May 2021 Tante Ohci Kiya

No gift to your “Mother” can ever equal Her Gift to you ~ “Life” Inside this issue: Letter from Editor

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Mother’s Day Poem May Events

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Kanani Coon

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Suzette Amaya NWAC

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Beautifully Indigenously Made

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AFN

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CCCS

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Tungasuvvingat Inuit River Cree

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Favorite Food Section May 5 2021 MMIGW Event

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Business/ Job Opportunity NCSA

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Music Section

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Tansi TOK Readers, family and friends, near and far!

Hope all is well for you and your families!

on “Mother’s Day” 

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Tawow to our “May 2021 Edition of “Tántê Ohcî Kiya”  as moving forward as time goes by. Nothing better than feeling good for being back  on schedule each edition of  “Tántê Ohcî Kiya”.

For this Edition: 

Honoring “Our Mother”

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May 5th, 2021 Red Dress Day

Beautifully Indigenously Made

everyone of these!

As this world is constantly  NWAC changing, and we keep moving forward, I think it’s imMay 2021 Events Alberta  AFN portant we remember to Area  Business Directory cherish our every moment CreeAtion Community with families, loved ones and  Job Opportunities Care Society close friends. Life is too short So much richness and beauto take for granted.

Suzette Amaya ty in our people , our tradiUpdates of “River Cree tional culture. Bringing to life Happy Reading Everyone!

Casino & Resort with food , regalia, ceremo- Please stay safe! ny, song, and dance. TOK is Sincerely Sisi Kwan Iskwew Favorite Foods here to promote each and

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A Tribute and Honor to All Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Happy Mother’s Day No Gift You Give Your Mom will equal the gift She gifted you ~ “Life”

Nikâwiy- My mother

Nohkôm = My Grandmother

Beginning of her many sacrifices start with sharing her body to carry, feed and nurture baby as baby grows in her womb, During these moments, she felt your first kick, heard your first heartbeat, and felt hiccups and movements as baby grows in her womb Then she was bearing the pains of labor of birthing her child that she will forget the pains once she sees her precious beautiful baby for the 1st time, Baby stops crying once in mama’s arms, she will smile and welcomes her tiny baby with love and tenderness, Beginning of many sacrifices is late nights of feeding, nurturing and tending to baby as he/she grows She will be there for baby’s first words, first steps and first day of school…

No matter what battles she faces, she’s strong enough to get through it, shedding tears silently and leaving them in prayers for baby and others she loves, seasons of joy, laughter, sadness, even anger, she is always there for her child, her family unto the end….

Loving unconditionally as gentle as a dove, ferocious as a bear, wisdom of a matriarch wolf, and faith as an eagle sorrowing high about the storm are only a few of the characteristics she holds...

A mother, always a best friend , and then a grandmother until her last breathe…

No Gift You Give Your Mom will equal the gift She gifted you ~ “Life”

okâwiya ` his or her mother

kikâwiynaw is our mother Šîšî Qwân Iskwêw

kohkôm = your grandmother

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Alberta Area—But Not Lim460-2207. ing, prayer, storytelling &  May 17, 2021 Stoney ited to as some events are puppet interactions. AgLanguage Basics: Indig May 5th, 2021, Red virtual. es 2 years old to 6 years enous Ties to the PeoDress Day, Wednesday old. Contact Janice 780 ple, Land & History in If you are in the areas in Al@ 4:00pm to 11:00pm -478-5396.

