SHARING
SUCCESS
VOLUNTEERISM, SCHOLARSHIPS & SPONSORSHIP
W Î T A S K Ê W I N
SIGA is building a stronger community by Sharing Success through volunteerism, sponsorships, scholarships and employment. The guiding principle, Wîtaskêwin, speaks to sharing the land or sharing resources in the communities where we live and operate.
Living together on the land is the fundamental value conveyed by the word Wîtaskêwin. SIGA’s vision “Sharing Success” talks to the concept of sharing our land or, in today’s terms, sharing resources. This value directs us to give back to the communities where we live and work.
We provide annual investment into charitable and nonprofit organizations based in Saskatchewan that focus on youth and those who are socially, physically and economically disadvantaged.
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority is a proud non-profit; 100% of profits are re-invested back into our communities. 250-103C Packham Ave., Saskatoon, SK, CAN, S7N 4K4 306.477.7777
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DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS THROUGH: COLLABORATION CREATIVITY DIVERSITY RELEVANCE
FIND THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU Graduate Programs: • Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Master of International Trade (online), Master of Health Administration (online), Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy
Master’s Certificates: • Economic Analysis for Public Policy, Health Systems Management, Public Administration, Public Policy Analysis, Social Economy and Co-operatives
Executive Education: • Policy Workshops, Public Executive Development Program, Governance Education
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE JOHNSON SHOYAMA GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY VISIT WWW.SCHOOLOFPUBLICPOLICY.SK.CA
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
A Summer of Injustice for Indigenous People From the Husky Oil Spill to the Murder of Colten Boushie in our own province to the recent demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline in Standing Rock, South Dakota, it has been a summer of injustice for Indigenous people across Turtle Island. It started with the Husky Oil pipeline burst, near Maidstone, SK, which leaked over 250,000 litres of oil into the North Saskatchewan River, having a devastating effect on animal habitats, plant life and the drinking water that gives our people life. Although, this government and some media outlets have continued to downplay it, by using pro-oil experts to back it up with their own studies that suggests this wasn’t damaging at all, except for a few animals who died. Although, Indigenous people don’t need experts to school them because they have their own experts of Mother Earth that know how damaging this was. The difference is, moniyaw (like Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall) only perceive it as damaging to the local economy, but Indigenous people see it as damaging to our life source of water which affects everyone. Now the effects are being felt in our own communities, like James Smith First Nation where the oil has reached, which Husky Oil now denies it belonging it them. This was simply a taste of what could happen on a more catastrophic level, even though this was catastrophic in its own way. We witnessed how the water supply was completely shut down in entire cities (North Battleford, Prince Albert) and reserves (Muskoday) causing panic. But we also witnessed how the oil company responsible just paid people off, while most of us just continued on with our summer (Husky Oil paid $5-million to Prince Albert in damages, which was accepted). Meanwhile in Standing Rock, South Dakota, thousands of people have been gathering since April to hold peaceful demonstrations against a proposed pipeline called the Dakota Access Pipeline that would go across major rivers on their territory. They are concerned over what could happen if the pipeline were to burst under water and how it could affect their drinking water, kind of like just what happened in Saskatchewan. If you have followed #NODAPL (No Dakota Access Pipeline) on social media, the updates have been both amazing (different nations arriving at Standing Rock in support) with a mix of anger and sorrow (demonstrators and children being mauled by attack dogs and pepper sprayed by security). But the fight continues on and we as protectors of mother earth who cannot be there, must stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters down south. Back in Saskatchewan, the summer of injustice continued with the murder of Colton Boushie and how he was shot and killed by “land owner” Gerald Stanley for “trespassing” on his “private property” (actual words used by the RCMP in their official report, which was later reported by media outlets everywhere). The narrative in media coverage (mostly editorials) and how the RCMP and the justice system has handled
the case has been more favourable to the accused murderer and less favourable to the young Indigenous man. (Although, we should note that mainstream media outlets like CTV Regina, CBC and CBC Aboriginal, were much more accurate and compassionate in their coverage).
AN INDIGENOUS LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE FOR EVERYONE Vol. 3 No. 19 - Fall 2016 PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Chris Tyrone Ross
REZX EDITORIAL BOARD Chris Ross, Shane Bellegarde, Shauneen Pete
REZX FINAL PRINT ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS
Yet it is becoming quite clear that the predominant race are still protecting one of their own within Saskatchewan’s justice system that has clearly favoured guys like Stanley as opposed to kids like Boushie. Proof is when Stanley was released on bail and able to live on his farm until his next court date, which would never happen if Stanley was a First Nation man and Boushie was a white kid. Never.
