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
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