Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014 WHAT'S INSIDE:
1 Child intervention roundtable lacks Aboriginal voices Page 3 Métis rights suffer blow with Supreme Court decision Page 4
THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA
FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 21 • NUMBER 3
$4.00
+ GST where applicable
PHOTO: FILE PHOTO
Chief Ron Morin says he is pleased that the Enoch Cree Nation has been able to gain sole ownership of the River Cree Resort and Casino but is equally proud of the social initiatives that have been undertaken, which provide better housing, education and quality of life for Enoch members.
River Cree Casino fully Enoch-owned thanks to cross-border bond sales By Shari Narine
Sweetgrass Contributing Editor ENOCH CREE NATION
A successful operation and strong social programming combined to make the River Cree Casino and Resort a sound business venture for Canadian and American investors, said Chief Ron Morin. The issuance of cross-border bonds to both public and private institutional investors allowed Enoch Cree Nation and River Cree Enterprises LP to buy out Paragon Gaming’s minority shares. The casino and resort is now solely owned by the First Nation with an operating contract held by Sonco Gaming Co., a Canadian casino operator, with the management of the hotel still undertaken by Marriott. The buy-out came well ahead of schedule, says Robert Morin, president of River Cree Enterprises. RCE had a 25-year partnership for the management of the property with Paragon. The Las Vegas company’s expertise in development and strategic planning was initially required for the venture, says Morin, and Paragon also brought American investors in to help with financing. It had always been Enoch’s
intention to buy-out the partnership, but that had been set at a 12 to15-year timeline, he says. “We just had such a successful five-year run that the project was able to finance a buy-out of our partnership,” said Morin. The casino and resort began operating in October 2006. Work began to buy-out Paragon one year ago. Morin says success was due to a number of factors including the strong Alberta economy, the casino’s ideal location on the western outskirts of Edmonton, its quality product and its great service. This all combined to make River Cree Casino and Resort an attractive option for investors. “In the States, they’ve looked at tribal casinos as investment tools before but they’ve never really looked at us in the same manner as 100 per cent owners,” said Morin. Investors are split evenly between American and Canadian, says Ed Giocomelli, with Crosbie and Company, which served as financial advisors to the Enoch Cree Nation. In order to buy-out Paragon, RCE needed to refinance the existing debt for the resort, says
Giacomell. While financing was a combination of banks and bonds, the majority of the money came through bond issuance. Bonds offer less restrictive terms than banks. RCE received a bond rating of B+ from Canadian creditrating company DDRS and Bfrom American credit-rating company Standard & Poor’s. The highest credit rating given by DDRS is AAA, says Giacomelli, which is accorded to the Government of Canada, and means a lower credit risk. The lowest rating is CCC. “Those are ratings that are associated with what are called high yield bonds so they do tend to carry a higher interest rate,” said Giacomelli. “The more you move away from triple A the riskier the asset becomes.” RCE’s credit rating takes a number of factors into consideration, including the amount of debt it is carrying, that the operation is a single-site and not multiple sites, the revenue concentration, the size of the business, and the competitive environment, Giacomelli says. RCE is the first solely-owned First Nations on-reserve business to issue cross-border bonds.
“We’re an assertive, aggressive First Nation who believes that there’s other ways to create economic opportunity on your lands and the Chief of the Nation … holds the same type of vision that I do. We certainly believe in the Nation and we believe in the community and we believe we are a viable economic operation to give the type of comfort big gain investors … look at,” said Morin. Both he and Ron were driving forces behind the casino. Giacomelli doesn’t think the recent news that Eagle River Casino may file for bankruptcy would have had an impact on the sale of bonds for River Cree Casino and Resort. The Eagle River Casino, on the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, is partially owned by Paragon Gaming. “It’s a casino, like the River Cree, but it’s in a different market, it’s a very different business proposition and the River Cree has been so successful,” said Giacomelli. The River Cree Casino employs close to 900 people, in full-time, part-time and casual capacities. Of those, approximately 10 per cent are from Enoch Cree Nation and 20 per cent are Aboriginal.
Money earned from the casino, over and above paying debt and operational costs, will be put in a trust spent on the Enoch Cree Nation according to membership direction, says Chief Morin. “The community at large knows (the needs) and what we will try and do is allocate or appropriate what amount of money can reasonably be expended to accommodate all the needs,” he said. CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL # 40063755
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
2
ALBERTA NEWS Great Spirit clean energy project to go ahead Paul First Nation and Focus Equities Inc. intend to move forward with connecting the proposed 1,000 MW Great Spirit Power Project to the Alberta grid. The new combined cycle, clean burning natural gas-fired power plant is proposed for the Paul First Nation’s industrial park, with construction of the facility to be completed in 2017. Paul First Nation and Focus Equities signed a memorandum of understanding last November to jointly develop the project. “As a Nation that lives in the shadow of large, aging coal plants, we are proud to be a part of such an environmentally-friendly project …at a time when Alberta First Nations are all striving for greater economic self-sufficiency and diversification, and real economic opportunity for participating First Nations,” said Paul First Nation Chief Casey Bird, in a news release.
Joint provincial report addresses energy projects
PHOTO: CHIPEWYAN PRAIRIE DENE FRIST NATION/ SCOTT HALLENBERG
First Nations company supports Jamaican bobsled project completion date is December 2014. team Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation Chief Vern Janvier and owner of C.P. Services (second from right) has thrown his company’s financial support behind the Jamaican bobsled team (from left): crewman Marvin Dixon, reserve crewman Wayne Blackwood, and driver Winston Watts, helping them participate in the Sochi Olympics. C.P. Services, an oilfield contracting company, signed a four-year, $140,000 sponsorship agreement with the team.
