TRICK OR TREAT
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TRIBAL STREET STYLE
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HALLOWEEN FICTION
NEW TRIBE magazine BACKED BY LEGENDS
CHERIE DIMALINE BRINGS INDIGENOUS LITERATURE TO THE WORLD
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THE PRIDE
* * HOME COMING
U AROUND TOWN JAMES MONTROSE
Free Vol. 11 Issue 5 OCTOBER 2012 Now Available online www.usay.ca
NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers, Boo! Did I scare you? Yes, it’s that time of year when we dust off the Halloween ghoul and goblin decorat ions, and get ready to pass out tooth numbing amounts of sweet filled g o o d i e s . Take some precautions and have a scary fun Halloween. The October issue brings you some great tips on how to enjoy Halloween in a safe and secure manner, some great poetry, and also brings you some Tribal street style. We also feature a great cover story on a very talented writer named Cherie Dimaline to find out what she is currently working on and her unique process of writing.
Need updates on upcoming USAY and New Tribe Magazine events? Feel free to search us out on Face book and join our growing friends list. We post upcoming events, submission requ irements and deadlines, and fun stuff like upcoming movie nights and book clubs. It is also a great place to comment on stories or articles you wish to see in our upcoming issues. Do you have an opinion on this issue of New Tribe magazine? Good, bad, or ugly send in your thoughts and we will print it in the letters section. Spread the word, and stay true to it. John Medeiros Managing Editor
NEW TRIBE
Calgary’s Aboriginal Youth Monthly usayeditor@gmail.com Managing Editor John Medeiros Graphic Design Aboriginal Design Group Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth Suite 1109, 615 Macleod Trail South Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 403.233.8225 Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland Program Manager Rachel Paris Office Manager Jessica Hawryluk Board of Directors President Sarena Provost Vice-President Amanda Gonet Treasurer Melaina Patenaude Secretary Cheryl Hanley
NEW TRIBE is a monthly magazine. Our mission is to promote a positive outlook on Aboriginal living in an urban setting by promoting information sharing within the Aboriginal and youth communities Opinions expressed in submitted work/letters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NEW TRIBE or USAY. This magazine is a forum for Aboriginal youth to speak their minds and share their stories without intervention. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for plagiarism of the works in the magazine. All writings are presumed to be the original work of the contributing authors.
Special Thanks to our Community Partners & Funders
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CONTENTS
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6
34 OCTOBER
COVER STORY
CHERIE DIMALINE
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Story by Christine McFarlane Photography by Robin Sutherland
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NEWS BRIEFS
11 23
COMMUNITY
7 WHAT’S GOING ON?
24 TALENT
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26
COMING HOME
10 INTERNSHIP
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COMMUNITY
12 ON THE TABLE
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MUSIC REVIEW
14 POETRY
32
MOVIE REVIEW
15 COMMUNITY
34
STREET STYLE
16 FICTION
36
DRUM & DANCE
18 TRICK OR TREAT
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U AROUND TOWN
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NEWS*BRIEFS
Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada First Nation faces new suit
-The First Nation that partnered with Manitoba Hydro on the Wuskwatim dam is facing a second lawsuit over the project. OTTAWA
Tracks and Wheels Equipment Brokers from Sudbury, Ont., claims the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation owes it more than $2 million for an unpaid contract to maintain heavy equipment. NCN is countersuing for $6 million, claiming the company didnÕ t provide what it said it was going to, which cost NCN time and money. The case dates back to 2006, when Tracks and Wheels entered into a contract with NCN to service heavy equipment being used to build an access road to the Wuskwatim dam site from Provincial Highway 391. Tracks and Wheels claims it did the work and NCN ignored hundreds of invoices worth $1.8 million between December 2006 and October 2008. In a counterclaim filed in a Manitoba court in 2009, NCN claims Tracks and Wheels agreed to lease it eight rock
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trucks with a two-year warranty, and to provide at no cost, two Ò standbyÓ trucks for use when the others were undergoing maintenance. NCN claims Tracks and Wheels failed to honour the warranty, didnÕ t provide the standby trucks, and the trucks provided werenÕ t suitable for the purpose for which they were intended, frequently broke down and required excessive repair and maintenance. The counterclaim also says Tracks and Wheels breached the service contract repeatedly, including charging for work that was supposed to be covered under warranty. SOURCE -WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Taseko plan preserves lake
-Taseko Mines filed an environmental-impact statement Thursday for its revised $1.1-billion New Prosperity gold and copper mine that lays out how it will preserve a lake that has been a flashpoint for First Nations. VANCOUVER
The companyÕ s original plan - which would have drained Fish Lake and stored waste rock and dirt on the dry lake bed was rejected by the federal government in 2010.
