Sweetgrass March 2015 final by Paul Macedo

Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015 WHAT'S INSIDE:

Lack of fed dollars for firefighting forces First Nations to take steps Page 4

THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA

Impact of Aboriginal investigators on ASIRT already being felt Page 5 MARCH 2015 VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 4

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PHOTO: INDSPIRE

Indigenous Achievers recognized at gala in Calgary Back row, L to R: Gino Odjick (Sports); Gabrielle Fayant (Youth: Metis); Gerald Agjnderson (Environment & Natural Resources); Kendal Netmaker (Youth: First Nation); Ron E. Scott (Arts) Middle row, L to R: Brenda La Rose (Business & Commerce); Kim Baird (Politics); Dr. Paulette Tremblay (Education); Jordan Konek (Youth: Inuit); Roberta Jamieson, President & CEO, Indspire; Piita Irniq (Culture, Heritage & Spirituality); Madeleine Redfern (Public Service); William Julius Mussell (Health); Wilton (Willie) Littlechild (Law & Justice). Seated: Elise Yanik (Lifetime Achievement)

“Dividends” for resource development By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor LUBICON LAKE NATION

Billy Joe Laboucan, Chief of the Lubicon Lake Nation, says that even the smallest amount of revenue garnered from resources taken from his land would make a difference for his people. “If we are able to just do two to four per cent, we would be able to pay for our own schools, pave our roads, have Elders’ facilities on our land within the communities,” said Laboucan. “We would be able to have a good education system which is the basis of all prosperity.” In a recent interview with Alberta Oil magazine, Premier Jim Prentice referred to the Lubicon Lake people as “arguably the poorest Albertans.” Prentice traveled to Little Buffalo shortly after winning his byelection last October. “This is a community that has no running water, where they continue to have outhouses in the 21st century. Seventy-five per cent of the people don’t take part in the labour force.” Laboucan, who refers to Prentice as a “breath of fresh air” when compared to his predecessor Alison Redford, was pleased with Prentice’s visit. He was also pleased with discussions that took place Feb. 18 in

Edmonton when Treaty 8 Chiefs met with Prentice, Aboriginal Relations Associate Minister David Dorward, and a handful of other ministers to talk about priorities and actions. Among those actions discussed, says Laboucan, was resource revenue sharing. “It’s one of the agenda items … revenue sharing and treaty entitlement,” he said. “We dealt in generalities … so the tables have to be created in order to move ahead with this.” Resource revenue sharing was also part of the discussion when Prentice and Dorward met with Treaty 6 Chiefs March 4. But Dorward is reluctant to use the phrase “resource revenue sharing” in talking about the development of Alberta’s resources in moving forward. “I don’t know that anybody’s definitely described to me what resource revenue sharing is. … When people say those words to me, I try to go to the end and say, ‘What are we trying to achieve here?’” said Dorward. “Alberta has no policy on resource revenue sharing, those words, but we certainly have a desire to have all Albertans, including First Nations people, be involved in the downstream

result of the development of Alberta’s resources.” Dorward says First Nations are already experiencing economic benefits from resource development with spin-off industries, contracted work and employment for members. But those economic benefits could be increased if First Nations collaborate with each other or partner in joint ventures with industry in the development of resources that go beyond the First Nations’ reserve boundaries or traditional area. “Collaboratively working together it may be time for First Nations to come up with a project … that would then provide dividends for those First Nations who wanted to participate,” said Dorward. Such a global approach, he says, could help First Nations make money to offset costs on reserves and to alleviate the gaps that exist in a variety of areas including housing, education, health care and infrastructure. What a collaborative project would be is undefined, as is the source of funding to jumpstart such a venture. “But we’re not there yet. I think we have to find out the who and what in general terms and then come up with a

pathway and then do some in depth work on a business plan before you can … answer those kinds of questions of how it can possibly be funded,” said Dorward. Moving forward on the concept is now in the hands of the First Nations, he says, although the government will provide support and assistance. Dorward adds that although oil prices have plummeted and the province is slashing expenses, now is the time for work to begin on such a venture. “These things generally take years and fives of years and tens of years and not months of time and so probably about now is the ideal time to do it in terms of being ready to go when the economy changes around as we do believe we’re in a cyclical situation more than we are a catastrophic situation relative to the price of oil,” he said. In March, the Working Group on Natural Resource Development, a combination Assembly of First Nations and federal government undertaking, released its findings stating that First Nations should receive some of the money generated from resource development on their lands. “We strongly urge the federal government, along with the

provinces and territories, to come together with First Nations to explore options for resource revenue sharing,” says the report. “We have to be able to share in the riches of this land and when we signed the treaties, we didn’t give away the resources. As far as we’re concerned, those resources are still First Nations,” said Laboucan. There is no date set for a meeting with Treaty 7 Chiefs and Prentice CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL # 40063755

Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

ALBERTA NEWS

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY NORTHLAND SCHOOL DIVISION

Land serves as classroom for learning Little Buffalo school teacher Colin Mackay (left) and Kevin Lewis made sure everything was ready to go for dog sledding around Marten Lakes. High school students from Little Buffalo, Atikameg and Cadotte Lake schools stepped out of a classroom environment to experience land-based learning Feb. 17-20 at the Marten Lakes Wilderness Campus near Slave Lake. Nineteen students stayed in cabins to gather knowledge, develop relationships and build self-confidence. The winter camp was organized through the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council and Northland School Division partnership agreement.

