TRIBAL STREET STYLE
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CALGARY FLOOD 2013
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ANNA McKENZIE
NEW TRIBE magazine YMCA Vision Seekers Program
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BOOK REVIEWS
*ON THE TABLE *TRIBE POETRY
CALGARY STAMPEDE
Free Vol. 1 2 Issue 5 JULY 2013 Now Available online www.usay.ca
NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers, As I write this the first heat wave of the season is upon us, and the fans at work are going overtime to keep me sane. Luckily being the Calgarian that I am I know that it will most likely rain soon and get things cooled off a bit for the Stampede. Here’s hoping. The city is just starting to rebuild after the massive flooding that devastated many Calgary communities, along with many of the nearby reserves in Alberta. If you can find one silver lining in the destruction left in the wake of the receding waters, is the inspiring stories of a volunteer spirit that has galvanized and helped those in need to begin the process of starting over. I’m proud of you Calgary, proud of the spirit that shows we care about our neighbors.
Need updates on upcoming USAY and New Tribe Magazine events? Feel free to search us out on Face book and join our growing friends list. We post upcoming events, submission r e q u i r e me nt s and deadlines, and fun stuff like upcoming movie nights and book clubs. It is also a great place to comment on stories or articles you wish to see in our upcoming issues. Do you have an opinion on this issue of New Tribe magazine? Good, bad, or ugly send in your thoughts and we will print it in the letters section. Spread the word, and stay true to it. John Medeiros Managing Editor New Tribe Magazine
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Calgary’s Aboriginal Youth Monthly usayeditor@gmail.com Managing Editor John Medeiros Graphic Design Aboriginal Design Group Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth Suite 600, 615 Macleod Trail South Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 403.233.8225 Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland Program Manager Rachel Paris Office Manager Jessica Hawryluk Board of Directors President Sarena Provost Vice-President Amanda Gonet Treasurer Melaina Patenaude Secretary Cheryl Hanley
NEW TRIBE is a monthly magazine. Our mission is to promote a positive outlook on Aboriginal living in an urban setting by promoting information sharing within the Aboriginal and youth communities Opinions expressed in submitted work/letters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NEW TRIBE or USAY. This magazine is a forum for Aboriginal youth to speak their minds and share their stories without intervention. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for plagiarism of the works in the magazine. All writings are presumed to be the original work of the contributing authors.
Special Thanks to our Community Partners & Funders
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CONTENTS
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16 JULY
COVER STORY YMCA VISION SEEKERS 20 By: Aj. Bellegarde
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NEWS BRIEFS
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COMMUNITY
7 WHAT’S GOING ON?
24 WORKING
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CALGARY FLOOD
10 HEALTH
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MUSIC REVIEW
12 ON THE TABLE
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MOVIE REVIEW
14 POETRY
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BOOK REVIEW
15 CREATIVE
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STREET STYLE
16 COMMUNITY
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BULLYING
18 COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
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NEWS*BRIEFS
Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada Canadians increasingly reporting Aboriginal identity Statisticians who parsed data from first National Household Survey were surprised to find many Canadians who had reported no aboriginal identity in the census of 2006 were standing up five years later to declare themselves to be First Nations or Inuit or Métis. Aboriginal leaders attribute the phenomenon to a blooming sense of pride, especially among youth, in the heritage of Canada’s original peoples. It is a trend, they say, that has been prompted by the strength young indigenous people have found through social media, by the gradual healing of wounds from the residential schools, and by a growing realization on the part of Aboriginals that the rights bestowed upon other Canadians also apply to them.
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“We were brought up to be quiet about [indigenous identity] because it could affect us if our parents tried to find a place to rent, in the school systems, if we tried to get jobs, or whatever. There was that old stereotype, unfortunately, and bigotry and prejudice,” said Betty Ann Lavallée, the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, which represents Métis and nonstatus Indians. But “our young people, in particular off reserve, have become educated,” Ms. Lavallée said. “They are no longer afraid. They know they have the basis of law behind them and they’re becoming extremely vocal.” Wayne Smith, the chief statistician at Statistics Canada, recently told The Globe and Mail that an unexpectedly high number of respondents to the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS) – the voluntary survey that
replaced the mandatory long-form census – claimed to be aboriginal. “When the survey was fully processed, we see a larger number of aboriginal people, particularly non-status Indians in general and in southern Canada more Inuit, than can reasonably be explained by natural increases,” Mr. Smith said. “We actually linked back to records [from the] 2006 census and saw people switching. In 2006, they reported no aboriginal identity. In the 2011 NHS, they were suddenly reporting they were non-status Indians.” Wilf Falk, who has been Manitoba’s top statistician for 34 years, said the trend was observed among the Métis in the two censuses that preceded the 2011 survey.