Banff, Monday 5 PM—7 berta, please mark in your located at Beaver Hills PM, Whyte Museum of House Park, 10404 Jas-  May 8, 2021 Stolen Siscalendars of some upcoming the Canadian Rockies, per Avenue NW, 105 events: ters & Brothers Honor 111 Bear Street, Banff Street Edmonton AB Walk, Saturday at 6:00  May 1, 2021 National AB. Please contact CFWE AM to 7:59 PM, please Indigenous Physical Acfor more information. join MMIG2S/MMEIP  May 27 to June 4th, tivity & Wellness Virtual Arrive at 10 AM, Family members, survi2021Congress of HuConference, Saturday Churchill Square to vors, allies, and advomanities and the Social 8:30 AM—Sunday May start march. cates for the 14-Year Sciences Annual Confer2, 2021 4 Pm Commemorations or the ences 2021, University  May 6, 2021 Creative  May 2, 2021_ Indigeof Alberta, 116 Street & 1st Stolen Sisters Play & More, Thursday 4 nous Beading for Begin85 Avenue, Edmonton Awareness Walk for PM –5:30 AM Contact ners—Spring 2021, SunAB Contact 613-238more info. Contact 780Janice @ 587-525-7279/ day from 1:00pm to 3:00 994-7740.

6112 for more details.

Janice@kara-frc.ca pm, located at Further  May 13, 2021 Thursday Education, 80 McKen-  May 7, 2021 Friday In3 PM-4:30 PM Contact ney Avenue, #107, St. digenous Children’s CirJanice @ 587-525-7279/ Albert AB Any Quescle, 7-Week Program Janice@kara-frc.ca tions, please call 780including Elders, smudg-

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Go on a treasure hunt and create seven treasures, each uniquely designed by award-winning Sheila Callingbull-Owen. Using needle crafting as a metaphor for life’s healing journey, you will find what you need, use some recycled items, and create something lovely and new. Patterns and instructions are included to make items for gifts or home décor, and an item to wear.

With yarn and needles, you will go on a journey of gathering and creating. Find healing and joy on this journey with Little Tipi Re-Cree -Ations.

For More Info please go to her website: https://www.littletipirecreeations.com 5

Kanani Summer-Rayn Callingbull Coon

in Canada,” she said.

decide until after her grade 11 year. The teen has spent her seasons with FYBA Basketball in Kelowna.

Coon, who is Indigenous, says it's also important for her to pursue her passions to inspire others.

“All of her basketball offers were generated from her grade nine year which is really quite young," said her father, Fred Coon.

Kelowna teen Kanani Coon “It’s always been a goal, but I Along with her success in has already received multiple still can’t believe I have a couple. I have been talking to basketball, Coon wants to Division one basketball scholarship offers at just 15- UCLA. I have a scholarship pursue her education as well with the Portland Pilates and with the goal of one day beyears-old.

North Dakota. A couple more coming a doctor.

“I think it started last year. I and then we are also talking “I definitely want to go to a started talking with a bunch to schools In Canada.” really good school for basof coaches. Div 1 coaches Coon says she isn’t leaning ketball, but another priority is from the states and some really high-level universities in a certain direction just yet. also having a really good And isn’t able to officially medical program.”

“I know a lot of First Nations kids have not had as many opportunities as I have had.

So I am really thankful for that and I am always thinking about that and trying to be a role model for the First Nations community and especially kids my age,” she said.

The grade 10 student, curMom: Melanie Callingbull rently stands at 6-foot-one.

Coon from Enoch Cree Na- Coon says she didn’t start tion Dad: Freddie Coon playing basketball until grade From the Kwakwaka’wakw seven but had watched the Nation of Kingcome Inlet game growing up with both her parents playing.

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Once Coon decides on a university, she says her next goal is to make it to the Olympics to play for Team Canada.

Story Credit ~ Madison Erhardt

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rely upon have been cut off and many are forced to isolate with abusive family members.

But that is not the only way the virus has blocked the advancement of Indigenous women’s equality over the past 12 months.

Statement By Lorraine Whitman, President Of The Native Women’s Association Of Canada (NWAC) For International Women’s Day

We had hoped for the release, in June 2020, of a National Action Plan to respond to the 231 Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry’s final report. The government says COVID-19 is at least partly to blame for the fact that the plan did not materialize.

tice, economic stability, and basic security.

