Secwepemc NEWS
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012
The voice of the
PELL7É7LLQTEN MAY 2012
A monthly publication serving the people and communities of the Shuswap Nation
What it means to me to be a Woman Entrepeneur ?. “Successful, proud, team player, happy, and freedom. These are just some of the emotions I feel knowing that I am an entrepreneur. I am a first nations woman from the Nuxalk Territory in Bella Coola. I have graduated from Helen Lefeaux fashion of design, Interior Academy of design(hairdressing) and Interior Academy of design(esthetics). It has always been a dream of mine to run and operate my own business. To be my own boss and have the freedom to live my life on my schedule. I operated my own salon in Bella Coola for many years. This is where I met my husband and we now have 4 beautiful children. Now that I have this wonderful life of motherhood my options have changed. I love being a stay at home mother and wouldn’t change it for the world, yet my heart still wants to be an entrepreneur. So I needed to find a home based business that fit me and my schedule. Thanks to Lia Sophia I have now found my calling. I work roughly 32 hours a month and reach all my goals as a business woman. On the plus side I am with my children and I don’t miss out on anything in their lives. It is a dream come true for me! If you would like to be an entrepreneur then this may also be your calling. If you would like more information please feel free to check out my website www.liasophia.ca/shain. Here you will find information about the company and about myself. “Lia Sophia” presentation - Desert gardens - cactus room Sunday May 27, 2012 at 12 noon - 3 pm. Please feel free to come out and enjoy some great presentations; coffee/cookies/ pastries will be served There will also be some great prizes hosted by Shaina and Vanessa Lia Sophia independent advisors
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SHUSWAP NATION
NEWS
• SEXQELTQÍN ADAMS LAKE • ST’UXWTÉWS BONAPARTE • TSQ’ÉSCEN
CANIM LAKE • STSWÉCEMC/ XGÉT’TEM’ CANOE/DOG CREEK • ESK’ÉT ALKALI LAKE • LLENLLENÉY’TEN HIGH BAR • TK’EMLÚPS
KAMLOOPS • QW7EWT LITTLE SHUSWAP • SK’ATSIN
NESKONLITH • SIMPCW
My name is Vanessa Gottfriedson, I grew up in Anaham Lake, West of Williams Lake, B.C. I am a member of the Carrier First Nations. I am a proud wife of Justin Gottfriedson and we have two beautiful children, Calen and Logan. I am a very family orientated person and I am grateful everyday. I am finishing my B.A. with a major in first nations to be in graduating class of 2013. I started the Lia Sophia home-based business with my Sister-in-law Shaina because I love the Jewelry. I truly want to be able to stay at home with my children while being a successful entrepreneur. The Lia Sophia jewelry will dress up any outfit and I know every lady has an inner goddess that needs to shower herself with jewelry. Come check out our event and learn more about the Jewelry, the phenomenal hostess program and outstanding business opportunity. Call me before hand to book a party and spoil your aunt, your mother, your sister and most of all yourself. Vanessa Gottfriedson @ 778-471-2217 or vcgottfriedson@gmail.com
NORTH THOMPSON • TSK’WÉYLECW PAVILION • KENPÉSQ’T SHUSWAP • SKÍTSESTN SKEETCHESTN • XATS’ÚLL SODA CREEK • SPLATSÍN
SPALLUMCHEEN • T’ÉXELC
WILLIAMS LAKE • STIL’QW/ PELLT’ÍQ’T WHISPERING PINES/CLINTON
“Stay at home Mom’s reaching their goals as Entrepeneurs”
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Secwepemc NEWS
APRIL 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 for members of the 17 Shuswap Bands to discuss and learn more about the issues, news and events taking place in the Shuswap Nation; to promote awareness of Secwepemc language, culture and history; to recognize the individual accomplishments of community members; and to provide a vehicle for the outside community to learn more about the history, current affairs and future goals of the Secwepemc people.
Language Page Kathy Manuel
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
Contributors Janice Billy Dalla Powder Bev Manuel Chris Bose Stsmemelt Project New Gold Inc. Samantha Carlton Fred Robbins Vanessa Gottfriedson Shaina Tallio
Secwepemctsín Wel me7 yews “Preserving Our
We appreciate and rely on the Shuswap communities for their stories and activity reports. Kukwstep-kucw
Language”
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 Aboriginal Artisans Catalogue CFDC of Central Interior First Nations is creating a catalogue for First Nations Artisans living within BC. This is a great opportunity for First Nations Artisans to create and maintain a portfolio of their art and to create an artisans biography of themselves. It would also be appreciated if you could print the Artisans Portfolio Form and keep these forms on hand for your members and/or clients to complete and email them to Erin Casper at: erin@cfdcofcifn.com or fax them to her at: (250) 828-9972 Please feel free to distribute this information to your contacts. Erin at (250) 314-1527 or Marie Baptiste, Provincial Coordinator Aboriginal Business Services Network Society #215 – 345 Yellowhead Hwy. Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1 Telephone: (250) 8289834 Fax: (250) 828-9972 Website: www.absn.ca 3 Day Workshop on Lateral Violence Becoming A Shining Star “I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. “ Gallileao “Free Registration” Hosted by the Interior Friendship Centre Dates: May 2, 3 & 4, 2012 - Time: 9am-3pm Facilitated by: Dave Manuel, Rose Adolph Limited Seating, so register early!! Contact Lisa at the Interior Friendship Centre to Register @ 250-376-1296 Snacks and refreshments provided during the workshop The Woman’s Fair in Kamloops Sunday, 27 May 2012 10:00 until 16:00 Public event · By Natural Touch Wedding and Turn your old gold into cash this week at the Aberdeen Mall! Click here for the details... Admission is Free! 100 women will receive a goody bag filled with products, coupons and other great things. There is over $1000 in prizes, chances to win a prize from every vendor. Vendor space is still available. Please email melissa.naturaltouch@gmail.com
FEAST Breakfast 8:00am – 10:00am Lunch 1:00pm – 2:00pm Supper 6:00pm
Qwesqi’s 5th Annual Slo-pitch Tournament Williams Lake, June 22nd to 24th, 2012 First 10 Teams, 7 Men - 3 Women, $300.00 Entry Fee. If you would like to enter a team or would like additional information please contact Vern Sellars at (250)267-7572 or Stacey Johnson at (250)440-5631 (w) or by e-mail at qwesqi@ yahoo.com. Honouring Our Children Traditional Pow Wow Rosie Seymour Elementary School, Canoe Creek, BC June 22, 23, 24, 2012 For more information contaxct: Delores Bostone (w) 250-459-7749 or (h) 250-4592404 Qayqayt Traditional Pow Wow May 18-20, 2012, Douglas College Royal Avenue and 8th, New Westminster MC: Mr. John Terbasket, Arena Director: Jim Edgar, Head Woman: Evelyn Locker, Head Man Arnie Leon. Princess Pageant Sr & Jr. Info: Ron 778-578-5037 or Ernie Cardinal: 778-885-6070See more Lil’wat Celebrations Pow wow June 1-3, 2012 Mount Currie, British Columbia Traditional Powwow. Arena Director; Everrett Whyte MC: Nelson Leon. SQUAMISH NATION 25th ANNUAL YOUTH POWWOW, 100 Capilano road, West Vancouver, BC July 6-8,2012. Grand entry Friday 7pm, Saturday 1pm & 7pm, Sunday 1pm, Admission $5.00, Outdoor contest powwow, aboriginal arts and crafts, Traditional Salmon BBQ, Contact-Gloria Nahanee 778-228-6501 or email Jan Baker at snpowwow@hotmail.com. Arts and Crafts Vendors $250.00 flat rate. Advance payment must be paid before July 4th 2012. cash only.
Traditional Knobby Game
“Decolonization and the Brain” Conference with Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, MSW (Master of Social Work), Ph.D.Thursday May 17, 2012 from 8:30am to 5:00pm at the Neskonlith Hall, Chase, B.C. Topics include: Exploring colonization and the effects on the brain, methods of decolonization, critical and intuitive thinking, applying mind-brain research paradigms to empower Indigenous communities. Registration fee: $100.00 For more info contact: Kanahus – snyouthnetwork@ hotmail.com or Pam Richard – saveourtmicw@hotmail. com or Janice Billy – jrbilly@mail.ocis.net
SECWEPEMC RADIO 91.1 On site
Funds raising for Elders to travel to the B.C. Elders Gathering. STEAK DINNER FUNDRAISER Tickets are only on sale till May 31, 2012.
MEMORIAL RUN Run: 5k & 10k / Bike: 20k Start time: 8:00am Starts @ Adams Lake Gym Llekmewes(Stick Games) $1,500 Guaranteed Payout No Entry Fee Minimum 3 players per team Starts: 7:00pm @ Adams Lake Gym
June 29, 1980 May 8, 2011
25th Annual Chief Will-Yum Father’s Day Pow Wow June 15, 16, & 17th, 2012 All vendors please register by June 15th Contact Virginia Gilbert @ (250)296-3128 We are not responsible for injury, loss, or stolen items. No alcohol or drugs allowed!
Everyone invited to attend and celebrate Neskie’s Life.
For further information please contact: Beverly Manuel (250) 371-0361 or Arthur Manuel (250) 319-0688 Memorial Run – Contact – Janice Dick Billy (250) 679-3052 Llekmewes (Stick Games) – Contact – Francis Dick (Teddi) 250-852-0568
Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park Open House Date: Saturday, June 2, 2012 Time: 1:00 to 4:00 There will be numerous activities to engage the public in this three hour event. Everyone is welcome to join our open house and see what we have planned for the summer! For more information, please phone 250-8289749.
Mark Monday June 4th 2012 on your calendars from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm. The Elders are having a fundraising dinner at the Rock’n Firkin.There will be a Loonie Auction. There will be a 50/50 Draw. You can enjoy either a Steak or Chicken dinner. Dinner tickets are available for $13.00 each. Tickets are available from Barry or one of the Elders at IIFS. The Rock’n Firkin is located at #5-726 Sydney Ave on the North Shore In Friendship, Barry James, Manager Palm Street-Program Director/HIV Liaison, Interior Indian Friendship Society 250 376 1296 or email: barry.james@iifs.ca
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012
Secwepemc NEWS
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Pell7é7llqten - “digging month” Yi7éne te mégcen m-yews re s7e7llqs te skwenkwínem ell te tséts’elq re Secwépemc, ell m-t7iq̓wel̕qwmes. M-yews re snesnés te t7íweltk e syéwems tek ximísell.
