melanistic .OVLXI · 0USMMER222 WALKKNOWLEDGE Adventures BEARSTANDINGWITH Melanistic travel guide CROSSINGMÉTIS
Landsoccupied,travelled,and caredforbymanyIndigenous peoples. This place, amiskwacîwâskahikan, Edmonton is a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux. We thank the creator for providing to us this place upon which to share our experiences, languages, culture, heritage and stories. -All my relations. 6 MELANISTIC
65 21-2336-3935 10 16-1945-4624-3044 8 EDITOR'S WELCOME IN THE KNOW TOP2K22 5 FIRST NATIONS SUPPORTS FOR US BY US: THE B.E.A.R.WHEN GRANDFATHERS SPEAK: REMEBERING A WAY OF LIFE AT STANDING SUMMERARTSCOMMUNITY.BEAR&CULTURE:FESTIVALS HEALTH & SYNDROMESTEVENS-JOHNSONWELLNESS ACTIVITIESMELANISTICMELANISTIC TRAVEL: GET INSPIRED TO CROSSINGMÉTISGUIDERESOURCEEXPLORE melanistic TABLE OF CONTENTS MELANISTIC MAGAZINE VOL.11CONTACT: www.melanisticmagazine.commelanisticmagazine@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Publisher Greg Davis Editor Taneya Rogers Media/Sales Director Nigel Williams Artistic Director JoAnne Pearce Marketing Director NiLo Public Relations Robert Tyndale Nigel Williams, NiLo, Kyle Smith, Merlin Uwalaka, Sabrina Morison, Camille Shepperd, Sonia W. Croasdaile Cover photo: Courtesy of Taneya Rogers Special thanks to: Standing Bear Community, Metis Crossing, Indigenous Tourism Alberta and Calgary Tourism THIS ISSUE MADE POSSIBLE BY
The Black ‘root-network’ is expansive and our Melanistic Adventures has driven us to trace broader connections. We invested time with our Indigenous community, discovering their translation of ‘roots and culture’, and finding far more commonalities with each experience. The Standing Bear community sweat, and the rich history of Metis Crossing gave insight into the beauty and sacredness of our Indigenous peoples. with us as we honour those who came before - as we continue to push our boundaries for travel and adventure and as we get you mingling with some fun summer festivals.
Journey
EDITOR’S WELCOME Taneya Rogers I give to community.my With Vancouver Foundation, my giving lasts forever. Get started at vancouverfoundation.ca/give.
For those who have engaged with the principles of Rastafari, the phrase ‘Roots and Culture’ comes up quite often. It speaks to our need to develop a way of life that is deeply rooted in our history and in our Blackness. It speaks also to the need to preserve traditional practices that build harmony between our spirit, the physical realm and nature.
Know 2k22 BE IN KNOWTHE
In the
We took a quick blink and found ourselves more than midway through the year! As we speed into the third quarter of 2022 here are your top 5 feel good stories:
Jennifer Hudson becomes the second Black woman to reach EGOT status: winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.
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A lawsuit on behalf of off-reserve children who were taken between 1992–2019 has been certified by the Canadian government.
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Lena Horne becomes the first Black woman to have a theater named after her.
Justice Kentaji Brown becomes the first Black woman on the United States Supreme Court.
Former Edmonton Oiler, Mike Grier, becomes the first Black General Manager in the 100 year history of the NHL. He’s now GM of the San José Sharks.
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thestride.ca Together we’re out to develop a deeper understanding of the biggest issues and challenges facing our city and collaborate on how best to address them.
