Secwepemc NEWS
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012
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PELLTQWELQ’WEL’T JULY 2012
A monthly publication serving the people and communities of the Shuswap Nation
NEWS
Constable Darwin Robbins Honoured for his Contribution to the Communities The voice of the SHUSWAP NATION • SEXQELTQÍN ADAMS LAKE • ST’UXWTÉWS BONAPARTE • TSQ’ÉSCEN
CANIM LAKE • STSWÉCEMC/ XGÉT’TEM’ CANOE/DOG CREEK
Kukpi7 Michael LeBourdais, Kukpi7 Rick Deneault, Constable Darwin Robbins, Wife Roxanne Robbins, Children Cooper & Madison Robbins, being Honoured by Tk’emlups Kukpi7 Shane Gottfriedson by Sherisse Mousseau
Cst. Darwin Robbins, from Esketemc First Nations, BC, is leaving the community and Rural Detachment of Tk’emlups for a new policing position in Kelowna. After nine years of working in the urban and rural areas of Tk’emlups, Darwin was honoured at the yearly Tk’emlups Aboriginal Day celebrations held July 21, 2012. Kukpi7 Shane Gottfriedson spoke on Darwin’s contributions both personally and professionally, describing his dedication to the Tk’emlups community over the years. Darwin and his family were thanked in a traditional blanket ceremony for the supoprt they gave Darwin, which allowed him to dedicate so much time to his work. Darwin was able to make a huge impact within the community as a result. Darwin, also my brother, agreed to let me interview him about his experiences from working in the Tk’emlups policing jurisdiction. Darwin was humble about the contributions he made in a community that has been his home, “It’s not too often that you can stay in one spot for this long in the policing profession. Because I was able to stay in Kamloops for nine years, I was able to witness changes where I can safely say that I was involved in led to improvement. I’ve watched families grow up, I’ve watched children grow into adults and I’m really
proud of how everything turned out. I’m going to miss Kamloops a lot.” Throughout his career in Kamloops Darwin participated in an RCMP youth workshops. At a workshop held at TRU, a student asked him, “How do you maintain your Aboriginal identity in a workforce that is dominantly white?” Darwin answered with encouragement, “I go home and visit my family and friends. I was raised by my kye7e, so [to me] it’s important to maintain friendships and knowing the language.” Darwin did exactly that and carried forth what he learned growing up with our Kye7e Ellen Robbins. He explored many ways to learn from elders and community members while working at Tk’emlups. He describes, “Working in Kamloops with the First Nations Community Tripartite Agreement (CTA) of Tk’emlups, Skeetchestn, and Whispering Pines, I was able to definitely help bolster my identity as a First Nations person. I would actively seek out people in those communities who were spiritual and well respected. I have many friends in the communities - I learned a lot about who I was. You never stop learning in this job and I appreciate the help I received from everyone, from the CTA and the three bands here.” Darwin went one step above to maintain
• ESK’ÉT ALKALI LAKE • LLENLLENÉY’TEN HIGH BAR • TK’EMLÚPS
KAMLOOPS • QW7EWT LITTLE SHUSWAP • SK’ATSIN
NESKONLITH • SIMPCW
NORTH THOMPSON • TSK’WÉYLECW
Fellow Constable, Chiefs and community leaders that were involved in working with Constable Robbins.
his Aboriginal identity and that was to encourage youth to maintain their Aboriginal identity as well. Darwin took on being a youth mentor, it was something he enjoyed the most while working at Tk’emlups. He explains, “I enjoyed the Skeetchestn Youth Sustenance Camp. It was put on by Terry Deneault, this camp was set up in Skeetchestn traditional territory. Everybody would learn from Terry and all the elders about traditional means of sustenance and harvesting from the land. That was the most fun thing about working in Tk’emlups, as well as playing lahal, going out to Whispering Pines and observing the motor cross and the rodeos. That was always fun, too. I usually got to see my kwseltkten from Esket around there. Kukwstsetsemc sme7stem for allowing me to interview you, kukwstec-kucw from Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and the CTA, for the years of dedication in their communities.
PAVILION • KENPÉSQ’T SHUSWAP • SKÍTSESTN SKEETCHESTN • XATS’ÚLL SODA CREEK • SPLATSÍN
SPALLUMCHEEN • T’ÉXELC
WILLIAMS LAKE • STIL’QW/ PELLT’ÍQ’T WHISPERING PINES/CLINTON
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Secwepemc NEWS
JUNE 2012
NEWS The voice of the Shuswap Nation Circulation 4,000 Secwepemc News is published monthly
Editor Louise Alphonse
OUR MISSION is to provide a forum Language Page for members of the 17 Shuswap Bands Kathy Manuel to discuss and learn more about the issues, news and events taking place Contributors in the Shuswap Nation; to promote Alison Eustache awareness of Secwepemc language, Julianne Peters culture and history; to recognize Sherisse Mousseau the individual accomplishments of Robin Billy community members; and to provide Kathy Manuel a vehicle for the outside community Michael to learn more about the history, LeBourdais current affairs and future goals of the Kelley O’Grady Secwepemc people. Bonnie Leonard
You can reach our Editorial Office by phone: (778) 471-5789 by fax: (778) 471-5792 by e-mail: communic@secwepemc.org; or by mail: c/o Secwepemc Cultural Education Society 274A Halston Connector Road, Kamloops, BC V2H 1J9
Secwepemctsín Wel me7 yews “Preserving Our
We appreciate and rely on the Shuswap communities for their stories and activity reports. Kukwstep-kucw
Language”
“Salmon Changed Evening in Enderby” August 7, 2012
Calendar of Community EVENTS
All are welcome to list any upcoming meetings and events in this space. Please give us a call at (778) 471-5789 or fax us at (778) 471-5792 or E-mail us at communic@secwepemc.org. Deadline: Last WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH “WE RIDE FOR THOSE YET UNBORN”- Unity Ride “Me7 Temtéw’smenteme stsmémelt me7 ta7s yucwstsey” on August 14th to 17th, 2012 Chase to Simpcw - Secwépemc Gathering Unity Ride for our children from Chase to Simpcw August 14th start from Lorne Sampson’s in Chase - 25 km Camp 1 at Dennis Lake August 15th Dennis Lake to Camp 2 - 30 km August 16th Camp 2 to Barriere Fair Grounds Camp 3 - 30 km August 17th Barriere Fair Grounds to Simpcw and Secwépemc Gathering - 15 km People are invited to join at anytime and the camps. We encourage the adults to get your children involved, they can ride, walk or run. Everyone is responsible for their camping, food and water and own horses. Donations of hay and food are accepted Contact - Kukpí7 Christian, Councillor Randy Sam or Bonnie Leonard at SNTC Women’s 8 Team Fastball Tournament August 18-19, 2012 Secwépemc Gathering Event - $250.00 entry fee Pay out based on teams entered Double knock out or other Contact: Tawny Fortier Cell 250-318-7193 or Email:fortier_33@yahoo.ca 3rd Annual Sugar Lake Memorial Stick Games Tournament, August 17, 18 & 19, 2012 In Honour of Elizabeth Lindley Charters $200.00 Entry Fee 2-5 players per team 100% Entry Fee paid out 1st place - Jackets + $5000.00 cash 2nd place - Hoodies + $4000.00 cash 3rd place - Long Sleeve Shirts + $3000.00 cash 4th place - Hats + $2000.00 cash 5th place - $1000.00 cash 17 August - Open Games - Dinner served at 6 pm 18 August - Open Games - Registration 12 - 5 pm Dinner served at 6 pm - Traditional Games after Dinner - Memorial Tournament Opens. 19 August - Open Games - Registration 11 - 1 pm for “Cry Me A River Tournament” $50.00 per team entry fee 1st - $500.00 2nd - $400.00 3rd - $300.00 4th - $200.00 5th - $100.00 PLUS 100% entry fee Camping Available at 751 Sugar Lake Road – 22 km East of Lumby Hwy 6 - Bring your own chairs Port-a-potties & drinking water available - On-site security Other accommodations: Gold Panner Campground - RV site with hook-ups, chalets & cabins (15 mins away) Tel: (250) 547-2025 Twin Creeks Motel – Lumby, Tel:1-866-547-8946 (20 minutes away) No Alcohol or Drugs Allowed NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS **Please respect that this property is a working farm with animals & large farm dogs - Leave your pets at home** Enjoy the Shuswap River which borders the property please supervise your children at the water Contact Roxanne Lindley (250) 547-9510 2nd Annual Gymkana on Friday August 3rd 11:am start
Secwépemc Gathering Pow-wow will be August 17, 18 & 19th, for more information on this contact Sam Saul @ 250-571-2509 or Shirley Eustache @ 250-672-5301 2 Rivers, 2 Peoples, 200 Years Celebration at Riverside Park on August 25, 2012 2012 Commemorates Kamloops’ 200th year of shared living with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, and 200 years of community achievement and growth. The theme for 2012 is “2 Rivers, 2 Peoples, 200 Years” The North and South Thompson rivers have always defined the identity and shaped the boundaries of Kamloops. Even the name of our city reflects our unique location at the junction of the two rivers: in Secwepemctsín, Kamloops means “meeting of the waters”. In 1812, fur trader and explorer, David Stuart built a trading post on the shore of the Thompson River. In 2012, the City of Kamloops is commemorating 200 years of shared history between the Secwépemc and all those who came after David Stuart. The event in celebration of 200 years will be held at Riverside Park from 10 am- 4 pm and the City is still looking for performers and vendors for the event. Vendors please call Dennis Oomen @ (250) 828-3579 or Elisabeth Duckworth @ (250) 828-3576. For more information contact Kelly O’Grady Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Communications, Marketing and Events Coordinator Tel: (250) 828-9775 Email: kogrady@kib.ca Website: www.tkemlups.ca FAMILY EMPOWERMENT CIRCLE Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 24th – September 13th @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm This Family Empowerment Circle is to allow men and women to discuss the following topics in a safe, nonjudgemental environment and to empower their spirit. • Life Cycle Wheel/Medicine Wheel - The importance of walking in balance • Building Self-Esteem • Forgiveness and Releasing the Past • Understanding Child Protection and Responsibility Rights • Co-dependency and Boundaries • Building Healthy Relationship Tools • Dealing with Conflict • Communication/Listening • Enhancing Parenting Skills • The impact of Abuse on Children • Anger Management • Grief and Loss Who is eligible for the program? The program is open to all individuals that are ready to make positive changes. All participants will be required to complete an intake assessment process to define eligibility and suitability. IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS: Call Roberta or Shelley (Gift Givers Co-ordinators) at 250-554-1176
Secwepemc NEWS
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012
Pelltqwelq̓wél̕t “getting ripe month”
M-tqwelq̓wéltes xwexwéyt re speqpéq: re speqpeq7úw̓i, re tqítq̓e, re wenéx, ell re sesép. M-yews re sqwelq̓wléwems re Secwépemc. They picked all the berries: the Saskatoon, the strawberry, the huckleberry and the blueberry. The Secwépemc were gatherers.
