Sweetgrass July 2014 final by Paul Macedo

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014 WHAT'S INSIDE:

ASIRT looks to add Aboriginal members to team Page 3 The journey of intergenerational trauma from anger to reconciliation Page 5

THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA

JULY 2014 VOLUME 21 • NUMBER 8

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PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Jason Jr. stands with his grandmother Evelyn Simpson and rally co-organizer April Eve Wiberg as they talk about the disappearance of Jason’s father.

Rally brings attention to missing, murdered Aboriginal men, boys By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Evelyn Simpson and Gina Degerness stood together, holding each other and crying. They share something no mother wants to share: their sons are missing. Evelyn’s son Jason Freedom Adam went missing from Edmonton on Oct. 21, 2007. Degerness’ son Lucas Degerness disappeared from Prince George, BC, on June 7, 2007. The women were among the two dozen or so people who gathered on the steps of Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton for the first annual rally to honour murdered and missing Aboriginal men and boys. Bernadette Iahtail, executive director of Creating Hope Society, and co-organizer of the event with the Stolen Sisters Awareness March, said she knows a similar walk was held in Winnipeg a few years ago but she believes this walk, which took place on Fathers’ Day, is the only one of its kind now. “I don’t want to continue doing this but I have to. There’s nobody for our men and boys. It’s like the Creator said, you must do it. So

even when my boy is found I will continue doing this,” said Degerness, who added she had “forced” herself to come to the Fathers’ Day rally. Degerness’ son went missing from school at the age of 14. After a week of sightings in Prince George, there was no news on Luke for years. Reported sightings in East Vancouver five years after his disappearance sent Degerness there looking for her son only to find out that it was a mistaken identification. But a month ago, a man claiming to be Luke, who is now 21, phoned a missing person’s line. There is hope once again, said Degerness, that her son will come home. For Simpson, there has been nothing for seven years. Adam was 29 when he disappeared, visiting Edmonton from Lac La Biche. The Edmonton Police Services classified Adam’s disappearance as suspicious. Repeated visits to EPS resulted in no new information for Simpson. “They said, ‘Oh, maybe he committed suicide.’ If he committed suicide, where is the body? Somebody would have found it. Nothing,” said

Simpson. “I told them, “It’s just another Indian in their books….’ They said, ‘Oh, don’t say that.’ To me, in my eyes, they don’t care. They’re probably laughing about it right now.” Adam’s wife was one month pregnant when he disappeared. He had two other children. “The saddest part is that so many of our men and boys are missing and it’s not talked about, it’s not seen,” said Iahtail. Six Nations’ member and Two Row Times journalist Jen Mt. Pleasant has undertaken a count of murdered and missing Aboriginal men and boys. Using social media, websites such as MissingKids.ca and Albertamissingpersons.ca, and electronically archived newspaper articles, Mt. Pleasant has tallied 650 murdered and missing Aboriginal males since the 1950s. “There is definitely not enough awareness on this issue and it definitely speaks to the greater issue of our missing and murdered Aboriginal people,” said April Eve Wiberg, whose organization Stolen Sisters Awareness March has been instrumental in bringing awareness to the number of

murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls. That number, according to figures recently released by the RCMP, has 1,017 Indigenous women murdered and another 164 missing between 1980 and 2012. “Amnesty International has always said missing women and girls, but I want to say missing women and children because women raise boys, too,” said Iahtail, “and part of it is we need to change the language. We need to be able to be inclusive.” The walk, which was held on June 15 and called Napekasowiyinaw (Warriors), was also to mark “the traditional role of men in our communities.” “We have this certain misconception that men don’t care about their families, that’s why they abandon them and I think, historically, men are protectors and with the cycle of child welfare and the cycle of residential school, those roles have been missing,” said Iahtail. “There are a lot of good men out there that are providing for their families and being the best that they can be, and that’s all we can ask for everybody to be the best that we can be.”

Iahtail noted that Caring Hope Society was having difficulty getting funding for a program that would see men mentor boys. “One of the biggest things is we live in a society where we dismantle families. And we’ve got to stop doing that … we need to work holistically with our families and that’s including the men,” said Iahtail. CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL # 40063755

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

ALBERTA NEWS populations that are at particular risk and in housing instability versus rough sleepers, those people you would see on the street,” said Turner, in a news release. “So that’s a major difference between communities in rural Alberta and Calgary and Edmonton is that you have a population that remains hidden.” Some communities reported between five and 10 homeless people per year while others reported as many as 20 or 30. The boom and bust cycle, which is prevalent in a resource-based economy, also plays a role in local rural homelessness, which sees rents raised and lower income earners forced out.

Core provincial dollars for flood mitigation

PHOTO: GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA

Midwife joins north zone AHS Tamar Quist, with baby Peter and his mom, became the first midwife to work in Alberta Health Services north zone. Her midwife services are being offered at a clinic based in High Level and through prenatal and postpartum outreach programs in La Crete. Midwives are fully responsible for examinations, assessment of risk, screening and diagnostic tests, and collaborating with other health professionals when necessary. Registered midwives in Alberta have hospital privileges in Alberta Health Services facilities, allowing them to provide care to their patients in specific hospitals across the province.

Over 400 evacuated due to flooding on Blood reserve Enbridge project.” The Yinka Dene Alliance, which is As of June 20, the Blood Tribe was among 10 municipalities in southern Alberta to have declared states of local emergency due to flooding. Approximately 435 people had been evacuated from the Blood reserve, with 96 residences impacted by flooding and another 90 evacuated due to leaks in roofs, windows and doors. A reception centre was established in Standoff. Several local roads were covered in water, but the public water supply remained stable. Efforts were being shifted into recovery mode. The nearby Piikani Nation experienced minimal leaking roofs and flooded basements, and minimal road damage.

