Indigenous Times November 2016

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Issue 2 / Volume 22

November 2016

WE REMEMBER WWII VETERAN HENRY BEAUDRY

Late Henry Beaudry, WWII Veteran, would visit the Mosquito grave yard and salute his late father-in-law James Spyglass’ grave, as well as Tommy Stone’s grave. Both of whom served in WWII.

by Armand LaPlante

Henry Beaudry’s passing on October 3, 2016, marked a time of mourning for many communities, but it also was a time to reflect on the remarkable life he lived.

Beaudry was a Pow Wow dancer, artist, and World War II veteran with remarkable stories. The great-grandson of Chief Poundmaker, Beaudry was born at Poundmaker First Nation in 1921. It was in 1941 when he decided to join the army after seeing a poster that said “Join the army, see the world.” After enlisting, Beaudry was sent to southern Europe where he saw action but soon after was captured in Italy by the Nazis and sent to Stalag VII-A: Germany’s largest Prisoner of War camp in WWII.

Despite being in a desperate situation, Beaudry always believed in the Creator. Before going to the war, a man named Thomas

Special Veterans Tribute

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Moosomin gave Beaudry an eagle feather and told him “this will keep you while you’re in the army.” Beaudry took that eagle feather overseas with him, but lost it when he got captured by the Nazis.

Beaudry spent several months in the POW camp in dire conditions, there was one night in particular he was sure he was going to die. Beaudry and some other prisoners were in a boxcar and had gone 6 days without water; he was almost dying. That night he prayed and prayed to the creator; he was praying as he prepared to pass on into the afterlife as he thought about his family. The next morning they couldn’t believe it, there were icicles right along the train.

The prisoners shared the icicles and they were all right for another day.

While in the camp Beaudry befriended a man from the Russian army and finally they both managed to escape. Beaudry recalled walking for so long and hiding under various things when necessary.

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Pasqua First Nation gets new Youth Recreational & Cultural Centre

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Henry Beaudry, WWII Veteran, 1921-2016

GTNT Review & Preview

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by Armand LaPlante

It was truly an honour and a blessing to put this issue together— talking to veterans and hearing their stories instilled many different feelings and perspectives within me. It’s hard to believe they were my age when they saw and encountered the realities of war. Hearing these stories serves as a reminder not to take any of our privileges or liberties for granted, for it was the sacrifice of all the veterans and fallen soldiers that provided these liberties for us.

In this issue, we pay tribute to late veterans Henry Beaudry and Edward Baldhead. I also want to specifically mention, and dedicate this issue

•Cont’d from front page He and the Russian didn’t speak the same language so they improvised and spoke in sign language. Beaudry eventually made it to Holland and then joined up with the Americans with whom he fought alongside.

After the war, back home in the prairies, an envelope showed up one day and all it said was “Beaudry”. Upon opening the envelope, Beaudry found the same feather the old man had given him before the war. Beaudry went to a Sundance and placed that feather on the pole of the tent. Early in the morning, he suddenly heard the eagle coming down. The eagle grabbed the feather and flew off. After that, Beaudry knew it was the eagle that had kept him through all and brought him safely home. Beaudry had told that story to his children many times and stated that one day when he died he would fly away like the eagle.

Beaudry worked hard after the war: on farms, on the railroad, and eventually also as a prolific artist. During his time in Kindersley, Beaudry began doing sketches, painting on cardboard boxes and became a talented, self-taught artist. His family recalls him trading his art for comic books for his son.

Beaudry eventually started painting about the stories the elders would tell him, and also his memories from Poundmaker, Red Pheasant, and in Mosquito. His paintings all have stories. They have been featured around many places including Wanuskewin and the Royal Sas-

katchewan Museum. Battleford Furniture has a notable collection.

Even the Queen of England has a Henry Beaudry painting in her collection.

Beaudry was always deeply rooted in his Indigenous culture.

Traditional Pow Wow dancing was an important part of his life; his daughter remembers the whole family attending many pow-wows during the 60s and 70s. Beaudry would teach his children traditional knowledge including how to put up a tipi, and to smudge and pray.

