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Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2014

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$5.00 + GST where applicableVOLUME 21 • NUMBER 7JUNE 2014

THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA

WHAT'S INSIDE:

CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL# 40063755

By Shari NarineSweetgrass Contributing Editor

SIKSIKA FIRST NATION

The Siksika First Nation is onestep closer to bringing ChiefCrowfoot’s regalia home fromEngland.

On May 28, representativesfrom the First Nation and theBlackfoot Crossing HistoricalPark museum met with AlbertaCulture and received support forthe work needed to repatriate,among the items, regalia worn byCrowfoot when he signed Treaty7 in 1877.

“We were given the go ahead.They said, ‘We’re backing youup,’” said Herman Yellow OldWoman, cultural curator at theBlackfoot Crossing museum.

Yellow Old Woman says thegovernment has committed tocovering the transportation costsof bringing home the articles,approximately 30 pieces, as wellas the renovation work needed inthe museum to displayCrowfoot’s regalia. Yellow OldWoman puts the price tag at$50,000-$70,000 for thetransportation and another$30,000 for the renovations. Hesays Siksika First Nation cannotafford to cover any of the costs.

The regalia, which includesCrowfoot’s pipe bag, bear knifeand moccasins, as well as

Crowfoot’s wife’s headdress, ispresently at the Royal AlbertMemorial Museum in Exeter,England. That the museum hadthe regalia was discovered byaccident.

In 2007 or 2008, says YellowOld Woman, a delegation fromthe Pit River Museum, inOxford, England, came toAlberta to learn more about anextensive collection ofBlackfoot shirts Pit River had.The shirts came from aBlackfoot camp in Edmontonfrom the 1870s to early 1880sand had been gifted by theChiefs to members of theHudson Bay Company. In 2010,Pit River Museum returnedwith five shirts on-loan to theGlenbow Museum, in Calgary,and the Galt Museum, inLethbridge, for short-termexhibit. As Pit River Museumstill had grant money available,it invited representatives fromAlberta to England. Yellow OldWoman was among thedelegates to make the trip toLondon and to meet withrepresentatives from a numberof museums throughoutEurope. It was at a meeting afterthe formal session that YellowOld Woman was approached bythe Royal Albert museum abouta collection the museum wasn’tsure what to do with.

“A year later we went back.We paid them a two-day visitand went through theircollection and realized theimportance of this regalia,” saidYellow Old Woman.

An open panel discussionwith Royal Albert museumofficials and Exeter townofficials led to the decision toreturn the regalia to its rightfulowners.

“After 130 years of the regaliasitting there, (they decided) itshould actually come home,”said Yellow Old Woman. “I wasexcited. I was very movedsimply because that morningwhen they unveiled the regaliato us we sang sacred songs,chief songs that were composedat the time of the treaty tohonour Chief Crowfoot andleaders after him. We still singthose songs today to honour ourleaders.”

Yellow Old Woman was notsurprised by Exeter’s decisionbecause he “had been talking tothe spirits and asking them tohelp in their way.”

He was also not surprised bythe decision because the attitudetoward repatriation has changedin the 25 years that Yellow OldWoman has been working in thefield.

“When we first started, evenlocal museums such as Glenbow

Work underway to bring home Crowfoot regalia

Remembering those lost in government careThe Blanket of Remembrance round dance was held at Churchill Square, in Edmonton, on May 18, and a banner signed to mark the children who died incare and the residential school system. The event, an annual commemoration hosted by the Creating Hope Society of Alberta, included a pipe ceremony.

PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN

didn’t open their doors to theFirst Nations people,” he said.“Whereas today, any story thatis told in a museum, is almostall told by First Nations people.”

In the early ‘90s attitudesstarted changing, he says, with“a new generation of traditionalpeople (who) started comingforward and of course there werenew people on boards with themuseums.” That was followed in2000 with the province’s FirstNations Sacred CeremonialObject Repatriation Act.

Yellow Old Woman expectsCrowfoot’s regalia to be back inAlberta sometime in late 2015or early 2016. He notes that lastNovember, Royal Albertmuseum curator Tony Ecclessaid the repatriation should takeplace within two years.

Delegates from the RoyalAlbert museum will be comingto the Siksika First Nation inJuly to discuss the processfurther. Yellow Old Woman sayswhen the transfer is made,technicians from the RoyalAlbert museum will make thetrip to ensure safe passage andsafe installation at the BlackfootCrossing museum. None ofCrowfoot’s regalia was ondisplay at the Royal Albertmuseum. However theheaddress of Crowfoot’s wife,who was a member of the sacred

society the Buffalo Women, wason display. After the headdresswas identified by the Siksikadelegation, the Exeter museumimmediately removed it.

Yellow Old Woman says theCrowfoot regalia will bedisplayed permanently in whatis now the travelling exhibit areaof the Blackfoot Crossingmuseum. Renovations arerequired to ensure the area is air-controlled environmentally.

Renaissance Tower sets news standardfor affordable living

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Friendship Accord strengthensrelationship between jurisdictions

Page 5


2 A L B E R T A N E W SA L B E R T A N E W SA L B E R T A N E W SA L B E R T A N E W SA L B E R T A N E W S

Trudeau campaigns in north for federal by-electionLiberal leader Justin Trudeau joined Fort McMurray-

Athabasca candidate Kyle Harrietha, who kicked offhis campaign mid-May. Harrietha is a resident of FortMcMurray and serves as the general manager of FortMcMurray Métis 1935. Also seeking the seat, whichwas vacated when Brian Jean retired, are David Yurdigafor the Conservatives, who is a councillor in the Countyof Athabasca, and Lori McDaniel, a Suncor employee,for the NDP. “This is an important campaign, and weare reaching out to Canadians and asking for their ideas,their hope, and their hard work in the days ahead,”said Trudeau in a prepared statement. Trudeau was inLac La Biche, Wabasca, and Fort McMurray. PrimeMinister Stephen Harper announced that four by-elections would be held June 30, including two inAlberta. The other Alberta by-election will be held inthe riding of Macleod in the south.

