Indigenous Times December 2016

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Issue 3 / Volume 22

December 2016

CHURCH BELLS ECHO FROM A CHRISTMAS PAST

The old church that sits on Poundmaker First Nation was once a lively central point in the community. Photo by Floyd P. Favel.

by Floyd P. Favel

On Poundmaker First Nation, the white frame church stands abandoned on a knoll at the edge of a bowl-like valley surrounded by hills on one side and a creek valley to the east and the Battle River to the north. Some of the windows are boarded up and the church is no longer in regular use, but this was not always the case. There was a time when Sundays would find the church surrounded by horse drawn wagons or sleds, and inside the church, hymns in Cree would be sung by the congregation.

At that time the Church fulfilled not only a spiritual function but it was also the centre of the community where weddings were celebrated, and where funerals were conducted. Baptisms and confirmations were a regular occurrence. Men and women would meet there on Sundays to talk after

Election Time at Whitecap Dakota First Nation

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services as they stood by their horses and wagons, talking of reserve happenings and important events.

It was a time when that important Cree concept of ‘Miyew wecatowin- Getting along well’, was practiced.

The Church was built around 1945 or 46, elder Lucy Favel recalls, and the builder was a Frenchman from Delmas, a village down the road from Poundmaker. His building helpers were local reserve workmen. The first priest was Father Paradis who conducted services in French-accented Cree, and he was quite fluent in Cree. The pews had Cree hymn books and song books tucked into their shelves and the people would sing in chorus and repeat the prayers according to the Catholic liturgy.

Curious children would look in awe at the graphic paintings of Christ’s suffering as he carried the cross to the pity and scorn of the milling crowds, before whom he was eventually crucified.

Entrepreneur Heather Abbey Wins Brett Wilson Pitch Party

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On Christmas Eve the church was full and a good spirit seemed to blanket the community as people talked and visited. “There were the Semaganis’, Joe, Alec, John, Pat Chatsis, and others I can remember all right now. At that time, there were a lot of Catholics. After service here, the priest would go to Sweetgrass on horse and cutter,” Lucy Favel quietly reminisces. From her house one can see the white church on the hill, its steeple silent where the bell used to call the faithful to service.

It is a well-built church built on a solid foundation and the structure is still sound. Who knows, maybe the sacred hymns of Christmas Eve will one day be sung again, or perhaps another event or ritual will emerge to take its place where the true spirit of Christmas can once again be celebrated within its walls, the spirit of family, fellowship within the community, and of the birth of Jesus Christ. •

Approaching Addictions Within the Community

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for me personally while putting together this edition was just how long I’ve actually been in publishing. It’s taken a significant portion of my life, and behind the scenes here at Indigenous Times we’ve had a lot of Indigenous youth come through, learn, and contribute to the paper whether it was in writing, sales, distribution, administration, etc. Indigenous Times is fundamentally a First Nations youth -owned and -operated business.

Time and time again we hear our leaders talk about nurturing and supporting the First Nations youth, and I have seen them firsthand back up their words through their actions through my experience at Indigenous Times.

I’ve always been very aware and appreciative of that support, and when I am older and in the position to help, I will also support our

youth’s initiatives.

With that being said, in this issue we profiled a lot of Indigenous youth entrepreneurs and artists. Indigenous people seem to really embrace entrepreneurialism; it’s an amazing thing to see so many Indigenous people take the risky road of starting their own businesses— of chasing their dreams. What is also great is the variance among Indigenous entrepreneurs: they are entering all sorts of different industries and markets.

I asked myself why so many Indigenous people take the entrepreneurial road, and tried to think of a reason. I believe that throughout history, Indigenous people have had to display resilience and perseverance, in many contexts, in order to survive. Resilience and perseverance are two

characteristics entrepreneurs must embody in order to overcome the many obstacles that will be set before them, and many people in Indigenous communities seem to have an innate propensity towards these traits. This allows them to not be discouraged when considering becoming an entrepreneur, and that’s how many of them choose this path.

This holiday season, as we indulge in consumerism, remember to support the entrepreneurs and small businesses that you come across.

I hope everyone has a peaceful and merry Christmas, and a great year in 2017.

Ekosi, Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca

the older sister of Thomas Favel, the last lifetime Chief of Poundmaker Cree Nation. Ernest was raised on Poundmaker, and he grew up on the farm of his father, a successful farmer and cultural leader and former Chief as well. Surrounded by the stories of elders who had lived during the buffalo hunting days, Ernest was deeply influenced by their memories. It was a time of repression, with Indian Agents controlling every move Ernest Tootoosis, 1935, at the 50 year commemoration of the 1885 battle on that the Cree people Poundmaker. Photo courtesty of Doyle Tootoosis. moved but this did not in anyway stop Ernest from developing and nurturing

by Floyd P. Favel his interest and passion for not only Plains Cree cultural COMMUNITY ways, but in all faiths.

It is a Cree belief that one

Ernest, Cree name, Kami- must not argue about Faith or differyasik meaning A Good Being, was ent ways of worship. born on March 29, 1915 to Mr. John In his later years, Ernest was Tootoosis and Mrs. Marie Ther- one of the key elders of the Morley ese Tootoosis. Marie Therese was Ecumenical Conference held year-

ly, organized by Chief John Snow, in the 1970s in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It was a time of cultural resurgence and many young Indians at that time found spiritual sustenance in these gatherings.

Ernest was also one of the key philosophical architects of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, now called the First Nations University of Canada, bringing other elders into the circle of the development of Indian control of education based on our ancient intellectual and spiritual principles.

The community of Poundmaker owes much to one of our great cultural leaders who was also behind one of the significant events in our history, that being, the reburial of Chief Poundmaker.

Chief Poundmaker’s grave overlooks the valley that the late Arsene Tootoosis used to call, ‘The Holy Land’. It is our homeland where our language and culture has a chance to flourish amongst the untouched creek valleys and forested hills. In 1886, shortly after Poundmaker was released from Stoney Mountain Penitentiary, he went to visit his adopted father Chief Crowfoot, at Blackfoot Crossing. There, while taking part in a feast overlooking the Bow River, Poundmaker, who had been suffering from tuberculosis, most likely contracted while in Stoney Moun-

tain, fell over and died. There he lay buried in Blackfoot country, far from home. In 1967, Canada’s 100 years of Confederation birthday, Ernest, in his truck, brought back Poundmaker’s remains and these were reinterred on the battle site where in 1885 Poundmaker’s people successfully defended themselves against a superior Canadian military force.

