TSINIKSSINI 2006
2018
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 Tracy Weasel Fat Photos/Stories Mariah Blood Photos/Stories
August 2018
in this issue PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8 PAGE 9 PAGE 10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 PAGE 13 PAGE 14 PAGE 15 PAGE 16
Feds and Bloods sign agreement Kainai Chieftainship Blackfoot Confederacy Office opens Indian Relay at 2018 Kainai Pow wow 2018 Kainai Tour Rodeo 2018 Kainai Pow Wow and Celebration 2018 Kainai Pow Wow Results Blood Tribe Community Boards Blood Tribe Police Chief sworn in Austin Standing Alone Blackfoot Information Center In Waterton Blood Tribe Cemetary Upgrade Project Kainai Board of Education Blood Tribe Fire Ban
cover photo 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
A lone Indian Relay racer prepares for the track at the 2018 Kainai Pow Wow and Celebration. The Indian Relay has been steadily gaining popularity amongst the native and non-native fans alike. The sport is also providing role models to the youth as modern day warriors FRONT PAGE PHOTO: Mariah Blood
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TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Feds and Blood Tribe Sign Agreement to
Advance Reconciliation
Chief Roy Fox Makiniimaa, Carolyn Bennett and Dorothy First Rider
Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox (Makiinima) and Carolyn Bennett, Minister of CrownIndigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets the stage for a new relationship. Its hoped the agreement between the federal government and the Blood Tribe will open the door to further negotiations on the path to true reconciliation. The MOU was co-developed and represents a commitment by both groups to work together to strengthen their treaty relationship. It opens the door to further discussions to advance the goals of reconciliation. With the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, a new political landscape has been set, one that will hopefully recognize and strengthen the Blood Tribe’s unique Indigenous status in Canada. In addressing those in attendance, Bennett acknowledged the amount of work that went into developing the MOU, and that the efforts see the two nations moving from a colonial and patriarchal one to a partnership.
That change needs to include a “profound” shift in how the government deals with First Nations people. “This is about coming to a table to discuss things that are of a priority, in the order that is of priority to the community,” she said, noting the “old” way of doing things involved claiming rights, proving rights, and going to court to prove those rights, will change. “There will be many things discussed at this table,” she said. “It is walking this journey toward self-determination together.” According to Bennett, the MOU is a move away from traditional adversarial relationships. “Everybody is spending a whole bunch of time and money in court.We really have to have this respectful relationship that feels like a partnership — like a marriage — that this is how we are going to work together in a respectful way.” Chief Fox said the MOU represents a renewal of “innaihtsiiyissini,” generally meaning a sacred treaty creating a peaceful bond between two groups in conflict or at war. These were the conditions of the original Treaty 7 agreement made in 1877. “Reconciliation has to include that 3
appreciation of the original intent and true meaning of that treaty,” he said. In signing, the two groups are now ready for “real and meaningful collaboration,” according to Fox, and he added “the Blood Tribe, as part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, is going through a “resurrection” referring to the recent developments by the four Blackfoot tribes to strengthen their age-old alliance that was torn apart by colonial paternalism in treaty agreements with Canada during the settlement of the country. “We continue as a nation,” he said. “We continue to engage in partnerships with others, and we will continue to preserve our language.” The Blood Tribe Reserve is the largest in Canada at 547 square miles. It has a population of 12,400.
