2012 Nov New Tribe

ELDERS SUMMIT

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SISTERS IN SPIRIT WALK

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WINTER TIPS

NEW TRIBE magazine NEEPIN AUGER IS MAKING HER OWN PATH

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ROMEO SAGANASH

*GEAR UP FOR WINTER *SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA U AROUND TOWN

Free Vol. 11 Issue 6 NOVEMBER 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 November events? Feel free to search us issue of New Tribe Magazine. out on Face book and join our Before going growing friends any further I list. We post just wanted to upcoming events, mention that submission this month requ irements USAY hosts and deadlines, their annual and fun stuff AGM meeting like upcoming so check out movie nights and the ad on page book clubs. It is 6 for more also a great place informat ion to comment on on how to stories or articles get involved you wish to see with this great in our upcoming organization. issues.

In this issue we talked with local artist Neepin Auger on Do you have an opinion on this her amazing art pieces and her issue of New Tribe magazine? process for creating them so be Good, bad, or ugly send in your sure to check out the story on thoughts and we will print it in the letters section. page 20.

Remembrance day is also this month so be sure to reflect on the sacrifices that were made so that we can all live in a society of equality and freedom.

Spread the word, and stay true to it.

John Medeiros Managing Editor

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

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CONTENTS

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34 NOVEMBER

COVER STORY NEEPIN AUGER

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Story by Christine McFarlane Photography by John Medeiros

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7 WHAT’S GOING ON?

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160 VIGILS

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IWCL

10 ROMEO SAGANASH

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12 ON THE TABLE

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MUSIC REVIEW

14 POETRY

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MOVIE REVIEW

15 COMMUNITY

34

LITERALLY

16 WINTER TIPS

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DRUM & DANCE

18 SAINT KATERI

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U AROUND TOWN

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NEWS BRIEFS

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NEWS*BRIEFS

Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada Aboriginal video game puts modern twist on tradition of storytelling MONTREAL -Using a modern twist to honour centuries-old traditions, a new video game designed by young people from Kahnawake uses Mohawk legends as inspiration.

The product of a video game design workshop at Concordia Uiversity, Skahi˜ n:hati: Rise of the KanienÕ keh‡ :ka Legends, tells the story of a man who must fight a Stone Giant, Tree People and the Flying Head on his path to becoming a warrior.

The workshop was all about Aboriginal storytelling and video game design called Skins. Ò We bring in people from the reserve, elders, people who know the stories, to talk about stories, to tell the stories,Ó said Jason Lewis, design and computation arts professor at Concordia.

One of those elders is Owisokon Lahache, who said staying true to the

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stories was the biggest challenge in building the game. Ò When youÕ re trying to translate ideology into imagery,Ó she said. Ò ItÕ s a little bit hard because you want to make sure they are grasping the real value of the story.Ó Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 from Kahnawake spent a combined total of 350 hours creating the game, which can be downloaded here.

The focus was on a positive portrayal of their proud heritage. Ò For video games, aboriginal people havenÕ t been portrayed right. ItÕ s very much like stereotypes and caricatures, not characters. I thought I could come up with a good story and a good character to put in our game,Ó said Tehoniehtathe Delisle, a participant of the workshop.

The videoÕ s central character is a boastful young man, said Mohawk artist Towanna Miller.

Ò In this video game, the young man starts off liking to brag a lot, and the chief sent him out on a mission to defeat these giant monsters, so that your actions speak louder than words,Ó said Miller.

Along the way, players learn about Aboriginal and Mohawk culture. Ò You learn about what the pottery is and what the corn is for, and the corn masher and the longhouse and the lacrosse stick so, there are elements of teachings in there too,Ó said Miller.

Beneath the fun of playing a game they made themselves, young people take away something more, said Skawennati Fragnito of Aboriginal Territories in Cyberspace, a network of designers and academics creating new, Aboriginallydetermined spaces online. Ò We wanted to empower people, especially young people, not to just be consumers of this media but to think of themselves as possible producers of it,Ó said Fragnito.

SOURCE -CTV MONTREAL

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What’s Going On? NOVEMBER,2012 Oct 31 - Nov 04 GIRAF Animation Festival http://giraffest.ca Calgary, AB Nov 02 Wiz Khalifa in Concert Stampede Corral Calgary, AB Nov 07 - 08 Native Women’s Wellness Retreat www.nativenetworks.ca/ events/native-women%27swellness Edmonton, AB Nov 11 Fort Calgary - Artisan’s Fair Fort Calgary Calgary, AB Nov 11 Remembrance day Calgary, AB Nov 14 - 18 Marda Loop Justice Film Festival River Park Church Calgary, AB

Nov 14 Metric in Concert Stampede Corral Calgary, AB Nov 15 Gwar in Concert MacEwan Hall Calgary, AB Nov 17 Survivors of Suicide Day Calgary Zoo Calgary, AB Nov 19 Red Hot Chili Peppers Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB Nov 22 - 24 Winter Show & Sale Alberta College of Art & Design ACAD Calgary, AB

Nov 24 Catch the Elves 5k Walk/Run 8k Walk/Run for Muscular Dystrophy Eau Claire Calgary, AB

Calgary Hitmen Home Games 11/07/2012 07:00 PM Moose Jaw Warriors @ Calgary Hitmen 11/09/2012 07:00 PM Victoria Royals @ Calgary Hitmen 11/11/2012 04:00 PM Kootenay Ice @ Calgary Hitmen 11/18/2012 02:00 PM Swift Current Broncos @ Calgary Hitmen 11/21/2012 07:00 PM Lethbridge Hurricanes @ Calgary Hitmen 11/23/2012 07:00 PM Medicine Hat Tigers @ Calgary Hitmen 11/30/2012 07:00 PM Saskatoon Blades @ Calgary Hitmen

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 Dec/Jan 2012 issue: Nov 25

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The Future Return of

ROMEO SAGANASH Romeo Saganash was born and raised in Waswanipi, Quebec.