Calling this submission to the federal review panel a milestone, Taseko vicepresident of corporate affairs Brian Battison said the company hopes the revised plan will gain the support of First Nations who opposed the initial project. Taseko said last year it was going to spend an additional $300 million to preserve Fish Lake west of Williams Lake in B.C.Õ s Interior, but that plan was immediately rejected by the TsilhqotÕ in Nation. The First Nation said the integrity of Fish Lake was not saved simply by not using the lake for mine waste storage. Battison noted some TsilhqotÕ in First Nation leaders are now supportive of the project, pointing to former Alexis Creek First Nation chief Irvin Charleyboy. Ò We have a $300-million commitment to environmental responsibility. We would hope that will be looked upon with a little more favour than the previous plan,Ó Battison said. SOURCE-VANCOUVER SUN
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TRIBE*ART
RYAN JASON ALLEN WILLERT 6
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What’s Going On? OCTOBER,2012 Oct 04 Smashing Pumpkins in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB Oct 04 - 07 Soulocentric Festival Vertigo Mystery Theatre Calgary, AB www.soulocentric.org Oct 05 - 31 Screamfest Canada Olympic Park Calgary, AB Oct 06 Rise Against in Concert BMO Centre Calgary, AB Oct 09 - 14 Wordfest: International Writers Festival Calgary, AB www.wordfest.com Oct 12 - 14 Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival BMO Centre Calgary, AB calgary2012.homestead.com
Oct 12 Justin Bieber in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Oct 26 - 28 Boo at the Zoo:Night Event Calgary Zoo Calgary, AB
Oct 13 - 14 Calgary Baby & Tot Show BMO Centre Calgary, AB
Oct 27 Calgary Artist’s Society Fall Art Show & Sale Calgary, AB www.calgaryartistssociety. com
Oct 19 - 21 The Calgary Body Soul & Spirit Festival Big Four Building Calgary, AB Oct 20 Halloween Howl Calgary Eau Claire Calgary, AB Oct 25 Marianas Trench in Concert Stampede Corral Calgary, AB
Oct 27 - 28 Calgary Woman’s Show BMO Centre Calgary, AB Oct 31 Halloween Calgary, AB
Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
If you have an event youÕ d like us to include in our monthly calendar, email it to us - usayeditor@gmail.com by the third Wednesday of the month. Submission deadline for the Nov 2012 issue: Oct 25
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COMMUNITY
‘DISSOCIATED EXISTENCE’S’
STACIE HIMMELSPECK 8
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COMMUNITY
International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program by: Daryl Kootenay
My name is Daryl Kootenay, IÕ m from Morley, Alberta, and I went to Lima in Peru, which is in South America. I was a part of an International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program (IAYIP), created by Canada World Youth (CWY) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The program lasted for four months and involved working with the Brigada De Volunterios Bolivarianos de Peru, which is a youth organization based out of Lima and is internationally renowned. My two fellow interns and me had the opportunity to travel throughout central Peru visiting 10
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and to work with Brigada youth first-hand. The experience was amazing, we had a variety of different Peruvian youth (ages 8 Ð 20) show us their homes and communities. Looking back at my daily life in Alberta and comparing it to what IÕ ve lived and learned in Peru is enormous. This enormous impact has all happened because of the new skills, the bigger perspective, and the experience IÕ ve gained because of the program. Being back in Canada for three weeks I can definitely see now how huge of an impact it has had on my Ô regularÕ life. Now that IÕ m
back home I can see that IÕ ve changed miraculously. In Peru, no matter what, every day was an adventure; I didnÕ t have much time to sleep, there was always someone new to meet, always something new to learn. I was able to learn about the different people and the variety of cultures.The main language in Peru is Spanish, and everybody is brown so I felt like I was on a big reservation. As a First Nation youth from Canada I felt like I had a lot to relate to and share with the people, especially those in smaller communities. From the small villages to the big cities, I loved it all.
COMMUNITY It was really fun preparing and presenting about First Nations in Canada to the people in Peru, I brought with me small parts of my own regalia like beadwork, quill work, feathers, etc. I also had a hand drum made for me by my brother, so I had an opportunity to perform a song in different communities throughout central Peru. They loved it all, they never knew Aboriginals lived in C a n a d a . In smaller communities we were the first Canadians to visit, in other communities we were the first brown Canadians. My experience taught me how to be independent at an international level. It taught me how to learn a new language and culture, to adapt to a new environment, to help organize and participate in national conferences. IÕ ve expanded my personal and employment skills through this program. The experience of not having running hot water, and 24hr electricity or a washing machine was very eye opening. Gaining knowledge and awareness at an international level is one of the biggest highlights and life lessons that IÕ ve experienced from this
