November 2017
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 Brent Scout Photos/Stories Mason Wolf Child Photos
in this issue In this issue, we feature stories from our team of writers who are busy in gathering news, stories and information for your benefit. The recent Remembrance Day ceremony is always an honor for our staff to share the honor, bravery and integrity of our past and present veterans who laid their lives on the line to protect us, their children. For this, we honor them and hold these brave young men and women in the highest regard. One of our elders, Charlie Crow Chief, was a guest at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Lethbridge and was accompanied by Mayor Chris Spearman. The Blood Tribe Communications department has a number of avenues to distribute the news and our social media site www. facebook.com/tsinikssini/ offers news and information quick and on time in response to current events and functions. The TSINIKSSINI magazine shares features, stories, profiles and relevant information for those who do not have access to social media and other technological devices in their quest to keep informed on tribal and outside activities. In this issue, we feature an up-and-coming young athlete who is trying to make his mark in one of the fastest growing sports in rodeo – the PBR – the Professional Bull Riding circuit. Young Dolan Wells, a lanky cowboy who is testing his abilities in a sport dominated by professionals, is up for the challenge as he prepares to do battle with some of the biggest names in rodeo. If you have any suggestions for features or profiles on any of our tribal members, do not hesitate to contact us for review. We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of TSINIKSSINI and ask you to keep us informed on any events or functions you would like coverage on. ‘Til next time… 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
Kainai members of council, Lindi Shade, Director, Wellness Centre, are pictured with former Director Sandy Many Chief, dignitaries and tribal elders at the sodturning ceremony for the new Wellness Centre facility which will be completed in 2018. FRONT PAGE PHOTO: Mariah Blood. Additional Photos: University of Lethbridge.
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BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
Blackfoot Decry Stoney Nakoda’s Calls to Rename “Elbow”
A stone marker at Nose Hill in Calgary is the most recent recognition and acknowledgement of the Blackfoot territory in this area.
Blackfoot Confederacy elders and leaders have denounced the recent Stoney Nakoda application to rename Calgary as part of their assertion that they are the original inhabitants of the area named by the Blackfoot as “Mohkínstsiss,” - derived from a Creation story regarding the great bend, or “elbow” in the Elbow River. The Stoney Nakoda claim the city’s name should be changed to reflect their history and is suing the federal and provincial governments for $20-billion. They have long been fighting for additional reserve lands under the governments specific claims policy for treaty land entitlement (TLE). They filed their first claim in 1972 and in 2003 filed an Aboriginal Title Claim in Federal Court. To date, the allegations have not been proven in court. Calls to rename Calgary and other locations are being called a huge insult to the Kainai, Siksika and Piikani. Historical fact states the American Army displaced many Nakoda-Dakota-Lakota tribes in the 1800s, triggering an exodus to the North. The Blackfoot maintain the Stoney are not the original occupants of present-day Calgary and that “the cultural, historic and archeological record of the territory does not support this conjecture, and, in fact, contradicts it,” says Piikani Chief Stan Grier. In their letter to Alberta, the Stoney
applied to have Calgary’s name changed to Wichispa-Oyade; a name that roughly translates to mean elbow town. Leaders from the Blackfoot Confederacy are “offended” by the Stoney application. The Blackfoot have weighed in on the “inaccurate” claims, particularly many elders. A Blood Tribe Council member says, “It’s a divisive thing to be doing. (We) need to stick together. It’s Blackfoot Territory…and is reflected in the Blackfoot Treaty.” Siksika Chief Joseph Weasel Child said the request has upset a lot of traditional people. “The Stoneys were not here until after Treaty 7 was entered into in 1877, (in fact) they were supposed to sign on to Treaty 6…our ancestors were very generous.” Chief Grier issued a letter to Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta’s Geographical Names Program. The letter cited “erroneous claims” made by the Stony Nakoda. “What is evident from the historical record is that the Stoney people ‘are not ‘the original occupants,’ for what we retain in narrative, in ceremony and in song, (this) remains…in physical evidence, not speculation,” wrote Grier. The claim covers a big part of southern Alberta and the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Stoney lawyer Douglas Rae says the application is not part of the Nakoda lawsuit, but an attempt to 3
prove their ties to the land. In response, Alberta said the application will be evaluated in a process that will include public consultations. Chief Grier says an Indigenous title could be added and if so, it should be Mohkinstsis or Mohkinstsisaka-piyosis, the longer title translating to Elbow (River) Many Houses, a reflection of the European settler “invasion” that founded the city. The city has recognized the Siksikaitsitapi Marker erected at ‘Nose Hill’ by the Blackfoot Confederacy, signifying this is Blackfoot Territory. Mayor Nenshi – who was bestowed the Blackfoot name Clan Leader -- said he’s “open to a conversation” but doubts the city’s name will be changed, adding: “The discussion…sheds a light on Alberta’s history.” Asked if Calgary will be renamed? “That’s a tough one. I don’t think so, but let’s keep talking.” Chief Weasel Child agrees that a name change is not going to happen, saying that recent events in Calgary, including one marking Canada’s 150th anniversary acknowledges Calgary as the traditional land of the Blackfoot. “We had opened up our lands and shared with everybody. So, we’re not trying to start renaming everything.”
