December January 2017/2018 Edition

Christmas Edition 2017/ Volume 23

December 2017

PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU MAKES A STOP IN TREATY SIX TERRITORY

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets Elder Cecile Mooswa with Chief Brad Swiftwolfe in North Battleford, Sk. Photo By Adam Scotti

(North Battleford, Treaty six Terri- Elder Lance Myo.

tory) - On December 7th, 2017, at the

Dekker Center in North Battleford, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that it was good to be back on Canadian soil. He had travelled from China, and now to North Battleford.

Prime Minister made a stop in North Battleford to boost Federal Liberal Candidate Larry Ingram’s campaign in the Federal by-election for the Battlefords - Lloydminster riding.

The Prime Minister was greeted with a welcome honor song performed by the Youth Drum Group of the Moosomin First Nation led by young

The large crowd showed appreciation for the youth drummers and singers. The group was also supported by two Young women singers.

The Prime Minister gave a rousing speech emphasizing economic diversity with a reference to Saskatchewan canola producers. He emphasized the need for inclusiveness of Indigenous peoples.

After speaking, The Prime Minister was presented with a gift By Chief Brad Swiftwolfe and elders Cecile Mooswa and Edward Osecap.

The gift was a traditionally tanned and

beaded pair of moccasins. The Elders had advised Chief Swiftwolfe that the moccasins represent the long walk we are on to reconciliation. The evening closed with a meet and greet. Indigenous peoples, led by treaty Six Chiefs, were front and center.

Health Lloyd Casino Development

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An Urban Christmas Story with Yellowsky

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AFN to initiate working group on impacts of proposed cannabis legalization

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December 2017

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Greetings friends and relatives, 2Q EHKDOI RI WKH $)1 ([HFXWLYH DQG WKH VWDŕľľ , ZRXOG OLNH WR H[WHQG P\ EHVW ZLVKHV WR HYHU\RQH DW WKLV VSHFLDO WLPH RI WKH \HDU 7KH KROLGD\ VHDVRQ LV D WLPH WR UHĂ€HFW RQ SDVW DFKLHYHPHQWV DQG FKDOOHQJHV DQG WR SUHSDUH IRU WKH FRPLQJ \HDU ,WÂśV DOVR WLPH IRU XV WR UHPHPEHU WKRVH ZKR DUH OHVV IRUWXQDWH KRQRXU WKRVH ZKR DUH QR ORQJHU ZLWK XV DQG EH KXPEOHG E\ RXU ORYHG RQHV 0D\ \RXU KRPH ÂżUHV EXUQ EULJKW ZLWK ORYH KDSSLQHVV DQG JRRG KHDOWK 0HUU\ &KULVWPDV 3HUU\ %HOOHJDUGH 1DWLRQDO &KLHI $VVHPEO\ RI )LUVW 1DWLRQV “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.

Contact: editor@indigenoustimes.ca�

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Indigenous Times nomic security of farmers in the region.

Most of the pasture land in the CPP was originally Provincial Crown land which was transferred to the Federal Government to enable the CPP to operate. On April 18, 2012, Guest Editorial Agriculture and Agri-Food From Reconciliation Canada (AAFC) announced a on how it supports the to Reconcili “Action.â€? change agriculture industry. This inBy: Carl Neggers cluded a decision to terminate the CPP by March 2017. This major policy decision instiI have been ponding tuted the largest land transfer the recent dialogue that has incubated our nations focus on process in western Canada reconciliation. It seems to me since confederation (Insert surprises emoji). This federthat the word itself has a sigal government decision was QLÂżFDQW HPSKDVLV RQ IRUJLYHmade with no consultation, ness, putting to rest our past and surprised all stakeholders transgressions and moving equally, including the Province forward in a more caring and of Saskatchewan and First thoughtful manner. They say Nations “Sorryâ€? is the hardest word.

In response to this Yet the word to me seems announcement, the provinpassive, and not one that commands action. One might cial Minister of Agriculture announced that the province liken it to an emoji, sad face, would not add these lands to subtle tear, possibly a look of its supply of provincially mandisgrace‌ aged pastures by permanently I have wondered if all our work to date on improving assuming responsibility for the CPP. Rather, the existing our collective understanding pasture patrons would receive of the transgressions of our ÂżUVW SULRULW\ WR SXUFKDVH WKRVH past decisions and actions lands so that they could mandoes not call for or require a age the pastures. This was stronger word, one that calls an interesting decision, given for more than a reconciliathat the patrons using the CPP tion emoji . I believe we were not a coordinated group, need a word that commands and are located throughout the our requirement to not only province, only using the pasmake promises, but to keep them. A determined word like tures to enhance herd developReconcili “Actionâ€?, now there ment and/or address grazing requirements not available is a demand word, that word locally. Why would a patron commands a “do somethingâ€? want to purchase land 200 km attitude. away from his/her land base?

