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Issue 3 • Volume 17
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Summer 2012
Treaty 6 Flag Flies in Lloydminster
Left to right: First Nations Veteran George Benson, Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox, Mayor of Lloydminster Jeff Mulligan. Photo: Nicole Robertson, Muskwa Productions.
LLOYDMINSTER SK July 20, 2012 is an auspicious day in the history of Lloydminster and for Treaty 6 First Nations. It is the day the City raised the Treaty 6 flag to permanently fly at City Hall and gave witness to the fact that the First Nations have a Treaty with the Crown of Canada and that Treaty is still alive and well. The flag raising was observed by the Mayor Jeff Mulligan and Council of the City of Lloydminster, Chief Wallace Fox of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, Hon. Leon Benoit, MP for Vegreville-Wainright, Treaty 6 Chiefs and Councillors, and many others. “It is a very proud and historic moment” for the Onion Lake Cree Na-
tion, Chief Fox said, the closest First Nation to the city. It is also significant for all Treaty 6 First Nations and other Treaty areas as well. According to Chief Fox, “one of the most important parts is creating that awareness within the general public by doing this and acknowledging that the City of Lloydminster is on Treaty 6 territory, recognizing that we have a treaty with the Queen.” He mentioned in an interview with Indigenous Times that the City of Lloydminster’s mayor and council unanimously endorsed the flag raising. “It’s certainly a big step in a positive direction, communicating, creating that understanding and eventually developing a better positive
relationship with the general sector.” People will see the flag flying and begin to ask questions and that gives the opportunity to educate them and create awareness of the Treaty. • Continued on page 6
AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo will lead for another term Page 5
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012
Summer 2012
Editorial
by: Armand LaPlante
Many people use New Years as a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings; for me, it is in the summer time, specifically the time of the Sun Dance. In the summer time there is somewhat of a relief from the hustle and bustle that is associated with the other seasons; people get the chance to sit back and enjoy the weather. During the Sun Dance (even if I’m not dancing) I pray. As I pray I reflect on my life in the past but mostly I look forward towards the future and pray for the strength to become the person I want to be. I pray for safe guidance and good health for me, my friends and family. The songs are powerful, I can feel as if the Creator is Publisher/Editor: Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca Sales Representatives: Joshua Charette Bradley Pechawis sales@indigenoustimes.ca phone: 306-955-0109 fax: 306-242-0530
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Indigenous Times listening. After I leave the Sun Dance and go back to normal life I feel that sense of rejuvenation and of new beginnings – a renewed strength. Once I saw a stone in a ceremony, it was respected and acknowledged. This might sound ridiculous to many people in this modern society, and that’s all right. For many First Nations people it is animate, characterized by life. For others, it is inanimate, void of life. This is actually the difference in world views, I can’t say there is a right or wrong, only that our spiritual relationship with our Earth is different. On the lighter side, along the same topic, I remember laughing at a performance by comedian Dave Chappelle, an African American who told his fictional story of how he met a Native American, in a Walmart store. To determine if he was a real bona fide Native American, he thought to test him by throwing a bubblegum wrapper to the ground to see how the man would react. Well, he said, he looked at him and there a single tear came down from the man’s eye. Now he knew he had a bona fide Indian. It’s actually comic but the point is that the stereotype of the “crying Indian” actually derives from the Native American/First Nations’ tradtional relationship with the Earth, even if it was an Italian by the name of Iron Eyes Cody who played the Indian. This summer Shawn A-in-chut Atleo has been re-elected National Chief of
the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) having had considerable support on the first ballot, there was no looking back. From what I observed it seemed unexpected. To have seven candidates challenging, needing that many Chiefs’ signatures, one has to think there is widespread dissatisfaction among Chiefs with Atleo’s leadership. This, as we know now, is not the case. From my limited knowledge of the AFN, it seems the dissatisfaction is not with the individual, but rather the ability of the organization to represent two major First Nations’ agendas: Treaty and non-Treaty. There are Treaty First Nations Chiefs that are outright questioning the ability of the AFN to be able to effectively represent the interests of Treaty First Nations and their efforts toward Treaty protection and implementation. Chief Wallace Fox, from what we’ve observed from the Indigenous Times, is one Chief that is not delegating that authority over to the AFN or anyone other organization for the matter. The Onion Lake Cree Nation of Treaty 6 is taking real steps in Treaty implementation. Its authority is inherent and re-affirmed by Treaty with the British Crown. With the action on the part of Onion Lake Cree Nation in asserting its nationhood, it could serve as an example for other Treaty First Nations; a Treaty First Nations government road map in the making, a template.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the youth out there who are doing great things. Congratulations to the BATC boys soccer club who completed in San Diego, California; Nikita Kahpeaysewat representing us in the Miss Teen Canada World Pageant, Cadmus Delorme who just keeps getting better in the golf world; to Sacha Favel and Jeanelle Blackstar who traveled and worked abroad, and to many others representing, right on, keep going! One youth who apparently is finding his Indigenous roots and getting a hard time over it is Justin Bieber. Like Johnny Depp, we should embrace and adopt him. Think of the influence he has with millions of youth world wide! National Chief A-in-chut, should take the opportunity to educate him and thereby millions of others on the real facts of “free gas” and being “part Indian or Inuit or something.” Fun times! Enjoy your summer! Ekosi. Armand LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca
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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.
