Alberta Native News - Digital Edition - June, 2016 - National Aboriginal Day

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Volume 33 Number 06June, 2016

Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628 Cover art: Sad Wings of Destiny © By Timothy Mohan

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2 Alberta Native News June, 2016

He’s a laid back guy - chill they say these days. He’seasy to get along with and he’s both liked and respected byhis peers, his teachers, school administrators and just abouteveryone else who has ever met him. But more than that,he is an achiever, a mentor, a role model, an accomplishedmusician, a valedictorian and the recipient of theEdmonton Catholic School’s 2016 Superintendent'sAward of Excellence.

His name is Rio Satchel Houle, a Grade 12 student whowill graduate from Edmonton’s Blessed Oscar RomeroHigh School later this month. He will enrol in theUniversity of Alberta’s (UofA) Bachelor of Arts programlater this year, where he will work to gain his post-secondary degree in music.

“Being named valedictorian was a very special momentfor me,” smiled the 17-year-old. “I also feel honoured tohave been chosen for the Superintendent’s Award forExcellence. I guess what they say is true; hard work doespay off.”

Blessed Oscar Romero Principal Simon Pryma agrees.He referred to Rio as “a hardworking and industriousstudent who keeps up with his studies, acts as a mentor tostudents needing some extra help and by his actions andcommitment, he’s a role model respected by his peers andlooked up to by younger students. He’s also an incredibleguitarist with a good understanding of music.

“Rio is a self-driven individual who works hard toaccomplish his goals. The Superintendent’s Award forExcellence is the most prestigious award offered byEdmonton Catholic Schools and is testament to Rio’sdedication to his education and his determination tosucceed. He graduates in two weeks and he will be missedby staff and students alike.”

“I can’t say enough about the help and encouragementI’ve received from everyone at the school - my teachers,the staff, and Principal Pryma,” noted Houle. “Theatmosphere at Oscar Romero is conducive to goodlearning; everyone is supportive and passionate about

what they do. Many of theteachers as well as theprincipal are among thebest I’ve ever had; I reallyenjoyed coming to schoolevery day.”

Houle said that workingwith and encouragingyounger students is“something that I amalways happy to do;everyone benefits.Working with otherstudents enables me tobetter my communication skills and gives me some insightinto the teaching profession. My communication skillshave continued to improve each year and I find thatoffering academic advice to others has helped me to growas a person.”

He also credits the Edmonton Catholic Schools’ BraidedJourney’s Program for much of the success and growththat he’s experienced while attending high school.

“When I first signed up for the program,” admittedHoule, “I did it to lessen the load of classroom work, but Iquickly discovered that the Braided Journey’s initiativehad a great deal more to offer than I knew at the time. I metmany interesting and important role models and came tounderstand the significant role that Indigenous peoplehave played throughout Canada’s history. I’ve learned agreat deal about my culture and our traditions and as aresult I want to learn more and I want to continue toimprove myself, both scholastically and as a person.”

The Braided Journeys program is designed to supportFirst Nations, Métis and Inuit youth in their quest tobecome leaders of character, vision and action. Studentsare provided multi-component, culturally-based programsthat challenge their creativity, build on their skill set, andincrease their support network. In addition, youth have the

opportunity to develop citizenship skills, thus enhancingself-esteem and confidence. Participants also gain skillsfrom a variety of cultural and leadership activities thatinclude goal setting, problem-solving, healthy risk taking,physical competence, teamwork, interaction, leadershipand outdoor education.

One of the components of Braided Journeys is theBlanket Exercise, an initiative that explores therelationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples inCanada, from the settlers’ arrival to modern times.Participants are guided through the impact of colonizationof a nation including gradual appropriation, relocation,and removal of Indigenous peoples and territories.

“Rio has played an instrumental role in developing theBlanket Exercise, a project that our students havedelivered on numerous occasions,” said Principal Pryma,adding that he “is excited about the initiative and theeducational” message that it delivers. “It is a uniqueundertaking that sees participating students deliver a storythat walks the audience through Indigenous history beforethe coming of the settlers. It focuses on culture andtradition and spirituality but it also delves into the strugglesfaced by Indigenous peoples, including the injustices that

Rio Houle receives ECSDAward of Excellence

by John Copley

ECSD Superintendent Joan Carr, with valedictorian Rio Houle and Blessed OscarRomero Principal Simon Pryma.

Continued on page 9

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June, 2016 Alberta Native News 3

http://www.firstnationmotors.ca

The Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, a member of theAthabasca Tribal Council and one of Alberta’s 24 Treaty 8First Nation communities is located about 20 minutesfrom the Ft. McMurray townsite. It was one of severalWood Buffalo communities threatened by the wildfiresthat began to ravage the region nearly seven weeks ago.More than 120,000 people were forced to evacuate fromthe Wood Buffalo Municipal District during the month ofMay.

“It was a tumultuous time and one we won’t soonforget,” noted Band Councillor Byron Bates during aninterview just days after the members of his communitybegan to return home. “The fire took some bad turns inearly May and just when it seemed things would be okay,the fire changed directions and started heading our way.”

That’s when the leadership of the First Nation knewthey’d also have to evacuate the area.

“It was May 4 and we’d just started taking in evacueesfrom Fort McMurray and area when the fire shifted in ourdirection,” explained Bates. “At approximately 3 p.m. thatday Chief Ron Kreutzer, with myself and Band CouncillorRon Kreutzer Jr., called for the community to evacuate.Alberta’s Emergency Services gave us a reprimand forthat and suggested we’d not be allowed to utilize certainevacuee location spots but in the end it turned out that wemade the right decision. The province called for anevacuation of the Ft. McMurray #458 First Nationcommunity at about 10 p.m. that evening. We know ourcommunity better than anyone else and it takes time tomove the elderly, care for our Elders, gather the childrenand the families and set up the protocol for a safe anduneventful evacuation.”

Members of the community fled to Lac La Biche, St.

Paul and surroundingcommunities; many droveto Edmonton where theystayed with friends andrelatives. Gas wasprovided to themembership and thecommunity store and gasbar remained opened 24hours a day until the fuel ran out. The lines were long andwhen the fuel ran out the administration ordered more, butthe evacuation was underway.

“We were lucky; we didn't sustain the same damages asmany others in the region did,” noted Bates, who creditedthe community’s strategic plan for evacuation as playing amajor role in keeping the area safe.

“About 20 of our members stayed behind to ensure thatpotential areas of risk were watered down; Chief andCouncillor Kreutzer both stayed behind and together theywent door to door and emptied fridges so that rotting foodwould not be the first thing our members faced when theyreturned home. The community was without power andother utility services for a few weeks so when the dangerhad passed we had some very tired workers. To theircredit, we didn’t lose a single building, nor did we lose asingle fridge and for that we are all very grateful.”

When the evacuation was called, hotel rooms,transportation, food and other arrangements for the nearly260 band members in the community at the time had to bemade in a hurry.

Councillor Bates said, “Without the extraordinary effortand hard work provided by our office and administrativestaff, the process would have been much more difficult.

Our Band Manager, Cindy Miller, deserves a lot of thecredit for the outstanding work she did in organizing andensuring that our membership was able to move quicklyand without incident.

“I would also like to stress the fact that Chief Kreutzerand Councillor Kreutzer stayed behind to prepare to fightthe fire. They helped build huge firebreaks around all thehouses on our reserve and, at the risk of their own lives,fire-protected all of the properties in the community.”

On May 14 community leadership decided to extend thehotel rooms already being used by members provided thatthey remained in the hotels they were already booked into.

“The logistics of having people move around after theywere already established in a location would have been anightmare,” assured Bates. “The staff was alreadyworking long hours and it would have been impossible forthem to do more.”

On May 14 Chief Ron Kreutzer and CouncillorKreutzer noted that “the power is on at the gas station andthe street lights are running but there is still no power in thehomes. Our work crews were still on alert because the firewas still burning near the Highway 881/63 intersection.”

Councillor Bates returned to the community on May 28.


Fort McMurray FirstNation members return

home after forcedevacuation

by John Copley

Fort Mcmurray First Nation Councillor Byron Bates, CEO Brad Callihoo, Minister ofIndigenous Relations Richard Feehan and Chief Ron Kreutzer.

Continued on page 19

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K-Days will take on an added look this year as powwowdancers from across Treaty 6 Territory converge on theattraction. They will be participating as performers duringthe annual event’s first-ever 10-day traditional powwow, aunique undertaking partnered between Northlandsadministration and the Confederacy of Treaty 6 FirstNations. K-Days 2016 takes place at Northlands from July22 through July 31.

Making the announcement on May 31, NorthlandsPresident and CEO, Tim Reid said: “I am honoured towelcome all First Nations with the first K-DaysTraditional Powwow. I would like to thank Grand ChiefTony Alexis and the Elders of Treaty Six on behalf ofNorthlands, for providing us with assistance and advisingon proper protocols so that we could embrace Indigenousculture at K-Days this year.”

Northlands has a long and sustaining relationship withIndigenous cultures and Reid notes that as the annual fairgrounds are “situated on traditional territory of Treaty Six,it is important to ensure the story of the First Nationspeoples are shared with all.”

“The addition of a traditional powwow to the K-Daysevents and activities will help highlight our rich andunique heritage,” stated Grand Chief Alexis. “I hope thiscelebration will be the first of many to providereconciliation opportunities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Edmonton is home to Canada’s secondlargest urban Aboriginal population and events of thiscalibre honour our people.”

The 10-day Traditional Powwow will include dancersfrom Treaty 6 First Nation communities and from FirstNation communities across the country. Development ofthe initiative is currently underway as Northlands and theConfederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations continue to worktogether to finalize the program and event details.

Mr. Reid noted that the idea to introduce the powwowwasn’t new.

“Treaty 6 Grand Chiefand Chief of the AlexisNakota Sioux Nation, TonyAlexis and I have been talkingabout bringing the powwow to K-Days for a while now - this will be thefirst in K-Days history.”

The annual K-Days exhibition thattakes place in Alberta’s capital duringthe last two weeks of July has a longand rewarding history that dates backto the latter part of the 19th Century.The annual exposition was named theEdmonton Exhibition at its founding in1879 and was renamed Klondike Days in1964. The 10-day exhibition, which takesplace at Northlands this year from July 22-31,attracts between 700 and 800 thousand people each yearand is considered one of the most popular annualattractions in Canada.

Will the Traditional Powwow be included permanentlyin future K-Days?

“Treaty 6 and 8 will always have a role in our K-Days festivities,” answered Reid. “We look forward toa continued collaborative relationship with the Eldersand leaders in the Indigenous community to showcase theculture and tradition of the Treaty 6 and 8 Nations’people.”

Will K-Days have something similar to the CalgaryStampede, perhaps an Indian Village?

“The Traditional Powwow at this year’s K-Days isunique in that those activities will be located in the heart ofthe activity. We applaud the work the Calgary Stampedehas accomplished since 1912 and the work they do withthe Treaty 7 Nations.”

The inclusion of a traditional powwow at K-Days willbe a huge honour to the First Nation communities

throughout the region ofTreaties 6 and 8; what are your

thoughts on this?“Relationships are personal

and to host a traditionalpowwow at Northlands’

premier event is meaningful tous,” assured Reid. “It is our strong

belief that this is a celebration for allpeoples and it has been our honour to work closely withleaders in the Indigenous community. It is our belief thatvisitors to K-Days will embrace the event and gain adeeper appreciation of the culture and the significance ourIndigenous friends. K-Days allows us the opportunity toshare with today’s young people the privilege and honourof witnessing a cultural experience the generation beforeus didn’t have the chance to do. This is a great opportunityto bring everyone together and make it a celebration for allpeoples.”

K-Days to host its first-evertraditional powwow

by John Copley

http://www.k-days.com


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As the vicious wildfires of May scorched areas of thecity of Ft. McMurray and surrounding territories until theyconsumed a whopping 580,000 plus square hectares, folksfrom all over the world rallied to support the communityin whatever way possible. Some of that was financial,some as firefighters, others with in-kind resources, and soon. The response, to say the least, was absolutelyincredible!

By early June the major threat had diminishedsubstantially and firefighters had, indeed, prevented thedestruction of many more homes than those lost, as wellas easing the displacement of even more folks on whatcould have constituted thousands of more homelessresidents.

With a shift in winds and substantial increases inequipment and manpower, the threat was curbedsufficiently by the end of May to permit residents to returnto McMurray to assess the destruction for themselves on apersonal level. Yes, many a broken heart lay on theground, some with symptoms of PTSD from the traumathey experienced. Needless to say, there were those whothrew their hands up in futility and quit right there andthen. It was devastating beyond words...

Over 2,400 homes were lost and 80,000 peopleevacuated - the most ever in the history of the province.And, although thousands recently tripped back to theircommunity, many of them simply wound up returning tourban centres further south for adequate shelter andaccommodation. Besides, a good many homes, tainted bythe thick layers of smoke and ashes (toxic), and others notso affected but still burdened by the stench of rotting foodsleft in their wake when they escaped the perilous flames,also returned to more southerly points to sit out theunbecoming situation.

There was a tremendous amount of psychologicaldamage, despair and despondency setting in with manyseeing the bigger picture as helpless. Still, the die-hardswere not willing to give in. There were hundreds offighters who perceived the challenge as something theycould ultimately conquer and turn around for the good.

For some of those in the Edmonton region thatopportunity presented itself at a round dance organized tohonour McMurray evacuees. Entitled, 'Working together -Healing together,' the round dance brought people together

with positive minds and behaviours. Edmonton's Ramadaon Kingsway (Avenue) proved an impetus so manyneeded to get back in gear, to feel good despite all else.

Among those who kept things moving along on apositive note was Shonan Awasis, whose sense of humourand jokes managed to keep the crowd in veritable stitches,and smiling and laughing all through the evening.