Speqpéq - Berries
speqpeq7úw̓i saskatoon wenéx huckleberry tqitq̓e strawberry stséqwem salmonberry s7éytsqwem raspberry tkwlós7e chokecherry sxúsem soapberry sp̓em to get berries by hitting the branch with a stick tqwelq̓wél’t to become ripe q̓wléwem to pick Me7 k̓úlem-kt tek sxúsem We will make some Indian ice cream
sp̓em
Condolences to the family of “Raven” Dave Seymourwe are so thankful and proud of all the work he did for SCES and the Secwepemc Nation, he will live on forever through his art.
q̓wléwem
speqpéq
tkwlós7e
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tmicw - land, earth
pésellkwe setétkwe tswec tsqwum sqéltus skwelk̓wélt spélem nekéct csek̓éwt ctsetém̓
lake river, ocean creek hill mountain alpine mountains prairie, clearing woods, forest gully valley
some suffixes for land forms are: -ul̓ecw land -enk hillside -us face of a cliff or mountain -qin top of, head of in altitude; also head of a lake -tsin mouth of a river/creek -eqs nose shaped -ew̓s flat elevated surface (plateau) -ewt/-tem̓ valley, gully -etkwe; - kwe water (river, lake) * Note: some of these are derived from suffixes for body parts. Action words
peqúl̓ecw to sight-see nes to go tnésmens to go along st̓7ek coming towards kucén to go far qwetsetsúl̓ecw to go on a trip qéyem to drive cwesét to travel/walk about k̓wetem to walk cwíselc to run piqw to look wíkem to see
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Secwepemc NEWS
JUNE 2012
Celebrating Five Local Aboriginal Women Submitted by: Julianne Peters
This year, we celebrate five Aboriginal women who completed their Educational Doctorates. Congratulations Dr. Marie Anderson, Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet, Dr. Deb Canada, Dr. Shelly Johnson, and Dr. Kathy Michel. The five women began their doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in July 2006, and were the first Indigenous doctoral cohort in the Leadership and Policy program. Dr. Shelly Johnson is Saulteaux, from the Keeseekoose First Nation in Saskatchewan. As of July, Shelly works in the UBC School of Social Work as an assistant professor; Shelly worked at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in the School of Social Work for several years as an assistant professor. Her thesis titled “I screamed internally for a long time: Traumatized urban Indigenous children in Canadian child protection and education systems”. Dr. Deborah Canada is Métis; she is the Executive Officer of the Métis Commission for Children and Families. Her thesis was titled “Strength of the sash: The Métis people and the BC child welfare system”.
Dr. Beatrice Marie (Tiilaa) Anderson is Nlakapamux, born and raised in the BC Interior; living at the Peymanoos, Cooks Ferry Band. She married her highschool sweetheart, has three children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Marie co-directed a Native Training Institute for social services in the 1980’s. Marie completed her Bachelor of Indian Social Work at the University of Regina, and her Masters in Social Work from UBC. Since 1993, Marie has worked at “Heyway Nuqo Healing Circle for Addictions Society”, an out-patient addictions program in Vancouver. Her thesis was titled “Nlakapmux Grandmothers’ Traditional Teachings and Learnings”. Not all indigenous learning has disappeared. And not all learning is obtained in formal Institutions. Much of our indigenous knowledge has been passed down for generations. - Marie Anderson Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet is Secwépemc, of the St̓uxtéws First Nations in Bonaparte. Verna is the Vice President, in Academic and Strategic Planning, at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).
She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the Simon Fraser University (SFU), with a joint major in Sociology and Anthropology in 1994. In 1996, she completed her Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Community Economic Development; and in 1998, Verna completed her Masters of Arts in Education. Verna’s thesis is titled “Aboriginal PostSecondary Education in British Columbia: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology – An Eagle’s Gathering Place”. Verna is a strong believer in Communitybased education, Community Economic Development and the empowerment of First Nations people through education and training. Dr. Kathryn Michel is Cstélnec (Adams Lake). Her parents are the late Joe Stanley Michel and Anne Michel, and she has five brothers and three sisters. Her husband is Robert Matthew, and her children are Seth (Cwelpexe) and Tekwaus Armitage, Sekwáw̓ and Melpétkwe Matthew. Kathy grew up in a large loving famiy, and although her parents spoke fluent Secwepemctsín, her and her siblings were not raised in the language. It wasn’t until Kathy completed her Bachelor of Arts in 1987 at UBC that she began to understand
the disconnect from culture and language really affected her. In 2005, Kathy completed her Masters of Arts in Education Degree from SFU. This year, we celebrate her success in receiving her Educational Doctorate; her thesis titled “Trickster’s Path to Language Transformation: Stories of Secwépemc Immersion from Chief Atahm School”, which chronicles personal and community transformations of Secwépemc Immersion Education. Kathy was inspired by the Maori Te Kohanga Reo (language nest) movement to start an early childhood Secwépemc Immersion program on the Adams Lake Reserve; this idea grew into the Chief Atahm School. Throughout her incredible journey of rediscovery, many elders have shared their teachings with Kathy. “This has been the most precious education one could ask for. I have dedicated my work to my father, Joe Stanley Michel, in honour of all his teachings. My work seeks to breathe life into his dream that a Secwépemc Education that incorporates our stories, ways and language, will enhance our existence in the modern world.” - Kathy Michel
Blades Hockey Team Hosts 3 Day Event Submitted by Robin Billy On July 20-22, 2012 the Chase Blades Hockey Club hosted a 3-day fundraising event. On Day 1 the team hosted the Rez Poker Championship. The poker tournament featured a $260 buy-in which included a $35 administration fee and $25 bounty. There were 32 registrants and the total prize payout was $6,400.00. The Blades would like to thank the participants and congratulate Jesse Wilson (3rd Place) and Brandon Francois and Frank Costa who split the top prize as the sun was coming up! Brandon took home the top Native bracelet and Frank won the Rez Poker Championship bracelet by a toss, Sybille took home the top Woman bracelet. On Saturday, July 21 the Blades welcomed Don Burnstick who performed the Shacked Up in the Shuswap comedy show. The show was a great success as Don tailored his comedic style to Shuswap culture and singled out the non-Natives in the crowd for extra ribbing. The fundraiser also included a loonie auction for the Chase Minor hockey teams and 5050 draw for the crowd. The Blades would like to thank Don Burnstick for supporting the Team and encouraging the crowd to support Native hockey! On the final day the team hosted the 2012 Blades Golf Tournament at the beautiful Talking Rock Golf Resort, Squilax, BC. The event was well attended with 24 teams entering this year’s golf tournament. Featured competitions were the Men and Women’s longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt, and the Happy Gilmore challenge. The Blades would like to congratulate the Burnstick team for coming in 3rd Place, the local Talking Rock team for placing 2nd, and the Coyote Rock golf course team for taking 1st Place! Overall the weekend was a great success! The Blades would like to thank all the participants, volunteers (Alkina and Leona), as well as the players who helped out. Although it was a tremendous amount of work it was great to provide 3 fun-filled events for our supporters. Please e-mail the Blades if you would like more information on upcoming events including our next Poker Tournament and the 1st Annual Blades Hockey Tournament at bladeshockey@cablelan.net. Kukwstsemc, Robin Billy & Shawn Billy, Chase Blades Hockey Club
First Place Team: Coordinator Robin Billy, Steve Simms, Tony Abbot, Joel Scheutze, Roxanne Jim, Shawn Billy
Coordinator Robin Billy, Shawn Billy, Trevor Andrew, Frank Antoine (missing - Mitch Buffalo, Susan Plum)
Above: Top Poker Players L to R: Brandon Francois, Frank Costa, Jesse Wilson Above: Coordinator Robin Billy, Shawn Billy, Don Burnstick, Viola Brown, Shelley Poiron, Spirit
Below L to R: Gabe Alec, Shawn Billy, Francis Deneault (background), Robin Billy, Andrew Morrison, Cody Gaze, Jarret Arnouse, Jay Arnouse, Darren Pittendreigh, and Don Burnstick
Secwepemc NEWS
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012
Would You Know How To Help a Diabetic in Crisis? This is the fourty fifth article in a series of articles discussing type 2 diabetes. With the incidence of diabetes being on the rise in our population, at Manshadi Pharmacy we have taken a great interest in diabetes care and would be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diabetes and its related complications. As I have mentioned in a previous article, diabetes if left untreated or if improperly treated, can lead to very serious, even lifethreatening crises. These complications arise from either the blood sugar levels in the body being too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Due to the severe consequences of these complications, in this article I would like to review the signs and symptoms of these medical emergencies, in order to educate the general public so that they are better able to assist a diabetic if one should occur. If you are a diabetic, please share this article with your family and friends, so that they may be able to help you if you should ever need it. It could save your life. Let’s begin with a little test.