Story by Brent Scout
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
BLACKFOOT LANGUAGE CONFERENCE
AI’TSIPOYIIKS CONFERENCE our people to speak the language,” said Fox. “Anyone can get involved even if you are not a speaker of the language, you can become involved and you can start to learn the language. We want to produce more speakers and more understanding of our language. For us to identify as Kainai, we should know at least a little bit of Blackfoot to understand who we are.”
Kainai Chief Roy Fox.
There were a number of topics and speakers throughout the conference. On day one, a drum group of elders sang the opening song and Gloria Day Chief gave a presentation on Ninastako’s Ipad Project which is a digital learning process; David Gordon, Blackfeet, Elliot Fox and Conrad Little Leaf, Buffalo Jump, gave their presentations on history and the environment; On day two, the Earthwatch presentation called the Wolf Research Project was shared by Kainai
PROMOTING LANGUAGE AS KEY COMPONENT IN KEEPING BLACKFOOT UNITED
The annual Ai’tsipoyiiks conference is an event in which Blackfoot speaking people from each of the confederacy tribes promote and strengthen ways in keeping our language alive and strong. This year, the agenda featured fluent Blackfoot speakers who shared their thoughts and concerns in revitalizing efforts of teaching those who will continue in the preservation of our language. Chief Roy Fox acknowledged the organizers of the conference and encouraged the group to continue efforts to strengthen the Blackfoot language. “I want to praise the Ai’tsipoyiiks for the work they have been doing,” he began. “Our language is so very important to us. It ensures we understand the true values of Kainai; it helps us retain those other important aspects of our ways, such as our spiritual ways, so I’m very grateful for the work you are doing.” Leo Fox, a long-time educator who has spent much of his life collecting information from elders, says the Blackfoot language is vital to our survival. “This group was formed about 6 or 7 years ago by the late Jim Gladstone. And even though he didn’t speak Blackfoot, I think he wanted to leave a legacy for future generations, and that legacy is to encourage
Young Ryder Blackwater and grandmother Kim share the stage.
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BLACKFOOT LANGUAGE CONFERENCE
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
AI’TSIPOYIIKS CONFERENCE
High School teachers and students Caroline Russell, Amanda Fox, Kogen Wells and Keyshawn Mountain Horse; The people then watched a film presentation titled Itapisko that was developed with the help of Kainai students and instructors; Beverly Little Bear gave a presentation was on body parts which was both informative and humorous. On day three, Leo Fox shared humorous and interesting stories of collecting and gathering history when he was a young man; Gloria Day Chief gave a presentation on the preservation of the Blackfoot language and the task of making Blackfoot a living language, to keep up with today’s environments; Emily Bruised Head had a doll making session and Marvin Fox gave a presentation on history. The emcee’s for the three days included Leo Fox, Marvin Fox and Leroy Heavy Runner who all did a wonderful job in keeping the activities moving along at a very entertaining pace. Many tribal elders were also involved including Peter Weasel Moccasin, Johnny Day Rider and others who shared their laughter, wisdom and knowledge.
Kainai elder John Chief Moon.
Elders from the Blackfoot Confederacy participate in craft time during the conference.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
RAMONA BIG HEAD
KAINAIHIGHSCHOOLPRINCIPAL
RAMONA BIG HEAD
SHARES THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS AFTER AHS APOLOGY
Kainai High School Principal Ramona Big Head in traditional outfit.
It’s been 5 months since that “infamous” text was exposed in one of the most explosive ways possible. I was the target of a very discriminatory and insidious racial slur. Two Alberta Health Services employees were fired as a result of their actions. As I look back to that time, all I can say is that I didn’t ask for it. I was simply one of about a dozen Kainai Board of Education employees taking part in a two-day training. A few people have reminded me that things always happen for a reason. I’ve also been told that if it had to happen to anyone, they were happy it happened to me. Apparently, it’s been recognized that I was probably the one person that could handle such an ordeal. At times, I felt a deep resentment for what happened because, like I said, I didn’t ask for it. But, it is what it is. So, I took this as an opportunity to speak out and raise awareness to the institutional racism that exists in all sectors of government, business, athletics, justice, policing, education and the arts. However, my strength to speak out and handle this universal issue came from the tremendous amount of support I received from my family, colleagues and our leadership within Kainai Board of Education and Blood Tribe Chief and Council. One thing I’ve always reminded everyone that this issue is not just about Ramona Big Head. It’s about all of us as Indigenous people who’ve had to endure this type of racism on a regular basis. On November 6th, 2017, the CEO of Alberta Health Services, Dr. Verna Yiu, came to our community and gave a formal apology on behalf of her organization. She gave her formal address at Kainai High School. The audience included our elders and leadership within the Blood Tribe and, most importantly, my students at Kainai High School. I thought it was very fitting that she come to our community since that is where the ugliness of two racist AHS employees thought they could get away with such a distasteful remark. One 6
thing that amazes me is how powerful our ancestors are. Think about it, at the end of June, many of us were preparing for our sacred ceremonies. For me personally, I was getting ready to Sundance that following weekend. So, in a sense, our grandmothers and grandfathers, were there to protect me. I am so grateful for their continued protection and love. I was gifted with a Pendleton blanket and a painting. I felt that Dr. Yiu’s apology was very heartfelt and sincere. She is attempting to make things right between our people and AHS. I accepted the gifts on behalf of all those who’ve experienced racism but were unable to be heard. I have taken it upon myself to be a voice for the many, many Indigenous people who do not have a voice. I am hoping that my experience will inspire others to speak out and I hope that they will somehow feel vindicated for their own experiences of racism. I encourage everyone to take a stand and speak out. We must stand united so that our children and our grandchildren will not have to endure the pain associated with discrimination and racist actions. However, it is very important to note that the apology is just a beginning. AHS still has a lot of work to do. They must continue to provide their employees with the necessary training so that they can better serve our people and help curb and terminate the existing racism within its ranks. I encourage our Blood Tribe Chief and Council to set up an advocacy department so that in the future our people will have a place to go where they will receive the necessary support they need to take action. I am very grateful for the many words of encouragement from not only our own community but from around the world. I will never forget those who stood beside me and held me up so that I could stand with grace and dignity throughout this ordeal.