Into his old age Beaudry maintained a sense of humor, as well as his independence. He lost his first wife tragically and eventually remarried at Sweetgrass. When his wife had to move into a nursing home, Beaudry did not, saying that it wasn’t his time. He lived with his daughter and even continued driving until 2013 when his family decided it may be too much of a risk.

Despite his fame as an artist Beaudry always remained humble, often reminding others that he need not be immortalized; but his story is so remarkable it is impossible not to share and listen in awe. His life story even caught the attention of the actor Johnny Depp. At some point, the Beaudry family plans to release a book about his life. The Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford will be doing a special tribute to Henry Beaudry at their Remembrance Day ceremony this year. May Henry Beaudry rest in peace, and fly like the eagle. •

Editorial

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

to late George Benson, a Cree veteran of the Korean war. These men lived remarkable lives and left important legacies not only to their families but to First Nations as well. In this issue, we also have stories from the remaining, living First Nations veterans of Saskatchewan who served in WWII.

I want to thank the families of these veterans for helping us out with the issue by helping us put together interviews and gather information and photos. I had the privilege of driving out to Mistawasis to sit down and visit with Virginia Pechawis and hear her stories, so thank you to the Pechawis family for putting that together.

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.

3 Each and every story is special because the generation of veterans from the World Wars are all passing on-- there are only so many remaining. This Remembrance Day let us honour our veterans past and present.

Let’s share and honour these stories, so that their legacy is never forgotten.

Ekosi.

Next issue is our special Christmas edition, it will be out early December 2016 so contact us if you want to have anything in this next issue: stories, photos, and ads! Take care everybody.

Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca

Special thanks to the Beaudry family for the interview and photos.

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Philip Favel, 94, WWII Veteran from Sweetgrass First Nation

Sweetgrass First Nation Veteran Recalls Beaches of Normandy by Floyd P. Favel COMMUNITY

There are not many surviving World War II veterans and so they are an important cultural resource for us today. They are rep-

resentatives of our great warrior tradition and of a generation who volunteered to fight in a war that they did not have to fight in, as being Treaty Indians, they were not obligated to fight. They were not

even citizens of this country that this generation fought and risked their lives for. Many of our warriors lost their lives on these fields of battle across the Big Water, in Europe.

Many came back scarred by their memories and many found it difficult to talk about their experiences in this last great world war.

If there is such a thing as a just war, WWII was the last just war in which it was clearly defined as to what the war was about. The recent wars of this generation are in many ways less defined as to who is in the wrong and who is in the right.

Philip Favel, of Sweetgrass First Nation, is a proud veteran of WWII. Still hale and hearty after a lifetime of hard work and raising a large family, Favel recently harrowed and planted a garden around his house with a tractor that he repairs and maintains on his own. He learned his mechanical skills from this experiences in the war, where he served as a supply truck driver.

He arrived in Normandy on June 7, 1944. D-Day had started the day before, on June 6, 1944. “Yes, I was scared,” he confided. “If anyone says they were not scared then they are lying,” I remember him saying to me, as I sat with him on the north end of the Sundance grounds on Sweetgrass in the summer of 2011, at a Sundance that he was sponsor-

November 2016 ing.

Over the course of his long and eventful life, Philip has done many things, including being a cultural leader passing down our great Cree traditions to his large family and to the younger generations.

He is a proud Cree Indian and at the same time proud of his ancestry which originates from Métis fur trader and medicine man Thomas Favel, (b. 1804) who originated from the Métis settlement of Red River, in present day Manitoba.

His father, William Favel was the son of this Thomas Favel, known as Kinowaskowanase-Tall Man in the Cree language and who spent his last years on the Poundmaker Reserve, where he was buried in 1896.

Philip has also served as elected Grand Chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association-- a post he proudly held. Those of us who know him, related or not, are proud to call him Moshom, and he is a Moshom to many people across this country.

