September/ October 2022 Edition

FREE! Take One Sept/ Oct Edition Volume 28

First Nations-Owned Horseracing Association and Moosomin Downs Race to the Finish

Left to Right: FSIN Vice Chief Heather Bear, Courage Antoine, Vern “Stick” Antoine, Moosomin First Nation Chief Cheryl Kahpeaysewat. Photo_ Facebook (Moosomin Downs 2022)

Saskatoon, SK—Horse racing in Saskatoon wrapped up its final weekend of the season on September 25th. Moosomin Downs—an initiative undertaken by Moosomin First Nation—took the reins from the now shuttered Marquis Downs after it was announced that Prairieland Park was to turn the track into a soccer stadium. Each weekend in late August and September saw thoroughbred horse racing continuing at the Moosomin Downs.

Instrumental in bringing thoroughbred horse racing to the Moosomin Downs was the First Nation Horseracing Association (FNHA), a First Nations-owned non-profit and a first of its kind in Canada. The FNHA launched in the Fall of 2021 as news circulated that Moosomin Downs would take over the license for horse racing in Saskatchewan.

Dean Cameron, President of the FNHA, has been working in horseracing for about 40 years. Dean grew up with horses, “being First Nation, we all somewhat experience that type of horsemanship as we grow up as children. Whether it’s a pony or a friend’s pony, we all started somewhere. We started off in quarter horseracing at one time with my late father Harvey Cameron and my late brother Darrell Cameron. We slowly transitioned from quarter horse to thoroughbred and for

35 years now I’ve been a farrier and I’ve been a [thoroughbred] trainer for about 30 years.”

With the new association implemented, Dean knew work had to be done: “We knew we had a chore ahead of us. It was something we had to envision along with Moosomin. Moosomin had a vision of bringing horse racing back,” explains Dean. “We began working with Moosomin as they needed a Horsemen’s association to work with to apply for [racing] days with the government.”

The association is proud to be a First Nations-owned horseracing association but Dean wants the community to know that it’s for everyone: “Being a First Nations operator—Moosomin— working with a First Nations horse racing association, we also want to stress that we are all inclusive in this,” Dean tells Indigenous Times. “On behalf of our non-Indigenous friends and competitors, we open up our arms to everybody, we want to be all inclusive as part of reconciliation.”

Saskatoon’s horseracing community itself has often distinguished itself from other cities. “Horse racing is one huge family. That’s one thing we noticed about Saskatoon; Saskatoon has always been known for being a friendly type of atmosphere. In a competitive sport such as horse racing, we still have the time

Respected Elder Jenny Spyglass recalls residential school on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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and the type of people who want to still be friends regardless if you’re competitors,” Dean states.

Hosting a day of thoroughbred horseracing takes effort from multiple parties, especially the Horse people as Dean tells us, “for the last two years we’ve had no horseracing in Saskatchewan, a lot of dedicated horse people will go to a different city and run their horses there, which is very costly.” Dean continues, “you have to buy horses, and [do] a lot of training, it’s about 90 days from scratch—it’s called Spring training. We usually go about 90 days with a horse before we decide to do a registered workout or hard run.

There’s a lot of time involved and a lot of dedication. You train your horse, you get them ready for a certain type of race and distance, you have to pick a rider that you feel would suit your horse and put them in a distance that will suit your horse. A lot of factors go into getting to the winner’s circle.”

Dean believes that the effort and dedication are worth it: “There’s nothing like doing your own training and watching your horse run—whether you win a race or not, it’s the satisfaction of watching your horse run and showcasing what you’ve done to make this horse put on a show.”

With the 2022 season ending, the 2023

“Respect is big where I’m from.”

King Benz and overcoming adversity.

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horse racing season is already in Dean’s sights. “Overall so far, we’ve had positive feedback. Next year we see the same thing and we’ve got the same goal as Moosomin because we want the racing to return to Saskatchewan and we know what it takes. We all utilize all of our experience and we work together as a team.”

Horseracing is a lifelong passion for Dean, and this shows in his response to the return of horseracing in Saskatchewan: “I look down the shed row, the barn area, and I see [long time horse people], they’ve spent their lives at tracks like this and to run horses all their lives. It’s just a passion that you have.

For me to look down [the shed row] and see these people right back where they started from and do what they love, it really brings a tear to my eye to be able to know what we’ve accomplished along with Moosomin to bring horse racing back to Saskatchewan.”

FSIN CHIEFS MILE RACE RESULTS Sept 25, 2022 Winner: Father O’Flaherty Owner: Vern ‘Stick’ Antoine Trainer: Chuck Pelletier Jockey: Keishan Balgobin

Sports Mistawasis Canadian Native Basketball Championships held in Saskatoon this year

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Editorial Horses and First Nations have an ancient relationship. For hundreds of years, they domesticated the first horses, and the horse still remains an essential to many First Nation tribes.

Horses still hold a place of honour in the First Nation culture - having a relationship that is deeply woven into the First Nations way of life and history. And because of horses, the First Nations’ way of living was revolutionized. A name that was given to a horse is full of beauty and meaning, often inspired by nature, retaining its ties to its historic horse culture.