This is the month the Secwépemc dug for wild potatoes and balsam root and scraped the jack pine tree for cambium. Then they would go to the mountain tops and dip net for the big trout. Qweqlí7t Jackpine Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) T7íq̓wel̓qen, Jackpine, Black pine Cambium
The sweet cambium and inner bark tissues were an almost universal food of the Interior First Peoples of British Columbia. The cambium was at its prime for harvesting for a short time in the spring, depending on elevation and local climatic conditions. If harvested too early, before the sap started to run, the cambium would be thin and dry. In late May or June, about the time when new needles are growing and the pollen cones are ripe, the cambium is thick and Skeetchestn Elders Garlene Dodson and Christine Simon digging for skwenkwínem (wild juicy. The bark is removed and the cambium is scraped from the potatoes) at previous immersion classes. wood. It can be eaten fresh or dried for later use. t7íq̓wel̓qwem to scrape the trees for cambium t7íq̓wel̓qwten tool or implement for scraping or cutting cambium Re m-nes-kt te skwelk̓wélt le tsk̓úlmet te le7 te of jackpine
Spring Phrases
Yerí7 re sqéptsems. It is the beginning of spring. Me7 k̓wen̓llq re tsqwétsten. The folks are going to plant a vegetable garden. Me7 cmólem re stsmémelt. The children will plant potatoes. Me7 tscéntes re geyú7 ell re lepwé re síse7. Uncle will take care of the carrots and the peas. Re m-clúqwle7cw re túme. Aunty weeded the garden. Me7 le7 k sllát̕Ie7cwentem re cwk̓wén̓llqten. The vegetable garden was watered good. Me7 le7 k cwk̓wén̓llqten-kt. We are going to have a good garden. Kectéke re7 ímts te k lepyós. Give your grandchild the hoe. Tsq̓wléwem-ce te k secwsqéqxe7tn. Pick some Labrador Tea Le7 ri7 te letíy re secwsqéqxe7tn. Labrador tea is good tea. E tqwelq̓wélt re speqpeq7úw̓i me7 q̓wléwem-kt. There is a container full of berries sitting there. Re m-wéwlem ell re m-píxem re Secwépemc. The Secwépemc people fished and hunted. Re m-qwetséts te m-t̓qellq ren kyé7e. My grandmother went to gather root foods. K̓úlmes-ka tek malámen. She should make some medicine. Stém̓i ek melámen me7 le7? What medicine would be good?
melámen. We went to the snow capped mountains when we made some good medicine. W7ec é7elkst-wen ne nekéct. I work in the forest. Me7 nes te Tsq̓éscen tek me7 llepllépsem ne xyum te t7ikw t̓lu7. He is going to Canim Lake to fight fire.
19th Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC May 17-19, 2012 Thursday, May 17 Pre-conference Tours Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 Conference Sessions
Emerging Themes The Evolving Story of Language Revitalization: From Oral Traditions to Technical Advances. The Continuing Cycle of Language Development: Maintaining the Integrity of Indigenous Languages. Keynote Speakers: Lorna Williams and Jeannette Armstrong 30+ Conference Sessions to choose from For more information or to register go to http://www.tru.ca/sils.html see live streaming of keynote speakers each morning at 9:30
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Secwepemc NEWS
The Indian Act in plain English We are all Treaty people The Indian Act is a sweeping piece of legislation that effects all status and many non-status Indians in Canada. While this legislation has defined relations with Indigenous people and the Crown since its first inception, many settlers and descendants of settlers, who elect representatives of the Crown, have no idea that this Act exists or what it says. My aim with rewording the Act into plain language is to help non-Indigenous Canadians who have never read the Act understand how the Government of Canada maintains its colonial relationship with Indigenous people. This was part of my final assignment for a course called Investigations into Culture and the Environment taken Summer 2011 at the University of Saskatoon. There are sections that are entirely rewritten, some sections omitted that I did not think made sense to include (mostly redundant legal clauses) and some sections that are in the same language as the Act, where the language in and of itself was clear.
THE INDIAN ACT:
When can you be considered an Indian? When can the nation of people you’re affiliated with and have been as far back as anyone can remember become a real nation in the eyes of the Queen of England? The ‘you have no control over the land any more…we do’ clauses The ‘just let us know when you want to disband’ clause The ‘just to prove a point, we’ll maintain control over you when you die’ clauses The ‘in case this wasn’t offensive enough, now we’re talking about mentally incompetent Indians’ clauses The ‘more info on land, in case you didn’t get it before’ clauses When can you be considered an Indian? The ‘we’ll also manage how you deal with money’ clauses The ‘Gov’t of Canada are good farmers’ clauses The ‘we have lots of power up in here’ clauses The ‘we’ll even control your elections’ clauses The ‘sure you can have bylaws…that we approve’ clauses The ‘only here can we get away with limiting commerce like this’ clauses The ‘we’ll appoint the judges, thanks’ clause The ‘remember residential schools? They can still exist…’ clauses The ‘better get you ready for jail early’ clauses When can you be considered an Indian? If you were registered or were eligible to be registered prior to April 17, 1985 If the Governor in Council on or after April 17, 1985 declared that you or your relations are Indians. If your name was missed from the long list of Indians, or from among your relations before Sept. 4, 1951.
If your mom married a non-Indian and as a result was deleted from the long list of Indians prior to Sept. 4 1951, you’re now eligible. If your dad is dead or alive, was not eligible to be an Indian and when he died, but should have been eligible but died before Sept. 4 1951. If you were born on or after when your Indian mom and non-Indian dad (for example) got married. BUT if your parents married each other before April 17, 1985 or you were born before that date If you adopted a kid on or before Sept. 4, 1951 and your partner is not eligible to be an Indian on the day your kid was born or adopted, they can now be Indian. If for a variety of reasons, your name was left off the long list of Indians before Sept. 4 1951. If your parents are both dead, but should have been considered Indians but were excluded from the long list of Indians when they died. When can the nation of people you’re affiliated with and have been as far back as anyone can remember become a real nation in the eyes of the Queen of England? Whenever the Minister of Indian Affairs desires it, he can put two different bands together if the majority of eligible voters vote. If he thinks it’s desirable, he can also constitute new bands and create the list of people for them as well. The ‘you have no control over the land any more…we do’ clauses Indian people can only buy land on reserve if the Minister approves it and the band council allots it to him or her. If a council approves the sale of land to someone, the Minister can refuse to approve the decision, and outline what conditions for use of the land that must be undertaken by the owner before he approves it. He can refuse for up to four years. If after four years he is still unsatisfied that the person has not fulfilled his wishes, the Minister can refuse sale outright. The Federal Minister of Indian Affairs can authorize a survey of a reserve, divide the entire reserve or a portion of a reserve into lots or subdivisions and decide where roads should be constructed. If a First Nations person is removed from his lands but where he has made permanent improvements to the lands, the Minister is able to direct compensation be paid out, either from the person who goes into possession of the land after him or from the Band Council. The Minister must approve all land transfers. If a First Nations person sells, barters, exchanges, give or otherwise dispose of cattle or other animals, grain or hay, whether wild or cultivated, or root crops or plants or their products from a reserve in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Alberta, to a person other than a member of that band, the superintendent must approves the transaction in writing. This order can be revoked or reinstated to any band at any time by the Minister. If you violate the above, you’re guilty of an offense.
APRIL 2012 Roads, bridges, ditches and fences within the reserve occupied by that band must be maintained in accordance with instructions issued from time to time by the superintendent. This is the responsibility of the Band Council. If the Minister doesn’t think that a Band Council has done what the superintendant told them to do, the Minister can demand that it be done, and that the expenses must be paid for by the Band Council, or individual member of the band. They can take the money that “are held by the Queen” and owed to a Band Council or person who’s a member of the Band. If parliament, a provincial government, a municipal government/authority or a corporation is empowered to take lands in a reserve, without the consent of the owner, the Governor in Council can consent and prescribe terms for how this is to happen. If asked to by any government or corporation, the Governor in Council can authorize a transfer or grant of the lands to the province, authority or corporation, subject to any terms that may be prescribed by the Governor in Council, in lieu of the government/authority just taking it without the owner’s consent. If money is exchanged for this land transfer, then the money must be paid to the Receiver General for the use and benefit of the band or for the use and benefit of any Indian who is entitled to compensation or payment. The ‘just let us know when you want to disband’ clause; A band can surrender to the Queen, conditionally or unconditionally, all of the rights and interests of the band and its members in all or part of a reserve. Surrender has to be agreed upon by a majority of voters of a band, at a general meeting, at a special general meeting called for this purpose by the Minister, or by referendum. If at a general meeting, the majority of the electors of the band didn’t vote, the Minister can call for another meeting, with 30 days notice. If he thinks it makes sense, the Minister can call for a secret ballot. If a meeting for these purposes is held, it must be held in the presence of an officer of Indian Affairs. The Governor in Council has final say on acceptance or refusal. The ‘just to prove a point, we’ll maintain control over you when you die’ clauses All jurisdiction and authority in respect to dead Indians is vested exclusively in the Minister and in accordance with regulations of the Governor in Council. This only counts if the dead Indian was lawfully in ownership of his land. The Minister can appoint executors of wills and administrators of estates of deceased Indians, remove them and appoint others in their place, authorize executors to carry out the terms of the wills of deceased Indians, authorize administrators to administer the property of Indians who die without wills, carry out the terms of wills of deceased Indians and administer the property of Indians who die without wills and make or give any order, direction or finding that in his opinion it is necessary or desirable to make or give with respect to any matter referred to in the first
part. The Minister can pass a particular case onto a court that would have jurisdiction in the case where the deceased is not an Indian, especially to deal with any question that may arise out of the administration of any estate. All court decisions must have the consent of the Minister, in writing, to be carried out. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent or prohibit an Indian from devising or bequeathing his property by will. The Minister may accept as a will any written instrument signed by an Indian in which he indicates his wishes or intention with respect to the disposition of his property on his death. No will executed by an Indian is of any legal force or effect as a disposition of property until the Minister has approved the will or a court has ruled. The Minister may declare the will of an Indian to be void in whole or in part if he is satisfied that the will was executed under duress or undue influence, the deceased at the time of execution of the will lacked testamentary capacity, the terms of the will would impose hardship on persons for whom the testator had a responsibility to provide, the will purports to dispose of land in a reserve in a manner contrary to the interest of the band or contrary to this Act, the terms of the will are so vague, uncertain or capricious that proper administration and equitable distribution of the estate of the deceased would be difficult or impossible to carry out in accordance with this Act or the terms of the will are against the public interest. Where a will of an Indian is declared by the Minister or by a court to be wholly void, the dead person will be declared to have died without a will, and where the will is so declared to be void in part only, any bequest or devise affected thereby, unless a contrary intention appears in the will, shall be deemed to have lapsed. This decision can be appealed if the amount of money in question is more than $500. If the net value of the estate of someone without a will in the opinion of the Minister, exceed seventy-five thousand dollars or such other amount as may be fixed by order of the Governor in Council, the estate shall go to the survivor. Where the net value of the estate of someone without a will, in the opinion of the Minister, exceeds $75,000, or such other amount as may be fixed by order of the Governor in Council, $75,000, or such other amount as may be fixed by order of the Governor in Council, shall go to the survivor, the remainder shall go to the survivor if there are no kids. But if the deceased left one child, one-half of the remainder shall go to the survivor, and if the deceased left more than one child, one-third of the remainder shall go to the survivor, and where a child has died leaving issue and that issue is alive at the date of the intestate’s death, the survivor shall take the same share of the estate as if the child had been living at that date. If the Minister believes that the deceased’s children won’t be adequately provided for, he can order that all or part of the estate that should have gone to the deceased’s
Secwepemc NEWS
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012 partner, go to the children. The Minister can also order that the survivor has the right to occupy lands on reserve that were occupied by the deceased when they died. If an Indian dies, has no will, and has a child(ren), his estate will be distributed equally to each of the children, subject to the rights of the survivor. If he/she dies and has no survivor or issue, then the estate will be divided equally to parents, if alive, or to one parent if one is dead. If they had no parents, the estate will be divided equally among brothers and sisters. If any of these are dead too, then their children will get their part. If an Indian dies without a will, leaving no survivor, issue, father, mother, brother or sister, and no children of any deceased brother or sister, his estate shall go to his next-of-kin and distributed equally among the next-of-kin of equal degree of consanguinity to the intestate and those who legally represent them, but in no case shall representation be admitted after brothers’ and sisters’ children, and any interest in land in a reserve shall vest in The Queen for the benefit of the band if the nearest of kin of the intestate is more remote than a brother or sister. But, degrees of kindred shall be computed by counting upward from the deceased to the nearest common ancestor and then downward to the relative, and the kindred of the half-blood shall inherit equally with those of the whole-blood in the same degree. If someone claims entitlement through this process, they will not become in lawful possession or occupation of the land until it’s approved by the Minister. A person who is not entitled to live on reserve cannot acquire a right through this process to possession or occupation of the land on the reserve. If someone accesses land through this process who is unentitled, the ownership will be put for sale by the superintendent to the highest bidder among the persons entitled to reside on the reserve. Money from this transaction will be given to the person who was not allowed to access that land. If lands are unsold, within six months or a period of time established by the Minister, he may direct the right to possession or occupation to be reverted to the band. The Minister will direct compensation to the person from Band funds. The Minister must approve all transfers of land and transactions. The ‘in case this wasn’t offensive enough, now we’re talking about mentally incompetent Indians’ clauses As it relates to the section on Mentally Incompetent Indians, all jurisdiction and authority are rested with the Minister. The Minister may appoint persons to administer the estates of Mentally Incompetent Indians, order that the property of Mentally Incompetent Indians can be sold, leased, alienated, mortgaged, disposed or otherwise dealt with for the purpose of paying debts, discharging with responsibility on his property paying debts or expenses of future maintenance and other orders that are necessary to secure the satisfactory management of the estates of Mentally Incompetent Indians.
