Indigenous Times October 2018 Summer/Fall Edition

FREE! Take One

Summer Fall Edition Volume: 24

October 2018

The Old Shall Become New

Photo Credit: JJulie Vincent, J&J Lawrence Photography, Calgary

When you think of the classic Indigenous person what comes to mind? Feathers, horses, and an undying spirit? Perhaps if you feel the same way, you will be excited to see the resurgence of the horse races that’s sweeping the nation, whether you’re young, old, man, or woman. Perhaps in the 1800s it was a regular sight to see an Indigenous person masterfully riding on bare horseback with nothing but a bridle. Nowadays you would only see it in the movies unless…you’re keen enough to sit in the stadiums for Indian horse relays, a spectacle to be seen, heart-wrenching team races reclaiming a culture thought to be lost.

Now just what is an Indigenous Horse Relay?

The Indigenous Horse relay

Indian Relay racer, 14-years-old

race or Indian horse relay involves next generation to take the reins self-worth from our rich history a team of four members with three and guide us into a bright and hope- and culture. horses. One rider must complete ful future by gaining confidence and three laps around the course on three different horses, switching on the fly horse to horse (Yikes, that sounds Dangerous!) The competitors go from a standing start, they make one lap around the track riding bareback, switch onto another horse, go around the track again and then switch horses again for the third and final time. Four teams compete at the same time. A truly extreme sport if you ask me.

In a time rife with complex and unjust politics this gives me hope for the future of Indigenous people and their cultures. It’s time we rise up and create our own stars and celebrities, celebrate our communities’ heroes, and prepare the

Business An Eventful Summer

Page 11

Kevin Costner & Joey Stylez

Page

4

SMS Solutions

Page 5-7

Indigenous Times

2

October 2018

Photo Credit: Shelley Mike

Bridge to Tomorrow COMMUNITY On October 2nd a very large and useful symbol for Reconciliation was opened in Saskatoon in the form of The Chief Mistawasis Bridge. The bridge and its connecting roads pulled funds from three levels of Government and cost approximately 250 million dollars to build. The bridge will provide the travel route for approximately 20,000 vehicles per day and its side paths will offer more room for pedestrians and cyclists.

Along with the practicality of the bridge it also symbolizes a bridge to reconciliation for Canada and its Indigenous peoples. Hundreds

Indigenous Times News Box 280 Cochin, Saskatchewan S0M-0L0 Editor: Jordan Laplante editor@indigenoustimes.ca Website: www.indigenoustimes.ca Advertising: sales@indigenoustimes.ca Designer: Alexandra Jarrett axisimageryyxe@gmail.com

of citizens from Mistawasis, Saskatoon, and surrounding areas as well as workers and members of Government joined together for an opening ceremony on October 2nd. This ceremony included a 120 km sacred Lance run by students of the namesake First Nation that was a journey of healing and prayer to build on peace, reconciliation, and friendship.

The ceremony also included a grand entry with local Indigenous leaders, dignitaries, elders, survivors and students as well as traditional pow-wow dancing. All were welcome afterwards to explore the deck of the bridge and take in the moment. Among the gathering of people was Anthony Blair Dreaver Johnston, University of Saskatch-

By: Miriam Mcnab

ewan School of Environment and Sustainability Indigenous Mentor and great-great-great grandson of Chief Mistawasis. When asked to speak on the event he said “The naming of Chief Mistawasis Bridge provides a lasting legacy of hope and reconciliation for the community and a source of great pride for our children and generations to come.�

Reconciliation is a long hard road and is nowhere near where it should be but this is a step. The actual definition of Reconciliation is not only the restoration of friendly relations but also the action of making one belief or view compatible with another. The definition of Reconciliation in Canada however is so much more than that. It is the effort to

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.

right hundreds of years of wrongs done by a country’s government to its Indigenous people; these wrongs being mostly severe and intergenerational. Attempted genocide, displacement, the robbing of culture and life and the abuse of children at residential schools. These are only some examples.

Naming a bridge after a historical First Nations figure which was going to be built anyways seems like too little too late for some people, but some look at it as a small gesture in an abundance of gestures that will eventually come together in the unifying of the Canadian people.

In the whole scope of everything, every little effort or gesture contributes. Everyone has to work together to learn and share and build. And this helps.