The horse remains a powerful spiri-

Photo Credit: Curtis Cameron

COMMUNITY OTC Press Release The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan attended the installation of the new boundary signs marking Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 along Highway 11. These signs are part of the ongoing work by Office of the Treaty Commissioner to increase awareness and knowledge of Treaties and the Treaty relationship in Saskatchewan.

“A sign seems like a small action, but it represents something significant. It is common sense to acknowledge the Treaty boundaries, these Treaties were here before the province was created and before roads were here,” said Treaty Commissioner Mary Culbertson.

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

tual entity amongst the First Nations people. It is important to culture and healing while bringing prosperity to First Nation communities. For individuals that may go through hardships, the horse can help heal mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The horse continues to enhance the capabilities in hunting, travel, and trade and to this day, this bond between First Nations and the horse is considered sacred.

Applying horse war paint to their horses as well as themselves, First Nation tribes demonstrate the value they have for their horses and continue to hold them in the highest esteem. Whether it’s going into battle or a participating in a sporting event.

And both could be a risk for the rider and his horse. The war paint portraits a prayer for the rider and his horse, and the different colors and symbols hold different meanings.

Horse racing is one of the most ancient of all sports. Its basic premise is to identify which of the riders is the fastest over a set course and distance. Extreme horse racing does just that - attracting a well-engaged crowd and potential riders that show interest in racing themselves now or in the future, continuing to gain experience and learn more about the culture that relates to the warrior

and his horse.

Congratulations to the First Nation Horse Racing Association (FNHA) for a successful season. These events brought First Nations together with high spirits and a sense of competitiveness while celebrating the indigenous culture.

Attending the indigenous events and celebrations in person always brings joy to my heart. I remember my younger days when I would sit next to my late kokum and her friends during these times. With the new norm and technology, the social network provides more stories and practices that we can easily witness from home.

Business ventures, artwork, pow wows, national holiday celebrations and more always puts a smile on my face. It gives me great joy to be able to share photos and stories with my own children. I teach and show them the roots of the indigenous culture, reminding them to always be proud of where we come from. I’m proud to hand them opportunities, showing them what it takes to pursue their dreams and goals.

I always make a strong effort to attend pow wows with my family.

They are powerful Indigenous gatherings where you will find multiple generations coming together to en-

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joy food. There we are honouring tradition, forging a sense of community, and practicing spiritual healing.

We bask in the joyful reclamation of traditional dances and songs and revel in the palpable pride of indigenous dancers, drummers, and singers as they embody the power of pow wow.

I am truly grateful for our publication, Indigenous Times, to have come out with another Edition in 2022. Thank you everyone for your continued support. Take care!

Kota. Nene sti lo sa. Marsi Tcho Hiy Hiy Jordan LaPlante Editor, Indigenous Times

New boundary signage marking Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 installed along Highway 11 The location of the signs, near Bladworth, was selected by Culbertson based on oral history descriptions contained within the OTC archives, Treaty text, local practicalities, information from ISC Canada and Saskatchewan Registry, and Geographic Information System for Treaty areas of Canada.

People travelling the highway towards Saskatoon will see the Treaty 6 sign, and those driving towards Regina will see the Treaty 4 sign. Each sign has an image of the Treaty medal, wording from the Treaties, and a welcome in the Indigenous languages of the respective Treaty areas. Ensuring

the inclusion of Indigenous language was an important part of the sign, as Indigenous languages were here long before the two official languages of Canada.

The Government of Saskatchewan funded these signs as well as coordinated their production and installation.

“It is so important to see this project underway, we are starting with one sign, but hope to see this for all our Treaty boundaries,” Culbertson said. “There are Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10. We will work with our knowledge keepers and the Elders Advisory Council to ensure that other Treaty boundaries that cross provincial highways

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.

will be marked with signs in the coming years.”

Each new sign includes: An image of a Treaty medal. The medals were provided to Indigenous leadership following the close of the Treaty negotiations.

Wording of the original Treaties to indicate they will remain valid “as long as the sun shines, grass grows and rivers flow.”

A welcome in the respective Indigenous languages of each Treaty area.

Saskatchewan is the first Canadian province to mark a Treaty boundary along a major provincial highway.

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Money Leader Clothing founder sees growth and expansion in the future BUSINESS Written By: Christina Cherneskey Waylon Arcand is the first to admit spring and summer were much different than he’s used to. The creator of Money Leader Clothing says thanks to the pandemic, the economy and changing work habits, life has changed. But Arcand says despite all of that, he’s pushing his company forward.

“I had a good summer,” Arcand admits.

“I had a good spring too. I got my golfing product out to the public and I did fairly well. I play a lot of golf tournaments and a lot of people are telling me they see my apparel everywhere now.”

Arcand hails from North Battleford, Saskatchewan. From Moosomin First Nation, Arcand says he was brought up by his grandmother and single mom and tells Indigenous Times he had very little growing up – except for big dreams and lots of ideas. And the creation of his company, Money Leader Clothing. And Arcand says hard work over the spring and summer are starting to pay off.

“The word is getting out there now, Arcand said. “It’s getting bigger and it’s exciting now because the of the positive feedback I hear. Very often, people will ask me how to get some of my product.”

A website is in the works as part of Arcand’s winter projects. But that’s not the only thing on his list.

