 2 and 3rd. Directed by Michelle Thrush, and written by Telly James, it’s sure to be a great show. See our back cover for details and call the USAY office at 403.233.8225 to get your tickets. They will go fast!
Need updates on upcoming 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 requ irements 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.
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
Do you have an opinion on this issue of New Tribe magazine? Good, bad, or ugly send in your thoughts and we will print it in the letters section.
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
Spread the word, and stay true to it.
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.
John Medeiros Managing Editor
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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NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
CONTENTS
29
16
9 NOVEMBER
COVER STORY MICHELLE THRUSH 20
4
NEWS BRIEFS
33 23
GEAR UP
7 WHAT’S GOING ON?
24 TALENT
8 TRIBE ART
26
10 ENERGY SECTOR
29 TRIBE TALENT
12 ON THE TABLE
30
MUSIC REVIEW
14 POETRY
32
MOVIE REVIEW
15 SPOTLIGHT
34
LITERALLY
16 COMMUNITY
37
HOROSCOPES
18 HEALTH
38
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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NEWS*BRIEFS
Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada Little girlÕ s death highlights desperate need for foster-care reform
EDMONTON - I canÕ t tell you her name Ñ
the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act protects her identity in death. Sadly, it did little to protect her in life. Instead, our child welfare bureaucracy, blinded by a racially based ideological commitment to place aboriginal foster children with family members whenever and wherever possible, Ò grossly mismanagedÓ a cascade of disasters that led to her fate. ItÕ s a policy called kinship care. ItÕ s a great theory Ñ children in care placed with relatives rather than strangers, relatives who share their culture and values. ItÕ s especially important in the aboriginal community, where generations of children have been placed in Ò whiteÓ residential schools and foster homes, with dire cultural effects. But for the little girl IÕ ll call JB, a dogmatic commitment to kinship care, combined with a system that abandoned a vulnerable caregiver, proved fatal. JB was four when she died of injuries inflicted by the 24-year-old aunt who was acting as her guardian. The aunt, SB, has already pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court is now hearing evidence to determine her sentence.
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NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
But holding SB, alone, to account wonÕ t provide justice. According to documents entered as exhibits in court this week, in May 2008 child welfare workers identified six siblings, who ranged in age from a newborn baby girl to a seven-year-old boy, as children at risk. The family was homeless, the mother addicted to crack cocaine. In July, the children were apprehended, then given into the guardianship of their aunt. Locking SB in jail or suing her wonÕ t address our horrific aboriginal child welfare crisis. We need to stop putting ideology before common sense and safety. We need to stop overloading foster parents, and stranding them without supports. And we need to build capacity within aboriginal families, so fewer kids need to be in care. In 2009, when SB was first arrested, I interviewed a Métis activist about the case. The problem, he told me, wasnÕ t just the child welfare system Ñ but a community ablaze. SOURCE -THE EDMONTON JOURNAL
UVic grad student launches First Nations music website
VANCOUVER Ð Jarrett Martineau, a hiphopper-turned-academic, hopes his new website will help fast-lane First Nations artists onto the musical super-highway.
And perhaps itÕ ll obliterate a few fusty stereotypes about aboriginal music. A 34-year-old Vancouverite of Cree and Dene descent, Martineau is a PhD candidate within the indigenous governance program at the University of Victoria. His dissertation focuses on First Nations hip hop, examining it as a tool for rallying and developing critical consciousness within aboriginal communities. HeÕ s certainly well placed for such research. Martineau was once vocalist with The Front, a band of musicians and rappers that aimed to push hip-hop to new frontiers. Drawing inspiration from Stevie Wonder, The Roots and the Talking Heads, The Front played the Vancouver Folk Festival and the cityÕ s club scene. Martineau Ñ a journalist and digital media producer Ñ also worked as a solo experimental hip-hop artist, calling himself Ò no-1Ó . On Tuesday, Martineau and colleagues will throw a bash at VancouverÕ s Media Club to officially launch RPM.fm. The new website showcases First Nations musical artists from Canada and beyond. RPM (aka Revolutions Per Minute) offers videos, MP3s, interviews, artist profiles and podcasts. The site has so far attracted more than 400 artists, including VictoriaÕ s Art Napolean, Inuit throat singer SOURCE - THE VANCOUVER SUN
What’s Going On? NOVEMBER,2011 Nov 1 - 2 Aboriginal Literacy Symposium 2011 Winnipeg, MB http://aboriginal-literacy2011. ca/ Nov 2 - 3 Native Women’s Wellness Retreat Calgary, AB http://nativenetworks.ca/ events/native-women%27swellness.aspx Nov 2 - 6 Manito Ahbee Festival Winnipeg, MB www.manitoahbee.com Nov 2 - 6 Giraf 6 Calgary, AB http://giraffest.ca Nov 11 Remembrance Day Canada Nov 11 Artisan’s Fair Fort Calgary Calgary, AB www.fortcalgary.com
Nov 17 - 20 Art Market Craft Sale Calgary, AB www.artmarketcraftsale.com Nov 18 - 20 Marda Loop Justice Film Festival Calgary, AB www.justicefilmfestival.ca Nov 21 Feist in Concert Calgary, AB www.listentofeist.com/metals
Calgary Flames 11/01/2011 07:30 PM Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames 11/08/2011 07:30 PM Minnesota Wild @ Calgary Flames 11/15/2011 07:00 PM Ottawa Senators @ Calgary Flames 11/18/2011 07:00 PM Chicago Blackhawks @ Calgary Flames 11/29/2011 07:30 PM Nashville Predators @ Calgary Flames
Nov 21 - 24 Diabetes Educator Course Toronto, ON www.interprofessional.ubc. ca/IN9568
Calgary Stampeders
Nov 25 - 27 Canadian Aboriginal Festival Hamilton, ON www.canab.com
Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
11/05/2011 02:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Calgary Stampeders
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 Dec/Jan 2011 issue: November 26
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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TRIBE*ART
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NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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COMMUNITY
Employment and Training Opportunities in the Energy Sector by Andrea Tombrowski The National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association (www.naepa.ca) recently held an informative two-day conference in Calgary entitled Ô Energizing Communities for Success.Õ The conference featured noteworthy speakers along with a Business and Employment Expo. Here is a compilation of companies (in no particular order) offering training and/ or employment for Aboriginal peoples in the energy sector. One non-profit organization present at the conference (Ghost River Rediscovery Society) is offering several job opportunities unrelated to the energy sector. Please check out their information at the end of this article. Métis youth will be particularly interested in the associationÕ s overseas paid internship opportunities. PTI Group Inc. www.ptigroup.com PTI Group is a North American company which designs, manufactures, installs and maintains fully-integrated site services in remote communities. Turnkey camp services are able to serve operations up to 5000 persons. Career opportunities exist in trades, engineering, drafting, business management, culinary arts and hospitality. Sandy Sanderson is a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation and director of Aboriginal Relations for PTI. In his three short years with the company, Sandy initiated a highly successful strategy for utilizing Aboriginal talent, most recently with a project based in Saddle Lake. The retention rate for the first 150 Aboriginal workers hired under the new program