5 by: supportsnationfirstNilotop As we pass the observance of National Indigenous Heritage month, it is important to continue to connect to this land and the people who are the stewards of it. Here are 5 ways to continue to support the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people and respect the land we live on: 3 There are many First Nation groups who have volunteer opportunities; connect and get involved. get involved 5 Real accounts of Residential Schools, Sixties Scoop and the Foster system are orally shared. When speaking with the people, simply listen, you can Google it later. Learn 4 Act like an amplifier and share content created by creators from the community. share 2 demand accountability Hold representatives accountable for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. 1 donate There are dynamic groups already mobilizing on the ground. Donating useful items is great, but nothing helps like money. 8 MELANISTIC
CARIWEST.CA It’s been awhile (in more ways than one), and we are excited to be returning to Churchill Square for 2022! LONG TIME Proudly supported by: August 5-7, 2022 10 MELANISTIC
Health & Wellness Stevens-JohnsonSyndrome(SJS) BY SONIA W. CROASDAILE Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)/Toxic Epidermal Necroly sis (TEN) are rare illnesses that burn the body from the in side-out. It often results from an allergic reaction to certain medications. In some incidents the cause remains unknown and thought to be linked to genetics. SJS Canada has stepped to the forefront to bring awareness to this illness. Symptoms: • influenza like symptom, characterized by: fever, cough, malaise • often very red burning eyes and bleeding blisters on the mouth, and in the nose • flat purplish/reddish rash over the body SJS Facts: • can affect any age and race • more prevalent in females • affects 1 - 7 cases per million people globally • death rate approximately 25%, likely due to delay in diagnosis • survivors suffer many side effects and and may face lifelong treatments While there is a lot more research now, and genetic risks are being identified, much more research is needed! To learn more about Steven-Johnsons Syndrome visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SjsTensCanada Website: www.sjscanada.org 11
Story: Nigel Wi iams Art: Kyle Smith @@melanisticmagazineinkfable DATING WHILE BLACK arunnin’Shelittlelate. I’m Absolutely!!!thankfineyou.I’mwaitingformyhusband.Babes,I’msorryforbeinglate. thatgood,I’mnowyou’rehere. Afternoon.Good I youlovewouldtobuyanotherdrink. bandyourIshus-betterlookingthanme?......builtyet,Betterbetterthanme?Mygirl, can he sang like meweeeooo?ooooww12 MELANISTIC
JULY 30 - AUG 1, 2022 HAWRELAKheritagefest.caPARK
Buyers have more time to shop and make careful decisions; more time to negotiate for your wish list or on pricing.
Your agent can compile a list of homes based on your needs and wants; filter your ‘must haves’ followed by your ‘would be nice’ lists. This gives you a baseline as
REAL ESTATE 101 Advertorial Errol Scott Market Adjustments
As you may know the market has changed - we had a surge of high prices and low interest rates creating conditions for multiple offers on properties. This is changing drastically; we are now experiencing high interest rates, and while prices remain high, there is a greater opportunity for negotiations. There are fewer multiple offers and a buyer should be aware that in this transition, not every seller has adjusted to the shifting market.
you walk through each home; a checklist that ensures that you are bargaining for what matters most to you and your family. My suggestion is to keep these searches to no more than five properties at a time so that you do not become overwhelmed or confused by all of the options.
For more info reach out to me @hardbodyrealtor on Instagram.
It is critical in a shifting market that your agent presents you with comparables that are recent so that your bid is aligned with the market vs the potentially misguided expectations of a seller. For example, a seller may have a home listed at $525.000 but in the current conditions, the comparable reflects that the home is worth only $485.000. When you present an offer that is on par with the market, a seller may be offended as their listing price has not adjusted to the new market. Your agent must be in tune with the fluid market conditions and be prepared to take these informed negotiations to the seller’s agent to ensure that you score the home of your dreams at a price that fits your budget.
By: NiLo
CROSSING
16 MELANISTIC Images courtesy of: NiLo
MÉTIS
“Nestled in the Alberta prairies, just North of Edmonton- in Smokey Lake Alberta, is a place that plays homage to the history of the first peoples of the Land”
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For hundreds of years, buffalo were sacred creatures all across Turtle Island, commonly known as North and Central America. For hundreds of years in many parts of presettlement Colonial Canada, First Nations and Metis peoples were able to live off of the buffalo – able to move around freely and hunt these massive herds that roamed across the plains. Nestled in the Alberta prairies, just North of Edmonton- in Smokey Lake Alberta, is a place that plays homage to the history of the first peoples of the Land, while providing first hand experiences into the Métis way of life. With a buffalo and elk sanctuary, you can have a once in a lifetime experience of seeing a white buffalo. With over 150 acres of land, the wildlife sanctuary allows you to view them up close, and gives you the unique opportunity of seeing woods, plains and buffalo. There is even a white stag, elks, and Percheron horses, for the horse lovers.