opportunity. Most challenges I believe participating in this were fun, some were hard, and program as an Aboriginal youth is the best thing you can do. If nothing came easy. youÕ ve just graduated and arenÕ t Working with the Brigada youth in 100% sure on what to do for your the mountain town of Palca made future, IAYIP is the answer as it is me appreciate how dedicated life changing and mind altering.The these kids were on keeping skills you learn, the country you themselves occupied and out of live in, the people you meet are trouble. Youth creating activities all natural, but at any moment you could be in some wild adventure. For example, back in April me and some buddies were out and about downtown Tarma broad daylight and a prostitute chased us around. Another time I went to a FIFA National football game; I didnÕ t realize it until I got back to Canada, but from the start of the program as an intern I accomplished so much, formally and for youth to participate in is informally. Personally I feel this is completely amazing, I absolutely answer for every Aboriginal youth. loved it. This experience gave me Now my eyes see farther, my more motivation to apply to my mind thinks bigger and my body own life what I learned culturally, runs further; thatÕ s the best part. economically and politically while Thinking about it and making the in Peru and specifically from decision was the hard part, actually the youth of Palca. I gained this doing it was the easy part. See the tremendous perspective that will world with your own eyes =) always provide me with keeping a unique attitude towards I encourage all youth to participate challenges and chasing success. in our programs. Checkout our http://cwy-jcm.com/ Now with all this knowledge website I intend to use my skills and and/or for more information you experience to share and give back can contact me personally by email to my community in a positive at Koots18@gmail.com way, starting with the youth =) NEW TRIBE OCTOBER 2012
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FLAVOR
On the Table Turkey Club Sandwich INGREDIENTS 3 slices white bread 2 leaves lettuce (Romaine, green leaf or iceberg) 2 slices fresh tomato 4 strips crispy bacon 3-4 oz cooked turkey 2 Tbsp mayonnaise 2 Tbsp cranberry sauce (optional)
DIRECTIONS Toast three slices of bread. Spread one side of each slice with mayo. Place one lettuce leaf, the sliced tomato, the optional cranberry sauce and the bacon on one slice. Place a second slice over these ingredients, mayo-side down. Spread this top bread slice with mayo, and place the turkey and another lettuce leaf on it, then top with the remaining slice of bread. Cut the sandwich into triangles diagonally and serve. Side of chips makes it even better! 12
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crafts
Crafts EGG CARTON SPIDER Materials egg carton 4 long stems for each spider pair of plastic movable eyes for each spider or paint to make your own hot glue or tacky glue scissors black craft paint (also white, if painting eyes) paint brush black or invisible thread, black yarn, or black elastic thread INSTRUCTIONS You will need one egg section of the egg carton for each spider, so cut as many sections as you need for the number of spiders that you want to make. Turn the sections upside down and trim the bottom so that the spider body will sit flat on your work surface. Paint each egg carton section, inside and out, with black craft paint and let dry. For each spider, make two small holes on the top of the middle section. A corn cob skewer is useful for this, but you could use the tip of your scissors. Insert thread, yarn or elastic thread into the holes and tie off. Omit this step if you don’t wish to hang the spider. Make four leg holes on each side of the spider’s body. Poke the holes through with an awl, sharp pencil or plastic yarn needle. Thread a chenille stem through the first hole, right through the middle, then out through the matching hole on the other side. Repeat for all four legs. When all stems are in position, bend them into leg shapes that will support the spider. Glue on the plastic eyes, paint your own, or draw eyes on a white piece of paper, cut out and glue in place.
Set out or hang your spiders as Halloween decorations or attach them to a web or wreath. NEW TRIBE OCTOBER 2012
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POETRY
Sweet Silent Memories by Nikki Winnipeg
I dropped a tear last night, as I thought of all the things we done, crazy stupid senseless fun. The more I thought the more they dropped. I felt like I, just couldnt stop. Every here and there I creep, like the good old snike. Now we all went our seperate ways. What we all shared was just a faze. Which was swept away with passing days. I still wish we could all talk, or still go on those super long walks. Maybe I’m mourning my old way of life. I still think I’ll never be a wife. But here I am in good loving hands, with a kind loving person, who understands. I sometimes think about you now. However you are just another face, in another crowd. How I hated to see you frown, I used to find away to turn it upside down. They say times change, people change. It’s funny how things quickly rearranged. It’s time to bid farewell my friends, this is just the start, it’s not the end. For I can’t be caught in that old knot. So here it is, and I still can’t let go. I need time to think and grow. I don’t want to dwell. I simply want to be well. I made up my mind, I’m throwing them out this last time. They do no good, so I’m taking them out from under my hood. Letters of friendship love and hope. Wash my hands clean with antibacterial soap. For now you are all just sweet silent memories. 14
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Community
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TRI BE*FICTION
HALLOWEEN FICTION CHULIPA
Once upon a Halloween night Randy and Madeline were out on a date. They were going to a Halloween party. This was an exciting thing for Randy. He has just gotten his regular license the night before. There was no more rushing around to get home by 11pm when the junior license would expire. He also had a crush on Madeline for a number of years. She was pretty but not one of the girls that were popular for being pretty. She did have a lot of friends but she was not in a certain clique.
that he was driving he could take her on a real date with no time limit and best of all no adult supervision. So what if he was driving his mom’s car for the time being. Soon he would be able to get his own car with the money he had been saving up from his part time job. For now at least he was out of the house and in a car with a pretty girl.