Shell withdraws Pierre Mine project application Royal Dutch Shell PLC has scrapped its plans for the Pierre River Mine project, proposed for within the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation’s protection zone north of the Firebag River. In a news release issued Feb.23, the ACFN says cancellation of the project is a “clear sign that oil sands development is no longer business as usual. Now more than ever we can see the serious economic, environmental and Treaty rights issues in the region are affecting the status quo of business.” The Globe and Mail reports that Pierre River Mine is another project scuttled by the steep decline in oil prices since last summer. Shell says it will hold on to the Pierre River leases and may apply to build the project in the future. Shell applied to build Pierre River in 2007 and initially planned to start production in 2010. The ACFN launched numerous legal challenges of the regulatory process in the region and participated as interveners of the project since the beginning. “We need to take advantage of this economic downturn and change to ensure the necessary steps are taken to safeguard the future for our people, our rights, and our environment. Like Shell, we need to focus on existing operations and find effective ways to mitigate current development in the region and move to a prosperous and new future,” said ACFN Chief Allan Adam.

Funding to OCYA cut A request in person by Child and Youth Advocate Del Graff in February that the government restore $275,000 to his office’s budget was turned down. The money was cut as part of efforts by the province to deal with the drop in oil prices that has left a shortfall of $7 billion in the Alberta budget. At the same meeting, the committee voted to return $546,000 to the Auditor General, who audits government departments and agencies. Afterwards, Progressive Conservative MLA

Genia Leskiw said the Auditor General’s funds were reinstated because “they find efficiencies and they keep the various government agencies accountable for their spending.” The OCYA was one of six independent offices that suffered about $1 million in cuts in a decision made last December. The cuts come after OCYA had its mandate expanded in May 2014 with additional funding in order to assist investigating deaths of children under government care.

Increase in Aboriginal post-secondary students The latest numbers indicate that more than 10,000 university and college students identify themselves as Aboriginal, a figure 70 per cent higher than it was 10 years ago. The number of Aboriginal students enrolled in Alberta’s publicly-funded post-secondary institutions has increased from 6,236 in 2005 to 10,610 in 2013, according to Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education. However, that figure could be higher, said department spokesperson Kevin Donnan, as many students choose not to identify themselves with a particular ethnic group. Although the numbers have increased, the province says more can be done and there is a strong push for schools to try to get their percentage of Indigenous students to match the general population.

Federal funding to help with new elementary school Siksika First Nation will receive $8.9 million from the federal government towards the completion of a new elementary school. The new building, which is set to replace the aged Crowfoot School, will be 3,319 square metres and able to accommodate up to 300 students from preschool to Grade 6. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2015 and completion is expected in 2017. The money was allocated by the federal government in the 2012 budget. The total cost of the new school is $21.3 million, with Siksika Nation providing the balance. “The development of a new school facility is not only a key component in contributing to a quality education, but most importantly, ensuring our children are learning in a safe and healthy environment. We will continue to work towards providing the highest education standards for our children,” said Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, in a news release.

Mock disaster staged to test response First Nations, along with representatives from all levels of government, industry, and emergency management agencies, participated in an exercise that simulated an ice storm sweeping across the province,

bringing mass casualties, derailments, collapsing buildings and power outages. The emergency management exercise, aimed at testing the government’s response to potential disasters, is held annually but this year’s was the largest and most complex yet, said Municipal Affairs Minister Diana McQueen. The mock ice storm took place at the end of February as a live exercise in Thorhild, as well as a virtual exercise in eight other Alberta communities. Students enrolled in NAIT’s Emergency Management course also participated, getting hands-on experience. The government also urged Albertans to be aware of the risks and to have emergency kits available.

Wildrose moves up date to select new leader With the Progressive Conservatives ramping up for an early election, the Wildrose Party has moved its leadership selection to March 28. After receiving feedback from members, constituency associations, and candidates, the Wildrose Party executive council voted unanimously to accelerate the leadership process. “We’re a grassroots party and members have been clear they want a new leader in place before Premier Jim Prentice breaks his own fixed election law. Our job as a party is to make sure the Wildrose is ready for an election, whenever it may be called, and that includes getting a leader in place,” said party president Jeff Callaway, in a news release. Vying for the position vacated when Danielle Smith crossed the floor to join the PCs in December, along with more than half her sitting members, are former Fort McMurray-Athabasca MP Brian Jean, former Strathcona County mayor Linda Osinchuk and Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes.

Keystone XL pipeline suffers major setback Premier Jim Prentice has expressed his disappointment at President Barack Obama’s decision to veto approval of Keystone XL pipeline. The US Congress approved the project on Feb. 11, but on Feb. 24 Obama vetoed the legislation. “The debate will continue and, just as I did during my recent visit to Washington, I will continue to communicate Alberta’s record as a safe, secure and reliable energy supplier, and our strong support for Keystone XL and for all infrastructure projects that advance North America’s energy interests,” said Prentice in a news release. First Nations strongly opposed the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport crude oil from Alberta to the Texas Gulf coast.

Compiled by Shari Narine

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Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

NEWS

Fort commits to accurate portrayal of Indigenous history Signing and witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding between Treaty 6 and Fort Edmonton Management Company are (front row, from left) Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, Treaty 6 Grand Chief Bernice Martial, and FEMCo Chair Doug Goss; (back row) Former Chief Allan Paul, Chief Randy Ermineskin, Chief Rusty Threefingers, Chief Ron Morin, Former Chief Brad Rabbit. PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Fort Edmonton Management Company has made a commitment to tell the story of Treaty 6 people accurately at Fort Edmonton Park. “For too long the First Nations in the area had little inclusion in the park and its programs. With the Memorandum of Understanding we signed today, it is our belief that … an avenue for meaningful dialogue has been created,” said Bernice Martial, Grand Chief of Confederacy of Treaty 6 Nations. The MOU, signed by Martial and FEMCo Chair Doug Goss, and witnessed by Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, is a commitment to ensure that Treaty 6 is consulted in the creation of First Nations historical and cultural programming as the park moves forward in creating the Indigenous Peoples Experience, which will include a $40 million to $50 million pavilion. To this point, said Iveson at the Jan. 29 signing ceremony, the park’s history has been “unintentionally” the story of the settlers and colonization. “(This) is an opportunity for us to fully tell the story of this place to each other and share that story in a rich and authentic way that is built on a foundation of respect more than anything else and that is the spirit that is called forth in Treaty 6,” he said. “I think (this) is a phenomenal step forward for Edmonton.” The city has also committed $20,000 to Treaty 6 Confederacy for the

