Two Row Times, May 24, 2023

Haldimand expands wellness dog program

JACE KOBLUN jace@tworowtimes.com

Haldimand County’s Community Paramedic Wellness Dogs program expanded in 2022 after an overwhelmingly successful pilot earlier in the year.

Reports from program participants showed reduced stress and anxiety, and improved feelings of health and well-being.

“Haldimand is looking to grow the program’s reach through additional handlers, expanded on-call response, and increased victim services support,” said a 2022 release.

Part of the County’s Community Paramedic Program, which delivers specialized service through community outreach, the Wellness Dogs program currently supports full-time medical clients, Haldimand County first responders and OPP West officers, Victim Services staff, Haldimand County community programming, Grandview Lodge and local hospitals, along with attendance at public festivals and events.

“We’re thrilled to see this program taking off the way it has,” said Mike Evers, general manager of community and development services. “Having support dogs directly integrated into our EMS

medical care to support clients, staff, and the community is quite unique and we’re proud to be among the first, if not the first, in the country to utilize this approach.”

The program is funded through Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, with the service dogs generously donated by community partners. At the time of the release, Haldimand County had one full-time service

dog who was donated by Autism Dog Services (ADS) and three part-time therapy dogs who are loaned to the program from Tsaheylu Shepherds, K9 Fun Zone, and the Shapton Family. The County said it will be continuing to develop and maintain new and current partnerships to train and secure future dogs for the program.

“Our goal is to expand the number of dog handlers, from one to around

eight, to increase our program capacity,” explains Community Paramedic and Dog Handler Nicole Selby.

“Currently, the partial capacity of one dog handler can meet the needs of about 15 full-time clients in addition to various community engagements. With eight handlers at full capacity, there’s potential for supporting up to 100 full-time clients, and providing a greater presence in the community.”

Medical clients of the Wellness Dogs program are referred to the Community Paramedic Program by their physician or healthcare professional. For community outreach opportunities, such as school visits, hospital visits, and attendance at public events, facilities or program directors can contact cpwellnessdogs@ haldimandcounty.on.ca for requests and more information.

A program that brings therapy dogs into long-term care facilities, local hospitals and those who are ill and home-bound is getting a lot of support in Haldimand County. The dogs are trained to provide emotional support and comfort to patients. HALDIMAND

Arrows induct 2023 Hall of Fame class at Bread and Cheese Game

The annual Bread and Cheese game began with some presentations before the Arrows took on the visiting St. Catharines Athletics. First off, the Arrows held a moment of silence to honor the life of Darren “Prixie” Wilson who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. Wilson was a member of the 1992 Minto Cup championship team, the 1996 President’s Cup winning Ohsweken Wolves and won multiple Ontario titles with the Six Nations Masters lacrosse club.

The Arrows also inducted their 2023 Hall of Fame class which included players Kim Squire, Cory Bomberry and Peter “Gweet” Skye. Minto Cup winning Coach Dave General and long-time

volunteers Pete and Gloria Skye were also inducted in the builder’s category. Members of the Skye family were on hand to accept the award on Pete and Gloria’s behave.

The game started with neither team able to get things going offensively. Arrows goaltender Ethan Robertson made many early saves before St. Catharines opened the scoring to take a 1-0 lead. There would not be another goal scored for ten minutes with the Athletics extending their lead to two goals. The vistors would rattle off two more before the Arrows Ross Hill would stop the bleeding, scoring with 1:46 remaining and send them into the 1st intermission trailing 4-1.

The two squads each scored two goal apiece in the 2nd frame. Davin Bomberry scored a short-handed goal in his

return from a knee injury that left him sidelined for the entire 2022 season. Rookie Winter Rivera also beat the St. Catharines goalie to register his first Jr. A goal. The period also featured a tussle between the Arrows Kash Doxtator and the Athletics Tye Steenhuis which resulted in both players being ejected.

The home side faced a 6-3 deficit to begin the 3rd. Rivera got things going for the Arrows scoring consecutive goals to record a hat-trick. Ross Hill also found the back of the net two more

times recording a hattrick of his own to tie the game 7-7. Unfortunately for the home crowd that would be it for the Arrows offence as St. Catharines would score the next two goals. With Arrows pulling their goalie to go 6 on 5 late in the game, St. Catharines added an empty net goal to hand the Arrows a 10-7 loss.

Last Wednesday the Six Nations Jr. A Arrows opened their season on the road vs the Oakville Buzz at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre. The Arrows were missing a number of players due to

school and hockey commitments, so their line up consisted of many Jr. B and U-17 call ups. Arrows starting goaltender Ethan Robertson was tested early but made several saves off fast break chances by Oakville. Lucas Hucal of the Buzz did manage to get one by the Arrows young goaltender for a 1-0 lead. The Arrows penalty killing unit held strong, killing off two Oakville power plays. Goals were tough to come by in the first frame, but Oneniotekowa Maracle was able to tie the game 1-1 off a sneaky shot from the

outside. That would be the last tally of the 1st period.

The offensive struggles continued in the 2nd period for the Arrows as they were unable to solve Oakville goalie Dante Mancini. The Arrows did put many shots on net and rung the post a few times while keeping much of the play in the Oakville end. The Buzz were able to score three goals in the frame with two of them coming on the power play to enter the final period up 4-1.

Oakville was able to cash in on another power play early in the 3rd to extend their lead to 5-1.

Tyler Davis would get one back for the Arrows 23 seconds later off a nifty slip pick and pass from Hodo Martin. Six Nations would carry the play for much of the final period but could not find the back of the net. Defensively Robertson and the Arrows defense limited the Oakville chances keeping their team within three.

Damon Doxtator would score with 4:41 remaining in the game to narrow the gap. Unfortunately, that is as close as the Arrows would get with Oakville adding one in the final minute of play to take a 6-3 win.

Players were inducted into the Arrows Hall of Fame this weekend including Kim Squire, Cory Bomberry and Peter "Gweet" Skye. ARROWS

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation celebrated the unofficial reopening of the community library on Tuesday. TRT

Bread and Cheese back to normal for first time since pandemic

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago, the massive annual community bread and cheese celebration on Six Nations took place with no Covid protocols in place, at its old stomping grounds at the Six Nations Sports and Cultural Memorial Centre.

Thousands of community members from near and far converged on the grounds to celebrate the beloved annual tradition, lining up to take home delicious fresh bread and cheese, meet old friends, and play on carnival rides.

Six Nations Elected Council stepped up this year making the entire midway free for guests all day on Monday.

It was the perfect way to end the day - first, satisfy the belly with bread and cheese, then play on rides.

And the weather was perfect.

After a traditional opening by Joe Martin, Elected Chief Mark Hill, noted how this was the first time getting back to normal after a three-year long pandemic that took a lot out of the entire community.

During the eerie and unknown days of the early pandemic in spring 2020, elected council still worked hard to bring bread and cheese to the people while practicing social distancing by handing out bricks of cheese and loaves of bread to community members at the ends of their driveways.

That eerie, yet bittersweet bread and cheese celebration of 2020 is now a thing of the past.

“This is our first time back in traditional way,” said Chief Hill. “Over the past years, we’ve had to do everything to get bread and cheese to you. That’s one thing I’m extremely proud of.”