Now your likely wonAlso, this decision, by the dering, where the heck is province would result in these he going with this point and why? Well let me share a pos- large tracts of lands becoming sible example of my point that fragmented, eroding the overSURÂżOHV WKH GLŕľľHUHQFH EHWZHHQ all viability of these sensitive grasslands and ecosystems for Reconciliation and Reconcili sustainable grazing, protec“Actionâ€?. tion of critical habitat and the Since 1935 the federal government operated 62 Prai- preservation of traditional and culturally sensitive lands. rie Farm Rehabilitation Act It is my personal posi(PFRA) pastures in Saskatchtion that the former CPP lands ewan covering 1.78 million acres through the Community should be assessed in whole rather than as distinct individPasture Program (CPP). The ual parcels of land. Their viamandate of the CPP was to bility comes from the ability to UHKDELOLWDWH ODQG DŕľľHFWHG E\ support various activities such soil drifting and to develop and promote ‘systems of farm as grazing, which requires large blocks of land, while practice, tree culture, water permitting the sustainable supply and land utilization’ that would rehabilitate eroded management of the lands over time. Fragmentation into small ÂżHOGV DQG XOWLPDWHO\ WKH HFR-

individual parcels may make selling the land easier, but LW VLJQLÂżFDQWO\ UHGXFHV WKHLU economic and ecological viability, which is contrary to the 80 years of public investment to these lands and the current interests of many stakeholders, including First Nations.

2YHU WKH SDVW ÂżYH \HDUV both the province and the federal government have avoided direct conversations with First Nations, hoping they might not notice the liquidation of 1.78 million acres of unoccupied crown land, as we now understand that both Canada and Saskatchewan are determined to sell the CPP lands As we know, Saskatchewan First Nations have outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) settlement agreements (in the millions of acres) with an interest in examining the CPP lands for TLE settlement purposes. The FSIN and several TLE Chiefs have previously expressed their concern that the decision to divest the land back to Saskatchewan with the eventual sale of the lands to private ownership was made without formal consultation with First Nations.

So let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of the initial promises made. Canada’s obligation to the Entitlement Bands is derived from the Treaties. Saskatchewan has legal obligations to Canada to provide “unoccupied Crown lands� for the creation of Indian reserves; these legal obligations were created under the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA). This historical commitment is clearly stated in the NRTA. The NRTA was entered into in 1930 when Canada transferred administration and control of virtually all federal Crown land and mineral resources in the Province to Saskatchewan. However, Saskatchewan was obligated to continue to set aside land for Indian reserves and that “unoccupied Crown lands� (previously held by Canada but now held by Saskatchewan) would be made available to honour Canada’s treaty obligations.

Further, we need to remind ourselves of a further promise that under the 1992 Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement

December 2017 (TLE) Framework Agreement; Canada recognized that it had XQIXOÂżOOHG 7UHDW\ REOLJDWLRQV with respect to TLE. Canada desired, pursuant to the Agreement, to ensure that such obligations were met since Canada recognized that there ZDV LQVXŕľśFLHQW XQRFFXSLHG Crown land in Saskatchewan RI VXŕľśFLHQW TXDOLW\ TXDQWLW\ and in the appropriate locaWLRQV WR IXOÂżO LWV 7UHDW\ REOLgation. Canada also agreed, in good faith, to employ its EHVW HŕľľRUWV WR IXOÂżO WKH WHUPV of the Framework Agreement according to its true spirit and intent. Now that really sounds like real reconciliation .

Clearly, for the federal government and the Province of Saskatchewan to proceed with a unilateral disposition of the CPP unoccupied crown land for sale to parties that have no legal or historic rights to those lands, and remove the availability of these lands for TLE purposes, such would be inconsistent with the spirit and intent of the Framework Agreement, and that doesn’t sound much like reconciliation .