continuation of research to determine the site where Chiefs signed the adhesion on Aug. 21, 1877. It is believed the adhesion site was either where the Alberta Legislature sits today or just west of that. Goss said the MOU is a long term commitment that means moving forward with dignity and shared understanding between the park and Treaty 6 people and the partnership was “critical” as the park put funding in place for capital development. “What we build here is important but I would say much more important is how we build it. What we build we must build together,” he said. Both Martial and Goss said the partnership being forged could serve as a model for doing business both locally and nationally. “This is the start of something truly great,” said Goss. “I know this is going to be the foundation for many, many other great things to come.” “The events of today can serve as an example for the rest of the country,” said Martial, “hopefully lead to further participation and understanding around the treaty.” Elder John Ermineskin, of the Ermineskin First Nation and chair of the Confederacy Treaty 6 Elders Council, said it was important that the past be left behind and that moving forward was done in a spirit of cooperation. “We all have to work together, we all have to understand each other. That’s the only way that things will work out for the future,” he said. “If we can’t do that, there’s no future for our kids. So an understanding has to be put in place at all times.”

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Lack of fed dollars for firefighting forces First Nations to take steps By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor HORSE LAKE FIRST NATION

Funding from the provincial government and strong mutual aid agreements with neighbouring communities are two reasons why Chief Administrative Officer Darwin Eckstrom expects Horse Lake First Nation will be spared the tragedy that befell a family on a Saskatchewan reserve. On Feb. 17, a house fire on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation claimed the lives of two toddlers. The 911 call went unanswered by the neighbouring village of Loon Lake’s volunteer fire department. The lack of response was due to unpaid bills on the part of the First Nation, a charge backed up by a paper trail of correspondence from Loon Lake to Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. The tragedy has brought the state of federal funding for fire protection services under scrutiny. “They can point fingers and blame people all over the place, but the reality is (fire protection services) are underfunded,” said Eckstrom. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada funds $26 million annually for First Nations fire protection services on reserve. ‘The health and safety of First

Nation communities is a priority; that’s why we provide funding to First Nations to support operations and maintenance, fire protection infrastructure and fire protection training on reserve - through which First Nations manage fire protection services on reserve to meet the needs of their communities,” said department spokesperson Emily Hillstrom in an email interview. But when $26 million needs to be shared by more than 600 First Nations, that is “not adequate at all, not even close,” says Eckstrom, who points out that a new fire truck costs upwards of $250,000. “Our standards should be at 2015 but most of our (reserves) standards and training are at 1950s. Just throw water on things,” he said. Deaths from fires on First Nations reserves are 10 times higher than in similar off-reserve communities, according to a 2010 strategy on fire protection by AANDC. Horse Lake is presently upgrading its fire truck, which is a 1992 model. Eckstrom points out the First Nation is using its own funding resources to do that work. And to further combat the inadequacy of funding, Eckstrom accessed dollars from the province’s First Nations Development Fund so Horse Lake First Nation could enter

into a two-year partnership with the County of Grande Prairie for advanced firefighting skills and training to the reserve’s volunteer firefighters. Provincial money will also pay for up-todate gear for the firefighters. “The county’s been really, really good to us,” said Eckstrom. “We’re really fortunate that the people over there are willing to come to our aid.” On Feb. 23, the County of Grande Prairie approved a motion to send a letter to AANDC Minister Bernard Valcourt, with copies to Premier Jim Prentice and to the region’s MP and MLAs, “requesting consideration of financial support for firefighters and First Responders who are working with and responding to fires on First Nations communities.” The Assembly of First Nations issued a statement the day following the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation fire. “We can all agree that no community should be without proper fire protection and services,” Said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “I don’t want to be around on my watch to have people die … whether you’re a 90 year old Elder or a two-day-old baby. It’s just not appropriate that this is the type of standards that are set…. It would be such a terrible thing to even contemplate this happening,” said Eckstrom.

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Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

Impact of Aboriginal investigators on ASIRT already being felt By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Writer EDMONTON

A new look for – and new practices by - the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has garnered support on a number of fronts. “I’m very pleased,” said Muriel Stanley Venne, chair of the Alberta Aboriginal Commission on Human Rights and Justice. Venne pushed ASIRT’s previous director for Aboriginal members on the investigative team. ASIRT now, under the direction of new executive director Susan Hughson, has three Aboriginal investigators, two full time and one on wage. Joe Verhaege has been seconded from the RCMP to work in the northern office, while Tom Hewitt, whose background is with the Calgary Police Service, is working out of the south office. Kyle Melting Tallow, from the Blood Tribe Police Service, is on wages with ASIRT and will be pulled in when needed. It was a spate of Aboriginalinvolved RCMP shootings in August of 2013 that prompted Venne to call for a change in

