National Aboriginal Day

S P on s or e d c on t e n t

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

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Friday, June 19, 2015

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY

JUNE 21, 2015 National Aboriginal Day celebrations start today in Friendship Park

BY JEANNIE ARMSTRONG POSTMEDIA SK SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR askatoon is getting the jump on National Aboriginal Day (NAD) celebrations with festivities beginning at 11:00 a.m. today in Friendship Park.

Nineteen years ago, the Canadian government proclaimed June 21 National Aboriginal Day. This special day is observed across the country, as Canadians gather to honour the heritage, contribution and culture of Canada’s First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.

While June 21 remains the official day of observance, Saskatoon’s longest-running NAD celebration gets underway today in Friendship Park, hosted by the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre and its community partners.

Bill Mintram is the executive director of the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre. He says that hosting celebrations today, rather than Sunday, allowed schools in the region to organize class trips to the event. “To be able to engage the young people, it was recommended to move the event to the Friday. Having the event on a Friday

S

SP FILE PHOTO

National Aboriginal Day celebrations kick off today at 11:00 a.m. in Friendship Park. The event begins with a grand entry, led by First Nations Chiefs, Elders, veterans and local dignitaries.

also allowed for a greater number of volunteers to participate and support National Aboriginal Day.” Programming gets underway today at 11:00 a.m., beginning with the grand entry and opening ceremonies. First Nation Chiefs, Elders and veterans will lead the grand entry. The parade of dignitaries will

also include Members of Parliament, provincial MLAs, Mayor Don Atchison and other community leaders.

“Following the grand entry, there will be speeches by the dignitaries. Then we will move into a community meal. We come prepared to serve 2,000 people with bannock, soup and cake,” says Mintram.

Once the celebratory meal has concluded, the afternoon’s entertainment will begin. “There will be fiddle music, pow wow dance, singing and a drum group. It’s great family-focused entertainment, going until about 4 p.m.,” says Mintram.

Cultural arts and crafts will be showcased and sold by indigenous artisans, while a variety of community organizations will offer informational displays about their programs and initiatives.

“Having all of those different dynamics really means that it’s a gathering place for the community to come together and to celebrate. We consistently see large numbers of people coming out year after year.” Mintram anticipates that 3,000 people will come through Friendship Park today to share in the entertainment and activities.

Why attend today’s National Aboriginal Day celebrations? “It’s a great family-friendly event. It’s an opportunity to gather together and celebrate the diversity of our community and showcase Saskatoon’s Aboriginal peoples,” says Mintram.

“For members of the Aboriginal community, it’s an opportunity to be proud of who you are, to come and join in cultural activi-

ties, enjoy cultural entertainment, and enjoy a wonderful day in the park with your family and with the community.”

For non-aboriginals, the celebration is a way to connect to First Nations culture in our community. "It's a great opportunity to come out with your family and learn more about First Nations and Métis people in our community, take in great entertainment and enjoy the food. It’s an event that helps to build relationships and walk with greater strength as a community,” says Mintram.

Several long-time community partners, including the Saskatoon Fire Department, have contributed to the event’s success over the years. “The Saskatoon Fire Department is on board every year, committing their support to make this event possible. They come out and help serve the meal,” says Mintram.

The Saskatoon Police Service, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are also big supporters of the event, in addition to other community sponsors.

In reflecting back on the 19-year history of National Aboriginal Day, Mintram says, “It continues to be an event that people look forward to every year.”

ABOUT THIS CONTENT: These stories were produced by Postmedia Saskatchewan Special Projects to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. Postmedia’s editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Friday, June 19, 2015

C9

Friday, June 19, 2015

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAYJUNE 21, 2015 Experience First Nations culture at Wanuskewin by hilary KlaSSen of PoStmedia SK SPecial ProJectS ational Aboriginal Day at Wanuskewin Heritage Park will offer an exceptional mini-immersion into First Nations culture. An experiential day of interactive activities will take visitors through seven stations to create a “story robe” which holds special significance in First Nations cultures. Winter story-telling used to involve a bison robe which became like an image-rich journal – a story robe. Each time you visit a station you learn a different part of the story, and your story robe is stamped.

“We generally get people of all ages and all nationalities for this event. There’s no charge for the activities at the stations throughout the day, with the exception of the pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. which is $5.00,” says Glenda Abbott, visitor services manager for the park.