Pretend that you are in the grocery store and you see a person stumbling around and acting incoherent. They are complaining of feeling nauseous. As you get closer to them, you realize that they smell “fruity”. You assume that: a) They are intoxicated b) They are a diabetic and their blood sugar is too high c) They are a diabetic and their blood sugar is too low If you answered B, then you are on the right track. Diabetics who have uncontrolled high blood sugars often smell fruity due to the production of ketones caused by the breakdown of fats and protein for energy as the body is not able to utilize sugar due to the lack of insulin. Unfortunately, this can often mean that they are mistaken as being intoxicated. That is why it is best for diabetics to wear a medical alert bracelet stating that they are a diabetic so that it can be properly identified during a hyperglycemic crisis. If left untreated this can result in coma and death and therefore require immediate medical attention. Therefore, if you were to encounter a person that fits the above description, the best way you can help them is to call an ambulance right away so that they may
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Silver August
have their blood sugars properly evaluated and managed at the hospital. Conversely, low blood sugars can usually be treated at home if caught early enough. They may be caused by skipping meals, sudden large increases in physical activity, or taking too much medication. The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include: • Blood glucose levels < 4 mmol/L • Shakiness, sweatiness, and tingling of the mouth • Confusion and lack of consciousness If this occurs then it is important to treat this immediately with 15 grams of a fast acting carbohydrate, such as a tablespoon of honey or some glucose tablets. You should retest your blood sugar levels after 15 minutes and retreat if you are still low. It is important that you try and eat a snack that contains a long-acting carbohydrate and protein within 45 minutes to prevent another hypoglycemic event. I hope that this review of the acute complications of diabetes is useful in helping you prevent any serious complications by assisting you in treating them before they
Weyt-k my name is Silver August, age 21. I am from Neskonlith Indian Band and a mother of a 4 year old. I had my daughter at a early age and that only pushed me harder to finish high school and get my diploma. I graduated from Neskonlith Education Center in 2010 with Honours. About a week after that I was employed with my community’s wellness center as a Receptionist/Staff Support, I stayed with them for about a year and decided to spread my wings and fly. I’ve always enjoyed “girly things” like doing my friends nails, makeup, etc. so I decided to go to Beauty School. With a lot of meetings and research to find
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become severe. In my next article I will be discussing the long-term complications associated with diabetes. Laura Burgess, B.Sc. Pharm., Certified Diabetes Educator Pharmacist, Manshadi Pharmacy
funding on my own, which I did (Thanks to Richard Manuel Neskonlith Indian Band, Shelley Witzky - Chase Employment & Wes Francois - CITAC) I was enrolled in Interior Academy of Esthetics & Hair Design a couple weeks later. I made a lot of new friends in school and had a lot of fun. I got straight A’s on all my Theory & Practical Exams, and was the first in my class to graduate (May.15th,2012). After a week of spring fun I got bored easy and started my search for employment where I found Le7ke Spa at Quaaout Lodge/Talking Rock Golf Course located on Little Shuswap Indian Band. I started working with them two weeks later and have been enjoying every moment of it meeting new people all over the world and doing what I love. Le7Ke pronounced La-(pause)-Ka meaning “I am good” in the Secwepemc language. There is a First Nations feel in the spa and lodge and I really enjoy that, it makes me feel at home. I am proud to say that I have earned my way to my current position, and am happy where my life is heading. “Don’t tell me the sky is the limit, when there are footprints on the moon.”
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Secwepemc NEWS
“The opportunity to learn Secwepemctsín” Submitted by: Janice Billy
Nine students were immersed in Secwepemctsín from July 3-7, 2012, in the Secwepemctsín 151 course, hosted by SCES. The instructor Janice R. Billy, and fluent Elder Flora Sampson, provided a wide variety of learning activities in Secwepemctsín. The goal of the course was to provide a safe environment with optimum learning taking place. The course was filled with fun, laughter, and lots of learning. The students attended full-day classes for five days, including one night of camping. This course provided a pilot project of how an extensive language course can take place; acquiring fluency requires intensive blocks of time spent learning and practicing language in an immersion environment. For example, in the “Kalispel language program”, students spend 15 months in an intensive program from 7 to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. This concentrated time develops fluent speakers who become language teachers. In Secwepemctsín 151, students learned basic language skills including: greetings, introductions, weather, food, culture/nature words, animals, and commonly used language. Students learned vocabulary, and practiced them in phrases and short sentences. Each student created 20 phrases with a combined total of 160 phrases. The students also developed projects covering a wide variety of themes, the projects enabling students to learn from each other. The projects also showed the students further possibilities in learning Secwepemctsín; for example, one student presented various ways to count
objects/people in Secwepemctsín. The instructor tested the curriculum, “Secwepemctsín 1 – A Beginning Course in Secwepemctsín Salish”. This curriculum is the first in a series, which was developed by the Kalispel and translated into Secwepemctsín. The Kalispel tribe in Usk, Washington has successfully used this curriculum to develop fluent speakers. It consists of 3 levels, each level progressing into extensive language structures and grammar. Each level contains 15 traditional stories. So when all 3 levels are completed, 45 traditional stories are learned. The Kalispel also have developed 4 seasonal binders which each contain traditional activities. These are covered when Book 1, 2, and 3 are completed. So far, the Secwepemc Language Advisory has translated only Book 1 into Secwepemctsín. The courses also included cultural teachings. Jackie Jules instructed the students in making bulrush mats, a skill she learned
Technology Innovations and Language Submitted by: Sherisse Mousseau
With technology innovations like the iPhone Apps (applications), learning our own Indigenous language is more accessible than ever and certain Apps can: record language, make talking books, or even make movies. Preserving Indigenous languages through technology innovations are becoming a significant tool for future generations. Colonization has had devastating effects on Indigenous languages. Terry Glavin, author and conservationist who documents cultural endangerment worldwide, describes it as: “Humanity’s diversity is… withering. Though the world population has surpassed six billion, it is as though some savage ethnic is underway. The world is losing an entire language every two weeks. Fully half of the world’s 5000 languages are expected to be gone, with all their songs and sagas, by the middle of this century.” With these languages, Glavin maintains, “We are losing religions and intellectual traditions, entire bodies of literature, taxonomies, pharmacopias, and all those ways of seeing, knowing, and being… This is not what we had come to
expect from the promise of the Enlightenment. We are not gaining knowledge with every human generation – we are losing it.” It’s a promising future for BC Aboriginal language efforts for the revitalization of BC’s 32 Indigenous languages. Students from four different Nations and regions of BC, including Tsilhqot’in, Nlakapamux, St’at’imc, and Secwepemc, came together for an education course called “Technology Innovations and Language,” delivered by SCES. The instructor Mike Willie came from Port Hardy, BC, where he teaches at the ‘Nak’waxda’xw School on the Tsuquate reserve. Mike also works with youth and elders to focus on the urgent need in Canada’s society to archive our traditional languages using technology innovations that make it readily accessible for everyone whether they are learning the language or how to teach using technology. Throughout the Technology Innovations and Language course (through July 9th to 14th), Mike challenged each student to use their own language in all of our class assignments, starting with a prayer in the morning and switching the students each day
JUNE 2012 from the late Mary Thomas, while Flora explained the process in Secwepemctsín. Elder Flora Sampson told traditional stories in Secwpemctsín and ensured the students understood by asking questions about the story. A camp out was held at Neskonlith Lake. Here the students took part in a number of cultural activities such as collecting birch bark and cedar roots and scavenger hunt using land-based words and phrases. Elder Lawrence Michel treated the students to stseptékwle (traditional stories). Guest Hayley Bowe-Dennis sang songs (country and western) and played her guitar while Flora translated the songs into Secwepemctsín. During the camp out, drum songs and prayers were said to honour the late Susan Seymour. Susan was a strong Secwépemc woman who was a fluent speaker of Secwepemctsín and fought for our land, title and rights. She inspired many to do the same. The students appreciated the oppor-
tunity to learn language out on the land. “This class gave me the opportunity to learn Secwepemctsín out on the land. I learn more through experiences so the language sinks in and I’m able to retain more”. Other students commented: “I enjoyed this course, it helped me get a lot of my language back – makes me feel good. I want to be more fluent. This course made me feel emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually stronger – like reclaiming what was taken at the residential school.” “After taking this course, I feel closer to my late Kye7e Ellen Robbins. Ellen was such a strong Secwépemc woman and she would be very proud of me taking this course”. Special thanks to SCES Language Coordinator, Kathy Manuel, for organizing the course, Jessica Arnouse, for taping the lessons and stories for the students, Elders Lawrence Michel & Flora Sampson for sharing their knowledge, and Neskonlith Education Center for providing the classroom.
to begin with the prayer. Students were split into groups to discuss what they hoped to get out of the course, which included: learning about Audacity, FirstVoices, and other resources such as iPhone Apps. Students were taught how to navigate professional equipment used to interview elders and fluent language speakers. Students were also taught and given an assignment on Fire 2, Pictello, and iMovie. Archiving language in new convenient ways could very well be what restores our Indigenous languages,that are described as being near extinction, back into our English predominate society. Each student created an iMovie defining what language revitalization means to them. I included my daughter Shoshauna, aged 4, in my iMovie assignment because she recently completed her first year at Little Fawn Nursery that is 50% immersion. My definition of Language revitalization is I believe Shoshauna deserves to learn her Indigenous language, she is already a semi-fluent speaker of Secwepemctsín. A 50% Secwepemctsín Immersian pre-school is just the beginning, her education can lead her to Chief Atahm School, a 100% immersion school, that I, as a Secwepemc parent, have the option to consider.”
