Sweetgrass July 2015 final by Paul Macedo

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015 WHAT'S INSIDE:

Edmonton schools move ahead with teaching about residential schools Page 3

THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA

First Nations women at greater risk for stillbirths Page 4 JULY 2015 VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 8

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PHOTO: HAZEL MARTIAL

Celebrating Aboriginal peoples

National Aboriginal Day was marked on June 20 and 21 in Edmonton with a number of activities including APTN's Aboriginal Day Live held at Louise McKinney Park along the river valley. In some cities across the province, National Aboriginal Day was commemorated with a week of activities.

Premier’s apology needs to be followed by action By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

For residential school survivor Larry Loyie, Premier Rachel Notley’s apology means nothing if “it’s just a ceremony or a frilly thing.” It needs to be followed by action. On June 22, Notley became the first premier to formally apologize to those who attended residential schools. “As our first step, we want the First Nation, Métis and Inuit people of Alberta to know that we deeply regret the profound harm and damage that occurred to generations of children forced to attend residential schools. Although the Province of Alberta did not establish this system, members of this Chamber did not take a stand against it. For this silence, we apologize,” she said in a ministerial statement during session at the Alberta Legislature. Notley went on to acknowledge the damage caused by forced residential school attendance – the loss of community, language and culture – and the intergenerational impact that has led to poverty, neglect, drug addiction, mental health issues, and “great despair.” She said, “True reconciliation

will only be achieved if we as governments and citizens are willing to make a fundamental shift in our relationship with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples of Alberta.” Loyie wants to know what this “fundamental shift” will look like. “(The apology) means nothing to me if it’s coming from a person I don’t know, a politician, who thinks she’s doing something good and in fact is not doing anything good if she doesn’t move on something that could rectify what we, as children, went through,” he said. Loyie was forced out of public school in Slave Lake at the age of nine and into St. Bernard residential school in Grouard where he stayed for six years. He travelled home for summers unlike many of his school mates. Loyie was one of seven siblings from his family to reside at St. Bernard and was not allowed to speak Cree or talk to his four sisters. He spent his days piling wood and picking potatoes. Loyie tells his story, and those of other survivors, in Residential Schools: Words and Images of Survivors, which he co-wrote with his partner Constance Brissenden. The

book includes a passage from Eddie Smith, who arrived at Edmonton Indian residential school in 1931. Smith worked the 346-hectare United Church school farm. He had someone write a letter to his parents: “I just went to school three days since I came here, this isn’t why my father send me here to work, he send me here to go to school and study hard to learn to read and write.” “Even though Larry’s been looking at himself in (a) residential school relationship and also over 25 years of intense research, it’s still a very emotional and passionate subject for him,” said Brissenden. There were 25 Indian residential schools in Alberta. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has identified 12,000 survivors in the province. Loyie wants to see Notley’s words of apology followed by actions taken to “promote the healing process.” Providing successful educational opportunities for the province’s young Aboriginal population is key, he says, as is educating today’s students about Indian residential schools. Treaty 8 Grand Chief and Mikisew Cree Chief Steve

Courtoreille says that in discussions with new Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Ganley, Chiefs have made it clear that there are a wide range of issues that Alberta needs to step up to the plate on and not ignore because of jurisdictional conflicts. “When it comes to children in care, education, housing, anything to do with First Nations, we should all be treated alike and work together. (Ganley) agreed this would be the way they want to work with us,” he said. Courtoreille sees Notley’s apology as recognizing Aboriginal people in the province and the first step in improving relations. “This tells me that this government really wants to do things right the first time around. Things will get better throughout our relationship with the newly-formed government,” he said. Notley also put her support behind the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women, saying that “harsh realities” such as poverty, racism and lack of education had to be addressed in order to tackle the issue. “The Alberta government will

develop a renewed relationship with Aboriginal peoples, based on trust and respect and take true action on these root causes, once and for all. Because we understand that true reconciliation is a matter of action, not just words,” she said. Courtoreille was not surprised by Notley’s statement, noting that her campaign platform included a commitment to Aboriginal peoples, something she also addressed in her victory speech election night. CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL # 40063755

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

ALBERTA NEWS New funding for Métis students at Lakeland College Lakeland College has established a special purpose fund for awards for Métis students. Funding from the Métis Education Foundation of $130,000 in bursaries and awards will allow for the distribution each year of two to four awards worth between $2,500 and $3,500. To qualify for the awards, students must be of Métis heritage, Canadian citizens, and have a specified grade point average. The funding will help students who have to deal with student loans or have to work part-time jobs in order to cover the cost of their education. The agreement will go into effect for the upcoming academic year and is expected to last for the next 15 years. Of the 1,900 students that were at Lakeland College last year, 130 were self-declared and studied in various fields such as firefighting, ag business, environmental sciences, and practical nurse programming.

Opportunity for trades employment for Paul Nation youth

PHOTO: BERT CROWFOOT National Chief visits school Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde visited Alexander First Nation school on June 9. Bellegarde says First Nations are ready to talk to the federal government again about educational reform. Bellegarde also met with Premier Rachel Notley in Edmonton. Notley committed to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Funding to address elder abuse Tribal Chiefs Venture Inc., East Prairie Métis Settlement and Nunee Health Board Society were among 19 organizations to recently receive funding from the provincial government to help address and prevent elder abuse. The three-year $3-million Elder Abuse Co-ordinated Community Response grant program will allocate about $1 million per year. Tribal Chiefs Ventures will hire a coordinator to lead the development of a coordinated community response for member First Nations: Beaver Lake Cree, Cold Lake, Frog Lake, Heart Lake, Kehewin Cree, and Whitefish Lake. Their partners include RCMP, Victims Services, Covenant Health, Alberta Health Services, and the Tribal Chiefs Ventures Elders Advisory Committee. East Prairie Métis Settlement will hire an Elders coordinator to develop a culturally sensitive, Métisspecific coordinated community response model. Partners include RCMP, Victims Services, Alberta Health Services, Métis Elder Abuse Program, Métis Settlement General Council, and the High Prairie and Area Prevention of Family Violence Association. The Nunee Health Board Society will hire a coordinator to develop a coordinated community response model. Partners include the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Uncle Fred’s Youth and Elders Lodge, and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Australian Indigenous leaders learn from tar sands battle Delegates from two Indigenous tribes fighting the development of the world’s second-largest coal mine on ancestral lands in Australia recently met with northern First Nations’ leaders in Alberta to discuss similar struggles against oil sands development. The $16.5-billion Carmichael coal mine, proposed by Indian conglomerate Adani, would bring roads; a new town with coal-fired electricity; a fly-in, fly-out workforce; and a rail line to the ancestral lands of the Wangan and Jagalingou people in central Queensland in northeast Australia. The company’s offer of compensation for loss of property has been turned down by the tribes. “We’re fighting the same issues, fighting the same people, fighting the same companies, fighting the fossil fuel industry, fighting our governments to say this is not ok. We will not consent. We have not consented. And our right to either give or withhold consent is being oppressed,” Australian Indigenous leader Murrawah Johnson, who represented the youth of the Wangan and Jagalingou tribes, told