Randy was trying to watch the road and be a careful driver, he really was. It was hard to concentrate when Madeline had her hand on his leg and Randy had wanting to ask her it seemed to keep creeping out for some time now but upward. At this point what he never had the nerve. Now he wanted to happen in the 16
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car was more interesting than anything that can be happening on the street. All of a sudden Randy head a thump and the car jolted a little bit. He though that he had hit a big pothole or something then he seen it tumbled over his car. It was rather large and it went right over the roof of the car. Madeline was screaming in the passenger seat. Randy did not want to but he knew what he had to do. He had to get out and see what he hit, what kind of damage was done to the car, and if it was still alive. Randy slowly stepped out of the car. There was no damage
TRI BE*FICTION done to the hood or anything.
he had. When he found out his mistake. It was Halloween night dog was hit he was so upset he and he was with a girl. What was Something that big was sure died of a heart attack. wrong with that? As the days to leave a dent or a mark or went on things kept on getting something. Just when Randy The police were looking for strange and stranger. Randy was starting to feel better about anyone that knew information found what looked like dog hair himself he saw a shape laying about what happened to the all over his bed. The next time about ten feet down the road. He dog. Randy did not know what he got in the car he could have went over and saw that it was a to do. Should he tell them? He sworn there was a shadow of dog. It was not moving. Randy decided to keep it to himself an old man sitting next to him. saw its collar shining and was for now. The man was dead and Randy got so scared that he got tempted to call his owner. there was nothing he could do out of the car and ran away. about that either. He was not seen or heard from He decided just to go back About a week later strange again. Randy’s mother’s car inside the car. He liked dogs things started happening to was found a few blocks from his and felt really bad about hitting Randy. When he fell asleep he house the keys were still in it. one but he figured at this point was awoken by dog barking. He there was nothing he could do looked everywhere and there There was no trace of a struggle about it. He told Madeline it was nobody around. or signs of a robbery. Missing was nothing just a pothole or person posters were sent out but something. She was still pretty The next morning his shoe was there was no word on Randy. He scared and wanted to go home. chewed up. He had no idea how was never seen or heard from that happened either. Randy again. Let this be a lesson to you The next day in the paper Randy though maybe it was just his all. Be careful when venturing read about the dog that was conscience getting to him. He out a Halloween night. This found on the side of the road. realized that he did something could be your last outing for a The story said the dog belonged wrong by not paying attention long time. to an old man. The dog was all to the road and not admitting his
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Community
Halloween is fast approaching and that means the streets will be crawling with scary critters and haunted houses. Halloween was meant for kids to have fun and dress up as their favorite characters and ask people the age old question, trick or treat? Some kids can enjoy themselves exploring the heart-stopping haunted houses and mapping out their new trick or treating destination. There are so many homes and places your child goes to collect candy and when the night is over kids can rejoice 18
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in their bounty of endless riches, or otherwise known as the candy stash. But, as fun and exciting Halloween is; there are many bad things that can happen to an unsuspecting child during this holiday. Predators, kidnapers, cars and people who would like to harm your children can turn this fun and scary night in a real troublesome situation. Parents must be wellinformed about all the potential dangers that are lurking on this well-awaited night. This article will inform
parents on the potential dangers of Halloween and what they can do to keep their kids safe, because thatÕ s what a good parent is supposed to do. Halloween tip number one: always make sure that your childÕ s costume doesnÕ t have any sharp or dangerous accessories. For example, if you little boy is dressing as a pirate make sure that his sword is not too long and is soft and flexible. There have been many scenarios when a childÕ s Halloween costumeÕ s accessories has caused
HEALTH that you feed your child candy costumes are a walking that will not cause them to accident hazard. Try to stay away from costumes that Halloween tip number two: choke. aren’t flame resistant or that Never let your child go trick Never give a child younger include a facial mask. If your or treating by themselves. than five a jawbreaker or child insists in wearing a mask When a child goes trick hard candy. And the last tip because they really want to or treating by themselves, pertaining to candy is never be that certain character they can easily become let your child eat more than for Halloween, make sure kidnapped by a predator and 6 pieces a day or they can it is well- fitting and that get themselves hurt or killed. become sick, throw up or your child will be able to see properly. Also, stay away from A good option for your son face dental problems. the novelty contact lenses or daughter is to go trick or treating with a big group of Halloween tip number four: because, even if they take friends and always have an Always take a flashlight. A the costume to another level, flashlight will allow you to they can cause your child to adult supervising. illuminate the path where you suffer from an unwanted eye Halloween tip number three: are walking and flashlights problem. And always make Try decorating your childÕ s also allow you to spot any sure that your childrenÕ s costume with reflective tape. dangers before they become footwear or costume doesnÕ t cause them to trip. This tip is great because it to close. allows drivers to see you and your children on that dark Halloween tip number five: Halloween tip number night. Getting hit or run over Always test your childÕ s seven: Don’t walk near flames by a car is a huge problem Halloween makeup before or jack-o-lanterns. This tip for trick or treaters because they apply it on their face. is especially for children usually vehicles have a difficult Many children end up with who have costumes that are time in seeing children at an allergic reaction that can flammable. Better yet, make night. The reflective tape cause scarring or even merit sure that the costume is fire is also a great way to keep a hospital stay. Before you resistant. an eye on your kids if they apply the makeup, place a small amount of the makeup Halloween doesnÕ t have to wander a little too far. to sensitive areas like the be that scary, just make sure Halloween tip number three: elbows or back of the hands that you follow these tips so Always give a thorough to see whether there is a you can have a danger free examination of your kidsÕ reaction. If nothing happens Halloween. Many dangers are candy before you allow in twenty four hours then its present during Halloween and them to eat them. A new safe, if something does occur the most important thing is to know exactly where your trend is that many people donÕ t use it on your child. child is at all times and always are tampering the candy and adding poison to the Halloween tip number six: have an adult supervising the Halloween candy that they Be careful with the costumes kids who are trick or treating. hand out. Also, make sure that your child wears. Many d someone to get hurt.