Shane Bellegarde, Shauneen Pete, Marcel Petit, Colby Tootoosis
Meanwhile, on social media, the racist comments kept pouring in, as media outlets kept approving them or else not even monitoring them at all. Even Brad Wall had to come out and condemn such racist remarks in a Facebook post that ironically ignited more racist comments.
Business 306-999-3055 E-mail: rezxeditor@gmail.com Website: www.rezxmag.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/rezxmagazine Twitter: www.twitter.com/rezxmag
Unfortunately this kind of homegrown racism is what many Indigenous people still have to deal with everyday. So when something like this happens and brings racism to the forefront, it is going to dominate the news everyday. Having read many opinion pieces on Colten Boushie, I’ve seen columnists “whitesplaining” racism and offering solutions from the “white saviour” complex, who praised and agreed with Brad Wall who wouldn’t concede to the notion that racism is “somehow unique to Saskatchewan”. So until those in power can concede to this notion that Saskatchewan really does have a racist problem, particularly with First Nations, then we cannot start any kind of real dialogue or real reconciliation. Until then, we are going nowhere. I refuse to end this piece saying the typical, “but things are changing!” because clearly they are not. Because whenever we come to crossroads like these, people in positions of power have that influence to create change, but instead choose to take us back another 100-years. Which in turn, stops Indigenous people from moving forward. So with that, here is our final print issue of RezX Magazine. There’s a lot of great stories here, about the history of RezX and stories on “Real Models” (Colby Tootoosis, Balcarres Role Model Posters) which are all intended to keep everyone moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to pick up this issue, and thank you for everyone who has ever helped RezX in anyway. Our future editions, will all be digital with the first one to be released in November. Sincerely, Chris Tyrone Ross Editor-In-Chief, RezX Magazine
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Quentin Karmark
CONTACT INFO:
REZX MAGAZINE RezX Magazine is a division of RezX Multi-Media Company (founded in 2004) and is published six times per year (bi-monthly). RezX is distributed province-wide in three major cities of Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and town of Fort Qu’Appelle and to all 75 First Nations and 10 Tribal Councils. Digital Edition: 5000+ views Final Print Issue Circulation: 2,000 copies
DISCLAIMER Any content, images, graphics are hereby copyright to RezX Multi-Media Company, (unless otherwise noted) and cannot be reproduced, reprinted, republished or altered in anyway without the expressed written permission of the Publisher.
ABOUT THE COVER: COVER: Colby Tootoosis PHOTOGRAPHER: Marcel Petit GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Chris Ross
RezX TV Update: RezX to Audition Season 3 Co-Hosts with Online Voting After two successful seasons of being entertained by the charisma of co-hosts Erin Goodpipe and Cadmus Delorme - this amazing duo will no longer be together as one has left to lead his community. Mid-way through Season 2, Cadmus Delorme left the show to officially begin campaigning for Chief of Cowessess First Nation, which he later won in a landslide. He returned in the Season Finale as a guest co-host. Erin Goodpipe has since continued on as the shows only host. This has left the producers of the show in search of a replacement, as the search has officially begun for an Indigenous or Metis Male Co-Host ages 18-36. Auditions for an “Indigenous or Metis, Male Co-Host� will begin shortly and will be held at Access studios around the beginning of September 2016. Audition videos will then be posted online at www.rezxmag. com for a 1st Round of Voting, where viewers can vote everyday. The Top 5 finalists will make it to the second round where Producers of the show will
select the eventual winner to serve as a co-host with Erin Goodpipe. This is currently a volunteer based position, however the benefits of being a RezX Co-Host include; representing our show at public appearances, covering events and interviewing almost anyone you can think of! It is also great reference for your resume and CV (Curriculum Vitae) and helps you build relations with those in the community. RezX is an Indigenous Lifestyles Show for Everyone meant to empower non-Indigenous and Indigenous Youth! RezX TV is produced in associated with Access Communications Ltd., and is aired every Sunday at 8:30pm on Access 7 (the community channel for Access Communications) in 104 communities in Saskatchewan. Check www.rezxmag.com and our Facebook page for the official audtion date and time to be posted shortly.
REZX FEATURE
The History of RezX
For our final print edition, we put together this gallery to tell the history of RezX in pictures accompanied with stories highlighting some successes (and even early failures) of RezX magazine since its conception. These are all stories told by RezX founder, Chris Tyrone Ross and the photographers who took these amazing photos. Enjoy!
2004: REZX LAUNCHES
2004-2010: THE “REZX PROMOTIONS” ERA
“In 2004, we opened our first office on the 4th floor of the First Nations Bank building in Saskatoon, but it wasn’t the same as my first magazine Gen-X which was started with a grant. All we had was a computer and desk that everyone used, while everyone else sat on the floor or borrowed chairs. What came out of it was a new era of publishing with a new Indigenous youth team of writers, poets, artists and reporters.”