Further, once these large tracts of lands are sold R྾ WKHQ ZKDW ³XQRFFXSLHG crown lands� remain for the settlement of our previous promises? TLE Chiefs will be forced to look at smaller, more remote and likely less valuable lands towards settling outstanding land obligations.

That stretches the ability to PHHW RXU FRPPLWPHQW VLJQLÂżcantly into the future. First Nations Chiefs cannot sit idly by and watch this unfold in a manner that does not address their interests now.

If we are sincere in our collective focus on reconciliation, our actions must not reinvent the past, but rather construct a more meaningful future. No one can change the past, but we best learn from it, as our future prosperity depends on it. It is my belief that meaning and full dialogue with First Nations and the co-construction of innovative management/ownership models will likely result in improving our collective relaWLRQVKLSV IXOÂżOO RXU FRPPLWments and sustains these large WUDFWV RI ODQG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI all.

December 2017

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mitigate the damages from FSIN Responds to Province proposed climate change. Our First Climate Change Plan Nations leaders need to be fully engaged to come up our province and build reCOMMUNITY TALK with workable solutions, silience to climate change.” keeping in mind the imThe plan proposes a num(Treaty 6 Territory, Sasportance of Treaty and ber of measures both to katoon, SK) — The FedInherent rights. A First reduce carbon emissions eration of Sovereign InNations’ elder’s advisory and prepare for climate digenous Nations says the committee needs to be change. The Province is Province must engage in established to incorporate proposing an engagement a process of full consultatraditional knowledge into period before the plan is tion and accommodation these discussions.” implemented. with First Nations in developing a climate change “Our First Nations’ people “First Nations are among action plan in response to rely on animals and plants the communities hit hardthe Minister of Environfor food and medicines, est by the impacts of climent, Honourable Dustin so climate change is havmate change,” said Chief Duncan’s, announcement ing a devastating impact Bobby Cameron. “We are of Prairie Resilience: A on our communities,” way past the point where made-in Saskatchewan says Vice Chief Heaththere should be any deClimate Change Strategy. er Bear, portfolio holder bate on whether or not for Lands and Resources. climate change is real or According to Minister “Climate change has althat human activities are Duncan, “the Government ready reduced the period a significant contributor, of Saskatchewan builds when communities in the and we need to be looking upon actions we have alfar north can use winter at solutions that slow the ready taken and introducroads, making it harder warming of the planet and es measures to strengthen to bring in construction

December 2017

materials, food, and supplies, as well as the devastating forest fires that plague the north. There needs to be adequate resources available to consult with these First Nations before this plan is implemented, and there needs to be adequate resources to implement solutions that work for our First Nations.”

The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

Dawn Walker dawn.walker@fsin.com and Phone: 306665-1215

December 2017

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An Urban Christmas story with Yellowsky ENTERTAINMENT

Lion. We were the type to wait til midnight to open gifts. We had the The holidays were the best punch bowl, the eggnog, gingergrowing up. Everyone was so into bread house and all that goodness. that Christmas flare. From the dec- We played board games, video games (My mom LOVED Tetris) orations to who’s got the best tree and lights outside. School was on and watched a movie. As soon break and classmates went on fam- as we’d notice it said “11:45pm� ily trips out of town. I remember My sis was under the tree, going one of my most precious childhood through all the gifts and telling me to get ready to make a speech memories was of this season in 1999. Nothing can ever measure up with a toast and everything. So I to that one. did and after that, we dug into our My mom went all out presents as she would hand them because the family was all in one out one by one. place for once. It was just me, my The next morning, we sister, my niece, nephew and Mama made the biggest breakfast only

a neechie household can do and invited family and friends. Christmas dinner is no joke. Anywhere.

So you can only imagine all the great things at the table. Everyone was there. All in good health and spirits, making their rounds to everyone’s household by the day on to the evening. We stayed up late again, admiring and playing with all our new gifts. The feeling of harmony filled the air. It wasn’t so much Christmas that brought the magic. It was more family and that togetherness that keeps that memory warm in my heart. And like I wrote earlier, nothing could ever measure up to that.

That was honestly one of the last times I celebrated Christmas. Of course we’re all grown now and lives have changed. And in mine, most have passed on.

Including Mama Lion.

Yet, it’s memories like these that keep everything alive and free.

I’ve grown to have my own story and road to follow since then. As I write this, my debut album “Mixed Medicine� has been released to the world and so goes the amazing album release party that will follow.

So i give thanks, as one

December 2017 should. It’s been a few winters since those precious memories but everything is still crystal clear as that bright day in 1999.