The dance was sponsored by one of this country's morecapable support systems, the Canadian Red Cross Societywhich had a representative present who thanked Treaty 8Grand Chief, Steve Courtoreille, for being in attendanceand showered him with a few gifts including a Red Crossblanket, emergency kit, etc.

Courtoreille mentioned that he had a talk with thefederal government "not to leave my people behind." Hefurther explained that re-entry to a burned-out area is"always a problem" for people. On that note, he requestedthat those affected, "just bear with us."

Some kind words also emanated from Marilyn Buffalo,a former six-year resident of McMurray and adistinguished past political leader and representative ofCanada's Aboriginal women. She mentioned that around1970 the Elders were cautioning their people to be waryof signs of climate change, etc. "They're here," she statedmatter-of-factly, adding that she was also quite active withthe Native Friendship Centre which was "just a smallhouse back then."

"I enjoy Treaty 8 (area) so much,” she added. Yourpeople are powerful, you come from the land."Additionally, she shamed big business that created theBennett Dam because it altered the flow of water in lakesand rivers, leaving vast areas of dried-up lands that wereso vital to the trapping and fishing livelihoods of thenorthern residents.

Also present in the crowd among the round danceaudience were three young men who were doing a walkon foot that started out from Sioux Lookout, Ontario onMay 9 and would be leaving for McMurray fromEdmonton on June 13. That's a total of more than 2,000kilometres!

The two initial walkers, Stanley Barkman and his firstcousin, David Barkman, were accompanied by anotherfriend from Ontario, Nathan Walmsley, who had joined upwith the Barkmans in Regina. Also accompanying the

young men was Stanley’s father. Robert Barkman. He saidthat the cousins "wore out ten pairs of runners (each) sofar." The young men, he added, took on the challenge insupport of the fire victims and to "create awareness and dosome fundraising."

They have set up a "Go-funding" account for the walk.and North Star Air in Thunder Bay is a main sponsor thatalso serves as a coordinator for the walkers. Businessesand municipalities help out with accommodations andother things, he added. He additionally spokeenthusiastically of people along the route who showed alot of support.

When Stanley thanked the crowd for supporting theirwalk, Chief Courtoreille jumped in and fired back, "We'rethe ones who want to say, 'Thank YOU!'

"Thank you, too, on behalf of Treaty Six Grand Chief,Tony Alexis."

As per usual the round dance culminated with a give-away, thanking all in attendance for their support andparticipation.

Evacuee Round Dance honoursMcMurray residents and fire victims

by Terry Lusty

Grand Chief Steve Courtoreille receives a Red Crossemergency kit.

Stanley and David Barkman are raising funds for FortMcMurray fire relief.

http://www.town.bonnyville.ab.ca


Edmonton, Alberta – Alberta Friendship Centres areconcerned about the significantly delayed release of theirfunding from the federal government’s Department ofIndigenous and Northern Affairs. On June 2, 2016 TheAlberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA)issued this important statement:

“Since 1962, when the first Friendship Centre opened inEdmonton, Friendship Centres have provided Indigenouspeople in Alberta’s urban cities and towns a place of socialservice, cultural support, connection and community. Withover 50 years of service, Friendship Centres are aninvaluable resource within 20 cities and towns acrossAlberta. Friendship Centres deliver a wide variety ofessential programs and supports to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members in the areas of family,education, employment, health, youth, Elders,homelessness, justice, recreation, economicdevelopment, culture and healing.

“Our Centres provide traditional parenting to rebuildand strengthen Indigenous families, alternative educationsystems allowing Indigenous youth to reach theireducation potential, preschool programs to nurture ouryoung children in our traditional ways, health programsinclusive of traditional healing practices, housing servicesstriving to find safe places for our most vulnerable peopleand much more in our collective goal to improve thequality of living for all urban Indigenous people residingin Alberta .

“This press release is being issued to address thesignificant delay in the release of necessary programfunding through the Community Capacity Supports(CCS) Program and Urban Partnerships (UP) Program

from the Ministry of Indigenous and Northern AffairsCanada’s (INAC) Urban Aboriginal Strategy. Since April1, 2016, our 20 Friendship Centres have been operatingwithout core-like funding through the CCS program; thesefunds are crucial to our Centres paying our most essentialstaff positions, utilities and essential building operationalexpenses.

“Friendship Centres are becoming increasingly anxiousthat we do not yet have an agreement for CCS funding;most of our Centres are now faced with the difficultdecision to layoff essential staff, reduce services tocommunity and potentially to close their doors untilfunding is restored.”

Merle White, President of the ANFCA affirms that“Alberta’s Friendship Centres remain optimistic that ourlongstanding relationship with Canada’s government overmore than 40 years that has allowed us to meet the social,educational, economic and cultural needs of urbanIndigenous people in Alberta will prevail in an expedientfunding agreement renewal.”

The ANFCA remains hopeful that their 20 FriendshipCentres and the many other organizations that providevaluable services and project-based supports will soonreceive the core-like CCS Program funding and project-based UP Program funding they each utilize in ensuringurban Indigenous people’s needs continue to be met.

Having demonstrated a long history of proficientaccountability, organization and transparency in programadministration, and as part of the national FriendshipCentre Movement, the ANFCA remains supportive of therole that Friendship Centres have in administering vitalprograms funded through Canada’s government.

Where's the INAC funding?

(Ottawa, ON) – First Nations must be full partners in thereview, decision-making and regulation of pipelines,Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief PerryBellegarde and Alberta Regional Chief Craig Mackinawtold the Senate Committee on Transport, calling for anoverhaul of the National Energy Board process and thePipeline Safety Act.

“Canada needs a national energy strategy that involvesIndigenous peoples at every step,” said National ChiefBellegarde. “We must make sure Indigenous peoples areinvolved in the design and delivery of any law or policy tofind balance in federal regulation of energy resources.”

Alberta Assembly of First Nations Regional ChiefMackinaw said, “Under the current system, First Nationsare treated as bystanders, which is not in keeping with ourinherent jurisdiction over these lands and our right to self-determination. First Nations must be full partners in theapproval and regulation of pipelines, and you need us tohelp re-design the current broken system.”

Regional Chief Mackinaw stated that First Nations areneither always for, nor always against, development but

want development to be responsible, sustainable and fullyrespectful of First Nations rights. “We have perspectiveson all sides of the debate, just as there is nationally andglobally, about where the balance lies betweenenvironmental protection and economic development.What Canada needs is a regulatory approvals process thatensures meaningful dialogue between First Nations,project proponents and the Crown.”

Under the current review process, the Regional Chiefnoted that First Nations are forced to undertake lengthyand costly court battles to ensure respect for First Nationsrights: “Consent is already a firmly established concept inCanadian law. The UN Declaration on the Rights ofIndigenous Peoples adds that consent must be ‘free’,‘prior’ and ‘informed’. This shouldn’t be revolutionary.Of course, consent isn’t valid if it’s obtained by coercion.What is needed is a regulatory approvals process whichensures that First Nations can make informed decisionsabout development, and that the information provided byproject proponents and by the Crown is relevant to therights, interests and aspirations of First Nations.”

First Nations must be full partnersin a new pipeline review process

“No Government Grants”

Volume 33, Number 06 June 2016

ISSN #08294135

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befell them. It’s a remarkable initiative that everyone canlearn something from; I know I did.”

The Blanket Exercise was offered in Social Studies andCanadian Studies classes in area schools, including apresentation at the UofA.

Rio is the first Indigenous student enrolled at OscarRomero to receive the ECSD Award of Excellence. Eachyear every Edmonton Catholic high school submits thenames of two deserving senior high school students andone junior high student as candidates for theSuperintendent’s Award.

“I am both pleased and honoured to have been selectedas a recipient of this significant award,” he reiterated. “Itwill add even more incentive for me to continue to workhard as I continue my journey.”

Rio was recently a participant in a Minister of Educationpropelled initiative that encouraged students to worktogether to come up with an action plan for fulfilling therecommendations of the Truth and ReconciliationCommission's Final Report. Rio along with other OscarRomero students and students from more than a halfdozen area high schools, participated in the initiative. He

credits Dwight Paul, a member of the Paul (Band) FirstNation for giving him added insight and knowledge.

“He comes to the school each Tuesday and doessmudges with the young men; he tells stories and sharesknowledge and gives encouragement; I’ll miss thosevisits.”

What recommendations would Rio Houle (and hispeers) like to see be put forward for consideration?

“An Indigenous History core in 10-20-30 (Grades 10-12) in all high schools; availability of Indigenous languagecourses/programs; Elders and role models as regularguests and speakers; Aboriginal History as a core subject -even an online course would work; a spiritual space, nottoo intrusive and if there is room, a place to smudge.”

“Rio has always been driven,” noted his father Floydproudly during an interview after his son was named arecipient of the prestigious superintendent’s award. “He’sworked hard and any success he has in life he will havecome by honestly. He’s goal-driven and doesn’t quit untilhe achieves it. He’s an accomplished musician; he’s veryaware of social issues and succeeds because of the instilledvalues passed on to him. He’s 17 years old and alreadyknows what his life’s work will be; he’s his own man that’sfor sure - and a really good one at that.”

Rio’s mother, Heather, agrees.

“He’s always been an achiever; he doesn’t know themeaning of the word ‘quit’ and when he sets a goal forhimself he works at it until he succeeds,” she beamed.“When he was just four years old he wanted us to buy hima Game Boy, but we said that couldn’t happen until he wasable to read. He took that to heart and before his nextbirthday he could read almost anything; he got his GameBoy. And that was just the beginning. Over the years thatfollowed Rio kept his nose to the grindstone, often givingup an evening out with friends so he could complete hisstudies, both scholastically and musically. And it’s paid offin hearts; in two weeks Rio Houle will graduate withhonours and will soon be enrolled in university where hewill work to achieve his goal of becoming a composer.”

Heather continued, “When he applied to the university’smusic program, he had to audition; he had just six weeksto learn how to play the classical guitar. He practiced longhours and after the audition was over, he was accepted intothe program. Rio knows how to achieve his goals; we areso very proud of him. He will succeed no matter the careerpath he chooses to follow.”

Rio Houle cont. from p 2


(Tsuu’Tina Nation, Treaty 7 Territory) - The Assemblyof Treaty Chiefs of Alberta had a rare opportunity ofdialogue on May 25, 2016 with the Federal Minister ofIndigenous and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett andProvincial Minister of Indigenous Relations, RichardFeehan to discuss pressing issues affecting Treaty people.This was the first meeting of its kind that a federal ministerhas attended in 15 years.

“It was an historic day today to sit with the federal andprovincial governments. We emphasized the importanceof Treaty and highlighted the need to build our educationsystems to reflect our ceremonies and laws in the way ourancestors envisioned for our future,” said Treaty No. 6Grand Chief Tony Alexis.

The Chiefs discussed education, health, child welfare,treaty based funding, climate change, lands and resources,laws and legislation impacting Treaty peoples andimplementing both the Truth and ReconciliationCommission’s calls to action and the United NationsDeclaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“We are pleased to hear Minister Bennett will repeal BillC-27 First Nations Financial Transparency Act, since ourNation has been in litigation against the legislation,” saidOkimaw Wallace Fox of Onion Lake Cree Nation.

The Chiefs were unanimous in their support of a

resolution directing Minister Bennett to repeal Bill C-27and also requested a review of all legislation passed bythe previous Conservative Government.The direction by the Chiefs to theMinisters centred on less talk and more action.

“Although I am optimistic to hear Minister Bennettconfirm Bill C-27 will be reviewed, I am cautious thatthere was no indication of how First Nations will beconsulted going forward,” said Chief Roland Twinn ofSawridge First Nation. “Our Nation is not againsttransparency of financial matters with federal funds,however our own source funds should not be subject to thesame reporting requirements and should respect Section35 of the Canadian Constitution Act 1982.”

The Chiefs also raised the issue of revenue sharing.Minister Bennett committed to return with a responsefrom the federal government on what can be provided.

During his presentation, Provincial Minister Feehancommitted to withdrawing Bill 22 (Consultation LevyAct) and begin engagement with First Nations to developa new consultation bill.

The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs of Alberta meetregularly in Treaty 6, 7 and 8.

Alberta Chiefs support resolution to repeal Bill C-27

http://www.workforfath.ca

Approximately one year ago a small group ofAboriginal people in Edmonton came together expressingtheir concerns about the lack of access and loss ofAboriginal history and culture. Much of this was attributedto the changing times and the fact that the interests ofmany have shifted away from such matters.

The group soon came to be known as the AmiskwaciyHistory Series Committee. Committee member, MarleneOrr, explains that the grassroots initiative is, "aimed atcreating awareness regarding the often-untold history ofthe Edmonton area."

The origin of the term Amiskwaciy stems from

"Amiskwaciy Waskahikan," the Cree words for "BeaverHills House" - the traditional name for the territory knownas Edmonton.

The group’s members meet once a month and offer acost-free speaker/presenter session that is open to thepublic - usually at the city's downtown Stanley MilnerLibrary Theatre. The guest speakers graciously share theirknowledge and information in the way of traditionalstorytelling.

Subject material, to date, has included such popularthemes as: Treaty Six history, traditional roles of women,the transmission of history via storytelling, Metis history,

Cree language, origin anddevelopment of NativeFriendship Centres,trauma, and more.

Each of the presentationshas been filmed byfilmmaker Coty Savard.Over time, the films will bemade available to thepublic through theAmiskwaciy HistorySeries committee.

The committee is alsoembarking on a new and

exciting mission to commemorate National AboriginalWeek which is celebrated annually in June. Thecommittee's latest endeavour is a four-day film festival(June 18 - 21) that will screen Aboriginal-content films,many produced by Aboriginal filmmakers, that helpeducate the public at large about Native history andculture.

