Windspeaker jan 15 2017 vol35 no 1

Windspeaker • Established 1983 • ISSN-177X • Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA) www.windspeaker.com / www.ammsa.com • Volume 35 No 1 • January 2017

Inform. Impact. Inspire. Independent. Indigenous.

His name is Wicapi Omani, the man who walks amongst the stars. The Assembly of First Nations chose to honor Gord Downie Dec. 6 at its Photo by: Adam Scotti Photo Chiefs Special Assembly. provided by the Office of the Prime Minister © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2016

[ news ]

Changes needed in machinery CCAB chooses Métis businessman of government, says Bellegarde for top honors

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

Respected Métis entrepreneur Dr. Herbert Belcourt is the recipient of the 2017 Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.

Belcourt is the founder of several businesses, including Belcourt Construction, started in 1965. It’s the third largest power-line company in Alberta.

In 2001, Belcourt and two others formed Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards, a $13-million endowment with a mandate to support Métis students to further their education. To date, $17 million is in the endowment. During the last 15 years, $6 million has been bestowed on more than 1,000 students in more than 200 programs in every education institution in Alberta.

Belcourt’s accolades include an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta in 2001, the Order of Athabasca University in 2006,

OTTAWA

Dr. Herbert Belcourt an investiture as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2010, and an honorary diploma from NorQuest College in 2014.

The Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business recognizes a First Nations (Status or non-Status), Inuit, or Métis business person whose community leadership and business success has made a substantive contribution to the economic and social well-being of Aboriginal people across Canada.

Business owner stepped up during Fort Mac fires Isabell Ringenoldus is the recipient of the 2017 National Youth Entrepreneur of the year award. She will be recognized at the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business gala on Jan. 31, 2017, in Toronto.

Ringenoldus owns and operates TAWS Security, based on the Fort McMurray First Nation in Anzac.

Following the devastating Fort McMurray area wildfire, TAWS Security deployed both management and trained guards to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo just hours after the fire started.

The chief operating officer of TAWS Security was promptly appointed the position of director of private security

service.

The Youth Entrepreneur Award recognizes an up-andcoming Aboriginal entrepreneur under the age of 35 and a $10,000 financial award comes with it.

Perinatal mortality rate for Aboriginal babies in Alberta is around seven in every 1,000 births Alberta Health Services and Merck Canada will develop an initiative aimed at improving access and quality of care for Aboriginal mothers in Maskwacis, Little Red River Cree

Nation and inner-city Edmonton.

Merck Canada Inc. will provide a $1-million grant through the Merck for Mothers program, with another $300,000 grant from Alberta Innovates.

The funding will be used for education, peer support in the weeks before and after the birth,

Isabell Ringenoldus

The federal government’s commitment of $8.4 billion in its first budget is a huge accomplishment, said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde.

Windspeaker asked the national chief to rate his organization’s progress over the past year.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve accomplished anything, but working together as a team with regional chiefs, with our chiefs’ committees that we have in place, we’re moving the file forward and we’re going to continue to move that forward as long as there’s good direction and strength and unity,” said Bellegarde.

Although he credits a “more collaborative, cooperative working relationship” with the Trudeau government, Bellegarde said there is still much work to be done.

Some of that work was undertaken at the Special Chiefs Assembly held in Gatineau Dec. 6 to Dec. 8.

It marked the second time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the chiefs, having attended last year’s assembly only weeks after winning the federal election.

Cabinet ministers on the assembly agenda included Carolyn Bennett (Indigenous and Northern Affairs), and Melanie Joly (Heritage).

While Bellegarde is pleased with the more open line of communication with the government, Canada doesn’t get a passing grade on every decision. He points to the approval of the Site C dam in British Columbia, which will see the flooding of lands used for hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering.

“We’re not going to be happy with every decision that’s made, obviously,” said Bellegarde.

And, until the government makes the necessary changes to federal policies and laws to include First Nations input, the government does not “have the mandate to make decisions and recommendations, from a rights perspective,” he said.

A review of federal laws and

We can do better for babies and moms

Page [2]

as well as improved care co-ordination and evaluation.

Regardless of place of residence, the perinatal mortality rate for Aboriginal women in Alberta is around seven in every 1,000 births, compared to around four in every 1,000 births in the nonAboriginal population.

Photo by Cara McKenna

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde federal polices to get them in line a national treaty commissioner with Sect. 35 of the Constituand a First Nations Indigenous tion Act was one commitment languages commissioner.

Trudeau addressed the first time Bellegarde said that while proghe spoke at the Chiefs Special ress has been made over the past Assembly. year, he’s not satisfied.

“We have a lot of work to do on “Am I happy with that? Not those two fronts,” said Bellegarde. completely, because we’ve got to But he does credit Trudeau with make sure (the resources) flow efmaking progress on three other fectively and efficiently out. That’s issues raised last year: the next challenge; to help change The national inquiry into murthe machinery of government and dered and missing Indigenous the different bureaucracies that women and girls has gone ahead; are there, to start looking at more fiscal tables to move forward effective and efficient processes to on eliminating the two per cent get it out to have impact on the funding cap and established ground,” he said. processes for long-term, sustainBellegarde also said that closing able, predictable funding for First the gap that exists between CanaNations have been set up; and, dians, who sit at six on the United the flow of education dollars has Nations quality of life index, and started over the last two months.

First Nations people, who are Bellegarde said there still needs ranked 63, won’t be accomplished to be action on Trudeau’s fifth quickly. commitment—honouring the 94 “You need five, 10-, 15-, 20-year calls to action from the Truth and strategies to close that six versus Reconciliation Commission. He 63 gap; long-term sustainable said he would like to see an overeconomic strategies, long-term sight committee established to sustainable investments in housensure this commitment is met. ing, in water, education and trainBellegarde’s priorities are: ing,” he said.

• The revitalization of Indig“We have things that are going, enous languages; that we lobbied for, pushed for, • establishing processes to move so yeah, on those fronts (he’s beyond the Indian Act; and, pleased), but we’ve got a lot of • changing government instituwork to do again and this is not tions to include such offices as going to be done in one year.”

Perinatal mortality rate for Aboriginal babies in Alberta is around seven in every 1,000 births. Merck wants to improve those numbers.

January I 2017

[ news ] Greatest day for Downie was the day he brought people together

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor GATINEAU

Students show off the shed they constructed during camp.

Wilderness camp promotes hands-on environment Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council and Northland School Division schools participated in a Career and Technology Studies camp.

From Nov. 28 to Dec. 5, about 50 students slept in Lake School student Cecil Cardinal sercabins at Marten vices an ATV as part of the mechanics Lakes Wilderness courses.

Camp – Northern Lakes College Campus, located off Highway 754 between Slave Lake and WabascaDesmarais.

High school credit courses related to carpentry, cosmetology, foods, mechanics and a firearms certification course were provided.

Students hand-picked the courses they wanted to take by completing a survey prior to attending camp.

“I definitely see the learning occur. On top of learning, students were being cooperative with one another and developing new relationships because of this camp experience,” said Kelly Parsons, a high school teacher at Little Buffalo School.

Frontman for the Tragically Hip Gord Downie became emotional when he was given the Lakota name Wicapi Omani, which means “the man who walks amongst the stars.” The name was given at a ceremony Dec. 6 on the opening day of the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Special Assembly.

“We must walk down a path of reconciliation from now on. Together and forever. This is the first day of forever. The greatest day of my life. The greatest day of all our lives,” Downie said following the ceremony.

The singer-songwriter garnered special attention from First Nations this past summer when he brought attention to their plight in his last concert on a countrywide tour.

Performing in Kingston in August with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the crowd, Downie said “We’re in good hands, folks.

Real good hands. [Trudeau] cares about the people way up north, that we were trained our entire lives to ignore, trained our entire

“We must walk down a path of reconciliation from now on.” ~ Wicapi Omani

lives to hear not a word of what’s going on up there. And what’s going on up there ain’t good. It’s maybe worse than it’s ever been, so it’s not on the improve. [But] we’re going to get it fixed and we got the guy to do it, to start, to help.”

The Kingston concert marked Downie’s last performance. In May, he had announced he had terminal brain cancer and that the band would embark on its final tour.

Following the concert, Downie continued to bring attention to First Nations when he undertook a project with comic artist Jeff Lemire.

The Secret Path is an animated film about Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old Ojibwa boy who died in 1966 after running away from his residential school in Ontario.

Downie provided the poems and music for the film while Lemire did the illustrations.

Downie is currently touring with the film.

All proceeds from the Secret Path album and graphic novel will be donated Photo by: Adam Scotti Photo to the National provided by the Office of the Prime Minister © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2016 Centre for Truth

and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.

The naming ceremony also included Downie being presented with an eagle feather, a star blanket and a specially commissioned painting by Loretta Gould, a Mi’kmaq artist who envisioned Downie and Chanie Wenjack meeting in the work, entitled Share our Teachings.

