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A special section celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day This issue was created in collaboration with Indigenous contributors, who provided the cover photo and some of the stories in this section. Since Original Peoples is publishing in different Canadian cities and towns, we wanted to find a photo that could symbolically represent Indigenous communities across cultures, languages and territories. Photographer Bert Crowfoot proposed this image because, as he put it, “what we all have in common are our elders. They are our knowledge keepers.” BERT CROWFOOT
Pictured: The late Walter Bull and his wife Val.
THIS SPECIAL SECTION WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION.
BET TY ANN ADAM Special to Postmedia Network
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the diverse peoples who have thrived here since time immemorial and who are still here, keeping alive our distinct Indigenous identities. Though we now make up less than five per cent of the Canadian population and more than half of us live in urban areas, those are often still in the territories of our ancestors. Many cultural differences exist among Indigenous peoples, the umbrella term that includes First Nations, Métis and Inuit, but there are commonalities that reflect the People’s closeness to the sacred land and water. Indigenous people see themselves as just one element of the interwoven fabric of the natural world, so respect for all life is foundational. Traditionally, spirituality imbued all aspects of life: prayer and ceremony were intrinsic to everything. Sharing what you could was expected. Those values can still be seen among many Indigenous professionals.
We are still here
“A lot of lawyers go into Indigenous law because they really believe in their responsibility to their communities, or other communities, to make things better,” says Laura Sharp, secretary of the Indigenous Bar Association. Indigenous people were prohibited from hiring lawyers until 1951, but by the late 1970s the first Indigenous lawyers were practicing. When Canada’s new Constitution came into force in 1982, they were among the first to apply Section 35, which affirms Aboriginal rights, in the courts. They’ve found ways to bring Indigenous values to the courts, as in sentencing circles, where victims and perpetrators can sit with the judge, lawyers and community members to talk with each other. When Indigenous lawyers, representing 21 First Nations in the Robinson-Huron Treaty lawsuit over annuity payments, wanted the court to understand their clients’ perspective, “there were occasions when Anishinaabe ceremony came into the courtroom,” and the court party participated in sweat lodges, pipe and other ceremonies, Justice Patricia Hennessy
wrote in her 2018 decision. “The teachings and the hospitality gave us an appreciation of the modern exercise of ancient practices,” Hennessy wrote. Dr. Veronica McKinney is a family physician and director of Northern Health Services through the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. Her great-grandmother was a traditional healer and midwife, who passed her knowledge to McKinney’s mother, who passed the teachings to her. Respect, humility and humour are among the strengths she brings to interactions with patients, which can engender trust, willingness to follow advice and stay connected with the health system, she says. “I see myself as a friendly face, somebody that can get information the people can trust. I really do try to incorporate my own teachings into what I do every day,” she says. “Sometimes there’s ceremony, of course, but some of it is just laughing… just sharing information and connecting with each other in a meaningful way, that you’re really listening and being heard. Those things are really simple, but
Dr. Veronica McKinney, director of Northern Medical Services at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. PH O T O : MAT T
Winona Wheeler, associate professor and department head of the Native Studies department at the University of Saskatchewan.
SM IT H /SASKAT O ON
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
STAR PH O ENI X
they’re not that common in (healthcare for) our communities.” History professor Winona Wheeler measures success by “how well my work has benefitted the community,” she said. As a student, researching her own First Nation in 1986, Wheeler discovered it had received less land than had been promised in Treaty. She sent her research to the band and supported their efforts over the years. In May 2021, the Fisher River First Nation
Indigenous students are an important part of Southeast College and its programs. From Adult Basic Education to full and part time post secondary programs, Indigenous students make up about 36% of the student body at Southeast College. Student Advisors are strategically spread throughout the region to ensure timely and efficient access to information and support.
Learn more at www.southeastcollege.org
and Federal government announced a $15.1 million settlement. “It’s hard sometimes to see your work having a benefit because of the system we’re fighting against (so) to me that was a big success.” As a university teacher, Wheeler also sees success in every Indigenous student who has enrolled despite difficult personal circumstances. “If they don’t make it through the year, I don’t consider that a failure. I sit them down and tell them they beat the odds just by walking
Laura Sharp, secretary of the Indigenous Bar Association. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
through the door,” she says. “I’ve seen single parents of five kids come through and get honours degrees. I’ve seen amazing successes, maybe not the mainstream measures of success, but personal success. Setting a goal for yourself and getting there. It’s huge.” Associate editor of Eagle Feather News, Betty Ann Adam is an award-winning journalist, teacher, mentor, public speaker, Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan co-chair, co-writer and subject of National Film Board documentary Birth of a Family, Impact marketing, contract communications.
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National Indigenous Peoples Day P E O P L E S
June 21, 2021
Many ways to reflect and show respect during National Indigenous Peoples Day BY JEANNIE ARMSTRONG
June 21 will be the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day for all Canadians to join in recognizing the heritage, diverse cultures and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Due to the pandemic, the large gatherings that were traditionally held in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day have been replaced by a diverse mix of virtual activities and programs. Here are just a few ways to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day and learn more about our country’s “Original Peoples.”
