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Issue 4 • Volume 18

October 2013

ATOSKEWIN SUCCESS CENTRE BATC Opens New Social, Employment, and Training Facility

Honorable Bernard Valcourt (centre) with community Elders at the BATC Atoskewin Success Centre Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Photo: Sharon Thomas L-R: Pat Bauer, Edward Osecap, Augustine Paskemin, Fred Sasakamoose, Minister Valcourt, Sen. Don Pooyak, Victoria Benson, Archie Moccasin, Orest Murawski, ITEP Director

BY SHARON THOMAS North Battleford, SK - September 25th, 2013 was a day of major significance for the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC). Elders, students, and dignitaries such as Chief Stewart Baptiste, BATC Tribal Chair; Honorable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada (AANDC);

Herb Cox, MLA, Battlefords; Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN); and Riel Bellgarde, President of Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), all gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly established Atoskewin Success Centre. Atoskewin, meaning “work” in the Cree language, is a fitting description of what this center hopes to accomplish.

George Gordon Urban Services Proclamation of 1763 Centre Page 9 Page 3 FSIN: Royal

The ceremony began with opening remarks from BATC Executive Director Neil Sasakamoose, “This center is built on a couple key principles, the main one: it’s here to help people.

Your future begins here, and that’s our hope -- our aspiration.” He went on to acknowledge AANDC, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy, and BATC for their partnerships in the endeavour. •continued on page 4

Sisters in Spirit Page 10

July 2013

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Proudly Hosted by:

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The Summit brings together Indigenous and Saskatchewan/Alberta businesses to look at best practices, models that work, and examining successful partnerships.

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Building Inclusive Partnerships for a Better Tomorrow mâmawi wîcihitowin

October 21 – 22, 2013 Location: Lloydminster (pimicâskwêyâkishk), AB/SK Reception: Mon, Oct 21, 2013 5:00pm – 7:30pm. Servus Sports Centre, 5202 12th St Summit: Tue, Oct 22, 2013 7:30 am – 4:30pm. 5521 49th Ave, Prairie Room, Exhibition Grounds Business Casual: (Ties/Hats/Caps/Jeans welcomed)

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General Information Office of the Treaty Commissioner Milt Tootoosis (306) 229-5221 mtootoosis@otc.ca www.otc.ca

Registration Forms Register online or download the form on our website (www.ieps.ca). Fax the completed form to (780) 875-0755.

Attention Kevin Tootoosis.

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Registration Information Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Kevin Tootoosis (780) 875-9013 Kevin.isummit@lloydminsterchamber.com www.lloydminsterchamber.com

October 2013

Editorial

by: Armand LaPlante

As I sat down to write some thoughts to share with the readership of Indigenous Times, two recent events come to the forefront. These are: the passing of a great man from Moosomin First Nation, an elder who had held on to traditional Cree ways; His name was Sydney Ironbow.

Sydney Ironbow was a man who gave his life to being a conduit between the ancestors and us here in the present. He led his life with the faith that our relationship with our ancestors and

Indigenous Times our Creator was paramount to all.

From there everything would follow, knowing that we are fallible we still have to be strong and not allow fear to dictate our lives, which brings us to our next topic.

The other topic regards the Saskatchewan Party ad that is sweeping political discussions lately.

Recently the Sask Party took it upon themselves to do an attack on the New Democrats regarding their supposed stance on resource revenue sharing with First Nations.

Basically, as I understand it, our Premier has made it clear that the bountiful resources and current resource boom in Saskatchewan are for all the people of Saskatchewan and no one special interest group will get special consideration in revenue sharing derived from resources. To look back, the Treaty First Nations people have called this great land home for thousands of years, if not since Time Immemorial. The First Nations people welcomed the newcomers and treaties were made to

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share the land. It is not right to say that the First Nations are merely a special interest group.

