Sweetgrass May 2014 final

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014 WHAT'S INSIDE:

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Possible unexploded munitions force closure of golf course, cultural grounds Page 3 Child welfare system replaced Indian residential schools Page 5

THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA

MAY 2014 VOLUME 21 • NUMBER 6

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Alberta First Nations join US protest PHOTO: IDLE NO MORE FACEBOOK Eriel Deranger, from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (left) and Crystal Lameman (right), from Beaver Cree First Nation, flank singer-songwriter activist Neil Young at the Cowboy Indian Alliance’s “Reject and Protect” protest in Washington at the end of April. The protest was aimed at TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline, which would carry crude oil from Alberta to the Texas Gulf coast. The project has been delayed indefinitely in part due to an ongoing court case in Nebraska.

Gladue reports receive provincial funding

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Aboriginal offenders now face a better chance of receiving a court sentence that fits their personal circumstances.

In April, the provincial government announced that it would provide $200,000 to Native Counselling Services of Alberta to coordinate and undertake Gladue Reports.

Gladue Reports were created as a result of a Supreme Court of Canada decision in 1999 and further enforced in the Ipeelee decision two years ago. Courts can request Gladue reports when sentencing first time offenders, repeat offenders and dangerous offenders of Aboriginal background.

“The misnomer is that the interpretation of Gladue is a getout-of-jail-free card or a reduced sentence. I think what’s important for people to understand is that is not the case at all. If a Gladue report is done properly and it’s interpreted properly by a sentencing judge, a sentence will be appropriate to the person’s historic background, to the crime and matching that to public safety,” said Dr. Allen Benson, CEO for Native Counselling Service of Alberta.

Presently Gladue reports are

not written in a specific format and are implemented sporadically. There is no specified funding available to pay writers and more importantly, they are not necessarily prepared by Aboriginal people. Instead, reports are undertaken by probationary officers, court workers or other members of the Justice department.

“It’s important to have either Aboriginal people or someone who has extensive knowledge of historic trauma, intergenerational trauma and understanding of community in order to articulate the circumstances of an accused,” said Benson.

The funding commitment from the province is an indication that the government is “seriously concerned about the over-representation (of Aboriginal people in the corrections system) and I believe there’s a real commitment on the part of this province to change that,” said Benson.

NCSA has now been tasked with coordinating and managing Gladue reports, which will include hiring and training people to specifically write the reports. While NCSA is based in Edmonton, the organization will be putting

writers in place throughout the province.

Benson admits that $200,000 will probably not be sufficient for the work that has to be undertaken. He surmises the province reached the figure through determining the number of outstanding Gladue reports.

However, Benson holds that once reporters are trained, sentencing judges will start demanding Gladue reports.

A Gladue report can be mandated as part of a court order based on a number of factors, which include a request from legal counsel, the accused’s family, court worker or by the individual, if he is representing himself. While requesting a Gladue report is left to a judge’s discretion, in Ipeelee, the Supreme Court said that sentencing could be overturned if an offender’s circumstances were not taken into consideration.

Benson believes strongly that most of the province’s judges would support Gladue.

“In all fairness to the courts, Alberta … is probably one of the more progressive provinces when it comes to administering our justice system. So I think we’re in a position where we might actually see a significant impact on Gladue because I believe the sentencing judges

want the resource available to them,” he said.

Having Gladue reports available for sentencing will have an impact.

“I believe that the sentencing judges will have a tremendous sort of revisit or change of how they might sentence an accused,” said Benson.

Instead of the usual sentencing, judges may now involve cultural and traditional means as part of a probationary order. Families may also need to be involved in treatments. For Gladue reports to be effective, says Benson, additional resources will be required.

“Healing work is harder than jail time and anybody who believes that going to therapy or healing or doing their cultural healing, is easy time, it’s not. It’s hard work,” he said. “It means that people now have to face their histories and be able to deal with those things in a way that is going to be healing so they can move forward.”

Instead of dwelling on the limited amount of funding received to undertake the tasks associated with Gladue reports, NCSA will begin to roll out its Gladue writing program and do a monthly assessment of how far the funding has gone.

While there are no figures available presently to indicate

how many Aboriginal offenders are being provided with Gladue reports, Benson says he believes the number is low. The provincial funding will now allow NCSA to determine how much work has to be done in order to meet the needs of Aboriginal offenders.

NCSA will track the cases it is involved in to see the impact Gladue reports have had on sentencing. Benson says the next step would be for the province to set up a process for comparisons to previous years.

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Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

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ALBERTA NEWS population,” said Allen. “I find it disconcerting that the federal government continues to reject the calls

by Aboriginal and Métis groups across the country for an independent public inquiry into the murder and disappearances of Aboriginal women.” Allen’s voice is added to those of the Native Women’s Association of Canada as well as the Assembly of First Nations.

The federal government has refused to hold a national inquiry.

Mason to step down as NDP leader NDP Leader Brian Mason announced that he will be stepping down from his position effective Oct. 19.

“I am proud of the work that we have done together, but I believe that it is time for a new leader to tackle the changing political landscape and lead us in to the next election,” he said in a written statement. “I feel confident that I’m leaving the party in a strong position and that we are ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.” Mason said a leadership race would help attract “progressively-minded Albertans” to the NDP. Premier David Hancock, who thanked Mason for his service, called the NDP leader “a skilled debater and a tenacious parliamentarian, who was utterly unafraid to stand up for what he believed in and hold the government accountable.”

Steps taken to reduce FASD

PHOTO: PROVIDED

Health minister sees latest technology in First Nation health facility Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose toured the Siksika Health Centre on April 4 and received a demonstration of the state-of-the art X-ray technology from Margaret Kargard, clinical services team leader, as Councillor Barry Yellow Fly looked on. The centre, which opened in 2007 and is a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and Siksika band, is one of the most technologically advanced health facilities on a First Nation.

CNRL given go-ahead despite continued leaks Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. has resumed pumping high-pressure steam into wells on its Cold Lake lease near four sites where bitumen continues to leak to the surface uncontrolled. The Alberta Energy Regulator has yet to determine the cause of the leaks, which totalled almost 12,000 barrels in the past year.

However, last month, AER approved the company’s application to resume steam injection, with lower steam pressures, to keep its Primrose wells producing.

AER spokesperson Tracey Moore said the risk of more leaks is reduced by using lower steam pressure and requiring the company to check well bores for potential leaks. Jesse Cardinal, with Keepers of the Athabasca, took exception to the ruling, stating in an email, “Instead of AER pulling the company’s operating licence, they have instead, allowed them to continue to steam, in the same formation, near the spill that is still happening and can be stopped.”

Recommendations of new joint review panel need to be adhered to Concerns are being voiced about the environmental process for the proposed Frontier Oilsands Mine project, as the federal government solicits input from the public on a draft agreement to establish a joint review panel. “While the scope of the panel’s mandate is sufficient to capture some of the key impacts of the Frontier Mine on Aboriginal communities, we believe the real issue is how Alberta and Canada address the recommendations and findings of the panel,” said Daniel Stuckless, manager, environment and regulatory with Fort McKay First Nation. “However, in our experience neither Alberta nor Canada follows up on recommendations made by joint review panels.”

Teck Resources Limited is proposing to develop and operate a new oilsands mine and processing plant

about 100 kilometres north of Fort McMurray and 110 kilometres south of Fort Chipewyan, in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Jail on Blood reserve closes After 25 years of operation, the Kainai Corrections Society minimum-security facility in Standoff has been closed. It was the only jail on a First Nation. It shut down its 24 beds for inmates at the end of March when Alberta Justice cut off funding, saying the facility was under-utilized. The facility received $1.1 million in provincial funding last year and housed an average seven inmates. Probation, court worker and crime prevention services, and an Elders program will continue. “The community really supported the facility so ... there’s going to be a huge impact there as well,” Rick Soup, director of the corrections centre, told the Canadian Press. Twelve people are out of jobs. “Of all the offenders in Alberta, 37 per cent are Aboriginal ... and we were the only First Nations corrections facility on-reserve to help them,” said Soup. Alberta Justice says minimum security Aboriginal offenders will now go to the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, which has Native programming.

MLA wants provincial support for inquiry into missing, murdered Aboriginal women Independent Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Mike Allen is asking the province to demand a public inquiry into the murder and disappearances of Aboriginal women. The request came in the Legislature April 7, following the seventh and final national event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, held in Edmonton. “It is important to acknowledge the horrors faced by the victims of residential schools, but we must not turn a blind eye to other victimized groups within this unique

To help raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, liquor stores, restaurants and bars now have to display FASD prevention signage. The requirement is at the direction of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Association as a reminder about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. “The effects of FASD on children are devastating, but through common sense initiatives like this, we will bring instances of FASD down by raising needed awareness and encouraging people to step up and say ‘no’ when they see someone drink alcohol while pregnant,” said Manmeet S. Bhullar, Minister of Human Services, in a news release. FASD includes a broad range of disabilities related to permanent brain damage caused by exposure to alcohol.

Air quality video translated The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association has translated an informational video into both Cree and Dene Native languages. The video provides stakeholders and community members with an insider’s look at WBEA’s extensive air monitoring network, and explains exactly how WBEA goes about the job of continuously monitoring and reporting air quality for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “We thought it was important to have this resource translated to Cree and Dene in order to better reach out to our Aboriginal partners and stakeholders,” said WBEA Executive Director Dr. Kevin Percy. The WBEA worked with local Cree and Dene speaking community members for the voice-over translations.