“We know that you are in your own journey in life but somewhere in your life you took time to believe in our people, you took time to believe in a family, and we’re proud of you,” said Regional Chief for Nova Scotia-Newfoundland Morley Googoo of the Waycobah First Nation.

Trudeau was on stage and looked on as Downie was faced in all four directions and had the eagle feather tied to his hat.

Trudeau said both Downie’s words at his Kingston concert and the chiefs’ honouring of Downie are acts of reconciliation.

“Gord in simple and elegant words used that moment to advocate and advance by many years the reconciliation dialogue in this country. Gord embodies all Canadians’ desire for reconciliation just as your honouring him today was an act of reconciliation,” said Trudeau. “It is these individual acts that will help get our country where it needs and deserves to be.”

Language situation is urgent, no quick fix

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor GATINEAU Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed his government to working with Indigenous peoples in creating and enacting an Indigenous Languages Act. Speaking Tuesday on the opening day of the Special Chiefs Assembly for the Assembly of First Nations, Trudeau said residential schools and other government actions tried to eliminate Indigenous languages and cultures.

“If we are to truly advance reconciliation we must undo the lasting damage that resulted. So today I commit to you that our government will enact an Indigenous Languages Act co-developed with Indigenous peoples with the goal of ensur-

January I 2017

“We understand the devastating impact that the loss of an ancestral language can have on peoples’ sense of identity and connection.” ~ Heritage Minister Melanie Joly ing the preservation, protection and revitalization of First Nations, Métis and Inuit languages in this country,” he said, receiving applause and a standing ovation.

Three of the 94 calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission reference work the federal government

needs to do in the area of language and culture, including the creation of an Aboriginal Languages Act, and with that provide sufficient funding for language revitalization and preservation.

The TRC states that “preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages

and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities.”

Heritage Minister Melanie Joly committed her department to working on individual approaches to meet unique community needs, ensuring that communities would be involved in identifying priorities, planning approaches and leading activities.

“We know that when it comes to most Indigenous languages and cultures, the situation is urgent and there is no quick fix for a situation that has developed over generations,” said Joly. “We know that parliament is the forum for a long-term solution. We know that legislation would bind future generations and this is exactly why we are doing it.”

Joly noted that the theme of Canada’s 150 year celebration next year is reconciliation, and in the spirit of reconciliation,

one-third of the special projects funded next year involve Indigenous communities.

Joly said that according to the United Nations, 90 Indigenous languages are spoken in Canada and two-thirds of them are considered endangered.

“We understand the devastating impact that the loss of an ancestral language can have on peoples’ sense of identity and connection,” she said.

Prior to the start of the Chiefs Assembly, AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde had stated that the revitalization of Indigenous languages was a priority he wanted the government to set.

Before Joly was draped with a star blanket, Bellegarde said the AFN’s chiefs committee on languages would be working closely with the Department of Heritage on this endeavour.

“The commitment is here.

Page [3]

[ news ]

Trudeau love-fest at Assembly worries grassroots advocate

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor GATINEAU Russell Diabo is concerned with the chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations and their fawning over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government. Such outright acceptance could spell trouble for First Nations people down the road, he told Windspeaker.

The policy advisor to the Algonquin Nation Secretariat pointed out that National Chief Perry Bellegarde took no opportunity in his opening address to the Special Chiefs Assembly Dec. 6 to condemn the Liberal government for failing to follow through on the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to provide adequate funding for children on reserve.

And the Prime Minister’s address to the assembly that same day was met with a standing ovation from the chiefs.

“The Liberal party has a history of broken promises….there’s a big difference between what they’re saying and what they’re doing.

“When Trudeau says they’re going to decolonize the laws… well, we’ll see,” said Diabo.

Diabo has a checklist, and as far as he’s concerned, Trudeau’s accomplishments aren’t as impressive as the Prime Minister makes out.

Trudeau recounted his government’s accomplishments in his speech to the assembly: The launch of a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indig-

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde hug it out centre stage at the Special Chiefs Assembly on Dec. 6. enous women and girls they do,” Diabo said.

The appointment of Jody While he concedes the IndigWilson-Raybould as the first Inenous Languages Act is beneficial, digenous minister of Justice and and changes in programs and serAttorney General vices —such as education, housProgress on 36 of the 45 Calls to ing, and safe drinking water—are Action of the Truth and Reconcil- being addressed, Diabo asserts the iation Commission under federal Liberals have fallen short in other jurisdiction areas.

The lifting of 14 long-term boil “You’re not going to build any water advisories on First Nations kind of future for self-determina31 new schools under construction without lands, territories and tion on First Nations resources, because most reserve The Promise to the United lands are only big enough for resiNations to fully adopt the UN dential purposes. You need a bigDeclaration on the Rights of ger land base and you need access Indigenous Peoples. to revenue sharing or something,” Trudeau also announced that an he said.

Indigenous Languages Act would Diabo is also critical of Trudeau’s be legislated. claim that the Liberals haven’t “A year later there’s still a big gap accepted UNDRIP without qualibetween what they say and what fication.

“It’s a much weaker domestic standard where the burden of proof is on the Aboriginal group claiming Section 35 rights to prove it. And even then, under the case law, it can all be justified.”

What Trudeau is invoking is, basically, national interest, said Diabo.

He points to the Liberal government’s non-compliance on three orders from the CHRT to take action on child welfare on reserves.

Photo by: Adam Scotti. Photo provided by the Office of the Prime Minister© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2016 He notes continued court action against First Nations by the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the chiefs in assemTrudeau government. bly on Dec. 6 receiving a standing ovation. Many rushed to And Diabo is not as confident take selfies with the PM afterwards. as Trudeau is that his government

“This government is still operating on stealth and secrecy. There needs to be more transparency...” ~Russell Diabo

has been meeting the TRC’s Calls to Action.

In fact, Toronto-based historian Ian Mosby undertook a study of the TRC’s Calls to Action and, with help from crowd-sourced information, determined only five had been completed.

According to Mosby’s calculations, the federal government, Crown corporations and nonprofit organizations had each completed one Call to Action, while the churches have completed two.

The federal government’s completed Call to Action is the launch of the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Diabo is also impatiently waiting for action to be taken on Trudeau’s promised review of policy and law.

“There’s a whole history of colonialism, despite his promises, he hasn’t addressed yet,” Diabo said.

Bellegarde is quick to point out that Trudeau has only been in power a year and has committed $8.4 billion to Indigenous peoples, more than even the Kelowna Accord promised.

Bellegarde says it will take many years to close the socio-economic gap.

“The position AFN is taking is they’ve decided they’re going to try and work with this government. (Bellegarde) has defended it already saying it’s better than the last one.

“I don’t disagree but this government is still operating on stealth and secrecy. There needs to be more transparency on what AFN and the Prime Minister’s Office are negotiating… because the real rights holders of Aboriginal treaty rights are the grassroots peoples, not just the chiefs,” said Diabo.

It was alleged that secret negotiations between former AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act led to Atleo’s resignation.

Diabo says Bellegarde runs the same risk.

“I think the potential is there for that because my understanding is that most of these negotiations are taking place between the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Chief ’s office,” Diabo said.

He worked with the AFN under three different national chiefs at three different times holding three different positions spanning 1981 to 1997.

“I know AFN is an advocacy body, but you have to be very careful. You can maybe work out some principles and things like that, but those need to be ratified.

“Under AFN charter, it needs to be ratified by the Chiefs in Assembly…. And I would even say that if you’re going to go by the principles of the courts, even the Chiefs in Assembly resolutions aren’t good enough. You need to make sure you’re getting out … into the regions and communities and making sure there’s sign off on these things at that level, because the courts are saying that’s where the Aboriginal treaty rights are, on the ground,” Diabo explained.

Diabo was also involved with the Liberals in the 1990s, instrumental with Jean Chretien’s Red Book platform.

“So I’m seeing déjà vu. This is the same kind of thing where we worked on the promises and then Chretien got in and broke them. Trudeau in 2015, he made the promises. I think he made the promises because he was campaigning against the NDP, but when he found out he had a majority government facing a Conservative opposition, I think he’s narrowly interpreting his promises now, keeping an eye on them to the right as the ones he has to face off in the next election….

“He’s using his majority in Parliament to force through how he wants to see things going, including the promise of the UN declaration,” said Diabo.

Read a lot of great news online Page [4]

January I 2017

[ news ] Crown/First Nations Fiscal Relationship

Funding should go direct to Nations

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

Nations auditor general, said Bellegarde, if First Nations were to create their own institutions GATINEAU that would be responsible for accountability and transparency.

