August 2013

Secwepemc NEWS

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013

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NEWS A monthly publication serving the people and communities of the Secwépemc Nation

PELLTQWELQWÉLT7PESQELQLÉLTEN 2013 JULY /AUGUST

First Peoples Cultural Council Honor Secwepemc Language Teachers Submitted by Kathy Manuel

The 2013 First Nations Languages Conference, “Talk with me,” held this July, was an event dedicated to supporting First Nations languages to persist and flourish.

Held every two years, this conference brings together Elders, teachers, linguists, administrators and many others to learn and share. The conference workshops showcase a variety of promising practices in language teaching and planning, curriculum development, technology and community revitalization efforts. The First Nations Education Steering Committee and the First Peoples Cultural Council are the event hosts. A highlight of the conference is the recognition ceremony for Language Champions. This year 2 Secwepemc were honoured; Bridget Dan and Mona Jules; congratulations and thank you both for all you have done for the revitalization of Secwepemctsin.

The voice of the SHUSWAP NATION • SEXQELTQÍN ADAMS LAKE • ST’UXWTÉWS BONAPARTE • TSQ’ÉSCEN

CANIM LAKE • STSWÉCEMC/ XGÉT’TEM’ CANOE/DOG CREEK • ESK’ÉT ALKALI LAKE • LLENLLENÉY’TEN HIGH BAR • TK’EMLÚPS

Champion: Bridget Dan

About the Award: Community Education Leadership Award – honours an individual who is exemplifying excellence in language teaching and leadership in a community setting Language: Secwepemctsín First Nation: Esk’etemc Nation Nominator: Darlene Louie, Stswecem’c Xgat’tem and Dr. Marianne Ignace About Bridget Dan Bridget has been working with her language since she was 15 years old and she worked with the late Art Kuipers, a Linguistic. Art Kuipers was the first one to record the written Secwepemc with the communities and developed the dictionary.

As Bridget tells the story, Art came into the communities during the busy summer months and was looking for elders to work with. He approached Bridget’s parents, who told Art that they were too busy haying and preserving salmon. They came up with the solution that he work with Bridget as she was fluent, and that was how she started a career in Language teaching, preservation and revitalization.

Bridget started teaching quite young and was one of the first teachers brought into School District #27 to teach the Language under the guise of being trained as a teacher aid. From there she hasn’t stopped teaching, developing curriculum or working to champion the revitalization and preservation of Secwepemctsín.

Her teaching career has led her to many communities including her own. She has taught for School District #27, Sxoxomic Band School, and Kamloops Indian Band.

She has also taught the Beaver Language up in Burns Lake, where she has a daughter living, so she is truly a Language teacher at heart.

Bridget spent time in Kamloops developing curriculum at Shuswap Cultural Education Centre and at the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council. She would never

turn anyone down that needs help developing curriculum, teaching or just wants to learn the language. She is one of the few elders you can walk up to, start speaking Secwepemctsín and she will start conversing with you.

Once Bridget was told she had to retire at the School District level and at her home Band school, she moved on to teaching the language for Simon Fraser University and the Thompson Rivers University. Bridget teaches for the First Nations Language Proficiency Certificate and the Development Standard Term Certificate. She still does curriculum development with the universities and NSTC. She is a true born Champion of Secwepemctsín. She mentors a lot of language learners on a regular basis and I am proud to say I am one of her students. I would be very proud to see this wonderful language teacher be honored as a Secwepemc Language teacher, as she is a great candidate for the title, as she truly lives and breathes the language.

KAMLOOPS • QW7EWT LITTLE SHUSWAP • SK’ATSÍN

NESKONLITH • SIMPCW

NORTH THOMPSON • TSK’WÉYLECW PAVILION • KENPÉSQ’T SHUSWAP • SKÍTSESTN SKEETCHESTN

Lifetime Achievement Award 2013

• XATS’ÚLL

Champion: Mona Jules About the Award: Lifetime Achievement Award - honours an individual who has significantly contributed to the preservation and teaching of a First Nations language over their lifetime.

Language: Secwepemcstin First Nation: Simpcw – Secwepemc Nominators: Kathy Manuel, Secwepemc Education Society and Marie Matthew, Neqweyqwelsten School About Mona Jules: Mona has been a strong advocate for the preservation of

continued on pg. 3

SODA CREEK • SPLATSÍN

SPALLUMCHEEN • T’ÉXELC

WILLIAMS LAKE • STIL’QW/ PELLT’ÍQ’T WHISPERING PINES/CLINTON

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Secwepemc NEWS

JULY/AUGUST 2013

NEWS The voice of the Shuswap Nation Secwepemc News is published monthly OUR MISSION is to provide a forum for members of the 17 Shuswap Bands to discuss and learn more about the issues, news and events taking place in the Shuswap Nation; to promote awareness of Secwepemc language, culture and history; to recognize the individual accomplishments of community members; and to provide a vehicle for the outside community to learn more about the history, current affairs and future goals of the Secwepemc people.

You can reach our Editorial Office by phone: (778) 471-5789 by fax: (778) 471-5792 by e-mail: communic@secwepemc.org; or by mail: c/o Secwepemc Cultural Education Society 274A Halston Connector Road, Kamloops, BC V2H 1J9

Editor Louise Alphonse Language Page Kathy Manuel Contributors Sheree Mousseau Ken Johnson Morgan Christopher John Archie Julie John SNTC Tina Matthew Rose Miller Rod Crowe

Secwepemctsín Wel me7 yews “Preserving Our

We appreciate and rely on the Shuswap communities for their stories and activity reports. Kukwstep-kucw

Language”

The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society is a registered charity a non-profit organization. We would like to invite you to become a sponsor for the Secwepemc News. We ask for your support by becoming an official sponsor through a financial contribution and with that contribution your organization will be highlighted in our monthly publication.

The Secwepemc News is a reader-friendly, internet accessible newspaper and can be read on our website www.secwepemc. org and our facebook page SecwepemcNews and the on-line magazine page www.issu.com.

The distribution of the Secwepemc News is through out the Interior of BC, schools, stores, libraries, friendship centres, tribal councils, gas stations, and more. Please log onto our website for more information www.secwepemc.org

Calendar of Community EVENTS

All are welcome to list any upcoming meetings and events in this space.

Please give us a call at (778) 471-5789 or fax us at (778) 471-5792 or E-mail us at communic@secwepemc.org.

After School Aboriginal Girls Mentors Group The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, Kamloops School District, First Nations Education Council, and TRU would like to introduce for the First Time, the group is intended to give extra support to Aboriginal girls in such areas as: moccasin making, birch bark baskets, traditional teachings and working on various self empowerment tools. There will be two groups of ten girls ranging from ages 9-13, working with Aboriginal female mentors. Transportation arrangements may be available. Call Renee Narcisse, facilitator @ 250-3761296 for more information.

Group 1 is on Tuesdays 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm Group 2 is Wednesdays 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Bonaparte Elders Society is hosting a Traditional Pow Wow in Memory of Bill Zabotel August 9 – 11, 2013. Please contact Rosalie Zabatel (250) 457-9501

Dad’s Drop In Group: To Learn the Seven Teachings When: Wednesdays @ 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the 2355 Parkcrest Avenue location. To register contact Morgan Christopher @ 250-376-1617 or Daryll 250376-1296

ESKET AA ROUND UP GIVES THANKS Again another successful round up a great turnout ! beautiful weather !

We would like to give a great big thank you !!!! to all the volunteers and our young people again showed us their strength in support they did what had to be done without being told.

We had excellent support group meetings !!! all the guests were impressed with our young people in sobriety meeting and one of our young ladies celebrated her 10 years in sobriety.

Excellent guest speakers ! again a big thank you ! to our great cooks excellent food. A big thank you to the Nitehawks Band provided the music Thursday , Friday & Saturday.

And also the Bella Coola people and Joanne Twan from Williams Lake for their generous donation. Bella Coola brought 13 huge fresh spring salmon. Again thank you ! your presence was appreciated.

A lot of the guests said they will be back a week earlier next year , people from the sunshine coast said they will be bringing a lot of clams for a clam bake another group said they will bring fresh oysters.

“The Healing Journey” on August 8 & 9, 2013 Canim Lake Reserve at the Eliza Archie School Pre-registation tickets for keynote Speakers $120.00 Speakers: St’alhamcen Grizzly Paws-St’alhamcen, Betha Elliott, Shzwentqws Carrie Phillips, Trea Keylor, John Archie, Bev Sellars.

Holistic Healers with differnt healing modalities, traditional medicine. Entertainment: Thursday Evening Cultural Display, Camping available, local resorts for more information contact Canim Lake Band at 250-397-2227 August Celebration of Xatśúll Heritage Village on August 11, 2013 in partnership with the Rivershed Society of BC. Doors open at 11:00 am and there will be performances, arts, crafts, lunch, tours, workshops, pit cooking demonstration, dinner and much more. For more contact Miiam Schilling at 250-989-2311 • Admission by Donation • Xatśúll Heritage Village is located on Hwy 97 off the Fraser River. Watch for signs on Hwy 97.

Thank You “ADAMS LAKE INDIAN BAND” who recently became a sponsor of the Secwepemc News.

Secwepemc Gathering (Green Lake Provincial Park) August 16-18 Contact Julie John (250) 572-6215 (poster inside, facebook page) Aboriginal Youth hockey Development Camp August 19-23, 2013 at the Art Holding Memorial Arena in Chase, BC Open to Aboriginal Youth ages 5 to 18, full hockey equipment required. Camp Fee: Ages: 5 to 9 $50 Ages 10 to 13 $60, Ages 14 to 18 $75. Registration Deadline is August 15, 2013 at 4 pm.

To register contact Bernard Manuel @ 250-378-5107 (c) 250-315-3457 or email: bmanuel@bcaafc.com SECWPEMEMC LANGUAGE - Storytelling Workshops August 17 at the Shuswap Gathering.

September 14 & 28, October 11 & 25 (Chase/100 Mile), and December 6, 2013 (Kamloops). Significance of storytelling, techniques, and speech. Call SCES for more info (778) 471-5789.

Simpcw First Nation is a Proud Sponsor of the Secwepemc News

THE SECWEPEMC ELDERS COUNCIL (SEC) MEETS ON THE LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH. • The elders meetings rotate amongst the seventeen Secwepemc Communities. The next meeting will be September 26, 2013 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information contact Rheanna Leonard or Tina Matthew at 778-4718200

Neskonlith Annual Traditional Pow Wow, sponsored by Ska-Cheen elders society.

Will take place on August 23rd -25th 2013 in Neskonlith. For more information contact the Band office 250-679-3295 or Patrick Adrian @ 250- 572-6075 or Laura @ 250-679-8584 Rosie Seymour School community would like to thank you for posting our Pow Wow dates and times.