ATCO to collaborate with First Nations company to fulfill contract ATCO will be collaborating with local Aboriginal communities in providing facilities and operations maintenance services to five resource development sites in northern Alberta. The Chipewyan Prairie Dene-owned Northern Wolf Ltd. has been contracted to provide grounds maintenance services and certified trades contractors, which supports Aboriginal employment and local capacity building. ATCO will be responsible for the maintenance of the interior and exterior of buildings, facility systems such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing, as well as grounds keeping and signage maintenance. All the work will be managed through a computerized maintenance management system. ATCO has a two-year contract, which began in March 2014.

Compiled by Shari Narine

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Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

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Possible unexploded munitions force closure of golf course, cultural grounds

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor ENOCH CREE NATION

Nearly a month after the Enoch Cree Nation closed its golf course and historic cultural grounds because of the fear of unexploded munitions, a meeting called by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada on May 1 with the band and the Department of National Defence has yielded very little new information – and has brought the band no closer to re-opening Indian Lakes Golf Course and the Ta-Wow Cultural Grounds.

Enoch Cree Chief Ron Morin is both frustrated with the lack of confirmed information and the federal government’s refusal to speak publicly about exactly what happened in the Yekau Lake area, which had been used for bombing practise by at least nine countries during World War II. “The Department of National Defence absolutely is elusive and does not fully want to tell everything that’s gone on the lands,” said Morin.

The lack of information led Chief and council to hire its own expert last year in order to get a better understanding of the extent and magnitude of the unexploded ordinances in the area. Morin said they had been led to believe by the federal government that the site was used to drop 11.5-16.5 pound smoke bombs. He also said they were told 12,000 munitions were dropped, but council now estimates that number at 140,000 to 200,000.

Morin stressed that the DND never received approval from the Enoch council of the day to use the area between 1941-46 for a Commonwealth practise bombing site. Permission was granted by the Indian agent.

Morin said that Enoch Cree Nation had requested funding from the government to undertake an analysis of the

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Reg Letourneau, president of Anvil GeoSpatial Corporation, shows a map where bombing occurred outside an area indicated by the Department of National Defence.

bombing site. The government refused the request but instead in 2008, with permission from the band and unfettered access to the area, undertook its own analysis. While the government released some of its findings to the band, Chief and council are still awaiting the final report.

In response, Enoch Cree Nation hired Anvil GeoSpatial Corporation to determine if the area was safe for public use.

“Our findings to date contradict the information that was made available to us (by the federal government). Based on that …I have to assume (the area) is potentially dangerous unless the government can basically demonstrate otherwise,” said Reg Letourneau, president of Anvil.

Anvil conducted its own research and investigative

ground work, but also used information provided by the federal government or garnered through the Access to Information Act. “Alarming” information came to light, said Letourneau, including two areas that “appeared to be the results of … bomb craters.” Also discovered was an unexploded practise round.

“It’s relatively harmless, but it’s symbolic in terms of what it represents. This is an artillery round. A Nation has been led to believe for almost 70 years that this was a Commonwealth air practise bombing range and no one had ever suggested it was an artillery range,” said Letourneau.

“We are absolutely disgusted and angry… with these findings,” said Morin.

Following the May 1 meeting, Morin said the band had received a commitment from DND that it would contract personnel to examine the area in question, along with Enoch’s findings. DND also said it would try to obtain more information on what happened on the First Nation.

Morin said that the band has requested DND assist in the relocation of the cultural grounds. He added they are not talking about compensation at this point, but are instead pushing for confirmation on what happened on Enoch lands.

“We want to make sure the safety is first and foremost,” he said.

The safety of the rodeo grounds is also been drawn into question as well as crateredareas north and east of the golf

course near residences.

Closure of the Indian Lake Golf Course will impact at least 50 employees and those within the Nation’s cultural department will also be affected.

Speaking in April, Morin said there was also concern that German and Japanese Prisoners of War who were held in camps at the Enoch Cree Nation and died while in care may have been buried on Enoch land. He said preliminary examination has found what could be burial sites or graves not far from the POW camps.

“We need to give proper homage, respect and diplomacy to those nations and do proper ceremony here for any of their loved ones that may have been lost,” said Morin.

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NEWS

Federal health minister not open about pending changes

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor CALGARY

Driftpile First Nation Chief Rose Laboucan anticipates changes in federal health care will soon be coming, but she didn’t hear that from federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose.

Laboucan, representing Treaty 8, was joined by Chief Charles Weaselhead from Treaty 7 and Chief Rusty Threefingers from Treaty 6, also leaders of the Health CoManagement Committee, in a closed-door meeting with Ambrose in Calgary in early April.

“I always wish … that politicians would be honest when they come to the table and if they have intentions for change, that they should let us know and what those changes are going to be. Not after the fact when they’ve decided what they’re already going to be doing,” said Laboucan. “I didn’t get that honesty.”

Laboucan points to the NonInsured Health Benefits which are sunsetting in 2015, which means there are a number of programs up for renewal.

“I advocated for those programs because I think they are important. There was no yes or no answer,” Laboucan said.

“There was no commitment

made.”

Chiefs also expressed concern over health care funding that is being returned to the federal government as surplus dollars.

The point of the existing comanagement agreement between the province and Health Canada is to keep surplus funds in the province, says Laboucan.

“Our people are not getting any healthier,” she said. “I’m not sure why there was such a large surplus, maybe because of all the restrictions that are placed on the programs available and how you can access them and people just give up and don’t even use it.”

Health Canada is undertaking an analysis of the reasons behind the surplus dollars, says Laboucan, who is hoping to get the results in June. As well, she notes, Treaty 8 is undertaking a health survey to determine why members are not using NHIB services.

If those surplus dollars can be kept in the province, Laboucan would like to see them invested in First Nations communities to fund “different programs that can really have a long-term effect rather than short-term.”

Increasing First Nations control and input into the health care system was discussed, as well as how to close jurisdictional gaps between

health services offered onreserve and those offered offreserve, says HCOM coordinator Peyasu Wuttunee.

Ambrose is the first federal health minister to meet with HCOM since 2010, although Chiefs have been requesting a meeting for years, he added.

“Because she’s an Alberta MP, I think that helped get a bit faster access,” he said. “(This meeting) was really important in terms of establishing a relationship with this minister and also just to let her know some of the things we were doing and what the Chiefs’ interests were in moving forward.”

While Laboucan does appreciate Ambrose’s time and feels the minister is willing to work with the Chiefs, Laboucan says there is a frustration involved in dealing with new ministers on a continual basis.

“I know that (we) were very adamant at that meeting that we do have a treaty right to health,” said Laboucan, “and how she develops and comes to that understanding will be her homework.”

Another meeting with Ambrose is on the agenda and could happen in July.

“They are small steps but they are still significant,” said Wuttunee. “We are hoping to establish an ongoing dialogue.”

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Child welfare system replaced Indian residential schools

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Bernadette Iahtail talks to a group of people about the Creating Hope Society’s work with Aboriginal children in care.

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Check out Alberta Sweetgrass online at: albertasweetgrass.com Or find us on facebook at: facebook.com/sweetgrassnews

The statistics are staggering: 68 per cent of children in government care in Alberta today are Aboriginal.

“When the residential schools were winding down in the 1960s, the child welfare system simply became a place where they replaced the residential school system and damaged a lot of our culture,” said Bernadette Iahtail, executive director of Creating Hope Society.

Iahtail and her sister were among those taken in what has become known as the ‘60s scoop. Aboriginal children were apprehended from their parents, or in Iahtail’s case, her grandmother, at an alarming rate between the late 1950s to the early 1980s. It is estimated that 22,000 babies and children were taken in this time period and fostered or adopted to nonAboriginal families. Many of those children were taken to the United States.

Iahtail showed CHS’s documentary Broken Hearts to a packed room on the final day of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s seventh national event in Edmonton on March 30. The documentary helps outline the rights mothers and parents have when it comes to fighting for custody of their children.

Many people broke down as they told what it was like to be one of those statistics.

Martha, a survivor of residential schools, spoke about losing court-appointed care of her grandson to his birth mother and then learning from Facebook that the boy was threatening suicide.

“He told his cousin he was going to jump off the High

Level bridge and I’m going to do it because nobody cares about me,” said Martha. She phoned the Edmonton Police Service, who responded and took the boy for 24-hour care to the hospital. Martha’s grandson attempted suicide twice.

Vicki, who is turning 20, told how she and her sisters were apprehended when she was three years old and her sisters were two and five. Vicki’s older sister committed suicide a year ago, leaving behind her one year old son. Vicki said she had a good foster family and reconnected three years ago with her biological father and is working on that relationship.

But she has no connection with her birth mother. “That anger, that hurt, that everything is real, why didn’t you come and see me, why didn’t you come and see me when I was little?

Why am I here?” Vicki says.

“That anger towards her, why do you do what you do? Maybe now I kind of understand. She wasn’t able, she didn’t have mothering skills.”

Iahtail refers to those raised in government care as “adult children of child welfare.

Because a lot of it is when you grow up in the system and you don’t know who your family is, I mean you have a sense of belonging, ‘I am an adult child of children’s services,’” said Iahtail. “Because I grew up in the system, it’s been some of the language we’ve been able to establish and understand about the child welfare cycle.”

