Indigenous Times June 2016 Edition

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Issue 1 / Volume 22

June 2016

BUDGET: FIRST NATIONS REMAIN OPTIMISTIC

It has now been eight months since the majority Liberal Government was elected. Since then, the Prime Minister pledged a new era of Federal Government and First Nation relations.

This relationship will proceed on a Nation-toNation basis. This was widely welcomed by the First Nations of Canada.

Finance Minister Morneau delivered the federal budget on March 22nd, 2016. Chapter 3 of the budget commits $8.4 billion of funding for Indigenous peoples over the next 5 years.

Year one (2016-17) provides $1.52 billion in spending. The Federal Government has initiated actions as on certain priority items. These are characterized under the following headings with 5 year totals:

First Nations were very happy to hear this at the time but are eagerly awaiting the specifics on the implementation of announced commitments. The Federal Government has initiated actions on certain priority items.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron stated that we are now into the eighth month of the Government’s four-year mandate.

First Nations communities are getting anxious in anticiRebuilding the Relationship: $136 million pation of specifics regarding Education, Children and Training: 4.220 billion access to budget allocations; Social Infrastructure: 1.219 billion however, First Nations leadGreen Infrastructure: 2.224 billion ership remain optimistic in this new era of Federal-First

The budget directly validates the commit- Nation relations. ment to eliminate the 2% cap on federal funding, • Related: with a commitment to… “establish a new fiscal Page 3 relationship that gives Fir st Nation communities sufficient, predictable and sustainable funding.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

FSIN: New Name with New Meaning

by Shawn Cuthand

On May 25, 2016, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations voted to have the words “Saskatchewan” and “Indian” taken out of their title. The revised name, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, is more reflective of a time before provincial boundaries. “The new name is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which supports our inherent, Treaty and Indigenous peoples’ rights at an international level” states Chief Bobby Cameron.

The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, however the final vote in North Battleford was 22 in favour, 4 opposed and several abstaining. Voting took place as part of the spring session of the Legislative Assembly.

Reconciliation and the Residential School History

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The use of the word Indian to describe First Nations people has been a long debate over many years. Some say it is a case of mistaken identity that has stuck with First Nations people as settlers who first came to Canada had thought they were in India. Indian as a word can also be seen as an oppressive label given to First Nations from the settlers. Indigenous can be seen as a more favourable word as it is defined as “occurring naturally in a particular place.” In reference to changing the word “Saskatchewan” Chief Bobby Cameron stated that “using the word Saskatchewan is not a reflection of our Treaty territories that prevail over provincial boundaries.”

Switching Saskatchewan to “Sovereign” is a reminder that First Nations are sovereign people. Chief Bobby Cameron notes that the FSIN and its member First Nations within the treaty territories do practice sovereignty.

The change is something that has been talked about for nearly three years. Giving preference to the word Indigenous also follows suit

The Reckless Famous Takes Offthe-Grid Musical Approach

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with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) who recently changed its name from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada shortly after Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government took over. With the change of FSIN taking place, it can be seen as a step forward in communications and also a boost in morale of First Nations eliminating terms that were forced upon us. •

SageStrong Athletics involved in Basketball, Lacrosse and more

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Indigenous Times

June 2016

June 2016

Indigenous Times

a second consecutive championship at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon on June 4, beating Buffalo Bandits 1110. The game was crazy; Buffalo was leading by 1 or 2 points for most of the game while the Rush would occasionally tie it up. Things took a turn for the better in the 4th quarter, and with the game tied at 10-10, #13 Jeff Cornwall scored a breakaway goal with 12 seconds left in the game. The cheers that erupted nearly blew the roof off of the SaskTel Centre. It was great, I am definitely looking forward to the 2017 season.

One has to wonder how and

by Armand LaPlante why the Rush games caught on so quickly. At the home season opener in

The Rush games are a January, there was a whopping 9,147 rush. The Saskatchewan Rush NLL in attendance. I believe that the hype lacrosse team caught on in Saska- began to spread as people shared how toon in a big way very quickly. The great their experience was at a game, franchise came from Edmonton as and throughout the months, attendance defending NLL champs, and won only grew, with the last few home

Editorial

games completely selling out with 15,000+ in attendance. The entertainment factor helps explain the hype: the games are fast paced, high energy, and physical which makes them exciting.

It’s exciting to watch the plays unfold, it keeps you at the edge of your seat or right up on your feet. I also believe that there was a hole in the market for professional sports in Saskatoon and the city was waiting for something to fill that hole in the market.

The Rush team also has Indian country excited, mainly thanks to #74 transition/defender Jeremy Thompson who is from the Onondaga Nation in New York. Thompson scored 7 goals in regular season and 1 goal in the playoffs.

This month we also celebrate National Aboriginal Day (June 21); this day of celebration has been evolving and growing year by year. I remember years ago when you would just take the

3 afternoon off to go to a small local National Aboriginal Day gathering; you would be home around supper time and that would be it. Now the celebration usually spans several days so that it can land on a weekend where many festivities take place. These changes are exciting to me, there is a certain electricity in the air during the week of June 21st where everyone, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, gathers together to celebrate and enjoy Indigenous cultures whether it be stories, arts, music, achievement, knowledge-both traditional and contemporary.