The Stsmémelt Project: new office in Williams Lake at the Northern Secwepemc Tribal Council. Doreen Johnson Stsmémelt Director, Executive Assistant Roxanne Stobie: Telephone: (250 392-7361 Ext. 218 • The next Consultation & Accommodation meeting (Band’s Tech-nical Working Group) is September 19 at SNTC (Hunting/ Fishing/Gathering) • ASETS: Bladerunners Employment Program in Kamloops that tar-gets Youth At-Risk (age 15-30) Contact ATEC (250) 554-4556 • RiverFresh (Secwepemc Fisheries Commission) has a new store-front, retail space, and offices. Contact: (778) 471-8210 • Next First Nations Court scheduled for August 12, 3013 at 9:30 am at the Kamloops Court House Contact TteS Legal Dept. (250) 828-9873 • Next Chief’s Meeting will be on September 4 @ SNTC Boardrroom Call for more information 778- 471-8200 • Secwepemc Unity Meeting will be on September 6, 2013 in Dog Creek for more information call 250-440-5679 • Consultation & Accommodation Meeting at SNTC on September 19, 2013 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm • Contact Secwepemc Child & Family Services for information and assistance if you are currently a Foster Parent, or interested in becoming one. Contact Nola Campbell or Bernie Charlie at (250) 3149669.

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013 Continued from pg. 1

Secwepemctsin for decades. She is a fluent speaker whose first language is Secwepemctsin. Mona began her formal work with language in 1989, when she became the Language Coordinator for the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society.

She retired from this position in 2005, and in the meantime, she contributed substantially to the development of, and training for, Secwepemctsin.

She taught Secwepemctsin at the Kamloops campus of SFU for seven years and her annual immersion course was the highlight of the school year.

Mona was involved in developing language materials for teaching in the public and First Nation schools. She has helped to develop and produce many SCES resources including dictionaries, phrase books, classified word lists, charts, story books, K-12 curriculum, song books, many audio CD’s, and strategic language revitalization plans. She always consulted an Elder’s committee when she developed resources at SCES. Throughout this period, she immersed herself and studied the language thoroughly, receiving her First Nations Language Proficiency Certificate in 1997 at SFU. In 2008, she graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies with SFU. Most recently, Mona completed her Post Baccalaureate in Linguistics and received her Diploma in September 2010. With all her academic studies, she has always credit her elders; especially her grandmother, for her fluency and cultural knowledge.

Today Mona still works with the Secwépemc Language Department and Language Authority. Work includes editing and proofing language resources, supporting and mentoring practicing teachers, providing translations and new word development, certifying upcoming teachers, and acts as an advisor. She has

dedicated herself to the revitalization of Secwepemctsin, hours of her recordings can be heard on the FirstVoices Archive and language app.

Mona’s passion for her own learning and her dedication to sharing knowledge of Secwepemctsin is inspirational. She teaches with empathy and high spirits, having a unique ability to vary her teaching strategies to meet the needs of all audiences, from toddler to adult. She approaches the work with humility and a deep understanding of the realities that make the revitalization of language both challenging and rewarding.

Mona continues to teach at all levels, she can be found at her community Headstart program, and community and post-secondary language classes. She not only brings her knowledge of the language to the classroom but the ways, cultural activities and lifestyle of the Secwepemc are brought to life. A gifted storyteller, a patient mentor, Mona has given so many gifts to her students, gifts they are now passing on to their children and family.

As a mentor, Mona has inspired many language students to take formal training and achieve their proficiency certificates.

Many of today’s language teachers are her students who still look for her guidance, cultural knowledge and direction, she has instilled the confidence in many to take the step up and become teachers. Her patience and willingness to share keep her students always coming back for more.

Whereas, Mona’s step has slowed a bit, her enthusiasm and energy for teaching Secwepemctsin has not faltered; the contribution she continues to make is a gift to our children, our communities and the Secwepemc Nation, and is appreciated immensely. It is our pleasure to nominate Mona, our esteemed elder and a scholar of Secwepemctsin, as a Language Champion, in recognition of her lifetime achievements and commitment.

As of the end of July 589 people have downloaded the Secwepemc App for the Iphone/Ipod/ Ipad First Nations languages are in a state of crisis: Fluent speakers make up a small and shrinking minority of the B.C. First Nations population and most of them are over 65. Of the 32 BC First Nations languages, 8 are severely endangered and 22 are nearly extinct.

TIME IS NOW! - TIME TO LEARN!

Secwepemc NEWS

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Pesqelqlélten

- “many salmon month”

M-yews re swéwlems te sqlélten ell m-yews re scwík̓ems te swewll.

Then they fished for the salmon and they dried the fish.

SCES Language Department Upcoming Activites * More Storytelling Workshops - Aug. 17 at Shuswap Gathering, Sept. 14 & 28 Oct. 11 & 25 in the Chase and 100 Mile Area sites to be confirmed.

SCES has received funding to: * deliver 5 full day immersion classes (once a month for 5 months) in each of the three major dialect areas. A focus will be on seasonal round activities. Seeking interested instructors contact SCES. * deliver 4 DSTC Language Classes - confirmed 4th level class with Mona Jules, Introductory Level through SCES Adult Ed, 2 others to be confirmed. * Filming Secwepemc Dances to be added to the Song and Dance Curriculum Kit for use by Secwepemc daycares, schools and communities, 20 children’s hand drums are included in the kit. * Christmas Social - Christmas Carols, Songs, Skits, Stories, an evening of Secwepemctsin with refreshments and sweets, Christmas item exchange or door prizes, possible loonie auction with funds going to the SNTC Christmas Hamper Fund, site to be confirmed.

Language Tutor Lessons: watch for Level 1 to be published on FirstVoices, lessons are also being developed by teams from Esk’et, Simpcw, Bonaparte, and Spi7uy te Sququlut.s What is FirstVoices Language Tutor?

The FirstVoices Language Tutor allows communities to build intuitive language lessons that mimic the way a child learns a language.

Users are able to listen to a word or phrase, record themselves speaking and then compare the result with a recording of a fluent speaker. They can also match images, video and audio clips from the FirstVoices library with words and phrases.

The online program includes a student tracking system so parents and teachers can monitor student progress through the lessons.

For more information contact SCES @ 778-471-5789 or language@secwepemc.org

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Secwepemc NEWS

JULY/AUGUST 2013

First Nations split on property ownership rights Village of Chase Gives Thanks to ALIB ‘The house that I live in and every house on reserve is ultimately owned by Minster of Aboriginal Affairs’ Secwepemc Chiefs are split on the findings of a Fraser Institute report that states fee-simple property rights will improve standards of living and provide economic growth for First Nations.

Skeetchestn Chief Ron Ignace said the only way to empower First Nations is to recognize aboriginal title and rights to traditional territories. On the other side of the debate, Whispering Pines Chief Michael LeBourdais agrees with the institute’s findings and even authored a forward in the report.

He said “ there’s a perception that First Nations own their own land. They don’t.

The federal Department of Indian Affairs holds everything in trust” .

“The house that I live in and every house on reserve is ultimately owned by Minster of Aboriginal Affairs,” said Chief LeBourdais. ”We get to pay for it. We get the mortgage and we get the insurance, but we don’t get the benefit of having any value in it once it’s paid for.”

The report, the Wealth of First Nations: An Exploratory Study, examines why some First Nations have achieved noticeably higher levels of prosperity compared to others. The study suggests one way for First Nations to improve living standards on reserves is to develop stable governing institutions and property rights that encourage participation in the wider economy.

Chief LeBourdais said the findings mirror the First Nations property ownership initiative, which is currently under discussion by the federal government.

If passed into legislation, the initiative would allow willing First Nations to opt out of the Indian Act and into a regime of feesimple property ownership.

“It would transfer ownership of the land from Ottawa to, in my case, Whispering Pines First Nations,” said Chief LeBourdais. “We, as a people, would then decide who owns what piece of land.”

This would give the land value to First Nations, he said.

Chief Ignace isn’t sold on the idea, saying First Nations won’t be economically self sufficient until they get back the land that is rightfully theirs.

He said there’s an irrational fear that aboriginal people will try and force western culture out of Canada if they get their traditional lands back.

“The reservation system is not our solution,” he said. “Our hearts will not be content until we get what is naturally ours.”

Chief LeBourdais said there is no easy answer to the treaty issue. As for the property initiative, he hopes it becomes legislation soon.

Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said the initiative has been much discussed, but she wouldn’t speculate on when it will be pursued further.

Education

consequences of one’s actions.

Weytk xwexweytk kwesalktn; One key to our successes is education, with one foot planted solidly in the past and the other in the future-Elder and great statesmen, Joe Stanley Michel, the original rock and roller.

As all the graduates accept their gowns, cards, grad.

Certificates and many inspiring words from teachers, politicians and other support workers there is a little tear still in the parent’s eye for their child is now grown and readying for the nest stages in their lives, learning.

Learning ultimately supports the wee-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.

Learning is holistic, reflexive, insightful, experiential, and personal.

Learning is focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place.

Learning involves recognizing the

Learning involves generational roles and responsibilities.

Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.

Learning involves patience and time.

Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.

Learning involves recognizing that some knowledge is sacred and only Shared with permission and/or in certain situations because these principles of learning represent an attempt to identify common elements in the varied teaching.

Learning approaches that prevail within Particular First People societies, it must be recognized that they do not capture the full reality of the approach used in any single First Peoples society.

Cliff Arnouse, councilor responsible for Education and still working for UNITY. Together we’re better.

Written by Cliff Arnouse

Submitted by Rod Crowe

We’ytk xwexweytp Chase Village Councilor Rod Crowe re skwest I would like to thank the Adams Lake Indian Band Chief and Council and Chief Atahm School for allowing me the privilege to take the six weeks of beginner Secwepemctsin classes at Chief Atahm School.

The class was taught by Dr.Janice I. Billy and assistant Christine Billy. Some of the students taking the class with me were:Mika Wood,Meaka,Angel,Kenny, Rachel,Hannah,Ikwance Billy,Sqitxleqs Billy,Alisha Billy, Billy,Della Powder, Bernadette Dennis, Sherry, Sandy, Pam Richard, Shawn Billy, Eva Michel, Connie.

Elder Sarah Deneault sat in on two of the classes as well. In the picture, I am seated next to Sarah.

As a Councilor for the Village of Chase I am invited to many powwows and numerous cultural events throughout the year. I have wanted to at least be able to say a greeting when I introduce myself at these events. I heard that these classes were to be held on Tuesday evening. I phoned my friend Councilor Cliff Arnouse to see if it would be ok to attend.He called me back the next day and said that I was welcome to attend and that the class was at 6:30 pm on

Tuesdays.