The ‘we’ll take good care of your infants’ clauses The Minister may administer or provide for the administration of any property to which infant children of Indians are entitled, and may appoint guardians for that purpose. The council of a band may determine that the payment of not more than three thousand dollars, or such other amount as may be fixed by order of the Governor in Council that belongs to an infant child who is a member of the band is necessary or proper for the maintenance, advancement or other benefit of the child. Before making such a determination the council of the band must post in a conspicuous place on the reserve fourteen days before the determination is made a notice that it proposes to make such a determination and give the members of the band a reasonable opportunity to be heard at a general meeting of the band held before the determination is made Regardless of this process pays money out, the Minister may pay part or any money that belongs to an infant child of an Indian to a parent or person in custody, if the Minister is requested in writing and if the Minister believes that it is in the best interest for the infant. The ‘more info on land, in case you didn’t get it before’ clauses The Minister or his designate can, with any surrendered land or designation, manage or sell the lands, manage, lease or carry out other transactions. No one who is an officer or servant of the Queen, employed by the Department may acquire land either directly or indirectly, unless it’s approved by the Governor in Council. The Governor in Council may allow the Minister to grant licenses to cut timber on surrendered lands, or, with the consent of the council of the band, on reserve lands, imposing terms, conditions and restrictions with respect to the exercise of rights conferred by licensees granted, providing for the disposition of surrendered mines and minerals underlying lands in a reserve, prescribing the punishment, not exceeding one hundred dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both, that may be imposed on summary conviction for contravention of any regulation made under this section; and providing for the seizure and forfeiture of any timber or minerals taken in contravention of any regulation made under this section. The Minister may with the consent of the Band Council improve or cultivate that land and employ persons, and authorize and direct the expenditure of such amount of the capital funds of the band as he considers necessary for that improvement or cultivation including the purchase of such stock, machinery or material or for the employment of such labour as the Minister considers necessary. If someone possesses the land, the Minister may, with the consent of the Band Council, grant a lease of that land for agricultural or grazing purposes or for any purpose that is for the benefit of the person in possession of the land. If the land isn’t owned by
anyone, the Minister can give a lease to the band for agricultural or grazing purposes. Reasonable rent should be paid to the individual who possesses the land and the remaining money should be placed into the credit of the band. Rent can be deducted to the individual if improvements are made to the land. Without an absolute surrender or a designation of lands, the Minister can dispose of wild grass or dead or fallen timber. He can also, with the consent of the council of the band, dispose of sand, gravel, clay and other non-metallic substances on or under lands in a reserve, or, where that consent cannot be obtained without undue difficulty or delay, may issue temporary permits for the taking of sand, gravel, clay and other non-metallic substances on or under lands in a reserve, renewable only with the consent of the council of the band. If any money is made from the above activities, the funds shall be divided among the band, and the Indians in position of the land, in shares determined by the Minister. With the consent of a Band Council, the Minister may reduce or adjust the amounts owed to The Queen or to the amount payable to the band by an Indian, on transactions affecting surrendered, designated or other lands on reserve. The Governor in Council may extend the right to a band, control and management over lands in the reserve occupied by the band. The Governor in Council may withdraw this right at any time too. The ‘we’ll also manage how you deal with money’ clauses Indian moneys can only be spent on the benefit of the Indians or the bands that the money has been held for (subject to this Act and treaties/surrenders) and this is subject to the decision of the Governor in Council. With the consent of the Band Council, the Minister may authorize and direct the expenditure of capital moneys of the band (a) to distribute per capita to the members of the band an amount not exceeding fifty per cent of the capital moneys of the band derived from the sale of surrendered lands; (b) to construct and maintain roads, bridges, ditches and watercourses on reserves or on surrendered lands; (c) to construct and maintain outer boundary fences on reserves; (d) to purchase land for use by the band as a reserve or as an addition to a reserve; (e) to purchase for the band the interest of a member of the band in lands on a reserve; (f) to purchase livestock and farm implements, farm equipment or machinery for the band; (g) to construct and maintain on or in connection with a reserve such permanent improvements or works as in the opinion of the Minister will be of permanent value to the band or will constitute a capital investment; (h) to make to members of the band, for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the band, loans not exceeding one-half of the total value of: * (i) the chattels owned by the borrower, and
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CRAIG NIXON Lawyer
Working with First Nations Since 1982
880 - 175 2nd Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1
Phone: 250- 374-1555 Fax: 250-374-9992 E-mail: cnlc@cnixonlaw.ca
* (ii) the land with respect to which he holds or is eligible to receive a Certificate of Possession, and may charge interest and take security therefore; (i) to meet expenses necessarily incidental to the management of lands on a reserve, surrendered lands and any band property; (j) to construct houses for members of the band, to make loans to members of the band for building purposes with or without security and to provide for the guarantee of loans made to members of the band for building purposes; and (k) for any other purpose that in the opinion of the Minister is for the benefit of the band. The Minister can direct that revenue moneys of the band be paid to assist sick, disabled, aged or destitute Indians of the band, to provide for the burial of deceased indigent members of the band and to provide for the payment of contributions under the Employment Insurance Act on behalf of employed persons who are paid in respect of their employment out of moneys of the band. The Minister can approve spending of band money: (a) for the destruction of noxious weeds and the prevention of the spreading or prevalence of insects, pests or diseases that may destroy or injure vegetation on Indian reserves; (b) to prevent, mitigate and control the spread of diseases on reserves, whether or not the diseases are infectious or communicable; (c) to provide for the inspection of premises on reserves and the destruction, alteration or renovation thereof; (d) to prevent overcrowding of premises on reserves used as dwellings; (e) to provide for sanitary conditions in private premises on reserves as well as in public places on reserves; and (f) for the construction and maintenance of boundary fences.
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Secwepemc NEWS
Indian Act continued.............. If money is spent by The Queen to raise or collect Indian moneys, the Minister can authorize that the band compensate Her to the amount that was spent. If the Minister thinks that an Indian has deserted his spouse or common-law partner or family without sufficient cause, has conducted himself in such a manner as to justify the refusal of his spouse or commonlaw partner or family to live with him, or has been separated by imprisonment from his spouse or common-law partner and family, the Minister can order that annuity or interest money that the Indian is entitled can be diverted to support the spouse or common-law partner or their families. The Minister of Finance may authorize advances to the Minister out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of such sums of money as the Minister may require to enable him to make loans to bands, groups of Indians or individual Indians for the purchase of farm implements, machinery, livestock, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, seed grain, fencing materials, materials to be used in native handicrafts, any other equipment, and gasoline and other petroleum products, or for the making of repairs or the payment of wages, or for the clearing and breaking of land within reserves, to expend or to lend money for the carrying out of cooperative projects on behalf of Indians; or to provide for any other matter prescribed by the Governor in Council. No more than $6.5 million can be loaned out at once. Each year, loans made under this subsection must be reported to the House of Commons. The ‘Gov’t of Canada are good farmers’ clauses The Minister can have farms on reserves, and can employ people too, to instruct Indians how to farm, and he may purchase and distribute without charge, pure seed to Indian farmers. The Minister can apply profits made through farming to make loans to Indians to start farming, or in any other way that he believes will promote progress and development of the Indians. The ‘we have lots of power up in here’ clauses The Governor in Council can make any regulation they’d like: (a) for the protection and preservation of fur-bearing animals, fish and other game on reserves; (b) for the destruction of noxious weeds and the prevention of the spreading or prevalence of insects, pests or diseases that may destroy or injure vegetation on Indian reserves; (c) for the control of the speed, operation and parking of vehicles on roads within reserves; (d) for the taxation, control and destruction of dogs and for the protection of sheep on reserves; (e) for the operation, supervision and control of pool rooms, dance halls and other places of amusement on reserves;
(f) to prevent, mitigate and control the spread of diseases on reserves, whether or not the diseases are infectious or communicable; (g) to provide medical treatment and health services for Indians; (h) to provide compulsory hospitalization and treatment for infectious diseases among Indians; (i) to provide for the inspection of premises on reserves and the destruction, alteration or renovation thereof; (j) to prevent overcrowding of premises on reserves used as dwellings; (k) to provide for sanitary conditions in private premises on reserves as well as in public places on reserves; (l) for the construction and maintenance of boundary fences; and (m) for empowering and authorizing the council of a band to borrow money for band projects or housing purposes and providing for the making of loans out of moneys so borrowed to members of the band for housing purposes. The Governor in Council may prescribe the punishment, not exceeding a fine of one hundred dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both, that may be imposed on summary conviction for contravention of a regulation made on anything above. The ‘we’ll even control your elections’ clauses The Minister can call for elections of the entire band council whenever he likes, as long as he deems it advisable for the good government of a band. The Governor in Council can make orders and regulations for band council elections, including regulations around candidate nomination meetings, the appointment of duties of electoral officers, how voting will be carried out, election appeals and the definition of residence to determine voter eligibility. The chief and councilors hold office for 2 years. The Minister can vacate a councilor’s position if he believes he has been charged with committing an offence, missed three consecutive meetings without authorization or accepted a bribe, being dishonest or malfeasance. The Minister can declare that person is ineligible to stand again as chief or councilor for up to 6 years. The Governor in Council can make regulations about band and council meetings for anything, including who presides over the meetings, notice of the meetings, the duties of the Minister’s representative at the meetings and what number constitutes quorum. The ‘sure you can have bylaws…that we approve’ clauses Bylaws can be developed on a wide range of issues by the Band Council. Any bylaw made under S81 (the bylaws section) must be forwarded to the Minister within four days of its being made. The Minister can reject any bylaw made by the Band Council.