Allow me to remind everyone of the phrase “we are all Treaty people.” If indeed we are all Treaty people in Saskatchewan, then we must all benefit from the natural resources. As a “populist” premier, his position would be expected to be in the best interests of the common people. A large segment of the common people cannot be left out. If we are all Treaty people, presumably there is a Treaty. The Treaty defines the spirit and intent of the relationship between the Indigenous peoples and the settlers.

It then comes to ‘Honour” if we as Treaty people live up to these legal and sacred agreements. Governing parties come and go, but I can say without doubt that it’s the Treaties that will stand the test of time. After all, they are a sacred covenant, as witnessed by the Creator.

As our leaders continue to address the issue, perhaps Treaty First Nations people need to be patient and wait for those in Saskatchewan prepared to do the honourable

thing.

I thought twice about commenting on this. To me it’s disheartening that there has to be this divisiveness in our province when we all walk shoulder to shoulder everyday on the streets, in our schools and business, or even sitting on the bus to name a few places.

So all that aside there is a lot to be thankful for and that’s what this time of the season is for. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ekosi Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca ADVERTISE WITH INDIGENOUS TIMES First Nations people serving the Aboriginal community of Saskatchewan since 1993.

Phone: 306-955-0109 Email: sales@indigenoustimes.ca

Canadian Indigenous Chiefs and delegation Mark the Royal Proclamation of 1763 with a Wreath Laying at London’s Great War Memorial, Guards’ Chapel www.fsin.com London, UK - Canadian Indigenous Chiefs and delegation took part in a Wreath-laying and Pipe Ceremony honouring First Nations loyalty and defence of the Crown in London [Saturday, October 5th.]

“...Generations of Canadian Indians have stood forthright, to repay the loyalty and commitment of the Crown to the indigenous population of Canada, by giving their own loyalty to that higher ideal, which transcends politics, the loyalty of their service and, in many cases, ultimate sacrifice in service of the Crown down through the years,” stated The Reverend Dr. William Beaver, Officiating Chaplain Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, Hyde Park Barracks, as he acknowledged the indigenous men and women who “have the strongest possible links with the Crown.”

A delegation of two dozen First Nations Chiefs, Veterans, Elders and Leaders, representing indigenous peoples from Canada, took part in the wreath laying ceremony [Saturday] morning at the Royal Military Chapel, the Guards’ Chapel in London, England.

Publisher/Editor: Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca Associate Editor: Jordan LaPlante j.laplante@live.com Advertising Sales: Armand LaPlante sales@indigenoustimes.ca phone: 306-955-0109

“And we will see this in the ceremonies about to be performed in which your prayers and ours rise to the heavens, in the pipes smoked by Four Elders, we will experience it in the purification of our souls, minds and bodies in smudging and the laying of a wreath. We will hear it in the Cree songs sung by Mr. Marshall Dreaver from Treaty Six Territory, Big River...We are proud to have you here and to be a part of your acknowledging the anniversary of this hallowed Covenant Agreement,” concluded Reverend Beaver.

In the late 1800s, First Nations Chiefs who entered into Treaties with the Crown were guaranteed that their warriors would not be called out to fight the Queen’s wars. The Treaties guaranteed freedom from military conscription. Nevertheless, First Nations men and women volunteered for such service. This coming Monday is the 250th Anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Having First Nations Veterans mark First Nations’ special relationship with the Crown—in this way and at this time—reminds us of their “wholly honest, admirable and commendable commitment”. •

From left: Col. M. Makulowich, Army Adviser at the High Commission, Grand Chief Ray Sanderson (Master Corporal) Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association, Chief Perry Bellegarde (Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations), Mr. Philip Favel (World War II, D-Day Veteran), Mr. Edward Baldhead (World War II Veteran), Lt. Col. Rev. Dr. William Beaver (Chaplain).

Photo courtesy: Valerie Galley

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.

October 2013

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•continued from front page

BATC Executive Director Neil Sasakamoose (left) and Chief Stewart Baptiste, Red Pheasant FN

Drivers for the shuttle that runs daily and nightly

Atoskewin Success Centre Staff group photo. Photos by Sharon Thoomas

Since last year, the project managed to reduce the amount of clients on Social Assistance by 20%, a total of 225 fewer First Nations people on the welfare system.

