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 Zane Medicine Crane Photos/Stories
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
September 2018 in this issue
It was a long, hot summer enjoyed by people who took advantage of the beautiful weather to bask in the sun and to become involved in many outdoor activities, however, it is becoming a common occurrence each year as the dry conditions, especially in the mountains, become dangerous as wildfires burning out-of-control engulf the countryside downwind with thick, heavy smoke. With fires raging in Montana and British Columbia, many precautions here in southern Alberta, and especially on our lands, were required to comply with a Fire Ban. On the one hand, fire can be deadly and devastating, and on the other hand, fire can rejuvenate the land and forest by burning up dead grass, leaves and trees to allow for regrowth. It was especially heartwarming to have our leader, Makiinima (Chief Roy Fox), set up his camp and to participate in our annual Horn ceremony. Much like leaders of our past, Makiinima put all of today’s business aside and spent his time among us, his people. It was an honor and a pleasure to hear and share stories with our chief. During the hot, dry summer, a handful of concerned tribal members stood aside and pondered what they could do for our people. After sharing thoughts and ideas, it was decided upon to beautify the resting places of our loved ones. The Kainai Cemetery Beautification project breathed life into areas long forgotten. Tall grass and unsightly weeds were trimmed and cut to make these places more presentable for those who visit family, relatives and friends who have gone before us. The Blackfoot Confederation, hosted by our Piikani relatives, took place in the northern portion of the traditional Blackfoot territory in the city of Red Deer, AB. Chief Stanley Grier, Chief Roy Fox, Chief Joe Weasel Child, along with Blackfeet Chairman Tim Davis welcomed everyone in attendance while the technicians shared information and future plans. The Blackfoot Confederacy office opened its doors this year in Calgary, AB., and is the central location for Confederacy business as the Blackfoot move progressively forward in meeting the needs of its people. The Director and staff of the Communications wish all the students well and thank them for their contributions to their assigned duties this summer. The Blood Tribe Employment & Skills department and the Blood Tribe’s Social Development department are among those who dedicate their services in promoting and developing career choices for our people. If you have any story ideas or information you want passed along for the public to know of, please contact us at 403.737.8130 or at bloodtribe.org. We will be happy to assist you in any way possible. ‘Til next time…
cover photo An arrangement of stones placed in traditional fashion is a feature long used by the Blackfoot to mark its territory. This feature was erected by Blackfoot Confederacy elders at Fort Normadeau in Red Deer, AB. Front Page Photo: Myron Fox Additional Contributors: Zane Medicine Crane, Lizabeth Fox, William Singer, Sandra Delaney, Dexter Bruised Head, Winston Bruised Head. 2
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
First Steps for Healthy Babies
THIRD ANNUAL POWWOW BRINGS OUR CHILDREN TOGETHER FOR A DAY OF DANCING TO CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS The 1st Step for Healthy Babies program brought together children 12 years and under to the third annual cultural celebration for National FAS Day and hosted a tiny tot– powwow on Friday, September 7, 2018 at the new White Calf Hall to celebrate and honor our young. Marilyn Standing Alone, program coordinator, said the gathering was also a way to share information on its efforts to care for and meet the needs of our children and to continue to inform expectant mothers to care for themselves.
“More people are coming to the powwow,” said Standing Alone. “It’s national FAS day and it’s everyone’s duty to ensure the safety of our children. Also, we have a male mentor (Steven Crying Head) so all the males can be a part of our program.” Travis Plaited Hair, Director, Sik Ooh Kotoki Friendship Centre, was the emcee for the day’s activities and kept the event running smoothly with his entertaining words and positive messages for the children and those in attendance. This year again, a large number of people came together to celebrate with our children. The outgoing princess Charlie Red Crow and the ambassador Calvert Wolf Child Jr. were on hand during the powwow as Ambassador Ed Shouting and Cydney Plaited Hair, princess, were named as the royalty in representing the 1st Steps For Healthy Babies program. During the powwow, there was a special event that brought much laughter and excitement: A group of non-Blackfoot were chosen to perform traditional dance moves to the beat of Yellow Tail. Standing Alone was pleased at the number of people who attended the festivity and is already looking forward to next year.
