april19

April 2019

TSINIKSSINI 2006

what's inside...

2019

Published by Blood Tribe Administration

COMMUNICATIONS Department

The Blood Tribe Administration Review entitled ‘TSINIKSSINI’ is dedicated to the sharing of information for the people of the Blood Tribe. The magazine format features news, stories, articles and an array of items as our way of sharing what is occurring on the Blood reserve and beyond.

We hope you enjoy your magazine and invite any suggestions you may have in improving our coverage on any number of events and activities. The magazine will be printed on a monthly basis and will be distributed to various locations on-and-off the reserve.

The magazine is free of charge.

The magazine is published by the Blood Tribe Communications department. The collection of information, photographs and layout of the magazine is from the Blood Tribe Communications department.

Reproduction of any story or use of photographs must be requested in writing and addressed to the Blood Tribe Communications department. Any unauthorized use of stories and photos of TSINIKSSINI or from the Blood Tribe Communications department may infringe on tribal copyright laws.

We would like to acknowledge the Blood Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the Blood Tribe for your support.

Rick Tailfeathers: Communications Director Tom Russell: Communications Writer Myron Fox: Layout Graphic Design Zane Medicine Crane Photos/Stories

The time is nearing when many projects will be underway once the Mismanagement of Assets/Betrayed Wards Specific Claim paperwork is complete. There may be many opportunities for employment once the plans and details are shared with the people. We will keep you updated as the tribe prepares its course in the industry business.

The Blood Band Ranch is currently being managed by the Blood Tribe Land Management department. The Black Angus cattle herd that once roamed on the pasture at the north end are no longer around. The land will now be un-occupied for a period of up to three years as a process of reinvigorating the prairie wool.

There may be a possibility that the tribe may invest in buffalo as they enhance the land they occupy as opposed to cattle that overgraze the areas they inhabit.

The time is approaching when an influx of students attending post-secondary institutions will seek employment within the Blood Tribe Administration and the surrounding entities. The opportunities available for the students to gain knowledge and experience will be invaluable to them as they enhance their careers.

The students will one day become administrators and employees once they have completed their educational pursuits. The BTA and entities look forward to the contributions of the students and serve as resources in answering their many questions and inquiries.

We are asking people to obey traffic signs and speed limits as farmers with their heavy equipment will once again become a familiar sight on the highways and side roads. Traffic safety is a huge concern as minor traffic delays are expected.

However, please remain patient as you travel toward your destination. We want you to arrive wherever you may be headed in safety.

This year, two of the tribe’s sports events have concluded with athletes bring pride home. The Kainai Lady Warriors outplayed the teams in their league to carry another banner home. The banner will hang proudly in the Kainai High gymnasium.

Also, a number of hockey teams brought Gold home during the much anticipated and heated rivalries during the Provincial and Treaty tournaments. The Blood Tribe Chief & Council and the people are all proud of your efforts. Congratulations to all our athletes.

‘Til next time…

Published by the authority of Blood Tribe Chief & Council Box 60 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0 ph: (403) 737-3753 FAX: (403) 737-2785 visit our website for more... www.bloodtribe.org

cover photo Young Bernard White Man Left, standing near his grandmother Florine, proved how much prayer, faith and belief played a role in his success. The young man graduated from the Lethbridge College with two Diplomas. May the Giver of Life continue to walk beside this young man as he makes a path for many others to follow.

Front Page Photo: Zane Medicine Crane Additional Photographers: William Singer III, Tom Russell, Shari Narine, Winston Bruised Head.

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TSINIKSSINI April 2019

WAR ON OPIOIDS ONGOING BUT BLOOD TRIBE HAS WON MANY BIG BATTLES

outreach, opportunities for our tribal members to look at other things other than addictions,” Tailfeathers explained.

Blood Councillor Lance Tailfeathers.

Summary “What we did, I wouldn’t say showed tolerance, (but) we didn’t just blame everybody in our community. (We said), ‘If you’re dealing, if you’re an addict, please come talk to us to get help or we’ll find ways to help you change your lifestyle’…”

— Blood Councillor Lance Tailfeathers It’s just as important for First Nations to hear the success stories as it is the impacts of opioid use on reserve, says Councillor Lance Tailfeathers. He will be talking about the strong work undertaken by the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta when he addresses those in attendance at next month’s First Nations Opioids Conference.

“We always hear the overdoses and what the rates are. So I think it’s good people come together and understand where it’s at today,” Tailfeathers said.

When fentanyl started claiming lives in record numbers on the Blood reserve in 2015, Tailfeathers was chair of the Department of Health. Overdoses were occurring regularly and the tribe lost about 20 members.

Four years later the overdose numbers have come down.