He is fluent in both Cree and Spanish. This residential school survivor made it through the Universite de Quebec a Montreal law school. Since then, he became very popular not only in Quebec but throughout the whole world.This is because of his exemplary service and ability that unite people and get them moving to achieve one goal.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. In addition, he was one of the great minds behind the La Paiz de Braves. This is a landmark agreement between the Quebec Government and the James Bay Cree.

Saganash fought for the balance between the economic growth and the environmental welfare.

He is a true environmentalist who has served the Cree Regional Authority and Kames Saganash has spearheaded Bay Advisory Committee national and international on the Environment as the initiatives. This includes the vice chairman and chairman 10

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respectively.

In 1985, Saganash established the Cree Nation Youth Council.The Grand Council of the Cree was also run under his supervision as the deputy grand chief. In 2011, Saganash announced his intention to run for NDP leadership. This made him the very first aboriginal leader to vie for a high position in a major Canadian party. However, he decided to withdraw his candidacy and support Mulcair instead.

COMMUNITY The Controversy

consume him.

Recently, Romeo Saganash announced that he is taking a leave of absence to treat his alcohol problems. It was reported that Saganash caused a half hour delay on an Air Canada Jazz flight between Montreal and Val-dÕ Or. The report says that the NDP MP was removed from the flight due to alcohol intoxication.

Saganash sincerely apologized to the public, the flight’s passengers, crew, staff, the airline and the airport. Airline management declined to comment on this case. However, they reiterated that their crew members handled the matter professionally.

One witness revealed that Saganash got on the plane and suddenly dropped his bag while he was in the aisle. The northern Quebec MP then collapsed between the two open seats and layed down. Staff escorted him out of the plane.

However, Saganash denied the story and reiterated that it was not exactly what happened.

Nevertheless, he was seriously embarrassed about his behavior.

A few days after, Saganash expressed his apology. After 30 years of going to and fro Canada via air, this was the first time anything like this had ever happened to him. He admitted that he was at fault and promised not to let it happen again.

Moreover, the NDP MP pointed out the stress he had been going through. Leadership wore him out and left him with less time for his children and loved ones.

He had resorted to alcohol to combat stress. Unfortunately, he ended up losing control of himself and allowed alcohol to

SaganashÕ s Problem

The Verdict The public has had varying reactions to SaganashÕ s alcohol problems. However, the majority express sympathy for Saganash.

This is not only because he had contributed a lot to the environment and aboriginal welfare. The fact that Saganash recognized his shortcoming was enough for the public to Alcohol still respect him as a person and as a leader.

Romeo SaganashÕ s is not alone when it comes to alcohol dependence. There were also many other Canadian politicians who haven gotten into the same trouble as he did. This includes the Liberal MP John McCallum who was also taken off a flight in2002. Bernard Valcourt went out of control and crashed while riding his motorcycle.

The former Consumer and Corporate Affairs minister admitted he had twice the legal alcohol level in his system during the accident. He resigned as a member of Brian MulroneyÕ s cabinet in 1989.

Alcohol dependence is very common in Canada. Saganash is just one of the many individuals who are battling stress with alcohol and need to seek professional help. Stress has always been a major reason why people develop this devastating disease. Saganash is now taking a leave of absence for his alcohol dependence treatment.

Despite the embarrassing experience, Romeo Saganash stood up and apologized. He had no second thoughts when he admitted his alcohol problems and promised to come back as a better person and leader.

Romeo Saganash is one of the most popular Aboriginal leaders today. The controversy should be taken as a lesson to everyone. People who have the same problems should not be afraid to seek help and improve themselves. Alcohol dependence is a disease that can not be cured without medical intervention.

The Aboriginal youth should take SaganashÕ s experience as their inspiration. They should do their best to go the school, achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams. They may fall along the way, but they always have the choice to stand up and keep going.

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FLAVOR

On the Table Walnut Pumpkin Pie INGREDIENTS 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin 1 (14 ounce) Sweetened Condensed Milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon maple flavoring 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Walnut Topping: 1 (9 inch) Graham cracker pie crust or unbaked pie shell 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped walnuts DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, maple flavoring, ginger, nutmeg and salt; mix well. Pour into pie shell.

Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Reduce oven to 350 degrees F; continue baking 30 minutes.

In medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts.

Remove pie from oven; top evenly with crumb mixture. Return to oven 10 minutes. Cool. Garnish as desired.