Indigenous Times

3

An Environmental Partnership BUSINESS One of the biggest problems that the Indigenous community has encountered when dealing with our Canadian Government has been the battle between the preservation of Mother Earth and the excavation of her natural resources. Indigenous peoples and their cultures place an emphasis on being one with nature and its creatures as well as protecting and showing them respect. The oil and gas industry has had mishaps throughout time that have placed a major stigma on it as well as the disapproval of traditional people.

What if there is a way for all to coexist and work together harmoniously? A new merger has come about that will do so. The First Nations of Saulteaux and Moosomin have come together with a company called X-Terra Environmental Services to form Red Sky Environmental Services. This new partnership

By: Miriam Mcnab

will provide not only economic development for these First Nations communities, but it will also provide education, training, and career opportunities for the members that are interested in ending the stigma and expanding horizons for their people.

X-Terra has over 60 years’ experience in Regulatory Assessment and places an emphasis on environmental monitoring. This is accomplished through water well testing, gas migration, terrestrial and aquatic surveys and monitoring and environmental monitoring and compliance. They also have experience in remediation and reclamation certification.

Environmental Services have a wide spectrum and when modern science and technology, and practices are paired with traditional knowledge of Indigenous people, the possibilities are endless. This

partnership will take local Indigenous people and encourage them to participate in the development of the Industry. The goals of Red Sky,taken directly from their description, are as follows: * Addition of Traditional Knowledge throughout Oil and Gas Project life cycles; * Preparing community members to meet SPIGEC #6 DRAFT -Qualifications Field Environmental Monitors/Inspectors for Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Development. * Provide community liaison role and direction for construction projects.

The members of Saulteaux and Moosomin First Nations that wish to participate in XTES will be provided ECO Canada Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources (BEAHR) education and working toward a Certificate in Applied Environment Techniques (CAET). They can not only take this and work around their homelands, but the doors will also open to them for opportunities throughout Can-

October 2018 ada. This is a way to create successful futures for themselves and their families as well as for their communities.

Red Sky will provide economic and financial benefits to its First Nations by providing direct employment opportunities to their members as well as direct hiring of equipment to support environmental services.

It is the hope that the forming of this merger will set an example for other communities to develop and grow as a people and learn about the industry that many do not know enough about. This merger will hopefully provide traditional education to members of the Industry as well and open the doors for all to work and build together while preserving the environment.

Indigenous Times

4

October 2018

Kevin Costner and Joey stylez COMMUNITY

By: Joey Stylez

Treaty 6’s Joey Stylez recently got back from Park City, Utah, the home of the Sundance Music Festival. He made the big trip to meet with Hollywood heavyweights Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner.

Stylez was brought on set for season 2 of the hit TV series Yellowstone.

The experience turned out to be an overwhelming success. Stylez said,“it was really cool seeing the process that goes into making a TV show. I am used to making music videos but this is a way different world where there is so much more

going on.” They treated him and the rest of Indigenous cast and crew with the utmost respect.

The relationship with Yellowstone started with the song placement for the song “Save Your Soul,” ft. Blackkiss, on the series premiere, which was the most-viewed cable TV premiere since 2016. “It was a very humbling moment chatting with Taylor about what went into his writing and directing process and having Kevin [Costner] tell us all about his battles in making Dances

with Wolves. He made me and the lationship holds in the future but Joey Stylez(Left) Kevin Costner (Right) other fellas I travelled down with feel like we were family as he gave us a motivational talk that sparked more fire in us.” Stylez didn’t want to get into specifics of what the re-

praised Taylor Sheridan and his wife Nicole, referred to them as family, and promised there is much more in store in the near future.

Opportunities Abound in Indigenous Tourism COMMUNITY

By: Jordan Laplante

(SASKATOON, SK) On September 24, 2018, members of the community gathered at the Saskatoon Inn for a conference hosted by the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN); the focus of the conference was Indigenous Tourism.

There was a common message to the conference: there is currently an immense appetite for Indigenous tourism as tourists crave authentic, local, and quality tourist experiences. Indigenous tourism has the potential to satisfy all these requirements to provide memorable tourist experiences.