“This is a problem that won’t go away, because there are always trends that happen with every decade, whatever that may be, whatever weapon or drug of choice, but we’ve created the awareness, we’ve had dollars supplemented by the province as well as our own resources. We’ve created

It was a long, hard path, but Blood leadership and community members dug in to make a difference. Measures implemented by the Blood Tribe included setting up a special drugs-phone line to the tribal police and encouraging members to use it; passing a trespass bylaw which allowed tribal police to remove nonmembers who were staying on reserve and selling drugs; the distribution of Narcan kits, which contain medication that quickly reverse opioid overdose; implementing a social media awareness campaign; enacting safe withdrawal sites for members to get support; and forming a partnership with the federal and provincial governments.

Perhaps the hardest hurdle for the awareness campaign was changing attitudes and starting those conversations, says Tailfeathers, noting that many members were angered and frustrated by those who were selling drugs or taking drugs, not understanding they do so because of the lack of other opportunities.

“What we did, I wouldn’t say showed tolerance, (but) we didn’t just blame everybody in our community. (We said), ‘If you’re dealing, if you’re an addict, please come talk to us to get help or we’ll find ways to help you change your lifestyle.’

That may be more of a First Nations approach from our community,” he said.

Tailfeathers now has the economic portfolio on council and he says that role is also an important one for tackling drugs on the reserve.

“I know creating jobs is another way of keeping our members busy and happy about their lives. That’s where my focus is now,” he said.

While the Blood Tribe has come a long way from the early days, Tailfeathers says he knows it’s an ongoing battle, one faced

by First Nations across the country.

Although opioids are a national crisis, First Nations in British Columbia, Alberta, 3

Saskatchewan, the Yukon and Northwest Territories are currently the hardest hit and that is why the First Nations Opioids Conference is taking place in Alberta, a central location, says Rain Bear Stands Last, executive director with Global Indigenous Council, co-sponsor of the event.

In March, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs passed a resolution supporting the national opioid conference.

“While the opioid crisis has affected every region of Canada, British Columbia tops the four regions hardest hit, with First Nations people facing the brunt of the impacts,” said Chief Judy Wilson, secretary-treasurer of the UBCIC. The UBCIC is also calling for immediate action by the BC government in recognizing the opioid overdose crisis as a state of emergency, a status already declared by the BC Health Authority. UBCIC is also calling on the provincial government to launch a public inquiry into the influence of international organized crime syndicates in fueling the crisis.

Wilson, who is also chairperson of the general council for the Global Indigenous Council, will be speaking at the conference.

Also on the agenda are Joann Buffalo of Maskwacis; and Butch Wolfleg and Reuben Breaker, councillors with Siksika Nation.

The conference will also include a session focusing on the legal options for First Nations, which will be led by members of the team that brought the flagship class action lawsuit against Big Pharma for tribes in the United States.

While such legal action “might be premature” for First Nations in Canada, Tailfeathers says he’s willing to listen and learn what steps need to be taken if First Nations here decide to go that route.

The First Nations Opioid Conference, “Opioids: Wiping the Tears. Healing the Pain,” organized by the Global Indigenous Council will be held at the Grey Eagle Resort in Tsuu t’ina Territory, Calgary on May 6 and May 7.

story By Shari Narine Windspeaker.com Contributor

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

HUMAN RESOURCES CONFERENCE SHARING INFORMATION IN KEEPING UP WITH EMPLOYEE POLICIES AND PRACTICES religion or gender, naturally employees from various backgrounds who experience conflict in order to handle or preempt disputes, it is essential to strike a balance between these differences,” she said. “It is reaching mutually satisfactory agreement between two-or-more people or within a team of people in a complex situation by using an approach with defined steps to help diffuse the conflict while seeking a mutually agreeable resolution.”

Frank Scout, Director, Human Resources.

The second annual Blackfoot Human Resource conference at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, AB., on April 9-10, 2019 featured a variety of topics related to employment and guest speakers who shared their thoughts and experiences with the over two-hundred participants.

Frank Scout, Director, Blood Tribe Human Resources, welcomed everyone to the conference and shared the beginnings of the conference.

“We had roundtable discussions with Piikani, Siksika and Blood Tribe Human Resources, and from those discussion, we decided to host a conference,” explained Scout. “The intent was to motivate staff, integrate our traditional culture and values into our work place and to provide staff with the necessary skills to improve communications and teamwork.”

Other presenters included Kainai elder Wilton Goodstriker who spoke of the need to retain our culture and traditions not only in public and at home, but to continue showing respect in the workplace as well; Dysfunction of a Team by Team Works shared many topics related to employee/ employer relations.

On day two, Colleen Verville, MLT Lawyer, gave a presentation on Lateral Violence and Bullying in the Workplace and the keynote speaker was former NHL hockey player Theo Fluery, who spoke of a history of abuse, but who is now walking on a path of healing through spirituality.

“I can’t remember the last time I looked at myself in a mirror because I was so full of guilt, anger, resentment. I felt different. My prayers were answered; that was September 18, 2005, and I haven’t had a drink or done drugs since. For me, forgiveness is total, utter freedom. I started listening to the medicine men, elders, spiritual leaders and it wasn’t until I grasped onto spirituality, my life changed forever. I still struggle everyday, but that’s why I lean on my spirituality, you guys (Blackfoot) totally accepted me, made me feel like family. You showed me how to heal, I need all of you to heal.”