50 years later, we find ourselves once again dealing with the legacy of Chief Poundmaker. Poundmaker Cree Nation is planning a formal event in which to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was falsely convicted of treason in 1885. This event will again be one of the events to remember in our collective history, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Ernest Tootoosis for keeping Chief Poundmaker’s memory alive. For the past few years, band member and historian Tyrone Tootoosis has been quietly working on this file, and now, in collaboration with the Chief and Council, they are making this event happen, and it can come at no better time as in 2017 Canada celebrates 150 years of Confederation. We, in our community will be celebrating this birthday by correcting one of this country’s acts of injustice. •

Editorial

by Armand LaPlante

Here we are with another Christmas edition. The holiday season always seems to sneak up on us so fast, then all of the sudden it’s over just as quick, and we are left with the rest of the winter which usually seems to drag on forever. What really stood out

Ernest Tootoosis An Important Figure in History

Indigenous Times News Box 280 Cochin, Saskatchewan S0M-0L0 Editor: Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca website: www.indigenoustimes.ca Advertising: sales@indigenoustimes.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.

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L-R: Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear, Councillor Dwayne Eagle, Councillor Dalyn Bear. Photo by Armand LaPlante

Chief Darcy Bear in by Acclamation to Serve Eighth Term by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY

On December 9th, 2016, community members and dignitaries gathered at the Charles Red Hawk Dakota Elementary School gym on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to celebrate the swearing in of the Chief and Council of Whitecap Dakota First Nation following their recent election.

Chief Darcy Bear won by acclamation and will serve his eighth straight term as Chief of the

First Nation. Councillor Dwayne Eagle is serving his fourth term as councillor after being re-elected on November 18, 2016. And, in a special time for the community, Dalyn Bear, son of Chief Darcy Bear, was elected as councillor and will serve his first term. The Whitecap Dakota First Nation has adhered to its own election act since 1979, and last election, the act was amended so that the elected Chief and Council now serve four year terms instead of three.

“We serve [the commu-

WHITECAP

December 2016

First Nation for economic growth and opportunities. The community has gone from a 70% unemployment rate to a 5% unemployment rate, and the Chief wants to continue to grow the comSenator Melvin Littlecrow (right) places headdress on newly elected Councillor of munity by reaching Whitecap Dakota First Nation Dalyn Bear as Dalyn follows in the footsteps of his father.

Photo by Armand LaPlante over 1000 jobs in the community, up from the current nity], and we want to improve the quality of life for our members,” 680 jobs. Chief Bear has also been says Chief Darcy Bear, “we realize a champion for self-governance, that we can’t find solutions alone, leading the community to the signwe have to do it in partnership and ing of a Framework Agreement for work with others whether it be Self Governance, thus propelling other levels of government, other the community towards self-governance. institutions, industry.”

Chief Bear was recently

“I’m very proud and humbled that the Whitecap Da- awarded the Canadian Council for kota members and community Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame decided to vote me in as council- 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award lor,” says Councillor Dalyn Bear. for his success in transforming and When asked about the father-son bringing opportunity and prosperdynamic within the community’s ity to his community. Last month, leadership, Councillor Bear says Chief Bear was also appointed as “we work very hard together and the Chair of SaskPower for which [we] live and breathe Whitecap. he will serve a three year term.

After lunch, the communiWe want to make sure that we cre- ate that better quality of life for ty members and guests filed out of our people, we want to see oppor- the gym into the sunny afternoon tunity, we want to create jobs and a with a renewed sense of optimism as the elected leadership prepares better livelihood for everybody.”

Under the leadership of to take the reigns once again and Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Da- steer the community into prosperkota First Nation has been a model ity. •

Indigenous Times

December 2016

Heather Abbey, Founder of ShopIndig e-commerce site. Photo: Elicia Munro Sutherland.

ShopIndig Entrepreneur Scores Two Big Victories

by Armand LaPlante

BUSINESS

Heather Abbey is from the Little Pine First Nation but grew up in Regina with an adopted family. Heather recalls having had a good upbringing for the most part, but having been derailed for a period of time during her youth. She was living in North Central Regina at a time when Maclean’s magazine called it the “worst neighborhood” in Canada. Eventually, Heather began to get her act together and joined a theatre program put on by Common Weal Community Arts for at-risk Indigenous youth and she loved it. This program inspired her to want to be something more and do something more than just struggling day to day.

From there, Heather would go on to attend University and discover her creative side. Not only did she create earrings, beadwork, and other crafts, she created opportunities for herself. Heather now has her own clothing line, Kiowa Sage Apparel, and also runs ShopIndig.ca, an ecommerce site where Indigenous artisans can post what they make and sell them.

Heather is well known in the business competition circuit. She has had mentorship from Kendal Netmaker, the CEO of Neechie Gear, who has also seen many successes in business competitions and business in general. Heather recently won two big competitions in November, the first being the Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence’s 2016 pitch party hosted by Brett Wilson, the former Dragon from CBC’s Dragon’s Den; and the second being the National Startup Canada Indigenous Entrepreneurship Award. These accomplishments have recently opened up many new doors for Heather as she is being completely bombarded by various media to hear her story.

I sat down with Heather at a Starbucks in Saskatoon to garner some of her advice for aspiring, young entrepreneurs.

This was our conversation.

IT: For aspiring entrepreneurs, can you tell us how you manage your time?

H: I don’t [laughs]. I make sure I set aside the time that I need; I’m there every morning with my kids when they wake up and I’m there every night with my kids when they go to bed. I’m there for all the important things, so first and foremost that’s what matters to me. But with that being said, there are a lot of times where I’m up until 2 or 3 in the morning trying to get something done by 8 or 9 am the next day. There’s a lot of self learning—a lot of Google, Wikipedia, and YouTube tutorials. I’ve been known for saying ‘yes’ before I know how to do something and then I spend the next time learning, making

sure I can do it. I think all entrepreneurs pretty much do that. As long as I have time for my family, for myself, I squeeze entrepreneurship around that. There are some days where I turn off my MacBook and say ‘no not today, I’m not going to work today,’ because you need that time to recharge, you need that time for yourself so you don’t get overwhelmed because I’ve had that and it’s not a good feeling, especially when it’s supposed to be something you create, something you’re doing out of passion. You need your own time, some downtime.

IT: What’s a lesson that you’ve learned on your entrepreneur journey that you wish you could teach others beforehand?