“Creating Hope Society believes that in order to heal, we need to share our stories and erase the shame that binds us and the continuing impact of the child welfare system on our lives,” states the documentary.

Iahtail holds true to that sentiment as well.

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

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Contemporary Aboriginal art showcased in downtown gallery

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Turning a negative experience into positive action Chevi Rabbitt (second from right) recently received the 2014 Hate Crime Awareness Youth Award from Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Jonathan Denis. In response to being assaulted in the university area in 2012 by three men who yelled anti-gay remarks at him, Rabbitt organized the first “Hate to Hope March and Rally,” which has now become an annual event. Shortly after the assault, Rabbitt joined Edmonton’s Sexual Minorities Committee which works with Edmonton’s Police Services to further promote community safety.

Accomplished Métis Elder to receive honourary degree Fourth-generation Métis Elder Elsie Yanik will be one of 11 recipients of honourary degrees from the University of Alberta this spring. It is not the first time Yanik, from the Wood Buffalo area, has been recognized. She is past recipient of the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal, the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award, an honourary diploma from Keyano College and an Esquao Award. She was also blessed by Pope John Paul II for her work within the Catholic Church. “It is my hope that these outstanding individuals will inspire our graduates to consider leadership roles in the many local, national and international communities our university serves,” said U of A Chancellor Ralph Young.

Inner city newspaper celebrates long history Boyle McCauley News, Edmonton’s inner city newspaper, is celebrating 35 years. That milestone marks the BMC News as one of Edmonton’s longest-running community newspapers. BMC News has been a way for the community to celebrate the successes of the neighbourhood and its residents, to foster communication, and to discuss issues relevant to the area. BMC News also provides a forum for the concerns and challenges of living in an area of the city that is currently in transition, with McCauley’s Revitalization process and the development of The Quarters in Boyle Street. “Hard to believe the Boyle McCauley News has often entertained, occasionally outraged, but always informed the residents of the Boyle Street and McCauley neighbourhoods for that long,” said John Kolkman, long-time McCauley resident and volunteer with the paper. “The newspaper is an indispensable source of news and opinion in our community.” Boyle McCauley News has grown with the two neighbourhoods it serves. It started off as a newsletter produced sporadically, with minimal production. Now, it is a 16page newspaper published 10 times a year, complete with colour, style, and a professional production team. The paper also has a fully developed website.

Blackstone recognized once more Prairie Dog Film + Television’s dramatic series Blackstone has received seven nominations at the 2014 Leo Awards. Along with being nominated for Best Dramatic Series, it is competing in five acting categories: best lead performance for both male and female; best supporting performance for both male and females; and, best guest performance for a female. It has also been named in the Best Cinematography category. Recently Blackstone won six Rosies at the annual Alberta Film and Television Awards.

Blackstone season three tackled universal themes of domestic violence, criminal justice, child and family welfare, the devastating consequences of addiction and the long worthwhile process of healing and reconciliation. Blackstone season four is currently in production and is slated to air Fall 2014 on APTN. Along with broadcasting in Canada, Blackstone also currently broadcasts in New Zealand and Australia, and is internationally distributed.

Blackstone has been nominated for 79 awards, winning 26, including two Geminis, four Leo Awards and multiple Alberta Film and Television Awards.

Compiled by Shari Narine

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Métis artist Dale Belcourt’s painting “Out in the Cold” depicts how he saw Aboriginal people in 1984: shunned and ignored.

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

As a young man, Dale Belcourt went through a difficult period. Born in the Lesser Slave Lake area, he spent much of his childhood passed between families in Vancouver. But it was when he returned to Alberta at the age of 14 that his life began spinning out of control and he was in and out of institutions. It was in one of those institutions that he discovered he could paint. His art work mirrors his life’s journey.

“Back then I was troubled myself and basically that’s what my art showed. I wanted to show the separation between the Native world and the non-Native world, show all these emotions.

But now as I got older, I’m starting to get calmer and I want you to be able to look at my paintings and be calm, relaxed,” said Belcourt.

Belcourt’s pain is depicted in his 1984 painting “Out in the Cold,” which shows a log cabin filled with light and a lone figure standing in the snow looking in.

The window frame casts a cross in the snow but it does not reach the figure, who huddles outside.

Today Belcourt paints landscapes, wildlife and birds.

“I do scenery now that shows more kind of peace and harmony for me,” he said.

“Out in the Cold” is one of 20 or so paintings by a dozen Alberta Aboriginal artists, which comprises kiyas aspin, which will be on display at the Enterprise Square Galleries until May 24. The exhibit opened on March 27 in conjunction with the seventh and final national event for the Truth and Reconciliation commission, held in Edmonton.

The art displayed is only a small representation of about 200 pieces that Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada owns and which comprises the full body of work undertaken by the

Indian Arts and Crafts Society of Alberta. The society operated between 1975 and 1992, when funding cuts forced it to close its doors. The work was to be auctioned off a piece at a time, but a handful of artists protested, forcing the federal government to step in and purchase the full collection. It has been over a decade since the work has been displayed in a single dedicated exhibit. Kiyas aspin is Cree for “it’s been a long time since.”

“The title came from a talk I had when I interviewed Jane Ash Poitras and she had said to me, ‘It’s been a long time since everything was beautiful and it was all about making art,’” said Dawn Marie Marchand, who was tasked by AANDC to pull together information for the exhibit.

Marchand is proud of the collection and the variety of subjects depicted within the frames. She regrets the loss of the Indian Arts and Crafts Society, noting that the society advocated for Indigenous artists, providing them with

grants and loans as well as space to display their work.

“If you follow contemporary Aboriginal art… our art forms are dynamic. They are constantly pushing the envelope. But having said that, they are also still anchored in our culture, faith, and tradition.

It’s hard to say what is Aboriginal art because when you do that you almost put yourself in a box. And so many of our artists aren’t in that box anymore,” said Marchand, herself a contemporary artist.

Belcourt says he is “very honoured” to have his work in a collection that involves Poitras, Joane CardinalSchubert, Edward Harpe, Faye Heavy Shield, Alex Janvier, George Littlechild, Ann McLean, Kimowan Metchewais, Ken Swan, Sam Warrior, and Lauren I. Wuttunee.

“This is 20 year old art here.

Can you imagine what they’re going to see if they opened up the doors to us today?” asked Marchand.

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

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PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY BRIDGES SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

PHOTO: NADYA KWANDIBENS)

Aboriginal performers prominent in Folk Festival line-up Juno Award winners A Tribe Called Red (above) will highlight this year’s Calgary Folk Music Festival. The group, which hails from Ottawa, consists of two-time Canadian DMC Champion DJ Shub, DJ NDN and DJ Bear Witness, and mixes traditional pow wow vocals and drumming with cutting-edge electronic music. The lineup will also showcase other North American Indigenous performers including Eya-Hey Nakoda, Leonard Sumner, Nick Sherman, and Martha Redbone. The festival runs from July 24-27 on Prince’s Island park.

Calgary issues first-ever yearlong proclamation

By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has proclaimed March 27, 2014-March 27, 2015 as the Year of Reconciliation. It is the first time in the city’s history that a year-long proclamation has been made.

Nenshi’s announcement was made at the final national event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Indian Residential Schools held in Edmonton in March. Nenshi had letters of support from Tourism Calgary, the Calgary Stampede and Calgary Economic Development.

The proclamation, which acknowledges the harmful effects of colonization and sets the tone for reconciliation, states, “Whereas: The first European settlers did not honour the unique culture of our

Aboriginal ancestors.

Aboriginal people were isolated from their traditional and spiritual ways. This is exemplified by the many thousands of Aboriginal children who were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to residential schools, but is also evident in many other examples of disenfranchisement.”

In addressing those gathered in Edmonton, Nenshi said it was “deeply humbling” to be there and to listen to the stories. He noted that in the last few weeks the city of Calgary had finalized an agreement with Tsuu T’ina to service the Nation with water and waste water infrastructure.

“Why is this important to me?

It’s important to me because since I’ve been mayor, I’ve said in our own small way the city of Calgary would be part of the solution to the scandal of the lack of fresh clean drinking

Distress Centre 2X4

water on reserves in this country,” said Nenshi.

It is this kind of leadership that Lorna Crowshoe, issue strategist, research and planning, Community and Neighbourhood Services with the city believes that Calgary can exhibit for other cities.

“This is an opportunity for dialogue and an opportunity for greater understanding of local Aboriginal history, a time when we can educate people. We need to acknowledge those residential schools and acknowledge this tragic history, by reconciling and moving on,” she said, pointing out that the proclamation brings the discussion, which many people don’t know and understand, to the forefront.

Echoing the Deputy Minister’s remarks, she added, “We need to understand the history, and we need to understand the treaties.”

For Crowshoe, reconciliation is about healing and looking at the many opportunities for healing that will enable Aboriginal people to reclaim their cultural identity.

“First and foremost, healing involves introducing the culture, language and customs back to the community,” she said.

Crowshoe also sees the Year of Reconciliation as offering a new beginning.

“I work downtown,” she said.

“I see our people downtown, know where they have come from. They are people who’ve never had the opportunity to come to a place to start healing.

There are really simple things people can do, including expressing empathy and understanding.”

(See Calgary on page 14.)

Youth participants, volunteers, and Bridges team members during the Grand Entry, facing Elder and honoured guest Randy Bottle who opened the day with a prayer and supportive words for the youth.

