Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015 WHAT'S INSIDE:
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Those involved asked how to change child services system Page 3
THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA
Bands ask court to delay action by government for FNFTA non-compliance Page 5 SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 10
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PHOTO: ASHLEY CALLINGBULL FACEBOOK
Winning big on the international stage!
Enoch Cree Nation woman Ashley (Callingbull) Burnham became the first Canadian and first First Nation’s woman to be crowned Mrs. Universe. She took the title at the pageant in Belarus on Aug. 29. . Said Burnham, 25, on her Facebook page, “Representing First Nations on the international stage was the best feeling in the world. I’m so proud to be Mrs. Universe 2015.” In the national outfit parade of the competition, Burnham wore a jingle dress in white and red, prominently displaying maple leafs, and for the talent competition, she wore a buckskin dress and performed a traditional dance. Burnham is an actress, model and former Miss Universe Canada contestant.
Getting out the Indigenous vote biggest battle in election By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor ALEXIS NAKOTA SIOUX NATION
International Chief and former MP Wilton Littlechild understands why some First Nations members don’t vote in federal elections. But with at least six Aboriginal candidates in Alberta, Littlechild thinks it’s time to get out the Aboriginal vote – all of it. “In terms of trying to seek change and make a better Canada, I think it’s a good opportunity,” said Littlechild, who served as Conservative MP for the riding of Wetaskiwin from 1988 to 1993. Former Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations Cameron Alexis agrees with Littlechild. Alexis is one of five New Democratic Party candidates. “In the past 10 years, Mr. Harper, by introducing numerous bills in the House, has whittled away at our treaty rights. At some point we all have to stand up and say, ‘Hey, we either participate in the decision-making in this country … or we sit back.’ So I chose to step it up for all my people and for the interest of all Canadians,” said Alexis, who is one of six candidates in the newly
redrawn riding of Peace RiverWestlock. What swayed Alexis to run for the NDP was former leader Jack Layton’s practise to sit with Aboriginal people in the House of Commons gallery. Mulcair has not only kept that channel of communication open, says Alexis, but he has been the most vocal leader in pushing Indigenous issues, reiterating his commitment to call for a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and unveiling a policy that aims to curb violence against Aboriginal women. For Melody Lepine, who recently got the NDP nod for the riding of Fort McMurrayCold Lake, the NDP’s consistent stand against C-51, the anti-terrorism law, which “is weakening our fundamental rights and freedoms and that should be a very big concern for First Nations as we often like to be vocal about our issues” is one factor that drew her to the party. She also appreciates the NDP’s commitment to affordable housing and protecting the environment. To date, Garry Parenteau is the only Aboriginal candidate to run under the Liberal banner. It was Liberal leader Justin
Trudeau, who first waded into Indigenous issues during this election campaign when he pledged $2.6 billion in new funding for First Nations education. Parenteau, who is Métis, is taking on another Métis candidate, Duane Zaraska, who is running for the NDP, in Lakeland. It is the only riding to have two Aboriginal candidates. Lepine isn’t concerned that the NDP and Liberals will split the left-leaning vote and allow the Conservatives to remain in power. “No, I see a distinction between the Liberals and NDP on issues,” she said. “The NDP definitely has a strong platform addressing a lot of issues and matters that are definitely a concern to not only First Nations and Aboriginal people but Canadians in general.” The AFN has selected 51 ridings across the country in which Aboriginal voters can make a difference. In Alberta, the AFN has tagged the newlydrawn Edmonton-Griesbach, which includes Edmonton’s inner city with its high concentration of Aboriginal people. There is no Aboriginal candidate in that riding. Alexis is not surprised that the AFN has chosen only one riding
in Alberta. “Our Aboriginal people do not come out in force to vote in a federal election,” he said. Lepine is disappointed that her riding, with approximately 17 per cent of eligible voters of Aboriginal descent including her home First Nation of the Mikisew Cree, was not noted by the AFN. “They want to see Stephen Harper gone and … I think they’re starting to realize now how important and urgent their vote really is. They’re going to make a difference,” said Lepine, who has been helping First Nation voters on reserves and the homeless in urban centres get the necessary documentation to be counted at the polls. Lepine is up against Conservative incumbent David Yurdiga. Getting out the Aboriginal vote will be a challenge, says Littlechild. “There’s still a division of opinion on that in the sense that there are some people who say this is not our government so we have no business participating in it or voting in a federal election. And others who say this is really the way we can make change, to go into the arena and participate directly in that particular arena, to try and promote change,” he said.
Other Aboriginal candidates seeking seats for the NDP are Aaron Paquette in EdmontonManning and Fritz Kathryn Bitz in Edmonton-Wetaskiwin. In the 2011 federal election, Alberta had five Aboriginal candidates – three NDP, one Liberal and one Green - running in 28 electoral districts. None were successful. The redrawing of boundaries increased Alberta’s ridings to 34. Voters go to the polls on Oct. 19. CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL # 40063755
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
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ALBERTA NEWS company has already had a pipeline failure at this site, the AER will not lift suspension until Nexen can demonstrate that they can be operated safely and within all regulatory requirements. We will accept no less than concrete evidence,” said Jim Ellis, president and CEO of AER. The suspension orders were issued Aug. 28. The spill was discovered July 15 by a contractor. About five million litres of bitumen, sand and produced water covered a 16,000-square metre area.
CTA leads to crack down on drugs for Woodland Cree
PHOTO: SHARI NARINE
The Bear Straight drum group performed an honour song for the late Louis Bull Nation Chief Rusty Threefingers as (second from left) Mayor Don Iveson, Treaty 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis, Premier Rachel Notley and other Chiefs stood in respect.
Chief honoured after his passing Treaty 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis led members of Treaty 6 and the public in a moment of silence to honour Chief Rusty Threefingers, who passed away in August. Speaking at the Treaty 6 Recognition Day in Edmonton on Aug. 21, Alexis said it was the first time he “had to say goodbye” to a sitting Chief. Threefingers had been Chief of Louis Bull Nation for the past six years. He gained his passion for serving his people from his late father, Chief Simon Threefingers, who himself devoted his life to serving his tribe for many years.
Ruptured pipeline spills 100,000 litres A six-inch diameter oil emulsion pipeline leaked on the Hay Lake First Nation spilling about 100,000 litres of a mixture of wastewater, oil and gas. The spill was detected Aug. 14 by a helicopter crew doing regular daily inspection and maintenance work. The five-kilometer pipeline is owned by Calgary-based NuVista Energy and runs from an oil testing facility to an oil battery. So far, there have been no reports of harm to wildlife. A two-metre-high fence was erected to prevent animals from getting into the site. Alberta Energy Regulator investigators and First Nations officials inspected the property on Aug. 16. The company said an initial survey indicates an area of about 110 metres by 120 metres has been affected.