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If the river is co-operating, you can spend 4 hours paddling downriver, learning about different points in the fur trade and about trappers. Discover also the lives of canoe men, while visiting Victoria Settlement, an early fur trading colony. On the shore, the farm, the farm houses, and much of the plants and herbs are reflective of the original Métis way of life. Elder Lilian generously shares her life experiences growing up and becoming a fur trapper for over 10 years.
She recounts the memories of being raised in the houses much like the ones on the land, and describes her unique relationship with all of the plants on the land. Lilian was also skilled at traditional Métis craft work such as tufting, and beadwork. Creating porcupine earrings means learning about the porcupine and its quills, and their uses in ceremonial wear, while also learning to skillfully thread through the center of a quill.
All in all, Metis Crossing is a must visit for every Albertan Family, especially as it’s important for us to have a full understanding of these lands and her people.“On the shore, the farm, the farm houses, and much of the plants and herbs are reflective of the original Métis way of life.”
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The large property is beautiful and with a lodge attached, and camping accommodations, it seemed like the perfect place for weddings and other special events. Day to day however, many people from the community came to gather, have coffee, or have one of their Bison Burgers, on baked Bannock served by the cafeteria. One of our favorite parts of the space was the gift shop. In addition to commemorative t-shirts, the gift shop boasts a variety of hand crafted items from Métis artisans, and books.
FestivalsSummer BY MERLIN UWALAKA Art & Culture 21
Augusthttps://www.cariwest.ca5th-August7th, 2022 Julywww.worldmusicweek.ca28th-July31st,2022
Edmonton explodes annually with color and energy as the Cariwest parade floats through downtown.
Edmonton’s 2022 Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival brings you island foods, music, art and a costume extravaganza at this family friendly festival.
Image: Burwell School of photography Featuring Reggae artist ALAINE as a headliner, Edmonton World Music Festival is a celebration of diversity with artists expressing their cultural and ethnic music and sounds. Hosted by Nigel Williams, you can experience performances from all over the world, including local band, MelAfrique.
Cariwest Caribbean Arts EdmontonFestival, World Music Week, Edmonton.
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•
Junehttps://jazzvictoria.ca/24th-July3rd,2022
African Fashion Week Calgary, Calgary AB
Image: @meaghan.baxter.photo (Instagram)
• Edmonton Heritage Festival, Edmonton, AB Julyhttps://www.heritagefest.ca/30th-Aug1st,2022
• Nafro Band on the West End Neighborhood Patio, Winnipeg, Julyhttps://www.wecc.ca/events/220702/nafrobandManitoba.2nd,2022
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• Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Vancouver, Junehttps://www.coastaljazz.ca/BC24th-July3rd,2022
Septemberhttps://www.afwcalgary.com/10th,2022
• Soca Reggae Festival, Winnipeg, JulyFestival-Winnipeg-164735363578097https://www.facebook.com/Soca-Reggae-Manitoba8th-July10th,2022
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• Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg, Julyhttps://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/Manitoba7th-July10th,2022
The 2022 Harrison Festival of the Arts, Harrison Hot Springs, Julyhttps://harrisonfestival.com/BC8th-July17th,2022
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Julyhttps://tasteofedm.ca21st–July31st,2022
• Vancouver Island MusicFest, Courtenay, BC
British Columbia Edmonton Manitoba
TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival, Edmonton, Junehttps://www.edmontonjazz.com/AB26th–July3rd,2022
Julyhttps://africandescentfestival.com/16th-July17th,2022
This festival is created to celebrate the cultural diversity of African people in Vancouver. The parade features dancers, drummers and pageants from a wide range of and Caribbean
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver, Julyhttps://thefestival.bc.ca/BC15th-July17th,2022
countries. African OtherVancouver.Festival,DescentFestivals
Julyhttps://www.islandmusicfest.com/8th-July10th,2022
• Taste of Edmonton, Edmonton, AB
Calgary International Blues Festival, Calgary, Julyhttps://calgarybluesfest.com/AB25th-July31st,2022
African
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• Jazz Fest international, Victoria, BC
Image courtesy of: NiLo 24 MELANISTIC WE AT MELANISTIC HAVE ZERO TOABOUTRESERVATIONSINSPIRINGYOUEXPLORE.