APRIL 2012 The Minister must approve bylaws made by Band Councilors about: (a.1) the licensing of businesses, callings, trades and occupations; (b) the appropriation and expenditure of moneys of the band to defray band expenses; (c) the appointment of officials to conduct the business of the council, prescribing their duties and providing for their remuneration out of any moneys raised pursuant to paragraph (a); (d) the payment of remuneration, in such amount as may be approved by the Minister, to chiefs and councilors, out of any moneys raised pursuant to paragraph (a); (e) the enforcement of payment of amounts that are payable pursuant to this section, including arrears and interest; (e.1) the imposition and recovery of interest on amounts that are payable pursuant to this section, where those amounts are not paid before they are due, and the calculation of that interest; (f) the raising of money from band members to support band projects; and (g) with respect to any matter arising out of or ancillary to the exercise of powers under this section. The Minister must consent to offer someone title to the following property situated on a reserve, or they can otherwise not acquire title to: (a) an Indian grave house; (b) a carved grave pole; (c) a totem pole; (d) a carved house post; or (e) a rock embellished with paintings or carvings. The ‘only here can we get away with limiting commerce like this’ clauses A missionary or a school teacher on reserve is not allowed to trade/sell goods or chattels to Indians unless they receive consent from the Minister. If they do, they’re subject to a fine of $500. No one can remove minerals, stone, sand, gravel, clay or soil, or trees, saplings, shrubs, underbrush, timber, cordwood or hay, or have in their possession these items, from a reserve without the consent from the Minister. The ‘we’ll appoint the judges, thanks’ clause Justices who preside over a violation of this act or some sections of the Criminal Code are appointed by the Governor in Council. The ‘remember residential schools? They can still exist…’ clauses The Governor in Council can establish schools for Indians, and can enter into agreements to do this with charitable organizations or religious or charitable organization to offer schools. The Minister can make regulations with respect to standards for buildings,
equipment, teaching, education, inspection and discipline in connection with schools, provide for the transportation of children to and from school, enter into agreements with religious organizations for the support and maintenance of children who are being educated in schools operated by those organizations; and apply the whole or any part of moneys that would otherwise be payable to or on behalf of a child who is attending a residential school to the maintenance of that child at that school. The Minister can order that certain children, if he advises it to be necessary, to attend school beyond the age of 16 but not past 18. The Minister can order which school children are to attend, but no protestant children will have to go to Catholic schools, and vice-versa, unless written permission from the parents is granted. The ‘better get you ready for jail early’ clauses Truant officers have the same authority as peace officers and are appointed by the Minister to hunt down truant kids. This person may enter a space, with a warrant, where he or she believes children from aged 7 to 16 may be living. He or she may only use force if with a peace officer and the use of force is authorized in the warrant. If the person who was served the notice does not ensure that children are regularly attending school, they can be fined not exceeding five dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten days or both. A child who is habitually late for school shall be deemed to be absent from school. A truant officer may take into custody a child whom he believes on reasonable grounds to be absent from school contrary to this Act and may convey the child to school, using as much force as the circumstances require
KUKWSTS’ETELP The Adult Education Program (sponsored by SCES), would like to thank the larger community for supporting the Annual Barbeque/ LoonieAuction Graduation Fundraiser that was held at the KIRS Dining Room on Friday, April 27, 2012. We would also like to thank those who provided gracious donations to the loonie auction: Bryan & Wanda Rattray; TIB Social Development; TIB Education Department; Fortier Family; Peter & Janice Michel; Tk’emlups Indian Band; Barb, Carolyn, Wilma Jules; First Nations Education Council; Kathy Manuel; Grand Entry 49 Clothing; Grace Howse & Family; Angela DaleJohnson. All contributions are used to cover the costs of the “Graduation 2012 Awards and Recognition Nite.”
Secwepemc NEWS
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012
Submitted by Debbie Stewart
In the Central Interior of BC, Aboriginal people represent the fastest growing demographic and account for over 10 percent of the total population. As organizations are faced with a transitioning work force, it is essential to develop strategies and partnerships to tap into the best and brightest of this growing work force. The Aboriginal Training and Employment Centre (ATEC), a department of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, is available to assist employers in meeting their human resource requirements. For several years, ATEC has been facilitating Pre-employment Programs to provide our clients with the skills and confidence to successfully enter the workforce. Experience has shown us that a key to our success is creating Community Partnerships with local employers to ensure that we are providing the necessary skills that employers are looking for. These Community Partnerships enable us to tailor our training programs to meet the exact needs of each employer we work with. This means that when we teamed with Northern Trailer we designed a training program that was quite different from the training program we designed when we partnered with CN. Both programs offered instruction on resumes and interview skills, life skills and industry certifications. However, it was the differences in the specialized training each program offered that ensured both programs were extremely successful. To illustrate how we customize our training programs, we should take a look at our most recent and one of our most successful programs, our Railroad Readiness Program, developed in partnership with CN. After a few initial meetings with CN, both parties made a commitment to partner and proceed with a training program. The first step was to sit down with a representative from CN’s Human Resources Department and determine the exact qualities they were looking for in their employees. They informed us that applicants must hold a valid driver’s license, be willing to relocate and be able to test clean on a drug and alcohol test. This information allowed us to set up a rigid screening process so we could ensure that all participants met these basic qualifi-
cations. We had 80 people call to register for the training, but the screening process reduced that number to 14 selected participants. The second step was to determine the skills and abilities that CN requires of its employees. CN was very generous in sharing a number of policy and procedure manuals. This information provided our instructors with the foundation on which to build the program and provide our participants with the essential skills they would need to be successful on the job. CN also stressed the importance of applicants being physically able to perform strenuous and demanding work, so we stepped outside of our classroom setting and contracted a professional strength trainer to increase the strength and endurance of the participants, over the length of the program. The program began on February 20th and was scheduled to run for six weeks. ATEC facilitated the majority of the training, however CN representatives also did come and make presentations for the class that were very informative and encouraging. We were very pleased with the results of the program. Three of our participants have already secured employment with CN and have headed out to Edmonton for their Conductor training. The other participants have utilized their new skills to secure fulltime employment with other organizations and we are confident that they will be hired with CN as positions become available. As we move forward, we are continuing to reach out to new community partners such as Sun Rivers and TD Bank to develop and tailor our training programs to meet their needs. We encourage all employers to contact ATEC and outline the skill sets required for your workplace. We can help reduce the time you spend short listing applications for capable, qualified candidates. A partnership with ATEC has great benefits available for your company, even if you don’t require us to develop an individualized training program. Your Human Resource staff will have immediate, no charge access to our database of skilled workers that are ready to work. We have a number of qualified trades people and apprentices with the capability to handle all jobs. The benefits of hiring an ATEC client include access to the support of our Job Coach and Work Place Liaison so that you, the Employer, and the ATEC client can both achieve success on the job.
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Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park Open House Date: Saturday, June 2, 2012 Time: 1:00 to 4:00 Adult Education Programs Secwepemc Cultural Education Society Mailing address: #414-345 Yellowhead Highway, Kamloops BC V2H 1H1 Classroom address: Suite 216-750 Cottonwood Ave. Telephone: (250) 376-0903 or Fax: (250) 376-2133
Adult Education is offering the following courses this Summer Semester: May 7 – June 27, 2012 (8 weeks) Social Science (SOSC) 060 Math 040 Math 050 Intro. to Cultural Applications (CRLS) 050 English (ENGL) 060 Please contact Adult Ed. at (250) 376-0903 to register!
Secwepemc NEWS
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APRIL 2012
News Bulletin April 2012 Announcements In October 2010, BC’s 15 Aboriginal Approaches Initiatives (child welfare) gathered in Harrison Hot Springs to share ideas, work-plans, goals and progress. In June, the Stsmémelt Project will host another Aboriginal Approaches gathering to bring these organizations together again to review progress, share information and determine plans for future development. Stsmémelt Project is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with SFU and Drs Marianne and Ron Ignace for a 3rd year Secwepemc storytelling course that will be held on Secwepemculecw! This course will take place over three sessions: June 1st and 2nd in Splatsin, June 15th and 16th in Skeetchestn, and July 6th and 7th in Xats’ull (Soda Creek). Tuition is FREE; compliments of the Stsmémelt Project. Interested people can contact Dr. Marianne Ignace (email: gulqihlgad@gmail.com) for more information on how to enroll or audit the 3 credit course. For more announcements and regular updates, please go to the facebook page and “like” us.
Everyone is Welcome! 28TH Annual Chief Will-Yum Father’s Day Pow-wow June 15, 16, & 17th 2012 Weekend Highlights! Coming Out Ceremonies Giveaways Hoop dancing Contest Princess Pageant & Little Brave Honouring our Father’s Celebration
Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday Traditional Feast on Saturday
Community Engagement Barb, Amy and 3 community reps visited Sts’ailes Snowoyelh (Chehalis) program and the Stölo Nation on March 14 -15th. Sts’ailes is currently implementing their own culturally based program to support children and families. Of special interest was the on- reserve Safe House which housed the entire family while parents participate in a treatment program. The Stölo Nation is pursuing jurisdiction.
Brown bag dinner given out on sunday MC – John Terbasket Whipman – Jim Edgar Host Drum – changes with each grand entry 50/50 Sales (No outside sales) Sugar Shack Concession on Site All Vendors Please Register by June 15th $125.00 per day or $200.00 for the weekend Contact :Virginia @ (250)296-3128
The Williams Lake Indian Band, Chief Will-Yum Campsite, or Pow wow Committee will not be responsible for injuries, theft, damages or any other liability associated with the gathering.
ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS PERMITTED
With the May 31 deadline for Community Plan first draft drawing closer, Barb and Amy are working with communities to start pulling their pieces together and looking at how best to provide Child and Family Services in their communities. Project funding is minimal while trying to do more with less funding and resources. The Shuswap Band started its community engagement in mid April. 2 community planning sessions were held in Kamloops and Williams Lake to share information between communities and ideas of what format the plan could take. We anticipate May to be a busy month!