H: My goodness, I’d probably say don’t take on too much yourself. When you first become an entrepreneur you have to do it all, you have to market yourself, you have to come up with the ideas, you have to research, you have to do your business plan, you always have to be out there hustling […] as an entrepreneur you do it all. But there comes a point where you have to be smarter about your time. I think I would tell the old me don’t be afraid to say no.

Now if something doesn’t work for me I say ‘sorry I can’t do that, that doesn’t work for me.’ Back then I didn’t want to offend someone by saying ‘no,’ and as a result it completely stressed me out and it ended up taking up so much of my time that I could’ve been using for myself and my kids. Now I’m more strict about my time, but I’ve also learned to delegate and learned to focus on what’s important.

IT: I’m curious, you were going to move into the boutique inside the Centre Mall at Circle and 8th in Saskatoon, what happened to that?

Heather: Dev[on Fiddler] has the awesome SheNative store there right now, I throw as much support as I can that way. For myself, I found that my own storefront bid hasn’t been successful to date. For a while that’s what I thought I really wanted; I had a cart over at Midtown Plaza for three and a half months last year, and it’s definitely something else to have to make sure your store is fully stocked all the time, it’s always staffed—that hasn’t been a dream that has come true for me yet.

something, to be offstage in the back doing some push-ups or jumping jacks—it gets that excess energy out and really helps you to focus. For myself, something I’ve always told myself right from the beginning is that they’re human too. You’re talking to real humans on the other side, they’re not bots that are like ‘[buzz], you’re wrong.’

It’s real people. Every time you’re up pitching against someone, unless it’s investors, they want to see you succeed; and of course investors do too but they need to know you that you know your stuff. But if it’s for a business competition, they’re rooting for you, you know it’s their job to help figure out who knows their business but no one there is there to see you fail.

So just remember you’re pitching to real people and it’s okay to show who you are and it’s okay to connect with them.

The number one thing I try to do in my pitches, no matter how long, is to make them feel something. If I can make them laugh then that’s great because when they associate you with a feeling, they remember you and your whole pitch better. I remember in my AYEC pitch the first time I won 1st, we had a 10 minute pitch, so I told stories, I made them laugh, I made them cry, I made them laugh and cry again.

They associate more with how they feel rather than ‘did she know her projections?’ because it’s more about the person than it is about the business. You can always learn what you need to learn, but you’re not going to learn that extra drive the way you learn knowledge.

IT: Yes I agree, they can’t teach you drive or charisma anywhere, those are things you have to acquire on your own.

Totally, I’ve seen people that have been brilliant on paper, brilliant on spitting out fact after fact.. I used to be terrified if I was pitching against someone with an MBA until I realized that they did facts—

5 they were able to effectively spit out all the facts about their company, all of the facts about their industry, but then I would come in and just be myself and just be larger than life on that stage and I started winning over that because it more about me and who I was and I could tell them this and that fact about my industry.

IT: During the holiday season, how important is it to support these independent artisans and designers?

H: I definitely recommend as many people [as possible] to shop Indigenous and shop local and I don’t just mean coming to my website and buying from our artisans.. I mean support your kohkoms at the local craft sales, support the local artisans that are selling at the table at the gas station, because you have to understand that this is these artisans’ and entrepreneurs’ livelihoods. They got up that morning, they spent weeks, months, making that item and putting love and care into it. And that’s what’s going to feed their families, put food on the table, and put presents under the tree. When you buy handmade and shop local you’re putting money back into your local economy, and you’re also showing those artisans that their work matters.

IT: Any last words or advice you would give to young, aspiring entrepreneurs?

H: I’d say, for aspiring youth, everyone always says ‘go for it!’ And I’m no different, it is probably the hardest thing in the world to put yourself out there and put your dreams out there, because you’re going to find so many people are going to laugh at you, so many people are going to say ‘you can’t do this, I had this idea first.’ There is so much lateral violence but you just focus on your goal and forget the rest because you can do it if you work hard enough. •

SIIT

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Acquires Sikorsky Training Helicopter SASKATOON, SK - On November 18, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) unveiled their newly acquired Sikorsky S-76A twin-engine helicopter which will be used for maintenance training by the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer students at SIIT. The $1.3 million helicopter, which was deemed no longer in flight, was given to SIIT by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company. Several students, community members, dignitaries, and SIIT and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company representatives arrived at the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre to bear witness as they unveiled the beautiful white helicopter.

The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) program gives students the opportunity to maintain, repair, and overhaul such aircrafts as the S-76A helicopter. These students are trained to ensure that Transport Canada’s safety and performance standards are met.

This acquisition will serve to enrich the hands-on and practical learning experience of the AME students at SIIT. •

IT: When it comes to presentations and pitches, the nerves can get going, how would you advise a new entrepreneur to handle their nerves?

H: There’s something that I know Kendal [Netmaker] does before a big pitch, he’s not scared, if he’s doing a huge presentation or

L-R: Jim Corcoran, Director, International Industrial Cooperation, Sikorsky Aircraft; the Honourable Don Morgan, Saskatchewan Minister of Education; Riel Bellegarde, SIIT President/CEO; Bill Falk, Director, Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program, Sikorsky Aircraft.Submitted photo.

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December 2016

December 2016

Indigenous Times

Anthony Kiendl, Executive Director and CEO, MacKenzie Art Gallery, at the Canada 150 announcement.

MacKenzie Art Gallery, November 25, 2016.

The MacKenzie Art Gallery Will Unveil Indigenous Monument for Canada 150 Project by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY REGINA, SK - The Government of Canada, in collaboration with a variety of partners, is counting down the days to 2017 when the Canada 150 celebrations will officially kick off, marking the 150th-year anniversary since the Canadian Confederation in 1867 when Canada became a Nation.

Several special activities and announcements have taken place across the country in anticipation of Canada 150. On November 25, 2016, the Department of Canadian Heritage

announced funding for Saskatchewan’s contributions to the Canada 150 project; for the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina. This means the commissioning of a large-scale Indigenous public artwork. This work will be unveiled on the MacKenzie grounds in October 2017.

“It’s a thrill to be a part of this historic event,” stated Anthony Kiendl, MacKenzie Art Gallery’s Executive Director and CEO. “—Not only for the announcement of the MacKenzie’s own contribution to the project — a major public artwork by an Indigenous Canadian artist — but

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Elder Norma Jean Byrd providing a blessing at the Canada 150 announcement.