Courtesy of Ramona Big Head
FRANCIS FIRST CHARGER
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
FIRST CHARGER STRIVES TO PROMOTE TRIBE AS AN ELDER – CONSULTANT AND EDUCATOR
prime candidate to help launch the flagship of the Kainai Nation – the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project. The multi-million dollar venture had surrounding farmers drooling at the potential the tribe was involved with, including the prospective to become a major player in the agricultural industry. First Charger and his staff wasted little time in opening the door for BTAP to begin exporting timothy hay and other forage crops to Asian and Pacific Rim countries that demanded top-quality products. After his employment in a number of occupations drew to a close, First Charger continued with his own consulting business he began in 1994. His expertise has attracted the attention from many people and organizations wanting to utilize his knowledge and experience. Red Crow College employed him for nine years to begin the work on raising funds for a new college facility. At the conclusion of his work with Red Crow, he is in demand by the City of Lethbridge to remain involved in various capacities.
Kainai elder Francis First Charger continues to share his knowledge.
An elder who is doing his utmost in making a positive impact for the Kainai Nation through cultural and economic paths has been involved in many activities, and continues to remain involved despite his advancing years. Francis First Charger, (Ninnaisipistoo), was one of the first general managers of the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project in the 1990s when the Kainai Nation ventured into the agricultural industry, seeking to establish itself as a major player in the international forage markets. And today, even though he has retired as a fulltime figure in the workforce, his work as a consultant, and as an elder, continues. “It seems to me that I’m just as busy now as I was when I was a younger man,” he laughs as he looks out toward the mountains from the second floor window of one of the offices at the Band’s administration building. “Even though my workload is not quite as heavy as it once was, there are still many projects and cultural activities, especially family-oriented gatherings that are priorities to me.” To become adept in offering his services to the tribe, First Charger enrolled at the Lethbridge College where he eventually graduated with six diplomas, with a key focus on agriculture. His strong business sense, coupled with traditional and academic teachings, made him a 7
Presently, First Charger serves on a number of committees including: SHIA Housing Committee; SHIA Leaders Council; U of L Cultural Advancement Working Group and Opokaa’sin Elders Committee. His work continues with the U of L’s Faculty of Management elders program. First Charger, who has travelled to Japan and Italy to speak as a guest lecturer and his travels to the United States gives him and his wife Judy the opportunity to meet and visit with family and friends. With so much more to share, he welcomes the time to sit down and visit with us, his children. The Kainai people are fortunate to have people like First Charger who continue to advance the highest interests of the tribe with their actions, their continuous involvement with the community, and their lifelong deeds. Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
WOMENS RESEARCH PROJECT
KainaiWomen’s Activism inTreaty 7Territory 1968 to1990:ContemporaryHistoriesofSocialChange
RESEARCH PROJECT TO HIGHLIGHT KAINAI WOMEN’S ACTIVISM AND BUILD HISTORICAL LITERACY In line with the recommendations that flowed from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015), a research project led by Dr. Carol Williams, a professor in Women and Gender Studies and History at the University of Lethbridge, will assemble diverse historical and contemporary accounts about Kainai women’s community reform work from 1968 to 1990.
Kainai. We’re very much being authentic to the family systems of learning.”
“Our goal is to generate a history of southern Alberta Kainai women’s grassroots activism for social change,” says Williams. “We want to expand historical literacy to illustrate how women have positively transformed their communities.”
“This research project is very timely, given the 94 calls for action that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” says Hali Heavy Shield. “We had two residential schools in Kainai, St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s, and so now is a time for the process and a call on our federal, provincial and even our community leadership to first tell the truth about our own history.”
Williams will collaborate with Hali Heavy Shield (BA, BEd ’06; MEd ’12), viceprincipal at Aahsaopi Elementary School on the Blood Reserve; Linda Weasel Head, the library and learning coordinator at the Kainai Public Library, and Faye Heavy Shield, a nationally exhibited independent artist and Hali’s mother. “The process of the project demonstrates Indigenous epistemology because it’s a coming together that will give youth, women and us, as a community of researchers, a chance to collaborate,” says Hali Heavy Shield. “In a sense, that’s the traditional way of knowing and learning for
The project, titled Kainai Women’s Activism in Treaty 7 Territory 1968 to 1990: Contemporary Histories of Social Change, has received more than $121,000 over three years from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Students will be involved in every step of the research, including creating a preliminary display consisting of historical articles, photos or government reports to be used as a starting point for conversations at community gatherings. Williams says many historical documents have not been accessible to community members and the research project is committed to repatriation of a range of relevant records. The study will use a variety of methods to engage with community. Williams 8
says her previous research on Indigenous women’s social and educational activism has indicated that the health and education of children has been a key motivation for action. For example, Faye (Heavy Shield), Hali (Heavy Shield) and Linda (Weasel Head) were part of the community group that was instrumental in building the partnership with Blood Tribe Chief and Council, Kainai Board of Education and Chinook Arch Regional Library System to get the public library on the reserve. The library was crucial in building literacy through access to books and the Internet.
