Christmas Edition 2023

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations New office building. Sign FSIN-CIRNAC Joint Priorities Agreement

The Executive of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is honoured to work with all First Nations leadership, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and our staff for the FSIN’s New Build Grand Opening. The Executive of FSIN would like to also extend gratitude for the Statement on Joint Priorities signed between Regional Chief Bobby Cameron of the FSIN and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

The FSIN is appreciative to open the new office building located on the newly developed sixty acres of indigenous land, owned by the Kahkewistahaw First Nation. Kahkewistahaw Landing is located by Claypool Drive and Airport Drive, the plot of land

will give home to new opportunities, vision and above all else, to pave the road for economic prosperity of all First Nations of Saskatchewan.

In the coming years, Kahkewistahaw Landing will be a prestigious Indigenous hub for all First Nations to advance the political, social, and economic diversity of each First Nation who pursues the opportunity to develop and address their unique needs and priorities.

“We build this Treaty Office for all our future leaders who are coming, who will continue to implement and protect Treaty like our ancestors have, since time immemorial. We built it for the babies, as well as the ones that are still unborn, so they have a place to continue to promote, protect and implement Treaty.

That is why we built it. Thank you Kahkewistahaw Chief and Council for your vision to buy land, your vision for infrastructure and economic development.

A Treaty-based economy,” stated Regional Chief Bobby Cameron of the FSIN.

“The Statement on Joint Priorities acknowledges the importance of honouring the Treaty relationship, a legal, binding obligation. This reaffirms our commitment to an ongoing partnership with the First Nations in Saskatchewan. Actions on these specific Priorities will be driven by you and your unique needs and priorities, and how you envision your own economic, political, and social future,” stated the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller.

The FSIN is continually pro -

moting, protecting, and implementing the inherent and Treaty rights of all First Nations. The New Build office space will be an excellent place for First Nations leaders to meet, coordinate, and plan for their community’s advancement in economic diversity.

Mikal and Mikeal Bird look forward to 2023 Indigenous Games

Paving the way; Carlin Nordstrom manifests positive outcomes with First Nations

Whitebear First Nations’ Teagan Littlechief sings national anthem at 109th Grey Cup

Chiefs from across Saskatchewan join FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron and Minister Marc Miller in Grand Opening

FREE! Take One

Christmas Edition 2022

Volume 28

As the Christmas season is upon us, it seems now more than ever we need to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Christ Mass (Manitou Kisikaw), a time for people who are affiliated Christianity regardless of denomination or one’s personal spiritual relationship with Christ.

Many Indigenous people who embrace Christ as a conduit for god; our Creator. Similar to those of other spiritual conduits/protectors, just as those like the spirit of the Buffalo, Eagle, Wolf, horse, etc.

So for many, Christmas is spiritual, reminding us the true meaning of love, the love for family and friends, humanity and all the life forms. For many it is not only a time to reach out to loved ones, with us today, but also to remember the loved ones who have gone ahead of us to the spirit world.

For myself, personally, as it might be for others, it’s a time of deep mixed emotions, a time of festivity and visiting with loved ones, and a time to remember past cherished memories of Christmases before.

This year I want my loved ones to know how much I treasure them and how much they mean to me. My 2 sons, Mason and Kass, my dad Jordy, my mom Marlene, my sister Jody and her beautiful children. My extended family those from English River First Nation, Moosomin First Nation and my Metis relatives scattered throughout the prairie provinces.

Sometimes I think of the saying “God works in mysterious ways” and gets me thinking where things are at today. For instance, with the rate of inflation and the cost of living, becoming unmanageably high for many people. It is sad and

worrying, that many will not have the finances to provide a bountiful Christmas, it may be not be of comfort to those families in that situation. But it could put us in a situation that guides us to a natural path back to the true meaning of Christmas, away from Santa Clause and back to Christ, back to god; our Creator.

Now looking at a New Year, my hope is that we face the New Year on a spiritual foundation which will give us the strength to face all adversities of life.

Looking back at 2022, I want to take this opportunity to thank those who supported our Indigenous Times team, sharing your stories, supporting our publishing cost by advertisements. From myself and the Indigenous Times team, sincerely, may you have a wonderful Christmas and a good New Year.

We thank you.