“I’m starting to branch out to other things now that hunting season is upon us,” Arcand said. “I’ve got, camo hunting hood-

ies and hats made. So, I’m actually, I’m The thing with Money leader, it’s like I dred percent First Nations owned, but the in the process of selling those right now am - First Nations owned. It’s one-hun- product I create? it’s for everyone.” and they’re very popular. It’s really picking up steam. And I made a new logo for the hunting season with some antlers on it and the people like it that way!”

Arcand says he appreciates the recognition as Money Leader continues to grow, adding he was humbled when he saw his logo on the hockey rink ice at Moosomin First Nation.

“I was honored that they did that,” Arcand said. “I gave hockey sticks to the kids there and I’ll continue to do that again.”

But it’s not the recognition Arcand wants.

It’s giving back to his communities and showing others that hard work and perseverance can pay off.

“I’m kind of small time right now still,” Arcand admits. “But I try give as much as I can. And eventually once I start getting bigger and bigger, I want to help out more of my community. There’s a lot of poverty in North Battleford and it’s my goal to help out the people that I see on the streets struggling with addictions and homelessness.”

Arcand admits he’s had his struggles in the past and is proud of how he has managed to move forward with his goals.

And it’s something he wants everyone to know – especially the youth in his circles.

“I just see the positives all the time in everything, and I just feed off of that. My biggest dream is to be the next Nike.

I love sports so much. I want to dress young athletes and make them look good Money Leader Hoodie and feel good about themselves.”

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Entertainment By: Jordan LaPlante Bouncing back and finding a way to overcome misfortune and defeat. That’s King Benz’s method for dealing with adversity and it shows in his music. His goal is to give his fans a chance to get a way from the negativity and not allow themselves to become overwhelmed with destructive emotions or thoughts. King Benz says he takes the time to process what they’ve been through then resume moving forward – even when facing disaster.

“The story I share in my music is about overcoming adversity. I tell the story of the troubled youth.

The survivors of broken homes, dysfunctional families. Those from poverty, addiction and trauma,” King Benz said.

He says a past experience can help an individual find their inner strength and resistance adding that when someone goes through hardships and misfortunes, they can still carry a level of confidence that helps them to be capable of handling whatever comes along.

“Respect is big where I’m from,” King Benz said. He adds his background influences him to shed light on hard truths; to represent the street element. He always ap-

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“Respe ct is big whe re I’m f rom.” K i ng Be n z a nd ove rcom i ng a dve r sit y. proaches other artists with humility and appreciation for their shared value of the arts.

He was inspired by rap itself, following a playlist that was introduced to him at a young age. King Benz naturally adapted to the rap culture from listening to music in his surroundings while growing up with family and friends. Eventually he learned how to master the craft of singing music himself. The performances escalated, and the crowd sizes got bigger. And lead him to a brandnew world which of appreciating the huge rush he got while sharing his music live and feeling/seeing people’s reactions.

“I get energized from the crowd,” King Benz said.

“I’m humbled and grateful to always

receive a great response.”

King Benz’s plans for the future are to make more music and do some public speaking. It’s his aim to work with communities and atrisk youth. And, of course, to con-

Benz Album Cover

tinue to raise his kids and enjoy his relationship with his beautiful partner.

King Benz music can be found on Spotify, APPLE Music and YouTube.

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Ethical Digital launches Indigenous Women in Tech Research Project BUSINESS By: Alexandra Jarrett Ethical Digital has a mission to change the trajectory of the internet through their digital products and services. This year Ethical Digital has taken on the endeavor of answering call to action #92 in regards to economic reconciliation. They received a grant from Women and Gender Equality Canada to launch the Indigenous Women in Tech Research Project. This November they are wrapping up phase 1 of the project where they will have interviewed and spoken with 100 Indigenous women. The goal is to create a report with the information collected

that can help connect more Indig- companies and tech share our initiatives please find an enous Women with Tech and tech funders to help make the ecosys- online survey button through our adjacent tem more inclusive,” Ethical Digi- Ethical Digital webpage: https:// careers. Ethical Digital is hoping tal CEO, Katrina German says. “I www.ethicaldigital.ca/iwt. to create a conversation that puts would If you have further questions or Indigenous women at the forefront love to see many, many more in- would like to be involved in the of digenous women involved in the coming phases of this project the conversation. tech community in Canada and please do We know that women only rep- beyond.” not hesitate to contact resent six per cent of technology If you are looking to participate or Tara@ethicaldigital.ca founders in Canada, and the numbers aren’t even collected for indigenous women. <https:// w w w.e t h ic a ld ig it a l.c a / iwt> The information collected will create a valuable dialogue that will guide further steps towards closing that gap.

Companies that are looking to hire Indigenous and be Indigenous inclusive will be able to understand the responsibilities that come with those goals.

“This is an important initiaChristian Boyle, Glyph Creative, Katrina German, Ethical Digital, Annie Charles, FHQ tive for tech Developments, Denis Carignan, PLATO Testing, Leanne Bellegarde, Akawe Technologies

Photo Credit: Sweetmoon Photography

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COMMUNITY Prince Albert, SK. -- Optek Solutions LP (Optek), an IT Services company that is owned by Athabasca Basin Development, Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies, and Kitsaki Management as well as Aebig Investments, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Prince Albert Photocopier Ltd (PAP).