Story by Rick Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Kainai Chieftainship Inducts 3 New Members
The Kainai Chieftainship, an inclusive group of Honorary Chiefs of the Blood Tribe inducted three new members at the recent sundance camp Aug. 6/2018. The new members were: Brian Smith (Pres. and CEO, Tamarack Valley Energy) Neil Mirau (Arrow Archeology and partner in Blood Tribe Traditional Land Use Study), and Steve McDonald (Alberta Public Service Executive). The Kainai have always accepted members from outside into the tribe, especially for the advancement of the tribe. Even accepting members from enemy tribes. Since the arrival of Western Civilization in the 1700’s, alliances have been made with all nationalities, and spanning the social strata. During the early part of the 20th Century, the Kainai were forming a group of honorary members from outside the tribe who were adopted due to their influential positions in society. The Kainai Chieftainship was established in Alberta in 1949 through the efforts of J.R. McFarland, Canon Samuel H. Middleton and Chief Jim Shot Both Sides, as a formal organization of honorary chiefs of the Bloods. The organization has advanced to include many influential dignitaries and has become well know for its status as a group with benevolent aspirations. Among the more notable people who are members of the chieftainship include: Prince Charles of Wales (Red Crow, 1977), Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Chief Speaker 2011), Ronald A. Irwin (Black Horse Rider, 1996), Adrienne Clarkson (Grandmother of Many Nations, 2005), Senator Joyce Fairbairn (Morning Bird Woman, 1990), Dr. David Suzuki (Holy Mountain, 1990), Ralph Klein (Riding Across the River, 1996), Howard Tennant (Young Eagle, 1991), Earl Old Person (Charging Home, 1991) and Hugh A. Dempsey (Flying Chief, 1967). The list of honorary members also includes Popes, Earls, former Prime Ministers and individuals who have made positive impacts. Its membership is limited to 40 living members and its goal is to assist the Bloods in social and economic development through their support and assistance in recreation, culture and education. Candidates for membership in this exclusive group are selected by the Blood Tribe Chief and Council and are selected based on significant contributions made to the Kainai people. Elders Wilton Goodstriker and Bruce Wolf Child doing Head Dress transfer at Kainai Chieftainship Induction ceremony.
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Story by Rick Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
The Blackfoot Confederacy Strives for change as the Calgary branch office opens it’s doors A grand opening was held on July 9th, 2018 in Calgary, AB for the new Blackfoot Confederacy branch office. The office will be a meeting place for the four tribes, tribal council within the Blackfoot confederacy: Akainai (The Blood Tribe), Siksika, Piikani (Brocket) and Amskapi Pikuni (Browning, MT).
Members of the Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs cutting the ribbon for the new Blackfoot Confederacy Offices in Calgary.
The event started off with the CEO of the branch office, Jack Royal introduce the 4 tribes present, their representatives and guest speakers. A few of the speakers present included: The Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, Blood Reserve, Chief Roy Fox, Blackfeet Tribe, Chairman Harry Barnes and many others. The leaders in attendance all received paintings of the Blackfoot Confederacy logo for the historic day. Mayor Nenshi shared his thoughts on the new office, “It’s not just a place for conversation, it’s a place for action,” said Nenshi. “I really hope that this office will be an important step to sometimes that empty word, ‘reconciliation’ but towards real change for the Blackfoot people on this land and on this territory.” The opening was then ended by a pancake breakfast and live music from local artists. Some of the performers included, Councillor Lance Tailfeathers on the guitar and vocals. The event proved to be a step closer to change within the Blackfoot Confederacy as all four tribes sat, laughed and ate together in Mohkinstsis(Calgary, AB).
Calgary Mayor Nenshi - A staunch advocate for the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Blackfoot Confederacy logo painted on Tipi.
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Story by Mariah Blood
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Third Annual Indian Relay had another Exciting Part in the 2018 Kainai Indian Days In recent years the Kainai tour rodeo has offered great events in the name of rodeo, some of which include the Indian Relay racing. To mark it’s third year at the rodeo, the relay racing took spectators on a thrilling ride to watch each team compete against one another to win the cash grand prize. Championship Sunday kicked off with an annual calcutta to auction off which team would come out on top. The team that got the most bet with over $500 in bid was team Carlson. Shortly after, the race began and each team raced off trying to claim the winning title. On the last lap out of the three, it became nip and tuck between team old sun from Siksika, AB and team Carlson from Browning, MT. It truly was a battle between Canada and the U.S. until team old sun had a horse wreck during the horse transition. In the end, it was team Carlson who had won the championship race. The Championship winning team, team Carlson was presented with sweaters sponsored by Thunderchief Gas Bar. As well as the jockey/warrior for team Carlson, Chazz Racine was presented the top warrior of the 2018 Blood Tribe Indian Relay Race from the family and friends of the late Okan Hungary Wolf. Racine received a $1,000 cash prize and headstall in memory of the late Okan Hungary Wolf.