MacKenzie Art Gallery, November 25, 2016.

for the unique opportunity it provides to celebrate how our country has grown over the past 150 years.”

A call for proposals will be issued to solicit proposals by eight of Canada’s leading First Nations and Métis artists, the artists will be announced in January, 2017. A shortlist of two or three artists will be chosen in Spring 2017 and then, through a juried process including MacKenzie Art Gallery staff and Indigenous community members, a final artwork will be chosen and made a part of MacKenzie’s Permanent Collection.

In a press release, the Mackenzie Art Gallery noted that ‘the work will celebrate Canada as an open, diverse, and pluralistic society. Specifically, the public artwork will celebrate the achievement and contributions of

L-R: Gary LaPlante, Young Chippewayan First Nation Chief Sylvia Weenie, Jason Johnson, Barb Froese, Wilmer Froese, YMCA of Saskatoon CEO Dean Dodge, Ray Funk, George Kingfisher. Photo: Armand LaPlante

After YMCA Peace Medals, the Quest for Reclamation Continues by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY

Members of the Young Chippewayan First Nation along with the Lutheran and Mennonite communities of the Laird, SK area, were collectively awarded the YMCA Peace

their collective peacemaking efforts in regards to Reserve 107 lands, which have recently been in the spotlight since the Reserve 107 documentary was produced. Reserve 107 refers Medal on November 22, 2016, at a to a reserve that was set aside for the ceremony in Saskatoon. The YMCA Young Chippewayan First Nation in Peace Medals honour individuals or the area of Laird and Rosthern, Sasgroups who demonstrate and contrib- katchewan, under the terms of Treaty ute to the values of peace within their 6. After 1885, the band was scattered communities. for a time and the land was wrongfully

The medals were awarded for seized by the Canadian Government

Indigenous peoples in the shaping of this country.’

“The theme and subject of the monument connects us to our past, embraces the present, and builds towards the future,” Kiendl continued in a statement issues by the MacKenzie Art Gallery. “The MacKenzie Art Gallery’s commitment to the work of contemporary Canadian artists is deeply ingrained within our organization. The selected artwork will be a beacon signaling that we live in an open and democratic society with a rich past, compelling present and hopeful future. It also marks the ongoing growth of the MacKenzie Art Gallery.”

To keep up with the Canada 150 Project, follow the hashtag #Canada150, and join the facebook page: www.facebook.com/canada150th

in the late 1800s and sold to farmers.

The descendants of the band always knew that they were supposed to have a reserve there.

In the 1990s a land claim was filed and later, talks between Young Chippewayan descendants and the Lutheran and Mennonite community members who were now on the land had began. There was apprehension preceding the talks, as neither party knew what to expect. But it became clear that the Young Chippewayan descendants, a displaced people, were not interested in displacing the communities who had established their livelihoods on the land in the area, and for their part, the Laird people were interested in seeing justice for the First Nation. Over the years, the three groups of people have sat down numerous times, sharing food, culture, and strategies for advancing the claim.

The YMCA Peace Medals went to this group of people to acknowledge their ability to work together—to come together to acknowledge the history, promote their love of the land, and to continue to try to correct the wrongs done in the past.

Reserve 107, the film, was a legacy of late Chief Ben Weenie, who passed away in April of 2016.

Weenie, a descendant of Chief Young Chippewayan, played a key role in bringing the history of Reserve 107 to light. His wife, Sylvia Weenie, was at the awards ceremony in Saskatoon to receive the medal on his behalf. •

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Crystal Janvier, First Nation Addiction Rehabilitation Foundation, FSIN. Photo by Armand LaPlante

Crystal Janvier Has Passion to Promote Responsible Gambling by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY

Crystal Janvier has a passion for the community, and that passion has driven her to work in the area of providing gambling addictions awareness to those in need. Crystal’s commitment to the community recently got her awarded and profiled in the Global Gaming Business magazine’s ‘40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders’ category in which there was only one other Canadian.

Crystal, a former SIIT student and current student at the Uni-

versity of Saskatchewan, is working with the First Nations Addiction Rehabilitation Foundation (FNARF) at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). Crystal helps flow through funding to Tribal Councils and bands where they then share the mandate to provide awareness, education, treatment, and research on gambling addictions.

These mandated areas act as both a proactive and reactive approach, through treatment as well as prevention measures through the education and awareness.

Crystal has a deep under-

standing and passion for the area, because she’s been there before herself. She recalls being a poor student with a gambling addiction, and some of the measures she took to feed her habit including borrowing, lying, and even stealing from family members. When she saw the damage and the guilt it brought upon her life, she decided to change her ways, “I was trying to understand my own self, and I was wondering ‘why do I make the choices I make?’” Crystal would eventually use her experiences to help bring awareness on the addiction.

With the NNADAP National Addictions Awareness Week having just past in November, Crystal was presenting bringing awareness to gambling as an addiction, but at the same time she believes that there is an ongoing stigma towards gambling addictions. “Everyone’s so focused on drug and alcohol and prescriptions awareness, they don’t really see gambling yet as an addiction […] it’s not a substance, no body can see that a person has a gambling addiction,” says Crystal.

Thus, there is greater significance for Crystal during the Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, an annual week in May that was passed by a Chiefs’ resolution in 2006 and acknowledged by SIGA as a week to promote responsible gambling awareness.

Crystal believes that often-

December 2016 times gambling addiction is at the surface, and is a symptom of a deeper-rooted problem. But at the same time, several other symptoms are more prevalent with problem gamblers. Crystal pulls up charts from a prevalence study that indicates that such things as health problems, other addictions (drugs and alcohol), and suicide rates are more prevalent with problem gamblers as opposed to non-gamblers.

The idea isn’t to stop people from gambling, but to encourage responsible gambling with various techniques including budgeting, money management, and self-awareness. Casino gaming is an important economic staple for Indigenous peoples, and it also has roots in Indigenous culture. Indigenous people used to have their own games of chance such as hand games and moccasin games, “these games were played by our people as a form of negotiation and it was also shared with me that they were also used as a grieving ceremony,” says Crystal.

Crystal continues to persevere, reaching as many communities and people as possible to promote gambling addictions awareness and help those in need, “there’s treatment out there, there’s help,” says Crystal. •

December 2016

Indigenous Times

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A youth recreation centre is being built on Saulteaux reserve which will open in 2017. Photo by Armand LaPlante

Eddie Night, Saulteaux First Nation community wellness worker. Photo by Armand LaPlante

Bridging the Gap Between Youth and Elders to Promote Wellness by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY

Parallel with the National Addictions Awareness Week in November, Saulteaux First Nation held their own addictions awareness week to bring awareness to the issue of addictions and the effects that stem from them.