Reconciliation Saskatoon has hosted the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation since 2016, gathering thousands of people to show their support for residential school survivors. While last year was cancelled due to COVID, this year’s event is back in a much different format. P H OT O: R E C ONC I L I AT I O N SASKAT O O N
R E G I NA V I RT UA L C E L E B R AT I O N
For a ninth year, the City of Regina will host a celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day in partnership with the Diversity and Inclusion Network. Partners include: SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower, The Mosaic Company, FCC, First Nations University of Canada, Campion College, Regina Public Library, Regina Police Service and Reconciliation Regina. Due to the pandemic, this year’s event will once again be delivered in a virtual format, incorporating pre-recorded performances and greetings. On June 21, live hosts will launch the celebrations, introduce performers and engage in discussions on the theme of Breaking Bannock: Connections Through Food. The program will be livestreamed on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, on the Regina National Indigenous Peoples Day Facebook page. After the event, SaskTel Max will make the event recording available on-demand. To engage youth in Regina, school-based programming is also being offered throughout the month of June. G OV E R N M E N T H O U S E
一愀琀愀氀椀攀 伀眀氀 椀猀 琀栀攀 ㈀ ㈀ⴀ㈀ ㈀㈀ 爀攀挀椀瀀椀攀渀琀 漀昀 琀栀攀 儀甀攀攀渀 䔀氀椀稀愀戀攀琀栀 䤀䤀 䌀攀渀琀攀渀渀椀愀氀 䄀戀漀爀椀最椀渀愀氀 匀挀栀漀氀愀爀猀栀椀瀀⸀ 倀栀漀琀漀 戀礀 䄀爀琀栀甀爀 圀愀爀搀
Government House in Regina is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Month with a variety of special exhibits that can be viewed virtually at governmenthousesk.ca. On-location tours taking place Sunday, June 20 can also be prebooked through the website. In partnership with the La Ronge Arts Council, Government House is proud to present a virtual exhibit of 19 La Ronge area artists. Viewers are invited to enjoy the artwork and commentary that provides a glimpse into the landscape, traditions and crafts of La Ronge. On June 21, Government House will highlight a very
On June 21, Government House will highlight a very special artifact on their Facebook page: the Headdress that was presented to Lieutenant Governor Archie McNab at the Regina Exhibition in 1938 by Chief Kanouse of the Piapot First Nation. PHOTO: G OVERNMENT HOUSE MUSEUM
The Regina Public Library offers a variety of resources for learning about reconciliation including reading lists, an Indigenous Word of the Week learning series on social media, film screenings, artist talks, language resources and more. PH O T O : R E GI NA PU BL IC L I BR ARY/ DA NI EL LE T O C K ER
special artifact on their Facebook page: the Headdress that was presented to Lieutenant Governor Archie McNab at the Regina Exhibition in 1938 by Chief Kanouse of the Piapot First Nation. As Chief Kanouse placed the headdress on the Lieutenant Governor’s head, he gave him the name Chief Mayo Tayhay that means “kind heart.” On June 22, Government House will highlight National Indigenous History Month with a 3D interactive tour of the J.E.N. Wiebe Interpretive Centre that explores the history, relationships and Treaties between Saskatchewan’s Indigenous peoples and the Crown. Visit governhmenthousesk.ca to take the tour. ROCK YOUR R O O T S WA L K F O R R E C O N C I L I AT I O N
Everyone is invited to walk for reconciliation on June 21, by participating in the Rock Your Roots Walk, presented by Reconciliation Saskatoon. In past years, thousands of people turned out to Victoria Park for the event. After a pause last year due to the pandemic, this year’s event shifts to a virtual platform. Everyone is invited to walk any route, at any time of the day. Participants are encour-
aged to wear their own cultural regalia and hold or wear traditional symbols of their culture to showcase the diversity and inclusion of Saskatchewan. Take a picture or video of your walk and share it on your social media with the tag #ROCKYOUR ROOTS. “We’re inviting people, either before the walk or while they’re walking, to submit their own photos and videos, not only to share why they’re walking but what their call to action is this year. Especially in the wake of the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops residential school, this is a good time for people to think ‘what is my call to action?’ Walking is one thing, but what am I going to do the rest of the year?” says event organizer Carrie Catherine, coordinator with Reconciliation Saskatoon and activator with SheEO™. The ConnectR website (beaconnectr. com/events/) offers tools and resources that help people find and respond to calls to action. Catherine invites everyone to join the online virtual event that will be playing on Facebook@ReconciliationSaskatoon to launch this year’s walk. “We’ll launch the online event the morning of June 21 so people can watch anytime during the day. We’ll have some really
interesting cultural performances, remarks from dignitaries and talk to some people who will be sharing the significance of why they’re walking for reconciliation,” says Catherine. S I M F C C E L E B R AT I O N OF INDIGENOUS L A N G UAG E S
For the second year in a row, the Saskatoon & Indian Metis Friendship Centre (SIMFC) is pivoting to a virtual platform to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Last year’s online program garnered large audiences, with viewers from as far away as Peru. Robert Doucette, SIMFC executive director, says this year’s presentation is an exciting look at what is being done to revitalize Indigenous languages through education, the arts, community partnerships and activism. The presentation is titled: “Our Voices: Indigenous Languages Close to Home.” “Firstly, we want to make sure people understand that there is a diversity of languages that Indigenous people speak in Saskatchewan: Dene, two types of Cree, Heritage Michif and Northern Michif, Nakota, Lakota and Saulteaux. We will have a variety of Indig-
一愀琀愀氀椀攀 伀眀氀
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甀爀攀最椀渀愀⸀挀愀
enous speakers talking about the languages, as we invite viewers to enjoy and partake in the beauty of Indigenous languages of Saskatchewan,” says Doucette. Among the guests featured during the program will be former MP for DesnetheMissinipi-Churchill River and mayor of La Loche Georgina Jolibois, who was the first person to speak Dene in the House of Commons. “She will talk about how she joined with a handful of MPs in a fight to get the Indigenous Languages Act enacted,” says Doucette. The horrors inflicted at residential schools across Canada were an attempt to extinguish
Indigenous culture and language. “These processes of assimilation have had a terrible, negative impact on the identity of our peoples, but I’m happy to say that we’re seeing initiatives that are bringing about a revitalization of our languages and adding to the strength of our languages into the future,” says Doucette. To view “Our Voices: Indigenous Languages Close to Home”, go to simfc.ca, beginning June 21. R E G I NA PU B L I C L I B R A RY