Hourly dance performances in the ampitheatre will include seven styles of dance – Métis dancers, the hoop dance, grass dance, jingle, traditional dancers and the women’s fancy shawl dance – with a brief explanation. The seventh is a family inter-tribal dance group. Visiting the seven dance performances will get you a stamp in your story robe.

Visitors will have the opportunity to play some traditional games or try some archery in a program called bison hunt. Down in the teepee village one of the stations will involve cooking bannock over a fire and having some muskeg tea. Another station offers a medicine walk every hour. “People can come and learn about the different medicines we have down in the valley. We will identify the plants and explain how they were used traditionally for medicinal purposes,” says Abbott.

Wanuskewin is offering a special incen-

N

Photos: WanuskeWin heritage Park

Wanuskewin Heritage Park will celebrate National Aboriginal Day with an experiential approach involving interactive activities.

Learning to make a story robe, First Nations traditional dances, demonstrations by artisans and a ceremonial feast are some of the main events.

tive to complete your cultural tour. If you visit all seven stations and participate in the events you get the stamp and you can enter to win a Pendleton Blanket. The stations and activities run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. “The last dance will go on at 4:00 p.m. and after that dance we’ll do the draw for the Pendleton blanket,” says Abbott.

A variety of artisans will be onsite providing demonstrations and they will have products available on their tables as well.

One is a lady who does beadwork on traditional smoked moose-hides, making hand sewn moccasins, gloves and other items.

There will also be a painter and someone who creates jewelry with beadwork. Teach-

ing on traditional teas like muskeg and peppermint, as well as tastings, will be available. Inquire with the park regarding other artisans to be confirmed.

In addition, multiple award-winning author Judith Silverthorne will be present to launch her book “Honouring the Buffalo: A Plains Cree Legend.” Silverthorne is

the executive director of the Saskatchewan Writer’s Guild and teaches Creative Writing at the University of Regina.

The day is geared to be family friendly with activities for both young and old. For smaller children who may be less inclined or able to participate in all the activities, there will be face painting and additional activities, as well as artisans and craft tables set up throughout the building.

Mayor Don Atchison will show up at Wanuskewin at some point on June 21. He plans to run a 55 kilometre ultra-marathon from White-cap Dakota First Nation to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. He’s invited citizens to join him for the latter part of this Mayor’s Marathon (a replacement to Bridge City Boogie) from the city to Wanuskewin.

Participants can choose either the standard full or half marathon, or ten or five kilometre runs. The mayor’s run will follow the route of the future Trans Canada Trail connecting the two cultural destinations.

A ceremonial feast will begin at 6:00 p.m. The feast includes a pipe ceremony led by an elder, as well as a prayer for the food, for the land and all the land provides.

“The solstice has traditionally been one of our ceremonial days, because it was celebrating not only the longest day of the year, it was traditionally one of the days we spent in prayer,” says Abbott.

Some ceremonial protocols are followed for the feast and those with questions are welcome to direct their inquiries to Abbott at 306.649.1704, or glenda.abbott@ wanuskewin.com. Please bring your own cutlery.

Enjoy a journey into First Nations culture on June 21 at the PotashCorp National Aboriginal Day festivities at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Follow the Bison signs to the park’s location, southeast on Penner Road.

National Aboriginal Day a learning experience

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of PoStmedia SK SPecial ProJectS o celebrate National Aboriginal Day each year the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) hosts around 450 students for a jam-packed day of fun and learning.

Groups of students from Saskatoon and surrounding First Nations rotate through various activities starting at 10 a.m. Activities include pow wow dancing, hand drum making, moccasin making, traditional games, birch bark biting, tipi raising, face painting and more. Students will be encouraged to participate in some of the activities and demonstrations.

“It’s really geared to having students be engaged in something rather than us talking at them. It gives us a chance to share a bit of our culture with young people and the general public. We take pride in doing that,” explains SICC president Dorothy Myo. While it’s a chance to have fun and experience something new, there will also be a serious message for kids. Part of the focus of the National Aboriginal Day programming is treaties. “And we encourage people to think about treaties and how we are all

T

treaty people. That’s one of the things that we really stress when students come here.

It’s not just a crafting kind of day, but (it’s) to be exposed to a really significant part of their history as well.”