He is a representative of a generation that is slowly retreating into the mists of time, of a warrior and cultural tradition that uniquely defines us as Plains Cree people. We honor him, and all other First Nations veterans, for all that they have done for all our people.•

November 2016

Indigenous Times

Michael LaPlante (front), 92, WWII Veteran from Kawacatoose First Nation Standing L-R: Chief Dennis Dustyhorn, Kawacatoose First Nation, Councillor Fred Poorman, Kawacatoose First Nation, FSIN Vice Chief Dutch E. Lerat

Surviving Veteran Has Family History of World War Veterans as told by Fred Poorman COMMUNITY

Michael LaPlante was born on June 7, 1924 on the Kawacatoose (Poorman) First Nation. His Indian name is “Wandering Bear”. Before leaving for overseas, in accordance with his culture, there was a ceremony held in Day Star First Nation, where an elder prayed for his safe journey and

return.

Mike worked in Alberta for a few years before enlisting for military life in Quinton, SK. He was with the Regina Rifles Regiment. His regiment number is L107762.

Mike took training in Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba, before being sent overseas. Once overseas he was immediately deployed to the front

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lines. When he left to Shilo his rank was Sergeant. When he was sent to the front lines he was a Corporal. Although hesitant to speak in-depth on the devastation he witnessed, Mike recalls being involved in some very heavy fighting and was right in the thick of the heaviest conflicts. Mike recalls one story where there was some very heavy shelling and his regiment took refuge in an old building where there were some nuns; the Red Cross came for the nuns and the building was burned down.

Mike served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. When the war was over he extended his stay for another year to serve in the occupation in Germany. Mike also has two siblings that bravely served in

the military: brother Raymond LaPlante and sister Evelyn Boyd (BuffaloRobe). The late Evelyn served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) earning her wings and pilot’s license while in the RCAF. Evelyn was the first First Nations woman to achieve this prestigious level, her license was still valid close to her passing—a remarkable achievement for a woman of her era.

Mike also had a brother who proudly served the military: Raymond LaPlante was also deployed to the front lines of WWII. Raymond was overseas before Mike and he stayed longer as well. Raymond was another immensely brave First Nation warrior.

Mike recalls while in Belgium he hitchhiked to Holland to visit his brother Raymond. Although Raymond walked, he owned a German motorcycle. Mike had three uncles who selflessly served our country: Alec, John, and Tony. Alec and John both served in the first and second world war, and Tony served in the first world war.

Mike was recently recognized and honored by the country of France; he was made a Knight of that country and presented with a plaque. It is believed he was the only First Nation service man to have been recognized with the highest award of France. All First Nations across the country and indeed all of Canada should be proud of this amazing recognition. Although he is 92 years old Mike’s mind is still sharp and he is an interesting individual to listen to. •

We Remember...

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority’s guiding principle Miskâsowin signifies the value of finding one’s sense of origin and belonging.

We remember our veterans who embody this value by serving to protect, not just our lives, but our sense of pride in ourselves and our First Nations’ heritage.

306-477-7777 | SIGA.sk.ca

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We salute our veterans.

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November 2016

November 2016

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WWII Veteran Edward Baldhead’s Legacy Will Have Lasting Impact by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY

Edward Baldhead was born on the One Arrow First Nation on March 19, 1928, to the parents of Joe and Mary Francis Baldhead. During his youth, Edward was placed in St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, and he stayed there right until his 18th birthday. After he left the residence, Edward worked various jobs including hoeing beets in Alberta and working as a labourer for various farmers in Saskatchewan. Edward went on to enlist in the Canadian Army and serve overseas during World War II. Edward’s service brought him to many countries in Europe including France, Holland, and Germany; he was later honoured with many awards and medals for his service.

Many years after returning to Saskatchewan from the war, Edward went on to serve his community in the capacity of Elder. He would be invited to pray at many events for many organizations, he would share his knowledge with the community, and he would often bear the eagle staff at Pow Wow grand entries. Edward was also involved with the Summer and Winter First Nation Games as well as the North American Indigenous Games—he shared knowledge of his culture to many

young people whether they were Indigenous or non-Indigenous.

Aside from Edward’s legacy as a veteran; he was also a residential school survivor. He was a noted speaker on the issues of residential schools and reconciliation. Wherever possible, oftentimes school classrooms, Edward shared his experience of residential school and highlighted the impact that residential schools have on today’s society.