“At the end of 2004, we decided to take a break from RezX Magazine due to competition from a new Aboriginal youth magazine start up, that had a multi-million dollar company backing it. We decided we couldn’t compete, so instead we did shows and concerts to keep our brand name alive. That’s when David Knight started working for us, who is from a legendary music family, The Knights. Dave had a huge influence on carrying our company forward and making RezX Promotions into the hottest live concert promoter in Indian Country at the time. RezX Promotions did over 50 shows throughout Western Canada in just under six years.” Chris Tyrone Ross, RezX Promotions
Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
Rock band, Breach of Trust was featured on the cover of one of RezX’s first editions. For those that don’t know, Breach of Trust became the first Indigenous rock band to be signed to a major label, EMI Records. Photo Credit: Brad Crowfoot
Rap Artist “Anasaz“ performing at the 2008 RezX Very Indigenous Party, held after Dreamspeakers Film Festival in Edmonton, AB, which was sold out to 1000 in attendance at The Starlight Room.
REZX FEATURE
2008: THE BAKER TWINS GRACE COVER OF REZX
2013: REZX COMPETES IN BATTLE IN THE VALLEY 4
“RezX was lucky to catch The Baker Twins (Shauna and Shannon Baker) as they were blowing up on the modelling and acting scene. We asked them if they had any shoots coming up or if they could do one specifically for RezX and they said yes! So they did the shoot in Vancouver and sent us the exclusive pics for RezX. We then hired an amazing graphic designer, Jules Thomas, from Edmonton to design the cover, who did a fantastic job. Although, this issue and another one before it was a short comeback, as I took another break from the magazine to focus on school when I moved to Regina in 2008.”
“Every year, Ryan Shordee hosts the Battle in the Valley Basketball tournament in Fort Qu’Appelle, SK, which I have been a part of as a graphic designer. But in 2013 I entered a team “RezX South”, and gathered some ballers I knew and we practiced and played hard, but sadly were quickly were eliminated. However, it was that male camaraderie that I missed of competing together as a team and making friends, it was a great way to represent RezX!” Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
2013: REZX RETURNS WITH REZX SOUTH “Before we dropped the premiere issue of RezX South with Creeson (Agecoutay) on the cover, we released a teaser issue at FNUniv pow wow, 1000 copies which was well received. So when we prepared for this shoot, I knew Creeson would be the perfect cover story to launch. He was a young and smart local celebrity who was a reporter for CTV News, which photographer Ryan Peterman was able to capture perfectly. The reason why we named it RezXSouth was because at the time, no one was doing an Indigenous publication for southern Saskatchewan.”
2014: CREESEAUX IS BORN
Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
2013: REZX SOUTH COMPETES IN CBC BOOM BOX COMPETITION “This was my first and only business competition that I have ever competed in. I had just launched RezX South and we needed money to revamp our website, so we entered into CBC’s The Boom Box business competition. I had my web designer produce a video, then I practiced my presentation so that when it was my turn before the judges, I would be ready. But when it came down to it, I failed completely. Out of seven contestants, I didn’t even place. But I used this failure as motivation to prove those judges wrong. So we dropped the “South” from our name and went back to RezX and expanded province wide. A year later, RezX had become the largest Indigenous magazine in Saskatchewan. This was just an example of how we overcame defeat to come back stronger and win in the real business world.” Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
“Earlier in 2013, when I found out my long time girlfriend, Tasheena was pregnant, I realized it was time to get serious about life. Luckily I still had RezX Magazine and I knew it would be a great way to provide for my family if I could somehow still bring it back. This is why the birth of my first son, Creeseaux Aaron-Rondo Ross-Panipekeesick is a huge part of RezX’s history. When I first looked at him, with his skinny little arms and legs squirming around that blanket in my arms, I finally knew what life was all about. For that, I thank the Creator and Tasheena for bringing me this blessing, he has turned my life around for the better.” Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
REZX FEATURE
2014: REZX COVERS 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES
Photo Credit: Mike Dubois “RezX also covered the games hiring different photographers to cover daily events, here is a great crowd shot by Mike Dubois of the closing ceremonies during A Tribe Called Red’s performance. I chose this photo because I think it really depicts the celebration of how the week ended with many friendships made during these games.” Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
Photo Credit: Mike Dubois “Saskatchewan hosting NAIG was an incredible experience. There were so many great events in one space. It was a great opportunity to showcase our youth and culture on home soil.” Mike Dubois, Photographer
Photo Credit: Ryan Peterman “RezX also had a booth during NAIG, as RezX was one of the main sponsors and was in charge of the game’s official program and publications. Every day, we had different members of the team coming to help.”