Fatality report rules boy’s death accidental A public fatality inquiry has determined that a First Nations boy in government care died accidently on an overdose of methadone on Apr. 30, 2010. While Provincial Court of Alberta Judge K.E. Tjosvold presented no recommendations to prevent a similar occurrence, he did “urge representatives of Alberta Human Services to consider carefully the sincere suggestions made by members of K’s family and Ms. (Sandra) Potts, particularly as the suggestions relate to Aboriginal families involved with the child welfare system.” The 13-year-old boy, referred to as “K” in the report, was at a sleep-over at a friend’s near Spruce Grove, when he ingested the pills. K and his younger brother had been placed in a foster home in 2004 and were still there at the time of K’s death. K had the same social worker since 2006. Tjosvold wrote that K had been “placed with a caring and responsible foster father” and that Alberta Human Services staff had taken “appropriate steps to deal with K’s circumstances.” K’s mother said she had improved her living situation but child welfare would not return her sons. K’s grandmother indicated “frustration” that the system did not prevent her grandson’s death. Potts, who spoke on behalf of K’s biological family, suggested that an Aboriginal advocate for children in care be appointed. The judge’s report was released earlier this month.
Gift Lake students sent to Atikameg school Since Jan. 29, Northland School Division has been bussing students from Gift Lake to Atikameg school. NSD shut down Gift Lake school on Jan. 14 because of air quality concerns. Gift Lake students had continued their work at home for two weeks. On Jan. 21, school division officials hosted a community meeting to discuss air quality test results and invited Alberta Health Services and Golder Associates to address questions and concerns. The long-term plan for Gift Lake students has already begun. The Gift Lake Learning Centre will house all Gift Lake students (Early Child Studies to grade 9), a Head Start program, daycare, Northern Lakes College Outreach Campus, multi-purpose section and an extended family area. The
Pipelines move a step closer to reality At the end of January, both Enbridge and Keystone XL pipelines moved a step closer to construction. The National Energy Board is recommending the federal government approve the 182-kilometre Enbridge Inc. pipeline that would connect Edmonton to Hardisty, the starting point of U.S.-bound oil conduits such as Enbridge’s Alberta Clipper and TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone lines. The pipeline is to have an initial capacity of 570,000 barrels of oil per day. The United States State Department released an environmental assessment in favour of the Keystone XL pipeline. Premier Alison Redford said the US findings were “consistent with the analysis Alberta has put on the table in our various face-to-face meetings with key decision makers in Washington….”
Skills and training initiatives for First Nations youth The Maskwacis Employment Centre, Tribal Chief Ventures Inc., Blood Tribe, and the Paul First Nation will be implementing the federal government’s newly announced enhanced service delivery in 11 First Nation communities, which have chosen to participate. These organizations will be working with Six Independent Alberta First Nations of Hobbema, Tribal Chiefs Employment and Training Services Association, Community Futures Treaty Seven, to provide onreserve First Nations youth ages 18-24 with personalized assessments and job training plans. This is part of the over $19.4 million in federal funding being provided this year to 22 Tribal Councils, First Nations and First Nation organizations to begin work in 70 First Nation communities across the country to provide support to young First Nations income assistance clients.
Cold Lake First Nation joint venture moves ahead with drilling The joint venture operations between Cold Lake First Nation and Golconda Resources Ltd. is moving ahead with well licences issued for the next three wells of the 10-well program on Cold Lake First Nation lands. All three wells are to be drilled by mid-February. The 1231 well continues to produce approximately 65 barrels of oil per day. Sales of produced oil, as first announced on Oct. 16, 2013, continue in the normal course of operations. The 11-30 well is shut-in pending further evaluations due to limited and inconsistent production rates. While the joint venture is evaluating options for the 11-30 well, no decision will be made until the completion of the next three wells.
A joint British Columbia-Alberta government working group says improving energy literacy, developing a First Nations engagement model and continuing talks on world class spill prevention systems are needed to spur more energy transportation between the two provinces. The report was prepared for Premiers Alison Redford and Christy Clark and released in January. Among its recommendations is the creation of a set of principles to engage First Nations about new energy projects. However, the document speaks mostly in broad terms, providing few specifics. The report talks about developing “broad social acceptance” of projects by being more responsive to those with environmental concerns, using tools such as social media and addressing “misinformation” about natural resource sector growth. The report said the benefits of the oil and gas industry extends to all Canadians but B.C. faces “risks” that Alberta does not.
Fort McMoney launches for second round Round two of Fort McMoney, an interactive documentary game developed by TOXA and the National Film Board of Canada, launched on Jan. 27. The game allows participants to take control of Fort McMurray and decide the virtual fate of the world’s largest energy project. The second round of the game features new missions and exclusive, previously unseen content. Feedback from players who participated in the first round has also been incorporated into the game. As the game unfolds, players make decisions related to the economy, politics, the environment and social issues. At the end of each week, a referendum influences future directions. In the first round, between Nov.25-Dec.22, 2013, 309,000 unique visitors populated Fort McMoney, more than triple Fort McMurray’s actual population. The results of polls and referendums in the documentary game caused the number of barrels of oil produced to drop dramatically and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 58 per cent. That drop came with a price: the work camps emptied out, with the number of people living there reduced from 40,000 to under 4,000. Average annual household income fell from $192,707 to $9,287, while the unemployment rate climbed to 28 per cent.