To him, he said, bread and cheese represented the unity of the people,

gesturing to the crowd in the arena.

But the celebrations couldn’t go on without the somber remembrance of what the pandemic did to the community.

Chief Hill asked everyone to have a moment of silence to remember everyone the community has lost to Covid over the past three years. Six Nations

lost 25 people to the virus as of March 2023.

“It’s really times like this that shows our resilience as a people, where we’ve been and where we want to go in the future.”

Dignitaries from surrounding communities showed up in big numbers, including Brantford Mayor Davis, Brant County Mayor David Bailey,

Haldimand Mayor Shelley Bentley, and for the first time, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma also attended, who both represent Brant and Brantford and surrounding communities.

Thousands of community members came pouring through the arena doors at 12 p.m. sharp to pick up their freshly baked bread and zesty chunks of cheese, moving through the tables where volunteers worked like a well-oiled machine to get the beloved annual treats to the hungry crowd in less than an hour.

There was even some bread and cheese left over this year, which is a rarity.

Some people ate the cheese right away while others took it home to use in beloved family recipes.

The event cost council $75,000, with 8,500 bricks of cheese and hundreds of loaves of bread. The money comes out of Six Nations’ Ottawa Trust Fund annually.

The Bread and Cheese tradition takes place every year on Victoria Day Monday.

The Queen instituted an order following the War of 1812 that Six Nations people were to be gifted blankets in gratitude for their loyalty to the Crown in fighting the Americans during the war.

The gifts were eventually changed to bread and cheese, halted briefly from 1901 to 1924, and has been a beloved annual tradition ever since, where friends and family come together in a reunion of sorts and catch up on old times, some not having seen each other for years.

The camaraderie continued for the rest of the day on the grounds of the Sports and Memorial Park where community members young and old enjoyed carnival rides and carnival fare in what is now the unofficial kick-off to the summer season.

Six Nations had the first fully in-person and back to normal Victoria Day Bread and Cheese distribution on Monday, drawing thousands home down the bush for the weekend. SNGR

Episode 12: Squad GT Game of the Week

By GameTechniqueTV

The sound of gunfire echoes through the air as soldiers advance through the rugged terrain. In the distance, a squad of enemy combatants can be seen, taking cover behind a crumbling wall. The tension is palpable as the soldiers coordinate their movements, working together to take down the enemy and complete their objective. This is Squad by Offworld Industries, a tactical first-person shooter game that has captured the attention of gamers worldwide.

From the moment players enter the game, they are thrust into a world of intense battles, teamwork, and strategy. With its realistic mechanics and immersive gameplay, Squad offers

a unique and engaging gaming experience that rewards coordination and communication. But what sets this game apart from others in its genre is its attention to detail and active

community.

Players are not just playing a game but rather immersing themselves in a realistic environment where every decision they make can mean the

difference between victory and defeat. OWI's dedication to creating a realistic and authentic world is evident in every aspect of the game, from the detailed landscapes to the realistic

sound effects.

The community that has formed around Squad is also a testament to the game's success. With its focus on teamwork, players are encouraged to work

together, building relationships and skills that transcend the game itself.

The community is supportive and welcoming, with players of all skill levels coming together to share their passion for the game.

In the world of esports, Squad is also gaining recognition for its potential as a competitive game. With its focus on strategy and coordination, the game is well-suited for competitive play, and OWI has been actively supporting the development of the competitive scene.

Overall, Squad is a game that offers a truly unique and immersive experience for players. From the intense battles to the active community, this game has something for everyone.

So if you're looking for a tactical first-person shooter that rewards teamwork and strategy, look no further than Squad.

GameTechniquetv unleashes the fury of the LAV gunner seat, obliterating enemy armor assets from across the valley in a daring display of skill and precision. GAMETECHNIQUETV

Spiritual and cultural bullying a problem on Six Nations, says anti-bullying group

-The intent to cause harm

-Negative effects on the person being bullied

SIX NATIONS — Spiritual and cultural bullying are just one of many types of bullying taking place in the community as the Six Nations Anti-Bullying Task Force begins a community education series on the bullying epidemic in the community.

The anti-bullying task force was formed about three years ago in response to a spate of bullying complaints at local schools and it’s now evolved to tackle the problem of bullying in the whole community.

Jen Mt. Pleasant is the chair of the anti-bullying task force and she told community members during a presentation last week that bullying has six different components:

-Real, or what appears to be, an imbalance of power between those involved

-The enjoyment of those effects by the people doing the bullying

-The bullying is repeated and gets worse as time goes on

-The existence of a threat of more bullying to come

Those are just the components of bullying. There are also different types of bullying - various channels or targeted types of bullying, including:

-spiritual and cultural bullying

-mob-style bullying

-online bullying

-gendered bullying

-sexual bullying

-environmental bullying

-political bullying

Each type will be covered over the anti-bullying community series.

Cultural and spiritual bullying are actually forms of emotional and psychological abuse, said Mt. Pleasant.

“This type of bullying takes place when a person uses their cultural or spiritual identity to attack somebody else or control another person,” said Mt. Pleasant.

It’s when a person shames, criticizes or belittles another person’s spiritual or cultural beliefs

or tries to exert control over them, she said, Both types of bullying have deep roots in the community, especially, she said, with the history of residential schools.

The students at residential schools would end up passing that bullying on to the younger stu-

dents, she said.

Even though residential schools are not operating anymore, the community is still seeing cultural and spiritual abuses happening.

“We’re seeing it in this community.”

Indigenous children at residential schools were forced to dress and conduct themselves according to Christian and European norms while being shamed and prevented from practicing any type of indigenous spirituality or cultural traditions. The last residential school closed in 1996 but the effects remain today.

And spiritual and cultural bullying is not limited to a certain religion or faith, like Christianity, she noted.

“Any person of any belief system is capable of perpetrating spiritual abuse just as anyone can be a victim of it.”

It can be subtle, too, like telling someone they are not enough, or too much,

of their culture.

Spiritual and cultural abuse can also involve the use of hurtful stereotypes, forcing cultural or spiritual practices on others, making fun of someone for wearing cultural regalia, telling someone they’re going against God or the Creator for a choice they make, threatening to oust someone for their beliefs, denying the victim access to their spiritual community, making fun of people during spiritual or cultural ceremonies, and manipulating spiritual practices to justify abuse.

“Many victims might not realize they’re being abused because the behaviour has been normalized,” said Mt. Pleasant.

Some ways to cope include finding support from your own religious or spiritual community and finding ways to practice your faith safely, creating a peaceful space for yourself and remind yourself of your inherent value.

RE-ENACTMENT OF THE BATTLE OF STONEY CREEK

This event commemorates the Battle of Stoney Creek, a pivotal moment in the War of 1812. On June 5, 1813, American forces marched from Niagara and set up camp at the Gage family homestead. In the early morning hours of June 6, 700 British and Upper Canadian forces marched from Burlington Heights - where Dundurn Castle stands today – and defeated 3,000 American soldiers under the cover of darkness. The Battle is considered a turning point in the War of 1812 as the Americans, who occupied Fort George at the time, never penetrated as far into the Niagara Peninsula again.