ASIRT’s make-up. At that time only Melting Tallow was an asrequired member of ASIRT. But an ongoing investigation into a BTPS member caused ASIRT to distance itself from the First Nation’s police force. That investigation, which did not involve Melting Tallow, has concluded. “But of course with the government restraints, it’s difficult to use some of our wage investigators … but it’s been made very clear that our operational needs will be met,” said Hughson. Hughson engaged Verhaege in meetings with the Cutarm family in Ermineskin Cree Nation in February, when Hughson met with the family to present ASIRT’s final report into the death of Lance Cutarm, 30. Cutarm was shot and killed by an RCMP officer following a traffic stop near Ma-Me-O Beach on Aug. 3, 2013. Based primarily on the strength of an audio recording of the incident, the RCMP member was cleared. While the family was “certainly … not happy with the results” of the investigation, Hughson says she heard from Cutarm’s

sisters that they felt respected in the way ASIRT treated the family in presenting the findings. Verhaege helped arrange the meeting, which included Elders, opening and closing prayers, and a ceremonial blanket. Verhaege’s expertise was also used when ASIRT investigated an RCMPinvolved shooting in Manitoba last summer. On July 20, 2014, Evan Cromarty, 20, of Norway House Cree Nation, was shot by an RCMP officer at a fastball game at Rossville Diamond in Norway House. Cromarty, 20, was wounded in the shoulder and medevaced by air ambulance to Winnipeg in stable condition. Manitoba Justice ordered the independent investigation and ASIRT responded by sending four investigators and a team leader. The investigation has concluded and the complete file has been delivered to the Manitoba government for review and decision on how to

proceed, says Lynn Crawford, communications officer with ASIRT. “I sincerely believe, all the reports that I got, once ASIRT arrived, in particular when Joe Verhaege arrived, the climate completely changed because people felt they could trust speaking to him and felt much more comfortable speaking to him. When they first went in, it was very, very volatile environment,” said Hughson. “I have so much respect for Joe Verhaege, because he understands Aboriginal people very highly,” said Venne. “He is a good police officer.” While Venne is pleased that ASIRT was successful in recruiting Verhaege as an investigator, she says it is also a loss not to have him as an active member of the RCMP. In Alberta, results have been presented in two of the three investigations ASIRT undertook that involved RCMP officers and Aboriginal men. Two Grande Cache RCMP

officers were cleared of wrong doing when Curtis Hallock was shot in the arm and leg following the Aug. 1, 2013 incident in the Victor Lake Métis Co-op residential area. Still outstanding is the incident of Aug. 15, 2013, when RCMP officers shot and killed Daniel Charland, 52, the subject of an arrest warrant, after a confrontation developed at his home on Cold Lake First Nation. The investigation has concluded, says Hughson, but she needs to review the file. She plans to have one of the Aboriginal ASIRT investigators act as a liaison with Charland’s family and community. “Whenever there is a serious case I’m very alive to the fact that a family has lost a loved one and they have every right to be informed and I want to make that process as sensitive as possible and if that includes cultural sensitivity for the process, definitely we will do that,” said Hughson.

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Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

EDMONTON

Rubaboo emerging as a major Aboriginal festival

PHOTO: MARC J. CHALIFOUX PHOTO: PAULA E. KIRMAN

Annual event lights ravine A teepee glows in the darkness of the Mill Creek Ravine during the Flying Canoe Adventure. The annual event took place on Feb. 6 and 7 and is a combination of French Canadian and First Nations legend, which was told by lost canoeists along a trail in the ravine. The area was illuminated by colourful lanterns and artwork and two teepees offered tea and bannock. There was also music, a snow slide, and children’s activities near by at La Cite Francophone.

New fund at U of A for Aboriginal students A new fund has been established at the University of Alberta to provide more scholarships, bursaries and awards for Aboriginal students. It will also enhance Aboriginal teaching and learning experiences and enable more programming to support the traditional and spiritual aspects of Aboriginal life. The Carl Amrhein Aboriginal Student Fund has already raised $500,000. Amrhein, who was U of A provost and vice-president (academic) over the past 12 years, was a passionate advocate, consultant, counsellor and friend to the Aboriginal community. More than 1,000 Aboriginal students from across Canada attend the U of A, which offers 34 different awards, scholarships and bursaries to Aboriginal students. “For me, (Aboriginal engagement) is the place where we have come very far, but it’s also the place where we have an enormous distance yet to go,” said Amrhein, who plans to continue a “blended career” doing research for the Conference Board of Canada, teaching and undertaking research for the U of A’s Faculty of Science, and continuing work with the Alberta government.

Youth access shelters receive additional funding Funding from Homeward Trust Edmonton will keep two youth warming and access centres open until April 30. The centres, operated by Youth Empowerment & Support Services and Boyle Street Community Services and opened since mid-December, tie into Homeward Trust’s winter emergency response strategy. Both Boyle Street Community Services and YESS Armoury have programming for high risk youth, as well as programming tailored for Aboriginal youth and youth engaged in high risk behaviours. To date, the Armoury has an average of 27 youth visiting a day, with a total of 1,111 youth drop-ins since it opened, while Boyle Street Community Services average between 30 and 40 youth during its operational hours. “The provincial youth homelessness plan and the final 2014 Homeless Count, both … reflect an ongoing need to support our homeless youth population,” said Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton. Homeward Trust is working toward a permanent Youth Hub, to open later this year. The Youth Hub will be part of a community strategy on youth homelessness in Edmonton that will complement and work within the provincial 10 year plan to end homelessness. The 2014 Homeless Count estimates a total number of 340 independent homeless youth (aged between 13 and 24) in the City of Edmonton.

Front line workers trained in trauma care More than 150 people working with Edmonton’s Aboriginal, refugee, immigrant and vulnerable youth populations attended a twoday training session related to trauma-informed care. The conference occurred just ahead of the one year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s national event in Edmonton, which drew thousands of people affected by Canada’s residential schools and demonstrated the urgent need for trauma-informed practice. Opening keynote speaker was artist Aaron Paquette. Trauma Informed Edmonton is presented by the Urban Core Support Network and its partners: the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Service, Niginan Housing Ventures, and REACH Edmonton.