Linda Weasel Head speaks to these
ambitions: “Our goal in creating a library was to offer an essential service on the reserve as many people were unable to get to services in surrounding communities. The bigger picture is to offer an opportunity to increase literacy skills and that reading, writing and numeracy skills assist over time in lowering poverty. Our library’s motto, Okstakit (read), reflects what our people did to survive, thrive and pass on knowledge or pommotsiiysinni. Our library is a facet of all those purposes or ihpipototst and opportunities, or aksistoiypaittapiisini, while demonstrating kindness or kimmapiipitsinni, and respect or
WOMENS RESEARCH PROJECT
innakotsiiysinni. Most important is aasimmoiyihkanni, as we are all spiritual beings who must look out for each other through prayer and positive actions.”
Faye Heavy Shield reflects on how making art can also be part of women’s activism, as it was artists who kept traditional songs, ceremonies and beadwork alive, despite federal prohibitions against cultural and ceremonial life: “As a child, through the stories told me by Sommitsikana, I experienced an immersive adventure into the fantastic where animals spoke and a hero came to life from a blood clot. Later, I recognized the more profound impact of maintaining language, imagination, and the aspiration to values of kindness, courage and creativity and, not the least — time spent with a grandmother.” The Kainai women’s project will include a series of cultural and historical workshops for all age groups. The workshops might take the form of using art to make graphic histories, sessions of storytelling, archival scanning of historical family photographs, talking circles or other small conversational gatherings. “I am an educator and I hope to use my experience in the classroom to bring about and encourage and inspire members of the community to tell stories and to be inspired themselves, to tell their truth and to share,” says Hali Heavy Shield. “One central motivation for this project is to expand historical literacy about women’s labour and social and community activism,” says Williams. “Another of the major eventual outcomes will be a sustainable website that will become a legacy for Kainai educators teaching kindergarten to Grade 12, but also for university students and other researchers.” Williams said another important goal of the project is to mentor and train Indigenous students so they can continue to build Kainai community histories and develop marketable skills for their future careers. Several research assistants have joined the project to assist in reviewing and assembling archival documents, helping with design of workshops and contributing to the thematic organization of the project.
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
Charlene Oka (BA ’17), Ii’ni’skin’akii (Buffalo Stone Woman), is a member of Kainai, mother to five children and grandmother to two grandsons, with a granddaughter on the way. She is working toward applying to graduate studies and is exploring and learning more about Kainai and its historical roots. Sonny Brewer was raised with Blackfoot traditions and ceremony and brings an understanding of cultural practices and protocol to the Kainai Women’s project. As a third-year music (composition) student, Brewer offers a different perspective on the project, through a lens rooted in the aural realm. Erin Turner, a fourth-year history major at the U of L, will lend her expertise as an archival researcher. Her travels abroad have given her a greater respect for cultural diversity in Canada and around the world. Rachel Hoof, Sootaaki, (Rain Woman), is a fourthyear social work student studying at the University of Calgary’s Lethbridge campus. Hoof wants to help youth, women and families as they work toward healing and recovery from the historical impacts of colonization. Cherilynn Blood, Puhksikaki’ihkitsikimuhksaki, is a member of Kainai and the mother of one. She is working towards becoming a teacher of Social Studies and Native American studies. She’s an advocate for Indigenous peoples and looks forward to working on the Kainai women’s project to learn more about Blackfoot history for future use in classrooms. “Our commitment is to collaboration, reciprocity and challenging the colonial character of the archives with alternative stories and histories,” says Williams. “We will find our path as we go.”
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Courtesy of University of Lethbridge
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
Sergeant Jim Bennett SERGEANT JIM BENNETT
Continues Effort To Assist
PEOPLE AND FAMILES IN TIMES OF NEED
has been honored with presentation of a Headdress and a Blackfoot name. He is the official teepee keeper of the police service. In his official capacity Sergeant Bennett is in charge of a Community Policing Shift and manages the conducted energy weapon program.
Sergeant Jim Bennett continues to advocate for less fortunate.