Looking back at the past year under the shadow of COVID-19, I believe there have been few strides forward in any of these areas, International Women’s Day is for Indigenous and nona time to look back over the Indigenous women alike. previous year and reflect In fact, we know the panupon the positive strides that demic made things worse for have been made, in Canada the First Nations, Métis and and around the world, in lev- Inuit women of Canada. elling the advantages distribNWAC commissioned a suruted according to gender. vey last spring that found our At the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), we also pause to consider the special circumstances of Indigenous women here and abroad as we assess whether there has been progress made on human rights, jus-

However, NWAC is now working with federal officials and other Indigenous organizations to draft the muchneeded plan and I am hopeful that it will be tabled this coming June.

threatens all members of society – men, women, Indigenous, non-Indigenous – without regard to race or sex.

All of us, in every part of the world, have had to come together to fight it.

But that rather unfortunate bit of equality is about to change.

Because, even as we in Canada complain about the amount of time it is taking to get COVID vaccines into our arms, there are Indigenous women in other countries who are being told they will have to wait two or three years before they can get their shot.

I am calling upon world leaders to ensure that the vaccines are distributed everywhere as quickly as possible, not just for the sake of equality – though that should be a significant motivation – but I will note that that work is being conducted even as the because this disease will pandemic continues to great- only be contained when the ly restrict our social interac- possibility of immunity is available to all. tions.

members, who are already the victims of what the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women found to be a genocide, are at increased risk of violence because of the pandemic. The supports they

One thing we can say about COVID-19 is that it is a great levelers, an equalizer, in a world filled with inequality. It 8

So what, if anything, can we say has occurred to advance the cause of women since March 8, 2019?

My focus will always be on the status of Indigenous women in particular. And, despite the pandemic, I have sensed over the past year a real and growing desire on their part to come together and tackle problems like the violence that is directed against us. That is especially

true of Indigenous women across the Americas.

as we are looking for ways to keep Indigenous women safe in Canada. We need to support each other.

The problem of violence is, at last, well recognized in Canada thanks to the advocacy of NWAC and other Indigenous groups. Now our sisters abroad need us to stand up for them and to find ways to keep them safe, just

On this International Women’s Day, thanks to COVID19, we can’t be there physically for Indigenous women beyond our borders, but we can be there in our hearts,

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our spirit, and our prayers – and in our advocacy for a more equal future for us all.

For information, or to arrange an interview, contact Gloria Galloway at gloria@gloriagalloway.co m or 613-447-6648

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Assembly of First Nations Federal Budget 2021 SUMMARY:

On April 21, 2021

The AFN will continue to advocate for consistent and sustained investments to close the socio-economic gap only widening as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

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The federal budget was tabled in the House of Commons on April 19, 2021

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Budget 2021 commits a total of $18 billion for Indigenous peoples – the largest ever investment for First Nations

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Cumulative budget investments since 2015 have surpassed $39 billion

ness, health response, and safety measures for educational spaces, items reflected in the throne speeches of 2019 and 2020.

vative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID 19, including First Nations. Indigenous peoples Additional investments have will receive $36 million over three years to address the been identified for health, infrastructure and essential mental health impacts of services, economic develop- COVID-19.

Addressing Racism in ment, child and family serHealth: vices, policing and justice, education, languages, culBudget 2021 makes specific ture, and economic develop- reference to the death of ment, detailed below and in Joyce Echaquan and the the attached chart. devastating consequences of

The 2021 federal budget tabled Monday April 19, 2021

by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland includes the largest ever investment for First Nations and builds on the momentum achieved through First Nations advocacy. Cumulative budget investments toward Indigenous priorities COVID-19 Supports: since 2015 have surpassed Budget 2021 commits that $39 billion.

Indigenous communities will Budget 2021 includes a total have the resources they of $18 billion over five years need to deliver vaccine dosfor Indigenous people, with es to people as quickly as much of the funding commit- possible. The commitment ted to addressing the imtotals $478.1 million in health pacts of the COVID-19 pan- response and $760.8 million demic. It specifically refor the Indigenous Communisponds to areas identified by ty Support Fund.