And, “You need Treasury There is no role to play by InBoard involved if you’re talking digenous Affairs—or the provabout a … new fiscal agreement inces for that matter—in the with the Crown, and transfers new fiscal relationship that is government to government. So being built between the Crown there’s got and First Nato be some tions. internal policy That is changes as the meswell,” said sage INAC Bellegarde.

Minister As it stands Carolyn Bennow, money nett received flows to First Wednesday, Nations Dec.7 when through a she parnumber of ticipated in federal departa “fireside ments and chat” at the through the Assembly of provinces in First Nations’ Minister Carolyn Bennett areas of educaSpecial Chiefs tion, health Assembly. “ I have a and social And she responsibility of services, and agreed. custodian of the sometimes But, Bennett said that (Crown-First Nations) with INAC as the the relationrelationship to make acting intermediary. ship between sure that... we can “I am on the INAC and ground.

I am First Nations actually get to something in the comwas in a transiyou’re describing.” munity. I am tional phase. seeing how Until all First all of these Nations were relationships translate into what “out from under the Indian takes place in our communiAct”– and she said incentives ties,” said Jimmie. may be necessary for all First Speaking from the floor, a Nations to make that move– INAC still has to be involved in number of chiefs said that provinces received funding on that fiscal oversight. behalf of First Nations, but then “I have a responsibility of turned around and said their custodian of the (Crown-First responsibility did not lie on Nations) relationship to make reserves. sure that the processes, like this There was no accountability on (Chiefs’ Fiscal) committee, does whether the provinces spent the the kind of work they need to money in meeting the needs of do with all the relevant minisoff-reserve members. Chiefs said ters so that we can actually get to something you’re describing,” the money should be coming directly to them and not to the she said.

AFN National Chief Perry Bel- provinces.

Bennett said the way money legarde and Squiala First Nation flows now is not satisfactory.

Chief David Jimmie co-host “How do we plan this in a way the Chiefs Fiscal Table, which that is good for you?” she asked. is tasked with working towards “How do we make this work that new fiscal relationship. across all the whole of governIn July, Bellegarde signed a ment and moving forward? memorandum of understand“It means that you get to plan ing with Bennett to “lay the health and infrastructure and groundwork for a new era of education. It means that you stable, sustainable and predictcan do the kind of comprehenable funding for First Nations sive community planning that [to move] towards closing you know you need knowing the gap in the quality of life that there would be one place between First Nations and where you would go to be able Canadians.” to fund what your vision for Three meetings have taken your community is.” place.

Jimmie said that at the Chiefs Joining the Chiefs Fiscal Special Assembly in DecemCommittee at the last meeting ber 2017, the committee will were Auditor General Michael present recommendations for Ferguson and Treasury Board consideration. Between now and President Scott Brison. Their then, meetings will take place inclusion is significant, said with First Nations and governBellegarde. Ferguson talked ment representatives. about creating a national First

January I 2017

Chief Ryan Day of the Bonaparte First Nation with his newly-acquired Commitment Stick .

Violence stops with me marks health authority’s new program

By Andrea Smith Windspeaker Contributor VANCOUVER The answer to lateral violence lies is “lateral kindness”, according to the First Nations Health Authority of British Columbia.

The authority has launched a project to back that conviction called the Commitment Stick, which will help First Nations communities take a step to eradicate violence against Indigenous women.

Lateral violence is the act of violence or hostility committed toward one another by members of oppressed and marginalized populations. This behavior is a result of discrimination, colonization, and inter-generational trauma from Indian Residential Schools. The health authority asserts it’s contributed to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women “I think that violence against women is such an important issue for us, and it’s been there for a long time. Looking at how important women are to our communities, the FNHA, as an organization that’s a health and wellness champion, wanted to partner with our people on their health and wellness journey,” said Joe Gallagher, CEO. Lateral kindness includes teaching empathy and humility to negate the effects of lateral violence.

Not only is the FNHA supporting the Commitment Stick movement, but they are funding communities that want to take the pledge.

Lateral kindness includes teaching empathy and humility to negate the effects of lateral violence. Not only is the FNHA supporting the Commitment Stick movement, but they are funding communities that want to take the pledge.

A community can apply to the FNHA and collect $1,000 as a

start-up grant for any programs, events, or ceremonies they want to host in the name of creating a safer community for Indigenous women. The FNHA announced this support following the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25.

“In addition to this, we need to partner with our communities and take an active role in it.

The FNHA will lead by example, because in health work the B.C. work force is predominantly women… We need to make sure we’re mindful in taking care of our female health authority,” he said, adding that the FNHA will work within itself and with its own employees to create safer, kinder work spaces.

Chief Charlene Belleau of the Alkali First Nation (Esk’etemc) helped create the Commitment Stick initiative just over one year ago. She collaborated on the project with an Elder from Alkali, Fred Johnson.

Johnson and his family handcarve and hand-paint each stick, then perform blessing ceremonies around them.

Each color on the stick has meaning. Red, to honor and mourn missing and murdered Indigenous women; Yellow to honor every individual’s breath of life; Black, to honor the body; and white to honor the knowledge and wisdom of the Elders.

Additionally, the four colors also symbolize the need for the four races to work together to leave this violence in the past, reads the health authority website.

“To me the first significance of it is that the people who pick it up commit to live violence free.

We’re stopping the violence one person at a time,” said Belleau.

“And second is that when people see violence being perpetrated, they’re going to stop it. From there, they’re going to do work in their own families or own communities to make sure that it’s not

continuing to happen,” she said.

This initiative strikes close to Belleau’s heart. This past June, Belleau’s own community organized a massive search for a missing woman. In Belleau’s eyes, taking the matter of searching for our own women is the exact sort of thing all communities should be doing to prevent violence and tragedy within their territory. The commitment to live violence free builds on that.

“The initiative is meant to encourage our leaders to accept responsibility in our share of searching for missing and murdered Indigenous women… because police are limited,” she said.

“We know our roads, we know our rivers, we know our mountains… We know our areas. We know who’s missing, and where they were last seen,” she added.

Another example of an activity a community can undertake as part of its commitment to live violence free is to hold a health and wellness workshop, such as a men’s healing group, according to Belleau.

Last year, at the 7th annual Gathering Wisdom forum—a conference for Indigenous health and wellness workers and educators—more than 120 hereditary and elected chiefs obtained commitment sticks to take back to their communities, she said “Violence against Indigenous women and girls is not just an issue now that it’s before the media and the public. It’s been there all of our lives,” said Belleau. “The government and the police have their programs and procedures, but at the end of the day, violence against our women is also a community responsibility,” she said.

The official hashtag for the FNHA Commitment Stick program is #violencestopswithme.

For more information visit the FNHA website at: http://www. fnha.ca/wellness/commitmentstick

Page [5]

[ news ]

Publisher Bert Crowfoot Editorial

1-780-455-2700 E-mail: windspeaker@ammsa.com Contributing News Editor Debora Steel Contributing Editor Shari Narine Advertising Sales 1-800-661-5469 E-mail: market@ammsa.com National Sales Shirley Olsen Accounts Carol Russ • Tanis Jacob Circulation Tanis Jacob AMMSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Leona Shandruk Vice President Rose Marie Willier Treasurer Dr. Chester Cunningham Secretary Noel McNaughton Directors Elmer Ghostkeeper Rhonda Lizotte Jennie Cardinal Windspeaker subscriptions: Individual – 12 issues $20.00 +GST Individual – 24 issues $30.00 +GST Institutional/Corporate – 24 issues: $50.00+GST Published since 1983, Windspeaker is politically and financially independent.

COPYRIGHT Advertisements designed, set and produced by Windspeaker as well as pictures, news, cartoons, editorial content and other printed material are the property of Windspeaker and may not be used without the express written permission of Windspeaker.

Letters to the editor can be sent to: Windspeaker 13245 - 146 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5L 4S8 General Enquiries: windspeaker@ammsa.com Rants and Raves: letters@ ammsa.com Twitter: @windspeakernews Facebook: /windspeakernews

First Nations, Métis twice as likely to face heat and power disconnection

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

EDMONTON The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) has hired a new consumer outreach and education staff member to ensure that Indigenous people do not spend the winter months without power or heat.

Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan said the UCA, which is part of Service Alberta, will work across jurisdictions to ensure that those living on reserves, which fall under federal jurisdiction, are taken care of.

This program is available on reserve or off-reserve, said Feehan.

Last year’s numbers indicated that those living on First Nations and in Métis settlements were twice as likely to face disconnection from heat and power.

The additional UCA position was added in August as part of the two-year Alberta Indigenous

Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan.

Intern Program. Funding for the program is covered by the province with the intern working for an Indigenous organization for nine months.

“It is important that our government reaches out to Indigenous communities to ensure nobody falls through the cracks,” said Feehan.

Chris Hunt, executive director of UCA, said the intern will work with First Nations organizations,

such as friendship centres and treaty organizations, as well as band offices, to determine who has been disconnected.