The benefits of knowing your language are described as possessing the tools that promotes healing and empowers children to break the Residential School cycle: “Having been taught in my language as a young child totally helped with my self-confidence and getting through school and university. That’s true of many kids from Kingcome – there is a high success rate in post-secondary education and I attribute it directly to being grounded in the language,” Mike Willie comments on why he dedicates his career and his own fluent speaking capabilities on language revitalization. The Technology Innovations and Language course was an eye-opener to transformative change that results from preserving a language that is intertwined in our Indigenous culture. Kukwstsetsemc to Mike Willie, the students who participated, and Kathy Manuel who organized and coordinated the course.
Secwepemc NEWS
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012
A Day Of Healing At Alkali Lake
On Thursday, June 22, 2012, Charlene Belleau, (previous Chief of Alkali Lake), Freddy Johnson and numerous members of the Alkali Lake community helped facilitate an all-day healing ceremony for approximately 30 RCMP officers, investigators and forensic experts who have been involved in the “Missing/Murdered Women of BC” investigations. Charlene Belleau mentioned that she had become aware of the high level of burn-out and stress of these officers during the recent investigations of Aboriginal women in BC. Charlene contacted R.J. Beck, Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Operations, “E” Division, from Vancouver and offered a day of healing ceremony to Assistant Commissioner Beck and his staff a gesture of good will. The day of healing was held at a powwow arbor in a beautiful meadow near the Alkali Lake, BC. At the beginning of the day, each of the officers offered tobacco to the Elders for guidance and prayers. The officers then participated in a “talking circle” while gathered in a large teepee. This was an opportunity to share on an intimate/ emotional level about how each had been affected by the stress of attempting to resolve the tragedies they face on a regular basis. During this initial ceremony, the officers prepared red tobacco ties which would be offered later during the Sweat Lodge Ceremony to remember the Aboriginal women whom have been murdered or are still missing. Fred Johnson shared his painful, personal story of attending St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School and his recovery from the trauma he experienced there. This was done to help the officers understand the trauma that many Aboriginal women have experienced and why they end up murdered or missing. Charlene mentioned that the history of the RCMP with Aboriginal People has not always been positive. During the days of the residential schools, the police officers served as truant officers who returned students who tried to run away, not
realizing this often subjected the students to further abuse. In May 2004, the RCMP offered an apology to Chiefs across Canada for their involvement in the Indian Residential School. Because of the healing that continues at Alkali Lake from their previous history with police services, they are now able to offer support to the RCMP. After the “talking circle” was complete, the officers were invited to participate in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony. This was the first time in the “lodge” for many of the officers. Because of the large size of the lodge, all 30 officers, Freddy Johnson and Charlene Belleau were able to fit inside. This was an opportunity for all the officers to experience this ancient ceremony, which helped release emotional burdens and forge a sense of connection with each other, Mother Earth and whatever their conception of a “Higher Power” was. The ceremony provided an opportunity to cleanse their minds, bodies and spirits from the painful task of investigating murdered and missing Aboriginal women. Many offered up prayers for individuals they were specifically assigned to investigate. I helped another community member manage the lodge, fire, and the setting of the stones, so I was able to witness the positive change that came over the group as the ceremony continued. I also noted that an overwhelming majority of the officers wanted to stay with the ceremony for the full four rounds, even though Charlene gave them the option of withdrawing after the second round. I overheard officers acknowledge feeling the benefits of the ceremony and intending to continue as long as possible. After the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, the officers were invited to share food that had been prepared by Alkali Lake community members. Many members of the community were involved in the preparation for this daylong event and were also in attendance to support the process. After lunch, the officers were given gifts of prayer sticks and eagle feathers which had been made or collected
by community members. These gifts were presented to each officer by young girls to signify the need for officers to continue to protect young girls from violence and abuse. Each officer had an opportunity to share a few words about his/her experience of the day. Charlene assured the officers that they were always welcome to return for a sweat lodge or any other kind of support the community has to offer. As the day of healing drew to an end, there was a strong sense of community between the RCMP officers and the Alkali Lake Band members. I felt a sense of gratitude being able to witness the officers risk vulnerability and show their humanity. Community members seemed to feel a sense of connection to and appreciation for these men and women who live very difficult professional lives in the service of all British Columbians. I have mentioned in other writings
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(Counselor: The Magazine for Addictions Professionals, October 2011 Vol.12 and August 2010 Vol.11) that on several occasions, I have been blessed to see the efforts that the Alkali Lake Band makes to reach out in a loving and healing way to nonNative individuals, families, communities and institutions. This day of healing with the RCMP was a beautiful example of how far this community has come since the 1970s when they were drinking, drugging and dying in large numbers. It also is a powerful message about the vision of R.J. Beck in supporting his officers in participating in this non-mainstream healing activity. I related this story to the President Emeritus of the Betty Ford Institute, Dr. Garrett O’Connor, who had this insightful response: “What other institution could have provided such a comprehensive, healing intervention? Certainly modern psychiatry/ psychology has nothing to approximate the value of such a day.
Quqwlút tek Secwepemctsín!
Submitted by: Julianne Peters
Mona Jules instructed the Secwepemctsín 350 Immersion course, July 9-14th, 2012, which was hosted by SCES. The course was held in Kamloops with nine students who completed the course. Mona incorporated traditional activities during the week, including: making pine needle baskets and weaving Tule reed mats. Students learned about traditional activities like: making moccasins, birch bark baskets, cedar root baskets, family structures, hunting, fishing, land terms, etc. Mona also brought in treasured storyteller Ron Ignace. Ron shared stories that have been past on for generations, which gave references to Secwépemc land and historical events. He shared many stories about Senxúxwlecw (Old Coyote) or Sk’lép/Sek’lép (Coyote), who was the first ‘Transformer’ to walk Earth. He told the stories in the language, as they are supposed to be shared. By the end of Ron’s storytelling, the group was
filled with laughter and no one wanted this special event to end. Jackie Jules of the Secwépemc Museum patiently taught students qts’em re xwtellp (to weave bulrush). It was great to see the individual projects the students produced. The students enjoyed this opportunity as they were able to enjoy the warm weather and good company near the pithouses of our ancestors. Special thanks to guests Ron Ignace, for sharing the language and stories, and Jackie Jules, for sharing how to weave reed mats. Also, thanks to Jessica Arnouse for her contribution during the week. Very special thanks to Mona Jules Thank you for continuing to share and teach the language. Kukwstséc-kucw Mona, you continue to be a great Secwépemc role model for all generations. Quqwlút tek Secwepemctsín! Speak the language!
Weaving Bulrush Mats, L-R: Jessica Arnouse, Rhonda Jules, Mona Jules (front), Jackie Joseph, Tony LaRue, Jackie Jules, Jeri Antoine, Jennifer Dick (front) and Margaret Jules
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Secwepemc NEWS
Secwépemc Nation
UNITY DECLARATION AMONGST: Chief Mike Archie agreed to attend the public hearings, as did Bonnie Leonard, the Director of Aboriginal Rights and Title for SNTC to present on the record our opposition to the OCP works without proper and meaningful consultation. The leaders and staff attended two public meetings, delivering the same message over and over. Letters were jointly drafted and sent out to the Premier and Minister opposing the OCP works and challenging the process and calling for a reform of the legislation so that it will comply with the principles of law. These letters were brushed off by Government and the process to adopt the OCP continues to progress through the multi-layered government system. Throughout the meetings and actions, there was a common understanding that we were working together as a Nation to protect something that was important to us and unity was the key to our success. We tried to be inclusive, sending out invites to our meetings to all 17 bands. During one of our meetings regarding the Green Lake OCP, the leadership decided that we should enter into a formal Protocol Agreement that would outline the principles under which we would all operate and conduct ourselves. There was fear voiced that it would be just another signing and everyone would thereafter forget about it. The technical staff were directed to include an implementation appendix to the Protocol so that the inaction could be prevented and the document would have more meaning through actions. On April 27, 2012, a motion was passed during a Unity meeting to finalize the protocol agreement and to set a date for a signing ceremony. It was agreed that we should hold the ceremony at Green Lake. However, the once cooperative land owner where the ceremony was held several years before suddenly denied access to the land for the ceremony. The reasons were not clear but we could not obtain the consent and the ceremony location was changed to Kamloops, BC. On June 22, 2012, the Chiefs of the Secwépemc Nation met to formally sign the protocol agreement.