SOURCE -The Globe and Mail
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TRIBE*creative
RICK MANYBEARS 6
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What’s Going On? JULY,2013 July 01 Canada Day Powwow Olympic Park Calgary, AB
July 12 Dixie Chicks in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
July 25 - 28 Calgary Folk Music Festival Prince’s Island Calgary, AB
July 05 - 14 Calgary Stampede Stampede Park Calgary, AB
July 13 Kiss in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary
July 25 Megadeth in Concert Stampede Corral Calgary, AB
July 05 Stampede Parade Calgary, AB
July 17 Bruno Mars in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
July 27 Franco Festival Calgary Eau Claire Calgary, AB
July 20 - 21 Fiestaval Latin Festival Olympic Plaza Calgary, AB
July 29 - Aug 04 Calgary International Blues Festival Shaw Millennium Park Calgary, AB
July 08 - 12 Stampede Music including Armond Duck Chief and a Drumming Circle 12-1pm Central Library, Main Floor Calgary, AB July 09 - Aug 27 Toast ‘n’ Jam New Black Centre Calgary, AB
July 21 Kensington Sun & Salsa Festival Kensington Calgary, AB
July 11 Tim McGraw in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
July 24 Rush in Concert Scotiaband Saddledome Calgary, AB
Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
If you have an event you’d like us to include in our monthly calendar, email it to us - usayeditor@gmail.com by the third Wednesday of the month. Submission deadline for the Aug 2013 issue: July 26 NEW TRIBE JULY 2013
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HEALTH
A JOURNEY by:Christine Smith (McFarlane) Ashern, Manitoba is located in the heart of Manitoba’s Northwest Interlake and is a sleepy little hamlet of about 1,500 to 2,000 people. It is about an hour away from my home reserve of Peguis First Nation. My visit served many purposes. It was not only about spending time with my mom but it was also about having a mini Making the journey back home vacation away from everything so is one that is wrought with many that I could work on my memoir emotions. It is an emotional manuscript and learn more about rollercoaster that can be my family history and legacy. exhausting because it consists of initial excitement and elation and This visit wasn’t my first time can quickly turn to frustration, home; I had gone to see my anger and then give way to a mom back in October 2012. The certain sadness that will tear at emotions I encountered this time your insides if you are not careful. around were at times difficult I just came back from a two and a to deal with. I listened to many half week visit with my birth mom stories, often told over and over and her partner. The visit had me again by my mom and her partner leaving Toronto, hopping a plane to in various ways. Winnipeg and then taking a twohour Greyhound bus ride to a My siblings and I were taken from my mom as mere toddlers. little town called Ashern. The Canadian state has long had policies that were made to destroy First Nations families. Apart from residential schools, and other colonial practices, the next worst thing that the Canadian government did was to remove First Nations children from their birth families and adopt them out.
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The years that ensued after that consisted of my mom just trying to get by in any way she could. She has lived in abject poverty, has been dealing with mental health and addiction issues, struggles with diabetes and is trying her best to be a mom to a woman (me) even though she grew up herself, without her own mom. The stories spoke to the colonial practices and policies that have been instilled by the Canadian government. I listened to stories that detailed the loss of language, culture and tradition, and the ensuing estrangement of family members, the onslaught of addiction issues, diabetes amongst family members and death. I was told about so many deaths that my head spun. There was the car accident that took a cousin away way before his time, the murder of
COMMUNITY f my maternal grandmother at the hands of her own sister, and my mom, at the age of 12 finding her mother’s body, the murder of my biological father, and the ensuing words that were issued to me by my mom’s partner “Your dad died like a dog in the street.” Those words hit me like a semi truck and not only made me seethe inside at how someone could have the gall to say such unkind words, but also made me feel an overwhelming sense of sadness because there were questions I had about my father that I now knew would go unanswered by my mom and her partner. The topic of my father was like a wound that festers when it goes without treatment. On one trip to my reserve, I wandered around the graveyard and my mom and her partner pointed out where family members were buried. We went to the neighboring reserve- Fisher River and I walked around that cemetery, looking for where my dad and my grandpa were buried. At one point, I thought I found where my dad was buried, but it turned out to be someone else’s grave. Inside my head, I was telling myself
had taken off to get a haircut. When she didn’t return after an hour, her partner and I had to go look for her. She had gone MIA. I remember my heart going into my throat, and the worry I felt when she had not returned after an hour. I went into the salon and My journey home this time around they told me revealed many things to me. It told me of a truth that not many “No, Anna left awhile ago” people want to hear. It spoke of loss. It spoke of sadness, anger I went across the street to two and kindness; and it also spoke of other places she usually went to a resiliency that made me proud. and found that she wasn’t there I recognized that my family is not either. Her partner and I hopped the only family to reel from losses into their truck and went back that go back generations, there to the house. After entering are many First Nations families the house, calling her name and that have or are going through the realizing that she wasn’t anywhere same thing, with no thanks to the to be found, we hopped back into policies and colonial practices of the truck and drove down the main street, trying to keep our our government. eyes peeled for her. The rifts in First Nations families that have been caused by the We found her not long after that, Canadian state are staggering. but there were other incidents These losses are not just physical; that had me on guard and vigilant they also affect us emotionally, around her. Her partner watches out for her too. It makes me spiritually and mentally. feel sad that my mom is in the Establishing a relationship with my shape that she is in, but I am also birth mom is difficult but it is also immensely proud of her because rewarding. It’s unique in the sense after all that she has been through, that I am getting to know her after she still shows a resiliency that so many of years of not knowing says who or where she was, and she is “ I will not be destroyed”. learning about me too. to take a couple of pictures with me. The kindness shown to me at that time totally blew me away. It reminded me of a gentle kindness that was often shown to me through the workers that took care of me while growing up.
In many ways, the role of mother/ “Please Creator, help me to find daughter is reversed because I found that during my visit that I the graves I am looking for.” was often watching out for her, After going to the band office, and giving her advice, and making sure a couple of phone calls later, I met that overall she was okay, just like I two of my uncles, who showed would when I am around my niece. me where my grandpa was buried. One uncle brought me back to his I recall one day when we had all apartment to show me pictures, gone into town to the support and then graciously allowed me centre to hang out and my mom
I am proud of my mom. I feel a love for this woman that birthed me and has welcomed me back after all these years. The resiliency she has shown me, makes me want to keep on fighting the good fight to create the change that is needed for the generation behind me to pick up and carry on.