Experiencing the traditions of a different culture first hand can be far more impactful than learning about them in a textbook. As well, it’s more than just acquiring new information, it’s about creating a connection between people and a connection to the history of the province.

“Students need to learn about First Nations in a way that maybe they haven’t in the past,” says Myo. “(They need to) to look at things from a different perspective and just to be exposed to these different activities that are part of our lives and to share a little bit of our heritage and our past.”

National Aboriginal Day at SICC also provides students with a chance to visit a First Nation, something perhaps many students have never experienced before. While the SICC is located in a business centre on the English River First Nation, Myo says it offers a look at a “different side” of a First Nations community.

The National Aboriginal Day programming is just a small part of the work the

Photo: siCC

A hoop dancer demonstrates this traditional dance as part of the SICC’s National Aboriginal Day activities. The Centre will host about 450 students from Saskatoon and surrounding First Nations to honour National Aboriginal Day.

SICC does to promote, protect and preserve First Nations languages and culture in Saskatchewan. Elders from SICC visit schools and community organizations to teach about the importance of preserving the traditions and language of First Nations people for future generations.

Hosting such a significant event for students gives SICC the opportunity to impact young people. It also gives students a chance to understand who their neighbours are. It’s

something the Centre takes very seriously.

“For us as a centre it gives us a chance to share and I think this is part of our legacy as First Nations people is that we continue to share our language, our culture with the rest of Saskatchewan and Canada,” Myo says. “So this is part of our ongoing tradition, that we do it in a positive manner, but also we do it in a serious way as well. This is important to us. It’s a way of building those bridges that need to happen.”

The SICC’s National Aboriginal Day activities are open to members of the public.

To help the program run smoothly Myo encourages a quick call to the SICC to book enough space to accommodate groups of students. A bag lunch with hot dogs, juice box and potato chips will be provided. Activities start at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 22, at the SICC, located in the Grasswood commercial area south of Saskatoon, and end around 3 p.m.

Back to Batoche Days honours the past

by Jeannie armStrong PoStmedia SK SPecial ProJectS editor his year’s annual Back to Batoche celebration is one of great historical significance as the event celebrates three different milestones. The annual four-day celebration of Métis culture will take place July 16 to 19 at the festival site located one kilometer north of the Batoche National Historic Site, near Rosthern.

Robert Doucette, president of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS), says “This year marks the 200th anniversary of the red Métis flag that first flew in front of the post at Fort Qu’Appelle in 1815.” The red flag, with its ‘figure 8’ infinity sign, symbolizes the merger of Aboriginal and European cultures into one distinct nation.

“Next year is the 200th anniversary of the blue Métis flag,” added Doucette. “Both Métis flags are two of the oldest flags to have originated in North America. Only the American Revolutionary flag is older. It’s quite a testament to the longevity of the Métis people to have such an iconic symbol that represents not only their community and culture, but also their nationhood.”

Doucette says that Back to Batoche Days

T

AWARD WINNING PUBLIC GALLERY

Photos: BaCk to BatoChe Festival Days

Over 5,000 people are expected to visit the 45th annual Back to Batoche Festival site each day, from July 16 to 19. The four-day festival is Canada’s largest celebration of Métis culture.

www.allensapp.com SAS00322022_1_1

BOOK ONLINE & SAVE A highlight of the festival is the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Batoche, honouring individuals who have made life-long contributions to the Métis community.

will be a great opportunity to inform both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples about the historical significance of the Métis flags, through event programming and activities. “We’ll be flying those flags proudly at Batoche to ensure that those important parts of our culture are recognized, affirmed Cont’d on next page

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Saskatoon: 306-477-7173 Regina: 306-359-9732

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Proud to Celebrate National Aboriginal Day

Keep the Meepta!

When soils are healthy, community investment grows.

Every year, thanks to the farmers who invest in our soil nutrients, PotashCorp invests a portion of its earnings back into our communities — both local and global.

Recent local investments include food banks, PotashCorp Playland, and the annual

Be comfortable with diversity

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Powwow & Celebration. Sure, our nutrients nourish

At FCC, we’ve built a culture where you can be yourself. You’re an individual and it takes strong individuals to make a strong team. So, be who you are and feel at home when you go to work.

crops. But by promoting understanding and appreciation of indigenous cultures, we also nourish human potential. PotashCorp.com/Nourish

• SERVING THE METIS HOUSING NEEDS OF SASKATOON •

We’re proud to celebrate June 21 as National Aboriginal Day.