2015: REMEMBERING LACY MORIN-DESJARLAIS
Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
On February 10th, 2015, Lacy Morin-Desjarlais along with other artists, Michele Sereda, Michael Green and Narcisse Blood all perished in a car accident just north of Regina, SK. It was a huge loss to the international artistic community, as Lacy was also one of our writers and reporters. So we decided to pay tribute to her by putting her on the cover with this beautiful image that was shot by photographer Blaire Russell, who tells the story below of this photo. “The spirit of Lacy will forever be with us. The storm rolling in from the mountains in the west forced us to call off our photoshoot that day. I had suddenly got inspiration amidst the wind and rain (Snap!). “This is going into my portfolio!” I said as I snapped the last photo of the day. Rest easy and guide over us Lacy, you are greatly missed” remembers Russell.
REZX FEATURE
2016: FINAL PRINT ISSUE “Doing the shoot with Colby (Tootoosis) was fantastic, one thing I’ve learned about Colby over the years is that he is so relaxed and calm. Which made the shoot and the interview so much easier. Which then shows in the photos and the interview. Thank you to RezX and Chris for his many years of bringing us our stories from our own people.” Marcel Petit, Photographer
Photo Credit: Mike Dubois
2015: REZX TV LAUNCHES WITH CADMUS DELORME AND ERIN GOODPIPE “With Cadmus and Erin, I was trying to show a playful battle over the hosting mic. They are both big personalities and I thought this would be a good way to represent this,” says photographer, Mike Dubois, who took the photo. In the summer of 2015, we launched the first season of RezX TV on Access7 airing to 104 communities in Saskatchewan and to a potential viewing audience of 238,000 people. It was the beginning of a new era of RezX with two amazing new co-hosts in Cadmus Delorme and Erin Goodpipe. Although, Cadmus Delorme left the show halfway through Season 2 to successfully campaign for Chief of Cowessess First Nation, Erin Goodpipe stayed on as the shows only host. Season 3 is now in the works with auditions set to take place in September 2016.
2015: REZX COVERS FNUNIV POW WOW
2016: REZX PODCAST COMING SOON One of the people that works closely with RezX is Dr. Shauneen Pete, who is the Executive Lead of Indigenization at the University of Regina. She has played a big part of RezX since 2013 and still continues her many roles with RezX Magazine (Contributing Editor), RezX TV (Associate Producer), and soon the RezXPodcast (Co-Host) coming later this year. I just wanted to take this time to thank Shauneen for all the work you have contributed to this vision!” Chris Tyrone Ross, Publisher, RezX
RezX covered the 2015 FNUniv Pow Wow for an upcoming episode of RezX TV. We have to recognize Jarrett Crowe, who came on board in early 2015 and really boosted the video expansion of RezX. We have nothing but great memories and appreciation for the work he has done.
COVER STORY
Colby Tootoosis: Sharing Knowledge Story by Shane Bellergarde Interview and Photos by Marcel Petit Colby Tootoosis doesn’t go looking for the limelight but praise, media attention and accolades seem to follow him. He responded to being on our cover with his usual reflection and humility, “It’s an honor because I’ve grown up with Chris Ross (Editor) and I’ve seen the beginning of RezX when it was just a school paper. A school newsletter, and he’s been so passionate about RezX since I’ve known him and I’ve always done my best to encourage him and support him and to be asked to be on the last cover I think is a huge privilege.” Colby’s website lists his profession as Facilitator for Social Transformation Programs, Consultant, Youth Worker, Workshop Presenter, Keynote Speaker, Life Coach and Ruckus Orchestrator. It is hard to find that last title in a University Class list but standing up for what he believes in comes naturally to Colby. He just finished a four year term as Band Councilor for Poundmaker First Nation. “The decision to accept the nomination for council was the decision of a lifetime. The reason why that is is because the experience has been priceless, it’s been profound, it’s been nutrients for my soul and my character. And it’s not something I pursued.”