As my council meetings are on Tuesday as well and they can sometimes be lengthy, I was concerned that it wouldn’t work for me to attend the classes. I managed to get to them all on time. Some council meetings ended at about 6:15 pm. and it was a real rush to get there on time.

Many children attended the class and Christine Billy would take them to another room to teach them. It was amazing to hear how well these children could speak the language. I found myself sitting there one day, thinking that these kids are the hope for the future of the Secwepemc Language.

I found it difficult the first night to try saying some of the words but it got easier. We had a lot of laughs over the six weeks but one of the funniest times was when Connie Manuel ( Ahousat ) asked me how to say a word in Secwepemtsin.

Janice was standing nearby. After I told her how to say the the word she started laughing and couldn’t stop..Janice asked her what was so funny. She said she felt silly being an Indian and having to ask the white guy how to say a Secwepemc word.

That had the three of us laughing for about the next five minutes. I have also taken some dance lessons from my friend Ernie Phillip at the Adams Lake Gym recently. I am definitely better at saying a greeting in Secwepemctsin than I am as a dancer.

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013 Stories were told throughout the long winter nights. Certain individuals knew the full version of some of the stories.

Stories contained mythical creatures who inhabited the land of the Secwepemc. The creatures were sometimes human and sometimes animal. Creatures such as the water monster, cannibal giant, and the little people were important characters in the stories. There were many stories told of Old One, Chief of the Ancient World, who traveled over the land and created and transformed the world for the Secwepemc.

He, along with Coyote (Seklep), taught the Secwepemc many things and provided what they needed. Old One made the lakes, mountains, rain, and snow. When he completed his work, he left and went to the Land of the Dead and now lives in the Spirit Land where he sometimes sends messages to the people.

Legends of the Secwepemc Coyote and Grizzly Bear Make the Seasons and Night and Day Grizzly Bear met Coyote and said, “I am the greatest in magic of all people. When I wish a thing to be, it has to be so. Now I am displeased with the short time that it is dark. I think it will be better if it is dark all the time. I intend to make it so”.

Coyote answered, “No that would inconvenience the people too much”.

Grizzly said, “Well, I will have it my way”.

Coyote answered, “No, you can’t”.

Grizzly danced and sang, saying, “Darkness, darkness! Let it always be dark”.

Coyote danced and sang. “Light, light, may it be light”.

Grizzly and Coyote danced and sang for a long time and sometimes Grizzly got his way and darkness won. Other times, Coyote got his way and lightness won.

They struggled for a long time and neither beat the other.

At last Grizzly got tired, and said, “Let there be half darkness and half light”.

Coyote agreed to this and said, “From now on, it shall be light from the time the sun prepares to rise until he sets. The rest of the time shall be night. So every day the sun shall travel and when he leaves, the night will follow him until the next day when he rises again”.

Grizzly Bear said. “I am displeased with the length of the year and the length of winter. It is far too short. Let it be the same number of moon that there are feathers in the tail of a blue grouse”.

Coyote counted the feathers and found twenty two. Grizzly wanted each winter to last twenty two Moons. Coyote said, “No, the people cannot endure such a long winter. They will all die. Let it be half that number”. Grizzly Bear objected, so Coyote said, “Let there be the same number of moons is year as there are feathers in the tail of the red winged flicker”.

Grizzly thought there were many feathers in the flicker’s tail, so he agreed.

The Coyote continued, “Half of these feathers shall represent the number of moons it may snow, and the other half, the number of moons it may not snow or be cold”. Grizzly agreed, as he thought the winter would be almost as long as he wanted. Grizzly got a flicker’s tail and was surprised when he counted the feathers, to find only twelve, but it was too late to make any change.

Coyote said, “from now on the year shall consist of six moons of warm weather, and six moons in which it may snow or be cold.” So Coyote saved the people from having to live in darkness and cold. He made the seasons and days and nights as they are now the seasons.

Adams Lake Indian Band is a Proud Sponsor of the Secwepemc News KUKWSTSÉTSELP

Secwepemc NEWS

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Ethel & JD Soaring with the Eagles On Canada Day in Chase I won a helicopter ride for four people with Lakehead Helicopters. I asked my good friends Adams Lake Band elders Ethel and JD Billy and Neskonlith Band elder Charlie Willard if they would like to go up in the Helicopter with me.

They said yes they would like to,so away we went. Ethel and JD had never flown in a helicopter before. Charlie had flown in them fighting fires in the 70’s and I had flown in them while working on microwave towers. We flew along Little Shuswap Lake to Chase where we circled a few hundred feet above all the people in Chase Memorial Park. We then flew over to Adams Lake Rez. Ethel wondered if she would be able to see her house. I pointed out the house to the pilot and we flew over top of it so Ethel could see it from hundreds of feet up in the air.

We flew back to the air field along the other shore of the Lake and followed a road up in the forest that Ethel was curious about. When we landed we had some pictures taken.We were all so happy to have shared that time together and got to see a little bit of Secwepemc Territory from up where the Eagles soar. photos courtesy of Councillor Rod Crowe, Chase, BC

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Secwepemc NEWS

JULY/AUGUST 2013 Elder, Garlene Dodson (Skeetchestn), TIB Counsellor/SCES Board Rep., Ed Jensen, and TRU Executive Director of Aboriginal Education, Nathan Matthew (Simpcw) for their well wishes and words of inspiration.

Well wishes to the families and friends who came out to witness their loved ones achievements. A special acknowledgment of support goes out to our SCES colleagues and photographers. It is with immense gratitude we say “Kukwstsetsemc” to the most accommodating TIB Maintenance team.

SCES Adult Education Graduation 2013 Submitted by Grace Howse

SCES’s Adult Education program celebrated the achievements of the 2013 graduating class on Friday, May 24, 2012.

The event was held in the afternoon at the Chief Louis Center with a lovely lunch catered by Fratellis Foods!

The afternoon was celebrated by nine of the thirteen graduates with their families and friends in attendance! A special acknowledgement to the children of the Seklep School of Excellence, Leslie Larue, Secwepemctsn Mentee & Christine Billy, Secwepemctsn Teacher, for singing our graduates through the Grand March…

Kukwstsetsemc for the two beautiful drum songs!

With Lilly Gottfriedson and Jesse Ironstand MCing the event, the afternoon started off with SCES Board Member & TIB Cousellor Ed Jensen, eloquently congratulating the graduates. TRU Executive Director of Aboriginal Education, Nathan Matthew, provided supportive words for the graduating class and staff of SCES. The afternoon’s inspirational keynote speech was delivered by Elder Garlene Jules-Dodson, from the Skeetchestn community.

2013 Dogwood Graduates (6): Marilyn Char (Alexis Creek, BC) Remous Billyboy (Stone, BC) Myron Thomas (Tkemlups) Raini Gardipy (Duck Lake, SK) Relissa Leonard (Tkemlups) Cassandra Adolph (Xaxlip, BC) Three of the above said six students are currently enrolled in the Summer Semester finishing off Math 0500 to graduate! An Adult Dogwood can be earned through the SAGE (Dogwood program) or FNAUTT (University Prep. Program).

FNAUTT Graduates (5):

Bobby Paul (Tkemlups)

Relissa Leonard (Tkemlups)

Jesse Ironstand

(Tootinawaziibeeng, MB)

Cassandra Adolph (Xaxlip, BC)

Lilly Gottfriedson (Tkemlups) FNAUTT graduates are generally those students who come to SCES Adult Ed. with a grade 12 diploma. FNAUTT is a University Preparation program for those students looking to upgrade existing highschool grades to a college entrance level or higher. Those students with CAT 17 scores of grade 11 or higher may be granted entrance to FNAUTT without a grade twelve diploma. With such scores, students can complete their Adult Dogwood certification and FNAUTT Diploma simultaneously.

SCES not only celebrates the graduation of students, but also recognizes the achievements of students’ who complete courses of programs: Course Completion (7):

Natasha Boyd (Kluskas, BC)

Samara Porter (Tkemlups)

Shane Boyd (Nazko, BC)

Katrina Jensen (Tkemlups)

Myron Thomas (Tkemlups)

Marilyn Char (Alexis Creek, BC) Shareesa LaRue (Tkemlups, BC) The majority of course completion students may have started SAGE (Dogwood Program) or FNAUTT (UPrep. Program) as a full-time student and completed as a parttime student. Some of these course completion students are very close to an Adult Dogwood Certificate, but are completing the program one course at a time or simply have one course to complete in order to qualify for an Adult Dogwood Diploma.

The night recognized outstanding achievements by particular students, they are as follows: Academic Achievement – Jesse Ironstand Perseverance Award – Raini Gardipy Perseverance Award – Marilyn Char The graduating class and staff would like to acknowledge the support from our

SCES’s Adult Education Programs Mailing Address: 274A Halston Connector Road, Kamloops, BC V2H 1J9 Campus: 750 Cottonwood Avenue (located in the Kamloops Christian School) Ph: (250) 376-0903 Fax: (250) 376-2133

Adult Dogwood Program – 2 Yr. Program Looking to get your grade 12?

Courses required for graduation: English 12 or equivalent Math 11 or equivalent & 3 grade 12 electives Year I: Fall English 0300 Math 0300 HUMS 12 Year II: Fall English 12 or Comp.12 Math 0410 Grade 12 elective

Winter English 0400 Math 0400 HUMS 12 Winter or Comm. 12 Math 0520 Grade 12 elective

UPrep Program – 1 yr. Program Want to upgrade your grade 12 Math and English?

Students should have a grade 12 diploma OR assess at a UPrep. level to qualify for UPrep.

Courses offered: Math 0300/0400/0410/0510/0520 English 0500/0600 Social Science 0500/0600 First Nations Studies 0500/0600 Science 0500 / Biology 0620 SECWEPEMCTSN (Shuswap Language) Accredited through Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Accredited through South Central Interior Distance Education School (SCIDES) & TRU

How Do I enroll?

1. Make an appointment with the Counsellor at 250-376-0903.

2. Bring a copy of your most -current transcripts.

3. Complete the SCES application.

4. Make an appointment to write the CAT/2 17 Assessment.

5. Based on results of CAT scores and your transcripts, a decision will be made.

Check us out online! www.secwepemc.org

Registration is open!

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013

We welcome Vanessa Gottfriedson as our “Fitness Blogger”

Secwepemc NEWS

7

Secwepemc Prayer Kukstéc-kuc Tqelt Kukṕi7 t’e skectec-kuc t’e tmicwskuc.

We thank you Creator for giving us this beautiful earth.

Yucwmínte xwexwéyt t’e stem ne7élye ne tmicw.

Take care of everything on this earth.

