Ermineskin Newsletter December 7, 2018

Neyâskweyâhk Acimowin Pawâcakinasîs Pîsim Tepakohp Akimaw Anohc

Ermineskin Newsletter December 7, 2018 Neyâskweyâhk Acimowin Pawâcakinasîs Pîsim Tepakohp Akimaw Anohc

ᓀᔮᐢᑫᐧᔮᐦᐠ ᐊᒋᒧᐊᐧᐣ ᐸᐋᐧᒐᑭᓇᓰᐢ ᐲᓯᒼ ᑌᐸᑯᐦᑊ ᐊᑭᒪᐤ ᐊᓄᐦᐨ

Media, Communications & Information Technology Career Fair

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ovember 22, 2018 - The Media, Communications & Information Technology Career Fair took place at the Jonas Applegarth Theatre at Samson High School from 11AM until 2:30PM. It was hosted by the 4 Nations Communications Team & Maskwacis Employment Centre and had special guests, including Global News Edmonton Traffic Anchor/Co-Host Daintre Christensen, Publisher/CEO of the Aboriginal Multimedia Society of Alberta and photographer Bert Crowfoot, Ponoka News Editor/Journalist/Writer Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye, and Chief of Samson Vernon Saddleback.

“The event was a first of its kind in Maskwacis

and probably on any first nation. Bringing together various speakers in the areas of IT and Media, I was happy that Daintre Christensen, news broadcaster from Edmonton Global News accepted the invitation, not many people knew she was first nation from Ontario. The main purpose of the event was to make known the importance of having a first nation’s voice in main stream media; in order to have a presence, a voice, and an impact. It makes a difference to have our own people telling our own stories. We do have APTN which is great, but viewers have to choose to subscribe to it in order to access it, and not a lot of non-first nations are subscribed to APTN. In main stream

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media many of our stories and information on first nation’s issues are largely told through nonfirst nation’s journalists. Also, there are jobs in the IT field in the four nations of Maskwacis, and we see a lack of our own people getting the certification for those jobs that are available.

Overall the day was a great success, many students came out to listen and learn about these areas, some participated in mock interviews, and news broadcasting with equipment brought by the Media school vendors.

My department did a great job, I was happy with the collaboration from the other nations and the Maskwacis Employment Center for bringing this all together. Thank you to all the sponsors and other departments that helped support the event, and made it possible for our youth and nation members,” co-organizer Tara Cutarm, manager for Ermineskin Communications.

Attendees gave positive feedback to the ECN IT & Communications Department, with 45% of respondents giving the event a 10/10 rating.

The majority of attendees were between 10-17 (53%). Valuable things that attendees learned

from the vendors and be afraid to try new of binary code,” the open to possibility” works.”

speakers included: “Don’t things,” “the importance importance of “[being] and “how technology

For those who didn’t attend, the respondents gave the following information: there was “a lot of information about different programs in these college’s and universities at this career fair,” “we need more of our native people to get into media, communications and tech,” “the I.T. conference was good, helped me understand the importance of tech and how it can become a career,” other people “need to attend – network – learn about media,” and “I learned a lot about media, there are lots of good programs.”

The attendees enjoyed the career fair because the speakers “put [them] in a good mood,” “the speakers explained how fun their jobs were,” “the speakers motivation inspired [them],” and “Vernon Saddleback is a very good guest speaker” and is “very educated in technology.” The event was well attended. Respondents only complaint of the day was that the facility was too crowded. Other than that, the Career Fair was a success.

Remembrance Day Pow Wow

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ovember 11th, 2018 Hundreds of residents from all four nations and the surrounding area gathered at the Panee Memorial Agriplex for the Traditional Remembrance Day Pow Wow. Names of all past and present Four Nation men and women were read out and honoured during the ceremony, with speeches and ceremonial dances.