Indian Relay Races in full effect at the 2018 Kainai Indian Days Celebration. Many young riders have taken to the sport and is gaining popularity with fans worldwide.
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Story by Mariah Blood
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Kainai Tour Rodeo Hosted A True
Wild West Rodeo In the sport of rodeo, it’s every contestants dream is to win a gold-buckle. Whether it be their first or their fifth. It’s the feeling of accomplishment and victory. Knowing all their hard work of being in the practice pen has finally paid off. During the 2018 Kainai tour rodeo, contestants from Canadian tribes and U.S tribes came together for nearly a week long of competing. All trying their fate in the rodeo arena. The days were hot and so was the competition, but only one competitor in each event were to come out on top. In the bareback event, local Blood Tribe member Cam Bruised Head rode the ranks and came out on top. Winning both the long go-round and short go-round. Bruised Head was then awarded with a buckle and saddle for his accomplishments. It was a tough competition between Hamley Real Bird and Marty Young Bear in the long go-round and short go-round. In the end, it was Real Bird who spurred his way to the top and claimed the winning saddle and buckle in the saddle bronc riding event. Montana cowboy, Chad Johnson used the best of his abilities to rope down the running calf and walked out of the arena with his first place title and cash prize. In the steer wrestling event, contestant Rian Conway of Browning, MT wrestled his fierce steer, proving to be the quickest in the arena. Conway left the rodeo in first place with his cash prize and saddle. Keenan Crane placed second in the event. The duo, John Hall and Cameron Billy displayed to the Sunday championship crowd just how fast they could lasso the calf in between them. Hall and Billy took first place honors in the team roping, both going home with a trophy saddle and cash prize. In the Sr. Breakaway, Leonard Williams Sr. Showcased his roping skills and won the event. Local member, Kale Day Chief also displayed their skills in the Jr. Breakaway and placed first. Day Chief took home the cash prize and saddle. Cammie Fox, another local member of the Blood Tribe took first in the ladies break away. Proving to have another successful year at the Kainai tour rodeo.
The Sr. Team roping also had fast times. Ted Hoyt and Leon Monroe rose to the top and claimed the first place prize. In the ladies barrels, the crowd hollered and cheered for each contestant showcasing their fast horses to the crowd. Turning each barrel and adding more speed. United States cowgirl, Kiera Simonson rode her mustang hard and went home with the first place victory. Ginger Cohea won the Jr. Barrels. Taking second place, blood tribe member Janae Heavy Runner tried her best to obtain her hometown title. Travis MacGuire of the Siksika nation ranked his way to the top with a spin-off ride in the bull riding event. MacGuire left the rodeo with his cash prize. While Tahj Wells from the Blood Tribe won the Jr. Bulls. The rodeo announcer for the 2018 Kainai tour rodeo was Floyd Big Head, the voice of Indian rodeo. The rodeo committee would also like to thank the following sponsors for their contributions:
Bull Riding Buckle: The family of Fred &Tyrone Weasel Head Sr. Team Roping Header Buckle: Christensen Family Farms Sr. Team Roping Heeler Buckle: Ewelme Farming Co. LTD Junior Bull Riding Buckle: Floyd Big Head and Family Sr. Breakaway Roping Buckle: Christensen Family Farms Junior Breakaway Roping Buckle: Blood Tribe Agricultural Project Junior Barrel Racing Buckle: Kainaiwa Children’s’ Service Corp Additional sponsors: Western Stockman Talbera International Technologies Ltd. Kainai Board of Education Red Crow Community College Fort Macleod Buffalo Pawn Indian Business Corporation (IBC) Blood Tribe Department of Health BT Family & Community Support Services Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training Blood Tribe Administration Kainai A’sitapiiks Rodeo Club
Kainai 2018 Sponsors: Bareback Purse: Hutterian Brethren of White Lake Steer Wrestling Purse: B&D Walter Farms Ltd. Ladies Breakaway Roping Purse: Serfas Farms Junior Breakaway Roping Purse: Blood Tribe Agricultural Project Bareback Buckle: The family of Joe Young Pine Steer Wrestling Buckle: Jon Scott Productions / Benefit Rezolutions Inc. Ladies Breakaway Buckle: Meyer’s Norris Penny MNP Saddle Bronc Buckle: The family of Leonard & Willie Little Bear Calf Roping Buckle: Evans Day Chief Family Team Roping Header Buckle: Blood Tribe Economic Development Team Roping Heeler Buckle: Danny Degenstein Ladies Barrel Race Buckle: The family of Jolayne Tailfeathers-Shade 7
A young bull rider in fine form.