Unity Declaration 2012 Green Lake Background The work on this agreement began in 2008. The key motivator to bringing our Secwépemc Nation together was a referral from the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and Ministry of Community Development. These two government bodies were joining forces to prepare an Official Community Plan (OCP) for the Watch Lake/Green Lake/70 Mile House area. Our communities were notified of this work by way of a standard referral letter and our technical staff from the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC) office and the Northern Secwépemc te Qelmúcw (NStQ) brought the matter to leadership at the respective organizations to seek direction. The Green Lake area has been the traditional gathering place for our Secwépemc people since time immemorial. It has significant cultural and traditional importance to our people. There are multiple historical archeological sites in the area, including several burial sites of our ancestors. As leaders, our Chiefs felt that it was important to take a stand on this particular referral and decided to work together with all Secwépemc Bands to seek meaningful consultation on the works being proposed to ensure that our rights and title were protected. To mark our commitment to work together to protect the area of Green Lake, a ceremony was held at one of the burial sites. In October 2009, pipe carriers within the Nation came together with about 50 witnesses and conducted prayers, songs and drumming to solidify and mark the importance of the work that was being undertaken by our leaders. We utilized the technical and support staff of NStQ and SNTC to organize and coordinate meetings, inviting all 17 Bands to these meetings. During these meetings,
JUNE 2012 Splatsín, T’éxelc, Sk’atsín, Xats’úll, Tk’emlúps, Tsq’éscen, Simpcw, Stswécem’cXgét’tem’, Sexqeltqín, St’uxwtéws, Skítsestn, Pellt’íq’t, Qw7ewt, Tsk’wéylecw, Kenpésq’t, Llenllenéy’ten and Esk’ét. (“The Parties”) We have lived in our homelands the Secwepemcúl’ecw, for so long that the time of occupation extends beyond the reach of memory. Our Secwépemc Nation originally consisted of thirty-two communities separate and independent of one another, but united by a common language, customs, ceremonies and traditions. Each community consisted of a village or a small cluster of villages with each community having several leaders, each with a different responsibility. Seventeen communities representing all Secwépemc exist today within a 180,000 square kilometre traditional territory. DECLARATION • We will never cede, sell or surrender our title and rights and will uphold our sacred responsibilities as Kukwukwpí7 and Tk’wenmí7ple7; and • We recognize Secwepemctsín and historic kinship relations as Secwépemc and honour our continuing relationship to one another within Secwepemcúl’ecw; and • We recognize, under our common laws and customs, our collective and exclusive title, rights and interests throughout Secwepemcúl’ecw; and • We acknowledge our respective responsibilities to protect and exercise our inherent title and rights within those shared and exclusive areas; and • We acknowledge when we have, throughout our history, and through traditional ceremony, jointly displayed our respect and confidence in one another by attaching our marks and signatures to accords, protocols and pacts of mutual and collective benefit to all of our people and communities and future generations; • We reaffirm our mutual respect for each others’ mandates to continue to advance the interests of the Secwépemc within Secwepemcúl’ecw and to the world either by way of litigation or negotiation with the settler’s government; and • We reaffirm our belief that the title, rights and interests of the Secwépemc are strengthened by our meaningful, cooperative relationships. INTENT In the Spirit of this Mutual Respect and Cooperation, we declare our intent to enter into this Protocol: • With a vision for greater prosperity, well-being and protection for all Secwépemc and Secwepemcúl’ecw now and forever. • In support of each others’ respective rights, obligations, responsibilities, mandates and areas of jurisdiction within Secwepemcúl’ecw based on principles of trust and goodwill; • Without prejudice, derogation, abrogation or infringement of our Aboriginal rights and title; and • To strengthen, adapt, and assert Secwépemc title and rights for the benefit the Secwépemc Nation. PURPOSE In recognition and acknowledgement of the fact that some Secwépemc communities are in treaty and other Secwépemc communities are not, and in order to solidify unity as a nation, we enter into this protocol agreement to: • Provide a framework of interaction on issues within Secwepemcúl’ecw; • Strengthen our relationship in the exercise of our jurisdiction and to reconcile respective needs in areas of common interest as represented in Appendix “A” attached to this agreement; • Guide the process where we can identify mutual priorities and pursue accommodation of our respective interests; • Guide shared decision-making with respect to areas of common interest within Secwepemcúl’ecw; and • Coordinate and resource political and technical support toward the implementation of the objectives of the above Declaration as represented in Appendix “B”.
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012
Secwepemc NEWS
SCOPE Our protocol agreement: • Will apply to all areas of mutual interest and is not intended to alter our historic boundaries to one another. Confirms our commitment to: • Consult with each other with respect to any management or regulatory decisions that will affect the interests of the other. • Enrich the political, social, cultural, language, and spiritual well being of the Secwépemc. • Work cooperatively to protect mutual interests with respect to our people, lands, resources, harvesting and sustainable development. OBLIGATIONS • No party will create any obligation, express or implied, in the name of the other(s); • Each will bear their respective costs in the fulfillment of mutual commitments; • Each will use their respective offices for all communications in the fulfillment of mutual commitments under this agreement; and • Each will commit the time, energy and resources to ensure the fulfillment of mutual commitments under this agreement as represented in Appendix ‘B’. DISPUTE AVOIDANCE AND RESOLUTION Secwépemc Laws and Customs will guide the avoidance and resolution of any disputes between the parties as follows: • Notice of potential dispute will be issued from one Party to the other; • Information regarding the potential dispute will be exchanged; • If exchange of information does not resolve potential dispute, initial meeting between the Parties will take place at a mutually beneficial time and location; • Each will bring to the initial meeting all resources that will be required to clarify and resolve the potential dispute, including Elders, cultural, oral history, and written documentation; • If resolution through these devices is not achievable, alternate methods, including a Nation based process of dispute resolution will be considered and mutually agreed upon; and • Time and commitment to the resolution of such potential disputes is considered to be of essence to the spirit of this Protocol. • Upon resolution of the dispute, the Parties will mark the occasion in ceremony.
The “Secwépemc Nation Unity Declaration 2012” is available at the SNTC Office. Please contact Bonnie Leonard @ 778-471-8200. Please Note: more pictures, and the rest of the booklet will be in the next edition.
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Secwepemc NEWS
JUNE 2012
Secwépemc Leaders Welcome AFN Candidates
Back Row: L to R: Terry Deneault, Daryl Draney, Rosanne Casimir. Middle Row: Fred Seymour, Terry Porter, Joshua Gottfriedson, Nelson Leon, Bonnie Leonard, Shane Gottfriedson, Gerald Etienne Front Row: Judy Wilson, Rita Matthew, Shawn Atleo, Pamela Palmater, Joan Jack, Joan Miller, Michael LeBourdais
Assembly of First Nations 33rd Annual General Assembly Welcomes More than 3000 Delegates, Reaffirms Direction Forward OTTAWA, July 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Over 3000 delegates gathered in Toronto last week for the 33rd Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly, where more than 500 First Nation leaders reaffirmed a direction forward re-electing National Chief Shawn Atleo and engaging in focused dialogue and strategy sessions for action in First Nations priority areas. National Chief Atleo will take forward the clear and focused mandate as reaffirmed by Chiefs-in-Assembly last week to the Council of the Federation taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia this week. “On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I offer thanks and congratulations to all those that participated in our 33rd Annual General Assembly, proudly hosted and welcomed by the Mississaugas of New Credit and the AFN AGA 2012 Host Committee,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. “First Nations from across Canada have reaffirmed a direction forward, and I look forward to continuing to support and take forward a refreshed and reaffirmed mandate from First Nations from coast to coast.” During the three-day Annual General Assembly, First Nation leaders and technicians engaged in strategy sessions on critical areas for action, including achieving safety and security for Indigenous women and girls, water and infrastructure, education and resource development. Chiefsin-Assembly passed 28 resolutions that will continue to mandate the work of the AFN and national executive. An additional six resolutions have been referred to AFN
national executive for consideration. Special recognition and honours were awarded to the late Dr. Harold Cardinal for Treaty Rights Recognition, Jessica Yee for Youth Advocacy and Dayna McKay for Health Advocacy. The AFN Circle of Trade Show showcased 150 companies and organizations. There were a number of special side events, including the IndigenACTION 5k Friendship Walk/Run and a number of cultural and commemorative events, including a memorial service honouring First Nation contributions to the War of 1812. First Nations were engaged like never before, including over 500 people tuning in to a live web cast and thousands watching live media coverage and engaging in social media networks. National Chief Atleo was re-elected for a second term as AFN National Chief July 18, 2012 on the third ballot. Below is a breakdown of election results adopted by motion and approved by consensus by Chiefs-in-Assembly immediately following the election.
The re-elected AFN National Chief got a thumbs up Wednesday from Tk’emlups te Secwépemc (TtS) Chief Shane Gottfriedson. While he couldn’t be in Toronto for Wednesday’s election due to the death of a band member, he did say Shawn Atleo’s campaign platform was solid. “Shawn’s worked really hard over the last three years. There was an overwhelming vote of confidence among the chiefs to give him another three years as national chief,” he said. Atleo faced seven other candidates, the most ever for an AFN election. He won in the third ballot with 341 of 512 votes (60 per cent, or 321 votes, were needed to win). His strongest competition came from second-place finisher Pam Palmater, a Mi’kmaw lawyer who got 141 votes in the last count and who campaigned on pushing harder for First Nations in Ottawa. Atleo, who is from B.C., has been quiet and conciliatory in his dealings with the federal government. But Palmater had called for stepping up the AFN’s demands for change, as the status quo hasn’t been working. Both were in Kamloops two weeks ago, as was another candidate, Joan Jack, presenting their views on a range of election issues. Gottfriedson said Atleo needs to work on building partnerships with industry and legislative changes that affect First Nations. Now that the election is over, he would like to see Palmater and the other candidates back Atleo in his efforts. “It’s time to support Shawn and the work he’s going to do as national chief. We don’t need no backbiting politics from the other non-supporters of Atleo. They need to be able to jump on board and have a united front as we move forward on our issues,” he said. “Each candidate has their ideas and agenda. Put all those ideas and agendas together and work for the common good for all of our people.” Gottfriedson said the common thread among all aboriginal communities in Canada is poverty. He was in Toronto in the lead-up to the election, but flew back Sunday after getting news about the death of Jesse Seymour. He said he’s close to Seymour’s family and is feeling the loss. Skeetchestn Indian Band Chief Rick Deneault had openly backed Atleo in the election, saying previously he liked the incumbent’s approach and his willingness to learn to members while fighting for their rights. This is Atleo’s second term as AFN chief. The assembly represents 633 First Nations across Canada.