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FLAVOR
On the Table BBQ Sirloin Kabobs INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper seasoning 4 fluid ounces lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage 2 pounds beef sirloin steak, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes 2 green bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces skewers 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, stems removed 1 pint cherry tomatoes 1 fresh pineapple - peeled, cored and cubed DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, light brown sugar, distilled white vinegar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, garlic pepper seasoning, and lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage. Reserve about 1/2 cup of this marinade for basting. Place steak in a large resealable plastic bag. Cover with the remaining marinade, and seal. Refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add green peppers, and cook for 1 minute, just to blanch. Drain, and set aside. Preheat grill for high heat. Thread steak, green peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and pineapple onto skewers in an alternating fashion. Discard marinade and the bag. Lightly oil the grill grate. Cook kabobs on the prepared grill for 10 minutes, or to desired doneness. Baste frequently with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking. 12
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WORD
Sacred and Tax Free
BY D. SPOTTED EAGLE
For the lucky first nations issued tax-exemption card, they are able to purchase the sinister, sorry my bad I mean “sacred” tobacco tax free what a bonus wouldn’t you say? They will go out of their way to utilize that privilege granted by the government, any commonsensical smoker would. The stuff is sacred you know, so sacred your scolded if you throw or mishandle tobacco, it is to be held in high regard. Except this so called “sacred” tobacco has been tainted and steeped in pestilent toxic poisons you can find in a myriad of other things, like stuff found in many garages, ingredients found in the cleaners under your sink, even things around you right now and not to mention chemicals used in the gas chamber meant to end the life of a human! Sounds pretty sacred to me. Those who bless themselves with this sacred stuff can count on its salubrious physical rewards that follow: A sallow appearance, fresh breathe to compliment the yellow teeth, blackened lungs to operate the wheezy winded intake of air, delighted sense of taste, impotence, (damn!) the slow draining of your vitality, your stamina starts to go on the wane. You know, all the stuff that sacred things are supposed to do. The cancer, the dying, the losses ect. I think it’s a safe to say that you know someone effected, suffering or has passed (God rest) because of complications caused by tobacco. I was at one time held in the wicked, nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, ammonia stained death grip of tobacco, but I was never under the illusion that it is sacred. Unfortunately, that is the prevailing thought among many native people, I’ve even heard a few Caucasoid say such madness. So excuse my candor, I’m simply voicing my opinion on paper about the ‘sacred’ tobacco. I quit smoking a while ago but I still second hand smoke a pack a day, sometimes I’m second hand smoking 2-3 cigarettes at a time! I’d have to be outside 24/7 to escape the stifling effects of second hand smoke. I never think twice about throwing tobacco, given the chance I’ll throw that poison straight into the garbage. Impious or scared? My vote goes to the former over the later, all day. So let’s not kid ourselves here, todays tobacco isn’t what it once was, and it’s not sacred lie it once was, so ease up on that crazy B.S sure they don’t tax the Natives for the tobacco, but it sure is taxing the health right out of our people. I’m out.
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CREATIVE
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COMMU NITY
TREATY FREEDOM CARAVAN by TARRA WRIGHT-MANYCHIEF photo by Arnell Tailfeathers
As the sun rose across the prairies on the morning of June 6th, a group of Aboriginal leaders led by the Assembly of Manitoba Chief’s Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, set out on a journey that would take them across the Prairie Provinces to reignite the Treaty fires in roughly 40 First Nations. Nepinak was joined on this journey by Joan Jack (Berens River Councilor), Norman Bone (former Keeseekowenin Chief), Ojibwa Elder Elmer Courchene, as well as other supporters and support staff. The intention of this 11-day motorcycle tour is to raise awareness about our Treaty Rights as First Nations people, as well as spreading the word to all Canadians about the importance of the Treaties. As Nepinak and other members of the caravan 16
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visit each community during this 4,000 kilometer trek, they will be talking to people about the historical agreements that were made between First Nations and the Crown. To each community that was visited by the Treaty Freedom Caravan a piece of coal was share to be burnt for 4-days beginning at sunrise on June 21 to reignite the discussion of treaty rights. “This is about reigniting treaty fire in the communities. We have to burn away the haze that exists in many of our communities. We’ve got to get rid of the smoke and the mirrors that stand in the way from remembering that we’re born here first, we’re born here free. We have great liberties that are recognized in these treaties.”
began its journey in Lower Fort Garry, Manitoba, at the place of the historical signing of Treaty 1, the journey took them across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. During their trek they visited communities in Treaty 1, 2,4,5,6, & 7 territories. The message that Nepinak and his group are trying to spread is that the treaties are living documents that were made for the purpose of a mutually beneficial future for both Canada’s settlers as well as its first peoples.
By promoting education and awareness in First Nations across the Prairie Provinces the Nepinak is also hoping to lay the ground work for a new Aboriginal organization that would act as an alternative to the Assembly of First Nations. As an alternative to the AFN The Treaty Freedom Caravan this organization would not
COMMU NITY be funded through the federal government, and would take on the role of representing the Prairie First Nations as they focus on Treaty negotiations, a role that the AFN traditionally held. This action was spurred by the growing feelings among First Nations people that the AFN is losing touch with the Aboriginal
Norman Bone
grassroots movement across will act to represent the true Canada. intentions of the numbered Treaties, between First While the Treaty Freedom Nations and the Crown. Only Caravan concluded its tour of time will tell is an alternative the Prairie Provinces, Nepinak to the Assembly of First and fellow Aboriginal leaders Nations can be created to are still promoting education represent the First Nations and awareness about the under Treaties in negotiation Treaties in the hopes of and interpretation. creating a new alliance that
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak
Ben Raven
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Community
RESERVES HIT WITH MASSIVE FLOODING John Medeiros
While some 2011 Aboriginal flood victims still lack homes or shelter for 2000 of its displaced residents, this week’s Morley, Siksika and Stoney Nakoda flooding struck a new disaster into the heart of the First Nations of Alberta. Morley was believed to be the hardest hit location in Southern Alberta with many of the roads washed away and countless homes under water. The community is calling urgently for volunteers and drivers to help in this emergency. The floodwaters are actually now receding slowly from Alberta and the damage is being assessed, but unfortunately as far North as Saskatchewan flooded 18
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residents are still being evacuated. Many people in the area have been shaken by being devastated by another flooding disaster after 2011 caused displacement of residents for years. However, the community spirit remains strong as they begin the tortuous process of salvaging belongings, rebuilding homes and their lives.