APTN is hosting National Aboriginal Day Live on June 25th which I look forward to watching each year as well. It’ll be a fun time, so keep your ears to the ground and hit up any fun Aboriginal Day events near you.

Ekosi, Armand LaPlante Editor@indigenoustimes.ca

Federal Budget 2016: Substance for a New Relationship?

by Milton McKay

COMMUNITY TALK

Canadians elected a new majority Liberal government on October 19th, 2016. First Nation citizens’ participation increased two to six times higher than that in 2011 Federal election. A number of polling sites, where aboriginal populations are high, ran out of ballots. Perhaps that might provide one ironic illustration of the reason for the increased participation (“Stiffed on ballots… more of the same”). Many Aboriginal people and groups were clear on their efforts to support a new government. With the aboriginal vote, participation results would suggest a higher Indigenous participation much the same as the general population.

The previous government reduced aboriginal governance and program funding by as much as 70% in some areas, and maintained aged program formula percentages in essential service areas. First Nation Governance funding was slashed by two thirds ($69 million) in the 2012-2015 period.

Considerations for a funding process consistent with fiscal realities and contemporary variables were carried out in specific program reviews; however, program funding shortfalls were

Indigenous Times News Box 280 Cochin, Saskatchewan S0M-0L0 Editor: Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca website: www.indigenoustimes.ca Advertising: sales@indigenoustimes.ca phone: 306-955-0109

managed through internal reallocation of department yearly funds – particularly infrastructure and social infrastructure allocations. The 2% cap on program funding has been in place since 1996. Population growth and inflation make the 2% cap a funding formula factor that proliferates arrested development rather than supporting community planning.

Details are vague as to why Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (as it was at the time) was unable to influence the government for realistic allocations. Managing shortfalls, diversion of department program funds and “in the box” thinking prevailed. The political spin process has been concerning.

The manner of imaging circumstances and situations leaves room for discriminatory conceptions to thrive. This also suggests a “thieving Indian” image, as though corruption was the primary reason for lack of service availability and quality of that received by the general population. This year the Canadian Human Rights tribunal held that funding formula shortfalls in federal Indian Child Welfare were discriminatory based on race. The case was commenced eight years earlier, and the initial Cabinet program funding directive is near twenty-five years old.

Concerns are not new, nor are First Nation efforts to advocate for unbiased health and social welfare program funding to better address high need levels.

Going into the Federal election, need and basic living issues were a factor in Aboriginal participation levels and voting choice.

The new government came into power, and became officially operational, on November 4th, 2015. On that date the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet were sworn into office by the Right Honorable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. Finance Minister William Morneau tabled the 2016/17 Federal budget on March 22nd, 2016. This budget supports an “inclusive and fair” Canada. It argues that “Canada’s strength lies in its diversity […] the government set out an agenda to help all Canadians build better lives and contribute to and share in the prosperity of the country.” The budget also sets out investment “for those that need it the most, including […] Indigenous peoples […]”

It would appear that we will now be “working in partnership” with the government “to break down the barriers that have for too long held back individuals and communities.” Funds totalling 8.4 billion dollars are set out over the next five years to “support indigenous communities and the aspirations of indigenous peoples.”

The 2016/17 Budget also reflects a commitment to lift the 2% funding cap for First Nation Programs, and work to establish a new fiscal relationship. Over the next 5 years this would manifest a 22% increase over and above the 20-year cap.

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.

How will these commitments manifest?

The budget specifies priority items will come about immediately; and others will commence with consultations with Indigenous people and associated systems. Close review of Chapter 3 indicates that there is going to be considerable activity over the next 5 years.

Other factors also compound the process and will impact the agenda.

Indigenous populations are growing very fast. Funds have been no where near any reasonable level for dealing with the wide range of life factors. Lifting the 2% cap in this budget will assist in many areas; however, in some areas it may only be getting back to where we might have been prior to funding erosion and cuts.

With the Indigenous agenda, present and future discussions, analysis, development and implementation will require more than a contemporary perspective; but also, an approach that implements a long term foundation for long term realities. Economic and resource matters are critical for the long term. Opportunities to establish engagement in public supply and service contracting, and actual resource revenue discussion, would be one manner of demonstrating “working in partnership”.

June 2016

Indigenous Times

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The Reconciliation Flag was raised June 1st, 2016, at City Hall in Saskatoon.

Photo: Errol Sutherland

Reconciliation Flag Flies High in Saskatoon as Events Continue COMMUNITY TALK SASKATOON, SK —The month of Reconciliation is upon us as events continue throughout the month until June 22. These events are hosted by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), the City

of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), and 29 businesses and community organizations.

This month, people are encouraged to not only listen to the stories of survivors, and learn of

the histories, but also to share their own take on what reconciliation is to them and what they plan to do as a ‘Call to Action’ -- corresponding with the 94 ‘Calls to Action’ outlined in the TRC report that was made specifially “in order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.”

The history of the residential schools has an inter-generational effect; it has not only affected the survivors, but their families as well.

Many generations are troubled and struggling through various issues including addictions and mental health issues as the effect of the residential schools lingers on. Reconciliation can thus be seen as an effort to find strength together to combat these struggles and find a positive light.

The public is encouraged to attend and support the Reconciliation events. Visit www.otc.ca for more info. Ekosi.