PAP is a full-service IT solutions business and long-standing Ricoh Canada dealer serving the central and northern Saskatchewan market and is considered the market share leader in the area. PAP collaborates with customers of all sizes and complexities to help determine their physical and digital infrastructure requirements to optimize their operations and simplify the management of their IT systems.

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Prince Albert Photocopier Ltd. purchased by IT services company, Optek Solutions LP Optek provides IT services, support and solutions to organizations of all sizes across Saskatchewan. Optek was started by Athabasca Basin Development, Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies and Kevin Aebig, the company’s CEO, in 2021. Kitsaki joined ownership of Optek in June 2022 as part of the deal to acquire PAP. “As a group, we are very excited to work together to acquire PAP and build on the excellent foundation established nearly 30 years ago by Dan Fenton and Carolyn Fenton,” said Geoff Gay, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development and a representative of the ownership group. “As investors, when we looked at PAP, we all saw a

successful, established business and we look forward to supporting the company as it continues to provide excellent service to their customers.”

Dan Fenton will stay on during the company’s transition. “Athabasca Basin Development, Kitsaki Management, and Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies are three very successful Indigenous-owned investment groups based here in Saskatchewan that collectively own over 35 businesses, including an IT Services company whose leader has decades of experience in IT,” said Dan. “Carolyn and I felt this was the right group to take good care of the company and help take it to the next

level.”

PAP has 16 employees and will be headed by Kevin Aebig, the CEO of Optek, once the transition is complete. “This is a very exciting opportunity for everyone,” said Kevin.

“PAP is a solid, established business with a strong track record of providing service to a huge geographical area. PAP is a growing company in a growing sector and the focus for all of us is in taking care of customers and employees and continuing the spirit of the legacy that was established. I look forward to working with Dan and the employees to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.”

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Saskatchewan Intercultural Association erases barriers through cultural bridging COMMUNITY

Written By: Jody Wolverine Established in 1964, the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association works to create intercultural understanding between all people in Canadian society. SIA erases barriers and fights for equity and anti-racism through its intercultural, settlement, employment, language, and youth programs.

One of their priorities is cultural bridging and education between newcomers to Canada and Indigenous people.

This occurs through a number of programs and events.

Learning Interculturalism Through Employment is an employment program that brings Indigenous and newcomer youth together to learn about cultural awareness and take on work

Beading in Language Class

Winter Culture Day - Fire Building placements that boost their career.

SIA’s Intercultural team provides workshops in English language classes about history, residential schools, and colonialism from an Indigenous perspective. Their coordinators make learning hands-on, drawing from their First Nations and Métis heritages to facilitate traditional activities. This has included beading orange shirts, red dresses, poppies, and the northern lights. They also provide anti-racism education and equity, diversity, and inclusion training to people in the public and private sectors.

SIA works with many community members and organizations on reconciliation projects. They’ve worked with Saskatoon students to create their own Orange Shirt Day designs, invited Indigenous storytellers and knowledge keepers to online webinars, and have an extensive network of

intercultural performers and experts who share music, dance, and cultural cuisine through their Intercultural Dax & Ibrahim - Orange Shirts Gathering and Intercultural Cooking National Indigenous Peoples Day. series.

In March, SIA hosted a Winter Culture Learn more and connect with SIA at Day featuring Clarissa Burns, Queen saskintercultural.org.

Trapper. She shared her traditional knowledge and land-based teachings with newcomer families from eleven different countries.

The youth were impressed with her fire building, Bannock baking, log tossing, and nail pounding!

SIA’s current collaboration is with Reconciliation Saskatoon for their event Rock Your Roots, an annual walk for reconciliation that honours ResidenLITE Grad tial School Survivors on

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FIRST NATIONS APP OPENS DIALOGUE THROUGH NEW PLATFORM COMMUNITY

FSIN MEDIA RELEASE www.fsin.ca For immediate release (Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon, SK) —The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive has partnered with TryCycle Data Systems (TDS), a Canadian digital health solutions company, to launch the new Talking Stick App. A First Nations peer support platform that provides culture-based support and confidential conversations.

“The Talking Stick platform will help in advancing First Nations social support systems and economic development, as 200 com-

munity-based First Nations peer advocates will be hired in Saskatchewan,” says FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “Talking Stick is a “by First Nations, for First Nations’ approach to encourage anonymous conversations and listening. As First Nations, we traditionally build relationships in person, but with COVID-19, it’s impacted our abilities to connect and pass on stories, knowledge, and wisdom.

The Talking Stick App will help in communicating the needs of our people and reduce common barriers that exist today.”

Every Voice Matters is the theme of Talking Stick, a commitment to language, inclusion, and self- determination, with the emphasis on

job creation, skills development, and training. The app has a chat service, which is available in 7 First Nation languages (Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, Salteaux).

Talking Stick is a Nation-to-Nation program. The peer advocate network and infrastructure are designed to compensate for the lack of resources and cultural supports that exist today for First Nations people.

“The Talking Stick app is a great example of helping people to learn more about vaccinations in an easier and more relatable way.