Yucwmínte r qelmúcw, r mesméscen, r spipyúy’e, r séwellkwe, ell re stśillens-kuc.

I am a stay at home mother of 2 children that were born 16 months apart. I had a Csection with my second child and my back was totally messed up and outta place. My back was causing me pain and numbness in my legs. My chiropractor told me I had tone up to help straighten my spine. So i didnt just wanna get into to shape, I NEEDED TO WORK OUT AND GET INTO SHAPE. My coach Jessica got me started on Feb 15, 2013 and I enjoy it.

Hover: Lay face down on a mat, place elbows right underneath your shoulders and lift up onto your toes. Keep your back and hips in line. Lift your right leg slow and steady, then lower. Go back in forth between your right and left leg 10 times. If you feel pain in your lower back, drop to your knees for modification until you get stronger.

Take care of the people, the animals, the birds, and our food.

Kńucwete kuc es yegwyégwt.s-kuc.

Help us to be strong.

Kukstéc-kuc Tqelt Kukṕi7 t’e skectéc-kuc t’e xwexwéyt t’e stem.

We thank you Creator for giving us everything that we need.

Get ready to Tone those ABS. Here are Four AB workouts that are apart of my current full body routine. Hope you enjoy. Go through each exercise 3 times.

Twists: Lay down on your mat and bring your feet close to your butt. While you lift one knee up to 90 degrees, at the same time lift your shoulders up like your doing a crunch and twist towards your lifted knee.

Lower and repeat on other side. Go back and forth 10 times.

Strength: Lay down on your mat and lift legs to ninety degrees. Extend and straighten your legs to 45 degrees and crunch up.

While your pushing your lower back to floor and keeping your back straight, Pump your arms up and down 15 times. For modification, do a slight knee bend.

For products and more information visit Vanesss at her website

www.gottfriedsonfitness.com

Vanessa Gottfriedson Independent Team, Beachbody Coach Phone: 778-471-2217

Weights: Lay down on a mat, and then lift your legs to ninety degrees. Make sure your knees are in line with your hips. Take a 5lb weight and hold it right over your stomach.

At the same time lift the weight, extend over your head and lower your legs while you straighten them. Don’t touch the floor.

Make sure your abs are engaged and that your lower back is pushed against the floor and not lifting (very important). For Modification keep your legs at ninety degrees and lower to the floor. Do this exercise slow and in control 10 times.

CFDC of Central Interior First Nations Jackie Bandura Jordan George Dale Tomma

• Small Business Loans • Business Plan Development • Entrepreneurial Training #215-345 Yellowhead Hwy Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1 Phone: 250-828-9725 Fax:250-828-9972

Email: cfdc_loan@cfdcofcifn.com

8

Secwepemc NEWS

Local Wins Logo Contest - Serena Steel

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Secwepemc Birch Bark and Cedar Root Harvesting Camp

On June 21st – 26th in a pristine forest area along the Upper Adams River, 50 km west of Tum Tum Lake, a birch bark and cedar root harvest camp was set up. Over the five days 45 people attended the camp and collected materials for birch bark baskets. Another 12 people visited the camp for a pipe ceremony (the ceremony was lead by elder Mike Arnouse). Many of the camp participants were families – mothSerena Steel’s Biography: My name is Serena Steel, and I am from ers with young children as well as youth and Elders.

Simpcw First Nation. I am 14 years young, and have just finished The participants came from Neskongrade 8, now going on to grade 9. I am a year ahead in math, which lith, Adams Lake, Squilax, Bonaparte, is one of the reasons that education is so important to me. I am Vancouver , 5 guests from Cheam. All interested in art, photography, and music. I also enjoy participating made a basket, and 1 participant from in cultural activities such as drumming and singing. My friends, California who made 2 baskets. family, education, and culture are all very important to me. I am Elder instructors Ethel Billy and Minnie proud of all that I am, and everything I am yet to become.

Kenoras camped out and were so kind, Explanation of the drawing: patient and knowledgeable as they On my drawing there is a woman standing on a canoe with taught the participants the ancient skills feathers trailing behind her. She is also holding a paddle above her of basket making. Co-instructors Mihead. All the colours in my picture are from the medicine wheel, to randa Dick and Pam Richard assisted show that she is proud of her culture, background and community. participants as needed.

Her capability to stand on the canoe shows balance, both spiritual The people learned how to dig the and physical. On the side of the canoe, there is a painting of a fish. cedar roots, clean the roots, split the Fish can adapt to different habitats and they protect their eggs. roots, collect the birch bark, clean it, This relates to how when you awaken your spirit, you can adapt to shape into a basket and sew the baschanges and challenges more easily and quickly. ket.

The woman is simple and unadorned to show that you are always Now there is a group of people with beautiful no matter what, as long as that is how you see yourself. the hands- on skills of harvesting the She is white to represent purity. The feathers behind her represent materials as well as creating birch bark her free and proud spirit. Another way to show how proud she is by basketry and can pass this knowledge holding the paddle above her head. This also shows her all around on to others. Participants also gained medicinal knowledge of plants in the strength. area.

When you awaken your spirit, many opportunities, talents, and Participants gained knowledge strengths will be revealed. If you open your eyes, you can see evabout the sacredness of the land and erything in a new and positive perspective. This means that you can all it provides.

They experienced staybe balanced mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. And ing at the Upper Adams where the you will be pulled closer to your friends, family, culture, and comworld renowned salmon run travels munity. Making a better life for you and everyone that surrounds to spawn and see first hand the area you. below the proposed mine at Ruddock

Creek. This lead/zinc mine, if allowed to proceed, will have devastating effects on the water, salmon, and environment.

“For me the Birch Bark & Cedar Root harvesting camp was an expression of the continuity of Secwepemc culture through creating, maintaining and building relationships with the tmícw and among qelmucw. Acting on our rights and responsibilities in this way is what makes us Secwepemc and is also the most important thing we can do to resist further encroachment and exploitation of Secwepemcul’ecw.” , said Ryan Day, from St’ucwtew’s.

Natalie Clark reported, “I learned more in the two days, than in my whole PhD. There are so many teachings but here a few that I can share. Secwepemc epistemology, or our ways of knowing were on the land together in community with the Elders and children, learning together. The ways of learning were walking and sharing on the land. The Secwepemc values were shared together through stories and teachings while we worked together. The butterfly, the Monarch was there to remind us that we all have to walk together, and of the importance of ceremony. Perhaps most important the words of my children: “It’s great for children to learn about their culture so it can be passed on into the future”, said Seren Anthony Clark. “ We loved pulling the roots, working together and camping and learning from Kye7e Minnie” commented Cohen and Tyee Anthony Clark.

This camp is a model of what is needed to assert our title to Secwepemculecw. Our ancestors practiced continuous, long term use of the land and that is what we must move toward. We need to be out on the land doing what our ancestors did. In this way, we assert our title, retain ancient knowledge, strengthen culture and language, and strengthen ourselves, families, and communities. The benefits to being out on the land are immeasurable and long lasting.

We thank the Sna7a committee (Neskonlith band) for supporting this camp; Elders Ethel Billy and Minnie Kenoras; Henry Saul and Stuart Dick- camp security; Gary Billy – firewood and use of trailer; Jennifer Dick – camp cook; Janice Dick Billy and Pam Richard – camp organizers; Murial Victor (Cheam) sharing medicinal knowledge; and all the camp participants.

We will be planning for cultural camps so watch for postings.

Secwepemc NEWS

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013

9

2013 Canadian Diabetes Association Update to Sick Day Management This is the fifty eighth article in a series of articles discussing type 2 diabetes. With the incidence of diabetes being on the rise in our population, we at Manshadi Pharmacy have taken a great interest in diabetes care and would be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diabetes and its related complications.

The new 2013 CDA Guidelines included a tool for healthcare providers to help us guide and assist our diabetic patients with sick day management. Specifically, it gave a list of medications that are important for diabetics to avoid on sick days in order to reduce your risk of developing kidney/renal dysfunction, secondary to dehydration and medication use. In this article, I would like to review these guidelines in order to help educate you on how to properly care for yourself on sick days.

As I mentioned above, the main concern for diabetics on sick days is dehydration due to vomiting or diahrrea. Becoming dehydrated can make it more challenging for your kidneys to work properly and taking certain medications during this time can exacerbate this. Additionally, if your kidneys are having a hard time functioning properly, this can lead to increased side effects of certain medications, as your body is not able to clear them out of your system normally. So, which medications should you avoid when you are sick and are at risk of becoming dehydrated? The guidelines have provided us with the acronym, SADMAN,to help us remember: • Sulfonylureas (e.g. glyburide, gliclazide) – these medications are used to decrease your blood sugar through increasing the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. When your kidney function is compromised, you accumulate higher amounts of this medication in your body, increasing your risk of side effects • ACE-inhibitors (e.g. ramipril, enalipril, lisinopril) – these medications are used to decrease your blood pressure and to protect your kidney function, when they are functioning normally. However, they may increase your risk for decreased kidney function if used when you are dehydrated • Diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) – these are also known as water pills and are used to decrease your blood pressure or to get rid of excess fluid. As such, they may contribute to declining kidney function • Metformin – this medication regulates your blood sugars by increasing the uptake of sugar by fat and muscle cells and by decreasing the release of glucose from the liver. It can have

increased side effects due to reduced clearance during kidney dysfunction • Angiotensin receptor blockers (e.g. telmisartan, valsartan) - these medications are used to decrease your blood pressure and to protect your kidney function, when they are functioning normally. However, they may increase your risk for decreased kidney function if used when you are dehydrated • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) – these medications are used to treat pain and inflammation and are often found in cough and cold or flu preparations.

They can increase your risk of decreased kidney function It is important that you review your medications and which of them would be wise for you to avoid on sick days, especially if you are dehydrated. As I mentioned above, the CDA has a handy tool for your healthcare provider to fill out and give to you in order to make it clear which medications to stop on sick days. Additionally, it reminds you that you should test your blood sugar levels more often on sick days as being sick can make your blood sugar levels unpredictable. If you do experience any problems with them going to too high or too low, then you need to consult a healthcare professional for instruction as to how you should manage them.

I hope this update on sick day management will help to keep you safe and your kidneys functioning properly if illness should arise. If you have any questions regarding this and your diabetes management, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to address them for you.

Missagh Manshadi, B.Sc. Pharm Pharmacist/ Owner Certified Compounder

Catherine Masters,

Laura Burgess,

B.Sc. Pharm Pharmacist, Certified Diabetes Educator

B.Sc. Pharm Pharmacist, Certified Diabetes Educator

2 Locations to serve you better

374 Tranquille Road

250-434-2526

477 St. Paul Street

250-372-2223

Cst. Darwin Robbins received the award, “OIC’s Commendation for Service to the Community”, on July 10th at the 2nd annual Kamloops RCMP awards. Darwin is now working in Kelowna.