Store covered in refrigerator 12

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crafts

Crafts LEAF MOBILE Materials colorful fall leaves heavy book for pressing clear contact paper tree branch thread INSTRUCTIONS First, collect colorful fallen leaves. Press them between the pages of a heavy book for a day or two to flatten them.

For each leaf, cut two squares of clear contact paper an inch or two wider than your leaf. Peel the backing off of one piece and lay it sticky-side up.

Place the leaf in the center, then peel the backing off the second piece and carefully place it on top.

Punch a hole for hanging.

Trim the edges of the contact paper, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Hang the leaves from a tree branch with thread. Place the branch in a heavy vase or suspend it from a curtain rod.

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POETRY Let U Go

by Cory Littlelight Over u I’m never over u Something about u Keeps me coming back Even when things are so bad Over now Is it really over now?

I try to forget u Tried to let u go But it’s too late I’m in too deep Back to me Still hoping one day You’ll come back to me Whatever happened to us?

Where did u go?

What we could have been together I guess we’ll never know And if I could take back All the things I did to u I would But I can’t Now I live with that Still hoping that maybe someday you’ll come back But she’s not coming back Gone forever Damn girl…

I gotta live with the fact I did u wrong forever And what’s worse…

I can’t see the tears coming from my eye Which is why I gotta make these words cry Cause it’s over now The damage is done But even though you’re gone You’ll always live on In my heart and memory forever It’s just so hard to move on Everyday is a fight Just to make it through the day Some days I just wanna drink it away Maybe it’s just time to finally let u go Time to move on Time to be strong I just hope you’ll always remember the good in me And never forget me Now that I’m gone Cause I’m better off alone I’ll do it on my own What we could’ve been Marina I guess we’ll never really know Whatever though All I know is the hardest part is letting u go

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WINTER TIPS Winter is a fun, yet hectic time of the year for teenagers.

Most are knee-deep in school work, busy participating in school events and planning and partaking in holiday festivities.

However, with a bit of planning, this hectic time of the year can be fun and exciting instead of hectic and overwhelming. Here are a few tips on how teenagers can prepare and get themselves ready for this upcoming winter.

Set Up A Planner or Calendar: It is so easy for teenagers to commit to too many things and overextend themselves.

They want to take part in every school sporting event, every high school dance, every party that friends throw, go on dates and hang out with friends.

However, combining all of this with studying, homework and possibly an after-school job does not leave the teen with any time. A teenager should set up a planner or calendar to keep track of their events and schedule.

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Then, before they commit to anything, they can see what they have going on and plan accordingly. Luckily, this is not difficult, thanks to technology.

Most teens have smart phones or tablets. The majority of these have built in planners, or they can find and download an app that will help them organize their schedule.

Go Shopping: Fashion is important to teenagers. Having a trendy jacket, fashionable shoes and cool clothing is a must for most teens. However, if you wait until it starts to get cold out, most of the stores have already been picked through. Finding that perfect pair of shoes or jacket in the right size becomes much more challenging. This is why it is so important to go shopping early in the season.

do yourself a favor and pick the items up early, before they are sold out. And, if for some reason your teen decides they need something later in the season that just can’t be found anywhere, try searching on the Internet. Most online retailers have a larger selection, so what seems impossible to find in store is much easier to locate online.

Start Looking For a Job: Winter is a great time for teenagers to find jobs. Whether it be shoveling snow out of a neighbor’s driveway or getting a holiday job at the mall, winter is ideal for part-time work.

However, many teens make the mistake of waiting too long before they think about looking for a job. Most retailers start looking to hire seasonal employers in October, so getting applications in early is always important. And if a teen It is not difficult to know what is thinking of offering their own the trends are going to be and services, such as shoveling snow what is going to be popular, so or offering holiday babysitting

COMMU NITY services, making flyers and distributing them early is key to succeeding. Procrastinating can prevent a teen from getting a job or obtaining the clients they need for their business to succeed.

Planning Out Activities: One of the best parts about winter is all of the fun activities that teens can partake in. There is ice skating, sledding, skiing and snowboarding. However, many teenagers wait until the last minute to announce that they would like to do this activity. This leaves their parents trying to make last minute arrangements or come up with money for some of the more expensive activities.

times, ski and snowboarding resorts offer discounts if you buy lift tickets ahead of time, which makes the activity more affordable. And this gives parents the advanced notice they need to drive their teen to one of these locations or arrange for a weekend trip for the entire family. Having a teenager plan out some of their activities ahead of time makes it easier on all parties involved.

Start Making a Holiday Shopping List: Teenagers love to buy holiday gifts for their family, friends and girlfriends or boyfriends.

However, most are extremely picky about what they buy. They want to take their time and find the perfect gift. Unfortunately, A better idea is to plan out the most don’t give much thought activities ahead of time. Often to holiday shopping until the

holidays are right around the corner. By that time, limited inventory and time constraints can throw a wrench in their plans to find that perfect gift.

However, making a holiday shopping list ahead of time and picking up presents as the teen is out and about is a simple solution to this problem.

The shopping list does not have to include items, just names of people they want to buy for.

Then as they see the perfect gift, they can pick it and cross that name off of the list. Or if they do know what they want to buy, they can write it on their list and purchase it when it is found or when it goes on sale.