Compiled by Shari Narine

Lana Whiskeyjack paints while Lakota Tootoosis dances during the second Rubaboo Fusion Night on Feb 5. Two artists were invited to paint live in front of audiences and rift off of other performing artists.

By Paula E. Kirman Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

The sixth annual Rubaboo Festival took place in early February. This year’s event saw a number of changes, and more are on the horizon. Rubaboo is a Métis-Michif word (mixture of French and Indigenous) for a stew made on the trap line. The festival, organized by Alberta Aboriginal Arts, is multi-disciplinary, showcasing theatre, music, dance, art, food, family, and youth events, as well as workshops. As the only major Aboriginal arts festival in Alberta, it gives artists a forum and platform for art, growth as artists, to contribute their work to the community, and to bring audiences of all backgrounds together to enjoy the vast artistic expressions that exist in Indigenous culture. The major change this year involved the date of the festival. Originally held in June in honour of National Aboriginal Day and Month, moving the festival to

February will help Rubaboo continue to gain momentum, as it coincides with other Aboriginal touring productions and events such as Talking Stick, Magnetic North, and High Performance Rodeo, says Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, Alberta Aboriginal Arts’ artistic director and cofounder. “In June of 2013 we held the Northwestern Touring Presenters’ Gathering at the Rubaboo festival. This was a special initiative to bring Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal presenters from across Canada together to discuss a potential network for presenting Aboriginal works in Canada. In direct response to the discussions, we transitioned Rubaboo from June to winter time,” she said. According to Frederick, the new date proved advantageous as audience numbers doubled. Rubaboo will remain a winter festival, although the specific dates will shift according to the dates of similar festivals in Canada. Several of this year’s programming highlights included a visual art display at Gallerie

Cite, performances by local Aboriginal artists at the opening celebration of Winter Cities Shake-Up, at the Winspear Centre, and various other events featuring local Aboriginal artists in the areas of visual art, poetry, music, drama, and dance. “We have had international talent in past years, but this year we hosted local talent, and those from the surrounding regions, as well as from across Canada,” said Frederick. The final event of Rubaboo was a fundraiser, with a silent auction and mixer social. Many of the pieces for the auction were donated by artists and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson attended and spoke on the importance of supporting the work of Aboriginal people. More changes are already being considered for next year’s Rubaboo Festival. “We want to build on the good relationships we started this year as well as ones we developed with the IndigeNetwork to bring in more touring shows and international connections,” said Frederick.

CALGARY

Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

Professional, community tributes for loss of two artists By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

“Narcisse, if you met him, he touched your life forever,” said Michelle Thrush at a memorial to honour the lives of Kainai Elder Narcisse Blood, and Michael Green, cofounder of Calgary’s One Yellow Rabbit Theatre. Blood’s and Green’s lives were taken in a tragic multiple vehicle crash north of Regina on Feb. 10. Two well-known Saskatchewan artists, Michele Sereda and Lacy MorinDesjarlais, were also killed in the accident, which happened on wintry roads as the group travelled to a school on Piapot First Nation. A fifth person, Morley Hartenberger, also died in the accident. Thrush, board member, actor and co-director of Making Treaty 7, was among several of the cast members to speak of the loss of the two extraordinary men at a tribute held in their honour Feb. 16. Blood and Narcisse had worked on the ground breaking production of Making Treaty 7, a contemporary interpretation of the signing of Treaty 7, which gives voice to the Aboriginal people and settlers of southern Alberta. Blood was cultural and spiritual advisor and Green was founder and the visionary of Making Treaty 7. Throughout the ceremony, Blood and Green were described as community builders and by the cast of Making Treaty 7, as family. “We succeed by generously sharing opportunities with everyone….We’re all in it together,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Making Treaty 7 was one of Michael’s greatest extraordinary works of art . . . a work of community building to acknowledge our shared history and talk about

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Cree Big Plume from Tsuu T’ina Nation will compete in Miss Universe Canada pageant in Toronto in May.

Tsuu T’ina beauty to compete in Miss Universe Canada pageant Cree Big Plume, of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, is headed to the preliminaries of the Miss Universe Canada pageant, which will determine Canada’s representative at the annual Miss Universe Pageant. Big Plume, who works as a treaty researcher in the band office’s land claims department, was scouted by Patti Falconer Agencies. Big Plume said she was hesitant at first because of her busy schedule but decided not to pass up the opportunity. “It ties in with honour, volunteering, being a role model, and a good human being,” she said. Big Plume will compete in Toronto on May 16 against 64 other contestants from across the country.

Victim Identified and Man Charged with First Degree Murder

Michael Green (above) and Narcisse Blood(top): over 1,500 people gathered to share collective sorrow and pay tribute to the artists at Calgary’s Jack Singer Concert Hall.

our shared future.” Referring to Narcisse as his uncle and mentor, Beric Many Wounds, from Tsuu T’ina Nation said, “We are creating stories for a hopeful future, a future that puts aside all the violence and degradation that was. The work we did with the MT7 family was bringing us to a place of shared humanity.” Despite the unfathomable loss, the MT7 family is determined to carry on. Many Wounds said, “We are all treaty people. We must continue this work.” Thrush said that the most beautiful part of the Making

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of Treaty 7 was listening to the Elders Green brought together and seeing their stories translated to art. “Narcisse Blood was an amazing soul,” she said. “We listened and we cried and we laughed and we shared stories held deep within this land.” No tribute to Blood would be complete without acknowledgement of his trickster side. “One of the coolest things he brought into my life every day was humility and jokes,” said Cowboy Smithx. “We have a long road ahead of us. MT7 is gearing towards a huge show in 2017. We need the community to rally.” Blood was remembered by his Kainai community as a true Niitsitapi, a gifted educator, compassionate and dedicated to Kainai history and cultural teachings, an artist, and a film maker. Blood served on his band council in the 1990s and was an advisor on cultural exhibits and history. He taught at the University of Lethbridge, the International Indigenous Studies program at the University of Calgary and was co-founder of the Kainai Studies program at Red Crow Community College. Most significantly, he is remembered for teaching others the meaning of being human.

