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Summer Issue Volume: 25
June / July 2019
“We must acknowledge the wrongs of the past.” PM Justin Trudeau exonerates Chief Poundmaker
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Poundmaker Cree Nation Chief Dwayne Antoine accompanied by First Nations leaders for exoneration ceremony. Photo Credit: Stick Antoine On May 23, 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the Poundmaker Reservation to exonerate the late Chief Poundmaker. This was a long-awaited moment of justice for many indigenous people in the country and the declaration came after 13 ½ decades of treasonous allegations levelled at the peacemaker. Chief Poundmaker (Cree name Pîhtokahanapiwiyin) gained his notoriety for his special ability to lure Buffalo into pounds. He made a name for himself during the 1876 Treaty 6 negotiations where he splitoff from his home reserve - known as Red Pheasant - to form his own. This is now known as Poundmaker First Nation. At the time, Poundmaker was frustrated with years of the Canadian Government reneging on negotiations. In 1881, Poundmaker travelled to Fort Battleford with the aim to peacefully speak with government officials about his concerns. But no one would come out to speak with him. Poundmaker and his people remained nearby - camped near Cut Knife. But back in Battleford, there were lootings occurring. And Poundmaker and his people
were blamed for the violence even though evidence suggests that settlers were the culprits. On May 2, 1885, Poundmaker’s group was attacked by over 300 men from the Canadian army. After a battle, the army retreated, Poundmaker called his people off and stopped them from pursuing and further killing the troops. This occurred during the waning days of the North-West Rebellion – a contentious moment in history. Led by Louis Riel, the Métis felt Canada was not protecting their rights and their land. There was fear their survival as a distinct people was being pushed away. It was a brief and unsuccessful uprising and the result was the permanent enforcement of Canadian law in the West as well as the suppression of Indigenous Peoples. It also led to the conviction and hanging of Louis Riel. Chief Poundmaker was convicted and jailed later in 1885. He and other First Nations leaders were accused of instigating violence in the North-West Rebellion earlier that year. Proponents have long called for his acquittal. Nonetheless, Poundmaker peacefully sur-
rendered at Fort Battleford and was jailed for 7 months. Here his health deteriorated, and he died in 1886. Prime Minister Trudeau spoke to those in attendance saying if the Government of Canada is to move forward on the path of reconciliation, it must acknowledge the wrongs of the past. “Today, our government acknowledges that Chief Poundmaker was peacemaker who never stopped fighting for peace. A leader who, time and time again, sought to prevent further loss of life in the growing conflict in the Prairies,” Trudeau said. “I am here today, on behalf of the government of Canada, to confirm without reservation that Chief Poundmaker is fully exonerated of any crime or wrongdoing.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s formal apology also included an exoneration ceremony. He was joined by Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde as well as other Indigenous leaders. This is a major step for the people of Poundmaker First Nation. For 134 years,
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they never stopped working to educate Canadians and rewrite history through the rehabilitation of the battlefield, museums, media presentations and formal presentation of their concerns to the Canadian Government. And finally, according to those who fought to clear Poundmaker’s name, Pîhtokahanapiwiyin will now be seen for the man that he was.
Chief Poundmaker Photo Credit: Liam Richards / The Canadian Press
Canadian Indian Relay Association
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Editorial My late Kokum would always say that spring has truly arrived when we hear the Thunderbirds for the first time of the year. She taught us to pay tribute to this mythical being by having a smudging ceremony to acknowledge them. It was that recognition – paying tribute to our ancestors’ stories and their beliefs – that truly gives us reason to celebrate; the legends, our family’s stories, the gatherings and the special events. And there will be many ceremonies and celebrations for us this year – which is good for us all, especially our children. As a nation. we all are celebrating the Toronto Raptors incredible Game-6 victory in the NBA and Saskatchewan hockey fans couldn’t be prouder of the St. Louis Blues’Stanley Cup win – especially since three of the players come from our incredible province! And since we are talking about sports, we
cannot forget about the latest extreme sport the Indian Relay Horse Racing event. This, my friends, you must see to believe! And you can, when you attend the Treaty 6 Chief Red Pheasant Treaty Day Celebrations which runs from July 2 to 4. You will see a horse parade, participants dressed in traditional clothing, traditional rodeo and much, much more. It will all takeplaceatthenewRodeoandChuckwagon track during the celebration. So here we are; Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have both finished, amazing sports heroics have either wrapped up or are just beginning – but the sense of family and community still prevails. It is the family that makes a community and it’s the community that makes our First Nation proud. This year - however we can - let’s support all our ceremonies that bring the families together.