Aboriginal youth showcased On April 12, Bridges Social Development hosted its annual Aboriginal Youth Explosion at Mount Royal University’s Wyckham House. This year’s event, sponsored by Suncor Energy Inc. and the Rozsa Foundation, brought together Aboriginal youth from Calgary and surrounding area to tell their stories through art and performance. The youth participate in Canada Bridges’ Unveiling Youth Potential Program, which supports youth leadership roles in building community. This year 26 youth told their stories through dancing, drumming, singing and music, and public speaking. An additional 10 youth used artwork to do their talking. Approximately 200 family and community members from Alexis, Siksika, Morley, Calgary and Tsuu T’ina attended to support the young Aboriginals on their journey as they grow into leadership roles.

New Attainable Homes project launched On April 15, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Ward 7 Councillor Druh Farrell officially launched Attainable Homes first inner-city development. Nenshi unveiled the artist’s rendering and sales information for the project which is part of the 16 Avenue North Urban Corridor Area Redevelopment Plan and the first laneway housing project in the city. Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation is a non-profit organization that is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Calgary. It links developers, builders, lenders, lawyers and insurance companies to lower the costs of home ownership.

Three key elements contribute to making new homes affordable for Calgarians with moderate incomes: forgivable equity loans, affordable home prices and a joint appreciation plan.

“Alesha’s Dream” On May 21, the Stardale Women’s Group and The School of Alberta Ballet will be performing Alesha’s Dream in the Wright Theatre at Mount Royal University. In the performance, a group of teenage Aboriginal girls explore the issue of youth suicide and its prevention. Following the play, Stardale will launch its new book titled “Committing,” hosted by Helen McPhaden and the author, Eugene Stickland.

BluEarth Launches Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarship On April 16, Calgary’s BluEarth Renewables Inc. launched its Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarship. For its inaugural year, the ACES program will offer financial support of $3,000 per academic year to Canadian Aboriginal students pursuing trades certification, diploma, degree and other programs at accredited post-secondary institutions. ACES will also offer skills development through paid internships. Successful candidates will be paired with BluEarth team members as learning partners throughout the academic year.

“The scholarship offers a unique opportunity for Aboriginal students to gain work experience and learn from one of the most experienced renewable power generation teams in the country,” said Kent Brown, president and CEO of BluEarth.

Esquao Awards honour outstanding women The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women is hosting its 19th Annual Esquao Awards Gala on May 22 at the Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre. An initiative of the IAAW, the awards gala recognizes and honours the achievements and successes of Alberta First Nations, Métis and Inuit women.

The women are nominated by their communities. The Esquao Awards has grown since its conception in 1995 and has now become the largest sponsored event to recognize the achievements of Canada’s Aboriginal women.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

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Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

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Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

10 ALBERTA _________________________________________ Joe P Cardinal Bursary/Internship Award Aboriginal Multi Media Society (AMMSA) AMMSA is pleased to offer an annual Bursary/ Internship Award to an Aboriginal student to further their education in communications specializing in broadcasting and/or journalism. This Bursary is intended to assist students in the 2nd or subsequent years of a degree program in radio broadcasting or journalism.

The Bursary is named to honour Joe P. Cardinal, Elder, AMMSA Board Member and leader who believed communications was key to greater understanding between people and cultures.

Applicants MUST: Be First Nations, Inuit or Métis, hold permanent Canadian resident status and have in Alberta Be enrolled in the 2nd year (or beyond) of a Canadian post secondary Journalism or Radio & Television Arts Program or Equivalent Certified Training Program (as recognized by Alberta Learning) and be able to produce a transcript of grades from the 1st year Be available to participate in a 4 week internship program at AMMSA at the completion of the school year. (There is an opportunity for the internship to be extended to a 4 month paid internship.)

Be interested in acting as an ambassador for the broadcast industry and serving as a role

SCHOLARSHIPS

model for other Aboriginal people to encourage them to pursue careers in broadcasting Guidelines: One bursary valued at $4,000 will be awarded each year. This award may be applied to academic and/or living costs. An additional $1,000 will be awarded to the student for their participation in the AMMSA Internship program.

Bursary recipients are eligible for continued scholarship awards each year they continue in the approved programs in the amount of $2,500 annually to a maximum of $10,000 Selection Committee: The management team of AMMSA will grade each application on the criteria outlined Deadline for submissions: May 15, 2014 Please submit to Carol Russ AMMSA Bursary Selection Committee 13245 - 146 Street Edmonton, AB T5L 4S8 Fax: 780-455-7639 Email: news@ammsa.com _________________________________________ ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal Education Awards Program The ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal Educational Awards Program is aimed at supporting Aboriginal students from First Nations and Métis communities in close proximity to our

facilities. Successful applicants will demonstrate a balanced lifestyle and commitment in the pursuit of education. These awards, bursaries and scholarships are awarded to select students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities.

Since the program was launched in 2011,†this program has seen 74 students from across the province receive awards.

There are three different awards available: • Merit Awards - merit awards of $500 to be granted each year; Must be attending High School (completing grades 10-12); Maximum one award per applicant per calendar year; Must re-apply to be considered for subsequent years • Bursaries - bursaries of $1,000 to be granted each year; Must be registered in a recognized trade/community/technical college diploma or certificate program; Preference will be given to those enrolled in a program relating to the natural gas industry; Maximum one award per applicant per calendar year; Must re-apply to be considered for subsequent years • Scholarships - scholarships of $1,500 to be awarded each year; Must be registered in a university program intended to lead to a bachelor or graduate degree; Preference will be given to those enrolled in a program relating to the natural gas industry; Maximum one award per applicant per calendar year; Must re-apply to be considered for subsequent years

ELIGIBILITY All applicants must be enrolled full-time in a secondary or post-secondary educational program, be Canadian citizens of Aboriginal ancestry and originate from within 50km of ATCO Pipelines facilities. ATCO employees and/or their children will not be considered for these awards.

HOW TO APPLY The deadline to submit an application is August 1st annually. Applications received after that date will not be considered during the review and selection process.

The following information must ALL be included in the application package in order to be regarded for any one of these awards: • A completed application form • One reference letter from a teacher, faculty member, employer or community leader • A short essay (minimum 250 words) describing why you are a suitable candidate for the award • Proof of enrollment for the upcoming semester in a secondary or post-secondary institution • Transcripts from a secondary and/or postsecondary institution in which you are currently enrolled Mail or deliver completed application packages, and direct official transcripts, to: Corporate Communications ATCO Pipelines

#1300, 909 – 11th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2R 1L8 Website: http://www.atcopipelines.com/Community/ Aboriginal-Education-Awards-Program SELECTION All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of representatives from various departments within ATCO Pipelines.

Committees will be established each year specifically to review candidate submissions for this program. _________________________________________ The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Value: $2,000 - $9,000 If you are a Métis residing in Alberta and need financial help to pursue your education or upgrade your skills, a Belcourt Brosseau Métis Award can help you take the next step. It will give you the opportunity to continue your education by covering a portion of your tuition costs.

Deadline: March 31 For more information call: 1-866-626-0015 Web site: www.bbma.ca _________________________________________ AltaLink Aboriginal Scholarship Program This scholarship program is designed to recognize leaders in the Aboriginal community by offering eight scholarships to Aboriginal

SCHOLARSHIPS

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

students attending post-secondary institutions.

Two eligible students from each of Treaty 6, 7, 8 and the MÈtis community in Alberta will be awarded with a $1,000 scholarship.

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution and: • Treaty applicants must be born in Alberta.

• Métis applicants must either be a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association or an Alberta Métis Settlement or must have been living in Alberta for at least the past three months with a Métis membership card from another province.

HOW TO ENTER: Application forms are available online at www.altalink.ca/Aboriginalscholarships and may be submitted by email or by mail to the address below. A transcript, either official or unofficial, and a photocopy of your status card must be submitted for the application to be considered. The deadline for receipt of the completed application is October 15.

ATTN: Kim Greenstein-Stark AltaLink 2611 3rd Ave SE Calgary AB, T2A 7W7 Kim.Greenstein-Stark@AltaLink.ca _________________________________________ Alberta Blue Cross Scholarships for Aboriginal Students Closing date: September 20 Value: Varies ($375 - $1,250 depending on institution) Number of Awards: Three Applicants must be Registered Indian, Inuit or Metis and must have been residentsm of Alberta during their previous year of study.

Applicants must have just completed their final year of high school and be entering into the first year of post-secondary studies at an accredited Alberta post-secondary institution.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the results as shown on their Alberta Education High School transcript. The top five courses with a minimum five credit value will be averaged to determine a percentage score. Financial need and community involvement will also be evaluated in determining the recipients of the scholarship.

Students will be ineligible if receiving more than $3,500 in other scholarships or bursaries for the current academic year.

Field of Study: Any full time program of two or more years duration.

Accredited Institutions: Alberta College of Art & Design, Ambrose University College, Athabasca University, Augustana University College (U of A), Blue Quills First Nations College, Bow Valley College, Canadian University College, Concordia University College, Fairview College (NAIT), Grande Prairie Regional College Keyano College, King’s University College, The, Lakeland College, Lethbridge College , MacEwan College, Maskwachees Cultural College, Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal College, NAIT, NorQuest College Northern Lakes College, Olds College, Old Sun Community College, Portage College, Red Deer College, SAIT, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge Applications should be sent to: Alberta Blue Cross Corporate Offices 10009-108 Street NW Edmonton AB T5J 3C5 Fax: (780) 498-8096 web site: www.ab.bluecross.ca _________________________________________ Andy Collins Memorial Scholarship Eligibility Requirements Applicant mus te of Aboriginal ancestry within Zone II Métis Nation of Alberta regional boundaries Entering a field in one of the following areas:

11 oil and gas, music or sports Entering or enrolled in a post-secondary educational institute Must demostrate a financial need Applications Process: Fill out an application form available at the Zone II Regional Council office in Bonnyville Attach the following with your application: Letter of Acceptacne or proof of enrollment from the institute, short type-written profile on yourself and proof of Aboriginal ancestry Applications will be accepted from January 15 of each year to July 1st.