In a statement earlier this month from Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Bellegarde said “We express our deepest gratitude for his contribution in serving Canada in the Second World War. His effort and bravery will be remembered, as will his resilience as a residential school survivor.�

Edward also loved to dance Pow Wow, and would don his traditional men’s regalia, dancing all the way up to his 88th birthday. Edward was a man of culture, he loved to learn about other peoples’ cultures, and would gladly share knowledge of his own when asked. Edward leaves behind a very important legacy in the community for his family, and for all—a legacy that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Edward Baldhead, 1928-2016. •

Virginia Pechawis: Sask’s remaining female WWII First Nation Veteran by Armand LaPlante

Virginia Pechawis, born in 1926 on the Mistawasis First Nation, is the oldest female Saskatchewan First Nation veteran who served in World War II, and one of the few remaining Saskatchewan First Nations veterans who served in a World War.

Before the age of 18, Virginia was unhappy with life on the reserve of Mistawasis; her family was very poor, she recalls, and she didn’t always get along with her father.

Virginia had a baby sister who is still alive to this day, and whenever she would cry, Virginia would take the blame. Despite her father saying ‘no, you can’t go anywhere’, Virginia left home anyway to go work for a farmer for a while, and then at age 18, signed up for the army.

Virginia joined the army in the year 1944 around the end of World War II. She took basic training in Kitchener, Ontario, and was stationed in Quebec City, Quebec, where she was hoping to learn a trade of some sort, but often got stuck in the kitchen. Virginia never missed home, she was largely on her own in her new life. She recalls one camp she was stationed in; the girls were all eating at tables.

One of the girls kept bugging her, taking food from her plate telling her ‘you don’t need to eat this’; she told herself ‘I don’t need to take this from anybody,’ so she went to an empty table and sat alone. Despite feeling alone at this moment, she always reminded herself, ‘you don’t need to cry’, and she wouldn’t.

Despite the few odd incidents here and there, being First Nation didn’t affect her time over in Quebec. Eventually, she tells us, “I got along with everybody, there were Native, French, English—all kinds of people there, and I got along.� Virginia recalls going down along the boardwalk with the girls she met.

Virginia lived in Quebec for many years and she knew many people; after she was discharged from the army, she lived with and worked for a family in Montreal, Quebec. The family hauled logs, oftentimes into New York state. Sometimes, Virginia would

haul logs with them into the states; the family would also take her on holidays into the states.

Eventually, she would return to Mistawasis, where she would become the matriarch to a very large family of her own with plenty of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Virginia still dons her uniform, which bears an array of medals and ribbons including her Lieutenant-governor’s Military Service Pin, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal — great honours she was given in recent years. Despite these honours, she is very humble about her life. There was a recent moment that made Virginia very happy and proud, it was at the Potash Corp Wanuskewin Days Cultural Celebration and Powwow in late August. An RCMP officer in uniform asked her ‘could you do me a favor?’ Virginia, in her uniform as well, asked ‘what?’ And the RCMP officer said ‘could you stand beside me?’ and she did as he took her arm to help her. “I felt so good,� she tells us.

At the time of this interview she wasn’t certain where she would be on Remembrance Day, but she tells us she will be donning her uniform that day. Thank you for your service Virginia Pechawis. •

Virginia Pechawis (r) with daughter Lorraine Pechawis. Submitted photo.

We salute

the First Nations veterans who served for our country so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today.

This Remembrance Day let us honour these veterans and ensure that their story is never lost or forgotten.

WE REMEMBER

COMMUNITY

Edward Baldhead, 1928-2016. Submitted photo.

From Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation Chief Richard Gamble Councillors Claude Roy Petit Kevin Seesequasis Kurt Seesequasis Ruby Eyahpaise Leighanne Gardipy-Bill Barb Mosquito Jeremy Seeseequasis Candace Scott Staff and Membership.

Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation: PO Box 340, Duck Lake, SK S0K1J0 0HONE Ì ÌsÌ&AX Ì

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KAWACATOOSE FIRST NATION VETERANS DAY ANNUAL POW WOW NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 2016

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EVERYONE WELCOME! GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO OUR SPONSORS: COMMUNITY DEVEOPLMENT CORPORATION & BHP BILLITON On site security, absolutely no drugs, alcohol, and gang activity Pow-wow committee not responsible for thefts, travel, accidents or injuries

Indigenous Times

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Final draft concept for the youth centre. Submitted photo.