The center provides a “One-Stop Shop” for all enrolled. The three sectors, which include training, higher learning and job support, provide services to all its clients in all aspects.

Atoskewin provides Shuttle Service for all clients, a Provincial Training Allowance, child care services onreserve, addiction services, elder support, and life skills training where needed.

Melanie Kahpeaysewat, Director of Employment and Training Centre adds: “Our mandate is to find work or higher education for clients and get them off the welfare system. By meeting their needs, we want to break down the barriers for students that would otherwise prevent them from achieving their goals.” To date there are 150 rural clients enrolled in the programs offered by Atoskewin, with waiting lists that continue to rise. Currently, Atoskewin runs eight shuttles, with drivers traveling to various locations within the 5-member bands, which include, Ahtahkakoop, Moosomin, Red Pheasant, Sweetgrass and Saulteaux.

Honorable Bernard Valcourt offered words of support to the project and the new facility and also touched base on the recurring issues amongst Aboriginal communities, “I’m referring to the kind of change that will level the playing field for First Nations so they can have the same opportunities available to other Canadians, to find and keep and reap the benefits of a

good job. Given the rate at which the Aboriginal population is growing in Canada, I am encouraged by the positive responses I have heard from leaders all across Canada regarding the need to work together to help First Nation youth achieve their full potential.”

Herb Cox added, “Our government realizes that we cannot sustain our economic momentum without the talent and contribution of our First Nations people, but we also know that the education gap between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal population remains significant and we are committed to challenging this situation.”

The biggest obstacle that Atoskewin faces now is space for the amount of programs offered and the student bodies they have. Although funding comes from Indian Affairs, The Ministry of Economy, the University of Saskatchewan and FSIN, real estate remains an issue, due to the limited buildings and high rental costs in the Battlefords.

Encouraging First Nations people towards self-reliance and participation in the economy was the overall message of the day. In the last year alone, the program saved the Federal Government $1.26 million in Social Assistance payments, trained 420 clients, employed 310 clients and ended with an overall economic impact of $21 million for North Battleford and Area. The success rate for the program has been at 80% for the first two years, with an ever-growing clientele.

Atoskewin Success Centre hopes to maintain this success rate. •

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Renowned Artist Ruth Cuthand Receives Award Lieutenant Governor’s Art Award: Saskatchewan Artist

Ruth Cuthand with her Lieutenant Governor’s Art Award photo: Thirza Cuthand

Ruth Cuthand was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Art Award for Saskatchewan Artist on September 25th, 2013. The awards were held at the Conexus Art Centre in Regina, during a gala featuring

entertainment by Eekwol, Jeffery Straker, and many others. They are held annually by the Saskatchewan Arts Board and celebrate individuals, groups, and organizations in all arts disciplines.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS: SEPTEMBER 30TH MARKS FIRST ANNUAL ORANGE SHIRT DAY

This year, with the help of social media, September 30th was deemed National Orange Shirt Day. People across Canada, United States, and even as far as Europe, wore orange shirts to honour children who survived residential schools, but also to remember those who did not.

The significance of the orange shirt comes from Phyllis Webstad’s story, a residential school survivor. When children arrived at residential schools their personal clothes were removed and they were given uniforms.

For Phyllis, this included a beautiful orange shirt her grandmother had bought her for school.

The memory is still vivid with Phyllis and the story has inspired this national day of support.

Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter helped

spread the word of this day, and on September 30th both sites were flocked with people posting their pictures wearing orange shirts. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) tweeted a picture of its staff and supporters all donning orange shirts as they stood on Parliament Hill; on their shirts read “Every Child Matters”, the theme of the message.