APTN News.

Canadian government aware of oil sands environmental issues A document obtained under Canada’s access-toinformation law shows that the Canadian government was aware that contaminant levels exceeded guidelines, higher-than-expected atmospheric concentrations of chemicals, and a lack of regional species such as marten and fisher, in the Alberta oil sands. The January 2015 briefing note, prepared for Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford, discussed findings from a tar sands monitoring report published in December 2014. While highlighting issues with contaminants and species at risk, the briefing note did not directly link environmental impacts to the oil sands, saying that “oilsands-related pollutants in the environment are generally not at concentrations that give cause for concern.” First Nations and environmentalists have raised concerns for years and have criticized oil-sands projects for seepage and leakage of chemicals from tailings ponds, affecting communities downstream.

Dickson not guilty of importing cigarettes to Montana First Nation In June, a provincial court found Robbie Dickson, president of Rainbow Tobacco G.P., not guilty of importing millions of cigarettes without a licence for resale on the Montana First Nation. However, he was convicted of two other charges under the Tobacco Tax Act for possessing tobacco not marked for tax sale and for having more than 1,000 cigarettes. Whether he will be sentenced on those two charges will depend on the results of a constitutional challenge that Dickson has filed. Dickson was charged in 2011 after the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission and the RCMP seized almost 16 million cigarettes from a warehouse on the reserve. The Alberta government said at the time that it would lose $3 million in tax revenue if the “contraband” cigarettes were sold. Court documents say the cigarettes were produced by Rainbow Tobacco on the Kahnawake reserve in Quebec and shipped to the Montana First Nation. Charges against Carolyn Buffalo, Chief of the Montana First Nation in 2011, were stayed. A lawsuit filed in 2011 by Rainbow Tobacco and the Montana First Nation against the AGLC sought damages and the return of the seized cigarettes, but the claim was dismissed. Rainbow Tobacco is located on Kahnawake Mohawk territory in Quebec.

Through an Aboriginal Youth Career Initiative in Trades and related career opportunities, as co-ordinated by CAREERS: The Next Generation and TransAlta, Paul Band students in Grades 10 through 12 will have a chance for employment starting in July with TransAlta. In this program, students will go through an application and interview process for a six-week employment period. At the end of the summer, students will have the chance to continue on as a TransAlta employee, enrolled in the province-wide RAP program, earning high school credits, hours towards an apprenticeship and an hourly wage. “Our goal is to have a positive impact on the communities around us,” said Darren McCrank, TransAlta’s director of Alberta coal services. Employment in other departments, including human resources, finance and communications, will be considered.

Smoking cessation program kicks off Ekaya Pihtwaw, a tobacco cessation project launched by the Samson Cree Nation, aims to prevent the use of tobacco among young people and adults; protect from exposure to second hand tobacco smoke; promote cessation among smokers; and provide education and support to those who smoke to help them quit. Ekaya Pihtwaw is working with the First Nation communities of Samson, Montana, Louis Bull, Ermineskin and Pigeon Lake. Between February and April of 2015, a survey conducted by the project of 839 adults and 52 youth determined that 45 per cent of the adult population smoked daily and 28 per cent smoked occasionally while 13 per cent of the youth (under 18) smoked daily and 22 per cent smoked occasionally. As well, 55 per cent of the current adult smokers started smoking when they were between the ages of 13 and 16 years, so a priority of the project is to focus on prevention activities for children and youth. Ekaya Pihtwaw is funded by the First Nation and Inuit Health, Federal Tobacco Control Strategy.

Ground breaking for River Cree entertainment hall The River Cree Resort and Casino, located on the Enoch Cree Nation, marked the start of construction of its new entertainment venue with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 23. The new structure comes after the previous entertainment hall, “The Venue,” was voluntarily shut down in March after a due diligence exercise revealed that the structure was not up to code. Start date for construction is scheduled for early July with completion set for September. The new tent structure is 36 per cent larger than the previous venue at 28,000-sq. ft. and has a 2,500-2,600 person seating capacity, an increase of 700 seats. The structure is designed and coded to be a permanent building and will be attached to the main resort and casino. “Moving forward we will continue to do our due diligence to ensure that the safety of our guests, patrons and employees remains our top priority,” said Robert Morin, River Cree Enterprises CEO.

Compiled by Shari Narine

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Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

Edmonton schools move ahead with teaching about residential schools

PHOTOS: CITY OF EDMONTON’S COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Students from Edmonton’s two largest school boards marched downtown following a day of learning about Indian residential schools and talking about reconciliation.