Culture and Heritage for the City of Hamilton noted “In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation and understanding the Indigenous history and community connection to Hamilton, we have enhanced existing programming with Indigenous demonstrations, interpretations, and artistic performances.”

THE RE-ENACTMENT OF THE BATTLE OF STONEY CREEK RETURNS WITH INDIGENOUS PROGRAMMING

The Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek returns to Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site at 77 King St. W. in Hamilton on Saturday, June 3 from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday, June 4 from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is FREE.

The weekend will feature reenactors from across Canada and the United States, who will be dressed in period uniforms and will use historic muskets to bring the battle to life.

Battle re-enactments are scheduled at 3:30 pm and 8:30 pm on Saturday and at 2:00 pm on Sunday.

The 2023 event includes a number of new additions to the weekend. Travis Hill, Curator, Indigenous

This year features a narrated ‘Great Peace Game’ of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse on the Battlefield prior to each Battle Re-enactment on Saturday, June 3. After the game, the young men will be joined by Haudenosaunee singers and dancers who will share Gada:tro (Standing Quiver Dance), and the Smoke Dance with audience participation. The Eagle Flight Singers and Dancers will provide narrated Indigenous performances with audience participation on June 4 at 11:30am and 3:00pm.

The event includes a variety of other activities, including a 19th century military encampment, musket and

cannon demonstrations, period music and dance performances, shopping, old-fashioned games, fireworks, guided tours of the Battlefield House Museum and Battlefield Monument. Food and refreshments will be available for sale by the Stoney Creek Kiwanis, Stoney Creek Optimists and Stoney Creek Lions Club. Please note that dogs, other than service animals, are not permitted on the grounds during the event.

There is no on-site parking for the event. Free parking is available at St. David’s Catholic School, 33 Cromwell Cres. Hamilton and Sir John Henry Newman Catholic School, 127 Grays Rd. Stoney Creek. A free, accessible shuttle bus will run a constant loop between the event site and the school parking lots.

For additional information about the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek, visit www.hamilton. ca/reenactment, email museums@ hamilton.ca or call 905-521-3168.

The anti-bullying task force was formed about three years ago in response to a spate of bullying complaints at local schools and it’s now evolved to tackle the problem of bullying in the whole community. FILE

OPINION

editor@tworowtimes.com

What to plant in June

Plant outdoor flowers in June for colour that lasts until the fall

May coming to a quick close means now is the perfect time to give your outdoor garden—something we don’t talk about enough here—some much-needed love. Let’s dive into what some good plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables are a good idea to get in the ground now.

Sunnyside Nursery says the onset of June is the ideal time to plant your summer colours.

“What I love about planting in June is that I know whatever I plunge into the ground this month will give me 90 to 120 days of joy, all the way into October— assuming that I water and feed it. Unfortunately, you can’t say the same thing about seasonal colour items that were planted back in March and April. They might still be growing, but are most likely done blooming. June, on the other hand, is the ideal month to plant summer colour and that is why I often tell customers to save room for the June stuff,” said the nursery.

Some of these plants might be hard to find but your efforts seeking them out will make a huge difference in your outdoor setup.

Golden Delicious Pineapple Sage — This plant doesn’t last long at nurseries and if you knew about them you’d see why. It has golden foliage with a strong pineapple scent. The plant can bloom red flowers late into the summer and can reach up to three feet in

Letter to the Editor: We have forgotten God

height. Make sure you give it some space.

Cucumber: OK not a house or outdoor ‘plant’ but if you have the space and tastebuds for it, why not get some cucumber going? May is the ideal time to plant cucumbers in Ontario. Start your seeds indoors in late April if you plan on transplanting. If sowing directly into the soil make sure the soil is at least 15 C and around the middle to the end of May.

Chocolate cosmos: Sunnyside Nursery again really pushes plant-folk and home gardeners to add chocolate cosmos to their collection. These great-smelling flowers are in the dahlia family but have a smaller flower closer. According to the nursery, they are chocolate in colour, also in fragrance, and are a must-have. They form a mound of foliage approximately 18 inches tall with a constant supply of flowers all summer long. Plant chocolate cosmos in full sun.

Sunflower: Whether you plant one or 50, sunflowers are a beautiful addition to your big backyard garden, small flower bed under your bay window,

or anywhere you drop a seed and it roots. The best time to plant these potentially huge flowers is now. And the best way to sow a sunflower seed is directly into the soil. Sunflowers have edible seeds and also attract pest-controlling birds and bees to improve your harvest and help detox contaminated soil.

Annual: Now that the risk of frost is long gone you can safely plant scented annuals such as snapdragons or marigolds. Petunias, antirrhinum, sweet peas, nemesia are all great options for perennials to plant around the end of May.

Various: According to Dobies, June opens up the outdoor sowing season to popular border flowers like alstroemeria, achillea, arabis, Canterbury bells, coreopsis, erigeron, myosotis and sweet William. Meanwhile, polyanthus, primrose and pansy, can be started off in your greenhouse and then moved outside later.

Just because this year’s Bread and Cheese Day is over doesn’t mean summer is. Put that cheese away, head to your local nursery and get planting (and a tan) this season.

Volume 10, Issue 43

Make advertising cheques payable to: Garlow Media

Oneida Business Park Suite 124 50 Generations Drive, Box 1 Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0

Sago! It would be an understatement to say that the Six Nations of the Grand River is in disarray. This once proud and mighty Iroquois reservation that only a couple of decades ago was well respected around the world has become a haven for non-natives seeking to make an illegal living within our borders. Other people; of European and Iroquois descent have taken our inter-tribal name, Haudenausaunee and turned it into a word which stands for greed; deceit and corruption. Our young men and women are hooked on marijuana; cannabis oil and their own images as they walk around caring only for texting and checking their messages on Facebook, TikTok, and other social media outlets.

The children of those people just mentioned have few role models to look up to and cannot even walk to school without being preyed on by evil men in black vans and fancy cars.

There are so many non-native people living among us and making an illegal living on our Home and Native Land that we, the Ongwehoweh, are forced to just sit on the sidelines of life and watch our world decay in front of our eyes.

Back in the sixties when the author and his companions were young and full of life; the only thing we had to worry about was being physically and verbally abused on a daily basis by the unprofession-

al attitudes and overbearing antics of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who lived right here in the village of Ohsweken.

Thankfully, the men in Red Serge were kicked off the reservation in 1967 after the entire detachment lost; “the Fight at the fall Fair”. The Six Nations of the Grand River now have a home grown brand of policemen and female officers to patrol the Rez and keep the peace and yet — peace is one thing that is totally absent on our Home and Native Land.

There are so many vehicles traversing the territory on a daily basis that elderly people, like myself who at 75 years of age, cannot safely walk around the village or go to Tim Horton's greasy spoon without being almost run down by diesel tractors pulling multiple trailers.

It has been estimated that at least 15,000 cars and trucks pass through the village every day as the drivers use Chief's Wood Road as a short cut to Brant County or Norfolk County. The motor vehicle traffic never stops. It continues day in and day out, all day and all night and there is nothing that we Ongwehoweh can do about it.

On Thursday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. 2023 the author took his walker and a sign and sat in the middle of the road in Ohsweken in an attempt to stop the insanity and was chastised by the Six Nation's Police service and threat-

ened with arrest if he did not get off the road.