Pasqua First Nation celebrates at sod-turning ceremony. Submitted photo.

New Youth Centre to Provide Safe, Healthy Space for Youth by Armand LaPlante COMMUNITY

On October 25th, 2016, community members joined together on the Pasqua First Nation to break ground at a sod-turning ceremony for a new recreational and cultural centre for youth in the community.

The community plans to finish the youth centre on June 30, 2017, with a special grand opening ceremony in July, 2017.

It was a very pleasant surprise for Chief and Council: After

answering a call for proposals from Indigenous Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in summer 2016, Chief Todd Peigan of Pasqua First Nation was notified that the First Nation was successful and would be given $750,000 for the project. Planning and work began immediately as three concepts were done up, and they had finally decided on one.

The community of Pasqua First Nation has always been committed to its youth; the community has a local youth committee who has

talked about a youth drop-in centre for some time. “Once we got the news, and got the final draft done up, we went over to the school and showed the kids and they just said ‘wow!’” Fabian Ironeagle, councillor at Pasqua First Nation, tells us.

“They’re really looking forward to this project […] it’s a really exciting time for us on Pasqua, everyone’s really excited about this project.”

Much of the existing programming for youth recreational and cultural initiatives will take place in the new building. One of these programs includes a youth drum group that has been in place for five years; the drum group recently sang for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his visit to Fort Qu’Appelle. Essentially, the centre will be a drop-in centre—a safe place for youth to hang out, engage in various programs and activities.

Councillor Ironeagle acknowledges the importance in the

Bruce Starlight, Ken Tootoosis. Photo: Milton Tootoosis.

Broken Knife Historic Site Gathering. Photo: Milton Tootoosis.

Broken Knife Historic Site Commemorates, Teaches History by Floyd P. Favel COMMUNITY

This summer, Poundmaker Cree Nation officially opened the Broken Knife Historic Site. This site is located on top of a hill that overlooks the community of Poundmaker Cree Nation. This hill is called Broken Knife’s Lookout and the reason for this name is that back in 1840, the great Sarcee warrior Broken Knife had come to this area and had used this hill as a lookout point from which to search the sur-

rounding countryside for the Cree camp he knew was in the vicinity.

After many days of travel and tribulations, Broken Knife had lain on this hill with his looking glass trying to penetrate the thick fog that had descended upon the valley he was overlooking. He had sent some of his men scouting, and the rest he had sent down the hill to await further instructions. Tired, he fell asleep on this hill and it was there that young Cree warriors discovered him, one of whom was

Sweetgrass, a Crow captive raised by the Crees who later went on to become one of the more influential chiefs of the Plains Cree.

This story has been known for many generations by the elders of the tribe and quietly told to those who were curious and who listened.

In the early months of 2016 the Sarcee began the process of wanting to develop a historic site and to commemorate this event, well known as well in their tribal history. A dialogue was begun with Poundmaker cultural leader Eric Tootoosis and the leadership of Poundmaker.

Construction work of the historic marker began in the spring of 2016, and all was ready by late June when Sarcee cultural leaders led by Bruce Starlight arrived on Poundmaker.

timing of this youth centre. Recently, the mental health of First Nations youth has been a big issue, especially since the recent suicides of youth from northern Saskatchewan. “It’s tragic, our condolences go out to those communities,” says Ironeagle.

Pasqua has always understood the importance of its youth and providing opportunities for them. “There’s a boxing club, Tae Kwan Do, the drum group, and of course sports: volleyball, basketball […]” says Ironeagle, “we always make it as easy as possible for them to participate. [The centre] provides a safe, healthy environment for our young people.” Ironeagle continues, “when we see our youth we see our future, [growing] these young people into healthy, strong individuals and when the time comes they can become productive members in our community and in society as a whole.” • There they pitched a tipi decorated with drawings of their version of this battle as passed down to them from the Sarcees who had escaped with their lives from this battle.