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was 83% over 12 months. Sandy states that many of these workers now hold supervisory positions. SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) www.sait.ca www.sait-training.ca Corporate Training Office: Tel: 403-210-5757 or 1-866-884-7117 Or contact Faisal Ali, Business Development Manager, Corporate Training Tel: 403-284-8532 Email: faisal.ali@sait.ca Besides offering a wide variety of campus programs, SAIT offers on-site training opportunities to Aboriginal communities in Alberta. Programs may range from 9-16 weeks. A few of the more popular programs include: Small Business Management, Customized Office Assistant, Construction Management, Pre-Employment Carpentry, Renovation and Home Maintenance, Oil and Gas Land Administration, Baking and Camp/ Line Cook, PC Support, and Emergency Medical Responder. SAIT discovered that Aboriginal students do better when training in their own communities where they have the support of their families and the local band office. SAITÕ s Business Development Manager, Faisal Ali, notes that having a program managed locally by the bandÕ s learning office ensures the Aboriginal flavour is maintained throughout a course. Bands can also offer assistance with issues such as transportation and child care as the need arises. Course funding may
be available from the band office and different levels of government. SAIT also offers Aboriginal students assistance with their program application and program selection through its Chinook Lodge Aboriginal Resource Centre. The Centre offers: “one-on-one cultural and spiritual advising; academic counselling; access to computers, tutors and learning strategists;leadership,mentor, social and networking opportunities; and access to financial resources including bursaries, scholarships and other awards specifically for Aboriginal students.” For more information: Tel: 403-210-4028 Email: chinook.lodge@sait.ca Rio Tinto www.riotinto.com/careers Rio Tinto is an international mining and exploration company with 70,000 employees worldwide, including 13,000 in Canada. Jesse Roberts, the companyÕ s Human Resources Advisor based in South Jordan, Utah, expects the number of job opportunities within the company to exceed its number of trained workers over the next decade, predicting a growth of at least fifty percent in Canadian and worldwide job opportunities. Nuna Group of Companies www.nunalogistics.com Established in 1993, this mining and construction company is 51% Inuitowned and committed to Northern development. The company has joint ventures and partnerships with Inuit and Aboriginal groups across Canada. Visit their website for employment
COMMUNITY opportunities. LiUNA www.joinliuna.ca Tel: 1-506-633-1700 Partnered with the Assembly of First Nations, the LabourersÕ International Union of North America represents over half a million men and women working in a wide variety of industries including building, heavy and highway construction; manufacturing and commerce; and the public sector. Alberta LabourersÕ Training Trust Fund www.alttf.org David Ormandy, Southern Alberta Training Director Tel: 403-243-8899 Email: trainme1@telus.net The ALTTF is a trust fund set up by LiUNA (see previous entry) to meet the training needs of its contractors. Besides offering inhouse classes, the organization offers mobile training for Aboriginal communities. Classes typically run between 12-30 days and are subsidized through Employment Insurance. After receiving training, participants have the opportunity to join the local unionÕ s labour pool. WorleyParsons Canada www.worleyparsons.com Sarah Pihrag, Recruitment Advisor in Calgary Email: sarah.pihrag@worleyparsons.com WorleyParsons is an international company providing professional services to the resources and energy sectors, and complex process industries. CanadaÕ s headquarters are in Calgary with over 2500 employees. The company operates 143 offices in 43 countries with a global personnel of 35,100. Tetra Tech www.eba.ca Tetra Tech is a consulting and engineering & sciences company with 600 employees across Western and Northern Canada. It offers employment in four main industries: mining, energy, transportation and development. Visit their website for job opportunities in administration, construction, geology, engineering and others. See their section for job opportunities for new grads.
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) Program offered through the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in Gatineau, Quebec. Tel: 1-800-400-7677 Email: saea-psab@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca If you operate an Aboriginal business, you may want to check out the PSAB. The program helps qualified Aboriginal businesses secure contract work with the Government of Canada. Go online to read more about the program and/or register your company. The latter is voluntary but may increase your business opportunities. Non-energy related job opportunities: Ghost River Rediscovery Society www.ghostriverrediscovery.com Suite #164, 3359-27 Street NE, Calgary Tel: 403-270-9351 Ò The Ghost River Rediscovery Society (GRR) is a non-profit organization that offers outdoor and cultural education programs based on Aboriginal traditions and values.Ó Please email your resume and cover letter for any of the following three positions to: Kristie Schneider, Operations Manager Email: schneider@ghostriverrediscovery. com For a full description of each job, please visit GRRÕ s website or email Kristie. Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates have been found. Position: Ancient Pathways/New Directions Program Coordinator Full-time salaried position to start immediately. Purpose: “To organize, administer and help facilitate GRRÕ s Ancient Pathways/New Directions (APND) projects Ð summer camp programs (ages 8 to adult) and winter urban youth programs.Ó Qualifications include post-secondary education in Outdoor Education, Social Work, or an Administrative discipline. Must be passionate about helping youth learn and grow in wilderness and urban settings. Position: Resource Coordinator
Development
Full-time salaried position to start immediately. Purpose: “Responsible for the packaging and marketing of GRRÕ s Operations Plan to local and international granting agencies and corporations interested in addressing our specific needs. Qualifications include undergraduate degree, non-profit fundraising experience (minimum 3 years) and grant-writing experience (minimum 2 years). Position: Cook/Camp Kitchen Supervisor 2012 Summer Contract Position Qualifications include skills in food preparation and knowledge of food storage standards in a wilderness setting, experience working with youth, and excellent communication and organizations skills. Métis International Internship Program Six-month paid internships are available to Alberta Métis youth (18-30) in Finland, England or Estonia. The program runs from January 6 – June 30, 2012, with a oneweek pre-departure orientation at Ghost River. “Participants will share their Métis culture, assist in the development of local youth projects, promote youth training and learn valuable life and leadership skills.Ó Along with earning a wage overseas, participantsÕ airfare and travel visas are paid for. Application deadline is November 16, 2011. For more information, contact GRR or Métis Employment Services (1-888-4863847). Additional Note: In November, GRR is offering an 8-hour, 1-day Ô Aboriginal Awareness TrainingÕ course. Some of the topics covered include:Ways of the Original Peoples (traditional values, government structure, medicines); Changes (European contact, the Indian Act, Restrictive Policies), Social Issues (alcohol, stereotypes, ceremonies); and Into the Future (reviving language, identifying resources and resource material). Cost: $125 (training manual can be purchased for an additional $25) November 16 or November 19 Open to everyone.To register, contact GRR. NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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FLAVOR
On the Table Turkey INGREDIENTS
1 (18 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed 2 cups kosher salt 1/2 cup butter, melted 2 large onions, peeled and chopped 4 carrots, peeled and chopped 4 stalks celery, chopped 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 cup dry white wine DIRECTIONS Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt. Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture. Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine. Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.
