Alberta Sweetgrass June 2015 by Paul Macedo

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015 WHAT'S INSIDE:

Remains identified as Brower, last seen 11 years ago Page 3

THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA

Alberta Provincial Election results Page 4 JUNE 2015 VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 7

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PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

The message is strong and clear The Walk for Reconciliation, led by members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, walked 5 km from a school in Gatineau to Ottawa City Hall. There were 10,000 marchers, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. The walk on May 31 was the beginning of the four days of the closing ceremonies held in Ottawa.

Study shows self-harm high among First Nations youth By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Over 16 per cent of youth treated in emergency rooms across the province for self-harm are First Nations. But as “alarming” as that figure is, Dr. Amanda Newton, University of Alberta researcher and associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, says the number for Aboriginal youth is higher yet. “We might be underestimating the problem … just in what we know about self-harming in general amongst children who are First Nation, Métis or Inuit,” she said. “It really is pause for reflection to think about why we are seeing these visit rates.” The figures presented are for Treaty status First Nations youth 18 years and younger, who visited the province’s 104 emergency rooms from 2002-2011. Alberta Health Services did not separate data for non-status, Métis or Inuit youth. “We have a lot of young ones that have gone through so much trauma and some of the reactions to trauma does come from that place,” said Russell Auger, who works with youth in Spirit of Our Youth Homes, in Edmonton. The organization operates six houses, which each house five children,

from newborn to 22 years old. The organization’s mandate is to reunite children with their families. Auger has been working with the youth for almost eight years. “The selfharm they’re creating is, ‘I have to do something to feel as if I am alive.’ A large part of it comes from that.” Self-harm, according to Newton’s study, refers to nonfatal self-poisoning, such as alcohol or drug abuse, or selfinjury, such as cutting, regardless of whether the intent was deliberate suicide. While the study, spearheaded by U of A medical student Conrad I. Tsang, does not examine the reason behind the high numbers of First Nations children, who self-harm, Newton says it is important to have that discussion. Presently the assessments undertaken in the emergency department don’t take into consideration social, psychological, and motivational factors. One of the recommendations made by the study, says Newton, is for clinicians to “think about the context in which (the self-harm) occurred.” The study states that “social determinants are hypothesized to be at the root of health differences faced by Aboriginal

children compared to their nonAboriginal peers.” Auger agrees. The children he deals with come from homes that are in rough shape and overcrowded, where income is low, substance abuse is high, and their care is not a priority. Many of the children come from abusive homes. The study also found that it takes First Nations children 39 days, on average, to follow their emergency room visit with an appointment with a physician. The report states, “Our followup care findings may contribute to understanding why death by suicide (mortality) rates are disproportionately higher in Aboriginal boys and girls compared to the general population.” The report also speculates that First Nations children may be getting help elsewhere, including following their cultural roots and seeking traditional help. But even if that were the case, Newton points out that the figures for selfharming are still high. Auger says continuity is an issue, as children are often shuffled from one care home to another. As well, culture provides a barrier for children who live on reserve, making them uncomfortable talking to

a non-Native. Auger is adamant that there needs to be more Aboriginal people involved in the health system. Auger has a higher chance of connecting with the youth because of his cultural and ethnic background and shared experiences. However, he admits, there are still times when the youth remain closed. “They’re really secretive about it. It becomes like a challenge because when they open up, they don’t want to let people know they’re still (cutting themselves),” he said. Newton’s study is a call for action and provides valuable information. “The results are always good to have because you can say to government, you can say to policy makers, ‘This is the problem.’ Evidence can serve people well when you’re armed with it,” she said. Newton will now be involved in making the findings public and getting the results onto the appropriate desks of those who can make changes. “We are a government in transition and the NDP are sensitive to a lot of social policies and social programs and that could match up very well,” she said.

The study, “Emergency health care use among sociodemographic groups of children presenting to emergency departments for selfharm in Alberta,” was published in the March edition of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. Along with examining First Nations youth, the study distinguished between children whose families received government subsidy, human services program subsidy, or no subsidy. CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL # 40063755

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

ALBERTA NEWS county has had a mutual aid agreement with Horse Lake First Nation that offered firefighting support, equipment and the necessary resources, but could only respond after receiving a request and permission. “This (new) agreement gives us a sense of security,” said HLFN Chief Eugene Horseman. “It also speaks to the trust and respect both our communities have built up over the years.”

O’Connor released by Nunee Health Board Society The physician who had to fight against professional misconduct charges when he spoke out about high cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan, has been let go – by the community he advocated for. John O’Connor, who signed an agreement with the Nunee Health Board Society seven years ago to deliver on-call medical assistance, received his termination letter via email May 8. No reason was given in the dismissal email. However, former NHBS member and Mikisew Cree Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille says O’Connor’s services were no longer required as changes were made by Alberta Health Services to provide physician oncall services elsewhere. O’Connor remains as director of health and family services with Fort McKay as well as retains hospital privileges in Fort McMurray. PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN

Premier Rachel Notley and her Cabinet ministers: the NDP government after 44 years of Progressive Conservative rule in Alberta.

Notley, new Cabinet sworn in Rachel Notley and her 11-member Cabinet were sworn in during an open-air ceremony on the steps of the Alberta Legislature on May 24. Close to 10,000 people came out. The ceremony included an honour song by Rocky Morin, of the Enoch Cree Nation, and a blessing from veteran and Métis Elder John Macdonald. “And we know that our future is brighter when First Nations can control their destiny and can trust a true partner in government to build a new relationship of respect,” said Notley. Unlike her predecessor PC Premier Jim Prentice, Notley did not take on the portfolio of Aboriginal relations. Serving in that position will be Calgary-Buffalo MLA Kathleen Ganley, who will also be minister of justice and Solicitor General. Notley took on the ministry of international and intergovernmental relations.

the Alberta region and welcome his knowledge and many years of political experience,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.

Benefit concert for ACFN legal defense fund Canadian band Blue Rodeo will be joining Neil Young on July 3 at Rexall Place in Edmonton for an Honour the Treaties benefit concert. Money raised will go to the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Legal Defense Fund to fight against oilsands development. Last year, Young, who has vocally opposed oilsands development, held similar Honour the Treaties concerts in cities across Canada, including Calgary. “Our people, our climate and our planet can no longer afford to be economic hostages in the race to industrialize the earth. We must act now for the future generations,” said ACFN Chief Allan Adam in a news release.

