NIPISIHKOPAHK
ACIMOWIN MIKISO-PISIM (FEBRUARY) 2015
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
WWW.SAMSONCREE.COM
Celebrating 25 years of education Nipisihkopahk Education Authority (NEA) hosted a round dance on February 6th to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The event drew in many community members for an evening of dancing, singing and socializing. The schools had various items to raffle from an iPhone 6 to tickets to an Oilers game. Shelli Yellowbird prepare a power point presentation showcasing NEA’s 25
years in operation. From the first Kindergarten graduation in 1989 to an enrollment today of over 1000 students, NEA has made great strides in providing education to Samson Cree Nation members. The hard work of staff, board members and volunteers made this event a success. A formal gala will be held in May to commemorate to 25 year milestone for NEA.
Inside this issue... P 2
Pigeon Lake Satellite Office Update
P 4 Reclaiming Our Knowledge P 5
Wetaskiwin Hospital Welcomes Aboriginal Cultural Room
P 5
RCMP Update
P 6 Maskwacis Boxing Club P 7
Fundraising for H.O.P.E Scholars
P 8
Integrated Family Services Calender
P 9
Quote & Joke
P 10 Friendship Center Calender P 11 Kinohtenehiyawan ci P 12 Birthday Greetings & Community Announcements
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The Pigeon Lake Samson Satellite Office News Update 2015
There is a population of near 700 Four Nation Band Members at the Pigeon Lake Indian Reserve 138A, and over half of this population are Samson Band members. The people of the Pigeon Lake Indian Reserve are geographically 90km located away from the mainstream of Programs and Services afforded to the 4 Nation Band members at Maskwacis. Employment and Wellness Programs are non-existent. Social Allowance is the main financial resource for most of the Pigeon Lake Samson Band Members. The Pigeon Lake Samson Satellite office was officially created by former Band Administrator Holly Johnson-Rattlesnake and her assistant Ruby Potts. Today, the Pigeon Lake Samson Satellite office is a First Nation Development Funded Program, with the responsibility of developing programs and services for the Pigeon Lake Samson Band members. This is achieved through a coordination of team players working in partnership with the Samson Satellite Coordinator and the program managers from Maskwacis. Their task is to address issues in a challenging community environment with barriers of limited supports and financial resources. In January, 2014, after securing a Peace Hills Insurance Grant for the Pigeon Lake Samson Band members, the satellite Coordinator appointed Ms. Grace Dion to commence Community Strategic Planning Sessions. Elders and youth were the priority focus groups at all the gatherings. It was determined that it would be ESSENTIAL to include all the Pigeon Lake 4 Nation members in the Planning Sessions to strengthen connection and bridge the gap of all Nation
members for effective program implementation. An artisan, Miss Melanie Rowan and with the support of the satellite coordinator, commenced an Indian Arts and Crafts Sewing Project utilizing the PHGI Grant. In March, 2014, working together as a team, the satellite Coordinator and former Ermineskin Band Councillor Sam Minde commenced community meetings which included 4 band members of Pigeon Lake. Monthly Strategic Planning meetings were held and a 2014 to 2015 Community Work Plan was developed with the hope that program implementation may start to occur in 2015. The Samson Income Support Program manager, Miss Lori Dennehy and the Satellite Coordinator maintain a strong working relationship to ensure the Social Allowance Program is effectively serving all the Samson SA recipients at Pigeon Lake. Delcie Peigan and Leon Bruno are the assigned Income Support Workers working with their clients on site at the Pigeon Lake Satellite Office. After the Planning meetings with the Maskwacis Cultural College and the Satellite Coordinator during the spring of 2014, MCC implemented a Women’s Literacy Program at the Samson Satellite Office with start date September 2014 to March 2015. A Men’s Literacy Program will commence the Spring of 2015. Elaine Deschamps, the MCC Literacy Coordinator created a classroom at the Satellite Office to accommodate the Literacy Program and future training programs, in coordination with MEC. Working with the Samson