carts and a forklift. Anyone able to help with these needs is asked to call Mike immediately at 403-8374846, please. Wednesday 26 June was the last day that donations were accepted at the Sportsplex but Buffalo Run Golf Course is still accepting donations and needs food, water and cleaning supplies. Bridges Social Development (Bridges) has been working tirelessly in all of the hard hit First Nations communities surrounding Calgary to help with their desperately needed relief and restoration.
The Morley, Siksika, and Stoney Nakoda are in urgent need of volunteers and drivers to sort and deliver donations to the stricken people living in the area. They are hoping to ship everything out of the Sportsplex to the residents in Siksika, Eden Valley and Tuesday, June 25, more than Morley as soon as possible. 50 people from Calgary and They especially need dollies, Canmore volunteered their
COMMUNITY time, energy, and resources to ensure that the evacuated Morley residents were all well and cared for. They put in long hours hauling heavy equipment, sorting rescue supplies, and entertaining tired children. Morley residents themselves, some who have been evacuated from their homes, are also working and helping one another. Morley First Nation community is comprised of three bands, the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley. Cathy Dixon, the wife of Bearspaw Nakoda Nation Chief, Darcy Dixon, says, “I am so proud to see the community coming together, all three bands!” Meanwhile, downtown Calgary itself is evacuated and fighting river flood waters. It could be days or weeks before Calgary’s downtown is open for business, the city’s emergency management chief reported. Bruce Burrell, Calgary Emergency Management Agency, said the downtown is without power but some owners will be allowed to inspect their properties Sunday. It remains unclear how long it will take to restore power to the business center. “There’s a big part of downtown without power,” Burrell said. “It may be without for days, it may be without for
weeks.” Edmonton fire crews are sending 100 people and equipment to pump water out of flooded buildings. “We want to recover as quickly as possible,” Burrell said. The Bow River is stable but still flowing fast. This unfortunately means the river is chewing at its banks and berms, and water level three times the amount of 2005’s flood. Residents in Discovery Ridge were returned home Saturday when at 6:00 pm the all-clear was also given to evacuees from Quarry Park, Riverbend, Douglasdale and Deer Run. The mandatory evacuation order was lifted for parts of downtown. Burrell said the city plans to announce late Sunday where evacuated Calgarians can be domiciled and when the remaining evacuatees might return home. “We’ll be starting to release communities as soon as they become available,” he said.
Several accounts have been set up to accept cash donations: TREATY 7 CASH DONATIONS SOUTHERN ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS FLOOD RELEASE Peace Hills Trust - account #95315 email transfer - bjonespot@ eaglesoul.com Billy Joe One Spot - 403-3907224 STONEY NAKODA NATIONS – MORLEY, EDEN VALLEY, BIG HORN STONEY NAKODA FLOOD RELIEF FUND 2013 Royal Bank will accept donations at any branch SIKSIKA THE SIKSIKA NATION RELIEF Bank of Montreal will accept donations at any branch. Gift Cards may also be sent to Siksika: Siksika Calgary Office 132 16 Avenue NE T2E 1J7
The surrounding Aboriginal communities have suffered the most, as they did in 2005 and 2011 flooding. The number of dead has not been officially released, but the expanse of land flooded is Siksika Reserve Office P.O. Box 1189 historical in proportions. Siksika, AlbertaT0J-3W0’ All citizenry are asked to donate to our flood victims.
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YMCA Vision Seekers Program by: Aj. Bellegarde photos by John Medeiros
The YMCA Vision Seekers Program is a junior leadership program with an Aboriginal Focus. Sarena Provost, who works in the YMCA Aboriginal Programs and Services, has been involved in the program since its inception 2 years ago. The program originally started at Sir John A. MacDonald School in the North East. But this past school year, Sarena explains, “Louis Riel Junior High School noticed they needed to implement Aboriginal Programming into their school because of the high number of Aboriginal kids in the school, so we developed a partnership.” The program runs the entire school year from September to June. Says Sarena, “The program is structured under the medicine wheel teachings. Through that, our youth learn about leadership skills, team building, trust activities, healthy relationships, self-esteem building, friendship and many other relevant topics. We also have our youth work with Elders which is just as
important as the module work helped me to feel safe to share we do” my thoughts.” She also likes that “We do lots of activities, Vision Seeker Dayme Big Crow and go on field trips.” likes the Elder involvement. “It’s a program we can go to Sarena says the program helps spend time learning about our the students find out what they culture, and that’s made me like to do and where their talents more comfortable with myself.” are. Des Crowchild likes the program because, “It brought One of the things that Sarena me a long way from where loves about the program is that, I used to be, especially with “Everybody learns differently. my art. Sarena gave us each a Every youth will learn and sketchbook and I developed my engage in different aspects of sketches from there. I started our program, and they’ll each putting in more detail into take away something different my art.” She says the Vision from a teaching. Seekers program has helped her in other ways as well. “If For example, they’ll hear a I wasn’t in this program, I’d story and they’ll do an activity still be the quiet one with less related to it. They do a lot of confidence than I have now. I self-reflection and they learn might be a loner.” so much about themselves and how they see and fit into the Sierra Big Plume says, “I wanted world around them.” to join the program because I thought it would be interesting, Shay Bear says the Vision and something that could keep Seekers program is important in line, something that would to her because it has helped her give me something to do with develop confidence in and out my free time.” of school. “One of the things we had to do was journal writing. “It’s a good program. It taught That helped me become me how to deal with issues confident in my writing and it when they come up, and maybe NEW TRIBE JULY 2013
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COMMUNITY even prevent them.”