#ReconciliationSK

Upcoming Saskatoon Events June 13: Wicihitowin Speaker Series: Calls to Action – Presented by Potash Corp. Feature Presenter: Eugene Arcand Frances Morrison Library Auditorium 10:30am-12pm Registration Fee: $20. To register: lmarshall@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca June 20: Public Talk: Hunger, Human Experimentation and the Legacy of Residential Schools. Station 20 West 7pm.

June 21: National Aboriginal Day Celebrations. Host: SIMFC. @ Victoria Park - www.simfc.ca June 22 Rock Your Roots: A Call to Action – Day for Reconciliation @ Victoria Park 10:30 am to 12pm: Walk for Reconciliation 12 pm to 2:30 p.m.: BBQ and Entertainment More events & info: www.otc.ca

Generational Silence: Oral Histories of a Residential School in Flames

by Floyd P. Favel COMMUNITY TALK

25 kilometers west of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Highway 16 is a village called Delmas. The road sign says ‘No Services’. There is nothing remarkable about it as you approach it along the highway, nor even if you decide to slow down and drive into the village itself. There are scattered residences ranging from run down shacks to proper middle class bungalows that would not look out of place in any Canadian suburb.

The streets are unpaved although they are marked with green signage indicating street and avenue. In the centre of the village, there is an imposing red brick Catholic Church, and nearby there is a two-story brick house. These building are older than any other buildings in the surrounding towns, as most towns were built out of lumber at the turn of the last century, the 1900s, and the historical houses have not withstood the test of time and the northern Plains weather. This is the first indication that this village is unique in comparison to the surrounding towns and villages.

There are no businesses in this village, save for a hotel and bar whose clientele consists of white farmers and ranchers taking an afternoon break from their chores, and at the end of the month, welfare cheque days, or child tax days, the parking lot is lined with reserve vehicles from the nearby First Nations communities of Poundmaker, Little Pine and Sweetgrass. If you glance into the bar as you drive by you can catch a glimpse through the un-curtained picture window the patrons sitting at multi lit slot machines, players bent over a pool table and customers carrying a bottle or two back to their tables.

Occasionally the patrons come outside to smoke, in singles or in groups.

Generally, they are unaware that not far from them, perhaps 100 metres, lay buried the jumbled bones of their ancestors, and the memory of a building that once stood

there, an Indian residential school that may have housed their parents or grandparents.

It is but a small field. Until about 20 years ago, in the middle of this field, lay a pile of rubble overgrown with weeds and grass, there my father had pointed out was all that remained of the Delmas Indian Residential School which he had attended. The rubble has since been removed, erasing all evidence of what that pile of rubble once was, and so now there is just this field. It is difficult to imagine that almost 70 years ago, on the night of January 13, 1948, Cree children stood on the snowy ground watching their residential school collapse to the ground in a shower of sparks and flames, with war whoops and cries of joy from some of the older children.

Until 1908 this was the Thunderchild First Nation and in the school yard of the boarding school it is said, disinterred native bones were reburied as the bones were in the way of what was soon to be prosperous French Canadian fields and farms. On top of these bones the native children would play and gather for school assemblies or roll calls. Delmas sits between the North Saskatchewan River to the north and the Battle River to the south and the soil is rich and deep, ideal for farming. The railroad as well had to cross their land to reach the town of Battleford and the growing city of North Battleford.

Father Delmas, an Oblate priest, whom this village was named after, had succeeded in making his dream come true, that being the establishment of a French speaking community and a vibrant Catholic Church, just like the villages of Quebec but transplanted to the Saskatchewan frontier. This quaint French-speaking community replaced and erased all evidence of what was once a hard working First Nations community that was known for its farms and gardens. Even though the people of Thunderchild had been moved, the residential school had remained, providing jobs and revenue to the new French villagers until 1948.

Piyesiw Awasis, Thunderchild,

a former band member and leader within Chief Big Bear’s band, had been granted this reserve in 1879 when he signed an adhesion to Treaty 6. Big Bear had been negotiating with the Government, asking for better Treaty terms but the Government, instead of negotiating, was withholding food and assistance to his starving members. Many band members joined other bands or formed their own bands just to survive, like in Thunderchild’s case. After selecting this land for their reserve, Thunderchild’s band members from 1879 until 1908, were able to make a good living for themselves as farmers and the rivers and nearby forests and hills provided fish and wild food. This was not to last though. It was their misfortune in finding good land that was to lead to them losing this land, homes and gardens and causing a scar in their collective history.

After being pressured by Indian Affairs officials and Father Delmas to surrender the reserve, he and his band members were moved to rocky, hilly ground near Turtleford and also to a nearby lake called Turtle Lake. It is said that the land surrender vote at Thunderchild Reserve failed for the first few votes but Indian Affairs and Father Delmas insisted on re-votes each time. In between the voting, intense lobbying was exerted, along with promises upon the members until the results were in favour of the government.

When the final vote was finally announced it is said that the sound of the women crying was all that could be heard in the shocked silence.

All this is words however, written and remembered as there is no evidence of this complex history as you drive by or stop and look around the village. No plaques or signage, or even a small museum. There is that older red brick building which could have been the priest’s residence. The only trace of this history that had existed was the small pile of rubble in the farmer’s field, which had been completely levelled and disappeared not too long ago.

