Indigenous Times December 2020 Christmas Edition

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New Indigenous start-up in Saskatoon created to address pandemic/economic concerns

Left to Right: Kendra Rink (Nikihk Manufacturing General Manager), Neil Sasakamoose (BATC Executive Director) The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) is proudly announcing their new start-up business named nîkihk Manufacturing LP. It’s a 100% First Nations-owned company created in response to a critical lack of cleaning and sanitization supplies.

Originally, nîkihk supplied for the needs of BATC membership but has now grown to supply many commercial businesses and private households.

The word “nîkihk” means “my home” in Plains Cree. Cree Syllabics are proudly displayed upon the labels of every bottle sold.

As Christmas 2020 is upon us the pandemic continues to spread through Saskatchewan and internationally, prompting world governments, including the Government of Saskatchewan to implement even more rigid safety measures while urging all residents to continue with regular hand washing and sanitizing and PPE usage.

The demand for sanitization supplies continues to increase and nîkihk Manufactur-

ing LP addresses the need for supplies as well as safety concerns of their membership. This new start-up also provides a new economic source for its member nations during this uncertain time. Now recognized as an official Saskatchewan Pandemic Supplier, nîkihk has a line of seven cleaning products.

The brand name and content are influenced by Plains Cree culture and language.

Six products include scents of plants and herbs which are significant in Plains Cree usage. These include: Hand Soap with Sweetgrass scent; Dish Soap with Saskatoon Berry scent; Bathroom Cleaner with Wild Rose scent; Laundry Soap with Wild Mint scent; Kitchen Degreaser with Prairie Sage scent; and a Multi-Surface Cleaner with Blueberry scent.

Neil Sasakamoose, Executive Director of BATC, originally created a short-term working relationship with a local manufacturer to supply 8000 Household Clean-

Sisterhood of the travelling Ribbon Skirts

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ing Kits to First Nations Communities to help stop the spread of Covid-19. The achievement of delivering cleaning supplies highlighted an opportunity to grow a new First Nations owned business with a longer-term goal of continuing to provide critical services to BATC members and the public.

Sasakamoose says this company is another step forward in “bridging the gap.” The brand name along with the Plains Cree content is expected to foster more interest and participation in Indigenous languages and their usage.

All Plains Cree Translations/Interpretations are provided by Cree Teacher, Darryl Chamakese. Bottles display Cree syllabics with the name of the product, as well as the plant or herb for the scent of the product.

Encouraging Plains Cree history and culture Asmall introduction of the plants and herbs chosen are also listed upon the prod-

BC hip-hop artist, Pyoot, thankful for his Saskatchewan connections

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uct panels. There is information regarding certain traditional significance or usages of the plant as interpreted by Ethnobotanist and Archaeologist, Sandra Walker.

Health Canada-approved hand sanitizer as well as the six household cleaning products described above are now in production. All cleaning products are manufactured locally on Treaty 6 Territory just outside of Saskatoon.

Nîkihk has provided cleaning supplies, masks, and hand sanitizer throughout Saskatchewan. This successful First Nations business is an example of creating opportunities out of crisis to further strengthen the BATC portfolio, as well as to support local First Nations health and well-being in an impactful manner.

“We need to keep our families safe during this time,” say BATC elders. “Sanitize your household, your hands and remember to pray everyday to the creator.”

Business “Making a difference.”

Money Leader Clothing founder, Waylon Arcand, sees a bright future

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Editorial Well, it’s Christmas time and I have lots of thoughts and memories running through my head and my heart. Like some of the gifts I have received in the past.

The most memorable gift I received was a pair of moose hide winter gloves my late Grandma sewed for me. She told me, “these will keep you warm, so, don’t lose them. I love you!”

The time and words I shared with my family will always be locked in my memory: being pulled around in a sleigh by a skidoo to gatherings at the biggest hill for a day of sliding; then followed by a gift exchange and a huge family meal filled with turkey, bannock, stuffing - the whole works.

Aprayer and midnight mass became a routine on Christmas Eve.Aprayer spoken in our own language was and is powerful. I must admit I

still shed tears when I hear a prayer before every traditional Christmas meal. This is me right now, thinking of the old days.

I recall participating in food preparations, as well as wrapping gifts and putting up the tree.

Those are things I don’t let myself be left out on. My helping hands these days are my own children who also show excitement and interest in decorating the Christmas tree. The questions they have about Santa Clause and Santa’s reindeer are priceless.