The motto for many police departments anywhere: ‘To Serve and Protect,’ are words that are adhered to in the protection of individuals, property and the enforcement of the law. There are individuals in these jurisdictions within their own agencies, however, who take their jobs and the authority they are bound to just that much further in a most positive way. Within the Blood Tribe Police Service, Sergeant J.D. (Jim) Bennett’s commitment to those he serves and protects to help alleviate the hardships faced by the most vulnerable in our society is one way he feels he can give his best to the people. For a number of years, Bennett and his family have been working with communities surrounding the reserve to assist in any way possible to lighten the burden of people who are facing long-term or temporary difficulties in their lives. He has established a growing network of relationships in the various towns and communities in Southern Alberta in moving forward with his care and compassion. Sergeant Jim Bennett and his family
have collected and are donating winter clothing for adults and kids, as well as hygiene kits for the homeless community on the Blood reserve. Members of a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints congregation in Raymond recently did a winter clothing drive to assist those in need on the Blood reserve. Items include warm winter jackets for adults and kids, gloves, toques, and scarves. They also put together hygiene kits to be given to the Moses Lake Shelter. The Blood Tribe Police Service is donating gently used winter jackets also at this time to the community. Sergeant Bennett receives donations throughout the year, and has provided numerous donations over the last five years to various organizations on the Blood reserve. Sergeant Bennett has been a member of the BTPS since 2009. His community work includes involvement in the Kainai Headdress Society, Kainai Powwow, Army Cadets, the Special Olympics Torch Run and sits on the Piikani Youth and Education Foundation Board. He 10
In the recent past, Sergeant Bennett spearheaded a program to provide food, clothing and hygienic products to the homeless population of the community. Enough money and goods were collected to also provide every person released from police custody with a bottle of water, instant soup and a granola bar as well as making a donation to the local food bank and to purchase a new stove for the Moses Lake Homeless Shelter. Anyone wishing to contribute to making the winter season warm for people who may be experience temporary hardships, can contact Sergeant Bennett at the Blood Tribe Police station. This is a season for sharing and giving and it will be a truly warm feeling, knowing your gift in helping others, will make them feel comforted in their time of need.
Sergeant Bennett poses with daughter.
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
KAINAI WELLNESS CENTRE KAINAI WELLNESS CENTRE
SOD-TURNING CEREMONY PREPARES FOR OPENING OF COMMUNITY-BASED FACILITY
Former Wellness Centre Director Sandy Many Chief is surrounded by delegates at sod-turning ceremony in Stand Off.
A sod-turning ceremony by the Kainai Wellness department for their new building near the Blood Tribe Administration on Thursday, November 23, 2017 marked a special occasion toward the moving forward process where a number of programs will utilize the facility. Derrick Fox, Director of Finance, BTDH, says the staff and management are preparing to begin operations in the near future. “The Kainai Wellness programs which includes the NAADAP program, Mental Health programs and the Indian Residential School Support program and the Prevention of Family Violence program are some of the bigger programs will be housed here,” said Fox. “We’re thinking that by next September (2018) it should be completed.” Fox says the Blood Tribe is continuing its on-going efforts in combatting the deadly drug addiction environment and to meet the needs of tribal members from an individual and community perspective.
“With this whole Opiod crisis, with the existing programs, we want to enhance those programs because of the impact in other areas,” he says. “We want to enhance our youth programs and we are looking at the Suboxone clinic to be housed here. We are really trying to encourage those addicted to take the Suboxone treatments.” Members of the Blood Tribe Council including Chief Rot Fox representative Floyd Big Head, and BTDH board members Martin Heavy Head and Marcel Weasel Head shared their thoughts on the progress and intent of the Wellness Centre. Other guest speakers included Kevin Cowan, BTHD CEO, Gloria Chief Moon, board member, Lindi Shade, Director, Kainai Wellness Centre, Albert Tagoe, Talbera International Technologies, David Firkus, Scotia Bank, Mike Zuback, MNP LLP, Sandy Many Chief, Roger Prairie Chicken, Leroy Hunt and Patty Shade, Mental Health coordinator. Lindi Shade says the management and staff are looking forward to the eventual completion of the new facility. 11
“We all need to work together on a community-based initiative, so when it was decided to get this new building, it is an opportunity for the community to have a safe place to go to for help,” she says. “Whether it’s for addictions, for clinical therapy, to talk to an elder or other related issues, the people need a safe place where they are not going to be judged. There’s only so much we (Wellness Centre) can do, that’s why we are developing an Opiod response program that will include everyone. It’s a very collaborative community-based approach, it’s really about an aftercare community-based program.” Kainai elder Winston Wadsworth shared his blessings for the sod-turning ceremony and former Director of the Wellness Centre, Sandy Many Chief was acknowledged through her participation in the event for her years of dedicated service.
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATIONS A TIME TO HONOR BELOVED AND BRAVE SOLDIERS
Remembrance Day is a time for the veterans, of the armed conflicts of the past and present, along with their families and supporters, to stand in honour to commemorate the heroics and bravery of our soldiers who fought for our freedoms. On Saturday, November 11th, 2017, a large number of people gathered at the Kainai Multipurpose building to celebrate our heroes, who gave up their own freedom to fight for ours. Kainai Elder, Martin Eagle Child, who served as the emcee, introduced a number of speakers throughout the day. Council members Floyd Big Head, JoAnne LeMieux and Marcel Weasel Head represented our leadership, and a lady who has been involved in the Remembrance Day celebrations through the selling of poppies for the past few decades shared a thought of her late husband, Horace Quesnelle, who served as a Private in World War II. “As we were leaving we weren’t sure how many of us would make it back,” Mrs. Ruth Quesnelle remembers her late husband saying in referring to the constant danger surrounding each and every one of the soldiers in battle. 12
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
After a Veterans song by local drum group Moccasin Flats, led by Arnold Mountain Horse and his crew, George Kush a long time supporter of the Kainai Remembrance Day activity played the hauntingly beautiful reveille, The Last Post. Moccasin Flats then sang an honour song and concluded with the Victory song after the families and supporters paid their respects to our veterans as they laid wreaths in their memory. During the celebration, Dr. Lena Russell and Maria Russell read the Blackfoot version of In Flanders Field while Keith Chief Moon’s grandchild, Danica Young Pine, read the English version. Cardston Junior High Princess, Taiann Devine and Cadet Cpl Kyresse Mountain Horse both read poems while Riley Healy read the Ode recitation Kainai elder Sophie Tailfeathers gave the opening prayer for the ceremony and elder Ed Chief Moon gave a blessing at the end of the celebration to everyone in attendance. A mini powwow with the princesses and ambassadors concluded the day’s event.