MELANISTIC TRAVEL
BY: TANEYA ROGERS
Travel restrictions are slowly easing, and while you may naturally have some reservations, we at Melanistic have zero reservations about inspiring you to explore. We have curated five adventures to help make your grand return to the world of travel as epic as possible. Starting slowly with some backyard experiences and accelerating to the Motherland, we hope that within these pages you find not only ideas, but the courage to take on your next Melanistic experience.
WATERTON, ALBERTA Indulge in Alberta’s beautiful southern landscape at Waterton Park. Visit the popular Driftwood Beach nestled in the mountains or drive to any of the pristine lakes that offer rentals for water sports. Cool your feet in the clear waters of Red Rock canyon as you hike the water-way over smooth, brightly coloured rocks. The area is spotted with campgrounds and bed and breakfast accommodations so that you can tailor your visit.
TRAVEL
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Best of Uganda Go in search of the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, along with chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, and multiple game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park with its amazing selection of wildlife – including tree climbing, lions, and an optional visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on the beautiful Lake Victoria are just some of the very best reasons to visit Uganda. This fully hosted safari through the Pearl of Africa is really something special.
26 MELANISTICHIDDEN CONTINENT DURATION: 9 days COST: ACTIVITIES:$6,650.00*Safari, Trekking, Beach, Wildlife EMAIL: zoe@hiddencontinent.ca WEB: PHONE:www.hiddencontinent.ca403-594-1112
KENYA ADVENTURE & WELLNESS, TRIP This 9-day tour kicks off in Nairobi taking you to local markets and the famous Giraffe Centre. From there we spend a few days at the OL Pejeta Bush Camp for the ultimate wildlife safari experience, including a Rhino trek, game drives and walking safari tour. The tour wraps up at the beach in Zanzibar with its smalltown feel, unique dining, and culture. 27 CIVILIZED ADVENTURES DURATION: 8 days COST: Starting from US $3,920.00* ACTIVITIES: Wildlife, Mountain Gorillas, Hiking EMAIL: kylan@civilizedadv.com WEB: PHONE:https://civilizedadv.com/403-205-4120 *Cost of flights are not included for international experiences.
28 MELANISTIC COSTA RICA IS AN SEEKER’SADVENTUREHAVEN. REAL CANADIAN TRAVEL DURATION: 8 days COST: Starting from US $1,700* ACTIVITIES: Hiking, Zipline, ATV, Water EMAIL: Thalia@rctravelstore.com WEB: PHONE:https://www.realcanadiantravel.com/780-801-0126 TASTE OF COSTA RICA ATV rides through the forest to zip lining, volcanoes to ornate churches, beaches to hot springs, Costa Rica is an adventure seeker’s haven. A popular stop for many Canadians, it makes for a safe option for a solo traveler. Using an agent takes away the hassle while ensuring you maximize your experience and your dollars spent.
29 *Cost of flights are not included for international experiences.
30 MELANISTICSYNERGY AVIATION LTD. DURATION: 45 minutes COST: ACTIVITIES:$450 Heli-tour EMAIL: info@synergyaviation.ca WEB: PHONE:https://synergyaviation.ca/780-750-4994 NORTH SASKATCHEWAN HELI-TOUR Departing a stone’s throw outside of Edmonton, at the Villeneuve Heli-port, you are teamed up with a knowledgeable pilot. Explore Edmonton and surrounding areas from a whole new perspective. Tours are all customizable, however the exhilaration of being powered into the air for this ride is guaranteed regardless of the package you choose. Consider this experience for a touch of romance or just for the thrill with friends.