Story by Shane Bellegarde Photos by Mike Dubois
Colby hadn’t given much thought to politics and even now states, “I tend to be in the political world and not of it,” and as for his recent term, “ It is just something that has gradually unfolded... I went to listen to the nominations four years ago. I was standing in the back of the hall and two young women came and asked me with tears in their eyes ‘Can you run for council?’ ” Colby didn’t make the decision without consideration and consulting advice he’d been given along his path, “Growing up, one of the things my late dad shared with me was When somebody asks you to step up like that you don’t say no. It’s not something that you are supposed to refuse.” Colby didn’t refuse and went to work helping as best as he could. It wasn’t an easy time for Colby, “It’s been a rough four years personally and professionally. My dad passed away these last four years. My Kohkum passed away these last four years and we’ve had a lot of loss in the community also. So it’s been a very tender time and also experiencing the ruthlessness of the system and the cold heartedness of the expectations that that system throws on you or imposes on you.” Watch the full interview at www.rezxmag.com/colbytootoosis
COVER STORY
LESSONS FROM THE POLITICAL FRONT LINES by Colby Tootoosis Recently I’ve finished my 4-year commitment as elected official for Poundmaker Cree Nation. The pressures of the working within a system that seems to be insidiously designed has definitely taken its toll on my health and well-being. Despite this, I stood my ground and refused to give up on my values and morals. The experience has been both nutrients for my soul and has strengthened my character of who I chose to become as a father, community advocate, and Treaty National.
7. Prepare to be ostracized when you stand your moral ground. People shame
those who are doing what they wish they had the confidence to do. Standing in your morals and values magnifies their shame. What people are most judgmental about is what they are the most insecure about. The practice of not taking the opinions of others personally will carry you in the heaviest of times when it feels like you’re standing alone.
8. Indian Affairs agents or colonial organization representatives will speak to you as an elected official in order to fuel your ego and devalue the power of the peoples. Here is an example;
“You are an elected official, the people put you here for you to make decisions on the best interests of the people. You don’t need to consult them as you are smart enough to make this decision. You have the authority to sign this today. Consulting the people will take too long to explain as many of them have trouble understanding policies and things of this nature. In fact, leave the explaining to me, I’ve spoken to people like that before and at the end of the day they will agree.”
– combined excerpt from conversations regarding a foreign Education Authority Policy and the Lands Management Regime, both of which leads a community to domestication and assimilation through legislation and legal definitions.
In reflecting from the experience I’ve thought about highlights and challenges along with those who I’ve had the privilege to work with who have turned out to be some of my greatest teachers. Here are some of the lessons I’ve gained as result of the experience:
1. People don’t change systems: systems-based approaches change systems.
Systems determine the results we experience, not those who work within them. Too often people assume that an individual’s perseverance can change a system from within. Like a hamster on a hamster wheel, people confuse motion with progress. Creating a cycle of madness. The Indian Act is a treadmill that is already on the highest speed. Once you sign into that system, you’re full sprint. You’re putting out fires that system creates and constantly reaction mode while attempting to get ahead of problems. There is no “getting ahead” on a treadmill.
2. The current system that administers the Indian Act is designed to fail, create
debt, and facilitates oppression and further assimilation through psychological manipulation and policy. It bewilders me that our peoples strive to convince each other that they are the exception and can be the ones to bring about success to a system specifically designed to fail us. When politicians realize this, many deny their failure, avoid their shame, and portray lies and illusions that everything is ok so long as you re-elect them. Everything is NOT ok, don’t believe them.
3. The alternative exists in the power of our peoples who witness and see and
struggle in the results of this very system. Systems do determine the results, but the people have the power to sway and revolt against those results. Social systems require human energy to maintain their existence and human energy can revolt against that system. The evil aspect that ties all this together is the addictions many of people struggle with either out in the open or in silence. So long as addictions are the undercurrent in our communities, a revolution will not succeed. Collective healing is vital for our future.
4. Indigenous resurgence is determined at a generational pace. Many people
strive for these positions thinking major changes will happen in their lifetime. When really it comes down to how children are raised, who raises them, where were they raised, and who teaches them. A generational pace facilitated by the Creator. Parenthood and Nationhood are synonyms. Children are watching and require tools and support that will prepare them to handle future crises both emotionally and environmentally.
5. Rather than creating a space for healing emotional pain and facilitating the
revealing of greatness from the inside out for social transformation and the restoration of humanity. This system attracts personalities and egos like how a light bulb attracts moths. Fear avoidances and shame avoidances drive the ego to seek an idea of control or authority over others. Creating a scenario of dependency on something outside themselves in order to get a sense of self worth and personal value.
6. If you feel a calling to become an elected official within the Indian Act. Prepare
yourself before hand by having support systems in place. Like any capitalist based system, INAC systems harvest corruption by using emotional traumas, shame, low self-worth to maintain its demise. If you do your emotional work, your forgiveness work, devote yourself to a life of prayer, and have those support systems in place, you will be able to see the system for what it is and it will become a playground for personal growth.