June 2019
May the creator bless us all and have a great summer everybody. Ekosi Jordan LaPlante Editor
Thunderbird is a powerful supernatural being found in Native legends throughout North America. Painting by Carl Ray (courtesy Confederation College, Thunder Bay, ON).
AFN National Chief Meets with Prime Minister and POLITICS U.S. Vice President on International (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today in Ottawa met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and United States Vice President Mike Pence, among others, on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). National Chief Bellegarde participated in the meeting as a member of the CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) Council involved in the negotiations that led to the trade agreement. “The Canada-US-Mexico Agreement is the most inclusive trade agreement to date for Indigenous peoples, and that’s because Indigenous peoples had a voice throughout the negotiations,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “First Nations have a right to be at every table where decisions are made
that can impact our rights, title and territories. Our participation leads to better outcomes and results for stability, certainty and integrity in trade and other domestic and international agreements. I will continue to urge Canada to ensure First Nations are involved at all tables and that all agreements recognize and implement our rights.” National Chief Bellegarde has participated on the CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) Council since 2017. Today’s meeting also included Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft, Ambassador of Canada to the U.S. David MacNaughton, the Hon. Rona Ambrose and regular members of the CUSMA Council. “There are many opportunities for First Nations to benefit un-
der this trade agreement with the U.S. and Mexico in ways that respect and protect our rights, including inter-nation trade with our brothers and sisters in the United States, as we did long before the border was imposed on us,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “This agreement sets the tone for other international trade agreements to be inclusive of Indigenous peoples and to ensure recognition of our rights.” The CUSMA was signed in November 2018. The agreement recognizes the important role First Nations and other Indigenous peoples play in the longterm conservation of the environment, and puts emphasis on the importance of cooperation activities to promote and enhance opportunities for First Nations businesses and services.
Indigenous Times News Box 280 Cochin, SK S0M-0L0 Editor: Jordan LaPlante editor@indigenoustimes.ca Copy Editor Christina Cherneskey ccherneskey@yahoo.com Website: www.indigenoustimes.ca Advertising: sales@indigenoustimes.ca Designer: Alexandra Jarrett axisimageryyxe@gmail.com
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.
The general exception clause for Indigenous Peoples Rights helps ensure the protection of inherent, Aboriginal and Treaty rights which provides a foundation for greater economic stability, certainty and integrity to international trade and prosperity to North America. The provisions addressing Indigenous peoples in the CUSMA make it the most inclusive international trade agreement for Indigenous peoples to date. AFN resolution 36/2017, First Nations Trade Relations, affirms First Nations inherent right to trade and mandates efforts to advocate for First Nations economic growth and the development of options to secure greater economic independence.
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June 2019
Prominent Saskatchewan Indigenous journalist receives Order of Merit Written By: Jordan Laplante
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umns and his work covering Indigenous issues has been Doug Cuthand’s reputation read nation-wide. as a Saskatchewan jour nalist It’s that prominent career reaches far beyond his gift which has ear ned Cuthand the for getting the stor y. He’s also distinguished Saskatchewan well-k nown for telling it like Order of Merit – one of the it is and readers th roughout province’s highest order. The the province are familiar with medals were distributed June his direct approach. Cuthand’s 4th at a ceremony in Regina. weekly columns, are pub- “The 2019 recipients of the lished in the Saskatoon Star Saskatchewan Order of Merit Phoenix, Regina Leader Post, are visionaries who have made and aired on MBC (Missini- extraordinar y contributions pi Broadcasting Cor poration). to our province,” Lieutenant The award-win ning jour nalist Gover nor W. Thomas Molhas written hundreds of colloy said in a news release. “I congrat ulate each of them on this well-deser ved honour and I than k them for their outstanding leadership.” Cuthand’s keen eye has also extended to the f ilm industr y. His production company, Blue Hill Productions, is well k nown across Photo Credit: Indigenous Times
Canada. His f ilm “Childhood Lost - The Residential School Experience” was released in 2001 and examines the experiences of four individuals who were sent to residential schools when they were ver y young. Other projects include documenting Ray Mitsuing’s rodeo jour ney and travelling with an Oskyak high school class to New Zealand. Cuthand ser ved as a producer for the CBC mini-series “Big Bear” as well as APT N’s stop-motion animation series “The Guardians”. Cuthand’s 2007 book “Askiwina: A Cree World” was published by Coteau Books. He has also been recognized by the American Indian Film Festival, the Geminis and the Saskatchewan Motion Pict ure Association Created in 1985, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit was established to recognize the “excellence and achievement from outstanding Saskatchewan citizens” who have made significant contributions in areas such as ar t, agricult ure, business and industr y, community