Northern Gateway receives federal approval On June 19, the federal government gave approval to Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline, which will carry 200-million barrels of diluted bitumen annually 1,177 km from Bruderheim to a marine terminal in Kitimat, BC. There it will be loaded on tankers bound for Asia. Alberta Premier Dave Hancock called it a “step forward in accessing new markets for Canada’s energy resources.” Meanwhile Assembly of First Nations Alberta Regional Chief Cameron Alexis, who oversees the AFN environment portfolio and whose region would be the starting point for the pipeline, said in a news release, “We are calling for a balanced approach agreeable by all parties at the table, including First Nations, and we need an appropriate cross-border process to be established amongst the provinces and First Nations with respect to projects that cross provincial lines. This effort is long overdue and now is the time to begin working on an approach that is respectful and inclusive of First Nations based on our rights and interests.” In response to the government announcement, a group of nearly 30 BC First Nations and tribal councils said in a statement they “will immediately go to court to vigorously pursue all lawful means to stop the

made up of six northern BC bands, says preparation to fight the decision has already begun. The New Democrats, Greenpeace, and Sierra Club all released statements opposed to the federal government’s decision.

First Nations and Métis settlements are eligible to apply for funding along with municipalities from the Alberta Community Resilience Program for projects that protect critical municipal infrastructure from flooding and drought. The recently announced cost-share program will direct $325 million to municipalities over the next three years for projects such as berms, dikes, and riverbank stabilization. Eligible projects may either protect infrastructure such as public buildings, roads, or wastewater systems, enhance public safety, or improve evacuation times. The grants will cover 90 per cent of project costs up to $3 million and 70 per cent of costs in excess of $3 million. Deadline for applications for the first round of funding is Sept. 30. The program is part of the province’s $600 million commitment announced April 29 at Alberta’s Watershed Management Symposium to fund high-priority flood mitigation projects to improve the province’s flood resiliency.

Fatality report calls for more funding for Aboriginal Women shelters, assault centres receive funding Sexual assault centres will be receiving $2 million youth in care A fatality inquiry into the murder of a 17-year old Aboriginal ward of the calls for more funding for Aboriginal children in care. Judge F.K. MacDonald, who conducted the inquiry into the stabbing death of the youth dubbed “M,” which occurred Apr. 25, 2009, said, “The care of a youth like M would be a challenge for any organization, let alone one that is inadequately funded. I recommend that the Government of Alberta investigate whether or not such a funding disparity exists and if so, to enter into discussions with the Government of Canada to eliminate such a disparity.” At the time of his death, M was residing sporadically at Spirit of Our Youth Group Home, where he was under the supervision of the Kasohkowew Child Wellness Society, a Delegated First Nations Agency. M, whose father is a member of the Samson Cree Nation and his mother a member of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, had a long history of Child and Family Services Authority involvement.

Homelessness increasing in rural Alberta New research suggests an increasing number of people outside of Edmonton and Calgary are homeless. The Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research commissioned the project, which looked at 20 rural communities in Alberta and another 20 rural communities across the country. Overall, Drs. Jeanette Waegemakers-Schiff and Alina Turner found homelessness persists in those communities. “There’s quite a prevalence of homelessness and particularly hidden homelessness, which is communities that have

more from the province and women’s emergency shelters will receive $3 million more to support 70 new beds and an additional $1 million for salary and benefit increases to help retain and recruit staff. The additional funding is part of the province’s plan to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families, with more supports added so victims of family violence and sexual abuse can better access help. “Sexual assault and family violence are difficult to talk about, but victims deserve the best system of supports that we can offer. This increased commitment will ensure that victims get the help they need when they need it,” said Human Services Minister Manmeet S. Bhullar in a news release.

Fort McKay becomes Patron Member in CCAB Fort McKay First Nation has joined the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business as a Patron Member. In a news release, Fort McKay Chief Jim Boucher said he felt “fully confident that our success can only continue to grow through the programs, commitment and support of organizations we can proudly call our own, like CCAB.” CCAB President and CEO JP Gladu called Fort McKay “one of the most successful First Nation-owned business enterprises with annual revenues in excess of $700 million.” CCAB Patron Members are the innovators who make the commitment to bridging the gaps between Aboriginal-owned businesses, community-owned economic development corporations and business Canada.

Compiled by Shari Narine

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

NEWS

ASIRT to add Aboriginal members By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

The next time an Aboriginal person is involved in a serious police incident, the agency that investigates such occurrences could include two Aboriginal team members. A series of officer-involved shootings in August 2013 of Indigenous men – two of which were fatal – and successive meetings between Alberta Serious Incident Response Team Executive Director Clifton Purvis and Alberta Aboriginal Commission on Human Rights and Justice Chair Muriel Stanley Venne have brought about the change. Venne, along with the Alberta Organization of Treaty Chiefs, suggested that ASIRT include Aboriginal representation. “That was a really good observation, not one that we had really addressed before,” said Purvis, who noted that “the Aboriginal community … is not over-represented in our files.” Since that meeting, Purvis created two investigator positions, seeking people with connections to the Aboriginal community. Offers have gone out to two Indigenous people – a Métis from Calgary and a nonTreaty Indian from Edmonton – and there is the possibility of a third Aboriginal person also joining. The new staff members will be involved in a wide variety of investigations as well as any incidences that involve Aboriginal people. “The ability (is) for them to mentor other investigators that are non-Aboriginal … the advantage for me is that they’re going to help us all be better,” said Purvis. He also points out that at times, Kyle Melting Tallow, with the Blood Tribe police, has been involved in ASIRT investigations. However, Melting Tallow was not available at the time of the August shootings. The first of three decisions from ASIRT involving police officer shootings of Indigenous men has cleared the two Grande Cache RCMP officers who shot Curtis Hallock in the arm and leg. Hallock’s file was forwarded to the Crown for input. After reviewing the Crown’s opinion on the contents of the file, Purvis determined no criminal charges would be brought against the officers. According to the release issued by ASIRT, the officers approached the suspect’s vehicle on foot in the Victor Lake Métis Co-op residential area, an altercation ensued and the officers shot the suspect, who fled on foot. He was later located and arrested and transported to hospital. Hallock, who is featured in the second season of Mantracker, was charged with