Speakers from various capacities of the community and the tourism sector spoke to share and promote their own ventures in Indigenous tourism, and their vision of where Indigenous tourism is headed.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park’s board chair Candace Wasacase-Lafferty and the park’s elder, Cy Standing, spoke about the park’s renewal project and the future of Wanuskewin. The park’s renewal project was launched in February 2017 and sought to raise $40 million to fund exciting new additions and renovations to the park including a new conference centre, a new

immersive theatre experience, and land to raise buffalo in what is being called “the return of the buffalo.”

A key pillar to the success of Indigenous tourism is partnerships, stated Christian Boyle, CEO of Glyph Creative and SFNEDN board member. This statement is evident as Wanuskewin, Whitecap Dakota First Nation, and Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation signed an MOU with the intent to partner together in creating the Indigenous Tourism Corridor Project—a project that will see pooled efforts and resources in such areas as marketing.

As Indigenous tourism grows, Dwayne Lasas, Cultural Adviser at the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre, spoke about the issue of cultural appropriation and the importance of providing tourist experiences in a respectful way that adheres to tradition and protocol.

Members of the Poundmaker Cree Nation were also present to share the story of Chief Poundmaker, upcoming changes regarding their tourist sites, and to look forward to the exoneration of Chief Poundmaker by the Federal Government, which is expected to occur May 2, 2019. The day will

be very profound for the community and celebrations are being planned.

Opportunities abound as Indigenous tourism in Canada is anticipated to increase in annual GDP from $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion, and from 33,100 employed workers to 40,233 by the year 2021, according to Indigenous Tourism Association of

Canada’s 5-year plan.

As the tourist demographic changes to younger tourists, a new attitude towards authentic experiences is prevailing in the industry, and Indigenous tourism has the potential to provide lifetime experiences through culturally rich and historic tourist experiences.

Submitted Photos

Indigenous Times

5

October 2018

Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee BUSINESS

By: Carl Neggers

Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) Line 3 Replacement Program On November 29, 2016 the federal Cabinet approved the Line 3 Replacement Project, subject to the 89 conditions of approval. On the same day as releasing that approval, the government also announced that Canada will work to co-develop an IAMC with Indigenous communities to involve various First Nations in ongoing environmental monitoring in respect of the project.

That work to develop the IAMC was undertaken by a working group comprised of representatives of Indigenous communities, Natural Resources Canada and the National Energy Board.

Over a one year process of workshops, the working group developed terms of reference for the IAMC that received support from Indigenous communities and the federal government. The federal government also committed to the life cycle of the project and provided an initial $21.5 million over 5 years to support this commitment. They also established a Line 3 Secretariat, sponsored through Natural Resources Canada towards supporting the operations and mandate of the IAMC. The key goals of the IAMC are: • The Committee forms the basis of an enhanced relationship between Indigenous Nations, the Government and the NEB in respect of Line 3 Program activities.

• Through communication and engagement, the Committee will provide for collaborative and INDIGENOUS NATIONS

inclusive Indigenous involvement in the review, monitoring, and reporting of environmental, safety and socio-economic aspects throughout the Line 3 Program’s lifecycle.

• To advance reconciliation between the Crown and Indigenous Nations by including meaningful and adequate consideration of traditional land use, sacred sites, historical knowledge, and the diversity of Indigenous traditional and cultural worldviews The IAMC is currently comprised of 16 Indigenous members determined by Metis Nation and First Nations and two federal Government members appointed from Natural Resources Canada and the National Energy Board. Members sit for 2 year terms.

It is also important to note that the IAMC provides additional indigenous participation, but does not dilute current indigenous authority, rights and expectations, specifically; • Participation without prejudice: Participating in the Committee does not indicate that a Nation or individual supports or opposes the project.

• No diminishment of duty to consult: The Committee is an additional forum for engagement between the NEB and Indigenous Nations, and does not replace or diminish the right of Indigenous Nations to be consulted and accommodated by the Government.

• Not to replace or substitute engagement or consultation: The Committee will not be used as a forum for the Government to replace or substitute any direct engagement

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

or consultation owed to, or desired by, Indigenous Nations.

• No diminishment of Enbridge’s obligations: The Committee does not take away from Enbridge’s responsibility to engage with the rights-bearing Nations.

It is important to reinforce that Enbridge does not finance the activities of the Committee. The Committee seeks proactive and productive engagement with Enbridge over the L3RP’s lifecycle with the aim of promoting continuous improvement and due diligence of its safety and environmental performance, and its relations and engagement with Indigenous Nations.