CEMA releases second video in Dene and Cree “The Air We Breathe” video has been released by the Cumulative Environmental Management Association in the Dene and Cree languages. The videos have been distributed to high schools in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to be used to educate youth about regional air issues and as a language tool for those students studying Dene and Cree. Copies have also been distributed to all the First Nations and Métis locals in the lower Athabasca Region. “When CEMA visits Aboriginal communities a main concern is the air. Many Elders ask questions and express concerns regarding the air they breathe. Being able to show them a video about CEMA’s Air Working Group which they can watch in Dene or Cree is an important way to communicate with our Elders,” said Bryan Fayant, Aboriginal Community Engagement Liaison, in a news release. In 2012, CEMA’s Traditional Knowledge Working Group created a similar project after hearing first hand from local Elders about the lack of information in their traditional languages. At that time CEMA’s “Athabasca Water Withdrawals” video was translated into Dene and Cree and distributed.
Compiled by Shari Narine
NEWS
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
3
Child intervention roundtable lacks Aboriginal voices By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON
When Bernadette Iahtail did not receive an invitation to the government’s recent child intervention roundtable, she didn’t fret about it. Instead she continued to plan Creating Hope Society’s March forum on addiction, family violence and child welfare, and took comfort in knowing that “Aboriginal allies” had been invited to the roundtable. “Of course it bothers me not to be invited, but we have other work that we do that is really, really important. We are returning kids back home,” she said. Iahtail serves as executive director for the Creating Hope Society, which she founded. The society’s mission statement is
“An Aboriginal home for every Aboriginal child in care by 2025.” Iahtail is a child of the system. Aboriginal children account for nearly 70 per cent of those in government care. Child and Youth Advocate Del Graff, who attended both days of the round table, Jan. 28 and 29, says the lack of Aboriginal representation in the room was glaring and that voice of “lived experience” was sorely missing. On the second day, three young people who were part of the child welfare system told their stories. “It changed the discussion in a healthy, dramatic way,” said Graff, whose office arranged for the young people to attend. “They helped us to rethink how we were thinking about this issue.”
The roundtable focused on the issue of serious injury and death of children in care and examined what constituted a meaningful investigation; how to improve transparency and accountability in such investigations; and what information should be shared publicly. The roundtable agenda was set by the previous minister of Human Services. It had been new minister Manmeet Bhullar’s hope that consensus could be reached over the two days and he could move forward with an action plan. That did not happen. “The idea is that we have commitment to change in three different areas. The details of that have to be worked out,” Bhullar said at the end of the roundtable. Graff is not surprised consensus wasn’t reached,
saying that the issues are complex. However, he falls short in calling the roundtable just another forum in which opinions were voiced. Since 1999, the province has received 258 non-binding recommendations on how to improve the child welfare system. “I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Graff. “This is a set of issues that is now receiving significant public attention and for change to actually take place it requires public attention. I was happy to have a sense that this is on the public’s agenda.” Iahtail agrees. She says taking care of society’s most vulnerable is “everybody’s job. It’s not just the minister.” She also holds that an emphasis needs to be placed on Aboriginal children remaining
with their families and resources dedicated to improving the family situation. “I see some of my families who struggle, living day to day. ‘What should I do? Should I pay my rent or should I buy food? Should I pay my rent or should I pay Epcor?’” she said. Iahtail is encouraged that Bhullar’s five-point plan to bring about changes to the child intervention system includes examining root causes. The roundtable discussion is to be summarized in a document to go online to solicit feedback from the public. Graff is hopeful that public input will build a broad-based plan, which will be tabled in the legislature and outline steps in moving forward and “will create optimism about what we’re doing in this province.”
Young’s tour raises awareness, funds for ACFN By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor ATHABASCA CHIPEWYAN FIRST NATION
Some of the $630,000 - and still climbing – raised through the recent Neil Young Honour the Treaties cross-country tour and associated on-line campaign will be put to use immediately by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. On Jan. 3, the ACFN filed an application with the federal court to review the recent decision to approve Shell’s Jackpine mine expansion. “This money (raised) is totally a drop in the bucket,” said AFCN communications coordinator Eriel Deranger. “It’s hard to say how much our fundraising efforts are really going to reduce financial stress from our Nation.” Deranger says it is difficult to determine ACFN’s legal costs because figures are dependent on how far the provincial and federal governments are willing to push legal challenges, which could go all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. “We have drawn the line in the region. In all of our responses to project proposals, the ACFN doesn’t want to see development north of the Firebag river and following the southern boundary of the Poplar Point home land. Those areas are very distinguished and mapped out
PHOTO: DOUG THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam watches on as singer songwriter Neil Young addresses the audience.
and if there are project proposals in that region we will continue to oppose them and that will mean more legal costs will likely be incurred,” said Deranger. ACFN is involved in other challenges as well. The First Nation is one of the leading participants in the regulatory process hearing opposing Shell’s proposed Pierre River Mine and Teck Resources Frontier Mine. ACFN has also filed a statutory review of the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan. Young’s four-city tour raised not only much needed funds for
the ACFN’s legal battles but publicity for the issue. “This is about the fact that current economic development, which is the oilsands in Alberta, is threatening the treaty rights of First Nations people in Alberta,” said Deranger, who attended all the concerts. “We’re not here to say shutdown the oilsands….We’re just looking for more responsibility and accountability from our government.” Many First Nations leaders outside of Alberta threw their support behind Young’s tour and what the ACFN was working to accomplish.
“Honouring the Treaties is an important, essential message for government, industry and all Canadians. First Nations rights must be honoured and upheld…,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo in a news release. Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy and Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs also expressed support. Young kicked off the tour in Toronto and Deranger says she was proud to see him on stage along with a banner that read, “Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Legal Defence Fund.”