The two day event was hosted

by Louis Bull this year, and families with members who served danced in their loved ones’ photos during a special honour dance featuring Men’s Traditional dancers. Revellier and Taps were performed by Jan Schwonik. ~photos and article

by Sara Lee~

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~photos by Tara Cutarm, article by Sara Lee~

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Important Dates ECN Administration Building December 13 - Staff Christmas Party - Offices close at 2PM December 14 - Off Friday, Offices Closed December 21 - Christmas Holidays Start, Offices Closed until January 7, 2019.

January 7 - Offices open

Alberta Chiefs, Canada and Alberta Government Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Bolster Jordan’s Principle

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December 20, 2018

ovember 15th, 2018 - Chief Craig Makinaw met with representatives from the Federal and Provincial governments, and 10 other Nations within Alberta to sign an MOU (memorandum of understanding) to guarantee that all First Nation children will be able to access supports and resources when they are needed, cutting through the red tape surrounding funding when children are at their most vulnerable. The agreement guarantees that children will not be left waiting while different levels of government decide where funding will come from. This is part of Jordan’s Principle, which is a child first and needs-based principle used in Canada to ensure that First Nations children living on and off reserve have equitable access to all government funded services. Along with Ermineskin, the other Nations are Samson Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Montana First Nation, Bigstone Cree Nation, Loon River First Nation, Lubicon Lake Band, Peerless Trout First Nation, Whitefish Lake #459 First Nation, Woodland Cree First Nation, and Siksika Nation.

Following an opening prayer by Elder Richard Lightning of Treaty 6, and a grand entry, Chief Clara Moberly, Senator Patti LaboucaneBenson, Minister Danielle Larivee and Minister Jane Philpott each gave a speech. This was followed by a pipe ceremony led by Elder Clemente Leather of Treaty 7, after which the signing of the MOU took place, followed by the signing of a ceremonial hide, closing comments and a closing prayer by Elder Mike Beaver of Treaty 8.

Between July 2016 and September 30, 2018, there have been more than 165,000 requests approved for First Nations children under Jordan's Principle, said Minister Philpott. “This includes mental health supports, medical equipment, speech therapy, educational supports, and more” (newswire.ca/news-releases). For more information and to access aid, go to www.canada.ca/jordans-principle or call Katie Kowalski: 780-495-8340 | katie.kowalski@canada.ca ~article/photos by Sara Lee~

December 17 @ 12PM

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Cree Corner by Janine Wildcat

Sober Walk Kicks Off National Addictions Awareness Week

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ovember 19, 2018 Maskwacis Health Services organized a Sober Walk to start their activities planned for National Addictions Awareness Week.

The walk went from Bear Park to the MHS Blue Building and was organized to bring awareness to those suffering addictions.

Other events planned for the week included an A.A. celebration with a potluck lunch at the MHS Blue Building with guest speakers Vern Spence, and Annette Cutknife on Tuesday November 21st, a candlelight vigil on Thursday November 22nd in the evening, and a presen- sium, followed by another candlelight vigil on Friday tation on Methamphetamine at the Montana gymna- November 23rd. ~article and photos by Sara Lee~

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Neyâskweyâhk Acimowin Pawâcakinasîs Pîsim Tepakohp Akimaw Anohc

Ermineskin Education Trust Fund Annual General Meeting

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ovember 19th, 2018 - Representatives from MNP, LLP, BMO, and EETF Board Members, as well as EETF Education Coordinator Amanda Ermineskin, gave presentations at the Ermineskin Education Trust Fund AGM at the Jim Rattlesnake Building.

After the Invocation, the Independent Auditors’ Report was presented by MNP, LLP. There was a forensic investigation in the beginning of the fiscal year, with statements missing from April 1st to June 30th, however all bank statements were available for this same time period. In general the expenses are there, but their exact category of spending is unavailable (ex.

“Tuition and living allowance,” “Student expense,” “Office Supplies”).