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FLAVOR
On the Table Apple Pie Crunch INGREDIENTS 1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter 7 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg DIRECTIONS Place rack in lowest position in oven. Heat oven to 450 degrees F ( 230 degrees C). To Make Topping: Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; cut in butter or margarine until mixture is moist and crumbly, and clumps together easily. To Make Filling: Peel, core, and slice apples into approximately 1/8 inch slices. If you cut them too thick you’ll have crunchy apples. In another bowl, toss cut up apples, white sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle in flour, and stir until apples are evenly coated. Layer apple slices in pie shell. You will have a lot of apples, but they will shrink. Layer them higher in the middle. Pour left over juice from apple mixture over apples. Pat the brown sugar topping evenly over apples to make a top crust. Place pie on cookie sheet in oven to catch juice droppings. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and bake for 45 minutes to one hour; bake until center of pie has no resistance. If top starts to get too dark, cover with piece of foil. Cool on wire rack before serving.
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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POETRY
Questions I saw you on the hill looking at the darkening sky are you dreaming of our past? do you wish you had been born in a different time? are you ashamed at what we have become? I saw you looking into the fire of our camp are you imaging yourself sitting with your ancestors? do you hope for a better future for your children? or are you locked into the fever of our past? I saw you holding our child and whispering in his ear? are you telling him to be strong? do you hope he stays proud of his heritage? are you fearful of what he may become? I see you...
Raul Montgomery
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Community
SPOTLIGHT ON Breann the Métis Fiddler
My name is Breann, and my heritage is Métis. I am 9 years old in grade 5 now. I play the Métis style fiddle. I’ve been playing the fiddle since I was 5 years old. I started with classical when I was in grade 1, and then went into Métis style fiddle. I know a lot of songs. I don’t know the exact number because I lost count. My Mom also plays the Métis Fiddle, and my Dad plays the guitar, my younger sister Kaleena is also learning the fiddle. My mom, sister and I go weekly to our Métis office for group lessons where I help out my teacher with the new students in my fiddle class, and enjoy doing so. I’ve played at a number of functions including at my school for the Spring Fling, Volunteer Tea, Métis Senior Jam, and at the Métis Crossing, and so on. Playing the Métis fiddle on stage or in front of an audience has made me feel good about where I come from, and that I hope to continue the traditional style Métis fiddle, and pass it down. So the Métis fiddle tradition will never be lost. You could have a look at me playing on YouTube. My link is you just have to enter tornadometisdancers and it should take you to my YouTube channel.
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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COMMUNITY
APPROPRIATIONÊ VS.Ê APPRECIATION Lorne Taylor Most of us have the good sense to know the difference between right and wrong both in a moral and legal sense, and if you donÕ t know the difference you usually find out the hard way. Increasingly however, I find that when it comes to appropriation of cultures vs. appreciation of cultures the lines are more and more blurred. IÕ m sure weÕ re all familiar with DollaramaÕ s extremely cheap, overseas, mass-produced version of a ‘dream-catcher’; personally I find this offensive, but I question myself as to why IÕ m offended. Is it because theyÕ ve taken something so beautiful, which is deeply ingrained within some Aboriginal cultures, Ojibwa for example, and made it into a tacky, common item that anyone can buy and yet have no idea what-so-ever what the true purpose for the item is? Or is it because I feel that yet again Aboriginal cultures are being exploited and disrespected? I have no idea; maybe itÕ s a combination of a bunch of feelings and ideas that I canÕ t quite organize into one coherent thought.
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Exploitation of Aboriginal arts and crafts is nothing new unfortunately. While in the initial stages of First Contact arts and crafts were marveled, traded, appreciated, and provided a way of promoting trade, it quickly descended into a less tacky version of what we see today. A part of me is happy to see a certain level of appreciation for Aboriginal cultures within mainstream fashion, and the like, however, what is the difference between appreciation and appropriation? When does something go from showcasing the beauty of a culture, to simply exploiting that beauty, uniqueness, etc. to create the next Ô fadÕ or Ô musthaveÕ item? Examples of what IÕ m internally struggling with are seen everywhere; from cheaply constructed moccasins in Payless Shoes, to gaudy dream catchers in Dollarama, to the new Ô Navajo Hipster PantyÕ at Urban Outfitters. I don’t own any of those items, nor do I care to, but the last one is new and itÕ s what inspired me to write this piece. A recent episode of CBC Radio OneÕ s Ô QÕ with Jian
Ghomeshi included an interview with Sasha Houston Brown, a woman from the Santee Sioux Nation in the US. Brown wrote a letter, which has since gone viral, to Mr. Senk CEO of Urban Outfitters Inc. The letter expressed her extreme displeasure with their recent collection of Ò distasteful and racially demeaning apparel and décor…and perverted cultural appropriation [the] store features this season as Ò fashionÓ Ó Brown was referring to Urban Outfitters collection that includes Ò Navajo Print Fabric Wrapped Flask, Peace Treaty Feather Necklace, Staring at Skull Native Headdress T-ShirtÓ and more. Brown argues that none of the products are made by Indigenous people, and that, as far as she can figure out, they were not involved in the production or design process either. BrownÕ s opinion is supported by the fact that the Navajo Nation Attorney General has sent a cease and desist letter to Urban Outfitters Inc. regarding the inappropriate and apparently illegal use of their traditional/legal name. Hearing her interview spiked my
COMMUNITY curiosity, so I searched out her letter on the Internet and found it at www. racialicious.com. Her opinion is passionate and informed, yet I doubt the CEO will pay any attention to it. The next day I listened to a follow-up to the interview on the same CBC program; the host summarized a few of the emails and blogs people wrote responding to BrownÕ s interview. I was surprised, as was the host, to hear that the majority of the people who had responded disagreed with Brown, and instead expressed that they felt the inclusion of traditional items, patterns, etc. was a demonstration of respect and freedom of expression, not, as Brown suggests, Ò behaviour that perpetuates the stereotypes of the white manÕ s Indian and allows for the ongoing commodification of an entire
ethnic group.Ó IÕ m so confused; is (mis)representing cultures wrong or right? Good or bad? Insulting or respectful? My gut tells me something isnÕ t right and that corporations are just out to make a buck by re-producing (if you can call it that) items, patterns, etc. that are deemed Ô uniqueÕ or Ô exoticÕ . Yet others seem to strongly disagree. I believe in the freedom of expression, but to what cost? Is it exploitative? Or expressive? I donÕ t know. I struggle also with the fact that since there is, what some may call, a Ô fadÕ or Ô nicheÕ for Aboriginal art and designs these days; does that make it okay for someone who is Aboriginal, yet has no connection to or respect for their traditions or culture, to market art to feed the fad machine and make
a buck? Is that wrong? I donÕ t know. ThereÕ s a lot of questions in here to which I have no answers. I think this piece is less about providing answers, and more about encouraging readers to question their own purchasing behaviour. Are those feather earrings locally made or mass-produced? Does someone who understands the cultural significance make the dream catcher traditionally or was it made in a factory in China? If consumers stop demanding culturally demeaning, exploitative products, then the factories will stop making them. If that happens then the world will be richer for it because the people themselves and not some faceless corporation will be rightfully representing their culture.