NESKONLITH EDUCATION CENTER P.O. Box 318 Chase, BC V0E 1M0 Phone: (250) 679-2963 Fax: (250) 679-2968 www.neskonlithband.com
ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND ADULT PROGRAMS FOR ALL STUDENTS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 2012 Neskonlith Education Center is a First Nation Band Operated Independent School located on Neskonlith Band (TransCanada Highway) approximately 7 miles west of Chase, BC. We provide the following programs: High School (grade 8‐12) Dogwood Diploma. Adult Education (Adult Graduation Diploma). The following is also included with our programs: Computer lab/projector with 13 stations. SMART Board™ interactive whiteboard. Accuplacer testing. Hot lunch program. BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program. Bus transportation. Elder Advisor on campus. Tutoring Program (Chase & Salmon Arm). Short Courses (First Aid, WHMIS, Food Safe etc.). Daycare on campus. To register for the September classes, please call Dalla Powder or Jocelyn Thompsett @ (250) 679‐2963. Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. School in session from: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. N eskonlith Education Center w ill provide a safe and healthy
Thank you to all the people who attended Willie
academ ic environm ent, w here com m unity m em bers build lifelong experiences.
Sr’s 70th Birthday Celebration and to
L to R: Doreen Johnson, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Shawna Sellars, and Kelly Connor Dr. Cindy Blackstock’s (Ex. Director of the First Nations child and Family Caring Society of Canada) speech at the March 22nd “Our Way” Conference on her hope for equality of services fo FN Children and dreams for the future of our chidlren and youth was especially inspiring!
Tek’wémiple7 Research Unit On March 22 to 24, Kelly Connor, Troy Hunter, Doreen Johnson and youth representaives, Shawna Sellars and Crystal Camille, were invited to Saskatoon for the “Our Way” Ariel F. Sallows Human Rights Conferece at the University of Saskatchewan, Native Law Centre. The key topics focused on the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Law-Making. Doreen, Troy and Kelly presented on the Stsmémelt Project’s activities about how the Project is using Secwepemc stories, oral history and legends as a basis for a legal framework to achieve Project goals. Shawna and Crystal facilitated lunch lodge discussions on the topić “Flourishing of Children”. (See a clip on facebook page).
Planning a future for our children and families CONTACT US:
respectful relationships through cultural know ledge and learning
all who donated.
Stsmémelt Project, 680 West Athabasca Street, Kamloops, BC V2H 1C4
Jody Beckett, Administrative Assistant, Phone: 778.471.8210 / Fax: 778.471.5804 E-mail: stsadmin@shuswapnation.org Website: www.shuswapnation.org/departments/stsmémelt
Secwepemc NEWS
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012
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Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
Name:Aaron Camille Band: Tk’emlups Indian Band Position:Underground Miner Length of Employment:Nearly 4 years Aaron originally had applied as a Temporary Surface Labourer. Once he had finished his 4 month role, he was offered the position of full-time Surface Labouer. Once on the surface team for approximately six months he moved into the role of Underground Miner. Recently, Aaron has learned to use various equipment, such as: • Sprayer • Bolting In addition, Aaron has learned what it takes to work as a crew. Aaron’s main job underground is bolting where he drills holes, puts up screen and puts in splitsets or rebar depending on the area. He works to keep his area clean and safe for the next person coming in. Aaron also lends a hand for Blasting when he is not bolting, or correcting anything that may look out of place. Aaron enjoys his F-350 that he was able to purchase ☺ Word of advice or words of inspiration to other Kamloops Division Members: “Being drug and alcohol free is a lot more fun than it looks and definitely worth it!”
Name: Jo-Anne Mosterd Band: Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Position: Health and Safety Administrative Assistant Length of Employment: 5 months My current position as Health and Safety Administrative Assistant is diverse, challenging and extremely interesting. Each day begins with a “Positive Attitude Safety System” meeting, where we discuss the previous day’s events, accolades and “what you’re going to do today to make it a safe shift.” The department works together, in a positive environment, to do what we can to make sure everyone on site gets home safe. We continually work towards improving processes to eliminate hazards. One of my main duties is maintaining the Training Matrix. I receive, enter and file training documentation for all employees. The matrix is an essential tool for ensuring that employees are qualified to safely operate equipment and their pertinent certificates and skills are up-to-date. With over 400 employees, this is a huge responsibility and I take it very seriously. Each day is different and whatever the task, from fixing jammed photocopiers to making security badges, it’s enjoyable because I work with such a great team. To get here was a process…skill-testing, mind-probing… fretting! The girls at BCAMTA were a tremendous help and an excellent starting point. They provided great advice and support from beginning to end. Prior to applying for the position I put a tremendous amount of effort in sharpening my skills and conducting research about the job, the corporation and the mining industry. My past work experience and education have provided a great base for a career at New Gold. In the summer of 2007, while completing my Natural Resource Science Degree, an opportunity arose to work for the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and I jumped at the opportunity. It was there that I fully realized how much society depends on the mining industry. Day-to-day uses include cell phones, transportation, tools, utensils, copper pipes and wires that provide water and electricity in our homes…the list goes on and on. As societal demands increase, New Gold holds fast to its commitment to achieve excellence in the management of health, safety, environment and sustainability. There’s a healthy balance here between moving forward yet protecting what matters…our people and our land.
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 3, 2012 SHUSWAP NATION TRIBAL COUNCIL ELECT A NEW TRIBAL CHAIR The Chiefs of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC) voted overwhelmingly in favor of Chief Shane Gottfriedson being elected as the new Tribal Chief for the organization. Chief Shane Gottfriedson, the Chief of the Tk’emlups Indian Band ran against Chief Michael LeBourdais of the Whispering Pines Indian Band in the election and will be replacing Chief Wayne Christian of the Splatsin First Nation as the Tribal Chair and spokesperson for the Tribal Council. Chief Shane Gottfriedson has many years of political experience and will be taking office in the additional role immediately. SNTC was formed in 1980 by the Secwepemc Chiefs to advance the issues of aboriginal rights. It’s a political organization, working on matters of common concern, including the development of self-government and the settlement of the aboriginal land title question. SNTC also works to establish agreements, with the provincial and federal governments and with the private sector, that recognize and respect Secwepemc aboriginal rights and title. After the election results were announced, Chief Shane Gottfriedson stated “I want to thank Chief Wayne Christian for dedicating six years of service as a leader of the Tribal Council and I am honored to be the new representative for SNTC. I am looking forward to advancing collective and unified approaches to Nation issues. Secwepemc traditional values and culture will be my grounding principles for advancing the interests of our nine Secwepemc Bands and I look forward to the challenge.” “I’m also looking forward to reaching out to government on behalf of our communities to engage in discussions that are designed to strategically implement the reconciliation objectives of our communities.” said Chief Shane Gottfriedson. Chief Wayne Christian congratulated the newly elected leader by stating “Chief Shane Gottfriedson has demonstrated through his determination and leadership that he is the man for this position and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
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Secwepemc NEWS
Taseko’s Tactics Demonstrate Why New Prosperity Must Fail May 1, 2012 - Esk’etemc Chief Fred Robbins, Esk’etemc
Esk’etemc Nation is shocked and disappointed at the Taseko’s call to the government to ban any exercise of Aboriginal spirituality during the New Prosperity Federal Panel Review. The behaviour of Taseko Mines demonstrates a fundamental lack of willingness to understand First Nation’s concerns about the effects of the New Prosperity project on Aboriginal rights and title, according to Chief Robbins of Esk’etemc. “Taseko’s call to the Crown to ban First Nation’s prayers and ceremonies from the Federal Review Panel is not just offensive to First Nations,” says the Chief, “but it is an attempt to belittle the sacred relationship First Nations have with our lands, which provides us with our identity as Aboriginal peoples. It is also another attempt by Taseko to proceed as if we weren’t even here.” “At the most basic level” says Chief Robbins, “our ability as First Nations people to survive is dependant on the lands and waters providing us with the necessities of life. How we govern our communities comes from a place of thanksgiving to the Creator for providing us with the lands and
resources we need to exercise our rights.” The attempted interference by Taseko with First Nation’s participation in the Review, however, is nothing new to the Aboriginal communities involved in the fight to protect their lands and waters from destruction. For Esk’etemc, the comments made by Taseko simply display the reason that the New Prosperity project is doomed to fail from the Aboriginal perspective: Taseko has again designed the Project without talking to First Nations, and is acting as if First Nations don’t exist. The EIS is soon to be due, but Esk’etemc Nation has yet to be asked by Taseko for its views on how the Project will affect its rights. Says Chief Robbins, “Taseko’s approach is based on the false presumption that the Project will not devastate our culture, and will not result in significant losses which cannot be accommodated.” Instead, says Chief Robbins, “Taseko is content to ignore the impacts to our ability as Aboriginal peoples to maintain a spiritual connection to our lands and waters, which is integral to our concepts of ownership and the exercise of our rights. There is no honour in that.”