Blue herons found dead on Syncrude site Approximately 30 great blue herons were found dead near a run-off pond at the Mildred Lake mine site, operated by Syncrude. The Alberta Energy Regulator is investigating the deaths to see what caused them and whether charges will be laid against Syncrude. “While the birds may not have been found in a tailing pond it’s clear the birds succumbed after exposure to something in the region. This draws out some serious concerns about how monitoring during the various stages of operations is being done. Something is failing and there is a real need to review regulatory management and monitoring parameters,”
said Eriel Deranger, communications coordinator of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. The province’s Alberta Wild Species General Status Listing – 2010, classifies blue herons as “sensitive,” which means the “overall trend for this species may be decreasing.” No timeline has been set by AER as to when the investigation will be completed.
Low water levels force restrictions on Athabasca River The Alberta Energy Regulator has restricted water withdrawals from the Athabasca River and other water bodies under temporary diversion licences by oil and gas operators because of low flows. Seventy-three temporary water diversion licences held by oil companies this year in Alberta have been suspended, the most since 2002.The AER is also encouraging energy companies to voluntarily reduce consumption in areas with no mandatory restrictions where rivers have lower than normal water levels. Temporary diversion licences are issued for diversion of surface and groundwater for up to a year for uses such as dust control, bridge washing and for drilling oil and gas wells. Jesse Cardinal, co-ordinator of Keepers of the Athabasca, said the restriction doesn’t go far enough as it does not apply to major Athabasca waters users Shell, Syncrude and Suncor. “When the water’s low, it’s already impacting the fish and navigation, so it should apply to all companies,” Cardinal said. She noted that for the first time ever, where there are First Nation and Metis communities further down the Athabasca River, the low water level is making them unable to catch fish or take their boats on the water.
AER suspends Nexen operations at Long Lake The Alberta Energy Regulator has suspended 15 pipelines licences, shutting in 95 pipelines that Nexen Energy operates at its Long Lake oilsands operations. The suspensions were ordered when, during AER’s investigation of the Long Lake pipeline failure, AER received information indicating noncompliance in operating a number of pipelines. “Given that this
The third search warrant in less than two months was executed in Cadotte Lake and resulted in the seizure of liquor and cannabis-marihuana. One person was arrested and charges are pending on the Aug. 9 bust. Targeting the illicit sale of alcohol in Woodland Cree First Nation has been a strategic priority for Chief and Council as well as the community consultative group. The success of this investigation was the direct result of cooperation from community members as well as local liquor stores, who are committed to safe communities. On June 18, two people were arrested and charged after the Peace Regional RCMP detachment recovered 82 bottles of liquor, which would sell for about $1,250, from a Cadotte Lake residence. On Aug. 5, similar charges against one person were laid in a separate investigation. Woodland is one of 12 Alberta First Nations to sign into a Community Tripartite Agreement - the provincial and federal governments collaborate with the specific First Nations community to have dedicated RCMP members address needs specific to their assigned area. The cost of the CTA is covered almost equally by the federal and provincial governments. The Woodland Cree First Nation has set as its focus positive youth involvement with the RCMP; substance abuse; and traffic safety for pedestrians and cracking down on impaired driving.
Métis Youth Council created A resolution passed unanimously at the annual general assembly for the Métis Nation of Alberta has resulted in the creation of a Métis Youth Council. The youth decided to forward their proposal following the Métis youth gathering presented by Rupertsland Institute on Aug. 14. The resolution was presented by a youth to the MNA General Assembly and seconded by MNA president Audrey Poitras. The MYC will build the foundation for the next generation of Métis leaders.
Man wants to know fate of remains unearthed from Scholten Hill Rob Demarais is attempting to locate the remains of First Nations who were believed buried on Scholten Hill, in Medicine Hat, sometime during the late-1800s, early 1900s and disinterred during road construction in the mid-twentieth century. Various times since 1959, remains have been unearthed from that hill. According to documents obtained by the Medicine Hat News from the Esplanade Archives, the bodies of 11 adults and two children were uncovered at one point and were taken to Edmonton for study by University of Alberta officials. Demarais would like to see these remains returned or accounted for. The remains had been reinterred in Medicine Hat before being dug up again and taken to the University of Alberta for research purposes. Demarais says he wants to know whether the 13 bodies were reinterred in Edmonton or if they continue to be held by the university. “I think it’s only right … I am passionate about it because my ancestors are First Nations,” Demarais told the News.
Compiled by Shari Narine
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NEWS
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
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Those involved asked how to change child services system By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON
Since the beginning of the year, children and youth advocate Del Graff and staff have been hearing from those intimately involved in the child welfare system about how Aboriginal children and their families need to be cared for better. “Because they are the young people who have experienced this system, what they’re saying to us is always embedded in that what-is. ‘I can say this should happen in the future because of my actual experience with what did happen or what is happening,’” said Graff. The latest numbers released by the province indicate 4,781 Aboriginal children are in care, representing 69 per cent of those children apprehended. While there was an 11 per cent reduction of children in temporary care and three per cent reduction of those in permanent care, the disproportionate number of Aboriginal children remains steady. Online surveys, specific to young people in care, family/ caregivers, and service providers/ stakeholders, are winding down with an Oct. 31 deadline to reply. Focus groups have had about 400 participants, but Graff says there still needs to be input from northern and remote communities. The result of the information gathered will be a special report on Aboriginal young people in care. The OCYA regularly does special reports. The impetus for the focus of this report came on
PHOTO: SHARI NARINE
Alberta’s youth and children’s advocate Del Graff walks with a youth to plant a heart in the garden of hearts at Rideau Hall during the closing ceremony for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Ottawa in June. “Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams” gardens appeared throughout the country in remembrance of children who lost their lives at residential schools.