The Regina Public Library (RPL) offers programming S E E R E S P E C T O N PAGE 6
The Circle Project Assoc. Inc. 2nd Floor, 1102 8th Ave. Regina SK S4R 1C9 Telephone: (306) 347-7515 Children’s Centre: (306) 569-3988 Infant/Toddler Centre: (306) 949-4911
We encourage people to help themselves through… • Family Violence Program • Building Cultural Competencies • Children’s Centre • Infant and Toddler Centre • Cultural Connections for Kids “bridging the gaps in our community” www.circleproject.ca Follow us on Facebook: @circleproject2017 Instagram: instagram.com/thecircleprojectsk
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ORIGINAL PEOPLES
REGINA LEADER-POST
National Indigenous Peoples Day P E O P L E S
June 21, 2021
CHANGE IS HAPPENING
The thread that connects the Sixties Scoop, MMIWG and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women BET TY ANN ADAM Special to Postmedia Network
Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on Indian Residential Schools, with its 2015 Final Report and 94 Calls to Action, achieved an astonishing feat. It raised awareness across the country of how closely all settler Canadians are bound to the realities of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. For millions of Canadians, six years of regular news reports about the TRC’s uncovering of the deliberate attack upon Indigenous families and cultures by successive federal governments and numerous Christian denominations, broke through a collective
ignorance that had allowed many descendants of settlers and subsequent immigrants to view the widespread poverty and social problems among First Nations, Métis and Inuit as an inexplicable demonstration of their inferiority—a sad reality completely disconnected from the rest of Canada and its famous affluence, fairness and politeness. Many Canadians were shocked that they had not been educated about the residential schools. The ongoing news reports about the TRC gave voice to the people, shedding light on the system’s effects, which are still felt and seen. Indigenous voices have also called attention to the disproportionate numbers of Indigenous women murdered or gone missing without resolution; the high rates of Indigenous children being removed from their families and communities to be raised in white families during the Sixties Scoop and in the on-going Millennial Scoop; and the tragedy of coerced sterilization of Indigenous women. For many Canadians, the
A grand entry of First Nations leaders into the Rotunda of the Legislative Building in Regina preceded Premier Scott Moe’s January 7, 2019 official announcement on behalf to the provincial government to apologize for the Sixties Scoop. PH O T O : T ROY FL EE CE / R E GINA L EAD ER -PO ST
problems seem disconnected from each other, arising as they do, in different circumstances. Yet they are connected by government-funded Canadawide systemic racism, originally designed to smooth the way for settlers. In 1920, Duncan Campbell Scott, then head of Indian Affairs, wanted “to get rid of the Indian problem,” through assimilation. But residential schools harmed family cohesion, language transmission and cultural values. Generations of emotionally traumatized school children-turned-par-
ents struggled with self-worth. Poverty reflected government policies that often kept Indigenous people out of the mainstream economy. Non-Indigenous people working in systems have seen the end results of bad policies but, generally, haven’t been aware of how their government’s policies led to those results. These circumstances, along with personal racist beliefs, have contributed to the problems of MMIWG, Scooped children losing family connections and identity, and women
being deprived of their human right to bear children. For too long, education policies ignored Indigenous perspectives, child welfare policies have ignored the trauma of struggling parents, police have discounted missing persons reports, and doctors have ignored the wishes of Indigenous women to not be sterilized. But change is happening. Canada knows about the injustices because Indigenous people have never stopped speaking out and fighting back against oppressive policies. It’s important to remember that the TRC, which gave voice to survivors, happened because survivors sued the government. Indigenous leaders have fought for the people, knowledge keepers have devoted themselves to preserving cultural heritage and language, and everywhere, people are pursuing education to work in their own communities and beyond as teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers, social workers, artists, writers, film makers, business people and pretty much every other occu-
pation you can think of. Indigenous people have continued to demonstrate that they are ready, willing and able to take care of themselves and each other. When we are treated as equal partners without barriers to hamper our efforts, we improve our circumstances. In Saskatchewan we say, “We are all Treaty people.” It’s a reminder that we share the land and Indigenous people are entitled to all the rights, protections and respect as everyone else. We need non-Indigenous Canadians to support policies that are fair to all people, especially those who are struggling. That means equitable education funding, public transportation, affordable housing, a living wage and access to mental health supports. We also need Canadians to recognize that different ways of doing things aren’t necessarily wrong or inferior. It might mean the person is coping with something you’re not aware of. Or it might mean there’s a better way you didn’t know about.
Canadian cities share Kamloops’s sorrow LYSANDRA NOTHING Special to Postmedia Network
Some readers may find the following story disturbing because it refers to Indian Residential Schools. For emotional and crisis referral services, call the 24-hour national crisis line at 1-866-925-4419. Kamloops glowed in orange as a number of buildings, including city hall, showed their support of the recent discovery of the mass grave of 215 Indigenous children at the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. “This is tragic and absolutely devastating,” said Ken Christian, mayor of Kamloops, in a statement. “We cannot begin to imagine the pain this discovery has caused, but we share your sorrow.” Christian and city councillors also delivered food to members of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc council. A memorial was held with Indigenous drummers and singers in front of the former residential school, alongside bouquets of
A mother and child leave a pair of children’s rubber boots in memory of 215 children whose remains were found in unmarked graves at the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School during a vigil at the “Service through Christ” statue at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton on May 30, 2021. PH O T O : IAN KU CER AK / P OS T MED I A
flowers placed by residents. Other Canadian cities and towns also held memorials to observe the tragedy. M U S KOW E K WA N, SASK.