During a break in the conference, the participants were involved in a number of activities designed to establish a sense of togetherness and cohesiveness. Also, many employees were winners of door- and cashprizes. Elders from each of the Blackfoot tribes were asked to share blessings including Eve Yellow Old Woman, Lambert Fox and Wilton Goodstriker as well as other elders in the audience.

“I asked God to take away the inception to drink and do drugs, and the next day I got up and I glanced into this mirror, and I stopped dead in my tracks,” he shared.

Travis Plaited Hair, General Manager, SikOoh-Kotoki Friendship Society, once again did a masterful job as emcee in keeping the conference on schedule and entertaining those in attendance with his own brand of humor.

Keynote Speaker Theo Fleury.

Colleen Verville, Lawyer, MLT.

The Blackfoot Human Resource directors from Piikani include Neil Sharpadze and Shirley Spotted Eagle from Siksika.

Lorna Crowshoe, Piikani, City of Calgary employee, gave a presentation on conflict resolution. Prior to her presentation, Crowshoe acknowledged the elders, knowledge keepers and participants, and began with an overview of what conflict resolution is.

“Culture is defined as a set of values, practices, traditions or beliefs that we share, whether it’s due to age, race, ethnicity,

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story By Tom Russell

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

SIK-OOH-KOTOKI FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY TO HOST FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY IN THE CITY The event we are hosting is Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society’s 50th Anniversary of which opened officially on February 28th, 1969. Along with our celebration, we are also hosting the National Association of Friendship Centers Annual General Meeting. There are 121 Friendship Centers across Canada; 21 of them are here in Alberta. Every year they have their Annual General Meeting and the past few years its been held in some of the bigger cities. Last year it was in Ottawa and it has also been hosted in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, so its been in the bigger centers.

One of the requests from our outgoing president was to apply to host the AGM as part of our 50th Anniversary here and also apply for the Provincial AGM. So, I did and I sent Shawn Singer to Ottawa last year to attend the National AGM where we put in a Letter of Intent. So, everything went well and they got back to us and said we were approved, to go ahead with the planning of hosting the National AGM. We will be hosting that in the third week in July.

The AGM is going to be held at the newly upgraded Sandman Signature Hotel (formerly the Lodge). We pretty much booked that whole facility for the week.

They will start arriving that weekend of the 12th and the actual meeting starts on Monday, July 15th through Thursday July 18th. There will be news delegates, elders and the Friendship Center personnel in attendance.

As part of the gathering, we wanted to showcase Blackfoot country, the City of

LETHBRIDGE

Heading for the finish line.

Indian Relay Racers in full regalia during their performances.

Lethbridge and surrounding areas -- mainly Kainai and Piikani. We traditionally have a powwow for our anniversary. We are scheduled to have a powwow, July 16th and 17th which is strategically planned to be mid-week because the weekend before is Browning Indian Days and the weekend after is Kainai powwow, so everybody is in the area anyways. The powwow will be at the Lethbridge Exhibition Pavillion (South). Along with that, we partnered with Rocky Mountain Turf Club to host the Indian Relay Races. There will be a powwow in the afternoon going into the supper break and then in the evening there will be the Indian Relay; that will be a twoday event. That coincides with the AGM, because we have people visiting from back east who have never seen an Indian Relay Race live, so they are pretty excited about that. That is just our way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society.

The Friendship Center here in Lethbridge is one of the oldest friendship centers, even older than the National Friendship Center office who will be celebrating their 48th anniversary. So we have been around longer. We have been incorporated for 50 years, but even before that there was a friendship center here.

So that’s what the up-coming week is all about and we are reaching out to the community. I’ve got a pretty good crew -- powwow enthusiasts who will assist in putting together a committee to organize that -- and there’s a separate committee to organize the Indian Relay Races and, of course, the AGM committee. So, there’s going to be many people in town. We have received excellent support from the City of Lethbridge. We just recently went in front of City Council to do a presentation for this

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File Photo: Colorful Traditional dancer.

event and we were granted some money through their Special Events funding. They threw in $47,500 to our event, so that’s going to offset costs of facilities and other extras. So the City of Lethbridge has been very supportive. We have also applied for some funding from the Province of Alberta that was also accepted, and we are just waiting for one more from the Federal Government. There will be no admission fee for the powwow but the Indian Relay has always charged a $10 admission fee for their events. There is no parking fee and the park is open to everyone. The whole idea is to bring Lethbridge and the surrounding communities together in the spirit of reconciliation. There is a reconciliation committee of which the Friendship Center is a part of and they are very supportive in working together -- so there is a lot of support out there.