The FSIN created this idea and now are sharing it as a tool across the country,” says Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indige-

nous Services. “The Government of Canada will continue to support FSIN on this project, and work with First Nation leaders as they continue to enhance the tools, supports, and resources they need to support their members to feel confident about vaccinations and other issues.”

Talking Stick will help to address the unique challenges and emotional impacts that are affecting First Nations communities in these uncertain times. Talking Stick will encourage confidential conversations and listening as it relates to vaccine hesitancy, mental wellness & emotional health, violence & anger, isolation (depression, stress, loneliness), trauma, grief, and loss.

Nation. Established in 1901 by the Roman Catholic Church just outside the village of Delmas, Saskatchewan, about 30 kilometres west of North Battleford, the school was designed to house and educate First Nations children in the area.

According to research submitted to the Law Commission of Canada, 15-per-cent of students at the school died in 1928. It’s a rate nearly five times the provincial average for non-First Nations students.

Spyglass says despite the fact that so many Indigenous youth lived through the residential school era, she finds there are still some non-Indigenous people who do not believe the documented atrocities even occurred.

“I honestly believe that some non-indigenous people don’t believe it really did happen to residential school survivors,” Spyglass said. “I’ve spoken a few times on this in Alberta and Saskatchewan about residential schools and how we were treated.

But I felt that they didn’t really believe me. How we were treated. We never went to school. All I learned is how to pray the rosary.”

Spyglass speaks to Indigenous youth as well as other gathers often in Saskatchewan and says she tries to always underscore the importance of Indigenous culture.

“I do speeches in schools, and I always tell them it’s very important to know your culture,” Spyglass said. “Because I lost it when I was small. I think I always think of that. I always think that the younger ones are better able to learn about their culture. Yet, that was the time they took my culture away.”

“When I talk, I always told the young people to have respect for their parents,” Spyglass contin-

ued. “Because I d i d n ’ t have that.

The time I needed my parents the most was the time I was taken away and there was no love after that.

That was school. No hugs. No nothing.

So, I I alElder Jenny Spyglass ways tell them; all the time. They took my clothes your parents are the most import- off and threw them in a garbage. ant thing in your life.”

Except that denim little doll. They Spyglass is convinced it’s why didn’t put it in the garbage. They there are so many gangs and vio- let me have it.” lence in communities.

In 1948, Thunderchild Indian “That is why there’s so many Residential School burned down. gangs. There’s so many drugs and Apparently, the fire was so large, alcohol because so many parents it could be seen miles and miles just don’t know how to be parents away. anymore.”

“When that school burned down, September 30th also is considered my denim little doll burned in Orange Shirt Day in Canada. The there,” Spyglass recalled. “And “orange shirt” refers to the shirt it was a sad day for me because Phyllis Webstad was given by I lost my little doll in there. It’s her grandmother for her first day similar to that little girl who had at St. Joseph’s Mission residen- her orange shirt taken away from tial school in British Columbia. her. It was special to her.”

When Phyllis got to school, they Starting in 2013 and inspired by took away her clothes, including Phyllis Webstad’s story, Orange her new shirt, which was never re- Shirt Day has been a day to comturned. memorate the trauma of the resiSpyglass says she can completely dential school experience, to honrelate to this story. our the healing of survivors and “When we were small, my mom their families and to recognize the made me a little doll out of den- ongoing need for the process of im,” Spyglass recounted. “And reconciliation.

I never let it go. It was my baby. Throughout Saskatchewan and It was mine. And when I took it Canada, there were gatherings and with me to residential school. It events to commemorate both Orwas very important to me that I ange Shirt Day and the National had that little denim doll with me Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Respected Elder Jenny Spyglass recalls residential Written By: Christina Cherneskey school on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation COMMUNITY

Canada has marked its second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which honours the children who died while attending residential schools. It also pays tribute to the survivors, families and communities still affected by the legacy of the residential school system.

Parliament approved the federal statutory holiday in 2021 — days after the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announced the discovery of 215 burial sites on the grounds of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to name September 30 as a federal statutory day.

It is observed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30th is also known as Orange Shirt Day. While this day aims to raise awareness for reconciliation in Canada, it is, more specifically, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.”

Respected Elder Jenny Spyglass is a Senator with Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). She’s a former chief and is the first female appointed to Battlefords Agency Tribal Council and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Senate, as well as the first female appointed from Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation. She tells Indigenous Times that her time spent in a residential school has left her – to this day – still emotionally drained. She attended Thunderchild residential school in the 1940s. She was three years old when she was taken from her family’s home on Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s Head-Lean Man First

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Pipe ceremony at Edmonton’s Royal Alberta Museum hosted by Fineday family COMMUNITY

to begin to take responsibility to make sure these items are cared Written By: Jordan LaPlante for in a way that respects our proOn September 26th, members tocol,” said Max Fineday, son of of the Fineday family and those Wes and organizer of the event. closely connected, traveled to the “One day, our parents’ generation Royal Alberta Museum in Edmon- will have traveled on, but because ton to hold a feast and pipe cere- we had four generations of Finemony with items from their ancestor’s bundle.