one count of assault with a weapon, one count of assault of a peace officer and three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. ASIRT will not release any further information as the case is before the court. The Hallock incident, which took place Aug. 1, was followed by two other shootings. On Aug. 3, a traffic stop by a Wetaskiwin RCMP officer working alone near Pigeon Lake resulted in the shooting death of Lance Cutarm, 30. His brother, Larron Cutarm, 41, was injured in the incident. There were three other men in the vehicle. On Aug. 15, RCMP officers shot and killed Daniel Charland, 52, the subject of an arrest warrant, after a confrontation developed at his home on Cold Lake First Nation. The decisions on Cutarm and Charland are still pending. The case files compiled by ASIRT have been forwarded to the Crown for review and Purvis is hopeful he can render a decision shortly. “I did express my perception that the RCMP was using these occasions as an excuse to kill the Indian. I was very candid that that was what I made of the particular (period) that had so many RCMP actually shooting to kill the Aboriginal persons involved,” said Venne. “I was asking (Purvis) to examine and take account of the racism and prejudice that exists in this province and take note of it in the investigation.” Purvis said motivation – including fear, carelessness, anger and racism – is always part of the investigation. The discussion between Purvis and Venne also resulted in a presentation at Blue Quills First Nations College. Venne says that for the past few years she has made presentations on human rights issues for Portage College. “I said it isn’t good enough for me to go there and speak at their public legal education program and then go home and that be the end of it,” said Venne. The result was a two-day multi-agency partnership presentation in St. Paul on justice, opened to the community, and included presentations by Venne, Purvis, victims’ services, and the RCMP. Venne was pleased with the outcome as was Purvis. “When ASIRT becomes involved in one of our critical incidences usually something bad has happened. So every time we’re able to get out ahead of that and tell people in the community … it creates confidence if they’ve heard the story of what ASIRT does,” said Purvis. Venne is hoping to have more conferences like this across the province. She added that the changes have been a “positive first step.”

NEWS

Red Cross support on-going for 2013 flood victims By Susan Solway Sweetgrass Writer Calgary

A year after flood waters caused severe damage on the Siksika and Stony Nakoda First Nations, the Canadian Red Cross continues its work in the recovery phase. “Immediately after the flood, we had teams of staff and volunteers to Siksika and Stoney First Nations, primarily focused on supporting the flood and evacuation centres as per invitation by the Nations themselves,” said Provincial Director Jenn McManus. Treaty 7 members Siksika and Stony Nakoda First Nations were largely impacted as both are situated close to the Bow River. Parts of Tsuu Tina Nation were also affected. Food, water, personal hygiene kits, and home clean-up kits were made available to the evacuees as part of the initial relief phase, as was funding to food banks. While the Red Cross does not usually work with in-kind donations from other sources, they assisted with the referral process as thousands of donations came in from across Canada and the United States. “It was very intense. Everyone wanted to donate but the

capacity to manage those inkind donations is always a challenge in the relief stage. The Nations created their own recovery management so we worked with those individuals to identify the need and where Red Cross can step in and assist,” said McManus, who personally liaised with the First Nations leaders in order to actively ensure communication was met. With the recovery phase now in motion, Red Cross is providing ongoing support to assist families and individuals; to clean-up, repair and rehabilitate shelters and homes; to support community initiatives and small businesses; and to work on community resiliency and disaster preparedness. Red Cross has supported the community in a variety of ways. It helped fund the annual Treaty Hockey Tournament in April, as well as providing a youth babysitting course and upcoming youth swimming lessons. It had a hand in helping to refurbish cultural artifacts that may have been damaged in the flood. Red Cross is in the process of working with a Single Mothers initiative in Siksika to support single moms who have been affected by the flood. A survey of those who received aid from Red Cross

indicated that 94 per cent felt the assistance was adequate, while 92 per cent felt that the presence of Red Cross in the community gave them hope and a sense of optimism during and after the disaster, says McManus. “We are not a government,” she said. “We have some flexibility based on need and communication with First Nations. Every community enters a disaster with a different level of resiliency and capacity, so the work to be done in Siksika will vary significantly with the work being done on Stoney Nakoda.” McManus points out that the Red Cross is still accepting applications for short term help and accepting proposals for community initiatives as a way to bring the members together in a healthy and safe environment. The flood in southern Alberta is the largest disaster response in the history of the Red Cross, says McManus. With $42 million raised for Alberta and $27.5 million spent to date, 70,000 individuals from all of the affected areas have received assistance. McManus says given the scope and impact of the work so far, the recovery is foreseen to last another two years.