2 DAYS OF CARIBBEAN MUSIC, JERK FOOD TROPICAL COCKTAILS AND MOCKTAIL FOR MORE INFO VISIT COCKTAILSNJERK.CA • COCKTAILSNJERK | SEPT. 3-4, 2022 DR. WILBERT MCINTYRE PARK, 8331-104 ST, EDMONTON PERFORMANCES BY SUMMERFIELD EVENTS INC. PRESENTS TROPICS IN THE HEART OF THE PRAIRIES SAINT AND THE FULL 100 BAND • CALEB HART TRINCAN STEEL ORCHESTRA • CARIBFLAYMZ AND MANY MORE DJ ICEMAN• DJ SHELL BOSS • DJ VISHUS • DJ JANUARY CHILDREN ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE CHILDREN CORNER WITH BOUNCY CASTLE FACE PAINTING, AND OTHER GAMES FREE ENTRY WITH REGISTRATIONONLINE
Advertorial Sandro Silva - Filmmaker, Co-owner of Dona Ana Films & Multimedia.
“Deaths were indirectly related to COVID — due to overdosing, mental health and sucide,” Dr. Mawien Akot, a leader from the South Sudanese community explains. “People are not working, most don’t have life insurance so burials are done by the community putting resources together.”
In the fall of 2020, Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) was approached by the city’s South Sudanese community for help.
The urgency of the community’s challenges inspired ECF to produce South Sudan Local Time, a three-part miniseries that aims to capture the experiences of the South Sudanese diaspora in Edmonton.The series will be released on September 6th, 2022. To do this, Sandro Silva and Oumar Salifou were recruited as co-directors, to bring this work to life.
SOUTH LOCALSUDAN:TIME
At the time, 14 South Sudanese Edmontonians had died from causes exacerbated by COVID-19. That number has since grown to more than 30. Families were selling their homes to afford burial costs and ECF provided funding to help lay their loved ones to rest.
“A big challenge was making sure that we were not telling one version of the story from the community; [we wanted] to show that lives are not dominated on certain issues or fixated on specific events,” Salifou says, about capturing the complexity of the South Sudanese peoples in Edmonton.
While loss from the pandemic started the relationship between ECF and the South Sudanese community, Silva says that the value of this project is the opportunity to make this underserviced group feel seen.
To learn more visit www.ecfoundation.org Salifou Is this for Real? Podcast
“As a Black refugee it’s a different experience and in talking to them they felt as though they didn’t exist,” Silva says. “They didn’t think anyone knew the suffering over the years. We get to share stories that have never been told otherwise.”
Advertorial Oumar
Host of
“I’m grateful to be able to tell what I think is an -Oumarthemselves.”toiscommunitystoryimportantandthereallyablespeakforSalifou
The process of capturing these stories has had the fortunate effect of bringing the South Sudanese community together. Dr. Mawien hopes that as they become more organized, and with the support of Albertans and organizations like ECF, the South Sudandese people will become more selfsufficient and impactful contributors to Edmonton’s diverse landscape.
ACB Caucus helped guide and develop a collaborative environment knowledge resources socially innovative community
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• Black data governance, • Justice for people living with HIV, • Creating awareness and providing in formation on sexual health, • Justice for Black youth as it relates to mental health and interacting health / justice systems navigation.