a variety of fronts, says Graff. His office anticipates there will be a review of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act by the province and he sees this special report as providing valuable input. “It would be beneficial to Aboriginal children and families, and to all of the children and families in Alberta, if legislation can be informed by the people most affected by it,” he said. “Those people have a lot to say about how the system could improve for them. Our overall goal is to make it so that there are improved services and outcomes, particularly for this group. It really is about the fact
that there still is 69 per cent of the kids in care are Aboriginal.” In regular meetings over the course of nine months with groups that provide child intervention services, including Delegated First Nations Agencies (who provide services on reserves), the OCYA heard there was a need for a report that addressed Aboriginal children in care. When the Truth and Reconciliation Commission held is final national event in Edmonton in 2014, Graff was in attendance for most of it. He heard concerns voiced by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people about the relationship
Indigenous people have with the government and the child welfare system. “We could hear (these concerns) …. talked about at the community level…. Things like the Idle No More movement that really has energy generated to say that we need to have some things change. So that combination of that kind of social activist activities also drove us to say, ‘We can’t wait. We need to do this now,’” said Graff. Perhaps the most important driver for the report, is the fact that there has been no improvement in the number of Aboriginal children brought into
care. “We weren’t seeing those processes or plans being put in place by the government to make it a concrete, tangible difference,” said Graff, who noted that any government success is always tied to a wellimplemented plan. Before moving forward with the special report, Graff got the nod from the Grand Chiefs of all three treaty areas in Alberta, as well as the president of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Graff was directed to talk with Elders around the province, which he did. From those conversations OCYA was “provided with some very good guidance on how to move forward with this work in a way that is respectful and gets to the information that we need.” Graff is reluctant to draw conclusions now while the process is still ongoing and the input has yet to be analyzed, but he has observed a desire by both parents and children to share their stories. “I’ve been surprised with how generous and heart felt people are in responding to the questions. We haven’t had to be push to find people to participate,” he said. “They have lots to suggest about what can improve in the future.” Graff expects the report to be completed in spring 2016. It will be tabled in the legislature, like all other reports delivered by his office, and made public in a variety of other ways. While recommendations from the report are not binding, there is “some pressure that government experiences when we release a report.”
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
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NEWS
Feelings mixed at loss of former residential school
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Red Crow College, formerly St. Mary’s Indian residential school, burned to the ground in an early morning fire Aug. 14.
By Andrea D. Smith Sweetgrass Writer KAINAI FIRST NATION
“Everything just went up in smoke,” said Mary Weasel Fat, head librarian of the Red Crow Community College on Kainai First Nation. “Everything. The whole building. We had 15,000 plus books in there. We had some rare books… I had a prayer book in Blackfoot from 1898 that went up in flames,” she said. A fire deliberately set in the early morning hours of Aug. 14 destroyed the college, consuming everything inside the building, causing $11 million damage. Among the losses were more of Weasel Fat’s rare books, including an original copy of “Our Betrayed Wards”—a book from the early 1900s about the poor treatment of the Blood people by the Canadian government—as well as original Kainai and Blood newspapers from the 1960s and ‘70s, and office equipment, including computers. “It’s really depressing… but some people that went to residential school there were glad it burned down. Some people didn’t even want to go back there because of the bad memories they had,” she said. Blood Tribe Police Service is saying, based on a report received from the fire commissioner’s office, the fire is arson. BTPS will not say how the fire was started. The fire may be more sweet than bitter for some. Prior to being the reputable
college it is now, the building was the site for St. Mary’s Indian residential school. Erected in 1911 under the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the school was used in the IRS system until 1975, then given to the Blood tribe shortly after. “I started working there in 1993, as a student counsellor,” said Henry Big Throat, now vice president of student’s services. “In 1984, the residential school closed. We (the Blood tribe) took it over in 1986, and we took over postsecondary education from Indian Affairs in 1990.” Under Blood administration, the school was first used for adult upgrading then became the Red Crow College in 1995. It was the first tribal college in Canada. Big Throat takes pride in the work they are doing there now, but remembers Red Crow’s residential school days vividly. He was a student there for five years during the 1960s. “I know that part too… the negative part. But I acknowledged it, I embraced it, and I let it go. And we turned it from a negative to a positive,” he said. Since going from a school in the IRS system—often associated with tales of atrocious abuse, cruelty, and mistreatment of children—Red Crow College has seen 100150 students go on to obtain master’s degrees, and 90 per cent of their undergraduate students finish their studies, said Big Throat.
They would see twice as many graduates if it weren’t for funding restrictions. “We have to reject half of our applicants… We get up to 800, and can only accept 350. And we had to operate in an old residential school because the federal government doesn’t see post-secondary education as a treaty right,” he said. So while the school’s needs are now amplified, and they are currently accepting donations of office furniture and equipment, and money, it didn’t start with the recent fire. “It’s been so unfortunate with the fire, but we wanted out of that building. We knew it was a hazard, and it happened,” said Ruth Provost, coordinator for Mi’kai’sto, a charitable organization set up to help Red Crow. “Discussion started as far back as 2002, when the first fire burned through the library... The building was old then.” The building was even assessed at one point for repairs, but staff were told it would be too expensive, so a new building was recommended. However, their pleas were dwarfed by other social needs on the reserve, and surrounding communities have not been willing to step in, says Provost. “Even right now, 17 days after the fire, we’ve only gotten $1,315 on our Go Fund Me page. We are the biggest reserve in Canada, and our post-secondary service is extremely important,” she said. Approximately 300 students will be moved to the Saipoyi school in nearby Stand Off at the start of September.
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Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
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B I N G O B A S H E S Bands ask court to delay By Anna Giles - Radio Bingo Manager Kyri from the Goodfish Lake Métis Settlement phoned stating they wanted to host a bingo bash to kick off their Treaty Days, which started on Friday, July 3 rd . Of course, I said “yes”. I left on the morning of July 2nd and headed towards Smoky Lake. I visited with Brian & Leeza – owners of ESSO, Super 8 & the Smoky Lake Inn. If you are in the area, stop by the ESSO store as you will be AMAZED. They sell lots of gift items from NHL hockey team t-shirts, hoodies & ball caps, jewelry, clothes, convenience items, garden ideas, camping stuff and much more. Did you know that Smoky Lake is known as the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta, and the Birthday Town? Check out their website at www.smokylake.ca for more information.
Verna Steinhauer and Shirley Whiskyjack After Smoky Lake I stopped at Walter’s Store in St. Paul and The Kikino General Store, where I dropped off our new seller “Bingo Cards Sold Here” signs. It was a hot day, and I was happy when Sonia from Walter’s store offered me a cold drink. From Kikino I headed to Goodfish Lake where I was welcomed by Kyri and Bernadette. There were 31 people who attended the bingo bash, which was a fundraiser for the senior’s in the community. I was very pleased to see bingo players from other communities in attendance, like Verna Steinhauer and Shirley Whiskeyjack from Saddle Lake. Verna told me she was volunteering as her auntie lives in Goodfish Lake and wanted to be a helper.