Ekosi

Jordan LaPlante; Editor

Indigenous Times News Box 280 Cochin, SK S0M-0L0

Editor: Jordan LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca

Copy Editor Christina Cherneskey ccherneskey@yahoo.com

Website: www.indigenoustimes.ca

Advertising: sales@indigenoustimes.ca

Designer: Alexandra Jarrett axisimageryyxe@gmail.com

The editorial policy of this newspaper is determined by an editorial committee established by Indigenous Times. We invite submissions, upcoming events, comments, and opinions. Please submit them with your name, address, telephone number or e-mail. The expressions and/or opinions of authors published in the current issue of Indigenous Times are not necessarily those of Indigenous Times or the editorial committee. No part of this publication in whole or in part may be reproduced, translated into another language, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without consent of Indigenous Times. Products, names, logos, design titles, words, or phrases within this publication may be trademarks, servicemarks, or tradenames on their own or otherwise may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

Western Canadian Indigenous model inspires and educates others

Written By: Jordan LaPlante

Sheena T Kaine grew up in the Fishing Lake Métis settlement in northern Alberta and is currently residing in Edmonton. She works as a professional actor, stunt actress, model, personal trainer, facilitator, and speaker. She uses her experiences to educate others and inspire Indigenous youth. Recently Indigenous Times had an opportunity to speak with her.

1. Who influenced you first? Was it a particular model? Or the genre of modeling

There wasn’t a specific model who initially influenced me. I used to model when I was younger but gave it up for a bit because I was not “thin enough”, even at size 3-5. I got back into modelling a few years ago but only because I had some friends that are designers and asked if I wanted to walk for them. I remember really loving the feeling of being on the runway so of course I agreed to it. From there, it kind of just kept going right to the point where I was getting actual paid gigs.

2. Tell us about some of the events, projects, expos you were part of and the experiences you want to share?

Some smaller ones include Edmonton Heart of the City Fashion Show, K-Days Indigenous Fashion Show,

Union Hall Fashion Show, and local shows on the Search for the Next Indigenous Top Models to attend New York Fashion Week. I did not compete, but I walked at all of their fashion shows for multiple designers as well.

Then for the Western Canadian Week I walked at their uncensored fashion shows at Chez Pierre’s as well as their fashion shows on Europa Boulevard in West Edmonton Mall - each show I walked for multiple designers in multiple outfits. Also did a fun photo shoot with Jacqueline Buffalo

for Bimaadiziwin Collective. Also did a photo shoot for Travel Alberta.

I was recently in New York for New York fashion week. I did a couple fashion shows there for the New York Indigenous Fashion week with multiple designers as well. And by time this is out, I’ll be in Paris for Paris Fashion Week walking in the Indigenous Fashion Show as well.

3. Explain how your Indigenous background influences you to be a model?

It’s empowering to represent and help bring more Indigenous talent to life. It’s beautiful to see so many of us on the rise. It feels good to see all the work on the stages, local and international! I’m really looking forward to the future holds for me and so many around me

4. Where can we see your work as a model? Facebook?

Instagram?

Instagram @stkaine Facebook

@Sheena T Kaine TIKTOK @ stkaine (I’m trying to focus on building my social media more now too)

https://www.hitechmoda.com/ new-york-nyfw-events

creates ‘Smudge On”

Written By: Christina Cherneskey

A long time Riversdale resident and community leader says Indigenous cultural practices are lacking in Saskatoon and David Fineday works hard to ensure people have access to them. Each week, Fineday brings the spiritual practice of smudging to an area of the city and shares his knowledge with those who attend.

The 66-year-old who hails from Sweetgrass First Nations, tells Indigenous Times he was taken from his home when he was five. And little did he know – or understand – his life would be forever changed.

“I’m a product of the sixties school,” Fineday explains. “My two sisters and my one brother and I were picked up one fall day in 1961. I was only five years old at the time. They were old enough to go to residential school, so they got put in there. I was put with Social Services - which was November 21st, 1961.”

Fineday says he stayed in the system until the mid-seventies, going through about seven homes.

“One home I stayed in for six years. It was pretty good. But then they retired. “Fineday said. “Then I went to different homes going through child slave labor, sexual abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse. I was the only little Indian kid in the neighbourhood. I kept running away until I decided to go find my mom and dad.”

Fineday says when he eventually did move back to the reserve, it was a culture shock. And the transition was difficult, but he says he’s grateful he prevailed.