As I start my own chapters and memories, I’ll be sure to let my children know how these holidays should be. Surrounded by family, friends and good times.

So this time of the year, I wish you all the same. And remind you to treat yourselves well and try to help others when you can.

On behalf of my team, my business partners and management, happy holidays and have an amazing 2018! www.facebook.com/yellowskymusic/

I would do 100 more.

People love the sihkos character and she brings a lot of laughs and joy to people and I love that.

Why do u love playing kohkom?

GTNT Christmas Tradition ENTERTAINMENT The kohkoms are back again and this time they are leaving the country to get away from all the christmas cheer. The Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre is producing Vegas Vacation by Curtis Peeteetuce, a story from his Rez Christmas anthology. The kohkoms are trading cooking, cleaning and christmas cheer for bingo dabbers, slot machines and Tom Jones.

I went to the Broadway WKHDWUH WR ÂżQG 0LWFKHOO 3RXQGPDNer after his Friday performance.

By: Danny Knight

There was a wave of applause crashing into me as I arrived, I quickly snuck backstage and found 0LWFKHOO VPLOLQJ KDSSLO\ ZDLWLQJ for me.

What brings you back to GTNT to return to the red Christmas series?

The energy around Saskatoon is absolutely ecstatic with artistic creativity and it’s just something I want to be a part of. Last year I asked kg I could be a part of it again.

If you could do 100 more shows would you?

Love, love Incarnate the word of god is mother.

In the real world there a lot of super hero movies and action movies and as a kid those were my heroes but as I grew older I realized that the real heroes were our mothers, our kohkoms, they protected us, they clothed us, they fed us they are the real heroes. I want to honour and pay tribute to to that.

Your performance is great but sometimes you go to 110 is that the actor side of you looking for laughs or did u have a kohkoms who went to 110?

Yes I had an auntie, well‌we all have that grandmother who don’t take no BS, they are loud and proud and take control when times get rough. as a young man I liked dancing and martial arts and to squeeze in a little physical into an

old kohkom is not only funny but it also speaks to that metaphor that they are super heroes.

Vegas Vacation was written by Curtis Peeteetuce. Directed by Jennifer Dawn Bishop. Starring Alana 'RULDQ 'DOWRQ /LJKWIRRW 0LWFKell Poundmaker and Cory Dallas Standing. It ran from December 6 – 10 at the Broadway theatre.

For more info on GTNT Please visit www.gtnt.ca

December 2017

Indigenous Times

Joey and Carsen Look Forward to 2018 ENTERTAINMENT As Joey Stylez looks into the future for 2018, he is on a mission‌ “To impart on

indigenous youth the importance of healthy lifestyle, and becoming a positive role model for youth “. Along with his partner Carsen Gray,

Saskatoon’s Comedy Scene By: Danny Knight

ENTERTAINMENT Comedy by indigenous artists‌bromedy?!?

Is Saskatoon ready for indigenous comedy?

Looking for a laugh in stoon

The answer is yes. Saskatoon’s art scene has exploded with open mics for comedians.

At these open mics u can spot Indigenous comedians ranging from dene, anishnabe and nehiya, urban Indians and traditional. Professional and amateur, trying out the stage for the ¿UVW WLPH RU ZRUNLQJ RQ VRPH PDWHrial for an upcoming show. I’m going

to introduce you to two comedians; a dene city girl with a professional career as an actress and now a headlining comedian. I caught up with Dakota at O’Brian’s event centre performing at Lady bits What about Comedy attracts you to it?

Family times watching stand up

he is out to prove that he has come to terms with his past and they have imparted on a new and chosen pathway.

Joey and Carsen are committed to proving and demonstrating to Aboriginal youth that healthy change and success are possible.

2017 has been a turning point for them. Their success has reached a new level of notoriety having both won wards at the 2017 Indigenous Music Awards, and both receiving nominations at the 2017 Native American Music Awards. A Joey Stylez track featured on Hollywood block buster WIND RIVER. The Joey Stylez documentary “No Gimmicks� debuted nationally on APTN. Both performed live on Derek Millers guilt free zone as seen on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). Carsen opened up for the 2017 Aboriginal Day live concert in Vancouver. She also performed with Josh Halverson of the voice.

Recent success has led to a

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wider range of opportunities and prospects to demonstrate Joey and Carsen’s commitments.