Total
AB
BC
MB
NB
NL
NS
NT
ON
PE
QC
SK
YT
Registered Chiefs & Proxies
553
32
173
60
15
2
13
18
127
2
35
64
12
Ballot Round 1
540
32
170
57
15
2
13
16
125
2
35
61
12
Ballot Round 2
535
32
172
56
15
2
13
18
121
2
32
60
12
Ballot Round 3
512
29
169
58
13
2
11
17
116
2
30
53
12
Candidate
Atleo
Palmater
Erasmus
Kelly
Nelson
Gabriel
Jack
Ballot Round 1 Ballot Round 2 Ballot Round 3
Stanley
Total Votes
284
95
29
39
35
33
318
107
34
34
25
17
20
5
540
X
X
535
341
141
30
X
X
X
X
X
512
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing the First Nations citizens in Canada. SOURCE: ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS
Secwepemc NEWS
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012
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Colby Tootoosis, a True Leader’s view on Leadership Submitted by: Julianne Peters & Sherisse Mousseau
Colby Tootoosis is a Nakota Cree of the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. Colby studied psychology and philosophy at the University of Saskatchewan and has gone on to take on many important roles and responsibilities, including being a life skills coach, a grief and recovery specialist, a team leader on crisis response in First Nations Communities, and a vibrant speaker on youth empowerment. He was appointed as the Saskatchewan Regional Youth Representative on the AFN’s National Youth Council, of which he later went on to become co-chair and later appointed to the traditional leadership position of the councillor under the Poundmaker Cree Nation’s Indigenous governance structure.
Canada’s Chokehold on First Nations: July 18th, 2012 – The Chiefs within the Assembly of First Nations have re-elected National Chief Shawn Atleo to represent their voice. This article is not about the voice of the Chief’s. This article is about the voice of the people, and reflecting on what happened to it. Never has it been more imminent to question the current realities of the First Nations north of the colonial border. Not because of the re-election of a National Chief, but because of the repeated cycles and limited momentum within the movement of Indigenous Liberation. When my brother Mylan was going to school in Santa Fe at the Institute of American Indian Arts, focusing on Indigenous Liberal Studies, he would call home with his realizations and awakened perceptions of our current nation state. One day he called and asked me a question, “Colby! If a man comes to your house, threatens to burn it, burns it anyway, takes your children away and even rapes and murders your women – and then leaves but later comes
back and asks you, ‘do you want to be like me? I can teach you’, would you learn from him?” “No?!” I curiously responded. “Well, the current system you’re involved with, working for and participating in, stems from that very ideology.” At the time I was working for a Tribal Council that was responsible for services to eleven surrounding communities. I was male co-chair for the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council, and part of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Environmental Youth Council. Despite the fact that these systems were originally established to affirm our independent statehood, they have weakened their foundation by conforming to the very system that has implemented policies of detribalization. After the call from my brother, this is what was realized. Leadership is Revealed Rather Than Developed: There are leadership development programs out there. They are valuable programs. I feel that leadership is something that cannot be developed or taught. Leadership can be mentored but not from a place of becoming like someone– rather, opening into the authenticity of the self. Leadership is revealed, as greatness is revealed. True greatness comes from the inside. No one, no teacher, can ever be an expert at your own greatness. It is a greatness that is beyond the self and it’s a matter of becoming the conduit for that greatness. Greatness has no room for ego so it is important to study the ego, embrace the ego, and let go of the ego. We need Indigenous Leadership Revelation programs; so young people can awaken their authenticity, responsibility, and become conduits for greatness. Leadership Responsibilities of Women and Young People: Our young people need to realize they don’t need a special title to have power and influence. Our nations are like a car, and for a car to go anywhere it needs an engine. Our young people are that engine. If the young people are not involved in the decision-making processes of our nations, our nations will not make strides. It is the young people who contain the solutions for many of the issues and crises our nations face. Include them. The truth is women will never be equal to men because the Indigenous perspective is that women are at a higher plane; they are at a sacred degree that no man can ever obtain. Women give birth to nations and are the backbone of the family. Men need to step aside, revere our women, and see them as decision makers
CFDC of Central Interior First Nations
within our nations. In the last 100 years or so, men have made many of the mistakes that have diluted our nationhood. There needs to be a reconciliation and forgiveness between our men and women. Maybe it is time • Small Business Loans for women to step up and perhaps correct the mis• Business Plan Development takes that men have made • Entrepreneurial Training so our nations can have strong foundations once #215-345 Yellowhead Hwy again. Strong relationKamloops, BC V2H 1H1 ships between our men Phone: 250-828-9725 and women are equivalent Fax:250-828-9972 to having strong nations. Email: cfdc_loan@cfdcofcifn.com What is This Change That’s Needed? Right now, elections for leadership bring out the worst in the people. When the time comes where the appointing of leadership brings out the best qualities of the people– then we will know the people recognize themselves as leaders. The best qualities Lawyer come out as a result of appointing the Working with First Nations best person to speak on our behalf. The Since 1982 people deserve the leadership they appoint. Through community-based conscious leadership with an indigenous flavor of collective being, our people can overcome the 880 - 175 2nd Avenue, crises we face, and the crises that have yet Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1 to arrive. It’s not a matter of who’s leading within our nations, but what is leading.
Jackie Bandura Jordan George Dale Tomma
CRAIG NIXON
Phone: 250- 374-1555
“Our young people are born into a society that has been designed to psychologically manipulate the perceptions of Indigenous people. It’s important for our young people to pay attention to the political realm. That doesn’t mean to become politicians or conform to the current stature of politics - rather to exceed beyond political consciousness by dissolving its egotistical dynamics with authenticity. Our nations need leaders, not corporate minded politicians. Personally I am in the political world, but not of it and nor am I an expert of this realm. All I can say is welcome the heartbreaks in life, rather than avoid them - and forgive the harm that was done, or the harm that you have done. Through forgiveness the voice of our inner truth can be heard like the echoed voices of our ancestors. Honour their prayers that are rooted within Treaty consciousness.” - Colby Tootoosis These and other articles can be found on www.lastrealindian.com
Fax: 250-374-9992 E-mail: cnlc@cnixonlaw.ca
Manuel Gathering Aug. 17 to 19, 2012 @ KIB Pow Wow Arbor Invitation to all K’wseltktns re Louise Thomas (Manuel) Dry Camp available For more information Call (250) 372-7883
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Secwepemc NEWS
Elders gather in Abbotsford Lt.-Gov. offers up message of optimism for the future Gala ceremonies featuring traditional dancers, singers and drummers opened the 36th Annual BC Elder’s Gathering at the Tradex Facility in Abbotsford on Tuesday afternoon, July 10. The energy and excitement for the event attracted more than 3,000 people to see the traditional opening procession, as well as speeches from dignitaries, including BC Lt.Gov. Steven Point, his wife Gwen and First Nation Leaders. Point, who served as an elected chief of the Skowkale First Nation for 15 years, had a hopeful message for the crowd. “Aboriginal people, over the last 150 years, have suffered many, many things, but today in 2012, I’m asking people to put it in the past.” Also among those providing opening remarks were Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Kim Baird and elder Ruth Adams. Baird said elders have “paved the way for the younger generation to be able to do what we do.” Adams said many elders have experienced struggles in the past. “We have a lot of hope for the future,” she said. The gathering continued July 11 and 12. It was hosted by Tsawwassen First Nation and Sto:lo Communities, it is the second consecutive year that the event has been held in Abbotsford. The Elder’s Gathering takes place in BC each year and is hosted by different First Nations communities. The purpose is for elders to share their traditional ways with visiting cultural and linguistic groups through song, dance and ceremonies. It is a time for them to celebrate
their accomplishments, socialize and regenerate themselves for future work. Alwin Benson, a carver who had a booth in the vendor portion of the Gathering, said it’s important that elders be honoured. “They have wisdom that’s been passed down from generation to generation, so when we speak about elders, we have much respect for them because they have many stories they can pass on.” The event drew participants from dozens of First Nations cultures across the province. In addition to connecting with one another, they attended meetings, workshops and other activities.
“ We have a lot of hope for the future” - Ruth Adams
JUNE 2012
Secwepemc NEWS
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012 Next gathering chosen: Lheidli-T’enneh Band to play host in Prince George in 2013. The 36th Annual Elder’s Gathering may have recently concluded, but planning will soon be underway for next year’s event in Prince George. It will be hosted by the Lheidli-T’enneh Band which has 344 members. A date and location are yet to be chosen, but as with all previous Elder’s Gatherings the event is sure to create lasting memories for all of those attending. “We are excited and look forward to hosting the next Elders Gathering,” said LheidliT’enneh Band Chief Dominic Frederick. “We just found out recently that our bid was successful, and now we are in discussions to choose a date and find a suitable venue for the 2,000 or so we expect to attend.”