“I never got to learn the prayers and the stories growing up,” Fineday said. “How to do pipe ceremonies, and that kind of stuff.”

Fineday says it was a chance meeting with and Elder who asked him directly who he was and who he was going to be.

And Fineday says it was then that he decided he was going to discover who he truly was. He says he travelled throughout North America from community to community, learning how to work and learning about people.

“Every First Nations that I found, everybody smudged,” Fineday said. “Like, that’s a normal thing on the reserve.”

When he returned back to Sas -

katoon, Fineday said his mother and elders then taught him how to smudge. He explains that smudging purifies oneself. It’s achieved by burning the smoke from herbs, like sweetgrass and sage, and pulling the smoke over your face and body.

“And as you’re talking and praying, you’re smudging,” Fineday said. “The prayers go up with the smoke and will be heard by the grandfathers and the grandmothers.”

Eventually, Fineday said, he brought smudging to the community in Saskatoon’s west side. He calls the gathering Smudge On, adding a small group always arrives for the ceremony every week.

“Smudging and praying is one thing that needs to be brought back to our people,” Fineday said. “I’m in my third year of smudging, and I smudge people so they can try to turn their life around. I get very emotional when I talk about this. It’s something we have all lost in our family circles. That’s why I smudge out there. I do a circle out on the ground. I have a fireplace and people just walk in from the street and take part. It calms them down and suddenly, they just start to talk.”

Fineday says every Saturday he makes the trek from his home to a small, treed area near the corner of 20th Street West and Avenue K. He’s been doing it since 2020. And Fineday says he intends to continue Smudge On for as long as he can manage “It’s a spirituality thing.” Fineday explained. “It’s not just me. It’s the whole community helping each other. I want to teach younger people who don’t have the chance that they can be with the Elders and to learn the old ways. They can learn to smudge and pray and to sit inner circle and be spiritual. All to help the community.”

-STK- ~Sheena Flamand-Kaine~ Photo by Shadybear Photography

David Fineday

“Smudging needs to be brought to our people.” Saskatoon man

Sheena Flamand-Kaine with Male Models: L: Seneca Martin R: River Thomas Photo by Kop Shop the Kid Kenny Ortiz

-STK- ~Sheena Flamand-Kaine~ Photo by Madelyn Bracko

Creating a lifetime of memories; Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation athletes Mikal and Mikeal Bird look forward to 2023 Indigenous Games

By: Jordan LaPlante

Young Indigenous athletes and twin brothers Mikal and Mikeal say they are eager to prove to people that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Starting at a young age, they soaked in all the knowledge they could, learning from their own coaches and teachers as they grew up striving to be respectful individuals. The two are filled with energy and motivation, knowing that one day as young adults that they could very well do the same: being great athletes and leaders.

Mikal and Mikeal come from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and will say they will represent their roots any way they can. Also, the two want to inspire others as they go along.

Mikal and Mikeal both participated in the 2022 Tony Cote Summer Games. As a result, they brought more status to their game and medals for their cabinet. It’s an experience the two say they will never forget - taking pride in their performance and repre -

senting Battleford Agency Tribal Council (BATC) colours, which is their home district.

“The pride I felt was unbelievable,” Mikal Bird tells Indigenous Times.

Admittedly, the Summer Games were a bit nerve wrecking for Mikal and Mikeal. They acknowledge the scene was overwhelming, but they continued to engage the audience by showing off their skills and ability. They say they love the competitiveness that comes with these events.

The twin brothers both possess their own favourite sport. Mikal Bird wants to gain more experience in basketball and says he will never forget what he learned from his Grade 7 basketball coach, Mr. Gibson. He says his father always was courtside rooting for him and always being his main supporter and biggest fan. Mikal continues to focus on improving his game as a basketball player, knowing his studies are just as important. But he says his dream is to play for Lakeland College.

Mikal’s twin brother, Mikeal also

shows great interest in sports. But Mikeal dreams of hockey. He knows it will take hard work and perseverance. He idolizes local Indigenous athletes such as Indigenous basketball star Michael Linklater, who also is from Saskatchewan. Mikeal admits any sport will help him build great sportsmanship and strength, and he strives to stay highly motivated to show his friends and fans he can and will play the game of hockey very well. Mikeal carries a mindset to attend University either as an athlete and a student, knowing if the opportunity comes, he will run with it.