The author was told by our police that; “he could not” impede the rights of non-native drivers who have a legal right to Use Our Roads on Our Native Land which we and our posterity are to enjoy forever. The author was also informed that “he could not protest on His Roads on His Native Land”. They told the elderly man to “go sit in the park”. Imagine that! Whose police are they? Obviously not the common, poor people of this reserve.

Things are so bad here in the Grand River valley that the Three Sisters; corn; beans and squash have been replaced by corn whiskey; canned beans and cocaine.

This story could go on and on. However, there is one overarching reason for the difficulties we Ongwehoweh are facing and enduring today. WE have all forgotten God, and have turned our backs to our Heavenly Father and have instead embraced Satan the devil and all the pleasures he has to offer! And for our sins, just like the ancient Israelites, God has set us adrift in the wilderness of life until we learn to repent and seek his forgiveness. The first thing that we Mohawks and others must do after that is Retake our reserve Land; our Water and our Forest; Back Forever. Daneto.

Doug Whitlow

Publisher: Jonathan Garlow Head of Production: Dave LaForce Editor & Social Media: Nahnda Garlow Writer: Donna Duric

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If sowing directly into the soil make sure it is around the middle to end of May and at least 15 C outside. ERIC PROUZET ON UNSPLASH

CELEBRATION MAY 26/27/28

STORE WIDE SALES

LOTS OF PRIZES WITH MINIMUM PURCHASE

Fire protection strategy updated at FN first responders gathering AFN hosts three-day event in Ottawa to focus on advancing FN fire protection priorities

STAFF REPORT editor@tworowtimes.com TWO ROW TIMES

The inaugural First Nations First Responders Gathering in Ottawa brought together Indigenous fire protection and emergency responder leadership to explore how best to address increasing fire dangers faced by First Nations.

Participants also included First Nations Chiefs, fire chiefs and emergency first responders, as well as Assembly of First Nations (AFN)

Manitoba Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse. Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, attended the event on behalf of The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Ministry of Indigenous Services.

The event featured panel discussions on topics, including; options for introducing fire protection legislation and codes; wildland fire threats and responses; funding needs

to improve First Nation fire departments; effective fire prevention strategies; and volunteer fire and wildfire fighting recruitment and more.

"Every year, First Nations communities experience fires that could have been prevented or mitigated with adequate infrastructure, resources, and support. Fire services in First Nations communities are frequently faced with insufficient resources and inadequate funding to meet the needs of our populations,” said Woodhouse. “In Canada, Indigenous people living in First Nation communities are 10 times more likely to die from a fire, according to 2021 Vital Statistics. The release of the First Nations Fire Protection Strategy for 2023 to 2028 is a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. I look forward to the positive change this Strategy will bring as we work together with the Government of Canada to protect First Nations."

The Gathering also saw the release of a First Nations Fire Protection Strategy for 2023 to 2028—the first such strategy jointly developed by the AFN and Indigenous Services Canada. The new strategy builds on earlier strategies to combat increasing risks from climate change and promotes modern technology to plan, track and manage fire prevention. It works to enhance fire safety for First Nations people living off-reserve through partnerships with local governments, First Nations technical organi-

Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee Review – We want your feedback!

Are you Indigenous? We want to hear from you!

City Council is considering a new approach for the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee (AAAC) for this Council term and is seeking public input on how this could work.

The City of Toronto is collecting feedback through a public survey and is hosting two sessions for the Indigenous community to provide input in person.

Drop-in sessions*:

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Anytime between 1 – 7 p.m.

2-Spirited People of the First Nations 105 – 145 Front St. E.

In-person session

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Anytime between 1 – 7 p.m. Regent Park Community Centre 402 Shuter St. In-person session

*All sessions are free and open to Indigenous community members.

For questions, or if you would prefer to offer your thoughts in another way, please contact engagement@toronto.ca

Survey

All are welcome to complete an online survey.

zations, and nearby First Nations. It includes input from First Nations fire experts, First Nations community and Tribal Council leadership, as well as the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), First Nations Technical Service organizations and other fire protection professionals.

"This year, as in years past, far too many First Nations have suffered devastating losses from tragic fatal fires that have left communities grieving and looking for answers. These senseless tragedies

could have been prevented,” said Hajdu. “This Gathering and the new Fire Protection Strategy, which has been co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations, are critical to saving lives and keeping First Nations communities safe. Thank you to stakeholders from across the country who attended the Gathering and contributed your expertise and participated in this important work. As Minister, you have my commitment that I will continue to advocate for and support the implementation of Indigenous-led solutions. Today is an important first step, but we need to rapidly take further action. Lives depend on it.”

In addition, for this fiscal year, Indigenous Services Canada announced $10 million in new funding to support community-based needs. This is an immediate step the government is taking to support the objectives of the Fire Protection Strategy released today. Initiatives covered will

include education and prevention, smoke alarm installations, inspections for non-Indigenous Services Canada-funded buildings, firefighter training and fire department communication projects.

Fire safety continues to be a serious issue for First Nations communities, especially for the most vulnerable individuals. The First Responders Gathering and the new First Nations Fire Protection Strategy are elements of larger, long-term solutions to better address fire threats and help protect children and their family members from losing their lives in a fire that could have been prevented. Working together with First Nations organizations including the AFN, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners in fire prevention and protection and emergency response, the Government of Canada will continue to take urgent action to improve fire safety prevention and protection on reserve.

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Northern Nation gathers in Toronto to launch land theft case

TORONTO — Dozens of members of an Ontario First Nation gathered in Toronto on Thursday as part of their efforts to reclaim their land and prized possessions.

Ojibways of Garden River First Nation Ketegaunseebee beat their drums in a show of strength as they entered Queen's Park after filing a lawsuit against the province and the federal government alleging a large swath of their land was stolen.

The First Nation's leadership then surprised their Elders with a viewing of a 200-year-old pipe that belonged to the man who helped start Garden

River in the 1800s, Chief Shingwaukonse. The Royal Ontario Museum, which has had the pipe since its inception in 1914, brought the pipe to the legislature.

The great-granddaughter of Chief Shingwaukonse, Doreen Lesage, hovered her hand over the pipe as tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped those tears away and held her hands to her heart.

``It's indescribable what it means to me,' she said. ''My heart is just heavy right now, but my heart is full, very full.``

Her grandson, Cole Nolan, a historian who works with Garden River First Nation, said they are in repatriation negotiations with the Royal Ontario Museum for the pipe and several other items that belonged to Chief Shin-

gwaukonse.

Nolan helped broker the pipe's visit to the New Democrat caucus room at the legislature.

``Today is probably one of the greatest honours of my life to be able to do this for my community, for my family members,'' he said, choking up.

``These items are so important to our people, our families.''

A curator with the Royal Ontario Museum said the repatriation process is in its early stages.

Chief Shingwaukonse's items were sold to Dr. Oronhyatekha, a physician from Six Nations of the Grand River, who had money and collected Indigenous items related to land claims around the time of Confederation, Justin Jennings said.

Oronhyatekha died in 1907 and his estate eventually donated Chief Shingwaukonse's items to the museum, which has had them since they opened in 1914.

``We just wanted it to be here because this was something important to the chief and the community,'' Jennings said.