Their New Year agenda will include: Development of a Family Wellness work shop, which will include their direct interaction with participants.

They will team up with Dani and lizzzy , Suzette Amaya and Dj Staniml for a workshop and live music wellness and empowerment tour Joey’s new single “My Neechieâ€? drops February 15 2018 Joey’s new album “The Star Chief’ drops on April 7 2018 With the ever and rapidly increasing Aboriginal youth SRSXODWLRQ WKHVH HŕľľRUWV ZLOO certainly set one example for developing approaches to helping our youth make positive choices. www.facebook.com/joeystylezworld www.facebook.com/realcarsengray

I love acting and it shares the same inVWDQW JUDWL¿FDWLRQ I love to get inside someone else’s skin as an actor and portray their thoughts and emotions, in comedy it’s more freeing I can portray my own thoughts and HPRWLRQV DQG UL྾ with the audience it’s fantastic.

raw or delirious into the movie pile when hitting up the video store.

If you could change anything about Comedy what would that be?

Ah I see is that why your humour is a little dirty ?

Gosh that’s a loaded question. As a woman of colour industry, it sometimes feels as though people assume I get work because I am an indigenous woman and not because I’m funny and KDYH QHZ IUHVK PDWHULDO IURP GL྾HUHQW perspective.

Probably, I never thought I would be comfortable doing dirty jokes but when I think about it my favourite memories of comedy were those specials by Eddie Murphy. I guess it pretty natural hahahah.

On the other side of the so FDOOHG WUDFNV \RX FDQ ÂżQG 6KDZQ &XWKDQG D SURPRWHU DPDWHXU ÂżOP director and a Cree from little pine. I met up with Shawn at Buds comedy at 8.

comedians on comedy central. I want everyone to feel good and to like me and making people laugh accomplish both , I also like to do political huWhat do you like about comedy?

PRXU DQG WKDW FDQ JHW GLFH\ , ÂżQG WKDW humour builds a bridge in that sort of /DXJKWHU ÂżQGLQJ WKH IXQQ\ LQ ZHLUG conversation.

VLWXDWLRQV ¿QGLQJ WKH IXQQ\ LQ WKH worst situations, in some respects as a You are a successful actress, is there way to cope with reality. Also growing D GL྾HUHQW DSSHDO WR FRPHG\ WKDQ up it was a little taboo, we would alacting? ways to try and sneak Eddie Murphy’s

1RZ WKDW \RXU SHUIRUPLQJ FRPHG\ what do like about it?

Well I like public speaking and getting LQWR WKH ÀRZ EXW LWœV DOVR KDUG WR ¿QG sometimes but when it does click it’s like the best feeling, when everything comes out the way you want it too, it feels like success.

The open mics in Saskatoon are Wednesdays at buds at 8:00 PM. Thursday’s at the U of S at 8:30 Sunday’s at the thirsty scholar at 8:30.

See you there!

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J. Russell. “Congratulations are certainly in order. This is a major achievement for Mr. Favel� says FSIN Vice Chief Kimberly Jonathan. “Mr. Justice Favel is the epitome of hard work, perseverance and success.

Mr. Justice Paul Favel He is a role model for our youth; someone our youth - Appointment to the can aspire to be. Minister Federal Court Wilson-Raybould hit the PDUN ZKHQ VKH FRQ¿UPHG COMMUNITY TALK the appointment and the )6,1 LV FRQ¿GHQW WKDW 0U (Treaty 6 Territory, Sas-XVWLFH )DYHO ZLOO IXO¿O KLV katoon, SK) — The Fedduties and responsibilities in the best interests of all eration of Sovereign Incitizens.� digenous Nations (FSIN) The FSIN represents applauds the recent announcement by the Honour- )LUVW 1DWLRQV LQ 6DVable Jody Wilson-Raybould, katchewan. The Federation Minister of Justice and is committed to honouring Attorney General of Canada the spirit and intent of Treato appoint Mr. Paul Favel a ty, as well as the promotion, judge of the Federal Court, protection and implementaH྾HFWLYH 'HFHPEHU tion of the Treaty promises 0U -XVWLFH )DYHO D that were made more than a partner at McKercher LLP, century ago. will be replacing Mr. Justice

December 2017

Jenelle Pewapisconias, Kevin Wesequate, Lindsay Knight and Tala Tootoosis

A safe place for Indigenous vocal creativity COMMUNITY The idea to create an Indigenous poetry group had been circulating and in discussion since 6HSWHPEHU 8QWLO ÂżQDOO\ D ÂżUVW meeting was called to the creation of WKH JURXS RQ 2FWREHU WK 7KH ÂżUVW RUGHU RI EXVLQHVV ZDV WR FUHDWH D safe place for Indigenous writers to FRPH WRJHWKHU UHĂ€HFW DQG ZRUNVKRS together. SCYAP Art Gallery was kind enough to volunteer the space for Indigenous Poets Society to operate. Then our sharing and open mic sessions began on a regular basis.