Taking the lead from those organizations, the intern will then work with community members to “connect them with the appropriate services.”

Albertans cannot be disconnected from power or heat during the winter months.

Under current regulations, util-

Students get benefit of business experience

By Andrea Smith Windspeaker Contributor Leask, Sask.

Twelve youth from the Mistawasis First Nation are getting a crash course in best business practices. The Mistawasis Nehiyawak Business Club started up in early November, with the help of school staff from both the Chief Mistawasis School and a school in the neighbouring community of Leask.

It’s an initiative on behalf of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, as part of the Youth Entrepreneur Program, with a large portion of the financial support coming from the Potash Corporation.

“The idea first came up from Joe Taylor who is a retired entrepreneur from Tisdale. He started wanting to give back to the community by setting up business clubs to show kids how to do business. Then he decided he wanted to expand his knowledge and expertise with First Nations kids,” said Yvonne Daniels, community school coordinator for Chief Mistawasis.

The kids in the program actually attend Grades 9 to 12 at the Leask school, but because it’s a joint initiative, Daniels facilitates it, along with her two coworkers, Marie Johnstone—an academic worker, and Mandy Currie—a

They do all the production of the product, figure out which product they want to sell, and produce a prototype of it, transition worker.

“These kids basically run the program themselves. They do all the production of the product, figure out which product they want to sell, and produce a prototype of it,” said Daniels.

The age group is significant, too. The graduating students will phase out of the program, while every year, new incoming grade nines will join.

Daniels says it’s a “revolving door” and students in any of the grades can opt-out and join again later if they choose. And the older students have the responsibility of mentoring the younger newcomers to the club.

“They really enjoy it. For two of them… they’re brother and sister… they said ‘If we weren’t in this program, we’d have nothing

to do.’ And one of the other one’s said, ‘At home there’s nobody, so at least here I have people to hang out with,’” said Daniels.

The student’s project of choice is a feather box, which they’ve learned to design and build themselves. Their woodworking skills were untapped prior to the program, but with the help of woodshop teachers in Leask, the students are now proficient feather box builders, said Daniels.

They’ve even selected one talented young artist to add color by painting pictures on their work.

“The larger box sells for $80, non-painted. The second box is smaller, and is $60 non-painted.

Whatever design you want on the box is what the artist will paint.

She’s really good at looking at picture as inspiration and she’ll

MEMBERSHIPS

Windspeaker is published by the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA) Canada’s largest publisher of Aboriginal news and information.

Call toll free at: 1-800-661-5469 for more information.

AMMSA’s other publications include: Alberta Sweetgrass — The Aboriginal Newspaper of Alberta Saskatchewan Sage — The Aboriginal Newspaper of Saskatchewan Raven’s Eye — The Aboriginal Newspaper of British Columbia Ontario Birchbark — The Aboriginal Newspaper of Ontario

Alberta Magazine Publishers Association

Page [6]

ity retailers cannot shut off natural gas between Nov. 1 and April 14 and any time of the year when the overnight temperature is forecast to drop below zero degrees in the following 24-hour period for natural gas; and electricity between Oct. 15 to April 15.

However, problems arise when that disconnection takes place prior to winter. The UCA mediation officers with work with these people to help them negotiate a reasonable payment plan with the energy company, as well as connect them to social agencies or government programs to allow them to get their heat and power turned back on and kept on.

“It’s (a) vital (program) because we fundamentally believe every Albertans deserves to be warm and safe in the winter,” said Feehan.

The UCA represents the interests of 1.5 million household; 187,000 small business; and 109,000 farm sites.

just kind of put her own spin on it… Any panting is an extra 20,” said Daniels.

Along with learning business ethics and procedures, the students have also taken in extra-curricular learning on topics like financial literacy. And they’ve been invited to attend trade shows and meetings with big businesses to “pitch” their product, including being invited to attend a “pitch party” with the well-known host of the popular TV show Dragon’s Den. “They got to meet Brett Wilson and take a picture with him, at this pitch party. And the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association… one of the guys that runs it… stopped in at a trade show because he heard about them.

He actually invited them to the AFOA conference in June to present to over 200 Chief Financial Officers in Saskatoon,” said Daniels. “And he offered to give them a free financial workshop on January 16th and 17th,” she added.

But of course, there are rules and the youth must follow them. The students have to stay committed to their other classes, meeting grade and attendance requirements, according to Daniels. Yet despite the added workload, the students are nothing but dedicated.

Continued on page 14.

January I 2017

[ news ]

Heather Hirsch (left), recently appointed by Health Minister Sarah Hoffman (right).

Indigenous woman appointed to health service board Heather Hirsch of the Piikani First Nation, a 19-year veteran of frontline health care, has been appointed to the Alberta Health Services board.

“Hirsch’s appointment means we have another competent, passionate member who will bring her perspectives as an Indigenous woman and frontline health worker to the table,” said Health Minister Sarah Hoffman.

Hirsch was appointed as the board’s Indigenous member after a “rigorous recruitment process,”

said the department.

Hirsch holds an advanced studies certificate in Critical Care Nursing Level 1 from Mount Royal University in Calgary and obtained her registered nurse diploma from Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton.

She has consulted on various Indigenous programs, as well as on the curriculum regarding development and delivery of the Indigenous nursing program at Bow Valley College.

Erin Meetoos

Get the tools to succeed.

Journeyman Welder WBF Graduate 2010

Supporting you every step of the way.

Get trained to work in construction and then bring those skills back to your community. Support is provided through academic upgrading, training, application assistance, housing and career development.

Contact our Indigenous Engagement Team to arrange a free information session or career decision-making workshop in your community.

Toll-free 1-866-452-1201 womenbuildingfutures.com

January I 2017

Page [7]

[ sports ]

WHL ranks swell with Indigenous players

By Sam Laskaris Windspeaker Contributor Since historical records are not kept in the Western Hockey League (WHL), it’s difficult to determine whether this is a record-breaking season.

What is indeed certain, however, is the fact there is a large number of Indigenous players on WHL rosters during the 2016-17 campaign.

There are 14 Indigenous players on clubs in the 22-team circuit.

The league features franchises not only in the western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, but also in the states of Oregon and Washington.

The WHL is one of three Major Junior hockey circuits operating in Canada. The Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League are the others.

Though the three leagues do not have interlocking schedules, they are all part of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Champions from the three leagues, as well as a host team, do meet annually to decide national bragging rights in the Memorial Cup tournament.

Corey St. Laurent, the WHL’s senior manager of communications, said playing in the league is a noteworthy goal for all players.

“Competing in the Western Hockey League is a tremendous accomplishment for any amateur hockey player, regardless of their ancestry,” St. Laurent said. “We hope that our players take pride in that and serve as positive role models for young players aspiring to play at the top level of the Canadian amateur hockey system.”

The list of Indigenous players in the WHL this season includes 19-year-old Cree defenceman Ethan Bear, who is in his fourth season with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

While the majority of those in the CHL aspire to play pro, Bear has a decent shot of accomplishing that. He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth

(Photo: Brian Liesse)

The WHL has 14 Indigenous players now in their 22-team circuit. round, 124th over-all, at the 2015 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Bear, who is from Saskatchewan’s Ochapowace Nation, inked a three-year deal with the Oilers this past off-season. But he was still returned to the Thunderbirds for some additional grooming.

Though he’s a defenceman, Bear chipped in offensively a year ago averaging close to a point per game. He collected 65 points (19 goals, 46 assists) in 69 regular season outings.

He’s continuing to rack up points this season, having earned 19 points, including eight goals, in his first 23 contests.

The Thunderbirds’ roster also includes another Cree player, 17-year-old forward Wyatt Bear, who grew up on Manitoba’s Peguis First Nation, but he has been injured and yet to suit up for a WHL game this season.

Meanwhile, there are four other Indigenous players suiting up for American-based squads in the WHL this season.

Rylan Parenteau, a 20-year-old goalie who has Métis heritage, is a member of the Tri-City Americans. The Americans play their home matches in Kennewick, located in the state of Washington.

Parenteau, who is from Saskatoon, had started the season with the Prince Albert Raiders, the Saskatchewan squad he had spent the past two years with. But after just two appearances with the Raiders this season he was dealt to the Americans.

Parenteau registered an 8-5-1 record in his first 14 games with the Tri-City side. Others toiling for Washington-based teams are Connor Dewar (Métis), a 17-year-old forward who is in his second season with the Everett Silvertips, and Riley McKay

(Cree) and Koby Morrisseau (Ojibwe), rookie forwards with the Spokane Chiefs, age 17 and 16, respectively.

Dewar had scored twice and added eight assists in his first 26 games this season. McKay had notched his first WHL goals and also had a pair of assists following his first 19 matches. Morrisseau had two points, including his first goal in the league, in 16 contests.