A few versions of this battle exist amongst the people of Poundmaker and this new Sarcee version only adds to the knowledge and oral lore of this important event. In oral history, it is only natural that several versions will exist for the same event as the story would have been handed down by several people who were there in person at the actual event or who were told this story by someone who had been there. The condensed Sarcee and a Cree version are written down and posted at the site for all to read and become familiar with this story.

A traditional feast took place in the tipi and a song, originally sung by Broken Knife was sung and given to the people of Poundmaker. This event was attended by local citizens and by visitors from as far away as Montreal, Quebec. The leadership of Poundmaker was on hand to officially open this new historic site and they are eager to share this proud history to the people of this province and country and plans are underway to expand this site and other historic sites in the community so that future generations can learn and retain this cultural legacy.

•

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GTNT Wraps Up “In Care”, Looks Forward to Christmas Program by Shawn Cuthand LIFESTYLE SASKATOON, SK - In late October, the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre (GTNT) ran a successful sold out run of their play “In Care.” Written by Kenneth T. Williams and directed by Yvette Nolan, the play deals with situations surrounding child and family services and sheds light on the everyday struggles that families in the system deal with. It is a subject that is all too well known in Indian country with 66 percent of Saskatchewan children in foster care being Aboriginal. Krystle Pederson gives a highly emotional performance as Janice, a hardened mother thanks to the life on the streets that she led, and giving birth to a cocaine-addicted baby at 15. Her life has given her a hopeless attitude towards social services but her social worker, played by Emma Liashram, pushes her to take a job up in the mines to show that she is making effort.

The artistic format of the play throws you around from conversation to conversation between characters in different timeframes, and with the stage being centre circle, it gives the audience less of a spectator feel and more so the feeling of being an additional prop. The cast is rounded out with Michaela Washburn as a social worker, and Aren Okemaysim as a police officer caught in a moral di-

lemma. “In Care” should be commended for creating a group dialogue about the foster care system’s effect on today’s society. Some people will be able to relate their perspectives while others may be shown one that they never thought of before.

GTNT is looking to continue their success streak this holiday season and are bringing back the beloved Rez X-mas Christmas Series. ‘Kohkoms in Toyland’ by Curtis Peeteetuce is the Christmas play this year, and GTNT is going bigger this time by having the plays at the Broadway Theatre from December 14 to 17. There is also a Saskatchewanwide tour of the play from November 21 to December 9, 2016.

In a GTNT press release, the play is previewed as follows: “With Christmas bonus cheques out, Sihkos and Zula are looking for the best gift ever. They believe that Toyland, a new discount store just north of the reserve, will have that gift. When they arrive the mischievous store-owner welcomes them with open arms. Soon, Zula and Sihkos are drawn into the store’s surreal, mysterious and questionable presence.” The cast brings Mitchel Poundmaker with Krystle Pederson from the original series to team up with Dalton Lightfoot and Cory Dallas Standing and is sure to bring that rez holiday cheer that fans of the series are used to. •

CROSSWORD

Across 1. We celebrate this man’s life on November 16 3. Current Indigenous NFL Quarterback 6. English River First Nation is a part of _____ ____tribal council 7. The name of this Sask First Nation is also an Indigenous language 11. A Tribe Called Red: We are the ______ ____ 13. The two Canadian provinces with a Cree name, Saskatchewan & _______ 14. Indigenous right wing player for the Chicago Blackhawks

Answers online:

Down 2. The _____ ____ legislation that defines who’s an Indian in Canada 4. _____ _____ First Nation is close to Punnichy, Saskatchewan 5. The beaches of Normandy that the allies invaded on D-Day (June 6, 1944) are in this country 8. A ____ _____ refers to a Navajo who used their language in WWII to transmit secret messages for the marines 9. This actor, _____ _____ , acted alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant 10. This tribe mainly from Alberta 12. This city will host the 2017 North American Indigenous Games.

www.indigenoustimes.ca

New Indigenous Music

A Tribe Called Red - We Are the Halluci Nation A Tribe Called Red really outdid themselves with their third studio album: We Are The Halluci Nation. This DJ trio’s album continues with their electronic “Pow Wow Step” sound, but the sound seems a lot more evolved with some heavy hitting songs. There are tons of features to boast, too many to name here; some include Shad, Tanya Tagaq, and late Indigenous poet John Trudell. Trudell, who passed away in late 2015, gives a profound and mesmerizing narration throughout the album stating “We are the tribe you cannot see, we live on an industrial reservation, we are the Halluci Nation.”