Kids Help Phone.”
The program’s structure allows Sarena and her youth to explore issues that junior high school students face. One of the things Sarena is most proud of her youth is that “They’ve taken a huge leadership role by creating an anti-bullying campaign. It started around a conversation around friendship, and being accepting of who you are.”
She says they chose that organization because, “We feel that kids need to know about Kids Help Phone. If they’re being bullied, they need someone to talk to, for someone to listen. Sometimes you can’t go home and talk to your parents
Vision Seeker Elissa Big Crow explains, “There was an incident one day at school while we were in program. That started a conversation, and We started throwing ideas out and that’s where the campaign came out. It popped into our conversation to raise money, so every single cent we raise will or other adults about it, and go to the Kids Help Phone” you’d feel more comfortable talking to someone else.” Sarena says the youth are making and selling bracelets. Sarena says the Vision Seekers “The bracelets are made with program “has evolved into more embroidery floss, and we’ll than I ever expected. Not only eventually make beaded ones. do we do work at school, but When we’ve sold a large we’ve been about to go out on amount, we’ll send a cheque to field trips for dinner and movies 22
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and even Calaway Park. Each person involved as really grown. Our program helps some of them overcome shyness. They learn how to contribute to conversations in small groups and that builds their confidence. Sometimes they even find out what they’re good at, and what they like to do” June signifies the end of the school year, and end of the Vision Seekers program for the year. Sarena says, “We recently had our Honour Ceremony where they earned eagle feathers for accomplishment and recognition for finishing the program.” She expects most of her students back next year and has high hopes for each of the Vision Seekers youth that she works with. “I would like to see them be successful in whatever it is they want to do. They each have a lot of talent and hopefully they utilize what they’ve learned in our program when they move on.”
Community
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Community
Calgarians Working Together As everyone knows, the destructive and widespread flooding through the heart of Calgary came when the Elbow River broke over banks. Aside from Calgary, flooding also affected Canmore, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and High River. An estimated $8 billion in damage was incurred. Alberta Province has pledged $1 billion in relief aid.
and everything that needed to be saved could be sent to a storage facility while the theater repaired its space.
Nearby, yet another group of volunteers assumed center stage. Members of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief group, helped clean up the basement of a 100-year-old house, also ravaged by flood waters. Matt Grace, the home owner, said his Every little bit helps. Green family never could have cleaned Fools Theater suffered a flooded the basement without the help workshop in its basement with of those volunteers. an additional $20,000 in damage to wood and tools. They put Other volunteers were making out the call for volunteers on an impact all over town as social media. A Facebook page Calgarians came to the aid produced a dozen volunteers of fellow Calgarians. Jayda who brought people power into Karsten, a volunteer wearing full view. baby blue rain boots referred to the effort as community Volunteers moved out building events. Since Calgary practically the entire contents of is one big community, Karsten the theater to a variety of vans said, it made sense that people and even a camping vehicle. would help people in need. That meant tools, sets, costumes 24
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On the same street, poet Miles Patterson said he was trying not to show how upset he was about losing possessions while being impressed with hard work of the volunteers. The floods made the community stronger when they could have fallen completely apart, he said. All over Calgary, people had stirring stories of neighbors helping neighbors and community volunteer efforts. Oil patch consultant Joe Davis was in charge of many volunteers pumping out basements around Bowbank Crescent. He used 10 water pumps in the vicinity, some of which he owned and some donated by his employer, NAL Resources. Saying it was something that needed to be done, Davis added these efforts were far better than, say, fracking wells. Fellow volunteer Jocelyn McMinn said Davis was all about how
COMMUNITY he could help and what could Health Centre pledged free he do when he came to the 45-minute acupuncture neighborhood to help. sessions. For others needing support and mental health help, A lot of businesses and Fercho Psychological Services commercial enterprises also said it would provide at least sprang into action offering two free counseling sessions assistance of all sorts. Action from its clinical psychologists Auger - The Gentleman to anyone stressed by the floods Plumbers and Knight Plumbing and their aftermath. and Heating offered to pump out basements for free. Shane Calgary Jewish Community Homes Living and Sons of Centre and YMCA/Westside electric offered electrical Recreation Centre opened their services and generators. doors to those needing hymn MAXgreen Windows and Doors work. Kensington Fitness Ltd. used Facebook and Twitter Studio and GoodLife Fitness to pledge donation matches of also offered free showers and up to $5,000 for page and feed change rooms. followers. Child care and pet care providers Glenmore Coin Laundry stepped volunteered help for those in up with free laundry washing, need. Fun and More donated its one load per family. WINMAR facility to a pizza party for kids Property Restoration offered to up to age 12. Chinook School clean bedding, shoes and clothes of Music in conjunction with and get rid of contaminants for Counterpoint Dance Studio held non-insured homeowners. a free day camp for children affected by the flood. Stir Crazy Health care providers stepping Family Fun Centre went the into the flood relief breech. extra mile with free use of its Wentworth Medical and Walk- facility so parents could devote in Clinic offered its care to energy elsewhere. anybody affected and unable to see there regular health care As for pets, K9 Corner provided professionals. They also offered free doggie day care along with help to anybody injured during free boarding and free baths for clean-up efforts. those pooches affected by the floods. Pet Lynx gave one month For those seeking alternative free use of its AnimalTRACS relief, Healthflow Integrative GPS tracking system.