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Consultation Program, the Satellite Coordinator and Councillor Holly Johnson-Rattlesnake accompanied by a small group of Pigeon Lake Samson Elders and youth, took a tour of a Coal Mine Site at Robb Alberta in the fall of 2014. The purpose of the tour was to bring awareness on the importance of Reclamation work required at the Pigeon Lake Indian Oil Lease sites. The tour was very educational. The Pigeon Lake Indian reserve was once an area of abundance, with our drinking water and plenty of fish to eat. The original families at the Pigeon Lake Indian reserve were the Maskakopwat, the Rowan (Roan), the Yellowbirds, the Greens, and the Firingstoney; as identified by late Daystone Louie Potts. Their stories reveal the growth of a natural garden of vegetables like wild turnips ginger and wild onions with plenty of every kind of berries. The Yellowbird, Late Pete Rowan family and the late Billy Potts family created their own gardens, with garden seeds and potatoes provided by the Indian agent and farmer instructor. The after math of the oil exploration at Pigeon Lake has left the reserve in a desolate state. There is no longer the abundance of natural fruit berries and vegetables. The land, the lake and the air quality in its contaminated state, affects the health and livelihood of all people at Pigeon Lake. With the young adults acknowledging the state of the environment, it is their concern to commence working together in bringing restoration and building the community of the Pigeon Lake Indian reserve 138A. Submitted by Bernice Stoney Buffalo, Pigeon Lake Samson Satellite Coordinator.
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NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN
Reclaiming our knowledge Samson Cree Nation hosted a 3 day conference at the River Cree Resort and Casino from January 2729, 2015. Break out sessions included; The Creation Story with Jerry Saddleback Sr., Nehiyaw Language and Culture with Jeff Wastesicoot , Baby Think It Over with Colleen Buffalo, Totamaso with Patrick Buffalo, Understanding Addictions with Jerry Saddleback Jr., Integrated Body Therapy with David Loree and Beatrice Okeymow, Ahkameymo with Holly JohnsonRattlesnake, Traditional Games with Lamarr Okasiskewiyin, Traditional Family Parenting with Janet Fox, Goal Setting with Austin Buffalo, The Indian Residential School: A Story of Decolonization with Dr. Claudine Louis and other sessions that shared traditional Cree knowledge. Participants networked and took part in personal care sessions such as a massage, tarot cards readings, facials and Jin Shin Jyutsu. A group traveled from Ontario to attend the conference and left with plenty of information to take
home. During the banquet on January 28, 2015, participants were entertained by motivational speaker Laura Grizzlypaws and Comedian Ryan McMohan.
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Wetaskiwin hospital opens aboriginal cultural room
Photo by Kristen Wildcat-Manybears For the first time ever Wetaskiwin hospital opens it’s doors to a Aboriginal Cultural Room. The Grand opening was on February 5, 2015 conducted with a pipe ceremony with elder Wilson Okeymaw. The Cultural room is located on the 3rd floor for all to use. The room isn’t only for aboriginal people but is open to everyone to use, weather it be staff, clients, patients or non-first nation. Elder Wilson Okeymaw stated “It’s about putting two nations together” . The
room can be used for family gatherings, family prayers like smudging and other spiritual aspects. The room is open 24 hours a day. Wetaskiwin Mayor Bill Elliot played a huge role and showed a lot of support for First Nation people. He’s one of the first mayors to really reach out and say, ‘We’re neighbors, let’s build a relationship.” The first Aboriginal Cultural Room to open in central Alberta was in Red Deer back in January 2014. “Thanks to everyone involved in making this Aboriginal Cultural Room a reality,” says Health Minister Stephen Mandel. “It means around-the-clock access will be available to a peaceful, culturally respectful space that promotes holistic healing. I am confident this room will make a positive difference to many in their care journey.” The Wetaskiwin Aboriginal Health coordinator Claudette Yellowbird also played a huge role in getting the cultural room done. Thanks to everyone who had or play a major role on getting the second of its kind built in central zone Alberta.