Story by Mariah Blood
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
KAINAI INDIAN DAYS CELEBRATION BRINGS OUT THE BEST FROM HOSTS The 52nd annual Kainai Powwow & Celebration on July 20 – 22, 2018 was considered a success by the Powwow committee and organizers. Over 700 dancers from across Canada and United States participated in the 3-day powwow with 14 of the best drum groups competing for $15,000 prize money for the drum competition. Many activities took place during the 3 day celebrations: hand games, rodeo, Indian Relay Races, Softball Tournament, Golf Tournament, Hand Game Tournament, Kainai Princess Pageant, Music Festival, Parade. Many Departments from the Blood Tribe provided visitors and community members with free meals all week long. Newly elected Blood Tribe Chief of Police Kyle Melting Tallow was sworn in at a traditional ceremony at the annual Kainai Powwow & Celebration 2018 grounds on July 21st. Kyle was captured in the ceremony by Roger Prairie Chicken. Numerous dance specials were hosted at this year’s festivities. One of the most anticipated dance specials was the KFC Chicken Dance Special. Powwow Committee organizer Tony Delaney noticed
that there was no Chicken Dance Special at this year’s powwow so he asked KFC to sponsor a special and they agreed. Over 50 plus dancers participated in the special and thrilled the crowd. A switch dance and a drummer’s relay race also entertained everyone one in attendance. Delaney would like to thank the Powwow Committee, Blood Tribe Chief & Council, tribal members, volunteers, visitors, head staff, dancers, and singers and the many families that honored their loved ones with an honour dance, dance specials, drum group specials and making this year’s celebration one of the best. First Nations puppeteer and comedian Emery Burning Grass co-emceed the powwow and made the audience howl in laughter; one of his favourite sayings was: “If you don’t know, now you know.” Visitors got to enjoy treats from a variety of vendors that provided traditional foods like indian tacos and frybread to the exotic Jamaican cuisines. Amusement fair also entertained the young and old with rides that brought back memories or new experiences. Chief & Council provided free rides on Sunday for the community
from noon until 4 p.m. which allowed the junior and teen categories to be excused to enjoy the carnival.