First Nations for additional support to respond to COVID Mental wellness: -19, such as mental wellBudget 2021 promises inno-

anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s health care systems. It identifies $127.7 million over three years for efforts toward equitable access to healthcare without discrimination, and $12.5 million over five years, and $2.5 ongoing to support the wellbeing of families and survivors through project-based programming in collaboration with the National Family Survivors Circle.

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Infrastructure and Essential Services: This federal budget commits $4.3 billion over four years for an Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund and $1.7 billion over five years ($338.9 million ongoing) for Operations and Maintenance on-reserve.

Economic development and Growth: This federal budget includes 11 programs that will provide funding for Indigenous economic development. Programs include modernizing federal procurement and creating opportunities for specific communities by diversifying the federal supplier base ($87.4 million) and designating $117 million for the Indigenous Community Business Fund. Following up on a commitment made in 2019, the budget promises $150 million for the launch of the Indigenous Growth Fund.

Inuit and Métis children, This fund will provide capital youth and families). to Indigenous entrepreneurs Policing: to aid in securing additional Budget 2021 proposes to investors. This new fund is provide $43.7 million over the result of collaboration five years to establish First between the National Aborig- Nations policing as an esinal Capital Corporation As- sential service and an investsociation and the Business ment of $540.3 million over Development Bank of Cana- five years to expand the First da.

Nations Policing Program

MMIWG:

Child and Family Services: and $108.6 million over five This budget references the years to repair, renovate, and replace policing facilities federal government’s commitment to working with In- in First Nation and Inuit communities. These and addidigenous leadership to retional investment in this area form child and family services in ways that Indigenous total 886.1 million over five years. children have every oppor-

Education:

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tunity to grow up in their communities, immersed in their cultures and with their families and relatives. It commits $1 billion over five years and $118 million ongoing for child and family services, and $73.6 million over four years for the implementation of Bill C-92 (an Act Respecting First Nations,

Justice:

The government will provide $2.2 billion over five years to implement the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Budget 2021 will begin these investments in 202122, with $160.9 million ongoing.

Budget 2021 promises $1.2 billion over five years for three areas related to Indigenous education. COVID-19 support, including PPE for students and staff as well as remote learning resources, will receive $112 million in 2021-22. Student transportation and Regional Education Agreements will receive $726 million over five years, starting in 2021-22. First Nations adults on reserve who wish to complete their high school degree have $350 million in funding support.

This federal budget identifies $74.8 over three years to improve access to justice for Indigenous people and support the development of an Indigenous justice strategy to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Culture and Language: the justice system.

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Budget 2021 designates $460 million for Indigenous culture and language-based programs. $275 million will bolster reclamation, revitalization, and strengthening of Indigenous languages. The budget also promises investments of $14.9 million for the preservation of Indigenous heritage through Library and Archives Canada. Additional funds will support cultural spaces, sports and recreational activities, and programs specific to Indigenous women and girls.

The AFN will continue to advocate for consistent and sustained investments to close the socio-economic gap only widening as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For further details on all programs included in the $18 billion investment for Indigenous peoples.

For further information you can look on website: http://afn.ca

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TUNGASUVVINGAT INUIT HOLDS COVID-19 POP-UP VACCINATION CLINIC FOR URBAN INDIGENOUS

April 21, 2021

bers and their households.

OTTAWA, ON - A successful While a small number in two-day “pop-up” vaccination comparison to the whole clinic to protect urban Indige- population, this means we nous against the COVID-19 continue to take steps forward in protecting the Indigeinfection was held on April nous community in Ottawa 15th and 17th. The clinic was held at the main offices and surrounding areas.” of Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) A health endeavor of this at 1071 Richmond Road in magnitude was expertly naviOttawa in partnership with gated, and extreme care and Ottawa Public Health and the consideration went into the Wabano Centre. The event planning. TI Executive Diwas open to all urban Indige- rector, Amanda Kilabuk addnous and vaccinations were ed, “The collaboration beadministered to Inuit, Métis, tween Tungasuvvingat Inuit, and First Nations community. Ottawa Public Health and As Ontario entered a second Wabano Centre is an excellent example of what we can declaration of emergency accomplish when more peoand subsequent stay at ple are invited to the table. home order, the vaccination This clinic is not typical of the clinic could not come soon kind of the services TI norenough. Event organizer, Brittany Hesmer, Manager of mally provides as an organization, and we were able to Strategic Initiatives for Mamisarvik Healing Centre lean on the expertise of Wastated, “At this small pop-up bano as an AHAC clinic, we were able to vac- (Aboriginal Health Access cinate 168 First Nations, Inuit Centre) and Ottawa Public and Metis community mem- Health for the clinical guid-

