Nipisihkopahk Acimowin

NIPISIHKOPAHK

ACIMOWIN OPASKO-PISIM (JULY) 2015

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10

WWW.SAMSONCREE.COM

Samson Cree Nation submits its application for Judicial review to Federal Court of Appeal...

In respects of a decision of the National Energy Board on Enbridge’s Edmonton to Hardisty Pipeline due to impacts on the Ancient Bison Pound Site.

Maskwacis, Alberta (April 20, 2015) Samson Cree Nation announced the commencement of proceedings in the Federal Court of Appeal seeking the immediate suspension of the National Energy Board’s decision to permit development of the Edmonton to Hardisty Pipeline of Enbridge that is proposed for operation in the Hardisty Corridor. Although Samson preferred to engage Enbridge and the Board directly during the post-approval stage of consultation for the Project, it was left with no other option but to challenge a decision of the Board to keep material information and correspondence exchange between Enbridge and Alberta Culture confidential. Samson was seeking disclosure of such information in order to ensure that important distinct archaeological property and sites located within Alberta are protected and preserved for future generations the with the opportunity to explore and learn from. Enbridge’s Project is located in Central Alberta and commonly referred to as the Hardisty Corridor and Terminal. Alberta has describe the Hardisty Corridor and Terminal as a critical area for economic growth and increased midstream resource activities and developments in Alberta. In addition to Enbridge’s E2H pipeline project, there are currently at least four other projects being proposed in the Hardisty Corridor and Terminal area, including the Line 2 Replacement Program, Energy East, Heart-

Inside this issue...

P 2&3 SCN Consultation

Media Release P4 SCN Annual Celebration P 5

Walking in Spirit

P 6 2015 Youth Gathering P7

Heavy Equipment Operators Grad

P 8

2015 Alberta Indigenous Games

P 9 Community Wellness Calendar P 10

Samson Bingo Hall

P 11

Emergency Contacts

P 13 Kinohtenehiyawan ci P 14 Birthday Greetings & Community Announcements

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Front picture: Shows a “Frack Out” - where the drill bit busted off, the drill keeps moving downwards which eventually hit the water table causing immediate flooding to the area and what Samson Cree Nation Leadership deems “irreparable harm” which is a matter now before the courts for infractions to “sacred space” and Traditional Lands and Land Use. Left picture: A Sacred Ceremonial Site, believed to be an ancient site, deemed sacred sites by Samson Elders who have hosted an annual pipe ceremony to honor the kinship and Traditional Lands within the Hardisty Industrial Corridor - always advocating for our rights, uses, & interests; this is our Samson Cree Nation Consultation Office Mandate. land Pipeline and Keystone XL Project. In the words of Alberta Culture Director, Darryl Bereziuk: the Bison Pound.....”is located in the nexus ....of Alberta economic corridor....(December 18, 2014); this statement must be understood in the context of existing rights, uses, interests and occupancy from historic to current context of the Samson Cree Nation and its People’s, this is the position, advocacy and mandate of the Samson Consultation & Accommodation Team. The Hardisty Corridor and Terminal directly overlaps with the sacred Bison Pound which is of critical cultural and spiritual importance to the Samson Cree Nation and other neighboring First Nations in Alberta. The Bison Pound has been identified by the same Office of Alberta Culture’s Eric Damkjar, Head of Archaeology, as being archeological significant and linking back to the prehistoric time period in North America know as the Avonlea Phase Period. The Bison Pound has archaeological remains and artifacts that have been carbon dated back at least 8000 years. Despite being identified as an area with an abundance of archaeological resources and a high priority site requiring protection, Samson’s concerns in respect of the Bison Pound have gone unaddressed by the Crown and its regulatory agencies.

“This continued trampling of our sacred sites without talking to us or considering our concerns can’t continue. They [Alberta] believe that our resources and historic sites are not real or not that important. How is it possible to meaningfully consult with us about the pipeline and related avoidance and mitigation measures to the Bison Pound if government and industry decide that it is their burden to decide what is best for us and our sites without providing us any information or including us in its discussions? The Maskwacis Cree people are a strong people and will no longer allow colonial attitudes to prevail unopposed,” said Councilor Holly Johnson/Rattlesnake.