The IAMC is also involved in facilitating capacity building in potentially impacted Nations with approximately $1.5 million in community capacity funding made available to 54 Indigenous Nations for the 20172018 fiscal year. As well, in consultation with potentially impacted Indigenous Nations, the IAMC will be developing a suite of community capacity building workshops to be delivered during the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

The IAMC is actively communicating and engaging with Indigenous Nations, which included the launching of a communications and engagement plan focused on getting the word out about IAMC activities and how Indigenous Nations can help shape the Committee’s priorities.

The IAMC members recently attended the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs’ Assembly, the Canadian Council of Aboriginal

Kirk Poitras

Naina Sloan Co-Chair

Joe Daniels Co-Chair

Kyra Northwest

VACANT Shannon Thomson Roberta SooOyewaste

Mike Oka

Capacity building

Operations

Norine Saddleback

Richard Aisaican

Robert Steedman

Gary LaPlante

Marci Riel

Wendy Gervais Craig Soldier

Indigenous monitoring

ENBRIDGE

• Independently review Enbridge’s filings to the NEB (which demonstrate progress towards meeting the 89 conditions imposed on the construction and operation of the replacement Project).

The Committee looks forward to engaging with potentially impacted Nations and their members and moving forward together. For more information or to invite a member of the Committee to come to present to your community, we welcome you to contact the Committee Secretariat: Email: nrcan.line3committee-comitecanalisation3.rncan@canada.ca Telephone: 403-619-8377 (Calgary Office) / 604-364-8687 (Vancouver Office)

NATIONAL ENERGY BOARD Advice to government and regulators

Communications and engagement

Business Annual Economic Development Conference, South Saskatchewan Regional Planning Meeting, Canadian Institute Conference on Cumulative Effects and the Indian Resource Council Annual General Meeting to speak about the Committee’s activities and network with the leadership of Nations potentially impacted by the Project.

The IAMC is also supporting Indigenous involvement in the monitoring and review of the Project, through the development of an Indigenous monitoring program for Indigenous monitors to work side-by-side with NEB Inspection Officers during compliance verification activities in 2018. Specifically, Indigenous Monitors working with regulatory experts to; • Independently review Enbridge’s Aboriginal & Pre-Construction Monitoring Reports, and

Filing review

Mike Sutherland

Preston Swan

Bill Kennedy

Miigwetch / Hai hai / Ish nish / Nitsíniiyi’taki / Philámayaye / Masi chok

Indigenous Times

6

October 2018

Pipelines: Connecting Collective Opportunity By: Carl Neggers

BUSINESS It seems that whenever I turn on my TV these days or cruise my Twitter feeds there is another Canadian pipeline project under review or up for discussion - Keystone XL, Northern Gateway, Kinder Morgan, Energy East, Enbridge L3 replacement, the list seems endless. Recently, it got me wondering what is behind this push for so much pipeline development.

As I dug into this topic, the first thing I learned was that there is some big money at stake here.

Western Canada Select (WCS) is the commodity price most commonly associated with western Canadian oil production. The striking thing about WCS pricing is that it is not much more than half the selling

price of other international oil prices. In mid-March 2018 when I researched this point, WCS was selling for about $35 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate was selling for about $63 per barrel. Other prices such as Brent Crude in Europe and the OPEC price were also well up into the $65 range. Naturally you’re asking (as did I) why do we only get half the value of current world prices? The apparent cause of this price gap is the lack of international customers largely due to a lack of pipeline capacity that would connect our resource to alternative markets (other than just the US) accessible by port. So, when your only alternative market is the US, then your competitive pricing advantage is reduced and your price then can

be set by the only buyer… yup, the US.

will be relentless in their search for new pipeline routes and alternative ways (railways and/roads) to move This clearly indicates that our Cana- oil to ocean ports located throughdian oil is selling at a big discount out North America. and that the numbers really do start to add up when we consider these So, I think that a significant strategic prices z. One source I read suggest- consideration for indigenous people ed that the effect of this discounting is to decide how to respond to the on Canadian governments and the endless string of pipeline proposals energy industry totaled almost $14 that seems to dominate our daily billion per year; yup that is a “B” for news feeds, after all each of these billion. Put another way, if Cana- pipelines passes through traditional dian oil sold for as much as other and culturally considerate lands and international crudes, there would there is potential value to be gained be more than an extra $1 billion per from some level of strategic particmonth in the hands of governments, ipation. the energy industry and potentially First Nations. With so much money at stake, it makes sense to me that energy companies and governments