Check out Alberta Sweetgrass online at: albertasweetgrass.com Or find us on facebook at: facebook.com/sweetgrassnews
From there Young played in sold-out venues in Winnipeg, Regina and ended in Calgary on Jan. 19. Every concert site included an opportunity for concert-attendees to sign a pledge to stand in solidarity with ACFN. About 2,000 signatures were collected. In Calgary, Deranger says she had a conversation with a man holding an “I support Canada’s oil sands” sign. He was one of a handful of people who showed up outside the concert venue to protest. The discussion, she says, was beneficial and has led to a Facebook and phone number exchange . Criticism of the tour didn’t come from grassroots alone. Young garnered nation-wide attention when he likened the development in the oil sands around Fort McMurray to Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped and when he referred to the Keystone XL pipeline as a “terrible idea.” Jason MacDonald, spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, spoke out in favour of the economic benefits and jobs created by oilsands development and Dave Collyer, president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said Young did not understand the benefits of oilsand development. Deranger says she is not surprised by the criticism Young’s tour garnered.
4
NEWS
Métis rights suffer blow with Supreme Court decision By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON
The Supreme Court of Canada will not be hearing an appeal on Métis harvesting rights in Alberta. The decision came down in January with no explanation offered. In a memo to Métis Nation of Alberta members, President Audrey Poitras called the decision “extremely disappointing” but said the MNA “remain committed to our ‘hunt for justice’ in this province.” The MNA has reached out to the Alberta government to resume talks that were put on hold as the Métis organization pursued the Hirsekorn test case. And while the SCC refused to revisit the Powley decision in light of the nomadic nature of Métis on the prairies, MNA counsel Jason Madden says the Métis in Alberta will be going to the negotiation table having made gains. “The Hirsekorn case, from the Alberta Court of Appeal, is where the law currently stands,” he said, “but it doesn’t
modify the Powley case.” The Hirsekorn decision recognized that Métis communities are regional and not restricted to the settlements that exist in the province. It also recognized Métis presence along the North Saskatchewan River in central Alberta, which the current harvesting policy does not do. While the Alberta Court of Appeal has given the Métis a broader sense of presence in the province, it still isn’t as broad an interpretation as the MNA had hoped for. The Hirsekorn case was a test case the MNA chose to go forward with to challenge the province’s restrictions on harvesting and hunting rights for Métis. Garry Hirsekorn was charged and convicted in the lower court with hunting in the Cypress Hills in 2007. He paid a $700 fine for each count. Hirsekorn was not the only Métis hunter charged by the province. However, the Crown decided not to proceed with further action until the outcome of the Hirsekorn case. Brendan Cox, spokesperson for Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, says that 16
others charged under the Wildlife Act and one charged under Fishery regulations, which are in case management, are currently being reviewed. “Each one is being looked at individually based on specific circumstances and since these matters are before the courts, I can’t comment any further than that,” said Cox. The Hirsekorn test case was a challenge to the province for changing its policy on Métis harvesting rights. Under the Klein government an interim Métis harvesting agreement had been negotiated with the MNA and implemented in 2004 permitting Métis to subsistence hunt, trap and fish on Crown lands and private lands (with permission) and any body of water in the province; applicable licensing was required. However, in 2007 the IMHA was unilaterally cancelled and a new policy implemented by the government which severely restricted where Métis could harvest and excluded harvesting rights for Métis living in southern Alberta. ( See Métis rights on page 11.)
~ Established December 1993 ~ ISSN #1199-6773 • Canadian Publication Mail # 40063755 Published monthly by the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA)
Bert Crowfoot—Publisher
• Shari Narine – Contributing Editor Dianne Meili – Staff Writer Judy Anonson – Production
Paul Macedo – Director of Marketing Shirley Olsen – Sales Consultant Carol Russ • Joanne Rediron – Accounts Distribution: 8,500 Alberta Sweetgrass is politically and financially independent. Board of Directors Noel McNaughton - President Rose Marie Willier - Vice President Dr. Chester Cunningham - Treasurer Leona Shandruk - Director Jennie Cardinal - Director All editorial content in Alberta Sweetgrass is copyright, and may not be reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the editor. Prospective writers should send for writers' guidelines and a sample copy from the editor. Letters to the editor and all undeliverable Canadian addressed copies can be sent to:
Alberta Sweetgrass 13245 - 146 Street, Edmonton, AB T5L 4S8 E-mail: sweetgrass@ammsa.com Facebook: /sweetgrassnews Twitter: @windspeakernews
ADVERTISING The deadline for advertising in Alberta Sweetgrass March 2014 issue is March 6, 2014. Call Shirley Olsen toll free at 1-800-661-5469 for more information on how to place your ad. Advertisements designed, set and produced by Alberta Sweetgrass are the property of Alberta Sweetgrass and may not be used without the express written permission of Alberta Sweetgrass.
IS ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY YOUTH, ELDERS, ARTISTS, WRITERS. ALBERTA SWEETGRASS PROVIDES THE BEST COVERAGE OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS IN ALBERTA'S ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES. DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
Subscription Order Form
Name: ____________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________ City/Town: ______________________ Province: _________ Postal Code: _____________ Phone: ________________
$35 SUBSCRIPTIONS
Please enclose a cheque or money order for $35.00+1.75 GST or charge to your Visa/ Mastercard/Amex. Make cheques payable to A.M.M.S.A. Fax this order form to (780) 455-7639.
Visa/Mastercard: Expiry Date: Signature:
Send to: Alberta Sweetgrass 13245 - 146 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5L 4S8 or Phone Toll Free 1-800-661-5469 E-mail: market@ammsa.com
$35
is all it takes to receive Alberta Sweetgrass for 1 year (12 issues)!