Congratulations to Angeline Camille in achieving her goal. “Getting her Electrical Ticket”
Canim Lake (Tsq’éscen) Lahal Tournament Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Arbor, $100 entry fee For more information contact Edna Sellars @ (250) 397-2328
APRIL 2012
Application made to reopen Cohen Commission into the decline of Fraser River salmon Discovery of Salmon Heart Virus Threat to Fraser Sockeye April 24, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) Today, the Aquaculture Coalition, which includes Alexandra Morton represented by Gregory McDade, submitted an application to the Cohen Commission into the decline of the Fraser Sockeye seeking to reopen hearings and examine new and significant disease findings pursuant to Rule 65. Farm salmon purchased during February 2012 in BC supermarkets tested positive for the newly discovered piscine reovirus (PRV). This virus has been identified as the cause of Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI). Piscine reovirus weakens the heart of salmon. The Aquaculture Coalition believes the impact of this heart disease has to be considered as a contributing factor to the decline of the Fraser sockeye. The Cohen Commission heard testimony that up to 90% of the sockeye entering the Fraser River die as they attempt to reach their spawning grounds, swimming through strong rapids such as the famous Hells Gate. First discovered in a Norwegian salmon farm in 1999, HSMI spread rapidly through Norway to infect over 400 farms today. The disease is described as spreading like “wildfire”. The Atlantic farm salmon (44/45 samples) purchased (February 2012) by Morton from Vancouver and Victoria supermarkets tested positive for PRV. Loblaw confirmed these fish had been reared in BC waters. This suggests PRV is widespread in BC farm salmon. Most salmon farms in BC are on the Fraser sockeye migration routes. In a televised interview (April 20, 2012) Dr. Gary Marty, the Provincial farm salmon veterinarian and Cohen Commission witness confirmed he found the virus in 75% of BC farm salmon he tested. Dr. Marty suggests the piscine reovirus is not a concern. However, a joint scientific publication by the Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York and Norwegian government scientists state: “it is urgent that measures be taken to control PRV not only because it threatens domestic salmon production but also due to the potential for transmission to wild salmon populations.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2901333/?tool=pubmed The evidence that PRV is common in farm salmon was missing from the disease reports provided to the Cohen Commission by Dr. Marty. Although the provincial vet reports the virus in “sick fish,” spokesperson for the BC Salmon Farmer’s Association, Mary Ellen Walling
claims they are not seeing any indication of the virus. DFO spokesperson Frank Stanek assures us: “Government of Canada scientists have not confirmed the presence of this virus in Canadian fish, despite extensive monitoring and testing. However, DFO scientist Dr. Kristy Miller testified at the Cohen Commission on early findings that the PRV virus was detected in Chinook farms in Clayoquot Sound, as well as, in Fraser sockeye. HSMI is not a reportable disease so the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is not directly involved. The Atlantic Veterinary Lab sequenced the virus found in the supermarket samples (collected by Morton in February 2012) and reports it is 99% identical to piscine reovirus found in Norwegian farmed salmon. “The obvious potential that piscine reovirus is killing Fraser sockeye by weakening their hearts, rendering them less capable of fighting their way through white water rapids like Hells Gate was never raised at the inquiry. Despite the Province of BC apparently knowing it was common in salmon farms,” said Alexandra Morton. Morton observed, “The presence of this virus is significant evidence in puzzle of the Fraser salmon collapse because Cohen heard evidence that over 90% of Fraser sockeye die as they are swimming upstream, a weakened heart could be causing this. Justice Cohen can not complete his work if pieces of the puzzle are kept from him.” Morton went on to say, “I sympathize with Justice Cohen, he has seen DFO spokespeople contradicting their own scientists - which is how we lost the North Atlantic cod. Justice Cohen is blindfolded by the lack of full disclosure. His report will not be complete without getting to the bottom of this, just like he did for the ISA virus.” The Aquaculture Coalition submits that the Commission should receive new evidence regarding the epidemiology and impacts of PRV and HSMI in salmon populations on a global scale and should hear evidence regarding its presence in British Columbia. In particular, the knowledge of Dr. Miller and Dr. Marty regarding the presence of PRV and HSMI in fish farms in British Columbia is relevant to the Commissioner’s inquiry and an opportunity to hear their evidence is warranted. For more information or to schedule interviews contact: Alexandra Morton 250-974-7086, Gregory McDade 604-988-5201
Secwepemc NEWS
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012
Aboriginal AIDS Conference 16TH Annual HIV-AIDS conference held in Kamloops The goals of the conference are:
To provide an opportunity for people To share information and experiences related to HIV/AIDS To offer successful models for providing HIV/AIDS prevention education, care and support to Aboriginal communities To provide models for integrating cultural and traditional practices into prevention education To create an awareness for Aboriginal people to learn about and gain a better understanding of HIV/AIDS issues for Aboriginal people living with HIV/AIDS and their families The 16th annual BC Aboriginal HIV and Through panels and workshops - the AIDS conference was held in Kamloops goal of the ‘Healing our Spirit’ conference Monday and Tuesday. More than a hundred is to raise awareness. But many feel more people gathered at the Coast Kamloops funding is needed from the federal and Hotel and Conference Centre to raise the provincial governments to provide more profile of HIV-AIDS. AIDS has steadily education and prevention - and to help increased over the last several years int he people living with the disease survive. aboriginal population. Anonoymous Author:
Shame = Death: HIV/AIDS Complacency in the Gay Community
I can remember sitting in health class when I was 14, watching a video about AIDS. It was a humid 90 degrees outside, and there was no air conditioning in the building. An image of a man, no more than 100 pounds and covered in lesions, appeared on the screen, and I suddenly felt nauseated. I broke out into a sweat and watched it pool into a tiny puddle on the surface of my desk. I went to the boys’ room and stood at the sink, looking at myself in the mirror. Growing up in the ‘90s, we were taught that sex equaled death. Specifically, gay sex equaled death. And to my fragile, impressionable young mind, that meant being gay equaled death, too. When you believe death and disease are your destiny, what’s to stop you from being promiscuous, doing drugs, or even taking your own life? Of course, it gets better. And it did, at least for me. But as an adult, I encounter younger gay men who didn’t grow up seeing the things my generation saw. So
much has changed in just a few short years. HIV is no longer a death sentence; it’s a “manageable condition.” And the number of gay men practicing unsafe sex, out of recklessness, complacency, or even deliberate self-injury, continues to grow. The CDC reports that infection rates among men who have sex with men, particularly blacks and Hispanics, are on the rise. As a filmmaker, one of my goals is to tell stories that inspire people to think differently about the world around them. I want my work to challenge our perception of identity and reality, and the people who inhabit our world. When I made my first short film, Requited, in 2010, one of the actors, Max Rhyser, and I began sharing stories about men we’d met who are intentionally trying to become infected with HIV. They’re called “bug chasers,” and we mutually expressed our confusion and dismay about the subject. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community doesn’t want to talk about it. The activist community is afraid to admit it. The straight world doesn’t know about
We can’t make progress without asking questions. Who are these “chasers”? Why are they doing this? Some of them are men whose families and cultures have shamed them into anonymous, unsafe sex, who have devalued them to the point where they believe their lives aren’t worth protecting. Some are boys sitting in classrooms, watching videos like the one I watched, believing they have no future. These are our people. This is our community. This is our family. And if a member of your family were acting in a self-destructive way, would you ignore it? Would you deny that it was happening? Would you shun those who tried to help? Or would you confront him, find out why, and try to figure out how to stop it?
it. And so Max and I decided to make a movie called Chaser. Last summer, Requited screened at NewFest, the New York LGBT Film Festival. I attended the screening of the opening-night film, We Were Here, an extraordinary documentary about the arrival of AIDS in San Francisco in the early 1980s, directed by David Weissman and Bill Weber. I’m always eager to find out how the men and women who experienced the beginning of AIDS -- who literally watched their friends, lovers, and patients succumb to the disease one after the next -- feel about these men who are actively seeking out the virus today. During the Q&A session, I asked the cast and crew about their thoughts on the subject and was politely but swiftly shot down. I was told it was too controversial an issue and that I should speak with them privately at the afterparty. Of course, I did, and the reaction was exactly what I expected (Weissman told me it “infuriates” him), but the incident was the impetus I needed to move forward with Chaser. At that point I was sure the film would be more than just provocative. I told Max we should be prepared to defend it, that our decision not to condemn our main character’s behavior, but instead just tell a story and let the audience make their own judgment, would make people uncomfortable. What I didn’t expect was the pushback that came before we’d even raised the money to make the film, or that it would come from sources seemingly dedicated to eradicating HIV from our community. When we approached one of
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the country’s oldest and most respected AIDS organizations about partnering with us for our upcoming fundraising event on March 30, a representative accused us of “sensationalizing” the issue, decrying that it was a small “fringe” of the gay community who were engaging in this behavior. Another prominent LGBT organization seeking funding for their HIV support services ignored my offers to join forces. The fear is understandable. When I talk to my straight friends about bug chasing, a look of horror and disbelief washes over their faces. “Why would someone do that?!” is the most common response. The people who have dedicated their lives to fighting AIDS are afraid of how this issue will reflect on their work and the LGBT community as a whole. There’s enough prejudice and bigotry directed at gays already; we don’t need the behavior of some tiny fringe making matters worse. And we certainly don’t need it affecting the funding of our research and prevention efforts. Right? But in the beginning, it was only a small group of gay men who were afflicted with AIDS, then known as “gay cancer.” It took years of tireless dedication and organization by trailblazing activists, whose work is now emulated by those at the forefront of countless other medical causes, to get where we are today. And now those very same people, or at least their successors, are engaging in a similarly reactionary response.
Indigenous Languages Symposium MAY 17 TO 19, 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION
Keynote Speaker Jeannette Armstrong Lorna Williams Cost: Elder $140 Adults $336 before May 15, 2012 at the door $168 (elders) $280 (adults)includes workshop materials, feast Vendors $100 a table
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Secwepemc NEWS
The majority of British Columbia’s commercial forests are managed by private corporations for short-term timber supply. Written by Samantha Charlton
There are several problems with this. (1) Licenses are for timber only and ignore the other values of the forest. (2) There are no direct rewards for sustainable practices. (3) Job creation is decreasing. (4) Only a small group of companies have access to the large and long-term licenses. (5) When environmental degradation is accounted for as a cost, the timber industry overstates its contribution to government revenues and to the province’s economic well-being. One alternative that displays potential is Community Forests, which are managed by and for communities. The community forest program, piloted in 1998 with 7 forests, now consists of 46 community forests (CF’s) responsible for only about 2% of the provinces annual harvest in total. The CF tenure is the first tenure in British Columbia that can also convey the rights to harvest Non Timber Forest Resources (NTFRs). These can be considered in the management plans of Community Forests for their potential economic benefits. Non Timber Forest Resources are any goods that come from the forest aside from timber, such as berries, mushrooms, floral greenery, medicinal plants and artists’ materials. Despite potential non-monetary and monetary gains from NTFRs, the sector is under-utilized. Internationally recognized noneconomic gains from NTFR harvest and management include increased pride and self-sufficiency, re-connection with the land and community, revitalization of traditions, and skills development in both First Nations and non-First nations communities. However, the use and management of NTFRs is a very contentious issue. The Canadian Constitution Act recognizes the aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, which includes the right to gather NTFRs for traditional use. Despite this, there are problems with access to these resources due to: development, changing land ownership, logging and reforestation practices, ranching, mining, wildfires, climate change, landscape changes and herbicide use. First Nations also desire compensation for intellectual property rights and there are few examples where compensation for the contributions of traditional knowledge has occurred. I am a master’s student currently studying resource and environmental management at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and working with both the Wells Gray Community Forest (WGCF) and the Simpcw First Nation to explore barriers and opportunities around NTFRs. I’m hoping to discover if there is a possibility of moving forward collaboratively in this realm. Through my research I’ve spent time in the communities of Clearwater, Chuchua and Barriere interviewing individuals about Community Forests and Non Timber Forest Resources. Fred Fortier, band councilor for the Simpcw First Nation and board member of Dunster, Valemount and Wells Gray Community forests, notes that the WGCF has a relatively small area-based tenure on 13,145 hectares with a 20,000 cubic metre cut (with an uplift of 13,500 cubic metres to address the dead pine beetle wood), and is managing to derive a profit from this small tenure. This is quite impressive, as it is especially challenging for Community Forests to derive any profit due to high administrative costs relative to their size. From my interviews in Clearwater, it is clear that profit derived from the Community Forest flows to the district of Clearwater and surrounding communities in the form of jobs and investment into community infrastructure.