Young Ed Shouting was named the Ambassador for the 1st steps for Healthy Babies powwow.
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“We really enjoyed ourselves and I thank the children and the parents for coming out to spend the day with us,” she said. “I want to thank Travis Plaited Hair for a wonderful job, the drummers and to acknowledge my mentors Gaylene Crow Chief, Maggie Heavy Head, Brenda Young Pine, Beverly Hunt and Steven Crying Head.
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY’S LEADERSHIP CONTINUES ESTABLISHMENT OF FORMAL GOVERNING STRUCTURES
--Kainai Nation to Host Next Year’s Blackfoot Confederacy Conference; Pipe Ceremony and Rock Feature Mark Traditional Territory --
Siksika Chief Joseph Weasel Child, Piikani Chief Stanley Grier, Blackfeet Chairman Tim Davis and Kainai Chief Roy Fox in traditional regalia.
Since time immemorial, the Blackfoot defended its territory and this continues today. The recent Blackfoot Confederacy conference in Red Deer, AB., shared the intent and progress the confederacy is involved with in determining its course in serving the highest interests of the Blackfoot people of the Kainai, Siksika, Piikani and Amskapipiikani (Blackfeet) tribes. Jack Royal, CEO, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council office, said much work is still required, however, the commitment in the eventual establishment fully dedicated to Blackfoot business and interests is in the forefront. “We want to recognize Piikani and their leadership for hosting this year’s 18th annual conference,” and added. “We were given instructions to assert ourselves, to get organized, coordinated and to develop the confederacy’s organization. We’ve developed the strategic plan, we have an office, we’ve got the corporate stuff done; also, we have some staffing and human resources done, financial resources and various programs and services rolled out.” Royal said the respective governments are aware of the Blackfoot people’s intent in moving the confederacy structure forward.
“We’re evolving and continuing the path,” he explained. “We have many skilled people in all areas, a lot of capacity and experience. The governments and industry see our humility and an ease to work with, but at the same time we can be very protective if we want. We’re developing a very strong foundation and, in fact, a government official told me the Blackfoot Confederacy is very organized, coordinated, with a lot of capacity and good to work with.” Piikani elder Leonard Bastien and longtime Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump employee Quinton Crow Shoe shared duties as emcees and in keeping with traditional Blackfoot custom, called upon many elders to begin each day with prayer. Piikani Chief Stanley Grier acknowledged the leaders, elders, the people in attendance and the Red Deer mayor and offered his thoughts on the Blackfoot Confederacy. “I want to acknowledge all of our past ancestors who protected this land and maintained our history,” he shared. “But, the primary objective of having these conferences within the expanse of our territory is to ensure we are asserting our inherent rights, so it’s important that we 4
put forth our footprints on our land. We formed this corporation, the Blackfoot Confederacy, and along with that, it allows us to have a more practical involvement in our future. We want the involvement of all our people as we move forward.” Kainai Chief Roy Fox shared Blackfoot history with the people and offered words of wisdom. “I want to signify that strength we are reviving now,” he began. “We have finally come to the point where we are involved in more tangible processes in carrying forth those important matters. We want to ensure that what we do as a confederacy has some meaning to all of you, has meaning to you as members of your respective tribes, has meaning to you as staff and board members and other representatives, that we are forging towards something necessary and worthwhile. We want to enhance the work you do and that we will continue to be strong as the confederacy was. The confederacy has lasted for centuries; with our hard work, it will last centuries more.” Siksika Chief Joseph Weasel Child, who has a strong historical background, spoke of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
Each of the sessions were well attended by the many people at the Blackfoot Confederacy gathering in Red Deer.
“Out of all the treaties, ours, Treaty 7, is the only one with a name – it’s called the Blackfoot Treaty. The fundamental basis of Treaty 7, through our oral history is going to be what takes us through and will strengthen and confirm who we are and where we come from,” he said. “The chief’s are here to provide political leadership, however, we rely on the technicians, the traditional knowledge holders, the council members to facilitate the needs of our respective tribes. We are very blessed with all the gifts everyone brings to the table and we will continue to exercise our rights and jurisdictions.”