Marianne and John from McRae (left) John and Marianne wanted to join in on the FUN, therefore decided to make the trip. Thank you for stopping by at the end of the event to talk to me about CFWE Radio Bingo. It was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you to Kyri and Bernadette for the invite and for organizing a great event for their community.
action by government for FNFTA non-compliance By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor ONION LAKE CREE NATION
Five First Nations were in a federal court in Saskatoon Aug. 18 and 19 to ask the judge to stay an application by the minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development that seeks to force them to publish their consolidated financial statements. The judge reserved his decision. The First Nations argued that the Harper government had enacted racist policy by forcing First Nations to make their financial information available on line. “It is, first of all, in our opinion, it is race-based, it’s discriminatory. No other race is subject to this legislation or private businesses to post their financial statements on the web for the world to see. Only First Nations are,” said Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox. “Most importantly, under the Privacy Act legislation of Canada, all Canadians are protected, except the Indian people.” Onion Lake Cree Nation, which straddles the AlbertaSaskatchewan border, was joined by First Nations from both provinces: the Athabasca Chipewyan and Sawridge First Nations in Alberta and Ochapowace and Thunderchild First Nations in Saskatchewan. The five bands argued that the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, which became law in March 2013, was not only discriminatory, but violated treaty rights and was enacted without proper consultation with First Nations. The government has threatened to withhold non-essential funding, as of Sept. 1 from the First Nations that have yet to comply with the FNFTA. According to the AANDC website, there are 234 First Nations, who did not submit their 2014-2015 documents by the July 29 deadline. In Alberta, Alexander, Athabasca Chipeweyan, Chiniki, Chipewyan Prairie, Duncan’s, Heart Lake, Mikisew Cree, Montana and Sawridge First Nations have not complied. Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus, who was in Saskatoon to support the First Nations in court, says he wants to see the constitutional challenge of FNFTA dealt with first before forcing First Nations to comply. Erasmus says there was legal
PHOTO: SHARI NARINE
Treaty 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis (left) offered his support to Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox and the other First Nations, who were taking a legal stand against the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
precedent set in 1988 that such financial information is private and confidential, and not to be seen outside of a First Nation’s membership. Erasmus was joined at court by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde as well as regional chiefs from British Columbia and Manitoba. Verbal support also came from the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations as well as AFN Regional Chiefs throughout the country. A rally was held outside the court house in support of the five First Nations. “Transparency and accountability is a good thing, and we totally support that, but it’s our own-source revenues that’s the big issue … it’s pretty heavy-handed,” said Bellegarde. Fox contends that if it is transparency the government is after then that is already being met by his First Nation. Not only does OLCN open its books to members three or four days in March, at the end of the fiscal year, and he and council explain it line by line, but Chief and council’s salaries are posted on a board in the band office and announced on the radio. And anytime during the course of the year, band members can stop by the office and look at the books, with financial staff available to explain the line items both in English and in Cree. “It’s always been an open door policy for our band members.” But he says making OLCN’s entire financial situation – which includes money raised through economic ventures undertaken by the First Nation – available to everyone by posting numbers
on line, hurts OLCN when doing business. “When you look at the disclosure, the financial statements … it leaves us at a competitive disadvantage. No other municipality is subject to this law,” he said. The government says that detailed information will not be revealed on the website, but instead would be a single line entry. Fox adds that despite the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation contentions, the money given to First Nations is not taxpayers’ dollars but “Indian money.” The CTF was a strong proponent for the FNFTA, claiming that although Chiefs and councils said their band members had access to financial records, band members had approached the CTF saying they did not. “We think (the court proceedings) went in our favour. All indicators and comments that were made, would I think, support our situation,” said Fox. “The judge did indicate… that this (rendering a decision) would be a priority for him.” Fox says OLCN doesn’t mind leading the charge against the FNFTA. “Time is of the essence,” he said. “Onion Lake had to take the initiative and take this to task. (The other bands are) supporting us and that’s fine with us at this time.” In a separate court case, OLCN is challenging the validity and constitutionality of the law. No date has been scheduled for that hearing as the decision in Saskatoon court will determine if the challenge moves forward.
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Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
EDMONTON
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Continued reconciliation pledged on Treaty 6 Recognition Day
PHOTO: HAZEL MARTIAL
Fentanyl focus of Overdose Awareness Day Members of the Streetworks team handed out information on naloxone, overdose facts, and harm reduction as part of Overdose Awareness Day, held outside City Hall in downtown Edmonton on Aug. 31. With nearly 100 people in attendance, speakers included Alberta Health Services’ medical health officer Chris Sikora, David Shepherd (MLA Edmonton-Centre) and Scott McKeen (Edmonton city councillor). Petra Shulz (mother of Danny Shulz, who passed away due to overdose) and Jenn (a member of the Streetworks team) shared their stories of how overdose affected them. Between 2011 and 2014, there were 162 fentanyl-detected deaths in Alberta. If fentanyl-implicated deaths and pending cases are included that number increases to 221. In response to the growing number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths AHS has created a province-wide take home naloxone kit program. Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses the symptoms of overdose so that a person may receive medical treatment.
Aboriginal presenters, issues at upcoming Litfest Litfest, Edmonton’s nonfiction festival, will have a distinctively Aboriginal flavour this year. “Just Words” is a panel discussion that will bring together Tanya Kappo (contributor from The Winter We Dance: Tales from the Idle No More Movement) and authors Shawna Ferris (Street Sex Work and Canadian Cities: Resisting a Dangerous Order) and Lori Shenher (That Lonely Section of Hell: Living Inside the Failed Investigation of a Serial Killer) to discuss the challenges, setbacks and struggle to find justice for Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women. Outspoken Aboriginal activist, academic and now first-time author Wab Kinew and veteran author Drew Hayden Taylor will also be presenting. The event takes place between Oct. 15-25 at a number of venues across the city.
Street origins focus of St. Albert museum exhibition Musée Héritage Museum in St. Albert is running a new exhibit entitled The Street Where You Live. This exhibition will reveal the†identities and stories of many of the individuals and families whose lives merited public acknowledgement by having a street named in their honour. The street signs are a catalogue of interesting people who have contributed to St Albert, from the early Métis, who lived and worked in the area, to the Mission’s founders, business people and community builders. The exhibition includes some amazing stories, says museum spokesperson Danielle Antoniuk. There is also information about many of the other street names, which patrons can investigate on their own. The exhibition runs until Nov. 15.