Sincerely, Laura Burgess, B.Sc. Pharm., Certified Diabetes Educator Pharmacist, Manshadi Pharmacy

CONGRATULATIONS High School Graduates from Nathan Matthew, TRU Executive Director Aboriginal Education

Enrol NOW for Fall 2013 2012

For more information, Phone 250.371.5854 | Email: aboriginal@tru.ca tru.ca/aero www.tru.ca/aero

Norman Retasket “The Starving Artist” will be offering Drum and Rattle Making workshops at the Shuswap Gathering. These classes have to be PRE PAID for all participants. $100 for Drum Making

Worskhop $50 for Rattle Making Workshop For more information contact Norman Retasket @ 250-457-9727.

FULL COVERAGE NEXT EDITION

10

Secwepemc NEWS

JULY/AUGUST 2013

The book, “They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School.”

To begin with, I would like to thank all the wonderful people at Talon Books and especially Kevin Williams for taking on my manuscript. At the request of one of his authors Kevin agreed to look at it. I sent my manuscript to Kevin on April 30, 2012, my granddaughter Kiara’s birthday. Kevin said he would get back to me in about a month when one of his senior editors was back from vacation. Exactly one week after I had sent Kevin the manuscript, on May 7th, he phoned me from Toronto. He had read the manuscript and wanted me to know Talon would publish it. A short time later he informed me that it would also be the lead book for their 2013 Spring Releases. Well..this is my first book and I am told that doesn’t happen too often. I was told once it is accepted by a publisher which usually takes quite an effort on the part of an author, there is still a 2-3 year wait to see it in book form.

So thank you Kevin and all the people at Talon for sparing me the agony of going through all that.

I am the Chief of Xat’sull, the most northern community of the Secwepemc tribe. Xats’ull is 560 km north of Vancouver. The literal translation for Xat’sull in our language means “On the edge” because it sits on the banks of the Fraser River. I take great pride in telling everyone that I have lived ‘On the Edge’ all my life.

I was 38 years old when I first entered University. Attending University had always been a dream of mine but for a number of reasons that did not happen until 1993. My husband, Bill, was born and raised on Vancouver Island and received his B.A. from UVic. He encouraged me to attend University and also to consider UVic. Just as most students entering their first year of University, I had no idea what I was doing much less what my major would be. I signed up for four courses and needed another for a full course load. All the courses I desired that fit my schedule were full. The only one I could fit in was history which I had no desire to take. My reluctance about history had been fuelled by my high school experience and the text books my children brought home. All left out Aboriginal history or when it was mentioned, many times it was just as a side note and almost meaningless.

Without a broader study and understanding of Aboriginal history, the dominant society was left to create its own version of history. I knew that much that was said about Aboriginal people was not true. My Grandmother, who died in 1997 at the age of 101, told me stories of helping many of the newcomers to this land but until I went to University, I still did not have all the information I needed to fully

process the inaccuracies put forward as history.

So in my first year at University, I reluctantly signed up for a Canadian History course thinking that nothing had changed. I was not looking forward to four months of this but knew I had to suck it up to get the 3 credits I needed. When the Prof started to speak in our first class, I knew that something was different. She started by talking of history before the newcomers got here. She continued this for two weeks. I was stunned and so deliciously pleased.

I will get to my book in a bit but first I want to quote you a passage from the Introduction of the book titled, Hidden in Plain Sight: Contributions of Aboriginal Peoples to Canadian Identity and Culture, it says, “...history consists of the stories that we tell ourselves about past events. But what happens when a story is incorrectly told or missing all together? When significant parts are missing, then the story is incomplete and understanding is skewed. If the story is incorrectly told, then our understanding of ourselves is erroneous. However, if there is no story at all, then humanity is denied. We do have opportunities and, we believe, responsibilities to fill in omitted story segments, to correct the stories that are inaccurate, and to include missing stories.”

Unquote.

That Canadian History course helped me fill in the missing stories that I knew existed and I discovered other history courses with Aboriginal content. History opened up a new world and a new way of thinking for me. European History was quite an eye-opener. I was raised at an Indian Residential School and on an Indian Reserve and I had a limited view of how other countries had developed.

I ended up majoring in History. I have used my history degree to design a 2 hour Canadian ‘historical’ presentation from an Aboriginal point of view. I have taken the 2 hour historical presentation all over BC and it has been well received by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups. It is a part of history that is not yet known by the mainstream of society but, with so many people now looking to fill in the missing parts, I think it is well on its way. My book will also fill in some of the missing history.

I grew up in the interior of what is now known as British Columbia. I lived very happily on an Indian Reserve until I was 5 years old. However because of racist Canadian laws the following seven years found me spending only 11 months in my home community. The rest of the time I was away being programmed to be

something I was not. Instead of allowing me to be a Secwepemc child with my own culture, language and traditions, I was being programmed to be a poor copy of a culture that had its origins across the ocean. My culture and my people were portrayed as evil, welfare bums, drunks, dirty Indians and were grouped in the same category as the mentally disabled and children. This had a devastating effect on me. I start the book with this entry: ” I was 17 years old, desperate, and tired of trying to fit in. All I could think of was to die. I was so young, yet I felt so worthless. That night, years of abuse and putdowns finally caught up with me. A silly incident was the deciding factor. Although any one of much worse experiences should have been the trigger, one small incident is all it took. That moment meant life or death, and I chose death. I saw no point to living.

I had taken my mom’s bottle of sleeping pills away from her earlier that day because she had been drinking and had talked about taking her life. As unhappy as Mom’s life was, I still thought she had reason to live. Now, there I was holding the pills in my hand. I threw them in my mouth and swallowed easily. I lay down in the bedroom and waited to fall asleep. I did not think about others who were worse off than I was. I did not think about the family and friends I would hurt. I just thought about how lost and lonely I felt and how desperately I wanted out of this world, a world that seemed to offer only intense unhappiness. I did not have to wait long before I felt myself going to sleep......”

My book is about three generations who attended St. Joseph’s Mission, my grandmother who was born in 1896, spent nine years at St. Joseph’s Mission and then saw her children and grandchildren follow suit. My mom, born in 1925 attended the residential school for ten years beginning in 1931 at age of six and me attending for five years beginning in 1962 at age seven.

The school remained active until 1981.

So why did I write the book? The book originally was intended only for my family and especially for the younger generation who had no idea what went on at the schools. I wanted them to understand why there was so much dysfunction with their older relatives. Even my husband, Bill Wilson, who is described in the Canadian Encyclopedia as being the leading theorist in British Columbia Indian politics from 1970 on..... and was influential in every major development, did not know what happened behind the closed doors of the schools. Both Bill’s parents had gone to a residential school at Alert Bay but they did not tell him about their experiences there and even with Bill’s 30 years of upfront

involvement in Aboriginal politics he was stunned when he read my notes.

I understood his ignorance of the schools because my situation was similar.

My children knew that my grandmother, my mother, and I attended the schools but no more than that. I talked to my grandmother and my mother and others who had attended the schools because we didn’t have to explain to each other all the painful emotions that were a result of our time there. It was as if we shared a secret society. We all knew of the pain we carried and we knew the reasons why.

When I first started speaking to others who had not attended the schools, I couldn’t do it without breaking down time and time again. It has become easier.

Bill encouraged me to turn my writings into a book for everyone to read. At first the thought of the general public reading my very private notes was unacceptable.

But then when I started watching others who had attended the schools I started to see the negative characteristics that I was trying so hard to overcome. Their behaviour mirrored mine and I thought I might be able to help them think about their actions. Also, through my book I wanted to provide a voice for those who did not make it....like my brother Bobby... or for those who are still alive but have yet to find their voice. I hope my book will encourage them to tell all the stories that need to be told. Mine is one story and the sad reality is that my story is one of the better ones. I have survived and done fairly well in my later life but even within my family, many have not.

Many charges of sexual abuse came out of the schools. Four principals in a row at St. Joseph’s Mission, three who went on to become Bishops, should have been charged. Unfortunately only one Principal was charged, Bishop Hubert O’Connor.

And if the top man was doing it, it was easy for others to do so as well. Pedophiles were plentiful in these schools. This exerpt from the book is about my brother, Bobby, who I found out later from other students was sexually abused at the Mission: “My brother Bobby died when he was eighteen years old. They found him in a creek at the bottom of a cliff a month after he disappeared. We do not know whether his fall was intentional or accidental. During his pre-teen years, Bobby developed a drastic personality change. He became very mean and was physically abusive. As a result, the relationship between he and I was one of hostility. This lasted through our teen years until the night he died. We argued the night he disappeared.

One summer, when Bobby was eleven or twelve years old, the time had come when we had to go back to school. Bobby

Secwepemc NEWS

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013 and a young cousin of ours, Art, who would have been around eight years old, decided they were not going back to the school.

They hid in a cabin at the top of the ski-hill just a few miles from our house. We all knew they were up there, but no one would say anything when the priest came to pick up the rest of us. The boys lived on a bag of puffed wheat they found in the cabin and wild berries around the cabin, hence the nickname my uncles gave them, ‘The Puffed Wheat Bandits’.

Bobby and Art were up there for a few days before the authorities finally found out where they were. When they were discovered they led the RCMP and their dogs on a chase over the mountain to Sugar Cane, approximately ten miles away. An Elder at Sugar Cane provided them with a place to hide, under his small bed. The Elder sat on the bed while the RCMP and the dogs searched the house. Bobby was later ridiculing them saying that the dogs were in the house sniffing around but did not detect him and Art under the bed.

They were finally caught and brought back to the Mission. I was in the playroom when the RCMP came with Bobby and Art. From our playroom in the basement we could see whoever walked by. There were two police officers, and the boys were walking in front of them. The one walking behind Bobby was holding his shirt at the shoulder and making Bobby walk a little faster. I remember the way Bobby’s head hung as he was walking toward the boy’s side of the building. I felt really bad for him at the time, and now I realize that look was one of a broken spirit. There was nothing he could do to end the sexual abuse, and I have to wonder if, like many others at the school, he was being abused by more than one person. “ In the book I also tell a story about my oldest brother, Ray, and his escape from the Mission. What is not in the book are the memories triggered surrounding this event for my older siblings, Dolly, and Pee Wee. They remember our oldest brother, Ray, hiding in the bush or trying to hurt himself to get out of being taken away. Finally one year he sliced himself so severely across the chest with his hunting knife that his clothes were soaked with blood. Until the book came out and I told the story about our grandmother’s memories of harbouring her fugitive grandson, Dolly and PeeWee told no one about this. My sister, Dolly, went on to become a social worker and looking back on Ray’s actions, she said.