The Investment Portfolio was presented by BMO, who have represented EETF since 1995. They goals of the portfolio were established with the original Trust Deed for the benefit of the members of Ermineskin. The portfolio has a balanced investment which is a combination of low risk and high risk investments that allows the account to gain a minimum of $300,000 per year.

The value of the portfolio has steadily increased, according to account histories, and in the last five years has increased from $9,954,420 (December 31, 2013) to $11,282,355 (October 31, 2018).

There was also a presentation by Amanda Ermineskin to show the School Services offered under her program, which include: paid bus passes, Post Sec-

ondary Supplementary Incentives (not to be confused with EETF post-secondary funding), School tutoring for grades 1-12, after school personal development workshops/programs/activities, after school development workshops/camps, youth workshops and student tours. An EETF awards night will be held on January 25, 2019 with children’s awards in the afternoon and adult awards in the evening, . For more information, call Amanda Ermineskin at 780585-2135 Mon./Wed./Fri., or email: amanda@ermineskin.ca. ~article/photos by Sara Lee~

Information Session on Indian Day Schools Class Action Lawsuit

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ovember 22, 2018 - The second information session for the Class Action Lawsuit for Day School survivors took place at the Jim Rattlesnake Building. Gowling WLG has been appointed Class Counsel for the “McLean V. Canada Class Action lawsuit against the Canadian government for the abuses suffered by students forced to attend “Indian Day Schools” across Canada after 1920.”

Lesley Doucet, a Legal Assistant from Gowling WLG, provided the following statement: “The purpose of the session was to provide members with an update regarding the Indian Hospitals Class Action. Our firm has provided services to hundreds of

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aboriginal persons throughout the Residential Schools class actions, ADR and IAP. We are looking to provide those same services to those who suffered abuses while attending Indian Hospitals. The action is currently in the very beginning stages of litigation.” ~article by Sara Lee, Photo by Tara Cutarm~

Neyâskweyâhk Acimowin Pawâcakinasîs Pîsim Tepakohp Akimaw Anohc

Ermineskin’s Dog Care & Control Program

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ho: Animal Control Officers: Josh Littlechild, John Saddleback, Jacob Wilder.

What: The Ermineskin Dog Care and Control Program enforces and upholds the ECN “Animal Control Law.” The program addresses: Dog Bites (when dogs bite people and other domestic animals), Animal/Dog welfare (injuries, dog diseases, health, living conditions, and dog welfare), Dog Population Management (registry, spay/ neuter), Dog Food Program and Dog care education (schools and workshop).

When: The ECN Dog Care and Control Program is currently in operation.

Where: The ECN Dog Care and Control Program is currently based out of the ECN Administration Building (780585-3741), email: josh@ermineskin.ca, and ECN Security (780-585-2004).

Why: The Ermineskin Chief & Council and the Citizens of the Ermineskin Cree nation passed and ratified an Animal Control law in 2016 to remedy dog bites and dog welfare on ECN lands.

The ECN Chief & Council encourage our citizens to achieve a high level of dog welfare that reflects Neyaskweyahk Pimatisowin values; to ensure the Atimwak we live with are provided with exercise, proper food, water, and shelter.

If you or someone you know is bit by a dog on ECN lands, get away from the dog and seek medical attention

at Maskwacis Health Center or the nearest available Medicine people.

Chief & Council strongly encourage all ECN Citizens to:  register their dog (s) with the ECN Dog Registry at the administration office, 

Spay/neuter their dog(s),

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File a dog bite report with one of the animal control officers, and be available for a follow-up,

Call ECN Animal Control Officer or RCMP if you see an injured, neglected dog, or any dog in distress.

Dog Food Distribution: ECN Dog Care and Control Program provides dog food for unemployed citizens whose dog’s are registered with the ECN Dog Registry and have also been spayed/neutered. We have limited amounts available once a month. This is not a consistent source of dog food and if you are having trouble feeding your dog(s) we can help place them in a new home to relieve the hardship until you are able to care for them again.