“Further activity in the Bison Pound area without meaningful consultation is unacceptable. As stewards of the lands, waters, and resources, it is our obligation and right to be meaningfully engaged about impacts to our rights, cultural resources and heritage property. Samson will not stand for Alberta delegating

Above picture: Shows the Right of Way which Enbridge was “approved by Alberta Culture” to continue to develop the Edmonton to Hardisty Pipeline Project; the areas in orange indicate the approve Right of Way....Questions arise where there was water damages to sacred areas where First Nations such as Samson Cree Nation have validated occupancy through extensive historic trail net systems to the Hardisty Sites dating back over 8,000 years of occupancy. This matter is before the courts now.

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to third parties its substantive consultation obligations in respect of the Bison Pound to companies continuing to advance projects in the Bison Pound area. We are not opposed to carefully planned development that avoids impacts to the Bison Pound, but Alberta needs to consult with us directly and not try to pass-the-buck to the companies.” Said Councilor Holly Johnson/Rattlesnake in closing.

In its Notice of Application Samson has argued that the National Energy Board failed to uphold the honor of the Crown, breached their constitutional duties to Samson by denying Samson meaningful or any consultation in relation to Enbridge’s modified pipeline right-of-way post-approval application and is in breach of the trust-like or fiduciary duty owed by the Crown to Samson.

Despite these concerns, Chief Kurt Buffalo remains committed to addressing Samson’s concerns directly with Enbridge and has stated, “while the [NEB] process failed us on E2H, we still need to discuss avoidance and mitigation measures with the Crown and the Proponent for the various proposed Hardisty Corridor and Terminal activities and development in the Bison Pound area. In the absence of our concerns being addressed in a fair process, we will have no option but to defend and get involved in the regulatory and other processes for that Project as well to argue for a fair process and the preservation of our rights and sacred sites.”

Samson Cree Nation, of the Nipisikopahk Maskwacis Cree Peoples, is another member of the Nehiyawak Confederacy and a signatory of Treaty No. 6, underlying the central portions of Alberta. Prior to and at time of assertion of Crown Sovereignty, Samson’s ancestors exclusively occupied their territory including Treat No. 6 territory, upon which its social organization, military, spirituality, laws, customs, traditions, identity, economy, culture, heritage, lanuage and traditions arose. Samson’s unextinguished Aboriginal rights and title and existing rights under Treaty No. 6 are constitutional rights, recognized, affirmed and protected by s. 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982.

SCN Consultation Manager Samson Cree Nation Consultation Chair Ms. Norine Saddleback Chief Kurt Buffalo Councillor Holly Johnson/Rattlesnake C: (780) 335-3235 P: (780) 585- 3793 Ext 101 P: (780) 361-4939 F: (780) 585-2104 Toll Free: 1-800-661-2579 Ext 147 Email: Norinesaddleback9@gmail.com

2015 SCN CELEBRATION SECURITY POSITIONS AVAILABLE Security positions open for August 7-9, 2015 Selection of Guards will be Wednesday July 22 at the Jim Omeasoo Cultural Center at 12:00pm. Interview process includes: 1 photo ID and Criminal Record Check Security Licensed Guards will have priority Contact: Cynthia Swampy (780) 335-4314 Jennifer Nepoose (780) 335-4314

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Walking in Spirit

Mason Buffalo started Walking in Spirit 4 years ago. This walk has been held for four consecutive years to raise awareness for suicide and each year the route entered Maskwacis from a different direction, the North, East, South and the year the West.

With the help of his family and a countless number of volunteers, this event attracted hundreds of participants and spread awareness to hundreds more. Participants walked in memory of loved ones they have lost to suicide and to spread the message that suicide is not the answer. Mason Buffalo has encouraged the community to come together, learn our Cree language and culture, and take a stand against suicide.

This years route began at the QE2, down highway 611 West to the Howard Buffalo Memorial Center. Buses dropped off participants either at the start point or at a check point set up along the route.