Organs can be harvested from children who die in Nurse in Charge at Paul First Nation recognized Donalda Stanley, the Nurse in Charge at Paul First Alberta care Treaty 8 Grand Chief Steve Courtoreille says organ donations from children who die in government care will be one of the priority issues raised when Chiefs meet with Alberta’s new premier, Rachel Notley. Courtoreille says he was “disgusted” to learn that a policy implemented in 2006 allowed the government to harvest organs from children who died in care. In 2014, the policy was amended to include children who died while under temporary guardianship order. “We needed to know about the policy. We would have asked them to take it out,” said Courtoreille. The majority of children in care in Alberta are Aboriginal. “It’s bad enough that our children are taken from our homes, but now this?” he said. The government said it consulted with 18 First Nations agencies and 12 CEOs of Child and Family agencies. “Who are these agencies?” asked Courtoreille. “There are 44 First Nations in Alberta and somehow everyone was missed.”

New AFN Alberta Regional Chief Former Grand Chief of Treaty Six Craig Mackinaw will be taking on the position of Alberta Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations on July 1. Mackinaw defeated the only other candidate, Leila Houle, a member of the Whitefish Lake Band, in an election held May 21. Mackinaw also served as Chief of the Ermineskin Cree Nation from 2011 and 2014. He will replace Alberta Regional Chief Cameron Alexis. “I look forward to working together to address the very important issues facing First Nation communities in

Nation, was presented with a Health Canada Award of Excellence in Nursing. Each year during National Nursing Week, Health Canada presents the award to three exceptional community nurses, one employed by a First Nations community, an Inuit community, and Health Canada. When considering nominees, the panel looks at nurses who demonstrate professionalism, leadership and sound judgement, and who support a discrimination-free environment. According to Health Canada Alberta’s Dr. Diane Billay, Stanley acts as a mentor and coach to her colleagues and fellow community members. “I welcome challenges and I love change. Positive change keeps you moving, it keeps you striving for more, it keeps you hopeful that ‘the best is yet to come,’” said Stanley. She began her career with Kehewin Cree Nation as community health nurse then Nurse in Charge. She then moved to work as Nurse in Charge for Frog Lake Morningsky Health and Wellness Society before moving on to Saddle Lake First Nation. Since 2012, Stanley has served as the Nurse in Charge at the Paul First Nations Health Centre.

New mutual aid agreement strengthens protection for Horse Lake First Nation Horse Lake First Nation has signed an expanded mutual aid agreement with the County of Grande Prairie that will allow the closest county-owned or contracted fire department (Hythe, Beaverlodge or LacGlace) to respond immediately when it becomes aware of an emergency. For the past 23 years, the

OCYA report underscores impact of poverty on children, families Two new investigate reports issued from the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate focus on two children, one of whom is a First Nations girl, who suffered serious injuries while in government care. The girl, dubbed Bonita, was in the care of her parents and her family was receiving services from Child Intervention Services. She was taken to hospital suffering from septic shock caused by severe, untreated dental abscesses. She underwent a number of surgeries and required trauma counselling. Bonita is now in kinship care and has contact with her family. “Bonita’s circumstances have illuminated the significant issues of poverty and neglect that many children and families struggle with. I believe that by telling Bonita’s story and acting on the recommendations that are in this report, child-serving systems can and must do better,” said OCYA Del Graff, in a news release.

Van Camp wins literary award Richard Van Camp, of the Dogrib (Tlicho) Nation from Fort Smith, NWT, is the winner of the R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature. Van Camp’s book Little You was nominated along with You’re Just Right, by Victor Lethbridge, a member of Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation. Also nominated in that category of the 2015 Alberta Literary Awards was Leanne Shirtliffe, of Calgary, for The Change Your Name Store. The awards were presented at a gala on May 23 in Edmonton. There were more than 150 submissions to select 24 finalists from in eight categories.

Symposium on prescription drug abuse focuses on First Nations issues Health Canada Minister Rona Ambrose recently met with First Nations representatives, provincial officials, doctors, pharmacists, law enforcement and addictions specialists in Edmonton to discuss prescription drug abuse. The symposium was the second of its kind in as many years, with a specific focus on the increasing incidents of overdose and abuse of prescription drugs reported in First Nations communities across the province in recent months. Following the symposium, Ambrose announced $13 million in federal funding over the next five years to increase the number of annual pharmacy inspections carried out by Health Canada. Working with pharmacies across the country, this will help to ensure the safe handling, storage and security of prescription drugs in Canada, and reduce opportunities for the diversion of prescription drugs for illegal sale and use.

Compiled by Shari Narine

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Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

NEWS

Wildfire forces two-day evacuation

North Wabasca Lake Fire on May 24, 2015.

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor WABASCA

After 52 hours of worrying that their homes may be consumed by a man-initiated wildfire, the majority of residents of Bigstone Cree Nation and the hamlet of Wabasca, in the Municipal

District of Opportunity, were given the all clear to return on the evening of May 26. The 117 people in Reserve C had to wait until the following morning so hoses and pipes could be cleared from the road. For Reserve C residents, the worry started sooner as they were evacuated as a precautionary measure on the

PHOTOS: ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFO

afternoon of May 23 when the fire began near North Wabasca Lake. They were allowed back into their homes in the evening as the fire was being held. However, they were on 30minute evacuation notice. Councils for both BCN and the MD issued mandatory evacuation orders at 2 p.m. on May 24 based on the

Alberta Wildfire firefighter puts out hotspots at North Wabasca Lake Fire on May 24, 2015.