A panel will review all applications.

Two letters of support must be submitted with application.

For More information: Zone II Regional Council MÈtis Nation of Alberta Box 6497 Bonnyville, AB T9N 2H7 Phone: 780-826-7483 _________________________________________ Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. Scholarships Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. has announced that they will provide six $1,000 cash bursaries to any qualifying Métis individuals that are in their first year of PostSecondary education.

All the applicant needs to do is go to our web site at www.apeetogosan.com to receive a copy of the details and application.

Michael Ivy, General Manager Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. #302, 12308 - 111 Avenue Edmonton AB T5M 2N4 Phone: 780-452-7951 Toll Free: 1-800-252-7963 _________________________________________ Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. Bursaries Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. is pleased to offer 6 annual bursaries of $1,000 to qualifying Métis students wishing to further their education. The application form can be obtained by going to our website at www.apeetogosan.com.

The bursary is for qualifying first year post secondary students.

Michael Ivy, General Manager Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. #302, 12308 - 111 Avenue Edmonton AB T5M 2N4 Phone: 780-452-7951 Toll Free: 1-800-252-7963 _________________________________________ Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarship Program Number: 165 Value: $1000 Alberta industry is in desperate need of skilled tradespeople.

Funding for the Scholarship program was raised through an industry and government fund-matching campaign. Industry, with support from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AAIT) Board, raised a grand total of $1.3 million and Alberta Learning committed to match the double of industry’s contributions up to $1 million.

The first Alberta Apprentice Scholarships will be awarded in Fall 2002.

Complete criteria and applications will be available later this spring at www.tradesecrets.org and at local Alberta Apprenticeship Industry Training offices.

Information: Fairview College Financial Services Department Toll free 1-888-999-7882, ext.654 E-mail: sbough@fairviewcollege.com _________________________________________ Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society Community Scholarships - High School To encourage Aboriginal students in Alberta to pursue Studies at recognized High School.

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

12 Value: Two $500.00 scholarships one to a female and one to a male.

Eligibility: An Aboriginal youth in an Alberta high school. Must live in the province of Alberta, have a lot of community involvement, is helping to preserve the Aboriginal culture in their community.

Duration: Annual Deadline: September 30th Scholarships, will be given out at the Annual Louis Riel Gala during Métis Week in Edmonton. All recipients must be in attendance and available for the award.

Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society 10104 - 121 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1K4 Phone: (780) 451-1072 Fax: (780) 451-1137 E- mail: emcds@telusplanet.net Website: www.metisdance.com _________________________________________ Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society Community Scholarships - Post Secondary To encourage Aboriginal single parents, and children of single parent families, to further their education at the post-secondary level.

Amount: Two $500.00 scholarships one to a female and one to a male.

Eligibility: An Aboriginal Person in a recognized post-secondary institution located in Alberta. Must live in the province of Alberta, have a lot of community involvement, is helping to preserve the Aboriginal culture in their community.

Duration: Annual Deadline: September 30th Scholarships, will be given out at the Annual Louis Riel Gala during Métis Week in Edmonton. All recipients must be in attendance and available for the award.

Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society 10104 - 121 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1K4 Phone: (780) 451-1072 Fax: (780) 451-1137 E- mail: emcds@telusplanet.net Website: www.metisdance.com _________________________________________ Laurence Decore Awards for Student Leadership Eligibility: Applicants must be Alberta residents who are currently enrolled in a minimum of three full courses at a designated Alberta postsecondary institution. Applicants must also be involved in either student government or student societies, clubs, or organizations.

Additionally, candidates may be involved in student organizations at the provincial or national level or in non-profit community organizations.

Selection: Applicants must be nominated by fellow students from their institution.

Each institution is responsible for the formation of a Selection Committee to review nominations and recommend recipients.

Award: A total of 100 awards are divided among eligible Alberta post-secondary institutions.

Awards are valued at $500 each.

Nominations must be submitted to the institutions by March 1. Some institutions may impose an earlier deadline.

Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund (AHSF) 9th Floor- 9940 106 Street Box 28000 Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4 Phone (780) 427-8640 (In Alberta, but outside Edmonton dial 310-0000) _________________________________________ Jason Lang Scholarships Background: These scholarships were named in memory of Jason Lang, a 17 year old high school student who was killed in a school shooting. They are designed to reward the outstanding academic achievement of Alberta post-secondary students who are continuing into their second year of an undergraduate program.

Eligibility: Nominees must be residents of Alberta who continuing in the second year of a full-time program. Students must be attending an Alberta institution.

They also must have completed one year of an undergraduate post-secondary program that is at least two years in length.

The nominee must have been enrolled in at least 80 per cent of a full course load in their first year and have earned a grade point average of at least 80 per cent.

Selection: Students will be nominated by the Awards Office of the Alberta institution where they completed their first year. The nominee must take at least 60 per cent of a full course load in their second year of the same program.

Students are not allowed to receive the Jason Lang Scholarship and the Louise McKinney Scholarship for the same period of study.

Post-secondary institutions may establish additional requirements for their nominees.

Award: Scholarships are valued at $1,000 each.

Deadline is August 1.

Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund (AHSF) 9th Floor - 9940 106 Street Box 28000 Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4 Phone (780) 427-8640 (In Alberta, but outside Edmonton dial 310-0000) _________________________________________

SCHOLARSHIPS

AlPac Aboriginal Education Partnership Program Award: Varies - full tuition for maximum five year period Deadline: May 30.

Eligibility: Aboriginal person residing in Alberta-Pacific Forest Management area for at least on year pursuing post-secondary studies leading to a recognized degree certificate or diploma. Must possess suitable attitude and be willing to participate in a partnership.

Contact 1-800-661-5210 _________________________________________ Theodore R. Campbell Scholarship Deadline is June 1.

This scholarship was created to reward the accomplishments of an aboriginal student from Blue Quills First Nations College. The scholarship was established by the family of Ted R. Campbell through the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund Endowment Program.

Eligibility: Applicants must be Alberta residents who have completed the first year of an Education degree (university transfer) at Blue Quills First Nations College. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 24 credits with passing marks in all courses. The applicant must be continuing in the Education program.

Selection: Blue Quills will determine the qualifying applicant based on their 1st year grade point average.

Award: Each year 1 scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded.

Application forms are available from the Research and Planning Office at Blue Quills College OR Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund (AHSF) 9th Floor - 9940 106 Street Box 28000 Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4 Phone (780) 427-8640 (In Alberta, but outside Edmonton dial 310-0000) _________________________________________ Robert C. Carson Memorial Bursary Deadline: Students should contact the financial aid office of their institution.

Value: $500 Number Available: Five Eligibility: Awarded to Aboriginal students without sponsorship enrolled full-time in their second year of the Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Diploma or Faculty of Law programs at Lethbridge Community College, Mount Royal College, Grant MacEwan Community College, University of Calgary or University of Alberta.

Applicants must have been a resident of Alberta for a minimum for three years prior to applying.

Application forms are available from the institution’s Student Awards Office. _________________________________________ Sylvia Schulze Memorial Bursary for Alex Taylor School Offered through Grant McEwan Community College, Edmonton to female student who attended Alex Taylor School in central Edmonton, with priority given to an Aboriginal student.

For more information contact: Executive Director Grant McEwan Community College Foundation Edmonton, Alberta Phone: (780) 497-5545 _________________________________________ TransCanada Aboriginal Awards Program TransCanada has been a long time supporter of educational initiatives focused on Aboriginal people. By encouraging and supporting Aboriginal people to obtain an education, we can help increase the number of Aboriginal professionals and trades people in the workforce. We are proud of our long-standing commitment to education and we will continue to enhance and find new ways of furthering our support. The TransCanada’s Aboriginal Awards Program is designed to encourage and assist Aboriginal people (status and non-status Indians, Métis and Inuit) to obtain undergraduate post-secondary education.

Closing Date: Administered by the colleges Value: Variable (based on interest earned on the endowment) Eligibility: Aboriginal ancestry; maintain full course load in chosen program; possess promising academic qualifications; require financial support.

Available to students attending: Grande Prairie Regional College; Lakeland College; Mount Royal College; Northern Alberta Institute of Technology; Olds College.

For more information contact: Student Aid and Awards at the applicable colleges and/or visit the college’s website to complete the on-line scholarship/bursary application _________________________________________ NAIT Aboriginal Student Club Value: $800 Number: 1 Eligibility: Available to students of Aboriginal Heritage who are enrolled in the second year of the Forest Technology program.

Conditions: Awarded on the basis of academic achievement.

Applications: Apply on the NAIT application for scholarships AFTER August 1 Deadline: September 30th Office of the Registrar Student Awards and Financial Aid The Northern Alberta Insituitute of Technology

Suite 1000 11762-106 Street N.W. Edmonton, Alberta T5G 3H1 _________________________________________ Syncrude Aboriginal and Women Education Awards Program Deadline: June 30 Two awards of $2000.00 each for Aboriginal people attending post secondary educational institutions in programs related to the oil sands industry (i.e. engineering, computer science, technologists etc.)