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photography by: Robin Sutherland, MAAIINGAN Productions
Community
Backed by Legends, Cherie Dimaline Brings Indigenous Literature to the World
by Christine McFarlane
With her first book Red Rooms going into a third printing, two successful magazines under her editorial direction, a new novel (edited by the legendary Eden Robinson) in production and holding the prestigious position as Writer in Residence for First Nations House at the University of Toronto, Cherie Dimaline is at the top of her game, and it is only just the beginning. New Tribe writer Christine McFarlane talks to the award-winning author in Toronto.
community artists. Her first gothic story was just published in the British anthology ‘Exotic Gothic 4’ and her stories and articles have appeared in numerous periodicals and collections. She relates that the landscape of her youth plays a huge part in her work. “I was lucky enough to have parents with the foresight to send me back home to our community every summer. I spent summers with my Grandmother and her sisters, playing Euchre, listening to them talk and swimming in Lake Huron When I ask her about how she with a huge gang of cousins.” began her writing career and the successes that have come her way, Home for Dimaline is the Georgian Cherie Dimaline laughs. “It sounds Bay area in Ontario. Her mother is nerdy to say I’ve always written, Métis from a community usually but I honestly cannot remember a referred to as ‘across the Bay,’ time when I was not writing. I felt referencing its geographical (and vindicated though when I heard largely cultural) juxtaposition renowned author Lee Maracle say from the town of Penetaguishene she wanted to be a writer even (Anishnaabe for ‘Land of the before she knew how to write. Rolling White Sands’). Both her maternal grandparents were Métis Dimaline has enjoyed a varied and her Grandmother spoke the career, working for non-profits in ‘pigeon French’ of the area, a the urban Aboriginal community, language no one really named as as well as a stint at Chatelaine Michif, though it was married to magazine before starting a monthly Ojibway and had a distinct accent Native newspaper in Toronto and lexicon. through the Friendship Centre. “Both of my grandparents were Recently, her work was included mixed in both ways (this is I in two new textbooks for guess what you would refer to Canadian high schools published as being ‘big M’ and ‘little m’ by McGraw Hill Ryerson. This Métis, being from a historic Métis June, she produced a blog for community and being mixed with CBC books along with other First Nations) and both families
are connected to communities in both Manitoba and Ontario,” she relates. Dimaline’s next book is a full length novel called ‘The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy.” It is due out from Theytus Books in the Spring of 2013. Acclaimed writer Eden Robinson, author of such bestselling books as Traplines, Blood Sports and Monkey Beach among other works was Cherie’s first choice to edit the manuscript, a request her publisher Theytus Books made happen. “Cherie Dimaline has written an amazing book,” related Eden from her home in BC. “Her character’s journey into womanhood is funny, heartbreaking and powerful. She’s definitely a writer to watch.” Ann Doyon from Theytus says, “Cherie’s work is exciting. It is far from being dry history. Her book is exciting in the way she weaves her characters as modern Indigenous people with traditional knowledge. Her work is really good. It is Indigenous fiction and that is just an extension of traditional storytelling.” While waiting for her next book to come out, Dimaline has not slowed down in her writing endeavors. She has finished another collection of short stories and is working on a new novel that involves gypsies, jingle NEW TRIBE OCTOBER 2012
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COMMUNITY dresses and a graveyard. Besides her literary accomplishments, she is kept busy as a mother of three kids; Jaycob aged 19, Wenzdae, 13 and Lydea, 6. She is the Editor of two magazines- FNH Magazine which is an Aboriginal student publication printed out of First Nations House at the University of Toronto where she also keeps hours as the esteemed Writer in Residence (www.fnhmagazine. com) and MUSKRAT magazine, an online Indigenous magazine. (www.muskratmagazine.com) MUSKRAT Magazine uses media arts, the Internet, and wireless technology to exhibit, investigate, and disseminate Indigenous knowledge in innovative ways that inspire their reclamation on an accessible, day-to-day basis. MUSKRAT is a biannual electronic Indigenous multidisciplinary arts publication that profiles Indigenous artists and critical discourse engaging the reclamation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Traditional ecological knowledge has been and continues to be accumulated through time spent living on the land. It includes Aboriginal oral traditions and Indigenous knowledge expressed in traditional and contemporary ways. It encompasses all aspects of the environment and sees humans as an intimate part of it, rather than as external observers or controllers. When asked about how she feels about her first book Red Rooms going into its 3rd print, Dimaline is humble about its success. “It 22
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never occurred to me that Red Rooms would be as internationally accepted and read as it has been. For me, it was just important to get these stories out there. They are experiences and stories of my urban Aboriginal community filtered through the colander of my early years on the Georgian Bay where all the news and information I got in my Great Auntie’s house was through one television station, a radio tuned to old country all the time and the gossip of old women.” Dimaline relays, “I am very grateful that people are willing to read and take the time to come to understand Native literature that isn’t what non-Indigenous audiences are used to encountering; historic Indians doing stereotypical things.” As a writer, Dimaline gives this advice for other emerging writers wanting to make it in the literary world. “Read, read, read, and make sure you read diversely and widely, but pay particular attention to the style and genre you want to write yourself. There are so many great masters out there and we are in an age when we have access to them all. Even better, as Aboriginal writers, our legends are still with us and are largely available and willing to mentor/meet/speak. She is quick to explain that she has been luckier than most when it comes to learning. “My mentor list is like a bucket list of Indigenous greats. Lee Maracle has been my largest mentor and has helped me with my craft as well as with the business of writing immeasurably. She edited Red Rooms and helped