“I take a lot of pride when I’m playing any sport,” Mikeal says. “As one of the only indigenous players out there I wanna help motivate other young indigenous men to do the same. To be the best they can be and to work hard and stay positive.”

Mikal and Mikeal plan on being the best athletes they can be, committing themselves to local tournaments and leagues. They work hard to set the bar high by challenging themselves and being aware the key to success is

teamwork, talent, and dedication. Both, Mikal and Mikeal, look forward to the year 2023, hopefully being able to represent Team Saskatchewan in the North American Indigenous Games that will take place in Nova Scotia. They both agree that any chance they get to meet new people and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Mikal and Mikeal Bird

SPORTS

Written By : Jody Wolverine

Indigenous musician Serena Nicotine continues to send a strong message across the world with her music - with full intention to inspire others who want to do the same. Nicotine says she shares her experience and thoughts with her lyrics and songs – something she’s

Indigenous country music artist makes her way to the top

been doing for years. Motivated at a young age, Nicotine says she was always drawn to music. She remembers vividly the day she first saw a guitar. Nicotine says she knew what she wanted to do. Without even taking traditional music lessons, Nicotine says she was able to learn on her own how to play the guitar and sing for her friends.

“Music saved me and soothed me.”

Nicotine tells Indigenous Times. She says when she performs, she shows her audience that she can relate to other women and the struggles they went through; especially those

who went to residential school.

Nicotine says she hopes to inspire youth to push themselves to sing, play and write music adding, “the opportunity to become a performer is there for the taking.”

Patience is everything according to Nicotine. She says hours of hard work and determination are definitely paying off. She’s taken time to establish herself through social media and while getting radio play as a successful Aboriginal country music artist. She says it’s always her aim to create good music that listeners can add to their playlist. Nicotine says it’s gratifying that song requests are coming in from all over with people wanting to hear music by ‘Serena’s Secret’ - a band Serena has put together. With no intentions of stopping, Nicotine says she will continue to make more music, recording and playing for local communities.

Serena Nicotine’s music can be

found on Apple Music, YouTube, and Facebook. This includes such song as “Broken Down Dreams”, “All I have to Say”, and more.

Serena Nicotine photo by Indigenous Times

Serena Nicotine photo by Indigenous Times

Written By : Jody Wolverine

Inspired at a young age, Hip Hop artist Valene Campbell (aka Valkyrie) intends to set the record straight - literally speaking. It’s Campbell’s plan to send a strong message through her music and talent so people know she’s still here. As a reconnecting native, Campbell wants to show that Indigenous artists come in all styles and sounds - not just the traditional

Ojibwe Hip Hop artist holding on to her roots through music

sound.

Campbell is focussed on keeping her language alive and it’s her aim to learn both Cree and Ojibwe and incorporate both in her music. Her roots are in Shawanaga, Ontario and Sturgeon Lake, Alberta. Inspired by her kokum and the struggles her kokum had to go through in Residential School, Campbell has the chance now to learn her own language and pass it down to her own children and future generations.

Campbell says she was inspired by her late aunt Farrah along with another deceased friend Bretton, aka Beretta. They both inspired Valene to pick up the Mic at the age of 11.

“Music is so powerful,” Campbell tells Indigenous Times. She explains her lyrics coming from the heart and she feels the emotions when performing.

Campbell says she’s always loved all kinds of music and continues to incorporate different genres and sounds in her own compositions adding she’s not just “one style,” but “all sounds.”

With the help of an amazing director, models and features, Campbells says her latest music video, “U.I.Q. (by Valkyrie ft. T-Rhyme and Jamie Carriere) was literally like being in a movie. She says the music video honors the late Jamie Nicole Carriere also known as DJ Rebellion. “She was a quadruple threat in the music industry,” Campbell said about Jamie Nicole Carriere. “I hope to honour her with my music. Carriere was a singer and song writer, dancer and a DJ. She also recorded and mastered her own music, was a model and a great mom, Campbell is releasing a collaborative EP in early 2023 followed by a solo EP. It will feature a range of artists and sounds, but she plans on recording more traditional music too.

“I want people to know we’re still here,” Campbell says. “When I think of my culture I think of my Kokum not being able to speak our language and it inspires me to learn so I can teach my children and future generations.”