MyideaofagoodChristmasistakingmyboys to Moosomin FN to show them the hills. I tell them our family grew up here, lived most of their lives here, prayed here. It’s a place where webelong,aplacewherewecanmeditate,and totakeamomenttothinkandtogetawayfrom the city for a while. It is those hills where I can

pass along stories to my children on how the communityusetocommutebysledspulledby horses. And Christmas trees were always real, never fake.

It is important I continue to put in a strong effort to ensure that my children know where they come from. To understand the traditional valuesandcustomsthatwerefollowedonboth sidesofthefamilyaswellasmyextendedfamily.

It has been said by so many that 2020 was a vastly different and difficult year. It forced us to withdraw from the wider community. But in another way, it brought us closer to the ones that matter most to us. In my case, closer to my children, nieces and nephews, sister and mom and dad. With COVID 19 vaccines now on our horizon, we are feeling hopeful for 2021.

Moosomin First Nation continues to produce PPE facemask for Indigenous Communities BUSINESS The response and overwhelming support for Moosomin First Nation, Medimask Canada Manufacturing disposables continues. Since they launched their mask production on July 1st, 2020. Chief Bradley Swiftwolfe has no regrets taking the time and effort and resources making that reality.

Chief Bradley Swiftwolfe would also remind other First Nations people and leadership that sometimes we must take the initiative and not wait on the Federal Government to make it happen for us. As we near the end of 2020, the upmost concern is for the elders, and those most vulnerable to Covid-19.

The Chief publicly reminds the Government of Canada that not only do they have a fiduciary responsibility under Canada’s Constitution, but there is also a stated

Indigenous Times News Box 280 Cochin, SK S0M-0L0 Editor: Jordan LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca Copy Editor Christina Cherneskey ccherneskey@yahoo.com Website: www.indigenoustimes.ca Advertising: sales@indigenoustimes.ca Designer: Alexandra Jarrett axisimageryyxe@gmail.com

obligation within the signed Treaty referred to as the “Medicine Chest Clause.”

Chief Bradley Swiftwolfe at this point and time would like to thank the Government of Canada for the support given to First Nations in ensuring adequate supply of PPE for Indigenous people. But calls on Federal Government to ensure continuity for support for Indigenous peoples, in that Covid-19 vaccination are readily available to the most vulnerable Indigenous people.

The second wave of Covid-19 hit First Nations communities more so than it did initially back in the Spring 2020.

We must all be vigilant in our struggle in containing the spread of Covid-19, we must do all our part in continuing to take all protective measures carefully not to spread Covid-19.

Indigenous@medidisposables.ca

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

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me and my family.

Ekosi Jordan LaPlante Editor

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Inspiration, Family and community. Indigenous hockey star Jason Chakita embraces change COMMUNITY Written By : Jordan LaPlante He is a public figure, a gang awareness and violence prevention program coordinator, motivational speaker, athlete, and a musician.

And as of March 20, 2020 he is also an elected Councillor for Red Pheasant Cree Nation Jason Chakita may be known for his athletic prowess in hockey and other sports, but his commitment to his community - with a focus on youth – stands out.

Indigenous Times had an opportunity to speak to Jason and asked

him about specific issues that had a profound impact on his life.

Did anyone influence you or inspire you?

I’ve had numerous people that have inspired me. Jackie and Billy Kennedy of the North Battleford Indian and Métis Friendship Center had a big part in my lifestyle change.

They gave me a job and asked me to work with the youth and went out of their way to make sure that I had all the opportunities to succeed and live a healthy lifestyle. Another major factor was when my daughter was born, it was like I’d do anything for my daughter to make sure she had the greatest life possible.

How did your family play into my choices to move forward?

My family has always been incredibly supportive of me and always knew I could be a great person if I applied myself to living a better lifestyle. They were always there when I needed them, and they tried he’s to get me on the right path.

Did you think it was easier being in a gang or to help others in your community?

At the time with the lifestyle I lived I believed it was easier to be in a gang rather than being a helpful person in my community, but it definitely wasn’t the case. I found it easy to blame others for the things

Photos Submitted By: Jason Chakita

I went through which set me on the path I chose. In the long run I finally realized I always had a choice and it was no one’s fault but my own.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans as of right now are to try and help get our nation to be self sufficient and create business and employment for our people.