Emery Burning Grass
Tony Delaney
Grand Entry
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Story by Mariah Blood
WINNERS 2018 Mens Buckskin
Kelly Good Eagle Sr Gilbert Francis Brian McDougall Duane Red Old Man
Mens Golden Age Irvin Scalplock Donny Mckay Peter Anthony Cecil Nepoose
Womens Golden Age
Lousie Scabby Robe Karen Pheasant Linda Pete Marshalene Last Star Jr Girls Traditional Mylee Yellow Bird, Samson Cree Nation Amaya Good Eagle, Siksika Shylena Small Eyes, Morley Willena White Grass, Star School
Jr Girls Fancy
Kayelle Yellow Bird, Samson Cree Nation Shilee Baptiste, North Battleford Ashlyn Brewer, Kainai Kloe Scalplock, Siksika Nation
Jr Girls Jingle
Sierra Provost, Kainai Melka Holloway, Morley Kaylie Tailfeathers, Browning Montana Aralyn Watch Maker, Kehiwin
Jr Boys Grass
Sevastian Scabby Robe, Meskwaki Stacey Okeewechow, Regina Naslund Rattlesnake, Ermineskin Tribe Timothy Keenatch, Moosemin Jr Boys Fancy Liam Beebe, Kainai Nathaniel Swiftwolf, Moosemin Lennox Bull Bear, Siksika Nation Larson Yellow Bird Jr, Samson
Jr Boys Traditional
Lennon Buffalo, Samson Cree Nation Hardy Small Eyes, Stoney Morley Adam Raine, Louis Bull Tribe Memphis Sunchild, Thunder Child
Jr Boys Chicken
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Teen Girls Fancy
Sr Mens Traditional
Teen Girls Jingle
Sr Mens Chicken
Teen Boys Grass
Carlie Nepoose, Maskwacis Holly Eagle Speaker, Browning Jess Scabby Robe, Blackfeet Jade Iron Shirt, Browning
Teen Boys Fancy
Tessia First Rider, Kainai Nadine Obey, Piapot Alannah Tailfeathers, Browning Natassia Melting Tallow, Kainai
Teen Boys Traditional
Eartha Good Striker, Kainai Crystal Little Owl, Fort Belnap Simone Left Hand, Stoney Tia Wood, Lapwai, Idaho
Violet Whitegrass, Montana Precious Little Dancer, Montana Tayli Bree Yellow Bird Avery Sotherland, Whitefish River Harlena Small Eyes, Morley Mikayla Rides the Grey Horse, Siksika Kaylie Nepoose, Maskwacis Payton Swift Wolfe, Moosomim First Nation Laz Nepoose, Maskwacis Jacob Bearspaw, Stoney Obi Sleigh, Siksika Joshua Big Sorrel Horse, Piikani Daven Madera, Welpinit Washington Vincent Obey, Piapot First Nation, SK Kage Yellow Fly, Siksika Anthony Clearsky, Calgary Natoos Beebe, Kainai Sikoya Scabby Robe, Harrah, Washington Jeice Strawberry Bird, O’chiese First Nation Louie Hunt, Kainai
Teen Boys Chicken
Tyus Beebe, Kainai Trez Day Chief, Kainai Gus Calf Robe, Kainai Sage Many Fingers, Kainai
Sr Womens Traditional
Charity Nepoose, Maskwacis Edna Bad Eagle, Piikani Jamie Buffalo, Samson Cree Nation Sharon Baptiste, Poundmaker, SK
Sr Womans Fancy
Karen Noon, Farmington, NM Shirley Hill, Siksika Lori Scalplock Siouxsan Robinson, Kainai
Sr Womans Jingle
Candace Chief Scabby Robe, Harrah Wash Paula Weasel Head, Kainai Ruby Wells, Piikani Cree Felicia Paul, Post Creek, MT
Sr Mens Grass Aaron Daniels, Morley
Caius Bull Bear, Siksika Nation Kysimis Scabby Robe, Blackfeet/Cree Camdon Croff, Blackfeet Joseph Scott, Peigan
Jeff Downing, Sacramento,Cali George Good Striker, Kainai Theron Black, Kainai
Karis Good Striker, Kainai Sasha Saskatchewan, Samson Cree Taris Smallboy, Small Boy Camp Kerisa Mchugh, Siksika
Nolan Small Boy, Small Boy Camp Luke White Man, Calgary Rod Belanger, Ochapowack, SK Leroy Crazy Boy, Peigan
Teen Girls Traditional
Sr Mens Fancy
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Jared Buffalo, Samson Cree Nation Steve Hunt, Siksika Nation Tobias Provost, Peigan Todd Beebe, Kainai
Sheldon Scalplock Sr, Siksika Alex Scalplock, Siksika Nation Algin Scabby Robe, Wapato, Wash. Treff Deerfoot, Siksika
Jr Womens Traditional
Jr Womens Fancy
Jr Womans Jingle
Jr Mens Grass
Jesse Osawamick, Wickiy, Ont. Terrance Gadwa, Kehewin Creightion Scabby Robe, Wapato, Wash Buddy Omeasoo, Browning
Jr Mens Fancy
Larson Yellow Bird Sr, Samson Rae Steven Scott, Wood Rock, AZ Navarone Thunder Child, Thunder Child, SK Jamie Ward, Sacramento, Cali
Jr Mens Traditional
Teminah Green, Lapwai, Idaho Devean Kicknosway, Kanawake, ON Piita Many Feathers, Kainai Liam Buffalo, Samson Cree
Jr Mens Chicken
Nat Iron Heart, Heart Butte Punky Daniels, Morley Cortez Osborne, Browning Seth Cardinal, TsuuTina
Drum Competition
1 Cree Confederation 2 Blacklodge 3 Blackfoot Confederacy 4Sorrel Rider 5 Nakoda Nation 6 Yellow Gun
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
New Chief of Police sworn in becomes first Confederacy member in position
Blood Tribe Police Chief, Kyle Melting Tallow, shown at the Honor Dance with Martin Eagle Child and Charlene Plume.