After seeking assistance from the public, the Calgary Police Service was able to identify a man seen with Dawns Baptiste, prior to her death. Baptiste’s body was found in a yard on Feb. 12, 2015, in the Whitehorn area of the city. Late in the day on Feb. 14, Curtis Jade Tyson Healy, 25, was arrested. It is alleged that Healy met Baptiste on Feb. 11, and they travelled around the city by CTrain. Around midnight, both left the train at the Whitehorn Station. It is believed Baptise was assaulted, dragged into a nearby yard and sexually assaulted where she succumbed to her injuries. Healy was charged with first-degree murder.

7th Annual Valentine’s Day Memorial March On Feb. 14, the 7th Annual Valentine’s Day Memorial March took place at Scarboro United Church. The annual Memorial March, which is held in cities across the country and internationally, seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and bring about change. Although violence affects all women, the Memorial March planning committee has stated that Indigenous women as a group face compounded risks and are five times more likely to die as a result of violence. The committee also shares the fact that while most women are at a greater risk of assault by an intimate partner, Indigenous women are equally at risk of assault by a stranger.

8th Fire Gathering to be held at University of Calgary The 8th Fire Gathering will take place on March 13-15 at the University of Calgary. The gathering will focus on presenting information on the Idle No More movement and address a host of issues such as human rights, workers and union rights, Aboriginal Treaty rights, Indigenous Sovereignty and Canadian Sovereignty, the environment, community activism, progressive politics, the 2015 federal vote and Canada’s future. Among the guest speakers are Derek Nepinak, Tantoo Cardinal, Beverly Jacobs, Janice Makokis, Shannon Houle, Tanya Kappo, Sylvia McAdam and Nina Wilson. The overall aim of the gathering is to share knowledge and expand networks to enable action and positive change.

St. Mary’s University fosters Aboriginal Culture St. Mary’s University has developed a number of innovative programs to support its growing enrollment of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Close to Siksika and Tsuu T’ina First Nations, St. Mary’s is recruiting and supporting FNMI students, who are underrepresented in post-secondary. Its FNMI Advisory Council is leading the way to encourage and support FNMI students. The Elders on Campus program makes Elders available to students by appointment. Casey Eagle Speaker and Edmee Comstock lead cultural and spiritual ceremonies, which will include transferring a buffalo robe to St. Mary’s in a March event. Special initiatives, such as the Ghost River Rediscovery Project, will give students an opportunity to undertake a nine-day journey exploring the link between First Nations culture and nature.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

EDUCATION

Indspire Awards showcase Aboriginal contributions, achievements

PHOTO: INDSPIRE

Elise Yanik (left) accepts her Lifetime Achievement Award from Roberta Jamieson, Indspire President & CEO

By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Elsie Yanik epitomizes a life of giving and kindness. At age 97, altruism is at the core of her being. “I love people,” she said. “I never look at their colour; I look at their heart.” Yanik was recognized for her commitment to health, education and Indigenous heritage, exemplified by her service as president of Voice of Native Women of Alberta, 10 years of work with the Young Offenders Board, and her continued work as an Elder with Keyano College. For these contributions to her community, she has received a blessing from Pope John Paul II, a Governor General’s Commemorative Medal and, most recently, an honourary Law Degree from the University of Alberta. Yanik was one of 14 recipients of the 22nd annual Indspire Awards, the highest honour bestowed upon First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, celebrated at the

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary on Feb. 27. Chosen from hundreds of nominations by a jury of past recipients, five of this year’s award recipients are Albertans. In addition to the crowning award of Lifetime Achievement, the Indspire Awards recognize outstanding individuals for their e x t r a o r d i n a r y accomplishments, dedication, and excellence in the areas of the arts; business and commerce; culture, heritage and spirituality; education; environment and resources; health; law and justice; politics; public service; sports; and youth. As founder, president and executive producer of Prairie Dog Film and Television, Ron E. Scott was recognized in the arts. Scott has received numerous awards for his productions, and is wellknown for the award-winning television show Blackstone, going into its fifth season this spring. “It came unexpected to me, and I’m just honoured and humbled to be included in what this means in the

community and what it means to non-Native Canada when it’s broadcast on TV,” said Scott. Scott takes pride in introducing young aspiring actors and producers to the industry and mentoring them. “What we do on the TV series Blackstone is we aggressively look for production people, who are

younger, who want to come on the show and want to learn. We mentor them on set,” he said. “It’s really part of what I like to do to give back to the community.” Known widely for his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dr. Wilton Littlechild, of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, was recognized in the area of law and justice. In 1976, he became the first Treaty First Nation person to receive a law degree from the University of Alberta. He was a Member of Parliament from 1988 to 1993 for the riding of WetaskiwinRimby, served on many senior House of Commons’ committees, and was the parliamentary delegate to the United Nations. “For me I think I can only really thank my grandparents, who raised me to pursue education, because they didn’t have that opportunity, so it was up to me I suppose to take that challenge on, so it’s been really a blessing,” said Littlechild, who is also recognized for his pioneering work in Indigenous rights globally. For Littlechild, law and sports go hand in hand. He is not only a dedicated athlete, but also a builder of sports, he says. For his sports prowess, he has won more than 70 provincial, regional, national

and international championships and was inducted into seven sports Halls of Fame. As a builder, he founded the North American Indigenous Games, the Alberta Indigenous Summer Games, the Western Canada Winter Games and the World Indigenous Games, which will take place for the first time this upcoming September in Brazil. “Now, we’ve accomplished a sense of what I always thought was possible which was to showcase our athletes – that we can compete with anyone else in the world,” said Littlechild. The other two Alberta recipients were Brenda La Rose and Gabrielle Fayant. La Rose was recognized in business and commerce for creating her own highly successful employment search firm, Higgins International, specializing in placing Indigenous executives in senior management roles, board, and executive positions in many sectors and industries. Youth recipient Fayant, co-founder of youth led organizations, works with a number of national Aboriginal organizations, including the Canadian Commission of UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group. As a psychologist, she works to bring traditional healing to bear upon mental health.

Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

EDUCATION

Alberta actress tells the story from behind the lens

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Film producer Alexandra Lazarowich with acclaimed Canadian director Sturla Gunnarsson. The director was on hand to teach a portion of the Aboriginal Documentary Training course offered by Canada’s National Screen Institute.

By Julie MacIsaac Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

Alexandra Lazarowich has been on both sides of the camera and that experience has told her that the non-traditional woman’s role of creating the story suits her better than telling the story. But her years as an actress have helped prepare her for life on the other side of the lens. “Part of what makes me a good producer was being a not so successful actor,” Lazarowich, who acted from the time she was 10 until she was 21, said with a chuckle. “… That’s when I realized I had to make roles for myself.” Lazarowich started at the bottom, volunteering on film productions around Edmonton, getting coffee and listing equipment. She realized this was her true calling—being part of the creative team that worked to make fantasy a reality. A positive and easy-going attitude soon landed her some paying gigs with ANAID Productions (developers of the popular Canadian reality series XWeighted and The Rig) and the Native Counseling Services of Alberta, where she worked as a producer for five years. While Lazarowich says that female producers, particularly Aboriginal women producers, are rare in show business, she believes that women are uniquely suited to the role. “Honestly, I find women are often better (at it) because a producer has to be good at doing lots of different things at the same time and women so often have to manage lots of things all at once—family, work, chores. You have to be a brainstormer and a problem-solver. It’s multitasking in the extreme. And every woman I’ve ever met has been a problem-solver,” Lazarowich said, adding that in

one day on set the problems could range from not having the right coffee on hand for the talent to trying to wrangle a helicopter for an aerial shot in a matter of hours. “Having a little feminine charm can help you in some situations,” Lazarowich said thoughtfully when asked about her experience as a woman running the show in what is still primarily a man’s world. “And it can work against you in others. And so you’re constantly navigating that. But if you work with great people—and there are so many out there—you always succeed. And by succeed, I mean get a film made and do justice to the story.” This February, Lazarowich and director Cowboy Smithx began a journey to tell the story of the virtually unsung Canadian heroes of WWII—the Cree code talkers from northern Alberta. Information on the subject was declassified in 1963. The film is being made as part of the National Screen Institute of Canada’s Aboriginal Documentary training course. The course picks four producerdirector teams annually to take part in the year-long production of a documentary short to be featured in any number of national film festivals. As for the next generation of Aboriginal women looking to take their place behind the camera, Lazarowich says starting at the bottom and having the patience and grace to work your way slowly up the ladder is the key to success. “It takes time,” she said. “You get a little better and it gets a little easier. You find where your talents are, and you learn from people who are more talented than you.…It’s a really great job and I love it. I love finding our stories in our communities…and finding people to help me bring a vision to life.”

Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

DISTANCE LEARNING

Distance learning opens doors By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor FORT McMURRAY

Blended learning – a combination of on-line and videoconferencing – and straight on-line learning provide a much needed opportunity for adult students in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to improve their lives. “It’s learning anytime, anywhere,” said Catherine Koch, vice-president academic, at Keyano College, “and then people have access to things they wouldn’t otherwise have.” It also allows students, many of whom have other commitments such as children and jobs, to remain in their home community. Although Keyano College’s main campus is in the Wood Buffalo centre of Fort McMurray, the college operates adult learning centres in Fort McKay, Gregoire Lake, Conklin, Janvier and Fort Chipewyan. Each centre has an instructor and an instructional aide; is equipped with classrooms, computer laboratory, and library materials; and serves as a community access point for the eCampusAlberta and AlbertaNorth initiatives. “It’s really hard to get the people the courses that you want when you only have one or two teachers in a centre, so we’re doing more blended learning,” said Koch. Keyano has turned to Adobe Connect, which allows the college to offer teachers with specialized training. “We have a teacher in

Conklin but don’t have any students physically located in Conklin right now, but she’s there’s at our centre, and she gets on-line with a camera and she teaches courses to students in Fort McKay, Janvier, in Fort McMurray and in Fort Chip. We have someone in Fort Chip delivering, we have someone in Fort McKay delivering other courses so it’s a way for us, using technology like that, to have the right specialist in front of the classroom,” said Koch. When curriculum, knowledge and practises change on a continual basis in such subjects as math, chemistry and biology, it is important to have teachers, who have the expertise. Age range for adult learners is wide, anywhere from 19 years old in to their 40s. The reasons for upgrading are also wide, with some participants never having graduated from high school and others having a high school diploma that is over 10 years old. Numbers of students upgrading in this manner have increased substantially, says Koch. Two years ago, Keyano College went beyond simple high school upgrading at their sight in Fort Chip to offering specialized upgrading for students to qualify for training in carpentry. This year, upgrading will begin with an eye toward entrance into a welding apprenticeship program, an option Keyano is presently exploring for Fort Chip. Operating satellite sites provides future students for Keyano College, says Koch. After achieving their high