Aboriginal art park first of its kind in Canada A public call has gone out to Aboriginal artists and artist teams throughout Canada for work to be included in the city’s Aboriginal art park. The Aboriginal art park was approved as part of the Queen Elizabeth Park Master Plan in August 2013. Artworks in diverse mediums as well as contemporary and customary (traditional) disciplines will in some way ‘tell the stories of this place’ and respond to the land within the Aboriginal art park and/or the land in the region through an engaged process with Edmonton’s urban Aboriginal communities, Treaty 6 First Nations, Métis and local Elders and knowledge holders. The selection process will be done in two-stages. Shortlisted artists will participate in a site visit and workshop with curator Candice Hopkins prior to preparing full proposals. Hopkins is a member of the Carcross Tagish First Nation in the Yukon, Gaanax.·di clan, a member of the BC Métis Association, and the chief curator of the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. “The Aboriginal art park is unique and the first initiative of its kind in Canada,” said Hopkins. “I believe that the Aboriginal art park will create a platform for Aboriginal voices, through artworks that will provide a vision for the future.” Up to six artworks will be selected. A steering committee that includes representation from the Confederacy of Treaty Six, Métis Nation of Alberta, Elders, Aboriginal artists, the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Arts Council, and community members provides leadership, strategic direction and advice to the project team as well as ensuring protocols are observed.
Compiled by Shari Narine
PHOTO: SHARI NARINE
Premier Rachel Notley stands draped in a starblanket with Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson and Treaty 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis.
By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON
For the first time in the three years that Edmonton has hosted Treaty 6 Recognition Day, an Alberta premier has been in attendance. The timing was perfect as the third annual event, held on Aug. 21, marked 138 years to the day after the signing of the adhesion, which brought a handful of Northern Alberta bands into the treaty. Also fitting was that the opening prayer was delivered by Ermineskin First Nations Elder John Ermineskin, a descendant of Chief Bobtail, who signed the adhesion. Treaty 6 was signed in 1876, well before Alberta became a province. “Alberta’s new government is committed to helping the descendants of the signatories to the Frist Nations (Treaty),” Premier Rachel Notley said to a round of applause. “We are committed to helping the descendants achieve equality for everyone in our diverse and fair society we are so fundamentally entitled to. When Alberta voters elected our government, they also endorsed our platform to build a renewed partnership with Alberta’s Indigenous people based on shared respect.” Notley said to foster understanding the province would make learning Indigenous culture and history part of the school curriculum. And in keeping with her election night promise to “be better neighbours,” Notley said Aboriginal affairs minister Kathleen Ganley was working toward developing a new protocol agreement that would guide the relationship between the province and the First Nations. Treaty 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis lauded Notley for “redefining” the relationship between the government and First Nations. “When we think about how are we going to work together we
must also look at a way that we don’t practise what failed in the past,” he said. “We need to move forward in building bridges.” Alexis also praised Mayor Don Iveson for the efforts already undertaken by the city, but he stressed that the work needed to continue. Iveson committed to keep Edmonton moving in the direction it began charting last year when he proclaimed a Year of Reconciliation following the hosting of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final national event in Edmonton in March. Iveson was inducted as an honourary witness during that event. Iveson, who attended part of the TRC’s closing ceremony in Ottawa, also led the commitment for the Big City Mayors caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities with a declaration “committing to a new equal partnership with Aboriginal people in Canada.” “I whole heartedly agree. I
think it’s good that (Iveson) mentioned the mayors’ meeting and the mayors’ gathering to select what was most important to them to implement the calls to actions,” said Chief Wilton Littlechild, who was in attendance. Littlechild was one of three commissioners on the TRC, which in early June tabled a summary of its final report listing 94 calls to action. The report included a section specific to municipalities and it is this section that Iveson said Edmonton would focus its attention on. Littlechild noted that the City of Vancouver, which had also declared a Year of Reconciliation, has now enacted a permanent declaration of reconciliation. “I thought that was moving it even further, understanding that we need to work together into the future, that the commission ending is not the end of work to reconciliation,” said Littlechild.
CALGARY
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
7
Artistic director links human spine and mountains
PHOTO: RITA TAYLOR
Jera Wolfe in the dance creation Backbone.
By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer BANFF
“I am very interested in creating work that helps the audience to see the natural world with fresh eyes,” said Sandra Laronde, artistic director and CEO of Red Sky Performance and director of Indigenous arts at the Banff Centre. “My creative mission is new ways of seeing.” Her most recent dance creation, Backbone, which premiered at the Margaret Greenham Theatre on Aug. 27, is comprised of eight dancers from Canada, United States, New Zealand and Mongolia. At the centre of the performance is
the Indigenous concept that the spine of the continent is the mountain ranges that stretch along North, Central and South America, and Antarctica. “For Indigenous peoples, there is not much difference between the earth’s backbone and a human one. We are inseparable,” said Laronde, who founded Red Sky in 2000. In this Indigenous way of perceiving the backbone of the continent, the spine is the beginning of life. “When a baby is born, the spine is the circuit for life,” said Laronde.” Electricity, circuitry, is generating, happening in those mountains. There are things going on beneath our feet. The earth is continuously
shifting, changing, moving, evolving.” The development of the human spine and the formation of mountains are also linked on a cellular level. “Human beings become fossil over many years,” said Laronde. “Over time human cartilage and tissue of creatures is replaced by minerals. Silca, calcite, pyrite and iron starts to replace human or animal tissue, basically become fossil, turn into mountains.” The piece plays with the concept of time as humans experience it and universal time. “Human time is so limited,” she said. “Time is deep and time is big.” In this compressed, tight performance, the dancers move through segments that depict the geological phenomena of shifting tectonic plates, fossil formation, the drift that happens and the creation of mountain ridges. “In the choreography, there are sections where the dancer formations are whole and intact and drift apart, are pulled apart,” said Laronde, much like the shifting of plates and the drifting of continents. Likewise, Laronde believes our senses are pulled apart and we do not see clearly, likening continental drift to human drift. “Our senses are in conflict, trying to get back to being whole again.” The dancers’ bodies appear to be pushed and stretched to new limits through sheer physicality. Their movements are at times fluid, at other times angular. The performance places extreme pressure on the dancers’ bodies, said Laronde. “Fastmoving and athletic, the movements are symbolic of the pressure of the mountains . . . the cracking, crushing, pulsing of the human body.” Rick Sacks’ live music works with the dancers, at times jarring and scraping, at other times melodic and rhythmic. “Their playing off me and me playing off them adds to the vitality of the piece,” said Sacks. “The music adds narrative, moves along in an arc. When the Mongolian dancer Ageer draws energy out of the earth, the music becomes more volcanic and eruptive.” Similarly in the pas de deux, the fossil segment, the music is more romantic to accompany the narrative. The shifting backdrop of images reinforces the sense of movement through pre-history and the emerging landscape. Overall, the piece reflects a movement from a humancentric view to a more spiritual one, a sense of continuity between humans and the earth. “I wanted to show that a dance production can be created that is not just human-centric and move to a more spirit-centred world as opposed to humancentred,” said Laronde.