What’s your greatest message that you share with the youth?

A message I truly live by is be a better person today then you were yesterday and always live your life to the best of your abilities!

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December 2020

BC hip-hop artist, Pyoot, thankful for his Saskatchewan connections Entertainment

across Canada, but for him, Pyoot meant he was tenacious, durable, Written By: Christina Cherneskey and prepared to face the world. And he already knew the word would beHe may have been born and raised in come his identity. An identity which British Columbia, but hip-hop artist required curiosity and belief along Shaun Hunt – known as Pyoot - says with faith in new-found communities. he feels the pull of the prairies. Most Sean Hunt was conceived in Northlikely because his music is so popular ern British Columbia, in an area near here, but also because Hunt says Sasthe town of Chetwynd. His mother is katchewan feels a bit like home. part Danish/part Metis, and his father “I was just about to perform there,” comes from the Saulteau First Nation, Hunt tells Indigenous Times. “But beside Moberly Lake – a northern then Covid came in and everything region rich in Indigenous heritage, stopped.” pride, and culture. But circumstances When Shaun Hunt was a young boy, led Sean and his mother to Victoria, he was given the nickname, Pyoot.

BC, where he grew up and found out “I didn’t understand what it really about his own identity – his own way. meant,” Hunt said. “But by the time And it’s how he developed his style I was 18, it was the first tattoo I ever of words combined with music, that had on me.” some hear as hip-hop, and others hear Hunt admits the word has many as storytelling. connotations and understandings in Hunt actually comes to the hip-hop different Indigenous communities scene quite naturally – unbeknownst at the beginning, even to himself. His father is a musician and performer and his cousin, Art Napoleon, who served as chief of the Saulteau First Nation, is also a well-known musician, conservationist keynote speaker and activist. Hunt says he was reunited with his family when he was about 19, when his mother returned to northern BC to take care of his ailing grandfather.

“That was when my mother actually rekindled with my father,” Hunt recalls. “And many months later, I had Photos Submitted By: Pyoot a little sister – there’s a 20-year age

BUSINESS Written By: Christina Cherneskey The creator of Money Leader Clothing says it’s always been a goal of his to create a unique clothing company and help out others along the way.

Waylon Arcand was born and raised in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. From Moosomin First Nations, Arcand says he was brought up by his grandmother and single mom and tells Indigenous Times he had very little growing up – except for big dreams and lots of ideas.

Now, Arcand is the founder of Money Leader Clothing. He says the concept came into play around 2014. And it was simply by luck that he was able to get his start-up costs.

“We were playing at a big golf skins game that summer,” Arcand chuckled.

“And one evening at the golf course, I won all the money and they started calling me by the nickname, ‘Money Leader’!”

Arcand said after that, the concept of Money Leader Clothing started to form.

He made one hat with his new Money Leader logo he created using a dollar sign and his new nickname. And the next time he arrived at the golf course, his friends saw the hat and they all wanted one.

But that’s not where Arcand wanted Money Leader Clothing to stay. He says it had always been his aim to help kids out – especially those who had a dream

difference between us.”

Hunt says that addition to his family allowed him to gain his own status as a First Nation man. A status he would never have had, as his father never signed his birth certificate and Sean was required to prove his status through DNA testing.

It’s that powerful story and other realizations about himself and his family that empowered him to create his hiphop identity. An identity that gradually formed through experimentation, practise, lots of freebies and belief in himself.

“I grew up in a neighbourhood in Victoria where it wasn’t even cool to be a rapper,” Hunt explains. “But, for me, it was more of the message in the music. The kind of music I listened to showed me it was okay to be poor, and to go through trials and tribulations.

I can relate to the so-called ghetto where I grew up in a predominantly white neighbourhood. I didn’t know what it was to be native – and I was called names growing up in Victoria.

There were, like, two other kids who were native where I grew up.”

Hunt says gradually his peers began to understand him and his desire to be a hip-hop artist. “Because nobody was really doing that yet. I kind of stuck out and seized the moment at that time,” Hunt said. Hunt says he dressed and acted the role, and eventually, it became his life.

The truth is, Hunt admits, he didn’t really come to embrace his own First

Nation culture and heritage until about five-years ago – and he’s 42-years old (at the time of writing). But he says, inherently, he knew exactly who he was throughout his youth and adulthood. Hunt admits it was nice to be introduced to things like a pow wow and other cultural events, thanks to his girlfriend who comes from Vancouver Island.