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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Health
FLU SEASON Janice Monroe
Once summer comes to an end and October begins, it’s officially flu season. Flu season typically lasts from October to May and can be a very dreadful time for some. Between the sight of people sneezing, hearing people coughing and our friends and family members getting sick around us, itÕ s not uncommon to feel a little paranoid of germs. Though germs are everywhere and there is no way of getting around them, you can protect yourself from getting sick this flu season in many ways.
eat a healthy diet, weÕ re able to consume all the vitamins and nutrients our body needs. Though a lot of us live off fast meals such as microwavable dinners and fast food on our lunch break, itÕ s important to feed out bodies with healthful foods. A good reference to look at is the food guide pyramid if ever weÕ re looking for guidance on eating healthy.
Exercise: In order to be as healthy as possible, we need to exercise each and every day. As children, we play outside and get exercise without even thinking about it. Now, exercise to adults seems like How to Avoid Getting Sick This work and more like a punishment. Flu Season: ItÕ s good to change your mind set on exercise and consider doing Get your rest: Though a lot of us things such as cleaning your home live busy lives and have several for exercise or joining a yoga things to do, itÕ s so important that class. Exercising doesnÕ t have to we get our rest. It is said that we be boring, just do something you need a minimum of 7 hours eat enjoy that involves any kind of night just to repair and rejuvenate movement. Studies suggest we for the next day. So, anything get a minimum of 30 minutes daily more than that will actually be when it comes to exercise. beneficial. It’s a good idea to aim for about 8-9 hours of sleep daily. Avoid certain areas: Though everywhere we go has germs, Eat a healthy diet: When we there are some areas where 18
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
germs tend to lurk more than others. For example, avoid places such as dirty bathrooms and play places at the mall. Any place that is available to a lot of people and that people tend to hang out often at is a place where there are a lot of germs. This doesnÕ t mean you canÕ t go to places where a lot of people are, but instead just know that these places increase your chances of getting some illness someone else has. Be cautious: Be cautious of everything you do. You donÕ t need to be paranoid, but instead be more aware of where germs are. When it comes to going to a doctor’s office, grocery shopping and touching a dirty cart or touching something such as a phone at work when someone with a cold just got done using it are all things we need to take with a precaution. Wash your hands: Washing your hands is so important. Whenever we come home from anywhere, we eat and before we touch our noses, mouths and eyes, we always need to wash our hands.
HEALTH Though washing our hands all the time may seem like a chore, being sick with the flu is a lot worse. Consider carrying around hand sanitizer with you and washing your hands often.
of people don’t like to get a flu shot because they cost money or because they hurt, the consequences such as getting the flu are much worse. Not only will you be sick for days, but you may also have a fever, be vomiting and feel horrible. You will also more than likely have to pay for medicine in order to feel better later one. So, if youÕ re worried about spending a few bucks on a flu shot or you’re worried about the pain of the shot, remember how much worse the flu feels.
NOTE: Though it may not seem like our hands our dirty, they always are. A lot of people donÕ t know this, but just because someone doesnÕ t have symptoms right then and there, doesnÕ t mean theyÕ re not sick. In fact, it can sometimes take a person 2-3 days for symptoms to set in. Not to mention, a person that is NOTE: A lot of people avoid sick and doesnÕ t feel sick yet is at getting the flu shot because they their most contagious stage. think it will give them the flu or actually make them sick. This is Get the flu shot: If you’d really one of the most unclear topics like to decrease your chance of when it comes to our health. getting the flu, it’s important The flu shot will be a shot that to get a flu shot. Though a lot injects a dead virus into your
bloodstream. Though there may be some side effects such as a sore arm or a small fever, itÕ s only because of your bodyÕ s reaction to the shot. A flu shot is not a live and active virus. Instead, it is dead and allows your body to prepare itself by creating antibodies in order to defend itself if you do end up coming across the flu virus. As you can see, there are ways to prevent yourself from getting sick this flu season. Between boosting your immune system by eating healthy and washing your hands often, you can decrease your chances of getting the flu tremendously.