PHOTO: KEITH AUNE/WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY
(From left ) Leroy Little Bear of the Blood Tribe; Wesley Band Nakoda Chief Ernest Wesley; Wildlife Conservation Society Vice President, Species Conservation Elizabeth Bennett (signing as witness to treaty); Chief Kurt Buffalo from the Samson Cree First Nation and Narvil Kootenay from the Bearspaw band of the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
Bison treaty signed at Banff Indian Days On Aug. 13 First Nations from both Canada and the United States met in Banff welcoming the Stoney Nakoda and Samson Cree to sign a treaty to reintroduce bison to areas where they once roamed. Last September, 11 tribe leaders from Montana and Alberta signed the agreement known as the Buffalo Treaty, the first treaty signed among the tribes since the 1800s. The aim of the treaty is to allow the buffalo to roam freely across the Rockies and Great Plains, restoring the animal’s spiritual, economic and food role in First Nations life. Historically, the buffalo played a central role in hunting, ceremony and cultural life. Along with agreeing to work together for bison restoration and grassland conservation on tribal lands, the treaty encourages youth education and cultural restoration among the First Nations.
Clinic helps fentanyl addict on Blood First Nation When Kevin Shouting discovered Roxanne Blood and Tim Eagle Speaker, parents of four children, had overdosed on what was believe to be fentanyl, also known as Oxy80s, he decided to make a change. Since May, he has sought treatment at a Blood Tribe clinic for his fentanyl addiction, receiving suboxone, an opioid replacement. Dr. Susan Christenson, who has been practicing medicine on the reserve at her Lavern townsite clinic since 2006, says it is difficult to overdose on suboxone unless it is combined with alcohol or other opioids. Because of the number of deaths on the reserve, she has faced little resistance to its use. Doctors believe that suboxone and methadone are treatments that help with withdrawal as those who detox are at a high risk of relapsing. Since Christenson has set up her suboxone clinic, there have been fewer overdoses on the reserve. Shouting also lost a cousin and close friend to fentanyl, linked to an estimated 30 Blood tribe member deaths. The treatment has helped Shouting turn his life around. He has been accepted into Mount Royal University’s social work program with an eye to becoming an addictions counsellor. Among other steps the community has taken include increased patrols, a 24-hour crisis line, and an overdose reversal medication, naloxone. The fentanyl death toll continues to rise with 145 fatal overdoses reported in Alberta in the first six months of this year.
Motorists charged toll for short-cutting through reserve land A serious crash on Aug. 24 which closed the Trans-Canada highway for about eight hours, saw some motorists begin detouring through the Morley reserve. Ken Christensen, tribal administrator with the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, told CTV News, “Nation members own the reserve and people were illegally – and I want to emphasize illegally – on the reserve using it as a detour route.” Considered to be trespassers on reserve lands, the motorists encountered blockades and were charged a toll to pass through. Tolls of $10-$20 were charged to those not following the proper detour to a public highway through the reserve. Calling the detour and incident “unfortunate,” Premier Rachel Notley said, “We have to acknowledge that First Nations have rights on their reserve land akin to, or greater than, certainly private property owners. And you know, they are going to make those decisions and we don’t have jurisdiction on that.”
Elder in the Making to Screen at CIFF Director Chris Hsiung’s feature documentary Elder in the Making has been selected to premiere at Calgary International Film Festival which runs from Sept. 23-Oct. 4. Co-produced by Cowboy Smithx, the documentary was inspired by The Making of Treaty 7. The documentary brings together two travel companions, a Blackfoot Aboriginal named Cowboy and a Chinese-Canadian newcomer, Chris, who set out on a spiritual journey of discovery through Blackfoot territory. Cowboy Smithx begins to understand his Blackfoot ancestry and missing identity, marked by the letter X. Travelling through the land, his search leads him to explore the meaning and responsibilities of becoming an Elder. Chris also embarks on his own journey of self-discovery, learning about Aboriginal history and the signing of Treaty 7 at Blackfoot Crossing. Narcisse Blood, Wes Olsen, Herman Yellow Old Woman and Alvine Mountainhorse also appear in the film, with music performed by Kris Demeanor, Crack Band and Eya-Hey Nakoda.
Compiled by Darlene Chrapko
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
8
EDUCATION
Kainai Chieftan display suffers setback By Andrea Smith Sweetgrass Writer KAINAI NAITON
The fire that devastated the Red Crow College will delay the opening of an exhibit that focused on the Kainai Chieftainship and recently found a permanent home at the college after spending time at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge. Photographs will have to be reprinted and plaques made anew by the Galt for Robert First Charger’s display, which is a series of photographs with labels, and two large text panels. Once that is completed, the exhibit will be permanently displayed at the new home for Red Crow College, the Saipoyi school in Standoff. The exhibit tells about the Kainai Chieftainship, an elaborate ceremony that is sacred but often misunderstood. “That’s what people don’t know… We don’t get just anybody to do this stuff. The people that perform the ceremony are respected spiritual leaders. It’s not a tourist thing, it’s a place of high honour,” said First Charger. In fact, the process is taken very seriously by members of the Kainai and members of the Chieftainship. People who have been chosen to be part of the Chieftainship are non-tribal members who have contributed something significant to the Kainai Nation or to society in general. They then act as part of a board of directors, and some will take a role as president. But they will also consult with the Kainai Chief and council before inducting any new members in their group. First Charger worked on the exhibit as part of an applied studies component to his fine arts degree at the University of Lethbridge. He spent six weeks formally preparing the material, but continued to add to it even after his placement was over. The Kainai Chieftainship has a lengthy history and it was hard to narrow his focus to only 18 people in the 96-year history of the ceremony, he says. “The first one was in 1919, and only 40 living individuals can be given the name of the Kainai Chieftainship. When somebody dies, they’re replaced by other people and selected by
other members,” said First Charger. “There’s some really neat people they’ve chosen. There was Gerry Conaty, and Ralph Klein… They incorporated the repatriation of Blackfoot artifacts to the Blackfoot reserve and Blackfoot Confederacy. It was between 200 and 500 artifacts,” said First Charger. Notable people such as Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Pope John Paul, and environmental activist and scientist celebrity David Suzuki have been inducted. “When we were doing a fundraiser for the Red Crow College for a new campus museum and library… (Suzuki) didn’t hesitate. He’s a really hard person to get as a guest speaker, but I got a good deal from him. It usually costs quite a bit but I got him for next to nothing,” said First Charger. But it’s not just the members themselves that make the ceremony so special, he says. It’s also what happens during the ceremony. “We have a war veteran that goes out and catches the people… When the ceremony is done, it’s the war veteran that goes out and dances around and captures the person who is coming into the Kainai Chieftainship,” said First Charger. That person is then brought before the spiritual leader, and the induction is made. Melissa Whitegrass, who served in Afghanistan, was the most recent veteran to act in this role and also the first female. She was given the opportunity to catch inductees like Stephen Harper, before he became “unpopular,” said First Charger. Politics aside, First Charger is happy to see his exhibit find some longevity. He has experience curating at museums like the Glenbow in Calgary, and art galleries like the Blackfoot Art Gallery in Lethbridge. Most of the time, the exhibits are scrapped when it’s over, he says. “It’ll probably be there like, forever. I thought it was important they have it, because usually when it’s done, the materials we used we always end up trashing. I figured I’d give it to somebody that could use it,” he said.