The effects and the pain residential schools caused still resonate within many today, and are reflected in the declining social conditions that their generation, and their children’s generation face. The orange shirts serve not only to honour survivors and to remember lives lost, but also as a reminder to our Nation that the effects the schools have caused are real and the skeletons in the closet are still very much a reality in our country. •

Ruth Cuthand has been a prominent artist in Saskatchewan for many years. Her career spans many visual art disciplines, including painting, drawing, photography, and currently beading. She challenged herself to elevate beading from a craft to a fine art and after experimenting with the medium came up with a series called Trading. This series was a set of beaded viruses representing the viruses brought to the New World. Using actual photographs of microscopic viruses, the images are as seductive as they are repelling.

Cuthand has also acted as a board member of arts organizations such as Tribe Inc., AKA Gallery, and CARFAC Saskatchewan. She has mentored emerging artists and taught studio and art history classes at First Nations University of Canada, at the Saskatoon Campus, and also the University of Saskatchewan. In 2011 the Mendel Art Gallery held a retrospective of her work, “Back Talk (works 1983–2009), curated by Jen Budney, which went on to tour the Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown, Mount Saint Vincent University Gallery in Halifax and the Thunder Bay Art

Gallery. She also showed as part of “Oh, Canada” which is the largest group show of contemporary Canadian Art, at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Art Award is a $5000 cash prize and a limited edition bronze Joe Fafard sculpture of a raven with the sun in its beak perched on a potato which is balanced on a rock. Fafard wanted a work with universal meaning, so he chose to use an animal, a vegetable, and a mineral.

Ruth Cuthand is a Little Pine First Nations band member, of Cree and Scots descent. She was born in Prince Albert in 1954 and has lived most of her life in Saskatchewan.

“I am very honoured to be the recipient of this award. I would like to thank my nominators, Cindy Baker and Jen Budney. I would also like to thank my present and former students at First Nations University of Canada, from whom I have learned so much. I would like to thank the Saskatchewan Arts Board for its support of my work which allowed me to be able to spend more time creating.” Cuthand said. •

LITTLE PINE HELPS PROVINCE LOOK NO FURTHER FOR WORKERS

BY SHAWN CUTHAND

A growing trend in the workforce lately is to look abroad and apply for temporary foreign workers, a quick solution. Meanwhile all over Saskatchewan there are willing workers living on reserves that may not have the resources to make it into the surrounding cities for steady jobs.

One reserve that has taken steps forward to make a change is Little Pine First Nation.

Little Pine band council and Lloydminster city council have worked together to develop a plan to get people from the reserve to the city to work in many different areas of the workforce.

They have two shuttle vans that take workers into the city in the morning and back home after the work day. The plan gives very positive results, families get to be more independent and provide for themselves while gaining crucial work experience which will

help build their resume. A recent media release shows that since the inception of this program, members of Little Pine First Nation who receive social assistance has dropped by 33%. All of this is due to a good partnership between Little Pine’s life skills and job placement program, the city of Lloydminster and its business district. Employment has been obtained in the hotel industry, oil and gas, as well as the Husky Upgrader and Onion Lake Enterprises.

This is a great opportunity to cut boundaries and prejudices between reserves and their surrounding cities. First Nations people want to be independent, work and provide for their families and given the right opportunity they will not disappoint. Given the already proven success of this program it should not be long until other communities follow this blueprint. •

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George Gordon First Nation Opens New Urban Services Centre New centre will better serve First Nation’s urban members REGINA, SK - This past August marked the official Grand Opening of the George Gordon First Nation Business Center located at 2704 10th Avenue in Regina SK.

The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included Chief Shawn Longman and Elder Hazel Bitternose. Attendees were then given a tour of the facility, followed by a Council and staff meet and greet, and other family activities includ-

ing a barbeque.

The GGFN Business Centre provides urban services as well as a secondary home for better efficiency in meeting the needs of its members and business operations.

The initiative will benefit the operations of the George Gordon Development Limited (GGDL), Treaty Land Entitlement, Post-Secondary, Registry Services, and it will also provide office space leasing, boardroom rental, and available space to provide training.