Creators of Wapos Bay to Kick Off New Series Dennis and Melanie Jackson experiment with new futuristic concept BY RYAN MOCCASIN Forty-one million years into the future, and there emerge young teens who have just woken up from a cryogenic sleep. They find that civilization has been destroyed and the world is much different than what it used to be. These five Indigenous youth will try to survive in the barren wasteland, and live in bunkers while they venture out and learn to adapt to their new surroundings. This description of a futuristic world will serve as the premise for the new TV series called Guardians: Evolution. The creators of this new series have just wrapped up six seasons of their stop-motion animation series, Wapos Bay. Dennis and Melanie Jackson have begun work on the new series but the idea has been floating around much longer. “It started when I was writing stories in high school where my English teacher encouraged me to write,“ said Dennis. “Not really knowing structure about TV writing, I wrote about the idea of Guardians: Evolution and later on I went to the University of Regina to study
film and video production.” The knowledge gained from studying film and video has proven to be an asset in the production of their TV series, Wapos Bay. “It’s quite amazing how Dennis can think of an idea in high school and then later use it in his career,“ added Melanie. The new TV series will be geared towards teenagers, and the oldest human characters will be Indigenous youth no older than 16 years old. The production of the series will continue with the stopmotion animation style of Wapos Bay, which has earned a number of awards since it began airing on APTN in 2006. It also featured the voices of several known Aboriginal actors and musicians such as Andrea Menard, Gordon Tootoosis, and Joseph Naytowhow. In keeping with the creative inventions of Dennis and Melanie Jackson, the new series will be purely science fiction and it will feature a whole new cast of voice actors for the project. Guardians: Evolution is currently in production and will begin airing early next year in 2013.
Concept drawing of Guardians: Evolution. Photo Credit: Dennis and Melanie Jackson
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012
English River First Nation 2012 Graduates Dream Big Ten youth from ERFN graduate from St. Louis High School, travel to Hawaii BY TENILLE CAMPBELL
On June 15th, 2012, the English River First Nation (ERFN) St. Louis School graduated ten members of its youth from high school. The gym was full of tearful parents, proud grandparents and beaming staff. Speeches were told, presents were given, and academic awards were rung in. Chief
Clarence Louis (Osoyoos, BC) was the guest speaker and his determined voice encouraged our youth to dream big, to arrive on time and to keep a job. Applause thundered in the small gym. The perfect end to a high school career. But the cliché holds true –this is just the beginning. The ERFN Grads have chosen to start their adult lives with a trip that
may be the first for many, and perhaps the only chance for a few, to travel abroad. Hawaii is the land that beckoned them, with the balmy beaches, a new culture and the chance to try some amazing sea-sports. “The class decided in January where they wanted to go,” says Trena Phenix, co-VP of St. Louis School and the lone chaperone on this adventure. This is the fifth year in a row that she has taken students on Grad Trips after they have successfully completed exams, and Hawaii is the farthest they have travelled yet. “Every year, the trip gets bigger and better. The new Grads always try to beat the previous Grads,” explains Bob Roque, co-VP of St. Louis School, referring to last year’s Grad Trip to California and the previous year to Jasper. The key to a successful trip seems to be a mixture of fun activities with culture thrown in, with activities such as “surfing lessons, swimming with dolphins, the aquarium, a submarine tour of the USS Missouri, Pearl Harbour, the Polynesian Cultural Centre and a traditional luau, as well
as a city tour,” explained Ms. Phenix, referring to the upcoming trip. The Grads fundraised for the trip with prize bingos, nacho and popcorn sales every Friday, and providing lunches at community events. They raised $31,000 for the trip, the rest being donated by various companies and organizations such as FSIN and BMTR Ventures. One notable donation was given by Tron Power, who donated $11,000 for the trip. The last few months have seen trips to Saskatoon to arrange for passports, making travel plans, and last minute changes. They were to leave on July 5th and arrive home on July 14th, full of new adventures, bags filled with Hawaiian goodies and hopefully, the desire to travel abroad again. Congratulations to the ERFN Grads of 2012 – Bella Black, Brianna Gunn, Brittany Apesis, Daniel McIntyre, Dylan Opekekew, Keith Currie, Kendra Campbell, Tawnee MacDonald, William Wolverine and Zack George. •