Tutu special guest at ACFN conferenceArchbishop Desmond Tutu was the keynote speaker

at the As Long as the Rivers Flow: Coming Back to theTreaty Relationship in Our Time conference held inFort McMurray, May 31-June 1. The event wassponsored by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nationand the law firm of Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. “Weare proud to host a moral leader like Archbishop Tutu,who has done such important work for his people inhis own country. We hope he can guide us to open aconversation with Canadians about the current state ofTreaty relationships, and how we can move forwardtogether, understanding our respective obligations,”said Adam. “Our ancestors signed the treaties to makesure our rights and our lands would always beprotected. We have tried to get the government to listenand to honour the treaty obligations, but instead ourrights are slowly being stripped away. We must dowhatever it takes to ensure our rights are protected nowand into the future.” The conference included topicssuch as re-envisioning the treaties and the power theycan hold for First Nations, using strategic litigation toadvance rights and best practices for fostering

followed a human health risk assessment conductedby Alberta Health in November 2013. The assessmentwas as the result of research undertaken by the JointOil Sand Monitoring program in 2012, which expressedconcern regarding mercury levels. In a Q & A publishedwith the warning, the government states, “The studydoes not indicate whether or not the mercury is comingfrom the oils sands related sources.” The findings werepublished in 2013. Low levels of mercury are a concernparticularly to pregnant women and small children,however, all consumers of gull and tern eggs from thosetwo lakes need to restrict their intake. Nunee HealthBoard Society and First Nations and Métis associationsnear the lakes have been notified of the risks by AlbertaHealth.

Three men to seek PC leadershipThomas Lukaszuk and Ric McIver have joined Jim

Prentice in seeking to become the next leader of theAlberta Progressive Conservatives. Both Lukaszuk andMcIver held positions as cabinet ministers under formerPremier Alison Redford. Lukaszuk was also DeputyPremier. Redford resigned her position as premier onMarch 23 amidst controversy of reckless spending. Sheremained as the MLA for Calgary-Elbow. Redfordbecame the province’s first female premier in October2011 after winning the leadership of the ProgressiveConservative party and then led her party to a majorityvictory in April 2012. She was elected to the legislaturein 2008. Prentice, who officially became the firstcandidate to seek Redford’s position, served as thefederal minister for Indian and Northern Affairs. Mostrecently, Prentice led a partnership-building with FirstNations on behalf of Enbridge’s Northern Gatewaypartners.

Last First Nation withdraws from JOSMThe last First Nation band involved in the Canada-

Alberta Joint Oil Sands Monitoring program hasofficially pulled out. Fort McMurray First Nation ChiefRon Kreutzer says it was a difficult decision, but thatthe First Nation felt excluded and frustrated. Pastmembers include the Athabasca Chipewyan FirstNation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, the Fort McKayFirst Nation, and the Chipewyan Prairie Dene FirstNation. The monitoring program was originallycomposed of First Nations, environmental monitoringgroups, industry, and the top two levels of government.In an email from Jesse Cardinal, member of the Keepersof the Athabasca, she stated, “The ‘world classmonoriting system’ is turning out to be anotherbreakdown in government to governmentrelations...The First Nations must be heard andincluded. The baselines they know and have, really areabout sustainability.”

New environmental monitoring agencyOn May 22, the Alberta government unveiled the

Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation andReporting Agency, which is responsible for monitoringprovincial air and water quality and ambient monitoringof biodiversity, previously managed by AlbertaEnvironment and Sustainable Resource Development.It is also leading the province’s involvement in the JointOil Sands Monitoring project with the federalgovernment. Over six months, aemera.org will expandto include additional environmental indicators for air,water, land and biodiversity in all regions of theprovince, and over the next year will evolve further tofulfill its mandate to provide open and transparentaccess to scientific data and information on thecondition of Alberta’s environment, including specificindicators as well as cumulative effects, bothprovincially and in specific locations.

Funding to enhance Aboriginal experience at U of LThe University of Lethbridge has received a

$400,000 gift in support of First Nations’ initiatives.The money, given by TD Bank Group, will be used toenhance educational experiences for Blackfoot andother First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Thefunding will support the already established FirstNations’ Transition Program and the creation of a FirstNations’ Gathering Centre on the U of L campus.President Mike Mahon says the university placestremendous emphasis on the success of Blackfoot andother FNMI students and an inclusive campus is criticalin achieving that goal.

Compiled by Shari Narine

sustainable economic development. Participants hadthe opportunity to hear from leaders in various fields,network and learn new skills in the advancement ofTreaty rights and approach the promise of reconciliationin Canada.

Lack of service coordination, information sharingkey causes in death

An investigative review released by the Office of theChild and Youth Advocate in early May indicated thatlack of information sharing led to the death of a 14-day old Aboriginal baby, who, at the time, was receivingservices from the provincial government. “Thecircumstances around this infant’s death are both tragicand troubling,” said Advocate Del Graff, in a newsrelease. “What is particularly disconcerting is thatdespite an abundance of good information, the systemappeared unable to come together for the benefit ofthis child.” Graff said more information from differentsources were required in order for the baby to beproperly cared for. Recommendations aboutimprovements in service co-ordination and informationsharing are a significant theme in this report. Inaddition, the report recommends improvements relatedto risk assessments for newborns, ensuring balance indelivering child intervention services, meeting theneeds of infants exposed to drugs in utero, andenhancing parenting assessments. “Baby Annie,” asthe child was called in the report, was foundunresponsive and not breathing by her mother. The babywas transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.The cause of death was “undetermined.” Annie’s fourolder siblings were the subjects of TemporaryGuardianship Orders and were in care at the time ofher birth. Annie’s family was involved with Alberta’schild intervention system. Annie was in her parents’care when she passed away.

Gull, tern egg consumption advisory issuedAlberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued

a food consumption advisory for gull and tern eggs forLake Athabasca and Mamawi Lake. The advisory

PHOTO: DENIS CARNOCHAN

Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (third from right) with Fort McMurray-Athabasca candidate KyleHarrietha (second from right) and members of the Sucker Creek First Nation.

CLARIFICATIONFederal health minister not open about pending changes, May 2014. The Non Insured Health BenefitsProgram is not scheduled to sunset in 2015. What is scheduled to sunset – and are up for renewalcome 2015 – are programs under the Upstream Investments that includes: Aboriginal DiabetesInitiative (ADI), Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative (AHHRI), Aboriginal Head Start Program,Health Services Integration Fund (HSIF), Maternal Child Health/Children’s Oral Health and NationalAboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS).


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PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN

A mock wedding between Foss L. Fuels (the fossil fuel industry) played by Mike Hudema, with Greenpeace, and Govern Mint(the government), represented by Terry Noel, with Occupy Edmonton was held with Chris-Ann Lake, who is Climate and EnergyCampaigner with Greenpeace as minister and bridesmaid dressed in black Katrina Armstrong .

By Paula E. KirmanSweetgrass Contributor

EDMONTON

Wedding ceremonies on theAlberta Legislature grounds arenot an unusual occurrence –except for one held on May 10.