But it was Saskatchewan that actually gave Hunt one of the timely breaks he needed when he met Indigenous performer Joey Stylez. Stylez, who has been featured in Indigenous Times, is a First Nations-Métis Canadian singer-songwriter, rapper, hip-hop artist, First Nations activist, fashion designer and visual artist who hails from Saskatoon. Stylez created “Stressed Street Life Style Club” in 2019 and Hunt was part of that pack. In fact, working with Stylez took Hunt (or Pyoot, the performer) to different parts of Canada to showcase their act.

Hunt says it was Covid-19 that slowed things down and prevented him from taking his gig to Saskatchewan – which has been high on his list for over a year now.

“I want to hit the prairies the most,” Hunt said. “Let’s be honest. Saskatoon, Winnipeg…those are the native Hollywoods.”he said. “And Saskatchewan is the place I need to be. I need to be performing, getting out and spending time with the people – that’s the thing I really love doing.”

“Making a difference.” Money Leader Clothing founder, Waylon Arcand, sees a bright future of playing organized sports. In fact, his company has already sent five kids to hockey camp.

“We give back to the community,” Arcand said. “The direction I always wanted to take was to help the less-fortunate in Indigenous communities.”

Arcand says he envisions Money Leader Clothing to start building steam – and he knows he can achieve this because of his community support and his business savvy. And Arcand dreams big.

“I want Money Leader to become the next Under Armour or Nike,” he said.

“And I can do it. I’m trying to focus on sports and fitness – things that are trending now and becoming more common in our communities.”

Arcand says he didn’t expect any recognition for sending kids to hockey camp.

In fact, he adds he was just fulfilling his dream and his goals for his company.

“We helped out five kids get to hockey camp in Meadow Lake,” Arcand said.

“As I child I remember being raised by a single mother and not having these chances. I had always wanted to play sports and I was very athletic. But we were poor, and I remember always bugging her to put me into hockey, but she could never afford it.”

So Arcand said he decided to help out other kids because he understood how hard it was for his family to even try to

make ends meet, let alone putting him into a hockey camp. Arcand says by helping out kids now, it’s rewarding for everyone.

Arcand admits he didn’t live the best lifestyle growing up. As a youth, he eventually gave up on the idea of playing sports. But after starting a family of his own and realizing he was the creator of his own destiny, Arcand got a good job and started dreaming again.

“I finally found a good job at the Gold Eagle Casino,” Arcand said. “It helped me slow down my life and focus on family and business.”

Arcand has been employed at Gold Eagle for 15 years and he says working there has helped him “smarten up” and stay focused on his future.

Arcand says if he could change anything in his community it would be the poverty.

“I see lots of homeless people,” Arcand said. “I would want to get kids away from the drugs. I don’t want to see the younger generation get involved in that because it’s real bad. It’s tough to see that all the time.”

It’s the future Arcand remains focused on. He says his business is slowly start- Photos Submitted By: Indigenous Times ing to get recognition – especially on“Keep on looking out for us because line.

“I’m selling product through Facebook we’re going to continue to grow.” and I’m doing pretty well,” Arcand says.

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December 2020

Muskoday First Nation man gets professional start with Indigenous Gaming Regulators BUSINESS Written By : Jordan LaPlante My name is Dale Crain and I am a member of Muskoday First Nation. October 28, 2020 was my one-year anniversary with Indigenous Gaming Regulators (IGR).

I attended the University of Saskatchewan from 1999-2004 and graduated with a BA in Sociology. Not too long after graduating, I gained employment with the Saskatoon Tribal Council working in their Justice Program. I was with STC for seven months before moving to Moose Jaw where I applied with the Moose Jaw Police Service and was hired as a Constable in December of 2005. My policing career lasted 11 years from December 2005 to October 2016. In October of 2016, I rejoined STC’s Justice Program where I remained for 18 months.

In August of 2018, I was hired by the Northern Lights Casino as a Security Supervisor. That was my introduction to the gaming industry. My policing background and gaming industry experience helped me to join IGR. IGR is a great organization to work for as they value their employees.

IGR, I believe, is the only First

Nations operated regulatory body in North America whose mandate is the licensing & regulation of charitable gaming on reserve and of table games offered for play at SIGA casinos.