Photo by Kristen Wildcat- Manybears On Thursday February 12th, 2015, Maskwacis RCMP and CRU, executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Search Warrant in the Samson Rural area. Maskwacis RCMP had arrested three individuals from the residence. A search of the property yielded a small amount of marihuana. One Adult male has been charged with: Possession of marihuana. On Wednesday February 11th, 2015, Maskwacis RCMP, CRU, and Police Dog Services, executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Search Warrant in the Samson Town Site. Maskwacis RCMP had arrested three individuals from the residence. A search of the property yielded a small amount of marihuana, and money which resulted from the sale of marihuana, and assorted drug paraphernalia. Waylan Soosay has been charged with: Possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking, Possession of cocaine and Possession of property obtained by crime. Two other Adults in the residence were charged with Possession of marihuana.
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NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN
Maskwacis Boxing Club hits the Road to Medicine Hat On February 8th Maskwacis Boxing Club traveled to Medicine Hat for a two day fight venue. The venue was very ritzy, per table cost $500 with a $30 charge per person. Saturday Night Tyrell Crier was up against Jamick Lacroix from Grasslands Ponteix Boxing in Saskatchewan. Tyrell fought at a weight of 132lbs, where he would come short to lose in a split decision. Later on that same day Tyrell was asked to fight another opponent who had more experience than he had. He was to gain some weight over night to fight Creedance Horsefall from Regina, Sask. who weighted in at 140lbs. Tyrell Crier bit off more than he could chew and lost the fight to a unanimous decision but learned what he needs to improve on. Aaron Lighting (who had a cut on his eye from last fight) came to watch his team mates box, than was given the opportunity to have a match against Dani Adam from Calgary,
AB. Aaron Lighting needed doctors approval before he could fight due to stitches that recently came out. Aaron’s fight went the distance but came up short and lost the decision. Next was Josh Morin against Lee McTaggart from Bam Bam Boxing Taber Montana. The fight lasted two rounds with the opponent calling it quits. Last was Tyrell Foureyes up against Christopher McDougall from Sunshine Boxing, Saskatchewan. The fight was so intense that they were going to call it quits but the judges given a split decision gave the opponent the winning round. The ones that couldn’t attend were Shane and Winston Saskatchewan. A job well done on representing Maskwacis in a respectful manner boys. Boxers are now getting ready for the Silver Gloves Tournament coming February 28, 2015 in Edmonton, AB.
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Fundraising for H.O.P.E. Scholars Valentine’s Day Massacre was the theme of the H.O.P.E. Scholars Nationhood Tour dance on February 13, 2015. This dance was held at the Howard Buffalo Memorial Center. Maskwacis definitely has talented dancers of all ages! Games and dance-offs went on through out the evening and all to raise funds for the 2015 H.O.P.E Scholars Nationhood tour. This community based program is providing an opportunity for 30 Maskwacis youth to travel to various communities across British Columbia and Washington state to get a first hand experience of different cultures and community development. A few of the topics of focus for this years tour, along with aspects of nationhood, is stewardship, environmentalism and health & wellness. In 2013 a Peace and Friendship treaty was signed between Yakama Nation and the H.O.P.E. Scholars. The 2015 tour will be revisiting Yakama to reaffirm this treaty. The group will embark on their tour in the sum-
(Yellowbird Entertainment provided DJ services in kind.)
mer of 2015. For more information on this project or to make a donation please contact Charmaine Crane at 780-585-3012 or Jenn Nepoose at 780-585-3793.
Family Day Fun Community members gathered on Family Day for activities and entertainment at the Howard Buffalo Memorial Center (HMBC) and the Samson Arena. Children enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting, crafts and games such as musical chairs. A live band was on site for entertainment and offered an open mic for those who wished to share their vocal talents. Following the activities at the HBMC the Samson Arena opened the rink for family skating and provided lunch for those in attendance. The staff from Samson Youth and Support, Samson Arena, cooks and volunteers hosted a great Family Day 2015!