Valkyrie photo by Jasmine Currie ‘Four Winds Trade Show’

Photo of 2 women greeting; video shoot; The traditional Maori greeting the hongi, which is the meeting of the noses or foreheads becoming a breath of life.

Photographer: Sidney Nehua-Jackson

Whitebear First Nations’ Teagan Littlechief sings national anthem at 109th Grey Cup

Entertainment

Written By: Christina Cherneskey

Teagan Littlechief is no slouch when it comes to singing the anthem at Saskatchewan Roughriders games in Regina. LittleChief, who is from White Bear First Nation in southeastern Saskatchewan, says she’s been singing “O Canada” at the home games for a decade now. But having the opportunity to sing the opening anthem at the 109th Grey Cup in Regina, in November of 2022 went well beyond Littlechief’s wildest dreams. And in three languages, no less.

“English is my main language,” Littlechief explained. “And in no way am I fluent in anything besides English. So, the French, I did have to learn within the two-week period. And then the Cree. I was very fortunate to have our pre-teacher who explained the Cree to me. And when I sang for the crowds, I really wanted to speak to everybody – in all the languages.”

Littlechief says there was lots to think about during her performance at the Grey Cup, but she wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

“In Mosaic Stadium, there’s a lot of quirks that you have to learn,”

Littlechief said. “And on Grey Cup day, I didn’t have an earpiece, so I had to really focus on the timing.

I also had to keep in mind when the jets were going to fly over. So, I was trying to keep the beat, because in Mosaic Stadium, there’s a lot of feedback. Like a good 0.5 seconds of REAL delay! So as soon as I’d sing a line, the line hits back at me by the time I’m already into the second line, and I’m like, that’s okay!”

Teagan Littlechief says when she sang the anthem, she felt a certain sense of pride in her achievements. She also works as an addictions counselor and youth worker, was named the Indigenous Artist of the Year at the 2022 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards. She also performed at this year’s Country Thunder Music Festival and has sung “O Canada” at games for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats.

“I still live in White Bear,” Littlechief said. “And I work at the school with lots of people. But when the Grey Cup opportunity came up, I really didn’t want to flaunt it. So, I just went ahead and did the performance. But when I got back to the school and I had

all the elementary kids coming up to me and they’re like, ‘Miss Teagan! Oh my gosh. We saw you on TV! We see you on Facebook! We’ve seen you on the news! Miss Teagan, you’re everywhere!’”

Littlechief says that reaction was powerful saying it was moving to receive recognition like that from her own community. She adds it was a privilege to be able to show younger generations that anyone can do anything, if they stay focussed on their dreams.

“It’s always been a dream for me to pursue music,” Littlechief said.

“I’ve taken a short break from it for a while now. I battled addictions for a long time and that kind of took over for a period. But it was during COVID where I basically just started saying, I’m going to go for it.”

Littlechief says this past year and the year before were big buildups for her and she’s grateful to have had the time to regroup.

“You know, it was a lot,” Littlechief said. “If it wasn’t for the fans and the Riders and the Regina Pats

for giving me the boost that they did, I bet you anything I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now.”

As for Littlechief’s next steps? She says she has learned from her previous struggles and wants to teach kids that nothing should get in the way of dreams.

“I was skeptical of my own gifts, especially in the music because I was told I was already too old to be performing,” Littlechief admitted.

“I was old news basically - is what I was told. And THAT really put a damper on me which made me believe that addictions were my only way out. And you know, I regret that now.”

Littlechief says hard work, practice and persistence has taken her to where she is now.

“That’s something that I really want to instill in not only the youth, but in my own son,” Littlechief said. “Hard work does pay off. You build strong bridges, and you work for your dreams.”

Teagan Littlechief

COMMUNITY OTC celebrate a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year

As we prepare for the holiday season, and look ahead to a new year, it’s a good time to pause to reflect on the year that was and celebrate our successes.

The OTC team had an incredible year that kicked off with us moving to a new, bigger space in the English River Business Complex. This location has room to accommodate our continuously growing programs.

In February we were honoured to host a screening of We Will Stand Up and panel discussion on the legacy of the Gerald Stanley verdict in the death of Colton Boushie.