Muskowekwan First Nation held a vigil at the site of the former Muskowekwan residential school, with more than 100 people gathering to pray for the 215 children found. A banner that read “We support Kamloops” hung above the event’s speakers, who
shared their thoughts and experiences. Holly G eddes, whose grandmother was a residential school survivor, led a tour through the former residential school following the vigil. Geddes, like many others, wants to know the truth about how many children are buried and how many unmarked graves there are across Canada at other residential school sites. E D M O N T O N, A LTA .
Crowds of up to 200 people
attended a vigil at the Alberta Legislature building in Edmonton to remember the 215 lives lost. Children’s shoes, offerings of tobacco, flowers, children’s stuffed animals and notes were placed in front of the “Service through Christ” statue. A man in attendance also cut off a braid from his hair and laid it amidst the keepsakes. Danni Okemaw, whose father was a residential school survivor, said that she was in shock at the large number of children who never made it home. “To hear that it’s 215, just from one school, it’s very shocking and disturbing and it’s disgusting at the same time,” said Okemaw in an interview with the Edmonton Journal. Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said that at the next city council meeting, councillors will observe 215 seconds of silence in a tribute to the 215 children, and flags at city hall were lowered for 215 hours from May 31 to June 8.
O T TAWA , O N T.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked that flags on the Peace Tower and all federal buildings be flown at half-mast to honour the lives of the 215 children, survivors and families affected by the residential school system. In the same vein, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson announced that city hall would lower flags at half-mast “for one hour for every child whose life was taken.” Evelyn Korkmaz, a residential school survivor, organized a vigil at Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill to commemorate the lost lives. The event quickly became surrounded by hundreds of pairs of shoes and children’s toys. The vigil, like many others across Canada, attracted hundreds of citizens who paid their respects to the victims and survivors of residential schools. T I M M I N S , O N T.
Shoes, an orange t-shirt, and toys were placed inside the clock tower Timmins park to commemorate the 215 children.
The shoes served as a reminder that children should be wearing them, according to Debbie Proulx-Buffalo from the Cree Nation of Waskaganish, whose mother was a residential school survivor. “Our children should be able to live and have those successes and not live with racism,” Proulx-Buffalo told the Timmins Daily Press. MONTREAL, QUE.
Indigenous drummers and throat singers gathered for an impromptu ceremony at Jeanne Mance Park in Montreal, Que., where hundreds of people commemorated the mass burial site in Kamloops. “Both of my parents are sur vivors of residential schools,” said one of the throat singers who attended. “I’m here because they survived. My two daughters and my son are here because I survived. This is not history. This is current day.” “Never forget what you learn here today because, if you don’t, you will repeat it,” one of the drummers said.
Our commitment to diversity & inclusion At Viterra, our values guide us to achieve a workforce as diverse as the people we serve. We recognize the strengths of a diverse workforce and strive to make the most of each individual’s unique abilities, skills, experiences and cultural backgrounds. Viterra is proud to support National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan recognizes the deep roots of the diverse First Nations and the Métis Nation on the land we now know as Saskatchewan. Rich cultural traditions and strengths have cared for the land and Peoples since time immemorial.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity & inclusion at viterra.ca
We acknowledge the depth of harm and intergenerational trauma that colonialism has caused, and that injustices continue with racism embedded in our systems and society today. MCoS commits to learning, connecting, and action towards decolonization. We encourage everyone to join this journey to be good treaty relatives.
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June 21, 2021
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Poet Laureate Halfe-Sky Dancer a diverse voice on Parliament Hill HILARY KLAS SEN
For artists, inspiration can swoop in from unlikely sources. On a visit to her hairstylist, Canada’s new Parliamentary Poet Laureate said to her much-loved stylist: “You already know I love my hair kinky and disheveled.” And he suggested, why not use that as the title for your next book? Thus, Louise Halfe-Sky Dancer’s latest work, awâsis: kinky and disheveled, revealed itself. The title reflects the tone of the collection. “It’s very different from anything I’ve written. This one is a wonderful collection of humour,” says Halfe-Sky Dancer. A gender-fluid trickster character leaps from Cree stories to enliven this raucous and rebellious new work. There are no pronouns in Cree for gender. awâsis, which means illuminated child, reveals herself through shapeshifting, adopting different genders, exploring the English language with abandon, and sharing his journey of mishaps with humour, mystery, and spirituality. Halfe-Sky Dancer is now six months into her two-year term as Parliamentary Poet Laureate and is the ninth poet to hold this office. “Mostly, I respond to whatever the Senate and the Parliament want in terms of particular subjects to be covered in poetic form,” she says. Halfe-Sky Dancer had some preparation for the position, having previously served as Saskatchewan’s second poet laureate.
National Indigenous Peoples Day produces mixed feelings in Louise Bernice Halfe-Sky Dancer, Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate. After hearing in early June that the remains of 215 children were found on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, she wrote a poem in their memory. “Angels” is posted on the National Parliamentary Poet website.