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Community
Michelle Thrush Shares the Spotlight Can you tell our readers a little I have brought them into various about yourself, and your back- churches and spiritual gatherings ground? including Buddhist Temples to have a wide understanding of My name is Michelle. I have two others peoples ways of believing. beautiful daughters and we have I think it is so important to teach just recently returned home here our children to be accepting of all after spending a little over two peoples ways years living off the grid (without electricity from the grid system) You recently won a Gemini in the south Okanagan. It has been award, can you tell us how that such an interesting transition both came about and was it the highgoing there and again returning light of your career so far? home. While we lived there we learnt a lot about being grateful for Just being nominated was such a everything we have and came back huge honour! I seriously felt it was with a new perspective. A time of enough to just be nominated and huge learning for all three of us. then to actually win was definitely one of the most exciting moments My family is Cree from a small in my career. When I heard them community in the south west corner say my name it was like time of Saskatchewan “Nekaneet” by stopped. It was so surreal and it Maple Creek. My mom moved to took everything in me to get out Calgary and that’s where I was of my seat and walk to the stage. born and raised, but I am close There really isn’t anything that can to my family in the Cypress hills. describe what that moment felt like They have a huge influence on and I was so aware that it was not who I am and I love every moment only about me winning, but about I spend with them. I received my all Aboriginal people winning with Indian name at the sun dance there me. It is rare to have an Aboriginal when I was young and it is also show in the Gemini category and where my oldest daughter received Blackstone won both categories hers. My youngest girl was named that we were nominated for. on their dads reserve in Saddle Lake, I have always tried to raise The other award was for “Best my daughters to have respect for Achievement in Main Title not only their own strong culture Design” for the opening sequence. but also the culture of others. Blackstone has changed my life and brought a huge amount of
exposure . But I also know that it brings a responsibility to be able to give back. This is something I have always been true to, bringing what I know to grass roots community and sharing it with the children and youth. Now with the Gemini and my role in Blackstone there are a lot more doors opening and that is my true passion. What made you decide to become involved with the P.L.A.Y project? Being involved with the P.L.A.Y. project was like divine intervention... I had just moved home! I saw it on Facebook! I called the USAY office and BOOM it happened like magic! LOL I love theatre! I love directing! And I love what USAY does for youth so it was all just a perfect fit! The cast is picked, rehearsals started, how do you feel things are going up to this point? The casting of our play “NDN INTERRUPTED” is so perfect. Every member comes to the rehearsal with their scripts in hand and ready to play. We have a great Stage Manager that is so ready and eager to learn and assist and I am enjoying every moment! It is an absolute precious gift that I receive to watch the young actors walk into NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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COMMUNITY their first rehearsal with some nervousness and apprehension and eventually after a month of preparing and finding their characters they will walk on stage to be real storytellers and SHINE!!. Acting is a vulnerable thing to do. It takes an incredible amount of courage to place your soul out there in front of people and hope they feel your story. Right now we are still in the early stages and we are just finding our legs. I have cast one actor that has more experience and that has really helped. Watching them explore their characters and really reaching within has been amazing. We are dealing with such important topics in this show. I am so proud of Telly James for writing this script with such integrity but also with a lot of humour. We wanted to bring out the unique Treaty 7 humour and I know Telly hit that right on the head!! What other projects do you have on the go that you can tell us about? I have a lot of things on the go right now including the play. I am in talks with some other organizations in Calgary to get more live theatre going and I am really excited about that. I have some of my own performances coming up in various communities across Canada. I am preparing to leave for Winnipeg this week for the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards to present “Best New Artist” award as well as see a lot of friends. I am also doing an autograph signing session at the Manito Ahbee pow wow and some promotional things for APTN. The
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weekend after I am going to San Francisco to host the “American Indian Film Festival Awards Night” and see some southern friends. Then I return to Calgary to continue rehearsals and get this play on stage. We go up on Dec. 2nd and 3rd at the Calgary Public Library. On December the 8th I will be appearing on the George Stroumboulopoulos Show to talk about my Gemini award and the new season of Blackstone. I am also a reoccurring character on a CBC show called” Arctic Air” in which I play Adam Beach’s sister. That shoots in Vancouver until January and I am looking forward to returning to that set soon. What are your hopes for the outcome of this play? My hopes for the outcome of this play is to see these young actors go out there and feel the love... of the theatre bug!! I am hoping that they will continue pursuing the arts in which ever discipline they choose and that they walk away with a greater understanding of their own presence and power of their unique voice. I am hoping that each of them realize that they have the ability to move mountains with their own creativity and that by honouring our stories we honour ourselves. I am hoping that there becomes a much larger Aboriginal theatre presence in Calgary through the youth and... deep down I am secretly hoping that we take this show on tour through Treaty 7 and beyond!
If there was one thing you could have changed about the process so far, what would that have been? There really isn’t anything I would have changed about this process. I am a very organic director and believe that what is supposed to happen, will be. I use this technique with my actors also. I like to allow them to be in tune with their bodies and their surroundings so that when they naturally feel the urge to move or say a line a certain way that they listen and be true to that urge. What is meant to be will be, we just have to get out of our own way and allow it to happen. That is how I look at most things in life and this rehearsal has been the same. I am sure we will hit some bumps along the way but that is perfect too. As an actor myself I understand what they are experiencing. I try to give them what they need to just get past themselves and tell the story. I often say in my classes with youth that it isn’t about you... Its about the story and you are just the vehicle that channels those words. I am grateful to USAY for allowing us go off on our own and do what we need to do with out “interruption”. I feel like all the pieces are falling into place and we are just witnessing the complete and wonderful transformation. What’s next for Michelle Thrush? Hopefully a bit of a break... But soon as Christmas is over, BACK AT IT!!!
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TRIBE Talent
INTRODUCING My name is Desirae Desnomie, IÕ m originally from Peepeekisis Cree Nation in southern Saskatchewan. I have always been interested in storytelling. Here is my own. I come from a family of seven. My parents, my brothers and sisters are very close. As the youngest of five children, I was exposed to many different and opposing views. Our house was always full of laughs and good times. Because my dad was in the Canadian Armed Forces and later in the RCMP, We moved around a lot. We were usually in small town Saskatchewan, bordering a reserve. My Family instilled us with pride and respect for culture and traditions. So I have always known who I am in that regard. Because of my fair skin and blue eyes I realized I was different but not in a negative way. It was an imaginary line that was drawn by others that was showing me I was either accepted or questioned. IÕ ve always had to contend with a question from other First Nation people if I was even one of them or if I was a Ò white girlÓ . On the other hand I was completely accepted by the nonAboriginal people. So that gave way to the realization that I had to go all out when learning where my own people came from. Because I was comfortable in my own skin, making friends always came easily to me. I always fit in wherever we were because IÕ m very outgoing and genuinely curious. I was interested in learning about my friends and their experiences. My Dad bought me a video camera for my Birthday when I was fifteen. I would document my own experiences on a video. I would tape powwows, round dances, gatherings and parties for me and my friends to watch. I would lug around my video camera and conduct interviews on my friends and new people I would meet. I enjoyed the creative control and taping the things my friends and I were interested in. When I was eighteen I was chosen for a documentary series for CBC in western Canada focusing on the struggles of Aboriginal youth. At that point in my life, I had stopped attending regular high school
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and I was wrapped up in the party scene, so I think I was well equipped to talk about struggles. The documentary process was interesting. I wasnÕ t followed around like a reality TV show. It was more of a visit with a videographer and camera crew, who checked in with me every few weeks for an entire year. In the beginning of the documentary, I was and experimenting with drugs and alcohol (not on camera!). As the year went on, my life changed drastically. I found out I was pregnant. I had to make choices and grow up in a short amount of time. And I was doing it in front of a camera. After spending a year taping my life, the documentary did not air. But I learned so much from the experience. I was exposed to a behind the scenes look at how TV is made, and how a long form documentary came together. More importantly though, I fell in love with storytelling. After my move to Calgary and completing the Aboriginal Education Program at Mount Royal University, I started the broadcast diploma program at MRU. This past summer, I spent close to two months at First NationÕ s University of Canada in Regina at the Indian communication arts program summer institute in journalism. The training I received in both places helped me find focus in what it is I want to do. And that is to tell the stories of our people. We need to tell our own stories. We need to hare all of the great things that are happening in our communities. There are many people out there in Indian country who are doing significant and influential things that I feel we need more documentation in the news, broadcasting and publishing. With the media and technology what it is today, it is a great way to get our messages out there. It is so important that our generation becomes aware of our issues. We need to educate ourselves, to Ô break cyclesÕ and be catalysts for change. I feel itÕ s important to have our ElderÕ s stories and teachings documented with
integrity and respect. I am also interested in being a voice or an outlet for my generation. I would like to tell our young peopleÕ s stories and get there point of view. I want to their gateway. I have a good idea of how I want to see our stories told in all forms of media-print, radio and TV. For me, showcasing and creating role models for our youth is important. Indian people today are doing really exciting and interesting things and itÕ s an exciting time to be First Nation. There are many trailblazers following their dreams and itÕ s inspiring to see. IÕ d like to tell those stories and plant some seeds in peoples minds. IÕ ve been drug and alcohol free for a number of years now, and itÕ s something I would like to encourage. IÕ ve always known that I would become drug and alcohol free eventually because of the ceremonies and teachings my family were a part of. And I think as a mother, IÕ m a natural role model for my children. To have them raised in a drug and alcohol free environment is very important to me. A good portion of my inspiration comes from my family. They are a part of the choices I make and they are my support system. Not only am I mother of two beautiful children, I am also a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunty and a friend. There is a lot of my story that is yet to be written. I look forward to getting to know your stories, so hopefully our paths will cross.