Retired employee more than a clerical worker By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer SLAVE LAKE

A familiar face is missing these days at the Alberta Children’s Services office in Slave Lake. Sophia Cardinal, a popular receptionist at the facility for the past 28 years, retired earlier this year. Cardinal, however, did much more than clerical work at the office. The 60-year-old, a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation, often put clients at ease as it was welcoming for them to first see and speak to a fellow Aboriginal in the office. The fact that Cardinal also speaks Cree was a huge plus. Since many clients only spoke Cree, Cardinal was not only able to welcome them in their language, but she was also able to serve as an interpreter for clients when they were speaking to social workers. “I’m a people person,” she said. Cardinal was originally hoping to maintain her job for a couple more years. “It would have been great to stay there for 30 years,” she said.

But she had a knee operation back in 2009 and she said her knee is still a concern and slowing her down. “I have to think of my health,” she said. “I did a lot of walking at work and I was really feeling tired at the end of the day. I thought my health is still kind of good and that I should retire now.” What is Cardinal most proud of from her career? “That I did help and I did get to meet a lot of people,” she said. Since her retirement, Cardinal has been frequently told how much she is missed at the office. “People in town tell me all the time that they miss me and they wish that I came back,” she said. “And people in the office are telling me that they miss me.” But even these kind-hearted messages are not enough for Cardinal to return to work. “(I’m not going back) because I’ve been there too long,” she said. One of the highlights of Cardinal’s career came in 2006 when she was presented with an Esquao Award. These provincial awards are presented annually and were

created by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. Recipients, who are all Aboriginal women, are honoured for their outstanding work and for helping women of all ages. Cardinal said she surprised even herself at the awards reception, which was held in Edmonton. She only found out the day before that she was required to make a speech. “This was quite a big deal for me,” she said. “I had to speak in front of a big crowd. There were about 500 people there. I did it without getting shy. And I spoke in both English and Cree.” Cardinal has also won numerous volunteer awards for work in her community. She’s helped out at the local friendship centre, ski club, women’s shelter and also at various Elder and youth gatherings. Cardinal also saw her share of change during her years at work. “With the government always changing, the programs were also changing,” she said. One constant all those years, however, was Cardinal’s welcoming face.

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NEWS

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

Slut Walk places special emphasis on treatment of Aboriginal women

PHOTO: PAULA E. KIRMAN

After speeches and music, rally goers marched throughout the Whyte Avenue area to bring awareness about consent and healthy sexuality.

By Paula E. Kirman Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

Race, gender and sexual violence were emphasized at this year’s fourth annual Slut Walk in Edmonton. The walk focused heavily on Canada’s missing and murdered Aboriginal women because a demographic “that has a significantly higher chance of being sexually assaulted and murdered are First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit women,” said emcee Raine Northumberland. “If you haven’t heard of the Highway of Tears, look it up. If you haven’t heard of the annual Memorial Marches for Missing and Murdered Women, look them up.” Figures recently released by the RCMP indicate that close to 1,200 Aboriginal women and girls have gone missing or been murdered since the 1980s. If the same ratio of white women were murdered and missing, said Northumberland, that would total around 50,000 women. “But because sexualized violence is dismissed so readily in our society; because sexualized violence is historically a weapon of colonization and

occupation – this isn’t considered a problem,” she said. Danielle Boudreau, founder of the annual Memorial March for all the missing and murdered women of Edmonton spoke about the need for respect for all people. “Every year it’s the same: women and being victimized, lesbians and gays are being victimized, transgender people are being victimized, and now our men are being victimized. When are we going to start to look at each other with respect and kindness and realize that we are all human beings and deserve to be treated with respect and kindness?” Human rights activist Jacqueline Fayant read from her personal statement, “My life story is written by my own female, red skinned, twospirited, queer, tribal, liberal, Cree, Métis (and so much more) hand. I write my life story with the words and visions of my ancestors weaving their way into my current context, my lived experience. I am the author of my own story so if you decide that you will impose your privilege upon my body or mind, to silence me or oppress me with threats of any type then hear this - I will fight to

maintain my sovereignty over my own body politics!” African-American activist Junetta Jamerson compared the colonization of AfricanAmericans in the United States with that of Aboriginals in Canada, with similar results. “When a new way of relating to each other and the earth was introduced by western Europeans, a mutation occurred and something else took hold on this land. Largely due to the efforts of Aboriginal women, we are now aware and pressuring the government to take the appropriate legal steps to end the murders and disappearances.” The first Slut Walk was held in Toronto in 2011 and was prompted by the comments of a local police officer, who was quoted as saying that “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” Slut Walks followed that year in other Canadian cities, and Edmonton has made it an annual event. Teaching respect for consent instead of blaming victims for sexual assault is a principal message of the Slut Walk. “We hope to keep spreading the message about consent and healthy sexuality,” said Danielle Paradis, lead organizer.

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Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

EDMONTON

Elder talks about the importance of kindness

Heart of the City celebrations

PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN

Spirit Woman Singers performed at the Heart of the City in Giovanni Caboto Park on June 8. A traditional vocal and drum group, Spirit Woman Singers are committed to walking a spiritual path and singing for healing, inner peace, and inspiration. Heart of the City is an annual music and arts festival that takes place the first weekend in June and celebrates the talent of Edmonton’s inner city.