recommendations of the provincial forest fire centre and regional forest fire experts. Four hours later the MD declared a local state of emergency. The local state of emergency remained even after the evacuation orders were lifted. MD Councillor Dwayne Calliou said the SOL would remain in place until the bulk of the nearly 1,800 residents from the hamlet returned home. The SOL also protects against price gouging as prices for goods and services are fixed. On May 27, both the MD and BCN were coordinating the transportation of their residents from reception centres in Calling Lake and Athabasca. Both reception centres, which included support from Alberta Health Services, social services, Red Cross and the Salvation Army, remained open on May 27, with meals served all day. Some of the elderly, those with small children, and those who required medical attention were temporarily housed in Westlock, Edmonton and St. Albert. Between the hamlet and BCN, approximately 5,000 people were displaced. The decision was made to lift the evacuation order after the fire, which was 10 km from the hamlet of Wabasca, was held in place for two days. In the last 24 hours, there was no significant growth in the fire. Geoff Driscoll, provincial wildfire information officer, credits the firefighters for making the difference. “It was through their sheer hard work because they didn’t get much help from Mother Nature,” he said. There was a sprinkling of rain on May 25. Wabasca and BCN firefighters were joined by other volunteer fire departments as well as fire crews from Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, helicopters and airtankers. A sprinkler system was set up throughout Wabasca to add much needed moisture to the air. Driscoll said bulldozers were used to dig fireguards, but

the warm, dry weather permitted the fire to jump the line initially. Larger fireguards, equalling five dozer lengths in width, were then dug on the south, west and east, joining a water drainage ditch in the north, and those, combined with the water dumps, resulted in the fire being contained. At the time the evacuation orders were lifted, Driscoll said the Wabasca fire, which burned 208 hectares but no structures, was deemed as “being held.” It was not yet considered under control. “For it to be under control, a fire has to have no or very little chance that it’s going to get any bigger,” he said. Scott Long, executive director of operations of Alberta Emergency Management Agency, said residents returning to BCN and the MD have been advised to listen to emergency notifications and be prepared to leave immediately. “The key, based on the assessment of the experts on the ground, is that the actual extensive fireguards they have in place, unless there is a significant and drastic change in weather, it is anticipated that that fire will not be able to cross those fireguards,” said Long. On the afternoon of May 27 a light shower fell and the temperature dropped. There are 61 wildfire fighters on location in Wabasca continuing to work on hotspots and monitoring the situation. “Every day is a better day,” said Calliou. “My people are coming home.” The cause of the Wabasca fire is under investigation. As of noon on May 27, there were 63 fires burning in Alberta, 15 of them out of control, including on the Cold Lake air weapons range, where over 17,500 hectares have burned and oil and gas facilities operated by Cenovus and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. have been shut in by the operators and 2,000 workers evacuated. As of May 27, a fire ban province-wide remained in effect.

NEWS

RCMP cleared of shooting on Cold Lake First Nation By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor COLD LAKE

The third of three investigations of RCMPinvolved shootings of Indigenous men in August 2013 has concluded in the same manner as the first two: no wrong-doing on the part of the RCMP. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has determined that the RCMP officer, who shot and killed Daniel Charland, 52, in a residence on the Cold Lake First Nation, had used force “reasonable in the circumstances.” The incident occurred Aug. 15, 2013. ASIRT executive director Susan Hughson released the findings on May 22 in Cold Lake. Hughson said that over a number of years, Charland “had made it clear (to family members and residents) that he would not allow himself to be arrested, that he would not and could not go back to prison, and that he would either kill himself or provoke a situation that would result in his being killed.” The ASIRT investigation determined that Charland continued to hold that point of view even on the morning of the shooting, as he told a witness “that something was going to happen that day and that he wasn’t sure when but he was going to ‘die today.’ He further stated that this might be the last day he was alive.”

In what Hughson referred to as a “comprehensive, independent and objective investigation,” she outlined the RCMP’s previous attempts to arrest Charland, which began in 2011. At that time, Charland was a fugitive with arrest warrants outstanding for “serious personal injury offences” from British Columbia in 2011 and Cold Lake in 2012 and 2013. Just prior to the Aug. 15, 2013 incident, RCMP had received information alleging that Charland had been involved in a new serious personal injury offence. Given Charland’s prior record, which included serving a full 10year sentence for sexual assault, he would have been facing further imprisonment and the possibility of dangerous offender status, which would have resulted into an indeterminate prison term. The ASIRT investigation determined that when Charland was confronted on Aug. 15, 2013, by RCMP in a family member’s residence he brandished a large knife. He refused to drop it when instructed by an RCMP officer to do so. That officer fired two shots, striking Charland in the chest. “The entire confrontation took seconds,” stated the ASIRT news release. An ambulance was immediately called. Charland was transported to hospital but declared dead upon arrival.

“At the time of the execution of the warrant, the officer was lawfully placed and the force used was reasonable in light of the circumstances presented, notwithstanding the tragic consequences of the loss of a life,” said Hughson. Treaty 6 Grand Chief Bernice Martial, who is also Chief of Cold Lake First Nation, is Charland’s aunt. “At this time in point because of the confidentiality thing, I will not comment on (ASIRT’s finding),” said Martial. “The decision was made by the family not to comment.” Charland’s shooting followed two other incidents in which RCMP discharged weapons at Aboriginal men. An ASIRT investigation cleared two Grande Cache RCMP officers, who shot Curtis Hallock in the arm and leg following an incident in the Victor Lake Métis Co-op residential area on Aug. 1, 2013. ASIRT also ruled that the RCMP officer who shot and killed Lance Cutarm and shot and injured Larron Cutarm following a traffic stop near Ma-Me-O Beach on Aug. 3, 2013, “was acting properly in the execution of his duties.” ASIRT is tasked with effectively, independently, and objectively investigating incidents involving Alberta’s police which have resulted in serious injury or death, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.

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Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

Thousands of hearts planted in honour of residential school students

PHOTO: AGNES FINNEY

Grade 7 students at Landing Trail school, including (from left) Matthew Marches, Jacob Hayward, Haylee Krawec, Karley Bilsky, worked on a quilting project, each creating their own square and then sewing the squares together into a wampum belt.