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2015 Youth Gathering 350 youth attended the Three Eagle Wellness Society Youth Gathering from July 6-10, 2015 held at Bear Park.

The theme for this years gathering was ‘Honoring Our First Nations Youth’. This five day event had many interactive activities from educational and cultural workshops to a Much Music Dance.

Following a full day of workshops, youth enjoyed entertainment by hypnotist and illusionist Trevor Prairie Chicken. A talent show was also held and many talented youth from Treaty 6, 7 and 8 shared their individual and unique talents.

This event was made possible by the organizers Marilyn Willier and Dustin Twins, partnerships with Ermineskin Cree Nation and Samson Community Wellness. Treaty 6 has applied to host next years youth gathering, looking forward to another great event in 2016.

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Watch your newsletter come to life!!

Nipisihkopahk Acimowin has brought back augmented reality to the newsletter.

Job well done Guys!

Here are the graduates that successfully completed the Heavy Equipment Operator course.

“Congratulations men you opened the doors for yourselves @SamsonCree #samsonpride” twitted Councilor Marvin Yellowbird. The following graduates are: Back Row- Glenn Omeasoo, Chad Buffalo, Clayton Crane, Jay Nepoose, Colter Buffalo Front Row- Scott Buffalo, Shawn Buffalo, Wynn Bruisehead, Keith Nepoose Missing - Carl Johnson

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NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

Maskwacis Athletes compete at the 2015 Alberta Indigenous Games Athletes from the Four Nations participated in this years Alberta Indigenous Games, held in Edmonton, and brought home numerous medals. Events included basketball, golf, volleyball, track and field, ball hockey and archery.

The mandate of the Alberta Indigenous Games is “Reclaiming our youth with sport development.�

The games are held with the intention to increase and motivate physical activity amongst Aboriginal youth across Alberta. Athletes were encouraged not to compete but to enjoy their time and learn as much as they could from their peers and through good sportsmanship.

Activities, a career fair and entertainment was also held at Rundle Park for the athletes and their families to enjoy.

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Samson Bingo Hall Staff Fundraiser Bingo Hall Manager Franky Buffalo, staff employee’s, and the Bingo Hall Board Members Councillor Kirk Buffalo, Councillor Larron Northwest, & Councillor Willy Lighting were all fundraising for their staff retreat on July 13 & 14, 2015. The Bingo Hall had $5.00 pie throwing, $5.00 dunk tank, music, and a BBQ. All proceeds went towards their staff retreat.

Above picture: Councillor Willy Lighting donating $5.00 to pie throwing and aced it with a head shot to Bingo Hall staff employee Babes Swampy Left picture: Elder Cecil Crier donating $5.00 to the Dunk Tank with Bingo Hall staff employee and daughter Francine Moonias

MONTGOMERY GLEN GOLF COURSE WETASKIWIN, AB

AUGUST 14, 2015

SHOTGUN START: 9:00AM $90.00 / Non Staff Association $50.00/ Staff Association Members Costs include; 18 HOLES W/CART & STEAK DINNER DOOR PRIZES, 50/50’s and more…

Deadline for PRD is July 31, 2015 Refer to Shelley Buffalo in Finance Dept.

For registration contact: Joy Simon at 780-585-3870 Kim Buffalo or Selena Montour at 780-585-3793 Ext 170

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Director of Emergency Management Danny Buffalo Office: (780)-585-3793 ext 255 Cell: (780)-360-5395 RCMP Complaints: (780)-585-3767 Office: (780)-585-3893 Maskwacis Ambulance Authority Emergency: (780)-585-4000 Office: (780)-585-4001 Maskwacis Fire Department Emergency: (780)-585-4000 Office: (780)-5853870

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Samson Public Works Office: (780)-585-3936 Samson Trades Centre Office: (780)-585-3919 Alberta Emergency MGMT. AGCY. Office: (780)-422-9000 ALTA GAS Toll free: 1-866-826-3830 EPCOR Office: (780)-310-4300 Toll free: 1-800-667-2345