get me into a retreat that led to the discovery of my next role model; Maria Campbell. Maria and Lee are both family to me now and their love and guidance could never be repaid, though I have committed to trying by reaching out to other emerging writers. I’ve also been taught through the incredible experience of having one of my favorites, Eden Robinson, edit my novel.” She adds, “The other thing is that people with a penchant for writing need to understand that with any occupation and/or art, there is a craft that must be learned and mastered. Workshops, classes, self-study are all key to developing the craft of writing. Francine Prose, Sol Stein and Stephen King all have some great essays and books on writing that should be on any aspiring writer’s bedside table.” Dimaline says it’s really an exciting and important time to be an Indigenous writer, being sandwiched between our groundbreaking greats and a future that desperately needs us to remember and retell. As a community, we are enriched by having writers like Cherie who are willing to answer the charge and take care of those stories. Upcoming travel for literary projects includes India, Hawaii, New Orleans, Croatia, Serbia and Japan. You can also check out Cherie Dimaline on her website www.cheriedimaline.com and blog at www.cheriedimaline@ blogspot.com
COMMUNITY
The Pride by Ken Nepoose
In this land, we are the creator’s people, Cree, Blackfoot, Dene, or Ojibway, we were made just as equal. Why try to obscure the reality of our life’s plight. By causing animosity amongst another so we fight? Senseless murders of natives killing each other, Being plagued by a world of violence and using the past as a cover. We must band together and formulate a plan, So we can flourish once more and I know we can. Were strong minded, resilient, we are the First Nations. We’ve withstood being depressed, persevered throughout generations. Held onto our sacred beliefs, traditions and language, Even in the midst of enduring depression and anguish. Be proud to be Aboriginal, to be indigenous of this land. Help contribute to our cultures growth, lending a hand Striving for change is not an impossible goal to achieve. We’ve overcome much adversity, It’s within our grasp to conceive It’s time reclaim our shine, gain our native pride, Standing together, we can do this one nation at a time.
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TRIBE Talent
James Montrose 24
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COMING HOME My name is Jack and IÕ m a Native American. Well actually, IÕ m only half-Native American. My dad met my mom 19 years ago, while on a mission trip to the reservation my mom lived on. In a tale of unlikely sorts, they fell in love and married a year later. Nearly two years after that, my mom gave birth to me-Jack William Shumate.
my mom suggested that I go live with my grandparents on the reservation, once school let out for the summer. I was reluctant at first because I didn’t want to pass up my summer here with my friends, but after a lot of thinking, I realized there was a part of my heritage that I didnÕ t know anything about. I eventually gave in and my parents drove me across state After my mom married my dad, lines to the reservation a week she left with him to go live in a after school let out. city in another state. Aside from a few mission trips overseas, IÕ ve For the first time that I could always lived in the city. My mom actually speak back, I met my has only visited the reservation Grandpa John and Grandma a couple times since she left and Ruth. They are full-blooded the last time the family went Native Americans and when together, I was still too young I took my first look at them, to remember anything. When I realized where my mom got I turned 16 earlier this spring, her features from. They live 26
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in a small wood cabin, much like the other homes on the reservation, but a little bit nicer. They had done some renovations to the place with the money my parents had sent periodically to them over the years. Most notable was the bathroom. Grandpa explained to me that many people in the reservation were poor and didnÕ t have access to quality running water. The first thing they did with the money they had saved up from my parents was to invest in a good plumbing system. They were very proud of that bathroom and always kept it very clean. Throughout the summer, my grandparents showed me around the different areas on
COMMUNITY the reservation. Most of the families were very large, but still lived in tiny cabins. Extended families would share a couple of bedrooms, while kids would take turns sleeping on the floor and whatever little furniture was in the house. Some families had running water, while a few relied on water from wells on the reservation. Air conditioning is a luxury that a few on the reservation does have, but many rely on fans in the house to try to get relief from the heat of the summer days. Some of the Native Americans have jobs within the reservation, but most that are employed have to travel off the reservation to go to work. These select few employed individuals have families who live in better conditions than others, but probably wouldnÕ t qualify as middle-class by most measures. By far, most of the people on the reservation were unemployed and lived off whatever government money they were provided with. Most families farmed or at least had large gardens to help feed their families. My grandparents had a garden that I helped with during the summer. IÕ ve always been a picky eater, but I didnÕ t say anything when my grandparents served vegetables at every meal.