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012
Shawn Atleo Re-Elected to Serve Another 3 Years U of S students react to the re-election of AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo BY RYAN MOCCASIN
The ballots were cast a total of three times, and as the final count was completed, the results anointed Shawn Atleo as National Chief of the AFN for a second term. Atleo earned 341 votes out of 512 that were cast by First Nations leaders from across Canada. All across the country, people tuned in and observed what would be the outcome of a long and arduous election, one of which lasted for 23 hours in 2009 when Atleo was elected for his first term. Among the many people who observed the election were Aboriginal students from the University of Saskatchewan. “I followed the campaign very closely and saw a lot of really interesting developments along the way. It started with a pretty prominent newspaper predicting that Atleo would go unchallenged for the top job and within weeks turned into the largest race the AFN had ever seen,� said Max Fineday, who is a Political Science major at the U of S. As the election date neared, there finally stood a record number
election were Atleo and Pam Palmater. Atleo got the stamp of approval from the Chiefs in the direction he is taking. And Palmater came in second with no political experience and her gender (arguably) being a handicap in an ‘old boys’ organization. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see her run again in 2015,� added Fineday. Unity with the government
of eight contenders pursuing the top job as National Chief for the organization. Among the candidates were four women and four men, each with their own unique resume that they brought to the table. They also brought their criticisms forward for Atleo during the campaign trail. “The campaign was a really divisive one,� says Fineday. The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union President, Jared Brown offered his insights on the criticisms felt by Atleo. “Political criticisms have been placed upon him, but it always allows an avenue for one to learn. He should analyze where these criticism are coming from and realize that there may be some weight to them. I think you need to have a good relationship with the government to move forward.� On July 18th it was a majority of the Chiefs, the only ones eligible to cast a vote, who would allow Atleo to continue his mandate. In second place was lawyer and professor, Pam Palmater who would receive 141 votes on the third and final ballot. “The big winners of this
and especially among Aboriginal communities has been a re-occurring theme during the months leading up to the historic vote. In the end, it would be National Chief Shawn Atleo encouraging unity and cooperation in his victory speech. “Going forward, I reflect back to what the ancestors remind us of, we are stronger together,â€? said Atleo. •
Re-elected AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. Photo: AFN Facebook Page.
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012
FSIN SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE IN TREATY NO. 5 TERRITORY www.fsin.com June 27, 2012, Traditional territory of Treaty No. 5 (Nipawin, SK) The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations signed a threeyear Public Safety Cooperation Protocol Agreement with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The signing between FSIN Vice Chief Bobby Cameron and RCMP Assistant Commissioner “F” Division, Russ Mirasty took place during the FSIN Spring Legislative Assembly. The forum was hosted by the Eastern Sector communities of Shoal Lake Cree Nation, the Red Earth First Nation and the Cumberland House Cree Nation at the Evergreen Centre in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. The purpose of the protocol is to establish trusting and reciprocal relationships between First Nation communities and the RCMP. The goal is to build safer communities for the residents and the RCMP members who work in those communities. “The Federation, through its
Special Investigations Unit, intends to resolve disputes at the First Nation community level when possible, and to prevent incidents that can potentially escalate into formal complaints. In this way, First Nations become part of the solution and are more responsible for the safety within their own communities,” says FSIN Vice Chief Bobby Cameron. First Nations and the RCMP have a long history, though sometimes adversarial, of focusing on our mutual goals, community safety for everyone. During the signing ceremony, Vice Chief Cameron said. “The FSIN will help work with the communities and Tribal Councils, and maintain ongoing communication with the RCMP.” •