Some other services the

Chief Shawn Longman and elder Hazel Bitternose cut the ribbon at the new George Gordon Urban Services Centre in Regina.

GGFN Business Centre will provide are making sure that members meet the needs required for employment as offered through other joint ventures, and to develop and initiate employment retention strategies to remove barriers so members stay employed. There will also be Education Support services to help ensure the success rate of youth enrolled in school.

Councillor Terry-Lynn McNab who is portfolio holder for George Gordon Urban Services Centre, was an integral part of its establishment. McNab states “Off reserve services has been one of my priorities as a leader. At this point we have a lot of our off-reserve citizens who are in need of programing and services that will allow them to become active in the labour market economy. Our priorities, as a First Nation with an economic agenda, requires tailored services to meet the demands of our membership, hence the development and creation of the Urban Services Assistance Program.”

“The Chief and Council is grateful for the relationship we have struck with the provincial ministry of the Economy, via the GGFN

Regina

BY ARMAND LAPLANTE

Social Development Committee, which has also led to the establishment of the ‘George Gordon Training and Employment Centre’ on reserve. It is our hope that this relationship will be extended to maximize the potential of our off-reserve citizenry to become engaged.” McNab continues, “Of 3,425 overall members, there is currently 2,251 George Gordon First Nation band members living off the reserve – if fully engaged our off reserve membership holds an overall earning potential of $67,530,000.00. This should bode well with potential partners who are in need of an expanded workforce.”

The GGFN Urban Services will initiate community engagement to ensure the success of its members who do not reside on the reserve. The service will also be available to members who are making the transition from the reserve to an urban setting. By establishing working relationships with other service providers, departments, and community based programs the Centre will ensure limited resources are utilized toward the maximum advantage of its members. •

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October 2013

Dakota Dunes Casino August 6-8, 2013 photos: Pauline Cuthand

George Gordon First Nation August 23-25, 2013

11902 Railway Ave, North Battleford, SK (306) 446-3833 www.GoldEagleCasino.ca

photos: Becki Bitternose

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Oskayak High School (Saskatoon) September 27, 2013 photos: Armand LaPlante

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“Women Walking Together”: 8th Annual Sisters In Spirit Vigil Gathers Mass National Support

BY DORIAN TOKICI Saskatoon, SK - Over 200 Sisters in Spirit Vigils were held across the world on October 4th, the numbers increasing yearly. The event, a walk that brings attention to missing and murdered Aboriginal women, is now in its 8th year of walks.

In Saskatchewan alone, 10 vigils occurred, including a vigil held in Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon Metis and Friendship Centre hosted

this year’s Vigil with a walk that saw about 300 supporters interrupt downtown traffic—a minor inconvenience in comparison to the emotional turmoil that families experience when a loved one goes missing or is murdered. Carole Wolf shared her story about her missing daughter, Karina Bethann Wolfe, and also spoke of an unsolved murder of a First Nation woman from Big River First Nation. Her shared personal stories put

into perspective the continued suffering that families experience when there is no closure.

This year’s vigil in Saskatoon was hosted by Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik, which in Cree means “Women Walking Together”. Though the vigil brings attention to missing Aboriginal women, and the group itself is named for the women that walk together, men were encouraged to...

• continued page 14.

8th Annual Sisters In Spirit Walk in Saskatoon. October 4th, 2013.

First First Nations Woman Appointed as Top Cop

This past summer, the appointment of Brenda Butterworth-Carr, a member of Tr’ondek Hwech’in Han First Nation (in Central Yukon), as head of Saskatchewan RCMP division was welcomed by many First Nations people in Saskatchewan including Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice Chief Kimberly Jonathan who holds the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission (SFNWC) portfolio.

The SFNWC is responsible for addressing the issues of First Nations women and children and advancing their rights.

Since the 1960s, First Nations Women have been getting together and discussing their issues and hardships and in 2000 the SFNWC formed. At first it was a council then in 2004 it became the 7th commission of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. The SFNWC is a positive force and focuses on Treaty Rights.