The week of November 28 – December 1, 2016, presentations were held at the Saulteaux Band Hall to bring awareness on such addictions as alcohol and drug abuse, and gambling, and the effects they have on communities including the breakdown of relationships and child rearing, domestic and family violence, and individual health.

Eddie Night from Saulteaux First

Nation Health is well aware of the dangers of addictions and how it breaks down the family structure from the inside, “it doesn’t matter what kind of addiction it is, it always comes back to the family core, and that’s where the suffering is,” says Eddie. As the Northern communities are presently dealing with a youth suicide crisis, Eddie recalls when the community of Saulteaux First Nation had to step up and do something about their own youth suicide crisis. From 19992007 the community lost eight youth to suicide, and Eddie believes that it was due to the unstable homes and unstable families stemming from addictions.

Eddie has a deep understanding of addictions, as he has been down that path himself before; he also did a seven year stay in residential school. Another effect that ad-

dictions have had on communities, is the loss of culture—the loss of teachings and of Indigenous languages. As the older generation of elders pass on to the spirit world, there has been a disconnect between generations and the passing of teachings not only due to the residential school period, but also in a contemporary sense from addictions in communities.

Culture and holistic healing are important tools for wellness and healing, Eddie believes. The health centre has two elders that can provide spiritual healing; the teachings of the elders for the youth are very important because it is the loss of identity that makes so many youths at-risk. “Spirituality is something that people can identify with,” says Eddie, “when you light a braid of sweetgrass with these [youth], they become very humble because they identify with that.

As soon as the sweetgrass is burned, you see the hat, the glasses come off and they humble themselves, then as soon as soon as they walk out that door their life changes again. So spirituality is a big thing here, we try to incorporate our culture in everything.

We have elders committees here in every department.”

“We are trying to build a bridge between our youth and our elders, because it’s been lost,” explains Eddie. Eddie believes that two groups are apprehensive of one another; he has observed that elders think the young people are too far gone in their ways,

and the young people often perceive the elders and their words of wisdom as an authoritative figure. Teaching the youth about their cultural identity and the traditional ways is an important step towards wellness, this includes teaching the protocols of the sweat lodge, and teachings from sundance makers. Eddie has even coordinated a Youth & Elder Mentorship Program where the elders teach the youth traditional ways such as making hand drums and traditional cooking; and the youth teach the elders how to use technology devices such as smart phones and computers.

The community of Saulteaux First Nation has also taken the initiative of building a youth recreation centre that will provide the youth with wellness programs and activities such as a weight room. “We have good leadership here, and we’re starting to do things for our youth. We’re looking at our children as future leaders, because that’s what they are, that’s what they’re going to be.”

The annual addictions awareness week at Saulteaux First Nation wrapped up on December 1st, 2016, with a community dinner and rounddance. The turn out was better this year for the week’s agenda, and Eddie Night and the community of the Saulteaux First Nation will continue to take steps in making people aware of the dangers of the path of addiction. •

Adopted in Saskatchewan?

In January 2017, the Government of Saskatchewan is making it easier for adult adoptees and birth parents to access birth registration information.

This is great news for some but others may prefer privacy. If you have questions or concerns about how your information may be shared, we have answers!

To learn more about how to file contact preferences and vetoes, visit our website.

Saskatchewan.ca/adoptionrecords | 1-800-667-7539

16MSOC002_Adoption Regulation Print 1/4 Page (5”Wx8”H) Indiginous Times October

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December 2016

FHQTC SPORTS

Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games Coming to Treaty 4 Territory REGINA, SK – August 6-11, 2017, the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) will be hosting the First Nations Summer Games in the City of Regina.

An estimated 5000 athletes between ages of 13-18, coaches, chaperones and officials, from all different communities in Saskatchewan will travel to Regina to compete in several sporting events including archery, athletics, beach volleyball, canoeing, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer and softball.

The theme and vision of the games is “Empowering Excellence in First Nations Youth Through Sports and Culture.” The logo as pictured below was inspired by the iconic buffalo, a staple in plains Indigenous cultures. Also depicted are the Saskatchewan borders to represent an on-going relationship; and an athlete in the centre.

“The Games have always been a significant event for our youth and young athletes in Treaty 4 Territory and we look forward to hosting this exciting event alongside our partners and sponsors,” said Tribal Vice Chief and Games Chair Elaine Chicoose.

The Lance Run journey will open the FHQ 2017 Summer Games.

Wanuskewin Seasonal Store Opens up for the Christmas Holidays COMMUNITY

With the city bustling with holiday shoppers, Broadway Avenue, with its steady foot traffic and quaint shops and cafes, seemed like the perfect place to open a boutique to sell unique Indigenous goods. Wanuskewin Heritage Park currently has a Special Seasonal Pop Up Shop at 704 Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon right across the street from the Broadway Theatre. The shop supports local vendors by buying and selling their unique Indigenous crafts as well as other merchandise such as Pendleton products and more.

The pop up shop is a pilot project to get closer to the local market as the traffic at the park tends to slow down

during the winter months. However, the Wanuskewin Heritage Park is open during the winter months, and visitors even have the option to trek through the trails in snow shoes.

The Wanuskewin Heritage Park is also hosting the ‘Heritage Series’ workshops throughout the winter, presented by the City of Saskatoon. The workshops are free of charge but require pre-registration.

These workshops include creating quill work, red willow baskets, ribbon skirts, and more. The workshops take place from January – March, 2017 and the dates and registration info are posted on the Wanuskewin website in their events calendar (wanuskewin.com).

Open only until December 30th, 2016, the Wanuskewin Seasonal Store is the perfect shop to get unique Indigenous gifts for anyone on your holiday list. •

Indigenous Times

December 2016

Kohkoms in Toyland cast L-R: Krystle Pederson (top left), Cory Standing, Dalton Lightfoot, Mitchel Poundmaker. Photo: Armand LaPlante

The Kohkoms Are Coming to Broadway

by Armand LaPlante

ENTERTAINMENT SASKATOON, SK - From December 14 – 17, 2016, the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre’s (GTNT) Chrsitmas play ‘Kohkoms in Toyland’ will run at the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon.

