Published February 12, 2001 Time Out Donna MacDonald gives her young hockey fans, Kristen and Keegan, a quick snack at intermission during the provincial hockey playoffs held at Onion Lake arena. Photo by Pamela Sexsmith SaskEnergy looking for art by Linda Ungar Organization to increase numbers of Aboriginal voters by Cheryl Petten The gray area of the urban Indian by Ryan Atimoyoo Sage Youth Columnist Job fair links youth with potential employers by Chris Tyrone Ross FSIN announces plans for wellness centre by Cheryl Petten Wildlife sightings inspire awe by Dennis Okanee Angus Sage Columnist This is only a partial list of the stories featured in the February, 2001 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. SaskEnergy looking for art By Linda Ungar Sage Writer REGINA SaskEnergy is inviting Aboriginal youth to get involved in its natural gas safety campaign through an art calendar contest. The contest is open to students from First Nations schools in Aboriginal communities with natural gas service. One winner will be selected per grade from Kindergarten to 12. Submissions of artwork will be accepted until March 15, with judging by an Aboriginal panel of two artists and a SaskEnergy representative. Judges will be looking for artwork depicting safety messages including, "call before you dig," and "if you smell natural gas, please call SaskEnergy." Thirteen students will win prizes and earn personal and school recognition on the calendar. SaskEnergy will also provide a barbecue lunch for the winners' schools, and the artists will see their work throughout the province. The calendars will be distributed widely to band offices, First Nations gas customers and at Aboriginal events. "Thirty of 38 schools contacted have already expressed interest in the contest. Let's see if we can make it one 100 percent representation," said Basil Quewezance, marketing supervisor for SaskEnergy in Regina. Quewezance takes the message of the history, importance and safety of natural gas to schools. "We know that what the students learn, they take home to their parents and grand parents. Natural gas is relatively new in these communities. We want to make sure people are comfortable with the fact that natural gas is a safe and reliable form of energy." Wood, coal oil, propane, electricity and fuel oil were all used prior to the introduction of natural gas service to the 51 gasified Saskatchewan First Nation communities. For more information and contest rules, contact Basil Quewezance at (306) 777-9060. Organization to increase numbers of Aboriginal voters By Cheryl Petten Sage Writer SASKATOON If Darryl Angus has his way, record numbers of Aboriginal people will be heading for the polls when the next provincial election is held in Saskatchewan. Angus is one of the three founders of the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Education and Voter Registration Drive, a nonprofit organization formed to encourage Aboriginal people to take part in the election process at all levels. Angus, along with Jason Bear and Donald Morin, founded the organization last January while all three were Sociology majors at the University of Saskatchewan. "We were just thinking, you know, nobody ever votes, especially grass roots Aboriginal people, they hardly vote. And we were thinking that something needs to be done," Angus said. "We were thinking of some way to inform people that it's important to vote. And I guess we kind of got the idea from what the Black American people did back in the 1960's, and that's kind of where we got the idea, trying to empower Aboriginal people, through education, that their vote counts." "Aboriginal people, for the past 20 years or so now, we've heard it over and over again. They've been working toward self-determination, self government. And here's what I've been telling people. If we are so apathetic in the future-and we are in a state of apathy within Aboriginal communities with regard to voting- if that remains . . . if we don't do anything in terms of our individual vote, Aboriginal people are working towards self-extermination, I call it. Kind of a strong word, but I think it needs to be heard out there," Angus said. "Aboriginal people have to participate within the mainstream political system for now, in order to work their way out of the system in the future." The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Education and Voter Registration Drive swung into high gear last fall, working to get its message out during the federal election campaign. According to Angus, they were successful, with an increase in the Aboriginal voter turn-out in Saskatchewan. Angus, Bear and Morin spread their message leading up to the federal election by doing radio interviews and running ads on Missinippi Broadcasting Corp., an Aboriginal-owned radio station serving Northern Saskatchewan. They also went door-to-door, mainly in the larger urban communities, and spoke to chiefs and councillors. And in Angus' home community of Onion Lake, transportation was provided to take voters from their homes to the polling station at the band hall. Part of the organization's mandate is to help inform Aboriginal people about the platforms of the various political parties. "We are not affiliated with any party, and we don't advocate for any party. We are just out there discussing, and getting the message out there what each political party is all about." Since they started up a year ago, the organization has run into some opposition from within the Aboriginal community, especially from the older generation, Angus said. "What they say is it contradicts what First Nations people signed with the federal government, and they think it will affect treaty