Garden River's current chief, Andy Rickard, said he's held positive conversations with the museum about repatriating Chief Shingwaukonse's items.

But it has been a difficult few days in Toronto for the band members of Garden River, which is located near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

``It's very special,'' Rickard said. ``We had ceremony in one of the back rooms at the ROM and

when you left there, you felt like you were leaving family behind.''

The First Nation also filed its lawsuit earlier this week, saying a large swath of its land was stolen.

In 1850, the Crown and Garden River signed the Robinson Huron Treaty. That treaty was prompted by Chief Shingwaukonse's occupation of a mine in protest of the Crown encroachment on its territory.

The First Nation suffered famine and economic hardships after that treaty, the statement of claim says.

The Crown continued to pressure Garden River to give up all of its land, and eventually, Garden River relented to give up some of it by 1859, the claim said.

But the Crown pressured a vulnerable population to sign that treaty, the claim said, which meant losing 70 per cent of its territory.

``It was extremely coercive in nature,'' Rickard said.

The Crown sold off some of that land to farmers and developers, the claim said.

Sol Mamakwa, an Indigenous legislator with the New Democrats at Queen's Park, said the approach by both the province and the federal government when dealing with First Nations is not working.

``The days of divide and conquer, the days of talking about jobs, funding, resources, does not work anymore,'' he said.

know the score.

Six Nations Chiefs earn an exciting win on Bread and Cheese

SIX NATIONS — A close game throughout, the Senior ‘A’ Six Nations Pro-fit Chiefs hosted their annual home-opener on Bread and Cheese shortly after the Six Nations Junior ‘A’ Arrows.

This year, they invited the Cobourg Kodiaks, who put up an exciting challenge for friends, family and fans within the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.

The first period saw Cobourg open scoring, but Cody Jamieson came in for a double back-toback, and Tyler Biles for a single before the end of the period. In the second, the lead was over-taken by Cobourg as they put two away, with a single response from Lyle Thompson, and four more for the Kodiaks. Brendan Bomberry closed the period with a single, making the game 5-6 for the Kodiaks.

In the third, the Kodiaks put two away, and the spotlight went to the Chiefs, who needed to break the deficit. Brendan Bomber put one away, followed by Wes Whitlow. Larson Sundown got one in and Bryan Cole put

a final goal away with one 3 seconds on left on the clock. This tied the game 9-9 and pushed the showing into an overtime, sudden death period.

The crowd was loud four minutes in, as both teams used their timeouts to no return, Larson Sundown made his presence known in his Six Nations Chiefs debut.

In front of the packed arena, the newly-acquired Sundown streaked down the right side, re-ceived a pass from Bryan Cole and dove to score the overtime winner.

This gave Chiefs a 10-9 come-from-behind victory over the Kodiaks.

On May 25, the Chiefs will visit the Brampton Excelsiors at their home

Bandits and Colorado offer eplay of last years NLL final

arena, the Brampton Memorial Arena, for their next match at 8:00 p.m.. Two away games will pass until the Chiefs will then swap the Excelsiors, and host them at their next home game on Tuesday, June 6, at 8:00 p.m., within the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.

By TRT Staff with

from NLL.com

notes

After the shock of losing last year’s championship series to Colorado, the Bandits have returned to the finals for a championship rematch with the Mammoth.

The Bandits have won four MILL/NLL championships hoisting the trophy in 1992, 1993, 1996 and 2008. But since that last championship 15 years ago, the Bandits have been back to the championship round on three prior occasions but lost all three including last year to Colorado dropping a decisive third game in Buffalo.

The Bandits would then go on to a 14-4 regular season earning the number one seed in the NLL. What’s amazing about the season as a whole was that just about every week the Bandits were missing at least one and sometimes multiple key players because of injuries.

The best of three will see Game 1 commence on Saturday, May 27, at 7:00 p.m., in the Keybank Centre, then Game 2 on Monday, May 29 at 4:00 p.m., in the Ball Arena and finally, Game 3 on Saturday June 3, at 7:30 p.m., in the Keybank Centre.

The National Lacrosse League also announced that Lyle Thompson and Dan Dawson were awarded the Sportsmanship

Award and Teammate of the Year Award respectively this week.

Thompson, 30, of the Onondaga Nation, wins his fifth straight Sportsmanship Award and the Georgia Swarm’s sixth straight (Jordan Hall, 2017). As one of the faces of the NLL and the game of lacrosse, Thompson carries himself in a manner worthy of five straight titles as voted by teams across the league and through the media. His work on the floor almost led Georgia into the playoffs after an 0-7 start, but his work off the field to grow the game is unprecedented, especially in Indigenous communities.

The 2017 NLL MVP finished the 2022-23 campaign tied for the team lead in points at 106, eighth in the NLL.

He contributed 46 goals which ranks fifth among all players, 10 caused turnovers and only two penalty minutes. He was one of six players with 100+ points and 100+ loose ball recoveries.

As for notable transactions ahead of the finals:

On May 20: The Colorado Mammoth have placed Josh Sullivan on the Injured Reserve List from the Active Roster and placed Practice Player Tyler Garrison on the Active Roster from the Practice Player List.

The Six Nations Chiefs won big this weekend at the ILA facing off against the Cobourg Kodiaks.

A photo of a Colorado Mammoth line celebrating after securing the NLL final last year. With the same teams coming in for this years final, a different outcome is possible. Beginning this Saturday, the Buffalo Bandits will have a rematch against the Colorado Mammoth, defending champions. NLL FACEBOOK PAGE

OHSWEKEN — As part of Community Awareness activities, the Six Nations Police hosted a “Ball Tournament” at the Ohsweken Ball Diamonds on May 18. Teams from the host organiza-tion, Child and Family Services, Mental Wellness, Six Nations Fire Department, Public Works, Six Nations Paramedics, and Grand River Employment and Training (GREAT) competed on both diamonds throughout the day. In the finals for A-D divisions, as pictured, the Six Nations Police took the A division over GREAT, Six Nations Fire Department took B, Child and Family Services took C, and Mental Wellness took D out of the seven representing teams. TRT STAFF

Arrows Bread and Cheese home-opener attracts a full-house

Ross Hill did the same. The Athletics maintained their lead with two more by the end. This closed the game 10-7.

SIX NATIONS — The Six Nations Junior ‘A’ Arrows opened their season as per usual, coinciding with Bread and Cheese on Monday, May 22.

Community support filled the arena parking lot to the roadside, as the Arrows moved to take on the St. Catharines Athletics at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.

The first period sae a four goal lead to the Athletics, with one goal from Ross Hill, assisted by Thunder Hill and Davin Bomberry.

In the second, the Arrows found some footing and Davin Bomberry scored, unassisted. Winter Rivera also put one away, while the Athletics answered twice. In the third, Winter Rivera put two more in the net, while

The week before, the Arrows visited the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre to play the Oakville Buzz. The first period saw an even 1-1, as the Buzz scored first, and Oneniotekowa Maracle respond-ed. In the second, the Buzz secured the lead, with three goals in the period. In the third, Hodo Martin and Damon Doxtatar put two away, but we cancelled out by two responses from the Buzz.

The Arrows earned 22 penalty minutes throughout the game, with 14 minutes of penalties in the third.