Many of our parents or grandparents were there on the night of January 13,

1948 when the boarding school burnt to the ground. Our parents on Poundmaker passed on to us their eye witness testimonies. It is said that a message was circulated by word of mouth from the older boys, that no one was to sleep that night and all should be dressed and ready as something was going to happen. That something did happen as the cries of ‘Fire!’ rang through out the halls and priests and nuns ran panicked through the dormitories to awaken the children. In their haste they did not notice that the kids were all dressed and packed with suit cases by their side. A group of older boys started the fire and to this day their names are kept silent. This silence echoes the exploits of warriors during the Battle of Cut Knife Hill in 1885 on Poundmaker’s Reserve, when some of the deeds of the warriors, were kept quiet for decades for fear of hanging or imprisonment. My great grandfather’s deeds as he fought in defence of his camp, for example, are known only to a very few. It was this fear of retribution, like a generational memory or trauma, that has kept the names of the fire perpetrators so quiet for so long.

The nun tried to impose order and have the girls line up like the fire drills that had been practiced but the older girls, it is said, pushed the nun off to the side and they all ran down the fire escape to the snowy yard. They all gathered a fair distance in the yard watching the amazing spectacle of this hated Indian residential school burning in the frigid January night and as it collapsed in on itself amidst a shower of sparks the children let out cries of defiance and celebration.

The survivors of this night have mostly all gone on to the spirit world but their stories and remembrances are fondly remembered and we carry them on by telling and sharing what we know and heard.

I wonder how many towns and villages are there like Delmas, where the history regarding our people has been completely ignored, if not deliberately erased? •

Indigenous Times

June 2016

Misty Ventures Inc. board and Mistawasis First Nation Chief. L-R: Greg Pechawis, Robert Daniels, Chief Daryl Watson, Gene Ouelette, Gary Daniels. Photo: Armand LaPlante

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Virginia Pechawis, 90, was on hand to cut the ribbon at Misty Petroleum marking the official grand opening.

Photo: Armand LaPlante

Misty Petroleum Opens for Business, Employs Members

by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY MISTAWASIS FN - On May 19, 2016, the community of Mistawasis First Nation celebrated the grand opening of their gas bar “Misty Petroleum” with a community barbecue and ribbon cutting ceremony. A crowd of a couple hundred gathered in the afternoon for entertainment, food, and speeches from the community’s members and leadership.

The $2.3 million project, which

SHARING

received support from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and financing from First Nations Bank, represents an important milestone as the community pursues self-sustainability through economic development and opportunities. Employment opportunities for the members of Mistawasis First Nation is of utmost importance for the Mistawasis Chief & Council and Misty Ventures Inc., the Mistawasis economic development board. “We place a lot of emphasis on developing our two main resources which are our natural resources—our lands, our forests, our lakes—and our people. When

SUCCESS

CELEBRATING THE CULTURE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, AND INUIT PEOPLE.

you put those two together, the possibilities are endless,” Mistawasis First Nation Chief Daryl Watson tells us.

The project also received Nation-to-Nation support from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Whitecap sold its old golf clubhouse to Mistawasis which was then moved to Mistawasis so that it could be refurbished and turned into Misty Petroleum.

Misty Petroleum is the first successful economic initiative of many, according to the board. The board plans to continue with development opportunities including the development of reserve land outside of Saskatoon near

ON

Dalmeny. Chief Watson emphasized that it is the youth and their education opportunities that will help the economic opportunities of Mistawasis realize prosperity and success, “without the support of our people, this would never have been a reality.”

Misty Petroleum offers a fullservice gas bar as well as a restaurant that is set to open on July 1st. The gas bar is located right on highway 40, one km north of Leask.

Hours of operation: 7am – 10pm.

June 21st let us come together

Nationwide to celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture

We wish everyone a Happy National Aboriginal Day

SIGA continues to support First Nation art and culture through sponsorship of many community programs and events.

WÎTASKÊWIN Living together on the land is the fundamental value conveyed by the word Wîtaskêwin. SIGA’s vision “Sharing Success” talks to the concept of sharing our land or, in today’s terms, sharing resources. This value directs us to give back to the communities where we live and work.

We’re making a difference in the quality of life for all, including the socially, physically, and economically disadvantaged.

SIGA is building stronger communities by Sharing Success. We are proud of our value Wîtaskêwin that speaks to sharing our land and resources.

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority is a proud non-profit; 100% of profits are re-invested back into our communities.

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Indigenous Times

June 2016

Indigenous Times

June 2016

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Michaella Shannon. Photos courtesy of Amanda Pelletier

Beauty Persists After Pageant Win

by Amanda Pelletier

LIFESTYLE

Winner of Miss Teen Saskatchewan 2014 Michaella Shannon continues to promote her pageant platform on awareness concerning substance abuse and its relation to suicide amongst Indigenous youth.

A member of the Frog Lake First Nation in Alberta, Shannon recognizes the need to remain vigilant for youth who are at risk and strives to make a difference as a strong advocate for her Indigenous community. Experiencing tragedy within her own family, Shannon has dealt with the loss of loved ones who have succumbed to the negative impacts of

substance abuse and says “it only takes one person to make a difference in someone else’s life and leave a positive impact on that person, I can relate to our youth and instill the motivation they need.”