This year, we celebrated the 2022 graduates, women leaders, and the return of horse racing. We played a role in bringing people together across the province for Treaty Gatherings, the signing of the Buffalo Treaty, Powwows, and two conferences – including one on healing with kindness.

We grieved alongside those who lose loved ones after the James Smith Cree Nation Tragedy.

In 2022 the OTC formed our first Elders council and saw the first ever Treaty boundary sign installed on a Saskatchewan highway.

The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan called on deeper engagement with First Nations on natural resources conversation, and heard the apology from the Pope on residential schools.

We hosted a reconciliation gathering and continue to engaged with businesses, organizations, and individuals on the reconciliation journey as we work towards the Vision of Truth and Reconciliation through Treaty Implementation. The OTC worked alongside the Commissioner and team of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall we attend Treaty medal installations and Treaty flag raisings at schools across the province. The OTC is pleased to be able to attend these important events that show the emphasis being placed on Treaty in the classroom.

While going through all of your successes and plans this holiday season, also take time to reflect on the sacred partnerships that allow us on the land. The Treaties maintain a permanent living relationship for all residents in Saskatchewan. And these Treaties should be used to help us to live in balance and harmony.

This holiday season act as our ancestors intended. Be patient, kind, and respectful to one another. Spend time with family and friends. Drop off baking, handmade gifts, and notes or donate winter clothing to local friendship centres and food to the food bank.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Christmas from Saskatchewan Treaty Commissioner, Mary Culbertson, Elders, and staff at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.

Mary Culbertson, Office of the Treaty Commissioner

Written By : Jordan LaPlante

Lifting weights and eating healthy are not just for those who wish to get “summer ready” or achieve a certain number on the scale. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, Sacha Favel is passionate about coaching her clients to become their strongest, happiest selves by providing coaching on functional strength training and nutrition. She wishes to bridge the gap between access to healthier lifestyle skills and people of the community so that they can have the tools to become stronger and fitter in mind, body, and spirit.

With a Certificate in Business from the Edwards School of Business, Canfit Pro Personal Training Specialist Certification as well as a Nutrition Coaching Certification from Precision Nutrition, she began a new career path in early 2022, after working in the financial industry for 10 years. As many people have throughout the pandemic, she reflected on the type of life she wanted to pursue, a life that provided fulfillment and happiness. With a strong desire to help people, she felt

that pursuing a path in coaching would provide an invaluable service to others while creating relationships based on positivity.

“Going into a gym to work out was always intimidating to me and I never thought it was a place that I could be comfortable in,” Favel tells Indigenous Times. “Due to my own insecurities and lack of knowledge, I didn’t know how to begin working on myself much less view myself as progressing to the point where I have made fitness my career. Overall wellness is a priority of mine, and I don’t think I would have gotten to this point of my life if I hadn’t tried strength training or learned how to fuel my mind and body properly.”

Favel is currently a personal trainer at Goodlife Fitness Saskatoon, The Centre and is loving the energetic environment with plans of growing her business to help

more people obtain their fitness goals. She also provides online nutrition coaching services to reach more clients which focuses on working with her clients to create healthier habits based on their current lifestyle so that sustainable, long-term change can happen. These changes include but are not limited to fat loss, energy increase, muscle gain, stress management, better sleep quality, and more. Ed -

ucation is ongoing for Sacha as she is wishes to gain more certifications to become more knowledgeable in areas such as exercise therapy and strength building programming.

Connect with her via Instagram @sachatfit or email sachatfit@ gmail.com for information.

“Our bodies are made to move.” Indigenous personal trainer coaches her clients to be their best

Sacha Favel photo by Indigenous Times Sacha Favel photo by Indigenous Times

Indigenous motivational trainer, Ryan Bugler creates empowering workshops

Our Nation” helps Indigenous communities to achieve dreams COMMUNITY

Written By : Jordan LaPlante

Ryan Bugler left counselling to pursue his new role as a freelance consultant. His dream was to one day travel North America and provide counselling services and workshops to Indigenous professionals, organizations, and communities.

With new jobs and new career paths, the dream of being able to help people and train others started felt like it was slowly slipping away, according to Bugler. He soon found himself working for organizations offering much value, but deep down, Bugler knew that he could help more people, only if he just offered his value and knowledge on a broader scale.