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EDUCATION
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
9
MMIW conference to provide way forward By Andrea D. Smith Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON
When Josh Alexis got the opportunity to help Karen McCarthy plan an upcoming three-day conference on murdered and missing Indigenous women, he jumped on board. Alexis felt McCarthy was “going about it the right way,” and after his community of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation recently had two women go missing—including a family member of his—he can relate to the cause. But he reminds people not to stereotype, as not all murdered and missing Aboriginal women have addictions issues or live on the street. “Misty (Potts Sanderson) was a smart woman… a highly educated woman, and active in
cultural ways. When you want to have drum practice, she’s not there… when you want to ask for environmental advice, she’s not there,” he said of how the loss affected him. “There’s grief in everything about your life… because the dynamics are different in First Nations communities. Everybody is intertwined.” The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation has teamed up with Onion Lake Cree Nation to cohost The Spirit of our Sisters Gathering on murdered and missing Indigenous women. The event will take place Sept. 28-30 in Edmonton. “I had to go through my own issues, growing up with addicted family members and poverty, and I managed to go to school, and raise my kid without addictions,” said McCarthy, a coordinator for the event. “I’ve found myself
in situations where I could have ended up as a missing and murdered Indigenous woman, so these issues are really close to home and that’s why I think if we work together we can understand them.” McCarthy first realized the need for the event after hearing last spring that Canada had sent aid to Nigeria for kidnapped school children. She found it disturbing that Harper would send aid overseas while showing little concern for the missing and murdered Indigenous women issue in his own country. She then gained the support of notables like former Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Ovide Mercredi, Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, former Chief of Driftpile First Nation and activist Rose Laboucan, and AFN Alberta Regional
Chief Craig Mackinaw, establishing two steering committees, an advisory council, and a panel of First Nations Elders. “It’s open to anybody as long as they register and pay the fee. But the families (of victims) don’t pay, they are sponsored and invited to come. It’s not just targeted to Aboriginal people because the issue needs to be supported and worked on from all areas,” said McCarthy. While some politicians have registered, the intention is not political, said McCarthy. The three-day event is organized into a variety of themes that will open up discussion about how and why Indigenous women have gone missing, and determine what can be done about it. “We’re looking at presentations that go back into our history like colonialism,
the sixties scoop, and child welfare, and educating delegates about intergenerational trauma,” she said. “A lot of people don’t understand why Indigenous people are the way they are today.” Speakers include Dr. Gabor Mate, a Vancouver-based doctor and author of popular addictions psychology book, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. He will follow presentations on residential schools, and relating eyeopening information about the link between childhood trauma and addictions in adulthood, said McCarthy. At the end of the conference, McCarthy hopes to write a final report based on the findings. “We’ll be dialoguing solutions and action planning… If we can take information from this gathering and move forward, we can bring it to another region and continue gathering,” she said.
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Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
10
COMMUNITY
Academic success linked to Alberta Future Leaders
PHOTO: HAZEL MARTIAL
Cassie Flett, who is now in her second year at Mount Royal University, credits her academic success to the Alberta Future Leaders program.
By Hazel Martial Sweetgrass Staff EDMONTON
Cassie Flett credits the Alberta Future Leaders program for getting her into university. Currently in her second year at Mount Royal University, Flett, 26, from Gift Lake Métis Settlement, believes it was AFL mentors like Melissa Tierney, who encouraged her to pursue post-secondary education. “Melissa would keep pushing me and pushing me to apply,” said Flett, who was introduced to the program when living in Gift Lake. It was after Flett herself became a mentor that she applied for post-secondary education. The Alberta Future Leaders program was founded in 1996. It provides a positive alternative to negative behaviours by having youth mentors work with youth. This year the program was hosted by 10 communities: Beaver First Nation, ChatehDene Tha’, East Prairie Métis Settlement, Sucker Creek First Nation, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Kehewin Cree Nation, Kikino Métis Settlement, Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, Piikani Nation, and in partnership with iHuman Youth Society and Boyle Street Community Services for urban Aboriginal youth in Edmonton. One of the catchphrases for AFL is “happy smiling faces.” Keeping the kids smiling and engaged allows them to open up, which is great for the community, says Scott Grevlund, sport consultant, with AFL. “Every year I believe the program to be a success because just making a difference in just one youth’s’ life is a success,” he said. Youth mentors introduce leadership skills and other life skills through sports, arts or culture. Grevlund says he knows the program is a success when young participants are eager for
the activities. The biggest moment, though, is the one-onone time that is spent between the youth participants and the mentors. “The one on one time not only tells the youths story but it builds a common bond between the youth participant and the mentor; fostering a friendship that they can carry as a positive influence throughout the entirety of their lives,” said Grevlund. Tammy Lamouche, 27, also from Gift Lake Métis Settlement, was introduced to the program by attending the Youth Leadership training camp outside of Hinton. “Getting to know all these others youth from different communities, was amazing. Cassie did her first year in Chateh and then told me about all these amazing experiences but I didn’t understand them or how real they were until I had experienced them,” said Lamouche, who went from participating in the program to being a mentor. Lamouche says she takes away a number of valuable lessons from being a mentor but what stays with her the most is “patience, it’s good to have expectations to a certain extent, but you experience way more than you expected.” Alberta Sports Connection hosted a celebration for Aboriginal youth and Alberta’s future leaders on Aug. 25. During the formal program the mentors told memorable stories from their time with the youth. The success of AFL in Aboriginal communities shows that by building a legacy of recreation, sports, arts, and leadership development, youth can develop for themselves a future and path that will also inspire others, says Grevlund. He adds that many of the participants returned to the program as mentors and many went on to post-secondary schooling. During AFL’s 19 years, the program has partnered with 43
communities across the province and has expanded its partnerships to include swimming lessons with the Red Cross and sport camps with the Be Fit for Life Centres.