Two awards of $2000.00 each for Aboriginal people attending post secondary educational institutions pursuing studies in the Finance/ Accounting/Business disciplines.

Two awards of $2000.00 each for women attending post secondary institutions pursuing a degree in Science & Technology.

Eligibility: Aboriginal peoples (Indian, Inuit & Métis) Women pursuing studies in science & technology You must: have lived in Alberta for at least one year immediately prior to applying for the award, or formerly long-term residents; meet the academic requirements for the program of study; maintain a full course work load leading to a recognized degree or diploma; provide proof of acceptance into accredited colleges or universities within Canada (must be provided before awards are received) A selection committee, comprised of Syncrude employees and community members will evaluate applications and its decision will be final.

Criteria to be used in selecting award recipients are: financial need, academic performance and potential, and appropriateness of the discipline of studies to Syncrude..

Syncrude Canada Ltd. will notify all applicants, in writing, of the results no later than midAugust.

How to apply: Application forms are available from the address listed below. Please send your completed application form along with the required transcripts and proof of acceptance to the address outlined below.

Please note that if proof of acceptance and/or transcripts are not available at that time, then it must be produced prior to receiving the award.

For further information regarding this award program contact Lana Agecoutay at Phone: (780) 790-6356 E-mail: agecoutay.lana@syncrude.com Syncrude Aboriginal/Women Education Awards Program P.O. Bag 4023, M.D. 1200, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 3L5 Web Site: www.syncrude.com _________________________________________ Northern Alberta Development Council Application deadline: May 15 Are you interested in living and working in northern Alberta? If so, consider applying for one of the 125 NADC Bursaries offered each year to Alberta students. Bursaries are offered to students in a wide range of programs including education, technical programs, health, business and social services. Bursaries are valued at $3,000. Upon graduation, recipients live and work for one year within the Northern Alberta Development Council boundary. Applicants must be Alberta residents based on Students Finance regulations.

Applicants must also be within two years of completing their program. Students receive a maximum of two bursaries.

Applications are available online: www.nadc.gov.ab.ca OR: Northern Alberta Development Council Postal Bag 900-14 Peace River, Alberta T8S 1T4 780-624-6545 (toll-free first dial 310-0000) Email: nadc.bursary@gov.ab.ca Alberta Scholarship Programs 9th Floor, 9940 - 106 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4 (780) 427-8640 (toll free first dial 310-0000) Email: scholarships@gov.ab.ca _________________________________________ Grant MacEwan College Foundation - Alberta Deadline for application June 15 for following academic year Aboriginal business Leadership Award

Four (4) awards of $1,500 each Executive Director Grant McEwan Community College Foundation Edmonton, Alberta Phone: (780) 497-5545 _________________________________________ Imperial Oil - Aboriginal Education Award Education award for students of Aboriginal descent, from the local Aboriginal communities, that are enrolled in a petroleum related program at a post-secondary institution. One recipient will receive a one time payment of $1,000. The recipient of this award will be given consideration for summer and/or permanent employment.

Application Deadline: June 30 Imperial Oil - Billion Barrel Scholarship In 2009, Imperial Oil reached one billion barrels of production at its Cold Lake Operation. The Billion Barrel Scholarship was introduced to celebrate this milestone. This education award is for all students that are pursing post-secondary education. All high school graduates in the Lakeland are eligible to apply. Two recipients will receive a one time payment of $5,000.

Application Deadline: July 31 Imperial Oil - Women in Wage Award This award is for women who are enrolled in a technical program at a post-secondary institution. The program of study will employ them in a non-traditional role in the petroleum industry. Supported programs of study include; Power Engineer, Petroleum Tech, Instrumentation/Electrical (IE) and Millwright trades. One recipient will receive a one time payment of $1,000. The recipient of this award will be given consideration for summer and/ or permanent employment.

Application Deadline: August 31 For more information on our Educational Programs and Scholarships, visit: www.imperialoil.ca/coldlake or call 780639-5195. _________________________________________

SCHOLARSHIPS NATIONAL _____________________________________________________ The Canadian Medical Foundation Dr. John Big Canoe Memorial Scholarship Deadline: Applications and supporting documentation for the 2014/2015 academic year must be received by October 2014.

During each year of the program, a $2000 scholarship may be awarded to an undergraduate Aboriginal student enrolled in the last or second to last year of study in a Canadian school of medicine who has demonstrated both strong academic performance and outstanding contributions to the aboriginal community in Canada.

Applications and supporting documentation to: Marie-Jeanne Schoueri, Office Manager The Canadian Medical Foundation, 1867 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON K1G 3H7 Phone: (613) 520-7681 Toll Free: 1-866-530-4979 Fax: (613) 520-7692 Email: marie-jeanne.schoueri@cmf.ca Web site: www.medicalfoundation.ca _________________________________________ Canadian Medical Association Special Bursar y Program for Undergraduate Aboriginal Medical Students Deadline: October 9 The bursary is awarded based on financial need and will provide a maximum of $4000 per academic year to each successful applicant.

A total of up to $40,000 in bursaries may be awarded in each academic year of the program. Given that financial resources are often limited by the end of the academic year, bursaries will be awarded at this time. Bursary recipients will also receive memberships in the CMA, the relevant division of CMA (provincial or territorial) and the Native Physicians Association in Canada.

Applications and supporting documentation to: Marie-Jeanne Schoueri, Office Manager The Canadian Medical Foundation, 1867 Alta Vista Drive,

Ottawa, ON K1G 3H7 Phone: (613) 520-7681 Toll Free: 1-866-530-4979 Fax: (613) 520-7692 Email: marie-jeanne.schoueri@cmf.ca Web site: www.medicalfoundation.ca _________________________________________ Heroes of our Time Scholarships - Assembly of First Nations Sponsored by: Assembly of First Nations Eligibility: First Nations Citizen Value: TBA Deadline Date: June 1 each year Tommy Prince Award Walter Dieter Award Omer Peters Award Robert Smallboy Award James Gosnell Award Applications submitted to: Selection Committee – Heroes of Our Time Awards The Assembly of First Nations – Education Sector 473 Albert Street - Suite 810 Ottawa, ON K1R 5B4 Toll-Free: 1-866-869-6789 Phone: (613) 241-6789 Fax: (613) 241-5808 _________________________________________ Tom Longboat Award Sponsored by: The Aboriginal Sport Circle Eligibility: Nominations are invited from all levels of sport. To be eligible, nominees must meet the following criteria: Must be of Aboriginal descent Must have amateur status in the sport which they are nominated Must be for athletic achievements within the awards calendar year Must submit a completed Nomination Form to the appropriate Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body on or before the annual deadline.

Value: TBA Criteria: Currently enrolled/accepted in medical program, demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, involved and committed to extra-curricular activities

Deadline Date: January each year.

For more information contact : Aboriginal Sport Circle at Email: mtrudeau@aboriginalsportcircle.ca Ph: (613) 236-9624 ext. 223 website: www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca _____________________________________________________ Educational Awards Program - Husky Oil Deadline: May 31 Awards announced: July 31 Up to 7 Aboriginal students are selected each year.

Awards of up to $3,000 per year will be granted to cover a portion of tuition, books, or living expenses.

Aboriginal people (Inuit, Métis, Status and Non Status Indians) who meet the following qualifications: * Canadian citizen * in need of financial assistance * demonstrate serious interest in furthering their educational and career development Preference will be given to applicants whose residence is located on or near one of Husky’s exploration, development or operation sites Individuals pursuing academic post-secondary studies at a university, community college or technical institute are eligible to apply.

Diversity and Aboriginal Affairs Husky Oil Operations Limited P.O. Box 6525, Station D Calgary, Alberta T2P 3G7 _________________________________________ RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Deadline: January 31 Ten (10) awards of up to $4,000/ year for four (4) years at university or two years at college. * You are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada * You have been accepted to or are currently attending an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada * You maintain a full course load that leads to a recognized degree, certificate or diploma * You require financial assistance to pursue your education A committee of Aboriginal academics and RBC

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

13

representatives review all completed applications and makes the final selection of the award recipients primarily based on personal and academic achievements and individual financial need. Successful applicants are notified of the committee’s decision by June 15 of each year. All decisions of the committee are final.

You will receive up to $4,000 per academic year for educational and living expenses for a maximum of four years. To receive the full amount for all years of study, you must attend an accredited post-secondary institution, remain in the program of study we awarded the scholarship for and maintain a full-time course load and good academic standing. RBC requests confirmation of your full course load and good academic standing at the beginning of every fall and winter semester. This confirmation will be collected in a way satisfactory to RBC. You will receive the first half of your scholarship at the beginning of the fall semester. If you maintain a good academic standing, you will receive the balance in January. Please note that RBC reserves the right to change or discontinue this program at any time. We will honour commitments already in place if the program changes or ends.

Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-780-2188 Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-780-2188 Mail: RBC Aboriginal Student Awards C/O Aboriginal Link PO Box 50058, 17-2595 Main Street Winnipeg, MB R2V 4W3 www.gotoapply.ca/RBC _____________________________________________________ Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR) Scholarship Deadline: May 16, 2014.