Besides volunteers and businesses, area sports people stepped up to help. The Scotiabank Saddledome sat aside flood waters from flood. Home of the Calgary Flames, the area flooded completely including most of Stampede Park. So, the Calgary Flames donated $1 million for flood relief. The Canadian Red Cross plans to use the money for the massive cleanup. Retired Flame Sheldon Kennedy broke the news on Twitter. Jon Cornish, the Calgary Stampeders running back said he would donate $10 for every yard he gained.
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Community
CALGARY FLOOD 2013
photos by Elodie Caron
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COMMUNITY
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CREATIVITY
Untitled Poem by Anna McKenzie Sometimes in the midst of my day to day life, I am overcome with a sadness when I see one of my brothers or sisters struggling with the life they have inherited as an Indigenous person. I wrote this piece on my phone while I was on the bus, watching an Indigenous brother struggle with alcohol. I observed the looks he received by other riders on the bus, of pity and disgust. I listened helplessly as the bus driver asked him to get off the bus, and the shame he felt. I felt my own shame for not being able to stand up for him in that moment, to explain to everyone what led this man to this place of darkness. Instead, I wrote a poem.
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He could have been a warrior
She could have been a warrior
He could have been a leader
She could have been a leader
He could have been a provider
She could have had a voice
A protector of his people
To be valued by her people
Instead he sits on corners
Instead she talks to no one
Displaced from his land and spirit
And struggles in her silence
His identity was stolen
Her voice and power were stolen
From those who sought to possess it
By those who sought to possess it
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TA LENT
S ’ T I
! E LEGENDS R E H
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BEATS
Turn up the Volume By Katty Jo Rabbit
Kanye West Yeezus Something about this album doesn’t feel right, it is not really flattering, it is not classy and amazing, it is basically Kanye doing what he does best, and that is ranting about the boring issues of how he is always being undermined by society. Which doesn’t make sense, yes we get it, and you’re rich and tired of being stereotyped. We get it, you’re all about your mom and your career, and being rich, we get it. I almost didn’t make it though the entire album because of the screaming alone. For all you hardcore fans, you might want to rethink the strategy of this album, as I can understand trying to find out who you are as a musician it begins to get on the nerves, and what is with this concept of the song I am a god? Blah,blah,blah! That is how it felt, the raps weren’t interesting, they weren’t catchy and exciting, but there was some good beats. Definitely not one of the best times I have had trying to get into an album. But maybe that is his thing, maybe he decided “I am going to have a baby, let’s quickly pump out an album so Kim can buy more Chanel for my baby” New slaves is actually a pretty cool song, other than that I didn’t come across anything that I liked, or even felt was a whole hearted attempt at making a great album. Like he has become so bored with himself that he is okay with just pumping out commercialized music. Dropping in names like Kid Cudi along the way, with a Chicago Rapper you would expect more, you would think he would bring his game to the show. Turns out that he just showed up with polish production and thought that it would be enough, doesn’t work that way and seriously, why the autotune?
Deep Vally Sistrionix It has definitely been a while since feminist rockers have shown their face in the main stream, but here we have two songstresses with real issue chipped on their shoulder. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that, but with the RiRi and Katy Perry fans of the world claiming that they are reclaiming their feminist power by appealing to the male ideals of beauty makes me wonder where have all the feminists gone? By the looks of it, they have gone to LA to watch these beauties rock it like they got it. With an eleven track album, this is definitely for those girls and boys who remember L7, Babes in Toyland, and Portishead, wow seems like so long ago. But the anger is real and the riffs are hard but the sounds are amazing with strong lyricism to send the message home. Check out the songs Creeplife, Make my own money (which is my new summer anthem) and Your love, which is about being with a guy that your friends have already been with. It will make sense when you hear it and don’t forget that if you just love music this appeals to anyone ovaries or not. Remember too that the whole album is good, and it is not all rage and burn; believe me this will get you in the mood to do whatever it is your like to do when there is thrash in the air.