1715 11TH STREET WEST SASKATOON, SK. S7M 1H8 PHONE: (306) 653-0384 FAX: (306) 653-0394

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Dr. Glenda Orr and the staff at Packham Avenue Dental Ph: 306-651-7366

www.packhamavenuedental.com SAS00321895_1_1

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The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

Friday, June 19, 2015

C9

Friday, June 19, 2015

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAYJUNE 21, 2015 Experience First Nations culture at Wanuskewin by hilary KlaSSen of PoStmedia SK SPecial ProJectS ational Aboriginal Day at Wanuskewin Heritage Park will offer an exceptional mini-immersion into First Nations culture. An experiential day of interactive activities will take visitors through seven stations to create a “story robe” which holds special significance in First Nations cultures. Winter story-telling used to involve a bison robe which became like an image-rich journal – a story robe. Each time you visit a station you learn a different part of the story, and your story robe is stamped.

“We generally get people of all ages and all nationalities for this event. There’s no charge for the activities at the stations throughout the day, with the exception of the pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. which is $5.00,” says Glenda Abbott, visitor services manager for the park.

Hourly dance performances in the ampitheatre will include seven styles of dance – Métis dancers, the hoop dance, grass dance, jingle, traditional dancers and the women’s fancy shawl dance – with a brief explanation. The seventh is a family inter-tribal dance group. Visiting the seven dance performances will get you a stamp in your story robe.

Visitors will have the opportunity to play some traditional games or try some archery in a program called bison hunt. Down in the teepee village one of the stations will involve cooking bannock over a fire and having some muskeg tea. Another station offers a medicine walk every hour. “People can come and learn about the different medicines we have down in the valley. We will identify the plants and explain how they were used traditionally for medicinal purposes,” says Abbott.

Wanuskewin is offering a special incen-

N

Photos: WanuskeWin heritage Park

Wanuskewin Heritage Park will celebrate National Aboriginal Day with an experiential approach involving interactive activities.

Learning to make a story robe, First Nations traditional dances, demonstrations by artisans and a ceremonial feast are some of the main events.

tive to complete your cultural tour. If you visit all seven stations and participate in the events you get the stamp and you can enter to win a Pendleton Blanket. The stations and activities run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. “The last dance will go on at 4:00 p.m. and after that dance we’ll do the draw for the Pendleton blanket,” says Abbott.

A variety of artisans will be onsite providing demonstrations and they will have products available on their tables as well.

One is a lady who does beadwork on traditional smoked moose-hides, making hand sewn moccasins, gloves and other items.

There will also be a painter and someone who creates jewelry with beadwork. Teach-

ing on traditional teas like muskeg and peppermint, as well as tastings, will be available. Inquire with the park regarding other artisans to be confirmed.

In addition, multiple award-winning author Judith Silverthorne will be present to launch her book “Honouring the Buffalo: A Plains Cree Legend.” Silverthorne is

the executive director of the Saskatchewan Writer’s Guild and teaches Creative Writing at the University of Regina.

The day is geared to be family friendly with activities for both young and old. For smaller children who may be less inclined or able to participate in all the activities, there will be face painting and additional activities, as well as artisans and craft tables set up throughout the building.

Mayor Don Atchison will show up at Wanuskewin at some point on June 21. He plans to run a 55 kilometre ultra-marathon from White-cap Dakota First Nation to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. He’s invited citizens to join him for the latter part of this Mayor’s Marathon (a replacement to Bridge City Boogie) from the city to Wanuskewin.

Participants can choose either the standard full or half marathon, or ten or five kilometre runs. The mayor’s run will follow the route of the future Trans Canada Trail connecting the two cultural destinations.

A ceremonial feast will begin at 6:00 p.m. The feast includes a pipe ceremony led by an elder, as well as a prayer for the food, for the land and all the land provides.

“The solstice has traditionally been one of our ceremonial days, because it was celebrating not only the longest day of the year, it was traditionally one of the days we spent in prayer,” says Abbott.

Some ceremonial protocols are followed for the feast and those with questions are welcome to direct their inquiries to Abbott at 306.649.1704, or glenda.abbott@ wanuskewin.com. Please bring your own cutlery.