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Quote I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good. Author Maya Angelou
JOKE A teacher asked her students to use the word “beans” in a sentence. “My father grows beans,” said one girl. “My mother cooks beans,” said a boy. A third student spoke up, “We are all human beans.”
On February 11, 2015, Councillor Larron Northwest and Chief Kurt Buffalo met with the Mayor of Edmonton, Don Iveson. There discussions of partnerships between Samson Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton and Mayor Iveson was presented with a ribbon shirt and gifts.
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1904- photo by F.L. Talbot. From Wetaskiwin and District.
Kinohtenehiyawan ci Acimowin Word Search Search for the Cree words below in the puzzle, when you have found a word circle it and then cross out or check mark the words you have found. KETAHTAWE (once upon a time; near future; all of a sudden) KIHTWAM
(again, next)
ATAYOHKE
(to tell a legend)
IHTAWINA
(places)
KISIPEKINA
(to wash NI)
MISAWAC
(anyway, anyhow)
MINA
(and, also, too)
OTENAW (city)
A G OM B K I H C E A S Y T D V H A A I O H B F E T Z O S A E K A WW N M E L K R A T B N K I S
A T A Y O H K E O A K I
B W T B K P T I J K W P
A A A K F D H A T A C E
W M W A M I S A W A C K
T D K A I K V K O I S I
S Z R O N E O U I B N N
Z N I C A U W G M X H A
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NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN
Birthday Greetings February 11: Happy Belated 18th Birthday Latiya Northwest from the Northwest Family February 16: Happy Birthday Isaiah Simon-Buffalo from uncle Jon Johnson February 17: Happy Birthday Dwyer Simon from Jon Johnson February 18: Happy Birthday Baillie Buffalo from SCN Daycare staff February 18: Happy Birthday Roma Montour from Krista, Christopher, Keyaren and Conrad. February 18: Happy Birthday Furby a.k.a. Tiffany Buffalo from the whole family. February 19: Happy Birthday Ranee Buffalo from CSO Staff, Admin. & Communications <3 February 20: Happy Birthday Eliza Moonias from SCN Daycare staff February 23: Happy Birthday Jeremy Nepoose from Dad, Mom, Jenn, Brooke and Jay. February 24: Happy Birthday Rod Baptiste Sr. from the Baptiste family. February 27: Happy Birthday Ashton John from SCN Daycare staff February 27: Happy Birthday Jay Nepoose from Dad, Mom, Jenn, Brooke and Jay. February 28: Happy Birthday Tricia Simon from Jon Johnson February 28: Happy Birthday Orlando Kerwin Cutknife from Mom & Dad & Family
Community Announcements
February 24-26: NO Such Thing as a Bully (NSTAAB) system, train the trainer. 9am – 4 pm daily at the HBMC. February 25: National Anit-Bullying Day. Wear pink. February 27: Deadline for H.O.P.E. Scholars Nationhood Tour applications.
Samson Day Care As of January 2015, Prepayment is required at Samson Day Care. To explore and enjoy our winter weather, please label all outdoor clothing for winter nature walks. We are very grateful for Public Works who made the children a hill to slide in playground area. A friendly reminder to all parents/guardian please have all services paid in full including pre-paid credit. If no pre-payment your services well be denied until pre-payment is made. Can contact Marcia Omeasoo @ 780-585-3930
ACIMOWIN
Samson Cree Nation’s Newsletter Tavis Buffalo- Communication Officer (P) 780-585-3793 ext. 266 (F) 780-585-2700 tav.buffalo@gmail.com
Samson Friendship Center: Personal Development Program with Martina Swampy every Tuesday’s from 5:00pm-7:00pm w/Door Prizes Roots & Berries 50% off sale on all Ladies wear, winter wear, and on all Jewelry for the month of February.