By Andrea Smith Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

The two largest school boards in Edmonton are not waiting to learn what the new government’s intentions are when it comes to teaching about Indian residential schools. Under PC leadership, curriculums for 2016 made teaching about Indian residential schools a mandatory learning outcome for every class from kindergarten to Grade 12. But with no direction from the NDP, teachers and staff are taking their own initiative. “One of the ways we share about residential schools is in new staff orientation. We talk about historical and contemporary realities for our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, families, and communities, and we share information, walk them through

a placement activity, and have discussions about it,” said Melissa Purcell, acting program coordinator with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education unit of EPS. “It’s called ‘Changing the Conversation’… Through my experience in facilitating it, every once in a while people come up to me and say, ‘This is the first time I’ve heard about this.’” The orientation is given to all staff, from people in central office to custodians, says Purcell. And while the information can be heavy to digest, learning it is crucial to everyone involved. “We believe reconciliation and healing can be achieved by acknowledging the impact of intergenerational loss of language and culture as a result of colonization,” she said. “One of our unit’s goals is to support that, and it could be through

professional learning, through developing resources, or going to classrooms and modelling teaching strategies.” EPS took an even bigger step toward healing and reconciliation by co-hosting a conference for 700 students from Grade 9 up. They partnered with the Edmonton Catholic School Board and the City of Edmonton, and held the Journey to Reconciliation event, marking the one year anniversary for the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission event held in 2014 in Edmonton. “We provided sessions on residential schools… What does reconciliation look like, why do we need to reconcile, what do we need to reconcile,” said Athena Mackenzie, an FNMI education consultant for EPS, and an organizer for the event. “This one was about giving students a voice, and giving

them information… the truth… that is not taught in schools.” The event was a full-day of seminars and group discussions, ending with a youth panel that saw three youth address school superintendents and the Assistant Deputy Minister for the FNMI Division of Alberta Education, Jane Martin. The day ended with a symbolic walk from Shaw Conference Centre to Churchill Square, as well as a short round dance. “It’s a journey to reconciliation so we hope to keep doing something every year with students on reconciliation, in partnership with the City of Edmonton, and Edmonton Catholic Schools… Because it’s about coming together,” said Mackenzie. Even further work was done in this area with younger children when the FNMI education unit of EPS brought

Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and Christy Jordan-Fenton, authors of children’s book Fatty Legs, into EPS classrooms. Fatty Legs is based on Pokiak-Fenton’s experiences in residential school. While relaying such deep and potentially traumatic information to elementary-aged students can be difficult, the illustrated book and interactive author’s visit made the process easier, said Rosemary Litschel, a Grade 4 teacher at Ekota elementary school. “They understand about hair being cut, they understand about name calling, they understand about being bathed in lice soap, and rubbing and rubbing and rubbing until they bled,” said Litschel, of some of the abuses she touches on with her students. “But I haven’t gone any further than that, because I have some kids that wouldn’t be able to handle more,” she said.

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

NEWS

First Nations women at greater risk for stillbirths By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Richard Oster is hopeful that a partnership between the University of Alberta and an unidentified First Nation will result in more women successfully carrying babies to full term. “Our research group is … working in collaboration with a very large First Nations community here in Alberta to try and tackle, not just stillbirth, but healthy pregnancies in general,” said Oster, a senior research coordinator for the Believing we can Reduce Aboriginal Incidence of Diabetes Research group at the U of A faculty of medicine and dentistry. “Building relationships in communities, building friendships, building trust and talking and addressing issues together, because we (researchers) know … that if we try and use a program that might have worked in Edmonton or the inner city and we try and apply it to Aboriginal community it fails. We need to have collaboration for success.” Data gathered from 2000 to 2009 shows a connection between First Nations women with pre-existing diabetes and the risk of stillbirths. Oster and his research partner Dr. Ellen Toth, also with the department of medicine with the U of A, examined close to

470,000 births in that time period. Taking pre-existing diabetes and other factors into consideration, they determined that First Nations women were at a 70 per cent greater risk than their non-First Nations counterparts when it came to stillbirths. The study was published in the February edition of Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. Other risks included illicit drug dependence, alcohol use and smoking. Stillbirths were also more common for First Nations women over 35 years of age, those with more than three babies, and those with a history of abortion, previous stillbirth or neo-natal death. Overall, statistics indicated that First Nations women had stillbirths at a rate of 1.7 per cent compared to non-First Nations women, who had stillbirths at a rate of 0.7 per cent. The statistic for First Nations women also includes Inuit women. Métis and non-Status Indian women fell under the non-First Nations category because of the way statistics were collected by Alberta Health. The rate at which First Nations women experienced stillbirths over those 10 years had not changed. While the steady rate could be seen in a positive light, it also has negative connotations, says Oster, who notes that in other developed countries, the rate for stillbirths has decreased.

“Rates in Alberta have stayed static over 10 years … and I can’t tell you why that is,” he said. “I don’t want to see any more stillbirths.” While the study did not assess medical care received by First Nations women when pregnant, Oster says he has anecdotal information that indicates physician visits could be improved. “We know that on average, First Nations women tend to come in less often for their prenatal care and perhaps come in later during their pregnancy,” said Oster. “We see that as an issue that could be playing a role.” The upside with the role preexisting diabetes plays in stillbirths is that it’s a risk factor that can be addressed. By publishing their findings in a journal that deals with women and birth, Oster is hopeful that obstetricians and gynecologists will become aware of the role diabetes plays in stillbirths and use the information to help their patients. The findings have also been presented at various conferences, which have been attended by federal government officials. Oster hopes that means the concern has come to the attention of Health Canada, which operates the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch and has responsibility for the health and well-being of First Nations and Inuit people.

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IS ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

The success of Ambrose Place and renewed interest from funders have rallied agencies working in Edmonton’s inner city to evaluate services and programs and identify gaps. “We’re trying to build community in the inner city,” said Russell Auger, who led a meeting at Ambrose Place that included representatives from Bissell Centre, Boyle Street Community Services, E4C Alberta, Alberta Native Friendship Centre, All Saints Anglican church, and Ambrose Place. Auger is a resource person with Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc., which houses youth, who have been taken from their families. “We need to work at the grassroots level.” The most vulnerable people live in the inner city yet barriers exist in accessing help. Waiting lists are long for what programs

are offered in the immediate area. And though there are a large number of services available throughout the city, inner city residents don’t have transportation to head elsewhere. But it’s also about comfort level, says Auger. “The young and the old people, they won’t migrate that far out. They need support internally. They need to find a place they will feel comfortable to come to and there’s not enough of that going around in the internal part of the city,” he said. Also, not all programs available in the inner city can be accessed by all Aboriginal people. And inner city agencies have become more geared toward responding to emergencies and crises intervention instead of proactive programming. “There hasn’t been a lot of successful programming … and that’s because the funding available is just scratching the

surface of Aboriginal culture. Programs are started but not sustained,” said David Prodan, chair of the Urban Core Support Network, which consists of inner city agencies working as a catalyst for bringing about change in how services are delivered in the inner city. Prodan is also program manager for E4C, which manages the McCauley Apartments, which offers affordable housing in the inner city. His role, says Prodan, emphasizes the delivery of workshops, programs and events annually, which seek to bring together tenants and locals in order to build community. And when there is funding, not enough of it is channeled in the right direction, says Marlene Orr, assistant director of Ambrose Place. The inner city apartment unit provides affordable accommodations for those in recovery. See More services on page 5.