If you have any questions about the program or want a copy of the ECN Animal Control Law, please contact the ECN Tribal Administration Office. ~information provided

by Josh Littlechild, External Affairs Tribal Law Officer~ 

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Maskwacis 7th Annual Candy Cane Lane Charity Checkstop

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ovember 30, 2018 - The Maskwacis Christmas Charity Check Stop took place on Highway 2A and 611 East from 10AM to 4PM. The unenforced checkstop was gathering donations for 4 Nation's Food banks, and Children's Santa's Anonymous. Volunteers gathered to help our community members in need this holiday season.

A past volunteer from 2014, Lillian Gladeau, commented on the efforts of volunteers on the ECN FB Album for the event: “Good job!!!!! Well done… nanaskomowin kakiyow niywakomitik.... some children are gonna be happy!” ~Photos by Tara Cutarm, article by Sara Lee~

Protect your home from Carbon Monoxide

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omplete the following checklist to help PRE-  VENT carbon Monoxide in your home.

Vehicles never idled in garage, even with the overhead door open.

Fuel-burning appliances (i.e. furnace, hot wa- Properly installed and maintained carbon monter heater, fireplace, natural gas range, etc.) oxide detectors will help to detect carbon monchecked by a qualified technician regularly oxide. according to manufacturers’ specifications. omplete the following checklist to DETECT Last Inspection date: _____________ carbon monoxide in your home.

Furnace filter checked monthly and replaced  CO detector(s) installed and maintained ac(if necessary). Date last replaced: ___________ cording to manufacturer’s instructions.

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Indoor and outdoor vents and chimneys cleared of debris, snow and ice (if necessary).

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Expiry date written on CO detector(s) with a marker. Date of expiry: ______________

Area around fuel-burning appliances clutter free.

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CO detector(s) battery replaced annually, if applicable.

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Flame of all natural gas appliances checked regularly (it should be blue).

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CO detector(s) vacuumed monthly.

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Adequate air supply (nearby window opened) when using a wood-burning fireplace.

Visit atcogas.com to learn more about how you can protect your home from carbon monoxide. ~information provided by Ermineskin Property Management, as part of Housing Corner~ 7

Neyâskweyâhk Acimowin Pawâcakinasîs Pîsim Tepakohp Akimaw Anohc

5 steps to fix a leaky faucet

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a cone-shaped or flat washer, and purchase the appropriate type. You may want to take the old Oring to the local hardware store to verify the correct size. You can also buy a package including many different sizes of O-rings—sometimes it’s worth the extra few bucks.

Step 5: From here, carefully reassemble all parts (in order of washer/O-ring, stem, packing nut, screw, and handle). Slowly and gently turn the knob to test the running water and check to see if you’ve licked that leak.

If, after all of your hard work, you notice the faucet is still dripping, then the cause may be the corrosion in your valve seat. If not cleaned over time, it can produce leaks near the spout. Other potential problems are worn-out seats, loose parts, or even worse, broken plumbing. If your troubleshooting leads to this area, or if other complications occur, then it may be time to call Housing.

If you have a computer and internet service in your home it is easy to Google many do it yourself projects. ~This information was downloaded from the Popu-

on’t ignore that leaking faucet in your kitchen or bathroom. All those wasted drops of water add up and the solution can be simple for even an occasional DIYer. Whether it’s the cause of water pooling under your seat, or the annoying dripping sound that keeps you up at night, a leaky faucet is a nuisance that could turn into a full-blown problem if not addressed properly. Fortunately, putting a stop to a leaky faucet, such as the compression faucet in your kitchen, can be surprisingly inexpensive and simple.

Tools you’ll need  Adjustable wrench; C wrench  Philips and/or flat-head screwdriver  Penetrating oil, such as WD-40 or CRC  Replacement washers and O-rings Step 1: Don’t make a mess worse by transforming your broken faucet into Old Faithful. Before applying any wrench or screwdriver to your fixture, make lar Mechanics website for EPM’s Housing Corner~ sure your water supply is turned off, from the handles over the sink to the shut-off valves underneath that control the water coming in from the main line.