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Community

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, who was canonized on October 21, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, is the first Native North American saint. She was born near Auriesville, NY, approximately 40 miles northwest of modern-day Albany. Her father was a wellrespected Mohawk chief; her mother was a Catholic woman who often shared with her the stories of Jesus.

When Kateri was just four years old, a smallpox epidemic swept through her village. KateriÕ s parents and her only sibling, a brother, died from the illness. Kateri, left partially blind, weakened, and physically disfigured from 18

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scarring of her skin, was her face. taken in by an uncle and his When Father de Lamberville, wife. a Jesuit missionary, arrived in Throughout the rest of her the area to establish a chapel childhood, Kateri participated for the village, Kateri eagerly with her kinfolk and other requested the privilege of villagers in the tasks typical religious instruction. At age for the women of their tribe. 20, she was baptized into She collected firewood, the Catholic faith and given picked roots used for making the name by which we now medicines and dyes, and know her, Kateri, a Mohawk cultivated and tended crops name which means Ò pureÓ of corn, beans, and squash. or Ò chasteÓ . Life changed Her aunt worked to prepare drastically for Kateri after her for a suitable marriage her baptism. Her family and partner, but Kateri shrank the surrounding community, with her from the prospect of married displeased life, perhaps from shame due acceptance of Catholicism, to her facial scarring. She ostracized and threatened often used a scarf or veil to her. Instead of renouncing her hide the scarred portions of faith as her people demanded,

HEALTH , Kateri courageously ventured north more than 200 miles on foot to the Catholic mission of St. Francis Xavier, located near modernday Montreal, Canada.

Thankful for this place of refuge, Kateri led a life of prayer and penance, and spent time teaching the village children and caring for the poor, sick, and needy.

She was well-loved by all and known especially for her ability to inspire others with her retellings of the stories of faith. In 1679, she made a vow of perpetual virginity, promising to remain unmarried and completely devoted to Christ for the rest of her life.

KateriÕ s health, always fragile since her bout with smallpox, eventually began to fail. She died in 1680 at 24 years of age. Within minutes after her death, the scarring on her face miraculously disappeared, leaving her skin smooth and beautiful. This miracle was witnessed by two priests along with many others.

prayers of the candidate in question, this requirement was waived because of the difficulty in authenticating events from so long ago.

Kateri’s final path to canonization began in 2006, with the illness of a young American boy in the state of Washington. After 5-yearold Jake Finkbonner fell and cut his lip while playing basketball, he grew deathly ill from necrotizing fasciitis, a very serious infection from flesh-eating bacteria. To the dismay of his family and his doctors, he vacillated between life and death for three weeks. The doctors had very little hope for his recovery. JakeÕ s parents had even reached the point of making decisions about the donation of his organs. When the parish priest arrived to administer the last rites, he suggested that they ask for the intercession of Blessed Kateri. A relic of Blessed Kateri was brought by Sister Kateri, the executive director of the Tekakwitha Conference National Center, and placed on the boyÕ s body.

His vital signs improved that very day, and the next morning his doctors declared that the infection had at last stopped spreading.

Kateri was declared venerable in 1943. She was beatified in 1980 by Pope John Paul II. Although beatification typically requires the verification of at least one miracle granted through the During

the

process

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canonization, the Catholic Church investigates miracles carefully to determine if they meet the stringent standards that have been set. The Church usually considers only those miracles that involve healing from a disease. Two commissions are formed to study the case—a scientific commission and a theological commission. The scientific commission verifies that the miracle is not explainable by any natural cause. The theological commission determines whether the cause can be attributed to God alone. The recovery must be complete, instantaneous, unexplainable, and permanent.

Once completed, the findings of the investigation are sent to Rome, where the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints organizes its own scientific and theological commissions. If their vote is affirmative, it is sent to the Pope for approval. Once the Pope issues a Decree of Miracle, the candidate is acknowledged as a canonized saint.

The canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native North American saint, has been a cause of great joy and encouragement to our Aboriginal people.

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photography by: Robin Sutherland, MAAIINGAN Productions

Community

NEEPIN AUGER IS MAKING HER OWN PATH

by Christine McFarlane

“Success is doing what truly makes you happy,” says Neepin Auger. “I have found what I love, and there is no greater peace in my mind and body than when I am painting.”

Neepin Auger, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta by her parents Dale Auger and Grace Auger who come from Northern Alberta, Bigstone Cree Nation, is a full-time Mount Royal University student, a mother to a beautiful four-year-old girl, Gracie and an amazing artist.

As a child, Neepin Auger knew she had a big act to follow when it came to pursuing a career in the arts and education fields.

Her father was a renowned successful artist, who also had a PhD in Psychology and her mother finished law school while raising Neepin and her siblings. Her parent’s careers taught her to push for her best, but sadly it took Neepin to dropout of high school and then return at the age of 18 before she learned the blessing of what

an education could do for her.

I felt like I did not belong in the white man’s school and I “I returned to school and felt unaccepted in the reserve took upgrading for several school,” and this is where art years through the Aboriginal made a difference.