become full partners in natural resource development. “This conversation we are going to have with the business leaders from the natural resource sector is long over-due,” says ViceChief Bobby Cameron. “Prior to this meeting the parties did not have any forum for this kind of discussion. We want to initiate a dialogue between the two parties so that both Industry and the First Nations may share the benefits and prosperity that comes from natural resource development. We want to impress upon Industry and government of the importance of providing opportunities for First Nation communities and individuals to become involved in partnerships in sustainable economic development activities. The legacy that we leave behind for future generations and our communities is FIRST NATIONS MUST BE one of self-sufficiency, prosperity FULL PARTNERS IN and hope for a secure future.” NATURAL RESOURCE The Industry & First NaDEVELOPMENT tions Relations Forum will serve www.fsin.com (Saskatoon, SK) On Thurs- three purposes. First, there is a day July 26, 2012, Saskatchewan growing interest among First NaFirst Nations and Industry will meet tion leadership to form a strong and in Saskatoon at the Radisson Hotel mutually beneficial working relato discuss how First Nations can tionships with the natural resource sector in Saskatchewan. Holding the Forum is critical at a time when events in other regions of Canada have shown division between First Nations and Industry, as well as positive results. The Forum is to initiate a positive dialogue among those in attendance. Secondly, the forum will provide an opportunity for the parties to begin to understand each other’s obligations with respect to the duty to consult and accommodate. Although the duty to consult and accommodate is a constitutional legal obligation owed to the First Nations by the federal and provincial governments, certain procedural aspects of the duty to consult and RCMP Commanding Officer “F” Division, Assistant Commissioner accommodate are often delegated Russ Mirasty and FSIN Vice Chief Bobby Cameron. • Submitted photo. to the natural resource developing
proponent. It is this aspect of the duty upon which the parties must mutually agree. Finally, the Forum will serve to open the doors to the greatest resource First Nations have to offer – a large, young and growing potential employee pool. The First Nations population is the fastest growing sector of Saskatchewan society. With investment by both parties, the natural resource sector can rely and depend on this employment pool, which has thus far been untapped by government and other business sectors. This initiative reflects recommendations made by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, who in their report released on July 16, 2012, strongly urged governments to make aboriginal communities full partners in developing energy and mining projects. “Big business wants First Nations at the negotiating table.” The Council recommended that “governments should help train a growing aboriginal workforce and develop new ways to support aboriginal communities so that they can participate vigorously in business initiatives and negotiations to share the wealth.” To do otherwise, the Council acknowledges, is putting at risk “the viability of billions of dollars in natural resource investment.” The Council’s primary concern on speaking to this issue is “predictability of process”. The Council also strongly recommended a government-designed process that has as its goal “transformative investment” that works as well for First Nations as it does for corporations. Government support is necessary to set up a framework that will ensure that all society benefits, rather than leaving the responsibility entirely with the corporate sector.
• Continued from Front Page: The Treaty 6 flag itself was designed by Chief Fox along with Vern Chocan in consultation with the Elders of Onion Lake. It is a Union Jack background to the Treaty medal in the centre with the words “As long a the Sun Shines, the Grass grows,and the rivers flow - Treaty # 6”. It symbolizes the Treaty itself and the relationship with the Crown. According to Chief Fox, “when the treaties were entered into, the Union Jack was there and the Queen had said to our ancestors, ‘here is a flag, my flag that I will give to you to recognize ... that we have a treaty.” The medal was a gift from the Queen to each Treaty signer Chief to commemorate the signing. It depicts the Queen Victoria’s representative shaking hands with the First Nations
representative, the hatchet buried in the ground to symbolize peace and in the background, the sun, water, and grass symbolize the enduring nature of the Treaty. The Treaty 6 flag was first raised at the recent Treaty 6 summit held at Fort Pitt early in June, and may fly at other city halls in the near future. Chief Fox acknowledged the work done by Elmer Eashappie having the Treaty 4 Flag raised in Regina in April? (See IT Vol Issue), and having laid the groundwork for other cities to do similarly. Prince Albert, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Edmonton are other urban municipalities that are potentially looking at it. This is part and parcel of Chief Fox’s work in implementing Treaty at the First Nations level.