The play, written by Curtis Peeteetuce, will show daily at 1pm and 8pm.

Having just completed the Saskatchewan tour of the play where the cast traveled to various

First Nation communities and urban areas, Peeteetuce is excited for the big finale production at the Broadway Theatre. “I’m so happy Saskatoon will get a chance to see it at the broadway because we have a special show for that particular stage: we’ll have lights, we’ll have sound, we’ll have some special effects, and even some special costumes that you don’t see on tour-we’ve got some special treats line up.”

This instalment of the Rez

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Marquee at the Broadway Theatre, 715 Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon, displays ‘Kohkoms in Toyland,’ December 14-17, 2016.

Xmas Series is a non-stop laughfest that includes the Cree language and Cree humour, as well as humour that targets all ages.

The story centres around a new department store called ‘Toyland’ that promises to fulfill everyone’s gift-giving needs. As Peeteetuce’s play takes us along with the Kohkoms on their hilarious adventure to Toyland, we also get moments that are thought provoking as is often the case with the Rez Xmas Series.

The Rez Xmas Series has been led by Curtis Peeteetuce, Artistic Director of GTNT and Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation band member, for the past 14 years. The series continues to be

in high demand annually from the community.

Peeteetuce notes that laughter is important during the holiday season which can be a wonderful time of year, but also a hard time of year for some. “Before the Rez Christmas stories, there was nothing for us at Christmas time, it was just go back to our communities, or if we were home alone we’d be home alone.” Peeteetuce continues, “the Christmas show is a new tradition where we have humour and healing and laughter at this time of the year which we really need.”

Tickets are limited and are selling out fast; they are available at www.broadwaytheatre.ca. •

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December 2016 Q: What is your favorite part of the business club?

Yvonne: My favourite part is the production, where we can all sit around and visit and just talk about whatever, laughing and talking about silly stuff. Allowing them that opportunity to just be kids, it’s all about balance.

Mistawasis Business Club in the shop creating their wooden products. Submitted.

Korbin Lasas: My favorite part is being in the shop making boxes, I didn’t have much shop time but I’ll improve.

Konnor: My favourite part of the club is being in the shop, doing production, working with the machinery, and learning.

Bodee: Meeting all of the people.

Q: Why did you join the business club?

Ryan Dreaver: I joined the business club to get out of the house. I almost didn’t, but now I’m glad I did.

Top left standing: Justin Bear. Front centre L-R: Brett Wilson, former Dragon for CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Yvonne Daniels, business club mentor. Standing middle row L-R: Danika Dreaver, Ryan Dreaver, Konnor Johnstone, Korbin Lasas, Johnny Johnstone, Josh Johnstone, Kimbal Morrisette, Chris Ochuschyoo. Submitted photo.

Mistawasis Youth Embrace Entrepreneurial Spirit, Receive Opportunity of a Lifetime by Tim Lewis BUSINESS

The youth from Mistawasis First Nation have started a new club called the Mistawasis Nehiyawak Youth Business Club. The club is part of the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Program, initiative of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, funded by Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. The club is made up of youth from Grade 9 to 12.

The youth recently presented at the Pitch Party, put on by Brett Wilson, former Dragon from CBC’s Dragons’ Den. They did not place but the experience gained is a win in itself. The knowledge they have gained so far has given them so much confidence personally but also about running a real business. This is an incredible model of creating a business club that allows the youth to create something from scratch and sell it to the end user. Together the youth create the plan to get their product in the hands of their target market. They learn all aspects of running a business including operations, market-

ing, and finance. Throwing them into the business and having them learn as they go along allows them to make real-time decisions that affect the company versus having to read it in a book. The book will have important information to follow but the real lessons will happen when they take that information and put it into practice. They will make mistakes but those failures are where the lessons are learned, a great place to start. Indigenous Times had the opportunity to sit down with the youth and Yvonne Daniels, coordinator at the community school, to learn more about the Mistawasis Business Club.

Q: What does your club produce?

Yvonne Daniels: Our product is Cedar Boxes, which can be used for anything, they are handmade, and the art work is hand drawn and painted by the business club students.

Q: What was the inspiration to start the business club?

Yvonne: The inspiration for the business club is to teach our youth how to be entrepreneurs, to be self-sufficient, learn the foundations of starting and operating a business, and financial literacy. It will boost their confidence and most importantly show them that they can succeed.

Q: What are some of the highlights so far?

Yvonne: They have already been exposed to so much and they have just begun. When they were getting fitted for their suit jackets, the pride they felt when they tried on the jackets was so beautiful to witness. They had the experience of pitching to Brett Wilson [at the] Pitch Party in Saskatoon. Their next adventure was the ShopIndig Trade Show, where they were able to showcase and pitch their product. It was so amazing to watch their pride grow over time and how they have owned and ran with the business.

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Korbin: My reason for joining the business club was to experience going to interesting places and learning how to make wooden goods.

Chris Ochuschayoo: The reason I joined the business club was because I wanted to learn new things, marketing, and better my speaking ability.

Q: What advice do you have for other First Nations communities who want to start their own business club?

Danika Dreaver: The opportunities we might have in the future because we’re meeting a lot of people.

Yvonne: Just do it! It takes one person to make a difference in a young person’s life, you would be surprised as to how many people are out there just waiting to help our youth, with money, supplies, words of encouragement, and most of all praise, which is what our kids need. This is one of the many positive steps to suicide prevention, addictions prevention and self confidence boosting.

Konnor Johnstone: Traveling, production, making dollars and learning.

Konnor: Try your best and don’t give up.

Bodee: Engage yourself in it.

Bodee Badger: Seeing all of the presenters speak.

Season’s Greetings

)DFHERRN ´I µ /RJR

Johnny Johnstone: The reason I joined the business club was for something to do with my spare time and to learn and experience enough for future benefit.

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306-477-7777 | SIGA.sk.ca

Indigenous Times

December 2016

place. I struggled to begin my modeling career, not for a lack of opportunities, but because funds were not available. While at a modeling competition in Vancouver I overheard a model saying: “The saddest thing is poor people with big dreams.”

This pushed me to create a program that was more accessible to the youth.

Q: Tell me about the name of the company and its origins?

A: Dream PK Modeling originates from our first fashion show’s name: “Pimihaw Kisik”, which is Cree and translates to “Flying Spirits”. Dream is in everything we do and in the hearts of the youth we work with.

Roderick Rabbitskin, founder of Dream PK Modeling. Submitted.