Education Program at Mount Royal. It became a home away Art played an integral role in from home for me. When my Augers life. She learned to father passed away, I lacked paint alongside her father in inspiration in art and it was his studio, where she learned a my schooling that brought me style of painting that she could back to why I love to paint. It distinctively call her own. Her expanded my mind beyond the paintings visually draw you boundaries of reality. It opened in and allow you to see the doors and without schooling, I emotions of her people in the would not be the artist that I am. past. She fondly remembers how It helps me grow every day.

“My dad always encouraged me to try whatever I wanted. I can “Also, without the Iniskim remember going to the art store Centre’s support, I would not with him and being able to pick have been able to continue out whatever I wanted, even my education, or even think fifty-dollar brushes. It allowed about being where I am now- me to not be afraid to try new in the Bachelor of Education things.”

Program.”

I also remember how “he Auger believes her struggles in opened the door to his studio to her early educational journey me. He never asked me to leave was due to “thinking that I his space, in fact he created a needed to be more like other small studio for me in every people or I needed to fit into a studio he had, and I grew up mold of someone else’s ideals. experimenting with all kinds of NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2012

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COMMUNITY mediums and materials.”

When asked if she follows a particular process when it comes to painting, or where she gets her inspiration Auger said “I find inspiration in everything.

When I was a kid, my dad would point out the little beautiful things in life and now that I am older and a mother I too notice the little things,” and “I will sit down at my canvas and do what I can to create the picture that is in my mind. I do not try to be like anyone. I am just trying to convey what is inside my imagination.”

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This process within her art is important because Auger says “There are moments in everything we do. I guess it’s my job as an artist to share the moments that are beautiful and meaningful to me.”

Auger’s role models are her father because he taught her to live life to its fullest, her mom because she taught her through example that she could still go to school and be a mother, and told her “never wait for a man to give you something, if you want it go and get it yourself, and lastly artist Frida Kahlo because she painted her emotions, where

Auger likes to think that “truth and transparency is what people are searching for in their own lives.”

Juggling motherhood, schoolwork and her art, Auger’s immediate goals are to finish her Bachelor of Education degree and then work as an artist in First Nations Schools across Canada. “ I believe that there is an artist in every child, be it painting, music, dance..

Everyone has a gift and I love showing kids that art can free you and help you discover your true self.”

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Ò WeÊh aveÊn otÊf orgottenÊo urÊ missingÊa ndÊm urderedÊs istersÓ

by Tia Ledesma

160 vigils were held across the nation for Sisters in spirit walk and vigil on October 4 to remember and raise awareness for aboriginal women who are missing and those who were murdered. Women gathered on Stephen Avenue and marched their way to Olympic Plaza drumming, singing, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets to the public. Fifty to sixty people gathered in Olympic Plaza to listen to community leaders from Awo Tann and Sisters in Spirit Organization with the support of elders to speak on the national issue.

As we sat in the chilly fall air we took a moment of silence to remember those who were lost and in a cold place in their last moments and the injustices that took place. And to also remember they have families that need to know what happened to their mother, sister, aunt, or whoever they lost and to bring their spirit home. Petitioning can help push the government into holding a national inquiry so that some families can find some closure and peace.

Violet Quinney “From a woman’s point of view, violence against women is not only a national issue but an issue all over the world. In Canada, the government puts native women, the missing and murdered on the back burner.”

Dianne Eagle Speaker “My aunt went missing 30 years ago and her case is still unsolved ..They never gave a valid effort. But when a non native goes through the same thing, they put in every effort.”

Sisters in spirit want the community to spread the awareness and sign a petition urging the Canadian government to have a national inquiry into the missing and murdered aboriginal women. Families of the victims need closure and further investigations to bring about justice and peace of mind.

There is a link on Awo Tann Face book Page or you can go to www.nwac.ca 24

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Indigenous Women in Community Leadership

The Indigenous Women in Community Leadership program is a four month program that fosters leadership in strong women to create positive change in their community. We asked recent graduate Sarena Provost about her experience with the program and how it could help others.

Can you tell us how you became involved with this program?

My CEO at the YMCA Helene Weir had mentioned the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership program to me, told me I would be a great candidate for the IWCL program. My colleagues saw an emerging leader in me and encouraged me to apply so I did. Before applying I had did some research about the program, I contacted Shelia Isaac the IWCL Program Coordinator and asked a lot of questions. Even after finding out that I would be one of many Women from across Canada applying I submitted my application.

What will you remember most about your involvement with the program?

One of the many things I walked away from the program knowing is that Ò I AM A ABORIGINAL WOMAN LEADER”, that it is okay to be proud of your success and accomplishments that have gave you the skills and strengths to be a Leader. My one instructor that stood out to me most in the program was Pauline MacIntosh, she helped me find the Leader in myself. I struggled with this part of the program because as a Blackfoot Woman, traditionally we were

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silent leaders by looking after the camp, the children, cooking and nurturing our people and that it was the Man who was the warrior who hunted and provided for the family. It was hard to come out of my shell and see myself as a young emerging Aboriginal Leader, but I know now itÕ s ok to be proud, to acknowledge and empower yourself that itÕ s ok to say you’re an “ABORIGINAL WOMEN LEADERÓ . The most empowering part of it all was that I was fortunate enough to be among 14 other emerging, strong, educated and loving Aboriginal Women from across Canada. We were more than just participants, we became sisters and I now know that I have 14 beautiful sisters from all over Canada that I hold dear and near to my heart. They all taught me something different about myself and IÕ m thankful that Creator has blessed my life with them all.