Saskatchewan author Louise Bernice Halfe-Sky Dancer is Canada’s ninth Parliamentary Poet Laureate. The Parliamentary Poet Laureate performs a range of duties, including composing poetry, particularly for use in Parliament on important occasions; sponsoring poetry readings; and advising the Parliamentary Librarian on the Library’s collection. PH O T O : L IBR ARY O F PAR LI AMEN T
The national role involves doing public education on all levels (whether formally or informally), from the senate and staff to students and the national community, and providing resources about the literary Aboriginal community. She hopes to launch a “Poem of the Month” feature on the parliamentary website to highlight the richness and diversity of her community. The media component of the role has thus far presented diverse opportunities
like doing a podcast for Perry Bellegarde and writing poetry for various organizations such as the National Native Women’s Association, Globe Walk (SCOA), APEX, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Sport Canada and others. Halfe-Sky Dancer enjoys these opportunities. “Sometimes the poems come quickly to me and other times I have to let the artesian well simmer before they surface. That’s how poetry works. Sometimes it’s there
at your fingertips and other times the muse plays with you for a bit and then resurfaces with the necessary tools and gifts that it wants to bestow.” Halfe-Sky Dancer says ancestral grandmothers and grandfathers serve as her muses and they seldom let her down. Halfe Sky-Dancer was raised on the Saddle Lake Reserve in northern Alberta and spent about seven years at the Blue Quills Residential School. In between, in the lower grades, her parents pulled her out and sent her to public school, but then took her back to residential school. “I’m surmising it was because they didn’t have the tools to deal with families because they were both survivors of residential schools themselves.” That sad legacy has im-
pacted her and thousands of other residential school survivors. With time she found a pathway back to herself. “Going back to my culture and working with my Elders as well as being in therapy with mainstream white people has really rounded out my life. They were both equally influential,” she says. Halfe Sky-Dancer describes her poetry as historical, personal and community-based. “I couldn’t cover the topics that I cover if I was still in my dysfunction, it would be too painful.” Halfe-Sky Dancer is widely recognized for weaving Cree language and teachings into her works. Being poet laureate has generated renewed interest in her previous works. Bear Bones and Feathers (1994), Blue Marrow (2004), The Crooked
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day! To ensure everyone’s health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sask Polytech is celebrating the heritage, cultures and outstanding achievements of our Indigenous students, faculty and staff virtually on June 21, 2021. Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories, and Homeland of the Métis People, Sask Polytech is committed to the renewal of relationships — miyo wâhkôhtowin — with our Indigenous communities. More than 19 percent of our student population identifies as Indigenous. The Indigenous Student Success Strategy helps Indigenous students to be successful and enhance their experience by incorporating Indigenous ways of thinking and learning into the everyday culture of Sask Polytech.
saskpolytech.ca/Indigenous
Good (2007) and Burning In This Midnight Dream (2016) have all received numerous accolades and awards. All these titles have been republished by Brick Books and Kegedonce Press. National Indigenous Peoples Day produces mixed feelings in Halfe-Sky-Dancer. After hearing in early June that the remains of 215 children were found on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, she wrote a poem in their memory. “Angels” is posted on the National Parliamentary Poet website. “My people have always known that there’s been a lot of unmarked graves throughout this country within those residential school grounds. So I’m going to have to really reflect and meditate on what does National Indigenous Peoples Day mean to me. I honestly cannot answer that to the extent I would like at the moment because it’s still simmering in my psyche,” she says. Halfe-Sky Dancer has some reflections for Canada from her Elders. “Our Elders used to say that love is the greatest teacher. It’s also the hardest teacher. It’s not only love for our children and partner, it’s love for everybody,” she says. The other beautiful word that she often invokes is wahkohtowin. “It means relationship in my language. The energy we bring in a relationship comes from a sacred place. And it’s up to us how we use that specific energy in any relationship. So we have to dialogue.”
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National Indigenous Peoples Day P E O P L E S
June 21, 2021
Park expansion kicks off exciting summer at Wanuskewin ELIZABETH IRELAND
As Saskatchewan expands re-opening plans, Wanuskewin Heritage Park looks forward to welcoming more visitors as summer unfolds. Wanuskewin has been a gathering place for the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains for thousands of years. Today, this National Historic Site includes Canada’s longest running archeology dig, an interpretive centre, a museum, an art gallery, and a large event space. Andrew McDonald is Wanuskewin’s director of marketing and communications. He describes the many experiences that visitors can currently enjoy at Wanuskewin including daily drop-in programs, new exhibits, interpretive outdoor walks and, of course, the bison herd. After its successful Thundering Ahead capital campaign, Wanuskewin’s full site renewal was officially complete in December 2020. New construction includes expansion of the interpretive centre, gallery spaces and meeting rooms plus a new archeology lab, and a refreshed restaurant and gift shop. Complete with inhouse catering services, a total of 7,000 square feet of space is now available for meetings, conferences and weddings. As we move into summer and the province continues to loosen health regulations, McDonald notes that the park is now open seven days a week with a 2:00 p.m. dance performance R E S P E C T F R O M PAGE 2
throughout the year that focuses on Indigenous culture and history. This is a particular focus during June, National Indigenous History Month. Programming includes the “Decolonizing YQR” workshop series, offered every month throughout 2021, providing opportunities to explore decolonization and practice taking personal responsibility for one’s beliefs and actions. The Regina Public Library offers a variety of resources for learning about reconciliation including reading lists, an Indigenous Word of the Week learning series on social media, film screenings, artist talks, language resources and more. For complete details visit the Reconciliation Page on the RPL website at reginalibrary.ca. M AC K E NZ I E A RT G A L L E RY
Regina’s MacKenzie Art Gallery celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Month with two fascinating exhibits. “Pasapkedjinawong-la rivière qui passé entre les rouchers: The River That Passes Through the Rocks” examines how languages survive, adapt to, exceed or resist frameworks of colonial violence and repression. Drawing a comparison to a river, the exhibit looks at what happens when the customary flow of a language is interrupted, diverted or impeded by an outside force. The exhibit features works by 11 different artists, and is curated by John G. Hampton and Léuli Eshrãghi. “Kiskisiyapiyawin: Threads of Memory” is a curation of short films by Indigenous and Canadian filmmakers that weave together stories reflecting experiences before and