Just like most people, my longterm plan is for me and my family to stay healthy and do our part to follow the provincial guidelines as best we can during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our gift-exchange with our families will have to be carefully planned with social distancing in mind. It’ll make for a very memorable Christmas holiday which, hopefully, will be much different next year!

Background of Indigenous Gaming Regulators: IGR is headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on the Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve which is part of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The IGR office is located directly across from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) of which IGR is an institution.

The primary goal of IGR is to license and regulate the on-reserve charitable gaming activities of those First Nations that have designated IGR as their regulator through Band Council Resolution

(BCR). Regulation by IGR includes the licensing of charitable gaming operations and the registration of on-reserve charitable gaming employees.

Operations licensed by IGR include: · Bingos · Breakopens · Raffles · Texas Hold’em Poker · Monte Carlo Events · SIGA Table Games Employees that are required to be registered by IGR include SIGA Table Games employees and key employees in on-reserve Bingo Halls, such as managers and callers. IGR determines that the applicants for registration are of good character, and determine if they are eligible to hold a certificate of registration IGR works within First Nations communities to bring awareness about the legal responsibilities of charitable gaming operations.

IGR’s goal is to work with First Nations communities and on-reserve charitable and/or religious organizations, to ensure the continued success of licensed charitable gaming.

Dale Crain

2021 ICE E-Gathering; an event to gather Indigenous clean energy experts BUSINESS Written By : Jordan LaPlante Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise, ICE, is hosting its pinnacle event, the ‘ICE E-Gathering’, on January 18 – 22, 2021.

ICE is a pan-Canadian non-forprofit organization that promotes the transition of Indigenous peoples in Canada to a clean energy future through its programs: 20/20 Catalysts, ICE Network, ICE Global Hub and Bringing it Home.

The ‘2021 ICE E-Gathering’ will be a completely virtual event where Indigenous clean energy leaders from across Canada will come together on an online stage to provide insight and inspire others by sharing their experiences in the clean energy sector.

The Gathering promises to be an intensely interactive retreat focused on how the ICE community takes action to advance Indigenous clean energy impact. According to its organizers, it is the only event of its kind that will provide participants with the opportunity to connect with a wide network of clean energy experts to foster collaboration on global areas of action and future projects.

The event agenda covers topics such as healthy energy living, bioenergy, microgrids, off-diesel initiatives, Indigenous leadership and entrepreneurship, Indigenous youth

participation, clean energy future career pathways, sustainable transport, clean energy storytelling and Indigenous cultural teaching. Attendees will take away information, contacts, and key insights about emerging opportunities in the clean energy sector.

More than 50 speakers from coastto-coast will take the stage in over 35 sessions focusing on three main themes: Interact, Insight, Inspire.

Assistants will hear from Indigenous leaders, renewable energy experts, ICE Network members and past participants of the 20/20 Catalysts Program, which is ICE’s keystone and award-winning program that in five years has supported over 100 clean energy developments in Indigenous communities. Discovering emerging Indigenous artists, games, giveaways and prizes are also part of the schedule.

The ICE annual event, that in the past took place in a physical venue with limited capacity, is now offering the possibility to attend -free of charge- to everyone interested, no matter where they are.

While the 2021 edition will be virtual, it will only be the starting point of a continuing story of clean energy champions and their journeys that will move forward as years go by.

To learn more about the event and to register, visit icegathering.com.

ICE Executive Director; Chris Henderson

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BUSINESS Written By : Jordan LaPlante Saskatchewan Polytechnic has signed a strategic alliance with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, marking a new partnership to foster Indigenous inclusive learning environments. The signing took place in Saskatoon on December 3, 2020. The organizations have come together to work on providing Treaty Education and Indigenous Awareness on all Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses across the province.

“We are pleased to be entering into a partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, to help foster and support an Indigenous inclusive learning environment.

Treaty promises have not been fully realized, and we know to get there we have to work to decolonize systems. Working with partners we are able to promote Treaty identity, awareness, and understandings and help us move towards the goal of Truth and Reconciliation through Treaty Implementation,” said Mary Culbertson, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

“Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s commitment to Indigenization includes holistically integrating Indigenous ways of know-

December 2020

Saskatchewan Polytechnic formalizes relationship with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner

ing, being, teaching and learning throughout all practices, procedures and services,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO. “We are very excited to formalize our relationship with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. This partnership will provide opportunities for students to learn about the history and culture of Indigenous peoples and serve to promote intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect.”