rights. But I've been saying that, you know, especially at the federal level, and at the provincial level at the same time too, that once mainstream politicians realize that Aboriginal people are becoming aware of their right to vote, that's when they are going to listen to Aboriginal people." In addition to getting more Aboriginal people to vote, Angus said the organization is also working towards getting more Aboriginal people into political office. "Whenever I talk to people, you know, having even one Aboriginal person in provincial or federal politics, makes a big difference. And I always remind them of what happened in 1990, where Elijah Harper sat at the Manitoba Legislature. It took only one Aboriginal person to change the constitutional debate in Canada," Angus said. With a provincial election for Saskatchewan looming just over the horizon, Angus said the organization has already begun gearing up for its own provincial campaign. He expects the organization will take basically the same approach provincially as it did federally, relying on the media, and door-to-door canvassing to get the message out to Aboriginal people that their votes do count. In the long term, Angus hopes the organization can work toward educating Aboriginal youth about their right to vote, possibly through development of a workshop that can be incorporated into the junior high and high school curriculum. "Right now, there are a lot of 15, 16 year-old kids out there, in every province. And those are the people that will make an impact four years from now in the next federal election," Angus said. "It has to start with educating the Aboriginal youth on their right to vote, on the history of voting, why voting is important, and teaching them a combination of treaty rights." For more information about the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Education and Voter Registration Drive, or to find out how you can volunteer with the organization, call Darryl Angus at 306-837-2321, Jason Bear at 306-244-6027, or Donald Morin at 306-966-2505. The gray area of the urban Indian By Ryan Atimoyoo Sage Youth Columnist Urban Indian. That's what I am, through and through, and proud of it. I remember growing up and feeling just a little confused about what that meant exactly. We all know what our traditional ancestors were like, or at least have a good idea. We can try to emulate them in our day-to-day life. Those who live on the reserve, raised amongst other Aboriginal children, have even stronger ties to their people and traditions. What I'd like to bring to attention is the gray area of the Urban Indian. I remember the first time I ever heard the term "apple," before growing up and wondering "Would I be considered an apple?"I had understood about my culture and traditions. I was also aware of our history, policies regarding our people and even traditional ceremonies, but even then I knew I hadn't lived it. All I knew was that I was an Indian, and I was taught to be proud of it. It must be brought to light what it was like growing up with non-Indian kids, and only one or two other Indian kids. I even remember trying to go to powwows and meet other kids my age and make some new friends. But the fact was plain and simple: I was different. I didn't dance at the powwow, and I didn't really know my relatives all that well. I was just some dumb kid passing through. One of my most vivid memories has my own mother getting angry that I was rejecting who I was. The fact was that I knew all too well who I was. I knew who my people were and I didn't reject them. The most ironic thing was that I was the one who was rejected! Not a conscious effort, I'm sure, but as my differences presented themselves, I simply didn't fit in all that well. Today, I could care less. I know who I am and what I can do. I am more than aware of my culture, traditions and people. I've put my best effort forward and learnt what I could. I am Indian and proudly state it. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my people. Now don't get me wrong. This isn't an exercise in self-affirmation. I merely want it known about this area of gray; the urban Indian youth. I want the reader to have the slightest glimpse into a world that is rarely brought to attention. The world of contemporary urban Indian youth. Rarely do we pay attention to this group of individuals, and I believe it calls for further scrutiny. The other day, I heard a youth worker in one of the centres state how people are patterning themselves after another race group and how it was fascinating because it was unprecedented. He meant of course how our youth are taking on certain aspects of the young African-American population. I also read a few months ago that in the cities our people have the highest crime rate and that domestic violence is frighteningly high. I think this is where the next area of concentration and development needs to take place. I think this is where our leaders need to pay more attention, and that more special programs need to take place. On a positive note, I am very pleased with the effort that has been put forth to date. We have made significant strides in the area of helping each other and our people as a whole. Last summer, I enjoyed participating in these summer spots for kids set up and run by our people. In Saskatoon, to see that they were also teaching some Indian arts and crafts was indeed a joy. I think these day to day programs need to be applauded. On the whole, I believe we've come a long way from even just a few years ago. We make steady, constant progress and with the herald of a new millennium, I can only retain optimism that there will be an emphasis placed on the matter of Urban Indians.