On the first day of the festival, June 18, the committeeis offering two animated short films from the Wapos Baytelevision series; they will be screened at the StanleyMilner Library between 12 noon and 4 p.m.

Then, on June 19th, three select films will include:Other Side of the Ledger, Ballad of Crowfoot, and Theseare my People. These, too, will be shown at the MilnerLibrary, and they will be screened between 2 and 4 p.m.

The June 20th films will include the late Gil Cardinal'saward-winning film, Foster Child, in addition to Powwowat Duck Lake, and Because They Were Different. Thesewill be screened from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Milner.

The final day, June 21st, will feature Hands of Historyat the downtown Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA), alsobetween 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Each of the four-day presentations will be moderated bylocal Aboriginal community members.

The committee acknowledges and is thankful for the co-operating participation of the City of Edmonton,Edmonton Public Library, the Heritage Council,Dreamspeakers Film Festival Society, the AGA, Niginan,and First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education.

The public is encouraged to attend these free showings.Visit the Amiskwaciy History Series on Facebook toobtain more information on speakers and topics.

Amiskwaciy Film Fest: June 18-21By Terry Lusty


VANCOUVER— An inconsistent patchwork of federaland provincial duty to consult policies and guidelinescurrently exist across the country, finds a new studyreleased today by the Fraser Institute, an independent,non-partisan Canadian policy think-tank.

The study, “The Duty to Consult with AboriginalPeoples,” spotlights the origins and principles thatobligates governments to consult Aboriginal peoples priorto making decisions that could affect Aboriginal or treatyrights - an obligation that is triggered over 100,000 timesa year across the country.

In an effort to address the Crown’s obligation, provinceshave produced policies and guidelines to govern theconsultation processes. These frameworks, however, varysignificantly between jurisdictions.

"The duty to consult has been implemented byprovincial governments in different ways across thecountry. This has resulted in a patchwork of policies thatcan be difficult to navigate for Aboriginal people and forproject proponents who are trying to advancedevelopment projects that cross multiple provincialboundaries,” said Ravina Bains, associate director ofaboriginal policy studies at the Fraser Institute.

There are some principles that all jurisdictions share,such as the Crown taking responsibility for the duty toconsult. There are other principles that differ dramatically.

The study lauds Alberta and Saskatchewan as the onlyprovinces that have specific timelines to ensure the duty toconsult is implemented in a timely way. There are,however, provinces that lack clear and systematic duty to

consult guidelines. For example, BritishColumbia, Ontario, Quebec andManitoba still have “draft” guidelines:Ontario’s draft guidelines are now adecade old.

“It’s concerning that these fourprovinces - which collectively have themajority of Aboriginal communitiesengaging in consultation processes inCanada - still have draft guidelines. Thishas the potential of creating uncertaintyfor both Aboriginal communities andproject proponents,” Bains said.

Why should Canadians be concernedabout duty to consult policies?

The study notes that the duty to consultis triggered if there is a chance of anadverse impact on an Aboriginalcommunity’s rights and traditionalterritory. And, given all traditionalterritory and land claims, it’s possible thatevery major development project in everypart of the country could requireconsultation with Aboriginalcommunities.

“With the large number of developmentprojects potentially affecting traditionalterritory, it is important that we have inplace sound policies that can help guide governmentofficials, Aboriginal people and project proponents

through the consultation process to ensure that theCrown’s duty to consult is being fulfilled,” Bains said.

Clear consultation policiesneeded across the country

http://www.eetf.com

The Alberta Teacher’s Association and its variouspartners kicked off a Week of Reconciliation with an earlymorning Pipe Ceremony and a breakfast at the EdmontonMarriott Hotel on the River Cree Resort early in themorning of Monday May 30. The activity was designed to“ground everyone in a good way with a collective spirit ofworking together.”

That was the first of many initiatives developed by theCity of Edmonton, Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton(RISE), Edmonton Public School Board, EdmontonCatholic School Board and the Edmonton Public Libraryto celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Truth &Reconciliation Commission’s final report with a week ofreconciliation events throughout the city.

“The events, projects and safe places being created inthe name of reconciliation in city schools is shaping ourfuture leaders for change,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “Theunderstanding and respect for our shared history is criticalin continuing to build positive relationships withIndigenous Peoples and communities.”

On June 2, 2015 the Truth and ReconciliationCommission (TRC) reached the end of a six-year journeythat saw several Commissioners, including those whobrought the task to fruition, Honourable Chief JusticeMurray Sinclair, Chief Willie Littlechild and Dr. MarieWilson, listen to and record the statements of more than6,750 victims and survivors of Indian Residential Schoolabuse. The TRC’s Final Report is more than two millionwords long; the six volumes of work are being translatedinto six Indigenous languages. Health, education,languages, justice, public inquiries, monitoring andfunding are among the top on the list of recommendations.

Among the calls to action recommended in the TRC’sFinal Report was the need to incorporate the legacy ofIndian Residential Schools into the school curriculum, anecessity if Canadians are to be educated on the traumaand impacts experienced by Indigenous peoples.

“In partnership with the City of Edmonton and sisterboard Edmonton Public, we are proud to continue the

momentum of “WalkingTogether” in this veryspecial week ofReconciliation inEducation,” saidSuperintendent Joan Carrof the Edmonton CatholicSchool Board. “As ourpartnership developed in2014 when the finalNational Truth andReconciliation Conferencewas held in Edmonton, wemade a commitment tocontinue to support oneanother to build a strongercommunity for all of ourstudents and their families.Edmonton CatholicSchool District ishonoured to come togethertoday as a community tocommemorate the past,and to celebrate our future– a future of reconciliationin education.”

The Final Reportpinpointed 94 calls toaction in addressing thelegacy of the schools thatdid much to decimateCanada’s Indigenoussocieties. Therecommendations, notedCommission Chair JusticeMurray Sinclair, are just the tip of the iceberg when itcomes to reconciliation. Canadians, he said, need to actand they need to make certain that government heeds therecommendations set forth by the Commission.

“Starting now,” emphasized Sinclair, “we all have anopportunity to show leadership, courage and conviction inhelping heal the wounds of the past as we make a path


Edmonton celebrates aweek of reconciliation

by John Copley


(Top) Elder Wilson Bearhead explained the significance of the reconciliationactivities. (Bottom) Award winning Junior High students displayed their artwork.

Photos by Terry Lusty

http://www.rmwb.ca

Cindy Blackstock pulled on her big winter boots andtrudged through the snowy streets of Ottawa to buy abouquet of brightly coloured flowers. She was going to thecemetery to visit the gravesite of her personal hero, PeterHenderson Bryce.

Under her arm, she clutched an embargoed copy ofa Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision for which sheand others had fought for more than a decade. In the frigidcold, she hunkered down by Bryce’s gravesite and readfrom the 182-page decision, each word lingering in the air.

The ruling was made public 48 hours later, on Jan. 26,2016. In a legally binding decision, the tribunal ruled thatthe federal government was discriminating against163,000 First Nations children on reserves by spending farless on social services than is spent off reserve —effectively denying services and creating “various adverseimpacts for many First Nations children and familiesliving on reserves.”

The tribunal also compared the current situation for FirstNations children to the impact of the residential schoolsystem.

If you haven’t heard of Bryce, you’re not alone. Likemany other Indigenous rights pioneers, his name won’tcome up in your average social studies class.

Bryce was hired as a physician by the Department ofIndian Affairs at the beginning of the 20th century toreport on health conditions of First Nations children inresidential schools. In a report written in 1907, he raisedthe alarm that at least one in four children were dying fromcommunicable diseases, primarily tuberculosis. Hisrecommendations to redress these conditions were largelyignored by the federal government and his report receivedlittle public attention, but Bryce later published hisfindings in a 1922 book titled, The Story of a NationalCrime.

In 2007, a century after Bryce’s report, Blackstock andher colleagues at the First Nations Child and FamilyCaring Society and the Assembly of First Nations filed thehuman rights complaint against the federal government’s

treatment of children and families on reserves.“No path toward justice — particularly with something

like this, where racism has been so embedded in ournation for so long — has ever been trodden by just oneperson,” says Blackstock, an associate professor atUAlberta.

“It’s always been one person’s efforts building uponanother, in community with many others. If you’re lucky,you end up in a moment that’s a turning point.”

In the human rights complaint and since then,Blackstock and her allies present some stark numbers.Thefederal government, responsible for providing socialservices on reserves, spends 20 to 30 per cent less on FirstNations children compared to what provincialgovernments provide to children off reserve. the 2007human rights complaint stated.

First Nations children are 12 times more likely thanother children to end up in foster care due to lack of familysupport services and prevention programs.

There were three times the number of First Nationschildren in child welfare care in 2008 than during theworst period of residential schools, Blackstock says.

Between 1989 and 2012, First Nations children spent 66million nights, or 187 thousand years, of their childhoodaway from their families. “Because children don’t think inpercentages or statistics,” Blackstock says. “They thinkabout the number of sleeps until they see their mom ortheir dad.”

Despite a decade of effort and several attempts by thefederal government to have the case dismissed on legaltechnicalities, Blackstock’s resolve to see the case throughnever wavered.

“I just realized that it’s my job as an adult to stand up forkids,” she says. “And giving up wasn’t an option.”

The decision by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunalcalls on the government to cease its discriminatorypractices and redesign the child welfare program;implement the full scope of Jordan’s Principle to resolvedisputes between the provincial and federal governments

about who pays forgovernment services

provided to First Nations children. (Jordan’s Principle waspassed unanimously by the House of Commons in 2007but had never been fully implemented). The tribunal alsocalled on government to work with First Nations expertsand increase funding to enable First Nations to managetheir own child welfare, in order to provide culturallyappropriate services.

Jordan’s Principle stipulates that a First Nations childmust receive necessary medical attention without delay,with the question of which government body paysresolved later. It was named in memory of Jordan RiverAnderson, a First Nations child born in 1999 with a rareneuromuscular disorder that required him to behospitalized from birth. As the Manitoba and federalgovernments negotiated for two years over which wasfinancially responsible for home care costs, Jordan passedaway in hospital at the age of five - never having lived inhis family home.

Blackstock says she won’t celebrate her victory until shesees concrete action.

So far, she isn’t impressed. Neither is the tribunal: onApril 26, it issued an updated order asking for a clearaction plan and giving the federal Department ofIndigenous and Northern Affairs two weeks to implement



Cindy Blackstock Photo by Richard Siemens

A long road to justice for FirstNations children

by Stephanie Bailey, University of Alberta


http://www.nlc.bc.ca

towards a more just, more fair and more loving country.” “At Edmonton Public Schools, we’re committed to

creating school communities that allow healing andreconciliation to happen, where positive relationships canflourish and all students and staff, regardless of theirbackground, feel safe and confident,” said EdmontonPublic Schools Superintendent Darrel Robertson. “TheDistrict’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit unit providessupports to educators so we can foster meaningfulclassroom conversations about residential schools andreconciliation.”

Another event that took place in the city during theWeek of Reconciliation (May 30 - June 6) included adisplay in the main lobby of the Stantec Centre that told astory of reconciliation via a combination of artistry andcity history.

On May 31 the Boyle Street Plaza hosted an interactiveaudio installation about what it means to be Indigenous inEdmonton, a presentation that shared stories ofneighbours, friends and colleagues in reconciliation.

On June 1 the front foyer of the Stanley A. MilnerEdmonton Public Library saw Junior High students fromvarious Edmonton Public Schools take part in the FirstNations, Métis, and Inuit Junior High Art workshop withArtist in Residence, Holly Rae Yuzicapi. Students utilizedacrylic paint and mixed media, including traditional arts tocreate artwork incorporating the Truth and ReconciliationCommission: Calls to Action and the United NationsDeclaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Theexhibit will be on display until June 22.

On Thursday, June 2 a Mass Blanket Exercise tookplace in the City Room at Edmonton City Hall. Since therelease of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission'sCalls to Action in 2015, RISE has been working with anetwork of organizations across the country to host a massBlanket Exercise. This was an interactive learningopportunity to share Canada’s history from an Indigenousperspective.

On June 2, the Nina Haggerty Centre for Arts featuredthe work of 21 junior high school students from theMontana First Nation’s Meskanahk Ka Nipa Wit School.Photographs taken by the students were used to create thebook, HONOUR and will also be featured in a

photography exhibition at the Nina Haggerty Gallery,Edmonton, AB.

Through the eyes of students at Meskanahk Ka NipaWit School Youth, visitors were better able to understandthe impact of systemic and individual discrimination. Thestudents, who said “We made this book to see and beseen,” confronted and challenged the narrow and oftenmisguided understanding that surrounds who they are asFirst Nations Youth.

On Friday, June 3, Edmonton Public Schools &Aboriginal Learning Services joined with members of theEdmonton Public and Catholic School Board Communityand witnessed acts of reconciliation within each schooldistrict. A short program was hosted by Edmonton PublicSchools before participants walked to Aboriginal LearningServices, Sacred Heart Centre, to witness a program byEdmonton Catholic Schools.

The Centre for Education, Edmonton Public Schoolshosted an event on June 3 to celebrate the anniversary ofthe Truth and Reconciliation Commission closingceremony at Rideau Hall. The one hour event includedprayer, songs, heart garden planting, gestures ofcommitment to the Reconciliation Commitment Box,unveiling of the Statement of Apology to IndianResidential School Survivors, opening of the 100 Years ofLoss Exhibit, and more.

Other events that took place on June 3 included one atthe City Room in Edmonton City Hall and another at TheStanley Milner Edmonton Public Library Theatre - LowerLevel. The first of these celebrated the ongoing effortswithin the Edmonton Public and Edmonton CatholicSchool Boards to incorporate reconciliation and educationon Edmonton’s Indigenous history. Four Edmontonschools have reconciliation school projects on display atCity Hall. The second, at the Stanley Milner, included partof their “Exploring Reconciliation” series by providing afilm screening of “Elder in the Making,” a film the givesEdmontonians an opportunity to gain a betterunderstanding of ‘reconciliation’ and what it really means.