As it is early in their season, and despite not securing a win, the Arrows have moved to maintain close scoring games.

Brandon Montour breaks another record with the Panthers

By TRT Staff with notes from NHL.com

FLORIDA — Leading all players with 57:56 of ice time during a 3-2 quadruple overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final at PNC Arena on Thursday, Brandon Montour broke a new single-game record.

Montour, who notched a career-high 73 points (16 goals, 57 assists) in 202223, passed the 50-minute mark.

By the time Matthew Tkachuk beat Frederik Andersen with 12.7 seconds left in the fourth

over-time to cap off the the sixth-longest game in NHL history, Montour's monster minutes had set a new single-game franchise record and is the ninth-most in the NHL since 1997-98.

In addition to Montour, four other players also surpassed the 50-minute mark in Game 1, includ-ing defensemen Gustav Forsling (55:41) and Aaron Ekblad (52:10) for the Panthers, and de-fenseman Brent Burns (54:43) and Jaccob Slavin (51:41) for the Hurricanes.

According to NHL Edge, going by distance, Montour skated roughly 8.85 miles.

Oddly enough, this isn't the

longest game Montour has ever played in.

All the way back on March 6, 2015, Montour, a freshman in college, manned the blue line for UMass over the course of five overtimes during an eventual 4-3 win over Notre Dame, which lasted an NCAA record 151 minutes and 42 seconds.

Looking to snatch another game from the Hurricanes on the road in Game 2 on Saturday, Montour and the rest of the Panthers feel they'll be ready to go again after a good day of recovery on Friday.

Six Nations Minor Lacrosse schedule

Arrows opener is a big event on Six Nations during the Victoria Day weekend. TRT

Brandon Montour is on a roll with the Florida Panthers in a fourth overtime win. NHL

Six Nations Rebels win highest scoring game of the current season

Elijah, Damon Doxtatar and Winter Rivera followed with seven more goals. This put the game at 15-1.

SIX NATIONS —The Six Nations Junior ‘B’ Rebels are solidifying themselves in the top spots of the league; they now sit undefeated after 11 scheduled games.

In defeating the Welland Generals 12-6 the week before, the Rebels visited the Hamilton Ben-gals Devils within the Dave Andreychuk Arena in the evening on Thursday, May 18.

A closer game than usual ensued, with Rahonwinetha Elijah putting the first goal of the game away. Followed by goals from Damonie Thomas, Anahilis Doxtatar and Winter Rivera consecu-tively. The Bengals mustered a two-goal response by the end of the period. In the second, the Bengals opened scoring, while Rahonwinetha Elijah went for his second goal, followed by Hodo Martin, Tayton Skye and Anahilis Doxtatar for his second. Two goals were earned by the Ben-gals

in between as Macay Jimerson scored the final for the period. This put the game at 9-5.

Coming into the third period, Anahilis Doxtatar came in for his third, with a single put up by the Bengals. Uninterrupted, Winter Rivera went on to earn himself three

consecutive goals, for a streamline-hat-trick, and Anahilis Doxtatar went for his fourth. To close scoring, the Rebels sat back and the Bengals put three up before the end. The final closed at 14-9, a closer game for the Rebels than many previous.

Later, on the following

night, Friday, May 19, inviting the Point Edward Pacers to the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena put up the highest number of goals in a single game for the Rebels.

Able to show off at home, the first period saw eight unreturned goals for the Rebels in the first ten

minutes of play. Anahilis Doxtatar (2), Kevin Hill, Brody Fraleigh, Joe Squire, Damon Doxta-tar, Hodo Martin and Winter Rivera each racked up numbers on the board. The Pacers respond-ed once, before Tayton Skye, Kaylem Whales Racette, Cole Powless (2), Rahonwinetha

In the second period, much of the same continued: Anahilis Doxtatar (2), Ryan Hess, Joe Squire, Kaylem Whales Racette, Winter Rivera, Rahonwinetha Elijah (3), Damonie Thomas, and Hodo Martin added 11 more goals. The Pacers responded once, making the game 26-2.

In the third, both teams seemed to taper off, as the Rebels put up three more from Cole Pow-less, Winter Rivera and Tayton Skye by the end. The Pacers put one more up, closing out the game at a steep 29-3.

The next match for the Rebels will stay at home this Tuesday at 8:00 p.m., to face the London Blue Devils on Tuesday, May 23. The next Rebels home game will see them at home within the ILA, where they will host the Wallaceburg Red Devils at 8:00 p.m..

Is exercise really good for the brain? Here's what the science says

By Matthieu P. Boisgontier, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa and Boris Cheval, Senior Researcher, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, Universite de Geneve

The health benefits of physical activity are undeniable.

Yet, a recent study based on data published over the past 30 years challenges the famous adage Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body) and questions the importance of exercise for both brain health and cognition.

A few days after that study was published, our team of health and neuroscience researchers released the results of our study of over a quarter million people. Our results clearly support the beneficial effects of both moderate and vigorous physical activity on cognitive functioning, fuelling an important scientific debate. Who is right and who is wrong? Here's what the science says.

Is physical exercise useless for cognitive functioning?

The first study was published on March 27, 2023. It is a review of 24 meta-analyses that re-examines data from 11,266 healthy people using a more rigorous approach.

Although almost all of the 24 meta-analyses included in this review concluded that exercise had a positive effect on cognitive function, the authors argue that the analyses performed were suboptimal. For example, they point out that both baseline levels of physical activity and the tendency of the scientific community to publish only significant results were rarely taken into consideration. Once these adjustments were made, the authors found results suggesting that the benefits of exercise are actually smaller than those estimated in the previous meta-analyses, and may even be negligible.

Based on these findings, the authors argue that public health agencies

such as the World Health Organization (WHO) should no longer state that physical activity improves cognitive health, academic performance, and executive function, ``at least until more reliable scientific evidence accumulates.''

Well, that evidence didn't take long to arrive.

Genetics and DNA to the rescue

The second study, ours, is a genetic study involving nearly 350,000 people, published four days later, on March 31, 2023. Our results provide scientific evidence for the cognitive benefits of moderate and vigorous physical activity.

This evidence is based on the two-sample Mendelian randomization method, which takes advantage of the random variations in our DNA that occur at conception, before we are even born.

When any two humans are compared, 99.9 per cent of their genetic material is identical. DNA can be thought of as a long chain of building bricks, called nu-

cleotides, that varies once every 1,000 bricks between these two humans. There are four types of randomly arranged bricks: thymine, adenine, guanine, and cytosine. Genetic variations can result in, for example, a cytosine brick in one place in one person's DNA and a thymine brick in the same place in another.

The first sample in our study, consisting of 91,084 people, was used to identify genetic variations associated with differences in physical activity, as measured by wrist-worn motion sensors.

The second sample in our study, consisting of 257,854 people, was used to test whether the genetic variations associated with physical activity had a proportional effect on cognitive functioning. Since this was the case, we were able to conclude that there is a causal effect of physical activity on cognitive function.

Moderate exercise goes a long way

In our study, we show that physical activity improves cognitive function-

ing, but more importantly, that the effect of moderate physical activity (brisk walking, cycling) is 1.5 times greater than that of vigorous physical activity (running, playing basketball). This finding highlights that we do not need to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion to get cognitive benefits from exercise.