NEWS
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
5
NHL First Nations head coaches draw fan attention By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer CALAHOO
There was no break for Buffalo Sabres interim head coach Ted Nolan this month. While the National Hockey League was enjoying a hiatus during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Nolan was still behind the bench, but leading the Latvia hockey team. It is just one more accomplishment for Nolan, who is part of hockey history in the NHL. For the first time ever, there are two First Nations coaches behind the benches at the same time. Nolan, who is from Ontario’s Garden River First Nation, is joined in the record books by Craig Berube, a Cree from Calahoo, and head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. Aboriginal minor hockey officials from Alberta are thrilled that Berube and Nolan, who are also both former NHL players, are leading their respective franchises. And they believe Aboriginal players and coaches from within the
PHOTO: CREE HOCKEY PLAYERS FACEBOOK
Craig Berube (left) is head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers while Ted Nolan is head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
province are being inspired to go on and achieve hockey greatness themselves. Greg Desjarlais, who has coached and managed boys’ youth teams at Alberta’s Saddle Lake Cree Nation and Frog Lake First Nations for about 20 years, says both Berube and Nolan are providing huge
inspiration to Aboriginal youth players. “I think it’s opened up their eyes and lets them know that these opportunities are out there,” said Desjarlais, who for the past few seasons has also served as the manager of the Alberta boys’ squad that competes at the annual National
Aboriginal Hockey Championships. Desjarlais says even Aboriginal adults, who are involved in minor hockey, are taking notice of the feats of the two professional Native coaches. “It’s a good thing for us,” he
said. “It also encourages us to keep going.” Because of his responsibilities as a band councillor for the Frog Lake First Nation, Desjarlais is not coaching a team this season. But Desjarlais, who is certified to coach at the junior level, was instrumental in helping Frog Lake land an expansion team in the North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League. Desjarlais will serve as the general manager of the Frog Lake T-Birds, who will begin play during the 2014-15 campaign. The NEAJBHL has two other First Nations teams: Onion Lake and Saddle Lake. With Berube and Nolan guiding their NHL teams now, Desjarlais says many Aboriginal residents from Alberta are discussing the fortunes of the Flyers and Sabres. “Hockey guys talk about it,” he said. “And now we’re searching for tickets when (those teams) come to Edmonton.” ( See NHL on page 11.)
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
6
EDMONTON Woman recognized in fight for First Nations children By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON
PHOTO: COURTESY OF NORQUEST COLLEGE
Tony Arcand, from the Alexander First Nation, meets with a student, as the resident Elder at NorQuest College, a position he has held since August of 2013.
NorQuest receives funds to expand, renovate space NorQuest’s North Learning Centre, which has received funding from the province, will include enhanced Aboriginal ceremonial facilities and resources. The four-storey centre will be built directly north of NorQuest’s primary campus. The new building is scheduled to be completed by 2018. The province is providing $170 million for the $190 million project, which includes the new building and renovations to the South Learning Centre. NorQuest is making a concerted effort to increase its Aboriginal student attendance. Last year, nine per cent of the student population was Aboriginal, down from 2009 figures of 15 per cent. NorQuest also plans to access more dollars for a two-year $2.8-million pilot project where NorQuest will work with partners to help Aboriginal students get safety training, upgrade their driver’s licences, and learn essential work skills so they can be matched with construction jobs.
Teach-in held at U of A The Indigenous Students Strengthening Treaty Relationships Through Indigenous Knowledge and Education hosted a teach-in at the University of Alberta on Jan. 31. The three-hour event, which included Idle No More co-founder Sylvia McAdam, Janice Makokis from Saddle Lake Cree Nation and Crystal Lameman from Beaver Lake Cree Nation on the panel, attracted a standing room-only crowd.
Mi’kmaq Warriors Society raise awareness, funds Suzanne Patles of the Mi’kmaq Warriors Society was in Edmonton Feb. 11 as part of a national tour to raise awareness about the struggle at Elsipogtog, in New Brunswick, against shale gas fracking and their ongoing assertion and exercise of nationhood. The Elsipogtog First Nation’s struggle came to national attention after the RCMP reacted with assault rifles, pepper spray and K-9 units at a blockade in October. Rallies in support of the cause were held throughout the country. Forty members of the blockade were arrested, and a number of members of the Mi’kmaq Warriors Society face charges. All funds raised during the tour will go towards legal support. The Edmonton stop was sponsored and hosted by a number of organizations including the Council of Canadians and Keepers of the Athabasca.
iHuman gets new home A provincial grant of $750,000 through the Community Facility Enhancement Program will assist in the purchase of a facility in downtown Edmonton that will house iHuman. The 22,000 sq. ft. space will allow iHuman’s crisis intervention and art therapy programming for vulnerable youth to continue. The project is also supported by the City of Edmonton and a construction team consisting of Kasian Architecture, KellerDenali Construction, PCL, Clarke Builders, Stuart Olson Dominion, RJC, Hemisphere Engineering and BTY Group. Each year, iHuman’s 14 staff and a corps of volunteers assist more than 500 young people by providing crisis intervention and arts therapy programming. Program clients include victims of neglect and abuse, homelessness, addiction, mental and physical illness and those involved in high-risk lifestyles including gang activity.
Cunningham named artistic director for NEPA Ryan Cunningham, a Métis from Edmonton, has been named new artistic developer for the Native Earth Performing Arts. “We were impressed and excited about many of Ryan’s ideas for Native Earth, which included multidisciplinary connections with the arts community and the national Indigenous community,” said Jed DeCory, president of NEPA’s board of directors. “We feel that with his energy and vision we will be able to continue on a path to a positive future.” Cunningham is the co-founder and artistic manager of Alberta Aboriginal Performing Arts and co-curator/ producer of The Rubaboo Arts Festival. Cunningham can presently be seen Blackstone, as well as Mixed Blessings, Earth: Final Conflict and Blue Murder.