Indigenous Times

7

Certainly, one approach would be to outright oppose pipeline construction on principle. Even though the pipeline industry’s safety record is relatively good, there is always the possibility of system failures. There is no question pipeline leaks are a real and present threat to the environment, and to traditional uses of the land. Also, as we learned from Northern Gateway, there has never been a time where indigenous people have had a greater voice to influence decision making. It is possible to stop a development through consistent and reasoned opposition.

It seems to me though, that there are at least a couple of important value based considerations with an opposition approach.

and the next after that.

Second, there is also the problem that a lack of pipeline capacity simply forces energy companies to move more oil by road and rail.

There is no significant approval process to prevent moving more oil by rail and, as we learned at Lac MĂŠgantic, Quebec moving oil by rail can be considerably more dangerous than moving it by pipeline.

Also, road and/or rail movement do not offer First Nation engagement and/or compensation consideration at any level.

An alternative approach for responding to pipeline developments is for First Nations to negotiate with energy companies and governments to seek out some form of compenThe first is that with so much money sation for the risk that indigenous at stake, governments and industry peoples accept when an industrial will not easily give up on the need project threatens traditional lands for more pipeline capacity. So to and threatens the environmental, oppose them, is also a First Nations community and cultural values held commitment to an endless fight — dear by those who have lived on if not this pipeline, then the next, these lands since time immemorial.

Sometimes compensation can be quite generous, perhaps in the form of some sort of infrastructure investment such as a new band hall or perhaps an investment in a school or sports facility can be negotiated. Over the years there have been many examples of industrial proponents providing key community infrastructure investments for indigenous communities in return for support, or at least acceptance of an industrial investment which by its very nature poses some risk to the community. And while such a negotiating stance can result in real, and tangible benefits to a community it does seem to me to be somewhat lacking from the standpoint of creating more lasting First Nation engagement and continued community benefits.

October 2018

benefit to the people is limited to the use of the infrastructure investment. Where are the employment opportunities, where are the training opportunities that help affected residents prepare for jobs and business development opportunities? Is there something more indigenous people can expect and negotiate for in the form of relationships that can provide more lasting benefits to the people who live with the risks of these projects?

Such an approach might be thought of as a cooperative partnership approach. Rather than opposing an industrial project that affects traditional lands, and rather than simply accepting an infrastructure investment as a form of compensation for accepting the risk of a project, perhaps a more modern and comprehensive approach would be to seek My question is this, it is wonder- out more of an inclusive and conful to be able to negotiate for some structive partnership approach with form of much needed infrastructure those who will so benefit from these investment for a community but industrial projects. after that investment is made, the

8

And what would a partnership between a pipeline company and an affected First Nation look like? Well, here are a few ideas (and to be fair, some of the pipeline companies and First nations have been fairly progressive in their approach to some of these concepts):

Indigenous Times

beneficial business relationships.

✓ New approaches to bring indigenous people into the industry through participation in such things as third party pipeline monitoring using traditional and digital technology and/or the use of indigenous people in remediation and ✓ Educational and training recovery operations in the event of opportunities — pipeline compa- a spill. nies need trained people to construct and operate pipeline facilities. These days’ progressive companies First Nations have many young peo- are highly motivated to find ways to ple in need of vocational training. engage and create lasting value for It seems like a natural that pipeline indigenous peoples for the risk they companies should be supporting accept when allowing industrial deFirst Nations training opportunities velopments such as pipelines to probecause it will benefit them as much ceed through traditional lands. But as the indigenous people they will I think it is also vitally important employ. that for whatever approach indigenous people take towards dealing ✓ Business opportunities: with the energy industry over these pipeline companies can be pretty issues the time to mobilize is now. impactful through their procurement practices — they buy a lot of Of interest, the federal government supplies and they pay for a lot of has required Enbridge Line 3 Recontracted services. Mentoring and placement project to engage First coaching businesses owned by in- Nations in the monitoring process digenous peoples and First Nation and to this end, Natural Resources communities can lead to mutually Canada and the National Energy

Board have developed an Indigenous Monitoring Committee. This committee is working collaboratively with Enbridge and the federal government on improving overall pipeline monitoring including how best to engage local First Nations in this process. This new approach demonstrates that there is a greater interest by all parties towards maximizing overall engagement and benefit of pipeline developments.

