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Published June 11, 1998 Marge Rooke and Rod Atcheynum perform the owl dance at the Wanuskewin Heritage Centre's first powwow, which turned out to be a huge success. See story...   Photo Credit: Pamela Green Thunderchild opens new health centre by Pamela Green SIFC facility gets much needed financial boost by Sabrina Whyatt Aboriginals should jump on political bandwagon: Ross by Paul Sinkewicz Aboriginal war memorial receives support by Paul Sinkewicz Thinking about the kids by Denis Okanee Angus Beadworking: a way of life by Pamela Green Wanuskewin inaugural powwow a success by Pamela Green Here is a full list of additional stories featured in the June, 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. Aboriginal art and artists promoted New relations between First Nations and government Fight fetal alcohol syndrome Award winner dedicated to culture Claim settlement sparks growth Domestic abuse not tolerated Thunderchild opens new health centre By Pamela Green Sage Writer THUNDERCHILD FIRST NATION Thunderchild First Nation recently took a major step into the future with the grand opening of their new health centre, a multi-purpose complex that took just six months to build, but several years to plan. The presiding council of Elders and health officials made sure the May 28 opening ceremonies for the new state-of-the-art building were kept strictly traditional, with a strong focus on spiritual and cultural solidarity within the community. The early morning pipe offering and ground blessing took place in a healing lodge set up on the front lawn of the new health centre, which was officially declared open after the prayers and flag raising. Officials, staff members and visitors were then treated to a luncheon, a mini-powwow and tours of the new facilities, which included a visit to the old health building, a Doug Cardinal design. It has since been transformed into a new cultural centre for Elders and community outreach for Aboriginal youth. "We are all here to help celebrate the opening of these multi-purpose offices for health, welfare and daycare," explained health official Fred Thunderchild. "And we are especially proud of the new daycare facilities, that can take between 17 and 22 infants and children, and our new community hall on the lower level, designed for larger events like round dances and public meetings." Residents seemed to be impressed by the new health complex, which is well laid out and beautifully decorated in tones of sage green and rose, as well as being highly functional and professional. The tour included a well-appointed boardroom, comfortable interviewing rooms for family counseling, offices for home care, social development and addictions, a nursing station, pharmacy, medical examination room, massage therapy centre and a dental clinic for the new therapist and hygienist. The High Noon Singers opened the powwow with a honor song and grand entry and then provided the drum music for dancers chosen to represent the grass, traditional, fancy, jingle and tiny tots categories. A round dance and feast, held the following evening, completed festivities surrounding the new centre, one that Fred Thunderchild said, had been highly anticipated and much needed by the people in the community. "This is very special for us, something that brings the community closer together. These people have something to be proud of." SIFC facility gets much needed financial boost By Sabrina Whyatt Sage Writer REGINA Increased government funding has created optimism in First Nations students and educators as they await a new facility for the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. "The architectural drawings are just being completed and construction will probably start at the end of this year," said Blair Stonechild, executive director of planning and development for the college. "The completion should come in the year 2000." Recent government contributions have made a substantial impact on the process of the project, initiated 10 years ago. "We are pleased with the increased level of funding from the federal and provincial governments," said Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations former Interim Chief Morley Watson. "It represents an important recognition of an investment in education for First Nations students." The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Western Economic Diversification will each pitch in $5 million towards the $21 million project. SIFC will raise the rest. The government of Saskatchewan has increased the college's operating grant by $866,000 in 1998/99 to $1.5 million allowing SIFC to negotiate the financing required to cover a $5 million mortgage. This relieves some of the financial pressure associated with the provision of programs and services for non-First Nations students attending the college, and will enable the institution to complete its capital financing. "SIFC is thankful for this tangible support for productive educational partnerships between federal, provincial and Indian government," said Leonard Hardlotte, chairperson of the SIFC board of governors. "It will give generations of students greater opportunities to contribute to their families, communities and societies." Being the only Indian-controlled college in the country recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, government support for the school is essential. "From its establishment in 1976, with an enrollment of seven students, the SIFC has grown into a national institution with international recognition. This funding will enable it to meet current developmental needs as we approach the next millennium," said Watson. Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jane Stewart said the contribution is part of an initiative to recognize the Aboriginal community. "As one of the objectives outlined in our action plan, Gathering Strength, earlier this year, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to invest in Aboriginal peoples, communities and economies," she said. The concept for the new building was completed by world-renowned Aboriginal architect Douglas Cardinal. Located on the University of Regina campus, the new structure will reflect the spirituality and heritage of its First Nations students by including the "circle and four directions." Aboriginals should jump on political bandwagon: Ross By Paul Sinkewicz Sage Writer PRINCE ALBERT Don Ross believes in the political process and he wants other Aboriginal people to jump on the bandwagon. The 39-year-old former candidate and current national co-president of the Liberal party's Aboriginal Peoples Commission spoke at a Liberal fundraising dinner in Prince Albert on May 28. He said Aboriginal people should be involving themselves in political parties, while keeping their identity and "be proud of that, and be involved." Ross said he has been taking part in federal and provincial elections on behalf of his party since he was 17 years old. He has run provincially for the Liberals in the Regina-Centre riding, and federally in the Qu'Appelle riding. This past March, at a convention in Ottawa, Ross was elected to the post of co-president of the Aboriginal Peoples Commission., "If you're not there you can never educate, and never debate," he said. "Integrate into mainstream politics and take your position with you." Ross said that participation is crucial to protecting treaty rights in Saskatchewan. If the Aboriginal population was more participatory in the mainstream political process it could control 20 provincial seats and five federal seats just based on population, he said. "But our vote stays home." Ross notes that Aboriginal people have only been able to vote in the province since 1954, and were therefore just learning to be a part of the process. "My dad couldn't vote. Now I can vote," he said, "So we're just learning." Ross is married with two boys. He has worked for the province, the city of Regina, and is currently employed with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations as the executive director to third vice-chief Lindsay Cyr. Ross offers as proof of his success in the political process his role in the change to the Liberal party constitution that enshrines a proportional representation of voting delegates for the APC, based on population. He said there are currently 4,000 Aboriginal people registered with his party in Saskatchewan, and as that number grows, so too does its influence. "I think we've initiated that process as Aboriginal people, saying it's okay to participate in the political process," he said. Aboriginal war memorial receives support By Paul Sinkewicz Sage Writer PRINCE ALBERT Claude Petit is fighting one more battle. The Korean War veteran, and Order of Canada recipient, is part of a group fighting to round up funding for an Aboriginal war memorial in Ottawa. So far, the group of veterans is only about one-tenth of the way to its $1 million target, but they recently won a major skirmish in the war in Prince Albert. Lloyd Pinay, left, and Claude Petit were in Prince Albert to pick up a $25,000 cheque from Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. to support the construction of a nine-metre bronze and marble aboriginal war memorial in Ottawa. Lumber industry giant Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. chipped in $25,000 toward the soaring bronze and marble artwork. Petit, vice-president of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association, said the project has been ongoing for several years now, since former Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Ron Irwin approached him with the idea for a monument, along with a youth scholarship on behalf of the veterans organization. "Of course I thought it was a great idea," Petit said. "Irwin got the fundraising project started with a little seed money and arranged the money to fund the scholarship. Lloyd Pinay was the Saskatchewan artist chosen by a committee to create the nine-metre monument. Sketches were drawn up and the process of finding consensus among Aboriginal groups began, leading to criss-crossing the country and several design changes to include all the groups. Two years later, the design is nearly finalized and will be similar to the model Pinay has constructed for the fundraising effort. Pinay said he's looking forward to the day he can stand atop the larger-than-life version of the statue. "It was quite an achievement itself, how this came about," Petit said. "It didn't come about overnight." Both Petit and Pinay were on hand in Prince Albert to accept the donation from Weyerhaeuser's National Donations Committee on behalf of the National Aboriginal Veterans War Monument Fund . "We feel the Aboriginal people are a big part of all of the country," said Wayne Roznowsky, public relations manager for Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd., Saskatchewan Division. Roznowsky noted that it's unusual for the company to put money toward a project that is not destined for an area in which it operates. "We felt very clear this was something we had to bend our rules for because it was so important to Aboriginal people." Petit said a site for the monument has been chosen through consultations with the National Capital Commission. It will be located in downtown Ottawa, not far from the main national war monument. To date, about $150,000 has been raised toward the estimated $1 million cost. Petit said there will be a meeting in Edmonton in early June to see where the fundraising effort can go from here. So far only private donations, like that made by Weyerhaeuser, have been put forward towards the project. "We'll see if we can't come up with some other ideas to push this fundraising," he said. Petit said the year 2000 has been set as a target for finishing the monument. The monument depicts four representative Aboriginal people - a woman, a First Nations person, a Métis person and an Inuit person. As well, animals are incorporated into the design to show the traits valued in Aboriginal societies which may show up as spirit guides: a bear for strength, a wolf for family values, a cougar for stealth and an elk for sharp senses. Above all else on the monument flies an eagle, known as the thunderbird, which is symbolic of the Creator. Pinay, from Fort Qu'Appelle and Saskatoon, said he drew on his own family history for inspiration in creating the work. His father was a Second World War veteran who was wounded in combat. "In some ways they never received the recognition they deserved, in more ways than one," he said. Beadworking: a way of life By Pamela Green Sage Writer LLOYDMINSTER Beadworking is much more than a hobby for Philomene Hill. It's more like a lifestyle, one that seems to go everywhere she does. Her beadworking kit, packed full of colored thread, needles, leather and beads, is seldom far from her side. "In fact," says Hill, "I never leave home without it." Philomene Hill demonstrates her beadworking skills, which has always been an important part of her life. Photo Credit: Norman Moyah In a world full of beadwork design and creation, she has managed to carve out a real signature style, one that is recognized and respected by local crafts people and traditional dancers on the Canadian powwow circuit. It's a style that echoes both contemporary and traditional influences, she takes it one step further by combining her own striking color designs and cultural interpretations. As a young girl watching her mother handbead the family's moccasins in the old quillworking style, Hill first became hooked on the art of the lazy stitch, one that mimics the ancient geometric patterns of the Plains Cree. Large floral patterns reminiscent of the Woodland Cree and many sacred animals also figure in her work, in pieces ranging from small hair ornaments and moccasins, to full blown traditional regalia, outfits that can take months of intensive hand sewing to complete. In some of her signature pieces, Hill works undyed porcupine quills into the structure and design of the bead patterns, combining both the old and the new, and European influences in some very novel and interesting ways. The artist, who comes from a large family, says that beadworking is something that runs in the family, the skills handed down through the generations from Kokum to daughter to granddaughter. "Beadworking is very social, something that ladies do together," explained Hill. "And I'm always surprised when I see more young girls beadworking these days, because I used to think that with the amount of skill and patience needed, it was something that only the Elders would be doing." "And many young people these days are taught to earn their own regalia by doing some of the the work themselves." When it comes to working on a commission, Hill relies upon her clients to supply some of the specific designs and colors needed to create their own personal look. But as far as her own work goes, it is inspiration and imagination that often lead her to create something very different and off the beaten track, designs that just seem to happen, she says. Beadwork is done on two needles, one to string the colorful beads and one to sew them down, usually one stitch every two beads, says Hill. The ancestors used hand carved bone beads, stones and shells, but today's beadworker has a wider range of materials, finishes and shapes to choose from - flat, round, clear, shiny and opaque - and trips to different craft shops can be fun and exciting, searching out the latest new ideas and products. It takes about four days to finish a small piece like a wallet or necklace but can take over three months to finish the work on an adult-sized dancing outfit. "But the work is pretty easy and very soothing when you get into a rhythm,and most beadworkers always have a number of pieces on the go," she said. "People are always looking for someone to teach the craft and pass on intricate needlework techniques and leather working skills associated with beadworking. And I"ve really enjoyed the challenge of teaching foster children, helping to give some of their culture back to them, helping to pass on our traditional ways and spirituality," she added. Most of the pieces that Hill creates are made for special people in her life, special gifts for four generations including a tiny granddaughter who doesn't sew yet, but is more than content to view the world from a beautifully decorated , hand beaded mossbag made by her kokum. She wouldn't have it any other way. Wanuskewin inaugural powwow a success By Pamela Green Sage Writer SASKATOON A fresh new layer was added to the history of Wanuskewin during a three-day celebration of its first traditional powwow. This old style gathering, held outdoors under a natural arbor made of spruce boughs and lodge poles, turned out to be a veritable mini-United Nations, with visitors from all over the world enjoying one of Canada's most famous national historical sites, archeological treasures and centre of Aboriginal cultural rebirth. Charisa Tootoosis of Saskatoon was the youngest jingle dance participant. Hospitality, second to none, included fun and festivities of an old time powwow. Some of the finest traditional Native food this side of the Saskatchewan River was served in large white tents that provided shelter and a place to sit down to enjoy bannock, bison stew, Saskatoon berry pie and muskeg tea, while admiring a large display of Native crafts. Along with the children's activities, campfires, lodges and tipis, visitors were able to explore a large number of winding trails and interpretive sites nestled along the Opimihaw Creek in the beautiful Meewasin Valley. A bison jump site, buffalo rubbing stone and a 1,500- year-old medicine wheel were also in sight. "The great thing about a traditional powwow," explained interpretive host Steven Stone, "is that it is so relaxed, the pressure of competition is gone and the people are here to enjoy themselves and have a good time." The opening ceremonies included an early morning sweat lodge, flag raising, pipe offering, prayers and a ground blessing by the grass dancers, who traditionally stomp down the grass in the arbor for the other dancers to follow. The dance categories which included intertribal, traditional, grass, jingle, fancy and tiny tots, were also livened up by the addition of the all nations dance special, the boy/girl switch and the owl dance. The all nations dance special was a big hit with the crowd featuring the fresh talents of newcomers