In a mock marriageceremony organized byGreenpeace, the governmentand fossil fuel industry were tobe joined in wedded bliss.Complete with a red carpet,flower girls, bouquets, andpresiding official, vows wereexchanged, tears were shed,and an “oil and water”ceremony became rathermessy.

Why the theatrics? May 10was a National Day of Actioncalled Defend Our Climate,Defend Our Communities.Marches and mock weddingswere held throughout thecountry to send a message tothe government about the needfor a safe climate, safecommunities, and thedetrimental environmentaleffects that the tar sands andpipelines can cause.

In the fantasy role playing atthe Legislature, the weddingwas eventually called off by thegovernment when “guests”raised objections to the union.

“I object on behalf of theclimate and the cost to ourfuture generations. We have

seen the stern warnings fromthe international communitythat we have to address climatechange now. We have to keeptwo thirds of the fossil fuels inthe ground,” said ErielTchekwie Deranger, with theAthabasca Chipewyan FirstNation, pointing to thebackground “photo booth”photo from the flooding last

year in Calgary and southernAlberta.

“On behalf of the AboriginalNurses Association of Canada,we have to protect the offspringof this union, for the youth ofthis country to be able to growup in a society free of chronicdisease and illness. The cost tothe Canadian people across thecountry is $190 billion a year.

Each family member with achronic illness will cost$10,000. Forty five people inAlberta will be diagnosed withcancer every day and thosenumbers will grow to analarming rate if this union isallowed to continue,” said LisaBourque-Bearskin.

While the fossil fuel industrycontinued to run after the

government, even after beingleft at the altar, activists at the“wedding” expressed hopesthat the government will followsuit in real life, and call off thelocal affair with the fossil fuelindustry.

Another National Day ofAction was held in Novemberwith the same name and similargoals.

Day of Action results in a cancelled wedding


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~ Established December 1993 ~ISSN #1199-6773 • Canadian Publication Mail # 40063755

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N E W SN E W SN E W SN E W SN E W S


EDMONTON

Renaissance Tower is aboutmore than its leading-edgeenergy saving andenvironmentally friendlytechnology. The senior andhandicapped complex thatcelebrated its grand openingApril 29 is about providing safe,comfortable living at anaffordable rate in a communitythat is being revitalized.

The $22 million residential90-unit complex, developed bythe Métis Capital HousingCorporation, provides housingfor Métis, Aboriginals andpeople with disabilities over theage of 55. It is the second phaseof the Boyle Renaissanceproject, a communityrevitalization plan led by theCity of Edmonton in TheQuarters, which is on the easternedge of the city’s downtownarea.

“This part of the city isstarting to feel safer. We seemore people, (it’s) more stable,more housing needs are beingmet, lives are being turnedaround and a community isbeing constructed,” said

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.The city contributed $5.6

million toward the project, withthe province and the federalgovernments each kicking in$4.1 million, and MCHCproviding $6 million.

“(This is) the combinedefforts of seven years of hardwork to realize our vision, toprovide our seniors and personswith disabilities with a residencethey could be proud to callhome,” said Darlene Lennie,executive director of MCHC,which is the largest Aboriginalhousing developer in theprovince.

Mike Holmes, TV host for avariety of home renovationshows, and his organization theHolmes Group, was engaged byMCHC to provide expertconsultation and projectmanagement on theRenaissance Tower. Holmesensured the project metsustainable and energy-savingtargets, while serving as a modelfor future affordable housingdevelopment.

“When you build for the rightreasons you always have a greatresult,” said Holmes. “Thisbuilding wasn’t just built for theenvironment, which I care

about, or energy consumption,which I care about. It was reallyall about the people who weregoing to live here.”

Renaissance Tower has beenaccepting residents since lastDecember. One-third of theunits are outfitted with featuresdesigned for the disabled,including walk-in showers, five-foot turnaround free space ineach room and adjustablecounter tops for people withmobility issues. The buildingcontains an innovativecombined heat and powersystem which, mounted on theroof of Renaissance Tower, willalso provide heat and hot waterto the neighbouring 150-unitMelcor YMCA Village. Thereare also solar panels on the rooftop of the seven-story buildingalong with a green space. Theground floor providesapproximately 10,000 squarefeet of commercial space.

“Renaissance Tower is amodel for delivering quality,affordable housing designed tomeet the unique needs of seniorsand people with disabilities,while leading the way in energyefficiency and sustainability,”said Lennie.

Renaissance Tower sets newsstandard for affordable living

Mike Holmes addresses the crowd at the official opening of Renaissance Tower. On stage are(from left) Mayor Don Iveson; David Quest, Alberta associate minister for seniors; MP ScottArmstrong; and Darlene Lennie, CEO for Métis Capital Housing Corporation.

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

(See Renaissance on page 12.)


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SAWRIDGE FIRST NATION

Sawridge Chief Roland Twinnis confident that a friendshipaccord struck between his FirstNation and two neighbouringmunicipalities is the directionrelations need to go for sharedsuccess.

The accord, signed in Maybetween Sawridge First Nation,the town of Slave Lake andMunicipal District of LesserSlave River, is a continuation ofwork undertaken in the pastthree years since the devastatingfire in the region in May 2011.While Sawridge First Nationsuffered no structural damagesor deaths, about one-third ofSlave Lake was wiped out.

“That was the first time a FirstNation has been so directlyinvolved in such a hugeendeavour … and we actuallyhad a say in that as a FirstNation,” said Twinn. “I thinkthat’s where we should all belooking to go in the future.”

Sawridge, Slave Lake and theMD received $10 million to digthemselves out of firedevastation. They signed anagreement in 2011 which formedthe Lesser Slave Lake RegionalTri-Council. With funding for

municipalities, it only makessense that First Nations forgestrong relationships with theirneighbouring municipalities.

“The best way to worktogether is through goodrelations. This just reaffirms thatwe decided as the three councilsto work together and we willcontinue working with theconsensus model, which kind ofbreaks that ‘this side-that side’kind of an issue,” said Twinn.

“This solidifies therelationship that was already

N E W SN E W SN E W SN E W SN E W S

Friendship Accord strengthens relationshipbetween jurisdictions

Sawridge Chief Roland Twinn and MD of Slave River Reeve Murray Kerik watch as Slave LakeMayor Tyler Warman signs the friendship accord.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED SLAVE LAKE REGIONAL TRI-COUNCIL

the tri-council coming to an endin March of 2014, Sawridge andthe two municipalities examinedother options for funding in orderto continue the work and thepartnership that had begun.

“We thought this was workingso good we thought we’d like togo beyond the recovery phase,”said Twinn.