By Julie MacIsaac Sweetgrass Writer GIBBONS

Students in Gibbons and members of the Immanuel Anglican Church in Wetaskiwin are among the many in Canada honouring the 150,000 Aboriginal children who lost their childhood and their culture to the residential school system through heart gardens. Over 250 were planted across the province and thousands nationwide. Communities have painted murals, decorated paper hearts, sewn quilts and planted heartshaped flowerbeds. The intent of the gardens is to get people talking about the reality and painful legacy of residential schools. “Being able to share this information with students and staff has been so amazing,” said Agnes Finney, the First Nations, Métis, Inuit coordinator with Landing Trail school, in Gibbons. “You can see the impact it’s having. … Parents can be afraid to talk about some of these issues, but the kids are eager to learn and understand. It just makes us more aware as human beings—this happened in our country, and it can’t happen again.” Finney has been working with the students and staff at Landing Trail school for over a year, teaching curriculum about the Aboriginal way of life and the impact of residential schools,

which spanned two centuries. All 420 students created hearts out of paper, decorated them with messages of hope and love, and on June 1, walked down to the river and planted them, on sticks, along the riverside. Grade 7 students also worked on a quilting project, each creating their own square and then sewing the squares together into a wampum belt. “A lot of this information isn’t available in text or curriculum so it’s so important as educators to talk about it and to address it,” Finney said, adding that the process was particularly special at Landing Trail because of the mix of Aboriginal and nonAboriginal students. “They’re eager to learn, they’re aware of what happened and why, and they’ll never forget what these hearts represent.” In Westaskiwin, the Immanuel Anglican Church, is also taking part in the healing, planting an honourary garden in the churchyard in addition to one made of paper. “We’re gathering families to decorate hearts and we’re also planting an actual flower garden in the shape of a heart in front of the church,” said Fiona Brownlee, Aboriginal and rural churches liaison for the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton. “There will be flowers in the four colours of the four directions—yellow, blue, red and white—and we’ll be planting sacred medicines— sage, mint and lavender. It’s in

memory of the children who didn’t return and in honour of those who did.…Wetaskiwin means ‘place where peace is made’ and we’re really holding onto that.” The church held their heart garden event on May 31, and Brownlee says that she hopes their living garden will inspire Canadians walking by to learn more and ask questions. The Anglican church is one of four churches to sign the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, which created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “I believe this conversation has just started,” Finney said, echoing Brownlee’s sentiments. “It’s not going to end. I’m looking forward to being part of the whole conversation.” The heart garden initiative was the national segment of the closing ceremonies for the TRC. The commission was established in 2008 and tasked to uncover the truth behind the residential school system and to share that truth with all Canadians. Through research, education and experiencesharing, the TRC hoped to foster reconciliation and healing. Closing ceremonies to recognize the work done by the commission were held May 31 to June 3 in Ottawa. At the same time, organizations and individuals across Canada planted heart gardens in their communities in honour of the children.

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

EDMONTON Passionate congregation force Oblates to change direction

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Angela Gladue, a descendant of the Papaschase First Nation, performed a fancy shawl dance as part of the entertainment at the kick-off of the Edmonton Arts Council-hosted event on May 27. Gladue has been dancing fancy shawl for 24 years, and has been doing hip hop and break dancing for 12 years.

Aboriginal artists connected to funders Channeling Connections was hosted by the Edmonton Arts Council as a means to bring together Indigenous artists, prairie art organizations and funding bodies. The three-day event drew on representatives from visuals arts, theatre, dance, film, customary arts and new media to expand artistic frontiers and understanding of contemporary Indigenous arts practices. “The Edmonton Arts Council is committed to better serving Edmonton’s diverse communities,” said Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, chair of the Edmonton Arts Council Aboriginal Initiatives Committee. “We understand that practices must be adapted to resonate with Edmonton’s Indigenous arts communities, and to correspond with the vision proposed by our community Elders and working committees.” The goal of the gathering was to ensure that Indigenous arts communities are vibrant, supported and connected with the broader arts and civic community, and to explore how arts funders can help to promote inclusion and engagement. PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

City Hall, U of A host live webcast of TRC Edmonton residents were able to gather in two locations to watch livestreaming of the Truth and Reconciliation’s closing event. On June 2, the day the TRC releases its final report, the University of Alberta and City Hall Chamber were open to the public for viewing of the morning events taking place in Ottawa. In March 2014, Edmonton was host to the last national event and as a former host had committed to “working with the TRC and its local partners to support the Commission’s closing events and the release of its final report on Indian Residential Schools,” said Miranda Jimmy, projects coordinator, Aboriginal and multicultural relations for the city. As well, the city will be conducting informal consultations with concerned stakeholders to get feedback on how to commemorate the TRC’s national event in Edmonton. Possibilities include public art or a monument.

Aboriginal youth instrumental in winning social justice award The Youth Action Project on Poverty, John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights was one of two recipients of this year’s Edmonton Social Planning Council’s Award of Merit for Advocacy of Social Justice. The work undertaken by the Youth Action Project on Poverty was led by two Aboriginal youth, Stephenie White and Brandon Gladeau, who have struggled with poverty, criminalization and discrimination. They facilitated sessions, developed project outcomes and became significant role models for other participants. Their work focused on issues such as justice, security, freedom and dignity, and created a series of recommendations presented to the Mayor’s Task Force for the Elimination of Poverty. The work of the project will build on these recommendations throughout the coming year. Also winning was the City of Edmonton Youth Council, which advocated for students to be allowed to form Gay-Straight Alliances in schools.

Deline leader to receive U of A honour Danny Gaudet, Deline’s chief negotiator, received his honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Alberta on June 4. The degree recognized Gaudet for working “tirelessly” for his community. His work includes negotiating the Deline Final SelfGovernment Agreement, which passed in the Northwest Territories legislature earlier this year and will go before parliament. The bill will amalgamate certain aspects of municipal, territorial and First Nation governments, making Deline, pop. 559, the NWT’s first self-governing community. Gaudet also developed local adult education programs, chaired a group that sought recommendations for injuries caused by the Port Radium Mine located nearby on Great Bear Lake, and created hockey training programs.

Compiled by Shari Narine

Rev. Jim Holland has been holding mass at the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples for 20 years and his parishioners don’t want that to change.