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BEATS
Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Matias Aguayo The Visitor For house-electro music to be enjoyed thoroughly you have to be in a dark room with lasers with people who enjoy that type of music, or you have to be in the middle of nowhere sounds blaring off the speakers to really engage you. If you’re a real fan, you can be anywhere but for the rest of us who don’t really get it, well you might have to take it small doses’. Which works for this album, not really sure how this came across the radar except one day while I was researching world music this popped up and for some reason listening to someone kind of rap in a foreign language was really interesting. Seeing as this album was produced with a lot of south American artists I thought it would be nice to introduce this for a summer jam, most of the time you can get away with one or two songs being really neat to listen too, but this album actually gives away to that concept with actually four really good songs that seem cooler than they actually are when your cruising around with random people. It makes you seem more cultured, plus when asked who the artist is and you can say Matias Aguayo properly, your cool meter can rise a little but not much. Over all the songs that stand out are El Sucu tucu, Levantate Diegors, RRRR, and Una Fiesta Diferente are some really great tracks, which I personally am going to learn to sing along too, just because it is summertime and really what else is there to do? Queens of the Stone Age Like Clockwork Well they say nothing good comes easy or quickly for that matter as it took QOTSA six dam long years for them to squeeze one out. We’re glad that they did, I almost forgot how sexy Josh Homme was too bad he is a little freakishly tall for me, so ladies and germs he is all yours. For your listening pleasure though don’t forget that he has the best backing band ever! From Dave Grohl to Sir Elton John, this little ditty is going to make you run faster, and live better. Actually I am not sure how this will affect your life, but if you live for music then for sure you will most likely remember how great the first album was. Bias aside, it has turned into the whole boring situation where a band is so large it doesn’t matter to them anymore to please the fans as they know the fan base is there. So I am not sure if this is the best effort we have seen or heard, but it reaches quite high on the satisfaction level as anything is better than nothing for the past six years. Six years, I can’t seem to get over how much musicians seem to like to make their fans suffer through. As much as I would like to say there is something for everyone there really isn’t, you pretty much have to be a fan or super fan to enjoy the sounds. If you don’t like the new stuff well too bad, they really don’t care, but what they do care about is the fact that they will be in your town soon, as they are set to take the stage August 8,2013. Be sure to get your tickets soon, and if you find yourself in the cheap seats, nose bleed section keep an eye for me, I will be there to enjoy with you the sounds we have so longed to hear! Check out the songs, If I had a tail, Smooth sailings, and The Vampyre of time and memory.
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MOVIES
See You at the Movies Starring Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren The prequel to the wonderful Monsters Inc. by Pixar features the building of the relationship between the two main characters, Mike and Sully. This is where they first meet each other in Monsters University, the school that they go to. It is very interesting to see how these two develop through the movie and how it plays along with the original movie. Pixar put everything they had into this movie and it shows with a lot of great laughs for not only the kids but also the adults. This is what Pixar has been known to do so well and they have delivered once again. Because Monsters Inc. was such an incredible movie with a moving story line I did not think it possible to make a deserving prequel. But I have to admit that this film does the first one justice. Now it is not as amazing as the first one but it still is very good. The tone of this movie is much brighter than the sad overtone that the first one carries. Its great to see this alternative universe where Monsters are heading off to college just like the society here on earth but with a few different twists. All the characters in this movie has something to give to the story line, whether it be laughs, motives, or a plot change.
The plot of this film is not the most original that Pixar has done but it is executed very well. Mike and Sully are an underdog team in their University and they have to prove themselves as strong individuals. Along the way there is the development of the bond between these two future best friends. It gives great insight to how well connected they are with each other in the first movie. The movie comes in two different parts with two different story lines that are done in Pixar fashion. I don’t want to ruin it for you but they both have unique qualities that the audience deserves. Monsters University is one of those movies that shouldn’t have been good but because of the fantastic directing, smart writing, and emotional voice acting it ends up executed perfectly. It is not the amazing new story line of the first movie Monsters Inc. but it offers much on its own. At the end of this movie you will definitely want to give the first another go.
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See You at the Movies
MOV IES
Starring Seth Rogen. James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel With a cast that is as vast and talented as the one This Is The End has there is a lot of expectations to uphold. Especially when all of these actors play themselves in a pre and post apocalyptic world that is falling right before their eyes. However, this movie proves to critics that their talent is deserved. This movie is absolutely hilarious with brilliant one liners from the cast that has a deep comedic background. The lines are delivered perfectly throughout and the acting is done over the top and rambunctious but it works very well in it’s situation. This Is The End never has a dull moment. From comedians (who are also playing themselves) dying spontaneously to A list actors showing up randomly the movie keeps the audience on its toes and ready to laugh at any moment. It does not for a second take itself seriously as a work of art and it has fun the entire time. You can really tell that these actors had a great time making this movie from start to finish. The actors manage to also poke fun at the celebrity gossip they have received about their lifestyles which never gets old. The humour and the pacing of this movie is resemblant to movies such as Superbad and Pineapple Express. It is exactly what you would expect from the work of actors such as James Franco, Danny Mcbride, Seth Rogen, and Jonah Hill. Do not go into this movie expecting anything else. The conversations in this movie between these talented actors are the real mantlepiece of the movie. It is written and maybe even improved a little masterfully. The way they fight over anything from snickers to clothes to even whether or not they should let someone live is refreshing every time. This Is The End is the latest creation from some of the youngest new comedic actors of this generation. The directing of this movie sets a pace that keeps the audience in touch with the plot but also lets them relax to enjoy all of the humour that is abundant. This is exactly what the fans have been waiting for and they will not be disappointed with the amazing conversations and one liners. I would not be surprised to see another movie where these actors play themselves again because it worked, and it worked very well.
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LITERA LLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind Drama- Raina Telgemeier Drama by Raina Telgemeier is a full color graphic novel. Drama is a fun, exciting book that has humor, eccentric characters, and some great drama. Drama follows the life of young students dealing with friendship, crushes, and other things young students must deal with. Throughout Drama there are touching moments, hard moments and down right funny moments. It is a great read for young kids as well as adults wanting to look back at their youth. Drama is about a young student named Callie who adores theater. She loves it and lives for it although her and her family know she cannot sing what so ever. Callie is still determined to get a part in the production of Moon Over Mississippi and ends up being cast as the designer for the stage crew. To prove herself Callie is on a mission to create the biggest and best costumes although she is on a very small school budget.
designs.