Three other Indigenous players are toiling for British Columbiabased teams this year. This list features Garrett Pilon, a Washington Captials’ draft pick.

Pilon, an 18-year-old Métis forward, is in his second season with the Kamloops Blazers. Washington selected him in the third round, 87th over-all, in the NHL Entry Draft this past June.

Also playing in B.C. are Jared Bethune (Ojibwe), a 19-year-old forward in his third season with

the Prince George Cougars, and Ryan Gagnon (Métis), a 20-yearold defenceman in his fifth and final year with the Victoria Royals.

Other Indigenous players with WHL clubs include Linden McCorrister (Cree/Saulteaux), Drew Warkentine (Métis), Tristan Langan (Cree), Clayton Kirichenko (Sto:lo Nation) and Jesse Roach (Ojibwe).

McCorrister, an 18-year-old forward, is in his second season with Manitoba’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Warkentine, 18, and Langan, 17, are forwards with the Saskatchewan-based Prince Albert Raiders and Moose Jaw Warriors, respectively.

Kirichenko and Roach are toiling for Alberta-based squads.

Kirichenko, is a 20-year-old defenceman with the Medicine Hat Tigers, and 19-year-old Roach is a forward with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Ontario basketball tourney to populate NAIG team

By Sam Laskaris Windspeaker Contributor

THUNDER BAY, Ont. The Ontario Nish Basketball Invitational (ONBI), for the third consecutive year, will be staged in Ontario in 2017.

The youth tournament is scheduled for March 17 to 19 and will be significantly more important than the previous two years of the tourney. That’s because the event is considered the final opportunity for basketball players from across the province to showcase their skills in front of coaches who will be in charge of Ontario teams for next summer’s North American Indigenous Games

Page [8]

(NAIG).

Matches are scheduled to be staged at Lakehead University.

The inaugural Nish Tourney was held in Rama in 2015 and attracted 16 teams (eight female and eight male).

That event featured just one age grouping, under 19. The same number of clubs participated in one division at the 2016 tournament, staged in Timmins.

As for next year’s event, organizers are hoping they have sufficient interest to stage female and male under-14, under-16 and under-19 divisions. Ideally they would like to get eight squads in each division, for both females and males.

The Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario (AS-

WCO) is once again organizing the ONBI. “It would be nice to have a full tournament for each category,” said Heather Collins, who is ASWCO’s North Central program co-ordinator. “We might have to find another venue to have some of the games. But it would be great if we could accommodate all three categories.”

ASWCO officials started staging various tryouts for NAIG sports in August of this year. Tryouts have been held for basketball at various southern Ontario locations.

Athletes will not necessarily have to compete at the ONBI in order to be included on Ontario’s basketball squads that will compete

at the NAIG, set for July 16 to 23, primarily in Toronto.

But Collins is still hoping to see as many basketball players as possible at the Thunder Bay tournament.

“We’re hoping kids from all over Ontario come to our event,” she

said. “This one will probably be the one that is the most monitored.”

Tournament organizers are accepting both individual and team registrations. The registration deadline is Feb. 3.

Windspeaker

Now online!

January I 2017

[ sports ]

Cowichan to host national hockey championships

By Sam Laskaris Windspeaker Contributor COWICHAN VALLEY, B.C. It’s worked before.

And now members of the organizing committee for the 2017 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships are confident they can make it work again.

Back in 2008, the British Columbia District of Cowichan Valley hosted a successful North American Indigenous Games (NAIG).

Almost a decade later, the core executive that delivered those games will be back to stage the 2017 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

The tournament, which will feature 16 squads (eight female, eight male), is scheduled for May 1 to 6.

“Since 2008, Cowichan has consistently talked about other opportunities that are available through sport,” said Rick Brant, the executive director of the tournament host Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council, also called Part-

ners Council for short.

Brant, who is now also the NAIG Council president, had served as the CEO for the 2008 NAIG. The majority of those that served on the NAIG organizing executive are back lending their expertise to the 2017 NAHC. “British Columbia had not hosted the championship since 2004,” Brant said.

“We thought it was appropriate to put in a bid to host it again.”

The Partners Council had started a province-wide search back in March of 2015 to identify communities that were interested in hosting next year’s tournament.

Photo supplied by the Partners Council Cowichan Valley was not Pictured is the 2016 BC men’s team that won gold at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships the only one that was keen at the tournament held in Mississauga, Ont. Photo supplied by the Partners Council to stage the national event. majority of games, including all team was one of those that tion for hosting national and Three other communities also the playoff matches. struggled in the tournament’s international events.” submitted bids.

This facility, home to the Coearly years. But it has been sucMatches for the tournament The winning bid was announced wichan Valley Capitals, a Junior cessful recently, capturing a medal contests will be staged at a pair of in late November.

A franchise that competes in the in each of the past four years, rinks.

The Island Saving Centre “Cowichan Valley has a really British Columbia Hockey League, including gold in 2013 and at the in the Cowichan Valley capital strong hockey history,” Brant has a seating capacity of about 2016 event staged in Mississauga, said. “It has a tremendous reputa- of Duncan will be the site of the 1,400.

Ont. Games will also be held at the Brant’s son Ty was a member of Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, that championship squad. He’s elwhich can seat 800 spectators. igible to return to the 2017 B.C. Brant is no stranger to the squad. About half of the players based Warner Warriors, who jority of their contests. Carleton NAHC. As the Partners Council from last year’s gold medallists are competed in the under-19 Junior has lost four of its matches by executive director, he’s been renot eligible to come back.

Women’s Hockey League. She led just one goal. sponsible for overseeing the B.C. But the elder Brant is anticipating the Warriors in scoring last year “I think once we get back after male and female teams competing another strong performance from by compiling 50 points, including Christmas we’ll be a stronger at the nationals for the past six the club.

32 goals, in 26 outings. team and start winning more years.

“We know we have some She also had a team-high 49 games,” she said.

He’s also one of the individuals phenomenal players at (hockey) points in 27 matches during the Ross has completed her first responsible for the formation academies, Major Midget and 2014-15 campaign. semester at Carleton and has reof the tournament, which will Junior B levels,” he said.

Ideally Ross would have wanted turned to her home in Meadow celebrate its 16th anniversary next As for the B.C. female side, it to be playing south of the border Lake, Sask She is scheduled to year. has not been as successful as its now, in the NCAA. She was venture back to the nation’s Brant had previously worked male counterparts, failing to capheavily recruited and numerous capital on Jan. 2. The Ravens as the executive director of the ture any hardware in recent years.

American schools were interested return to action on Jan. 8 with a Aboriginal Sports Circle, the gov“We’re getting better every year,” in her services. home game versus Montreal. erning body for Aboriginal sports Brant said. “Last year the girls But her high school marks were Ross added her teammates are in Canada, which established the lost in the bronze-medal game less than ideal, negating any encouraged by the fact their NAHC. in overtime to Manitoba. And thoughts she had of immediately two victories are against McGill “It’s been amazing to see this the neat thing about the girls’ heading to a U.S. university via and Montreal, the clubs holding tournament evolve into what it is program is that all of the girls that an athletic scholarship. down the top two spots in the today,” he said. played last year are eligible to play Ross though has not abandoned league standings.

In its early years some of the for this year’s team. her hopes of suiting up for an “We know we can beat them,” provincial and territorial teams The tryouts for both of the B.C. American school. She plans to Ross said. “And we know we were getting beat by some rather squads will be staged April 7 to 9 finish off the current campaign can keep up with every team in lopsided scores. in Prince George. with the Ravens, and possibly this league.”

Brant and others had envisioned Brant said 2017 NAHC officials play one more season at Carleton The Ravens have nine regular a tournament with competitive are keen to make the tournament before hopefully transferring to an season matches remaining. They squads right across the board. a benchmark event. To that end, NCAA school. currently trail 3-6-1 ConcorAnd for the most part, that’s what they are planning to include sevRoss added she is enjoying her dia, which is holding down the has transpired. eral off-ice events to coincide with Sociology courses that she is enfourth and final playoff spot by “We’re seeing the fruits of our the on-ice action. But no details rolled in and hoping her academic a mere two points. labour,” he said. “We’re seeing are available to be shared yet. marks will improve.

Carleton, however, has played some amazing development from “That’s the process we’re contem“It’s going well,” she said. “And one game more than Concordia. some of the provinces.” plating right now,” he said. it’s definitely different (than high These two teams will play each The British Columbia men’s school) to now be working on one other three times in the second subject that you like.” half of the season.

Coming into the season, Ross Ross said participating in a knew the Ravens were in a releague with just five entrants building mode. can be challenging.