Underwear drive a joint effort Bissell Centre and Mayfield Toyota combined forces for a oneday underwear drive event on June 21, urging the public to donate new underwear for the homeless in Edmonton. Underwear is one of the most asked for clothing items by those who are homeless, but one of the least donated. The goal of 1,000 pairs of new underwear was set. “It would allow us to provide approximately 20 fresh pairs to people in need every day throughout the summer,” said Barb Nickel, in-kind donations coordinator at Bissell Centre. A new pair of underwear not only promotes health and hygiene, but also boosts self-esteem and self-confidence, which are critical when transitioning out of homelessness. “Just imagine going days… weeks… months without a fresh, clean pair of underwear. This is the case for many of the 2,000 or more people that are homeless in Edmonton,” said Nickel. Bissell Centre has served Edmonton’s inner-city community since 1910, particularly lowincome families, individuals, and children living in poverty.

Stories of Creation featured at Muttart Conservatory The feature pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory will house the First Nations: Stories of Creation until Aug. 17. The exhibit opened on June 21, National Aboriginal Day. The display was inspired by the storytelling tradition that is part of the collective heritage of the First Nations of Canada and aims to share important stories of Canadian heritage and First Nations peoples. This captivating pyramid is rich with colour from summer annuals and includes local grasses that bring the wild prairie inside. The feature pyramid will house five to seven different exhibits each year.

Design company contract for new RAM terminated The New York-based Thinc Design is saying it has been dropped by the province as exhibit designer for the new Royal Alberta Museum because of its focus on Canada’s oppressive history with its Indigenous peoples. According to a recent report in the Edmonton Sun, Tom Hennes, founder of Thinc, said RAM curators “felt we were focusing too much on the difficult history,” which included residential schools, desecration of the buffalo, and the changes First Nations people had to make to fit into the dominant society. RAM Executive Director Chris Robinson would not say why Thinc was let go but did say the foundation laid by Thinc will be used as the museum moves ahead. Thinc is saying the government owes $400,000 for the design work the province still plans to use.

Family violence from an Aboriginal perspective Native Counselling Services of Alberta premiered its 37-minute documentary Home Fire last month. The film, a result of a twoyear research project by NCSA department BearPaw Research, explores family violence and restorative justice from an Aboriginal perspective. Featuring animation from award-winning illustrators Pulp Studios and motion graphics from Rat Creek Design, Home Fire is a contemporary look at the relationship between intergenerational trauma and family violence. The film also includes commentary from Elders, community leaders and members of the western justice system. NCSA will be distributing the film nationally, along with a 12-page discussion guide, to Aboriginal communities, health centres, police departments and legal professionals.

Compiled by Shari Narine

PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

Elder Elsie Yanik receives her honourary doctor of laws degree during convocation ceremonies at the University of Alberta on June 11.

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Métis Elder Elsie Yanik likened receiving an honourary doctor of laws degree from the University of Alberta to Christmas in June. “When I learned that the University of Alberta was going to give me an honourary degree, I felt a great sense of happiness and appreciation for everything. It was overwhelming. It was a familiar feeling. When you’ve been around for 97 years, most things become familiar. I remember one of the first times I felt this way it was 89 years ago,” Yanik said during graduation ceremonies on June 11. She told of the last time she saw her mother, who was taken to Edmonton for treatment from their home in Fort Fitzgerald, which she described as “about as far north (in Alberta) as you can go before you get to Northwest Territories.” It was at Christmas time and a young Elsie told her neighbour, Syd Porter, a World War I veteran and a “true gentleman in every respect,” that Santa had forgotten them. Hours later, Porter returned to Yanik’s house with a gunnysack full of gifts, telling her that Santa Claus had misplaced them. “The way I felt then, 89 years ago, is how I feel today. You see, kindness is enduring. Kindness makes everyone feel good. The person who gives kindness feels as good as the person receiving kindness. When we witness kindness it makes us feel very good. We all need and feel good as often as we can. Trust me. It may not make you live longer but you will certainly live better,” said Yanik.

As Yanik grew up and continued to live in Fort Fitzgerald, Porter remained an important part of her life, her husband’s life and her children’s lives. It was her husband, who on a visit to Porter to deliver Elsie’s freshly baked bread, discovered Porter was ill and needed to be taken to the hospital in Fort Smith. Porter is buried there in the Anglican cemetery. “And I am here today because he taught me the importance of kindness. He was my professor, certainly not the only one, but probably the most important one. Today again I have been shown great kindness,” said Yanik. Yanik was introduced at the graduation ceremony by Dr. Fern Snart, dean of the faculty of education, and honoured with a song by Lyle Tootoosis of Poundmaker First Nation. “For years she has served with grace and humility as a fourth generation Métis Elder

and role model for young students and people of many different socio-economic backgrounds,” said Snark. “She is deeply committed to the preservation and celebration of Aboriginal heritage and culture… Elder Yanik is an equally passionate advocate to improved access to health and education.” Yanik’s tireless efforts have earned her a blessing from Pope John Paul II; an Esquao Award, which recognizes excellence by Aboriginal women; and a Governor General’s commemorative medal. Dr. Indira V. Samarasekera, president of the U of A, directed the graduates to “look to Elsie Yanik for guidance and inspiration.” Said Yanik, “After all these years I thought I must be getting close to payback. The kindness shown to me. But after what you have done here, I will have to live another 100 years before I can settle that account.”

CALGARY

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

Woman turns decades of sobriety into giving back

PHOTO: DARLENE CHRAPKO

Jamie Medicine Crane of Young Medicine duo performs a traditional dance at Opening Ceremonies of Calgary’s Aboriginal Awareness week.

City commemorates flood of 2013

PHOTO: DARLENE CHRAPKO

Ruth Scalp Lock and co-writer Jim Pritchard at the launch of My Name is Shield Woman at Shelf Life Books.