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Story by Mariah Blood
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WEEK
NATIONAL ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WEEK
MOVES AHEAD
Youth performing for audience at talent show.
to combat alcohol and substance abuse in First Nations communities. The program was to provide a balanced professional, paraprofessional and administrative training program to support prevention, maintenance and treatment programs with a cadre of different level positions including advanced and basic level counselors. It was anticipated that this component would be carried out by Indian controlled “stations” as well as through contracted arrangements with established institutions. The document also referred to an accreditation program to maintain appropriate standards and consistency of service delivery. This was followed by a candlelight vigil at the White Calf Hall. On Thursday, day four, Lance Scout covered Grief and Loss in the morning, and in the afternoon, Kelly Young Pine did an exercise called Colors. On the fifth and final day, there was a community conference with a focus on self-care by Lance Scout. Long Time Squirrel was grateful at the number of departments, organizations and community members who supported the National Addictions Awareness Week activities. “I want to offer a special thanks to the Mental Health staff at the Kainai Wellness Centre,” she said. “I give them all the credit for this week because they do the presentations, they are the people who are knowledgeable. Also NNADAP, the councillors, they came out and they did the presentations. I’d like to thank the Blood Tribe Department of Health for approving a lot of our activities.”
The annual national addictions awareness week, on November 13-17, 2017, featured many activities and information sessions geared toward addressing addictions through awareness and participation in individual and group- orientated activities. Pearl Long Time Squirrel, coordinator, Kainai wellness center was pleased at the overall participation and contributions of the various tribal organizations and the tribal members who participated in the events. Long Time Squirrel shared her thoughts about the purpose of the awareness week. “It’s the National Addictions Awareness Week and we celebrate this event once a year in November; it’s always the third week.” And she continued, “I organize it with the other agencies. We have a number of workshops and sobriety walks and we also include the youth. They have their own activities. Whenever we can, we go help them out and give them support.” To begin the week, Kainai Wellness Centre put together a Sober Walk that began at the Blood Tribe housing and ended at the White Calf Hall, with four stopovers for a prayer. On day two, Constable Drew Kanyo from the Lethbridge Police Society addressed addictions awareness on the opioid crisis. On day three, NNADAP shared information regarding pre-treatment, detox, treatment, follow-up, aftercare and support. The National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) is now in its fifteenth year of existence as the federal government’s primary line of attack
A round dance was enjoyed by all.
The youth and families enjoyed volleyball.
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Story by Mariah Blood
ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WEEK
Charlie Crow Chief
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
“Mayor Spearman told me,’I want you to be here’ and I’m really thankful you’re here,’” he said. “I told the mayor I’m here representing my people and to play my part in reconciliation, to create an understanding and awareness of our culture and others.” Crow Chief almost didn’t attend the Lethbridge Remembrance Day ceremony as he had planned to travel with his family to the United States, but he thought about the sacrifices his dad and uncle made in fighting for our people and the country and decided to attend. He was approached by a number of people during and after the ceremony who thanked him for being a part of the function. In remembering his father, he recalled a story he heard from his relatives and from other soldiers who fought beside his dad. “My dad and another soldier made it up the hill. They were the only two who made it, the rest, they were shot and killed,” he recalled. “Once they made it up, my dad sang a war song, and from what I heard, the Germans in that area thought they were captured after hearing the song and surrendered. This was never written and acknowledged, but many soldiers who were there told me about what had happened.”
An elder from the Kainai Nation participated as a guest at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Lethbridge on November 11, 2017 at the Lethbridge Pavillion. Charlie Crow Chief, whose dad Joe and uncle Nicholas King that fought in WWI, was invited by Mayor Chris Spearman after he realized Charlie had direct ties to the famous battle of Vimy Ridge in which Canadian forces played a huge role in eventually defeating the German army. Crow Chief attended the ceremony even though he was not included on the official program.