Among the topics discussed included the Blackfoot Confederacy Update, CEO Jack Royal, Alberta Protocol Update, Kirby Smith, BFC Housing, Arnold Jerry, Education, Genevieve Fox, Climate Leadership, Kimmy Shade, Membership, Economic Development and Culture. During the conference, the late Andy Blackwater was recognized with a special presentation for his many contributions to the Blackfoot Confederacy. Buck Buchanan spoke on behalf of Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer and a screening called the Grizzly Bear Treaty was viewed. A group of elders including John Chief Moon, Wilton Goodstriker, Martin Heavy Head, Roger Prairie Chicken and Leonard Bastien shared stories in the storyteller series. The Kainai will host next year’s Blackfoot Confederacy conference.
Chairman Tim Davis, Blackfeet, spoke of initiatives the Blackfeet people are involved with. “The confederacy has been strong throughout our history,” he shared. “We need to focus on education, health, our culture and language among other issues. We are currently working on the border crossing and recognizing our traditional sites. I want to acknowledge our traditional chief Earl Old Person who did a lot for us. He told us stories of how we were so powerful throughout history, that we protected our territory from our enemies. Today, we are introducing culture and language in our schools that is strong, vitalizing and tenacious. I look forward to the work we all need to do.”
The Blackfoot Confederacy buffalo robe flanked by confederacy flags.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
KAINAI HOUSING PROJECT
KAINAI HOUSING PROJECT CREATING EMPLOYMENT TOWARD AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR TRIBAL MEMBERS
One of the completed houses prepared to move onto foundation in Stand Off townsite.
The Kainai Housing Project is in operation and is nearing completion of the next Phase in which 25 houses are being constructed for tribal members. Upon completion of this first phase, another 25 houses are in the works to chip away at the demand to house tribal members who want to occupy their own homes. Council member Floyd Big Head is pleased at the employment the project is bringing into the community and the efforts to house people in top-quality dwellings.
“Our long-term plan is trying to adapt and to look at building roof trusses, supplying lumber, the possibilities are endless,” says Big Head. “We’ve got good workers here and they’re all buying in and it’s our job (as leaders) to continue supporting them and keep it going. I’m hoping we can create more certified tradespeople; we can do this. I don’t see why we can’t build houses all over western Canada, at a profit.”
Rachel Tailfeathers, Director, Housing, said the demand for housing units is high due to our population.
“The population of our tribe is around 13,000. On the reserve there is maybe about 5,000 and the housing inventory we have is about 1,400 units,” she said. “So you can obviously know that the demand is there.” With 45 tribal members employed, the goal to produce top-quality houses is the responsibility of employees like Rainy Eagle Speaker who was named one of the foremen. “It’s a challenge getting everyone working, getting everybody here every day, but it’s going,” Eagle Speaker said. “A lot of people come from not having any employment to having full-blown employment and it’s
The $6.5 million project is a partnership between the Blood Tribe, the province and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Each unit has four bedrooms and an unfinished basement that homeowners can develop according to their own personal tastes. Each unit is 1,250 square feet and upon completion, will be moved to designated areas on the reserve. Fifteen houses will be moved to Stand Off, seven houses in Moses Lake and three will be located in the rural area.
kind of hard (for them) getting back on track and getting to work on time.” Blood Tribe Housing project manager Dale Murphy said the tribe will benefit from the housing project. “Our workforce is comprised of all Blood Tribe members,” he said. “There’s an application people will have to complete to apply for a house. I think this is great and having a facility like this allows us to work in any kind of conditions. We’ve been approved for the next phase and it’s proving to the crew that we’re doing a good job.”
Housing employees work together to complete house.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
THE INDIAN RODEO COWBOY’S ASSOCIATION FINALS PROVIDED FANS WITH PLENTY OF THRILLS AND SPILLS
I.R.C.A.