By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

March 14, 1974, marks a significant date in Ruth Scalp Lock’s life, a turning point at the Winnipeg Inn on Portage and Main, where she experienced a spiritual awakening. “I heard this voice that told me I had to do something about my life. A power higher than me was with me,” said Scalp Lock at the launch of her personal story, My Name is Shield Woman a hard road to healing, vision, and leadership, at Shelf Life Books on June 19. In March this year, Scalp Lock celebrated 40 years of sobriety. “Over 40 years ago, I did a lot of drinking in this area,” she said. Later, she writes, “I was drinking to cover the pain.” Scalp Lock is acutely aware of the proximity of Shelf Life Books to Central Park where she subsequently met many of her people when she dedicated herself to helping others. This calling echoes like a refrain throughout her life’s work with child welfare, running in the provincial election, and 18 years

of leadership as an elected official of the Siksika band council. Scalp Lock met co-author Jim Pritchard while he was working at Alberta Children’s Services, and has maintained a 35–year connection with him and others in the field of social work, many of whom were in attendance. Having attended residential school for 14 years, Scalp Lock relates how she explored different faiths and religious groups. “I was reaching everywhere,” she said. Eventually, she found her way back to her roots. “I went back to the traditional way, the way my father raised me.” Scalp Lock’s legacy of a lifetime of dedication to helping people was solidified by the traditional name she was given by her great aunt, Margaret Bad Boy. In the book she relates her aunt’s words, “My Girl, it is time that you have a name, a special name, one that will help you in your work for our women. Back in 1930, me and my husband had a sacred shield transferred to us at a Sundance. It is Awo Taan, the Shield. Now I will give you this name, Awo

Taanaakii, meaning Shield Woman. You will have the protection of the Shield. It will also shield the women you protect, and it will shield all who walk with you on your path.” Fittingly, Scalp Lock gave the name Awo Taan to the first traditional women’s healing shelter in Calgary, which took her eight years to establish. It was and continues to be her belief that work must be done with the whole family to keep the circle strong. A section of the book is dedicated to “Adopted Relatives,” including former Premier Ralph Klein and Scalp Lock’s adopted grandson, Theoren Fleury, also in attendance. She first met Fleury in the 1990s when she brought youth from Siksika to his hockey camp in Calgary. “I never gave up hope on Theo. I always had visions of him. He needed an Elder to help him,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who it is. If anyone approaches, I am there to listen and to walk with those people until the day they can walk on their own and move forward.”

On June 20, the City of Calgary commemorated last year’s flood with a blessing from Elder Leonard Basteen of the Piikani Nation, unveiling the 2013 Flood Commemorative display. There was a video tribute from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, as well as remarks from Premier Dave Hancock, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, and Dave Burrell, director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency and Calgary Fire Chief. The event recalled the impact of the floods on Calgarians, honouring the community’s response and resiliency. The display, unveiled by Nenshi, included a plaque and pair of bronzed boots that will be housed permanently in the Municipal Building’s atrium. “Our city and citizens experienced a devastating flood that we will never forget,” said Nenshi. “We come together today to remember how the flood affected us in both tangible and intangible ways. But, more important, we recall the incredible resilience and community spirit shown by all Calgarians this time last year. With the help of the entire community and all orders of governments, we were, and continue to be, stronger than ever.”

$20 million Aboriginal education campaign launched Indspire, a national Aboriginal education charity, launched its Building Brighter Futures Campaign to raise $20 million for bursaries and scholarships for post-secondary Aboriginal students across Canada on May 27 at Bow Valley College. Donations from corporate, provincial and private partners up to $10 million will be matched by the federal government. Indspire has already reached its half-way point in the campaign. The Alberta government will contribute $400,000. According to Statistics Canada, only 10 per cent of Indigenous students graduate from university, compared with 27 per cent of non-Indigenous students. Indspire says that a lack of financial support is the main barrier. In a news release, Suncor Energy President and CEO Steve Williams said, “Supporting the education goals of the next generation is also a strategic investment in a workforce that will allow Canada to continue competing globally.” Since its establishment in 1985, Indspire has distributed over $65 million through more than 20,000 scholarships and bursaries. Outside the federal government, Indspire is the largest funder of Indigenous education.

Southwest ring road construction Alberta Transportation anticipates starting construction of the southwest ring road within the next two years with expectations that the main route through the Tsuu T’ina Nation will open by 2020. Project leaders say the enormous undertaking will face major challenges building through environmentally sensitive areas like the Paskapoo Slopes and Weaselhead. The project, which includes 31 km of new road, 20 interchanges and 66 bridge crossings, will be coordinated in two phases. The south leg through Tsuu T’ina, which involves land transfers with the federal government, is expected to begin in 2016. The west leg, running from Highway 1 through Paskapoo to east of 101 Street with a new interchange at Sarcee and Glenmore Trail, will begin shortly after. Both legs are expected to open at the same time. When completed, the new ring road will provide over 100 km of free-flow freeway, helping to reduce traffic congestion.