Photo Credit: Indigenous Times leadership, public ser vice, research and volunteer ser vice. Indigenous Times would like to congrat ulate Doug Cuthand for all the work he has done in media in Saskatchewan over the years and than k him for paving the way for f ut ure media savv y Indigenous people. The 2019 recipients are: -Don Atchison, Saskatoon -Doug Cuthand, Saskatoon -Lyn Goldman, Regina -Grit McCreath, Calgary &Waskesiu -Dr. Andy Potter, Saskatoon -Dr. William Francis Ready, Regina
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Welcoming home the Red Pheasant Treaty Six Medal COMMUNITY A traditional event that will be celebrated for many years to come is about to be launched. Red Pheasant Cree Nation (RPCN) will be hosting its first-ever Chief Red Pheasant Treaty Days Celebration in Treaty 6 Territory from July 2 – 4, 2019. The Chief and Council of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation welcome everyone to a Free Pancake Breakfast Tuesday and Wednesday morning at the rodeo and chuckwagon grounds. There will be a live music performance by Red Pheasant’s own Serena Lynn who will be joined by The Lances and will feature Gold Eagle Casino General Manager Kelly Atcheynum on the fiddle. Falynn Baptiste, recently featured in CBC News for her rendition of Oh Canada sung in Cree, will be opening the rodeo. RPCN will be hosting and celebrating the 2nd Annual Indian National Finals Regional Two-day Rodeo. Then starting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evening, the Grand Entry to the 3rd Annual Red Pheasant Cree Nation Pow Wow will begin at the George Benson Memorial Pow Wow Grounds. On the morning of July 3rd, Red Pheasant Cree Nation will be having a horse parade which will travel from the new outdoor rodeo arena to the Pow Wow Grounds and back. RPCN invite participants to dress in traditional clothing representing their First Nations, Metis, or Western heritage.
Written By: Jordan Laplante Representatives from the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan will be in attendance. Members of the RCMP - formerly known as the North West Mounted Police - will also be in attendance as will participants dressed in red serge period costume from Fort Battleford Historic Park. “There are so many organizations, agencies, and interested individuals contributing to our events and we gladly acknowledge their input.” Chief Wuttunee states. RPCN also invite all other First Nations, Indian relay race teams, chuckwagons, wagon trekkers, rodeo participants, riding clubs, and anyone else who would like to join and be a part of the festivities and commemoration. “This is an event open to everyone as we are all Treaty 6 members.” “There is a greater significance to our Horse Parade that we wish to make you aware of,” said Chief Clint Wuttunee when asked about this special event. “Chief Red Pheasant’s Treaty 6 Medal has been gone from our community for 134 years! It is finally coming home. So as part of our commemoration we are planning a horse ride prior to the parade and this will be from the original Settlement and Cemetery, the final resting place of Chief Red Pheasant,” said Chief Wuttunee. “We will symbolically reunite Chief Red Pheasant with his treaty medal in a blessing ceremony and then ride
with the medal to the Rodeo Grounds, then this group will lead the Horse Parade to the Pow Wow.” On July 4th, the Repatriation Ceremony will begin as the Red Pheasant Cree Nation officially and publicly welcomes home the Treaty 6 Medal that was presented to Chief Red Pheasant (Pihew Ka-mihkosit) after the signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton on August 28th, 1876. In 1885, after The NorthWest Resistance, Chief Red Pheasant died from small-pox. Around this time his treaty medal went missing and was eventually sold to a collector in England. The Hudson’s Bay Company later acquired it and it was lately housed and respectfully displayed at the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg. Since its discovery around 2002, various leaders of the Red Cheif Clint Wuttunee Photo Credit: Ted Whitecalf Pheasant community have attempted to repatriate the medal, but restrictions and policies of the day made it impossible to do so. Until now. During the week of July 2nd to the 4th, community members, invited Dignitaries, and Pow Wow guests will witness the official transfer of the Treaty 6 Medal from the Manitoba Museum to Chief Clint Wuttunee representing the Red Pheasant Cree Nation. “We share the joy and honour of accepting Chief Red Pheasant’s Medal back to his homeland and back to Treaty 6 Territory. We are equally pleased to share this moment with all our neighbors in attendance.” Painting By: Lionel Peyachew
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June 2019
An Interview with DJ EXL of EXL Productions Entertainment
Written By : Jordan Laplante
gets me thinking of the good old days growing up. Back then, I would tell people my plans were to be a DJ and actually playing that role of a DJ. There was still doubt in the air. All I could say was just wait and see. Giving me nothing but motivation to succeed and achieving my goals. And now look where it got me. I am Joey Stylez official and that, right there, was a dream come true.
LaPlante: What got you into music? DJ EXL: What got me into music was when everyone in the early 90s had cassette tapes with recordings from CDs or off the radio. That’s how we would make mix tapes and carry them around. Someone always had a stereo and when one tape got boring, we slapped in another one. My brother Nigel gave me a cassette tape LaPlante: Who are your major inand it had the song Enter Sandman by fluences, Indigenous and non-InLaPlante: When was DJ EXL Es- Metallica on it and I fell in love with digenous, music-wise? it. I thought it was the coolest thing DJ EXL: Growing up I always was tablished? DJ EXL: DJ EXL was created in the ever, listening and singing along with surrounded by Rock and Roll music. early 90s, when I first started recording it non-stop. Kind of hits home when Bands like Motley Crue were one songs on the radio with a cassette tape. I DJ and bust that song out. Always of them. I could listen to it for days I didn’t know any good music back then, but once I heard a good song, I’d fall in love with it. I’d take a cassette tape and put a little wet tissue in the holes on top of the tape and that’s how I would record songs off the radio. I’d also go and visit buddies and checkout their CD collection, recording a song or two off a CD. As time went on, burnable CDRs were invented which changed the game from cassettes to CDs. I’d always have a little travel case of CDs with random old songs. Man, I miss those days when music was music. Right then and there, that’s when I wanted to be a DJ and I stuck with it and look at where it got me today. Photo Credit: Indigenous Times Indigenous Times recently spoke to DJ EXL in Saskatoon. This interview is part of our series featuring Aboriginal artists in Saskatchewan. DJ EXL - who grew up in Duck Lake - says he’s just a DJ “who likes to play music for the people - nothing but good vibes all around.” He spoke with Indigenous Times’ editor Jordan LaPlante during a recent stopover in Saskatoon.
and not get sick of it. As I got older, I came across DJ AM. DJ AM inspired me to take my DJ game to the next level. I wanted to be just like him. I’d perform every show like it was my last. I loved DJ AM’s style. DJ Sugar Daddy I also looked up to. He was just magical every time he played in a club somewhere in Saskatoon. Every time I walked by the DJ booth, I’d shake his hand, knowing I wanted to be like him; rock a Club like him. I am still a big of his DJ-ing and always will be a fan. I’m hoping one day to share the stage with, DJ Sugar Daddy. LaPlante: What are your major goals in the next 5 years? Where do you see your career going for you? DJ EXL: My major goals in the next 5 years are to have four or five Djs working with me or for me with EXL ENTERTAINMENT. My company, I created, and we play music for the rough stock at rodeos, and at hockey tournaments. I performed at The Senators Cup, the Freddy Sasakamoose Hockey Tournament and the Hockey Day in Canada for First Nations across Canada. Vice Chief, David Pratt, acknowledged me over the microphone and shook my hand. I was very proud of that. Story Continued on Page 9...
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Photo Credit: Indigenous Times LaPlante: We notice that you DJ across Saskatchewan. How far has it taken you in your travels? DJ EXL: My music career first took me as far as Southend, SK. And the farthest it took me was to New Orleans, Louisiana. I performed with Joey Stylez. We played at the 50th Anniversary Jazz Festival 2019. It was a major accomplishment in my life and one of the biggest shows I’ve ever played - very memorable. I have to say another faraway place I recently travelled to was Moose Factory,
Ontario. I performed for 300 or more people at a dance. I was blown away by the amount of people that showed up. I’d definitely go back there again soon. The crowd was showing a lot of support and respect by taking pictures and shaking my hand. That right there makes me feel like a rock star. LaPlante: Many Indigenous Artist are using the spotlight to fight against the social injustice that many face. What type of message do you have with your music and to empower the people?
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DJ EXL: You just got to be yourself forming at events from Ontario to the keep pushing forward. No matter United States. I am still working hard how hard life gets, keep pushing for- on my dream. ward. That’s how winning is done. Personally, ever since I’ve been be- Wishing you all the best. coming more popular, my intentions are to spread the love of our culture. Hiy Hiy. I am very proud of who I am. I am proud to represent Treaty 6 territory and I am registered at the One Arrow First Nation. My message to the youth of all First Nations across the Province of Saskatchewan is not to give up on your dream and to continue to do what you want to do. Where there is love, passion and inspiration in what you do, you can’t go wrong. If you have goals and dreams you wish to accomplish, never give up. With all the barriers that surround your dreams, overcome them by working even harder to accomplish that dream. I never thought I’d be living my dream travelPhoto Credit: Indigenous Times ling across Canada per-
SIGA Good Food Run marks successful 3rd year
raised more than $22,900 for CHEP Good Food – all funds raised will What a difference three years can help CHEP address food insecurity make. As CHEP celebrates its 30th within Saskatoon. year in Saskatoon, the SIGA Good This year’s SIGA Good Food Run Food Run presented by SIGA’s Long saw an impressive turnout with Runners Fitness Group marked its more than 400 participants walking, third anniversary. The group – cre- jogging and running to raise funds ated within the Saskatchewan In- for CHEP Good Food Inc. dian and Gaming Authority – was “We’re so grateful for the many participants, volunteers and sponsors who helped raise vital funds for CHEP Good Food,” Lillian Denton, SIGA’s Director of Community Investments said. “SIGA is committed Photo Credits: Louis Christ to sharing started to support and encourage success in the communities where other employees and their families we live, work and play. The Good to get active and live healthier lives. Food Run is a great opportunity to The funds raised at this year’s run is come together as a community to still being tallied, but in its first two support a worthy cause and to proyears, the SIGA Good Food Run mote health and well-being.” Elementary students get involved as well. The SIGA Good Food Run hosts a competition for the students to design the participant medal. The winning medal design is chosen based on how well it represents the themes of health, wellness, good food, and fun. This year’s medal was created by Patience who is in Grade Two at Pleasant Hill School in Saskatoon. Pleasant Hill is a community school that benefits from CHEP Good Food Inc. Medal designed by Patience Children, families and communities
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alike have benefitted from CHEP Good Food Inc. The organization aims to alleviate hunger, improve access to affordable healthy food, and enhance food skills such as cooking and gardening. But CHEP’s major commitment is ensuring children in need do not go hungry at school. CHEP has partnered with Saskatoon schools for close to 30 years in delivering fresh food and nutrition programs. CHEP Executive Director, Yvonne Hanson says SIGA and the Long Runner Fitness Group have made a considerable impact on family’s lives. “The runners demonstrate that fitness, eating well and living a good life are admirable achievements in life,” Hanson said. “Over the past two years, SIGA has contributed hundreds of hours of volunteer time and over $27,000 towards the food programs in our community. These programs address the immediate challenges and hardships that food insecurity places on peo-
ple, many of whom are children.” CHEP’s vision is for food secure communities. The organization endeavours to ensure that everyone has access to adequate, appropriate and personally acceptable food in a way that promotes health, respect and dignity
Patience from Pleasant Hill School, winning medal
L to R: Jeff Rogstad, CTV News, Vern Acoose, Founder of SIGAS Long Runners Fitness Group, Yvonne Hanson, Executive Director of CHEP Good Food Inc. , Viola Kay, President of SIGAS Long Runners Fitness Group
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Open Mic Comedy with an Indigenous Flavour Entertainment When you think of people trying to break out in comedy, you think of places like Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. The flat, desolate prairies in western Canada is probably the last place that would come to mind when it comes to witty and hilarious comedy nights. But you would be surprised to find out that there is an influx of open mic comedy and comedians popping up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. So far, there are only two consistent open mics in the city. But two comedians, Danny Knight and Shawn Cuthand, have been looking to create more
options to hone their craft. “After travelling to cities like LA and Chicago and being able to do multiple open mics within a couple days, it made me realize that in order to progress faster at comedy, we would need more stage time per week and an opportunity just fell into our laps,” said Cuthand. Danny Knight is also a musician by trade He’s the son of the Juno Award winning Chester Knight. And it just happened that one of his bandmates was looking to get some entertainment going in a pub that he worked at. “I filled in for bass on Josh’s band a bunch of times and when he saw that I was doing comedy all the
Danny Knight Photo Credit: Indigenous Times