APRIL 2012 The WGCF has also set up a non-profit society that accepts applications from community organizations and individuals for grants for social and economic development activities, one of which could be small-scale cottage industries related to NTFRs. The WGCF is a special case as they have a board member with interest and experience in NTFRs, Sharon Neufeld. This allowed them to put on a symposium in 2010 dedicated to this theme as well as engaging in dialogue since that time with the Simpcw about their views on NTFR use and management. Most CF’s would like to expand their area in order to maintain profitable operations on a small land base and must have the support of First Nations in order to do so. According to Fred, the Simpcw support the expansion of CF’s in general, as they are a much more sustainable model than corporately managed tenures. However, with a limited regional timber supply, the current priority of the Simpcw First Nation is securing a Simpcw CF in order to create economic development opportunities for Simpcw people that are not available through other community forests. Fred Fortier has participated in some of the background research and application for a First Nations Community Forest, a new tenure being piloted by the province. According to Fred, they’ve completed their timber analysis which identified 50,000 cubic metres of available volume in the Robson headwaters area, Robson valley and the Clearwater Forest District. They are currently in the process of getting their community license. The end goal of the Simpcw forestry department and other Simpcw economic ventures is to put money into research and also to train Simpcw people in conducting this research. There is also a strong emphasis on youth, who are currently able to gain research experience through summer student work positions. In Fred’s words, “I think that building capacity for our people and doing what’s best for our people is something our people will enjoy for a long time. Our young people will enjoy that, the things they do on the land and learn about the land. The young people, they like to come home.” It remains to be seen how Community Forests, First Nations, and First Nations community forests can all work together. There could be less timber available in future timber supply analyses due to a variety of ecological and economic factors. As more area is taken out of the potential supply, it is possible that innovation and entrepreneurship in the non-timber forest resource sector can begin to fill this gap and contribute to all communities’ livelihoods and well being. References: Ambus, L.M. 2008. The Evolution of Devolution: Evaluation of the Community Forest Agreement in British Columbia. Msc The University of British Columbia. BCCFA. 2010. Status of Community Forestry in BC. Accessed on March 14, 2012 from: http://www.bccfa.ca/index. php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=98:status-of-community-forestry-in-bc&Itemid=31 Constitution Act, 1982 being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (U.K.), 1982, c. 11. Forest Practices Board. 2004. Integrating Non-Timber Forest Products into Forest Planning and Practices in British Columbia. Green, Tom L. 2000. Confusing liquidation with income in BC’s forests: economic analysis and the BC forest industry. Ecological Economics 34 (1): 33-46. Keefer et. al. 2010. What about the Berries? Managing for Understory Species. The Centre for Livelihoods and Ecology. Royal Roads University. Lantz, T.C. 2001. Examining the potential role of co-operatives in the ethical commercialization of medicinal plants: plant conservation, intellectual property rights, ethics and devil’s club (Oplopanax Horridus). Occasional Papers Number 3 British Columbia Institute for Co-operative Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria. Powell, G. 2008. Regional Profile of Non-Timber Forest Products Being Harvested from the Cariboo-Chilcotin, British Columbia Area. Prepared for the Centre for Non-Timber Resources, Royal Roads University, Victoria B.C. Sharon Thomas, Nathan, Louis Thomas, Harold Thomas Louis Thomas, Elder Advisor for the Neskonlith Education Center is demonstrating to the UCEP students on how to construct a Sweatlodge. The students have learned how to build a personal sweat as First Nations did a long time ago. The branches were cut from red willow branches and inserted into the ground to form a circle as being demonstrative above. There is a long process before a sweatlodge can be built. There are many types of sweatlodges, ie. personal, community, ceremonial etc. Students would like to thank Louis Thomas and helpers for demonstrating a part of our culture.
Secwepemc NEWS
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2012 Coldwater Indian Band Whispering Pines Indian Band Lower Nicola Indian Band Nicola/Kamloops Region, British Columbia, Canada
Kinder Morgan Plans to Build Oil Pipeline While Stalling On First Nation Issues Kinder Morgan is planning to construct a pipeline across British Columbia without first dealing with outstanding issues with First Nations in BC, say the Chiefs whose Indian reserves the existing Kinder Morgan oil pipeline traverses. “The 24-inch pipeline crossing our reserves has leaked in places, but they denied it even as they hauled away truckloads of oil soaked soil in 2008,” states Harold Aljam, Chief of the Coldwater Indian Band. “Kinder Morgan Canada does not have a permit to operate the oil pipeline on our reserves and refuses to admit that as well. They will only deal with things that help them maintain the pipeline to a minimum standard. Anything else they stall on.” “They want to go through our territory and our reserves without rectifying existing wrongs,” states Michael LeBourdais, Chief of the Whispering Pines Indian Band. “They want ‘to consult’ about the future and ignore the past without considering the impact that a pipeline that size will have on our lives. They have already impacted our economic development projects with their existing 24-inch and 36-inch wide pipes crossing our reserve. They have impacted our leasing opportunities. They say it doesn’t, but talk to our potential clients. Two big pipelines pretending to be in a 60-foot wide right of way with a 200-foot safety zone is an impediment.”
Tips for Kicking the New Year off on the Right Foot
This is the forty first 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. Recently we had a staff member make some simple yet effective changes to her lifestyle which has resulted in her blood sugar levels dropping from prediabetic to normal and a weight loss of 15 lbs. So, what is her magic secret which resulted in these life changing results? Like I said…simple – watching what she eats and getting more exercise. Sorry to those of you that were looking for an easier answer, however not only does the above example prove it, but a recent study published in The Province on Friday November 25, 2011 confirms it. A 2011 study at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle found that the most effective way to lose weight (which also leads to lower blood sugars and reduces your risk of heart disease) is by combining diet and exercise. It was a 12 month study that followed 429 postmenopausal obese women who were divided into 3 groups – diet only, exercise only, and diet and exercise combined. The diet only group lost ~15.8lbs, the exercise only group ~4.4lbs, while the diet and exercise combined group lost on average 19.6lbs and 7cm around their waists. Increasing your physical activity and eating healthier doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few simple tips inspired by my coworker to help you get started: • Pack an easy lunch and take a brisk walk on your lunch hour
“If they want to go through our territory they will have to deal with our reserves and our band members first,” states Victor York, Chief of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. Consultation doesn’t cut it. Start with resolving outstanding issues, or who in this province is going to believe that Kinder Morgan Canada is a good corporate citizen worthy of regulatory approvals?”
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When talking on the phone at home, walk around
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If meeting friends for coffee, grab it to go and go for a walk
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Hide your remote and get up to change the channel when watching TV
“We refuse to deal with the Kinder Morgan bureaucrats. Is Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada and its many, many subsidiaries, afraid to show his face?” asks Chief Michael LeBourdais.
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Too busy for a healthy breakfast – make low glycemic steel cut oats in your crockpot overnight
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Move the dishes you use most often up high or down low to burn extra calories and wash the dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher
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Test your blood sugars after eating different foods so that you can limit those that cause you to go out of target
If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview with one of the above Chiefs please contact Linda by email to vanden@shaw.ca or call at 250-656-1050.
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If you have a treat, take a smaller portion or save half for another day
I hope that this article has empowered you to take the steps necessary to make the changes that can improve your health in the New Year and for the rest of your life. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and think of little things that will help you burn more calories, lose some weight, and control your blood sugars. If you have any tips that you would like to share with other readers, don’t hesitate to contact me at the pharmacy. Sincerely, Laura Burgess, B.Sc. Pharm., Certified Diabetes Educator Pharmacist, Manshadi Pharmacy
CFDC of Central Interior First Nations Jackie Bandura Jordan George Dale Tomma
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Neskonlith Band Education and Social department partnered up with parents and youth towards many hours of planning to host Don Burnstick for a Comedy Show at the Salmon Arm Senior Secondary, Sullivan Campus on April 27, 2012. The fun filled night brought proceeds that will go towards the Neskonlith Youth Foundation. We would like to thank the Committee, Volunteers and School District #83 and staff for all their help and support to make this a memorial event.
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Secwepemc NEWS
APRIL 2012
to heaven like in the books I read. I Deaths on a reserve(reservation)................... gone didn’t cry but I understood that it would be I grew up on the reserve which in itself seems more tragic than privileged. It takes a lot of courage, strength, determination, will, pride, and spirituality to be happy to be in such a place. If you visit a rez, you will find that it is a very tight knit community. People don’t seem to understand that when you’re dealing with issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, substance abuse, depression, etc., you also deal with the deaths of these diseases. When someone dies in our community, the whole community comes together to support the family of the deceased. Its never a family for themselves or to leave the family to grieve by themselves. Its the support that keeps the family strong. In any case, I wanted to point out that dealing with death comes at an early age on the rez. Going to funerals sure is a tough time on anyone at any point in time in their lives. Yet people living on reserves deal with death every few months. I remember as a child losing my own cousins, aunts, uncles, and great grandma. I had to say goodbye in my own way. I didn’t cry much but was rather taken on a path to say goodbye. There is never getting over a death of a loved one. Your soul remains full of great memories of your time with them. Your heart weighs with the love that remains with the person no longer there to receive it. So the love stays in your heart. There is a ritual for funerals on reserves. Before the body returns for the wake, you make a fire outside of the home of the wake. This fire serves as a guidance for the spirit…a connection between worlds of sort. You have the wake for 4 days and 4 nights…then on the 5th day, you bury the deceased. Every morning and night you say prayers. You say one last session of prayers before the funeral. Traditionally, people had their last viewing before the body was transported to the church. Now the last viewing is done at the church. After the funeral session, the body is transported to the graveyard. The grave is blessed and then body put into the ground. The dirt that was dug up is now put over the body manually. The men present take turns burying by shovels. When the person is buried, the people say their goodbyes and then go to the reception afterwards which is a celebration of the person’s life they lived. Then after the potluck dinner, its gambling and stick games which go all night and sometimes into the early next morning.