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University of Calgary Academic Writing Class Teacher: Laura Swart Car by Anonymous While living in Saskatoon I attended kindergarten. A block away from the school was my day home. The one-day I decided to go straight home, something terrifying happened. While walking home I came across a pedestrian walk sign. Just before I crossed I looked right and left. I noticed an oncoming car from the left, so I kept walking slowly so they would pass. It was a punch buggy car, which was painted in the form of a face. The car stopped and the people inside told me to cross, laughing. I had an eerie feeling. I remember seeing smoke seeping out the windows and the car was crammed with teenagers. They were loud and all talked at once. I shoed my hand so they can go. But a males voice said, Ò Go! Cross the walkÓ . With my eerie and unsafe feeling, I still started to cross. Within two steps he revved his engine. So I stepped back. Again the same maleÕ s voice, but annoyed said, Ò GO! WALK ACROSS, WE ARE NOT LEAVINGÓ . With hearing the mean in his voice and the fear of them hurting me, I started to cross again. I looked, put my foot on the ground, and made it 25% into the road, but just as before, he revved his engine louder and stepped on the gas, almost hitting me. He would have hit me if I did not move. I was extremely scared and I ran back to the road. No one was around: no kids, no parents, and no cars. I felt isolated, where was every body? I felt scared, were they going to kill me? My heart was pounding, I started shaking, I started crying, and I could not breathe right. Anxiety took over me. The male yelled, Ò CROSS!Ó I thought he was going to get out of his car to physically hurt me. Because of all my crying, I could not see past the pools of water in my eyes. I heard one of the passengersÑ a femaleÕ s voiceÑ say, Ò Stop it, youÕ re scaring her!Ó But he did not care, he
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screamed, Ò CROSS THE ROAD YOU STUPID LITTLE INDIAN!Ó His voice was demanding, threatening, and mean. I have never been so terrified. But hearing that females voice gave me courage. So I got readyÑ told myself I could do itÑ and started to run. Focusing on the other side of the crosswalk, nothing could stop me. Half way through the road he revved his engine, almost hit me and drove off laughing. The only thing I could hear was my heartbeat throbbing though out my entire body. Being so scared, I ran, I ran so fast my body had a hard time keeping up with my legs. As I ran, I saw more smoke escaping from the windows of the car. Lost Child by Nicole Acuna Recently I was driving with my mother in the car and I began telling her a story that I had heard in school about the Sixties Scoop. Towards the end of the story I noticed that my mother was very quiet. When I was done she then quietly said that is just like my brother. I grew up knowing that I had an uncle that was cognitively delayed and I knew he lived with a social worker that had taken him in. The realization that my uncle was part of this era is hard to explain. No words can explain the weight that I immediately felt on my shoulders or the reason for my sudden increase in breathing. I wondered how this could be possible and how I could not have known. My mother then told me the story of her older brother. He was born with a medical condition and my grandma knew right away that something was not right with him. He was born on October 22, 1960 in the Calgary General Hospital. He frequently threw up and was not gaining weight. She went to doctors in Calgary and in Edmonton. No one had an answer for his condition. On February 1, 1962
my grandma brought her son back to the Calgary General Hospital. The next day a social worker came to my grandma and explained that her little boy needed an operation. The social worker produced some papers and explained that without the operation her son would die. My grandma quickly signed the papers knowing that her little boy would finally have the help he desperately needed. The social worker then told her to go home. The next day when my grandma returned to the hospital she was told by the nurses that her son had been taken by Child Welfare. My grandma did not understand the system and had no money for a lawyer. Her son became a permanent ward of the government. My uncle grew up in the system. He had various placements and went to specialized schools for handicapped children. His family was told that they could not have contact with him. Fortunately over the years his path kept crossing with one social worker that cared about him. Eventually my uncle went to live with him and he became my uncleÕ s supported living roommate. In 1984 my uncle was sterilized. It was standard practice for wards of the Government to be sterilized. There was a class action suit in the 1990Õ s and my uncle was awarded money for the forced sterilization. Then another operation was scheduled because there were complications from the sterilization. During the second operation he contacted HIV. There is another class action suit before the courts, but really what does that do for him? My uncle will be 60 in a couple of years and he was handed a death sentence. He will never understand or comprehend the
COMMUNITY decisions that have been made for him. When he was a little boy he would ask for his family. Eventually he stopped talking and his labels got longer and longer. My grandma still talks about her little boy and what might have been. My mother, sister and I are employed in the social work field. Hopefully we are all part of a new era that is there to stand up for the rights of our people. The Healing Dance by Chantel Large The body of a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, travels from the church to its resting place; its tail blazes reds, oranges, blues - the recession of cars. An oncoming car tries to pass, but stops, to honor a lost piece of our community. The rain leads her to the ground Ð softening her eternal bed Ð and the black rainstorm continues for days. Time passes and I listen to the sound of my jingle dress cones clank with my every step: the sound of healing. I make my way to the circular arbor, concentrating on the centre pole, where my grandfather instructed me to dance because our community needs mending. I look to my left and see my aunt - her eyebrows flurried with grief – sitting with her four children, usually fervent, in trancelike silence. I see all my family, all my community, sitting in crippled darkness. I can feel the sinew scraping the outskirts of my bare feet - the pale green sage tucked inside my moccasin itches. Under my red, white, yellow, and black beaded moccasins the grass is bending and cracking in all directions; it is dying under the pressure of my weight. Sweat trickles down my forehead as our communityÕ s tears sprinkle my soul and my eyes search the sky for answers - one gleam of hope seeps through the clouds. The fierce beat thumps, making its way through my body, my heart sprints and my feet move quickly, delicately, on the grass. It is bending in four directions now, and it springs back - as if I make it live, make it dance, through the motion of my feet. The drum is beating faster, harder, and my body sways to the four starts streaming through my blood. I can hear the light breeze singing in unison