I knew they were getting along the best way they could afford. I met a few friends over the summer on the reservation. They taught me about the culture and I showed them how to play soccer. We went fishing often and played some native games. Along with my Grandpa, they taught me how to say some words in the native language, including some pickup lines to try on the ladies back home. My favorite part of the week was the weekend powwows.
they allowed me to become a part of them. Although a lot of good came out of the visit, I was shocked at a lot of things. It was discouraging to see how poor some of the families were that lived there. It made me mad that many of them didnÕ t have access to running water and air conditioning. In a nation blessed with so much, I canÕ t understand how a group of people can be so forgotten. While I was there, one of the older teenage natives committed suicide. My friends told me that they are often looked down on by other Everybody would dress up in kids at the school they went to beautifully crafted dresses and outside of the reservation. outfits, adorned with feathers and other items. There would be That news made my heart dancing, music, and storytelling. sink. Although IÕ ve left the I got to meet the spiritual elder reservation, IÕ m committing of the tribe and he told me myself to learning more about about my spirit animal. I didnÕ t my peopleÕ s culture. I want to go always understand what was back someday and help improve going on because some of the the lives of the people there. I ceremony was in the native would love to find a way for tongue, but I thought the whole everyone to have clean, running thing was beautiful regardless. water and air conditioning. My summer experience on the Maybe even someday when IÕ m reservation was life changing. I old enough, I’ll find a way to made lasting memories with my bring jobs to the reservation, grandparents that IÕ ll remember so that the people can find till my dying day. employment and be able to provide better living conditions I made new friends and learned for their families. Until that about a culture I barely knew day, IÕ ll carry the people of the existed before. In learning about reservation in my heart and be them, I learned a lot about proud of my Native American myself and where I come from. heritage. The people on the reservation have become a part of me and NEW TRIBE OCTOBER 2012
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BEATS
Turn up the Volume R.E.M Document
REM is one of the most influence bands since they hit the music scene. They are able to mix indie music with alternative rock and make it sounds good. There album Document is an example of this. This recording received a rating of five stars from just about everyone who has listened to it in full. What it great about this album is that some songs are political in nature such as Ò Welcome to the OccupationÓ but still enjoyable to listen to. Others are not something that main stream music would normally accept but REM makes them work. Lead singer Michael Stipe provides strong vocals and the listener can hear the passion in his voice. It is also remarkable how fast he can sing on Ò ItÕ s the End of the World As We Know It.Ó The song Ò The One I LoveÓ reached number nine of the chart which is really not as much of a love song as people think it is. This album is filled with a sense of urgency, anger, and strong feeling. There are also strong guitar riffs and background percussion that make the listener feel the lyrics. Document is one of the best non commercial albums of this time. Sera Cahoone Deer Creek Canyon
Sera Cahoone and her album Deer Creek Canyon brings music back to an older time. The music on this album has a warm feel to it and can remind a person of being home. It was also said that the songs make a person feel comfortable. This music can be described as a blend of indie and country but with well made music and lyrics. Some songs also have a little bit of the blues mixed into the music. One of the best songs on this album is Ò One to BlameÓ which was sung perfectly and matches CahooneÕ s best vocal ability. This album is not meant to be too showy or flash like other 2012 releases. The music is great for people that like the sounds of an acoustic guitar with some percussion mixed in. For someone not familiar with Sera Cohoone the lead track Ò NakedÓ is a good introduction to her music and her song writing skills. There are some tracks that are more upbeat on this album such as Ò Nervous WreckÓ but the read pride of Deer Creek Canyon is the folk, female contemporary blues songs. This album is makes a person feel safe without being overly predictable. 30
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BEATS
Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Waka Flocka Flame Salute me or Shoot me 4
Waka Flocka Flame and the album Salute Me or Shoot Me4 is bring back the underground rap lyrics and the rap music from the streets. One of the best things about this rapper is his energy. He keeps the lyrics flowing with a powerful yet smooth style. While at times the music feel like Waka Flocka Flame is shouting the music is getting to be softer and less angry. There are some what would be consider pop rap tracks with catchy hooks and sing along lyrics. He also displays more serious songs on this album and he does address serious social issues as well. This album deals with drugs, and getting even with enemies, and other illegal activities. Waka does bare his soul on this album on the song Ò Realist S**t I wrote.” He gets personal with the audience by reflecting on his parent being killed and his best friend becoming a cocaine addict. There are point on this album when they song do get a little predictable with the lyrics and the music. While some of the lyrics are more serious then they have been in the past some still have that radio friendly rap fluff to them.