Step 2: Remove any decorative parts of the handle knobs. A simple prying with a flat-head screwdriver will take care of that. Underneath each knob, there will be a screw that mounds the handle to the stem. Unscrew, then gently remove the handle with your flat-head. Using penetrating oil can assist in loosening it, allowing you to take the faucet handle off the stem.

Step 3: Use your wrench to loosen the packing nut. From there you should notice the stem. Remove that as well. Depending on the faucet, some stems pop right off, while others twist off from the valve. Check the removed parts for any damage.

Step 4: If everything is intact at this point, inspect the O-ring and washer inside the valve seat—there could be a reason for your leak. Remove the washer and put a replacement inside the seat.

It’s crucial to make sure your replacement washers and O-rings are an exact fit. If you are unsure about either, check the seat to see if the sides fit

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Neyâskweyâhk Acimowin Pawâcakinasîs Pîsim Tepakohp Akimaw Anohc

Upcoming Events close @ 2PM. Christmas Hamper’s Brighter Futures - Sexual Abuse Available at Back Bay Monday December 10 Entrance to Maskwacis Ermineskin Minor sports Bingo Retreat: Country Village Inn, 8:30-4:30, Presenter: Jane SimMall (only 1 hamper Fundraising: Evening @ Samson ington. For Ermineskin Band per household), until Bingo Hall, contact: Jackie Lit- Members only, call 780-585tlechild - 780-585-3760.

2000 to register.

December 20th or unTuesday December 11 MCC– First Aid Training, $140, til Hampers run out.

Men’s Group - 1PM-3PM @ call 780-585-3925 to register.

Maskwacis Public Jim RS Building. Call Ermineskin Day 1 of 2.

Health Good Food Community Wellness @ 780- Friday December 14 Bags, $20/ea. Dead- 585-3741 to register.

MHS Pain Clinic is now moved line: 10am Dec. 18th. Wednesday December 12 to Public Health. 9AM-4PM. 780-585-2151. Pick up Brighter Futures - Sexual Abuse Our Pain Team can help. By on December 20th be- Retreat: Country Village Inn, 8:30- appointment only. We will Presenter: Jane Simington. have a Nurse Practitioner, tween 1-4PM. Will in- 4:30, For Ermineskin Band Members Physical Therapist, & Mental clude a small ham, a only, call 780-585-2000 to regis- Health Therapist. Complementary practitoners include: Eldozen buns, real cran- ter. ders, Traditional Healers, OrienElder’s Village Project Meeting, berries, gravy, etc.

10AM-3PM @ the Jim Rattlesnake

Friday December 7

MHS Pain Clinic is now moved to Public Health. 9AM-4PM. Our Pain Team can help. By appointment only. We will have a Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, & Mental Health Therapist. Complementary practitoners include: Elders, Traditional Healers, Oriental Therapy Practioner. Call (780) 585-2151

Saturday December 8 Support Group for Men: 12PM -3P, Lunch Provided. Drop-in/ Free. Call Samson Community Wellness for information: 585-

Sunday December 9

Meeting. For information CMHC @ 780-585-3886.

call

Career Connection: Barbering, Hair, and Esthetics @ Maskwacis Employment Center, 10AM-2PM. Info: 780-585-4450.

Brighter Futures & The Early Years, Drop-in Day 10AM-3PM, Christmas sewing project and Christmas craft, photo booth & car seat clinic (1-3pm), snacks provided.

Thursday December 13 ECN Christmas Party @ Fantasyland Hotel, Theme: Return to the 80s.

Tickets: $90/ employees, $100/nonemployees for sale at ECN Finance office (only 150 tix available), 5PM-12AM, Offices 9

tal Therapy Practioner.