I have been keen to see that this is not the way for many cultures. I mean “this way” meaning dealing with death on a regular basis. I have observed that when people of other cultures go through losing loved ones they take it quite hard. Don’t get me wrong, my aunt has lost 4 children. She has taken each death as hard as anyone in the world. Yet she has strength that I have seen in only one other person, my grandma. To lose as much as they did and still have the courage and strength to not only wake up but to get through the day, is something I strive for. Its not good enough to just wake up, its in your best interest to get through the day as best as you can. I look at my people who have gone through similar losses to my aunt and grandma. Where did they find the courage and strength to not only live but smile? I can only surmount that it was all ingrained onto them by their parents and grandparents. Its nothing you can talk someone into deal with such a tragedy. To get courage and strength is to live it…over and over. Not so that you become numb to it but you build more courage and strength. I don’t want to question or doubt that others go through as much deaths. My point I’m making is that to go through so much pain and loss is hard…very hard. I myself have seen close loved ones pass. I remember my first funeral as a young child. I had to be younger than five. Children are keen to others feelings that surround them. I remember feeling for the older people. I didn’t understand what death was at the time but the feeling of sadness around those people made me pray for them in a way. Losing my great grandma at the age of 7. She was an amazing granny. We called her “Granny Eliza”. She was so kind, always had food and candy ready for us. I remember shaking her hand all the time as a kid. I guess it was our hug. I loved her energy…so kind and gentle. She was the oldest on the reserve at the time and respected by all in our community. So when she passed away, the whole community was in sorrow. It was a big turnout of people who came out in support. In terms of relevance in our community, its as if the pope died. Being a child, the grieving process goes through quickly. Then a few years later, a dear cousin of mine passed away. She was so much fun. She used to babysit me while my parents went out. She treated us like her younger sibling so in a way she was our big sister. I remember seeing her body for the wake. I held her hand and looked at her wondering if she has
the last time I see her again. The pain was there this time. This is the first time I had to feel hatred that I wouldn’t see her again. I missed her laugh and smile already. Hospital visits and such are a norm it seems. Terminally ill. There is nothing you can do but be by the bedside or in the hall. Only one person allowed by the bed didn’t apply to such a big family. When the doctors say nothing can be done and its time to turn off the life support system. So they turn them off and you sit there watching him/her or look out into the window listening to the breathing slow. This is something that happens every year. You go to the hospital holding the hand of your loved one hoping they know that you will be there til the end and beyond. It shouldn’t be okay that this is what happens. Its good in a way though that the person ill is never alone and has all the love in the world. What no one understands is after those first few times of losing someone so close, it happens yearly, sometimes quarterly, sometimes monthly. If I try to think of a timeline of who I have lost, someone related to me passed almost yearly. great grandma, big sister, best friend, godmother/ aunt, grandma, grandpa, best friend, cousin/ bestfriend/brother, cousin/brother, uncle, great friend, best friend/ brother/cousin, the list goes on. These people I list now I have spent a significant amount of time with. I have lived with these people. I would give names but it doesn’t do them justice of what they meant in my life. The slashes are meant to show the name and blood relationship. But the love I had for each of them went beyond a name. Its as if they were mother, father, brother, and sister. I have missed each of them tons and tons. Each death hit me hard. I have cried for each of them. You can’t imagine 10 • 10 • 10 ANNIVERSARY PROMO burying two brothers 10th day of each month one month apart. You 18 Holes • $40 9 Holes • $30 can’t imagine burying someone close to you Take advantage of the Sun Rivers 10th Anniversary year! $ every year. 10 9 hole green fee, $10 shared power cart & $10 kiosk voucher Yet this is the way (Must be purchased as a package to receive full value. Add 10 to play a full 18 holes. Can be booked up to 10 days in advance. Tee times available after 10:00 am) it is for many Native communities around the world. This happens because each family is so tight knit. Every grandparent is so loved. 1000 Clubhouse Drive, Kamloops BC V2H 1T9 Every aunt and uncle is $
IMAGE:TYLER MEADE PHOTOGRAPHY
Written and posted on fb by Gabe Archie
like another mom and dad. Every cousin is like a brother or sister. Ever child is like your nephew or niece or you treat them as your own child for that matter. You only get like that by spending a lot of time with each other. So when you say your cousin, he was more like a brother. I was partially raised by my grandparents on my dad’s side. I spent a lot of time with them as a kid. My grandma was blind but she made some of the best homemade bread I have ever tasted. My grandpa was a great man. His heart was bold, big, and gentle as I’ve ever felt. Their own stories apart and together is worth 2 novels and will be told at another time. You don’t go through that much pain without knowledge from your ancestors. From a young age, as you go through such things, you learn by going through them. Each person older than you goes through the ceremony of burying a loved one. As a child you watch and observe. You are taught what to do in each ceremony. You learn to go through it with an open heart. You approach everything with respect and honour. We are taught that no matter what happens, we have the means to get through them. We ask for strength when we need it. We ask for help when we need it. By no means should you not be without help or beyond prayer if you ask for it. To be clear, it is a very sad thing to have such experiences. If it were any other community anywhere, it would be subject to a lot of scrutiny and press. It is not news that people die. It is sad to have the ability and strength to deal with losing close loved ones. Yet we have it. Its not something to be proud of. Its not shameful. It should be encouraging though. This is only part of the struggle that Natives live through.
250.571.7888 l golf@sunrivers.com l sunrivers.com/golf
Secwepemc NEWS
PESLL7ÉW’TEN 2012 Happy 9th Birthday to my beautiful daughter Timara Lynn Jensen. We are so proud of our lil ringette, fastball and fancy dancer! Love your Mommy, Daddy and Family xoxo
John Sellars..(Smitty)..May 16..A very Happy Birthday to our Uncle from Edie and Larry Woods and Sellars’ Families, and on May 24.. To my husband, Larry Woods, Happy Birthday, from Edie, Lee, Debs, Trina and Laurie Faye and Families
I would like to wish Nancy Bonneau (Jules) Happy Birthday...May 19...from Harry Jules and family. I would like to wish Felix Robbins a Happy Bithday for May 28th with Love from Mom and Sherman also Hayvn and Ianna. Happy Birthday to Denise Foriter, on <ay 5th, Murieel Sasakamoose on May 6th, Yvonne Fortier on May 8th, From the Fortier Family Happy Birthday “Spoobies” Annette Chrstopher Love you Family
KAMLOOPS, BC
2012 Special Rate for First Nations 10% Discount on Regular Rate Ask For Rate Code: FN10 Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Next door to Kamloops Convention Centre • Walking distance to Aberdeen Mall & Cineplex • 2 Min walk to On The Rocks Pub & Grill • 5 Min drive to Downtown • 3 Min drive to Thompson Rivers University, Tournament Capital Centre & Canada Games Pool
Special Meal discounts at our Partnered Restaurants ABC Country, Joey’s Only Seafood & Vittorios Italian Restaurant Exit 368 on Highway 1 1200 Rogers Way Kamloops BC V1S 1N5 Phone # 250-374-8100 Toll Free # 1-800-665-4467
1530 RIVER STREET, KAMLOOPS, BC V2C 1Y9 OFFICE: (250) 374-1530 FAX: (250) 374-1534
We would like to wish Jeannie William of Williams Lake Band a Happy Birthday for April 27th Love from her Family and Friends :)
Congratulations to Kaz Jensen on her new Baby girl. Lucy Fishers Great Grandchild. Love you my beautiful. Grandma Lucy.
RIVERLAND INNS & SUITES
In Loving Memory
Happy 18th Birthday to Brannuts Sam on May 26 Love, Momnuts
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* 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
Email: riverlandinn@shawbiz.ca www.riverlandinn.kamloops.com CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-663-1530
SECWEPEMC BUSINESS DIRECTORY Danny James Noble July 7, 1988~April 17, 2012 A Tribute to Danny No words I write could ever say How sad and empty I feel today. The Angels came for you Much sooner than I planned. I’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And I’ll try my best to understand. Danny why did you have to go away? Why wasn’t it right for you to stay? In my heart Danny will always be. I love him dearly and I know He’ll be watching over me. What I’m suffering seems so unfair, But one thing is for certain my love for him will always be there. Danny my son you always will be The most important part of my hearts memory. I’ll cherish the moments I had with you. I’m sure if you had stayed longer You would have graced me with your charms. A thousand words won’t bring you back. I know because I’ve tried. Neither will a thousand tears I know because I’ve cried. Now you’re up in heaven With the Angels up above. They will take my place for now And they’ll give you all their love. So go and rest in peace now my boy so dear. For all my love and memories I will hold forever near. Passing away of Danny James Noble Mother-Monica McCoy- Enderby, BC Father- Gerry Thomas-Salmon Arm Father-Bruce Noble- Delta, BC Brothers- Sherman Nicholas and Frank Noble-Enderby, BC and many More Grandmother- Florence Nicholas Grandmother- Mary Thomas Grandmother- Margaret Noble Would like to thank the fire keepers, cooks and everyone that donated to the family.
This listing is FREE to all Secwepemc.
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 Kamloops Puss N’ Boots Daycare 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) 852-2878 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
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Secwepemc NEWS
APRIL 2012 Official Court Notice
September 19, 2012
is the deadline for Independent Assessment Process applications. The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The healing continues. On September 19, 2007 the Indian Residential Schools Settlement became effective. An important deadline is now approaching. Under the terms of the Settlement, September 19, 2012 is the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) Application Deadline. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. The IAP is a complex process. Do not wait until just before the deadline to begin, as the application form can take time to complete.
psychological consequences, while you were either (a) living at a residential school, (b) a student at a residential school, or (c) under the age of 21 and allowed to be at a residential school to take part in authorized school activities. It is not a requirement to have lived at one of the recognized residential schools in order to make an IAP claim for abuse that may have occurred there.
How do I apply for IAP? To apply for an IAP payment you must complete and submit an application form by September 19, 2012, to Indian Residential Schools Independent Assessment Process, Suite 3-505, 133 Weber Street What is the IAP? The IAP is an out-of-court process created to resolve claims North, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 3G9. Applications after this date will not of abuse at Indian Residential Schools. People who suffered sexual abuse, serious be accepted. The IAP is a complex process and it is strongly recommended physical abuse, or certain other wrongful acts which caused serious psychological that you hire a lawyer if you wish to submit an IAP application. Do not wait consequences while at a recognized residential school may until just before the deadline to begin, as the application receive money through the IAP. Awards are based on a point form can take time to complete. To get an application, Information please call 1-866-879-4913 or go to www.iap-pei.ca or system for different abuses and resulting harms. • About the IAP and how to apply www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca. • Help completing the application Is the IAP different than the Common Experience
• Find out about a pending IAP claim Payment? Yes. The IAP process is separate and different Do I need a lawyer? All of the parties who developed the 1-866-879-4913 • www.iap-pei.ca from the Common Experience Payment (CEP) application IAP believe that claimants should have a lawyer to represent process. The CEP is a payment to those who lived at a Crisis Line them as the IAP is complex and involves difficult legal recognized residential school. The IAP provides payments Immediate and culturally concepts and processes. It is not required, but it is strongly for specific abuse suffered while at a recognized residential appropriate counselling support recommended that you hire a lawyer to help you. For a list school. Under the settlement, former students could apply 1-866-925-4419 of lawyers, visit www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca. If you for the CEP, or for the IAP, or for both the CEP and IAP. The do not wish to hire a lawyer you can call 1-866-879-4913 to CEP application deadline was September 19, 2011; however, obtain information about the support available to you. where former students can establish that they were unable to submit their CEP application due to disability, undue hardship or exceptional circumstances they can What if I have already applied for the Independent Assessment Process? If still apply for CEP up until September 19, 2012. you have already applied, and have not received any information or have questions Which schools are included? The list of recognized Indian Residential Schools has been updated. Decisions regarding a number of other schools are in progress. A complete and updated list of recognized residential schools is available at www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca. Who can apply? You can apply for the IAP if you experienced (1) sexual abuse, (2) serious physical abuse, or (3) certain other wrongful acts which caused serious
about your IAP application, please contact the phone number below. How can I find out the status of my application? There are 3 ways to find out the status of your application: 1) Contact your lawyer or legal representative; 2) Call 1-866-879-4913; or 3) Send an email at info@iap-pei.ca
1-866-879-4913 • www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca