Nipisihkopahk Acimowin

NIPISIHKOPAHK

ACIMOWIN

Pawahcakinasîs December 2021

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 53

T

ansi and welcome to last edition of 2021 Acimowin. Chief Vernon Saddleback’s Christmas message: “I would personally like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. This year, the situation of the Covid 19 pandemic has put a lot of stress on families and Facebook: @samsoncreenation relationships. I pray that you all find the joys of the season and remmber the special reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ. Christmas is a time of family, faith and joy; stay connected with your loved ones, friends and family. I wish you all a safe and Twitter: @SamsonCree wonerful holiday season and happiness in the New Year!” Read the full message on page 3.

Instagram: @samsoncreenation

Table of Contents Pg 3 Pg 4 Pg 12 Pg 13 Pg 14 Pg 17 Pg 22 Pg 25 Pg 27

Christmas Edition

Chief Vernon Saddleback’s Christmas Message.

Samson Councilors Christmas Messages.

Band Office Closure for the Holidays.

Christmas Project Contest Information.

Christmas Dinner Drive Through Information.

Onion Lake Border Chiefs vs.

Nipisihkopahk Hawks.

SCN Staff Christmas Pictures.

Equal Voice Calgary: Women in Politics.

SCN Consultation Department.

Personnel Department, December 2021.

The Samson Cree Nation Acimowin (Newsletter) Communications Coordinator, Delorna Makinaw.

Email: dbmakinaw@gmail.com Events Planner, Angela Boysis-Bull.

Email: ang.bbull@yahoo.com Samson Communications Department: Box 159 Maskwacis, AB T0C 1N0. Ph: 780-585-3793 ext. 233 or 266.

SCN Departments: Please send your announcements, events or information to the Acimowin for publication.

Email: guide@ualberta.ca Ph: 780-585-3793 ext. 266 The Acimowin is released bi-weekly every month.

Advertisers please call the Communications Office.

Community events can be forwarded to the Newsletter Please make it a JPEG format to save paper.

Vision Statement Samson Cree Nation is a healthy, educated, knowledgeable and industrious community.

HAWK 93.5 FM Radio To advertise with the only central Alberta First Nations radio station please call: 780-585-4295.

Mission Statement Email: hawk.radio891@gmail.com Samson Cree Nation is a Sovereign Nation that is connect@hawkradio935.com dedicated to improving the quality of life for all our People Web: www.hawkradio935.com by maximizing our Human Resources and respecting our Contact: Robert “Bobby Jack” Ward.

Cree Language and Traditions of our Peoples. www.samsoncree.com/aboutus

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Councilor Frank Buffalo:

Tansi Everyone, Seasons Greetings to you all from the Buffalo/Swampy Family. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Remember to show Manatisiwin (Respect) and Sakihitowin (Love) to one another during this Covid 19 pandemic, stay safe and follow the proper Covid 19 protocols. We will pray that 2022 will be a better year for the Samson Cree Nation and Maskwacis at large, May Kisemanito (Creator) Bless and protect you and your loved ones during the holidays.

Ekosi

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December 10, 2021 Source: Samson Cree Nation Facebook page.

“Senior Hockey in Maskwacis. The Nipisihkopahk Hawks played the Onion Lake Border Chiefs at the Four Nations Arena.

There was a great turn out of support, the final score was Hawks 8-Border Chiefs 6. It was a great game for both teams.”

Nipisihkopahk Hawks: 1 Dominic Buffalo. 2 AJ Buffalo. 3 Corbin McDougall. 4 Austin Buffalo. 5 Brendan Crier. 6 Dean Dion. 8 Derek Simon. 9 Dylan Lightning. 10 Tory Buffalo. 11 Brodey Bull. 12 Billy Cutknife. 13 Cory Saddleback. 14 Joel Johnson. 15 Lane Lightning. 16 Neil Montour. 17 Phoenix Swampy. 18 Adam Buffalo. 66 Dylan Buffalo. 35 Kyle White.

Onion Lake Border Chiefs: Theo Chocan. Vishaun Laliberte. Kirby Chief. Brendan Lewis. Jelani Whitstone. Breenan Meesto. Joel Waskewitch. Keegan Giroux. Cash Trottier. Ethan Mitchell. Kyran Pahteyken. Caden Jonnis. Gaberial Thompson. Josh Chief. Julius Whitstone. Jermaine Chief.

Brennan Lewis. Jeremy Chief.

Thank You Sponsors: Cory’s Snow and Lawn Removal Services Ph: 587-594-6770. Samson Cree Nation. Samson Public Works and Waste Management Department. Samson Recreation Bingo, $10000 Bonanza Ph 780-585-2802 For More Information. Pemiciso Cafe and Bistro. Ermineskin Council Nina Makinaw. Peace Hills Trust. Special Thanks to: Holly Johnson, Chase Rabbit, Carter Yellowbird, James Bull Sr. “Baby Jim,” Ryan Lightning, Singers, Hawk Radio 93.5 FM and all the Volunteers!

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Samson Cree Nation: Pediatry

PEDIATRIC CLINIC NOW OPEN Dr. Heather Dreise Pediatrician Location: former MYI Building Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9 AM to 4 PM For Appointments call 780-585-4062.

Walk Ins are available.

The Acimowin (Samson’s local newsletter) Submission Dates for 2021.

December Friday Dec. 3 Friday Dec. 17

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Integrated Family Services (IFS) Ph: 780-585-2254 Email: integratedfamily@yahoo. com MMIWG 24/7 Toll Free Support Phone Line: 1-844-413-6649 Maskwacis Mobile Mental Health Call us at any time on our hotline 780-362-2150 or Email : info@maaems.com SCN Community Wellness Client Support Services Ph: 780-335-5953.

Outreach 780-335-7439. Respite Care 780-3359687.

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From the Office of Samson Gas Utility Box 1200 Maskwacis, AB T0C 1N0 Ph: 780-585-3793 Email: gasutility. scn@gmail.com Lyle Littlepoplar, Manager 1-780-335-6073 Everette Omeasoo, Supervisor 1-780-312-9748 Gas Co-op Shop 780-585-3547 Please Leave A Message Email: gasutility.scn@gmail.com Please call EXT#215, Cell 780-335-6073 or Email: lyle.littlepoplar2020@gmail.com If you have any questions on this matter. Thank you.

Samson Cree Nation Urban Office Edmonton.

Location: 12046 - 77 St. Edmonton.

Ph: 780-477-6648 ext. 257

Samson Cree Nation Urban Office in Edmonton. SCN Community Wellness: Client Support Location: 12046 - 77 St. Edmonton.

Services Ph: 780-335-5953. Outreach 780-335Ph: 780-477-6648 ext. 257 7439. Respite Care 780-335-9687.

Please be advised that the Samson Cree Nation Personnel Department has a New Email Address: personnel.179@gmail.com Anybody applying for a job or submitting their documents to Personnel Department can send to the email provided. Thank You.

The Samson Cree Housing Department is now located at the Trades Centre (on Cranes Road).

New phone number: 780-585-3919 The Samson Community Initiatives Program 780-585-0111 Check them out on Facebook. @samsoncommunityinitiativesprogram

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Staff Christmas Pictures 2021: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

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“Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the first woman elected into parliament, hosted by Equal Voice Calgary.

Photos include Councillor Katherine Swampy, Equal Voice Chair Shannon Hazlitt, Calgary Councillor Jasmine Mian, SCN Communications Coordinator Delorna Makinaw and Armand Swampy.

Samson Cree Nation elected council women were invited as they were first to reach elected parity in Summer 2020.”

March

February

January 2022

2847 December

2777 November

2021

Total Cases

December 8, 2021 Source: Samson Cree Nation Facebook page.

2718 October

2254 September

2215 August

2166 July

2150 June

2070 May

1993 April

Variant Declared 1900 March

1854 February

1448 January

October

485 December

19

September

317 November

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2020

July 3 Pandemic Declared March

5000 Maskwacis Covid 19 Timeline 4900 Total Cases 4800 4700 4600 4500 4400 4300 4200 4100 4000 3900 3800 3700 3600 3500 3400 3300 3200 3100 3000 2900 2800 2700 2600 2500 2400 2300 2200 2100 2000 1900 1800 1700 1600 1500 1400 1300 1200 1100 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 24 Samson Communications Department @SamsonCreeNation

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December 6, 2021 Source: SCN Consultation Office Facebook page.

“This project is located near Nipisihkopahk lands on the McKelvie Farms. They are looking to expand Feedlot operations for their farm. The SCN Consultation Office will be making a submission on behalf of the nation.

The Natural Resources Conservation board website is www.NRCB.ca and you can find more information there on how you can be involved in this hearing as an individual that may be impacted by this project.”

December 1, 2021 Enbridge Career Opportunity: Apply online, send resume to careers@enbridge. com Sharing information only. SCN Consultation Office does not hire or have any say in hiring for this position.

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SCN Elders Department: Elders 65+ Christmas Gift Drive Through December 15, 2021, in minus -25C weather.

December 16, 2021 Source: Samson Cree Nation Facebook page.

“Candy Cane Lane Charity Check Stop donated $1315.50 to Samson Cree. They made $6580.90 at the Charity Check Stop this year. Way to go Maskwacis, you are keeping families in need fed this holiday season.”

December 15, 2021 SCN Worker outside in below -20 C weather.

Thank you workers for your dedication. Merry Christmas and Have a Happy New Year.

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December 15, 2021 PCD at the Pigeon Lake Recreation Center.

Source: Samson Cree Nation Facebook page.

Jess Omeasoo and son Talon at the food bank, Clancey Alice Threefingers, Louis Bull Rep and her staff who were all dressed up as our Elves, @Marcella Dion, Pigeon Lake and her workers, @Carmella Cutknife, @Angela Bull, Jennifer A. Nepoose from Samson Secret Santa.

Mark Cashbox Wicklund and Nicole Wicklund from Cashbox donated his time to be our Santa also for the first shift with his sweet daughter and Paula Johnson- Jefferson and Lavern Jefferson from Meskwaki, Iowa, USA who came out to take part in the event as sexy Ms. Claus and her helper for the afternoon shift.

We had 65 volunteers from all four communities and a very well-organized event. As this was the 9th year to host the Charity Checkstop we were amazed with the volunteers, organizers and the out-pour of donations in the amount of $6,5890.90 in which the five communities received $1,315.16 with two big donations of $1,000.00 each, Mark Wicklund from Cashbox and a Senior Gentleman from Calgary who wanted to donate directly to Samson Food Bank.

We received over 42 toys and 104 items of food that were split between the communities, Thank you for supporting the families and our precious wee ones with your donation.

Shout out to Ermineskin Counselor Mr. Wildcat for the donation of 300 dollars of toys plus coffee and donuts to the event for the volunteers, greatly appreciated and two of Montana’s Host community Counselors Shane Strongman and Chase Mcdougall for volunteering your time right beside the volunteers, our leaders are our warriors and your amazing! Hyi Hyi

December 16, 2021 PCD in Calgary.

Source: Samson Cree Nation Facebook page.

Submission: Lucy Johnson. December 16, 2021.

On behalf of the organizers of the 9th Annual Candy Cane Lane Charity Checkstop, we would like to thank the Comm”unity” of Maskwacis and everyone that contributed to our Non-enforced event from the organizers. Myself Luci Johnson, the Grinch / Courtworker, Francis Lynch and his awesome wife Rebecca Keenatch co-hosts for Alberta Transportation & Louis Bull Fire Chief, Maskwacis RCMP Cst. Porterfield, Staff Sgt. Richard Mckay, Sgt. Travis Mackenzie and their members, @Kevin Johnson, Samson Fire Chief, Jonathan Stoney, Ermineskin Fireman and Stew Schmitt, Maskwacis Ambulance.

We also want to thanks Montana First Nation host of this year’s event, Ingrid Kelln and their Community Rep plus staff, daughter Samantha Kellen all dressed up in Christmas costumes, DeAnne Lightning, Ermineskin Cree Nation Community Rep and her staff Brian Small the Ginger-Breadman, 30 Samson Communications Department @SamsonCreeNation

We also want to thank our sweet lil Samson Cree Nation warrior Keslee Littlechild for coming and being part of the event. To Noreen Saddleback for her prayers before we started and had a great time with no issues.

We also gave out 1500 prevention bags that had materials from Safe Roads, RCMP promotional items, MADD Ribbons Edmonton Chapter and with a candy cane, donation of 2000 Candy Canes from Mark Cashbox Wicklund plus $1,000.00 towards the event and several toys, Shay Yellowbird donated the 300 Candy Canes for Santa to give out, Goodies bags donated by Caysha Saddleback, Lets not forget the hospitality from Leann Rain and her delicious tacos and ribs and fries plus the yummy 10 Burger Baron pizzas from Deane for the volunteers, Deneen Lawrence for her 2 take-10 Tim Horton’s Coffee and Dozen Donuts from the Court Assistance Program Society (CAPS) from Edmonton for our volunteers and for the prevention of Drinking and Driving during the Holidays, which is always our goal.

Enjoy your Holiday and Don’t Drink and Drive! Hyi Hyi to all and a very Merry Christmas to all!

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20 IFS Secret Santa Drive Thru Pigeon Lake Christmas Lights Knotts Landing 5-7pm Drive Thru

22 Winter 21 IFS Secret Santa Drive Thru Solstice.

Knotts Landing 5-7pm. ASL Class 5-7pm. Band Office Closed.

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January 2022

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►Jim O Cultural Centre News: Samson Band Members $150 Non Refundable. Non Samson Band Members $150 Non Refundable. $50 Damage Deposit. Centre must be cleaned after use, kitchen cleaned up, floors swept, chairs put away.

Call 780-585-3793 ext. 159.

No Double Booking.

No Smoking.

No Public Phone.

►Samson Trades: High volume of calls due to not changing furnace filters, please do not pour grease down the drains, the Housing department has moved into the Trades Center.

December 10, 2021, Four Nations Arena. Onion Lake Border Chiefs vs. Nipisihkopahk Hawks.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Samson Communications Department.

To see the back issues of the Acimowin.

www.issuu.com/samsoncreenation