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Published December 14, 1998 Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde (right) and Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association Grand Chief Howard Anderson (centre) approach the Court of Queen's Bench in Saskatoon where they delivered a statement of claim Dec. 1 against the federal government. The association is suing Ottawa for millions of dollars in lost veterans benefits.   Photo Credit: Brian Cross Native veterans launch lawsuit against Ottawa by Brian Cross Students get AIDS education by Pamela Green Web brings artists to the world by Pamela Green Duck lake woman overcomes blindness to weave by Paul Sinkewicz Leaders have to be ready to lead by Denis Okanee Angus Here is a full list of additional stories featured in the December, 1998 issue of Saskatchewan Sage. If you are not receiving your own copy of Saskatchewan Sage, then you have missed all this information. Click here for Saskatchewan Sage subscription information. Tribal Council plays key role in fighting child prostitution New style election Human rights commissioner commends SIFC Social, health woes linked Judge destroys family violence myths Artist focuses on infringement Starr's Silences 'makes you think' Women's voices growing in strength and number Back to basics to battle diabetes Stardale women overcome the odds Native veterans launch lawsuit against Ottawa By Brian Cross Sage Writer SASKATOON Saskatchewan Indians who fought for Canada in the Korean conflict or the world wars launched a high profile lawsuit against the federal government in early December, claiming they've been wrongfully denied millions of dollars worth of veterans' benefits over the past eight decades. The Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations filed a statement of claim Dec. 1 at the Court of Queen's Bench in Saskatoon, suggesting settlements due to First Nations veterans can no longer be ignored. The lawsuit, initiated on behalf of all Indian veterans in Saskatchewan, their dependents and descendants, claims Aboriginal war veterans were denied grants, loans, training, farm land and spousal benefits potentially worth tens of millions of dollars while the same benefits were extended to non-Native veterans. The statement of claim demands a full accounting of all benefits that were offered to non-Native veterans but withheld from Indian soldiers. The First Nations veterans are also seeking damages for the loss of benefits, breach of fiduciary duty and any associated loss of treaty rights which may have occurred. According to the claim, the denial of benefits has resulted in lives of poverty and humiliation for many First Nations veterans in the province. Speaking on behalf of the group, SFIN Chief Perry Bellegarde, said the aggrieved veterans are still willing to reach a settlement outside the court. However, previous attempts to reach a negotiated agreement with Ottawa have failed. The FSIN and SFNVA have contacted Veterans Affairs Canada and the department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development on numerous occasions, requesting that a settlement be reached. Ottawa has hinted it will settle grievances on a person-by-person basis but has steadfastly refused to settle the issue collectively, Bellegarde said. Native veterans from Saskatchewan are the first in Canada to launch such a lawsuit against the federal government. If successful, the Saskatchewan case could clear the way for a series of lawsuits launched by similar groups across Canada. "The FSIN is strongly behind our Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association and we view this as a very legitimate claim by very decent people in an effort to reclaim the dignity that is rightfully owed to them," Chief Bellegarde said. "For us there's a sense of urgency because the veterans are dying off daily as we speak and we want to get some of these grievances settled as soon as possible. The outstanding settlements that are rightfully due to the veterans cannot be ignored any longer. We need to honor the sacrifice that was made by all of the First Nations men and women who served Canada in time of war." FSIN solicitor Delia Opekokew, who prepared the statement of claim, says the veterans' specific grievances include the denial of spousal benefits offered to non-Native veterans, the denial of off-reserve lands given to returning war veterans and the denial of grant money and training that was routinely extended to non-Native soldiers. The lawsuit also accuses the Department of Indian Affairs of negligence and discrimination and suggests the federal government breached the legal requirements outlined in the United Nations charter on equality. Of approximately 800 Saskatchewan First Nations men and women who volunteered for service in the three wars, only about 125 are still living today, said SFNVA Grand Chief Howard Anderson. "We fought in the trenches side by side with our non-Indian comrades thinking we were fighting for freedom and equality," Anderson said. "We were first class soldiers in the war but were second class veterans in Canada. We want equal recognition for equal service." George Cornwell, director of intergovernmental relations for the department of Indian Affairs, says last week's lawsuit came as no surprise to Ottawa. Federal representatives have been discussing the issue with Native veterans for at least a decade and in the past year alone, the two sides have met on five or six different occasions, Cornwall said. "They had indicated that if there wasn't anything we could do [to satisfy their demands out of court] then that's how they would respond," Cornwall said. "There is still an opportunity to have discussions and I think there is a real opportunity that that in fact will happen," he added. Chief Bellegarde said First Nations veterans groups in other provinces will be watching the process closely and are likely to follow suit pending the outcome of the case. Bellegarde also said he would raise the issue at the Assembly of First Nations conference in Ottawa in mid December. Students get AIDS education By Pamela Green Sage Writer LLOYMINSTER "As a matter of public health policy and in response to concerns about the need to protect the health of our province's youth, the Department of Education in Saskatchewan requires that HIV/AIDS education be incorporated into the Health Education program for the elementary level in all Saskatchewan schools as of the 1997-98 school year, except where individual parents request exemption for their child." Quote: Health Education Grade 1 to 5 An Information Bulletin for Administrators, 1998 HIV/AIDS instruction in Grades 1 to 5, you've got to be kidding! What on earth for? Why on earth would they teach that? That's a common reaction from parents and caregivers to the HIV/AIDS curriculum components of the new Saskatchewan Health Curriculum which is being taught at the elementary level in the provincial school system. Many parents and caregivers do wonder why HIV/AIDS education should be a part of their childís education at such an early age. Photo Credit: Pamela Green This Grade 5 class at Lloydminster's Neville Goss School will be introduced to the new HIV/AIDS curriculum in the new year. The answer lies within the classroom context and outside in the real world. Because, no matter how well a child is protected, the fact is all children in today's world are affected by HIV/AIDS in various ways. "We all live in a big world," said Michael Diachuck, a former principal in Lac la Biche who is now the assistant director of education in Lloydminster and has worked with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal student populations. "And it doesn't matter what kind of public school or neighborhood they grow up in, the reality is that they all end up in the same high schools and universities," added Diachuck. Younger students can hear about AIDS in the media, at home and on the playground but they pick up fuzzy and inaccurate information from their peers or misinterpret the facts they have heard from other sources. This can lead to unfounded fears and concerns about catching the disease. Educators believe it is important to deal with these fears by teaching children how HIV/AIDS is not spread. Some children in the school system have been infected by the disease. Others live with family members who are, or know someone who has it. These children not only have to deal with the trauma of a severe illness, they also may have to cope with the stigma that is often associated with AIDS. Although real progress has been made to slow down the epidemic, HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health risk and sustained prevention efforts are necessary. There is no cure or vaccine but, unlike many diseases, AIDS is totally preventable. Statistics show that the median age of persons infected with HIV is declining and that the virus infects people of all ages. In response to these alarming statistics, the ministers of health and education in Saskatchewan have declared the need to strengthen HIV/AIDS instruction in the provincial schools including a mandated health curriculum of age appropriate material and reading for Grades 1 to 5. In Grade 1 the idea of infectious disease like colds, measles and chicken pox is discussed along with an introduction to the immune system, likened to guards fighting off germs and viruses that attack the body. HIV/AIDS is shown to be an enemy that is stronger than our guards, one we can't fight. It is made clear that AIDS cannot be caught by playing with or touching someone who has it. In Grade 2 the children have learned how AIDS is not spread and the natural question is how it is spread, explained Diachuck. The dangers inherent in the "blood brother/blood sister" game, in which children cut themselves and exchange blood to seal a friendship, is discussed. The children also read a story book in which a child is rejected by his friends for having AIDS. These, added Diachuck, help to show how AIDS is not transmitted and lead into the broader topic of showing understanding and compassion towards people who are sick. In Grade 3 the children are taught what they should do if they find a used hypodermic syringe and the use of universal precautions such as latex gloves when dealing with an injured person. The management and control of disease is part of the Grade 3 study and AIDS is listed as a topic for research. In Grade 4 students look at the evolution of treatments for disease, thanks to modern technology and medical research, and