The Vaccines Come of Age The band the Vaccines recently put out their second album in the past eighteen months called Coming of Age. This British band has resembled sounds of the Stokes and Arctic Monkey in the past and fans are waiting for them to come into their own sound. Coming of Age does not quite do that. This album sounds like it was rushed into production and due to this the songs are not original sounding. At times they can sound bland and even a little boring. The rawness they had on their first album is gone and this album sounds like the Strokes gone bad. The sounds are not catchy and even the band seems to be bored with the music. The listener can tell that not too much thought went into the lyrics of this music. They music can sounds depressing as well. The band at times seems to be bored with their own music. The best song on this album is Ò Aftershave OceanÓ and that is thanks to the slide guitar licks featured in the song. Instead of coming of age and coming into their own right the band is trying to figure out what other band to impersonate. Until they figure out their own sounds and meaning it is best to pass on this album. NEW TRIBE OCTOBER 2012
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MOVIES
See You at the Movies Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Selena Gomez Hotel Transylvania is rated PG. It has some rude humor, some borderline action and some scary images. It is an animated movie in which Dracula owns a stunning five-stake(not star)resort that all the monsters and their families are excited about. Where else can monsters live it up in style and luxury than at the Hotel Transylvania? Dracula decides to throw a special weekend and invite our favorite monsters up to Hotel Transylvania for a monstrous birthday party for his 118 year old little girl. Guests include Mr & Mrs. Frankenstein, The Mummy and the Invisible Man. Werewolves also made the b-list invite list. Of course the famous Dracula should have no problem entertaining such a wild set of guests but one thing no one is betting on is the party getting crashed by a HUMAN! GASP! Will DraculaÕ s world come crashing down? Will the guests have the ultimate melt down? Things get a little more intense when the human takes a special interest in daddyÕ s little girl!
Mavis(DaddyÕ s little girl) is marvelously played by Selena Gomez. Think it was a coincidence that this movie was released on world rabies day 2012? The spookier the better! Hotel Transylvania is the first movie ever directed by Genndy Tartakovsky. The voice of Adam Sandler as Dracula is sure to be a hit with adults and children. The cast is famously designed to bring lots of entertainment to the audiences. Fran Drescher is the voice of Eunice, FrankensteinÕ s wife. What a perfect voice for this part! Kevin James is providing the perfect voice for Frankenstein himself. True talent from an amazing actor. Something a little different from Kevin that moves the audience to excitement. We also here a few other familiar voices in the movie. Molly Shannon was cast for the voice of Wanda the Werwolf and is WayneÕ s wife. David Spade’s voice returns to the big screen to bring us the character of Griffin. David is a hit with all audiences and his voice will bring emotion, action and laughter to this animation. For kids this is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It provides 2 hours of pure laughter and entertainment. Graphically, this movie will awe. The plot is intriguing and is delivered in such a fun and light heart-ed manner. Time will fly and all you will know is that you had the best of times watching Hotel Transylvania.
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MOV IES
See You at the Movies Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis
Looper is one of the most futuristic time traveling movies of this decade. Launching in 2012, Looper is set in the year 2072 and start none other than Bruce Willis. That alone is almost guaranteed to make it a true hit on the big screen. Bruce Willis plays the character of old Joe who meets his younger self later in life when he sends himself back in time to kill the boy who goes on to be the rainmaker. From there the story-line twists and turns through time travel to prevent the boy from becoming the rainmaker. But along the way many obstacles arise that throw the cast for many entertaining loops. Old Joe and Young Joe set out on a mission to kill each other but will they succeed? What obstacles will stand in their way? Will either mission be completed and will there be a rainmaker in the future? All of these questions are answered through a futuristic plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Looper is a thriller and full of action. Not a minute goes by that the audience is not fully entertained and entranced in this time travel story-line. Looper was written and directed by Rian Johnson. Bruce Willis is the only highly famous actor to join the cast for Looper. Aside from the action, this is a bit of a different plot that Willis pulls off impeccably. His acting is convincing and entrances the watcher into the time travel fantasy played out throughout the entire movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt brilliantly pulls off the role of young Joe. His acting skills are put to a test in this role of a lifetime for the Ò 10 Things I Hate About YouÓ actor. He pleasantly surprises the audience with his acting skills. The ride of Looper is mind-bending but the cast is not afraid to slow down to explore all themes of the movie. Time traveling movies can be challenging to pull off. The cast and crew for Looper put their heat and souls into making this a thrilling action movie with lots of dark scenes and some humor thrown in. It goes deeper and leaves the audience thinking about important topics like regret and sacrifice. Something not easy to pull off. Looper provides an hour and 58 minutes worth of an unforgettable thrill ride through time and revenge.
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FASH ION
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STYLE By: Angel “Indianicity” Sanderson #NativeFashionista #TribalStreetStyle #Indianicity The autumn season tends to beckon change; and for some this can mean starting a new school year, beginning in a new city, pulling out the sweaters and boots, or adding some new pieces to suit the crisp mornings and dropping temperatures. One of my favorite aspects of Street Style hunting is finding many with effortless personal style. I was pleased to see, in all my meanderings, that many of you Neechie Street Stylistas’ are doing the seasonal transition spot on. Taralyn Kate is a vision of chic effortless style, and right on trend in coloured jeans. Her off-the-shoulder nautical inspired top works for this season as well, it allows a bit of summer tan to peek through as the deep blue follows a popular seasonal hue. The custom statement-earrings pull the basic tank and red jeans together with ease. She keeps her makeup and accessories minimal with wooden and silver bangles, a bright silver clutch, and her trusty well worn moccasin-style flats. Fall is my favourite season, as I am in love with the fashion that follows the colder months. I’ll be out and about with my camera in tow throughout the city, and at a variety of events in search of my next Style Stars for my blog, and monthly Tribal Street Style Muse. 34
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