The OTC strives to achieve Treaty Implementation through an understanding of Treaties, the Treaty relationship, and Indigenous Treaty partners by way of our various information sessions facilitated by our Public Education department. Our goal is to honor the Treaty relationship in the spirit of peace and friendship and commitment to ongoing reciprocal relations.

The Office of the Treaty Com-

missioner recognizes the value and importance of this academic institution in developing the

strengths and skills of Saskatchewan’s past, current and future leaders in various sectors.

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COMMUNITY Written By : Lucy Musqua In a time where there are no pow-wows, tradeshows, or public events to display and trade/sell hand crafted items, crafters and seamstresses are finding a way to fill that void. Participants from across Canada and the United States took part in the first-ever Ribbon Skirt Gift Exchange. “It’s been an idea and I wanted to do it for about a year,” says Kristen Sayer, the founder of the exchange.

“I threw it out on Facebook and friends reached out. I did not expect it to be big,” exclaimed Sayer. And big it turned out to be with nearly 100 participants. Everyone was issued a number and exchanges were made and kept anonymous until items were shipped out. Each artist was given deadlines they had to meet in order to make and mail the skirt so the final product would arrive in time for Christmas. “Everyone was cooperative and respected the timelines,” Sayer said.

As the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic grew throughout the world, digital media became a platform to display works of Sayer’s art. These places also allowed her to see other artist’s creations via places like Facebook. Sayer who learned to sew from the women in her life saw this as an opportunity.

“It was all these awesome skirt makers who inspired me as well,” she said.

“Sometimes we can’t sew for ourselves or afford to buy one so I thought why not give one to receive one.”

December 2020

S i s t e r h o o d of t h e t r av e l l i n g R i b b on S k i r t s Sayer received her own skirt from Melissa Stanley (shown in picture). (CAPTION) Skirts have travelled far. From British Colombia to Ontario, and Arizona to Saskatchewan to name a few destinations. At time of publishing, 53 skirts have been received by their new and excited owners. Ribbon skirt makers from five provinces and fifteen states participated.

With some of the best names of Ribbon Skirt makers/designers participating, Sayer says this technique has allowed artists to spread their wings. “There have been some people who felt intimidated to show their work,” Sayer said.

“But I encouraged people not to be ashamed. The point was so we can all have something different. Something beautiful!”

Will Facebook have a Sisterhood of the Travelling Ribbon Skirts annually?

Sayer has not ruled it out. “The feedback has been so positive. People have been sending messages telling me how much this has meant to them,” says Sayer.

In fact, one participant took time to share her thoughts. “At a time when spirits have been low and people are scared, this has been amazing and I’m grateful to Kristen for organizing. This has given me something to look forward to, especially seeing the skirts being posted.” said the participant.

Wanda Nelson, a Navajo designer from Window Rock, Arizona agrees. “I was

so excited; many designs flooded into my head.” Nelson adds she not only wished the event would be annual but would go on to include days like Valentine’s Day. For Sayer, this has been a dream fulfilled. Originally from New Mexico Sayer resides with her family on Piapot First Nation. She says her family believes in giving back and this was just the way to do it.

Kristen Sayer Founder of Skirt Exchange

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December 2020

Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear appointed to the Order of Canada COMMUNITY Written By : Christina Cherneskey Chief Darcy Bear has been appointed to the Order of Canada.

He is one of the 114 appointments announced by the governor general on November 27, 2020.

Bear is being recognized “for his visionary leadership of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, and for creating economic and social development opportunities for his community.”

He was reelected as Chief for an eighth consecutive term in 2016.

Whitecap is located 26 kilometers south of Saskatoon. Born on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, his grandparents raised him with the knowledge of his Dakota history and culture.

Rapid and progressive change occurred for Whitecap community when they first elected Darcy Bear as Chief in the 1990s. Chief Bear knew that to have a successful community, he needed to create alliances with Whitecap’s neighbours in order to create jobs in the community.

Leadership and economic partnerships were formed and as a result, new money was invested

Chief Darcy Bear - Image from Governor general webpage

into cultural and social sides of the community. A new school was built in 1996, and health and education partnerships soon followed.

Chief Bear also fundamentally understood that Whitecap needed to govern their lands and form their own laws without the full control of the Canadian government and the Indian Act. In 2003, Whitecap signed onto the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management and approved the Whitecap Dakota First Nation Land Code, which threw out twenty-five percent of the Indian Act and enabled Whitecap to self-govern their lands. In 2012, Whitecap Dakota First Nation took another big step towards independence with the signing of a Self-Government Framework Agreement with the Government of Canada.