When all types of physical activity were considered together (including sedentary and light physical activity), our results no longer showed an effect on cognitive function. This finding confirms the importance of achieving at least moderate intensities to reap the cognitive benefits of physical activity.

Our results are consistent with those of a recent study that emphasizes the importance of exercise duration and intensity for the release of a protein called BDNF in the brain. This protein is involved in the creation of new neurons, new connections between these neurons, and new blood vessels to feed them.

This protein, whose production increases during exercise, is therefore one of the physiological mechanisms that explains the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognitive function. The very existence of this explanatory mechanism further strengthens the results supporting a beneficial effect of exercise on brain functioning.

It's never too late to get started

Several differences may explain the discrepancy in results between the review of meta-analyses and our genetics-based study.

First, the review looks only at healthy people, which is not the case in our study. Second, our study distinguishes between light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity, whereas the review does not make this distinction. Finally, our genetic approach evaluates long-term effects, over a lifetime, whereas the review is based on interventions lasting between one month and two years.

Rebels are undefeated after an 11 game streak of skill and sportsmanship. TRT

At graduations, students seek acceptance of tribal regalia

When Kamryn Yanchick graduated, she hoped to decorate her cap with a beaded pattern in honor of her Native American heritage. Whether she could was up to her Oklahoma high school. Administrators told her no.

Yanchick settled for wearing beaded earrings to her 2018 graduation.

A bill vetoed earlier this month by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, would have allowed public school students to wear feathers, beaded caps, stoles or other objects of cultural and religious significance. Yanchick, a

citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and descendent of the Muscogee Nation, said she hopes the legislature tries again.

Being able to ``unapologetically express yourself and take pride in your culture at a celebration without having to ask a non-Native person for permission to do so is really significant,'' said Yanchick, a Native American policy advocate and a former intern with the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma.

For Native American students, tribal regalia is often passed down through generations and worn at graduations to signify connection with the community. Disputes

over such attire have spurred laws making it illegal to prevent Native American students from wearing regalia in nearly a dozen states including Arizona, Oregon, South Dakota, North Dakota and Washington.

High schools, which often favor uniformity at commencement ceremonies, take a range of approaches toward policing sashes, flower leis and other forms of self-expression. Advocates argue the laws are needed to avoid leaving it up to individual administrators.

Groups like the Native American Rights Fund hear regularly from students blocked from wearing eagle feathers or other regalia. This week in

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY For Grand River Post Secondary Education Office

The Grand River Post Secondary Education Office provides financial as well as other support services to Six Nations post secondary students.

POSITION TITLE: Financial/Administrative Assistant LOCATION: Ohsweken

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time 9 month term contract (37.5 hours weekly). July 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO) is a very busy office environment that necessitates multi-tasking by all staff and for duties to be carried out in a professional manner consistent with a team approach.

The Financial/Administrative Assistant with the GRPSEO reports to and is directly responsible to the Acting Financial Accounts Manager for:

• The organizational accomplishment of identified Board Ends policies; and

• Operating within established Board and Operational policies and procedures to accomplish these Ends. To do this the Financial/Administrative Assistant will:

• Be knowledgeable about all Board, Operational policies, and procedures of the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office.

• Perform financial duties as directed by the Acting Financial Accounts Manager

• Provide administrative support to the Acting Financial Accounts Manager and Director of Post Secondary Student Services.

• Perform financial duties as directed by the Acting Financial Accounts Manager including but not limited to payroll functions, processing purchase orders, receivables and payables, expense claims, Board honoraria, general ledger postings, creating financial reports, maintaining appropriate documentation and records to verify compliance with accepted financial controls, monitoring spending in accordance with established budgets.

• Deposit all monies, securities, and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office.

• Assist in preparation of budgets and other financial duties as required from time to time.

• Maintain efficient, effective, complete and accurate records pertaining to financial transactions.

• Assist in maintaining an accurate computerized student database and accounting system for financial purposes.

• Contribute to the overall development and coordination of programs and services of the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office.

• Carry out their duties in a professional manner consistent with a team approach.

QUALIFICATIONS:

College Diploma education with concentration in the field of Business – Finance/Accounting diploma and evidence through work history of prior achievement of at least two – three years of related work experience Must have proven experience and be highly proficient and skilled in computerized accounting systems (i.e. Sage)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to organize tasks and manage time effectively with a high level of attention to detail

• Ability to work efficiently with various software applications. This includes working knowledge and experience of Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office programs, Internet/social media and a proven ability to ensure accuracy of work dealing with data entry, editing.

• Demonstrated ability to: communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in written and verbal forms.

• Work collegially with co-workers and clients while maintaining confidentiality, organizational integrity, and responsive to client needs.

• Be dependable, flexible, and take initiative when necessary. (i.e.: work flex hours as required).

• Submission of a satisfactory police check

• Must be bondable.

SALARY: To be determined dependent upon qualifications.

CLOSING DATE: June 2, 2023

Applicants must submit their resume with (3) reference letters by: e-mail to Elisa White, Senior Administration Assistant at: ElisaW@grpseo.org or drop box located at the front entrance of the office located at 2160 Fourth Line Road, Ohsweken Or by mail to the:

Attention: Senior Administration Assistant on behalf of Director of Post Secondary Student Services GRAND RIVER

Oklahoma, a Native American high school graduate sued a school district, claiming she was forced her to remove a feather from her cap at a ceremony last spring.

When Jade Roberson graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School, the same school attended by Yanchick, she would have liked to wear a beaded cap and a large turquoise necklace above her gown. But it didn't seem worth asking. She said a friend was only able to wear an eagle feather because he spoke with several counselors, consulted the principal and received a letter from the Cherokee Nation on the feather's significance.

``It was such a hassle for him that my friends and I decided to just wear things under our gown,'' said Roberson, who is of Navajo descent. ``I think it is such a metaphor for what it is like to be

Native.''

When Adriana Redbird graduates this week from Sovereign Community School, a charter school in Oklahoma City that allows regalia, she plans to wear a beaded cap and feather given by her father to signify her achievements.

``To pay tribute and take a small part of our culture and bring that with us on graduation day is meaningful,'' she said.

In his veto message, Stitt said allowing students to wear tribal regalia should be up to individual districts. He said the proposal could also lead other groups to ``demand special favor to wear whatever they please'' at graduations.

The bill's author, Republican state Rep. Trey Caldwell, represents a district in southwest Oklahoma that includes ancestral land of Kiowa, Apache and Comanche.

``It's just the right thing

to do, especially with so much of Native American culture so centered around right of passage, becoming a man, becoming an adult,'' he said.

Several tribal nations have called for an override of the veto. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the bill would have helped foster a sense of pride among Native American students.

Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill said students who ``choose to express the culture and heritage of their respective Nations'' are honoring their identity.

It means a lot that the bill was able to garner support and make it to the governor, Yanchick said, but she wishes it wasn't so controversial.

``Native American students shouldn't have to be forced to be activists to express themselves or feel celebrated,'' she said.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY For Grand River Post Secondary Education Office

POSITION TITLE: Receptionist/Clerk LOCATION: Ohsweken

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time contract (37.5 hours weekly). July 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO) is a very busy office environment that necessitates multi-tasking by all staff and for duties to be carried out in a professional manner consistent with a team approach.