KAINAI ELDER CROW CHIEF LAYS WREATH OF HONOR DURING THE
LETHBRIDGE REMEMBRANCEDAYCEREMONY 15
During the ceremony, Mayor Spearman accompanied Crow Chief as they laid a wreath in honor of all soldiers who fought in all of history’s world conflicts. Crow Chief’s family has a long history of soldiers that continues to the present. His grandson Preston and niece Trisha Willows were recent soldiers who are playing their role in protecting our people. Today, with his wife Betty beside him, Crow Chief continues his best to promote peace and goodwill and is thankful for people like Mayor Chris Spearman and others who understand that friendship and freedom are values and principles that go beyond the battlefields, that these same beliefs must continue to be upheld at home and at times of peace – this is why Crow Chief attended the Lethbridge Remembrance Day celebrations and this is the sentiment he wanted express to the outside community when he spoke of reconciliation – that peace must continue above all costs. Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
KAINAIWA RESOURCES INC
KainaiwaResourcesInc. Blood reserve, Alberta, November 17, 2017. Tamarack Valley Energy, as of September 11, 2017 moved a drilling rig onto the northeastern part of the main Reserve. Keep in mind, due to the downturn in the oil and gas industry, the Nation has not seen a well drilled on the Reserve for years. Tamarack, the newest company to the Reserve, purchased all of the Bonavista lands and oil and gas wells effective June 1, 2016. From that point forward, the company has been looking to continue exploiting the Barons Play oil field whose wells are known to the majority of the membership, as these are the oil wells you see from highway 509 on the way to-andfrom Lethbridge. KRI’s mandate: “To increase revenue generated through oil and gas activities, to establish greater control over the Tribe’s natural resources, to maximize the employment and contractual opportunities for Blood Tribe members while maintaining the highest environmental standards and safeguards and to ensure that the Blood Tribe’s cultural and spiritual customs are not infringed upon.” Kainai Resource Inc. (KRI) has been actively involved with assisting interested Nation-owned contractors and laborers attain work from the drilling of the Tamarack Well. However, only those members capable of performing the work and who have the equipment and experience appropriate for the
task, and who are also compliant with safety training standards and regulations, will be considered and forwarded onto the active companies on the Reserve. All contractors and laborers are welcome to update business and resume information to KRI at any time. The basic information KRI would require include, but not limited to, the following: valid insurance and WCB registration; all members must also have valid driver’s license and applicable oil and gas related safety tickets, at which point KRI will be able to pass the information along to the companies, and in doing so, the companies and the Nation will continue to maintain and develop a strong working relationship. The Tamarack Well is currently in the completion phase, which would be week five (5) of the project. At this point, Tamarack is not prepared to comment until all data from the well can be compiled and assessed. From this, the company will determine if future wells will be drilled on the Blood reserve. This report will be updated and provided to the membership on a quarterly basis, or as often as necessary, and will feature different aspects of KRI’s operations. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Kainaiwa Resources Inc. at 403.737.3950 or fax 403.737.2822 or email admin@krioilandgas.ca
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TAMARACK VALLEY ENERGY DRILLS FIRST WELL ON BLOOD LANDS
Submitted by Kainaiwa Resources Inc
NEW REPORT:
OPIOID NEW REPORT
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM OPIOIDS
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
syndrome, intergenerational traumas, loss of lands, resources, culture and language. This affects the rate of addiction in many of our communities.”
Dr. Hakique Virani.
A new report just released and compiled by the Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre and Alberta Health Services says Indigenous people have been dying from accidental opioid overdoses at a rate three times higher than non-Indigenous people. It also says First Nations people are twice as likely to be prescribed an opioid. “As data drives policy, this report provides really valuable information to help guide our response and we will be working with our partners to meet the challenge. I agree with Dr. Sue Christensen who said this type of information is making the medical community wake up and will motivate us to do better,” says AFNIGC Operations Manager Bonnie Healy. “The initial request came from former Treaty 7 Grand Chief Charles Weasel Head. He wanted more detail on the data - in response to Kainai’s fight against Fentanyl. He wanted to know how many of our people are dying from Fentanyl. That data was not available from AHS because deaths were not coded as Fentanyl specific. So, Alberta Health appointed an epidemiologist to work with the medical examiner’s office to look at historical records and do the recoding. Then we were able to produce a
very detailed report to answer the questions former Chief Weasel Head and others were asking.” While Indigenous people make up about six per cent of Alberta’s population, the report not only found the rising number of opioid overdoses in Alberta is disproportionately affecting Indigenous people, it found more deaths and visits to emergency rooms. Healy says there needs to be a holistic approach to these issues, but more importantly, the medical community needs to create understanding in hearts and minds, to have compassion for those suffering from opioids and other addictions. “We, as First Nations, need to acknowledge and address the problems in our communities but we can’t do it alone. We know that Fentanyl and other opioids are extremely dangerous, and that addictions have long plagued marginalized populations suffering in poverty, lack of adequate health services and education, employment, treatment facilities and loss of language and culture. There has to be better understanding that First Nations suffer historical harms through colonization, the Indian Residential School 17
According to Dr. Hakique Virani, who works in an Edmonton Methadone Clinic, “Doctors need to be better educated about opioid dependence. They need to become better prescribers and offer better treatments and prevention strategies, such as opioid replacement therapies, which includes medications like Soboxone and Methadone that take away withdrawals and cravings. The biggest challenge is encouraging more doctors and providing incentive to prescribe opioid replacement drugs. The province must also open up more treatment spaces for patients hooked on opioids and other highly addictive and potent opioids.” Dr. Virani continues: “The Blood Tribe has done some tremendous work but we are still faced with a growing problem. What else can we do? There will never be enough resources but more importantly, we need to reconnect. As a people, we need connection - to family, language, culture and ceremony. That’s going to help people. This is important, along with acknowledging historical harm and addressing the traumas of colonization, child welfare, justice and working with families to overcome oppressive situations of poverty…all of the socio-economic impacts, of legislation, broken policies and systemic racism. But above all, I believe reconnection is key, and finding our own personal healing journey through strengthened family.” Story by Brent Scout
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
DOLAN WELLS
Dolan Wells
YOUNG BLOOD COWBOY JOINS PBR RANKS AS HE GOES ALL OUT TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST However, competing against bulls with huge explosive power is proving to be dangerous, as he has sustained a number of injuries throughout his career. He broke his left arm and had to switch riding hands to compete again. In 2013 he sustained a serious injury where the bulls horn gored him and he was out for 6 months. But he knows it’s all part of the rodeo business.
Dolan Wells cutting loose on bull.