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Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

NEWS

B I N G O B A S H E S Transparency in investigations By Anna Giles - Radio Bingo Manager

will help build trust By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

I started the Bingo Bash circuit on February 9th by attending the Sweet Heart Bingo Bash at the Kikino Metis Settlement. Delilah organized a fundraiser for the grads and seniors in her community. More than 54 bingo players were in attendance to support the Kikino community.

How can you play so many cards at once?

In order to play radio bingo at the Peavine Recreation Centre on March 19, a tent was set up outside because there was no radio reception inside due to the metal roof. The stereo system equipment was inside the tent, so we could broadcast the radio bingo game inside the recreation center. Toni organized a St. Patrick’s theme bingo bash, and bingo players played stand up bingo prior to radio bingo which was FUN to watch. Bonnie from Crossroads Outreach School in Buffalo Lake hosted a Bingo Bash to raise money for the graduation field trips. The graduation students helped with the spaghetti supper, 50/50 draw and raffles. I fell in love with the tiny mukluks made by Yvonne, so I had to have a pair.

The building of trust is an ongoing process, says Cameron Alexis, outgoing Alberta Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, particularly when it comes to interaction between Aboriginal people and the police. In May, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team released the results of its investigation into the last of three shootings which took place in August 2013 and involved RCMP officers and Aboriginal men. In all three cases, ASIRT cleared the RCMP officers of wrong-doing. On Aug. 1, 2013, Curtis Hallock was shot in the arm and leg following an incident in the Victor Lake Métis Co-op residential area. On Aug. 3, 2013, Lance Cutarm died and Larron Cutarm was injured following a traffic stop near MaMe-O Beach. On Aug. 15, 2013, Daniel Charland, 52, was shot and killed in a residence on the Cold Lake First Nation. While Alexis would prefer to see such incidents dealt with by a First Nations tribunal, ASIRT is presently the organization that renders the rulings. ASIRT is an independent body which investigates incidents in which police are involved in serious injury or death of any person. “It’s important that ASIRT is absolutely neutral, (that it) ensure that the evidence presented and gathered shows impartiality. Sometimes we don’t like what the findings are but that’s something we have to live with,” said Alexis. Susan Hughson, executive director of ASIRT, understands the importance of transparency. “The way the Aboriginal community gains confidence in ASIRT is by knowing that we’re trying to be as transparent as

possible,” said Hughson. “Confidence is something that, quite frankly, has to be earned and ASIRT’s definitely trying to work towards earning that trust and that confidence.” Distrust of authority is wellgrounded in history, she says, noting that the impact of residential schools (where oftentimes RCMP took children away from their homes) “is absolutely horrifyingly far reaching.” Hughson, who took over as executive director from Clifton Purves, has pushed transparency to the point where she and team members have personally delivered the findings to the families. She says “lengthy meetings” were held in Wetaskiwin in January with the Cutarm family and Chief Randy Ermineskin and council as well as in Cold Lake in May with Charland family members, Elders and band council members. “I want them to understand that I have respect for them and I believe they are entitled to information,” said Hughson “Sometimes the results that apply to any given case are not going to make the family happy, may not make the community happy, but ASIRT’s job is to do a full and fair investigation where we can adequately assess what happened and come to a conclusion on that.” Going to the families first and then the communities and explaining the evidence and how conclusions were drawn is important, says Hughson, who notes that often times the circumstances surrounding the event are neither well-known nor widely-known. “They’re very difficult decisions to make and very difficult discussions to have with family members … because even if there is no misconduct on the part of the officer or any conduct that

constitutes an offence, it’s still a horrible tragedy and somebody has lost their life and there’s nothing we can do to make that better for the family,” said Hughson. Alexis, a retired RCMP officer, held the justice portfolio for the AFN. He says meeting with the family and community is essential. “I think that’s an important step … because it’s not just the family that’s been affected, it’s the whole Nation, too,” he said. Alexis says that after the August 2013 shootings, meetings were held with ASIRT and a resolution passed at the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs that ASIRT include Aboriginal investigators. Since that time, two full time and one part time Aboriginal investigators have been added to the team. Those new members, says Hughson, have been important in not only opening channels of communication between ASIRT and the Aboriginal community, but in guiding ASIRT in dealing with affected families in a culturally sensitive manner. Hughson notes that ASIRT is not the only organization to investigate an officer-involved shooting. Once ASIRT has completed its work and made a decision, a public fatality inquiry takes place. The family participates in this process, which allows them access to documents and the evidence, including all of ASIRT’s records. This is an open court process in the presence of a judge. “The purpose of (the public fatality inquiry), even though there may have been no offences committed, I think we all want to know that there’s nothing that could have been done better. And sometimes if there is something that could have been done better, then that can be addressed in the public inquiry process,” said Hughson.

More services need to support inner city population

A Mother’s Day Bingo Bash was held at Heart Lake First Nations. Joanne who works as a Water Plant Operator hosted the Bingo Bash to raise money for the Head Start & Day Care programs. Joanne thought it would be a great idea for the community to play Radio Bingo and to raise money for the community. Mother’s received a strawberry bouquet, and the door prizes included a bread maker, microwave, vacuum cleaner and many more great prizes. Thank you Delilah, Bonnie, Joanne and Toni for your warm hospitality and for inviting CFWE Radio Bingo to your community events.

More info: www.radiobingo.ca

( Continued from page 4.) “It irks me when I hear about funding organizations that are now going to provide funding for Indigenous people without consulting Indigenous people,” she said. Direction needs to come from the grassroots. There also needs to be more collaboration between inner city agencies. Resources need to be pooled between agencies, government and corporations. But there also needs to be a will to make changes in the inner city.