Since her title success two years ago, Shannon has collaborated with program facilitators to design workshops intended to bring awareness and prevention of these issues at a time when leaders from several Indigenous communities are facing an epidemic of teen suicide across Canada.

Shannon will be entering the third year of her degree, studying Aboriginal Justice and Criminology at the University of Saskatchewan and

Beardy’s - Okemasis First Nation Hosts Two-Spirit Pride Festival COMMUNITY TALK BEARDY’S - OKEMASIS FIRST NATION -- On Thursday, June 9, the Beardy’s Okemasis First Nation will host a Two-Spirit Pride Festival, the first of its kind on a First Nation in Saskatchewan.

The event, which will take place on the Beardy’s Okemasis First Nation, will start off at 11:30 am with a parade through the community ending at the band office.

There will then be speakers until the special Pride flag raising ceremony at 12:30pm. A community

lunch will then be held right after the flag raising.

This event comes at an important time where the focus lately has been on bullying, mental health, and suicides on First Nations. An event that is as inclusive and accepting as this can only be helpful for youth who feel isolated as they grow and may begin to question their own sexual orientation. “More and more youth are identifying as Two-Spirit in our community, we want to acknowledge you and let you know you’re not alone” stated Chief Rick Gamble. •

plans to work as a Criminal Lawyer when she is finished her education.

With an active schedule Shannon keeps busy as a model, actress and singer. She has signed on as brand ambassador with successful companies like SheNative and Neechie Gear. Most recently Shannon will begin filming a series called ‘The Other Side’ a show that is produced and broadcasted by the Aboriginal People’s Television Network.

Passionate about speaking to youth Shannon states she was fortunate to have numerous role models in her life and maintains her vision because she believes that “every child deserves the opportunity to gain

knowledge of their potential.”

In her spare time Shannon likes to head down to her favourite vintage boutiques in search of unique items for photo shoots. With her laidback style Shannon relishes moments of her success and will even wear her crown while she savours a slice of pizza, or two. •

Poundmaker Cree Nation Chief Reelected for Third Term by Floyd P. Favel COMMUNITY TALK POUNDMAKER CREE NATION -- This May, Poundmaker Cree Nation held their election to elect Chief and Council for four year terms. Three people were nominated for the Chief position and 17 people were nominated for the four councillor positions. May is a significant month for the people of Poundmaker, it’s a time of new beginnings, also the month of May is when the people of Poundmaker, in 1885, defeated and repelled a larger Canadian military force that had attacked them while they lay sleeping in tipis.

The election process is fairly new to the people of Poundmaker; until the mid 70s, Poundmaker was lead by a Chief who was selected as leader for a lifetime; this Chief would be selected based on merit and stature. Each and every individual running were deserving of leadership in this past election.

Elections generate much excitement in the community, as candi-

dates are about shaking hands on the campaign trail, the people of Poundmaker also visit one another bringing about a sense of community. Barbeques and food were being served at houses across the community, but nothing could beat the excitement and anticipation of the final election results.

After the votes had been cast and counted as per the election process, the results were displayed to the crowd via projection screen.

Chief Duane Antoine was re-elected for his third term with 257 votes, defeating challenging candidates Colby Tootoosis (178 votes), and Deanne Kasokeo (95 votes). Elected as councillors were Brandon Favel (258 votes), Milton Tootoosis (189 votes), Isabel Weenie (148 votes), and the only returning councillor, Darwin Kasokeo (142 votes).

Optimism prevailed following the results, hugs and handshakes were exchanged, and the sun gradually set behind the hills that overlook the community of Poundmaker Cree Nation. •

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importantly, they are living in the moment, which is how a person should try to enjoy life. Mainstream has stopped living and ceased to enjoy the real things that make them happy, because of time. Time is now focused on the mundane task, called a career, to pay the mortgage, the car payment, or that one big holiday next year. Maybe we all need to jump in a tour bus and see Canada in real time versus saving up pennies to see it once a year.

Or just maybe, the guys will let you The Reckless Famous come for a ride as their roadie. We only live once, as per The Reckless Famous.

by Tim Lewis The Reckless Famous came to be in July/August 2013 with difLIFESTYLE ferent line-up changes along the way. The current line-up is Darren

Walking into The Reckless Prosper on guitar, Preston Starchief Famous tour bus you are welcomed on Bass, and Adam Jack, lead voby two big green chairs. Behind cals. them are black curtains, which hide four bunk beds. Behind the sleepIT: What’s it like living in a bus? ing area is a storage compartment for their gear, clothing, and a bike, TRF: It’s great, camp anywhere, which they bought off Kijiji. They lots of fun, creates the opportunity took a military bus, which they to meet lots of people, it’s our stage traded up for from their old tour at times, it’s our ship, our Millenvan, and transformed it into a tour nium Falcon so to speak. bus. A group of First Nation guys with a common goal to make music, IT: Are you going to live there all gambling on their own merits and summer? talents.