“We do have a very young “It’s definitely different,” she team,” she said. “We have 10 said. “You know the other teams rookies this year. And we only very well. Their systems won’t have two players who are in their change much. I would say it’s fifth year. So we’ll only be losing harder with five teams because two players next year.” everybody knows each other so Though they’ve only managed a well.” pair of victories sos far, Ross said the Ravens have been in the ma-

Canoe Lake rookie top scorer Sam Laskaris Windspeaker Contributor OTTAWA From an individual standpoint, Delaney Ross is faring well in the first half of her rookie university hockey season.

But the 19-year-old right winger, a member of Saskatchewan’s Canoe Lake First Nation, is perhaps her own harshest critic. She’s not entirely content with her play.

Ross is also wishing her team was enjoying more success.

She’s a member of the Ottawabased Carleton Ravens women’s squad.

Ross is leading the Ravens in scoring following their first 11 contests with 10 points, including a team-high six goals.

But the Carleton squad has posted a 2-8-1 record and is sitting in the basement of its five-team league.

The Ravens compete in a circuit with their crosstown rivals, the Ottawa Gee-Gees, and three Quebec-based clubs; Concordia, McGill and Montreal.

“I guess I’m doing okay for being a rookie and being away from home,” she said. “But it’s not as good as I wanted to be doing.”

Ross said she didn’t have any specific point totals she was hoping to achieve in her first season with the Ravens.

“I just wanted to go with the flow, try my hardest and produce points like I usually do,” she said.

Ross had spent the previous two seasons with the Alberta-

January I 2017

Page [9]

19611 LANGLEY BYPASS, LANGLEY, BC. www.willowbrookcredit.ca

YOUR CHRISTMAS MIRACLE CAME EARLY $10,000 to $15,000 CASH BACK with every purhase!

No Payment for 6 months up to a year even!

Quick and Easy Approval over the phone.

Behind on your payments? No Problem!

Want out of your lease? No Problem!

Any make or model even if you are in your 1st year.

Big Sale on NOW !

NEW - WHITE JEEP RENEGADE

CALL NOW 1-877-418-1073

50’’

WITH EVERY PURCHASE

TV OR A TRIP FOR 2 TO LAS VEGAS (AIRFARE & HOTEL) ON NEW OR USED CARS.

VISIT US TODAY! WWW.WILLOWBROOKCREDIT.CA Page [10]

January I 2017

[ news ]

Alberta continues to fail children in care

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

EDMONTON “We have been failing children in our care for decades. Serenity is not the first case,” said Alberta’s Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir. “At this point, priority for me is to take immediate steps to avoid similar incidents from happening in the future.”

Serenity was the focus of the most recent investigative report by the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

The four-year-old First Nations girl died from a traumatic head injury in September 2014 after being placed in kinship care. Her death sparked outrage because of what wasn’t included in the report, that she had been suffering from serious hypothermia, catastrophic malnutrition, and anal and genital bruising, and then the subsequent knowledge that the RCMP were not active in the case, despite what the NDP government had claimed.

The RCMP had not been investigating because it “did not have

“It is clear to me that we have not done enough and we have not acted fast enough.” ~Minister Irfan Sabir the full file,” said Sabir.

Providing the RCMP with the necessary information was the responsibility of the delegated First Nations agency that was handling Serenity’s case on the unidentified reserve.

Sabir, who addressed the situation in a press conference Thursday, Dec. 8, said the RCMP now have the necessary documentation, which they received Dec. 6, 2016, and will be conducting its investigation. He said his department will cooperate in every way.

Sabir took full responsibility, but

refused to tender his resignation, which the Wildrose Opposition had demanded. He also refused to blame any particular employee or individual agency.

Instead, Sabir announced the formation of an all-party ministerial panel that would focus on making recommendations for changes to strengthen the child intervention system.

The first recommendations will come in six to eight weeks and will focus on improving the child death review process, as well as

guide legislation that will be undertaken in the spring session.

Over six to eight months, the panel will explore root causes and factors that contribute to family involvement in the child intervention system, and will examine current funding, resources, training, and supports for families in community. It will also examine the over-representation of Indigenous youth in care.

Sabir acknowledged the work of the Progressive Conservatives to push for an all-party commit-

tee. He also acknowledged the Wildrose Party, who offered terms of reference, much of which he said has been included in what the government has set out.

Sabir directed each caucus to nominate a member to sit on the panel. Outside experts will also serve on the panel. Panel members would be announced shortly, he said.

While the committee’s deliberations will be done behind closed doors, it will be meeting with key stakeholders, said Sabir, and its final report will be made public.

“It is clear to me that we have not done enough and we have not acted fast enough. The challenges facing the child intervention system, and particularly care for Indigenous children, can no longer be ignored as they too often are.

For far too long we have failed children like Serenity,” said Sabir.

“I am committed to taking action. I am committed to fixing this problem, Premier Rachel Notley continues to defend Sabir, despite demands by opposition parties for his resignation

Action Now!

Fix children-in-care problems, demands opposition “A sham for a government currently whitewashing the incompetence of at least two of its ministers.” ~ Interim PC leader Ric McIver

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor EDMONTON Opposition leaders have joined forces, calling on the Alberta government to have its recently announced ministerial panel to focus on recommendations already in-hand to improve the lives of children in care.

In a press conference attended by all four opposition party leaders Dec. 13, Alberta Party leader Greg Clark singled out for attention the Richter report, tabled with the government in February 2015.

Ted Richter was mandated by then Progressive Conservative Minister of Human Services Heather Klimchuk to chair a Child Intervention Implementation Oversight Committee. The committee was to “guide action … to improve outcomes for children and ensure action on priorities and recommendations for improving the Child Intervention system.”

Klimchuk also directed the oversight committee to focus on the over-representation of Aboriginal children and families in the child intervention system.

“We know what’s wrong. We need to set about fixing it,” said Clark.

Last week, Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir fought off calls for his resignation over the failures of his department in the death of Serenity, a four-year-old child in kinship care. Instead of resigning, he announced the creation of an all-party ministerial

January I 2017

panel that would deliver immediate and long-term recommendations for changes to strengthen the child intervention system.

Prior to Sabir’s announcement of a panel, interim PC leader Ric McIver called for an all-party committee.

McIver said Sabir’s terms of reference made the panel “a sham for a government currently whitewashing the incompetence of at least two of its ministers.”

He said Sabir was proposing a panel that would meet behind closed doors, would “muzzle” the opposition, and would limit what the public could know about the proceedings. It would also mean that Sabir, who would sit as an ex officio member, would not be required to answer questions.

McIver said the terms of reference presented by the opposition parties are for “a streamline children in care panel that would work rapidly and effectively to make substantive changes to the child intervention system.”

Along with focusing on previous recommendations, the minister could be questioned, frontline workers given protection to speak

freely, and, as deliberations would occur in the public forum, Albertans could have confidence in the process.

“What we’re looking for is .. a nice accountable, public effort to deal with the shortfalls. Shortfalls by our government, shortfalls by the current government. All of it needs to be talked about,” said McIver.

The opposition parties have reeled in their calls for Sabir’s resignation, stating it was more important to work with the government to ensure no more children in care were abused or died.

Wildrose leader Brian Jean said they would wait to hear the government’s response to the framework proposed by the opposition parties before making a decision on whether or not to participate in the process.

Premier Rachel Notley said Wednesday that there was room for negotiations regarding the panel’s framework.

“There are elements of what the opposition put forward that I think we can absolutely incorporate into the terms of reference.

We’re still working on them,” Notley said at her year-end news conference.

She also said that seats will remain open on the all-party ministerial panel for whenever opposition members decided to join the process.

“This (is a) collective desire to make progress on an issue that quite frankly has challenged governments across partisan lines, across jurisdictions, across decades,” said Notley.

Serenity was the focus of the most recent investigative report by the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate. The four-yearold First Nations girl died from a

traumatic head injury in September 2014 after being placed in kinship care. Her death sparked outrage because of what wasn’t included in the report—that she had been suffering from serious hypothermia, catastrophic malnutrition, and sexual abuse—and then the subsequent knowledge that the RCMP were not active in the case—despite what the NDP claimed.

The RCMP were only given the necessary documentation on Dec. 6, 2016. Sabir refused to blame any individuals or agencies and instead took responsibility for the delays.

Skip the panel, focus on recommendations

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

EDMONTON Don’t conduct another review, said Cheryl Whiskeyjack. That’s her answer to the feud that has sparked between the provincial government and opposition parties in establishing terms of reference for a new panel on the child intervention system.

“Another review is not going to help us. It’s just review after review and then things get quiet again and the business of child intervention just continues to go,” said Whiskeyjack, executive director for Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.

The non-profit organization provides comprehensive family

services to Edmonton’s urban Indigenous population.

The push for an all-party ministerial panel – as presented by Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir – or an all-party committee of the Legislature – as proposed by the four opposition parties – is the result of information that came to light following the most recent investigative report from the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

Four-year-old Serenity died of a traumatic head injury that followed after being in kinship care.