“There has to be like-minded people in a level high enough that government can hear,” said Carola Cunningham, director of Niginan Housing Ventures, the non-profit organization that built Ambrose Place. “But the people still have a responsibility to provide good programming to the people who are here struggling.” “Not much comes from a meeting if all you do is talk about it. I want people to talk like they really mean it,” said Donovan Shirt, who is a youth ambassador

with iHuman Society. Auger says the road ahead is tough. Gaps between agencies do exist and his hope is that these meetings can bring the community together to find solutions. “There’s a large group of people that shoot through the cracks,” he said. “You’re not going to be able to salvage all those people, a lot of them are just going to die out there. But the ones who are willing to try and make change, we have to fight for them.”

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Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

EDMONTON

Council to examine best way to commemorate TRC-hosted event PHOTO: PAULA E. KIRMAN

Memorial marks deaths of those without adequate shelter Rev. Travis Enright, who is of Cree background, leads prayers and blessings at the tenth annual Edmonton Homeless Memorial on June 5. This year’s remembrance celebration honoured the lives of 47 men and women who died in the past year as a result of not having adequate shelter. The event is organized by a committee of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness.

Poitras recognized by U of A with honourary degree Internationally acclaimed visual artist Jane Ash Poitras was presented with an honourary doctor of letters degree from the University of Alberta during the faculties of education and Native studies graduation June 3. Poitras was born on the Mikisew Cree First Nation and orphaned at the age of six. She was adopted by an elderly German woman, who home-schooled her after being told by the education system that Poitras was mentally disabled. Poitras earned a bachelor of science degree in microbiology and a bachelor of arts degree in printmaking from the U of A before receiving her master’s degree in painting and sculpture from Columbia University. Poitras’ artwork, which uses layering of paint, ready-made images and text to explore issues and ideas related to the Aboriginal experience in North America, is displayed world-wide. She is the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for arts and culture. Poitras was previously recognized by the U of A with an Alumni Award of Excellence.

Community strategy developed to end youth homelessness A year of consultation by Homeward Trust Edmonton has resulted in a community strategy plan aimed at ending youth homelessness in the city. The plan provides a community-based solution that aligns provincial and local youth strategies and is supported by four core principles: the Housing First approach; stakeholder engagement; positive youth development; and, individualized and youth centred supports. These principles will help achieve the five goal outcomes set by Homeward Trust: safe, secure, stable housing, long term connections to supports, improved wellbeing, education, and employment. This combination of provincial and local alignment in a strategy to tackle youth homelessness is the first of its kind in Canada. “While we have successfully housed youth through the Housing First program, we have more that we want to accomplish,” said Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton. “The community strategy outlines a local response to addressing Edmonton’s high risk and homeless youth, and will act as a guide as we plan the youth programming for the rest of the year and beyond.”

Heart Garden: a project for reconciliation A public art installation of hearts was set up June 21 downtown by RISE, a group of 30 socially active community members committed to supporting reconciliation in words and actions. The hearts were created, in part, through two work-bees held in the basement of the Trinity United Church. RISE (Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton) hopes to provide an outlet for people to discuss how to move forward as a community and have better relations with Aboriginal people, said co-founder Miranda Jimmy. The group came together over the last year since the Truth and Reconciliation national event in Edmonton in March 2014. The Heart Garden, an installation of hearts made of wood that includes words of hope and wishes for reconciliation, will be displayed for the summer in various locations.

WalkRun to end family homelessness Homeward Trust’s third annual Homeward WalkRun, presented by Yardstick, in support of the Urgent Families Initiative, was held June 13 at Louise McKinney Park. The event raised over $25,000, which will go to helping local homeless families find safe, secure, and permanent housing. “Since the start of the Initiative on Dec. 1, we have engaged over 100 families that are experiencing homelessness, and teams are working diligently to house them all,” said Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton. Over 150 people of all ages participated in either an eight-kilometre run or five-kilometre run or walk, followed by a one kilometre kids’ fun run.

Compiled by Shari Narine

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

On June 2, in Ottawa, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, on behalf of the Big City Mayors, placed a Declaration of Action into the Bentwood Box, as an act of reconciliation at the closing event for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Words have to be followed by action. Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson made that clear to a room full of residential schools survivors, their families and others in the Delta Hotel in Ottawa at the closing event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He underscored his point when he placed a declaration of action into the Bentwood Box as an act of reconciliation on behalf of the Big City Mayors caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The caucus represents 21 cities, which collectively hold half of the country’s population. States the declaration, in part, “Today we declare that Canada’s big city mayors commit themselves to learning from the lessons of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and taking action to ensure the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people are fully acknowledged in policy, and in the great cities we seek to build. We stand together today in committing to a new equal partnership with Aboriginal people in Canada; one based on truth, dignity, and mutual respect.” Iveson says the mayors of the largest cities in Canada have come to recognize both the challenges and opportunities in “directing positive changes in our communities.” And Edmonton, with the second largest urban Aboriginal population, plans to lead. “Working together we can show the way for a new vision of a Canadian city, one that lives and breathes the treaty spirit, the spirit of respect and shared prosperity,” he said.

In March 2014, Iveson was inducted as an honourary witness when Edmonton hosted the TRC’s final national event. “That proved to be a transformative experience for our city,” said Iveson. “(The survivors’) stories were difficult to listen to but it was time for Canada and the world to hear them.” Edmonton declared 2014 as a Year of Reconciliation. “That announcement kickstarted our journey of building trust and human relationships between Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people,” said Iveson, who admitted that building those bridges will take longer than a year. But in that time frame, the city undertook a number of steps to promote reconciliation. Workplace learning, which includes an understanding of Aboriginal culture, history and residential schools, has been imparted on the city’s 11,000 employees. Ceremonial spaces are in the process of being developed within Edmonton, in places culturally significant to the urban Aboriginal population. A youth leadership conference,

which included intercultural dialogue and future direction for the city, was held in March. In April, the Walrus Talks: An Aboriginal City was hosted. In May, a symposium focusing on western Canadian Aboriginal arts took place. The Treaty 6 flag flies at City Hall and there is verbal recognition at events that Edmonton is part of Treaty 6 territory. Now, council is considering the results of an on-line survey that asked respondents to comment on a way to commemorate the Edmontonhosted TRC event. The survey solicited 91 responses, 36 per cent of which came from people who self-identified as Aboriginal. Eighty-nine per cent were in favour of commemorating the event. Those not in favour expressed concern that such a commemoration may be an indication that reconciliation had been reached. Respondents indicated that residential schools survivors and Elders were the most relevant group to be engaged and such engagement needed to be carried out in a culturally-appropriate manner.