The City of Edmonton and its partnering organizationsand institutions are not alone when it comes to supportingthe reconciliation movement; in fact, hundreds ofthousands of Canadians who understand and support theTRC’s calls for action are on board and working hard toensure that systemic discrimination against IndigenousCanadians ends and never repeats. Edmonton CityCouncil is stepping up to the plate and making a positivedifference in what has been a long and difficult road;indifference and marginalization are beginning to fade aseternal hope and a gradual movement to awarenessprevail.

Reconciliation cont. from p 11


Project of the Heart was on display at the Stantec Office and Reconciliation Artwork was described by MelissaPurcell at the Stanley Milner Edmonton Public Library. Photos by Terry Lusty

http://www.joineps.ca


June 21, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day (NAD). Initiatedin 1996 by then-Governor General Romeo LeBlanc, Aboriginal Day falls on the summersolstice, the longest day of the year and a time when Aboriginal peoples traditionallygathered to share, trade, celebrate and reunite with loved ones. When the day was firstintroduced, the message was clear that all Canadians were encouraged to participate inthe many festivities, and celebrate the values, traditions and cultures of Canada’s FirstNation, Métis and Inuit peoples and their very important contributions to the nation. Thatmessage remains clear today.

This year the celebrations get underway as early as June 15 with a 7 p.m. NAD BookDiscussion at the Edmonton Public Library at Whitemud Crossing and a MoosehideCeremony at the ArtBox in Calgary the next day. June 17 will see lively NAD eventsbeing held at Edmonton's City Centre Mall and at the Heritage Park Pavilion in StonyPlain. Live entertainment is scheduled for these events.

St. Albert’s NAD celebrations get underway early this year; join the fun on June 19 andenjoy the outstanding First Nation and Metis music offered up by a host of local andregional performers as well other acts and venues that will strut-their-stuff at Lion’s Parkduring a jam-packed day of activity, that includes face painting and other delights forchildren of all ages. Enjoy free bannock baking on a stick in front of a tipi and if you areover 18, participate in the 50/50 draws. The celebration begins with a traditional grandentry to showcase a full afternoon of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis entertainment andcrafts.

The Art Gallery of Alberta is offering free admission on NAD to anyone who wishesto enjoy the awesome exhibits now on display in the AGA showrooms, located at #2Winston Churchill Square. These include: 7: Professional Native Indian Artists Inc.;Richelle and Brittney Bear Hat: Little Cree Women (Sisters, Secrets & Stories); A ParallelExcavation: Duane Linklater and Tanya Lukin Linklater; The Unvarnished Truth:Exploring the Material (History of Paintings) and Allora & Caldzadilla: Echo to Artifact.

The Creating Hope Society (CHS), along with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre(CNFC), Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School District,Homeward Trust, and Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office will present Oti Nekan(Our Future) during a special NAD event that will take place at Borden Park Grand Standon June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an evening event scheduled between 6 and 9 p.m.An 11 a.m. Pipe Ceremony will get the ball rolling and will be followed by a noon hourfilled with Powwow demonstrations. Dene Tha Drummers will participate in a TeaDance and traditional games beginning just before 2 p.m. and the popular group, YoungMedicine will perform at 3:15. Join the Grand Entry at 4 o’clock and enjoy the beats ofHost Drum, Blackstone Singers. Emcee Ron Moon Walker will introduce a host ofperformers including Daniel Gervais with Corbin Poitras, the Stephanie HarpeExperience, Marilyn Larouche, James Jones, and others.

CHS will also host “Smudging of the Streets: For Unity and the Future of all Childrenand Youth,” a walk that will begin at the Edmonton Intercultural Centre (9538-107 St.)at 9:30 a.m. on June 21. CHS encourages women to wear long skirts and everyone to“bring your smudge, hand-drums and a bottle of water.”

The High Prairie, Cold lake and Lloydminster Native Friendship Centres will all hostNAD events on June 21 at their respective locations; everyone is invited to attend.

The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society will host an NAD event from 8:30 a.m.to noon on June 21 at the Parkdale School in Edmonton (11648 - 85 Street). This a freeevent and a pancake breakfast is included. Bring your own lawn chairs and enjoyactivities for children, tipi, bouncy castle, traditional games, crafts, face painting andmore. Powwow dancers will participate and a round dance will get underway at 11a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Some wonderful activities are happening in and around Calgary as well. OpeningCeremonies will be held at Olympic Plaza (228 8 Ave SE Calgary) on June 20, from11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is to kick off the week of festivities and celebrations aboutCalgary for Aboriginal Awareness week. This event will feature entertainment by Drezus,have local artisans, free food (until gone) and the reading of the Proclamation by theMayor of the City of Calgary.

Several activities will be held over the next few days at Globe Cinema, St. Patrick’sIsland and Centre Memorial High School. For information visit aawc.ca.

Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary (AAWC) in partnership with Calgary Stampede,is holding a Family Day Festival and Powwow on June 25 at the Enmax Park, CalgaryStampede Grounds. Activities will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will featurefree entertainment with performances from Indian City, DREZUS, the Sila Singers andAsham Stompers with Sagkeeng’s Finest.

During the next two or three weeks Canadians will find many places to visit and many

Celebrate NationalAboriginal Day

by John Copley

Richard FeehanMinister of Indigenous Relations

On behalf of the Alberta government, may you have a wonderful National Aboriginal Day.

www.indigenous.alberta.ca


http://www.indigenous.alberta.ca

Powwows and GatheringsJoin the

Powwow TrailIt’s Powwow Season again!At Alberta Native News we have put together a

schedule of some of the upcoming powwow events andother happenings.

Our list will be updated as the season progresses andwe hope it gives you an idea of what to expect in theweeks to come. Good luck to all the summer festivalparticipants.

Have a great time!

June 17-19 • Sakimay First Nation PowWow, Sakimay First

Nation SK, 306 697 7324

June 17 - 21• National Aboriginal Day activities will take place in

Edmonton all week. A very special Oti Nekan (OurFuture) will be held at Borden Park Grand Stand on June21 with powwow demonstrations and entertainment,visit edmonton.ca

June 17 - 25 • National Aboriginal Day activities in centres across

Canada, visit www.nad.ca

June 19 • St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Festival, Lions

Park Sir Winston Churchill Avenue & Tache Street. St.Albert AB, [email protected]

June 20 – 23• 3rd Annual Dakota Dunes Golf Tournament, Dakota

Dunes Golf Links

June 20 - 25 • Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Week, Keeping the

Circle Strong: Celebrating Our Children, Youth andYoung Adults, A variety of activities will be taking placethroughout the city, visit aawc.ca

June 21• Treaty Days, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation,

Mikisew Cree First Nation & Metis Local 125, FortChipewyan AB, 1-800-668-1634

June 22•13th Annual TSAG Golf Tournament, Cougar Creek

Resort, 780-488-8601

June 24 - 26 • Driftpile First Nation Pow Wow. Driftpile AB 780-

355-3868 (see ad p. 18)• Iyinowak Annual Pow Wow, Saddle Lake AB, 780-

726-7609• Working Together Powwow, Neskonlith Community

Arbour, 7 km West of Chase BC

June 25 • APTN Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration, The

Forks, Winnipeg MB, 204-947-9331-ext 358

June 28 - 30 • Beaver Lake Cree Nation Pow Wow, 18 km SE of

Lac La Biche, Marlene Sharphead, 780-623-2553• Sturgeon Lake Competition Powwow, Sturgeon Lake

SK, North of Prince Albert, Camp Day is the 27

June 30 - July 3 • Dene Tha First Nation Assembly in Chateh AB, 780-

321-3775 (see ad p 14)

July 1 - 3• O' Chiese First Nation Competitive Powwow, Rocky

Mountain House AB, 1-888-256-3884• Ermineskin Cree Nation Powwow, Maskwacis Park

AB, 780-585-3065• Muskeg Lake Veterans Memorial Traditional

Powwow, 306-466-4959• Canim Lake Traditional Powwow, 205-397-2227• 19th Annual Swan Lake Competition Powwow,

Swan Lake MB, 204-836-2424• George Gordon First Nation Powwow, George

Gordon SK, 306-835-2232

July 2 - 3• Summer Heat Fastball Tournament, Rambler Park

Regina SK, Chelsea Poitras on Facebook or Callie Morris @ 306-531-6697

July 8 - 10 • Kahkewistahaw First Nation Powwow,

Kahkewistahaw SK, 306-696-3291• James Smith Cree Nation Annual Pow Wow, 306-

864-3636• Alexis Nakota Powwow, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

AB, 780-967-2225• Enoch Cree Nation Powwow, Enoch AB, 780-470-

0359• Squamish Nation 28 Annual Youth Powwow, 100

Capilano Rd West Vancouver BC, 778-228-6501

July 9 - 18 • Calgary Stampede

July 12 - 14 • Sakicawasihk 2016 Gold Eagle Casino Powwow,

North Battleford Exhibition Grounds SK,goldeaglecasino.ca (see ad p 16)


http://www.goldeaglecasino.ca

July 14 - 17 • Back to Batoche Festival Days, Batoche SK, 306-

343-8385

July 15 - 17 • Frog Lake First Nation Rodeo & Chuckwagon Race,

Harvey Dufresne Jr, 780-943-3737• Kainai Powwow and Celebration, Red Crow Park,

Standoff AB, 1-877-737-6379• One Arrow First Nation Traditional Powwow,

Bellevue SK, 306-423-5900• Onion Lake Powwow, Onion Lake SK, 306-344-

7541 www.onionlake.ca

July 15 - 24• Great Northern Arts Festival, Midnight Sun

Recreation Complex Inuvik NT, 867-777-8638,gnaf@inuvikca

July 16 - 21 • Lac St. Anne Pilgrimmage, Lac St. Anne AB

July 19 - 21 • Lake Competition Powwow near Spiritwood

SK,306-841-8202• Moses Lake & Cardston Powwow, Lions Park

Cardston AB, 403-653-3366• First Nation Powwow Peguis First Nation MB 204-

645-2359

July 22- 24 • Dakota Oyate Contest Powwow, Sioux Valley First

Nation MB, 204-855-2670• Spirit of the People, Tzeaonten Sport Field,

Chilliwack BC 604-845-5234• Ochapowace Cree Nation Powwow, Ochapowace

SK, Calvin Issac 306-696-3160• Frog Lake First Nation Powwow, Frog Lake First

Nation AB, Harvey Dufresne Jr. 780-943-3737

July 22 - 31• K-Days Powwow, Edmonton AB, www.k-days.com

(see ad p 6) July 26 – 28• Carry the Kettle First Nation Powwow. Sintaluta SK

306-727-2135• July 28 - 31 Frog Lake CPCT Wagon Races Frog

Lake First Nation, Harvey Dufresne Jr. 780-943-3737

July 29 - 31 • Tsuut’ina Annual Celebration, 5 Km East of Bragg

Creek on Hwy22, Dayne BigPlume 403-281-4455• Peepeekisis Cree Nation Powwow, Peepeekisis First

Nation SK, 1-888-892-2292• Kamloopa Powwow, Secwepemc Grounds,

Kamloops BC, 250-828-9782• 54th Annual Lac La Biche Powwow Days and

fishing derby, Lac La Biche Recreation Grounds, Lac LaBiche AB, Colleen 780-623-2477

• 57th Edson Slow Pitch Tournament, KinsmenDiamonds, Edson AB, 780-723-7870

• Canadian Native Fastball Championship, PrinceGeorge BC, Randy Potskin 250-649-6589

• Piikani Nation 59 Annual Celebration, CrowlodgePark, Brocket AB, 403-965-3940

• Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation Powwow,Beardy's & Okemasis SK, 306-467-4523

August 2 - 4 • Fisher River Powwow, River MB, 204-645-2171• Yellow Wolf Inter-tribal Powwow, Tsartlip First

Nation, Saanichton BC 250-652-4635• Thundering Hills Powwow, Nekaneet First Nation

SK, 306-662-3660

August 3 - 5 • Long Plain First Nation Powwow, Long Plain MB,

204-252-2731

August 5 - 7• Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Powwow, Standing

Buffalo SK, 306-332-4685

August 6 - 7• Poundmaker Lodge Annual Powwow, 25108

Poundmaker Road, Sturgeon County AB, 866-458-1884

August 9 - 13 • Aboriginal Music Week, Winnipeg MB, Alan

Greyeyes - [email protected]

August 11 - 14• Siksika Nation Fair, Siksika AB, Lucille Wright 403-

734-5100• 19 th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest, Windy Acres

on Pine Lake Wy, 60 SW of Saskatoon SK, Vicki Arcand306-382-0111 (see ad p 20)

August 12 - 14 • Waterhen Lake First Nation Annual Traditional

Powwow, 306-236-6717• Samson Cree Nation Competition Powwow,

Maskwacis Park, Maskwacis AB, Holy Johnson Rattlesnake 780-361-4939

August 16 - 18 • Cowessess Traditional Powwow, Cowessess First

Nation SK, 306-696-2520• Alexander First Nation Powwow, Alexander First

Nation AB, 780-939-5887 Treaty Day Aug 18

August 19 - 21• Squiamy Traditional Powwow, Nicomen First Nation

BC, 250-455-2514

August 26 - 28• 37th Annual Traditional Powwow, Sandy Bay

Ojibway First Nation Powwow Grounds, Marius MB,204-843-2603

• Mistawasis First Nation Traditional Powwow, LeaskSK, 306-466-4800

September 2 - 4 • Flying Dust FN Competition Powwow, Near

Meadow Lake SK, 306-236-5817• Lytton River Traditional Powwow,

[email protected]

September 12 - 18• Treaty 4 Gathering, Fort Qu'Appelle SK, 306-552-

4433


http://www.halfordsmailorder.com

Summer in Edmonton means the return of festivalseason in Alberta’s Capital and once again the season willbe anchored by the always-fantastic Edmonton FolkMusic Festival.