9. If the time comes when our peoples lose our Treaty rights and become
landless - what are you going to reply to your grandchildren when they ask: “what did you do during that time? Where were you? What were you doing? What did you say? And why?” I’m grateful I kept a paper trail to the best of my ability of all that took place, what was said, who said it, what was signed by whom, and what I refused to sign and why.
10. I’ve met so many friends who have experienced the same as me and
understand and agree with all that I’m sharing. I’m also aware that there are people who will disagree and contest to these statements. Be warned there are individuals in our administrations who are purposely or unintentionally due to lack of understanding who are capitalizing and benefitting on the lack of common knowledge of who we are while taking advantage our collective confusion stemming from colonialism. They are benefitting from assimilation and in fact have somehow convinced themselves that assimilation is the solution for our social problems. Colonialism is at work.
These are just some of the lessons I’ve gained as an elected official for one 4-year term. Five months later and I am still detoxing from the experience. Despite the rumors, lateral violence, and emotional pain being projected at me. I am not a victim and I’ve remained compassionate and excited for the young people across our lands. It’s clear something has shifted within the consciousness of our peoples. Decolonization is painful, yet it is so liberating as more truth becomes revealed. Just like what Johnny Cash says, “what is done in the dark will be brought to the light.” The solution for these systemic injustices will boil down to the admittance of truth and enacting on it based on the laws of who we have always been as Indigenous peoples and Treaty Nationals. Let’s no longer allow those who stand for us stand alone. Only Love will save us.
OPINION
The Limits of a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Dr. Shauneen Pete
Photo by Bill Stevenson
On August 3, 2016 Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Minister, Carolyn Bennett and Federal Justice Minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould announced the Terms of Reference for the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well they announced the names of the five Inquiry Commissioners. The Commissioners are mandated to examine the system issues that contribute to violence directed toward Indigenous women and girls. This includes an examination of the role that the Indian Act plays in creating an environment conducive toward violence. While the Commissioners will have the ability to make decisions on the strategies and processes they will utilize as they undertake the national inquiry over the next two years, the recommendations will not be binding. Within hours of the announcements criticism toward the terms of reference were already circulating through social media. The most prominent of the concerns were related to the perceptions of the limitations of the Terms of Reference (TOR).
While the TOR mandate states, “The commission is also directed to examine and report on the impacts of policies and practices of government institutions. These include institutions such as policing, child welfare, coroners and other government policies, practices or social/economic conditions.” The TOR provide no specific mandate to the commissioners toward investigating police (mis)conduct in relation to past and on-going investigations into the disappearance and murder of Indigenous women and girls. Amnesty International released a statement in response to the announcement (www. amnesty.ca). Amnesty raised two concerns. The first was that the TOR “fails to make it clear that policing will be carefully and thoroughly examined”. Their second concern was that the TOR “offer little concrete assurance to family members who believe that investigations into their loved one’s death or disappearance were never taken seriously”. Like Amnesty International, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations Vice- Chief, Heather Bear urges the provincial government to declare in their Order-In-Council authority for the commissioners to examine police services, as well as the coroner’s office, the provincial child welfare system and both adult and youth correctional facilities. Families called for the inquiry to include an examination of police misconduct in relation to responsiveness to initial complaints when a loved one has gone missing. In their view, racism in the police force impacts on response time of investigations as well as the quality of those investigations.
Federal Minister Carolyn Bennett reassured participants at yesterday’s press conference that the commissioners will have the same powers as a court; they can refer cases for further investigation; and they can call witnesses to testify (including police officers). For many of the family members, the Ministers reassurances did not go far enough – how are we to trust that a recommendation for further investigation would be taken up respectfully and thoroughly when it was not done so originally? For many Indigenous peoples, the police services themselves are sources of racial inequality in treatment and responsiveness; yet it is often denied by the very same police services that perpetuate racist actions. In December 2015, Regina Police Chief, Troy Hagen said, “There is absolutely no reason for me to believe that we have racists within the Regina Police Service”, the denial of racism in the police service is problematic. Additionally, I am deeply disturbed by the cases in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, where members of police services and the criminal justice system are themselves perpetrators of violence directed toward Indigenous women. How can we be assured that these very same police officers do not retaliate against families as their calls for further investigation are formalized? This inquiry must investigate the role that police services play in perpetuating violence toward Indigenous peoples generally, and Indigenous girls and women specifically. If the inquiry does not do so, then the inquiry is seriously limited in its ability to correct systemic oppressions.
REAL MODELS
Balcarres Role Model Poster Project Every year, students from Balcarres Community School pair with students from Saskatchewan PolyTech to produce these amazing role model posters. The students first choose which role models they want to profile, schedule interviews and photoshoots and finally design the posters. They are later showcased at an event held at the school where role models are invited and presented their framed posters. For the past three years, RezX has profiled this amazing project and we’re proud to do it again for our final print issue. Congrats to all the role models chosen and the students for working so hard.