B E A R initiative SUBPROJECTS Art space Key Stakeholder Analysis and Understanding Baseline Network Qualifying and Quantifying Alberta’ s Black related Health Inequity Theory of Change, Developmental Evaluation Framework Community Development for HIV related Equity Journey Mapping Alberta’ s Justice & Interacting Systems Navigation Community Asset Mapping Prototypes for Black Equity Knowledge Synthesis, Incubating and Embedding Prototypes in the B E A R LEARN MORE: THE B.E.A.R Black Equity in Alberta Rainforest HOW B.E.A.R CAME TO BE: R I B B O N R O U G E F O U N D A T I O N WHAT B.E.A.R IS https://www ribbonrouge com/bear/ VISION: create
equity
,
B.E.A.R’s focus includes:
and connections are shared to close racial gaps Holistic
FORBY US
Health inequity is rooted in systemic issues that disproportionately affect African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) com munities (ex: economic disparities and barriers to justice, employment, civic leadership, academia, healthcare). In spite of some efforts, there remains sig nificant gaps in addressing these issues.
the b.e.a.r Black Equity in Alberta Rainforest 35
where
,
B.E.A.R is a holistic, socially innovative community initiative. This research project aims to build a large network of people, organizations, and policy makers to understand root causes of ACB related health inequity, effects of anti-black racism on health equity, and guide sustainable solutions to address Black health inequity. The initiative also seeks to understand how existing resources and initiatives can be better aligned to effect positive change and close racial disparities in Alberta.
Research project aimed to build a large network of people organizations and policy makers understand root causes of ACB related health inequity effects of anti black racism on health equity and guide sustainable solutions to address Black health inequity
,
initiative
Understand how existing resources and initiatives can be better aligned to effect positive change and close racial disparities in Alberta AIM: Black data governance, justice for people living with HIV, create awareness and provide information on sexual health, justice for black youth as it relates to mental health and interacting health / justice systems navigation www.ribbonrouge.com/bear
We created a ACB Leadership Caucus which determined some of the most important factors for meeting those needs and achieving health
to
Health inequity is rooted in systemic issues that disproportionately affect African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) communities (ex: economic disparities and barriers to justice, employment, civic leadership, academia, healthcare) These issues aren't being addressed by community institutions We created a ACB Leadership Caucus which determined some of the most important factors for meeting those needs and achieving health equity ACB Caucus helped guide and develop B E A R initiative SUBPROJECTS Art space Key Stakeholder Analysis and Understanding Baseline Network Qualifying and Quantifying Alberta’ s Black related Health Inequity Theory of Change, Developmental Evaluation Framework Community Development for HIV related Equity Journey Mapping Alberta’ s Justice & Interacting Systems Navigation Community Asset Mapping Prototypes for Black Equity Knowledge Synthesis, Incubating and Embedding Prototypes in the B E A R LEARN MORE: THE B.E.A.R Black Equity in Alberta Rainforest HOW B.E.A.R CAME TO BE: R I B B O N R O U G E F O U N D A T I O N WHAT B.E.A.R IS https://www ribbonrouge com/bear/ VISION: create a collaborative environment where knowledge, resources and connections are shared to close racial gaps Holistic socially innovative community initiative Research project aimed to build a large network of people, organizations, and policy makers to understand root causes of ACB related health inequity, effects of anti black racism on health equity, and guide sustainable solutions to address Black health inequity Understand how existing resources and initiatives can be better aligned to effect positive change and close racial disparities in Alberta AIM: Black data governance, justice for people living with HIV, create awareness and provide information on sexual health, justice for black youth as it relates to mental health and interacting health / justice systems navigation Health inequity is rooted in systemic issues that disproportionately affect African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) communities (ex: economic disparities and barriers to justice, employment, civic leadership, academia, healthcare) These issues aren't being addressed by community institutions
,
AWAYOFLIFE Written and photographed by: NiLo AT STANDING BEAR COMMUNITY WHEN GRANDFATHERS SPEAK 36 MELANISTIC Image courtesy of: NiLo
The air we breathe, the stones on the ground and the water that run through us, have all been part of this planet for ages before us. It’s with this knowledge that Bill Standing Bear encourages you to leave all of your problems with the Grandfathers because in all of their time, there is nothing they have not heard. The flaps to the sweat lodge close and everyone is encased in darkness with only the red glow of the pre-heated rocks (The Grandfathers).
The drumming starts as the heat and steam hit your face. On this occasion, Standing Bear calls for water, we drum and thank the grandmothers, some people sing and some wait, some rattle and others cry, others do all.