They received funding throughthe Community EconomicDevelopment Initiative led byCando and the Federation ofCanadian Municipalities.

By working together inpartnership, Twinn saysSawridge First Nation gets anunderstanding of the town’s andMD’s needs and the twomunicipalities “get in touch withour struggles.” Among thosestruggles, he notes, is having tojuggle funding and approvalfrom both the federal andprovincial governments. He addsthat with the federal governmentdownloading services to theprovinces and the provinces inturn downloading to

going on with the threejurisdictions. They really wantedto showcase that we werelooking to move the regionforward as one,” said Kim Dyke,regional economic developmentofficer with Slave Lake regionaltri-council.

According to the documentsigned by the three jurisdictionsduring a round dance hosted bythe Sawridge First Nation at theMulti-Rec Centre in Slave Lake,on May 10, the accord “providesthe framework upon which TheCommunities, including theirrespective governments andresidents, will collaborate withone another; and this principle-based Friendship Accordestablishes commitments tomake the Slave Lake Region abetter place for all residents andvisitors.”

What is significant about theaccord, says Dyke, is thedecision to work together infriendship and not primarily foreconomic benefits.

The signatories of the accordwill meet at least quarterly andlike the tri-council, decisionswill be reached throughconsensus, says Dyke. Workinggroups could be established ifneeded.

( See Friendship on page 7.)


6 E D M O N T O NE D M O N T O NE D M O N T O NE D M O N T O NE D M O N T O N

Church service focuses on “Creating Sacred Spaces”Jim Graves leads a song with children during a service at Garneau

United Church on May 18. The service was entitled “Creating SacredSpace” and touched upon issues such as the effects of pipelines andthe recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Edmonton.Juno-award winner Bill Bourne performed an Honour Song andbannock was served at the end. Graves is a lay person with theUnited Church and the executive director of the Banff Men’sConference.

Proceeds from crime to help heavy users of serviceAboriginal-focused organizations are part of a new effort by the

Edmonton Police Service to help vulnerable people be moreindependent, less likely to be victimized, and require fewer police,medical, and social interventions. The EPS-led Heavy Users ofServices project will see the police use proceeds of crime fundingfrom the province to work with community partners to identify gapsand duplications in services, as well as help target the causes ofrepeat minor crimes that result from substance and alcohol abuse.Benefits of using community supports more efficiently includefreeing up agencies like the EPS for other calls for assistance. TheHeavy Users of Services project is a partnership with more than 16groups, including health and social service providers, firstresponders, justice services and government representatives. Thegoal is to work with up to 50 individuals identified as the city’smost frequent users of social, medical, criminal and justice services.So far nine people have agreed to participate.

Blackstock honoured for community committedUniversity of Alberta associate professor Cindy Blackstock was

honoured last month as a Community Scholar, part of the university’sCommunity Connections Awards. The awards recognize individualsor teams of community members, faculty, staff, students or post-doctoral fellows who embody the spirit of the University of Alberta’spromise, “Uplifting the Whole People.” The awards honour thepositive impact of nominees on communities near and far, as wellas their impact on the university. Award winners may bedistinguished through such community service activities as publicspeaking, volunteer work, school visits and/or other substantialcommunity service work. Blackstock is also executive director ofthe First Nations and Child and Family Caring Society of Canada,which is challenging the federal government to fund children onFirst Nations reserves at the same rate the government funds childrenoff-reserve.

Crystal Kids raises fundsCrystal Kids held its 15th annual Show and Shine, Street Dance,

BBQ, and Silent Auction at the Sherbrooke Community Leaguegrounds on June 7. Proceeds from the event were matched by theFrank Flaman Foundation. Crystal Kids is an inner-city youth centre,operated by a not-for-profit society and formed in 1992. The centreuses strength-based principles combined with a harm-reductionmodel and a focus on relationships and capacity building to mentoryouth. The goal is to cultivate resiliency and bolster the competenciesof children so they can defeat and conquer exclusion and suffering.These children suffer from neglect, abuse and other nurturing deficitsputting them at severe risk. Crystal Kids gives children a chance atan opportunity to end the cycle of poverty.

Maina highlights DreamspeakersThe annual Dreamspeakers Film Festival, which took place May

28-31, showcased the work of Indigenous filmmakers at MetroCinema. Dreamspeakers Festival Society supports and educates thepublic about Aboriginal culture, art and heritage and at the sametime acts as resource for Aboriginal filmmakers, directors,scriptwriters, actors, musicians, artists and others in the field.Highlighting this year’s offering was Maina, starring RoseanneSupernault, Graham Greene, Ipellie Ootoova, Natar Ungalaaq andTantoo Cardinal, shown during the festival’s opening night. Amongthis year’s work were Mohawk Midnight Runners, Craters of theMoon, Hi-Ho Mistahey, Drunktown’s Finist and Shouting Secrets.

Compiled by Shari Narine

PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN

By Paula E. KirmanSweetgrass Writer

EDMONTON

In 2013, 40 people died on thestreets of Edmonton. Their liveswere commemorated in theninth annual EdmontonHomeless Memorial held onMay 23.

“We provide the people of thecommunity with the opportunityto celebrate, grieve, andremember those people,” saidJohn Acheson, a trustee with theCatholic School Board and MCof the event for a number ofyears. He is also chair of theorganizing committee.

The memorial is a way “to puta human face on homelessness,”said Jim Gurnett, with theEdmonton Coalition onHousing and Homelessness.“Every year we are remindedthat there continues to be amajor crisis aroundhomelessness in the city.”

Gurnett started the HomelessMemorial when colleagues inToronto told him what they weredoing.

Last year 29 men and 11women died, directly orindirectly as the result of nothaving a home.

“I think all of us as citizenshave to come together andunderstand that while we live inthe midst of so much, there arepeople who struggle and thereare people who don’t have,” saidPremier David Hancock, whowas one of a number ofpoliticians to attend thememorial. “That belongs to thewhole community. We all haveto take responsibility for it.”

Information about the numberof deaths comes mostly fromagencies, with lists cross-checked to ensure no one iscounted twice.

“We count carefully, trying to

be conservative, not alarmist,”said Gurnett. “(We) only countthose with chronic homelessnessas a major feature in their lives.”

Gurnett says that the numberof people remembered has goneup over the years. The first year28 people were counted, whilein the last few years the numberhas hovered around 40.

While it is unclear how manyof those deaths are Aboriginal,the ceremony, which took placeat the Homeless MemorialStatue just north of City Hall,included Aboriginal culturalelements as Elder Jerry Wooddrummed and sang asparticipants pinned smallribbons to a board in memory oftheir departed loved ones.