The guys told stories of TRF: Likely for the most part. We their favorite gig, when their first want to get the album done, and it’s van caught on fire, playing live on looking like our album will be deTelemiracle, changing blown tires, layed, a bit, so between the studio to friendships created and future plans get the album done and hitting the for their band. The energy of the road, almost all summer likely. Plus room was palpable, each finishing we plan to head south in the Fall; the other’s sentences. I wondered, things are coming together nicely. could I jump into a van or bus and take it from coast to coast? Could I IT: Has it helped creatively at give up my comfortable bed and acall? cessible shower? Part of their first Canada tour was impromptu and TRF: Yes! musically it’s helped at times they were forced to sleep us focus. We have already gone in the van, but that was the least through a line-up change and we of their worries. They grew up in were in dire need of some inspirasmall communities so roughing it tion. Hue is the comfort that things a few nights was considered campwill work out right; we were in the ing. Those rough patches seemed to thick of change, and we had our be the best memories for the band. “ship” to help us bear the weight, The coolest part of the interview the pressure and keeping the good was realizing these guys are living vibes-- a place to get rid of the negtrue to themselves and having the ativity... if you let it. greatest time of their lives, but most

The Reckless Famous Embraces True Rock’N’Roll Spirit

June 2016

Indigenous Times

play you a song or two-- the listener IT: What’re the best and worst will decide. things about it?

IT: Do you plan to do any tours to TRF: To really think about it, none promote your new album? really, as long as one knows how to handle the bus, especially in tight TRF: Our current goal is to do a areas, sharp corners, etc. Unneces- Western Canadian tour to promote sary weight means fuel waste, so the album. We would start the tour balance, which applies across the at the album release date of July 1st board. It depends on the person. and end in December of this year, It’s always on the go; it’s like it’s and pick up again after the holidays. always camping, always on an ad- We are not sure if we plan to stay in venture with our home base on the Canada at that point. road with us.

IT: Will you be doing any shows IT: When can we expect an album in Saskatoon before you head to the studio? from The Reckless Famous?

TRF: We have written and com- TRF: You can learn more about posed ten songs for our new album [upcoming events] by visiting our and expect it to ready for sale by website.

July 1st, 2016.

IT: What can people expect at IT: Can you tell the readers what your live shows? kind of sound can they expect TRF: They can expect to have fun, from your album? and to be themselves. We encourTRF: When we get to doing our age everyone to share the vibes with thing it’s a little like our own Psy- each other and rock out and live in chedelic Soul Rock N Roll and it’s the moment with all of us! Rock N’ what we want to play, what we are Roll! feeling, and it takes off and becomes @adamjack_ca something. We would love to show @therecklessfamous you, so come to our shows, and therecklessfamous.com come find us in our bus and we will

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you get a good song and it’s speaking about all this kind of stuff, it’s going to make you want to do those kinds of things. That’s the kind of negativity I see in some music, I’m not saying all of it, but a lot of the music I listen to is pretty positive.

are struggles everywhere within the culture because how we were treated in history. So when there are lots of ‘Native rappers’, these are just people who are trying to explain their own pain. There’s a lot of non-Aboriginals too who go through some tough stuff, they haven’t gone through the same IT: Are you trying to bring out that thing we as Aboriginals have gone positivity with your music? through though.

Brennan Daniels AKA Beary D. Photo by Armand LaPlante

Bridge City Come Along for the Ride: Beary D Q&A

by Armand LaPlante

hop in Canada: Snak the Ripper, Merkules, all those guys on the west coast, they’re definitely my favourite

Brennan Daniels aka Beary idols right now.

D is from the Okanese First Nation but grew up on the Muskeg Lake IT: How did you get your stage First Nation where much of his fam- name? ily is from. Saskatoon has been home to Beary D for a while now and it’s BD: Bear’s been my nickname since evident when you hear his rap anthem I was born, and some buddies from “Bridge City” that has been making sports, hockey, they just added a ‘Y’ the rounds on YouTube and social me- to the name and that’s where Beary dia lately. The song is a definite party D came from. So I stuck with it, it’s track that pays homage to the beau- simple and Beary isn’t like a normal tiful city of Saskatoon, and it should berry. definitely be in your playlist this summer. Even city councillor and Saska- IT: Rap is huge right now, along toon mayoral candidate Charlie Clark with country and EDM I think it’s gave a shout out to the song noting it the most popular genre. There are was a great song. lots of opportunities for rappers;

We caught up with Beary D where are you trying to head with on the Meewasin Trail to ask him a your music? few questions and take a few photos with the city’s beautiful skyline in the BD: I’m trying to use music as a back. Below is the interview. source for people, targeting people such as myself, struggling with adIndigenous Times: First off de- dictions, with things at home, with scribe your sound. just your daily struggles. There’s all kinds of music like that but there are Beary D: I like to see it differently so many people here with so many than a lot of other people but I de- different experiences so not every scribe it as more so real life, a little song about life is going to relate to bit of partying, and just enjoying what everyone. That’s how I see rap now, you do while at the same time taking the mainstream stuff you hear is all it serious as much as anything else.. bogus, it’s not explaining anything repositive vibes. ally. If you got a message, that’s the most important thing-- getting it out IT: It’s important to differentiate there. yourself from other people. What are you trying, specifically, to make IT: So do you think there’s a lot of yourself different from others? negative messages out there with rap music?