Fineday, who was born in the 1850s and died in the mid 1940s, was the Chief of the Little Rattler Warrior Society, Sundance Chief, and medicine person. He was a principal informant for sociologists who came to learn about the Plains Cree during his life, as well as a respected community leader.

The items the museum houses include a pipe stem, two rattles, two headdresses, a medicine pouch made from a bear’s paw, a snakeskin belt, moccasins, and more.

“Just because these items are not in our possession at the moment, does not mean our responsibility to them is gone,” said Wes Fineday, a traditional knowledge keeper and great-grandson of Fineday.

During the day, the participants shared stories about Fineday’s life, his accomplishments, cultural and spiritual protocols, and the importance of maintaining connections to our past.

“It’s important for my generation

days in this ceremony, their teachings around these ceremonies will persevere long into the future.”

“I would encourage other Indigenous families to research where their ancestors sacred items ended up, to go find them, sit with them in ceremony. Our ancestors are

Members of the Fineday Family

waiting for us there, all we have to do is find them,” Max said.

The Royal Alberta Museum staff participated in the event and committed to the Fineday family to continue to make these items available for ceremonies in the future.

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SPORTS Written By: Christina Cherneskey Despite taking two years off because of Covid, the Mistawasis First Nation Canadian Native Basketball Championships returned to the court for its fourth year in September. The event began in 2017 and Mistawasis Band Councillor Robin Daniels, who organized the event, said it was great to see so many athletes back together.

But there was one major wrinkle which Daniels said was quickly repaired, thanks to the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

“At the last minute, we learned we just couldn’t host the tournament at Mistawasis First Nation,” Daniels told Indigenous Times. “And it was the Thursday morning, right before the event was to start.”

Daniel said they reached out to Saskatoon Tribal Council which agreed to help out. Saskatoon is about 125 km south of Mistawasis and Daniels said the distance wasn’t too formidable.

“Saskatoon Tribal Council, on the Thursday morning said they were willing to move things around and help us have the tournament,” Daniels said. “And they brought in the staff for the weekend and the staff helped run the tournament. They also sponsored the tournament as well. Those guys, I mean it, they’re awesome!”

Oct 2022

Mistaw asis C anadian Na tive Ba ske tba ll Championships held in Sa ska toon this ye a r The event this year was hosted at Buffalo Youth Lodge in Saskatoon and Daniels says because of the sudden changes at the last minute, the tournament didn’t carry as many of the social events they have had in the past.

Daniels also admits there were fewer teams playing this year, but it didn’t take away from the excitement of the event. “We had a couple teams that backed out last minute. But that was understandable,” Daniel said. “As far as players attending? I would say approximately 150. When we were pre-Covid, we had 20 teams and then the one before that, we had 24 teams.”

Daniels says there’s always been excitement surrounding the tournament. “In the past, we’ve had teams coming from the States, Vancouver and, a few Manitoba teams too. There’s lots of kids that come to watch the games on the Friday while the kids are in school.

So, the classrooms can come and watch, and a lot of the elders will come out as, as well.”

He says Mistawasis does put a lot of resources into its youth sports programs, adding a lot of the kids that excel in sports and show promise don’t always have that support system at home. Daniels says even

sports like lacrosse attract many Indigenous players and Mistawasis tries to support the young athletes.

“So, we do have a lot of athletes coming out of our community,” Daniels said.

“And Mens Champions: Boys With Braids Photo Credit: Axis with this tourtournaments are inspired. Seeing nament and seeing all these native athletes that the athletes and wanting to be like have played at a high level, you them. Well, that speaks volumes.” know it’s good for them.”

“I think especially with basketball, the majority of our kids will play. And when we have the tournaments on the reserve, we have so much participation – not just from the athletes, but from everyone,” Daniels said. “You know, the kids watching these Womens Champions: Winnipeg Pride

Indigenous Times

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Oct 2022

Indigenous jigging model from Saskatoon makes mark on international stages COMMUNITY Written By: Jody Wolverine Tansi, Aanin and Hello.

My name is Courtney-Dawn Anaquod I am Anishabe Cree-Metis Woman I Come from Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation of the treaty 4 territory. Currently, I reside in Saskatoon, SK. This is my Q & A with Indigenous Times and I’m excited to be part of this edition. Here we go: 1- Who Influenced you first? Was it a particular model? Or the genre of jigging modelling?

I come from a long line of powerful and resilient women in my family.

They are the ones who influenced me, my kokum and my auntie, Angeline Anaquod, who was a young indigenous model in her 20s. My cousin Natalie was also a young Indigenous model.

2- Tell us about some of the events, projects, and expos you were a part of and the experiences you want to share.

In 2019, I made my first debut in the Regina Fashion Week where I modelled for Christine Tournier of S.S River Designs. In October of 2020, I was nominated for the International Indigenous Arts & Fashions Awards Model of the Year and won!

In 2022, I walked and jigged on the New York runway at the International Indigenous Fashion Week.

The trip to New York was amazing.

My father, Donny Anaquod and my cousin Rosanna Anaquod accompanied me. We rented a car and drove through eight states along the way each state I stopped and made snips of videos of me jigging my way to New York City.

3- Explain how your indigenous background influences you to be a jigging model.