with the yellowing leaves and I can feel her presence - dancing, singing, living she is that gleam of sunlight, that blade of grass, that light breeze. I lift my eagle feather fan to honor her presence Ð forever indebted. The song stops, but she continues to live all around, and when I look to my community I see risen spirits Ð they feel her too. The Beach by Megan Jerry ItÕ s a clear morning. The hot sun is beaming and I’m drenched by the heat. The skies fill the horizon. The calm breeze fades, I make my way down the narrow wooden steps down to the turquoise water, sink my feet down into the sand. Waves crash into the shoreline, relaxation pulses through me; I exhale and breathe in the salt of the sea, rainbow fish glide through the water, and all around blue and white striped umbrellas and red and yellow beach chairs are all I see. Laughter of beachcombers and screams of excitement from children are all around, I gaze up and notice 3 seagulls have risen up from the sand cawing, soaring freely high above the ocean water in the crystal sky and I wish I could ride on the sea gulls wings. As I sit on the edge of it all I relax and enjoy the sights and sounds, a I settle on the sand and realize the seagulls are free just like me. Cops and Robbers by Taryn Abraham Suspense tightened my body, the old man crept closer, closer. Louder, louder my heart pounded a punishing beat. Footsteps cautiously cracked tender twigs. Leaves crumbled. The night was black as tar; clouds blanketed every inch of moonlight; the only light came from flickering street lamps. I opened my mouth to quiet my breathing. With a slow, smooth motion
the old man picked his way towards me. Huddled in the scraggly bushes with branches like black lifeless veins- I peered out. The old man examining his yard for an intruder- in an instant- jerked his head my way. His eyes sparked with the flickering light. I could hear his breathing; the cold autumn air fuelled his determined search. This wasnÕ t a game, not anymore- this was a fight. I had to get away; punishment was not an option. His eyes stared- the sparks drummed an uprising beat. I clenched the branches, pivoted my foot then lunged out of the bushes. Startled, the old man stepped back, reached for the hood of my sweater- missed, then roared, Ò YOU LITTLE SHIT?!...IÕ M GONNA KILL YOUÓ . Karma was within armÕ s reach and ready to pull me into its dark depths of regret. I bolted through the yard, past the brown grungy gates, and on to the sleek sidewalk. My little feet thudded on the concrete; adrenaline rushed through my veins and the footsteps behind me quietly, slowly, faded away. Confidence took control- it flowed through my body like a stream in the mountains; everything pulsated and reeked with this confidence: my breathing, my footsteps, and even the air. The wind from my speed brought brown lifeless leaves to life and carried them to springtime heights. Each step full of rhythm; trees fluttered angelic whispers and leaves danced as I dashed by themthis was an orchestra singing freedom. My freedom had a stench so strong the old man could smell it- he gave up. I was free but the old man was the least of my worries. Karma was my main concern; it was around every corner: stalking and lurking in the darkness; waiting for me to make the wrong move so it can pounce and feed off my lies and deceit. Then I heard it, it drilled its way into my ears yelling a stern militant order, Ò TARYN JORDAN ABRAHAM! IT’S 2:30AM! You were supposed to be sleeping at your friends; instead you are playing COPS AND ROBBERS! GET YOUR ASS TO BED!Ó
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TALENT
“Destruct” Digital Art 2011
CHRISTIANA LATHAM
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BEATS
Turn up the Volume By Katty Jo Rabbit
Florence and the machine Confessionals It is always exciting to have a first listen through of an album from a favourite artist, but when you start going back to the 80Õ s, and thinking of Annie Lennox, it really loses gusto for keeping up that excitement. I do have to admit that when I first listened to the whole album I felt depressed, almost like I missed out on summer or something had passed me by. Maybe these are the emotions she wanted to convey, as she has been pretty busy with tours, interviews, and all that good stuff, but I didnÕ t like how after the second listen I started to reflect on all my past mistakes. One being not going to as many concerts as I would have liked, it was almost as if it caused me to confess to myself things that I didnÕ t want to acknowledge for the fact that it was a pretty depressing summer. Back to the music; don’t forget this is only a brief glimpse into the first impression. Many will take it to another level depending on their own musical experience. You really have to take the music for what it is worth and with this album; you get what you might not have expected. It feels like she as in Florence and her band wants to explore the dark, mysterious side of the music, but I personally donÕ t want that. I want something that is going to make me dance, sing along, want to party, as the cold weather encroaches we definitely need to warm our spirits with a sense of renewal. This is basically the same theme, the same style, the same imagery, the only thing different here is that she definitely seems more polished, mature, and daring to push her own point of view. I like it, but more for those times when I just want to sit alone in the dark and feel sorry for myself.
Noel Gallagher High Flying Birds A few years ago I was watching some thingy on Noel while he was doing a solo show. I was extremely excited when I heard him do a sound check with a few chords and line from a song that is on this new album. It made me feel my heart beat in my finger tips it was amazing. ItÕ s called If I had a gun it was extremely surprising those first few lines, and from there I searched high and low for a copy of this or a leak. Well it turns out that I wasnÕ t the only one to do this. As others had heard the sound check they took upon themselves to finish the song, you can check these versions out on Youtube. Some were pretty lame but there was one version that really caught my ear, but weÕ re talking about Noel. This is the first album written and performed solely by the other rotten half of the Gallagher bro’s, and I have to admit I am an immediate fan. Remember when you couldnÕ t stop singing Wonderwall and you were all heart broken because you didnÕ t get to go to the winter prom, wait I think that was me, but this album will be like that. I can already imagine myself dancing at my own wedding to some of these songs. Lame! But I love it, and I think you will too. Only because he is able to create a world where it is okay for guys to sing in higher octaves, just kidding, he reminds us all about what makes good music.
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MOVIES
See You at the Movies starring Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly and Dakota Goyo The Reel Steel movie features actor Hugh Jackman and forms of robots. The story is about a robot that was built from used part that is part taking in a boxing match. This movie is a good one for families. Especially if you have little boys they will particularly enjoy this film. The only problem with the film for families is that it does have some rough language in parts of the movie. This is about a former boxer that is now turning robots into boxers and fixing them using used parts.