BD: Trying to get out of my comfort zone. The thing with a lot of artists, BD: There’s definitely lots of negadoesn’t matter what genre, they want tive messages but I mean if you listo be like their favourite artists. At the ten to guys like Kendrick Lamar, he’s end of the day, you are your own fa- got a negative and positive message vourite artist, you have to be because in one, he turns all the negative stuff if you’re not it’s just all going to be he experiences into positive stuff. the same stuff.

He speaks about it negatively, but the end result is positive. So I mean IT: Who are some Canadian artists there is lots of negativity in rap with that inspire you? top name, #1 artists out there because they’re promoting and basically getBD: I’ll start off with Classified for ting people to consume. That’s their sure. Been a huge fan for years. I’m music; it’s consuming alcohol, it’s definitely into the underground hip- consuming drugs, whatever it is. If

LIFESTYLE

BD: Yeah, I’m trying to do it my own IT: Who are you working with in way and just expand it beyond the the city? negativity that’s out there.

BD: I’ve worked with various artists IT: What kind of success are you and a few producers, the first couple trying to achieve with your music, guys I worked with were from Regina what is your vision of success? when I was living there. Chris Merk was the first guy, he created my first BD: Going as far as I can with it, it’s song ever, then I was working with been a dream of mine for years, ever a guy named Humphrey Lee out in since I was a kid. At first you start off Regina, he’s also a music producer, for fun and you never think you can a videographer. He’s dope. Now I’ve do anything with it. I started doing found someone who’s not just a proit and it’s been a positive thing ever ducer to me, not just someone who’s since and people are liking it, not doing my music, he’s become a very just my friends but their friends and good friend of mine, I work with Diltheir friends’ friends. When you hear ly Bat. I lived a few blocks away from something like that it makes you want him for a couple years and that’s all to keep going and it brings a positive we did: we hung out, we made music, light to you thinking ‘oh shit maybe we created ideas. I helped him film something can happen’. You just stay and we created a really good relationwith it and the more it explodes the ship other than business. That’s a guy more you want to strive and the more I’ve been working with steady lately. you want to keep going and that’s He’s a busy guy but he’s always there about it; you can never doubt your- when you need him. self. You can’t sit there thinking ‘what if?’ You just got to go for it no matter IT: What’s going down for the sumwhat. So I see myself in the long-term mer? hopefully making a career out of it whether it’s being a superstar or just BD: This summer we’re going to a local guy here, at the end of the day shoot a video for my most recent song I’d be happy with either one.

“No Where”. I dropped that one back in the winter, that is one of my party IT: Your song Bridge City is really songs, it’s something that gets my catching on, I see people sharing it friends going. Like I said it’s just anall the time, how did that song come other good vibe song; we’re going to together? shoot a video for that. We’re going to shoot a video for a couple other songs BD: I was thinking hard about making I did-- one called “Selfish”. an anthem, it’s where it all starts, you I’m working on my album got to make something that your city now which is hopefully going to drop likes, because if no one in your city before winter, it’s called Hour Glass. likes it no one else is going to like it Basically that project is just trying to anywhere else. It starts where you’re explain that no matter who you are from and when people are liking what or where you’re from, there’s not a you’re doing here then the next city is whole lot of time for you to be sitting going to like what you’re doing. I just around and doing nothing; we all got sat there, I got the beat from CJ Beats, a purpose and as time runs out so does I thought to myself there are so many your purpose. local anthems. There are a few local anthems from previous local rappers IT: Any last shout outs? and shout out to those guys. Shout out to everyone who made a song about BD: I want to shout out family, friends, our city, that’s dope. It all came to- everyone supporting and helping me gether in the middle of the night and with the music, Own Life Clothing, then the video came after.

Dilly Bat Productions. And I want to shout out the whole city; everyone IT: Do you think Native rappers who’s heard the song is repping it beare getting categorized in their own cause it’s where they’re from. Anyone sub-genre as “native rappers”? from our city who’s heard it, I want to shout out to them, thank you for the BD: To be honest I haven’t yet, that I support, and those who haven’t heard know of, maybe there are people out it, I’ll thank you later. there saying ‘he’s a native rapper’ but it’s never came up with me. But yeah, Find Beary D’s music on iTunes, you definitely hear a lot of it. The Google Play under Beary Daniels thing with native rappers.. as a Native and SoundCloud.com/bearydaniels we have gone through so much stuff and on YouTube in our lives, whether you got off-reserve Aboriginals or on-reserve, there

June 2016

Indigenous Times

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CROSSWORD

Across 5. AFN Chief’s home reserve 6. New acronym for the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company 8. First Nation actor is in Suicide Squad 11. APTN show recently picked up by Netflix 13. Host of Indigenous Radio Show on Sunday nights Down 1. If there’s a haunting in your community call the TV producers for The ____ ___ 2. First Nation that neighbours Poundmaker 3. The CEO of ______ ___ Apparel recently had a roundtable meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau 4. Buffy Ste. Marie’s latest album 7. ________ Treaty allows First Nations the freedom of passage between US and Canada 9. Step outside in Saskatoon and you’re likely to see this familiar First Nation face 10. This First Nation is the first in Saskatchewan to have a Two-Spirit Pride festival 12. June 21st celebration in Canada

Indigenous Times Newspaper

Walter Bonaise holds his self-published book “Listening to Elders Telling Stories Sitting in a Circle”

Walter Bonaise Self-Publishes Book Based on Oral Histories by Floyd P. Favel LIFESTYLE

Walter Bonaise is from the Little Pine First Nation and currently lives in Edmonton. Walter has done many things in life and his voice has carried him to many places. Walter was of the first generation of First Nations performers

who shared traditional songs and dances on stages and venues across Canada in the early 1960s and 70s.