The Indian Rodeo Cowboy’s Association provided plenty of entertainment for the rodeo fans at the Kainai Memorial Agriplex as they watched the cowboys and cowgirls compete for the opportunity to represent their respective First Nations at the up-coming Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Blood Council member Floyd Big Head and Shane Wells did a masterful job of announcing during the rodeo as the competitors went all out in trying to win a seat at the finals. The Blood Tribe Recreation, Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training, Public Works, the Ag Society and the Blood Tribe Chief & Council fully supported the IRCA finals. Following are the winners of each event: SADDLE BRONC – BYRON BRUISED HEAD STEER WRESTLING – ARMOND DUCK CHIEF LADIES BREAKAWAY – LEXI RABBIT SR. MENS BREAKAWAY – TERRY TATSEY JUNIOR BULLS – ROCKY BAPTISTE LADIES BARREL RACING – LISA CREIGHTON JR. BARREL RACING – MEMPHIS DODGING HORSE TIE DOWN ROPING – JAY CRAWLER SR. TEAM ROPING HEADER – HOSS PEPION SR. TEAM ROPING HEALER – KEITH TATSEY TEAM ROPING HEADER – BRYAN LABELLE TEAM ROPING HEALER – GARRETT BENJAMIN JR. BREAKAWAY – KASH WEASEL FAT BULL RIDING – TRAVIS MAGUIRE
A young bull rider strutting his stuff.
The Timers at the rodeo were Maxine Big Head and Tina Pace and the judges were Marty Wildman and Tyrone Potts. The pick up men were Shawn Shade and Fagan Standing Alone and the Bull Fighter was Robin Whitney. The contractors included Shade & Sons, Dan McDougall, Standing Alone Company and Bob Wilson. The Blood Tribe Ag-Society included: Jon Wells, Pat Fox, Bo Wells, Robert Wells, Dallas Young Pine, Floyd Big Head, Maxine Big Head, Melissa Willows and the volunteers were Leslie Wells, CloAnn Wells, Wayna Beebe and Montana Shade.
The style and grace of the woman’s barrel racing competition.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
TRIBAL DOCTORS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS PLANTED A
TRADITIONAL GARDEN IN LAVERN Two doctors from the Blackfoot Confederacy took the initiative to play a small role in contributing to the health and lifestyles of the members of the Lavern community this past summer. Dr. Sue Christensen, after meeting with Dr. Linda Many Gun, decided to plant a garden that comprised of traditional vegetables for public consumption. “Hey Sue, would you like to have a traditional garden?” Christensen recalled in a conversation with Many Guns. “And I said, ‘Yes,’ and then the question was how’s this going to happen?” Christensen wrote a grant letter to brighter futures and within four weeks it was approved. “We got funding for the traditional garden, so it was very fluid and it just happened that way.” They used a dump truck that brought the organic soil and then got a team of patients from the Lavern clinic who helped with the raised garden beds. Their
work was completed in one day. “Through the work that we’ve done with the addictions trying to find stress reduction activities being in nature, working with earth really helps people who are struggling with addictions and boredom,” she explains. “Watering plants, watching them grow, planting them is very healing and there’s good medical evidence that activity works, so there’s several reasons why we did this. But the capacity to help with stress, anxiety and addictions is very powerful and then we’re also doing the reclamation of our past, that’s what we’re trying to incorporate in all of this.” The seeds, from North Dakota, were planted in a total of three garden beds in the traditional garden. One of the beds was dedicated for a pumpkin patch in hopes they will ripen for Halloween activities for the children. Lettuce, onions and carrots were also planted in the other garden bed. Four pounds of beans and squash will be harvested soon and when the tobacco turns
A pumpkin in the growing stages.