I am a self-taught jigger, and inspiration comes from my father and grandparents. I’ve been involved

with Metis Jigging and square-danc- well. ing for the past 27 years and in- I share my stories about my journey structing jigging workshops for the and overcoming personal struggles last 15 years. Aside from my mod- to remind youth that it does get betelling, I am also a youth mentor for ter and to help and bring hope to the Saskatoon Public school Board others through their own challenges.

Indigenous Ensemble where I do in- This is why my New York trip was struct jigging classes and some pow a memorable one. It doesn’t matter wow to the youth who are wanting how old you are, you can still make to learn more about the Indigenous all your dream possible. culture and the importance behind Dancing brings healing and comfort. dancing. Most importantly I am also I dance like everyone is watching a mom of beautiful teenagers. My and I dance with pride. daughter who is 13 is following right in my footsteps as a younger dancer herself both in jigging and pow wow. My son who is soon to be 17 is young pow wow singer.

4- What’s it like to jigging model?

Feedback/ energy from audience?

When I was on the runway jigging, it was absolutely an amazing feeling, I felt confident and being proud of who I am. Our people are very beautiful and all come with natural creative ways to display and show our heritages, culture and traditions whether it be with our ceremonies, our way of dancing or celebrations or arts and designs.

5- Where can we see your work as a model? Facebook? Or Instagram?

Facebook is my main-stream social media and that’s where I post most of my stuff and what I am doing.

Blue Ribbon Skirt by Candace Gadwa. Sash I do have an Instagram where I Yellow Dress by Sandra Foher/ Ecco Tripping Moccasin by Candace Stevenson. Photo post some content. I am just get- ‘Mother Earth Collection: The Rooted Ones’ Credit: Getty Images IIya S. Savenok ting into the world of Tik Tok as Photo Credit: Getty Images IIya S. Savenok

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Oct 2022

STC Tribal Chief Arcand admits pain from James Written By: Christina Cherneskey Cree First Nation murders will never be erased COMMUNITY

The pain has not yet subsided in Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan following the horrific attacks in early September on James Cree First Nation.

On Sept. 4, 10 people were stabbed to death and another 19 injured in the community and the neighbouring village of Weldon, Sask.

The suspects, brothers Damien and Myles Sanderson, also died — Damien from non-self-inflicted wounds and Myles from medical distress while in RCMP custody.

Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand was directly affected by the tragedy. Arcand said his sister Bonnie Burns, 48, and his nephew Gregory Burns, 28, were among those fatally stabbed in the incident.

Speaking to Indigenous Times, Tribal Chief Arcand said he cannot speak on behalf of the James Smith community but could only share how he and his family have been directly affected.

“Right now, our family is turmoil,” Tribal Chief Arcand said. “This is still very, very fresh. It’s hard to deal with.

And it’s been a lot of devastation to our family.”

He says he and his family are sharing a lot of love and compassion, adding if his family and others don’t try to find a way to heal the trauma, it will affect them for the rest of their lives.

“It’s hard,” Arcand said. “I’m 51 years old and the surviving kids are 9, 11 and

now 14. So, we’ve got to think about getting the proper help for individuals.

And making sure the community gets support too. I went to the funeral for my sister and my nephew. I saw people coming from other funerals. So multiple funerals in one day. You talk about that trauma, that stress and the grief that people have to deal with. But at the end of the day, there must be forgiveness.

We’ve got to look forward because the people that were killed were all good people.”

Tribal Chief Arcand says the pain from this incident will never be erased, but he urges communities to support each other.

“I believe we’ve got to support our communities - whatever decisions individuals make to deal with this. And we’re really trying to get that support out there. I started a GoFundMe page for my nephews and my brother-in-law because I feel that if we don’t address this trauma right now, it’s going to affect our lives and. It’s not going to have a good outcome. So, we need to focus on their quality of life first and foremost.

And being kids again is what the youth deserve to have. They don’t deserve to have all this trauma in their lives.”

There will be a public inquest into the deaths on James Cree First Nation. The announcement was made by Saskatchewan’s chief coroner in late September.

Saskatchewan’s Chief coroner Clive

Weighill said it’s expected the inquest and things like buying people glasses will be held in front of an all-Indige- or going shopping for clothes. We even nous jury. It’s also anticipated the public threw a birthday party for an eight-yearhearing will occur in late spring or early old. But that’s what we wanted to do summer of 2023. help people.”

A separate inquest will be held into the He says the compassion has shown death of Myles Sanderson since his through from many people throughout death occurred on a different day and Saskatoon. “They come up to you and while in police custody. That inquest say ‘our condolences’ or ‘we’re soris separate from the Saskatoon Police ry for your loss’. That means so much Service’s investigation into Sander- more than a monetary donation because son’s death, which is being monitored now the community is coming together. by the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Whether you’re indigenous or non-inResponse Team. digenous. And like I said, I’ve never Tribal Chief Arcand says the Saskatoon wished this on anybody to happen.”

Tribal Council is helping anyone who “Just want to say thank you to people reaches out following the stabbings on for their kindness and their generosity James Cree First Nation. and being there for everyone during a “We’re still trying to help people and difficult time.” we’ve helped many families already that were here during the week following the James Smith incident,” Arcand said.

“They were in Saskatoon in hospitals or visiting family.