progress in treating HIV/AIDS is addressed. In Grade 5 sexuality becomes a critical part of the discussion for the first time, explained Diachuck, and more specific information about how AIDS is transmitted is introduced. In their search for information on facts and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, students are informed that the most common routes of infection are by sharing needles or engaging in sexual activities with an infected person. "HIV/AIDS is a problem of global proportions and any one curriculum in isolation cannot address the magnitude of the problem or stop it," said Diachuck. "We don't expect to change 100 per cent of our students, many who have parents practising inappropriate behaviours. Kids these days are beginning to date in Grades 4 and 5 and there is peer pressure to become sexually active at an earlier age. There is only one guarantee against catching a sexually transmitted disease and that is to promote total abstinence. What we are trying to do is develop a well rounded child with a good value system in place, who is empowered to make good choices for a healthy lifestyle." Web brings artists to the world By Pamela Green Sage Writer SASKATOON With the introduction of the Virtual Keeping House on the World Wide Web, the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre has chalked up another real first for First Nation peoples in Saskatchewan. Reviving an ancient tradition with a fresh new twist, The Virtual Keeping House is an on-line cyberspace art gallery that showcases the work of First Nation Saskatchewan artists and brings them to the attention of the world. "The new website is the first service of it's kind in Saskatchewan to give our Aboriginal artists this kind of exposure on the net," said Cindy Haywahe, assistant co-ordinator and promoter at the centre. "And we've already had a lot of visits." The internet service is being set up and developed by technician Dwaine Turner with a grant from Aboriginal Business Canada and is available free of charge to all First Nation artists and artisans living in Saskatchewan. The website gives each artist the space needed to display work and a personal biography and also allows for a chance to offer original works and prints for sale in the SICC giftshop. Funding to build the site is available until March and Haywahe explained that the goal was "to reach as many different artists as possible, both amateur and professional, of all ages and backgrounds to help build a permanant and comprehensive directory." A number of prominent artists are already registered as well as a talented nine-year-old named Richard Nighttraveler who does cartoon sketch art, says Haywahe. But the push is on to find as many more artists and craftspersons as possible using an outreach program that will take the co-ordinator and her team to the Nekanet Reserve on Dec. 15 and to a number of other cities and reserves in January and February, including Big River, Meadow Lake, Yorkton, Whitebear, Regina, Prince Albert, La Ronge, Fort Queípelle, Cumberland House, Black Lake and Wallaston Lake. As well as giving Saskatchewan First Nation artists both national and international exposure, this unique service will give all of those who view the collection a deeper understanding and appreciation of the richness and beauty of a rich heritage, both traditional and contemporary. And if you do happen to be looking for a special work of art to add to a personal or corporate collection, or perhaps as a present, with The Virtual Keeping House, courtesy of centre, shopping was never easier or more fun. Duck lake woman overcomes blindness to weave By Paul Sinkewicz Sage Writer PRINCE ALBERT A lack of eyesight didn't stop Rose Gardipy from chasing a dream to learn how to weave. Gardipy, 46, lost her sight due to a tumor in her brain 13 years ago. Four years ago, while eating at a cafe, the Duck Lake resident said she felt the texture of a woven placemat and became interested in the craft. She inquired about where she could take instruction in weaving and was referred to the SIAST program in Prince Albert. Learning to weave presented all sorts of challenges to Gardipy. "It was hard. My daughters would read the information into a tape for me," she said. "There was no way I was going to make it. That's how I felt." Gardipy said she had never seen a loom in her life before and had never felt a spinning wheel. There were many frustrations to overcome. But she persevered, attending classes as her pace allowed and when husband Calvin could drive her into town. She is now within striking distance of finishing what is normally a two-year course, and Calvin, an artist in his own right, has learned how to weave his own creations while waiting for her. "It's been nice to have Calvin come in too, because he now understands how a loom works. And it's nice to have a common interest," Gardipy said. "It really helps too because Calvin is an artist. He helps me a lot." Gardipy credits Annabel Taylor, instructor of the weaver program, with helping her succeed in the course. "I had a lot of doubts that I wouldn't be able to do it," Gardipy said. "Without Annabel's help I wouldn't be able to do it. I'm glad I went this far. I'm proud of what I did." The pair attack problems one at a time. A computer