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yellow it will be harvested and dried. Sunflower seeds are still in the process of being matured and the corn will have another three weeks depending on the season. A traditional garden would incorporate the traditional herbs within the community, like sage and medicinal reasons for health and survival. Linda Many Guns, Professor, University of Lethbridge, was aware of a Hidatsa Native American, a respected women from north Dakota named Buffalo Bird Women, born in 1830, who was a master gardener in her community. According to Many Guns, there’s archaeological evidence that the Bloods were using her techniques and seeds from that area of the Fort WhoopUp river basin. “The idea was from professor Many Gun’s discovering Buffalo Bird Women’s garden and, I guess, an anthologist worked with her,” explained Christensen. “There’s great detail in her book on how she gardened and harvested. This is where their inspiration came from to have this garden for the community. In terms of our movement in reclaiming our past, we need to understand our past a lot better. In some of our bundles there are actual cornhusks suggesting that somewhere along the line we were involved in the cultivation of different types of crops.” Christensen said corn, beans and squash are a few vegetables people have adopted and in that diet there’s medical evidence these vegetables help ease diabetes, high blood pressure and improve with weight and positive moods. Christensen acknowledged Dr. Many Guns, Trinity White Feathers, Julie Palmer and the many volunteers who contributed to the traditional garden and added: “If you really do embrace that consumption of those foods, they seem to balance each other and they benefit a person’s health,” she said. “I encourage anyone out in the community who is interested in having a raised garden bed, or even gardening itself, to make a visit to the traditional garden and see what’s possible.
Story by Zane Medicine Crane
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
FEED THE CHILDREN CAMPAIGN
MEETS NEEDS IN KEEPING OUR YOUNG HEALTHY AND HAPPY In what is a gesture of goodwill and faith in the goodness of our people, a group lead by the Kainai Wellness Centre, spearheaded a campaign to help those who may be experiencing financial and other difficulties in helping to feed our most vulnerable – our children. Terri-Lyn Fox, Director, KWC, said the response in ensuring each child received a healthy meal was overwhelming. “In June we provided six dates that we would feed over 1000 children. We prepared bagged lunches those days and it was a team effort with employees at Kainai Wellness Center, as well as employees at Family & Community Support Services. We were really lucky this year to have a summer student help with the initiative and volunteers. It was a really good effort, many lunches were made. They were distributed in different zones throughout the reserve and we tried to get to as many homes as possible,” said Fox. Feed The Children initiative is a collaborative effort between Kainai Wellness Center, within the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc., and Family & Community Support Services. The pathways to a healthy future include consistent food sources in addition to continuous community support. Their mission is to create a community where our children never have to go without a meal. Food insecurity exists in the communities and this initative is one way to help with the issue of inadequate food and financial constraints within the community. Employees at the Kainai Wellness Center made 4000 bagged lunches. In each of the lunches contained a sandwich, fruit, a bag of chips, juice box and cookies. There was a total of five items in the bagged lunches; if not, sometimes they would have more due to donations from the food bank to distribute. On their final day, the end of August, Kainai Wellness Center actually provided a hot meal for community members at the Multi-Purpose Building.
Terri-Lyn Fox, Director, Wellness Centre, and Lori Brave Rock hold Feed The Children Banner.
Community members enjoyed pasta, Caesar salad, bread and a juice box with their meal prepared by Feed The Children. Clothing and toys we also distributed to all who attended that day.
We just didn’t feed children, we fed some of the homeless people as well.”
“The children were very grateful, especially in areas where there were a lot of children in very low income areas. Once they saw that we were getting out of the vehicle to distribute the bagged lunches, then we started seeing more children coming and they wanted the treats and lunches. They were really happy and you see the smile on their faces, so they were really pleased that they got a lunch that day,” said Fox. “It was like getting candy, but it just brought smiles to their faces. The parents and grandparents were thankful and we even got the chance to feed some of the homeless populations. 9
Story by Zane Medicine Crane
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
LANDS MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT MAPPING FOR EACH DESIGNATED TRIBAL CEMETERIES
Jonothon Day Chief and Lands Management are busy mapping the grave site at each Blood cemetery.