CALGARY

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

Art provides “strong sense of hope”

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

AltaLink celebrated National Aboriginal Day with performances by Treffery Deerfoot and the Blackfoot Medicine Speaks Dance Company.

AltaLink supports Alberta Indigenous Games

PHOTO: DARLENE CHRAPKO

Hayden Cutter, grandson of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, plays the lead in New Blood performance.

By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

Using art, Springbank school and Strathmore High School students expressed their empathy for those who endured residential schools, signifying a new beginning. “They are all part of my own healing. I thank them for that. They give me a strong sense of hope,” said Sheldon First Rider, who had attended St. Mary’s. First Rider was one of several guest speakers at the Reconciliation . . . Towards a New Relationship event June 17, presented by the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee to celebrate works that seek to build positive relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal citizens. Under First Rider’s guidance, the Springbank students created and displayed visual pieces that expressed their interpretation and understanding of the experience of those forced to attend residential schools and surrender all ties to their culture. The reconciliation event, presented during Aboriginal Awareness Week in Calgary June 15-21, was spurred by the recently released Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s summary report and its 94

recommendations. “This is an opportunity to advance greater understanding of where we come from, a shared understanding to move forward. It doesn’t right the wrongs of the past, but allows us to create the future together,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. While National Aboriginal Day is marked on or near the summer solstice in cities across the country, Calgary dedicates an entire week to honouring, recognizing and celebrating Aboriginal culture at a variety of events, hosted by Aboriginal and Métis-serving agencies. Students of Strathmore High School then presented New Blood, a theatrical performance that tells Siksika Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman’s personal story through a combination of traditional Aboriginal and modern dance, drumming, poetry and song to the lyrics of Peter Gabriel, with a backdrop of the artwork of George Littlechild. “Everything conceivable you can think of happened to me,” said Yellow Old Woman. What he remembered most were words spoken by government officials in reference to the purpose of the residential schools, words he hoped would be addressed in song. When Strathmore High School teacher

Dianne Bertsch consulted with him in the early development of the production, he shared these words with her. “To kill the Indian in the child,” were the words spoken in parliament that haunted Yellow Old Woman. He said that he could have been a bitter man, but learned to forgive. “It all has to start from here,” he said, his hand on his heart. “I think you will be touched by what you hear tonight.” Hayden Cutter, Yellow Old Woman’s grandson, plays the central role of the Chief in the production. In his closing remarks Wilton Good Striker, an advocate for youth, said that throughout his journey, including work with the national parole board for the past 20 years, he discovered the most successful programs are those that help young people be proud and provided them with identity; something that helped them to regain personal pride; and a reconnection to a spiritual way with a higher power. In his view, the road to healing follows recovery, restoration, renewal, and doing the right thing. “When all those things happen, there can be reconciliation,” said Good Striker. “It took a long time to create the situation and it will take a long time to recover.”

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At its National Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 16, Alberta’s largest electricity transmission provider, AltaLink announced a new sponsorship with the upcoming Alberta Indigenous Games, which will be held in Edmonton from July 12-16. Over 1,000 youth participate in and benefit from the games held every two years. Revolving around the theme of Reclaiming our Youth, the games include 12 special events, competitions in 10 different sports, a career fair, mentors, Elders, Indigenous arts, speaking, music and dance, and other gatherings.

Langevin’s name on bridge, school being examined Calgarians are expressing opposing viewpoints on whether Langevin Bridge and Langevin School should be renamed now that the connection between Sir Hector Louis Langevin, a Father of Confederation and advocate for residential schools, has come to the fore with the recent release of the summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Some, like Linda Many Guns, University of Lethbridge Native Studies professor, is adamant that the name be changed because of the association and its impact on residential school survivors, while others, such as local historian Harry Sanders, believe the name should be kept along with an explanation of Langevin’s association with residential schools. Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he is looking into the renaming and will bring it to council in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, he is seeking the advice and perspectives of the city’s advisory committee, historians and First Nations people, acknowledging that changing the name would be appropriate in light of the TRC’s recently released report.

Bow Valley College officials honoured with Blackfoot names On June 5, Bow Valley College president and CEO Sharon Carry and Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer Anna Kae Todd were given Blackfoot names at a special naming ceremony in the Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre on campus. The titles recognize the commitment that Carry and Todd have made to ensure the success of Aboriginal students. Situated on traditional Blackfoot land, BVC has strong connections to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, particularly through programs which are reflective of traditional Aboriginal practices. The name Niipaitapi Askinimatstohki, meaning Lifelong Educator was bestowed upon Carry along with a traditional headdress for her leadership and accomplishments. Todd received the name Aapsinis Kimaakii, White Buffalo Rock Woman and presented with a walking stick to acknowledge her passion for hiking and love of nature. The ceremony was led by Elders Leonard Bastien and Peter Strikes With A Gun with many dignitaries in attendance. In her acceptance, Carry alluded to the destructive impact of residential schools, acknowledging that education is an aspect of the path toward reconciliation.