Program Gave Big River First Nation Youth the Confidence to Pursue Dream PK by Tim Lewis BUSINESS

Dream PK Modeling started as an after school program on Big River First Nation, geared towards raising confidence in the youth. The program has allowed Roderick Rabbitskin to use his life skills and new contacts to turn an idea into a business venture. Roderick is the founder and has since added to his team Alexandra Jarrett, Helen Oro, Elicia Munro Sutherland, Janica Hoskins, and Arvid Kuhnie.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Roderick to discuss his journey so far and learn more about this incredible individual.

Q: Tell me about yourself and what inspired you to start a business?

A: I was raised for the majority of my life on my reserve, Big River First Nation.

Growing up 2-spirited on a small reserve was a struggle. As a result of the bullying I received from my peers, I grew up very shy and timid. I did not like to be noticed.

I was adopted by my aunt and uncle who raised me as their own, while keeping in contact with my biological mother, brothers, and sisters. I really didn’t come into my own until I reached high school. My first leadership role was the school Student Body Chief. After graduation I was introduced to modeling where I found my

Q: What does your modeling curriculum do for the youth?

A: As a part of our curriculum, Dream PK Modeling invites guest speakers to speak on the modeling industry. The class revolves around “Model Training 101”, which prepares the youth for the modeling industry, but most importantly we work with the youth to instill confidence which goes a long way in all aspects of their life.

Personal development is the very core of our program. We will also connect the youth to resources if they want to go further, and will provide coaching to ensure their success. At the end of every course, we provide a Fashion Show Finale, which is the fun part of the program.

Q: What was your major obstacle you have faced to date?

A: Being a start-up is a major obstacle.

Arranging funds and utilising networks to

13 be able to provide value to the youth in a cost efficient way can be challenging.

Q: What do you have in place to ensure the youth are not taken advantage of by the modeling industry?

A: Dream PK Modeling ensures the safety of the youth in a few different ways.

First we speak boldly and strongly so that they are aware of the dangers. We create a safe atmosphere that revolves around the values of family and unity. We invite speakers who have experience in the industry to talk about topics around safety and their experiences. We make sure that the parents are involved when speaking about model safety. As a team we are willing to go as far as being present on shoot location and encourage parents to act as managers in situations that arise.

Q: What advice do you have for other First Nations people who want to start their own business?

A: Finding something you are passionate about is key. I recommend connecting with other business owners and entrepreneurs. Listen to their stories, utilize their teachings and incorporate what you’ve learned into your plan. Never give up regardless of how many doors close in front of you. Create more doors for other people to walk through. It’s always about networking, messaging others and always making sure you are on your phone getting your message out there. Be authentic so that your message is clear. • Contact Information: Phone: (306) 952-4997 Email: dreampkmodeling@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/dreampkmodeling Instagram: instagram.com/dreampkmodeling

Indigenous Times

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is my style [of reggae]. But they don’t take it serious. I tell them ‘Yo I don’t want to be the only neechie doing this’ [laughs]. It’s a vast genre and it’s a very sacred genre, and it identifies closely to our people. It’s similar in that regard.

IT: Yes, as an outsider to the genre, to me it seems like there’s always been a spiritual element to the music.

Reggae Artist ‘Yellowsky’ is from the Sweetgrass First Nation. Photo: Armand LaPlante

Q&A: It’s All One Love With Reggae Artist Yellowsky by Armand LaPlante ENTERTAINMENT

all she hung around with were black folks, people from the Caribbean and people from Africa. So I grew up very eclectic in that view because that’s all I was introduced to—very diverse cultures—and that was one of the primary ones. It was reggae; I would listen to it all the time, when I was a kid [my mom] would always be listening to reggae.. my family, my aunties, everybody. From there it just naturally soaked into me and the day I decided to say ‘I want to be a reggae artist’, that was when it popped off, I was around 13.

YS: Reggae music is very spiritual, and it’s very connecting, so like I said not anyone can just do it, because of that very reason. You just can’t play with it, I never tried to play with it ever, I just became a part of it—or it became a part of me.

December 2016 ally because music is the ultimate language. With reggae, same thing, it’s a very powerful connection, it’s a very powerful tool and when you project it the right way, it reaches all audiences.

In terms of tension, there will always be tensions. But at the same time, there will always be music. Whether it’s Standing Rock or any other bullshit that’s going on in the world, there’s always that tool, that’s music. And you notice that a lot of the artists, even actors, they’re the ones that [were] helping at Standing Rock the most. You see Drezus out there, you see Shailene Woodley out there, these are the creative people, so like I said, music itself will always do its part.

IT: Tell us about the new video IT: What would your advice be to the youth who are getting into you have coming out. music or even reggae?

YS: It’s called Outer Limitz, we shot it around Saskatoon. It’s a very YS: I would say to the youth to regood video, we have home boys main individuals, and to remain acfrom Kicks n Fits in there, Joey customed to what you know as a [Stylez], all my fam are in there. I person and as a youth. Things are have videos out there already, but constantly changing. The thing about this is the first one where we’re seri- the youth now days is that they’re so ous and pushing it. I’m very proud dead-set on what’s happening right now and they think that’s going to of it, it came out very good. be the rest of their lives. But I want IT: When you get on stage and the youth to know that things are you bust out the reggae flavour, going to constantly be changing.

Life’s like a sudden rainbow: it’s does it ever surprise people? there then it’s gone. So my advice YS: Yes, in fact, that’s one of the to the youth is to remain individureasons I love doing music: the re- als and remain your own power, get action from people. The way their your power from yourself. eyes look, the way they look at me on stage, I live for that. And like I IT: I’m sure your music will insaid reggae is very spiritual, I have spire a lot of youth, but at the to be one with the audience, I have to same time, what inspires you? be one with the microphone; I have to have a certain vibe I can’t just get YS: My inspiration is culture, culture is there to preserve us as human on stage. I have to be prepared.

[The audience] looks at beings. Culture is there to inspire. me like ‘where’d that come from?’ When I look at my dreadlocks, my ‘where does he come from?’ ‘He skin, the way I talk, the way I am, comes from Sweetgrass!’ [laughs]. my family and everything, those are my inspirations, that’s the culture.

IT: There’s been a lot of tension in this world right now with our IT: Thanks Yellowsky, I look forpeople, for example that whole ward to seeing you perform again, Standing Rock situation, what and for you to bring your positive kind of role do you think music sound and vibes to our communities. can play in a time like this?