New development fund for First Nations entrepreneurs created

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AltaGas Ltd. Chair and CEO David Cornhill presented a $500,000 cheque to the Indian Business Coporation at an announcement at the Chinook Lodge Aboriginal Resource Centre at SAIT Polytechnic. The agreement enables the IBC, an Aboriginal financial institution, to create a source of capital to help First Nations entrepreneurs grow businesses. The interest-free loan to IBC will be paid over the next five years. Typically IBC is funded by Aboriginal Business Canada, but demand for lending services exceeds its capital. “AltaGas’ investment in Indian Business Coporation means more First Nations entrepreneurs will get financing to start of grow their businesses,” said Rob Rollingson, IBC general manager.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

COMMUNITY

Regional awards recognize Métis entrepreneurial spirit By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

“At a time when there are a lot of stressors in our community, awards such as these are exactly what we need,” said Mark Laycock, director of Métis Calgary Family Services of the recognition received at the annual Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3 Entrepreneurial Awards held in late April. “In a sense it’s a way of qualifying and sanctioning the work we do. Dealing with families in crisis is difficult work.” Métis Calgary Family Services was acknowledged with two awards in recognition of the organization’s support and service to the Métis community. MCFS was also recognized for its Native Network, a community voice mail service modelled after the one launched by the Lu’ma Native Housing Society in Vancouver in 2010 to provide phone numbers to homeless and phoneless people. “We have two long-term employees who are retiring after 15-20 years, so the award is a nice exclamation mark to their body of work. At Métis Calgary Family Services, people don’t come because of their profession and job, they are there because of the cause, a healthier community and a healing path,” said Laycock. Sandra Sutter, president of Calgary’s Aboriginal Friendship Centre and owner of Sutterink II, a business and Aboriginal relations

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY MÈTIS NATION OF ALBERTA REGION 3

Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3 representatives President Marlene Lanz, at the podium, and Vice-President Joseph Pimlot (to her immediate left) with Mark Laycock, Donald Zboya and Lori Anne Houle of Metis Calgary Family Services.

consulting company, accepted her award in the same vein. Multi-talented with over 20 years of community involvement, Sutter is a volunteer, singer-songwriter, entertainer, public speaker and mentor. Her current work is with the newly-formed Métis Women’s Economic Security Council, a five-year project created to help economic and social aspirations of Aboriginal women in the province. Established by former Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Robin Campbell, the council’s ultimate goal is to build sustainability and selfsufficiency.

“We don’t want to remain dependent on government, and we want to best use the financial support available to create lasting change,” said Sutter. Having served for a year on the board of the National Association of Friendship centres, Sutter said she accomplished her goals of transparency and reporting, prior to stepping down to allow Nelson Mayer to assume the role of president. Like Laycock, Sutter said she was shocked and honoured to receive the recognition. She is passionate about the work of the friendship centres which

she says are important and relevant to urban Aboriginals. Other recipients of this year’s Entrepreneurial Awards included Bob Gray, for his humanitarian work with Aboriginal veterans ; and twotime recipient Tim Brabant for his successful company, Skyline Concrete, which he and his wife have run for the past 12 years. He describes the family business as “a full service concrete company from dirt to done.” Skyline has been focussing on commercial and industrial work in the oil and gas sector in remote areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan. With 12-14 year round

employees, Skyline has experienced continuous growth of 20-25 per cent each year. Hope Henderson, vicepresident University Advancement of Mount Royal University, was acknowledged for her corporate success as were Randy Fedderson, of Randy Fedderson Agencies Inc., and Dale Lee, of DL Petroleum Engineering & Consulting Ltd. About the awards overall, Laycock said, “Entrepreneur in the name speaks more to the spirit that is nurtured and manifests itself among the Aboriginal community.”

Littlechild “humbled” to receive Order of Excellence By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor NEW YORK

International Chief Wilton Littlechild will be invested in this year’s Alberta Order of Excellence. “I would like to see that recognition add weight to my voice,” said Littlechild, who recently spoke at the United Nations assembly in New York, where he serves as the North American representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Littlechild has been a considerable force in moving forward the rights of Indigenous peoples, both at home and internationally. He is passionate about the work he does to improve education and living conditions for Indigenous children. He organized a coalition of Indigenous nations that was successful in gaining consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. In Canada, Littlechild serves as a commissioner with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, tasked with

travelling the country over the past five years and gathering stories from residential school survivors as well as working with the churches that signed the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement and the federal government to access pertinent documentation. The investiture in the Alberta Order of Excellence is just one in a long line of recognition Littlechild has received locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. In fact, Littlechild was recently nominated by the United States for the Nobel Peace prize. But to be recognized at home is especially rewarding, he says. “I feel very honoured and at the same time humbled because I know Alberta has a lot of rich people in terms of talent, in terms of contribution to the world, in terms of contribution to our country, and in particular, contribution to our own province,” said Littlechild. In 1976, Littlechild, a member of the Ermineskin First Nation, became the first Treaty First Nation person to acquire his law degree from the University of Alberta. In June of 2007, the U

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Chief Wilton Littlechild is one of eight people to be invested in the Alberta Order of Excellence for 2014.

of A bestowed the Doctor of Laws Degree on him for his outstanding achievements. Littlechild served as a Member of Parliament from 1988 – 1993 for the riding of WetaskiwinRimby. Littlechild was honoured by being appointed

the Honourary Chief for the Maskwacis Crees and also honoured by the Chiefs of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations as the International Chief for Treaty No. 6 Confederacy. “It’s interesting in a way

because this is not why we go into the work we do. We don’t go into it for getting these awards, we believe in (our work) and if we work hard enough something happens,” said Littlechild. “The Alberta Order of Excellence is about recognizing those who have made a difference, who have served Albertans with distinction, and whose contributions will stand the test of time,” said Lt. Gov. Donald S. Ethell, Chancellor of the Alberta Order of Excellence, in a news release. The AOE is the highest honour the province can bestow on a citizen. “Sometimes it’s the recognition at home that means the most,” said Littlechild. The investiture ceremony will be held on Oct. 15, in Edmonton. Joining Littlechild are seven other Albertans: Sharon Carry, Colin Glassco, Julie Hamilton, and Fred Mannix, all of Calgary; Tony Cashman and Reinhard Muhlenfeld, both of Edmonton; and Morris Flewwelling, of Red Deer.