In an AFN press release, National Chief Shawn Atleo issued the following statement: “On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and national executive, I offer congratulations to Chief Superintendent Butterworth-Carr on this appointment as Commanding Officer for Saskatchewan. The new Commanding Officer brings with her many years of experience that

will serve her well. We also believe that, as a First Nations citizen, she will continue to bring an important perspective and understanding to her new role,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. “I commend as well the many years of dedication and hard work of outgoing Assistant Commissioner Russ Mirasty.

We look forward to continuing to help support strengthened relationships between the RCMP and First Nations in Saskatchewan region and nationally in ways that will better ensure our peoples are safe and secure.”

Butterworth-Carr is a mother of three who has had a full and successful career all over the country that is still progressing. She began her career in 1987 when she joined the RCMP as a native special constable. She has worked and climbed ranks in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia and has made her mark in Canadian History by becoming the first Aboriginal woman in numerous positions including her most recent appointment as Commanding Officer of the F Division, which includes all of Saskatchewan.

Butterworth-Carr succeeds Assistant Commissioner Russ Mirasty who, in December 2010, was the first First Nations person to command an RCMP division. •

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Q&A: Social Media buzzing over Saskatoon rapper 5ive Dallahz

Urban music and hiphop culture is of huge influence in inner-city Saskatoon.

Hiphop provides a medium for peoples’ voices to be heard, to express themselves, to let it all out with some creativity. Ryan Standing (“5ive Dallahz” or “5ive”), now 26, started rapping at age 7 after watching movies like “Menace to Society” and “New Jersey Drive”.

5ive has quickly made a name for himself in Saskatoon’s hiphop music scene and recently released a free rap mixtape online called “Binged Out”.

Although residing in Saskatoon, 5ive is from the White Bear First Nation, Southeast Treaty #4, and from Sioux Valley, Manitoba on his dad’s side. 5ive considers himself a “Southern Indian”; he spent time growing up on both reserves noting that it was often tough and sometimes resembled a third world country.

ITNEWS: Tell us about your new mixtape “Binged Out”: 5ive: It dropped officially last week, I only had 6 tracks done, not even fully mixed, but I had

some problems with the studio, I couldn’t work there anymore; that was a setback. So I only had 6 tracks and then I talked to my manager and he said just release it all free and start working on the next one.

Your video “911” is creating a buzz right now, is that on the mix tape?

It’s on the mix tape, that’s the single – 911. I wrote that on lock down. My good friend Bubba was supposed to be on the song but some things happened. I wrote 911 in 10 minutes, it just came to me.

That’s how it happens sometimes; you hear a beat and it just comes to you.

When did you start dancing Pow Wow?

I’ve been dancing Pow Wow my whole life, I was born into it; it’s in my blood. All my ancestors were in the Grass Dance society so it’s just natural for me, I’ve been doing it every summer my whole life. […] I was always travelling, even in the winter time I went all over North America. I was a Champion.

Ryan Standing aka 5ive Dallahz You’ve faced some challenges and struggles in life, how do music and even Pow Wow help you through that?

When I dance Pow Wow I’m praying when I dance, I’m healing people.

One time they got me to clean up the dance area after a ceremony at Beardy’s Pow Wow; they know I’m out there dancing for the people. I dance for people who can’t walk, there’s people out there in wheel chairs, I dance for them.

I dance and try to heal people with it.

As for music, I just talk what’s real, what I’ve been through and that’s how the music comes out.

I know you’re promoting this mixtape heavy right now, but what’s next in your future?

Right now, I’m just going video by video, you can get the mixtape for free at reverbnation.com/5ivedallahz or on my facebook or twitter.

My next single coming out is called “Noticed Now”.

What’s the video Noticed Now going to be about?

In the beginning no one liked native rap, but now we’re Noticed Now. I just talk about what it’s like coming from the real bottom to the top. [...] Me and Yellowsky, we’re from the bottom and we’re getting some limelight now -- we’re Noticed Now. What rappers inspire you?