Yellowsky is a Reggae artist from Sweetgrass First Nation and is currently living in Saskatoon. Yellowsky has been active in the music scene for a while bringing that rasta vibe with elements of hiphop. He recently placed 2nd at the Gold Eagle Casino’s Pride of the Northwest Talent Competition after hearing about it from his uncle. Yellowsky will also be opening up for Canadian rapper and member of the Swollen Members: Madchild, on January 5, 2017 at the Saskatoon Events CenIT: How was it developing the tre, in Saskatoon. rhythm and the voice for that?

Indigenous Times: Where are you Does that take some time? from and where did you grow YS: A lot of experimentation. It’s up? also the history too, you have to Yellowsky: I was born here in Sas- know your history; reggae is no katoon, but I grew up between North joke. Not just anybody can do regBattleford and Sweetgrass First Na- gae, let alone an Aboriginal from tion until I was 18. I’m originally Sweetgrass First Nation, know what I mean? What happened was just from Sweetgrass First Nation. listening to it, constantly, always IT: When did you start making listening to reggae. It’s like when people who listen to hiphop, they music? can rap, people who listen to pop YS: I first started writing music music, can sing pop music, because when I was around 7 years old, I they listen to it. For me growing up was just singing. I started rapping listening to it, it’s become part of when I was about 11 or 12, and I my element. was in the studio when I was 13. It was rap first then reggae-- it was an IT: Do you know any other First YS: I think it’s the artists that are Nations reggae artists? going to save this world, it’s going interesting twist there. to be the creative people that are goYS: I’m searching.

I’ve been searching to reach a helping hand when IT: How did you first get into ing. I actually know a couple homies it comes to cleaning this world up, making reggae music? of mine that can sing and they can whether it be environmentally or YS: My family—my late mother-- chant, and they can ‘singjay’ which politically, any kind of ground re-

YS: All I got to say is word, sound, and power. That’s it, that’s the formula. Word, sound, and power. w w w. s o u n d c l o u d . c o m / y e l lowsky306 Youtube: Yellowsky306

Indigenous Times

December 2016

lands the pipeline is crossing.

They were part of the growing thousands upon thousands worldwide who supported the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux. Veterans Stand for Standing Rock, a group of U.S. army veterans showed up to give their support and it seemed as if this event was going to come to a confrontation. However, on December 4, 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said that they would not grant an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline in southern North Dakota. This was an Honey Desjarlais and Snookie Catholique at Standing Rock. Submitted photo. unexpected victory for the water protectors and Indigenous People worldwide have celby Floyd P. Favel ebrated this victory.

This was one of the largest InCOMMUNITY TALK digenous gatherings in North Ameri Across this Sacred Island can history with over 10,000 people called North America, and across the from 200 tribes and First Nations world, people rallied in support of supporting Standing Rock in person the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux who at the water protection camp, with letstood up to the Dakota Access Pipe ters of support, or rallies in their own Line traversing their traditional terri- remote communities. Celebrities have tory. They have invoked the Laramie gotten on board with their support and Treaty of 1851 which includes the actor Mark Ruffalo has been giving

After Standing Rock: The Conversation Continues

much needed vocal and public support. Many local First Nation leaders and celebrities have ventured down as well.

In November, Snookie Catholique from the Northwest Territories and Honey Desjarlais and her son Ohku from Fort McMurray stopped in at Poundmaker Cree Nation, on their way to Standing Rock.

Ms Catholique, former CBC reporter and community leader, is Dene from Lutselk’e, currently Director of Information Services for the Dene Nation. Ms. Desjarlais, the daughter of the late Ed Burnstick, a well known political leader who fought for Indigenous People during the 1970s and 80s, was born into the fight for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, you could say.

Traditional leader Eric Tootoosis was on hand to greet them and welcome them as they traversed through Cree territory, feeling it was important that our people show their support for such an important cause.

It is also traditional protocol to pay respects to visitors by greeting and helping them with food and donations as they journeyed through. Both Ms. Catholique and Ms. Desjarlais were very honoured and touched by this gesture of Mr. Tootoosis.

“I live in Anzac, just south of Fort McMurray and I see everyday what industry does to the environment and how it can harm traditional lifestyles, cultures, and the environment.

I wanted to go and show my support for the Lakotas standing up for the

15 water, Mni Wiconi, as the Lakotas say, sacred water,” Ms Desjarlais said as she, Ohku, and Ms. Catholique rested up for the next leg of their journey.

The conversation amongst Indigenous peoples continues as they consider the role of oil and gas in their communities, and of pipelines. Milton Tootoosis, Poundmaker Cree Nation councillor who supports Standing Rock’s position is very pragmatic about our choices, however, “until new technology for cars and heating our homes is made more readily available, we are dependant on fossil fuels. In the meantime, we have to work with oil companies and we have to insist on more responsibility from corporations for our lands and water, and we have to become partners in any decision making regarding our traditional lands and the future of this earth and for our people. If there is any money to be made, we can use those monies to invest in green technologies and infrastructure.”

Ms. Desjarlais, Ohku and Ms. Catholique spent 9 days in Standing Rock and got to meet many different tribes. “One of the results of this gathering has been the unification of our peoples and that needed to happen.

It was and is a wake-up call for all First Nations across North America.

We needed this as we all seemed to be waiting for something to happen, something to stir us into action,” Ms. Catholique shared on their way back home. •

CROSSWORD

Across 1. Hashtag #______150 will follow the 150 year anniversary of Confederation 5. “__________ Though Partnership” will be a trio of FSIN conferences centred around creating wealth through land claims.

7. FNUniv and this institution both celebrated their 40th anniversaries in 2016 9. The “ ‘76 _______” was a precursor to the 1992 TLE Agreement, and calculated the number of acres based on population 10. This bark used for many purposes including travel

Down 2. Hashtag that shows support for Standing Rock 3. Kohkoms in Toyland playwright 4. The ____ __ ____ First Nation will be Santa’s first stop in Saskatchewan (furthest north) 6. The 2017 First Nations Summer Games will take place in ______ 8. This Canadian music icon was recently honoured at the AFN convention in Ottawa

Answers online: www.indigenoustimes.ca

2016 FSIN “Spirit of Our Nations” Cultural Celebration and Pow Wow. November 18-20, 2016.

Sasktel Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Photos by Kyle Docken and Shawn Cuthand

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Indigenous Times

December 2016