We helped them STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, brother of Bonnie Burns, who was with transpor- killed at James Smith Cree Nation, holds up a photo of them at a news conference in Saskatoon, September 7, 2022. (REUTERS) tation, food,

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COMMUNITY Written By : Armand LaPlante Jade Roberts is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band where she grew up; she moved to Saskatoon where she attended the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at the U of S, graduating in 2018. Soon after, she began teaching in classrooms while at the same time discovering a new passion for podcasting.

Jade’s first podcast, Still Here Still Healing, presented the opportunity for residential school survivors to share their stories, experiences, and the impact that those experiences had on their lives.

In Summer of 2021, Jade’s personal journey took her down the road of sobriety. While becoming sober, it was evident to her that traditional methods of attaining sobriety such as AA weren’t for her. Being an avid podcast listener herself, Jade found that there was a lack of young Indigenous people like herself in the podcasting space sharing stories and knowledge about addictions and sobriety. This realization led Jade and podcasting partner Leora Badger to launch a podcast and community initiative called The Sobriety Circle.

The Sobriety Circle podcast, which has recently wrapped up season 1, is a space for young Indigenous women to share their experiences with addictions and sobriety and the benefits and challenges that they face on this journey.

The Sobriety Circle is more than a podcast, it has also become a community online and offline with the

Oct 2022

The Sobriety Circle is a sober community; more than a podcast pair hosting a sober meetups where like-minded individuals can come together to get together socially and soberly. The Sobriety Circle also has its own merch as well as its own alcohol-free beer called Ayoskan Sour which is available on tap at the Better Brother Brewing Co. in Saskatoon.

Indigenous Times had the pleasure of sitting down with Jade for a brief Q&A. Indigenous Times: Has being Indigenous affected your approach to this initiative and this podcast?

Jade: Yes, for sure. A lot of people who get sober [have used other methods that weren’t] created for Indigenous people [or]for women.

So, the Sobriety Circle, we wanted to create a space that is for those people, that is […] inclusive-- that includes the queer community or women or Indigenous people or people of colour. We want to have a more inclusive space. So being Indigenous and having that perspective like [another method] is not going to work for me, and then creating something that will work for me.

IT: On your podcast, you really speak candidly, and I understand some of these experiences can be tough to talk about; what drives you to discuss these experiences on a public platform such as the podcast?

Jade: I’ve always been a really open person and I kind of pride myself on that too because a lot of people carry a lot of shame with the experiences that they’ve

Jade Roberts, one of the founders of The Sobriety Circle podcast Submitted Photo

Founders of The Sobriety Circle Podcast Jade Roberts (left) and Leora Badger. been through. All of us have been through traumatic things and we’re often taught to not talk about those things and to keep quiet. For me, I’ve always wanted to be a voice that can bring out those healthy conversations and hard topics.

With the Sobriety Circle, I am really candid on it because I know that if I share my own story and my own experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly—then it might help someone else feel okay with sharing their story as well.

That’s huge for me. I’m a teacher and I work with youth and I want them to be as open as possible, I want to be a good model for that as well. I want them to feel comfortable sharing whatever is going on in their lives, so I feel like if I model that, if I be that person or that role model that is an open book that talks about what’s going on in my life then I hope that it helps someone.

IT: You’ve been sober for over a year now, has it gotten easier? And have you found more spaces suitable for yourself and your journey?

Jade: It did get easier; I feel like my first 3-4 months were probably the hardest […]. When you’re learning not to use alcohol as your crutch or to numb things, you really have to feel everything in those first couple months and learn how to feel things. It’s been years where I haven’t been feeling my feelings, and then you have to kind of relearn or learn for the first time how to do that, so within those first 3-4 months of sobriety there’s a lot of learning and it’s hard. […] I wouldn’t say that it’s easy, it’s different every day, I feel like every day’s a new day and you have to learn how to go with it.

In terms of finding more space for people like me, I think with starting the Sobriety Circle it has definitely

opened the doors for me for meeting other Indigenous women who are also sober from across Turtle Island. We are active on Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook […], it’s really cool to see how many young people are out there getting sober.

Us creating the Sobriety Circle is the space that I needed.

IT: There are probably a lot of unheard Indigenous voices and Indigenous people with experiences and knowledge they would like to share, how could one get into the podcasting space and begin their podcasting journey?

Jade: In the podcasting world, when I first started [around] three and half years ago, there was barely any Indigenous podcasts out there, and now we’re seeing more and more pop up all the time and I love to see that because that is an underrepresented voice on that platform.

If you have a topic that you’re passionate about, and you can talk about for a series of episodes then that’s already a good start. Doing some research about the equipment that you’ll need is also a good start.

Podcasting is very accessible, it’s very easy to get onto these large streaming platforms like Apple and Spotify. I think if people knew that it is accessible to get your content out there then they might start.

--Season 2 of the Sobriety Circle podcast is planned to be released Winter 2023 available on most podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Sobriety Circle is also planning to launch a 4-week guided sobriety & self-care journal program—this and other initiatives from the Sobriety Circle can be found on their Facebook page or on their Instagram/Tik Tok @thesobrietycircle.

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Indigenous Times

Oct 2022