University of Calgary honourary degree recipients Sheldon Kennedy, Nellie Cournoyea and Jane Ash Poitras were presented with honourary degrees at the June convocation ceremonies at the University of Calgary. Kennedy was recognized at the June 8 convocation for the faculties of environmental design, graduate studies, kinesiology and social work, with an honourary degree for bringing to light the issue of child abuse by taking his own story nationally and internationally. Cournoyea was recognized with an honourary degree on June 9 at the Werklund School of Education and faculty of graduate studies convocation. She is chair and chief executive officer of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Formerly, premier of the Northwest Territories, Cournoyea, an Aboriginal land and constitutional rights advocate is also a leader of public and Aboriginal governments and supporter of development of the north and its resources. She is also recognized for public service and volunteerism. Poitras was recognized at the faculties of arts and graduate studies convocation on June 10. Her visual art has received international acclaim and she is highly sought after as a lecturer. Painter, printmaker and writer, Poitras has created a new First Nations lens in contemporary art. Her work has been shown in a number of exhibitions, both solo and group, around the world and is found in a number of public, private and corporate collections.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

CAREERS

Graphic novel depicts thesis work on violence and traditional healing By Paula E. Kirman Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

A new graphic novel tells a strong story about a young Aboriginal man who breaks away from gang violence, but not before ending up in jail. The Outside Circle, written by Patti LaBoucane-Benson and illustrated by Kelly Mellings, begins with Pete and his mother’s boyfriend Dennis. The two men fight and Dennis ends up dead and Pete goes to jail. Even in prison, Pete manages to keep up his gang ties until a brawl there makes him realize he has been a bad influence on his younger brother Joey. Pete begins a process of rehabilitation which includes traditional Aboriginal healing circles and ceremonies. Author Patti LaBoucaneBenson is Métis and the director of research, training, and communication at Native Counselling Services of Alberta. She has a Ph.D. in human ecology, focusing on Aboriginal family resilience, and says that The Outside Circle is her doctoral dissertation in graphic novel form.

PHOTO: PAULA E. KIRMAN

Author Patti LaBoucane-Benson (right) and artist Kelly Mellings launched their graphic novel The Outside Circle at the grand opening of the comic store Variant Edition in Edmonton on May 2.

“When I completed my Ph.D., my examining committee encouraged me to publish my dissertation. But at that time, writing for academia was something I was not very interested in,” said LaBoucaneBenson, who lives in Spruce Grove. “I wanted to engage a broader Canadian audience in the work that I had been doing. I am also a fan of the graphic

novel genre. So, after a few months, I decided to work on a graphic novel that would feature a story that was grounded in my 20 years of work experience, as well as the findings from10 years of graduate studies.” Graphic novels are embraced by youth and young adults, and LaBoucane-Benson has aimed to engage readers in these age

groups. The Outside Circle has also been well received by older readers, according to LaBoucane-Benson, because the graphic novel can be read in one sitting resulting in the reader quickly feeling the entire impact of the story. “I hope to engage all Canadians in a dialogue about historic trauma, the overrepresentation of Aboriginal

people in jail, as well as hope, healing, and reconciliation,” she said. LaBoucane-Benson asked artist Kelly Mellings to work with her on The Outside Circle after working together on legal education comic book projects at Native Counselling Services of Alberta. Mellings lives in Edmonton and is an awardwinning art director, illustrator, and designer, who co-owns the design firm Pulp Studios. LaBoucane-Benson says she would like to work with him on future projects. Most of all, she says, she wants to communicate through The Outside Circle that “the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the Canadian criminal justice system doesn’t have to continue. By supporting individuals to develop a positive sense of Aboriginal identity, reconcile relationships, and self-determine their own healing path, the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the cycles of incarceration can be stopped.” The Outside Circle is published by House of Anansi Press and available in book stores and comic shops.

Anglican bells mark reconciliation by remembering ongoing tragedy By Julie MacIsaac Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

Church bells tolled across the nation every day for 22 days last month. And, according to the Anglican Church leaders who led the 22Day initiative, the bells tolled not just a tribute, but also a

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Anglican Archbishop and Primate Fred Hiltz accepts the summary of the final report from Truth and Reconciliation Commission Chair Justice Sinclair. Said Hiltz at the closing event in Ottawa, “We are humbled in the knowledge that we continue to share a responsibility to ensure that the task of reconciliation does not end today but in fact begins today.”

warning—things have got to change. Neil Gordon, Dean of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton, said that when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded their work—compiling an accurate history of the children trapped in the residential school system and developing

recommendations for all levels of church, state and society to promote healing and address Aboriginal issues in the country—Anglican Church leaders wanted to mark the occasion and make a statement about their commitment to the movement. See Anglican on page 11.

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

SPORTS Anglican bells mark reconciliation ( Continued from page 10.) “We wanted to acknowledge that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is finished its work, and we’re grateful, but we also don’t want to put these issues on a shelf,” he said. “We’re not done the work. There’s a real sense of grievance and hurt and it’s going to take generations to heal, if ever. Our society likes a quick fix. This is not a quick fix.” So it was decided that from May 31 (the commencement of the closing TRC ceremonies in Ottawa) to June 21 (National Aboriginal Day) the bells would ring at all of Canada’s 30 Anglican cathedrals in memory of the lives of the 1,181 missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada, a subject that has long been neither seen, heard, nor spoken of. “I think this is one of the major things that needs to be addressed in the reconciliation movement,” said Iain Luke, Dean of the Diocese of Athabasca and rector at St. James Cathedral in Peace

River. “It’s an open wound. There are family members out there still feeling their absence and the government appears unable to address this.” St. James Cathedral is one of the few still operating actual bells in a belfry. The bell rang over 50 times every day at 12:30 p.m. (totaling 1,181 by June 21). There are two ways to ring traditional church bells, says Luke. At joyous occasions like weddings and christenings, the two bells in the belfry are rung simultaneously, resulting in an exuberant chiming, but at a funeral, only one bell is tolled, and the sound is solemn and mournful. At St. James, one bell was tolled, over and over, for the lives of the Aboriginal women lost or killed over the last 30 years. Luke tells the story of a church in Montreal that intended to ring the bell 1,181 times every Wednesday. The church managed to make it to 300 before the rope broke. “It just gives you perspective,” he said. “Too many lives have been caught

up in this—even the rope couldn’t stand this.” Gordon’s All Saints Cathedral in Edmonton set their automated church bell sound system to ring out 1,181 times twice a week—one chime every three seconds for 57 minutes. Apart from tolling the bells, churches held vigils and spent time learning from residential school survivors. Gordon credits All Saints parishioner and local Elder Sharon Pasula for organizing and leading daily services, which included listening to firsthand accounts from survivors, smudging and prayer. “We hear about Indigenous issues,” said Gordon of the 22Day initiative. “But we need to take the next step. Our society is really bad for going from one thing to the next thing to the next thing—oh, there’s the residential school thing done, let’s move on. We can’t do that. This is too serious. We need to work together, share together. Keep it in people’s consciousness.”