Below: James Sellars, Diane Daniels, and Elder Evelyn Sellars of Xats’úll
“It’s nice to get together once a year and reminisce. Some of the people we see we went to residential school with. And you were there 10 months of the year, so they became part of your family” - Audrey Kelly
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King, Roger Andrews and Queen Audrey Kelly reflect on their roles
It was with a special feeling of pride that Roger Andrews and wife Audrey Kelly viewed the proceedings at the 36th Annual Elder’s Gathering in Abbotsford recently. With the Tradex Facility filled with those from First Nations members from across BC and beyond, the pair knew they had a hand, as the event’s King and Queen, to make it a success. They are both members of the Sto:lo and have been married for 44 years. They have attended the Elder’s Gatherings for the past two decades. When the opportunity arose to put their names forward to be considered for King and Queen they did so with great reverence for what the annual event means to First Nations people, both old and young. “I have been to Elder’s Gatherings since I was 49-years-old,” Kelly says, adding she feels the gathering is an important opportunity for elders to reunite with friends they may not have seen for quite some time. The impact can be quite emotional. “It’s nice to get together once a year and reminisce. Some of the people we see we went to residential school with. And you were there 10 months of the year, so they became part of your family,” says Kelly. “It was awesome,” Andrews says. “it was a great experience to represent all the elders of BC. And it was really great to see them sharing stories with each other.” One of the roles of the King and Queen is to visit First Nations communities and spread the word about the forthcoming event. When they made the rounds they were met with warm welcomes and enthusiasm. While the focus of the gathering is on elders, Andrews says a big part is including the younger generation. “We love to see the youth participate, Andrews says, “because they love to hear the knowledge of the elders. They love to hear their stories.”
History of the Elder’s Gathering: For the past 36 years, First Nations Elders have met in distinct locations of British Columbia. The first Elder’s Gathering began in Sto:lo Nation, hosted by the Coqualeeza Elders. Frances Harne carved a totem pole, which was used as a record keeper; places and dates were inscribed at the base of the pole, recording each Gathering. Elder’s Gatherings are a wonderful time for people to visit and exchange memories and knowledge, to create new friendships and to renew old ones. These Gatherings provide a chance to gain perspective on how other First Nations live. The basic purpose of the gathering is the need for Elders throughout the province to have inter-social and community links that bind them together as a Nation. It allows them to intermingle with like-minded, like-aged individuals and their families, to reveal common grounds that strengthen those links. It will offer the opportunity to interface with youth, which helps to mitigate the generation gap, and allows the younger generations to demonstrate respect, regard, and honour for their Elders. Our Elders possess all the wisdom of the ages - knowledge and experiences that the younger generations need to guide them through life. It is very important that this event continues and that our Elders’ legacy is passed on to each generation that follows. With the world we live in becoming increasingly modern by the minute, we need to provide the balance that comes from remembering the past though our Elders lives.
Secwepemc NEWS
14
JUNE 2012
Repatriation Ceremony Juniper Beach with BC Parks
Submitted by Kukpi7 Michael LeBourdais
Held at the Skeetchestn Community School Gymnasium 330 Main Drive Tuesday, September 11 , 11:00 am – 3:00 pm th
DOOR PRIZES!
FREE FOOD!
FUN FOR ALL AGES!
Held at the Full Circle Youth Centre Kamloopa Road Wednesday, September 19 , 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm th
FREE FOOD!
DOOR PRIZES!
A Repatriation Ceremony took place at Juniper Beach to rebury ancestral human remains of a single individual unearthed during an irrigation installation project in the Fall of 2011. The remains became evident while screening the backdirt from the trenches excavated for the pipe installation in which staff from Ashcroft, Bonaparte, and Skeetchestn Indian Bands all participated during an Archaeological Impact Assessment project headed by AMEC Archaeological Consulting. The First Nations Bands wish to thank BC Parks for the concession of an alternate water system route to avoid further disturbance of the burial area. Gratitude also to Richard Brolly, Senior Archaeologist for AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, for managing the situation and keeping all Bands updated regarding activities at the site. The Bonaparte Indian Band had indicated that they would like the recovered ancestral remains to undergo post-field analysis, including: (i) an osteological review that will provide an inventory of the number and condition of the bones, the age and sex of the deceased individual, and other information; (ii) radiocarbon dating of the individual; (iii) calculation of ancient isotope ratios, which will provide information about the diet of the deceased individual; and (iv) if possible, obtain ancient DNA from the deceased individual.
FUN FOR ALL AGES!
“Aboriginal Pathways to Health Careers” From September 2012 to August 2013 Thompson Rivers University offers a 3 semester program that provides students with courses and skills to enter and succeed in a health career degree or diploma program. This 3 semester program offers small classes, tutor support and financial allowance for books and supplies. To enter the program: • Students require Math 0400 (Grade 10) and English 0500 (Grade 11) with a B grade at least within the past 2 years, or they require an equivalent Accuplacer assessment. • All students require a recent TRU Accuplacer assessment at a Math 0500 and English 0600 (Grade 12) level To apply: Call the program coordinator Vicki Holmes 1-250-371-5537 or e-mail vholmes@tru.ca
Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival August 17, 18 & 19, 2012 Tickets are available at the gate Salmon Arm Folk Music Society Office at 490-5th Ave. SW By Mail: Box 21, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2 (cheques payable to SAFMS) By Phone: (250) 833-4096
The chiefs from each attending Band spoke briefly emphasizing the importance of the Land and the Language and of gratitude to the ancestors for keeping those things for us. Drummers performed an Honour Song while the bones were placed onto a deer hide and into a specially crafted pine box. Offerings in and outside the box were all placed into a pre-dug hole and then overlaid with fir boughs and earth. A concrete slab and plaque will complete the burial site and serve to remind visitors of whose ancestral lands they are travelling through. Attendees included: From Bonaparte Indian Band: Kukpi7 Terry Porter, Dave Antoine, Vi Antoine, Bert William, Roger Porter, Steve Basil, Rosa Antoine, John Pierro, Rick August. Special thanks to Dana Gaspard and Richie Lampreau for excavating hole. From Skeetchestn Indian Band: Kukpi7 Rick Deneault, Councillors Terry Deneault, Gord Deneault, Glen Deneault, Lea McNabb, John Bell Sr. From Whispering Pines Indian Band: Chief Mike LeBourdais From Ashcroft Indian Band: Administrator Darcy Robinson A wonderful after ceremony lunch was prepared by Bonaparte women including: Rosalee Zabotel, Linda. Park Managers Mr. & Mrs. Monty as well as numerous campers.
Secwepemc NEWS
PELLTSPÁNTSK 2012
* WALKING DISTANCE TO KIB POW WOW ARBOR Mon * SHORT DISTANCE TO STATUS GAS BAR Spe thly * GROUP SPECIALS/SENIOR SPECIALS cia ls ! * BEAUTIFUL RIVERVIEW ROOMS * SPECIAL PACKAGES
SECWEPEMC BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Special birthday wishes to August: Trevor Billy, Corina James, Dena McDermott, Kevin Sampson and Toya Antoine! I hope you have an amazing birthday, love you always my friends and family. Jackie
This listing is FREE to all Secwepemc.
Chris at the Williams Lake Seniors Village
Happy Birthday Monica Jules on Aug 2nd. From Geo, Juanita, Justin, Zooly, Kyle, Levi, Dusty & Isis.
Wishing my brother Christopher Johnson Happy Birthday on August 20th
Congratulations to wonderful Kí7ce, Kyé7e and Sem7é7em, Angela Peters-Oddy, on August 10 for completing the Master of Education in Literacy for Indigenous Knowledges and Indigenous Pedagogies from UBC - Love your family
Happy Birthday: Joshua August & Ivan Christopher, Aug. 2nd; Brandon Rosette & Angela Peters-Oddy, Aug. 3rd; Denise Archie Aug. 12; and Ed NoiseCat, Aug 16.
Accepting Kindergarten – Grade 6 Students for September 2012 Sk’elep School of Excellence is a First Nation Band Operated Independent School located on the Tkèmlups te Secwepemc Reserve at 315 Yellowhead Hwy (Kamloops Indian Band). With professional teachers and motivated support workers our school is a nurturing environment for students to grow academically within a setting that encourages Respect, Responsibility & Reliability. Sk’elep School of Excellence provides: Shuswap Language program offered from Kindergarten to Grade Seven. Shuswap Cultural Arts program includes traditional drumming and singing. Full Day Kindergarten program that focuses on experiential learning. Small class sizes and a beautiful, modern facility including outdoor playgrounds. School wide Math & Reading programs meet academic needs of all students. Physical Education program, intramurals and extracurricular sports teams. Modern computer lab and SMART Boards support academic programs. Daily breakfast and lunch programs with healthy menu choices are provided for all students. Bus transportation offered to both on and off reserve students. Check out our website at www.skelep.com for more information on our programs and philosophy. • • • • • • • • •
Registration Week Hours:
Email: riverlandinn@shawbiz.ca www.riverlandinn.kamloops.com CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-663-1530
I would like to wish Warren & Tanya BearHead A Happy 1st Anniversary for Aug. 27th. With Love from Mom, Sherman and Gezel. Kelsey Paul Happy Birthday on the 27th from I and Sherman.