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

The Catholic priest who has been an integral part of the Edmonton inner city for the past 20 years will be staying. Rev. Jim Holland, of the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, was defended passionately by his parishioners, says Cree Elder Gilman Cardinal, who was among those to speak to representatives of the Oblates. He told them the church would suffer if the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate went through with its plan to transfer Holland. Neither the parishioners nor Holland were consulted before the Oblates made its decision. “This is how Aboriginal people have been treated by the church in the past. They were not respectful,” said Cardinal, who was one of about a dozen people to speak to the Catholic representatives in a sharing circle. “Father Jim brought the church back to a place of respect.” A week after the sharing circle, the parish received a letter from Father Ken Forster, OMI, Provincial, saying Holland would remain. Forster also apologized for not including the parishioners in the decision. “Know that any future planning by the Oblates regarding Sacred Heart will be done in partnership with you the

people of the parish,” wrote Forster. Cardinal said he was “surprised but not shocked” by the Oblates’ decision. “We told them, ‘Your church will be empty if you take Father Jim.’” Cardinal says it was Holland’s inclusive approach to worship that drew him to the Catholic church. Cardinal’s parents both attended Catholic residential school on Bigstone Cree Nation, although neither he nor his 12 siblings did. But his parents’ experience kept him away from the church and he followed his Native ways when practising his spirituality. He arrived in Edmonton from Slave Lake a few years before Holland began at Sacred Heart. “Shortly after, I met Father Jim. Father Jim influenced me to the point that I started to go to worship,” said Cardinal. “The way he handles the mass, it’s not the old, old way. He greets everybody. He welcomes all strangers.” Cardinal says that the welcome shows in the mass, with Holland adopting Aboriginal cultural practises such as having the opening and closing prayers said in Cree. Holland is overwhelmed and grateful for the support he has received from community members and proud of how his parishioners spoke up. Three petitions, signed by parishioners and nonparishioners, in support of Holland received over 6,000

signatures. Holland was informed in April that the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate had named Sacred Heart church as one of five new missions in the country and in so doing, three new priests would move in and Holland would be relocated. Sacred Heart church, with its overwhelming Aboriginal and immigrant population and inner city location, was seen as an ideal mission, says Holland, and establishing it as a mission would allow the Oblates extra funding from the Catholic church. “They didn’t consult with me. They had already decided,” said Holland. He informed some of his parishioners, who he had been discussing long term projects with. The word then got out. Holland told the Oblates to take its decision directly to the people. “To me, the agreement had to be with the people of the church, not me,” he said. “I work for the people… people are the church.” Two important lessons were learned in this incident, says Holland. First, the Oblates found out “they can’t tell people what they need.” More importantly, said Holland, “Our First Nations people have learned a lot from this: they have a voice. They were reassured that what we’re doing here is the right thing. They were willing to fight.”

CALGARY

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

CSIF mentorship to help Métis filmmaker examine identity

PHOTO: CCABF

Erwin Joosten and President Barry Telford, both of Sodexo Canada, with Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger and JP Gladu, president and CEO of Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Penticton Indian Band recognized by CCAB PHOTO: KELSEY SHORT

Jessie Short (left) and made up as Louis Riel (right) explores her own Métis identity in short film.

By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

“I will be crazy excited and terrified to see my head on screen,” said Jessie Short, who was selected for this year’s Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers/imagineNATIVE mentorship program. The annual mentorship enables an Indigenous artist living in Alberta to expand his practice into film and video and screen his work at the imagineNATIVE film festival in Toronto in October. Having completed her Master’s degree in Contemporary Métis Visual Culture in Ontario and lived there for the past 13 years, Short, a curator, writer and multi-disciplinary artist, recently returned to Alberta. While living in southern Ontario, she was at a loss when she was introduced as Métis. “I was met with blank stares,”

she said. “Métis, what is that?” Realizing how unknown Métis culture is in the east, Short said, “I always fell back on Louis Riel; most Canadians had learned about him in school as a traitor of the Canadian government.” This led her to question, “What do I have to look like for you to understand?” The project proposal that secured her the mentorship with contemporary filmmaker Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi is for a fiveminute short independent film that explores her own Métis identity through the figure of Riel. “Personally, Dad was Métis, but it was not talked about. I knew it as I got older. I’m also Ukrainian. I grew up with cabbage rolls and perogies,” said Short. “As I got older, this big gap, it exists, what’s going on?” “There were a number of strong projects this year,” said Yvonne Abusow, CSIF

production director. First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists apply to the ImagineNATIVE program. In its second year of partnership with imagineNATIVE, CSIF provides in-kind resources for an independent filmmaker to create his project, including equipment, resources and some financial support. Last year, Jarret Twoyoungmen, from Morley, produced a short film titled Morningstar, about family life on the reservation. Different aspects of Short’s project were evaluated by imagineNATIVE and CSIF staff. Artistic merit, creativity, ability to complete, budget and concept came in to play, says Abusow. “Métis stories sometimes get lost, so we chose this project. Her idea was unique and experimental,” Abusow said. “Gender and identity are big concepts.” (See Mentorship on page 10.)

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business honoured the Penticton Indian Band as the 2015 recipient of the Economic Development Corporation of the Year at its second annual Calgary gala on May 14. The annual award, sponsored by Sodexo Canada, recognizes an outstanding EDC, affirming the value EDCs bring to Aboriginal communities through employment, business development and revenue generation. CCAB showcases the initiatives of EDCs which connect industry, government and Aboriginal communities, highlighting a vision of shared prosperity. The Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation ensures the certainty of the Penticton Indian Band’s traditional values and provides economic return that is sustainable.

Federal government approves ring road One of the final stages of approval of the land exchange between Tsuu T’ina Nation and the Alberta government has cleared the way for construction of the southwest ring road. The federal government has authorized the plan with an order in council. Once Bernard Valcourt, minister of Aboriginal Affairs, has signed off, construction can begin. Pending Valcourt’s final approval, construction of the ring road must be complete in seven years. In anticipation, the provincial government has budgeted to recruit a contractor to begin the work. Negotiations and past rejections by Tsuu T’ina have stalled the road for several years. Following the announcement, Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he’d like the construction to begin soon while costs are low as he anticipates a decline. He said he would be discussing with Premier Rachel Notley the possibility of the City of Calgary building the road through its own procurement processes.

Cluny Fortified Village archaeology program open to public The University of Calgary is inviting volunteers to participate in an archaeological dig at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park from May 20 to June 23. Participants, who must commit to at least two days, will work with members of the Archeology Field School at the Cluny Fortified Village Site. All artifacts unearthed are the property of the Siksika Nation and will be stored at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Interpretive Centre. Supervised by experienced U of C archaeological students, participants will be given a tour of the site and the interpretive centre. Cost to participate will be daily admission to the park.