It is these performers that slowly began to open the eyes of Canadians to the richness and uniqueness of First Nations people and broke the trail for contemporary First Nations performers today.

As a young boy, Walter

learned about singing from his father, Alex Bonaise, a renowned singer and Cree ceremonial traditionalist, as well as from Little Pine community elders who noticed his singing abilities and interests as a young boy. From being around elders, Walter was able to learn and absorb the history and knowledge of his Cree people and these words and knowledge took him to teach and lecture across Canada in places like Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, McGill University in Montreal, Indian and Northern Affairs in Hull, Quebec, and at the University of Manitoba.

Walter spoke

Down 1. otherside 2. littlepine 3. neechiegear 4. powerintheblood 7. jay 9. dougie 10. beardys 12. nad

www.indigenoustimes.ca

Answers Across 5. littleblackbear 6. gtnt 8. adambeach 11. blackstone 13. standing

@IndigenousSK

Elders Telling Stories: Sitting in a Circle.

This book is a memoir of sorts, a family history, and a sharing of traditional knowledge. “I wanted to write a book how I wanted to write it; I didn’t want anyone to tell me how to write it, or someone else to own it, so I wrote and made it myself,” Walter stated emphatically when I asked him about his book.

The book is self published, meaning it is published independent from any publishers, and that Walter retains full control of all sales of his book. Walter was able to make his book with assistance from the Canada Council of the Arts, Writing and Publishing, and credits former Canada Council employee Paul Seeseequasis with guiding him through the funding process.

As he did as a young man, Walter today continues to break the trail for his people and his efforts are an example to us on a way of going forward in writing and publishing and telling our stories.

at Sakewew High School recently, For a copy of the book contact Walhosted by cultural coordinator Aron ter Bonaise: 780-471-6107 Albert. Sakewew is a high school for First Nations students living in the Battlefords, and its curriculum Visit us online: and activities are First Nations centered. Walter told traditional Cree www.indigenoustimes.ca stories, sang a round dance song with his hand drum and talked about his book that he wrote, Listening to

June 2016

Indigenous Times

11

notes is that not only do youth come to participate in the camps, but also local coaches and gym teachers as well come out to learn more so that when SageStrong is done the camp, the coaches then have a better foundation to sustain skill development in their community’s athletes.

Basketball has always been at the forefront in Daniels’ life, but in 2008 he started coaching lacrosse as well. Daniels notes that lately interest is growing in lacrosse with Robin Daniels teaches basketball, lacrosse, and the youth locally, and it may have Group photo of 5 teams at the 2nd Annual SageStrong Basketball Championships other sports to youth and community members. something to do with Saskatchewan Rush team becoming established here: “even with the league in the city here, their registration numbers are up. I’ve known those guys for years and they knew it was coming too,” he tells us, “it’s definitely getting a lot bigger now for sure.”

SageStrong hopes to continue to visit more communities, putting on camps, and promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle. SageStrong will be back with their anTeam Kanai, Division A Champions Team Goodfish, Division B Champions nual basketball tournament next year, but also wants to thank their sponsors from this year’s basketball tournament: Mistawasis First Nation, Dakota Dunes Commuby Armand LaPlante nity Development Corporation, Al Anderson’s Source for Sports, and 1st against the Mistawasis team in in 2014. It is run by Robin Daniels Gene Ouelette.

SPORTS overtime. In the A division one team from the Mistawasis First Nation just couldn’t be caught, they went who has, for a long time, been active To contact Robin Daniels and Sage SageStrong Athletics held 4-0 in the tournament and won ev- in the local sports communities— Strong Athletics for opportunities its 2nd annual Basketball Champi- ery game by at least 29 points—that especially basketball. Along with in your community, see below: onships at the end of May, 2016, team was from the Kainai Nation in coordinating the annual basketball at the Mistawasis First Nation. 15 Alberta. Kainai took 1st place, and tournament, SageStrong also puts Ph. 306-291-3059 teams came from reserves across Whitefish took 2nd place; Colin on sports camps that teach funda- Email: sagestrong@hotmail.com Saskatchewan and Alberta to play Bird from Kainai was the tourna- mentals and skill-building in differ- Facebook: SageStrong Athletics / in two divisions-- A and B. Play- ment MVP. ent sports—mostly basketball and SageStrong ing in the B division, the Goodfish SageStrong Athletics is a lacrosse camps, but volleyball and reserve’s team from Alberta won non-profit organization that started soccer as well. One thing Daniels

SageStrong Athletics Hosts 2016 Basketball Tournament, Sports Camps

Graduation Pow Wow 2016

University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff

Photos by Armand LaPlante

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY July 2016 Edition Celebrate Graduates sales@indigenoustimes.ca

A special ceremony was held to honour U of S Graduates

Eugene Arcand speaks, wife Lorna Arcand to his right

Ph.: 306-955-0109

June 2016

Indigenous Times

12

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