Compiled by Shari Narine
Cindy Blackstock is hopeful that one more recognition by an international body about the plight of First Nations children in Canada will make the federal government listen. “I think if they were to contextualize it within the other signals they have been getting from the international community regarding this case, they really should have a sober second thought,” said Blackstock, who is an associate professor at the University of Alberta. In December, Blackstock was recognized as one of 16 activist women by the Nobel Women’s Initiative. Many of the women selected are active in human rights movements in war torn and civil unrest countries such as Egypt, the Sudan, and Haiti. Having her name associated with such strong women has been humbling, says Blackstock. “But at the same time I think what it reminds all of us is although on the whole Canada is a first world country, First Nations children live in third world conditions and they’re also subject to the Indian Act, the only race-based piece of legislation in the western industrialized world. So the situation of First Nations children is really much more in parallel with the situation of children we see in developing countries than it is often with other Canadian children.” On the international front, Canada was slammed by the United States and Norway during the universal period review process at the human rights council last year. Both countries directed Canada to take steps to correct the shortfalls that face children who live on reserve. The issue is now being heard by the Canadian Human Rights
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Dr. Cindy Blackstock, associate professor at the University of Alberta, was recently recognized by the Nobel Women’s Initiative.
Tribunal after years of legal posturing on the part of the federal government. Blackstock’s organization First Nations Caring Society pushed the issue of equitable funding for children on reserves to the forefront in 2007, backed by a number of organizations including the Assembly of First Nations. Her recent recognition, says Blackstock, goes to everyone involved in the fight and who have stayed the course. “It’s been a very difficult movement. The government, of course, has far more resources than we do and they have used those resources to try and thwart the hearings at every stage. But thankfully they have not been successful,” she said. Melisa Brittain, research administrator with the First Nations Children’s Action Research and Education Service with the U of A’s Faculty of Extension, says Blackstock shouldn’t sell her
efforts short and is a worthy recipient of the Nobel Women’s Initiative. “Cindy’s drive to ensure that children living on-reserve receive culturally-based and equitable care is unrelenting. Quite simply, she dedicates her life to this work,” said Brittain. In 2012, Blackstock started the First Nations research and education centre at the U of A with a focus on First Nations children and child equity, which includes education, child welfare, and other governmentfunded services. Brittain, who has been with the centre from the beginning, says researchers often find it difficult to relate issues to the public in a meaningful way. “Cindy, however, has dedicated herself to doing just this: making her academic work reach far beyond academic journals and university classrooms to create a large impact on Canadians,” said Brittain.
CALGARY
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
7
Students learn about business, philanthropy through special program
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Tanya Tagaq’s throat singing enhanced the screening of the 1922 film Nanook of the North.
Tagaq in concert with Nanook of the North
Students of the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program at Kainai High School joined(front row)The Right Honourable Paul Martin (left) and Scotiabank President and CEO Brian Porter, (back row) with Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weasel Head (centre) AYEP teacher Darcie Thomas (second from right) and Kainai High School Principal Annette Bruised Head (third from right).
One of Canada’s celebrated throat singers, Tanya Tagaq, performed at Festival Hall on Jan. 28. Along with percussionist Jean Martin and cellist Cris Derkesen, Tagaq’s throat singing added emotion to the backdrop of the 1922 film Nanook of the North, a silent film that portrays images of life in an early 20th century Inuit community in Northern Quebec. Through her traditional Inuit throat singing Tagaq interprets the film’s images, adding an emotional element to the mix of representations of life in the North and racial clichés. Born and raised in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Tagaq has been performing her signature style since 2001. She has two critically acclaimed albums, Sinaa and Auk/Blood. Both albums were Juno-nominated and won awards at the Aboriginal Music Awards. Tagaq has performed with Bjˆrk and the Kronos Quarter and has appeared in award-winning films and documentaries.
By Darlene Chrapko
Research project focuses on Aboriginal fathers
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Sweetgrass Writer KAINAI FIRST NATION
Increased success with high school completion at Kainai High School on the Blood Reserve in recent years has attracted the attention of former Prime Minister Paul Martin’s Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurial Program. Kainai is the second First Nations high school in Canada to be selected for the program, which draws together partners in education, local businesses and banking to teach students how to create a successful business and give back to their community. The program began in August 2013 with the Martin initiative providing staff training, text books, and teacher resources, created specifically from an Aboriginal viewpoint. The ongoing moral support has been invaluable, said Kainai principal Annette Bruised Head, who helped officially launch the
program on Jan. 21. Students of the high school are gaining a sense of selfdetermination through the entrepreneur course, learning how to create a business plan, life-skills and financial literacy. “They are also learning to move forward for themselves, identifying needs, problemsolving and an open knowledge base to life. They are building a connection with each other, with the community, with the world,” said Bruised Head. Life on the reserve is insular. “Kids on the reserve haven’t had experiences,” she said. Bruised Head is constantly reflecting on how to engage the students and keep them interested. The entrepreneurial course is helping students create goals and aspirations for the future, whether it enables them to create a successful business or opens doors to postsecondary. Students in Grade 11 gain mentorship from Scotia Bank employees at Standoff, to create
a business plan for an e-business; in Grade 12, the students pitch their ideas to the bank. The first six students’ business ideas ranged from T-shirts, sunglasses and sporting goods to modelling and cosmetology. If their pitch is successful, they receive a $500 gift from the bank to execute their plan. The program also teaches philanthropy. As part of their plan, students choose which charity they wish to support whether it’s their local food bank, shelter or humane society. Brian Porter, Scotiabank president and CEO, said the program speaks to the bank’s Bright Future Philanthropy Program, the focus of which is education and the essence of which is to give back to the communities in which its employees live and work. “The Entrepreneurial aspect of the program ties in nicely with the bank,” he said, adding he was touched touring the school and observing firsthand the level of commitment of the superintendent, the parents, the grandparents, the teachers and the students. “We are proud to be a sponsor, proud to be involved and proud to support our customers.” An advantage of the program is the economic value to the community. “We have to work with our own. We have to support our own members and other First Nations,” said deputy superintendent Dr. Morris Many Fingers. Many Fingers praises the commitment of Bruised Head, herself a graduate of Kainai High when it was St. Mary’s, and associate principal Charlton Weasel Head. Bruised Head attributes the success to the collective effort. “It takes a team to keep the vision,” she said.