Indigenous Poets Society is now proud to announce the next feature and slam performance at the Two Twenty Collective on 20th street east

Saskatoon. Which is Scheduled JanuDU\ WK DW SP )HDWXULQJ ,36 Chapbooks of recent participants and other merchandise. Fingers crossed on new exciting developments which will be announced at that Poetry Slam event.

Appreciating the Tonight Its Poetry organization and venues we have always utilized there support and guidance to foster our own development. We are grateful for that, and Thank you. And a special thank you to all members and contributors to each and every event.

KWWSV ZZZ IDFHERRN FRP LQGLJH SRHWV

December 2017

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Peoples, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007, sets out minimum standards for ensuring Indigenous peoples enjoy COMMUNITY TALK Romeo Saganash. Bill C-262 fundamental human rights, of First Nations National including the collective seeks to ensure all CanadiChief Bellegarde. “Giving ans laws are consistent with right to self-determination life to the UN Declaration (Ottawa, ON) – Asand rights to lands, territothe UN Declaration and in Canadian law will build sembly of First Nations ries and resources. Canada (AFN) National Chief Perry a stronger country, one that requires the federal government to create an action fully endorsed the Declaraupholds human rights and Bellegarde today said the plan to implement the Dec- tion in 2016. National Chief Indigenous rights, values Liberal government’s supBellegarde has been a strong laration.

First Nations peoples and port of An Act to ensure proponent of the UN Decthat the laws of Canada are cultures, and believes that laration, and his Closing the National Chief Belin harmony with the United all children deserve the legarde said, “First Nations Gap strategy calls for CanNations Declaration on the same opportunities. We ada to implement the UN are looking forward to look forward to working Rights of Indigenous PeoDeclaration through legistheir opportunity to proples, is a welcome and pos- with Canada to see that vide input and comment on lation and for a joint review any new legislation that is itive step that will advance of all policies and laws to the Bill as it works its way passed fully respects First reconciliation and build a ensure they are consistent Nations rights, Treaties, title through the Parliamentary stronger country for First with First Nations rights, process. I do want to acNations and all Canadians. and jurisdiction.” including the Declaration. knowledge and lift up MP Romeo Saganash for his Minister of Justice “The United Nations determination, perseverance Jody Wilson-Raybould Declaration provides a and strong stand for our announced yesterday that framework for reconciliathe government will support peoples and our rights.” tion and renewing the nation-to-nation relationship Bill C-262, a Private MemThe UN Declaration between the crown and First ber’s Bill put forward by NDP Member of Parliament on the Rights of Indigenous Nations,” said Assembly

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde Welcomes the Government’s Support for Bill C-262 to Implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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December 2017

Project Updates: 11/06/2017 – Construction has RྜFLDOO\ EHJXQ ZLWK PDFKLQHU\ on site and piles going in the ground.

Lloydminster Casino Development COMMUNITY TALK The proposed Lloydminster Casino will be a draw for gaming enthusiasts and visitors.

But it will deliver so much more.

It will provide long-term employment and incomes for over 140 people at all skill levels. It will foster regional economic growth by drawing on local suppliers, VXSSRUWLQJ VSLQ R྾ EXVLQHVVes and attracting customers to Lloydminster’s restaurants and retail outlets. And, proceeds from

As the fall progresses, work will continue on the building structure, headed by Yellowhead Construction. All mechanical and electrical will continue after that.Once that work is complete, WKH LQWHULRU ¿QLVKLQJ ZLOO EHJLQ including millwork for the kitchen, bar and grill as well as architectural designs and treatments IRU WKH ZDOOV FHLOLQJ DQG ÀRRUV

becoming increasingly excited for the site to become our seventh casino in Saskatchewan and an entertainment destination for the City of Lloydminster.

06/12/2017 – The latest rendering of the casino was revealed at a sod turning ceremony in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.