The Receptionist/Clerk with the GRPSEO reports to and is directly responsible to the Director of Post Secondary Student Services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Must have a diploma in Office Administration and experience in an office environment.

 Must have strong communications skills both verbal and written in an office environment.

 Must be knowledgeable of computer software (for example, MS Office) and internet.

 Must be able to function in an automated office environment.

 Must be able to maintain a system where files can be accurately and efficiently retrieved by all staff.

 Must be able to organize and prioritize responsibilities to complete tasks in a timely manner.

 Work collegially with co-workers and clients while maintaining confidentiality, organizational integrity, and responsiveness to client needs.

 Submission of satisfactory Police Check.

 Must be bondable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

 Ability to organize tasks and manage time effectively with high level of attention to detail

 Ability to process high volumes of documentation with accuracy and in a timely manner.

 Be dependable, flexible, and take initiative when necessary. ( i.e.: work flex hours as required).

DUTIES:

 Answering telephone and directing calls to proper department

 Logging all mail and distributing

 Maintain and update mail/phone/fax logs

 Provide information on how to apply for educational assistance

 Maintain Scholarship information

 Update social media platforms

 Other assignments as time permits

SALARY: $39,467.76 - $53,157.35

SIX NATIONS COUNCIL

The GREAT Job Board is brought to you by Employment Ontario and Service Canada. Only local positions are posted in the paper. For more positions in the surrounding area, visit our job board at www.greatsn.com! To apply for funding, book your intake appointment with an ETC by calling 519-445-2222 (Toll-Free long distance at 1-888 218-8230 or email us at info@greatsn.com.

5 YEAR OLD DOG WITH PEN, HOUSE, FOOD & WATER BOWLS. YOU REMOVE ASAP. KAVIN HAS VET RECORDS/CHIP. NEEDS RABIES SHOT FOR THIS YEAR. GOLDEN COLOUR. GENTLE. LOOKING FOR A GOOD CARING FAMILY TO ENJOY HIS COMPANY. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE. TEXT: 226-583-4651.

Yard Sale

Saturday May 27 9am – 4pm

Stoneridge Circle

Clothing & Shoes (Men’s & Women’s)

Toys (Baby & Toddler)

Household & Misc. items

Sunflower Sunday

Classes for Six Nations & area women

Embodied practice with the 4th Sister. No dance experience necessary. 2 classes o ered: 10:00am-11:00am - youth ages 12-16 /12:00pm-1:00pm - ages 17+

Location: Talking Earth Studio & Gardens - 986 Sour Springs Road

Dates: Sundays 28; June 4, 11, 18, 25; July 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6

Cost: $15 /class/per person Pre-register: info@kahawidance.org

CLUES ACROSS

1. Wear away by friction

7. Insecticide

10. Elicited a secret vote

12. Beef

13. Disagreement

14. __ Crawford, supermodel

15. Jeweled headdress

16. Digits

17. Trillion hertz

18. Snap up

19. Classical portico

21. Residue after burning

22. Large integers

27. Free agent

28. Where ballplayers work

33. Blood type

34. Scottish city

36. Google certification (abbr.)

37. Serbian monetary unit

38. Make a sudden surprise attack on

39. Wood or metal bolt

40. Relaxing attire

41. Famed neurologist

44. Dullish brown fabrics

45. Member of ancient Jewish sect

48. Griffith, Rooney

49. Lawmakers

50. Government lawyers

51. The arch of the foot

CLUES DOWN

1. Nonflowering aquatic plant

2. Britpop rockers

3. National capital

4. Consumed

5. The habitat of wild animals

6. Sun up in New York

7. Cygnus star

8. Male parents

9. Talk to you (abbr.)

10. A place to clean oneself

11. Southwestern US state

12. South Korean idol singer

14. Pirate

17. Pituitary hormone (abbr.)

18. Mistake 20. Promotions

23. Prepares

24. Partner to flowed

25. State lawyer

26. Patti Hearst’s captors 29. Pound

30. Electronic data processing

31. Sports player

32. Treats with contempt

35. Apprehend

36. Excessively talkative

38. Highways

40. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid

41. College organization for males

42. Any customary observance or practice

43. Employee stock ownership plan

44. Male parent

45. The 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet

46. Female bird

47. Autonomic nervous system

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You may struggle to get going this week, Aries. But once you do, it will be full speed ahead. In fact, you may need to slow things down to let others catch up.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, if you are feeling a bit scattered as of late, take some time out of your schedule to meditate and reflect on what is most important to you. Then follow that path.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, give yourself permission to move slowly this week. If you racing through things, you’re apt to make mistakes. Set your own pace and let things play out as they may.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Deadlines could make for a heated week, Cancer. It’s best to remove yourself from any situations before they get out of hand. Offer advice when things cool down.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Routines are boring you lately, Leo. You may need to shake things up. If you work a set schedule, see if you can go to flex time and look for ways to change.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Do not let drama that doesn’t involve you sneak into your orbit, Virgo. If you need to distance yourself from others for a while, then do so.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, others feel you’re giving off some highstrung vibes this week, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Something is weighing on your shoulders. Figure out what it is and lighten the load.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you’re dishing out all sorts of sage advice but it may be frustrating if others don’t want to take it. All you can do is offer and let others lead their lives.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Things may be a little rough around the edges lately, and you’ll need to figure out the ways to smooth things over, Sagittarius. Find a few friends who are in your corner.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, emphasize a slow and methodical approach to a problem with an elusive solution. Slowing things down has a tendency to provide substantial clarity.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Disagreements on how to move forward could bring tension at home or work this week, Aquarius. Everyone needs to put their ideas on the table and whittle down the best answer.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Don’t compare yourself to others, Pisces; otherwise, you may downplay all of your wonderful attributes. Be proud of who you are.

THE IMPORTANCE OFOUR COMMUNITY’S VOICEONTHE ELECTIONCODE

SIXNATIONSELECTION CODEQUESTIONS

MustbeaSixNationsBandMembertocomplete. Shouldallbandmembersbeallowedtorunforoffice regardlessofwheretheylive?

□ Yes □ No

Ifyestoquestion1theseareyouroptions.Please checkone.

□ 25kms □ 50kms □ 75kms

ShouldthemajorityofChiefandCouncilliveon reserve?

□ Yes □ No

Shouldcandidateshavetodemonstrateprevious communityinvolvement?

□ Yes □ No

Shouldanominatorandseconderberequiredto resideonreserve?

□ Yes □ No

HowmanyyearsshouldthetermbeforChief& Council?

□ Decreaseto3years □ Stayat4years □ Increaseto5years

Shouldtherebealimitonthenumberofconsecutive termsthataCouncillorcanserve?Checkone.

□ 2terms □ 3terms □ Nolimit

Howdoyouthinkthemembershipshouldvote? (Checkallthatapply)

□ Electronic/digital □ InPerson □ MailInBallots □ Alloftheabove

HowmanyCouncillorsshouldwehavefor SixNationsoftheGrandRiver?

□ Remainat9 □ Increaseto12

ShouldtheChiefElectoralPolingOfficerpositionbe openedtoabandmemberandanonbandmember alikewhoisqualified?

□ Yes □ No