The statue was created threeyears ago and includes manypanels that were made by peoplewho have experiencedhomelessness. Initially thememorial was held indoorsduring the winter at Boyle StreetCommunity Services, but

changed to an outdoor servicewhen the Homeless MemorialStatue was created.

“I think for most people youhave to take time to grieve, tosay goodbye in a special way.The coalition felt that peoplewho lost relatives on the streetreally did not have theopportunity to grieve andcelebrate the life of the personwho has died,” said Acheson. Henotes that the response from thecommunity has been positive,with dozens of people comingout each year to celebrate thelives of their loved ones.

Gurnett stresses that this is theone event that involves ECOHHthat is not political in nature.“We don’t talk so much aboutwhy this is happening and whatwe need to do about it, we justsay there is something inherentlyunfair that people lose years oftheir life because as a society wedon’t make sure everyone has ahome.”

Rev. Travis Enright leads the service held at the Homeless Memorial Statue, whichcommemorates lives lost on Edmonton’s streets in 2014.

PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN

Memorial puts “human face”on tragic losses


7C A L G A R YC A L G A R YC A L G A R YC A L G A R YC A L G A R Y

PHOTO: CCAB

Dan Christmas (centre), senior advisor with Membertou FirstNations Economic Development Corporation, receives theinaugural Economic Development Corporation of the yearaward from Dean Johnson (left), of Sodexo’s senior team andCanadian Council for Aboriginal Business CEO JP Gladu at thegala held in Calgary.

Inaugural award celebrates economic stewardshipOn May 13, at the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

annual gala at Calgary’s Hyatt Regency, Membertou First NationsEconomic Development Corporation was recognized as EconomicDevelopment Corporation of the year by CCAB and Sodexo Canada.The community of Membertou, located near Sydney, Nova Scotia,successfully overcame economic challenges over two decades from1995-2014. Faced with high unemployment and low morale,Membertou has seen economic growth and a commitment to cultureand heritage. By incorporating Indigenous principles of conservationand sustainability of land and waters, the community built a neweconomic frontier. The Membertou Development Corporationpartnered with private sector companies, establishing a strongcorporate office. These partnerships created education and careertraining programs for community members. The AECD award is afirst for Canada, illuminating the role that Aboriginal corporationsplay in business and First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities.

“Keeping the Circle Strong”June 15-21, Calgary will be celebrating Aboriginal Awareness

week. The annual celebration acknowledges the history of the Inuit,First Nations and Métis people by designating a week for all toparticipate in and experience Aboriginal culture. The overarchingtheme, “Keeping the Circle Strong,” celebrates and recognizes thetraditional teachings that keep past and future generations strongand healthy. The celebration kicks off with opening ceremonies onJune 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Olympic Plaza. Mayor Nenshi,representatives of City Council, First Nation leadership from Treaty7 and community Elders, corporate Calgary and Aboriginalcommunity members will all be in attendance. “Honouring MotherEarth,” an extension of last year’s theme recognizes community, unityand humanity for response to last year’s floods. Events are held atdifferent venues throughout the city. The week-long celebrationculminates with a Family Day Pow Wow Festival at Shaw MilleniumPark. Festivities include a story corner, visits with Elders, traditionalgames and the 10th annual Aboriginal Youth Hoops tournament. Theday wraps with the grand entry of the pow wow, drum groups anddancers from Tiny Tots to Buckskins.

CUAI Turns 15The Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative is throwing a party to

celebrate 15 years in the community on June 25 at the AlexandraCentre Dance Hall. Listening circles will discuss the past, presentand future of CUAI and the CUAI youth group. Coffee, snacks, lunch,a Bundle ceremony, soap stone carving, beading and many morefamily-oriented activities are planned. CUAI, founded in 1999, beganwith a multi-phase community consultation to identify barriers facedby urban Aboriginals. Multiple partners including the City of CalgaryCommunity and Social Development, the Calgary HomelessFoundation, Treaty 7 Economic Development Corporation, the MétisNation of Alberta, Human Resources Development Canada andJustice Canada’s National Strategy on Community Safety and CrimePrevention identified eight key issue areas in their work, “RemovingBarriers: A Listening Circle.” The eight Domain Areas formed thefoundation of CUAI.

Mini We Day inspires action on bullying and human rightsInspired by the Canada-wide Me to We conferences, the second

annual Calgary French and International School Mini We Dayconference was held on May 2, hosting speakers to encouragestudents to act upon bullying, human rights and oppression. Thisyear the school expanded its event inviting neighbouring schools,Calgary Connects Charter School and École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys to participate. Among the speakers and guest presenterswere illusionist and motivational speaker Scott Hamell, Cree singer-songwriter Walter MacDonald White Bear, young actor AngeliqueBerry, Duff Gibson 2006 winter Olympics gold medalist in men’sskeleton, and Kaleigh Jo Kirk, musical vocalist and recording artist.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

By Darlene ChrapkoSweetgrass Writer

CALGARY

Mark Laycock, director withMétis Calgary Family Services,believes a new partnershipforged between the CalgaryPolice Service and AlbertaHuman Services is the first stepin seeking better outcomes forAboriginal kids who are over-represented in care.

“The system of care is takingsteps in the right direction. It’sprogress and a step forward,”he said.

Last month, Alberta HumanServices Minister ManmeetBhullar announced a newagreement which openssharing of informationbetween front line AHS andCPS workers to protectchildren. With this fast-tracking of information,attending staff members cancall the police service for acriminal record check,background check, or addresscheck to determine if thesituation is safe. With a quickphone call to the CPS, theworkers gain immediate accessto critical information.

The sharing of informationallows for better decision-making and better outcomesfor our children and allows ourworkers to be safe, says

Bhullar.Officers stepping into a

serious situation in which theremay be kids in the house, willbe working within a systemthat shares information withthe right people at the righttime, says Calgary PoliceChief Rick Hanson. Theparamount consideration thatgrounds the new agreementbetween CPS and AHS is thatthose who are the mostvulnerable are protected.

The new agreement alsoallows children to be placedimmediately into kinship carerather than in the home of astranger.

“Every hour, every minute,every day counts in these caseswhen a child has seen trauma,has been exposed to somethingvery traumatic and they arebeing uprooted and placed insomeone else’s home that addsto the trauma,” said Bhullar.With immediate access toinformation, placement inkinship care is accelerated.

Of the 8,000 children in carein Alberta, 1,700 are in kinshipcare. Bhullar said 23 per cent isnot sufficient and the numberneeds to go up.