On July 21, 2018 a local member of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Kyle Melting Tallow, was appointed by the Blood Tribe Police Commission to serve as the chief of police. He is the first in 30 years from the confederacy to retain this position.
be blessed as well as presenting himself to the people as their new chief of police. The ceremony concluded with a Praise Song and Honour Dance for Melting Tallow.
The swearing in ceremony occurred at the Kainai Powwow and celebrations Saturday morning. The ceremony proved to be beautiful and strong as elder Martin Eagle Child, with assistance from Charlene Plume, painted Melting Tallow’s face and arms with the traditional warrior orange ochre colour, shortly followed by Eagle Child granting Melting Tallow his first eagle-feather headdress. Blood Tribe Police Commission Chair Mary Fox presented Chief Melting Tallow with his official Blood Tribe Police Services, chief-of-police badge to end the ceremony. Melting Tallow then walked with elders Eagle Child and Plume around the powwow arbour to all four corners to
Blood Tribe Police Chief, Kyle Melting Tallow, with Martin Eagle Child.
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Story by Mariah Blood
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Oki Kainai,
The Blood Tribe Land Management has begun an improvement project of the 5 major cemeteries on the reserve. As you may be aware many of the main Tribal Cemeteries are in dire need of improvement to honor our departed family members. There is currently no custodial caretaker of the cemeteries, and the landscaping conditions are beyond substandard. It will take a collaboration of multiple tribal department to bring the conditions to a respectable level. The end goal is to have our cemeteries appeasing to the eye and to bring us a sense of peace when we bury a family member. This end goal will have to come in three major phases. Phase I – GPS Data Collection of the visible locations and names of the deceased, and then plotting the locations accurately in GIS mapping. Phase II – Completing the data collection of the locations and names of the deceased that were not visible in phase one data collection by help of the Blood Tribe public. Phase III – Will be the leveling of burial mounds, and finally the landscaping and maintenance of the cemetery grounds. It is not know at this time who will take over in Phase III, and in taking the responsibility of maintaining the collected burial records of the first two phases. Phase III, but Phase I and II is now underway by the lead of the Blood Tribe Land Management. The Blood Tribe Land Management’s Geomatics Mapping Division who initiated this project is now near the completion of Phase I in the tribe’s cemetery beautification project. Over the last few years much GPS data has been collected mapping the cemetery burial points. The task of mapping the burial points was jump started in June 2017 when the Geomatics Division dedicated the term of their BTEST summer student (Gina Chief Body) to the beautification project. In the first stage of Phase I, all of the field data collection by GPS has now been completed for these cemeteries: Old Agency, Standoff (St Catherine’s), St Mary’s (Blood Band), Levern, St Paul’s. Data collected by GPS includes but is not limited to: Name, DOB, DOD, Headstone or none, and field notes. Phase I being limited to visible graves with names or tags, headstones, and monuments. Finally a drone was used for added overhead imagery and ground elevations in finely placing our GPS Data. Unfortunately about a third of the cemetery burial sites do not have a readable marker or are not unrecognizable due to time and slumping
Blood Tribe Cemetary Upgrade Project
over time. This is the start the next phase. The Blood Tribe Land Management will be asking for the assistance of the Blood Tribe public now in the next phase. We will be organizing days with the public in each of the main cemetery’s. Lands can provide flagging stakes, markers and paper, for volunteers who wish to mark the burial locations of their deceased family members. Name, DOB, DOD, Notes can be written on the papers for BTLM to add to the mapping and enter information into the database. Lands will also be providing coffee and refreshments on these day soon to be scheduled. Together we can fill in much of the missing burial locations and names of the Blood Reserves cemeteries. The schedule for data collection will be as follows: (Tentatively two weeks after release in News Letters) September 4 – 7: St Pauls Cemetery (1-4pm) September 10 – 14: St Mary’s Cemetery (1-4pm) September 17 – 21: Lavern Cemetery (1-4pm) September 24 – 28: Standoff Cemetery (1-4pm) OId Agency is current for information 11
In closing, there was once records of the burial plot plans held by the Catholic Church. Decades ago this plot plan was taken by an unknown public program, who was to take over the records and caretaking of the cemeteries. Sadly, the whereabouts of these burial plot plans is not known. If anyone has any information of the whereabouts of these burial plans this information is urgently required to determine the accurate burial locations of loved ones long since departed.