But what the OCYA report didn’t include was that she had been suffering from serious hypothermia, catastrophic malnutrition, and sexual abuse.

Continued on page 12

Page [11]

Page [12]

January I 2017

[ business ]

Producers embark on difficult conversation on UNDRIP

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor CALGARY

With the federal government’s approval of two major pipeline projects, the time is now for the petroleum producing companies to talk with Indigenous communities about views on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

It’s a discussion Brian McGuigan, manager, Aboriginal policy with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, led a talk Dec. 13 at the Circle for Aboriginal Relations 12th annual general meeting.

This past April, the petroleum producers released a five-page discussion paper on the implementation of UNDRIP, said McGuigan, and was prompted by commitments from the federal and Alberta governments to adopt UNDRIP. “We really felt there was a need for dialogue. Because (the declaration) is really not an easy document. It’s nuanced…. Our member companies felt there was a real need for dialogue and a need for discussion, out of which we could develop some consensus around what … UNDRIP means in Canada,” said McGuigan.

The association represents companies that explore for, develop and produce about 85 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil.

In the paper, the producers stated they endorsed “UNDRIP as a framework for reconciliation in Canada. We support the implementation of its principles in a manner consistent with the Canadian Constitution and law.”

McGuigan points out that Canada is unique in that it is the only country he knows of that has explicit protection of Aboriginal rights in its Constitution.

“We don’t think there’s a real need to be rewriting the Consti-

“We don’t think there’s a real need to be rewriting the Constitution or rewriting Canadian law.” ~ Brian McGuigan, with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

tution or rewriting Canadian law. So National Chief Perry Bellegarde, it’s a good starting point to begin a say is necessary in order for First conversation. But we don’t have a de-Nations to achieve economic tailed prescriptive view of what that independence and sustainability. actually means,” he said.

“I think what’s important is that Dialogue to date with Indigenous communities prosper. Prosperity, communities and organizations in my mind, is broader than just has been sparse, said McGuigan, economic, but it includes ecoalthough he notes some discussion nomics. Revenue sharing is one regarding UNDRIP has taken place potential solution. There are lots with Treaty 8 in Alberta and on a of potential solutions to ensuring wide range of topics with the Métis communities can prosper,” said National Council.

McGuigan.

“We’re not coming with an answer Right now, many of the associabook. I’ve said to some leaders that if tion’s members negotiate impact you want to come with a blank piece and benefit agreements with of paper, we’re happy to do that, Indigenous communities around too,” said McGuigan. large projects, he said.

The associations’ paper notes acWhile resource revenue sharing tions undertaken by many of its is not included in the association’s members, which it states are consis- paper, it does not mean that’s not tent with UNDRIP: open for discussion. working with Indigenous commu- “There’s a lot of things we don’t nities on educational-related objec- say are on the table, but there’s a tives; lot of different ways of addressregularly seeking and achieving free,ing prosperity. We didn’t want to prior and informed consent from get into a discussion paper that Indigenous communities “through lists out possible solutions. I don’t meaningful discussions that can lead think that’s a productive way to to the mitigation of project-related enter a conversation,” he said. impacts;” “I’d love to be engaged in an and, investing in Indigenous com- ongoing dialogue with Indigenous munities through training, employ- communities about all the issues ment and business opportunities. that we’ve raised in our paper.

What the association doesn’t men- That’s not going to be an easy tion when referencing economic conversation for any of us. We’ll and social sustainability is resource get pushed and that’s great, that’s revenue sharing. Resource revenue a good thing. But I don’t want sharing is a practice many leaders, to judge where that conversation including Assembly of First Nations might end up going,” he added.

McGuigan says the petroleum producers association has been examining the role it can play moving forward.

“We do have the ability to bring companies together. So it’s the power to be able to convene dialogue and so we can work on issues that are broader than project-specific issues,” he said.

Some of those conversations include implementing UNDRIP or

delving into provincial or federal policy questions that relate to Indigenous people and resource development.

McGuigan says that member companies are not tied to any decisions the association may make and it would be rare for the association to offer any directives.

He does note that many companies are beginning to create policies that endorse UNDRIP as a framework.

Photo supplied by Alberta Indigenous Relations

Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox speaks with Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan at the official opening of the Kainai Marketplace on Dec. 2.

Kainai Marketplace offers members’ jobs A new community-owned grocery store is bringing fresh, healthy food and 24 new jobs to the Blood Tribe community.

The $6.2-million Kainai Marketplace is the only grocery store on the Blood Reserve. The province contributed $1.5 million to Kainai Marketplace through a pilot program that has since become the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund. The Blood Tribe also contributed $1.5 million and is covering the remaining costs through third-party financing.

“The Kainai Marketplace is an

example of how positive collaboration between the Blood Tribe and Alberta can get a positive result towards a community need,” said Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox. The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund provides capital funding to Indigenous-owned businesses that are breaking ground on construction or close to starting operations. Last year, the fund provided $5 million for eight projects across the province. Alberta has earmarked another $5 million for the fund this year.

Windspeaker

Now online!

January I 2017

Page [13]

[ news ]

Act on child intervention services recommendations Continued from page 11 The NDP government claimed the matter was being investigated by the RCMP, but it was later determined the RCMP had not received the documentation necessary to investigate. That information was provided in early December. Serenity died in 2014.

The OCYA report was released in mid-October 2016.

Now, both the opposition parties and the government have presented their own terms of reference for the all-party panel, the opposition parties are threatening to boycott the process, and Premier Rachel Notley is saying their seats will be held for them if they decide to participate.

But Whiskeyjack says this isn’t the work that needs to be done.

“I think we’ve been down this road before. We’ve had recommendations. I’d like to see us put those into action. I think we have a number of really wise eyes and minds that have paid attention to

some of the things that have happened,” she said.

Whiskeyjack points to the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as existing recommendations through numerous investigative reports undertaken by Child and Youth Advocate Del Graff over a number of years, and two special reports released earlier this year

by Graff’s office, one of which focused on the needs of Indigenous children in government child care Whiskeyjack also made reference to a round table review undertaken by Human Services Minister Manmeet Bhullar in January 2014. That round table focused on the issue of serious injury and death of children in care and examined what constituted a meaningful investigation; how to improve transparency and accountability in such investigations; and what information should be shared publicly.

That ministerial action was

prompted by a joint investigative report by the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald that revealed 145 foster children had died in government care from Jan. 1, 1999 to June 8, 2013, although government annual reports in that time period had revealed 56 deaths.

Once more, as Whiskeyjack noted, it was government action prompted by tragedy.

“I don’t know where (those recommendations) went,” she said of the roundtable’s work. “They had good discussion, but then they didn’t have that follow through.”

Don Langford, executive director with Metis Child and Family Services Society, agrees with Whiskeyjack’s assessment. “(The government) has been coming to the community for the last 20 years with focus groups and what not for changes and redesign of children’s services and they spend millions and millions of dollars on this and they get

the recommendations and they take them to Cabinet and they’re accepted and they’re not implemented,” he said.

Langford contends that implementing the recommendations gets lost somewhere amongst the staff that works directly with the minister and deputy minister.

“I imagine if I was in the OCYA I would most likely be as frustrated as everybody else is because how many years have we been making recommendations that are just sluffed off at the ministerial level?” he said.

The frontline workers Langford interacts with every day want to see services delivered in a different way, he says, with the focus on families and keeping families together. Presently, Indigenous children make up close to 70 per cent of children in care.

Whiskeyjack says she has made offers to the government to work with them in implementing the recommendations, but has been

told “stuff is happening, but its happening at a higher level and when it’s time I’d be looped in.

But I haven’t been looped in.”

Such a response makes her both hopeful and frustrated.

Whiskeyjack has been with Bent Arrow for 22 years, having worked in the social services field for three years previously. She says she has seen both small and big changes in the child intervention system over that time.

“Things have changed, but I think the frustration community folks feel is that things haven’t changed enough,” she said. “But the changes that we want to see happen are not going to happen quickly. You’re really talking about turning a big ship, and it really happens in a slow way.”

To do that, she says, someone has to give the authority to allow the workers on the ground to do things differently, instead of focusing on a whole system change.

Continued from page 6.

“The kids do have to follow as a rule our 3 A’s… academics, attendance and attitude. In order for them to be able to do the program, they need to meet those needs. So far, the feedback we’ve gotten from our vice principal

is that with the kids, something changed… it’s like they matured,” she said.

Principle of the Chief Mistawasis School, Donna Autet, has been partially involved in helping Daniels access resources the she needs to keep the program

running smoothly. Autet was also invited to sit in on a recent business meeting the youth were having amongst themselves.

From what Autet has witnessed, the program has been a huge success, even just in terms of helping the students see their own value

alone.

“Through the whole thing they’ve been really excited about it…. Being able to go to that pitch party and talk about their project, and make orders and ship them off was good for their selfesteem,” she said.