Reel Steel
They also feature a little guy that has recently lost his mother and the former boxer (Hugh Jackman) realizes this is his son and he wants a relationship with his father. They begin to have a relationship together and have a hard time at first and this is when the robots help and the child wants to show the world that the robots are just like humans. The Reel Steel movie has received a 4 stars out of 5 from customer reviews. The film is rated PG-13 due to its nature of violence and a little rough language. The movie gets great reviews from customers due to the fighting of the robots not being overrated and the story line along the way.
starring Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown and Christopher Nicholas Smith The Paranormal Activity 3 is a following to the 1st and 2nd Paranormal Activity movies. This one shows where all the paranormal activity begins. They start off the film when they were both children and they show the events that have led up to them experiencing paranormal activities when they are adults. This one gets a lot of mixed reviews from people stating that if you have seen the 1st and the 2nd Paranormal Activity then there is no need to see this one from others thinking it genius because its real and it focuses on the different sounds you may hear in your home at night.
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This Paranormal Activity is a good horror film for anyone because it is more life like then any other horror film out on the market these days. Instead of focusing on the unimaginable things that could happen they focus on things in the home that make it seem so real for anyone watching. There is a lot of parts in this movie that has had a lot of people terrified. Most customer reviews have shown they enjoy most of the movie except the end makes no sense. If your love a good horror film and are up to get a little terrified then you should go watch it for yourself.
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See You at the Movies
MOV IES
A Windigo Tale Movie Review By Levi First Charger
Gary Farmer, Andrea Menard, Jani Lauzon and Elliot Simon It was my first time at the Calgary International Film Festival and besides the cold weather and having to stand outside for fifteen minutes before the movie started, my experience at the C.I.F.F was great. It was good to see not only Aboriginals watching A Windigo Tale but different people from different cultures watching it as well; when something funny or sad happen during the movie the whole audience would react the same they would laugh at something funny and go quiet and gasp during the dramatic parts of the movie. Would I go again to the C.I.F.F? Of course I would! It was a fun and a great experience, all I have to do is dress for the weather grab some popcorn and sit back and enjoy some great movies with friends and family at this fantastic event. A Windigo Tale is dramatic movie that touch the audience who watches this film. Set in the Six Nations Reserve which is located in Ontario. Harold (Gary Farmer) is a grandfather who is picking up his grandson Curtis (Elliot Simon) from the city because of concerns that Curtis is getting involved in a gang and living a dangerous lifestyle. On their journey back home Curtis learns the importance of culture and traditions of the Ojibway way of life. CurtisÕ s grandfather, Harold, also tells him about the familyÕ s dark past with the residential school system and how the ripple effect of the residential schools still affects not only his family but his people as well. A Windigo Tale raise awareness for Aboriginal issues and the effects of residential schools. With that being said this movie isnÕ t for everyone; Why? Like I said this movie talks a lot about the experience of residential schools and the effects of the residential school system and for the survivors of the residential school system the experience was not good at all. Go watch this movie with an open mind and you will learn a little about Ojibway culture and values, and maybe youÕ ll be surprised at what you learn.
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LITERA LLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind Steve Jobs By Walter Isaacson The Steve Jobs biography is an insightful book on the life of the late well known CEO of Apple. It is not written from a technological point of view but from a writers point of view, focusing on the man, not his inventions. The book was compiled using over 40 candid interviews with him and interviews from over 100 people who knew him. Although it talks about his adoptive and biological parents from his birth on Febuaury 24, 1955 to his untimely death on October 5, 2011 the book is focused on three main parts of his life. The first part is focused on how he and Stephen Wozniak started Apple Computers in 1976 to his leaving of Apple in 1985, including his business ventures with NeXT and Pixar. The second part concentrates on how he became CEO of Apple once again and how through his narcissistic behaviour Apple became the success it is today. The final part discusses the post-computer generation of Apple with the inventions of the iphone, ipad and ipods. The book is a brilliant mixture of the experiences and perspectives that molded Steve Jobs, with commentaries on the experiences and perspectives from those who interacted with him.
The Death Cure By James Dasner The Death Cure is the third book in the Maze Runner trilogy which was written for young adults. This science fiction book like the two previous books is very fast paced and filled with action and a fair amount of violence. In the first two books there were many plot puzzles and mysteries with the answers to these questions being revealed in The Death Cure. In the Maze Runner series the trials and tribulations of the young main characters Thomas, Teresa, Minho, Newt and Brenda are followed as they try to find a cure for a virus (the flare) which has made most of the earth a zombie wasteland. Because Thomas and the others were immune to the virus W.I.C.K.E.D. (World In Catastrophe, Killzone Experiment Department) has been using them as blueprints to try and find a cure. After erasing their memories elaborate mazes were constructed to find out who the smartest one is. In this book Thomas and the others leave the maze and go to one of the few protected cities Denver, Colorado. In this classic good versus evil plot who can they trust, even among themselves and only a few will survive to tell the story.
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HOROSCOPES
HOROSCOPES CENTRAL Scorpio October 23- November 21 Your determined, strong-willed, and a deep thinker with these traits you will succeed not only professionally but in your personal life as well. Sagittarius November 22- December 21
Gemini May 21-June 20
You are impatient and like your freedom. Be careful these traits could get you in trouble some day if they haven’t already.
A Gemini likes excitement and adventures. Just like everyone else but you take your adventures and excitement to the extreme. It’s ok to stay home once in a while and just chill.
Cancer June 21-July 22
Capricorn December 22-Januarary 20
A cancer is loyal and reliable. These are good qualities to have not just for your employment but also for your current or future relationships.
You have good organizational skills and strong work ethic. Having these skills makes you a cruel taskmaster. It’s ok to loosen the reins a little bit not just for you but the people around you as well.
Leo July 23- August 22
Aquarius January 21- February 18
A Leo doesn’t like hostility or criticism, who does? With out hostility or criticism how will you learn your boundaries? A little hostility and criticism is good for you.
You have good communication skills so that’s makes you very sociable person. You have a skill that most people don’t have use it to your fullest potential.
Virgo August 23- September 22
Pisces February 19- March 20 You are very understanding and trustworthy person. Be careful don’t let people take advantage of your kindness because they will if you let them.
Aries March 21- April 19 You are straight forward, frank, and aggressive. It’s good to have these qualities but use in moderation. Most people don’t like other people in their face all the time.
A Virgo demands respect but to get respect you have to show respect. When you show someone respect they will respect you.
Taurus April 20- May 20 You hate change and betrayal but change is good for growth and new opportunities in life. If someone betrays you at least you will know who your friends are.
Libra September 23-October 22 Your always on top of things, you could be bossy at times but your always fair and treat people with respect.
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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COMMUNITY
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NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
U AROUND TOWN
NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2011
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a dark comedy about the choices we make
December 2,3 7:00 pm John Dutton Theatre Central Library Downtown Tickets only $5.00
Call 403.233.8225