Enjoy a journey into First Nations culture on June 21 at the PotashCorp National Aboriginal Day festivities at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Follow the Bison signs to the park’s location, southeast on Penner Road.

National Aboriginal Day a learning experience

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of PoStmedia SK SPecial ProJectS o celebrate National Aboriginal Day each year the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) hosts around 450 students for a jam-packed day of fun and learning.

Groups of students from Saskatoon and surrounding First Nations rotate through various activities starting at 10 a.m. Activities include pow wow dancing, hand drum making, moccasin making, traditional games, birch bark biting, tipi raising, face painting and more. Students will be encouraged to participate in some of the activities and demonstrations.

“It’s really geared to having students be engaged in something rather than us talking at them. It gives us a chance to share a bit of our culture with young people and the general public. We take pride in doing that,” explains SICC president Dorothy Myo. While it’s a chance to have fun and experience something new, there will also be a serious message for kids. Part of the focus of the National Aboriginal Day programming is treaties. “And we encourage people to think about treaties and how we are all

T

treaty people. That’s one of the things that we really stress when students come here.

It’s not just a crafting kind of day, but (it’s) to be exposed to a really significant part of their history as well.”

Experiencing the traditions of a different culture first hand can be far more impactful than learning about them in a textbook. As well, it’s more than just acquiring new information, it’s about creating a connection between people and a connection to the history of the province.

“Students need to learn about First Nations in a way that maybe they haven’t in the past,” says Myo. “(They need to) to look at things from a different perspective and just to be exposed to these different activities that are part of our lives and to share a little bit of our heritage and our past.”

National Aboriginal Day at SICC also provides students with a chance to visit a First Nation, something perhaps many students have never experienced before. While the SICC is located in a business centre on the English River First Nation, Myo says it offers a look at a “different side” of a First Nations community.

The National Aboriginal Day programming is just a small part of the work the

Photo: siCC

A hoop dancer demonstrates this traditional dance as part of the SICC’s National Aboriginal Day activities. The Centre will host about 450 students from Saskatoon and surrounding First Nations to honour National Aboriginal Day.

SICC does to promote, protect and preserve First Nations languages and culture in Saskatchewan. Elders from SICC visit schools and community organizations to teach about the importance of preserving the traditions and language of First Nations people for future generations.

Hosting such a significant event for students gives SICC the opportunity to impact young people. It also gives students a chance to understand who their neighbours are. It’s

something the Centre takes very seriously.

“For us as a centre it gives us a chance to share and I think this is part of our legacy as First Nations people is that we continue to share our language, our culture with the rest of Saskatchewan and Canada,” Myo says. “So this is part of our ongoing tradition, that we do it in a positive manner, but also we do it in a serious way as well. This is important to us. It’s a way of building those bridges that need to happen.”

The SICC’s National Aboriginal Day activities are open to members of the public.

To help the program run smoothly Myo encourages a quick call to the SICC to book enough space to accommodate groups of students. A bag lunch with hot dogs, juice box and potato chips will be provided. Activities start at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 22, at the SICC, located in the Grasswood commercial area south of Saskatoon, and end around 3 p.m.

Back to Batoche Days honours the past

by Jeannie armStrong PoStmedia SK SPecial ProJectS editor his year’s annual Back to Batoche celebration is one of great historical significance as the event celebrates three different milestones. The annual four-day celebration of Métis culture will take place July 16 to 19 at the festival site located one kilometer north of the Batoche National Historic Site, near Rosthern.

Robert Doucette, president of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS), says “This year marks the 200th anniversary of the red Métis flag that first flew in front of the post at Fort Qu’Appelle in 1815.” The red flag, with its ‘figure 8’ infinity sign, symbolizes the merger of Aboriginal and European cultures into one distinct nation.

“Next year is the 200th anniversary of the blue Métis flag,” added Doucette. “Both Métis flags are two of the oldest flags to have originated in North America. Only the American Revolutionary flag is older. It’s quite a testament to the longevity of the Métis people to have such an iconic symbol that represents not only their community and culture, but also their nationhood.”