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school diplomas, some students travel south to Fort McMurray and enroll in business administration, office administration, university studies and trades. In February, Keyano College guaranteed another choice for their satellite students. The college signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Alberta that will allow the college to offer a fouryear Bachelor degree in elementary education. “It’s really important, because it guarantees that we will be able to offer degreelevel programming for teacher education for our region,” said Koch. While the college has

graduated three cohorts of students in the past with an elementary education degree from the U of A, it has never been a program that Keyano has been able to count on. Usually, as Keyano does not grant degrees, students take their first two years of their degree program before transferring to U of A. Now, the 32 students who have enrolled for the September 2015 offering of the elementary education degree program will be able to complete their full four years in Fort McMurray as well as get placements for practicums in the north. Local corporate partnerships, such as with Shell

Canada, help offset the costs of housing and transportation to northern communities for student placement. “There’s such a need for teachers in our region always and we have a growing population, particularly a young population (because) we have a really high birth rate here,” said Koch. “(Graduates) stay in the area and they get hired by local boards so it’s really good locally and they love our teachers.” If students have to travel south to complete their B.Ed., chances are they will not be returning to the Wood Buffalo region to begin their teaching career, says Koch.

Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

DISTANCE LEARNING

New training will enhance children’s lives in Aboriginal communities By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer FORT McKAY

Julia Soucie is hoping to take advantage of an Aboriginal component that will soon be added to the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association’s HIGH FIVE program. ARPA has been running HIGH FIVE since 2007. The training program focuses on how coaches, leaders and instructors can enhance the quality of sport and recreation programs in their communities. But until now, very few of those trained have been Aboriginal. The HIGH FIVE program was developed with the belief that the experiences children have with their recreation and sports events help to shape them in their adult lives. Also, the better prepared those running programs are the better the chances they will have the tools and knowledge to create positive experiences for youth.

Since the inception of the HIGH FIVE program, about 3,500 people across the province have been trained in how to implement it in their communities. Substantial funding recently received by ARPA will allow the program to focus on Aboriginal leaders in Aboriginal communities. Soucie, who lives in Fort McMurray, works about a 45minute drive north of the city where she is the director of the Fort McKay Wellness Centre. Since 2012, Soucie has been involved with ARPA’s Communities ChooseWell program, which promotes healthy eating and healthy living. Soucie is now hoping she will be among those chosen to be trained in the HIGH FIVE program. “I think it would be an amazing opportunity to be involved with that,” she said, adding many First Nation communities do not have the

financial resources to send officials to initiatives such as this. Fort McKay is primarily a First Nation and Métis community. About 700 people live in Fort McKay. Soucie helps run an afterschool program for about 100 youth, aged 6-17. Besides various recreational activities, the program also provides tutoring and homework assistance. Allie Pratley, ARPA’s children and youth programs co-ordinator, said the new funding ARPA has received will remedy the lack of Aboriginal participation in the program by enhancing that component. For starters, the RBC and Canadian Sport for Life Learn To Play Project gave ARPA a $25,000 grant in December. This was followed up with $17,000 in funding from the Telus Community Foundation. Pratley is hoping to kick off the program’s Aboriginal segment soon.

“I’m currently trying to find 12 participants to do the training,” she said. Pratley is working with officials from the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association to identify potential trainees. Once program participants are chosen, the week-long training sessions are expected to be held in or near Edmonton.

Pratley is thankful a pair of organizations have come forward to help launch the Aboriginal segment of the HIGH FIVE program. She’s hoping others also step up to provide additional money to help the program grow. “It would be nice to have a little bit more (funding),” she said. “But I can make it work with what we have now.”

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Alberta Sweetgrass - March 2015

CAREERS

Businessman, entrepreneur recognized with lifetime achievement award By Andrea Smith Sweetgrass Writer BEAVER LAKE CREE NATION

A member of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Mel Benson has been recognized for having made a significant contribution to the economic growth and development of Aboriginal people. “I received an email to call the organization... I called them and I was sitting in my home office chair and I almost fell off the chair,” said Benson of the moment he found out about his award. “I was deeply humbled, because of the people who’d gone before me. I also had a feeling of pride that my peers were recognizing me.” Born near Lac La Biche, Benson grew up in the small town. It was a poor community, and poverty and racism made life difficult for the high number of Aboriginal people living there, he says. Benson faced the same barriers to his success that many Aboriginal people face—poverty, lack of access to education, and lack of funding for that education—but eventually found his way into what he called a “fascinating” career in the energy sector. “I’ve worked in west Africa, Russia, and Australia. I had a wonderful career in oil and gas and in that career I had a chance to work with minority groups,” said Benson, who is president of his own company, Mel E. Benson Management Services Inc.. “When I was in Canada, I had the opportunity to work with First Nations and Métis.” Benson started out as a “communications guy” before moving into human resources, operations management, and finally project management. He once worked for Exxon International, but retired. He is the chair for Suncor Energy’s

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

compensation and environment, health and safety committee. And recently he accepted a position with the University of Alberta’s Land Institute. In all of the work he has done, Benson says he has made an exceptional effort to include the voices of Indigenous people. “Because it’s an oil industry, you’re also impacting the local populations, and I think it’s absolutely essential you listen, and you listen well,” he said. “Particularly with Canada’s Aboriginal people. It’s critical they understand the impacts and the potential and they participate in the main stream economy, because as Aboriginal people, if we don’t participate… we’ll continue to be looked down on as second-class citizens.” After a lifetime of hard work and many successes, Benson says he is “slowly” trying to retire. He has five children, including a set of twins not yet four years old, and a life partner he thanks for supporting him through everything. Because he feels he’s been so blessed, he also feels the need to “give back” as much as possible, and has been involved in a number of charities. And though Benson doesn’t feel his success is unique for an Aboriginal person in Canada, he acknowledges the path isn’t always easy. “More and more we’re seeing Aboriginal people doing things and participating in higher levels... So while it’s a tough, slow process, if we’re given an opportunity to get to the starting line, we can effectively compete,” said Benson.