“He was trying to tell someone he did not want to go back to the Mission or hoping someone would ask him what was going on. My childhood protection training teaches us those signs. When we see them we better pay attention.”

Well, of course, at that time for Ray or my grandmother there was no one to

tell who would listen or help. It was Canadian law for him to go to the school and the school was paid for each head in attendance. No kids, no money. I remember later seeing the scars on Ray’s chest when he would have his shirt off on a hot day but I didn’t asked him about it. I am not a social worker but can easily guess the horrors that were traumatizing Ray at the school.

Well..you know there has to be a bit of humour in the book to make it bearable.

Aboriginal people are famous for taking the most tragic situations and turning them into something humorous. We joked about our lives and the things that happened to us, otherwise we would have drowned in the tears we would have cried.

This is an excerpt about going to confession: “Going to confession was equally comical. In fact, some of the comical things we did at the Mission were usually during the time we should have been the most serious. Every week we had to go and confess our sins to the priest and we had to tell him how many times we committed that particular sin. We would go to confession and lie about what sins we committed that week. We made up sins because there was no way the priest would believe we hadn’t sinned, and we probably would have been punished for lying if we said we were sin free. A woman from Sugar Cane testified at the O’Connor trial that young girls who had no idea what adultery was but would confess to it. They heard adultery was a sin, so it seemed logical to confess to it.”

And the mistreatment of Aboriginal people did not stop once we left the schools. It carried on once we were able to attend school from home and into our adult years. As an example I want to read parts of my experiences during my first years of high school: Even though some of us could finally go to school from home we were not allowed to ride on the same buses as the White kids.

The Department of Indian Affairs hired Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to bus the Aboriginal kids from Soda Creek and Deep Creek to and from school. They were okay people.

Mrs. Wilson drove the bus to begin with.

She didn’t say much. Later they hired a guy named “Red” to drive the bus.

We had an old school bus that backfired on a regular basis, especially when we were going down the steep hill by the Williams Lake Junior Secondary School. We also left a trail of blue smoke from the exhaust to alert others where we had been. I have heard of Indians and smoke signals but that was ridiculous. The bus probably should have been in the junkyard, but I guess they thought it was good enough for the Indian kids. All the other buses had, “School District No. 27” written on the side of their bus. Ours said in big letters,

“CACHE CREEK MOTORS”. During one of our trips to school the back tire came off just as we were going around a street corner. Luckily we had just gotten off the highway and were not going too fast...... We thought maybe we would get a new bus, but that afternoon here came the Cache Creek Motors bus backfiring and smoking into the schoolyard. Red said they put the wheel back on and that was it........I know Mr. and Mrs. Wilson didn’t have to follow the regulations of other school buses because they also used the school bus as a taxi for the older people on our reserve. They charged each adult two dollars for a ride into town and two dollars for a ride back.

Sometimes in the afternoon, we would get on the bus and our relatives would be on the same bus drunk and/or fighting. All we could do was try to hide our intense embarrassment and hope that all the kids came right away so we could get the hell out of the schoolyard. I was always so conscious of the other kids looking at our bus and laughing. As much as we loved our relatives, it was quite embarrassing.

No one else had older people on their buses and no one else had people drinking on their buses. But, as embarrassing as it was, I still preferred to ride that old bus from home with all the shame that came with it than ride a newer bus from the Mission.”

If you treat people as if they are inferior and constantly tell them that they are no good..... emotions will eventually build up and there will be a need to express itself.... many times this comes out in destructive actions. Drinking, drugs and suicide can be the result of this. These are inward actions but there are times when the actions are expressed outwardly as well.

Unfortunately I am not the exception and one of my explosions was directed at three unsuspecting boys who were hitchhiking.

Here is my passage in the book about this incident.

While I was going to school in Kamloops, I found out that some of my friends were taking courses that were transferrable to universities. I dreamed of going to university but didn’t think it would ever happen because of my family and community commitments. The opportunity came in 1993. Our community had our elections for chief and council coming up again in April, and I decided not to run. An incident that happened a few months before made me realize that it was time to step down as chief and do something else.

I was heading into town in my vehicle.

Dealing with the Department of Indian Affairs and ignorant White people in general always made me angry, and that day was no exception. I was in a rattle snake mood and passed three young White boys who were hitchhiking. I did not know them and did not stop to pick them up even though I easily had enough room in my

11

CRAIG NIXON Lawyer

Working with First Nations Since 1982

880 - 175 2nd Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1

Phone: 250- 374-1555 Fax: 250-374-9992 E-mail: cnlc@cnixonlaw.ca

vehicle for all of them. I happened to glance in my rear-view mirror as I passed them and saw that one of them had given me the finger. All of a sudden, I felt such intense anger. That little gesture brought back full force all of the hatred I felt towards White people. Even though I probably got the finger for not stopping to pick them up, it brought back all the racist policies that the Department of Indian Affairs had forced on our people. It brought back the inequities of the justice inquiry, and it brought back all of the negative social conditions my people had to endure because of the White ancestors of these three boys.

I turned my vehicle around and drove back past the boys, then pulled a U-turn and steered my vehicle straight towards them. They had to jump off the side of the road to avoid getting run over. I stopped the vehicle, got out, and went over to where they stood, swearing a blue streak at them for giving me the finger. They were big boys, and it never occurred to me that I might be putting myself in danger.

Instead, they seemed to be in shock. I screamed at them and all the hatred I felt came pouring out of me. One of the boys started talking back to me and we got into a screaming match. I finally got back in my car and drove away, leaving them standing on the road. I fully expected a visit from the RCMP but no one came looking for me.

Maybe the boys were just too surprised to get my liccence plate number. That incident

12

Secwepemc NEWS

“Sports Changed My Life”

continued.....................

helped me realize I was getting way too cynical. My anger at the way my people were forced to live was getting to me.”

I hope the book will be used in the curriculum for high schools and universities. As one non-Aboriginal University professor said after reading it, “It’s so powerful and so moving. And it explains so many things on so many levels.

We know in a general way what residential schools did to children but your account takes us so deeply into the fabric of that experience. I think it’s going to make a major impact in educating all of us.”

I want to end with the last paragraph in my book because we have to believe that there can be positive change. This is where I am at this point in my life’s journey: Now at fifty-eight years of age, I have finally come to a place in my life where I am comfortable with who I am. I feel my ‘mission’ now is to make Aboriginal people realize that it is time we started living again and not just surviving. It is time for us to realize that we need to make ourselves ‘Number One’ in our lives. Someone said that I was a survivor but I believe I am way more than that. Even though I sometimes barely survived the terrible statistics of Aboriginal people I prefer to claim outright victory in this war. In the end, I win! They did not manage to beat the Indian out of me and my pride in being Aboriginal just keeps getting stronger. I look around and I see many more like me. It makes my heart swell and it makes me hopeful for the future of our Aboriginal nations. I win.

Book Available at most local stores it is at Chapters here in Kamloops

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Submitted by: Sherisse Mousseau

Levi Horn is from the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, of the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington. Levi signed with BC Lions as a backup offensive lineman on March 26th and attended the BC Lion Training Camp at Tournament Capital Centre (TCC) in June.

Levi’s athletic talent has also been seen on the national stage of the NFL. In 2010, he spent two seasons with the Chicago Bears and one season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. It was after that when Levi thought his career in professional sports was over but there was a different plan for him. After a week he signed with the American Football League (AFL) Spokane Shock team back in March, and was scouted and signed with BC Lions. What makes Levi distinguished is his dedication to the Native American community. Following training camp he decided what was best for him and his family, which was to leave the Lions for a new job as a Sports Director at a Native Treatment Center in Kansas City.

Any challenge throughout his life has been faced head on making his journey successful no matter what his outcome was because surrendering to difficulty was never an option. Raised by a single mother who was battling lupus by the time Levi started high school, Levi the youngest of three children, went through his fair share of hardship as a child. Along with being 6’4 and 240 pounds in the eighth grade, Levi struggled with poverty and peer pressure.

He explains: Growing up around alcohol and drugs and not getting sucked into that [was a struggle]. A lot of family alcohol abuse, gangs and my brother leaned toward that when I was younger. That stuff continued to happen and you have to continually be able to stay strong when you’re going through that stuff and say no to that type of stuff. Going through middle school and high school, a lot of my friends, and my best friends just seemed like they got deeper into drugs and deeper into gangs. The peer pressure side, it’s so hard for kids to stay away from that stuff. I was blessed, I was never always the best child when it came to peer pressure and I wasn’t always that strong.

Sports changed Levi’s path in life so much that he continued to give back to the Native community by doing motivational speaking at events to encourage kids to stay healthy and physically active.

He says, “I love sports more than anything. With that hobby came positive role models, positive male role models. That really helped me be grounded and them holding me responsible for my choices.

That really helped me through until now, through college up to the NFL.” Levi’s insight is validating to kids who may be going through similar situations, with persuasive reason to aspire to be successful.

He says, “There was my foundation, sports… After school was the main time that kids got into trouble. My coaches constantly [were] reminding me that if you are going to hang out with that group of kids, you’re not going to make it. You’re going to end up making more wrong decisions.” He also adds, “Sometimes in my life I thought that my environment was going to get me, I’m blessed that it didn’t. I had really great support system like coaches to help me through that which kept me on track.”

In Historical context Levi accomplished the elaborate task of professional performance because it doesn’t get any bigger than the NFL. Statistics show you’re more likely to be hit by a car than be drafted in the most elite football league. But he did, and continues to do whatever he can to break any negative stigmas. He explains: It’s been nice to represent Natives and Native communities. My whole life my dream was to play in the NFL and I did accomplish it. And it’s something that you can be proud of, be loud of it, and let as many people know that, and try to break stereotypes. That’s something I tried to do is go around and let people know that I’m Native; I made it to the NFL. It’s not what everybody thinks, “are you just a drunk, can you drink?” Stuff like that I’ve heard so many preposterous questions that most Native Americans always hear. It’s nice to go around and squash a lot of those hearsays and stereotypes.

How Levi appreciates his life, is something outstanding, as a human being he does not give into oppression, suppression or pressure. He says of his message he carries: “ I tell them about my struggles in life. I’m pretty candid about it, just because these kids are going through it right now, so I try to make it as real as possible. Because that’s how they’re going to relate and that’s how I’m going to get the message across to them.

I tell them about stories that have really impacted my life; I tell them about my failures. And I think that’s really important letting them know that I have been in a bad place. In my head, in my mind I’ve been depressed before… I try to point out the real failure is quitting after something has happened, a roadblock in my life. I let them know to keep trying”.