Gordon McInnes, Murray Challain, Reanne Letourneau and Ruby Wieder, who borrowed pieces of regalia and did their best to get into the spirit of the occasion. It was the boy/girl switch dance that brought down the house. Misty Blue Bear Woman and Terrance Little Tent switched regalia as did Kristy Yuzicapi, Laughing Horse Sutherland, Michelle Lonechild, Lenny Kinistino, Waylon Littletent and Rob McNab (resplendent in a hot pink satin shawl and bandanna that brought on wolf whistles of appreciation from the crowd). As commentators Mike Hotinin and Jason Goodstriker put it, "These guys have things shaking that aren't supposed to be shaking, and nothing shaking in places where there's supposed to be something shaking." "The Switchdance brings laughter to an otherwise serious traditional dance and is just meant for fun," explained Tonia Ackerman from Browning, Montana. Whoever does the best imitation of the other's category usually wins, especially if it is done in a lighthearted manner. "I remember my father who was 6'3" tall putting on my mother's dress and how it would hang high above his knees, and how she was so tiny, at 5'1" and his big grass dancing outfit would just hang on her. Each tribe has different customs and traditions and it's great how they all just blend in at a Powwow." added Ackerman. The spirit of the bison was honored by two dancers from Saskatchewan, Darwin Atcheynum from Sweet Grass and Norman Moyah from Thunderchild First Nation. They each wore horned hats, hoof rattles, bison hair and buffalo hide shields, over buckskin warshirts decorated with beads and quillwork. Couples were honored in the owl dance, which has a round dance beat and gives traditional dancers a rare opportunity to team up with their mates in full regalia. The first powwow at Wanuskewin had a very traditional heart, presided over by four women. Elders, Maggie Black Kettle, Dolly Neapetung, Janet Silverquill and Amy Stonechild, who gave their blessings and prayers at the Keematch Girls Initiation, lead all of the young girl dancers in a clockwise circle (following the path of the sun) to honor the spirit and wisdom of Mother Earth. The great thing about a traditional powwow, especially one held in so beautiful and pre-historic site like Wanuskewin, is the chance to have lots of fun, dance up a storm and share the culture with the rest of the world. Thinking about the kids By Denis Okanee Angus Sage Columnist I am writing this column from Prince George, B.C. My wife, Trisha, was invited to speak at the Children, Families, Communities '98 conference. Our two youngest children, Kate and Jack, are traveling with us. This family time together, away from most of the distractions of my wife's hectic life, is time to cherish. As Father's Day approaches, I am grateful for the next two weeks we will be all on the road together. My wife was invited here to speak about child welfare. We arrived the day before her speech and had a day with the kids in the park. There's a kid-size steam engine that pulls a train around a short track in the park. It has a very loud whistle. Of course Kate and Jack heard this and we had to go check out the train. We bought tickets, and waited for the next call, "all aboard." There were four Aboriginal children hanging around with no money to ride the train. They were pretty sad. This little boy came up to me as I was looking at the track. The track was so small. We got to talking and I eventually asked him if he was going on the train. The boy said, "no, I've got no money." So I gave them the money to ride the train. As the boy yelled, "Mom I got some money," his mom smiled at me. We got on the train and just after I sat down, a white woman (and I am only pointing out race because it's important to how we knew who she was) sat with one of the kids I had given money to. It was pretty obvious that she was a social worker and the mom who sat at the back of the train with the other three kids was not comfortable with what was happening. The white woman gave me my money back. I had seen her take it angrily from the boy. She said "Here's your money. I have money for the boys." I guess that social worker did not know I had seen one of those kids crying because they couldn't go on the train. I had also seen that white woman refusing to take them. I did not think she was so nice. I felt like she could not be bothered to take those kids on the train and it broke my heart. Maybe it's because I survived foster care and remember being a kid told "no" all the time by social workers. Or maybe it's because those boys did not have a dad there. Or maybe I just felt sad that the mother could not do the things she wanted to do, mainly because she is poor. She does not have power. I am not telling this story because I think I did such a great thing giving those kids that money. This isn't the point. This story is almost that sad, it's kind of funny. Here my wife is asked is to travel more than a few miles to go speak to a conference on the future of Aboriginal child welfare, and we are not in the city for even 24hours and we have a"close encounter" that shows exactly how far child welfare has not come over the 30 years since I was in care. More importantly, I was angry because that social worker did not understand our Aboriginal values. There's a button that was given to my wife when she registered for this conference. It's from the Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute. It says, "It takes a whole community to raise a child." I gave those kids money because it's my responsibility to look after kids, even when they are not my own. This is a basic value of all the Aboriginal cultures I know about. After we got off the train, I was left wondering, why didn't the social worker even understand this little bit about who we are as Aboriginal people. This picture of Kate and the daisy is one of my favorite pictures of the kids. I wanted to share it with you all as Father's Day comes near. I am thinking about the kids and wondering how it will be for the children when my daughter has her own babies. Happy Father's Day (and I apologize to all the mom's as I did not write about Mother's Day this year.)