program prints raised patterns of paper to help Gardipy feel how patterns are supposed to "look." She also learned to tag the different colours to help her identify them. "We've been through a bit of trial and error as to what makes sense to her," Taylor said. "She's got wonderful perseverance, so if things go wrong we just go at it a different way." Gardipy now has a loom of her own at home and eventually would like to be self-employed. "Hopefully, eventually I'll be selling some of my work," she said. Gardipy's favorite creation, and the winner of a second prize in a spring exhibition of weaving at the SIAST Woodland Campus where she is enrolled in the weaver diploma program, is a soft-textured blanket made of four different colours to represent the different races. She said she was thinking about the racism in the world when she crafted the blanket. As an Aboriginal woman, Gardipy has felt the sting of that racism in her life, but instead of succumbing to hatred she used her talent to create a symbol of hope - not to mention determination. Beside conquering her own blindness, Gardipy has been active in helping others with disabilities. She has been a board member for the First Nations Network for Disability since it was founded in 1992, and was the first ever Aboriginal board member appointed to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in Saskatchewan this past June. Leaders have to be ready to lead By Denis Okanee Angus Sage Columnist This photograph was taken at the November meeting of the Thunderchild band where speeches were given by the candidates in the upcoming election. Pictured here, from left to right, are Eldon Okanee, Delbert Wapass, Albert Angus and Harrison Thunderchild. Thunderchild holds elections every four years after recently returning to "custom" elections (under the Indian Act provisions). I haven't decided who I am going to vote for and that isn't what I have been thinking about. Most of the time, I think about the youth. I struggled when I was a youth. There really wasn't anyone there for me. I went from foster care to some interesting times on the streets. I don't resent this time of struggle because it has made me a stronger person. However, that doesn't mean I want our young people to go through it. As with many other First Nations, election time is also a time where some members of the community are dreaming about change. In the past, our leaders have not necessarily been role models. I think it's very important for a chief to be someone that the youth can look up to. If a chief is not healthy - if a chief is still drinking - then the young people are going to look at this person and wonder, "So what is the matter with drinking? If our leaders are doing this, then why shouldn't I?" Like other people who live in First Nation communities, I have not been satisfied with the kind of government we have. But, I'm not sure it's right to blame our leaders and politicians. Their hands have been tied and their vision clouded by the Indian Act system of government that has been forced on our people. It is the Indian Act that does not contain clear rules about our chiefs and councils being answerable to the people. This is particularly true for the issue of financial accountability. Most of us who live in the community don't know where the money goes. This is a serious problem. I also recognize that it is not going to be an easy one to fix. But it must be fixed. I listened to my wife and one of the candidates for chief talk at the kitchen table last night. She noted that in recent years there have been a number of allegations of abuse, ranging from financial mismanagement and other political abuses, to abuse of women (including sexual abuse), brought against a number of politicians in our communities. We read a lot about this in the papers. My wife said this doesn't surprise her. The Indian Act system is built on abuse. Too many times, it's the people who are the most abusive who become our chiefs. Some people aren't going to be happy at hearing me say this. But that's okay too. It is time we break the silence in our communities because that silence about all the kinds of abuses that are happening is our biggest problem. I want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. So I am choosing to stand up and break the silence. I didn't learn much in school because I didn't go to school very much. I was too busy trying to survive foster care and being taken away from my family and community. I am not proud of having gone to jail, but at the same time, I am not ashamed. I went to jail more than once. It was in jail that I learned from watching what happened to other men that you don't abuse women because if you do you will get punched out. So I am not ashamed of having been to jail because I have survived and I have a good life now. I don't regret having learned the good things I learned even if those things were learned in jail. As election day gets closer and closer here at Thunderchild, I am looking at the four men who are hoping to be chief. I am going to vote for the man (and I can hear my wife's voice in my ear, "Where are the women?") that I believe is a good leader. Someone who cares and is connected. Someone who will be a role model to our youth. It is our youth who are our future.