“some people sing and some wait, some rattle and oth ers cry , others do all.”
The community of women give tips, “cover your head or lay down if you’re too hot since the earth is much cooler, tell us if you need the doors open.” Everyone is supportive and encouraging as they add fragrant resins to the HOT rocks being shoveled into the lodge by the men of the group. Bill’s voice echoes through the darkness and reminds us that many of these practices were illegal in Canada as recently as 1978. He tells us about how culture was lost, how it was shared and rebuilt and the realization dawns that this is the heart of oral tradition; giving history and its lessons to those who need it.
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Bill became a spiritual leader to over 27 tribes by the time he was 42, and as an elder, he has traversed 140 of 160 lessons through ceremony. The community that he has built is cooperative, supportive and dedicated to uniting under all four corners of the world. The collective message of healing, restoration and community building, we hope to carry forward as we honor those who have walked before us.
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The break between steam rounds is almost surreal with each round being longer and hotter than the last. The final emergence from the lodge is relieving and everyone partakes in a potluck of food brought by the community. Bill is clear that he is not more knowledgeable and sacred than the grass and the trees around us and that all of our healing is in our hands.
“The collective message of healing, restoration and community building, we hope to carry forward as we honor those who have walked before us.” 39
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Calgary
With a bit of planning and research, any travel experience can become a Melanistic experience. Our team spent two full days in Calgary getting to know the city on a deeper level, diving beyond its reputation for business, and weaving in traces of Black history and culture along the way On the first day we found And Some Flower Cafe, with creative menu items like Lavender - Ade and a beautiful space, it was a great way to start the adventure. A quick hop on the train - designed by a Black Albertan from Amber Valley, Oliver Bowen - brought us directly to the Calgary Zoo. Sprawling 125 Acres, the Calgary Zoo has Animal exhibitions, greenhouses with lush foliage, a large bug playground and morethere’s something for every type of nature lover. Our favorite was the Butterfly House! We worked up an appetite and found ourselves at a Calgary pioneer in Caribbean Food, Roti Hut. Everything is made and served fresh; the soursop punch was outstanding. To cap off the evening, we decided it was time for something sweet and The D Spot was the answer. Items
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like the Ferrero Rocher Milkshake and Strawberries and Cream Cheese Pancakes, made it the perfect place to share a dessert, only - we each got our own. On day two we were able to catch up with the owner Lloyd Reid of Lloyd’s Patties. We shared some laughs while we ordered our Spicy Beef and Chicken Patties. Patties in hand, we journeyed back downtown to grab some e-scooters and proceeded on a self guided rolling tour of TD BeltLine Urban Murals Project or (BUMP). With large scale pieces from MEDIAH, KWEST, and Eliscer Elliot, it was a chance to see Calgary from another perspective; merging old Calgary with young artists and trendsetters. The final meal was served up at Yemeni Village, a team favorite. We all cooled down with the Lime with Mint drink, and ordered family style, sharing the Beef Mendi, Fish, Chicken, and Fahsa. While eating we reflected on this full and diverse experience; the art, shops, food, and activities that we had enjoyed. We all agreed though, it felt like it was just the tip of the iceberg for what this city has to offer. To begin planning your Calgary experience, visit www.visitcalgary.com