were a sovereign nation and still are. How can you enter into a Treaty if you weren’t a sovereign entity and that’s what our ancestors were and we still are that. Again we’ve been pushed into mainstream society for over a hundred years and seem to have lost focus on that a number of times. Yet we talk about it but we don’t truly understand it.” •
For the foreseeable future, Fox intends “continuing on with our own legislation-making powers. We believe that we have that inherent right to develop our own laws we never ceded. We were never conquered people. We always maintain that position. But unfortunately through the whole assimilation policy of the Indian Act over the course of the last hundred years, our people have become colonized. We need to go back, learn and understand what the Treaty is – the spiritual part, from a traditional perspective, not the academic, what you see in a book. People need to start learning that. That’s my hope and my wish is that our own people can start really seeing that and recognizing that. Once enough people are understanding that, they can start asserting their right, their sovereign right. We
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South East Treaty #4 Students Acknowledged for their Artwork Student works guided by renowned artist Michael Lonechild BY YOLANDE HOWRIE
June 13th, 2012 marked a special day at the Treaty 4 Governance Centre in Fort Qu’Appelle, SK. Grade 5 and 6 students and special guests from across the Treaty 4 territory, gathered to celebrate the artistic accomplishments of students. The students from the communities of Ocean Man First Nation, Pheasant Rump First Nation, White Bear First Nation, Arcola, Carlyle, and Stoughton were invited to the Governance Centre to share their artwork, which is on display in the governance building. The students’ works were created under the guidance of professional artist, Michael Lonechild of the White Bear First Nation. Treaty 4 Student Success Program (T4SSP) Inc. has been fortunate to have Michael Lonechild as the Artist-in-Residence for the past 2 years, through the generosity of the Saskatchewan Arts Board’s Creative Partnerships Innovations Program. The Artist-in-Residence Program has had significant positive impacts for students, teachers, and communities. This year a special project was explored through a “friendship” between T4SSP Inc. and the Southeast Corner Stone School Division. The project’s goal was to strengthen relationships be-
tween communities in the southeast region, and to build supports for students and teachers in these schools. This year 90 pieces of artwork were created in classrooms during several lessons that included basic art instruction, and a simple instructional technique, which Michael calls “Follow Me”. Michael selected several student pieces to hang in the historic Treaty 4 Governance Centre, as part of the 2nd Treaty 4 gallery display. The Treaty 4 gallery exhibit is a celebration of the students’ hard work, creative spirit, and blossoming talents. Guests gathered for a traditional children’s Honour song and blessing, and enjoyed a barbeque lunch together before the official program began. The Honorable Russ Marchuk, Minister of Education, and former T4SSP Inc. staff member, began the afternoon program with inspirational opening remarks. Students were recognized with a certificate of appreciation. Many students have shared their personal thoughts about the honor of working with Michael Lonechild; their quotes hang amongst the art pieces. Students’ art will proudly hang in the gallery for one year, a special display of friendships in the Treaty 4 territory. The gallery is open for public viewing during regular business hours. •
Above: The Honorable Russ Marchuk, Minister of Education (left) and renowned artist Michael Lonechild stand with one of the students. Below: Michael Lonechild with the students he guided
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012
Chief Poundmaker School Celebrates Grade 12 Grads Seven Poundmaker First Nation youth graduate grade 12, receive Treaty Medals from FSIN BY FLOYD P. FAVEL
Chief Poundmaker School held a Grade 12 graduation ceremony on Thursday June 28, 2012 at Veterans Hall. Family and friends, community members and leaders were on hand to celebrate and encourage the proud graduates. The graduates were: Joseph Antoine, Jonathon Bonaise, Mookie Bonaise, Walter Cheenanow, Bryton Chickeness, Jessie Sinclair, and Morning Dawn Thunder.
The hall underwent a transformation due to the decorating by the staff of the school. The theme for the event was ‘The World’s Greatest’, and each graduate’s character being associated with a quality from one of the seven wonders of Canada. The supper prepared by the Semaganis Family was nutritious, delicious and there was enough for all. The evening started with an opening prayer from elder Wallace Semaganis. Poundmaker council mem-
Graduates with their escorts.
bers Paul Favel, Colby Tootoosis and Vernon Antoine were on hand to provide comments. Paul Favel, a lawyer who was recently elected spoke, “It’s important to feel great about yourself and to have self esteem and to be able to set goals…” As well, the other recently elected council member Colby Tootoosis said, “Our people have gone through a lot to be here, to witness a day like this, from residential schools to now. This tells me that our elders prayed really hard for us. It’s really
challenging for young people in this day, so this is a big day, keep on going forward with your goals.” Treaty medals were presented by FSIN representative Corey O’Soup to each graduate, to remind them of the importance of Treaty to our people. The night was a success, a fitting way to celebrate the graduates’ many years of schooling and to set them on their way to achieve their further goals and dreams. •
Graduate Walter Cheenanow with friends Jamie and Jolene Pauls.
Summer 2012
Indigenous Times
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012
11 Poundmaker Community Garden Symbolizes Food Sustainability
Summer 2012
Indigenous Times
BY FLOYD P. FAVEL
Left to right: left to right, Adriane Nicotine, Evelyn Baptiste, Christine Antoine, Angie Chickosis, Colby Tootoosis
A community garden was recently planted on Poundmaker. Volunteers were out planting under the hot spring sun and there was much talk and laughter as the band members went to work. Some of the comments shared were, “a long time ago everyone used to have a garden…we had organic gardens before organic became popular…” One of the intents of the garden is to bring back the idea of food sustainability, meaning that the people are directly responsible and involved with their own food production, as opposed to being dependant on stores and outside sources. As well, the garden is fully organic with no pesticides or fertilizers, the hope being to introduce the ideas of healthy eating and active lifestyle to the people. Councilor Vernon Antoine spent a few days ploughing the earth, “We’re hoping our people come out and work together,” he stated. This garden is only one of the many new low cost community building initiatives planned by the council. •
Native American Church of North America Gather for 63rd Annual Conference BY FLOYD P. FAVEL I had the good fortune to attend the 63rd annual Native American Church of North American (NACNA) conference in Mayette, Kansas on June 15th and 16th, 2012. I attended the conference with the president of the NAC of Canada Kelly Daniels from Sturgeon Lake, Sask., and David Janvier, band councillor from Cold Lake First Nation. I was assisted in attending this conference by the Poundmaker Cree Nation and I was grateful for this kind assistance. The elections for the NACNA were also held and the newly elected leadership is; President Sandor Iron Rope, a Teton Lakota, Vice President Larry Dayish, from the Navajo Nation, Secretary Shelly Saunsoci, Navajo Nation and treasurer James Tso, Navajo Nation. The conference was hosted by the Prairie Band Potowatamies and the business meetings were held at the Potowatamie Casino while the prayer sessions were held at the Pow wow grounds. The ceremonies on the night of the 15th were led by Duane Shields from Yankton, Sandor Iron Rope from Pine Ridge, Josias Aitkens from Potowatamie and James Tso from the Navajo Nation. Participants in the conference were from many tribes, including the Arapahoe, Shoshone, Sioux, Potawatamie, Ojibway, Navajo, Comanche and some Cree people, includ-
ing elder Burton Sangrey from Red Pheasant. The weather on our way there was extremely hot and it happened to be the storm season as we entered Nebraska and Kansas and we ran into severe weather while travelling. The Potowatamies, an Algonguian-speaking tribe speak a language related to the Cree language and they were excellent hosts
feeding their visitors, alongside other foods, their traditional corn soup. They hold great respect for corn as they say that the corn fed them during times of starvation in the past. The NAC of Canada, incorporated in 1954 is affiliated with the NACNA and are full voting members. Kelly Daniels stated, “It was due to the incorporation of the NAC of Canada in 1954 that the Na-
tive American Church changed its name to the NACNA. The NACNA opened our church in 1956 with a prayer meeting at Fort Battleford, it’s because of this that I feel it’s important we keep coming here to the conferences.” Next year’s annual convention will be held in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, hosted by the Winnebago Tribe. •
Left to right: unidentified, Josias Aikens, Sandor Iron Rope, unidentified, James Tso, Kelly Daniels, Duane Shields.