SABAR is pleased to offer our first annual Scholarship to an Aboriginal student in Journalism or Radio/Television Arts. SABAR is particularly proud to play an important part in supporting the development of a future community leader who may have the potential to help us meet our primary goal of increasing Aboriginal reflection in Canadian broadcasting.

Eligibility: 1. First Nations, Inuit or Métis permanent Canadian resident; 2. Desire to follow a path to a career in the broadcast industry; 3. Enrolment in Canadian post secondary Journalism or Radio and Television Arts Program or Equivalent Certified Training Program; and 4. Interest in acting as an ambassador for the broadcasting industry and serving as a role model for other Aboriginal people to encourage them to pursue careers in broadcasting.

Guidelines: One scholarship valued at $5,000.00 will be awarded. This award may be applied to academic and/or living costs.

Scholarship winners are eligible for continued scholarship awards each year they continue in their approved programs in the amount of $2,500.00 annually to a maximum total scholarship value of $10,000.00.

For more information: www.sabar.ca _________________________________________ Canada - US Fulbright Program Deadline: November 15 Student must be American or Canadian with Native Heritage and attending a postsecondary education institution studying countries relations between other countries.

Value of award is $15,000.00 for student and $25,000.00 for faculty members enrolled in graduate studies.

For more information contact: 350 Albert Street, Suite 2015, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 1A4 Ph: (613) 688-5540 Fax: (613) 237-2029 E-mail: info@fulbright.ca web site: www.fulbright.ca

of technology across Canada.

Web Site: www.cn.ca/en/careers-offerscholarships-women.htm _________________________________________ CMHC Housing Awards: Housing for Youth

Investing in the future growth of Aboriginal Youth - Canadian National CN makes awards available to Inuit, status or non-status Indian or Métis students entering or enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program in Canada that leads to a career in the transportation industry. This includes fields such as engineering, business, computer science, communications and technical studies.

Deadline: June 1 of each year.

For more info. contact your band office, friendship centre or college of your choice Web Site: www.cn.ca/en/careers-offerscholaships-aboriginal-awards.htm To obtain further information or an application form, please contact: Aboriginal Awards Program c/o Indspire 70 Yorkville Avenue, Suite 33A Toronto, Ontario M5R 1B9 Telephone: 1-800-329-9780 (toll-free) _________________________________________ CN Scholarship For Women Deadline: October 15 each year CN encourages women to pursue nontraditional careers in areas such as trades, technology and operations. To date, participation by women in these fields has been limited. This is a special CN initiative aimed at promoting employment equity in Canada.

Scholarships are awarded annually to women in selected community colleges and institutes

Corporate Communications ATCO Pipelines #1300, 909 – 11th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2R 1L8 _________________________________________ Indspire Awards (formerly National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Fine Arts: Two deadlines anually on May 1 and November 30 OFIFC Bursary: For Mature Aboriginal Women with Dependant Child(ren) Residing in an Urban Setting in Ontario: Deadline May 1 Legal Studies for Aboriginal People (LSAP) PRE-LAW Bursary Award: Deadline May 15

Individuals, firms, institutions and government agencies that are delivering programs that improve choice, quality or affordability of housing for youth may be nominated for a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Award. Awards and honourable mentions are given to those individuals or groups that have achieved excellence in one of five categories: financing and tenure, technology and production, planning and regulation, concept and design, and process and management.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Social and Economic Policy and Research 700 Montreal Road Room C7-417 Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7 Phone: 1-800-668-2642 Web: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca ____________________________________ ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal Education Awards Program The ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal Educational Awards Program is aimed at supporting Aboriginal students from First Nations and Métis communities in close proximity to our facilities. Successful applicants will demonstrate a balanced lifestyle and commitment in the pursuit of education. These awards, bursaries and scholarships are awarded to select students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities.

This program was launched in 2011 and saw 26 students from across the province receive awards.

There are three different awards available: • Merit Awards - of $500 to be granted each year; Must be attending High School (completing grades 10-12).

• Bursaries - bursaries of $1000 to be granted each year; Must be registered in a recognized trade/community/technical college diploma or certificate program; Preference will be given to those enrolled in a program relating to the natural gas industry • Scholarships - scholarships of $1,500 to be awarded each year; Must be registered in a university program intended to lead to a bachelor or graduate degree; Preference will be given to those enrolled in a program relating to the natural gas industry; Maximum one award per applicant per calendar year; Must re-apply to be considered for subsequent years Eligibility All applicants must be enrolled full-time in a secondary or post-secondary educational program and be Canadian citizens of Aboriginal ancestry and originate from within 50km of ATCO Pipelines facilities. ATCO employees and/or their children will not be considered for these awards.

The deadline to submit an application is August 1st annually. Applications received after that date will not be considered during the review and selection process.

The following information must ALL be included in the application package in order to be regarded for any one of these awards: • A completed application form • One reference letter from a teacher, faculty member, employer or other community leader • A short essay (minimum 250 words) describing why you are a suitable candidate for the award • Proof of enrollment for the upcoming semester in a secondary or post-secondary institution Official transcripts from a secondary and/or post-secondary institution in which you are currently enrolled must be ordered and sent directly to ATCO Pipelines.

Mail or deliver completed application packages, and direct official transcripts, to:

Oil and Gas Aboriginal Trades & Technology Two deadlines anually on May 1 and November 30 Aboriginal Health Careers: One deadline annually on June 1 Post-Secondary Education Awards: One deadline annually on June 1 Imperial Oil Aboriginal Scholarship Awards Program (Inspire) Imperial Oil has formed a partnership with Indspire to manage its Aboriginal Scholarship

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

14

Reduced numbers of athletes to attend NAIG

By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

Alberta will still be sending a rather large contingent to this year’s North American Indigenous Games, but the provincial entry will be attending without many of the athletes who qualified.

Ron Buffalo, who serves as the chef de mission for the Alberta squad, said several athletes who earned the right to represent the province at this year’s NAIG, scheduled for July 20-27 have withdrawn as they cannot afford the $460 fee to attend. The fee will cover bus expenses, accommodations and meals. NAIG is being held in Regina.

The Indigenous Sports Council Alberta, which is organizing the Alberta contingent for NAIG, had originally planned to charge each participating athlete $600.

But even the reduced rate has not prevented mass withdrawals.

“It’s still pricey,” Buffalo

Calgary issues firstever yearlong proclamation (Continued from page 7.)

The city will continue the work it has started through the four key initiatives of the Listening Circles of the Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative, the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee, the imagineCalgary Plan , and the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative.

“There is lots of activity in Calgary,” said Crowshoe.

“Calgary is doing some phenomenal things.”

She cites the two Reconciliation Canada events that will be hosted in the city, Aboriginal Awareness week which runs from June 15-21, and the Making of Treaty 7, a unique interactive project that was launched at Fort Calgary followed by a second production at Heritage Park. The third presentation of Making Treaty 7 will be held in mid-September at Heritage Park to coincide with the original signing of Treaty 7 at Blackfoot Crossing.

It is Crowshoe’s hope that Making Treaty 7 will go on the road as a production that other cities can take on for Canada’s 150th birthday.

said. “For some parents $460 is a lot of money and they can’t afford to pay it.”

Buffalo added the ISCA does not have the financial resources to help out.

“We just don’t have enough money to assist these kids,” said Buffalo, who is an ISCA director.

Alberta had originally planned to send about 450 athletes and about 80 coaches/ managers to NAIG. While the number of coaches remains the same, Buffalo said the province will now be represented by 335 athletes.

“We’re going with what we can,” he said. “We’re not going with our gold-medal winning team (but) we’re confident we’ll be bringing home medals.”

All of Alberta’s qualifying events for NAIG were held in 2013. Athletes who have since withdrawn from the competition can only be replaced by those who had originally been selected as alternates for a team.

A total of 15 sports will be

contested at NAIG. They are archery, athletics (track and field), badminton, baseball, basketball, canoeing, golf, kayaking, lacrosse, rifle shooting, soccer, softball, swimming, volleyball and wrestling.

Alberta will have representatives in every sport except wrestling.

As proof that the province will not be sending its best possible athletes, Buffalo singled out the basketball squads.

There will be a total of 72 Alberta players on six teams; female and male entrants participating at the under-14, under-16 and under-19 levels.

“Of the 72 players, maybe eight to10 of them will be alternates (who did not originally make the final rosters),” Buffalo said.

All of the competing Alberta teams are being asked to do their own fundraising to get their athletes to NAIG. As a result, many athletes are still trying to figure out if they will be able to attend.

The ISCA has until June 13 to submit its final roster for all of its participants.

NAIG have been held sporadically since 1990. The games seem to have more success when they are staged at Canadian sites as opposed to American venues.

British Columbia’s Cowichan Tribes hosted the last NAIG, back in 2008. The games were to be held in Milwaukee in 2011 but were cancelled.

Six years between games marks the longest stretch since NAIG’s inception.

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

CAREERS & TRAINING Awards Program (ASAP).

The purpose of the awards program is to encourage and assist people of Aboriginal ancestry to pursue post-secondary educational studies in disciplines relevant to the petroleum industry.

Please apply on-line at Indspire’s postsecondary education bursary awards program or contact Indspire at 1-800-329-9780. _________________________________________ Aboriginal Health Careers Program Scholarship (Indspire) Deadline: May 1 Provides support for students who are pursuing accredited health studies leading to employment in the health professions and who have demonstrated the potential for academic success.