The BTLM geomatics division department started on a beautification project, to have data collected on the tribe’s major cemeteries such as names of the deceased and their date of passing. Jonathan Day Chief, geomatics manager, BTLM division began the work for the mapping and plotting. “The BTLM department started the project, we’ve been collecting and mapping through GPS. We would spend a week at a time at each cemetery and collect as much info as we can, such as the names of the deceased, date of birth and date of death. Also collecting other info like attribute data,” said Day Chief. Many of the Blood Tribe’s cemeteries are in dire need of improvement to honour our departed community members. Currently there’s no custodial caretaker for any of the current cemeteries and the landscaping conditions are beyond substandard. The geomatics division’s end goal is to have our cemeteries appeasing to the eye and to bring a sense of peace when a community member has a funeral service. Everything is being conducted into three major phases. Phase 1, includes GPS data collection of the visible locations and names of the deceased. Then plotting the locations accurately in GIS mapping. Phase 2, includes the data collection of the locations and names of the deceased that were not visible in the Phase 1 data
collection with help from the public. Lastly phase 3, will be the leveling of the burial mounds, landscaping and the maintenance of the cemetery grounds. “Numbered rows and columns, like you’ll have row here and there, so it can be easily located and no GPS will be needed during that time. Once we have all the information that we can have possible, then we’ll pass it on to whoever will take over the cemeteries as a cemetery custodial caretaker. We would like to have these older graves possibly flattened to have an even lawn, have a set walkway and have trees planted. In our plot plan we’re proposing to have a permanent road for the hearse to drive-in. We also want access for the elderly,” said Day Chief. There was once some records of the burial plot plans held by the Catholic Church. Decades ago this plot plan was taken by an unknown public program, which was to take over the records and care taking of the cemeteries. Sadly, the whereabouts of these burial plot plans is not known to the department of BTLM.
Standoff Cemetary.
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Story by Zane Medicine Crane
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
Tia Fox and crew from FCSS were busy this summer cleaning each cemetery on the Kainai nation.
Tia Fox, program coordinator, FCSS, organized a group effort from Family & Community Support Services employees and volunteers to clean up the cemeteries on the Blood reserve. During the long, hot summer months, the crew gathered at each cemetery to cut the weeds, paint and repair fences and gates, mow the grass beside each burial plot and around the cemetery. “We wanted to get the cemeteries cleaned up, so I asked our staff and director if there was anything we could do,” explained Fox. “We were aware Lands Management had an initiate also, to get the sites properly marked. So, why don’t we just try to help because there’s other cemeteries that need the same service.” FCSS Director Bruce Iron Shirt gave his support to Fox and her crew and they began the clean-up on August 29th, 2018. Fox said the strong members of the different congregations wanted to present a plan to begin the process and it was assistance from members of the Anglican and Catholic churches, Blood Tribe Drug & Harm Reduction program, BTEST Job Readiness program students and the FCSS who got the initiative going. “We need to ensure that our loved ones were taken care of,” she said. “This is a community effort and we still have a
responsibility to continue to care for our people and to make this an annual project.” Fox hopes that our leadership can support their effort to continue the clean-up every year. “This could be a collaborative effort between all the departments and I would like to present a proposal to Chief & Council to say how we can make this ongoing,” she said. “Our loved ones are still in our hearts and in our minds and we should do whatever we can do to make their final resting places nice and comforting for family members to visit.”
CEMETERY CLEAN-UP BEAUTIFYING GRAVE SITES TO MAKE EACH BURIAL LOCATION RESPECTABLE
Worker weed whacking at the cemetary.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
Indian Relay Race Tribes from across North America compete in CHAMPIONSHIP OF CHAMPIONS RELAY RACES
In one of the most thrilling events to hit the horse riding scene is the Indian relay races currently gaining huge popularity for fans seeking excitement and the anticipation of endangerment. This year, Walla Walla, Wash., hosted the Championship of Champions Indian Relay Races that attracted a large number of teams from across Indian country looking to take home the title. In what could be seen as counting coup, a team from the Enoch First Nation calling themselves River Cree captured first place honours in the Chief’s category to bring home the championship title. The growing sport has been dominated by teams from the United States who have been relay racing for years before teams from Canada began to compete on a more active and serious measure.
Winston Bruised Head, Recreation, travelled to Washington as a spectator to witness the races. “It was something else,” he said in describing the intensity and action during the two-day event. “The teams are going all out to compete and the cheering from the people is loud. It was an awesome experience and I’m glad I came here to see firsthand how serious the people here take their racing.” A couple of other local teams taking in the action included Bird Rattler and Boss Ribs families who made the trek to showcase their horses and crew. The rules of Indian relay racing can vary somewhat from event to event. Teams are composed of four people and three horses. Team members are usually all from the same tribe, and often are members of the same 12
family. Any breed of horse may be entered into the race, but thoroughbreds are the most common. Many are retired racehorses from the thoroughbred industry. Only one team member competes as jockey, riding all three horses in succession. Another team member serves as the “grabber,” catching each finishing horse as the jockey dismounts. The other two team members are “holders” who try to contain and quiet the second and third horses along the rail until it’s time for them to be ridden around the track. The horses are rode without a saddle.