We often hear about archaic practices like going to the libraries to complete research or the use of snail mail for communication. Today’s challenge is how fast our search engines can load the researched information. This modern activity leads to the creation of digital Activefootprints.orPassive footprints provide unique identifiers that can be traced using sophisticated software. It is utilized by governments or private companies to identify and profile individuals based on their ‘clicks’. Ultimately, information collected, correlated and disseminated on the internet can never be deleted, so each click builds your story. ‘Click Click’: You downloaded, uploaded, added followers and friends, liked or commented on images, sent/ received/ reacted to messages, without a second thought. You have created a virtual intaglio image that can define your future; what university accepts you, what company hires you, or BY CAMILLE SHEPPERD digital footprints whether the venture capitalist considers you a suitable match. Here are some ways you can protect yourself by managing your footprint: • Limit the data you share • Avoid unsafe websites (HTTPS “S” means secure) • Don't enter personal data on public Wi-Fi. • Delete old Instagram,accounts.(Facebook,Twitter) • Don't log in with Facebook. It's faster, yes, but it offers a lot into your life! • Use a Multi-Factor Authentication App (Google Authenticator, PingOne, Duo) • Limit your sharing and likes on social media, depending on the topics • Update your software Act fast after a breach. Change passwords and if needed hire a digital security company to trace your footprints. 43
44 MELANISTIC44 MELANISTIC wordfindSTONEYTICANISMELNAKODAMOHAWKIROQUOISCOSTALSALISHUJIMAALGONQUIN ASSINIBOINEMI’KMAQSIKSIKADAKOTACAYUGASENECA BLACKFOOTOJIBWACREEABENAKI FOR ANSWERS TO OUR LAST WORD SCRAMBLE, CHECK MELANISTICMAGAZINE.COMOUT by: NiLo
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SERVICESSERVICES Calgary Home Boys 100, 707 10 Ave SW Calgary, AB T3A 6H4 (403) www.walej.calgaryhomeboys.com400-2700 Franklin Health Clinic 3149 5 Ave NE Calgary, AB T2A 5N1 (403) www.franklinhealthclinic.ca453-8483 Horton Park Dental Clinic Dr. Damola Baiyere Dentist 9705 Horton Rd SW, Suite B Calgary, AB T2V 2X5, (587) www.hortonparkdental.ca391-7661 Julzz Creations Premium Hair Salon 2010 30 Ave NE #8, Calgary, AB T2E www.julzzcreations.ca7K9 HairyCary Salon 353 2-212 Henderson Hwy Winnipeg MB R2L 1L8 www.hairycarysalon.ca204-816-9156 Lola’s Beauty Gallery & Supplies 567 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3B www.lolasbeautygallery.ca(204)2G2772-3506 Roots Salon 259 Vaughan Street Winnipeg MB, R3C 1T8 (204) www.rootssalon.ca415-3112 DININGwinnipeg Bindy’s Caribbean Delights 1 Forks Market Rd Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 (204) www.bindyscaribbean.com942-8409 K&S Island Grill 2069 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3J 0K6 (204) www.kandsislandgrill.com415-5550 AKIN’S West African Restaurant 570-a Winnipeg,SargentMB R3S 1A9 (204) www.akinsrestaurant.com786-8400 RETAIL Nancy Boutique Winnipeg, www.nancykboutique.comMB ANEWOW Winnipeg, www.anewow.comMB CALGARYDINING RETAIL Krazy Jerk 1715 52 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 1V1 (403) www.krazyjerk.com691-1040 Llyods Patty Plus 255 28 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 5K4 (403) 207-4455 Safari Grill 100, 255 28 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 5K4 (403) www.safarigrillcalgary.com235-6655 Simply Irie Caribbean Cuisine 1510 6 St SW Calgary, AB T2R 0N2 (403) www.simplyirie.ca454-7400 Caribbean Choice Food 2235 Centre St N Calgary, AB T2E 2T4 (403) 230-1880 Costal Market 1711 52 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 1V1 (403) 454-6279 Island Beat 2316 27 Ave NE #8 Calgary, AB T2E 7A7 (403) www.islandbeat.ca291-2440 Nyla Beauty Supply Inc 1000 9 Ave SW #102 Calgary, AB T2P 2Y6 (403) www.nylabeautysupply.com229-2294 Sareya Beauty Supply 3745 Memorial Dr SE #12 Calgary AB T2A 6V4 (403) www.sareyabeauty.com273-5683 46 MELANISTIC
MORNING MSHOW ORNING MSHOW ORNING SHOW With Nigel&NiLo Saturday and Sunday at 7am on My Radio 580am & My Radio 580am on Facebook
building community together Join us in launching Edmonton’s Black Community Fund “...built by the community, serving the community...” For more details on how to contribute, visit www.ecfoundation.org