All my brothers, they paved the way for kids like us.

There was a time when they called us wannabe black peo-

ple, everyone hated on native rappers. But a lot of native artists in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba kept rapping and now everything’s cool; everyone wants to be a rapper now.

It’s like a trend: back in the day, everyone wanted to be a cowboy, all our dads and uncles all wore wranglers and cowboy hats. Now everyone wants to wear fitted jeans and snapbacks, everyone wants to be rappers all the sudden. Everybody and their mom raps now.

Joey Stylez, Big Dro [Drezus], Skye Stoney. My bro right here, Roberto [Yellowsky], he came up with me from the bottom. I was rapping with Bridge City. I used to battle lots everywhere I went.

When I went to Pow Wows all over North America I was battling kids; that’s what inspired -- hiphop. Even though we’re native, hiphop has no colour, we relate to hiphop because we live it.

What advice would you give to young kids going through what you went through who are also interested in rap?

That’s my whole goal, one day I want to be able to talk to kids...

• continued page 14

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October 2013

Sports: Highlights from Indian Country

BY BLUE PELLETIER

tember 21, the White Buffalo Youth Lodge hosted a free 3 on 3 basketball WHITE BUFFALO tournament. The Event was YOUTH LODGE sponsored by the Potash Corp of Saskatchewan.

AND POTASH

The tournament featured 18 teams. There were CORP TEAM UP Men’s and Women’s DiviFOR 3 ON 3 sions, 17 and Under Boys TOURNAMENT and Girls Divisions, as well

On Saturday, Sep- as an Under 13 Co-ed Divi-

sion. All of the Teams in the Youth Division were given hoodies, shorts, bags and jerseys.

Most of the kids who participated come from inner city Saskatoon and many of them don’t have the confidence to go out to participate in team sports.

Heidi Glavelle, who is one of the tournament organizers, says “It is important to give this opportunity for the youth from the inner city to participate in a tournament, basketball is so popular here. It’s important for them to develop skills that will transfer over to other areas and give them confidence”

long dominated the North American Indigenous Games, having won the overall team title at every NAIG except Winnipeg.

Next year, Regina is set to host the Games, the first in Saskatchewan since the 1993 Games were held in Prince Albert.

The theme to the Games is “Raising the Bar”.

The Games will showcase North America’s Indigenous Cultures through sport, language, traditions, art, dance, songs and ceremonies.

Teams will come from all over North America, representing 26 different regions and participating in 15 different sports, both male and female.

2014 NORTH

Team Saskatchewan AMERICAN hopes to once again sit atop the standings and Chef de INDIGENOUS Mission Mel Mercredi says GAMES that “Of course our goal is to “RAISING THE be successful and to win the overall title. But also, that BAR” our athletes have a positive experience. Especially with

Saskatchewan has us being the host. It’s so

exciting, because I’ve been an athlete, a coach, a chaperone. It’s such an amazing experience to bring all First Nations from all over North America; it’s exciting to be a part of it. “

Out of the fifteen sports that will be participating in the Games, five have had their ID camps. A number of other camps for other sports will be taking place in the coming months.

In October, Chef de Missions from all over North America will be meeting in Regina to visit venues and to study the progress of the Games.

For more information about the Games log on to: www.regina2014naig.com

SASK FIRST NATIONS SUMMER GAMES 2013 RECAP

The 2013 Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games came to a close with a new team being crowned the overall Team Champion. The Touchwood Agency Tribal Council was the overall winner, and also took home the Tony Cote Award as the most improved team.

Meadow Lake Tribal Council was 2nd, and The Agency Chiefs finished 3rd.

The next games will be held on the Ochapowace First Nation July 18-24, 2015.

See y’all there!!

Under 13 Basketball Champions.