It’s a deep album that delves into the activist roots of the group. It’s a must-listen.

Xandrah - Vinyl Secrets XANDRAH (Alexandra Thomson) is an up and coming Indigenous singer-songwriter from Carry the Kettle First Nation but based out of Saskatoon, SK. Her debut EP ‘Vinyl Secrets’ was written and produced alongside instrumentalist Justin Frank Pelan and will be released on November 17, 2016. The EP is soft yet upbeat for the most part; you get a wistful, jazzy, electronic sound from this EP. Xandrah is talented and lays down soothing vocals on these tracks; her influences include Sade, Erykah Badu, Solange, Lorde, and Lauryn Hill, and it shows. The EP also features rapper Cody Coyote and spoken word artist ‘Illustrated’. Check Xandrah out on SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/xandrahofficial

Joey Stylez - #GreyMagic

#GreyMagic is the Moosomin First Nation rapper’s 3rd studio album. It’s a very high calibre rap album with an awesome roster of features including Dragonette, Drezus, Dj Shub, Winnipeg Boyz and more. The album has solid production with high quality flows—the verses are just as catchy as many of the hooks. The album maintains a youthful and urban feel, but also sometimes touches on Indigenous and social issues. The production of this album makes the sound very distinct; this sound kicks off right on track #2 titled “On ft. Drezus”. There’s something for the older generation of Joey Stylez fans as well as the new fans. You definitely must go check this out on iTunes today.

November 2016

Indigenous Times

Alumni gathering, October 23, 2016 at the Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, Sk. Seated at foreground table L-R: current SA President Verne Martell, Alumnae: Darlene Chocan, Gwen Fieber, Joanne Awasis, & Margaret LaRocque.

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The FNUniv had another reason to celebrate recently; the 2016 Fall Convocation happened later that same day (October 23, 2016) at Prairieland Park Saskatoon, SK.

FNUniv Saskatoon Campus Celebrates with Alumni ence of relationships, that I carry with me today. I am proud to have attended SIFC. Congrats to FNU on SASKATOON, SK- October 23, the 40th anniversary, and to SIFC- a 2016 was a time for celebration for big thank you for helping to create a the First Nations University of Can- better, stronger healthier me.” ada – Saskatoon Campus as the 40th Anniversary committee honored alumni of the campus. Those that came to Prairieland to celebrate the alumni gathering wearing their old SIFC/FNUniv clothing had a wonderful time visiting and reminiscing.

Many not able to make the alumni gathering sent congratulatory messages.

For example, Sid Fiddler, SISW alumnus and former Dean of Saskatoon Campus, wrote: “Congratulations to the FNUniv School of Indian Social Work for 42 years of being in existence…I don’t know how many students have gone through the program but that indicates to me that they are in the forefront of the healing movement out in the big world there.”

Jonathan Sealy, former INSW Department Head, sent, “congratulations to the alumni on the 4oth anniversary gathering. As someone who has been involved in the program for many years, it’s a warm feeling to know that so many people have taken advantage of such a good program.”

About 75 alumni and staff attended, the earliest graduate being Margaret LaRocque, (1981). Another SISW alumna, Rhonda Cronk, spoke to those in attendance: “I attended SIFC for four years and in those four years the teachers, students and staff became part of my family and were a big part of me completing my BISW program.

SIFC helped prepare me to be determined to do a good job – which resulted in me working 15 years with children and youth. […] The real learning for me was in the relationships I developed over four years with those that made SIFC function and it is those teachings developed and mastered through the experi-

COMMUNITY TALK

The Saskatoon Campus began with the Indian Social Work Program (ISWEP) in 1974 and evolved over the years into the School of Indian Social Work; Indigenous Social Work today. Most of those in atten-

dance were alumni of that program with a few from other programs, such as Indigenous Studies and Business. The event also honoured those former students of the Saskatoon campus who have passed on. •

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Indigenous Times

November 2016