The University of Calgary and the Creating Hope Society of Alberta are working on a research project on the experiences of Aboriginal fathers with the child welfare and justice systems. Research has shown that Aboriginal fathers are marginalized when seeking to be involved with their families after child welfare and the police intervene. Through understanding these experiences, the project seeks to identify needs for housing and cultural support and end discriminatory practices. Their aim is to exert positive influence on the policies and practices of the child welfare and justice system. Participants and policy workers will review the outcomes of the study and recommend policy and program changes at a feast on Feb. 20, 2014.
Smoked fish, Bannock and Indian Tea A crowd of over 400 gathered at St. David’s United Church on Jan. 24 for a performance by author Richard Wagamese. Using the Ojibway oral tradition and contemporary performance storytelling, Wagamese revealed the ways in which story can build community, fill gaps in understanding, destroy stereotypes and heal through humour and laughter. Sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee, the purpose of the event was to encourage people to be active in the reconciliation process by listening, engaging and participating in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
ConnecTeen Calgary launches peer support texting service Calgary ConnecTeen, the first peer support program for Canadian youth, is leading the nation with its innovative youth programs. The recipient of an $84,000 grant from State Farm’s Youth Advisory Board, ConnecTeen launched peer support texting for Calgary and area on Nov. 19, 2013. Since 1983, the Calgary Distress Centre has provided 24-hour phone support for youth at (403) 264-TEEN (8336). Email and online chat were introduced in 2011 at Calgaryconnecteen.com. The texting service provides free confidential support for youth experiencing self-esteem issues, bullying, abuse, self-harm or any other issues. They can text 587333-2724 from 5-10 p.m. every day. The texting initiative was piloted at Branton Junior High School in January. With the support of State Farm’s youth Advisory Board, more youth volunteers will be recruited and trained.
Sodexo supports Aboriginal students at Bow Valley College On Jan. 16 Sodexo celebrated its first anniversary as a food service provider at Bow Valley College. To mark the occasion, Sodexo provided a $50,000 donation to create the Sodexo Aboriginal Emergency Funding Support Fund. Awarded annually over the next 10 years, the fund will support Aboriginal learners facing financial barriers. “Sodexo is committed to the value of education,” said Elric Nielsen, Sodexo general manager. “It is our hope that this contribution will assist students in continuing in their studies and play a role in building many success stories over the years.”
Compiled by Darlene Chrapko
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
8
Reception guarded to reworked First Nation Education Act By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer STANDOFF
Alberta Chiefs are not sold on the federal government’s new education plan which was laid out Feb. 7 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Standoff. “We are still very concerned about where we are going with respect to any legislation impacting Indian education, but I believe we must be engaged and open to opportunity and building relationships based on trust,” said Treaty 7 Grand Chief Charles Weaselhead, who is also Chief of the Kainai First Nation. Harper, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo were at Kainai High School where Harper introduced the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act. “In Canada we have never had the system of First Nations education that we truly need. The federal government which has the constitutional responsibility for this has historically veered between a sometime disinterested neglect and at other times arbitrary decrees,” said Harper. The new proposed act makes fundamental changes to the draft legislation first introduced by Valcourt last October and which came under heavy criticism by First Nations leaders across the country. At the top of that criticism was lack of consultation. The AFN led the charge to move toward new legislation including passing a resolution in December that identified the changes outlined by Harper. However, not all First Nations leaders are pleased by the role Atleo played, although the National Chief claims his position is as facilitator only. “Not every First Nation has
been consulted or part of these negotiations,” said Saddle Lake Cree Nation Councillor Shannon Houle. The new legislation will be tabled over the next few months and is expected to be in place for the September 2014 school year. “The legislation will end Ottawa’s unilateral authority over First Nations education while requiring First Nations communities and parents to assume responsibility and accountability for the education their children receive,” said Harper. For over 20 years, First Nations leaders have sought funding of First Nations education that is equitable to that provided for off-reserve students. On-reserve funding for education has been stagnant since the 1990s when it was capped at two per cent. “We have decided to put our money where our mouth is,” said Valcourt. Core funding, including language and culture, will begin in 2016-17 at $1.25 billion over for three years. There is an annual escalator 4.5 per cent over three years. Beginning in 2015-16, $500 million will be provided for infrastructure over seven years when 2012 budget investments expire. The Implementation Fund/Education Enhancement Fund will provide $160 million over four years, also beginning in 2015-2016. All these financial commitments are slated to begin after the next federal election which is scheduled for 2015. Going forward, Weaselhead seeks meaningful consultation that is respectful of inherent treaty rights and brings about systemic change. “We must continue to follow up on the positive outcomes of the Crown-First Nation Gathering, and continue to be active on reconciliation consistent with a rights-based agenda. Not just improving the
PHOTO: DARLENE CHRAPKO
Blood tribe Chief Charles Weasel Head addresses FN leaders, elders, students, Kainai Nation members, university representatives, employers at historic announcement on First Nations education.