Monday, August 20 – Friday, August 24th
1530 RIVER STREET, KAMLOOPS, BC V2C 1Y9 OFFICE: (250) 374-1530 FAX: (250) 374-1534
I would like to wish my son David Jason Belleau a Happy Birthday for August 16th and my son Jeffry Richard in Coquitlam a Happy Birthday for August 8th. Love Marilyn Belleau
th
RIVERLAND INNS & SUITES
Happy Birthday Christopher Johnson
Birthday Wishes... Greetings from a very proud Grandmother for ALL my grandchildren: Zachary Thomas, age 18, for grad 2012. Madia Thomas and Devin Capilo, aged 5, both going into kindergarten in Sept. Emma Capilo and Kash Thomas, aged 2, who are in daycare. LOTS of hugs and kisses from Grandma Julie Thomas.
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9:00 am – 2:00 pm
School tours and registration packages will be available at the school during registration week. Stop by or call us at 250.828.9777 during the above office hours if you have any questions and/or would like to ensure a spot for your child(ren) in the upcoming school year. If your child’s 5th birthday is on or before December 31, 2012 they are old enough to enter Kindergarten.
The Sk'elep School of Excellence will provide educational opportunities for all children that balance high academic standards and traditional Secwepemc Culture in a healthy, safe environment for now and the next seven generations, in one house–our house.
All R Creations Hand Carved Jewellery Roxane McCallum (604)826-0095 Avon Representative Waterfall, Farrah farrah_820@hotmail.com (250) 320-8438 Baskets - Birch Bark Salmon Arm Delores Purdaby (250) 832-6538 Birch Baskets Harold Thomas (250) 833-4016 Big Sky Station Store & Gas Savona Joan McTaggart (250) 373-0043 Black Bear Developments Kamloops Rick & Sunny LeBourdais (250) 579-5720 Bow & Arrow Golf Enterprises (250) 318-0742 Frank Antoine frankant27@hotmail.com Resource Planner & Owner Orbis Ent Ltd. Fax:(250) 305-2445 Ph:(250) 305-7415 E: Wenona@orbis-consulting.ca http://www.orbis-consulting.ca Casper Creations Kamloops Dora Casper (250) 376-1736 Chief Technologies Chase Craig Duck Chief (250) 320-5219 www.chiefcultraltech.com Don Cook Contracting Excavating & Fencing (250) 838-6299 / 503-8006 (c) Deana’s Dream Cree-ations Kamloops Deana Nicholson, Consultant (250) 377-1087 deanasdream@gmail.com Eagle Spirit Band (250) 440-5692 Les Johnson Falling & Contracting Canim Lake Gregg Archie (250) 397-4137 Farrier Services Williams Lake Tom Alphonse (250) 296-0013 Full Circle Designs Kamloops Travis Marr (250) 828-0770 Hall/Conference Centre 4 Rent Chase Adams Lake Rec. Centre (250) 679-3515 Herbalife Distributor Kamloops Vanessa Holte (250) 574-6975 Indigenous Eco-cultural Education & Consulting Services Chase Dawn Morrison (250) 679-1116 Inspirational Catering, Aboriginal & Canadian Cuisine - Lonny Paul (250) 267-3314 reebs@live.ca (250) 375-2092 Language (Secwepemc) Consultant Mona Jules (250) 672-5293 (250) 320-0379 Lawyer Kamloops Linda D. Thomas Law Corp. (250) 319-8045 Little Bear Gift Shop & Gallery Chase Margaret Anderson (250) 572-4939 magand65@hotmail.com Margaret’s Cleaning Service Margaret Billy (250) 682-3517 Mary Kay Independent Sales Deborah Hall (250) 938-2124
Nature’s Best Buffalo meat/products Williams Lake Tom & Karen Alphonse (250) 296-0013 Neskonlith Advisory Services Chase Neskonlith Indian Band (250) 679-3295 Pathways Design in Landscaping Linda Stump (250) 819-4969 Personalized Stained Glass Chase Doreen Kenoras (250) 679-3783 Pet Transport Kamloops Edwin Marten (250) 319-5097 Photography/Videography Kamloops Michelle Jones (250) 434-9703 Pine Needle Baskets Chase Agnes John 250) 679-2741 Puss N’ Boots Daycare Kamloops Lucy Jules (250) 828-9429 Randy Sam Art Studio Chase Goldsmith - Randy Sam (250) 819-8953 Red Willow Designs Chase/Vancouver Tanya Willard (250) 299-5835 www.redwillowdesigns.ca Regal Representative Kamloops, BC Sabrina Thomas (250) 682-9900 Regalia & First Nation Crafts Kamloops Doris Bamford (250) 314-9820 Ribbon Shirts & Regalia Kamloops Trish Terry (250) 376-9001 Riverfresh Wild BC Salmon info@riverfreshkamloops.com www.riverfreshkamloops.com Rock’s in the Wind Creations Chase Rock & Dianne Deneault @ www.rockinwind.net Running Wolf Video Productions BC Doreen Manuel (604) 837-3663 www.runningwolf.ca Rustic Wear Kamloops Cody Stewart (250) 377-5237 Shiny Nicol Cleaning Services Chase Doreen Nicol (250)577-3532 / (778) 220-4967(c) Skwlax Gas & Convenience Chase John Anderson (250) 679-7623 Spectrum Computer Services Chase Raymond Anthony (250) 682-3517 Star Blankets Chase Sharon Sellars (250) 679-8812 / 682-2261(c) Talking Rock Resort & Quaaout Conf. Centre Stephan Wittmer, GM 1(800) 663-4303 Sugar Cane TreadPro (250) 296-4453 Manager, Willie Sure Testop Publishing Chase Tess Tomma (250) 835-8446 Tribal (band) Shuswap Peter August (250) 679-8597 Tupperware Consultant Merritt Deanne Eustache (250) 378-1808 Xatsull Heritage (250) 297-6502 xatsullheritagevillage.com Xwéxwne Creations - Weddings & Events Beadwork & Regalia’s (250) 574-8002 Louise Alphonse
Secwepemc NEWS
16
JUNE 2012
“Celebrating Family” secwepemc Gathering in simpcw
SECWEPEMC NE 2012
SPLULK'W
Simpcw First Nation would like to invite you to the 28th Annual
Secwepemc Gathering consisting of Cultural interaction, Traditional Games, Entertainment, Meals, Activities and Dancing for all Ages. Opening Ceremonies Friday August 17th at 4pm at the Community Centre (Gymnasium)
Saturday
Friday 4pm Opening Ceremonies ~ Weyt-kp
8 am Breakfast!
5:30 Supper (Pit Cook)
Fast Pitch, Slow-Pitch Ball Hockey ~ Game ON! 10am Kids Activities Horse Shoes Cultural Tent ~ Pine Needle baskets 11 am Secwepemc Songs & Dance
6pm Kids Activities 7pm Pow wow Grand Entry
Events & Activities Fashion Show ~ Shuswap Idol ~ Bingo ~ Cultural Presentation & Displays ~ Kids Fun Area ~ Family Dance ~ Horse Shoes ~ Authentic First Nations Craft Tables ~ Pow wow
Sllek’méw’es Tournament (Entrance fee 2 traditional Items)
Sunday 8 am Breakfast! Fast-Pitch, Slow-Pitch, & Ball Hockey 10 am Pow wow Grand Entry Kids Activities Cultural Tent Activities
12 pm Pow wow Grand Entry 1-4pm Tule Mat weaving, Secwepemc Bingo & Auction
3 pm
Retire Flags
~Closing Ceremonies~
Much More A ctivit ies For al l Ages! !
5 pm Supper & Fashion Show 7 pm Shuswap Idol
Tournaments & Contacts
Sllek’méw’es Tournament ~Battle of the Bands~
Fastball ~ Tawny Fortier 250-318-7193
9 pm Family Dance
fortier_330@yahoo.ca
Hosted by
Slow-pitch ~ Alison Eustache 250-672-9995 ext. 246 Alison.Eustache@simpcw.com
Simpcw First Nation
Ball Hockey ~ Jules Philips 250-672-0322 or Chuchua_45@hotmail.com
Contact Alison Eustache 250-672-9995 or 1-800-678-1129 ext. 246 alison.eustache@simpcw.com
Sllek’mew’es ~ Open Games Friday 7pm ~ Battle of the Bands Saturday 7pm ~ Lehal
od o F s&
Game
Shuswap Idol Talent Show Fashion Show
Secwepemc Gathering Schedule of Events August 17
th
2012
6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM
Gym
ro un d ay g
Activities
Family Activities
Fast Ball
Slow-pitch
Barriere
Chu chua
Ball Park
Ball Park
Ball Hockey Simpcw Rink
Pow wow
Host Drum ~ Rocky Pine MC ~ Buck Sheena Whip Man ~ Jules Arnouse
Sweat
Friday Grand Entry 7pm Saturday Grand Entry 1pm Sunday Grand Entry 10am
Sweat
Princess Pageant - Junior Girls and Girls Tiny Tot Special
Opening Ceremonies - Welcome - Weyt-kp
4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM 12:00 AM 1:00 AM
Cultural
Pl
Meals
Po w
Time
wo w
Friday
Supper Grand Entry
Kids Bingo
Activities
Game 1
Game 1 Traditional Sllek'méw'es Tournament Entry 2
Retire Flags
Traditional Items
Contact ~ Sam Saul 250-571-2509 Secwepemc Gathering Closing Ceremonies Sunday 3pm ~Drug & Alcohol Free Event ~ Simpcw First Nation & Secwepemc Gathering Committee is NOT Responsible for Injuries, Lost, Stolen, and/or Damaged Items.