project took on a life of its own. I was blessed and fortunate enough to have one of our Council members Angela Grier to support, guide and encourage me through me entire project. We both shared the same dream and vision for the Piikani Youth. Our dreams came to life with the creation of the PIIKANI YOUTH PREVENTION SERVICES, which is a department that is made for the youth to access programs, health supports, recreation and cultural connection. Angela was a great support, she encouraged me and always inspired me to try hard, and I donÕ t think I could have done this summer without her support. I can proudly say that there is a future for the Piikani Youth.

Can you tell us about your particular work placement?

Yes I would recommend this program to emerging Aboriginal Women Leaders, that want to be empowering Leaders in their communities. The program allows you to grow, to rediscovery yourself, be a strong Aboriginal Women Leader and help you make a difference in your Community. You will also get to meet other amazing, emerging, empowering Aboriginal Women with a dream, goal and pride just like I did. My IWCL sisters and I will forever share a special connection that came from the experience of being in the program together.

My Project was called the “Piikani Youth Project” that I did in my home community of the Piikani Nation, which was Asset Based Community Development. Upon my return home from Antigonish, NS I immediately met with my Leadership in my community to propose my project. The Leadership welcomed my project with open minds, encouragement and support.

The 3 main goals of my project were to host Youth Leadership Workshops, incorporate a basic foundation with fundamentals to programming for the youth and working with the Youth Council to create Community Spirit. I had these 3 main goals in mind but my

Would you recommend this program to other Aboriginal women?

Was there a particular mentor that stood out to you and if so why?

My Mentor was Sharon Bernard who is

COMMUNITY the Principal at Membertou First Nation Elementary School. She was definitely a big support for me in the program. Her guidance, support, encouragement and words of wisdom helped me when times got tough or I felt like giving up. Even though she was on the east coast and I was way out west, she made sure I was okay checking on me through emails or phone calls. The mentor aspect of the program is so important; they play the role of helping bring your project to life.

Her feedback and support were helpful, she believed in me when at times I didnÕ t believe in myself.

Is there a suggestion you would have on how to improve the experience for the next group of participants?

My only feedback would be to make the classroom sessions not so intense.

Maybe having a few Elders on hand so that the days are not so long for one Elder. But other than that the program was an amazing experience and definitely changed my life for the better.

Anything else you would like to add about the experience.

The best part about this experience now that I reflect back on it was all the Aboriginal Women Leaders that came into my life during the program.

I was blessed to have met Shelia Isaac who always had a smile on her face, comforting spirit and words of wisdom to help me find the leader in me. She truly is a remarkable woman, that I admire her life story and all that she

Sarena leading the group on how to put up the tipi

Sharon Bernard and Sarena Provost

has done for our Aboriginal People in Canada truly make me honored to know her; she was like our mom away from home. To Hubba the sweet Elder, that shared her culture, language and blessed us every morning. I was truly blessed to be have been surrounded by so many amazing, empowering, inspiring Aboriginal Women Leaders. They have all left a special place in my heart that I will carry on forever; I thank Creator for giving me such a blessing to have had such a life changing experience and for being able to make a positive difference in my home community for the Piikani Youth.

For more information on this program please visit http://coady.stfx.ca/womens-leadership/IWCL

2012 IWCL Grad Pic

The famous end zone at StFX NEW TRIBE NOVEMBER 2012

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COMMUNITY

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S ’ T I

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E LEGENDS R E H

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BEATS

Turn up the Volume

By Katty Jo Rabbit

Sling Shot Dakota Dark Hearts With energy and honest lyrics this two piece ensemble creates a sound that is just in time to warm the cockles. Carly Commando plays keyboards, and is responsible for the vocals with Tom Patterson busting in with drum solos to keep it simple, fun, indie. If you are aware of Matt and Kim, you might want to put an ear to the ground. If you were, or still are a fan of piano-paced music, in place of a guitar, then paired with keyboard esthetics you know this could lead to a good time.

As it seems, pairs come with stories of coupled wanderlust, sprinkled with yearning and are able to deliver with music to watch the snow fall too.

With a home town like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania ambivalence must be served for breakfast because these two quirky kids are able to make the duo whole again. Vocally the timing and range of Miss Commando is intriguing at best, but she is interrupted with at the most opportune times with great double beats and fleeting melodies. There was also a brief moment where nostalgia took over; where in the song Gossip there was a Super Mario 3 tune that played during the cascading fall Mario would take when he has defeated Browzer. This made the song even better as it felt like it was really something only secret gamers would notice.

At times a little drawn out the moments can be wasted on waiting for something to happen.

Overall the journey is what really matters, and the musical control of their chosen instruments makes for a perfect combo of strength in small doses. A great listen to remind you that the world is inherently good.

Hannah Georgas Self Titled My, my,my what the future holds, with a third album dropped, on a new label, and some great indie-pop melodies this self-titled albums promises fans something they werenÕ t able to grasp before. What that is, well you will just have to wait for it to hit the radio waves.