Jus Sayin…

White Buffalo Youth Lodge VS. Beardy’s First Nation

Ladies Division Champions. Photos: Blue Pelletier

Gustafsson was robbed… Blue Jays sucked again this year, asif… Will one Canadian team please step up and win the Stanley Cup this year?… Don’t sleep on the Roughriders; I like the team they assembled for a run at the Grey Cup… Peyton Manning is pretty good eh? • Next issue deadline: November 4 2013.

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• Sisters; continued from page 10

Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte

...and did show up to the vigil to show their support. Also in attendance was Kevin Seseequasis, representative for the Liberal Party of Canada, and Clive Weighill, Police Chief for the Saskatoon Police.

Additional speakers included Ruby Whitstone, from Onion Lake First Nation, and Angie Bear, of Iskwewuk Prince Albert. The walk started and ended at the Friendship Centre with stories, speakers, soup and bannock, singers, and ended with a round dance.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) brought forth a petition urging government to initiate a national public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte, member of Iskwewuk, says “part of a solution is to have a national inquiry and

October 2013 have two more support funds for families who stop work to search for their loved ones and heavy sentences for those found guilty.”

According to the NWAC, there are currently 582 cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. A higher percentage of women and girls are missing in Saskatchewan in comparison to other provinces, with 61 missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Saskatchewan alone; this accounts for a little over 10% of the national numbers.

For those interested in bringing attention to the issue, liking and sharing articles of missing Aboriginal women on social media sites with friends, though not a solution, is a start. The missing woman is, after all, not just a faceless person, but someone’s sister, mother, daughter, or aunt. A loved one. •

From left: USSU President Max Fineday, Annie Battiste, Colleen Whitedeer.

Ryan Standing aka Wankiya Wacisa “Dancing Thunder” (Indian name) aka 5ive Dallahz (stage name) in his Pow Wow regalia.

• Q&A 5ive: continued from page 11 ...It was also a decision I made on my own when I first went to jail, a lot of kids think it’s cool – but they forget there’s diseases out there, cops that will try lock you up and throw away the key.… I just want to talk to kids and tell them that this is real, it’s not cool once you’re locked up, it’s not cool at all. You miss birthdays, you miss Christmases, you miss first-this and first-that, you miss a lot of things.

For me, to tell these kids, maybe they shouldn’t listen to my music if it is influencing them because that’s not what it’s for. I’m just expressing myself. When I make a record and I show you or give it the track or give you the CD, now that song is yours, the lyrics

are yours. I made [the song] but if you get it from me and you listen to it and you relate to it then you make it yours in your own way -- it’s yours. I can’t see a song the way you see a song.

Any last shout outs or shows coming up?

We’re doing shows with NonStop records, Matty D, my bro Roberto [Yellowsky] October 13th at the Double Deuce. The new video “Noticed Now” is coming out within the month.

Follow me on social media! • Twitter: @5ivedeezy reverbnation.com/5ivedallahz

October 2013

Indigenous Times

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AFN 4th National Youth Summit November 18-21

TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK

YOUTH LEADERSHIP:

SUPPORTING THE WAY FORWARD

Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Montreal Lake Cree Nation and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) proudly host Welcome to Treaty 6 Territory.

Ages 16-30 $100 Per Delegate All Delegates are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to attend the Summit.

Contact/Tradeshow/Registration Information Donnie Garrow Jeannie Pewapisconias dgarrow@afn.ca Jeannie.Pewapisconias@fsin.com (866) 869-6789 ext. 369 (306) 956-6938

Registration/Tradeshow www.picatic.com/afnyouthsummit www.fsin.com or www.afn.ca Fax form to (306) 665-1317

Indigenous Times

16

October 2013

15TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING

Prince Albert Grand Council

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

OCTOBER 12TH & 13TH, 2013 AT THE ART HAUSER CENTRE PRINCE ALBERT, SASKATCHEWAN

s GRAND ENTRY 3!452$!9 0- 0- s 35.$!9 0- s s '2%!4 02):%3 s ')6%!7!93 s 30%#)!,3 s

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority

For More Information Please Contact: Sherry at (306) 764-4751 or (306) 764-4777