Levi’s message is what he lives by, he’s down-to-earth, and he has a strong connection to his culture. His advice, “Believe in yourself… Believe in yourself and make your situation better in the future… Hopefully find a passion, making it your job; it’s not a job when you love it. In college you got to stay focused, goal orientated, get it done, so you can be able to support your family.”

Lastly he adds, “It’s something so simple, my mom always told me, ‘you know the difference between right and wrong, just say no!”

Ultimately when all is said and done, Levi is living his dream, he has a family, and a career he’s passionate about that lets him use his education in sociology while working with at risk youth. Even when he was faced against two time league all-star and reigning Most Outstanding Lineman Jovan Olafioye, both battling for the starting position. Although Levi did make it on the practice roster squad, with a limited import ratio, he continues to keep it in all perspective. He explains, “Just to see one person I think that can be able to change a youth’s mind about it. He can do it, he’s Native, he came from the same struggle I did. Maybe it can give that youth a bit of a push, that bad decision he might make, maybe he’ll say no to it.”

Kukstsétsemc Levi! Levi plans to finish his degree in sociology, start to work with JR LaRose at youth events in Canada, and pursue his Masters.

Secwepemc NEWS

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013

Aboriginal Peoples Creating Possibilities A Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP (PwC) report - Impact Assessment of BC AMTA’s Mine Training Programs - commissioned by the British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA) has revealed the dollars invested in training an Aboriginal job candidate for a career in mining have resulted in a 285 percent increase in annual post-graduation wage, from an average of $13,754 to $52,959.

This in turn has positively impacted British Columbia’s GDP by $106,804 per person through higher wages and increased spending.

BC AMTA partners with Aboriginal communities and industry to develop and deliver job-relevant training for Aboriginal people to enter the mining sector. The assessment was designed to measure the program’s economic impact and return on investment to families, communities, industry and government. PwC measured the increase in average annual earnings that program graduates receive as a result of training, and the subsequent direct and indirect contribution to the provincial economy.

“This report validates what we have been seeing - that the value of investing in training Aboriginal people extends beyond the individual, and the dollars are returned to society and to government,” says Laurie Sterritt, BC AMTA Chief Executive Officer.

“But equally important are the benefits that a career and a permanent, full time, well-paying job bring to an individual.

In addition to the obvious financial benefits, it provides them with confidence, empowerment, hope and possibilities, which changes lives.”

Funded by government and industry contributions, BC AMTA launched in January 2010 and by the end of March 2013 had placed 500 graduates into full time jobs. The organization has expanded to six offices across the province including: Merritt, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Williams Lake, New Aiyansh and Vancouver.

Currently, 1700+ Aboriginal candidates are pursuing upgrading and training. Based on

the program’s success and demand from industry, BC AMTA is planning to expand the program into other regions and resource sectors.

The Impact Assessment report highlights several other statistics about program participants and the Aboriginal labour market in B.C. and Canada, including: Aboriginal people are creating possibilities for themselves and their families and we are very proud of the role we play in supporting them: BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association’s coaching, training, and employment program is making a measurable difference, as evidenced in a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Impact Assessment of BC AMTA’s Mine Training Programs.

This is a positive story – the story of possibilities for changing perceptions, and realities for industry and First Nations. To offer a preview and some perspective on the impacts, just three years ago BC AMTA Aboriginal trainees earned an average annual income of $13,754. After working through the program, they are now earning an average of $52,959 per year. This means that more people are able to open a bank account and build a credit rating, support their families, and provide a role model for the next generation.

BC AMTA opened their doors three years ago. They have successfully placed 580 trainees in jobs and increased average incomes by 285 per cent.

Laurie Sterritt, the association’s executive director states “We have a clear vision for creating work and economic possibilities for our candidates, their families and communities”. The training program was started with $4.4 million in federal funding in 2010 and an additional $2.2 million was added last year. The average income of candidates before completing the program was $13,754.

After completion of training and placement, trainees are now earning an average of $52, 959. (To read the report in detail go to: http://www.bcamta.ca/pdfs/PWC_2013. pdf).

NEXT EDITION WE WILL HAVE FULL COVERAGE ON THE CANOE JOURNEY, SHUSWAP GATHERING, KAMLOOPS, AND OTHER EVENTS IN THE TERRITORY.

New Gold Employee Profile: James Manuel is from Tk’emlúps Te Secwépemc, and a proud father of three children. James currently works at New Gold as an Underground Miner. He has been doing this for a few years. He started out his employment at KIB as a Range Manager in the Natural resources Department. James did this for six years until he was laid off.

Len Jackson of BC Aboriginal Mining Training Association (AMTA) introduced James to what BC AMTA has to offer.

James, intrigued decided to further pursue it, he wrote all the tests necessary and was immediately hired as a Surface Laborer at New Gold December 1st, 2010. After a short five months he got an amazing opportunity to do five week training at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Environmentalist Geology, identifying rocks. The program was half class time and half location study time.

James is very thankful for everything

13

that BC AMTA has done to assist in his future. He says, “I can support myself and my kids and set up for my pension”. The shift work is seven on, seven off, giving him plenty of time to enjoy his family while having a career full of possibilities and the confidence to make it happen.

Kamloops First Nations Court Opening Submitted by: Rose Miller -Elder

I am a Simpcw First Nations Elder Js’erpin’ek - Rose Miller. I participated in Training from Judge Cunliffe Barnett to be a volunteer for the Aboriginal First Nations Courts. Aboriginal Justice Council Acting Chair - Linda Thomas Tk’emlups te Secwepemc legal department at KIB presented the program.

The Ckn’ucwentn Kamloops First Nations Court started on March 4, 2013 at Kamloops Courthouse Courtroom 3C. The Court is a sentencing court and is open to all people of Aboriginal ancestry. We participated in the second court on April 15, 2013. A court is held every month.

The dates are as follows: May 22/June14/ August12/September 27, 2013.

We received our certificates on April 19th at the graduation ceremony at Moccassin Square Gardens. Aboriginal Community Justice Council follows a Terms of Reference. Membership must identify as an Aboriginal, Metis, First Nations, Status Indian or Non Status Indian and Inuit person. Members will be appointed by the Aboriginal Justice Council as needed or as vacancies arise.

Proud graduates were: Patrick Adrian, Russell Casimir/ Minnie Kenoras/ Janet Pierro/ Diane Sandy/ Muriel Sasakamoose/ Sandra Seymour/ and myself we also had a young lady Roberta Scharida join our training.

Our role as an Elder is to sit in a circle with the Judge/ Crown Council/ Duty Council Ray Phillips/ Native Court worker - Rae Anne Sasakamoose/ various Lawyers and their clients. Five Elders and also the clients support representatives sit in the

circle. The court system is not like a regular court room setting because we sit in a traditional circle where everyone has equal opportunity to speak.

As an Elder we are not present to judge but to offer alternatives to guide the clients and assist them with looking at a healing plan to avoid jail time. If they serve time in jail we provide resources available to assist them when they are released. With a regular court sentence is given with no consideration for the effects of past historical traumas from the Residential School System. Most of the clients are intergenerational Indian Residential School Victims. We express awareness to break the cycle and begin a healing plan to stand proud as a Native person.

Prior to attending court Muriel Saskamoose and I presented a two day - cultural Awareness workshop to all of the Courthouse Staff including Judges/ Crown Council/ Lawyers/ Sheriffs/ and the staff within the Court system. It was well attended and appreciated because many were never aware of the effects of the Residential School and that we have many of our Native People in the area as doing well in good careers and employment.

Rae Anne Sasakamoose, Edith Fortier and I also took training at the Justice Institute in New Westminster, BC. We are now certified Gladue Report Writers. Edith and I can be contacted at the Secwepemc Justice Program (250) 571-1021 and Rae Anne at the Native Court Workers 1-877-811-1190 ext. 361 Anyone can attend the First Nations Courts! Courtroom 3C at 9am on scheduled dates. Come out!

14

Secwepemc NEWS

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - Friday, August 16th 4:00pm Opening Ceremony/ Prayer by Elder, Welcome by a

Southern & Northern Chief/ Welcome/Unity Song

All Secwepemc Chief & Council Members/ Recognition

of Corporate Sponsors, Grand Entry - All 17 bands/

Secwepemc Honour Song with the lighting of the fire/

Welcome Unity Riders to the grounds 5:30pm Dinner 7:00pm Battle of the Secwepemc Bands Lehal Games 7:30pm Hand Drumming, Singing & Traditional Dancing taught

by Jo-Anne Gottfriedson 9:00pm More Hand Drumming & Singing - Open for all to share!

Hand Drumming Contest by Donation

1st Annual Iron Horse Motorcycle Run

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - Saturday, August 17th 9am-12pm -

10am-12pm - 12pm-1:30pm - 2pm-3pm - 3pm-4pm - 4pm-5pm Main Events: 8am-10am 10am -

10am

10am-11:30am 3:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm

8:00 pm 9:00 pm

Drum Making with Norman Retasket Must pre-register ($100/person)

Medicine Workshop by Rhone Bowe Tomma Lunch Naming Ceremony Workshop by Joanne Moiese Secwepemcstin Bingo with Lucy Williams Horse Shoes with Chief David Archie Breakfast Opening Prayer by Elder/ Welcome by Southern & Northern Chief/Welcome Song/ Unity Song All Secwepemc Chief & Council members/ Grand EntrY/ Recognition of Corporate Sponsers Welcome Iron Horse Motorcycle Unity Ride Chiefs Meeting to follow right after the opening ceremonies Traditional Games with Rebecca Jules TALENT SHOW - OPEN MIC Dinner Talent Show - Silverrose Lehal Tournament Entertainment - Fara Palmer DANCE TO NIGHTHAWKS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - Sunday, August 18, 2013 8:00 - 10:00 am

10:00 am Workshops: begin

10:30 am

10 - 12pm 12:00 pm 2:30 pm

4:00 pm

Breakfast, Opening Remarks and Morning Prayer MINI POW WOW - GRAND ENTRY Rattle Making - Norman Retasket $50 per person (must pre-register) Scavenger Hunt with Tiffany Dick Face Painting will be confirmed Intertribal, Friendship Dance, Owl Dance Team Dance, Princess Pageant, Categories Scavenger Hunt LUNCH

Crowning of Secwepemc Gathering Princess Committee Honor Song Retire Flags Closing Remarks and Farewell CLEAN UP AND DEPARTURE

Please note* THIS IS AN GO GREEN EVENTS, SO PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN UTENSILS TO EAT WITH. RE-USABLE DISHES. BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIRS, BLANKETS, CAMP OUT AND ENJOY THE WEEKEND OF FESTIVITIES Call Coordinator Julie John regarding the schedule or attend the next PLANNING MEETING WHICH IS: MONDAY, AUGUST 12TH AT 10 AM, 100 Mile Chambers.