As Callie starts getting really excited to design for the stage crew everything starts falling apart. For starters Callie is not so good with carpentry and must find a way to learn how to do things fast. Many of the crew members are having a hard time getting along making a hard environment to work in. Who likes who and who hates who makes it hard for everyone to work together. Worst of all for Callie is the fact that ticket sales are down and they keep declining. Calie must find a way to make everything work and put on a great production with great
Once the cast is chosen for the production the drama just gets deeper and deeper. Not only are the cast performing drama on stage they are also dealing with all the drama off stage. Throughout drama you will see crushes develop, and some crushes will fade. Friendships will be tested and some will change forever. The drama on stage is nothing compared to the drama behind the scenes. To make matters worse two cute brothers are thrown into the mix and things start to really get crazy with the young characters. Although the students are putting on a show the show behind the scenes is even more interesting. Who will fall in love, who will lose a friendship, will Callie create the designs she is hoping she can and most of al will people even show up to the production. 34
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LITERALLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind Paper Towns - John Green Paper Towns is a novel by award winning author John Green. Paper Towns offers readers a ride through a story filled with love, caring, mystery, revenge and hope. There are many aspects of the story but they all come together to tell a very exciting and interesting tale. To start the book introduces the two main characters Margo and Quentin. Margo is summoning Quentin or Q as he is sometimes refereed to go on a long spontaneous journey that will change both of them forever. Quentin is in love with Margo and is just happy to be invited on this journey. Margo is set out to get revenge and Quentin is along for the ride. Up until now Margo has always cared for herself and always planned out her crazy ideas very meticallily however this time things are different. This time unexpected things happen and unexpected people become involved. Q will be taken on a long ride that will question his real love for Margo and how far he will go to save her and protect her. Q is really tested when Margo has seemed to disappear in the early morning hours of the day. This is something Margo would never do and Q is now worried that something weird has happened. She has now become somewhat of a mystery that Q needs to solve. Luckily for Q there are some clues that are left for him to help him figure out what happened with Margo but is he willing to risk everything for the one he loves. As the story goes on we see Q dealing with the disappearance of Margo and trying to come to terms with what is going on. Will the clues help or will they bring Q farther into a world he knows nothing about. We see a lot of struggle through Q’s character and his want to be there for Margo. Towards the end of the book we see Q go on a road trip in order to meet up with Margo. We get to see the pain and love he is feeling for her. The book is filled with touching moments and hard choices. It is a great read for anyone wanting to remember what the crushes and feelings of high school were like. We see the characters learning about life and what it is really about. Paper Towns takes readers and a fun ride through what it is really like to care for
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FASHION Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? I have website powwowstyles.webs. com! People can find a bio, and a gallery of previous items and items available for purchase. You can also find me on Instagram @thewomanbeader (because I’m a woman who beads.) You can find all my up to the minute beadwork that I post daily. This July I will be launching a Facebook page under the name “Powwow Styles Beadwork” where people will be able to view items created, new items, and items available for sale. Q: What does Fashion mean to you?
Faith Courterielle is a true Native Fashionista. Her personal style has been hand crafted into a successful business, and a very custom detailed one at that. With Instagram, @TheWomanBeader, boasting 300+ likes per post, and a steady intake of custom orders this entrepreneur is making a fashionably beaded trail to the top. Recently I had the pleasure of photographing her summer collection. My eyes feasted on the beautifully hand crafted pieces that adorned the Pow Wow Styles models. Photo shoot madness ensued with custom graffiti wall created by her husband Flur, and a handful of his homies, “Pmak & Molak.” as our vibrant backdrop. Pulling out a suitcase, and a display case filled to the brim with unique earrings, Faith sets to work styling up the models, and outfitting them head to toe in her own clothing, and designs. With music blasting the shoot is a success, and her look book is ready for a Facebook launch. I’m in heaven as I see the master crafter at work. She is styled in a Pendleton coat that she tells me she traded 6 pairs of earrings for, and several strings of raw Turquoise adorn her neck as she selects a pair of her own earrings, and a matching ring. Everything about her style is breathtaking, and every bit Summer 2013.
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While I add up the amount of money I’d love to blow on her designs I ask her a few Q’s to get the idea of her Beadwork empire. and what inspires her flawless personal style. Q; What’s your favorite part of conceptualizing a design? The exciting thing is making those designs a reality! Q: Is there an artist/design that you admire? Why? I admire all native artists that create and put themselves out there! it takes a lot of hard work, creativity, time and patience. Q: How would you define the style your line exemplifies? The name “Powwow Styles Beadwork” is self explanatory in itself. The line is inspired by and created for the Powwow trail. When I am creating items I imagine how they would look under the Powwow arbor lights. Everything just seems to sparkle 100x more. Powwow Styles Beadwork strives to create one of a kind, statement pieces for your go-to-powwow look.
Fashion is my passion! Fashion is an every day thing, and to every woman I believe. It doesn’t matter if you “don’t care” what you wear because to some extent everyone does. What we wear is a representative of our personal “brand”; a representative of how we want to be perceived in the world. Fashion to me should also be fun! I love how everyone has their own personal style, but I think native women have the best style! Q: Do you have a go to item when selecting an outfit? I have go to items! I will always wear at least one piece of native made jewelry! Q: Describe your personal style. My personal style would have to be described as down to earth, boho-chic, with a few trendy items.a lot of earth tones and turquoise. I LOVE turquoise! Q: Is there any words of inspiration you would like to share with the youth? Find something you’re interested in. You don’t even have to be good at it, just as long as you like to do it, and work hard at it! All hard work pays off, so don’t ever think all the time and energy went nowhere, it all accumulates somewhere and pays off. Also stay in school, knowledge the best investment and gift you could give to yourself.
FASHION
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U AROUND TOWN
usayeditor@gmail.com
NEW TRIBE JUNE 2013
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