time, he thought maybe we could make an open mic happen at The Copper Mug where he works,” said Knight. All three involved with organizing the open mic are Indigenous, but as Shawn and Danny both say, they did not want to label it as an Indigenous open mic. “With a label on the mic, some people may feel hesitant to come out and give it a try,” Cuthand said. “But we want the open mic to be welcoming to everyone.” This open mic has a unique flair. People who attend the event are not charged a cover until after the show. That’s when the comics make their way around the room around asking for donations. Using this approach, the performers can also try and get a walk-up audience as well as working on the people socializing and playing VLTs on the other side of the bar. The goal is to entice them over to their side of the bar. Danny and Shawn also take turns with the hosting duties - something they say is an important skill to have as a comedian. “Every show needs a host,” added Knight. “So, getting good at it can only open up more gigs and opportunities for us.” The two comedians say they like
June 2019 Written By : Jordan Laplante the challenge hosting a room where not everyone is there to see them. The bar can be busy on the other side for sports or the pool table and VLTs, so the onus is on them to bring over folks who may not have known about the comedy stage. “This one time, I had to host while a group of friends were just planning on socializing, but their table was in our section. At first they were heckling me off my first few jokes, but I stuck to it and eventually won them over to not only staying for the entire show, but also paying me at the end. Those 5-dollars meant as much to me as the treaty money I get every year!” Cuthand joked.
Shawn Cuthand Photo Credit: Indigenous Times
AFN National Chief Bellegarde Says Newly Passed Legislation will Help Build Stronger and Healthier First Nations POLITICS (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today welcomes the passing of two new pieces of federallegislationpassedintheHouseofCommons today. The Indigenous Languages Act, Bill C-91 and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, Bill C-92 are expected to receive Royal Assent in the Senate tomorrow,onNationalIndigenousPeoplesDay. “Todaywehavemadehistoryandarriveataturningpointinourworktoreclaim,revitalize,maintain and strengthen our languages,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “Language is life and central to our identities and cultures. We know that when states uphold Indigenous languages their likelihood of survival increases. This iswhywepushedforTheIndigenousLanguages Act, and it’s why I’m so proud we now have the federal government’s full support for this work. Today we celebrate the work of our language champions who worked with Canada to create this legislation that will help ensure our children grow strong in their language and stronger in life, confident and proud in their identities and connected to their nations. This is an example of reconciliation in action and a meaningful way to mark 2019, the United Nations International YearofIndigenousLanguages.” OnFebruary5,2019,BillC-91,anActrespecting Indigenous languages, was tabled in the House of Commons with the objective to protect, promote, revitalize and strengthen Indigenous languages in Canada. The initiative to co-develop legislation with the AFN and other national Indigenous organizations was announced by PrimeMinisterTrudeauatanAFNAssemblyin December2016. Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, was in-
troduced in the House of Commons in February 2019. It was developed with direction from AFN Chiefs-in-Assembly and input by the AFN legislative working group which is comprised of technicians and experts from across the country drawing on years of advocacy and direction. “Bill C-92 puts First Nations children first and is a major step in the right direction to address decades of failures that resulted in far too many of our children being torn from their families,” said AFNNationalChiefPerryBellegarde.“Thegoal with this legislation is to apply laws, policies and valuestosystemsdesignedandimplementedby First Nations for First Nations with the focus on providing every opportunity for our children to grow up feeling valued and connected to their families, cultures and nations. No one piece of legislationwillfixthedrasticandlong-lastingimpacts of a broken system, but with First Nations jurisdiction paramount we have a solid base for change. I urge all provinces and territories to work directly with First Nations on the implementationofthislegislation.” TheActtoRespectFirstNations,InuitandMétis children,youthandfamiliesaffirmsFirstNations jurisdiction and creates space for First Nations laws and practices regarding their families. It respects rights in the context of implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which is the minimum international standard for the survival and dignity of Indigenous peoples. It sets out key principles that will prevent children from being removed from their homes unnecessarily, promotes children staying in their communities and nations and ensures the best interests of the child principle is understoodandappliedwithaFirstNationslens forourchildrenandfamilies.
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June 2019
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National Indigenous PeoplesDay
JUNE 21 For us, reconciliation is part of who we are – guided by our value Miyo-wîcêhtowin, ‘getting along with others,’ we work to develop positive relationships and build community, so all people can thrive, side by side.
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