Kennedy appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada On May 8, Sheldon Kennedy received his insignia at a ceremony in Ottawa for outstanding achievement, dedication and service to Canada. Kennedy brought to light the sexual abuse he suffered as a teenager at the hands of junior hockey coach Graham James, who was charged with sexual assault. On May 25, 2015, James was charged with another count of sexual assault, following a historical sexual assault investigation in which a former Swift Current Bronco player came forward. Kennedy has become a dedicated and outspoken advocate for children and was instrumental in creating the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, a comprehensive centre in Calgary that provides full services to children impacted by abuse. A recent study undertaken by the University of British Columbia indicated that such centres, particularly First Nations-focused centres, are needed. The study also showed that children of residential school survivors are at a higher risk of sexual assault. The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre partners with Alberta Education, Alberta Health Services, Calgary Child and Family Services, Calgary Crown Prosecutors’ Officer, the Calgary Police Service and the RCMP.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY ALBERTA EVENTS Friday, June 19, 2015 Government of Canada Partnership Committee Official Commemoration 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Main stage 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Canada Place, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta We are proud to host our 20th celebration! Heather Poitras Heather.Poitras@aandcaadnc.gc.ca www.anndc-aandc.gc.ca/ nad

June 19, 2015 Stony Plain Child & Family Services 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Heritage Park Pavilion 5100-41 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta Free family event open to everyone. Conor Kerr conor.kerr@gov.ab.ca www.facebook.com/ AboriginalDayAB Saturday, June 20, 2015 Path of Light Aboriginal Day Event 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Various locations in the River Valley Walk will begin at Fox Farms, traveling to the Alberta Legislature Grounds, Irene Parlby Park, and finishing at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park Edmonton, Alberta Genevieve Babineau genevieve.babineau@unesen.org June 20, 2015 APTN Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration Louise McKinney Park Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Time: 12:00 – 10:30 pm LIVE concert begins at 6:30 pm Phone: 204-947-9331 ext. 358 Email:info@aptn.ca June 21, 2015 Government House 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Government House 9938 Groat Rd NW Free tours of Government House with a focus on its Aboriginal Art Collection. Toby Pascal toby.pascal@shaw.ca

ABORIGINAL DAY June 21, 2015

National Aboriginal Day Celebration at Métis Crossing The Métis Nation of Alberta and Métis Crossing, will be hosting a celebration on June 21st. Métis Crossing Historic Site (south of Smokey Lake, Alberta) between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Includes an open stage jam, cultural interpretation, a genealogy exhibit, games, on-site concession, and an elder’s lounge. Contact: April Magee Phone: 780-455-2200 Ext. 278 Email: amagee@metis.org

For complete events listings please check out our community events listings only at: www.ammsa.com

POWWOWS JUNE June 6, 2015 Alexander Powwow Kipohtakaw Education Centre School Gymnasium Alexander First Nation, Alberta Phone: 780-939-3868 June 6 – 7, 2015 Painted Hand Casino 15th Annual Powwow Farrell Agencies Arena Gallagher Centre Yorkton, Saskatchewan Contact: Painted Hand Casino Phone: 306-786-6777 Email: paintedhand@siga.sk.ca www.paintedhandcasino.ca June 12 – 14, 2015 10th Annual Spirit of the Peace Competition Powwow “Uniting Our Fires” District Ice Centre Taylor, British Columbia Contact: Connie Greyeyes Phone: 250-793-1468 Vendors Contact: Marlene Greyeyes Phone: 250-785-0612 ext. 245 June 13 – 14, 2015 20th Annual Aboriginal Gathering and

12th Annual Powwow Peace River Agricultural Grounds (East of Peace River) Peace River, Alberta Contact: Dennis Whitford Phone: 780-624-6367 Email: dennis.whitford@gov.ab.ca www.peaceriveraic.com June 17 – 19, 2015 Treaty – Metis Days Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and Fort Chipewyan Metis Local 125 Fort Chipewyan, Alberta Contact: Margo Email: specialprojects@mikisewcree.ca June 20 – 21, 2015 Wikwemikong First Nation Traditional Powwow Wikwemikong Thunderbird Park Murray Hill/Cape Smith, Ontario Phone (toll-free): 1-844-945-8687 Email: inquiries@wikwemikong.ca www.wikwemikong.ca June 21, 2015 St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Festival 2015 Lions Park Sir Winston Churchill Avenue & Tache Street

Grand Entry at 12:00 pm St. Albert, Alberta www.facebook.com/ St.AlbertNationalAboriginalDayFest June 26 – 28, 2015 Iyinowak Annual Powwow Saddle Lake Cree Territory, Alberta Phone: 780-726-3829 www.saddlelake.ca June 30 – July 2, 2015 Beaver Lake Cree Nation Annual Competition Powwow Honoring Iskwewak 18 km SE of Lac La Biche Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Alberta Contact: Gerald Whitford Phone: 780-623-2553

JULY July 3 – 5, 2015 O’Chiese First Nation Competition Powwow Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage O’Chiese First Nation Reserve Rocky Mountain House, Alberta Contact: Doreen Gladeau Phone: 1-888-256-3884 403-418-5566 July 3 – 5, 2015 Ermineskin Cree Nation Powwow

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

9 Celebrating Life Maskwacis Park Maskwacis, Alberta Contact: Iris Albert / Phone: 780-5853065 Contact: Nina Makinaw / Phone: 780352-1321 www.ermineskin.ca July 9 – 12, 2015 64th Annual North American Indian Days Blackfeet Reservation Browning, Montana Contact: James McNeely Phone: 406-338-3513 Contact: Elma Carlson Phone: 406-338-7179 www.blackfeetcountry.com July 10 – 12, 2015 Enoch Cree Nation Powwow Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta, Canada Phone: 780-470-0359 July 10 – 12, 2015 Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Annual Powwow Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Alberta Contact: Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Administration Office Phone: 780-967-2225 www.ansn.ca

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

Mentorship to help Métis filmmaker examine identity (Continued from page 7.) With over 200 members, CSIF holds workshops throughout the year, often in partnership with other organizations, member screenings, a five-month filmmaking intensive and summer media arts camps. Based in Toronto, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival has programmed film, video and new media works by Canadian and international Indigenous media artists for 16 years. It is committed to dispelling stereotypical depictions of Indigenous peoples. The film will further explore her own process, says Short, and bring the Métis/Ukrainian aspect into the present. The film will be made in celluloid as opposed to

digital, as are all films created with CSIF. “Celluloid will work well; it changes the entire look and feel,” said Short. “Playing with the sense of time, it’s closer to the original medium.” Short already has her next project in mind, a family history. Her great great uncle, Edouard Beaupré, born in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, in 1881, was the tallest man in Canada at 8 feet 3 inches. Although he died in 1904 in the United States while traveling with the circus, Short’s family didn’t get his body back until 1990. She distinctly recalls attending his funeral at age nine but never thought about this until she was older. For this documentary, she has come home to begin her research.