August 16 & 17th, 2013 From Chase, BC to Green Lake Provincial Park (End at the Annual Secwepemc Gathering) For More Information Please Contact: Henry Anthony, Councilor, Adams Lake Band 250-517-8851, hanthony@alib.ca Or Julie John, Event Coordinator 250-572-6215, julie_joh@hotmail.com The Iron Horse Motorcycle Run is not affiliated with any other motorcycle event during this time. Ride at your own risk, this is a Drug & Alcohol Free Event. Not responsible for injury or theft

23rd Annual Secwepemc Gathering

JULY/AUGUST 2013 Secwepemc Gathering Planning Meeting Monday, July 29, 2013 10 am - Council Chambers, 385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House, BC In Attendance: Julie John, (Event Coordinator), Joanne Moiese, Texlec, Roxanne Stobie (Stsmemelt Project), Kukwpi7 David Archie, (Stswecemc7/ Xgattem) Henry Anthony, (Councillor, Adams Lake Indian Band) Jo & Fiona, (Red Willow Guest Ranch0, Fallon William, (Soda Creek Indian Band), Shiela Dick, Health Director, (Canim Lake Band), Chief Mike Archie, (Canim Lake), Mayor Mitch Campsall, District of 100 Mile House Recorder: Julie John, Event Coordinator Chair: Chief Mike Archie

Meeting Start Time: 10:25am Welcome by Chief Mike Archie Morning Prayer - Elder Charlotte Manuel Roundtable Introductions Review Meeting Agenda - No changes Mayor Mitch Campsall - Welcome to the South Cariboo Area, enjoys creating partnerships and working together Kukpi7 David Archie - Introduction and glad to see committee coming together help with planning for this event

Julie John: Review Draft agenda for the gathering - got a lot of feedback and input as to what can be added and who can facilitate workshops/events at gathering.

Got a lot of contact names and numbers to call in regards to more help/ideas for the gathering.

Suggested that there be a grand entry on Friday and Saturday with all communities in line coming into the gathering- make change on agenda.

Suggested workshop titles - Coming of Age ceremonies & Burial Protocol, Find Your Inner Elder, Genealogy (Family Tree) if anyone knows someone who can facilitate a workshop, please let Julie John know as soon as possible.

Select an MC for the weekend, suggested names: Carl Archie & Sherri Narcisse recommended for Granny Comedy Act JoAnne Moiese will contact to confirm.

Pedicure & manicures at the gathering JoAnne Moiese will contact to confirm.

Julie to check with Bonnie Leonard in regards to Paintball challenge?

Julie to contact Bert & Harold Thomas in regards to basket making.

As some people cannot afford the drum/ rattle making sessions, ask communities if they have funds to sponser some individuals if they are interested.

JoAnne Moiese has confirmed she will do an ‘Indian Names’ workshop at the gathering - Julie to add to agenda.

Julie to contact Lori Sellers of Three Corners Health in regards to Circle of Life class.

Continued ...

Secwepemc NEWS

pelltqwelqwélt/pesqelqlélten 2013 Next planning meeting on 12th, bring flour for ? to make bannock.

Looking for storage/cooler truck to store for weekend **update, we found storage for the weekend!!

Still looking for a flat top grill for cooking.

Decided to “Go Green” at the gathering, ask individuals to bring their own re-usable plates, cutlery, cups etc. for the gathering to cut down on garbage.

Battle of the Bands will be changed to Friday night and Lehal tournament with prize of $1000 will be held on Saturday night.

Mitch Campsall will look into gathering generators for the weekend of the gathering.

Red Willow Ranch will have their horses available for individuals who would like to go horseback riding at $25/hour.

Also suggested that all Chiefs ride into the gathering on horse Friday at 4pm, if you do not have a horse one can be arranged.

Review Budget, donations still coming in.

Cooking schedule discussed and menu and storage discussed.

Pow Wow planning - having a one day pow wow for Sunday, August 18, need more help and coordination for this part.

Still need host drum, MC etc. - also to add princess pageant in the scheduling.

RFPs - only received one bid for cleaning and one security, still looking for a bid for the First Aid (open).

Unity Ride Update -two rides (Northern and Southern) Southern, (Skeetchestn Band) still looking for volunteer cook, and help to organize their event. Both rides will be arriving at the Gymkhana grounds on Friday, August 16, meeting at the Red Willow Ranch prior to arrival (all chiefs to meet and get on horse for grand entry).

Iron Horse Motorcycle Run Update Councillor Henry Anthony discussed his work this far and brief history of ride etc.

Riders to arrive at the Gymkhana ground on Saturday, Aug 17 at 10am in time for the grand entry.

Meeting adjourned at 12:20pm - Next meeting scheduled for Monday, August 12th at 10am, same location at the Council Chambers.

BIRTHDAY WISHES I would like to wish my Father George Pete a HB for July 16th and my niece Gabrielle Archie and my twin sister HB for July 29th. Love Weezy A big Happy Birthday shout out to our baby girl Khloe Robbins, form Mommy, Daddy, Keane & Family”

15

Star Eagle Woman - Small Babe

SECWEPEMC BUSINESS DIRECTORY This listing is FREE to all Secwepemc.

Jennifer Lee Camille Born: July 19, 1976

It is with great sadness we announce that on July 21, 2013 Jennifer Lee Camille passed away.

Jennifer was a very proud Secwepemc woman that so enjoyed her culture to the fullest. Her bright smile and her proud voice sharing stories will be missed.

She travelled to numerous countries showcasing her dance styles, and sharing her knowledge. Jennifer had the biggest smile and softest heart that she shared freely to brighten everyone's day.

Jennifer is survived by her mother Evelyn Camille, son Samuel Lee Sweetgrass Starlight-Camille, and Sammy's father Bruce Starlight Jr., brothers William (Bill), Frederick, Joseph (Buckles), Stanley, Raymond, David, sisters Linda, Marlene, Celestine (Cee-Cee), Anita (Jackie), Angeline, Patricia, Phyllis, JaneMarie, Marilyn, Sophie.

Jennifer leaves behind numerous foster brothers and sisters, numerous nieces and nephews that she cherished dearly.

Jennifer was predeceased by her father Joe Camille, grandparents Nels and Katherine Kenoras, Felix and Celestine Camille, Frank Boney.

Jennifer was brought home on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. to her mother, Evelyn Camille's home, 390 West Shuswap Road, Kamloops.

The services were held at 10:00 a.m. at Moccasin Square Gardens (KIB old Gym) on Thursday, July 25, 2013.

All R Creations Hand Carved Jewellery Roxane McCallum (604)826-0095 Birch Baskets Harold Thomas (250) 833-4016 Big Sky Station Store & Gas Savona Joan McTaggart (250) 373-0043 Bow & Arrow Golf Enterprises (250) 318-0742 Frank Antoine frankant27@hotmail.com Resource Planner & Owner Orbis Ent Ltd. Fax:(250) 305-2445 Ph:(250) 305-7415 E: Wenona@orbis-consulting.ca http://www.orbis-consulting.ca Casper Creations Kamloops, BC Dora Casper (250) 376-1736 Deana’s Dream Cree-ations Kamloops Deana Nicholson, Consultant (250) 377-1087 deanasdream@gmail.com Drums, Carvings, Boxes Bonaparte, BC Norman Retasket (250) 457-9727

cell (250) 457-4520 Nighhawks Band (250) 440-5864 Les Johnson Event Planning Chase, BC Julie John (250) 574-6215 Falling & Contracting Canim Lake Gregg Archie (250) 397-4137 Fever Sounds - DJ Service Barriere Cal Eustache (250) 672-9580 c (250) 819-3375 Full Circle Designs Kamloops Travis Marr (250) 828-0770 Hall/Conference Centre 4 Rent Chase Adams Lake Rec. Centre (250) 679-3515 Beach Body Coach Kamloops Vanessa Gottfriedson (250) 574-6975 Indigenous Eco-cultural Education & Consulting Services Chase Dawn Morrison (250) 679-1116 Inspirational Catering, Aboriginal & Canadian Cuisine - Lonny Paul (250) 267-3314 reebs@live.ca (250) 375-2092 Language (Secwepemc) Consultant Mona Jules (250) 672-5293 (250) 320-0379 Lawyer Kamloops Linda D. Thomas Law Corp.

(250) 319-8045 Little Bear Gift Shop & Gallery Chase Margaret Anderson (250) 572-4939 magand65@hotmail.com Little Shuswap Restaurant 250-679-8589 576 Coburn St, Chase, BC

Mary Kay Independent Consultants Deborah Hall (250) 938-2124 Lois Paul, (250)819-9393 Helen John, Sales (250) 574-0227 Helen John’s Catering (250)574-0227 Nature’s Best Buffalo meat/products Williams Lake Tom & Karen Alphonse (250) 296-0013 Neskonlith Advisory Services Chase Neskonlith Indian Band (250) 679-3295 Pathways Design in Landscaping Linda Stump (250) 819-4969 Personalized Stained Glass Chase Doreen Kenoras (250) 679-3783 Pine Needle Baskets Chase Agnes John 250) 679-2741 Puss N’ Boots Daycare Kamloops Lucy Jules (250) 828-9429 Randy Sam Art Studio Chase, BC Goldsmith - Randy Sam (250) 819-8953 Red Willow Designs Chase, BC Tanya Willard (250) 299-5835 www.redwillowdesigns.ca Regalia & First Nation Crafts Kamloops, BC Doris Bamford (250) 314-9820 Ribbon Shirts & Regalia Kamloops, BC Trish Terry (250) 376-9001 Riverfresh Wild BC Salmon info@riverfreshkamloops.com www.riverfreshkamloops.com Rock’s in the Wind Creations Chase, BC Rock & Dianne Deneault @ www.rockinwind.net Running Wolf Video Productions BC Doreen Manuel (604) 837-3663 www.runningwolf.ca Shiny Nicol Cleaning Services Chase Doreen Nicol (250)577-3532 / (778) 220-4967(c) Skwlax Gas & Convenience Chase John Anderson (250) 679-7623 Star Blankets Chase Sharon Sellars (250)682-2261(c) Testop Publishing Chase Tess Tomma (250) 835-8446 Tupperware Consultant Merritt Deanne Eustache (250) 315-3757 Xatsull Heritage (250) 297-6502 xatsullheritagevillage.com Xwexwne Creations Kamloops, BC Louise Alphonse (250) 574-8002 Beadwork, Mocassins, Pouches etc.

Your Business could go here.

RIVERLAND INNS & SUITES

1530 RIVER STREET, KAMLOOPS, BC V2C 1Y9 OFFICE: (250) 374-1530 FAX: (250) 374-1534

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16

Secwepemc NEWS

JULY/AUGUST 2013