Some of the economic development projects that have taken place under Bear’s tenure include the development of the Dakota Dunes Casino, the Dakota Dunes Golf Links, and the ongoing development of a light industrial park.

As Chief, he has also overseen the construction of a new elementary school, expanded public infrastructure, high speed internet and new housing for Whitecap.

Bear is also a member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and won the 2016 Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other recognitions include: • 2005: named one of the “Ten Most Influential People” by Saskatchewan Business Magazine; • 2006: CANDO “Economic Developer of the Year” award;

• 2011: honoured with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the highest recognition given to residents of Saskatchewan; • 2012: honoured with the Diamond Jubilee Medal reflecting his commitment to Service.

Chief Darcy Bear

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From our members to yours,

the FNMPC is sending gratitude and well wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!

@F N M P C

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W W W. F N M P C . C A

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December 2020

Saskatchewan man wants to redefine how TV and movies portray Indigenous people Entertainment Written By : Christina Cherneskey A small Indigenous-run production company with roots in Saskatchewan has teamed up with Disney, to shed light on Indigenous youth through a mini-documentary series.

Jacob Pratt is the co-founder if the company and he says it’s witnessing a lack of diversity of Indigenous people on TV and similar platforms that pushed him towards this goal.

Pratt is the CEO and co-creator of Skoden Entertainment, a company he launched with Timothy Ornales. The film company is Indigenous owned and situated in Los Angeles. They launched in September and have produced content in 2020 for Disney. Pratt says the launch was the culmination of about a year and a half of hard work that included both networking, phone calls and pounding the pavement.

When the pandemic hit, Pratt says he had to adjusted his professional and personal life so that he could continue moving forward with his goals.

“Disney wanted to promote Indigenous people, tell their stories and make sure that Indigenous stories are being told by Indigenous people,” Pratt told Indigenous Times. “So, I used that as a launching point to pitch what Skoden Entertainment could offer.”

Pratt says November 2020 was Na-

tive American Heritage Month in the US and Disney said it wanted to share unique and genuine Indigenous stories.

He says Skoden Entertainment was part of a team of Indigenous content creators and producers.

The series is called “Use Your Voice” and Pratt says it features Indigenous youth who are making a difference in their community. He says three of the pieces are on the Disney Channel now and features distinctive stories. “We chose three different youth that are doing different things in their community,” Pratt said. “One is a youth preserving his culture through bird singing, there is another group called the International Indigenous Youth Council that address social justice causes through art and another young man who creates videos through social media.”

Jacob Pratt was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan and is registered on Cote First Nation. The 37-year-old says his life coming up was not too much different from other Indigenous youth in the province. He says he did most of his growing up on the George Gordan Reserve where he attended a residential school. He says growing on “on the rez” meant he had few opportunities and grew up below the poverty line.

But he did move forward with his education. Pratt attended the First Nations University of Canada in Regina, before moving to Los Angeles to further his learning at Southern California University. When he completed his post-secondary education, he had a master’s degree in science and social entrepreneurship with a focus in the entertainment industry.

But Pratt says there was one person who inspired him to reach, to dream, to attain and to achieve.

“My mother,” Pratt said quietly. “My mother actually inspired me to move forward. There was kind of a turning point when my parents moved us out to Kelowna, BC. When I was about 15, I witnessed some of my family cornering my mother and telling her she was a bad mother for moving her family so far away. They used me as an example of what a ‘bad kid’ could look like.”

Pratt says his mother was genuinely upset by accusations and it was then, he said, that he vowed to prove his family

members wrong.

“From that point on,” Pratt said, “my goal was to do everything I can to be successful so that I can show people that my mother was a great mom.”

“Right now, within our company, we are continuing our goal of impacting the entertainment industry,” Pratt said.

“We want to continue to bring more Indigenous stories to mainstream media.

That would be partnerships with companies like Disney and other clients we intend to bring on board. We’ve produced content for APTN already, and we produce our own content. But our big goal is to get something on Disney Plus.”

Pratt lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and two children.

Left: Jacob Pratt Filming; Right: JacobPratt full Regalia

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Indigenous Times

December 2020

16

Indigenous Times

December 2020