The 2016 Folk Fest will be taking place August 4th to7th at Edmonton’s Gallagher Park featuring headlinersPassenger, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, JasonIsbell and The Tallest Man on Earth.

Each year the Festival comes to Edmonton and showersGallagher Park with amazing music and a friendly,easygoing atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to take abreak from everyday life for the weekend, or just a day ornight, and sit back, relax and enjoy some great live musicin a beautiful outdoor venue.

There is always so much to do, and so much to see. With64 artists playing this year, plus countless food vendors, artand craft displays and merchandise, and activities for kidsand families, there truly is something for everyone.

The main stage is located at the bottom of the hill atGallagher Park, creating natural stadium seating for allthose in attendance, and featuring one of the mostgorgeous views of Edmonton the city has to offer, andamazing sound quality. In addition to the main stage, thefestival has continuous music being played on 7 sidestages throughout the day featuring a few fan favorites thatare always thrilled to be involved in the Festival, DarWilliams, The Barr Brothers, Sarah Harmer, Dervish andEric Bibb and Corey Harris.

Ticket sales are going strong, but there are a few stillavailable. Adult weekend passes, personal and transferableare still available, as are youth and senior tickets. Singleday tickets are also available for both Thursday andFriday. For more information visit or contact the Festivalbox office (10115 97 A Avenue) at (780) 429-1999.

Tickets are also still available at Ticketmaster:www.ticketmaster.ca, 1-855-985-5000 or in personwww.ticketmaster.ca/retail-outlets.

For more information on the 2016 Edmonton FolkMusic Festival, including full lineup details visitwww.edmontonfolkfest.org.


The Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus Society, in keepingwith its objectives, paid tribute to the Indigenouscommunity in its mid-May choral production, IndigenousVoices.

The society's concerts, often based from Edmonton'sdowntown First Presbyterian Church, are guided byartistic director and principal conductor, David Garber,who also happens to be the operations manager.

In assisting the development of a "deeper appreciationfor all cultures," the society's presentation of IndigenousVoices opened yet another window to the real world ofAboriginal music and song.

The May 15 concert in particular featured special guestsWarrior Women as well as the Silas Singers.

Metis Elder, Gloria Laird, opened the day'sprogramming with a prayer followed by a performance bythe Sila Singers, two young Inuit women consisting ofJenna Broomfield and Malaya Bishop. Their renditions ofPast Life Melodies, Ancient Mother, and The Earth is OurMother, thrilled the audience that was delighted by the softand controlled throat singing technique from the far north.

The singing duo has been performing since 2012 andhas often been part of the entertainment at Truth andReconciliation Commission events across Canada as wellas some countries overseas. Both of the young ladies arecurrently enrolled in university courses which tends tolimit their opportunities to travel and entertain at more

events and communities.However, they know theirlimitations and simply takethem in stride. After all, aneducation and a career isalso a priority.

Matricia and MackenzieBrown, a mother -daughter combinationbased out of Jasper,Alberta, make up the teamknown as Warrior Women.With drum and rattle in hand the duo sang an AmbrosePhilips composition, Breathe Soft Ye Winds, and two oftheir own signature numbers, Butterfly Away You Fly, andAsani.

The latter half of the concert made way for the choralsongs performed by the Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus,now in its eleventh season. The group has given concertsfor charities, fundraisers and support systems at thecommunity level and beyond for years and is anestablished Edmonton fixture. The choir currently boasts amembership of approximately 150 individuals.

To further acknowledge the Aboriginal community,Indigenous Voices also featured a photographic exhibitionof the REDress Project by local photographer MuftyMathewson who, incidentally, was the recipient of a

seniors SAGE award for her dedicated commitment to hercommunity. The REDress Project is a special tribute toAboriginal Missing and Murdered Women and Girls. It ispresently on display on the second level of the StanleyMilner Library in Edmonton.

The program booklet cover for Indigenous Voices is acreative art piece by Aboriginal artist Jonathon Labillois. Itis entitled, Still Dancing. Labillois is based out of Victoria,B.C., but is originally from Gaspe, Quebec.

Indigenous Voices delight Edmonton audience

by Terry Lusty

Warrior Women Mackenzie Brown and Matricia Bown

Edmonton FolkFest: August 4-7

Juno award winning duo Digging Roots will be amongthe performers at this year's Folk Fest.


Edmonton artist Brenda Draney is one of five artistsfrom across Canada who was short listed for the Sobey ArtAward, one of the richest visual arts prizes in the country.

This year’s other contenders are Halifax-based WilliamRobinson and Berlin-based Vancouver artist JeremyShaw, Toronto resident Charles Stankievech, who hailsfrom Okotoks, and Montreal’s Hajra Waheed.

“This year’s short list is an incredibly impressiveselection of Canadian artists,” said Sobey Art Award JurorNaomi Potter. “For me, it signals a shift in Canadianproduction, one that is not solely rooted in the largercultural centres, but presents both a transnational and amore rural, or smaller-centre, focus. With the Sobey ArtAward moving to the National Gallery, a much higherprofile is brought, not only to the award, but also to all thenominated artists, regardless of outcome. I predict a verythrilling 13th iteration of the Sobey Art Award. ArtistBrenda Draney takes the personal and makes it universal:her work is powerful, completely unique and withoutcompromise. It is very exciting to see Draney’s workbeing given a national platform; her voice deserves to beheard.”

Draney is Cree from Sawridge First Nation. She studiedpainting at Emily Carr University in Vancouver before shewon the RBC Canadian Painting Competition in 2009 and

was long-listed for the2013 Sobey Art Award.She also won the localaward, the Eldon and AnneFoote Visual Arts Prize, in2014.

Draney’s art oftenfeatures herexperiences growing up inSlave Lake, Alberta. She’scurrently working on apermanent art exhibit forMacEwan University, alsoher alma mater, based ontwo years studyingtraplines in northernAlberta. It’s expected toopen in September 2017 inthe university’s new Centrefor the Arts andCommunciations.

The Sobey shortlist artists will have their worksexhibited at the National Gallery of Canada from October2016 to February 2017 and the award will be handed outat a gala event at the gallery in November.

The prize for Canadian contemporary artists aged 40and under was initiated in 2002 by the Sobey ArtFoundation. The grand prize winner is awarded $50,000,while each of the other shortlisted artists receives $10,000.

Brenda Draney shortlistedfor Sobey Art Award

'Night Sky' by Brenda Draney (for Sandi), 2012, oil on canvas, 91.45 × 121.9 cm Photo by Trident Photography

“I returned home and was pleased to note that the rainhad finally fallen and that a nice bright green colour hadreplaced the dullness of dried and parched lawns. The nextday I drove to Ft. Murray and noted on our Facebook pagethat the stores were still relatively empty and that supplieswould not likely be available for a while.”

As the time approached to begin the journey back home,Bates noted on his Facebook that he’d recommendmembers return with a week or two supply of groceries;for those on medication he recommended a one month’ssupply of medicine “because we do not know when thedrugstores or doctors will be available.”

Members of the Ft.Murray #468 First Nationbegan to return home at thebeginning of June.

“We have about 90percent of our people backhome now,” noted Bateson June 7. “There are still afew members inEdmonton with healthissues where they need tobe in close proximity tohospital services, but wehope to see them homesoon.”

Evacuation cont. from p 4

Band Manager Cindy Miller Councilor Ron Kreutzer Jr.

http://www.westernvarieties.ca

Once again St. Albert’s Servus Place proved to be theideal venue when it played host to the Eighth Annual(2016) Metis Spring Festival, on May 21-22. The upbeatand exciting two-day event saw more than 2,000 peoplecome through the door, a number that Festival CoordinatorFlorence Gaucher says sets a new record for the popularevent.

“We are very pleased with the support we received fromthe Indigenous community and from the citizens of St.Albert,” smiled Gaucher. “The crowd was large but therewas room for everyone, though we did run out of chairsfor a while. The entertainment this year was somethingspectacular, every performer was on top of their game andthe audience was very appreciative.”

Just two months ago there was some doubt aboutwhether or not Metis Child and Family Services (MCFS),hosts of the annual gala, would be in a position to sponsorthe 2016 festival. When word got out however, thecommunity stepped up to the plate and came out in droves.

“We got a lot help from the community and from localorganizations and we are very grateful,” assured Gaucher.“The community was concerned and the phone rang fordays. A very warm thank you to everyone for your calls ofsupport and to those of you who made your way to theevent on what was a wet long weekend in May.”

MCFS Executive Director Don Langford reiteratedGaucher’s words, noting that he couldn’t be happier withthe venue and the turnout.

“I’m very pleased with the response we received,”agreed Langford. “From the open arms and graciousnessof the personnel at Servus Place to the many volunteerswho came out to support and help us, and to theoutstanding talent that graced our stage for two days andthe ongoing stream of supporters, spectators and friendswho joined us - everything was perfect. We offer aheartfelt thank you to everyone!”

The 2016 event offered $30,000 in prize money forcontestants participating in the fiddling and jiggingcompetitions. Professional dancers - those who currentlydance with an organization or group - did not compete forprize money. As established in 2013, paid performers donot compete for the prizes.

“To be fair to our younger and less experiencedgenerations we changed the criteria in 2013,” explainedLangford. “We are encouraging our youth, our adultjiggers and our seniors to come each year and compete onan equal footing for the prize money.”

The Jigging Competition once again saw dancers fromEdmonton and St. Albert as well as from cities and townsthroughout the province and beyond compete in this year’sshowcase event.

The Saturday evening talent show for singers, notedGaucher, “once again highlighted some pretty fantasticperformances.” She explained that the recently addedannual attraction has been greeted by an enthusiastic andappreciative crowd of onlookers and listeners.

Well known businessman and management consultant,Leonard Gauthier, MC’d the event, but did get some helpfrom St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse on the second day ofthe festival.

“Nolan was our Sunday celebrity MC and he did aremarkable job,” lauded Langford. “I was surprised tohear how well he sings - and he’s quite the comedian too.He did a fantastic job and he’s definitely welcome backnext year!”

This year the festival organizers went with the crowdand by popular demand brought back three popularprofessional performance groups to wow the audience andentertain the many weekend visitors.

Sagkeeng’s Finest, an uptempo competition-winninggroup of young men who hail from northern Manitoba’sSagkeeng First Nation is one of them. Their biggest and

most noteworthycompetition victory came

in 2012 when the three young men entered and won the2012 “Canada Got Talent” contest, knocking out morethan 11,000 other hopefuls who’d entered the inauguralevent.

The second group is the very popular Asham Stompers,crowd favourites wherever they perform. The group,which comprises both Métis and First Nations dancers,said their mission “is to help recapture and preserve thehistory of the Métis people through the traditional dancingof Red River Jig; our purpose is to help bring hope to theAboriginal people by taking something that is already apart of most Aboriginal communities and sharing it withthe world in a successful business manner.”

The ever-popular, crowd-pleasing Metis Child andFamily Jiggers also returned this year. This award-winninggroup has played in many venues throughout the provinceand beyond, including an adventure to Hawaii in 2010where they joined up with other Indigenous groups from


Metis Spring Festival draws record numbers

by John Copley


NAD events to participate in and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of theFirst Nations, Metis, and Inuit people of Alberta and Canada.

If you plan to participate in the many National Aboriginal Day events that will betaking place from coast to coast this year, note that June 21st kick-starts the 11 days ofCelebrate Canada! which includes National Aboriginal Day (June 21), Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and concludes withCanada Day (July 1).

Aboriginal Canadians are the prime organizers when it comes to developing andhosting NAD events, but government support and mainstream society’s willingness toget aboard the celebration train to honour and remember the deeds and achievements ofCanada’s Aboriginal peoples, has done much to enhance the popularity of the unofficialholiday. Each year millions of Canadians participate in more than 1800 NationalAboriginal Day events that are held across the country. Figures indicate that the numbersof people attending the events has been rising steadily over the years. And that’s goodnews for festivity organizers who utilize the special day not just to introduce and teachthe general public about Native lifestyle and culture, but also to celebrate such things ascommunity and individual achievement, economic development initiatives, academicachievement at the end of another school year, historical site restorations, new creations,saluting community Elders, remembering war veterans, and more.

For more information on what’s happening around the Province of Alberta on June 21,check out www.aboriginal.alberta.ca and click on “National Aboriginal Day.”

To locate information on events in and around the City of Edmontonvisit www.edmonton.ca and for events in the Calgary area visit www.aawc.ca.


(ANNews) - June is a month of excitement and anticipation for Wakina Gallery and itscurator Dan Moser. The online gallery is partnering with Metro Cinema for a very specialpop-up exhibit of art from the 30-year-old collection of Alberta Native News. The exhibitwill be on display at the Garneau Theatre in Edmonton until June 30.

“We are so pleased to commemorate the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Daycelebrations with an exhibit at the Metro Theatre," said Moser. "The display featuresseveral exquisite soap stone carvings by Dene sculptor Anthony Antoine and a numberof ink and felt tip paintings by long time Alberta Native News contributing artists BillRoy, Roger Noskiye and Christopher Chambaud.”

The exhibit includes an eclectic collection of framed illustrations from a very talentedgroup of Indigenous artists that have contributed to the exceptional history of AlbertaNative News newspaper. Since its beginnings in 1984, Alberta Native News has beenshowcasing original Indigenous art as well as providing interesting and informativearticles on a broad range of topics related to the Aboriginal communities in Alberta andWestern Canada. The highly acclaimed newspaper is distributed to all the First Nationand Metis communities in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and theTerritories. It is also available at albertanativenews.com.