ance. Our collaboration provided a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for people and their families to access this life-saving vaccine. “

situation in Ontario. TI is extremely proud of the partnership with Ottawa Public Health and Wabano for this event. TI will be working with public health units across the province to ensure that vacTI regularly provides programs and services that ur- cination plans consider and ban Inuit rely on ranging from include the unique needs of urban Inuit throughout Ontarfood security, mental wellio.” ness, family programming and health services.

For more information about The importance of the vac- Inuit-specific COVID-19 vaccination clinic was magnified cinations in Ontario, follow by the immediate feedback Tungasuvvingat Inuit on sofrom members of the urban cial media at http:// Indigenous community that www.facebook.com/tiottawa received the Pfizer vaccina- and on twitter @tiontario. tions.

Tungasuvvingat Inuit – Where Inuit are welcome.

Hesmer personally witnessed the vaccinations and www.tiontario.ca shared, “We are seeing a For more information, please huge sense of relief when contact Tungasuvvingat Inuit Indigenous families and Communications Manager, households are offered ac- Joël Lamoureux. cess to the vaccine. Instead Email: of hesitancy, there is an increasing sense of urgency; jlamoureux@tiontario.ca especially given the current Or phone: 613-299-4684.

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Covid-19 Update

Dear Guest, Thank you for choosing River Cree Resort & Casino. Providing a safe and fun environment for our guests and associates has and will always be a top priority. Achieving this is a shared responsibility. Please join us in our efforts to enhance the safety of our public spaces by complying with our resort health and safety regulations. These include wearing a mask, staying home if you are not well or have been exposed to COVID-19, following the social distancing signs & and performing proper hygiene efforts while visiting.

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Starbucks 6:30 am – 2:30 pm (takeout only)

been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. We are continuously monitoring and following the changes in recommendations and guidelines put forth by the Alberta Government and AHS. Our team will continue to provide the best possible service while safeguarding the health and well-being of our guests and associates.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions The Patio will not be opening. Please stay tuned to our social media and website for any updates. Fat Burger is open for take-out and delivery only via Skip the Dishes. Open Daily from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am. Lobby Coffee Bar is still serving freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. Open for For more updates, please visit takeout only. Open Daily from 6:30 www.rivercreeresort.com. Please do am to 2:30 pm. not hesitate to contact any one of our Stay: As we continue to exceed all pub- team members should you have any lic health measures, we have also tak- questions. 

en some additional actions to provide for a safe stay:

Dine: Due to the current Government mandate, indoor dining is temporarily  Hand sanitizer and disinfectant unavailable to all our restaurants. Howwipes are available in the hotel lobever, here are the few restaurant opby for your use tions that are currently available daily: •  • Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting common touchpoints 

• Signage for social distancing throughout the resort • Housekeepers wearing proper PPE while cleaning rooms using Health Canada approved cleaning chemicals and disinfectants

Fatburger 12:00 pm – 2:00 am (takeout  • Room care sealed with a sani& delivery) tized sticker after the room has 16

We appreciate your loyalty & trust you will enjoy your visit! River Cree Resort Team

Tawow To Our Favorite Foods Corner!

This section is dedicated to our most prestige favorite Indigenous foods that are offered with daily specials! 

Cree Subs located at River Cree Shell Gas Station. Fresh Subs and home made soups bannock jello and cookies. Take pride in fresh and nutritious food. Come taste the best subs west side of Edmonton :) Hours : 10:30am to 7:30pm Everyday!