Doucette says that Back to Batoche Days

T

AWARD WINNING PUBLIC GALLERY

Photos: BaCk to BatoChe Festival Days

Over 5,000 people are expected to visit the 45th annual Back to Batoche Festival site each day, from July 16 to 19. The four-day festival is Canada’s largest celebration of Métis culture.

www.allensapp.com SAS00322022_1_1

BOOK ONLINE & SAVE A highlight of the festival is the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Batoche, honouring individuals who have made life-long contributions to the Métis community.

will be a great opportunity to inform both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples about the historical significance of the Métis flags, through event programming and activities. “We’ll be flying those flags proudly at Batoche to ensure that those important parts of our culture are recognized, affirmed Cont’d on next page

MODULARSTORAGE.COM ECO-MOVING BOXES

WE DELIVER

YOU MOVE

WE PICK-UP

MOBILE STORAGE WE DELIVER

YOU PACK WE STORE

WE RENT MOVING BOXES WITH THE OPTION TO STORE

CALL 855.487.6638

SAS00321386_1_1

We are proud to celebrate and support Aboriginal business every day. Join us.

We honour our past and are proud to educate future generations. www.womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca

Saskatoon: 306-477-7173 Regina: 306-359-9732

Feels like a fit

SAS00321972_1_1

SAS00321982_1_1

Proud to Celebrate National Aboriginal Day

Keep the Meepta!

When soils are healthy, community investment grows.

Every year, thanks to the farmers who invest in our soil nutrients, PotashCorp invests a portion of its earnings back into our communities — both local and global.

Recent local investments include food banks, PotashCorp Playland, and the annual

Be comfortable with diversity

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Powwow & Celebration. Sure, our nutrients nourish

At FCC, we’ve built a culture where you can be yourself. You’re an individual and it takes strong individuals to make a strong team. So, be who you are and feel at home when you go to work.

crops. But by promoting understanding and appreciation of indigenous cultures, we also nourish human potential. PotashCorp.com/Nourish

• SERVING THE METIS HOUSING NEEDS OF SASKATOON •

We’re proud to celebrate June 21 as National Aboriginal Day.

1715 11TH STREET WEST SASKATOON, SK. S7M 1H8 PHONE: (306) 653-0384 FAX: (306) 653-0394

fcc.ca/Diversity

SAS00318819_1_1

SASSAG24976_1_1

SAS00322287_1_1

Dr. Glenda Orr and the staff at Packham Avenue Dental Ph: 306-651-7366

www.packhamavenuedental.com SAS00321895_1_1

C10

s p on s or e d c on t e n t

Friday, June 19, 2015

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

NATIONAL JUNE 21, 2015 ABORIGINAL DAY U of S launches certificate programs in indigenous languages

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of PoStmedia SK SPecial ProJectS

T

his fall, students at the University of Saskatchewan will be able to obtain a certificate in indigenous languages for the first time. The Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) and Department of Curriculum Studies have partnered to create the Indigenous Language Certificate.

The two-year certificate, consisting of 10 courses and 30 credit units, was developed by Kevin Lewis.

“It is designed to immerse students in Cree language and Cree language instruction and pedagogy so that when they’re done they can teach Cree language in the classroom,” explains Michelle Prytula, Dean of the U of S College of Education.

“This to me is the most innovative and valuable component of this program. If teachers are equipped with the language and pedagogy to teach indigenous languages in the classroom we can start to address the years and years of language deficiency that Aboriginal people have experienced.”

Course titles include Introduction to

Back to Batoche Days Cont’d from previous page

and respected the way they should be. We’re going to let everyone across Saskatchewan know about the great celebration with respect to our red Métis nation flag.”

Back to Batoche Days will also commemorate the 130th anniversary of the 1885 Métis Resistance, led by Louis Riel.

The anniversary will be commemorated through the development of Butterfly Lane and the placing of name plaques on the veterans’ memorial.

Total Physical Response and Drama for Language Learning, Traditional and Contemporary Music, Song and Dance, Digital Technologies for Indigenous Language Learning, Identity and Higher Learning, and Immersion Language Camp.

The first language featured will be Cree.

Prytula says it seemed a logical choice as the predominant language in the Treaty 6 area. It is also the language spoken by over 90 per cent of the Aboriginal students at the College of the Education.

The second indigenous language offered will be Michif. Michif is not a First Nations Language, but a Métis language.