Eligible fields of study: medicine, nursing, dentistry, biology, chemistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, clinical psychology, laboratory reasearch and technology and any other health field in which a study of the hard sciences is a pre-requisite. _________________________________________ Aboriginal Veterans’ Scholarship Trust Canada (Indspire) For students engaged in fields of study that support and contribute to Aboriginal selfgovernance and economic self-reliance. For more information check out the web site Aboriginal Veterans Scholarship Trust. _________________________________________ Business, Sciences and General Education Program (Indspire) Value: Varies from $1,000 to $8,000 Eligibility: Aboriginal ancestry (Status, NonStatus, Métis, Inuit) attending a Canadian Community College (CEGEP) or university (first year or returning students); registered in programs such as busieness, health sciences, new and advanced technologies (not limited to these). Priority is given to students enrolled in business and sciences.

Deadline: June 1 _________________________________________ Diane Fowler Leblanc Aboriginal Social Work Scholarship (Indspire) Value: The amount of each scholarship is based on the individual needs of each candidate (tuition, course materials, living expenses, daycare, travel) up to a maximum of $10,000 per year for three or four years, depending on the institution‘s course requirements.

Eligibility: The scholarship is open to all Aboriginal people, including Métis, Inuit, and Status and Non-Status Indians, interested in studying at the Bachelor of Social Work level at a recognized educational institution in Canada. _________________________________________ The Alberta Museology Internship (Indspire) Value: Varies.

Two four month internships at the Provincial Museum of Alberta for Aboriginal students pursuing a career in ethnology, natural history or Canadian history. _________________________________________ Arts Scholarship Program (Indspire) Deadline: March 31.

Value: Based on Budget needs. All areas related to the visual, performing, media, graphic and literary arts. Award decision based on merit of project, quality of raining and financial need. Art work samples will need to be sent with application. _________________________________________ Petro Canada Education Awards for Native Students (Indspire) Deadline June 15 Five education awards of up to $5,000 are

available to native students of Canadian or Inuit ancestry entering or enrolled in post-secondary programs where studies can be applied in an industrial setting in the oil and gas industry.

Selection is based on financial need, academic performance and potential, appropriateness of studies to industry, and future aspirations.

Contact individual schools for application forms. _________________________________________ Shell Canada Aboriginal Scholarship Program (Indspire) Preference will be given to studies in business, science and engineering. _________________________________________ CIBC Achievers (Indspire) Fields of study an unlimited. _________________________________________ TransCanada Pipelines Leadership Awards (Indspire) With these awards, TransCanada Pipelines is helping Aboriginal students prepare themselves to play leading roles in the fields of engineering, business and commerce, law, science and technology, environment and communications. _________________________________________ BP Canada Aboriginal Young Achievers Scholarship (Indspire) Priority for these scholarships may be given to students who are pursuing careers in business, engineering, environmental studies and physical sciences. _________________________________________ Great-West Life Business Education Scholarship (Indspire) This scholarship was created to help Aboriginal students from across Canada to succeed in the areas of business and entrepreneurship. _________________________________________ TD Bank Financial Group Scholarships (Indspire) Through its support of the scholarship program, TD Bank Financial Group is helping to make it easier for Aboriginal students to realize their educational goals. _________________________________________ UGG Agricultural Scholarships (Indspire) UGG is pleased to provide scholarships to encourage Aboriginal students from the Prairie Provinces to pursue careers in fields related to agriculture. _________________________________________ The CN Aboriginal Scholarships (Indspire) These scholarships provide funding assistance to Aboriginal students from across Canada who are engaged in studies that will prepare them for careers in the transportation industry such as engineering, business, computer science, communications and technical studies. _________________________________________ Suncor Energy Foundation “Shared Achievements” Aboriginal Scholarships (Indspire) These scholarships were created to assist Aboriginal students who are pursuing postsecondary education in business, teaching and science, particularly engineering, earth sciences, natural resource management, environmental studies and computer science.

Preference will be given to students from Central and Northern Alberta, Northeastern and Southwestern British Columbia and the North West Territories. _________________________________________ 3M Canada Aboriginal Health Education Awards (Indspire) With these awards, 3M Canada is making a positive contribution to the lives of Aboriginal students who are pursuing careers in fields related to health care.

15 _________________________________________ Sun Life Financial Careers in Health Awards (Indspire) With these awards, Sun Life Financial is providing increased opportunities for Aboriginal students to receive training and education for careers in health care. _________________________________________ Weyerhaeuser Aboriginal Scholarship (Indspire) Weyerhaeuser is pleased to offer scholarship assistance to Aboriginal students who are pursuing careers in business and science.

Contact individual schools for application forms.

Indspire Head Office P.O. Box 759 2160 Fourth Line Rd. Six Nations of the Grand River Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0 Toll free: 1-800-329-9780 Phone: (416) 926-0775 Fax: (416) 926-7554 www.indspire.ca _________________________________________ Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY) - Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Deadline: October 15 Number of Awards: The number of awards is dependent on the sponsors of the program. In 2010 we disbursed 140 awards, 95 were scholarships and 45 were bursaries.

Award Amount: Scholarships for postsecondary applicants range from $2,500 $5,000. Bursaries for high school applicants are $750.

Eligibility Factors: Canadian residents of First Nations (Status or Non-status), Métis and Inuit Heritage attending High School or a Postsecondary Institution full-time within Canada.

Mature students and adult education programs are included.

Supporting Documents Required: 1. Letter of introduction: introduce your-self, mention education goal and career plan, any challenges, any successes, contributions to family, school, community, and answer why you think staying in school is important.

2. Proof of Heritage includes: copy of Indian Status Card; copy of Métis membership card; copy of Inuit beneficiary card; parent/ grandparent heritage information & documents showing your relationship to them (long-form birth certificate, baptismal records.); letter of acknowledgement from First Nation, Métis Association or Inuit Agreement Administrator.

FAAY Awards now administered by Indspire: Indspire Head Office P.O. Box 759 2160 Fourth Line Rd. Six Nations of the Grand River Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0 Toll free: 1-800-329-9780 Phone: (416) 926-0775 Fax: (416) 926-7554 www.indspire.ca _________________________________________

This is only a partial listing of the funding currently available to Indigenous students. There are many more listings posted online at www.ammsa.com.

This online list is updated throughout the year as new information becomes available. To add/update scholarship information from your school or organization please for ward the information via email to us at: market@ammsa.com

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

16

COMMUNITY

Changes only effective if not “watered down”

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON

Don Langford thinks the government is moving in the right direction when it comes to changes to the child intervention system, but he is not totally sold on the amendments proposed in Bill 11.

“I support the minister … but I’m concerned about how much push back will he get from the rank and file, from his ministry….How much do they support him?” said Langford, executive director with Metis Child and Family Services.

Langford was in the Legislature on April 22 when Human Services Minister Manmeet S. Bhullar introduced Bill 11, the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Amendment Act. Langford said his presence – and his introduction by the minister – wasn’t in support of the bill but because he voiced disappointment over the lack of Aboriginal voices when it came to changes to the system.

Langford points out that nearly 70 per cent of children in government care are Aboriginal yet there are no Aboriginal experts guiding the changes the department plans to make.

“I’m concerned that everything is rolling down from the top and there’s really been no community participation,” he said.

Bill 11 focuses on three points: changes to the publication ban on the names of children who die while in care; the creation of a quality assurance committee; and increasing the powers of the child and youth advocate.

The publication ban has been a point of contention for parents who have lost children while in care. Presently naming a child publicly can lead to a $10,000 fine.

“I see this as a human rights issue. I see it as something that anybody should have the right to mention their child’s name or show their picture if they want to,” said Frank Klemen, former social worker of 35 years and founder and president of Support to Individuals at Risk in Everyone’s Neighborhood Society. SIRENS held a Day of Mourning to recognize children lost in care and violence the day before Bhullar introduced Bill 11.

Bill 11 now sets the onus on court action to obtain a publication ban. However, the government, through the director, who serves as

guardian for many children in care, can still seek a publication ban along with the parents or family members. Bhullar said details on how a publication ban will be achieved need to be determined by regulations, which have yet to be set.

The bill also enables the child and youth advocate to examine the deaths of children, who have left government care.

A quality assurance committee will work to collect and share data to improve the system. It will also make an annual public report. Bhullar noted that social workers will be encouraged to speak out about changes needed without fear of repercussions.

“Anything we can do to make improvements based on data, research and learning from incidents is a good thing and the amendments introduced today will help bring forward the information we need as a government and as citizens of Alberta to create a system that is transparent, accountable and focused on quality assurance and continuous improvement,” Bhullar said.

Bhullar’s five-point plan for improving the system is also focused on addressing root causes that lead to children being taken into care.

While Liberal leader Raj Sherman commends Bhullar for his efforts, Sherman holds the provincial government has lost all credibility when it comes to improving the child intervention system.

“This should have been done years ago. The government has known about this for years,” said Sherman, who attended SIRENS Day of Mourning.

“This is the very government that has caused the problems, has turned a blind eye.”

Bhullar said the amendments recently introduced are only the first step in improving the system.

“We’re building a system of continuous improvement. We are focused on action. This approach is helping to insure we have the best possible services for vulnerable children and families,” he said.

Langford supports the approach of moving forward on changes that can be undertaken immediately.

“I’m optimistic,” he said. “I hope (Bhullar) has the capability to make sure his stuff gets put into practise and doesn’t get watered down as it works its way down. That’s my biggest fear that a lot of what he wants to do will get watered down or diverted before it gets to the front line.”