each day. Given high demand, guided tours for school groups are fully booked until the end of June. Currently, all group tours are mask mandatory. Due to the unpredictability of planning during COVID-19, no official activities are planned for National Indigenous Peoples Day. However, McDonald still encourages guests to come out to Wanuskewin for the day to experience the site’s activities. New for families is the award-winning Wanuskewin Interpretive Playground. The outdoor playground’s design incorporates aspects of the site’s archeology, culture and natural ecosystems. “I wish I was 10 years old again when I see that playground,” says McDonald. On the bison front, the Wanuskewin conservation herd has now reached 17 bison, including two calves (as of the first week of June). The herd was formed in December 2019 with six young female bison from Grasslands National Park, as well as four females and one mature male (for breeding) from the United States. The U.S. bison are ancestrally related to the bison at Yellowstone National Park. McDonald describes the herd’s progress since reintroduction as “pretty incredible.” Bison mate in the late summer and have a nine-month gestation period. The priority is to manage the growth of the herd by breeding appropriately, mindful of genetic diversity, during the pandemic. Curated by Janine Windolph, the program offers a variety of perspectives from diverse communities across Canada. SASKMUSIC
SaskMusic will celebrate National Indigenous History Month with a special concert airing Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. on SaskMusic’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The program will continue to be available on maxTV Local on Demand. Presented with the support of FACTOR Canada, Missinipi Broadcasting Corp and maxTV Local on Demand, the concert will feature local music artists matched with video mentors in virtual collaborations to create new performance videos. It’s an opportunity to help artists expand their ability to create good quality videos for this concert, and future opportunities while the pandemic continues to restrict gathering sizes and travel. The concert will feature more than a dozen artists from different musical styles and locations across Saskatchewan. For more details, visit saskmusic. org and SaskMusic social media pages. A P T N I N D I G E N O U S DAY L I V E
The multi-platform broadcast, APTN Indigenous Day Live (IDL) returns June 20 with an incredible line-up of talented performers, pairing Indigenous artists with Canadian music icons collaborating in English, French and Indigenous languages. Audiences will view performances taking place in Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Dartmouth. Scheduled performers include Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Tom Wilson, iskw?, Neon Dreams, Julian Taylor,
New construction at Wanuskewin Heritage Park includes expansion of the interpretive centre, gallery spaces and meeting rooms plus a new archeology lab, and a refreshed restaurant and gift shop. PH O T O : WA NU SKEWIN H ER ITAG E PAR K
with an end goal of 50 bison living at Wanuskewin. On May 21, the art exhibition ‘Opimihaw’ by Mary Anne Barkhouse opened at Wanuskewin Galleries. Barkhouse was inspired by the reintroduction of the bison herd and the ecology of the nearby Opimihaw Valley to create her large tapestries and other dynamic pieces. Set to a backdrop of sounds recorded at Opimihaw Creek, the exhibition brings together themes of reconciliation, restoration and healing, combined with the strength found in human and natural ecosystems. One of the highlights of Wanuskewin’s recent renovations is the new People of the Northern Plains Hall, with a tipi movie theatre at its centre. “Six Elders shared their wisdom to create the People of the North-
Children will love the new outdoor interpretive playground at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. The award-winning design incorporates aspects of the site’s archeology, culture and natural ecosystems. PHOTO: ELIZ A B ETH IRELA ND
ern Plains exhibit. They were instrumental in the respectful and accurate depictions of traditional culture, language and belief systems. In addition, features like the ‘Leaders’ Wall’ showcase contemporary Indigenous successes stories for visitors to the park. This is in line with the Elders’ original vision for Wanuskewin, in the 1980s, to create pride and awareness,” says McDonald. How did Wanuskewin cope with COVID-19 restrictions over the past winter? McDonald describes the site’s many advantages for social distancing, including seven kilometres of outdoor trails, a popular snowshoeing program and an outside amphitheatre for performances. Also on offer is an innovative Desk for a Day program— a work option for those individuals ready for a change of scenery. “With the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that our outdoor offerings were more popular than we anticipated especially because people wanted to be doing something active
and engaging while safely distancing. At one point during the winter, we were scouring the country looking for more snowshoes for our programming to keep up to the demand. COVID-19 affected every element of our lives. I’m proud of our staff and how we came together to adapt and plan ‘what’s next’ so quickly,” says McDonald. Wanuskewin’s Han Wi Moon dinner series was an opportunity for guests to experience an outdoor dinner at dusk featuring ingredients harvested from the site. Put on hold due to COVID-19, McDonald hopes that the dinner series will restart in late summer. As an accurate reflection of the culture and history of the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains, Wanuskewin continues the process to become the first UNESCO designated site in Saskatchewan’s history. Find out more about exhibits and programming atwanuskewin.com.
Charlotte Cardin and more. Watch APTN Indigenous Day Live from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. (EST) on APTN, APTNlumi and participating Indigenous radio stations. The broadcast will be repeated on June 21. NAT I O NA L F I L M B O A R D INDIGENOUS CINEMA
You can celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month from the comfort of your couch by streaming a diverse selection of Indigenousled works available for free online viewing offered by the National Film Board of Canada. Go to the web portal nfb.ca/indigenous-cinema to access the NFB’s collection of works by Indigenous filmmakers. Must-see offerings include films by the great Alanis Obomsawin, including her latest Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger, the watershed documentary Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance; Tasha Hubbard’s award-winning nipawistamasowin: We Will Stand Up; and Now is the Time, directed by Christopher Auchter. On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the NFB will partner with the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Decolonizing Lens to host the world premiere screening of The Lake Winnipeg Project, a four-part documentary series by Kevin Settee. The series explores the vibrant Indigenous communities who have made their home on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, including the Anishinaabe, Cree and Métis, and their connection to the land and water at a time when many external forces are imposing change. To join the screening and panel discussion taking place June 21 at 6 p.m. (CDT), register at eventive.org.
Take time to recognize and celebrate Indigenous cultures in Saskatchewan.