Courage
Gwenda Yuzicappi Love Gwenda is a Child in Care worker with the Government of Saskatchewan. She is also the mother of the late Amber Redman and a strong advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and continues to provide support for other families of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Inez Dieter Value: Courage Inez is a healer, a linguist, pow wow dancer and respected elder. Maintaining her culture and its beauty is important to her.
L O V E
Love and forgive. The pain I went through of not having my daughter around, I would not wish on an enemy. I’m her voice now.
Gwenda Yuzicappi
Kerry Benjoe Honesty Nothing worth having comes easy. When you work for it, and you’re successful, there’s a sense of accomplishment that can’t be measured by
anything.
Kerry Benjoe
Kerry is a journalist with the Leader Post who brings awareness to Indigenous issues and strives to show the positive side to Indigenous people, life and issues that the media often doesn’t show.
REAL MODELS
Bev Poitras Respect
Bev Poitras Bev Poitras works in Justice. She brings RESPECT is something that Restorative groups together with different is taught. You must have respect for creation, understandings to work and people, yourself and the Creator.
get along peacefully.
Keesha Lowe Courage
WALLS ARE HARD TO BREAK DOWN
I’M STRONG AND DETERMINED TO PROVE THEM WRONG
Keesha is a grade 12 student who shows Courage everyday through her dedication to sports and her education. She has the courage and strength to break down the walls and barriers that come with being a First Nation’s woman and all the stereotypes that come with it.
KEESHA LOWE
CRISTIAN BARRENO HONESTY Do something everyday to get closer to your goals; set objectives for yourself and work for it. They won’t just come to you.
Chief Lennard Busch Wisdom
An Indigenous artist, Cristian is well known for his mural at First Nations University of Canada. He has also worked with students to share his love of art and painting. To accomplish your goals in life, you must be honest and true to yourself.
Shane Bellegarde Honesty
WISDOM A sense of identity is important; sadly our young people have lost that. To get a good start you have to have foundation.
Chief Busch is the File Hills Police Chief. He has lived an astonishing life, from the forest of northern Ontario, to overseas as a head of security for the Governor General. He spoke about learning to become yourself at an early age. The youth today are sadly lost, and it takes time to find yourself in a world as loud as it can be.
Cristian Barreno Honesty
You got to do what’s right, regardless of what it will cost you.
Chief Lennard Busch
Be honest with yourself and reach far beyond what you are capable of.
SHANE BELLEGARDE
Shane is a musician, journalist, artist and father. He works with youth and shares his love of the arts. Shane is very honest, and true to himself.
REAL MODELS
Respect
ALICIA KEEWATIN-WESLEY
Always remember to love and respect yourself.
LEARN BY THE SACRED TEACHINGS; LIVE BY THEM AND EMULATE THEM THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS
Aurora Lavallee
Aurora Lavallee Respect
Alicia Wesley Keewatin Truth
Aurora is a respectful young lady who holds a black belt in Tai Kwan Do. She is the youngest Role Model we have had at the age of 10.
Alicia is a respected member of the Files Hill Community, a Special Constable and loving Mother. As a Police Officer, it’s important to have truth in the words you speak and the actions you take.
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2016-04-06 2:05 PM
REAL MODELS
Russell Paskimen RUSSELL EKAWIYA PASKIMEN Courage POME, AKAMEYIMO. Don’t give up, keep on going.
Russell is a First Nations Advocacy Teacher in Regina Public, caring for many children including his own family. Keeping his culture alive, by opening a school to educate students mainly in Cree.
Lorena Lynn Cote Wisdom Lynn is a professor at First Nations University of Canada. She grew up most of her life on her reserve, where she learned and kept her language. She hopes to pass on the culture and language to others to ensure it isn’t lost.
KNOW YOURSELF. FIND YOUR ONLY YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF.
ƧDƝ:Cƨ Ƨ0CC D+:
Arlene Johnson Courage Take nothing for granted. ings change very quickly and you must have a willingness to confront them with a positive attitude. Embrace each day with courage.
Arlene is an educator, not only to her students, but also the people around her. It takes a strong person to overcome great obstacles and sacrifices in life. While overcoming challenges, she stays true to herself and keeps a positive outlook on life.
REAL MODELS
James Stagg
Show respect. Strive, work hard and overcome Respect any obstacles that come your way.
Special Constable James Stagg is a fixture at Balcarres Community School. He will be entering Police College in the fall. He speaks with a lot of respect, no matter what or who he is talking about. Students at our school regard him with a lot of wisdom and respect.