Thank you and we hope to see you all here from July 15th to the 18th 2019, in Lethbridge, AB.

submitted by Travis Plaited Hair

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

MIKAISTO RADIO STATION

SET TO HIT AIRWAVES AS RED CROW COLLEGE PREPARE TO BROADCAST

The Red Crow Community College established their own radio station for staff, students and community. The $20,000 project aims to open up communication between several different departments or entities to create awareness of different mandates and to promote the Blackfoot way of life. It will feature stories, elder interviews and detail community activities.

Mikaisto Radio will pass on Blackfoot Language and Culture to heal and recover from intergenerational trauma utilizing traditional Blackfoot ways of knowing and through Blackfoot values. The theme of Mikaisto Radio is collective harmony, unity and balance.

“I am excited about it because it’s a really good PR machine for the college,” said Mary Weasel Fat, Library and Elder Coordinator for Red Crow Community College. “We need to use technology to our advantage and it’s a good educational tool for language and culture.”

The idea initially derives from Andy Black Water who was an Eminent Scholar member from the R.C.C.C. Elders Advisory Council and he was the vision maker of Mikaisto.

Members of the Eminent Scholar program have been given transfer rights to pass on knowledge, attained eminent scholar status and must be a member of sacred societies.

This will give students an opportunity to have one-on-one counseling from an elder, seek advice, have their face painted or be given a traditional Blackfoot name and also to accompany students on sacred sites and give classroom presentations based on Kainayssini.

“A lot of our students don’t know their Blackfoot identity or what clan they are

from, some don’t have a Blackfoot name and have no idea about our societies,” said Weasel Fat. Weasel Fat and the Student Council will be in charge of the information flow for their radio station. Some of the topics Mikaisto Radio will cover are the opioid crisis, oral stories, Napi legends, creation stories, Blackfoot words of the day, Blackfoot action words, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Indian Act, clans/history, teepee designs, war shirts, winter counts, traditional foods, powwow-history, community profiles, student success stories and traditional plants.

“We got the elders to discuss the opioid crisis, they say there has never been anything like it,” said Weasel Fat. “In the past, there was smallpox, but as of modern day, we never seen anything this devastating.”

Mikaisto Radio station will broadcast throughout the fall and winter semesters, however, it will be off-air due to R.C.C.C. campuses being closed for summer. Upgrading students can receive work experience and credits for working at Mikaisto Radio.

Lastar Radio has collaborated for airtime with little or no cost and technical expertise to assist in setting up the programming. The studio booth for Mikaisto Radio is under construction at the main campus and they anticipate for both campuses to have their own studio booths in the near future.

Everyone involved will donate their time for the Mikaisto Radio station. You can also find Mikaisto Radio on the Sound Cloud app or website and you also can tune in on 89.9 F.M. The R.C.C.C. thanks Brighter Futures for their sponsorship for Mikaisto Radio.

Mary Weasel Fat, RCCC Library and Elder Coordinator, poses with artwork.

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story By story Zane Medicine

By Tom Russell Crane

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

BLOOD TRIBE ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FITTING CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE TRAINING

Blood Tribe Administration & Entity employees receive customer service training in council chambers.

Employees of the Blood Tribe who specialize in customer service recently received training as the front-line service providers in the Chief & Council chambers on April 16-17, 2019. The workshop focuses on the strategies for service excellence in the workplace where assistants have the opportunity to enhance their skills and express their concerns for better understanding within their department.

Rita Perry, Course Guide, Lethbridge College, facilitated the training for Blood Tribe employees. Participants will be able to understand what service excellence means, understand the principles of service excellence, examine poor and good service delivery habits, learn about “soft skills” and why they are important in service excellence.

“This was a customer service workshop put on by Human Resources. There were 17 to 18 participants from all over, there was some from Land Management, Housing, Finance and various departments from Standoff, so it was good representation,” said Perry.

The participants were attentive and interested in learning on how they can improve their work ethic for their department or entity. Blood Tribe Administration SEO, Rick Soup, thanked

all participants and appreciated their attendance.

For businesses that compete for customers or clients, it is extremely important to retain existing customers/clients, as the cost of attracting and securing new clients can be significantly more than retaining existing ones. This is why it makes good business sense to invest in service excellence training. The most successful companies value good customer/client relations and recognize the importance of providing exceptional service excellence.

frequent a business, company, or service provider. Principles of Service Excellence include: listening, being genuine, having patience, having empathy and being courteous.

“I thoroughly enjoyed myself the last couple days. I hope that you have too and I hope that you learned something,” said Perry. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

The training was provided by the Human Resources department.

“Thank you for coming to seek this training and I hope that it helps you all,” said Rod White Quills, Human Resources Benefits Administrator.

Service excellence is still extremely important as intangibles such as reputation, service to community and values can become compromised if a commitment to service excellence is not maintained by employees.

“We like to thank you Rod for providing us this opportunity and training,” said Levena Devine, Blood Tribe Administrative Receptionist.