“All the science, all theresearch, all the data tell us thatchildren thrive in a settingwhere they’re safe and they’reloved and it’s somebody that

Easier access to information tohelp children brought into care

they know and connect with,”he said.

Although Laycock recognizesthe agreement as a positive stepforward, he says more isneeded.

“It’s about system change aswell as everything else,” he said.“Action is key. Leading actionneeds to involve otherstakeholders, school systems,health systems, that is, a totalsupport network.”

Laycock agrees that it iscritical that young urbanAboriginal children remain andbe supported in their circle ofcare.

“In the old system, the firstthing they lose is culture,” hesaid. He also brings to lightsearching questions about theAboriginal experience. “Whatdoes it mean? How does it comeacross in an authentic way?”

Hanson views the newpartnership as an extension ofother partnerships forged withthe CPS. “Without thatleadership, without the trust thathas developed between ouragencies through initiatives likethe Child at Risk ResponseTeam, like AVIRT, the AlbertaVulnerable Infant ResponseTeam, the Sheldon KennedyChild Advocacy Centre, wenever would have got to thispoint today.”

In Bhullar’s view thepartnership embeds a newculture. “Governments areafraid of taking steps unless youknow outcomes to a tee,” hesaid. His approach to hisministry is “a culture ofcontinuous improvement.”

Addressing Bhullar, Hansonsaid, “To have another partnerat the table every day to workon those issues that our officersare passionate about and thatyour people are passionateabout is a huge step forward.”

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Collaboration opens doors for more post-secondary studentsWith seven more post-secondary institutions joining eCampusAlberta and receiving a grantof $140,000 from the province, now all 26 publicly funded Alberta post-secondaryinstitutions are part of eCampusAlberta. A special ceremony was held in Calgary on April30 where all 26 signed a Commitment to Collaborate to work together to support a lifelonglearning environment that increases access to high quality online learning opportunitiesacross the province. The organization enables students from across the province to accessmore than 900 online courses and 70 programs, including provincially approvedcertificates, diplomas and applied degrees.

Outlined by the friendshipaccord, the three jurisdictions,“commit to open, frank, honestand straightforward interactionand communication; andcommit to building andmaintaining strong mutual trust

and respect with one another.”“We want to be that example

for First Nations andmunicipalities throughoutCanada and say this is what’sneeded. This is how we aregoing to be able to move thecountry forward,” said Dyke.

(Continued from page 5.)

Friendship Accordstrengthens relationship


8 A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A YJUNE

June 13 – 15, 201415th Annual Intertribal

GatheringFort Robinson State Park

3200 Highway 20Crawford, NebraskaContact: Joyce Mick

308–632–1311

June 13 – 15, 2014Prairie Band Potawatomi

PowwowPrairie Peoples Park

Mayetta, Kansas1–888–727–4946 ex. 7701www.pbpindiantribe.com

June 14 – 15, 201419th Annual Aboriginal

Gathering and 11th AnnualPowwow

Peace River Ag GroundsEast of Peace River

Peace River, AlbertaContact: Dennis Whitford

780–624–6367Email:

[email protected]

Free on site campingavailable.

June 14 – 15, 2014Henvey Inlet First Nation 12thAnnual Inter–Tribal PowwowFrench River I.R.#13, OntarioContact: Kimberly McQuabbie

705–857–0957

June 14 – 15, 2014Wikwemikong

Traditional PowwowWikwemikong, Manitoulin

Island, Ontario705–859–2385 or

toll–free 1–877–859–2385www.wikwemikongheritage.org

June 14 – 16, 2014Twin Buttes Powwow

Twin Buttes, North DakotaContact: Clarisse701–938–4739

June 18, 2014Igniting the Spirit Gala 2014

A Celebration of Our Songs tothe Universe

Time: 5:00pm to 9:30pmPlace: Hampton Inn Ottawa,

200 Coventry Road,Ottawa, Ontario

To be a corporate sponsor orto purchase tickets, visit:

www.wabano.comContact: Shelagh Mills

613–612–5482Email: [email protected]

June 19, 201416th Annual AnishinabekVeterans Memorial Golf

TournamentThe Mark O’Meara Course

at Grandview Golf Club245 Grandview Drive North

Huntsville, OntarioContact: Jason Restoule

1–877–702–5200or 705–497–9127

June 19 – 21, 2014Treaty Days

Athabasca Chipewyan FirstNation, Mikisew Cree First

Nation, and Métis Local 125Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

Contact: 1–800–668–1635Email: [email protected]

June 20, 2014Aboriginal Day Celebration

9:00 am – 3:00 pmHeritage Park Pavilion

5100–41 AvenueStony Plain, AlbertaContact: Sean Grant

780–968–3443

June 20 – 22, 2014Rainy River First Nations

Traditional PowwowManitou Rapids, OntarioContact: Nicole or Kiley

807–482–2479www.rainyriverfirstnations.com

June 20 – 22, 201410th Annual Honouring Our

AncestorsInter–Tribal Powwow

Ashtabula Antique Engine ClubGrounds 4026 Route 322

Williamsfield, OhioContact: Sandi Red Wolf

440–319–4483 or440–997–5026

June 20 – 22, 2014Summer Solstice Aboriginal

Arts FestivalCompetition PowwowVincent Massey Park

Ottawa, OntarioContact: Dale Matasawagon

613–261–3637Email:

[email protected]

June 21, 2014Celebrating Aboriginal Day

Along the Humber River4 km run/walk along the

banks of the Humber RiverStarts at 10:00 am

Beginning and finishing atSt.Philip’s Parish Hall

60 Dixon RoadToronto, Ontario

Contact: Stan [email protected]

June 21 – 22, 201433rd Annual Plains Indian

Museum PowwowRobbie Powwow Garden

720 Sheridan AvenueCody, Wyoming

Contact: Nancy McClure307–578–4102

Email:[email protected]

www.centerofthewest.org

June 21 – 22, 2014Aamjiwnaang First Nation53rd Annual Competition

PowwowBear Park, 1972 Virgil Avenue

Sarnia, Ontario

Contact: Tracy Williams519–336–8410

June 22, 2014St. Albert Aboriginal Day

Festival12:00 p.m. Grand Entry, Lion’s

Park, Sir Winston ChurchillAve & Tache St

St. Albert, AlbertaBring a lawn chair and enjoythe culture of First Nations,

Métis & Inuitpeople in your community.