In every sport in rodeo, there is potential for harm or danger to the athlete. However, it is the choice of the cowboy to compete in events that test their strength and endurance to the limits. Young Dolan Wells, a tall, lanky, 6’3 youngster has chosen an event in rodeo in which he must utilize every bit of energy and strength, and even a few tips from other cowboys, to compete in one of the most dangerous events in rodeo – bull riding. The young Wells cowboy had the opportunity to watch a rodeo and chose bull riding from the other major events. His dad Shane once asked him a question regarding his intent to become a cowboy. “One day my dad asked me if I would ever rodeo and what event would he compete in,” he said. “And I told him bull riding.” Since then, Wells has taken his decision to further compete against other cowboys in a sport that is quickly gaining a huge following – the Professional Bull Riding movement. In 1992, when 20 bull riders from the rodeo circuit came together to give life to a dream they all shared, they never imagined it would so quickly develop into what has officially been declared the fastest growing sport in America – the PBR. The riders pooled their resources - $1,000 each
- and broke away from the confines of the rodeo format to make bull riding, the most popular of the seven events in traditional rodeo, a standalone sport and take it to major markets across the United States. Today the visionary founders are riding a wave of popularity as the PBR continues its charge as one of the fastest-growing properties in the history of sports. The concept is simple enough: match the world’s best bull riding athletes against the toughest animal athletes on the planet in an 8-second man versus beast duel. Put the cowboys against one another in a seasonlong battle to claim the year-end title of PBR World Champion, and with that, a share of more than $10 million in prize money including the $1 million year-end bonus for the season’s best bull rider. Of course, it’s only simple until you strap a tough and determined 160-pound cowboy to the back of a temperamental 2,000-pound bull. The result is unparalleled action where danger, drama and heroic accomplishments are just a part of the game. Wells began his bull riding career riding Jr. bulls at the age of 15 and has been riding for the past six years and is now competing at the highest professional level in the P.B.R. (Professional Bull Riding Association). 18
Today, the PBR has rapidly transformed one of the fastest-growing sports in America into a worldwide phenomenon. In just two decades, the dream of 20 bull riders has grown into a global sports sensation that has awarded more than $140 million in prize money. Professional bull riding is a fierce, rough, and grueling sport with roots deeply imbedded in American culture. It’s America’s original extreme sport. “Next year I want to go hard with it. Next year I want to go and try make it to both PBR Canada Finals and to the INFR,” said Wells as he prepares for a future in the PBR. With his heart and effort, the young Wells may just make a name for himself in the world of professional bull riding.
Getting help tightening bullrope.
Dolan Wells, PBR
Story by Tracy Weasel Fat
LAME BULL TREATY
TSINIKSSINI November 2017
LAME BULL TREATY TOPIC OF DISCUSSION WITH STUDENTS OF KAINAI HIGH SCHOOL
Blood elder Mike Bruised Head and Principal Ramona Big Head gave a presentation to the Kainai High School students recently on a treaty that is recognized by authorities in the United States, but is not formally recognized by leaders in Canada – the Lame Bull Treaty of 1855. The following information is what was generally shared with the students in giving them an understanding of a few of the treaties that were signed and agreed upon by the United States government and the First Nations’ people prior to contact.
and their Nez Perce neighbours. In return, permission was given to construct roads, railways, telegraph lines, military posts and settlements.
Contact With The Europeans/Treaties The Blackfoot have made several treaties with the Canadian and United States governments. When Americans began building railways across the continent in the 1850s, the conflict among First Nations and between First Nations and non-Natives became a roadblock to rail construction and an impediment to settlement. In the fall of 1855 various nations met at on the Judith River and made a treaty (called the Judith Treaty or the Lame Bull Treaty after one of the Piikani leaders) that acknowledged the vast extent of Niitsitapi territory and promised to protect their rights. As well, funds and education were offered that would help Niitsitapi adapt to a new way of life. A common hunting ground was also established for Niitsitapi
In Canada, Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald’s national policy was predicated on the building of a transcontinental railway and the populating of the prairies with settlers. Before either could be accomplished, legal title to the land had to be secured. In 1870, the government purchased much of the Hudson’s Bay Company’ territory. Treaties were negotiated with First Nations to extinguish all claims to the land and resources. These treaties were given numbers, reflecting the order in which they were made.
In 1871 the United States Congress determined that First Nations were not separate nations and that no further treaties would be negotiated. Instead, Presidential Orders and Congressional Acts were used to appropriate land. The last of these, in 1896, created Glacier National Park in Montana.
On September 22, 1877, Canada made Treaty 7 with the Niitsitapi (Kainai, Siksika and Apatohsipiiikani), Tsuu T’ina, and Nakoda. The North-West Mounted Police were present to keep the peace and 19
to reinforce the authority of the Crown. This meeting reflects the great differences between the cultures. The government wanted the First Nations to cede their claims to the land. Ownership of the land was incomprehensible to people who believed that they were a part of the world and not the owners of it. The First Nations believe they had agreed to help the newcomers in return for help from the government in adjusting to a new way of life. After nearly two centuries of epidemics, the First Nations also wanted assurance that their health care would be looked after. The First Nations believed that they were making a treaty according to their traditions. The government looked only at what was written down, ignoring much of the First Nations wishes, but assuming that they now had full title to the land and all of its resources. Acknowledgement and context by Glenbow Museum.
KHS Story by Tom Russell