Service excellence is the degree of assistance and courtesy given to those who 7

story By Zane Medicine Crane

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

BTEST DEPARTMENT GEARING UP THIS SUMMER AS STUDENTS SEEK MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training is prepared for another busy summer. As of right now we are currently accepting applications for our Summer Work Experience Program for the postsecondary students. BTEST just hired the two coordinators who will help with the program, they are Naomi Iron Shirt and Sara Little Bear. We have a total of 60 fulltime summer work experience positions for college and university students. We are thankful for the Blood Tribe Departments and Entities who continually support this important initiative for the students. With their support we are able to provide a wide range of work experience opportunities that relate to various education fields.

As well, these departments and entities save money through our 50/50 wage subsidy partnership. These summer work experience positions allow students to get their foot in the door and prove themselves through their hard work that they are an asset

to the departments every summer. BTEST strives for fairness and equality to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to gain summer employment. If there are any other employers that may have missed the deadline we are accepting placements for the 8 week term positions which would be for July and August. BTEST has broken down the summer jobs into 16, 14, 12, 10 and 8 week term positions. This ensures that there are opportunities throughout the summer for the students who have different dates of completion, or students who wish to take summer session and the upgrading students that don’t finish until late June.

We take into account all of this to provide opportunities for everyone regardless of what you’re are taking or where you go to school.

The high School students have some great opportunities to apply for as well. With the partnerships we have created we are able to provide a wide range of work experience for

the high school students. These include the Youth Business Entrepreneurship Program with Blood Tribe Economic Development, the High School Agricultural Camp with Kainai Board of Education, the Registered Apprenticeship Program with Careers Next Gen and our Program the High School Project. This summer we will have a total of 50 high school positions available. Our partnerships allow us to provide a lot more opportunities for the high school students.

A wide range of career exposure is very crucial for the high school students at this point in their life as they are trying to determine which career is best for them.

We will have placements at the Lethbridge Research Centre again through the Agriculture camp. We will also have trade placements at some reputable businesses in Lethbridge as they enjoyed the student’s performance last year and want to hire more Blood Tribe high school students.

To be eligible, all students must submit the following: * BTEST Registration Forms * Winter/Spring 2019 School Verification * Fall 2019 School Verification * Resume and Cover Letter * Social Insurance Number

Post-Secondary Job Timelines is as follows (job list can be accessed at the BTEST OFFICE):

Job Term in Weeks Job Start Date

Job End Date

Project Name

Start Date

Application Deadline

16 May 13 August 30 April 29 14 May 27 August 30 May 13 12 June 10 August 30 May 27 10 June 24 August 30 June 10 8 July 8 August 30 June 24 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS- BTEST will conduct orientations at the surrounding schools early to mid-May, check with your native liaison counselor at your high school for scheduled date and time

Project Length

End Date

Application Deadline

Registered Apprenticeship Program 7 weeks July 8 August 23 June 3 B.T Economic Development/ BTEST Youth Business Entrepreneurship Camp 6 weeks July 8 August 16 June 24 BTEST High School Project 6 weeks July 8 August 16 June 24 Kainai High School/ BTEST Agriculture Camp 6 weeks July 8 August 16 June 3 8

submitted by Levi Little Moustache

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARIES RECOGNIZES

INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION

resources, the collections, the Indigenous collection, the research material, the maps, books, digital files, and we are starting the language programs. They can come into any library and all they need is a library card.”

Two individuals hired to assist in this endeavor are Jared Tailfeathers from the Blood Tribe, hired as the Arts Coordinator, and Kelli Morning Bull from the Piikani Nation, hired as the Elders Coordinator.

The library is also seeking Indigenous artists from the Treaty 7 area to have their artwork commissioned and displayed at four locations within the library system.

Two artworks will be displayed at the main library and one each at the Forest Lawn and Signal Hill libraries. There is a $32,000 budget for each artwork piece commissioned.

“It can be freestanding, it can be connected to the floor, it can be hanging, it can be portraits, it can be paintings. I had one caller that asked about beading and traditional art, and that is something that we would love to look at,” said Many Guns. “We are really looking for people who are connected to Treaty 7 and who traditionally come from this area so that we are represented within the library system.”

Alayna Many Guns, Indigenous Service Design Lead, Calgary Public Library.

The Calgary Public Library has identified reconciliation as one of their strategic directions and has hired Indigenous members from the Treaty 7 area to assist in this endeavor. Alayna Many Guns is from the Siksika Nation and was hired in November 2018 as the Indigenous Service Design Lead for the Calgary Public Library system. She is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, management for all Indigenous led programs and services.

Many Guns said there has been a lot of support from the community for its new initiatives.

“Suncor has just recently announced $1.6 million to the Indigenous program here and the provincial government has allocated $1 million in January to get Indigenous programs started. The Calgary Public Library system has 21 libraries in the city of Calgary, so we are looking at having language programs, culture programs, incorporating Indigenous, mostly Treaty 7, culture into the library system,” said Many Guns.

She said the new library has so much to offer and encourages everyone to come explore and see it. In order to entice Indigenous people living on reserves to utilize the services of the Calgary Public Library system, library cards are available to them at no cost.