Though just a first step, it is an acknowledgment that if we work together, we can benefit from inclusion and cooperative consideration.

We know what’s at stake for the energy industry and current governments. More access to markets opens up billions of dollars in new business and revenue opportunities for them. My sense is that energy companies and the federal government do get it that some of those benefits need to flow through to indigenous people. The question is are we going to fight over whether we should have pipelines, or engage on how we all benefit from the additional value they create when we

October 2018

access additional market opportunities.

My sense and my experience working with First Nations, government and industry tells me that great things come for considerate engagement, candid dialogue and mutual consideration. Let’s make choices that lead to long term solutions, as we are always stronger together.

Tony Baumgartner is a Senior Business Analyst with SM Solutions, a consulting firm who has been retained to represent Moosomin Cree Nation’s interests with respect to the

Enbridge L3 replacement project.

Options expressed are those of the author and may not be representative of those of Moosomin Cree Nation or the Indigenous Times.

9

Indigenous Times

October 2018

Indigenous Times

10

Treaty Commissioner Mary Culbertson BUSINESS

It is an honor to be named

the first Indigenous woman to become the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan in January 2018. My role started during some critical weeks across the Prairie Provinces. The killings of Colten Boushie and Tina Fontaine were on the forefront of headlines, the acquittal of those who stood trial resonated profoundly. There was heartbreak, grief, sorrow and a lot of hateful attitudes and comments shone through and emboldened others. Some have been held accountable for their words and others have been swept under the rug.

It is critical times in this Treaty relationship it has been at stake for over 100 years and is in trouble.

Our Treaties are Treaties

of peace, we can no longer let this relationship be divided, we cannot use hateful and divisive language that encourages violent acts, we cannot ignore racial divides any longer, truths need to be spoken and heard. Now, more than ever we need to come together as nations and communities. Reconciliation efforts cannot be one-sided; it must grow from people acting together.

By: Mary Culbertson

Reconciliation is about learning from the past and choosing to build a better future and not repeating the mistakes of the past.

Being able to understand each other results in building positive trusting relationships.

Reconciliation is person al journeys, within ourselves, our nations, our homes, our families.

From these personal journeys we build the foundations for the future of our relationships, of our shared histories, even the parts of those history’s that are shameful.

Like many of us I come

from a rural area, a small farm north of Pelly Saskatchewan across the hill from Fort Livingstone and Keeseekoose First Nation down the road from Kamsack Saskatchewan where I was born. I am committed to building relationships, in our rural areas. This takes a forum of public education. Courageous conversations need to take place, where people aren’t afraid to feel uncomfortable and ask questions. I firmly believe that education is the vehicle that is going to someday end racism and discrimination towards First Nations, through education, through shared histories and a true understanding of the

Treaty relationships that were entered into more than 100 years ago. As long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow, that’s how long this relationship will last. We have only a short time here on this earth and we have to work together to build a future where our children and grandchildren are going to ask us, “What did you do?” a future where we can tell them we were part of the solution and not the problem.

The first months in the

October 2018 role of Treaty Commissioner have passed quickly; we have attended, and participated at many Treaty days and gatherings throughout the territories. I’ve had the good fortune of meeting and speaking with many people. A Treaty Commissioner was promised to the people of these territories more than 100 years ago, I am committed to being in First Nations communities and rural areas in the weeks and months to come and look forward to serving the people of these Territories.

OTC Director of Speakers Bureau Amy Seesequasis By: Amy Seesequasis BUSINESS

Bureau. I was appointed to the position in April of 2018 by Commis Tansi! I would like to take sioner Culbertson, but have been this opportunity to introduce my- with the OTC since 2012. I have self as the Director of Speakers

Mary Culbertson(SK), Loretta Ross(MB) and treaty 10 representatives

served the organization in various capacities and roles over the years; Administrative Assistant, Research Assistant, Research Technician, Treaty Learning Network Coordinator, and Speakers Bureau member.