Wakina Gallery is a new online gallery that has teamed up with Alberta Native Newsto promote its contributing artists.

“We are really excited to be working with Metro Cinema for our first ever pop-upexhibit and sale,” said Moser. “The Garneau Theatre is a such a beautiful artistic venueand Metro Cinema has a strong commitment to culture that it seemed like an ideal fit.This event is an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate National Aboriginal Day withbeautiful art by some very gifted artists in a great setting.”

Metro Cinema is a community-based non-profit society devoted to the exhibition andpromotion of Canadian, international and independent film and video in Edmonton. Itexhibits an exciting blend of film, video and media arts, that are not screened anywhereelse in the city. Metro's focus is on presenting a broad selection of educational, culturaland innovative works as a form of communication.

“It’s a unique gallery space located in a very artsy part of Edmonton and we can’t waitto show off some of the pieces in our collection,” noted Moser. “Some of the paintingsand sculptures we will be showing are already featured on our website(wakinagallery.com), while some are new additions.”

The exhibit will be up at Metro Cinema for the month of June. If you like what you seeget in touch with Curator Dan Moser using [email protected]. He can help youset up further viewings, help with shipping of art, prices and delivery.

Metro Cinema is always sure to bring in a great blend of cinematic masterpieces, cultclassics, old favorites and new smaller films that you can’t always catch at your localCineplex.

The Garneau theatre is also available for rent for special screenings and film festivals.The 500 seat venue, concession and bar are perfect for screen related events, live shows,birthday parties, and private functions, and discounts are available for registered non-profits.

Now, in a time whenmovie theatres are burningdown and beingbulldozed, Metro isworking hard to staytrue to the origins of aCommunity Cinema byprograming theGarneau with a bold mixof new and old,seeing globally butresponding to local needsand interests, andpartnering with more than50 charitiesand businesses each year.Visit metrocinema.org.

Wakina Gallery celebratesNAD with Metro Cinema

We are pleased to announce our Summer Program Intensivewill take place at Trent University July 10 - 31, 2016

National Aboriginal Day cont. from p 15

Wakina Gallery carvings by Anthony Antoine

http://www.metrocinema.org

http://www.wakinagallery.com

http://www.indigenoustheatre.com

The Town of Peace River’s Museum, Archives andMackenzie Centre will host the travelling Witness Blanketmonument/memorial in its main gallery from July 1 toAugust 27 thanks to the collaboration with the SagitawaFriendship Society (SFS).

“This is a unique and important project and we’ve spentnearly a year preparing for,” noted SFC ExecutiveDirector Tracy Zweifel. “We are all very excited as weprepare for Opening Day.”

The Sagitawa Friendship Society works with manyindividuals and partners with numerous organizations andinstitutions during its administration of several keyinitiatives and programs instrumental to its ongoingsuccess in the community. One of those partners is thePeace River Correctional Centre.

“We are working with different groups in thecommunity, including the Corrections Centre oninitiatives that include exploring and hosting workshopson the recommendations of the Truth and ReconciliationCommission, and most recently we are deliveringworkshops on the “I AM A KIND MAN” initiativedeveloped by Ontario’s Friendship Centres several yearsago. As a result of our ongoing work with AlbertaCorrections, two of the Witness Blanket panels will be setup at the Peace River Correctional Centre, where they willremain until August 27.”

The Witness Blanket is an extraordinary andmonumental project created by British Columbia artistCarey Newman to recognize and honour victims andsurvivors of Canada’s now defunct Indian ResidentialSchools (IRS). The large 12 metre-long by 2.5 metre-highdisplay, shaped like and reminiscent of a quilted blanket,includes more than 860 objects gathered from 77communities across Canada. The objects themselves bearwitness to the harsh realities and consequences of anarchaic and brutal school system that saw children takenfrom their homes and forced in one of the more than sixdozen government-orchestrated, church-run institutions

that dotted the Canadian countryside for the better part oftwo centuries.

The Witness Blanket project took painstaking effort andseveral years to construct and is now in the process ofmaking its way into Canadian cities and venues interestedin hosting the memorial. Since January 2015 themonument has been erected and showcased at venues inRegina, Calgary, Ottawa, Hamilton, Sydney, Millbrook,and Winnipeg.

“We are very pleased and honoured to have been chosenas a venue for the historical undertaking,” assured Zweifel,who noted that “in addition to the panels, a multi-mediapresentation within the installation connects viewers toIRS experiences in a personal way.”

The blanket is culturally significant and recognized inthe Aboriginal community as a symbol of protection andstrength.

The project, noted Newman, “was inspired by thewoven blanket, the universal symbol of protection. TheWitness Blanket comprises items reclaimed from theresidential school era of Canada’s history; it will recognizethe atrocities of that era and has been designed to bothhonour the children and to symbolize ongoingreconciliation.”

As requested by the artist, during the Witness Blanket’stime in Peace River, admission to the museum will be free.

“This is being made possible,” explained Zweifel, “by amotion from Council for us to waive the fees this summerand by the financial support of the Alberta Union of PublicEmployees Local 101 and Shell Canada.”

After leaving Peace River at the end of August theWitness Blanket will visit Vancouver Island University, inNanaimo, (October/November), before moving to theNew Westminster Museum and Archives from December2016 – April 2017.

Master Carver Carey Newman is a prominentKwagiulth artist, entrepreneur and visionary. When hebegan the Witness Blanket project back in 2013 he hoped

to create even greater awareness of the issues facingsurvivors and victims of Canada’s former IndianResidential School (IRS) system.

“This era in Canada’s history has caused more shameand indignity to the Indigenous peoples of this land thanmost people can imagine,” said Newman at the time. Hesaid that he grew up not realizing the depth to which hewas personally affected by a residential school systemdesigned to assimilate Aboriginal children by denyingthem access to their families, their culture, their languagesand their way of life.

“The true history of the Indian residential school systemand the impact that it has had on Indigenous Canadians, isdifficult and often emotional,” noted the artist, “but it is ahistory that needs to be told. The social consequences ofthose schools, and the multi-generational impact that is


Sagitawa Friendship Centre to co-host historic Witness Blanket

by John Copley


http://www.carontransport.ca

http://www.auroracollege.nt.ca


OTTAWA, June 9, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegardesaid a major survey of public opinion by the Environics Institute shows that public education on First Nationspeople and issues is essential to reconciliation.

"The findings in the survey clearly show that efforts aimed at public education and awareness aboutFirst Nations people, priorities and history builds support among Canadians for a positive agenda," saidNational Chief Bellegarde. "Understanding how we got here and how to address the gap in the qualityof life between First Nations and non-Indigenous Canadians is essential to forging a brighter future forus all. The report points to the need for greater efforts at public education to ensure everyone understandshow to move forward in a way that respects First Nations rights and human rights."

The Environics Institute for Survey Research released a major survey on June 8 called "Canadian PublicOpinion on Aboriginal Peoples." The objectives of the research are to better understand non-AboriginalCanadians in terms of what they know and do not know about Aboriginal peoples, and the challenges theyface. The study also surveyed perceptions and attitudes about Aboriginal peoples generally, and aboutspecific issues like residential schools, reconciliation, economic disparities; how opinions toward Aboriginalpeoples have changed (or not) over the past decade; and how perspectives vary across the population, basedon region, demographics and social values.

National Chief Perry Bellegarde pointed to some key positive findings, including the view by manyCanadians that Indigenous leaders do as good a job or better compared to local government leaders intheir home province, and that many Canadians endorse measures to strengthen Aboriginalrepresentation in the federal government. This, according to the survey, would include guaranteedseats in the federal cabinet and at First Ministers meetings, as well as a new Aboriginal parliamentarycommittee to review laws from an Aboriginal perspective.

"We have always said that First Nations must be at every table where decisions are being made thataffect us, including the cabinet table, the boardroom table, the Supreme Court of Canada and beyond,"said National Chief Bellegarde. "I am encouraged that many Canadians have confidence in the abilityof First Nations leaders, and support the need for us to be fully involved in setting the path forward as partners."

Survey Shows Public Education is Essential to Reconciliation

On Wednesday May 11, the Canadian Council forAboriginal Business (CCAB) brought together membersof the Canadian business community to honour Tsuut’inaNation — Economic Development Lands and South WestRing Road — the 2016 recipient of CCAB’s AboriginalEconomic Development Corporation (AEDC) award at itsthird annual Calgary gala. It was also a time to rallybusiness around Fort McMurray to ensure it receivedsupport in its time of need.

“I would like to take some time to acknowledge thepeople of Alberta, specifically the people of FortMcMurray. I wish to honour the brave people of Alberta,and acknowledge all the firefighters, armed forces,volunteers and countless people on the ground for theirhard work. These are the faces of hope and relief that haveand are, guiding thousands through these difficult times,”said JP Gladu, President and CEO of CCAB.

In addition to the expected $90, 000, a further $10, 000plus was raised at the gala itself. This brings the totalamount of money raised to over $100, 000.

“For more than 30 years the Canadian Council for

Aboriginal Business has generously been supported bybusiness in Alberta and Canada’s western provinces. Wewant to acknowledge this fact and once again express ourdeep support and commitment to being a driving force inbuilding the bridges that support equitable prosperity forall Canadians,” said JP Gladu.

The theme of resilience was strong at the Calgary Galaas everyone gathered made a commitment to ensure FortMcMurray is able to recover from devastating recentevents. "CCAB will continue to work with its memberorganizations and the Alberta business community inwhatever capacity it can in the weeks and months ahead toensure that the families and workers of Fort McMurray areable to once more have a bustling, thriving community,"concluded Gladu.

CCAB donates over $100, 000 to Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal


Wesuhkechahk Omikiy Mechiw is provided by theLac La Ronge Band, Curriculum Resource Unitwho are dedicated to providing quality educationalresources to all the people of the First Nations.

Wesuhkechahk Omikiy MechiwIllustrated by James Ratt; told by Evelyn Gamble; collected by Marg Gardipy

One very hot summer day, Wesuhkechahk left his home to look for food andwater. He walked along a path for a long time and grew so tired. The sun was nowreally beating down and he was hungry and thirsty.

He came to a big rock and decided to rest a bit. He didn’t know that the rock wasvery hot and he didn’t feel his rear burning right away. When he did, he jumpedup so fast that some of his rear got stuck to the rock. He was really sore after that.

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He kept walking,looking for food andwater.

It was now getting later on in the afternoon and he decided that he would gohome. He still hadn’t found food but be thought, “Manitoo will not let me starve.”

After a while he found a stream with clear, cool water. He had quite a bit to drinkand did it ever taste good! He then bathed himself and washed his scabby rear inthe stream. After he was finished, he applied mud from the stream bed to his sore.

As he walked along the path he came to the same rock that he had sat on, but hewas so stupid that he didn’t remember. Anyway, there on the rock were two piecesof meat. He picked up the pieces and tasted them and found them really tasty so heate them all. “Manitoo takes good care of us,” he thought.

Book your employment ad inAlberta Native News andalbertanativenews.com.

Email Ben at [email protected] for details.


Jordan’s Principle. The government has since agreed toaddress gaps in applying Jordan's Principle to ensure equalhealth care access for First Nations children, but it remainsto be seen how individual cases will be handled.

The Liberals committed in its 2016 budget to invest$634.8 million in child welfare on reserves over the nextfive years, starting with $71 million in the first year.Blackstock believes this falls far short of what is needed tocarry out the tribunal’s decision and achieve justice for

children.“Children are absolutely worth the money,” she says.

The World Health Organization says for every dollar agovernment spends on a child, it can expect to save 20dollars downstream because healthy kids turn out to behealthy and productive adults, she explains. “So if thegovernment doesn’t take the ethical reasons seriously, theyshould at least take the economic reasoning seriously.”

Although Blackstock is disappointed with thegovernment’s response so far, she remains hopeful for thefuture. “Governments don’t create change. They react to it.When it comes to First Nations children, my best hope has

always been in caring Canadians.”What you can doBlackstock suggests a few things you can do to support

the rights of First Nations children and ensure thetribunal’s ruling is implemented to the fullest extent.

Stay informed: Sign up to be a “witness” to this historiccase as it continues to unfold. Follow @Caringsociety onTwitter or visit I am a witness for more information.

Show your support: Participate in one of two annualevents to support First Nations children’s rights: Have aHeart Day (Feb. 14) and Our Dreams Matter Too (June11).

Honour the history: Plant a “Heart Garden” in your localcommunity this summer as part of Honouring Memories,Planting Dreams for residential school survivors and theirfamilies.

Recognize an advocate: Nominate a youth or adult forthe Peter Henderson Bryce Awards, which recognizeadvocacy work done on behalf of First Nations, Métis andInuit children. Nominations for the youth award will openin fall 2016.

This story originally appeared in Thought Box, apublication of the University of Alberta AlumniAssociation.

Cindy Blackstock cont. from p 12

Many people do not realize that a very big change hashappened for First Nation people on a national andprovincial level when it comes to political commitmentsand more positive relationships from the government ofCanada and province of Ontario.

We have come from an environment full of conflict,mistrust and oppression under former governments to atime of healing in an atmosphere that has more to do withfairness and understanding. That is a very big deal for usas First Nation people. On a federal level for so manyyears there was far too much conflict and a lack of trustbetween the government and Aboriginal people. Negativelaws were passed that took away much of the protectionfor our waters and lands and an environment of hate andmistrust reigned. In the mid 90s we experienced aprovincial Ontario government that often was at odds withour First Nation leaders. In fact in 1995, during a protest atIpperwash Provincial Park in southern Ontario, DudleyGeorge was killed by police gunfire as violence erupteddue to a strong armed atmosphere that was created bygovernment leaders at the time. The protest concernedland that belonged to the First Nations which had beenexpropriated during the second world war. That land wasnever returned and it was a critical issue for the Chippewasof Kettle and Stony Point First Nation as the area had beenused traditionally and housed a burial site.