Thank you, Regards, Jonathon Day Chief Geomatics Manager Blood Tribe Land Management (403) 737-8151 Ext 8221
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Young Wrangler, Austin Standing Alone Austin Standing Alone won the Calgary Stampede 2018 Wrangler Award, the Tony Breaker Young Wrangler memorial award for his work with horses. This much coveted award is given to a young stockman annually by the CS Indian Equine Events management, part of the overall Indian Events. Austin is from Kainai Nation
Austin Standing Alone
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Story by Rick Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Blood Tribe and Piikani Tribe Summer Students Help showcase Blackfoot Territory though the Blackfoot Information Center
Waterton has traditionally been apart of the Blackfoot Confederacy for centuries. It’s been known, because of the ancestors having passed down stories from generation to generation. The Waterton Lakes National Park have come to that acknowledgment from recent findings within’ the park, as well as the stories told by elders. A step closer to reconciliation has been met by allowing the Blood Tribe and Piikani Tribe to work in collaboration for better understanding of the Niisitapi’s way of life. On May 19, 2018 the Blackfoot Information Center opened it’s doors. The center has been created to help tourists connect with the spirit of Waterton and come to know more about the Blackfoot people, the tribes within the Blackfoot confederacy, land, culture, values and art form. The center is facilitated by Blood Tribe Summer students: Sierra Shade and Kenzie Twigg along side with Piikani Summer students: Carleigh Grier-Stewart and Hope Grier-Stewart. “We get a lot of positive feedback and questions about the Blackfoot way of life and current day progress on the reserve,” said Shade. “It’s been a great way to educate both tourists and locals. As well as making our presence known in the area.” Throughout the Summer, the students have hosted many events. Some of which included a one-day powwow, arts and crafts and more events to come this month. You can follow their agenda on their facebook page, ‘Blackfoot Information Center.’ The information center is set to have another successful year in the Summer of 2019.
Sierra Shade and Kenzie Twigg
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Story by Mariah Blood
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
Blood Tribe Community Boards 2018 The Blood Tribe recently had community elections for community boards to be present for community members to voice their concerns. The boards consist of three members for each community within the Blood Tribe. Any questions or concerns may be brought up with one or three of the elected officials in your community. They will then present those inquiries to Chief and Council, as they have monthly meetings with Councilors. You may call Blood Tribe Recreation & Parks for their contact information.
Levern Community
President: Sharon Curly Rider. Vice President: Bobby Healy Secretary: Pamela Tallow
Moses Lake
President: Merlin Calling Last Vice President: Arnold Wells Secretary: Alana Weasel Head
Standoff
President: Ronnie Scout Vice President: CloAnn Wells Secretary: Kelly Tailfeathers
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Old Agency
President: Shawn Heavy Runner Vice President: Susan Weasel Moccasin Secretary: Marilyn Standing Alone
TSINIKSSINI August 2018
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