JAMES STAGG
Honourable Mentions Posters were designed for these amazing role models as well, but were not submitted to RezX.
Chris Tyrone Ross Truth Chris is the editor and founder of RezX magazine and an advocate of Indigenous issues. He feels strongly that youth should have a positive look on life, as not everything will always go your way.
Kallie Wood Respect Kallie is the Aboriginal Director of Briercrest College and Caronport High School and owner of Converging Pathways Consulting. Educating students to find their identity and their culture within themselves.
Dani Bonnell Love Dani is a nurse at All Nations Healing Hospital. She puts her family and relationships with people above all else. It takes a lot of love and compassion to be a mother, a wife, and a nurse.
Thank you to our 2016 sponsors
NEWS
IndigenX: Saskatchewan’s First Indigenous Advertising Agency Launches Beginning this fall, a new advertising agency and multi-media company will be entering the market that is Indigenous owned and operated. IndigenX Media Inc. will officially open its doors in September 2016 with a brand new office and a vision to create an Indigenous presence in the advertising industry that offers all multi-media services. Chris Tyrone Ross, founder of RezX TV/Magazine, is behind the new business, which he hopes will put Indigenous people in more marketing campaigns for large corporations. The business will also offer a wide variety of multimedia services including; video, audio, graphic design, web design, publishing, printing, photography, consulting, public relations, and public speaking. “The concept of IndigiMedia, is building a new multi-media business that offers a variety of
services and products for potential clients. By embracing all the digital tools of today’s technology with social media, multimedia and advertising, we hope to combine them into one service company that every business needs” explained Ross.
Producer for RezX TV, will also be part of this new venture as one of the board of directors. Pete says she is happy to be part of something that never has been done before in Saskatchewan and the first Indigenous Advertising Agency in Saskatchewan.
“To start we plan to market directly to Indigenous clients, both businesses and organizations. Although, we are not limited to those clients as we will eventually market to all mainstream companies and organizations.
For Ross, this has been months in planning to finally get to this stage.
Our plan is to give clients a professional corporate look through video, film, audio, graphic design, web design, photography, printing and publishing with an advertising campaign that we can manage. Dr. Shauneen Pete, who is the Executive Lead for Indigenization for the University of Regina and is a
“It’s a brand new business, brand new office, new everything, and I just want to thank everyone who was involved from SIEF, RBC, my mentors, we’re excited to get started”. IndigenX Media Inc. will officially launch later in September with the launch of its official website coming soon.
Share Your Culture
SaskCulture provides funding to support the development and implementation of cultural activities in communities throughout Saskatchewan. Non-profit groups, on reserve or off, interested in engaging First Nations and/or Métis peoples in a particular cultural activity are encouraged to check out the following funding programs: ABORIGINAL ARTS AND CULTURAL LEADERSHIP FUND • Aims to increase capacity in Aboriginal communities through the development of arts and cultural leadership opportunities involving youth and mentors. Deadlines: October 17/April 15 MÉTIS CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND • Offered in partnership with Gabriel Dumont Institute, this program supports community-based cultural activities and initiatives that preserve and pass on the Métis culture and traditions. Deadlines: November 2/April 30 MULTICULTURAL INITIATIVES FUND • Supports multicultural, ethno-cultural, and Aboriginal cultural initiatives activities and initiatives that contribute to the advancement of cultural understanding in Saskatchewan. Deadline: September 30/March 31
For more information on these programs, call Damon Badger Heit at 787-9251 or email d.badgerheit@saskculture.sk.ca. For applications and more details visit www.saskculture.sk.ca.
www.SaskCulture.ca /SaskCulture
@SaskCulture
SaskCulture, with financial assistance from Saskatchewan Lotteries, helps to support heritage activity in Saskatchewan.
Introducing a new kind of company... The First Indigenous Advertising Agency in Saskatchewan
ADVERTISING SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHIC DESIGN PUBLIC SPEAKING VIDEO PRODUCTION
LOGO CONTEST For Community Members of Kawacatoose First Nation, Muskowekwan First Nation, Day Star First Nation
1st Place Winner will be awarded $1,500.00 and Two Runners-Up will have their artwork placed on the KDM website for one year
Entry Deadline: December 31st
Please send all artwork by either email to wlwilson@kdmbdc.com OR send artwork by mail to KDM Business Development Corporation, 140-2553 Grasswood Road East, Saskatoon SK S7T 1C8 For any questions or inquiries, contact KDM at wlwilson@kdmbdc.com OR (306) 717-3768
DRONE SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHING WEBSITES PRINTING Learn more at: www.IndigenX.ca 306-999-3055