Job fair links youth with potential employers

By Chris Tyrone Ross
Sage Writer
SASKATOON

More than Aboriginal post-secondary students from across Saskatchewan gathered at the Centennial Auditorium in Saskatoon Feb. 1, as the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) hosted its first Corporate Circle Job Fair.
Some of the province's biggest employers were involved in the job fair, organized by FSIN's Corporate Circle as a way to create employment opportunities for Aboriginal youth, and to show them what kind of a future Saskatchewan has to offer.

The job fair featured a workshop on career training, with information on developing a resume, finding a job, and preparing for an interview.

A trade show was also held, with more than 60 employers taking part, giving students the opportunity to network with employers about career and job opportunities. It also gave them a chance to fill out application forms and hand out resumes in hopes of receiving a call for an interview.

During opening ceremonies, many of the speakers stressed the importance of Aboriginal participation in the workforce, and why employers need to recognize the growing Aboriginal population.

"The future is now, not tomorrow," Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief George Lafond told the students. Lafond explained what it was like to be a young leader and to understand the needs of young people.

"It is our responsibility as leaders to help create opportunities for the youth, and this is one of your first opportunities to find employment, and eventually find a career in Saskatchewan's job market," Chief Lafond said.

FSIN Grand Chief and Corporate Circle co-chair Perry Bellegarde also was on hand to speak, offering the youth some strong messages.

"We always wonder, why is there only 11 per cent of First Nations people employed in the workforce, when the average age of young people is 17? Why are First Nations youth not getting the jobs?" Bellegarde said.

"In 2045, 40 per cent of Saskatchewan's population will be Aboriginal, which is why we must all work together to create jobs, and educate our young people. When we partner up, everyone wins in the end."

Bellegarde finished his speech by saying, "When our young people become educated and experienced in careers, our social problems will go down, our crime rates, incarceration rates, and unemployment rates will all go down. Today it begins, our mission for the future, our mission for the people." Also present during the opening ceremonies were Saskatoon Mayor Jim Madden, and Corporate Circle co-chair Mark Olson. The Wanuskewin Drum Group finished off the ceremonies with the 'find a job' song geared towards the students in attendance.

Organizers of the event such as Rob Merasty were confident that many of the students would find part-time and full-time work after attending the job fair.
"The whole reason behind this (job fair) is to create jobs for our young people. We want to provide entry level positions in whatever field they're interested in," explained Merasty, who is also executive director of the Corporate Circle.

"This proves we have been working towards our initiatives in the Corporate Circle, and proves that partnerships can work to create a brighter future for our people in Saskatchewan."

Brian Smith, a student from the University of Regina, found the job fair to be very helpful in his job search, considering he will be looking for full time work in the summer.

"I handed out some resumes, and met some employers, and also talked to other people who were very helpful. It was a great opportunity for me to get in there and promote my skills. I look forward to next year's job fair as well," Smith said.
Many of the employers that participated in the job fair will be hiring in the next five months, and are looking for post secondary students to fill positions and begin career training.