Being able to sing your random thoughts while having the hangover blues is a feat in itself, being able to create a meld of electronic beats that encourages the listener to experience something of their own is amazing. In the span of just ten songs you will be surprised what you might hear.

As for the most part the first three songs of the album are a bit heavy, but don’t get it twisted there are some fantastic moments where the lyrics and the music is bang on.

It looks like Gord Downy might have some competition in musical story telling in this fellow Canadian. Dealing with topics such as falling for someone who doesnÕ t feel the same way in Somebody; this album is really about Georgas re-introducing us to herself and her music.

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BEATS

Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Calvin Harris 18 Months Not being a particular fan of house music, there is definitely something about Calvin Harris that makes it cooler than it actually is. He even makes it okay for guys to wear full velour track suits again and dance like there is no tomorrow.

Having Florence Welsh, Riri, and other talented musical guests make appearances doesnÕ t hurt either.

At the same time, not being a particular fan of house music, there really isnÕ t anything else to make a non-fan stick around after the first three hits. Even Sweet Nothings doesnÕ t really do it for the Florence and the Machine fans head pumping in the crowd. Only knowing of some of HarrisÕ previous stuff like All the girls, and Acceptable in the 80Õ s. It feels like music you could only listen too, while in a basement Casino. You havenÕ t gambled until you have gambled while listening to Calvin Harris in the background.

With his cards face up on the table, all chips in Harris doesnÕ t leave much to be discovered, leaving it all at risk of becoming old before the release. Most of the songs on this album you will have already heard and most likely have become tired of, those of you who have not, well keep on listening.

The perks of being a wallflower Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Boy befriends eccentric girl, and her interesting step-brother, boy falls for girl. Girl falls for other boys, mental illness, homo-sexuality, life experience, all the likely ingredients for a John Huge movie. The heart-warming coming of age teen movie set in the 90Õ s with a relentlessly cool soundtrack equals a great movie plus a great cd to buy. And yes, John Hughes good, yes that good, it may sound cheesy but itÕ s almost like you donÕ t want it to end.

With bands like New Order, Cocteau Twins, and Sonic Youth, this 12 song compilation is reminiscent of the mix tape. The almighty mix-tape, souls poured into recording moments caught using music as the common denominator. Such great epic moments that end up being lost with the obscurity of a cassette player, take that with a hint of melodrama.

Every detail in the song, every chance for teen age revelation caught in a guitar riff, is used almost manipulated to create that familiar sad, lonely, hard time in our lives. The whole experience as a whole reflects the ability to story tell and this story belonging to writer/director Stephan Chbosky is a great thing as it is evident that he cares for all his characters and the moments they have to share. Those moments being the transition from teen to young adult caught on film and implanted in music. Do yourself a favor, round up some old memories, take a drive down memory lane and give it a listen.

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MOVIES

See You at the Movies Starring Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace *SPOILER ALERT If retired CIA Bryan Mill’s daughter being kidnapped in the first Taken didnÕ t have you jump from your seat, the next Taken will!

Packed with action and suspense, this thriller will have you left feeling the adrenaline rush. In Ò Taken 2Ó , its Bryan MillÕ s himself being taken with his ex wife to be executed for killing the son of the head of human trafficking smugglers. It starts off as Bryan’s ex wife Lenore seeming to have marital problems with her husband, meantime, Bryan is working in Istanbul, he talks to Lenore which tells him how things are going in her life. He asks Lenore to join him when his job is completed as a vacation away from the troubles at home. Bryan has his doubts Lenore and his daughter Kim will fly out to join him, surprisingly they do!

The three check into a hotel together. Kim stays behind to allow her parents time to catch up on things and perhaps secretly wants them to reunite. As Bryan and Lenore are out, they are followed by the men assigned to kidnap them from the father of Marko (son)which was executed by Bryan in a make shift electric chair from Taken 1. Bryan tells Lenore to walk away towards the market as he has the men chase him. She ends up getting captured forcing Bryan to surrender to these smugglers. They are both taken to a dim litted underground room. Bryan wakes to see Lenore being tortured in front of him.

Fortunately, he has his cell phone; he calls Kim to warn her of the danger that is coming her way. He tells Kim to go to the Embassy and report what happened. She instead wants to help her parents get out and away from their captures. He devises a plan for Kim to locate them; however, Lenore is badly injured and must be left behind. Kim drops a gun down the chimney of where they are being kept. Bryan grabs the gun, shoots the guards and finds Kim, who is being chased by these men. Both of them escape, Bryan returns to get Lenore but the kidnappers already have taken her elsewhere. He goes to the Embassy where he gets help from a CIA Colleague of his. Remembering the original location these thugs took them to, he goes back the house where Lenore is being kept, rescues her and kills the father and all others involved.

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MOV IES

See You at the Movies Starring Kate Featherston, Kathryn Newton

“Paranormal Activity 4” is a creepy, almost dream like nightmare.