05/11/2017 – The Border Tribal Council and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority reached an agreement on the terms for a long-term casino lease which permits the Border Tribal Council to begin construction.

the new casino will be reinvested in community priorities and causes through donations and sponsorships.

We invite you to share your ideas and questions with us as we work through the casino development process. Our vision is a destination casino – and entertainment experience – that builds success across the region and improves the quality of life of everyone who calls Lloydminster home.

Work will continue on the building exterior including architectural designs and features for the front and side of the building.

As the work progresses, SIGA is

12/14/2016 – We are scraping ground to lay the foundation ZRUN EXW KDYH QR RWKHU ¿UP timelines available.

Se�so�’s Greeti��s Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority 250-103C Packham Ave Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 4K4 306.477.7777

SIGA.SK.CA

AFN to Initiate Working Group on Impacts of Proposed Cannabis legalization their rights, title and interests when the new cannabis legislation comes LQWR HŕľľHFW 2QWDULR 5HJLRQDO &KLHI In July 2018, two bills Isadore Day and Quebec-Labrador dealing with the legalization of 5HJLRQDO &KLHI *KLVODLQ 3LFDUG Cannabis (Acts C-45 & C-46) will ZLOO OHDG WKH ÂżOH EHFRPH &DQDGLDQ ODZ VLJQLÂżFDQWO\ $ 7HUPV RI 5HIHUHQFH IRU changing the social and economic the National Working Group on environment within the country.

Cannabis has been developed and A report tabled in November 2016 a proposal to fund the National described Canada’s priorities on Working Group is being drafted. cannabis to be: keeping cannabis The proposed approach is to: out of the hands of children and Meet with various federal youth, and preventing organized departments and agencies on the FULPH IURP SUR¿WLQJ IURP FDQQDlegislation, and bis sales, while also maintaining Hold bi-lateral discussions so that public health and safety, fairness, First Nation input is heard at all collaboration and a commitment to levels. evidence-informed policy.

As with all other federal Between now and the July initiatives, it is important that First 2018 deadline, the only opporNations have the relevant infortunity for the Assembly of First mation to consider the impacts Nations (AFN) to obtain direction and how it relates to their level of IURP &KLHIV RQ KRZ WR GHÂżQH DQG readiness for change. At this point, ODXQFK RXU RZQ FDQQDELV VSHFLÂżF there is not enough information goals, policy and strategy is the distributed to First Nations to facilDecember Special Chiefs Assemitate this readiness, including any bly.

SRVLWLYH DQG QHJDWLYH LPSDFWV 2XWIn September 2017, the put of information to First Nations Executive Committee passed a regarding cannabis discussions and motion that a National Working development is critical to ensure Group on Cannabis be created that First Nations are prepared. would assist First Nations in all regions to be engagement-ready and in a better position to assert

HEALTH

Indige-

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Issues that must be considered to prepare for the change include the following:

What portion of the funds will go back into public awareness and anti-addiction programs?

Public health – How will new health implications be addressed?

Will solutions be designed and carried out in partnership with First Nations? What standards, mental health services and addictions care will be put in place to deal with FDQQDELV RQÂąUHVHUYH DQG Rŕľľ UHserve?

Impaired driving and workplace safety concerns – will there be supports in place to address these concerns over public safety on the roads and in our workplaces?

Justice – How will the changes impact criminal law, policing and those already in institutions?

Government system – How will licencing be determined? How will First Nation governments be included?

Education and public awareness – Will there be programs to speak to youth and adults about the impacts of cannabis use? Will there be properly-resourced programs to deal with the impacts?

Potential economic opportunities – Will First Nation business be granted licenses to manufacture and distribute cannabis products (consistent with AFN resolution 123/2016)?

Revenues – how will revenues from cannabis sales be directed?

Jurisdictional – how will the changes impact Indigenous rights and lands? How will First Nations exert their rights and law in relation to these new changes?

Social – What are the impacts to First Nations social systems? How will community cultural perspectives and values be impacted by this legislation?

And other important factors for review, such as the application of medical cannabis in relieving disability related conditions.

The National Working Group on Cannabis will work to ensure that First Nations have the information they need to be prepared for this new legislation, as well as providing information that considers a broad set of matters that touch on everything from youth issues to transportation concerns to rights and title to economic development.

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Indigenous Times

December 2017

Indigenous Times

December 2017

15

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Indigenous Times

December 2017