CAREERS Business association aims to make Edmonton Aboriginal Business Capital of Canada By Paula E. Kirman Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

A non-profit, member-driven Aboriginal business association aimed at building and growing the Aboriginal business and professional community in Edmonton has emerged. With the city boasting the second highest Aboriginal population in the country, there are over 37,000 Aboriginal people employed in the area. Aksis, Edmonton’s Aboriginal business and professional association, is the only one of its kind in central Alberta. Founded in 2013 and established in 2014, it is funded by the City of Edmonton and supported by professional and corporate memberships. “Aksis was formed to build an Aboriginal business and professional community in Edmonton with a vision to make Edmonton the Aboriginal Business Capital of Canada. This achievement will not only benefit the Aboriginal community and the regional economy, but will also showcase a unique and valuable feature of the city.” said President Debbie Houle. “Aboriginal business has been a driver of growth and development of the City of Edmonton from the inception of Fort Edmonton. The original fort was established to capitalize on opportunities for trade with the regional Aboriginal population.”

Members of Aksis include Aboriginal businesses, nonAboriginal businesses, Aboriginal students, and Aboriginal professionals such as West Energy, Marriott, APTN, Craftwood Flooring, Versa Scaffolding Systems Ltd., Norquest College, The Business Link, and Florida Proulx Professional Services. “The potential for development of Edmonton’s Aboriginal business and professional sector will only be realized through public, private, and community collaboration in mutually supportive initiatives to remove the barriers to success in business for the Aboriginal community and nurture development of the Aboriginal business and professional sector,” said Houle. To that end, the organization, whose motto is to “connect, collaborate and create,” undertakes a variety of monthly lunch-time and after-hours activities. And with future Aboriginal youth entrepreneurs in mind, Aksis hosts an annual Indian Summer Golf Tournament. Aksis also

provides professional and entrepreneurial training, and arranges mentorship relationships between Aboriginal youth and employees. The foundational governance structure of Aksis has been in the works since 2010, when the organization was first known as the Edmonton Aboriginal Business Professional Association. Core funding was secured from the city and the organization completed a branding strategy in its transition from EABPA to Aksis. Membership continues to grow and Aksis held its first golf tournament in September of 2014. Aksis is currently seeking new members, and Houle encourages Aboriginal people living in Edmonton, who are thinking of starting a business, who already own a business, or are professionals, to join. Members are actively involved with the direction of Aksis. “We continually seek input from our membership on their business and professional needs,” she said.

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

EDUCATION

Filmmaker seeks crowdsourcing support to complete short film

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Kelton Stepanowich, director and co-writer of Gods Acre, to be filmed this summer in Fort Chipewyan.

By Julie MacIsaac Sweetgrass Writer FORT CHIPEWYAN

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Fort McMurray filmmaker Kelton Stepanowich is turning to crowdsourcing to raise funds for his passion project, a short film called Gods Acre, one that he plans to enter in international film festivals. “We’d already raised a good amount of the budget so far, and then oil prices collapsed and people got tight with their budgets,” Stepanowich said. “And crowdsourcing is a great way to let people contribute and say what projects they’d like to see made.” Crowdsourcing websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo—the one Stepanowich used to launch his crowdsourcing campaign on May 25—allow filmmakers and artists to raise funds from everyday citizens in order to get their artistic projects made— projects that might not otherwise get the green light for mainstream funding. Stepanowich plans to release the film in December and enter it into Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance, and Cannes. “Gods Acre is a short film about an older Aboriginal man who lives in the bush away from society, living off the old ways,” explained Stepanowich. “This is the land where his ancestors lived, where they died and were buried. Due to climate change though, water levels are rising and are slowly engulfing his land. …This is a story about one small person, but the things that are happening around him are very big. He has a choice—he can leave the only home he’s ever known, or he can adapt and do what he can to live in the old ways.” Filming for the 15-minute short is scheduled for July and August of this year in Fort Chipewyan and Stepanowich has tapped some unique talent for the film. Lorne Cardinal, best known for his role as Sergeant Davis

Quinton in Corner Gas, will be playing the lead role of Frank, the trapper facing an unknown future. “This is a departure from the comedic roles he’s known for,” said Stepanowich. “When we sent the project to him, he said he was interested in taking part because he can understand where the character is coming from. His mooshums were trappers, living off the land.” Stepanowich’s Indiegogo campaign will run through to June 25 to raise the final $25, 000 to fund filming and postproduction. The money will go towards set design, including the trapper’s cabin, which will slowly be submerged in rising tidal waters, as well as filming in remote Fort Chipewyan, sound and special effects and the soundtrack. “So many people said, ‘Fort Chip is so far away, shoot in Edmonton, it’s cheaper.’ But Fort Chip just resonated with me,” Stepanowich said. “There’s an old saying—if it was easy everyone would be doing it. We do these things because they’re hard, but I think the rewards for creating it this way will be so much better.” One of the rewards Stepanowich is looking forward to in Fort Chipewyan is the chance to inspire and educate a new generation of filmmakers. Partnering with the Lake Athabasca Youth Council, the cast and crew will be hosting a youth mentorship program, which will see local youth on set, learning the ropes. “We’re going to teach kids how to make their own films so they can tell their own stories in their community,” Stepanowich said. “When it comes to Aboriginal culture being portrayed in media, it’s very sentimental, based in the past or focused on trauma. I want to open the door to tell new stories—my Native, you can do it too and you can do it better! … If I can tell this story, I know you have a story in you too.”

Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2015

EDUCATION

NAHC in Halifax an expensive undertaking By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer HALIFAX

The Alberta girls’ entry received a much needed financial assist just prior to this year’s National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. Some members of the squad were struggling with their fundraising efforts for the tournament, which concluded May 2 in Halifax. But on the same day team members were to fly to the Nova Scotia capital it was announced the club had secured $10,000 in funding from KAQUO, a company which commercializes the forestry assets of various Métis settlements. Despite this last-minute funding, Priscilla Swampy, who served as the general manager of the Alberta girls’ entry for the NAHC, said not all team members were able to participate in the annual tournament. “Of the 23 girls who made the roster, 18 were able to attend,” Swampy said. Since they did not have any other sponsorships, each team member was required to pay $2,000 to take part in the national tournament. “The athletes have always paid their own way,” Swampy said. “We don’t have any

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

After a struggle to put financing in place for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, the Alberta girls competed hard and placed fourth.

funding.” As a result, some players that would have undoubtedly had instrumental roles with the Alberta side did not compete at the NAHC. “Most of them play elite hockey,” Swampy said. “Their parents had dished out enough money already this season.” Team officials also were forced to alter plans for their accommodations while in Halifax in order to save money. “We had to downsize on the rooms,” Swampy said. “We had four athletes in each room as

opposed to two. So we made it work.” Despite not being able to ice the roster it would have preferred, the Alberta side just missed out on winning a medal at the national tourney. Alberta was edged 2-1 by Manitoba in the bronze-medal match. Saskatchewan took top honours in the eight-team girls’ division, beating Ontario 3-2 in the championship final. Some Alberta athletes, however, did return from the NAHC with hardware. That’s because the boys Alberta squad

took home the silver medal in their division. Saskatchewan also won the male grouping, defeating Alberta 4-3 in the final. “Even though we’re going for gold all the time, we’re trying to make it fun for the boys as well,” said Greg Sparklingeyes, the president of Alberta Native Hockey, which oversaw both of the entrants from the province. Like those on the female squad, many of the Alberta male team members did not know each other prior to the tournament.

“It was neat to see the boys come together and work as a team,” Sparklingeyes said. The Alberta male roster featured 24 players. Each player was responsible for $2,500 in order to make the trip. Sparklingeyes explained the male players were forced to pay more than their Alberta female counterparts as their team had additional practice sessions, a yoga session and also because they were eating more food and had additional meals. Also, the male players only had one teammate in their hotel room as opposed to the Alberta girls who were four to a room. Despite their woes raising sufficient funds, Swampy said officials with the Alberta girls’ squad never considered withdrawing from the event. “We were determined to make it work,” she said. “I don’t think (pulling out) was an option. I had enough to cover the airfare. My concerns going there were would we have enough for meals. We were there for eight days.” Swampy said the club’s financial difficulties did not affect team members once they were in Halifax. “Not at all,” she said. “We all knew it was a struggle to get there. But we didn’t allow it to interfere with our on- and office experiences.”

House of Cards actress working on film about Native women and violence By Julie MacIsaac Sweetgrass Writer BROOKLYN, NY

Métis actress Tanis Parenteau is best known for her role as “Tammy” on the popular Netflix series House of Cards but the project that is closest to her heart these days is the short film she recently wrote, produced and starred in about Native women and violence. Parenteau, who grew up in Peace River, was an athlete completing a degree in physical education when she took an elective drama course and the acting bug bit. She got her break in regional commercials for the Brick and Epcor in Edmonton, and then moved to Vancouver to pursue acting full time. Before she knew it, she was on her way to New York to take her Master of Fine Arts at the prestigious New School for Drama. Roles in theatre productions and most recently, House of Cards, followed. “I’ve done a lot of theatre in New York,” Parenteau said. “The Native theatre scene is really starting to flourish here. With so many of my roles, I get to play Native characters written by Native playwrights and it’s just an amazing experience.” One day, workshopping a play about Native women and violence with a female theatre

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Tanis Parenteau wrote, produced and starred in A Big Black Space, a short film that examines the objectification of Native women. Here she is with actor Greg Carere on the set of the film.

group, the actors were required to share an experience they’d had with violence in their lives. “I thought, ‘I don’t have a story to tell. I’ve never been beaten up, never had a bad relationship.’ But listening to the other actors I realized I didn’t truly understand the spectrum of violence, and that’s when it dawned on me that something did happen to me,” Parenteau said of a sexual assault that had occurred years earlier—a memory she had worked to obliterate. A Big Black Space is the short

film based on Parenteau’s onetime encounter at a party. She also stars in the film, which is focused on exposing the way Aboriginal women are viewed in North American society. “There’s this Pocahontas fantasy,” Parenteau explained. “This perpetuation of hypersexualized images of Native women in media—the sexy squaw, the Poca-hottie Halloween costumes in stores. And then this experience of— when you’re introduced to nonNative males and they find out you’re Native—there’s this

whole fascination. ‘Oh wow, you’re Native? That’s so cool, are you full, are you halfÖ?’ There’s this fetish that brews under the surface and it makes me really uncomfortable. ÖI wanted to tie that together, that fetish and sexual assault, to show that these images and this fantasy are a problem for actual Native women.” According to Canadian statistics, Aboriginal women are two to three times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted. There are more than 1,200 cases of missing or

murdered Aboriginal women documented over the last 30 years—an extremely high number considering they make up only four per cent of the Canadian female population. “You see the statistics for missing and murdered Aboriginal women, and then you see these (hypersexual) images. We’re supposed to be these beautiful creatures and you’d think that we would be respected and loved and somehow glorified, but instead we’re raped and murdered and abducted,” Parenteau said. A Big Black Space, which was filmed over a day and a half on a shoestring budget at Parenteau’s Brooklyn apartment, is now in postproduction. Parenteau has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help raise funds for the completion of the project, and the plan is to submit the 10minute short for consideration in film festivals like TIFF and Sundance. Parenteau says the film is meant to start a conversation about the way Aboriginal women are viewed and treated in today’s society. “If you respect someone, that changes everything,” Parenteau said. “It changes the way you treat them, the way you speak to them, the way you think about them. It changes everything.”