(780) 585-2151

Call

Brighter Futures - Sexual Abuse Retreat: Country Village Inn, 8:30-4:30, Presenter: Jane Simington. For Ermineskin Band Members only, call 780-5852000 to register.

MCC– First Aid Training, $140, call 780-585-3925 to register.

Day 2 of 2.

Dog Food Distribution, 1-4Pm @ Security Compound. Information: josh@ermineskin.ca.

Saturday December 15 Gift Wrapping for Santa’s Anonymous at Jim Rattlesnake.

10AM-3PM.

Sunday December 16

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3rd Annual Maskwacis Midget Hawks Teddy Bear Toss, 6:45PM @ Four Nations Arena.

Maskwacis Midget 1 VS. Sturgeon Midget 1.

Monday December 17 Maskwacis Counselling & Support Services Prevention Aftercare, @ MHS Blue Building, 10AM-3PM., Everyone welcome. 780-585-2268, Breakfast/Lunch provided.

Tuesday December 18 -

tal Therapy Practioner.

(780) 585-2151

Call

Saturday December 22

Sunday December 23

Healthy Risk Takers Workshop @ Erm. Elders Centre, 10:30AM-3:30PM (lunch provided). Topics: Understanding Trauma, Grief & Loss. Call Ermineskin Community Wellness to Register. (Day 2 of 2)

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Saturday December 29

Monday December 24

Men’s Hockey Jackpot Tournament - Day 1, call Ermineskin Community Wellness (5853741) or Arena (585-2273) to Register. $65 entry fee.

Ermineskin Minor sports Bingo Fundraising: Afternoon @ Samson Bingo Hall, contact: Jackie Littlechild - 780-585-3760.

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Tuesday December 25

Wednesday December 19

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HBMC. 1-8pm, Health & Wellness Presentations 1-5PM, Dinner 5-6PM.

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MHS Christmas Health Fair @ Wednesday December 26

Thursday December 20 Community Christmas Dinner @ EJSHS, 5:30PM-7:30PM Santa’s Anonymous.

Friday December 21 MHS Pain Clinic is now moved to Public Health. 9AM-4PM. Our Pain Team can help. By appointment only. We will have a Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, & Mental Health Therapist. Complementary practitioners include: Elders, Traditional Healers, Orien-

4075 to register. Open to all 4 nations youth. (day 2 of 2)

Thursday December 27 Winter Youth Sports Camp @ EJSHS. 10:30AM-3:30PM. For ages 10-18. Call 585-3088 or 585-3012 or 585-4075 to register. Open to all 4 nations youth. (day 1 of 2) Healthy Risk Takers Workshop @ Erm. Elders Centre, 10:30AM-3:30PM (lunch provided). Topics: Understanding Trauma, Grief & Loss. Call Ermineskin Community Wellness to Register. (Day 1 of 2)

Friday December 28 MHS Pain Clinic is now moved to Public Health. 9AM-4PM. Our Pain Team can help. By appointment only. We will have a Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, & Mental Health Therapist. Complementary practitoners include: Elders, Traditional Healers, Oriental Therapy Practioner.

Call (780) 585-2151 Winter Youth Sports Camp @ EJSHS. 10:30AM-3:30PM. For ages 10-18. Call 5853088 or 585-3012 or 58510

Sunday December 30 Men’s Hockey Jackpot Tournament - Day 2, call Ermineskin Community Wellness (5853741) or Arena (585-2273) to Register.

Monday December 31 -

Job Opportunities Part Time Driver with the Elders Centre department, Closing Date: December 20, 2018.

Class 4 Drivers License required. Please Submit Application/Resume, Driver Abstract and Criminal Record Check to ECN Personnel Department.

One (1) Temporary Senior Case Management Worker with the Neyaskweyahk Human Services (NHS) department **Position term until March 2019** , Closing Date: December 20, 2018. Please Submit Application/Resume, copies of Certificates, Two letters of reference, Child Intervention Check and Criminal Record Check to ECN Personnel Department.

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