The choice was carefully made after community consultations. Renowned Michif language expert Norman Fleury will design the Michif certificate.

“There have been horrendous injustices done to the First Nations population, but also the Métis. And the Métis were not acknowledged in the same way as First Nations people,” explains Prytula.

“It’s acknowledging past wrongs and it’s making sure the Michif language doesn’t disappear.”

In fact, ensuring the survival of Aborig-

inal languages in Saskatchewan was the one of the goals of program, which was sparked by an encounter with a chief who asked if the College could do something to preserve languages like Cree and Michif.

Facing the loss of knowledge keepers in the next few years, it was imperative to do something sooner rather than later.

“The problem is we’re losing them (indigenous languages) and we needed to do something. The goal is not to lose them and to have every Aboriginal child who is interested know their own language, be proud of their own language and speak their own language,” Prytula adds.

Language is a key part of creating identity. When students are proud of who they are and can speak the language of their ancestors without fear, those students are able to learn better. Better academic success can be achieved by engaging a student on all levels – language, culture, and spirituality.

In order to enroll in the certificate, applicants must either be a current College of Education student or a post-degree Education student with Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Arts (Native Studies). Once

completed, the Ministry of Education recognizes the certificate as a specialized qualification for teachers in Saskatchewan.

Because the focus is on immersing students in the language, most of the classes will be offered during the summer months, but some will be available in the fall and winter – seasons when storytelling is traditionally favoured.

Currently, the College of Education is hiring Cree language instructors for the fall semester. As more students become interested in the certificate, more languages and instructors will be added. In the future, full-time Cree-speaking faculty could facilitate someone doing their graduate studies in Cree. A student could someday write their thesis in Cree or another indigenous language.

“That’s five or ten years down the road,” says Prytula. “That is a goal of mine.”

For now it remains a dream that drives Prytula to continue her work to expand course offerings in indigenous languages.

For more information about the Indigenous Language Certificate, visit www. usask.ca or contact 306-966-7686.

This is also the 45th year that Back to Batoche Festival Days will be celebrated.

Over the years, the festival has evolved into Canada’s largest Métis cultural event.

Doucette anticipates that 5,000 to 7,000 people will visit the festival site daily.

“Our people will be coming from all over North America to celebrate the survival and the ongoing legacy of our people – our traditions, our dances, our music, the languages that we speak. This 130th anniversary is another reason that people will be coming to Batoche to celebrate the Métis culture.”

The Back to Batoche Festival incorporates many aspects of Métis culture, including live entertainment, fiddling and jigging competitions, a square dance showcase, oldtime dancing and exhibits of Métis arts and crafts. A highlight of the four-day festival is the selection of Mr. and Mrs. Batoche. The titles are awarded to a nominated man and woman who have made life-long contributions to the Métis community. Mr. and Mrs. Batoche serve as special ambassadors of the Métis nation throughout the festival.

Adding to the festival fun are voyageur and horseshoe games, a bannock baking

competition and the mini Métis program for the kids.

“The voyageur games in particular are a testament to our Métis ancestors who were used by the fur trade companies to help open up this great country,” said Doucette.

“It also relates back to our own personal histories. My grandfather worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company. The event serves as recognition of how our families were involved in the development of this country.

It truly is a celebration of our families.”

The festival is a drug- and alcohol-free event, in keeping with the theme of family

Photo: University of saskatchewan

Preserving First Nations languages in Saskatchewan is part of the goal of the newly launched Indigenous Language Certificate. Those who complete the certificate will be qualified to teach indigenous languages such as Cree or Michif in schools around the province.

celebration. “We have people who attend year after year. They love it because of the environment, the openness and the welcome that they get every year,” said Doucette. “There’s such a good feeling about the event. People come back year after year to renew relationships and to build new ones.

There’s always something new going on every year. People just love the event because of the good, positive environment that is created.”

For complete details about the festival, visit www.backtobatoche.org or call (306) 343-8385.

Knowledge is beautiful.

The Gordon Oakes Redbear Student Centre, under construction on the U of S campus, is an inclusive gathering place for all people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, that celebrates the teachings, traditions and culture of Indigenous peoples while also providing a new home for Aboriginal student services and leadership.

In other words, when the centre opens later this year we will be better able to support our over 2,000 Aboriginal students, and we will have a new space to come together as a community and learn from one another.

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