EDUCATION

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

Graphic novel introduces young readers to Blackfoot language By Andrea D. Smith Sweetgrass Contributor CALGARY

A comic book being published in Calgary will give young readers a chance to learn the Blackfoot language. The graphic novel, entitled “Ihtsipatatiyoop” (“Creator” in English), will be a series of illustrations and text boxes designed to appeal to youth. “The whole point is trying to develop a format that will get youth interested in learning an Aboriginal language,” said John Medeiros of Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth. “It’s all about just trying to package something up to get them engaged in the process.” Medeiros is overseeing the project, which is funded by Canadian Heritage. Each of the 500 copies of the novel will include a DVD edition, as well as a documentary of the creative process behind it. “We send them to reserves, schools... We have a lot here at the office for anyone that wants one, and we try to give them to as many youth organizations as possible,” said Medeiro. “They go pretty quick.” The story centres around a young artist girl named Sage Sweetgrass, who becomes angry with her work and destroys it only to find out she has destroyed the whole world.

PHOTO: ANDREA D. SMITH

Christian Boulet (standing), one of the artists for “Ihtsipatatiyoop,” discusses the project with artistic director Brian Batista.

“It’s still a warrior story, but it’s like ragamuffin girl in her painting smock, and her journey to empowerment,” said Brian Batista, artistic director for the project. “The Creator comes down and says ‘Well, you just destroyed the world.’ So we have two creators in the story... Creator, the spiritual Creator, and also the human as a creator.” The artistic team working on

the project went with a more innovative approach to the formatting of the graphic novel—one that showcases the art more noticeably, as well as one that challenges traditional Western worldviews of what a comic (or a piece of literary and graphic art) should look like. “We did away with the conventional blocks and panels, and everything is melded so it

reads left to right,” said Mitchell Poundmaker, one of the eight young artists that worked on the story. “I like that we literally thought outside the box. So it’s these big, beautiful art pages with no fixed borders or boundaries.” Elder Randy Bottle wrote a blessing for the book. He and his wife Anita Eaglebear, both from the Blood reserve, also

translated 200-story panels from English text into Blackfoot. The couple spent three-and-a-half days doing the translations, and faced a variety of stumbling blocks. “With the English phraseology, sometimes it was very difficult to follow because we don’t have Blackfoot words for those phrases,” said Bottle. “Sometimes it didn’t make sense to translate it the way it was written, so I had to turn things around and really think.” For example, Sage uses the popular English phrase, “That’s cool.” “When you say ‘that’s cool,’ it would mean it’s really good and something really extraordinary,” said Bottle. “But in Blackfoot, it would be ‘That’s cold.’ It would be completely different.” In this case, Bottle and Eaglebear settled on the word “Iksookatii,” which means, “That’s good.” The translation isn’t direct, said Bottle, but it was the most accurate one they could come up with. Regardless of the challenges, Bottle is happy to be part of such a unique effort to bring back the language and popularize it among youth. “I think it’s something the young people are losing, because it’s not spoken often enough,” he said. “This was an opportunity to share the language of this land.”

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

EDUCATION

Learn-to-sew programs to be offered as evening activity By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer MASKWACIS FIRST NATION

A Cree high school in Alberta is one of four in the province that has received funding from the TransCanada Equipment Grant. The Nipisihkopah Secondary School, located on the Maskwacis First Nation, is using its $10,000 grant to upgrade its fashion program. But Alvina Flormann, the principal at the school, said it won’t just be students who benefit from the equipment upgrades. The school has already spent $8,400 of its grant money. Purchases include eight new sewing machines, a pair of sergers and some tables for the machines. “The rest of the money will go towards supplies we need,” Flormann said. The Nipisihkopah school had 264 students registered this past school year. Almost 80 of them took a fashion class. Flormann believes one of the reasons her school was awarded a grant was because her proposal included how others in the community would also benefit. The Maskwacis First Nation has been plagued by crime, violence and drugs. Flormann

wrote in her proposal that if grant money was given to the school it would allow officials to run learn-to-sew programs in the evenings for community youth and their family members. Flormann reasoned such a program would help keep some young people off the streets while engaging in a more productive venture. “We are losing many of our youth to street culture,” she said. “So for our evening sessions we will be targeting parents and their kids who are in Grades 8-12. But it will also be available to anybody that wants to come out and do some beadwork.” Flormann was thrilled her school was one of the four chosen to receive a $10,000 grant. “It was really nice,” she said. “Our board of directors and our superintendent were very happy. We try to find various ways to augment our curriculum.” Flormann had sent her proposal prior to the grant application deadline in early April. School officials were notified they would be one of the four grant recipients in May. The Nipishkopah school is for students from Grades 8 through 12. Those in Grades 8

and 9 are required to take a fashion-related course. For others in the higher grades it is an optional class. Flormann is confident community members will also take advantage of the learn-tosew programs, which are scheduled to begin in the evenings this September. She expects those from the community to attend the classes and to create their Native dance outfits. “That’s the intention,” she said. “We have a lot of families in our community that dance. They are generational families and hopefully others will get into it.” Flormann is not sure how many individuals will take advantage of the evening sessions. “If it is used every week then I think that will be successful,” she said. “I can’t give you numbers though.” The grant money was available for schools to purchase equipment in order to upgrade their trade and technology labs. The successful schools were chosen based on the quality of their applications, the demand from students for increased access to equipment and the innovation in the school‘s approach to skill and leadership development.

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Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014

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Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2014