Summer 2012 Indigenous Times 12 Sacha Favel of Little Pine Reflects on her Trip to Tanzania Africa
“Canada World Youth-International Aboriginal Youth Internship” Experience: Part 1 of 2 BY SACHA FAVEL
Ever since I was kid I dreamed of travelling to exotic, far-away places; places where nobody I knew has ever been. I imagined backpacking throughout Europe, lounging on a tropical beach in Central America, or trekking to the ancient ruins of South America. My dreams just kind of ended there… I graduated grade 12, went to university off and on for a few years but never committed to a long term goal of achieving what I wanted in life. That was until I learned of and applied to the CIDA International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program (IAYIP) that began January 2012. The Canadian International Development Agency and Canada World Youth joined together to create this fully sponsored program to send 10 Aboriginal youth abroad. Out of the selected 10 from across Canada, I was part of a team of 4 that were selected to go to Tanzania, Africa for four months. Africa… At first I had no idea there was a country named Tanzania, much less knew where it was on the continent (East African coast, at the equator). I accepted a position on the internship and it wasn’t until after I looked at a globe that I realized just how far away I was travelling from home; it scared me but it was so exciting at the same time that I got butterflies just thinking about how extraordinary this opportunity was. Over the course of my month-long preparation time I had mixed emotions about what I was about to do and played with the thought of not even going at all but at the end of the day I wouldn’t let myself back out. Bit by bit I was able to
get everything in order for my 4 month journey and on January 25, 2012 I left my home and loved ones in Saskatoon to begin the pre-departure training before leaving for Tanzania. Upon arriving in Dar es Salaam, TZ on February 1st, I encountered an entirely different culture and felt the shock of it for a few weeks. The people, language, customs, climate and physical environment were unlike anything I had ever experienced while living in Saskatchewan and every day was a valuable learning experience. By really immersing myself into the daily life of our host community and my host family I was able to live as a local Tanzanian does. Our host community is named UVIKIUTA (Oo-vee-cue-tah) and it is a youth based organization that focuses on sustainable development for the young people of Tanzania while building skills and professional experience for young students. The “sustainable” part of my experience was to rely on solar generated power, no running water, a coal burning stove, and public transportation called “daladala” (14-passenger van) which meant that everything I was accustomed to back home was no longer an option for me. If I needed to charge a device, I would have to go to the neighbour’s house to see if his battery had enough power from his solar panel. When I needed to bathe or wash my clothes, the only resources available to me was the big 10L bucket and the tap that was outside the house; I bathed indoors and washed clothes by hand outside. If I needed to go to the nearest internet café or to the city center of Dar es Salaam I would need to wait on the main road to catch a daladala that was driving by and hope
that I would be able to get a seat but quite often the vehicle was packed so tight that I would be standing on one foot with my head up against the roof. Despite not having all the luxuries of home in Canada, those daily experiences are what made my time in Tanzania rich and memorable. The main objectives of our internship program were to help us gain skills, awareness and capacity in the area of international development while educating the host community of the presence of Aboriginal culture in Canada. I was placed at the Mtoni Lutheran Diaconic Centre which is a boarding school for young children with special needs and every morning I would travel to the school to assist the kitchen staff with preparing tea and lunch. While there I would be quizzed in my Kiswahili by various staff members, play with the kids that liked to hang around the kitchen, and watch how traditional Tanzanian meals were cooked over hot coals. When that work placement was completed, my team was sent to the island of Zanzibar for a three week work camp that focused on environmental conservation on the coastal areas. Due to deforestation, the ocean is eroding much of the island coast and our project was to replant mangroves in areas where erosion was threatening nearby villages and ecosystems. Upon returning to UVIKIUTA, our team’s next project was to work with another group of youth from Tanzania and Kenya to maintain the green space of the eco-village nearby. I met many young people in the project with ambitions to do great things with their lives and UVIKIUTA’s exchange programs help open doors for all their participants. Most days at the work placement were spent cutting grass throughout the village without a lawnmower but with a handheld machete-type tool with a curved end. All my work experiences in Tanzania enforced values of determination, commitment and good old fashioned hard work that I am applying to my life back in Canada. Throughout my time in Tanzania, I would explain our Aboriginal ancestry and culture and Canada as part of our internship objective. We
would hold cultural presentations to people of the communities we were in and because all of us were from different regions of the country, the locals were able to grasp how diverse Inuit and Aboriginal culture is in Canada. Through our discussions we were able to find differences and similarities in Canadian and African histories, stemming from pre colonialism and post colonialism eras. They come from tribal roots as do we but what we did note from our discussions was that First Nations and Inuit people of Canada have held on to their traditions, histories and teachings much more than they have in Tanzania. Despite our painful past within the development of Canada, I am thankful for what has survived throughout the generations because I saw firsthand what it would be like for a people to not remember their ancestral beginnings or their traditional teachings. That has motivated me to learn more and put into practice the different aspects of our culture that make us who we are. The entire internship was a series of ups and downs. There were times when I was more homesick than I thought possible BUT there were many moments where I would pause and just soak in everything that was around me. I would observe the many things that I would never experience being back at home, like being able to drink out of a fresh young coconut that someone knocked off the tall palm tree; hearing the pouring rain on a loud tin roof in the middle of the night; and biking to the mangrove planting area on a hot, sticky morning in Zanzibar. Depending on how you look at it, four months away from home and loved ones can seem impossible but the easiest thing to do would be to not even try and test your limits. I learned that I am much stronger and more capable than I gave myself credit for with the love and support from my Mom, Dad, sisters Sarah and Feather, Aunties, Uncles, Kokom Joyce, Moshom Lesley, cousins, friends and last but not least, Kevin. I couldn’t have done it alone and I’m so thankful that they were behind me every step of the way. • Next issue Jeanelle Blackstar travels to Peru, South America
Sacha Favel’s last day in Tanzania with the Executive Director of UVIKIUTA, Ben Mongi - manager & friend.