Submitted by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
CANADIAN INDIAN RELAY RACING ASSOCIATION HAVE EXCELLENT RESULTS IN EXTREME RACING
The Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association has wrapped up its 2018 season with a very impactful showing at the Championship of Champions in Walla Walla Washington USA. The month of September started out with the Canadian Championships in Enoch, AB., on Sept 1-2, 2018. A record number of 21 teams were competing in a very eventful weekend with a huge crowd on hand. Northern Cree Express claimed the season and finals buckles in a very dominating season. The Canadian Champions are as follows:
Season and Canadian Champion Lady Warrior Race - Cheryl Gopher – Team Stone Stable, Grizzly Bear Head, Sask. Co-Season Champion Lady Warrior Race – Cindy Jackson – Partner Stables, Saddle Lake, AB. Co-Season Champion Chief Race – Gilbert Whitefish – Whitefish Warriors, Big River Sask. Co-Season Champion Chief Race – Joseph Jackson – Partner Stables, Saddle Lake AB. Season Champion Warrior Race – Kal Jackson – Partner Stables, Saddle Lake AB. Finals Champion Warrior Race – Tyrell McGilvery – Northern Cree Express, Saddle Lake AB. The Championships of Champions in Walla Walla Washington has become the largest Indian Relay Event in history. 38 teams from USA and Canada competed in a very exciting weekend with each and every race as thrilling as the last. This was also the largest number of teams from Canada crossing the border to compete. History was being made in every aspect of the race as nine Canadian teams were entered. Tyrell McGilvery from Team River Cree Enoch Cree Nation was crowned the World Champion Chief Racer and also placed 2nd in the final Indian relay consolation heat. Northern Cree Express qualified to the championship heat but Cory Jackson was unable to ride due to a knee injury. They recruited Myles Murray and placed 7th overall. The Canadian Rookie Team of the Year from Morley AB. had a very impressive showing. MiniThni Nakoda Warriors won the Consolation Heat 4 on championship day and also qualified in the Warrior and Lady Race finals placing 5th in each. Whitefish Warriors and Partner Stables placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in consolation heat 3. Team Anatapsii from Pikanii placed 4th in consolation heat 4. Ategamik Yutin, Treaty 6 and Stick Racing placed 4th, 5th and 6th in consolation heat three. The Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association is comprised of: Dexter Bruised Head, chairman; Board Members, Winston Bruised Head, Kim Brertton, Mansel Stone, Levina Many Guns, Marty Wildman, Tim Bruised Head and Al Red Crow.