“The library has changed and it is really an amazing place. There is free printing here, there are free computers here that you can use with Wi-Fi. On the second floor there are, I don’t know exactly how many desks available. Obviously, there are the

The Calgary Public Library is also looking for Treaty 7 individuals interested in serving on the selection committee, who will make the selection on which artists will be commissioned to do the art pieces.

Anyone interested in applying to have their artwork commissioned or looking to serve on the selections committee can get information from the Calgarylibrary.ca website. Information can also be obtained from their Facebook or by contacting Alayna directly at 403-361-0333.

Francis Melting Tallow, Elder’s Guidance Circle member.

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submitted by Wes Water Chief - Siksika Media

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

Ray Brave Rock

BRAVE ROCK FOLLOWS BROTHER’S ADVICE PERFORMING STUNTWORK IN MOVIE FILMS

Rock) to the set on Hell on Wheels and some boys didn’t show up and my brother let the stunt coordinator know I knew how to ride a horse. I was sitting there and people came running up saying ‘Hurry up, you’re doing stunts.’ It turned out to be an awesome day.”

Brave Rock said he performed for three seasons and was apparently killed off two-to-three times every season. Actor Wes Studi gave Brave Rock a nickname ‘recycled Indian’ for how many times he was killed during the filming process.

Among the actors Brave Rock met while on various sets included Liam Neeson, Tom Hardy and Leonardo DiCaprio while filming The Revenant. “I didn’t even know it was him, he had a beard,” he said.

“I sat with Leonardo for about an hour and he shook my hand and thanked me. He told me he hasn’t talked with anyone like that in quite a while. I want to keep it professional when I meet these actors. With all these big actors I have never taken a selfie with them. I want to keep it professional.”

Among the films and series he was involved with include: Hell on Wheels TV series 2011 (Series # 1, #5, #7); Lewis and Clark 2015 (Temporarily halted production to search for new director); Revenant 2016 (Stuntman); Tin Star 2016 (Special skills extra); Alpha 2018 (Cast and stuntman); Cold Pursuit 2019 (Cast and stunt performer); History Secrets of the Wild West 2019 (Stuntman). He is also ready and preparing for up-coming roles.

Stuntman and Tribal member Ray Brave Rock.

The world of acting in the movie industry can be glamorous and awe-inspiring, but for an action-themed production, it is often those on the perimeter, on the outside who give the scenes life. For many of the stuntmen who breathe realism into the events of certain segments of the movie, they play an integral role in the success of the movie. Raynard Brave Rock, Blood, is one of those individuals.

Brave Rock is in a union called ACTRA based out of Calgary and is on call for any work available. He has been to Iceland, B.C. and across Alberta as a stuntman and is learning his craft from advice from his brother Eugene. He also has advice for others who may want to follow his and others’ footsteps in the movie business.

“Don’t hold back,” he said. “If you make it, enjoy it. Don’t get caught up in the rush. Stay clean; don’t do drugs. Always think of your image. For me, seeing my name on film credits is unbelievable, but I remain humble. When people meet me, they know it’s me.”

Brave Rock got his start in the movies and television series from world-renowned actor Eugene who had one of the starring roles in the hugely entertaining blockbuster Wonder Woman. The older Brave Rock was preparing for a role in Hell on Wheels and suggested to the film crew that his brother Ray had horsemanship abilities. He was surprised when the film crew technicians began preparing him for a part as a stuntman.

“It’s kind of funny how I began in stunts. I’m not an actor, I’m in stunts,” he explained. “I brought my brother Eugene (Brave

Ray with brother Gene Brave Rock and Nathanial Arcand, on the set of “The Revenant” story By Tom Russell

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story By Tom Russell

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

MORTAR & BRICK ART GALLERY FEATURING

IINNIIWA: CELEBRATING BUFFALO’S RETURN

Amethyst First Rider has been heavily involved as the Curator for IINNIWA.

The Mortar & Brick has announced the opening of IINNIIWA: Celebrating Buffalo’s Return, the art exhibit which will be on display in Lethbridge from April 20 to May 28, 2019.

“I welcome you and all these artists to my gallery. I am so honored to have the work of such prestigious and truly talented artists,” said Cheryl Baxter, Owner of Mortar & Brick.

What started as a simple dinner conversation turned into a full-blown art exhibition showcasing authentic Indigenous art and history. Blackfoot artists were selected to feature their artwork for the new art gallery. Amethyst First Rider, Curator for IINNIIWA, gathered 15 artists who are expressing their unique relationship to conservation, reconciliation and the buffalo.

“Tonight is an amazing night of celebrating artists who have that relationship with buffalo, also with the buffalo restoration and the buffalo treaty,” said First Rider.

It was also to honor the historic buffalo treaty, which was signed in September 2014 in Montana by eight sovereign nations: Four on the American side and four on the Canadian side.