Your Saskatchewan NDP MLAs Areproud tocelebratethediverseculturesandoutstandingcontributionsofIndigenouspeople
Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!
caucus@ndpcaucus.sk.ca
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National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2021
P E O P L E S
Honouring Her Spark: project strives to improve economic landscape for Indigenous women ELIZABETH IRELAND
Gathering the collective voice of Indigenous women and LGBTQ2S+ individuals in our province is more important than ever. Saskatoon-based Alicia Buckley is program director of the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS) and led the publication of Honouring Her Spark – A Saskatchewan Indigenous Women’s Economic Framework. Honouring Her Spark is a three-year initiative designed to improve the economic landscape for Indigenous women and LGBTQ2S+ in Saskatchewan (with the delays of COVID-19, it has been extended for a fourth year). Buckley has worked with the AFCS since February 2018 in different capacities. She has a degree in regional and urban planning from the University of Saskatchewan. Honouring Her Spark aims to increase awareness and understanding of the barriers Indigenous women encounter, exploring their passions and seeking out what they need to succeed. Incorporating a holistic approach, the project is rooted in Indigenous cultural teachings and traditions, seeking guidance from Elders,
Alicia Buckley is program director of the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS). S U P PL IED
cultural leaders and knowledge keepers. Two-Spirit (2S) is a term used by Indigenous North Americans to describe those who fulfill a traditional third-gender, or other gendervariant, role in their culture. Honouring Her Spark is funded by the federal government through Women and Gender Equality Canada and by the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund. Twenty high-level barriers were identified by Indigenous women and members of the LGBTQ2S+ in Saskatchewan. Three methods were used to collect information: workshops and focus groups in 10 Friendship Centre communities, written surveys and one-
“Personal safety has become even more of a barrier during the pandemic for Indigenous women and LGBTQ2S+ individuals.” - A L I C I A B U C K L E Y, p r o g r a m d i r e c t o r, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
on-one interviews. The top three barriers identified are discrimination and racism; issues with access to programs and services; and equal employment opportunities. “We are grateful that Indigenous community members shared their stories and knowledge with us across the province. None of the top three barriers identified are a surprise,” says Buckley. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to higher rates of domestic violence, addictions and mental
To gather a sense of the economic landscape in Saskatchewan, AFCS sought information on the barriers Indigenous women encounter and what they need to succeed. INFO GRA PHIC: A FCS)
health issues in all communities. As a result, for Indigenous women and LGBTQ2S+ individuals in Saskatchewan, the barrier of safety, crime and poverty has increasingly become an issue. “Personal safety has become even more of a barrier during the pandemic for Indigenous women and LGBTQ2S+ individuals. This could be interpersonal and domestic violence, generational violence or gender-based violence. With the support of the Emergency Community Support Fund, we have provided personal alert devices and
access and safety supports for Indigenous women and members of the LGBTQ2S+ in our community,” says Buckley. Honouring Her Spark will wrap up this year and work to correlate with national findings and frameworks, including the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), which was released in June 2019. The Final Report states that “calls for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across the country.”
Located across Canada, Friendship Centres form a non-for-profit service delivery infrastructure for Indigenous peoples, particularly in urban areas. Friendship Centres operate under a status-blind policy which means anyone, regardless of status, can use the programs and services. There are 11 Friendship Centres in Saskatchewan, including five in the North in La Loche, Buffalo Narrows, Île-à-la-Crosse, La Ronge and Meadow Lake. Find out more about the AFCS online at afcs.ca or by phone at 306-955-0762.
A scholar’s perspective on National Indigenous Peoples Day The recent discovery of a mass grave containing 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops Residential School has once again amplified the national dialogue around Truth and Reconciliation. According to the 2015 landmark report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), there were some 4,100 deaths of children at Residential Schools in Canada, although the number could be considerably higher. For many of those deaths, the student’s name, gender or cause of death was never recorded. Natalie Owl is a University of Regina (U of R) doctoral candidate whose research focus is Indigenous health and education. Owl, who grew up on the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation in northern Ontario, also studies tradi-
University of Regina doctoral candidate Natalie Owl says that the discovery of the Kamloops residential school burial site is yet another example of historic trauma transmission that Indigenous peoples face. P H O T O : U NIVER SIT Y O F R E GINA
tional Indigenous concepts of health, health disparities, social determinants of health, cultural appropriateness, Indigenous language education and historic trauma transmission theory among other Indigenous research. As a U of R master’s student, Owl focused
her research on impacts of the residential schools system. Owl says that the discovery of the burial site is yet another example of historic trauma transmission that Indigenous peoples face. “It [the discovery] is part of that historic trauma,” Owl
says. “I recently listened to Senator Murray Sinclair talk about the federal government’s refusal to further investigate deaths that occurred within the Indian residential school system and to me that’s part of ongoing Indigenous oppression.” The TRC hearings concluded there were 51 deaths at the Kamloops Residential School. Members of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation community, where the residential school is located, had long claimed that there were more children buried at the school site and for more than two decades had attempted to locate them. Owl says the acknowledgement of the deaths can help ease the pain that survivors have carried for a lifetime. “Because it was never fully acknowledged, that historic
trauma has been allowed to manifest in Indigenous communities,” says Owl. “There has also been the suppression of Indigenous traditional healing methodologies which would have helped resolve some of the trauma. For many of today’s survivors having that acknowledgement, while painful, is also healing. During this time, it is also important to remember the resilience and resistance of Indigenous people that has helped our truth be known.” Owl was the recent recipient of the 2021-2022 Queen Elizabeth II Centennial Aboriginal Scholarship, an $20,000 award presented to an Indigenous graduate student for academic excellence. “There aren’t a lot of Indigenous graduate students and to receive this award ac-
knowledges that my research is important,” she says. “Many Indigenous students struggle financially through post-secondary. It will definitely help me to finish up the rest of the rest of my doctorate so I am so thankful.” As we approach National Indigenous Peoples Day, Owl reflects on measures that will move Canadians towards reconciliation. “To have a day that is set aside helps raise awareness and it is important for Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people,” she says. “We need to learn each other’s history and also the history we share. Some of that’s not very pleasant but I think that you need to acknowledge that history and instead of dismissing it you need to understand it.”
THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF REGINA FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.
Cole Woytiuk PRESIDENT’S MEDAL RECIPIENT
for academic standing, leadership & extra-curricular activities.
Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN)
National
Indigenous Peoples Day. June 21
Helping Indigenous nursing students help others
The Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) is helping Indigenous nursing students realize their dreams of a career in healthcare and a goal to positively impact their communities. Jointly offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and University of Regina, the SCBScN has been approved by the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA) and also been accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). Cole Woytiuk earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing(BScN)with Distinction and is the recipient of the President's medal for academic standing, leadership and extra-curricular activities at the Spring, 2021 convocation. “In contrast to other degree programs, the SCBScN combines the academic and professional aspects of nursing, making the program both challenging and rewarding,” Cole says. “By the end of your degree, you will think critically and look at health from a holistic perspective. To be a registered nurse requires dedication and a selfless mindset.”
National Indigenous Peoples Day As we celebrate the diverse cultures and achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, let’s all work together to make it a land of reconciliation. We also join Canadians across the country to honour those who suffered, and those who continue to suffer and grieve the impact of Canada’s residential school system.
If you’re passionate about improving the well-being of Saskatchewan communities, visit
Together we are stronger.
sasknursingdegree.ca
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sasknursingdegree.ca/SCBScN
Monday
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REGINA LEADER-POST
National Indigenous Peoples Day P E O P L E S
June 21, 2021
Grassroots organizations approach healing and restoration on communities’ terms SARAH NELSON Special to Postmedia Network
The recent discovery of the remains of 215 children at Kamloops Indian Residential School has many people wondering what they can do to support healing and justice for Indigenous communities, and whether that is enough. Can we respond to reconciliation setbacks with community care and restorative justice in ways that honour Indigenous world views? Reconciliation St. Paul is facilitating difficult discussions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The town of St. Paul is located in a rural farming community in northeast Alberta, surrounded by four First Nations: Saddle Lake, Good Fish Lake, Fall Lake and Kahewin. There’s also a Métis fishing settlement. “We are amongst each other, working together in some cases, but we are only connecting on the surface level, maintaining a professional distance,” says nonIndigenous Reconciliation St. Paul member Tanya Fontaine. “I noticed my kids were picking up on that. Growing up (in St. Paul), they were learning a lot from the community and that included racist attitudes and ideology. I recognized my own complicity in Indigenous peoples’ colonization, and wanted to do something so I could be fighting that.” St. Paul became infamous after two local Indigenous women, both teachers, were harassed by a group of men who called them “squaws,” a racist and derogatory term. One of the women captured her confrontation with the men on video, which went viral. Sending shockwaves through the town, people
called for the mayor and leadership to have talks about systemic racism. Reconciliation St. Paul was involved in these discussions, and though Fontaine says this didn’t “solve racism,” it brought people from different communities together. Fontaine recalls another incident where a St. Paul parish priest made comments on Facebook claiming that residential schools were not being recognized for the positive impact they had. There was backlash to his comments, but Fontaine decided to approach the priest anyway to provide him with some reading material, and encourage him to attend a Reconciliation St. Paul meeting. He agreed, and the organization also invited a man from the Cree community, as well as a lawyer and mediator. “We had a restorative justice circle around that topic,” says Fontaine. “I don’t know if anyone’s mind was changed, but (the priest) did sit and listen.” Sitting and listening might be uncomfortable for some, but Fontaine says it’s an important part of the work. “The more you do it, the more comfortable you get and the better you get at it,” she says. “I’ve had things where it didn’t work out very well or I didn’t feel very respected. It was up to me to swallow that and engage again. I always felt there’s more to the story and it’s my responsibility to try again.” At the national level, the 4Rs Youth Movement organization has been working to prepare the next generation of leaders to create opportunities for sincere communication. The four Rs stand for respect, reciprocity, reconciliation and relevance, and they reflect how 4Rs
To create meaningful dialogue, 4Rs launched the National Learning Community (NLC) project, wherein youth from across Canada can learn how to host community gatherings and hold intentional space for difficult conversations and community healing. Pictured here, youth participate in a NLC retreat and engage in an “imagining possible futures activity.” PHOTO: BEN POWL ES S .
is providing a framework for connectivity and community among Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. “Over time, we saw the language of reconciliation and the work co-opted by non-Indigenous people,” says Jessica Bolduc, the Anishinaabe-French executive director of 4Rs. “This includes the land acknowledgements phenomenon, everyone getting an Elder to do a prayer; these kinds of cosmetic changes...(but) it stopped there. Are we really changing things... Are the rates of incarceration going down? Number of children in care going down? No, they’re go-
ing up.” To create meaningful dialogue, 4Rs launched the National Learning Community (NLC) project, wherein youth from across Canada can learn how to host community gatherings and hold intentional space for difficult conversations and community healing. NLC can take the form of a retreat where young Indigenous people can forge links between one another, or perhaps 4Rs will host a dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, where there’ll be a food and cultural exchange. 4Rs has also created its own
approach to cross-cultural dialogue, called “Seeding Reconciliation on Uneven Ground,” to help young people build authentic relationships and work collaboratively. “I have learned so much about facilitating and about how to host. I think the most life-changing thing has been the people I’ve met through—my NLC family,” says 2019 NLC member Andrea Yesno. 2020 NLC member Jasleen Jawanda agrees, saying: “My capacity to organize in community has deepened. NLC showed me new ways to incorporate care and thoughtfulness.”
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