The Speakers Bureau is a collection of Knowledge Keepers who present to the general public on topics related to Treaty Education, Indigenous Awareness, Positive Race Relations and Reconciliation.

These presentations can be tailored to the needs of the requesting organization/institution/etc., and requests can be made on our website under the Book a Speaker option within the Education tab.

It has been a very busy 5 months for the bureau with presentations and workshops taking place weekly across the province.

We have reached 850 people in the province since April 2018 and hope to double that number by year end.

Some highlights of the Speakers Bureau is the launch of our new and enhanced bureau which has more allies joining us from across the province. We thank these Knowledge Keepers for their willingness to join the bureau and share their wisdom with the Saskatchewan public. I have also been coordinating Special Events for OTC which consists of our Information Booth and Children/Youth activities.

Some of the events attended were Pleasant Hill powwow, Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division powwow, National Indigenous People’s Day Regina/Saskatoon/ Kerrobert/North Battleford, Treaty 10 Gathering, Folkfest, North Battleford Urban Treaty Day, Yorkton Urban Treaty Day, and Word on the Street. The bureau began a partnership in May 2018 with the Open Door Society of Saskatoon to have an Indigenous Studies class weekly for their newcomer groups; the sessions are well attended and greatly appreciated by the students who attend.

I attended the Treaty 10 Gathering in Beauval in August and was honoured to have witnessed the raising of the first ever Treaty 10 flag. The moment was an emotional and spiritual one, with a former location of pain and suffering being transformed to a place of strength. I commend the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who were involved in this process for all their commitment and dedication to the Spirit and Intent of Treaty. I look forward to the coming months and all the exciting opportunities and endeavours that will arise from both these new partnerships and alliances, but also from the continued strengthening and enhancing of the partnerships and alliances we already have in place.

Indigenous Times

11

An Eventful Summer COMMUNITY (BATC First Nations) After a very engaging summer full of recreational events, people meeting, people watching and food sampling, the Summer of 2018 was an experience that even google or Facebook could not compare. Media outlets and pictures aside, the feeling of actually being in the vicinity of the early morning sunrises, late eve sunsets, unforeseen rainstorms and soft powerful winds can actually be personally felt. Memories are engrained amongst families and friends and especially within one self. As the days advance, along with technology and communities and methods of survival, First nation Communities can reunite as not just as blood relatives but Askiy- Land relatives to this wonderful oasis we call Mother Earth. Red Pheasant First Nation hosted a powerful gathering of culture and spirituality, peace and friendship through their annual powwow. People from all regions gathered together and celebrated prayer and traditional music over ancestral drum song and dance, strangers have become friends and neighbours, and sacrifices could be made yet all in faith that the Creator is and always will be present in

By: Candace Thomas Osecap heart no matter where we all travel. Elders are acknowledged as important because they are the keepers of the language and culture, and to see the younger generation follow through with traditional practices and protocols was such a blessing to witness. Fellow community member Craig Wuttunee also shared his enthusiasm by sharing that the people certainly loved it, divulging that it was was not only an interesting sport but also a very extreme sport. Proving that this can be agreed to be enjoyable for all. Everyone left for their homelands as a true champion at heart with relief and success that the page had turned to the conclusion of a lasting beautiful powwow celebration 2018. Saulteaux First Nation held their newly apted annual Indian Relay Races.

This drew a great crowd of fellow cowboys and gals and surrounding horse sport oriented country loving folk region wide. Always a delight to see young and old jolt against the competitions of horse and game, the recreational spirit of competition and victory can be heard shouting amongst the crowd with plenty of laughter and cheer-

October 2018

ing on of all the individual competitors. This is definitely an example of a growing and aspiring activity that involves spirit and animal, in this case the wondrous spirit of the old Indian warrior and his Horse.

Which historically has been known to be an inevitable team, and in this day and age is quite a delight to see. Venturing forth to another community celebration that reunit-

ed friends, relatives and spectators was the successful gathering of the Moosomin First Nation Powwow.

With flags and sacred feathers honouring everyone and the welcoming in, smudge of sage and sweetgrass was wafting in the air, people entered in to and fro in their colourful and beautiful regalia, with intent to congregate and celebrate the coming

Perry Bellegarde & Clint Wuttunee

12

Indigenous Times

October 2018