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Story by Tom Russell and Dexter Bruised Head
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
DANCERS AND DRUMMERS HELP CELEBRATE KAINAI BOARD OF EDUCATIONS THIRTY YEARS The Kainai Board of Education celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a powwow on September 20-21, 2018 at the Kainai High School gymnasium that featured plenty of dancers and drummers at the gathering. “Great to see our educational leaders, staff, dancers and community members,” said Lionel Weasel Head, Chairperson KBE Board. “We have a new Superintendent, Cam Shade. What a great celebration. There are dance competitions in full swing.” On October 7, 1987 the Blood Tribe Chief and Council under the leadership of Chief Roy Fox passed BCR FY87-88-6355 creating the Blood Tribe Education Society. This education society was mandated to assume control of all federal schools on the Blood reserve effective September 1, 1988. Before the end of the 1987-1988 school year, Dr. Pier DePaola became the first superintendent. The Blood Tribe Education Society (now Kainai Board of Education) has had a total of four superintendents since 1988: Dr. Pier DePaola, the late Mrs. Joyce Good Striker, Mr. Richard A. Fox, and Cam Shade (our current superintendent). In 1988 there were three schools and a college under the Blood Tribe Education Society. Since 1988, the Tatsikiisaap’op Middle School was built making it number four. The Laverne Elementary School has become the Aahsaopi Elementary School. Standoff Day School was renamed Saipoyi Community School. The old St. Mary’s school has also been renamed Kainai High School. Red Crow Community College has its own board of directors now and is a separate entity altogether. The Kainai Alternate Academy is located at Saipoyi Community School in Standoff. Weasel Head promoted the longevity of the Kainai school system. “The Kainai Board of Education has come a long way since KBE took over tribal control, our quality of education has improved so much. We appreciate and acknowledge the late Joyce Goodstriker and former superintendent Richard Fox who were among the many visionary leaders. They all contributed so much our KBE System.” Roger Hunt Jr. was among many dancers who attended KBE powwow.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI September 2018
Blood Tribe Lands Traditional Plant Walk On September 17, the Blood Tribe Lands Department hosted a traditional plant walk that consisted of tribe members, Elders and knowledge holders who shared stories and information of our flora and fauna here in Kainai and the territory. The trip began with a pick up at the Blood Tribe Administration Building and made their way to our first stop at the Weasel Fat Flats, where they met with Elder Alvin Many Chiefs an Ethno Botanist and educator who shared stories and the history of the area and explained various uses of the plants we came upon. “It’s really important that we are aware of our environment and what it has to provide for us, you can find anything and everything out here” Alvin explains Ethno botany: “Is a study of people and how they use the plants within their environment, there’s medicinal, edible, poisonous and the one’s we use for our religious purposes” and added that; “This is our land, we moved from place to place for a reason, that we survived and we maintained the land and lived off the land, it provided everything”. Also joining the group was Elder and KEPA member Mike Bruised Head who explained one of the many uses of sage; “It can be applied and made as a tea and helps bring the swelling down” and the wild rose, “Take the petal, clean them and if you want a real good tea, boil them petals”. Mike also gave some history of the site and the importance of keeping these areas protected. One of the other invited guests was Julie Walker from Full Circle Adventures who specializes in edible and medicinal plant walks gave a brief presentation and was looking forward to what plants we can find at this part of the season. Julie told the group to; “find ways to re-wild the landscape as well, it breaks my heart to see it disappearing and am so glad to be here with people that share this understanding of the importance of the land”. The group had a good time searching for some cactus berries, wild licorice and after enjoying a great lunch, made their way to the Blood Band Ranch to pick chokecherries, bull berries and look for other edible plants, such as wild onions and more cactus berries. Louise Brave Rock and Alice Wolf Child were the Elders who accompanied the tour; they shared their stories with the group members and were fastest chokecherry pickers there! After everyone had enough picking, Alvin Many Chief using the hood of his truck as a drum, sang a round dance song that ended the tour. In summary, the Blood Tribe Lands Department and the Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association (KEPA) are planning to hold more plant walks through the seasons and are working with Elders, knowledge holders and botanists, both western and traditional, to ensure we include a holistic perspective. The importance of our relationship to plants in our Blackfoot Territory is becoming more evident in the light of on-going changes to the prairie / mountain landscapes that negatively affect traditional plant habitat. We hope to connect participants to the land through awareness plant walks that get people outside and talking about the importance of these plants and their cultural and ecological connections to the area. Through discussions, awareness, and gathering knowledge, we aim to make better management decisions for the land and specifically for sustainable management of traditional food sources / medicinal plants. Our current Climate Change and Health project focuses on how Climate Change affects the health of the community with respect to food security and how we are adapting to these changes.
Article and photos by: William Singer III and Kansie Fox (Blood Tribe Lands Department).
“In late spring, towards summer, we would get syrup cans and string and go berry picking. This is where we learned that everything has a meaning, a benefit and a purpose. If we take it for granted, it won’t be there. We need to appreciate that those things are there for our benefit – that was what motivated us to pick as much as possible.” Andy Black Water.
Photo of wild Onions.
Participants of the traditional plant walk enjoyed their time shared with Mother Nature at the Blood Timber Limits.
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