Maskwacis Health Office: (780)585-3830

Fortis Alberta LTD. Office: (780)-310-9473 Toll free: 1-855-333-9473

Maskwacis Victim Services Office: (780)-585-4649

Hawk Radio Office: (780)-585-4295

Nipisihkopahk Education Authority Administration: (780)-585-2211 Primary School: (780)-585-2075 Middle School: (780)-585-2244 High School: (780)-585-4449 Samson Cree Nation Administration: (780)-585-3793 Samson Peacekeepers Office: (780)-585-3793 Ext 128 Samson Gas Co-op Office: (780)-585-3547

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SCN HUMAN RESOURCES SAFETY TICKET TRAINING The following Tickets will be available are: First Aid/ CPR WHMIS/ TDG H2S Alive CSTS Training Dates:

August 17-21, 2015

Closing Date:

August 13, 2015 (Noon)

All interested applicants can apply at the Samson HRD Office, located at the Willowview Building on the right wing. Priority will be giving to those who have employment lined up and can provide a letter. For more information, contact our office at (780) 585-3305.

Maskwacis Employment Centre July 8th & 9th 2015 (Wednesday & Thursday) Time: 9 am—3 pm Contact: Danielle Cardinal@ 780 585 4450 Location: Maskwacis Employment Centre (Ermineskin Mall)

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The photo taken in the 1980’s show Cree students and theor Methodist teacher at Hobbema, Alberta. Mable German; 2. Sophie Baptiste; 3.

Georgina Muskegopot (Potts); 4. Maggie Twins; 5. Howard German; 6. Jospeh Twins; 7. Clem German; 8. Abbie Louis; 9. Emma Muskegopot; 10. John Louis; 11.

James Kaidapu (Ward) 12. Lazarus Muskegopot; 13. ?; 14. Dog. Teacher is Miss Hannah Shaw.

Photo from Samson Archives.

Kinohtenehiyawan M O ci B L Acimowin Word Search Search for the Cree words below in the C K puzzle, when you have found a word circle it and then cross out or check mark the P S words you have found.

WD KISIK sky MA listen P Y APOY paddle; shovel E O ASKIHK pail SAKAHIKAN lake WP WIKI live, to O A MOYEYIHTA to be aware of NI N N

Y J H F A K N K W L

E N K D O F I Y H N

Y K B N G H I S N W

I G K Y A N B G I I

H T A R I S MA K K W I F C H A X K U R H P L T C AM K I H

S T M N L E O U Y S

Z O R L O V E J P D

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Birthday Greetings July 4: Happy Birthday Kaycee Buffalo-Crane coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 8: Happy Birthday Crystal Eagle coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 11: Happy 15th Birthday Daidrien Buffalo love Mom July 12: Jadacee Foureyes-Fevrier coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 17: Happy 16th Birthday Keishya Campeau love auntie Hope July 18: Happy 3rd Birthday Creeden Buffalo from all his aunties July 18: Happy Birthday Creedin Buffalo coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 21: Happy 7th Birthday to my sweet Craig Taylor Buffalo love Mom July 21: Happy Birthday Cale Nepoose coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 23: Happy Birthday Dezerae Crane-Saddleback coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 26: Happy Birthday Kim Northwest coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 27: Happy Birthday Deidre Morin-Dennehy coming from SCN Daycare staff & friends July 28: Happy Birthday Wade Buffalo from Brad

Community Announcements July 30: SCN Daycare Crazy Hat and Shades day

Samson Day Care July is finally here...Woohoo!! We will be enjoying the beautiful summer weather with nature walks and outdoor fun activities. For the children that do attend Daycare Wednesday’s Water Fun day 2:30 - 3:30. Please provide swimwear, towel and extra clothing. *REMINDER = July’s pre-payment service fees is due

ACIMOWIN

Samson Cree Nation’s Newsletter Tavis Buffalo- Newsletter Editor/Communications Assistant (P) 780-585-3793 ext. 266 (F) 780-585-2700 tav.buffalo@gmail.com