“This has always been a goal of mine,” Bugler tells Indigenous Times adding he knew he had found purpose early on in life. Bugler says in his younger years, he grew up facing many traumatic life experiences, which he shares in his workshops. He shares stories of attending day school and residential school. Bugler ex -

plains that he grew up on the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in a broken home and without a father.

Bugler says he was raised primarily by his mother. “I’ve experienced racism too many times to count,” he says. “I’ve gone through alcoholism and depression.” Bugler admits he was in and out of the justice system from the ages of 13 to 19 years.

“True happiness comes when you are living your purpose,” Bugler emphasizes. “Although I enjoyed my job counselling for organizations, it was limited to who I could help. I knew there had to be a way to realign my current path with my purpose.”

Bugler shifted gears and got to work combining his knowledge as a counsellor along with some organizational skills. He created and integrated workshops geared toward helping Indigenous professionals and youth. Bugler’s desire was to reveal their potential and help set their sights on goals and show them tools to use that will help them achieve their dreams.

Bugler came up with his signature

workshop, Strengthening Our Nation. The workshops guide participants with training, youth identity and empowerment. Training workshops are three days, focused on a variety of information to help other professionals deliver programing to their organizations and communities.

Bugler’s experience and research into the programming offered aims to help others. The group sessions also shed light on Indigenous history. Teaching tools are emphasized, and participants are taught how to create their own programming and method of facilitation. A wholistic wellness approach is always evident according to Bugler.

Bugler says not being able to speak your language is a form of intergenerational trauma which has led to a loss of identity. He says this topic, among others is also covered in the youth workshops.

“Anyone who has

taken this training will attest to the fact that the name Strengthening Our Nation does exactly that,” Bugler says.

Bugler’s aim is to help working professionals and young people break free from the cycle of dependency that has plagued them as a result of inter generational trauma. The workshops have also aided in gaining self confidence and a broader understanding of current circumstances.

“Our people have suffered for far too long it is now time to invest in our healing and education. By strengthening ourselves we are Strengthening Our Nation.”

“Strengthening

Photographer: Merinda Bugler CAPTION: Youth were from all over Saskatchewan Event was at the Saskatoon Inn

Paving the way; Carlin Nordstrom manifests positive outcomes with First Nations COMMUNITY

Written By : Jordan LaPlante

This is an interview conducted with Carlin Normstrom with Indigenous Times (IT).

IT: What inspired you first? Was it a particular motivational speaker or the idea of being motivational.

I never really had a major influencer when it came to starting motivational speaking. It was just something that I needed to do. There is one person that caught my attention when I was starting out and that is renowned motivational speaker Les Brown. I have learned however that First Nations

spire them.

IT: Tell us about some of the projects you were part of.

Students are a unique group and I need to know my audience and how to in-

I work closely with Doctor Holly Graham out from the University of Saskatchewan. We have done several exciting initiatives including a land-based fishing program that was funded by the National Indian Brotherhood. We also are currently doing a huge project with Public Safety Canada, Poundmaker and Little Pine First Nations. My Role is an Indigenous Role Model and as a result students can learn a variety of things and participate in events such as hockey school, fishing and

hunting, land-based trips, and some motivational/educational workshops.

IT: Explain how your Indigenous background influences you.

Indigenous kids need examples of success stories. There needs to be more motivational speakers for our youth. Not just former professional athletes, but any Indigenous people who can share their success stories - from lawyers, carpenters, police officers and more. They need to know about the opportunities available and see examples of Indigenous people reaching their goals and hearing how they did it.

IT: What keeps you going?

This is easy. Seeing the smiles and

excitement from the students after my presentations. Stopping to take pictures, respond to questions, sign autographs and even receive the occasional hug. These kids need more examples of Indigenous success stories. They should have this once a month if possible.

IT: What are your plans for the future?

I am excited about some upcoming trips to Alberta and Manitoba in the new year. I am looking forward to taking my message across Canada in the future. I am also continuing and expanding my land-based program this upcoming summer with more trips.

IT: Where can we see your work and find out more about you?

Facebook, Instagram and my website www.carlinnordstrom.ca

Carlin Nordstrom; Youth: Star, Mildred & Misty photo by Shana Flett

Carlin Nordstrom and Youth photo taken by Corrie Swallow

Carlin Nordstrom; Thomas Pete photo by Tim Bayly

Carlin Nordstrom photo by Lionel Pillar