“They were proud of themselves that they were doing this… and that was something that was good for them,” said Autet.

You can follow the students or contact them through their Facebook page: Mistawasis Nehiyawak Business Club.

Academics, attendance and attitude first

Women appointed to Provincial Court Julie Lloyd and Michèle Collinson have been appointed judges to the Provincial Court of Alberta. Lloyd has been appointed to Edmonton Provincial Court, Family and Youth.

Lloyd, admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1992, has focused mainly on the areas of family law and human rights law, including advancing legal rights for members of Alberta’s LGBTQ community.

Prior to her appointment, she was legal counsel at Legal Aid Alberta’s Legal Services Centre in Edmonton.

Collinson has been appointed to Provincial Court, Edmonton Region. Admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1990, Collinson has spent much of her legal career with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, most recently serving as the co-ordinator of the High Risk Offenders Unit in Specialized Prosecutions.

She has also served as an assistant chief Crown prosecutor in the Edmonton office and lead counsel for the Criminal Justice Division of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.

A partnership that brings together the use of a mobile training lab from Northern Lakes College, instructional expertise from Grande Prairie Regional College, and online learning from SAIT to Keyano College, in Fort McMurray, which will provide staff and infrastructure, will result in plumbing technical training.

The program provides an alternative for apprentices who may not want to take eight weeks off for training as work to rebuild

Fort McMurray continues, and allows them to take classroom training for five weeks complemented by an online component.

The government is providing up to $1 million to support this multi-partner project.

In addition to supporting plumber technical training in the Wood Buffalo region, this temporary program will help promote apprenticeship and introduce more Albertans to careers in the trades.

NEC First Choice for Indigenous Learners!

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

Register for one of our certificate or diploma programs offered at our Longhouse Campus in Vancouver, BC

You may be eligible for funding!

In-community training to build Wood Buffalo

Page [14]

Order your copy of our Viewbook!

NEC Native Education College 285 East 5 Avenue Vancouver, BC V5T 1H2 PH: (604) 873-3772 ext. 328 Fax: (604) 873-1440 admissions@necvancouver.org

Windspeaker is now online!

January I 2017

[ health ]

FSIN holds true to Elders’ teaching: Share

By Andrea Smith Windspeaker Contributor Prince Albert Food Bank Executive Director Wes Clark, Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Ron Michel, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) wants their First Nations community members to know they are cared for.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron kicked off this week delivering elk meat to a Food Bank in Prince Albert, and will be continuing the meat delivery all week long.

And it’s not only a way of showing people their leadership cares about them, but also of exercising treaty rights, in a way that benefits everyone, said Cameron.

“I’m an avid hunter and do it quite often when I have the time…. It was my late dad who gave me the gift to treaty hunt, and not only that but the gift to share what we kill with the people who need it… with the elderly, and with the families who need it,” he said.

“When I first got into leadership, I thought I wanted to do something positive to give back to our people and this is one of the items we at FSIN have committed to doing,” said Cameron.

Along with visiting the Food Bank in Prince Albert, Cameron will also be stopping at four other major city centers in Saskatchewan. And he’ll be hitting more than just Food Banks along the way.

Included on his list are also shelters and soup kitchens, and even

a university—the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology— because “students go hungry, too” he said.

“This year we’re going to the major centers where the majority of our membership live off-reserve. They live in the cities. They utilize the Food Banks and the homeless shelters... Some go eat there every day,” said Cameron.

Cameron himself hunted some of the meat that is being donated. He and other First Nations community members organized a hunting party, to go out and harvest the animals, then butcher the animals themselves.

There’s now an assortment of meaty cuts—hamburger, roasts, meat for stews, and fry meats.

And it was more than just elk that was harvested. There is also moose meat and even one wild boar—all for a total of nearly 2,000 pounds of fresh, natural meat, 200 of

which went to Prince Albert this morning.

“Anytime and every time we implement and Prince Albert Food Bank Executive Director Wes Clark, Prince Albert Grand Counexercise our inherent and cil Grand Chief Ron Michel, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief treaty rights, Bobby Cameron, Peter Ballentyne Cree Nation Chief Peter Beatty. then they’re still alive and well. Hunting, fishing, to thank First Nations Elders for “Prince Albert is different than trapping, and gathering… It’s the good teachings. other communities… Because survival off the land. And then it’s “You know, our Elders taught us it’s the gateway to the north, the the sharing, too,” he said. this is the way…. To share with demographic is different. People “And there’s protocol,” said your fellow brothers and sisters come in out of the north, for Cameron. “We give thanks, we and your fellow relatives. To be school or looking for work and offer tobacco and prayers for the kind and share,” he said. they may or may not have success animals we harvest, so we can Executive director of the Prince here,” he said, giving insight into make sure we have a good harvest Albert Food Bank, Wes Clark, why his facility sees such a high next time,” he said. was happy to receive the donanumber of Aboriginal people.

Cameron is, of course, not alone tion to his facility. According to “We’re really thankful. It’s always in this charitable act. He is receiv- Clark, up to 90 per cent of the great to see all walks of life getting ing help from others, including clients who use their service are involved… And the FSIN, and all 74 First Nations communities Aboriginal. the Aboriginal voice is huge for and their leaders who are involved The estimate 70 to 80 per cent us,” he added. with the FSIN. And he’d also like status First Nations.

Woman overcomes learning disability to win new award

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

Hope is something Emily Johansen had a hard time feeling.

Now, not only is hope something she lives with, it was recently acknowledged with a Southern Alberta Indigenous Youth Award (SAIYA). Johansen received a plaque, a necklace engraved by an Elder and a carved Inukshuk.

“It makes me happy that I did win this award for going through all the challenges I went through in life,” said the 15-year-old Métis girl, who was recognized in the category of Hope. “It inspires me to do more.”

Johansen is one of 12 Indigenous youth between the ages of 13 and 21, living from Calgary south to the United States border, to receive the first ever SAIYA. The SAIYAs were created by Michelle Thrush, Patty Fraser and Karen English. Fraser said they were inspired by the good work that was undertaken in northwestern Alberta where the Spirit Seeker awards was handed out to young people at an annual conference in Grande Prairie. Thrush emceed the event and the actor wanted to do something similar

January I 2017

Emily Johansen (second from left) with father Cory, sister Katrina, and mother Shannon. in the south.

“The kids who won the awards, many of them are not recognized for the small things they do, the things that are being done to help further their goals or their future,” said Fraser.

Along with the category of Hope, Indigenous youth were recognized in the areas of Community Leadership, Volunteerism, Sports, Contemporary Arts, Traditional Arts, Visionary, Aspire, Shine, and Academic Achievement.

No one this year was chosen for the twelfth category, Entrepreneur.

Youth were selected by a panel of seven Elders in Treaty 7 and the

Métis Nation. About 50 youth were nominated by a wide variety of people and organizations.

Fraser said foster families and organizations in the south were contacted and made aware of the awards.

“We didn’t want to leave any of the youth out,” she said. “Next year we’re geared up to find more.”

Johansen was nominated by four teachers. It’s a fitting nomination considering Johansen lost hope with her education in her early years.

Not finding she was getting enough support in the school setting, Johansen’s learning slipped.

She started homeschooling in

Grade 4. Her math skills were still at a Grade 2 level because she has a learning disability. But now, five years later, she is in Grade 9 and learning at a Grade 9 level.

Johansen credits parents Shannon and Cory with helping her along. She said she had difficulty at first accepting that she had a learning disability.

“My mom and dad always showed me that never give up and always push forward and to have hope for yourself,” she said.

Having her Math, Social Studies, English and Physical Education teachers nominate her is special.

“It makes me feel really good,” she said. “They helped me through my school and showed me that I can do school.”

Johansen does her schooling online and includes a weekly session through Blackboard. She is enrolled in the Calgary Board of Education e-learning program.

Through CBe-learn, Johansen gets choice and flexibility in her learning in core academic and elective courses. Johansen lists black and white photography, oil painting and playing the piano among her interests.

It’s youth like Johansen that

SAIYAwards are for, said Fraser.

“What we hope to accomplish is that more non-Indigenous people are going to learn what the struggles are of our youth to reach their goals,” she said, noting that some Indigenous children face trauma, both in their families and on their reserves.

“It’s to help get these kids out and recognized and help them to start on a brighter future.”

Fraser said it’s important that the event gets support from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. She noted that people were excited about the awards.

SAIYAward recipients each received $1,000 and will serve as youth ambassadors, speaking at three events during 2017 about how they will be spending their money, what winning the award means to them and the difference the award will make in their lives.

“Having this (award) inspires me to push myself further in school and to show others who have learning disabilities to accept it,” said Johansen. “I just want to show other people that it’s okay that you have a learning disability.”

Page [15]