Siksika basketball players inspire pride in home community

PHOTO: TREVOR SOLWAY

The Bassano Broncos: Braden Many Bears, Davey Jerry, Tanner Kenney, Owen Many Bears, Wacey Many Bears, Dakota Saddleback, Adam Solway, Blaine Solway, Dezman Strangling Wolf, and Tristen Weasel Head.

By Trevor Solway Sweetgrass Contributor SIKSIKA NATION

Qualifying for the 1A basketball provincials for the first time in 40 years is a remarkable feat. But the Bassano Broncos, an all-First Nations high school basketball team, have accomplished more than that: they have inspired the community the team members come from and established a winning basketball culture within their school. “Not only does it help the Nation by inspiring folks, but it speaks volumes to what our Siksika youth can do,” said Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services. The Siksika Nation boasts nine of the 10 players on the Broncos. A Carrier First Nation youth, from British Columbia, rounds out the roster. The team’s coaching staff also consists of two Blackfoots and one Mohawk. White says the team has set an example for First Nations youth. The games were streamed online, and the social media posts poured in from members of the community. But point guard Tristen Weasel Head didn’t let the attention take away from his focus. “There was pressure, but it felt good representing the reserve,” said Weasel Head. “I got everything off my mind and stayed off social media.” To many, it was surprising the Broncos made it this far. Just before the season got underway, Carter Solway, a long time starter, announced he was transferring schools. The big forward left a huge hole to fill not only because of his tenacious style of play but also for his on-court leadership. The team also had to deal with losing their head coach. Gord Bramfield moved schools to be

closer to his wife. Despite leaving the team, Bramfield says he knew the boys would work hard and would carry themselves as gentlemen. “I would’ve loved to have been their coach, to have seen them through their year. But I think the boys had everything in them to get the job done, regardless of who was coaching.” Vince Hill, a Mohawk from the Iroquois Six Nations, took on that position. “This is a hockey and volleyball town,” said Hill. “We’re developing a basketball culture here, and you can see it in the junior high level, kids are more enthusiastic about basketball now.” Ultimately, says Hill, the Broncos were unable to get into their groove, and dropped all three of their games. Forward Dakota Saddleback says it was tough losing like that, but he knew he had to handle it well because he had to set an example for youth back home. And set an example the Broncos did, winning the sportsmanship award. “Hopefully our accomplishment inspires youth to pick up a basketball, but I also hope our (sportsmanship) award sets an example of how to play,” said Saddleback. The tournament took place on March 19-21 in Hines Creek. The last time the Broncos made it to the tournament was 1972. There will be a significant turnover next year with six of the 10 players leaving in June, but Bassano is looking to continue its winning basketball culture. “We’re going to lose some significant leadership with all the graduates leaving but we’re already thinking of about those kids who are coming up,” said Hill.

Alberta Sweetgrass - July 2015

COMMUNITY

‘Resilience’ leads woman to pageant victory

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Lisa Ground: the first First Nations woman to hold the title of Mrs. North America Globe Classic.

By Andrea Smith Sweetgrass Writer ENOCH CREE NATION

A woman from the Enoch Cree Nation is breaking new ground and inspiring others after being awarded the Mrs. North America Globe Classic title at a pageant in Las Vegas in March. Lisa Ground is the first First Nations woman to claim the title and has since been busy representing the crown and acting as the national spokeswoman for Mrs. Globe’s partner charity, the W.I.N. Foundation. “It’s such an honour. It makes my heart happy. They taught me at the pageant how to be my best self, and I count my blessings. That’s what the W.I.N. Foundation is all about,” she said. Ground feels a personal connection to W.I.N., a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Tracy Kemble in 1996, that specializes in the “healing and empowerment” of women. W.I.N. is particularly focused on helping women overcome domestic abuse – a situation Ground is well aware of as she was in a violent relationship for over five years. “I was in a very tragic and horrendous relationship where I had to physically escape and I had police protection. I even gained so much weight. I weighed 270 pounds from depression… I wasn’t recovering well,” she said. Ground suffered psychological, emotional, sexual and financial abuse in the relationship and it took years to clear. At her heaviest, she had to crawl up stairs and was continually out of breath. And she still has haunting memories of the extreme poverty she faced while in that relationship as she cared for her two daughters Ashley, now 25, and Mariah, now 19. “We were not well off. We used to do bottle drives and I’d spend $70 on groceries every two weeks. We’d have five

perogies for dinner... Sometimes I’d give Ashley three and Mariah two, and I wouldn’t have any,” she said. But Ground persevered. She attended women’s therapy classes in Stony Plain to help heal her pain. This is where she met her current husband, whom she said was a huge source of support to her during her recovery, and still is. She also managed to lose all of her excess weight, going from a size 26— which was tight at the time—to a size four, sometimes a six, using only the help of Google searches and advice from daughter Ashley Callingbull. Callingbull is an actor featured on APTN’s Catch the Dream series, and a fellow pageant winner, so the two women are currently crowned title holders at the same time. “Sharing it with my daughter who is Mrs. Universe Canada… it’s incredible,” said Ground. “She’s going to be competing in Belarus in August. It’s exciting and we’re both in our mode of looking for our gowns. And we understand the struggles of getting our speeches together and keeping motivated.” Ground recently had the joy of visiting her youngest daughter, Amelia, 9, at school. Amelia specifically requested her mother be allowed to come in and “show off her crown,” said Ground. Ground still finds time to work with another charity of her choice, the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. She became involved with the foundation after she gave birth to a baby girl in 2004 with a disease called Trisome 18. The baby died six days later. “It’s the ‘Resilience factor,’” said Ground of the official hashtag she chose to describe her personal struggles and her journey to becoming Mrs. North America Globe Classic. “It’s about overcoming obstacles and just finding that inspiration within yourself to make your life better. For me, it was about not letting your spirit be broken.”

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