Katie from the original “Paranormal Activity 2”, has killed her husband, her sister Kristi, and her sisterÕ s husband in order to take KristiÕ s baby Hunter. The whereabouts of Katie have been unknown until 2011. Alex a young teenage girl has a brother named Wyatt which the activity seems to focus around. The creepy neighbors kid Robbie who lives next door is first seen by the tree house; Alex has taken her boyfriend Ben to see. Weird events start unfolding. An ambulance at RobbieÕ s house forces Holly, AlexÕ s mother to take him in under the premise that RobbieÕ s mother is admitted to the hospital. While Robbie stays with them for a few days, he starts to talk about an invisible friend. Alex sees Wyatt and Robbie conversing with someone in the tree house.

Then while Wyatt is playing games, he appears to be playing against an unknown person. Ben witnesses this and tells Alex the next day his computer recorded Robbie coming into AlexÕ s room and sleeping in her bed next to her. Curious, Ben tells Alex he will set up laptops around the house to see what else they may find out. Robbie is already strange as it is talking to an invisible presence and taking Wyatt under his shoulder to do these odd things with him, so you can imagine to AlexÕ s astonishment to see many black cars outside of RobbieÕ s home. She seeÕ s many women dressed in black and leaves right away! The question comes up if Wyatt is adopted since Wyatt brings it up with Alex. He claims to have heard this from RobbieÕ s Mother.

AlexÕ s parents make no comment on this.

Wyatt is then seen talking to an invisible person saying he isnÕ t Ò HunterÓ . An incident occurs in the bathroom where Wyatt is put under water by invisible hands, when he comes up, he states his name as Hunter. The movie then goes into a horrible twist. Holly, hears strange sounds, she doesnÕ t see Katie coming into her home, then all of a sudden Holly is picked up and thrown so hard against the walls, her lifeless body is seen on the floor. A possessed Katie drags the body away. Ben then comes over; he tries to look at the footage on AlexÕ s laptop in her bedroom, while there his neck is snapped by the demon Katie. Alex then enters unknowingly to the horror that just occurred, trying to desperately save her little brothers life she is attacked by Katie and the camera goes out.

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LITERA LLY

Book Reviews For the restless mind

Those Who Know- Profiles of Alberta’s Aboriginal Elders by Diane Meili As an avid and passionate reader, I believe in the power of literature, and I think that the words that are written in a book can deliver a powerful message to an audience.

One day, I was strolling through the mall, and I noticed a book on the display window of my local Barnes and Noble. I entered the store with the intent to grab an interesting book that was perched on the display window, finally I found it and I grabbed a copy of the book that had caught my eye, and so I read the overview in the back and decided to bring the book home with me. The book was a 312 paperback copy of a book written by one of my favorite authors, Diane Meili and the book was called Those Who Know-Profiles of Alberta’s Aboriginal Elders.

At home, I curled up in my favorite spot; the large bay window located in my guest bedroom, and I opened the book to its very first page. I quickly became addicted, greedily reading each page until my eyes could barely blink. The bookÕ s plot is about our how our countryÕ s elders have dedicated their lives to maintaining and instilling the knowledge and wisdom that was left behind by their own elders and ancestors. In addition, the text of the book reveals that our elders are not respected and despite of being treated like they are inferior to our youth, they continue to embrace their values and try to instill their believes in the youth; not a care if they receive backlash for their practices.

After two days, I had read the book from front to back, and it changed the way I think of my elders and the senior citizens of my life. I learned that older generations do not care about the pressures of society, and that they will stand strong for their beliefs. I absolutely adored this book and, as a result, I have read it over and over; the message still impacts me every single time.

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LITERALLY

Book Reviews For the restless mind

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey Adolescence or teenage years, whatever you want to call it, is a difficult and life changing time for a person to face.

Everything changes during the teenage years; your body, your thoughts and even your friendships. Every teenager faces the pressures of school and, in addition, they must juggle school with friendship problems and on some occasions even some family issues. I was a teenager at one point in my life, and I know what teens must go through and the pressures they feel such as school pressure, peer pressure and even body pressures.

As a mother of a sixteen year old overly self conscious adolescent, I was interested in searching for a book that would help my teen overcome several problems such her body image, friendship troubles and even deal with dating and sexuality. I decided to head to my local bookstore where I found the perfect book for tackling these issues, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. I bought a copy and headed home; ready to start reading.

The book is very eye opening, it covers plenty of issues, and it tackles them in 7 principles that helped both my daughter and I understand some of the troubles that a teen faces and how to combat them. The tone of the book is easy going, but stern enough to add the necessary amount of firmness about certain issues such as anorexia or drug abuse.

I was especially concerned of my daughterÕ s body image because she would always say that she was fat and that she wanted to loose weight. But after reading the book, she was convinced that she was going to develop an eating disorder if she continued to scrutinize her body and follow the example set by the media. After following the advice of the book, she started to embrace herself and be a happier person.

The tips in this book are fabulous, the illustrations are original. I enjoyed it from front to back, and I was able to understand the problems that my daughter is facing more clearly. The topics covered in this book appeal to the everyday teenager and they include: body image problems, drugs, sex, fitting in, bullying, money, peer pressure, friendship troubles, family problems and puberty issues. If you are a parent, grandparent or a teenager facing the problems, this book is defiantly for you.

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usayeditor@gmail.com

U AROUND TOWN

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U AROUND TOWN

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