The treaty creates an alliance aimed to engage tribes and First Nations in continuing dialogue on buffalo conservation, uniting political power, advancing an international call for the restoration of the buffalo, engaging youth, strengthening and

renewing ancient relationships with the buffalo and grasslands.

In 2015, three Nakoda Stoney bands and Samson Cree Nation agreed to sign the buffalo treaty. In 2016, nine First Nations from Treaty No. 4 signed as well, since then four more First Nations from B.C. have signed too. Dr. Leroy Little Bear played a major role in starting and advocating the buffalo treaty.

“The elders’ dream was to have that buffalo come back and see it as free roaming buffalo,” said Little Bear.

Dr. Little Bear says more are to sign the buffalo treaty in the near future. He also mentions that the youth need to develop a stronger connection with the buffalo. “That buffalo is very keystone to our culture, it is a keystone species, not just for food and subsistence, but culturally it was a very important animal and it is very important animal for the environment,” said Little Bear.

Some of the artists selected include: William Singer, Delia Cross Child, John Chief Calf, Lori Brave Rock, Joel Cross Child and Justin Prairie Chicken. These artists have their own interpretation of what the buffalo means to them and you could see it in their artwork displayed throughout the Mortar & Brick venue.

“This art show is really to bring consciousness of the buffalo and awareness to people here in this area through the arts, so that’s what this art show is about,” said Little Bear.

Lori Brave Rock, Blackfoot stained glass artisan said, “The buffalo is so important to our people culturally, literally everything in our culture before colonialism revolved around this animal and that’s why to me it was so important.”

Local artist Lori Brave Rock stands near her creation.

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story By Zane Medicine Crane

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

Landscape photo with Chief Mountain as a backdrop provides the need to protect our environment.

Oki

Niiksokowa, I’taamito’top annohk ksistsikoihk. It’s a beautiful time of year; the sign of renewal is at hand as we move into summer. Prior to colonization, the Niitsitapi observed two seasons, summer and winter.

Kisoom (sun) and the kakato’siiks (stars) and their positions in the sky determined the seasons and when the Miohpokoiiyiiks (Plieades) cluster appears in early Moto (spring) is a sign Iinniiwa (buffalo) calves are born.

Here on Mini (big Island) or “North America” we use the fixed star or North Star as it does not move and is very significant to the Niitsitapi. The fixed star is also known as the turnip star as it was the star that Iipiso’waahs (morning star) brought his wife back to earth and was also our connection to the sspomitapiiksi/sky people.

Akaitapiiks (ancestors) tell the connection between the Niitsitapi and the Kakato’siiksi with the stories they have told or experienced and these have been passed down since then.

Reading this story is a testament of our on-going history; we are still here and strong Siksikaitsitapi. In the old days, time was different, it was slow and a lot of things were accomplished because we had a lot of it, time. Today, time seems to be against a lot of things and we seem to be running out of it. Today,

the question is, how much time do we have left.

When I speak about our history, I use the 40,000 - 60,000 years BCE (before common era) as a guide to determine the beginning of the Niitsitapi and when we received the buffalo, by the way were the first animal and gave us our identity. A lot of oral history, stories and archeology show the span of time the Niitsitapi have been on Mini. Mini/min-knee is referred to as “big island” meaning that we are on a huge land mass surrounded by water that we currently know as North American or “Canada”. So if you want to be patriotic Blackfoot style, use Mini instead of Canada, because it just sounds so much better.

Today, we are working with the time available by adapting to the changes we have overcome since time immemorial.

Maintaining that connection is important if we want to continue into the future of climate change. Here on Kainai as well as other First Nations, communities are making a conscious effort to adapt by using Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and are starting community garden projects and growing traditional plants that benefit the everyone and also addressing environmental issues on their territories.

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In the era of Napi, he changed a lot of things, everything from people, animals and to the environment and he almost lost all of the land in Blackfoot Territory to the Kutenai Man on the other side of the mountains! Although Napi won everything back, the environment was forever changed. After Napi was turned into a tree a new person came into being and his name was Katoyiis or Blood Clot, a hero to the Niitsitapi.

Katoyiis corrected a lot of the mistakes Napi made and being a true hero, he had his sidekick Sisoum/sis-soom (puppy) along the way to bring “justice” to Blackfoot Territory. Look to the Sweet Pine Hills (Sweetgrass Hills) and that is where Katoyiss rests.

If you would like to continue the work of Katoyiss and understand the state of our environment, take the time to attend the Miohpokoiiyiiks Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association 6th Annual Summit on June 4 – 5, 2019 at the Multipurpose Building where topics such as food security, community gardening, plant walks and a buffalo harvest with the elders are on the agenda. To register for this great opportunity and to learn more about our Blackfoot worldview, call Cheyenne at BTLM 403-737-8151 for more information. The time is now.

Submitted by Api’soomaahka – William Singer III

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

WHITE MAN LEFT GOES BEYOND DISABILITY IN PROVING THAT EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Bernard White Man Left III stands proudly beside his grandmother Florine who, along with others, contributed to his success.