PHOTO: DARLENE CHRAPKO
Prime Minister Stephen Harper (right), Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weaselhead (centre) and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt participate in a blanket ceremony.
status quo, but truly engaging transformational change in public policy, through meaningful consultation to
ensure respect and reconciliation of our treaty and inherent rights. Our right to education,” he said.
“The only way to work together is in full partnership,” said Atleo. “Trust must be earned.”
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
9
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
10
EDUCATION
Inaugural youth entrepreneur award recognizes unique retail effort By Heather Andrews Miller Sweetgrass Writer VANCOUVER
A woman whose roots are in Saddle Lake and who now operates a store in Vancouver is the inaugural winner of the National Youth Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award. “I was really excited when I learned I’d won the award,” said Savannah Olsen. “Not just as an Aboriginal person but also as a woman. We are not represented enough in business and in the media and I hope that some people will be inspired. Don’t ever give up on your dreams.” The award developed by Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and ESS Support Services Worldwide specifically recognizes the Aboriginal youth demographic which has more than 50 per cent of the Aboriginal
population in Canada under the age of 25. CCAB board member and co-chair Erin Meehan congratulated Olsen by saying, “Your accomplishments are proof that when you dream, big things happen and lives change. Your youthful passion for your business is celebrated each day when you create jobs, buy merchandise and contribute to the economic well-being of Canadians.” ESS is a founding and exclusive sponsor of the Aboriginal Business Hall Fame. Each year the award will recognize an up-and-coming Aboriginal entrepreneur under the age of 35 who will receive $10,000. About eight years ago, then 26, Olsen made the decision to leave Alberta, along with her partner Walter Manning, to launch their own operation. “I moved to Vancouver to get started. My career has
Become a fan of Alberta Sweetgrass on facebook today!
PHOTO: WALTER MANNING
Savannah Olsen and husband Walter Manning welcomed a baby girl to their family recently, which made it impossible for Savannah to attend the award presentation in Toronto on Feb. 4.
always been in retail so I was comfortable with operating a small business,” she said. “Ever since I was little, I have wanted to recreate the old general store that was so common in small towns and cities, a hub for the community with a great variety of things to offer,” said Olsen. Manning’s background is also in retail and his grandparents operated general stores so he was excited about the concept too. Old Faithful Shop offers a store full of items that the everyday person would love and the trendy neighbourhood of Gastown was perfect for the fledgling venture. The store’s website displays unique products and quality goods for everyday living, available both on-line and in the store.
The Old Faithful Shop is located on cobblestone streets in the community, at 320 West Cordova, where the general store type of establishment fits in nicely with the atmosphere of the area. Olsen regularly stocks unique hand-crafted items to support local businesses and also to avoid mass-produced goods. Olsen grew up in Edmonton, although her mother’s family was originally from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. “My mom was adopted as a baby and until the adoption files were opened in Alberta in my teenage years, we didn’t know anything about her birth mother. But soon after, we began finding her family and becoming reconnected,” said Olsen. “It was quite a journey of discovery.”
CAREERS Métis rights suffer blow ( Continued from page 4.) Madden is “cautiously optimistic” that the province will be willing to negotiate further “to see if there’s more we agree on than we disagree on from when we initially started the Hirsekorn case…. Hopefully we can move the yardstick forward through negotiations as opposed to going right back to court.” While discussions are underway, Madden says the Métis will respect the court’s
ruling. If discussions with the province breakdown, the MNA could pursue legal action again. That decision will be taken to membership at the MNA’s annual general assembly in August. Madden is uncertain whether any of the Métis hunters who are still awaiting court dates can be used as another test case. It will depend on the points of disagreement, what the charges pending are, and
where the harvesters were when charged. “I stand by our position that we have rights throughout Alberta as a part of the larger Métis Nation. We will continue to fight for the recognition of our rights throughout the province, but we will need to develop new strategies and approaches as well as respect the law as it currently stands in Alberta while we continue to push forward,” wrote Poitras.
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
11
NHL First Nations head coaches draw attention ( Continued from page 5.) Berube, who had been serving as an assistant coach with the Flyers, was promoted to head coach this past October when Philadelphia fired its bench boss John Stevens, after the club started the season with three straight losses. The Sabres brought in Nolan as their interim head coach in mid-November as the struggling Buffalo side had only managed to win four of its first 20 contests. Nolan had previously served as head coach of the Sabres for two seasons, 1995-97. He was named the NHL coach of the year for his efforts with the
Buffalo squad in ’96-‘97. Nolan was also the head coach of the NHL’s New York Islanders for two seasons, from 2006-08. Since 2004 Nolan has spearheaded the Ted Nolan Foundation, a charity promoting healthy lifestyle choices for Aboriginal youth. Priscilla Swampy, who has been the manager of Alberta’s female entry at the NAHC in recent years, has met Nolan and is impressed with his feats and character. “I’m really proud of Ted Nolan and his accomplishments,” she said. “And he does a lot for the (Aboriginal community).”
HIGH LEVEL CFWE RADIO BINGO SELLERS • Assumption CJ Pizza • Bushe River Bushe Store • Fort Vermilion Pioneer PharmaSave • Fox Lake John’s Convenience Store
• Garden River 5th Meridian Store • John Dor Prairie 5th Meridian Market • Keg River Millenium Cabins Inc. • Rocky Lane Cha Gas Bar
For a complete list of radio bingo sellers visit: www.radiobingo.ca
Alberta Sweetgrass - February 2014
12