SPORTS
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
11
Volleyball player focuses on helping Canada to Olympic qualifiers By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer WINNIPEG
Following a major disappointment at her most recent competition, Jaimie Thibeault is looking forward to her next volleyball excursions. The 25-year-old, who was born in Grande Prairie, is a member of the Canadian women’s volleyball squad. The club only managed to win one of its four matches at the Pan American Games, which were held in July in Toronto and surrounding communities. Thibeault, a member of the T’Sou-ke Nation (Coast Salish), and her teammates ended up finishing eighth in the eight-team tournament. “That was a tough one,” she said. “We just got back from two months of being out on the road.” Prior to the Pan American Games, the Canadians participated in tournaments in Cuba, Peru, Puerto Rico and Argentina. Though her side did not get the results it would have preferred, Thibeault was still pleased she was able to be part of the games. “The experience volleyballwise was amazing in terms of the crowd,” she said. “And the
PHOTO: KEVIN LIGHT/VOLLEYBALL CANADA
Jaimie Thibeault for Team Canada in an indoor game against Cuba during the Pan American Games.
(athletes) village was amazing. And all the volunteers were amazing.” After spending the first few years of her life in Grande Prairie, Thibeault moved to Sylvan Lake, in central Alberta. But she now spends most of her summers in Winnipeg, where the national squad trains. Thibeault and her teammates are now gearing up for an international tournament in Mexico in late September. The top four finishers from that
event advance to an Olympic qualifier this coming January. Because of her national team duties, Thibeault was late reporting to her new professional team in Europe, which began its training camp in late August. The first league game is Oct. 18. Thibeault, who graduated from the University of Montana in 2011, is entering her fourth year in the pro ranks. She started off with a team in France before spending a
season in Italy. And this past year she played for a club in Poland. As for this season, she’ll be returning to Italy. She has inked a deal to suit up for Unendo Yamamay Butso Arsizio, one of the top women’s teams in not only the Italian circuit but in all of Europe. “(The Italian league) is a really hard league to get into,” she said. “They usually like to take Americans for the import spots.”
As a pro, Thibeault has only signed one-year contracts. “You never know the situation you’re getting into,” she said, adding that the first time she played in Italy she never received all of the money she had agreed to in her contract. “It can be a little risky.” Thibeault’s pro contract has a clause that allows her to be released for national team duties. If Canada advances to the Olympic qualifier in January, she will miss some action with her pro club team. Though reluctant to reveal her exact salary, Thibeault said being a pro in Europe can be lucrative, with perks including the team paying for her apartment and providing her with a car. “It is great money and a fun lifestyle but it can be really tough sometimes,” she said, adding being in a country where English is not the predominant language has its setbacks. Thibeault, who has a degree in elementary education, is uncertain how much longer she wants to continue playing the sport. “I don’t know,” she said. “I’m hoping I have at least a couple more years left. It all depends on where I am in my life.”
Alberta Sweetgrass - September 2015
12
COMMUNITY
Artist’s paintings taken to new canvas By Andrea D. Smith Sweetgrass Writer MANTOULIN ISLAND
Métis artist Christi Belcourt has taken a temporary leap into fashion with stunning results. Italian fashion company Valentino approached her this year with designs for a new line featuring patterns and detailing inspired by Belcourt’s work. Belcourt, who was contacted by email initially, researched the company before accepting their offer. “I had to know who they were and their track record with cultural appropriation. The first thing I asked was if they had any models walk down the runway wearing headdresses,” said Belcourt, of her concern that Indigenous inspired pieces would be used inappropriately. “They said they hadn’t, and that was really important to me.” Some of Belcourt’s paintings are floral patterns resembling traditional First Nations beadwork. It’s these designs in particular the company is using on 10 dresses and outfits for their 2016 House of Valentino Resort Collection. Belcourt met fabric designer Francesco Bova in Toronto where he showed her the pieces of material and sketches of the designs they planned to use. “I honestly could not have added anything more. What could you say to something that was already beautiful? At that point, it would just be rude to criticize,” said Belcourt, who was impressed by the designs, but even more impressed with the company’s respectfulness on the process of consulting her. “I appreciate anything creative… from one artist to another. Especially if people are trying to make beautiful things,” she said. Belcourt has been creating art since she was a child. She is from Lac St. Anne, a Michif community in the north. She considers her heritage a key
PHOTO: CHRISTI BELCOURT
Christi Belcourt‘s painting, Water Song, which Valentino’s Francesco Bova turned into fabric samples made for some technical challenges when the scale of the design was reduced to work on a skirt or a jacket.
piece of who she is as well as inspiration for the works she produces now. Beyond that, nature is another source of inspiration for her, so Valentino’s dedication to the environment boded well for them in her eyes. “They told me they had been voted number one by Greenpeace, in all of the fashion industry for the eco-conscious materials they use. They also pledged to use 100 per cent material that is not damaging to water by 2020,” she said. Belcourt is so passionate about the environment, she has been working alongside two other artists, Erin Konsmo and Isaac Murdoch, on The Onamen Collective since 2014. The Onamen Collective gives youth across Canada a chance to create or learn about a variety of art projects, such as making their own murals, viewing pictographs on historic sites, learning traditional stories and languages from Elders, and attending traditional
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ceremonies. She also had her design chosen for a stained glass window that was erected in Centre Block of Parliament to commemorate the legacy of former Indian residential school students. Belcourt has also been heavily involved with the Walking with Our Sisters movement—a memorial art project dedicated to Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women. “Walking with Our Sisters has
been life changing for me because of the power of the ceremony, and seeing how people have been touched by it,” she said. “Going into spaces and telling people to turn their space over to the community, so they can host this memorial, and have community people come and volunteer… Everybody’s giving their heart for it,” she said. As far as her latest move into the fashion industry is concerned, Belcourt is flattered by Valentino’s adaptations of
her work, but she maintains her humility. She still attributes her desire to keep going and keep creating to her connection with her social art projects. “It’s all that grassroots stuff we’re involved in that keeps me inspired every single day. There might be things written on a resume that look like milestones in a career, but those things don’t matter as much as being part of something that’s just good, and decent… and accomplishes change, hopefully,” she said.