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The Indigenous Grill: The Indigenous Grill is a First Nation Kitchen and Food Trailer providing Food Services all over Alberta. We are a First Nation Company led by First Nation Chefs and Cooks. Come see us! Spring Hours: Wednesday-Saturday from 12 Noon to 7pm & Alternate Sundays from 12 Noon to 6 pm, To place orders ahead for pick-up: 780470-9565 located at Enoch Community Centre.

Follow us on our Social Media for Hours of Operation & Updates!

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Edmonton AB

Edmonton AB

Edmonton AB

Youth Care Workers

Dave Enterprises Ltd O/a J Clean

Bridgepoint Express Inc.

CreeAtion Community Care Society

Cleaning Supervisor

Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanic

Call Dorothy (780) 707-9430

Email: jobs.daveent@hotmail.com

Email: safety@bpsupplychain.com

Edmonton AB

Edmonton AB

Edmonton AB

Oak Hill Ranch

Royal Canada Homes Inc.

Rocker Masonry Ltd

Child and Youth Worker Email : kcharlton@oakhillranch.ca

Executive Secretary (except Legal and Tilesetter Medical) Email: rockermasonry.jobs@gmail.com Email: royalhomeresumes@yahoo.com

Calgary AB

Calgary AB

Calgary AB

Elizabeth Family

3Sight Services Limited

RDP Carpentry Ltd

Home Child Care Provider

Warehouse Supervisor

Carpenter

Email: elizabethcaregivers@gmail.com Email: jobs.3sightservicesltd@gmail.com 19

Email: rdpcarpenteryresumes@gmail.com

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You can find his music : Alpothagod22 (YouTube) AlpoThaGod (Spotify) Alpothgod (Instagram)

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Jayli Wolf’s “Child of the Government” CHILD OF THE GOVERNMENT From the 1950’s into the 1990’s the Canadian Government & the Catholic Church were responsible for taking, or “scooping” more than 20,000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit children from their families and communities; known as The Sixties Scoop. They were placed in foster homes or adopted (accounts of children even being sold) into non-Indigenous families across Canada, the United States, & beyond.

Along with the loss of cultural identity, the government went so far as to change some children’s true ethnicity on file.

Many experienced severe sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Jayli Wolf’s father was one of these children.

Jayli Wolf: “Child of the Government” Indigenous singer-songwriter, activist, and filmmaker Jayli Wolf shares the song “Child of the Government,” ahead of her forthcoming autobiographical EP. The single, accompanied by a short film directed by Wolf, is a visceral reckoning and reclamation of Wolf’s generational trauma caused the Sixties Scoop, a four-decade period during which the Canadian government and Catholic Church abducted more than 20,000 First Nation, Métis, and Inuit children from their families and displaced into non-Indigenous communities or families. (Wolf’s own father was one of these children.) As Wolf explains in the video, many of these victims suffered severe abuse, in addition to the erasure of their cultural identities.

In the film, Wolf recounts these atrocities of contemporary history over flashes of chilling black-and-white scenes depicting abduction, indoctrination, and violence. Over a steady drum beat and cutting electronic percussions, her words are often accompanied by a deeper, distorted echo. This accompaniment sometimes becomes indecipherable, perhaps signifying the voices of her ancestors and kin that have been silenced, the stories that will never be heard. In a recurring scene, Wolf visits a large tree where blood drips upon her from its branches. “My father’s blood is mine,” she sings, “His story beats inside me.” By the end of the film, she stands tall in front of this tree as her message resounds. “And now, I share it here with you.”

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— EC Emma Carey is a freelance writer and entertainer based in Boston and New York. She is a regular contributor at Esquire Magazine.

Website: Them.us

Such an amazing artist! You can find her music in: Spotify @ http://sptfy.com/qjQQ YouTube: http://youtu.be/ f5S_94xJAml

You can also find her in Amazon Music: http://music.amazon.ca/playlists/ B07HMQYNC2 On her website @ www.jayliwolf.com