Contact: Gwen Crouse780–717–6783

June 26, 20145th Annual National

Aboriginal History MonthCelebration

Yonge & Dundas Square at12pm–8pm

Toronto, OntarioCome and join the Native

Canadian Centre of Toronto aswe celebrate National

Aboriginal History Month.416–964–9087

June 27 – 29, 2014

Badlands CelebrationPowwow

Fort Peck ReservationBrockton, Montana

Contact: Gina Spotted Bird406–786–7684

JULYJuly 2 – 6, 2014

116th Annual Arlee CelebrationArlee, Montana406–726–3762

www.arleepowwow.com

July 4 – 6, 201420th Annual Wildhorse Resort

& Casino PowwowUmatilla Indian Reservation,

Pendleton, OregonI–84, exit 216

800–654–9453 ext. 1567Email:

[email protected]

July 11 – 13, 20144th Annual Calling All Drums

Rocky Mountain HousePowwow

Rocky Mountain HouseNational Historic Site


9 A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A YRocky Mountain House, AB


Contact: Travis Weber403–845–2412

July 11 – 13, 2014& September 19 – 21, 201430th Annual Great Mohican

PowwowMohican Reservation

Campgrounds23270 Wally Road South

County Road 3175Loudonville, Ohio1–800–766–2267

www.mohicanpowwow.com

July 11 – 13, 201427th Annual Squamish Nation

Youth PowwowCapilano Reserve Park

Grounds100 Capilano RoadWest Vancouver,British Columbia

Contact: Gloria Nahanee778–228–6501

July 11 – 20, 2014Great Northern Arts FestivalCanada’s oldest & largest

northern arts event.Midnight Sun Recreation

ComplexInuvik, Northwest Territories

Info: 867–777–8638Email: [email protected]

July 12 – 13, 2014The Echoes of a Proud Nation

24th Annual PowwowKahnawake Ceremonial

Grounds10 miles south of Montreal

Kahnawake, QC450–632–8667


July 17 – 20, 2014Back to Batoche Festival

At the Back to Batoche SiteBatoche, Saskatchewan

306–343–8285www.backtobatoche.org

July 18 – 20, 2014Carry The Kettle First Nation

PowwowCarry The Kettle First Nation,

Saskatchewan(near Sintaluta)306–727–2135

July 26 – 27, 201435th Annual Grand River

‘Champion of Champions’Competition Powwow

ChiefswoodTent & Trailer Park

Six Nations of the Grand RiverHighway 54

Ohsweken, OntarioPhone: 1–866–393–3001/519–

445–4061Email: [email protected]

www.grpowwow.com

July 29 – August 5, 201424th Annual Montreal First

Peoples FestivalFilm & Video Showcase

Multiple venues thoughoutMontreal

Montreal, QuebecINFO–FESTIVAL line:

514 814–8144valid from July 10th to August

or 514–278–4040Email: [email protected]

www.presenceautochtone.ca/en/home

July 31 – August 3, 2014Festival Innu Nikamu

Mani–Utenam, Québecnear Sept–Iles,

Aboriginal music, mostlyQuébec musicians, mostly

singing in Innu–aimun1–877–927–2909 or

418–927–2576www.innunikamu.ca

AUGUSTAugust 1 – 3, 2014

Lac La Biche 52nd AnnualPowwow Days

Lac La Biche RecreationGrounds

Lac La Biche, Alberta1–877–623–9696

August 1 – 3, 2014Kamloopa PowwowSecwepemc Powwow

Grounds,Kamloops, British Columbia

Info: 250–828–9782www.tkemlups.ca

August 2 – 4, 201454th Annual Wikwemikong

Cultural FestivalWikwemikong, Manitoulin

Island, Ontario705–859–2385 or

toll–free 1–877–859–2385www.wikwemikongheritage.org

August 7 – 10, 201417th Annual John Arcand

Fiddle FestWindy Acres on Pike Lake

Hwy #607 kms SW of Saskatoon, SK

306–382–0111Email:

[email protected]

August 20 – 24, 2014Aboriginal Music Week

Winnipeg, MBwww.aboriginalmusicweek.ca

August 21, 22 – 24, 2014Camping Day

August 21Northern Canadian Powwow

Classic 2014August 22–24

Behind the Frog Lake BandOffice

Frog Lake First Nation, AlbertaContact: Harvey Dufresne Jr.

780–943–2822Email:

[email protected]

August 23 – 24, 2014Timiskaming First Nation’s12th Annual Powwow and

Traditional GatheringAlgonquin Avenue Arbor,

Algonquin AvenueNotre Dame du Nord, Quebec

Contact: Belinda Larabie819–723–2255


August 23 – 24, 2014Three Fires HomecomingPowwow & Traditional

GatheringBlue #2789 1st Line Road

Mississauga RdHagersville, OntarioContact: Faith Rivers

519–445–2283or 905–768–5686


www.newcreditpowwow.com

August 29 – Sept. 1, 2014Wabigoon Lake Ojibway

Traditional PowwowWabigoon Lake,Dryden, Ontario

Contact: Anita 807–938–8022www.wabigoonlakeon.ca

August 29 – Sept. 1, 2014Ashland Labor Day PowwowApproximately 1/2 mile off

Highway 212. Cross a bridgeand to the right between

Ashland and St. Labre MissionAshland, Montana406–784–2883 or

406–784–6149

SEPTEMBERSeptember 5 – 7, 2014Healing Mother EarthIntertribal Powwow

Fischers Pine Lake, 3924Maple Rd.

Jefferson Ashtabula, OhioContact: Sandi Red Wolf

440–319–4483 or440–997–5026

September 12, 2014Aboriginal People’s Choice

Music AwardsWinnipeg, Manitoba

www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com

September 13 – 14, 2014Manito Ahbee International

Competition PowwowMTS Centre

Winnipeg, Manitoba1–866–449–0251or

204–956–1849www.manitoahbee.com


10 A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y A B O R I G I N A L D A Y

ABORIGINAL DAY EVENTSJune 20, 2014

Aboriginal Day Celebration9:00 am - 3:00 pm Heritage Park Pavilion

5100-41 Avenue Stony Plain, ABContact: Sean Grant 780-968-3443

June 20, 2014RBC Royal Bank & Amiskwaciy Academy Annual National

Aboriginal Day BBQ11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At the park located at 102 Street & Jasper AveNotes: Buffalo Burger, Chips and Pop for $5.

All proceeds to Amiskwaciy’s Hot Lunch Program.Entertainment, Dignitaries and fun!