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Sacha Favel and two other female interns visiting Masai village while on safari in Ngorongoro Crater.
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012
BATC hosts
FSIN ADULT SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS Pool Format Umea 4, 5 & Vast, Saskatoon August 31, September 1 & 2 First 12 teams accepted in: Women`s & Men`s Entry Fee: $800 per team (both men & women) Paid by cash or certified cheque Deadline date for entry August 24 Team must submit a roster of 18 players per team to Sask Soccer and Tournament host by August 24. Players must be a registered band member from Sask and play for your own First Nation. NO EXECEPTIONS
Daily admission: $10 Sanctioned Referees Concession on site
ADVERTISING PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Prize payout: depending on 12 teams entry Men`s 1st: 3,000 2nd: 2,000 3rd: 1,000 Woman`s 1st: 3,000 2nd: 2,000 3rd: 1,000 Individual awards and jerseys To Enter contact: Fenton Favel, Tournament Director, 306 981 9271 Hueng, Head Referee Kerry Sasakamoose 441-6526 or BATC Office 446-1400 Melissa Kahpeaysewat 446-1417
Summer 2012 Indigenous Times 14 1st Annual John Kyle Couillonneur Memorial Basketball Tournament White Buffalo hosts a weekend of intense balling BY MASON MEDYNSKI
The 1st Annual John Kyle Couillonneur Memorial Basketball Tournament was held at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge in Saskatoon from July 27-29th. The Bad Guyz placed third in the tournament, while Regina’s G2BG faced off against OBB (Old Buff Boys) in the final game on Sunday. The game was intense right to the end and both teams played with a lot of heart. In the end, the OBB came out on top, winning the tournament. All-Star awards were presented to Vule Grujic of G2BG, Clarence Taypotat of G2BG and Nathan Dixon of OBB. Willie Murdaugh of OBB was awarded the tournament MVP award. Thank you to all of the ballers who participated in the tournament, fans who cheered them on and volunteers who gave their time to help out over the weekend. Special thanks to the tournament committee for organizing the tournament and to SIGA, White Buffalo Youth Lodge, Kicks N Fits, Allday Erday Productions and Blayne Bird for sponsoring the event.
Champions team OBB Left to right: Willie Murdaugh, Mike Tanton, Mason Medynski, Ken Badger, Nathan Dixon, Justin Linklater.
• Photos by Allday Erday Productions
BATC hosts
BATC hosts
FSIN Minor Soccer Championships August 14, 15 & 16 Pool Format or Double modified draw, depending on number of entries Division or categories: Under 10 Males & Females, Under 12 Male & Females, Under 14 Males & females, Under 16 Males & Females, Under 18 Males & Females Centennial & Track Soccer Fields, North Battleford Entry Fee: $400 per team
FSIN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS First Nation Ryder Cup Format August 21, 22 & 23 Jackfish Lake Golf Course First 20 Teams accepted Competition Format: Day 1: 2 Person Scramble
1st: $ 6,000
Day 2: Stroke Play
2nd: $ 4,000
Day 3: Stableford
3rd: $ 3,000
Medals will be given to all participants
To enter contact:
Trophies to 1st Place Winners
Melissa kahpeaysewat 446-1417
Registration deadline: August 3, 2012
Canteen on site
Kerry Sasakamoose 441-6526
Entry Fee: $ 3,000 per team. Cash or certified cheque
Sanctioned referees & tournament Must provide a roster by august 7. FSIN eligibility—must be a registered Indian and play for own reserve. Deadline date for entries: August 7
ADVERTISING PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Prize Payout (based on 20 teams)
Team must consist of 9 players (8 will play, 1 alternate). Each team must follow the FSIN Championship eligibility (must be a registered Indian and play for own Band) ADVERTISING PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
4th: $ 2,000 5th: $ 1,500 6th: $ 1,000 Contact Info: Oliver Cameron, Tournament Director, 306 221 5609 Kerry Sasakamoose 441-6526 Melissa Kahpeaysewat 446 –1417
Summer 2012
Indigenous Times
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Indigenous Times
Summer 2012