I am happy to report that an inquiry into the violentincident resulted in the province, under the Liberalgovernment, committing to return the land to the FirstNations. In fact, recently under the newly elected FederalLiberal government, a settlement was finalized on April14, 2016. The land was signed over to the Kettle and StonyPoint First Nation by Minister of National Defence HarjitSajjan and Minister of Indigenous and Northern AffairsDr. Carolyn Bennett along with a $95 million payment.Chief of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, TomBressette was involved in the resulting settlement onbehalf of his community. It took so long for this wrong tobe dealt with and regretfully it had to be done with the lossof the life of Dudley George. His life should never havebeen taken. We all must remember him and with therealization that it really does matter who is running ourfederal and provincial governments. When policies andprocedures are put in place that create conflict and mistrustbad things happen.

I was happy to hear that recently Premier Kathleen

Wynne apologized onbehalf of the Governmentof Ontario for the brutalitiescommitted for generationsat residential schools andthe continued harm thisabuse has caused toIndigenous cultures,communities, families andindividuals. PremierWynne made her Statementof Ontario's Commitmentto Reconciliation withIndigenous Peoples in theLegislative Assembly, withresidential school survivorsand First Nation, Métis andInuit leaders in attendance.She apologized for thepolicies and practicessupported by past Ontariogovernments, and the harmthey caused; for theprovince's silence in theface of abuse and death atresidential schools; and forresidential schools beingonly one example ofsystemic inter-generationalabuses and injusticesinflicted upon Indigenouscommunities throughoutCanada.

Premiere Wynne outlinedthat Ontario's Commitmentto Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples plans to investmore than $250 million over three years in new initiativesin five areas that include: understanding the legacy ofresidential schools, closing gaps and removing barriers,creating a culturally relevant and responsive justicesystem, supporting Indigenous culture and reconcilingrelationships with Indigenous peoples.

My father Marius and my mother Susan both wentthrough the residential school system so I have a first handunderstanding of the huge wrong the government of theday committed on my people. The one thing that consoled

me as being the witness of so much pain and suffering isthat at the very least now we have governments in place atthe federal and provincial levels that are striving to workwith First Nations and they have been righting many of thewrongs we as Native peoples have suffered over so manyyears. We must be mindful of who we put in power whenit comes to electing governments. Governments that getelected on hate, bigotry and intolerance only bring us all alot of pain.

For more columns by Xavier Kataquapit visitunderthenorthernsky.com


The times are changingby Xavier Kataquapit


(ANNews) - The majestic art that appears on the coverof the June 2016 edition of Alberta Native News is entitled“Sad Wings of Destiny” and it is the creation of TimothyMohan, a gifted contemporary artist.

“Sad Wings of Destiny” is a beautiful and powerfulimage that is part of a wildlife series which represents anew direction for the artist. The series fuses togetherMohan’s talents in photography, painting, airbrush anddrawing. His colour choices are vivid and the imagery isstrong. Each wildlife painting is comprised of manysmaller wildlife images which are complete in themselvesand they are also integral parts of a wondrous largerimage. Each image contains many components and leavesthe viewer in awe of what’s been seen and what may yetbe seen. Every viewing brings forward new discoveries.

“Sad Wings of Destiny” has a special meaning forMohan. The painting represents the story of the Raven andCreation. “It is a statement,” noted Mohan. “There's ablack hole with the earth in it; the raven is the tie in to thecreation story or in this case the end of it.”

The image is also related to cancer and the relationshipbetween cancer and the environment. A 2014 study thatlinked cancer with Oil Sands development in northernAlberta was part of the inspiration for “Sad Wings ofDestiny” which depicts the poisoning of mother earth.

The study was a collaboration involving Mikisew CreeFirst Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation andscientists from the University of Manitoba and theUniversity of Saskatchewan. The study used bothscientific research and traditional knowledge around thecomplex environmental and health-related changes in theregion, relying also on community-based participatoryresearch.

The study found that Oil Sands development has created“a perfect storm of decline and opportunity, a storm thatplaces these and other downstream communities atprogressively increased risk.” While researchers foundthat substantial employment opportunities are generatedby the Athabasca Oil Sands, they concluded that thisdevelopment “compromises the integrity of theenvironment and wildlife, which, in turn, adversely affectshuman health and well-being.”

The author of the study, University of Manitobaprofessor Stephane McLachlan cautioned: “The results ofthis study, as they relate to human health and especially theincreasing cancer rates, are alarming and should functionas a dramatic wake up call to industry, government andcommunities alike.”

Mohan found the study to bemost alarming and itstrengthened his resolve toreach out and collaborate withthe Canadian Cancer Society.

“My heart is with theCanadian Cancer Societyespecially in Alberta/NWTDivision,” he explained.“They do a lot of amazingthings and help a lot of people.”

Mohan is no stranger tothe Alberta Native News. Hisbeautiful creations have beengracing our covers since 2002and his artwork frequentlyappears on the inside pages aswell. He is known for meldingimagery from the variouscomponents of his ownancestry. His creative paintingsof animals and nature are atribute to his proud Aboriginalroots and his use of vibrantcolours give the paintings anextraordinary glow that is veryspiritual and reminiscent ofstained glass.

Tim is excited about the newdirection that his art is taking.“Personally I really love thenew artwork,” he said. “I think it's the best work I've donein years and it will get better with time...It's given me theopportunity to use all the skills that I've taught myself overthe years...Photography, painting, airbrush, drawings, it'sall fused together...I guess I've become a multimediaartist.”

Tim explained that the change in direction was “more ofa personal growth issue than anything else. Last year Idecided it was time to reinvent myself as an artist and dothings that were challenging. It's so easy for artists to getcomfortable with what they are doing and push out thesame style of artwork year after year after year. It becomesstagnant. The wild life art is just me spreading my wings.”

Tim Mohan first received national acclaim for his motif“River Woman” used by Canadian fashion icon andrecipient of the Order of Ontario Linda Lundstrom in her“La Parka” series. His

artwork has appeared on the covers of dozens ofpublications and shown in countless museum soloexhibitions, including a special showing at the prestigiousToronto Intercontinental Hotel Centre during the Toronto2010 G-20 Summit.

The self-taught artist combines both Woodland andWest Coast influences into his work with his own uniqueapproach to Aboriginal art. Timothy’s work is full ofvibrant colours and spiritual energy, yet at the same time,it’s very soothing and calming. Mohan’s original paintingsmade their first television appearance during the WarnerBros. Television production of “Nikita” which airedFebruary 17 2012.

In addition to being a gifted artist, Mohan is communityminded and has generously used his talents to help severalimportant causes but none more dear to him than theCanadian Cancer Society.

Our cover artist: Tim Mohan

by John Copley

"Sacred Journey" © (pictured above) is part of a new Wildlife Series by thevery talented contemporary artist Timothy Mohan.

http://www.casinodene.com

http://necvancouver.org

http://www.nvit.ca/aboriginalgovernanceleadership.htm


(Edmonton) - Edmonton Métis artist Destiny Swiderskihas begun installation of a new public artwork inEdmonton's downtown. The artwork, entitled Amiskwacw Î Wâskâyhkan Ihtâwin (Beaver Hills House Park) iscreated in collaboration with aerosol paint artist AJALouden.

Swiderski’s installation celebrates the city's NorthSaskatchewan River Valley - its trees and the flocks ofbirds which swoop and swirl over the area. The artworkserves as a portal, linking two downtown parks - BeaverHills House Park, and Michael Phair Park - in the historicWarehouse District. The park is 685 square metres orabout 7400 square feet with Swiderski’s art situated on thewest wall.

Amiskwac w Î Wâskâyhkan Ihtâwin (Beaver HillsHouse Park) invites the public to wander through MichaelPhair Park and into Beaver Hills House Park led by acommunity of Bohemian wax-wing birds. More than 150bird silhouettes make this artwork a three-dimensionalexperience as the movement takes people into the park.

Flight studies were interpreted as ten different shapes ofthe wax-wing come to life from takeoff to mid-flight andbeyond. This procession is further accentuated by themural, the edge of the boreal forest – the context ofEdmonton and the landscape that is true to this place.

Both Cree syllabics and translations are utilized as themain hierarchy to express the Indigenous roots of thisspecial place; a place to gather and share stories about thepast, present, and future.

Destiny Swiderski is a Métis Canadian artist who wascurrently lives and works in Coombs, British Columbia.She is known for site-specific installation art that utilizeseveryday materials that follow a precise algorithm.

The 35-year-old artist grew up north of Winnipeg inSelkirk, Manitoba. Her studies began at the University ofManitoba in Winnipeg in 2002. Swiderski received herBachelors of Environmental Design in Architecture in2007. Her studies in Architecture led her to create

architectural installations atthe Ontario College of Artand Design in Toronto,ON. She has worked forArchitecture and UrbanDesign firms in the westand is currently self-employed as she isembracing her career as aPublic Artist.

Swiderski’s work useseveryday manufacturedmaterials such as drinkingstraws, casino dice, andpieces of milled wood to create large scale sculptures thathave a three dimensional quality. Her work involves usingrepetition of one material to explore its new characteristicswhen applied to an image. Her process is extracted fromthe landscape to the deep-rooted history that resides in thatparticular place. Capturing experience is the essence of allof her artworks.

Destiny’s experience working in Architecture hasallowed her to be exposed to numerous clients, cultures,and places around Canada. Her extensive knowledge ofmaterials and construction methods allow her to manage,consult, and construct large pieces of art for others to enjoyand interact with. These ideas all stream into how publicart can be a vehicle for placemaking.

On June 10, Downtown Edmonton also celebrated thefuture home of Alex Decoteau Park, which will bring aspace to play, meet and relax to the city’s centre. The park,which is named after Canada’s first Aboriginal policeofficer, will be located at the corner of 105 Street and 102Avenue and is highly anticipated by the community.

“It’s projects like Alex Decoteau Park that shapeDowntown as unique, modern and community-minded,”said Mayor Don Iveson. “Urban parks play an importantrole in the appeal of the downtown core, and this park will

bring much anticipatedgreen space to the area.”

“Alex Decoteau Park isa significant project to ourgrowing Downtownneighbourhood,” saidChris Buyze, President ofthe Downtown EdmontonCommunity League. “Wewanted to createsomething that wasdesigned by communitymembers, for communitymembers. Downtown is agreat place to live and Ithink Decoteau Park trulyreflects that.”

Located on 0.35hectares of land, the parkwill feature: a communitygarden; ground-levelwater sprays that can archand jump to rhythm andlights; public art; and afenced off-leash dog park.

Alex Decoteau Park is one of several catalyst projectsincluded in the City’s Downtown Plan and is the firstDowntown park built in 16 years. The budget for theproject is $4.35 million, which will be funded through theCapital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy.Alex Decoteau Park is slated to open in 2017.lt will reflectthe passion he had for his community, and how he strivedto serve it in any way he could.

Alexander Decoteau was born on the Red PheasantReserve in Saskatchewan in 1887. Before moving toAlberta, he attended the reserve day-school, and then theBattleford Industrial School. He worked as a farm-handmoving to Edmonton, Alberta, where he foundemployment as a blacksmith with his brother-in-lawDavid Latta.

Decoteau joined the Edmonton Police Force in 1909and became Canada’s first Aboriginal-Canadian policeofficer. He was hired as a Constable and was promoted toSergeant in 1914, heading the West End Police Office. Asa remarkable long-distance runner, Decoteau won mostmajor races in western Canada between 1909 and 1916. In1912, Decoteau earned a place on Canada’s Olympicteam.

At the start of the First World War, Decoteau enlisted inthe Canadian Army in 1916. He served with the 202ndInfantry Battalion and later with the 49th Battalion. Afterarriving in France, Decoteau was killed in the October1917 Battle of Passchendaele.

Decoteau was buried in Ypres, Belgium. Since a properCree burial did not occur, his relatives and friendsperformed a special ceremony in 1985 that would bringhis spirithome to Edmonton.

Decoteau was inducted into the Edmonton Sports Hallof Fame in 1967. Many of his accomplishments arerecorded here. He was also inducted into theSaskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, and later tothe Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. The EdmontonPolice Museum and Archives holds a number of hispersonal and military trophies and awards, including aparticipant medal from the 1912 Olympics and theCalgary Herald trophy.

Decoteau had always been well liked by his peers, andhe established a special relationship with children as apolice officer and an athlete. Today, he continues to act asa role model to children and adults alike, and hisachievements, service, and dedication to the communityand athletics are remembered through the Alex DecoteauEducational Run which began in 2001 and involvesEdmonton’s Inner City Schools.

Edmonton Parks celebrateIndigenous achievements

Destiny Swiderski's art installation will adorn the west wall of Beaver Hill Park indowntown Edmonton.

An Edmonton park will bear the name of Canada'sfirst Aboriginal police officer and accomplishedathlete Alex Decouteau, (pictured above with histrophies). Photo from City of Edmonton Archives

http://www.sirrsllp.com

http://www.nextgen.org/students

On June 9, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada gavenotice that it will be hearing The First Nation of NachoNyak Dun et al v Government of Yukon, otherwise knownas the Peel Watershed case. The case will be heard inOttawa after leave to appeal to the Supreme Court ofCanada was submitted by the First Nation of Na-ChoNyak Dun, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, the Vuntut GwitchinFirst Nation, CPAWS Yukon and the Yukon ConservationSociety in December 2015.