Contact: Syrena Courtorielle or Leslie NatyshenE-mail: [email protected] or

[email protected] and amiskwaciy.epsb.ca

June 20, 2014National Aboriginal Day Events

Edmonton and Area Child and Family Services Region,together with community partners including, but not

limited to: the Town of Stony Plain, Parkland County, PaulFirst Nation, Alexander First Nation, Enoch Cree Nation and

Parkland School Division.10:00 a.m. Heritage Park Pavilion, located at

5100- 41 Avenue, Stony Plain, AlbertaContact: Angela Lyttle

E-mail: [email protected]/publish/678.cfm

June 20, 2014National Aboriginal Day Event

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Parkdale School, Bent Arrow Main Office11648 85 street

Notes: Free event, Pancake Breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to10:00 a.m. games, crafts, storytelling, dancers, drummers

Contact: Laura or Rudy at 780-474-2400Email: [email protected] or

[email protected]: www.bentarrow.ca

June 20 – 22, 2014Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival

& Competition PowwowVincent Massey Park

Ottawa, OntarioContact: Dale Matasawagon 613-261-3637Email: [email protected]


Sun & Moon Visionaries 2:00 p.m. Artisan Fair andCommunity Cultural Exhibits

5:00 p.m. Grand Entry & Ceremonial Honouring6:00 p.m. Main Stage Concert

Location: Alberta Legislature Grounds107 Street - 97 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

south of the Legislative BuildingContact: Sun & Moon Visionaries at 780-433-3097

June 21, 2014Summer solstice celebration

Creating Hope Society, Canadian Native Friendship Centre,Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, The Works Festival,

Alberta Native Friendship Centre, John Humphrey forPeace and Human Rights11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Churchill Square, Edmonton, AlbertaNotes: A summer solstice celebration. Entertainment

traditional and contemporary, Family activities and foodContact: Creating Hope Society at 780-477-7961

E-mail: [email protected]: www.creatinghopesociety.ca

June 22, 2014St. Albert Aboriginal Day Festival

12:00 p.m. Grand Entry, Lion’s Park,Sir Winston Churchill Ave & Tache St

St. Albert, AlbertaBring a lawn chair and enjoy the culture of First Nations,

Métis & Inuit people in your community.Contact: Gwen Crouse 780-717-6783


Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions InstituteTime: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: 1 Poundmaker Rd, St Albert, AlbertaNotes: Storytelling, Bannock/Jam, Tea/Water

Bring your own lawn chair eventContact: Geraldine Potts

E-mail: [email protected]: nechi.com

Rocky Dumais teaches his son to dance at Ben Calf Robe Powwow in Edmonton, Alta.PHOTOS: BERT CROWFOOT


11 C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y

By Paula E. KirmanSweetgrass Writer

WAINWRIGHT

Master Cpl. MelissaWhitegrass knows all about theBold Eagle program.

A member of the Blood tribe,Whitegrass is a member of the20th Independent Field Battery,Royal Canadian Artillery, basedin Lethbridge. In 2010,Whitegrass received the Chief ofDefence Staff Commendationfor her actions while serving inAfghanistan that year. Theconvoy that she was driving wasattacked by a suicide bomber,which killed six soldiers and 12civilians. Whitegrassmaneuvered her vehicle to avoidthe flying engine block from thebomber’s vehicle. Despite herinjuries, she maintainedcomposure and remained inplace, providing security andassistance with the evacuation ofcasualties.

Whitegrass is just one exampleof someone who receivedtraining through Bold Eagle andwent on to serve in the military.

This summer, the Bold Eagle

program, which offersAboriginal youth the chance toexperience life-changingtraining and skills from theCanadian Armed Forces iscelebrating its 25th anniversarythis summer.

The Bold Eagle program runsduring the summer months inWainwright at the 3rd CanadianDivision Training Centre and isa joint venture between theDepartment of National Defence

Bold Eagle celebrates 25 years training Aboriginal youth

Bold Eagle program graduation exercises at Wainwright at the3rd Canadian Division Training Centre.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY BOLD EAGLE PROGRAM

/Canadian Armed Forces andAboriginal organizations fromacross three Canadian divisions.

“It is a program for Aboriginalyouth designed to promote goodcharacter, self-confidence,discipline, respect, teamworkand physical fitness whileproviding Aboriginal youth withthe opportunity to experience theCAF,” said Capt. Derek Bale,Bold Eagle coordinator.

Bold Eagle originated in 1990

as an informal arrangementbetween the NorthernSaskatchewan Regiment and thePrince Albert Grand Council.Over the next few years itexpanded beyond Saskatchewan.By 1998 the course became opento all First Nations youth fromNorthwest Ontario to BritishColumbia. The course has grownto allow up to 92 candidates toparticipate and has had a total of1,270 graduates thus far. Thenext graduating class convocatesin mid-August.

While the course used torequire participants be StatusIndians, in 2004 this criteria wasrelaxed to allow anyone whoself-identifies as Aboriginal.They must be 16 or older, havecompleted grade 10, and mustreside in western Canada orNorthwest Ontario.

“This course changes people.The self-discipline andleadership skills gained areimmeasurable,” said Bale, whonotes that the graduation rate issomewhere between 78-85 percent.

“This course gives people asense of purpose and direction.

Bold Eagle for most will be thehardest thing they have everattempted up to this point in theirlives. To be a Bold Eaglegraduate and Bold Eagle alumniis something to be proud of.Because of the difficulty of thecourse and because of thelifelong friendships that aremade by people that attend fromthroughout Western Canada,Bold Eagle will be somethingthey remember forever.”

Some of the components of theprogram include culturallyspecific activities such as a“culture camp” that introducesrecruits to traditional customsand teachings; a career day forthose interested in continuingwith a military career;attendance at a pow wow; and agraduation ceremony with astrong Aboriginal component.The program is not specificallyabout recruiting Aboriginalpeople into the Canadian Forces,but rather focuses on providinglife-long skills to Aboriginalyouth. Successful graduates havethe option to continue in theCanadian Armed Forces eitherpart- or full-time.

Check out Alberta Sweetgrass online at:albertasweetgrass.com

Or find us on facebook at: facebook.com/sweetgrassnews


12 C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G

MHCH and Arndt TkalcicBengert Architects wererecently recognized with aMayor’s Award for enhancingthe lives of people withdisabilities through Renaissance

Tower. Thirteen individuals,organizations and businesseswere awarded in four categories.The City of Edmonton AdvisoryBoard on Services for Personswith Disabilities selected thisyear’s recipients from 28

Renaissance Tower sets new standardfor affordable living

nominees.The Boyle Renaissance

project provides new housing,social recreation and servicefacilities for residents in a two-and-a-half block area in TheQuarters.

( Continued from page 4.)

albertasweetgrass june final

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