---

FSIN announces plans for wellness centre

By Cheryl Petten
Sage Writer
SASKATOON

A new wellness centre is being developed by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) to address addictions-related problems within First Nations communities.

Reta Terry is senior information officer with FSIN's Department of Justice. She said plans for the centre stemmed directly from one of the recommendations coming out of the inquest into the death of Darcy Dean Ironchild. Ironchild died of a drug overdose last February, shortly after being released from police custody.

The inquest recommendation called for the province and Canada to fund a multi-cultural and interdisciplinary detoxification centre, Terry said.
"We've just decided to go a little farther."

The goal of the project, according to information provided by the FSIN Department of Justice, will be to develop a substance abuse centre with a larger scope than existing centres.

The planned centre will take a holistic approach to dealing with prevention and treatment of addictions, looking at the causes of the addictions, and not just the symptoms.

Plans for the centre include holding talking circles and offering personal development courses focusing on prevention. Family-centered counselling, wellness counselling, and education about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, as well as addictions therapy are also being proposed, as is developing drug treatment courts to deal with substance-related offences.

The planned centre is a pilot project, unique because of its "comprehensivity and its holistic focus," Terry said.

"We hope to have at least detoxification services and an operating alternative to drunk tanks, because that's our primary focus, by late summer. The rest of the services and programs will have to be developed on an ongoing basis as needs are assessed."

Although the FSIN has taken the lead in development of the wellness centre, other interested organizations are already getting involved in the project.
"The working committee is comprised of people from all walks of life. We've got people from the province, people from Saskatoon public health, people from education, the mayor's office is sending a representative from the City of Saskatoon, social services, everybody. We've got a lot of support from everybody. So it'll be First Nations led, but certainly not exclusively First Nations," Terry said.

---

Wildlife sightings inspire awe

By Dennis Okanee Angus
Sage Columnist

I have been photographing wildlife lately. The picture shown was taken with a zoom lens from about 400 yards. It's a picture of an elk taken in Alberta. Several years ago, my wife and the two smallest kids were in Jasper, Alberta. There was so much to photograph during our trip through the mountains. I hardly knew where to look first!

I am grateful to the Creator for giving me these good eyes. I am always seeing wildlife long before anyone else does. I have spotted moose on a bright snowy day. The snow was coming down hard. When the moose don't move, it's very hard to see them. I guess it's the shapes I see from the distance - the black against the white snow. Sometimes you can see the sun shinning off the horns. It is amazing what your eyes can do when you focus on learning about the bush.
Driving down a snowy road I can spot rabbits because of their off-white color. They are not hard to spot at all if you have the vision. I am not the only one who can do this. I can be driving along, looking straight ahead of me, but I see that off-white color out of the corner of my eye. It's a rabbit!

Prairie chickens are really easy to spot in the winter. But in the fall, it's not easy. I took photos of some chickens and some people can't even see the chickens when they are looking at the photographs. You can walk right by a chicken in the bush and not even know. The chickens won't move. They stay perfectly still.

My boys walk right past them all the time. Sometimes they make me laugh. They are looking so hard for the chicken and it's right in front of them.

One time, I was hunting with my son, and I saw a chicken across a little field. I told my son to crawl to them like a dog. I took my video camera out and started filming him as he crawled toward them. As he got to the chickens, they stayed right there, not moving. He shot at them and missed both of them. The boys and I like to have a supply of prairie chickens for feasts and the old people. But not that day. Too bad I thought. I taped over the video! So we have nothing to show for that day in the bush.

One nice summer day we were out in the field with the kids. They were at the creek catching frogs. The boys all had their shirts off. And out of the bush came some deer. They were charging right at the kids. It made me think that as Native people we must also blend into Nature. I don't know who was more scared that day, the kids, or the deer when they finally saw all the kids there.

I am grateful for my vision and for the gift of photography. I am grateful for creation. Guess the winter has gotten kind of long and I am missing the warm weather and being out in the bush for long hours.

---