The Lethbridge College celebrated the accomplishments of the 129 Indigenous convocates on April 23, 2019 at the Lethbridge College Garden Court.

The evening’s program included gift presentations, alumni speakers and entertainment. It was in conjunction with Lethbridge College Convocation celebrations, Indigenous Services and RBC Foundation.

The convocation at the Lethbridge’s Enmax Centre on April 26, 2019 was where the 780 graduates congregated with their classmates, friends and family. It was their final farewell from Lethbridge College and the faculty, staff and distinguished guests before moving into the workforce or completing further educational pursuits elsewhere.

Blood member, Bernard Peter White Man Left III, 22, was among those who graduated from the Lethbridge College with a diploma in Psychology and Sociology. He was born on November 24, 1996 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary to proud parents Bernard White Man Left Jr. and Sandra McQueen-Devine. The happy moment was short-lived as the medical team of doctors told his family that Bernard White Man Left III would not be able to walk or talk and that he would not survive due to his disability.

His grandmother, Florine White Man Left stepped-up to help her grandson as they were very worried and concerned for Bernard’s health. The White Man Left’s pleaded for prayers from the Giver of Life, spiritual leaders and members of all churches. His family continuously did what they could to help better his ability to survive.

With all odds against him, Bernard was able to overcome many challenges and barriers.

With the power of prayer, he was becoming stronger and tougher every day during his younger years. In his final years in high school, Elmer Soldier, instructor, took the young Bernard under his wing and within the halls at Kainai High School taught the young man physio-exercises. With Soldier’s care and attention, Bernard was then able to walk, talk and later graduate with his high school diploma.

Because of the care he received, White Man Left has accomplished goals that may have seemed impossible. “What I am looking forward to most after graduation is the possibility of getting a job and moving out on my own,” said White Man Left who is extremely grateful for the help and care he received.

Bernard’s academic journey began on the Blood reserve, first attending elementary at Aahsaopi Elementary School, then moving 13

onto Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School and then graduating from Kainai High School.

His goal was to pursue a diploma in Psychology and Sociology after completing Grade 12. He then took the initiative to apply for college to pursue his goal after completing the Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training Work Experience Program.

“I have grown a lot as a person. I know a lot more than I used to, especially about psychology and I am much more outgoing now and comfortable,” said White Man Left.

He chose the Lethbridge College as a place to study because he felt welcomed and respected. He enrolled into General Studies in his first year with the Lethbridge College and was later accepted into the Psychology program. Bernard was happy to graduate from the Lethbridge College and his next goal is to apply to the University of Lethbridge. His advice for students thinking of college or university is to be yourself, be humble, enjoy it and don’t be afraid to succeed.

“My experience was very rewarding and I understood more than what I began with,” said White Man Left. “I made friends and I would like to continue to have those friendships in my long and happy life.”

story By Zane Medicine Crane

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

RED CROW COLLEGE STUDENTS BLESSED WITH TRADITIONAL BLACKFOOT NAMES

Elders Georgette Fox, Sophie Tailfeathers, Calvin Williams and Bruce Wolf Child give traditional names to people.

Students of the Red Crow College were given a blessing – many of them who did not already have a traditional Blackfoot name given to them by a family member or an elder received a Blackfoot name from one of several respected elders. Nadine Eagle Child, Student Counselor, Red Crow College, is also a practicum student of the Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work program. Eagle Child gathered elders and students together at the Red Crow College main campus on the reserve where they received traditional Blackfoot names during a ceremony.

“I wanted them to know about the protocol, the importance of having a name as a Blackfoot person,” said Eagle Child.

Eagle Child has been working for the Red Crow College since January as a student counselor and aside from that, she is also taking the Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work program. The naming ceremony is part of her practicum for the IBSW program.

“We wanted to do a ceremonial activity and a couple of cultural activities so I went around the college asking students if they would be interested in receiving a traditional name,” said Eagle Child.

She was amazed by how many Indigenous students from the University of Lethbridge had no idea of the Blackfoot culture where she worked for seven years. Now that she is the Student Counselor for the Tribal College, one of her goals is to immerse them into our cultural and Blackfoot ways.

She encourages the students to learn at least one Blackfoot word each day.

name giving ceremony during the noon break where everyone was given a free lunch before the ceremony began. The elders from the Elders Advisory Council were Bruce Wolf Child, Sophie Tail Feathers, Calvin Williams and Georgette Fox who blessed 12 students and one instructor with traditional Blackfoot names.

“I was working at the university for seven years and it amazed me how many of our young students don’t know anything about their culture. So, being here, I want to do something. I want to make a difference, to get them (students) to learn a Blackfoot word a day and immerse them in our cultural ways,” she said.

The staff and students gathered at the Red Crow College on April 17, 2019 for the 14

Elder Bruce Wolf Child, Makoyiipoka. story By Zane Medicine Crane

TSINIKSSINI April 2019

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