"We signed our Final Agreements with Canada and theGovernment of Yukon in 1993, and we came to the tableagain in good faith for the Peel Watershedconsultations," said Chief Simon Mervyn of the FirstNation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. "We are pleased thatCanada’s highest court recognizes the legally bindingnature of these agreements and the national significance ofthis case.”

The Peel Watershed is home to the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, Vuntut GwitchinFirst Nation, and the Tetlit Gwich'in Council.

“The Supreme Court’s decision confirms what we’vemaintained all along: there are significant legal questionsraised by the Yukon Government’s conduct during thePeel planning process that deserve the Supreme Court’s -

and Canada’s -attention,” Chief RobertaJoseph of the Tr'ondëkHwëch'in said. “We arethankful for thisopportunity and lookforward to defending theintegrity of our FinalAgreements.”

Chief Bruce Charliefrom the Vuntut GwitchinFirst Nation expresses hiselation on the decision. He states: “This pristinewilderness, caribou habitat and eco systems is an essentialelement of our very existence, the integrity of ouragreements will be clarified once and for all and will standthe test of time.”

The Peel Watershed is one of the largest unspoilednatural areas in North America. At 68,000 km², it is largerthan the entire province of Nova Scotia.

“The Peel River Watershed is a wild land in a world thatis quickly losing its wilderness," added YukonConservation Society Executive Director ChristinaMacdonald. "We are looking to the Supreme Court of

Canada to help us keep it that way.”Six rivers flow through this landscape into the Peel

River, which travels north to the Arctic Ocean via theMackenzie River Delta. Grizzly bears, wolves, andcaribou roam freely; migratory birds find sanctuary in thewetlands; and rare plant populations thrive.

Chris Rider, Executive Director of CPAWS Yukon,stated “The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision to hearthis case shows that they recognize the value of the PeelWatershed. It is a treasure of international significance andit deserves protection. Beyond this, the final ruling will seta precedent for all future land use planning in the Yukonand the significance of that cannot be underestimated.”

Peel Watershed Case isheaded to the SCC

The beautiful unspoiled Peel Watershed

still felt today, need to be recognized and understood by allCanadians. It is our hope that the Witness Blanket projectwill help to create awareness amongst mainstream societyso that we can begin to work together to make positivechange. This is the only way to create what everyonewants - an equal footing and an equal opportunity. It is outhope that people from every community across thecountry join us by standing witness to this important partof Canadian history. We, as a country, need to honour thesesurvivors and remember the children who were lost. Wewant to bring the Witness Blanket back to the people whohelped us create it, but we can’t do this alone; we areasking for your support to help us to complete our nationaltour and feature documentary.”

Newman realized his goals and his wish is coming true.His project has opened tens of thousands of eyes andCanadian society is more aware today of the atrocities thathave been perpetrated against Indigenous cultures thanever before. The recommendations that came forth afterthe Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) six-year investigation have gained support in every corner ofthe country, including the offices of the provincial andfederal governments.

Carey Newman comes from a long line of well-knownartists. He’s a fifth generation carver whose culturalknowledge and artistic skills were learned early in life.

“I get a lot of support from my family and from theElders in our community,” he assured, “and I am able todraw upon the cultures of my paternal grandfather(Kwagiulth) and grandmother (Coast Salish) forinspiration.”

Always seeking to improve his skills, Newman is anaccomplished artist who works with a variety of medium,

including wood, glass, stone, gold and silver. He’s also anaccomplished painter who follows in the footsteps of hisfather, especially when it comes to artistic integrity, self-respect and quality of workmanship. In fact, artistry is inhis blood. His father Victor, his great, great grandfatherCharlie James, and his great aunt Ellen Neel, are allrenowned wood carvers.

Newman also owns and operates Blue Raven Gallery, aventure he launched in 1996. To learn more about the

gallery and to view some of Newman’s breathtakinglybeautiful wood, stone and precious metal carvings checkout the website at: www.blueraven.ca.

To learn more about the Witness Blanket project visitwitnessblanket.ca.

To learn more about the Sagitawa Friendship Societyand the Witness Blanket initiative contact the SagitawaFriendship Society at 780-624-2443 or visit the office at10108-100 Avenue in Peace River.

Witness Blanket cont. from p 22


http://www.terracana.com

http://www.visioncareplus.com

http://www.urbansystems.ca

http://www.wilbert.ca

around the world to share their music and their stories.“The musicians who joined us this year were beyond

excellent,” reiterated Gaucher. “Some of the best Metisperformers around came out this year; the crowd was

treated to some outstanding tunes by fiddlers CalvinVolrath, Gary Lee and Alfie Myer. Our backup musiciansincluded lead guitarist Richard Chernesky, acousticguitarist Clint Pelltier and Les Vincent on Bass.”

The festival also waived the admission fees for a largegroup of visitors from Fort McMurray, and also for a

group of foster parents andElders who visited the2016 event.

There are some changesbeing planned for the 2017spring festival, changesthat may see outsidebusinesses andorganizations sponsoringsome of the events.

“The response we gotthis year tells us that thecommunity feels we are a

viable entity and they want to see the festival continue wellinto the future. We are all very delighted with the response;social media made a big difference and we are all veryappreciative of the support we received; it helped us toreconsider. We hope to have some new plans in placebefore the 2017 event and we’ll invite other organizationsto partner with us or contribute in some way. “

That plan is expected to see festival organizers seekingsponsorships from other organizations interested inattaching their name to one or more of the events held atthe annual festival. For example, a toy store might helpsponsor the Tiny Tots Jigging category while a hair salonor quality restaurant could host the Golden Age categoryand so forth.

“There will be opportunities for others to get involvedwith us but it’s too early to get into details right now,”concluded Gaucher, noting that she would soon begin“contacting local and regional organizations andbusinesses in preparation for the 2017 festival.”

Metis Festival cont. from p 20


The Alberta government recently announced anaggressive protection plan for caribou ranges in North andCentral Alberta. The new plan includes adding 1.8 millionhectares of protected land for a total of 4.9 million hectaresacross Alberta. Stan Boutin, University of Albertaprofessor (biological sciences) and Alberta BiodiversityConservation Chair, will oversee the advisory panelimplementing and monitoring the new plan.

“The caribou file has simmered for at least ten years,”says Boutin, noting that the announcement is a majoraccomplishment after a half decade of failed attempts tonegotiate a range management plan. “To the credit of thisNDP government, they brought in a mediator to see if hecould stickhandle his way through this morass.”

Boutin says that caribou need large patches ofundisturbed forest to avoid predators and sees theannouncement as a major step in the right direction. “Theplan has all the prongs needed for potential recovery:protection, aggressive restoration of features we created ashumans through seismic lines and reforestry, and somecontrol of predators for the time being.”

A mix of human activity and natural climate change hasmade caribou a threatened species both provincially andfederally. “In reality, this caribou system is so complicated.Not only have our activities changed things, the changingclimate has created an environment for deer to thrive,driving up the wolf population, which is ultimately bad forcaribou.” The solution up until now has been acontroversial wolf control program. “It’s a full-fledgedwar on wolves,” says Boutin, who advocates instead for asolution that protects both species. “How are we acceptingthat this is ongoing?”

In addition to advocating for caribou habitat recreation,

Boutin has been pushingfor a somewhatprovocative solution tocaribou conservationwhich will ultimately helpthe wolf population aswell. With an ambitioustimeframe to break groundby the end of 2016, Boutinwill be piloting a fenced-inprotected area for femalecaribou and youngoffspring as a refuge fromwolves. “The majorpressures are on earlysurvival. If we can improvethat, we can really help theplight of the caribou.”

Though predatorycontrol can stabilize thecaribou population, thegoal with the fenced-inarea is to bump up the herd,providing a “pulse” to thecaribou population eachyear. Boutin sees this as abenefit not only to caribou but also to wolves. “Hopefullywe can start to wean ourselves off of the wolf control.”Boutin has also been in ongoing discussion with industrypartners to expand similar experiments in Eastern Alberta.

Though fences are widely used around the world foranimal conservation—in Hawaii and New Zealand fornesting birds and in Africa for game management, for

example—it is a relatively new concept for NorthAmerica. The idea of protective fencing for caribou isuntested, but Boutin is optimistic. “We are into majorintervention. No one should ever dream that this won’t besomewhat artificial. We are going to aggressively manageit. That’s why these fences aren’t out of the question. If thisexperiment is a success, we can cut back on the removalof wolves. I see a potential double win.”

Win-win for caribou and wolves in Alberta?

http://www.tolko.com

http://www.rivercreejobs.com


(Edmonton) – Last month, Women Building Futures(WBF), Alberta’s premier trades training organization forwomen, celebrated the graduation of the first IronworkerReadiness class.

WBF joined forces with North West RedwaterPartnership (NWR) and the Alberta IronworkersApprenticeship and Training Plan (Local 720) in late 2015to launch the new training program. On May 19, 2016program partners joined together in recognizing theIronworker graduates now entering Alberta’s workforce atNWR’s Sturgeon Refinery.

“WBF is proud to be part of this innovative partnershipthat will benefit women, families, industry and Alberta’seconomy as a whole,” says JudyLynn Archer, President &CEO of WBF. “It’s amazing what can happen whenorganizations join forces to create innovative solutions thatbenefit all stakeholders.”

“These highly skilled women represent the strength,determination and diversity of this great province. Notonly will they build the energy infrastructure of Alberta’sfuture, they have chosen to take hold of their own futures,to do what they love, and to prove any and all nay-sayerswrong. As Energy Minister, they inspire me, as a mother,they inspire me, and as a woman, they inspire me,” saidthe Honourable Margaret McCuaig-Boyd, Minister ofEnergy. “Thank you to Women Building Futures, theNorth West Redwater Partnership, and the AlbertaIronworkers Apprenticeship and Training Plan (Local720) for creating this program and for recognizing thatdiverse workplaces are strong workplaces.”

The need for motivated skilled tradespeople in theconstruction and maintenance of the NWR SturgeonRefinery, located near Edmonton, Alberta, sparked thecreation of this unique partnership. Currently in the midstof Phase 1 construction, the refinery now stands to benefitfrom the proactive recruitment, training andapprenticeship of these women that has been madepossible by WBF and partner organizations, NWR andLocal 720.

“It is our pleasure to welcome these talented anddedicated women into the Sturgeon Refinery workforce,”says Ian MacGregor, President and Chairman, NWRefining Inc., a 50 per cent partner in the NWRPartnership. “I feel good about what we been able to

achieve through this partnership. This first class ofgraduates exemplifies exactly who we hope to attract toour team. Albertans with passion, commitment and a focusto the future. We are excited to be able to partner withWBF, Local 720, and the contractors on site, PCL andFluor, to create job opportunities that truly make adifference to the lives of Albertans. But this is also aboutmore than job creation.

“This is about being part of something we as Albertanscan all be proud of. The Sturgeon Refinery is focused onfinding ways to add value to our resources, manage ourCO2 footprint and gain market access. Together, we arebuilding Alberta’s energy future. As constructioncontinues, it is our hope that this first graduating class willbe able to stake their claim in the long-lasting andmeaningful legacy that this project will leave on ourprovince.”

“Local 720 is thrilled to have played a role in trainingthis graduating class as they develop new skillsets and takecontrol of their future,” says Scott Papineau,Apprenticeship Coordinator/Training Instructor, withLocal 720. “The united workforce that is emerging fromthis unique program is now equipped to contribute toAlberta’s expert workforce and empower and inspirefuture students who can now follow in their footsteps.”

Tuition for the overall program was provided by NWR,and work experience and employment at NWR’s SturgeonRefinery was provided in conjunction with theircontractors Fluor Canada and PCL Industrial ConstructorsInc. Participants were also indentured as Ironworkingapprentices with the Alberta Ironworker Apprenticeshipand Training Plan, who provided the hands on skillbuilding.

“This program has always been about empoweringwomen and fortifying Alberta’s workforce with skilled,dedicated tradespeople,” says Bill Schneider, ConstructionDirector, Fluor Canada. “We are proud to be supportingWBF, NWR and Local 720 by offering employment at theSturgeon Refinery to this year’s graduating class as theycontinue succeeding in pursing nontraditional careers.”

"The WBF ironworkers training program is animportant next step in a wider effort to help open doors forwomen in trades. We are pleased to welcome these recentgraduates as they join us at PCL on the NWR project site,”

said Gary Truhn, Vice President and General Manager ofPCL Industrial Constructors Inc. “The success of thisprogram should only increase as it gains momentumprovincially and continues to promote opportunity andexcellence in the ironworking industry and in othertrades.”

Recruitment for the program began in November 2015,throughout which WBF focused on the engagement ofAboriginal women and women living in communitieslocal to the Sturgeon Refinery.

The program started with WBF’s Best Practices forWorking in Construction in a Safe and Productive Way,Healthy Choices for Productive Work, MovementSequencing and She Works: Financial Tool Kit followedby Worksite Safety Certification: Standard First Aid, CPRLevel One, CSTS and WHMIS, OSSA Elevated WorkPlatform, OSSA Fall Protection. Local 720 provided all ofthe hands-on skill training. Apprenticeship retention andcompletion support is provided by WBF and AlbertaIronworkers Apprenticeship and Training to ensure theongoing success of graduates. All Pre-assessment andrecruitment efforts were done by WBF including D&Atesting and fitness-to-work that were provided in kindthrough SureHire Occupational Testing.

WBF is Alberta’s premier destination for women whowant to discover, pursue and advance in a career in trades.A Social Purpose Organization and registered charity,WBF is valued for its uncompromising approach tomeeting the needs of women and industry by recruiting theright people, providing them with the right training andmatching them with the right employer.

For more information visit womenbuildingfutures.com.

Job creation partnership welcomesnew apprentice ironworkers

http://www.fcc.ca/careers


http://www.rcmauto.com

Alberta Native News - Digital Edition - June, 2016 - National Aboriginal Day

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